Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 shatteredtower Feb 07, 2005 13:10:59	The following adventure has been running by e-mail since July of 2004. I shall be posting its progress thus far as time allows, and will be keeping track of the condition of its heroes in this post eventually as well. For now, let it be known that your heroes are: Jaer of the Morian Woods Kai Heishall Tensek And now, let the tale begin.
#2 shatteredtower Feb 07, 2005 13:30:19	Jaer realizes that his time has come to return home. Once everything is packed away, he turns for one last look at the city. Pleased though he is to avoid having grown dependent upon it, the halfling knew he'd nevertheless miss it, for his time here had been pleasant. With a shrug, he decides to leave the next morning instead, then makes his way back toward this warren of crowded streets. He stops to converse with the guard at the gate, the one who gave him so much trouble about Blight the previous year. They share a good laugh when Jaer announces that the duo wouldn't be troubling the man again for a while. Blight even seems to snort along, as if understanding the jest on some level. Then Jaer then mounts up once more, looking about to take note of all the fancy buildings as he heads toward the Last Lich Inn for a last bowl of soup. Half a bowl proves sufficient for him; he leaves the rest to a grateful Blight. Taking in the atmosphere of the inn while the wolf enjoys the meal, the halfling realizes that he would miss this place as well, even though he had visited it only infrequently during his stay. His reverie is interupted by Blight's low moan, which also draws the attention of several patrons. He sees recognition in a few eyes, realization that this is a wolf, not a dog, provoking excited murmurs here and there about the room. Jaer decides it's time to leave. Back in the woods, he snuggles up to his mount; the pair sleep like this until sunrise. He wakes briefly near dawn, but then decides to grap another "short" nap, which stretches until nine o'clock. Finally awake, they begin the journey home, making good time before settling down for another night. The second day rouses Jaer with the sound of Blight's snarl and several chattering voices. He doesn't understand what's been said, but the sound of irritation is quite clear to him. A quick look around causes him to wake more fully, for while the words are lost on him, the meaning of the javelins pointed his way by a small party of goblins is much more readily understood. Moving his hands through a series of strange and elaborate positions, Jaer causes wisps of fog to spread out from his fingertips and surround him. Blight lunges for the first goblin to raises a spear, then is lost from sight in the mists. The druid calls to the wolf, who immediately bounds back from the struggle, sporting a bruised eye. A would-be pursuer quickly pulls his arm back with a shriek as Blight spins to grab it in his jaws. Again Jaer's voice is raised, the energy of his words and gestures hardening Blight's muscles. Thus fortified, the beast lunges after the yelping goblins, fangs latching onto a hastily raised shield. Two others rush to support their fellow, but the wolf easily evades all efforts to strike him. Jaer is not so lucky; as he step clear of the mist, a javelin pierces him beneath the shoulder. The wound stings more than it should, he realizes, gasping from the pain as he pulls the weapon out. Another goblin rushes forward to clobber him, but Jaer stumbles away, uttering words to another spell as his eyes become embers. A fiery blade appears in his rapidly waving hands, driving his attacker back with a series of slashes. Blight yelps as he is struck once more, then turns and knocks his antagonist from his feet with a strangled cry. Even as he turns to a new victim, the halfling beside him immolates his own opponent. Their remaining foes draw toward each other, retreating from the pair. Jaer takes the opportunity to direct his guardian back into the fog, following quickly behind him. He mounts carefully and surges out to attack once more, intent on making short work of the rest of his enemies. Instead, he is nonplussed to discover that they've taken advantage of his absence to find their own hiding places. Pondering the situation for a brief second, Jaer decides not to pursue them, preferring instead to continue his journey, for the desire to see his parents and the Morian Woods once more is strong. He spurs his mount forward immediately, knowing how little time he has before the wolf's newfound strength diminishes once again. Eagerness proves costly; the druid's eyesight starts to blur after he has ridden but a few hundred yards. He struggles to hold on to his mount with fingers that now refuse to obey him and he falls, mercifully passing out before he hits the ground. Blight stops as he feels the weight slip from his back. He nudges Jaer several times, trying to rouse him. When this fails, he curls up next to the halfling, intent on protecting his rider from further harm.
#3 shatteredtower Feb 07, 2005 13:34:08	At the end of yet another seemingly pointless day of watching yet another market stall, Kai is annoyed to be dragged into what seems to be yet another pointless card game at Perrin's request. The evening's mark appears the hoop-earred woman to Kai's left, as after a few hands he notices she tends to rub her temple when holding bad cards. When she breaks the pattern to win two sizable pots in a row, however, he's unsure of whether she caught on or if it was all a ruse on her part. "Well, that's enough of a beating for me tonight," Perrin says after the second loss. If you'll all excuse me, I'd like to talk with Kai alone for the moment." The others murmur their assent and wander away. Perrin spares a glance over his shoulder, then takes a sip of his ale before he says another word. "Striker asked me to deliver a message to you. 'Where it all began is where he'll find her,' he said. Don't ask me how he knows or what it means; he insisted that if you couldn't figure it out, you weren't ready to deal with the problem anyway. "I don't know if this is something you wanted to handle alone or not. Lucian is preoccupied with other things, but if you wanted some help, that Tensek ought to be available, now that he's finished training that mutt of his." The thought his personal business being known by another without his knowledge irritates Kai, but he decides it's worth burying that that feeling along with all his other false emotions, so long as the results will take him a step closer to his goal. "I see..." he says, his words carefully neutral. "I suppose it won't hurt to take the Hunter along." He stands and begins to run the message through his head over and over again. "Where it all began is where he'll find her..." .oO(It all began in that town outside the city... isn't it...? But what will I do when I get there? And why would she go back? It doesn't make any sense.) "I figured you would still be here in the city, hidden somewhere in the shrine." "Eh?" Perrin asks in response. Kai looks down at the man, but offers only a question in response: "Is that all?" "That's everything," Perrin says, then slaps his forehead. "No, wait, there is one more thing. Godtalkers are a dangerous lot, so he felt you could use a little extra help." Carefully, he withdraws a bone tube and hands it to Kai. "Take this to the Iron Wolf armory. It's a receipt for two very special arrows, prepared by a Thalian priest so as to cause great harm to 'evil forces' -- such as a servant of the Little Brother. Save them for when you think they'll have the most effect. We'll arrange for the Hunter to meet you here." The elf takes the tube and places it in his pocket. He nods before turning and makes his way from the boarding house to the Iron Wolf. He gazes upon the sign for a few moments, then enters, scanning the room as he does so, then moves to the counter, where he drops the bone tube and waits for assistance. The shopkeep raises his eyebrow at this, but he offers no further comment as he opens the tube and reads its contents. "Give me just a minute, sir," he says, then wanders over to a shelf behind the counter. He returns with a roll of cloth, which he unfolds to display a pair of silver-tipped arrows. Kai observes the way in which the shafts have been delicately etched with a series of unfamiliar symbols. "I don't know why you need them, but may they serve their purpose well," says the shopkeep with a respectful smile. (I'll need some healing potions as well...)Oo. Kai thinks to himself, tapping the pouch at his side and listening to the clinking of gold. .oO(Let's hope this is enough...I'm starting to wish I'd never given that gem to Marroc.) Once he has everything he needs, Kai returns to the Fox. After his gear is packed, he remain in his room, awaiting the arrival of his companion.
#4 shatteredtower Feb 07, 2005 13:38:44	Tensek is stopped in his stroll through the marketplace by a thin girl, perhaps no more than eight years old. "Message ferya, 'untah," she says to him. "Wait at the coop, 'cause the faceless elf needs ye teh find someone ferim." His eyes scanning the girl's face for a moment before he resigns himself to responding. (Faceless elf...)Oo. he ponders a moment before it dawns on him. .oO(Ah yes, the one with Lucian. I remember you well. Now where would this coop be? Of course...) He then asks, "Praytell, what time shall I be waiting for him at?" All he gets by way of reply is a look of disgust before the girl runs off. The ranger shakes his head in return, then strolls off towards the Fox Boarding house with Kiara following close behind him. .oO(Fine, don't wait for a tip. Rotten little whelp.) Tensek looks quickly around the room as he enters the Fox. (Now where would you be?)Oo. he wonders. A frail girl, catching his eye, tilts her head to indicate that the elf waits upstairs. "Third on the right," she tells him. Thanking her, he then carefully picks his way up the stairs. Making his way to the indicated door, he knocks soundly three times. .oO(Well, faceless one, your hunter is here.)
#5 shatteredtower Jul 09, 2005 8:24:33	"What will I do?" Kai muses aloud, lightly tracing the contours of his mask. "It all started in that town, so that's where I need to go..." .oO(Is this what I truly want? Am I finally ready for this?) Three knocks at the door suggest that even if he's not, it may be ready for him. Kai rises from the chair, his dark persona returning as he regains his composure. Open the door, he greets his guest with a cold stare, which is returned with a gaze no more warm than his own. Narrowing his eyes, Tensek looks down upon the elf, all too aware of how this fails to impress the masked figure. "You wanted something of me?" the ranger asks. Kai is about to answer when he notices the dagger at Tensek's side. He pauses, recognizing it as the one he'd embedded in a table back at the Midwinter Feast. The temperature in the room seems to drop as the two men lock gazes, each focused on staring down the other. "I need your assistance with a hunt," the elf explains curtly, breaking the tension. "What is the nature of this... hunt?" Tensek asks. "A woman who betrayed my trust a long time ago," he's told, "as well as her master." Kai shakes his head and turns towards his gear. Tossing his pack over his shoulder, his then returns his gaze to Tensek. "I know nobody else who can help me," he adds, then passes by the human and makes his way to the door, elaborating as he moves. "I'm asking you not because I consider you a friend or because I trust you. I'm asking because I respect you -- a respect not many people of this world have earned in my eyes." "Then you are ready to leave today?" Tensek asks, following after Kai, Kiara hot on his heels. "Yes, I am. My destination is Clerihew, a small farming town. Do you need time to prepare?" Tensek shakes his head. "No," he says, "I'm ready. I can hunt and forage for food on the way." Kai nods, then draws the hood to conceal himself before they set out for the streets. Several minutes of meandering through the throngs bring them at last to the gates. "The town isn't too far from here, if I remember correctly," the elf remarks, ignoring dark looks from the guards. "Should only take a few days." They pass through to the world outside, toward Kai's mission of revenge, travelling until dark. They move too slowly for Kai's tastes, but he grudgingly admits to himself that Tensek's foraging makes it easier to travel light, especially with the dog along. The elf can only hope that the animal will make up for this inconvenience later. At least it gives them some time to discuss past events as well as plans, he decides. As the sun settles at the end of the day and the air becomes too chill, he speaks suddenly, with a soft and muffled voice. "Why are you the person you are today? Was it circumstance... or something else?" His pace never changes after asking the question, almost as if he unknowingly spoke his thoughts and hasn't realized it. Whether that's the case or not, it remains uncertain to whom the questions were addressed. Tensek looks to Kai for a moment, then turns back to the road. Tired of walking in silence for a while, the ranger chooses to answer in his best effort to strike up a conversation with his travelling partner. "I was trained to be what I am. How I go about that is mostly because I never really spend time around others a lot. I do most of my best work alone. What of you?" Kai glances up at his companion for a moment before lowering his gaze back onto the ground. "I suppose a chain of events and mistakes running from my childhood to my arrival to Garic's has led me to become the person I am today." He pulls the hood back and lowers his scarf as a refreshing gust of wind passes. "My life has been nothing but mistakes," he adds, speaking mainly to himself. "An endless chain of mistakes." That thought gives him something to dwell on while Tensek sleeps. Even when he is finally able to find some rest of his own, Kai continues to focus on the matter throughout his trance.
#6 shatteredtower Jul 11, 2005 12:09:48	Shortly before evening sets in, Kiara freezes in position and begins to growl quietly. Following the direction of her gaze, Tensek spots a wolf some sixty feet away, crouched as though to hide. He notices blood on the fur near the right hindleg -- and then the small, child-sized figure lying face-up on the ground behind the animal. Though injured, it's not hard for him to tell that the prone figure was not harmed by the wolf. Kai moves past them along the brush, stopping when he gets a better look. Resting his hands on the pommel of his swords, he looks back towards Tensek. "It's just a kid and a wolf," he reports. Turning around, he starts to make his way toward his companions before stopping and looking back. "TCH!" The sound drifts uphill, drawing the attention of a man with an armful of firewood. Peering out from behind a rock, he spies the elf, still seemingly unaware of his own presence, then notices the other man and his dog a dozen yards further away. Below, Kai slowly exhales before looking up into the sky. (I'm weak....)Oo. he decides, then mutters, "This is going to slow us down." "Not by much," Tensek counters. "Just make sure the kid's not dead. Could be a halfling; I knew one with a wolf as well." He moves closer to the childlike figure and the animal, doing his best to placate the animal as he draws nearer. Waiting nearby, Kai's fingers curl around the hilts of his weapons, ready for any unexpected movement from either. (Always something new...)Oo. he thinks. The wolf growls as Tensek approaches, but a lack of sudden motions on the ranger's part eventually earn him the opportunity to further examine the body the animal guards. It is as Tensek suspected: Jaer, the wolf rider, and the wolf, still ready to spring if the halfling is threatened, is almost certainly Blight. Tensek sees that Jaer was recently stabbed near the shoulder, but no worse injury than that. Nevertheless, the halfling has turned an unhealthy shade of blue and breathes with difficulty. Tensek slowly kneels beside the druid, placing an ear next to the halfling's mouth. (Are you choking or drowning?)Oo. he wonders, then rules both out when he finds neither water nor other obstruction. Jaer simply seems to lack the strength to draw a full breath. Discoloration around the wound suggests the possibility of poisoning to Tensek. Uphill, their observer drops his firewood at his feet. Kai looks about at the noise, quickly spotting the man, who makes no attempt to hide his presence. The fellow gives a half-nod and beckons with what appears to be a friendly wave. Without so much as a gesture, Kai merely continues his observation, leaving some weight on the balls of his feet. "Company..." Kai murmurs. His watcher gives a look of discomfort. He holds his hands palm out, indicating that he offers no threat.
#7 shatteredtower Jul 11, 2005 23:52:26	Unaware of the events taking place behind him, Tensek frowns and digs through his bag for his potion bag, then retrieves one of the two vials it holds. Taking Jaer's head, he tilts it back to pour the antitoxin into the halfling's mouth. (Don't know if this will help any, but it's worth a shot.)Oo. he decides. As he lifts Jaer's body, Tensek gets the impression that the halfling has been lying in this spot for hours. It occurs to him that the intended treatment is probably too late to be of any further assistance -- extended care is probably Jaer's best chance now. Tensek leans back onto his haunches and looks over the victim. "Well, little one, it seems we're in a bit of trouble," he says, "because I don't know of anyway to heal you, or even identify what type of poison has affected you. Perhaps it would be wise to camp here for the evening and tend to you until you recover, although I wonder if my travelling companion would accept such a setback." He looks up and around, racking his brain for something that might help return strength to those poisoned. Unfortunately, the best he can think to try is keep the halfling warm and have water ready in case he revives. (But it makes one wonder how a being of the wilderness could ever allow itself to be poisoned in the first place)Oo. he wonders. Careful study of the gash in the halfling's shoulder suggests it was probably caused by a weapon of some sort, such as a spear. With a frown, he tears a strip from his cloak, binding the wound as best he can. Draping the rest of the garment over Jaer, he secures it snugly around the halfling's body to ensure that it won't blow away. "Easy does it. Kiara, you stay here. I'm going to go see what's keeping our companion." Nocking an arrow to his bow, he stands slowly and looks about before spotting Kai off to his right, perhaps twenty yards away. The elf's only response is to shake his head toward the watcher above them. His arms remain hidden within his cloak, fingers flexing in preparation to draw steel. Tensek frowns and continues to stand near Jaer, his eyes slowly casting about the area, looking for other threats. .oO(I don't like this at all...) His eyes are drawn to the stranger on the hill as he speaks to them both, attempting a friendly tone. "Gentlemen, I hope your aggresive behavior is not directed towards me. I have done nothing to harm either of you, nor anyone else in the area." Sparing a glance toward the body, his tone then changes from one both cold and annoyed. "Now, unless you want trouble -- which I do not -- I suggest you cease these threatening actions... unless you give me a reason for them, of course." he adds with a cynical smile. The dark-clad man stands motionless, projecting a reserved but aware manner. Tensek slowly returns his arrow to its quiver. Remaining near Jaer, he calls out to the man: "You'll have to excuse our actions. One tends to think the worst when you find an injured person laying out in the middle of nowhere, barely breathing. Tell me, sir, are you a healer? "Your actions are excused. I may have a look, but I promise nothing..." The man slowly approaches, keeping himself well within his cloak. "May I?" he says, motioning to the body. Tensek steps aside and waves the man forward. "Please do," he says. "I have done all I can do for him." Kai greets the man with naught but silence, his cool exterior failing to hide the anger within. His eyes follow the stranger as he advances, a cold stare piercing his back as he walks by. (Killing him now may save us the trouble later.)Oo. he thinks. Tensek looks over to his partner and, remaining silent, gives the elf a warning look. .oO(If he attacks I will need to stop him. Gods forgive me, but I will not leave a man of the woods in need of aid.)
#8 shatteredtower Jul 12, 2005 9:42:57	Motioning with a pale hand for the others to step back, the slender man looks over the body, an emotionless expression on his face. "What can you tell me about what happened?" Brushing a blonde lock back, he utters a quick prayer as he examines the halfling's wounds. Tensek steps away and shrugs. "We found him like that," he says. "He seems to have been poisoned, but other than that I can't tell." The stranger places a hand on the small one's wound. Jaer responds with a groan, the only sign that he is regaining consciousness, and the man stands to face the others, still seemingly unaware of the elf's barely concealed hostility. "He lives, and is healed of his wounds," he says, "but to heal him totally is beyond my skill. As you say, it is likely that he's been poisoned, or that some other substance effects his body. When he is awake, he will better tell you his plight." Tensek nods slowly and says, "Thank you for your aid. It is much appreciated." The man nods and looks to the halfling, awaiting his tale. Kai steps lightly toward the closet tree and leans up against it with arms crossed, cold eyes fixed on the party as the halfling awakes from his near death sleep. (The gods must love toying with me...)Oo. he thinks. Jaer's head jerks suddenly from the ground. He tries to stand, but only manages to sit up. Looking about in a daze, it takes him a moment to notice there are larger persons around. Not recognizing a familiar face, the druid looks for his trusty companion and sees the lone wolf nearby, watching him worriedly. Blight stands and walks towards him, nudging him with his muzzle. Unsure of the crowd's intent, Jaer smiles with bright teeth, hoping they're friendly. "Hello," he says, "and how do you all fare?" "Your condition is more pressing," says the human kneeling at his side. "You have been poisoned, or else something similar has affected you, but what was it?" "I had an unfortunate run-in with goblins," Jaer explains. "I drove them off, but it seems that they poisoned me in the process." (Goblins...)Oo. Tensek spares them but a brief thought, then kneels down to pat Kiara on the head. "You're lucky they didn't kill you then and there," he declares. Kai keeps his distance, still leaning against the tree. Reaching up toward his face, he pulls the sagging scarf over the mask. "We're wasting time..." he says to himself, uncaring if anyone else may have heard him. "Oh," Jaer says, his eyes brightening as he looks to the elf. "Well, where is it you are going? And it wouldn't be fair if I did not pay you back for saving my life, so I must ask: would you like my help? I'd love to help!" Jaer stands, leaning on Blight for balance. He pets the animal reassuringly, easing away the achiness in his body. "Well, now that you're on the mend, perhaps we should seek a place for you to truly rest and recover first," suggests the closest of the men. "Some true rest would do me well," the halfling admits, smiling at each of them. "Alas, if I can rest up a bit and make my prayers, I could heal some bit quicker with my magic too. That would save a bit of time. Do you have a camp or should we start and look for one?" In a muffled voice, Kai replies, "There's a town some ways from here." He then looks away from group, the sharp angle of his eyebrows conveying the impression that he's said all he intends to, if it can be helped. "Ahh..." Jaer answers carefully. "I do not know if I can get that far. There is much pain in just standing up..." That's apparent by the way the halfling uses Blight to support himself. "Could we just make camp within this vicinity, and then head for town tomorrow or later on today?" he asks. He tries to take a few steps, but can't get far without stumbling. "My camp is there, between those rocks," the healer suggests, showing them to his small camp, surrounded by large, jutting boulders.
#9 shatteredtower Jul 13, 2005 7:07:51	Jaer grimaces, stumbling occasionally as he does his best to follow. "Thank you, again," he offers. "I think these other folk thought I was the culprit," the man hints defensively. Kai's eyes follow the halfling and man as they walk to the campsite. Once they are some distance away, the elf shoots a menacing look at Tensek. "I do not like this situation." he grunts. Returning the glare with one of his own, Tensek responds cooly, "You're going to need their help." Kai pushes himself off the tree and moves toward the campsite. Unbuckling the scabbard from his belt, he seats himself a few feet from the rest of the party. He uses the sheathed blade for support as he watches his two new companions. Shaking his head, Tensek follows after him, sitting with Kai on one side and the healer and halfling on the other. "I have gathered a few sticks," says the healer, again speaking in more friendly tones. "I could set to them with a bit of fire, but there is not fuel to last through the night." With that, he piles the wood rather crudely, not masking his inability at such mundane survival skills. After he is satisfied with the result, he strikes flint against steel a time or two, dropping a few sparks onto the bundle. "My greatest appreciation to you for helping me," Jaer says, then, turning to the others, adds, "and to you as well, for my wellbeing. But that walk has given my aching body too much of a workout and I need to lie down." Jaer leans back against Blight as though he were a pillow. His eyelids close as he matches the wolf's breathing. The man nods to Jaer and smiles. He too seems quite tired and soon draws his hood up. Leaning back, he also shuts his eyes and is soon motionless. Kai narrows his gaze to focus the two sleeping strangers. As the sun fades behind the mountains and darkness sets in, he relaxes and exhales softly. "Too trusting, if you ask me..." He watches the night sky for a few moments before lowering his gaze to Tensek. "I take it you want them to come along," he grunts. Tensek pets the sleeping Kiara next to him as he turns his head to reply. "This is your venture. But if you want my professional opinion, then yes, they should come -- unless you feel like taking on whoever you're chasing with weaker numbers." Kai looks away and begins to tap his scabbard. "You know how well I work with others," he says. "It took you and I months before we carried our first conversation and even that didn't end well." Tensek forces a grim smile. "No, it didn't," he admits, "but you're a bitter person. I just want you to note that there are dangerous things out in the wilds, away from the cities. Travelling in groups is always safer." He pauses allowing his words to sink in for a moment, then speaks again to add, "But this is your venture and ultimately it's your decision." The elf's cold and hard set eyes give off no emotion as he looks in the dark night. Sparks of orange and yellow reflect off his eyes as the dying fire burns away. "Fine. We will take them along, but the first time they show any hint of betrayal I will slay both of them... no questions asked." His muffled voice is followed by the crackle of the almost dead fire. "Then I must give you fair warning," Tensek responds, "I respect your abilities, but you'll have to go through me to get to the halfling. I cannot stand by idly and knowingly let a child of nature be killed." He turns towards the fire, obviously done with the conversation, and stretches out to get some sleep, one hand resting upon his morningstar. Closing his eyes, he speaks one last time. "Wake me in two hours and I'll take the second watch."
#10 shatteredtower Jul 13, 2005 7:08:36	Night succumbs after a long struggle with the morning mist, carrying off Jaer's fever sometime before dawn. He and the wolf rise and wander off into the woods, either unnoticed by the elf or deemed unworthy of his concern. Taking comfort in his surroudings, Jaer kneels and begins his meditations. He stands at their conclusion to enact forms and words that release healing magic into his body, purging some of the toxin still lingering in his system. Back at camp, the two humans gradually rouse themselves, shivering in the chill air, while the elf continues his silent watch. "We're going to skip breakfast," Kai declares, buckling his scabbards back onto his belt. Rising to his feet, Tensek stretches, then picks up his bow and quivers. "Fine by me. Let's get moving, then." Kai steps atop one of the boulders to get a better view of their surroundings. A few crows move from one tree to the next, cawing loudly as they claim each new perch. All is otherwise still, as though the world remains reluctant to awaken and throw off its thin, foggy blanket. The stranger spends several minutes alone in quiet prayer, then gathers his things. Drawing the hood of his cloak over his head, he leans on his staff and nods once, signalling that he is ready to go. "How far to the next village, friends?" he asks. "Soon..." Kai murmurs, leaping down from the boulder to meander back onto the path to Clerihew. Jaer, noticing their departure, urges Blight forward after Kai, quickly catching up. "Good morning,' he says. "How was your night?" The elf looks back at the halfling and narrows his eyes as the scarf sways from side to side. The poor attempt to hide his metallic mask reveals the sharp contours of its jawline and teeth. After a moment, Kai's icy glare returns to the trail, Jaer's question brushed off. Tensek and Kiara steal ahead, eventually stopping atop a small rise to wait for the others. The elf tightens his scarf as he approaches, fixing his cold eyes upon the hunter. Not bothering to even return the glance, Tensek comments non-commitally, "You could do with more than one expression." Realizing that he's being ignored, Jaer focuses on his riding, easily keeping the pace. Every so often, he spares a moment to observe the others. Turning to the one that healed him, he again seeks conversation. "From where do you come? And where is it you are going?" The man looks to the halfling for a moment, as if considering, and then back to the trail. "I am coming now from Garic's City. I have business in Clerihew, so it is to there I am travelling. Yourself?" Jaer's eyes unfocus as he looks back to thoughts of his small home outside of the village. Then he turns to the priest and says: "I came from a village name Moria. There was a rather large forest in the area around it. There my mother and father taught me most of what I know, until the time came for my wandering cycle. Then I travelled around and found Garic's City. I have spent roughly a year there learning much and making new accquaintances." He looks to Tensek and Kai. "I have met many, but I remember few very well. And now it is time for me to return to my home and show my parents what I have become. So that is where I travel once I have helped these two -- and yourself, of course." The man nods and listens. His mind obviously drifts at the halfing's last words and adds a simple comment, seeminly to himself. "I wonder what they are doing that will warrant such help..." He continues to walk along, thinking to himself, addressing Jaer in kind whenever the halfling speaks to him and asking the occasional question about the wolfrider's ways, but his attention seems prone to wander from both the subject and the other speaker. Within hours, their path takes the foursome to the edge of a wheat field, a sign that they've reached the borders of Clerihew.
#11 shatteredtower Oct 26, 2005 6:41:41	Kai comes to a stop at the edge of the field. Minutes pass as the elf watches wheat dancing with the wind, paying no attention to his companions. (This is where it all began... but what now?)Oo. he wonders to himself. "There's a community hall at the center of town," he tells the others. "You will find lodgings there." Turning, he faces the man with no name, any hint of suspicion he has hidden beneath layers of cloth and metal and behind cold, calculating eyes. "I will go ahead and guess that you would prefer to keep your business in this town to yourself," Kai tells the stranger. "Will you be leaving, then?" The man meet the elf's gaze with equal intensity. "It is true; I have my own business," he says. "I may be able to aid you gentlefolk if you would like, however -- and if my skills are applicable. The choice is yours." "Do as you you like," Kai replies, "but I must warn you, I am not here on a simple errand. The people that I hunt are dangerous... blood will be shed. He glances at Tensek for a moment before he continues. "If you decide to join us, then I will fill you in with the details the best I can at a later time." Kai then spares a glance at the halfling, his way of making it known that the last statement applies to him as well. Moments later, he turns and moves in the direction of the mill, the place where he first met... her. "I will meet you at the community hall tonight," he says by way of farewell. "As of now... I do not exist." Without looking back, he disappears within the wheat. "Leave a window open..." the others hear him say. Silence falls for a few moments, until the stanger breaks it. "We can talk over a meal,"he offers, and resumes his walk to the village. "You know, it might help if he cheered up a bit..." Jaer comments, then shakes his head and smiles at the others. "Well, you all have saved my tail and I dearly wish to repay him and you," he adds, looking to Tensek, before turning to the other man. "And you, my good man, is there anything I can help you with on your business before we retire to the community hall?" "We can talk over a meal."the man says as he begins the walk into the village again. The halfling looks about, frowning with a moment's concern. (What about Blight? I doubt the townspeople will accept him)Oo. he thinks, but, true to his halfling nature, decides to try his luck. Eventually the trio make their way past farms and farmland to what they conclude must be the center of Clerihew -- a mill, a grainery, what looks to be a trading post, and what is probably the community hall by default. Jaer frows with a moment's concern. "Hmm... I wonder if they have any stew," he speculates. "Ordemetrix knows I love stew. Isn't that right, Blight?" Looking to Tensek, he asks, "Are going to come with us, or are you a loner too?" Shaking his head, Tensek responds to Jaer's question noncommittally. "I'll join you for a while."
#12 shatteredtower Oct 26, 2005 6:48:37	A dark-haired man approaches the group, crossbow in hand, but considerately pointed toward the ground. "A good day to you, strangers," he says to them. "and welcome to Clerihew. What brings you to our village?" "We're travellers and we would like some lodgings," Tensek responds, stepping forward. "And do you 'travellers' have names for yourselves and where you're from?" the dark-haired man snorts in reply. "Or where you're going, for that matter?" Jaer pipes up with, "My name is Jaer. I am originally from the Morian forest and I have until recently resided at Garic's City. That is where I am traveling from; now I am returning home to my mother and father. These gentlemen have saved me from an unpleasant fate. I think I might not have recovered if it weren't for them. For now I am accompanying them to where they travel, then will continue on my way." The small halfling takes in a large breath and lets it go again. "I see," says the guardsman, regarding the group with a touch more respect. "I'm Dan. This way, and we'll see about getting you set up for the night." Jaer starts to lead Blight after Dan, but stops and looks to the other two to ask, "Have either of you been here before?" Tensek just shrugs, before dryly offering, "I've been near here but I have never had cause to go into the village itself." The other man shakes his head and continues after Dan, who leads them into a simple hall. Two young women (twins, by the look of them) look up from a board game they're playing, and move to greet him and the visitors. Within minutes, they have produced bread, cheese, and water for the trio, and then go about setting up bedding near the hearth. An older woman joins them shortly after they've eaten. Though her build suggests a determination to enjoy life, the short sword sheathed at her left hip speaks of other qualities. "Welcome to Clerihew," she says with an open smile, extending a hand for the halfling to shake. "My name is Tess. Dan tells me that you are Jaer, but your companions--." She scowls. "--seem to have forgotten their manners. You are guests here, gentlemen, and guests have names." Tightening her lips into a grim smile, she adds, "Strangers aren't a luxury we can afford out here." Tensek closes his eyes for a moment before answering, "Tensek Vicar," to the imposed question. The other man stands and bows. He neither smiles nor asks forgiveness, but still holds to a pleasureable tone. "Hello, madam. I am Corl. I have traveled from the great Garic's City to your humble, yet welcoming, village. Many thanks for your hospitality thus far. We would be quite fortunate for such activities to remain custom. I hope our caution has not warranted a reduction in your gracious hostings." Jaer shakes the woman's hand enthusiastically. "Oh," he says, "I was wondering if my other companion would be a problem to stay. He is quite tame." Blight trots forward and Jaer then pets him. He looks to Tess with a smile on his face. She in turn struggles for words as she is introduced to the wolf. "I... ah..." she says, warily, then tries again. "That's quite the animal. Looks like he's been in a fight, too. Just make sure he doesn't go wandering off on his own -- if he finds himself a fight here, I may be forced to put him down. As for the rest of you, are you just here for the night, or did you have a longer stay in mind? Will you be needing anything other than food and lodging? I can't promise anything more, but it doesn't hurt to ask." "No, ma'am," Jaer replies, still tending to his mount. "I am pretty sure I am well enough off with just food and sleep. But if something does come up, where can we find you?" With a shake his head, Tensek answers, "All I require is food and lodging." "The duration of my stay is of uncertain," Corl adds, "but it will be longer than just tonight. What you offer is more than we deserve, and I will accept graciously." Tess gives Corl a curious look, but changes the subject. "I'll ask you to stay away from the rooms to your left tonight. Telyagar's feeling poorly and we'd rather she wasn't disturbed. Normally, she'd be wanting to greet you herself, but she needs the rest. One of the girls will be out shortly, should you need anything more. They're both quite good with the zither, if you're in the mood for music." With a grin, she adds, "For now, though, you'll have to put up with me instead. 'Age before beauty,' as the saying goes, though there's no adage about nosey old women. Well, no matter -- I believe you three were going to tell me something of yourselves and recent events in Garic's City? We don't get much news out here and what we get is often pretty out of date by the time it comes around, so don't worry that I might have heard it all before now. Who's first?" Tensek shrugs as he replies, "I tend not to be inside the city often enough to hear or deliver any news. My apologies for the lack of information." Tess shakes her head with mild disgust at the man, but simply engages the others in conversation. As the night wears on, they all note how she seems interested in even the most trivial little details they care to share. In turn, she speaks of concerns for the harvest, of her latest grandchild, and a little bit about the old gnome who is too ill to sit with them this evening, the last of the community's surviving founders. After a few hours of this, she and the girls put away the dishes, then help their visitors set up for the night's rest before they take their leave.