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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: 1791700" data-attributes="member: 17067"><p><strong>Chapter 2- “Scions of a Dying Age”</strong></p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Evening Day Eight- Thainesport</span></em></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Leading the first group to the city walls is Justice with head held high looking like a leader heading into a parade. Arfin’s swaying compact body rides beside her his eyes still studying the scroll he signed and which has doomed him to act as ambassador for his clan. Xath a mixed look of frustration and boredom creasing her mouth and causing her to inch slowly forward inches from those in front of her in line. Almost trying to push them through the gate faster. We had offered her a horse, and Justice had even said it would look less suspicious for everyone to be on horseback. Xath it seems though had a stubborn streak, and so she had smiled and said she would go without horse or she would leave on her own. Finally getting her way, “Tis no tha’ far and ye canna go tha’ fast. I’ll stay up with ye.” </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Farathier’s trails the others his figure shrouded by the gray cloak pulled tight against the wind, but also from the prying eyes of any of his fellow Talons that may recognize him. Huddled in my darkened alley I glimpse the rear of Farathier’s white horse pass beyond, now trusting only the sounds echoing back to me to be my guide. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Archonus had set up position in an alley way three blocks from the gate. Kareth stands directly across from him in another alleyway. While I stand one block even further back, without much choice I was told by Arhconus I should stay back, rear defense. HA! His tone was such that I could almost feel the pat on my head. But I was reluctant to leave Kareth and Arhconus on their own, and everyone agreed I paralleled them for stealth. If this was how they deemed me useful so be it, since it let me stay close.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Passing beyond my position now I must look to Arhconus to be my eyes. I can pick out the black, brown and gray swirl that shrouds Archonus in darkness, even as I stare in his direction he almost seems to fade from my sight, then a glimmer of his short sword unsheathed lets me pinpoint him again. I hear the guards yell stop for the hundredth time. When will they be up? Are they already there? Are they inside and Arhconus just wants to be sure? Next time we need to work on signals a little more. The cart that signaled the end of the line passed beyond my line of sight now. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I slowly edge my head sideways as low to the ground as I dare with the stenches. I could still hear a line at the gate, and peeking around the corner I see the others stand waiting behind a group of farmers. Arfin begins to chat with them and is soon motioning the others to clutter closer to the wagon. Justice moves her horse into the lead again showing her acceptance of whatever this change is. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">The guards wave the farmer and his barrels through, including Arfin, Xath, and Farathier with them. The blue cloaked paladin is pulled aside. Her badge of the Jade Forest and her cloak and armor marking her as an Apectin warrior. They must have orders to bring any in for questioning. I see Archon lean forward, and he quickly looks to Kareth and I. Stay! I silently command holding my hand out. She will keep her cool, and hopefully let us know if we should interfere. Archonus has already shown his will to give his life for anyone or anything, but he must give this a chance to go peacefully. I am not sure what she does, but Justice never cracking seems confident and poised. Even as she is taken into custody, she does not give any sign of protest nor distress. Too soon the gate stands empty and the moon starts to finally light the stone and garbage in a soft blue glow. Archonus looks back to us and waves the okay. Kareth, Archonus and I melt into the shadows and slowly work our way back to the tavern. As we re-enter, Archonus rents two rooms upstairs, each of us hoping to some sleep for tomorrow.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I am awakened scant hours later by what seems to be a child banging pots in the pantry… but somehow rhythmically and with a… tune? Though this is not the most high standing establishment, the entertainment not in the rooms upstairs stopped long ago. I go to the door of my private room and open it to find a fully dressed and armored Archonus looking over the balcony. He turns as I step out of the door, placing a finger to his lips in the age old message of be silent. I can hear the steadfast and loud snores of the half-orc through the now open doorway. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Quietly Arhconus goes down the stairs and moves to the kitchen, the place of the strange drums. As he enters the kitchen, I silently hop down the last few steps. I only take one step towards the swinging door when he pushes the light wooden doors open again. The short female dwarf being pushed ahead of him. She looks disgusted though at us or her assignment I can not tell as she tells us we need to go now and get to the dwarven strong hold. There will be no clues to the sewers, and no other guide. She was ordered to being us immediately through the South gate.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I look up to the balcony to see who else has been awoken and see a few ladies not currently employed leaning over and on the rickety banister. We will not have the cover of other people to blend in with, so we have to make ourselves as others. Holding out a few coins I ask blanket for the use of someone’s make-up, with a snide remark about nothing being able to help me one motions me to follow her. Noticing time and age have not treated her nicely, I refrain from the initial anger that flares at her remark. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Xath follows to the doorway of my room and with a huffy sigh she takes the assortment of pencils and powders away from me, roughly grabs my arm and pulls me down to her level. Holding still I let her apply the waxy smelling stuff. Once she is done with me, I glance back to the mirror. It seems the other lady was right. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I go to find Arhconus for he will need this as well. Out by the rain catcher, I watch him fill a small bowl and then clean off his face. Straightening he squares his shoulder then turns to face me for the first time his face completely bare. I hold out the bag asking, “I am no good with the stuff, but Xath seems to have a way with it. I could go find her?” He gives me a quizzeled and stunned look as I turn to go find her. As Kareth exits the building wearing Arhconus’s armor, I see him smile at Arhconus showing him with pride that he managed the armor all on his own. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Arhconus must have been hiding the mark on his face. A blue star that surrounds one eye. Whatever the mark means he is still Arhconus, and if it makes him uncomfortable who am I to argue. Kareth it seems has no issues with it either. As I exit the building with the dwarf in tow, I see Arhconus has managed to apply a base coat of wax, darkening his skin and once more covering his eye. Xath quickly patches up the rest making it look more natural. Arhconus hands me his belt, saying more by his look then with words. Holding them tentatively, I look him in the eyes, “Don’t worry, I will return them safely to you.” I then direct the dwarf toward my pile of quiver and both of my bows. Though all small changes each piece that places us farther from whatever fugitives they seek the better. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I take some herb pouches out of my sack tying them to the worn belt. “It may help in a story that I am a healer.” I try to tell them. Xath nods her head, giving me a look that shouts, ‘about time you did something useful!’ I shift uncomfortably with the unbalanced weight of the swords at my hips, hoping by the time we reach the gate it will seem more natural.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">As we approach the gate all seems to be going well. Two guards purple tunics starched and only slightly creased from were they lean against the walls watch for those exiting the city, while two more stand at attention five paces from the outside. All four glance up and over as our footsteps near. I look over at Xath as she looks up at me. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Suddenly everything shifts around me and in the blink of an eye I am hundreds of feet from where I was under the shadow of the portcullis. I must have made it? </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Archonus stands legs spread over a guard lying face up and unmoving. The black falcon on the guards tunic runs red with blood. A small dagger lies died red with blood as well by the man’s hand. Arhconus’ face glows with the bluemark over his eye, “I am an agent of the Bluestar!” Comes his bellowing voice. “You would do better to hide, then fight me!” Kareth cowers at Arhconus’ feet, as Xath starts to run head long for my position. “Stop!” The voice commands again. I hold my position still shrouded in darkness- confused. “Stop!” The voice commands again more forcefully, and all stop in their tracks guards and allies alike. It is a voice none of us can deny, legs shaking in fear. Archonus takes a step toward the cowering monk and laying a hand on his shoulder pulls him up. He pushes the half-orc clothed in his armor toward Xath and looking at me commands us to run. As Xath passes, I jump out not daring to stay. The thudding of the half-orcs feet can be heard right behind me, and as I glance once more behind I see the edge of Arhconus cape disappear across the square.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">The dwarfs legs pound into the stone roadway till panting her large frame pounds the door barrier with a ring as her smaller fists begin to rapidly demand an answer. As the spying window begins to open she blurts out frantically to raise the alarm, that someone- something has taken the south gate. Shouts are heard from the other side as I turn to Kareth seeing his confused and hurt look. I know his look mirrors my own.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">As the gate opens to let a small dwarven form run out, we push by and into the giant stone fortress. Justice strapping her sword belt on approaches behind Kareth sliding in as the doors bang closed. The main building doors open revealing a groggy Arfin and a tunic-less Farathier. Inadequately, Kareth and I stutter and ramble trying to tell them what happened, feeling only more helpless at their looks of confusion. Kareth seems adamant that Arhconus was just pulling some ruse. I have to agree it was a very good performance, but it had- <em>had</em> to be only that. Justice’s eyes darken as our story wove on and at the end she simply orders us to bed, as she stalks off saying she has things to do. It seems her story is not worth telling nor why she is just now returning to the strong hold… maybe she got lost… maybe…there are already too many secrets and lies to darken the waters I shouldn’t look for more.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Briefly Arfin and Farathier let us know what has been happening there, before they two go off to their own duties. Xath stands and listens unnoticed by us all. As I start to head toward the door she places her bulk in front of me. Holding out my quiver and bows. I thank her my fingers easily wrapping around the strap and wood as he whole arm releases them. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I roam around feeling with each step the walls closing in till finally I set foot into a room with a layer of dust covering everything, but spying a small arrow slit bringing in cool clean air move further inside. I slowly trudge over to a child sized bed and easily move it closer to the slit. Not bothering to do much more then take off my pack, place Arhconus’ swords and belt between my body and the wall, and sneeze repeatedly at the dust before I fall deeply asleep. </span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laurel, post: 1791700, member: 17067"] [b]Chapter 2- “Scions of a Dying Age”[/b] [i][color=lemonchiffon]Evening Day Eight- Thainesport[/color][/i] [color=lemonchiffon]Leading the first group to the city walls is Justice with head held high looking like a leader heading into a parade. Arfin’s swaying compact body rides beside her his eyes still studying the scroll he signed and which has doomed him to act as ambassador for his clan. Xath a mixed look of frustration and boredom creasing her mouth and causing her to inch slowly forward inches from those in front of her in line. Almost trying to push them through the gate faster. We had offered her a horse, and Justice had even said it would look less suspicious for everyone to be on horseback. Xath it seems though had a stubborn streak, and so she had smiled and said she would go without horse or she would leave on her own. Finally getting her way, “Tis no tha’ far and ye canna go tha’ fast. I’ll stay up with ye.” [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Farathier’s trails the others his figure shrouded by the gray cloak pulled tight against the wind, but also from the prying eyes of any of his fellow Talons that may recognize him. Huddled in my darkened alley I glimpse the rear of Farathier’s white horse pass beyond, now trusting only the sounds echoing back to me to be my guide. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Archonus had set up position in an alley way three blocks from the gate. Kareth stands directly across from him in another alleyway. While I stand one block even further back, without much choice I was told by Arhconus I should stay back, rear defense. HA! His tone was such that I could almost feel the pat on my head. But I was reluctant to leave Kareth and Arhconus on their own, and everyone agreed I paralleled them for stealth. If this was how they deemed me useful so be it, since it let me stay close.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Passing beyond my position now I must look to Arhconus to be my eyes. I can pick out the black, brown and gray swirl that shrouds Archonus in darkness, even as I stare in his direction he almost seems to fade from my sight, then a glimmer of his short sword unsheathed lets me pinpoint him again. I hear the guards yell stop for the hundredth time. When will they be up? Are they already there? Are they inside and Arhconus just wants to be sure? Next time we need to work on signals a little more. The cart that signaled the end of the line passed beyond my line of sight now. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I slowly edge my head sideways as low to the ground as I dare with the stenches. I could still hear a line at the gate, and peeking around the corner I see the others stand waiting behind a group of farmers. Arfin begins to chat with them and is soon motioning the others to clutter closer to the wagon. Justice moves her horse into the lead again showing her acceptance of whatever this change is. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]The guards wave the farmer and his barrels through, including Arfin, Xath, and Farathier with them. The blue cloaked paladin is pulled aside. Her badge of the Jade Forest and her cloak and armor marking her as an Apectin warrior. They must have orders to bring any in for questioning. I see Archon lean forward, and he quickly looks to Kareth and I. Stay! I silently command holding my hand out. She will keep her cool, and hopefully let us know if we should interfere. Archonus has already shown his will to give his life for anyone or anything, but he must give this a chance to go peacefully. I am not sure what she does, but Justice never cracking seems confident and poised. Even as she is taken into custody, she does not give any sign of protest nor distress. Too soon the gate stands empty and the moon starts to finally light the stone and garbage in a soft blue glow. Archonus looks back to us and waves the okay. Kareth, Archonus and I melt into the shadows and slowly work our way back to the tavern. As we re-enter, Archonus rents two rooms upstairs, each of us hoping to some sleep for tomorrow.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I am awakened scant hours later by what seems to be a child banging pots in the pantry… but somehow rhythmically and with a… tune? Though this is not the most high standing establishment, the entertainment not in the rooms upstairs stopped long ago. I go to the door of my private room and open it to find a fully dressed and armored Archonus looking over the balcony. He turns as I step out of the door, placing a finger to his lips in the age old message of be silent. I can hear the steadfast and loud snores of the half-orc through the now open doorway. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Quietly Arhconus goes down the stairs and moves to the kitchen, the place of the strange drums. As he enters the kitchen, I silently hop down the last few steps. I only take one step towards the swinging door when he pushes the light wooden doors open again. The short female dwarf being pushed ahead of him. She looks disgusted though at us or her assignment I can not tell as she tells us we need to go now and get to the dwarven strong hold. There will be no clues to the sewers, and no other guide. She was ordered to being us immediately through the South gate.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I look up to the balcony to see who else has been awoken and see a few ladies not currently employed leaning over and on the rickety banister. We will not have the cover of other people to blend in with, so we have to make ourselves as others. Holding out a few coins I ask blanket for the use of someone’s make-up, with a snide remark about nothing being able to help me one motions me to follow her. Noticing time and age have not treated her nicely, I refrain from the initial anger that flares at her remark. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Xath follows to the doorway of my room and with a huffy sigh she takes the assortment of pencils and powders away from me, roughly grabs my arm and pulls me down to her level. Holding still I let her apply the waxy smelling stuff. Once she is done with me, I glance back to the mirror. It seems the other lady was right. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I go to find Arhconus for he will need this as well. Out by the rain catcher, I watch him fill a small bowl and then clean off his face. Straightening he squares his shoulder then turns to face me for the first time his face completely bare. I hold out the bag asking, “I am no good with the stuff, but Xath seems to have a way with it. I could go find her?” He gives me a quizzeled and stunned look as I turn to go find her. As Kareth exits the building wearing Arhconus’s armor, I see him smile at Arhconus showing him with pride that he managed the armor all on his own. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Arhconus must have been hiding the mark on his face. A blue star that surrounds one eye. Whatever the mark means he is still Arhconus, and if it makes him uncomfortable who am I to argue. Kareth it seems has no issues with it either. As I exit the building with the dwarf in tow, I see Arhconus has managed to apply a base coat of wax, darkening his skin and once more covering his eye. Xath quickly patches up the rest making it look more natural. Arhconus hands me his belt, saying more by his look then with words. Holding them tentatively, I look him in the eyes, “Don’t worry, I will return them safely to you.” I then direct the dwarf toward my pile of quiver and both of my bows. Though all small changes each piece that places us farther from whatever fugitives they seek the better. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I take some herb pouches out of my sack tying them to the worn belt. “It may help in a story that I am a healer.” I try to tell them. Xath nods her head, giving me a look that shouts, ‘about time you did something useful!’ I shift uncomfortably with the unbalanced weight of the swords at my hips, hoping by the time we reach the gate it will seem more natural.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]As we approach the gate all seems to be going well. Two guards purple tunics starched and only slightly creased from were they lean against the walls watch for those exiting the city, while two more stand at attention five paces from the outside. All four glance up and over as our footsteps near. I look over at Xath as she looks up at me. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Suddenly everything shifts around me and in the blink of an eye I am hundreds of feet from where I was under the shadow of the portcullis. I must have made it? [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Archonus stands legs spread over a guard lying face up and unmoving. The black falcon on the guards tunic runs red with blood. A small dagger lies died red with blood as well by the man’s hand. Arhconus’ face glows with the bluemark over his eye, “I am an agent of the Bluestar!” Comes his bellowing voice. “You would do better to hide, then fight me!” Kareth cowers at Arhconus’ feet, as Xath starts to run head long for my position. “Stop!” The voice commands again. I hold my position still shrouded in darkness- confused. “Stop!” The voice commands again more forcefully, and all stop in their tracks guards and allies alike. It is a voice none of us can deny, legs shaking in fear. Archonus takes a step toward the cowering monk and laying a hand on his shoulder pulls him up. He pushes the half-orc clothed in his armor toward Xath and looking at me commands us to run. As Xath passes, I jump out not daring to stay. The thudding of the half-orcs feet can be heard right behind me, and as I glance once more behind I see the edge of Arhconus cape disappear across the square.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]The dwarfs legs pound into the stone roadway till panting her large frame pounds the door barrier with a ring as her smaller fists begin to rapidly demand an answer. As the spying window begins to open she blurts out frantically to raise the alarm, that someone- something has taken the south gate. Shouts are heard from the other side as I turn to Kareth seeing his confused and hurt look. I know his look mirrors my own.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]As the gate opens to let a small dwarven form run out, we push by and into the giant stone fortress. Justice strapping her sword belt on approaches behind Kareth sliding in as the doors bang closed. The main building doors open revealing a groggy Arfin and a tunic-less Farathier. Inadequately, Kareth and I stutter and ramble trying to tell them what happened, feeling only more helpless at their looks of confusion. Kareth seems adamant that Arhconus was just pulling some ruse. I have to agree it was a very good performance, but it had- [i]had[/i] to be only that. Justice’s eyes darken as our story wove on and at the end she simply orders us to bed, as she stalks off saying she has things to do. It seems her story is not worth telling nor why she is just now returning to the strong hold… maybe she got lost… maybe…there are already too many secrets and lies to darken the waters I shouldn’t look for more.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Briefly Arfin and Farathier let us know what has been happening there, before they two go off to their own duties. Xath stands and listens unnoticed by us all. As I start to head toward the door she places her bulk in front of me. Holding out my quiver and bows. I thank her my fingers easily wrapping around the strap and wood as he whole arm releases them. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I roam around feeling with each step the walls closing in till finally I set foot into a room with a layer of dust covering everything, but spying a small arrow slit bringing in cool clean air move further inside. I slowly trudge over to a child sized bed and easily move it closer to the slit. Not bothering to do much more then take off my pack, place Arhconus’ swords and belt between my body and the wall, and sneeze repeatedly at the dust before I fall deeply asleep. [/color] [/QUOTE]
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