"Wouldn't have mattered." Artemis stated as she crossed her arms. "Tordrek is a soldier of the Dawn. He may not care for Orcs nor you for him, but I expect him to act with honor. No matter what. If he doesn't I shall deal with it." Artemis said.
"Honestly I'm more worried about the fact Cedric just ran off. He's most likely headed back to the town and if he does get there he could start a panic that ends in a riot coming this way... Posh, do you have magic that could send a message to a major? I need something to get to him faster then Cedric could get to the city. Then we need to send at least two of us to detain him." Artemis said "Volunteers?"
"I will go after him, no promises in me leaving him in one piece."
"Sorry to let you down Arty...err Ms. Juno. I could slow him down if I got close enough, but nothing I have will get us there quicker. I suspect Rols horse might outrun him though."
Thinking on Rols statement a moment, he adds with a wry smile "A couple pieces should be fine...just need him to be able to speak when he returns."
Alvin shakes his head, "Horse won't make much headway on the forest paths we took here. Any direct pursuit would have to be on foot. I wouldn't bet on outrunning a ranger though, even if he is a miserable prick."
He turns to War, "Do any of you know a faster path through to the town? Outpacing him is our best option."
War looks to Alvin.
There are many paths to tread, through mists and shadows. However I cannot say whether they are quicker than the one you took. How long did you travel?
"We were on the trail just over three hours from town to your camp, at a walking pace with no breaks. Can you do better?"
"You will not find a ranger in his element. If we can't make it back before him then we need to do damage control." Artemis said as she began to pace slightly. "Posh, you and Tordrek return to the city. Get to the Mayor, inform him of what has happened here and tell him to close the city gates and keep the closed even for those who wish to leave till we return from the meeting with all of the Orc leaders." She told them as she pointed to each. "Posh, do you best to calm the people's fears. Tordrek keep Posh safe and an eye out off Cedric. He may try something. If he does, capture and arrest him but please try not to harm him."
Artemis turned and looked to War. "If you all will allow the rest of us will remain to take part in the council tomorrow, that will help should the fool get back to the city and gather a few people. We can talk them down and send them back." She explained.
Spinning around and attempting a salute...though rather sloppily he responds "Aye M'lady! I am at your service!"
Turing back towards the orc camp, he sets off. After but a few yards he stops and looks around. Blushing he admits "Uh, M'lady I suspect I'd be better following Tordrek. When you are ready sir, I'll do my best to keep up."
"I can't promise he'll be unharmed, but I'll make sure he's not dead,"Tordrek says to Artemis, before turning to Posh, "Let's ge ta' it lad. We've got a ways to go and maybe a fight ahead of us." Tordrek sets off, jogging slowly so the gnome can catch up.
Posh and Tordrek, make survival checks to find and follow the path you used to get here.
Death sighs.
There is even less trust between us than I had thought.
"People are frightened." Artemis said as she turned to Death. "When people are scared they can do stupid things... and that is all we need right now to spark a battle that would end in many dead." She told him as she crossed her arms. "Now if you're talking between this group and your people, it isn't your people I don't trust. Else I wouldn't be staying here at all. I do not trust Cedric. In the slightest." She said.
Death nods. I suppose that is true. If any of you wish to wash up from your travels, there is a small brook nearby. Most of use us it as a water source, thought Famine does enjoy... grooming. Now, please excuse us. We have much left to finish in preparation for tomorrow.
He begins to walk away, with the other two leaders following.
"Do we have free reign of the camp?" Rols ask as the three orcs turn to leave
Following Tordrek into the wilderness, Posh attempts to keep a sharp eye open. At the same time, he keeps his stubby little legs pumping to keep up.
"You say that like it is an... Oddity...." Artemis asked when Death spoke of Faime's grooming. "Does he spend too long on it or something?" She asked.
When Rols asked if the had free range Artemis nodded. "Yes that is a good question. If we do does it matter where we set up our camp, if not where would you wish for us to set up?" She asked. "Along with that, will someone come and get us before the council or is there a time and place we must be at? We are your guests after all. I would hate to anger someone because I set my tent up in the wrong area.."
Tordrek wades through the brush, his heavy armor keeping the scratches and discomfort at bay. "Come on lad, ya couldn't track a sheep amblin' right in front of you after a spring rain," he chuckles at the gnome, before beginning to hum a dwarven marching tune.
Death ponders for a bit. Yes and no. I wouldn't suggest wondering around to much. Many here have bred a hatred for humans, While you do have the three of us granting you protection, you shouldn't have any trouble, but... He thinks for a moment.
If you have a tent, set it up on the outskirts of the clearing. That would be my suggestion. The meeting won't start until tomorrow morning. Until then, you may do what you wish, as long as it does not harm anyone here, or draw attention to yourselves.
War gives a slap on Artemis's shoulder, You have access to the arena, should you wish to test yourself against those of my clan. Conquest and his aids will keep you, mostly, fresh. Hahaha.
Pestilence remains silent.
Tordrek, since you could fail this I would normally require a roll, however if you wish I'll let you take 10, at the cost of an extra hour of time.
"I think I just might." Artemis said as she crossed her arms. "May give me a new outlook. Though I think setting up camp first is the wiser idea... and cleaning up just a little." She stated before she looked at Rols and Alvin. "Let us gather Lienhol and set up camp. Then we'll go from there." She told them before looking to the leader, "Thank you for allowing us to remain." Artemis gave them a respectful nod before heading off to gather all friends and remained and set up camp.
Alvin claps his hands together, "Agreed. Though regrettably I left my tent in town with my horse. Hadn't exactly planned on spending the night. How many tents do we actually have between us?"
He turns to War and the other chiefs, "We thank you for your hospitality. Keeping out of your hair should prove easy enough. Though...", the half-elf hefts his branching spear fondly, "I might make my way to the arena. Ms.Juno seems to be no worse for wear, I imagine it would make for a lively evening."
"Do you think there will be many takers to duel the half-elf?", he asks with a smirk.
War looks Alvin up and down before grunting.
If you wish to be slapped around. Go ahead. He gives a small grin.
Death nods, Please, go ahead and set up your camp.
Artemis set up her tent and made sure everything inside was squared away before heading to the brook to clean the blood away. Only removing what she had to, which wasn't much, Artemis used her water skin and stood away from the brook to ensure none of her blood or sweat made it into the water. Once done she returned her armor to its proper place before making her way to the area.
I'll get a bucket and bathe better after I go a few rounds in the area. She figured.
She enter the area for the second time that day, hoping to find someone to test herself against.
Rols leads his horse to the agreed upon area for camp and loosely ties the reins to a branch, after he kicks his boots off and lays down in the grass.
I've been in the city for too long.
As the duo enters town, the gnome looks to his guide. "As we haven't seen Cedric, my guess is he's already spinning trouble with the mayor. Lets make haste!"
Without another word, the bard starts running for the mayor's meeting hall.
Tordrek agrees wholeheartedly, "Indeed lad, let's get going ta' get that two-faced slimy bastard!" He takes off running after the brightly colored gnome.
Giggling at the image Tordrek's words put in his head, he replies over his shoulder "Perhaps we should wait on the name calling until after we have the mayor's ear."
Two faces...covered in slime....What a sight!
Alvin lays out his bedroll near the others, casting a doubtful eye on the sky. So long as it doesn't bloody rain...
Kneeling in-front of a large flat boulder, Alvin lays out a series of beakers and small pouches of reagents. With practiced hands, he quickly produces an extract to harden his skin. Satisfied, he packs the gear back into the many pockets of his white coat and sets out to join Artemis at the arena.
Looking around, the half-elf's sharp eyes scan for signs of a challenge. Strolling around the fighting circle, he approaches Artemis, "So what do you think? Is there a decent challenge to be found among these sweaty bodies?", he offers her a wink, "Of course, we could put on a show just the two of us?"
Alvin, give me a survival check.
Also, are you looking for someone to fight, or challenging Artemis?
Posh and Tordrek, you get into the city easily enough, and run through the town hall building to burst through into his office.
Tibby looks up from his desk a bit bewlidered good gracious, what on earth is going on?
Slamming the door open, he barges in. Posh begins stammering as he tries to catch his breath, "He...orcs...good guys...meet...tomorrow. C-Cedric...racist! No...believe."
Collapsing in a nearby chair, the gnome continues muttering inaudibly. Looking to Tibby, he searches the mayor's eyes for understanding.
Posh, the mayor merely raises an eyebrow before saying. come come, use your words darling.
Artemis gave a slight smirk before she made her was to the area floor. Confidently she called out, "If your next match isn't spoken for, I hope you have no objection to fighting me." She placed her hand just above her blades on her hips awaiting their answer.
Taking a long draw from his waterskin, and a few deep breaths to compose himself. He stands up, facing the mayor.
"Sorry Sir. Ok, so Cedric is a racist pig! The orcs didn't cause the sickness. They have found it originates in town and have come looking for answers. We have managed to get invited to their tribal meeting tomorrow. I had to die to get the invite...Oh, but I got better!"
Pausing a moment, to relive the glory of his invite mentally, he continues. "Cedric just wants to wipe the orcs out. He doesn't care what's right or wrong..." Trailing off, the gnome finally looks around t he room. "Wait, he left before us. I expected him to be here. You know, getting you riled up to attack the tribes."
He looks over you nods, then shakes his head.
I would be thrilled, however, he seems to be looking for a fight. I'd test my skills against one of your peers before our fight.
Artemis looked back to Alvin, giving a slight smirk. "Alvin, looks like you get to put on a show after all." She called before moving aside so that he could come foreword. "If you beat him, and I beat him, then I will spar against you. If the arena will allow it. It might make for an interesting show at the least, if not educational." Artemis told her brother-in-arms. "Keep your guard up, remember your basics, oh! And don't die." She smirked.
She settled into the crowd with ease and looked to one of the orcs around her. "If you don't mind I have a question. Would the arena normally be open to outsiders who where guests or only to those who impress War?"
"What the gnome says is true. Cedric asked me what I thought of the orcs, as I stayed out of the camp in case cover fire was needed, and when I said I didn't care for 'em but wanted ta' withhold judgment, he nocked an arrow and tried ta' shoot on orc guard. I tried to get him to stand down but he had no intention of stopping. I shot him twice but he managed to run away," Tordrek says, managing to restrain his temper.
Alvin grins moving closer to evaluate his would be opponent. He gives the half-orc a slow nod that's difficult to classify as either respectful or mocking, "I'd be delighted."
He grins at Artemis, "Oh don't fuss, I've never died before. You just be ready for your turn. Ma'am", he winks.
Gesturing to the half-orc to proceed, Alvin makes his way to the opposite side of the arena, spear twirling between the fingers of his right hand.
Rols continue to enjoy laying in the grass unless bothered by anything
Artemis, the orc turns to you, a confused expression on his face. It seems not every orc here spoke the common tongue.
At the mention of posh having to die but "get better", the mayor's eyebrow arches once again. With a sigh, he stands and moves to leave.
Come, if what you say is true, he may have already bypassed me and went straight to the militia. I'm afraid he has every right to hate orcs. They took almost everything from him. This however seems a bit much, even for him. He would likely use the wounds as another excuse to rile them up.
He takes you to the militia armory, where you see Cedric, bandaged up, and over two dozen men and even a few women finishing arming up for nothing short of war.
"I'm a Juno. I'm always ready." The young blonde woman smirked at her comrade as he took the field. "Let me make this more clear, don't embarrass me." She joked. "It's different if I embarrass myself."
"And you don't understand me... right." Artemis sighed as she crossed her arms annoyed.
Hopefully it will be an interesting fight... else I'm going to be very bored.
Alvin chuckles, "I can't promise much about what's about to happen but I can promise it unlikely to be embarrassing."
Round 1
Bowing to his opponent from across the arena, Alvin studies his stance, every movement and expression, as he had the past few fights.
With a wink to his opponent, the half-elf produces a small vial of silvery liquid from his pocket and downs it.
As he swallows, the investigator seems to turn sideways without actually moving a muscle and vanish from existence.
The second he vanishes from sight, Alvin sidesteps to the back and left, careful to avoid giving sign of his shift.
The half-orcs eyes widen. He brings out a bottle and drinks it as well. His arms grow to be over one half their normal length, he then takes a defensive stance.
Round 2
Grinning unseen, Alvin slips another vial from his jacket and downs it as well to bolster his defenses. The last few fights had proven his opponent had excellent aim if nothing else.
Now considerable more confident, Alvin makes his way across the arena, stopping just in range of the searching half-orc. Hopefully the crowd would forgive him the few seconds of quiet before the fun.
he is wearing a type of leather armor.
I thought you wanted to fight! Stop hiding in the shadows coward!
As he speaks, he downs another potion. Again, being forced to wait for his enemy to show himself.
Alvin's spear materializes as it strikes at the distracted half-orc's midsection, "If you insist."
Round 3
Visible once more, Alvin grins broadly, addressing the crowd, "Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Capitalizing on his surprise assault, Alvin steps to the left and strikes low at his reeling opponent's heel.
Scanning his opponent, the half-elf is already anticipating his next opening.
Hmph, leave it to an elf to be tricksy.
He takes a step back out of your reach, brings out another drink and downs it. The bleeding from your spear seems to slow a bit. He again readies his stance, a grin finally showing.
Round 4
"Not tricksy, just aware of my apptitudes."
Advancing, Alvin's spear strikes again but confidence gets the better of him.