Prologue

[JadedDM]

Flint puts away the block of wood and his whittling knife. "By the way, did you find what you were looking for?" he asks as they fall into step together. Whether he is speaking of proof of the old gods or peace of mind, isn't clear, as Tanis was seeking both.

Although they had not seen each other in years, Flint unconsciously quickens his pace and Tanis finds himself slowing his own, so they match.

[JadedDM]

Riverwind slowly pulls her closer into a gentle embrace. "Worry not, my beloved. We may be alone for the moment, but we have each other. And this goddess, whatever Her name, is with us, too. I know She will protect and guide us. Surely she has something in mind for us. That is why she saved us, through the staff. We can at least take comfort in that."

[Jenara]

"I am pleased to meet you Caramon, Rastlin.." She bows in a Courtly fashon, fumbling slightly over the unfamilar words. "You may call Me Lara." She smiles, her white teeth flashing in the sun.

[Talyn]

Rastlin froze midstep for a few moments when he finally saw the Elf Maiden's face up close. He stared at her intently, unblinkingly and even unbreathing it seemed. He shakes himself for a moment before he leans forward to lean on his staff to hide his face. "Night is falling soon, it would be best if we were inside before that happened." he says in his thin raspy voice. He is seemingly avoiding looking at the Elf.

Rastlin nudges Caramon as he passes and mutters in camptalk to his brother. "She is an elf brother, set your sights a little lower." he advises before he continues down the path. Not checking to see if Caramon and the Elf follow him.

[Breila]

Calming down in the embrace of her beloved, Goldmoon finally nods. "Yes, the Goddess will be with us. Let us pray to her."

Her voice is almost back to normal as she sets the staff down in front of her, holds it in both hands and leans her front aginst it.

"Oh Goddess whose name we do not yet know, we're here where you sent us. Help us to find out what you mean us to do, and protect us."

After her prayer, she takes Riverwind's hand, and the two continue towards Solace.

[Jenara]

The elf stares at the young Mage's eyes intently for a few brief moments, she gasps and looks away.

"Why...?" She looks to the Big Man with a frown. "Did he mean me?" She pouts wide and throws her cloak about her head. "I assume there is somewhere to stay. In Solace?"

[JadedDM]

The two continue on down the road, hand in hand, moving at a quick pace to reach the town before night falls. It isn't long before both are tired and hungry, but they press onward nonetheless.

As they near the town, they see a straight-backed man dressed in full plate armor and chain mail. He is walking in the same direction as them, apparently heading for the town. He was no horse or companions that they could see. He is armed, though, with a large sword buckled to his side.

[SightblinderX]

"I found little." was Tanis' only response "You?"

[JadedDM]

Flint stumps along without answering, his face grim. Finally he mutters, "I should never have gone," and glances up at Tanis, his eyes, barely visible through the thick, overhanging white eyebrows--informing the half-elf that this turn of the conversation was not welcome.

[Breila]

Goldmoon slows down. "What should we do?" she whispers. "Hail him or just follow him? He'll probably not notice us, he can't hear too well with that helmet, can he?"

[JadedDM]

Riverwind frowns. "He appears too well-armed for a bandit, and alone at that. Be on your guard, though. I'll deal with him, if he tries to make trouble."

[SightblinderX]

"Sorry..." Tanis trailed for a moment as they walked "But we are here now, and that is all that matters." he was more upbeat now.

[JadedDM]

Flint seems mildly surprised by Tanis' reaction. He had apparently expected the half-elf to be less polite. Perhaps his travels have mellowed him a bit. Flint changes the subject, complaining about how his house is probably filled with squatters, if the roof didn't cave in, when Tanis notices the distinct glimmer of sunlight on metal in a nearby grove.

Looking more carefully as Flint drones on, the half-elf realizes there is someone hiding among the trees and shrubberies, attempting to remain stealthy.

[Breila]

"Yes, but the question still is: do we approach him, or do we follow him at the distance we are now?

I'd prefer to just follow him. If I don't have to say anything, I can't say the wrong thing at the wrong time. And you know how hard it is for me to keep my mouth shut." She smiles at her beloved.

[JadedDM]

Caramon blushes and scratches at the back of his head. "Err, yeah. The Inn of the Last Home. That's where my brother and me are heading now. Good ale, and the best spiced potatoes in...uh...well, anywhere, I guess."