Age of Darkness

Game Master Mothman

The group crossing the river:

OK, I'm terribly confused now. I get that the river splits the city (now) and that we have to cross to go west. But WHY do we have to cross it again to continue west??? Is it like New Orleans, where the river curves so that it actually runs on 3 sides of the city? (New Orleans, the ONLY city in the world where you go EAST to get to the WEST bank!)

As the two men travel, Nicholai fills most of the time chatting with Kajetan, even when the usually shyer man doesn't respond much. It turns out that Nicholai has a tale for every occasion. And while he is no bard, he has a flair for the dramatic and wry wit that keeps his tales interesting. Most of them are probably true, if undoubtedly slanted towards Nicholai's best interests.

When they find the ferry, Nicholai doles out his change for the crossing of both men and horses while engaging in small talk with the ferryman. He casually asks about crossings further on, indicating that they are continuing west. But naming a town in that direction, and careful not to mention the monastery.

Gather Info: 1d20+7=13
Diplomacy, If it helps: 1d20+7=20

The eventual plan was to head west (to get to the monastery etc), but the proposal was to first meet up at the campsite east of the town (so as to confuse the pursuit). You left town via the north gate (which is on the west side of the river), are crossing the river to the east bank to meet at the campsite, then I would suppose the intention is to cross the river again to head west once you’ve all met up.

Of course, confusing the pursuit by heading in the wrong direction may be a moot point when your enemy has an eye in the sky…

Nicolai... do you think Wij would be able to take our Atrek's bird?

Stonty can provide a bit of information that might help; the town has four gates, north, south, east and west. You originally arrived from the east. The river bisects the town, running roughly from SSE to NNW, such that the north gate is on the east bank of the river, and the south gate on the west bank.

Ok, I think we are all a little confused, and have worked ourselves into a mess. Mothman, your description of the town by Stonty, puts the north gate on the east bank of the river; and this is what I drew my original map on. In saying that, I have certainly mixed up the locations of other landmarks on my own - for some reason thinking the campsite was to the north of the city. So can you confirm which side the river is actually on?

You mentioned that we could see each other at the river; perhaps it would make sense to meet up, given the circumstances, and head west together. If the river is on the east side of the North gate, then we avoid a crossing entirely and simply head west. If it is on the west side of the north gate, then we cross once together, and continue on west from there.

If this is an option, then Laithe will resume wolf form and let out a long howl to try and attract the attention of Nicolai and Kajetan. They could then track up river to meet us, and we pick a direction from there.

Bugger that, I did indeed stuff up my description, My description has the river going in a different direction to what I have on my map. It’s my mistake, so HERE is what happens:

You all exit via the north gate as described, which is on the EAST bank of the river (as per my description to you, which has caused the confusion). In two groups, you split up and head east to the campsite. You have now met up and are crossing the river to go WEST, this is where everyone is up to now. Let’s say Laithe is able to help everyone with their horses, you all cross the river TOGETHER under cover of the fog spell and are now all together on the WEST bank, north of town, ready to head further west.

All sound ok?

All sound ok?

All good: as mentioned I made my own stuff ups of where things were to add to the confusion, so apologies as well.

Standing on the western bank of the river, dripping wet and shivering a little from multiple trips in the cold water, Laithe spies a bird circling high above.

Pointing up he curses. "Damn; I had forgotten Atrek had a pet bird which he uses as look-out and scout. Unless we can draw it much closer, my magic won't be of any use in trying to stop it seeing us. Does anyone have any means by which we may be able to get it off our tail? If not then we may need to abandon stealth and make haste to the west - lest they exit the west gate and try and cut us off."

Wijk and yourselves did not spot the hunting birds until after you emerged from the fog cloud after crossing the river; while it is probable that it can see you from it’s location wheeling high above, you don’t know how intelligent it is (ie, whether it would be able to identify you from this height) and how, if at all, it can communicate with Atrek.

Pharris shrugs at Laithe and pulls her longbow free. She selects a good quality arrow and aims for the bird.

"It may be out of range but you never know." She rubs her arms down and tries to ignore the shivering cold from her wet blouse.

The warrior steps out of the mists and watches the circling bird for a while. Pharris lets fly, mouthing a silent prayer to her father.

1d20+7=24, 1d8=3pts, max range 1100ft, not sure of the range? I'll leave that to you, DM

Well that is a weight off my mind, I hate splitting up, but after losing a character to a river crossing in the past, it is an indignant way to die.

As the companions meet up, Kajetan is relieved to see every one together again. The river crossing is a traumatic experience for the young scholar who at first is more concerned with keeping his precious books dry, but becomes more and more worried for his own safety as the water gets deeper.

Back on dry land he stands there shivering but looking overjoyed to be back on Terra firma.

The dark, wedge-tailed bird circles at somewhere between six hundred and eight hundred feet up – it’s difficult to tell, and a difficult shot either way, even for such a skilled archer as Pharris.

The arrow flies straight and true … almost. Wind, or distance, or the unpredictable movement of the bird. Whatever it is, it misses, although the feathered shaft does appear to fly within feet of its target.

The eagle lets out a thin screech, wheels, flaps its wings hard and heads back in the direction of Lichford.

What now? I’d say you’re about an hour’s ride north of town. Tall, rugged hills are visible on the distant western horizon. Between them and the river is a dozen or more miles of fields, thickets, woods, streams, and small hills. There is a road running roughly west from Lichford towards the hills, but to reach it would bring you closer to town, unless you first traveled part or all of the way towards the hills then struck south to find the road.

Well that is a weight off my mind, I hate splitting up, but after losing a character to a river crossing in the past, it is an indignant way to die.

Ugh, that would suck.

Yeah, we all got turned around. Probably due to talking about going all 3 directions at once! ;) Thx for the fix Moth!

Oooo,... 'Death by drowning on the WAY to the adventure!' That would stink! reticence understood!

Nicholai and Kajetan join up with the others and cross the river. He steals many admiring glances at Pharris in her wet garments as she unlimbers her bow. HE raises an eyebrow at her slender, exotic, beauty. Then holds his breath with the others as her arrow flies towards the hunting bird. He gnashes his teeth in frustration as the arrow misses and the bird wheels about.

"I, don't know." He responds finally to Keildrithe's question.

"I hate to ask Wij and risk him getting hurt. But he IS an eagle. If he took the other from above,..."

"Wij'kan! IS the other predator, or prey? Can you defeat him?' NIcholai asks the golden eagle through the in a series of pictures and feelings.

He watches the other fly off towards Lichford. "Perhaps, we should wait. They have no reason to suspect that Wij' is with us right now. Being able to keep an eye on them, and having a way of taking out their spy at an opportune moment, is an advantage I wouldn't want to give up too early." Nicholai says slowly. "Whatever that bird is, a ranger's hawk, or a wizard's familiar, it can't have better eyes than Wij'kan! We can let them keep their spy, and use it to track them!" He declares with a grin.

"I, don't know." He responds finally to Keildrithe's question.

"I hate to ask Wij and risk him getting hurt. But he IS an eagle. If he took the other from above,..."

"Wij'kan! IS the other predator, or prey? Can you defeat him?' NIcholai asks the golden eagle through the in a series of pictures and feelings.

He watches the other fly off towards Lichford. "Perhaps, we should wait. They have no reason to suspect that Wij' is with us right now. Being able to keep an eye on them, and having a way of taking out their spy at an opportune moment, is an advantage I wouldn't want to give up too early." Nicholai says slowly. "Whatever that bird is, a ranger's hawk, or a wizard's familiar, it can't have better eyes than Wij'kan! We can let them keep their spy, and use it to track them!" He declares with a grin.

"Atrek's bird was a Black-crested Eagle if I'm not mistaken" Laithe says to Nicolai, recalling their encounter with the bird in the wilderness outside of Barg.

Mothman, from what Laithe knows of Black Crests and Wij'kan, would he be able to determine the approximate matchings of the birds (at least how they would match up in the wild?). Knoweldge Nature 2 + 11 = 13."

"I think we should get moving, and fairly quickly. We have a little time perhaps before the Atrek's bird returns, and we should try and put some distance between us and this spot. I say we make our way west towards the hills, then cut south back onto the road out of sight of the city."

Assuming all are in agreeance, he saddles up and gently goads his horse into a trot, attempting to map the easiest route West. Knoweldge geography 13 + 6 = 19.

"I'm with Laithe... let's make haste..."

Wijk’An’s mental image indicates that the other bird is a dominant predator … although the hawk considers himself smarter than that dumb brute …

Laithe knows that a Black Crested Eagle is a larger, tougher, stronger bird than a hawk the size of Wijk’An, although he has never been able to determine exactly what species of hawk the golden familiar is, and doesn’t know how him being a sorcerer’s familiar might factor into the equation.

---

Laithe begins heading west, keeping an eye out for geographic features (such as creek lines, steep hills or sudden ravines or gullies) that may impede their progress.

Laithe begins heading west, keeping an eye out for geographic features (such as creek lines, steep hills or sudden ravines or gullies) that may impede their progress.

"Keep an eye on the skies, and the road heading west from Lichford" Laithe says to the group as they set out. Atrek and Vorn are planning to give chase and we don't want them to get the jump on us."

Laithe will keep an eye on the skies, spot check 17 + 9 = 26, and south towards the road (as geography allows) spot check 17 + 9 = 26 (wow, nice consistent rolls there).

"It must be a good bet that rumours against us will be circulating the town soon. We will be blamed for everything from the killing at the inn to the fire at the church. Or at least that is what I would do if I wanted to spoil our reputations."

Pharris moves up with the rest, now dressed in more modest clothing and wrapped in her thick cloak. The bow is stowed away under the saddlebags and her greatsword pokes up above her shoulder, ready for an ambush.

"How far to this hut and village? Didn't stonty say it was only a days ride? I am a bit cold and could do with warming up by a nice fire."

Kajetan is glad for the distraction of the missed arrow shot so that he can stop averting his eyes from the graceful womans obvious charms.
"It is a pity I have not had a chance to summon a familiar of my own, with two of them we could scare the bird away once and for all."

"I'm not relishing a hard ride on that beast, it does not like me and the feeling is mutual," Kajetan mutters at his horse which glares innocently back.

Wijk’An’s mental image indicates that the other bird is a dominant predator … although the hawk considers himself smarter than that dumb brute …

"Of course you are!" Nicholai responds with encouragement and warmth through the link, grinning as he looks towards the sky. "Brains over brawn my Golden Hunter! Peace, Fly high, Watch. Your turn will come." He assures his friend with images and feelings. He looks back at his friends, blinking to clear his vision from the spots in his eyes, and notices Kajetan also glancing at Pharris as she stows her bow. The dandy winks at the young bookworm, and himself looks briefly disappointed as the wondrous warrior woman covers herself up with her cloak.

"It must be a good bet that rumours against us will be circulating the town soon. We will be blamed for everything from the killing at the inn to the fire at the church. Or at least that is what I would do if I wanted to spoil our reputations."

NIcholai grins. "Judging by the posters in the town, I think that your reputations have all been sufficiently sullied already. But your right. You, and us if we are seen with you, will probably be blamed for every misfortune that occurs in your vicinity. And the inquisition isn't known for withdrawing accusations just because you say you didn't do it." He adds with a dark look.

"How far to this hut and village? Didn't stonty say it was only a days ride? I am a bit cold and could do with warming up by a nice fire."

Nicholai grins once more. He tips his floppy, wide-brimmed hat to Pharris and says, "I'm sure that can be arranged my lady." He continues to smile as they travel.

"It is a pity I have not had a chance to summon a familiar of my own, with two of them we could scare the bird away once and for all."

Nicholai eyes the young man with interest as he puts his ascot back on and adjusts it.

"I wish I could help you Kajetan. But in this instance your knowledge far outweighs my own. All I can tell you is that Wij is my best friend, and I wouldn't trade that for all the gold in the church!" He says with a smile.

Wij'kan will follow high above, keeping an eye out for the black eagle and anyone following them,...

Alton elects to swim across the river, not being too fond of riding his horse under normal circumstances. He crosses the river with relative ease, grateful for the summers spent swimming in his youth.

Shivering, he joins Laithe on the western bank and follows his gaze up, not seeing the bird. He nods in response to Laithe and mounts his pony "Yes; the farther we are from Lichford the less likely it is that Atrek will be able to take reinforcements from the town's forces."

Swim 21 (20+1)

Nicholai eyes the young man with interest as he puts his ascot back on and adjusts it.
"I was never aware that you could call a familiar. ...

"Kajetan returns Nicholai's wink with burnished red cheeks, embarrassed at being caught having a sneaky peek. Glad to change the subject he explains [b]"I was so intregged by your link with Wijk’An that I returned to some old notes I had, I also can bind a familiar to my soul, essentially I take a normal animal and tie my soul into it, I heard report of wizards binding them selves to Staffs, Orbs and Tombs, but the familiar is by far the easiest to achieve."

Progress west, across field and dale, is steady but slow. The western hills creep slowly closer.

Laithe’s view of the road somewhere to the south is impeded by geographic features for the most part, though the vantage of high ground might allow him to search for any sign of pursuit – while also probably making him more visible.

After about two hours though, he does spot a distant flying shape, somewhere in the direction of Lichford, that might be Atrek’s eagle again. Nicolai’s link with Wijk’An confirms it. The familiar has spotted the black eagle too. It is flying high, up about 1000 feet, making ever widening circles around the town. Hunting… thinks Wijk’An.

The familiar has reported that there appear to be a lot of men and horses moving about closer to the town too. None are anywhere near you (yet), but they are on the west side of the river and generally moving in a westerly direction, some via the road, some out in the countryside like yourselves.

'Good job. Stay with us. Stay High, Stay Safe.' NIcholai tells his golden friend though the link.

"I think that Wij has spotted hunting parties from the city. And Atrek's eagle is circling the city in widening circles. Looking for sign of us no doubt. It's impossible to tell for certain, we're communicating with images and feelings, not words and numbers, but I get the impression that there are quite a few people out there." Nicholai relates to his companions.

"Unfortunately, they seem to have caught onto the fact that we're heading west already, as the majority of the people seem to be headed this way. I recommend that we stay under cover of the trees as much as possible to prevent that eagle from spotting us until we're ready. When we DO have to leave the cover, keep it steady. I can tell you from experience that sudden, furtive movements will catch it's attention quicker than anything." He suggests with a nod to Laithe to indicate that he bows to the druid's wisdom is such matters.

"We're just lucky that black brute doesn't have the sharp eyes of Wij'kan." The dandy can't seem to help but add, bragging about his friend's prowess.

The dapper dandy shudders with feigned revulsion as Kajetan mentions bonding one's soul to an object.

"Ugh! How could someone do that? I mean, thanks to Wij I can grasp why a person would be willing to share a part of themselves with another living creature, But with a bit of wood, or rock? That just sounds so,... wrong."

"We wanted to set an ambush? why not now while we know they are coming and our spellcasters are spell-ready apart from the odd fog spell and invisibility."

The amazon seems to thaw in an instant.

"Come on, that will teach Atrek to fear us. Maybe you planners can find a way to keep the soldiers embarrassed but alive. You did a great job of getting us out of Lichford, apart from this horse and the whole dropping me in the river. I almost think you chose my horse on purpose."

"We wanted to set an ambush? why not now while we know they are coming and our spellcasters are spell-ready apart from the odd fog spell and invisibility."

The amazon seems to thaw in an instant.

"Come on, that will teach Atrek to fear us. Maybe you planners can find a way to keep the soldiers embarrassed but alive. You did a great job of getting us out of Lichford, apart from this horse and the whole dropping me in the river. I almost think you chose my horse on purpose."

"It sounds like there are a lot of men out and about and they are spread out. I fear an ambush would be ineffective in these conditions. I also suspect that this close to the city we may be forced to face not only Atrek and his cut-throats, but Lichford soldiers as well. The more distance we put between us and the city, the less likely we will be forced to face a large group with support nearby."

He looks east once more at the speck that is Atrek's pet bird. "It will not be long before they spot us; I say from here we take a south-west route till we hit the road, and from there we ride hard. Once on the road we can look for a suitable place to stop and set up an ambush."

He turns to the warrior woman, obviously keen to put her sword arm to use once more. "Have no fear Pharris; Atrek and Vorn have tracked us all the way from Barg. As you say, since then we have added a new list of offences and grievances in their eyes. I have not doubt you will get a chance to put your sword to use soon enough."

So, what's it to be? Continue west using stealth and cover, look for a likely spot nearby to lay an ambush, or make for the road then head west with all haste?

He looks east once more at the speck that is Atrek's pet bird. "It will not be long before they spot us; I say from here we take a south-west route till we hit the road, and from there we ride hard. Once on the road we can look for a suitable place to stop and set up an ambush."

He turns to the warrior woman, obviously keen to put her sword arm to use once more. "Have no fear Pharris; Atrek and Vorn have tracked us all the way from Barg. As you say, since then we have added a new list of offences and grievances in their eyes. I have not doubt you will get a chance to put your sword to use soon enough."

Keildrithe spits on the ground as Laithe mentions Atrek and Vorn. "I wonder if the old tower in the hills Stonty spoke of wouldn't be the best place to meet our pursuers... it might be more defensible... though, of course, it might also end up being a death trap from which we can't flee if overwhelmed..."

Keildrithe spits on the ground as Laithe mentions Atrek and Vorn. "I wonder if the old tower in the hills Stonty spoke of wouldn't be the best place to meet our pursuers... it might be more defensible... though, of course, it might also end up being a death trap from which we can't flee if overwhelmed..."

"It depends what numbers we are facing," Laithe replies. "It looks like at the moment there are too many out and about to defend against without some type of fortification. Even if we do find a naturally defensible spot, they could hole us up for an hour or so and easily bring in greater numbers from the city".

"The tower sounds like a good spot to make a stand, though that is yet to be seen. If we head there though, we buy ourselves some time to see what type of pursuit there is, and either use the tower, or find another, defensible position to meet them on our terms."

"We wanted to set an ambush? why not now while we know they are coming and our spellcasters are spell-ready apart from the odd fog spell and invisibility."

The amazon seems to thaw in an instant.

"Come on, that will teach Atrek to fear us. Maybe you planners can find a way to keep the soldiers embarrassed but alive. You did a great job of getting us out of Lichford, apart from this horse and the whole dropping me in the river. I almost think you chose my horse on purpose."

"Er.. I have used all my mystical powers up for today apart from some low rank powers."

All my third level spells are used up now, as is one 0 level and two 2nd level, I still have:
Charm Person
Colour Spray
Comprehend Languages

"I too am in favour of the tower if we are to fight, better that than we run for the rest of our lives," despite his comment, Kajetan looks like fighting is the last thing in the world he would like to do.

"Unless we can fake our deaths some how, you know with silent image, summon monster and invisibility spells we could probably arrange to have some of us bumped off, maybe dragged into the waters by beasts?" he mumbles to him self, obviously formulating some weird and wonderful plan that has no chance of success outside of a text book.

"As Laithe says, fear not my lady. your pursuers have proven reticent thus far. I have no doubt they will continue to be so in the immediate future. Our best hope for now I think is to provide no more trail than you have before, lest he become suspicious. And if you make it seem like your too near, he can convince the soldiers from the city to follow. What we want is only Atrek and his personal entourage to follow us. Even the most dangerous spider doesn't fare well alone against an entire hive of wasps." He says encouragingly to Pharris. He smiles engagingly at her, obviously hoping for more conversation. When it doesn't seem to be immediately forthcoming, he turns his attention to Kajetan.

Nicholai smiles at Kajetan as the youth begins outlining a plan that would work only in the most fabulous of bard's tales. His smile falters somewhat as he begins thinking. His smile quickly returns, bigger than ever.

"I think you may have something there my friend." Nicholai says with a gleam in his eyes, and as they ride quickly outlines his own idea.

"IF we can keep Atrek from realizing we are together, we can set up an ambush with Kajetan and I as bait! We can either have phantasmal or summoned creatures attacking us, or perhaps you can pretend to attack us as they come into view, and when they attack to 'save' us, WE can turn the tables on them!" He grins like a canary that swallowed the cat.

Some good ideas here, but we need either a concensus or someone to take charge and say this is what we are doing.

Yeah, sorry, been busy in RL (wurk is teh sux)I was just tossing out another idea IC as I luv writing too much. SO< in short OOC, do we want to get to the cabin, rest up/prep, keep an eye out for Altek, let him get close, and set up an ambush? Prep could include Laithe setting snares and leading them into them when they start to chase us Maybe?

Some good ideas here, but we need either a concensus or someone to take charge and say this is what we are doing.

I vote head for the tower, which I also guess is the next location for our adventure :-)

I agree, other than I don't want Atrek following us and cramping our style when we are trying to accomplish something! Recurring villains are cool and all, but lets remove this burr from our saddle BEFORE it becomes a thorn in our @$$ ! ;) And isn't the cabin on our way, so we can meet him there, and not lead him to where we really want to be?

The only other trap I might see working would involve pulling a rope across the road as Atrek and his riders approach, and then throwing nets over them before closing for melee... of course, that would risk causing a great deal of harm to the horses, which I am sure would be more than just a little distasteful to most party members (including Keildrithe), and especially to Laithe... But aside from that, I've been thinking the same thing that Kajetan's been thinking, with regards to the tower.

As for relative locales, the ruined tower is on the way to the cabin, which is on the way (presumably) to the monastery. It’s up to you whether you go to the tower, there’s certainly no railroad leading there ;-)

"If we head for the tower, we could even trick them into believing that we've gone inside it, while we prepare traps from outside. We might be able to divide and conquer that way. At the very least, we might be able to scare off the horses of those who go looking for us inside... and if the gods should deign to smile upon us, I may also be able to put some of our pursuers to sleep with a lullaby of sorts."

"If we head for the tower, we could even trick them into believing that we've gone inside it, while we prepare traps from outside. We might be able to divide and conquer that way. At the very least, we might be able to scare off the horses of those who go looking for us inside... and if the gods should deign to smile upon us, I may also be able to put some of our pursuers to sleep with a lullaby of sorts."

Laithe nods, and says "The tower it is then, though we will look out on the road for a suitable place to lay an ambush if one presents itself before we get there." He spurs his horse forward, trying to pick a sheltered but relatively easy path South and West towards the road.

Nicholai purses his lips thoughtfully, then grins and nods his agreement.

"Sounds suspiciously like a plan. To the tower then?" He says, and spurs his horse to follow the others.

Twiceborn:

Just letting you know I'm still here; I'm working on starting moving so I'm a bit busy.

As the party rides on towards the tower, constantly looking over their shoulders, Keildrithe begins to recite a stirring ode in Karandic, which he subsequently translates for the benefit of his companions...

Break the bread and drink the wine
Seize the chalice, suck the poison vine
There is frost in every sunbeam
Water flows, from the earth to the sky
Looking down on every rose
Nothing moves, the wheel of heaven turns
As our fingers leave their trace
We are gods in a world we dared embrace

Now we're lost, you can't disguise, the river of no return
Now it's gone, you realize, the river of no return
And the anguish drives me on, I wish I could return
All the love that washed away
Down the river of no return

The bard shakes his head in frustration, anger and dismay, driving his horse harder towards the horizon. "Another joyless task is ended... and a third now begins..."

END OF EPISODE 2

Song credits: "River of No Return," by Bruce Dickinson.

Sorry guys, it might take me another day or so to be ready to move on with the next chapter.

Great wrap-up Keildrithe.

The bard shakes his head in frustration, anger and dismay, driving his horse harder towards the horizon. "Another joyless task is ended... and a third now begins..."

Laithe listens to Keildrithe's stirring ode with relish, filled with nostalgia at hearing the native song of his people, sung in it's native tongue. For a few blissful moments he is taken back to his home, sitting around the campfire on a clear, star-filled night, enjoying the company of his family and friends.

It is with sadness that he is pulled back into the present as the final chords of the song fade away. He rides in silence for a moment, mourning his own losses, and sharing his kinsman's frustration and anger in their current situation.

After a moment he gently goads his horse into a trot to catch up with Keildrithe and ride along side him. "I feel your pain, brother, yet I disagree. There is joy in these tasks we fulfill; though it be difficult to see through the pain and struggle. For me it is in the songs you play, which help me to recall with fondness those I have lost. It is in friends I have made in yourself and those who ride with us." He looks back at Pharris, Alton, Nicolai and Kajetan in turn, before turning back to Keildrithe.

"It is in the good we have done, and the lives we have saved; even though those threatened may not have realised they were ever in danger. It is in the beauty I see in the land around us" he continues, gazing out at the ruggard landscape through which they ride "and it is in the fact that despite all, we still stand and still strive to oppose those who would harm us."

He rides for a little more time in silence, contemplating his own words. "It is a bitter-sweet joy certainly, but you must have faith in it, faith that it is worth the suffering we go through to find it. Have faith in the land, have faith in your companions, and most of all, have faith in yourself."

He becomes deadly serioud now, and whispers quietly but urgently to the bard.

Keildrithe

Keildrithe Oldsun wrote:

The bard shakes his head in frustration, anger and dismay, driving his horse harder towards the horizon. "Another joyless task is ended... and a third now begins..."

Laithe listens to Keildrithe's stirring ode with relish, filled with nostalgia at hearing the native song of his people, sung in it's native tongue. For a few blissful moments he is taken back to his home, sitting around the campfire on a clear, star-filled night, enjoying the company of his family and friends.

It is with sadness that he is pulled back into the present as the final chords of the song fade away. He rides in silence for a moment, mourning his own losses, and sharing his kinsman's frustration and anger in their current situation.

After a moment he gently goads his horse into a trot to catch up with Keildrithe and ride along side him. "I feel your pain, brother, yet I disagree. There is joy in these tasks we fulfill; though it be difficult to see through the pain and struggle. For me it is in the songs you play, which help me to recall with fondness those I have lost. It is in friends I have made in yourself and those who ride with us." He looks back at Pharris, Alton, Nicolai and Kajetan in turn, before turning back to Keildrithe.

"It is in the good we have done, and the lives we have saved; even though those threatened may not have realised they were ever in danger. It is in the beauty I see in the land around us" he continues, gazing out at the ruggard landscape through which they ride "and it is in the fact that despite all, we still stand and still strive to oppose those who would harm us."

He rides for a little more time in silence, contemplating his own words. "It is a bitter-sweet joy certainly, but you must have faith in it, faith that it is worth the suffering we go through to find it. Have faith in the land, have faith in your companions, and most of all, have faith in yourself."

He becomes deadly serioud now, and whispers quietly but urgently to the bard....

With a grim expression, Keildrithe rides on, meditating on the words Laithe has spoken to him. Eventually, when he is confident that he is out of earshot of the others, he responds to the druid.

Laithe and DM

As the song finishes, Pharris wipes tears from her face.

The warrior smiles through her tangled red hair at everyone, trying to put a brave face on.

"That was beautiful, Keildrithe. You have song at heart."

With a grim expression, Keildrithe rides on, meditating on the words Laithe has spoken to him. Eventually, when he is confident that he is out of earshot of the others, he responds to the druid.

Laithe continues to ride alongside Keildrithe conversing with the hedilye in quiet tones

Keildrithe and Mothman

Kajetan looks round at the others who are emotional, "beautiful," is all he whispers before sinking into deep thoughts.

...