Renlo spoke up, "Let's hope your supplies are ready, Lady Cor'ellis. I would greatly prefer we did not have to remain here longer than necessary."
Also, history tells that any shadowspawn that crosses the wall is driven beyond insane, and dies a horrible death within steps over the threshold.
Aarkon shakes his head. Not to my knowledge, lady. It's possible they could have stayed elsewhere, but if that was the case, then word would have spread about visitors to our humble township. Of course, it's possible they could have stayed at one of the outlying farms just beyond our immediate vicinity.
As he speaks, a short form pushes the door open, silhouetted by the setting sun's light. Heavy shadows conceal the persons form until it strides forward, heels striking loudly upon the hardwood floors. The lights from the slits set upon the walls, filling the room with ambient light, push back the shadows showing a young teenaged girl walking into the room. Even wearing the slight heels, she is still shorter than 5 feet, but her bright blonde hair, held up in a bun, gives her a little illusion of height. Dark tanned skin, dimples permanently set upon her cheeks, a slight gap between her two teeth, and full figure show her age. She wears a plain brown cotton dress, white blouse with a blue sash across her chest.
Aarkon, are you ok? Mom says that there was another incident. She sent me to check on you and the others throughout the village.
Elek roll them all and see what sticks checks:
'Not a bad wall for such a small place, you can tell were close to the Blight.'
'So no women. Maybe they stopped at a farm. We may need to head out... the wall,... the wall didn't have any gates.' Like remebering the last item you lost, only when you start looking for something else. Elek's mind jars, 'The wall didn't have any gates even this close to the blight. What was the name of that villiage? Bal'ni? No, Bal'na Shadowspawn would go nuts and die, something to do with Dreaming and some relic, what else?' Interupting the petite blond, "Girl, what's the name of this town, is it Bal'na?" Without waiting for an answer he turns to Tenora, "I remembered what was odd about the towns wall, no gate. There was a story about a town called Bal'na. It's wall didn't have a gate, but if Shdowspawn entered in they would go nuts and die. It had something to do with dreams and some relic." He turns frantically back to the girl, waiting to here the name of the town.
Renlo spoke up, "Let's hope your supplies are ready, Lady Cor'ellis. I would greatly prefer we did not have to remain here longer than necessary."
"It do be a worrisome prospect, no? Perhaps you might be accompanying me, in case the trading post staff do be needing further persuasion? That glare of yours do be enough to make a tortoise fly." She said with a light chuckle and held her hands expectantly, as if to take his arm.
Aarkon purses his lips at Elek interrupting the girl. Miss Dawn here deserves a bit more respect, sir. She's training to be a healer for this area. He finishes with a glare.
the young girl stares first at Aarkon and then at Elek. Bal-wha? Is that an attempt at the Old Tongue? I will admit, I dont know it as well as my mom and Da harp on me to learn it. It'll serve you well! they say. Of course they say that. it's important. wanting me to impress some imaginary nobleman who might come out here on some trip, choose me as a bride and carry me away. What nonsense. Id rather have something here and now, like what Byran and Ronelle have, than waiting for something that'll never come. Aarkon, are you ok? Mom says im supposed to look you over... she says, a stern tone in her voice as she steps towards the older innkeeper.
Aarkon nods, finishing his drink. Ok. Ok. I know how your mom gets. Very passionate when it comes to checking on others. Kind soul your mother has, Dawn. I'm fine though. I got into a fight with this guy over here he points at Bataar got clonked upside the head, and to help myself over something that doesnt pertain to you, i have started drinking my special brew to ease the pain. So please, Dawn, tell your mom im fine for now, but if she wants to see me, she can come down here.
Bataar, to his credit, nods at the young lady and raises a glass to his lips, sipping the powerful concoction of alcohol.
"Hmmm..." says Korin after the girl leaves and stroking his chin thoughtfully before looking over at Elek.
"Could be Miss Dawn's correct. The name has a bit of a ring to it like the ancient tongue, not that I would know for sure as I don't speak it. I've heard some similar tales to yours in my time, men talk of a village called Thorn which has never fallen to the Shadow, due to the foul spawn's tendency to go insane and fall over dead when they enter the town. Was often claimed to be the doing of some permanent wielder of the one power. Never put a lot of stock in it myself, but it could be the same event or events spawned similar stories. Your relic and my channeler could be one and the same?"
It could also be a bunch of nonsense told to children to soothe their fears of raids too. Still, it is true the village has never fallen, and the...oddness... we've observed here today seems to fit those stories somewhat... except for it now affecting people and not Trollocs."
Before leaving to check on her travelling supplies, Cor'ellis' ear catches the sound of the Old Tongue being, frankly, butchered. Ever helpful, she volunteers the correct pronunciation.
"Bal'na. It do be the Old Tongue. My father did insist I learned the proper forms. Although most noblemen do care little for such things when they seek a bride." She said with a wink at the young Miss Dawn.
"It do mean something like 'of the circle'... I do wonder, do there be some literal circle? Something ancient and archaic that did be here before the place was called Thorn?"
'She is training?' Rolling his eyes at the Innkeepers rebuke, Elek waits as she checks the innkeepers wounds., Turn to Korin, 'Probably is the ancient tongue, this village IS Thorn, right? Nonsense I've heard of stranger things'' Shrugging, "Maybe the dreams have always been here, just taking a turn. So we know the modern name of this Village is Thorn, I wonder if it's the same Village, or just the same sort of thing happening."
'Circle? Something of the circle?' shaking his head as he runs his fingers through his shoulder length hair. looking at Cor'ellis, "that's what I'm wondering as well."
After the girl is done looking at the Innkeepers bruises Elek apologizes, "No offense meant child to you or your schooling. It sounds like your parents are learned people. Would you tell us where we could find them, I think it would help if we could speak with them about this dream issue."
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the name doesnt sound right. Bal'na doesnt fit with any cities that youve heard of in the age of legends. It's probable that this community, or its forebearer, existed after the Breaking.
Dawn looks from Tenora and Elek to Aarkon, and the strange man Bataar sharing a drink. It's ok Dawn.Aarkon says, nodding his head. They are reasonable travelers. And it looks like they are willing to help.
Dawn looks at elek and tenora, and finally nods. Ok. Ill take you to my mom. She nods to aarkon, turns, and slips away, her heels clicking on the flooring, skirt sweeping as she steps through the door.
Renlo says to Cor’ellis, ”Lets’s go to the trading post and see if your supplies are ready.”
Nodding to Dawn as she agrees, 'So Tenora and I are going speak with the girls parents trying to figure out what is causing these dreams.' He then looks to Renlo, 'And Renlo will get Cor'ellis' gear settled.' He then looks from Korin to Bataar.
Korin nods at Elek and follows after Dawn.
bataar waves his hand at the group. I'll stay here, hold the fort. [/ooc]
[b]Out the doors, take a left. and take another left, follow the path till you cross the wall, and you'll find the trading postAarkon says as you both get up to leave.
Following his directions, you walk out the doors, take a left, walk down the open lane, and take another left.
about 100 yards from the lane intersection you see the path through the wall and out beyond into farm fields and eventually terminating out of sight at the true foothill of the Mountains. A flutter of fabric, a small pennant, waves in the slight breeze, bold scarlet with a flash of blue, it beckons to those throughout the community.
The path towards the wall is long, close in. No wider than a wagon, the path is hard packed dirt, with doors opening directly onto the avenue. The houses here are closer packed, more dense, built practically ontop of each other. Most of the houses are two story, yet the odd one stands 3 stories high. The taller the house, the larger the outcrop of the higher stories over the path. Clotheslines hang along diagonal routes to windows, with women and young girls leaning out, hanging clothes to dry upon the hangings. The sound of chitchat, gossip, offhanded remarks, while low to immediate vicinity, add a practical hum to the corridor.
...Heard it was Sven!
...was groping that girl anna!...
...screamed at hanna, wanted to rip her throat...
...oh sure he was handsome, in the dreams...
...what about that new guy, bataar? they started when he showed up?
...he looks horrid
...look! newcomers!..
...id love to wash his armor!
...he could sheath his sword in me...lots of women laugh loudly at that.
...must be a king or something?
why
hasnt got s#~& all over her
you pass through the residential path and cross between the two piles of rock that compose the village walls. Crossing the threshold, you spot on your right a large sprawling tent filled with various tradegoods, furs, materials, and exotics that compose the trading posts main goods. two men stand at the front, wearing leather armor, helmets, and swords at their sides; obvious security guards.
dawn steps out from the Bulwark, and leads Elek, tenora, Korin, and marik to Dawn's house. Walking through the small village, you see that people wave at dawn, smiling, some stepping up to her and talking to her for a moment. The gist of everything is the same about this girl. She is something special to this community. Not a leader per se, but someone who supports everyone else. Those that come up to Dawn and talk to her are quiet, but the little tidbit heard revolves around tragic attacks, heartless affairs and how are the studies?. Finally, after several such encounters, Dawn leads you to a large house on the far side of town, settled next to the rubble wall. Dawn opens the house and calls out Mom! Im home! We have company!
In the back comes a shout from the rear of the house.
Stepping through the house you see a well kept, properly maintained house that is loveningly maintained. Each vase, bowl, cup, plate, is in it's proper place, each chair set just so. Table, highly polished with beeswax and oil.
[ooc]gotta cut this short....have to inspect my basement.
Take a left, go down to the next road, make another left, and follow the road out of town. cant miss the trading post Aarkon says to cor'ellis and Renlo as he tips back his drink.
Following the man's directions, Renlo escorts cor'ellis from the Bulwark and out into the village of Thorn. Taking a left at the indicated road, renlo and cor'ellis pause at the crossroads, taking in the stark confines of the path before them.
The road, just over 100 yards long, the lay out is tight. No wider than a wagon, it's confines are further enhanced by the overhanging construction of the buildings that line each side of the road. Each house has a narrow base, barely 20 feet wide, but the 2nd and, in some cases, the 3rd floor, looms over the road holding closer towards a description of a tunnel than an open path in a town. The sunlight that has crept past midday casts a narrow beam of light down the center, but enhances the shadows darkness under the eaves.
There. Just beyond the wall Cor'ellis points at a point just visible beyond.
A flapping pennant, scarlet in color with a flash of blue upon it, rises just above the rubbled wall at the end of the street, a clear indication of the village's border.
Walking down the narrow path, you look around, and see that although it is dark, the houses themselves are well maintained and loved. heavy whitewash lays thick upon the house walls, with the exposed wood rubbed down with beeswax and linseed oil, creating deep brown hues that shine even in these dark conditions. Up above, clotheslines stretch between the houses, running from windows to opposite walls, creating a interwoven tapestry of drying clothes, and a gossip chamber for the maids and maidens that hang the cloths upon the lines. the height of the windows with the number of women provide cacophany of gossip mongery filtering from up above.
...another incident happened...
...twas real bad...
hanna and rielle
heard micha went after nolan
Lairn was caught with Shel! the scandal!
My rober would never!
Who's that?
Must be a Noble?
How can you tell?
Isnt convered in crap
passing through the road, you cross into open light, where for a moment the light blinds you, causing you to pause and allow for your eyes to adjust. Stepping forward, you cross the threshold for the village between the town rubble that was it's wall, and out into the world beyond.
there, to your right, you see the scarlet pennant with its flash of blue upon the fabric. The tent itself is large yet low, barely 7 feet high with numerous support poles. Tied tight to the ground, canvas walls surrounding the perimiter providing an air of semi-permancy to the structure. Two men wearing leather armor holding spears with swords at their belts stand guard over the entrance. Beyond them, you see a room with a carpet set upon the floor, tables laid out with goods, fabrics, furs, foodstuffs, and more on display.
When they arrive, He nods to the woman. "Peace favor you, I am Elek." He gestures towards his cousin first, "This is Tenora Sedai." then gesturing towards both men, "And this is Korin and Marik." He looks from the Woman to her daughter and back again. "We are trying to determine the cause of the dreams the town folks are having. They seem to be causing..." He pauses for a moment and runs his hand through his shoulder length hair. 'Problems."
Gesturing towards Korin, "Both Korin and I recall a story of a town surrounded by a stone wall that allowed no shadow spawn to survive with in it. A town without gates but that had a person or object that protected it. It was said that it also caused odd dreams. He said the name of the place was Thorn, I recalled the village was named Bal'na. Your daughter said Bal'na sounded like the Old Tongue, but wasn't sure of it's meaning."
Elek's eyes narrow, as his features become stern, exhaling a heavy sigh. "There are people dying because of these dreams. Is there any information you can provide relating to the dreams or the stories that may help us solve the mystery?"
Renlo observes the trading post, and will approach with Cor'ellis.
"I do be the Lady Cor'ellis of Illian, good sirs. And a customer of Master Sholo Otto. He did give assurances that my necessities would be arranged for my travels. I do come to see if they be ready."
THe guard turns his head towards the opening. Mistress! You have visitors! Lady Cor'ellis and her companion are visiting
Send them in please! a feminine voice sounds from the back.
The guard, still holding Cor'ellis' hand, leads her into the brightly lit large 40x40 foot display area filled with trade goods and gear. Through the back wall the guard leads into a more narrow, personal tent, no bigger than 20 x 20. a large bed sits against a back wall, with large chests open, holding clothes and personal items within. A set of 2 ornate chairs sit on either side of an equally ornate table, complete with carved reliefs upon the trim, and a narrow gold inlay set upon the surface of the table.
A woman stands behind this table, wearing a yellow dress with lace frills falling from her sleeves, and an edge of white highlighting her high neck. Her hair, black as a raven's feather, provides a severe contrast to a very pale white face with red cheeks. Her eyes, a bright green, seem to glow in the subdued confines of the tent.
Lady. Sir. I am Mistress Serane, a partner of Master Sholo's, and i have the Lady's order. Please, join me for drink and let us take a moment to discuss niceties she says waving her hand in a somewhat stiff motion, indicating the seat opposite her.
The lady looks at Elek, yet curtsies deeply to Tenora Many greetings, Aes Sedai. I am Anna Trelway, and this, as you have met, is my daughter Dawn Trelway. Please, sit with me. I just brewed some tea. Anna says in a mature tone, indicating respect to a lady yet expecting respect in turn.
Yes, the troubles. Rather tragic. And yet so odd. It just started Happening 10 days ago. Rumors abounded of certain couples in town were starting to argue for these various dreams, but for the most part, it was harmless. Vagarieties of thought, nothing more. But now, these attacks. Well, ive taken to keeping an ear out for when these occurances happen; help the people out when it does happen. Helps keeps the severe injuries low. I just hope that I can figure this out before someone does die from it.
Bal'na? no...ive never heard of that name before. Place has always been Thorn. sorry.
"Such courtesy!" she exclaimed delightedly, her merchant's eye lighting about the room approvingly. "Your trading post do be a marked improvement from the Inn in Thorn. Do business be so profitable this far north? Fortune do favor the bold, yes?"
She took the seat indicated and spent a moment gazing up at their hostess. "My, what a lovely complexion you do have, Mistress Serane. And such striking eyes! My father do import stones that color and they fetch quite a hefty sum both for their beauty and rarity." She gushed, doing her best to be ingratiating and pleasant with the reserved woman.
"I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news then mam. Uh... someone in a fit of passion strangled someone earlier. Names Marik uh anything new happen ten days ago? a few days before 10 days ago? Strange travelers, bad winds anything at all?"
Nodding as the lady looks towards him, Elek unconsciously moves behind where Tenora has sat down. listening to the polite local speak. 'Same time frame, same stories.' Lowering his head but not wanting to interrupt. 'Sadly someone has already died from it and were not further than we've been' Looking up as the woman as Marik begins to speak.
Not giving the woman time to answer Mairk, Elek chimes in. "I asked about Bal'na because I remembered an old story about a village with walls but no gate called Bal'na, the story went that any shadowspawn crossing the wall was driven beyond insane and died a horrible death within steps of the wall. I couldn't remember the rest but it had something to do with dreams and some relic." He turns and gestures towards Korin. "Korin heard of a similar town called Thorn." Pausing to make a sweeping motion with both hands. "He remembered it was "claimed to be the doing of some permanent wielder of the one power." Elek runs his hand through his shoulder-length hair. "There is obviously a connection of some sort. So I was hoping you had heard of Bal'na." Shrugging, looking at Marik, then back to the woman. "Similar to what Maric asked, do you know of any relic here in town? or anyone from here who returned around the same time? Or a local who can use the one power we might be able to speak to?"
Renlo nodded to the man and replied, "Peace favor your sword." Being called Lady Cor'ellis's companion hardly bothered him. He knew what he looked like - a caravan guard, perhaps. He had come along purely to ensure the Lady's safety - in this town of dreams come real, it was best she did not wander by herself.
Once within Mistress Serane's office/sleeping tent, Renlo said, "Thank you for the hospitality, Mistress Serane. Peace favor you. I am Renlo Tacksa." He then took up a position behind the chair.
The lady looks at Renlo and nods at him, recognizing him as nothing more than a hired hand, and not one who trades.
Mistress Serane blushes deeply; compliments from a noblewoman being few and far between. My Thanks Lady Cor'ellis. Yes, i have heard about your father and his booming stone trade. Unfortunately, there isnt much demand for his products this far to the north. I still have gems from several years ago that seem to waste space in one of my trunks. Perhaps if my trades lead me to the south, then i shall look him up.
She smiles and waves her hand at the feminine talk. Yes, the trade this far to the north is profitable. People around here have needs for common trade goods like cotton, wool, ground flour, new seed, ropes and so on. the list is endless. But, with the right trade deals in the right locations, one can turn a nice profit.
Anna's face grows a troubled look, her brow furrowing deep over her hazel eyes. Oh no! That is most troubling! I had hoped that it wouldnt get this bad while whatever was happening could be solved. I knew i should have asked the town council to send for help from Fal Dara.
She sits down, and slumps, listening to Elek speak. If you say so. I know of no Bal'na, nor of any relic that would do the things you claim that they would do. The only thing of note in this small community was the flu that went through the town 2 weeks ago. Ran me ragged all over this community, barely getting a wink of sleep while others were sicker than dogs.
"Two weeks ago there was a flu, then last week the dreams started. Did anything strange happen pre flu? Any Idea where the flu seemed to orignate from?"
He asked politely He didnt want the poor woman to feel responsible but something had to the trigger for all this, they just had to find out what.
Turning as Maric asks his question, 'Questions about the flu's cause, maybe.' Looking toward Korin, 'Ah more specific, are the dreams related to those who were sick...would that be the same as those Anna visited?'. Puts his hands behind his back, carefully leaning over and whispering to Tenora’s. ”Can you tell if either of these woman can use the one source?’
Dawn looks up, surprised to be included in the conversation. Wha? oh, it was Moran. She got it the night of her 15th birthday. Started with her, then traveled to Bran and Gailen, and from there, it just spread. Jaile, Anara, Shen, moris...
Everyone affected by this affliction had the flu, now that you point it out, sir Dawn smiles at Korrin.
...carefully leaning over and whispering to Tenora’s. ”Can you tell if either of these woman can use the one source?’
'Well that seems to be significant!' Hearing that all the people dawn treated, had the dreams.'[/i] Elek looks from Dawn to Korin, then back to the woman. Turning to Dawn "Miss, did you ever meet the stranger Bataar?"
He looks from the girl to here mother, then back. "All the dreams were about being young and in love, but a third person somehow becomes involved." He attempts to give the girl an apologetic look, but it fails to reach his eyes. "Would you perchance have a crush on someone who has rejected you for another?"He then looks back to the girls mother. 'Hopefully I shouldn't have to ask if she has rejected someone.' Resting his hand on the seated Tenora's shoulder, 'Blood and bloody ashes, we could really use a woman's insight about now.' Gently squeezing his cousins shoulder.
He remains silent, apparently not intending to intrude after the Aes Sedai's question, but instead smiles ever so slightly at Dawn as if in encouragement.
Renlo looks to Cor'ellis, waiting for her response. He didn't know anything about trade, after all.
No Aes sedai. i do not. well...not that im aware of. How would you know if you did? dawn asks. Dawn catches a look at Korrin, and smiles back at korrin.
'Really? That's what passes as attractive here?' Elek looks from the child to Korin then back to the girl, rolling his eyes, but not addressing the obvious. He turns to his friends. "So, we've found a physical connection between her and the people who dream, but nothing connecting the dreams to her. What else can it be?"