Hermia touches the quill to the parchment and begins copying the symbols she found in the book. The pain in her chest is quite prevalent now, and there is a slight tremulous in her right arm as a result, but her intent to proceed, to gain an ally to combat this evil lends to an almost complete disregard for her self by this act, and strength and steadiness to her fingers.
Even as she begins to work, he grabs her wrist after a moment of scribing.
”Enough! he says, his voice cold, his voice like death.
”I have seen these letters; once… they were on the body of an enemy. The enemy was a priest to Zon-Kuthon… yet even my mentor, who knew the nature of the priests of Zon-Kuthon... even he was appalled by what he discovered. These words… they are not of this realm; these writings are of ancient and far more foul realm then even the Abyss or the Inferno… no one truly knows the origin of them… the Ancient Ones… worshiped in cults before gods were known and followed. Yet it is said that they posses a greater power then men and gods alike… and yet have walked among us on our world before man was known… I shall not name them, nor speak of them… yet if thy would I ask thee to put aside this foul evil and not let thy mind consider it again. Should thy do so, thou will assuredly tempt Fate to rashly… I marvel that thy even survived as long as thy have… for it would have surely broken the minds of others. Know also this… be wary; for by the study of such things, be it pen thy foul mark or even name it… thy have wakened their lidless eye to thy presence. Thou hast passed from the realm of living and been retrieved from the world of Undeath… but it was not unmarked… Aye indeed; they now have their eye turned on thee…”
He stands and takes the paper she has writ upon and adds it to a candle, letting the fires destroy the parchment, then grinds the ashes.
”Flame is the great destructor… it is through that in which I place my faith of the eradication of any residual curse that conscripting such words may bring… short of that, petition thy gods…”
His face looks haggard, as if he has recalled some dreadful evil, and you have heard the name Zon-Kuthon before… a god, not a nameless creature, older then that. If he is unaffected by the horror of the worshipers of Zon-Kuthon… taking his dread presence as a sane and normal part of his calling… then how much more dread and evil are these Nameless Ones he alludes to… and what foul curse have they kindled, simply by their utterance or the transcription of their language?
Only time will tell…
Ka'etil takes note of the men, and as they have not made any overtly threatening overtures, he speaks to them politely. With a courtious tone he says
Well I know of no Tinkerer, nor any Kaid for that matter, but Oleg, I am familiar with, and am bound for that same "Garrison" of which you speak. I take it I'm heading in the right direction, so I'll thank you for your assistance and continue on my way. It is late and I am weary and am in want of a warm place to stay and a good meal.
He continues riding, not changing direction, toward Oleg's, smiling politely at them.
The two men move around him in a flanking position; they do not hinder him, but ride with him, Ka'etil in the middle.
"It is our business to ask questions, for we are under orders. We shall aid you then in showing you the way, friend. But these lands are under the government of master Oleg's... who we were hired to help gaurd from threats of bandrity and other dangers. We do not wish to harm you, or engage with you in combat, but we will show you the way to Oleg and let him do with you as he sees fit."
They seem courteous, and a little tired, but not dangerous or threatening. You suspect that they know their way around a blade, and seem dangerous besides... but they are simply gaurds that are directing you to the gate.
When you arrive you see a covey of wagons and what looks like a stable and small group of tents to the west of the base camp. To the east of Oleg's trading post is a bunker made of logs and a tall tower, with a gaurd on the summit. They ride around to the front of Oleg's walls... it looks like a wooden fort, the walls standing roughly twenty feet... There is a large central gate about twenty feet in width. It is open, and you hear talking and laughing and meriment inside. The gaurds salute you once, and turn their mounts then ride back to their patrols.
Ka'etil approaches the gateway, and enters, calling out
Hail, I come seeking the master of the premises, an Oleg, as I am aware.
He takes a look around, taking note of the people within, smiling at the thought of merriment. It's been too long, far too long, and while he tries not to get his hopes up, he lets himself think about the possibility of more of light-heartedness in his future.
He waves a greeting and extends a hand should someone approach him, otherwise he continues in to ask about the whereabouts of Oleg.
Ka'etil is a tall, pale half-elf. Bright turquoise eyes (those who look very closely see they have slitted not round pupils) shine through an unkempt mop of hair on his head, and a slight grin on his face. He wears a heavy fur cloak, and has a full-length open coat (trench-coat/texas-ranger vibe, maybe) with the sleeves torn off, over fine wooden armor.
He rides a tired and poorly groomed stallion, a strength behind it's tired eyes, with heavy laden saddlebags.
He's bristling with weapons, a long-handled hammer at his back, a greatsword sheathed at his right side, a morning star hanging at his left, and a longbow.
Ka'etil approaches the gateway, and enters, calling out
Hail, I come seeking the master of the premises, an Oleg, as I am aware.
He takes a look around, taking note of the people within, smiling at the thought of merriment. It's been too long, far too long, and while he tries not to get his hopes up, he lets himself think about the possibility of more of light-heartedness in his future.He waves a greeting and extends a hand should someone approach him, otherwise he continues in to ask about the whereabouts of Oleg.
Songs can be heard, and you see a group of youngsters in a corner, playing dice at a table, and another group of older men; a dwarf, and a Halfling, sitting in another corner, hunched over a map and gesturing at it, swapping drinks and offering conversation which is difficult to understand with all the ambient noise.
Suddenly, you are approached by a young Halfling. He is dressed with a long great-cloak over his shoulders, and you see the hilt of a sword poking from his hip. A pipe is clenched between his teeth, and a mug in his hand.
”Evening, friend… Brett’s the name, and ye be at Oleg’s. I ain’t him… he be inside his cottage, getting hash sorted out regarding something I don’t know what… But I reckon I can give ye the run o’ the land, and make introductions to all… Me mates have wandered off to the tents to the west and are sharing news, no doubt, with them new-comers that ye see about… but I’ve been here a bit, and seen a bit more.”
He claps you on the back.
”Ye wanting a drink, lad? Ye look plumb worn out… or at least like ye may need a moment to rest. Come on, let me help ye stable yer horse, then we can make introductions proper, eh?
This “Brett” fellow strikes you as open, down-to-earth, and friendly. He offers you the mug without even a thought, and you can smell the smell of warm cider, with a touch of alcohol in it, which warms you if you drink it. Walking you across the courtyard, he leads your horse into a small internal stable, and after a moment of giving you a hand in removing the saddle and getting the horse rubbed down, he continues to talk.
”Anyhow… me and me mates be here on a mission… given a writ fer wiping clean the lands o’ bandits and other scum, no doubt… we been exploring wide and far, and have much mapped out, and claimed it as our own, if ye’ll believe it. See, the government o’ Brevoy… they gave us the land we free of bandits, provide we map it… which we be done doing… Now that we done that… we come back here to pass on the writ to master Oleg; he be a sort of custodian of the place and can sign off on our exploration and the like. But where’s me bloody manners? What be yer name? Yer purpose, and why ye be here? If ye want to answer, I’d be obliged, but if ye prefer not to, that be yer choice as well… but everyone here be right friendly enough,”he says clapping his hand on your lower back with a friendly fashion.
”I have seen these letters; once… they were on the body of an enemy. The enemy was a priest to Zon-Kuthon… yet even my mentor, who knew the nature of the priests of Zon-Kuthon... even he was appalled by what he discovered. These words… they are not of this realm; these writings are of ancient and far more foul realm then even the Abyss or the Inferno… no one truly knows the origin of them… the Ancient Ones… worshiped in cults before gods were known and followed. Yet it is said that they posses a greater power then men and gods alike… and yet have walked among us on our world before man was known… I shall not name them, nor speak of them… yet if thy would I ask thee to put aside this foul evil and not let thy mind consider it again. Should thy do so, thou will assuredly tempt Fate to rashly… I marvel that thy even survived as long as thy have… for it would have surely broken the minds of others. Know also this… be wary; for by the study of such things, be it pen thy foul mark or even name it… thy have wakened their lidless eye to thy presence. Thou hast passed from the realm of living and been retrieved from the world of Undeath… but it was not unmarked… Aye indeed; they now have their eye turned on thee…”
Hermia gently lays the quill down, and touching her hand to her scarred chest, rises slowly.
So, I am truly to be untouched, then? she wonders. Never to be loved, or held...
"As I said, we have buried this book upon hallowed ground, until such a time when we may construct a more permanent and secure repository for its evil, there it will remain," she assures Aliento. "Pray, pardon me for disturbing your evening. I will take my leave, and allow you commune with your Lady."
Hermia quits the tent, and appears to stride quite valiantly away from it on will alone, then staggers, and finally falls in the dirt and simply remains there, unmoving.
Ka'etil smiles and laughs at the little man's warm demeanor, and takes a deep drink of the mug he offers
I fear it would be great folly to keep my purpose a secret, as it is the same as yours. I've received a similar mandate, free the land from banditry and I may claim it as my own. Even upon approach, the atmosphere was one of warmth and welcome.
I'd be very glad of your friendship and a good meal.
Exiting the stables, He looks around for the source of the music and heads toward it.
As master Oleg is occupied, and I'd not like to interrupt him or your companions with introductions if they are conversing, let us go have a little fun before getting down to business.
Alaric will go into the Oleg's with Ariarh with the purpose of looking for Dasha and Drake. When he sees Brett and the new guy he will walk up and say Brett! Have you seen Drake or Dasha? and who is your new friend? Alaric will proffer his hand to the large man and say Alaric Winter, at your service.
Ka'etil smiles and laughs at the little man's warm demeanor, and takes a deep drink of the mug he offers
I fear it would be great folly to keep my purpose a secret, as it is the same as yours. I've received a similar mandate, free the land from banditry and I may claim it as my own. Even upon approach, the atmosphere was one of warmth and welcome.
I'd be very glad of your friendship and a good meal.
Exiting the stables, He looks around for the source of the music and heads toward it.
As master Oleg is occupied, and I'd not like to interrupt him or your companions with introductions if they are conversing, let us go have a little fun before getting down to business.
The music is comming from one of the tables under a canopy to keep out the elements. You observe two large tables under a canopy... One of them has several adults looking at a map... The other, where the music is comming from has youngsters...
There is two humans... one of them a girl in her early twenties, and the other a male in his mid to late teens. Sitting across from them are two halflings... also a male and female... They are in (as halflings call it) there "tweens" that is - the period between 18 and their comming of age at 33.
The girls and laughing and singing a song, while the halfling is also singing and the lad is cursing at a bad throw of the dice. You notice the male has a dagger at his wrist and a short sword at his hip; despite the fact that he is his mid-teens... While the halfling has what looks like a long barrelled rod or weapon strapped to his hip... it seems to have two barrels and a grip for his hand to hold it.
They see Brett wandering over, and eye the new-commer with some surprise, but nothing but casual observance... though you notice the older girl, the one in her mid-twenties, is letting her eyes range over your body a little longer then she might...
"Well, here be some introductions..."Brett begins; "this be Sarah and Chris Ironhorse,"he says to the humans "AND... this be Ivy and Billy Banks..."he adds on the halflings, who turn and look at you. The one called Billy Banks raises a tankard and salutes you with a drink, leaning back on the table, while Ivy lets out an exhale of smoke from her mouth as she continues to smoke her pipe.
Seeing the tall newcomer standing with Brett and now Alaric, Ariarh moves closer, waiting in turn to make her own introductions.
Alaric will go into the Oleg's with Ariarh with the purpose of looking for Dasha and Drake. When he sees Brett and the new guy he will walk up and say Brett! Have you seen Drake or Dasha? and who is your new friend? Alaric will proffer his hand to the large man and say Alaric Winter, at your service.
"Drake be out and about... Dasha be helping Svetlana in the kitchen prepping some grub fer the others... and as fer introductions... why... he be making his better then I. I ain't got heads nor tails from him yet, on what he be doing here, or what his business be... but I reckon he'll tell us, when he's got a mind to...."Brett adds with an exagerated drawl.
"Nay, I be giving ye straight hash... seems this lad got a bitty o' the charter. Why don't ye be sharing notes, as would be, and I be going out and about... seeing to the others in the wagon,"he adds, and turning back he gives the young halfling a bit of a wink, and she rolls her eyes at him and laughs.
Brett laughs too, then wanders out into the grass... a chill wind is blowing and the sky is heavily overcast...you think there may be bad weather comming and are glad for the warmth of the buildings and fire tonight.
As Brett is wandering out, he sees Puck running to him.
"Master Brett, master Brett... come quick, my lady has fallen!"
"Oh blast!" he mutters... and the two of them rush forward, and search the tall grasses and find Hermia laying on the ground.
Brett checks her pulse and mutters, and attempts to revive her via Healing by taking 20.
Heal Check - 25
Hermia comes around to look up at Brett, staring down at her with concern on his face.
"Ye alright, lass?" he asks "Found ye out here... laying in the grasses alone... what happened?
Ka'etil steps toward them, and extends a hand each that takes it, in turn, a firm handshake, fur not putting much pressure, aware of his own strength.
Sarah, Chris, Ivy, Billy, it's a pleasure to meet you all, I go by Ka'etil.
He graces Sarah with a subtly brighter smile than the others.
He turns to Alric, impressed by his forwardness similar to Brett. He takes the man's hand and shakes it So you be one of Brett's "Mates" similarly tasked as I? I haven't much by way of notes, as such, but a willing arm
He looks about for any others that may be approaching now.
Before Alaric answers Ka'etil's question, Ariarh steps up to make her introductions. She extends her hand to the tall newcomer,
"My name is Ariarh Kane, it is good to meet you."
Alaric is 5'9" and is dressed in immaculate and well made clothing suitable for traveling as well as for some minor formal occasions. He has long black hair and carries himself well. Great to meet you Ka'etil. It's good to see another willing arm into these lands.
He takes Ariah's hand hand and repeats Ka'etil, glad to meet you m'lady. Who was that little man, and what of his lady?
Ka'etil is glad to be meeting these new folks, but disappointed that his chance of festivities may be cut short.
He turns in the direction of Puck and Brett?
"The little man is our brownie companion, Puck Sparrow, and his mistress is Hermia, our resident cleric. Something may have happened to her, but I do not know what. I have not seen her since she entered one of tents beyond the walls."
Hermia comes around to look up at Brett, staring down at her with concern on his face.
"Ye alright, lass?" he asks "Found ye out here... laying in the grasses alone... what happened?
Hermia desperately struggles to adopt an expression of perfect resignation. "I am perfectly well," she lies blatantly. "I became so entangled by my duties that I forgot to eat, and simply ran out of energy here. You know my preference for the wilds, the grass seemed to me as good a palate as any."
Hermia looks to Puck and begins to cry. His mind, more affected than hers, for days left alone to study the book. But, he had not died... Perhaps... To know for certain she would have to study, and to study would bring ruin to them all. She picks herself up slowly, stiffly. "It appears the madness is upon me again, Master Brett, though much more manageable this time, aye?" is her poor attempt at levity.
Perhaps we should take a look at her. To ensure she is well.
He looks at the others, longingly wishing to remain where there is music and food and good company to be had, but then turns to where the little men went.
Hermia comes around to look up at Brett, staring down at her with concern on his face.
"Ye alright, lass?" he asks "Found ye out here... laying in the grasses alone... what happened?
Hermia desperately struggles to adopt an expression of perfect resignation. "I am perfectly well," she lies blatantly. "I became so entangled by my duties that I forgot to eat, and simply ran out of energy here. You know my preference for the wilds, the grass seemed to me as good a palate as any."
Hermia looks to Puck and begins to cry. His mind, more affected than hers, for days left alone to study the book. But, he had not died... Perhaps... To know for certain she would have to study, and to study would bring ruin to them all. She picks herself up slowly, stiffly. "It appears the madness is upon me again, Master Brett, though much more manageable this time, aye?" is her poor attempt at levity.
"Ah, ye'll be alright, lass..."Brett says with a harsh clearing of his throat.
"Why don't ye be getting up, and heading inside ol master Oleg's... meet the folk, and the youngsters there... and it looks like our mates done found a new friend... big son o' a buck, too... by all accounts... course, I heard a village idiot tell me that anything o'er 4'6" be a giant to ourn folk..." he adds with a wry grin.
Perhaps we should take a look at her. To ensure she is well.
He looks at the others, longingly wishing to remain where there is music and food and good company to be had, but then turns to where the little men went.
"I believe Hermia is in capable hands with Brett and the brownie, Puck Sparrow. I am confident they will find her and aid her, if needs be. If she does require further aid in terms of healing, I will be at the ready. Our cleric has regrettably suffered many a trial over recent weeks."
"I Differ to your assessment, and if she is in good hands, then all is well"
His mood visibly brightens at the consolation.
"Would it be possible to enjoy more music, and a good home cooked meal? I am famished from my travels, and have had naught but trail rations and what I could find for myself.
"Ah, ye'll be alright, lass..."Brett says with a harsh clearing of his throat.
"Why don't ye be getting up, and heading inside ol master Oleg's... meet the folk, and the youngsters there... and it looks like our mates done found a new friend... big son o' a buck, too... by all accounts... course, I heard a village idiot tell me that anything o'er 4'6" be a giant to ourn folk..." he adds with a wry grin.
Hermia snorts and wipes at her eyes with the sleeves of her dress. "Lord Father Erastil does provide for the community," she says, and has the air of a prayer.
With an effort, she rises, and appears a bit unsturdy on her feet for a few moments. "I am afraid that I have some very harsh news, and I do not know whether to hold my peace, and spoil the revelry of this one night for you all, or speak and share a heavy burden. What would you advise, Master Brett?"
At this point, looking for the call of good food and music, the lads are laughing at a joke, and you all turn to see what it is.
"Oye... Svetlana... er... mistress Oleg? Anyhow... can we be getting some more grub?" the burly teenager shouts out.
His sister smacks him on the back of his head.
"Ow! Of for... puh-leeze... can you bring the food out mistress Svetlana..."the lad calls out, and in moments a short rotund woman comes out with a large tray filled with food and meat.
"Oh! And who may YOU be..."she asks of Ka'etil. "I be Sveltana... master Oleg's wife..."she answers with a bob of her head, indicating that you should set and enjoy a meal.
"Ah, ye'll be alright, lass..."Brett says with a harsh clearing of his throat.
"Why don't ye be getting up, and heading inside ol master Oleg's... meet the folk, and the youngsters there... and it looks like our mates done found a new friend... big son o' a buck, too... by all accounts... course, I heard a village idiot tell me that anything o'er 4'6" be a giant to ourn folk..." he adds with a wry grin.
Hermia snorts and wipes at her eyes with the sleeves of her dress. "Lord Father Erastil does provide for the community," she says, and has the air of a prayer.
With an effort, she rises, and appears a bit unsturdy on her feet for a few moments. "I am afraid that I have some very harsh news, and I do not know whether to hold my peace, and spoil the revelry of this one night for you all, or speak and share a heavy burden. What would you advise, Master Brett?"
"Well, I'm all fer a drink and roll, as may be... but if ye got news that can't wait, mayhap we best hear it... but come on... everyone be in the compound there. May as well go in, get a bit of food and drink, steady yerself, gather everyone about, then share the news. A minute or so won't hurt, and it'll give ye a chance to meet the new lad, and get a sense of how he be thinking... and, er... compose yerself a bit better before ye break the news propper,"he adds with a hand and a smile, assisting in steadying her as he walks her over to the compound.
Smiling brightly, Ka'etil takes a plate of food from the woman, sits himself at the table and says "Thank you kindly mistress Svetlana, I am Ka'etil, on a similar errand as these here" indicating Alric and Ry. "Thank you kindly for the meal, i am heartily appreciative" he says as he tucks in, enjoying the meat immensely.
Looking to Sarah and Ivy, he asks "would you care to continue your singing, it was quite lovely, and would be most welcome."
Then to Ry, "Lady Ariarh, do you sing, you have a most beautiful voice, I could almost say you could even fit in with the celestial choirs." he says, having taken note of her appearance and voice, sensing something otherworldly about it, and having seen other use similar words to put a smile of the face of a lady.
Hermia practices a breathing exercise Auntie Luda taught her when she was a girl while she and Brett walk into the compound, expanding her diaphragm, and expelling the air completely from her lungs several times.
Take Great Mother in, feel her strength nourishing you, and return what you have taken to Her children, she recalls, and the tears stop, but the ache in her chest persists. By will alone, likely, she chides herself. Zon Kuthon, the Lord of Pain...
Hermia spies what Brett had described as giant, and feels quite relieved to find him seated, lest she be intimidated by his mass. With her hand pressed against her chest, her right arm tucked tightly against her side, Hermia forces a smile and introduces herself.
"Good evening, sir. Lady Ry," she bows stiffly in the other woman's direction, and then looks up the height of her companion. "My goodness, one almost must needs purchase a stool to stand on equal footing with you, hmm?" she jests, but it sounds as though her heart is not in it.
"Ah, I... have forgotten my manners yet again. I... am called Hermia."
Then to Ry, "Lady Ariarh, do you sing, you have a most beautiful voice, I could almost say you could even fit in with the celestial choirs." he says, having taken note of her appearance and voice, sensing something otherworldly about it, and having seen other use similar words to put a smile of the face of a lady.
Ry laughs lightheartedly.
"Aye, charming Ka'etil, I do like to sing. Regrettably, I do not have the courage to stand before others and sing like these lovely ladies, here. It is more of a private past time for me." Ariarh smiles, with a hint of shyness, at Ka'etil. "But, I do thank you for the compliment to my voice. It has been a while since I have heard something so poetic directed my way."
"Hermia." Ariarh acknowledges, with a graceful nod, the entrance of their cleric.
"Puck Sparrow came in quite overcome with worry for you. Is all well, lady?"
Once Hermia is comfortable, Brett will excuse himself and make his way over to the table where the "men-folk" are. Having arrived at the table, he will lean over there and offer his opinions on whatever they are studdying. You see that whatever has been going on, his introductions must have gone well, as they welcome him with "open arms" as it were.
Now, Alaric, Ariarh, Hermia and Ka'etil are free to converse... as the children go back to their game, though throwing you all occasional looks.
"That is an issue we should speak on," Hermia pauses and looks to Brett and Puck. "In the morning?" she suggests hopefully. Fire cleanses all, and it is Sarenrae's domain, as well as the dawn, but also Rovagugs... Lord Father, guide me. "Or at the very least, after I have taken nourishment," she concludes after a pause.
To Ariarh
"Well, you must let me hear you some time. My mother had a most beautiful voice, and would sing to me often as a child. It's been too long since I have been blessed with such melody."
He looks to Hermia as she approaches.
"Good evening, sir. Lady Ry," she bows stiffly in the other woman's direction, and then looks up the height of her companion. "My goodness, one almost must needs purchase a stool to stand on equal footing with you, hmm?" she jests, but it sounds as though her heart is not in it."Ah, I... have forgotten my manners yet again. I... am called Hermia."
Seeing she was make light, he tries to keep with her joke.
There are certainly those among you who should need both stool and the one standing on the stool, to stand tall as I. Hah haha, but as far as footing I stand on the same ground as anybody else, Lady Hermia. good to meet you.Finally having mind to un-sling his weapons and lay them against his seat, and eats, glad of these new companions, motioning to the standing ones to join him with a smile full of food.
"Aye, some nourishment is advisable as you did not partake in Mistress Lily's food with us earlier. I would not see you weaken from hunger. Svetlana recently brought out this wonderful smelling food."
"That is an issue we should speak on," Hermia pauses and looks to Brett and Puck. "In the morning?" she suggests hopefully. Fire cleanses all, and it is Sarenrae's domain, as well as the dawn, but also Rovagugs... Lord Father, guide me. "Or at the very least, after I have taken nourishment," she concludes after a pause.
Trying to lighten the mood, Ka'etil says to Hermia,
"It is oft unwise to speak on heavy topics with a light belly. Put these things to the side for now, enjoy yourself a happy moment. I'm sure you deserve one."
To Ariarh
"Well, you must let me hear you some time. My mother had a most beautiful voice, and would sing to me often as a child. It's been too long since I have been blessed with such melody."
Ariarh replies gently to Ka'etil,
"There are some beautiful songs I know, taught to me by my father, when I was a little girl. Once we are better acquainted, I may sing you a song or two." Ariarh smiles readily at the easy manner of their new friend.
Hermia sits down to eat, but does so sparingly, with very little appetite, appearing to have more than a bit of trouble managing a utensil with her left hand. Her right arm she keeps pinned to her side, occasionally rubbing her chest as though to soothe an ache.
"Have you intentions to align yourself to our cause as well, friend?" she asks while picking at her food, separating the roots and vegetables from the flesh, although she knows that she must need to eat some, she cannot bring herself to. "Pray, pardon if my question is direct. I... have lost much recently, and the recent departure of our friends has made me insecure," she rubs her chest again, and casts a nervous glance at her plate. "I am afraid that I have some very dark tidings, and do not wish to frighten any one away if they would assist us."
"Well then it is my greatest hope that i may become better acquainted then," returning her smile.
Ke'etil considers for a moment, and looks at his new companions, some concern shows in his eyes as his pupils narrow to thin vertical lines.
These people seem to be good, and pleasant. I wonder what sorts of dark shadows darken their faces so. Well i couldn't be worse than... he blinks his erant thoughts away, and looks to Hermia directly. "You all seem to be good people, welcoming and warm, and i see no reason that i should not align myself with the likes of you. Our objectives in this land are similar, as far as i have been made aware. And regarding your concerns, fear is not something i like to give in to, and would not abandon any such as you to the wolves or things more frightening."
It is at this time, Dior decides to peek out from beneath the hood of Ariarh's travelling cloak and looks at the new male speaking with his Mistress and the cleric lady.
Ariarh notices her griffon slowly moving and settling, visible to any and all in the room, atop her shoulder (his usual perch).
"Ah, Ka'etil, this is my little griffon protector, Dior." Dior blinks and then stares with bright golden eyes at the tall male.
"Dior, this is our new friend. Show him what nice manners you have." Ry laughs softly at that last bit of instruction.
Hermia looks at the interaction between her companions for a time, still rubbing her chest, and abandons all efforts to take nourishment. Such an easy manner she had wished to cultivate this evening, just one evening of levity to set her mind at peace. And Geofry's letter in her possession. I wood make you happi. Tears well in her eyes and she lays her utensils down beside her plate.
"Pray, pardon me. I believe I should retire," she says, and grits her teeth as she rises. "Enjoy the remainder of your evening, good night."
Instantly, upon seeing Dior, Ka'etil's pupils widen till they are nearly round and his face takes on the aspect of a child. He looks directly at the Griffon, entranced.
"What a fantastic creature, he's absolutely beautiful, i've never before seen such a beast."
He gingerly and slowly, as not to frighten or startle Dior, extends his hand. "and it's good to meet you. I see you take good care of your lady, little fellow.
Hermia looks at the interaction between her companions for a time, still rubbing her chest, and abandons all efforts to take nourishment. Such an easy manner she had wished to cultivate this evening, just one evening of levity to set her mind at peace. And Geofry's letter in her possession. I wood make you happi. Tears well in her eyes and she lays her utensils down beside her plate.
"Pray, pardon me. I believe I should retire," she says, and grits her teeth as she rises. "Enjoy the remainder of your evening, good night."
Turning as Hermia moves to stand, and seeing the tears in her eyes, Ka'etil rises with her. "Please, something is clearly weighing upon you heavily. I ask that you don't keep this burden to yourself on my account, but I am an outsider still, and would not presume to give much unsolicited advice. Do as you think is best, but it sets odd to let you leave so clearly distraught."
Ka'etil's happy reaction to her beloved griffon lightens Ariarh's heart.
"Aye, he is indeed a beauty. My father raised and trained him. And, Dior has joined me on my travels."
The griffon watches the half-Elven male approach carefully and senses no danger or immediate threat and fluffs his feathers under the warm compliments spoken by the male and his mistress.
Dior makes his way slowly but surely toward the tall male's hand and jumps onto it and moves up his arm to sit atop Ka'etil's shoulder.
"Ah, my friend, he seems happy with your words. My griffon understands Common, but unfortunately, he does not speak."
"It is not a topic to discuss in the dark," Hermia informs Ry's companion. "I applaud your courage, friend, but what I have to speak on is nearly beyond my ability to maintain. I would prefer if it be spoken of again in the light, when all are rested.
"Please do, enjoy your evening, and trouble yourselves not on my account."
"If morning is better, the party can meet after dawn meditations, and we can discuss these heavy topics you bear. I believe Alaric and I will also share the information we gathered whilst talking with the travellers, this evening. Try to rest, Hermia. I bid you goodnight, lady."
Ka'etil's happy reaction to her beloved griffon lightens Ariarh's heart.
"Aye, he is indeed a beauty. My father raised and trained him. And, Dior has joined me on my travels."
The griffon watches the half-Elven male approach carefully and senses no danger or immediate threat and fluffs his feathers under the warm compliments spoken by the male and his mistress.
Dior makes his way slowly but surely toward the tall male's hand and jumps onto it and moves up his arm to sit atop Ka'etil's shoulder.
"Ah, my friend, he seems happy with your words. My griffon understands Common, but unfortunately, he does not speak."
Ka'etil takes one of the rarer pieces of meat, and looking at Ry for approval, he lifts it up toward the Griffon.
"I'm glad that he's taken a liking to me. He looks as though he may be a fierce little beast if he sets his mind to it. Hate to have one such as him as a foe."
"It is not a topic to discuss in the dark," Hermia informs Ry's companion. "I applaud your courage, friend, but what I have to speak on is nearly beyond my ability to maintain. I would prefer if it be spoken of again in the light, when all are rested.
"Please do, enjoy your evening, and trouble yourselves not on my account."
"As you will. Rest well, and we shall speak in the morning.
Ka'etil takes one of the rarer pieces of meat, and looking at Ry for approval, he lifts it up toward the Griffon.
"I'm glad that he's taken a liking to me. He looks as though he may be a fierce little beast if he sets his mind to it. Hate to have one such as him as a foe."
Ariarh nodded her approval at the meaty treat Ka'etil was handing to her griffon. Dior was certainly ingesting a veritable feast this evening (what with Lily's bacon and pork and now Ka'etil's treat) and Ariarh was sure Dior was very happy about that.
"He is indeed mighty for one so small. Looks can be deceiving." Ry recollects each battle her griffon has fought beside them and acknowledges Dior's bravery with a nod and a grateful smile.