Fuma turns and starts striding down the road, and almost bumps into Torin, who comes out from the nearby bar.
Fuma walks away with her parting words.
"Even if you don't want them, someone else could use those coins. Have yourself a fine day."
He walks back into the camp whistling and happy with the nights exploits. Upon seeing Bander and the other camp stayers, he offers food.
"not bad as seen, rath.. but munchy."
Echo waits to see the reaction of Bander and zak to his offer of food.
Linking up with Fuma, Torin leads the way back to the camp. Once they link back up with the rest of the group, he gives his report. "Seems like the road itself is clear all the way tot he city, but I did get another report of a floating mountain. This came from a dwarf. A stout fellow. Don't know what to make of it, but I guess we should be on our guard."
"met a man who gave me a prophecy and called me a walking curse or such." she reports her side of the things glumly.
Bander scrunches up his face and waves away the idea of a curse, "People say that Kender are cursed and that almost never seems true to us."
In his best impersonation voice, Echo repeats what he heard. He offers no advice or comment merely repeats what he heard. The northern pass through the mountains is the best route. Limited cross winds will provide an easier route to the City for the dragons and riders.
then switching voices to indicate a new speaker, continues with his impression
there are no dragons in Palanthas that our spies report. The 6 with at the tower are south, investigating sightings of a large Red. will take time for them to respond.
Interesting enough, he doesn't stumble over the words or mispronounce a single one.
After saying his piece, he again begins to eat what he brought offering it to each of the "companions" in a row and shrugging if they turn it down.
Fuma tends to the mules seeking to ease their discomfort with her healing hands, sensing that they had being pushed to their limits already.
"They just plumb fell out." He looks at Fuma then adds, "I was over there when it happened."
Aeleni stands next to Fuma, nodding to what Bander says. Indeed, Bander speaks the truth. The four of us were talking, setting up camp, and then one by one, they just seemed to slump down and lay upon their sides. We searched the area, and found nothing dangerous lurking in the night. we just dont know.
Fuma strokes a mule's head running her hand through its short mane.
"I hope this would help relieve you of your hurts even though I'm not too sure how this power works fully."
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Aeleni seeing Fuma with the mule notes her being quite good at it, something she would not have expected.
Probably foul magic at work. Someone might have cast a spell from hiding, or poisoned the food, or worse, the land. Or it is a curse. Most likely a human's work.
She looks for Duatha, shortly meeting his gaze.
the kender shouted loudly from the seat of the wagon as it crests the final ridge before the decline towards the large city below.
Behold the Jewel of the North! The city of all cities! The-oh hey, what's that over there? Bander, distracted once again by something catching his eye only, leaps from the running board onto the ground below. Hurrying towards the edge of the road, he slips and slides on the scree, before finally stopping. The fact that he comes inches away from falling down a 100 foot cliff only merits the response of Oh wow! look at that drop! Ah here it is! He stands up, holding whatever only his keen kender eyes were able to spot. A flash of light, slightly silver, reflects off of the object. He looks about, searching for anything more.
Finally. I swear to all the Good and Neutral Gods, i will never miss a tithe ever again if it means never having to listen to him prattle on about some hairy devil of the higher hills Fuma says to no one in particular.
Wendigo Zak replies with a casual tone, a slight smirk upon his otherwise simplistic features.
Ugg. Dont remind me. Torin grouses from the back of the wagon. Was most annoying when he kept talking about this fish with no eyes his older brothers sisters cousins uncles 2nd roommate twice removed caught in the Turbidus Ocean.
The trek down from Varus was simplistic, albeit a bit surprising. Everyone had poked and prodded, divined and reasoned potential maladies for the mules, but in the end couldnt figure out what was wrong with them. As mid morning passed by, the sun finally cresting the high mountains that pierced the blue sky above, a caravan of wagons progressed up the path out of Varus. One of the men walking next to a team of mules greeted you and as he walked past, he inquired about the mules laying or standing haggardly. Fuma replied in kind, explaining what had happened. The man chuckled and said Oats. They need oats. Feed them some oats, brush them down, and get some veggies from within Varus. The oats will help them restore their strength. The veggies is your way of saying sorry to them. He moves on, guiding his mule train up the mountains and beyond.
Feeding the mules the oats, and large heaps of veggies, The mules showed an eagerness to get down off the mountain side, and easily pull the wagon down.
Shush! I am studying! A quiet voice cuts through the clip clop of hooves upon the worked stone roadway. I am attempting to memorize this book. There is a possibility that Astinus may say that this book is indeed real, but will not allow us to return it to Solanthus and the magistrate Squireson. a flipping of a page is heard, and Duatha grows silent.
Bander easily vaults back onto the wagon, his nimble figure able to climb up the narrow front wheel even as it rotates. He holds up and examines a strange silver or steel key he found from his seat.
The rest of the trip into palanthas passes easily and quickly, the road slope easily allowing the mules to make up the time lost.
Passing through the city gates is simplistic itself, a brief explanation of what your delivering and where, and with a wave you find yourself inside the city limits of Palanthas in the evening.
Well, where to first? Torin says to no one in particular.
Food I's hungry. A good rat of twos would settl...fix the pala..belly. Echo simply states then turning to Bander Uncle trapspringer...was he a agar to?
"Echo is right. Food! Cooked food not foraged leaks and jerky. Actual food. Um Rat . . . have you considered the far superior meat of pigeon, left over horse, no. If you find a street with boarded windows you can find a rat vendor."
"Agar?" He looks puzzled.
"Let us first find a place to rest ourselves as well as getting food for all of us including our valiant mules." Fuma points out.
[b]"It'll make it easier for us to accomplish this task if someone else familiar with the city could guide us.
"Perhaps we could find a guide?" - Zak looks at the city with a smile - "So this is Palanthas... Have any of you been here before?"
"Well let's deliver this wagon first. I have no real interest in paying for it's storage. And perhaps delivering the books as well. Let's get the work done and then comes the rest and relaxation."
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I have not been in this human city before.
Aeleni is aloof as always, screening her eyes with her hand to stare at the city and into the distance.
Wise words, master dwarf. Handle our tasks one after another, beginning with the obvious. The animals should be treated well, we have done them no good, neglecting them like that. I blame myself not to think of this before.
"Deliver wagon and books, this will help our mules rest well as soon as we can. Our own rest can come in later."
No sooner do you guide the mules through one of the city's large gates, a figure manifests in appearance in front of the team. Taller than some, yet short to the others, the person's figure is hidden well within the dark folds of the Deep Black Robes draped upon the persons frame.
Youre late. the a voice says simply, the male tone cutting sharp through the ambient city noises from beneath the gold trimmed black hood obscuring the face. A hand lifts from the side, and points out, into the wagon. Duatha Sunshear! Come out at once!
Duatha, face buried in the book, yelps in surprise at the unexpected arrival of the Wizard.
Coming! One moment! I he cuts off as you hear the sound of shuffling, papers flapping, and minor curses as the young wizard picks up his meager belongings.
He steps out from the back of the wagon and drops to the ground. Rounding the corner he responds Yes! coming! i- he cuts off, his mouth dropping open in shock and awe.
Master Dalamar? the elf says, a note of fear and awe carried upon his voice.
The figure reaches up and pushes back the hood, revealing the face of a very handsome elf. Long shoulder length black hair frames his face, highlighting the fey attractiveness.
Yes. You were supposed to be here a month ago, and you now have the nerve to show up? I ought to peel your flesh from your bones in the middle of this street to educate you on being on time.
Dalamar, his facial features twist and move as he begins to pronounce words that grate and grind upon the ears, and subtly upon the soul.
Duatha, pushing past his shock, removes the bag from around his shoulder and quickly fishes a smaller book from within. He tosses the bag at Zak.
Here! The papers and- A quick snap and louder POP cracks through the air, causing ear drums to pop, and one eye blink, duatha stands there. The next blink of an eye, both Dalamar and Duatha are gone.
the mules bray and bleat at the sounds, and begin to roll forward without urging.
Stunned for a moment Bander looks around, "Aren't black robes bad. I mean Eveel like the froo-its of the dark lady."
He looks toward the dark robed elf and starts to object for Duatha's sake, "Now see . . ." He is cut off by the sharp pop. He starts ever so slightly. Surely a startle, Kender have not the wisdom for fear.
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Surprised by the sudden appearance of the blacked robed person, Aeleni's face displays shock at the revelation of his identity.
Just as he begins to cast a spell after threatening her brother, she reaches for her bow, but too late.
Duatha, noo....
She rushes to the point where he stood.
Where'd they go? Why?
Shocked and confused she just stands there.
"Maybe the book says."
Fuma sighs and points towards Zak.
"It's with him and with one of our numbers taken by his teacher, anything we wish to know might be in that book."
Zak was already reaching for his weapon as the unknown elf began aggressively casting some sort of spell, but he never got a chance to react.
With a growl, he begins perusing the contents of the bag for some clue, right then and there - "Why does someone think they can just drag another away without a single word of explanation?"
I want rat still comes the almost pleading voice of Echo. He starts digging through the bags and things in the back of wagon to see if he can find food.
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Aeleni looks at the minotaur, her face a mix of the sadness of loss and wrath about it.
Someone? Humans and wizards are those someone. And they think they can do what they want in this world. My foolish brother following this one. I should have known!
Quickly she hides a tear.
Let's....let's do the rest and search for a place to stay. We....we need to deliver that cargo. Did he take the book? What's in the bag Zak?
Zak searches the bag, pulling out hand written notes with a shaky hand, and several narrow notebooks, a bundle of quills, a couple ink pots (one full, one somewhat empty), and one above sized book wiht intricate writing upon the spine saying simply the chronicle of astinus: 356 to
Torin snorts at Aeleni's remark. I dont know. that wizard sure looked like one of your kind there, elf. he rubs at his chin.
echo finds the rotten remnant of an apple core wedged between two of the floor boards near the cargo.
Bander leans over and says to Echo, "So much hate and tension for each other they aren't even kicking our way."
you bite? Echo offers Bander holding out the last mouthful of rotting apple.
"That apple's not fit for eating." Fuma exclaims.
"My master is also an elf and a wizard. Doesn't stop him from being nosy, sarcastic and yet kind." she says sadly.
”Let us look for this Astinus then” - Zak nodded, putting the book back in the pack, and securing it with his other possessions.
”Citizen, well met” - he addressed a passerby - ”I am Zak, and I look for one Astinus on official business - would you be able to tell us where he can be found?” - the Minotaur inquired.
the random person zak pulls back in surprise at being addressed by the tall foreigner.
Ah what! Where? Astinus? He's at the library of course. He lives, eats, and writes the histories. everyone on ansalon knows this. he stops and looks hard at Zak. are...are you from beyond? I knew it! i knew there was land out there! where is it! where is the land beyond?! which way do i go? north? South? no, not south! Thats a crazy idea. the icewall is down there. Which way? I need to charter a ship! I'll be famous! Famous!! hahahahaha! the man cackles in a crazed manner.
Never mind him. He's always claimed that there were other lands beyond the blue horizon that surrounds Ansalon. Unfortunately, No one goes beyond there and survives. a man says from behind everyone else, forcing them to turn and look at the newcomer.
An elf, clad in chainmail armor and bearing a stained tunic with a coiled serpent upon the chest, smirks at you. He's a bit crazy. but dont worry, its only contagious if you listen long enough. He, surprisingly, when hes more calm, makes sense. However, you dont want to learn about hypothetical land masses. Your asking about the Library? Follow one of the main roads here and into the center of the city. From there, its the big white building with broad marble stairs leading to two large shiny brass doors engraved with the scales of Gilean upon them.
Echo sidles up behind zak making sure that zak's stature will allow him to atleast slink in the shadows if not be unobserved all together. He finishes chewing the last bit of apple and with a big wet slurp licks his lips.
Bander shivers at the rotten apple.
As the first person comes up and starts asking about far off continents. Bander moves closer, "Wow that does sound interesting. Yeah not south too cold." Even as he agrees with the man suggesting different points to sail for he sees something that catches his eye.
He reaches over but the man's sudden turn as the elf comes up to give us directions Bander's wayward hand is nowhere near the item when the man's hip slames him in the forehead and Bander moves out of the way. He sputters, "Uh excuse me. Out of eyeline isn't always out of the way." He offers as a polite excuse for being bumped. His effort to make the man feel better for almost knocking him over already more on his mind than what was in his effects.
Fuma nods towards the elf.
"You have our thanks for those directions, Sirrah. May the day favor you." she turns towards the roads so indicated.
"Thank you" - Zak nodded at the elf in chainmail - "What ails your friend though?"
oh, he's not really a friend of mine. just someone who has shown up at the taverns and likes to drink. I think one of his families owns some land to the south or something like that. Im not sure. Havent really paid much attention to him due to his rants. As for what's wrong with him? No one knows. Just showed up in town one day. rumor has it that he was found washed ashore, soaking wet. babbling about some boat that sinks with a big spinning corkscrew thingy on it. People think he spent way way wayyy too much time at Mount Nevermind. I say he got kicked by a mule and addled his brain.
Mules no easy to eat. Much to large. Much better rats. Echo chimes in at this point, obviously getting anxious to find food.
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Aeleni looks surprised to see an elf in the human city. Something that strikes through her feeling confused, angry and insecure about what just happened with her cousin.
Stepping forward while giving "Echo" a disgusted sideglance, she offers a traditional greeting in elvish, then asks:
And who are you? I am surprised to see another elf in this city and we have not been introduced yet. I am called Aeleni. And thank you for giving us directions, when they are right i believe we should not miss the library. If there aren't more big white buildings with marble and brass doors. That sounds so human.
She gives a sly smile.
Mules no easy to eat. Much to large. Much better rats. Echo chimes in at this point, obviously getting anxious to find food.
"It is a big city - perhaps we can find some for sale?"
The elf cocks his head at echo's comment, but aside from that, doesnt acknowledge the existence of the gully dwarf.
No, not many of us here in palanthas. There's a small merchants guild of Silvanesti elves down near the wharves. but, some have moved into this city the last couple years. Homeland destroyed, seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
My name is my own. Yet the humans within the city here have taken to calling me Tim
There are other buildings with made of marble, having brass doors, but this one is unique. You cannot miss it.
"Tim?" Bander says with a shrug.