Few who know Keiyanna would think her a bad woman, and none of the orphans she cared for and raised would speak a word against her. Which is why the city's sheriff didn't arrest her immediately when common sense said she had all the reasons to kill the people she had. Closing down the orphanage was something the five had wanted, but now only three remained. They had been the ones to spread the accusations in the first place, but as it spread, so did the number of people who believed them. Thankfully still a minority, they have yet to try and take the law in their own hands, but the time is fast approaching when they will....
Quickly, Keiyanna sent letters to the all the orphans that had left the orphanage, hoping some of them will be able to come help clear her name. She can do so little while she has children to look after, and they had started getting into fight with the city's other youth. Each one said he or she did it to defend her. She puts the children to bed and hopes help arrives soon.
Perhaps it's just your feelings about the whole things, but as you journey to your childhood home, you can't help but shake the strange sense of wrongness in the air. The strange events you each experiance on your way are not helping matters, and suggest some outside force is at work.
During a particularly windy part of your trip, you hear a voice. "Beware treachery.. young knight of the taverns..." The strange voice fades away even as the wind does, and not a single person is in sight...
Ah, the wonderful sounds of birds chirping in the morning as the winds rustles the leaves on the tree. What a reassuring sound.. but as you wake, you hear nothing but the sound of your own breathing and your heart beat, which grows louder as the silence deepens. Then, without warning.. the day seems to come alive with the sounds of morning.
How long has it been since the last nightmares? Months, maybe years? If that where true, why did you wake up clutching your holy symbol, hard enough the silver sunbeams of your goddess have bit deep into your hand?
Your lord haven giving you permission, you begin to pack. As you go to pack the last of your possesions, you see someone else in a mirror. You stop and look again, but only see yourself staring intently back. You turn back to your pack and freeze as you see a small wooden dagger resting on top. It looks just like the one you stole back at the orphanage, every detail the same. Right down to the thin crack running down the hilt...
Fully awake now, Azharten keep lying on ground, his eyes closed. Hiding his hands movements from something or someone, whoever was surveying him, he moves his hands towards his swords while pretending to sleep.
The nature had taught him in hard way to be ready against anything and especially when sleeping inside or next to forest. Suddenly rolling backwards, jumping up with blades ready to strike, Azharten observe his environment but sees nothing threatening... yet.
bad signs today and girly feelings... and getting scared like little child. What a man I am... piff mumbling to himself and walks back to his sleeping place, wondering what was that or perhaps a darker premonition what is coming
Basha reaches for the token with trembling hands. "Where did you come from?" His eyes scan the room looking for any movement in the curtains and wall hangings that would give away a lurker. "I don't like being toyed with..."
Finding nothing obviously amiss, he slips the toy dagger in with the rest of his magical doodads in the pouches around his belt. He runs through his mental check list one last time, making sure he packed all he could anticipate needing. Then, with a final glance around the room, he hefts the saddle bags and other baggage, and proceeds unsteadily to the stables.
"Hoy, Furka!!! Is my horse ready? I have a ways to go today."
Furka, Lord Joss' stable man, appears, leading a chestnut gelding. "Aye Basha, Kenna is ready. Let me help you with those bags." Furka smirks as the young mage hands off the full saddle bags with obvious relief. "Good thing Kenna is a strong lad, did ye pack your rock collection?"
Basah smiles up at the brawny stable man. "Yes Furka, I packed all my rocks, just in case. Never know when you'll meet a lovely maiden with a predilection for crystal nodules."
Furka chuckles at Bahsa's joke, and finishes strapping the baggage to Kenna strong back. "Alright thehn, there you go. Take good care of this young lad, hear? I've become accustomed to having him about."
"I will Furka."
"I was talking to Kenna" Furka says with a grin, as he extends his hand and helps Basha into the saddle. "Sunshine and fair winds on your travels boy."
"All my best to your family Furka."
Basha nudges the geldings sides, and heads out of the gate, onto the muddy path that leads back home...
Kneeling at the stream she set camp near the previous night, Lydinia washes the blood from her hand then splashes the cool water in her face, soaking the ends of her long blonde hair. ”It’ll be all right, they're just dreams... You have to go back there. K needs your help…” she mumbles, with a sigh, to her reflection. ”Let me have the strength mother” she says aloud, skyward, kissing the blood stained figure of the dawnflower.
An hour later she’s on the move , her hand bandaged and her resolve renewed….
Eadric shifts in his saddle as he hears the faint words carried upon the wind. Glancing about without alarm, and seeing no obvious source, he spurs his horse onward towards the orphanage. His brow furrows a bit as he contemplates the warning. I did not think that I had enjoyed that much wine...
After packing his little amount of stuff Azharten had, he set back to journey. Day had passed already and evening was approaching until he reached the last hill and saw the "home" in the valley...
Time had passed and he stood there, seeing the place where he had once lived. He could not hear the voice since too far but still saw as a small points, like an ants, how people were coming back from the fields and there was movement in the streets. Somewhere there, further the town was lying orphanage and his foster parent was waiting him.
Memeries passed with in huge speed, the good ones, the bad ones, the joy, the sadness... but mostly the feelings of this person, who he had once called his mother, although not in blood, but in same sense.
One last look to setting sun and he begun his last steps to reach the village before nightfall. Who knows, maybe there was others, who he had known before leaving or he would be the first one, but when he would arrive... the day when someone accuse or hurt his mother... blood will be everywhere.
Deep, ominous grin on his face, Shar'tan had arrived to home
Shar'tan = Death bringer
Indeed, Azharten is the first to arrive, and not an hour or two later Basha, Eadric, and Lydinia arrive at the same time, meeting up just outside the orphanage.
Each one of you is greeted by Keiyanna wamrly, and almost pushed inside before the night gets too cold.
"I'm so glad you could come here again, I only wish you were here under different circumstances. These past few days.. they have not been peaceful. I have an entire house of children who say I was here when the... crimes were committed, but the people who believe those horrid lies think I may have told the children to say that." Her hands tremble as she places bowls filled with a simple but delicious soup before you. "The only reason I'm not in jail is that no one has actually seen the killer. Do you think someone is trying to frame me?"
Eadric smiles broadly at the other arrivals and nods in greeting. It is truly a wonderful statement of support for mother Keiyanna that so many of us would return so quickly upon hearing of her plight!
Upon seeing Keiyanna welcoming our return, Eadric slides confidently from his saddle and strides up to her arms held wide for warm embrace.
Mother Keiyanna, it has been too long! How I have missed you all these years! I came as soon as I heard! Other than this ridiculous notion that you are some how involved in murder most foul, how are you! How are the children you watch over now?
Eadric's face beams as he finishes his hug and pulls back to admire Keiyanna, awaiting her response...
Upon his arrival back to starting point, where everything had started, Azharten had walk through the city fast back to orphanage, only to be greated by warmth and smile from Keiyanna. Others haven´t arrived yet, so he decide to spent a while to set his back & swords and prepare for the evening. Seems also like young child are little bit affraid of this grumpy male, looking way too older for his actual age, but most likely due to scars in his face
-------------------------------------------------
Shortly after a rest, he hears addiotional voices outside of orphanage and Keiyanna rushing outside. Arriving to the door, he sees three other people, whom he remembers before leaving. Basha, Eadric, and Lydinia seems to have come together and while observing from the shadow others, he hears Eadirs words:
Eadric Cuthwulf II:
Mother Keiyanna, it has been too long! How I have missed you all these years! I came as soon as I heard! Other than this ridiculous notion that you are some how involved in murder most foul, how are you! How are the children you watch over now?
Seems like more people to help their mother in need, he nods to himself.
-------------------------------------------------At the dinner table, Azharten sits silently and watch others to see changes in his brothers and sisters as same time listening the voices around orphanage
Mother Keiyanna, it has been too long! How I have missed you all these years! I came as soon as I heard! Other than this ridiculous notion that you are some how involved in murder most foul, how are you! How are the children you watch over now?
Eadric's face beams as he finishes his hug and pulls back to admire Keiyanna, awaiting her response...
"The same as always, eh Eadric? Right to the point and blunt about it!" She laughs softly. "I'm in good health, but I fear this whole thing is getting to me. I can't seem to get a enough sleep lately."
"I'd introduce you to the current generation, but I fear a just saw them to bed before Sulky arrived. You're bound to meet them in the morning though, new arrivals don't go unnoticed for long. One of the young ones came down for some water and caught a glimpse of Azharten, so you may want to lock your rooms before you sleep, lest you have nosy children peeking in on you."
Good Evening Mother Keiyanna, it has been too long.
Basha extends his arms in turn for her embrace. Looking around to the others, he states
Are you sure you have enough space for us all? Somehow I doubt my little nook under the eaves has gone un filled all these years, nor that I could wedge myself in hard as I tried.
"Don't be silly Basha. This orphanage hasn't been full for ages, gods be praised!"
"Now my not-so-little children, why don't you tell me what you've been doing since you left these walls?"
"Don't be silly Basha, this orphanage hasn't been full for ages, gods be praised!"
"Now my not-so-little children, why don't you tell me what you've been doing since you left these walls?"
”Lets just say I should have listened to you about Alhaman, mother” murmurs Lydinia, with a forced chuckle, as she quickly glances at her “brothers”, then to the table, then back to Keiyanna. Wanting to change the subject as quickly as possible, she asks”Why do some want to close the orphanage, our home, mother?”
"Dear Lydinia, for once I wish I had been wrong."
"They all had reasons. Once thought it was useless to raise the orphans, that they should be sent to be trained as militia-men. Another thought that the orphanage, almost constantly in a minor state of disrepair, thought it was an eye-sore. Both are now dead. Two of the remaining five want to tear down the orphange and replace it with living quarters for real families. I don't know why the last one wants to close it down. None of them seem to care about the children at all! I made that point clearly several times when asked what I would do if the orphange was closed."
"Which may be why some people think I'm the killer."
So deep is human mind... and the darkness which lurks around the corner is almost touchable. Nevertheless, to want and to do is two different thing and no matter what, I believe you mother Azharten smiles to Keiyanna to calm her
Never I have seen such a caring mother as you. Interesting question is that you just mentioned, that the last one of the five people... his goal is unknown. I would suggest to survey his action or ask around what is going on with him.
In the end both men deserved everything, who ever decided to get rid of them. More interesting why now... Did something happen recently, even minor?
Taking more comfortable position, leaning against back of chair, Azharten looks out of the window pondering the situation
"I agree brother." Says Lydinia gently laying a hand on Azharten's arm. "In the morning we should begin quietly asking around about these men. Perhaps even talk to them directly."
"Can you tell us anything else about the murders mother? Anything at all. Even the most mundane detail may prove valuable."
"No one deserves to be killed in their sleep Azharten, no matter what they were wanting to happen."
"As for anything strange happening... I can't really think of anything. Why? Has something bad happened to you that I should know about?" Keiyanna says with that suspicious mother tone in her voice.
"Can you tell us anything else about the murders mother? Anything at all. Even the most mundane detail may prove valuable."
"When I was.. questioned by the sheriff, he said more than he should have. These murders seem to be getting to him too."
"Each were killed at night, in their beds. The servants they had say they didn't see anyone or anything unusual as they went about their business. Cut to bloody pieces as they slept."
"Can you tell us anything else about the murders mother? Anything at all. Even the most mundane detail may prove valuable.""When I was.. questioned by the sheriff, he said more than he should have. These murders seem to be getting to him too."
"Each were killed at night, in their beds. The servants they had say they didn't see anyone or anything unusual as they went about their business. Cut to bloody pieces as they slept."
Lydinia closes her eyes and shivers "That's awful."
"We should also talk to the servants and anyone else who saw the two deceased on the nights they were slain"
"Now my not-so-little children, why don't you tell me what you've been doing since you left these walls?"
I served a few years as a squire and soldier before realizing that the men I fought and lived with were not all men of honor, either in word or in action. I could not in good conscience continue serving with theses men... Eadric's voice trails off as his eyes lock on some distant unseen vision. A moment later he snaps to and continues, Since leaving the company I have enjoyed a life of freedom. I have wandered this wonderful world and helped out those in need wherever I may find them!
And now it would seem that it is you mother who is need and I am here to help in whatever way I can!
Eadric listens intently as Keiyanna, Lydinia and Azharten speak. Eadric frowns as Azharten mentions the murdered men deserving their fate.
When Keiyanna rebukes Azharten about the men being undeserving of being murdered in their sleep, Eadric quips in agreement Most dishonorable.
Eadric again murmurs in agreement with the plan to question those involved in the morning.
Mother. You said the sheriff said more than he should have. What did you mean by that? And when you say chopped to pieces, did you mean that literally?
"As for anything strange happening... I can't really think of anything. Why? Has something bad happened to you that I should know about?" Keiyanna says with that suspicious mother tone in her voice.
Mother. You said the sheriff said more than he should have. What did you mean by that? And when you say chopped to pieces, did you mean that literally?
"I meant that he shouldn't going around describing how those men were killed! If the servants say anything, it won't mean much, but for the sheriff to say it... and where the children could hear it too! Imaginative as they are.." She stops long enough to calm her breathing, then laughs quietly. "I mean look at me, accused of horrible crimes, and I'm worried about whether or not the children will have nightmares!"
Sense motive:
Db3's Narrator, Saturday, 07:33 PM"Don't be silly Basha, this orphanage hasn't been full for ages, gods be praised!"
"Now my not-so-little children, why don't you tell me what you've been doing since you left these walls?"
Me?... Oh, I have been going around everywhere and when your letter reached me, I happened to be in Taldor.
My doings... enters to moment of silence, looking into the past I found a person, who teached me but shortly after that, when I had learned everything, he died. He was cruel and demanding but I did what I had to to absorb everything I could from him. During one foolish night, when he got drunk, he was killed by other people; considering his ego, although well earned as one of the best swordfighters in Aldor and... suddenly waking and realising babbling too much of happenings in his past and especially to his mother, Azharten get back to sense and descripes shortly the rest of the years well, anyway, thanks to him I learned what I needed so I continued my travel to hone my skills. I have crawled dungeons, jungles and forest, defended some lords and peasants and
as also bandits, more evil people and killed for money when in badly need...
... many have fallen to my blades but still I feel there is more to achieve.
Db3's Narrator, 15 minutes ago
Eadric Cuthwulf II wrote:
Mother. You said the sheriff said more than he should have. What did you mean by that? And when you say chopped to pieces, did you mean that literally?"I meant that he shouldn't going around describing how those men were killed! If the servants say anything, it won't mean much, but for the sheriff to say it... and where the children could hear it too! Imaginative as they are.." She stops long enough to calm her breathing, then laughs quietly. "I mean look at me, accused of horrible crimes, and I'm worried about whether or not the children will have nightmares!"
... For sure the acting of Sheriff is odd... in my adventures I have done none of the people or servants of law have acted like this or have I heard them going around and telling everyone about crimes & murders in public. I am thinking to pay visit in Sheriff place to ask him "kindly" what is the meaning of this grim smile
While listening his story, others realise little bit what Azharten has gone through and the meaning behind last word causes a reaction
... "I mean look at me, accused of horrible crimes, and I'm worried about whether or not the children will have nightmares!"
You have always put your children's concerns above your own! We are here to repay that kindness!
"I mean look at me, accused of horrible crimes, and I'm worried about whether or not the children will have nightmares!"
"Do not worry mother we will find the answers to this problem... We promise."
"Perhaps myself or Eadric shall accompany you on your kindly visit brother Azharten" says Lydinia.
Basha stays to the rear of the group, not wanting to add to the tumult, but carefully observing his "siblings" actions, and Keiyanna's answers. While he is loathe to admit it openly, his years away from the orphanage had made him much more cynical, and a harsh judge of personal motives.
Perception around the room/house, to see what has changed
Sense Motive, as requested
Know: Local- to recall where the sheriff and other "opponents" of the orphanage live
Sense motive
Observing the others while thinking of solution, Azharten notice that Eadric ( as gullible as ever) failed to notice his intetion and sneer to himself although having paladin around would be troublesome for "inquiries".
"Perhaps myself or Eadric shall accompany you on your kindly visit brother Azharten" says Lydinia.Sense Motive DC10:
There is an obvious sarcastic bite to Lydinia's statement, especially on the words kindly and brother.
However, seems that Lydinia noticed what he meant by visiting and her answer amused him
Ooh, how kind of my sister Azharten grin It would be my honor to have someone come with me, especially a cleric of Sarenrea. Surely sheriff is willing to answer then... You seem to have learned so much after running out with that merchant .
It is just reasonable to hear directly from him, why is he making such a ruckus over this matter. I believe for sure, the law abiders here have a "reasonable" answer Azharten speaks in a deep sarcastic voice
Nevertheless, for sure the gods are in our side and light will guide us Azharten finishes to ease mind of mother and others, but touches Lydinias shoulder lightly and whispers to air, which Lydinias should easily pick up with her elven ears
but remember, light can´t always reach everywhere... and that´s where I come to play sinister feeling is faintly felt by Lydiana Someone has to be in that direction and that´s me... and dear sister, you, more than anyone else should understand me
After everything Azharten waits for the reaction of others and give glance towards Basha, who stays quiet. No idea yet of Basha´s thinking or morality, he waits patiently to see, which way this discussion will be going in the end
You seem to have learned so much after running out with that merchant ........touches Lydinias shoulder lightly and whispers to air, which Lydinias should easily pick up with her elven ears
I've learned that sinking to your enemy's level makes you no better than they and that you haven't changed..little brother" scoffs Lydinia, sharply moving her head away from Azharten, and gives him an icy glare.
"We should all rest. The hour grows late and tomorrow proves to be a busy day"
dotting...
Azharten burst to his own dark laughter Ahahaha, yes... tomorrow is busy day. We all need rest. The darkness has fallen and it´s best to not keep so much noise. Children might wake up
Laughter slowly vanishing and returning back to his state, Azharten rises up and slowly makes his way out of kitchen. Last look at mother and others I wish good night to everyone... I will be sleeping outside, since I am not used ... to pleasures of home. Sky is my roof and ground is my bed.
After all moment of dark silence night is time for darker beings... the last words comes from the shadowy hallway, but there was split second when everyone from the kitchen saw the cold-blooded face with dark glow in eyes.
Soft sound of door opening and cold wind coming inside, chilling the skin of those in kitchen until suddenly stopping when the door closes.
Eadric watches Azharten leave the kitchen and go outside and then glances around catching the eye of everyone else present.
I'm not too sure about Azharten... he seems like he might bring Mother more trouble, not less. I will have to keep an eye on him.
Well, I for one sleep outside enough! I am going to enjoy sleeping indoors this evening! Which room shall I retire to Mother?
Casting one last look in the direction of the door, Keiyanna stands and leads each of you to an empty room..
"The beds were meant for people smaller than you of course, but you can push the beds together. That should at least ensure you aren't uncomfortable tonight. I sould warn you, some of the children have bad dreams at night, and they can get loud before and after they wake up."
She leaves you to your bed-time preparations to take a blanket and pillow to Azharten.
"Sulky," she says as she leaves the house. "I've got a pillow for you to use, and a blanket to protect against the night's chill."
"I.. noticed you have a sarcastic tone to go with that silver tongue you've aquired in your travels. You're not a child anymore, but I still worry about you. I worry about all of my children. Please, while you are here, remember that." She seems about to say more, but a frightened yell sounds from above them. "One of the children's dreams have turned sour again. Please remember what I said Azharten."
Thank you mother Azharten smiles to Keiyanna and touches her hand I understand your concern and worry about us. We are not children anymore and now it´s our time to repay your kindness.
Cloud moves to the front of full moon and blocks moonlight, covering the area briefly to darkness. Small glow of light from the kitchen window reflect to the yard and sudden yell comes from above
I don´t have anything against my brothers and sister... I understand also their concern towards you and surely they love you as much as I love you. I just can´t accept their way of dealing with this... 2 murder has happened already, the law here is not in order and if anything were to happen again, surely there will be roar among the crowd. Less thing we want is an angry mob running rehere, demanding justice and scaring the children...
My way is different and I have accepted that. They can believe to good, they can believe to justice but those who don´t... there is nothing restricting them. That purpose is why people like I exist. Let me assure to you mother, as long as I am here, at least nothing will happen at night... everyone can sleep peacefully Gives a faint smile, one he used to calm his mom down I will promise try to cope with others and follow them, listen their reasons and do as they believe what is right. During day people should listen to paladin and cleric, since they are working for good.[/b]
Azharten watches how Keiyanna is going back inside, turns and sit next to fence, waiting for everyone to sleep.
Keiyanna goes back inside to soothe the child and reassure him it was all a dream. Some of the other children were woke up by the yelling, and she starts to sing so they'll have an easier time going back to sleep. The lullaby is one you can all hear(even Azharten) and remember...
"I wish to you sunshine, my dear ones, my dear ones. And treetops for you to soar past. I wish to you innocence my children, my children. I pray you don't grow up too fast."
"Never know pain, my dear ones, my dear ones. Now hunger nor fear nor sorrow. Never know war, my children, my children. Remember your hope for tommorrow."
She sings it once more before silence falls in the house and she goes to her own room for the night.
I can't help but agree with Azharten...a little...sure, there would be no light without the dark...but I can't fully trust him...not if it brings mor trouble to K... Lydinia thinks to herself as she watches the night and Azharten from her window. Caustiosly staying to the shadows.
stealth
sense motive
perception
Perception:
Staying awake and trying to pass time, Azharten notices Lydiana watching him from the shadows.
hm... This seems to be more troublesome than I thought. Need to somehow cover this
Knowledge: Local
If my memory serves right, I heard the people in town speaking something about sheriffs apartment being in lower quarters. Hopefully the place of living hasn´t changed since I left
Patiently waiting for his moment, he start to make his plan to get out.
Seeing his siblings disperse, Basha sits at the long table where the children eat their meals. His man size legs barely fit anymore, but the benches still feel as worn smooth and sturdy.
"Hmm, what do I know about these returned siblings? Two have turned to the sword, one to the gods, and one to both. Why does Azh seem so much angrier than he used to?"
He looks out the windows, and reminisces about the town. "Of course, the Sheriff will be none to pleased to see me in the morning. He never forgave my petty thefts. Which makes me wonder why he is so lackadaisical about these crimes? What does he stand to benefit if the orphanage closes, beyond more urchins in the streets?"
Basha begins to pace the rooms length, the sights and smells filling him with an odd sense of comfort and anxiety. "Oh well, off to bed. No point in being all sleepy when dealing with the towns folk tomorrow.
Stealth:
Acrobatics:
Merging together with shadows, Azharten slowly backs up, swords against his back, suddenly taking fast 5-step backward and making backflip over the fence to the other side.
As soon as he lands, he moves as fast as possible to the shadows in nearby alley and disappears in the night.
2nd Perception check
Azharten will begin to hustle after a while: Moving as fast as possible without making sound in the shadows Stealth and when he is sure no one is following him (. 2nd Perception check : ).
As you continue on your way Azharten, you look to see if anyone is still following and find out you are the only on the street right now. A cloud passes in front of the moon and the light dims for a moment before the cloud moves again, followed by the faint sound of a howling dog far in the distance...
Eadric helps Keiyanna comfort the children who have awoken, even going so far as to sing along with the lullaby, albeit quietly. After the child who had the nightmare falls asleep, Eadric volunteers to sleep on the floor near the child's bed. Shortly after curling up on the floor, Eadric is fast asleep.
Feeling alive after a long time! Yet again he has a targed. Surely this night was for him... the hunt had begun!
Now abandoning all his stealth, Azharten enters to primitive state of hunting, only trusting his instincts, spurring yet again to more faster speed Moving like a wind, he dashes from street to street, evading and jumping over crates, bouncing from the corners of small alleys
Acrobatic check:
Constitution check: