Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lady Clare Windariete 11-04-03, 05:54 AM	She looks around her with her soft gray eyes. She has long gray hair that flows down close to her ankles nd has a braid tied back from each side. Her lips appear to be almost gray as well. Her skin a peach color that brings out the color of her dress. Her dress is gray that forms to her figure until it reaches her wrists and knees where it then flares out. Every so often on the dress is a thick pale blue stripe. "Where am I? I must have taken the wrong turn at the fork in the trail a few days back. It is to late to turn around now, so I will continue on this path and see where it leads. I can only hope that it leads me somewhere." She shakes her head at her thoughts, "What am I thinking, of course it will lead me somewhere! To know where it leads me is the problem. What if foul creatures lay ahead? I cannot take them on in my current state...." Her thoughts were rudely interupted by a humanoid looking monster that casts a spell on her that makes her fall unconscious upon the ground. The monster disappears from site and rushes away.
Agudo Archmage 11-04-03, 10:32 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley A wizard was walking down the road Mumbling out loud. “ I hope were not late for the Hobbit Butter Ball annual baking cook off?’ A lovely white owl was sitting on his shoulders, and to anyone near, she seem to be speaking to him. “Yes your quite right Lady Hoot, Hobbits can be counted on one thing. Making plenty of food and partying late into the night” Just then he sees a maiden on the side of the road. “this reminds me of the Light’s teaching…. People were walking along a road and saw a poor fellow who was hurt. Most walked by but one stopped to help.” “The question was asked who was the good friend?” “I believe we should give that answer by example” with that the wizard bent down to offer aid, and comfort to the woman. He prays over her hoping she will wake up.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-04-03, 10:37 AM	She slowly stirs looking about her. As she look up she sees the man who has helped her. Quickly she sits up and scoots back from where she had been lying. "I..I..uh...many thanks...k.kind sir." She tries not to make eye contact with him for some unknown reason.
Agudo Archmage 11-04-03, 10:34 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The young maiden suddenly opens her eyes and try’s to move away. “Why hello my unfortunate fellow traveler, I take it your feeling better. What pray tell fell upon you? I noticed a slight magical aura left behind on your person. Was something done to you? Before the maiden can reply the lovely white owl speaks. “Take a moment to collect your thoughts, and as you do consider our offer. For we are all traveling down this road, maybe there is safety in numbers, care to join us?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-05-03, 01:24 AM	She nods to the owl and to the man both, "A..Alright I will..t..try." She sits and thinks for a moment still avoiding their eye contact. "H..Humanoid monster....in hurry I th..think. H..he cast s..some sort of sp..spell, made m..me go un..unconscious. I..I was al..already we..weak from m..my t..tr..travels. M..many encount..encounters with mo..monsters. Lost my l..lute, h..had since I..I was you..young." She looks to him, at chest level, sadly. She stutters and it is apparent that it is either her normal way of speaking, she does not know the common language well, or something has affected her to cause the stutter. "M..my l..lute is crushed, k..know wh..where I c..can get another?" She looked hopeful at this but still, her eyes never met his. She grew silent for a few minutes, "S..since y..you f..found me I gue..guess that means I..I your sl..slave. I..I've been sl..slave to m..many before, n..never known free..freedom. D..do you want Cl..Clare (pronounced Claire) Wh..Windariete (pronounced wind-are-e-it) a..as your sl..slave? During m..my other owners I.. I rarely g..got l..lashing. S..See?" She turns around and contorts herself to unzip her dress just enough to let him see her back that is red with marks (about 5 scars are there) and caked in dried blood.
Agudo Archmage 11-05-03, 04:37 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The woman was telling her story about the flute and monsters when she started to undress. “My, my Clare you have gotten around, yet please put back on your cloths. What will people say? Me a pillar of the community, standing outdoors with half dressed maiden. Someone might think I was doing harm to you.” Agudo turns a nice shade of pink for a second. But then he becomes somewhat angry at his next reply. “Yet my lady Windariete I want to make one thing perfectly clear, as long as I live; you will no longer be a slave to no one!” The Archmage of Light raises his staff to make his point. Lady Hoot smiles at the woman “Yes by that true and wise, you should be free for evermore Do not give into the bulling of others. Please come with us and we shall help you find a safe place to stay.” Agudo calms himself and agrees with Hoot. “Yes young lass, do not trouble yourself out here alone. As my wise white owl friend has said; come with us to the Hobbit festival and maybe I can find you that new flute that you seek.”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-05-03, 04:49 PM	She nods, "I.. am fr..free? A l..lowely sl..slave like me? S..sir I can not th..think of h..how I can ever thank th..thee en..enough. P..please t..tell me what a fe..festival is?" She looks at the owl for a moment and speaks to her, "A sp..speaking ow..owl. So bea..beautiful in c..color." She looks at the man, still not looking into his eyes, "Y..you are lucky t..to have such a..a cre..creature. B..back to wh..what I was sa..saying, you d..do not have to p..pay me such k..kindness s..sir, f..for I am al..already in yo..your debt."
Agudo Archmage 11-05-03, 06:18 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Takes Clare by the hand “Please don’t be concerned, for it is a place of plenty, you will eat until your hearts content.” With that Agudo started walking with Clare, heading down the road. “You see just ahead about an hours walk. The small village of Greenville, you can see the smokestacks puffing away with the delicious food.”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-05-03, 10:16 PM	She looks to where he speaks of, "F..food? Y..you mean bread a..and wa..water? Sm...smokestacks, are you go..going to m..make me cl..clean them, I..I will if you w..wish." She looks up to him as she said that, half expecting him to say yes even though she is now free. She quickly lowers her head as she looked at his eyes, "Pl..please forgive m..me sir, I l..looked at y..your eyes. I w..will not d..do it again."
Agudo Archmage 11-06-03, 12:53 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The three were making there way to the festival, and as they neared Clare mentioned her shame, in looking Agudo in the eyes. “The Archmage Light, took Clare by the chin as they walked, and looked her deep in the eye. Now its perfectly ok to look anyone in the eye, for you shall forever more be an equal to all others.” He smiled “As far as food, Hobbits do love baked bread yes. But they also know how to make great pies and cakes. A few other local delicacies as well, I’m sure.” “Never the less you will not need to work for this meal, for it is on me” The sounds of music and dancing could now be heard, a carnival like atmosphere was taking place. In a few minutes they would be there.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-06-03, 04:07 PM	She nods, "I w..will rem..remember that s..sir. This i..is the best d..day of m..my li..life, th..thank you. Ju..just to be a..able to w..walk w..with s..someone l..like y..you, I..I am hon..honoured Ag..Agudo s..sir." He had not mentioned his name to her yet, but she knew him. Her parents had mentioned to her to seek him out for he would be the one. "M..my pa..parents, t..told me to f..find you s..sir. Th..they s..said y..you could teach m..me t..to sp..speak we..well again. I n..never al..always had a sp..speech imp..impairment. Th..this was done t..to me, fr..from a fight l..long ago." She blushes a bit, "F..forgive me s..sir, I a..am not al..always so o..open with ot..others."
Agudo Archmage 11-06-03, 10:10 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley “I am impressed, that my reputation has traveled so far then. Was it my two books that I have written? That being…. (History of the Realms by Agudo) and (Agudo Travel Guide to the Realms) “ Maybe your parents heard of me as Headmaster of my school, humbly named after myself; called Agudo school of Light and Magic. Or maybe my many brave and daring adventures, told by bards around a campfire. Proclaiming the good deeds of Agudo the Archmage of Light.” The blue and white robed wizard, was just taking another breath to continue. When Lady Hoot whispered in his ear. He was so caught up with himself, he repeated what the owl said out loud. “Or maybe my big Egooo…Ego?.” Lady Hoot starts to laugh. “Ha, ha Lady Hoot, you don’t have to be so wise all the time.” Agudo blushes a little and turns to Clare “Yes well maybe I did get carried away…a.. little. Allow me to introduce myself, and the to wise white owl. The ladder being Lady Hoot and I am...as my Ego has proclaimed, Agudo the Archmage of Light.” He bows and winks at Clare to show that he thought Lady Hoot was right. At that moment they had entered into the village of Greenfield. A classic Hobbit village, if they’re ever was one. Booths were set up to sale all sorts of mouthwatering food and drink. Agudo stops and pays a plump Hobbit woman, to shekels for a large order of breaded pudding and drinks. The mage then hands some to Clare, and invites her to sit at the near by table.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-06-03, 10:46 PM	She giggles at his comment about his ego. "A..actually I don't m..mind y..your ego. It i..is alright and I..I underst..understand . M..my parents w..were a b..big fan of your m..magic and al..also hoped I w..would take it up, as I..I have sh..shown pro..promise for it. H..However I l..like the way of the bard m..many have told m..me th..that my voice is v..very beautiful." She blushes at the thought and smiles. She takes the food and drink from Agudo that he hands her and smiles at him, "Th..thank you." Upon sitting at the table she sits and looks to Lady Hoot, "I..It is a pl..pleasure to me..meet you, La..Lady Hoot, a..as you as we..well s..sir Agudo. W..would you l..like to hear a..a song I m..made wh..while on m..my tra..travels?" Before he could answer she starts in, her voice soft but very audible at the same time and has the angelic sound to her voice as well. Yet, it is odd that while she sings she does not stutter a bit. The wind through my hair Takes away every care That hath run through my mind. I hope that the gods will be kind And smile upon me whilest I run Underneath the warm sun. I run from my master That order me to do their chores faster. I only smile and say "Yes, right away." When time for the sun to set My master will let Me go to my room With my heart full of doom He waits for me there Holding a whip in the air If I haven't been good I wish I could Turn time around And change what he didn't think was sound. At night I look to the sky My eyes water with pain then I cry. After singing she looks up to Agudo and Lady Hoot for their reaction, though hers was watered eyes. She shakes the feeling off, "Per..perhaps I sh..should not th..think of such things ri..right now. I..I don't wa..want to ru..ruin a lo..lovely day." She averts her attention to the drink and takes a small, very small sip.
Agudo Archmage 11-06-03, 11:18 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley A crowd of mostly Hobbits now surround her, with a few of the other goodly races. They all begin to clap and smile at her, some call for more. “Well my dear bard of the Hobbit village, it seems you have found your calling.” Agudo says as he points to those who are applauding. Lady Hoot also claps with her wings. “Yes you should be proud of your talent, and may the wisest of bard teachers, agree with me”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-06-03, 11:22 PM	She looks around her at those clapping and praising her, her face turns a deep red. She looks to Agudo and Lady Hoot with a small smile, "I..I uh.." she now seems very nervous and looks around again. "F..forgive me s..sir Agudo a..and Lady H..Hoot." She stands and runs off to some near by trees and sits down at the base of it. Her knees now drawn close to her, her arms wrapped around her legs, and her forehead rests on her knees. Soft sobs could be heard coming from her.
Agudo Archmage 11-06-03, 11:38 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The crowd was caught by surprise when Clare ran off, some murmuring amongst themselves. They all looked at the blue and white robed wizard. Agudo was just about to take another bight of food, when the you maiden scampered off into the brush and near by trees. “Clare?… Nothing to fear everyone…she is just a little overwhelmed by your kinds applause. Her first time singing in front of a crowd, I suppose.” They crowd nods their heads as Agudo speaks again. “Its seems that Hot Foot Harry is about to do some off his fire acts. Lets us go and watch his antics by the fire pits.” Lady Hoot fly’s over to Clare as Agudo guides the Hobbits and other for the good show. As she lands near Clare’s feet’s Hoot speaks. “What pray tell, has caused you to cry a river my sweet young friend?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-06-03, 11:43 PM	She looks up to Lady Hoot, "M..many people wh..which embarrased m..me. I..I have never s..sung in fr..front of s..so many people be..before. I h..had not meant t..to be s..so l..loud. F..forgive me Lady Ho..Hoot." She wipes her cheeks with her sleeves, then looks at the owl with her gray eyes, "Sh..shall we joi..join Agudo n..now?"
Agudo Archmage 11-07-03, 01:09 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Lady hoot smiles as she hops on to Clare shoulder. “Yes of course we should see some of the entertainers, as long as were here.” Agudo and about three dozen spectators were watching the show. Hot Foot Harry had just escaped from a straight jacket, wile hanging up side down over a hot caldron. Harry a rather short Hobbit even for his kind, then jumped down on to the stage and took a bow. “Now for my final act, I shall walk across bed of hot coals, their by earning my name…” He raised his hand to encourage the others to join in saying it, and they did. “HOT FOOT HARRY!” Everyone clapped their hands as he prepared to do his final act. The hot red coals were lain on the ground in a long path. He then to off his sandal and slowly walked up to the smoking coals. With a glance to the sky and a quick prayer, he put one foot on the coal, then the other. Sizzling could be heard as he kept walking, until Harry got to the middle. He then stopped and raised his hands once more. “Ye see folks, its all mind over matter, or in this case three drinks of Dwaven Ale!” The crowd laughs, but then suddenly his hair on his toe catch fire. “Ouch…Ouch!” He yelps, as he starts jumping up and down on one foot. He starters jumping in a circle in pain, but then he takes flute and starts to play a jig. He smiles and waives as he dances, for their amusement then jumps off. Harry takes one last bow, before running to the water bucket as people laugh and clap. “Well Clare lets go back and finish our meal shall we?” Agudo says as he leads Hoot and Clare back to the table.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-07-03, 01:16 AM	She nods to Agudo, "Y..yes, we sh..shall. Tha..that guy is comp..completely crazy f..for walking on h..hot stuff." She smiles and shakes her head. "Mister Ag..Agudo sir, d..do you th..think you could fi..fix my prob..problem? I reme..remember when I cou..could speak with..without stuttering." She looks down, "I..I miss th..that." She looks up to him, for the first time on purpose she let her gaze fall to Agudo in the eyes. She tries to look for a hopeful glance or a smile or something to let her know he could reverse the damage done to her. She takes another small sip of her drink and tastes the food. She looks curiously at it, "Wh..what is this?"
Agudo Archmage 11-07-03, 12:58 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley “What’s that? Oh well your speech impediment, I am glad you asked, for there are several cures for such matters. As I have said before, or at least hinted to you; by telling you of my books of writings.” He chuckles then goes on. “Anyway I have traveled to many Realms, some have had great advancements in the medical mysterious of life. But most cures start up here” The Archmage of Light, points to Clare’s head. “Once you become more (Confidant) in speaking and yes…singing in front of people. Then your stuttering has the best chance of being cured. This will take time of course, you will need to confide in someone, about the horrors of your past. But more importantly to focus on your bright future. Yet like I said this will take time of course, and I see no rush for this.” He takes another bite of food, “Now as far as this sweet tasting snack…well... I for one enjoy having the sweet stuff, before the main meal. That way your not to full to eat it after words.” He winks at Clare. “But if you want something more nourishing then, I was just about to order a meat pie; and cheese with freshly baked apple bread.” With that he waves over a female Dwarf caring in a tray several different things to eat. Agudo mentions what he and Hoot wants, and even orders some for Clare. Knowing that she might e to shy to ask for something. He tips the merchant and returns his gaze on Clare. “This is called a vegetable pie, its has buttered green peppers, red onions , mushrooms, avocadoes and lettuce. I for one like a little cheese with my meat pies, that have those vegetables mixed in it. I wasn’t sure if you ate meat or not, if so I have an extra meat pie for latter if you wish”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-07-03, 01:07 PM	"S..so I must b..be confident in m..myself? Th..that will be ha..hard sir. Mo..most of m..my life I sp..spent cow..cowarding from my mas..masters as ev..every word was cruel and un..unjust." She takes a small bite of each, "Th..these are ver..very good, I..I am sorry I mi..missed st..stealing some from the kit..kitchen of my mas..masters." She laughs a little at herself, "I..I am a reg..regular theif wh..when it came to st..stealing fo..food to have a bi..bit more to eat." She takes another small sip, "S..sir Agudo? Wh..when shall we be going t..to that won..wonderful sch..school of yo..yours? I ha..have heard noth..nothing but good thi..things about it."
Agudo Archmage 11-07-03, 01:41 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley He had just finished his meat pie, and was working on some of the apple bread; when she asked about the school. “Lets see I was planning to stay a couple of nights myself, do to the fact that I have agreed to do a wizardly act, on the main stage. Besides truly liking this eating extravaganza of local tastes. Yet I could have a friend of mine take you there now, if you wish? Elvina is the receptionist, and is very good at helping people. She would greet you, as well as help you settle in to your new home….So what do say?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-07-03, 01:54 PM	She shakes her head, "Th..thank you, bu..but no. I would l..like to wa..watch you perform, if y..you don't m..mind." She stands and thinks to herself a moment before speaking aloud to Lady Hoot and Agudo. "I..its now or n..never!" She finds an empty table and stands ontop of it, almost nearly losing her balance from nervousness. She opens her mouth and starts to sing once more. My life began as this In which I will share with you. Long, long ago I was born on a night So dark and dreary. My parents had their hearts full of love But one held fast to their hatred. As I grew so did that one's hate For me. One day while I sat 'Neath a tree so grand While waiting for my love to find me. I saw him approaching with a smile And bouquet under his arm. Behind him a shadow grew close And I could only look on with horror. Quickly he fell to the ground as the shadow ran off from him. I ran too but not so fast As my heart weighed me down. I got to him but it was to late. Thus my love for him faded And my hate for the one to cause him death Grew with each passing breath. I never knew who it was but I was never seen again, As I had left and tried to find my way Out in the world seeking the one And only Sir Agudo and his skills. Now I have found him and I am quite happy, Though I still have one thing left on my mind For now I will keep it silent." She winked at Agudo as she had finished singing of him at the end. It seemed she was now breathless and quite red in the face.
Agudo Archmage 11-07-03, 02:22 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The Hobbits who were near by sitting on the grass and at other tables. Listened contently as Clare sang, and when she finished, they all looked at Agudo; to see what they should so next….for they did not want to scare again. “Yes! Yes my friends Clare is ready for her earned applause.” With that Agudo stood and started to clap, as well as the others who happily joined in.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-07-03, 08:15 PM	She smiles at everyone and so everyone could hear she spoke up, "Th..thank you ve..very much!" With that she carefully climbs down from the table and stands near Agudo and Lady Hoot. "I..I had to do i..it sir. In m..my mind I kn..knew I had to d..do it, but sa..sadly my hea..heart said the..they would laugh or m..make fun." It was obvious rejection was one of her current fears, but there was more to her fear than just rejection, anyone could sense this.
Agudo Archmage 11-07-03, 10:48 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Many Hobbits of different ages patted Clare on the back, all complimenting her on the fine singing. At that moment some children started dancing around the maypole, while a group of musicians played some enjoyable music. “I think we should take some of this food with us as we walk around.” He raps the cheese and bread away, in a brightly flowered cloth, and puts it in his bag. The extra meat pie is put away as well, with the same care. Lady Hoot lands on Agudo shoulder, as they walk through the festive crowd. Off to the right, is an Elvin juggler, and to the left a large fire pit holding two pigs, being slowly barbequed as they are turned. Several flimsy twig booths with colorful scarf’s and banners, hang from them. Each has a merchant yelling about a variety of unique food. One screams about trying something called ice cream, made by a frost giant. Another holds strawberries dipped in chocolate, while two more try to top each other on who has the best buttered bread. Some come with raisins and nuts, in the freshly made loafs of bread. Agudo takes hold of Clare hand, as he walks along, smiling as he does. They walk for a few minutes when they come upon a large open tent, with a verity of clothing for men and woman of different races. “Lets stop in and try on a few things” Agudo continues to hold Clare hand as they walk inside. “Now this looks lovely don’t you think Clare?” He picks out a soft velvet green dress, with Celtic marking on it. “I believe the Elvin woman must be the merchant, for she smiling and is pointing to the dressing room. Why not try it on?” Agudo lets go of Clare hand after he gives it a squeeze.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-07-03, 11:03 PM	She looks up to Agudo with a smile, "Y..yes I will t..try it on for it i..is very beau..beautiful indeed." She gingerly takes the dress from Agudo and follows to where the woman points to the dressing room. She walks in then looks around making sure no one can see. Seeing that no one can she starts changing and slowly puts the other on. After putting it on she looks down at herself and mumbles something about the dress made fit for a queen or princess. She steps out and looks at Agudo, "This d..dress must ha..have been made wi..with a que..queen or princess in mi..mind. Also i..it is so..soft and the co..colour is very lov..lovely." She looks down at the dress then up to Agudo, "D..do you thi..think I look al..alright?"
Agudo Archmage 11-07-03, 11:55 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The merchant is trying to get Agudo to buy a large feathered hat. The wizard who normally likes hats, felt that the purple one in the corner, would be better. When at that moment Clare came out. “My, don’t you look enchanting my dear.” Agudo said with a clap of his hands. Lady Hoot agreed whole heartedly “Yes not even a mythical being, would look better in that dress than you.” Agudo snaps his fingers, and the Elvin merchant, comes to attention in a playful sort of pose. “Will take this to go, in fact Clare will ware this out the door.” Agudo says with a warm smile, and hands the merchant several silver and gold coins. Lady Hoot whispers into Agudo’s ear. “Why yes Hoot I do believe that is a Shoe Cobbler across the way” He offer his hand to Clare. “Shall we continue on with the shopping?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-08-03, 12:02 AM	She could only smile at their praises and compliments, "Thank y..you." She gently places her hand within Agudo, "Yes, I wou..would like to s..see what other lo..lovely things ar..are offered h..here." Before they walked out she slowly loosens her hand from Agudo, "One second sir Agudo." Her first sentence without stuttering! However, she did not notice. She ran into the dressing room to get her old dress, "I m..must not lea..leave this behind it has great m..meaning." As she holds it in her hand it disappears from her grasp. She places her hand back witihn his and smiles, "O..okay I am ready."
Agudo Archmage 11-08-03, 12:34 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley They spend the rest of the day shopping and eating, joining in the festivities when the need arises. Clare has on her new dress, and tan leather boots that Agudo has bought her. The three enjoy a rather dangerous but surprisingly successful Gnome, calling himself Fish Bate Freddy. Who sticks his head into the mouth of a lion, and then his whole body as well for the grand finally. “Well it looks like Freddy lived to tell his tale once again in the taverns in Baldurs Gate.” Agudo gives him a friendly wave of his hand, as they walk by. The Gnome laughs and waves back. As night settles, Agudo looked up at the sky. “I do believe in another hour, my show will begin, lets make are way to the stage” When they arrive Agudo puts down his bag and digs into it. being that it is magical he able to take out a lot of stuff. The classic sawing in half the person box, and few other props for fun. “Tell me Clare, would you care to join me onstage? I saw you make your old dress disappear. So you should fit in up here on stage with me…what do you say?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-08-03, 12:40 AM	She looks a bit nervous then smiles, "Alright, but wh..what would you wa..want me to d..do? As f..far as my ol..old dress diappearing I to..told you I had some ma..magic in me tha..that my parents wan..wanted me to pursue." She watches Agudo, "P..perhaps I could b..be your assistant? I wo..would like that v..very much." She smiles warmly which seems to light up her peach colored face.
Agudo Archmage 11-08-03, 01:21 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley “That’s the spirit my dear! They practice a few things before the show starts, it seems many people have gathered in the field in front of the stage. Lady Hoot fly’s onto the stage and introduces them. “Welcome to the great magic show, don by none other than Agudo and Clare” The crowd claps and wistels Agudo walks out on stage from behind a simple curtain. “Allow me show you my lovely assistant.” He mumbles a few words then claps his hands. With a puff of smoke Clare is there, and the crowd whistles some more. Especially the men folk. “Now for are first trick we will do the classic sawing in half trick.” Agudo helps Clare in to the box, and then raises his hand over it; and the box levitates of the ground. Agudo asks for someone swords from the audience, and one slightly enamored human; stagers up and hand his sword. “Thank you my good man” Agudo then plunges it deep in to the box, and some people gasp. Agudo then adds a few more of his own swords for good measure. “Now to slice the box in half” Agudo points his finger and a bright red-light comes out burning through the box. Within seconds its parts the box into two peaces. He walks on one side and tickles Clare feet and they move causing the audience to applaud. “Now to put her back together” He puts the boxes together mumbles a few words another puff of smoke appears. Then Suddenly Clare is standing and the box is gone. “ You see everyone she is fine” He says as he points at her. “Clare could you hand me my magic staff over there” As she goes to get it her legs leave her body and goes right, then the top half goes left. Several people faint or just look with their moth open, but then they applaud and whistle some more at the great finish to the show. After words Agudo shakes Clare hand “You did great, I think you have a future in being on stage” Lady Hoot joins up “ Clare I am very proud of you, I think you will do very well at the school when we go.”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-08-03, 01:26 AM	She nods to the two of them, "Th..thank y..you. You t..two did very well you..yourselves. I do..don't think the stage is my ar..area, though if Ag..Agudo ever needs another as..assistant he knows where to find one." She slightly blushes a bit and grins. "I..I can only hope for good things fr..from the school as it sh..should from me for I am a..a willing student."
Agudo Archmage 11-08-03, 09:45 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley They laughed at played in the festivities late into the night, but soon it was time for rest. Being that it is village, it had no inn to speak off. But most of the poor locals took in people in for the night. Fortunately Agudo had been here before, and new some people. They of course offered him and his guests, the finest haystack they had in their humble barn . “Well this may not be the Queens castle but at least were in doors.” He smiled as he laid down on the comfortable and very large haystack. He yawned and put his hat over his eyes and within a few seconds was fast asleep. Lady Hoot who was on a rafter above, looked down and spoke to Clare. “Tomorrow we will make are way to the school after breakfast. This will give us an opportunity to talk as we walks there. May your dreams be as happy as this day, Goodly night to thee Clare”
Savael 11-08-03, 10:30 AM	The barn door creaked silently as a veary Savael leaned his weight on it. For a few seconds he stood there, breathing quietly as he took in the scene before him, Agudo with his hat pulled down over his eyes... and the, other, one. His brow furrowed, he hadnt thought Agudo nurtured a liking for such women... but then again, all people changed with time. The sounds of the festival dying down around him was, for some reason, quite soothing. He sat down on the inside of the barn doors, he hadnt been easy to find... but then again, had he ever? He still had his doubts wether Agudo truly was human or not, perhaps from human stock, yes, that much was obvious... But in the flesh, he was not convinced. He put his backpack down on the ground beside him and produced a small hipp-flask, the water inside was cool and refreshing, or atleast it had been. Now it was only lukewarm, and with a faint taste of earth. Should he wake him now? or should he wait untill the morning, and try to get some sleep instead? His feet had been hurting with every step he took for the last hours now, and if he carried that backpack of his around any longer it`d carve its own furrow in his back fur sure... Pluss, if he did mannage to fall asleep he probably wouldnt wake up again untill well past noon. No, there was nothing for it, he`d have to wake him now... He stood up, and with a determined aura about him, edged slowly towards the sleeping form of Agudo.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-08-03, 04:12 PM	She had found a somewhat comforatable spot to sit ontop of a hay stack. She watched as Agudo fell asleep but she, herself, never fell asleep. No matter how hard she tried she could not. As she stands up she sees the barn door opening. She continues to stand there almost frozen in fear, humming to herself she gives herself courage. She walks over to the man that just entered, "M..may I hel..help you s..sir?"
Savael 11-08-03, 06:35 PM	Savaels feet gave a feeble protest as he slowly made his way across the barns earthen floor, only to halt abruptly at the sound of Clare`s humming. His eyes measured her as she approached him. A frail looking little thing she was, clad in simple clothes together with the longest mane of hair he`d ever seen, nearly brushing the ground... It was almost funny... "Heh... dont worry girl, I only want a few words with your friend here, that is all"
Lady Clare Windariete 11-08-03, 07:08 PM	She narrows her brows at him suspisciously, "Wh..what do you wa..want with ma..master... uh.. s..sir Agudo? Ar..Are ye friend or f..foe?" She suddenly remembered something, "For..forgive me sir I mu..must go quickly be..before you wa..wake him! Pl..please tell him I..I will be back sh..shortly!" With that she storms out of the barn and then looks around where the festival was. She sees what she is looking for and stops the woman who is putting up her merchandise. "Pl..please m'lady te..tell me what the co..cost of that nice woo..wooden flute is?" The woman says a price and she looks sad. "I..I am sorry I do not have tha..that much on me. M..may I work for it?" The lady thinks for a moment and nods her head. "You may help me put up my merchandise and clean up the trash around the area." She nods and quickly goes to work. She seems to take great care in what she is doing. Afterwards she sits down beside a rock to only fall asleep there while resting. The woman decides not to wake her and sets the flute in the crook of her arm, then goes back on her way.
Agudo Archmage 11-08-03, 09:29 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The smell of the barn brought back memories of times past. Those he had adventured with, places they had traveled too. Lady Hoot was resting high above on a dark rafter, when the door to the barn creaked. She turned her head like owls do, almost all the way around, and opens one eye. To her surprise it was Savael, sneaking in; it seemed Clare had been brave enough to confront Savael, but then ran off. She waited and watched quietly in the dark, as Savael now had Agudo all to himself.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-08-03, 09:37 PM	She lays curled up in the middle of town still, dreams of her past haunting her like ghosts haunting their enemies. Her cries from her dream carry forth to the real world as her voice echos through the town. The sound is very upsetting and seems to sound like she is being hurt. In her dreams her master is angry with her, very angry. In his booming voice, "You have not done your job quick nor well enough. Take off your dress and turn your back to me girl!" She does as she is told and he takes his whip to her. Stinging and leaving horrible red marks upon her back. Blood slowly drips down from each mark and she falls to the ground, holding in her cries of anguish.
Savael 11-09-03, 05:16 AM	Savael gave an odd sort of half-smile to Clare`s stuttered question. Master Agudo. How quaint... "I gues I consider myself a friend of sorts" He answered, just as Clare hurried off. Savael watched her dash away, what a strange one that was... He shrugged to himself, and crept closer to the haystack Agudo rested in... He drew his foot back for a good kick in his side, but eventually thought better of it, after all, he himself wouldnt have taken to kindly to anyone waking him up like that... Oh well, there was nothing for it then, he`d better just stick with the good old fashion way. "Oh Agudo" Savael wispered in his ear "rise and shine... hehehe"
Agudo Archmage 11-09-03, 09:18 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley It was lovely dream, the mermaid swam closer and closer until she whispered in his ear… (Rise and shine Agudo) what struck Agudo as odd was, not the words per say, but the strong smell of garlic? And then the face of the mermaid changed to Savael… “What?…..Where?” Agudo said as he open his eyes…. “Its so dark in here…OH! My hat, that’s why!” Agudo removes his hat and sees….. “Savael!…It is you..it is you!” He rises with smile and to give a warm bear hug to Savael. “I see you still enjoy raw garlic, on your food” He chuckles as he speaks again. “Did you come to the Hobbit festival, for the garlic buttered bread? But honestly where have you been? and and..and…Well how are you old friend?.” Agudo grabs his hand and shakes it. ((ELSEWHERE)) Seeing that Savael met no harm to Agudo despite the near good morning kick. Lady Hoot flew out the top window to find Clare. “Now why would Clare run away like that? Was she afraid of Savael? Sure he may not be the most handsome man, and even a little homely, but still?” ;) :D ;) Then she heard the screams that were obviously Clare’s voice. The Night watchman and two other Hobbits who were standing near by rushed to the girl as Lady Hoot landed by her side. "Clare?...Clare?" Lady Hoot said trying to wake her up
Lady Clare Windariete 11-09-03, 02:52 PM	She wakes up and looks around hearing the voices of others and Lady Hoot. She sat up, the recorder dropped from where it laid and she picks it up. Her checks stained with tears and her eyes red. "M..must have be..been having a ba..bad dream Lady H..Hoot." She looks at the night watchmen and the others that stood near her, "I..I am sorry f..for dist..disturbing everyone." She turns to Lady Hoot again, "I want to g..go back to s..sir Agudo now." She carefully stands and slowly heads back to the barn. As she enters the barn she wipes her cheeks from the tears and looks at the two, no harm seemed to have come to him. She faintly smiles, "Fr..friends?" She walks toward Agudo but falls along the way, the pain from her back was to much. "S..sir Agudo, my ba..back hurts me." If inspected closely blood drops could be seen where she had been walking and on her back there are blood spots.
Savael 11-10-03, 08:49 AM	Savael gave a small smile in response to Agudos warm greeting, returning his bear hug awkwardly. "You`ve got me there old friend, I still enjoy newly baked bread with garlic on" Savael looked embarassed for a second "although I wasnt aware it was that obvious..." "I`ve been around here and there I gues... heh, even went home for a short visit some time ago, but now I`m back again. As for why I came here, freshly baked Hobbit bread was only one of the reasons-" Just then, Clare stumbled into the barn and promptly fell into a miserable heap on the floor, calling for Agudo... Savael gave Agudo an odd look, what was this all about?
Agudo Archmage 11-10-03, 09:31 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Savael was just about to say the real reason, why he had come to this barely know village. When Clare came stumbling in to the barn. “Clare?” The Archmage of Light hurriedly walked over to the young maiden, and took her hand. “What pray tell has come over you my young friend?” Clare was complaing about her back and great pain. Lady Hoot had some heating cream, made from firefly dust, mixed with tree sap. She rubbed it on Clare back and Agudo took out natural gauss, and laid it over her bleeding back. He then prayed over Clare for good measure. After a few minutes they decided to put Clare on small wagon, stuffed with hay. The Farmer a lovely half female Dryad/ half Genie, by the name Misty. Who’s ability to enchant her farm field, to grow some of the largest crops around. Was rather famous for that in this county, she was also friend of Agudo’s. For he had helped her find a home here amongst the Hobbits and was more than willing to give the wagon; until the next time he returned in the winter, for holiday solace. They had been on the road for less than a few minutes when Agudo broached the question. “Back in the farm my friend, you were going to say why you had come to the Hobbit village of Greenfrield. I would be most interested to know that answer Savael?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-10-03, 12:58 PM	She did not answer Agudo's question, which was a bit odd for her as she was normally good about answering questions. She just about fought them for her to be put on the wagon but when she was inside she settled down a bit. After Agudo left to go talk with his old friend she looked around, she did not want to be on the wagon, for danger neared she could tell. She did not tell anyone for she feared they would not listen. She edged to the back of the wagon and looked around, her greatest fear. One of her masters had shown up in this town, she kept leaning to get a better look but fell out of the wagon with a "thud!" She did not wait for anyone to see her, she quickly got to her feet and ran. All the commotion drew attention to her old master and he grined evilishly as he saw her. He watched her run and continued to grin he disappeared and then reappeared in front of her. He grabbed her by her long hair, "You little wench! You were bad to run from me like you did! You will pay for that later! So who is your new master huh?" She looked down, tears rolling down her cheeks, "I..I am not sl..slave anymore. I ha..have been s..set free." His face grew red with anger, "Whoever set you free is a fool! That doesn't matter now as you are a slave once more to me! You will not get away again wench!" He threw her down on the ground, pulled his whip out, and hit her two times with it. "That will teach you slave!" Clare laid face down on the ground still not moving, no matter how much the whip stung.
Savael 11-10-03, 04:25 PM	Savael stood back and watched as Lady Hoot and Agudo ceared as best they could for the fallen Clare. He did help them wrestle her into the wagon however, and was thankfull she decided to stay there once they`d gotten her into it. He walked alongside Agudo, resting his eyes upon the horizon as they quietly began to roll out of the village, and then Agudo asked his question. "I came to this village of Greenfield on advice from an associate of mine in hopes of finding... well, in hopes of finding you actually" He looked hesitant for a moment "I sort of have a favour to ask of you seeing as how you`re sort of the resident Archmage of Light in the area..." He looked almost shamefull for a moment, abashed at the fact of asking a service of him so soon after their reunion. When all came to all and stuff were acounted for and lost in the mail, Savael would perhaps not be ranked as the person upholding the highest code of moral in the area... but had however, some measure of self-esteem, and asking a favour from such a distinguished friend as Agudo so soon after their reunion was frowned upon even by something inside him.
Agudo Archmage 11-11-03, 12:46 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Lady Hoot heard a thump as they were traveling down the road. She flew into the air and circled for a bit, trying to see what was going on. Then the wise white owl saw Clare being beaten by a stranger. Lady Hoot dove down casting “Armor of Faith” on herself, and started pecking the man eyes out. Agudo had notice Hoot fly off, but was not worried, for she often like to stretch her wings on these long trips. “Now Savael! Don’t be shy, for I am just happy your here. No matter the reason that fate has brought you. So please I would be glad to hear what you have to say.”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-11-03, 01:53 AM	She continues to lay there hearing the noises around her for she feared what would happen if she got up. She does not bother to look around her to see who had come to help her. She only knew that her old master was still here and there was a good chance he could still beat her if give the opportunity to. However, if encouraged to get up or if asked to move she doesn't do anything. She is to scared and in much pain from the whipping. The man tries to bat at the owl pecking at him cursing as he does. He tries many failed attempts at covering his face with one hand and hitting with the other. "You cursed owl get away from me!"
Thog 11-11-03, 11:23 PM	I took the road with the care neccessary in civilized lands. Which is, not as much as at home, and less that when elves are around. Still, I walked softly. The soft crunch of gravel on the road was worth the extra speed gained by taking the path. Such noise is unnoticeable by even the best woodsmen, if it blends. You get an ear and a feel for wild lands, even forest. Of course, the road was cut by humans, or the half-sized ones, and I had to hunch to keep low branches from hooking in my tusks. The smell of oak and maple isn't as sickening as some vegtitation, but it was bad enough. I heard the voices before I smelled the blood. Damn trees. Slippng to the side of the path, I slid up to an interesting scene. A human beating his wife it looked like, only there was a great snow owl attacking him. The woman looked young and beautiful, but her hair was grey. As grey as my skin, but without any green. Something about her skin and eyes made me think 'cold'. I liked it. They taught us in the academy never to get involved in a domestic. Sound advice. Closest I've ever been to killed was by a farm woman taking me in the back with a kitchen knife while I was busy with her old man. So I leaned on my axe and watched from shadow. An old locust an easy step away, letting the tangled briarberry beside the road break up my outline. Looked like the owl was winning. This guy could use a few lessions in whip-craft.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-12-03, 12:51 AM	She decided it was now or never, while Lady Hoot was busy with the man she took her chance to run to the nearest area of trees and hide there until the fight was over. She stood up and ran as fast as her legs would carry her. She didn't bother to look behind her, only forward so that she could avoid tripping. Upon reaching the trees she tripped on the tree's root. She made no sound and crawled to the tree as she feared she may have broken her ankle.
Thog 11-12-03, 01:13 AM	Humans! The female ran right at me, like she knew I was there. Then she tripped and fell right at my feet. No help for it, I knelt and looked her right in the eye. Giving her my best evil grin. Blood-red eyes and long yellow tusks scare them for some reason, mostly. "Shhh" I sputtered, "Not a sound." She seems to have injured herself, a worthless female then. Not able to carry or cook or work as is proper. Still, there are those cold grey eyes... Implusivly, I lift her over my shoulder and fade into the woods. Taking an extra effort to leave no tracks, and watching for the owl, you have to respect a preditor as able as an owl. After several dozen yards, I stop and set her down near an old mossy stone. "Woman, I leave you here, the road is that way" I nod east. "and there is an old farm there" I point to the old clearing barely visible in the moonlight. "Fare thee well"
Lady Clare Windariete 11-12-03, 01:19 AM	She looks at the creature, "N..no can't walk. C..could you catch th..the wagon up that r..road? My fr..friend is dr..driving it and do..doesn't know I a..am here." She stutters as she speaks and her eyes are gray like her hair and seem to beg him to do what she asks.
Thog 11-12-03, 01:32 AM	"I have no time for worthless, crippled females" He listens to her voice, so clear, and yet broken. "What is wrong with your voice? Are you feeble-minded as well and crippled?" Then he looks into the grey eyes again and realizes this is no feeble-mind. Sighing in frustration with himself, he asks "where is this wagon?"
Lady Clare Windariete 11-12-03, 02:02 AM	She points up the road, "Th..they are goi..going that way sir." Her voice grows angry, "No, my voice has..hasn't al..always been like this! An ev..event happened that ha..has caused me t..to be this way! I a..am not fee..feeble minded n..nor crippled!" It was obvious the subject was very touchy for her especially when being called feeble-minded and a cripple.
Thog 11-12-03, 02:16 AM	He smiles, showing off strong yellow teeth bracketed by stronger yellow tusks. "Good, spirit." "Show me your back, I smell blood" He digs in the ground, gathering small items, and scrapes some moss from the rock, them put it all in his mouth and chews. As he watches you he listens to the forest. An orc always has to be alert in the human lands. "Maybe I go back and kill your man, make you my woman"
Lady Clare Windariete 11-12-03, 02:21 AM	She slowly turns over, still a bit weary of him, and there is blood stains on her back from the man whipping her. She unlaces to the middle of her back showing him the marks from the whip. "Sir I ha..have no man. I am o..only here with my fr..friend Agudo, L..Lady Hoot, and s..some guy whose a friend of A..Agudo's. They ta..taking me ba..back to the sch..school."
Thog 11-12-03, 02:39 AM	He walks over and pulls your dress apart, exposing yoru whole back, then spits out the wad of moss and herbs he was chewing in it. With short, rough strokes, he plasters it over your wounds and then rips a long strip off the hem of yoru dress with casual, but inhuman strength. "Hold still, will hurt" The wet mass stings, even burns, at first but quickly the pain in your back is gone, only a numb stiffness remaining. as he ties the bandage made from the hem of yoru dress and then laces your dress back up. Then he takes your foot in his hand and twists it, listening fro grating. It hurts horribly, but he smiles. "Not broke, get up" He readies his huge axe and waits.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-12-03, 02:42 AM	She seems not to make a fuss of the pain, "Th..thank you sir." She slowly stands up and brushes herself off, "W..will you be esc..escourting me to the wa..wagon?"
Thog 11-12-03, 02:53 AM	"humph, you're slow and worthless, what can you do for Thog?" He looks you over like you were meat, but ends up staring straight into your eyes.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-12-03, 04:07 AM	"Obviously nothing to your liking, I w..will take my lea..leave now. Th..thank you for everything sir." With that she walks off to where Lady Hoot is pecking the man's eyes out and waits for her to finish so they may catch up to Agudo.
Savael 11-12-03, 04:15 PM	Savael gave Agudo a long, steady look before answering him "I came here in search of you, in the hopes that you would be able to perform a ressurection of a certain... someone ... for me" He gave Agudo a long, pleading look before finally adding a silent "please?" at the end. OOC: Sorry Agudo, cant write much, good to see you again too! Cheers for now!
Agudo Archmage 11-12-03, 05:40 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley “I see Savael, I take it that this is someone …. Is close to you? Is this person far?” Agudo didn’t push for the name yet, but obviously he would have to ask sooner or latter. ((Elsewhere)) Lady Hoot had the man on the ground, he was half blind now and bleeding from his eyes. “Be gone you evil beast of a man! Pray the day never comes when you see a white owl. For it just may be me watching you!” With that she flew over to Clare, and landed on her shoulder. “Come Clare its not safe here, in the woods. We must catch up to the others.”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-13-03, 12:10 AM	The man finally falls to the ground, blood oozes from his eye sockets and his eyeballs look like grapes that had been punctured by many needles, maybe not even that well off. She nods to Lady Hoot, "Yes, I agree. Is th..there an..anyway that you can te..tell Agudo to sl..slow down? I..I must thank you a..as well La..Lady Hoot for res..rescuing me." She glances back in the woods one last time and offers a smile to the orc if he is there, it seems like a thankful smile. She turns back around to Lady Hoot. "Le..lets be off."
Thog 11-13-03, 12:29 AM	He follows her to make sure she doesn't step in a hole or something. Her courage in handling pain and willingness to go off on her own impressed him. Even the few dozen yards to the road was an effort for her, but she made no complaint. Maybe she wasn't useless after all. Those gray eyes haunted him. He couldn't beleive his ears! the owl was talking to her! She sent it off, then... was that look for him? He stepped out of the trees and walked up to her. "Want help?"
Lady Clare Windariete 11-13-03, 12:35 AM	She looks surprisingly to the orc who had helped her, she smiles, "I don't ha..have a pro..problem with it." She looks to Lady Hoot, "Th..this man he..helped me in th..the woods, I th..think he c..can be tru..trusted." She turns back to the orc, "Wh..what made y..you wa..want to help?"
Thog 11-13-03, 12:53 AM	"You are strong, and you don't complain." He smiles toothily and squats, lifting her in his arms with effortless ease. He looks up and down the rod and them back into your eyes, the question unasked - which way?
Lady Clare Windariete 11-13-03, 12:58 AM	She looks unsure of how to react to have him lift her up. She shrugs as he looks to her for direction, "We must wait for Lady Hoot to le..lead the way for she kn..knows where th..they are he..headed."
Thog 11-13-03, 01:17 AM	Shrugs and looks at the owl. Then down at the path, seeing the tracks of the wagon, he follows the tracks with a fast, tireless pace that should catch the slow mule-cart quickly. He's really strong, and carrying you like a babe in arms seems not to bother him at all, you are cradled against the hard sheathe of his mail with hardly a jar as he runs at a pace most can't match unencumbered.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-13-03, 08:51 AM	She could not believe she was being carried this way for this had never happened to her. Her reactions are quite surprised but if he was going to save her the walk on her ankle she wasn't going to complain. However, she does wonder what Lady Hoot will think of this.
Agudo Archmage 11-13-03, 01:29 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Lady Hoot nearly fail off of Clare when the Orc picked the young maiden up. But with a flap of her wings, she stayed on. “I belive we can catch up them for they had slowed down to find us” Agudo was not sure what was keeping Lady Hoot until he saw the Orc. “Why hello?…um yes..I see Clare that you have found a pet? Would you please have it lay you down in the cart.”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-13-03, 01:52 PM	She smiles to Agudo, "Okay, but I wouldn't ca..call him a pe..pet. He hel..helped heal the wo..wounds on m..my back fr..from one of m..my old mast..masters bea..beating me back th..there. I am lu..lucky Lady H..Hoot was there to p..peck th..the guy. C..can he co..come with us, he mi..might be of gre..great help sir." She looked up to the orc then to Agudo.
Agudo Archmage 11-13-03, 04:10 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Agudo nodded his head and smiled at Clare. “Fine, fine, but once we reach the school you will have to set him free. For his kind has a culture all its own. That will not work well with the more civilized races, for Orcs believe in the strong surviving, at the cost of the weak. I wont go into the grotesque things they do, lets just say your beauty has tamed the beast for…. now.” After an hour or so they reached a hilly region, tall green grass and a few trees scattered in between the crags of the hills. Agudo was eating an apple, and Lady Hoot set on his shoulder, when he turned and handed two to Clare, so that she could give one to the Orc. “So tell me more of your life my dear Clare, what is it that you wanted to tell me back at the village? Yet felt it would be better for a time like now, as we travel. Was it your masters who hunted you down just a short time ago, or something else?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-13-03, 04:37 PM	She looks up to Agudo, "Yes, o..one of the me..meaner ones. He wa..was my first mas..master. He had fou..found me wandering in th..the woods by my..myself. He put on the a..act of being a n..nice o..old man. He offered me a gl..glass of warm milk and fr..fresh baked co..cookies from his w..wife. I on..only happily ag..agreed to sit d..down and eat wi..with him. Af..after enjoying the m..milk and cookies he t..told me to go up..upstairs and re..rest then tom..tomorrow I m..may leave. I d..did as I was told, the n..next morning he w..woke me at f..five. He started n..naming off thi..things for me to d..do, and he sa..said if I didn't do th..them then he w..would kill me. I ha..had to lis..listen to him. I wa..was there for two we..weeks bef..before I could gain en..enough courage to r..run fr..from him wh..while I wa..was doing out..outside chores."
Thog 11-14-03, 01:05 AM	He sets the grey-eyed lady on the wagon, then step back and wareily watches the human, suspicious, because he was sure he'd heard two voices just before catching up. Mostly, he wanders through the woods like a great grey ghost. Slipping invisibly and silently through the trees and only occasionally appearing on the path behind the wagon. Claire gave him an apple, and with a grimace, he ater it., suppressing a shudder He smiles and looks at the Old Mage. Uncivilised huh? Do you play chess?
Agudo Archmage 11-14-03, 09:11 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The hills where long through the winding path and the time they spent talking was grand and insightful. “Now Clare I want you to know that you have nothing to fear at the school when we get there. You will be treated as an equal, and don’t feel obligated to serve others, who seem more advanced than you in knowledge.” The Orc seem to stomach the apple, with only a little dissatisfaction on its face. But Archmage of Light, could not help but think that this Orc; probably hungered for raw flesh, than civilized foods. “I am sure Clare that this thing the Orc, knows a few tricks or two. But I must say it should be given it freedom soon. For its kind cannot be trusted, and only makes it harder to associate with other goodly folk, with its taint on you.” Lady Hoot who sat on Agudo shoulder agreed. “The Light’s wisdom teaches us that even an evil father, can show kindness to his son. Yet that does not make him good! Like wise with the Orc, its kindness to you, should not be seen as a good soul. Let us not forget your first master and his trickery of milk and cookies” They started up a winding hill path through a meadow and some wiled sheep.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-14-03, 09:59 AM	She looks to Agudo, "W..why do you th..think I ha..have control ov..over the orc? He ch..chooses to fol..follow me. I h..had chose to wa..walk away fr..from him but he wa..wanted to he..help me, I d..did not make him." She almost seems hurt that someone would think she would be the master over another creature. For the reason of knowing how it felt to be commanded she would never own a pet. She knows how it feels and would never make anyone or anything do what it doesn't want to do.
Agudo Archmage 11-14-03, 02:06 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley His blue and white robes began to sway in the soft wind, as they made their way over the top of the last hill. Below lay a fertile valley, with a small river meandering through its heart. A herd of antelopes can be seen grazing near the water, and a flock of geese fly lazily by. The Archmage of Light walks closer to the side of the wagon as he responds to Clare. “I know my dear that you would never make anyone do anything, never the less he is following you. Almost like alley cat, looking for more food. But in this case, it has taken a fancy to you.” Agudo rubes his short blond beard as he considers his next words. “It may be what the sages call, ‘the Beauty and the Beast syndrome’ You Clare being the beauty of course.” He smiles at her as he talks.
Thog 11-14-03, 03:24 PM	Rising the hill, the orc stopped and surveyed the valley below. His attention fixed on the plump antelope, but after a minute he pulled out a dart and lauched it. It soared high into the flock and a plump goose fell. As the bird dropped, Thog ran lightly forward and caught it by the neck with a graceful scoop. Putting the dart back in a belt loop, he slit the fowl's throat and bled the bird, then walked back to the wagon. "Dinner", he grinned "and watch who you call a beast, Mage". His glance was a quarter good natured ribbing and a bitof a threat, the rest of what he was thinking hid behind the ruby blaze of his eyes. Looking at Clare, he boomed out a hearty laugh, jovial rather than evil, though there was an edge to it. "He didn't tell you that the original Beast was really a handsome prince".
Savael 11-14-03, 06:07 PM	Savael followed Agudo and the cart as the made their progress along the road, choosing to remain silent rather than interrupt the ongoing conversation between the other travelers. His left eye twitched slightly as Agudo referred to the newly arrived Orc as `it` ...He`d had some views on Agudos choice of actions as well as words before, gods knew they didnt need that again! Finally, he gave a slight smile as the Orc made his reply "-and watch who you call a beast, Mage" Indeed, the savage could make his replies sound sure enough, but what else could he do? He trudged on behind them solemnly... wondering quietly. How could he explain it all to Agudo?
Lady Clare Windariete 11-14-03, 11:12 PM	She sighs as she looks to Agudo with a soft smile, "Th..thank you sir." She looks off to where the orc is and saw hm eat the bird. She grimaces and looks to Agudo, "P..perhaps you a..are right. I..I don't kn..know th..though, something ab..about him..." she shakes her head at herself. She looks to Agudo again, "Pr..promise me som..something when we st..stop? Wi..will you promise m..me to a h..hug?" She looks down at the question, not wanting Agudo to see her cheeks flush. She knew that it would help her very much to have one, for she had never had one before and wanted one before Agudo went off to do something else important. She doesn't wait for an answer, instead she crawls toward the front part of the wagon and curls up. She hid her face from them and soon fell asleep, not a very peaceful one. While she sleeps she seems to be in a disturbing rest, one where your cheeks become stained with tears and your mind brings forward your greatest fears.
Agudo Archmage 11-15-03, 09:59 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley ((OOC Savael I love your words about Agudo...Agudo calls the Orc "it or Beast"..and Savael frowns at that..BUT..then Savael says in his mind the Orc is a Savage!)) :ayyyy!: :mage: I love it! The Archmage of Light, didn’t say anything about the Orcs choice in words, about kissing the beast. But he did smile knowing that it had proved his point. This creature wasn’t here on good intentions, but for its own selfish reasons. At the words of a hug by Clare, Agudo reached out and gave a squeeze to her hand; just as she was climbing to the back. It was late in the day. The sun was two thirds down, and it was starting to give its traditional explosion of beautiful colors. The river lay just ahead, and had a fine place to rest, near some jutting boulders. “I believe we will rest here by the large rocks, Savael my friend would you be so kind as to help me gather some wood for the fire?” As the two did so, they not go far from the soon to be camp, Lady Hoot flew to Clare side and looked over her. The two old adventuring friends spent the next few minute gathering whatever they could find, and spoke about life as well. “Its been a long time since, we have had an adventure together. I am happy to say, this at least, is a more relaxing one. You know less death and destruction, by dead things!” Agudo was talking about, what he now calls in his History Book “The Last Stand” dealing with zombie queens and kings. After ten minutes or so, the two made it back to the camp and set up a nice fire, just as the sunset. Lady Hoot had put a blanket on Clare, who was still in the wagon sleeping. Soon the smell of vegetable soup was in the air, as it boiled in the pot; that he had balanced on some small rocks. At the same time Agudo was passing out some bread and cheese to the others. Looking up into the sky he smiled and said a prayer. “Let the Light bless this meal and our group as we travel on this lonely road” With that he gave a wink to the others, and began to eat.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-15-03, 10:11 AM	She sits up, still half-asleep as she had not waken fully yet. "Agudo? W..would you m..mind to mu..much if I as..asked for a dr..drink?" She smells the food and knew he would probably offer her some so she saves him the trouble of asking, "I wou..wouldn't like an..any food thanks th..though, just some wa..water." She looks around at where they had stopped, "Are we st..stopped for the n..night?"
Thog 11-15-03, 05:47 PM	After seeing no one else wanted any, Thog ate the goose raw. He dropped his waterskin into the nearby bubbling stream, wieghing it down securely. Then he prowled the perimeter of the camp and into the woods behind. Finding portabella and wild onion, starchy tubers and some wild legume, he gathered them and tossed them in a small pile near the fire the mage lit. The tiny sweet wild strawberries, he offered to Clare, along with the skin full of cold fresh water. "Here you are gray one", he offered with a shrug and a smile, and moved on to sit just outside the flickering circle of firelight. He watched the mage and his companian, smiling at their obvious disdain. In Shou or Waterdeep, an orc is not welcome at the table of the gentle. Some things are constant. He listened to their conversation. Aware and ready to move if they wanted privacy. "The mushrooms are good roasted and stuffed with a paste of the herbs, or so they say", He offered. "To me they taste like vegetables, you can live on them".
Lady Clare Windariete 11-15-03, 06:03 PM	She smiles to Thog, "Th..thank y..you. My n..name is Clare, not gr..grey one," she says this with a slight smirk. She takes a drink and tosses the waterskin just beside Thog, it seemed she had perfect aim or perhaps a lucky toss. She slowly crawls to the edge of the wagon then hops down from the edge of it. She walks to Agudo and wraps her arms around his neck in a hug. She lets go and walks to Thog, she does the same to him. She steps beside Savael and hugs him as well. She walks back over to the wagon, "I wa..want to th..thank ev..everyone for b..being so nice t..to me. I a..am .. er .. was a sl..slave and on..only you th..three even ac..acted somewhat civ..cival towards me. Savael, I kn..know you had..hadn't really said m..much but ev..even that does som..some good over ins..insulting me. Anyway, th..thats what th..the hugs were f..for. My bod..body is alm..almost to weary to h..hold me up, I m..must say goodnight." She leans against the edge of the wagon, waiting to see if anyone has anything to say to her before she crawls back up on the wagon.
Thog 11-15-03, 06:16 PM	"Good Night Clare" Thog stands and walks back to you as you drift off, taking off his travel cloak and covering you from the chill evening air. "Sleep well and sound"
Lady Clare Windariete 11-15-03, 06:20 PM	As she sat on the edge of the wagon she laid down and close her eyes. She had fallen asleep close to the edge before she had a chance to move further from it.
Thog 11-15-03, 06:33 PM	Covering her in his cloack, Thog clears out a smooth spot farther in the wagon, using the softer cargo to make a nest for a bed. Then he lifts her and sets her securly in the nest, so she can sleep safely without rolling out of the wagon. He moves back to the firelight - always watching out into the night and never looking directly at the fire, listening to the men and to the forest.
Agudo Archmage 11-15-03, 11:05 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Agudo had just set down, by the fire with his second helping of soup, when Clare came over and hugged him. This made Agudo smile warmly and patted Clare on the hand, as she hugged, him. Then when Clare went over to hug the smelly Orc, Savael chuckled at that. Not because of her hugging the Orc, as much as it looked like Agudo had been dumped, for the savage. But then she gave Savael a hug, in turn caused Agudo to chuckle, because he knew Savael enough that Savael, was not huggable type. (OOC added that last part, felt it worked with what I know of Savael) “Thank you Clare we all needed that and may the Light give you good dreams tonight.” Agudo, Lady Hoot and Savael talked for a few more hours, before heading for bed. The stars were out in full force, giving a beautiful sky to dream about.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-15-03, 11:22 PM	While she sleeps Agudo can hear his name being called by her. She is sleep-talking though with the way Agudo's name being said it sounds like another nightmare, perhaps he was in it. Sweat trickles down her forehead and she says a few more inaudible words.
Thog 11-16-03, 03:41 AM	After an uneventful evening, Thog watched as each man went to sleep with no regaurd for security or appeantly without a care. He walked to the wagon, checking on Clare. She was resting fitfully, apparently dreaming badly. She said the mage's name, but it didn't sound more important than a bad dream. Not worth waking either the girl or the mage. Walking to the front of the wagon, he pulled a thick tuft of grass and twisted it, and slowly rubbed down the back and flanks of the sturdy little farm pony. It shied at first, but quickly settled and even seemed to enjoy the attention as much as the brushing. Piling the harness near a convient rock, Thog settled into the half-awake daze that was all the sleep he ever allowed himself.
Agudo Archmage 11-16-03, 09:38 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Lady Hoot flew back to the cart, sitting just over Clare on the edge. It was obvious that Clare was dreaming again, yet unlike the Orc, Hoot felt it better to nudge Clare. Not to wake her, but more like to bring the young maiden, into a drowsy re-slumber. In the same way you can get someone to change position, while their sleeping, by just barely nudging them. Agudo on the other hand, was cozy in his blue and white robes, leaning against the wagon wheel. Having a restful sleep, and peaceful dreams of the Light. But Agudo did do one thing before he went to sleep, with a little magic, he wiggled his fingers and with a smile on his face. A chessboard appeared next to the Orc, for an early morning play, between them. To be done just before they left, on the long journey ahead. With that Agudo was out, in slumber land.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-16-03, 04:24 PM	She stirs yet continues to sleep, rolls over onto her back, and quiets down.
Thog 11-16-03, 04:37 PM	Waking with the first glow of sun, Thog notices the chessboard and smiles. He takes white, as the wizard offered, and moves q-k-p to q-k-p-4, then moves off into the woods, cicling the camp and looking for tracks. As he neared completion of the circle, he walked up on a small black bear at a raspberry bush, he gave the bear his space, but filled his pouch with juicy raspberries. Gathering more onions, fennel and sage for the sunny vale, he built the fire back up and spitted a couple rabbits, slattering them with fruit juice and stuffing them with onions and herbs. Some volinteer potatoes from a nearby garden, overgrown and abandoned, roasted in the coals. The smells of roasting meat and vegetables filled the area as the sun rose. He squinted and muttered, but he had lived so long among men now that he didn't even bother to curse the light.
Savael 11-17-03, 08:02 AM	Savael slept soundly throughout the night, waking up to the smell of roasting breakfast. He yawned fitfully and sat up in his bedroll rubbing sleep out of his eyes. He hated sleeping outdoors. Slowly making his way out of his bedroll, he trotted off into the nearby woods and washed himself as best he could in the cold water of a nearby stream. He though about praying for spells as a Cleric should, now in the early hours of dawn was as good a time as any other, but eventually though better of it... He could always pray later, that was something he enjoyed about not having any formal diety, but trusting his ideals and guidelines instead. He could afford to be free with his prayers that way.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-17-03, 10:57 AM	Smelling the aroma of the cooking food she stirs and sits up. She looks to see who all has awakened and sees that Savael and Thog are. She looks to the sleeping Agudo and smile, then looks to Thog, "A..Are you making br..breakfast this mo..morning? If so, th..then it sm..smellsl won..wonderful."
Thog 11-17-03, 12:46 PM	Thog looks to the man and smiles as he comes back from the stream. He nearly looked awake. He nods to the fire and the roasting rabbit, "Spuds under the coals if you want". "Hi Clare," he says as she climbs from the wagon. "talk right, you talk right when you're mad." He looks to the wizard and chuckles. Old bones need sleep.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-17-03, 12:53 PM	She sits down at the base of a tree back from the fire and the roasting rabbit. As Thog mentioned something about her speech impediment she frowns, her gray eyes cast to the ground. "I don't l..like sp..speaking of it." With that she stands up and starts walking into the woods. Her long gray hair flows gently behind her and her footsteps make not a sound as they touch with the ground.
Thog 11-17-03, 01:08 PM	Thog watched her walk off, admiring her soft, silent step. It took skill to walk that quietly, and she seemed to do it efforlessly. He frowned an instant as he recalled what his scouting had revealed in the forest. She was OK, but he was glad she wasn't wlaking toward the soldiers.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-17-03, 01:15 PM	She walked for about 10 more feet before she stopped. She looked around her and thought, "Freedom.." She sat down upon a log and looked at nature's beauty, it was so beautiful she many times wished her beauty was like that of nature. She could hear Thog's words repeating in her mind, "..talk right, you talk right when you're mad." She hides her face in her hands and weep. She weeps for the curse bestowed upon her, for her anger built over it, and for the pain it has caused her.
Thog 11-17-03, 01:22 PM	He looks to the silent man, a question in his eyes. Seeing nothing but a faint amusement in the man's expression, he gets up and follows Clare, sitting beside her and holding her as she crys, saying nothing. Just holding her.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-17-03, 01:25 PM	She looks to Thog as he holds her, "Pl..please you d..don't have to.." she sniffles, "st..stay here with m..me. I wi..will be al..alright alone. R..right now I would pre..prefer it th..that way, I am to as..ashamed to cry in f..front of an..anyone."
Thog 11-17-03, 02:34 PM	He goes scouting.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-17-03, 02:40 PM	Quietly she gets up from her sitting place on the log and makes haste to another area as she needed not to be seen right now, anyone else that sees her crying would only make things worse. She doesn't know how far she ran and from which direction, she sees a small pond. Near the pond is a flat rock that she sits down on. She faces the pond and continues to weep for a little longer. She finally straightens back up and looks around her while wiping her cheeks dry.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-17-03, 03:16 PM	As she sits there her sweet and gentle voice echos throughtout the woods, her voice like that of a singing angel. I'll forever sing of that day That changed the way I'll speak. No longer soft and meak But now doomed to stutter Like a bird that tries to stiffly flutter. With each words comes frustration And I often hesitate for coversation. Many nights I wonder Of my often spoken blunders. I curse that man And often plan my revenge In which my curse, I will never avenge. Oh troubling days And your cruel gaze Leave me from your wrath That follows the destructive path. Free me of this curse And immerse Me within your loving arms Of your sweetend charms. As she finishes she looks down at the water and a single tear drop fall onto the surface. The surface of the water ripples and deforms her face as she looks in.
Agudo Archmage 11-17-03, 11:04 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The sounds of the others woke him, with a yawn and stretch, he opened his eyes he saw; Thog go into the woods. “Morning already?” As Agudo stood he looked around, he saw Lady Hoot had gone for her morning flight. “Clare I was wonder….ing…?” He stands there for a second before mumbling to himself. “It seems everyone has gone for a walk” He takes note of the chess board and smiles, as he takes out his history book that he has been writing. With a white-feathered pin in hand he begins to write the following. ((The Orc test subject, who calls himself Thog, has shown rudimentary signs of intelligent. Knows third level chess, and possibly can do basic math. Was he an experiment of some wizard, or other magic user? Is he an offshoot of his race? As I wrote before, Thog has a strong attachment to Clare, and seems protective of her.)) Agudo was going to write more, when he became concerned for Clare. He heard her running through the bush, and with his magic could tell she was upset. Agudo put away his book and went to find her.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-17-03, 11:13 PM	She gently splashes where her reflection was and sighs. How badly she wished she could talk straight again, without stuttering. As the gentle wind passed through her hair blew around her form and her face. Just to look on as this happened made her seem even more innocent and lost. Looking lost was about right as she hadn't remembered which way she came nor which way was the way back. She could only hope someone would eventually come searching for her. She looks around and sees a brown and white squirrell, she says something to it and it scurries to her. In a language unknown to many (unless they can speak with animals as well) she tells it to find a Agudo, Thog, or Savael. She describes to it what they each look like. It quickly scurries off, surprisingly in the direction Agudo is coming. As the squirrell reaches Agudo, it climbs up his robe and scampers around his shoulders, then takes off in the direction where Clare is. By the squirrells movements it was easy to tell it wanted Agudo to follow it. {Meanwhile..... } Clare sits on the smooth flat rock, looking down at the water, the wind still softly blowing her hair around. She watches the rippling effect the wind has on the water.
Thog 11-18-03, 12:46 AM	Hearing the hauting song float over the forest, Thog stopped. But Clare said she would prefer to be alone, and that was good enough for him. He headed for the soldier's camp. 4o of them, humans and hobgoblins. Probably not the wizard's minions then, he didn't seem the type to employ hobgoblins, though in his years crashing through the realms, Thog had seldom served with better soldiers. Once they learned who was boss. He headed back to the camp, time to tell the mage about the visitors. It was then he realized the singing could have been heard at the enemy camp.
Agudo Archmage 11-18-03, 08:35 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The Archmage of Light trampled through the woods, calling out for Clare. A squirrel ran up his clothing. Being a man and having a squirrel run up his legs, was one thing any man would become emotional about. “What?…NNNOOOO SQUIRREL….Ahhh…You wont find any nuts there!… At least…not the kind, I am willing to part with.” But as the critter reaches to top, and speaks in squirrelly, Agudo was little rusty on critter corner language. But he got the jest of it, and followed the little minsk.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-18-03, 08:41 AM	The squirrell continues to lead him through the woods until it stops as soon as it enters the area with the pond, and Clare sitting upon a rock beside the pond. She was not looking in their direction, but down towards the pond. The soft gentle breeze still continuing to blow through the area. The squirrell having done its job scurries off to the right and up a tree.
Agudo Archmage 11-18-03, 08:55 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Upon seeing Clare, he walked gently to her and spoke in his naturally deep fatherly voice. “Clare my dear, what has caused you to run off so?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-18-03, 09:02 AM	She looks to Agudo and stans up. She hugs him tightly and cries, she tried to hold back but could no longer help it. "S..so much in my m..mind that I wa..want to say, but da..dare not. Agudo, I wa..want to be well!" She continues crying her grip tight on Agudo, not choking him but tight enough she would have to be pried off of him or calmed down first.
Agudo Archmage 11-18-03, 09:11 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley At her embrace, he continues to hold her, in his strong arms, offering comfort in her time of need. “ I understand Clare, yet try to see that the glass is half full, and not half empty. Your jut getting started in your freedom, and we have yet to reach the school” He holds her chin in his firm hand. “Trust in the Light, that everything will turn out fine. Now come, lets us return to the camp” Agudo leads Clare by the hand, through the darken woods.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-18-03, 09:20 AM	"Ev..everything seems s..so impossible r..right now." She looks up to Agudo, she looked as though she wished to say something. She only averted her eyes to the trees around them and sighs softly.
Savael 11-18-03, 01:15 PM	Savael watched as first Clare, then the Orc, and then Agudo took of into the forest. He gave a small shrug, and made his way over ot the fire. The Orc had said something about spuds... Savael sat down to have breakfast. Now, you could say what you liked about this Orc they`d come across - or was it the other way around? - but he could cook a decent meal. He feasted on some of the spuds the orc had left behind, and with a large gulp or two of water from the nearby stream - along with a lot of muddled swearing - and was altogether quite happy with the morning so far... But one thing nagged at him though, if they were going to use much more time on traveling around the countryside like this... she`d start to smell.
Agudo Archmage 11-18-03, 11:06 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley He led sweet Clare back through the brush and forest, he saw tracks from other travelers; and decided to stay away fro that direction. “Were almost to the campsite, will work on you speech as we travel along. Staring within the hour if that ok with you Clare?” As they were talking he saw Savael washing up, and smiled. “Good morning to you my friend, I take it you slept well. Were about ready to get underway, we should be at the school latter today.” As Agudo was putting away a few things he turned to Savael. “So tell me Savael, you came for my help, are you ready?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-18-03, 11:19 PM	She looks to Agudo, after taking some thought and sensing or seems to what Savael had thought. "A..Agudo? M..may I bathe b..back in tha..that pond? I w..would feel m..much better. Would you pl..please st..stand guard? Of if p..prefered I c..could go al..alone..." She looks up to Agudo waiting an answer.
Savael 11-19-03, 01:39 PM	Savael nodded curtly at Agudo and Clare as they returned to the campsite. He finished the last of his breakfast and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand as he stood up. "Yes, I gues slept well enough all things considered, but never mind that-" He was just about to answer Agudos second question when Clare voiced the question of Agudo standing guard while she bathed in the nearby pond. He gave Agudo a wistfull glance along with a small chuckle, before heading off to gather his backpack by the wagon, leaving Agudo and Clare to themselves. Such moments were better left alone.
Agudo Archmage 11-19-03, 06:51 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigly “Well Clare its that I don’t trust myself its just, I am a pillar of the community and all.” He leans over and winks at her. “I will let Lady Hoot guard you” With that Lady Hoot flew to Clare shoulder. “It’s a good idea to cleans the dirt away, it gives you a sense of a new beginning.” The wise owl said. Agudo turns to Savael, “Now about your need for halp?”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-19-03, 08:33 PM	She nods and looks to Lady Hoot, "Per..perhaps but I f..feel dirty th..thats all. Al..also I haven't been ab..able to ta..take for a cou..couple of days." She looks down in shame. She begins walking toward the pond humming softly while she does. Upon reaching the pond she smiles to Lady Hoot and waits for her to fly off her shoulder. When she does she strips herself of her clothing and walks to the edge of the pond. She shivers, it was cold, but it was the only way to get clean. She slowly walks in the shallow part, and as the pond begins to grow deeper she ducks under the water. A few minutes later rising to the surface.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-22-03, 12:22 AM	She finishes up in the pond, then quickly gets dressed. She looks to Lady Hoot, "L..lets go back now f..for I am fin..finished." Her hair now drips with water, getting the back of her dress complete wet. She sighs as there was nothing she could do about that. She continues walking back to the camp site. Half-way back a group of humans and hobgoblins (total of 8) gang up around her. They began to whisper amoung themselves, "Lets keep her for ourselves..." Another spoke up, "But think of the riches she will get us from the general..." They begin to nodding and agreeing upon the human who spoke up. Quickly the set to tying her up.
Agudo Archmage 11-22-03, 12:34 AM	Lady Hoot sits on Clare's shoulder, listening to the gang of thugs. "I am a talking owl as your bourbon soaked brains can see. Being an enchanted owl, must give me great power, correct?” She does not wait for their dumfounded replies she just keeps talking. “Now if what you see is true and hear, then what else will I do to all of you if you try and touch this young girl. Think about it, we could be a trap, set up just to catch foolish people like yourselves. What if some where out there is a dragon waiting for us to bring it back some food….you! Or maybe…..were a bunch of wood sprites waiting for some men to taken into the forest, never to be seen again….. And if you don’t believe me, ask yourselves this….have you ever seen a talking owl before?
Lady Clare Windariete 11-22-03, 12:44 AM	The gruff looking men and hobgoblins start talking amoungst themselves again, "Perhaps its right...but perhaps it lies...it has a good point.." They continue talking for a few more minutes, "Alright we leave you alone, but next time... you won't be so lucky." She walks past them and within a few minutes of their walking she speaks to Lady Hoot, "Th..thank you, you al..always seem to h..help me out." She finally reaches the campsite and looks around with a smile, "D..do I smell be..better now? Though the back of my dress is soaked from my hair..."
Agudo Archmage 11-22-03, 08:37 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Lady flew over to the Archmage of Light and landed on his shoulder. She then began to whisper in his ear. Agudo chuckles and speaks as he laughs. “Well Hoot did you turn your head all the way around, when speaking? No well that explains why they didn’t scream and go running off in the woods.” He winks at Clare “Your as lovely as a rose and more beautiful than a spring day. Come let us continue were almost to the school”
Lady Clare Windariete 11-22-03, 10:23 AM	She smiles and gives Agudo a warm hug, "Thank y..you." She walks to the wagon and sits down, neatly tucking her dress around her. Her hair she tried her best to keep it under control, but that was of no use for it seemed to have a mind of its own. She merely sighs in defeat and smiles.
Agudo Archmage 11-24-03, 12:15 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Most day had been spent traveling, but just before sundown they came to the forested area near the school. The peaks of the towers could be seen, over the tops of the trees. “Well Clare in a few minutes we will reach the school of Light. I hope your ready for a new beginning?” Agudo smiles warmly at Clare.
Lady Clare Windariete 11-24-03, 01:05 AM	She smiles and nods to Agudo, "I gu..guess so. Th..though even i..if I am n..not I wi..will have t.to be ri..right?"
Agudo Archmage 11-24-03, 09:39 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The Archmage of Light gave Clare a hug, and grabbed her hand as they made there way to the school. “You’ll do just fine, in fact you need to think of what kind of classes you want to take. We have Clerical classes taught by Lady Hoot and Magical Spell classes taught by me as well as many others. “ “You can take a good Rouge class taught by my Teacher/student Gene….Yet you “cant” use the knowledge for evil, like taking things, that’s not yours; only good reasons. For example spying on evil and taking something dangerous, away from evil.” “ But we also have Music classes taught by Bards one is away right now named Khaira; but we do have other Bard teachers and I love to see you join a class. Of course my favorite is history classes taught by me once again”. We have as well Math, Science, Geography, Astronomy, Quantum Physics, Magical Energies, Engineering, Taught by Gnomes of course! “ “But just think about it, no hurry my dear Clare. A few minutes latter they were there at the school lobby. ((OOC ok Clare all you have to do is go to the MOP boards and post on the Agudo school of Light and Magic and register your name, race, and title. With Elvina the lobby receptionist who will tell you what to do next.
Savael 11-25-03, 01:14 PM	((Urrgh, sorry for the absence Agudo... back again now, stupid school...)) Savael followed Agudo and Clare tentativly on the road to the school. It wasnt that the school was a bad place by any standards... it was more what it stood for that madeSavaels stomack churn. It was all wrong! You couldnt make your way in life with only light on your eyes, youd go blind eventually, it stood to reason! It was simply impossible to carve a niche for yourself in this world with the basics taught in this Academy. Sure, you might turn out to become a daring rouge or a brilliant wizard before you walked out of the place, but what good did that give you if all you ever did was helping the next man - who`d probably robb you blind or stab you in the back or both if he got the chance - carry his load in life? No, the only one you could afford to cear about in this life was, by and by, yourself. But then again... that wasnt entirely true for him... was it? He turned to Agudo as they reached the school lobby "I suppose I`m ready to go whenever you are, if thats what you meant" he added uncertainly.... "just so you know, we`re going to Belegost, a town not to far from here... that is, if your still willing to help me out"
Agudo Archmage 11-25-03, 11:55 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Agudo gives friendly hug to Saveal. "You know I am, kets go!" ((OOC Will you start your own thread or highjack this one. It would be neat to see you start one of your own. Ill be there of course.! :angel: ))
Savael 11-27-03, 10:28 AM	(( Well Agudo, as much as I`d love to picture myself hijacking a thread 'Allright nobody move or I`ll edit their heads off!' I gues I`d have to ask Clare for permission before doing such a thing... But then again, starting my own thread... its been a while since last time and I`m not exactly a good DM... still though...)) ((It would be neat...))
Lady Clare Windariete 11-27-03, 10:44 AM	{ooc: Hey guys! :D You are welcome to use this one if you would like, I have no problem with it! ;) }
Savael 11-28-03, 08:45 AM	((Very well then, my thanks to you good lady Clare for granting me permission to 'hijack' this thread of yours. Promise i wont batter it too badly... hehe)) Savael patted Agudo on the back, flashing him a friendly grin. "Allright old friend, lets head out for Beregost as soon as possible then... the sooner we reach our destination the better" He swung his backpack into a better position on his back and cast a hurried glance up towards the sun. It would be well into the evening before they reached their target if they were to walk the distance... he knew that much.
Agudo Archmage 11-28-03, 11:31 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley Agudo grabbed his backpack and was ready to go, Hoot was on his shoulder ready for the new adventure. ((OOC OK SAVAEL......try and not get us Killed! :smirk: ))
Savael 11-29-03, 12:01 PM	And so, they set out. Agudo and Savael, once again. This was just like the old days, heck, just give the landscape a touch of snow and everlasting winter and it'd be like Icewind dale... Icewind dale... The two of them followed the well-travelled road from Agudos school of Light, making good progress along it as they talked about everything and nothing. Eventually, as the evening crept on towards nightfall, they found themselves shelter behind a large pair of rocks. As he turned inn that night, Savael smiled. Desspite himself he found that he'd missed this life, traveling the width and breadth of Faerùn together with someone you trusted, and who trusted you as well. OOC: OK then... I`ll always try to give it a shot. You great old worry-wart... hehe.
Agudo Archmage 11-29-03, 10:44 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The day had gone well, the two old friends had made good progress along the way. But soon night had fallen, and sleep was too tempting to resist. Savael and Agudo had talked about old times, and even new things along the way. Yet by the fire they were to sleepy to chat, and ate a brief but satisfying meal, before turning in for the night. Agudo wished Savael pleasant dreams, and rolled out a simple blanket and pillow. Lady Hoot sat near by on a branch, enjoying the soft nightly breeze.
Savael 11-30-03, 01:18 PM	The following dawn broke bright and clear across the land, bathing the wilderness around their sparse campsite in the first stray rays of sunlight as Savael opene his eyes in welcome of a new day. He cursed under his breath. New days shouldnt be welcomed like this. On the back in the liddle of a wasteland of scrubby rocks, sprase vegetation and the ocational roaming beast. No, sheets of proper linen, good beds and for once in a fethed while proper food! That was the way to give the morning a proper start ahead before you caught up with it. Og but what did he cear? A whole ot actually now that he came to think about it. He might come to tell himself time and time again that other peoples problems were not his to ponder, that the course of the world as it was not concerned him... Bit still. Disdainfully he wriggled his way out of his bedroll, sheared a good breakfast with Agudo, and set of once more. "There's a thing or two I wonder about regarding your school Agudo" Savael said as they came upon a turn in the ever-continuing road ahead "Running such a school on a day to day basis must be quite a tiering and not to mention costly affair, is it not?" Not waiting to hear what Agudos answer might come to, he hurried on "Now, what I'm talking about here is a little business oppurtunity for you my friend. I have a few friends that are involved in a merchant consortium down south that might be interested in opening up a trade route with possiblities for expansion further north" "Think of it! Your school should be able to provide a viable ammount of small magical items of at least some quallity. Think of the extra resources comming your way! Not only a certain ammount of good coin but magical components as well. Perhaps the arrival of the odd student as well isnt an impossible goal?" Savael watched Agudos features cearfully as the two of them made their way down the road, searching for signs of acknowledgement in his old friends face. Had he come up with a good idea?
Savael 11-30-03, 01:18 PM	The following dawn broke bright and clear across the land, bathing the wilderness around their sparse campsite in the first stray rays of sunlight as Savael opened his eyes in welcome of the new day. He cursed under his breath. New days shouldnt be welcomed like this. On the back in the liddle of a wasteland of scrubby rocks, sprase vegetation and the ocational roaming beast. No, sheets of proper linen, good beds and for once in a fethed while proper food! That was the way to give the morning a proper start ahead before you caught up with it. Og but what did he cear? A whole ot actually now that he came to think about it. He might come to tell himself time and time again that other peoples problems were not his to ponder, that the course of the world as it was not concerned him... Bit still. Disdainfully he wriggled his way out of his bedroll, sheared a good breakfast with Agudo, and set of once more. "There's a thing or two I wonder about regarding your school Agudo" Savael said as they came upon a turn in the ever-continuing road ahead "Running such a school on a day to day basis must be quite a tiering and not to mention costly affair, is it not?" Not waiting to hear what Agudos answer might come to, he hurried on "Now, what I'm talking about here is a little business oppurtunity for you my friend. I have a few friends that are involved in a merchant consortium down south that might be interested in opening up a trade route with possiblities for expansion further north" "Think of it! Your school should be able to provide a viable ammount of small magical items of at least some quallity. Think of the extra resources comming your way! Not only a certain ammount of good coin but magical components as well. Perhaps the arrival of the odd student as well isnt an impossible goal?" Savael watched Agudos features cearfully as the two of them made their way down the road, searching for signs of acknowledgement in his old friends face. Had he come up with a good idea?
Savael 11-30-03, 01:20 PM	The following dawn broke bright and clear across the land, bathing the wilderness around their sparse campsite in the first stray rays of sunlight as Savael opened his eyes in welcome of the new day. He cursed under his breath. New days shouldnt be welcomed like this. On the back in the liddle of a wasteland of scrubby rocks, sparse vegetation and the occational roaming beast. No, sheets of proper linen, good beds and for once in a fethed while proper food! That was the way to give the morning a proper start ahead before you caught up with it. Og but what did he care? A whole ot actually now that he came to think about it. He might come to tell himself time and time again that other peoples problems were not his to ponder, that the course of the world as it was not concerned him... Bit still. Disdainfully he wriggled his way out of his bedroll, sheared a good breakfast with Agudo, and set of once more. "There's a thing or two I wonder about regarding your school Agudo" Savael said as they came upon a turn in the ever-continuing road ahead "Running such a school on a day to day basis must be quite a tiering and not to mention costly affair, is it not?" Not waiting to hear what Agudos answer might come to, he hurried on "Now, what I'm talking about here is a little business oppurtunity for you my friend. I have a few friends that are involved in a merchant consortium down south that might be interested in opening up a trade route with possiblities for expansion further north" "Think of it! Your school should be able to provide a viable ammount of small magical items of at least some quallity. Think of the extra resources comming your way! Not only a certain ammount of good coin but magical components as well. Perhaps the arrival of the odd student as well isnt an impossible goal?" Savael watched Agudos features cearfully as the two of them made their way down the road, searching for signs of acknowledgement in his old friends face. Had he come up with a good idea?
Agudo Archmage 11-30-03, 11:06 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley It was a long walk and the surroundings was bland at best, the scrubby patch of land, showed little to entertain the eye. “What that? Coin of opportunity you say! Why Savael you must have a little Halfling in you, for you sound like one of those Halfling salesmen; who try to get me to buy a slightly used horse.” Agudo chuckles as they walk. “As far as cost to the school, The building were paid for through my adventuring, more than once did I find a treasure trove or two. Normaly after battling some great evil mind you…..As far costs of the student I choose those who have talent, but its all for free…. They pay nothing, Yet I do have some costs. Such as the teachers salary for example, or materials needed in magic class. Lets not get into the Gnomes and their never ending need for metals and gadget materials” Agudo shakes his head. “I do raise money through my books that I write, and the students do make things that are resold on the market… For example a first year magic student, needs to make a Magic Missals wand or Frost wand.” Agudo watches a small animal run off before continuing. “ So that she or he can graduate to the next class, the wand itself is sold to recoup the cost of making it ,and a small profit as well. The same is for the Clerics, they make potions of healing or something like it, so that they can go to the next level of their class.” He turns to his friend and asks the next question. “Is this part of your quest that were on? To help merchants?”
Savael 12-14-03, 07:13 AM	Savael gave a small chuckle to Agudo’s question ”Well, not exactly helping merchants as much as looking for opportunities” He gave a small shrug “But alas, I differ from our quest. I wont bother you with such things in the future old friend, for now let us move on. Belegost cant be all that far away” He set his eyes on the horizon and trudged on. Later that day, around noon or so, the smoke rising from the first cottages and houses of Belegost could be seen in the distance. Savael gave his old friend a slap on the back and smiled contentedly “Well old friend here we are then. Belegost. That leaves step one of our journey behind us” He took a swig from a small canteen he had hanging dispiritedly by his hip and swallowed the once cold and refreshing but now lukewarm water down, offering Agudo a swig as well once he had had his fill.
Savael 12-14-03, 07:13 AM	Argh, double post...
Agudo Archmage 12-14-03, 10:07 AM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The Archmage of Light was just about to pop in a raisin into his mouth. When Savael gave him a friendly slap on the back. Agudo watched as the raisin, falls from his hand, but luckily Savael was quick handed and laughed, as he grabbed Agudo’s snack. His friend made a sly jest about Agudo always loosing things and handed it back to the mage. After a quick swig from Savael cantina they made their way to the familiar town. It had been a few years from the last time Agudo had walked theses dusty streets. “Well my friend, we made it, but who are here to see”
Savael 12-14-03, 01:08 PM	Savael gave a wry smile as he trudged through the dusty streets alongside Agudo. It had indeed been some time since last he had walked these narrow alleyways and things didn’t look exactly like he remembered them. But then again things changed, as did people. It really wasn’t much to worry about... “Oh its not a question about who we are here to meet, but what we are here to do” Savael said “We’ll stop here for now, rest up, and then move on once more. We have a few more days of travelling ahead of us, but not much more. For now though, I say we find a suitable place to rest our vary feet” As the two friends talked however, a pair of baleful eyes watched the two of them from the darkened confinements of a nearby alleyway. They had arrived as was foretold. The Cleric and the Mage... And now, to wait for nightfall...
Agudo Archmage 12-14-03, 10:58 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley As they rounded a corner in this small town they came upon laughter and clinking of mugs. “I say Savael, lets us stop for a bite and maybe some rest, at the Jovial Juggler inn.” As they entered the tavern, they both could see it hadn’t change a bit. Roomy and well kept, yet some of the best traveling bards stopped here to practice their entertainment. This night had several Bards all competing to see who had the best rhyming song. The town folk who were here, seemed to be having a jolly old time. Most of the tables were full, with people drinking and eating. On the far side of the room, they were able to find a bench with room for two more. Those already at the table smiled, but mostly kept to themselves. “I wonder if Zhurlong, the town thief, ever got his boots back that someone stole under his greedy nose?”
Savael 12-17-03, 02:25 PM	The sound of warm cheer and good company was as good a remedy for the harshness of the road as anything and Savael harthily agreed to Agudo's idea. The establishment was as wellkept, crowded and worthy of any good travelers coin as ever before. Savael slumped down onto a worn bench next to Agudo with a good hart at mind to spend the reminder of the day dispensing one or two coins on the general well beeing of those assembled. Himself for instance. "Well Agudo, whatever fate Zhurlong's boots finally got I'm sure they'r being put to some good use somewhere in the realms as we speak..."
Agudo Archmage 12-17-03, 02:45 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley The two adventures talked for hours, over food and drink, the night had grown late and the Bards themselves took one last bow; before getting some sleep. After finish the last drop from his goblet he turned to Savael “Why not see if you can get us a room for the night, if not we may have to sleep in the stable”
Savael 12-18-03, 09:49 AM	Savael gave a sleepy nodd as he rose from the bench he was sitting on and ambled his way over to the nearest person wich would, with any luck, proclaim to be the innkeeper. It sounded as though the assorted Bards and musicians had turned inn at last and he was thinking along the same lines as well. It hadnt been such a bad evening really, good music, laughter and cheer all the way. He gave a half-smile as he blessed the stocks of the Jovial Juggler, they had been tested well tonight. After sending a couple of cheerfully-drunk gnomes in the opposite direction he made his way over to the Inn's desk and made a resarvation for two rooms. With a view towards the sea. And fluffy beds. And something about pink ribbons...
Agudo Archmage 12-18-03, 05:40 PM	http://www.members.shaw.ca/gordquigley/pictures/portlongagudo.gif Artwork copyright © 2003, Gordon R. Quigley It wasn’t long before they had found the room on the second floor. Lucky for them that all the dorm rooms were full, and all the inn had left were some of the private rooms. A bit pricey from what Savael had told him, but it’s better than the stables. As promised the room was clean and came with two single beds. The mage didn’t say anything about the pink lace, on the pillows. He just assumed Savael enjoyed the delicate side of life and had requested it. After putting away his things on the shelf and a deep but short prayer to the Light, Agudo turned in for the night.