With Darkveil a disaster and people wandering the streets, it was not looking too good for the people there. The battle was over with Vulcadreaus but the aftermath was far from over. With homes and buildings destroyed the streets were full of homeless people of all kinds Sarne was dissturbed by how many children were suffering here.

The crime was up not that there was a lot to steal from people other than food water or even clothing. Sarne and his followers Nordic, Naesala, and Vamir were keeping a close eye out as the two wagons of supplies moved through the street. Not too far behind him Ser. Leandros Aurthurian with a few wagons of his own. Sarne had been working with Leandros on and off for a while now. It seems when it comes to charity work they are like mine.

Ashen Father gangs had asked for aid and Sarne could not turn them down well not the people anyway. So with food and blankets and some tarps, Sarne and Leandros filled some wagons and made the journey here. Sarne had looked over the area a few days ago and found a place to set up their little soup kitchen to help feed the people and hand out other supplies.

it did not take long before they found the place a clearing probably a garden one upon a time. it had been destroyed and was just some bushes left with some ruble leftover from what looked like fountains. Sarne and Leandros knew how to set their camp up with the wagons in a half moon it was getting into everything before they were ready.

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Quest Name: Putting it Back Together
Participants: Two or more
Location: Ashlands (Darkveil)
Post Requirements: 4 posts per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown
Description: Darkveil was hit the hardest during the events of Vulcadreaus, with many of its inhabitants having fled the destruction. Now that things have calmed, people are moving back, only to find their city is in shambles. An effort has been put in place by locals, with help from those who remain of the Ashen Father gangs, to fix the city up. Assistance is being requested, with a long list of things to be done. Buildings are toppled, chunks of them missing, and the ground has been split and ripped apart, with the streets filled with displaced and homeless. Whatever you can do to help, it will be accepted. Help rebuild the city, or offer food and water to the displaced. Clean the streets or help bring supplies in from other cities. No task is too small.

It was hard for the taste of victory over Vulcadreuaus to not turn bittersweet seeing the destruction and collateral damage. People had already been reeling from what happened with the Sol Stone and now this. It was as if all the emotional damage was suddenly made physical. As always, the less fortunate were left to pick up the pieces.

The exhaustion in the knight was a bit apparent having given himself little time to rest in the aftermath so far. There was always work to be done it seemed and it felt like there were fewer and fewer people willing to step up every time.

He keeps Byrr at a slow pace as they walk beside the caravan. It never felt like enough, but at least providing people with the comfort of food and clothes was something tangible. Something he could watch make a difference for people.

"Where should we start unloading?" Gilder looked up to his lord as they started to approach the disaster area.

"Hm? Oh...there should be a city representative somewhere. The blankets and medical supplies can go with them. We can start setting up food distribution here."

The scout nodded, there was no need for him to comment on the exhaustion of the group. He wasn't one to talk anyways, how many nights of sleep had he missed on watch? Gilder heads off to start coordinating that part of the mission.

Theo moved quickly to start setting up for the food. A crowd was already starting to gather having heard what was coming. Leandros dismounted off of Byrr to start helping as well.

Looking over the camp things were going slow but well. with the tarps up and covering the food preparations and cooking area and food getting pepoard. Sarne gave a smile. The happiness of seeing the kids in line looking with the expectation on their faces was pleasing to Sarne. Sarne saw the crowd was building fast.

With Nordic cooking which was a good thing, Sarne could cook but not that well. Sarne looked over to Naesala and Vamir. Sarne walked over to them "Naesala, Vamir watch the line and make sure there is no fighting if there is deal with it, Nicly if possible. If it gets too out of hand call either I or Sir Aurthurian over. We will deal with it," instructed Sarne. Naesala and Vamir walked over to the people and started to organize them into a better line.

Sarne mostly brought Cheeses and bread with dried beef to give to the people they could eat that with little preparation most did not have a bowl for soup or even a spoon. Sane would ask Leandros if he had heard of a bread bowl. All Sarne knew about it was somehow putting the soup in the bowl It was getting close to handing out food. Sarne walked over to the table next to Leandros. Taking a position to hand out food Sarne gave a grind "Leandros, I think it is time are you ready?" asked Sarne in a courteous tone.

Leandros takes his time making everything is set out for those in need. It was under his charge to bring silverware and bowls for this effort. Theo sparked up a campfire and lugged a cauldron over the fire to start on the stew. Something nice and warm, a little bit of heat to hold wiith the colder temperatures nipping at the air.

The knight pats Byrr's flank once the horse is set with his oat blend. Solaria forbid he forget to feed the horse, the whinnying would never stop if he made such an error. He gives one last look over to the group to make sure everything was set up. It was meager, but it was better than nothing. The best that two lone adventurers could provide at the very least.

"Delay any longer and I don't think the people will be too happy." Leandros gives a gentle nod as he comes to join Sarne behind the table.

There is a bit of shoving and jostling as people begin to get their bowls of food. For the moment it seems as if the peace will hold though. The people are hungry, but not desperate. They would just have to hope they had enough for everyone or that peace might not hold.

Sarne would watch the crowd and lines grow he was not sure if this would be enough for day one. He did divided up for three days of food. Now he wondered if he had only two days of food. The officials said they would be only feeding this section of town. and that they separate the town between the adventures and nobles who brought food to give. Sarne was not sure if the people knew that.

This could be bad for this food soup kitchen. Nordic was doing his best to keep everyone in line. With the kids running a round sometimes it was hard to keep everyone in the right place so far people were being cooperative. He did notice one man pushing a child back away from him. "Hay kid back off." his parents did not seem too happy with the man and started to make his way there.
Nordic moved quickly to get in between them before anything could start.

Naesala joined him she had a stern look as he stepped up to the man. "Calm down or you could be put at the back of the line or asked to leave," Naesala told the man sternly. Nordic turned to the parents of the child, "Please keep your children with you at all times I know it is hard," said Nordic to the parents of the child.

Another man looked like he was tired of waiting "You Dwarf, I am Master Hinswarf a prominent businessman in this part of town why do I have to wait in this line?" The man asked in an aggrieved tone.

Nordic turned quickly to five the Man "Everyone here has the same problem. If you have that much influence go find an official who will help you Master Hinswarf." Nordic said in a polite tone but even his frustration was starting to show.

The line so far seems to obey Sarne's men. No one wanted to mess with the armed adventurers. Sarne would have to keep an eye on the line if things go bad it will go quickly. Sure they were armed but there were much bigger crowds than armed men and the city guard was overwhelmed as it was.

Leandros comes from around the table ready to intervene, but it seemed to be handled. He crouches down to the child's level as Nordic and Naesala handle the adults. The kid looks understandable nervous and bashful after being scolded.

"A lot of people here, hm?" The knight gets a small nod in response. "That's why it is necessary to stick close to your parents. You look pretty quick, you wouldn't want to get lost."

"I am pretty fast." The boy takes a hold of his mom's dress as he looks at the knight. "Are you a real knight?"

"I am, allllll the way from Capitol Landing. Have you ever been?" The boy shakes his head. "It is pretty far...here, a little gift from the landing."

Leandros rustles in a side pouch a moment before providing a wooden horse, big enough to fit in the boy's hand. "My family raises horses like Byrr over there." He motions towards his warhorse.

"Maybe one day, you'll be a knight of your own with a horse, wouldn't that be something?"

The boy is about to nod before his mother pulls him away with a scowl, "Like Charon needs more adventurers, this is your fault anyways." She leaves in a huff now that her husband has their food.

Leandros stays there a moment before sighing and standing up, rubbing the back of his neck. He shouldn't be surprised by the sentiment, just harsh to hear it seems. He will return to his place at the table to try and speed this line along.

"That was good of you Ser Aurthurian," said Sarne when Leandros returned to the table. "Next time we might have to get some city watch to help us look over the line," suggested Sane handing out food. The bread was only a few days old. The cheese made recently that Sarne had gotten for the people. This was better quality than the people normally eat.

The line was not getting any smaller this was troublesome to Sanre. "Leandros, if I keep going at this pace I will use up one and a half days of rations for these people," stated Sarne in a serious tone. "I might have to go to half of what I wanted to give out per day. what do you think, Leandros?" asked Sarne looking at the people. This bothered Sarne to the point of tugging on his Hart looking at the children.

Sarne was not giving up on the people here. Sarne said he would supply relief for the people and that was what He was going to do. Sarne had brought a few wooden toys as well but he planned to hand them out later he would not have enough for all the kids there. and maybe some other activities as he thought of them.

Some commotion caught Sarne's attention this time a Halfling family being bullied by two large half-orcs. Sarne sighed and looked over to Leandros "Another fight, can we just get along?" asked Sarne almost joking. Sarne could only hope that this was not going to get out of hand either.

"I'd like to avoid that for as long as possible...guards sometimes do more harm than they intend to. People are already tense...they don't need anything else to add to that."

The size of the crowd was a concern though. It was hard to deny that as people continued to jostle and fight for position. It was also a much bigger response than he was anticipating. He had thought Darkveil would at least be able to put up some kind of an effort, but their resources were spread so thin as well.

Thin resources was the whole reason they were called on to help anyways. How much could a few adventurers do though? Leandros hadn't had time to speak with farmers in the Landing and the distance traveled would have made it hard to bring anything fresh for the people anyways.

"Give out what we can, take from my supply if things get too low." Leandros looks to the fight, moving to again break it up.

Thankfully before he has to, Gilder arrives. He puts a fighting stick to the half-orc's chest and pushes him back, a stern glare given to both of them. Fun's over they both mutter as they clear away. Bullies will always take advantage when they can, tough to do that when someone steps in.

"Seems not..."

It was becoming evening now the sky darkened and torches started to be lit. With it becoming dark Sarne did not want to shut down but they could not keep going all night. Sarne looked over to them and gave a nod to them they came over to Sarne. "Nordic and Naesala cut off the line the people in line we will finish with turn away anyone else," ordered Sarne sadly.

Looking over to Leandros Sarne "I think it is time to shut down for the night. What do you think, Leandros?" Sarne asked looking around and wondering how this was going to work out. Sarne looked at the line if they tried to rush Sarne would have to do something. to get them to back off and scatter. He had a few tricks he could pull and it would not harm the people. Make them uncomfortable most likely.

Nordic and Naesala went to the end of the line. As people walked up they told them the line was closed for the night there were some arguments but most left. People in line did quiet down knowing they would get nothing if they started trouble. Sarne felt like they made a difference on this day. But two marrow would come too soon and that could be another adventure in itself.

"I won't tell your people what to do, but so long as there are people in need, I feel a duty to serve them." He motions for Gilder and Theo to come over, handing them his personal coin purse.

"Go into town, buy and trade for whatever food you can. We may not have time to make anything else tonight, but the least we can do is send them home with something."

Gilder frowns, somewhat agreeing with Sarne. There were a lot of people left and few supplies. Even if the town wasn't destroyed, finding businesses open this late was going to be difficult. The scout could also see the weariness in his lord, but he also knew how pointless it was to argue with the mane at times.

As Gilder left, Theo moved to assauge the group that was left behind. He knocked on his shield a couple of times to get their attention as it seems there were plenty upset about the announcement.

"We are doing our best to make sure you are all taken care of. If you can please just wait a few moments, we have a runner heading into town to buy any food we can. We are sorry it won't be a warm meal, but we are trying everything we can to make sure your needs are met!"

As expected, some people are not completely sold on this idea especially coming from someone they think is a child. A good few of them continue to leave, muttering under their breath about how useless adventurers are as if they hadn't just been begging for help a few minutes ago. The only benefit there was those people could likely help themselves in some capacity, so the only people left would be those truly in need of the help.

Still, they didn't managed to reach everyone and that would bother Leandros whether or not it was his fault. Gilder does eventually return with a meager gathering as expected, but a bit of bread and hard cheese was more than some of them have had in days. An imperfect solution to an impossible problem.

Sarne gave a nod in response to Ser Aurthurian about the guards. Sarne still wondered if things would be so simple later in the evening. With things quieting down. Sarne still kept an eye on the lines and people looked at Nordic, Naesala, and Vamir keeping the lines and people straight and handing out blankets they had for the families there first.

Sarne made sure he gave a reassuring smile to the people as they came through the line. I am sure they were not used to seeing knights or lords serving food to the people. Sarne could only hope that they appreciated it. Sarne did not care if they did or not it was his duty to do so. It was just a good thought and would be nice if they did.

There had not been any trouble as the sun was almost time to set. There was shouting baking the calm from the line. Sarne looked up from serving some men who looked to be low-level worriers trying to push their way into line most were just padding for armor and simple weapons like mace, hammer, staff, and daggers. the six men were someone's men at arms probably.

Pepepol was backing away when Nordic pulled his fighting knives out. The blades started to glow red. this action brought the argument to a whole other level. As both sides stood their ground. A fight was brewing and it would not be a good one people were going to get hurt or even killed if this kept going.

Sarne looked at Ser Aurthurian. "I think we need to step in or this is going to turn out bad for the people here." commented Sarne looking at the men. "Where is there Lord," said Sarne with some anger.

"A lion does not take well to the yelping of the hyenas who would rather steal another's meal than find their own." Leandros started to stand from where he was seated, needing a small break as the hours wore on him.

"What was that you t-" One of the men starts to bark back before seeing Leandros at his full height.

The knight makes his way over, making sure each step is heard with the clank of armor. As soon as the bandits saw the sigil on his cape, they knew their mistake.[1] Without stammering out another reply, they begin to scatter and trip over each other trying to get away.

Leandros lets out a sigh, "I suppose the were expecting....well not us. Sorry to step in Nordic, but I doubt they are worth your skill. No sense dulling the knives over men like that."

He runs a hand through his hair before putting his hands on his hips. They were getting really threadbare on supplies it seemed....

"Perhaps we should break for the day...the scene is starting to attract people like that and we have little else to offer...we can leave what supplies we have for people to take as they need. What do you think?"

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1. Looming Fear

Nordic gave a nod to Leandros. "No problem, Sir Aurthurian, and for the word about my blades and skill you honor me," Nordic said in a humble tone. He looked at Leandro's followers "I fine lads you have in your company as well. They show honor and work hard. They represent you and or honor well, My Lord," remarked Nordic with a grin.

Not too far behind Leandros Sarne thought that could have been an overkill but very effective. Sarne looked at Leandros after his question and then looked around at the people. "I think we can do that. or just had it out as we live so there is not a mob running for the leftovers. Some children would probably get hurt," commented Sarne as looked at his retainers.

Sarne turned towards the makeshift camp and walked to the table Turning to face the people there he sighed. "People of Darkveil! That is all we have for today. We will give out the rest of what we have to you as we get ready to move. We will try to get more supplies for you. I, Ser Sarne Sequoia, Lord of Grey Stone Keep, and Ser Leandros Aurthurian the Lion. Are honored to serve you on this day. My blessing be upon you." shouted Sarne to the people.

As things were being put away and packed back on the wagons Sarne was broken by the looks of the people suffering and the destruction around him. He wished he could help everyone there not that all of them wanted help but the ones that did. He would have to try something else to help the people.

It got a little pushy and tents as they were about to leave but no one wanted to take on two knights or their followers. everyone knew that would end terribly and the two knights might not return then. Sarn would find the Lord of those men and put a complaint to their Lord. That if their Lord was still around and did not leave like many nobles did. The two Knights left as they came with empty wagons.