"Oh, I can summon more. You can keep them, if you want."
The bliss in Pik's face reached the night sky, as he himself dives to embrace the new helpers, but you quickly halt him, not to spoil the new relations being built.
"I always wanted to be a houndmaster, you know, but this..." the fellow smiles. "This is even better! I can't wait to show them to Uzin..."
"Well, better prepare them well for the occasion!"
"Maybe he'll even give me a spot in his manor!" he continues, and the remark you find curious.
"You're not from his household?"
"From the mead hall? Oh no, I'm a mere commoner, it's Esem and Olo housed there. You see, apart from lord Uzin's family, they have craftsmen and servants with thier kin living in the stead."
"Esem's family are woodworkers, carpenters and such, Olo is a son of the chieftain's housecarl."
"Is that why he's called a wall? Isn't that a bit, you know, inappropriate since he can't talk?"
"I don't think they noticed just yet when he was born, and that's when a northman is to receive a name. But he has grown into a mighty warrior, I'd be cautious to cross him!"
"And what is your story?"
"My family is one of hunters. Our villages are spread over vast plains, where the ground is stone hard and rivers remote, usually folk fish, you see. I took part in countless trips like this, but most of the time, they are not very interesting. But there have been proper battles I have fought, as we have to repel fox men every so often."
"Ah, fox men. Haven't seen those in a while... They raid your settlements?"
"They come with the intent of stealing, rarely daring to kidnap. The issue is, there is not much outside our housing to snatch, so weapons are drawn fast. None of them could stand up to a warrior of ours, but it's numbers they rely on. They are a nuisance, but one that can prove dangerous."
"Interesting. We have some in our lands too, but seldom they try to jump us, and lone striders only. Say, there are no wolf men in these parts though?"
"There are wolf men, too?!!"
The chat didn't last too long, for Pik has occupied himself fast with the wolves. And as your session was the last, it did not feel long until the dawn has broken.
"Aaaah!" A scream has emerged.
What on earth is this?"
"Don't worry, they're good boys!" Pik laughs, and rushes to the startled leader.
Like trapped in a dream still did Uzin observe his party. After rubbing his eyes a good amount of times, the true reality is identified, but doesn't help his perplexion one bit.
"Blackhoof called them and I trained them and they are going to stay with us in the hamlet!"
As if ready, Uzin frowned and was to object. But, the wolves have proven calm, thus, a sigh he let out instead.
"Well..." he grunted. "Sure. Moving on!"
And move you did. The chief's estimation have shown to be correct, as the hamlet was to be seen soon. Upon you spotting it, you've hasted to approach Flax. After all, there is a business unresolved, and better to achieve that before you enter the colony.
"Erm, what was that with the vial?" you question.
The man simply smiled and shrugged. But that is hardly an answer you can be content with. An angry glance is ennough to communicate such stance, and fortunately, Flax comprehends.
"Wolfie asked for a bottle, returned it just as swiftly, all I was told was to pass it to you. That's about it."
"I hope so." you say, and make distance, so Uzin won't complain. This time, he did not complain. Mayhap simply, for you have arrived.
Quest completed!
"So, this journey ends here, folks!" the leader announces. "A particularly demented one, but here we all. Thanks to you all!"
Sas, Esem and Pik were granted a pouch each, and sent home, waving you goodbye as they went. Then, the chief addressed you, specifically.
"And thanks to you, Blackhoof, too. The wolves are very much appreciated."
"You're welcome. I suppose I've must have caused you some trouble...".
"Let us go of such feelings. I am glad we have met you. Farewell."
Then, the noble took a turn, and dissapeared behind the mead's hall large door. With a smile he went, and you remained with Flax.
"We're not getting the li' sacks?" you ask him.
"Nay. I volunteered."
"So... What are we up to now?"
The words prompt the man to think.
"Hmmm... I have some arrangements left here, so before we leave... I suppose you can look around for a bit. It won't take long."
Flax then looks around, spots a house he recognizes, counting on his fingers, he heads straight ahead.
You likewise scout the surroundings, if anything interesting is to be found. You haven't ever been in a human settlement before, so it is hard to navigate. All the houses look the same for you...
There's one with an iron sign hanging above the entrance, and like a foul serpents black smoke coming from the roof, noticeably different that that of the rest.
Then there's a house more sizeable, you can hear lots of chatting and laughter from, a banner hangs from the wall, bearing depiction of a boar, and a sign it has too with the animal, jolly as does the noise seem to be.
The dwelling Flax went to looks a bit strange, its banner is that of a quill and a bottle. You are puzzled about the meaning of such a symbol, everyone knows feathers come on the antlers, but bottles?
Lastly, a dim alley separates this house from another. There are crates and barrels in it, and it doesn't give off the most cheerful look, better not knowing what else lies in there.
The choice is yours.
What do you want to do?
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Topic: Dwarf Fortress -Drawings- : Tales of the Deer Wizard (Read 169835 times)