On their search for a new goat, Golborin and Athreilind found themselves in Combe on a job. As they delivered the package they heard the rumors of the trouble - whispers of more than one person killed. Used to working alone or only as a pair, they apprehensively approached the group of investigators. There was not any word about a reward, but surely there would be a bounty on such a killer wouldn’t there?
When they joined the group already had some information about all of the arrows being tipped with thorns. After introductions, they accompanied the group to question the sellers in the market where they learned a very little bit about those who had purchased the thorns. They adjourned to gather more information and set up a time to meet again.
Golborin was called away on another job, but Athreilind joined the group at the appointed time. Kaes seemed to know who the man was and where to find him. Ryheric came up with a plan and they went to his home to execute the plan. Kaes was to lure him outside with her femanine wiles. Athreilind was to pin his foot to the ground with an arrow so the others could pin him down and tie him up. The plan was executed almost flawlessly.
As they tied him up the murderer struggled spitting out threats at the group. The tone in which he spoke was a complete shock to Athreilind. It was obvious that he had killed people because he enjoyed it. Athreilind understood acts of war. They were unfortunate, but sometimes necessary. This was something that she had never considered before. Some races were bred for killing, but a man?
The group escorted the murderer back to Combe and turned him over to the authorities. As the interactions came to a close and the adrenaline rush started to ebb, Athreilind noticed that her hands were starting to shake. She quickly moved away from the group, stumbling across Greengrove in the process. He was kind enough to give her directions to the Combe and Wattle.
While sipping on a drink much stronger than she was accustomed to she started to wonder. People said the race of men were susceptible to corruption, was this the sort of corruption they meant? Could all men become.. whatever this man was? Were other races susceptible as well? What of Middle Earth? If it were left to men what would happen?
She finished her drink and made her way back to their camp to wait for Golborin. An incident, seeming small, capturing a murder, but it opened a door for her one that she many times wished had never opened. As time has passed she thinks about it less, but after a glimpse of such darkness, some of her innocence is lost.
