Dragon Wars Ii

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus Barren

"Makes sense," I muttered in return, smiling at a passersby, who coyly glanced the other way. It was a young peasant woman who had walked by. When she was passed, she glanced back at me, smiling shyly, then looked away again. I folowed her with my eyes, then caught the dead stare of the older man walking behind her, this man having similar now and hair color where it wasn't graying.
I glanced down, not wanting a confrontation. Her father moved quickly past, not speaking to me, but staring a moment longer. When I glanced to watch him go, she'd turned back again, this time smiling, her long brown hair waving behind her in a long unkempt braid. When i turned back to Selwen, I realized I'd been extremely unsubtle with my admiration for the girl. I shrugged.
"I think we need to get an idea of their defensive status as well," I muttered, counting on his highly tuned elf ears to pick up my words more so than the volume of my voice. "What if the orcs attack? We should be assured that they're prepared, yes?"
i didn't wait for an answer, but merely tookin an exaggeratedly deep breath and smiled at those around me, broadly.
"Can anyone help us?" I asked loudly, looking around for someone who might wish to acknowledge that I'd spoken. "My cousin and I are looking for Western flowers street, for the Unicorn Inn."
No one at first, then a small, female voice clearing her throat behind me. I turned to see a young girl of about six years, blonde hair and dirty face, looking up at me, smiling. "Western flowers is that way, sir," she announced, pointing in the direction of what I guessed to be the city square. The people were herding out of there at record pace, and I guessed that the day's trading was complete and the shops were being taken home again until tomorrow.
I knelt down in front of her, finding myself still almost six inches taller than she. "Hello, there. My name is Rhe...Axen. My name is Axen. And you are?"
"Wista Lockett," she replied, smiling even wider. "Nice to meet'cha."
"Nice to meet you, Wista--I mean, Miss Lockett. And Western flower street's that way?"
She nodded.
"About how far do you think?"
SHe throught a moment, then replied. "About...one-hundred miles..."
I bit back a laugh. The little girl was far too cute. "One hundred?"
She nodded, the reconsidered and twisted her head back and forth a little. "Maybe a little farther..."
"Oh, not quite that far, Wisty," a voice said. A hand fell gently on the little girl's shoulder and I looked up, seeing an older man there. Not old, but older. In his late forties. "But it's a far walk after a long day. Might seem a hundred or so..."
The man smiled pleasantly.
I glanced back to the little girl. "All the pretty girls around here are with their fathers..." i winked and she blushed, then I stood to my full height and offered the man a smile.
"Good to meet you, sir," I dre a coin from my belt pouch and offered it to him. "For your help..."
He raised a hand and shook his head, then pointed to my sword. "The presence of you and the other soldiers is heartening enough, i assure you. I feel safer knowing my little daughter has you to protect her if the dragonfolk attack."
Attack? The dragonfolk? But I couldn't ask him, could I? A soldier would know already.
"Actually sir," i began, looking around to ensure i wasn't being watched too closely. "I've forgotten where I was told to meet up with the others. Do you happen to know where they are?"
He pointed toward the square again. "Actually, not far from the street you're searching for, young man."
I nodded, offering the coin again. "You're certain...?"
He nodded. "We must be going now," he said. "Darkness..."
I nodded.
"Farewell, young friend," he said, taking the little girl by the hand and continuing on. What I guessed to be his sons, three of them, followed behind him, pulling a wagon of produce that looked to be fairly desirable trade.
After a few stpes, the little girl turned back, smiling, and waved frantically back and forth, like someone trying to gin my attention in some emergency. Then she turned again and they were lost in the crowd.
"Come, Trope!" i announced agian. Maybe I was overselling...?
"Let's go find the others..."

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Rimuldar Gloomfaust

::The King had sent for a guide and spoke of men and proving themselves worthy, Rimuldar simply looked at Chun Po and Tultimar and noddedto the door.::

We shall go and start our work then M'lord. I wish you well.

::He offered the two Kings a bow, then walked from the room meeting his men and the guide, Desak, in the hall.::

To the stables where we will begine to work on the seige weapons. I want to at leats have enough lumber to get started on four of the weapons first thing in the morning...

::Rimuldar, Chun Po, Tultimar, and Desak wandered through the castle then out onto the grounds heading to a large stable where they would be meeting the other men and starting their construction.::

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen followed Rheamus to the Inn. They opened up the overlarge wooden door and stepped inside. A pleasant tang of woodsmoke wafted from the fireplace set into the largest wall of the common room. A varied collection of humans met their eyes as they looked over the large room. Scattered groups of soldiers took up most of the tables as well as a few tables that seemed to have raggedly dressed refugees.

It made Selwen feel bad for the humans for a moment or two. Most of them must have fled their homes in terror when they heard that dragons were going to attack. Their few worldly possessions making a poor pile at their feet. Selwen also noticed a group of three that had secreted themselves at a corner table. They were completely covered in robes with deep hoods that hid their faces. Selwen was curious as to what religion forced them to hid themselves so fully.

Selwen watched as Rheamus bargained with the InnKeeper for a room with two beds. Selwen grunted a few times as if he was trying to communicate with Rheamus. When the price went back up, Selwen would move in closer to the Innkeeper smiling a tilted smile. This seemed to put a small scare in the Innkeeper Selwen noticed. Finally a sum was agreed upon. Selwen was suprised at how low it was considering that in these troubled times, the inns were apt to jack up the prices for a room as high as they could .

Selwen turned back from staring at the Innkeeper. He was preparing to go up the stairs to their room when he heard something. He stopped for a second, kneeling down to pretend to get something out of his shoe. As he was kneeling he heard it again. His sharp elven ears had brought the sound of elvish speech to him. He was ready to leap up with joy to realize that some others of his race here here in Mikellon. But prudence tempered his judgement.

He stood back up and made a slow pan around the room. He was able to determine that the three figures in the corner with the heavy robes were the elves. Once again, he almost made a move to go to their table but realized it would be too conspicuous . Instead , he took Rheamus by the arm and quickly led him up the stairs. Once in their room, Selwen turned to Rheamus. "Did you notice the three men in the corner with the darkened cowls? Those were elves. I have to get them alone and see why they are here. I can tell from their speech that they are not of my tribe, but one of our nearest cousins- The Woodland elves. Lets quickly get our things settled and then get back to the common room. "

 

[chewbacca71]

Yevgenni

Yevgenni met the dragon slayers at the stables. "My name is Yevgenni, I am the leader of King MacKenzies personal guard. I have brought twenty of my best men with me to help you. What is it you require of us? "

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus Barren

I nodded when he mentioned the three.
"Yeah, I noticed, but I didn't hear anything," I responded. "I trust what you tell me, though. The question is, is it wise to converse with them? It may put both of us, as well as they three of them, in harm's way. Of course, should you find any information, of set up any kind of communication system, they may be able to help us and us them." I nodded then. It seemed worth the risk. "They may not trust you if you're with me, as humans may not be trustworthy to them, and dragons may not either... Perhaps you should meet with them, while I see if I can find this Taver again, or gain the trust of some other soldier?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Night falls on Brimmer

The colony was nearly resting, save for a few of the young ones. They played until the sun was gone, thier mothers and fathers shouting after them into the dark, but not yet chasing them down. The colony was small in population, though the area they possessed was large and expansive, not yet broken in in the dwarven way. The mines were only just being dug, not beneath the surface yet, but only in test spots, deep holes, most of which will be filled in instead of pursued. This process would continue until they found what they were looking for: Gold, silver, or any other type of ore they valued. Something to forge, or something to trade, anything of value, whether it be theirs or anothers.
The landscape was mostly hills, trees still growing on top of them in most places, though once the excavation grew deep enough, the roots would die and the trees would go with them.
For the time being, however, the landscape looked nearly unaffected by dwarven life. In fact, the only sign of it was the children, and a small group of miners who still dug in their particular place of the settlement, far off to the North. The clammer was more than it should have been, as these dwarves, they enjoyed the drink a bit much...

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Dust

"Aren't you finished yet?" I whispered down into the hole, as though mining were some secret operation.
"Almost," he returned, keeping with the secrecy. I glanced back ovr my shoulder at Tipid, who shrugged, then raised the bottle once more.
"DOn't drink all of it, we're sharing..." I said, this time, not so secretively.
He looked at me, as if to imply he would neve do such a thing, then took another long swig. I was getting angry. I hardly had a buzz and there he was, nearly finishing the bottle without even considering those with him. The three of us had drank together numerous times, and it was always Tipid who hogged the drink.
"C'mon, Neggus," I whispered down again. "B'fore the bottle's gone."
Somehow, this persuaded him. Neggus darted from the hole, popping up before I realized he was moving and startling me. I stepped back, and Neggus crawled out of the hole, dirty from head to toe, his red hair caked with dirt.
"DOn't you hog it all again, Tipid," he warned, pointing one finger while he tossed the shovel away with the other hand. "hand over the bottle.""You're both spoil-sports," tipid argued, but handed over the bottle. When Neggus got serious, it was unwise to tangle with him, and even tipid, drunk as he may have been, wasn't so foolish as to push his buttons.
Now it was Neggus tipping the bottle in a long swig, and I waited impatiently for my turn at it.
We haggled fairly quietly for the next few minutes, Tipid eyeing the bottle gredily as Neggus and I took our turns with it, then he stopped and glanced out into the darkness.
"I heard something," he insisted. Silence for a few moments longer, then he looked to me. "Someone should go check."
I was thinking then he wanted Neggus and I to both go, one to help the other, and leave the bottle behind, and I wasn't falling for a fool's trick.
I shook my head, "I'm not going anywhere--"
"Shh!" He looked out into the trees again, then turned his head slowly, as if he felt someting might have snuck up behind him and turning too quickly might spur it to attack.
I thought he was selling it hard, but when his eyes turned to ours again, they never fell to the bottle. I looked to Neggus, who glanced back, apparently noticing as well. I heard a sound then, like two mentally challenged men trying to hold a conversation, though they were far too distant to mae out any words.
Tipid pointed towar dthe sound, eyes wide, looking like a child who'd been told to shush but still wanted to tattle on his older sister.
We waited, listening, as the voices came closer, finding more and moe voices among them as they came. It wouldn't take a second for them to find us, given the fire light, so i grabbed the shovel and began tossing some of the loose dirt from the hold over the flames. Seconds later the voices seemed to have come incredibly colse, and the flames were gone. I looked around, finding it hard to see in this new arkness, then groped instead for the handle of my pickaxe.
I waited as the voices came closer, then whispered to the other two, "We need to go somewhere, so they merely pass us by."
I'd recognized the type of voices by then. Orcs, and several of them, most likely scouts, as several was not an army. I could hear them standing, gathering whatever they could carry and heading deepe into the trees. I prayed the trees would keep us safe, at least for a little while...

 

[poohlive]

It took an hour of long flight following the Orc's obvious trail through wood and brush. He seemed to growl as it beckoned North, the same way they were told to go from the stranger back at the dragon council.
He seemed as if he had made a fool's errand following the priestess. Yes, they had a weapon against the transparent dragons, but at what cost?
The cost was evident as they passed city after city that lay in ruins. Some of them looked like nothing more than pure slaughter, while others held grim scenes of many deaths on both sides.
The slippery endtrails of the transparent dragons grew stronger as they flew north. They all convened at the mountain's end, seperating the Eastern land from the Northern.
The orcs had gone underground, running north towards the human settlements. Many a kinds and armies were held there, it wouldn't be as easy as the villages and settlements before.
Something odd had occured though. The transparent dragon trails that Kort now saw didn't follow the orc trail.
They had split up?
Why?
Something didn't smell right.
As if on cue, Kort saw a couple of the transparents, looking as if they were keeping watch on this old trail of theirs. Kort saw them, grinning up his fireball in the back of his throat.
Two wasn't what he had wanted, but it was better than nothing.
His blood was pumping hot and wild in his veins now, and any death would be a good one.
He let his wings come under him, diving upon the dragons and giving out a bone chilling call to the fallen night.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Dragon Slayer's War Band

::The twenty four men went to work that night trying to get enough trees cut down for the next days work. Rimuldar wanted four of the siege engins build before lunch so that they could be on the ready should the dragon's come.

What noone really knew is that Gloomfaust had set up a few dragons to come to this viliage. He told them that the Trans were rumored to be heading this way, so they were sure to come and check it out.

Men, shirtless and covered in dirt and sweat worked in the twilight. The sound of axes striking wood and the creeking and crackling of trees as they broke loose and fell to the ground echoed through the woods. Soon Lanters were sent for, and they all worked by the light given off by the lanterns until, as the moon rose overhead, the trees were brought into the town and laid by the blacksmith's barn.

The work for that night done, then men went off to their homes and quaters to get some rest. The work would begine again in the morning.::

 

[Vixandra]

Sylvia

I watched Kort dive into the two trans dragons. Obviously the potion worked well enough. Wasn't sure how long it would work but for the time being, I'd take what I could get.
Worraps and Spar stayed near me as I flung out the spell I'd used earlier to detect the trans dragons- none for a couple of miles except the ones Kort was playing with.
I watched Worraps and Spar join the fight, polietly staying out of it myself. They needed some experiance with the trans- I'd had some, better to get them upto par now when its relatively safe to do so.

 

[chewbacca71]

Yevgenni

Yevgenni tried to get comfortable. His arms ached like they had not since he was a young man first training at the use of weapons. He was impressed by the skill and ability shown by the men in working on these siege engines. He made sure his men gave their best effort, since the others were working as hard as he had ever seen. He would be sure to tell his king that these men were very good at what they said they could do.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Dust

We stopped moving for a few moment, listening as the orcs continued to talk loudly (or perhaps it only seemed loud as the night air was quiet and still) then continued on toward where the mass of the settlement waited. They needed fair warning, and hopefully, we could get to them and give that warning before the orcs, who seemed to be unaware of what they were coming upon, reached them. It wasn't normal for orcs to be here, and their intent was never fair and just. Especially after word had risen on the attacks they led on the elves not long ago.
I knew the settlement was near, and our footsteps were fairly silent, silent enough so long as the orcs continued to cover thier sounds with loud voices. I was pleased then, that I hadn't had so much to drink that this chore was difficult. Only temporarily pleased, of course, but pleased still.
Unfortunately for us, Tipid had managed his fair share before Neggus and I had realized the bottle was open, and as I mounted the hill and saw the lights glowing out of a few holes that almost appreaded to be hobbit-oriented in this early stage of development, he tripped over what was most liekly his own feet, and fell flat on his chest, letting out a loud "ooof!," then tumbled down the hill again. When he reached the bottom, nearly fifty yards down, he made another "oofing" sound that was followed by silence. Complete silence.
I glanced to Neggus, who shrugged then looked down the hill. Between the shadows left by the trees that blocked the moonlight, I could see Tipid laying there, unmoving, his head raised and looking as something. Whatever it was, he'd run into it on his way down the hill.
"What...?" Neggus began.
"Shhh." I insisted, quietly, hardly making a sound. "The orcs have stopped.
I looked closer, thinking for a moment, he'd found himself at the feet of an orc, but not seeing one. I took a step back toward him, then saw him raise one hand, point out his finger, and poke at the night air, as if it might resist this movement. I stopped, realizing with a sudden confusion that the air, or what seemed to be air, had indeed, stopped said movement.
Neggus gripped my arm, pulling at me.
"SOmething unnatural," he whispered, trying to pull me the opposite way.
I resisted for a moment, debating whether or not to go back after him. Neggus could warn the others on his own, and leaving...
Then, in what looked to be pure evil magic, Tipid's hand vanished, blood shooting onto the rest of him, and the dwarf jerked back, unable to move. Then, by what I guessed to be the same magical force, he was thrown into the air, twirling, then vanished again, as if eaten by the wind. Blood, and what I thought might be an arm, fell to the ground where he'd lay.
"Yes," I whispered, the horror and reality of what had just happened lost to me still, seeming distant in fact.
Neggus screamed loudly, raising his hands to his face like a frightened child.
"Orcs!" i shouted, turning toward the settlement and the others. "Orcs are here!"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus Barren

Selwen and I parted ways, and I headed back down the stairwell to the Inn, making a solid effort not to glance toward those elves he mentioned. Instead, i moved toward the bar and searched for the tender.
As I did so, I nearly bumped into a man sittign there, chugging ale as though it might give him back his youth, though he hardly appeared to be older than forty.
I excused myself, garnering a drunk stare as he realized I near him i came, and leaned over the bar, trying to gain the barkeep's attention.
"Excuse me," the drunk man slurred, clearly agitated.
I ignored him for a moment, but my hand dropped to my sword. The man wasn't but a peasant, i was sure, and unarmed. I didn't want trouble, but found it odd that he didn't recognize an armed man so easily.
"I said, excuse me," he insisted, now tapping me roughly on the shouler. the bartender looked at me, Not wanting trouble but kowing he wasn't in control of such things. Bartenders never were, i knew.
I turned to him, sporting a fake smile that I allowed to appear fake. Best keep my better efforts at the fake for when i really needed them.
"you bumped into me," he slurred, "And I demand an apology."
"I didn't bump into you, but if you want an pology, you can have one. I'm sorry."
"Hey," he insisted, slamming the empty mug on the bar, "That's not good enough!"
I noticed the place had grown quiet. People were watching us.Yes, witnesses, Rheamus... the voice sneered. Mustn't make a mistake now.
"I don't want trouble, sir," I returned, not giving an inch. I needed the people's respect if I wanted help form the soldiers. "And I did apologize. So let us call the issue closed, shall we?"
THe door opened, and a few men entered, but no one seemed to notice. they waited to see what happened between the stranger and the drunk.
"You need to show a little..." The man was standing, and I fought my hand from reaching for the sword handle. i wouldn't have drawn the weapon, but instinct told me to be on guard.
"That's enough, Merrill," one of the men who'd just entered insisted, loudly, as he neared us.
Merrill turned to him, not smiling or looking aggresive now. The man was a large one, but unarmed. His face was smeared with dirt and sweat. I guessed he'd just come in from the feilds, though he wasn't built like a farmer.
"Garnus," Merrill stuttered. "Didn't hear you come in."
"Not over your own big mouth," Garnus replied, but with a grin, and he gave Merrill a good-hearted slap on the back.
"What'll you and your boys be havin' tonight, Garnus," the bartender asked, looking releived to see the man.
"Just a few ales," Garnus replied. "Early mornin' again tomorrow. And a hello and apology for Merrill, here stranger. Gets too into his cups, don't cha, Merrill?"
Merrill nodded and agreed quietly, but smiled at Garnus nonetheless.
"Axen," I offered him my hand, which he took, and gave it a squeeze I that seemed due primarily due to his size, totally unintentional.
"Garnus," the man replied.
"Why so early tomorrow?" The tender asked him, handing over a few mugs of ale.
"Those dragon hunters got us out there workin' our tails off," he replied.
"Dragon hunters, you say?" i asked.
He nodded.
"You didn't know?"
I nodded. "I knew they were here, but I don't know what exactly they're doing. Care to chat a bit?"
He nodded, "Sure. You're a soldier, yes?"
"I do my share of fighting, if that's what you mean, and I'm curious of what's happening with the Dragons. If I can be of help to this cause, then maybe it's best I stay..."
He nodded. "Well, then. Let's talk."

 

[poohlive]

They had parted blows, and more than their fair share of wounds. Something old and healed opened up when they both rolled to a stop on the mountain's edge. The dragon, which had been easy to attack at first, thinking it was still invisible, now put up one hell of a fight.
Kort had moved to get his teeth right alongside the dragon's neck, ready to snap it in two. Kort wanted the fresh blood inside his mouth, but he paused, their mission coming faintly back to him. They needed one alive.
He stole a glance back at the other fight. They didn't have the suave necessity to keep it alive, not with any good that would be needed.
Instead, Kort moved, and tore one of the dragon's legs free from its socket. With the animal screaming from the wound, Kort bit off one of his wings.
It laid on the ground, blood fresh and heated coming up. He blew on it, with an acidy icy breath, causing the wound to slow its bleeding, cauterize the wound somewhat. It would hurt like hell though.
He wanted the fucker alive though.
Kort paused, limping off from the battle, looking up at Sylvia.
"Make sure he can make it back to the dragon council. We need him alive for a few more hours, at least."
He was looking north now, to the settlements of the humans that seemed to be alive and with activity.
Something bad came to his nose. Death, and not just that of humans, or orcs, or anything else. Dragon death, one that seemed to stink and linger that of which he has only smelled once before.
He growled deep in his throat, looking at the old flicker of torchlight in the night.
Had they? Were they really preparing for that kind of war? This was important. If the humans were involved with the dragon hunters, there would be a lot more death.
He wanted their blood, though, and it called to him in the dead of night.

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen agreed with Rheamus that it might be best if they split up for a while. He took a piece of paper out of his pack and wrote a short note in elven , asking the three elves to come up to his room in five minutes. He took his drink and walked over towards the table with the elves. As he brushed by them, he slid the note down the tunic of the closest elf. He walked past them and went up to his room.

A few minutes went by , then Selwen heard a knock on the door. He was about to say for them to come in , but then he remembered he was supposed to be mute. Just in case it was the innkeeper or one of the various servants, Selwen opened the door.

Seeing that it was the elves, he moved aside and let them into his room. He motioned for them to take a seat as he looked down the hallway to see if anyone was out there. Satisfied that they were completely alone, Selwen closed the door. He turned to his guests and sat down beside them.

"My name is Selwen Oakbranch. Up until recently I was a ranger in the service of Lord Garbon in Shimalda. I am currently going by the name of Trope when I am here in Mikellon. "

Selwen listened while the other three introduced themselves. He expressed his appreciation at meeting Xavial, Neriat, and Reblis. He quickly learned that they were all scouts sent out by Lord Fedsam of Heldaw in the Brenik Forest. Their lord had heard about the vast unrest that had seem to embroil the entire world.

Selwen directed his remarks mostly to Xavial, who was nominally in control of the group. "Well, our entire settlement was overrun by Orcs with unique allies. It seems that the legends of Transparent Dragons are true. " Selwen stopped for a second as the elves digested this information.

 

[hybirdx]

Spar quickly rushed into battle, slamming his head into the remaining trans dragon's gut, and forcing him into the ground. Spar didn't hesitate to to attack while it was down. He quickly jumped at the trans, but before he could put an decent blow into him, the Trans reared his feet up and threw Spar off.

Spar got up and looked around, it was gone. "Did the spell were off? No... So where is it?" Spar moved his head around, searching for the trans. He didn't notice that it was behind him until it gave an loud roar, and bit in his right wing.

Spar let out an loud screem of pain, then used his tail to swat the trans off of him. He quickly turned around and sunk his teeth into its arm, but left the rest body for the trans to attack. The dragon clawed and kicked at Spar, but Spar was too stuborn, and refused to release the dragons arm. He just absorbed the blows as long as he could bidding his time.

Finnaly, Spar pulled backwards, ripping the arm right out. The trans screemed in pain and was temperarely off gaurd. Spar took advantage and threw the dragon to the ground and pinning it. Spar sunk his teeth into the Trans' left wing and ripped it in half, he then ripped the right in the same fashion.

Spar panted as he risen himself off the trans, spitting the wings half out of his mouth. Personally, Spar didn't care about the trans living, it was obvious that Kort had left the other alive and severely wounded.

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen listened as the elves protested the news. "I am sorry but it is true. I have seen these creatures first hand. They are the most deadly things that this world has to offer. They have some sort of arrangement with the Orcs, since I saw on Orc astride a dragon. The combination was too deadly for us Elves. I may be one of the last few of my tribe.

I was rescued from the fate of death by the intervention of some dragons. I went with them to the dragon council and met their leader. He charged me with a quest to find out what is happening with the humans. It seems that some humans have attacked and possibly killed some dragons. I am here to find some answers and to determine if the humans are actually a threat. My companion and I are determined to find out as much as we can.

Do any of you have any information that might help us? "

Xavial stared off into space for a moment. "Ah, we may have some information that could help. I have seen the heads of seven dragons on posts outside some of the other human cities. King MacKenzie had three of them. The rumors that we have heard is that dragons have wantonly attacked human cities and sacked one down to the ground.

Now whether these were the good dragons or these transparent dragons , I do not know. But what I do know is that the Kings are very adamant about taking a war to the dragons. Word on the street is that some "Dragon slayers" have recently entered the city. I have also found a passage that takes me right behind the throne room where the Kings are in attendence. I have heard of their anger towards the dragons, they will stop at nothing till either these humans or the dragons are dead. "

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus Barren

I tried to appear calm and composed as Garnus and his crew explained what they'd seen of the Dragon hunters.
"Rough men," he'd explained. "Hard-looking. Men I wouldn't want to angry with me, that's for sure."
The entire Inn was at least half-listening as Garnus spoke, and I guessed he'd garnered quite a bit fo respect among them, as when he'd said that, they'd hushed up, save for the few who couldn't help but ohh some.
Garnus afraid? They must have been thinking.
"I believe they mean business against these attacking dragons. I think perhaps they're the answer we need, should they choose to continue their aggression."
"Continue?" I asked. "They've attacked here? I'd heard something about an elven settlement...?"
"Elves? Well, i haven't ehard that. And why worry about them? We need to look after our own kind first, yes?"
I shrugged. "Perhaps keeping ties with our allies, especially when they suffer to the same enemies, is wise..."
Garnus looked at me for a moment. Apparently, he was expecting an agreeance, but I hardly noticed. I was thinking, though the thoughts weren't anything I could really focus on. Just swimming ideas, the possibility that there was something here I should be in better understanding of. What enemy attacks both humans and elves at once? Why not take one at a time, and allow the other to wait?
Finally, Garnus teetered his head, as if in thought, then nodded. "Maybe that's a wise choice, but if they need protection, and not an ally who is of equal strength, we might be better to leave them to their own fate, lest we fall along side them."
"Yes," one of his friends said, answering a question I'd almost forgotten I'd asked. "They've attacked human settlements. A few from what I've heard, though I can't relay the names...Can't for the life of me remember which ones..."
Garnus nodded. I got the impression that the other men didn't speak much. Perhaps it was because they were tired, but it seemed to draw lot of attention that the other man had spoken.
"And you are?" I asked, trying to sound polite.
"Mendel," he replied, lowering his head some, as if he'd just realized he'd spoken and was embarassed.
Garnus leaned closer, whispering, "Mendel doesn't talk much when we're in here. Got a taste for the barmaid, y'see."
I nodded, then followed Mendel's eyes to who I guessed to be the maid in question. SHe was young, and fairly cute, a blonde, standing at the end of the bar, looking bored just then..
I nodded to him, giving him my understanding.
"Do any of you remember the names of the human settlements?" I asked.
Quiet indecision floated about the table, and a few of the nearer tables too, I noticed. Then a steady round of shaking heads.
Information I might gather later. I glanced over toward the corner, not realizing I was doing so until it was too late. I was pleased to see the elves were gone (and that I hadn't drawn unnecessary attention to them) and hoped they were with Selwen somewhere.
"Here's what I'm really curious of, gentlemen," I leaned forward, as if I were about to ask some great and secret question, and offered a serious stare at each of those sitting at my table. They leaned in as well, and the creaks and rattles of old chairs settled around us as other leaned in and some actually slid their chairs to get closer to us.
"Where exactly are all the women?"
Silence for a moment, then the tension broke when Garnus began to laugh. The other followed suit until the place was full of laughs, sounding as though there were twice the clientelle.
"the women?" Garnus finally managed. "Theyre at home, with their children and husbands...where're you from stranger?"
I smiled back, "Would you believe me if i told you?" I asked.
But, amid the laughter, no one asked any further.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Dust

My warnings were heard, but they hardly had time to react before...whatever had taken Tipid's life was moving among us, grabbing up others as it had the drunken swarf and still, it was heard and not seen.
Neggus was moving quickly, dancing almost as the unseen threat seen more be moving around him, scooping up this dwarf and that. Neggus seemed to be bouncing back and forth between two large, invisible legs.
Now the orcs were coming, though, swarming toward us in an unorganized line.
"Send some to warn the tohers," i shouted. i turned to face our new threat, hoping the ick would serve me well and knowing the battle couldn't be won. WOmen and children exited their little caves, moving quickly in the opposite directions, some carrying babies, a few carrying one in either arm. The father's of these whildren, realizing fully well the danger posing them, and knowing the battle to be nearly unsurvivable, grabbed axes and picks and joined me as the orcs moved forward, weapons raised. One even brought his extra tools with him, dropping them in a pile on the ground for others who might not be armed.
Neggus grabbed a small axe from his pile and tucked it beneath his belt, the grabbed up a pick similar to mine and stood next to me, hands shaking. I was afraid to look at my own, fearing to see similarly shaking hands.
Tibbis, one of the older men among us, not having children here, but grandchildren and perhaps a great-grandchild or two, raised his axe, hands steady, and said, "FOr the children, dwarves. Let them be stayed for the sake fo the children."
Neggus nodded to me, then swallowed hard and let out a long shivering breath.
The word sof the garandfather, as he had become known to us on the small, still young settlement, had calmed us some, given us something to focus on, a purpose, and many of our hands steadied.
Forty of us were standing there when the orcs finally met us.
We raised our weapons, more shaking than not, then screamed out and charged the mass of them, hoping as we did that the women and children were reaching the toher homes and warning the rest of the settlement.

 

[Vixandra]

Sylvia

I watched in approval. Kort had a live one- mostly, and Spar had a dead one.
"Nice work, guys," I said, hovering over Spar. I whispered a healing spell, healing hte damage done to Spar's wing and the rest of his body. "There- now you can fly again."
I landed next to the captive trans. I shifted to human form, approching it closer. "You know, if you shift to a human form, I might be able to heal you up a bit so you're not in so much pain? Come on, you're already captive, not much to loose there right?"
The creature glared at me, raw hate in its eyes.
"Aren't you just cheery as hell," I said mockingly. I bowed to it. "As you wish, we can do this the hard way instead."
I tossed my hair back and began to chant, a prayer for aid, a spell for shifting the trans. It took a lot of energy to do it but I managed to force shift the trans dragon into a humanoid form and bound him into it.
Finished, I swayed on my feet slightly. "That should make things easier for transport at least. Spar- lend a hand could you..."
I trailed off as I collapsed. Working with the trans had taken more then I thought it would- a lot more. Damn thing.
"I'll be fine after some rest," I managed to say before falling into a coma like sleep.

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen was disturbed to hear about these dragon slayers. It seemed that some of the humans were becoming adept at taking down the dragon kind. Selwen shook his head , trying to free it of images of the dragons and humans locked in a war to the death. The only people that would benefit from that was the Orcs and transparent dragons.......Wait a second, Selwen thought to himself. That might be the key to this whole thing. I may have the answer that Canth is looking for.

Selwen turned back to the elves. "I would suggest that you all get out of here as soon as possible. This place is about to explode in violence. Please, when you return, ask your lord if he can send some people and aid to Shimalda . If anyone is still alive, they will need all the help your lord can provide. But he will need to be careful , I am sure there are Orcs still around the area. I myself will return to Shimalda when I am done with my quest. "

 

[poohlive]

Kort flew back down, looking at everything that had happened. His eyes were a cold mist of pain and hatred. He wanted to kill more than just dragons now. Slayers were in the are, and his fallen brethren adawned their pretty little shields and armor.
His job had been to send back information about the transparent dragons, and bring one back alive. He had fulfilled his purpose.
Now, they would pay.
"You," he shouted at one of the new ones, ordering him down to the munimalled slaughter. Sylvias was dead to the world, her powerful spells working against her. For one of the few times in his life, he was glad that she wasn't conscious for this. Her decision would be clouded and unclear. He needed her back with the other dragons, preparing for war.
"Spar, take Sylvia and the trans, as well as the others back to the Dragon council. Tell them the transparent dragons are off west somewhere, away from the battles. The orcs went underground, maybe east, but it's hard to tell. We have bigger problems though, the humans are preparing war, and they have dragon slayers among them. Now is the time to show these dying races the true might of dragonkind."
He helped both Sylvia and the bound human trans up onto Spar's back.
"Fly like the wind. Everything is depending on you."
Kort turned back to the parting of ways. The dragons west, hoarding and planning. Maybe they would just stay back, wait to see who won, and then finish the victors off. That's what Kort would have done.
The orcs seemed to have their own agenda. East? Underground. That seemed like a sneak attack into the dragon hoard, which would be useless and stupid, or a straight attack on the dwarves.
That made more sense, although, the dwarves are known for their pure hatred of all goblins. The orcs would be adding fuel to the fire on making that attack. Still, no one has questioned the dwarven domain for a long time now. They wouldn't be expecting it.
Dragon slayers. They called to him, warming up the ice in his blood like nothing ever before. He was trying to think straight, but hate was pouring red over him at each minute, clouding his judgement.
He would have to go in there, find out what they are up to. Kort flew up, over the mountains, and down into the deep valley that held the mass of humankind.
It would take hours from the forest's edge to reach the big city where it looked like everything was being done. Kort could have flyed there in a few hours, but a dragon approaching would destroy any element of surprise. He wanted to get in there, and transform into dragon before their eyes, killing them as they still stood, scared, unsure, and peeing in their pants.
Kort revealed himself from the rich undergrowth, human form. Deep, dark, and rugged. He was off in a full run towards a city.
This revenge would not be denied.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Dust

Had I stopped for even a second, I would have guessed the kill ratio at about 4 to 1, in our favor. That number would have impressed me, but it wasn't a number that was going to turn the enemy back, to chase the orcs away.
I didn't stop for that second though, didn't make the guess that would have led me to the obvious conclusion that we would lose this battle afterall.
I swung the pick, bringing the tool down into another orcs head, sending its blood into the air and immediately withdrawing it and stepping to one side as another orc swung its old, bent sword past me. This time, I hacked sideways, sinking one tip of the pick into its thigh and causing it to scream out. I withdrew the weapon agin, not bothering wiht the orc again, as its mobility was now affected, and we were retreating. If I could leave it behind, harmlessly staggering, unable to keep up, I would do so. If nothing else, it saved time, gave us the opportunity to get a further lead on our pursuers, and if he showed up again, caught up to us on one leg, I'd deal with it then.
The Grandfather moved slowly back next to me. to old to move quickly, I wondered, but guessed not. He knew well what to do with the tools he held, and his movements, though affected by age, also appeared thought-out, well-planned and meaningful.
We'd been retreating for nearly half an hour, moving steadily backward, trying to keep some of the enemy from catching up to us too quickly and getting behind us. It was semi-effective, and if they'd taken to attacking us from behind as well as in front, we'd have been massacred from the start. The orcs, being the strategists they are, thought half as far as that and rushed past us, trying to gain on whatever had done Tipid in and do their part in killing the women and children.
I wanted to follow--we all did--but what could I or any of us do against such a foe?
We left behind us a trail of orc and dwarf bodies, giving the enemy another obstacle, a hurdle in you would, for them to step over.
That gained us another advantage we took willingly enough.
After our retreat had started, the other men came in a hurry, joining in the fight to save the children, often just in time to replace someone who'd just fallen. Our retreat had taken us nearly a mile, and we'd lost over half of the male members of the settlement. Ahead, we could hear the screams of women and children, some in fear, some pain.
As we moved backward,our supply of new fighters slowly diminishing, I hoped that soon, we would get the chance to flee, to run toward the womena dn children and spare those we could.

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen shook hands with the elves as they left the room. He reiterated to them to be careful. He softly closed the door behind them. His mind reeled as he thought of all the things going on at once. The dragons had attacked the humans. Was Canth lying to him? Had he sent him to get him out of the way as he set up an attack on this city? Was Canth going to use the information to destroy these humans rather than to defend themselves?

And the Dragon slayers? What good would they do? Selwen was hard pressed to believe that there was much humans could do against dragons. He had seen their might in action quite a bit lately. But then again, his fellow elves had mentioned seeing dragon heads outside of some of the human cities.

What were the Trans and Orcs up to? He knew that the orcs would use any advantage they could to kill other races. It had been this way since the world was new. But the trans, why had they attacked the elves and other dragons?

Selwen was beginning to get a head ache as he tried to think things through. He was first going to go to the common room to see if he could find Rheamus. But then he thought better of it. He decided to lay down and get some rest and hopefully Rheamus would be back by morning. He had a lot of questions for his dragon ally.

 

[chewbacca71]

Cannon fodder.....er.....two young dragons......

The two young dragons closed their eyes slightly, trying in vain to keep out the morning sunshine. Vecak looked back at Polderath who was trailing slightly behind him. He could still hardly believe that his friend had talked him into this. He was usually most obedient to his parents wishes.

Polderath turned his wings slightly, to catch more of the air current. His anger smoldered as he thought of his last conversation with his father. Their cousin Golanth had been killed by the transparent dragons. Youthful blood coursing through his body, Polderath spoke to his father.

"Our cousin died at the hands of the Transparent Dragons. Yet no one seems to want to do anything about it. Our own blood was spilled on the council floor for the good of the colony, but Canth is doing nothing about it. Father, we have to do something about it. You are on the council, make Canth do something about these Transparents. I hate sitting idle. "

"Son, pull back your wings. I too feel the fire of revenge burning in me. But there is a time for these things. I have followed Canth for more years than you have been on this world. Have faith in him like I do. I am sure he is working on a solution to this problem. "

"Those are just empty words , Father. Canth is too old now to be an effective leader. Someone else needs to do something. This insult to our family can not lay fallow. "

"Polderath, listen to me. I will speak with Canth today. I promise. I will find out what he has in mind. Stand down on your pride for now. Now go back to our cave and tell your mother that I am waiting for her at the council chamber. "

Polderath's claws tightened as he remembered what a monumental waste of time that had been. Canth had told his father , that he was "working on something" Yeah, probably digging the graves for all the dragons under his command. In a fit of rage, Polderath had gone to see his friend Vecak. He convinced the other dragon that the two of them could go out and find some trans to kill. If Canth was not going to do something, maybe the two young dragons could shame him into acting by showing how strong the dragons really were.

A wisp of undisiplined fire escaped his jaws as Polderath banked his wings. A glint of light flashed from the large clearing to their left. Polderath took the lead as the two dragons approached the clearing. As they came closer, Polderath recognized this as the meadow above the city of Mikellon. He wondered if the Transparent dragons had attacked this city yet.

Shaking his head over such thoughts, he led his friend to land on the ground near the items that had taken their attention. The two dragons looked at the wooden structures inlaid with metal that were lined up in the meadow. Neither of them had ever seen the like before. The two dragons moved closer to get a better look, when they noticed some movement coming from the city. A group of men were coming out towards the meadow. The two dragons waited for a minute before deciding to fly away from there. Men were unpredictable at the best of times. Leaping up in the air, the two dragons circled the meadow, watching for a little while to see what the men were doing.