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IC:
He wonders how long he will have to hide behind a false face as they follow the man to the village. The young bard still gets a sick feeling in his stomach every time he has to wear the face of a dead boy. It was the first one had thought of the first time he ever used the spell to alter his appearance- a boy killed by the same ruthless agents sent to drag him home, whose likeness he used only because it was easy to remember and made him appear harmless to anyone who cared to look his way.
The lack of a decent answer to the question regarding the guide bothers him, too. He might play the fool on occasion, but his mind is sharp and quick, and his memory catches nearly every detail. Which might come in handy, he muses, if they need to map out the tunnels and caves. Fortunately, he has a few spare sheets of parchment for that purpose. And here he'd been hoping to use them for a song that's been running through his thoughts as they traveled.
Lately it seems to occur more often- he'll be in the middle of some other task, and suddenly a tune comes unbidden to mind, then won't leave until he puts it to paper and voice. The Dark Maiden's idea of a gift? He wonders.
And then there is the matter of the man Olgren's mention of trouble. It might be his earlier prediction of facing the Lolthites directly could prove true.... And what was all this about keeping quiet aboout Torm? He'd always heard Ilmater was a benevolent deity.....
By the Dark Maiden''s grace do we meet. May she guide and protect us.
OOC: sorry about the delay, been caught up with a few things IRL.
IC:
"As a serving paladin of the Triad, you can rely on my discretion goodman Olgren. I'm pledged to aid those of Ilmater's faith as a matter of duty," I said with a reassuring smile. I drew my long black Cloak of Arachinda around me, hiding my armour underneath and I tucked Torms Holy symbol underneath my armour.
I was a bit puzzled as to why Olgren would want me to be discreet in regards to my faith and alliegence to Torm? Surely, as a follower of Ilmater, he would know that Tormtar and Ilmateri are all comrades in the Triad? And as such, why would there be any need for me to not be open about serving the Golden Lion of Truth? True Ilmateri would normally welcome me with open arms into their midst. Something does not feel right about this and I could see Lothir had come to the same conclusion as well by the subtle questioning expression on his face as he glanced briefly in my direction with a raised eyebrow.
This need for discretion requires further and quite possibly delicate investigation.
Rooky then stepped forward and relayed mission orders briefly to Olgren. I hid my small surprise at how polite and eloquent she was in dealing with the villager. Who would have credited it? The woman has hidden depths indeed which makes her increasingly intriguing. Ahh that's what make life so much fun, the little mysteries you encounter.
Olgren beckoned us to accompany him as he proceeded to escort us to the headman of the little community here.
[i:2zqoitep]"Do you know something that I don't about our guide...? People don't tend to react this way often about other people..." [/i:2zqoitep] whispered Rooky. I shook my head, not knowing anything about the guide at all.
[i:2zqoitep]"I can make sure his soul is not stained with evil when we meet this guide. That may help out a little. If he does carry a tainted heart then I will unable to work or act with him and we should dismiss him immediately from our company,"[/i:2zqoitep] I replied quietly to her as well trailed after Olgren.
Last edited by Talwyn Aureliano on Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Goodwill.
Silently following, waiting for time and events to prove the theorty of light, followed silently though the portal. This place interesting, however just the start of the mission. Feeling no need to say anything at this time, just stays in the background. Just another person.
In an agitated whisper, Rooky spoke to the Paladin.
[i:hwzn0100]"The guide is there to save your ass. I've been once to Cloackwood caves, and they're even worse then the woods;
Tainted or not...[/i:hwzn0100]"
She stopped mid sentance, and from the wind that now blow against your faces, took a large whif of air.
Even nature can't fool the wolf's nose, and what Rooky smelled was more then familiar...but it was weak...
'There's no threat within the village'
[i:hwzn0100]"Nevermind...tainted or not, if you're working with a werewolf and drow, you can work with our...guide...and I don't want any excuses.[/i:hwzn0100]
They were lagging behind and this cought Olgren's attention; he was even more tense. This started off bad, and it may end worse...
The group finally arrived at the village, and there was no welcoming party. The villagers mostly stood in place and tried to stare them down;
The villagers tensed, and sent confused looks to Olgren, while some skipped that all together and went head on with spiteful glares. The way to the mayor's house was less then pleasant.
When you did finally arrive, you were relieved to see the mayor's wife with a more relaxed face. You had the feeling she forced it, to make you feel more at ease, but either way it didn't help too much.
Olgren went ahead and cought the mayor's attention. The head of the village was old...very old...he invited you to sit by his desk, and looked you over through riles of wrinkles covering his face. You noticed he and his wife were not the only ones there. Five young lads, no more then 20, were there with you, and they made Rooky grin and cackle.
They stood there with their arms crossed armed with...daggers, two with short swords, and they really did their best to look tough...and make Rooky laugh.
The mayor ignored them all together, and spoke, with nothing more then a loud whisper; his age was getting to him.
"A long time ago, my grandfather made his living as an adventurer. He crossed the lands, wandering and living every boy's dream.
One day, he sat me on his lap and spoke of creatures long lost to legend...he called the the Dark Elves...he spoke to me of their myth; how they came to be known as such, of their evil hearts and ways. We left it at that...a myth, nothing more then a legend. Now these boys come to me and say they've seen strange looking elves...their skin was as black as the starless nights, and hair as white as the fresh lay of snow on a sunny winter's day...but they eyes were burning orbs of flame...filled with hatred and evil...
Three days passed since then, and since then we have nor seen nor heard them.
Something is amiss, and we don't have anyone here to investigate it four us."
He took a pause, and gathered his breath. Olgren spoke up silently
'we should inform then on the woman that arrived not long after.'
The old mayor nodded and continued in a solemn tone;
"This woman came to us, as I've said not long after the first of the elves were sighted.
She is part elven...we've several half-evles here, but none of them could identify with her...her hair was like theirs, but her skin matched her hair! In my life I've never seen one as pale as that, and that still breathed the air.
It was her eyes that frightened me the most...they had no emotion...no trace of anything feeling...My eyes are bad, and now that I've seen her's I wish every day that I go blind...
They were as silver as the weapons you carry...and something within me told me they were just as deadly...our animals fear her, yet she is a member of nature's guard, and a falchion follows her around at all times.
I fear the villagers are more affraid of her then the elves..."
Before the man could finish, the door slamed hard, and you could hear clanging noises of the metal rivets fall out. You notice Rooky is gone. This tells you her final fragments of patiance wore out.
"She'll be fine...she just needs air...what was it that you were saying?"
"There is nothing more to say, except thank you for arriving so soon...and to apologize, for we have nothing to repay you with; plese stay at the inn as long as you wish. I will pay for your expenses..."
Relief fills you, and you realize that the pay you just receive will last you longer then usual. You bid farewell to the mayor, and the people there, and proceed to the inn.
Olgren faced the mayor once more;
"Do you think they will help us?"
"The three will...it is the fourth one that worries me..."
(...)
The inn was nothing special; simple as simple could get, but it felt cozy, and the innkeep was particularly welcoming...he's the innkeep after all.
He showed you to your rooms. You asked for another one for Rooky, but she was still nowhere in sight.
[i:33qxojkz]"The guide is there to save your ass. I've been once to Cloackwood caves, and they're even worse then the woods;
Tainted or not..." [/i:33qxojkz] Rooky said in a hushed voice before she paused and sniffed the air for something. She then continued, [i:33qxojkz]"Nevermind...tainted or not, if you're working with a werewolf and drow, you can work with our...guide...and I don't want any excuses. "[/i:33qxojkz]
I frowned at her. It is not an excuse, it is part of the code which makes me a divine champion: do not compromise nor work or aid those of an evil nature. She doesn't understand this and her statement of her nature made me reasses the situation.
I waited till we were lead into the headman's house and then concentrated while Rooky listened.
<Detect evil 60' radius>
OOC: anyone evil, including Rooky if she's naughty , will be detected. This takes one minute and will be done before Rooky leaves the room.
OOC: Ha, cute poster, Tal! I'll have to add that on my backgrounds!
"Lucien" gazes around the room during the discussion, taking in every detail, in case something should prove important later. The five young men cause him a small amount of concern, but of more pressing importance is the descripion of the woman. He remembers stories of a long lost race called ghost elves, or perhaps a lich? An albino of his kin? One of the rare and elusive lytheri? The possibilites swim in his mind, too confusing and varied to make sense of. But none seems to bode well for their mission.
He senses the tingle of magic, and glances quickly at Talwyn with a questioning look. He raises one thin brow, and motions in the sign of his folk- "Do you sense anything?" He is not even sure the Tormtar knows the language, but tries anyway. He listens intently to all that has been said, then leaves with the rest.
When he is at last shown to his room, it is with a sigh of relief that he falls onto the small bed. The strain of concentrating on his disguise has taken a toll, leaving him with a slight headache.... He decides to rest for a while, until called for...
By the Dark Maiden''s grace do we meet. May she guide and protect us.
There was nothing to sense; everything in the village was pretty much normal.
You did wonder for a moment why Rooky stormed out sudenly...and will you be paying for the door.
(...)
A mile out of the village Rooky crouched on a thick oak branch, and watched the woman that was to serve as their guide.
The moon was full, giving her ample vision. Under the moon's light, she could see as good as if it were day, she woud argue 'even better than in day'.
She sat peacefully under the moons light, some rabbits warily approaching her. She didn't urge them to come, but to the few brave ones that did, a treat waited for them.
Her skin and hair glistened under the moon's light, much like a rag would...but the most prominent feature were her silver eyes.
They looked up at the massive frame on the branch, silent, and 'cold'.
They must have been sitting there for over 15 minutes, and neither spoke.
Words weren't needed; Rooky could smell the remaining fragments of demon blood in her, and Ilena felt the feral rage burning inside of Rooky.
"The others are eager to meet you..."
[color=darkblue:1ma7bxbm]"Why do you still wear that over your neck?"[/color:1ma7bxbm]
Her voice was deeper then in most women, but it was secure, and low. She almost never spoke up, only lowered the tone of her voice.
Rooky fell silent; there was no aswer to this...
"I feel I may need my nature at some point."
[color=darkblue:1ma7bxbm]"Fair enough."[/color:1ma7bxbm]
Ilena raised from the stone she sat on, her cloack fell down more freely to her sides. Her bastard sword was prominent on her frame. She made her way to the village slowly, while Rooky was still on the branch.
She gazed up at the moon. She forgot how big it was here...she'll go back to the village soon. But for now it's time-out for the warrior.
[i:1ma7bxbm]"I wonder why I lost my temper this time?"[/i:1ma7bxbm]
The little village was probably ill-prepared for the two female adventurers who now entered it. One woman was a tall, auburn haired half-elf, clearly a monk by her clothing and choice of weapon-a simple quarterstaff that she had on her back, held by a strap that went across her chest. The other was a tiny, even miniscule drow, her face and body hidden by her dark cloak, as this was a human village and would probably not welcome someone of her kind. The drow was mumbling about a 'lack of map' or some such, while the half-elf watched her with a sort of amused long-suffering look that said there was much love between these two friends.
[color=darkblue:2vh6c7xc]" Elenwe, you should have bought a map." [/color:2vh6c7xc]Zzadrina mumbled, tightening her cloak around her as they made their way towards the village Inn. Elenwe smiled softly.
[color=green:2vh6c7xc]" A map of Cloakwood? You do realize how difficult this place is to make a map of? I tis a planar highway, after all."[/color:2vh6c7xc] The dark haired half-elf raised an inquisitive brow at her friend while the dark elf huffed and pushed open the Inn door.
There were few patrons in the taproom, mostly men who looked as if they either were resting at the Inn after a hard days work, or fleeing from their wives to join their drunken friends in a few dice games and drinks. While Zzadrina found a seat in a dark corner so she could pull back her hood a little, Elenwe got them a room to kip in for the night and some drinks; water for herself, and some bitter black ale for the drow.
" Hey Lil, what''''s going on in the world news today?"
" Some woman got whacked!"
"....Apparently, this is cause for celebration in Lil Land."
--My friend and I
I heaved a silent sigh of relief once no evil was found to be in the vicinity. I was especially glad to learn that Rooky and Lothir had no evil in their hearts. It would have been difficult to have to leave the mission if either of them had but the code must be adhered to. Compromise on but a tiny part and you lose the greater ideal. All codes, laws and rules have small parts that make up the whole of them. By compromising any part, no matter how small or inconsiquencial you may think it is, weakens their purpose. A wise man once said, that only a fool builds his castle on shifting sand. My code and faith are built on solid rock, firm and unyielding.
Glancing briefly as Rooky stormed out, smashing the door on her by her dramatic exit, I saw that Lothir was signalling to me in the silent drow language. I smiled and shook my head in the negetive in response to his querry. I watched as he wandered off. The chap looked a little weary, perhaps from the effort of maintaining his disguise. I decieded to stay in the taproom, perhaps eliciting some conversation or rumour from some of the villagers.
"A round of drinks for everyone here barkeep and here is something extra for the door my companion just broke. I appologise on her behalf and hope that this purse of gold coins will be adequate for the repairs and cover our costs for our lodgings?" I said as I laid down a small purse of a 100 gold coins on the bar.
The shattered remnants of door to the Inn where moved aside to reveal two women who entered. One was a tall elven looking lass with auburn hair and the other was wearing a cloaked hood obsuring her features. This should be interesting I thought as they stode in with supreme confidence, with the elf girl making her way to the bar while the intriguing hooded lass picked a a seat in a dark corner.
I wonder how the villagers will react to more strangers? The owner of this Inn must be taking Tymora right now from all these extra customers.
I smiled at the elven lass who stood by my side at the bar and turned to her.
"So what's a nice elven lass doing in a place like this eh?" I said with a faint grin and a merry twinkle in my eyes. I just couldn't resist it and I was also curious as to how she'd react
In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Goodwill.
Elenwe gave a small smile and dipped her head at the human man who adressed her, obviously a paladin with his armor and holy symbol hanging about his neck.
" Just exploring Cloakwood, really. Having just come back from Amn, my friend and I.." She nodded towards Zzadrina in the corner. " Are searching for some adventure. We heard the rumors about the Lolthites in this area, and are planning on checking into it, to see if we can do any good. And yourself?"
She lowered her voice a bit when she said Lolthites, but otherwise, the half-elven monks voice was warm with a sort of antiquated sound to it.
" Hey Lil, what''''s going on in the world news today?"
" Some woman got whacked!"
"....Apparently, this is cause for celebration in Lil Land."
--My friend and I
"How about we take our drinks and discuss this quietly with your friend over there?" I said with a small smile.
I stood aside and let the lady lead the way to the table her companion sat at. I waited until she had taken her seat before speaking quietly.
"Allow me to introduce myself. Talwyn Aureliano, paladin of Torm and knight captain of the Golden Lions of Tantras at your service dear ladies," I said with a charming smile and bow of the head before taking a seat wih them.
"So you are both here to investigate the apparent infestation of Lolthiites eh? Interesting. My companions are here on the same task." I gazed for a moment at the woman with the hood and caught a glimpse at her features as she leant forward to take up her dark ale. Another drow, a woman this time.
"Vedui' sokoya wenress," I said quietly to her.
In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Goodwill.
Zzadrina let out a small chuckle grinning momentarily at the man before hiding her smile in her mug. She let Elenwe do the talking, as the monk was much better at this sort of thing.
[color=green:6qsg7aj1]" Truly?"[/color:6qsg7aj1] The half-elf asked, glancing at her cup of water.
[color=green:6qsg7aj1]" Then why don't we consider joining forces, good sir? It would be much more likely for all of us to succeed in this mission if we were all together. Zzadrina and I both have much experience in such things."[/color:6qsg7aj1] She took a sip of her water, and Zzadrina cut in.
[color=darkblue:6qsg7aj1]" Except you forgot a map. I wouldn't call that experience."[/color:6qsg7aj1] Her voice was low and sultry, somewhat uncommon for elves. Elenwe rolled her eyes.
[color=green:6qsg7aj1]" It is nigh impossible to map out Cloakwood, my dear friend. I thought I spoke of this already."[/color:6qsg7aj1]
" Hey Lil, what''''s going on in the world news today?"
" Some woman got whacked!"
"....Apparently, this is cause for celebration in Lil Land."
--My friend and I
"Ladies, I believe we may have a solution to your quandry. My erstwhile companion Rooky has left to locate a guide who is familiar with the intricacies of the Cloakwood and its mysteries." I said as I leant forward keeping the conversation tone low.
"In any case, we shall have to remain here until Rooky returns and my comrade Lothir arises from his rest. There was another one f us, a bard going by the simple name Harper but he is absent at the moment."
In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Goodwill.
Elenwe smiled and bobbed her head.
" Well, if the rest of your party is fine with our joining, we would be delighted." She smirked over at Zzadrina.
" I suppose Dri could always replace your bard, if it really must come down to that."
Zzadrina chuckled from under her hood.
" You have a point, Lady Monk." She took a sip of her ale, not even flinching at its strength or bitter taste.
" Hey Lil, what''''s going on in the world news today?"
" Some woman got whacked!"
"....Apparently, this is cause for celebration in Lil Land."
--My friend and I
"Actually we have two bards, although one appears to have become abscent. I'm not sure why, maybe he's sulking over something?" I said with a shrug before continuing, "It matters not anyway. I believe though Lothir, the other bard, is a good lad with an adventurous spirit. I haven't heard him play but I think he's capable enough. I must ask though, who you are and whom do you serve? I have told you my name and I know now the lovely drow maiden is named Zzadrina as I caught her name when you spoke just a few moments ago good lady monk, but I do not know your name."
In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Goodwill.
