Honey Harvest
Log Info
- Title: Honey Harvest
- Place: Somewhere in the Forest
- Summary: Rune needs to collect honey to appease strange creatures in Am'shere, but encounters Murder in the process. The two talk of magic and friendship.
It is late afternoon, with the sun starting to reach lower onto the horizon and causing shadows to stretch long in this part of the woods. At first, there is little sign that anyone else is here. Birds sing, creatures scuttle about, and a rabbit even nibbles upon a bit of leafy greens. It is peaceful.
That is, until a bee hive falls to the ground. It resounds with a heavy thud, cracking open partially and revealing a hint of woven honeycomb inside. The bees, however, are less than pleased about this. They begin to swarm, attacking angrily at anything nearby. The rabbit runs off, the birds go quiet, and all that greets anyone else onto the scene is an irritated buzzing of bees.
Rune seems to appear as if from the shadows themselves, a bit of wispy smoke clinging to her feet as she starts to gather a few branches and dry leaves, looking towards the fallen hive. She's far enough away to not draw their ire, at least not yet, but she must have had something to do with the sudden drop of the hive, itself. The rogue seems to be gathering tinder to start a fire, likely trying to smoke the bees away from her prize.
GAME: Rune rolls survival: (10)+6: 16 GAME: Murder rolls Stealth: (13)+11: 24 GAME: Rune rolls perception: (20)+16: 36
The buzzing of the bees is noisy, as workers and soldiers fly around their broken hive. A few nearby insects are attacked and eliminated, however that is the extent of the bee's wrath, and so they circle the hive ominously. For now. In the hive itself, workers go about the process of rescuing pupae, the honey, and tending to the queen.
The form moves quietly along the faint path, striding along as if walking a familiar and well cleared trail. Its companion hunkers low, knees nudging at its shoulders.
It's not too much longer before Rune feels a tickling at her neck, and the gentle noise of something... sniffing at her.
A twitch of one of Rune's ears and a half-glance is all it takes to confirm that the sound she heard is nothing to be worried over. The huff of breath and the feeling of the warg sniffing at her causes her to give a quiet laugh, "That tickles." She whistles.
The little pile of dried leaves and twigs seems set together nicely, to which Rune starts to flick a bit of flint and steel to try to catch a spark. In the mean time, she glances over her shoulder towards the sight of Murder atop the warg, dressed in what Rune might consider an impressive outfit. "Were you out on the hunt, too?" She asks, raising a brow.
"Hope I didn't interrupt." Her voice is still kept low, followed by the scraping sound of the flint and steel.
THe Goblin giggles, which sounds slightly hollow given the skull she bears as a helmet and mask. Her hands reach up to pull the skull free, showing a sweaty-faced Murder.
"How'd ya know we were there?", she wonders. The Worg continues sniffing at the Half-Sil, the whiskers tickling at her neck. Then the canine drags its tongue along her neck once. "Wilfred!", the Gobbo scolds, a little fist bapping the canine between the ears. While hardly noticing the hit, the large doggo does his best to look chastised.
Murder hops down from the Worg's back, and she pushes at his shoulder. "Go play." With that, the canine lopes off into the forest. "Sorry.. he has no manners at all. And nah, you didn't interrupt at all." She crouches down, eyeing the flint and steel, and grins. "That's pretty neat!"
GAME: Rune rolls survival: (11)+6: 17
"Good ears." Rune lifts a hand and flicks it at one bejeweled, pointed ear. Though her own aren't nearly as large as most full-blood Sil or most Goblins for that matter, she seems to make good use of them. "Wargs aren't super common here, and I could hear the paws on the grass." She explains, "Took a quick look and saw a shadow of a rider, so I figured more likely friend than foe."
The flint and steel finally causes enough of a spark to light some of the tinder, so Rune leans forward and blows on it a bit, trying to get it to catch fully. "Never started a fire this way?" She asks, head cocked, "I've got tindertwigs as well, but I only use those in emergencies."
Her eyes shift over towards the fallen hive. "Bees tend to get more docile when there is smoke around. They go into the hive and towards the center, so it makes it easier to harvest." She gives a rueful look, "I don't normally like knocking the whole thing down if I can help it, but that one was pretty precariously perched on the branch."
The Goblin is making little gestures in the air as Rune explains how she was able to notice the softly stepping worg, as well spotting them with just a cheeky peek. "I used ta rub sticks together really hard, really fast, and try to get some sparks or flame to light the kindling and bark." Her grin is wide and full of mischief. "Lean back a second? Don't wanna set yer hair on fire." She squints, and the farther end of the tinder goes up in flames. "I have tricks. I kin even light a fire in da rain!"
It's now that she notices the hive and she takes a few steps back. "You.. are making the bees sleepy with smoke?"
Leaning back from the flickering hints of the young flame, Rune has a moment to wipe a bit of war drool off of her her neck. It had stuck her hair up in a bit of odd directions for a bit, but she just wipes it off onto her clothing. Her eyes widen slightly at the display of magic, "That's... really impressive." She chuckles softly, "Then again, most magic is impressive to me."
As for the question, she answers, "Something like that." Grabbing some larger leaves, Rune starts to fan some of the smoke into the direction of the hive. She'll likely have to get closer, but this is a start.
"I've got some strange, possibly Fey creatures that I need to appease in Am'shere, and apparently they have a taste for sweet things." Rune smirks, "Well, sweet things /and/ blood. So I may still need to go hunting for that because I don't really want to give them my own if I can help it."
Murder makes a face. "Sorry, he really is a slobberer, isn't he?" She makes a dismissive gesture with a hand. "It's not all /that/ impressive. Nothin' I can do that can't be imitated by brawn, brains or technology. An' there's a cost t'it, which is usually hidden from the casual observer." The Gobbo gestures to the flint and tinder, "That works jus' fine, right? Will always work, jus' need to apply a bit o'energy. Same results as me, in the end."
She kneels down beside Rune, and begins huffing and puffing at the smoke to lend a hand.
"Fae?", she wonders between huffs. "Don't be dealing with them if you can avoid it... why do ya need to appease them?" Her eyes widen. "Dun give them your blood, that's for sure. My tribe had lots o'stories about fae wantin' first born, and like, weird things like.. your pinky toes, or like, a years worth of nail clippings and other stuff."
"It's alright. My horse mouths my hair all the time and I'll take that or warg drool over a swiftclaw's signs of affection, any day." Rune scrunches her nose, "They bite." Thankfully, the rogue isn't the sort who minds getting a bit dirty in the line of work. Leave that for the diplomats and nobles.
Her blue eyes flick over to Murder, offering some curiosity, "I don't know much about magic, so it's all pretty wonderous to me. Even the little things." With the smoke starting to waft in the direction of the bees, Rune takes the moment to tuck away the tools into her bag. "In a bad storm, this won't really work. So you usually just end up wet and miserable." Her lip quirks.
A soft nod follows, seeming to confirm most people's opinions on the matter of fey creatures. "I don't have much of a choice in the matter." She seems to consider for a moment before explaining further, "My mother had some sort of pact with a Fey known as the Golden Fate. These creatures in Am'shere might know where to find her so... earning their favor in order to get a favor in return seems my best option."
Then, she laughs. "Yeah, I'd like to avoid any kind of dark bargain if I can help it."
The Goblin snorts and laughs at the thought of a horse nomming on Rune's hair. "Ahahaha, it sounds like horses are even more rude than worgs! And oh... yeah, Svarshan used to talk about that, they like to nip because they know they won't hurt the Sith... but well... we're called softskins for a reason, right?"
Murder nods... "Still, if you can't do it yerself, ya could use wands and stuff, potions? Like... that smoke stuff you did before... what was that? You just like... appeared outta no where. If that wasn't magic then.. ya got something close enough!"
The Goblih frowns at the situation the Half-Sil lays out. Letting out a huff of breath, she rubs at her neck. "Ya... want any help then? Them fae might like baked goods, or hard boiled candies, and stuff like that. I could also give you deer's blood, boars too, rabbits? I mean, I kill them, drain their blood out anyways, eat their meet and use their skins... so, it's no skin offa my nose t'give ya something I ain't gonna use."
With the fire going more fully, Rune takes a few of the burning bits of wood and fans them out until all that comes off is smoke. She steps forward while still talking, drawing closer towards the hive as she blows some of the smoke directly into the places where she can still see bees gathering. "That's why I invested in one of those amulets that Alaryn sells. Even a few scales helps in a pinch."
Taking a dagger from one of her boots, Rune starts to pry part of the hive, pulling out a bit of comb and then shaking off the bees. She takes a moment to check that it is capped over and good for harvest. "Smoke stuff?" At first, it seems that Rune is confusing the method of treating the bees with what Murder actually means. "Oh, that." Her brows furrow. "I'm... not really sure what that is. It's something that seemed to develop after I was ressurected. Harkashan tells me that Telamon calls them an Aspect. I haven't a clue." Apparently, no one has really talked to her about it, so Rune has been left guessing.
Taking a step back from the hive, Rune lays out a bit of waterproof cloth and lays the bit of comb into it before going back to look for a second piece. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate it. Small game has been hard to hunt due to the werewolves overhunting everything in their path, so I've been having a tough time of it. I decided to focus on this, since I'm guessing the werewolves don't have the patience to harvest honey."
"Yeah, every little thing helps, as you and I have learned. Probably the hard way." The Gobbo's tone hardens slightly, a note of regret in her voice. "That reminds me, I should visit Angoron's house for some holy water."
Murder lets out a huff of breath, and she reaches out to pat Rune's shoulder. She crouches down then, and peers at the bees and their hive. Slowly lowering her hand, she allows a few of them to wander onto her. Despite a shudder, and her skin twitching, she does seem fascinated with them. "Shame that you gotta smash their home for this. Be careful, yeah? As for aspects, I think I heard o'them. Not sure what exactly they are.. but I've heard of that Telamon fellow. Might have met him. Ya should ask him about that, your aspect. Might tell ya more info. Can't hurt, ya?"
The Gobbo lets out another huff. "Those stupid werewolves... but yeah, they probably don't look up all that much. But if they could fly, and fish, lots more people would be dyin'.
"I've been meaning to ask Harkashan about that, too. I wonder if he can make holy water." Her brows furrow. "He is a cleric, so I assume they have some sort of magic related to that." She's guessing.
Looking over to the calmer interaction between Murder and the bees, Rune nods her head. "There's a hollowed out tree not far from here. I'm thinking that I'll try to carry the rest over there. Should be safe enough for them and out of the way of predators." That is, if she can avoid being stung too badly along the way. "If you want to help, we can make sure they can still use most of the comb they've built up."
A somewhat sheepish expression passes her features, "Telamon and his wife are already helping me with my Fey issues, and they've got enough on their plates with the totems and werewolves and devils and demons." She shakes her head, "One thing at a time."
"I'm no cleric, my magics come from my blood. I can look back down the line of my family, my father and my mother, uncles and aunts, grand parents and so on. But, I am pretty sure clerics can make holy water. I mean, the temples seem to have ample supplies of it on hand, so... probably one of a cleric's task sometimes is to make holy water. Maybe it's practice even."
Murder looks nervous for a moment, but she nods. "I'll help you carry it over there and hold it while you get up and fill the hollow." She nervously eyes a bee that lands upon her bare shoulder. The Goblin carefully reaches in and lifts one of the combs. "Ewh, it's like warm.. and sticky.. and heavy...."
Another huff escapes her lips. "Rune. You're a good person. Put yourself first, sometimes, yeah? You're allowed to know where you come from. If Telamon and his wife asked you for a bunch of favours, help that you are well suited to provide... would you limit them to one request at a time? Of course not. So... don't treat yourself poorly. Ask them."
"Might be able to get lava-brains to make some, then. Knowing the sort of things we're bound to keep running into, I imagine having some holy water on hand would be a good idea." Rune smirks, "Probably cheaper getting it from a cleric than at the temple, too. Though it does make me curious what the ritual would be like. Makari rituals are always interesting."
Watching Murder appraise the bit of honey comb, Rune laughs, "That's kind of the point. It's also sweet and delicious. Bees are pretty industrious, so they'll clean up any honey we leave behind and repair the hive once we're gone." She sounds fairly sure of that. Wrapping up the harvested comb, Rune tucks it away in her bag and hangs that from the branch of a nearby tree before returning to join Murder.
"They shouldn't bother us if we don't jostle them too much." Rune moves to lift the hive, taking care not to damage it as much as possible.
And then, Murder has to call her out on her way of not leaning too hard on her friends. It leaves another of those sheepish expressions on the rogue's face. "When I'm done chasing down this Fey lead. I know that my friends are more than capable and that they won't hold questions or favors against me, but..." Hesitant. "Let's just say I haven't had many friends for very long. Not since we lost most of our traveling party, myself included, in Am'shere. I'm still learning, so... be patient with me." She offers a soft smile.
Murder giggles, "Lava brains? Hahaha... well, he is pretty hot. To the touch I mean." The Goblin nods, "Yeah, saved a bunch of us the other day. Demon possessed Skielstregar. That... was a very close run thing."
She spends a bit of time licking at her hands and arms, where honey has smooshed and dribbled on to. "OH, wait!" She whistles noisily, and then waits. It doesn't take long before undergrowth can be seen moving on it's own, followed by the arrival of Wilfred once more. Murder is immediately faced with an overwhelming assault of licks... and then more so as the worg finds she has deliciousness on her hands. It takes a bit of time, but she eventually gets Wilfred to leave her alone. From a pack attached to his back, she pulls out a small pair of gloves. "Ya should ask Alaryn for a pair..." After a moment of wearing them, she begins gesturing at the hive. "I gots it..." It begins to move of it's own accord. "A uh... magical hand thing..."
Rune joins the moment of laughter, "He is, in more ways than one." The rogue offers a wink. "It's too bad that the temperatures finally warmed up, I could have rented him out as a space heater."
As Murder brings up the moment that Skielstregar had been posessed, Rune winces, "Yeah. I've seen what Skielstregar can do to someone in a fight. I think we were damn lucky that Malefic refused to fight. Even without him, I imagine that we'd have been in deep trouble." She nods her appreciation, "So I'm grateful for your quick thinking."
And then, at the call to wait, Rune holds off on lifting the hive. She waits, watching the interaction between beast and rider, a smile quirking her lips. "Ahh, you have a pair of those, huh?" She asks, a brow raised, "Alaryn keeps trying to sell me on them. So many things and so little gold."
Leaving moving the hive to Murder, Rune slings her bag back over her shoulder. "I'll probably be around for a few days before heading back to Am'shere. So if you do manage to hunt anything and get some blood, let me know. Otherwise, I'll track something down once I'm there. Hunting is probably better on that side of the portal."
The sun is starting to set, which has Rune looking towards the sky to check the time. "Harkashan and I are camped not far from here. Do you want to join us for dinner?" She asks.