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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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<blockquote data-quote="Laurel" data-source="post: 1680261" data-attributes="member: 17067"><p><strong>Chapter One- “Shadows of the Past”</strong></p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Day two, Thanesport</span></em></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I had never been trapped for so long with no link to the outside, and once released I could not help but lift my face to be warmed once again by Anon burning brightly in the sky and tilt my ears to the chatter of seagulls nearby. I was not given much time to enjoy the freedom though, as our leader barked orders for us to follow him. As we formed a pack following Lieutenant Rhynn, I tried not to stare at the new wonders surrounding me. When we had made our trek to the prison the streets were dark and deserted, so this was truly my first glimpse of what the bustling city had to show me. Humans seemed to be in over abundance, crowding into tight spaces for the speck of clean street, shouting ever louder that their wares were the best, the brightest, the finest in all the lands. Most of those rushing about seemed dressed in confined colorful robes of cloth. I blinked as my eyes where blinded by a necklace of finely wrought gold and silver with red stones glinting in a guarded store front. I stayed in the center of our group peeking around and over the others letting them act as a wall I could safely look around while keeping the hordes at bay.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I had let my hood fall back, letting my light brown hair cascade in waves over my hard defined shoulder blades. The only thing holding the mass in place is a simple long strip of leather. As we rounded a corner, I felt a sense of unease and turn looking straight into the eyes of hatred. A merchant standing in an ornately gilded doorway pierces me with his gaze. Quickening my pace, I pull my hood to shadow my face immediately missing the sun’s warmth. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Michael had warned me often that my true alder blood would be shunned by most of the world. My blood was tainted by my mother’s people. A people that had committed a great atrocity hundreds of years ago, yet still they lived disgraced and powerless, scattered in groups through out the kingdom. In the last great war they had chosen the wrong side, the losing side. There was one of their kind, Link Woodshadow, who went against his people and choose the winning side. He became one of the greatest heroes of the time yet it is said even he shunned- turned his back on the true alder race. And so they pay for their deeds still.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Many half-bloods lived easily among humans, their shunned half-blood hidden by their other exalted blood. I peer out of my hood at Selura, a true high alder, and see the face of a proud woman. A woman used to the stares of hatred and contempt some people threw our way. A woman ready to break the bonds and shackles society and her ancestors brought her. She gives me a warm smile, a comforting smile. Quickly trying to hide what she must have seen on my face, I focus my eyes forward again the mystery and excitement of the new scene lost to me now.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I can not shake the feeling of dread for the first time, for I know I could not hide easily here should I need to. All those things which helped me amongst the trees and woods make me a beacon of discord here. My skin, even kissed by the sun, was still paler then those around me. My ears oddly pointed a the tips as almost no others. And my eyes, damn eyes again, I had yet to see anyone with eyes as clear and bright a green as mine. Somehow I got all my physical traits from the mom I never knew, and none from the dark bronze man that was my father. As the blocks passed and the coldness of the man’s stare left me, I eventually looked beyond the glares to find that I was actually mostly ignored. It was the party of armored warriors led by the king’s man that drew attention not one of us specifically. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">We stayed in a tight triangle, with our guide easily parting the crowds before us. Our guide with no sign of facial hair seemed young to be on duty with the guards, and his inexperience showed when he readily rambled answers to Brad’s persistent questions about his family, the Rhynn’s. They are apparently a prestigious family that holds a place of honor at the noble’s council and has close connections to the blood of Tain Hawkson, the bastard king himself. Rhynn continued with barely a breath between to explain that many in his family have been cast out of court like the plague and are cursed as rebels. When asked what he thought of those family members by Brad, Rhynn’s face contorted and seemed disgusted by the thought that anyone especially his family members could speak out against the kingdom. With no prompting this time he tells Brad that he is struggling to gain his families honor back, and thus why he is serving in the guard. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">About this time, I could see a clearing ahead, but just a clearing of the tall brick and stone buildings. If the noise was any indication there where more people in there then I had likely ever seen. I looked to the tall green one called Kareth to see if he knew. His face scrunched up for a moment then he simply shrugged his broad shoulders and continued walking. I turned to my other side and seeing Justice asked her hoping she knew more of this city then I did. “It’s the main square, where the four main roads through Thanesport cross.” She responded. Belatedly I remembered one of Michael’s lessons, always scout you terrain ahead, and I mentally berated myself for stopping at the tavern yesterday instead of scouting the city and getting to know even the barest of layouts. It seems there is still much for me to learn. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">It was as we entered the square that a voice could be heard shouting above the city clatter. Standing waist high above the tallest pedestrians in the center of the square is a young man who has a striking resemblance to our lieutenant. The grumbling voice could be heard booming off the sharp walls surrounding the square, and thus we could hear clearly his shouts of ‘the kingdom is need of a change’ and ‘the king has wronged us all.’ There was a small circle of peace around him as people stopped to listen, and gently the crowd grew as I can only it had grown since he started speaking. Most of those in the square were continuing rushing through their lives not seeing or hearing much that which went on around them. Our guard spit to the side of the street and then looked at the man on the podium, his eyes lit with anger. Glancing around at us, he crisply told us to wait there so he could deal with his cousin. Before we could react to his statement, he quickly became lost in the midst of the rushing crowd. The seven of us move to one side of the street just outside the square letting the merchants, beggars, horses, carts, and wailing children through. “I hope he remembers where he left us,” grumbles Brad adding, “I want to be done with this as soon as possible. Why doesn’t he just leave them?” Each I think for their own reasons, we choose not to respond. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">As I move to investigate the abandoned cart in the alley behind us, I feel the little dwarf, Arfin, moving to stand beside me, but with leg up he tenses to completely motionless. While Justice hardly moving in front of him slowly rests her fingers on her sword hilt. Then I hear what started as a distant and random clink of metal became an ominous beat as the randomness solidifies into a uniform pounding. Selura and Kareth also spring to readiness. Not wanting to reach for my bow in this crowd I tilt my staff, so I can hold it with both hands slightly off the ground. Brad is the only one not readying a weapon, and instead is leaning on the wall facing the square. Wishing for more room, the others automatically start to surround my position pressing me back into the brick wall still warm from Anons travel through the sky. We were instructed to stay and with no idea where to go, staying is our only option. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Angry shouts could be heard filling the square, and a solemn voice telling everyone to disband immediately. Suddenly a loud boom went off. An acrid smoke wafted toward us and instinctively the mass rushed from the square to the safer side streets. This was the start of mass panic. I moved fully behind the group and toward the side of the alleyway as the tide of people rushed at us. The guards were yelling at people to stop, so we tripped and hit a few people charging toward us. Some of this due to honor to abbey orders, but mostly it was simple protection. The rest rush past in a seamless herd of confusion not caring who went down or where they where going so long as it was away. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">As the air cleared and the street became virtually empty, one of the guards came by puffing himself up, but not keeping the fear and worried glances away from the drawn and obviously calculated movements each of my companions had with their varied weapons. He stopped feet from us and glancing over his shoulder once gave us our orders, “Th…. The lieutenant s… sent me to t..take you to Mr. Fip..p..ps. Please f..follow me.” Not having much choice in the matter we follow the small strides the little pudgy man makes as he tries to walk quickly away. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">We are led across town and inside a store decorated with bright cloth from the southern mountains, herbs from deep in the druid’s forest, and many more rarities from around the kingdom. Once ushered inside we are introduced to the man we are to get our assignment from, Mr. Fipps. The lieutenant stands to one side and looking down at his hands tries to remain still. Mr. Fipps gives a sigh and waving at the man says, “Go and report to the Captain that they have arrived and are given their orders.” The lieutenant looks relieved and not wanting the merchant to change his mind almost stumbles over a dark cherry desk in his race out the door. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">The shopkeeper then turns to us and tells us our job. One of his caravans has gone missing, and it held very precious cargo. He only knows it was coming from Dun Moradin and it should have arrived in the city days ago. The leader of the caravan is called Jane Rilmore. Once both caravan and it’s leader are found, we are to escort both safely and quickly back to Thainsport. The shopkeeper almost as a forgotten thought adds, “The items in the crates are for the king’s eyes only. It is a special gift for his upcoming welcome ceremony.” He simply waves us to the back of the store, “There are horses in the back there to speed you on your way.” As we exit the building Brad and Edriss exchange a look and Brad declares to us, “I have to go get some extra supplies before we leave.” Justice glances at her light and almost empty pack, “I have my own horse that I must get, so why not let us meet just outside the south gate in an hour.” Apparently their need for their private tasks are great, and so without waiting for a reply the three head off, Justice toward the docks and Brad with Edriss at his heels to the East. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I go and look at the horses, trying to see which would match up best with who of our companions. Though not magnificent creatures of beauty, they are sturdy and look able to handle hours on the road. As soon as I see my remaining companions with the animals though my fears are laid to rest. Each seems to have no hatred of the beasts. Though I worry Kareth may over feed his, after watching him feed the horse five carrots. I reach over placing my hand on his as he reaches for another, “We may have to go far, and if they eat now they may get sick.” He looks at me as if trying to see if I am telling the truth, but with a short nod of his bald head he places the carrot back in the sack and turns to me, “Sick horse no good. I stop feed.” I feel the ghost of a smile touch my lips, he has such a pure heart and wants to do such kindness. I again wonder what could have brought such a simple gentle creature to this city.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Then I hear the grunts of the dwarf behind me, and I turn to see him scowling at the smallest of the horses. It’s still a full two heads taller then Arfin, but he seems determined. He pushes a crate over to the horse, who nervously pounds it’s hooves. From what I have already seen of this dwarf, he will not wish for my interference, so from my position I look into the horses great dark brown eyes and whisper in elvish to stead the beast. Arfin grabs the saddle horn and with legs flying and armor clanking he finally sits astride the beast. I smile as Arfin grumbles about needing only his legs and not understanding human’s needs for dependence on these unbearable monsters. I can tell the horse is not going to be his best friend, but it has already settled into accepting it’s rider. Selura I had seen immediately taken with one, and it let her approach with only a twitch of it’s ears. She easily saddled and harnessed the creature, and without thought lept in the saddle with practiced ease. Soon we are ready and we slowly meandering our way to the south gate. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">As the high noon sun bears down on us, we finally got on the open road and set out path south. We almost left Brad and Edriss after having to wait over half an hour. I looked back not once glad I was leaving. I had seen much that I wanted to investigate further, but I learned in my short stay I could not take much more of the horrible odors and the often dirty bodies always pushing together. Finally, I am again in the open air and space to really breath it in. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">The ride seemed to be going steady. Justice and Brad in the lead continuously arguing over the best strategy and best direction, and Edriss seeming to think us diseased and staying almost out of sight in the rear. We had only gotten a few short miles from town when one of the lead horses bucks. I see the paladin weild her horse away from Brad and his wild beast. Brad manages to stay on the horse for few scant seconds yelling at us that something is in the pack. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I use my knees to veer my horse alongside Brad’s horse, and holding the reigns and commanding voice force it to be still. There is confusion from the others as to what exactly happened when Arfin yells, “Kill it!” and charges the horse with his axe raised. The monk must have seen the same movement for standing next to the pack he reaches down, as a shiny flash of light head pops out and bites the monk slithering quickly back into hiding. Kareth stands motionless for a few scant seconds his hand inches from the bag’s opening. He then slowly pulls his back toward his chest and almost cradling it suddenly falls to the ground. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">As the bag hits the ground, I pull the horse forward. He is terrified enough without everyone drawing weapons next to it. And whatever is in that bag is attacking everything within reach. I jump down from my horse, and push both horses further away from the chaos unfolding. A shiny head raise just above the level of the grass and hisses, so this is some strange snake. Backing against the horse with one eye steadily trying to follow the snakes movements I look over the horse for any injuries, but I can find no injuries other then the damage to his nerves. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">My riding companions seem to be hacking the ground, grass, and everything within that small space with their various assorted weapons. They continue to stand around the bag trying to kill what upon closer inspection looks like a cobra with strangely crafted metal armor. I walk toward the monk cradling his hand and sitting on the ground watching every blade and glint the snake makes in it’s travels. Taking his hand gently, I grab some herbs from my pack that should sooth the injury and help to heal it. Kareth shouts to the others as much as he can see and determine the place of the snake, but after just a few minutes the glade is quite. The horses have settled, the dust has settled, and the grass moves no more. The snake has either died from it’s wounds or escaped into the tall grasses and underbrush where some other animal will surely finish the job. “We must keep to the road and find the caravan,” Justice states as she re-sheathes her sword. Brad flicks at the dirt covering his cape, “That thing was in my bag, and I want to know who put it there and why. We should go after it.” “No.” Arfin states looking up from his axe blade, “The lass has finally spoken some sense. We move on.” Not looking at Justice he moves to his horse and starts the process of climbing into the saddle. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Justice walks over the monk and with calculated movements and practiced words of prayer slowly drains the poison from his system. I stand back and watch helping him to his feet and then back into the saddle.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">The rest slowly mount up and seeing Anon moving to late afternoon we know that time is against us. We agree to push through the night, as it seems even with what we have been through no one would sleep well anyways. There were still questions unanswered, about what we where doing, what we saw in Thainsport with no evidence, and even more questions about each other. It seemed Brad and Edriss were on good terms as they rode together talking quietly, yet it was strange that Brad kept motioning to Edriss’s pack. It figures they would be haggling over supplies and only a few hours on the road, but maybe they had made a deal in town without the rest of us.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laurel, post: 1680261, member: 17067"] [b]Chapter One- “Shadows of the Past”[/b] [i][color=lemonchiffon]Day two, Thanesport[/color][/i] [color=lemonchiffon]I had never been trapped for so long with no link to the outside, and once released I could not help but lift my face to be warmed once again by Anon burning brightly in the sky and tilt my ears to the chatter of seagulls nearby. I was not given much time to enjoy the freedom though, as our leader barked orders for us to follow him. As we formed a pack following Lieutenant Rhynn, I tried not to stare at the new wonders surrounding me. When we had made our trek to the prison the streets were dark and deserted, so this was truly my first glimpse of what the bustling city had to show me. Humans seemed to be in over abundance, crowding into tight spaces for the speck of clean street, shouting ever louder that their wares were the best, the brightest, the finest in all the lands. Most of those rushing about seemed dressed in confined colorful robes of cloth. I blinked as my eyes where blinded by a necklace of finely wrought gold and silver with red stones glinting in a guarded store front. I stayed in the center of our group peeking around and over the others letting them act as a wall I could safely look around while keeping the hordes at bay.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I had let my hood fall back, letting my light brown hair cascade in waves over my hard defined shoulder blades. The only thing holding the mass in place is a simple long strip of leather. As we rounded a corner, I felt a sense of unease and turn looking straight into the eyes of hatred. A merchant standing in an ornately gilded doorway pierces me with his gaze. Quickening my pace, I pull my hood to shadow my face immediately missing the sun’s warmth. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Michael had warned me often that my true alder blood would be shunned by most of the world. My blood was tainted by my mother’s people. A people that had committed a great atrocity hundreds of years ago, yet still they lived disgraced and powerless, scattered in groups through out the kingdom. In the last great war they had chosen the wrong side, the losing side. There was one of their kind, Link Woodshadow, who went against his people and choose the winning side. He became one of the greatest heroes of the time yet it is said even he shunned- turned his back on the true alder race. And so they pay for their deeds still.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Many half-bloods lived easily among humans, their shunned half-blood hidden by their other exalted blood. I peer out of my hood at Selura, a true high alder, and see the face of a proud woman. A woman used to the stares of hatred and contempt some people threw our way. A woman ready to break the bonds and shackles society and her ancestors brought her. She gives me a warm smile, a comforting smile. Quickly trying to hide what she must have seen on my face, I focus my eyes forward again the mystery and excitement of the new scene lost to me now.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I can not shake the feeling of dread for the first time, for I know I could not hide easily here should I need to. All those things which helped me amongst the trees and woods make me a beacon of discord here. My skin, even kissed by the sun, was still paler then those around me. My ears oddly pointed a the tips as almost no others. And my eyes, damn eyes again, I had yet to see anyone with eyes as clear and bright a green as mine. Somehow I got all my physical traits from the mom I never knew, and none from the dark bronze man that was my father. As the blocks passed and the coldness of the man’s stare left me, I eventually looked beyond the glares to find that I was actually mostly ignored. It was the party of armored warriors led by the king’s man that drew attention not one of us specifically. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]We stayed in a tight triangle, with our guide easily parting the crowds before us. Our guide with no sign of facial hair seemed young to be on duty with the guards, and his inexperience showed when he readily rambled answers to Brad’s persistent questions about his family, the Rhynn’s. They are apparently a prestigious family that holds a place of honor at the noble’s council and has close connections to the blood of Tain Hawkson, the bastard king himself. Rhynn continued with barely a breath between to explain that many in his family have been cast out of court like the plague and are cursed as rebels. When asked what he thought of those family members by Brad, Rhynn’s face contorted and seemed disgusted by the thought that anyone especially his family members could speak out against the kingdom. With no prompting this time he tells Brad that he is struggling to gain his families honor back, and thus why he is serving in the guard. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]About this time, I could see a clearing ahead, but just a clearing of the tall brick and stone buildings. If the noise was any indication there where more people in there then I had likely ever seen. I looked to the tall green one called Kareth to see if he knew. His face scrunched up for a moment then he simply shrugged his broad shoulders and continued walking. I turned to my other side and seeing Justice asked her hoping she knew more of this city then I did. “It’s the main square, where the four main roads through Thanesport cross.” She responded. Belatedly I remembered one of Michael’s lessons, always scout you terrain ahead, and I mentally berated myself for stopping at the tavern yesterday instead of scouting the city and getting to know even the barest of layouts. It seems there is still much for me to learn. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]It was as we entered the square that a voice could be heard shouting above the city clatter. Standing waist high above the tallest pedestrians in the center of the square is a young man who has a striking resemblance to our lieutenant. The grumbling voice could be heard booming off the sharp walls surrounding the square, and thus we could hear clearly his shouts of ‘the kingdom is need of a change’ and ‘the king has wronged us all.’ There was a small circle of peace around him as people stopped to listen, and gently the crowd grew as I can only it had grown since he started speaking. Most of those in the square were continuing rushing through their lives not seeing or hearing much that which went on around them. Our guard spit to the side of the street and then looked at the man on the podium, his eyes lit with anger. Glancing around at us, he crisply told us to wait there so he could deal with his cousin. Before we could react to his statement, he quickly became lost in the midst of the rushing crowd. The seven of us move to one side of the street just outside the square letting the merchants, beggars, horses, carts, and wailing children through. “I hope he remembers where he left us,” grumbles Brad adding, “I want to be done with this as soon as possible. Why doesn’t he just leave them?” Each I think for their own reasons, we choose not to respond. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]As I move to investigate the abandoned cart in the alley behind us, I feel the little dwarf, Arfin, moving to stand beside me, but with leg up he tenses to completely motionless. While Justice hardly moving in front of him slowly rests her fingers on her sword hilt. Then I hear what started as a distant and random clink of metal became an ominous beat as the randomness solidifies into a uniform pounding. Selura and Kareth also spring to readiness. Not wanting to reach for my bow in this crowd I tilt my staff, so I can hold it with both hands slightly off the ground. Brad is the only one not readying a weapon, and instead is leaning on the wall facing the square. Wishing for more room, the others automatically start to surround my position pressing me back into the brick wall still warm from Anons travel through the sky. We were instructed to stay and with no idea where to go, staying is our only option. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Angry shouts could be heard filling the square, and a solemn voice telling everyone to disband immediately. Suddenly a loud boom went off. An acrid smoke wafted toward us and instinctively the mass rushed from the square to the safer side streets. This was the start of mass panic. I moved fully behind the group and toward the side of the alleyway as the tide of people rushed at us. The guards were yelling at people to stop, so we tripped and hit a few people charging toward us. Some of this due to honor to abbey orders, but mostly it was simple protection. The rest rush past in a seamless herd of confusion not caring who went down or where they where going so long as it was away. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]As the air cleared and the street became virtually empty, one of the guards came by puffing himself up, but not keeping the fear and worried glances away from the drawn and obviously calculated movements each of my companions had with their varied weapons. He stopped feet from us and glancing over his shoulder once gave us our orders, “Th…. The lieutenant s… sent me to t..take you to Mr. Fip..p..ps. Please f..follow me.” Not having much choice in the matter we follow the small strides the little pudgy man makes as he tries to walk quickly away. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]We are led across town and inside a store decorated with bright cloth from the southern mountains, herbs from deep in the druid’s forest, and many more rarities from around the kingdom. Once ushered inside we are introduced to the man we are to get our assignment from, Mr. Fipps. The lieutenant stands to one side and looking down at his hands tries to remain still. Mr. Fipps gives a sigh and waving at the man says, “Go and report to the Captain that they have arrived and are given their orders.” The lieutenant looks relieved and not wanting the merchant to change his mind almost stumbles over a dark cherry desk in his race out the door. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]The shopkeeper then turns to us and tells us our job. One of his caravans has gone missing, and it held very precious cargo. He only knows it was coming from Dun Moradin and it should have arrived in the city days ago. The leader of the caravan is called Jane Rilmore. Once both caravan and it’s leader are found, we are to escort both safely and quickly back to Thainsport. The shopkeeper almost as a forgotten thought adds, “The items in the crates are for the king’s eyes only. It is a special gift for his upcoming welcome ceremony.” He simply waves us to the back of the store, “There are horses in the back there to speed you on your way.” As we exit the building Brad and Edriss exchange a look and Brad declares to us, “I have to go get some extra supplies before we leave.” Justice glances at her light and almost empty pack, “I have my own horse that I must get, so why not let us meet just outside the south gate in an hour.” Apparently their need for their private tasks are great, and so without waiting for a reply the three head off, Justice toward the docks and Brad with Edriss at his heels to the East. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I go and look at the horses, trying to see which would match up best with who of our companions. Though not magnificent creatures of beauty, they are sturdy and look able to handle hours on the road. As soon as I see my remaining companions with the animals though my fears are laid to rest. Each seems to have no hatred of the beasts. Though I worry Kareth may over feed his, after watching him feed the horse five carrots. I reach over placing my hand on his as he reaches for another, “We may have to go far, and if they eat now they may get sick.” He looks at me as if trying to see if I am telling the truth, but with a short nod of his bald head he places the carrot back in the sack and turns to me, “Sick horse no good. I stop feed.” I feel the ghost of a smile touch my lips, he has such a pure heart and wants to do such kindness. I again wonder what could have brought such a simple gentle creature to this city.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Then I hear the grunts of the dwarf behind me, and I turn to see him scowling at the smallest of the horses. It’s still a full two heads taller then Arfin, but he seems determined. He pushes a crate over to the horse, who nervously pounds it’s hooves. From what I have already seen of this dwarf, he will not wish for my interference, so from my position I look into the horses great dark brown eyes and whisper in elvish to stead the beast. Arfin grabs the saddle horn and with legs flying and armor clanking he finally sits astride the beast. I smile as Arfin grumbles about needing only his legs and not understanding human’s needs for dependence on these unbearable monsters. I can tell the horse is not going to be his best friend, but it has already settled into accepting it’s rider. Selura I had seen immediately taken with one, and it let her approach with only a twitch of it’s ears. She easily saddled and harnessed the creature, and without thought lept in the saddle with practiced ease. Soon we are ready and we slowly meandering our way to the south gate. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]As the high noon sun bears down on us, we finally got on the open road and set out path south. We almost left Brad and Edriss after having to wait over half an hour. I looked back not once glad I was leaving. I had seen much that I wanted to investigate further, but I learned in my short stay I could not take much more of the horrible odors and the often dirty bodies always pushing together. Finally, I am again in the open air and space to really breath it in. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]The ride seemed to be going steady. Justice and Brad in the lead continuously arguing over the best strategy and best direction, and Edriss seeming to think us diseased and staying almost out of sight in the rear. We had only gotten a few short miles from town when one of the lead horses bucks. I see the paladin weild her horse away from Brad and his wild beast. Brad manages to stay on the horse for few scant seconds yelling at us that something is in the pack. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I use my knees to veer my horse alongside Brad’s horse, and holding the reigns and commanding voice force it to be still. There is confusion from the others as to what exactly happened when Arfin yells, “Kill it!” and charges the horse with his axe raised. The monk must have seen the same movement for standing next to the pack he reaches down, as a shiny flash of light head pops out and bites the monk slithering quickly back into hiding. Kareth stands motionless for a few scant seconds his hand inches from the bag’s opening. He then slowly pulls his back toward his chest and almost cradling it suddenly falls to the ground. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]As the bag hits the ground, I pull the horse forward. He is terrified enough without everyone drawing weapons next to it. And whatever is in that bag is attacking everything within reach. I jump down from my horse, and push both horses further away from the chaos unfolding. A shiny head raise just above the level of the grass and hisses, so this is some strange snake. Backing against the horse with one eye steadily trying to follow the snakes movements I look over the horse for any injuries, but I can find no injuries other then the damage to his nerves. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]My riding companions seem to be hacking the ground, grass, and everything within that small space with their various assorted weapons. They continue to stand around the bag trying to kill what upon closer inspection looks like a cobra with strangely crafted metal armor. I walk toward the monk cradling his hand and sitting on the ground watching every blade and glint the snake makes in it’s travels. Taking his hand gently, I grab some herbs from my pack that should sooth the injury and help to heal it. Kareth shouts to the others as much as he can see and determine the place of the snake, but after just a few minutes the glade is quite. The horses have settled, the dust has settled, and the grass moves no more. The snake has either died from it’s wounds or escaped into the tall grasses and underbrush where some other animal will surely finish the job. “We must keep to the road and find the caravan,” Justice states as she re-sheathes her sword. Brad flicks at the dirt covering his cape, “That thing was in my bag, and I want to know who put it there and why. We should go after it.” “No.” Arfin states looking up from his axe blade, “The lass has finally spoken some sense. We move on.” Not looking at Justice he moves to his horse and starts the process of climbing into the saddle. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Justice walks over the monk and with calculated movements and practiced words of prayer slowly drains the poison from his system. I stand back and watch helping him to his feet and then back into the saddle.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]The rest slowly mount up and seeing Anon moving to late afternoon we know that time is against us. We agree to push through the night, as it seems even with what we have been through no one would sleep well anyways. There were still questions unanswered, about what we where doing, what we saw in Thainsport with no evidence, and even more questions about each other. It seemed Brad and Edriss were on good terms as they rode together talking quietly, yet it was strange that Brad kept motioning to Edriss’s pack. It figures they would be haggling over supplies and only a few hours on the road, but maybe they had made a deal in town without the rest of us.[/color] [/QUOTE]
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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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