Vale of Shadows Part 6

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

she gave a smart elic cheesy grin upon the cheek pat, when a soft clearing of a throat reminded her of the others waiting for an explanation.
she hopped up to address Xull, "my apologies priestess. Just a bad dream."
the priestess stared at her a few more moments; it was clear she needed have a sit down with the young and apparently dangerous drowess. But Inrii was gunna avoid such as long as possible.
"see that it does not happen again, or i will have to ask you to move along also. I also need to speak with you, soon."
unlike Virgil, she was stern, less patient. she knew who Inrii was, or more who she was [i:1jg9zpkd]of[/i:1jg9zpkd].
'[color=green:1jg9zpkd]we'll see[/color:1jg9zpkd],' Inrii said to herself.
Xull then returned to her spot twords the outskirts of the small grove. The seer was still watching everything, a hand on his chin in contemplation. he was up to something.
Inrii then sat back on her spot thinking about the dream.
"I dont often sleep either," she replied her mind thinking back over every detail, recalling the words spoken by someone. then the image of Mayinda to finish.
"One, i think was Alya's spell. this was, like it was spell induced also. something off. Mayindia was so...sane. and rarely do dreams come with [i:1jg9zpkd]poetry[/i:1jg9zpkd]. and i should know, i have had my share of nightmares since..." she stopped in mid sentence. and just looked at the fire remembering she was cold. she grabbed the large cloth she was using as a blanket to cover her shivering form.
"water? you had to use water?" she jested in her usual changing of a subject.

(("do todo todo...dumdy dumdy dum*whistles hoping others plan to return soon also.* ))

with the large warrior focused on the succubus and the conflict with that, he walked twords the winged elf. his partner in crime urging him on as well as snickering. even male drow adolecence couldnt turn down a dare.
he looked back then crept quietly like a rogue over to her. he got to her and just stared at his feet trying to get something out before he looked like an idiot. soft snickering in the bushes continued as it was muffled with his own hand. teenage ackwardness made it so much harder!

[veraka]

Veraka watched Virgil lead Shar away from the camp, towards more a private area. With that, he turned about and was astonished to find himself looking at Neriah when the young drow walked up to Neriah and just stood there.

The aasimar was about to stride over and give the lad a good talking over when Neriah glanced up at him and smiled, though this seemed different from her normal behavior.


Neriah turned to the young drow male and asked, "so are you just doing this to impress someone, or are you actually gonna try and hold a coherent conversation?"


Veraka relaxed as Neriah asked her calm question to the young drow. He decided to go over and bother Inrii. As he strode over to the drowess, Aurora came padding over to join him.

"So what's the plan now before you decide to send another fireball out and about?"

[Zekafae]

He nodded to her before moving to sit down again and resume eating whatever didn't spill on the ground, of course to him it just meant it had earthen flavors. Eili watched quietly moving to settle next to him as he watched Veraka and Aurora approach" I'd like to think we'd continue on.

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

((i have no idea what a teen boy would say in such a situation...))

the drow male stuttered in forming a response. and if it could be seen, he was blushing highly. and even worse, all he could think and get out was, "are you really a demon?" after his mouth spouted the words he suddenly had the most horrified look of pure embarrassment on his face. the other in the bushes went silent then was unable to control his laughing. the now red male attempted to turn and run away.

looked to Veraka as he aproached, she realized she had her spells back. that she was glad of! and to make sure, she cast mending on her ripped shirt putting it back as it was. excitement was in her crimson eyes. her spells had been fully restored! She felt a deeper ebb of power that coursed through her, even with her spells all restored and fully replenished, something felt different about them. As if there was more, as if she had greater control over the magical energy that swirled within her. a small almost wicked grin was on her face as she looked to the ranger for a second. then she quickly put an elemental shield around her to stave off the coldness from the water and bitter wind.

Xull sat over by the tree but this time watching them as she also saw Virgil head off with the succubus. when he was not visible seen she went back to watching the young drowess as well as ask for guidance in what to do about her. the seer came up beside her leaning on his staff. he said nothing to her, a good sign but she was still concerned. that girl belonged to their enemies, and those Xull's band often fought with. she couldnt help but think her a spy.

Inrii's face scrunched up in a thinking look (i dunno how to say that[/size:37tx8zyu]). she talked some earlier about the mission she was on with Zek; even admitted that she had known more than originally let on. and he hadnt grown angry or blamed her. and he and Veraka had came to find her, so she decided she would devolve some info. but now, she had to carefully decide what to say and not say, especially here among the glade.
"of course continue on," she started in her normal sarcasm, "well, we didnt get Alya or the lich's help, so its back to the original plans."
she pulled out the map, not the one from Mayindia, but another one and the piece of a map from the barn.
[img:37tx8zyu]http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o125 ... roch-1.jpg[/img:37tx8zyu]
"if this is the correct place, then we're here," she indicated the Border Forest. her finger, pulling out a simple marker object, drew a circle around a spot (the blue circle around the Mines of Tethimar). "i hope we will find some mounts and some supplies here." then she circled the Scimitar Spires (yellow circle). "this is where i believe we want. which means crossing the desert. along here," she marked again on the map (light blue lines) is the proposed area. there use to be a city here," indicating the City of Shade, "but if i remember right, its gone. but there is possible some nomadic groups still out and about."
only a careful keen eye strained in cartography (maps) would have seen a simularity tween the fragment and the map Inrii pulled out.

the sorceress pack shifted some as the lizard moved around, staying warm from the freezing winds.

((the green line is the way there, the red scribble dot int he mountain range is the place i'm setting the Vale to be. few stray dots showed up, so ignore them. ))

[Zekafae]

Nodding slowly he looked at the map then to her, he did remember the piece she had. Thinking for a moment he studied the map silently." I don't think there's been anyone in the area for years. Nomads at best, but around the spires.. and the water there, probably is.. What kind of life I don't know." Folding his arms over his chest he shook his head slightly" At least it's not the Shaar."

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

((since Thultanthar, the area were going, comes back to the prime material plane in [url=http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/1372_DR:3dybhj4x]1372[/url:3dybhj4x], we'll have the date of this RP before that return, but just before i guess. so we can have the silence of Lloth occurring also. explains the priestesses we ran into at the spring))

"we have to hope that their is folks still here," she pointed to the mines that she circled. "but fewer people out and about would be a good thing. less likely to impede on this."
she contined to study the map as she planned out some of their travels.
"the Shaar, as in the big grasslands?" she asked curious.

((well, i think i will have it become dawn soon anyway...))

[veraka]

Neriah, looking at the young boy, was about to answer him in a more harsh than-usual way about [b:21aqzwcf]that[/b:21aqzwcf] particular question. However, when snickers emanated from the bushes nearby, followed by the young drow turning away and dashing in embarrassment, the fey'ri let it slide.

Whether it was from slight amusement at the young lad's predicament or perhaps she just knew what it felt like to be the target of practical joke. Whichever it was, Neriah merely smiled slightly at the young drow as he zoomed away.


Veraka, sensing Inrii had her spells back at full capacity, was both glad for the sorceress, and simultaneously concerned about the drowesses grudge against Neriah.
For once in his life, the aasimar felt torn between two choices, both of which he didn't want to lose or hurt.
[i:21aqzwcf]Well, you can always go with option three,[/i:21aqzwcf] Aurora chimed in privately.

[i:21aqzwcf]Yeah, and what's that option?[/i:21aqzwcf] he shot back.

[i:21aqzwcf]Simply keep them away from each other, and if push comes to shove, use force. You've got the both the strength and mass to do so. Use it.[/i:21aqzwcf]

Veraka just stared at Aurora with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

The wolf just continued; [i:21aqzwcf]Truthfully, I find your society's idea of [b:21aqzwcf]civility[/b:21aqzwcf] a bit brash and over used, not ot mention, completely dumb. If a friend of yours and a person whom you both have strong feelings for and believe that she is not truly what she seems, are duking it out because of an old grudge, then use any means neccesary to stop them. If that means bringing your power to bear, then so be it. I find the barbarians society that you left had at least one principle right.[/i:21aqzwcf]

[i:21aqzwcf]Yeah and what's that?[/i:21aqzwcf] Veraka retorted with obvious sarcasm.

Aurora looked him in the eyes with an unnatural calm; [i:21aqzwcf]if push came to shove and they'd exhausted all other options, they weren't above using their fists and strength to prove a point or prevent something.[/i:21aqzwcf]
With that said, the great wolf wandered over to where Veraka had put his armor and plopped down, having nothing more to say to him.

Shaking his head, the aasimar turned back to Inrii and Zek, now looking at the map that the drowess had produced.
"Anauroch, eh? Can't say I'm surprised," Veraka said glancing over the map; "so this journey gonna involve anymore of your little not-so-obvious flirting antics or what?" he asked Inrii, with a slight grin.

[Delvaro]

(I hope youre still in the camp, cause here i come and i dont want to miss you)

Velkyn grumbled under his breath, cursing every third word. Oh, Ehlana warned him, told him a dozen times to not go east, to stay with her, where it will be far more interesting, but no, Velkyn had to be stubborn and chase adventure here - whereever it was - in the middle of Faerun. That is, if walking miles and miles without encountering anything worth mentioning counted as adventure. O, how he regretted leaving the islands a year or two ago, he couldnt remember.

At least he had some shade now. That desert was a simple torture, with burning hot sands, sun burning his eyes and worst of all, thirst biting at his throat. Of course, he had enough water to last months but it still annoyed him!

And to make things worse, he had several bows trained at him. Oh, he noticed them as soon as he entered this forest. One did not go and did not notice such things, especially him, who worked as a thief and assassin for more than two decades, and fought a war against impossible odds.

Well, at least they werent shooting him. He cassualy walked through the forest, his hands on the hilts of his daggers, his sword, Shi'lok, strapped across his back. It looked like they were leading him somewhere, wherever it was. He couldnt see them, but he almost sensed them and outright heard them, at least one. One of them was possibly human, the noisy one, the other... might be elf, since he was far more quieter.

A drow stepped in front of him, a bow leveled and aimed at him. Velkyn stopped in his tracks, assuming the most unthreatening, yet battleready pose he could.

"State your business here," the drow asked him. Vel regarded him silently, scanning the drow in front of him. he didnt seem like the typical 'i will kill you, traitor' drow he usually encountered at the wilderness, then again, he didnt encounter any drow on the mainland until now and back on the islands, everyone knew of him.

"I weary traveler i am, seeking water and a resting place from a journey from the sword coast and that awful desert i put behind me," Vel answered, not really lying but not giving any useful information about himself. He learned long ago not to trust any drow he encountered, even though he was a drow himself.

The drow narrowed his eyes suspiciously, obviously aware that Vel hadnt give him any information to indicate his motives in entering this forest. "State your name and true reason to come here," he barked.

Vel just shrugged, realising it will make no differense. "Velkyn Val'Serra, Commander of the Raven Hills Stronghold," he answered, getting a raised eyebrow from the drow. "And i never knew you were here in the first place, i was just passing through. I'm...not from these places. But as i see, you might give me a shelter for the night, maybe a drink or two, if i wont be a bother that is," he added, putting the best disarming smile at his disposal.

the drow sentry looked at him for a few moment, probably wondering what to do with the wanderer until he gave a nod and motioned for him to follow. "Cause any trouble and you will die, understood?" he asked, his voice leaving no room for debate.

Vel raised his arms in surrended. "Never i would even think of such a vile thing to do!" he said with mock hurt in his voice.

"You may call me Elkrar. Im the second in comand here, you cause trouble, you deal with me. Now, follow me." the drow whose name was Elkrar said and walked, his bow still at the ready.

Several rustling noises came to Vel's ears then and he looked to see a another pair leaving their hiding places. He smirked to himself when he saw one human and one drow, or rather half-drow, as he saw from further study. He did as he was told and followed Elkrar.

Eventaully he came across a clearing, or more accurately, a camp, filled with the oddest sight he saw in a while, which said quite some things. there was an impressive number of drow in the clearing, some who trained their bows on him and some who just turned to look at him. Nothing was odd about it, he did come from a large dark stone castle filled with them.

The odd thing was the party of adventurers in front of him: pair of drow, nothing surprising there but near them stood another pair, which quite surprised the young adventurer. An Aasimar, if he remembered correctly from a single encounter he had with that race and something which looked like an elf... sifting though his memory he finally found a name attached to a picture...Fey'ri.

Nothing wrong with the pair of drow and fey'ri but the aasimar, who was clearly a paladin. not every day you will meet a paladin agreeing to work with a drow. Here in the mainland, where his reputation was equal to nought he was chased with pitchforks from the first town he set foot in. Quite the welcoming that was, quite fun actually. Lookinh at the armed group, seeing more companions, mainly a large, white wolf, he cleared he throat and loudly said with the widest grin he could muster:

"Quite the group you have here, if i were in better mood i would've said a joke or two about it...A Fey'ri and an aasimar walk into a bar..."

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

Xull heard the newest comer by Elkrar; and she let him handle the situation. he was more than capable. tho she was more surprised by the amount of people here this night, or rather morning now that the sun had just peeked above the horizon. by now she was wrapped in simple robe, yet her powerful sword was still sheathed on her hip. she continued to watch everyone.

Inrii looked up as she heard the noise of the stranger enter. she leaned up and crossed her arms tho saying nothing as he approached Veraka and cracked a joke. she was evaluating him as to what or who he was.

[Delvaro]

Chuckling at his own joke, though not getting the desired response, he stopped in front of them, thinking of how to properly introduce himself.

"Well met, Velkyn Val'Serra, commander of Raven Hills Stronghold, at your service!" he announced and prepared to bow before suddenly stopping, reaching into one of his bags, causing several of the guards to tense and train their bows on him. from the bag, which had a dimensional storage hole in it, he pulled out a short-brimmed black hat with red outlining and swept it in front of him with a bow.

He hoped there wont be any trouble with these new folks, though they didnt seem quite eager to start a fight with him. He could handle a trio of drow with some difficulties, but now a whole camp, at least not alone. Drow and ocs were entirely different things. His hands started playing with the hat he took out, seemingly completely harmless, if it not for another dimensional hole inside the hat, where he kept a small throwing knife. As long as they wont attack him, the knife will stay there. Still wearing that rather foolish smile, he looked at them, seing one of the females, the fey'ri, cross her arms and look at him cautiously.

[Zekafae]

Nodding to Inrii" For some reason I didn't like it, probably because there's no real place to set up an ambush, unless you work with becoming unseen or striking from below." Shrugging slightly he watched the scene with Veraka and the young drow and shook his head slightly watching the kid run off. Muttering" Have it too easy on the surface." When the new comer arrived and cracked a joke it just caused him to shake his head slowly muttering mentally about various things. If he had spawn and they acted in such a fashion, they'd be killed, or drilled till they passed out. The joys of him having been raised in a hard house but a strong one.

[veraka]

Veraka and Neriah both turned to see the newest drow approach them.

[color=blue:2scswozu]"Quite the group you have here, if i were in better mood i would've said a joke or two about it...A Fey'ri and an aasimar walk into a bar..."[/color:2scswozu]

At this Veraka raised a brow, but Neriah spoke up first; "walk into [b:2scswozu]what[/b:2scswozu] kinda bar, hmm? If we're referring to a . . ."

"Not so well known establishment that has some decent drinks, then she might be interested," Veraka finished for Neriah, even as she gave him a not-so-nice glare.

"Well, at least I know [b:2scswozu]someone[/b:2scswozu] would enjoy it for what it was," she retorted to the aasimar.

Veraka shook his head and turned to Velkyn and said; "all jokes aside, Well met, all the same." AS he said this, Veraka looked over the newcomer with his celestial vision, seeing if there was any form of malicious intent there as well.

[Delvaro]

Vel chuckled at the bikering of the pair.

"Ah, no worries. I was just passing through until these odd folks wanted to shoot me. I dont mean any harm though and i will surely not tell any other traveler of a such hearty bunch that threatens folks who travel through this forest." he said, looking over the place, seeing more drow hang around.

"So...what brings such a group as yourselves to this place? Not to bother, but i prefer company and a good drink whenever i can, and you seem like decent folks, since you havent screamed 'die traitor' and trie to stab me," he finished with another chuckle. With this he walked closer to the group, assured that he will reach them safely, although he still felt the trained eyes of the sentries upon himself.

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

((just in case, Neriah is the fey'ri played by Veraka.))

several of the group would have felt eyes watching, ones that were more considerably a possible treat. one of the younger males carried a plate of venison to the newest comer.
the sun was now above the horizon, casting it first rays of an orange glow upon the camp while the western sky was still carpeted in the darkness of the night. early winter birds flew over the camp while the fire had been allowed to get low. the sky was clear, so unlikely chance of snow. a good thing if they were to make up time they lost on the recent rescue.

Inrii spoke up (still sitting down near the fire), a reminder to not say too much, "a simple journey to make a name, what else would bring such smiling faces togther," the last portion obvious light sarcasm."
she rolled her map up and set it back in her pouch then got comfortable again to rest a bit more before the were to head off at noon. this time she would not allow herself to fall asleep. instead her mind thought of the preperations, especially upon reaching the mine.
"of course they got it easy here, they follow the Dancing Lady," she stated to Zek, leaving it at that with the eyes and ears around the camp

[Delvaro]

"Oh, the dancing lady! I've heard much about the goodly drow, which makes my things easier, since you are not Lolth worshipers and im not obliged to kill you." he finished with a grin, "dont ask, its a long story."

He walked closer and sat near the fire, making himself comfortable. "So...making yourself a name? I will decipher that as an adventure! Mind me tagging along? I wont even ask for a share of the loot! Trust me, walking through that god-forsaken desert alone was [i:yshg6pww]so [/i:yshg6pww]awfuly boring."