Midnight: A Lost Faith's Shadow. Book 1, The Awakening. Chapter 1, The Charge

elapse · Sep 22, 2005

Comrades in Arms

Reznik,
As Reznik pulls the women from the tunnel, he listens to Aislinn's plea and considers Kaela's question of attempting to risk it. Aislinn's reference to his scars of the Shadow made him shudder unknowingly as he remembered. He quickly regained his composure, and after they were all out of the tunnel he took the dagger from his mouth, "We'll get to her mother, but first we get your supplies, Kaela. I will need you to tell me the way".

Reznik heard the voice from the woods and went with the two women to the figures in hiding. Reznik says little, figuring the men are truly against the shadow after seeing the Dornish hunter in their company. Finding Kaela's introduction of himself sufficient he says, "Take us to the healer's cottage". He nods his head towards Kaela as he speaks so the woodsman will know the person he speaks of.

Hrothgar · Sep 22, 2005

Valurel

The Erunsil's keen senses easily pick up the orcs lumbering and smashing through Caft in the smoke and flames. The orcs are performing a very thorough search of Caft and it will not be long before they search the barn near the forest's edge. And possibly find their two dead comrades in the forest.

Kaela, Reznik, Starhl, and Brian

Aislinn hangs onto Kaela for as much physical support as bravery. Her head tilts slightly as each Outlander speaks, as if attempting to memorize the voice for future reference. Aislinn's eyes grow large with hope at the group's plans. Yes! Thank you! My father was right to trust you. In the dark woods, Aislinn's dead, white eyes seem to possess a faint greenish luminescence, unlike anything seen before. Why the legate and his orcs are so interested in a young girl is a story that needs telling.

OOC: From your knowledge of the town, Kaela's cottage is located east of the barn in a small clearing partway up the valley hill on the north side. Uriel's home is further east, just below the lip of the valley, sheltered by a small stone cliff and stand of pine.

Krug · Sep 22, 2005

Starhl

"We must proceed cautiously," says Starhl. The newcomers recognise him as being a trapper, feared and rumoured to have a raging temper. His battleaxe is bloody, and there is a wound on his side that makes him grimace with each step.

Ranger Rick · Sep 22, 2005

Brian helps the other's through the woods, and he can be seen grimacing as the blood from his wound clots and breaks and reclots.

OOC: I will be offline from tonight through Monday

elapse · Sep 23, 2005

The Journey to Kaela's

Reznik
The scarred warrior felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He trusted his ability with a blade, and knew of Kaela's skill as a healer, but it was folly to think the three of them could survive for long without having planned to leave Caft. With these new members with them, he felt they had at least a fighting chance.

The only thing Reznik knew of his companions is that they fled the shadow, and those like Strahl fought it. That was enough for Reznik to ally with them. The men looked as if they had already lifted arms against the orcs as they were saturated in blood. With luck Kaela would be able to tend to their wounds when they reached her cottage. From there they would proceed to Aislinn's mother and murder the betrayer, Lorne. Reznik didn't want to think about the frontier they would have to face afterwards.

Toric_Arthendain · Sep 23, 2005

Valurel lets the others lead the way, not being familiar with the village himself. He trails along behind the group, watching their backtrail for any signs that they are being followed or have been spotted by the Orc forces. The smell of the burning village is nearly enough to overwhelm him and threatens to bring back memories best left buried. Shaking off these thoughts, he focuses on keeping watch as the group moves through the village.

OOC: Spot +5 (+7 vs. Orcs)

Hrothgar · Sep 23, 2005

Kaela's Cottage

The Erunsil glides effortlessly through the forest, stopping to peer into the dark woods and the town's homes and buildings near its edge. Orcs are seen moving in the village, their massive frames dragging villagers to horrible fates. Soon the scene is lost amongst the trees, but the Erunsil is sure the orcs will begin searching the forest soon. For a blind girl that wouldn't make it far on her own. For a blind girl lead by enemies of the Shadow.

Brian and Starhl hold their pain well, without complaint. Not uncommon in a war-torn world. More pain would follow if any in their band would survive the night. Walking beside them, sometimes in front, Reznik moves like a dark wraith through the forest, becoming at one with the darkness. The Shadow-Scarred.

Moving within the band, Aislinn walks with Kaela, the young girl leaning on Caft's healer for support. Kaela, her spare but strong frame must not only support her own fears, but that of a young child whose home has been claimed by Shadow.

Within moments trudging up the valley's northern side, Kaela's small, dark cottage comes into view, its whitestone sides gleaming like a ghost in the dark forest. Further up the hill on the northern edge of the forest is Uriel's small home, a light gleaming from its windows. Shouting and cursing drifts down the hill from the house. Mother? Whispers Aislinn.

Krug · Sep 23, 2005

Starhl watches the house carefully. His javelin is poised. Starhl looks at Aislinn, and feels sorrow for her.

Toric_Arthendain · Sep 23, 2005

Valurel watches the girl, Aislinn, trying to keep a deep sadness from washing over him. Being a young girl in this harsh world was hard enough, he could only imagine how hard it would be to be blind. But he also couldn't help but think that maybe not being able to see the harsh realities might be a blessing. He supposed that if a person was unable to see, their other senses would probably be honed to compensate. At any rate, the girl appeared to be holding up fairly well, under the circumstances.

"Get what is needed quick. Orcs search woods very soon," Valurel says, crouching in the darkness. He keeps watch back towards the village, keeping to whatever shadows he can find near the house.

OOC: Hide +6, Spot +5 (+7 vs. Orcs)

Bobitron · Sep 23, 2005

Kaela nods in response to Valurel's curt statement, rushing into the cottage that the citizen's of Caft had been generous enough to give her. She quickly finds the medicinal herbs and infused oils for the journey and turns to the door. At the last moment, she stops and turns back inside, reaching underneath her cot for a bundle containing a small but sharp dagger.

"I'm ready. Let's get your mother, Aislinn."