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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Apr 17, 2007 11:46:59 GMT -5
Nightmares of fire and death swirl in Nichtmar’s mind, he awakens with a jump. Drenched in sweat he remembers he must see the travelers off. A water bowl sits on the table next to his bed, he splashes his face. Nichtmar grabs his sword and throws it over his shoulder. He runs out of the tavern seeing Zaron already standing there. Moments later Baethor, Taos, Storm and Lady Elestirne arrive and are readying themselves for travel.
He punches Baethor in the shoulder, “All that matters is getting that message to Oron, without his aid we cannot survive a full attack.”
Nichtmar hopes that the other messengers get to the neighboring realms soon.
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Apr 17, 2007 16:40:12 GMT -5
Storm finishes packing and walks his horse out of the stables. As he walks upon everyone else he sees Nichtmar and Zaron standing out infront of the inn. He walks up to both of them and puts a smile on. He then holds out his hand to Nichtmar. "I know we didn't get off to a good start before but i want to apologize just incase we not see each other again. Forgive and forget?"
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Baethor
High Council
Duk'Rik of the Bri'Ak Duraz.
That which does not kill me, has made a tactical error
Posts: 2,234
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Post by Baethor on Apr 18, 2007 15:56:12 GMT -5
Baethor hears the young knights words as he trots uneasily past him on his war-pony.
"Well we might not be seein YOU again lad, I plan on being around fer a very long time, Hehe!"
With a chuckle Baethor trotted up towards the gates to wait for everyone else.
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Taos
Grunt
Airstrikes for Everyone!
High Born, High Elf...Need I Say More
Posts: 358
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Post by Taos on Apr 18, 2007 22:40:34 GMT -5
Taos came out of the stables leading a roan, jumped up into the saddle, and trotted over to Storm.
"Remember, young knight, our grim humour is not without reason. Watch yourself, and do not underestimate what lives beyond these walls. Greater warriors than you or I have died from such hubris."
With that, he turned and rode off to the gate, and the waiting escort.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 19, 2007 14:30:48 GMT -5
Olore nodded his fine head with a snort at Taos's words. He speaks true my lady. None of us should underestimate what danger may lie beyond these walls and Oron's land. And I fear danger we will meet with-however careful we may be on the road,or skilled of warriors The stallion's voice held a bit of grimness and Elestirne nodded solemnly in agreement. The stallion shook out his long silver mane, and at no signal from Elestirne,trotted forward to join Taos and his roan at the head of the escort. Elestirne nodded slightly to the tall elf as Olore brought her alongside him. "I defer to your knowledge of these lands Taos. Which way do we go to Oron's from hither?"
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Apr 19, 2007 17:52:56 GMT -5
"Well i guess we must be off. Farewell Zaron, Nichtmar." And with that Storm mounted and rode up to everyone else. "Lets be off shall we? I am eager to get back onto the road"
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Apr 20, 2007 7:51:58 GMT -5
"Well I s'pose ya should be going, Safe journey, to you all!"
Nichtmar meets eyes with Taos and Baethor, conveying a message not needed be said with words. Suggesting be safe, be swift, all the hundreds of things they've each said to each other before going into battle or a mission. They already no the concern felt by Nichtmar, they've shared the same blood soaked dirt. Zaron, Beathor, Taos and Nichtmar give each other the final nod that ignites their will to do their duty.
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Taos
Grunt
Airstrikes for Everyone!
High Born, High Elf...Need I Say More
Posts: 358
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Post by Taos on Apr 20, 2007 9:18:41 GMT -5
Taos nods and glances around at the gathered riders. These nine other fighters would undoubtedly give any group of orcs pause before an attack, and that, along with speed, would have to be their defense. With a final moment of thought, he stands up in the saddle and addresses the little band of warriors.
"I see you've all come here, no doubt expecting a walk through the woods with a picnic at the end. While I could hardly have done worse than to be saddled with the lot of you, remember, as always, to not become separated by more than shouting distance, and to stay sharp and observant, and we'll all make it back within the week."
With that, he settles back in the saddle, nudges his steed, and rides out the gates, bearing to the southeast.
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Post by Zaron on Apr 20, 2007 10:56:22 GMT -5
Zaron watches as the riders are gathered for their mission, giving each a nod, knowing they will do their best to see Mittelmarch safe before watching them depart, hoping that they all remain safe and unharmed, and that aid will arrive in time.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 21, 2007 21:44:01 GMT -5
Elestirne looked over the gathered riders thoughtfully as well. Counting Baethor,they numbered nine and looked to be stout warriors all;well-used to battle. Altogether-after adding her,Taos and Storm-the total came to 12. A good number,neither too small,nor too large. Olore snorted;nodding his head in silent agreement. She watched the tall elf as Taos adressed the riders;noting his fluid control and ease of speech. He is a good choice to head the group. Zaron chose well. He is a natural leader. I am still not entirely comfortable with the idea of an escort to Oron's. Taos, Baethor and Storm would have sufficed for me, but perhaps it is best to have these other eight with as well,as extra eyes and ears-and swords if it comes to us meeting with danger along the journey. She nodded farewell to Zaron and Nichtmar as Olore nickered and shook out his long mane before following on the flank of Taos's mount as the elf rode out.
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Post by strays on May 2, 2007 17:13:13 GMT -5
After fletching a few more arrows, Strays figured that it must have been a few minutes since he looked at it. He thought, I should probably MEET this person, i mean it would be rude not to and this job might be within this town. Strays decided to meet this person and so he got together his things; sword, shield, bow and arrows, and his traveling cloak. And down the stairs he went.
He looked to the shadows where the note had said he should be and noticed a table half in light and half in shadow. He figured that must be the table so he went over and sat at the table in the light. And out from the shadows came a raspy and seemingly unwelcoming voice. "So you DID decide to show after all. What is your name?" Strays answered calmly, "My name is Strays and what is your's, also what and where is this job you said in your . . ." "SHhh do not speak of anything that i will or have given you. My name is not important to you and as for your questions. . . The job is nothing more than fletching and with your skill you could almost fletch for an entire ARMY. And where it is a place far from here near mountains and. . ." "I would prefer to stay in this town." The voice replied in a tone that gave hint he was worried, "My lord GN will not be in a good mood when he hears this. Please young Fletcher come with me and your new job." Strays replies in an unwavering tone, "I shall not leave this town for a job your answer is no." The voice outraged to hear this cried in disgust, "FOOL I OFFER THIS ONCE AND ONLY ONCE, AND YOU DENY ME, YOU SHALL REGRET IT!!!" And with that the figure cloaked to the feet and a hood covering the person's face ran swiftly out the tavern door and dissapeared.
On the way out to look for the man, Strays sees a small piece of parchment, that man must have dropped it on the way out. He picks it up and uncrumples it. Inside looks to be markings of a note. Strays tries to read it but fails miserably. Strays then thinks,Zaron might be able to translate this i'll go and talk to him. And with that Strays runs off in search of Zaron.
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Post by Zaron on May 3, 2007 6:43:02 GMT -5
Zaron goes back to his war room after seeing the messengers off lost in thoughts and worries. These are troubling times indeed.
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Post by strays on May 3, 2007 9:11:35 GMT -5
Strays catches a glimpse of Zaron entering his war room and calls out, "Zaron!"
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 3, 2007 23:58:11 GMT -5
Olore snorted as he and Elestirne trotted along with Taos and the others. It was going on three days since they had departed Mittelmarch on the way for Oron's and the journey thus far had been largely uneventful. The territory they were traviling through was strange and unfamiliar. Elestirne had been feeling increasingly uneasy since they had set out but in the three days they've been on the road she had seen nothing dangerous or suspicious. But there have been no signs of orcs,or others of the sort. Only strange quiet. It didn't feel right for what was supposed to be a dangerous journey...
Olore snorted again;tossing his head so that his long forelock was shaken out of his eyes. You would prefer being attacked to journeying unmolested my lady? I'd think you prefer a quiet journey with no brushes with danger-the better to get to Oron quickly-than a dangerous journey where the danger makes a point of confronting you as you expect it to do, rather than lurking in the shadows just out of sight.
Elestirne smiled a little to herself,but her grey eyes still flashed from side to side warily. True enough my friend...but it is too quiet. It doesn't feel right.
The stallion lifted his muzzle to scent the air. You are right lady....there is a wrongness to the air...in the wind. His sculpted ears swiveled to and fro. All is oddly quiet also,there should be more sound than this. But we are well-protected;accompanied by warriors. I am sure we could handle most dangers if any threatened.
Elestirne nodded slightly,stroking Olore's shining neck,but still felt uneasy. She and the silver stallion rode on the fringes of the group. Taos and his roan were a length or two ahead;the others spread out,about and behind them. "Taos!" Her clear voice carried easily. "Olore senses something. I think we should proceed with caution from here onward." The bells on Olore's bridle jingled softly as the magnificent silver stallion dipped his head in agreement;his ears swiveling warily to and fro to catch every sound as he continued trotting. Something is not right...
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Taos
Grunt
Airstrikes for Everyone!
High Born, High Elf...Need I Say More
Posts: 358
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Post by Taos on May 6, 2007 11:00:33 GMT -5
Taos slightly reined in his steed, glancing around into the dense underbrush of the forest. They had passed the last outlying freeholds 2 days before, and the forest had slowly become denser, further encroaching on the path with each step farther away from the semi-tamed lands of Mittelmarch.
A vague feeling of unease, a sensation he was not greatly accustomed to, had followed him ever since they left the gates of the town. He could feel it twisting in his mind, to the point where he would welcome an ambush, simply to put his mind at ease.
Brushing his thoughts aside, he laid on a hand on the grip of his longsword, and nudged his steed back into a trot.
"Be on your guard, for an unseen danger stalks us," he said, looking back at the group riding behind him. "When they come for us, we will have brief seconds to prepare ourselves. Our message is vastly more important than our lives, so Baethor, you will take three of the men and the Lady, and ride as though the Bonewyrm followed you, until you reach the Black Door. We will stay and buy you time for your escape. Be ready to ride at a moment's notice."
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Post by strays on May 8, 2007 9:03:07 GMT -5
"Zaron!" Strays cried again, "I need you to look at something!"
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 8, 2007 10:03:38 GMT -5
Olore snorted and drew up alongside Taos as Elestirne leaned from the saddle to have a quiet word with the other elf. "I think that the danger may be closer than thought,or sensed,Taos,"she murmured;her grey eyes scanning the area warily. "If so it may come to us from all sides and there would be slim chance of mine winning free to the Black Door you speak of. It may be better that we stay together and not separate. But if you feel that breaking the group in two would give Olore and I-and those you send with us-the better chance for slipping past whatever danger is threatening and enable us to get to Oron's,than it must be hoped for. But if not,I am determined to stand and fight with the rest of you." Olore dipped his head;nodding in agreement,even as his ears continued swiveling in all directions to catch every sound. Elestirne laid a hand on one of her swords cautiously.
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Baethor
High Council
Duk'Rik of the Bri'Ak Duraz.
That which does not kill me, has made a tactical error
Posts: 2,234
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Post by Baethor on May 8, 2007 15:47:23 GMT -5
Baethor chuckles and nods with the lady's suggestion. "No point in tryin te be a hero Taos, Heros are what get people killed. Ah say we stick together and pick up the pace a bit. If anything 'appens, we bolt."
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Taos
Grunt
Airstrikes for Everyone!
High Born, High Elf...Need I Say More
Posts: 358
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Post by Taos on May 8, 2007 22:07:56 GMT -5
"On the contrary, I have no intention of dying today or any other if I can help it," said Taos. "This far away from civilization, any ambush is going to have overwhelming numbers. By splitting up, both groups deny the attacking force the ability to bring it's full numbers to bear, and hopefully, it will also split into smaller, more maneageable groups due to lack of discipline."
"This was a dangerous mission when we chose it, people will likely die today. These orcs have become smarter and more determined than ever, and if we all stay together, superior numbers will most likely result in all of our deaths. If that is how you wish to go, speak up, and I will carry the message on to Oron myself."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 9, 2007 8:34:28 GMT -5
Elestirne nodded slightly in response to Taos's words as she took in the surrounding landscape more closely. The path was narrow and there was dense growth of trees and bushes on either side;further hemming them in. If they stayed together,and the impending attack came as a an ambush-as Elestirne had a feeling it would-then there would be little chance of any winning free to continue the journey to Oron's. They would be overwhelmed. But..if they split the group into two,or even three...
Olore nodded nickering. It would confuse the enemy,and give us a chance to win free to the Black Door. It is a good plan-though I little like the idea of running from battle.
You may have no choice friend,commented Elestirne;stroking the smooth silver neck. Straightening,the elven-queen turned again to Taos. "I can can see the reason of your plan Taos,"she said,"and it seems to be the best one we have in the face of the situation we seem to be in. But have you taken into account that the enemy may have a cunning leader,that would of thought of us attempting something like that?"
With a nod,she indicated a place some yards ahead of them-where the great bore of a fallen tree lay across their path. Olore tilted his head consideringly. I could jump it,if need be,but I do not know of the others "Olore tells me he could jump that,and I trust him. But what of you and the others Taos? Could your mounts make it over if it was required of them?"
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Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on May 9, 2007 8:45:03 GMT -5
As the others sit and talk, a quite figure sits in the trees nearby, listening. He makes no movements, but simple sits there pondering the situation.
Who are these people...and where is here for that matter...hmm
He does nothing, but simply watches for the time being.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 10, 2007 10:41:45 GMT -5
While she waited for Taos's response Elestirne sat Olore at ease;hands light on the reins,but ready at any moment to grasp swords. Olore,if the mounts of the others cannot jump the tree,can they get around it?
The stallion shook his head. I do not see a way milady,except over the middle or the part where it meets the undergrowth on the either side of the path. The stallion lifted his fine head now;long forelock lifting in the breeze as his nostrils flared. His ears still swiveled every direction-keeping on guard-but his head turned very slightly towards the trees on the side of the road. He snorted. Lady.
What is it Olore?
We are not alone. There is someone there.
A threat?
The stallion shook his head slightly. No,he watches only. For now. But I will keep an eye on him.
Bless your keen senses my friend.
The silver stallion shook his mane out.Bless them when or after they've saved your life My Lady,not before. He snorted anxiously;pawing the ground.I hope we get on the move again soon. Lingering here makes us too easy and obvious a target.
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Baethor
High Council
Duk'Rik of the Bri'Ak Duraz.
That which does not kill me, has made a tactical error
Posts: 2,234
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Post by Baethor on May 10, 2007 15:58:45 GMT -5
"Kazzell tells me that gnolls have recently moved inte the woods as well Taos, Wether or not they are with or against grishnak we have yet te tell. "
Baethor looks down at the fallen tree pointed out by Elestirne. A great sigh escapes his chest as he looks down at his war pony.
"Ah kinne jump that on this thing. AH will have to go around, I'll scout out the area Off the path taos, and meet ye on the other side."
With a grin the dwarf hums to himself as he takes the long way around the tree on his pony...
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on May 11, 2007 20:43:31 GMT -5
"I shall go with you," says Storm as he gallops ahead towards the dwarf, "I would feel a lot better seeing none of our companions perish alone."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 14, 2007 10:07:42 GMT -5
Elestirne shook her head slightly as she watched Storm and Baethor go;the young elven-queen sighing as she did so. Olore also shook his head subtly;shifting his weight beneath her. Shall we follow them milady-in case trouble waits beyond the tree?
Taos was planning to send Baethor and three others with me any way,if he broke the group up, Elestirne agreed. And I'd fain not see any injured. But it will take Storm and Baethor a few minutes to force their way through the underbrush to the other side of the tree. If we jump it my friend,we are potentionally vulnerable until either Storm and Baethor clear the underbrush or Taos and the rest of the riders can join us.
The stallion snorted. That I am prepared to risk. If/when the danger reveals itself I would rather have you on the other side of the tree and vulnerable but with the good chance of being able to get away-than on this side and risk being hemmed in with the others with little chance of getting away. Taos is right. Out here,any ambush or attack would likely be with superior numbers. If it comes while we are still on this side of the tree we shall be overwhelmed-for we have no manuverability. But if we are on the other side we have the chance of outrunning the threat.
Elestirne dipped her head slightly in reluctant agreement to the silver stallion's arguement. I trust you my friend. May you be right. She stroked Olore's neck before turning to Taos. "Olore and I are going to jump the tree,"she said. "Olore feels it is for the best. And this way,if the ambush comes we are more able to win free and outrun the threat. Also,we'll be able to make sure the way is clear on the other side and that nothing might attack Storm or Baethor as they make their way around the tree. I would rather not see any of the party injured if it is in my power to prevent it." She nodded to the tall elf,then cued Olore. The stallion broke into a canter;covering ground with long smooth strides. At exactly the right moment,with perfect timing,he bunched his hindquarters and leaped;clearing the tree with an inch to spare. He landed smoothly on the other side,took a few more strides then slowed and wheeled back around to the base of the tree near the undergrowth to wait for Baethor and Storm.
Elestirne ran a hand down his neck. "Mae carnen my friend." He snorted softly in aknowledgement-ears swiveling warily-and she took the opportunity to look around while she waited for the young knight and the dwarf to clear the undergrowth. The path was slightly wider here-perhaps wide enough for two horses to ride comfortably alongside one another without touching or bumping each other,or maybe even three.
Trees and bushes still grew thickly on either side of the path however,but not so thick that their branches created a canopy and blocked the sun. Olore nodded as he saw her thought. It is an improvement. We have a better chance of fighting and winning free on this side than the other.
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