From: Naron (naron_at_bigpond.net.au)
Date: Wed Aug 20 2003 - 12:20:03 BST
Elklisee takes Roses hand and smiles at Lenora's request as the great rock warrior leaves the room. "Perhaps another day will my tale bring warmth to us all. For now it is best that we prepare."
Ferrock snatches up the casket of potions and leads you outside. On hearing the requests for equipment he excuses himself and Angavorn as they go to acquire the equipment that you will need for the journey.
Those of Omasu's caravan busy themselves aiding him to set up his wagons. In the village a day early than the rest of the merchants he uses your help to ready himself and be ahead of the other merchants once they are let in the gate.
For the Bush Namur residents you busy yourselves in collecting your belongings and farewelling your family, friends and masters. You have been away from Bush Namur before for the most part, but always within the local area except for Pean. You wonder what the wilds of Barsaive will hold for you and even wonder if the Kaer is close or far. The tale of the stave had no real indication for you.
Soon after lunch Ferrock and Angavorn call you to them in the village square. As you approach, you wonder what new merchant has gotten through the gates such is the pile of equipment and number of horses that stand in the common. As you approach, you realise that it is the collected offerings of your requests for equipment that you look at. There is a horse for each of you (and you watch in amusement as Farli takes the saddle off her horse with a sneer on her face) and a fine draft horse with a small wagon made of a warped oak with many knots though still solid and true, likely for Garrott. A pack mule stands laden with packs of dried meats, herbs and fruits that will last some way along the trail.
Ferrock hands out light crystals to some and shares out the potions and salves, making sure that the most physical of you are presented with a booster and a healing potion whilst Kalais and Pean receive Booster potions and one each of the Last Chance Salves that were in the chest.
Ferrock looks amongst you as you inspect the goods and gives a weak smile.
"I would that I could travel with you. But with the village full of merchants as of the morrow, my duty lays here. For you though the travel must be swift to save any more from an unnecessary demise. Sara has asked me to make sure you leave. Now."
He looks across as the shock registers with the locals who thought they may have one more night of song and dance with friends at the Spider's Keg that they are to leave immediately.
"Sara and Veltus both wish you Floranuus' speed on your journey. Find this Kaer, and the treasures that may lay within. With that accomplished, give the stave to Elklisee. Determine what you must do with what you may find and return to us with news of your success."
"Elklisee, you are only one of many and perhaps do not count yourself amongst this band as their task is not yours, but watch them carefully for us as the journey will be long and arduous."
"Rose, you also perhaps feel separate from this group though Veltus asks that you travel well with them and make their task your own. He has promised great reward for you if you are successful."
"As the most senior here of the guard Shalandra, I ask that you keep Temorya close to you at all times for if something foul were to befall him the stave will cease to function."
"Angavorn here will travel with you all as well to act as my eyes on the mission though he is young and full of energy so though he may be my eyes, he does not speak for me. Your decisions will have to come from you all."
"Temorya, you are young, smart and energetic. But wise is something you need to become. Be careful with your charge and remain true to your companions."
"Pean, I am sore to lose you as you are the best of the healers in town, but should your group face adversity I am glad to know that you will be with them, though do not let your father overhear me say it!"
"Garrott, I would like more time to know you for you have the heart of a noble Warrior. Keep your peace and strengthen your resolve. Your day is yet to come."
"Lenora, you have a swift blade and a tongue to match, if you were not cut from the same fabric as Astendar herself I know not who is."
"May your string always be taught Kalais for your will is a match for any target that may present itself."
"I apologise for the saddle young Farli but they had all ready been set. I thought that you may not like it this way. I have chosen th most stable of the beasts for you so that it may handle your own companion without fear." Ferrock looks over to wear Suskin is sniffing at the packs on the Pack Mule.
"And Maerath. I hope you find the answers that you need to heal on this journey. Perhaps a bit more broader travel will aid you in this task"
Ferrock stands and watches as you ride from the walled village. Several merchants stare at you as you leave the gates. It strikes you that there must be three hundred name givers amongst the merchants groups. A full three times what there had been the day before and yourealise how much the village will miss you if there is trouble caused at the merchants week. It is then that you realise how important Sara must think this journey is.
You make the journey for the rest of the day and camp in the foothill of the Thunder Mountains before drawing the stave. It settles on a direction mainly West.
"Travar lies in that direction. Perhaps we will stop there and restock our provisions?" Elklisee looks around the group. On the next morning you strike out for the great cityof Travar, having heard of its spiralling marble towers and opulent living you are keen to find your way to the city that lies perhaps three or four days travel away. Elklisee travels ahead, scouting the ground in front of the group. It is obvious that she is feeling uncomfortable with being around Garrott and Farli after the confrontation of the day before.
It is not long before you hear her call out however as you move into the start of some wide grasslands, the grass almost four feet high. She circles back around and points off to the west and south. "See, there!"
You strain your eyes in the direction but see nothing but the golden grains on top of the grass. And then there it is! A large shape bounds above the grasstops and then disappears below the level again. You watch for a further minute, not realising you are holding your breath before you see it again. In the same direction but at least a hundred yards away from where it was last seen.
Although you are not totally sure of what it is or could be you know it is large and appears to be bounding at irregular intervals amongst the grass......
<Your moves please. I will be updating as we go until Sunday.>
<Cheers>
<Mark>
If you are into role-playing, check out http://users.bigpond.net.au/naron/
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