Order of the Dark Flame (Story, No Spam)

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 4:27 pm

“Well, enough of this standing around...” Darkpoet muttered, as he and T’lainya scrabbled down into the hole. T’lainya reached into a pouch and brought out a small stone that glowed a brilliant red light - producing enough light for the humans to see, but not interfering with her own infravision. “Where’s Georgi?” she asked, looking at Loner and Kramor. Suddenly a shout echoed down the rough-hewn passageway. Running full tilt, they came upon Georgi, caught in a mass of sticky, magical webbing, and three ettercaps bearing down on her menacingly.

“Damn, I hate ettercaps,” Kramor said, standing at the edge of the webbing, looking for a way to skirt around the trap and help Georgi. T’lainya quickly loaded a bullet in her sling and hit the beast closest to Georgi. She fired once, twice, thrice, but only succeeded in slowing the creature, and not killing it. Suddenly, a loud twang sounded behind them, and a gleaming arrow sped through the chamber, thudding into the chest of the first ettercap. Sparks flew in a bright blue crackle of energy, and the beast literally exploded. Two more of Brinks arrows took care of the last two creatures.

As they waited for the web trap to dispel, Loner and Kramor introduced themselves to Brink while Darkpoet and T’lainya watched to be sure that Georgi remained safe. Vivien, Jenna, Dragon Wench, and Gwalchmai were right behind.

“Well, that was embarrassing,” Georgi said, free of the webs and properly introduced to Brink, “I hate getting caught by traps. Thanks guys. What do you make of these tunnels? They look dwarven to me, judging by the low ceilings. Probably an abandoned mine.” A complex system of shafts and adits stretched out before them.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 4:36 pm

Originally posted by sick girl:
Oh really, and do you think an ex-Harem member wouldn't know any better?

Originally posted by the dancing man:
OOC: @Gwally: Oh really? And what kind of protection are you offering Lady Dragon Wench, exactly?

*Ahem* Well, you would bring that up...

Hey, no one else is feeling sick. Are you saying it was something you ate? And, uh, hot tubs reduce, uh, well, you know what I mean. Besides, DW and Viv are Harem Ladies as well, and Druids are very diligent about, uh things...

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 4:42 pm

{@all ROFL...hmmmm....virtual morning sickness, now that's an even more bizarre concept than virtual romance. @Thantor, all things considered I don't think I'm going to go anywhere near that line.....

! }

Dragon Wench turned to look at Gwalchmai seriously. She appreciated his offer to accompany her, should she wish to head off in another direction. Finally she spoke.

"While I'm not certain that Thantor is in fact anywhere down there, I don't know where he actually might be either. Something tells me that he's not in this plane precisely, so us splitting and heading elswhere likely wouldn't be too productive."

" I think in part it's that I really hate places like that, that hole looks far worse than the castle dungeon, and being there was bad enough."

"I also think you may be right in suggesting that us going into the cave could somehow lead to Thantor. But I'm going to need to gulp down a few fortitude potions before entering that place. And if you happen to have any resist fear spells, that might help too."

OOC: please insert before Gwalchmai's last "serious" post, thanks

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 4:48 pm

{OOC: You won't catch me with my pants down

}

Brink searched deep into his memory before replying,"Yes, there were legends of dwarves mining this area for mithril a few decades ago.It is pretty amazing how this tunnel withstood the test of time."He then noticed the pile of bones near the place where they stood.Looking at Georgi, he grinned,"looks like there were others who weren't as lucky as you were."

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: Brink ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:16 pm

Georgi raised an eyebrow at the stranger. "I hardly think that's anything to grin about."

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:17 pm

The putrid odour of decay greeted Dragon Wench as she made her way into the cave, and she nearly gagged. Although fortified by a few potions, and an eliminate fear spell she still swallowed hard as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. The trap had unnerved her as well; as a precaution she conjured an assortment of creatures and directed them to proceed ahead of the party.
Looking around, she noted that the walls were coated in a foul green ooze. Creepers suspended theselves from the ceiling, and threatened to ensnare any who came too close. Chittering sounds could be heard within the snake-like vines, and she shuddered involuntarily. Oddly, the floor of the cavern was dry and sandy. Curious, she knelt down, a slightly cool current of air seemed to be emanating upwards.

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:23 pm

The grin was replaced by a more serious face,"My apologies,I was just trying to keep the party's spirits up."Brink looked back at the labyrinth in front of him,"Best we continue our journey..."

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: Brink ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:28 pm

Georgi frowned. "See how amusing you think it is when you get that unlucky." She grouched off a little further up the tunnel, being more wary of traps this time.

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:30 pm

Brink muttered softly as he followed the lass in front of him,"If I was unlucky, I wouldn't be here today...."

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: Brink ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:36 pm

"You'd better watch yourself unless you want to get unlucky very quickly," Georgi called back to him, overhearing the mutter. She sighed, supposing she ought to be more trusting of strangers, but her instincts got the better of her. After all, it wasn't just her life at stake.

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:40 pm

Originally posted by Gwalchmai:
Besides, DW and Viv are Harem Ladies as well, and Druids are very diligent about, uh things...

LOL@Gwally, but I wasn't talking about diligence, I meant know better about the difference between perfectly innocent dancing and whatever you might think was going on...

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:40 pm

{OOC

Georgi-I knew that you would misunderstand my statement

}

Brink look confused at Georgi's outlash, before realising that his statement was rather ambiguous.Oh well, now is not the time to explain this to her.Brink made a mental note to keep any further thoughts to himself

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:45 pm

Kramor whispered something to Loner. She nodded, and tapped the newcomer on the shoulder. "Don't take it too personally," she said quietly. "She's worried about Thantor... We all are. She's not usually this moody."

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 5:52 pm

"Well, she should learn how to control her emotions," Brink whispered to loner.He paused for awhile, making sure that the lass in front didn't hear him this time,"I've lost far more than she's ever had to this darn hole"

{OOC

Georgi-

}

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 6:05 pm

"I think you are too quick to presume," replied Loner, a little icily. "Whatever you lost to this hole, she has already lost at least as much in situations no less horrifying. So give her a break."

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 6:12 pm

Brink brushes of the conversation gently, saying that it's not the appropriate time for it.He wanted to apologize to Georgi, who was already ahead of the rest of the party by quite a distance, but decided not to, fearing that he will provoke her again

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 6:34 pm

Loner watched Brink for a moment, and then turned to Kramor. He saw the concerned look in her eyes, and put an arm round her. "It must be difficult for her," he said. "I know what it's like being separated from you."

"I hadn't realised quite how close they were," Loner replied.

"I don't think she did either," said Kramor.

Up ahead, Georgi paused, took a few deep breaths, and wiped the tears from her eyes. Pull yourself together, she told herself sharply. You're stronger than this. She especially didn't want the newcomer to see her falling apart like this. Making a show of waiting for the others to catch up, she regained her composure.

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 6:48 pm

Brink moved carefully ahead, wary of the traps that could usually be found in abundance in a place such as this.He prepared himself mentally to face whatever evil that lies ahead as he approached Georgi.He saw her face, and instantly knew that this person they were looking for meant a lot to her, and that she was suffering inside, despite the brave face that she was putting on.

He decided to at least apologize for his mistake earlier."I'm sorry for what I said just now," Brink told her,"I haven't mixed with people for a long time..."

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: Brink ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 7:15 pm

Georgi managed a tense smile. "I'm sorry I snapped at you. I have a lot on my mind."

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Fri Jul 20, 2001 7:22 pm

"No, you were right to be mad at me,"Brink replied,"I was being inconsiderate."

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: Brink ]