Heading to the farm

When the sunlight forces you out of your slumber, you find Thror is expectedly already gone, most likely getting breakfast. You do notice that Dukash's arm is still draped around your body, forcing you to awkwardly shimmy out of his grasp. You are sure Thror would have noticed the two of you cuddled up against each other and wonder what he thought about that. Would he be angry his brother is bringing a relationship into the party? Apathetic to the whole situation? Jealous...

Slipping out of Dukash's shirt, you pull on your new mage robes. It feels good to finally have appropriate clothing, though part of you will miss the attention the boys gave you. You get them on just in time for Thror to return with breakfast. Luckily, he has a bowl for himself, making you feel much less guilty. Eventually, Dukash stirs and, after giving you an affectionate peck on the cheek, digs into his meal. Thror does not react to the romantic gesture, barely even looking up from his food. You suppose he has no problem with your blossoming relationship. Honestly, you are not sure whether you feel relieved or upset or both.

Once breakfast is finished, the three of you head off towards the countryside. Without a horse you have to march there on foot. You are not used to walking long distances and can definitely feel the fatigue setting in. However, there is no way you are going to complain on your second day in the party! So, you do your best to keep up with your muscular half-orc counterparts. Dukash makes the journey a bit easier with his constant stream of conversation. There is never an awkward silence with him around!

You pass quite a few travelers heading into the city, most of them merchants leading wagons of their wares. You can tell each and every one of them checks you out as they trot on by. However, one of the perks of having two huge companions was that none of them say a word to you. Not even a catcall! It makes you feel a sense of power over them, a forbidden fruit they can never hope to bite. You carry yourself with a bit more confidence, finally free of the embarrassment of the past few days.

It is noon by the time you made it to the farm. It is a quaint little place, off the beaten path but still close enough to the main road to be convenient. Bordering the fields of wheat is a dense forest. You cannot exactly place why but something about it is unsettling. You huddle a bit closer to Dukash as you approach the farmhouse. The farmer is waiting for you at the door, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Greetings!" He calls, holding the door open for you. "Thank ye again for comin' at such short notice. I would not have called 'less it was ****. I really do be needin' men of your experience!"

"Yes, our experience..." Thror casts an annoyed look over to Dukash. The younger brother just laughs nervously as the three of you enter the homestead. The roof is a bit low for the half-orcs, forcing them to duck their heads awkwardly. As the three of you sit down at the kitchen table, you observe the other occupants of the room. Standing anxiously in the corner are two twin redheads who look to be about eighteen years old. They are quite beautiful, a smattering of freckles all that blemishes their soft, pale faces. They are average height and, while they are dressed quite conservatively, you can still tell they are not exactly gifted in the chest department. They are holding a water pitcher and basket of bread respectively.

The other occupant of the room is a blonde woman sitting in a rocking chair. While older than the twins she is not old enough to be their mother. Her features are much sharper as well, though still quite attractive. As she rocks back and forth she cradles a baby to her bosom, breastfeeding the child. The baby looks to only be a few months old, bundled in a ball of blankets.

Closing the front door, the farmer gestures to his family. "I guess I should formally introduce everybody. My name is Rick and this here's been me family's farm for three generations now. Those are my beautiful twin daughters, Cara and Orla. And this here's my second wife Siobhan and my newborn son Richard Jr." He looks over impatiently at the twins. "What ye waitin for, girls! Serve the good adventurers!" The daughters silently nod, scurrying over and serving bread and water. Normally, you would try and politely refuse. However, after the morning's journey, you are absolutely famished! After a quick thank you to the girls you tear into the bread and suck down the cold liquid.

"So, Rick, if we are going to kill this witch we need more information. Witches are dangerous creatures." Thror gets straight to the point, not even touching the food. "Tell us everything you know!"

Rick nods gravely, sitting down opposite the party. After collecting his thoughts for a moment, he begins his tale.