Chapter 2A - A Jaunt Into The Country

[Chris1234]

Wehn Vic starts sorting out dishes Kella gives him a nod of approval and gathers up stray kitchenware.
Having fed his mouse, Val joins Vic in cleaning up, whislt Vic engages Xolkin in sporadic chit chat about the weather and so forth.
Eddy scoffs a porridge refill, seemingly ignoring everthing around him but Unbar notes his eyes flicking around the room.

Candy and Andy wander in, smiling over something private and then join Eddy.
Whether there's no love lost or some other history Eddy seems to amuse the two women who huddle together, spearing glances at Eddy.
Unbar catches the words "...really tiny..." and Eddy flushes crimson, then stands, toppling his stool.
"No!" interjects Xolkin with a steely undertone that freezes the three. "Behave. Please."
Eddy abandons the last few spoonfuls of his boiled oats, leaving in the direction of the stables. Unbar notes that he looks both tense and angry.
Andy and Candy find the contents of their bowls fascinating. An apprehensive silence descends before Kella recovers Eddy's bowl and the situation with some light talk with the women.

Xolkin answers VIc, "Yes. Sooner or later," and pauses, gesturing with his spoon in the direction of the village sqaure. "So what happened to the villagers? Does this village have a future?"

[Nocturno]

"Some took off out of the gate. I believe others are in the keep." Dries his hands. "I think there is hope. We just need to get them back here." He will start to practice using the Mage Hand to move the rope around and tie some knots.

[Chris1234]

After a long pause Xolkin says to Vic, "We'll help. I insist. What do you need?"

[Nocturno]

He looks awkwardly to his group mates.

"I suppose we could use help watching the gate, in case more Goblins get the idea of coming for loot." He looks around.

"Any of you good with rope?" He will still be practicing knots with his mage hand.

"Or some ladders to help span the bridge."

[counterkid]

"We need rope and wood. Can you have your men and women find some." "If you can also find some nails and hammers that would be helpful."

[Squirrellord]

Unbar is not happy with a companion offering what amounts to a free pillaging spree to this group, especially after being advised they didn't trust these people, and glowers at Val. He turns to Xolkin and asks bluntly from his seat "What is your intent here?" He leans forward and focuses on the man he asked his question to.
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OOC - He is going to be trying very hard to determine if Xolkin is being honest in his answer

[Chris1234]

"Watching. Rope. Ladders. Hammer and nails," summarises the half-elf.

"Candy, go to one of the drawbridge watchtowers and look out for goblins. Keep alert."
Candy nods while still getting up and then leaves without a word.
Kella gives Xolkin a sharp look but seeminglyt oblivious he turns to the other female, "Andy, tell Eddy and Bandy to search for rope, any sort of ladder, hammer and nails. Start with the Lionscoster Store. Bring what they find to the south wall. Send Freddy to keep watch in the northeastern tower and Dandy to the southeastern one. Tell me when done. Go!"

Andy, listening intently, ignores Kella's, "Hhrrmpph!", and snaps a fist across her front before following Candy's speedy exit.
Kella picks up the remaining bowls and takes them to the sink.

Xolkin gives Unbar a level stare then leans back. "To help."
He gets out his long clay pipe and fills it from a pouch.

[Nocturno]

Vic while not completely trusting the Zhent, thinks a couple more hands may make it easier.

He waits to see if Unbar is satisfied.

[Squirrellord]

Staring hard at Xolkin for a long slow minute, Unbar finally sighs and gives a nod. "Alright then, let's see whats going on with the keep."

[counterkid]

"Let's get to work." Val will coordinate the build of the bridge.

[Chris1234]

Kella goes upstairs leaving the boys trying to outstare each other.

Just as Unbar nods and Val says, "Let's get to work," Andy returns. "Done," she offers.
Zolkin replies, "Go check the horses and then meet me at the south wall."
She turns on her heel and disappears from view.

Zolkin looks to Val, "Coming?" as he starts off towards the south end of the village.

***
The group congregate around the borken bridge to the south of the village.
A pile of rope has already been dumped there.
Xolkin commands, "Andy, go relieve Dandy. Send him here."
She complies.
"Dandy is an expert with rope," he explains.

Further north two of the visitors struggle with a small but heavy looking barrel.
When they arrive, the barrel contains nails. Lots of them. And a pair of lump hammers.

"No ladders, boss," reports Bandy. "We could rip one outa the towers..?"
"No. Don't do that," repolies Xolkin who then looks to Val with an unspoken...What next?

[counterkid]

"yes I'm coming "

[Squirrellord]

Unbar waits patiently looking at Val. "Ye said yer coordinating right? What's yer plan?" He continues "No easy wood to be had, I checked last night. I believe rope bridges were talked about?? Not my area of expertise but tell me what to do and I'll lend you a pair of hands to get it done."

[Nocturno]

Vic gets his mage hand ready.

"If he is an expert with rope, I can be his hand on the other side."

[counterkid]

What do we find to build a bridge. Do we find any wood. Can we take down parts of a building. Do we find a lot of rope. Can cut down a tree or two from the woods without insulting the Druid?