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Silver woke up, but kept his eyes shut. Silver must escape this place! Many people hit Silver with hard things! Silver slowly opened his eyes, and scanned the room. Sister GoldenFlight was over in the corner scolding the cook, who looked ready hit illeni with the board too. Silver took this as his chance to escape. He ran down to his room, grabbed his sword and armor, and took off out the door. Silver must run from place! Silver be safe! He uttered a loud shlurpeek and began running....and running...and running. When he finally stopped, he was far out of sight of the monastary. He began to wander...the longer he walked, the more sane he became. Eventually, he was his normal self. "Now what in Phens name do I do!" he wondered aloud. He was in the middle of nowhere. He wandered for another mile, and happened upon a stream beside a forest. He cut down a couple of limbs, and built himself a small shelter. he lit a fire, and began to plan his next day...

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NPC: Old Freidric's View

"Talking" with the Esquire was certainly enlightening. It's wonderful to find such knowledge in one so young. Thank Phen for his arrival here.Old Freidric snorted. Thank Phen. Heh. He laughed at his own blasphemous thoughts. As if this whole thing hadn't been carefully arranged for us all...

Still chuckling to himself, he headed back towards the kitchen. Coming down the stone corridor he heard the echo of bangs bounce out of the doorway. What is going on? He hurried, afraid the loud noises would wake Silver of Keldrin.

Scuttling through the doorway, he came to a dead halt.
Ileni was in the corner by the fire, trying to reason with the cook who was slamming her pots around the walls, the tables, and periously near the good sister's head. The table in the other corner was EMPTY! Silver was gone!

"SISTER!" he roared. Ileni, startled, turned abruptly. The cook, pot in motion, connected for the third time that night. Clonk! Before the horrified eyes of the cook, Ileni crumpled right in front of her. Dropping the pan, with an ear-splitting shriek, she scooped up Ileni before she hit the floor.

Old Freidric, eyes rock hard, under bristling brows, glared at the now, disconcerted cook. "Madam," he intoned carefully. "You. Are. Fired."

Last edited by GoldenFlight on 06-08-2001 at 02:45 AM

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"Now, Cook, please calm down. I'm sure we can..."

"SISTER!" Old Freidric roared from behind her. Ileni's overworked nerves caused her to jump and turn abruptly.

CLONK!

uuuh.....

Shooting pain mixed with warmth came into her awareness. Struggling to find coherent thought, when the world felt dark and fuzzy around her, she slowly started realizing that she was ensconced in the cook's rather abundant lap. Both of them were sprawled on the floor and the cook was shaking with silent sobs. The jiggling motion shook her into awareness.

She looked up into Old Freidric's face, which was inches from her own. Her head hurt, but it was obviously healing. It was starting to tingle. Old Freidric sat back, removed his hand from around her head and asked, "How are you feeling, child?"

Ileni looked at him again. Blinked. Felt the continued heaving sobs of the cook underneath her. The events of the long night ran through her mind. Goblins. Screams. More goblins. More screams. Goblins...

She opened her mouth to say something. Tried. Swallowed hard and finally managed to croak out, "Fine. But please sir, may we leave on the quest now before any more of us are injured here where it's safe?"

Last edited by GoldenFlight on 06-08-2001 at 06:21 AM

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Where is Nagfoot? "RRRrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh.." I sent Nagfoot to spy on human people. Nagfoot better be back before next fire... or Nagfoot get punished...

The mammoth orc then took out his shortsword. Although it was a bit rusty, it was still quite effective at its purpose. After running its hand across the blade, the orc grunted and put it back beside him.

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NPC: Old Freidric’s View

“Yes, getting The Quest started is an excellent idea.” Old Freidric murmured to the injured Sister as he helped her to her feet. That is exactly why he had come all the way back down to the kitchen; to get the travelers on their way. Time was of the essence now, particularly after Esquire Ewyn Pa'wra “told” him that the goblin, Nagfoot, from what Silver had said had gotten away and was last seen running in the direction of the mine.

Especially now that the Paladin, Silver, was affected. Old Freidric shook his head in frustration. Those dire consequences have already started, I’m afraid. The learned Esquire had relayed more details concerning the legend; how the Shining Warrior would wander lost in a Land of The Sundered Ones. And how he would remain there until and unless the quest was successfully completed and Balance restored to the Jewel Within him. Silver of Keldrin must be found, and soon!

Old Freidric looked around the kitchen at the crowd assembled there. Sister GoldenFlight was standing resolutely with her pack, not looking at the cook. The cook, stiff and sniffling, was continuing the supervision of foodstuffs into sacks. The Esquire had entered and signaled his readiness. Saere, brave child, had slid gracefully in, trembling, but holding her head high with dignity. The blacksmith, had also just entered, his bag of newly sharpened swords gleaming in the dawn light. Old Freidric nodded respectfully at H’Dero. The lad’s had a lot on his mind. Don’t blame him for taking time apart. He knew that returning to the mines was one of the hardest things the blacksmith would ever do. They all needed his strength and his knowledge. Each traveler would play an important part in this quest. Each had something special to offer. The Three had seen to that. He made the sign and began blessings for the group.

The morning sun streaked through the kitchen window and daggers of flame shot across the stone ceiling; a blazing brilliance that temporarily blinded them. The distant cry of three hawks circling the mines broke the reverent hush.

“It is an omen! GO!” Old Freidric shouted, “The Quest has started!”

Last edited by GoldenFlight on 06-13-2001 at 10:33 PM

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"Nagfoot coming! Nagfoot coming!"
The shrill voice of some goblin-guard rang through the mine as it came dashing into the orc's throne room...

The frail little creature's shadow danced across the slate walls of the room, illuminated by a few rotting skeleton arms holding glowing gems. The gems emitted a sort of sickly green haze, that glistened on the slime that slowly oozed down the walls. The goblin's scrawny feet splashed in some of the slime-puddles as he ran. The splashes echoed into the dark corners of the cavernous throne room.

"Good." Grunted the orc, as he stood up, towering over the small goblin at a height of seven feet, "When
Nagfoot comes, bring him to me. He will say what he saw. We will defend the mine. We will find the Old One!"

OOC: Old One being their name for the stone of Carkor.

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“It is an omen! GO!” Well, that old man sure has some voice! “The Quest has started!” Perched atop one of the many trees that overlooked the monastery, Matthew Foxhead had been monitoring it for the past three days. Over a week ago, there had been a tremendous uproar in Keldrin. Marius Caspian, the leader of the Keldrin army, had died. Marius was a good man, and quite a loss. Matthew let out a slight sigh at the thought of one of Keldrin’s greatest leaders dead. Apparently, from what he had gathered, Marius had died saving Saere-ly from the goblins. And my old friend H’Dero was part of it, too… Standing down in the courtyard right outside the kitchen was the very man that Matthew was just thinking of. Well, at least he was standing still, unlike that crazed silver-armored lunatic who had run out screaming like a wounded goblin. Matthew shook his head in disbelief. I knew monastery life was boring, but by Phen’s staff! Of course, now Matthew spotted the group of people, his old “friend” included, preparing to leave.

The sun had just risen over the eastern mountains, creating a beautifully dazzling effect through the branches of the trees. Well, they sure picked a fine day to be traveling. Maybe I’ll go join them… At that, Matthew gathered the few things that he had scattered about the tree, shoved them into some of the pockets of his robe, and climbed down the oak tree in which he had been sitting. Or maybe I’ll just keep an eye on them. If they’re coming out of a monastery, it must be a very important mission.

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Saere blinked as she emerged from the monastery. The sun's rays pierced into her eyes and set dancing afterimages in her eyelids. The three beside her were clanking, swishing, and mumbling. The old healer Freidric scrambled up the wall and rang the bell, causing Ewyn to smile and consult his parchment.

'Then the one who has sanctioned this most holy quest shall climb the barrier and ring the bell thrice, signifying a starting.'

The mountains that housed the Mines loomed before them, and they set upon the thief riddled path with a great cheer, with Saere sprinting ahead and looking for the paladin whom she cared for so much, but never could tell. . .

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Finally! Ileni thought to herself, glad to be on the way. It feels like an eternity since the decision was made to journey. Was that only yesterday? So much had happened in the meantime. The goblins showing up at the monastery, Silver being so strangely affected, and then disappearing into the pre-dawn night. Where is he?

Ileni glanced over at the blacksmith. After the initial cheer, his face began to set back into its grim cast. Perhaps he is also thinking about Silver of Keldrin. Ileni shook her head as he watched H’Dero move protectively towards Saere. Yes, without her champion paladin, we shall all have to pay more attention to her safety.

Ileni continued to monitor the other members of the traveling party. Saere seemed to be in better spirits. She seems to do so much better outside in the sun, Ileni mused reflectively. She is a true child of the light, and smiled softly at the thought. Maybe we can coax a song from her as we travel.

Esquire Pa’wra brought up the rear. His deep brown eyes were watchful and alert, and occasionally his hand reached up to brush his dark hair out of them. His other hand rested securely on his scroll. Thank Phen he is with us! Ileni unknowingly echoed Old Freidric’s earlier exultation.

Ileni was about to turn her attention back around when something over the Esquire’s shoulders caught her eye. Some slight movement. Walking down the thief-traveled path made her wary. Shaking her head, she thought, It was probably nothing. The events of the night have just left me nervous. She stretched her senses. Some familiar energy crawled along her spine. Recognition danced just out of reach of conscious thought. It left her frustrated and uneasy. I need to sharpen my awareness, she admonished herself. Staring intently around, her hand tightened on her staff and she made a mental note to consult with the blacksmith the first time they rested.

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OOC: Another reminder, meeting tonight Also, Goldy, remember.. You don't have to put So and So's View when you use an NPC.... only when you use dual characters...

Saere felt free as a bird. She whirled along down the path and noted the movements of her companions in a defensive manner. Ileni's eyes were focused on her back, and the blacksmith shifted his pace closer to her. She wondered briefly where her paladin went, and then silenced her thoughts. What has happened that makes me so fond?she wondered, briefly.

Ewyn's eyes darted about, taking in the path and the numerous outcroppings where any manner of fiends could lay in wait...

Saere suddenly burst into a heart-felt laughter, and sang:
'Where the winder goes warmer and silent,
When rain echoes off the rock plains and the enemy huddles in throng,
Think of me and my wierding song.

Forever and ever the mountains may dwindle,
And men may die and Elves may wander,
Though pass may come to pass,
And the Road shall go ever on and on,
down from the door from which it began,
Where many paths and errands meet,
And whither then? I cannot say.

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CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Ugh! I couldn’t have picked a tree that was farther away from that bell now could I? The bell rang furiously as the small group set out. Sticking to the trees, Matthew slowly watched them depart. After a little while, the healer with the oaken staff swung her head around, looking almost directly at Matthew. Bloody Beams! Quickly, Matthew dropped to the ground and rolled over behind a tree, hoping that they had not spotted him. After continuing to crawl along, Matthew, with great relief, saw the healer’s head turn back, and the young woman burst out in song.

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H'Dero kept to himself the hours before the quest began. His mind was clouded with images from the past. His father being slain, Marius being slain, all events he wanted cleared from thought, but they rung through his head for hours.

He walked solemnly next to Saere, with the group of acquaintances, off to his plagued mines. The battle ensuing, he knew, would be horrific and casualties were to be expected. This quest was his destiny he realized, after several hours of peaceful deliberation, and nothing could stop him from continuing on with the journey.

Saere burst out into a serenade next to him. He looked down over the songstress but did not change his expression. This is unnecessary... He thought grimly as they stepped over the hillside nearest to the dreaded mines...

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"So Nagfoot..." As the massive orc leaned forward, he took out his battle sword. His battle sword was a five-foot longsword with four jagged metal blades jutting out from its main body. The orc stood up again, and took the sword up in his hand and twirled it around once, before leaning down to the goblin and repeating, "So Nagfoot, what have you seen?" The orc's yellow eyes pierced into the trembling goblin's own eyes.

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The mine was coming into view. Ileni remembered her last frantic trip down the hill. The area around the mine opening still showed signs of the battle, weeks later. Dead grass and brown patches splotched the pristine hillside. All other signs of battle were gone. Picked clean by the scavengers, I suppose. She shuddered.

She felt, more than saw, the blacksmith stiffen. His face clouded over, his brow darkened and he looked ready to explode. The tension radiated out across his broad shoulders. His fists clenched and unclenched. His breathing became harsh. Now, more than ever, I wish friend Silver was here Ileni thought ruefully. There was comfort in his comradeship. Blessing the blacksmith silently in her thoughts, she placed a light touch on H’Dero’s hand and turned back to other member who might be having memories.

Saere, still singing, had not noticed yet. Thank The Three for that small reprieve.

She saw the Esquire pull out his scroll and consult it.

A small pressure built in the base of her head and radiated upward. She turned around swiftly, knowing there was someone else there. Her heart raced. Peering intently back along the path, she spotted a dark shadow and glint of silver. As she stared, it moved, low to the ground. Was it Silver? Hope bloomed. Have we found him?

The Esquire, noticing her stare, joined her in searching the path behind them. Suddenly, he pointed. The shadow-glint moved swiftly and stealthily. Something in that movement tickled her memory. Some recognition formed. That is not Silver of Keldrin.

“Show yourself!” she commanded, startling the rest of the group. She was certain now and determined to bring this person out in the open. “I know you’re there!”

Last edited by GoldenFlight on 06-14-2001 at 01:07 AM

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I oughtta get a better look at these guys… They’re headed towards the mines… where Marius died… Matthew had just began to climb up a tree when the healer had shouted; “Show Yourself! I know you’re there!” The loud noise startled him, and Matthew fell out.

THUD!

He landed face down in the dirt right in front of the travelers.

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Saere blinked. Then she rushed to the fallen man and she babbled over him like a nursemaid. She ripped a piece of coran from her dress and tended to the rather nasty cut he had on his forehead.

Ewyn chastisied himself properly for not noticing the man. He had great pride in his talents of finding and rooting out shadows.

'Ewyn, would you be a darling and get my silver tin out of my bag?' Saere said, with laughing trills in her voice.

Ewyn frowned as he rummaged through the sack. This was hardly like the gloomy minstreless he had met so few days ago. What had happened? His mind worked in overtime as he sought a reason for her sudden change in attitude. His mind flashed over the legend:

And the bearer will be appointed with the child of Noru, known to Man as Norumen. The child shall fill her with ever increasing laughter and spirit.

Of course! Ewyn thought. And now, what will happen with this child?

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Ileni stood shock-still. THUD! She had not expected her summons to be answered so swiftly or abruptly. The black-haired youth had landed with more weight than grace. Frozen in astonishment at her daring, she watched as Saere rushed over to attend the new "arrival".

What’s happening here? Ileni shook her head to try and clear it. Saere is acting strangely. One eyebrow rose as she watched Saere laugh. Her actions seem out of place with the seriousness of this quest. Ileni’s thoughts were jumbled and clamoring for attention, as she tried to make sense of the situation. Silver is gone wits-a-missing, and I’m….I’m starting to act differently as well… She looked around at the rest of the group. The Esquire was once again consulting his parchment. The blacksmith had drawn his sword, face darkening. Thank Phen, some things remain the same! she thought with a little smile, slightly reassured.

She took in the tableau in front of her: Saere tending to the one on the ground, and H’Dero looking like he’d like to leave him there, permanently. Attend to this, Ileni. she told herself sternly, as she shook off her unsettled feelings. She stepped in front of H’Dero, and laid a firm hand on his sword arm. Old Freidric’s blessings for the quest rang in her thoughts. I wish I had his wisdom. She turned to face the blacksmith. "Do not act hastily, here, good friend and disrupt our blessings. Let’s find out why he’s here." Well that was very wise. She rolled her eyes mentally. Now, what do we do with this youngster?

Last edited by GoldenFlight on 06-15-2001 at 09:36 PM

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The events that took place totally out of the blue did not startle H'Dero. He had his eyes set on the entrance of the mine. THUD A figure suddenly toppled out of a tree. It took H'Dero a second, but he realized he knew who this man was. They had encountered, not under friendly terms, on a ship headed to Delkin Port several months ago.

He pulled his sword from it's sheath slowly, making it's trademark shwing sound. Saere unexpectantly rushed over to him and cheerily started to help him. H'Dero's face remained emotionless. He did not budge. The healer, Ileni, scurried about in a circle amid the confusion. She stopped to ponder for a moment and focused in on H'Dero. He did not move, blink, or breathe it seemed.

H'Dero's fear-filled mind now shared images from the occurance on the ship. Inside, H'Dero felt like he was going to explode with hatred. He tensed up and gripped the handle of his sword with such might it gave his hands blisters.

His upper lip curled and he was about to exert the pressure built up inside of him when Ileni grabbed his arm. He breathed out, his smoldering face cooling off, and looked down at the healer. "Do not act hastily, here, good friend and disrupt our blessings. Let’s find out why he’s here." she said to him. She released his arm and marched over to Saere and the fallen thief.

H'Dero slowly looked over to the entrance of the mine and sighed.

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Matthew rolled over, sat up, and spat out a few small mounds of dirt. The very first thing that he became aware of was a rather intense pain. Pain in his chest, head, arms, and legs. Upon opening his eyes, Matthew saw the singing woman leaning over him and tending to a cut on his forehead. Sweet mother of minotaurs… that HURT! The second thing he noticed was the blacksmith, who draw his sword, making a Shwing sound.

The backsmith looked as though his head was about to pop, as his neck veins swelled for a second. No...no...no... Not good... Matthews eyes widened a little bit himself, as the large blacksmith looked at him from across the path with disgust. For some reason he looked a LOT bigger this time... The healer had walked over and said something to him, and he walked towards the mine. I do not wish to be your enemy this time, blacksmith.

Matthew made an attempt to sit up, but the problem was, his leg bone sat up, but he didn’t.

CRRRRACK!!!!

The healer’s eyes darted in Matthew’s general direction at the loud sound of the crack, which also startled the singing woman.

“That… Really… Hurt…” Was the last thing Matthew mumbled before passing out again.

Last edited by TheMatt2000 on 06-15-2001 at 10:12 PM

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Ugh. Ileni shuddered at the sound of the crack and then knelt down to heal the black-eyed youth who'd passed out again.
Thank you, merciful Three. she murmured as she set about the work she'd been trained to do. Summoning energy, she felt it travel down her arms and flow into her hands. The warmth soon spread and erupted into a small gold glow around the youth's broken leg. Young bones....easier to knit...flittered through her head. She cast her eyes around for other bumps and bruises. Looks like he has more than a few... she almost snorted a chuckle. Why is that funny? came her next, frowning thought.

Kneeling there healing the youth, with Saere laughing occasionally, was one of the oddest experiences Ileni had ever had. The blacksmith at least, Ileni noticed, glancing up quickly, seemed to have contained himself and returned his contemplation back towards the mine.

The wind suddenly dashed through, ruffling everyone's clothes. Saere’s white coran fluttered wildly, causing her to dance gracefully to regain her footing. Her musical laughter floated away with the breeze. She looks like a child, playing with the wind. Ileni was surprised by her own thought. The Esquire watched the carefree girl cavort, an unfathomable expression in his deep eyes.

Just then, the youth under her hands, moaned. Ileni returned her attention back to her “patient”. She became aware she was tiring, and the glow around her hands was lessening to a weak white light. Almost done. She sighed and reached for her pack. Let’s see if we can wake him up. She pulled out the green healing potion, contained in the thick vial. Unsealing it, she poured some into the youth’s mouth. He sputtered, but swallowed automatically. “Good.” She motioned to the Esquire who helped her pull the youth over towards the tree, and prop him up against the trunk. Now, let’s see what nonsense this one has gotten into again. She remembered the last encounter on the ship to Delkin. The scamp was an engaging rogue, quick-witted, and feisty; but she had little patience for thieves. She also did not want to have to spend her time patching up both him and the blacksmith, if they went at it again. She stared piercingly into his now-opening eyes.

“Well met, fellow traveler,” Ileni hailed, somewhat severely, “what say you to us this time? ” And waited for a response.

Last edited by GoldenFlight on 06-16-2001 at 06:04 AM

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Saere soothingly rubbed a cloth-covered hand over the youth's forehead. It came up sticky with blood. 'Well,' she said cheerily, 'I guess you're going to have to come with us for a while, till that leg gets better. Even healers can't mend a broken leg that quick (OOC: hint hint Goldy). Ewyn, help me with this boy.'

Ewyn scowled. The little princess likes to order people around.. Child or no child, she was annoying.

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Blinking, Matthew awoke. He felt a little tingly all over, then decided that the healer had worked her magic, as quite a bit of the pain had ceased. Although, his forehead was still bleeding and his leg was in considerable pain. Suddenly, Matthew realized that there was something on his forehead, so he opened his eyes. He was propped up against the tree that he had fallen from. Three people were leaning over him. The singing woman had a cloth in her hand and was moping up his forehead, a slightly annoyed-looking man was glaring at the singer, and the healer was standing over him, with a dark look on her face.

“Well met, fellow traveler,” the healer hailed, somewhat severely, “what say you to us this time? ” She appeared to be waiting for a response.

"Ummf," was the first response that the healer received.

She frowned.

"I watched you leave from the monastery... I heard that you were off to avenge Marius..." Matthew managed a half grin despite quite a bit of pain, and said, "Can I join you?"

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Ileni drew back, lips tightening. It wasn't up to her whether the youth joined them or not. I see the winsome grin is still there. She knew that grin. It usually meant the youth was up to something.

She reached for the linen strips, rolled in her pack. The boy would need his leg wrapped. Keeping her hands busy with the healing process gave her time to gather her thoughts. She stared intently at the boy again. Something was different with him. Something had flickered across his face when he mentioned Marius. Is it possible that he too was affected by the death of Marius? Ileni wondered. Is it possible that this lad has some redeeming quality? She frowned, pondering that thought, as she set about preparing his leg for a splint.

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H'Dero grew impatient. Everyone was concerned with the fallen boy. H'Dero pounded over to Ileni and grabbed her arm, flinging her up to face him. "Let's go!" He thundered. The rest of the company looked towards him. "I'm not going off into a bravado now, THE QUEST AWAITS."

Upon saying this he picked up Saere and slung her over his shoulder. "Now's not the time." he scolded angrily to her.

He firmly waved the company forward and started towards the mine.

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H’Dero’s grip was firm as he grabbed Ileni’s arm and flung her around to face him. His dark face was as thunderous as his voice as he yelled, “Let’s go!” Everyone looked at him. "I'm not going off into a bravado now, THE QUEST AWAITS." Ileni paused momentarily, stunned, when the blacksmith hauled Saere over his shoulder and marched off resolutely towards the mine.

Shaking her head, she looked back at the youth on the ground, who was struggling to get up. She hurriedly finished her job with his leg splint, after laying a staying hand on his chest. She tightened the last of the strips, looked up and saw H’Dero’s head rising and falling with the land as he marched on. Saere was giggling in between screams of “Wait! Wait!” She held her arms out for her pack as she bobbed up and down on the blacksmith’s rigid shoulder.

The Esquire, looking extremely displeased, bent down and picked up Saere’s scattered things and shoved them, roughly into her pack. Feeling awkward about asking him to do more, but needing his assistance, Ileni pointed at a fallen branch and asked the Esquire to bring it over to the youth.

I suspect this young one’s talents will enable him to fashion a crutch from that, Ileni estimated, as she gathered her pack together. The Esquire's hand tightened again on his scroll, as he hefted Saere’s pack, and took off in her direction. Ileni was about to leave also when the black-haired youth looked up and stayed her by uttering a simple: “My thanks to you. My name is Matthew Foxhead, by the way.”

Ileni nodded briefly, uttered, “Sister Ileni GoldenFlight” over her shoulder as she grabbed her staff and turned to follow the retreating back of the blacksmith. She took two steps, turned back, reached into her pack and laid an extra vial of healing potion on the ground next to young Matthew.

“May Phen keep thee in good stead, Master Foxhead.” She intoned, laying a comforting hand on his. She then turned for the final time and loped after the other three.

Last edited by GoldenFlight on 06-21-2001 at 08:50 PM

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My thanks to you, Sister. Looking down, Matthew noted the branch that he had fallen out of was now laying next to him. Well, they've done me a favor, so I should probably return it. There's going to be a battle in there, and they could use every warrior they have. I may not be a warrior, but I can sure use a sword. Although, I probably won't do them much, with my broken leg. Still, I shall do whatever I can to avenge Marius... No, I MUST do whatever I can to avenge him...

Whipping out his dagger, and feeling some adrenaline rush through his veins, Matthew tried to stand up.

GREAT GLOBS OF GOBLINS! He then learned that it is not wise to stand on a broken leg, even if it is in a makeshift splint. So that's what the branch is for! He quickly took out his dagger and cut off all the branches and thorns that were sticking out of it, and whittled the thick section of it untill it was smooth. That is, smooth enough that you're able to touch it without hurting yourself.

Matthew then braced his back against the tree trunk, and slowly slid up. He took the crutch up in his left hand, and began to limp off towards the group, nearly dragging his left leg along.

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The ground was hard under Ileni’s pounding feet as she struggled to catch up. …always…..running…..after….blacksmith… Her breath came in spurts as her lungs labored. Should…not…have….stopped….to ….help….? She wondered and then immediately dismissed it. Whether she liked it or not, she was a healer and she could not have left the youth unattended.

The blacksmith’s head disappeared over the next rise. Saere was still on his shoulders, her coran fluttering around her like wings on a bird. The Esquire was also trying to catch up. Ileni noted he was favoring his left leg somewhat. He seemed to be having trouble running as well as her.

The blacksmith is going to charge into that mine, with a girl on his shoulder and no one to back him up! Ileni suddenly realized, horrified. She could not count on H’Dero to stop. She’d seen him in action, once before, on this very same spot, during the recent goblin invasion. There’d been no stopping his headlong rush then. He was an absolute madman when it came to fighting goblins. By Phen’s Robe, I wish Thee had spared Silvran! she implored The Three. We need our good paladin with us now! It still worried her that Silver of Keldrin was out wandering alone. His head injury was not healed and no matter what Freidric said, she still felt somewhat responsible for that. Well, not all of it, she scowled in remembrance of the pot-wielding cook. Ileni suddenly snorted. Perhaps we should have brought her with us! She’d have been able to disarm a few goblins, I imagine. Heartened by that amusing image, Ileni rushed on determinedly.

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Matthew, still limping along, began to rethink his descion to follow the travelers. I can't walk in this condition, let alone fight... I would be of more use to them not actually in the battle...

THUMP!

Matthew was now lying face down on the ground. Apparently, he had tripped on something. Thank thee, Phen, but next time, please, a less painful sign.

After getting back up, and following a long trail of footprints for quite a long time, Matthew reached the top of an immense hill. As he came to the top, the entrance to the mine came into view. And running along was the blacksmith with the singing woman on his shoulder, bouncing up and down, followed by the grim-looking man, with Sister Ileni following far behind. Both the man and Ileni looked as if they were really struggling to catch up, and might have been shouting something, but Matthew was too far away to hear any of them. When he was starting to climb down the hill, he noticed that the group had disappeared, so Matthew assumed that they had entered the mine.


There was a large valley, surrounded by large hills, and covered with dirt, small weeds, and rocks of all sizes. Off to one side of the barren valley was a small opening into one of the hills. It was surrounded with rocks, which were molded together with dried mud. Although the valley was desolate, the hills had lots of plant life on them. Near the entrance, there were a few tall trees, and a huge bush.

I'll keep an eye out for any goblins that go in or out of the mine... Maybe I can, Matthew smiled inwardly, ...convince... one of the goblins to tell me more about the mine.

Matthew knew that the trees were out of the question, so he limped over to the bush. This thing is huge! I bet I can hide inside it. He tilted his head to one side to view it better.

The bush was almost the size of a small tent. Standing about six feet wide, by his estimate, Matthew decided it just might work. Using his katana to scrape out most of the inside of the huge plant, Matthew lined up the chopped-out branches around the inside of his "camp" as to make certain that no one could see in. It was tough work, and he had to stop frequently to rest. His leg ached, but he perserved, knowing he needed shelter as well as cover to hide in.

Matthew had carved out about three circular feet from the inside of it, but had not been able to clear out the thick wooden trunk that held the middle section together, so instead, he left it, and placed some of the parts that still had leaves on them across the top, serving as a makeshift roof. Only four feet high, it was tall enough to crawl into. He had been working for over and hour when he did just that, body aching everywhere from the added strain after his earlier fall.

Matthew had the healing potion, that Sister Ileni had given him, and was beginning to slowly drink it. Seeing the potion in his hand invoked a childhood memory of his mother. He had a vague vision of her standing next to him as he held the same kind of potion in his smaller hands. If you drink it too fast, it will hurt you even worse, she had said. His mother would know. She was a healer. Just like Sister GoldenFlight....hmmm.. Matthew didn't want to think about that.

After the first few drops trickled down his somewhat dry throat, he felt a tingling feeling in his broken bone, and his other leg. He had been kneeling on his right leg the entire time, so it was sore. After half the potion was gone, his leg didn’t hurt anymore, but still wasn't whole. Matthew decided to leave the rest of the potion for the next day, and put it back into one of his robe’s many pockets, and took out his small canteen, and took a long drink from it. Blecch. Potions… Good for your body, bad for your taste buds.

Last edited by TheMatt2000 on 06-21-2001 at 10:46 PM

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'Stop, stop, you stupid blacksmith!' Saere shrieked, laughing hysterically and pounding H'Dero's back. 'Put. . . Me. . . DOWN!' With that she unceremoniously whacked H'Dero so he lost his balance. The big man went down, hurling Saere over his shoulder.

Ewyn scowled as the scene played out. This wasn't according to the scroll. The entire Fellowship wasn't supposed to be affected.

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OOC: feel free to take this out if I'm posting too much.

IC:

Saere stopped him!!! Ileni almost tumbled over her own feet in shock. The young girl in charge of the quest, had acutally stopped H'Dero's mad rush to the mine. Whether it was intentional or not, or helped along by The Three, Ileni couldn't tell. Her mouth fell open when she saw the top of H'Dero's head suddenly plummet out of sight. Dear Phen in Glory! Saere had just successfully whacked the blacksmith with enough sideways motion to make him lose his balance and topple over and stop him in his tracks. The thud that sounded after Saere's subsequent flight over H'Dero's shoulder snapped Ileni out of her stunned state.

Merciful Phen! Ileni scurried down the hill to see if anyone was hurt.

Last edited by GoldenFlight on 06-23-2001 at 06:11 AM

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