On Telana

[ballerscuba]

As Nathan traveled north on his rented horse, he found himself traveling through a large semi-arid desert. As he turned west, he found a village of Inderlonians just on the edge of the desert. The chief of the village came forth to greet the traveler. "We have heard legends of the Inderlonian Grand Champion," he said. "We did not realize he would wear such clothes as these." The chief walked back into the village, bringing with him the village's strongest warrior. "This is Wilhelm, the strongest man in Drathor. He has wished for this day for some time." Wilhelm flexed his large muscles as he got into a fighting stance, unarmed. The Chief stopped him. "If we do this, it must happen in the circle." The crowd split apart, opening up a view for Nathan to see the large stone circle in the middle of town. Wilhelm walked into the circle, turned around and summoned Nathan with his outstretched hand.

***

As Eliana rode Shadowrun north toward the Tribe of Bana, she passed underneath the large mountain range in the middle of the region, known in Strethin as the Back Row Mountains. As she continued to ride, a large town of dwarves could be seen in the distance. Two dwarves on boars could be seen just outside the town. They seemed to hail her as she passed. As the dwarves rode forward on their boars, Eliana could not help but to stop. The dwarves rode up to her. The one with the longest beard came forward first. "I see you bear the emblem of the Paladin around your neck," he said. "Will you aid the dwarf capital of Glontin? We must go now, before it is overrun!" As the dwarves rode off, a large troll could be seen entering the town. He swung his large club, flinging the two dwarves, along with their boars, through the air, crashing into a large stone building.

***

Caterina rode north along the west coast of Namora. As Torrado drudged through rivers and rode over the hillsides and through the beaches that made up the countryside, Caterina came across a dragon positioned on top of a hill across a large river to Caterina's north. The dragon blew fire in Caterina's direction. It started to lift up from its position on the hill, its red scales glimmering in the sun, revealing a small gap in the armor of the dragon just under the left breast. Torrado began to step quickly in nervousness at the sight of the dragon.

***

As Barnabas rode north through the thick forest, he came across a group of thieves gathered around a campsite. They were discussing their latest outing as they opened up several large purses of gold, tossing them around to each other. "The men were too easy this time," one of them said. "Not even a challenge. And the women," he said as a couple muffled screams could be heard from the other side of the campsite, "were not as pretty as some of the others." They did not seem to notice Barnabas.

***

Kaane rode north on a horse supplied to him by the Luminaires. As he rode, traveling across the Faladin forest, then through the vast plain of Modio. He encountered a small village of small tents in the midst of Modio. As he slowly approached, he found the small village populated by moogles. A moogle walked out of his small tent, his red pom pom swaying in the wind. He dusted off his vest. "Welcome," he said. "This is the village of Thollic, the last rest stop before the Tribe of Bana to the north." The other moogles came out of their tents to see the traveler. "Can he help us with the monsters?" asked a small mooglette. The other moogles started muttering to themselves. The first moogle started talking again. "There are goblins that prey upon our small town from time to time." Just then, a group of goblins, riding wolves, starting riding toward the small village, curved swords out and poised above their heads as they rode.

***

As the Baron made his way north from Highward City, he did not have as far to travel as the other adventurers, so he traveled by foot, along with his servant, Marlowe, aided by his cane. As night descended upon them, Marlowe attempted, as best he could, to set up a suitable lodging for the night. In the midst of his labors, a small group of bandits walked up, swords and knives out. As they approached Baron, they noticed his fine attire and respectable demeanor. "Well, well," one of them said, "if we don't have some rich snob here ripe for the mugging." They approached Baron menacingly.

[lukuz13]

Eliana hailed them with a smile
"Indeed I am my friends, how can I help your scruffy selves?" She watched as they led to the town before the troll emerged, swatting them aside, her eyes wide in surprise.
"Hey now that's not nice!" Eliana yelled out, reaching behind her and taking hold of her Halberd, swinging it just so as it came to rest at her side, Shadowrun neighing loudly at its presence. Eliana ran her hand across his neck to calm the poor dear.
"Hush... you have no reason to fear, I will dispatch the brute quickly." She smirked. "And maybe try out my new abilities while Im at it." She grinned wider before closing her eyes, suddenly vanishing in a puff of smoke. In the blink of an eye, Eliana was now at the beasts chest, the smoke upon her reentry masking whatever portal she was using, thrusting the twisted spiked metal head upwards harshly into the Troll's jugular, then swiftly twisting it twice, and jerking it, attempting to slash its way out of it's throat, before kicking its chest to escape retaliation.

[thatfallout3guy]

Nathan stood there shirtless, also flexing his muscles, "It would be an honor to show Wilhelm the strength and tenacity of the Wrathgar tribe! Let us have a glorious melee!" Nathan exclaimed as headed towards the arena wearing only a pair of pants he used to train. He took a stance, holding his left arm out wards while keeping his right arm pulled back. Nathan stood there for a few seconds as he eyed the man carefully, "Begin!" The elder exclaimed. Nathan dashed forward and threw a quick left jab which was promptly blocked by Wilhelm. Wilhelm returned with a few punches of his own that were blocked, "You are quite skilled indeed!" Nathan exclaimed in a happy tone as he ducked a haymaker. Nathan brought his right arm in with full force, landing it right in Wilhelm's gut. Wilhelm coughed a bit, but then grabbed Nathan's right arm and tossed him over and onto the ground. Nathan landed with a hard thud and looked up to see Wilhelm coming down with a fist. Thinking quickly Nathan spun around and caught his arm. He then used the man's own momentum to slip him over and slam him to the ground. Nathan quickly locked in an armbar and applied pressure. Wilhelm held out for a few seconds before he was forced to tap. Nathan released his grip almost instantly and stood up. He then offered a hand to Wilhelm to help him stand, "You are quite the warrior!" He said panting.

[FinlandiaWhiteEyes]

-Caterina's eyes widened in awe. She had heard tell of dragons, but she had never seen such a bright specimen so close. The dragons, or she thought they were dragons, that she had seen, had been further away, and flying. As the beast aimed the jet of flames towards her, Torrado pranced anxiously. She caressed her horse's neck, and the sleek black creature snorted and settled under her familiar touch. The dragon began to lift itself.

-Caterina slid her bow from her back and strung it in quick, practised motions. She pulled one arrow from her quiver, hesitated, then pulled two more. She urged her stallion forwards, towards the river, and in a flow of powerful muscle he surged into a gallop. She fitted all three arrows to her string, pulled it back, surprisingly easily, with four fingers. As Torrado's smooth stride carried her on, she took aim at the gap in the armour, under the dragon's left breast.
-At a squeeze of her knees, Torrado pulled up at the bank of the river, and she let fly with all three arrows at the spot on the dragon's chest, trusting in her new bow and new ability.

[Killerish221]

Barnabas stared at the thieves with a grim face
"Poor damnable fools, you will pay for the misfortune you have bought on others"
He then moved to a higher vantage point so as not to be seen.
Quietly Barnabas then took out the throwing knives he been given and threw 3 of them at the bandits.
As he expected the knives found their marks instantly and not a cry was heard.

"Seems like these knives are better than I thought, I must make sure that I treasure this gift as it will be invaluable to me"
He went to the bandits and collected his knives. Before he left he said to each bandit "May you find peace in the life beyond."

He then mounted Eclipse and continued onwards to the North

[Noven]

-Kaane looked to the villagers, scarred and obviously helpless. "Do not fear... good creatures, I shall fight for you. If any of you may stand by my side, the help shall be appreciated, regardless I do strive on to do whatever I may best to bring you all aid." He drew his blade, and began to call upon the energies he'd felt since last night, conjuring them up to a great point where it felt it would burst. He leaped from his steed, landing on his feet.

-Kaane looked to see the rushing goblins with their wolves, and concentrated upon the spot where they would soon be, only to meet his new power. He was unsure how it would work, exactly, guided only by instinct right now on how to go about using such a thing.

[freemartialartist]

-Assessing the situation, Baron almost suppressed a simper. He counted four brigands: Two average sized ones, each bearing a knife, a short gray-haired sucker sporting a hatchet, and one big gentlemen carrying a large bit of wood. The gray'haired one who had spoken and seemed to be there leader stepped forward and cocked his head in an effort to intimidate.
-"Now folks like you just make my day, boy. I hate rich bitches like you, coming here in your top hat and your cane and your faggot manservant. I wonder if I cut you would you bleed blue then? You had better cross my palm with all that wealth if you expect you and your boyfriend here to make it out alive."
-"Good sir-" Baron interjected, but was cutoff.
-"Shut the fuck up! Don't you go around with your 'good sirs' and your 'tallyho's'. Your big and bad in your element, but when it falls out, what the fuck you gonna do, huh?
-"Well, if I may-"
-"Did I not just fucking tell you to shu-
-He didn't get to finish his sentence as the tip of a yew cane had jabbed into his wind pipe. Baron could take the insults and the vulgarity, but interrupting a man twice, thats just rude.
-"Listen here, curs. This man is dead. In a few moments, my associate will dispose of him quickly and with extreme prejudice. If you three gentlemen value your lively hoods, you'll run from here as fast as your classless, mangy, inbred legs may carry you. I suggest you start now."
-The three croneys were stunned. Was this traveller serious about what he could do? But the big guy was not so easily swayed. He knew three and a half was still more than two, so surely he had a decent shot.
-"Oi! Have at im' boys!" Clearly this was the most advanced sentence the two ions in his brain could come up with when by some astronomical coincidence they collided. The three unharmed men charged forth, weapon raised widely over their heads.
-"Marlowe, deal with him," Baron shouted, gesturing toward the choking man at the end of his yew arm, and leapt forward at his quarry.
-Rolling under the large gentleman, he cracked his cane across the brute's shinbone. The beast howled in pain as Baron retook his feet, narrowly avoid a swiping knife aimed at his neck. He brought his weapon down upon the assailant's wrist, releasing the knife and followed up with a swift kick in the chest, sending him to the floor. The now recovered and enraged giant roared as he swung his massive log horizontally at this new pest. Unfortunately for the bandits, his rage had caused him tunnel vision and as Baron went prone, his club landed on the other knife handler's jaw, knocking him clean out. Taking advantage of the behemoth's temporary loss of equilibrium, Baron stepped in and threw a swift jab to the nose before retreating. Outraged, the mad hulk lunged forward at his attacker, who of course dodged leading the uncontrolled momentum to crash into the shoddy shelter, bring the canvas down atop him. Capitalizing on the now blind man's disorientation, Baron through a vicious series of kicks to the man head through the canvas until he stopped moving. He couldn't help but grin wildly at his triumph, but that grin was soon replaced by a glare of deadly scorn.
-"Thats about enough, bastard!" cried a raspy voice belonging to a certain gray haired gentleman. Belonging to this man was a razor sharp hatchet blade which was threatening the throat that belonged to one Joseph Marlowe. "Make another fucking move and I'll rip out his fucking throat!"
-The hatred emitting from the nobleman's eyes was almost tangible. In an act of supreme rage, Baron whipped his family cane at the old man hitting him squarely in the forehead and temporarily sending him to the ground. Baron rushed forward and liberated the hatchet and then stepped back.
- He nodded to the clearly embarrassed Marlowe.
-"Well come on then! Have at him!"
- In a surprising turn of events, the young squire brought a knee into the crawling man's ribs, sending him to his back. He went to stomp his chest, but the wily veteran grasped the boy's foot and pull him down. After some tumbling, the old man ending up atop younger. He went for a choke, but to his surprise Marlowe retaliated with a vigorous headbutt. Pushing him off, Marlowe regained his feet as well as his cane. He thrashed out at the knave, bringing up large whelps upon his face and neck. The man barely made his knees. Marlowe hesitated. Baron tried to reassure him.
-"Well go on! Kill him!"
-Marlowe froze, not sure what to do next. His virgin murder drive wasn't accustomed to such pressure. Taking advantage of the pause, the man lunged at the boy. Baron leapt in and brought him down with a knee.
-"I-I'm sorry, Sir," Marlowe stammered, shaking.
-"Its alright, Marlowe. You did well enough. Just attend to those other brutes. Relieve them of their weapons, valuables, and shoes. Then have them rebuild our shelter and then send them on their way. I'll attend to this one, just don't come see what I'm doing, no matter what you hear."
-"Y-yes, sir."
-"Oh and Marlowe," continued the nobleman with a certain light in his eyes,"Remind me to teach you how to fight."
-"Yes, sir!" Baron dragged the unconscious bandit out of sight as Marlowe attended to his duties. Try as he might, Marlowe could not ignore the screams of pain and ultimately terror that emerged behind him.

[ballerscuba]

Eliana jerked the poleaxe from the troll's jugular, causing a small spurt of blood that covered her face as the troll fell over backward from the force of the kick. The troll collapsed with a thud that lifted up a few boars a couple inches off the ground. A few dwarves, amazed at the tactics that Eliana had used, walked up to her and handed her a towel to wipe her face. The sun began to fade into the West, as the towering buildings of the dwarven city left long shadows that seemed to stretch for miles on end.

"You are welcome to stay here for the night, Elf Paladin," said the dwarf. "The dwarves do not forget those that aid them in battle." The dwarf opened up the oversized wooden doors to one of the main buildings in the small town. "This is the Inn," he said. "You may have whatever room suits your needs." The rooms were built for other races, easily accommodating both men and elves. "You are ever welcome in the town of Glontin," the dwarf said as he left Eliana in the Inn.

***

Wilhelm reached out and shook Nathan's hand furiously. "Well met, Great Warrior Nathaniel," he said. "I expected as much from the Grand Champion." The crowd of Inderlonians that surrounded the city cheered on the competitors as the shadows of their mud huts began to darken the stone circle. Small lights began to peek through the windows as the fireplaces were lit.

The Chief walked forward, his headdress started to glow in the twilight around him. "You are most welcome to stay here if you wish, Nathan." The Chief patted Nathan on the back. "For only three bits," he said as he chuckled.

***

The dragon was assured in its armor, sticking its chest out as the arrows flew. All three arrows sunk deep into the small hole in the dragon's armor. The dragon attempting to take a deep breath, but could not. It hissed loudly, occasional spurts of flame seeping out of its jaws, its tongue out on the left side of its mouth. It fell over backwards, its wings covering the front of its body. As the body hit the ground, the dragon's head snapped backward, grinding into the side of the hill. The dragon's body dug into the grass, revealing the dirt underneath. It stopped its slide at the bottom of the hill, dead. As the last burst of flame seeped from the dragon's lips, the sun fell past the horizon over the ocean to the west.

***

As Barnabas killed the bandits, freeing the women from their captivity, he rode north out of the forest, reaching the mountain rivers that flowed east, eventually through Hillspar. Barnabas rode forth, crossing the small streams easily as they had not picked up enough water to grow large. He traveled down through the hills, coming to the plains of Modio. There, he found a small hill that seemed perfect to rest for the night.

***

Kaane's new ability sent a blade deep into the earth, causing a circle of electricity to appear around the goblins. The wolves carrying them stopped and began to twitch. The goblins fell off the sides and also began to twitch from the electricity. Small wisps of smoke could be seen rising from the goblins as soon as the electricity left the field. That's when the moogles moved in.

The moogles from the village of Thollic, carrying their spears and axes and daggers, quickly surrounded the goblins and the wolves. The moogles swarmed around them, so that Kaane could not see what was truly going on inside the huddle. All he could see were the moogles, red-eyed in their frenzy, and the blood that occasionally spurted up above the fray. In the next instant, the moogles ran off, and nothing was left where the goblins had been except for pools of blood that began to soak into the earth.

The moogle with the red pom pom came forward. "You have done us a tremendous service this day, sir Elf. We would welcome you to spend the night here with us. With the goblins gone, it is safe." He then pulled out a small plastic instrument and began to play music.

***

Marlowe had the remaining bandits put together a tent, trying to emulate the techniques his master had shown him so graciously. As the campsite began to take its proper form, Marlowe slowly approached Baron. "Is this good, sir?" he asked with a large amount of trepidation. He almost seemed to cringe at the thought of Baron's new cane. Twilight was beginning to fade as the stars began to shine in the sky. A shooting star could be seen in the distance. Marlowe spotted it and his eyes began to sparkle. The bandits that had repaired the campsite tried to sneak off into the night.

[Killerish221]

Barnabas looked at the hill with a smile
"Finally a place to rest my head, I would like to over with this grim day as quickly as possible" He said
Barnabas then got off Eclipse and tethered her to a nearby tree and he then lay down to rest and when darkness finally clouded his eyes he was dreaming dreams of the Forest of Faladin.

Serveral hours later Barnabas awoke with a start and looked around. It was pitch black but he could see that Eclipse and his supplies were missing forunately he kept his weapons on him at all times.He could sense a presence a short way down the hill. So he sprinted down the hill and was greeted by the sight of a man with one patch of cloth over his eye. Barnabas then picked him up by the scuff of his shirt and said "Have you by chance seen a Black horse." "Seen plenty of black horses today sir." said the man. Barnabas instantly knew he was lying, his body language was all wrong while he was saying those words, he was all tense. Barnabas then yelled at the man "Don't you dare think you can lie to me!" while shaking him. "Ok Ok you win, the men who took your horse and things are camped out in a small cave just a short distance west of here, please sir show me mercy." he said while crying on the ground "The end will come of your own accord for the honesty you have shown this day" Barnabas said with a grim face. Barnabas left the man at the side of the road crying.

Barnabas hated when he had to do things like this but it had to be done otherwise his horse would be lost and he would never get to the Tribe of Bana on time.

Barnabas then sprinted to the west, always looking out for campfires or signs of any caves and after 1/2 hour he was blessed when he saw the embers of a campfire. He went over to a nearby rock and looked around him. He saw 3 men all gathered round the campfire, all speaking of the various things they had robbed today. "But the best one had to be this beauty" one of them said while pointing at Eclipse. Barnabas felt ashamed at how he was unable to prevent this and he said to himself that he would make this men pay for their misdeeds. Quickly he ran towards the thieves and killed 2 of them with the gauntlets that Torian had given him and killed the last one quickly before he could even move. He looked at each dead corpse and said to each one in turn "May you find peace in the life beyond here" he around the camp and found a bow and quiver "Guess these could come in handy" he said while putting it on his back.

Barnabas then cut Eclipse free and continued northwards but he said to himself constantly that he must become more alert both while he was sleeping and when he was awake.

[lukuz13]

-Eliana sighed softly as her work was done, using the towel thankfully and cleaned her face and eyes of the blood, slinging her Halberd roughly to force the blood onto the ground, before wiping it clean, and sheathing the weapon quickly.
"Goodness I hate when things must get messy..." She sighed a bit, turning to the Dwarfs with a smile "You need not thank me scruffy, I am happy to assist the great dwarfs of Glontin." With that Eliana grinned softly, just before the man left "Oh and its half elf if you please, my ears be not that pointy I hope." She joked, gently running her hand past her head, moving her raven black hair enough to expose them better.

Eliana considered going to bed now, she was very tired after all, several nights no sleep will do that you know. She however opted for a tad of exploring...and a duty she mustn't forget about being a paladin. Eliana made her way back to the troll corpse, watching as some of the dwarfs were examining it, perhaps to strip it of useful bits.
"Excuse me..." Eliana whispered as she turned her green eyes over each of the bearded men, all in different patterns. "But I do have a duty as a Paladin you know..."
"Oi, I 'ear what you paladins do." One of the dwarfs spoke up, he was middle aged it seemed, his beard showing tints of grey that only matched his grey eyes. "There's lots we can 'earn from 'his here corpse, no point in just burning em." He said, almost defensive of the corpse, before one of his comrades seemed to try and force him down.
"Nay, this elf here helped kill the beast, she has the right to do what she will with the body." the new dwarf, slightly taller and a reddish orange beard, along with a pair of blue eyes. "Especially since she be a paladin, you know their law Gendo." He insisted, as the two seemed to bicker for a moment.
"Heh relax please both of you... I am simply doing my duty, my apologies if it inconveniences you, but Im sure there will be plenty more of these you can get your mits on yes?" Eliana chuckled, turning her raw gaze over the two men. "Now...if you will excuse me."

It had only taken a moment to prepare, a small stone was set in the dirt, a pattern drawn in the dirt in the shape that matched the only beautifully carved around her neck, yet more rugged. Eliana placed one of her smooth gloved hands, which allowed her finger tips to feel the heavy and thick troll skin over the beast's shoulder, while a pool of drying blood jiggled a bit, congealing quickly. Suddenly Eliana's hand lite up brightly, a mix of white and yellow, as if from the sun itself. The woman closed her bright green eyes as she softly moved her lips in a gentle prayer that seemed so beautiful, yet so fleeting, as within moments she released her hand from the beast, the glow quickly dispersing, as a white, blue, and yellowish flame engulfed the beast, consuming its body quickly and effectively, even the Troll's skin was no trouble for this flame, yet as the wind forced it to lick the grasses nearby, it did not spread, too intent on its target. The dwarfs watched nearby, in awe of the ritual, one they had not seen before most likely. Slowly the troll was burned down to a pile of ash, where the flame softly vanished as if it was done with it's feast. There Eliana looked up finally, away from her prayer "May you find peace in the next life." She seemed to finish, as the wind kicked up and blew the pile of ash until it scattered to the wind. After taking a small moment to watch it go, Eliana turned to the dwarfs, the smile from earlier returned. "I don't suppose you have a place to drink around here do you?"

After a few hours of drinking herself silly and enjoying her time with the dwarfs, Eliana finally managed to find her way to the Inn in her stat, stumbled into her room for the night and passed out, sleeping heavily the second she hit the bed.

The next morning, with a fine headache accompanying her, Eliana thanked the dwarfs once more, gathering up her supplies and wished them all the best, continuing on her way north.

[FinlandiaWhiteEyes]

-Caterina forded the river a little way downstream. Trotting back to the site where the dragon lay, she pulled Torrado up next to the great beast's body. Though mutely impressed with the power of her bow, her heart filled with sorrow to see such a creature slain. She gazed at the dragon for a moment. Then, dismounting, she walked over to the great head, stroking it gently.
-"We all must live for our own defence, mighty one. 'If the hawk does not strike now, the eagle will strike later, just so.' Would that I were a paladin, and could set you to rest but...I am not. As it is, I shall do what I can to honour you."
-She stood, and removed saddle and luggage from Torrado. She let him graze for a time, while she sat by the dragon's head and sang a song, a dirge from Castillunia. She did nothing else until her song had finished. The falcon perched on the dragon's horn, and let out a mournful cry when her song was complete. Then she stood again, and set about making camp for the night.

-The dragon's last fiery burst had set a bush on fire. She also noted that the way the dragon had fallen made a tent of his wing. She carried her gear inside the shelter, pleased to note that it would keep her warm and dry throughout the night. Torrado went to the river to drink. She called him back when he had drunk his fill, and he trotted under the cover of the wing. When there, she rubbed him down, checked his feet over, and then commanded him to lay down. He cropped at the grass, then settled obediently. She built a fire in the mouth of the 'cave' so the smoke coiled away from the shelter. The fire would keep them warm, and keep any animals away.

-The night passed in their impromtu tent quickly and uneventfully. She broke camp, and let Torrado wander, drink and eat before grooming him. Then she ate herself, and bathed, washing the smell of dragon from her skin.
-As she walked up to the dragon to say farewell, she stumbled across one of its teeth, broken off from the fall. Picking up the tooth, she studied it interestedly. A thought came to her-dragons had hoards, did they not? Perhaps this one had treasure nearby? However, she had neither time nor inclination to rob the dead dragon, if indeed there was a treasure hoard. She used the tooth to prise a few scales from near the gap, which had been worked loose. She drew her arrows very carefully from the wound.

-Placing these things with her gear, which she then loaded onto her refreshed horse, Caterina bid fairwell to her noble adversary.
-"May your wings meet the skies again, in a place where hunting is free and easy. Adiós." Then she continued north. The falcon flew after her, a dragon's horn in its talons, which he dropped onto her lap. Storing it away with the other things, she stretched out her arm, and the great white bird perched.
"I should name you!"
-She pondered a name whilst she wrote the events of her journey in a journal she kept. It was a mark of her long friendship with the road that she wrote the journal; so no aspects of her adventures were forgotten.

[freemartialartist]

-"Wow," exclaimed Marlowe, "in all the wonderment and mysticity we see on this world, we're still no closer to understanding that of the stars. I mean where do they come from? What keeps them from falling? And when they do fall, like that one, where do they go? I can understand why people make wishes upon them."
-"What do you mean, wishes?" inquired the nobleman.
-"You know! You see a shooting star, and you make a wish, simple as that."
-"I'm afraid I don't know. I have to admit I've never heard of that tradition."
-"Well, what would you wish for?"
-What would he wish for? He wanted to tell him he wished for things to go back to normal. He wanted to wish for his brothers returning and his condition restored. He wanted to wish for the pain and disgust that covered him every time he returned to Eyremoor to be replaced by the awe and marvel he felt as he did when he was young.
-"I suppose I wish it doesn't rain," he replied after a pause. He bit back his true plight just a while longer. No need to bring up bad blood at the moment.
-"What thats all?" cried Marlowe astounded. These Von Eyres must be content beyond belief he thought.
-"Well do you wish to be wet? I believe I spotted a small pond a few miles back, if you're so keen."
-"Well, no. I just expected more."
-"What do you wish for Marlowe?" asked Baron half heartedly. I just seemed like the polite thing to say.
-"I wish I could be stronger. I was no match for one old man today, and you took down the lot of them!"
-"Oh thats nothing, its just a matter of thinking on your feet and minding your surroundings, Marlowe. Come. Bring your cane. Its high time you learned how to fence."
-"Fence, sir?" asked the servant, puzzled.
-"Spot on. Fencing, the finest and most dignified or respected manner of swordplay. For lack of a better sabre, our canes should suffice. Now, hold it like this..."
-The better part of the evening was spent explaining various grips and parrys and notable defenses. Marlowe did his best and worked hard, but he seemed hopeless against the vastly more experienced Baron.
-"Come now, Marlowe you can't expect to have successful Attack au Fer just yet! Especially not with this terrain."
-"What do you mean, terrain?"
-"Exactly!"
-After a good while and a significant amount of whelps and bruises towards the lesser, Baron called it an evening and retired back to the camp. Marlowe put some rations on the fire.
-"Do you know those bandits have wandered off, sir?"
-"Let them be. We have their weapons and shoes, as well as their self-respect. I doubt they'll be any more trouble."
-"Yes, I've been meaning to inquire. I understand taking their weapons, but why shoes? Doesn't really seem like the most useful item for a bandit."
-"Never underestimate the power footwear, or lack thereof, has on a man. I'm a die hard supporter of fine protection for your feet. Who knows? Maybe their next prey will have a chance to outrun them."
-"If you thought they'd have more prey, why didn't you just deal with them?"
-"Stealing and mugging is their business. I wouldn't want anyone interfering in my business. And who knows? Perhaps they feel they owe us now."
-"Thats what I'm afraid of sir."
-"Well don't be. Fear is the path to ruin. Stay clear of it. Confidence and diligence are the keys to success.
-"Yes sir," Marlowe returned pensively. He did his best to put on a countenance of straight thinking, but to no avail. After the events of today, and what he had seen the night before at the manor, he was in no fit state not to be afraid. "Supper is ready, sir."
-"You can have my share, Marlowe, I can't say I'm hungry."
-After finishing both portions of the meal, Marlowe's internal clock hit him hard. He said his polite courtesies and turned in for the night. The next morning he awoke to find the Baron seated around the embers outside.
-"Were you up all night, sir?"
-"Of course not, Marlowe, I just woke up before you. Now that you're ready," Baron dictated facetiously,"I should very much like to be on our way.

[thatfallout3guy]

Nate payed the three bits and spent the night. He woke up early and headed North.

[Noven]

-"Ah, I thank you for your kindness... fair creatures. May I ask you what name your species goes by? Ah, and besides that, I do thank you, and if I truly would be no trouble, it would do me a good service if you allowed for me to rest the night here, my good fellows." Kaane also enjoyed the music being played upon the instrument, something new to his ears. He humbly bowed to the one with the red pom pom, and submitted himself to their hospitality for the night.

[ballerscuba]

As the adventurers approached the northern boundaries of Namora, they came across a large stone wall, easily fifty feet tall. The wall stretched as far as the eye could see in either direction. There was a large wooden gate that was reinforced with large metal bands with large rivets that stood twenty feet tall in the middle of the wall. Upon the battlements above the gate, there were two large, muscular men, keeping watch. They wore bronze plate armor over their torsos, with defined abs showing in front. They had fur-covered shoulders and iron helmets that covered most of their faces. The helmets had two oval-shaped holes for the eyes and were open at the bottom, with two bars of iron stretching down to cover their mouth, leaving their jaws exposed.

Baron was the first to arrive, along with Marlowe, his trusty manservant, who was carrying a large backpack full of supplies on his back. Caterina was the second to arrive, as Torrado neighed at the sight of both the wall and the fellow traveler. Barnabas was the third to arrive, as Eclipse carried him quickly across the land. Nathan was the fourth to arrive, on his rented horse. Then, Eliana arrived on Shadowrun. Kaane was the last to arrive. He had had a hard time leaving the moogle camp. The moogles did leave him a small trinket, an ocarina that would summon a moogle anywhere in Namora. Within thirty minutes from when Baron arrived, the rest of the party had reached the gates.

As Kaane approached, the two men began to notice the commotion outside the gate. One of the men stepped forward, pulling a crossbow from behind his back, holding it at his side. "Who are you and what is your business with the Tribe of Bana? State your business here."