Loxley was able to stifle a laugh at Corrin and Zeldana's expenses, but had to bite back the grin at Yeda's belly laugh. She stood and started to approach the two to see if they needed any help when hooting and howling rose from the East. Loxley quickly ran over and grabbed up the bow and quiver she had set aside. She quickly moved closer to Yeda to cover the warrior. She didn't think not having her armor on would stop her so she placed a hand on the larger woman's back. With an arcane word a layer or air around Yeda shimmered and coalesced in to translucent plates of force.
Oh no... that was too loud. Yeda frantically and self-consciously exclaims. She begins to nervously grasping for her sword and then stands up, holding it out in front of her. She squints to see in the darkness.
She nods in thanks at Loxley for the assist, then continues waiting for something to appear.
"Ow... ow, ow..." Zeldana muttered as she finally got up looking at the throne imbedded in her hand. However that had to be dealt with later as Zeldana used her magic to cover herself in a armor of magical force energy which shimmered a pale blue before seeming to vanish.
"Something else is out there." She said as she stepped back closer to the fire.
howling at the top of their lungs, the goblins begin to rush forward, slipping under and through the brambles that surround the low hills. the howls of pursuit turn to yowls of pain and anger as the group, as a whole, runs right into Corrin's thorny defenses, stopping the goblins cold in their tracks.
"Thig craicnean beaga uaine Bàs a ’feitheamh riut."
He calls out form his tree spot.
Yeda tightens the grip on her sword and awaits a goblin to appear in her visual range.
From the shadows, Tamm throws his dagger at an oncoming goblin.
Loxley braced herself for the oncoming goblins but breathed a quick sigh of relief as the attackers stumbled into Corrin’s barrier. It gave her the moment she needed to ready herself. Slinging the quiver into place and drawing an arrow for her bow. Taking a moment to aim at one of the green skin monsters randomly. She releases her breath and it carries a flicker of magic that envelopes the arrow. Then, before she draws her breath again she lets the shaft fly.
Sazzat throws his dagger over the fire, the light from the submerged fire making the dagger flash a brilliant sparkle in the low darkness, spinning end over end and burying itself into the abdomen of a goblin not 25 feet away. The goblin squeaks harshly and slumps to the ground.
Loxley's strike hits her targeted goblin with ease, forcing a similar yelp of pain. However, this goblin remains on his feet, pushing through the brambles.
The goblins, hearing their companions howl in anger, push through the heavy cover and advance on the group.
Zeldana took a step back as she pulled the brass dwarf from her deck and held it up. "Be gone!" She commanded of the goblins as fire bust out from the card.
Tamm waits to see the effect of Zel's blast.
The goblin at the top of the hill sees the flames erupt from Zel's hands just a moment faster than his companions, and drops to his stomach hugging the top as the flames sear out, engulfing the other goblins in searing heat. The goblins shout in horror, their cries filling the dark forest with pain filled screams. a moment later they cut off as the fire from the spell burns through leather, skin, charring muscle and carbonizing bones. The three topple over, dead, as a heavy stink fills the blackened landscape, making everyone gag.
The goblin upon the hilltop, struggles to its feet, and begins to stumble and fall down the hill, attempting to flee the horror that stalks the nighttime landscape.
rushes upon Zel, swinging its small sword at her.
and fails to connect.
the other goblin, swings away, intent on killing the weird horse in front of it.
"Dewdrop! Defend her!"
He ordered pointing at Zel as he leapt from the perch he had on the tree and took off after the goblin that was trying to flee. There would be no survivors to tell any goblin tribe in the area that there were forces in the woods seeking them harm.
Dewdrop made a terrible sounding cry as he lowered his horns and attempted to skewer the goblin that attacked him. He snorted loudly and gave the goblin that swung at Zel and evil (for an elk) glare next.
Now seeing some real action in the dim light of the evening, Yeda carefully moves forward and around the fire to try to dispatch the goblin near Zel.
Her greatsword flashes over the fire and even a little bit into the top-most flames as it reaches the creature in the night.
Tamm draws back and throws his dagger at Purple.
Dewdrop's antlers push deep into the small goblins frame, piercing muscle, scarping bone as the tines enter into the vital organs of the goblin. It's mouth opens as if to scream, but only a horse cough escapes its throat as the air in its lungs tear past the new opening and out the chest cavity. A split second later, a dagger buries itself into it's arm; the goblin, dead, drops it's weapon and slumps onto the elks antlers.
The goblin threatening Zeldana, growling and snarling at the witch, turns it's head as the form of Yeda is suddenly illuminated by the narrow firelight. It shifts slightly to address the new threat when a 4 inch wide band of steel catches the firelight, cutting across the space above the flames. The goblin feels the sharpened edge cut into and through it's right arm, and the sword's momentum carry the heavy blade deep into and mostly through the goblins carcass. blood and visceral spill out onto the ground around the campfire, and more blood erupts from it's mouth. The goblin's mouth moves in a comical fashion as it attempts to speak, but falls to the ground, its narrow ears falling into and catching flame, burning brightly in the darkness.
Corrin, silent as the night, death stalking, moves easily through the thick underbrush and catches up to the final living goblin. The execution is perfect, and the spear tip slides easily into the goblins back. The goblin squawks once and then falls over onto its face, dead.
Loxley swept her bow across the battlefield, none of the goblins moved. She couldn’t see the one that had fled, but she had heard Corrin’s yell and the death cry of a goblin beyond the fire’s light. ”Corrin?” Loxley called into the darkness, bow still ready, then gave a quick glance around the camp. ”Anyone injured?”
"That bunch wasn't so tough."
Away from the group and watching as the goblin drew its last breaths he paused listening to the woods around them trying his best to discern whether or not there were more out there. He was drawn out of his quiet watch by the sound of miss Loxley calling and he tilted his head and smiled beneath the leather mask he wore. Killing time was done for now it seemed. He rose and removed his spear from the goblins chest and gripped its ankle dragging it back to the party. Thankfully his amused grin was hidden by the mask at the sight of the goblin strung up in Dewdrops antlers.
"Good work Dewdrop."
He began dropping the runner and moving over to his friend to remove the dead goblin from his antlers. He would have to get an old cloth and wash the gore away when he had a moment.
"I am not hurt Miss Loxley. Do the goblins have anything of worth on them? I will start to uh... dispose of the remains if not."
He offered only just now finally sliding the mask up to display his facial features.
"I'm okay!" Zeldana said with a small smile. "Well... aside from this thorn in my hand, but I can work that out now that the danger has passed." She added as she pulled the thorn from her palm.
"And thank you Corrin and Dewdrop." Zeldana said with a kind nod. "For sending Dewdrop to defend me." She added as she gave the elk and gentle pat.
Yeda spends nearly a minute wiping her sword in the grass to clean it off before sheathing it.
No, they weren't so tough. But they also didn't let me sleep! Am I going to have to sleep in my armor?
She looks over at her scale mail and ponders this for several moments.
No... good sleep is still important. Here, let me help you get rid of the bodies so we don't have to rest with that stench in our noses all night.
"Sure, I'll help." Tamm says.
As they collect the bodies and pull them down the hill, he searches them.
"Nothing of worth on these wretched creatures." Tamm says.
"They had to know they were hopelessly outclassed."
"It's a shame we didn't take one alive to question."
Well, let's hope that's the last of them. We could all use some rest. That said though... are night-watch shifts in order? If so, I can take first.
Yeda says, finally sitting back down by the fire and laying her sword across her lap.
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With the evenings festivity concluded, the party settles down and covers their selves in their bed rolls and blankets, making rocks, backpacks, and bundles of clothes into makeshift pillows. The sound of the nighttime forest begins to grow until finally the sounds of nocturnal animals fill the air.
The rest of the evening passes without incident, and those on guard do not hear of any other goblins passing through the area at night.
Dawn crests the horizon, bathing the forest in rays of golden sunshine, pushing back the gloom, the eeriness of sleeping in the wilderness without the comfort of civilization to provide shelter and security.
Corrin, the last one to pull night watch, stokes the still glowing embers back into a small fire, providing a means to cook morning breakfast...more accurately, a heat source to warm up the trail rations into a more palatable concoction. (and not to mention, to dampen the smell of the goblin corpses not 100 feet away).
Dewdrop nuzzles the side of corrin, seeking that morning treat from his stalwart companion. Corrin chuckles softly and rubs his companions snout, not wanting to disturb the beauty that is the forest in the fresh days dawn.
The beauty lingers for long moments, even his companions sleep soundly just a minute longer. Finally though, everyone begins to awaken, as the sounds of the fire popping small branches begins to filter through their dreams.
A branch, beyond sight and knowledge, snaps loudly, drawing Corrins, and everyone else's attention. Dewdrop perks up his head, and squares off against the sudden noise.
Ho! In the camp! A females voice suddenly sounds. May I approach?
He tilted his head to the side when he heard the voice trying to place it. It didnt sound like a goblin's voice that was for sure.
"Rabhadh Dewdrop"
He began quietly telling his large companion to be alert. He lifted a spear though did not bear it in a threatening way instead using it like a walking stick.
"You may approach."
He called out soft enough that his voice wouldn't carry over too far.
Yeda cocks one eyebrow, looking to the rest of the party for confirmation.
Is it... Shalelu?
Hello there yourself! Yes, please approach.
The warrior, having just finished fastening her armor walks tot he edge of the brambles to greet their visitor.
"You're just in time for breakfast!" Zeldana called at the voice, though to be fair it was mostly just trail rations. "It's nothing amazing..."
"Don't give away our breakfast!" Tamm insists.
"But... Sharing when newcomers is a good thing." Zeldana pointed out. "It is what builds friendship."
Loxley nodded at Corrin’s affirmation and Zeldana‘a assurance. She lowered her bow and returned the last arrow she had drawn to its quiver. After helping move the bodies a little further away from camp, she tried her best to settle in for the remainder of the night.
Morning’s light woke Loxley and she slowly rose. She stretched to get the kinks out of her bones and muscles before pulling her spell book out and flipping through it as rations warmed by the remains of the fire. At the sound of a voice Loxley stood, looking toward its source.
”Welcome.” She added to the greetings from the others, then looked to Sazzat. ”Hospitality should not be forgotten.” She said with as much of a friendly smile as she could manage.
The shadowy figure steps forward, easily closing the distance with a grace that is only found amongst elven folk. Her blonde hair catches the light, a brilliant halo hovering for a moment over her lithe frame bedecked in studded leather.
Hello Corrin. que la paix de la forêt vous embrasse Shalelu says to Corrin by way of traditional elven greeting, bowing her head respectfully.
After her moment with Corrin, she turns and steps up the hill to the rest of the group. Ladies. Sazzat. I have already had breakfast, but thanks. I had heard from Sandpoint that you had traveled along the North road, seeking out Tsuto and whomever helped him escape. I thought id track you down and offer some advice. I cannot tarry long, as i am needed south of here, but i can stay through your breakfast and can answer some of your questions of what i know of this area.
"Shalelu!" Zeldana said with a large smile and a wave to the elven ranger. "How is everything?" She asked after a moment when the smile faded. "After... well after losing them?" She was speaking of the guards that had been murdered, she knew it had to leave them short handed.
"Le jour est plus lumineux avec ta présence."
[spoiler=elven]The day is brighter with your presence[/b]
He replied very well aware he was slightly blushing. Maybe she wouldnt notice it in the dawn. He could feel Dewdrops eyes upon them laughing. Light she was beautiful in all the right ways.
"We were set upon by goblins last night, they didnt do any harm or stay long, were they from Thistletop? We believe that is the kinslayer is located at. I promised Ameiko I would deal with him."
He said somewhat quietly.
Yes... it was quite troublesome. Are goblin attacks more frequent lately?
She asks the ranger.
"Goblins breed pretty fast. Maybe they've just filled up their fort at Thistletop and they're pushing out the extras to cause trouble." Tamm says.
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Shalelu looks at everyone as they ask their questions. Turning first to Zeldana It is...difficult. The news that the Sheriff being murdered by someone to free Tsuto was very shocking. Whomever this person is is incredibly cruel and without reason, morals, and decency. Said person should be cut down like a rabid animal, lest it infect the rest of the forest. by the end of her declaration, her right hand, which had been raised to provide emphasis to words, finished in a closed fist, knuckles turning white from the strength and passion. My only regret is that I am not able to come along with you and yours, so that I be the one to ensure the justice of Sandpoint be delivered. I made an oath to help defend some farms to the south against some other goblins that have been increasing their raids upon the area. she winces and drops her hand, shaking it out so that the blood may return.
Striding down the hill, Shalelu kicks at a couple of the corpses, turning them over and inspecting them. She pivots and walks back up the hill. Yes. these are thistletop goblins. They are from the small island of thistletop. Ripnugget is the chieftan of the thistletop goblins, and even by goblin standards, he's a mean one. Loves to kill, when it's easy prey. And if it's too easy, then he is viscious, taking his time in killing.
the goblins...yes, that is part of it, Sazzat. They breed fast, and when they get overcrowded, they send out the young ones to try to loot, pillage, destroy, and kill. Most of the time, they are killed, but that random time, they can get a foothold somewhere and then they just procreate at a proliferate rate. The other reasons are just as numereous as Dewdrops hair upon his back.
Corrin...could i speak to you for a moment...alone? Shalelu nods her head away from the group, smiles at everyone for a moment, and then walks down the hill and separates from the group.
"Oh... uh yes of course."
He said with a blush and a hint of excitement in his voice. He motioned for Dewdrop to stay relaxed. He didnt need the elk making things awkward. He always said the worst things at the worst times.
He blinked at her like she had switched from a beautiful elf ranger to an attacking beast but only for a second. His eyes took on a hunted look.
"I don't think it matters what my family or tribe would have done. I don't think they exist any more. They disapeared without any trace i could find fourty two years ago. I was off hunting and when i returned the entire village was gone, No sign of attack, no signs of migration, just gone. I spent close to twenty years trying to figure out what happened. Then i just wandered. Sandpoint is my tribe now."
He responded his voice dull and almost devoid of life. In truth he had been avoiding just thinking about any of that.Pushing it off, like the lack of referring to it would make it less the truth. He reached up and wiped away the few tears forming around his eyes.When he reopened his eyes the hints of that pain were gone. The look of the hunter had returned.
"Will taking out Thistletop help calm the other goblin tribes down? Or will they all need culling."
He asked simply gripping his spear just a bit more now, as if his grip on it would make his crush stay kindled.
Loxley nodded in greeting to the elf. She had only met her briefly during the boar hunt. She had seemed nice enough, but Loxley still didn't know her very well.As she listened quietly to the conversation, Loxley frowned. She really didn't want to think about how 'prolific' goblins could be if left to their own devices.
When Shalelu pulled Corrin aside, she went about getting herself ready to travel. Should the gods be willing, reach the goblins before too long.
Yeda shrugs and continues eating her breakfast as the elves walk off.
Secret elf business, I guess.
"Mother use to tell me that elves don't often look to others outside of their own race." Zeldana sighed before she munched on her rations before adding. "My mother's family didn't look favorably upon her marrying my father. Once when we visited them I overheard them, they reminded her that he would be dead within a century if not less and she would be left all alone..." She told them, giving a shake of her head. "They where scared for her of course, but my mother was never one to back down from what she wanted. She let them have it. Laid into them telling them she was well aware, but she'd still have me. The piece of him that will survive long after he is gone and any children I'd have." Lightening up a bit Zeldana smile. "She wouldn't allow them to plan her whole life. While they where her parents and she loved them, it was her life and she'd take it. Mistakes and Memories all included." She smiled at her friends.
"I agree with her words, Memories and Mistakes included."
Yeda smiles at Zel's story as she continues to chew through her breakfast. Between bites, she remarks She sounds like a strong woman. I also get the sense that the elves understand the spirit of the earth, via the forest. Really not so different fro the Shoanti in some ways...
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The only way to calm the goblins is to kill all the goblins.
He reacted quickly, perhaps he had been too quick to anger. His emotions he knew were still raw. He placed a hand on his chest over his heart and shook his head simply reaching forward with that hand placing it over her lips to quiet her politely.
"The loss is great, there is no dishonor. How could you have known. I have not...been spreading that knowledge, I have been trying to put it behind me because I have no idea what to do about it. If i could even do anything. I may have been hasty with my blood sister, but it felt like the right thing to do."
He offered her a smile to show he was not offended in anyway, hell he slightly blushed. As the business with the goblins comes up and to her response he nodded simply.
"I was taught to try and see the full picture, to try and find a place for everything in nature, but I've not the wisdom to understand the purpose of the goblin. You have been in this area longer, if you tell me that eliminating the goblins is the path to peace in this area my spear and Dewdrops horns are ready."
He paused and awkwardly smiled taking her in again. She really was a gorgeous elf maid.
"I would like it if we could speak again, perhaps in a less hurried fashion. When you know Thistletop is dealt with."
Bandit, wandering the campsite, sneaks up upon Loxley's backpack and begins to quickly shift through the belongings, and finds the small mirror wrapped in soft cotton. He begins to turn it over and around, bedazzled by the reflecting light. He does this several times until he stops and looks at Sazzat. Then he looks at Loxley, zeldana, then yeda, big black eyes all sad and watery, his hand lowers to his fluffy paunch and rubs it.