Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

Elf Homeland of Idoor

Allontree stood before King Enos, her father, in the elven throne room. He was a tall, slim man with silvery hair that reached down to his waist. His clothing was rich, in reds and silvers colors, the silver matching his hair. He sat upon the throne … and stared at her, anger in his eyes.

“You have disobeyed me … and now most of the elf company has been killed!” The king said quietly, firmly and with a great deal of disappointment.

Allontree had sensed something was amiss in the forest, something very wrong. She had thought perhaps it was the approach of the dragon or deathsknight. But no, it had been the Garliks, she knew that now. Hidden breath the ground … under the forest so that she could not sense them directly, it had been a cunning ploy.

Her gently blue eyes stared at her father; she graced him with a node of agreement.

“Only 10 have survived … but the company saved the town of Bulkenhold and has protected the band of heroes. Their deaths were not in vein. The heroes will make it to the falls in relative safety now." She stated, then she continued “Father … trouble is threatening, I know you can sense it"

A look of worry and deep thought crossed King Enos' face “I fear for our people, Allontree." He said in sadness. "The Elves will not help in this battle! I will not risk more lives. It was my pride and arrogance … that lead to disaster last time … that was how I lost your mother … I will not follow that path again."

“Father your mind is consumed with the worry, and fear for our people, but without our help the whole world is doomed. It will become extinct! We must join this fight! There is no other ways to avoid this fate!” Allontree said her voice full of passion.

“NO” Eno said … stand up from his throne. His eyes in flame with anger. “No elf will join this effort … Do I make myself clear … This is my royal command!”

There was silence in the throne room. A long silence as the two looked at each other. Finally, Allontree said ““Yes father”

She bowed,turned and walked out of the throne room. She headed straight to the elven gardens …She needed to think and that was the best place. She entered the gardens and walked without purpose along its many paths for several hours. Finally, she entered a clearing, with a waterfall and small pond. It was more like a grotto actually. The trees around the grotto held back the encroaching shoreline and only let in small shafts of light. On one side, the waterfall fell over a rock formation, and tumbled down creating a mist before reaching the pond. The water was unbelievably clear, and the scent of orchids filled the grotto. One of the shafts of light hit the mist and formed a beautiful rainbow. Multi-colored butterflies danced around the grotto in joy, adding to the beautiful scene.

In the pond, knee deep in the water … was a woman. She looked human, but she was an Illumian. Tall and lean, with long legs and strong-looking arms, her long, red hair flowed about her head. She appeared to be studying the rainbow.

“What are you doing, Megan Frostblood?” the princess asked.

 

[SexyRuinian]

Megan is focused intently on the colors fracturing off the droplets of water and forming the rainbow. In her eyes the colors swirl and change patterns relentlessly. As she studies these patterns the runes circling her head whirl faster the more she concentrates. Each rune is shaped slightly different and pulse with a different amount of light, but one is brighter than the others. It is her first power sigil, one of the runes that control every aspect of her life. It is the Vaul, or soul, sigil and is supposed to mean that she has compassion for all life.

When the young Elven woman walks up behind Megan, the warlock doesn't flinch or even turn around. Her intense, and slightly glowing, grey eyes don't even leave the rainbow. Instead, she speaks in a very calm and controlled voice.

"I am looking for a word of power within the depths of this rainbow. There is so much magical essence in your homeland and so much power in areas such as this. It is my theory that all such places must contain words of power. They must merely be seen by those who's eyes can take in such raw magical essence. Once the word of power is found, it can be researched and then presented to the Cabals for verification." Her voice has an odd mixture of hard edges and soft feminine tones. It is easy to see that her intellect is high enough to continue her research and hold a conversation as well.

After another few moments she finally blinks and looks away from the rainbow and pool. Blinking a few more times as she looks around to clear her eyes of the brightness and beauty of the rainbow, she turns to face the young Elven woman. She immediately notices the lines of worry on the smooth, beautiful face of the girl.

"What bothers you this day, Princess?" Her voice carries no hint of concern nor resentment. It is a mere question out of politeness and can easily be seen as such. The Vaul sigil near her forehead blinks in and our a couple times and then continues to glow. Megan, for her part, ignores the runes and continues to hold her gaze on the Elven girl.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas slapped aside another little whatsit, turning slowly about and knocking over a thin aspen tree along the side of the clearing as he did so. Damn these little creatures! Nas could have ended this battle with one exhalation for cleansing fire, incinerating the whole lot of pests with one huff, but all these little 'allies' would have been burned as well. Nas supposed that might have been a bad thing (although at the moment, he did not see how) and so he had to carefully move about, fighting at a fraction of his ability; a little flick here, a little flick there. It was no frustrating.

"Nas stop killing the humans and elves I rise, they're helping us."

Nas snorted. Dead things making dead things to fight other dead things. Didn't any of these wretched lesser creatures understand that dead meant staying dead? And so now here he was being lectured by some unliving thing for keeping dead things from sneaking about...that's gratitude for you...

"Well excuse me.." the dragon grumbled, sarcasm dripping off his words. He stepped down, crushing an embattling zombified elf and garlic together.

"Oops..."

Nas was going to say something else when stars burst in his head again but this time, the blow had been lessened by his horns. The sudden jarring revealed one of the undead ogres yanking on his horn or some such thing, which only served to make the dragon rather peevish.
Nas's head jerked forward, yanking the club out of the ogre's hands but the creature had no time to react as the dragon's jaws clamped down on the ogre's midsection. The creature was lifted off the ground, pinned between the swordlike teeth of the dragon. The ogre was too thick to simply be bitten in two and its undead stature prevented the grievous injuries from actually killing the thing. Even trapped as it was, the ogre pounded on the dragon's lip and muzzle, trying to damage the dragon or force Nas to let go.

Nas tried to snap the ogre in two, but the sheer size and mass of the ogre made that feat difficult. The pounding of ogre fists was not helping the matter either. Worse still, these ogres also tasted horrid! Was there nothing worth eating in this stupid forest?
Nas had had enough, raising his head high, Nas huffed deeply. Red and orange flames flickered and licked around his mouth, spilling from between his teeth and flashing out from his nostrils. The ogre within his jaws flailed and thrashed as the smell of burning flesh drifted downward. A few more quick huffs and the smoldering, crippled ogre was flung downward, crashing to the ground ant Nas's feet with bone crushing force.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Elf homeland of Idoor

“My father continues to be …” she paused searching for the right word “misguided.”

Allontree had always enjoyed talking to Megan Frostblood. She was Illumian, and Illumians were a most interesting race. They studied everything, no matter how simple, even rainbows. The race was a young one … begun a few centuries ago by a monk, scholar, and powerful wizard who lived in a far-off island monastery. The monk had been translating ancient magic texts, when he noticed certain patterns. Over time, he developed his own language, based on these magical expressions. He called this language, invented from the bones of long-dead languages, Illumian. As he spoke the language, magical power was created. He developed a ritual of words that would transform any human who heard it into a creature infused with the power of the Illumian language. He called this “The Ritual of Words Made Flesh” Through the ritual, what was once human would become illumian -- the Illumian language in tangible, humanoid form.

He performed the ritual on himself, becoming the world's first illumian. He quickly shared his discovery with the humans living in the monastery, and they too became illumians. Only after creating several hundred illumians did he begin to worry that the Ritual of Words Made Flesh could be twisted to other purposes, creating less useful transformations or even utterances that would destroy those who heard them.

Thus there were not many illumians … but they trended to travel a lot, to study events and items. Illumian studied things to find the magical word that is the basis of that thing. Like Megan had been doing with the rainbow.

Something about a rainbow was tugging at her mind. There was a solution to her problem and the rainbow was trying to show her the answer. But it was not clear to her. So she decided to talk to Megan about rainbows.

“Rainbows … are caused by light that is being refracted by the beads of water … light is bent by the water to form the rainbow … the colors seen by a human eye, are in a particular sequence.” Allontree said “red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet”

Megan nodded in agreement. But how would finding the hidden magic word of a rainbow persuade her father or the elves to fight the evil that was going to invade the human and elven lands? Then it hit her. She knew what the rainbow was trying to tell her.

The light was bent by the water. Light is made up of many colors. Together they are bright and powerful. Like the band of heroes coming to visit. Each is a different color, but together they are powerful. Powerful enough to chase away the darkness? Maybe not, but with the help of the elven magic … maybe! The elves would be like the water. It was her job, the elf’s job to glue the heroes, the colors, together. She knew what she must do.

“Megan, I have been puzzling on a very serious problem and the rainbow has given me a way to solve it. It also involves you. My misguided father does not want any elves to help a band of heroes coming to visit us in the next few days. But it is critical that we help them, the human and elven kingdoms are in grave danger. I feel it may even be bigger than that. This threat maybe against this entire world. Since elves cannot assist directly, I was hoping an illumian could. There are two magic items that these heroes will need.” Allontree paused … thinking … sensing the fates … before she continued “and I think they will also need YOU. Are you willing to join them on this important quest?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Mintoaur and the Dragon

As the ogre’s body was burning on the forest floor, the light it gave off allowed Zarik to see clearly.

“Finally … SOME LIGHT!!” he said. But to his disappointment the battle was basically over. The few remaining garliks were being killed by the elves and … undead elves. He had not noticed them before, but deathsknight must have brought some of the recently killed elves back to life to fight against the garliks. The thought was disturbing, but they had been badly outnumbered, the tactic probably saved all their lives!

He looked for the members of their party, and everyone seemed to have survived; Deathsknight, Prrip, Bronwyn, Isola, and Nas. The dragon looked a bit funny with the wooden club still stuck on his horns. Zarik, his armor still covered in dents and bite marks, limped over to the Dragon. Nas had saved his life when he was buried under garliks … and something had to be said.

“Nas” He said “I wish to thank you for saving me …those garliks had me in a tight spot …I appreciated the help ...thanks for watching out for another member of the herd.”

The minotaur looked at the club on the dragon’s head and pointed with one of his hands. “Do you need any help removing the wooden club in your horns?” He asked.

As he asked that question to Nas … Isola joined them and whispered to the minotaur “Hey cuttie! Nice necklace!”

 

[DeathsKnight]

The two ogres lay dead, their legs cut off at the knee and their heads missing their bodies. The evil magic was lessening and Maut walked to the group that was gathering around the dragon, most of the remaining elves was staring at their risen countrymen, their friends. Maut kind of understood why they stared in horror at the rissen, dark magicks have been blamed for rising the dead and making them kill people, but these risen was so fresh that their souls still lived inside the husk, so when Maut releases them, they will move on. He stopped close to the remaining elves,

"They are still your family, your friends. This will be your last chance to greet them before I let the magic release them to be free. Do not scorn them, they gave their lives and in their death they saved your lives."

Two or three of the elves tentatively moved closer, while the undead themselves started their parting rituals, Maut turned away and moved over to inspect the charred remains of the ogre,

"Well done Nas, you really lit his fire."

The remaining bodies was undead, no power to be had there, but when he released the undead elves and humans their energy would become his as their souls would join his lady.

 

[SexyRuinian]

Megan continues to study the rainbow while Allontree speaks of its colors and how it is made. When the girl speaks of her father not wanting the elves to help, Megan finally turns to face her and listens intently. In the normal Illumian manner, Megan listens to everything the girl has to say before speaking.

"Us Illumians have a long history of sticking to our own problems. Our leaders say that the rest of the world's problems are not ours. But I am of a different opinion. I think that all life needs one another to prosper. Therefore, I will help you with this." Her tone is all at once soft and hard edged.

The eldritch light behind her eyes begins to glow and its easy to see that this is a subject that is somewhat sensitive to her. The glowing sigils above her head slow to a mere crawl in their rotation of her head when she stops studying the rainbow. She looks squarely at Allontree and folds her arms over her chest.

"What do you need me to do?" Her tone is confident and eager. Help is something she has trained herself to give freely and she doesn't display the normal hesitance that most Illumians do when confronted with this sort of request.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Elf homeland of Idoor

Allontree was relieved. Megan was willing to help.

“Praised the gods!” She said “The two magic items are a special key called Hissreel KuRuck, from the dragon language meaning “stone breaker” and the other item is the Codex of Ardel” She explained. “You will need to guide the heroes to the last known hiding place of these items, The Tomb of Ardel.

The Tomb of Ardel is located to the south of Palamar in the dense swamps of Dead Forest. The swamps are wild and full of lizardman, nagas, and other dangers. A place of mystery that we elves know very little about. The closest human town near the Tomb is Fourwinds. The tomb was built many years ago by a very powerful Wizard name Ardel. The Tomb is a series of passages and chambers that descend from the swamp deep underground. The wizard had been friends with many creatures … including dragons, so the passageways are wide enough for even a dragon to traverse. In fact, dragons treat the site as a shrine … a most revered and important place ... for those terrible creatures full of draconic history and lore” Allontree face took on a serious look, one of dread.

“It will not be an easy task …there will be dangers, but you and the heroes are our only hope!”

 

[SexyRuinian]

Megan smiles radiantly at the young Elven woman and nods slowly. "My kind specializes in magic items, and most of my kind know of Ardel. He was a Human wizard who dealt with powers far beyond any reasonable range. I daresay that this will be more dangerous than any of us can imagine. But who better to lead an expedition into his tomb than an Illumian! " Megan's voice is melodic and full of bravado as she talks of the magical prowess of her race.

Taking one last look at the rainbow, the red head wades out of the thigh deep water and onto drier land. Stepping up in front of Allontree, she extends her and towards the girl. "I will lead your heroes in and out of the tomb as safely as I can manage. We will retrieve your magic items and help you save the world. After all, there are many more subjects I would like to study before everything circles the drain!"

 

[Mantra]

Nas

As soon as it had begun, the fight was over. The little whatsits either slunk away or perished at the hands of the group.

“Nas” The minotaur said. “I wish to thank you for saving me …those garliks had me in a tight spot …I appreciated the help ...thanks for watching out for another member of the herd.”

Had that been what he had done? Nas pondered. True, he had helped the minotaur escape from the throng of enemies when he was down, but well... Ok, maybe he did save the minotaur, but it was probably an accident..

“Do you need any help removing the wooden club in your horns?” The minotaur asked, pointing towards the club on the dragon’s head.

Nas's eyes tried to follow to where Zarik's finger pointed and only just caught a glimpse of a bit of wood out of the corner of his eye. Having been reminded of the offending bit of wood, the dragon awkwardly managed to pry the club free, then tossed the think over his shoulder, letting it crash into the forest behind him.

"Well done Nas, you really lit his fire." said the Death Knight, walking over to join the little group gathering at Nas's feet. For the second time, Nas was complimented for doing what usually terrorized the locals. Being completely unused to such positive attention, and suddenly feeling rather awkward, Nas only grunted in acknowledgement.

"Yes, well, so what was that all about anyway?" the dragon asked to no one in particular. "Just what were those things anyway?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola grunted in disgust “Garliks … they are from a kingdom to the east … They killed my last lover … The kingdom of Palamar has been at peace with them for almost 100 years. They have honored the peace treaty, and are seldom seen outside their lands. Not sure what they are doing so far west? And I have never seen them rise out of the ground before.”

Captain Irtheel

Captain Irtheel was still alive and had taken deathsknight advice. The dead knight had use a dark magic to raise the dead. It was a magic forbidden to elves, but what was done was done. It was awkward as he bid goodbye to his second, 1st Lt Jarwym, he promised to help care for the dead elf’s wife and new son. Tears ran freely from the captain’s eyes. The zombie elf nodded and they shook hands. Then Irtheel fell to the ground, his face in his hands, he wept for all that had been lost. Finally, he recomposed himself he sat up and looked at the remains of his company, 10 elves had survived. He thought it had been fewer. The ambush had been perfectly timed. Had it not been the warning yell from deathsknight, 50% of the elves would have died in the first few seconds of the battle.

Had that been the enemy’s plan? Kill the company of elves and as many of the others as possible. The elves of Idoor would have blamed it on deathsknight, or the dragon, or both. At the very least, making the two races/groups distrust each other even more!

He looked at the band of lower races he had been ordered to escort. They had been the heroes of the ambush. Saving elves, slaying the ogres, even saving him. They had been heroes. He would not have thought it was possible. It seemed heroes came in all shapes and sizes. He watched as the human concubine, still dressed in her green corset vest and tight black leather shorts/leggings, joke with the Minotaur, calling him cute.

He had ordered her to hide in the forest. Instead she had attacked two ogres, armed only with some small daggers. The others had done the same. The 4 foot tall leopard human had saved the dragon! How was that even possible? The small creature went on to kill numerous garliks, and brought down an ogre! The minotaur had saved both right and left flanks from certain collapse, and saved him. The dragon … the one he had called evil … had killed the ogres and smashed garliks. The half elf ... the person he and others had made impertinent remarks, had killed more garliks then the minotaur. Her skill with the magic blade had not only defended the southern approach of the camp site, but she had killed EVERY garlik there. It had not been pretty, the elves along her sides had been covered in the garlik gore, but she had saved them.

This band of heroes was special and for some reason the enemy did not want them to join up with the elves. Well, the enemy’s plans would fail. He personally would see to that. He stood up, proudly, confidently. This ambush may have been a disaster with 80% of his company dead, but it changed his attitude and he would do everything possible to change the elven attitude about the lower races when they got to the Falls of Enos.

He marched over to the assembled heroes.

“Tenkel” Irtheel said using the elven word for honored friend “Honored friends” He continued bowing on one knee, “I have been foolish and arrogant. Please forgive my past words. They were spoken out of unwise misprespections. I speak for all the remaining elves of this company. You saved us and did so regardless of the careless insults we had pitched upon you.”

He looked to the ground in shame “Please grant us another opportunity … please allow us to act as true elves … respecting all life and honoring all creatures irrespective of their shape or size. Can we start a new?” He asked.

The minotaur was closest to the elf on one knee and bend down and grab him … yanking him completely off the ground … so he was dangling infront of him.

“There is a minotaur saying … It’s not the weapon that fights the fight, but rather the bull's heart… I think you may have just learned that … we accept your apology and would love to start a new.” Zarik said with a big smile on his face … he hoped he spoke for everyone … as he gently placed the Captain back on the ground.

Isola leaned over to Bronwyn and whispered “Are these really minotaur saying … or is the bull just making this stuff up? … The only minotaur saying I know is the one about the size of a minotaur’s” she cleared her throat trying to think of a polite word “ … wonder wand? … tallywacker? … is related to the size of his horns.” Isola giggled. Then she looked it Zarik's horns. "oh my!" she gasped.

 

[DeathsKnight]

"They rose from the ground because they raised the dead from a long passed battle. A battle they lost."

He noticed that the elves had said they're farewells and with a word the bodies was released from the magic and fell to the ground, energies released and Maut raised his hands, accepting the energies as the bodies seemed to melt into the ground.

"The Garlics will be back. They wanted me to join them, a war is coming, that much is becoming obvious. Unless we can prevent it."

He tilted his head,

"My lady has no wish for demons to rule, the one I killed proved their kind to be foul."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Bronwyn glanced about her as a somber quiet fell over the company. Like the others, she and Prrip stepped closer to the dragon, as if some unspoken accord guided everyone to regroup there. Her feet found their own way as her gaze fell with regret upon the scene of the dead but risen elves saying their final farewells to their comrades.

From her youth raised among elves, she knew how they felt about death and the dark magick that had raised these souls to continue the fight. Her eyes welled up with tears of sympathy for the fallen elves. It was true that some of them had offered her insult because of her mixed race, but that didn't mean she wished them any ill, let alone a fate such as this. They would never return to their families. Their wives and children would be awaiting a homecoming that would never come now. Her heart was heavy as she tried to clean the worst of the blood and gore off herself and the magic sword. A quick pass of her hand over her arm smeared fresh blood on her skin, and the sting that came with it told her that she had been cut in the battle and hadn't even realized it.

As she pulled out a strip of cloth to bind her wound, she turned to look at her feline companion. Bronwyn shuddered at the site of the leopard woman covered in blood and gore. She had blood dripping from her jaws, and wore a scarlet 'bib' of blood down her chest. Both of her forearms were covered in blood to her elbows, and her fur was splattered with it all over. It was impossible to tell if the blood was all that of her enemies or if some of it came from her. Bronwyn reached out to her and asked quietly, "Prrip, are you hurt?"

Prrip regarded the half-elf with solemn amber-green eyes, seeming to search her friend's soul with that gaze. Bronwyn fought the urge to look away, and at last the leopard woman reached out to clasp her shoulder, as was her way of greeting a friend, Bronwyn had learned. She returned the 'salute/greeting' and nodded her understanding that Prrip was okay enough not to need any help.

At the Captain's heartfelt plea, Bronwyn turned to listen. She knew the word he used, but was surprised to hear him use it as he addressed them. At first she thought it was the prelude to another jibe or insult at their expense. But his words rang with the raw edge of emotion that convinced her of his sincerity. The powerful plea to give him and his kind a new chance to make a fresh beginning touched her inside, and her tears welled up anew.

Zarik responded to the Captain's speech, and Isola whispered her query. Bronwyn didn't want the beautiful human woman to see her crying like a baby, so she wiped angrily and quickly at her tear filled eyes, managing only to leave blood smears across her cheekbones and temple. It almost gave her the look of being painted in some gory war paint, but it was unintentional. She tried to offer a smile in response to Isola's jest, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Her heart wasn't truly in it. Despite the treatment she received from many elves, she did not hate them. She had grown up among them, always wishing she could be truly elven, rather than an outcast among them.

The Captain's entreaty touched her. Here was an elf who was asking her for a chance to be friendly to her, to become allies. She wasn't sure what to say. But the last thing she wanted was to step forward and let him see that she weeped for his fallen comrades, and that her heart ached for his loss. She didn't want him to see her cry any more than she wanted to let the human see it. But that is exactly what she did, without even thinking about it. Before she realized it, her feet had carried her to stand before him. In a quiet voice, raw with feeling, she spoke an Elvish expression of sympathy for the loss of a loved one, and offered her hand in friendship, even as her turquoise eyes misted up again.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Both groups watched as slowly … at first … but then with total confidence Captain Irtheel clasped Bronwyn hand. The clasp was done firmly … as if to say to everyone … there was no doubt in his mind he was doing the right thing. Just as Bronwyn had done the right thing by speaking elfish and offering her sympathy. What a grand gesture she had made! As everyone watched, Captain Irtheel pulled her to him, hugging her. The hug was as comrades in arms, as brother and sister of battle, as heroes of right. They both cried softly … Captain Irtheel in relief in finding himself again … the true elf in him ... Bronwyn in finding an elf who could be a real friend regardless of her parentage!

It would turn out that this simple gesture, which would be talked about for years to come … would do more to cement both races together than any treaty that would be signed or oath of common protection given. Humans, half-elves, and elves would all talk about what was common among themselves … and how they needed to help each other.

Finally the two broke apart, and Captain Irtheel got back to being a company commander. He got the remaining elves to clean up from the ambush. The dead were buried; supplies and equipment were sorted and redistributed. During all this activity, Isola found her traveling pack … sliced in half!

“BY THE GODS … why would the garliks cut my bag in half?” She said in total disgust. She poured out the contents and many of the pieces of clothing had been ruined. Her anger grew … her face turning a dark red color as she discovered more and more damage to her traveling items.

“I’LL KILL EVERYONE OF THOSE LITTLE SHITS …” She was yelling to herself.

Zarik over heard the commotion and limped over to the concubine. He stood tall “Madam … I was the one that cut your traveling pack in half.”

“WHAT??”” She said looking at the bull in total disbelief.

“I made a mistake … in this dim light … I thought the pack was a crouching garlik. I killed it in self defense.”

“My traveling bag … you killed my traveling bag in self defense?” Isola asked to clarify

“I thought it was a garlik.” Zarik said

“Does it look like a garlik?” Isola asked in an upset tone.

Zarik realize the more he said the worse trouble he was getting into. He needed to end this conversation.

“I apologize. I have coin … when we get to the Falls of Enos, I can buy you replacement items. I made a mistake, I’m sorry” He said.

“You can’t just replace some of these items … they were special!” Isola said holding up two half of a dress. Then she thought about the big bull going cloth shopping with her. The thought put her in a better mood … “You must come with me … and help me replace them. No matter the cost … or the time it takes. Agreed?” She asked, but there was no question that the only right answer the minotaur could give was yes.

“Yes, I agree” Zarik said … wondering what he had just agreed to. “Oh and here is your magic gem … thank you for allowing me to use it.” He said and handed it back to her.

“Your welcome …” Isola acknowledged and placed it around her neck. Then quietly under her breath she said “you half blind, traveling bag cutting oaf!”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Everyone was ready again, Captain Irtheel had rearranged the traveling order. 2 elves as far forward scouts … followed by 2 more elves in the lead … followed by the dead knight, the minotaur. The Knight could sense any garlik attacks, and the minotaur was there to blunt an attack. 2 more elves to support the two fighters, followed by Captain Irtheel to direct from middle of the formation, Isola for medical support, 4 more elves and Bronwyn and the dragon in the rear. The though here was the dragon could breath fire on a rear attack with no danger to injuring any in the group. Bronwyn could also have a clear line of fire for her arrows. Finally, Prrip would roam on either flank ... she had been doing this anyhow … and it was a helpful early warning to a side attack.

They were off again, and made excellent progress through the forest of Idoor. They barely talked at the start; no one was in the mood. The ambush and all the dead elves was too recent. They also had lots of ground to make up caused by the ambush delay. By evening, they arrived at a good camp site.

One of the big duties (besides the sex part) of a concubine was as a travel companion: Wives needed to stay at home for many reasons (i.e. the danger of traveling, child rearing, castle duties, etc.). So a concubine was useful as a travelling companion. When the man went to functions, the concubine acted like a wife and accompanied him in situations that involved spouses. For men with more than one concubine, the one that traveled with the man was considered the highest in the hierarchy. As an added duty, concubines were skilled in food preparation, for these traveling occasions.

Thus Isola insisted she prepare a meal for the traveling group. The food she cooked and arranged was excellent. Everyone … including the elves with their refined tastes were impressed. The only exceptions were deathsknight and the dragon. Deathsknight did not eat and Isola had told Nas … she just did not have enough food for him.

The good news was the meal, broke the ice between the two different groups as discussions sprang up about various topics. It was great to see the two groups bonded over the meal.

The rest of the trip to the falls was uneventful. On the fifth day the group could hear the roar of the waterfalls. The path they had been following broke out of the forest at an outcropping that looked up at the falls. The spray from the falls moistened them. The roar of the water turn into a thunderous sound as the river plunged past them.

The Falls of Enos was named after General Enos, who had fought in the great goblin wars, three centuries ago. He had found these falls and thought them a perfect place for a new elven city. Legend has it that the elven did settle here … but they suddenly disappeared about 100 years ago. No one knows where they went. But the place continues to be very spiritual and strange, and it has given birth to many stories.

As they continued just past the falls, they approached a small rock out cropping surrounded by thick forest growth. Captain Irtheel walked to the front of the group and spoke a series of elven words. Suddenly the bushes pulled back opening a wide passage into the side of the mountain, behind the water fall. It was large enough for an Army and Nas could easily enter with the group.

“It is here that the elven magic is strongest.” Irtheel said. “It has been said that nothing evil can enter our sanctified lands.” He looked at Nas and Deathsknight. “The magic will show no mercy.”

“Additionally, I do not know what my leadership will decide if there is a wounded dragon and a dead knight entering our hidden city behind the falls.” Captain Irtheel said.

As if on cue, Princess Allontree and Megan Frostblood appeared out of the tunnel. The princess again was wearing her thin white almost ghostly gown that hugged her body. Her pure blonde hair, placed in a pony tail. The necklace around her neck made of diamonds and sapphires, catching the sunlight and throwing back at the heroes in dazzling colors.

“ALL of these heroes are MOST welcome to our city.” The princess stated. “I cannot guarantee that you will survive the magic, but I believe you will” She conjectured with a smile. Then she went to each party member and greeted them by name. Deathsknight, Zarik, Bronwyn, Prrip, Isola and Nas.

Isola was stunned and proud that the princess had known her name and some of her deeds during the last two battles. It was amazing. Additionally as she shook the princess’ hand she suddenly felt an incease in her sense of duty and courage.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas was considering what was being said. He did not know anything about these 'garliks' or why they would want to start a war. Nas was also quite sure he didn't want to be in the middle of a war either, but he had given his word...even though he once more wished he had just let the damn human town burn.

In any case, he watched as the group settled themselves after the battle, culmination with the lead point ear begging for forgiveness for being an ass. The minotaur hugged the elf, but the dragon's eyes narrowed at Zarik's proclamation.

"No one speaks for me, minotaur. I would ask you remember that." he grumbled. His eyes found the elf leader, Irtheel next. "We shall see if your actions match your words, Captain. Then I will consider your request."

They set out again, Nas slowly strolling along at the rear of the group. Even walking slowly, Nas could easily keep pace with the group. His strides making up for his slow pace. Even then each step caused a light ripple to thud through the earth. Stealthy the dragon was not. the journey was marred only by the declaration that there was a lack of food for him. Nas sighed; fortunately, he had eaten before they left the night prior, but eventually he would have to hunt...if the elves though that his mere walking was disturbing the forest, well, that hadn't seen anything yet!

regardless, they soon came to the elvish city and even Nas was impressed by the raw beauty and nature of the elvish architecture. They were greeted by two females, one was elvish as well, but the other was...sparkly and glowing.

"Great." Nas muttered. "So we are welcome in the city as great heroes...if entering doesn't kill us outright first."

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut al Feres

"I share your sentiments Nas."

He knew that the Elven people had their ways of knowing, but of course it would seem like magic to most. He squared his shoulders and stepped forward, he glanced at the border and a cold grin came to his face, hidden behind the mask of his helmet's visor.

"My lady will not let me die like this. Death is not evil, nor good. Death is."

He stepped over the border, a faint flicker as he entered showed that the protective spell realized that evil magick raised him, but that he was not evil. He stopped and turned to regard Nas.

"Come on Nas, it tickles a bit, you might even get to amuse the Elves with your laughter."

He ventured on, his mind constantly searching for a mount.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas had found very little to laugh about ever since he had agreed to tag along on this little adventure and he did not relish the idea of being 'tickled' by this magical barrier. As a dragon, magic often did not have the same affect on Nas as enchantments might on some other creatures. Being creatures of magic, dragonkind enjoyed a certain level of resistance to the workings of magic, but they were not immune completely. Even as a dragon aged, becoming more powerful and potent, this resistance still did not completely nullify magic and the elves were well known as powerful enchanters in their own right, and this was their lair, where their magics held sway.

Truth be told, Nas was a little frightened. He was evil after all, wasn't he? Nas the Terrible Dragon and all of that; his entire life he had been regarded as a villainous creature and so if this barrier truly undid evil, than it might undo him as well. No chance to flame or fight back, just drop dead or some other magical ending that some point eared bard would sing about in a foolish limerick. Hardly the way Nas would prefer to be remembered.

Still, the Dead human had passed through, and it was a misbegotten abomination! Nas was hardly going to be shown up by that one, so Nas took a deep breath, (which he masked as a sigh) and trusted to his draconic endurance. There was a tingle which resonated right down to his bones and made his blood sing for a moment...then he was through.

"Feh!" Nas scoffed. "Nothing to it. So much for elf magic I suppose."

Still, Nas waited a full minute before discreetly letting out the breath he had been holding...

 

[milkmaiden38]

The elven princess watched as deathsknight walked through the magic shield.

“Maut al Feres” She greeted him … smiling “Born to a noble family … You joined the king's army and were knighted … Killed by goblins, while protecting your family's home.” She said sadly, than she continued

“But a necromancer brought you back to life … you killed the necromancer … and now you seek a way to get eternal peace.” She paused.

Then the dragon stepped through the magic barrier, scoffing at the elven magic. “… So much for elf magic I suppose." the great beast said. The princess remained calm, unperturbed, and regal through the dragon’s comments.

“Nas or should I call you Nasanthil?” she asked truly uncertain which name to use. She noted that Nas’ eyes narrowed at the mention of his full name Nasanthil. She had unknowingly offended him ... there was nothing to do but continue with the welcome.

“Welcome to the Falls of Enos … It is not often we have the pleasure of a dragon visiting our city.” She smiled at him and then said in draconic “we have prepared a feast of your favorite food … and barrels and barrels of elven wine!”

She bowed to him.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and the Princess

“Nas or should I call you Nasanthil? Welcome to the Falls of Enos ….. It is not ... a dragon ...."

The dragon's eyes narrowed as he felt the heat of his blood rise. It thundered in his ears, drowning out anything else the little, mewling she-elf might have said. Lips curled to reveal dagger sharp teeth. Talons flexed, gouging furrows in the rock and dirt at Nas's feet. One wing spread as the splints and bindings holding the other creaked and groaned as they struggled to keep the damaged wing restrained.

A deep, menacing hiss bubbled out from Nas's jaws as droplets of saliva fell, hissing as they struck the earth. Elvish weapons were probably drawn, but Nas saw none of it, nor did he care. His sole attention was on the elf-female alone who had dared to offer his such offense.

"You may NOT use that word." he growled, his voice little more than a hiss but filled with anger and contempt. his head lowered coming nearer until the princess could see herself reflected in the dragon's golden eyes.
"You will never call me that again. Do so, and I will kill you were you stand and burn to ash all who hear it."

His head withdrew and the leathery wing folded back into place, but Nas's tail still waved from sided to side in agitation.
" I spotted a lake down that way," he said to no one, not indicating any specific direction. "I will wait there." The dragon walked forward, away from the group and hissing at any elf foolish enough to come too near, warning them to keep their distance.

"I find that I have no appetite for feasting this day."

Well, so much for diplomacy...

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut turned when he felt the anger eminating from Nas, it seemed that his full name did not control him, but instead angered him. How curious. Weapons came to bear as the huge head discended on the princess, but Maut knew that Nas would not be foolish enough even in anger to kill the elven princess on elven soil. As Nas stomped off, Maut turned to the group,

"I will go to him. You know who and what I am, if your father wishes to rap my knuckles for daring to raise his people to fight for their kinsmen, he can come find me and do so."

He sauntered after Nas, for some reason bemused by the agitated flick in the dragon's tail

 

[milkmaiden38]

The elven princess did not know what to say. She had not meant to irritated the dragon, but she had. Her visions had told her of his two names … Nas and Nasanthil … asking him which was the most correct … most proper name, had triggered the strong reaction. But she did not lose her cool. She remained regal.

Isola had been with the dragon long enough now to sense they had touched a most tender spot.

“Princess … Please allow me to talk with Nas … I think I can calm him down.” Isola suggested.

“Certainly” Princess Allontree concurred.

Isola ran off to catch up to the dragon and deathsknight.

The Princess looked at the remaining group of heroes. She gestured toward the Illumian standing next to her.

“I would like to introduce Megan Frostblood. She is an Illumian. She has been in our city studying many of our magics and other things. She has agreed to help with your arrival and I think will help you in your next task. Please Megan introduce yourself” The princess encouraged.

Isola

She ran along the cobblestone trail that snaked toward the still and very beautiful lake. Her long burgundy hair was flying behind her as she thought … I’m a concubine … I’m an expert at relationships … reading people’s emotions … but what am I going to say to a mad …hungry … dragon? She had no clue and what was worse if she got it wrong … Nas might eat her.

Once she got to the shore of the lake … there was Nas half in the water near a large tree. Sulking. Deathsknight was there too.

The large tree was a white oak. And it was near enough to the lake shore that its twisting branches reached out over the lake. There was a wonderful smell of spring in the air. For some reason, Isola knew it was important that she be at eye level with Nas for this conversation. Not with him looking down at her. So she went to the tree climbed in the branches and was face to face with the dragon. The gentle wind blowing the hair from her face.

“Nas … is everything alright? She asked.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Prrip and Bronwyn

Prrip was not happy to hear about the lack of food for the huge reptilian one. She was a hunter for her tribe before she was captured, and a hunter did not let the tribe go hungry if they could help it. Now she was far from her people and her tribe, but the group of people and creatures she traveled with had become her adopted tribe, and it was not right that any of them go hungry. Not while she could help it.

At first she wondered why the dragon didn't hunt for his own food. He certainly could have provided for himself, and obviously had, until he came to the human town and got hurt in the fight. Maybe that was it, she pondered as she noted his splinted wing. He could not fly, and with his size, no doubt it was difficult to move in this forest silently enough to hunt. While traveling along this trail didn't seem to give him any trouble, it was practically a highway compared to the game rails where a hunter would find what she sought.

So she took it upon herself to hunt for her tribe during her wide ranging on either side of the trail. She was in part hampered by the necessity to remain close enough to the group to keep their progress in her awareness. But still, she managed some success on the evening of the third day. She had come across a small group of antelope grazing in a clearing. She stalked her prey until she was close enough to throw her spear at one of them. Poised like a thunder god about to hurl a lightning bolt, she paused for only the space of a few heartbeats, singling out her prey. They were small, and would not feed the dragon to his satisfaction, but it would be enough for him to get by on. She decided to try for two of the antelope. The old saying of 'a hunter who chases two prey captures neither' came to her mind.

She knew that if she threw her spear, she could get one, but the rest would take flight at the first strike. She had to be crafty this time. Her decision made, she dropped from the tree limb above the small herd and cast her spear at the same time as she fell/pounced on the back of another. The spear passed through the midsection of a doe, and though she struggled to regain her feet and flee, she managed only to founder in a circle, raising dust before collapsing from a pierced lung and wheezing out her last dying breath.

Meanwhile, Prrip landed square on the back of one of the bucks and quickly locked her arms around it's neck. The creature instinctively tried to buck and fling her off, but she held on tight. When it was beginning to wear itself out from it's exertions, she reached up and grabbed one of it's horns and twisted it's head around until she could get a hold on it's windpipe with her jaws. She bit hard, her canine fangs meeting on the antelope's trachea and crushing it with ever increasing force. Soon the buck could not breathe at all, and collapsed under her weight. She held on still as it kicked out it's death throes, then lay still.

The leopard woman dragged the antelope buck back to where the doe had fallen and was bleeding out through it's lungs. There she laid them side by side and knelt beside them, placing her hand on their sides over their hearts in a strangely tender gesture. She bowed her head and closed her eyes, speaking to the spirits of the antelopes. She thanked them for their sacrifice and promised them that their bodies would nourish her tribe, and continue the Circle of Life. With this accomplished, she slit the throats of both carcasses, and flung each over her shoulders, starting back along the trail that would lead her to the group.

An hour later, under the full dark of night, she took her burden into the trees, climbing until she was directly over the large reptilian one. Most of the group were sleeping, save a few guards of the pointy eared ones. They were easy enough to slip past, especially in the trees. Ground dwellers tended to seldom look upwards. The first sign they had that anything had made it past them was when she dropped the antelope doe from the tree directly above the scaly creature. When the carcass landed, kicking up a little dust just a couple feet in front of his snout, she could see the size difference and realized that each antelope would be naught but a bite or two at most.

Well, it was something, and more than he had before, she thought. She eyed him as his gleaming eyes looked up at her. Her own amber green eyes reflected back the dim firelight as two glowing points of light, but she knew he could see more of her than her eyes. Without a word, she dropped the antelope buck's stripped carcass. She had taken the hide to fashion some clothes out of, and the horns for tools, but the rest was his. She did not wait for thanks; she knew it would not come. She simply slipped away into the dark refuge of the trees once more to seek her own rest for the night.

++++++++++++++++++

Bronwyn was delighted to learn that she had more in common with Captain Irtheel than she ever would have imagined. True to his word, he made a new start with them. In the evenings they would share stories of their past exploits. The young ranger learned that his combat experience as a soldier was not all that different from hers as a ranger.

Her footsteps trod lightly upon the path to Idoor through out the days. Her heart was lightened by the chance to finally feel accepted by members of her mother's race. She still kept company with her friends Zarik, Isola, and Prrip when she was around. But she also spent a lot of time with Captain Irtheel and his remaining officers. It started when she had helped bury the fallen elves, showing them the same respect that a full blood elven warrior would for his fallen comrades. That simple act helped earn the respect of those surviving members of the troop for her.

When at last they came to the falls, she was struck at how beautiful the elven princess was, and shied away behind Zarik at first. Surely this highborn elf would look upon her with disdain. No soldier's camaraderie would she share with this one. It would be the same old scorn she was used to.

But to her surprise, the dragon provided her with a convenient distraction to escape the regal princess' notice. Bronwyn slipped through the magical barrier without incident, barely sensing more than a tingle. She milled around among the group of elven soldiers, hoping not to attract the sure to be scornful attention of the beautiful princess. Even the shining woman at the princess' side would find little of Bronwyn to take notice of, with the spectacle of the other, more exotic members of the group to hold her attention. What is a half breed when there is a minotaur or a dragon or a leopard woman to stare at?

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas thumped down towards the lake shore. It was rather small, perhaps not properly referred to as a lake, but Nas didn't care about that. It was also a beautiful, peaceful and tranquil place. Clear water allowed one to see all the way to the bottom. Koi and Silverfish drifted lazily in the waters, flicking their tails to keep moving with the shadows near the bottom. pine, aspen and birch trees grew all around, rising tall into the air, making a natural screen all about the lake. Birds sang happily in the trees, their songs mixing with the soft ripple of water flowing.

At least until Nas got there.

Birds took wing as he thudded towards the shore. The water rippled along the shoreline with each step that Nas took. Still agitates, the dragon's tail swept around, snapping a foot-thick aspen tree in half. There was a creaking sound then the severed half of the tree crashed to the ground near Nas's side, causing dirt and water to jump.
As he arrived at the water, Nas's head plunged into the water. It was cool and clean, but thirst was not Nas's intention. How had these mewling, pathetic little point-ears know that word? Nas had not uttered it aloud for a string of decades, nor had any who he had ever known. If Nas would have even heard a rumor that someone knew, the dragon would have killed everyone to prevent it. now, this female, this ELF, had dared to say it to his face...and within earshot of nearly a score of people! Damn them!!

Head still underwater, Nas roared out his frustration and anger. The water roiled and frothed with his rage. Fish too foolish to have fled at his approach were killed outright at the disturbance, immediately rolling over and rising to the surface. Silt stirred up, obscuring the clear visions of before with dark clouds. Still, the water did what Nas had wanted, it muffled the sound of his discontent so it had not rattled the very foundations of the elvish homeland.

Raising his head out of the water, Nas huffed with irritation, clearing his nose of any water. Almost absently, he snapped up the floating fish, swallowing the little morsels whole. It was not sufficient, but he had not eaten anything since the cat-female had dropped the antelope at his feet. that too, had not been sufficient, but it had curbed his appetite for the time being. These fish did not even do that much, and in the back of his mind, Nas knew that he would have to hunt soon.

As he considered his stomach for a moment, Nas gazed down into the water. the muck still obscured the bottom, but he could still see his reflection on the surface. In contrast to rumor and common belief in the vanity of dragons, Nas did not often look at himself. In fact, he would be hard pressed to accurately describe himself to another if he had to.
Being just over three hundred years old, Nas was considered a 'young adult' by the standards of dragonkind. His head and muzzle were very thick and blocky looking, which also matched his physique. As dragons went, Nas was hardly sleek or nimble, but his heritage had made him rather hearty and strong, even for his own age class. Still peering at his reflection, the most notable features were his reptilian eyes. Bright and golden, they almost shone in the water's surface. Nas however, noted as he always did, his odd color. His scales were a deep, reddish-brown with a hint of gloss. If one could polish rust, that would have matched Nas's scale-tone. A thick, curving horn rose from each of his temples, twisting slightly so that they pointed forward slightly, very similar to a bull or perhaps a minotaur's horns. Finally, a fin crowned the top of his head, like a shark. this same fin was repeated in smaller detail up and down along the length of his back, between his wings and ending at the spade at the end of his long tail.

As he watched himself, his anger melted away, replaced with what he often felt instead; discontent. He sighed heavily, ruffling and blurring the image on the surface of the water. Then at that moment, the lingering taste of fish was overpowered by that greasy, nasty feeling. Nas let out a soft grumble a his head turned towards what he knew was the source of that feeling.

"What do you want Dead Man?" he growled. Before the death knight could answer, Nas heard a twig snap, and he looked up to see the human female settling herself in a tree near him.

“Nas … is everything alright?"

Nas snorted again, settling himself down along the shoreline so that he could face the two.
"I am away from my home, unable to fly and thumping along with a pack of mammals to an elf- village as a peace messenger, apparently so I can trade insults with their nobility while I slowly starve to death. What could possibly be wrong?"

 

[DeathsKnight]

He stopped at the fallen tree and took a seat on it, it was very convenient that the dragon chose to let his anger vent underwater.

"What do you want dead man?

The question took him by surprise, he did not come with the dragon to converse, but luckily the concubine saved him any need to answer. Starving? His dead, yet glowing eyes sought out the concubine, he hoped she remembered that the princess did mention food for Nas, perhaps they could have servants bring food to the dragon. He turned his attention back to the tree, more towards the animals Nas had killed when he felled the tree, at least in a few months the tree would be kindle and the small animals unmourned and forgotten. For the first time in his unatural existance, it dawned on him that he might die. Did the Garlik not threaten him with a monster imune to sword and magick? But then again...Nas was a match for this creature as his flames was nor sword nor magic...would the dragon even consider helping him? His brow furrowed into a frown, why would he wish to have help to prevent his ultimate demise? Was his final death not what he wished for? He stared at the tree, his thoughts keeping his mind occupied.