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"A working class hero is something to be."- John Lennon
And so it came to pass that six denizens of the capital city of Darkwater Crossing got together and formed the adventuring party known as The Darkwater Six. After making a name for themselves terminating vermin from basements and fetching wild harvested reagents for the local wizard's guild, the team got their first real assignment, handed down from none other than Magyola Olvrehe, Headmaster of the Blackwater Adventurer's Guild, Proprietor of the Compass Rose Inn, lay chaplain of Veiloaria. It is an escort mission. Local halfling merchant Oona Tealeaf is hiring a small company to help escort her and her goods safely north through the Silverpine Forest to the town of Hearth. Magyola, impressed by their efforts so far, thinks this is the perfect opportunity for such an up-and-coming group as The Darkwater Six.
Magyola is a middle-aged elven woman with typical golden blonde braided hair, dressed neatly in shades of brown and green, with a clean straight scar running across her left cheek,"But first," she instructs, "one more thing before you go. Once you've reached Hearth, I'd like for you to look into something for me. An old adventuring buddy of mine, a dwarven explorer named Druingar the Glintaxe, headed up that way about five years ago. He had a map on him, said it was an old family heirloom, that he claimed marked the location of a very special tomb. Said it contained a 'seal that guards the way back from death'. Well, I didn't make much of it at the time, just wished him luck and off he went. But, I haven't seen him since. So, if you don't mind, while you're out there, can you look into whatever came of ol' Druingar? Thanks!"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
It is the 7th of Galea, a week after the Spring Festivals. It has been a relatively cold and harsh winter, and the promise of Spring has many in a good cheer in Darkwater Crossing. However, this late morning, the sky is grey and gloomy and there is a chill still in the air. Looks like a light flurry of snow is likely.
A middle aged halfling woman, about 3 feet in stature, with brunette hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, wearing glasses on the tip of her nose, and dressed in brightly colored, mismatched set of traveling clothes, makes the final preparations to her cart full of goods. The cart is half full of bundles, barrels, crates, and sacks. Hitched to the cart is a pair of shaggy halfling ponies, each munching on a feedsack, preparing for the day of travel ahead.
The halfling merchant pulls up her hood as a cold breeze blows through the cobblestone square just inside the walls of Darkwater Crossing's northern gate. She looks about her and huffs, "Now where are these adventurers Magyola promised?"
The monk had no questions for Magyola but wondered how Shankhil, The Gatekeeper, would feel about this seal that guards the way back from death.
- - - - - - -
Valkor adjusted his pack across his broad shoulders as he made his way toward the northern gate. He spied the halfling waiting with her cart and greeted her, ”Hail Mistress Tealeaf! I’m Valkor Oso of the Darkwater Six Adventuring Company. The rest of the Company will be here shortly. Do you require anything in the meantime?”
Oona bits her lower lip as she examines the specimen that is Valkor. "Oh my. Magyola has surely delivered. Oh, yes! Thank you. Please, if you don't mind helping me out with the last of the barrels and that sack of grain there." She gestures to three pony kegs and a burlap sack still waiting to be loaded.
She goes about rechecking her tie downs and keeping an eye out for the rest of the company.
After making a name for ourselves, terminating vermin from basements and fetching wild harvested reagents for the local wizard's guild, our team got their first real assignment!
Sébastien looks up from his desk. The halfling's blue eyes Lingering over those things in his room that he will miss.
Fair well soft and comfortable bed. The pines, cones, branches and thickets shall be my future.
The newly graduated bard smiles. He then quickly sighs, as his blue eyes return to his letter to his parents.
. It is an escort mission. Local halfling merchant Oona Tealeaf is hiring a small company to help escort her and her goods safely north through the Silverpine Forest to the town of Hearth.
Sébastien has a momentary vision of playing a MMO that was renowned for its escort missions....
What's DDO anyways?
The halfling finishes his missive.
The Darkwater Six Adventuring Company is our name. Listen for the stories told of us that flies on the winds back to home.
He signs it.
Sébastien of The City of a Hundred Fountains.
Quickly gathering up his adventures pack, the excited bard exits stage left....
Waving at Valkor, Sébastien hollers,
Did you bring an extra handkerchief?
Shemar hustles up behind Valkor Sebastien, his blue robes whipping behind him.
Should I have told anyone I was leaving? Left a note maybe? They'll figure it out. Our doorman saw me leave anyway. I wonder if that dragon will visit me again now that I'm actually out doing good. Why didn't I get house name?
"A small party... The rest will be here shortly... Honestly Valkor, us tall folk have to stick up for ourselves before we're tossed side.". Shemar jests as he winks at Sebastien and picks up a sack to load.
"Hello Miss Tealeaf. Shemar Dunebright, at your service. You'll recognize the name, of course. Anyway, We're happy to help you out with this. Oh, should we need horses for this mission? I don't think any of us have purchased one yet."
Elry had risen just before dawn and made quick work of her morning ablution. The fire in the compact hearth had died down to small embers and she could feel the determined chill coming from outside her window. Spring will be upon us soon, she reminded herself with a hopeful heart. Having packed her belongings, readying herself for the assignment ahead, Elry found a bright corner of her room, sat down and began her dawn prayers - quietly reciting the Meadowlark's Hymn and preparing her spells for the day ahead. At the end, she gave the learned melodic bird song and then stood, gathering her things, adding her sickle and slings to the the belt around her waist and making her way down to the scullery to prepare something to break her fast. Never leave on an empty stomach, she happily stated as she bit into her thick buttered toast and strawberry jam before sipping her chamomile tea. When she finished, she wiped her mouth and washed up after herself. I can't be late this morning, Elry silently reminded herself. Pulling the hood of her long cloak up over her head to keep the chill at bay, Elry tied her travelling boots to her pack - for now, her bare, hairy feet could withstand the light layer of snow on the ground outside. It never hurt to be more prepared than less.
Her father peeked his head from the back door and Elry waved at him and he raised his hand and waved back. They had made their proper goodbyes last eve - just before bed, so no further words were necessary. Opening and leaving through the front door, Elry made her way to the designated meeting place and saw Mistress Oona Tealeaf and three of her male companions waiting around the laden cart drawn by two sweet ponies.
Elry raised her hand in friendly greeting, an open smile on her face, "Good morning, Mistress Oona and fellow companions. May Aleria bless us on our journey to Hearth." The cleric found a place beside Sébastien and greeted him with a warm smile. The cleric was excited to visit Hearth once again.
Elry silently contemplated the whole assignment as was given them by Magyola Olvrehe; her forehead crinkled as she lingered on the matter of the tomb containing a seal that guarded the way back from death. The cleric leaned into her religious studies to gleam something of note which could aid them in this, as they waited for the final two companions to join them.
Valkor makes short work of loading the wagon and nods a greeting to his companions as they arrive. He shrugs at the halfling not sure what to make of his inquiry, Of course I have handkerchiefs. What sort of fool would leave his hole home without handkerchiefs.
To Shamar he replied with a knowing smile, ”Best not focus on little problems or you might miss out on big opportunities.”
Well, guess it hasn't been bad so far, think Boros as he considers how things have played out since his parole in service of one Valkor Oso. Killing unusually aggressive vermin and gathering herbs was all pretty darn easy and a surprisingly good way to earn a few coin.
But then, there was the issue of his companions. When it came to the Darkwater Six, the halfling didn't quite fit in, even if he was one of three halflings. Not dapper like Sebastien, nor simple and pious like Elry. Boros's hair was long and aggressively unkempt--he hadn't cut his hair since leaving prison, though he had trimmed the beard so he wouldn't look like a hobo. Though he was but a small halfling, his gaze was full of bravado. His low cut shirt shows off a portion of a tattoo snake carved into his chest.
He catches up as Shemar and Valkor exchange their quips. "Yo Valkor, your own little problem's here!" As soon as Boros had figured out that he'd somehow been thrust upon Valkor unwillingly, he stopped trying to be respectful and seemed to enjoy being quite the opposite. "Glad we're keepin' watch o'er one of my peeps and not one o' your snobby friends!" As Valkor finishes loading the cart, Boros hops into it, clearly intending to take a ride during this escort mission. He looks to the halfling that's hired them. "Name's Boros, but you can call me the Snake. Ain't no one stealin' no goods from ya, 'cause I know all the tricks."
Shemar looks at Boris as he usually does; in momentary incomprehension and then dismisses him with a curt sniff.
Danus walks over to Elry, a smile on his usual dour face.
"Finally, we are going to get the chance I have been waiting for! Protecting those along the roads and making it safe for travellers! Not too sure about this crypt thing, however, but maybe it can lead to something?!"
He stops when he notices his friend is deep in thought.
"What's up? Something wrong?"
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Oona smiles courteously as more of the company arrives. She seems to grow more and more relieved and relaxed, especially when two other halflings show up.
She introduces her ponies to Elry, "The mare is Misty, and her brother is Dapple. Here, you can give them a treat if you'd like." She hands Elry a small sack of crabapples.
"Hello Miss Tealeaf. Shemar Dunebright, at your service. You'll recognize the name, of course. Anyway, We're happy to help you out with this. Oh, should we need horses for this mission? I don't think any of us have purchased one yet."
"Dunebright... The name is familiar, Zethinian in origin is it? I've done some trading with the nomads at the border before, although things have grown too dangerous for my tastes of late. My ponies wouldn't be able to keep up with horses, so you'll have to stay on foot. There's room for one more on the cart..."
"Oh!" she startles when she sees Boros in the cart already, "Didn't notice you there. Hmm, I think I'll have to keep my eyes on you."
While loading the last of the goods, Valkor may notice that Oona is peddling basic trade goods, some sacks of winter wheat and rye, a few casks of ale, bundles of wooden rods, a crate of iron bars, and a few jars of exotic spices.
From his seat at the front of the wagon, Boros may notice Oona keeps a crossbow handy behind the bench, as well as a woodaxe, a tool more than a weapon, but perhaps handy in a pinch.
Sébastien laughs at Valkor's humor. The halfling then produces a bright green handkerchief with a butterfly motif.
Here, I brought extras.
Approaching their charge, the bard bows formally, tipping his wide-brimmed hat out wide.
Sébastien of The City of a Hundred Fountains, Mistress Tealeaf, at your service! The Darkwater Six are proud to escort you and yours to Hearth. Depend on our upmost discretion, determination, and decidedly dapperly dressed for travel!
The young halfling is seen dressed in an outfit more tailored to a Ball then a journey. Green gold embroidered jacket over a light tan silk shirt with pants equally green, tucked neatly into black leather boots. A matching pair of gloves hang at his belt. A pack strapped casually over a shoulder, a wood shield on his other are his only other apparent belongings.
Sébastien greets his fellow Darkwater Six before taking a position at the back of the cart. He stands next to Elry.
Good thing I am wearing my walking boots...
The bard winks at her.
"Not too sure about this crypt thing, however, but maybe it can lead to something?!"
He stops when he notices his friend is deep in thought.
"What's up? Something wrong?"
The concern in Danus' voice broke her out of her deep contemplation. She shook her head, the thick, blonde braid at the side, swishing a little off her shoulder. "Good morn, Danus. No, no, my friend. I, too, was thinking on the tomb. I've been wondering if the seal could be the key to immortality. Whether a secret means to resurrecting the dead or something more sinister, we should be vigilant." The hairs on her arms and feet stood on end - whether from concern or the chill in the air she couldn't say.
When Oona introduced the ponies and gave her the sack of crabapples to feed them, the shadow in her mind fell away and gave way to delight. "Oh, aye, Mistress Oona. On this chilly day, they deserve a fair treat." Elry pulled out two of the small, sour apples and gently offered one to each - Misty more eager than her brother Dapple, but only at first. "How sweet they are," Elry remarked watching them enjoy the fruity treat. She placed the small sack at the back of the cart so she could retrieve the apples more readily at their next stop. To Danus, she added, "Best I keep to the rear during this journey. Where will you be?"
Sébastien greets his fellow Darkwater Six before taking a position at the back of the cart. He stands next to Elry.
"Good thing I am wearing my walking boots..."
The bard and his boots - it made her chuckle softly. "If the ground gets any colder, I've mine, too. Although, I must say, yours are far more fetching in colour and style than my old, practical ones."
Elry was content to keeping to the back of the cart with Sebastien as their small travelling party set to road. She was not as strong or as good with fighting like some of her more martial companions; yet she could use her keen sight and ability to see past twilight to point out any would be threats or things of note.
Valkor stays close to the wagon as they travel. One thought preoccupied his mis mind, Why so much security for simple trade goods?
Danus listens to his halfling friend as she discusses the possibility of the tomb.
"Well I suppose we will find out once we get there. I am going to scout the route...so you will see me around!"
He smiles as he jogs forward to ensure the path is safe.
"seal that guards the way back from death. It certainly sounds like we are to expect a tomb that has been disturbed and released its undead contents. Luckily we have Elry's holy magic to put them back to rest. And I've dealt with Skellys before. They're no big deal. Fire burns bones pretty well. Have I told you that I can breathe fire? It's part of my draconic heritage. My family goes way back with brass dragons..". Shemar continues, not really even looking to see if anyone is listening or not.
Sébastien smiles at Elry and her bare Halflings feet. The younger halfling shivering.
I get it, but I haven't learned Prestidigitation as of yet.
The bard does indeed listen to the Draconic heritage stories by Shemar.
So, you breathe fire out of your mouth? Doesn't that interfere with drinking iced tea?
The youthful halfling seems genuinely intrigued....
Shemar looks to Sebastien as an adult to a child attempting to understand something beyond their reckoning. Sweetly condescending.
"Ho ho. No, I choooose when to breath fire, much as a dragon would. See, watch..."
With a tilt of his head, he arches his back and sends a very small fireball into the air.
"I'm totally in control of it, and I'm never unarmed because of it." He says, leaning in conspiratorily with a hand to the side of his mouth as if guarding a secret.
"It's much like that of my dragon friend, just smaller to fit my human mouth."
As the party sorts itself out, Boros realizes that Oona was keeping an eye on him by sticking him right next to her in the driver's seat. Which was fine. The important thing was that the rest of the world not see him. And for that reason, he deliberately keeps a low profile, even as he watches for danger. That also means he's mostly not joining in the chitter chatter--at least for now.
Elry watched as Danus jogged ahead to check if the road was safe and she sent a silent prayer to Aleria to protect him.
"It certainly sounds like we are to expect a tomb that has been disturbed and released its undead contents. Luckily we have Elry's holy magic to put them back to rest."
Elry hadn't much personal experience with the undead, although she understood the magic which could harm them. She had prepared a minor cantrip to slow them down enough for the fighters to finish them off. At least she hoped her magic would help in a fight against them. Elry's cheeks flushed as she remarked upon Shemar's words, "I've a cantrip that messes with them, weakening them. I'm hoping those who are skilled in battle can then finish them off. I'll do what I can." She wasn't one for bragging and certainly not for someone who only months ago came out from behind the cloistered walls of the chapel.
As Shemar proclaimed he could breathe fire as his draconic ancestors, Elry stared at him with a little awe. When he demonstrated, she leaned back a little (even though she wasn't in any immediate danger) from the unfurling flame. "Your ability is a fine one, Shemar. A person in my class spoke the dragon's tongue and she taught me. I am glad for it." Communication was always important to her.
Sébastien smiles at Elry and her bare Halflings feet. The younger halfling shivering. "I get it, but I haven't learned Prestidigitation as of yet."
"I haven't prepared that spell this day. It's alright, I do enjoy the earth 'neath my feet, even with a few inches of snow to make it interesting." She winked and then softly laughed beside the bard.
Once all are readied, Oona snaps the reins and Dapple and Misty strain against the weight of the cart. But halfling ponies are surprisingly sturdy, and once the cart gets moving, they have an easier go of it. Oona pays the gate tax, and then moves beyond the walls of Darkwater Crossing and through the village of Pinegate. Soon enough, timber frame buildings and cobblestone streets give way to dirt cart trails and flat farmland.
The weather remains grey and cold, and a flurry or two occasionally falls from the sky. The road is muddy in spots from the snow melt, the cart wheels splashing through a puddle here and there. Ravens gather in the fallow fields, finding pebbles or fallen grain left in the fields all winter, now exposed as the ground clears of snow. Once in a while, a spring robin appears, boasting its red breast about in hopes of a mate. And of course, meadowlarks flock about the fields, a good omen perhaps for Elry.
Once the group has left site of the city behind them and is moving at a comfortable pace, Oona begins to strike up conversation. Boros being seated next to her she asks, "I couldn't help but notice you seemed a little uneasy when I was dealing with the gate guards. Are you in trouble with the law or something? If so, if you help me out, I can put in a good word for you if it comes to trouble. Besides, once we get to Hearth, you may fit right in. Lots of people end up there trying to escape their pasts. I'll be staying up there a week before heading back. Perhaps in the mean time tou can find honest work in the lumberyards." She seems to be honest and well meaning in her encouragement.
Elry happily pointed out the meadowlarks to Sebastien. "A good omen," before growing silent and watchful, again.
The muddy road didn't disturb her and she felt the wet earth beneath her feet.
Speaking just loud enough for her companions to hear, Elry shared what she knew of the road to Hearth, "On foot, through the Silverpine Forest, it'll take us five days to reach Hearth. We must be wary of frequent bandits on this road and the wolf packs who hunt in the forest. In three days we'll see the small castle of Silverpine Watch. The patrols provide travellers protection through the forest."
Sébastien watches the meadowlarks flirt about the lightly snow-covered foliage, as they meander down the road..
The youthful bard does attempt to keep his boots as dry as possible with the muddy road.
Good thing I packed an extra pair.
The halfling seems quite intrigued at the mention of bandits and wolves.
OH, my!
"Ooh, a wolf pelt shoulder throw. Danus, you know how to cure hide, or whatever you would have to do to make one of those? That would be rather handsome."
After concluding her talk with Boros (or if Boros chooses not to respond), she turns to Valkor at the side of the cart, "I want to thank you for taking on this job. I know its a small task, not too exciting... I hope. I usually have a travelling partner for this trip, a tinker by the name of Vilmos. But, for whatever reason he wanted to go early this year. I thought it foolish considering the winter we've had, but he was stubborn about it. Turned into a big fight between us I'm afraid, and he took off.on his own last week. Anyways, the road is a lonely place; it's good to have company."
”You are welcome Mistress, it is a pleasure to be on this journey with you. No task is to small only small minds forsake work.” He added with a slow shake of his head, ”Good company on a journey makes the way seem shorter. Perhaps you will get a chance to reconcile with the tinker Vilmos”
Oh... Could this 'tinker Vilmos' be setting Oona up to take her out for some reason? Setting up an ambush a week in advance? But what could be gained?
Walking up within talking distance with those at the front of the wagon, "headed up early did this partner of yours? Would he be expecting you? Does he know that you're coming up on this day perhaps? He seems like an interesting fellow to meet."
Once the group has left site of the city behind them and is moving at a comfortable pace, Oona begins to strike up conversation. Boros being seated next to her she asks, "I couldn't help but notice you seemed a little uneasy when I was dealing with the gate guards. Are you in trouble with the law or something? If so, if you help me out, I can put in a good word for you if it comes to trouble. Besides, once we get to Hearth, you may fit right in. Lots of people end up there trying to escape their pasts. I'll be staying up there a week before heading back. Perhaps in the mean time tou can find honest work in the lumberyards." She seems to be honest and well...
"Me and the guards don't see eye ta eye, ya know. Well, most times they don't seem me at all!" He chuckles as he thinks about one of his more successful ventures. "Anyway, I ain't leavin' Darkwater. I gots family there."
And my buddies too, he wants to say, as he thinks about his old crew. But that was complicated now, and he shakes it off.
"Besides, seems like I got a good thing goin' here. More fun than choppin' wood. 'preciate you lookin' after me--if ya put in a good word with some o' yer buddies, I could do security for 'em too, huh?" Boros hadn't even considered a long-term job as a caravan guard until he said it, but why not? He really did know a thing or two about thieves and bandits.
"I'll see what I can do," Oona offers Boros a sweet smile. "I'd be more than happy for you all to accompany me back to Darkwater Crossing once I finish my business in Hearth. I myself don't have much family, just contacts I've made on the road. I appreciate your sense of loyalty."
"I suppose it's possible we might meet up with Vilmos at Silverpine Watch. He and I have a good relationship with Bartoz, the quartermaster there. I don't know what got into him or why he was so set on getting to Hearth early, I do hope we get the chance to patch things up."
And so the day wears on. The air starts to grow cold and the wind picks up, feels like a storm is moving in. The terrain starts to grow more hilly as you move out of the floodplains of the Aster River, and off to the north, the tree line of Silverpine Forest comes into view.
It is early evening by the time you reach the edge of the forest. Snow is starting to fall and stick to the ground, and the muddy ruts of the road turn icey and hard. Oona calls for a stop and the making of camp. Here, at the forest's edge are found two semicircular structures, one on each side of the road. They are low cobblestone walls, about three feet in height, nearly 30 feet in diameter, with fire rings and a ring of logs in the center. At the entrance of each is a small rock cairn, with votive offerings and prayers left for Veiloaria, The Sojourner.
Oona states "We can make camp here. Should help block the wind for a bit, and we can have a nice cozy campfire." She hops down from the cart, then goes about unbridling Dapple and Misty, brushing them down and giving them their feed.
Danus takes the time to familiarize himself with the lay of the land and to ensure that nothing is out there just waiting to spring on them once they fall asleep.
Hearing a call for a halt, Shemar looks momentarily alarmed. Looking around in a bit of confusion he spots the low walled structures.
"I don't know why, but I expected we would be sleeping in hearth tonight. I guess I should have looked at the map to realize otherwise. At least we're not completely sleeping under a tree. Shall I start a fire?". As he asks this last bit, the uncomfortableness drops from his face in the twinkle dances about his eyes.
Perception:
Survival:
Wilderness Lore
Valkor helps with tasks around the camp, ”I can take first watch.”
Sébastien looks ahead at the stone half-cirle and properly laid portions pf plentiful planks of piled logs.
Looks positively posh! Who keeps it all orderly and such?
The bard begins gathering tinder for the fire.
Tor roots around as Danus examines the area. He likes to think he is helping, but usually, he will become distracted and go off looking for mushrooms or acorns.
Survival:
And sure enough, he gets distracted by something and is off rooting around in the underbrush!!
"Damned cold," complains Boros as snow falls and the road hardens. He digs out some clothes from his bag to bundle up and lays out a bedroll. He tries to figure out what the weather might be like, and whether they'll be able to continue or will need to seriously hunker down.
It turns out he was tired and cranky and not sure what to make of any of it. So he pulls out some rations--maybe his head would clear once his stomach wasn't empty.
Danus and Tor move about the area, looking for signs of danger. While Tor gets distracted by some nightcrawlers burrowing beneath some tree roots for warmth, Danus discovers that the campsite across the road seems to have been recently used. The coals left in the fire ring are relatively black, and there are plenty of bootprints left in the mud. He can even tell the spot where someone had bedded down by the way the grass has been laid flat. Someone has been here within the past week, he gathers. The bootprints come by the road, and leave by the road, heading north into the woods.
Closer by the woods edge, Danus spots some deer tracks and a few droppings. He might expect over the next few hours into the evening to spot a deer or two leaving the relative safety of the forest to graze in the open fields, although with the weather like it is, maybe not. Otherwise, the dense underbrush and young growth at the forest's edge makes it difficult to track anything any further.
Sebastien does an excellent job of gathering wood for the fire, surprisingly so, given his upbringing. Regardless, he is able to find the choicest pieces of dry firewood given the wet conditions of thawing spring, easily ignitable by a spit of flame from Shemar's mouth. Oona claps at the display of such an ability and begins unpacking some camping supplies from her cart. She graciously offers some of her trail rations for everyone as they gather back round the warmth of the fire.
As the sun sets, the snow gets heavier for a bit, then dwindles down again. The cold definitely sets in, and the land has a dusting of snow and frost upon it. The sky remains dark and overcast, and the world falls dark save for the light of the campfire.
"Who wants smores?" offers Oona as everyone settles down after a meager dinner. She unwraps a small box containing the three crucial ingredients to the halfling delicacy, then continues making conversation.
"You really seem to know your way about the land. Were you raised outside the city? Oh, and by the way, cute pig! Can I give him a horseyapple?"
"I've noticed you wear the symbol of Aleria around your neck. Are you a priestess?"
"You carry a shield but no weapon, and your clothes are rather fine. Are you really prepared for the open road?"
"That's a really neat trick with the fire. Were you part of a circus?"
"And I bet you were the 'strongman'! But that ring, I've seen that symbol before... What does it mean?"
"Well, you don't seem to fit in with the rest. How'd you come to be part of this outfit?"
Between bites of Smores the monk looked long and hard at his ring as he replied to Oona’s question, ”It is a facsimile of Shankil, the Gatekeeper’s holy symbol.” He took another bite, ”These shmoe things are great.”
Sébastien smiles, stuffing delicious s'mores into his wide mouth.
This shield should only be used if threats dare cross the path of the Darkwater Six!
The Bard then stands, bows and sits down chewing and giggling.
Weapon? I trust in the sharpness of my words to determine the need.
The halfling partakes of a third delicious s'mores.
Pausing prior to partaking of delicious s'mores, Sébastien nods at his fellow Darkwater Six.
We each have unique talents that manifest in the most opportune moments.
Once he has finished his examination of the campgrounds, Danus gathers up Tor and settles down at the fire to partake in dinner. When Oona asks him about his past, he nods in agreement.
"Yes, I grew up outside the city. My father was a lumberjack and he use to take me out when his crew was working."
He looks at the boar as she asks to feed him.
"Haha..yeah, go ahead. The darn beast will eat almost anything...just watch your hand, he sometimes gets a little careless and takes a nip!"
Shemar becomes lost in the flames, thinking about his familial past, and what the flames hold for his future.
"Circus trick? No, no, no. This is the real deal. I'm actually breathing fire Oona! See?"
And Shemar shoots another small flame into the fire.
"Circus. Honestly. Valkor now, you would make for a convincing 'strong man!'"
Shemar looks to his comrades and joins in their conversations, nodding appropriately when needed.
Elry provided aid to any companion who needed it to set up camp. Once the halfling horses were unbridled and had a feed, Elry took two crabapples out of the sack from he back of the cart and fed them the treats for all their hard labour. Not easy work to pull a laden cart with two halflings inside it. Boros could have easily walked (for he had no physical impediment) beside the cart as the rest of the Darkwater Six had. Giving a comforting pat to Dapple and Misty, Elry left them to their apple munching and settled down by the fire for a bite of supper.
When Mistress Oona brought out the sweet delicacy, one she never had at the chapel - even being a halfling, she watched what the others did and imitated them. Drawing a kerchief from her cloak pocket and placing it across her thighs, Elry accepted the morsel and blew on the s'more before taking a small bite or two and listening to the general conversation flowing around the flames, learning a little more about her travelling companions.
"I've noticed you wear the symbol of Aleria around your neck. Are you a priestess?"
Hearing the halfling woman ask her about her faith, she wiped her sticky fingers on the kerchief and gently lifted the wooden holy symbol, featuring two meadowlarks perched together in a silhouette of a heart.
"Aye, Mistress Oona. Newly ordained and honouring Aleria through my work and deeds as my late foster mother did before me, may her soul rest peacefully in the next life." Her adoptive human mother's passing still hurt her heart, for Dafni Barrow had been a good woman who opened her heart and door to an orphaned halfling who had no kin left in town.
"Smores? Aww, yer the best, Oona!" He's pretty darn excited to enjoy the delicious dessert after an unimpressive meal, and his previous crankiness seems to dissolve with every bite.
"Well, you don't seem to fit in with the rest. How'd you come to be part of this outfit?.
Boros grins. "Whaddya mean? I'm just doin' my civic duty is all." He looks around at the others, then checks back in with Oona. "Yeah, okay, who am I kiddin'? I'm here helpin' out Mr. Strongman o'er there." He gestures toward Valkor. "In return, he gets ta keep an eye on me. Ain't that right, Valkor?" He chuckles as he rolls up an arm sleeve, showing off a tattoo of a tower. "See this one? That's the prison tower back in Darkwater. Might seem like I got outta there, but they still watchin'. So I'm on me best behavior." He quickly rolls his sleeve back down and shivers as he changes the subject. "Brrrr, it's cold--we got four more days o' this before Hearth?"
"Ah yes, so that's where I've seen it. At the tower of purple stone at the Zethinian border. Never stepped foot in the place myself, and the nomads treat it with an odd reverence. I wonder if anyone actually lives there..."
"Well if you trust in yourself as much as you trust in your friends, I'm sure you'll succeed," Oona replies with cheerful encouragement.
Oona happily Tor a crabapple, as well as a spare graham cracker. "It's good you have experience with these woods. I feel a whole lot safer. Although I've made this trek safely many times before, there's many a legend about the dangers of the Silverpine Forest!"
"Magic!? Wow, you must be a wizard then? You know, there's a wizard who lives in a tower somewhere outside Hearth, Doodad? Drizbeard? Oh what was his name..."
"I'm sorry to hear that about your step-ma. She sounds like a wonderful person, and she taught you some nice manners. It's nice to know Aleria's watching over our journey.
"Well, if 'the Strongman' is keeping tabs on the Snake, then I suppose I won't have to! But a tough guy like you can handle the cold, right?" Oona winks.