Fleeing from ruin

[kain]

The day grew colder as the wind picked up, the armor on the soldiers glistened as it began to grow a layer of ice upon it. They had picked up several families whose homes had been damaged, and were escorting them along the route they were sweeping in search for survivors. Children clung to their mothers, crying for food; old men hobbled along on crutches, some of the few men to avoid the bloody battles of only a few days past. Their faces were stoic, unsure of how to interact with their conquerors, scared for their future. The soldiers gave the children what rations they could with a smile in an effort to ease the tension, and formed a loose protective circle around the civilians as they continued their search.

The group approached the wood line south of town and the captain spoke orders to his sergeants, directing each to search a small part of the woods without venturing too deep. They had too many non-combatants with them to risk a confrontation with rebels in the woods. "Baethor," Kain spoke while pointing out a section of the woods, "take your men there, go 50 paces in, turn to your right, walk 100 paces, and then come back out of the treeline. I will stay here with the civilians while you and the other sergeants check the area."

[ziglerrobertson]

"Sui you don't look so good man, here, hang on a sec," Zigler says as he rifles through his belt pouch. As Suihaden tells of his injuries Zigler begins to assemble a simple, but potent elixir that utterly destroys infections that he picked up during his travels in the Northern Reaches.

"Now where did I put that, ah ha! Here swallow this," Zigler hands Suihaden the bitter tasting brew. He then goes looking through his pouches again for an ointment. "Let me see your back." Zigler grimaces and holds his nose as the gangrenous wound is exposed to fresh air. "Hold still Sui and bit down on the hilt of my sword, we don't want you screaming this close to the Jovians." Zigler applies the ointment which, mercifully, works quickly on the wound.

Falling into a sitting position next to his wounded comrade, Zigler lets out a deep sigh and lets himself look at what he only so recently gained, and even more recently lost. As he and Suihaden stare at the towns walls they see a company of Jovian soldiers forming rank around a large group of civilians.

"Sui, can you walk? Cause I think we need to get moving NOW."

[Baethor]

Baethor clicks his heels and nods, barking orders for a wide sweep, partnering three man groups no more then 10 feet apart. He begins his march, taking a lone soldier with him. "Swords at the ready, but dinne use them if ye can help it. We don' want more bloodshed..."
The dwarf continues on his way, his head on a swivel he draws his sword slowly. No movement as he makes his 50 paces, he can only just see his men off to his left and right.

...movement, just ahead, voices he makes a quick hand signal and jumps through the brush into a small clearing. "Hold right there!"

Suihaden stood before Baethor, sword in hand standing rather shakily on his feet in the cold, zigler standing near him, sword also drawn. The dwarf gripped tighter onto his shield and raised it to his shoulder. "Suihaden, zigler. Drop yer weapons, neither of ye are fit to fight and we dinne wish to cause you any harm. lay down yer arms and we'll return ye to mittelmarch and get both of ye a doctor." "Liar! Traitor! I'll never surrender to you! You'll have to kill me first!"
lowly the Jovian troops surround the two men, zigler decides it best to lay his sword down. Baethor steps into the clearing towards suihaden, with a quick motion he plants the blade of his sword in the cold hard earth and raises his free hand towards sui.
"Suihaden now is nay the time to discuss such things, i swear te you that ye'll both be safe if you lay down yer arms...I dinne wish te harm ye..." " BLOOD AND STEEL!" Suihaden wavered and charged, though his men could not respond quick enough to intercept the dwarf was ready, the first blow was easily deflected by his shield, and in a flash his axe was drawn.
The dwarf pushed into the warrior and used the dull hook of his axe to trip the young warrior, sending him to his back. in a powerful swing the axe came down on the blade of the sword, the heavy axe easily breaking the cold steel just above the hilt. a swift kick sent the handle skittering away. Suihaden attempted to move for ziglers blade but the point of Jovian steel was already upon him, as a gauntleted fist careened into his temple from the dwarf, sending him back to sleep. a heavy sigh escaped the dwarf's chest as he checked suihadens vitals.
"Good...he may have a headache when he wakes, but he'll be fine...You gather their weapons and escort zigler, and you two carry him back to the caravan, Bind his hands and feet so he causes no trouble when he comes to..."

The dwarf and the rest of his men continued their walk through the cold forest and found nothing more, then headed back to the captain...

[Kaida NyteClaw]

As he reached his home, Denendir knew there was much to be done. He gathered his finest men and told them what had happened, to this they exclaimed their concern. He told them to start training heavily for their would be a war coming. And it was their war. Denendir found his fastest runner and told him to follow him to his office.

"Take this letter to Tatsumara and return only upon receiving an answer.", He said.

Denendir wrote

Lord Tatsumara, it has come as a concern that Mittelmarch has been overrun, I do wish to extend any means of support to you and your troops, this isnt exactly our battle, but things here will not go unnoticed. We choose our friends wisely. If you have any aide or need, Kanthea shall answer the call, my friend.

Brother to Arms
Lord Denendir

[A hooded figure]

A small hooded figure creeps along the banks of the river looking for Sir Nictmar. Creeping silently through the undergrowth hoping for a sign of the giant ogre, while trying to avoid the Jovian patrolls he curses his luck that of all the people in the world he is tracking the one the jovians want to get their hands on above all others. Far down the river he finally sees signs of the ogre's passage, and following the trail soon catches sight of him. The man begins to follow Nichtmar back toward Mittelmarch wondering when would be the best time to reveal himself.

[ziglerrobertson]

(OCC: I would have pulled my ques from Suihaden, but on the plus side you spelled my name right and for that I thank you)

Before the soldiers could bind him Zigler shouts, "baethor! Suihaden has only recently started recovering from his wounds. If you truly meant your words let me construct a stretcher for him."

The dwarf nods his consent and the soldiers begin gathering wood for the stretchers construction. Laying the bound Suihaden upon it I and one of the soldiers lift him off the ground and begin to carry him toward the Jovian caravan. Once there Zigler sees familiar faces from both sides of the battle.


Surrounded by Jovian soldiers in a small group of civilians and old warriors the half-human known as Zigler sits on the ground and waits for the caravan to move again, and for his friend to awaken.

[Cathán Neamhnaofa]

Cathán contemplates what Masamune just said. He waits til Masamune leaves the tower and looks out towards Mittelmarch once more. The image will forever be burned into his memory never to be forgotten.

o O (Who ever did all of this will pay and I will have no mercy when I face them.)

Cathán leaves the watch tower and heads down to where the tents are being put up. He gathers a small group of men and heads out to get wood and stone for shelters. Making sure to keep a watch out for any Jovians, they head south and stay close to the Kyuden just incase.

There weren't any signs of the Jovians while they were out and the men had gathered enough supplies for a couple of shelters before it got to dark. They headed back to the Kyuden and began to build. Seeing that things were going well Cathán found a messanger, "Tell Masamune thanks for the offer of a room, but I am much more comfortable and at home in the Great Woods."

After he sent off the messanger, Cathán headed of to the woods to rest and keep watch.

[Suihaden]

(OOC) I have no problem with this line of RP. Great RPing of me Beathor! Sorry about getting your name wrong Zigler. Oh, as a historical character, magic potions don't have full effect on me. They take longer and do less. TY guys!

[ziglerrobertson]

(OOC: I hadn't even noticed if YOU spelled my name wrong, it was a veiled barb to Oof, just do me a favor and wake up sometime soon ok. Thanks for the info. l8tr)

[Tatsumura Masamune]

Masamune awoke the next morning, he hadn't had much sleep. The scrolls came quickly. Casaulty reports, numbers of refugees, patrol reports. Seemed that at least 40 samurai were killed in the battles, another 10 were missing. At least 250 Jovians were confirmed killed, and at least 400 refugees now flooded the village below the kyuden. Mostly woman, children, and the old.

Masamune made his way down to the village, and began to lend his strength to building the new houses. They were crude right now, stone and wood walls and roofs combined sturdily, but no floor at this time. The local carpenters worked as quickly as they could to make sure that with these new buildings, no one would have to sleep in the dirt. At least one building had been nearly finished. It would provide shelter for at least 20 families.

The day seemed to drag on. The events of the prior days weighing heavily on Masamune's mind. But he worked, trying to stay focused on the task at hand. He was pleased to see that his people were being as welcome and acommidating to the gaijin from Mittelmarch. It was something he had hoped to see, a common friendship and understanding between his people, and the peoples of Mittelmarch. It was just a shame that it took something like this to bring it about. Everyone strong enough worked. Whether it was building, taking care of the wounded, providing food and water to those that needed it. Even the children ran back and forth, carrying light building supplies, and food for those that needed it.

The reports came in later that the Jovians were patrolling the forest around Mittelmarch, but had yet to move towards the Shogunate's territory. Hopefully, Masamune thought, it will stay that way for a time.

[kain]

The Jovian soldiers eyed the pair brought out of the forest by Baethor wearily while keeping watch to the surrounding area. Their captain stood in the center, speaking with his men while they waited. As Baethor led them toward the middle, Kain caught them and marched toward the group. The captain nodded to the standing newcomer first, ensuring he wasn't a threat, "Zigler, good to see you survived the day." Kain cocked his head to the side, ensuring that Zigler was not blatantly armed. Satisfied he continued, "I see Baethor has already relived you of any weapons. As I understand you are a court bard, you are free to do as you will. Honestly, though, I'm sure the people in town could use their spirits lifted. You may come with us back to town or leave, as you see fit."

"Cap'n, ye better take ah look at this," Baethor interrupted, gesturing toward the litter upon which Suihaden lay. Kain stepped toward it and say the young warrior laying in pain. Kain pulled part of the brown cloak away, revealing the putrid flesh beneath. Kain carefully put the cloak back and began barking orders, "This man needs immediate medical attention! Double time boys, back to the keep!" Kain pointed at his ten fastest men, "All of you, carry Suihaden back to the keep with me. Baethor! Guard the rest of the civilians back to the city and meet me at the keep."

Kain began running with the rest of his men and Suihaden. His wounds were grave, but if they hurried he might just have a chance.

[Sir Nichtmar]

The goblin and the ogre walk side by side. The contrast in size is almost comical, but they also have much in common. They’re essentially monsters, but they both break themselves to be accepted as honorable and worthy warriors. It’s that desire that binds them as Knight and Squire.

“Goblin, it’s a long hike back and I gotta figure out where we are gonna go, let’s take a break shall we?”

Goblin drops the supply bag, “Sounds good, I’ll get wood for a fire.”

“I’ll setup the tent…Goblin, keep an eye out!”

Goblin grabs the axe and heads deeper into the forest. Nichtmar takes his shield off his back throws his cloak on it and drops his sword on the cloak. He stops a moment to look around.

“Hmm…”

Then starts setting up the tent. It’s strange he thinks to himself that even though it’s cold, Mittelmarch has been captured, his friends are either dead, missing or joined the Jovians, and he is at peace out in the open. The curse that resides in him is calmed, he wonders why it is. Then he thinks about his new friends Kain and Anavrin, I wonder if they made it out. What of Oof, Rune?

“Damn…” he sighs under his breath as he hammers the last stake.

[A hooded figure]

A small figure appears on the edge of the clearing Nichtmar is setting up the tent in. "you know Sir Nichtmar, if you are going to post sentries you should really have them check the immediate area instead of heading far into the woods like that." The man steps into the clearing and slowly walks toward the ogre, he wears no visible weapon, and a loose flowing cloak masks his features, but he seems to be of average height. "A mutual friend sent me to find you, it seems he thought you might be in a bit of trouble with the Jov...."

His words falter mid sentence as goblin smacks him on the back of the head with the haft of his axe. The man falls to the ground unconscious.

[Sir Nichtmar]

"Goblin!"

"I'm sorry I thought he was gonna harm you..."

Nichtmar sighs, "No, he's just a messenger, but thanks."

"I'm gonna search him." Goblin chuckles.

"Ha look I saved you from certain death, look a dagger and some sorta wire?"

Nichtmar kneels down to the man.

"Lets tie em up." spouts out Goblin.


Nichtmar checks for blood on the back of the head.

"He'll live, but good shot none the less, Gob. Maybe you're right, lets tie him up."


Nichtmar and Goblin eat and wait for the man to awake.

[ziglerrobertson]

Not knowing what else to do, Zigler travels back to the city along with the remainder of the caravan in hopes of hearing good news about his friend.
'Why?,' Zigler thinks to himself,'Why has this happened, why have I been given freedom to move about as I wish?, Are things really that bad in the city that the Jovian's need anything to distract the citizens from their plight?'
'I never really got to know Kain all that well, but he seemed to be a good and honorable sort. And he did tend to Suihaden's wounds immediately. Maybe these Jovians...'

At that moment Zigler looks up towards Kyuden Tatsumura and sees the flags flying in the wind, his eyes widen as he recognizes the black and gold M against a green background that symbolized MittelMarch. He nods to himself and thinks, 'I don't care, they took something that didn't belong to them and it should be taken back! I may not be the best, but surely better minds then mine have survived. I will find them and follow them for the return of my adopted home. Suihaden, I will stick with you until you can walk, but then I will travel to the Shogunate and report on what I have seen within the city's walls. If Kain is going to give me freedom then I shall use it as a weapon against him, the traitor Baethor, and all the Jovians.'

"So tell me," Zigler asks his fellow traveling companions,"has anyone ever told you folks the story of Kitsune and the Master of Zen? No? Well now listen closely my friends...."

[Stubbie]

The forge was cramped, stuck into a previously unused corner of an already small barn. Small forged blades are spaced in with various farm implements., lining the walls and littering the corners. A steady rhythm of hammer blows are punctuated by the grumblings of a dwarf and the braying of a mule.

"Ya better be quiet, you flea bitten, mangy pest! Still not happah about ye strandin me up here while Mittelmarch burned. Right now you'ar nutthin but a saddle waitin to happen!" Pausing to turn the knife blade over in the light of the forge, with an approving nod, he continues his pounding. "Why, if'en it weren't necessary to keep ye around to travel ov'a the mountains, I wouldn't put up with your stubborn..."

"The same could be said of your dwarves, you know."

His head snaps up from the anvil, eyes landing on the figure suddenly standing in his open doorway. Pushing a pair of riding gloves under a talbard, bearing the Jovian crest upon it, the newly arrived figure steps into the barn, shutting the door.

"Well now, who mighten ye be? Speak carefully now, first impressions are important."

*chuckles* "Let us not start off on the wrong foot, good dwarf. I am here on behalf of our glorious Emperor, Dracus Thrawn. Our informants place you with a notorious band of outlaws, calling themselves the Pariahic Legion. The emperor has issued an ultimatum to all fighting forces in the lands of the Jovian Empire. Deliver unto us an emissary of compliance to our rule, or be considered an enemy of the empire and exterminated out of hand." By this time the rider had walked over and was standing directly in front of the dwarf.

"I dun think I herd you quite right. Ya come out here, utno mah propertah, to MAH FORGE, an in frunt of Reorx and mah ancestors, accuse me o' being an OUTLAW!?

The rider, taken aback by the dwarf's mounting fury, has back peddled until his back was flush with the door; the enraged dwarf keeping stride.

"Why I'd spit yer sorry arse and tan ye into a tent fer'en the pesky goblins 'roun here, iff'en yer hide would be wurthy of that! Now ye's lucky that'en I'm a calm sort an' slow tah insult. So ya'd best be leavin mah land....NOW!" Lunging forward with this last outburst, the dwarf forces the rider to scramble back out the door. Roaring with laughter as the rider stumbles, arms flailing, and lands under his own horse.

"Now iff'en you'd a riden in lookin fer trade, lookin fer a blacksmith to work fer yer little "empire", or even askin fer plain ol' dwarven hospitality....we'da been alright. But nah, ya come in DEMANDING servitude an' obedience. Well NAH ONE COMPELS BERNARD TRUEBLADE!"

The dwarf watches the rider remount his horse and wheel around, scoffing dust at him as he rides back towards his capital. Shaking his head, Stubbie wanders back into the forge. He knew men who took power by force would never back down, they had to be destroyed. War would come, he just hoped the Legion could be made ready in time.

Reaching the forge, he picked up the knife blade, the dwarf talks to no one in particular. "I think it's going to take more than this to retake Mittelmarch..." *HEE-HAW* "...Oh shut up."

[ziglerrobertson]

Many days have passed, and for others events of more import have occurred, but Zigler has spent his time waiting, watching and memorizing. "Soon Suihaden will be able to walk, if the medics can be believed, and I must begin traveling to the Shogunate."

For the past few days Zigler has been signing in the bars frequented by the Jovian soldiers. Giving them cheap laughs and free beer while all the time collecting any information about troop movements, strengths, and plans.He has also been singing around town, trying to lift the spirits of the conquered.

Now standing in his small room at a downtown inn, Zigler begins to assemble supplies and a pack for the long, cold journey ahead. Removing his chain mail an knife from underneath a loose floorboard he carefully conceals them and then sets off to visit Suihaden one last time, and to tell the injured man of his plans.
______________________________________________________
The medic building is now only partially full of the wounded and sick. Some survived their aliments, others simply died from their wounds.Suihaden is located in the middle of the room, near the fire pit.

Sitting down next to Suihaden's bed I lightly grasp his hand in order to gain his attention. "I'm going on a walkabout Sui, I don't know when I'll be back but I need to clear my head and search for a few things. I'll have a few supplies with me, my Too-fuu for one and when it runs out I guess I'll forage." Coached in the words is my true message. 'It is my intention to go and search for other survivors, I will start at the doors of the Shogunate and decide where to go from there.'Zigler heads out amongst Sui's protests, knowing what he must do.

As I reach the center of the city and approach the bridge memories of the battle resurface and grab my full attention. I don't even notice the Jovian soldier until his spear point is at my throat.
"And where do you think your going scum!"
"Walkabout, your master, Capetian Kain gave me permission to come and go as I please. Now that my friend is well I feel a powerful urge to escape my memories and recollect my thoughts."
The guard looks distrusting, but he lowers the spear.
"Perhaps you can do my a favor. There is a new Sargent named Baethor amongst your ranks," the guards spine stiffens at the name,"please make sure this gets to him, along with my request that he keep it safe until I return." With a smooth motion I withdraw a leather bound book from my cloak and hand it to the guard. Without another word I walk past the guard and towards the Great Wood, taking great care to walk away from my destination.

[Cathán Neamhnaofa]

The next morning Cathán stays in the woods helps the men working to get wood and stone for buildings, at the same time he keeps a very keen eye out for any sign of Jovian or others to show up.

The day goes by quickly and and there is no sign of the Jovians. Cathán stays in the woods again he doesn't even go to the Kyuden to get food. (That food is needed for the ones who need it most not me.) Cathán thinks to himself as he goes in search of some food for himself, making sure not to head to far out where he could be spotted if there are any Jovians around.

[Arashi Okami]

Weariness clung to her body like the shadow of fear and doubts that hung over the refugees. Though the battle at the gate had been over for some time, rest was the last thing on Okami’s mind. No longer need to be a Masamune-san’s side, Okami had taken it upon herself to help the refugees in any way, whether it be comforting the children or putting up a wall, anything to help. Okami shivered as a cold wind blew through the camp. She prayed that the snow fall would hold until most of the misplaced were settled. Glancing over at child struggling to carry some tools to build the shelters, Okami headed back to work.

[Kotaro]

Kotaro put most of his weight on his sword as a sort of improvised crutch as he walked slowly down the path toward the make-shift village that housed the displaced. It had been several days since he had been healed by the shugenja. I still need to thank her. He nodded to those who greeted him, still unable to bow as he should. Curse these injuries..., he thought to himself. But I'll be damned if I let them keep me holed up in the kyuden.

He hadn't gotten a sense of how many people were made into refugees by the Jovian's assault until he saw the scale of the hastily-erected camp. Now however, he saw the sadness and despair in the faces of the Mittelmarchers whose home had been stolen from them. Knowing he was in no condition to help build, he set about comforting those in need of it.

[ziglerrobertson]

The snow storm had not come up suddenly, but Zigler didn't expect to be unable to see ten feet in front of him. By his best estimates the storm had not reached the Shoogunate yet, but it would eventually. This was cold comfort for Zigler as the snow finally takes the better of him......and he runs head first into a tree.

"Dammit! Who put that there! krap and tarnation. I'd better find a place to bed down before I get lost, or worse frozen."

With that said Zigler begins constructing a crude shelter from the dead branches on the ground, and the bark off the trees, he also collects wood for a small fire. It's not the best shelter, but it keeps the wind out. Zigler hunches over the small pile of twigs as he tries to light the fire with a piece of flintsteel and a striker.

"I hope this storm doesn't last too long. (spark) damn. well, nothing ever works on the first try, (spark) lets keep at it. If nothing else talking outloud has always kept your spirits up before. (spark). (spark).(spark).(spark).(spark).(spark). Damn! Maybe I should have taken my Song book with me instead of entrusting it to Baethor, at least it would have made better kindling!" But Zigler knows he had to leave it behind, if only to convince the dwarf that he was coming back and to not send a party out after him.

(spark)(spark)(spark)

"I hate the snow."


(spark)

[A hooded figure]

Concsiousness returns to the man at dawn. He tries to sit up only to realize he has been tied up. "what happened" he thinks to himself. Looking over he sees Nichtmar watching him. "Who are you and what is the message?" asks nichtmar.

Feeling woozy the man takes his time in answering:
"my name is unimportant, I was sent on a mission to find you by my lord Oof, and was instructed to bring you back to him, that is of course if you are willing to come."

[Suihaden]

Suihaden sat in the infirmary, a quill in held idly in his hand as he stared at a piece of parchment. His wounds pained him less and he knew he was on the road to recovery. In a few days he would be able to walk, and in the last few days he had pondered his situation long.

These Jovians were not all evil, just ruthlessly pragmatic, kind at need. Why did he oppose them?
He glanced down at the letter in his hand. It was addressed to Captain Kain and read thus:

"In this year of our Lord 1120, the 22nd of December

Honorable Sir,

I am deeply grateful for the timely aid I received at your hands, without which I most certainly would have died. My treatment here has been honorable and fully in accordance with the laws of chivalry which brings you and your liege lord great credit. My deepest thanks.

As you must know in a few days I will be healed of my wounds, thanks to your aid and my friend's medicine. I understand when I have healed a decision will be made concerning my fate, and that a position will be granted in your army or in any capacity if I will renounce my loyalty to King Isen of Mittelmarch. Though I am humbly grateful for your generosity, this I cannot do. As a citizen of Mittelmarch I owe my liege lord loyalty until he is dethroned by due process of law. Until the high council of Mittelmarch declares him Rex Nihilo or he is proven to me to have broken his oath of protection I cannot serve under you banner or acknowledge your kingship of Mittelmarch. I also cannot forget the blood of my brothers of the order, who were ruthlessly cut down by your men. Their blood cries out, and though I can forgive, I cannot forget.

Therefore I ask you to deal with me as you see fit, but know I will not serve your emperor. I do not fear death, for I have seen the gates of heaven.

Humbly yours,

Suihaden de Percy,

nephew of Earl de Percy, Cousin twice removed of his Royal Majesty Richard the First, Novitiate of The Order of Saint John, subject of the sovereign realm of Mittelmarch."

Silently he folded the letter, addressed it and handed it to a nearby guard. Laying back down he uttered a silent prayer for his friend Zigler, doubtless alone and in the freezing weather.

(OOC) I just noticed this but I left my sword at my cave, so I only had a staff when you captured me.

[Baethor]

Standing at his forge gripping hot steel in his gloved hand, his hammer ringing loudly against the steel. He was losing himself in his thoughts, in his craft... He knew his former allies were still alive, hiding in the great wood, or at kyuden....Nichtmar...Tatsumura...Oof...Cathan... men who he'd saved and been saved by dozens...maybe hundreds of times. None of whom were at the walls with him when the Jovians came. *CLANG*
He was sure they would feel the same of him as suihaden did...They would call him traitor, accuse him of disloyalty and question his honor...*CLANG*
But no, it was not he who was disloyal, with isen in hiding for months, constant raids from vikings, dwindling supplies and men. This was the correct choice...he was sure of it. *CLANG*
His blood began to boil in the heat of the forge, a sudden pounding at his door broke his concentration, a misswing of his hammer bent the stock of heated steel incorrectly. The dwarf stormed to his door and threw it open, clad in his thick leather apron sweat dripping down his body backed by the orange yellow forgelight he must have been quite a sight.

"WHAT?!"

The dwarf bellowed loudly at the guard who snapped into an almost terrified attention, holding the book forwarf towards Baethor. "Sir! One of the detainees that came with the wounded asked that i leave this in your care, sir!" Baethor snatched the book from the gaurd and looked over the leatherbound cover. and suddenly his anger faded. "Ah...Thank ye soldier...if there's nothing else then ye can be on yer way..." the soldier snapped a salute and continued with his patrol.

Baethor closed the door and set his hammer down on his crafting table. Baethor's hut has no windows, the only opening is his doorway. the small lodge lit by his forge, a fireplace and a few torches. he moves to a nearby chair and begins thumbing through the pages, it was ziglers songbook...The many nights the two had sat near his fire, sharing a drink and tales.... moving to a series of large chests Baethor opens one and sets the book down inside of it, right next to his own....

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm walked around the the refugee camp, feeling the hurt and the fear that radiated from all the people here. He looked out and saw everyone trying to build the shelters hastily before the winter came and it would be nearly unsuitable to continue on working.

Storm walked out of the gate and saw the heads of all that were placed upon the pikes.

' Tatsamura-dono, why this? This is not honorable at all, this is just disgrace, friend or enemy.'

He started to pull the heads off the pikes and then proceeded to the side of the road where he could bury the heads. After each head was buried he said a prayer to Paladine to save the soul of each man and guide him towards rest. When he finished all the heads, it was beginning to be twilight.

Storm walked back inside and saw Okami Arashi helping building a wall for a shelter. It was clear that weariness clung to her but she kept going no matter what. Storm walked up to Okami and placed his own cloak around her and smiled.

"It is not healthy to push yourself too far my lady. Go rest, I will take over for you," concerned was now etched on his face and turned too see some children huddled around a fire, "the children need a womanly figure now to replace the mothers that were lost in the fight."

With that Storm picked up a hammer and some nails from the child standing next to him and started to hammer wall boards to the wooden beams.