Like a nightmare filled with horrid visions just beyond understanding or comprehension the companions charged onward, breaking through the encirclement of orcs before them and fleeing upward into the Howling Ice mountains. The horde of creatures left in their wake, perhaps three dozen all told, were far too disorganized to offer any great resistance, though the sinister sound of flying arrows chased them for some distance until they pulled away into relative safety.
The path upon which they fled would lead them westward, back down into the fertile lowlands of the Western Kingdoms, though they remained too far within the range itself to see the lush carpet of green below. After half a mark of hard riding, the horse's shoes sliding and hammering upon the solid stone that made up much of the pass over the mountains, the Prince called out for a stop.
The sky was still dark, but an amber nimbus of red far in the east promised a sunrise in the next mark. It was this faint light that illuminated Balthasar's face, a youthful countenance flushed with thrill and triumph as he turned his horse and gazed back from whence they came. "I don't think they're capable of mounting too swift of a pursuit. And these rocks would not hold our scent for long. We might have escaped them completely, with any luck," he said, the air from his lungs billowing out before him as if he were breathing fire himself for the air had grown much cooler than it had been. "Whether they come for us or not, we have some time to rest and consider our path. Is anyone insured?"
The Howling Ice Mountains (Closed)
Moderator: Mods
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felis catus
"Besides the usual, I believe there were no new injuries", Theodred replied while dismounting. He observed the surroundings, looking for a lookout point, inttent to observe as much of their surroundings as possible.
"What is our next destination?", he asked balthasar,
"What is our next destination?", he asked balthasar,
Last edited by felis catus on Sun Oct 10, 2004 8:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
OOC: heheheh Felis!
IC:
Once again the healer breathed a prayer of thanks for another seemingly miraculous escape through a wall of enemies even as she grimmaced at the bumpy neckbreaking ride. Already saddle sore, riding behind the bard meant she had no stirrups to lift herself off the horse. Instead, her already bruised backside bounced painfully on the broad rump of the horse valiantly escorting them to safety or at least she hoped it was to safety. Thus far every time they thought themselves safe another danger presented itself.
A half mark is a long ride at full speed, but harder on the horses whose sides were heaving and had worked up quite a lather by the time the group stopped. The healer loosened her death grip on Rhoddin's middle as the mounts drew to a stop and the king inquired as to their health.
"I am okay," she replied. Anxious to dismount, she pulled her leg stiffly up and over the back of the horse, holding to the saddle as she slid down to the ground. Suppressing a groan, she waddled to the horses head and stroked its face.
"You were wonderful," she said softly to the steed before turning to the men. "They need water after they cool off."
IC:
Once again the healer breathed a prayer of thanks for another seemingly miraculous escape through a wall of enemies even as she grimmaced at the bumpy neckbreaking ride. Already saddle sore, riding behind the bard meant she had no stirrups to lift herself off the horse. Instead, her already bruised backside bounced painfully on the broad rump of the horse valiantly escorting them to safety or at least she hoped it was to safety. Thus far every time they thought themselves safe another danger presented itself.
A half mark is a long ride at full speed, but harder on the horses whose sides were heaving and had worked up quite a lather by the time the group stopped. The healer loosened her death grip on Rhoddin's middle as the mounts drew to a stop and the king inquired as to their health.
"I am okay," she replied. Anxious to dismount, she pulled her leg stiffly up and over the back of the horse, holding to the saddle as she slid down to the ground. Suppressing a groan, she waddled to the horses head and stroked its face.
"You were wonderful," she said softly to the steed before turning to the men. "They need water after they cool off."
[color=hotpink][i]The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
-
ForeverStarlight
Aurlos slipped off the horse quietly, and allowed himself to fall lightly upon the ground. Sitting down he gave mental thanks not only for making it, but to get off of the horse. He had never rode a horse before, but of course he had never done many of the things he was now forced to do.
If anyone would have told him that his first horse ride would be through an orc army, or that he would see the world magically. . . he would have thought them fools. But now he had done those things, and much more. He was no longer a simple begger trying to get through life. His life had become so much more complicated, and he was thankful for the rest.
If anyone would have told him that his first horse ride would be through an orc army, or that he would see the world magically. . . he would have thought them fools. But now he had done those things, and much more. He was no longer a simple begger trying to get through life. His life had become so much more complicated, and he was thankful for the rest.
Balthasar looked over at Theodred with some confusion. I guess that's the next good question. Where are we going? Where was this place? The Crystal Caves? I know someone mentioned it...who was it?...but I can't remember... "I...can't seem to recall much of last night. I remember the poison, and the raid upon the ostler, but...before that, I wasn't quite myself. Was there no mention of the Crystal Dragon at all?" he asked, frustration plain upon his face as he scanned his companions carefully.
As the Prince stroked his lathered animal, he considered their options. Should I even continue towards the cavern, or should we return to King's Court and give up on our quest? It's clear that our enemy knows our intent, if not our destination. It does fear the Crystal of Harmony very much to have done all this to stop me. Something that might frighten a dragon so must surely be strong enough to heal the darkness infecting our lands...
Turning to the west, the Prince gazed down at his kingdom with apprehension. He wanted to return to rebuild the Paladins and to reclaim his nation as he should be. It would have been easy to ride west out of the mountains and into the Downs, less than a week to King's Court without the massive train he had brought on his way out. No longer will they see the silly facade of incompetence when I return. But my return cannot come yet...I must be patient...
As the Prince stroked his lathered animal, he considered their options. Should I even continue towards the cavern, or should we return to King's Court and give up on our quest? It's clear that our enemy knows our intent, if not our destination. It does fear the Crystal of Harmony very much to have done all this to stop me. Something that might frighten a dragon so must surely be strong enough to heal the darkness infecting our lands...
Turning to the west, the Prince gazed down at his kingdom with apprehension. He wanted to return to rebuild the Paladins and to reclaim his nation as he should be. It would have been easy to ride west out of the mountains and into the Downs, less than a week to King's Court without the massive train he had brought on his way out. No longer will they see the silly facade of incompetence when I return. But my return cannot come yet...I must be patient...
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felis catus
"Not sure", Theodred frowned. "Evening was quite confusing for me too", he scratched behind his right ear. "Even before the attack, I mean. I believe it was mentioned, though", he paused.
"Wonder what happened to that young dragon knight that challenged me", he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else."
"Wonder what happened to that young dragon knight that challenged me", he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else."
Making the most of their break, which was likely to be short given the way the day had gone, the healer pulled her bag off the horse, pulled out her herbs and made up another draught for the king to drink. As she worked, she thought about last night and the magician.
"You were the one that mentioned the crystal dragon m'lord," she offered as she crushed the herbs. "The old mage suggested that we talk to someone in the tent city, one of the natives I believe, to find out about the dragons. Of course, the city was burned and we were not able to ask anyone anything," she finished grinding the herbs, poured water over the mixture, stirred and handed it to Balthasar.
"Please drink that m'lord. It will keep your stomach settled and help repair any damage from the poison," she said gently as she handed the small draught of slightly bitter herbs to her monarch.
"I'd add honey to make it taste better, but we haven't any," she offered apologetically.
"You were the one that mentioned the crystal dragon m'lord," she offered as she crushed the herbs. "The old mage suggested that we talk to someone in the tent city, one of the natives I believe, to find out about the dragons. Of course, the city was burned and we were not able to ask anyone anything," she finished grinding the herbs, poured water over the mixture, stirred and handed it to Balthasar.
"Please drink that m'lord. It will keep your stomach settled and help repair any damage from the poison," she said gently as she handed the small draught of slightly bitter herbs to her monarch.
"I'd add honey to make it taste better, but we haven't any," she offered apologetically.
[color=hotpink][i]The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
"Gah!" offered the Prince after taking only some of Shaeliana's offered potion, a reaction that lacked any nobility or grace. "Maybe it would be better were I to just...remain sick..." he muttered, glancing over at Theodred with a haggard look. Despite his almost petulant whining, the ruler drank down the remainder of what he had been given without pause.
"We must seek out the desert nomads, then. And all the better for it...our pursuers will assume we would have fled westward, towards the Kingdom, but we will not. We will flee eastward, into the desert. The desert people gather near Dragon's Keep...they shouldn't prove too difficult to find. They'll direct us to the Crystal Dragon."
Balthasar considered the animals that had carried them through and away from the dangers that lay behind them. "We should send the animals down the westward tail, though. Let them chase the horses, for that might buy us much more time before they capture our trail properly. I'm not fond of giving up the horses, but they're easy to follow and of little use to us in the mountains or the desert," he reasoned. "Let us consider that plan while we rest. I think we have a few marks before they draw close."
"We must seek out the desert nomads, then. And all the better for it...our pursuers will assume we would have fled westward, towards the Kingdom, but we will not. We will flee eastward, into the desert. The desert people gather near Dragon's Keep...they shouldn't prove too difficult to find. They'll direct us to the Crystal Dragon."
Balthasar considered the animals that had carried them through and away from the dangers that lay behind them. "We should send the animals down the westward tail, though. Let them chase the horses, for that might buy us much more time before they capture our trail properly. I'm not fond of giving up the horses, but they're easy to follow and of little use to us in the mountains or the desert," he reasoned. "Let us consider that plan while we rest. I think we have a few marks before they draw close."
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felis catus
"Your wish is my command, as usual", theodred bowed his head. "However, may I remind you, sire, that Junzo is in no condition to walk, that Aurlos can't see and we have no reserves of food or water, much less other gear needed to brave the desert." he sounded rebelious to himself, and sweat was visible on his forehead, but the sounfg paladin stood with his feet planted firmly, even though his head was slightly bowed before his souverein.
It took a moment for the words to register. Yes, sending the horses off another direction might indeed mislead their enemies, but it would leave them crippled. Junzo wouldn't last 50 steps if that and Aurlos couldn't make quick time on foot as he never knew what was under his feet. A turned ankle would make things that much more tedious and slow. While speed no longer seemed as critical, they certainly didn't need to crawl along like snails. Before the young healer could organize her thoughts and speak, Theodred had done so and the girl added her nods in agreement to his comments.
"If speed is no longer necessary, perhaps we could turn 1 or 2 loose the other way and those of us able could walk... to confuse anyone following. But wouldn't they still see our footprints if they are looking for such a thing?" the healer offered softly while looking at the ground to see if her feet were leaving imprints in this ground. Surely they would in sandy areas.
"If speed is no longer necessary, perhaps we could turn 1 or 2 loose the other way and those of us able could walk... to confuse anyone following. But wouldn't they still see our footprints if they are looking for such a thing?" the healer offered softly while looking at the ground to see if her feet were leaving imprints in this ground. Surely they would in sandy areas.
[color=hotpink][i]The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
Balthasar nodded immediately. Of course. We're so wounded and fatigued, there's no real hope of distracting our pursuers. But there is some hope of sleep. We all need it...and with any luck, we'll even get enough of it. "You're both right. We do need the horses. And more than this, we need rest. I think we should risk a camp, at least for a few marks. Nothing can approach us easily out here..." the landscape was rather bare, and while there were plenty of blind approaches, the pass that cut through the rocky terrain was clear to see for a great distance either way with it's curious, lightly-colored rocks making it seem to shimmer.
Leading his horse a fair distance from the path itself, the Prince settled the tired animal and turned to consider his companions. "This is as good a spot as any. We'll need watches. I'll take the first one...I can't quite relax myself just now...and we'll relieve each other every mark until we're ready to move. That might give us at least a few marks of rest before we tackle the trail down later today."
Leading his horse a fair distance from the path itself, the Prince settled the tired animal and turned to consider his companions. "This is as good a spot as any. We'll need watches. I'll take the first one...I can't quite relax myself just now...and we'll relieve each other every mark until we're ready to move. That might give us at least a few marks of rest before we tackle the trail down later today."
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felis catus
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ForeverStarlight
Aurlos was both relieved and frightened at the thought of rest. He was tired. Still, somewhere that beast was out there, and it seemed intent on destroying them.
"We must be careful," Aurlos finally said, not moving from where he sat. " Do not forget the true enemy. The orcs are foolish and weak-minded. The creature that commands them, is still out there. While fleeing from it, I heard its voice in my mind. It is neither foolish nor weak-minded. Through our cunning we have thus far overcome the enemy's agents, but the cost of overcomming that beast was great. We lost many to it."
The thought of what persued them obviously frightened Aurlos. And with good reason. He had looked into its darkness. He saw it consumed everything in its path. The others fled a beast. Aurlos fled evil.
"We must be careful," Aurlos finally said, not moving from where he sat. " Do not forget the true enemy. The orcs are foolish and weak-minded. The creature that commands them, is still out there. While fleeing from it, I heard its voice in my mind. It is neither foolish nor weak-minded. Through our cunning we have thus far overcome the enemy's agents, but the cost of overcomming that beast was great. We lost many to it."
The thought of what persued them obviously frightened Aurlos. And with good reason. He had looked into its darkness. He saw it consumed everything in its path. The others fled a beast. Aurlos fled evil.
Last edited by ForeverStarlight on Thu Nov 04, 2004 2:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
"You mean the dragon," responded the Prince carefully, his eyes suddenly fixed upon the horizon to the southeast, where Dragon's Keep lay beyond sight in the distance. For a moment, Balthasar's expression was blank and thoughtful to those that could notice it. When he spoke, there was a strange certainty in his voice. "I will watch the skies, storyteller...rest well. They won't find us this morningtide."
Will they not? When did the dragonkind side with the darkness? I have never known them to involve themselves in anything at all, light or dark. Perhaps I will learn of this tonight... thought the young ruler as he settled himself for a long, lonely watch.
A short time later...
Sleeping during the day was a precarious task indeed, but faced with strain and exhaustion, none of the party found it difficult. Indeed, not even the clammy, unyielding stone of the mountainside ruined their efforts, such was their fatigue, and the animals they rode in, carefully brushed and settled earlier, dozed fitfully after their strenuous, arduous evening before. Theodred had been awakened for his watch just less than two marks since the Prince began his, for the ruler was unable to remain awake any longer. "I beg pardon, sir Theodred, but unless I disgrace myself I must take my respite now..." he muttered, waking his companion to stand the second watch while the Prince collapsed in a heap near Shaeliana and Aurlos.
For Theodred, the day proved to be perhaps idyllic. While this elevated country seemed cool and crisp...the air seemed perhaps cleaner and thinner here...the day was clear and bright, and the approaches to the chosen camp sight were very well illuminated. It seemed impossible that anything might stumble across them unprepared. When the first figure appeared on the path, Theodred had stood perhaps two marks himself, bringing them well into the Morningtide.
The figure was a curious sight. Overdressed such that he stood and moved like a great ball of shaggy fur, the solitary figure waddled down the path, furs and pelts covering and obscuring his form as they waved along with his strong, lengthy gait. His face was obscured by a red sash, and his head was topped with a large mound of fur as well, a figure clearly dressed for the worst in winter weather. He stumbled along, a mis-timed and off-pitch tune emerging from his throat as he hummed an almost merry travelling song as he moved by. He would pass very close to the camp, though it seemed unlikely that the figure could notice much of anything considering the bulk of his excessive coverings.
Will they not? When did the dragonkind side with the darkness? I have never known them to involve themselves in anything at all, light or dark. Perhaps I will learn of this tonight... thought the young ruler as he settled himself for a long, lonely watch.
A short time later...
Sleeping during the day was a precarious task indeed, but faced with strain and exhaustion, none of the party found it difficult. Indeed, not even the clammy, unyielding stone of the mountainside ruined their efforts, such was their fatigue, and the animals they rode in, carefully brushed and settled earlier, dozed fitfully after their strenuous, arduous evening before. Theodred had been awakened for his watch just less than two marks since the Prince began his, for the ruler was unable to remain awake any longer. "I beg pardon, sir Theodred, but unless I disgrace myself I must take my respite now..." he muttered, waking his companion to stand the second watch while the Prince collapsed in a heap near Shaeliana and Aurlos.
For Theodred, the day proved to be perhaps idyllic. While this elevated country seemed cool and crisp...the air seemed perhaps cleaner and thinner here...the day was clear and bright, and the approaches to the chosen camp sight were very well illuminated. It seemed impossible that anything might stumble across them unprepared. When the first figure appeared on the path, Theodred had stood perhaps two marks himself, bringing them well into the Morningtide.
The figure was a curious sight. Overdressed such that he stood and moved like a great ball of shaggy fur, the solitary figure waddled down the path, furs and pelts covering and obscuring his form as they waved along with his strong, lengthy gait. His face was obscured by a red sash, and his head was topped with a large mound of fur as well, a figure clearly dressed for the worst in winter weather. He stumbled along, a mis-timed and off-pitch tune emerging from his throat as he hummed an almost merry travelling song as he moved by. He would pass very close to the camp, though it seemed unlikely that the figure could notice much of anything considering the bulk of his excessive coverings.
It didn't feel safe. There were no trees, no ground cover, only the rocks of the mountain jutting up and they were hardly comforting. Part of the healer wanted to press on and put as much distance between them and what might be chasing them as possible but the healer knew that eventually their bodies would have given as much as they could and shut down. That would be dreadful so rest was prudent, she just didn't think she could rest with the sunshine and the threat that loomed behind them. Apparently neither did the others.
Surprisingly, Shaeliana fell into sleep much easier than she would have guessed, a deep sleep full of wild vivid dreams as she was chased by an assortment of dragons and monsters through a maze of various landscapes. At one point, the daylight turned into evening and a large palatial house loomed in front of her. Looking down, her green healer's dress had transformed into a lovely red satin gown cut indecently low. As she slowly walked up the steps, she fiddled with the neckline attempting to pull it up to cover more of her exposed skin, to no avail.
Inside a party was in full swing, the hosts a dark haired handsome young man who apparently held some important position at court but not in Kings Court. A beautiful dark haired lady talked to her about empathy, circling her with magic which blocked out the feelings that seemed to assail her all the time anymore. It was a company of strangers which she thought odd, that she should dream of no one she knew and then Balthasar was there, handsome and exquisite in his regal outfit looking every bit the king even if a troubled king. An elvin princess talked to her more about her gift and the need to control it, showing her how to weave a net of power around herself as a shield before the dream turned nightmarish again.
The host and his darkhaired female cohort were going to allow the darkness into the world and Balthasar had to stop them. The young healer woke with a start, the image of her liege's sword plunging into the naked couple as they sought to consummate not only their lust for one another, but sate their lust for power by unleashing the demons of the Netherworld.
Heart racing, she lay still as the dream images washed through her thoughts again. It had been so vivid, so real. As her mind revisited parts of the dream, she grabbed hold of the lessons on shielding herself from the emotions of others, trying to reproduce what she had done in the dream. Settling her thoughts down to be still and concentrate on the center of herself was the most difficult as her mind ran off in a dozen different directions with questions about it all. Still, this was important and she kept working to quiet herself and weave that energy around her to block out all the rest. Some time during her energy exercises, the young healer drifted back off to sleep, deep and dreamless this time.
Surprisingly, Shaeliana fell into sleep much easier than she would have guessed, a deep sleep full of wild vivid dreams as she was chased by an assortment of dragons and monsters through a maze of various landscapes. At one point, the daylight turned into evening and a large palatial house loomed in front of her. Looking down, her green healer's dress had transformed into a lovely red satin gown cut indecently low. As she slowly walked up the steps, she fiddled with the neckline attempting to pull it up to cover more of her exposed skin, to no avail.
Inside a party was in full swing, the hosts a dark haired handsome young man who apparently held some important position at court but not in Kings Court. A beautiful dark haired lady talked to her about empathy, circling her with magic which blocked out the feelings that seemed to assail her all the time anymore. It was a company of strangers which she thought odd, that she should dream of no one she knew and then Balthasar was there, handsome and exquisite in his regal outfit looking every bit the king even if a troubled king. An elvin princess talked to her more about her gift and the need to control it, showing her how to weave a net of power around herself as a shield before the dream turned nightmarish again.
The host and his darkhaired female cohort were going to allow the darkness into the world and Balthasar had to stop them. The young healer woke with a start, the image of her liege's sword plunging into the naked couple as they sought to consummate not only their lust for one another, but sate their lust for power by unleashing the demons of the Netherworld.
Heart racing, she lay still as the dream images washed through her thoughts again. It had been so vivid, so real. As her mind revisited parts of the dream, she grabbed hold of the lessons on shielding herself from the emotions of others, trying to reproduce what she had done in the dream. Settling her thoughts down to be still and concentrate on the center of herself was the most difficult as her mind ran off in a dozen different directions with questions about it all. Still, this was important and she kept working to quiet herself and weave that energy around her to block out all the rest. Some time during her energy exercises, the young healer drifted back off to sleep, deep and dreamless this time.
Last edited by Shaeliana on Sat Nov 06, 2004 8:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
[color=hotpink][i]The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
-
felis catus
Even although the day seemed peaceful enough, and the surroundings almost idyllic, Theodred wouldn't let his guard drop for one burn. he laid with his back to prominent rock and his eyes on the road, his trusted mace by hand.
The young paladin noticed the strange figure as soon as it appeared behind a bend of the road. Although the possibility that their camp could be seen was slim, he didn't want to take any chances. Not to mention that the figure could be an orc in disguise. it was hard to see anything through the thick layer of cloth that covered it. So the young knight stepped on the road before the walking figure.
"Stop and identify yourself in the name of the king!", he bellowed.
The young paladin noticed the strange figure as soon as it appeared behind a bend of the road. Although the possibility that their camp could be seen was slim, he didn't want to take any chances. Not to mention that the figure could be an orc in disguise. it was hard to see anything through the thick layer of cloth that covered it. So the young knight stepped on the road before the walking figure.
"Stop and identify yourself in the name of the king!", he bellowed.
The almost buoyant mass of furs paused in it's tracks when Theodred presented himself in the road just before. Staring the knight over carefully, the figure hesitated for a moment before it lifted one of it's hands to remove the broad strip of wool that covered it's face, a scarf that might have started life as a blanket before it had been torn down for it's current purpose. Beneath the scarf was a thick, wide face of a man that stared back at the challenger with a great deal of apprehension.
With large, wide, dark eyes and a dusky complexion, the man was easily recognizable as one of the desert nomads though his dress and demeanor were very different than those seen encamped at Dragon's Keep earlier. His was a more corpulent form, though his steps seemed swift and easy despite the arduous path that lay behind him, and it was difficult to determine where his bulk might have ended and the thick mass of hanging furs began. He held no weapons that Theodred could see, and his otherwise empty hands were covered with coarsely-knitted mittens that had been darned multiple times with imperfectly-matched thread.
"Kai rook!" responded the figure at first, his strange words meaning very little. "Good day, traveller. I mean you no ill. I merely wish to move as far from this place as I might for a time, for the sky itself seems angry at us all today," he continued, his accent thick and foreign though it was not a match with the People of the Sands. "I am Antrin N'Irkin of the Nebu'in clan. I have tobacco," he finished, his last statement offered as some type of peace offering.
With large, wide, dark eyes and a dusky complexion, the man was easily recognizable as one of the desert nomads though his dress and demeanor were very different than those seen encamped at Dragon's Keep earlier. His was a more corpulent form, though his steps seemed swift and easy despite the arduous path that lay behind him, and it was difficult to determine where his bulk might have ended and the thick mass of hanging furs began. He held no weapons that Theodred could see, and his otherwise empty hands were covered with coarsely-knitted mittens that had been darned multiple times with imperfectly-matched thread.
"Kai rook!" responded the figure at first, his strange words meaning very little. "Good day, traveller. I mean you no ill. I merely wish to move as far from this place as I might for a time, for the sky itself seems angry at us all today," he continued, his accent thick and foreign though it was not a match with the People of the Sands. "I am Antrin N'Irkin of the Nebu'in clan. I have tobacco," he finished, his last statement offered as some type of peace offering.
The shouts of the paladin roused the healer out of her deep sleep though her foggy mind took too many flickers to figure out where she was and recall the danger they were fleeing from. Rubbing eyes that ached still from lack of sleep, she tried to focus on the wooly creature Theodred was addressing. A mixture of fascination and fear churned in her stomach, a fear she tried to allay with the reasoning that this one traveled alone. Surely they could hold their own against this.. apparition should it be necessary.
Unobtrusively, she sat and watched the young warrior confront this traveler.
Unobtrusively, she sat and watched the young warrior confront this traveler.
[color=hotpink][i]The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
-
felis catus
"I would love this above all else, though I warn you against a fire this night," chuckled the round mass of fur. "I've seen manner of beast best left forgotten creeping among the rocks of the mountains of late. I've seen them gather for the last four days hence, quietly collecting themselves in ever larger numbers. My people have scattered long since. Only a few of us risk the higher lands to check our traps, and those of us that came find only frustration as the traps have been picked clean."
The mass of fur settled itself upon the rocky ground near the group, his movements silenced by the layers of soft clothing. He unbound the first of these garments...a massive coat made of a single hide of some shaggy beast the likes of which none of the party had ever seen...and he let this drape open, exposing a strangely scrawny and thin figure beneath.
"As I said, travellers, I have some tobacco, if you care for it. I suspect you must be fleeing the horrors I have seen in the valley...the dark ones with their great hunting dogs. Many of my people as well as the desert folk have fled the trading post last night, taking with them what they might carry. Most of them...not even the wet-landers that live in the fortress...know these mountains as I do, so it is well they would flee," said the figure, his voice conveying a confidence that seemed somewhat in conflict with the odd man's genuine feelings.
The mass of fur settled itself upon the rocky ground near the group, his movements silenced by the layers of soft clothing. He unbound the first of these garments...a massive coat made of a single hide of some shaggy beast the likes of which none of the party had ever seen...and he let this drape open, exposing a strangely scrawny and thin figure beneath.
"As I said, travellers, I have some tobacco, if you care for it. I suspect you must be fleeing the horrors I have seen in the valley...the dark ones with their great hunting dogs. Many of my people as well as the desert folk have fled the trading post last night, taking with them what they might carry. Most of them...not even the wet-landers that live in the fortress...know these mountains as I do, so it is well they would flee," said the figure, his voice conveying a confidence that seemed somewhat in conflict with the odd man's genuine feelings.
Fully awake by now, curiosity won out over the need for rest. Carefully, the healer disintangled herself from her companions so as not to disrupt their rest, and crept over to the fire where Theodred had bid the stranger to sit and join him.
"Greetings Antrin N'Irkin. I am Shaeliana. You live here and know these mountains well. I've been told there were dragons in these lands. Fierce and terrifying. Are there really dragons here? Crystal dragons?" she asked trying to sound more childlike and frightened than curious, which wasn't difficult considering all they'd been through. Not sure who to trust anymore, they needed information and if this one lived in the mountains, he would surely know what lived here and where it might be found. Shaking her head, she passed on his offer of tobacco.
"Greetings Antrin N'Irkin. I am Shaeliana. You live here and know these mountains well. I've been told there were dragons in these lands. Fierce and terrifying. Are there really dragons here? Crystal dragons?" she asked trying to sound more childlike and frightened than curious, which wasn't difficult considering all they'd been through. Not sure who to trust anymore, they needed information and if this one lived in the mountains, he would surely know what lived here and where it might be found. Shaking her head, she passed on his offer of tobacco.
[color=hotpink][i]The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
-
felis catus
"MY apologies", Theodred chimed in. "This is lady Shaeliana, our healer and a wonderful companion.", there was a funny note in his voice. A hint of regret, maybe?
As Shae mentioned crystal dragon, Theodred nodded. This was exactly the reason he invited the traveller to join them. he hoped that one of his companions would be able to verbalize the thoughts that raced through his own head. But he decided to keep silent and listen to whatever response their guest was willing to provide.
As Shae mentioned crystal dragon, Theodred nodded. This was exactly the reason he invited the traveller to join them. he hoped that one of his companions would be able to verbalize the thoughts that raced through his own head. But he decided to keep silent and listen to whatever response their guest was willing to provide.
"Oh, yes yes," responded the older man at once as he dug into a worn leather pouch to collect a pipe made of curved bone. The pipe itself was carefully carved with intricate patterns and designs, each line emphasized by a dark stain that settled into it to turn it black upon the otherwise white alabaster. He loaded the pipe with practiced ease, tamping a healthy dram of tobacco into the bowl with a pudgy finger.
"There are many dragons in these mountains, especially north of here. They have lived in these high lands since time unremembered. The one you seek...this crystal dragon...has some legend of him. Among my people, it is taboo to approach such a creature, but we speak of them often enough. It is said in the crystal cave, in his lair of ice, will a saintly shout make a sacrifice. Perhaps if he is awakened, he will slay the one responsible for such a thing?" offered the older man furtively as he reached to collect an ember from the fire for his pipe.
"Do you seek this dragon, healer? There are precious few reasons our kind might choose to approach any of their kind. I hope your need is dire, for they are not known to be patient or compassionate," he finished, a strong haze of blueish smoke spilling from his mouth and nose as he spoke.
"There are many dragons in these mountains, especially north of here. They have lived in these high lands since time unremembered. The one you seek...this crystal dragon...has some legend of him. Among my people, it is taboo to approach such a creature, but we speak of them often enough. It is said in the crystal cave, in his lair of ice, will a saintly shout make a sacrifice. Perhaps if he is awakened, he will slay the one responsible for such a thing?" offered the older man furtively as he reached to collect an ember from the fire for his pipe.
"Do you seek this dragon, healer? There are precious few reasons our kind might choose to approach any of their kind. I hope your need is dire, for they are not known to be patient or compassionate," he finished, a strong haze of blueish smoke spilling from his mouth and nose as he spoke.
A small nod accompanied a sarcastic slip of a smile as she replied softly so as not to wake the others, "We are well acquainted with a dragon's temper." Her eyes darting to Theodred questioning how much they dare share with this stranger. She no longer knew who to trust outside their small company. It seemed every time they thought they'd found a friend, it turned out to be danger instead.
"We had occasion to run from one...," she looked back at the odd man. "Yesterday," she added amazed that it had only been yesterday. It seemed like at least several yesterdays should have passed by now and she felt the weariness of each and every one.
"Pestilence has run rampant in our lands, a blight that reeks of darkness. We were told that we might find assistance against that imbalance if we were to find a crystal dragon. Nothing more was said, so I am not sure how such a creature is supposed to help," Her eyes wandered back to Theodred hoping he might have something to add, hoping that she didn't meet a frown of concern that she said too much.
"Saints and sacrifices," she mumbled. "I would think we've all sacrificed quite enough," she shook her head and hugged her knees up to her chest with a weary sigh.
"We had occasion to run from one...," she looked back at the odd man. "Yesterday," she added amazed that it had only been yesterday. It seemed like at least several yesterdays should have passed by now and she felt the weariness of each and every one.
"Pestilence has run rampant in our lands, a blight that reeks of darkness. We were told that we might find assistance against that imbalance if we were to find a crystal dragon. Nothing more was said, so I am not sure how such a creature is supposed to help," Her eyes wandered back to Theodred hoping he might have something to add, hoping that she didn't meet a frown of concern that she said too much.
"Saints and sacrifices," she mumbled. "I would think we've all sacrificed quite enough," she shook her head and hugged her knees up to her chest with a weary sigh.
[color=hotpink][i]The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made.
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
- Andolin
[/i][/color]
"Well," responded the odd man who, without his layers of thick, pelt coats proved to be quite scrawny and boney. "Well. In that case, I wish you only the best. The dragon you seek is not far, in truth. It is high up in that mountain there...the Greytooth mountain," he indicated the great peak with a wave of his hand, a mountain to the north that reached up to the clouds above. It was not the tallest of mountains in the Howling Ice, but it was at least picturesque, with a broad, even, sweeping skirt.
"There is a path that leads to the cavern, a path up the mountain's face that begins where the wetlanders cut her flesh away to make their mighty fortresses," said the native, his pipe clutched fiercely in his teeth so that his hands would be free to gesture and motion as much as they wanted. "The dogmen live upon that mountain. They are not so dangerous as these greenskins, but they will be weary of you and will watch your passage closely."
The little man seemed somewhat satiated with his pipe, for he tapped it clear carefully, allowing the still-glowing embers to spill out upon the rocky soil beneath him. "I don't suppose you might have anything to eat, have you? There hasn't been so much as a bird moving since last night," he finished.
"There is a path that leads to the cavern, a path up the mountain's face that begins where the wetlanders cut her flesh away to make their mighty fortresses," said the native, his pipe clutched fiercely in his teeth so that his hands would be free to gesture and motion as much as they wanted. "The dogmen live upon that mountain. They are not so dangerous as these greenskins, but they will be weary of you and will watch your passage closely."
The little man seemed somewhat satiated with his pipe, for he tapped it clear carefully, allowing the still-glowing embers to spill out upon the rocky soil beneath him. "I don't suppose you might have anything to eat, have you? There hasn't been so much as a bird moving since last night," he finished.