Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

Isola stood up … swaying a bit … “What are you saying … I’m just fine …” her swaying starts to increase “WOW … whoever is making the room move … stop it!” Veric stood up and grabbed her and placed her back into her seat.

“Devon … I think it isss bessst you chat with our beggar friend …” The lizardman said.

Blin smiled “Blin no like … but Blin talk here …if that is what handsome man want.” Slowly he reached up and pulled back his hood. His green flat face, broad twitching nose, pointed ears, wide mouth and sharp pointed fangs, are slowly exposed to the group.

“He’s a goblin!” Zarik said puffing on his pipe and then he noted the size difference and his lighter skin color. “No, I think he is a half goblin” He corrected himself.

“Blin more human … than goblin” Blin stated proudly. Blin grabbed the collar around his neck. “This is Demon Magic … Demon control Blin with it …Make Blin watch nice people … spy on them” He gestured to the group “Pretty lady remove collar?” He said to Megan “Remove and Blin tell you information”

Megan took another big drink from her coffee. “Devon … can you steady me?” She asked. The ranger stood up and grabbed her arm making sure Megan did not sway too much. Isola mimicked Megan’s request … whispering it to Veric “Devon … can you steady me …She is playing the helpless female … the oldest trick in the book!” Veric smiled (Not his best look … considering his long row of sharp teeth!) and looked into Isola eyes “Men don’t like helplessss femalesss … they like ssstrong women …like you … you did not passss out drinking the brandy!” He said flattering her. Isola sat up a little straighter “AH!” she grunted in triumph.

Megan studies the collar, after about a minute she said “I can remove it …But do you want me to?” She asked the Devon.

Zarik grunted "Maut ... is it safe? ... I don't want a bunch of demons to attack us ... in my drunken state ... I might not kill them all with my first blow!!!" He bragged.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut studied the half-blood Brin,

"There is no active magick to the collar, no touch or sign of my lady...it will be safe"

Devon looked from one to the other, his suspicion evident,

"And how do we know that we can trust him? He is a new-comer to the area, admitted to being a spy."

He shook his head,

"I do not like this."

Maut made a sound much like a grunt,

"We have Nas not far from here, we will be safe from attack, as for Brin escaping...he better not entertain the idea unless he want to meet the true undead."

 

[Iscaa]

Isca dream vision

Isca opened her eyes, her mouth went into a ( 0 ), then shut again. There was the biggest dragon she had ever seen, well it was the only dragon she had ever seen, but no matter. She gingerly lifted herself on her elbows took a quick look to see that Nefer was firmly situated on her shoulder and replied, “If this is a dream, it's the best dream ever!” Then she realized the dragon was serious bowed her head and added, “ I would be honored to help you, please tell me what I must do Venar-Surr.” Nefer meowed her agreement.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub!

The misty dream world swirled around the dragon and the human. Venar could not believe she was actually talking to another living being. It had been so long … so very long … the scars on her mind and soul would remain with her forever. The lack of interaction, the isolation had eaten away at her more so than the lack of movement.

She had been so close to giving up, for the first time in her life. Then this human arrived. She could feel the human’s energy in her mind. The human was real … not a figment of her deranged mind. There was still a chance, a very small one, but a chance nonetheless. A small chuckle rolled through her body as her resolve returned to her … her will to live returned to her... and her will to FUCK OVER the wicked demonlords … returned to her. She had been planning her revenge … for decades … she would make them feel a type of horror … that would be 10 times … NO …1000 times worse than what she had been through.
She refocused on the human before her. “I will tell you what you MUST do first … in case you wake up. But be assured ALL life on this planet depends on you completing this task. Listen to NO ONE ELSE on this matter! Just do this task. If gold is what motives you … I will give you my entire hoard … I will become your personal slave …I will do any task or deed throughout my remaining days … BUT DO THIS TASK I ASK OF YOU!!!” The dragon’s eyes glowed with the seriousness of her statements.

“…in the tower of the Wizard of Ardel located in the great swamp … there is a tapestry … hopefully it is still there … BY THE GODS IF IT IS NOT THERE YOU MUST FIND IT … place it back on wall … and then … enter the tapestry … you will find me … return me to flesh …that is your task!” Venar whole body was tense as if she was about to spring …every fiber of her being … her body language … her mental and physical energy was trying to convince this human to do as she requested.

“I’m sure the world has changed since I entered this state. But there will be many that will try to stop you … if they find out …Therefore, you should not trust anyone with this knowledge … this is a secret mission. If you need help … trick people into helping you … Do not tell Wizard Frunan! … I know you are his student … I can smell his magic on you. … I met him once … he seemed nice … but I do not know if he can be trusted … DO NOT TRUST OTHER DRAGONS …THEY ARE ALL CRAZY!!” Venar eyes started to dart about … she was jumping around in subjects …but there was so much to tell this human … how could she get it all out …The dragon saw the frightened look in the girl’s eyes … she must think I’m mad … I’m rambling … still your mind you silly reptile!” Venar told herself. Her eyes steadied again.

“I have not talked to a person in decades …you are the first …I’m not use to the rhythms of conversation anymore” The large dragon said almost as if she was sorry “This may work better if you ask questions of me … I will try to answer them”

The Swamp Donkey Pub and the indecent proposal!

Megan looked over to Zarik and Isola. Both nodded that it was ok to remove to collar. She turned back to the half-goblin and a series of glowing runes started to rotate around the top of Megan’s head … They started to shimmer as her eyes focused on the removal task. Her right hand glowed purple as she passed it over the back of the collar. The control device sprung open and Blin grabbed it before it fell to the ground. He stuck it in his pocket. Megan could see the damage the device had done to Blin’s neck. The burn marks and where it had tightened to squeeze his neck. “A nasty little device …” She concluded for everyone in the group.

Blin rubbed his neck as Megan returned to her seat. “Blin thank you …!! Blin free now!!” He faced the table and produced a heavy sighed “Blin will die … after Blin tell you this …But Blin will die FREE” He smiled a happy smile on his ugly green face.

“Demon in the swamp …Overseer … controller of Blin … He want to do bad things to you … He want to do bad things to this town” He said as he pointed at the group at the table. “He evil … not living … he is a dead thing …”

Blin smiled with confidence “Blin live up to deal … Collar gone … Blin tell you information … Blin free to go now? Or do pretty ladies and gentlemen want to make deal for more information? Blin tell you more … for 100 gold pieces and” Blin looked at Megan with a very naughty smile on his face “and one night with pretty lady …”

Megan jumped out of her chair “WHAT … NO!!! … ”

Blin turned to face Isola … “or other pretty lady!”

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon chuckled and stuck the end of his pipe back into his mouth as he sat down,

"Goblin indeed! Even if just a half-blood."

Maut saw an opening and he placed his hands on the table, black tendrils flowed from his gauntlets and when it dissipated, a heap of gold coins lay between his hands.

"And what can you tell me which we do not already know Brin?"

The voice was colder than before, clearly the mistrust and the half-blood's reactions to being freed, disgusted even the undead knight.

"But why should I pay?"

He picked up two coins and clincked them together, satisfying any question of the coins being real,

"When I can just burn the information from your very soul?"

Maut raised his hand and thin, black tendrils shot out, grabbing hold of Brin and drawing him closer over the table until Maut's gauntlet closed around his neck,

"And unlike the demon I can kill you, raise you up and kill you again...do you know how many hundreds of ways there is to die Brin Bloodknuckle?"

The twin lights from within the helmet bore into Brin's gaze, allowing him to feel the cold grave folding around his body,

"Why should I pay so much for information I could have so cheaply?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Veric

Veric had heard the half-goblin’s request to “bed” Isola and had drawn his sword preparing to slay the half-goblin where he stood. “A filthy indecent proposal” he thought “I need to send that foul creature to HELL!!” But then the dead knight, Maut, started with his magic … soon his gauntlet enveloped the half goblin’s neck … The Lizardman Mayor placed his sword back into its sheath. There was still fire in his eyes, but he was confident the knight would ensure there would be no more indecent proposals from the half goblin.

Blin Bloodknuckle

As Blin struggled to breathe, his neck squeezed by the undead knight … he thought “this part of the negotiations is always the most painful and trickiest.” Since growing up in the slums as a potwasher (toilet-cleaner) and ratcatcher, Blin was use to pain … an unsuspected blow could come from anywhere at any time. So the pain of the knight crushing his neck did not bother him too much …However, the fact that the knight could kill him and raise him again and … kill him again. That bothered him, terrified him. He had cheated death many times … but being killed only to be raised as an undead was not cheating death … it was death ... followed by animated death …and then more death again.

He decided it was time to back off some of his demands. Both the females would have been appalling in bed anyhow … a great sexual encounter needed to involve some hitting, blood spilling, rope and some forced penetration. Anything short of that was … just average.

“Blin … talk deal …Nice Knight …no kill Blin … Blin here to help …. Blin no need for girls anymore …Blin has information on how many demons … where they are … what they plan … good information …Blin need money to hide from demon … demon kill Blin for talking to you!” Blin managed to gasp out …as the knight held his neck.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut stared into Brin's eyes, seemingly searching his soul, for a tense few moments it seemed like Maut would just snap Brin's neck as the talons on the gauntlet started to slowly dig into the back of Brin's neck.

"Drop the act."

The words came as sudden as the action of Maut dropping Brin next to the table,

"Fifty gold coins, half now and half if your information checks out."

Maut's head swiveled to Brin,

"And if your information does not check out, the dragon you saw will find you."

If there was a face on the helmet it would've held an evil grin, but the faceless helmet and cold voice was enough to make the threat very clear.

 

[milkmaiden38]

The gig is up for … Blin Bloodknuckle … or is it?

As Blin landed on his feet next to the table his free hand went to his neck rubbing it. Blin thought “So the dead knight was on to my little act. I might have underestimated this group.” Then he looked over to Isola, she was whispering something into the lizardman’s ear. He shook his head, and corrected his earlier thought “No correct that … I underestimated the dead knight! Dead things have been out smarting me lately, the demon, this dead knight … it makee no sense … dead things died at some point ... they can't be that smart!”

He sighed and looked over to the Knight again. He thought “as a thief … there were certain rules you were taught when in disguise … once your deception is uncovered you can 1) continue with the act in hopes to discredit the one that uncovered you or 2) drop the deception honestly and try to build trust in doing so. Clearly he needed to do number 2.

Blin bowed to Maut, his ugly face had a smile on it

“Well played … Knight … I underestimated you.” He said in his true voice.

Zarik let out a deep chuckle and blew a big smoke ring over the table. “Sooo the real half goblin … appears!”

Blin bowed to the group at the table. “A necessary risk … in my line of work…and a creature of my size …best not to display all your abilities to strangers. But what I have told you has been actuate. For the most part. I shall correct one small half-truth in a moment.” He rubbed his neck some more and then continued.

“There are about 10 lifeless scouts in the swamp waiting for you … they are like zombies only stronger and much faster. Their leader is a demon … which calls himself “The Overseer”. He is big …all muscle …the size of the minotaur” Blin pointed to Zarik. “Besides his physical strength … He also has magic. He spoke to me … without a voice … directly into my mind.”

Blin looked towards the pile of gold on the table “They are not interested in gold or practical things … they are pure evil … fanatics and obsessed to the extreme ... It is not about profit … or the challenge of the theft … they just want to kill you and then wipe out this town.” Blin just shook his head. He reached down and scooped up two hands full of gold coins. “Gold … it is so beautiful … and feels so good in your hands” He said to himself placing the coins in his small money sack under his rag coat.

“You said you would correct a small half-truth …” Zarik reminded the half-goblin.

Blin looked up, there was a very sad look on his face as he answered “So I did …I told you I needed the 100 gold coins to help me hide from the overseer demon … but no amount of coin could help me. He will be sending his zombies to kill me … Probably sent them already …as soon as the mage released the collar on my neck. I shall be dead before the night is done.”

 

[Iscaa]

Isca dream vision...con't

Isca sighed as she heard Venar speak, she was frightening indeed, but she could also understand that the dragon was desperate. She listened to all Venar said and when she finished she waited for Isca to ask her questions. Isca nodded her head and took a deep breath. From what you just told me, I want to help you, so I will do as you say, and not tell anyone or anything of this quest. I just hope I am up to this task. She thought for a few more minutes, “ Yes I am sure I can do this, all I ask in return is your friendship til the end of my days.

“Ok Venar, I do have a few questions."

“How far is this Ardel tower, and can I get there myself?”

“I need the spell that will get me into the tapestry.”

“Once I am in the tapestry how do I find you?”

She paused and then continued.

“One more question please, will you come to me in more dreams as I travel? I think I will need
your guidance.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

The misty dream world swirled around the dragon and the human. Minutes went by as the human said nothing. Venar could not believe this human had no questions … But dragons can be patient and so Venar waited. The human had already agreed to help. Saying “… I will do as you say, and not tell anyone or anything of this quest. I just hope I am up to this task.” These were not the words of an overconfident warrior … but the words of a careful thoughtful mage. The care in her words …added to Venar assurance that this fragile human female would figure out a way to free Venar.

Finally the human asked her questions.

“How far is this Ardel tower, and can I get there myself?”

Venar shook her great head … “I do not know where you are … but from Wizard Frunan’s cottage in the woods. It is a week’s travel south. Towards the great swamp … what you human’s call “the dead forest” … the tomb of Ardel is located near the town of Fourwinds”

“I need the spell that will get me into the tapestry.”

The dragon laughed “No spell is needed … study the tapestry…stare at it … the magic in the weave will do the rest.”

“Once I am in the tapestry how do I find you?”

“The world within the tapestry is not very large … you’ll find me with ease.”

“One more question please, will you come to me in more dreams as I travel? I think I will need your guidance.”

This question cause Venar to pause … she had no idea how she had been able to talk this young female mage …

“I do not know how we are communicating now … it is beyond my understanding of mind/dream magic … you are not simply asleep …as I would have been able to communicate with you every night … no … you are in a special kind of sleep … maybe from a spell … or a blow to the head … I know not … but unless you can recreate it … I will not be able to communicate with you …” Venar said sadly

The dream world around them started to fade …“I think you are waking … remember ALL life on this planet depends on you completing this task. Listen to NO ONE … tell NO ONE what you are doing! DO NOT TRUST OTHER DRAGONS …THEY ARE ALL CRAZY.” Were the last words the girl heard as she faded away until the dragon could only see her eyes …and then those disappeared too.

Venar looked at the empty ground where the girl had been just moments before … and the massive dragon started to cry. Great tear drops fell from her eyes as she sobbed. They were tears of hope … and tears to despair … tears of pain … and tears of anger … all mixed together.

Doubt filled her … had she said too much? … had she scared the human off with her crazy rambling! Had she said too little? Only time would tell … and for some reason she felt that there was very little time remaining for her to save the world!

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut stared at the half-gobblin,

"You underestimated all of us, Zarik is a minotaur, like all minotaurs he can fight, but he has a sharp wit and mind as well. Isola or as you think of her, big udder cow, has more resolve and courage than many warriors, she stood up to two Orcs with just two daggers, no mean feat that. Even the ranger is not all he seems and I believe that even the Illumian is not just a magic caster...that sickle have seem much use."

Devon for a moment feared the knight will reveal his secret, yet he didn't, so he relaxed,

"You do know that he took all the coins right?"

There was a dry chuckle from Maut,

"He will find only twenty five coins remain of what he took."

Devon sat back, puffing the pipe back to life, Maut turned to Brin,

"The demon is an undead, it's minions will die with it, but they can also be made dead again...what would I get for saving the life of a liar and thief?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

“I stand corrected” Blin acknowledged and before he could say anything further Veric spoke up “ssshould you need protection tonight … I would sssuggestss sssleeping in the guard’sss tower. It houssess the town’ss main defenssive force. Goblinss are not well liked in thiss town … but I sshall ssend word …that they are to protect you, Blin”. Blin nodded in agreement.

Isola then spoke up …a little bit late to the conversation “What did Maut call me? …a big buttered COW?” she protested. Veric, Zarik, and a few others laughed at her confusion. “WHAT IS SO FUNNY?” She asked getting more upset, still drunk from the brandy.

“Issola, you are very beautiful … Maut would not compare you to a cow … Maut wass defending you … you missss heard him.” He hissed

“Oh” Isola said calming down.

Veric stood up “I think it iss time for me to get ssome ssleep. I sshall posst extra guardss around the town bassed upon what our half-goblin friend hass told uss about a posssible demon attack. The temple cleric will alsso be notified. He hass certain powersss againsst the undead.” The mayor stated, then looked at Maut with a puzzled look on his face “ahh well at leasst ssome of the more common undead typess”

“It hass been my pleassure to hosst you tonight … although it hass not been very costly … Thank you … Sssir Knight for paying for all the drinkss” He said and bowed to Maut. He turned toward Isola “Madam … a mosst enjoyable evening. Thank you and good night.”

Isola did not know what to do. She liked this mayor … he seemed to be an honest and forthright person. She could see past his scales to his wonderful heart … to his noble spirit. The story about his lost love was heart wrenching … tonight she could be his Evirial. The half-elf, he had a deep crush on, but never told her. She knew what that was like … He was a good man should not be rejected based upon his race. But she also liked Devon, the ranger. He was heroic, smart, noble and handsome. There was a glint in his eyes that made her heart skip, every time he looked at her ... his confidence …his baring … He was what she most wanted in a man … and there were no scales on his body! She might come across as a woman only after money, but that was her line of work. That was what a successful concubine did …acquire clients that paid well. However, in her personal life she was like everyone else. She sought love and a compatible partner for life’s journey … she was no different than most other people.

She thought for a moment and made her decision. She stood up and did not sway too much this time “Now wait a … minute … your lizardman …highness … you promised me a look at your mayoral manor …”

The Mayor’s eye lite up “Oh … sso I did … well perhapss you can come over for an early breakfasst?” The mayor suggested.

Isola eyes steadied on Veric “What about I come home with you … tonight?” She suggested.

“I’m your ssservant in this matter … I cannot ssay no to your lovelinessss” Veric said bowing to her and she place her arm around his “Good night … ladiess and gentlemen” He said and escorted Isola out of the pub.

Zarik took a big puff on his pipe. “Had you asked me …earlier tonight …I would not have thought Isola would leave at the end of the evening with the mayor.” He chuckled. Then he too stood up. “Maut said some nice things about my “sharp wit and mind” … but I feel both have been dulled by lack of sleep. I too will bid all of you good night.” He said. “Thank you Maut … the drinks were wonderful!” And the minotaur headed to the room he had reserved at the pub for the night.

Megan was still drinking her coffee and looked over to Devon. “You know … Devon … Isola likes you” She said smiling at the ranger. “She has ever since she saw your image in the elven moonwell. She is just a bit …impaired tonight” Megan explained taking another sip of her coffee.

 

[Iscaa]

Isca wakes up from her dream vision

Isca nodded her head in understanding as Venar answered her questions. “I will go out and do as you request. I will remember all that you have told me and I promise to tell no one of my quest to free you.” As Venar started to fade, Isca slowly came around. She sat up looking at Nefer.

“Listen to no one....tell no one. Do not trust other dragons....they are all crazy.”

These words keep ringing in her mind for the rest of the day.

It was not long after Isca's dream vision that her mentor's health took a turn for the worse. So she wasn't able to set out immediately, but one month later with a sad heart she set out with Nefer on her shoulder. Isca was finally on her quest to save Venar. Her first destination was for the town of Fourwinds.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon looked at Megan and gave a slight smile,

"Perhaps it's the green she liked."

He left the matter there, allowing the pipe to die down, he rose to his feet again,

"I will be heading to bed now, I bid you all a good night."

He left the room, Maut stared at the half-blood Brin for a while,

"I will join Brin in the tower, I believe another sword will be welcome if trouble does come looking for him tonight."

What he basically said was that he would be watching over Brin as he had no need to sleep.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isca

"Sir? Dragon? May I have a word with you? I can see that there is a problem, this boy has been annoying you and yes, you are very right to be perturbed."

Nas considered the female standing before him and the child, seeming knocked over either by the presence of Nas or by the female's sudden arrival. Either way, they were there and one with some hissing, sputtering, ragged-looking ball of fuzz.

"Were I truly perturbed, you would be a smoldering pile of ash by now." Nas said with what might have passed for amusement if he did not say it with a mouth full of spear like teeth.
"In any case, you are here and I am here. What word would you want to have with me?"

 

[Iscaa]

Yes yes, I mmmm, I really can't blame you at all for being perturbed. But in his defense, may I point out, he is just a stupid human male, and we all know what they are like.” She chucked at her keen wit. “If you just let me take him off your hands I will see to it, he is punished in a most severe fashion.”

As she spoke she bent down and lifted the boy up, even though he was unconscious, she lightly guided him as she slowly backed away from the dragon talking sweetly all the while. “You know your the most fearsome huge dragon I have ever come across.” Meanwhile Nefer kept glaring fiercely at Nas, her little body all puffed up.

He slowly closed his huge maw and listened to her voice. She knew he was just going along with her, and not taken in for one second, but Isca was glad to see that he was going to let this minor annoyance go this time.

She winked at him as she dragged the boy unceremoniously over the wall. She propped him up against it and took the spell off. Eyeing each one of the boys, she growled, “Look, I just saved your worthless hides, now get back home I don't want to see your faces again you got that?” At that moment Nefer stuck her head out and let out an angry growl, (only a Siamese is capable of, if you know what I mean.) They all shook in fear and bolted never once glancing back.

Isca straighten up looked over the wall and waved at the dragon, “Thank you kind Sir, I think I will head off to the Swamp Donkey Pub now ”. With a smile she continued on her way with Nefer settling down on her shoulder again.

 

[milkmaiden38]

The trouble with drinking coffee after alcohol is that now you were sloshed and awake. If you wanted to sleep off the alcohol … you couldn’t. So Megan remained in the pub at the same table and thought about everything that had happened that day.

It had started with their arrival, where they had met the lizardman mayor … and the handsome ranger. Heard tales of trouble near the town … What had the ranger said? Something about “Even the snakes are scared and … groups of animals, gator, snake, birds, fish even a small family of deer, all of them dead in various locations. The life sucked from them …” Then during dinner a spy shows up … and tells them about a planned ambush and the destruction of the town. So now they had two sources of information which strongly suggested the enemy knew where they were headed … and had prepared an ambush with zombies of super strength and speed, some red-skinned demon, and the Mesobulbron. A bit of overkill … considering the strength of the Mesobulbron, but the demonlord’s last ambush had not fared so well against these heroes. She had not seen them fight only heard the tales …but Maut’s had awesome powers …the minotaur was a tank in battle … Isola may not be a true fighter …but she had no fear … and through skill and cleverness could be a deadly opponent. Add a ranger with skill and courage. Oh and don’t forget the dragon … he was death on 4 legs. A creature that could destroy entire cities! When the Elf king had said you needed an entire army at your back when you face a Mesobulbron … he had forgotten …Nas had just killed the entire army of goblins! Maut could raise an entire army of undead … The heroes didn’t need an army at their backs … they had something better … they had Nas and Maut!

This fight did not look so lopsided after all! She laughed … maybe the demonlords had not sent enough forces against them!

She had not placed the goblin with their group yet. Could they count on the half-goblin? She was not too sure. The spy had switched sides …too quickly … it kind of bugged Megan … it just seemed too convenient! The heroes were either very lucky … or something else was going on. This might be a trap within a trap. The spy was trying to slow the heroes down … or alter the path to the tomb … Or the demonlord could track the heroes’ position thru the half-goblin’s collar! Or maybe at some critical moment someone would find a knife stuck in their back!

It was too hard to figure out … particularly after drinking that brandy. The bottom-line was the heroes needed to have more information about the enemy's plans and they needed a few tricks of their own.

She could help with more information. She wasn't going to sleep anytime soon … so she closed her eyes … and sent a scrying spell out to detect all the magic near the town. She could sense the temple cleric … the magic collar Blin had placed in his rag cloak … Maut … WAIT …this was strange … there was magic approaching the swamp donkey pub! In fact it was at the front door. Megan turned off the scrying spell and opened her eyes, quickly preparing a fireball spell … when a young woman walked in … and there was a cat on her shoulder! Megan stared at her … studied her …tried to read the magic word … that was this young strange woman.

 

[Iscaa]

Not long after leaving the dragon, Isca and Nefer came across the Swamp Donkey Pub, she knew it was the meeting place of the famous heroes. She had overheard plenty of comments about them as she walked through town. Gathering her cloak around her to hide as much as she could, she slipped into the pub and took a table well away from the crowd. When the serving girl came over, she ordered the local brew and settled back to see what these so called heroes were all about. Nefer poked her face out and watched venting a low growl.

Isca's glance locked onto a woman, as she whispered out of the corner of her mouth,

“ Quiet Nefer, lets get the lay of the land before you start shooting off your mouth.”

She nodded her head at the woman just as the serving girl set her drink in front of her. Pulling out her pouch of coins Isca put two in the palm of the girl and asked about the group of people at the table.

“They wouldn't by any chance be the famous heroes I have been hearing about are they?”

The girl took the coins telling Isca, those are the very ones you have been hearing all about. Isca leaned back, looking them over as she tasted the local brew. Nefer kept on growling, causing her to comment,

“Stop already!”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Megan turned off her Illumian runes; she had completed her studied of this young woman. She appear to be 21 years old, about 5' 2” tall, she had a pretty face with amazing emerald green eyes and beautiful black hair. Although, Megan could not directly tell a person’s motives when she studied them … her instincts told her this young person had no evil intent.

Normally that would have been where Megan would have dropped her interest in a person … but with the Fourwinds’ Anterian brandy in her system … she was encouraged to take more risks. Megan stood up and walked directly over to the young woman.

“Hi my name is Megan Bloodfrost …I’m an Illumian from the guild of words. I’m a traveler conducting research throughout the land.” Megan said politely. Then her eyes focused intently on the young woman’s cat. “May I study your cat? I’m looking for its magical patterns. My study will not harm the cat in anyway.”

 

[Iscaa]

Isca watched as the young woman came over to her table and introduced herself. She smiled slightly and replied, “ Hello, my name is Isca....just Isca wizard's apprentice, as for your request that would be totally up to Nefer.” Looking at Nefer she asked, “Well girl what do you think? Would you allow this nice lady to give you the once over?

For an answer Nefer hummed and leaped from Isca's shoulder up onto Megan's. She wrapped herself around Megan's neck and settled down for a good long visit. Isca laughed at this and said, “I hope you don't mind Nefer making herself at home on you, it's really a good sign, since she doesn't usually take to people easily. Looking at Nefer she then said, “ Now you behave yourself and do as the nice lady says.

Pulling a chair closer Isca asked, “Won't you join me for a drink?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Megan was a bit startled by the cat’s sudden move to her shoulder … but she tried not to show it. She smiled and turned on her Illumian runes.

“Thank you … I do not wish anymore alcohol … but some tea would be fine.” Megan said and then added “oh … and I would recommend staying away from the Fourwinds’ Anterian brandy unless you are of elven blood … it is too strong for my tastes” She smiled.

Megan focused her mind on the cat. The cat was an exotic oriental. Megan could feel some small magical threads about the creature … she sharpen her focus on these threads … tracing them back to Isca! “How interesting” Megan thought … this woman had somehow mentally bonded with the small feline. Megan turned off her Illumian runes.

“Nefer … is a most interesting cat!” She said. “Never seen a breed like her … and so friendly!” She added as she petted the cat and Nefer started to purr loudly.

“What brings you to these parts?” Megan asked just to make conversation.

 

[Iscaa]

Isca looked at Megan replying cautiously...”My master the Wizard of Frunan on his deathbed tasked me with finding the Tomb of Ardel. I believe it is located near the great swamp or the dead forest, I am not sure which. But I understand it's not far from this town.” Taking a sip of her ale, she continued, “ Anymore I cannot say at this time. I was hoping to find someone that would be able to guide me to the tomb.”

Glancing around the pub, she frowned, “It looks like I have arrived a bit late to find anyone that I could hire as a guide. Maybe I will go find a room for the night and ask around tomorrow.? Standing up Isca lifted Nefer off of Megan's shoulders, “Its been a pleasure to meet you Megan, I hope to see you again before I leave Fourwinds.”

She bowed her head in respect and turned heading for the back room where the innkeeper is usually to be found. Poking her head in the doorway, she asked, “Is there a vacant room to be had for the night?” A big pot bellied human looked up from the small table he has been sitting at, seeing a potential customer he jumps up with a big smile and replies, “ Indeed we do, let me show you to your room. That will be 7 coppers for the night, but includes clean bedding and breakfast in the morning.” Isca agrees and hands over the coins as they make their way upstairs.

In no time at all, Isca and Nefer are settled in their room. “Look a nice soft bed for a change, lets get some sleep I think we are in for a very interesting day tomorrow.” Getting undressed she slips under the sheets, lifts one end up for Nefer to enter and before long the two of them are peacefully sleeping.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Megan was going to suggest the young lady could travel with her group … as they were headed to the same location. But before she could say anything … Isca and the nice cat were gone.

“What a strange person!” Megan said aloud. She got up and went to her room to try and sleep.

The next morning arrived, but it came quietly on soft cat feet. The sun which had just risen over the horizon could not be seen. A thick fog had settled over the town during the night and visibility was limited to one city block. With almost no light making it through the fog …it was still quite dark. In this eerie and still setting, Isola guided two pack mules with supplies towards where Nas had chosen to sleep for the night. The supplies and animals had been acquired from Veric. The lizardman had a few of the town’s folk work during the late evening to prepare them for the trip.

Isola had gotten up early and had inspected their work. Everything they needed for the trip was provided. She thought about what had happened after she and Veric had left the pub. A smile spread over her oh so kissable lips as she remember the evening. Veric had been a gentleman and had told her that due to her state of intoxication he had not felt right about them sleeping together. So they had not.

“I wonder if I should tell the others what happened?” She said to herself. She decided for now, not to tell them a thing. It was one of the codes concubines lived by. “Don’t kiss and tell!” This might impact her chances with Devon … but she would cross that bridge when it came.

She had dressed for combat this morning. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, lest it get in the way during a fight, Her ample breasts were held captive by a bluish-silver adorned leather corset, around her neck was the necklace, but the stone was under her corset and not visible. A cape of deep verdant green lay draped over her shoulders. In her waist belt were her two long daggers. Her legs were clad in a pair of skin tight black leather breeches. A pair of brown calf high boots completed her outfit.

As she lead the mules into the clearing. There was Nas who still appeared to be sleeping. Zarik stood nearby, again dressed in his golden armor, quietly sharpening his battle axe. His face was serious … he was all business today. No more joking around and singing songs. He was ready to kill. Kill anything that threatened the group. Next to him was the half-goblin, Blin. He too was serious, checking out a new set of lock picks and placing small throwing bottles on his belt. He was still in his rag cloak but there was a fur on top now … surprisingly the fur made him almost melt into the fog. It was hard to see him. Isola shook her head …she was not sure how these men did it. But there seem to be a switch and once it was turned on … they were completely focused on the task at hand.

Megan came up behind Isola and nodded to her “Good morning” she whispered. The two exchanged eye contact … neither said a word for about a second. Isola was wondering what had happened between Devon and Megan last night … and Megan was wondering how Isola had faired with Veric. Megan finally broke the silence and whispered “Isola … I’m sorry about last night … I was teasing you … Nothing happened between Devon and myself. He still available”

Isola smiled “Thanks for the information … and I’m sorry for being such an ass yesterday … friends?” She whispered back.

Megan agreed quietly “yes”

They hugged and then Megan added quietly “… I think the gods are on our side! … fog … this is prefect to mask our departure … as long as everyone remains quiet … we can slip away like ghosts!” She whispered smiling at Isola “Where did you get the mules and supplies?”

“Veric” Isola answered flatly.

“So it went that well … you are amazing!” Megan whispered shaking her head and she headed over to the others.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon woke early and was on his second cup of tea when the heroes started gathering, his gear was ready, the bow string loosened for the damp of the fog. He could not see the undead knight, but that only meant that the knight had decided to be at some place nearby. Devon knew the code of honor that the knight kept and that code prevented him from leaving his friends behind or even place them in danger's way, no matter how powerful and capable they were. He drained his cup and tossed it into his open rucksack, lacing the bag close, he swung it onto his back, picked up his bow and strode to the exit of the town, where he said he would be waiting. He found that Maut was not far from where he stopped, this surprised him, the knight was standing at the edge of the swamp, staring out into the fog like somebody who saw something which no other could. He suppressed a cold shudder at the memory of Maut's voice, that dry chuckle...

 

[Iscaa]

Isca was awakened by a tickling tongue on her cheek, brushing it away, she sleepily groaned, “Oh Nefer, just give me a few more minutes OK?” But, there was no stopping Nefer when she got going. So Isca had no choice but to finally open her eyes and sit up. Glancing at the window, she realized it was later then she thought. “Nefer we best get a move on, we still need to find a guide of some sort.”

Throwing the blanket to the side, she quickly slipped out of bed and stood in her slip. Mumbling a few words ( equal to taking a bath ) she was soon refreshed and ready to put her dress on. It too needed to be cleaned up, so she chanted the words to repel dirt and in seconds it looked brand new. Picking it up Isca told Nefer, “I will have to get a new gown on of these days, but until then this purple one suits me just fine.” After dressing she gathered up the few belongings she had putting them into a small pouch that she slung over her shoulder and said, “ Let's go Nefer, do you want to walk to ride?” Where upon the wee cat took a leap and landed on Isca's shoulder, wrapping herself around her neck.

On their way out they come across the innkeeper as he was restocking his shelves for the new day. They stop and Isca asked, “Sir do you know of anyone that would be willing to guide me to the Tomb of Ardel?” He looked down at her replying, “ As a matter of fact I do, the Heroes are going that way, and if you hurry you just might be able to catch them before they leave town. From what I have heard, they were to gather this morning near where the dragon Nas spent the night.”

Turning quickly, she said, “ Thanks I know where the dragon is.” Isca swiftly made her way out of the inn. When she saw the thick fog, she dug into her pouch and came out with a small glob type object , said a few words and now had a light to make her way to where she had the speech with Nas the night before. The streets were silent and empty as she swiftly walked to the edge of town, but she could heard quiet conversation as she drew near to the heroes. Nefer stood up as they walked past the mules and supplies.

All heads turned towards her as she came up to the group. Looking around at everyone, she spotted Megan smiled in greeting, “ I understand that you are heading towards the Tomb of Ardel, I am hoping that I may join you since I too need to make my way there?” She now waited for someone to respond.