Re: To Narshall!!!

[Michael Briggs]

The morning of travel starts out much like anyone would have expected.  Before the roosters call everyone from deep sleep, a knock on the door summons the maid.  It is a delivery from a man who has everything needed for a fresh breakfast.   The maid toils at the meal for a few hours before waking everyone.  Each person is brought a bowl and cloth for washing along with some soap and a towel.

The meal is hearty and filling.  Something to be appreciated as the last for a while; unless Karchok eeks out another fantastic road stew.  The maid insists that no one help her.  She has washed all clothing for everyone's journey during the evening.  The outfits are folded and left near the washing bowls.  Any other outfits in the group's gear are cleaned as well. 

A carriage arrive to pick everyone up after breakfast.  Due to the limitations in seating, a few of the group have to sit outside one the rail seating around the top.  The small men driving the carraige work together to place everything efficiently on the top. 

The morning sun's aura begins taking effect by the end of the ride, painting the horizon in hues of orange and yellow, but the globe doesn't appear yet.  The sun's sister watches from further away emitting a dark red color.  The calls from all types of birds begin shortly before the group arrives at the southern gate near the church of Shanadan.

The chants of morning prayer are resounding outside the church as the priests inside raise their voices in praise to their god.  The call of the birds and those of the clergy seem to be in concert.  Outside, Saint Tarlman walks in the garden.  He seems at peace, like he is in silent communication with Shanadan.

[Bob G.]

> The morning of travel starts out much like anyone would have expected.
> Before the roosters call everyone from deep sleep, a knock on the
> door summons the maid. It is a delivery from a man who has everything
> needed for a fresh breakfast. The maid toils at the meal for a few
> hours before waking everyone. Each person is brought a bowl and cloth
> for washing along with some soap and a towel.

Cal'Shir wakes up before the others and makes his way down to the
kitchen where the 'servant girl' (he never did buy the idea that she was
just a servant housekeeper) was busy preparing a fine breakfast. "Good
morning" he greets her quietly "I would consider it a favor if you would
let me help for a little bit. My mind is on the trip and, well, I need
to keep my hands busy for a little while. It's either help you cut up
these potatoes or get into mischief. You wouldn't want me to get into
mischief, now would you?" He offers a lopsided grin as he picks up a
large knife, flips it once, then starts dicing the washed tubers.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam takes her time making sure she is clean and ready to travel.
Wondering if it will be the last time in a while that she'll get to
truely be clean. Pulling her hair into tight braids she hopes to at
least keep her hair clean for a little while at least....

She eats her morning meal in quiet, looking over as the young girl
serves them the meal she prepared and she recalls how frightened she
had been about possibly loosing her job. What would happen to her
now...Shyam thinks to ask Lady Marie figuring that the dragoness would
be there to see them off.

Finally the carriages arrive and Shyam reluctantly dons the heavy
chain shirt, causign her shoulders to sag under its weight once more.
It was either wear it or carry it and it was easier to wear. She
climbs up into the carriage, squeezing over to the side as much as
possible for the short trip to the gate her gaze fixes on the air in
front of her, thoughts drifting off to the trip ahead of them.

Arriving at the church she climbs from the carriage and is glad to see
Saint Tarlman and walks towards him. So different from his brother,
so at peace. "Good morning." She bows her head slightly in greeting.

[Michael New]

Kethril says over breakfast, "What a lovely morning!  Good morning everyone.

Last night I expected one of our patrons to talk about our task, how important it was, how many lives were at stake, and so on.   But it didn't happen.  I suppose they thought some of you could fill me in on the details.  So, I'd love to hear the details, unless it is truly all we know that we're going to Narshall to kill a lich."

Instead of the carriage, Kethtril takes his trusty horse, Anvil, and follows the carriage to the church.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus quietly took the time to wash.  It reminded him of his ma.  Whenever they had the chance, they had taken the time to get clean.  Tempus took the chance to bathe himself.  On the road, it probably wouldn't happen for a long time.  Thoughts of home entered into his mind, and Tempus immediately tried to push his thoughts from his mind.  Those would only cause him trouble.  A single tear managed to sneak down his cheek and he quickly washed it away.

At breakfast, he was quiet and brooding.  He had forgotten how excited he had felt at the prospect of moving out.  The sight of Shyam did help lighten his mood, but he remained silent.

On Tue, Mar 22, 2011 at 2:48 PM, Leslie Lock <lalo...@gmail.com> wrote:

"Not a lich, a devil.  The lich has to wait it seems."  Nothing more
is forthcoming after the statement.  Either because she doesn't know,
or simply doesn't want to be the one to explain it all.

Shyam doesn't seem happy about the statement however.  She wanted to
rid the world of the one who cause her so much loss.  It was afterall
the lich who stole the children for its sinister plan whatever that
was.  It was the one who saw to it that her village was destroyed when
their group rescued the children.  But unless Hyle gives up his
master's location they had no idea where to find it.

[Don Alley]

Quentin slept poorly through the night. His childhood fears had crept back to him in the form of his adult life. The authoritarian and draconian kingdom of Narshall was his destination.

"Quentin... honey wake up! It's time!", a hazy female voice urged.

"No Mommy, I don't WANT to go!", he heard himself say as he balled up like an armadillo, as if it would somehow protect him.

"Darling... it is far safer for you. I have arranged everything... you need to go quietly."

"When will you come for me, mommy?"

"As soon as I can."

That was the last time he saw his mother 14 years ago now, as the unsavory man held Quentin and wrapped his own cloak about him. To an onlooker, the man would look like a fat slob, but the ruddy jowls and sheen of sweat generated just by moving was all part of the disguise.

On the trip to Calsham, the man answered some questions. It turns out, his mother's job was an infiltrator to the few noble houses that would openly stand against the king on some issues. She was the best at what she did, and Quentin seemed to inherit her charm and dexterity.

He remembered the odd rogue making breakfast on the road, it was exquisite stuff, baked rolls, exotic fruits, and succulent duck eggs... no it wasn't... it was iron rations... what was that smell?

Quentin awoke to the smell of breakfast being prepared. He shrugged off the series of anxious dreams and prepared for the journey ahead.

[Leslie Lock]

[Michael Briggs]

The cleric looks over at Shyam with a smile.  He had been expecting them, but filling the time in the garden of the church.  The garden was beautiful, but the man had a natural charisma about him matched with a kind soul.  The cleric lets the delicate flower that he holds fall back into place on the tree.  His armor seems to gleam brighter as the sun begins to crest the horizon.  

"Well, good morning to you, young lady," he holds out an arm to Shyam and gently says, "We should talk before you leave.  It seems me hesitation to do this has cause the time to talk to be short.  Would you come with me?  There is a beautiful bush over here that could use some extra radiance."

A woman riding an unusual, over-sized dog creature can be seen leaving the southern gate with seven other steads behind her.  She looks like she might be slightly taller than most people, but she has a look the warns anyone who messes with her that she means business.  A overly tight leather outfit covers her body, but not enough.  She look to be every man's desire and a dangerous snake all in one.  On the clasp of her hood is the symbol of Salazar.  Wicked looking blades are sheathed in random place on her body, but none seem to cause her discomfort.  Her hair is short, not much longer than typical man.  A headband of silver and gems hold her hair tightly to her scalp.

Tarlman looks at the woman with recognition, but there is no kindness in his gaze at her.  He seems to force indifference out as a reaction, but Shyam, Quentin, and Karchok all see it as a ruse.  The Saint didn't seem to like her.  

[Loki Mischief]

Excitement held fatigue at bay for many sleepless hours. Slow-witted
innocent children have nothing on the depth of Synxol's slumber once
he finally succumbed to his exhaustion. After performing his ablutions
and dressing in his freshly laundered clothing he leaves behind a
circle of drool on his pillow case to remember him by.

Breakfast was lost in the haze of waking from the fog of cotton that
had invaded his head. It was all he could do to avoid eating with his
hands and sucking the juices from his fingertips. He heartily returns
Kethtril's greeting and bids him good morning in return.

Standing outside and basking in the chill of morning, fighting against
the warmth of the sun, he lets out an epic yawn and arches his back in
a stretch to work out the kink that had formed. Sleeping in such
luxury was uncomfortable and he is amazed he did not dream of being
eaten by ravenous mattresses. Wrestling his unruly raven black hair
under his tricorn, he watches the others gather with a curious
expression.

Offering to take one of the rail seats, since it provides him more
opportunity and premise to gawk from a lofty vantage point, he
clambers up and enjoys the ride.

With an easy gait, the sorcerer walks among the gardens tended in the
name of Shanadan. His gaze lingers on the woman in the tight leather
outfit and a little smile draws up the corner of his mouth.

[Bob G.]

"That's basically it" Cal'Shir chimes in, then signals both Kethtril and
Synxol to follow him out the front door as he does not want to upset
Shyam by rehashing certain events in front of her. Once outside his
expression hardens. "We go to Narshall first because there are devils
running about causing much strife, and because there may be, it seems, a
link to the lich. The lich is responsible for sending dragons to destroy
the village of Maidenshire, the home of both Shyam and Karchok. That was
after we rescued the children of that same village when the lich had
them kidnapped for what we believe was to be a ritual sacrifice of all
the kids. Also, as you may have gathered from Andrasticial, there's
something important for Shyam's well-being we must try to recover in
Narshall."

[Michael New]

Kethtril smiles, "This is more like it!  Thank you for filling us in, Cal'shir.  So what are we looking for for Shyam?  And why does all attention seem to be on that young woman, anyways?  Is she of royal blood or something?"

_______________________________

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam looks over at the woman, curious yet not enougth to approach
her. Seeing the look in the saints eyes, she wonders what the woman
may have done to deserve his dislike, for he didn't appear to be a man
who judged.

Her hand raises to his forearm, pausing just above for a meer seconds
before she lays her hand upon him. Her own eyes carried a sadness
suddenly, the memory of his death seen so clearly before in one of her
visions. "You wanted to speak." The words are quiet, almost serene,
perhaps from the memory and the connection she felt to it. "Let us go
and, how did you put it, provide some extra radiance." She steers him
towards the bush he spoke of.

[Loki Mischief]

Clapping Cal'Shir on the shoulder, Synxol throws the man a winning
smile, "I appreciate you sharing that with us. It helps to know a
little more of what we are getting ourselves into."

Enjoying the sights and smells of the garden, the sorcerer cannot
resist his urges any longer. His offending footwear is cast aside and
a contented sigh reaches the ears of those closest to him. Toes
gleefully drum the soil and rip up little tufts of grass as they
embrace it a bit too roughly.

[Michael Briggs]

Tarlman seems pleased that Shyam doesn't use the popular moniker when talking directly to him.  As they walk around to the back of the courtyard, Tarlman place his hand on hers.  A sign that shows a paternal caring for the young girl.  He smiles at her as they remove themselves from the rest of the arrivals.

"Shyam," Tarlman says while maintaining eye contact, "You have been through so much.  I wouldn't begin to understand your feelings.  Contrary to the way people are talking, you are a person."  The Saint reaches up and plucks a beautiful cherry blossom from the tree he is near.  

"Do you know the significance of this tree?" he asks Shyam.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus enjoyed the carriage ride up on top.  Another one of the new members of the group was up top with him.  Tempus noticed that the man was looking about wildly, with even more excitement than Tempus was feeling at all the sights of the city.  Tempus briefly smiled as he remembered the exhilaration fight through the skies over the sky.

Grateful as well for Cal'Shir's simple explanation, Tempus had another question.

"Sacrifice of all the kids?  What kids?"  Tempus asked, feeling a bit confused.  He turned his gaze away from the garden and Shyam to look directly at Cal'Shir.

[Bob G.]

On 3/23/2011 12:24 AM, Michael New wrote:
>
> Kethtril smiles, "This is more like it! Thank you for filling us in,
> Cal'shir. So what are we looking for for Shyam? And why does all
> attention seem to be on that young woman, anyways? Is she of royal
> blood or something?"
>
>

"Royal? No, not exactly, but her bloodline is very special. It gives her
powers and abilities beyond the average. She will be either mankind's
best hope, or its worst enemy. The first step seems to be to find a
special tome in a long lost library, probably underground, in Narshall.
It has an upside down five pointed star on it. I don't know why it is
important." Cal'Shir deliberately leaves out the information that the
tome is bound with human skin.

[Leslie Lock]

Having moved away from the others, all of Shyam's focus was upon the
man. Her smile was genuine we he spoke to her, relief that someone
understood. The struggle she faced within herself upon discovering
that her powers stemmed from some demon, a fiend that terrorized and
raped women long ago so that it could accomplish some devious task
still felt as like a nightmare. A story that couldn’t possibly be
true, yet everyone said it was.

The sun shines upon them, Shyam and Tarlman standing near the tree,
and its warmth sinks into her body through her clothing and armor.
She looks at the blossom, the five small pale pedals surrounding the
deep pink center which sprouts several inch long tentacles which are
white with tips of yellow. Looking from the blossom to the tree she
shakes her head finally turning to him for the answer.

[Don Alley]

Quentin quietly approaches the group out front, including Cal'Shir and the others.

"Don't look up just yet.", he mentions. "The attractive woman approaching is a dangerous one. I'd advise against making her upset. She is quite... capable... with all those blades."

"She has a number of horses... let's hope she isn't along for the ride."

[Loki Mischief]

Synxol paces Shyam with his eyes as she retreats with Tarlman.
Remembering Cal'Shir's words he imagines that the weight of being
mankind's salvation or destruction must be nigh unbearable, especially
on one so young.

Realizing that he had done a bit more damage to the grass than he had
intended, he replaces his divot and grinds it into place with his well-
calloused heel. These people liked to their wild with its hair combed,
its teeth brushed and a promise to play nice. Who was he to argue?

Padding over near Quentin, he nods and blows him a kiss, in a manner
he had seen several times the previous day, to thank him for the sage
warning about the leather-clad woman. He secrets away a hope that she
is coming with them, since her presence gives him the happiness in his
man parts.

[Erek]

Having come out of his reverie a few hours before the humans wake,
Keryth studies his spellbook. He goes over some of the intricate
motions and arcane words to the few spells he had learned so far.
Keryth's knowledge of the arcane was fairly limited and he had yet to
successfully cast a spell, other than the minor cantrips he had
learned. Noting one arcane symbol that he was not quite tracing
correctly, Keryth makes a mental note to pay particular attention to
that spell. Andrasticial had rushed him through his apprenticeship,
bombarding Keryth's mind with information usually learned over years
of careful study. Every gesture, every component, every word must be
carefully timed for successful casting. The bond he had formed with
his ancestor's sword had also given him insight into the workings of
the Art.

Joining the others for breakfast, Keryth is quiet. On the ride to the
Shanadan temple, Keryth sits near Shyam, contemplating how the young
woman handled all the pressure he was sure she must feel.

Upon arriving, Keryth watches Shyam go speak with Saint Tarlman. His
attention is diverted to Cal'Shir when the human mentions details of
their mission. Keryth silently mulls over the information as he
watches Synoxl remove his shoes and notices an almost freeing feeling
wash over the fey human. Suppressing a small laugh, Keryth smiles at
the almost child-like nature of Synoxl.

[Don Alley]

Quentin isn't quite sure how to take the gesture, and becomes somewhat concerned over the newcomer. He'll have to keep an eye on this guy to work up a profile on him...later... Since he had observed Synoxl for just under a day, he did know that the guy was very nature oriented in some way...  He also had no clue about city life, and his emotions read on his face like an open book sometimes.

"Think of her as a preying mantis female...  The analogy is very accurate."

[Russ]

  Karchok had rode in the carriage in near silence, hiding within the depths of his cowl.  The half-orc had been quite ever since he had met the others for their morning meal.  Not that he was in a bad mood, the half-orc was just feeling the after effects of drinking.  He had a few more glasses then he probably should have had.  'I feel like I have been run over by a carriage,' he thinks to himself as they travel.
  Stretching, he watches Shyam and Tarlman walk and talk through the garden.  Noting the saints reaction to the woman riding the large canine creature, he frowns slightly.  It would seem that Tarlman does care for the woman, for whatever reasons.  Which confused the young druid a little after he notices Salazar's symbol upon the the woman.  Not that the archmages symbol was hard to miss.  How many people wear a symbol that looks similar to the top of Salazar's staff?
  Shrugging to himself, he turns his cowled head to look around the gardens.  They half-orc watches Ghost and Scar explore their surroundings with a faint smile.  Hearing the others, he turns to face the rest of the hunting pack with a yawn.  The half-breed looks to Kethril and nods to the human. 
  "I feel I should apologize.  I should have mentioned what we were heading into earlier," Karchok tells the knight.  "I've had a lot on my mind, lately," he adds with a shrug.  Looking back to the woman leading the seven horses, he is reminded of what the dragoness had told them about a guide. 
  "You think that this is the guide that Marei mentioned to us?" he asks of the gathered pack.  Looking between the others he lowers his deep voice so that it will not carry beyond the group.  "Tarlman doesn't seem to like her," he observes.  Eying the locals of the city within the pack he continues speaking.  "Does anyone know anything about this person?"
  Before an answer could be given, he turns his head to Angel. 
  "I vaguely remember Cal'shir mentioned that lightning sword.  I say he should use it, since he is most likely going to be a kyton's dance partner," Karchok says to the priest.  "Anything else you can think of that can be dolled out within the new hunting pack?"

[Michael Briggs]

Tarlman takes a moment to think about how he wants to explain the tree to Shyam, but takes a deep breath and begins, "When I first came to this city, there was nothing here, in this spot, except the weeds on the ground.  I lost my communion with Shanadan, a terrible and irreplaceable feeling that sent me across the known world searching for an answer.  Although Salazar and Praelan were there, I was alone.  I hated myself.  There was always a feeling of worthlessness.  I constantly asked myself why I was treated so unfairly."  The cleric bows his head remembering the now passed emotions that had dwelt in the dark places of his soul.   

"Today, this tree stands here to remind me of how much beauty comes from those things that rise up against the odds.  I know that you have a brother who shares orc heritage, and this falls contrary to the preference of Shanadan's faith.  So feel free to call upon Shanadan; upon me when you feel yourself faltering."  Tarlman reaches up and caresses a branch from the holy tree before gently tugging it away.  Left behind is a nub that begins a new branch, not the broken stem.  He hands the tree's stem to Shyam.  "Break this, and I will hear your cry.  You can't fail.  If you do, the unfairness and injustice in this world will come from you.  Many will lose their lives, loved ones, and freedoms."

"Your story is something only you will ever know.  Trying to explain this to anyone else will only frustrate you.  Looking for justice in life will get you no where.  You have much more than so many of these urchins and refugees we see today.  Don't forget that in your travels.  I'm envious of your supportive friends, including the king.  I had to work much harder to get King Calsham's ear."

[Russ]

  "Kethril? Do you posses a magically enchanted weapon?  I just assumed that you did, I should probably make sure since their is a good chance you will be in the front lines," Karchok turns his cowled from Angel to Kethril.  "And Kethril, could I ask a favor of you?  I received armor from the king, but I have never worn anything like it.  Would you mind showing me the finer points of putting it on?" the half-orc asks of the knight.  Of all the people in the hunting group, Kethril was going to be the best to ask.  The half-orc had stowed his new armor in his magical backpack and forgotten about it.  He was guessing that they had a few minutes.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus' eyes stray away from Cal'Shir over to the women that Quentin was talking about.  She did appear to be somewhat dangerous.  She did have multiple weapons on her and her armor...

Tempus had himself lost for a few moments in all sorts of wild teenage thoughts, before he quickly glanced away.  Like Quentin said, the woman was dangerous indeed. 

Tempus then looks about to find Shyam, and finds her off talking with another man, one of the first people he had met after the Lady Marei had asked for his aid.  Tempus stared over at Shyam, admiring her from a distance.  Could she really be dangerous?  She was nothing like the other woman, nothing at all.  Tempus continued to stare in her direction, lost again in his thoughts.

[Michael New]

On 3/23/2011 5:20 PM, Russ wrote:

  "Kethril? Do you posses a magically enchanted weapon?  I just assumed that you did, I should probably make sure since their is a good chance you will be in the front lines," Karchok turns his cowled from Angel to Kethril.  "And Kethril, could I ask a favor of you?  I received armor from the king, but I have never worn anything like it.  Would you mind showing me the finer points of putting it on?" the half-orc asks of the knight.  Of all the people in the hunting group, Kethril was going to be the best to ask.  The half-orc had stowed his new armor in his magical backpack and forgotten about it.  He was guessing that they had a few minutes.

Kethtril stands and draws a large sword from its scabbard with surprising speed; flames flare in the air around the bastard sword, and Kethtril smiles.

"It's Kethtril, and of course I can help you with your armor.  Karchok, right?  Do you also have a shield?  I'm thought to be pretty good with a shield.  I assume your armor is not made of metal?"

[Loki Mischief]

"A praying mantis..." Synxol washes the thought around in his mouth
for a moment, to savour the tastes and let them run down his chin. He
flashes a smile at Quentin for sweetening the pot as it were, and
illustrating the risks, when all he can see are the rewards as he
watches her movements.

[Erek]

Keryth eyes the odd female warrior riding the doggish creature.
Quentin's warning that she was dangerous was pretty obvious to Keryth,
the woman exuded an aura of deadly confidence, a fact that was
accentuated by the exotic outfit she wore.

Taking a few more steps toward where Cal'Shir, Quentin, and Kethtril
are standing, Keryth stops abruptly as the knight brandishes a bastard
sword which suddenly bursts into flame. He shakes his head and rolls
his eyes at the ridiculousness of the display, a simple 'yes' would
have sufficed. Shaking his head slightly again, Keryth likens
Kethtril's actions to those of Dras' use of magic the previous day.
The absurdity of it all causes a faint smile to crease his features,
as he walks over to where the three humans stand.

"Kethtril, I'm sure such a bold display is unneeded to get your point
across. Cal'Shir, what else do you know of our mission to Narshall?
Do we have any information on this evil that we may encounter?"

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus was so distracted by Shyam, that he barely noticed the question that Karchok had posed to Kethtril.  Although Tempus' fighting instincts had a melt down when Kethtril suddenly drew the flaming sword.

The startled Tempus immediately took a step away from Kethtril, whipping the shield around from his back and turning the face the man.  He was reaching for his axe when he realized that the Kethtril was simply displaying the weapon to Karchok.  Feeling very disgruntled, Tempus slung his shield back on his back, and glared at the new comer for startling him so.  It did little to improve what Tempus thought of the man.

Tempus noticed that none of the others seemed to have reacted as he did, so he relaxed a moment, but paid very closely to the question that the preacher Keryth was posing.  Tempus had heard what they were facing, but hopefully another explanation would help him understand it.  He hadn't ever fought a...what in tarnation was it called it again?

[Russ]

   A grin replaced the shocked look on Karchok's face as Kethtril brandished his flaming bastard sword.
  "A fine magical blade indeed, Kethtril," the druid makes it a point to pronounce the knights name correctly.  "You are correct, my armor is not made of metal.  And yes, I do use a shield.  I would be happy to learn from your experience in fighting with a shield.  My own skill is rudimentary at best," the half-orc thinks of his left arm.  His shied arm had taken a well placed blow and had been broken, when the group was still apprenticed to Hyle.  He had been fortunate that Angel was an experienced and gifted healer.
  Unconsciously rubbing his left arm where it had been broken, he looks at the canine creature the woman was riding.  The druid tugs on the badger claws at the end of two braids of the half-breeds goatee, wondering why the creature seemed familiar. Mulling the appearance of the creature over, he looks back to Kethtril and nods.
  "Let me dig out my armor," Karchok says, sliding off his backpack.  Kneeling down and pulling out the iron wood breastplate, he places the armor on the grass.  Looking up at Keryth, the young druid thinks for a moment. 
  "Well, we know that we are going to run into a kyton.  We know that Cal'Shir will be the first person it sees as it charges at us through the wall of an inn, I believe it was.  Of course, I think that is when we get to Narshall.  So we at least have an advanced notice on that.  If what the refugees have been saying is even slightly true, devils and demons.  The city has had some very bad times in the last half year or so," Karchok finishes removing his armor form the magical backpack, sitting his shield next to the armor.  His black eyes move over the fine armor. 
  A fine layer of oak leaves seemed to grow out of the armor, the tips pointing upwards as if eager to see the sun again.  After a few moments, they lay flat.  "That's a little odd," the half-orc mutters to himself.
  Standing up and brushing a bit of dust off his knees, he glances again at the creature and it's rider.


  (Knowledge:Nature: 23)

[rpgamer]

Back Post:

Given to group members after market trip and several days before feast
when all or most were present together. With consensus given without
any strong reservations from anyone, Angel distributes the following
group items:

>> Quentin
ring of protection +2

>> Cal'Shir
long sword +1 (shock)
coin purse with 65 GP, 9 SP, and 5 CP

>> Karchok
wand of cure light wounds (50 charges)
coin purse with 65 GP, 9 SP, and 5 CP

>> Shyam
wand of cure light wounds (50 charges)
coin purse with 65 GP, 9 SP, and 5 CP

>> Keryth
coin purse with 65 GP, 9 SP, and 5 CP

"Except for the coins, these items are for the group's benefit, and
even without a formal written contract, in the name of the church of
the Hunter Wraith, I will hold you to that with your word. (hand and
arms symbolic flourishes) The ring and sword are each worth over 8,000
gold coins."

"With the large size of our group, I'm concerned about our ability to
heal and tend to everyone getting sick. While my healing skills are
notable, my blessing are more in line with doctrinal enforcements, not
running a hospital. Hopefully Karchok and Shyam will provide the
additional talents we will need during our journey. I will carry
additional healing supplies, wands, potions and scrolls. I also have
the ability to create more scrolls while we travel."

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam takes the branch carefully in her hands, rubbing a thumb over
the smooth bark. Unsure where to put it so that it wouldn't break she
lift it ans slide it throught the tight braid of her hair the two ends
poking through at an angle. "I hope not to need it, but thank you for
the gift."

Looking again at the man who had been deemed a saint, his story
intriguing to her, "Was it ever explained to you then why you lost
your connection to Shanadan."

Seeing a flash out of the corner of her eye, Shyam turns to see the
others huddled the woman approaching, "She bears your brothers mark,
is there anything you can tell me of her?"

[Michael Briggs]

Tarlman smiles at Shyam and responds, "I was punished by Shanadan for using my gifts selfishly.  When my brother was close to death.  It is not my place to abuse the power of Shanadan.  My bond with his exists beyond all mortal bonds I have.  Shanadan understands that I share a lineage with Salazar.  It is a natural bond that I'm allowed to pursue, but without the lord of nature's divine power."

A smirk lands on Tarlman's face when he goes to address the girl.  "She is evil.  Evil beyond anything you have met in life.  She makes Angel look like a good priest and Hyle a city guardsman.  Steer clear of her."

[James Kolasinski]

Angel approaches the woman in leather that's decorated with blades and smiling says. "Hello, I'm called Angel. May I help you with those steeds, assuming they are for our group's travels?" He moves as close as he can until she or her animal makes threatening gestures or sounds. The smell of leather can be intoxicating for the priest, especially form-fitted ones on the likes of her. He extends a hand for handshaking, "And what may we call you? Are you joining us?" The pin of Salazar's sign is quietly noted by the priest. If she starts to dismount, he offers to assist (and assesses her muscle tone).

[Leslie Lock]

Trying to understand, Shyam continues to question Tarlman, "So because
you would not let him die, you were punished...." Her tone carries a
sense of hesitation, as she struggles over the concept of being
'punished' for saving someone even if Salazar gave her the creeps.
That he claimed the woman wearing Salazars symbol to be evil only
added to her puzzlement. Perhaps it was all the years of hearing the
claims made of Karchok that Shyam had grown to wonder exactly what it
meant to be evil. Her brother had proven his worth to her and her
family and even to those of the village. Perhaps this woman had
proven to Tarlman her worth.

"Why is she here then?"

[Bob G.]

On 3/24/2011 7:57 AM, Erek wrote:
> "Kethtril, I'm sure such a bold display is unneeded to get your point
> across. Cal'Shir, what else do you know of our mission to Narshall?
> Do we have any information on this evil that we may encounter?"

The rogue had seen the approaching woman, glancing in her direction
again only once so as not to draw attention to himself. The last thing
he needed was to draw the wrong kind of attention before he got out of
this town. He had to admit, she looked desirable. Not only did she have
a great figure, but all those knives? Surely they had a lot in common...
Snapping out of his thoughts, he answers Keryth "Information? Not really
any more than that right now. I don't know what came of the hunt for
Hyle, he's a bit of a wild card in all of this." An idea comes to
Cal'Shir as he makes a mental note to ask Tarlman what they should do if
Hyle shows up again.

[rpgamer]

OOC:
Angel had asked about Hyle over dinner once and Lady Marei mentioned
that he was captured already and being interrogated. At that time
nothing important had been gleaned from him for which to share with
the group.

[Michael Briggs]

The girl dismounts off the large dog-like creature, which watches Angel while unerring intelligence and dislike.  A deep growl can be heard from the beast as he approaches.

The woman barely gives Angel much notice, except looking over the badges of his church and noting his allegiances.  "You must be Priest Angel," she says flatly..

"Call me Diedra," she commands as she releases the clerics hands and moves away from him.  She adds, "I'll explain when everyone is around.  I hate trying to explain things over and over again to simple people."

[Michael Briggs]

"His life or death is something I can act upon, but without Shanadan's blessings,"  Tarlman replies to Shyam.  He didn't want to get into a dogmatic conversation with her, as she could never understand his experiences and the bond he shared so closely with his god.  

"She is my brother's pet.  I truly mean pet.  Unless you wish to take her place, I would just let her be until she is gone.  The worg is intelligent.  I think that is the third time he has transferred the beast's soul to a younger body."  The priest's warning isn't masked or hidden.  

[Erek]

Hearing Karchok's proclimation of devils and demons in Narshall,
Keryth's face contorts slightly as he feels the faintest of tugs at
his sword belt. Looking quickly around he notices no one close enough
to have been the culprit. An urge washes over him to cleanse this
evil, which Keryth realizes is emanating from his sword. 'Odd', he
thinks to himself, 'Is my sword trying to influence me?'.

Turning back to Cal'Shir and Karchok, Keryth says, "Devils and
demons...what on earth happened there? Is this connected with the
Lich? Or this book we are searching for?"

[rpgamer]

Her cool reception of him wasn't totally unexpected, especially
knowing her allegiance, although he still remained curious of her
purpose for the group. At least she knew of him and surely was briefed
about the group. He'll let Karchok deal with her big grumpy hairy
beast. "Mistress Diedra, very good then. I understand. We do have
something in common already. I hate to repeat simple instructions to
simple people too. Allow me to gather the others for you." The priest
inwardly smiled at the possible friction this girl was going to cause
at the beginning with her caustic attitude. Maybe she will have to run
back crying to daddy. A muffled chuckle gets the best of him.

After a sweeping bow that may have been over-exaggerated, Angel turns
and calls out for the others, making sure Shyam could hear him too.
"Let's come together folks! Diedra here, wishes to brief us about our
journey. Save your questions until she is done. She says that she
hates trying to explain things over and over again to simple people.
So let's be smart today."

[Michael Briggs]

Diedra cringes at Angel's extraordinary announcement.  Her glance back at Angel reveals a desire to place several of her toys in the cleric, but not to kill him.   The worg standing by suddenly moved forward, understanding the woman's desire, and sends Angel on his backside.  "Sorry, cleric. You shouting must have surprised me.  That or the smell of so much fresh meat."  The creature is so close to Angel when it speaks that its rancid dog breath washes over Angel.  A large drop of drool lands squarely on the Angel.

[Michael Briggs]

The crowds around the group move away cautiously, most alarmed by the worg's speech.

[Loki Mischief]

Synxol nods in agreement that 'Diedra' is indeed a fine name indeed
for a new concubine. With a jaunty spring in his step he cruises over
next to the one that calls himself Angel. Reaching down, he offers his
hand to get the cleric back on his feet, completely ignoring the
existence of the fetid-breathed worg just inches away.

[Leslie Lock]

"Not likely," Shyam thinks recalling the cold tingle along her spine
when Salazar watched her the night before. "Sal...your brother is not
one I plan to spend much time with." She realizes Salazar never
answered her question regarding what to call him and she did not
really wish to speak his name outloud. "Perhaps you could asnwer
something he neglected to. What should I call him since I 'am not
impressed with titles' and he and I 'are
not 'good' friends'? She even mimics the deathwalkers voice slightly
when quoting his resonse when she approached him.

[Michael New]

Kethtril leads Anvil over to the worg and the woman, a smirk on his face.  He lends a hand to help Angel to his feet.  He liked the cleric's announcement, and feels the group, though not Diedra, will become more cohesive because of it.  He saves his questions for later, but he doesn't have too many at this point anyways, being a simple person.  He laughs inside at his own private joke.

[Erek]

Catching the worg's movement out of the corner of his eye, Keryth
instinctively puts a hand up to his bow as he turns to see Angel on
the ground before the mount. Surprised at the creatures intelligible
speech, Keryth resists the urge to put a few arrows in the beast. He
lowers his hand, saying, "Perhaps we will have time on our journey to
finish this line of questioning.", Keryth walks swiftly away to stand
with Angel and Synoxl.

Looking up at the female warrior Keryth states icily, "If you are so
inept at controlling this wretched beast, perhaps you ought to find
another mount and put this 'thing' out of it's misery.", he finishes
by staring coldly at both the mount and it's rider. Keryth's hand
drifts slowly to the hilt of his sword as he awaits her response.

[rpgamer]

Now suddenly tossed to the ground and admonished by a big ugly talking
dog was totally unexpected. But instead of lashing out, being the
consummate diplomat, Angel focuses on the beast. Yes the intelligence
behind those eyes were unmistakable. And a lesson learned is money
earned, but did it have to drool on me? "My apologies good beast. I
assumed incorrectly that you were a simpleton. How may I address you?
And what manner of creature are you?"

The cleric accepts a hand from Synxol and Kethril to stand and move
away from the beast's fetid breath. He grimaces momentarily as his
stilled injured left hand is squeezed, feeling a jolt of pain through
his left arm. At least it was still healing, although slowly. He
manages a smile of thanks to both.

When Keryth makes his presence known. Angel quickly steps between the
two opposing groups. "All is fine my good friend Keryth."

His conversation clearly conveys a respect as equals and that the
excuses given for the strike are accepted as a tactful ruse. He muses,
that this creature's strength and intelligence can definitely be a
plus for the group along with this girl if she fights as good as she
looks. In order to lighten the scene and show no harm, no foul,
especially for the crowds, Angel chuckles, grins and says, "Ahhh, yes,
even the coeds at the Bard's college considered me fresh meat. Ohh,
the vices of youth."

"Now let's finish gathering the others and see what Diedra has to
say."

[Bob G.]

> His conversation clearly conveys a respect as equals and that the
> excuses given for the strike are accepted as a tactful ruse. He muses,
> that this creature's strength and intelligence can definitely be a
> plus for the group along with this girl if she fights as good as she
> looks. In order to lighten the scene and show no harm, no foul,
> especially for the crowds, Angel chuckles, grins and says, "Ahhh, yes,
> even the coeds at the Bard's college considered me fresh meat. Ohh,
> the vices of youth."
>
> "Now let's finish gathering the others and see what Diedra has to
> say."

For his part, Cal'Shir watches the interplay with more than his usual
neutral expression as he is unable to completely suppress a smile when
the worg knocks Angel down but it quickly disappears when the unnatural
creature speaks. Mentally he begins to reassess the woman that was
riding the beast, curiosity replacing any other thoughts he may have
been having until then.

[Michael Briggs]

"Salazar is a good person, regardless of the image he projects," Tarlman says with a sigh.  "He has helped a great many more people than he would let on.  His only crime is in his intent and methods.  I would suggest you call him Lord or Archmage.  That will at least get you favor with the nobility of the city."  The statement seems to be a lie that Tarlman told himself. 

"I have things to attend to, including Oglendaizen.  Shanadan bless you, Shyam.  Don't lose faith."  The cleric bows his head as he places his hand on her shoulder and gives her the blessing.  

[Michael Briggs]

Diedra looks over at Angel knocked to the ground.  She can't help herself as she suddenly chuckles.  Every move she makes reminds you of a woman looking for physical satisfaction.  Her hips sway and her feet cross over one another as she walks.  "You're interesting," she coos at Angel while running the back of her hand over his cheek.  Her makeup hides the features around her eyes, leaving only the dark orbs pressed against by the white shell.  Several rings circle her fingers; at least two a finger.  Her arms are covered in very powerful looking gauntlets.  And her armor seemed like it shed a light small black mist.  

"I'm not here to make you happy, elf," she says suddenly turning with a glare at Keryth.  "My father thinks you needs some looking after.  And let me get this straight, I hate babysitting."  Her hand reaches out, triggering the worg to move forward and sit at the end of it.  "Next time you call him a wretched beast, I'll look away while he takes one of your pointed ears."  

This threat elicits a chuckle from the worg.  "It's been a while since I've tasted elf," it laughs.  "Probably not much meat to make it worth it."

"The horses are for you," Diedra says while thumbing towards the steeds.

[Bob G.]

As the young woman makes a reference to her father, he barely has a
moment to wonder who that might be before realization freezes him in his
tracks and his mouth hangs open for almost a full second. Fortunately he
didn't think anyone noticed his reaction as he looks to see if anyone
else made the connection to Archmage Salazar.

[Erek]

The lithe movements of Diedra, though probably provocative to the
human males, only elicits a thin smile from Keryth. He is not the
least bit impressed by her display, and as the worg moves forward he
draws his blade. Shimmering white light sheaths the blade as it hangs
a few inches from the beast's muzzle. Hearing the thing speak again,
Keryth retorts, "I knew you would not be capable of independent
thought.", adding a small laugh to accentuate his dislike for the
beast. Never taking his eyes off the worg, waiting for the slightest
hint of aggressive movement, Keryth says, "I would look away too,
wouldn't want your pretty eyes to see the mess this thing will make
when I send it to the afterlife. Keep your filthy dog in check, or my
sword will.". Keryth's threat is far from empty, and he seems
unwilling to stand down.

[Michael Briggs]

"I'd hate to see what Salazar would do to you if you tried, elf," the female says as turns away.  "Are you going to take your horses or not?  It appears as though you country folk have to take hand outs, so while don't you figure out which one you want to ride.  Try to save the smallest for the elf.  I would for him to extend his legs farther than he would normally."

The creature chuckles.  "You must think that death is something permanent to me, elf.  I guess we all have different expectations.  He should have sent the butler."  The massive beast looks at Keryth's blade.  "At least the trip won't be boring."  The dog-like creature snickers in anticipation.

[Don Alley]

"So, ....Diedre it is today...",  Quentin smiles at her, "I take it then you are accompanying us?  How far will you be escorting us on our journey?"

[Michael Briggs]

"Too long..." she replies to Quentin trailing off.  Te get away from everyone else, she grabs some fur of the worg and does a very dexterous run/leap up to its back.  She then lies on the creatures back, mimicking boredom while she looks at her nails.  "Let me know when you have sorted yourselves out."

[Russ]

  Working on putting his ironwood armor on, Karchok watches the proceedings, his head cocked to one side.  Seeing as the were on the church grounds and Tarlman was nearby, the half-orc doubted anything dire would happen.  Within the confines of the city, anyway.  His face remained blank as his black eyes moved over the strange pair.  Tightening an ingeniously placed buckle, he wondered why the worg was so much larger then other members of it's kind.  To say nothing of his ability to speak.  Karchok sighs, wondering what drove magic users to modify the natural world.
  Finishing up, he looks himself over, noting everything appeared to fitted correctly.  The half-orc was surprised to notice how comfortable his armor was.  It fitted the young druid perfectly, as if it had been grown with Karchok in mind.  He plans on asking Kethtril to make sure he had everything secured properly.  Not trying to learn from the knight's fighting experience would be idiotic. 
  Glancing back at the woman as she hopped up onto the worg's back and laid down checking her nails, the half-breed frowns slightly.  Diedra made him think of a large cat, hunting and playing with it's prey.  It was not an altogether a pleasant thought.
   By what he had over heard, it seemed that the two would be with the hunting pack for a bit.  With a shake of his head, Karchok walks over to the horses.  The horses look up at the approaching, neighing as if they recognized a member of their herd.  An errant breeze tugs playfully at the druids cloak, pulling his cloak hood off.  Speaking quietly with the horses, he moves through the herd, rubbing noses, checking hooves and patting necks.   The horses barely react to Ghost or Scar who followed Karchok.  After talking with the horses for several minutes, he turns to rejoin the two legged members of the hunting pack.
  Followed by a dapple grey, solid looking mare and a blue roan stallion, Karchok speaks to the dapple grey for a moment, before pointing to Shyam.  The mare calmly walks over to the young woman.  Karchok grins faintly, pleased to have found the calmest horse for his sister.  The blue roan nipped his shoulder.  Looking over his shoulder at the horse, Karchok raises an eyebrow.  'Of course, I would find the horse with an attitude for myself,' he grins as he rubs the horses muzzle.  The half-orc was glad for the armor, especially if the horse continues to try to bite him.

[Don Alley]

Quentin smiles, and as he turns away to sort himself out, he quietly mutters to Angel "Be very careful with that one. She is rumored to have no qualms about killing, and will do so for no reason."

He was quite aware the worg would likely hear him and report his message to the woman, so kept it general.  "As for me, I must run back inside and get the rest of my gear."

Quentin walked upstairs, and when he was alone, activated the ring that allowed him to communicate with his handlers.

'Quentin here...  The group has tentatively accepted me and I travel with them to Narshal. Salazar has apparently assigned his daughter, Cassandra, to escort us with her pet worg. We leave within the hour. Is this escort approved? Should we attempt to... relieve... our escort once we are out of the city?'

Quentin waited for whatever terse mage was on the other end to tell him what might need to be done.  From what he had heard about the woman, much of Calsham would be relieved if she never made it back.

[Leslie Lock]

"Of course, my apologies for taking so much of your time." Shyam
covers his hand with her own and gives it a slight squeeze. "Thank
you for caring for Oglendaizen and the others. It means a great deal
to me." She starts towards the others then halts, "If it isn't too
much to ask, could you check in on the maid who worked at the house.
With us leaving I fear she may end up losing her job afterall and I
would not like to see her or her son on the streets because of
this...trip."

[Michael Briggs]

"Continue with the mission, Investigator Quentin.  She is authorized, but beware of her." is the only response that comes.

[Michael Briggs]

"Oh course, Lady Shyam.  If that makes you feel better, it'll be a boon for all."  Tarlman bows once again before turning and leaving towards the inner sanctum.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam smiles, takes on last look at the cherry tree, her hand lightly
touching the branch stuck through her hair. She was beginning to have
an assortment of articles tied or twisted within as she still wears
the owlbear feathers from that night on the road.

As she approaches the group, the grey horse moves towards her and they
meet still a short distance from the others, but enough to hear some
of the discussion going on. She takes a moment to allow the horse to
take in her scent, her hand raised palm open and out. She had been
around animals before, it was difficult not to be when you spend a lot
of time with a druid. She smiles then looks up at the tall back and
wonders just how to get up on the animal.

[Don Alley]

Quentin proceeds back downstairs with the rest of his gear and loads it onto his horse. He wasn't overly fond of horses, and never took the time to learn to fight from them. Fortunately, he was exceptionally adept at getting off them and ready to attack in one fluid movement. It was good for a "stay and fight" situation, but not necessarily for a "fight and flee" situation.

With everything in order, he waited for the group to be ready. He kept a surreptitious eye on 'Diedre', which was certainly not displeasing, but knowing her rumored lethality made her a bittersweet addition. He wondered if any of the magic users had a way to read her and find out what her true purpose in accompanying us was.

[rpgamer]

Angel smiles back to Diedra as she chuckles at him. Well he thought,
perhaps a breakthrough of sorts, awkward, but hey, makes it more
adventurous. Soaking up her sexy walk toward him, he stiffens when she
actually touches his cheek. He winks flirtatiously at her and turns
his head to air kiss the back of her hand. "For your pleasure, ...,"
the priest deeply whispers back.

----

Later when Keryth still doesn't stand down, Angel shrugs his shoulders
and heads out to pack up the largest, strongest looking horse.

----

With a slow, drawn out reply to Quentin's warning, Angel grins broadly
after the femme fatal, "Yeah, what a way to go!" Still staring at her
departure, he nods, but doesn't clearly hear what else the security
guard had to say.

[Bob G.]

Always fascinated by Karchok's ability to communicate with animals,
Cal'Shir watches the druid move about the horses and direct one to
Shyam. "Karchok, would you mind selecting a strong fast horse for me?
I'd appreciate your talents in this matter." While he suspected all the
horses were fine, he thought it advantageous to have the druid choose
the next best for him.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam watches as Quentin straps his things on the horse then mounts
up. Seeing now how it's suppose to be done she removes her pack and
hooks it over the saddle horn laying it to the opposite side so it's
out of her way. She starts by lifting her right leg to put into the
stirrup then realizes she's got the wrong one and changes to her
left. She hops about a bit trying to get her foot in just right, the
strap moving about on her but manages after a couple attempts.

The mare is very patient with her, either due to somethign Karchok has
told the horse of the very reason he had selected her for Shyam.
Grabbing the saddle, Shyam pulls, trying to lift herself up and finds
she can't.
The tug on the saddle pulls at the mare who steps to keep her balance
and snorts.

[Loki Mischief]

Noticing the standoff for the first time, Synxol cocks his head in
confusion of the conflicting information he is perceiving. The rest
of the group moves about their preparations to depart, as if nothing
is happening, while the worg and Keryth are locked in something that
is likely to end in bloodshed. Figuring it is a strange ritual of
male bondage, he too ignores it and sets off to pick a mount.

Staring down at the steel hammered into the creature's feet, he
recognizes that in this place even the animals follow the expectations
of the masses to don footwear.

With language more suited to a dockyard than a holy gardens the
sorcerer enters into mortal combat in an attempt to wrestle his
psychotic shoe back onto his unsuspecting feet. Cramped toes wiggle
futilely within their confines, but alas it is to no avail, for they
are incarcerated by the constraints of civilization.

Sidling up to the closest mount he wonders whether it too can speak.
Not wanting to be rude he maneuvers around to look the horse in the
eye and introduces himself. "Greetings, I am Synxol B'aelastad. It is
my pleasure to meet you." He is proud of his timing in offering a
hand to shake.

As the horse placidly chews a tasty bit of grass it had nipped from
the ground, its deep brown eyes track the sorcerer's movements, but it
rudely fails to acknowledge him further.

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir hurries over to help Shyam before she gets hurt and shows her
how to put her foot in the stirrup and grab the saddle so she can use
her arms and her leg to lift herself onto the horse.

[Leslie Lock]

The girl is embarrassed at not being able to get up on her own, but is
thankful to Cal'Shir for his assistance. Even being given
instructions, she still has difficulty getting herself up and requires
a boost, the heavy chain shirt making it more difficult that it would
have been without the armor.

[Michael New]

Kethril sees Shyam having difficulty and offers advice.  "Your armor is heavy, so you must make it work for you rather than against you.  Use its weight; if you start moving in one direction, the armor's mass will help you continue to move in the same direction.  In essence, if you first give it a push, it will then pull you along."

[Don Alley]

Quentin watches the stand-off between the elf and the worg. He knew that 'Diedre' would respect a show of force, and the strong stance might get something solved. It would happen sooner or later, the fight for dominance between two very strong willed people. For Keryth's sake, he thought it might be better if it was put off to when they were on the road.

Riding his horse between the beast and the warrior, he motioned to Keryth and nodded towards the gates. He hoped the innuendo would work.

"There will be plenty of time for ascertaining each other's valor and battleworthiness on the road. Let us hope this assessment can come from cooperation against the trials we soon face, rather than amongst ourselves. "

[Russ]

  Karchok looks at Cal'Shir when he requests that the half-orc select him a horse.  Looking back at the horses, the druid quietly spoke to the blue roan.  Turning his black eyes to a chestnut coated mare near the center of the dwindling herd, the druid whistles, getting the horse's attention.  The horse comes over to investigate what the young druid wanted.
  Petting the side of the chestnut mare neck, Karchok whispers into the horse ear with a grin, and sends the horse over to Cal'Shir.  The young man was distracted by helping Shyam so he didn't notice the horse, until the mare whinnies right behind his head.
  "I think that got his attention," he says to the blue roan.  Looking over he notices Synxol and tries to figure out what the in the hells he was doing. 
  "Umm, Synxol," Karchoks speaks in Sylvan," Unless you use magic to speak with animals, he won't understand you.' Karchok walks over to the sorcerer.  Taking the hand that he had outstretched (to shake the horse nose he guessed), he gently turns the fey touched hand, so that palm is facing out.  The mud colored, shaggy furred horse looked up from the grass it was eating when the druid had approached again.  Rubbing Synxol's palm down the length of the horses muzzle.
  "Let me know if your having trouble," Karchok says.  It is unclear if he is speaking to the sorcerer, or the horse.  "Good luck," he adds, probably more to the horse.
  Eying the worg and the elf, Karchok wonders who would win between the two.  It wasn't to hard to imagine who the druid would have preferred to be on the losing end of that fight.

[Leslie Lock]

The whole affair was now ackward, the horse apepared taller than it
had just moments before and Shyam was getting frustrated. Having just
failed her second attempt at pulling herself up, even with using her
leg to hear the newcomer tell her to get the armor to pull her along
didn't make much sense. She grumbles to herself, but loud enough for
Cal'Shir to hear, "Not with it pulling me down each time it wont."
Thinking 'If I could get up that far I wouldn't need to use its
weight.'

Finally managing to get her body half over the saddle she is able to
manuver herself around to sit properly nearly kicking Cal'Shir in the
face as she brings her leg around.

[Erek]

Keryth finds it extremely odd that barely anyone pays any attention to
the nearly joined battle. He started to wonder why he should even
fight alongside any of them if they did not have his back. He would
muse about that later.

Toying with the idea of shoving the elegant blade through the ugly
beast's nose, Keryth's train of thought is interrupted by Quentin.
Lookin up at the now mounted human, Keryth gets the idea that everyone
must just want to leave very badly. He has hard time understanding
Karchok's apparent acceptance of the vile mount that Diedra rides, so
much for his druidic tendencies. He thinks that Shyam would not stand
to be around such a beast, or a least question about it till she was
absolutely sure there was no danger. Keryth shakes his head in
frustration at the frivolity of humans, as he sheaths his sword and
goes off to corral a horse, muttering to himself all the while.

[Leslie Lock]

The mare seems to take charge and walks to stand next to Karchok and
the horse he chose to ride causing Shyam to grip tightly to the
saddle. Sitting there gives Shyam a better view of the courtyard and
she watches the woman upon the worg closely for the first time and she
shuddars. Tarlman had called her Salazar's pet but had not answered
why she was here. There was definetly tension in the air as Keryth
stalks towards a horse muttering...she had never seen the elf act that
way before, it made him appear almost human and she wondered how he'd
get in the saddle wearing his robes. She smiles at the sight her mind
forms of him stumbling about in his attempt.

"So what was this information about our journey that Angel was kind
enough to yell out that you had? It seems everyone not in our group
has left us to discuss things. Or is it simply that you are the guide
Lady Marie spoke of?" To herself she adds, 'I can't say I like their
choice much.'

[Don Alley]

Quentin trots past, seeing the pending altercation interrupted. He found it difficult to control the horse in the worg's presence. Steering carefully, he makes his around and back over to Shyam and Karchok as they address the assassiness.

[Michael Briggs]

"None," Diedra comments while laying on her back and maintaining perfect balance on the worg.  Her hand scratches at the beast, who appears to enjoy it.  "I'm hoping to figure that out myself."

"When you are all done being touchy about how much it sucks that things aren't exactly as you plan, we will move forward.  Once he get's hungry," she says while pointing to the worg, "refugees start disappearing."

[rpgamer]

Laughing to himself, Angel smiles at Diedra's comment. Apparently
there is much each will learn on the road. Astride the tallest horse,
he continues to calmly work out the relationship to his nervous young
steed. Apparently it was annoyed at being pulled away from his
attempts to be the herd master, alpha male over the other fillies.
"Don't worry, you won't have competition once we're on the road. In
fact, I'll wager you will do much better than I."

Calling out to the group which seemed mostly ready, the priest yells,
"Okay then, let's hit the road. Daylights burning." He had always
wanted to say that from stories he had heard from the herdsmen many
years ago. Life under the stars. He was starting to really get psyched
about this trip.

[Leslie Lock]

"Then perhaps you should be on your way if you have no new information
for us. I'm sure we will mange well enough on this trip without your
Master's assitance. And I'd advise not feasting on refugees. He wont
be able to continue putting you into younger bodies forever if you
upset the people the king protects." Or us she thinks. She directs
the last towards the Worg. Tarlman had said it was intelligent and
she wondered if it would get the meaning of her words.

[Loki Mischief]

Synxol inspects his hand for what might have offended the horse
sufficiently that it ignores his very existence. He takes a moment to
go over what he had seen of the handshake, or in this case hoofshake,
ritual to see if he might have missed a key component.

Fingers run along the horse's short coarse hair, following the
contours and feeling the graceful interplay of its powerful muscles.
Flashing a smile in Karchok's direction his voice drops
conspiratorially low, "I appreciate your assistance. I was wondering
if I was bound to duel it for its slight. It is far too early in the
day to be beat up by a horse."

Traveling light, and being innately agile, makes up for his absolute
lack of experience in riding. Synxol nimbly hoists himself into
proper position, drawing into his nostrils the dusty smell of horse
and the leather of the saddle.

His respiratory rate increase in anticipation of setting out on the
grand adventure he imagines is impatiently waiting for him just around
the corner.

[Erek]

Keryth selects one of the remaining horses and easily climbs into the
saddle. The robes gave him a slight difficulty, which was solved by
hiking them up. Reattuning himself to horseback riding, Keryth takes
out his newly enchanted bow that the King had given him and tests the
string. Aiming it to the left and then to the right, he notices
Diedra in his sights. Keryth lingers a moment, a faint smile creasing
his elven features as he imagines plunging a few arrows in her mount.

Stowing the bow safely upon his back once more, Keryth rides over to
Karchok and Shyam. "I find it hard to believe one such as yourself
would be so willing to accept an abomination to nature," Keryth states
flatly to Karchok, while motioning to Diedra's mount. "That 'thing'
is undoubtedly evil, and yet you barely give a second thought about
traveling with it. Diedra has no qualms about letting that beast
attack me, and yet neither of you say a word or make a move, even when
steel is drawn. You question allegiances Shyam, and I swore to
protect you. I ask you now, where do your allegiances lie?"

[Leslie Lock]

"Considering they were sent here to provide us with horses, that would
mean they are here on errand of the king just as we are. As Tarlman
himself did not move to stop the creature in his own temple that could
only mean there was no threat. It seems only you were the one who was
ready to make it a battle...Keryth, would you require us to protect
you from situations of your own creation? She wears the symbol of her
master, you had no qualms about working with him why the sudden desire
to do so now?"

[Bob G.]

Cal'Shir offers a warm smile to the young lady "You're just using
muscles you haven't had to use that way before. Trust me, a few times
struggling to pull yourself up and you'll find it easier. Give it a day
or two, you'll be fine. I'll help you when you need it." The rogue turns
to Angel "And no, I don't need Hunter Wraith to back that up."

He then turns to the horse Karchok directed over and lets the horse
sniff his hand before petting it, speaking softly to the horse, not
expecting it to understand him but to talk in that way most people will
to a horse before mounting. "Hi fella, thank you for letting me ride
you. You're a fine horse. Good fella." With one hand scratching the
brisket area, the young man checks the saddle, then mounts up and,
ignoring the give and take with Keryth and others, turns his horse and
starts out as he calls out behind him "Let's go." He does not stop until
he is outside the gates, or a brawl breaks out among the party,
whichever comes first.

[rpgamer]

Hearing Cal'Shir yell something to him, Angel smiles and waves,
assuming that he was saying he was ready to go. When the rogue trots
out with his horse and calls out, Let's go, the priest's assumption is
confirmed.

[Michael New]

Kethtril smiles as Cal'Shir leaves the gates.  He says to the others, "These horses are trained for battle.  I believe that means they have left their fears and egos behind.  Let us all try do the same."

He rides out on Anvil, following Cal'Shir.

[Loki Mischief]

Spidery words slide from the sorcerer's mouth until a formless
presence coalesces (unseen servant). Reaching down Synxol offers a
hand to bring the invisible magical construct onto the mount behind
him.

To those watching it looks as if he has simply lost his mind, and has
made an imaginary friend.

Exerting his will, he orders the servant to rub the knot out of his
back that was tied by the ridiculously soft accommodations.

Kicking his horse into a walk, as he watched the others do, he follows
with the intent to remain in the middle of the pack.

[Russ]

  "You swore to protect Shyam, right up until your master says otherwise," Karchok says returning flat look with one equally unfriendly.  "My allegiances are to Shyam.  As for the worg and the huntress, we are standing on the holy ground, with the Saint a mere stones throw away.  What exactly did you think was going to happen, elf?  Salazar is apparently an abomination as well, yet you never drew your sword at him.  Magic is not particularly natural, yet I haven't seen you fall upon your sword to fix that.  As for having the huntress and her talking worg guiding us, so what?  Ever since we started hunting the lich, I have been surrounded by things I don't like or cannot do anything about.  If Salazar or his employees want to kill us, do you really think we are going to stand a snowball's chance in hell of surviving? I'm not the one going around picking fights.  That's more of a human thing, I have observed," the druid has had his fill of the elf and his kind in general. 
  "Besides, in all your years of hunting this abomination, have you done anything other then follow a trail of stolen children and misery?  Exactly how much closer were to the lich before you went to Maidenshire?  Were you getting ready to storm it's hidden keep, but decided to stop and look at the miserable humans out of some elvish sense of amusement?" his eyes flat as stone and his deep voice quiet.

[Erek]

Keryth stares hard at his two companions, pondering both Shyam and
Karchok's implied link of Diedra to Salazar. Turning to look at the
worg's rider, Keryth notices the blatant symbol of the archmage,
wondering why he hadn't noticed it earlier. "Perhaps I may have over
reacted slightly to Diedra sending the worg after me. However, if
Shyam had been in my place would you have acted so nonchalantly? We
have fought side by side in many battles and I have never once
questioned your loyalty. If either of you question my loyalty, does
that mean you question your memories as well? I have stood by you
both and continue to stand beside both of you in any fight, regardless
of the enemy. As I have said before, I do not take orders from
Andrasticial, he is my mentor in the arcane. Furthermore, Elven magic
is no more perverse to nature than your own magical abilities,
Karchok, humans and other lesser races are the ones who corrupt the
Art, Salazar being a perfect example. I have seen Lord Salazar's
battle prowess, as have both of you, I am not such a fool to think I
would stand a chance against him. I would no rather work with Salazar
than you would with Hyle, Shyam.".

Feeling as if he is getting no where and that Shyam and Karchok are
turning against him, Keryth wonders at the wisdom of going on this
journey to Narshall. One enemy already in the form of their guide,
and these two apparently untrusting of him, begins a dangerous divide
for Keryth.

[Loki Mischief]

Completely oblivious to the ongoing tension of the group, Synxol
pushes his back deeper into the massage provided by the invisible
servant. It is all he can do not to purr and coo as one of the more
stubborn knots is worked on.

His head cranes this way and that, hoping to hoard every possible
detail of the impressive temple grounds before it is lost to him. The
young sorcerer caresses his new memories and savours them like a miser
counting coins.

[Leslie Lock]

Shyam yanks on the reins turning the horse towards Keryth. The action
startles the horse who prances a bit but Shyam doesn't seem to notice
as she focuses on Keryth. "'I' would not have drawn weapons against
something that was sent here by the king in the middle of Shanadan's
temple gardens." Up until now, Shyam had kept her calm. She just
wanted to get out of the city and get this trip over with, but her
patience was wearing thin. "You question us! Because we did not join
you in bringing weapons to bear against this creature. Well get over
yourself. If the thing had attacked, then we likely would have fought
against it. But the thing did not attack, so don't go throwing out
questions of loyalty since I have not seen you once draw weapons
against 'your mentor' each time he makes a claim about my
destruction. Nor have I seen you question him regarding it. I don't
know what the worg said to you and right now I don't care to know. So
yeah, I'd say my memory works is fine. You've fought with us...when
we were all being attacked. None of us have sought to start a fight
that was unnecessary and expected the others to join in."

She turns then to Diedra, "With the others already ahead of you, if
your suppose to be our guide your failing. Either head out or return
to your master."

[Russ]

  Karchok turns away form the elf, leading his blue roan horse.  As he waits for Shyam, he gets in to the saddle.  Shifting his weight he settles in.  'This should be interesting,' he thinks, he had never ridden using a saddle before.  The half-orc guides his horse to stand near Shyam, leaning back in the saddle a bit.  The half-orc wasn't bothering to hide his irritation or impatience with the elf or their strange guide and her companion
  "Let's go.  There will be plenty of time to threaten each other as we travel," he says, his voice as flat as his eyes.

[Erek]

Keryth sits on his horse mulling over Shyam's response. It was
becoming very clear to him now that as long as Adrasticial was his
mentor, Shyam would never fully trust him. Watching Shyam trot past
Diedra, Keryth stares after her. Karchok basically ignored him, and
went on his way.

Watching the whole group move forward without him, Keryth still sits
on his horse, contemplating what to do. He was traveling with Shyam,
not Dras, and even though he revered the elder elf, Shyam was his
companion and friend. Keryth realized that he was angry with her
because she was right, he had not stuck up for her against Dras when
he probably should have. Frustrated at himself for this lack of
insight, and at the fact that he now felt he owed Shyam an apology,
Keryth spurs his horse forward.

Riding a bit faster to catch up to Shyam, Keryth brings his horse
alongside hers, speaking in a soft tone, "You are right. And I owe
you an apology for not speaking up against Dras.". Nodding silently
to her, he spurs his horse to the front of the group before she is
able to respond.

[Andrew Airmet]

Tempus found himself lost in his thoughts again, distracted by Diedra's strange movements, then the collection of different horses.  The talking dog creature was definitely a very very strange thing.  Tempus had no idea what to make of it.  He waited for the others to pick out their horses, before Tempus approached the last one.

They had owned horses on his family's farm, but it had been a good while since he had last ridden one.  He approached the horse from the front, allowed it to sniff his hand, before he gently patted it on the side of the neck.  Carefully, he vaulted himself up onto the horses back.  It was a bit more difficult with his armor, and gear, but he managed to get on the horses back rather gracefully.

Urging the horse to follow the others, he nods nervously at Diedra.  "After you, ma'am." he says politely.

With that, he finds himself riding next to Synxol, who seemed to be unaware of what was going on around him.  Tempus was fine with that, because it let him enjoy the riding in silence, while occasionally glancing forward to see how Shyam was doing.

[Bob G.]

As Keryth rides to the front and catches up with Cal'Shir, the rogue
glances back to see that no one else is close enough to hear. Whispering
to the elf, the human rogue speaks "What was that about friend? You
looked like you seriously wanted to pick a fight with our guide on
temple grounds, no less. That's not a good way to start out on our
mission. I think your mentor's attitude is starting to rub off on you.
Are you okay?"

[Loki Mischief]

It takes a few moments to properly acclimatize himself to the rhythms
of the horse's tireless movements (ride untrained 13). Having been
raised in the deepest parts of the forest, he explored a world of
brambles, branches, briars, vines and other flora that sought to slow
his passage. This animal was perfect for open fields and long
stretches of land. In short order he is traveling faster than he ever
has before.

Nodding a greeting as Tempus rides next to him, Synxol feels safer
knowing such a powerful being is within close proximity. He
gratefully accepts the man's silence, for he feels certain that he has
made more social gaffes in the last day cycle than he had in his
previous 23 seasons.

[Erek]

Lost in his own thoughts, Keryth is somewhat startled when Cal'Shir
speaks to him. The rogue did not often speak to him, causing the
concern to seem a bit odd to Keryth. Glancing over at the human, he
sees that Cal'Shir's concern appears to be genuine. Forming an
answer, Keryth says, "I'm fine, it has nothing to do with my mentor.
That beast is an unnatural abomination of evil, and speaks volumes
about one who chooses to ride it. I would sleep with one eye open, my
friend.". Thinking back to the situation that had recently
transpired, Keryth adds, "Perhaps I should have chosen a different
place to confront that evil thing."

[Russ]

  Karchok rides in silence next to Shyam.  The half-orc slouches in his saddle, features hidden by his cloak hood.  Ghost keeps an even  pace with the trotting horse, much to the discomfort of the blue roan the druid rode.  Scar lags a few feet behind the wolf, but still seemed able to keep pace with the others. 

[Loki Mischief]

Eyes snap shut with the torturous intensity of the seductive kiss that
would forever linger on his lips. His fingers sensually cup, knead,
and slowly taper down away from unseen flesh. A soft moan escapes with
his deeper breaths. His loins swell in anticipation of another night
with her. The perfume of her body filled him, as he filled her with
his tongue.

A shard of reality reveals the lie and acts as an anchor point for him
to crawl out of the waking dream. Seeking out anything to focus
through the vision of Calystra's passionate embrace, he clenches his
teeth together onto his tongue. Warm blossoms of metallic blood fill
his mouth as the bite ruthlessly lances through yielding tissues.
Knuckles whiten as they work to wring the life out of the reins.

The moment passes as quickly as it came, leaving Synxol desperately
clinging to the shreds of his sanity.

[rpgamer]

Angel pulls out of the moving file to flank the group about 75 yards
out to the right. He stands up in his stirrups to scratch his sexy
butt whle observing the caravan of 'volunteers'. What a mess, he
mutters to himself. The newer additions to the group are going to make
it more difficult
for him to influence them as a whole. Chaotics ruin everything,
Narshall included. No respect for the law, themselves, or the gods.
Yep, some have to learn the hard way. They should be thankful that
he's such a patient and understanding teacher.

After his scratching, he pats himself and remembers how long ago he
had last ridden any length of time. Great, saddle sores again, he
bemoans in anticipation. Another joy to look forward too on this trip.
A smile breaks across his face at the thought of Diedra giving him an
all body massage to relax his muscles. Of course one good turns
deserves another and he would gladly return the favor.