Dragons and Magic II: The Hunt for DreamWeaver

[Mantra]

Milaashi and Lucian

Milaashi stopped in her tracks and bowed before the men. "Please, do not be alarmed. We are simply travellers, passing through here on our way to Trennai. Is it near here?" As she raised from her bow, Milaash tried to put on the sweetest smile she could in an attempt to calm the spirits of these humanoids

The men looked at her coldly for a few moments but as one, returned their weapons to less threatening positions and relaxed somewhat. Even then, Milaashi could see they were still tense and a bit overly focused on her and her companion.

"Aye" One said finally. Trennau is but a days march from here, for all the good it will do you. So are you more bounty hunters then? Mercenaries? I don't care for your kind, but the Gods know, we need all the help Lord Byron can hire."

He spat into the fire making a sharp hiss rise from the coals.
"Damnable demon-monsters up on the mountain won't be stopped for anything if you ask me."

 

[Mantra]

Silverwolf

"Think what ya like sir but i just brought in 2 wargs pelts today plus ruffly 6 or 7 goblins."


"Yeah, yeah, you're a one beast army, i'm sure." the local sneered, not to be put off by Silver's rebuttal.

"You were probably leading 'em and just go 'em all killed so ya tried to pick up the bounty for 'em and DON'T YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON ME, ANIMAL!"

Silver sidestepped, but still felt the wet as the hurled stout splattered across his back and one shoulder. He turned to see the local rushing at him, swinging the heavy earthenware stein at him.

 

[Angelus]

Garik felt himself being overwhelmed by something as he looked at the woman. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her, to taste her lips but as he looked at her some part of him screamed out that it wasn't right, that there was something he should be doing and that this was not it. He looked at her and knew all he wanted to do was be taken away by her; that he wanted to stay here for as long as she wanted him to.

He looked down at the ground and saw the shadow of his sword poking out from his shoulder. His first reaction was to take it off, to take it off and throw it as far away as he could from this clearing, from this place of peace. His eyes widened though as soon as that thought crossed through his mind. There was no way that he would ever get rid of his sword. It had been passed down from father to son for centuries and to get rid of it would be sacrilege. But something in this place told him to do so; to get rid of it would be the best thing he could ever do.

Garik raised his head again to look at the woman and saw the smile pass over her face. He heard the words in his head, threatening to take him away. He knew that he could not let that happen and reached up to grip the hilt of his sword. He pulled it out of its sheath and pointed it at the woman.

"What are you trying to do to me? Have you brought me here to help you or have you brought me here to kill me. If it is the latter then you will find that I am not so easy to kill."

 

[wolfknight20]

SILVERFANG

silver didn't draw his sword he knew that would do more harm then good but talking had done no good so a fight it was

silver waited till the last moment then ducked down kicking the locals legs out from under him so that his momentum carried him in to the wall

then while he was getting up Silverfang tossed a gold coin to the bar keep for the trouble and slipped out the door looking for away out since the space was too tight to change in

 

[Mantra]

Idrial and Co.

Siswa and Leshare put their heads together, hissing in their own language for a few moments, Tzass also was clearly listening in, although he said nothing.

"Namessss," Leshare said finally, "we do not listen to hoomun titles or the false boassssting of Blasphemerssses. But we know Doorna, the Beassst-Cat ssspeaks for the Dead Oneses. Also they pay homage to a 'Massster', but this Massster is not Doorna. One hoomun ssspoke the name 'Maliussss', before hisss head was taken."

"We knowsss no other namessss. The Dead Onesss do not ssspeak."

"More there isses." Hissed Tzass. "Mores than Deads Onesesss. Hoomunses and Beasts-Mensesss that hides behind Deads Onesesss. It issss they whos takess the fallen awayss, backs to the Sleeping Gods caren. They whos camp aboutes the Dreaming Godsss and defile hisss sssleep."

Tzass gripped his spear tightly as Bass and Kriss nodded their own heads.

"Too many." he continued. "Too many Dead Oneses now. Wees haves notssss ssseen the caern for a full Mothersss Moon."

"I agree with O'Bonn's words, if your people have no wish to guide us then perhaps there is one who may draw us a map." Idrial said at last.

Again the Lizardlings joined together, hissing and growling as they contemplated. They finally seperated, sitting back to look at the group with their shining eyes.
"Wees will helpses youss." Siswa finally announced. "We will lead yous to the Dreaming God and fight, but now isss a time for sssleep. Even with our helpses, the land hasss more dangerses for you than just Dead Ones. Ssstay, sleepses under my roof tonight."

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn smiled at the leader's words. He touched the pendant he wore, the gold figure of a dragon inscribed with ancient Elven script. He thought of his home in the Great Northern Lands, and of his mother, who's smile could light up the darkest night. He thought of his father, sitting mightily on his throne. He thought of his sister, who taught healers to use good magic, yet could take up a bow and lead an army.

Then O'Bonn looked to Idrial, and he smiled at her, and he reached for her hand.

A long journey they had taken together. And still there was a long one before them.

And O'Bonn had no wish to soon part ways with this half-Elf/half-Human woman he had come to care so much for.

 

[LittleSprite2]

We thank you Lord Siswa, and your people for your aid, and once again for your hospitality. Tomrrow we shall start out, you are right sleep is needed now. Idrial awncered in responce to Siswa's words when he spoke once more to them after debating with his people on which corse to take.

She felt O'Bonn's hand brush hers and opened her hand to his so that he could hold it, and turned to looking at him for a moment a small smile lighting her eyes and mouth as her eyes rested on him. They had come such a long way, and still had futher yet to go...

She remembered there first meeting, and his arrogance in thinking she could not understand the elven toung, tho many half breeds could not. He had grown to care for and perhaps love one another durning there travels.. Love??? yes that was what she was begining to feel, but for now those feelings would need be kept..

Even should they survive there battle with Dream Weaver, there was still the fact that he was an elven prince, and one of there best fighters she was and always would be a half breed to some, and not to be tolorated...... She was infact surprised that he and the heler had not tryed to kill her on sight..... tho at the time they were more interested in Rhys.

 

[Dracona]

Ona sat fingering the small pouch on her belt thoughtfully. Tonight would be the last chance to see what the contents could do to help her, and perhaps in helping her help the party’s quest along. She would wait until the village had settled down for the night and then she would slip away. Somewhere out at the edge of the village boundaries, near the swamp perhaps, so that if things got out of hand she wouldn’t endanger anyone.

She glanced around at her companions and their hosts. She would have to be careful not to cause undue alarm in warriors of the Lizardmen. She didn’t want to end up with a spear in her chest. She would say to the Chieftain, Siswa, that she was going off to meditate, for strength in the upcoming conflict. Ona gave a mental shrug, from what Phalanx had said that was basically all that the stones were for, helping her focus her talents. The risk was in her memories surfacing. That was where danger could lie.

Taking a deep breath she let it out slowly. She would tell the others her intent soon. So that they would be prepared if she became a danger.

 

[Bladesman]

"What do we do now? Well now we wait. There is one other I seek and he is around here. Observe."

Draken withdrew the enchanted dagger from its sheath and spun it in his hand. It spun several times and came to rest pointing toward tavern. He grinned slightly and pointed to the tavern. "He is in that direction, watch the door, he will be coming out."

A moment later a figure (silverfang) came out through the door and the dagger blade moved with it. Draken pointed to the figure, then began to follow it slowly along the rooftops motioning to Tiana to follow him.

 

[wolfknight20]

Silverfang took off for the nearest spot he knew of that was safe he had not gone far when he had the feeling he was being followed so he slipped in to a ally to wait he removed his sword from its scabbarded and slipped into the shadows

 

[LittleSprite2]

The evening at an end so that they could all get some rest they were all placed into one hut for secutity reasions, tho the lizard men would help them they were only allies for the time being and still not to be trusted.

The hut they were placed in however was devided into 3 rooms.. one contained a fire pit for cooking warmth ect there was one window in each room for ventalation.. the other two looked as tho they had been prepaired for sleeping.

one may have been a dinning room at one time but the table if there ever was one had been removed. There were matts, and blankets for each of them rolled up in the corner of the room and some wood to build a fire for the night.

Once the door was closed behind them and bared Idrial turned to face the others. Seeing O'Bonn she wanted to move into his arms and have him hold her, but waited knowing that perhaps once they bedded down that she could go to him or he could come to her.

She moved her gaze from O'Bonn meeting Valathe's eyes, Ona's, Cormic's and asked. What are your thoughts? I value your opinions and would hear what you have to say. she ment her words, this was the first oprotunity they had had to speak with each other sence there capture.

Cormic she knew was most likely still angry with Idrail for asking him to back down, but it was true that an even greater fight lay ahead of them.. Valathe she watched go to build up the fire, and Ona seemed lost in thought as tho she were debating something..
......................

Valathe had been quiet and moved to begin placing logs in the fire pit so that she could start a fire for there warmth to ward off the damp and chill the night was sure to bring.

She heard Idrial's words and thought back over these recent events, and knew that if they had done differently they would have died. There wasnt anything else you could have done.. if you had we would now be dead.. and if you like i'll take first watch tonight..

 

[Dracona]

Ona had followed the others inside and looked around at the accommodations. Perhaps she would be able to conduct her experiment right there, in the safe company of her friends. She selected a mat and blanket and unrolled them near the firepit. She had no need for the privacy of a separate room and would leave them for the others. She sat on her sleeping mat for a moment watching Valanthe prepare to build a fire then raised her blue eyes to gaze intently at Idrial.

“In truth, Lady, our fight was not with these creatures and you were right to avoid a confrontation. They are just as much at risk as the other people’s of this land, and they are just as afraid. A warrior who feels helpless is a dangerous creature. Perhaps, if we are victorious it will go far toward repairing their view of other races of people.”

Crossing her legs comfortably Ona reached for the pouch containing the crystals that had been so much on her mind. She tipped them into her hand and studied them for a bit before laying them in front of her on the blanket. She then took her dagger from its sheath and lay it on the floor beside the sleeping mat.

“I will sleep here in the main room” She stated not looking up from the glimmering crystals. They looked harmless enough, but they made Ona feel a bit nervous. She had no idea what they would do once set in action. There was no choice but to find out though, they had been given to her for a reason. “I am going to attempt to focus my talents with the gift given me before we left the Keep. I do not know what will happen with them, and I do not wish to keep any from their rest. I would just ask that whoever stands watch take whatever actions they deem necessary to stop me if the need arises.”

She glanced up finally and looked each of her companions frankly in the eye. She didn’t need to repeat her concerns for the safety of others due to any lack of control on her part. She was placing her ultimate trust in their instincts and abilities. She would not be allowed to endanger any innocent as long as she was under the watchful eyes of one of these honorable warriors.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn watched Ona and listened to her words.

He shifted his gaze from Ona to Idrial, then to Valanthe, to Cormac, and back to Ona. He then gave a little laugh and shook his head.

"Harsh words from someone who's heart is so pure," he said to her. He sighed with mischief, "but if it be necessary, then I shall remove your head and feed it to the serpents in the swamp."

The High Warrior then moved close to Idrial and took her hand in his as he watched Ona prepare her magic.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial nodded her agreement as O'Bonn spoke and awncered when he was finnsihed and took her hand once more. If the need arises I will do what is necessary.

.........

Valathe stood and smiled at Ona she had liked her from the begining sence Phalax had put them in the same chamber at the Dragons keep. It seemd so long ago and yet not that they had all come together. I have first watch .. and you have my word.

 

[Dracona]

“Hopefully, it will not come to that.” Ona said, giving O’Bonn a crooked grin. “I do hate getting muddy….”

She looked at Idrial and Valanthe and her smile grew warmer at their words. There was a strange tightening in her chest. No matter what happened, she was privileged to have known and fought beside each of them.

Her gaze rested on Valanthe's face, lingering thoughtfully on the curve of her mouth for a long moment. Then she released an almost inaudible sigh and turned her attention back to her task.

Picking up one of the crystals she brought it up beside her left temple as she remembered Phalanx had done when he had given them to her. There was a slight tugging feeling and the stone slipped from her fingers giving off a pinkish glow as it began to circle her head in a slow orbit. Phalanx had been right, this would definitely attract too much attention if she were trying to be more stealthy. She took the other stone and set in place beside her right temple. There was the same tugging feeling and the glowing crystal began to circle her head at a slight angle and in the opposite direction of the first stone.

The pinkish glimmer intensified and spread outward and Ona’s seated form was soon enclosed in a faint bubble of light. Her eyes drifted shut and a long breath escaped her parted lips.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Valathe watched as the others grabbed there bedrolls and went to find some place to rest there heads until they were awakened ether for there turn at watch or battle. She smiled at Ona's words remembering holding her up as she pretended to be unconshous while they were brought to the lizard's holdings.

Seeing O'Bonn and Idrial's affection for each other as O'Bonn took her hands in his as they left the room. She knew there people would object, she herself had nothing against Idrial even with her half blooded heratage for she as well as Ona, and Cormic had proven worthy allies.

She kept her ear's open to the sounds outside of there hut, and sat across the fire from Ona as she begain holding up the crystals one by one and they begain to circle each other around her and her eyes closed.

 

[Mantra]

Garik

The woman lept away as Garik's sword came free and scrambled back towards the safety of the nearby trees.

"I did not wish to hurt you!" she cried back at him. "I only wished for you to stay and protect me!"

She pressed her back against the nearest tree standing at the very edge of the clearing, ready to bolt away if need be. Her dark eyes watched Garik fearfully, but there was also a touch of anger in them.

 

[Mantra]

Silverfang

Silver lurked in the shadows, waiting but it was not long before a man appeared in the alley. Silver quickly recognized the local from the tavern who seemed to be searching the back streets. In one hand he carried a makeshift club, which seemed to be little more than a broken piece of wood with a nail or two jutting from one end.

 

[wolfknight20]

Silverfang sat in the shadows hoping the local would pass by if he didn't he'd have no choice but to kill him and find a quick way out of town

 

[Bladesman]

Draken grinned slightly as he saw a local searching for the same figure that he was tracking. He looked at the sword in Silverfang's hand then at the club in the local's hand then shook his head. He pointed the scene out to Tiana and signalled to her to stay put. He put a hand to his amulet and slowly and silently levitated to the ground about ten feet behind Silverfang. He spoke quietly, quietly enough that Silverfang would have to listen closely to hear him.

"There is an easy way to do this, you know. If you have a ranged weapon use that. Otherwise, move out of the way and I'll handle it, then you can come with me. "

 

[wolfknight20]

Silverfang herd the voice behind him and guessed he was 15 feet or less back but didn't dare to turn around

he answered no he did not have a ranged weapon but he fought his own battles and would do so now

at this moment the local saw silver and charged silver jumped to the wall running along it

as he got to the local he jumped of the wall into the air and brought his sword down with all is strength it sliced into the poor mans head and split him from forehead to the center of his chest

ripping his blade from the misguided drunk he turned on the unknown who had been behind him

he walked back to the a respectable distance of 8 feet from him and saw that this was no human it was a drow one of the more war like clans at that

silver stopped and asked who are you why are you following me and what do you want he knew it was rude but he was still in his battle fury so manners meant little at the moment.

 

[Bladesman]

Draken grinned and held his hands out to she he bore no weapons in his hands. Though what Silverfang didnt know was that two daggers were hidden in his sleeves and would slide into his hands with ease. The other thing he didnt know was that Draken held the powers of a warlock and would unleash them should the figure try to attack him.

"Calm yourself. If I had meant to kill you, would I have announced myself to you? Or would I have offered to help you? Think about it for a moment." Draken stopped for a moment to let the figure before him consider what he had said.

"Now you asked who I am, why I am following you and what do I want with you? Well my name is Draken Shadowlord, I am Prince of the city of Shadows. I am following you because I was ordered to and I was told to offer you to join us by an ancient organization of which I do not know the name."

 

[wolfknight20]

silver glared at the drow as he introduce his self then asked what was in it for him and asked if drak knew what he was talking to

 

[Dracona]

“She’s a special child.” A voice was saying. Ona could hear them as she lay on her scratchy pallet in the loft. The strangers had come to their farm just as evening fell and stood speaking to her parents in the small main room of their cabin. “It will be difficult raising one such as her, the others of the village will never understand. They will think her part demon; they will drive you all out. You have other children to consider.”

Ona the child knew they were talking about her. She hadn’t meant to set the cow shed on fire. She’d just been so angry it had just happened, she didn’t know how she just knew it was her fault.

“We can train her to control her gifts.” The soft, deep voice continued. “And of course you will be handsomely compensated.”

There was a gasp and a jingling of coins. Even at her young age Ona knew her fate was sealed. With winter coming, a new shed to build and another babe on the way there was no question of turning the offer down.

“We’ll tell her in the morning…” Ona’s stepmother had started but one of the visitors had interrupted.

“We must be on our way tonight.” The voice had been hard and cold compared to the other one. “Choose now.”

The choice had been made and Ona had been roused from her place in the loft. The other children hadn’t even stirred. Her father had looked at her wistfully for a moment before tousling her flame colored hair and telling her to be a good girl. The kinder looking of the two visitors had placed Ona before him on his horse and they had hurried off into the darkness.

How long they traveled Ona was never sure. She was given the task each evening of gathering wood and to her delight she had been taught to light the fire with a simple thought. The kind one spoke softly to her of their destination, the great school where she would become an apprentice. The other man never spoke to her, barely glanced at her the whole time they traveled. His eyes were constantly on the woods around them. He never slept until they reached their destination.

It was true what the man had said, she was taught control. She learned many a harsh and often painful lesson, all of which came back to her in the glow of the pink crystals. And when she had learned control she began new lessons. She learned how to use her talents….to kill.

Seated on her sleeping roll beside the fire Ona grimaced in remembered pain. Sweat began to bead on her forehead and trickle down the side of her face. A single spark snapped off the end of her braided hair. It made a small ripple as it came into contact with the faint bubble of light that surrounded her, unable to pass through it.

 

[Bladesman]

"Whats in it for you? That I do not know, I wasn't told. I was told to find you and bring you to meet them. Hmm, by the way you ask that question about whether or not I know what I'm talking to. I am going to say that you aren't what you appear. Part wolf perhaps? Or perhaps you are part dragon or demon?"

Draken looked intently at the figure before him as he tried to figure out what all the person before him was.