Silent Slough

[Bhaern Quel]

Mouxsie not surprised at her reaction to what he said concerning even spider kissers, makes no further comment to defend them. The statement stands as far as his knowledge, clearly there are other reasons to fear them besides being eaten by them. Wonders though what mission she might be on for a Drow goddess and not know there are also Drow followers of her, however does not know that much about fairies . Just for know content to know she will not be fighting and at least willing to work with 'Hos' Drow.

"Good that we agree and will start as soon as possible"

As Bludgeon comes stands and gives a slight bow.

"Lady Bludgeon, shall we get to business or discuss payment for work done? "

Not about to be ordered about like a servant or slave.

[Drathiranon]

Bludgeon stops shoveling and looks to Tarvis with an expression of confusion.

What?!

The orc woman stands motionless, as if the cogs and gears of her mind are churning out the energy needed to respond further.

Silly human! No more work!

She goes back to shoveling snow then stops abruptly and turns around to face Tarvis' again.

Why? You want stay?!


The fairy's wings carry her to rest behind Tarvis shoulder. Her tiny eyes peeking out to watch the interactions between him and Bludgeon.

Llelanni
The sound of talking awakens the dark elven woman, causing her to rise from her rest. She wraps the blanket over her shoulders like a shawl, pushes the hay bale neatly back into its place, and looks around for the kettle that was there just last night. Unable to locate it, she walks over to see what is going on outside.

[Bhaern Quel]

Orc forgot interest in herbs? What is she thinking about.

"Lady Bludgeon, we spoke of a few things yesterday, before you requested the I help you with the boar invasion. I have herbs to trade for supplies and when done with your slave to purchase her. I do thank you for the free offer of the map and we collectively shared a meal. I do however believe that the work you required for the preserving the boar meat the gather of large quantity of fire wood as work worth far more that the shared meat and the use of your dishes. Shall we do business or such I depart for now only to return after I buy supplies someplace else to see if the fairy is then available? I only stayed under your roof to complete the business we did not finish , but should you wish payment for that we can talk about it in a bargaining,"

For now only focused on what the orc has to say, however he does glance about to the others in the room. In part to gauge their reaction.

[Drathiranon]

The orc woman stands there staring down at the human. There is a long pause before she gives him answer. The shovel drops from her hand to the ground, breaking the silence.

Work done, what supplies you need?

She scratches her head, still thinking things out. She sees the fairy peeking over his shoulder.

Pink lipstick, want that.

Bludgeon furrows her black brows, crouches down, grabbing the shovel, her green eyes still fixed on Tarvis.

Need salt, pepper, sage you got?

She stands back up, folds her muscular arms across her chest in a defensive posture, still holding the shovel.

Llelanni watches with a lack of expression on her face but inside she wants to laugh.

[Bhaern Quel]

II indeed might be her first customer.

"I am looking for flour and jerked meat. Also if you have some small knives, sewing needles, a sharpening stone. As for payment I do have sage and pepper, salt I can usually find most places I visit. I might find you a salt place near here that you could use. If not it would be something that could bring me back to trade salt.

As for lip stick, the fairy and I planned to make you some as part of her payment of her debt to you. I can made more though not something I carry to trade. "

Glances about the store.

"There might be a few other things I might see that I might accept as payment.. How much pepper and sage are you wanting?"

[Drathiranon]

Hmm..you strike hard bargain, human.

Bludgeon leans on her shovel handle like a walking stick. She rubs her chin.

Yes, you work much

She nods with approval. Her green eyes still glaring.

You shelter here at night

Her thick purple lips form a slight smile.

Guess we extra safe you here

Bludgeon starts to count on her fingers silently.

Not have flour, Slog have mill

Her stare softens.

Much jerky...2 steel knives....2 sew kit....sharp stone....Bludgeon have.

The orc woman thinks about the spices.

Pepper good, kill parasites. Sage good, burn for clean air. You have garlic? Hot spices too maybe?

Bludgeon raises her eyebrows in anticipation of Tarvis' answer. She has never haggled before. It prolly shows. She begins to think of many things and enjoy the process while trying to keep a stern face so she can get a good deal. She also thinks about the current situation with the overpopulation of boar and how to best survive the winter months.

Find salt mine, Bludgeon give much silver.

She points to another boar on the spit cooking over the fire.

Many more boar come soon

Her large grey face has a very worried expression.

Bludgeon give dowery for salt mine.

Llelanni gasps. Realizing she might have drawn attention away from the bargaining, she looks around for something, grabs a few logs from the porch and takes them inside to the fire.

The fairy climbs fully up onto Tarvis' shoulder to watch how things play out. Her tiny hands are pressed together, enjoying the moment.

Bludgeon thinks a bit more about the lipstick, tears coming to her eyes.

Lipstick, Bludgeon happy

[Bhaern Quel]

Bludgeon places two pouches on the counter.
cayenne pepper, hot paprika, chili, and fennel. Finding a salt mine would take time and there is no assurance one can be found near. That can not be part of a bargain, that would be a quest though I do understand the need and could set up a trade route to bring you some on a regular basics.

Pauses in his reply to think about the boar.

"I can make a shield to protect or fence the boar so that they stay where you want them, and keep them from farm lands. and your buildings. There is no way you will be able to kill all of them. They are too many and we are too few."

Not sure a dowery should be accepted as payment, custom might make him married. Glanced to Llelanni at her gasp about the offer.

"The lip stick repair should take about a day of work. I can make extra for you if you wish. I would like to see the items that I seek to buy."

Glances out though the windows, aware of Mouxsie on shoulder watching as well.

"I do carry a small amount of salt to add for taste, not near enough to store food."

[Drathiranon]

Slog is on the side of the general store, standing in the snow, holding two boar over his broad green/grey shoulders. He lowers his head, his heart sinks to his feet at Bludgeon's mention of her dowry. He scratches his head, wondering what she could possibly see appealing in a human. He scoffs, turning around to go back to his shed.

Llelanni is inside stoking the fire. She hears something moving in the snow outside and goes out the front door to investigate.

Bludgeon walks back inside to look at the pouches of spices. She opens drawers in the cabinets to reveal 2 long, sharp, leather handled steel machetes and whetstone the size of a household brick. She opens a glass jar and pulls 2 sewing kits. Each contains a strong boar hide thread wrapped tightly around a rib bone, 4 different sized needles. One curved for leather, 2 straight for regular use, one with a flat point for skin sewing to make stitches. In a small barrel on the counter she pulls 5 pouches of thick dried boar jerky, seasoned with sweet basil.
The orc woman lays them all out for Tarvis to have a look. Through the front windows she can see Slog ambling back across the road with the two boar on his back and Llelanni walking and talking with him.

She slams the palm of her hand on the counter and angrily looks to Tarvis.

Need water. Look at goods!

The orc woman turns around to stomp back out to her water pump. The sound of the handle groaning, albeit more quickly than before, is eerily reminiscent of boar calls and squeals that echo throughout the swamps and nearby forest.

Mouxsie chuckles, Sok, sure, I can sense it! She refers to the salt Tarvis' is carrying. T'were strong enough I wouldn't come near ya.

The little fairy's wing buzz, carrying her over to the front window sill to see what Bludgeon is so hot about.
Hey Bludgeon! Yer man is coming back!

Bludgeon is so busy working her frustration out on the water pump she doesn't even hear Mouxsie. But, the wild boar hear the sounds and begin calling back as they move closer toward them.

[Bhaern Quel]

Aware the movement of Slog, surprised at first by his turning away with the boar he appeared to intend to offer as gift, realizes at the dowry for salt mine might be an issue. That can taken care of later if the elf does not clear it up. Right now must stay focused on the bargain making after demanding it. Steps to examination of the knifes and sewing kits.
Sliding the short swords to the side debates on how easy the sewing kit can be used. The stone clearly can be reduced into smaller blocks so that is not much a concern. Steps to the jerked meat to examine.

Glances to Mouxsie as she speaks about the salt sensing.

"Then you might be able to find salt deposits by sense? She offered much silver or even her bride wealth so it clearly it matters a lot to her. A salt mind might go a long way to pay your debt to her"

Glances to the terrain outside.

"If one could be found here/ I do not think any salt flats are about. They get found easy and so well known to many,"

[Drathiranon]

Mouxsie leaves the window buzzing by Tarvis to land on the counter top, far away from the hot spices. The little fairy watches Tarvis inspect the goods until he is ready for her answer.

Tch, tis true, no salt bed here. But, this is an estuary, so sea salt maybe. Lot of work fer a wee bittine. Prolly need a chemist fer that.

Mouxsie shakes her head, looking back and forth over the strange array of supplies.

Laddine, if ya don't mind me sayin' me be thinking the orc better to smoke that meat or store it in barrels o brine. Still.need salt for the brine though.

Outside, the snow is beginning to slip loose from the icy tree branches glittering in the sunlight and fall in large tufts, bursting like powder and spraying the air.

The dark elven woman bids Slog to leave the boar carcasses on the outdoor table and invites him inside to warm by the fire. She pulls the kettle to make tea.

Slog looks miserable. He tightens his leather coat around himself and leans in closer to the flames to get warm.

Bludgeon is still pumping away like mad at well. The awful noise of it echos throughout the open expanse.

Llelanni continues a conversation she had started with the orcan farmer earlier while walking.

Slog, I'd be happy to help you and Bludgeon preserve some of the meat by heating the fat to melt, pour it over pulverized meat and a blackberry mixture until it sticks together, then it can be shaped into pieces for longer storage. The fat when cool will encase the meat, protect it.  

She turns to Tarvis, drawing him into the conversation.

Tarvis, Slog was just telling me that he will not be able to plant cold weather crops now. So he dug a deep pit, a pen to trap any more boar.

Slog turns his head to look at Tarvis. The orc is sad and hurt but that is no reason for him to be angry with the human. Perhaps Tarvis had a better offer for Bludgeon. At least she would be happy. He sighs deeply, building courage to speak.

Slog give 2 silver sycees. You make boar stay in pen?

The orc farmer looks hopeful that Tarvis can use some kind of magic to bind them in his pit like Llelanni had told him.

[Bhaern Quel]

Mouxsie Listens to what you report about salt.

"Well I did not say I could find salt, though still possible. Salt from water is in some ways easy, just not quick. Some people just collect water in shallow pools and let sun remove water. What is left is salt to be shifted out of what is left after the water is gone. That is what salt pans are from a long time ago water now gone. Could boil the water but smoking would take less wood, though salt is needed for that as well."

Shrugs

"So finding salt or bringing it is still important."

Looks to Llelanni and Slog as they enter and listens to the elf's idea of preserving meat. It clearly does offer something different. As he is addressed about fencing boar , nods.

"Yes I do have some herbs that can form lines. I was thinking more about keeping away, however if the pen is large enough might keep them in. The problem is more about a gate for a pen. Because of the cold the herbs will be dead, however they can be planted to form a living wall, that should stand up next winter. Like I said a gate becomes a problem."

Considers the offer of two silver sycees size does matter however a good offer.

"I can do a large pen with what I have, if we can figure out the gate. Llelanni offers one way to preserve food, however your woman is looking for a salt mine, so much so that she seeks to exchange her dowry for a salt mine. So that her Dowry would be of greater use for who she may wed. I do not know of any, however do know it would be useful to find one. Maybe you know of places to look, a salt mine would help you as well. Maybe you could find one for her. ."

[Drathiranon]

The orc farmer's heart raised over his head. It was like hearing beautiful music in his ears! Slog's red eyes brighten and a deep grimace spreads across his face. What kind of orc woman has he found?!
The orc farmer pauses, recalling Tarvis' inquiry about the salt. He scratches his head, furrows his thick, black brow.

Slog remember.

It takes him awhile to gather his words and thoughts.

Llelanni pours him a hot cup of sage tea. She sees Bludgeon coming back inside with two buckets of water.

Slog has his back turned towards the back door where Bludgeon is standing. Her green eyes blodshot and angry.

Mouxsie clasps her hands together. Her tiny wings take off lifting the fairy to plant her feet on one of Bludgeon's shoulders. She cups a tiny hand and whispers into the orc woman's ear.

Slog raises a single finger, his eyebrows raise, he opens his mouth to speak.

Traps. Beasts. Ancient orc tribe. Slog pass by long time ago.

Bludgeon sets down the buckets at her sides.
She looks to the human.

You still have map?

Outside the pounding of many hooves , growls, and grunts grow louder and nearer. Bludgeon turns around quickly to shut and bar the back door.

[Bhaern Quel]

Waits as Slog considers the problem. Smiles when he comes up with kinda of an answer. The old hunting place might be a good place to look.

As Bludgeon asks about the map.

My Lady, I showed it to the elf as she had the interest in the area as well. Looking for a place to find what she needs. She should have the map now

Turns to Llelanni

I know you had it on the counter last I know. Where is the map now?

hooves , growls, and grunts catches his attention.

What is growing, what is something chasing the boar or controlling them?

Steps to listen at the door, looking for windows that side of building. Also glancing back to the front windows to see if any there yet.

[Drathiranon]

Tarvis can see the aggressive boar presseing shoulder to shoulder, white foam pouring from their mouths. The grey and black boars have been slamming each other with their heads and tusks. They continue pushing and dragging each other along the side of the general store doors. With tusks covered in blood and mouths foaming, the fight continues with aggressive grunting and squeeling of the wounded. With jaws flopping open, one of them cornered, and steadying stances it proves to be a fight to the death. Once the loser has fallen, his comrades come to dine on its lifeless body. Other boar arrive on the scene and either join in to eat or to root around, foraging for food and ripping up the greenery.

Llelanni looks around for the map.
It was here a minute ago..I'm sure if it.

Mouxsie sighs, watching the dark elf searching frantically for the map, behind the counter, in the crevase between the counter and the wall, behind the barrels, in her robe pockets.

Ya'd lose yer head if it weren't attached.

The fairy watches intently while sitting on the counter top holding onto her toes.

Bludgeon stands by the bolted door, checking to keep it secure and make sure it stays closed.

Llelanni gets down on the floor to look for the map, moving around Slog, nearly spilling his tea.

Slog stands up and goes to the front windows to have a look. There is blood in the snow and boar eating the two he brought over to the store. He takes off his floppy leather hat and throws it on the floor. He looks to Tarvis.

This bad!

[Bhaern Quel]

The map no longer a concern as the boar enter a frenzy

This is not good at all

Turns to his pack and pulls out some swine weed.

"This should do it, but the frenzy might have to end to be best effective.

Takes a pinch of it and a takes out a blow pipe. After arming the blow pipe with the weed, puts the pipe on the crack between the door the jam and blows the weed outside. The powder of the weed scattered among the boar. The weed is one that repels swine of most kinds and in some causes illness if they remain near it. As the dust of the weed might settle on some of the boar, it might kill them and even not killing, other boar would tend to stay away from the effected ones until such is washed, worn or shaken off. Short of a god rain a few days or longer.

I do hope this one works