Skully pipes up when her name is meantioned.. "Sorry I was day dreaming.. Yea I can stealth ahead if needed.. Are we leaving now?"
You all get the feeling she looses concetration easily and drifts off into her own thoughts..
Fenn smiles at Skully, and tousles her hair affectionately, "Yeah, daydreamer... we're leaving."
Fenn looks up at the sky positioning the sun, "Ah think barring any complications.. we should be able to make... if'n you let me carry you a few times Skully, about 18 ta 20 miles by around nightfall. Yur ...'petite' legs will slow us down or you'll be powerful tired if we force you to keep up.. no point in that. We need you not exhausted... so.. I'll carry you some~ or some one else if'n ye perfer~ ta let your legs rest a bit. Its not best ta travel any further in tha dark than that... well at least ways with people who don't see well in tha dark!"
She smiles.. "Oh I love me some piggybacks!" She does a kick flip up onto your shoulders and grabs hold..
Fenn laughs, delighted at the Amazing display of nimbleness!!
"Hahaha yur a wonder girl! Now ...don't you pinch mah ears none! They may be long and look like nice door handles... but their also tender to tha' touch!"
And indeed his half-elven ears are slightly pointed and soft to the touch... she can almost feel the pulse of his heart through them.
Skully takes a side glance at Q.. "Who you calling a gnome! Do I look like I have a bigass nose? Just because I'm short doesn't make me a gnome Sir!" She clearly has taken offense at being confused for a gnome..
Fenn smiles, and reaches up tickles Skully's thigh, "Naow, naow... calm down lil' beauty... mos' o' us big folks have trouble telling a dog from a wolf... Mr. Col-lamin, Ah's sure meant no harm or insult! I nevah met a gnome or halfling before Ah met you.. neither. Ah'd probably make tha' same slip o' tongue mahself.. if'n ye had given meh enough time too..."
"An if'n yeh don' mind ma saying... Ah heard some people sometimes confuse Halflings fur children.. but after meeting you.. Ah don't see how anyone could make tha' mistake! Yur all petite an pretty woman as I can see... seems only a blind man would mistake you fur a toddler!"
"Heh, maybe one o' these days.. I'll actually get ta see a real elf!?! Ah heard they's supposed ta be all regal an serene-like and Powerful Pretty!"
"I guess it's ok.. You owe me a piece of hard candy though!"
Well if you all are incline to travel we should move as quickly as we may. We don't have much more than four or five hours of daylight left to us. Brom says as he starts working his way through the crowded streets toward the city gate.
Fenn snickers at Skully's demand for hard candy... and follows Bron with a even pace... his strides long and even.
Fenn grins at Quolamin's qwips and replies, "Nah... Ah think something simple an modest-like... , we all know our professions we're 'experts'... maybe not masters and such but professional.. and we cut right to tha' heart of any problem we're faced with!"
"You'll see... we got this, bandits or no...!"
Legainn easily paces Brom once they're clear of the crowds. "There's five of us, unless you're counting yourself out. I'd think we wait a while yet before dealing in names. I want to see how this job ends up." A trace of worry works it's way across her face, but it's gone a moment later. "With all luck, Fenn, those bandits you're on about will have moved on by the time we reach them. I suppose we'll find out..."
Fenn nods and sighs, "...yeah. Let's hope so! Ah'm not fond of swordwork and would avoid shedding blood if'n Ah has any other choice..."
'A man needs a cleaner living than killing all-ah' time...', no offense meant Brom... Ah knows soldiers an' mercenaries ain't all about killing always... jus' applying force where its needed sometimes tha' means fighting.. but it can jus' a likely mean defendin' or protectin' too!"
"Its too bad when some men choose ta forget tha'..."
Fenn I am only a soldier because my father wasn't rich enough to give me and my brother both an inheritance. If he'd split the farm in two both of us would have starved. So, he sent me to my uncle to learn how to get my own inheritance. Brom says over his shoulder as he pushs through the croud. If we are lucky this bottle of wine won't be the only thing in that ruin. Maybe there will be more than one bottle.
Fenn smiles.. a grim smile, "Well yur lucky Brom.. Ah wish ma pap would ha' been so kind.. all he evah gave me for free was beatin's 'till Ah couldn't see strait!"
{heh} "Would ha' made more sense if'n Pap evah would have told me why? But Ah got no complaints... Ah'm healthy with a strong back, Ah'm free to make mah own way tha' way Ah sees fit and Ah'm on an adventure who knows what Ah'll find along tha' way? {wink!}
"An.. Ah likes ta make ma own luck!"
When Brom reaches the city gates he looks back to make sure everyone is still with him then passes through the gate into the late afternoon sunshine. Once outside the city he picks up the pace in an effort to make some progress towards thier goal before they stop for the night.
Fenn, let me know when you need a break. I will take a turn carrying Skully.
Fenn nods, "Sure thing Brom... Ah'll switch off wit ya in three Ahours er so..."
Fenn adjusts the heft of his weapons belt and the cross-chest straps securing his Elven Curve Blade and Bow/Quiver at his back with the weight of Skully with the practiced ease of a seasoned wilderness wanderer...
Skully blushes at the attention from the big strong men.. "Oh yall don't have to carry me the whole time.. I have legs too.."
Fenn chuckles, "Shucks taint' no problem Miss Skully. Ah's sure you got fine legs but no since in tiring yo'self out without reason! Let me do all the work an you just sit tight an enjoy tha' ride~..*"
His voice cracks at the last ... reason reasserting at the unintentional ...'suggestiveness' of his less-than-well-thought-out words spoken to a woman...
Fenn goes silent and Skully notices his stride is a little uncertain for a few steps then he gets back into his striding rhythmic steps.
...though Skully is sure she can see his delicate elven ears color a shade of blush briefly.
To everyone else its obvious the awkwardness he's feeling from the crimson shade of blush clear on his face...
Skully giggles.. "You boys and your shyness.. I think it's funny.. I'll very much enjoy the ride! Like I said, I love piggyback rides.."
The only problem with your legs Skully is that they are barely long enough to reach the ground. Brom says as they hurry down the road. We will get farther today if Fenn or I carry you today. You can walk all day tomorrow. I will even let you carry my pack tomorrow if it will make you feel like we ar even.
You pass your time with chit chat and, before you know it, the shadows are starting to get thicker as dusk approaches.
As dusk approaches Fenn sets Skully down and informs the party, "...getting close ta dusk naow.. I'm gonna find us a campsite somewheres off the road and with cover.. jus' in case...be right back...!"
Fenn head off at a double pace moving into the surrounding hills and light scarttered trees and scrub... searching for a out of the way and somewhat sheltered campsite.
It does not take long when Fenn comes back seemingly out of the woodlands, "Found a spot.. this ways!"
He leads the party off the road about 100 yards to a small knoll behind a rocky outcropping with two large tress at its base ...creating a natural shield from the wind elements of the deepening fall season and a somewhat concealed natural clearing that would prevent any campfire from being seen until one was right upon the campsite.
"Therah's a creek about 60 of so feet over behind that ridge over yonder where we can get fresh water. I'm a go see if'n I can wrestle us up some dinner... maybe catcha rabbit or two... Yaw start a fire so we can get some warmth and cookin' done when Ah get back ok?"
Then just as quick he vanishes into the terrain that seems ...almost second nature to him.
Fenn returns in a little over an hours time... it is pitch black of night by this time but he can clearly be heard as he trudges through the underbrush bearing his burdens of wild game already field dressed ready for the cook fires... a brace of rabbits and some wild berries, a few fruits, a sack of walnuts.. and fresh water. Not a banquet but enough to leave everyone satisfied.
At the campsite.. "Not very quite is he.. I suppose it being night time I can let him off on that.."
Upon return.. "Gosh Fenn you are a wilderness man.. Look at all those good things to eat.." Her mouth visibly waters despite her snacking all day..
Fenn gives Skully a lopsided silly grin.. as he tousles her hair affectionately, "Ah 'shucks' Miss Skully.. its jus' somethin' Ah learned when it became cleah' mah pap was only gonna fix enough grub for hisself most o' the time.. maybe let me have tha' scraps he didn't finish if'n he weren't too drunk ta' notice aftaerward. Yeh learns ta fend fur yourself.. and forage off tha land - build ya own cookin' skills! An Ah'll be more quiet-like on our scoutin'... when Ah'm not wearing my armor and such."
He winks at Skully as he stretches the two rabbits on stick spits over the fire to start them cooking, while he cracks pairs of Walnuts with his barehands for everyone to munch on while dinner cooks.
The crackling fire, the flickering firelights, the warmth of the fire, the smell of cooking meat and the soft sound of Fenn cracking nuts... is actually restful.
"Ah scouted round about for wild animal lairs we should be ok... ta take our rest. We should set watches though... I'll take second watch. I've nevah needed much sleep no-ways."
Then Fenn walks over to sit next to Quolamin offering him some cracked nuts and berries.. a somewhat nervous smile on his face.
"So.. mister Colamin. You being a lerned man an all.. whats it take to learn ta be a wizard? Ah's always been curious about magic... is it something ya could teach if'n.. say I was real..diligent like in listening? Ah's a quick learnah! Ah may na be all book learned..but Ah can read and write an all...!"
After eating your food and turn in for the night.
Fenn's eyes widen in excitement as Quolamin draws him aside to speak. He listens intently taking in all his words. He ponders what is told to him resting a hand on his chin in a thoughtful gesture... and he nods accepting Quolamin's instruction.
"So's.. Ah need to work on mah speach and be more exact in mah.. pronun.. pronunsi~.. yeah that word. This is gonna take a lot o' work! But Ah's ready ta learn.. if'n you be willing!"
Fenn sleeps about 4 hours a night give or take a hour or so depending upon how much exertion he was doing the day before. This actually is very similar to MY personal sleeping schedule.. though now I'm a little older I find 5 to 6 hours is more to my liking. But I find I usually can't sleep past 6:30 or 7AM - unless I'm sick. Most of Fenn's sleep is done in a trance-like meditation that is not really sleep as much as dreams of past events of his life. I ALWAYS liked the 2nd Edition definition of the Elven Reverie to explain why elves were immune to sleep magical effects... and always use it for my elven blooded characters. Now when Fenn starts casting spells he will of course need a full 8 hours of rest.. some will be sleep some will be his Reverie meditation and just relaxing.
Fenn usually takes the midnight watch as his needs little sleep compaired to humans. Keep in mind also Fenn is practically still a boy as far as Half-elf age catagories go. Half-elves are physically mature by about age 25 Fenn is only 16.. he still has little under a decade of growing to reach Full Half-elven physical maturity, but being raised by humans has forced him to mature ..emotionally very fast - especially with the constant physical, emotional, and mental abuse of his father has subjected the boy to. So Fenn has almost the build of a feral child who has grown up in a very rough and rustic environment... it has put a muscle and lean wiry fierceness to his lanky teenaged build. He is Tall for his age as his pap is even taller than him! But he has the youthful unending energy that children seem to have an unlimited supply of. Though it might not be obvious right now as Fenn delves into his magical training his elven heritage that seems subdued in the boy is actually Quite strong and it will begin to awaken the more he matures.
The procedure I previously posted about Fenn searching for a concealed and sheltered campsite and then hunting for dinner food as he scouts around the camp for threats is his usually in the 'wilds' procedure. Fenn takes the midnight watch {he likes watching the moon.. more on that later}, and in the morning when the sun is still just a dim pinkness on the horizon Fenn will repeat the proceedure searching the area around the camp for changes in the night and then hunt up some breakfast fare for the party.
Even with rations..which he does have Fenn prefers not to eat packed food .. until there is not food to forage in the environment.. THEN rations are needed.
Brom gathers wood and gets a small fire burning while Fenn is off scrounging. Brom offers to take the first watch when the question comes up. If there is any disagreement of who takes what watch he suggest drawing lots. in the morning he cuts a pair fo stout sticks and when Fenn returns from looking for food he waves the half-elf over.
you wanted to learn to fight better. He says tossing one of the sticks to to Fenn. We Likely both have a lot to learn and there is no better way to learn than doing. Defend yourself!
Brom attacks the ranger with the stick he kept.
Fenn hears Brom's request and grins brightly, "Well SURE Brom..!! That'd be great! Hang on let me skinny out of mah armor and well get too it!"
Fenn moves over to the campfire side and begins to pull his chain shirt hauberk over his head to remove it and involuntarily pulls his undershirt up to reveal his bare back and chest... revaeling the record of abuse and rough life this young man has endured as his chest and bare arms are criss-crossed with scars and old wounds of fights and severe beatings he's endured in his relatively short life... much more than even the most active boy youth would have likely collected in play or misfortune. Fenn has seen conflict and endured Much pain...
He blushes slightly under the gaze of the ladies present, "Opps! Pahdon me ma'ams... aheh!"
Yet Fenn seems to think nothing of the scars reveled.. more self-conscious about being just bare-chested even briefly in front of lady-folk.
He pulls he shirt back on and picks up his buckler ... snatching the tossed practice sword tossed to him by Brom from the air.
As he moves to his sparing circle and eager and playful glint in his eye... "Ahwn Guard!!"
Fenn is an unpredictable fighter moving gracefully from one tactic to another mobile and not afraid to risk taking a blow to get into position to land one of his own. He switches fluidly between attack and defensive tactics and is hard to pin down. But it seems he thinks of this more as play... and perhaps some glimpse of just how young Fenn is compared to a adult human.. he is Very young for a half-elf after all!
Legainn watches the pair go at it with a small smile. "Ever excitable, aren't they?" she says absentmindedly to Skully. When the time comes, she will sleep, rise for whatever watch is needed, then again some short while before dawn to sit by herself in silence.
After sparing a few rounds with Brom and taking some instruction on sword forms and stances for offense and defense... Fenn will return to Quolamin for the speech training in repeating the proper pronunciation of his vowels and starting the most basic mental exercises all Apprentice Magicians must master to hold the needed magical matrices for spells to be memorized in mind. All basic study... but needed. Both Brom and Quolamin find that though Fenn is deficient in formal education... he is quite apt at diligent effort and persistence in learning the formal exercises for both the professions martial and arcane. He is an apt and dedicated pupil!
So half of first Watch Fenn splite his time between practicing sword forms and practicing his pronunciation and meditation mental exercises.
The other half he is ...siting by the campfire his legs crossed beneath him and with his eyes still open 'sleeps' meditates staring into the fires... his deep green elven eyes flickering with liquid inner flames of self-introspection ... a trance-like reverie. The sight of it is eerie and otherworldly to the human observers... it punctuates the fact.. Fenn is not human, but a mingling of the mysterious elves and the human blood. Fenn is not truly either...
On second watch Fenn puts his armor on and is a vigilant ghost as he sneaks around the campsite just out of the firelight patrolling the camp outside the the sheltering gnoll... keeping to the shadows.
At the end of his watch he wakes Legainn for third watch and Fenn will return to his seat beside the fire... returning to his mediation of reverie. Which he maintains for about half the watch before he nods of to true sleep.
About an hour before dawn Fenn wakes looking around the camp once ... smiles to find Lagainn awake in prayerful contemplation along side Quolamin in studious preparation of his magical powers.
Fenn stands streatch and gets his gear all ready to go.. then leaves camp for morning foraging... and to re-leave himself away from the party.
When he returns he has suitable fair for morning breakfast... including some duskly colored grasshoppers that though they look disgusting are actually rather tasty when fried!
When the others wake Fenn helps break camp and makes sure the campsite fire embers a damp and totally smothered with water.
"Ah~ All right. Let's get movin'!"
Fenn takes point letting Brom carry Skully and he sets out a strident pace back to the road on onward to their adventure...
Brom doesn't carry Skully. He let Skully walk on her own but keeps the rest of the group at a pace she is comfortable with.
No sense in wearing anyone out marching when we may need to fight bandits when we get to our destination.
Skully smiles and nods at the decision.. She skips along as they travel..
The morning is chilly and fog covers the road as you enter a small valley.
Legainne warily peers at the fog as they continue forward...
Loose sticks and brush tumble down to side of a hill off to your left. You look up to see a wolf sliding, uncontrollably, towards you.
Fenn raises a hand for everyone to stop!
And slowly he approaches the wolf, eyes down-cast and lowering himself to thwe ground practically crawling toward the wolf... he pulls out a piece of jerked meat from dinner last night in his out-stretched hand and speaks softly and plaintively... mindful not to show any teeth or meet the wolves eyes directly - signs of challenge...
"Hi there big fella.. your a hungery hunter too aren't ya..? My yur sure are pretty with ah'll tha' dark colored fur and white underbelly... common'.. this is fur you... freshly kilt', good food... caught it myself!"
He whimpers in some wordless mannerisms.. showing submissiveness to befriend the lean hungry forest hunter...
The wolf growls, a low rumbling coming from his throat, before quickly pulling the meat from Fenn's hand. He runs back a few feet and swallows the food. You notice that he is favoring his front right leg.