The Eldath Campaign: Chapter 1 the rescue...IC section

Historian's note: This story takes place in a medieval fantasy campaign loosely based upon dungeons and dragons and the Forgotten realms.

Moderators note: This is a guided freeform adventure for 4-5 players including the moderator (The_Gladiator) to join, please see the Ooc Section, and PM a character to the gladiator before posting any character sheet in the OOC or IC threads.
ooc section:
http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=641231

as always this is a work of fiction, names places or events are either products of the author's imaginations or are used ficticiously, etc. etc.

IC

It was a dark and cold night when the creatures came. They swept in from the north, huge brutes brandishing weapons and spitting curses. Their foes they caught unaware, and dozens of defenseless elves found themselves killed in the first moments of the attack. No Elf had been expecting such an attack. They were given no warning, no quarter. A century’s long peace was shattered that night, broken and bloodied upon the blades of the orcs.
In the aftermath of the attack the elves were stunned. Gone were their leaders, 3 of the council of elders, respected and beloved healers all, along with several key treasures of the elven people including several magical items.

“To war we must go!” the face of the peaceful herbalist Talinath was now scarlet with blood as he shouted at the others who met to discuss the issue. The elders that remained flinched away from Talinath’s rage, so unelven, so disgusting, their faces seemed to tell the young healer. He did not care, he continued to drive his point home.
“But Talinath, we do not even knew who did this deed.” One of the remaining elders said in his unruffled tone.
“Is it not obvious, the orc skum did this. I know I am only 150 years old, I was only a child when peace began, but have all you so soon forgotten the trechery and evil of these creatures? I would think with your long memories and more experience you would be able to remember these things better than I, not but a child in your eyes.” And so he continued. Talinath had been a peace loving healer until that night, watching those he loved be killed right before his eyes, having to work all night to heal who he could had pushed him beyond a limit he didn’t even know he had. He now demanded action, and fought for it with a lack of emotional control that surprised even himself. As the arguing grew on, Talinath began to gain support, especially after his initial bloodlust had faded and he began to renew his elven healer’s calm. He began to debate just as he would in the halls of healing if someone said something he disagreed with. Soon it was decided that yes something needed to be done, but war was not it.
“Scout and rescue you will.” One o the elders said as the plans were outlined to Talinath after he was dismissed from the council chamber so they cold discuss the options without him there. “You will lead this party.” They continued. Talinath looked surprised.
“But surely there is someone more qualified? A soldier of old who would lead be better suited to this task. I am not evenof the rangers or the defense forces we still have I place. I am no scout. I am a healer, a cleric of our god Corellon.” He stammered.
“Who better to lead an expedition to save our holy healing leaders than on of the god’s feywardens. You have been trained in many things, this council has faith you can do this.” They responded. “You convinced us to take action, therefore you seem passionate about action. We will not order someone to go on this mission for we truthfully believe that no good will come of it.”
Talinath walked from the council chambers in the central hall fuming, he was appointed leader because they viewed him as expendable, is what it really came down to. They wouldn’t send anyone more experienced because if such attacks continued they wanted all their experienced people here to defend the elves still living. It was almost like they were writing off the three elders. ‘At least they will allow the mission’ he thought as he walked towards the Tavern where all those interested in going were told to meet him. The council had given a good speech he supposed. After he had been given his orders they had taken him with them to give a public address, letting the public know something was being done. ‘They didn’t need to make it sound so much like a suicide mission though’ Talinath thought. Yes it wouldn’t be easy, but was that any way to get volunteers?

Talinath went into the back of the Tavern and sat down at one end of a long circular booth and waited, waited to see who would come and join him.

background

Eldath was a land of primarily elves, situated at the far north of the elven lands. Eldath is close to the north and eastern boarders of the elven lands. To the east lies the human lands, and to the north is the so called no mans land. A rather inhospitible area with no elves or humans lived in, which was home to various goblin and orc tribes. Beyond this northern badlands as they are also called, lies the dwarven kingdom of Globhard. This northern mountain range also houses the frost giants, who are historically enemies of the dwarves. However for many years there has been a relative peace between the major kingdoms, elf, human, dwarf, and frost giant. As well as between the orc kingdom, which sits between the human and frost giant lands, partially in the badlands, and the elves. Of course the orc tribes and the goblin tribes never stopped fighting among each other, but rarely did one single tribe amass enough strength to seriously disturb the peace, until now that is.

The elves of Eldath are primarily healers or woodsmen. Some too are farmers as well. It is no longer a fortified fortress against the ravages of the badlands, and its fortress sits mostly abandoned, the elves preferring to make their homes in the trees rather than in the stone battlements, when there seemed no chance of an iminant outbreak of war.

The attack had shaken Nym, she had felt safe here, for once. The elves hadn't let her talk to their leaders yet, but she was working on it. And then the things came. Everyone was scared, there was talk of another war. Elves who had been perfectly friendly to her last week were casting sidelong glares her way and growing quiet when she came to serve them in the tavern.

It was exhausting and it was getting harder to control herself. She spotted Talinath and gave a little smile, testing the waters before heading to his table with a pint. She slid the glass in front of him.

"I hear you're the big hero, off to save us all? Just you, or do you think you'll need any help?"

The gentle blonde healer looked up and smiled weakly at Nym, strange in his eyes she was, but he liked her, "Yes the elders are sending me on the mission, me a healer be a leader?" he scoughed, "And yes I'm hoping to get companions, why are you interested?" he asked sipping the honey mead she had slid his way knowing he enjoyed the stuff, thicker than most elven brews it was said to originate with the dwarves, although not their traditional dwarven stout, but just a drink they often enjoyed. Of course the elves made mead, but to Talinath's taste not as good as the dwarves.

She sat down across from him and took a sip of his mead, grinning at his expression. "I'm sure you'll do fine, if you have someone to keep an eye on you. Have you ever traveled before? I could help with that. And... well..." she glanced around, indicating the growing xenophobia of the others in the tavern, "I think maybe its time for me to move on."

She borrowed another sip of mead, thinking quietly, her usual brash demeanor slipping slightly. "Your elders. I was going to ask them to help figure out what's wrong with me. You're going to find them? If I came along... do you think I could talk to them?" Almost to herself she added, "They would probably be willing to help if I helped rescue them or something."

She looked up quickly, blushing as she realized she had talked a bit too much. She pushed the mead back in front of him with a smile. "I'll go get my things."

"No, stay." he said resting a hand on hers, "I don't know who else wil join, and I want you here, call it moral support if you must." he said his blue eyes compelling her to sit. "I believe the elders could help you yes. Is there anything I can help you with?" he asked raising one finely arched eyebrow. She had talked so fast that he didn't have time to address everything she said, "Yes I will need someone who has traveled at my side. I have traveled the length and bredth of this forest, but we will not be among my beloved trees." he said softly musingly.

She paused at the touch and obediently slid back into her seat. She dropped her eyes at his question, biting her lip a little.

"Um... thanks for the offer... its... its kind of personal. Its just a thing, I can figure it out on my own." she didn't sound terribly sure, but she nodded, closing the topic.

She smiled, "Yes, we will probably have to leave your trees. Sorry."

he smiled gently, "No appologies are necessary." he said, "I can live without the trees, although my knowledge of local herbs will be greatly reduced." he shrugged taking another sip of the Mead. He made no further questions of her condition, if she did not wish to discuss it, he wouldn't push. "We haven't talked in a while, tell me of you, have you enjoyed your time among my people?" he asked smiling. He had known of Nym for years, and had even treated her alements and such on occasion. He blushed remembering the very first time she had tried to bargon for his services. He had blushed and told her that they were free, that she owed him nothing, especially not... well. His eyes swept over her making sure she was alright.

"We haven't talked in a while, tell me of you, have you enjoyed your time among my people?"

Nym brought one foot up to the seat of the chair, resting her cheek on her bent knee. "I'm alright. Managed to stay mostly out of trouble. The tavern work pays decently enough and you people are usually a bit more tolerant..." she noticed his eyes sweep over her and remembered his sweet blush at her offer of barter. They'd never really talked about how she made her money after that, though she didn't know if he would approve less of the stealing or the selling.

But he hadn't been out in the world, really. And it was very safe here, until recently. She frowned a little in worry. Sweet people like Talinath were really just setting themselves up to be hurt.

"I've been fine, really." she finished softly.

He nodded, "I believe you, you look less ragged than the last time I saw you, let alone the first time we met." he said smiling, "You seem to have filled out into that woman's figure even more. Good food? or just time?" he said sipping his Mead before he slid it towards her again, wordlessly offering her a drink. "My people try to be tollerant that's true, when they're not busy being bigots or zenophobic." he said sounding a bit more bitter than he usually did. "You have kept up with regular..."Exams?" he said raising an eyebrow, stressing the word so she would get what he meant. He blushed at asking but the healer in him wanted to make sure she was alright. He had suspected she had been brutalized at some point in her life, but whether it had been volontary or non-complient...force, he had never asked wishing to respect her privacy. He hoped she would not be angry he asked after her intimate health.

The first thing he noticed as he rode into town was how beautiful it was. The second thing he noticed was the fear. Something happened, here, and it was recent. Flipping a coin to the young stable boy to take his horse, he resolved himself to ask around.

Young boy.

The irony was not lost to him. That little child was probably his age, if not older. Sometimes just envied an elf's longevity. Such moments were rare and quickly quelled, however, for it was behavior unbecoming of a Paladin.

His inquiries didn't take long as the people here could talk of little else: Orcs had raided the town at night and destroyed a century and a half of peace. There was also talk of one of Corellon Larethian's priests was gathering a party to scout out and discover what was behind the orcs' brutal assault. Getting the priest's name and his location, he set off for the tavern he could be found at.

Upon reaching the establishment he noticed a fair-haired elf in religious garb talking to a fiery-headed woman. Guessing that might be him, he took a chance and approached the two.

"Excuse me, kind sir. Would you happen to be Talinath?"

Talinath abruptly became aware of someone approaching their table, "We can speak later dear one." he said turning his gaze to the paladin, of Torm, or so he guessed judging by the holy symbol the man wore. although he could not be posative. His hand unconsciously went to the crescent moon of Corellon hanging around his own neck. Talinath wore simple woods garb, earthtoned tunic and pants. "Yes, I am Talinath, How might I be of assistance good sir?" Talinath said rising and inclining to the honorable warrior. Although there were no elven paladins, paladins garnered much respect in Eldath, and most elven lands, especially those of Torm, lord of duty.

She laughed as he commented on her figure. "I'm glad you like it. Just time, humans age differently, remember?"

You have kept up with regular..."Exams?" he said raising an eyebrow, stressing the word so she would get what he meant.

She just about choked on the mead. When she'd first come here he'd noticed the use her body had withstood, she'd felt bad at making him so upset. And with how she earned coin...well... he'd been careful to overcome his discomfort to pay attention to her health. It was sweet, and embarrassing for both of them.

She was saved from having to answer by a newcomer, another human face. She smiled and offered her chair while Talinth made his introductions, careful to keep her odd eyes low. The man looked like a warrior, stirring some less than wonderful old memories.

"I'll bring some more mead." She slipped away through the crowd to gather her small pack of personal effects and return with it, and three mugs of mead.

The fact that she wouldn't look at him bothered Gorin somewhat. Was she on the run from somebody? Was she ashamed? Did she do something wrong? Well it didn't matter as far as why he was here. His attention returned to the priest he was originally addressing - the reason he was here.

"I have heard about the orc attack that took place, here. I have also heard that you have been appointed to lead a small expidition. In the name of Torm, God of Duty, this humble paladin has come to offer his services to you. If you would have them, of course."

He pressed his hands together and solemnly bowed his head.

She just caught his name as she returned with fresh mead. A holy warrior, then. A mixed blessing indeed. She looked again at Talinath. She knew her own abilities, and while she could kill, and had, she wasn't a fighter. The little group could use one, and paladins were supposed to be quite good. If she could get over the nervousness that a big man in armor bred in her.

On the other hand, no god had ever helped her. More often than not, the supposed godly were the ones saying she had to leave, called her issue the touch of a demon.

She slid the fresh round onto the table with practiced grace.

"Do you have a name, chosen of Torm?" She came around the table, removing the apron she wore for serving work. "For instance, mine is Nym." She met his eye, letting him take in the bright purple of her own, the pupils growing ever more cat slit, losing the roundness of purely human's. Let him do what he wanted with that.

"Yes, Sit." Talinath told the paladin of Torm, "Sit and be welcome, Torm is an honorable god and I would welcome one of his followers to the mission. This is our other companion Nym, my guide of sorts," he said, "I have little experience with other races and lands other than my own, Nym has offered her services to make sure I don't make a fool of myself." he said smiling at the young woman sliding another chair beside him for her to sit in.

How very interesting, Gorin thought to himself as looked curiously into this strange woman's eyes. Most people would have been afraid at such a sight, but he was not normal. He was a paladin, and paladins feared no one.

Was she challenging him? If so, what had earned him such animosity? For the moment it didn't matter. He would have to find later. There was far more important business to attend to.

"My name is Gorin - Gorin Zachian. Nice to meet you, Nym." With that, he politely took his mead and sat down at the table and turned his attention to Talinath.

"So, I am wondering when we will be leaving and where we will be going. Any leads?"

"The traille hasn't totally gone cold, We will be going north, I have heard that there is an orc outpost not far from here no more than 3 days journey north, it is surmised that the elders might be taken there first. I would like to get a ranger to guide us, but I am not sure my people can spare one to asign me, I can only hope for a volunteer. A scout who has been up that way would be nice too, but it is rare for elf, or human to go up that way, save with heavily armed trading carivans to the dwarves as you well know I am sure." Talinath said dividing his attention between the Paladin and Nym, answering the Paladin's questions but being sure all knew he addressed the answers to both him and Nym.

She considered Gorin for the long moment their eyes met. He showed a moment of surprise and growing curiosity, but no disgust, no fear, no lust for conquest. She nodded slightly, satisfied and sat in the chair opposite the big paladin, listening for the moment.

Talinath described the next step in their journey, an outpost to the north. His judgment was sound, a ranger would be useful where they were going, and one with experience of the northern lands would be ideal.

"How long do we wait for your volunteer? Three days is not so far a journey, but if they have taken the elders further than that, we may want to get started sooner rather than later."

"I plan to leave in the morning." he said eyeing the lowering sun through a window, "There is no sense setting out tonight." he said, "There are things that I'll need to gather, herbs and the like." he said, "As well as needing to get more arrows from the fletcher, but he knows I am coming, so that shall not be difficult. I of course can make my own arrows, but it will just be easier to pick up some from the fletcher, and obviously faster as well. Does leaving in the morn sound good to the two of you?" he asked.

Nym nodded. "The morning it is. Gorin, do you have a place to stay? If not, I have a room here that I can offer. It is more comfortable than anything you will find northward, I assure you." She smiled at a private joke before tossing her hair back and focusing on provisions.

"Talinath, have your people been able to provide horses for us, or are we walking? I can pack some food from the kitchen..." she fell quiet, lost in her thoughts for a moment before returning to the present with a quick smile.

"Aye, we were offered horses, but it is my thought that that will make us too noticeable, we would probably do better on foot, what do you think?" he asked, "You can bunk with me, if you're offering your room to Gorin." Talinath Offered Nym, "I do have a guest bedroom of course." he said.

He just didn't understand women.

"Then again, what man can truly understand women?" Master Uvanov would tell him, jokingly.

Gorin broke from his momentary nostalgia. "Well, the reason we need horses is for speed. Whatever we find, we will need to be able to get back here as quickly as possible to inform the Elders. Returning on foot would be just too slow, even for one who intimately knows the land.

"As for tonight, I would gladly welcome any hospitality you have to offer." He took a small sip of his mead.

"We aren't going in force, I prefer speed. We may need it, obvious or no." she agreed softly. "If it becomes necessary we can always leave the horses somewhere and come back for them later. But we can't create them out of thin air if we need them." She turned her eyes to Talinath pleading with him without words.

She stretched slowly. "I'm fine here. I've some things I want to attend to, and I've slept by the fire before." She caught Talinath's worried look. "Really, I'm fine. Besides, we can meet here in the morning."

She looked to Gorin and sipped her own mead for a moment. "My room is upstairs, last door on the right." She slid him a key procured from...somewhere, it was warm with body heat.

She had a lot to do. That Talinath probably wouldn't approve of, but she needed a new winter cloak anyway.

Gorin was somewhat hesitant to take the key. It just didn't feel right making her sacrifice her comfort for his sake.

"Oh! Well if it means you sleeping on the floor, I can always make other arrangements. I don't intend on kicking you out of your room if it means discomfort for you."

No matter what people say, chivalry will never die as long as paladins live.