Silent Slough

[Drathiranon]

THE POST

The bard has the orcan farmer enthralled with the story. His red eyes widen with excitement, hanging on every word. Slog had heard many a story from his fellow orc relations but never a tale told with such enthusiasm and detail. It is quite thrilling. He takes the woven bracelet, almost unsure if he should put it on after watching the magic unfold in its creation. The orc decides to quickly slip it over his big green hand and has another drink with Elron.

Slog go sleep now. Morning come soon. Must be ready to fight! Good night, Friend

Slog finds a clear spot on the floor to lay down. His mind wanders back to the story, thinking perhaps they might be facing a dragon too.

THE GRG

Llelanni lays still, listening to Bludgeon snore. The sound of it like she were fighting a growling bear trying to take over the bed. The dark elven woman looks around and sees Tarvis sleeping as well. She is quite thankful he does not terrorize others in his sleep. She rises up to have a look out the window. Her long white hair like the snow in her reflection. The skies are dark and the room growing cold. She adds some wood to keep the fire going through the night. With Mouxsie gone for awhile she feels more confident and less like a bumbling fool. Tomorrow she will do her best to help the group. She smiles, turning back to lay on her deer skin covered hay bale.

[Bhaern Quel]

THE POST

Elron smiles as Slog takes the bracelet and puts it on. He slips one on his arm as well and stores the other four to be given to the other members. The bracelets conform to the arm they are place on to be comfortable to the wearer. He also finds a place to rest the rest of the night to wait the morning.

THE GRG

Tarvis woke too the movement as the wood is added, after Lielanni again goes to rest slides back into his light sleep and dreams to await the morning.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

The plunging, bone chilling temperatures finally come to an end. The snowstorm that once pelted the village with thick snowflakes passes away after several pending, uncomfortable hours, leaving in its wake twenty five centimeters of deep snowfall all around, possibly trapping those indoors.

It is a frightening sight. Through opaque, frost framed windows one can see wicked looking, spiked ice formations lining the branches of trees, looking much like they could snap under their heavy loads. Storm damaged trees may have dangerous features. Broken or hanging branches, branches under tension, spring poles and cracks in the main stems are important to take note of while traveling. Some trees may even have root damage disguised under the white carpet of snow, making them prone to falling. There is potential for slippery ice on the foot paths and trails that are centered mostly around the village itself.

In fact, if those positioned in the southern quadrant of the village were to look further southeast toward their intended destination, they might see the warmer, autumn landscape in the distance.

[Drathiranon]

The Post

Slog awakens, feeling a chill. The orc man quietly steps over to the wood stove to warm his big green hands. Unable to see out the windows, he can still make out the first rays of dawn. He rubs his eyes, stretching his body to awaken himself more fully. He looks over to see if Elron is awake, then has a look inside the stalls to check on Bess and Cervid.
There is and old leather saddle blanket with bags hanging on the wall. He shakes out the dust and looks to the moose. Cervid seems to understand, much to Slogs surprise. The moose lowers himself to allow the orc to secure the saddle blanket on his back. He grins and looks to see if Bess is ok as well.

The GRG

Llelanni springs from her hay bale as Bludgeon throws open her bedroom door. The orc woman sets up a quick breakfast, reheating left over food from the night before. She then makes a strong orc concoction of wild leaves and caco that provide swift energy.

The dark elf has a look outside the big front window of the store. With a shiver, she turns back to Bludgeon.

It looks positively beautiful and awful at the same time!

Llelanni tightens her teal robe and opens her waist belt travel bag to look for her matching teal cloak. Her red eyes look over at Tarvis.

Today's the day, Sir Tarvis!

[Bhaern Quel]

THE POST

Elron wakes to the morning sun and prepares to start his day. The first thing to do is check on Bess and feed her some oats. He was just steps behind you. He pulls out of a saddle bag a woolen cloak.

Well a bit colder today however we will be going South. If we hurry we can get breakfast. Are you ready to get the rest?

The GRG

Tarvis stands and walks to the window.

Yes Lady Lielanni today is the day. I trust your mount will be here soon. Puca' is also planning on coming. I hope you both have some boots to get though the snow until you mount. I do expect Slog and Elron to join us for breakfast. Though they might decide to wait for us there. Mouxsie went home to heal up, she said would see me again

Decides that they will depart for the Post after Puca' arrives.

[Drathiranon]

THE POST

Slog and Cervid ready. When we go, will stop at forge first. Slog need to grab armor and weapons.

The orc farmer waits for Elron and Bess then pats the moose on his shoulder. When he opens the stall door, a giant horse, black as a shadow, with long silken mane and tail is standing there waiting for them. It's glowing red eyes flicker with magical substance. The demeanor of the puca is imposing and impish. It follows along side the others wherever they go.

When they arrive at the forge, Slog uncovers two sets of armor, a chained hand axe, halberd, and double headed battle axe.
The Puca crouches down to allow Slog to mount and secure his goods before following Elron and the others.

THE GRG

Llelanni pours some of Bludgeon's hot drink for everyone then prepares a few spells, packs her travel bag, and plops her tome on the counter. The dark elf sits down, takes one of the heated oat honey cakes. They seem to reheat well without losing much moisture. The drink isn't to her liking but since it was already prepared she pretended not to notice the strange taste.

Bludgeon looks to Tarvis.

Should eat something. Need strength.

Llelanni looks up from her reading, but only for a moment.

Anyone neeed help with anything?

The orc woman takes a good long sip of her drink before responding.

Melt snow in front of doors maybe?

[Bhaern Quel]

From the forge Elron leads to the GRG and clears the doorway to enter.

A quick breakfast and then I expect we will go.

Enter the store to greet the rest of the party.

Good morning I have bracelets for all. We are ready to leave that we can depart directly from here. I hope you saved some food for us.


Tarvis nods to the comment about eating and takes some of the food and drink for himself. As Elron and Slog come it greets them.

Come and in to eat and hand the bracelets out. Mouxsie is away for now, I will hold hers.

Lady Buudgeon, the snow is cleared enough I think. The magic best saved for great need. If the trail needs to be cleared for the mounts or if we face danger from attack. After all have eaten, I want to go as soon as Puca is sent.

[Drathiranon]

Slog nods in agreement with Elron. He wears a deep grin on the way to the general store. Once they arrive Slog slides down from the Puca' with the armor in his arms.

Inside the store the mood is one of excitement with the last preparations. Bludgeon is blowing her varnished fingernails with hot pink glaze. Her face is beaming with readiness. Her lips freshly coated in handmade lipstick, her hair is pulled back at the top with raven locks framing her green face and shoulders. She raises her black eyebrows, surprised and yet happy Elron has freed them from the confines of the store.

Slog presents Bludgeon with a fine suit of blackend leather and plated armor. His red eyes never seemed brighter, his grin deep, his face slightly purple, not from shyness but from feeling unsure whether he has done the right thing.
Bludgeon casually inspects the armor, then more thoroughly, marveling at his craftsmanship. She can hardly remain poised. With a grunt of approval, the orc woman looks down to the other set of armor. It matches hers only visibly larger. Her deep green eyes sparkle as she looks up to Slog's clean shaven green face, noticing his hair cut short. Her smile appears, wide and pleasantly warm. She welcomes both Elron and Slog to the awaiting meal.

Come, eat, Friends! Thank you!

Before she can start putting on the suit of armor, Slog takes her hand.

Yes, let's eat, then Slog help Bludgeon with armor.

Bludgeon notices the bracelet Elron made Slog and turns to him for hers as well. She slips it on like the finest jewelry she has ever seen. She smiles.

Beautiful!

The dark elf closes her tome and rises from her seat.

Is the puca' here? I've never seen one. I'll take out a few parsnips for Cervid and Bess.

Llelanni takes her bracelet from Elron and a napkin and rushes to the window to wipe away the frost to have a look outside.

Yay! We are free from the snow block! Thanks, Elron

She grabs a bundle of parsnips, the handle of the door, and runs outside to greet the animals, perhaps also she thinks to have a chat.

Bludgeon rolls her eyes, looking back to Tarvis.

Tarvis, what your jewelry look like?

The orc woman watches to see what Elron gave him.

[Bhaern Quel]

Elron having given the bracelet to Lielanni also raises an eyebrow at her quick rush from the room, he walked to the food and drink handing Tarvis the last two bracelets. They do not appear to be much different than the others. Cloth weave with a gem stone mounted with the cloth. Tarvis slips one into a pouch and the other on his arm.. As do the others the band of the bracelets adjust to the arm they are on.

Elron speaks to explain them.

The gemstones know where the others are and the name of the person wearing them. If you want to know where one of us are , place a finger on the gem and think their name. You will see what direction they are at and should sense how far away they are. I can with concentration can be learn more about how they are and how they got there. That though requires stopping doing anything else. Which might be needed if an attack occurs that take some of us captive . It will also tell if gem was taken away from us.

Tarvis nods.

Very good for one day. Thank you. It is likely a few others like Mouxsie and Lielanni also might be able to draw that knowledge from the gem as they use magic. In case Elron is lost to us we can find him

Drinks the cup of orc concoction and sets the cup down.

Lady Bludgeon here is my bracelet to see, do you want to clean the dishes before we leave?

Shows her the bracelet as close as she wants to look at it.

[Drathiranon]

Once outside, Llelanni extends a parsnip to Cervid and one to Bess. The Puca' just stands there, towering over the others and watching with an occasional whipping motion of it's tail.

The dark elf drops a parsnip in the snow. While leaning down to retrieve it, three drops of crimson spatter onto the snow. With napkin still in her hand, Llelanni touches it to her face. Blood. Her mind goes back to the day she appeared here in the swamp. No more tincture. She cleans her face and stomps down the pink coloured snow with her boot. She gasps, looking to the animals. Her mind establishes a quick connection to them.

(Not one word to anyone, please! This is a private matter. I have to solve this on my own or the cure wont work.)

Cervid looks at the dark elf with a wide eyed glance but does agree. The Puca' doesn't seem to take notice. Llelanni looks to Bess.

Back inside the general store, Bludgeon seems content all the bracelets are all the same, so nothing more special than hers.

Yes, will clean first then go.

The orc woman clears the dishes with help from the orcan man then Slog prepares to help her with her new armor.

[Bhaern Quel]

Lielanni Bess bobs her head, what you might sense is will not now reveal but no firm promise to never do so.

Tarvis steps t the door and calls outside.

Lady Lielanni, we will be leaving soon. Have you every thing you need with you ?

Closes the door then checks out his backpack, then takes up his staff.

With the snow the travel might be a little slower. I will lead. Elron I want you and Bess to ride rear guard. Puca and Cervid between us. As soon as all say ready we go.


Elron Nods and readies his travel cloak.

I am ready to go. Lady Bludgeon I thank you for the good breakfast.

[Drathiranon]

Llelanni answers Tarvis.

Ok, be right in, Sir Tarvis!

The dark elf looks to Bess.

(Thank you, I understand, greatly appreciated.)

She then looks to Cervid.

I have something for you, if you want it. It's for healing, to help speed up the growth of your antlers.

The moose moves closer to her, speaking with soft grunts in agreement and lowers his head.

The dark elf holds her hands open over his head where the antlers should be. With a series of seven, opening and closing of her hands, little antler nubs slowly move out on top his head.

There! It will take a while but they will be fully grown by the time we reach the city. You might need to defend yourself while we are inside.

She pets the side of his face and turns back inside to gather her things.

Inside the store, Slog is inspecting the fit of his handywork on Bludgeon. His red eyes beam with pride. The orc woman then helps Slog to put on his armor.

Slog take weapons, meet Bludgeon outside.

Bludgeon waves and nods with a grunt to Elron.

Slog's red eyes follow the orc woman until she steps out the doors. The orcan farmer gathers his and Bludgeon's things. Standing at the front doors, Slog looks to Tarvis.

How long Tarvis think til we get to Eye of Needle?

Llelanni grabs her travel bag, the smaller bag of ball bearings, and burlap sack of Bludgeon's dumplings. She takes one last look around then looks to her bracelet.

Llelanni places her finger on the gemstone and thinks of Bludgeon. The dark elf is able to determine the orc woman standing about five meters from the front doors.

The dark elf looks to Elron on her way out the doors.

My bracelet works! These are going to be so useful!

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis answers Slog.

With the snow it is harder to say. I had expected about two hours. Now it might be closer to noon depending on how much snow slows us. We will know for sure when we get there.

Takes a final look about the store then steps outside.

Elron tighten his cloak.

Lady Lielanni I am glad you approve of it. Though I hope we will not have to use them to find one lost. Shall we go.

Stands ready to be last out.

[Drathiranon]

Elron, make sure doors locked.

The orc woman, tying her hair in a top knot, points to the raccoons in the tree near the store roof.

After making sure the fire in the hearth is out, Slog returns to taking his and Bludgeon's supplies out the doors. He nods to Elron on the way out. Once outside, the orc farmer, looking more like a knight, pauses and looks around.

Tarvis, lead on foot? Need mount?

As the orc man speaks he crouches down to allow Bludgeon to mount the Puca'. Once she is up, he hands her the weapons and supplies to place between them.



Cervid perks his ears, the antlers almost grown, crouches down as well to allow the dark elf woman to load her supplies and to sit on the secured leather blanket on his back. Llelanni salutes Elron, signaling she is ready and turns Cervid around to face Tarvis.

Cervid says he can hold your weight as well, if you wish, Sir Tarvis.



Everyone lines up awaiting Elron to close the line.

[Bhaern Quel]

Elron closes the door and locks it, adjusted his equipment and mounts Bess.

All is secured, Ready

Tarvis answers Slog and Lielanni.

I will break tail on foot as was planned. With my working boots I can traval faster then most mounts and also have flexibility in case of trouble.

Glances to the moose.
Thank you kind Cervid for your offer, but its is more important that you do not carry too much weight

Watches as Elron closes and locks the door and mounts Bess then commands

Follow me

Tarvis leads off to the orc city, breaking a path though the snow for the mounts to follow.

After they start moving South Elron starts to play his flute.