Ezren

NPC - Donal Egillson's page

38 posts. Alias of Tareth.


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Donal greets Warren with a friendly handshake and pat on the back. "Welcome back to civilization, such as it is, Master Warren." Says the big Ulfen with a chuckle.

Taking a look a Warren's hide armor he ponders the question for a few seconds. Pointing to the developing foundation for his forge he says, "Well, I'm not properly set up yet as you can see, but I've likely got enough metal for buckles here and here." Running his hands expertly over the hide he points out a couple of thin spots. "I might have to repair these, add a second layer or replace it altogether if we've got some good strong material.

Finally, he nods, "I could come up with something, but it'll take a few days."

He turns and looks quickly at Tityanna who's resting in the shade under a tent watching the workers. With a grin he leans in and whispers to Warren, "Thanks, for bringing her back safe and sound. She's a fiery lass, but until she comes to terms with her affliction, she's better off sticking around safer territory. To show my appreciation, consider this job paid in full. Let Master Thad know the same goes for him as well."


With Ursula's words, the wind seems to empty from Donal's sails. Knowing she's right, he nods his head and tries to gather his thoughts. A few moments later he walks over and offers his hand to Porter in apology. After a few quiet words from the smith, Porter accepts and gives the big man a warm smile in return.

Stepping over to Tityanna, Donal looks her in the eyes. It's clear he's worried and still doesn't quite understand all that has happened. Gently he presses his hand to his heart, and then does the same over Tityanna's. Seeing Ursula's quill and paper, he roughly writes out a note. Before handing it to Tityanna he gives her a warm hug and soft kiss on the forehead. Then he hands her the note with a weak smile.

Tityanna:
Love, I'm sorry for losing my temper. I wish you could stay, but I know you've got good work to do. Just be safe and come back soon. I've got more apples to share.


Donal wraps his arms around Tityanna, holding her tightly. Stunned at her whispered words, he slowly shakes his head in confusion. Continuing to hold Tityanna in a firm embrace he looks to the others for answers to the questions racing through his mind.

"I don't understand? How did this happen?"

Looking to the two dwarves as they return from disposing of the body. A dark look enters the blacksmith's face as he remembers Porter running out with a couple of alchemical potions clutched in his hands. A grim tone enters Donal's voice.

"Was this caused by another of your explosives?! Did you cause this with more careless handling of your alchemical agents?!"

Tityanna can feel the deep, angry rumble in Donal's chest as he speaks to Porter. His heartbeat is a pounding thump, thump, thump, easy to feel beneath her hands and face. His face flushes and for just a second or two it's as if she can almost smell the mix of concern, anger, and confusion emanating from the man.


Seeing Tityanna enter the safety of the palisade, Donal breathes a heavy sigh of relief. Not wanting to interfere with those who have kept him and the rest of the settlers safe, he maintains his distance while she addresses the others. However he quickly he notices the odd rhythm and sound to her words, and then the attempt to hide her tears.

Ignoring his earlier hesitation, the big blacksmith rushes over and drapes his arm around her shoulders as he tries to see if she's injured in some way.

"Tityanna, love, what's wrong? Are you hurt? What's happened?"


"That is a fine specimen. You know we could make you a good strong chain of silver to hang it from..."

Seeing Thad come down from the palisade, Donal hands the large serpent tooth back to Sari Meyerson saying, "Why don't you see to your little brother for a spell. I'm sure your mother could use a bit of help. I promise we'll work on that chain later."

He tussles the girl's hair as she gives him a look. "Okay, if you promise." she says sternly, but then runs over to her mother after the big blacksmith smiles and promises again.

Stepping over to the others, he asks in a quiet, worried voice, "Is all well Master Tanner? I've not seen Tityanna or Kams come back through the gate. And with that last...whatever that noise was...I admit I'm a bit...concerned."


Tityanna:
You and Donal continue to discuss the design of your shield and begin marking out the boundaries of a new building for a forge. When you are about halfway through, you notice Kams make his way from the trading post to an open area just beyond a small group of trees. He seems to be accompanied by three other men, one of which is clearly bound and gagged.

As they disappear beyond the trees, Donal comments in a serious voice, "It appears at least one man decided to give up his life rather than turn over a new leaf." Shaking his head he adds, "I've seen stubborn fools do many things for a variety of reasons, but to die for some petty bandit lord. Well, that's foolish beyond my experience."

He then returns to the work at hand. About a half hour later, a thunderclap erupts from the same area and the young sorceress can easily sense a release of magical energy.

Startled by the sudden sound, Donal turns toward the trees saying with concern in his voice, "Master Kams wasn't planning to tinker with Porter's alchemical potions again was he?"


Tityanna:
Enjoying the infectious nature of Tityanna's happiness, Donal easily returns her smiles. Thinking for a minute he says, "I'm not much of a heraldist, but I'd say something that melds you're courage and ferocity in battle, with your passion for good, and striking beauty."

"Initially I may have thought a falcon or eagle, but that would be more in Master Kingeagle's nature. You mentioned cats, how about a jaguar, mountain lion, or leopard? We could match the green eyes of the cat, with the emerald of your own."

Suddenly the man is lost in thought as the creative energy and inspiration cascades through his mind with a vibrant intensity.

"A knotwork boarder representing the complexity of your magical skills, the leopard to show your prowess in battle. Hmmmm...perhaps some cranes along the outer rim to highlight grace and beauty..."


Tityanna:
Donal breathes deeply, relaxing into Tityanna's embrace. For a few moments he just enjoys being close to this remarkable young woman. His mind whirls and the sudden and unexpected place he has landed, yet somehow it all just feels right. A warm smile crosses his lips as he takes in the feel of her arms around his waist, the scent of her hair, the warmth of her breath, the bravery in her heart.

Eventually he breaks his own silence saying, "Of course you're right, love. I'm not truly afraid of these fool bandits and I'd not turn back to Brevoy because of them. No, I'd never run. I'll do my part to fight, build, and work hard to create a good, safe home for those like the Meyerson's and any others seeking better life."

"I've little doubt about the ability of you and your good companions to deal with this lot of scoundrels. It's just that any fight is a deadly and...random thing. I've seen skilled, dangerous fighters go down, simply because a rock decided at that moment to shift under their feet, causing them to slip and letting their adversary strike. Certainly we've got to fight, but I'll still have a bit of fear for those who hold my heart."

He's quiet a few seconds more then chuckles softly. "Ah well, no sense worrying like an old grandmother is there? After all, there's much work to do."

"I believe I've already got one order for a new tower shield." He says with a smile and quick kiss.


Donal chuckles softly at Tityanna's worried tone. "Don't worry love, it doesn't need to be a big waterway, although that might be easier for shipping goods."

With a shrug of his shoulders and a deep breath his own voice reflects a bit of his own worry. "Either way, I plan to set up right here at Oleg's until you and your lot have cleared out this bandit lord and brought a little peace and order to the region. I've as much fun for the occasional barroom brawl as anyone might, but fighting giant serpents, and strange evil magics is out of my depth."

A shiver runs through his body as he remembers the bandit leader and Thad's encounter with the necromantic charm. "No, it's you and your friends I fear for the most in the coming days."


Donal walks along in quiet contemplation as he and Tityanna make their way out of the gate. At her question he turns to her with a smile.

"It may be a little difficult at first, but Oleg already has a deal with some woodcutters who have a camp just a bit to the south and west. He's sure they would be willing to increase their supply for minimal cost."

His eyes take on an excited gleam, and his energy seems to burst with enthusiasm and anticipation as he continues. "But more importantly, the Deepsilver brothers believe they know of a source of coal not far away. According to some of the tales they gathered before coming south, a former prospector, and distant relation, came upon a large seam. Being a dwarf, he marked it on his map, but kept up the search for more valuable elements. Unfortunately their great-great-whatever-he-was died and only a portion of his map and journal still exist. Both Porter and Burdo are more interested in the gold, silver and iron he potentially discovered, but they're more than willing to share what they know about the coal deposit. It shouldn't take much searching to find and with a few dozen cartloads, I'd be set here for quite some time."

"Eventually with a solid source of coal, and a better location along one of the streams or rivers where I could set up a waterwheel to power a large bellows, a good, efficient operation could be built that could supply much of the needs for metal goods in the nearby area."

Realizing he's rambled on for quite a while, he blushes and says, "Sorry. It's so easy for me to get carried away about such things."

He gives Tityanna's hand a slight squeeze and looks her in the eye, "I hope you'll forgive a man his passions. After all, not all my passion is dedicated to metal and forges."

He brushes her hair back with his hand and leans in gently kissing first her cheek, then forehead, and finally her lips.


Realizing the intensity of his gaze, Donal blushes brightly and then offers a graceful bow. "Indeed it would be most welcome." He says smiling. "In fact, if I'm not needed here I'd be happy to walk you through what we've come up with right now."

He steps around the table offering his arm to Tityanna with a warm smile and a gesture with his other hand toward the nearby gate adding "Of course, that is if you don't have other plans for the moment?"


Tityanna:
Donal watches as the sun sets and then whispers back to Tityanna, "A better way to spend a day, I can't think of, unfortunately it appears the day is over." With a look of tender desire in his eye, he returns Tityanna's kiss with gentle massage of her neck and now healed shoulders. His hands clearly harboring a blacksmith's strength, but also offering the skillful dexterity of one used to handling the more delicate tools of a gold or silversmith.

With a quiet whisper he leans down to her ear and says, "Of course that still leaves us the night."


Donal easily wraps his arm around Tityanna as she leans heavily against his shoulder. A smile warms his face as he says, "Aye, you're cut off, although I think you could likely use a good days sleep."

Seeing the mage continue to favor her shoulder he says with just a bit of concern in his voice, "You should have Ursula take a look at that wound again. That ruckus today could have torn something open."


With a nod and wave, Donal acknowledges Kams', then motions for the bandits to help get the wagons ready to move as the ranger rides down to the outpost.


Tityanna:
Sitting up from his bedroll, a slightly bleary-eyed Donal returns Tityanna's smile as she peers into his shelter. Futilely running his hands through his sleep tangled hair and beard he says, "Now that's a fine way to wake in the morning. With a beautiful face and bright smile being the first thing I see." After a quick yawn, he stretches revealing muscles in arm and chest built by hours of pounding iron at the forge. "Visitors? Sounds like you might have a tale to tell. Nothing too dangerous I assume, since the camp isn't roused."

With a glance at her shoulder he asks "How's the arm feeling?"


Tityanna:
Donal tilt his head slightly as Tityanna runs her fingers across his cheek. A slight shiver runs through his body and his eyes almost seem to glow in the night. With a smile and quiet laugh he says, "Ah...my good lady, while I would like nothing better, I fear there is only room for one. And Ursula was adamant that you need rest for her medicines to work."

Taking her hand, he brushes his lips lightly across each of her knuckles then helps her get settled. With a quick look at another simple shelter set up next to the wagon he says, "I've a place nearby. Just call out if you need anything."


Tityanna:
As Tityanna attempts to fix her bedroll, Donal steps up a quietly clears his throat. The aroma of hot, mint tea drifts from a mug he offers with one hand while gesturing towards the back of the wagon with his other.

Looking at the wagon, a comfortable space has been cleared out and lined with a bedroll and couple of additional heavy blankets. The canvas has been rigged to provide cover, privacy, and protection from the elements, while still offering a reasonable view to both sides and the rear of the wagon.

With a sincere smile the blacksmith says, "Ursula said the tea should help with any pain, and I thought you might prefer something a bit more comfortable than the hard ground. The cold ground certainly won't do that shoulder any good." Gesturing to a few chests sitting on the dirt under the wagon he says, "I had to move a few things around, but you should be comfortable and decently secure for the night."

He pulls on a thin rope strung to the canvas which easily raises or lowers the cloth, "Just pull on this to raise the canvas and get a bit of a view. Drop it and the cloth falls back into place. There's a nail to tie it off if you need to."


Chuckling at Tityanna's comment Donal says, "Rest easy. I've no desire to go for a swim, tinker with Master Porter's alchemical creations, or...." He pauses for a second, with a mischievous glint in his eye as he points at Tityanna's shoulder, "...step in front of rapidly moving, pointy sticks."


Getting up after throwing himself across Tityanna, he blushes a bit and then gladly takes the flask and has a large drink himself. Shaking his head in pure wonder he says, "He actually used Porter's crazy explosive? The lad's either extremely brave....or a few bricks shy." Continuing to shake his head, he takes another smaller drink and offers it back to the injured mage.

With a quick smile he answers Tityanna by saying, "It does seem a bit more....coordination....might be in order." Watching the river, he shrugs and shakes his head again, "Our demolitions team actually seems to have lowered the river water enough for us to get a good look at the bridge. I should help make sure it's sound before we try crossing."


Donal does his best to make a comfortable area for Tityanna to sit and stretch out in the wagon. Considering the circumstances, the makeshift shelter is isn't too bad and it's out of the elements. A handful of thick blankets line the floor, providing a little softness to the wagon bed, while a well placed set of canvas tarps keep the wind and rain at bay. Although her view is limited, he does make sure Tityanna is able to clearly see where Thad and the prisoners are located. In case she is needed.

Ursula bobs her head at Tityanna's request and hurries over to help Warren and Thad try to save the dying bandit leader.


Stepping up to Tityanna with a look of concern and stubbornness on his face he pulls out a clean cloth and carefully places it around the shaft and wound. With a look and tone of not taking no for an answer he says, "The children are all safe and well. Now it's time for you to sit and let someone look at that shoulder." Looking at Kams, Warren and Thad, he continues, "I think these fine lads can finish dealing with those scoundrels."

Seeing how much pain she's in he nods to himself and being extremely careful of her wounded arm, picks Tityanna up in a single easy motion and carries her over to his wagon. Once there he gently puts her down on a couple of folded blankets and grabs a good sized silver flask. Handing it to Tityanna, he says, "You might want to take a good swallow or two of that before our good healer arrives. It'll help deal with the pain. Especially when she removes the shaft."

Resting his hand lightly on hers his whole demeanor becomes a bit more gentle and even slightly shy as he says softly, "That was bravely done. It was certain you changed the tide of that ambush. But by the gods hairy backsides my heart nearly stopped when that arrow spun you around."


Donal and Burdo both look at the rattling bridge. Shaking his head Donal says "We'll need to take a closer look at that bridge in order to see if it's sturdy enough for any of us to make the crossing."

Burdo nods his head in agreement. "Aye, it may be if we take it careful like Kams mentioned we'll be okay. But maybe not. If I can get a good look, I might be able to figure out a way to help stabilize the structure just a bit to allow us to cross with a little more safety."

Noticing the others wary movements, and drawn weapons, Donal's brow furrows as he asks, "Unless there's some other danger we need to be concerned with at the moment?"


Tityanna:
Donal smiles back at Tityanna, "I've just a bit more work left, before I've finished." He blushes a bit saying, [b]"It may seem a little odd, but I tend to keep certain artistic works to myself until I'm certain they're finished. And this one has...extra meaning to it, so I want it just right."

He takes on a mischievous look and says, "Besides, a man has to have a few small secrets."

Seeing the others getting underway, he jumps up and deftly starts putting things away, "I didn't realize morning had already passed so quickly. Perhaps you're right, and this project is distracting me some."

After a few minutes he's packed up and underway with the rest of the caravan.

Bringing his wagon over the top of the rise, Donal pulls up on the reins and sets the brake. Jumping down into the mud he joins Fulton and the others as they look at the map, the bridge, and high water.

Hearing Alaina's comment he nods in agreement, "It seems you may be right. Either the gods are playing a mighty set of tricks, or someone doesn't wish either of our expeditions to be successful."


Tityanna:

Donal Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Donal jumps at the sound of Tityanna's voice. Turning around in an effort to keep himself between her and a clear view of the bench he blushes as if a child caught sneaking cookies from the jar. Not quite successful in his attempt, it's possible to catch a glimpse of polished gold glittering in the daylight.

"Ah...well...just a...ummmm...project...I've felt the inspiration and desire to complete." He turns a bit red as he speaks, looking into Tityanna's eyes.


Walking over the Warren the next morning, Donal holds out the crossbow. "I've reset the catch, and filed the channel smooth again. I also adjusted the tension on the string so that it should have the full range again." He sets the string and gives the trigger a pull to show a nice smooth release, with no rattle or other indication of malfunction."She should work like a charm from now on."


Tityanna:
Donal's pulse begins to race and his eyes close as Tityanna takes his hand. His hand and arm almost melt into her own, but as she reveals her full name, it clearly takes him by surprise. A puzzled look crosses his face as he starts to speak but then closes his mouth. It appears the usually outgoing smith is at a complete loss for words as he stares at the young noble woman sitting, intimately holding his hand.

After a few more seconds pass he recovers himself and finally speaks softly, "It matters not to me who your father is, for my heart is already at your mercy."

Then leans in, brushes his lips gently against her ear and whispers softly,
"See how in their veins all becomes spirit:
into each other they mature and grow.
Like axles, their forms tremblingly orbit,
round which it whirls, bewitching and aglow.
Thirsters, and they receive drink,
watchers, and see: they receive sight.
Let them into one another sink
so as to endure each other outright."

Leaning back he holds her hand in his. His blue eyes dance with happiness and passion as they look into hers in an effort to explore the depth of the young woman sitting with him.


Donal watches as the magic fades from Tityanna's eyes. A smile crosses his lips and a soft chuckle rumbles from deep within his chest. "I should have known that the perfect cure for a fit of melancholy is a wise woman with beautiful set of magical eyes."

Reaching out, Donal, carefully uses a finger to brush back a stray bit of damp hair from the sorceress' face. He follows the gentle gesture by saying softly, "Your parents and former suitors were fools not to see the great gift that had been granted them. You alone would be a dowry worth the gold of a thousand thrones. And what man in love can't be robbed of his sense by the one who would claim his heart. The gift of love is knowing that he need not fear this claim, for she would not bring him harm or hurt."

He pulls back his hand and blushes slightly, watching Tityanna's eyes and face to see if he's said too much.


When Tityanna arrives, he smiles warmly and offers her a relatively dry place to sit under the tarp. Setting the crossbow aside, he lets out a long breath and says quietly while looking around the camp, "What a difference a day can make."

Looking at the young woman before him, his own eyes seem a bit sad, "Was it only yesterday, the sun was shining and we were all meeting, filled with hope and new possibilities? Now the rain quenches hope and uncertainty seems to permeate our hearts."


As Warren hands him the crossbow, Donal gives it a good look. After a few minutes and some tinkering with the weapon he nods his head and says, "Aye, it can be fixed easily, give me an hour or two and I should be able to get the thing shooting better than it likely ever has before. These Brevian models always have this problem."

At the mention of payment, he raises his hand and shakes his head, "Consider this one on-the-house. In return for endangering your lives with those beasts today."

He sets up a little covered area at the end of his wagon using some oiled tarps and proceeds to to work on the crossbow using a few tools and parts he pulls from a large chest.


After a few minutes, Donal comes walking back into camp, his hands gripping the reins of both horses. He looks a little pale, but in good spirits as he ties both horses to the Meyerson's wagon and then looks around to see if there's anything else he can help with.

Young Yori Meyerson runs over to the injured horse and starts to brush its coat and clean the wound with water and a clean cloth. Every once in a while he gives his brother an angry look, but the other doesn't notice as he's busy being lectured by both of his parents.


Donal carefully accepts the reins of the warhorse, "Aye, I'll bring the poor beast in. It's not run too far."

With only a little trouble he swings his big body up into the saddle and rides in the direction of the wounded horse.


The blacksmith stops mid-bite at Tityanna's comment. Turning a brilliant, and satisfying, shade of red it seems she has left the man quite speechless. At least for a second or two.

Putting his hand to heart and bowing his head he says, "Beauty and boldness. A combination sure to light the fires of a man's passion and spirit."

Another grin crosses his face and his eyes twinkle with good humor before he says,

"I ne'er was struck before that hour
With love so sudden and so sweet.
Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower
And stole my heart away complete."

Finishing the snippet of poetry, he looks Tityanna in the eye, takes another bit of apple and then can't stop himself from chuckling as he overhears the banter between Warren and Zevac.

Perform(Oratory)-Untrained 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11


At Tityanna's approaches Donal greets her with a warm good morning and adds with a causal wave at the damp weather, "I'm in your debt for the use of the tent. It is a pleasure to wake up dry rather than soaked to the skin."

He graciously accepts the offered rations and pats his stomach lightly, laughing at her comment, "I'll not likely waste away too soon."

A mischievous grin crosses his face and with a wink at Tityanna he grabs a pair of firm red apples from a small box in the back of the wagon. Handing one to her he says, "Fresh fruit is hard to come by this time of year. The merchant in Rostov was overcharging for these, but I went ahead and splurged." He rubs the firm fruit with a soft cloth from the box to give it a nice shine. "I was going to save them for when I reached Oleg's, but it seems to me they'll be much better shared with a friend." The apple offers a satisfying snap and crunch sound as he bites into the fresh and tasty treat.

As if on cue, young Sari Meyerson appears at Donal's side. Her bright eyes watching the apple. Without her saying anything, the big man grins and deftly cuts a slice off for her. Biting into the treat, she let's a bit of juice run down her chin, before she smiles at the big man and offers a quick thank you. Then she turns and scampers away, to answer her mother's call for her to help break down camp.


Returning Tityanna's smile, Donal, quietly and deftly slips into his own bedroll. Not an easy task for such a big man, but he manages it with surprising ease. His soft, rumbling chuckle, drifts through the air. "You've no worries there, I'm used to sleeping through loud noise having grown up in the back of a busy smith's shop."

He pauses for a few breaths and then adds quietly, "Of course, sleep is a little more elusive tonight knowing those beasts are nearby." There's a slight scraping sound as he slides his hammer to within easy reach.


Still blushing himself, Donal says with a smile, "Awkward conversation has always been a special gift of mine. My grandmother always used to tell me I'd spend less timing tasting my foot if I opened my mouth less often." He let's out a laugh and then takes a deep breath smelling the scent of cooking meat and vegetables.

Turning to those who found and those fixing the meal he says, "It's been a long day on the road, it's certainly appreciated this bounty you've brought in and decided to share." He offers a quick bow of the head to Zevac, Warren, and the Meyerson women. An embarrassed look crosses his face as his stomach rumbles in anticipation of the meal.


Accepting the offered drink with pleasure and gratitude, Donal takes a sip or two and then passes the flask on. He gladly clears a space in his wagon to make room for Tityanna's saddle and gear.

At her mention of sharing a tent, his face glows red for a few seconds before he says, "I've slept under stars, clouds, in rain and heat, and many an inn both fine and shabby. I can't say I've had a better, kinder offer before. It will be a pleasure to not wake up soaked to the skin in the morning." He adds in a bit of a shy whisper, "You've no worries as I'll mind my manners even with such beauty nearby."


Donal waves his hand towards the back of his wagon. "I've most of what I need to get started tucked away back there. Tools, iron, bellows. I’ll need to build out a forge I’m sure.” A grimace crosses his face as he continues, ”It’s a sure bet that whatever forges have been built out there, none will be good enough for the kind of work I’ll be wanting to do.”

As Tityanna mentions the need to get away, his eyes twinkle a little once again and he says, ”Some folk just occasionally need to move on. I for one, think there’s no shame or dishonor in wanting to see the world. It has much to offer and teach, as long as one is willing to pay attention and learn.” He then chuckles softly and says, ”I just hope, the teacher doesn’t rap our knuckles too hard this time around.”


"Ho,Ho." laughs the big smith. "You are likely right on that account miss." He winks and says, "Let's just say, my need to be moving on was great, and what the good lords don't know, won't harm their lofty pocket books too much." His laughter fills the air and you notice that some of the other settlers start to chuckle at the man's infectious humor. His slight jibe towards the Swordlords, striking a definite note of approval.