Portal to Adventure

[Isolde]

Michelle/Valencia

I felt the pain of Dur's loss also but I also know that I had to be the one to stand strong in this. They were all depending upon me and I couldnt fail them. For once in my life I was faced with a task that I couldnt bluff my way through like I did my studies. If I failed at this than we would all die. Taking a steadying breath, I turned to exit the inn and came face to face with a rather tall woman-a match for my own height.

"Excuse me, but are you the party of adventurers that suddenly popped up outside of town? If so, then I'm here to offer any assistance I can. My name is Kyle Blackbyrne, and I am a paladin of Tyr."

I heard the words seconds before I find my sword in my hand, the blade of it pressing into her neck. Something about the name of Tyr rang a note in my memory. I didnt know if it was Michelle's memory of the game or Valencia's memory of this world and I didnt care. I did know that this person had just asked about our group and mentioned the appearance on the outskirts of the town and noone but Kalann knew about that appearance-and he had betrayed us. I was not in the mood for another endangerment of my friends.

"I dont care who you are," I said through gritted teeth,"How do you know who we are and why do you care? And how did you know where to find us. Be careful how you answer. One move of my blade and you wont have a way to answer my questions."

 

[Neale]

Neale/Alia

Still stunned by the tragic loss of Dur, I barely noticed the arrival of another after Alustriel's sending had faded. As I knelt there, Alyson whispered into my ear "Alia. Alia! Dammit, Neale, snap out of it!"
I started, and looked to her standing at my side, eye to eye with me as I knelt, "What is it, Aly?"
She whispered back, "We gotta problem. This guy claims to be a paladin of Tyr, but in the mood she's in, Michelle's likely to cut him down, and ask questions of his corpse! Aren't pally's of Tyr really good guys?"

Fully aware now, I thought a second, "Hmm... Tyr, Paladins of... let me think... God of Justice, Honor, Law... Only god to retain his power and position during the Time of Troubles, because of his loyalty to Ao... his paladins and clerics are absolutely trustworthy, if anal about laws and such..." Suddenly, I jump up and rush over to Valencia, and step between her and this paladin.

"Whoah! Alia Sidhe, priestess and feywarden of Carellon Lotherian. Pleased to meet you, noble paladin!" I glance back to Michelle, reassuring her with a nod and a look. "Pardon my friend, please, she is new to the area, and is not so very familiar with your noble calling and honorable deity. I do not understand, either, how you came to know of our arrival so quickly, but I am certain you will have a reasonable explanation. In fact, we are on our way to meet with the Lady Alustriel right now. If you would be so kind as to accompany us, you could perhaps explain a bit more thoroughly how you came by your knowledge? Please forgive us, but we have reason to be overly cautious."

Our party gathered around, we made our way, led by Ghaelryss, to Alustriel's castle home.

 

[SpectreT]

Kyle

"Well met, Alia. Or at least as well as can be." I gesture to the mess. "There are.. confidences I cannot betray right now, but suffice it to say I am often and well informed. Especially in Silverymoon. Any assistance you require, consider it freely offered." I grin sheepishly and start to scratch at my goatee before remembering it was gone with my maleness. "And I'm not *quite* as full of myself as others of my calling."

"As to the rest, Ghaelryss probably doesn't remember me, but the last time I was here I helped out with a strange case of ogres moving into the hillsides off to the north. After that, I went to Cormyr, and was helping an old friend with a slight infestation of Deurgar in his mines when I was, Hrm, dispached to Silverymoon with some vague hue and cry of Waterdhavian mercenaries trying to kill a band of adventurers who had more or less just materialized outside town. I figured you might need some help, so I decided to take the direct approach. By the way, miss, sorry, we haven't been introduced yet, but point a sword at my throat again and it'll resemble a horseshoe. I can appreciate you've had some trouble, but that was a little... excessive."

 

[Isolde]

Michelle/Valencia

I had sheathed my sword and was about to apologize to the woman. If Alia said she was okay than I believed she was. But then she spoke to me and her words caused anger to flash in my eyes.

Stepping forward and elbowing Alia aside, I came face to face with the woman. "Now you look here...I apologize for my earlier actions. We have been through a whole hell of alot and one of those things has been betrayal by one of your countrymen. The other things we have been through are not up for discussion right now."

"However Palidin or no paladin, if you ever threaten me again you will wish you hadnt. I am just pissed off enough not to care if I insult your god by diving into you. I do not care for your world or your customs and right now I am working up a real good hate towards you. So let it stand right now that we dont like each other and be done with it. If Alia says you are okay I am willing to accept that, but otherwise you can stay out of my way."

With one last glare at the woman, I started off to the lady's castle and dinner.

 

[lostinn]

Justinian

Delete

 

[Neale]

Neale/Alia

I just look at the two strong women, one a true friend, the other a stranger, but of a known noble calling...

"Paladin of Tyr, you may, after all, find our group too composed of free spirits to comfortably be around." I grin very strangely. "And, frankly, we have all had one miserable fucking day! So keep your threats and your tongue in your mouth if you want to assist us! At this point, I really don't think Carellon would be overly pissed at me for helping kick your holier-than-thou ass!"

I stride away, to catch up with Alustriel's son, not giving our new 'friend' a chance to reply. Ghaelryss lets me catch up with him, then speaks in a dialect of Elven that few, if any, here besides the two of us share, "What has gotten into you, Alia? I've never heard you speak like that before! And to a known paladin of Tyr? Her aura shines clearly as to her true calling, and I know full well you saw it. What has you in such a state? Please tell me, dear lady... you know how much I want to help you." He looked at me with his elven eyes, a gaze that made a part of me melt.

Oh, crap. Looks like that sub-thread the Prof. was threatening to enforce happened here, too! The Prof. always said that my female priestess should be fair game for male NPC's interest. I thought I'd convinced him not to use that, since it really made me uncomfortable to roleplay it that far. But here, Ghaelryss really is, ohmigod, interested in me! And part of me responded! I so don't need this! And Alyson... what will we do now?

"'ryss, I thank you for your concern, really I do. But now is neither the time nor the place for this discussion. You'll understand when we talk to Alustriel, I promise."

 

[Kepic]

Jamie / Jothal

Jothal, like most sorcerors, preferred to keep himself to himself. Even in a group, he felt alone. His trust was hard-earned, and hard kept. Yet, I knew they were my friends. I had to put my trust in them. We had to put our trust in one another, if we were going to get through this weird ordeal.

If Dur's death - the pessimist I had always played in Jothal, or 'realist' as he called himself - was anything to go by, we had some hard work ahead of us. So much for resurrection magics. My own optimistic views clashed with his in my own mind... our mind. We would get through this. We had to.

"The sooner we meet with her Ladyship the better, I feel" I said, "our explanation for our presence here will seem... far fetched... but with her mages and their mind-reading powers, it should be confirmed easily enough. Though, I'm not particularly happy with others trespassing in my mind, it is the most expedient way."

Dak rustled his feathers, and cocked his head to one side, a beady eye gazing into one of mine.

Master, will you explain what is going on to me now? he asked.

Yes, Dak, I replied, I have to say though, I find it hard to believe myself.

 

[Isolde]

Michelle/Valencia

Hearing Justin's words, I turned and lay a hand on his arm, smiling at him. It felt good to see that my friends were backing me up. Made me feel like we just might make it after all.

"Lets go,"I said to him,"I have a raging desire to get home and back to some type of reality that does not include magic, swords or oaths."


Meanwhile at the inn:

Unnoticed by anyone in the inn, some of the shadows separated themselves from those in a corner of the inn after all of the companions had left. As an eerie laughter fills the air of the inn, it dissapears and shortly reappears in Bail's room which he has been assigned.

The room is luxurious and in keeping with the mage's new standing in Cyric's employ. Approaching the bed where Bail lay resting, the tracker bent on one knee and gave him the information that those he was sent to spy on were headed toward the lady Alustriel's castle to ask for aide.

Kneeling there, he awaits Bail's further instruction.

 

[SpectreT]

Kyle

*sigh* "Put your foot in it again, Kyle, old son," I said quietly, then more loudly, "Could someone *please* tell me just how I've managed to annoy nearly everyone here? By offering help? Last time I checked, Followers of Tyr were usually not greeted with swordplay, threats or harsh words. And Alia, you, if anyone should know that Tyrean Paldins are incapable of anything so crass as boasting. Exaggeration for humor's sake, however, is something I'm known for. And finally, I don't know exactly *how* strong I am, but I have an overwhelming urge to see if I can heft a large waggon. So the bare-hands route might be possible."
I shrug. "Freethinking's never bothered me, I just fight the good fight, and most of the people I choose to aid have been... alarmingly pragmatic at times. Speaking of aid, have you any wounded? I know I'm babbling, but this is a strange day for me as well."

 

[Angelus]

Bail

I sat back and looked out of the window of the tower that I had been given and wondered what was happening with my friends- no, the people that I had to destroy. I stood up and walked to the door of the large room and as soon as I a person in black robes appeared as if out of thin air. A large smile appeared on my face when I saw the person and I walked forward then planted a thought into his head which caused the person to turn and walk away- a task set before him, one that I hoped would bring down at least one of the group.

 

[Imoen]

Caillean

I stuck to the shadows mainly as I followed along behind the rest of the group. It seemed somewhat natural. Natural? Pffftt. This body was mostly alien to me, although I was adjusting… slowly.

I was working hard to stay with the group, my legs half of the length I was accustomed to. Guess I shouldn’t complain too much. Least I did remain the same sex. My gaze is drawn to Alia. And to think Neale was bothered by our age difference. I laugh to myself at the thought; I would have to say that this situation tops that one hands down.

My gaze drifts over to the newcomer of the group. It seemed I wasn’t the only one to be a bit wary of her, A Paladin of Tyr. They put the LAW in lawful. And here was I, a halfling thief. We should get along quite famously. Hah! This little adventure was just getting better and better. The only shining light at this moment was the thought of seeing Alustriel again. If anyone could guide us out of this mess, it would be the High Lady.

 

[Imoen]

To the palace

The approach to the palace is uneventful. Alustriel has been true to her word as there has been nothing more than the interruption of a wagon rumbling past and a few curious stares of some of Silverymoon’s residents as the group walks past.

Ghaelryss and Alia lead the way through the large rambling city, steadily making their way east to the old section of the city. The Blade of Ehlonna is located in the newer suburbs of the city on the southern shore of the River Rauvin. As the group approaches the river, the older larger portion of the city is clearly visible across rushing waters. The spires and towers of the palace of Spellguard lie in stark relief against the gloriously colorful sunset behind them.

Ghaelryss continues on unabashedly, seeming as if to walk straight into the river spread out before him. His stride is caught by something invisible, yet apparently firm and he continues on – rising above the quick-moving waters beneath him. He turns back to gaze at the group in confusion.

“Come now!” He laughs. “It has not been that long since you have visited with us. Alia? Caillean? Surely you have all not forgotten about the Moonbridge so soon?”

At the expressions of befuddlement and wariness on the group’s faces, he sighs. “Apparently you have.” He sighs yet again and closes his eyes concentrating for a moment. His lips move quietly for a moment before he opens his eyes and smiles encouragingly. “Come. Alustriel will make the bridge visible, it will be easier for you that way.”

Ghaelryss had no sooner spoke that his words were proven true. From the other shore it started, shimmering glow of liquid white flames began to outline the Moonbridge that spanned the river, dying as it reached the southern shore. The flames disappear and leave a gentle shimmer upon the giant, smoothly arching bridge.

Ghaelryss turns and continues on his way, fully expecting all to follow. Which all of you do, although some with a hint of reluctance. A brisk, lengthy walk later finds all of you at the entrance of Spellguard, where you are escorted with all due haste to the High Hall, nestled safely within the walls of the Palace. The Hall is extremely large and filled with literally hundreds of inhabitants of Silverymoon, feasting from tables laden with food and drink.

Ghaelryss makes his way quickly through the crowd, leading you to the end of the room, where at a large table sits Alustriel, laughing at a comment made by a charming elf sitting next to her. “And to think, Alyar, I always thought you the quiet one.”

“Ah! My son and guests have arrived!” She smiles in delight and motions for all to be seated. “I’m so glad that you came. Please, sit and enjoy evenfeast with me. I would be most honored.” Her clear glaze lifts and travels over all - pausing briefly on each face in turn.

“Alia, the priest. It is good to see you again, my dear.”

“Lothius, I believe. A wizard no less. Illusion is your forte?”

“Sutashi, the druid hengeyoki. Truly a pleasure.”

“Taran. A bard! How delightful! I hope you will grace us with a song after dinner, yes?”

“Jothal. The sorcerer of the group. Such a marvelous natural talent you have, Sir.”

“Justinian. Ah, the ranger! The fierce protector of the forest! We share that in common, my friend.”

“Kiai. The monk. A fierce and soulful fighter indeed. I am delighted with your presence.”

“Ah, little Caillean. The tiny thief. I’ll be sure to have them search your pockets before you leave.”

“Kyle. Paladin of Tyr.” She grins in amusement. “You seem to have changed a bit since I last saw you.”

Her gaze then settles upon Valencia, her glance knowing, and her smile kind. “Valencia, I presume; The great amazon warrior and leader of this grand group of adventurers. Please, all of you, sit. Make yourselves comfortable. Enjoy my hospitality. My home is yours for as long as you require. Perhaps we can even share stories – tales of far away lands and places. I’m certain we will have much to share.”



[Edited by Imoen on 03-19-2001 at 08:52 PM]

 

[Alaric]

The elf sitting beside Alustriel whispers something back to her.

OOC: this is the damndest-looking elf most of you have ever seen. he is clearly a Moon Elf from his pale skin and black hair. But the hair is cut into a mohawk, and he has an elaborate tattoo on either side of his head where the hair has been shaved. And the ornate hilt of a large sword is visible where it hangs from its baldric over the back of his chair.

 

[SpectreT]

Kyle

Moonbridge. Right. The hall is quite full tonight, and memories of the last time I was here came back. The place *still* had the power to grab at the heart. I sighed, barely feeling odd at all for the first time today, paid careful attention to the introductions, and so was distracted when I heard,

"Kyle, Paladin of Tyr." My head snapped up to Look Alustriel in the eyes. She was smiling. "You seem to have changed a bit since I last saw you." I groaned, feeling the heat in my face, and *knew* I was blushing an interesting shade of purple. I'm probably in for a long supper of jest over this one... Then I notice the elf near Alustriel. Moon Elf, with a mohawk. Nags something in my mind, but I can't quite remember.. Alia's an old friend of Alustriel? hmmm. Something odd about that one. Her posture? Her mannerisms? Reminds me of me, trying to scratch a beard I don't have anymore. Something tells me that if I'm to help this bunch, I'll need to get in their good graces, and that's not going to be easy, since my earlier joking seemed to simply tick everyone off. You'd think they'd never had a quest start out with everyone trying to kill them in an inn before. I felt a familliar feeling of menace, but chalked it up to Valencia thinking up ways to filet me.

 

[Celestiale]

Sutashi

“Sutashi, the druid Hengeyokai. Truly a pleasure.”


I basked in the glow of Lady Alustriel, and marveled at her tact and grace. She had chosen to greet me in my mind rather than aloud, knowing the disgrace that would befall me if anyone outside of our little band knew I was truly a Hengeyokai, in my human form.

I sat at the great table and smiled softly, gazing at the finery which surrounded us. It was simply overwhelming to behold...even my vivid imagination could not have prepared me for such abundance. I was, in fact, still reeling from the firey beauty of the Moonbridge.

 

[Neale]

Neale/Alia

The warm feeling I got traversing the Moonbridge once again contrasted strangely in my mind with the wonder I felt in crossing it for the first time! Silverymoon had always been my favorite place in the realms, outside of my elven homeland. I mean, Alia's homeland... whatever.

As we followed Ghaelryss to the hall Alustriel used to greet guests, my mind was awhirl with deja vu... only, I clearly remembered everything I was seeing, instead of only a feeling of familiarity, as Alia had guested here many times before.

We were taken in to see her, and I was struck anew by how amazingly beautiful she is. She'd jokingly referred to me as her elven, 8th sister, for the similarity in our coloration, but I knew I was but a pale reflection of her and her sisters.

She greeted us, each of us in turn, and it became my turn to respond, "Thank you, Alustriel. It has indeed been too long since my last visit. We have so much to catch up on." Unintentionally, I had emphasized my last words, and she gave me a slight nod. Obviously, her arcane senses let her see... something.

As we ate, I pondered just how much to tell her of our situation. Valencia was, of course, seated nearest her, as our leader, but I knew my turn to be questioned would come 'ere long. Long-time friends or not, Alustriel would not allow any harm to come to her people, and would find out all she could of us.

Suddenly, I remembered something, and laughed to myself. Alyson caught the strange expression on my face, and leaned over to me. I whispered in her ear, "Just realized that we don't have to worry overmuch about how much to tell her. She knows." Alyson looked at me quizzically. "Hope you weren't contemplating any 'acquisitions', dear. While my Harper pin protects me, the rest of your minds are an open book to her telepathy-spell using mages."

I had full faith that the contents of my friends minds, while surprising to her, would not get anyone in trouble, so I proceeded to enjoy this meal. Perhaps a bit too much, as the excellent elven wine we were drinking was making me a bit light-headed.

 

[SpectreT]

Kyle

I had a mouthful of wine when the mohawk and tattoo finally registered on my brain. *Bladesinger!* I'd heard rumors, but never actually met one of these skillful warriors. Only an effort of will kept me from wasting this good vintage. The others hadn't objected to keeping me around, and thankfully accepted the assertion of my calling. Still, they acted stiffly formal with me, and let their annoyance show. I caught myself staring at Alia more than once, and chided myself. *Kyle, you're a married man... Er, woman.* And Ghaelryss seemed to be smitten with her, though she was obviously uncomfortable with that. I sighed, just barely managing to treat supper with the respect it deserved rather than shovelling it in. Apparently, my appetite had not diminished either. I absently mused on the wierdness of the past few hours. Botched an attempt to capture a Drow priestess, got turned into a female for my troubles, and no convenient way back to maleness, offer assistance to a band of adventurers, and promptly alienate the lot with an admittedly ill-timed and worse-delivered joke. And they seemed to think I was some sort of honor-bound, tight-arsed prig. I'd met a few of my fellows who fit that description, but liked to think I was a little more....... relaxed.

"Can we try and start this over? My name is Kyle Blackbyrne, I am a Paladin of Tyr. My specialties are justice, order, peace, compassion, and abominable jokes. Thanks to our hostess, I now know your names, but little else of you. If I had known better, perhaps this could have been a happier meeting. Silverymoon is like a second home to me, my first being the Kingdom of Cormyr, where I was raised. My wife hails from this place, and it was she who fetched me here to aid you, If I could. You mentioned trust damaged by betrayal, and I would like to hear the tale, if you've a desire to tell me. "

 

[Isolde]

Michelle/Valencia

The whole of Lady Alustriel's city had been wonderous but nothing when compared to her place of residence. Or herself for that matter. I stood in awe of her and could not speak when she first addressed me.

As the other's sat though, I was broken from my spell and rememebered that I had been appointed the leader. I felt so alone. Me, who had never once given a thought to anything serious, must now take on the most serious role of all. One wrong move from me and our party would not survive to make it home.

Clearing my throat, I glanced back at Alyson or Neale for a little moral support but found them huddled discussing something. Taking a deep breath, I decided to plunge right in. I couldnt screw up anymore than I already had. I still blamed myself for Dur's death.

"Lady Alustriel,"I began,"I must first apologize for what happened in the inn. I assure you that we had no intentions of bringing trouble to your fair city. It just seems like trouble has a way of finding us. I ask your forgiveness in this regard and I assure you we will try not to bring anymore trouble here."

"In fact,"I said, sitting down near her,"All we really want to do is go home. I have heard of your powers to read minds and I assume that you have already assured yourself where we are from and that we are not native to this world."

"I am also sure that you know who sent us and why. Our problem lies in the fact that we dont know how to go about completing the task before us and thus allowing our party to go back to where we came from and leaving your world in peace. That is where we must ask your help. We need your wisdom to guide us. We dont belong here and we are only disrupting your world by being here."

I sat back and stared down at the food before me. Though it looked delicious I had no appetite and waited only for the lady's answer.

[Edited by Isolde on 03-21-2001 at 03:21 PM]

 

[Toku]

Lothius/Raymond

Dur was death, this was most certainly not a game any more. Allthough he knows its probably not the truth, Lothius keeps telling himself Dur is back in the real world, thrown out of here by failing his task.

With his head down he walks away with the group, towards the palace, a place which will cheer him up a bit.

Lothius was staring around, not missing an inch of the bridge, the hallways and most importantly, the Great Hall. Meanwhile trying to brush off the paintlike stuff his colourspray had left on his clothes and face.

It was magnificent, truly beautifeul, never had he seen this much beauty, it was overwhelming. The structure, the proportions, the colours, never had he seen this many beautifeul women together in one room, and the Great Hall itself was nice too.

The Lady herself was like a goddes, her mere sight brought poems into his mind he forgot he had ever read them.

Lothius blushes when she welcomes him by name, all he can do is give her his most charming smile, which is quite charming indeed.

Though, Lothius attention is quickly pulled from the Lady to the woman sitting next to him. Sutashi, or Ivy, was intriguing him more and more. Her mumbles something, gets a little seed out of his back and in a few seconds a red rose grows from it. He hands it over to Sutashi, "'a rose, by any nature is still a rose', and as well keeps his meaning in every world."

He winks and turns his head towards Valencia, somehow he knows she's not very comfortable in her role as a leader, while she's doing it quite well. Maybe he should tell her that later on.

 

[Ask For More]

Taran

Meeting the Lady Austriel was overwhelming in itself; her palace was magnificent, and I was struck speechless pretty much all the way through the proceedings. To be honest, I was feeling somewhat out of my depth; all the rest semed accustomed to this world while I still felt out of place. The fight at the inn had done enough to drive home our position, but I couldn't help but feel insignificant in these lustrous surroundings.

Hearing Valencia lay down the law to the Lady brought me back to real life. I edged over to her and whispered into her ear, "You really have to loosen up a bit! I know you're our designated leaded and somewhat of a gruff character in this world, but you really have to be a bit more polite....otherwise you could get us in trouble later on. You didn't even say please....."

 

[Kepic]

Jamie / Jothal

Dak was happily gobbling down his greedy beak a plateful of seeds most generously laid before him by one of the servants. I smiled, talking animals were well regarded here in Silverymoon - after all, Lurue, the Unicorn, a beast-cult deity, was one of the primary deities of the city, and she represented such creatures, and it was this city she was most connected with.

He seemed unperturbed by what I had explained to him - and his confidence was quite catching. I had always played my familiars optimism off against Jothal's pessimism for roleplaying enjoyment, and it looked like my portrayal of Jothal and Dak in our world was perfectly mirrored in theirs.

 

[Celestiale]

Sutashi

Damn him!

Lothius can make me blush in any situation it seems! If only he wasn't such a "ladies man" all the time. Still, sometimes I find myself watching him, almost daydreaming, before something suddenly pulls me to my senses.

I would be a fool to...

I let the thought go as I eyed our newest member warily. Kyle seemed sincere, and I hadn't felt my hackles raise when we had first met, as I had with Kalann. Still, I studied her quietly as I ate, and let my heightened senses aide me in hearing what she had to say. I made a mental note to talk to her after the feast...


OOC: Sorry bout that Spectre!! It was the wife comment that made me think we already knew...oopsie!

[Edited by Celestiale on 03-23-2001 at 05:01 PM]

 

[SpectreT]

Kyle

OOC:
Kyle hasn't mentioned the belt; in fact, the only clues so far to Kyle's original gender were when she scratched at her chin, as if she were used to having a beard, and the recent mention of her "Wife". Also, "Remove curse" didn't work; in 3rd edition, only a "Wish" or "Miracle" *might*
restore her gender; I wouldn't know, because Chris prohibits those spells in his game.

IC:
I sat quietly, wondering if anyone other than Valencia were allowed to speak to outsiders in this group. They certainly let me *know* I was an outsider. Valencia had made a remark about not being from this world, and wanting to go home; Planeswalkers, then? Under *Geas*? So many questions, but it would be rude of me to intercede between Valencia and the Lady just to satisfy my curiosity. I'd wait for a better opportunity to ask the questions, and provide the answers. No matter *how* embarassing. I sighed loudly, again. "Someone? Please? Look, I *know* I was a jerk, before, I just get like that when my life is on the line; I start cracking jokes."

*You weren't a jerk, women can't be jerks. You were a bitch.* I thought, sullenly. I waited for someone do decide it was okay to speak with me.....

 

[Isolde]

Michelle/Valencia

Kyle's words broke into my own thoughts and I felt a rush of guilt. We were treating him like an outsider and transferring all of our distrust from one of those from this world to him. In short, we were being unfair.

I sighed. It was not his fault that he was here and, to be honest, he had done nothing but offer assistance to our band. The truh was we were scared. This world which we both knew and did not know scared the hell out of us. Actually, most of the people of this world had treated us with nothing but kindness.

Clearing my throat, I looked down the table where he sat a few seats down. "Look, Kyle,"I said, framing my words carefully,"It is not you...it is the whole situation we find ourselves in that is unnerving us. You must forgive our manners we...we are not used to your...world and its laws. We are a long way from home and not sure how to get back. Your offer of help is appreciated but we have had a bad experience with another such offer and your knowledge of our arrival is unnerving to say the least."

"To top it all off, we have lost one of our own. A young man that did nothing wrong but get sent to this world without being asked if he wanted to or not. You must have patience with us for we are not exactly what we appear to be."

 

[Neale]

Neale/Alia

Hmm... better ease up on the wine a bit, old son. Doesn't take a 19 Wisdom to know that I can get trashed a LOT easier in this body. That elf with the mohawk, betcha he's a wardancer. Never played one of them before!

Since Alia was seated near the head of the table, conversation with the strange elf was easily started. "Alyar, is it? You have the look of a wardancer about you. I've been long and long from home, in Evermeet, myself, and I hunger for news... Do you hail from there, or another of our homelands?"