CH. 8: Proving Worth

[Haahque]

"You really do work miracles. Seems kind of unfair that only goblins seem to get healing powers, you'll have to teach me how you do it sometime." As everyone knows, the ability to do something comes purely from knowledge, possibly with a little bit of physical prowess, so Haahqae should be able to learn healing, right?

[TristenC]

Grubnick chuckles a bit. Maybe after we know each other better. You might want to keep those bandages on to hide the fact you're suddenly better... Shall we head back down now?

[djhyland]

"When we went to the temple, they told me to report to one of the commanders in the temple if I was interested in joining the army," Arulia says, with a shake of her head. "It doesn't matter anyway, I've learned my lesson. Even if I don't have to enter the temple to join, I don't think I want anything to do with the army. I suppose that means I shouldn't go look to repair the army's horseshoes, either."

Seeing that Kendra still hasn't eaten the food that she's prepared, Arulia motions to the door. "I should go. Your husband will come down soon, I'm sure, and I don't want to intrude. I'll go look around for somewhere to work, and maybe some way to help. Unless you'd like to come along?"

[Haahque]

"Um yeah sure." Haahqae jumps up and skips over to the door, which he opens with renewed energy. "Keep 'em on, gottit. Now let's go save him."

[HorizonsDream]

"Well, I think the army is actually using the local blacksmiths in town," Kendra admits. "I went to one of them yesterday to get fitted for my armor. " She shivers a bit upon remembering that scene. "I wish I had more of a way to help you out, but joining the army or the temple are the only two ideas that I have. In a situation like this, you kind of have to get your hands dirty I think. You can't be afraid either."

"I think I'm going to stay here. Norris is going to be up soon, and he is pretty mad at me all ready," Kendra admits. "I should try to smooth things over."

[JadedDM]

Haahqae and Gobax (Steel Tankard Inn, Common Room)
The two return downstairs to the common area. Ismene is talking Gregeddin's ear off about ancient history, while the two mercenaries watch on but don't intervene.

[Haahque]

Haahqae will quietly sit down and listen in on Ismene's tale.

[TristenC]

Grubnick will whisper to Haahque, Remember, we still must retrieve my supplies and hirelings... and that the cultists will be ready for us...

[Haahque]

Haahqae will whisper back, only slightly annoyed; "Yes yes, in due time, but for now let's listen to wisdom at work."

[BishGada]

While Tulbas heart crushes in his dream to see his mother falls to her knees and his father concern, Tulbas body in current time shakes with spasms. He has fever, he sweats and moves constantly without rest. Sometimes he mumbles in his fevered sleep in the Silvanesti language, but only for a short time. Reliving these desperate moments is even a worse torture than the pain inflicted upon him not so long ago. "Mother" he calls out trying to reach her. Then he immediately looks at his father and restrains himself. His father always tought him to consider his actions. Never act without thinking. Even when surprised or panicked, and especially on emergency. But now when he looks at his father eyes he sees despair and confusion he never would have believed possible. His father was a leader by nature. He always knew what to do and those who followed his advice saw blessing in it. Seeing this confusion something turns in Tulbas mind. He is no longer a child who follows his father. He is a man and his family and friends need him.
"Father. We are surrounded. The forest is swarmed by these draconian abomination and the skies are patrolled by the Dragons. It pains me immensely to say it but we might have to split our forces if we to survive." His father taking one hand of his mother and Tulbas her other hand they help her to her feet. Tulbas faces the people around them. "Friends, let's push forward fast. Try to reach the borders. Most of the Army is still behind us. Put the weak in the middle. Fighters forward. Quickly and quietly. If the forces in front will become stronger we will have to split to try to avade them. Come with me! Now!" and with that the groups starts moving again with full speed ahead.
The dream continue and horrors are reshaping in his mind, but the ring his parents were talking about is known to him. How is it possible? He sees an image of his beloved uncle giving him the ring. He knows this is the ring they were talking about. A Heirloom of his mother family whom were very strong with The Art. The only physical link to his mother. Unconsciously he rubs the rings on his finger and finds a small comfort in that.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae and Gobax (Steel Tankard Inn, Common Room)
Ismene continues her story, evidently about the creation of the Tower of Daltigoth in the Ergothian Empire, "So you see, it was never meant to be a White Tower at all, but a Red Tower. You'd think when Emperor Pakin II found out, he'd be steamed, but actually he found it pretty funny, so that was good. Anyway, Harold Greytooth was the first master of that tower, and only one out of four before it was destroyed, which is quite the story in of itself, starting with the Rose Rebellion of 1791 PC--"

Gregeddin interrupts then by clearing his throat. "Yes, well, let's save that for after we rescue Tulbas, yes? I'm sure he'll want to hear about it, as well." He stands up, trying not to show the boredom on his face. "Shall we move out then?" he asks.

Tulbas Erogund (Unknown location)
Tulbas' father frowns at his mother. "We will...discuss this later," he mutters angrily, turning away from her. "My son is right," he says louder, so the crowd can hear. "We must keep pushing forward."

Tulbas' mother looks relieved to have attention taken away from her. She unconsciously rubs at her finger, where she used to wear the ring, now missing.

The group pushes onward, hoping to close the distance to the edge of the forest--their home and for many of them, the only home they have ever known for centuries. There was as much fear and tension in the group about escaping the forest as there was to being caught. How could they survive, where would they go? Tulbas heard some of them whispering about it as they marched. Wouldn't the humans turn them away? As would the dwarves? Certainly the Qualinesti would. Some spoke of fleeing to Ergoth, where their Kagonesti 'cousins' lived. At least they were elves, uncouth and uncivilized though they were.

A scream rang out up at the front of the group, and everyone came to a halt. A squadron of draconians emerge from the brush, armed to the teeth. There are some humans with them, as well. The idea of humans in the Silvanesti woods is nearly as repugnant as these dragonmen being here. More soldiers emerge, effectively surrounding the group. One of the draconians, who seems to be in charge, steps forward. "Surrender!" he calls in the Common tongue. "You cannot win against us all!"

[djhyland]

Arulia nods. "Best of luck, then...both with Norris and with the army," she says. "If you're marching so soon, I hope that we'll see each other again." She attempts a brave smile, then slips out to the street and closes the door behind her quietly. Turning towards the center of town, she makes her way through the already-thickening throngs of citizens and soldiers. With no better idea in her mind than that with all the soldiers drink is likely to be in high demand, she sets out for a tavern to look for work.

(OOC: Arulia doesn't have a specific tavern in mind, so she'll likely head for the nearest one.)

[TristenC]

I'm ready, Grubnick replies to Gregeddin before turning to Haahque. Are you planning on introducing us to the others, or will they just be following us silently... Grubnick says, wryly.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae and Gobax (Steel Tankard Inn, Common Room)
Fortunately the two women decide to introduce themselves, thus sparing Haahqae the embarrassment of admitting he never asked their names or credentials.

The first woman has fair skin, black hair and green eyes. She appears to be in her early 30s and is well-dressed with a rapier on her belt and a light crossbow on her back, but she wears no armor. "I am Yvette," she announces with a flourish, "a woman of many talents. I am swordswoman, sorceress, musician, actress, and more. I have traveled far and seen much battle. I have traversed ancient ruins, sparred wits with spymasters, and performed for royalty."

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The second woman has dark skin and hair and brown eyes. She's in her mid-twenties and wears leather armor, carrying a sabre and a number of daggers on her belt. "I'm Xyleena," she practically grunts.

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There's a moment of silence as the party waits for her to say more, but she doesn't. Yvette chuckles nervously and makes a dismissive gesture. "She doesn't say much, granted, but I assure you Xyleena is quite talented, as well. She's a well-traveled sailor, a cutthroat warrior, and...quite charming when you get to know her."

Arulia Seroth (High Hand Inn, Common room)
The nearest inn, as it turns out, is the High Hand. Arulia step into the common room, which is clean and decent. This isn't the best inn in town, but it's not the worst, either. Before the occupation, it was primarily used by merchants and other travelers who were just passing through.

There's a roaring flame in the fireplace, helping to keep the common room warm. There are six humans at tables near the fire; they appear to be merchants and craftsman, based on their clothing style. There is a kender sitting at the bar, his legs swinging from the barstool he's on while he chats away to the bartender, an old plainswoman. There is also a red-haired half-elf sitting with a white-furred minotaur, both eating breakfast together. A young woman, a waitress, is speaking with them. Finally, there are four Baaz soldiers. They are at a table in the far back, away from the other customers.

Felran and Ne-Chanz (High Hand Inn, Common room)
The barmaid accepts the silver piece from Felran and the two silver pieces from Ne-Chanz. The inn's front door swings open, but it's not the goblin, Gobax. Rather, it's a young woman with blonde hair.

[Haahque]

"Umm, yes of course, welcome Yvette and Xyleena. I'm Haahqae, traveling entertainer and problem solver. This is Ismene, a smart, pretty and courageous red mage specialized in Illusions. And arcane her totally adorable ferret. This is Gregeddin, a friendly and trustworthy swordsman and fellow seeker of knowledge. And this is Gobax, who should like to introduce himself."

Edit: Ooc: Sorry, I'm terrible with names, I have a hard enough time remembering everyone's names, it makes it harder when you don't use the name that *I know* in your last posts ><