Nothern Shadows

[Durwyn]

Durn smiled and said "I thank you for your trust, for few have given it to me. If it comforts you any, I worship, Lathander, the Morninglord, and you are the fourth person to try and work with me. Now, should we go into the forest and search this creature out or not?

[Rail]

Casan..., Casan, he'd have to remember that! Sedge wondered then if he'd gotten Kilden's name right, or if the young man was simply too polite to want to day anything to him about it. The memory just wasn't what it used to be, these days.

Kilden swore to himself in frustration and turned to Anduin for guidance on how to best pursue the... whatever that creature was. Sedge was amazed that after all these years, Anduin hadn't lost a beat with the way he affected people. Back in his "prime", he'd attract all kinds of respect from every corner of the dale and somehow managed to get entire groups of very differing individuals to work together in a cohesive unit, and work efficiently. He was a natural leader. Though right now, their leader was wiping blood from his mouth as he gazed angrily into the forest after the beast.

What was that creature? Sedge had never seen anything like it. It didn't move with the hungry, bloodthirsty movements of demonkind. In fact, it behaved much more like their counterparts in evil, but it lacked the purpose and structure, the pragmatism of the devilish beings. It seemed to have traits of both, yet was clearly neither.

How did it know when I was casting? It seemed to know what was coming, even before I cast it. Sedge was especially puzzled as to how his magic missiles had missed their target. Even if the creature dodged, they'd always followed unerringly to their target before. He was sure he'd casted it right! He reviewed in his mind the scene of the action, trying to replay every gesture and mote of magic he'd channeled into the spell. Something had to be wrong. He recalled that clicking noise the creature made, how it seemed like laughter, taunting the futility of their attacks.

That clicking noise! Sedge nearly slapped his hand to his forehead in hindsight. I should have cast tongues. Then I could understand what it's muttering. With a start he realized he was getting caught up in the details and the creature could still be about. But the danger of the surrounding forest seemed to be subsiding with each passing second. Only the foreboding gloom of impending dangers yet to come hung in the air.

He sighed. "Why did it leave? We hardly scratched it!"

Kilden looked moderately annoyed, as if the mage hadn't been paying attention to the conversation at hand. "It's baiting us. It's trying to lead us further into the forest."

Casan reached a hand to soothe his feathered friend. "But why?", he muttered, as much to himself as to the others.

Sedge shrugged, but Anduin remained dark and brooding. He'd felt the creature toying with them, and knew they were outclassed in this battle, especially on these terms. But what choice did they have. They had to be far better organized the next time they crossed paths, or they'd surely loose more than just their pride! He sighed and moved to action, just like Sedge had seen him do a thousand times in past years.

"Casan, keep close watch on that bird of yours. I want to know the second he sees something of the creature again. Kilden, keep that blade of your ready, and light a torch. We'll need that where we're going!" The old warrior turned to Sedge. "I need to know all the spells you have memorized. Keep an eye on the owl as well, and let me know if you get nervous. I trust your instincts, no matter how rusty they are."

Sedge's jaw almost dropped to the ground. Get nervous! If I get nervous! Sedge started out nervous on this trip! He was well past that stage. He strode over to his friend and began discussing the spells he had in his memory.

Sedge's selection was far too small for Anduin's liking, but that was all they had to work with. The old warrior had gotten through tougher times than this, with far less to work with. At least, that was how he remembered things. Unfortunately, that phrase sounded ominously like famous last words.

Kilden muttered to himself, still in frustration at the encounter, even as he fished the torch from his pack. They had each fought the beast individually, not as a team, and they had each been bested. He wouldn't make that same mistake again. He looked at his newfound friend, Casan, and vowed to watch his back. With a grave nod from Casan, he knew the favor would be returned.

Sedge returned to where he'd dropped his pack, and heaved it to his shoulders. It had grown heavier in the past few hours, especially after the adrenaline from the fight had worn off. Now it seemed far too much for the out-of-practice mage to manage much further. He didn't want to ask one of the others to carry anything for him, so he sucked up his breath and slowly began to fall into file with the others. He could carry his own weight, right with the rest of them. Forty-nine years be damned! He hoped they weren't going too far, though, for his body would probably give out long before his pride. With the weight of his age on his back, he trudged on grimly with the others.

[Magus]

It was late afternoon when Gilthanas reached Bryn Shandar. The bustling town was just as he remembered it. He drew a few curious glances as he walked silently into the tavern, his brooding expression far from inviting. He sat down at the bar without a word.

“Gilthanas, I take it?” asked a nearby voice.

The half-elf glanced up at the barkeep. “Do you have ambrosia?” he asked, his silver eyes boring into the barkeep’s.

“Why, y-yes.” Jalen stammered, a bit unsettled. “Just a minute.” He ordered a servant to fetch a bottle from the cellars. When he turned back, the newcomer had already looked away, slowly scanning the room around him. Jalen decided not to disturb him just yet. After a few minutes the servant returned with the bottle, and the barkeep poured a glass. “Your wine, sir...” he began.

Gilthanas took the cup and sipped it without an upward glance. His mouth curved distastefully. “I asked for ambrosia, not water,” he uttered, staring at the barkeep with a dangerous glint in his eye.

Jalen recoiled uneasily. “Sorry, sir. That drink is on the House, then.”

Gilthanas nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on the barkeep. “You have something to tell me. Speak.”

Jalen’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. “You ARE Gilthanas, right?”

“Yes.”

“Anduin and Sedge left a message with me. They said you were a friend of theirs.”

Gilthanas nodded impatiently. “Yes...”

“They went into the forest after the creature, along with a few other young lads. They said to tell you to cool your heels until they got back.”

Gilthanas smirked. “Yeah, that sounds like Anduin. Fine.” He set the cup down and stood up. “If they come by here later, tell them I’m at the local inn.” He flipped a silver at the barkeep and left without another word.

[Aegis]

Anduin knew the risks they were taking by leading them further into the woods after that creature. That encounter was odd. The creature had them all at his mercy, and could've killed each of them. It had the chance to kill the veteran at the begining of the fight, but didn't. There was something about it. It had some sort of inner intelligence, but on top of that, seemed to be supierior to the others, physically and mentally. It had been awhile since he had even fought someone that had more martial prowess then him. It frightend him. What if he was unable to best the creature. He glanced to the youths of the group, both Casan and Kilden taking up the rear of the group. Casan had sent Lucky up ahead to scout the paths. They followed him, and now they were his responsiblity. He couldn't let them down. He turned back to the path.

Sedge was walking next to his friend, a concerned look on his face. Anduin's face already had that wind swept look that became so familar during their early adventuring days. He also saw the weathered face of an old man, concerned about the future. They walked for some time, walking in silence, unsure of whether it would be a good idea to bring up any current thoughts.

"Sedge," Anduin finally said, turnign to his friend. Sedge quirked an eyebrow to his friend. "Do you remember that tribe of orcs we went to get rid of." Sedge nodded, memories flooding back to him. "That was the last day the five of us were together. The last time we saw Kis'Thana and Saulan." Sedge looked to his friend, and saw the years creep up on him. He must look the same, thought Sedge. "I guess none of us really thought that we would lose any of the group. It hurts, you know. It's been twenty years, but it still hurts to remember her death." Sedge nodded, his on fond memories of their friend sweeping into his mind. "Can we really do that to these young kids. If they develop too much of a friendship, and we can't protect them, will we ruin one of their lives?" Sedge shook his head, because he didn't know. It was the first time the thought had crossed the old mages mind. The thoughts of the two were interupted by the loud hooting of Lucky off in the dstance.

"He's found something!" Shouted Casan, and he took off down the trail, the others following. The forest dweller led the others trough the trails quickly, knowing the paths well. In no time at all, the four had reached a small clearing in the forest.

Lucky was perched on a branch over hanging the clearing, hishead tilted towards the centre. The group saw quickly what it was Lucky had found. Sprawled on the ground was the body of an elf. It had been attacked, but it was from over a day ago. Anduin ran to the body, and inspected it. He shook his head.

"He's not dead, but he has lost a lot of blood." Anduin lifted the body off the ground, and placed it over his shoulder. We're going to have to go back to town, otherwise the elf can die. Besides, Gilthanas might be there by now. The others nodded. The group then closed in tight, and began the long treck back to Bryn Shandar.

In the thick underbrush, the leaves seemed to blur, and shifted, and then steady.

[Rob-hin]

Casan stopped “He’s watching us, I can feel his eyes staring in my back.” Lucky became excited, he felt it too. “Keep moving, I’m going to distract him so you can get this wounded elf out of danger!”

“I’ll help” Kilden said. “You can’t take him on alone!” He looked at Casan.

“No, we couldn’t take him on with the four of us. The two of us don’t stand a chance. I’ll go alone; nobody knows these woods like I do. You would slow me down, besides… I’ve got Lucky to help me out.”

Before anybody could react, Casan took of. Let’s hope it didn’t expect this, and follows me. He looked at Lucky who flew next to him. Then he new… It’s following.

Casan used all his knowledge of the woods trying to lose the creature. Passed small brooks, thick forest parts and rocks. Did he lose the creature or was it still following him? He didn’t know nor did he care, he just had to keep on running.

He had been running for quite some time now. “They should be out of the forest by now, I’d had better get going too.” Casan made his way towards the edge of the forest; unsure if had lost the creature somewhere.”

Casan looked at Lucky, it was getting tired and so was Casan. Having to follow Casan around, Lucky didn’t have time to see if it was still following.

Finally, they made it to the edge of the forest. “We can slow down now. I don’t think it’ll come out of the forest.” He walked away from the forest towards Bryn Shandar. Lucky was looking at the forest, just to be safe.

Something stared after them as the left the forest. Making a soft clicking sound…

[Craig]

[OOC Not much but I can tell Aegis has plans

Vren rushed through the undergrowth dodging trees, “They came through here!” He shouted, jumping a root. At least it was safer then the moors!

“How…” Began Durn, his size and weight; it was holding him back.

“Trust me!” Interrupted Vren

[Aegis]

Anduin was about to protest Casan's decision to distract the creature, but before he could voice any, the man ran off into the underbrush, Lucky perched on his shoulder. Anduin shook his head, and scowled. This was not turning into the type of adventure he had wanted. There was no time to think about it now though. He turned back to the trail back to town, and began to walk back, Sedge and Kilden following, worried for Casan.

"Damned fool is going to get himself killed..." Muttered anduin, quietly. Sedge, who was ever present by his friends side, smirk, and turned to him.

"Don't be so sure." He began, "Casan seems to be a resourceful type, and he has lived in these woods for some time. I think he'll be alright."

Anduin's scowled faded away, and he shrugged. "Perhaps. I hope anyway." He looked back to Kilden. "How is it back there?"

Kilden seemed to be in a daze. When Anduin called to him, it was like he was snapped back to reality. He shook his head, and picked up his pace, walking even with the other too.

"Well?" questioned Anduin, eyes back on the trail.

"I'm alright." The youth looked to Anduin, a bit of a puzzled look on his face. "I've been meaning to ask you two. How long have you been adventuring for?"

Sedge chuckled, and Anduin grinned at the question. "I was out on the open road after fifteen winters. My mother died of some sickness the clerics couldn't heal, and my father was nothing more than a poor farmer. He couldn't afford to me, and my sister, so I left, hoping to come back with some riches. Sedge, on the other hand," He motioned to the old mage, who was currently readjusting his crooked hat so it wasn't in his sight. "He didn't know what an open road ws until his twenty third winter. Come to think of it, I still don't think he knows what it is." Anduin grinned and chuckled, the current situation fading from his mind, if only for a moment. Sedge heard that last part, and huffed his own amusement.

Kilden nodded. "So you both have years of experiance. What brought you to the Dale?"

Anduin's face grew cold and distant. "Things out of my control..." Anduin then picked up the pace, the elf's limp body still drapped over his shoulder.

Sedge looked over, and was met by the confused look given by Kilden. "The last time we adventured together, we lost a dear friend of ours. Gilthanas, Saulan and I all believe he held felings for her, but he never mentioned anything of it too us." Sedge paused, and looked to his crotchty old friend. "Best you let it drop for now."

Kilden nodded, and focused back on the road.

[Durwyn]

Durn trusted Vren and tore the limbs and vines that blocked his path out of the way. In the distance he thought he could hear clicking.
Durn lost sight of Vren and just continued on trying to catch up. Then, in the distance he saw a man, one of the one's at inn. Was it Casan, or Kilden? He couldnt be sure. Then he felt an evil presence. Could it be this creature he thought. He ran out of the underbrush and got ready for combat. He didnt even spare a glance at the other man, who must have been very confused. He just stood there, remebering everything he learned, and the few times he had been in combat. Mostly agnst gnolls, and other orcs. A Ogre, but he had been with a group. And his father... His mind snapped back as the clicking got louder. Where is Vren Durn thought as he prepared himself...

[Craig]

[OOC durwyn Casan is at the edge of the forest Right


XXXXXXXXXXXX
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CXXXXXXXXXXX
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XXXXXXAXXXXX
VXXXXXXXXXXX
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C=Casan
M=Monster
A=Anduin+group
V=Vren&Durn
We were following Anduins path that he has come back on, to have found casan we need to make NEW tracks across the edge of the forest, still you could have got lost, next tim i post I'll circle round and get near the monster!

[Durwyn]

k, i guess i was kind of confused, but because of your explination i edited the thread

[Aegis]

Thebeleagured group set into the tavern, the unconscious elf still draped over Anduin's shoulder. They had walked straight back from the forest, confident the creature wouldn't follow them out of it, yet. Once inside, they heard Kara drop a platter of spiced potatoes. She rushed over immedatly, and helped the old warrior bring the comatose elf up the stairs and too a bed. She didn't bother to ask any question, as she more than likely knew the answer. The two left Sedge and Kilden downstairs in the common room. They didn't bother to look at any of the patrons, or even to send for Jalen to bring them a pint. The made their way to an empty table out of the to wait for Anduin to come back downstairs.

Sedge looked to Kilden. The youth appeared to have aged this day. Something about him just seemed older. Sedge grinned, and realized that must've been how he got so old, so fast.

"Can you tell me more of that day, Sedge?" Kilden asked, leaning over the table, closer into Sedge. He was a curious youth, and for some reason the grizzled veteran intrigued him, just as much as he intimidated him.

Sedge leaned back in his chair, having expected the question. He sat in silence for a moment, unclear on how he should respond. He reached to his hat, and took it off, revealing a thinning layer of matted hair. He placed it on the table, still thinking of whether or not he should tell him. His thoguths were interupted as a voice from behind introuded.

"It was an Orc tribe, twenty strong." A strong, yet delicate voice stated from behind the old mage. "The five of us were their, trying to clear the trade routes, routine really. We hadn't counted on the Orcs to be working with a clan of Verbeeg." The elf stepped next to Sedge, and took a seat next to old man. The elf's long white hair draped his shoulders, almost creating an angelic silhouette of his slender frame. He peered over to Sedge, and smiled, though it appeared nondescript, and few could even tell what it was, much less consider it a smile.

Sedge's eyes went wide, and his mouth curled into a large smile. In almsot an instant, all the linnes of fatigue and age seemed to vanish from the man's face as he recognized the refined features of Gilthanas. In the same moment, the sentimental old man embraced his old friend in a hug. Gilthanas was about to push his frined away, having never been much for embraces as such, but after considering the time that had passed, and the fact it was an old friend, he let it go. "Gilthanas!" Began Sedge, not really knowing what to say, or where to begin. He reracted from his friend, and Gilthanas offered a relieved smile. "You got anduin's message?" The elf nodded. "Thats good... It's been so long..."

Kilden watched as this all happened, not quite sure who this elf was, either than a friend of, at least, Sedge. Before Kilden could introduce himself, or be introduced, Anduin stalked down the stairs, Kara following close behind. When the old warrior hit the man floor, he stopped dead in his tracks. He saw the elf right away, knowing who it was. Kilden watched as his face seemed to darken. The youth would have no clue as to why that happened. Kilden thought they were friends. Anduin walked over the table. As he approached it, Gilthanas stood up, and faced the warrior.

"Gilthanas." Anduin said, his voice was dry and calm, eeirly different then it was earlier in the day.

Gilthanas nodded in response.

"You got the message then. I'll let Sedge fill you in on what we know so far." He turned to Sedge, and the old mage nodded his head, thoguh reluctantly. "I'll be back later tonight I have some things to do before it gets to early. I'll be back within a couple hours." Anduin then turned from the table, and left the tavern.

Kilden watched this all in disbelief. Something must've happened that alienated the two comrades. He found his interest growing in nature.

[Rob-hin]

I hope they made it. There was no way to be sure though. Not until he got to the tavern.

The road towards Bryn Shandar seemed longer then before, he was worried about the rest. As he approached the tavern, he found himself afraid to open the door. What if they aren’t there? He hesitated for a minute before opening the door, his hand was shaking. Casan grabbed himself together and opened the door. He looked across the room and exhaled in relief when he saw Sedge and Kilden sitting at a table. But who was that with them, and where is Anduin?

As he approached the table, Kilden noticed him too. “Casan!” He shouted. Sedge looked over his shoulder. “I’m glad to see you made it out of the forest in one piece.”
“Where is Anduin?” Casan was worried. “Don’t worry; he has gone out for business.” Sedge replied “And the elf is upstairs”.

“Sit down; I’ve got some things to tell you.” Sedge looked seriously. “What you did was really stupid, NEVER run of like that. We are a group, we have to work together! You could have gotten yourself killed… and us too.”
Casan’ looked down “I…I did I to protect you guys, and the elf had to be taken to safety.”

“We have to work as a group if we want to stand a chance again that creature; you saw what it can do.” Sedge sighed. “That mean you need to use your head.”

A moment of silence followed.

“I used to have problems staying calm in the past. When things didn’t go the way I wanted I used to get angry, but somehow in the fight I was calm. Calmer then I ever was before, a thing I missed in life…. I found in danger.” Casan looked up, searching for words. “When I decided to distract the creature, I was calm. I felt like I knew what was needed to be done.”

Kilden and Sedge looked at each other, unsure what to say.

“I’ve protected the helpless in these woods for some time now, the elf was in need of protection and I tried to give it. The way I thought was best.” Casan looked up, first at Kilden then at Sedge. “I’m sorry. Next time will be different.”

“Alright, back to here and now.” Kilden said. “Sedge, are you going to introduce us to your old friend?”

[Magus]

Gilthanas eyed Anduin’s receding back coolly. He turned to Sedgemon, then the young fighter. “Where’s Saulan?” he finally asked, returning to his seat as if nothing had happened. Just then he spotted a man advancing purposefully toward their table. His hand strayed to his blade out of habit. He relaxed when he saw that the other two seemed to know him. He listened wordlessly to the ensuing conversation.

“Alright, back to here and now.” Kilden said. “Sedge, are you going to introduce us to your old friend?”

Sedgemon and Gilthanas exchanged glances. The half-elf gave a slight nod, then silently regarded the newcomer.

[Nippy]

Things has passed incredbibly quickly for Kilden. Not only had they returned to the Inn without further harassment, but a newcomer, one of the old allies of Anduin and Sedge had arrived.

Before things progressed at all between the group Casan arrived quickly back at the table. Kilden came to his senses quickly.

"Gilthanas, meet Kilden and Casan, Kilden and Casan, Gilthanas."

A smile etched the old Mages lips and Gilthanas looked cold and haughty, every now and then his hand flexing the hilt of his sword.

"A bit trigger happy, this man maybe" thought Kilden. "I'll be better off if I keep my eye on this one...."

"So then friends old and new, a drink to celebrate our coming together?" Kilden grinned and waited for what he was sure to be a postive response...

[Magus]

Gilthanas glared coldly at the young warrior, unimpressed. “Trust is sealed by blood, not liquor.”