The Sorceror's Staff

[The GrandMage]

The Goblin Encampment

One of the tall creatures glanced out of the shadows, watching the pair. Like most of the species, it was amazingly tall, but because of how they stood, hunched over with their knees drawn a bit, they seemed almost half a head shorter than the human. This goblin, although wearing the same uniform of the goblin fighters, was wearing a simple green cap of the same material.

He took long strides, walking up to the major and glancing towards the doors again. Grippledigg glanced up. and turned back to polishing his helmet. "Yes?"

"It's a good sign for an elf to joing us. Especially for the feast celebrating the beginings of our race. But was it wise to let the human stay?"

"He was her guest."

The wrinkled face of the other goblin turned again to the doors, and then to the sky above. "Perhaps your right..."

"You worry too much, Driggle."

"Perhaps," the aging scribe said, and looked again to the gate before pulling his legs up and jumping across the wide area to talk to the guards.

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

"Hello? Anybody coming on the quest? Or you just gonna sit on your hands?"

He looked at those in the tavern, and glanced around before shrugging and starting the walk into the woods.

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

It seemed to take forever for the grinning wizard to finally decide to move. When he did, Marvak shrugged and followed him silently into the forest.

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Tyrian

"Great! We leave,....Oh,....How's now?"
With that the mage downed his drink, stood, & walked out the door. I looked down at my now cool stew and empty mug. Well, I guess he's in a hurry. I picked back up my equipment, and shouldering my load I moved outside and into the stables.
Sylthandall was looking at me as I walked inside, knowing good and well that he had earned a quiet night.
" I know old friend, but we have a new task before us."
I threw his tack on him, & led him outside to meet up with the mage and any others he had convinced to go with us.

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

He grinned as the two came. One on foot, the other on horseback. "Hope that thing's not skittish." He said before striding off towards the forest. They moved, passing a few villagers as they moved into the trees.

"So,....Either of you know much about goblins?"

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

Marvak considered the wizard's question then replied "I've never dealt with them. For that reason alone I distrust them." "I do know what works on them if need be though."

"if you like I can alter my appearance. I understand that they do not love humans."

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

"That's a rumor. About goblins and humans. It started because offspring of the two races, hobgoblins, are very evil and dangerous, so they try and keep the two apart as much as possible. I only asked because we're going deep into their Kingdom for the first artifact. So do try to act civilized. We'll be stopping at an encampment near here to get a guard, as they're celebrating their origins and without one of them, we can't gain admittance into their lands."

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Tyrian

" I have had dealings with them before and found them to be a honorable people. And as for my mount being skittish, I believe he will be ok."

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

"Then I will conduct myself as you have represented things to be. But I will take my own counsel if they are not."

"Let us hasten. Time is always short."

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

"Yes." He turned, and, judging them to be far enough from the little town, he raised his fingers to his lips, and blew two sharp whistles. The underbrush began to move, and soon the giant wolf had arrived at their party. While the other two stared, the wizard mounted up, and looked off towards the encampment.

"Well, let's get a move on, shall we?"

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

If the wizard and the other wished to ride, it was no matter. Riders tended to draw nasty things like arrows. There was safety in being on the ground. Besides, his disciplines would allow him to keep pace with the riders at anything less then a gallop.

"I can run more easily if I may hold your riding hraness, Master Wizard. Will your steed mind if I do so?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

"No, he would not. Especially since he has no harnass. Besides, he is performing this service of his own free will, and cannot be tethered. But that's besides the point. He could easilly outrun you, without breaking a sweat. But we've got more important matters at hand."

The wolf turned, and sorian had to twist in order to look at them. "Coming?"

With that, the mighty creature started off, running quickly down the path towards the encampment, being careful to pace itself for the others to catch up, if they ran hard.

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Marvak

"Very well. I shall follow. Lead on wizard."

 

[silverwolf]

well well well

ooc i see that someone decided that the old sorceres staff atleast had a good title i have atleast that much to be proud of (btw i am the author of the original sorcerors staff though it was made good by grand mage it would have sucked without him)i feel pretty good about that.well you all have fun i dont think theres room for me here so ill leave yall to it

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Fledgrin

I was familiar with the story of Hobgoblins, and how they came to be, so when i saw the gazes of the goblins on me, I grew more uncomfortable. I kept my hands free from my weapons, trying to add ease to the situation, but I guessed my presence was one not all were comfortable with, even if the elf was with me.
I doubted the patch that covered my eye was helping any. The scar that ran past it would unquestionably define it as having occured in battle.
I nodded as I moved past a small group of goblins standing to one side, together, eyeing the two of us with mixed responses.
One nodded in return.
"I fear I am not welcome here," I whispered to Nadia.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Nadia

"Fledgrin, as long as you are with me you are welcome. Just please, do not make me regret that decision. Sit, relax. Stay with me the entire time and we will both be fine." I smiled as reassuringly as I could.
"They are setting up for a celebration, and will be merry tonight. We shall just use a vacant tent to eat and rest before we head out again. Though you have yet to tell me your destination?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Fledgrin Sorrow

I eyed her carefully, the question catching me offguard.
"Perhaps now is not the time for such questions," I replied, looking around cautiously. It had just then occurred to me that those I wished to avoid could have found our trail and followed us here. They could have been outside the gates just as we spoke.
"Let's just say that I'm currently employed to track down an out of the ordinary object."
I wondered if she noticed my discomfort over the matter.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Nadia

I glanced up into his eyes, he was hiding something from me, but now was not the time to get the answers. It made me weary of him, being lied to was the one no-no we did not do.
Shrugging it off, all in due time.
"Let's go get some ale and rest Fledgrin, it may help some what." I moved up the steps to the Inn and walked inside. It was quieter than I would expect with a celebration underway, but it was perfect for me. I just needed some down time and quiet. No more hassles nor humans to worry about. And hopefully I would not be asked to join in the fun too much. perhaps I would be left alone as well?
I ordered a mug and toasted to a safe journey, tossed it back and sat staring at the remaining liquid in my mug.
"inn keeper? We need two rooms for the night." I tossed him some coins for the ale and rooms.
"Somewhere on the ground floor please." He nodded and fetched the serving wench to show us the way.

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

He stared at the goblin encampment before turning back to the others.

"You've been kind of quiet. But here we are. You're my guests, don't embarass me. C'mon."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Fledgrin

As she drank down the ale, I debated having a drink as well, then decided it was best to remain in total control, even if the effects of the ale would aid me in relaxing, letting some stress off.
With the item so close at hand, why take risks?

 

[Sweetp4u]

Nadia

I set down the half empty mug of ale and turned to my companion.
"Well we should get settled in, or are you planning on continuing on tonight?" I stood up and motioned him along with me as we followed the tavern's serving girl. She was a petite little thing, I wondered how she managed to keep her sanity in this den of smoke and sinners?
I knew men, all men of any kind were the typical kind and loved to grope and manhandle as often as they could.. Well in most cases, there was a few men who were respectful.. But generally boring at the same time.
Shrugging off the thoughts, she stopped by a set of doors and opened one and then the other.
"In here Nadia.. We have it set up and cleaned for you and your guest. Need anything be sure to summon me." I thanked her quietly, handed her a small gold coin and stood outside waiting for his verdict.
"Well, we're all set for the night.. unless you wish to depart early?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Fledgrin

"I believe enjoying the festivities might be interesting," I replied, realizing that returning to the woods might be a fatal mistake so near to my escape from the men.
I was not, however, looking forward to being left alone with the goblins.
"Perhaps you will join me?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

He led the way down to the encampment. He heard a few yelled orders as the gate opened, and he went inside, hoping the other would follow him. He glanced around and the goblins.

"Hiya, everybody."

"Greetings, Wizard Sorian," One of them said. "We have a scout ready for you, but first, enjoy some food before you go. I've got to go see if our other guests will join us for a bit to eat and honor our table."

Other guests?, Sorian wondered. But who...?

 

[Sweetp4u]

Nadia

I goblin guard came into the Inn and interrupted our conversation, "They are extending an invitation to the festivities. Will you join us and your guest?" He asked me rather loudly.
Alle ars were now tuned into what we were saying.
Sighing I smiled and nodded my head twice.
"Good, good, come with me we are about to begin witht he feast." he turned and walked to the door, "Well Fledgrin, we're going to the party." I smiled a little, I was merely tired and wished to sleep but I would never insult my guests by not going with them.
Walking outside, we were taken to a long raised table sitting a little above the others below. I greeted the encampment leader and noticed some new comers had arrived as well. Saying nothing, I was seated next to the leader and the Fledgrin on the other side of me.
Things were now being carried out of huts and various places and placed on the tables before us. Everything did smell heavenly, perhaps a little while wouldn't hurt?

 

[The GrandMage]

Sorian

He grumbled, noting that all his fine adventurers were gone. He sighed, and sat down. "Wizard Sorian, will you be staying with us?" the old storyteller asked, the village was quiet as people silently went about finishing the preparations.

"No. It seems all the fine adventurers I was supposed to get chickened out. The world is doomed...."

He looked across the table at the others. "Unless you two feel like saving the world? Because if you don't I suggest we enjoy ourselves, as we'll all be crushed under the boot of an omnipotent dictator."