CS IWD backup, IC

[Veshannatax]

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Ishan:
Rumor on the street had the Duke asking for brave young men and women, competent fighters and promising wizards alike. The peasantry talked during farming of dangers in the wilds and adventurers rising to stop it.

The rumors were, at least in part, correct. Duke Steven Tarwin had called upon one representative of each of the adventuring types, to meet him at the Keep that very morning.

And so it came to be that eleven young men and women, ordinary folk until a short time ago, now passed the inner wall into the Old City, home to the city guard, the aristocracy and, importantly, the Duke's Keep. Among them Eldon and Elliadra Greenleaf, sent by the Druid Devemar and the Ranger Logan, who also attended the meeting. Also the large fighter Durran Steel, an impressive sight to say the least. Elnius of Helm accompanied a representative of her own, strangely enough a massive half-orc known as Varax. Ricon, a stunningly handsome minstrel with a voice that held the heart of many a farmer's daughter, attended as a replacement for Valeas, Thistlebrook's famed minstrel.

When these five young people arrived at the Keep, they were met by six who had arrived there earlier: Merron of the Pale Sunrise, a monk; Kenda, who named herself a "scout"; Devard, a big strong man who could be mistaken for a nomadic barbarian; Thomas, a paladin of Helm who nodded with a smile to Elnius and Varax and two figures who were bickering about something, one in a hooded cloak, the other in robes. They were Lyen, a sorceress, and Kevin, a wizard.

As soon as all of them had arrived, Logan Beaststalker, known to most as the city's finest hunter, spoke with a guard who opened the gate of the keep. The new adventurers, along with Logan and Elnius, entered. Walking through the large fortified keep, the group of thirteen soon arrived at the audience chamber. Two guards stood before the door, but they had their orders and in no way barred the way. Inside were the Duke, a well known face in most parts of town, and two others who were less so. One was an elf, the other a human, but both were garbed in clothing that did little to hide their social status. They were obviously of a class that commoners sometimes called “Old Towners”, for the aristocracy’s location inside the Old inner wall of Thistlebrook.

As the group entered, the Duke nodded, and gestured for them to form a half circle before him. Logan and Elnius took up a position halfway between the Duke and the group, each to a side.

The Duke looked over the assembled men and women, and spoke.

“Greetings. I am glad to see so many of you today. Some of you may have heard, either in rumor or from those that trained you, that I have called you here today for several reasons. The first of these is something that does not apply to all of you, but it does concern you all. Varax of Helm, will you please step forward.”

Duke Steven rose from his high chair as he gestured for the half-orc to come forth. Several others, most notably Kevin and Lyen looked in question at what was going on.

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Pex:
Before joining the half circle Ricon took his time to observe the other people present in the room. Valeas had told him that the Duke was planning to form a group of the adventurers, but Ricon couldn't have guessed there would be so many of them. Two of them were well known to the bard - the barbarian Devard and the sorceress Lyen often visited Valeas' friends. Some of them he knew by sight as the patrons in The Drunk Duck inn, where he had been performing for the last three months. The halfling called Kenda was one of them and Ricon was sure that she was no scout. As for the rest, he had seen the wizard around the town from time to time, for a gnome in the wizard's robe was not the sight one would miss, but he didn't know the gnome's name. The two elves, dressed as a monk and a paladin, were complete strangers to the bard, and so were the big human warrior, a person that had come with Logan, a halfling, obviously a druid, and the half-orc cleric, called Varax by the Duke.

As for the other persons in the room, all were known by sight to Ricon, for those were really important people of Thistlebrook, but none of them he knew personally. Becoming aware of their presence and the fact that something really important was happening, he became slightly nervous. In such situations he would always start to whistle a tune, but at this moment it didn't seem like a good idea. Instead, he decided to wait what would happen next. At least he was wearing his best outfit, he thought for himself.
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Cherrn:
At the request of the Duke, and after recieving a nod from Elnius, Varax moved forward in his normal hunched over posture which was more akin to his orc heritage than his human one. The massive Half-orc was an imposing sight, intimidating too with his black-red eyes, huge tusks, green skin, gangly, yet muscular arms and legs. The only thing that gave away a hint of human nature in his blood was his human nose and ears. The front of his newly polished mail was emblazoned with the everwatching eye of Helm. He walked slowly, almost nervously, but eventually came to settle in front of the Duke, he bowed as low as he could, lowering his head and his gaze, whilst balancing his body with the help of his buckler-sized hands which he kept palm-pressed against the stony floor.
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Worry Pig:
As I approach the gate with Elly, I notice the large group ahead of us at the gate. I glance nervously from person to person, and I notice two goliaths. One large human and a half-orc that frigthened me. I look up at Elly with a childish grin on my face and reach for her hand.

"Let's do this sis and make mom and dad proud."

Once inside I take my place in the half-circle and gaze at my surroundings. I notice the well dressed half-elf glance nervously around at everyone else. He catches my stare and I quickly turn away. I grasp Elly's hand more firmly as I watch the orc approach the Duke and wait patiently for the Duke to speak.
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Billy:
Elliadra squeezes Eldon's hand in response to his obvious nervousness, but she is unable to take her eyes off the half-orc who has been called forth. She wonders if his appearance has caused him to suffer as much as her's has, but guesses it hasn't. Unlike her his appearance is the result of mixed blood. Although he did look terrifying, he did not look cursed and there was a big difference. Elliadra could not explain away the mark on her face.

She looked away from the half-orc and looked at the other people in the room. Some she recognised from the town, people who had looked the other way when they had seen her approach and others she had never seen before. She saw Logan standing slightly in front of her and to the left. She smirked to herself. So far this morning he had not acknowledged her, but she knew he wouldn't.

Once again it was the half-orc who had her attention. She was exceptionally curious about him - even more curious about him than she was about this meeting. She hoped that he would not be frightened by her appearance, fragile hope that it was. She gives Eldon's hand one more quick squeeze before releasing it then slightly shakes her head, so her red hair is not covering any of her face and lifts her chin a little higher. She would not hide her face from these people. She looks intently at Varax, waiting patiently for the Duke to address him. If only she had his patience!
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Predator:
With his hands behind his back, like a soldier awaiting his sargeant's orders, he politely let the others go inside before him, and, in this position entered the room himself.
In the half-circle, he took the same stance, pushing his mighty pectorals forward, showing off all his might, and impressive size.

Not looking at any particular person or spot he simply awaited the Duke's response.
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Ishan:
Duke Steven took two paces closer to the half-orc. He spoke directed to him but audible to all.

"Varax of Helm, ten years ago you came to Thistlebrook with a purpose of war. You were captured and placed in the custody of the Temple of Helm, by Elnius' request. She appeared to think you could be redeemed..."

The Duke let a silence fall for a moment.

"Today, I believe Elnius is proven right. You have learned the ways of Helm under her, and shown your worth as a defender of the city, rather than a prisoner. So it is with pleasure that I may bestow upon you an official pardon. You may call yourself a citizen of Thistlebrook henceforth. Hewnin, the letter?"

One of the men with the duke stepped forward and handed a rolled up scroll to Varax. He then moved back to his position next to the high backed chair.

The duke gestured for Varax to move back to his place, and when the cleric did so, the duke stepped back to near the high chair and adressed the group in general.

"As I've said, this was one of the reasons. For some of you not the most important one, but one that I wanted you to witness. The second reason is of a somewhat more grim nature...

Recent reports from some of the outlying farmsteads speak of trouble in the north and south, not far from the city. We've had reports of goblins in the north, and brigands to the south. It has been decided by me and my advisors that we will send two groups to investigate, made up from you eleven. Benedict and Logan will fill you in on the details."

The man indicated by the duke as Benedict Thorne steps forward, make a small bow, and gestures towards the door.

"If you will all please follow me, we'll speak outside. The Duke is a busy man, and we musn't keep him any longer."

Benedict leaves the room, followed by the group of new adventurers. Outside, he leads everyone to just outside the keep.

"As the duke has told you, reports put brigands and goblins near the city. We cannot have this, if they are allowed to continue their actions they will grow bold, and may become more than a nuisance. Logan here will accompany the party seeking the goblins. If anyone can find them, he can. The party going south well... the brigands will likely find them... Capture them and bring them to justice if you can, but if that presents unneccesary danger remember that we'd rather see a dead brigand than one of you dead. Logan will divide the groups. Supplies for the trek can be picked up at the Guard's Headquarters. Good luck to all of you."

Benedict Thorne nods his head respectfully, then leaves the group with Logan. The dwarven hunter looks each of the group over with a chagrined look, spits on the ground, then speaks.

"Oi, yer not much the Duke's given me, but ye'll do. Lemme see... Elliadra, yer wit me, and bring yer brother... Ye, scout! Brigand team. And ye Helmite... nay, not the giant, the paladin. Keep an eye on 'er. Who's that leave...? Lyre fellow, yer wit me... And the two giants... need ye tae look over walls fer me... the rest is tae the brigands."

Logan gestures heavily in dividing the parties, setting Elliadra, Eldon, Ricon and the two 'giants', Durran and Varax to one side, and Kenda, Merron, Devard, Lyen, Thomas and Kevin to the other side. The dwarf looks at his decision, grunts, spits, and shrugs.

"This'll do. Brigand team: Ye'll fetch some supplies from the Guards' place, then move down the south road. See if yer robbed, and if ye are, kill 'em... oh yeah, or capture 'em, wha'ever... now scoot."

The team seems a bit confused at the quick explanation, but Logan stamps his foot with an angry look and they move off. Logan turns to the remaining members.

"Arreet some of ye know me, some of ye don't. Me name's Logan Beaststalker, and I hunt anythin'. But given a choice, I'm droppin' me some gebloons. And that's what we'll be doin'. An easy enough task: Me and the lass'll find 'em, then we all kill 'em together. Ye can all get tae know each other if ye want, so long as ye git yer supplies and meet me at me house just out the north gate afore noon."

The dwarf seems to not give any time for questions, and stalks down the road, leaving the party standing just outside the keep.
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Worry Pig:
Eldon turns his gaze upon the other group and watches them depart. After watching for a few moments, Eldon lets out a series of hoots like an owl. Withing seconds a beautiful owl of black, grey and white floats down from the sky to land on Eldon's shoulder. Gauvin was so quiet no one heard him coming.

"Welcome back Gauvin."

Eldon turns back to the group with a rather large smile on his face.

"Hi everyone, I'm Eldon Greenleaf and this is my owl Gauvin,' Eldon walks up beside Elly and says' This lovely elf you see here is my beautiful sister Elliadra Greenleaf. That's a story we'll save for another time. Don't any of you make fun of her marks, or I'll have to hurt you."

Eldon looks around at the group then looks up at Elly and smiles at her. He then looks back at the group and waits for one of them to reply.
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Predator:
He simple refused to take those hands from behind him...a pretty disciplined fighter, it seems...
As Eldon began to speak, the giant turned his head towards the tiny creature, trying to find the source of this voice he heard. He tried to keep eye-contact as the other spoke, but the wind made his hair wave like a flag, thus covering his face. so he turned his eye-sight to a different location. There he noticed the girl mentioned by the halfling..."how are they related?" he wondered "no matter". His head cocked to the side showed he was curiously looking at her marks, though his face remained expressionless.
By then she noticed his gaze, so he nodded to show respect, and his stare plunged downward once more.
The bard didn't capture his attention too much..."but if he starts singing war ballads I'll bash whatever instrument he uses"
Finally his eyes spotted the half-orc "Hmm...first time I see someone taller than me...Bah! 2...maybe 3 inches taller..."

And then his powerfull voice broke the silence. Though it was quite harsh, the voice clearly belonging to a man of action, it felt pleasant to the ear in a way...it made you feel safe somehow.
"My name is Durran."
He considered this to be enough.
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Pex:
Ricon continued to look for a moment in the direction where the 'brigand' group had departed. He hoped Lyen would be in his party - that could've made the adventure more interesting in more than one way. Instead he was now with these two 'mountains' and the strangest siblings he ever thought might exist. Perhaps some other time, he thought with a sigh.

He turned towards the halfling druid and the elven lady he referred at as his sister. Perhaps the small one was acting too protectively over her, but Ricon understood his motives. The marks on the face and hair of Elliadra, as Logan called her, were something one could hardly miss, and the bard assumed that many people had shunned her because of them. Ricon wouldn't be one to do that. Though he was always fully aware of his good looks, his mother had taught him never to judge others by their appearance. And this young lady was an elf as his mother.

He gently moved his fingers across his lyre and said to the halfling, "Ricon Noitol is my name and I'm on the mission to bring the music to the goblins, it seems," he added with a smile. "Your owl is very cute and so is your sister. Why would any of us make fun of her?"

He nodded to Duran (talkative one it seems) and then addressed Elliadra: "You seem to know Logan very well. Is he always behaving like that?"
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Cherrn:
Varax stood by himself for a bit, carefully making sense out of the letter he had recieved from the Duke. Even after all this time with the temple of Helm his reading skills still left much to be desired for. After he had finally understood exactly what it said, he looked up from the letter. Raised himself to his full height and said to the gathered group in his rumbling voice: "As you no doubt have guessed, I am Varax." A widening, tusky smile appeared on his face. "Servant of Helm... And now..." He paused for a bit, then finally dared to speak it: "Citizen of Thistlebrook."

Varax slowly settled into his normal hunched over posture, as he carefully put the letter in with the rest of his belongins, then looked at the group with a curious look in his eyes, then nodded to each of them while he rested his elbows on his massive thighs. He stroked the Everwatching eye emblazoned on his chest as he mumbled: "The goblins will never know what hit them..."
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Billy:
Elliadra watched Logan stomp away, still marvelling that he would think her good enough to assist him in finding the goblins. As she watched him, she felt Eldon come near her and heard him begin speaking in his usual cheerful way. She began to smile, then she froze as she heard what he was saying. She knew he loved her and would do anything to protect her, but if she could have found a hole to bury herself right at that moment, she would have. As she looked at the group she saw their eyes were on her. She pushed her chin higher into the air and surveyed them with a practised arrogance. She stared at the warrior until he averted his eyes and then glanced at the bard when she heard him address her.

"Yes," was the only response she offered him. She turned to Varras when he spoke and couldn't help but smile inside when she heard his remarks on being a citizen of Thistlebrook. It seemed he was happy to be accepted by the town after being a prisoner so long. And why wouldn't he be? Acceptance would be a nice thing, she supposed.

She turned back in Logan's direction, thankful that she would be hunting with him.
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Pex:
Another talkative one, Ricon thought for himself after Elliadra's answer. Perhaps that was why they needed a bard? That notion made him smile.

"My congratulations to you, Varax," he said to the cleric. "Your story is a perfect material for a poem, or at least a tale. I can already see the title 'From a raid to the faith'... I'll give it a thought."

He looked at the others "Now that we introduced ourselves (in so many words) shell we go after Logan?"
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Cherrn:
Varax smiled at Ricon, then let his gaze drop to the ground. "My story is hardly fitting material for a beautiful poem, a bard ballad, or a tale, good Sir Noitol. I haven't done much good in my life..." His voice trailed off, looked up again and sighed loudly. "Shall get the supplies we will need?" Varax said as he began to trudge off towards the North Gate.
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Worry Pig:
As everyone walks off to get supplies Eldon holds back a while. As Elly walks away she notices Eldon back by himself. She turns to him and asks whats wrong.

"Sis, I'm sorry about what I said to everyone. I shouldn't have made any comments about your marks. I just don't want to see you hurt anymore that's all. I'm so sorry Elly, please forgive me."

With that said Eldon gives Elly a hug and lets go while he looks up into her pretty eyes.

"Let's go sis. This is our chance to make a difference in our lives and to prove all those kids wrong about you being a freak. Let's make ma and pa proud of us."

Eldon then smiles up at Elly and walks away towards Logan's house.

[Veshannatax]

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Billy:
Elliadra sighs and grabs Eldon as he goes to run off.

"Donny, don't be sad. I'm not angry with you. I know that your intentions were good, but well, I just don't like being singled out. Do stop worrying about me. Believe it or not I really don't care what they think of me and they can't say anything I haven't already heard. You just worry about you and let me worry about me."

She ruffles his hair good naturedly and pushes him after the others.
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Pex:
Ricon moved after the others, whistling a cheerful tune. He wasn't nervous this time, but excited.
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Ishan:
Having introduced themselves to each other, the party has decided to move towards Logan's house, taking the northern road out of the Government District to stop by the Guards' Headquarters. As they come nearer the main building, more patrols pass them, either starting or ending their rounds. Several guardsmen look noticeably wary at the party, and although the reason for their suspicion is not fully clear, they seem to be looking at either Varax or Durran. The occasional female guard lets her gaze linger on Ricon, but those are far different reasons...

Arriving at the headquarters, they see that the other party is just getting ready to leave. Devard and Thomas are each hoisting up a sack of goods, likely to tempt robbers into attacking the party. Kenda and Lyen are standing to the side, while Kevin is browsing through a book whilst pacing about. Near them stands the Captain of the Guard, Vedan Wolfeyes, instructing the monk Merron, who had apparantly taken leadership of the group on himself.

"Now I want to make this clear to you, don't go off the path. You're normal travelers, completely unsuspecting of brigand threats. That way, you'll be able to turn the surprise on the brigands, and they'll never expect that. Now, I've given Thomas and Devard those sacks, they're filled with cheap copperware, goblets and the like. With luck, the robbers will think it's valuable. That's about all I can give you. Good luck..."

The monk speaks a few words in reply, the bows his head, and moves to his party. Calling them together, they listen to how things are going to be done. Lyen, seemingly in a lack of interest, hangs a bit to the side, barely listening...

Vedan looks at the new group approaching, frowning as he sees Durran walking among them, but he appears to wait for the group to reach him...
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Predator:
He noticed the guards staring at him, but acted like they weren't there, except for one in particular, who had hatred in his eyes when he saw the large fighter, Durran threw that one a menacing look, and let lose a short grunt.
Then he saw Vedan frowning at him, which surprised him a great deal
"Vedan, you seem upset, what's wrong?" He addressed the man while moving ahead of the party, nearly running to face him.
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Pex:
While offering a slight nod or a smile to every female guard he had passed, Ricon made his way towards the headquarters. He was a bit surprised to hear Durran speaking more than a few words, but something else drew his attention. Someone else, actually.

"It's always nice to see you, Lyen," he said approaching the sorceress and moving gently his fingers across the lyre wires, just to create barely audible a sound. "But I cannot resist the impression that you don't look very thrilled about the mission that awaits you. Is there something wrong?"
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Billy:
Elliadra waits silently as the others involve themselves in chit chat with the various people.
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Ishan:
Vedan looked at Durran a moment with a gaze akin to a father reprimanding a child. Then, he answered the question.

"What's wrong is I have to find out from this other group that you're in on this...escapade, rather than having a say in it. Other than that, I'm just fine. Perhaps you and your new... friends would like your supplies for your adventurous life ahead?"

The last sentence was spoken with a certain acidic tone.

Meanwhile, Ricon had approached Lyen, and spoken to the Sorceress. She smiled and leaned closer to the bard, casually sliding a hand through her long black hair.

"Actually Ricon... I had hoped to be with your group... You seem like a... much more interesting... party..."

Her voice was as soft as satin, and she smiled at the bard. She was a beautiful girl, and she seemed to know it...

While this took place, the quartermaster of the city guard was ordering some guards to place the supplies for four days of camp ready to be taken by the second party.
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Predator:
His mouth opens and closes a few times, not knowing what to say. He knew Vedan wouldn't agree with this, but the contempt of it, though it didn't find him completely off guard, did disturb the lad a bit.
He grasped his sword firmly, not realising that Vedan, and the others for that matter might see this as a hostile gesture, he was actually looking for moral support.
It was obvious from the change in voice that he was doing his best to controll his temper, and show the man in front of him the respect he deserved.
"You...have a right to be angry, Vedan...but..."
He did not continue his phrase, realising the futility of such a conversation.
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Cherrn:
Varax stood next to Elliadra whilst he looked at the exchange between Durran and Vedan, then he looked at Ricon and Lyen. He smiled and made a discreet laugh that almost sounded as a grunt, then he looked at Elliadra, the smile still on his face, moved as if to speak, but thought the better of it and kept it to himself. He rested his elbows on his thighs, then sighed in a sound that could best be described as a loud rumbling.
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Pex:
If Ricon was paying any attention to the happenings around him, the movement Lyen had made with her hand and her smile made him completely focus on her.

"I agree with you, Lyen," Ricon started flashing a smile, "going to an adventure with a monk and a paladin is not exactly my idea of fun either. On the other hand, our party has a certain minstrel, with the voice of a nightingale and the fingers that perform miracles with the right . . . instrument. Or so I've heard." He touched a single wire of his lyre to produce a pleasant tune. "My guess is he would make you to enjoy the time spent with his party. And I'm sure he would love to have you there."
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Worry Pig:
Eldon walks up beside Varax while looking up at him to smile.

"You know Varax, I've only ever heard stories about you from the locals and it's all been bad. I just don't understand why they said those things about you. Had I known where you were I would have come and talked to you so you would have a friend. I don't know what it's like to be made fun of for my looks but I know what it's like to be close to people who are made fun of."

Eldon reaches up to pat Varax on the side and when he does so Varax looks down at Eldon with a slight grin on his face. Eldon goes back to watching everyone else get ready.
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Cherrn:
Varax looked down at Eldon with a grin on his face. It was the only thing he could do after what Eldon had just said, so surprised was he. He kept looking, almost staring until he adjusted his headband he wore under his helmet and finally spoke: "Your tiny body holds a noble soul larger than the largest of giants Eldon." Varax tried to smile as warmly as he could, but his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness in them. "What the locals told you was probably true little one... The Duke might have forgiven me, but i doubt that they have... And I don't really blame them..." Varax's gaze dropped to the ground. "I did things that would have gotten me killed by the people of Thistlebrook, and rightly so, had wise Elnius not taken me in..." Varax reached out and gave Eldon's shoulder a squeeze with his gigantic hand. Smiled again, then began walking towards the supplies so he could begin packing them.
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Billy:
Elliadra's attention had been focused on Ricon and Lyen, so she hadn't noticed Varax stand beside her until she heard Eldon speak. As she listened to the words her brother spoke, her heart swelled with pride. He would always be the defender of the underdog. She noticed the sadness in Varax's eyes as he responded to Eldon and felt sorrow knowing what he must have suffered. She watched him walk off and then looked at Eldon.

She smiled slightly at her brother and moved to follow Varax. She stopped and turned back to Eldon, "Well?" she asked. "Your supplies aren't going to pack themselves, little brother. I suggest we get moving." Turning again, she continued on towards the supplies knowing that Eldon would be not far behind her.
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Worry Pig:
Eldon follows Varax with his eyes until Elly tells him to get ready.

"All right sis, I'm coming."

Once Eldon reaches the supplies he puts them all in his packback and awaits the others. While waiting he talks to his owl friend Gauvin.
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Ishan:
Vedan glanced to Durran grasping the hilt of his sword, but made no other show of a reaction. Instead, he spoke to the fighter, stern voice like a father reprimanding a child.

"You're damn right I have reason to be angry. I cared for you when your father died, you live with me for Helm's sake, and I have to hear from that monk that you're in on this. I'd wager my left eye that halfling put you up to this, damn vigilante. But no, don't bother explaining yourself! You seem to have more important matters to attend to..."

Vedan turns on his heel and marches off, leaving no room for further conversation. As he walks past three guards who seem quite amused with the situation, he snarls at them in an almost feral sound, and they shut up and stand straight.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party had gotten their supplies loaded into their backpacks, all except Ricon, who was still in conversation with the sorceress Lyen. The cloaked caster smiled in what can only have been a feigned shyness at the half-elf's words.

"Why, it's just dismal that it can't be such. I'd positively love to meet this minstrel whose music is so soothing and... relaxing... Perhaps when we return from our respective... missions, you'll introduce me to him more... thoroughly?"

The last she adds with a wink.

[Veshannatax]

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Predator:
He muttered a few words to himself, staring at Vedan as he walked away, his hand still holding tightly to the sword on the right of his belt.
After the man disappeared he took his supplies and leaned against a wall with his hands crossed on his chest, looking very frustrated as he waited for the others to pick uup their gear
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Pex:
Hoping that his heart wasn't beating loudly enough for the sorceress to hear it, Ricon did his best to appear calm when he responded.

"I'm sure he would be more than interested in your offer, Lyen," he said playing with his lyre once again. "Actually, the idea of having, let us say a celebration dinner with you, would subdue his recklessness during the mission, making his safe return his first priority. And the time will drag for him in his waiting to see you . . . again."

Once he had spoken the words Ricon flashed another of his smiles.
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Billy:
"So, we hunt with one who will be brooding and one who seems a hopeless romantic," Elliadra thought to herself as she waited with the others for Ricon to finish talking with Lyen. "Should be interesting, "seh muttered under her breath. When she noticed that everyone was ready, she picked up her gear and started heading for Logan's cottage. She wasn't going to risk his wrath, even if these others wanted to stand around dallying all day.
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Worry Pig:
Eldon watches the confrontation between Durran and Vedan with a worried look on his face. A little scared that they might start fighting before we finish our mission. Eldon notices Elly shoulder her pack and head off towards Logan's cabin. Eldon is quick to follow her lead.
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Predator:
Two of his comrades were allready heading towards Logan's house where they were supose to be going...and one kept on flirting which annoyed him quite a bit.
Two very loud coughs attracted the bar'd attention. When he manages to snap out of his transe and his eyes found the large fighter, Durran, with a quick move of his head pointed out that they need to be moving...
"Now!" Was the only word he felt was needed to be said, and the way he said it showed he was not fooling around.
Then he followed the elf and her brother.
Vedan's mad at me...my companions are living in a dream world...this will be a lng day...
As these thoughts came to is mind he let out a sound that seemed like a combination between a sigh and a growl, a sound of severe discontent, and his hand grabs hold of the blade again.
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Pex:
Ricon followed the big warrior with his eyes for a moment and then turned again to face Lyen.

"Quite a charming one, don't you agree? Not to mention his eloquence," he said smiling again. "But he made a good point. Although I would prefer to stay here and talk to you, duty awaits. Someone has to look after that warrior," he added with a wink.

He bowed to the sorceress and kissed her hand. "Till we meet again, Lyen, and I hope that will be soon." He gave her one last smile and then left.

Seeing that Varax is the only member of the party still around, Ricon approached the cleric.

"My good Varax, I was wondering if you could help me by taking a part of the supplies assigned to me? As you can see, I'm not as big as you are and I have to admit that I'm not quite capable of carrying much weight."

Filling his backpack up to the quantity of supplies that wouldn't prove too heavy for him, Ricon pointed at the remains.

"There's not much left," he said to Varax. "What do you say?"
____________________

Cherrn:
Varax smiled at Ricon, then replied in a low growl: "Of course, friend." Varax gathered up Ricon's remaining supplies and began walking towards Logan's cottage. He turned towards Ricon. "Lovely woman that one." He said with a grin nodding in the direction of the sorceress.
_________________

Pex:
"Lovely indeed," Ricon replied and then left a deep sigh.

Pausing only to give Lyen one last smile, he followed Varax towards the cottage.
______________________

Billy:
Elliadra walked quickly. She knew her way to Logan's cottage like she knew her way home. It wasn't long before his cottage came into view. If possible it seemed that her pace quickened further, she was anxious to start out. Her mind was filled with thoughts of her companions. She worried a little about Eldon, but had to admit that he could take care of himself. He was her main concern. The others she didn't know well enough to care much about, but she couldn't help feeling something akin to friendship toward Varax. Perhaps it was because he was different, she didn't know.

She looked behind her and saw Eldon jogging behind her. Her pace slowed as she neared the cottage.
________________

Ishan:
Led by Elliadra, the party soon reaches the northern gate. The guards in the one occupied tower of the two give no problems to the armed group passing, as they have been instructed by the Duke about this particular group. Logan Beaststalker's cottage is within viewing distance, and the party reaches it about an hour before noon. Logan was waiting for them on a bench in front of the house, fiddling a piece of wood into something with a knife. As they arrived, the dwarf stood, greeted them, and moved off to the north. Apparantly, he didn't think the party needed to be delayed any longer. During the trip north he manages to tell the party that the sightings were a bit more than a day's travel, so they'd be camping halfway there.

True enough, Logan announces they'll set up camp as evening falls, and he points out a partly sheltered rock formation for the party to set up in, while he himself goes to scout the area for any signs of hostile creatures...
_________________

Cherrn:
Varax lowered his and his part of Ricon's supplies to the ground gently. He sighed loudly as he wiped the sweat off his brow, stretched out, his back making a loud cracking sound. Then he lowered himself to his usual posture. He smiled faintly, then muttered to no one in particular: "10 years..." Varax got a distant look in his eyes, as if he remembered something. He quickly shook his head in violent fashion, dismissing the memories. Varax looked around to survey the camp site, trying to find the best place to stand guard.

Satisfied with Logan's choice as a camp, he began gathering kindling for a fire. When he had found enough he walked back to the middle of the sheltered rock formation. Looked at the group and smiled a tusky smile. "Get your needed rest friends. I will take the first watch."

Varax got his flint and steel out of his backpack and began making some fire. As the kindling started to catch fire he looked at his companions through the flames. What might Durran possesses. Helm watch over him. We will need his strength. Varax found his gaze wander over to Elliadra. He began to smile. Hmmmm what was that...? A feeling of kinship that might become friendship...? After all, judging by what the Eldon had said, Elliadra must have been shunned because of her marks... No! Even with her marks she was still beautiful. The notion that Elliadra, a noble beautiful Elf, would find any common ground with a brutish Half-orc like Varax was absurd, and Varax quickly dismissed it as such. Still, he dared hope...

Varax discovered that he was staring now. He nearly jumped in surprise, spun around and began staring into the wilderness whilst he breathed heavily. He settled up against a rock that would give him the best view of the camp and its surrounding. He clenched his holy symbol. Helm stand guard with me tonight so that no harm fall upon these noble souls.
____________________

Predator:
After a rather tiresome trek, the would-be adventurers finally found a place to rest. Even the mighty fighter, Durran felt a bit tired, both physically and mentally.
I shouldn't have let Varax carry the bard's supplies, look at him, he's all tired...but what's this? He takes first watch? A noble spirit this one. I should have done that!
As the half-orc starts to make the fire and the others tend to their business, Durran starting working out a bit, a few push-ups and sit-ups to prepare him for a good-night's sleep, or a possible brawl with a few goblins; either way, he felt he was going to have a pleasurable night.

While stretching his muscles he saw Varax's eyes through the flames, which caught his attention, and thus managed to spot the cleric staring at Elliadra and a wide smile appeared on his face whilst looking in the same direction.
Well, well, looks like someone has eyes for our elven lady.
Varax was probably not noiced, but Durran felt Eldon's eyes upon him, so he quickly turned his gaze away from the halfling's sister, and smiling from ear to ear, he came behind the other giant and patt him on the back, as friendly as he could.
"Wake me up when you feel tired."
The half-orc turned to face the fighter, but then his eyes fell on Elliadra once more. Durran sensed this, and couldn't help but widen his smile.
When he turned to walk away, Varax could see a wink coming from the other's dark eye.
Maybe when I get to know them better, I'll put in a good word for him...he seems like a nice fellow.
__________________

Pex:
When they left Logan's cottage, Ricon kept singing a song that Valeas had taught him about six adventurers going to the north. That was a universal song - allowing a singer to pick any number of the adventurers and any direction they wended. Suddenly the bard realized that this was the second time in his life he had left city walls. The thought made him a bit uneasy and his singing was replaced with whistling and he finally went quiet.

Upon reaching the camp site Ricon thanked again Varax for helping him with the part of the supplies. He was glad to find a friend like the cleric and wondered if he could somehow do something for him.

"If I can help in any way, Varax, please tell me. Not because I feel in debt since you carried a part of my supplies, but because friends should help each other."

Then he found a spot near the fire and sat leaning on the rock. Again he thought about the first time when he left Thistlebrook - his father had taken him to the caravan that had made a camp a mile from the city southern gate. He had been allowed to ride their old horse at that time. It was a pleasant memory for Ricon; he had been so excited and happy that time. But now? Was this really what he expected from his life when he had decided to leave family business? He wasn't sure and he started to worry again...

"To be a bard is more than to be a singer and lyre player," he remembered Valeas' words. "And I'm a half elf. My mother's kin is accustomed to live in wilderness," he added a thought of his own. That brought back smile to Ricon's face.

He started to sing quietly an elven song he had learned from his mother. It was about mist in the forest.
_____________________

Silently, Elliadra had followed Logan all day. When they reached camp, she noticed that Varax had been carrying some of Ricon's gear. At first this annoyed her as she thought Ricon had taken advantage of Varax's seemingly good nature, but when she heard what Ricon said to Varax, she changed her mind. Perhaps he wasn't so bad after all, she thought to herself.

She dropped her gear on the ground and sat down next to it. She looked over to Eldon to see what he was up to, but found him busy doing his own thing. She decided not to bother him just now, but wait until he had settled. Since this was the first chance she had had to get the hair out of her face she decided to be practical and do something about those annoying strands that insisted on curling around her face and tickling her nose. In what seemed like very little time, she had pulled her hair out of the braid and redone it into a tighter one.

"10 years..." she heard Varax mutter. She looked over at him and saw him staring at nothing with a distant look in his eyes as if he were remembering something, but then suddenly he shook his head and looked around the camp site. What is it he remembers?, Elliadra wondered. He has such a sadness about him. She wanted to go and talk to him, but knew that she would be unable to think of anything to say. So instead, she turned away and there was Durran doing pushups on the ground. Why on earth is he doing that? Surely he must be tired after walking all day! She watched him in amazement as he continued to exercise. Well, I suppose we all have our own routines, she thought.

Ricon was very quiet, she noticed. The chatty bard had not said a lot since leaving the city. As she watched her companions she heard Varax say, "Get your needed rest friends. I will take the first watch." She moved over to Eldon and spoke quietly to him. "Donny, I will also take my turn at watch. Make sure I am woken." She pulled her bedroll out of her bag and spread it out on the ground near Eldon. She took off her weapons and put them beside it and laid down waiting for Logan to return. As she lay watching the sky, she heard Ricon singing softly. She listened hard and realised it was an elvin song her parents had sung to her before they were killed. It was a beautiful song.
_______________________

Worry Pig:
Eldon thoroughly enjoyed the journey from town to the campsite. He found the open road and the excersise great. When the group stops for the night, Eldon places his pack against one of the rocks and sorts through for something to eat. While he's doing so he remembers what Devemar told him. He looks around to see if anybody is watching him, he notices Elly looking at him. He smiles at her and turns back to his gear. He picks up his spear and mutters a small incantation. From the tip of the spear sprouts a small bunch of berries. He picks them off and eats one. After that he stands up and stretches his back and arms while yawning.

"Okay gauvin, you can go hunt for supper. I'll call for you in the morning."

He pulls out his bedroll and lays it out in front of one of the rocks. He places his weapons and pack to the left of his bedroll. He glances up and notices Elly looking at him.

" Hi sis. I know we're on an important mission but I had fun today with all the walking and open road. I'll try and be really brave when we catch up to the goblins tomorrow. Well goodnight sis. If you want me to take a turn at the watch wake me when you're tired. Goodnight Elly."

He smiles one last time at her and lays down to get settled in for the night. Before he goes to sleep he places his left over berries in the side pocket of his pack.
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[Veshannatax]

Page 4

Cherrn:
Varax stood there and stared out into the wilderness. He was getting itchy. He felt like something was wrong. Maybe it was because this was the first time he was out in the wilderness since he joined in the attack on Thistlebrook, maybe it was something else. One thing was certain though. Something felt odd. He turned towards his newfound friends, because that was what they were, well, felt like anyway. Apart from Elnius he hadn't had any friends before. "Sir Logan has been gone for a while now, hasn't he?" He said in a rumbling voice that betrayed how worried he was.
_________________

Billy:
Elliadra got up and walked over to Varax. She was also concerned about the dwarf's where abouts.

"He has."

She stood near Varax and peered beyond the camp. She wasn't sure what to do. If she went in search of Logan and he was just taking his time, she knew that he would be angry with her for not having more faith in him, but what if he wasn't just taking his time? What if something had happened to him? It would be difficult to deal with his anger, but she couldn't risk his safety. She would go and look for him.

"I should go look for him." She said to Varax and then turned and headed back towards her gear to get her weapons.
__________________

Pex:
Hearing conversation between Varax and Elliadra, Ricon stopped singing, rose and approached the elf.

"You are a brave lady, Elliadra," the bard said, "but perhaps you should reconsider your idea. I think we should wait for Logan at least another half an hour, but if we decide to go after him, we should all go. I mean no disrespect to you, but if Logan, an experienced ranger he is, met some danger that prevented him to return here, that could prove too much for you to handle alone."
____________________

Billy:
Elliadra looks at Ricon in surprise. Unable to get out of answering she replies,

"I will wait another half an hour."

Elliadra sits near the fire and waits. She doesn't like the bard's idea of them all going. They will make so much noise they will surely alert any who may be foes to their coming. It would be much better if she went alone. She knew how to hunt.
________________

Pex:
Ricon nodded to the elf and returned to his previous position. He took some dried meat and toast from his backpack and started to eat. He had never been known as one that ate much and could skip a meal without even noticing it, but at this moment he felt like he needed some food. Plus, that would make the next half an hour pass quickly. And what if Logan doesn't return? he wondered.
_________________

Predator:
He stood there, lying on the ground, gazing at the sky, waiting for Varax to ask him to take replace him.
He couldn't sleep, nor did he want to, considering it better to simply rest, and process today's events.
I wonder how upset Vedan is...apparently I'm the only fighter in this party, lucky me...what's going to happen when we find the goblins?
Then he was "disturned" bis his companions' chatter.
They were worried about Logan...Funny, I hadn't noticed he was gone so long...
Cursing his lack of attention he carefully listened to the conversation, seemingly they were going to look for Logan in half an hour.
Reluctantly standing up he stretched his muscles, took his gear...actually, only his sword and placed it carefully on the right side of his scabbard, handling it like it was a fragile new born.
Then he walked to Varax and Elliadra, and took a "seat", on the ground next to the elf.
Grasping his sword, a meaningful gesture indeed he growled a phrase:
"You might require my assistance."
_________________

Worry Pig:
Eldon couldn't get to sleep with the excitement of the open road and the fact he would be seeing goblins up close. When he rolled over to his left he noticed that Elliadra was not there. He sat up and looked around Where did she go I wonder? he thought to himself. He gets up and walks around and notices that everyone else is grouped together on the far side of the camp. He walks towards the group and asks,

"What's going on? Were you guys going to leave me here? I thought I heard you guys talking about Logan. Speaking of Logan, shouldn't he be back by now?"

Eldon notices that everyone is looking at him and Elly tells him they are leaving soon in search of Logan.

"Well if we're going to look for him, I'll call Gauvin and he can scout ahead for us. He's got great night vision you know that?"

Eldon looks to the skies and let's out a series of hoots like an owl and within moments Gauvin floats down to land on Eldon's shoulder.

"Whenever you guys are ready, I'll send him off."

With that he sits down and waits for the group to answer.
____________________

Billy:
Elliadra looks at Durran sitting beside her with his sword and realises that she has no alternative other than to talk.

"Look," she says shortly. "I am not a fool. I'm not about to go charging off into some enemy lair thinking I can defeat it's occupants all by myself! I mentioned I may go look for Logan, that's it! And if I do decide to go, I will go on my own. I don't need backup because I have no intention of being seen. If Logan is caught by some Goblins, you can be sure that I will return for you. And before you argue, do try to remember that I am the hunter here."

Elliadra gets up from the fire and heads back to her gear, where she lays down on her bed roll and waits.
______________

Pex:
Hearing Elliadra's outburst Ricon wondered if he should say something or not. He decided to speak - after all what he was about to say was for the elf's good.

"Yes, you're a hunter, but so is Logan - and far better than you are. If he was indeed captured, do you think you could best his capturers when he couldn't? If there is some enemy out there that defeated Logan, then our numbers are the only advantage that we have. Going into the trap one by one won't bring us any good."

His own words surprised the bard a bit. He didn't really want to go into the woods and search for Logan. But he also knew that if they had to go, it would be better if they went altogether.
________________

Billy:
Elliadra glared at Ricon. These people just didn't seem to hear what she was saying. Main reason why she didn't like talking. People never listened anyway. She took a deep breath and in a very cold voice replied to Ricon,

"Do what you want, Bard. You didn't listen to what I just said, so I see no point in saying it again. In fact I wonder why I'm even speaking now when none of you seem to be hearing me. But just think about things for one second. If Logan is just wondering around unharmed and he comes back here to find us all gone, he will not be happy."
________________

Pex:
She doesn't like talking? He was more impressed by the factthat he would find someone like him, than by her words.
The bard spoke with her, but he didn't listen, his mind was somewhere else, trying to find it's calm, so that he would not start a senseless argument.
His transe was over, just in time to hear her last sentence "you didn't listen to what I just said"...he was going to act as if he really wan't listening...and he felt forced to speak.
"No...hunter, you have no chance of succeding in this...if you're lucky, you will end up like Logan, and then we will have to come looking for you." then he just remembered What if she's right and nothing happened to him"And if nothing had happened to him...he would have been here by now..."
He drew his breath, and chased away the anger within, just like his father taught him, then continued:
"We will use your tracking skills to find him...if you find us repulsive, or if you think we are disturning you then we will keep our distance, but if Logan is in trouble, you will need the fighter's sword, the cleric's spells, or even the bard's song."
He didn't look at her during this whole speach, but for this last part, he considered eye contact to be necessary:
"If you still want to go alone, then I will be forced to retain you, as I do not wish to have your death on my conscience!"
Then he faced away, breathing uneasy, trying to controll himself not to show how "unhappy" he really was.
_________________

Cherrn:
At Durran's last remark, Varax raised himself to his full height and said in a deep rumbling voice: "By Helm you will do no such thing Sir Durran! Lady Elliadra is free to do whatever she wants, that's her given right as a free woman! We are together in this though, but neither Thistlebrook and Sir Logan benefits from infighting such as this!" Varax lowered himself again and lowered his gaze. "Forgive me raising my voice, friends. All things considered, I must admit that I am with Lady Elliadra on this one. She would be a much more effective scout than with us clanking along behind her. She can get in close and assess the situation, if Sir Logan has indeed been captured." Varax looked up at the group with a grave look in his eyes. "And maybe we can draw them out of their little hole or whereever they are hiding. Set a trap for them here..." Varax waved his arm through the air in an effort to illustrate that he was speaking about the entire camp. "This place is an excellent defendable position. Fight them on our ground instead of theirs I say." Varax looked at Elliadra. "It's not like Lady Elliadra will be alone on this little trek. She will no doubt have Sir Eldon's winged companion with her, watching her back." Varax put his hand on Elliadra's shoulder. "Do be careful Lady, I have no desire to loose a friend when I have just found one." Varax realised what he was doing and quickly retracted his hand. He took a few steps back with an apologetic look in his eyes. "I... I'd better... prepare... the ambush... Forgive me Lady Elliadra." At that, Varax, spun around and walked off to the edge of the camp.
__________________

Predator:
Reluctantly, he stood up, cleaned the dust off his armor. He was a bit frustrated because he had to speak again, though he would much rather avoid this. And Varaz's outburts of nobility was quite uncalled for, though the "Sir" Durran part amused him a bit.
"And...how do you plan to lure them here? What if she is captured? What will you do then? Send the druid after her so that he may be captured as well, and then maybe you will go alone after them and then the bard and, in the end I will have to come after all of you and if I fail to kill all the goblins we'll be served for dinner!"
This was one crescendo of discontent, evolving from a fake calm to rage as he finished his last sentence.
Then, he took a second to calm down...We didn't listen to her...? Well no one is listening to me either!
"Now I must repeat myself...I said we will keep our distance when it is needed...for we will most likely give her away when she is hiding, but we can't just wait here while she exposes herself to danger!"
Once again he neede to calm himself.
"Picture this: She starts tracking, finds Logan, but he's surrounded by goblins, so she walks back here, notifies us, and by the time we're there the pesky vermin will have allready left, and who knows what they might do to Logan. Say she manages to attract attention to her, that would mean exposure, and, unless she's faster than the bolts of a crossbow, she will be captured or...."What he was about to say might have put his companios in an even worse mood than they allready were, so he chose not to.
"I say we accompany our hunter, let her do her magic, and then, when we find Logan we'll take his attackers by surprise. We can lure them into an ambush, we can even jump on them...all of us at a time. Or...better, I can create a diversion...I'd be hard not to notice, thus giving Elliadra enough time to take him out of there."
___________________

Pex:
Again Ricon found himself in dilemma should he speak or not. Again he decided to speak, and not just that, but to rid himself of such doubts in future. He was a bard - he wasn't a skilled warrior nor wizard, but a bard. The best thing he could offer to this party, to these people he considered his friends, were his words.

"With all respect, Elliadra," he started calmly, "but you're the one not listening to us. My question was simple, if Logan was indeed captured, that would mean he failed to sneak upon his capturers. What makes you think that you would succeed where he had failed?"

He let the words hanging in the air for a moment, before continuing.

"I agree with Durran, though that was what I've suggested in the first place, that we should go altogether. But there is another thing that you all are obviously missing. You talk about goblins - do you really think that a bunch of goblins could capture one Logan Beaststalker? And even to do it so silently that we haven't even heard any sound of battle? If Logan was defeated, we should be ready to face a powerful enemy. Dividing our party won't bring us any good."

He looked at the halfling.

"Eldon, could you send your owl friend to look for Logan and return with the report of his whereabouts?"
_____________________

Worry Pig:
While all of this went on, Eldon just sat there with is back against one of the rocks taking everything in.

"Gauvin was going to go no matter what. Sorry sis but I was going to get Gauvin to follow you if you went off on your own. Elly, I know you feel you need to prove something to yourself or Logan, but I think he'd be prouder if you excepted our help. No one here is trying to offend you or your skills, we all know you've got the best chance of finding Logan."

Eldon looked at everyone trying to see if they agreed with what he had just said. And also he wanted to let his words hang for Elly to take them all in.

"Elly, if you won't listen to them listen to me please. I love you and you mean the world to me. I wouldn't be able to live if I knew I could have prevented your death or capture. I know we don't know exactly what is going on with Logan but if we decide to go after him we are all going. If you still insist on going alone, know that I will follow you. Remember you are not the only one of the forest, if nothing I know a little more then you."

Eldon then gets up and walks over to Elly. He takes her hand in his and looks up at her.

"Elly I love you and I'm not leaving you alone."

Eldon brings Elly's hand up to his lips and gently kisses her hand. He drops her hand and gives her a hug. After that he walks back towards his bedroll and sits down and waits for someone to say something.

[Veshannatax]

Page 4

Billy:
By her appearance the others think she has acepted defeat, yet internally she is fuming. Elliadra cannot believe that these MEN would allow their emotions to cloud their judgement so much. The only one who understood what she was trying to say was Varax. If she had intended to take any of them then she would have taken Eldon with her anyway as she knew he knew the forest better than her, but he had now decided that she didn't know what she was talking about. None of them seemed to understand the folly of all rushing off together. Well she had tried talking to them and had failed miserably (which wasn't entirely unexpected anyway), so that was her effort made. She would not make that mistake again. She looked at Eldon as he walked off, feeling particularly betrayed by him, then looked at Ricon and Durran. She turned away from them and walked over to Varax at the edge of the camp and sat down next to him. She said nothing more.
______________________

Worry Pig:
When Eldon returns to his bedroll he notices that Elly chose to go and sit beside Varax instead of himself. He feels betrayed until he remembers what he had just told her. I'm her brother, I should trust her and her judgements. Eldon begins to weep softly. After a few moments, he regains his composer. He stands up and stretches a bit.

"Hey guys, I'm sending Gauvin out now to search for Logan. With any luck he'll find some trace of him, If not, we'll all need your tracking abilities sis to see if you can pick something up."

Eldon then walks over to where Elly and Varax are sitting together and sits down in front of them.

"Elly, I'm sorry about what I said a while ago. I never meant to hurt you. I thought I was doing right, but after I thought about it I wasn't. If Gauvin is not back soon, you go ahead and try and find a trail. I know you don't want us following behind you because most of us will make lots of noise. If you want sis, I'll send Gauvin out with you and when you think you are far enough away from us then you send him back to let us know when you are ready for us to start following. We'll not go anywhere until we hear from Gauvin. If anyone gives you trouble you'll have me backing you up and I'm sure we'll have big guy looking over the both us. Right Varax? Is that okay with you sis?"

With that last question he remains seated in hopes of a response.
____________________

Cherrn:
Varax looked up at Elliadra as she came over to him. He smiled, but he still had that apologetic look in his eyes. Silence passed between them until he finally spoke after a short while. "Forgive me Lady Elliadra, I overstepped my bounds back there. I am well and truly sorry." He lowered his gaze to the ground and sighed loudly, then he began drawing in the dirt with his huge fingers. First it appeared to be just a doodle, but after a little while one would be able make out what it was if one looked directly at it from above. It was the Everwatching Eye, the symbol of Helm. Varax closed his eyes.

Eternal Sentinel. Walk with us and protect us if we do decide to walk headfirst into that which lurks before us. For the road that lies ahead, grant me the power to infuse my sword with magic, a shimmering shield of your divine grace to protect us, and finally the power to increase my size two-fold, so that I may draw fire away from the injured and frighten our enemies.

When Varax was done, he opened his eyes and and saw Eldon sitting in front of him and Elliadra. He smiled at Eldon's question. "Of course Sir Eldon. By my honour I shall protect the both of you or die trying."
________________

Predator:
Behind Varax and Elliadra stood a seven foot tall, rather angry-looking fighter, with his hands crossed on his chest.
She's probably going to run in there all by herself...can't let her do that!
Was she listening to at least a word I said? By Helm! I try to protect her and...she acts like that...Father, please, grant me your wisdom
Then he heard the cleric's last line, he said he will protect them.
"So will I!"
After a moment of carefully picking his words, he walked towards Elliadra and sat down in front of her, to establish eye-contact once more.
"Look...If I offended you in any way I appologize, but I assure you my only concern was your safety...and ours." He wasvisibly annoyed that he was forced by her stubborness to accept this plan.
"When you are in dire straits send your brother's owl and we will come running to your aid."
_________________

Pex:
All this theatrical speech amused the bard, but he saw beneath of it - something great was happening, a bond was making between the members of the group. Ricon felt urge to speak his words.

"I'm not skilled with the weapons as some of you and my magic is not as potent as wizard's," he started, addressing no one particular, "but if it comes to the battle I'll do everything in my power to aid each and every of you."

He paused for a few seconds before continuing.

"Whatever the course majority decides, I will follow," he said, "but let us wait for the owl to return with the report before making any decision."
_________________

Billy:
Elliadra looked at Varax,

"Varax, it's ok, I didn't notice you overstepping anything."

She listened to everything the others had to say, but couldn't be bothered to argue anymore. She just hoped that Logan was ok and that all this talk had been a waste of time and effort.

She turned to the others and responded with,

"Well I suppose we should just wait for Gauvin to return, but if he is not back in half an hour, something needs to be done."

Sitting next to Varax, she continued to look out into the wilderness, away from the camp.
_______________

Pex:
Ricon was satisfied with Elliadra's response, but he did his best no to smile. He was afraid that she might mistake it for mocking. Instead, he just nodded and returned to sit at his place. Once again he started to sing an elven song, his voice was barely audible. He hoped that either Logan or Gauvin would return before the next half an hour expired.
____________________

Ishan:
As the party decides to send out Gauvin to scout, they settle down to wait for the owl to return. Some time passes, as an uncomfortable silence passes over the group. After about twenty minutes have passed, Elliadra hears a sound at the back of the camp, a shuffling as if of feet. As she turns towards it, she sees a small greenskinned creature with large ears going through Ricon's supplies, a creature Logan has taught her about... A goblin. The creature wears a rough patched together hide armour, and a dagger hangs by its belt. It doesn't appear to have noticed that it was spotted.
__________________

Billy:
Elliadra quietly touches Varax on the leg and indicates to him what she has noticed. Knowing her bow is over with her gear, she picks up a rock from the ground and as she stands she turns quickly and hurls it at the goblin's head and then starts running towards it pulling her dagger out as she runs. She doesn't want to kill it, but she knows they can't let it get away.
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Cherrn:
Varax had noticed the goblin as well, but didn't react as quick as Elliadra did. Seeing that Elliadra was already charging the goblin, Varax yelled to it in the wicked goblin tongue: "Surrender now and your life will be spared!" Varax began following Elliadra, but otherwise didn't make any threatening gestures.
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Pex:
Seeing Elliadra and Varax' reaction Ricon jumped to his feet. His hand moved to rest on the pommel of his dagger, but he didn't draw the blade.
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Worry Pig:
Eldon was roused from his reveries by Varax's shouting. He turns his head and notices the goblin. He reaches down to his belt pulls forth a sling bullet and his sling. He then readies the sling by swinging it overhead as he waits and watches to see what Elly does to the creature.
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Ishan:
The thrown stone sadly misses the goblin by a long shot, passing it and smacking into a bush behind it. From the bush, a high pitched outcry can be heard, alerting the goblin even as Varax yells at it. It draws its dagger from its belt, but seems confused by the words in its own language. A part of it seems to want to run, another part is hesitant to do anything. The bushes where the stone went into are rustling as if some animal was hit by the rock.
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Worry Pig:
Eldon hears that screech from the bushes and thinks to himself Please don't be Gauvin. After that thought Eldon realises the goblin drew its dagger. Eldon then releases the sling bullet for the goblin and hopes his aim is true.
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Billy:
Elliadra is furious with herself for missing the goblin with the stone and can't help but wonder what she has hit in the bushes, but as she is now running toward a totally uninjured and armed goblin, she hopes that Varax will have some luck in trying to talk to it. She is sure this goblin will be able to tell them where Logan is, if only they can keep from having to kill it straight away.