Aerek turns his attention to the kobold that attacked him from behind, a smile forming through the grimace of pain on his face.
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; +2 to hit (already included), -2 to AC
Aerek nods in agreement with Vernonia's assessment of the situation. He has also come to the same conclusion as her from his own study. Ruhk merely perches on the Kellid's shoulder, the raven strangely quiet in the presence of the activity taking place around it.
It is none of our concern. Leave it be.
I will accompany her. Aerek is quick to speak up, as does Ruhk, with a quick caw of its own. No point traveling alone when three can make for a safer journey.
Aerek rises from where he had been kneeling next to Qalifa and glares angrily at the half-orc. You would not last a day on your own in the wilds. Recklessness such as you displayed here this day would see you dead. Assessing one's prey is a skill you develop when you learn to hunt. And that is what I find the most troubling. He then points down to the unconscious druid. He had to know attacking that filth would be folly. He had to, being a servant of the nature spirits. And yet he did so without hesitation. One must ask why? Because he was following your lead, Hung Dong. Your insecurities not only nearly got you killed, from the looks of things, but it nearly got Qalifa killed as well. It is obvious that Aerek wants to punch the paladin in the face, but is restraining himself from doing so. Instead he turns and walks away, heading back the way the group had come. The sooner he was out of this place, the better.
Who will help me get Qalifa away from this place?
Aerek mutters under his breath an old Kellid curse as he drops to the ground beside Zorza and attempts render aid to the fallen druid.
Frustration is beginning to settle on his features, but a call from Ruhk causes Aerek to calm down. He looks to the cat-woman, shaking his head. He appears to be stable at the moment, but he needs to recover. We need to get him out of this place and take him to a holy one that can properly heal him.
Aerek listens to both Hung and Garwrath's conversation. It occurs to him that the half-orc's previous treatment has him desperate to try and prove he isn't with the army. So much that he was in danger of losing his own life. But his wasn't the only one in jeopardy. If this was allowed to continue, all of their lives were in danger. The Kellid walks up to the half-orc and says, We have more important things to deal with than this piece of filth, Hung. You have nothing to prove to us. We know where your loyalty lies. Now, honor us by letting this Garwrath leave in peace. His time will come soon enough, but that time is not now.
Again, the Kellid warrior tries to shake off the effects of the bites he has received and focuses on eliminating more of the vermin.
Ruhk continues attacking one of the centipedes.
Ruhk, I could use your help here. At first, the raven acts as though it doesn't hear the Kellid's grumbling plea. But it hops from Aerek's shoulder and descends to attack a nearby centipede.
In the meantime, the Kellid warrior tries to shake off the effects of the vermin's bite.
His head clear, Aerek resumes attacking the creatures as before.
Aerek realizes that brute force wouldn't help him here against these wriggling creatures, so he tries a different approach... Again calling upon the Midnight Spirit, the fragments of elemental matter settle around just his fists, making them like unto things of stone. This has the side effect of making the Kellid's arms lighter. Faster. He aims two rapid punches at one of the centipedes that are flanking him.
Stepping forward, the Kellid confronts one of the troublesome creatures and and brings down both hands in an attempt to smash it out of existence.
Aerek walks over to Thasitalia. I don't know what a "cellar" is, but something tells me that I won't be able to use this effectively. Would you mind looking after it for me? The Kellid proffers his spear.
Bugs... bandits. It matters not to me which we handle first, so long as we perform ably and with honor.
Aerek nods in acknowledgement of Thasitalia's salutation, with Ruhk doing the same. I am not adverse to us becoming tribe. Surely the Midnight Spirit guided me to this place for a purpose and it would seem that I have found it with you all. At the mention of the Midnight Spirit, the raven caws before taking flight for the rafters.
Aerek descends the stairs to the public eating area with his spear in one hand and Ruhk sitting calmly upon his shoulder. After getting a meal to break his fast, the Kellid warrior begins to pay attention to what the others are discussing. At this point he has nothing to add, but continues to listen to his comrades' words.
There is no need for us to argue. Vernonia and Hung can accomplish the task while the rest of us regather our strength. And upon your return, you can rest as well. In the meantime, we should eat a meal and be thankful that we have survived our mutual ordeal together. He claps Hung on the back before calling out to the serving girl. Bring us food so that we may eat and spirits that we may imbibe! We eat and drink together because we may not have the chance to do so again. We have shed blood together this day and have done so for a cause both worthwhile and noble. Let us not allow ill feelings to diminish this deed that was done.
Aerek takes his spear, thrilling to the feel of its heft once again. My thanks to you. He glances back toward where they all had come from. We need to regroup so that we may assess our options. This, I fear, is far from being settled.
Shift her onto me. I can carry her, but the three of you are going to have to get our companions out of the house before the mother arrives. And will one of you please grab my spear?
Though he couldn't concentrate properly to focus his senses, Aerek didn't doubt the cat woman's warning for an instant. He begins to move slowly into the treeline so as not to draw attention to himself, lamenting the loss of his spear as he went.
As Aerek falls, he hears Ruhk cawing in alarm as it flaps its wings frantically. Then, as he lapses into unconsciousness, the Kellid warrior's last glimpse is that of his avian companion winking out of existence.
Aerek continues to thrust his spear, this time at the ogre unaffected by the entangling plants.
Upon hearing the ogre's response, Aerek issues a low growl and speaks in the creature's tongue: Eat this! And he attempts to stab the vile beast with his spear.
Aerek looks at the half-orc and smiles. I approve. Let us go meet this creature and see how it fares against true warriors.
The Kellid leans on his spear, his face looking very thoughtful as his mind processed the things said by both Qalifa and Thasitalia. Overhead, Ruhk lazily circles the field they were in before finally descending to perch upon Aerek's shoulder. The sooner we find this ogre, the sooner we can end its threat.
Aerek sends Ruhk up to take overwatch to keep an eye out for any possible trouble.
Aerek looks at Qalifa, impressed by his ability to read sign, and nods in agreement with his assessment. It could well be a young ogre. But why capture? Why not kill? I can't help but think that it may be... What is that word... pawn?
Leaning upon his spear, Aerek says, Ruhk and I would like to check out this field to see if there are any signs that might have been overlooked.
to notice axe...
Aerek rises from his place at the table tightly gripping his spear and strides toward the exit. As he nods in passing to the young elf maid, Ruhk swoops down from the rafters to land upon his right shoulder.
Aerek eats his meal, occasionally tossing up pieces for Ruhk to swoop down and snatch away before returning to the rafters. When the cat-creature calls out, he looks about somewhat confused before realizing that she was talking to him. I am called Aerek, and yes, I will help you to find the missing child.
Aerek looks more than a little skeptical at the idea that Ruhk's playmate has paid for the morning meal, but he has no reason to think that the elf maid would lie to him. Take the coin any way. Keep it for yourself, The Kellid says with a warm smile as he gently closes her fingers about the gold piece. Overhead, Ruhk keeps a watchful eye for the silver cat.
Upon seeing that the matter has been resolved without his direct intervention, Aerek retrieves his things before heading downstairs for breakfast. He takes seat at the center table and asks for the tavern's breakfast special, proffering a gold coin to the young elf maid. Rather than sit upon Aerek's shoulder, Ruhk flapped noisily to the rafters, keeping a sharp eye out for his playmate from the previous night.
Leaving his spear behind, Aerek heads to the room where the screaming came from. As he drew near, the Kellid can make out other things being said. Enough to know that blood hadn't been spilled yet. Will none of you do anything? he asks of those standing outside the room.
Aerek awakes to the sound of a dwarf screaming and to the call of his raven. He immediately reaches for his spear, its heft and balance immediately causing him to regain his calm. The Kellid dresses and opens the door to his room, then steps out to see if he can locate the source of the cry and is joined by Ruhk.
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