Aiden places his hand on Leorn's shoulder for a moment.
"I'll be back in a bit with our escort."
Aiden walks determinately from the inn and straight to the town hall. He asks entrance and requests to speak to the man in charge. When, and if, admitted:
"Listen, I know you must be having a hell of a time as a leader in these dark times. I may not be from your world, but I feel for it. I'm from a place called Ireland. It's a small island far in the north of my world. For centuries people have tried to claim it as their own, but we resisted and we never gave up hope."
Aiden looks directly into the dwarf's eyes.
"I will not give up on you. I am a sorcerer of Kellmanor and I will fight until my last breath for your lands as though they were my own. Xivasar holds no power over me and he will not hold power over your people so long as I draw breath to stop him. Will you help defend your homeland? Isn't freedom from oppression worth any cost? Please, send some of your men with me, and together we will see light shine in the darkness."
Aiden holds out his hand to clasp forearms with the dwarf.
Jen heads outside and tries to find the dark elves that she met yesterday, especially Arastil.
Do you know a way to the homeland of the Moon elves through the underworld? She tries to say as much of this as she can in Dark Elven. I know this is a big favor to ask, but could you provide us a guide through the underworld? I am learning to become a ranger as well, but we have heard that the Dark Elves are by far the best in the underworld. And I remember that you liked our stories; we have more of them and there are even two more of us.
Leorn looks depressed. Maybe there is something the four of you can do to help him.
Adina sits down next to Leorn and places a hand on his arm.
"I do not think you are as lost as you believe you are. Think about it," she implores, "without you, would any of us be here? You held your own against a demon. You fought that man without wearing any armor*. You trusted Yalm to do what he thought was right."
"You are not lost, Leorn, you seem to know exactly what to do, where to go, and how to go about doing both of those things. We are the ones who are lost, Leorn. You, on the other hand, are one of the strongest people I know. Don't let yourself give in to doubt and sadness."
Well I think we might have some help from the dark elves but they might stab us in the back since they can fall under Xivasar influence very easy as I rub my chin with on hand and think for a second Are there any mercenaries we could hire at a tavern or some sort of guild?
The governor looks at you with a stern gaze. "Listen boy, I know ye be a sorcerer but I just don't have the men to spare for you. I can maybe see about getting some of the orcs to help ye but those guys may succumb to the turning power of the obelisk and try to kill ya. Now I can arm ye as best I.... Suddenly another voice interrupts. "I'll go wit em!" You turn to see the angry short white bearded dwarf that met you at the city gates and made his no magic policy known. "I go wit ye. I wanna kick dis Xivasar fella right in da daddybag!"
The governor lets out a sigh of disappointment. "Battlemaster Dunnely Brogan. You know I need you here to oversee things in the city. With your experience and skill you are more important here."
The short old dwarf identified as Dunnely marches up to the four foot governor and looks up to him square in the eyes. Dunnely had to be just barely over 3 feet in height. Dunnely grabbed the younger looking governor by the beard and pulled him down to look him straight in the eye. The governor seems scared out of his mind. "You listen ye disrespectful piece of git! I been arund fer 200 years! I fought in all serts of battles an survived dem all. Dere be a few were I be the ONLY survivor! I Used ta be a great warrior who cud slay dragons by lookin at em! Now here I am! Reduced ta law enfercement an babysittin! I wunt have it! The greatest achievment of ma life is jest be ond dem borders an no way I'm gonna miss it fer nottin! Not ta mention I owe dat Xivy boy a whole lotta payback fer what he did ta ma legacy!" Dunnely reaches into his pack and pulls out an old looking revolver and holds it to the governor's face with the barrel pointing at the ceiling. "I'm gonna take dis here weapon an put a hole right tru Xivy's stones an ruin his legacy an I want ye ta try an stop me!" With that Dunnely shoves the governor and turns to face you. "It's settled. Me an ma team will join ye. This skittish little tunnel rat wont stop us. He doesn't have the stones. Now I git my men ready an meet ye at da east gate. Ta think da sorcerers er still alive. Whoduve thunk it." With that Dunnely leaves the room. You look at the governor and the site isn't pretty. He has a look of horror on his face and a small pool is collecting at his feet. From the way Dunnely handle that encounter, you get the impression this guy could make even Drethrum and his demons wet themselves in terror. You get a shutter that this guy is going to be joining your group. But at least he's on your side. You wont getting anything more from the governor in his current state. Nice job Aiden.
You manage to find the Delves and ask your question. Arastil considers your question. "The underworld is extraordinarily dangerous under the dark lands these days. Drethrum has opened the gates of hell and almost everything that lives in the underworld has been turned to Xivasar's side. It would be extremely dangerous to take that route. There are more allies on the surface. I see your need is great. I may be able to assist you at crossing the surface but I am no guide of it."
In the lobby of the inn you mention demons and a patron just a table over hears the comment. "Demons? Then it is as the lizardfolk have said. I hope they can find the sorcerers they are looking for. Have you seen the lizardfolk?"
Please, your help would be most appreciated. If not for us, then for vengeance against Drethrum. With your help, we can rid his influence from the underworld and restore the balance. The Delves will be able to return.
Aiden gives an apologetic bow to the lord mayor and exits.
A satisfied smile beams on his face as he makes his way back to the in to tell Leorn.
"Leorn! We have armed men willing to travel with us. Battlemaster Dunnely Brogan and his team will be waiting for us by the east gate."
Aiden stands waiting for Leorn's reply.
Were can we find this lizardmen good Sir?
Arastil nods. Very well me and my "men" will be happy to assist your venture into the dark lands. This is the only way I can reconnect to the spirits and regain my life. Thanks for this sweetie." With that you head pleased as punch back to the inn. You arrive in time to here the following conversation.
They are at Kawkwall inn. They are looking for sorcerers they're shaman wants to meet with them. Scary bunch though if you ask me. They are cannibals and tribals. That spells bad to me."
Leorn laughs. "Hah Cannibals means they eat their kind and we are not their kind so I am sure we are fine. Besides I heard they are relatively friendly people. Let's go meet them." With that Leorn gets up.
Aiden whispers in Leorn's ear.
"I thought the lizardmen were susceptible to the obelisk?"
"See, Leorn? Things are working out!" Adina says with a bright smile. "It's a great feeling, don't you think?"
Yeah! Aiden got the dwarves, I've picked up the elves, and I'm sure we can get the lizardfolk to help us too! We'll be an unstoppable army.
Lizardfolk sound good to me, or at least increases our odd for this matter, let's go have a chat with them
Leorn nods. "Yes lizard tend to be suseptible to the obelisk's power but it's power hasn't reached them yet and I plan to have them escort us no further than their home. That is why we needed the dwarves. They are the only race I trust to escort us into the dark lands. Now lets go meet these lizardfolk." You follow Leorn too the Kawkwall inn. There you see a group of 12 lizardfolk just loitering around in front of the place. The largest wears a Triceratops shaped skull as a helmet and carries a large crescent shaped sword at his side. Leorn approaches the beast. "Excuse me sir, I couldn't help but note that you are looking for sorcerers. I have news of their whereabouts and am curious to know why you are looking for them." The lizardmen look at Leorn. They are even more frightening in appearance than the orcs. Their mouths are big enough to bite off your head if they so chose. The largest with the helmet looks at Leorn. The creature's expression is difficult to read. "I am Kersshhhak. Ca'tain of tha lizard second 'attalion. Our head ssssshaman sssaw a visssion of four ssssssorssssererssss of the elementsss and bid usss to find them an bring them to him. He sssssaysss they may be our ssssssalvassshion. SSsso we ssseek to find an bring them."
Leorn thinks a moment. "Well I have good news. The four here with me are our sorcerer heroes your shaman saw in his vision and we are looking for escort into the marshes of Myyrian."
Kershak seems to consider Leorn's words for a moment. "Good, our ssssearch wasssss not in vain. We mussst leave ssssoon. Come."
Leorn pauses for a moment."We have other guards we need to meet at the east gate. Will you join us with them?"
The lizard thinks for a moment. "Sssure but we ssshhhould not keep the sssshhhaman waiting. Lead the way."
You Leorn and the Lizards head to the east gate. There you see a group of eight dwarves and Dunnely, also you see Arastil and about 6 drow men all dressed for battle and now adding to the bunch 12 ferocious looking lizardmen. Who in their right mind would attack such an array of warriors. The three groups however don't seem to pleased with one another. They seem to make a point to keep their distances and give each other evil stares.
Regardless Leorn leads them on. Not long after you are out of the city, you run into Drethrum. He is on foot standing in your path. Leorn and Dunnely step forward. Leorn Shouts. "Drethrum! You would do well to leave! I have the advantage now! You dare not attack lest it be your final battle! For not only do we have the sword but we have a host of capable warriors able to wield it! Clear the path now!"
Drethrum lets out a horrifying laugh that instantly puts all your guardians on edge. "You think this is going to stop me or Xivasar?" He chuckles. "To accomplish anything you need to pass through our lands to get to the only people who can train your brats! Brandon knows nothing of Xivasar's influence. There is no prophecy. You wont survive. This is a foolish endeavor cause once you...." Suddenly a loud bam is heard and Drethrum flinches as though he has been hit. The bam came from the 3 foot dwarf, Dunnely, and his revolver. "Stand dere an keep talkin an will see 'ow many shot ye ken take." Drethrum snarls at the confident dwarf and prepares a spell. Mid spell Dunnely fires again catching Drethrum in the wrist and then fires another shot but Drethrum dodges it. "RRRAAAARRR!!!" Drethrum roars and then races off as Dunnely fires a fourth after him. Dunnely looks at the pistol and grunts. "Humph. Must be gettin rusty. Damn daycare jobs dun made me soft." He shrugs and holsters the pistol. "Ignore 'im lets move on."
You move on until night fall and then set up camp.
Once the meal is finished, Aiden addresses the group.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your aid. I know that we could not hope to succeed without it. Clearly, you are all noble patriots and though we all have our differences, I commend your ability to lay them aside for the greater good. I hope one day that such fine warriors as yourselves can be as proud to stand with us as we are to stand with you."
Later on, Aiden seeks an opportunity to speak to Adina alone.
"I'm sorry we haven't had much chance to talk lately. How are you holding up?"
After Aiden speech I approach him right before he leaves to were ever he might be of to Aiden a moment as I look around so that no one is to close to hear me This groups don't hold a lot of friendship amongst each other, I will talk to the lizardmen and ask Jen to do the same for the elves, can you manage the dwarves with Leorn and Adina can go help Jen or me to keep some peace and some sort of link between the groups as he walks away slowly Just food for thought Aiden, I will go to Jen now
Searching for Jen amidst the group I offer my sincere thanks to all the assembled warriors and their leaders if I can find them while looking for Jen.
Frank finds Jen sitting near the edge of the camp, trying to stay away from the noise of the center and listening to the trees. Upon seeing Frank, Jen taps her hand on the ground next to her, motioning for him to sit down.
Have you listened to the sounds of the trees here? I heard it on our arrival here, but I never got the chance to really appreciate them. They sound so different from Earth.
After Aiden speech I approach him right before he leaves to were ever he might be of to Aiden a moment as I look around so that no one is to close to hear me This groups don't hold a lot of friendship amongst each other, I will talk to the lizardmen and ask Jen to do the same for the elves, can you manage the dwarves with Leorn and Adina can go help Jen or me to keep some peace and some sort of link between the groups as he walks away slowly Just food for thought Aiden, I will go to Jen now
Searching for Jen amidst the group I offer my sincere thanks to all the assembled warriors and their leaders if I can find them while looking for Jen.
"Of course Frank. Solidarity amoung our allies is of the utmost importance right now."
Sounds are appeasing enough, even tho I think the sound of water calms me more. Jen I wanted to ask you if you could talk to our elven friends and be our mediator with them, since they respond better to a female presence than a male. You are more beautiful than Arastil so you might accomplish something easier than I can giving a slight pause just to think and as a pretext to look at Jen I will try to deal with the lizardmen since we need someone besides Leorn that they can relate to if anything happens, this I think will also take away some tension amongst the group interacting and take away some weight from Leorn shoulders as I pause again to look at Jen and wait for an answer.
"I'm sorry we haven't had much chance to talk lately. How are you holding up?"
"I think I'm doing okay. It's all... it's all a little overwhelming sometimes, but I'll be okay. What about you?"
Well, I admit, I was skeptical at first, but now I really believe that we can help this land. Still, I can't help but feel like I should have talked to you more back in our world...what did you like to do for fun?"
Well if you like water, maybe we could go swimming sometime. Jen listens to Frank's suggestion to talk with the elves. Don't worry about it; I will, but later. We can enjoy this evening.
She scoots her hand over to his.
Noticing Jen's hand over mine I give back a smile Thank you with the most sincere words This has been very overwhelming for me, glad I got you, and the others of course as I blush for a split second then I just lay back so I can see the sky and hold her hand with mine Feeling of the earth is also somehow peaceful, but we will go swimming sometimes also. Show me the sounds of the threes
Maybe you are hearing it, but not really noticing it. When the leaves rustle against each other in the wind, like this, Jen moves a bit closer, it makes only a small sound, but together, Jen places her arm on Frank's chest, it speaks volumes.
She begins to drift away to sleep.
Okay I guess you all retire for the night. The next day comes and the party packs up camp quickly and pushes on. You guys make your way on for some ways before mid day.
Around this time you encounter a strange group of red skinned people with pointy ears riding on steeds. There are about 9 in all. They aren't wearing much but sport excellent body builder physiques. Your first impression is barbarians
The party has weapons drawn and seem frightfully on edge.
The toughest of these strange people rides up. "A strange band you are riding this close to the dark lands. We are curious about your business."
Leorn shouts "Our business? What business is it of yours who we are and what we our doing?"
The red man smirks. The appearance of these people reminds you of Drethrum a bit. There are six men and three women among them. The men man talking with you dismounts. "I am Ashal of the tribe of Umagan." We heard rumors that Drethrum was hunting someone and now we seek to see what has Xivasar so scared that he would send his top agent out all by himself."[/b]
Leorn sneers. "Damnable Relven warriors. He has already spoken to you. I can tell. Now you seek to do his dirty work don't you?"
Ashal holds his hands up in a gesture of peace. We saw a unique opportunity. Drethrum alone in our tribe and he was wounded." Dunnely smiles with pride. "We tried to take him down there. He got away. But not before asking us to help him take down a small band of dwarves, lizards, and delves. I am surprised and it seems there are more among you than he had mentioned. Those human kids with the strange hair colors remind me of the fabled sorcerers. I thought they were all extinct. Yet there seems a good chance that some still exist. This makes you enemies of Xivasar. As his enemies, you are our friends. We seek to aid you in whatever quest you are on that would end Xivasar's reign."
Leorn shouts back. "How do we know this isn't a lie and that you simply took Drethrum's offer and are now trying to infiltrate our party so you can kill these kids in their sleep?"
Ashal's expression turns dark and he draws an odd shaped dagger from its sheath. The expression of his followers are grim. He then reaches into his pouch and pulls out some strange brown goo and rubs it all over the dagger. The others in your party are really tense and on edge. Ashal then takes the dagger and plunges it into his heart. He cries out with a fierce look on his face as the dagger goes deep. He then breathes heavily as he pulls it out. He then sheathes it and brings it to Leorn holding it up to him. "This is an oath bond and this oath I swear. If I or any other of my kind so much as attempts to betray you, then I die." The dagger glows after that statement. He then hands it to Leorn. Leorn looks surprise, as well should you all. There is an obvious mark on the mans chest where the heart is suppose to be. It has already scared with the brown goo acting as a natural clot. The goo is pulsing with each normal human heart beat.
Leorn slowly puts the dagger into his pack. "Okay, I believe you. I am sorry to put you to such extremes but these are dark times and we can trust few people from this point on. Welcome aboard." Leorn and Ashal shake hands and the party moves on now joined by the Relvish warriors.
You travel the rest of the day and set up another camp.
Jen whispers to Frank. Now there are four groups, one for each of us. We should probably talk to them about their issues with each other.
She heads over to Arastil and sits down next to her. Hey, how are you doing? I just wanted to thank you again for everything that you're doing to help us. I know that the others don't really make good company, even the males of your own kind.
I was just wondering, why don't Delves and Dwarves and Lizardfolk like each other? I don't understand why.
Then Jen tells some more stories of the sorcerers to lighten the mood.
Well, I admit, I was skeptical at first, but now I really believe that we can help this land. Still, I can't help but feel like I should have talked to you more back in our world...what did you like to do for fun?"
"Well, you already know I like to draw and mess around with recipes... So that leaves reading, dancing, and playing instruments like the flute."
Adina pales as the man stabs himself in the chest and pulls out the knife, fully expecting a fountain of blood. A moment later she finds herself wishing for that, because the goo is much worse in her eyes.
"I'm glad we haven't eaten recently." Adina says to Aiden. "That goo... I don't like the way that goo is pulsing."
"that is without doubt, the most horrible and fascinating thing I have ever seen..."
It is not horrible, it a warrior tradition of great courage and honor saying it proudly I recognize his good will and faith approaching Adina for a moment We have four groups of people we each need to take one and try to become some sort of a... not leader but representatives of them in this expedition since I think you have noticed there is some sort of rivalry or bad blood amongst them as is rubbing his chin for a moment Jen is going with the elves I can go with the Umagan barbarians or the lizardfolk and I asked Aiden to meet with the dwarves, what do you think?
"You may represent the Umagans. It may be a warrior traditions, but the sight of that stuff..." Adina shudders ever so slightly. "I think there is much I could learn from the lizardfolk."
Jen's where she wants to be, if any of you want to talk to the other do so before tomorrow afternoon okay.
Steeling herself, Adina walks over to the lizard folk to introduce herself.
"Um, hello. My name is Adina Eyvendr. I just wanted to introduce myself since you seem to have gone through the trouble of finding us."
Aiden takes a seat near Dunnley.
"Thanks for the assertive action against Drethrum. So far your company has proven most needed."
Aiden pauses awkwardly for a moment.
"If I may, what is the source of tension between your kin and these other races? I feel that if I can understand where everyone is coming from, I will be able to help us all get along."
I look for the leader of the Umagan warriors and when i find him I approach him Well met Ashal, I haven't seen such a display of honor and bravery in a long time as I extend my hand and make a slight bow with my head to demonstrate appretiation I'm Frank and grateful to have you along our journey. I'm very interested to learn about your people the Umagan
Aiden approaches Dunnely and asks his question. Dunnely is quiet concerning Drethrum but at the question about races. "Da Delves tried ta wipe out most of da surface world centuries ago an wiped out the minds of all da men in deir society. Dey never bothered us so we dun't really care. Da lizards and Relves er savages and I don't trust primitives as fer as I can trow'em. Dat ain't gonna change easy, even if the one Relf stabbed 'imself. Dat just proves 'e's a fool."
Jen asks Arastil her question. Arastil looks very uncomfortable. "Centuries ago we tried to conquer the known surface. We enslaved all priimitive races, the lizardfolk and red elves included. We also have a bad reputation for mind control because we wiped the minds of every man in our society. Our men have never recovered from it so other races don't trust us. Not sure why the others don't like each other though. Surface creatures are still something of a mystery to me."
You approach the lizardfolk. After introducing herself the leader leans over and looks at you. He is unable to make expressions so it is hard to tell how he feels about talking to you. "I am Kerssshhak." He says in a menacing voice.
You go up and chat to the Umagan warrior's leader. One of the females in his party is sitting next to him chatting with him in their native language. She seems much younger than he. He looks at your hand and then shakes it. He looks back up at you. He smiles. "Few have an interest in my people. Most see us as nothing more than savages. I am Ashal and this is my daughter Eella." The girl smiles shyly and give you a wave of hello. "We are known by human and other elvens as red elves. Umagan is our tribe name. Our medicine man told me that you and yours my not trust me so he made the oath salve for me to prove my loyalty. Is there something I can help you with master sorcerer Frank?"
"Truly it's a welcomed assurence at least? The Relves cannot easily betray us now right? Dunnley, no one doubts your grit, and it is readily apparent that you are an honorable dwarf, I have to ask you to rise above petty disagreements for the sake of your kin and country. I do no expect it will be easy, but I will help you and yours insofar as I am able."
"I hope you do not find me rude or imprudent. I speak from necessity and I would never wish to damage pride or honor. I just have a unique perspective of this situation and a great desire to see your nation whole again."
I go and shake hands with Eella You give me much honor, but just call me Frank we are friends and allies. May I sit here and make you company [b]What is the name of your language? I was trying to learn the language from the other elves, for I speak a language of my own that only me and Aiden share as I point to Aiden Were I come from this language is very ancient and we were able to speak with fae, or so the legends tell I say it proudly. My people were once known as barbarians, we were the Gaelic or sometimes called Celtic
Hmm, that's interesting. But why do you not like them in return?
"Hello Kershak." Adina replies, bowing slightly. "I was wonder if, perhaps, you or one of yours could teach me about the natural world? I've learned a little bit from Leorn already, but I would like to learn about it from another's point of view as well."
Dunnely's expression doesn't change as he starts polishing bullets. "I've got a bullet saved for Ashal in case that oath nonsense turns out to be a hoax. He wont catch me off guard." Dunnely doesn't seem to have heard anything you have said.
Ashal looks at you with interest. "In our tongue we call our speech Valek. Other races simply call it Relvish. You say your kinsmen were barbarians? You don't look like a barbarian. Your hair is blue.
Arastil seems surprised. "We don't hate the dwarves, I'm just causious about the lizardfolk. Truly we really don't dislike anybody but the lizards can't seem to forget and honestly, with the stories I have heard, I can't say I blame them. I just keep my guard up is all. Especially if they get turned by the obelisk."
Kershak's expression doesn't change as it is hard for a lizard to make expressions. "What do you mean, "Natural world?" All the world isss natural. Nothing unnatural about it." He clearly sounds confused by your question.
Aiden sighs. "Fair enough Dunnley."
Aiden will rejoin those around the central fire, feeling deflated somewhat.
It was not always so Ashal, this reflects the power that has awoken in me. My people were barbarians once or at least that's what we were called by the more "civilized" ones, but that is only a matter of view. I'm proud of my heritage and so should you as I give him a warm smile Let us share our meals and maybe I'll be able to learn your language, while I teach you mine
Thank you again, Arastil, for all of your help.
Jen returns to the central fire as well.
"I'm sorry, I should have been more clear. I should have said Nature. Ever since Leorn taught me a little nature magic, it feels like there is something... missing, I think. I don't know the word for it."
Kershak nods at Adina. "We have nature Ssshamanss. They may be able to teach you when we arrive at Myyrian ." Kershak agrees to run like the wind. Apparently the lizard warriors are good at stprinting and covering distances at great speed. You can take either feat if you'd like.
Arshal and Frank spend sometime talking back and forth in each others languages. You learn a few new words and a phrase or two and he does as well. His daughter, Eella Gene seems quite taken with Frank and also enjoys learning his language.
You all turn in for the night and then the next day comes about.
----Day 3 of the journey to Myrian----
The day is fairly quiet as you travel along the road. Trail rations aren't bad at all, especially compared to dwarven cuisine. You enjoy some nice scenery along the way but to what appears to be the north is beginning to get thick with gnarly and droopy looking dense trees.
During the trip Eella Gene spent most of her time talking to Frank. "So tell me all about where you are from and your tribe of people?"
After a couple of hours travel you veer of the trail following the lizards.
Kershak turns to address you. "There are no easssy roadsss through the marsshh. Horsse are no good in here, essspessially horned horsssess. They need to be left behind. We help carry gear through the marssh. Now come."
You all begin to dismount your unicorns. Leorn then nods at the noble beast and say. "It is better this way. You have done more than your share. We will not fail you."
After distributing your gear you bid the easy trail fairwell and proceed into the marsh.
Kershak turns to you. "This wont be eassy. We still have another two days before we reach my home." Kershak leads on.
Aiden whispers quietly to Leorn
"Are we still heading in the right direction to the moon elves? I'd hate to backtrack for what I feel may be an ambush..."
Jen looks over at Frank and Eella several times on the trip there. Frank can talk with whoever he wants, and besides, I'm not the kind of person to barge in.
I'll see you again! calls Jen at the departing unicorns.
The journey into the marsh feels right for Jen. Mud and plants everywhere makes it feel just like home.