Chapter 1: From the Darkness

[Peacemonger]

Sheshi and Hektor

Lucredda stares into Sheshi and her suggestion, looking for the full meaning behind it. It is a good distraction from her concern over her own ritual not working... or perhaps something else? "A fair offer, but no. Understand this about the spirits. They walk upon this land, and only deign to show themselves once or twice a generation. I have only seen the Winterling as a child, and Granny Crane as a younger woman." She gestures to the floor. "It is a simple enough ritual to call them, though I never have seen the need. They are not listening." Even this is is troubling her, she is confident in being troubled.

"Oy, teacher. What's happening? First the priestess, then you? Can't see why we're so popular this morning." A bit rough around the edges, but Hektor knows that what Amise Zan lacks in formal education she makes up for in rustic common sense. She reads something in his eyes, and decides any answers can wait. "Hey ma! Sheshi! Hektor's here too now! Looks right troubled as well!"

Amise turns back and shrugs. "Er... yeah, priestess is there too." She steps aside and gestures as if to say he's more than free to pass.

 

 

[SerakHawk]

Akakzi Sriro

Akakzi had been too focused on keeping everything fine to notice everyone's hurry and the abnormal morning. She hardly noticed Oli 'sneaking' up on her, and the fright kept her off balance in the conversation Oli's last words not sinking in immediately.

"Uh, Yes the.. nose tapping thing is a good sign... I think.. Hopefully proving yourself doesn't involve some of the more... intense rites her family knows of."

"Sorry you said Joe's mother was missing? I've got to help him! Come on Oli what are we waiting for lets go!"

Akazi quickly packs up the small 'stall' she had been operating out of and gets herself ready.

"Where did you see him last?"

 

[Nixis]

Sheshi and Hektor

Sheshi lips thinned slightly as Lucredda flatly refused her aid, but before she could say anything more to convince the other woman, there was a commotion behind them and suddenly they were not alone. Sheshi quickly smoothed her face into as close to her usual calm and supportive demeanor as she could and turned to face the door just as Hektor walked in.

"Hektor, is there something wrong?"

 

 

[Craigmacc]

Bellamy "Ames" Woodcock

 

Bellamy is distracted as he talks with his sister. She is leaving town. His last real family, a handful of weeks away from moving on. Where had the time gone? Never enough time…

She surprises him with the directness of the question. He raises his stone arm at her, as if she'd forgotten about it. "Bah! Not much use for anything else, is it? Besides. Is that so bad? Animals are simple, uncomplicated. That's what The Hearth has for me. It's predictable." Even as he said it, the rookery scene from the night before flashed back to him, and he fell silent…

He glanced up at Belluin, and knew that he hid his unease poorly.

"Forfar is settled too. Wouldn't want to put him through the upheaval of flitting. What about you? Are you set on your course?"

[Peacemonger]

Akakzi

It's easy enough in a small village to find someone. Joe is leaving the Rispas place as Akakzi and Ollivarth find him. Joe's eyes light up as he sees Akakzi, though it is tempered by worry. "Hey... Akakzi." It's almost as if Joe is trying to think of a good nickname to give her since they're now an item, but he can't quite think or the right one yet. "Guess Olli's probably already told you. My mother seems to have up an disappeared. Not like her to just stay over, but can't figure out where... don't suppose you have any bright ideas?"

Although there's concern there, there's also the ease in his voice that he knows there's a good explanation. "Um... and uh... how are you this morning? Family well?" As much as he can get caught up in his own head, he tries his best to remember the people around him and usually does a good job of it.

 

Bellamy

"As set on my course as you are." Belluin knows how her brother's mind works, sometimes uncannily well. Bellamy is many things and a hypocrite is not one of them. If he's stubborn and set in a choice, then he's not one to call out someone else for doing the same. "Not saying I won't ever come back or anything so dramatic. Have a son, a daughter-in-law, and a brother to come back and see, but this village... think I've had my fill of predictable. Time for me to find new habits, new neighbors, and just... move on."

Her late husband's death. Logging accident. Unlike the business with the teacher's rookery, there were witnesses that saw the way the tree fell. No two questions about it.

"And what do we owe the pleasure to Victor?" A slight annoyance in Belluin's voice as she's unsure what the burly hunter's heard or not, but his face is by the window.

If he's heard anything, he doesn't express it. "Need your brother." He pauses, but judges Belluin's a safe enough person to tell. "We've a potential monster, and he saw what it did to Hektor's rookery." A monster. That one is a new one to both Hearth and regarding the situation. "We're about to convene, best keep yourself busy and we'll have answers soon enough. Come on Bellamy, we're going to the inn.

 

Bellamy, Hektor, Sheshi

 

Ten of the villagers, a fifth of the whole population, now find themselves in the inn. With Hektor collecting Sheshi, the whol Zan clan followed, though Viviel and Samael stayed back in the town proper. As one of of the rarely used local militia, Amise invited herself in and of course Lucredda is not one to be turned away either.

Ulli is the one minding the inn as they meet, and as Macran stated, he brough Mayor Hammus Quill with him. Macran begins the conversation.

"I won't mince words. Seems we might have a real monster close to us. Something broke into Hektor's rookery, took the lock, and slaughtered all his birds. The optimist in me wants to think we've someone with a grudge and needs some common sense knocked into them." Macran does not sound like an optimist as he says it. "What really worries me is if it's planned. Hektor's birds are our fastest way to send word to Crier's Cross. Also, the way the birds were killed... reminds some of us a bit too much of Pat Rispa's disappearance." The last statement lands hard, and even Hammus suddenly shifts himself to stand more upright and actually pay attention.

"So before we start knocking on doors and troubling everyone... what do we know? What do we think is to be done?"

 

 

Edited September 21, 2023 by Peacemonger (see edit history)

[Nixis]

Sheshi, Bellamy, Hektor

Sheshi meets Lucredda's eyes and shakes her head very slightly, trying to convey that she doesn't think that trying to explain about the spirits being hard to reach, or a prayer to Leaf going wrong is the right course of action here, then steps forward, falling into familar and soothing voice patterns as she draws upon the shared life of the people here to remind them that it is safe to rely on one another, at least until more information comes out.

"Thank you, Macran, for gathering us all together. I would like to say a few words before we begin speculating and asking questions. We know that a tragedy has happened here, but that we are a strong community here. One that wishes to keep this place safe. Mayor Quill, you are a voice the village trusts. You will help us stay safe in this challenging time. Macran, Amise, Viktor, you are part of the militia. You help to keep us safe with your strong arms. Bellamy, you have experience with outsiders and with keeping others safe that the rest of us lack and we will need your expertise. Hektor, the children of this village love you. You will help to keep them safe. Lucredda, you and your family love Hearth, in your way, more than anyone else I've met here. You and yours will help to keep us all safe.

 

With that as our foundation point, let us begin. In fact, I will begin, because Hektor told me he would speak to me about what had happened when we arrived here so I remain somewhat out of the loop. Two questions: What do you mean that the lock was 'taken' and in what way does the slaughter of the birds remind you of the disappearance of Patrick Rispa? Unless I am mistaken, other than his blood-stained axe, we have never found any trace of him..." She cracks a small smile. "Unless I've been so deep in my scriptures that I've missed a development?"

Leonora did say that she had been having dreams about her husband recently... I wonder if that is connected... Sheshi thought to herself as she waited for a reply.

 

 

[Basil_Bottletop]

Hektor Redgrove

 

Whatever platitudes he'd offered the two women inside the home, Hektor barely recalled them now that they were mentioned again in front of the whole of the room. He'd said them on instinct and they had been successful. That was the extent of what he recalled on the matter.

The walk to the inn had been long and quiet enough for him to regather his composure yet again. Each time he felt his emotions start to stir, it had been these passing moments between conversations that allowed them to ebb. Sitting in the inn amongst the other villagers, he knew his composure would be a catalyst for others. He also knew that with a group this large with attentions this wide, his personal loss would only be a launching point to broader things. The thought made him sad. Already he was coming to terms with the idea that his own sense of justice would likely go unsatisfied, but seeing all these people here meant that perhaps something more could be done.

The summation from the priestess felt notably apt. Hektor was only half listening to the individualized directions, but he understood the broad intent. When she asked her question in his direction, his back straightened and he was careful to speak loud enough for all to hear him clearly.

"The lock was torn away from the door and is now missing. I believe it to be stolen. Perhaps the only thing stolen, in fact. Everything else was just," his mind searched for a word that best described the images trapped in his mind. Eventually he gave up and just regurgitated old words. "Destroyed."

 

 

 

 

[Peacemonger]

Bellamy, Hektor, Sheshi

Sheshi's words are calming. It helps the meeting start on the right note, that everyone has a reason to be there. Everyone add value to the conversation. Should any disagreement arise, then at least everyone will at least start from a more favorable perspective. It is Lucredda who speaks first after Hektor clarifies what happened.

"The nights have been too cold. There is a darkness. I cannot reach the spirits. The good priestess also seems to have had her own trouble." It's about as fair and nice a description that she can give. She even said 'good' before priestess. She'd been telling people her concerns, and now in hindsight they feel justified.

"Yes, just the bloody axe." Viktor affirms Sheshi's question. "And yes, Hektor doesn't mince his words." He also backs the teacher up. "This is bad business we have. We need a plan or else everyone's going to do their own thing. Half the village will want to run for Crier's Cross, half will want to sit tight and hole up in their homes, half will want to grab pitchforks and pans and start scouring the woods." His math doesn't add up, but the sentiment does. Everyone has their own opinion, and if left to their own devices, with no one at fault, they will all scatter and do whatever they want, with likely no two families doing the same thing.

 

[Basil_Bottletop]

Hektor Redgrove

 

The beads of sweat on Hektor's head had started to dry. Proper and level-headed folks were about and were talking through things, which was something he hadn't truly expected, regardless of those handpicked to be involved. He massaged his hands, doing his best to get blood flow back to them and ease some of his aches.

"Allowing those that want to leave should be considered, but it will give the culprit a chance to leave as well." He stewed on that implication for a moment, "Less people to be harmed by simply not being here though, is something worth considering."

His mind hadn't quite calmed as quickly as the rest of him and now it was contradicting every word out of his mouth. "Those that stay and want to fight, well, they may very well not get the chance and then what? Will they easily extinguish that flame once lit?"

He hadn't a follow-up to that rhetorical question, so it just sat on the wind like a rotten apple.

 

 

 

 

[Nixis]

Sheshi, Bellamy, Hektor

That infuriating woman! Sheshi hadn't mentioned her problems so as to not panic anyone about the fact that the GODS themselves weren't reachable, and Lucredda just... said it. At least nobody seemed to be fixating on it - yet. Good. Good.

 

"If we are just dealing with a thief and a malcontent, then we can deal with that issue amongst ourselves. We may not be soldiers, but we are not defenseless either, after all. I am happy to give a sermon to try and convince people to stay, if that would be useful"

 

[Craigmacc]

Bellamy "Ames" Woodcock

 

Predictable… Bellamy missed half of what his sister said, mulling that over.

Bellamy raised an eyebrow as he looked towards the window. “Viktor.” He nodded to the hunter, but turned back to the last of his tea as the younger man explained why he had come. It was as though he could just show his back to the issue, and he would have no part of it. But he knew that shirking was not on the table. They would be expecting him to help, and he would.

Monster. The word didn’t fit right in Belluin’s kitchen. It didn’t belong there.

Bellamy looked down at Forfar as he contemplated this, letting a sigh whistle onto the tabletop. Forfar raised his head up from his paws, as if listening. “Alright, boy. Let’s be off.” He tapped his stone arm on the table, once, twice. “See you again, Bell. Thanks. And mind those hens.”

—----

Most had already gathered in the inn by the time Bellamy limped in. It was a grim business, and the mood matched. He settled into a seat and scratched at this stone arm as Macran began, Forfar curling up at his feet.

The old dwarf shifted uncomfortably as Sheshi singled him out. He kept his eyes down until the attention had moved on to the next person. He looked up though as Lucredda mentioned the difficulty with reaching the spirits. Though not something he put much time into himself, it was a concern nonetheless. He had lived in Hearth long enough to know the power of the natural world, and the spirits that held sway over the place.

“Lucredda is right. We can’t be having everyone and their granny out and about. If its needing done, it needs done right.” He paused a moment, and he sighed. “A predator like that needs hunted.” He avoided meeting anyone’s eyes.

 

[SerakHawk]

Akakzi Sriro

Akakzi's worry over Joe's distraction and over his mother's disappearance melted as soon as she spotted him. Instead of answering him she rushes up and pulls him into a hug, shoving her face into his chest where she mutters her response.

"I'm fine, I'm fine, they're fine. Its fine.."

Just as quick she pulls back, holding him at arms length - her voice increasing in volume.

"I mean, no Its not Fine! Your Mom is missing! You should be focused on that, and rightly so! We're here to help you find her! Uhh, have you told many people of the town? Where have you been already? The tavern might have some people at this time of day.. or the chapel! When did you see her last? Did she say where she was going?"

Realizing she was still gripping Joe's arms she sheepishly lets him go and pretends to brush some dirt off him.

"Um.. Hi.. sorry..."

 

[Peacemonger]

Bellamy, Hektor, Sheshi

"I'm with Bellamy on this one." Viktor speaks out. Never a man for many words, but a man who tries to make his words count... and usually succeeds two-thirds of the time, takes his moment. "I don't believe this is some vandal. If it is, it's more than a chip on their shoulder and some pent of frustration. Whoever or whatever they are, there's something not natural to it, something that reeks of dark magic." There's a coldness to his tone. He's not happy, and the strongest man in all Hearth is a frightening sight when he's not happy.

"If you all pardon me." Ulli chimes in. "I don't consider myself a brave man, and would sooner head to Crier's Cross then face down some monster if indeed that's even what it is, but... I'd think there should be some sort of escort, no?"

"...Should we be worried?" It's the Mayor, much to everyone's surprise. Not one to usually speak up unless prodded, but perhaps the grim talk is enough.

 

There's a momentary pause as the weight of the moment sinks in. This is new territory for this village. Talk of fleeing, talk of fighting, these are the words of children playing games around Hearth. It's never been real.

Akakzi

At the last words Joe smiles a bit and pats Akakzi on the shoulder. There's an extra shoulder squeeze though, a bit of a glimmer in his eyes that's different from before. It lets Akakzi know the night before wasn't just a dream. They are something different now, not just buddies. "Thanks... I... it's good your family's all right, and I really appreciate it." He runs his hand through his hair. "Can't offer much, she was home when I came for the news. Father said she went out to check on The Rispas, but Leanora said she only stopped by for a few minutes, then was off again. Checked the tavern earlier, been around most the homes in the village proper." He shrugs. "Must've gone to one of the outlying places."

There's several that fall into the category. The Mudderlins, Uphills, Zans, and Akakzi's own family are all in the outlying places. So too is Viktor by his lonesome, and the Blue Lady and Ikkibrutch who normally keep to themselves.

"But seriously, everyone thinks father's the smart one because he knows law. In truth, don't think there's anyone sharper than my mother. Huh. Wonder why it didn't rub off on me." He seems half-jesting, half-being-humble. "You look nice by the-"

 

There is a loud, raucous shout. It is a voice that carries across the entire village proper, enough that even those within the tavern can pick it out. For most, it's just an unintelligible word.

For any who knows Dwarvish, it is a foul curse, one without any good translation into Common. It's not a curse one shouts lightly either, the kind of word that would easily ground a Dwarf child a year of extra chores and several scoldings in a traditional family.

For Bellamy, he knows the word came from Belluin, a word he never thought he'd hear her of all people say.

[Nixis]

Sheshi, Bellamy, Hektor

Sheshi feels a stone in her stomach pulling down, down, down as she realizes that she has misunderstood what Macran had started the entire meeting by saying. A Monster. Not a turn of phrase to describe a human who has broken the norms of society and done something inappropriate and wrong, but an actual, real, true monster. She thinks about the voice that so cruely - and so easily - broke into her prayer to Leaf and feels a chill run all the way down her spine, even though the door is closed and the room is warm. She is about to say something when the shouting begins.

 

No, not just shouting, the swearing. Dwarven swearing strong enough to curl your toes. A woman, at that. Sheshi glanced at Bellamy and then took off running out the door towards the commotion.

 

[Craigmacc]

Bellamy "Ames" Woodcock

Bellamy met Viktor’s eye, the two acknowledging their agreement, but the seriousness etched on the young man’s face meant the dwarf had to look away. He had always held a quiet respect for the woodsman. This news disturbs him, and so it should disturb us all.

In the silence that followed the mayor’s question, his arm itched. It was a deep rooted itch, inside what was once his forearm bone. He rolled his shoulder, then when that didn't work, let his useless arm hang loosely at his side. He felt Forfar nudge it gently, which eased the itch somewhat.

When he first heard the shout, he did not recognise it as someone who he knew. It was only when folk started looking to him, that he realised it was Belluin. He shoved himself to his feet, his stone arm slamming on the tabletop, and his chair clattering to the ground. Forfar had to back out of the way, but soon bounded after the dwarf who was limping hurriedly for the door. If anyone saw his expression, it was not determined anger, or stoic calm. It was the fear of a brother that his sister needed him, and he might not be able to help.