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Story Hour
Into the Icy Darkness: The Great Demon War
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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1326300" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>In this session, we’ll introduce a new character. One of the players had a sibling who joined us for one session, and created quite a memorable character… one I’ve decided is going to be a recurring NPC at least…</p><p></p><p><strong>Grumki the Loud</strong> 6th Level Cleric of Kord:</p><p></p><p>Grumki doesn’t know much about his background… Grumki really knows little about many things. But what he knows is basic to this world is that one needs Kord’s strength, and little else.</p><p></p><p>A massive hulking giant, (6’4”, 275 pounds), Grumki on the surface epitomizes why humans are at times so afraid of half-orcs. On initial appearances, he can seem gruff… even frightening. However, his simple soul desires more than all the strength of company, and a chance to show the strength of Kord and its blessings on him. </p><p></p><p><strong>Girding for Battle</strong> – Part One of Three of the Adventure on 1-19-04</p><p></p><p>As the party ruffled through the bodies of the ice trolls, it was Tess who discovered, haphazardly thrown into the large pouch of one, a most exquisite dagger.</p><p></p><p>It was slightly longer than normal, silvery colored with an eagle, hawk, or some flying creature’s open mouth at the base of the blade, its wings forming the guards and hilt. Tess initially thought it was little more than a ceremonial weapon, until a high pitched voice echoed in the air.</p><p></p><p>”Hi!”</p><p></p><p>Tess spun around, looking for where the voice came from.</p><p></p><p>“I’m here!” The voice echoed from further below. She looked at the dagger, and blinked hard.</p><p></p><p>“You’re, where?” she said slowly, her mind not believing the information it was receiving from her ears and eyes.</p><p></p><p>“Here!” the voice from the dagger announced happily. “You like more likely to be fun and prank people! We’ll make good friends! Those white monstesr weren’t happy, they left me inside a dark place! I thought they’d break me!”</p><p></p><p>“Who are you?” Tess asked, very puzzled, and more than a little disturbed as she pulled the dagger close to her.</p><p></p><p>“My name is Fa’rallan!” the weapon announced rather proudly. </p><p></p><p>“How… did you end up here.. in a dagger?” Tess pressed, still very disturbed. The voice seemed too happy, eager, and annoying to be something evil, but her tired mind didn’t trust it quite yet.</p><p></p><p>Fa’rallan went on to blurt out she used to be a brownie, that was good at pranks involving shocking people. She pranked the one person one day many years ago, and the angry wizard had destroyed her body and bound her soul inside her dagger. She’d had many owners over the years, and preferred those that let her, “prank,” others. </p><p></p><p>Tess (whose own close range weapon was a rather mundane dagger) realized there might be some potential use for this thing, despite her annoying voice. She tells Fa’rallan that she’ll have some fun tonight, and then walks back to the rest of the party, who were busy warming next to the campfire before heading off to bed.</p><p></p><p>“Hey, Shaun,” she called, and his dark haired head rose a little sleepily. “I found this on the ice demon,” Tess held out Fa’rallan, “it looks like it might be worth something… take a look at it.”</p><p></p><p>No sooner had Shaun fully grasped the blade when Tess saw the hairs on his arm stand on end, his eyes grow big, and a slight arc of electricity dance between his fingers. A loud call of “ZAP!” lept from Fa’rallan, followed by loud, immature giggling from the weapon, and Tess.</p><p></p><p>Siabrey leaned over, and grabbing the weapon with a simple commanding, “Let me see that!” Her hand dropped the weapon too, as a loud call of “ZAP!” flew out again, followed by more giggling from both the weapon and Tess. Shaun and Siabrey rubbed their hands, which were unhurt, and glowered at the giggling Tess.</p><p></p><p>“Someday Tess, I will surprise you with a massive prank. Someday… you’ll know the true meaning of. ‘you’ve been punked,’” Shaun said quietly, his own face grinning a little. Tess grinned, stuck her tongue out at him, and picked up Fa’rallan. Siabrey wasn’t amused period, gave a grunt of displeasure, and went off to sleep.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Grumki kept whistling the tune he had stuck in his head for the past ten years. He didn’t fear the fact he was walking around, singing a loud song in the middle of a dark forest in the deepest of the night. He cared not that his massive frame crashed through twigs, bumped over small trees, and made an enormous racket. The strength of Kord does not require quiet.</p><p></p><p>”Kord, thou shinest thy light on me,” he deep bass rumbled, so out of tune that its noise was horrific at times. Grumki didn’t care… the strength of Kord did not need tuning.</p><p></p><p>All Grumki needed was a campfire… and some companionship. He’d been out in these woods, displaying the strength of Kord to many monsters that dared challenge him. But there had been no <em>witnesses</em>, to spread forth the word that Kord was indeed strong. And while the strength of Kord guaranteed he didn’t <em>need</em> someone to talk to… it made Grumki feel a little better.</p><p></p><p>Off in the distance, he spotted a bright light… easily discernible as a campfire. His logic, while small compared to others, was large enough to quickly grasp that the campfire couldn’t be coming from one of the ice creatures… they hated fire. Confident, and now happy, Grumki’s song increased in strength as he confidently strode towards the fire, his massive warhammer slung over his shoulder.</p><p></p><p>“Kord, Kord, my arm is bound to thee!” his thundering voice echoed. Up ahead, he could see the people around the party scurrying about… some were waking up, others had weapons out apparently. HE decided this would be the best time to introduce himself.</p><p></p><p>“Heeellllooo!” his greeting shook the trees.</p><p></p><p>“W..who goes there?” a young man’s voice (more a boy’s voice) answered back. “Show yourself!”</p><p></p><p>“Are you friend?” another voice, this one of a woman, called.</p><p></p><p>“I am but a traveler! A priest! A priest of Kord!” Grumki stepped out of the woods, and revealed himself in all his massive size to the party. </p><p></p><p>Grumki had to restrain himself from laughing at their reactions. The boyish on, a tall, thin redhead had a bastard sword drawn, but it was visibly shaking. The boy was easily 4” shorter than Grumki, and easily 80-90 pounds lighter.</p><p></p><p>One girl, a blonde that rather strangely had a harp out, was the first to walk up to him. Maybe she had been playing when he appeared, his mind thought.</p><p></p><p>”Hello, great one,” she said slowly and cautiously. Grumki smiled, and remembered his manners. </p><p></p><p>“My name is Grumki!” he said with a beaming smile… which meant all his teeth and tusks were fully revealed. The boy began siddling away, as others stood rather pale, or big eyed.</p><p></p><p>“My name,” the woman began, her voice stronger now, “is Tesseron. Many know me as the Harper.” She gave a formal bow… and Grumki was a little sad. A handshake did well to show the strength of Kord, as well as greet.</p><p></p><p>”We too are travelers,” she continued. She began pointing out people to him, listing off Rogar, Shaun, and the pale boy as Lucius. “This is Siabrey,” the pointed to a small woman with blond hair… and <em>red eyes</em>.</p><p></p><p>“Madam,” Grumki began, confused and concerned, “do you know your eyes are red?” The woman’s face furrowed, and then broke into a small grin.</p><p></p><p>“Um, yes I do. They’ve always been that way.”</p><p></p><p>Grumki leaned close to her, looked at her eyes from side to side, and then gave a massive shrug of his shoulders.</p><p></p><p>“It is well. The strength of Kord does not require one to have good eyes!” He broke into a loud rumble of laughter, while Siabrey frowned a bit. Grumki then strode over to the boy they called Lucius. He’d seen how frightened he’d been, and he while he loved for the strength of Kord to impress, he also wanted people he could talk to. He grabbed him by the shoulder, and pulled him in. The boy winced, but put up a barely brave smile.</p><p></p><p>“So, they tell me your sword is mighty sharp! Well, the strength of Kord doesn’t require swords! Tell me a tale of your use of that sword!”</p><p></p><p>Lucius, in a shaky voice, described slashing a giant spider with it, and Grumki laughed, and slapped the boy on the back. Lucius’ head nearly popped off of his spine, though Grumki didn’t notice the boy’s obvious look of pain. </p><p></p><p>Grumki saw the other party members gathered in a corner, and he heard them mentioning “ice demons.” Grinning, he rose, strode boldly over, and announced that “Striking down ice creatures is an excellent way to show the revelations of the strength of Kord!”</p><p></p><p>The party members blinked, and looked at Grumki, and then his warhammer. Nods went around, and Tess took it upon herself to tell Grumki the party’s mission. Grumki grinned bigger and bigger as they described fighting many monsters, and that they were now hunting a demon.</p><p></p><p>“Truly, you do not realize it, but the strength of Kord goes with you! It is clear to me that Kord wishes me to add my strength to yours, so that we may overcome this evil, and show all that the strength of Kord fears no demon!”</p><p></p><p>The speech of very loud, and Shaun and Lucius were among those that had ringing ears after Grumki finished. As the others in the camp went to sleep, it became apparent to Grumki that the boy and the one they called Shaun were the ones on watch.</p><p></p><p>The one called Shaun came over, and whispered something to the boy. Grumki couldn’t hear it, but then again Grumki didn’t care. The strength of Kord does not require good hearing. The one called Shaun then mentioned something about, “this is how its done,” and reached his hand over to Grumki.</p><p></p><p>“I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure of introducing myself in person. I am Shaun, Shaun Dice,” he said, and Grumki’s grin grew as he saw the man’s hand extended out of him. He eagerly grabbed it, and shook with enthusiasm. HE didn’t realize that he almost shook Shaun’s arms out of socket… but then again the strength of Kord does not require carefulness.</p><p></p><p>“How strong is this cord?” Shaun asked. Grumki guessed he was trying to be clever, and saw he was still shaking his arm.</p><p></p><p>Poiting at the man’s still painful arm, Grumki said, “strong!”</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Early the next morning, Siabrey watched the nymph walk out of the forest and go pale when she laid eyes on the newest and largest party member. Thankfully Tess’ quick mind and tongue told her that he was a friend, as the fey’s hands were already rising to call forth vines to bind the large brute.</p><p></p><p>She looked from the brute off to his left… where Shaun and Lucius were casually sprawled by a log, not quite sitting, not quite laying either. One she was falling in love with, the other… well, she didn’t <em>hate</em> him… more, just found herself easily annoyed by him.</p><p></p><p>The party saddled up, and rode out. Siabrey looked with some concern as Grumki took a position alongside Lucius, until she realized the big creature was merely trying to get to know the boy better. Grumki was talking quietly (which for the big brute was still very loud… just not defeaning anymore), and asking Lucius all sorts of questions about himself.</p><p></p><p>Siabrey herself took point for the party, following the small hawk that flew above; the guide promised to them by the nymph. It was another hour as she rode before she heard the first smack. </p><p></p><p>Looking back, she saw Grumki laughing, with Lucius having a strained, pained smile on his face. Grumki was laughing harder, and slapped Lucius on the back again as she watched. Her emotions initially bristled at seeing Lucius in pain, before her logical mind stepped in.</p><p></p><p><em>He’s just trying to be friendly… the creature just doesn’t know his own strength.</em></p><p></p><p>She tells Shaun to take point for a bit, and rides to the middle of the party, between Lucius and Grumki. She puts on a smile… a real one, now that she’s fully realized the situation and that Grumki was not trying to hurt Lucius, and starts talking. Lucius gives her a weak smile and rides a little ahead, his back apparently sore from his bent riding position.</p><p></p><p>“Your eyes,” Grumki said again, once again peering close to her face, “they’re still red! Are you sure you are not sick? I am a healer as well as a messenger for Kord, and I have many treatments that…”</p><p></p><p>“This is the way they <em>are</em>, dear cleric!” she smiled. “I got them from my father.”</p><p></p><p>“That is very strange,” she saw Grumki’s mind slowly trying to wrap around the idea, and failing. “Very strange indeed.”</p><p></p><p>Over the whispers of the wind, she caught a faint bit of a mutter from Lucius, a mutter that thankfully no one else heard.</p><p></p><p>“I myself think they’re gorgeous enough.”</p><p></p><p>Her copper skin went further beet red, and the conflict in her mind sprang up again. Her smile vanished, and she decided to what she thought was best in this situation…</p><p></p><p>She ran, and spurred her horse to the front again.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Shaun wasn’t completely sure why Siabrey suddenly galloped past him on horseback. He turned back to the party, and saw nothing unusual… save Lucius riding funny. She hadn’t looked happy as she went past, and his mind wondered.</p><p></p><p>It wondered more when he saw her stopped up ahead. She galloped up, and asked her what was up there. She pointed.</p><p></p><p>Beyond her, a good hundred feet up the road, was coming a loud series of screeches and growls, as five roughly human looking creatures, all chasing a small, yellowish looking rat creature. Siabrey tells Shaun to watch them, and spins around, riding back to the party.</p><p></p><p>Her voice came across in a strained, hurried whisper, and the complaint of “the strength of Kord does not need quiet,” echoed only slightly in his ear. As the rest of the party came up, it was easy to tell that Grumki was pouting a little after a short lecture on stealth. </p><p></p><p>“Strength of voice is part of the strength of Kord,” the familiar bass rumbled quietly.</p><p></p><p>As the party mulled what to do, Shaun noticed Siabrey ride forward, simply and commandingly, and demand of the creatures what they were doing. Grumki rode up to her side, and Shaun rode up on the other side of Grumki. One of the smaller “humans” had caught the yellowish rat thing and was hanging it over a pot of boiling liquid.</p><p></p><p>”We’re hungry, and we’re gonna eat! You have a problem with that?” the tallest of the five humans, a man with a large white streak in his otherwise black hair, strode forward.</p><p></p><p>“They’re gonna eat me!” the small, dangling rat cried, something that immediately attracted the attention of Shaun, as well as others.</p><p></p><p>”Meethinks it is not wise to eat a sentient creature,” Tess said from the back, her voice of reason even toned as normal in a stressful situation. “If you let the small one go, we’ll share out trail rations with you.”</p><p></p><p>“The strength of Kord does not require us to eat sentient creatures,” Grumki agreed. Shaun’s own hand was on his bow… it was out, but not fully drawn. His hands tensed as the lead man talking to the party grew even more hostile.</p><p></p><p>“We don’t want any rations… we want fresh meat! Why don’t you just leave us alone… or we’ll put you in the pot as well!”</p><p></p><p>Shaun winced… that was <em>not</em> a good threat to give… especially to little fire eyes in front. She had a mean mean temper when she got angry. It was then that he noticed that the man was <em>changing</em>. His face had already been protruding, but now it seems like he was gaining a rat face of some kind.</p><p></p><p>Before Shaun could do anything, his dire thoughts came true… as Siabrey placed an arrow in the man’s shoulder, and an arrow from Tess hit him in the chest. He fell, and then arose as the largest badger Shaun had ever seen. It charged, and bit Siabrey.</p><p></p><p>Shaun himself drew and quickly took aim at the small human holding the creature above the point. His shot hit the changing human in the stomach, and it somehow missed dropping the small creature intot he pot as it reeled, then charged forward… it and its four companions the largest squirrels he’d ever seen.</p><p></p><p>A desperate fight started, as Siabrey’s blade flashed and found one of the charging squirrels. Shaun was forced to take a momentary pause as her blade flashed through the air, and the leaping squirrel landed on the ground in four parts… almost neat quarters. Lucius found the badger, and with a snarl his sword slashed the creature out of its misery </p><p></p><p>Shaun couldn’t quite hear the song that Tess began to sing, but he did see the squirrel it targeted, the one he’d shot already, begin to shaking, its eyes pop out of its head, and then it exploded, covering the area in nasty bits (<em>Crescendo</em>).</p><p></p><p>Directly to his front, a squirrel leapt at him, and bit his ankle. It didn’t hurt to much, but his momentary non-action let Grumki bring his warhammer down on the creature’s back. A loud series of snaps were heard, yet somehow, the creature continued to claw forward, able to use only one paw. Shaun drew his rapier, and with a slashing pirouet for fit for a fencing salon than a battlefield, finished off the poor creature in style.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Tess had been slightly amazed by what her music had done to the squirrel… it was a little unexpected, however, it was not unwelcome. A brief search of the bodies revealed some gold and a few gems, but little more. </p><p></p><p>Tess busied herself with talking to this sentient rat… though as it ran up towards her, she saw it was more a mix between a rat and a rabbit. Its fur stood on end, and little sparks of electricity ran between them. It grabbed her leg, panting, and hung on tight, repeating again and again, “I’m scared, I’m scared.”</p><p></p><p>“Its ok,” her soothing voice reached down towards the creature, and she knelt to talk to it on its own level. “Its alright… they won’t hurt you anymore. What is your name? Where are you from?” Its fur had stopped bristling, and she began to soothingly pet its back, calming the creature down.</p><p></p><p>“I have no name. I was made in the mountain, but they cast me out.”</p><p></p><p>Tess tried hard to keep the look of surprise from exploding all over her face, and mildly succeeded from keeping it out of your voice.</p><p></p><p>“The mountain? The one near here, with snow on its back?” The creature nodded.</p><p></p><p>“Who made you?”</p><p></p><p>“The evil one… they said I was a mistake, that I was supposed to be evil… so they kicked me out, and I’m alone!” The creature clung to her a little bit, and she petted it more.</p><p></p><p>“What do you mean, you were a mistake?” Tess asked probing for answers, while hurriedly adding, “you’re so cute, you couldn’t be a mistake.”</p><p></p><p>“I was made by the master himself, but his magic is going bad. Its affecting the forest… those creatures that were going to eat me were part of his bad magic.”</p><p></p><p>Tess’ mind froze. Previously she had thought that Ananias was merely losing power… now it appeared he was losing his mind and/or control of his magical powers. A new sense of urgency filled her, and she told the creature that they were looking for Ananias to kill him, as he’d destroyed much.</p><p></p><p>“You’re nice to me. I lead you to the back way! The front way.. there’s many scary things… its not safe!” The creature hopped up and down, and Tess, happy to see it happier and also to have something leading them to the mountain that had no love for Ananias, agreed.</p><p></p><p>The creature grew scared as Tess tried to put him on her horse, and kept crying to be put on the ground. Tess relented, and he happily bounced ahead of the party’s horses, leading them onward.</p><p></p><p>As the party neared the mountain, the woods became thinner and thinner, and in plain sight came the more awe inspiring thing any of them had ever seen. Coming out of the mountain, in a long, thick line, was more than a horde, more than a troop.</p><p></p><p>It was an army.</p><p></p><p>Hobgoblins, Orcs, Giant Spiders, Stag Beetles, kobolds and goblins… all streaming out of a large cave near the base of the mountain.</p><p></p><p>Siabrey quietly pointed out that the group, especially the orcs and hobgoblins, had more than just warriors… there were women, and children, all with items backed on their backs. She whispered to Tess it looked more like a migration than an army. All of them were headed out not at a march, or a walk, but a slow trot, a steady jog…</p><p></p><p>It was with alarm at that point that Tess saw where the massive juggernaught was heading… not southeast, towards Mephys… but due south.</p><p></p><p>Holstean was the first town in that direction.</p><p></p><p>Tess quietly pulled Siabrey and Shaun aside and informed them of this, and the three agreed that it would likely be best to <em>not</em> tell Lucius… it would make the boy even more scared than he already was. As it was late in the day, the party walked a few hundred yards back into the woods to make camp, before venturing into Ice Spine Mountain on the morrow…</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Grumki had seen the night before major fights before, and it was a given that people were nervous. IT was natural in humans, halfings, even half-orcs like himself. And Grumki knew the best way to resolve these fears was through friendly contests. Thus it came as no surprise to him when Tess invited him to a knife throwing contest.</p><p></p><p>The two picked a tree near the campsite, and marked the center of its side as the target. Tess threw first, and landed several inches to the right of the target. As Grumki is about to throw, Tess reaches into her belt, and hands him a rather ornate dagger. Grumki figures that this is quite an honor, and grabs the weapon, only to feel a pulse and shock go through his arm.</p><p></p><p>“ZAP!” a small voice shouted with glee, as Tess and most of the rest of the party collapsed in laughter. Grumki didn’t quite get the joke, shrugged, and pulled out his own dagger. The resulting throw landed almost opposite of Tess’.</p><p></p><p>Grumki then watched with some surprise as the red eyed woman came forward, with her own dagger. He’d seen her fight the creatures, and saw her skill with her large blade. It came as little surprise that her dagger throw hit the target dead on, and she grinned a sashayed off.</p><p></p><p>A little miffed, Grumki decided it was time to reveal the strength of Kord, and walked over to the tree with his warhammer. With two mighty swings, the tree shook, the daggers fell out of their nestings, and a rain of apples covered the area. Satisfied, Grumki then announced, “the strength of Kord does not require accuracy!”</p><p></p><p>Everyone had a laugh at the quip, and Grumki soon found himself involved in another test of strength.</p><p></p><p>Shaun, in an attempt to prove his own skills, casually picked up some apples and tossed one in the air. He then tried to draw his bow and shoot it before it hit the ground. Instead, his arrow clattered through the trees, scaring birds and squirrels, as the apple landed anticlimactically on the ground.</p><p></p><p>Siabrey, not to be outdone by her… foe (Grumki had figured out they didn’t like each other too much, but were willing to work together), tosses her own into the air, draws, and shoots the arrow not only into the fruit, but shoots the fruit into a nearby tree.</p><p></p><p>Grumki could not let this finesse challenge to Kord’s strength be left unmet. He picked up his own apple, and tossed it up. Unfortunately, he ironically tossed it too low, and it fell before he could swing his warhammer around. Instead of stopping, however, Grumki merely continued his horizontal swing, transferring it into a vertical blow, and crushed the apple into mush on the ground.</p><p></p><p>“The strength of Kord does not need a longbow!” he bellowed, and grinned at the other two.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>While these antics occurred, a rather serious Tess decides to check out the morphing idols in their backpack. They had been changing for a while now, and she hoped to be able to figure out what it <em>meant</em>.</p><p></p><p>When she pulled the idol out, its wings were now gone… their ivory had instead morphed into the figure, making it taller… more shapely. Its head was still bowed, but it was becoming more and more apparent it was no longer a man. Its hair had changed as well… there were no more diamonds.</p><p></p><p>Instead, the idols long strands of precious stones now were rubies, which stretched down the “back” of the idol almost to where its feet would be. This created huge alarm bells in Tess’ head. She called Siabrey over.</p><p></p><p>“I… I think the idol might be turning into the Countess,” Tess said very quietly, her voice wracked with concern. Siabrey’s face fell.</p><p></p><p>“Do we know if she is intentionally taking on this power… or is she being duped into it?” Siabrey asked. Tess wished she knew the answer, but shrugged sadly.</p><p></p><p>“I wish I knew… this definitely needs to be kept away from the boy, for now at least.” She looked over, and watched quietly as Lucius chucked several apples at Shaun, undoubtedly working out a lot of nervousness about the morrow.</p><p></p><p></p><p>”Yes… I think it would almost break him if this were true,” Siabrey nodded sadly.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Siabrey’s own heart was heavy as she walked back to where her bedroll lay, as the antics of Lucius and Shaun died away. She gave a halfway glance to Lucius, who beamed at her.</p><p></p><p><em>He’s trying hard to hide it… I know he’s scared</em>, part of her said. Her mind them caught something in the grin that was not right, and she didn’t have any time to dodge before an apple piece hit her shoulder.</p><p></p><p>She flashed a grin, and flung it back at him… and he merely caught it. The game of “catch,” (more a series of fastball throws and lucky catches) went on for a bit, before Siabrey decided to one up him for good. AS she reared back to throw the apple at her again, her katana flashed through the air, slicing the piece in two. She managed to catch both pieces, and handed one to the hungry little animal they’d rescued earlier. Looking back at Lucius, she saw him smile at her, and comment, “good swing.”</p><p></p><p>Her mind then jumped, as she saw the same smile that only a few days earlier disturbed her. This time, however, the nagging voices of nay seemed to fall behind, and she returned her own smile… a broad, full one. Before she realized it, she felt her face flush slightly. Her mind goes blank as to a reply, as thoughts race through her head…</p><p></p><p><em>You don’t know if either of you will live through the morrow,</em> one voice in her head called, <em>You’re fighting a </em> demon<em> Siabrey! It could kill him, and take him away from you forever!</em></p><p></p><p><em>But… but…</em> the naysayers in her conscience cried, <em>He’s s so much younger than you! And he’s gifted with arms! The boy will live… the decision shouldn’t be made now, in haste!</em></p><p></p><p>She paced for a bit, noticing Lucius occasionally glancing up at her as he ate one of the yet unspoiled apples. Finally, her mind came to a snap decision, and she walked to the edge of the forest on one side of the camp. She beckoned him to follow. He trotted over rather quietly, and was unnoticed by the rest of the group.</p><p></p><p>The conflict in her head raged even more, now that she was face to face with him, and she stumbled for words.</p><p></p><p>“Um…” she begins a little awkwardly, “How is your back?” Lucius smiles, and replies it’s a little sore, but thankfully Grumki is learning quickly he can’t slap Lucius on the back that hard. The two share a slight nervous laugh before she continues.</p><p></p><p>”What do you think about tomorrow?” she says quietly. He sighs, and looks her directly in the eyes.</p><p></p><p>“In all honesty… I’m scared… scared out of my mind. I’ve never seen a demon before… let alone fought one…” She sees him tighten up, as he reveals something he’d been trying to hide all day.</p><p></p><p>“I’m scared too,” she blurts out, and she can see the relief crossing his face. “We’re all scared.” Before her mind can shout anything to the contrary, she reaches out, and clasps him in the biggest bearhug her frame can muster, a hug he firmly returned. For a few moments, there’s nothing but silence between the two, as her mind raced, trying to think of something appropriate to say. Normally she didn’t have problem with picking words… but now, it just seemed right to keep the words to a minimum.</p><p></p><p>”Tommorrow, you be careful,” she says, tightening her grip as much as she can. <em>I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you… I want you to realize that/</em>.</p><p></p><p>He rested his head on top of hers, and quietly said, “You too. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you.”</p><p></p><p>Siabrey blinked… hard… and then hugged him even more tightly.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1326300, member: 15043"] In this session, we’ll introduce a new character. One of the players had a sibling who joined us for one session, and created quite a memorable character… one I’ve decided is going to be a recurring NPC at least… [b]Grumki the Loud[/b] 6th Level Cleric of Kord: Grumki doesn’t know much about his background… Grumki really knows little about many things. But what he knows is basic to this world is that one needs Kord’s strength, and little else. A massive hulking giant, (6’4”, 275 pounds), Grumki on the surface epitomizes why humans are at times so afraid of half-orcs. On initial appearances, he can seem gruff… even frightening. However, his simple soul desires more than all the strength of company, and a chance to show the strength of Kord and its blessings on him. [b]Girding for Battle[/b] – Part One of Three of the Adventure on 1-19-04 As the party ruffled through the bodies of the ice trolls, it was Tess who discovered, haphazardly thrown into the large pouch of one, a most exquisite dagger. It was slightly longer than normal, silvery colored with an eagle, hawk, or some flying creature’s open mouth at the base of the blade, its wings forming the guards and hilt. Tess initially thought it was little more than a ceremonial weapon, until a high pitched voice echoed in the air. ”Hi!” Tess spun around, looking for where the voice came from. “I’m here!” The voice echoed from further below. She looked at the dagger, and blinked hard. “You’re, where?” she said slowly, her mind not believing the information it was receiving from her ears and eyes. “Here!” the voice from the dagger announced happily. “You like more likely to be fun and prank people! We’ll make good friends! Those white monstesr weren’t happy, they left me inside a dark place! I thought they’d break me!” “Who are you?” Tess asked, very puzzled, and more than a little disturbed as she pulled the dagger close to her. “My name is Fa’rallan!” the weapon announced rather proudly. “How… did you end up here.. in a dagger?” Tess pressed, still very disturbed. The voice seemed too happy, eager, and annoying to be something evil, but her tired mind didn’t trust it quite yet. Fa’rallan went on to blurt out she used to be a brownie, that was good at pranks involving shocking people. She pranked the one person one day many years ago, and the angry wizard had destroyed her body and bound her soul inside her dagger. She’d had many owners over the years, and preferred those that let her, “prank,” others. Tess (whose own close range weapon was a rather mundane dagger) realized there might be some potential use for this thing, despite her annoying voice. She tells Fa’rallan that she’ll have some fun tonight, and then walks back to the rest of the party, who were busy warming next to the campfire before heading off to bed. “Hey, Shaun,” she called, and his dark haired head rose a little sleepily. “I found this on the ice demon,” Tess held out Fa’rallan, “it looks like it might be worth something… take a look at it.” No sooner had Shaun fully grasped the blade when Tess saw the hairs on his arm stand on end, his eyes grow big, and a slight arc of electricity dance between his fingers. A loud call of “ZAP!” lept from Fa’rallan, followed by loud, immature giggling from the weapon, and Tess. Siabrey leaned over, and grabbing the weapon with a simple commanding, “Let me see that!” Her hand dropped the weapon too, as a loud call of “ZAP!” flew out again, followed by more giggling from both the weapon and Tess. Shaun and Siabrey rubbed their hands, which were unhurt, and glowered at the giggling Tess. “Someday Tess, I will surprise you with a massive prank. Someday… you’ll know the true meaning of. ‘you’ve been punked,’” Shaun said quietly, his own face grinning a little. Tess grinned, stuck her tongue out at him, and picked up Fa’rallan. Siabrey wasn’t amused period, gave a grunt of displeasure, and went off to sleep. Grumki kept whistling the tune he had stuck in his head for the past ten years. He didn’t fear the fact he was walking around, singing a loud song in the middle of a dark forest in the deepest of the night. He cared not that his massive frame crashed through twigs, bumped over small trees, and made an enormous racket. The strength of Kord does not require quiet. ”Kord, thou shinest thy light on me,” he deep bass rumbled, so out of tune that its noise was horrific at times. Grumki didn’t care… the strength of Kord did not need tuning. All Grumki needed was a campfire… and some companionship. He’d been out in these woods, displaying the strength of Kord to many monsters that dared challenge him. But there had been no [I]witnesses[/I], to spread forth the word that Kord was indeed strong. And while the strength of Kord guaranteed he didn’t [I]need[/I] someone to talk to… it made Grumki feel a little better. Off in the distance, he spotted a bright light… easily discernible as a campfire. His logic, while small compared to others, was large enough to quickly grasp that the campfire couldn’t be coming from one of the ice creatures… they hated fire. Confident, and now happy, Grumki’s song increased in strength as he confidently strode towards the fire, his massive warhammer slung over his shoulder. “Kord, Kord, my arm is bound to thee!” his thundering voice echoed. Up ahead, he could see the people around the party scurrying about… some were waking up, others had weapons out apparently. HE decided this would be the best time to introduce himself. “Heeellllooo!” his greeting shook the trees. “W..who goes there?” a young man’s voice (more a boy’s voice) answered back. “Show yourself!” “Are you friend?” another voice, this one of a woman, called. “I am but a traveler! A priest! A priest of Kord!” Grumki stepped out of the woods, and revealed himself in all his massive size to the party. Grumki had to restrain himself from laughing at their reactions. The boyish on, a tall, thin redhead had a bastard sword drawn, but it was visibly shaking. The boy was easily 4” shorter than Grumki, and easily 80-90 pounds lighter. One girl, a blonde that rather strangely had a harp out, was the first to walk up to him. Maybe she had been playing when he appeared, his mind thought. ”Hello, great one,” she said slowly and cautiously. Grumki smiled, and remembered his manners. “My name is Grumki!” he said with a beaming smile… which meant all his teeth and tusks were fully revealed. The boy began siddling away, as others stood rather pale, or big eyed. “My name,” the woman began, her voice stronger now, “is Tesseron. Many know me as the Harper.” She gave a formal bow… and Grumki was a little sad. A handshake did well to show the strength of Kord, as well as greet. ”We too are travelers,” she continued. She began pointing out people to him, listing off Rogar, Shaun, and the pale boy as Lucius. “This is Siabrey,” the pointed to a small woman with blond hair… and [I]red eyes[/I]. “Madam,” Grumki began, confused and concerned, “do you know your eyes are red?” The woman’s face furrowed, and then broke into a small grin. “Um, yes I do. They’ve always been that way.” Grumki leaned close to her, looked at her eyes from side to side, and then gave a massive shrug of his shoulders. “It is well. The strength of Kord does not require one to have good eyes!” He broke into a loud rumble of laughter, while Siabrey frowned a bit. Grumki then strode over to the boy they called Lucius. He’d seen how frightened he’d been, and he while he loved for the strength of Kord to impress, he also wanted people he could talk to. He grabbed him by the shoulder, and pulled him in. The boy winced, but put up a barely brave smile. “So, they tell me your sword is mighty sharp! Well, the strength of Kord doesn’t require swords! Tell me a tale of your use of that sword!” Lucius, in a shaky voice, described slashing a giant spider with it, and Grumki laughed, and slapped the boy on the back. Lucius’ head nearly popped off of his spine, though Grumki didn’t notice the boy’s obvious look of pain. Grumki saw the other party members gathered in a corner, and he heard them mentioning “ice demons.” Grinning, he rose, strode boldly over, and announced that “Striking down ice creatures is an excellent way to show the revelations of the strength of Kord!” The party members blinked, and looked at Grumki, and then his warhammer. Nods went around, and Tess took it upon herself to tell Grumki the party’s mission. Grumki grinned bigger and bigger as they described fighting many monsters, and that they were now hunting a demon. “Truly, you do not realize it, but the strength of Kord goes with you! It is clear to me that Kord wishes me to add my strength to yours, so that we may overcome this evil, and show all that the strength of Kord fears no demon!” The speech of very loud, and Shaun and Lucius were among those that had ringing ears after Grumki finished. As the others in the camp went to sleep, it became apparent to Grumki that the boy and the one they called Shaun were the ones on watch. The one called Shaun came over, and whispered something to the boy. Grumki couldn’t hear it, but then again Grumki didn’t care. The strength of Kord does not require good hearing. The one called Shaun then mentioned something about, “this is how its done,” and reached his hand over to Grumki. “I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure of introducing myself in person. I am Shaun, Shaun Dice,” he said, and Grumki’s grin grew as he saw the man’s hand extended out of him. He eagerly grabbed it, and shook with enthusiasm. HE didn’t realize that he almost shook Shaun’s arms out of socket… but then again the strength of Kord does not require carefulness. “How strong is this cord?” Shaun asked. Grumki guessed he was trying to be clever, and saw he was still shaking his arm. Poiting at the man’s still painful arm, Grumki said, “strong!” Early the next morning, Siabrey watched the nymph walk out of the forest and go pale when she laid eyes on the newest and largest party member. Thankfully Tess’ quick mind and tongue told her that he was a friend, as the fey’s hands were already rising to call forth vines to bind the large brute. She looked from the brute off to his left… where Shaun and Lucius were casually sprawled by a log, not quite sitting, not quite laying either. One she was falling in love with, the other… well, she didn’t [I]hate[/I] him… more, just found herself easily annoyed by him. The party saddled up, and rode out. Siabrey looked with some concern as Grumki took a position alongside Lucius, until she realized the big creature was merely trying to get to know the boy better. Grumki was talking quietly (which for the big brute was still very loud… just not defeaning anymore), and asking Lucius all sorts of questions about himself. Siabrey herself took point for the party, following the small hawk that flew above; the guide promised to them by the nymph. It was another hour as she rode before she heard the first smack. Looking back, she saw Grumki laughing, with Lucius having a strained, pained smile on his face. Grumki was laughing harder, and slapped Lucius on the back again as she watched. Her emotions initially bristled at seeing Lucius in pain, before her logical mind stepped in. [I]He’s just trying to be friendly… the creature just doesn’t know his own strength.[/I] She tells Shaun to take point for a bit, and rides to the middle of the party, between Lucius and Grumki. She puts on a smile… a real one, now that she’s fully realized the situation and that Grumki was not trying to hurt Lucius, and starts talking. Lucius gives her a weak smile and rides a little ahead, his back apparently sore from his bent riding position. “Your eyes,” Grumki said again, once again peering close to her face, “they’re still red! Are you sure you are not sick? I am a healer as well as a messenger for Kord, and I have many treatments that…” “This is the way they [I]are[/I], dear cleric!” she smiled. “I got them from my father.” “That is very strange,” she saw Grumki’s mind slowly trying to wrap around the idea, and failing. “Very strange indeed.” Over the whispers of the wind, she caught a faint bit of a mutter from Lucius, a mutter that thankfully no one else heard. “I myself think they’re gorgeous enough.” Her copper skin went further beet red, and the conflict in her mind sprang up again. Her smile vanished, and she decided to what she thought was best in this situation… She ran, and spurred her horse to the front again. Shaun wasn’t completely sure why Siabrey suddenly galloped past him on horseback. He turned back to the party, and saw nothing unusual… save Lucius riding funny. She hadn’t looked happy as she went past, and his mind wondered. It wondered more when he saw her stopped up ahead. She galloped up, and asked her what was up there. She pointed. Beyond her, a good hundred feet up the road, was coming a loud series of screeches and growls, as five roughly human looking creatures, all chasing a small, yellowish looking rat creature. Siabrey tells Shaun to watch them, and spins around, riding back to the party. Her voice came across in a strained, hurried whisper, and the complaint of “the strength of Kord does not need quiet,” echoed only slightly in his ear. As the rest of the party came up, it was easy to tell that Grumki was pouting a little after a short lecture on stealth. “Strength of voice is part of the strength of Kord,” the familiar bass rumbled quietly. As the party mulled what to do, Shaun noticed Siabrey ride forward, simply and commandingly, and demand of the creatures what they were doing. Grumki rode up to her side, and Shaun rode up on the other side of Grumki. One of the smaller “humans” had caught the yellowish rat thing and was hanging it over a pot of boiling liquid. ”We’re hungry, and we’re gonna eat! You have a problem with that?” the tallest of the five humans, a man with a large white streak in his otherwise black hair, strode forward. “They’re gonna eat me!” the small, dangling rat cried, something that immediately attracted the attention of Shaun, as well as others. ”Meethinks it is not wise to eat a sentient creature,” Tess said from the back, her voice of reason even toned as normal in a stressful situation. “If you let the small one go, we’ll share out trail rations with you.” “The strength of Kord does not require us to eat sentient creatures,” Grumki agreed. Shaun’s own hand was on his bow… it was out, but not fully drawn. His hands tensed as the lead man talking to the party grew even more hostile. “We don’t want any rations… we want fresh meat! Why don’t you just leave us alone… or we’ll put you in the pot as well!” Shaun winced… that was [I]not[/I] a good threat to give… especially to little fire eyes in front. She had a mean mean temper when she got angry. It was then that he noticed that the man was [I]changing[/I]. His face had already been protruding, but now it seems like he was gaining a rat face of some kind. Before Shaun could do anything, his dire thoughts came true… as Siabrey placed an arrow in the man’s shoulder, and an arrow from Tess hit him in the chest. He fell, and then arose as the largest badger Shaun had ever seen. It charged, and bit Siabrey. Shaun himself drew and quickly took aim at the small human holding the creature above the point. His shot hit the changing human in the stomach, and it somehow missed dropping the small creature intot he pot as it reeled, then charged forward… it and its four companions the largest squirrels he’d ever seen. A desperate fight started, as Siabrey’s blade flashed and found one of the charging squirrels. Shaun was forced to take a momentary pause as her blade flashed through the air, and the leaping squirrel landed on the ground in four parts… almost neat quarters. Lucius found the badger, and with a snarl his sword slashed the creature out of its misery Shaun couldn’t quite hear the song that Tess began to sing, but he did see the squirrel it targeted, the one he’d shot already, begin to shaking, its eyes pop out of its head, and then it exploded, covering the area in nasty bits ([I]Crescendo[/I]). Directly to his front, a squirrel leapt at him, and bit his ankle. It didn’t hurt to much, but his momentary non-action let Grumki bring his warhammer down on the creature’s back. A loud series of snaps were heard, yet somehow, the creature continued to claw forward, able to use only one paw. Shaun drew his rapier, and with a slashing pirouet for fit for a fencing salon than a battlefield, finished off the poor creature in style. Tess had been slightly amazed by what her music had done to the squirrel… it was a little unexpected, however, it was not unwelcome. A brief search of the bodies revealed some gold and a few gems, but little more. Tess busied herself with talking to this sentient rat… though as it ran up towards her, she saw it was more a mix between a rat and a rabbit. Its fur stood on end, and little sparks of electricity ran between them. It grabbed her leg, panting, and hung on tight, repeating again and again, “I’m scared, I’m scared.” “Its ok,” her soothing voice reached down towards the creature, and she knelt to talk to it on its own level. “Its alright… they won’t hurt you anymore. What is your name? Where are you from?” Its fur had stopped bristling, and she began to soothingly pet its back, calming the creature down. “I have no name. I was made in the mountain, but they cast me out.” Tess tried hard to keep the look of surprise from exploding all over her face, and mildly succeeded from keeping it out of your voice. “The mountain? The one near here, with snow on its back?” The creature nodded. “Who made you?” “The evil one… they said I was a mistake, that I was supposed to be evil… so they kicked me out, and I’m alone!” The creature clung to her a little bit, and she petted it more. “What do you mean, you were a mistake?” Tess asked probing for answers, while hurriedly adding, “you’re so cute, you couldn’t be a mistake.” “I was made by the master himself, but his magic is going bad. Its affecting the forest… those creatures that were going to eat me were part of his bad magic.” Tess’ mind froze. Previously she had thought that Ananias was merely losing power… now it appeared he was losing his mind and/or control of his magical powers. A new sense of urgency filled her, and she told the creature that they were looking for Ananias to kill him, as he’d destroyed much. “You’re nice to me. I lead you to the back way! The front way.. there’s many scary things… its not safe!” The creature hopped up and down, and Tess, happy to see it happier and also to have something leading them to the mountain that had no love for Ananias, agreed. The creature grew scared as Tess tried to put him on her horse, and kept crying to be put on the ground. Tess relented, and he happily bounced ahead of the party’s horses, leading them onward. As the party neared the mountain, the woods became thinner and thinner, and in plain sight came the more awe inspiring thing any of them had ever seen. Coming out of the mountain, in a long, thick line, was more than a horde, more than a troop. It was an army. Hobgoblins, Orcs, Giant Spiders, Stag Beetles, kobolds and goblins… all streaming out of a large cave near the base of the mountain. Siabrey quietly pointed out that the group, especially the orcs and hobgoblins, had more than just warriors… there were women, and children, all with items backed on their backs. She whispered to Tess it looked more like a migration than an army. All of them were headed out not at a march, or a walk, but a slow trot, a steady jog… It was with alarm at that point that Tess saw where the massive juggernaught was heading… not southeast, towards Mephys… but due south. Holstean was the first town in that direction. Tess quietly pulled Siabrey and Shaun aside and informed them of this, and the three agreed that it would likely be best to [I]not[/I] tell Lucius… it would make the boy even more scared than he already was. As it was late in the day, the party walked a few hundred yards back into the woods to make camp, before venturing into Ice Spine Mountain on the morrow… Grumki had seen the night before major fights before, and it was a given that people were nervous. IT was natural in humans, halfings, even half-orcs like himself. And Grumki knew the best way to resolve these fears was through friendly contests. Thus it came as no surprise to him when Tess invited him to a knife throwing contest. The two picked a tree near the campsite, and marked the center of its side as the target. Tess threw first, and landed several inches to the right of the target. As Grumki is about to throw, Tess reaches into her belt, and hands him a rather ornate dagger. Grumki figures that this is quite an honor, and grabs the weapon, only to feel a pulse and shock go through his arm. “ZAP!” a small voice shouted with glee, as Tess and most of the rest of the party collapsed in laughter. Grumki didn’t quite get the joke, shrugged, and pulled out his own dagger. The resulting throw landed almost opposite of Tess’. Grumki then watched with some surprise as the red eyed woman came forward, with her own dagger. He’d seen her fight the creatures, and saw her skill with her large blade. It came as little surprise that her dagger throw hit the target dead on, and she grinned a sashayed off. A little miffed, Grumki decided it was time to reveal the strength of Kord, and walked over to the tree with his warhammer. With two mighty swings, the tree shook, the daggers fell out of their nestings, and a rain of apples covered the area. Satisfied, Grumki then announced, “the strength of Kord does not require accuracy!” Everyone had a laugh at the quip, and Grumki soon found himself involved in another test of strength. Shaun, in an attempt to prove his own skills, casually picked up some apples and tossed one in the air. He then tried to draw his bow and shoot it before it hit the ground. Instead, his arrow clattered through the trees, scaring birds and squirrels, as the apple landed anticlimactically on the ground. Siabrey, not to be outdone by her… foe (Grumki had figured out they didn’t like each other too much, but were willing to work together), tosses her own into the air, draws, and shoots the arrow not only into the fruit, but shoots the fruit into a nearby tree. Grumki could not let this finesse challenge to Kord’s strength be left unmet. He picked up his own apple, and tossed it up. Unfortunately, he ironically tossed it too low, and it fell before he could swing his warhammer around. Instead of stopping, however, Grumki merely continued his horizontal swing, transferring it into a vertical blow, and crushed the apple into mush on the ground. “The strength of Kord does not need a longbow!” he bellowed, and grinned at the other two. While these antics occurred, a rather serious Tess decides to check out the morphing idols in their backpack. They had been changing for a while now, and she hoped to be able to figure out what it [I]meant[/I]. When she pulled the idol out, its wings were now gone… their ivory had instead morphed into the figure, making it taller… more shapely. Its head was still bowed, but it was becoming more and more apparent it was no longer a man. Its hair had changed as well… there were no more diamonds. Instead, the idols long strands of precious stones now were rubies, which stretched down the “back” of the idol almost to where its feet would be. This created huge alarm bells in Tess’ head. She called Siabrey over. “I… I think the idol might be turning into the Countess,” Tess said very quietly, her voice wracked with concern. Siabrey’s face fell. “Do we know if she is intentionally taking on this power… or is she being duped into it?” Siabrey asked. Tess wished she knew the answer, but shrugged sadly. “I wish I knew… this definitely needs to be kept away from the boy, for now at least.” She looked over, and watched quietly as Lucius chucked several apples at Shaun, undoubtedly working out a lot of nervousness about the morrow. ”Yes… I think it would almost break him if this were true,” Siabrey nodded sadly. Siabrey’s own heart was heavy as she walked back to where her bedroll lay, as the antics of Lucius and Shaun died away. She gave a halfway glance to Lucius, who beamed at her. [I]He’s trying hard to hide it… I know he’s scared[/I], part of her said. Her mind them caught something in the grin that was not right, and she didn’t have any time to dodge before an apple piece hit her shoulder. She flashed a grin, and flung it back at him… and he merely caught it. The game of “catch,” (more a series of fastball throws and lucky catches) went on for a bit, before Siabrey decided to one up him for good. AS she reared back to throw the apple at her again, her katana flashed through the air, slicing the piece in two. She managed to catch both pieces, and handed one to the hungry little animal they’d rescued earlier. Looking back at Lucius, she saw him smile at her, and comment, “good swing.” Her mind then jumped, as she saw the same smile that only a few days earlier disturbed her. This time, however, the nagging voices of nay seemed to fall behind, and she returned her own smile… a broad, full one. Before she realized it, she felt her face flush slightly. Her mind goes blank as to a reply, as thoughts race through her head… [I]You don’t know if either of you will live through the morrow,[/I] one voice in her head called, [I]You’re fighting a [/I] demon[I] Siabrey! It could kill him, and take him away from you forever![/I] [I]But… but…[/I] the naysayers in her conscience cried, [I]He’s s so much younger than you! And he’s gifted with arms! The boy will live… the decision shouldn’t be made now, in haste![/I] She paced for a bit, noticing Lucius occasionally glancing up at her as he ate one of the yet unspoiled apples. Finally, her mind came to a snap decision, and she walked to the edge of the forest on one side of the camp. She beckoned him to follow. He trotted over rather quietly, and was unnoticed by the rest of the group. The conflict in her head raged even more, now that she was face to face with him, and she stumbled for words. “Um…” she begins a little awkwardly, “How is your back?” Lucius smiles, and replies it’s a little sore, but thankfully Grumki is learning quickly he can’t slap Lucius on the back that hard. The two share a slight nervous laugh before she continues. ”What do you think about tomorrow?” she says quietly. He sighs, and looks her directly in the eyes. “In all honesty… I’m scared… scared out of my mind. I’ve never seen a demon before… let alone fought one…” She sees him tighten up, as he reveals something he’d been trying to hide all day. “I’m scared too,” she blurts out, and she can see the relief crossing his face. “We’re all scared.” Before her mind can shout anything to the contrary, she reaches out, and clasps him in the biggest bearhug her frame can muster, a hug he firmly returned. For a few moments, there’s nothing but silence between the two, as her mind raced, trying to think of something appropriate to say. Normally she didn’t have problem with picking words… but now, it just seemed right to keep the words to a minimum. ”Tommorrow, you be careful,” she says, tightening her grip as much as she can. [I]I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you… I want you to realize that/[/I]. He rested his head on top of hers, and quietly said, “You too. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you.” Siabrey blinked… hard… and then hugged him even more tightly. [/QUOTE]
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Into the Icy Darkness: The Great Demon War
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