Dragons and Magic II: The Hunt for DreamWeaver

[Dracona]

Ona stood gazing out over the swamp, her arms wrapped around her midsection. Her heart was in turmoil and she was keeping herself under control by the barest of margins. Idrial's voice was soothing, even if her words took a moment to sink in. Ona turned to Idrial, the dark blue ring around her iris nearly consuming the light blue inner ring as she struggled with herself.

"You are wise, lady, and your words are true." Ona's voice was a strained murmur. "As much as it pains us we must leave them for now."

She gazed at Idrial's lovely face for a moment then lowered her eyes. There was strength and compassion in the other woman that bolstered Ona's resolve. For now rectifying the desecration of the village had to be a lower priority to discovering who was behind it all. She looked back at the poles with their grisly trophies rotting atop them and the dead animals lying scattered about. There was something oddly purposeful about it.

"Could this have been part of a ritual of some sort? A sacrifice that engulfed the entire village?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial nodded in agreement with Ona's words as she spoke It is another possability yes, and it is also possable that these tracks could have come from others who decided to investagate, or survivers of another goup such as thos we came across earler, who returned to the swamps unable to give aid or seek it...Friend or Foe... we will not know until we find them if we can.

Idrial said resting a comforting hand on Ona's sholder offering strenght and to let her know they were there if Ona needed them, she had seen the girls eyes and knew Ona struggled with the decisicion even as she agreed, and watched as Ona gathered herself as best she could, and Idrial smiled liking her all the more.

Turning to O'Bonn she asked.. what are your thoughts.. Idrial found she wanted to go to him and have him hold her even if it were for but a moment, now was not the time however, she needed to stay strong, perhaps when next they camped, they could speak more of such things, but not now...

Meanwhile.....................

Rhys practiced learning to use a blade and focus his mind under Thorns and the other dragon's guidance, He had asked Thorn about blade singers, as he had the drow He, Idrial and O'Bonn had met on there journy here and found he had a tallent for just such an ability.

Now it was just a matter of time and practice and he felt with there guidance he would become not only powerful but wise, he had no wish to be a pawn, or to be unable to protect himself or others like in the village. Tho still only a young boy he was determand, and new he had along way to go yet and much to learn..

Thinking on Idrial Rhys wondered if Thorn could still see them in her pool and wondered if they were alright. Not just because his life depended on it but so many many ohers as well.

 

[AmenRa]

The High Warrior O'Bonn looked to Idrial. His amber eyes held barely contained anger. His heart was full of outrage at such carnage that lay in the village. Upon viewing the cattle heads staked out, his fists had clenched inside his gauntlets until the very metal fabric of chain mail began to crunch.

He tried to force a smile, but it would not come. He could see Idrial's eyes were beholding him and looking to him for comfort. Were he not now a mask of anger he would take her in his arms and hold her. But, that would have to wait.

"I have no thoughts of this, milady," he said at last. "Such evil is beyond me. But I do say this: if these footprints before us are a path to the ones that did this, then let us follow them and find the ones who committed this atrocity, and let them know that vengeance has come for them as I cleave their flesh from their bones!"

 

[rengadeirishman]

"By the gods." Cormac said, his sword out. "What is this devilry? Foul magic, why do the gods allow such power to exist?" he asked, addressing no one in particular. "You are right friend, O'Bonn, they must be burned, and someone or something must bleed for this." The air was foetid and foul, disgusting, such death, but few signs of physical violence. It was unnatural, and Cormac would see the perpetrator dead for it.

 

[Mantra]

Idrial and Co.

It took everything they had to coax their horses (and Gar) through the village and to the edge of the swamp. Unfortunatly, that proved to be the least of their difficulties.

They had not advanced more than ten feet into the swamp before their footing became precarious. Trees jutted out from the murky water like towers laden with moss and vines. What land there was between them proved to be thick, silt-laden mud. Worse still was the water, which could change from a foot deep to ten with only a few steps. Mud grabbed at their boots and clung to their clothing. Soon they were all struggling, soaked and filthy.

O'Bonn and Gar had the worst of it. In their heavy armor, their steps became trecherous as the swamp threatened to suck them under. Their horses too, with their packs and greater weight, were in danger of being claimed by the terrain. Even Setanta was nearly in a panic with the muck.

"There is nothing for it." Aranel said at last. "The horses cannot pass this way without, at best, completely ruining any atempt at stealth. At worse, they will die as soon as we ceace moving."

"Either we must let them loose to find their own way and trust to hope, or I can take them back towards the Mountain. I shall do my best to care for them until you return."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial agreed with Aranel's word's about the horses tho she feared for the girl on her own and so opted to trust to fate and let the horses find there own way. Even as they themselves struggled to find there footing and not be sucked under.

Grab some rope, so that we may tie ourselves together and form a chain. This way if one of us falls the other's can help pull them free. Take your wepons only what you think we will need. Aranel I agree but i'll not risk your life by leaving you alone.. well trust the horses to find a safe path, be it back the way we came twards thorn's keep or otherwise.

As she gave directions Idrial hoped she had made the right choice in deciding to come this way and prayed to the gods she wouldnt get them all killed here in this swamp.

 

[Mantra]

In the deep of the forest

K'net, of the Wood elves and Captain of the garrison under High King M'run kept keen eyes fixed to the woods around him. The trees had been disturbed as of late and being a vetran of many battles, he could feel trouble in the air. His scouts had reported that many of the monsterous beasties which shared the forest had been stirring and becoming more agressive. Usually they were smart enough to stay out of the High King's lands and more than a few had run against K'net's fort and ended with their heads on stakes outside the gates for it. But this was different, there was a fell whisper in the air and K'net had reported as much back to the High King. He had also decided to prepare for battle, if it came.

Foraging parties had been gathering food for the keep as well as preparing the men. A standing order to harass the beasts wherever they might be found had been given and already his patrols had ambushed a group of goblind taking water at a nearby stream and waylayed orcs moving about the lands. One of the ever elusive wolven beasts was also brought low, skulking about as they did. While K'net was pleased by this success, it troubled him. Why would orcs, goblins and wolven be operating in the same area. The beasts did not have any love for one another and the wolven were cowardly dogs even in the best of times. Worse still, eight of his elves, foraging parties, had failed to return. He hoped for word and renforcements from the High King.

He got them, but not as he hoped he would.

A warning trumpet sounded, calling the elves to alert. Soon K'net saw it, seventeen of his kin running towards his gates in full retreat. As he watched, three massive ogres burst from the brush, hurling stones and great handfulls of debris at the retreating elves. The two elves in the rear were brought down and the ogres fell upon them, beating and pounding with their massive fists and clubs. They trundled back towards the brush as the gates opened, letting the fleeing elves escape the monsters.

"There! There captian, LOOK!" one of the newcomers called, pointing back from where they came.
From the brush, stepped not an ogre, but a minotaur.

He was a muscular and battle scarred figure, wearing a necklace clasped around his neck with three small skulls. A metal kilt he swung round his waist, and massive metal gauntlets made from the same black metal as his shoulder pad, it had three inch long spikes out of the fist. Battle boots, big strong and covered in metal. He stood, some seven feet tall not including his horns, he was monstrous. He shook his head allowing his braided hair flow out behind him, most braids were adorned with small pieces of gold banding, some small blades. Finally, a metal mask covered the top half of his maw and his forehead.

In one hand was a huge, metal hammer which he raised above his head. His head tipped back and he let loose a bellowing war cry. All about him, the forest moved and shifted. Ogres, minotaurs and orcs appeared at either side of the hammer-wielding bull, hooting, jeering, cursing and beating an assortment of weapons against shields or chests.

"May the spirits of our ancestors be with us this day." K'net whispered, nocking an arrow to his bow.

With another bellow, the minotaur lowered his hammer towards the fort and the entire host set forth at a run which shook the whole of the forest. The first volley of arrows was let loose, bringing down many of the creatures, even at such range for none were more skilled at archery than the warriors of the wood elves. Captain K'net himself fired his yew bow once, twice, three times in rapid succession before a great burst of light exploded before his eyes. All along the battlements, similar sparks and flashes afflicted his archers. K'net shielded his eyes, which brought to his attention a new threat.

Below them, the newly arrived elves had turned on their kin, killing many with swords and knives in the back. Already they had taken the gateway and the gate swung open. From one side away from the charging beasts and as quick as snake venom came a pack of goblin wolf riders. These charged in, bolstering the trator elves as K'net's own men fought to retake the gate. K'net's bow snapped, sending an arrow through the skull of one of the traitors. Another arrow took down a wolf, who pitched its goblin rider off as the wolf fell, but the shaking of the ground reminded him of the approaching horde.

K'net knew what was going to happen and how it would end.

He jumped up and sprinted back towards one of the highest points of the wall and away from the battle. Below him, he heard the roars and screams which heralded the entry of the monsters and the death knell of his keep. Quickly he entered a tiny post with a simple desk and many perches and bird cages. He grabbed a bit of parchment and quill, spilling an ink pot in his haste. The screams and cries were nearing, the beasts were on the walls and gaining the stairs into the tree forts.

"Captain, captain!" cried one of his men. "The wall! What do we do?"

"Hold them!" K'net called back, not looking up as he scribbled. "In the name of the High King, hold to the last!"

The fighting was getting closer, his parchment was stained and his handwriting was sloppy;

Strongbow has fallen, many beasts under minotaur leader

He stuffed the note into a tube, not bothering to seal it and grabbed for a bird. His rough treatment and near panic in the air was making the birds crazy but K'net grabbed at it, hopefully not hurting the bird in his haste. He scrambled to attack the message while just outside, one of his men gave a blood curdling scream.
K'net threw the bird up as his world exploded into pain. A great and jagged iron spearhead burst from his breastplate as he was hoisted back and into the air. Back in the tiny room, K'net was the little bird flap and flutter feebly, finally making its way up and out a small hole in the roof.
K'net smiled as he caught a final glimpse of the bird fluttering into the trreetops.

Go.. K'net though peacefully, fixing that final sight in his mind, letting it blot out everything else, ignoring the pain and slaughter, even as his body was hurrled off the peak of his own tower.....

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Khan

The elves before him stepped back once he let his illusion fade. The woman looked to her associated with surprise and wonder as they in turn looked back with equal confusion.

"I do not understand," said the elf to the woman's left. “I had heard that the Mori were some sort of dragon cult, but they have not been seen nor heard of in this land for and age. They had either died out or were chased away, or so I was led to believe. Still, you have the look of the servants of the Dragon Queen of the Red Mountain. Are the Mori sequestered there secretly? Have you come to restart your cult?"

"What brought you to our forest? The Moon elves have naught to do with the Mori nor did we wish ill upon you or your Queen."

The woman raised her hand slightly, drawing silence from her companion. This time when she spoke, there was a kinder edge to her voice. "Perhaps it is time to hear your whole story warrior. What is your name?"

Khan’s eyes flashed with annoyance as the elf spoke. He did not take well to someone downgrading the glorious Mori to a simple cult. The elven woman spoke again, after silencing her companion.

“I am Khan of the Shishu people, faithful servants and guardians of the Mori dragons,” said Khan, after taking a few breaths and calming himself. “That is twice now that I have given my name, and you have yet to give yours.”

He waited a while to see if the elven woman would be polite enough to give her name or not. If she did, he would bow slightly in greeting. If not, then he proceeded.

“You wish to hear my full tale, my lady?” asked Khan. He looked up towards the sky to gauge the time, and he found that it was approaching nightfall. He turned his face back towards the woman. “The hour grows late and my tale is long. If you insist upon my telling the whole story, then I shall request that food be brought out. A tale such as mine is best told when the audience--and the storyteller--is not distracted by hunger.”

Khan had spent many years as a wandering storyteller, telling many stories that he had heard on his travels, as well as his own tale (though he did not say that it was his). It was not uncommon for storytellers to ask for food before telling their tale, for it did indeed make for a better telling when the audience and the storyteller were satiated. It was even better when the audience was starting to fall asleep after a good feast, for then their minds take the story and put images to it, provided the storyteller was good enough.

 

[Wolfsister]

Tiana absently scratched at an itchy sore on her shoulder as she squinted out from the dark alleyway in which they were currently hidden. She ignored the dripping mess that pooled slightly to the right of her, and the incessent scrabbling and squeaking of sewer rats come up to the surface to hunt for scraps. Truth to tell, she had learned to ignore far worse in her time on this world.

She stared at the window, waiting for the candle to be blown out, signaling the man's retreat from his domain for the night. She smirked as she wondered just what she would find in that room. She hoped more than anythng that it was valuable, what ever it was. Surely a rich man like that didn't keep all of his gold on his person, every where.

They were whispering in excitement again and Tiana found that she could not ignore what they were saying. "Don't wait... go now.... catch him. He's a man... he needs to be punished... even Tylar said that he whores.... what else has he done... go on, he deserves it... we'll make him pay..."

"Shush!" she grumbled, earning a sharp look from Tylar at her side. She tightened her lips and instead used her 'inner voice'. If you're not quiet, I'll loose my chance!

The voices eased and the queerily warm, oily feeling left by their presence receded somewhat from her mind. She grinned, she could still hear them in the distance, but she knew that her friends would do nothing to hurt her chances at at least being able to buy some bread without the risk of stealing it and getting caught.

The orange flicker suddenly went out. "Okay... so what now?" she asked quietly.

 

[AmenRa]

"There are high places," O'Bonn called out. "Even in a swamp," he said, looking about left and right. "There," he said, pointing. He trudged over towards a tree, sloshing as he went. He was uncurling rope as he walked, rope that he had taken from the saddle bag of his horse.

"These places," he said, stepping up so that he actually stood a few heads higher than the rest, "where the tree roots come from the water to breathe. The ground around them is not as soft, and offers some foothold. But, alas these are small footholds indeed, and we may only walk upon them as long as the roots can be seen."

He reached a gauntleted hand out to Idrial with a smile.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cormac nodded at Idrial comment. "Aye, Setanta will be fine alone, and i need naught but my sword and shield." he said, strapping his glaive securely to Setanta's saddle, and packing all his throwing axes in the saddle bag, taking only his sword, shield, and two of his knives. "I shall take point, unless another demands the honour."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial nodded for Cormac to take point trusting him and the others with her, she herself carried only her bow and arrows, a dagger and her sword. She returned O'Bonn's smile taking his offered arm up, and helping the others to do the same making sure each had done as asked in regards to the rope.

Garth was starting to feel a bit better the more distance between them and the village the better off he felt, and soon was able to walk or wade on his own.. Valathe watched Idrial and did as she was told, smiling as she watched O'Bonn and Idrial, honored to be a protector to them both should they have need.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn watched as mighty Cormac moved to take the lead of the party.

The High Warrior knew the trek through the swamp would be arduous for them now. The water, in its murkiness, gave no hint where solid ground underfoot might be. Many times already they had put foot on what appeared to be solid ground, only to sink up to their knees. And, O'Bonn did not know where the tree roots would be spaced. Although the trees were plentiful here, he knew they would soon no doubt face open areas of water. Within these ponds would be creatures that were hungry and would think nothing of eating them, armor or not.

As O'Bonn helped Idrial to the place where he stood, he looked down at her and wiped a smudge of mud from her face.

"My lady," he said, "surely there must be a way around this bog. However these creatures passed through here, I do not believe they walked upon the water. Perhaps they had small boats or some type of water animal.

"What say we rewalk our path to the village and go around the swamp instead of through it, if there is such a way around?"

 

[Mantra]

Idrial and Co.

Aranel smiled back at Idrial.
"You are kind with your concern for me, but I assure you I am quite capable." She paused to pat Idrial's horse, soothing it a bit with her attention. "Besides, I shall have our friends to look after me on our way back."

He demeanor took on a more serious edge. " I do wish to go with you, but if I am to help solve the riddles that plague my Circle, then I believe that the answers lay with the dragons of the Mountain, not within the swamp. It is they who entrusted me with my current mission, I am honorbound to fufill it before taking on other quests."
"I will take your horses back with me and keep them safe along with your posessions. Perhaps what I learn may be of greater use to you all in the future."

She looked to O'Bonn then. "You may be right Prince O'Bonn, but Master Dolomas mentioned that if we are to seek the walking dead, then we must travel into the swamps, and this is the farthest village that we know of. I fear that the trecherous path is the one to take."

Aranel took the horse reins and made her way over to Cormac, gently taking Setana's reins as well.
"Before I go," she said softly. " I was given this by my Mistress. She said I would know who to give it to when the time came. I think that person is you."
The elf druid slipped a brass ring into Cormac's hand.
"I have enjoyed our discussions. I do hope to continue them at a later time."

 

[Mantra]

Khan

The elf woman simply nodded at Khan's request.

"I am Loorna Voon, Queen of the Sylvian Moon Elves. I shall grant you your request for food and drink, but I shall also offer you the opportunity to bathe. Your encounter with the enemy is...telling."

She indicated the elf to her right.
"This is Kyrun Whysp, Sentnel to the Crown. He shall show you the way."


The other elf, Kyrun, nodded and politely indicated the direction with one hand. He led Khan off the clearing towards a patch of soft grass where the view was primarilly obscured with growing fern leaves. Above was a great waterskin with a simple mechanism to allow water to sprinkle down with a tug. A great sponge was set at his feet on a wide leaf.

The bath was refreshing, if cold and did much to wash away the blood and muck from his encounter with the blood-thing and the undead. Once he was finished, Kyrun led him back where Loorna and two others were waiting. Set on the ground was some foodstuffs, mostly bread, cheese, fruit and water, but it was more than Khan had eaten in some time.

"And so Khan of the Shishu, please tell us about the Mori and the plans on Red Mountain."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cormac clasped his hand around the ring and bowed his head. He then reached to his belt and pulled the more curved sheathed knife off. "Take this Aranel." he said pressing the leather sheath into her hand. "This knife belonged to my father, even the smallest cut that draws blood will not stop bleeding by any normal means, a gift for a gift, and use it well." He said, folding her much smaller hand around the weapon.

 

[Mantra]

Tiana

The two lurked outside the window, keeping to the shadows and activly trying to be noticed. Occasionally, one of them would nudge closer to the window, listening intently for the sound of a presence within. Given the sounds within, it was clear that Alfonzo was inside with two 'guests' and it was also quite clear as to the nature of their little get together as well. Tyler occasionally gave an embarassed grin or give an imature leer or comment.

Tiana could not help but listen in to their activities, as they were neither discreet nor propper. Alfonso was clearly agressive with, and encouraged agression from, his two partners. The sounds both sickened, angered and enraptured her at the same time. As it was, they were at it for nearly an hour before Alfonzo quite bluntly, announced that they were done and the two needed to get out. Tiana and Tyler hid as the two women turned down the alley they were lurking in a few minutes later. Both women wore long cloaks with their hoods up, but both smelled of sweat and sex and were commenting to each other sourly. Apparently, even these women were not fond of Alfonzo or his pecadillos.

After they were gone, it still took some 30 minutes of Alfonzo stomping about in his room, cursing, thumping and pacing impatiently. Finally, the light went out and the door slammed with a thud.

"Okay... so what now?" Tiana asked quietly.

"Common." Tyler said slipping up to the window. He withdrew a thin stiletto, little more than a homemade shank, but deftly inserted it into the crack between the window and sill. After a moment of fidgeting, the window popped open and the two scrambled inside.
The room was a mess and it smelled. Drapped in shadows, Tiana could see a large bed in obvious disarray. Dark spots marked the pillows here and there and there were...things, that complimented Alfonzo's fetishes present, which Tiana didn't wish to think about. A cabinate sat next to the bed and had three drawers, two of which were partly open. The wash basin was broken is several pieces. A small table and chair were off to one side with a tray of partly eaten food and several bottles on top. A few articles of discarded clothing were lying on the floor.

Tyler made his way to the plate first, snatching up something and cramming it into his mouth before tossing a piece of bread to Tiana. She also stuffed the food into her mouth without a thought, beggers and choosers and all of that. Afterwards he picked up a pair of trousers and started going through pockets, quietly exclaiming with excitement at the discovery of a few coins.
Tiana went to the cabinate, wincing a a piece of broken pottery crunched underfoot, but also snatched a ring off the countertop before sliding open one drawer.

Then of course, it happened.

Both looked up in horror as the door rattled and then opened, letting the bulk that was Alfonzo into the room.
Alfonzo was fat, but his eyes were sunken and hollow. He had a lean, hungry look which was wildly magnified by the shadows that were cast over his face because of the lantern he held in one hand. It was difficult to tell just how old he was, perhaps in his late thirties but he seemed worn and wild looking. He wore a pair of breeches and a clean, off white shirt which seemed sort of out of place on the fat man. Alfonzo's eyes squinted at Tyler, who was almost directly in front of him. He let out a snarl and swung the lantern at his head, casting wild strobe lights across the room. Tyler ducked the lantern but went sprawling when a meaty backhand connected with his jaw.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial nodded for in truth twas Aranel's choice and she would not force her to stay she let Aranel to go taking the horse's with her and bid her good journy hoping that she would arrive safely at Thorns Keep. One thing before you go Aranel.. should you see the boy Rhys at the dragon's keep tell him not to give up hope, tho our journy is long we'll not give up.. she said watcing as she moved back out of the swamp the way they had come.

She smiled as O'Bonn wiped away some of the grime of the swamp from her face and thought about his words, it might indeed be safer for them to go around if there is a way and twould take longer, but as Aranel reminded them of Dolomas's words..

We have no reasion to doubt Dolomas's words O'Bonn.. and tho we were unable to obtain a gide thru these bogs as he suggested we must make our way thru and help one another to do so... For we may go around and miss what we are seeking all together.. Sometimes the easest path is not the right one she thought, and this was not the easest or the safest.. but twas the way they needed to go she hoped.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

The elf woman simply nodded at Khan's request.

"I am Loorna Voon, Queen of the Sylvian Moon Elves. I shall grant you your request for food and drink, but I shall also offer you the opportunity to bathe. Your encounter with the enemy is...telling."

She indicated the elf to her right.
"This is Kyrun Whysp, Sentnel to the Crown. He shall show you the way."


The other elf, Kyrun, nodded and politely indicated the direction with one hand. He led Khan off the clearing towards a patch of soft grass where the view was primarilly obscured with growing fern leaves. Above was a great waterskin with a simple mechanism to allow water to sprinkle down with a tug. A great sponge was set at his feet on a wide leaf.

The bath was refreshing, if cold and did much to wash away the blood and muck from his encounter with the blood-thing and the undead. Once he was finished, Kyrun led him back where Loorna and two others were waiting. Set on the ground was some foodstuffs, mostly bread, cheese, fruit and water, but it was more than Khan had eaten in some time.

"And so Khan of the Shishu, please tell us about the Mori and the plans on Red Mountain."

Khan bowed slightly when the elven woman gave her name, and then followed Kyrun to where Khan would wash up. He wasn't about to turn down a free shower. Or a free meal. Hell, he wasn't about to turn down anything that was given to him unless he had good reason.

Once at the shower, and with Kryun out of sight, Khan removed his cloak and armor, folding his cloak neatly and setting it aside. Then Khan looked at himself. He was surprised by how much dirt and grime he had collected since his last shower, most of the mess coming from the recent fight. He was quick about cleaning himself, and once he was cleaner, he then proceeded to rinse his armor. He didn't need to scrub or anything, such was the quality of the craftmanship on his armor; nothing stuck to the armor.

In total, the shower was pretty quick, not even using half the water skin. Once done, Khan reversed the process and put his armor back on, chain mail first, then the plate armor. It had been so long since he had last removed his armor that he had forgotten what it felt like to be without it, and truth be told, he didn't like being without his armor. Once the armor was back on, he picked up his cloak, but didn't put it back on. It needed to be cleaned as well, but simply running water on it wouldn't surfice.

Khan followed Kyrun back to the clearing where Queen Loorna Voon waited. Khan's armor glittered in what light there was in the area, the engraving of a dragon on his breast plate still clearly visible. His white hair shined like the rising moon. He looked distinctly different from when he had first come to the elves; he looked more noble, more magistic. If it wasn't for the wings and his eyes, he could have easily been called Prince Charming, and human.

Khan took his seat opposite the elves, and when allowed, began to eat.

"Of the Mori, I can tell you much," said Khan, when his mouth wasn't full of food. "But of the plans on Red Mountain, I can tell you nothing."

During his wanderings, Khan had heard rumors of a dragon kingdom at Red Mountain, and he had heard enough to make him belief that the rumors were true. But he didn't dare go anywhere near Red Mountain. If he was to set foot within their territory as he was now, he was certain that he would be killed where he stood. The Mori exiled him to never return until the curse was lifted, and if he did return before the curse was lifted, he would be killed. He was sure that it was the same with the dragons at Red Mountain.

Khan sat there, eating, and waiting for the next question.

 

[Wolfsister]

Tiana screamed. It was all that she could really do. Her little arms and legs locked up with sheer terror and her brain froze in fright. This was something they had run into before, in the business of stealing things, you'd likely get caught. But hearing what she had earlier, hearing his demands and his... pleasures... had taken her back to her childhood. Back to before Tyler and his quick and easy smile.

And now, the flashbacks were even worse. It seemed that Tyler would get no help from Tiana, so locked up with fear she was. Her startling black eyes were wide, her mouth slack as she stared at the encroaching man. His meaty bulk heaved towards her, his grin hungry for both some abusing and food itself.

She couldn't let it happen... no, she couldn't let it happen again. She just wouldn't let another man touch her. A touch of resolve narrowed her eyes and she groped backwards, against the table she had her back to. A letter opener, fancy and sharp, wormed its way into her hands and she threw it recklessly.

Running lightly to past the man, giving him a wide berth, she snatched a firepoker from his delux suit's fireplace and raced towards Tyler. Once at his side, she touched him lightly on the shoulder, letting him know she was there. Then she brandished the poker at the meaty man, hoping she looked a lot fiercer than she felt.

 

[Dracona]

Ona bid Aranell a safe journey and moved to join the others. She had fashioned a small sling pack across her back that carried only some water flasks and dried travel rations. She doubted that they would find much in the way of clean water even in such a wet environment. The mud squished around her boots with each step and the dank, foetid smell of the swamp filled her nostrils, somehow welcome after the stench of the village. Still....she hated mud.

A small half smile tilted one corner of her mouth and she silently laughed at herself. All the horrors she had seen so far, all that she expected to see before this quest was over and she was concerned about a little mud.

 

[LittleSprite2]

As they continued on thru the swamps Idrial found it nearly impossable to track anything, but still continued to look for clues of any sort, some broken branches or torn spec of clothing to help point them in the right direction. So far they had met with no foul play which Idrial found disconcerting..

It ment that ether all of the creatures of this marsh were one of three things.. ether they had fled, were dead or were awaiting someones orders to attack, and in this muck it would be harder to manover should they have need. They had been going for hours and Idrial new it would be dark soon, she called ahead to Cormac to see if he could find some semblance of solid ground for them to rest the night..

she doubted as damp as it was if they could get a fire going but they needed to get there clothing as dry as they could before the tempreture dropped, tho they had decended from Thorns mountian keep and the snow had not yet come this way, it was only a matter of time before the weather changed.

..............................

Gar kept to him self and stayed as far back from the others as the rope around his waist would allow.. the full moon would be upon them when the sun went down and he was already starting to feel the effects of the change, he should have left them before when he had wondered, or at least warned them, but all he could think about lately was the sound of there hearts beating and how warm there blood would be when he...

shaking his head he tryed to block out thos thoughts, he hadnt been this much out of control sence he had first been changed.., but then too sence then he had travled alone and kept to the shadows steeling what he thought had value, and prayed on deer and other animals when the need arose.

.................

Valathe had been watching Gar sence they had gone thru the village at first worried about his sences and how over whelmed they had been, but now twas for a different reasion on occasion she notice his expression would go blank and he would watch Idrial, or O'Bonn and some of the others as tho he were a starving man and they the prime bit of beef... Valathe had sworn to give her life if need be to protect O'Bonn and Idrial and she would do so, by continuing to keep an eye on Gar..

 

[AmenRa]

In the gloom of the swamp was sadness. O'Bonn noted this in the trees, the water, and even in the occasional call of a bird. It seemed as if they had all given up and resigned themselves to the fate of existence in murky, black water and the stench of decaying bog. O'Bonn looked up to the thick canopy of trees hanging with moths and home to insects and birds.

Within the water, the air, the trees, the Fay lived. Yet here, in this place where their voice should be loud and pronounced, he heard nothing. He thought at first that perhaps they had became saddened and silent within this place. But, he knew such was not the way of the Fay, and he realized they were only watching intently, trying to foresee the journey the group would take.

Movement through the swamp was slow as they stepped from tree root to tree root. O'Bonn kept his eyes fixed on Cormac's back, watching where the warrior stepped and moved to match his stride. Occasionally, the High Warrior would reach back and take Idrial's tiny hand in his, helping her forward. He realized he looked forward to these times when he could assist her, for her touch brought great joy to his heart in this bog of dispair.

O'Bonn saw patches of dark, mossy earth in some places around the tree roots now. Perhaps mighty Cormac would indeed come upon a spot of ground large enough to hold them for a time.

 

[Mantra]

Enter Nightwing

Nightwing had been wandering for some months since his freedom was given to him by his creator. Since then, he had, well, wandered. Never having been allowed to see much more than the next battlefield or training arena, Nightwing had discovered that there was a great, wide world beyond what his master had been fighting over.
His travels had led him to new discoveries or at least new to him. He had never been able to drink beer in a tavern with other men, just because he wanted to sit and drink beer. He had never really paid attention to the birds as they chirpped in the trees or had time to wonder what was over the next mountain. All he had ever really known was the conflict he had been created for. Now that he was free, he didn't have any real purpose.

And so he just wandered.

After a few short months, Nightwing was in need of some sort of trade, some sort of way to make money. Life without his Master was expensive and while he could hunt for food or sleep under the stars as he wished, money was needed to do the things he wanted to do.
Fortuenatly, his Master had not slacked on his education. Nightwing could read just fine. He had found a notice tacked to a tree as he walked;

WANTED:

Hunters, mercenaries and sell-swords.

Bounties offered for the removal of beast monsters, plaguing settlements. Inquiries may be made at the Trade of Blades guildhouse in Trennau.

-Signed: The Lord Mayor of Trennau

 

[Mantra]

Tiana

The thrown letter opener flew wide of Alfonzo's bulk, pinging off the far wall instead. He advanced a step, glaring angrilly at Tiana as she snatched up her makeshift weapon. He held the lantern up a bit higher, casting his own features into shadow as Tiana's own shadow was projected on the wall behind her.

"You..." Alfonzo almost hissed. " I know you... I know you!" he repeated, his voice growing in both volume and irritation as his face twisted maniacally with hatred. " I know what you want! I know what you want! I'll kill ya! I'LL KILL YA!!"

He was practically screaming at Tiana now, and advanced menacingly, both hands outreaching towards her.