Vengeance of the Heart

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue Apr 08, 2003 11:54 am

Gurney made his way up deeper into the heart of the fire. The flames went higher and the sealing started collapsing around him. He made his way up the stairs with only one objective in mind, to find the wizard.
Suddenly, the stairs broke under his weight and he fell down about a meter down. Gurney landed on top of the now burning stairs, he jumped of as quickly as he could, trying to keep his clothes from caching fire.

His only way up had now been reduced to a smouldering pile of wood. “Magus!” He shouted up to the hole of the stairs. “Magus! Where the hell are you!?”
A supporting beam collapsed behind him, covering the floor with ashes and burning chunks of wood. It was time for him to get out of there… wizard or no wizard.

He turned and ran towards the closest door. Jumping over burning chairs and dodging falling wood on his way. Suddenly he stepped right through the floor with his right foot, it hardly slowed him down; he landed on his knee, swung his other leg forwards and continued running towards the door.

A feet away from the door, Gurney covered his face with his arms and took a leap to the door. The burning door hardly resisted and crashed into small peaces by his weight. Landing safely outside, the flames reaching out after him as if they didn’t want him to leave, he looked up and around only to find that the battle had ended without him.
He was even more surprised when he saw that the wizard had already left the building. There he was risking his life and for what? Nothing!

He dropped his head onto the grass, tired and dehydrated by the fire and stunned by the surprise.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Wed Apr 09, 2003 11:14 am

Halya made her way through the forest, it was her first time the far down the Sword Coast and he was kind of exited. She roughly estimated her position to be a couple of houndred miles above Trademeet.
She marvelled at the beauty of nature and all its inhabitants. Her hand slid passed a great oak tree and she looked up its big trunk at the branches where small birds were building a nest. “Nature is so beautiful…” She said to herself.

She swiftly moved on, silently, one with the silence of nature around her. Not even the animals around her noticed her. And if they did, they didn’t mind her presence.

Something seemed to disturb the animals of the forest ahead. A couple of birds were startled and took flight. As she made her way there, she noticed a spot where but a few trees stood, it was one of the few places where light reached the ground.
There was a woman there, human, with blond hair. She seemed to have trouble standing but she tried with all the strength she had left in her. When Halva came closer the woman suddenly collapsed, before even noticing Halya. The woman fell face down into the grass, one hand still clinging on to a tree stub, but she was completely out of this world.

Halya came closer and closer until she stood right next to her; she was alert but even more curious about what had happened. She reached for the unknown woman and rolled her over to her side, ready to jump of at the blink of an eye in case of danger. Halya noticed that the woman seemed to be starving and dehydrated, not to mention exhausted by lack of sleep.

She relaxed since there was no sign of danger to be seen anywhere nearby and she took a moment to contemplate about what she was to do with this.

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Wed Apr 09, 2003 4:39 pm

she kneeled beside the woman. and after some time she decided to stay and watch.

her elven ways bid her to stay some feet away, and she settled down against a tree and sighed.

Halya tried to relax and carry on with her day as before she stumbled across the strange woman in the woods, but she couldent seem to find the mood again.
Her thoughts kept circulating around, who the mysterious woman was, and what she was dooing here.... and even more intriguing why she was in such a poor state?.

she began to braid her hair out of pure boredom, and thought vauigly to herself that this was a childish thing to do. what if the woman was dangerous?...
Halya looked in the womans direction.. and sure enough she was still there, nay she decided with herself, she didnt look dangerous, and didnt feel dangerous either.

"hmmm what would my father do?" she said out loud to the trees. but she allready knew the answer.. yes, he would leave. she knew that, he allways warned her to get too involved in the human ways..
Halya closed her eyes.. "but i am not my father" she said out loud and pouted... and it looked more as she was trying to convince herself. Im gonna stay right here untill the woman wakes up she thought still with a pout on ther face.

and she waited and waited, for what seemed as ages to Halya. but waiting time was not her stongest point. And before she knew it she had dozed off, in a nice numb sensation.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 3:51 am

Clouds flew by slowly as time passed while Halya rested against a tree, unaware of her surroundings. It was a strange sight, two women in the middle of a forest, one of them laying unconscious on a tree stump and the other resting, waiting to see what would happen next.

The day had started nice, the sun shone brightly and all was quiet. But darker clouds gathered above and it started raining softly. Small drops of rain slid down Halya’s face, following the curves of her pretty face. She opened her eyes, awoken by the rain, and looked around wondering where she had fallen asleep this time. She quickly realised where she was and she looked over to the stump. The woman was still there, laying down exactly the same as she did earlier.

The soft rain did have an affect on her too though, she moved a bit; slowly at first, but with more force later. Halya though the woman had awoken until she started making soft sounds, as if she was speaking to someone. But there was no one there but her.
Intrigued by this, Halya pushed herself up and sat up straight, focusing her attention to the words of this woman. Even though she sat far away and the women spoke on a soft tone, her keen elven ears picked up most of it. They seemed to miss structure; it was mindless ranting of person having a nightmare.

“No… please don’t daddy.
Daddy, why are you doing this?
Bugs… rats…
Walls, walls al around me”

She swung her arms around, terrified by the images she saw while reliving nightmares from her past.

Halya looked at the mysterious women and wondered what could have happened in her past to give her such terrible nightmares. A small drub of rain landed on her nose and she looked up to the sky; “This rain could get worse in an hour or so…”

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Wed Apr 16, 2003 8:20 pm

Ae'siir, though his breathing had become steady again, remained still, his eyes closed. Lilth gently pushed his long, mangled hair back, and held him gingerly in her arms. A small smile formed on her lips, seeing her companion safe in her arms. She barely even acknowledged the brooding shadow of Magus encroaching upon the two. even when he spoke, she barely even moved his eyes from him her comrade.

Magus stood over top them both, trying to create an imposing figure, though still remain unthreatening. He wanted his ring back, but was smarter then to potentially enrage the elf again. Magus placed both hands on his hips, and sighed as he failed to receive any response whatsoever. Before he could form another word, though, a bright flash zipped across his field of vision. Stopping just as quickly, Celestia hovered in front of Lilth, one hand on her hip, the other pointing towards the woman in front of her.

"Give back his ring!" she said, her face puffing up, trying to be as intimidating as possible.

Magus sighed again, and motioned for Celestia to let him handle it. He took a step forward. "If you don't mind, the ring."

Lilth still made no real movements, but her hand dropped slightly, moving towards Ae'siir's own hand. She slipped the magical bauble off his index finger, and lifted it in front of her eyes. For a second, she considered keeping it, but decided against it. She threw the ring to the side. She had no desire to be confined and imprisoned in the town, and knew by keeping it, it would mean much more bloodshed, and would delay her and Ae'siir on their on journey.

Magus leaned over, and picked the ring up, and replaced it on his finger, then turned back to the two elves. Ae'siir's skin tone slowly began to show more colour, and signs of consciousness began to show in the large elf. He blink his eyes open for a moment, and began to push himself up groggily. Lilth's worried smile slowly turned to a more relieved smile, much like her usual child like one she wore. Ae'siir looked around the group, those standing all hand their hands their weapons, each regarding the elf coldly, and cautiously...

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 6:42 am

“This must have been the craziest night of my life…” Gurney relaxed while still laying face down in the grass, the smell of the morning dew penetrated his nose and it made him realise where he was. His body was hurting all over and as he tried sitting up straight, every fibre in his body protested against moving.

He rubbed his hand on the back of his neck and looked around, the inn had been reduced to ashes and the attackers had all fled or had been slain. A strange figure drew his attention, a large figure… It took some time for his eyes to adjust to the light of the rising sun, but then he saw it… A wyvern! It was still a young one by the looks of it, but dangerous non there less.

What was that creature doing here, and why was it so calm? It didn’t matter, it had to be killed; swiftly Gurney was back on his feet, pain or no pain. Carefully, Gurney made his way to the creature, trying to keep out of its line of sight and approach it from the back; surprising it.

Hiding in the cover of a half burned down tree, he was now so close he could count the scabs on the back of the creature. He raised his rapier above his head and firmly gripped it with both hands. Then he stepped out of hiding and took a leap, the point of his rapier aimed at the creature’s back.

Suddenly, a shadow intercepted him in full flight. Gurney was completely surprised, he and his unknown attacked tumbled through the grass. He sat up as quick as he could, ready to thrust his sword though this new attacker. Expecting another creature of some kind, Gurney was surprised at what he saw, it was Greppun. The brave wolf was exhausted by the fight earlier, and his last action was just too much. He laid down his head, unsure what would happen next.

“Greppun? Why would he defend this creature?” Gurney turned and faced the wyvern who had also turned around. The two stared each other in the eyes. “Could it be…” Gurney stuttered in amazement.

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 9:12 am

Acolytus looked at the bard after his attack. After seeing Gurney’s shocked expression, he glanced over to Greppun. Greppun now realized the scene was safe again, so he peacefully sat on the cool grass nearby the shade being cast from the nearby woods.

Acolytus looked back towards the bard and took a breath. The wyvern’s eyes gently closed. A warm golden glow flourished throughout the wyverns body, The wings slowly folded to the side of the wyvern and started to blend into the body. At the same time, the legs became longer. The pointed head of the wyvern became more spherical and soon after facial details became evident. The glow started to fade as the human body was visual, clothed and with all items previous to the shape change.

Acolytus opened his eyes again. Acolytus took a deep breath and looked over to, the still stunned bard. “Listen…I am an avenger druid, my friend. I have great capabilities of conducting several shape changes. My favorite, being the wyvern. A much easier creature as long as their isn’t an long range attackers.” Acolytus smiled with pride for the first time in days. “I have mastered the wyvern and wild boar shape changes, and I also have the ability of the black panther shape change. Perhaps in the future I will be able to demonstrate my ability in all fields. A few more months of extensive training and I may be able to gain the knowledge to turn into a shambling mound, but I do not have the concentration yet.”

Acolytus’ excitement and pride were evident, but it slowly faded as he looked at the charred and death filled landscape.

Acolytus whispered a prayer to cast cure light wounds on Greppun.

Acolytus looked over to the group near the inn. “Perhaps we should assemble and assess the situation.”

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Sat Apr 19, 2003 4:41 pm

Halya looked at the woman having a nightmare.. and suddenly she somehow became aware what she was dooing... this could actually be dangerous!.. what if the woman was mad?
what if she was some kind of shapeshifter or something?... Halyas mind raced with all kinds of horrible scenarios..

she ought to get out of here, leave the humans to their business. she bagan to move alittle away from the scene...
her curiosity was too big. so she setteld down again behind a tree to watch some more

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Wed Apr 23, 2003 3:53 pm

The small group of men stood by the now burned down inn, there was little more left of it then a smouldering pile of junk. Villagers ran about, carrying buckets of water to put out the fire which had blown over to houses near the inn. For this time on the morning, it was darker then normal; the smoke clouded up the sky letting through only a few rays of sunlight.

Worn out by battle and confused by recent events, the men eighter didn’t know what to do or just didn’t want to do anything at all. Only a small figure seemed to be active, it was Gurdio going through the dead cleric’s gear. His hands found their way over the dead man’s armour. “If you don’t want me to take this thing, just say so; ok?”
“Nothing? Alrighty then! We’ll take this niiiice chain mail from you.” He said as he lifted the body out of the armour. “Thanks a lot friend.”

Hoping for some more valuables, he continued searching. “What’s this then?” And he pulled out a scroll from the man’s pockets, holding it with two fingers. As he skimmed through the message he came to a number, a number with many zeros. “Well well, I guess someone wanted you to find the woman desperately. What was her name again? Ah yes, Serena… Yup, that’s her name alright on the note.”

Acolytus looked over to the group near the inn. “Perhaps we should assemble and assess the situation.”

“Yes…” Gurdio responded. “I think I’ve got something everybody should see.”

***************

Gurney still sat on the ground a bit stunned and absent minded until the group was called for what could be called a meeting. He lifted himself up and started walking alongside Acolytus, who was accompanied by Greppun by his other side.
“We need to talk, later.” Gurney said as he looked at Acolytus. “Don’t act all innocent, I wanna know more of that girl what was here earlier. Is she your girlfriend? She’s kinda cute.” Gurney nudged him in the side with his elbow. “Perhaps I can give you some advice later. Hahaha…”
Unsure what to make of this comment, Acolytus looked at Gurney a bit confused. Noticing this, Gurney winked at him. “Relax, don’t take it so seriously. I was only joking; you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”

***************

The small group of men came together, not completely used to each other just yet. There was even some movement at the two elves.
Their senses titillated by the note in Gurdio’s hands. Still, they were not sure whether to join the rest or not. They didn’t feel welcome to say the least, but they didn’t care about that.

Grudio stretched out his arm, holding the note in the middle of the group. “There seems to be a ‘minor’ reward on the girls head.” He looked around for responses of the group. Gurney was the first too respond, he grabbed the note from Gurdio’s hand and read it.

---------------------
Wanted: Serena
Dead or alive

Whoever returns her, or sufficient proof of her demise to me, will receive the handsome reward of 15.000 Gold pieces.

Baron Izqierda
De 'Arnise Hold
---------------------

“That’s quite a lot of money indeed, but I for one don’t feel like collecting. I mean, part of me feels sorry for her, considering…” He stopped and passed on the note. “I think she is the victim here, not this baron guy.”

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Fri Apr 25, 2003 4:25 pm

Magus considered this new bit of news grimly. The pieces began to come together in his mind…the dark woman’s visit, the barkeep’s tale, the “bandit” attack, and now the letter. He styled himself a student of history as well as contemporary politics (especially in the areas he frequented), so he certainly knew a little of this Baron Izquierda.

As it turned out, the Baron wielded quite some influence in the area. His keep, De 'Arnise Hold, was about a few days travel west, positioned about midway between the Umar Hills and Athkatla, bustling capital of Amn. By most accounts (official, at least), he was a harsh but fair lord who had managed to expand the keep’s already substantial territory and influence in recent years. Yet his record was hardly spotless. Rumors abounded of torture and other crimes conducted deep within the Keep's sturdy walls. The barkeep's account was a not uncommon variant of a bastard that the lord killed/tortured/petrified/banished to another plane, etc, depending on the teller. Regardless of these rumors' truth, available evidence tended to support the conclusion that the Baron ruled with what might be deemed an iron fist, intolerant of opposition and anything that remotely questioned his authority.

But even if one dismissed the Baron's somewhat dubious repute as rumors and hearsay, recent events alone began to bring the Baron’s good character into question. First, to place a bounty on someone’s head in itself was a bit shady—such business was best left to the local authorities, if the case against the defendant was indeed legitimate. Second, if the barkeep’s tale was to be trusted above the others (being first-hand), the Baron was guilty of at least one past atrocity, whether the victim was a bastard or not. And now it seemed that the bounty was against none other than the one he had previously tormented, which, if true, didn’t sit well with Magus at all, regardless of circumstances.

The last piece of evidence was the most dire—the attack on the inn by mercenaries under his hire, less than half a day after their quarry’s departure. If the order had indeed come from above, then the lord had much to answer for.

Magus looked back at the burnt remnants of the inn, his hand straying to his bloodied eye. If he’d had a mere objective interest in the matter before, it was no longer so. Now it was personal... Yet he realized that it would be foolish to leap headlong into such a dispute alone. For one, there was little he could do against an influential baron by himself. And then there was that woman, Serena. Based the barkeep’s tale, it was likely that she had sorcerous abilities, even as a small child. And by now, who knew how far she had developed them?

Gurney broke the silence. “That’s quite a lot of money indeed, but I for one don’t feel like collecting. I mean, part of me feels sorry for her, considering…” He stopped and passed on the note. “I think she is the victim here, not this baron guy.”

Magus smiled inwardly. Maybe securing help wouldn’t be so difficult after all.

“It certainly is an intriguing matter,” Magus responded. He felt the others’ eyes on him. Ignoring his body’s protest, he drew himself up into a more dignified position. “And I for one would like to get to the bottom of it. I don’t know about you gentleman,” he said, pausing, “but I don’t take kindly to threats on my life.” His eyes narrowed as he said the last, and his tone took on a dangerous quality. He surveyed those gathered, waiting for their reaction, quietly ignoring the two elves on the ground.

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Thu May 01, 2003 8:22 pm

Silence. Eyes shifted away as Magus looked from one person to another. Only Gurney looked him in the eye, and even he showed some hesitation, preferring not to respond.

“Hmph. I see,” Magus noted wryly. “I mistook you for men of action. Pardon my mistake.” He bowed stiffly and turned away. “Looks like we’ll be doing this alone Cel,” he muttered as he set off to find the barkeep amongst the stunned survivors.

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Fri May 02, 2003 3:18 am

"Stop!" shouted Gurdio, who left the cleric's body for what is was and was running to the group.

"I'll be willing to join you. That is, if you want me to go with you. I don't care that much for the lady or her evil dad. But it could turn out to be exiting and fun to go with you and Cel".
Gurdio smiled to Celestia.
"Besides that, my business here is done without a stage to perform", said the gnome while looking at the remains of the inn.

"So, if I may....?"

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Fri May 02, 2003 4:52 am

Gurney smiled as he saw the growing interest in the group. He may not be a real fighter, but this sounds like an adventure.
“Alright, I’ll come too.” He took a step forward. “I want to find the truth about this baron, I’d like to find that girl, Serena, and help her if I can. Confused as she is, she doesn’t seem evil to me … when she’s not threatening people and al that.”

“I’d will do me good to help a someone who needs it. If Harnan’s story is the truth that is.”

***************

Meanwhile a couple of miles west of Umar hills in the open spot in the forest…

Halya leaned against a tree and dozed of for a couple of minutes, something startled her and she quickly awoke. As she opened her eyes she noticed the rain had stopped falling and rays of light broke through the clouds.
A ray of light touched down in the middle of the open spot, right where the mysterious woman used to lay. But the woman was now up and about, she sat on top of the tree stump and focused her attention to something behind the stub and out of sight of Halya. Just as she wondered what the woman was doing, a small bunny hopped into sight. It was not at all scared of the woman at all; in fact it enjoyed her company.

Somewhat surprised by this Halya just sat and watched. Suddenly but calmly, the woman turned and faced Halya. She raised her arm and shouted; “Ow hello! How are you? I am Serena, what’s your name?” The words were friendly and she had a warm smile on her face.

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Fri May 02, 2003 4:19 pm

Acolytus held his spear tightly. A gentle grin started to form on the druid’s face as he saw Greppun was eager, once again. Acolytus looked over to the party. His eyes scanned over the group, face by face, person by person.

Acolytus’ expression turned stern. “I have my doubts about a few of you,” Acolytus said as his eyes passed the two elves and Gurdio. “I am unsure whether this journey is wise for me to join.” Acolytus took a breath. “But I see that this mission may have serious repercussions and implications. Perhaps I will start out on this journey and see where it leads. I also feel that there is a disturbance in the balance. There is something wrong; something unsettling about what has just transpired.” Acolytus took another look around. “I also notice you lack a healer in this group. While I specialize in summons, I carry my share of healing spells.”

Acolytus paused and whispered to himself, “I feel I may have to watch my back, whether I am around friend or foe.”

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Sat May 03, 2003 1:16 am

"So, if I may....?"

Magus nodded solemnly, a twinkle in his eye. “A fellow practitioner of the Art is always welcome. Even if he is a student of the Chaos Method,” Magus added with a smirk, referring to a recent model that attempted to explain the roots of sorcerous ability. Wizards of the time generally accepted sorcery for what it was, but that didn’t stop them from taking a distinctly condescending view of its unorthodox nature. Many even denounced sorcerers as rogue magic-users, ignorant dabblers who hadn’t the patience nor the intelligence to comprehend the powers they wielded. Magus considered himself a bit more enlightened than the majority of his peers. “I must say the theory does intrigue me. Perhaps you could instruct me in the basics of its execution sometime?”

“Ah, but I probably bore you with all that scholarly nonsense, eh? Though I see you’ve taken an interest in my familiar,” Magus observed, noting Gurdio’s attention drifting to his shoulder. Magus followed his gaze. Celestia stood eyeing the gnome suspiciously. “Why don’t you say 'hi' to the good gentleman, Cel?” he suggested.

Celestia shook her head. “Cel don’t trust him. He like a fox. Causes trouble, he does.” She crossed her arms and lifted her nose in an exaggerated display of condescension. Surprised and somewhat embarrassed, Magus nevertheless had to struggle to keep a straight face. The danger passing, he looked at Gurdio and shrugged apologetically.

“Alright, I’ll come too.” Gurney took a step forward. “I want to find the truth about this baron, I’d like to find that girl, Serena, and help her if I can. Confused as she is, she doesn’t seem evil to me … when she’s not threatening people and all that.”

“It will do me good to help someone who needs it. If Harnan’s story is the truth that is.”

“The more the merrier,” Magus commented ironically, his good-natured smile taking any bite from his tone. “But I warn you that I pursue the truth. No matter her pitiable circumstances, if her intentions are ill we may well be obliged to stop her forcibly,” he cautioned grimly.

Acolytus’s voice forestalled any reply.

“I have my doubts about a few of you,” Acolytus said as his eyes passed the two elves and Gurdio. “I am unsure whether this journey is wise for me to join.” Acolytus took a breath. “But I see that this mission may have serious repercussions and implications. Perhaps I will start out on this journey and see where it leads. I also feel that there is a disturbance in the balance. There is something wrong; something unsettling about what has just transpired.” Acolytus took another look around. “I also notice you lack a healer in this group. While I specialize in summons, I carry my share of healing spells.”

“Come now, no need to antagonize,” Magus replied, lightly chiding. “A healer would be a most welcome addition.” He stepped forward and leaned towards Acolytus. “Don’t think we’ll be bringing those two,” he added in a whisper, glancing at the elves distastefully. He stepped back. “Maybe as a first token of friendship you could tend to the small but conspicuous injury I acquired in our last skirmish,” he proposed with a winning smile, rubbing his wounded eye ruefully.

It might have been the talk of casualties; but just then, the thought dawned on him. The paladin. Where was the paladin from the Inn?

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Mon May 05, 2003 9:29 am

Acolytus looked over to Magus , and slowly approached him. “The way that male elf acted,” Acolytus whispered, “He acted with recklessness and disregard for his allies and foes, alike.” Acolytus checked to make sure the elf could not over hear him. “I know naught of this elf’s torment, but I have dealt with enough treachery in my life. And this elf’s actions speak louder then any words. Whether he is a strong fighter or his skills act as assets to the group is no matter. How can we fight our enemies when a threat lies within?” Acolytus briefly paused. “I hope you are right about their absence from our group.”

Acolytus reached into his backpack for his druid scrolls and dropped the spear. “Now, about your injuries. I see you have a few scratches, and a nasty hit in the eye. Ill use my cure light wounds spell and see how well you feel within the hour. I think it should be adequate for the injuries, unless I estimated incorrectly. Id prefer to save my cure moderate wound spells, for later.”

Acolytus whispered a few words and his hands started to glow blue. He reached outwards towards Magus. The blue glow shifted from Acolytus’ body and into Magus’ body.

Acolytus picked up the spear again. “There. It is done. Now, I assume, if our group is complete, we should head to the ugly brick structure to the west. I know of this complex, but have never ventured in or around it.”

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Tue May 06, 2003 3:22 am

Halya still stayed some meters from the woman untill she could feel completly sure that she was not a threat.. "i am Halya" she said softly, as to match the unknown womans smooth voice. "are you allright?... i mean are you hurt?" she asked and looked concerned.. he woman cuckled, "no, dont worry about me" .

Halya stepped closer, oh well, she thought... if she do not hurt the rabbit, why would she hurt me, i have done nothing harm her.. she stepped a little closer, still looking at the woman with a mix of ceoncern and confusion.. "why are you laying here in the middle of the forrest?" she asked bluntly.. Halya wanted to slap herself for beeing to frank.. you stupid idiot Halya, now you will never find out what she was dooing here. you sound too interested!, maby she would be suspisious.. but she smiled at the woman, as to reasure her that she was no threat.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue May 06, 2003 3:34 am

“I have passed there in one of my travels but that was many years ago.” Gurney picked up what was left of his stuff. “We need new equipment. I don’t know of the rest of you, but I lost a lot of my stuff in the fire. Luckily I managed to save my weapons and my ballist.” He smiled and stroked his hand over the strings of the instrument; the clear tones coming from his instrument lifted his spirit. He loved his instrument.

“If we take this cleric’s stuff with us, I know a good place where we can sell it and where we can buy everything we need. The owner of this store owes me a favour or two, besides he’s a friend of mine.”

“So, what do you say? I can’t think of any reason for us to linger here. I don’t think we can get any new information of Harnan and I don’t plan to clean this mess up. That’s up to the villagers.”

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Tue May 06, 2003 7:47 am

Gurney said, “If we take this cleric’s stuff with us, I know a good place where we can sell it and where we can buy everything we need. The owner of this store owes me a favour or two, besides he’s a friend of mine.”

“So, what do you say? I can’t think of any reason for us to linger here. I don’t think we can get any new information of Harnan and I don’t plan to clean this mess up. That’s up to the villagers.”

Acolytus looked at the few items he carried in his backpack. Acolytus mumbled to himself, “A few healing potions, scrolls, priest book…” Acolytus sighed. “No, I carry light. I have my spear, my friend Greppun, my robe, my potions, and my scrolls. This is all I need on my travels, at least for the time being. Your “friend” may give you discounts, but he probably carries weapons made of cold steel, items that are completely devoid of attachment or life. I wield nature’s gifts or whatever it grants me to use,” Acolytus replied.

“As far as leaving this place is concerned, I am afraid I must. If we do not set out on this journey soon, I may just change my mind and head to the grove.” Acolytus, angrily dug the spear into the earth. “If people stand idly by while this situation continually degrades, I feel I would work more effectively and be a proper, more active asset to the balance, back at the grove.” Acolytus relaxed and rested the spear over his shoulder. “I understand we must assess the situation and be sure of our moves, but what good is it to just stand here, near this smoldering structure, and watch time and opportunity pass us by? Let us go to your friends store and get out of this place as soon as we can.”

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Fri May 09, 2003 4:38 pm

“Hold a minute, friend,” Magus interjected as the druid turned to go. “I have something left to retrieve before I leave this place.” Gurney’s mention of equipment lost in the fire had reminded him of the things he’d left in his room. He had his magic bag on him, and he’d brought his spellbook, but he’d left his weapons behind. The crossbow he could replace. But he wouldn’t leave without his staff.

Magus turned and walked back towards the wreckage. It still smoldered in a couple places, but otherwise it looked like the fire had burned itself out. He closed his eyes and muttered a few words of magic, waving his hand slowly through the morning hair. That done, he carefully began to scale the rubble, moving more or less towards where his room had been before the structure collapsed. And then he searched. Inch by inch, he overturned the remnants of wooden beams and other debris, methodically scouring the area as he tried to pinpoint the fluctuating magical beacon. Ten or twenty minutes passed, with no result.

“It not here,” Celestia said, shaking her head.

Magus paused and looked at her. “What was that?”

“It not here,” she repeated, eyeing him strangely. “It over there.” She pointed to an area about 5m away. “Why we looking here?”

“Why would it be over there?” Magus asked, indulging her for the moment.

Celestia looked at him, confused, as if he’d asked her why the sky was blue.

Magus shook his head wonderingly, then scrutinized the rubble at his feet. Well, he didn’t seem to be having much luck here. He glanced at the place Celestia had pointed out. He didn’t know why—curiosity perhaps—but he found himself walking over there. Suddenly he felt the fluctuations peak. He overturned a large piece of roofing, pushed aside a splintered piece of charred wood…and there it was. There his staff lied, glowing bright blue, a bit discolored but otherwise intact.

Magus looked at Celestia, astonished. “How did Cel know it was here?”

Her eyes were glued to the shining staff. “The light told me.” Her eyes were wide with wonder—like a child in a candy shop, mouth watering at a new goody just behind the counter.

Magus picked it up, still somewhat unconvinced. The staff had been buried under there pretty well. He hadn’t seen it even when he’d started digging, and his eyes were as sharp as ever…

Yet he couldn’t deny the evidence in his hand. He shook his head, dismissing his illogical doubts. He smiled at Celestia. “Good job. You have some good eyes there.”

A little puzzled by his words, she nonetheless beamed at the compliment, her face falling when Magus waved his hand and the staff’s glow disappeared. The excitement over, she yawned, feeling very tired. As Magus descended the rubble, staff in hand, she climbed into her pocket in his robe and quickly fell asleep.

Magus could empathize. They’d stayed up late last night: Magus studying his spellbook and Celestia attentively watching as she always did. Then there was that whole escape-from-the-burning-room affair; inhaling choking smoke certainly wasn’t a good way to start the day, and that extended tumble to the ground hadn’t helped matters. Add to that the exertion of climbing over all this rubble, and he was about ready to call it a day. But since he reckoned that druid fellow wouldn’t take it too kindly if he admitted as such, he kept his walk brisk and his posture level as he approached.

“My pardon for the wait. Shall we be off?”