Act II: Ill Fortunes

[unkabear]

Hassid was glad to see that the others had not broken away too far.  As the rode up on the others Hassid was ready for a long nap. Though he did not forget that the horses would need a good rubdown after this, and StarDancer would need a few extra apples in her oats tonight.  All the horses proved themselves this day.  They all deserved the best treatment that he could offer them.  And so they would.

Hassid had extended himself to make sure that everyone returned without falling back.  He would sleep well tonight, eventually.

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius was glad to see Irena's house, and he knew full well that it was for the efforts of Hassid and StarDancer.  He took the best apple he had from his pouch and walked over to Hassid, "with you permission, this is for StarDancer!"  He waited for Hassid's approval.  It was not Marius' place to feed such a magnificant horse, so if Hassid wanted to give the apple himself everything was understood.

Marius looked toward both, Hassid and StarDancer, "thank you for getting me ... us home safely," then turned to Hassid, "I know I would still be out there if not for both of you.  Tonight you get the good bed, I'll take the floor.  Again thank you."  Marius bowed his head deeply, then waited for Hassid to finish, he wasn't sure how to help, but he waited until they both proceeded inside.

[unkabear]

Hassid was suprised by Marius, this task was one not of duty, but of love for the animals, something that many overlooked as a chore.  But it was more that Marius came to him and the horses, but why, and how.  In reverence Hassid walked to StarDancer, rubbed her neck and looked to Marius and nodded.  "She was worried as much for you and them as I was.  I know she would be thankful for the offer."

After the offering, Hassid waved Marius over to one of the horses.  They have all had their saddles and tack removed.  But there were still a few in need of a brush down.

Hassid showed Marius what to do, it was a simple thing, but one that the horse would like, and Hassid knew would also help Marius find peace with the ride as well.

[Adam Godson]

Adam was glad to see the entire party made it in one piece.  They were a hardy group.  Adam could also understand Ireena's reaction.  She was probably at home when Insmark was snatched from the village.  It was brave of her to even respond to the door pounding this late at night.  He responded back. 

"Ireena,  It is Adam.  We have returned from the forest with the Holy Symbol and Insmark.  Can we enter your home and obtain food and rest.  You have trusted us in the past and we ask that you continue to trust us.  And Ireena please prepare yourself for some saddening and bitter news.  All is not well."

As Adam awaits Ireena's response he unties Insmark's body from the horse and attempts to arrange the corpse in a dignified manner.       

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius listened and did as Hassid instructed, he removed the saddle and brushed the horses ... as Marius brushed he realized why Hassid enjoyed the task, Marius' mind focused on the task and the simple joy that it was.  His mind occupied other thoughts vanished, even if temporarily, and brought a smile to his face ...

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam quickly dismounted his horse and led it to the stables with Hassid.  He allowed the warrior to tend to the horses as he had a special connection with them.  Instead, Yemam went back outside to watch the group's back.

Spot = 22
Listen = 15

[Ikoma]

After a few seconds, Ireena opens the door and allows the group in.  Once inside, you can see the signs of battle. Someone came here and claimed Insmark.  Ireena is, of course, distraught over her brother's death.  So soon on the heels of her father's passing, it is beginning to feel like her family has been singled out by dark forces for destruction.

Nothing untoward happens during the night.  [Feel free to RP the interactions of the night and the morning.]

[Ioan Nicolae Costache]

Ioan pulls Adam aside, and whispers a question:

"Should we ask Ireena if it's okay for me to speak with Insmark's corpse?"

[unkabear]

Finishing up tending to the horses Hassid takes Marius arm over his shoulder back to the manor-house.  "I get the bed tonight?" He says with a wry grin.  He was not sure if he would even sleep comfortably as a bedroll has served him for many years now.  But one had to try when the opportunity arose.

[Adam Godson]

Adam attempts to console Ireena however possible.  He realizes that she has been through much in the last couple of days.  He lets her know that he will support her in any way he can.  The talk then turns to the werewolf interaction in the woods and the recovery of the Holy Symbol.  He asks Ireena to confirm that this is truly the Holy Symbol. 

Turning the conversation to Insmark Adam expresses a concern that perhaps the werewolves didn't kill Insmark and that perhaps he was involved with outside forces he wasn't able to control or handle.  He asks for Ireena's permission to use divine power to communicate with Innsmark. 

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius smiles at Hassid's joke, "you do indeed. you do indeed." The last few days have been a mess for everyone, Marius took comfort in know that his friend, no matter what else, would at least be comfortable.

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam had never been good at helping other mourn a loss, but attempted anyway.

He walked up to Ireena, put a hand on her shoulder and said "I am truly sorry...I know how it is to lose someone close, but not so much in so little time.  If there is anything I can do...please...let me know."

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius felt the weight on Irena's shoulders.  He too suffered at the hands of the beats.  Marius looked toward Irena, "My lady I too suffered a loss at the beasts hand.  Grieve in whatever way you need, but know that I am here, we are all here should you need anything."  Marius only smiled, there was nothing more to say.

[Ikoma]

Ireena is - obviouslly - upset.  But she can confirm the following things.

It was indeed werewolves that attacked last night and carried Insmark away.

That is indeed the Holy Symbol of the Ravenkind.

She is okay with you talking to the corpse.  But she will not be there when it happens.

[unkabear]

When Hassid returned to the Manor the first thing he did was excuse himself to remove his chain shirt and padding.  Returning to the others in only robes, stepping lighter, still baring two blades on his back.  He sat cross legged on the ground watching the others.  He wished beyond all else that he would be able to comfort her with at least the blood of her brothers captors spilt as an offering.  But he had not even that.  Now this woman was all this town had, though in his opinion she was far better suited for leadership than her brother.

But still Hassid had nothing to offer but his protection while he was here.