Dragons and Magic II: The Hunt for DreamWeaver

[Mantra]

Greetings one and all,

I am currently the 'official' Story Teller and be you reader or adventurer, welcome to our tale. If you are looking to join, I’d like to direct you to our OOC thread located here:
Link
As this is also a continuation from the original story started by the lovely Lady Fairy, I offer you the opportunity to read the quest from the beginning, here:
Link

If you are considering joining our adventure, I'd like to set a few ground rules for the story:

-- First and foremost, HAVE FUN! It's why we're all here.

-- **Please direct any questions, comments and character suggestion to the OOC thread.**

-- A Time of Dragons and Magic is a storyline based loosely on the Dungeons & Dragons universe, but is not exclusive to any one ‘system’. The storyline is based on 1 part D&D, 2 parts free form role play and 1 part whatever I can dream up to entertain you. Likewise, while I am the story teller, this is our story. While I will guide everyone along a central plot, introduce scenarios, and act out those you encounter, I largely base what happens off of what you, the players post. I often find inspiration in what my co-writers create.

-- We have had a great many drive-by posters. I always hope that some of these posters might come back to us, but I doubt it. Still, if any character is abandoned, they become mine to do with as I see fit. As a word of warning, NPC's have a nasty tendency to die in order to advance the story plot.

-- I am a big believer in 'Action/Reaction'. By all means, do what you want, act and play as your character would, but if you're playing a wacky, meglo-maniac who loves to get drunk and beat up the townsfolk or feel that you can take on the orc army with nothing but a spoon, then don't be surprised if you find your character scheduled to be hanging from the gallows come dawn or dangling over a roasting fire as the main entree for supper. Yes, you can die in my games. If you act the fool and tempt Fate, then you may find that Fate is a mean bitch who has little problem turning you into worm-food.

-- I do not believe in 'No-Win scenarios', there is always a way out, an answer, a means to an end. I will challenge you, but I will not exterminate you. As a reminder, if you put yourself in a bad way, then the way out might be very painful...or lethal.

-- 'Splatable characters'; This is an old RP term I picked up once upon a time. A designated splatable character can be killed by anyone, by whatever means. Currently, splatable minions are the dwarves and commoners in Thorn's commune, the wolven, undead, ogres and the like. Currently only Rhys, Thorn, and her dragon kin cannot be killed without permission. Likewise, a played character is protected as well, but henchmen, hirelings and beasts are all fair game. If another protected minion comes about, I will post it in the OOC thread. As a side note, if you happen to encounter a particularly nasty enemy, (or hero) give the opponent a break, don’t just ‘kill it with one mighty blow’ without even mussing your own hair.

-- I am also a fan of 'secret stuff'. If anyone wants to have private messages or do something sneaky, then PM me with your questions, actions, etc. Who knows what might come about. Also that many of my stories have hidden plot lines and clues. Even if things seem irrelevant to one quest, it might have greater significance to another...or maybe I just tossed in some pretty fluff.

-- Good vs. Evil: I show no bias or favoritism. If the 'heroes' goof up hugely, then the bad guys just might win the day...Action/Reaction, remember. This is especially true if there are players on the 'bad guys' side.


The current players:

Idrial (Our leader)
age 24
race. Half/Elf.
class.. Hunter
hight 5ft, 4in
weight 110 lbs
Played by Little Sprite, a.k.a. Lady Fairy
Hair long blue black in color braided down her back, her eyes amber in color, an hour glass athletic like figure from using a sword and bow. Ears only slightly pointed, fair of face, breasts slightly larger than a handful, dressed in studded brown leather ranger armor.

Name: O'Bonn
Age: 537
Race: Elf
Played by Amen Ra
Description: standing well over six feet tall, O'Bonn is lithe and muscular. His amber eyes compliment his bronze-colored skin. O'Bonn keeps his straw-colored hair pulled back into a tail. He wears a blood-colored swordsman's shirt with the worn, deep brown leather pants of a fighter. He typically wears a shirt of darkened elven mail, with steel bracers on his arms. He wears the leather and steel boots of the High Elven Warrior. O'Bonn's weapons include a longbow, with which he is uncannily deadly, and a single-edged scimitar, which is a favored weapon of the High Elven Warriors. Like all Elves, O'Bonn is keenly tuned with nature, and uses magic to some degree.
O'Bonn is captain of the Royal Guard to his Majesty King M'Rhun of the High Elven Nation. He is their finest warrior, and as such, is often sent on quests with allies of the Nation.

Name: Garfield Thelonius Remmington the fourth (Gar)
Age: 32
Race: Werewolf
Profession: Priest
Gear: Heavily enchanted steel breastplate, greaves and vambrace. Heavy spiked mace "fear". Long hooded cloak
Played by Screech
Garfield is a bit of an aberration for a werewolf. Being one who can't switch between forms, but instead remains man-wolf is the most noticeable. Those who do not flee at first sight of him (often leaving their money pouches behind) soon find another aberration. He's a coward. A powerful coward, but still with quite a yellow streak. This doesn't stop him from wandering around and going after money wherever it is. The final thing most notice about Gar is that, if they manage to keep him around long enough is that he has quite an advanced spell repertoire that only just falls short of being able to raise the newly dead.
Of course, being a coward, he tends to use spells of healing on himself first...

Name: Ona
Age: Uncertain, mid to late twenties
Race: to all appearances human
Powers: Telekinesis, telepathy and pyrokenisis. Powers manifest uncontrolled when she is upset or when she tries to remember what happened to bring her to her current situation.
Description: tall and willowy but with well defined muscles apparently from years of physical labor. Long dark brown hair with subtle reddish undertones that glow softly when she is using her powers. Crystal blue eyes with a darker blue ring around the outer iris and flecks of silver sprinkled throughout.
Played by Draconia
Background: Unknown....she doesn't know where she comes from or what has happened to her. She found herself wandering the forest wearing torn and bloody clothing, her body bruised and aching although the blood on her clothes did not belong to her. Now she lives a hermits life, alone in the forest

Name: Valanthe Nailo
Age: 350
Race: Elvish
Sex: Female
Class: Ranger
Played by Screech

Name: Loord Voom
Race: Moon Elf (As far as you can tell)
Sex: Female (As far as you can tell)
Class: Ranger/Fighter
Alignment: Neutral
Age: 254
Played by Zanthurus
Background: No living relatives. All of my family were killed by a rogue mage and I'm looking for this mage to make my revenge! Before my father was killed, he told me that we were of royal blood. But, he was killed before he could who and what kingdom. Hopefully, someday, I will find out. But first, REVENGE!!

Name: Cormac Rua; Wolf-brother clan Bladesong, Favored of Danu
Age: 27
Race: human (Riada)
Appearance: about 6'3" 280, dark red hair. covered in blue warrior tattoos and honor scars. Wears a torc and tartan and no armor
Weapons: 6 foot glave (butt to point) with an 18 inch long blade, 3 foot sword, shield, various knives and two hand axes
Companions: his horse; Setanta, his spirit wolf; Eoghain, and the elder raven; Conchobar
Played by RenegadeIrishman
History: at 27, Cormac is considered an elder warrior among a warrior people. At age 14, riada are blooded, by undertaking a quest to kill their spirit animal, in the Elder forest. It was on this quest that Cormac met his wolf companion. Amazingly instead of having to kill his spirit wolf, when they met they saw too much a kindred spirit in each other and could not bring themselves to attack each other out of their brotherhood. On this blooding, they teamed up to kill an Orc Warband preparing to raid an outlying Riada village. Due to this action he earned the name Wolf-Brother. At age 18, he tamed Setanta, son of the Horse king, and Setanta became his mount. His taming of Setanta allowed him to attack the Goblin Boar Riders who threatened his village and defeat them in detail. That is when the goddess sent the Elder Raven Conchobar to him. His clan took this as an omen and called him "Favored of Danu." Conchobar acts an advisor and messenger for Cormac, and is not averse to getting his talons and beak dirty to protect his charge. He is famous among all Riada for the defense of Stonebridge against a large orc warband until reinforcements could arrive. He was exiled from his own Bladesong clan for killing one of his clansmen, although he only killed his clansman because his clansman raped Cormac's sister Sionann. Due to these circumstances, and his status as Favored of Danu he may return upon the completion of a mighty quest. He is a matchless rider, and a warrior who has never met his equal.

Name: Aranel Calanor
Race: Elf
Sex: Female
Class: Druid
Alignment: neutral good
Age: 125
Basic description: She's 5'8" with green eyes. She is lean and not very muscular because of time spent meditating and learning spells. She has black hair which is short enough that you can see her ears. Wears a dark blue robe which has a small metal jar tied to her belt. She has a fluidity to her movements which paired with her robe makes her look like she floats.
Played by Ithica
Background: She has been sent from her temple to find Thorn.

Name: Borgus - First war chief of the Thorian tribe
Race Taurian (Minotaur)
Sex: Male
Height - 7" tall
Class: Berserker
Alignment - Good
Age: Unknown
Brown fur covers his head - navel down is human.
3" long horns curve menacingly from the head.
Played by Optimas
Background/description: Borgus Has fought long and hard to become first war chief in his tribe. A scar cuts deep down his right side of his face his right eye is a white color. He is fiercely loyal to people he befriends and a much hated enemy. He cannot talk 100% in the tongue of man it is very guttural and harsh on the ear. He wields a giant war hammer, that was handed to him by the tribe elder, `moon shank`.
Moon Shank, with a prophecy stone is troubled by the shift in the balance. He is unsure as to what approaches, but he knows his gifted warrior kinsman Borgus must make his destiny. With a few farewells Borgus leaves, he gets to the valley top and looks back to his wife and calfling in the wooden huts, he turns feeling sadness mixed with a tinge of excitement, Borgus loves battle and he can taste it in the air. He tightens the hammer to his back, and puts distance between himself and his tribe.

Name: Jin
Age: 17
Class: Warrior/Nun
Race: Human
Height: 5'7"
Hair and eyes: Brown and Brown
Weapon: The Four Winds Crippling Hand, a martial art that focuses on agility, stealth, and disabling but not killing your opponent before you are harmed. She puts the force of her ki [spirit energy] in every movement. This gives her the ability of great feats of strength and speed. However, in crises of self-confidence and faith, she is crippled.
Appearance: tall and slender, with a young, impish, and unscarred face. She would look like any farm girl but for her dress: the simple orange and brown training choli and pants from the temple, and the sacred sutras tattooed down her spine and arms.
Played by WideEyedShock
Story: Jin was raised in a cloistered temple in distant and peaceful land. She was happy and content, but the evening before she took her final vows this was shattered: She overheard her elders speaking, and learned she was not an orphan as she thought, but forcibly taken from her mother in the barbaric west. Heartbroken and betrayed, she left to find the family she was taken from. Shocked by the poverty and chaos in the land of her birth, this has only heightened her determination to find her mother and give her a peaceful home in the land where she was raised.

Featuring; Mantra as everyone else and the StoryTeller.


A brief summary:

Our heroine, Idrial, has rescued a young boy named Rhys, whose village was completely and most brutally savaged. With Rhys being the only survivor, Idrial has taken on the role of protector for him. Meanwhile, her path has been crossed by O'Bonn, the elvish warrior, who, sensing evil afoot, has proposed that they take the boy to see the enigmatic and mysterious dragon Matriarch, Thorn in her mountainous Lair. Others are drawn to the group, some for fun, some for duty, some for gold but all are bound together in fate. Armed with the wisdom and the aid of Thorn and her dragon-kin, their group is only now becoming aware of the need to discover the truth behind the Prophesy revealed and the effects of the Blood Feud between Dragons and Demons...and the group is still unsure about themselves.

Time is limited however, and the group has set out on their quest. Outside of the mountain commune, lie the wolven, ogre and undead minions of the ever elusive enemy, whoever this enemy may truely be. Worse still, lies the greatest servant of the enemy and the very source of Idrial’s quest...The dracolich, DreamWeaver.

And this is only the beginning...

 

[Mantra]

Loord's Entry Post..Reprinted for simplicity

Loord looked back but saw noting save for the trees. More importantly, she strained her hearing to the maximum of her ability but the forest was silent. That was both good...and bad. Good in that she thought that she had outrun her pursuers, but bad in that the forest was still unaturally silent.

It had only been about a week past when her family and their traviling caravan had been attacked. They had passed through several outlying habitats, farms and lumbercamps which had all been abandoned. Human, elvish, even an orc encampment had all met whatever fate befell them all. Her farher's curiosity had been sated however when they too discovered what troubled the forests.

Undead. Swarms of them.

Her family and their servants had accounted themselves well, but against an unliving, unfeeling, uncaring horde, they were overwhelmed. In the end, her father had pulled her aside and in a rush, opened a lockbox he had hidden in his wagon.

"Take these." he had said, thrusting two items into her hands. "One is your birthright, Loord. We are nobles by right, even though we have no home. The other you must take and guard. Guard with all your being, for it is both our duty to protect it and the reason for all our loss. It must never, Never, fall into the hands of villans. Go now, run! Flee!"

Her father and three others had made an attempt of escape, an attempt to cut their way through the enemy, but they only succeeded in opening a brief path for Loord to travel through before they too were overcome.

Loord did as she had been told. She ran.

And had yet to stop.

 

[Mantra]

Cormac's Entry Post

Banished!

Cormac's punishment was considered a blessing, a chance to redeem himself, but to have his family, friends and clan turn their backs to him as he rode out of camp had wounded him as surely as a blade. Word of his exile had traveled even faster than Seranta had, if that was even possible. Every village and hamlet he passed, his clansmen had all turned their backs and refused to even acknowledge his existance. It hadn't stopped until he was past the boundries of his clan.

Now he had to 'complete a great task'. Not as easy as it sounded, especially given his already notable stature. He was currently riding towards the mountains. There were always orcs and other monsters harassing the wilderness folks, not that bashing a few orcs would really matter, but supposably, in the depths of the Red Mountains, legends said that a great devil-beast ruled over the orcs and other monsters of the hills. This devil vomited out hideous creatures to worship it and lured more and more orcs and other monsters to it. That was why no matter how many times the Riada slaughtered the creatures, there were always more next season.

If Cormac could destroy the devil and claim the Red Mountains for the Bladesong Clan, then surely he would be welcomed back as a legend, maybe even as a chieftan.

He spurred his horse forward with greater speed, his head swimming with the thought of glorious battle and treasures.

 

[Dracona]

Ona swayed slightly on the back of her mount, a sweet tempered Bay mare that Ona had taken to right away. Bardo followed freely along behind but there was no need to keep a lead rope on him, where was he going to go? As they rode along Ona absently touched the pouch that hung from her belt and felt the lumps inside, the crystals that had been presented to her when they left the Dragon’s keep. Her thoughts kept returning to them as they traveled, she wanted to see what they could do. The problem was she didn’t know what effect they would have on her. Phalanx had said they would help her focus, but they could also revive buried memories. Experience had told her that it was dangerous for her to remember her past. Not for her, but for the people and area around her. She’d never been able to control the damage she could do when her mind was resisting a memory.

The next time they stopped to rest the horses she would slip away for a bit and see what these crystals were capable of. She needed to find out if they were going to be of any help or use to her before they went much farther. If they could help her to control her talents and be of more use to the quest and her companions then she had to know.

Looking ahead she watched the others thoughtfully. They rode in relative silence, any conversing done in tones so low they didn’t carry. They couldn’t be certain they were being stalked, but they could be certain they weren’t the only ones moving through these woods.

 

[Zanthurus]

Loord Voom's Entry Post

Now I know something is wrong. Because I never saw Loord Voom's enty post until now. Where was it origanally posted? I'm confused......lol

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cormac Rua Wolfbrother had been riding all day. As he rode with Conchobar on his shoulder, Setanta beneath him, and Eoghain by his side, he went over the events leading to his banishment. If only he had not lost his temper and instead called that son of a she-orc Cernach to duel properly, in front of the whole village, under the eyes of the Archdruid, he would not have been banished. Still, a mighty quest leads to great glory, and even if he fails he will die the warriors death, so it could be worse. Night was falling, soon he would stop to make his camp.

 

[Screech]

Valanthe never did quite get used to riding horses. Back in her forest home, horses were left to roam free and wild. Saddling and riding were the works of civilisation, and civilisation never really sat that well with her.

Slipping from her mount, valanthe found her feet on solid ground once more. She much preferred it this way. The group were moving at a trot, and so she had to jog to keep up, but at least she felt more at home on the ground than on the back of a horse.

She dropped back a few paces until she was level with Ona. She looked distracted. "Hey wanderer. What's on your mind?"

 

[Mantra]

Aranel's Intro Post...

The forests were as old as they were expansive. They virtually teemed with all sorts of life and served many different masters and callings. That was the way of things and the way it was meant to be. For age upon age, the druidic circle had watched over the forests and the balance within. The druids were a peaceful lot, but had been known to be roused to action when times called for such things. Custodians of the land and masters of nature and elemental magic.

Cedwynn had been fasting for nearly a week and had sat, motionless within her circle for three days and nights now. She was druid of the First Circle and had monitored the way of things for many, many years now. It was she who first felt the stirring, the feelings that something was wrong with the world. So she had prepared for the Communion, the trance which would allow her to speak with the very spirit of the earth itself, and so she lay in trance for three days. She had only just returned from the spirit world and now sat next to a warm fire, sipping a cup of herbal tea.

“Such things I have seen.” she began. “There is a great darkness on the horizon. An evil so profound that the very earth trembles at it’s approach. Already great swaths of our forests have fallen silent and a sickness bubbles up in the marshes beyond.”

“Such things have happened before Elder.” said one of her companions. “Evil rises only to be met by good, and good rises to be matched by evil and always the balance remains.”

“Aye, so it does.” Cedwynn agreed. “But this is a foreign presence, a monster of many faces and no face. An evil so strong that it whips up all the petty evils about it and sends them before it in an orgy of villainy.”
“I concur with the Elder.” Spoke another of the attendants. “Already we have heard the dead walk to the South and the beasts in the hills to the East have become more aggressive. The Circle is too few to see all things but all can agree that the omens are dark and that the creatures of the woods are afraid. We must consult our allies on a plan of action.”
There were murmurs and nods all around and finally the Elder spoke again. “Edgar, bring me my pouch and I shall cast the bones.”

There was silence around the fire as Edgar brought the worn pouch to the Elder. She sighed, clutching the pouch to her breast and softly muttering a spell , poured the contents of the bag onto the dirt before her. For long, silent moments she studies the bones as they lay before finally speaking.

“Bring Aranel to me.”

 

[Ithica]

Aranel watched the early morning mist roll off of the water as she led her pony along the banks of the Uineeniel. He was small, black and grey, sturdy, and carrying the majority of their gear so she was careful where she led him. She listened to the reasuring sound of the water burbling past. She felt comforted being near the water and felt closer to the home that she had left. The water also led her to thinking of the series of events that sent her from the temple. She thought of the meeting with Cedwynn, and her resulting departure. The departure that put her back into a world she had left behind so long ago...

A century had almost passed since Aranel Calanor had last been outside the temple. A century was an entire lifetime for some of the races of this world. Because of that, there were rituals to perform to allow her to re-enter the world. Barefoot, Aranel walked through the temple. She could hear the water from the river and smell the smoke from the torches. When she turned a corner she was met by two of her sisters who offered her their blessings of encouragement. When they entered the inner circle Aranel’s sisters took their place with the rest of the temple inhabitants.

She loved the inner circle. It was a large open courtyard which made it perfect for moon salutation. Grass made up the floor and the sky was the ceiling. In the center was a large pool. The pool made up most of the drinking water for the temple which made it the center of the life here. The elf knelt beside the pool and felt her long hair fall around her. Aranel looked into the pool and saw herself and the elders reflected in it. She looked past the surface and into the depths to help center herself. Soon the chanting around her became a distant noise. After a few minutes Aranel held out her hands to Cedwynn and was given a ribbon. The elder gave her a smile of encouragement as she tied back her hair.

Aranel looked up at the elder and was handed a pair of cutting shears. She reached back to just above the ribbon and cut off her hair. She was shocked when she felt the weight come off. She had grown so accustom to it she didn’t notice how much it actually weighed. Two of the elders took the hair and placed it on the altar. Aranel could hear their chanting as they asked that she be welcomed into the world outside. Aranel looked back into the pool of water and tried not to cry over the loss of her hair.

She turned to Cedwynn and saw that she had tears in her eyes as well. The older elf smiled at her and said, “It was time.” She smiled weakly and moved so that she was sitting in front of the elder. When Aranel had settled, the old elf began cutting more of her hair until it was a few inches from her head. The trimmings were gathered and added onto the alter as a sacrifice for her safe journey. The elder placed her hands on either side of the younger elf’s head and gave her a kiss...

 

[WideEyedShock]

Jin: Warrior, Nun, and Walking Migraine

Jin plunked down on a rock in the middle of a vast forest. She was sunburned, dirty, and once again hungry. She'd never known before now that regular meals were such a blessing. This new land, always called the "Barbaric Western Land" in her home was a wake up call. And apparently the land of her birth.

"It's a lot bigger than I thought it was." She wanted to kick herself for thinking finding her mother was going to be as easy as walking up into a city, walking up to a local prostitute and saying "Do you think I might be your long lost daughter, stolen from you by nuns?"

Apparently not, since the first three she asked that of had just glared and walked away. The fourth had said, "Why, you lookin to get in the family business?" She tried looking for a resemblance but for the first time in her life, there were many who could have been her mother.

Jin groaned. This new place was filled with new creatures and strange peoples, called elves and orcs, druids and drow. Strange magics that made her doubt what she had been taught. Strange weapons that everyone seemed to draw at the the first words out of her mouth.

Jin looked up when she heard the jingle of harnesses and low, soft voices. She jumped up to greet them and ask for food but then froze. Almost everyone she met in this landhad either laughed, asked for something she couldn't give, or kill her.

As soon as she thought this she shook her head. She would not let her experiences with others keep her from others who may be kind to her. Stepping out into the path, she tried not freeze when weapons were drawn, a most common reflex it seemed.

She bowed low and respectfully. "I am but a simple nun. You have nothing to fear from me. I carry only the clothes on my back, and ask if you have any food to spare?"

20 minutes later, Jin was running as fast as she could through the woods away from the pile of bruised men she'd left behind. She was going to have to relearn everything she knew, it seemed. She stopped for breath and saw several streams of chimney smoke ahead. Another town. Did she dare take another chance? She straightened her shoulders. She was a sister of the Four Winds Temple. Doubt, as she had been taught, was the greatest weakness. She would never let it stop her.

 

[Mantra]

Aranel

Aranel and Cedwynn spoke for long hours as the Elder told the younger about what she had seen.

"We druids shall do what we can to slow this blight." she said. "But I believe that this is shall effect us all and beyond our woods. There is only one other I would consult with. Go to the Red Mountain, atop it lies a commune of many creatures. Once there, speak to their Matriarch and tell her all that has occurred. Seek her wisdom and tell her that once more, we stand with her."

She then reached into her pocket and withdrew her pouch containing her mystic bones. "Take these my child. May they serve you well in the times to come."

"Go now and be wary of the lands between us and the commune, for the land is wild and the creatures wilder."

 

[Mantra]

Jin's intro post

Jin had been wandering from town to town until the local constable had had her run out of town as a vagrant. Fortunately, she had stumbled onto a tidbit of lore before having to leave. High up in the peaks of the Red Mountain, there was rumored to be an oracle of great wisdom. There perhaps, she could learn what she needed to know...But the rumors also spoke of ferocious, demonic monsters and that no question could be asked without tribute and sacrifice.
Not promising, but there was nothing else.

And so Jin had begun walking, although it was many days journey. Already the towns gave way to villages and then to the wilderness. She was skirting a forest and towards the hills beyond where the mountain oracle theoretically lay. It looked to be an uneventful journey, as she only saw a few skittish animals or birds, fewer than she would have thought to see in fact, until...

A decrepit and ratty looking tent. It was not very big, only enough for a person or two, and opened down the center by two wobbly and gnarled sticks, each stapped ungainly into the ground. A wicker basket sat overturned with a crude wooden sign reading simply; Questions Answered

A woman, perhaps in her late twenties with wild, unkempt dark hair, sat on an overturned bucket. She simply sat and watched Jin approach, with dark eyes.

 

[Ithica]

The sun was starting to shine through the leaves and the fog started to dissipate. Aranel listened to the various birds chirping from the trees and heard a splash from the river. She turned and watched as a predatory bird came out of the water carrying its newly gained breakfast.

By early afternoon, she noticed that the water was rushing past faster and the bank was getting steep and rocky. She could feel the extra energy from the water and knew there was a waterfall coming soon.

Her attention was drawn back to Tulka when his hooves couldn't gain grip and the little pony stumbled a little. Aranel didn't like it but she knew that they would have to leave the river and strike out through the forest. The elf led the pony off the rocky bank and onto the soft forest floor. He snorted his approval and she turned back and offered him a pat on the nose. She adjusted his packs a little and then took the lead again.


It had been several hours since Tulka and Aranel entered the woods. Both of them were feeling uneasy. She knew that her unease had not so much to do with the distance of the river as the unnatural silence of the forest. When the silence had begun, she had started off by talking quietly to Tulka in elvish. Regretably that effort had calmed neither of them and just served to emphasized the silence. She felt the unease of the forest but she did not know what was wrong.

She had a small pack slung over her shoulder and she reached her hand inside. She moved her rations to the side and found a small pocket. She undid the strings and her hand found the two objects on the bottom. Holding them and feeling the edges offered some comfort. With her fingers she traced the outside of the ring. She felt the engravings and knew what they said "Fea mii kelva, quete mii lambe an kolindo". She let go of the ring and moved to the small pouch beside it. She felt the weight of it and moved around the tiny objects inside. Cedwynn had given them to her before she left...


Three days earlier Aranel was preparing to leave. She had her bathing robe wrapped around her and she walked down the temple steps into the water. She sat on the steps and with her hands she scooped the water over her newly cut hair. She dipped her hands into the river again and again, pouring the water over her arms and back. When she was finished, she stepped into the river and and started offering her prayers to the sinking moon. To the moon she held up the water with her hands. She chanted the words then turned back to the temple step.

She stood on the first step and held a small metal jar under water. Placing the jar beside her, she began to ring the water from her robe until she felt eyes on her. She looked up and saw a graceful figure standing on the top steps. Her long white hair rustled in the wind and Aranel went to meet her. "Cedwynn?" Aranel asked when she stood beside the older elf. "Is it time now?"

"Soon." Came the answer from Cedwynn. "Before you leave I have a gift for you. It will help you on your journey to the Dragons."

Aranel smiled and faced the elf that had become such an important a part of her life. Cedwynn looked back to the temple and nodded. An elder came forward, holding a sacred object. "This small gift may not directly help you but," Cedwynn said as the elder stood in front of the younger elf, "the time will come when you will know how to use this ring." Aranel held out her hands and took the ancient ring that was offered.

She looked a little confused about the ring but held the gift to her heart and thanked Cedwynn. "I will protect both the ring and the bones with my life, thank you, Cedwynn." The older elf smiled and bid her a safe journey before walking away...

Aranel let the small pouch fall back into the bottom of the bag. Tulka began to pull uneasily on his harness and she stopped. She tried to comfort the small pony until she heard a blood chilling scream...

 

[WideEyedShock]

Jin and the oracle

Jin swallowed her fear. This was the oracle she was sure. She went to her knees before the woman on the bucket and bowed low in reverence.

"Wise woman 'neath the Red Mountain. I have travelled far, and heard of your great knowledge..."

"Bah... save your pretty speeches girl. I'm surprised you have the energy, running from every sword between your grand temple and my ratty tent, Eatting naught but what the forest provides. Sit down, ask your question, and save your manners for someone who gives an elf's immortal ass." she spoke with a voice that sounded aged beyond her years. She lifted a long pipe to her lips and inhaled. Aaah, that explains the voice

Jin sat back, opened her mouth and closed it. She had one question; the location of her mother. But as she looked it to the wise womans eyes, which burned with mirth and secrets, she felt it was the wrong question.

Her shoulders sagged. There was another question she needed to ask. And oh, how it hurt to ask. "Why am I here? Why did I think I could do this? Am I the biggest fool under the moon and stars?"

"Technically that is three questions, but since there is only one answer to all three, I'll make an exception." She inhaled from her pipe again, and peered at Jin from hooded eyes. "You were told I have a price?"

"Yes, but..." Jin looked down at her shirt and pants, the only things she had.

"My price is nothing as simple as gold," The oracle smirked, "An errand for me would suffice. A dangerous one, but an errand nonetheless"

Jin bowed low. Whatever she sought, she could fetch. "Tell me what you would have me do."

"Eat some soup, and give me your clothes. Bathe while I'm wshing them. I can't send you to the Matriarch of the Red Mountain looking like a clod of dirt."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cormac waited in the tree as he saw the deer approach the spring to drink. Readying his two axes, he took careful aim. This one would not escape him. he inhaled deeply and as he exhaled he let his axes fly, one finding the base of the young stags neck, and the other the skull between the ears. as he threw, he leapt from the tree, his glaive in hand. The deer took a few stumbling steps before Cormac had drove his glaive through the deers side, knocking it over and pinning it to the ground. He quickly drew a knife and cut the beasts throat, giving thanks to Cernus, god of the hunt, for his meal. cleaning his weapons, he replaced them and slung the young deer over his shoulders and walked back to camp.

He returned to camp, seeing everything in order and Setanta grazing peacefully. He patted the horses neck as he passed and saw Eoghain keeping watch. Cormac dropped the carcass near the fire and took a seat on the ground next to it. As he sat, Conchobar landed on his shoulder. He proceeded to cut a large portion out off the deer and whistled Eoghain over. The wolf sauntered over and he handed him the raw meat. Eoghain took it and began eating it happily. Cormac petted him a moment before butchering his portion from the deer. He proceed to place his piece over the fire to cook, before completing the butchering.he stretched out the deer hide across a pair of close trees and pinned it up with edgeless knives. He ate his meal and set the rest of the meat on the fire to make jerky. After his meal, he enjoyed a pipe. Then he went to sleep. He could reach the Red Mountain tomorrow.

 

[Mantra]

Cormac

Cormac had only just entered the hill lands around the mountian. His eyes and ears strained for any sign of what might be around him. These hills were known to be treacherous, just from geography, but other things lived here as well. Orcs, goblins and worse, probably all slave-minions of the devils within the mountain.

Sure enough, he caught faint wisps of smoke in the distance, or the odd clink of metal or the whiff of a cookfire carried on the wind. The whole situation caused Cormac to grip his weapon tighter as the hairs on the back of his neck stood. His attention returned to the path directly ahead as Eoghain lowered his head, growling softly.

Ahead Cormac saw a bruitish figure standing on the path ahead. It was a large beast, nearly seven foot tall. It had a heavilly muscled body but a horned bull head sat atop it's shoulders. It wore an armored kilt, but also hefted a massive, twin bladed ax. Worse still, a second, similar brute stood not far behind the first.

'Hoomun." is said in rough common tongue. "You pay toll to go forward. This our path."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Setanta stopped and reared up, Cormac raising his glaive into a guard. Minotaurs he thought to himself. "I have no quarrel with you, brother minotaur, But I require passage, and even if I had coin to part with, I would not pay your toll." Setanta then reared again, and Cormac spun and twirled his glaive around as he began to pronounce a traditional challenge "I am Cormac Rua Wolfbrother clan Bladesong, son of Conall of the Flashing War-Blade. I am the hero of Stonebridge, Hewer of Orcs, Terror of Emain Macha, and Favored of thrice-blessed Danu. Stand aside or meet me in combat!" Conchobar cawed, Setanta neighed, and Eoghain howled as he finished.

 

[Ithica]

Silence filled the forest again but it was almost as bad as the scream. It had been so sudden and filled with rage that it made the silence that followed even more unnatural. She could feel Tulka's panic and was almost overwhelmed by it. The panic was sharp and made her feel so nauseous that she had to steady herself against the pony. She tried to comfort him and spoke in a low soothing voice. Aranel started to move away from where the scream had come from until the silence was broken by a chorus of terrifying screams.

The screams rang through the forest as if they would never stop. The horrific noise turned Tulka's panic into uncontrollable terror and he began to scream. The noise was horrible and Aranel had to force herself not to join him. She tried to settle Tulka but he reared up and knocked her over. She hit the ground and rolled away from the terrified animal. When she was a safe distance away, she looked up in time to see the pony race off alone into the forest.

She couldn't help but feel guilty about bringing the gentle little pony with her. But Aranel would have to worry about Tulka later and pray for his safety. With Tulka gone she was no longer being controlled by his horror and she could focus again. She listened to the screaming and noticed that those weren't the only sounds. Beneath the sound of the screams, she could hear the clang of metal hitting metal. Perhaps it was a battle.

Aranel closed her eyes and tried to shut out the sounds around her. When there was only the silence she thought back to the pool in the inner circle. She concentrated on the darkness in the depths of the water. When she felt she was centered she started to look for the Uineeniel. She could feel the energy of the water and opened her eyes. The sounds of the battle came rushing back and she started to run towards the river.

She ran as quietly as she could through the forest. There was less screaming now and she could hear something laugh which didn't comfort her at all. She thought that she heard a twig snap behind her and she began to run faster. She was sure that she was being followed when she heard another snap behind her then heavy running steps. Aranel grabbed a hold of the metal jar that was tied to her belt and unlatched the lid.

The thing chasing her got closer and gave a shout. Aranel glanced behind her and saw one large greenish gray creature that she recognized as an Orc. She began chanting and when the time was right, she spun around throwing the water from the jar in the direction of her pursuer. Not a drop of water hit the ground. Aranel threw her arms out in front of her and chanted louder. The water formed into a ball and hit the Orc with enough force that he was thrown against a tree. He dropped to the ground unconscious and she continued to run to the river.

Aranel was relieved when she could hear the Uineeniel and picked up speed again. She walked to the edge of the steep bank and saw the swift moving water below. She turned around to find out if any other Orcs were following her. She carefully looked through the trees until she was knocked backwards into the river by the force of an arrow.

The cold water kept her conscious and she let the river take her away. While trying to float on the surface she protected her shoulder from moving. She could see the Orc's arrow sticking from her shoulder but knew that it wasn't her biggest problem. She realized that the waterfall was nearby and she had to save her energy to survive it. She began to chant and, when she began to fall, she threw her good arm away from the water. A jet of water followed her hand and pushed her away from the churning water beneath the falls.

Aranel was relieved when she washed up against the river bank. She looked down and watched her blood flow out into the water. She knew that if she stayed in the water she would bleed to death. Aranel didn't have enough energy to use the water to push her out so she would have to physically move. Using her good arm she clawed her way up the bank. She only got half way out until she could no longer continue and lost consciousness.

 

[Dracona]

"Hey wanderer. What's on your mind?"


Valanthe's voice brought Ona out of her introspective thoughts. She glanced down to see the elven woman jogging along side her horse. Ona gave her a half smile, noticing that Valenthe didn't seem even a bit winded.

"I was contemplating an experiement actually." Her fingers unconsciously went to the small belt pouch again. "The crystals that were given to me, I need to see what they are capable of before we get into any kind of battle situation. I'm just not sure the best way to go about it. I am sure that I can cloak their glow, but I don't want to inadvertantly hurt anyone, or call unwanted attention to our location. Both of which could happen if these things trigger my memory and I can't control it. Things tend to....umm...get a little heated when that happens."

Ona glanced from her companion to the others riding ahead of them and shrugged one shoulder.

"Although with such powerful allies, who are more than capable of dealing with a little wayward magic, it might not be as serious as I imagine. I suppose that I have been too long alone." She focused once more on Valanthe and smiled fully. "And what of you, my friend? It must feel good to be out in the free air again despite the seriousness of our quest."

 

[Screech]

Valanthe nodded, listening to Ona's words as she jogged alongsidde her. It was true, there was alot of potential power in their group. O'Bonn she knew, and the high prince was certainly not lacing in strength of arm and spirit. The others, while still new to her, seemed to radiate power. Certainly they could handle just about anything.

"You know, I'm not too bad in the ol' magic stakes myself. Sure, not as powerful as some, but I have my moments" Valanthe grinned.

And what of you, my friend? It must feel good to be out in the free air again despite the seriousness of our quest."

Valanthe laughed with glee. "Yes! It feels sooo good to be back out in the open air! I just can't stand stuffy places. Supprised I didn't go insane in there! But then, I always knew I could sneak out if needed. The wilds are my home, and the greatest home I hve ever known"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Scouting..

Idrial had been about to turn back and rejoin the others when she heard screams ringing out ahead thru the forrest.. she listend quietly for a moment making sure of the direction the sounds were coming from, she thought that she might go back for the others but as close as the scream had sounded she wasnt sure she had time to go for them, and spurned her horse in that direction.

Idrial slowed her horse as she heard hoves and braking branches as a poney raced by..she slipped from her own mout and tethered it.. she knew she could track the poney later. For now she needed to find out what had happend to its rider. Making her way slowly forward her bow out and an arrow notched at the ready, she moved silently thru the trees keeping out of sight.

She heard the orc's laughter and clumsy breaking of branches and watched as they chaced a girl thru the trees tward the sound of running water there were at least two persuing her and the river not far off. She allowed them to pass her and begain following, watching for the right moment to strike. Thinking it strange she only noted the two Orc's as they ushually travled in larger groups.

Idrial was impressed as the girl turned and used magic to knock at least one of the orcs back against a tree. Idrial hadnt seen the Orc on the other side of the river raise its bow in time because the second one had stood in line of her sight until she dropped him with her own arrow.

Idrial watched as the girl fell into the water an arrow in her sholder. Idrial cursed as she quickly reloaded her bow and shot at the orc on the far side she cast a glance at the Orc against the tree he was still out for the count as she ran forward to dive in after the girl.

She knew she was being foolish, and should have made sure her arrow had hit its mark before diving in but she didnt know how fast the current was or how far gone the girl would be if she waited. Idrial surfaced and begain searching for the girl in the water, hoping that she would find her as well as be able to get them both to shore, and back to the rest of the group.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn

O'Bonn had ran his mount to the edge of the river where Idrial was now apparently floundering for the girl who had went under. He dismounted quickly, and stepping to the very edge of the stream, he raised his hands towards the swiftly flowing water.

"Na'r aquis'hij p'al'umm!" he shouted in his native language.

And the river stopped its flow. And Idrial found herself no longer struggling against the current, but able to tread water as if she were in a bathing pool.

The High Warrior had called upon the Fay to hold the water's course. He only hoped, in doing so, that he had not awakened a water fairy. He had no time for water fairies. The last he met insisted he marry her.

"Quickly, Idrial," he called to her as he pointed to the girl, who had now surfaced near, "the spell will last but an instant!"

 

[LittleSprite2]

The water stilling had only given Idrial a moments pause as she heard O'Bonn's words she grabbed for the gril and begain making her way tward where O'Bonn stood as quickly as she could with out injuring the girl more and hoping she made it before his spell wore off.

 

[Mantra]

Cormac

The lead minotaur snorted and tossed his head. Behind him, the second likewise stepped up with a similar battle ax.

"Bah!" the first one spat. "Stoopid hooman titles, mean nothing." You pay or you go!"

The lead minotaur answered Cormac's warcry with a bellow of his own and advanced, but did not rush in like a dumb brute. Instead he studied Cormac's battle form while closing the distance.

 

[Dracona]

From a distance Ona faintly heard O’Bonn’s raised voice and her head snapped up. Here eyes scanned the area but she couldn’t readily locate O’Bonn or Idrail.

“Trouble!” She called to Valanthe and set her heels to the flanks of her mount. She raced past Gar, catching the surprise on his face, and hurried on around the next bend in the trail. The trail split and led off in opposite directions and she paused, unsure which one to take.

O’Bonn’s voice sounded again, closer and off to the right, toward the river and she began to turn her mount in that direction. The sound of pounding hooves and crashing underbrush brought her attention back to the other fork in time to see a frantic pony gain the path from the shrubs and come hurtling downhill toward her. Even at this distance Ona could almost feel its terror. There was no way to connect with the pony’s emotions and calm it enough to bring it to a halt and she only had seconds to act.

She turned her mount sideways across the path and the pony reared, neighing in fright. It turned and ran along the other path heading toward the river, but its pace had slowed. Ona urged her mount after the pony, pulling slightly ahead when the river came into view. O’Bonn and Idrial’s horses both stood to one side and she could see O’Bonn himself standing at the water’s edge.

The pony had matched its pace to that of the larger horse and when Ona reigned her mount to a walk and then a stop beside the others the pony stopped too. It hung its head, sides heaving as it tried to catch its breath.

Ona dismounted and walked to stand behind and a little to one side of O’Bonn. She could see Idrial in the water with an injured girl, the water unusually still so close to the base of the waterfall. It must be O’Bonn’s doing. Her eyes closed as she let her awareness expand, searching the surrounding area for enemies. She detected two Orcs, dazed and confused even for Orcs, but beyond that there were no more nearby. That was odd. Part of a scouting party perhaps, but they couldn’t be allowed to alert others to their presence.

“Sleep…” she sent the thought into the Orc’s dim minds. “....you must sleep…”

Their consciousness slipped away into oblivion. There was no telling how long they would be out…days perhaps…Ona had sent them very deep. It would be long enough for their party to be long gone from here. She opened her eyes to see Idrial hauling the injured girl to the river’s bank and stepped forward.