Heading back for dinner

It is starting to get late and, after such a close fight, you all think it a good idea to head back and regroup. While the failure to find the witch stings, it would not sting near as bad as fighting her in this condition. Thus, after triple checking that the monster is dead, the three of you start the trek back. While the situation is quite depressing, Dukash does his best to keep morale up. You can't help but be cheered up by his banter, and by the time you reach the house, you feel much better.

The farmer meets you at the door. While he is clearly disappointed, he seems to understand the difficulty of your endeavor. Not only does he allow you to stay for dinner, but he also offers you the guest room for the night. The three of you graciously accept, though the thought of spending the night near whatever haunts this forest fills you with dread. With dinner ready in an hour, you spend the time properly healing Thror's wounds. He is mostly silent during the healing, seemingly embarrassed that he took the injuries in the first place. You try and reassure him that everyone takes hits sooner or later but by the time food is ready you have made no progress.

Sitting down for dinner, you see that Rick has his daughters and wife preparing the meal. The baby was apparently already fed and put to sleep in the other room.

"So, this witch is proving to be difficult, I see," the farmer says as his daughters begin to serve the meal.

"The issue is locating her," Thror explains. "She has... well, covered her tracks very well. We had to split up to cover more ground and she was able to surprise us." As Thror talks, one of the twins brings you your food. It seems they made a sort of stew, served alongside bread. You softly thank the girl, who simply nods before returning to the kitchen.

As Rick's wife places his dinner in front of him, you swear you see him give her ass a squeeze. "Thank you, dear. And would you be a good girl and fetch me my ale?" As Siobhan walks away, he turns his attention back to Thror. "They really are diabolical bitches, aren't they? Women can't take a man in a real fight so they resort to trickery."

"I suppose..." The barbarian replies, shifting uncomfortably. While you are far from a fan of witches, you like Rick's rhetoric even less. However, before you can say anything the girls come to the table with their meals. Sitting down, everyone digs in. While bland, the stew tastes good considering the ingredients a poor farmer has access to. Besides, after an eventful day, you are just grateful for anything at this point. Your companions seem to agree, though Dukash's slurping might be a bit excessive.

"It's very good," you say to the women, smiling. "My compliments to the chefs!" You see one of the twins blush before their father interrupts.

"It was mostly Siobhan, trust me!" He laughs condescendingly. "She has brought culinary joy into this home once again." You see that Siobhan wants to say something but she holds her tongue. "My daughters have never had much skill in the kitchen. Owed to the early passing of their mother, I'm afraid. Still, if they want to do their duty they best learn soon."

"What duty?" You rather aggressively ask, getting more and more agitated.

"Well, the duty of every woman of course!" Rick replies, seeming to not notice your tone. "Marriage! They're gettin' to the age where I'll be marrying 'em off! Who'll want them as their wife if they can't even bloody cook!" He takes a huge swig of ale before continuing. "You should heed my advice as well, girl! While I assume witch-hunting is a fun time, if you don't settle down soon yer gonna end up an old maid. Sadder fate for a woman I can't imagine."

You feel an almost primal rage bubbling up inside of you. As a female adventurer, you've had to deal with assholes like Rick your entire life! You are about to let him have it when you feel a large, gentle hand on your thigh. Looking to your right you see Thror giving you a look. His eyes tell you everything you need to know. Sympathy, that he understands the rage you are feeling and that he agrees with you. Reason, that starting conflict could jeopardize the quest. And finally restraint, that this would solve nothing. As much as you hate it, you know he is right. Additionally, knowing your party does not share such vile beliefs does make you feel better. Taking a deep breath, you swallow your pride and continue eating.

The rest of the dinner goes by uneventfully. While it pains you to ask Rick for anything, you are eventually **** to ask him where the bathroom is. He tells you the outhouse is outside, a bit past the chicken coop. After begrudgingly thanking him, you head outside and do your business.

As you leave the outhouse, though, you hear something faint from the forest. Turning to face the treeline, you strain your ears to make out the noise. It almost sounds like... chanting? Yes, drifting from deep within the forest are satanic songs with words you cannot decipher. While you are of course set on edge by the noise, part of you is calmed and even drawn to the voices...

Your trance is broken, however, when you hear footfalls approaching from behind you. Spinning around, you face the stranger.