Saya/Armor/1/Lord Ruairi/1/1/1

From Create Your Own Story

Duran - knowing your usual habits - goes to prepare the horses, but you stop him. "I'll go with the carriage this time around." Duran frowns, but nods. He's probably clever enough to combine the fact you changed into a dress with the travelling by carriage bit and reach the conclusion you're trying to keep a low profile, but he doesn't comment.

Judging from he look in his eyes and the way his mustache twitches, Xavier almost certainly figured things out. He's not dumb enough to say anything about it in public though so you don't need to worry.

Motioning Duran and Xavier to join you in the carriage, you get seated and ask Duran what he knows about Lord Ruairi's lands.

Duran brightens. "Well, lass, that I can tell ye somethin' about."

Apparently, Lord Ruairi lives on a large plot of land which is mostly wild forest. You ask if it is a forest with magical beings, but Duran cannot say.

"As many as any other forest," he says with a shrug. This isn't very helpful, as a forest can be saturated with magic or filled entirely with non-magical flora and fauna. From the earlier rumors about weird events happening inside and around the forest, your guess is there's quite a bit of magic present in those woods. You'd like to verify, but you let it pass for now, as it is obvious that Duran doesn't have much knowledge about magic in the first place.

It also contains the village Ruairi's men are supposed to meet up with us, and a couple other almost-isolated villages. But otherwise there aren't many people. Lord Ruairi's manor is located on top of a mountain which forms a small island in the middle of lake Aurora. A large, secluded lake. You can only get there by boat, but except for Ruairi's keeper, no one knows how you're supposed to sail there since there's supposed to be something 'off' with the water. Guess that just adds one more oddity to the oddball called 'Lord Ruairi'.

"He sounds more and more like a recluse with everything I learn about him." you remark. Xavier grins and comments "With your love for breaking and entering, perhaps he'll balance you out nicely then." You roll your eyes at him and ignore the comment.

Duran continues. "Apparently, he likes ta do weird stuff there. magical stuff. I only heard rumors but well.. spelljerkers and experiments." Duran scoffs disdainfully. "Might wanna stay clear in case it explodes."

Xavier smiles "Failure is how knowledge is gathered. I, for one, send them my thanks for their efforts - from a distance."

Grinning at Xavier's comment, you follow up "That would explain the rumors about fire demons walking the island and weird flashes of light from the mountaintop. Tho not all mages go around experimenting, it's actually just a small minority that has the guts for it. Most don't really take well to the idea of violent fiery death by accident. Wonder why really." Xavier grins "I can imagine your father would have even more grey hears on your behalf if you were a mage." Pursing your lips, you reply in your most innocent voice "Probably true, tho I've certainly tried my best as is."

Returning to the topic at hand, you ask about the defensibility of the area. Duran replies that, While the location itself is easily defensible, it isn't a good place for an army as there's nothing to indicate food can be grown on the island, so if it were to be besieged, defenders would soon have to surrender due to a lack of food supplies. Holing up there with a small number of dedicated men and enough food however, you could probably hold off an entire enemy army for a long time. Also, people do not like to approach a mage of Lord Ruairi's caliber. You nod, thinking this makes sense, especially if he is strong enough to set fire to things or summon demons. Tough those are only rumors.

The talk evolves into a debate on the pros and cons of defending an area such as Lord Ruairi's land. Typically, Duran and Xavier never agree, their strategies are as opposite as their fighting styles. The casual conversation about a familiar topic puts your mind at ease and you're a lot calmer when the carriage finally arrives at the meeting spot.

You :

Rent a room in the local inn and stay the night. Ruairi's men should be here in the morning.

Stay up late with the men and talk about what they've been up to since the war ended.

Status
Health	1000	Equipment: Black Dress, Silver Necklace
Stamina	1000
Mood	Calm	Inventory: Custom throwing knives, Full Black Leather Armor, Heirloom Katana
Wealth	5017 Aruns