Shadara
Shadara sits on a small log next to a tree watching the strange and wonderful beings walk to and from what can only be described as a stone corral. Such a strange practice to put up walls and then stuff as many beings in it as possible that they have to leave as fast as they came in. She giggles softly as a man tries to adjust his pack and stumbles. Her smile dies as she notices two others behind the man laughing, pointing, and starting to make rude comments. Quickly and quietly as she can she gets up and hides behind the tree. She peeks out slowly to see what is going on with the men.
The men making light of the others travail seem to be malicious in word only as they continue to heckle the other traveler. Several pouches of items dangle out of the readjusted pack and a few are hastily picked up and crammed into half filled pockets as the older man tries to ignore the jibes of his assailants.
As they get closer to where she is hiding, Shadara steps out and walks slowly toward the man with the pack. Hello traveler, would you be able to stop for a minute and help me. I have a nice place for you to sit. I have never been to a place like this. Shadara gestures toward the city. Are you a trader? I have been travelling for months would be interested to trade with you. As Shadara is talking to the man she is slowly guiding him toward where she was sitting all the while looking at the man with a smile and noting the reaction of the two hecklers.
Thank you young mistress. I am getting to be an old man even with my inherited Elvin long live. Kindness is never ..... a sudden burst of coughing wracks the trader.
Please sit here, Shadara gestures to the log,Here, take a drink, it may help your cough. As the Elf sits she crouches next to him and offers her waterskin to him. After letting him drink and catch his breath Shadara asks,Are you a traveler or tradesman. I couldn't help but notice that you have a very large pack. I am interested in the wonders that are all around us. This place is very different to me, what is it called? Is there anything interesting going on in there, as she points to the city. Did you find anything interesting while you were there? I will need to keep my eye on those other two as well as this one. I could be outnumbered very quickly. He seems to be trying to deceive me about his age, I wonder why? I will play along for now and give a little back, this could be fun
"Sure I am a trader of sorts. Mostly deal with liquids and so forth . Have a few other baubles I have acquired from here and there. If you will show me what you have to trade I am a;ways more than willing to make a deal. I'll even give you a bonus for assisting me away from those" With a small flourish of movement he opens several pouches and a flap on his pack revealing a myriad of vials and flasks. Along side these often all but buried underneath them are several small sheaths containing wands and dagger like weapons. Scroll cases bang around intermingled with the odd assortment.
Shadara pulls a paper candle firework from her pack and flint and steel as she re-orients herself between the man and the two other men with her back to the two men.
As she finishes positioning herself, she adjusts the fuse, lights the fuse, and throws the firework over her shoulder toward the two men trying to have it explode somewhere near head level. All the while she is talking to the man as if she does not know that the men are even there.
Have you seen these in your travels, maybe you have but these are handy for any party, you just light it and, Oh No! she throws it behind her. Shadara cringes and turns around darting toward the tree as if the firework going off scared her. She looks from the side of the tree making her eyes wide and trembling as if it really did scare her.
The two men, attempting to sneak to you, jump and look to quickly towards your companion. Your companion merely looks up at you and smiles slightly. “I see you are a resourceful and perceptive one. Alright we will bargain without my men here and maybe we can trade is skills as well as baubles.” With a waive of his hand his two "cronies" come close .
You can go. Wait for me at the Inn like we agreed. If this one is as perceptive as she appears we may yet have hope. The two humans bow and without a word take off walking back up the trail . Now where were we? No hard feelings. I had to see if you had the skills I seek and if not well...whose to blame a guy from benefiting from another' s lack of attention.
A test? Everything is a test. Before we go any further what do you have for me to replace what I have lost in order to convince you that I was worthy of your interest. Then I can bargain with you for baubles. Shadara pauses for a second, cocks her head to the left, taps her lower lip, and says trade skills? …. I am interested, tell me more.
The trader reaches into his pack and carefully removes a wadded paper. "If you liked that banger, you'll appreciate this. It works the same way when placed in a container and lit. Careful though it causes the container to explode. Here is enough to make one small flask into an explosive. Now what do you have to offer in way of skills or profession and items? I can possibly offer you employment and a bit more as a retainer fee if what you say convinces me.
This item is very interesting. Please open the package so I may see whats in it safely.
Skills are such an interesting thing. You only need to know two of my skills. First give me a little time and I can recreate the powder in this package. The other is that I will complete any task. Just don’t ask me or expect me to tell you how I completed it. Shadara
The fellow merely tosses the package to you softly. “There ya go. Now as for skills, you dont appear to be a city side lass..... So what skills do you have that would qualify you for city work? Im not meaning the typical lug and haul or desk style work either. Maybe messenger, delivery, research. Or group scout.... HMM. If you could get others of like mind to join you maybe your share of the wage would be enlarged. “
Message, delivery, research, population reduction, it is all the same to me. We could talk about skills or test them.
Then in sign language
Do you know how to speak silently?
In elven
do you believe this is my native tongue?
And finally in sylvan:
Maybe I should talk to the other two instead?
Returning to common
Any questions or do you have something for me?
"Ah!! A linguist to boot. You can talk and it looks like you can prepare but can you handle things like a leader? You may say you can I say prove it, Your attitude doesn't show me though. Find me at the Linder Lost after you have assembled a team of specialists. You cannot tell them why they are to join you, you can not tell them they will be paid...unless you pay them, and you can have none that are bonded by race. If you can achieve this, bring them in a fortnight to the Linder Lost. When you arrive order a mulled wine and place a single gold coin in the bottom of the mug when you have finished drinking. I will know you have succeeded then and will contact you for further arrangements to be made."
Shadara stands and starts to melt back into the trees away from the road and the traveler.
I need not know your name traveler but remember this. I will be there in a fortnight. You will be the first task that I take care of if you decide not to keep your end of this bargain.
With the light of the day and the mangrove she is hidden from the traveler before she finishes speaking. She treks back and forth thruough the mangrove laying false trails and doubling back several times before finally heading to her hidden camp near the west entrance. The South entrance was interesting today, Tomorrow I must head into town and see what the inside looks like and why all these people want to go there.
The next morning after breaking camp and taking care to erase any traces of her stay, Shadara heads to the West Gate of the city with the other early morning travelers. As she is walking a young human boy, scrawny with ragged cloths, sticks his tongue out at her while holding his father’s hand. Shadara mimics the boy just for a second. The boys bursts into tears in fright, clinging to his father’s hand. The man stops to comfort the boy, sees her. She smiles at him but he puts his arms around the boy fearfully and pulls him well to the side to let her pass.
As she nears the gate she notices that even though others are seemly crowded for space that she has quite a bit of room around her. The guard starts into his greeting that Shadara has heard several times now concerning the silver pieces but he stutters to a stop midway thru when he finally looks up into her face. Carefully he reaches out as far as his chubby arm will go with a piece of paper and a chip
The….these…are the rules. F-F-F-ollow them and k-k-eep the chip on you at all times.
The sights and sounds of the city are nearly more than she can handle. She decides to find the Linder Lost and then once she knows were that is she locates a fairly busy cross road a little way of the Linder Lost. She notices a small group of people sitting at the corner watching everyone walk by and talking about things they find interesting. She walks up and sits down next to them. Within a few seconds they all get up and move into the crowd.
A bubble of space seemingly forms for 15 feet in all directions around her. Every few minutes someone shoves their way into this space only to see her and then just as forcefully if not more so shoves themselves back into the crowd. She sits down with her back to the way so that she can see all the traffic and then begins to meditate. Every so often, about 5 minutes or so, she opens her eyes to see if anyone has decided they can get closer to her.
Shadara opens her eyes, making a playful lunge in the direction of a child who had crept into the space between her and the crowd. She has listened to the group of children dare the child to walk up and touch her.
He was still over five feet away from her, But the boy froze, eyes wide in pure terror. The other children screamed and scattered in all directions away from her. She then pulls a silver mark from her pocket and flips it to the boy. The coin lands at his feet yet he makes no move for it. Shadara backs up a few feet,
As you continue to sit there through out the day, nothing seems to catch your eye specifically. About noon the next day you begin to see several humanoids entering the Linder Lost that fit the general description of the group that will satisfy your deal. You see a huge ogre enter the Inn in accompaniment of a smaller somewhat intimidated looking kobold. Shortly there after you can hear the beast roaring with drunken laughter at some joke you suppose.
Mang Fu Saan
The roads seemed somewhat crowded for dusk even for this big of a city. Several caravans converge into larger and larger groups as they approach the populated areas of the city. From the camaraderie of several of the joining groups you get the feeling that they are large segments of a working whole. You follow the crowds in to the city and wonder at all myriad of races darting, plodding, and moving in and out of the city. The crowd slows seeming to congest at a certain point by a small thick walled stone building. Armed with pikes and thick leather jerkins, dwarven and human guards move strategically and formally to each group and non-grouped individuals. After a brief exchange of both words, each guard hands over a small circular disc and moves on.
. “Stop! Why have you come to Fifth Port? How long do you anticipate your business taking? You'll need a copy of the basic laws and regulations of our metropolis..” The guard says.
I came to seek any knowledge I might find about the magical storms that threaten the balance of nature, I do not know how long this search will take me.
You are handed a small coin with a set of balance scales and a 5 engraved upon opposing sides. This is your “permission” to be in the city. You are then handed a set of the rules: Which are then read to you.
On receiving the coin and copy of the rules, I put the coin in my breast pocket underneath my armor along with the list of rules. After listening to the recital of the rules.
The Gods of nature have gifted me with magical abilities, a druid, in your tongue. Where must I go to seek out the others like me as you require? I also desire to know if such a "guild", as you put it, exists for ones who cut stone.
After looking in the direction the guard points to I turn back and nod in gratitude toward the group of four guards, and then to the observer looking him/her straight in the eye.
You have my gratitude, I will be on my way now.
------ There are three men that appear to be hiding thier connection to each other from the elvish woman assisting the older trader They are just a little ways ahead of you on the trail.
You think the elf may be aware of it but you are not sure from this distance and you cannot hear the conversation
I will continue walking along paying close attention to the scene playing out ahead of me. Unless I see something obviously amiss though, I will not stop.
As Mang Fu Ha Saan continues on his way he watches the woman and the group of three play out their game of deception with each other. When he catches the elf trying to fake accidentally lighting the firework he stops and watches the rest of the scene fold out with her throwing it and feigning surprise. He feels Strong talon suddenly shift as he notices an object being thrown just in time to look in the direction to see it burst. Calming the somewhat startled bird with one hand he quietly readies his weapon with the other.
As you reach to get your weapon, you stumble on the path ahead and you seem to be disoriented briefly then your sight clears and you realize the scene you just saw play out was a vision or a precognisance of something not yet occurring. The shifting of Strong Talon you realize was in response to your footing. Now however he is very distinctly looking behind you and in a northerly direction. He trills and leans towards the way you have just come. You realize your ancestors are allowing you a glimpse of a possible future.
Disoriented from the vision collapsing to reality Mang Fu Ha Saan takes a moment to reorient himself to his surroundings. Then upon hearing Strong Talon trill and shift his weight in response to something he looks carefully for what caught his attention.
You see in the distance the old man and the other 2 from the vision. They seem to be in deep conversation. They appear to be planning something in great detail. The place they have chosen for a "camp" is concealed well from the casual caravan and passer byes.
Mang Fu Ha Saan speaks in a quiet tone to Strong Talon. Our ancestors have seen it appropriate to give me a vision of things that have yet to pass... Those three you spotted will play some role in our future, as will an Elven girl not among them...
Not wanting to look suspicious, he decides that now is a good time to speak a prayer to linger in the area without seeming to have an ulterior motive. In druidic. Praise the sun and moon, for light and tide. Praise nature, for the balance gifted on life. Praise the ancestors for their knowledge, wisdom, and continued guidance. We take and return alike, given only to give in return.
When he is done, he takes another close look at the group examining every small detail about them. Gait, stature, height, nuances, clothing, anything that might serve to give their identity away if they seek to hide their true appearance. After noting these details, he turns to continue on his path toward the mangroves.
You arrive at the Druidic farms about an hour later of leisurely walking. As you arrive a flurry of kids dash out and around you then are gone in a game of some sort of hoop and ball.
You glance up the street watching their dust fade as Sharp Talon careens and begins to clean his "feathers" completely unperturbed by the sudden change of situation. Turning you look out across the area cultivating most of the perishable comestibles for 5th port.
The Mangroves have been cultivated so that their roots intertwine in a set of levies and tiers. Each tier has been carefully planted and cultivated with different plants. The vast array of vegetables, grains, legumes, tubers, ascomycota, nuts, and herbs assault your olfactory nerves with a pungent yet tangy and pleasing mishmash of waft of festivity.
You take a moment to enjoy the variety before moving on. As you walk through the "streets" you see many houses built into the folds of the trees often nestled with in the myriad of growing plants as well. Soft moss pads the pathways absorbing all but the heaviest of foot traffic noises.
In the trees above are nets filled with collected spoils from the days harvest and near the top of each net, resting against a warm wing, a hippogriff rider waits for the completion of the gather so that his squadron can deliver the goods further in city. Birds of all shapes and sizes dart to and fro within the vegetation. Many of them carry paper or small packages with them as they fly.
A gentle tug on at your belt draws your attention down to a small elderly gnome. You seem to have traveled far. We have known of your coming for several weeks now and have hoped you would visit our grove when you arrived. There is much in the outbound lands that we do not yet know, our tasks have been to balance nature with in the Metropolis. It doesn't however stop us from wondering. I am Giliya druidess of the stars here in this city. Come I will show you where to rest and when the speaking hour comes, the High Circle will want to speak with you about your journeys. Turning rather swiftly for someone her age, she walks brusquely up the nearest pathway leading into the trees.
Mang Fu Ha Saan greets the gnome who came out to him, and follows her down the path when beckoned. You rest until dusk when you are again greeted by the elderly gnome. You are wanted sir. Please follow me the high couple themselves wish to inquiry your journeys. Best not to wait longer than we need. Do you need brief refreshment before our departure to the Sacred Grove? Looking around you become aware that many of those hustling and bustling earlier in the day are returning from what appears to be another day of labor. A second shift of mankind seems to be starting their shifts. Many of these new creatures are accustom to the preternatural light of the farms. There are a few “lamp posts” made of phosphorescent fungus being placed in grooves and alcoves in the surrounding foliage.
Mang Fu Ha Saan rises to greet Giliya as she enters. I thank you but I will decline any refreshment, I ate prior to your arrival. Let us not delay and go straitght to speak with the high couple. On saying that he walks to the door and motions ahead of him. Lead the way.
After a brief walk, the gnome stops at the edge of a copse of old growth oak trees. They dwarf the mangroves around them but you didn't realize they were there until your guide stopped.Knowing that aninimity is sometimes the best protection you are sure that the circle has hidden this grove from sight by intention. Two nubile young humans approach clothed in pure white clothing with a laurel leaf embroidered on their shoulders. Without a word, the gnome disrobes and allows them to wash her with water from gourds that they brought, A few muttered prayers and a brief burst of scents and smoke and the gnome re-robes and motions for you to follow the same ritual of purification. Upon completing the ritual you are ushered into the grove.
The business of the city and the farms melts away dropping from your shoulders with the rest of your current concerns and you feel balance seep into your soul again. You hear a voice in your head speaking softly but compelling and calling you forward towards the stones in the center of the grove. As you approach you see a small spring of water gurgling happily from its home in the apex of the stone. Robed like the acolytes from earlier, a very youthful halfling stands by the spring. I see you have made it safely. The lords of balance told us you would arrive but not when. We have been watching and waiting for some years now. Welcome. Yes I appear young because i am young in spirit and light with humor. My body has chosen to form itself to these ideals. Look however are not a reason to bias or prejudice your choices for oft there is much we see but don't see.
I am Vigi and currently sit as high druid for fifth port. Please regal me with your travels to here, tell me the state of the creatures and the lands you have recently traversed. We hear there are those whom would continue the desecration of nature with no regard to the nature of balance which sustains all life. here is an opp for you to create part of the world from the map and tell more of your story. Please elaborate to the High Druid.
For most of my life I have roamed the land far north of this City. For a time, we lived in a great mountain range surrounded to the north by the wall of ice high enough to join heaven to earth, the west by a forest, and to the east by a sea of grass. For several seasons, we roamed south into the desert that lead us to Myloa, Gyldan, and the High Reaches. We first saw the magic storms while traveling the desert, and were not aware of the damage that was being done until we came upon an oasis that had existed for as long as my tribe has kept history. We arrived during a storm and witnessed the very life of the trees being bled. A glowing purple haze like tongues of flame stretched to the sky and once gone left everything crumbling to ash. We returned to the mountains to see that where once we were surrounded by forest and the grass sea were death and ash. We got as far north to sight of the great ice wall only to bear witness to the sky strike out and smite the great ice wall. Fragments the size of mountains rained down on the land with great violence.
There is a group seeking to harness the powers of the deep fires. They are named by many as the yellow scorpions, you must seek to deter or destroy their conniving. Have you joined the elf with a mark or the man with a horse that is not a horse, or the talking fingers of the monkey lord yet? Without waiting for a reply Vigi continues, dragon decent that has lost his way who will need your help restoring his ancestry. Seek them and then return and we shall talk further.
Mang Fu Ha Saan pauses to hear out the high druid after telling of his travels.
I believe I have already been shown a vision of the Elf you speak of. I will make no delay in locating them.
After introducing you to several of the other druids in the area and explaining how the druids run the farms, Vigi excuses himself asking the gnome from before to assist you with returning to your rooms, when you are ready. As he departs, he says over his shoulder, You will find success when you find the others...
Mang Fu Ha Saan after being lead back to his room by the gnome takes a brief moment to ponder the next move to make. Thinking back for possible leads he remembers the suggestion made by the dwarf. Surmising that it is well within reason that given the location he saw the trader from the vision it is possible that the Elf girl was given the same recommendation by the same group who greeted him if she had recently entered the city as well. Thus, he decides to make his way to Linder Lost with Strong Talon.
SETH
I awake in mist, using only my eyes I look around afraid to move even so much as my head. Afraid to be seen, afraid to be herd, straining to see or hear or even smell a possible warning of impending danger. Nothing but my eyes move in the mist, no smell, no sound, no swirl in what appears to be an endless void broken only by the fact that I exist... Pain blooms like the lighting of the beacon in a light house. Pain blooms again as I am pulled more completely into a more corporal body. Pain becomes my power to act. Real physical pain of one laying too long in one position on sharp rocks. Grit between my teeth and what feels like a sunburn on my face and hands. I roll over on to more rocks and open my eyes blinking back the blurry...
The mist finally clears as something wet slides and then slithers along the side of your dry face. The feels, feels some how familiar. Like something brushing a memory before the mists. The soft push and a sound of a nicker bring you back to reality although a different one from what you....well what you should remember.
The air is moist almost dripping into your lungs as you inhale slowly. The sweat coming down your face and rolling across your already smelting skin tastes bitter,acrid almost like blood. Your hand almost reacts on its own to the acid rivulets sliding up across your brow and coming down RED!! It is blood and the gash you explore with your fingers seems only moments old. Again the feel of .. leather..you place it this time...brings you back to your here and now. Turning painfully to the right you encounter the nose that pushed you gently before. It is Buck your companion who has been with you since....well since ... your mind seems to forget the next part as the pain sears across your brow and leaping across your shoulders like lightning arcing between two condemned pine trees on a lonely hill.
When the pain fades you see that you are in a small copse of tree or atleast in the roots of it and below you is water. Not the clear water you think you remember but a brackish grey water where things lurk just under the murky crests. Buck is standing on what appears to be a pile of mossy grass and twigs not really natural but not completely well...Human either.
Just below you snagged on a sharp twist in the wood. is a pack. Your recognize it as something you need. And with some severe pain and long periods of recovery you are able to serpentinely slide it from the wood and retrieve it to your side. You make a small fire, not sure how with all the wet around, or even why with all the heat but the inner animal takes over with its need to survive. So fire and water come first. Once liquid pours down your parched throat, you have a few moments of semi-clarity and visually search your area. In the fading light of the day, you can see lots of the trees dangling their limbs into the murk beneath. You hear a din in the distance that might be the sound of civilization.
The light fades leaving the night an eery dark purple...not right ... not right for what night should be. The sounds of crickets, frogs, and bats punctuate the air insinuating themselves between the sounds of water, wood, and a creature you can't identify. Buck seems very uptight with the sounds around him and on a constant alert.
Jerram moves through the thick mangroves. He moves among the branches, keeping clear of the water below. Small noises accompany his path of travel, but most could be easily dismissed as the natural sound of the world around. In the fading light, a fire sparks into life in the distance and dances in and out of sight behind the trees. Jerram's progress through the trees brings him closer to the light. Jerram climbs down a nearby tree and steps into the clearing, where a man and a horse sit huddled around a fire. The red streaking across the man's forehead shines in the light and makes a deep contrast to the brown muck smeared across his face and clothes. Jerram looks down at his own clothes, where a small bit of bark has stuck. He brushes it off. Then he reaches into his pack and produces a chalkboard and chalk.
After a few moments of writing he finally approaches the ring of firelight, his fresh sign held out in front of him.
Chalkboard wrote:
Do you need help?
The man before you appears to still be in some type of daze or trance resulting in no forthcoming response to your query. The horse calms though at your presence and seems to enjoy the more alert company. Jerram bends down in front of the man, trying to catch his eyes. He waves his hand in front of the man's face and holds out his sign again, this time, with a little more urgency.
A bird with a bright blue beak scratches the ground reminding me of a worm I saw earlier when I was gathering fire wood. Walking over to a log that I had broken limbs from, I dig down into the decaying fibers and find a living neon blue gummy worm. It wriggles between my thumb and forefinger. Turning I notice the bird tracking the worm with its head. I lay down on the ground so as to appear as unthreatening as possible holding the squirming worm toward the bird. In an instant the bird swoops in, pulls the worm from my fingers, flips it in the air and devours the entire worm in one gulp. Shooting straight up into the sky the bird does three loop tee loops and plunges down into a cave or small hallow in the ground. Following the bird I craw into the hallow until I can’t see my hands in front of my face. Off to my left, the faint sound of muffled gurgles and deep breathing catch my attention as I am straining to make out what is sleeping over there a pale light slides into the darkness. Looking through my now back lit fingers I see the slimy light is being squeezed from the birds feathery poop hole. I watch in amazement as the luminescent substance shifts and takes on the shape of a miniature landscape complete with trees, hills, small pools of water but no animals. I see the clearing I made camp in and understand that it is a map of the land the bird has flown over in the last few days. Light in the cave increases as the map grows larger showing more and more of the surrounding area. A change in the breathing brings me face to face with a set of sleepy eyes blinking out of a lighter shadow that looks very much like a bear and her nursing cubs…
A very intelligent looking monkey is peering intently up into my face. Jerking back and reaching for a throwing ax… kindness burns so brightly in those eyes that it is etched in the face. Pausing in the very act of reaching for a weapon I notice the sign in its hands, “Do you need Help?” The fire has hardly burned down at all and the light has not completely left the sky. Fear soon leaves me completely so I take the chalk board and write, “Do you have any living gummy worms?”
Jerram holds his sign, and looks at the words. Without shifting his shoulders, he tilts his head until his ear touches. Jerram shakes himself. In a flurry of action, he wipes most of the board clean, then scrawls quickly at the top and bottom of the board. When it's finished, he turns it for the man to see.
What are living gummy worms? The last three words seem to have been left from before. In tight letters beneath this another sentence is written, I can hear. You speak. I'll write.
Never mind about the that... My name is Seth Conmong. And what might your name be?
Jerram lets out a breath in a barely audible whisper. His calloused hands grab at the cloth to erase his chalkboard again only to replace the words. I am Jerram Wylder. Do you need help? Were you robbed? Flipping the boats around, Jerram touches his own head in the same spot Seth is injured. He rubs his hands there momentarily as if he were also wounded.
Feeling my forehead for the first time. I seem to be a bit short on memory. Looking around the camp and surrounding trees. It appears to me that my forgetter is working rather well as of late... For all the dreams and whatnot that is in my mind... I might as well have been born a bit ago when Buck here licked my face awake. Reaching up and petting the horses shoulder. I heard you coming in before I faded out you move like a fish through water in them trees... Picking up a small log and setting it on the fire. What has you out and about this time of the evening?
Jerram writes furiously. The chalkboard has cramped words covering its surface. Used to live in trees. From Thomgurn. Came to Fifth Port after sundown. Didn't want to go in at night. Looking for place to sleep. Saw fire. Lastly, at the bottom of the board were two words, larger than the rest and underlined. Share fire?
Well Mr. Jerram Wylder you are welcome to share the fire... If you need one? Noticing the obvious physical strength in his sinewy arms... Used to live in the trees hey, why not just make you a nest up in one of them? Taking in the deeping shadow of the canopy... Wouldn't that be safer?
Almost as if on an eery cue, the sounds of the surrounding mangroves suddenly go still. Then from somewhere not to distant, a piercing screech reverberates followed by silence and then another screech. The second is much closer and very different in tone from the original. Buck suddenly seems alert and casually alarmed but keeps on eating the foliage grass around him.
Well if that didn't sound like grandma Bessy hollering as she clanged the dinner Iron... Reaching over to scratch behind the horses ears... Buck here doesn't seem to concerned Watching what Bucks ears do I adjust my sitting positing allowing myself to keep one eye on the direction he is listing and the other on Jerram's hiding place... The way you are hiding over there tells me either you are a cautious fellow or you know something we referring to the horse with a nod of my head... don't about what made that sound?
I grab a rather large fairly straight limb and begin trimming the smaller branches off with a throwing ax and toss them into the fire. I finish sharping what now looks like a tapering weavers beam to a point on the small end and stand leaning heavily on the 8 foot walking stick. Walking around the now much increased perimeter of the fire light finding nooks and crannies that help stabilize the bottom of the staff. So Jerram Wylder what can you tell me about this here world of yours and the trees you used to live in?
While moving around the fire I nudge the chalk board with my foot glancing down at... it dawns on me why my disappearing friend is not answering me... Ok so you act like the fire is a good thing then you hear that cat and now it is not such a good thing. Is that what you would tell me if you could talk? My horse feels like he is on fire... the only friendly monkey person I know has faded into the shadows... There is a cat out there that sounds big enough to ride... Hmm... I've never rode a cat before this could get interesten.
The screech of the cat fades . Then almost at the point it has disappeared it echoes once more even louder. Upon the completion of this cry, the grove and surrounding area goes abnormally silent. Buck is alert and ears pulled back nervous and aggressive combined. You reach out to touch him as a means of comfort, but pull your hand back swiftly upon contacting his hair. He is radiating massive amounts of heat but doesn't seem at all concerned or even noticeably aware of it.
Propping my staff by jamming its base in a cranny between some roots I move over to Buck's shoulder and undo the cinch dropping the pack saddle on the ground. You are not going to need that and I am going to need this old friend. Turning I reach up and unbuckle his bridle quickly adjusting it to fit a much more rounded head slipping the bit off the bridle I quickly notch a grove around both ends of a piece of firewood about twice the size of my forearm. I insert it into the bridle as a make shift bit. Using buck to track the animals movements we watch the night.
Cover me if it catches me off my guard. Buck snorts and tosses his head in reply... With the bridle in one hand, my staff in the other,and my back to the fire it is hard work keeping a smile from splitting my face in two. I hope you like this here clearing old buddy, old pal, because we are going to be here for a while... Here kitty, kitty, kitty, come to papa.
The grove is still absent of all noise except the crackle of the fire but has grown several degrees warmer making the fire unnecessary except for company. You see a feline face materialize a small distance from the fire opposite of Seth. Its eyes seem overly expressive and display a sense of intelligence that goes way beyond cunning. It cocks its head to the side as if evaluating what to do and exactly what you may be or threat you pose.
Purrrsonns why rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr you here? Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr you seeking rredmption frommmm your errrrrrorssssssss? seems to languidly stretch its way into your thoughts as you meet the eyes of the creature. It shifts vanishing momentarily from you r sight only to appear a few feet to the left watching you with the same quizzical expression as before. Its eyes and head seem to flicker in time with the dance of your fire.
Glancing at your horse,Buck seems to be alert but not alarmed at the appearance of this apparition. Well mama, I don't know about any arrows, I am a bit disappointed though. I was looking forward to putting a big cat through its paces, then taking it out for a ride... and now to look at you... that might be a bit more difficult that I had anticipated...
Jerram stands there, silent and thinking. Finally he tries to project his thoughts to the creature I have made many errors in my life. Which errors do you speak of?
The cat blinks looking towards Seth. In an amused purr you hear...so you wanted to ride me huh? I wouldnt suggest it unless you have a strong affinity for fire. Fire brought you to our realm but it was a different fire than that which I am. You shall find that your animal is not just as he appears but that will become clear here.
Yes Master to be Jerram, I can read your thoughts so your vows are not broken when we"talk". The monastery had much to teach and you learned well. Your wife you shall meet and be taught more before you think.
Now...Advice from someone that knows what you must face, seek out the marked elf with the gem and the bow. The druid of the forgotten beasts, and the scaled rover. Decide if it is them you trust..for it is them that will make the return of your people, horseman, achievable. It is them that hold both your live and your death in the strings of your choices.
The two of you were not crossed by chance. Each will need the other for redemption and forgiveness before the golden one is found. Trust with care, work with heart, and think with emotion and cunning and you shall.. suddenly there is a deep rumbling building in your heads and the Cat stops talking. He flickers a moment more before glancing at Seth almost in alarm and vanishing. SOund returns to the clearing but your fire has burned out completely and you both feel like hours have passed in the moments of the conversation.
Jerram stares, unbelief written over his face. He has no time to send other thoughts at the creature. The creature has been gone some time before Jerram breaks into movement. His tail reaches up into his pack, while his hands dig through the pouch at his belt. He pulls out a journal and begins writing, blocking everything out. When he finishes, he stores his journal, pen and ink. Then he returns to the now cold fire and retrieves his chalk and board. Then writes, glancing up at the sky as he does.
It seems we are travelling companions now, Seth. We will have time to learn about each other later. Now, it's dark and we need sleep. I'll watch first? 2 shifts of four hours each?
As soon as the cat is gone I feel extremely overwhelmed and exhausted. Arranging my gear I wrap my arms around my pack and fall asleep almost instantly. I awake sometime latter and the monkey man holds what must be the chalk board in front of my face I really couldn't make out what it was let alone read it by starlight. I fall back asleep to the sound of Buck chomping grass
The night passes easily, Jerram lets Seth sleep for some time before using a stick to wake the man. He mimes looking out over the horizon and points to Seth. Jerram continues to prod the sleeping man until he is awake and on watch.
I don't like getting poked with a stick. And what was so raced up important that you had to wake me in the black of night to tell me? Then you wouldn't quit moving around in the dark so I could get back asleep. It set me off something fierce, so bad it was all I could do not to walk over there and bash your head in while you where sleeping. So how in this rotten world do you think that I am going anywhere with you! Never minding all of that I sure as the dimensions of the abyss ain't going to no city.
Jerram's shoulders fall. His eyebrows and lips twitch downward for a moment. A moment so fast it could be imagined. Then he breathes deep and sets his features back to a soft encouragement.
Jerram grabs the chalkboard. I apologize. I will explain all before we go. But you must be patient. Your impatient attitude before now has caused much misunderstanding. Jerram hands the board to Seth, then sits down, pulling out a sheet of paper and writing utensils.
He writes for some time and finally stands, stretching, and hands a page full to Seth.
My name is Jerram Wylder. I grew up in a small village on the edge of the mangroves called Thomgurn. Our house, mine and my wife's, was among the trees. While I was there, a man attacked my wife and I. I killed him. For this crime--for unlike most barbarian cities, it is a crime to kill for any reason in Thomgurn--I was banished until I could seek redemption. Since then, I have studied a fighting style that allows me to use my self control to make my body stronger. As such, I have taken on several vows.
1. Vow of silence. I will not speak, and will strive to do everything I do as silently as possible. When necessary, I may make non-vocal noises to warn of immediate danger. This is why my communication has been the way it is.
2. Vow of celibacy. I will have no peaceful, physical contact with anyone, for any reason. This is why I used a stick to shake you awake. I am sorry that it was so offensive for you. But this is very important to me.
3. Vow of cleanliness. I will keep myself and my clothes in a pristine condition at all times. I feel this is pretty self-explanatory.
4. Vow of truth. In all my communications I will tell the truth.
These vows help empower my ability to fight against evil, as I seek redemption.
I came to these mangroves last night because I do not like entering cities so close to dark. When I saw your firelight I came to you. I had intended to leave you in the morning, but what that jinx told us changed that. Did you hear him say, "The two of you were not crossed by chance. Each will need the other for redemption and forgiveness before the golden one is found. Trust with care, work with heart, and think with emotion and cunning." At that moment, I knew we needed to become traveling companions. I am not sure if you understood such. We also must seek out "the marked elf with the gem and the bow. The druid of the forgotten beasts, and the scaled rover." They are important to . . . something about the return of your people, and something about my redemption.
After the Jinx left, I asked you about watch schedules, but you were already sleeping. So I let you. When I could not watch our camp any longer I woke you, in an admittedly abrupt manor--once again I apologize--to take your turn at watch. Now if we are to seek out these people, we need to go to the city. They are important for us, and it is not likely we will find them here.
Once that is done, he rests. Falling asleep almost instantly.
Jerram rises the next morning with the sun. Almost immediately, he stands and begins a complicated movement, almost like a dance, around one of the trees. He is focused, almost in a trance.
When he finishes, there is a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead. He walks to the water nearby, and quickly bathes himself, changing his clothes when he is done. He carefully inspects yesterday's now wet clothing, and brushes away any dirt or marks. Then he carefully folds the cloth into a bundle on the outside of his pack. Finally ready, he picks up his chalkboard and writes, To the city?
I don't have enough money to buy feed for my horse in the city... I will have to find work or come back out just to feed Buck. I grab my gear and throw the pack saddle on Buck chinch it down and refit the bridle for his head. Check my throwing axes and war hammer, drain a water bottle and grab my pack and I realize that I don't know what's in it... pushing that thought aside I turn to Jerram. We've let half the Morning fade away with talk, lead the way. I pick up my walking stick and notice that I made it form a tamarack tree. ...the best riders I ever put in a fence where made of tamarack... fence posts broke before they did... I better sharpen that ax. You always tell The Truth or the truth as you see it... I mean are you an oracle of somekind or prophet because that would be very gnarly?
Jerram writes quickly, My truth. I'm no oracle. As for feed, I could help some for now. Pay me back when you can.
Jerram hitches his things into his shoulder and begins the walk to the city gate with Seth and Buck beside him.
Jerram pulls out a chalkboard and writes. He approaches the gates with Seth and Buck at his side. When they reach the guards he flips his sign around, I do not speak but I can hear. The man only nods then promptly ignores Jerram as he begins dealing with Seth. Two pieces of paper and two coins are handed over as well as an warning, You’ll be held responsible for anything the feeb does. He jabs a finger in the direction of Jerram. Having done his duty, the guard ushers the two on their way. Now, if you're looking for suitable rest and recovery then check the inns and taverns up the road just a little way. Linder Lost is a personal favorite.
Jerram’s face contorts for a moment and he seems on the verge of speech. But he simply shakes his head as he walks away, grabbing his copy of the rules and chit of admittance from Seth.
Jerram grabs at his board and turns it to Seth, So, to the Linder Lost then?
Jerram starts up the street in the direction the man pointed, keeping an eye out for any that match the descriptions given to him.Jerram leads Buck and Seth along, holding out his chalkboard to the occasional passerby, Linder Lost?
He follows their directions--the ones who respond at least--and eventually finds his way. He approaches the stable boy with Buck behind him and Seth to the side. He waits for a moment for Seth to speak, but when the boy speaks up, What can I do for ye?, Jerram pushes a breath through his nose in irritation.
He grabs the chalkboard once again and writes his message, We need to stable this fine animal for the night.
The boy stares in confusion for a moment before laughing. I can't read none, he says between bouts of laughter. Are ye both dumb? he asks smiling like it's a joke.
Jerram breathes another heavy sigh. He hands the reigns to the boy and pulls out 2 gold pieces, handing them to the boy.
Oh, right. I'll take care of that, he says, not taking his eyes from the gold. But his nimble fingers still manage to grab the reins and take the horse to a stable.
Jerram motions for Seth to follow.
Unk walks through marshy grass towards his new destination. Fifth Port. The biggest city in the continent. I'm tired. Unk sits down in the driest place he could find and looks around wondering what all the noises were.
You sit on a small upturned root attached to one of the neighboring mangroves and listen intently for a few minutes. There are just to many noises that intrude and constantly draw your attention elsewhere that you struggle to place all the sounds around the encroaching city. People of all races and garb crawl down the road towards the docks and boats are either tied up or headed to port for the evening. You wonder once again why Alandra told you about Fifth Port when she seemed to avoid all others who wandered into her territory....then the thought flits across your mental screen...why did she not merely ignore me? Oh well, whatever, it's time to find a place to sleep anyway. Unk gets up and starts walking into town looking for an inn. On his way he looks at the people bustling around him.
You follow the crowds in to the city and wonder at all myriad of races darting, plodding, and moving in and out of the city.
The crowd slows seeming to congest at a certain point by a small thick walled stone building. Armed with pikes and thick leather jerkins, dwarven and human guards move strategically and formally to each group and non-grouped individuals. After a brief exchange of both words, each guard hands over a small circular disc and moves on.
. “Stop! Why have you come to Fifth Port? How long do you anticipate your business taking? You'll need a copy of the basic laws and regulations of our metropolis..”
You are handed a small coin with a set of balance scales and a 5 engraved upon opposing sides. This is your “permission” to be in the city. You are then handed a set of the rules: Which are then read to you.
*No bladed weapon may be drawn with in city limits.
*No excessive drinking and providers of such intoxicants can be fined as well as the violator should this occur.
*Proof of Legitimacy must be with yo at all times and shown when asked by government officials. *All purchases as sales are taxed 5% paid to the accounting house each Monday for city maintenance. Failure to pay taxes results in immediate revocation of license and seizure of property.
*Poisons are strictly forbidden for any reason including sale or purchase.
*All magic practitioners are required to register with a local guild immediately upon entering city. Failure to do so will result in a "band" being enchanted upon such practitioner that will prevent further use of magic. This can only be removed after registering with a guild of appropriate type and paying a hefty fine.
The gruff but kind guard then asks,
“Got any questions? Better ask them now for you will be expected to adhere to the laws.
If you are looking for suitable rest and recovery then check the inns and taverns up the road just a little way. Linder Lost is a personal favorite for fine wine women and food, Discreet as well. Winking he walks off to the next group.
I'm just here to rest and buy supplies, it shouldn't take more than couple of days. Thank you, I will definitely look into Linder Lost.
" Remember the rules then. If you have money you can hire a guide to the city at one of the inns."
Suddenly a loud bang erupts from nearby. Glancing around,there are barrels, lots and lots of barrels! They are rumbling and bumping towards you and the guard. Seems that they have fallen off a cart or wagon from one of the nearby merchants.
In Draconic:
What was that!!
Grab them!!! That's gonna cost you your hide if they break! Mesk hire some qualified help next time not these blundering orc lovers!
A huge giant of a hulk bellows as a few ramshackled and disheveled orcs dart around trying to gather the barrels.
Unk jumps out of the way of a nearby rolling barrel. What's in them? You are motioned over to the ogre.
Unk walked toward the brute thinking[ This lout sounds like a bully. I hate bullies. He accidentally mutters those last words out loud. Then with more conviction he yelled I HATE BULLIES! That's all you are, a horrible no good bully, who likes to hurt those smaller,weaker or those who you deem bellow you!! For the fun of it! Even though Unk was almost five feet shorter than the brute, Unk seemed to loom over him for just a moment.
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You got spunk on your scales that's for sure. Tell ya what how bout you hop up here, pats the wagon seat, then picks you up somewhat gentle for his size and places you on the wagon beside him. From your new vantage point you can see that the barrels came from not just one wagon but atleast 6 wagons. The chaos which erupted was because of all the barrels has encased the whole street way. People are trying to side step, dodge, and just get out of the way of this bumbling cargo.[b]and when my cretins get this mess figured out, I'll take ya to a Linder Lost and buy ya the best meal around. Been awhile since I had a good laugh friend. Now, You cretins clean this up while my new friend and such talk.
Unk scowls at the large person as he is lifted up into the wagon. He looks at all the chaos and was impressed. Whoever did this has to have at least five men with them. He then scowled again at the brute. What's he getting on about?
After the restoration of the mess to a somewhat disorderly conglomerate, the Ogre motions for you to accompany him as they deliver the goods to a warehouse in an area you hear him refer to as" the Burrows." As the group moves to the warehouse you notice several times that their are "unseen" watchers. They move along the rooftops paralleling your route. Your new friend seems unconcerned when you mention it to him. You arrive at a large block or two block building. You notice several glyphs and paintings of unknown manner covering not only the building but also the roads surrounding it. A group of 7 heavily clothed and cloaked figures meet the convoy at the "entrance" and spread out. Only one has his hands visible and the others have theirs "hidden" as the ogre approaches them warily. You are certain from the movements of the figures that they are heavily armored even though the extreme humidity is making you sluggish in the warmth. Unable to hear the conversation you sit and look at the group of others around you. Most of them are shabbily dressed and very dirty. They have either been on a long journey and just returned or were hired from the slums.
You realize that many of them match the commoners if you will of the burrows. Their apparel shows little care, little cleanliness, and lots of abuse. Scars adorn not only the people but also the buildings as if a ragged memorial to the hell's of a life without civilization in a civilized land.
You dismount giving those unloading your wagon space to do so when your wagon approaches the doors. Several goblins and a few misshapen looking kobolds scurry past you without stopping and begin to unload the wagon. The hobgoblin from before pushes past, shoving you out of the way and muttering just loud enough for you to hear,
Fool! You chose to involve yourself in the middle. Much better you had chosen a side. Without pausing, he shoves past.
The rest of the unloading goes haphazardly but quick. Finally as the last one is loaded the Cloaked "man" from before approaches the ogre again. You hear just enough to know that he is not happy with the conditions of the delivery. I understand that. Attention was drawn to us but I have taken measures to have it drawn elsewhere. I know my place you just see that your master keeps the money coming or the "goods" will not. The answer comes in an almost inaudible rasp...."You will not mention nor threaten the master. If it is reported to me that it happens, even by rumor, I will see that the penalty is swift and you will not repeat nor make it again."
Come on little beast the ogre says to you as he returns to the wagon.I owe you a meal and after dealing with stupid Barghest, I could use a good slosh. I hate those infernal beasts. would love to crush him and will when my need for him is finished. You will be my new good luck charm;I will be your sponsor. Here is some gold so you can stay around until we have another task. With a fatherly, possessive hand he steers you up the street, out of the Barrows and then to the Linder Lost.
