The Wanderer's Quest

[Dark Warrior]

The Wanderers' Quest

OOC: Alright, finally getting this underway. For anyone viewing this for the first time, please check out the OOC/Casting Call thread FIRST. By the way, I am accepting new characters.

IC: Zeslakk

Zeslakk let his eyes run over the tavern patrons from his dark corner of the common room. The normal amount of drunkards and would-be adventures. Nothing of interest here.
The folk this far east sure wore strange clothes. And their accents were so unfamiliar and thick, it made Zeslakk feel quite alien. But then again, where had he not?
His mind went back to his land - his homeland - and he remembered where he had been a part of the normal community. It all came back to him at once, the colourful ceremonies, the somber temples, the other priests...
But that was a world away, and he immediately put it out of his mind with a slug of his ale. He called the waitress over to refill it.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He walked slowly along the road, watchin the ground a few feet ahead of his as his bare feet moved across the ground. Suddenly, a pair of boot came into view. Slowly, his vison moved up a ragtag collection of mis-matched armor and weapons the the faces of four young men. They, in turn, were staring at the strange sight before them. He wore a simpre battered helmet, and a long coat, the arms had been rolled up past his elbows, and his chest was bare, as were his feet. Linden's pants were loose, cut raggedly at the ankles, and held tight around his middle by a thick belt. His battle axe was attached to his belt, and they could clearly see the hilt of the bastard sword across his back.

Two of them were nervous, looking at the scars covering his chest and arms. A few raked across his feet and face, and his ring finger for his left hand was missing. Of the other two, one was very confident looking, and the other was coldly eyeing his weapons. "Can I,...help....you boys?"

The confident one, obviously the leader of the group, poked his sword against Linden's chest, which only brought up one of his eyebrows. "Yeah, old man, you can hand over all your cash!"

Linden shrugged, and moved the right side of his coat to reveal a small bag. "I don't have much, but, if that's what you want..." He noticed the young man watching his weapons pull two daggers, nudging one of the other boys, who also drew arms. He smirked, and pulled the small bag of coins free, tossing it at the leader.

"No need to get all uppidy, boys. Why fight for barely enough to get a good meal and bed for the night?"

The first opened the bag, and frowned, tossing it bag at Linden's feet. "He's right, he don't have no money. C'mon, guys." With that, the four went off. Linden shrugged, and carefully collected his money before walking on with a yawn. He stretched his arms up and behind his head, spotting a tavern nearby.

"Maybe not enough for a bed and a meal, but I've got enough for a meal." He smiled, and headed towards the door.

 

[Zircon]

Altalus

Altalus grinned as he saw his reflection on the water.

‘Who are you?’ The reflection mused silently. No longer a man for sure, but no longer a monster either. Splashing the cool water to wash away the dirt and grime of the road, Altalus hoped to wash away his cares also. No such luck to be found here. Looking through the gaps in the willows, Altalus could see the town quit clearly. Lady Luck had deserted him recently it seemed, as he rummaged through his pockets to only a few copper coins. He needed to find a few rich merchants or some foolish hotheads to waylay so that he can eat regularly. Ever since he freed himself from the service of Posttur he had been living from meal to meal. Always hungry, but happy nevertheless.

Altalus was whistling as he reached the town. He pulled the cowl of his cloak forward, further hiding his eyes. He quickly spotted his destination, a tavern. Going through the door, Altalus was glad that there were not too many people yet, although a few that were there were obviously way past drunk. There was an empty table by the window, away from the central floor. Altalus took this table, and patiently waited for the barkeep to come over.

A serving wench strolled to the table and asked, ‘What are you having?’ She looked bored.

‘How much for some food and a tankard?’

‘Bread and cheese and ale, twelve coppers. The meat from the spit will cost you an extra three coppers. So hurry up, what will it be?’

‘Bread and cheese will do for now.’

When the food arrived, the serving girl was still bored-looking, slightly disgusted even, when she snatched the copper coins from the table. But, Altalus ignored that and settled down to enjoy this meal. Time enough to go searching for the next one.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Evaluating people was one of the things Zeslakk did best. His god granted him certain - powers - which would allow him to see something similar to what these eastern folk would call an "aura" - a resonance from a person's skin which could give away much of who they were, if only one could read the signs right.
Only two, of all the drunkards and would-be adventurers caught his attention. Only two, of all these fat, sinful, pathetic excuses for beings had a distinguishable aura.
Both auras showed the signs of wanderers, much like himself. Folk without a lot of reason to what they did - the kind of people who lived the day they were in, and that was all. Both sat alone, taking little if any notice in what was going on around them.
Yet, something else about those auras troubled him. A dark stain, almost like a kind of mark on them, unlike anything he had ever seen.
Had he seen one person with such a mark, it would have been interesting, to say the least. But two...?
His eyes seemed to burn down on the two adventurers, as Zeslakk attempted to interpret these signs.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He sat by himself, at a small table in the thick of things, watched the food he'd been served for a few moments, burning the image in his mind. So little money these days, so little real food. He bit into the bread, slowly chewing it before he swallowed, savoring the taste. He looked around quickly at the sound of squeaking, and finally looked under the table. A small brown rat, or mouse, he could never tell, was sniffing at his shoe. He sighed, and broke off a peice of cheese to toss down to the little rodent.

Collecting the rest of the cheese, he transferred it to his now empty moneybag, and continued to eat his bread. He looked around the tavern, eyes moving across the funriture, the guests, the food, oh the food! He sighed, and finished eating the last of his bread. He stared at the empty plate before him, wishing he'd had enough for a little more.

He stood up. Well, if wishes were horses,....

He wouldn't have to walk everywhere, that's for damn sure. He smiled to himself, and stretched. He left his last copper on the table for the serving wench, and started for the door again. Unfortunately, this time it didn't hold the promise of a warm meal. Well, it hadn't really been that warm, or that good, but,...you get what you pay for.

 

[Zircon]

Altalus

Altalus wiped the last traces of cheese from the corner of his mouth and leaned back to savor the absence of hunger pangs for a little while longer. He had thought of putting his feet up on the table, but that would draw attention to himself. Attention was not necessary nor welcomed at this moment.

So Altalus was content to just sit back and relaxed. While his body seemed relaxed, his eyes and mind were still sharp. He noticed that out of the crowd in the tavern, only two persons could be trouble or future friends. One was dressed as a monk, although he looked nothing like a monk. He was fast and alert, that much Altalus could tell. Definitely not one to be trifled with. The other tavern patron that bore notice was wearing a funny looking conical helmet. Altalus had never seen such armor before. Although funny looking, Althalus had no doubts of the armor’s effectiveness or the skills that the man possessed to wield those ugly weapons beside him.

Altalus kept one eye on the two strangers. The other was looking out of the window to see world going to each and every appointed place. There were a few merchants, but none yet have enough a heavy purse to bother. The houses in this quarter of town seemed old but well maintained, not affluent though. Altalus thought to himself that he need to find a rich and charitable merchant soon, so that this day would not be wasted.

Then Altalus saw the warrior leave. No doubt with the same intention as Altalus had. But Altalus continued to watch silently. Let opportunity walk by in slow, precise cadence.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

The wooden door moved easilly as he stepped outdoors. Moving a few feet to the side, his took his time, stretching and yawning. He was in no particulary hurry to get anywhere, and he doubted if there was anyplace waiting for him to come along. He glanced in each direction, and slowly started on his way again. His bare feet feeling the ground as he moved. He watched the ground a few feet ahead of himself as he started off again.

He wandered through the crowds, dodging feet and oncoming carts, letting his ears do most of the work, listening to the motions around himself. The idle chatter of regular people going about their lives. And he moved through it, a small smile on his face, not actually paying attention to anything.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Zeslakk watched the warrior leave with no objection. Sure, he had been interesting, but no doubt the things Zeslakk had seen were just errors on his part. His magic was probably getting a little rusty. Plus, the man hadn't seemed the sort of savioury company one ever liked to have... and Zeslakk barely every wanted any company at all.
Suddenly, there was a feeling, a pain, like a burning in his brain, which soon subsided to just a general presence. He knew the feeling; someone was trying to see into his brain, but as he tried to push the presence away, he could not. Never had he met anything with a power great enough that he could not reject its entry...
"Three? You mean, all they sent me is THREE?!?!?"
The voice was nowhere, yet everywhere, and Zeslakk knew it was the presence in his head that was speaking. He opened his mouth to say something, before realising the venture would be useless, and closed it again, wishing to hear what this strong presence would say.
"Ahem, I'm sorry. I would like to introduce myself: I am Lyskall, a lesser deity, much to my dissapointment. I really should be up with those others, you know, but... ahem. Anyway, I would like to get to the point, but this line may not be safe. I am speaking to three of you at once, and it's actually quite difficult, even for a god. I mean, you guys probably think we have unlimited powers and all that, but the truth is, that, well... ahem. That's not important. But what IS important is that you three come and meet me. You are all in the town of Nissen at the moment, I do believe... uhmmm... yes, yes you are. Well, then it should be easy. I'll be there in a jiffy! North of the town, there is a forest, and a path leading in. Follow the path, until you come to a little pond on your left. That is where I shall meet you. Now, there's not much time for anything else, so let me just say it is of the most dire importance than you come and see me. The fate of your world may be..."
The voice cut off there. Zeslakk's brow creased as he tried to discern what this was all about. A god? Well, now, this was getting stranger.
But, a priest never refuses the call of a god, even one that is not his patron deity, so he stood up.
As he did, he turned to see that the man he had been watching earlier had stood up at exactly the same time as him. Their eyes met for a moment, and he saw in those eyes the same confusion that was no doubt in his.
Lyskall had said there were 3...

 

[Zircon]

Altalus

‘Three? You mean, all they sent me is THREE?!?!?’

That particular voice that seem to be coming from outside, and yet resonating inside his mind, awoke Altalus immediately. The first thing that came into his mind was that Posttur was playing tricks. Nonetheless, Altalus could sense the subtle difference in that voice. He pushed the thought of Posttur back out of the way. He concentrated on locating the source and beating the living hell out that person for playing magic on him.

After that pretty little speech about the potential sad end of the world, Altalus began to chuckle at the preposterous nature of the Gods. He thought that some fool somewhere had wittingly or unwittingly unleashed some doom upon this earth. Hah! Now, these fools or the Gods themselves needed us, mere mortals, to be the ‘donkey’ and carry the ‘load’. Well, for one thing this ‘donkey’ works neither for free nor for measly carrots.

But the prospect of finding some answers to his dilemma was beginning to creep into Altalus’ mind. Even if this voice was the one belonging to Lyskall or to some other Deity, then there was ever the slightest possibility of hope. Hope and food had been scarce recently. If it was some form of a hoax, well now… Altalus cracked his knuckles in anticipation of a world of hurt to the hoaxer.

Altalus got up quickly after receiving the instructions on the place of the meeting where answers will be forthcoming. He was not surprised to see the monk rise too. From the expression on his face, he too had received ‘divine’ instructions. But it seemed that no one else in the tavern had heard the ‘Divinity’. Altalus gave a curt nod to the monk, and headed for the door.

Looking at the monk, Altalus grinned showing his white teeth and red mirth filled eyes, ‘I’m Altalus. Do you think that that was some kind of joke or hoax?’

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He reached up, grabbing the side of his head, as it started. His eyes began darting around, and his breath came faster. Dropping his hands, he began turning, looking everywhere around him, ready to rip into whatever came too close. Then, there was the voice. His hands clamped on both sides of his head, pressing in as he fell to his knees.

He waited for the voice to go away before getting to his feet, scowling. He turned in the direction the voice had told him to go in, and started running, dodging around people and carts as he moved. Only one thing on his mind. Seek, and destroy.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Zeslakk stared deep into Altalus' eyes. It was clear, by now, that he was one of the three, as they headed out of the door to the tavern.
"My name is Zeslakk. If that was a hoax, then I, I do believe, am a spotted troll. The source was too powerful for any mere trickster. This is more serious than I think you are taking it, friend."
Just as Altalus prepared to respond, they both heard a loud curse and turned to see a merchant face down on the ground, his products spilling around him. In just a moment, the identity of his attacker was clear: the warrior from earlier, sprinting directly past him and to the North. The first thing that came into Zeslakk's mind was the memory of that stain on the man's aura, and the message from the God was the next.
"The third... hurry!" Zeslakk yelled, immediately running as fast as he could in pursuit of the warrior.
"Too... fast... must... keep... up..." Zeslakk thought as he pushed his body's limits further. He hadn't even checked behind him to see if Altalus was following him.

 

[Zircon]

Altalus

Altalus had no problems following Zeslakk, and third stranger, all now running at towards out of town. The townsfolk were a little miffed when three strangers abruptly brushed them aside in their haste. Ever opportunistic, a pickpocket tried to grab Altalus’ money pouch amidst the confusion. The pouch was of course devoid of coins, but the pickpocket did get two fingers detached from his hand for his efforts. Altalus was laughing out loud as the bone-blade shirked back into his palm.

The town houses and pedestrians began to get spread out a little more until finally, we were confronted with the forest. The path was not too hard to find. Altalus slowed a little before venturing onto the path.

Turning to Zeslakk and the stranger, he asked, ‘Should we not be more cautious from here on out? I still believe that it is a magician playing some tricks…’

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

Ignoring the others, he continued to run, toes digging into the ground as he moved, passing around people and jumping objects. Slowly, the town bled into the countryside, and then there was forest. Ubruptly, Linden came to a halt, growling, with barely contained rage burning in his eyes, as he turned to look in each direction. Finally, he pulled free his sword, taking the hilt in both hands as he went to the spot where the voice had told him to go.

When he arrived, he stopped, breathing heavilly as he leaned against a tree, sliding down to a sitting position and grabbing both side of his head as he fought down the bloodlust that usually came only with his transformations. Slowly, he became himself again, panting with the exertion he had put his body through as he looked up, noticing two others.

"Oh. Hello. Nice day, isn't it?"

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Zeslakk came to a halt, slowly puffing as he looked the man up and down again.
"A nice day indeed. Judging by your haste, and your destination, I have confirmed my hypothesis. You are the third." Zeslakk gestured to Altalus, who was just a heartbeat behind him in arriving. "And we are the first and second."
As the other two stood silent, trying to work everything out, Zeslakk stepped forward, looking into the pond for a moment, before looking up towards the sky.
"Lyskall? Lyskall, can you hear me? We have arrived." Zeslakk spoke in a loud voice, hoping the God would hear him.
"Calm down, calm down, not so loud. I'm not deaf. I am a God, after all."
Zeslakk stared in shock at the water, from where the sound had come. A tiny light emerged from the pond, floating upwards until it was just in front of Zeslakk's nose, and then with an explosion of blinding light, the flickering globe of light turned into a little man, who quickly jumped backwards with a tidy backflip - from mid-air, of course - and somehow managed to halt in the air, quickly arranging himself into a cross-legged position.
As he looked the three men up and down, Zeslakk took his chance to look upon this "God". If he was not what he said he was, he was at least damn good at seeming magical - Zeslakk could not identify an aura around the little man.
He was about 3 foot in height, of a diminutive build, and he wore a baggy vest and pants, not to mention a bizzare cap. His arms were crossed across his tiny chest, and his brilliant green eyes seemed to stare through all three of the men. His tiny, rounded face sported a small, perfectly shaped goatee in the form of an upside down triangle.
He gave a chuckle. "So you are the three I felt earlier. Interesting. There is another who managed to avoid my earlier searchings though." the little man shot a look to the bushes by the side of the pond. "It would seem she is rather good at going un-noticed. But I didn't put any work into my first search, you see, I didn't even concentrate. But now I can feel it, a presence as strong as each of yours."
Zeslakk shot a look to the bushes, but his eyes still could not spot anything. The little man waved a hand, and suddenly a woman came flying out of the bushes, much to everyone's surprise, and she quickly descended and landed on the ground at Zeslakk's feet.
The priest went to one knee, his hand reaching out to help the woman up, as the little man chuckled again.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He slowly stood up, his head tilting at an odd angle as his hands clenched and unclenched at the hilt of his sword. Something deep within his brain was rising up, urging him to attack, but not asstrongly as before, now that the voice was no longer inside his head, but from an outside source. Now, he found the strength to fight against it instead of blindly rushing forward.

He clenched his teeth together, muscles jerking oddly as he felt the presence at the back of his mind pushing against him. He knew what it was, he had felt the feeling before. It was lycanthropy. He had met others, during his time of wanering, who had told him more. Although lycanthrope was more commonly used, he was a therianthrope, not being a werewolf. It was like something pushing him forward, urging him to kill. Slowly, he moved one of his hands from the sword's hilt, and reached to his back, applying pressure to an old scar.

Pain welled up in his brain, and he pushed forward, forcing the bloodlust down so he could sit once again, leaning against the tree. It was odd, feeling it being pulled out, like something was calling towards that cursed part of his being. He took a small peice of cheese from the pouch at his belt, and popped it into his mouth, sniffing slowly as his eyes darted uneasilly around the group.

In a calm voice, he spoke up. "That's very interesting and all, and I'm so glad you have more than the three you were whining over, but could you get to the point before I lose restraint of myself? Something about me doesn't like you, and the rest of me doesn't like the fact it's so interested in you."

 

[Dark Warrior]

Lyskall watched Linden with a smile playing at the edges of his mouth.
"Ahem. Patience is not one of your virtues, then, Linden? Oh yes, don't look shocked, I know your name, just like I know a lot more about you. Your therianthropy, for instance. But I will leave that for your new companions to discover."
The God sighed, shaking his head slowly as he looked over the four gathered before him.
"I still remember in the goldern years, when there were heroes - actual heroes, valiant and true, as strong as they were virtuous. There was a time when such heroes would clash on battlefields for the future of the world, where there would be great fights and even greater victories. And now, you are all that is left, of the heroic spirit of old. Yes, yes, I know what you're all thinking, 'I'm not a hero, I'm just trying to do this or I just want to achieve that'. Let me tell you now: you are heroes, each and every one of you. Heroes you are, and, like all heroes, you have a quest, but it is not my place to indulge you with those secrets, at least just yet. If you choose to take up the challenge, you will travel further north, to the Jhaalen Woods. That's where you will find your answers. And just to encourage you, I shall tell you what rests in the balance: if you do not take up the quest, the world will end, and all that stuff. Unpleasant, to say the least. If you take it up, but fail, the world will also end. If you take it up and succeed, well, who knows, maybe that little goal in each of your sad, pathetic lives will be achieved." Lyskall took a moment to chuckle. "Sad, pathetic lives. Hehehehehe. You always manage to make me laugh, old Lyskall."
The old man looked up into the eyes of the four wanderers before him. Two of them were already looking like they could throttle him, and who knows what was going on in the brains of the other two.
"Oh, don't worry, it was just a joke, relax. Anyway, I should be heading off soon, so here's your chance for question time. Take it or leave it, but make it quick." the little man said with a smile.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He settled himself down, breathing evenly as he looked at the others. His eyes scanning each of them, wondering what they'd have as their little goals. Then, he looked over at the God. And what a mighty sight it was to behold. He grinned to himself, enjoying the little pleasures of his own mind.

"As a matter of fact, I'd like to jump right in to question number one: what'll I get out of the deal? I mean, I'm not about to let the world go all to peices, but I'm not one of those people constantly reaching out towards that little goal that fuels their sad, pathetic lives. I just go where my feet take me and live as I'm able. Sure, the whole destruction of the world thing is a nice motivation, and I'm all for picking up the sword,....but what's my little token of esteem at the end? What to I get to pull out of my pocket and show all the little kiddies as they gather around to here the story of my life and say, 'Here, see, this is what I got for it, this was my reward!'?"

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia stood aside and veiwed the scene beforeher in disconcertment. These three men seemed to fit together in some way although they were all different.

"Give me one reson why we should do this, I am not a hero."

The God disregard her question as he raked his eyes over them.

"It is your destiny" he answered finally"

She stroked the hilt of my sword absent mindedly, pondering this answer. The one that was called Linden seemed ready to jump out of his skin at any given moment.

Talia wondered what would come of this. Her face remained emotionles but she was in turmoil.

"Linden, Zeslakk and Altalus, " she said aloud in a her soft voice. In a way they seemed to fit together.

"I will go" she said in an even voice. She was aware of the anger and mistrust brewing but this felt somehow.

She looked up to the writhing canopy above and then back to the God. She said a quick pray to Astarte for guidance.

Putting her lyre to her lips she played a quick tune. She hoped that it would have the desired effect.

 

[Zircon]

Altalus

‘…That's where you will find your answers… If you take it up and succeed, well, who knows, maybe that little goal in each of your sad, pathetic lives will be achieved…’

Altalus looked closely at his companions. The therianthropy of Linden was an eye opener for Altalus. He had never seen a lycanthrope, let alone a therianthrope. This could be interesting. Altalus felt the bloodlust rather than hatred. It seemed like he was not the only one with issues. The fourth person to get suckered in was beautiful to say the least, although a bit melancholy. Althalus silently wished her all the happiness in the world wherever and whenever she could find it. Altalus knew of the emptiness in his heart, and he fervently wished not for another person to suffer the same fate as he did.

Each were immersed in their own thoughts and tribulations just as he was after the tumultuous revelation of the little Godling. Bah! He was inclined to tell the Godling to save the cheap theatrics for the country fairs. Well, at least now, Altalus had accepted that the figure was a God, and not some magician’s trickery. What Altalus wanted to know was answers. It did not matter the questions, just the answers.

‘Look, you said that we’re heroes. I don’t know where you get your information but I’m no hero. Heroes are the ones that do foolish things and get themselves killed or martyred, take your pick. Me…I’m just cautious, and as you can very well see, I'm still standing and breathing in front of you. I need to know what we are dealing with, and most importantly, what is on the table besides the part where the world gets save. Mister Linden had put that quite succinctly.’

 

[Dark Warrior]

OOC: Um, one of us must be wrong, coz I thought a lyre was an instrument like a harp, in which case you wouldn't blow it with your mouth? I don't know.

IC: Lyskall smiled at all their questions.
"Gee, I thought you could all come up with more imaginative questions than those. Yes, you are all heroes, like it or not. At least, you have the potential to be. As for a reward... who knows? It may be riches beyond your wildest dreams. It might be godly powers, or you may even become gods yourselves. Or you might just get an early grave. The future is something even we gods cannot foresee. Of course, we've tried, but never really succeeded, you see there was this one god, his name was... ahem. Sorry to babble. I always do it. I don't know why, but ever since I was just a little baby god I just couldn't stop talking, I'm sure you all don't what I'm talking about, you all look kinda silent. But, that's beside the point. I have told you all I am allowed, and now the rest is up to you. Save the world or not, it's all your choice." The little man shrugged, before waving goodbye, and before anyone could object, he simply vanished without a trace.
The four people stood stunned, watching the space where the little man had just been.
"Well... I guess he's gone." Zeslakk finally said, before turning to the others, waiting to see what their reactions would be.

 

[Silhouette]

Koyuki - Runaway Slave

The runaway slave darted through the ancient forest before blindly flinging herself headlong through the under bush. Tears welled up in her silver eyes as thorns and branches tore at her painfully. The Searchers were getting closer. They had found her trail finally. She wished she had taken the time to cover her tracks even better but it was now too late for regrets.

Koyuki came to a halt at the top of the hill she had been climbing. She could see the vast forest all around her. The young woman frowned. Her options were few. There was really no other choice except to head north and into the Jhaalen Woods where the forest grew thicker and wilder, but where her chances of throwing the Searchers off her trail again were best.

However that part of the forest was rumored to hold strange and dangerous beasts. Koyuki shook her head and grasped her staff tighter. She would rather chose death by wild animals or monsters than risk being caught and sent back to him. Brushing aside her tears, she headed down the hill with renewed determination. If she hurried she would reach the edge of Jhaalen Woods before nightfall.

The sun began to set as the Mejiro headed North, never realizing that her luck was about to run out.

 

[Zircon]

Altalus

Altalus looked at Zeslakk, Linden and the woman in turn.

‘Zeslakk or Linden, I hope that either one of you knows the way to Jhaalen Woods. Although Lyskall said it was in the north, but I’ve not heard of it. So I don’t know the way. I do know however, how to steal horses and supplies. If you would be so kindly to wait here by the lake, I’ll go get some of both.’

In his mind, Altalus was already turning over a scheme not only to get some horses and supplies, but also hopefully to meet up with some charitable rich merchants.

Turning to the woman last, Altalus grinned while he offered his hand in friendship, ‘I’m Altalus, formerly a thief and vagabond, now a Warrior for God, or Gods and Goddesses. We can talk later if you wish.’

Without a further look back, Altalus looped back to the town. The sun was well past it zenith and the shadows were growing longer. Altalus knew that he had not much time, at least not enough to wait for darkness to fully envelop the land. Altalus knew that delivering the horses and supplies rested with the chance meeting of a merchant.

So instead of going back to the tavern he was in earlier, Altalus followed a well-laden cart going in the opposite side of town. Throwing his cowl over his head when he spotted a merchant with gold bangles entering a store. Altalus followed, not sure of what he will do until he was inside with that merchant.

The room was dim, and had a musky smell. The merchant was sitting by a desk in the far corner. Altalus made a look of the merchandise, while weaving with his hands an intricate spell, the only spell that he knew. Silently releasing it, Altalus stood back and waited for the opportunity.

‘Argh…Stay away…’

The merchant was furiously flinging his arms around at the imaginary ghosts. The late afternoon sun did not penetrate the room too deeply, which made the effect more pronounced.

‘Help…’

Altalus made a show of running out of the door when the merchant spotted him. ‘Please help…’ And the ghosts were getting nearer.

With a great act of showing fear in his voice, Altalus replied, ‘What? I can’t help you. I’m just a mendicant monk,’ while trying to dislodge the merchant who was now furiously hanging onto his arm.

‘A monk you say…well do you have any blessed scripts with you?’ the pleading eyes of the merchant now growing evermore desperate. His shouts had scared away a few potential customers.

‘I may have some in my pouch. But I’m only a poor monk.’

‘I’ll pay a tithe to your temple and to you if you could scare away the evil spirits.’

‘How much?’ Suddenly the ghosts screamed a bloodcurdling wail.

‘Fifty pieces of gold…’the merchant rushing to get his words out.

‘The evil spirits are strong, and I’m only a monk. Surely, if I succeed, it would be worth more than 50…’ Another wail interrupted Altalus’ speech.

‘Alright. Alright. 75 pieces and no more.’

Altalus took some of the yellow blessed scripts out and burned them without using any fire in front of the merchant’s eyes. He scattered the ashes into the four corners of the room, while chanting some mantras. The merchant’s eyes bulged even further as the wailing got louder, and then suddenly died, as the ashes finally rested on the floor.

The merchant silently handed Altalus the money while muttering about the corruptness of the temples and monks these days. Altalus turned the corner quickly as the merchant heard another wail and promptly left the shop unattended. Chuckling softly, Altalus made his way to the horse trader’s stall. There he bought six horses, not the best but sufficient. Then he made his way back to the unfortunate merchant’s shop and helped himself freely to the supplies. The dried beef, beans, oats, blankets and supplies weighed down the pack horses.

The moon now up, lighting Altalus’ way back to the pond.

Seeing no one, he shouted, ‘Its me Altalus. I’m coming in with the horses and supplies. I managed to acquire 50 pieces of gold, but the supplies are not luxurious by any means. Helloooo…’

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Zeslakk was rudely broken out of his meditation by the return of Altalus. As the man entered the clearing, six horses on leads behind him, the priest leapt down from his tree branch, landing gracefully and silently on the ground before Altalus.
"Good work, Altalus. I trust it wasn't too much trouble for one such as you?" Zeslakk asked as the others now came out of their places as well. The three of them had barely spoken a word since Altalus' leaving; they obviously had much on their minds.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

As Atalus left, he'd carefully put his sword back, and checked the moon, before turning to his companions and setting a hand out flat in the air before tilting it back and forth for a moent with a 'maybe' motion. Then he jumped up, grabbing a branch of his tree, and pulled himself up, and out of sight. Several small rats squeaked around the base of said tree.

After the sun sank, he felt fur slowly creeping along his body. As Zeslakk spoke, he knocked his helmet to the ground, his body changing. His face elongated, his head changing to resemble a rat's, his torso following suit as his arms and legs remained mostly human, but changed to more rodent-like features. A long, hairless tail sprout, sliding between some overlapping cloth on the back of his pants, designed to save himself from having to buy a new pair each month.

His bloodlust, weak after the earlier battle, but up little fight as Linden wrestled it. Even then, he barely beat it down, taking control of his mind for a rare moment. His eyes glowed dully in the darkness as he hopped to the ground, snatching up his helmet and dumping a fat rat out onto the ground.

"I happen to know the way to Jhaalen Woods. I've been their before, once, as I searched for an answer for, well, this. And no need to be on your toes, it seems I'm in control tongight, but the moon is yet a few days from full, so you'll have quite a handful upon yourself when I cannot control myself. As for horses, I cannot ride in this condition, neither of us likes it. But I can take point."

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Zeslakk nodded to Linden, but he didn't take his eyes off the wererat.
"Then it is settled. We shall head north." Zeslakk said simply, before swinging up onto the nearest horse. It threatened to throw him off, but he settled it with some kind words and a gentle touch.
"There is no time to waste." he said, and immediately kicked the horse into a brisk walk.