Academy of Drell, Part 7

[Zhure]

Boromin replies to Sildarin: "I wouldn't call it me warrior spirit. I think we have to do somethin' about the townsfolk - somethin' right soon. I figure them orcs didn't go to all the trouble to kidnap one o' the Empire's villages - replete with bairn students o' the rich and powerful - to serve as fodder for giants unless the need was dire. I think that means the townsfolk will be getting et very soon."

 

[Tokiwong]

Paendaerig states under his breath with a look of disappointment.

"Yes lets use the ones who make enough noise to wake the dead as our scouts...Why not just go ahead a kill ourselves now and save the orcs some time."

Keith turns to the gnome, and cocks his head slightly, his hand resting gently on the hilt of his thin, well-crafted blade. He takes one measured step forward, "I don't make noise, unless I intend to make noise, gnome, up till now, my opinion of you was positive. But if you speak ill of me again, you won't have a tongue to speak with."

Keith stopped, and turned to the group, "I agree we stay together, but a forward scout is needed, but we cannot be so far ahead, that we lose track of each other. Paendaerig, and myself, should be the forward scouts, the rest follow up, perhaps a good 1000 feet back or so, not too close, but not too far either. If we can use that portal, then lets if it is too dangerous, then we go by foot, but we need to go now, act like the heroes, the people think you are, and lets do something."

 

[Jeremy]

I guess he missed the part about needing to find the place to use the portal... Rallyn straps up and holds the exterior door open.

"Foot it is. Though remember this place, we may need to use it for a quick escape, resupply, or a way to get our families back to Drell. Or as a quick way into the orc encampment should it's outer defenses prove too much."

Rallyn waits for everyone to get out, and follows along.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Lyrique forgets the armor and gets behind Rallyn. "I agree with you. We need to move and move now."

 

[Velenne]

Travellios tsks.

"A little words and suddenly blood shall be spilt. Truly, the mark of a base creature is its inherant propensity for violence. The Gnome has a point, it cannot be denied. I scarcely realize you are ever there. Keith, on the other hand, you relatively forthcoming with your presence.

"As we seem to lack a general description of our destination, our Portal Singer must accompany you in order to obtain such. Further forays will be much simpler after that. Should we cause enough of pandemonium, they may even elect to send out increased patrols and further diminish their numbers. All the better for us.

"The rest of us shall follow at a safe distance, as described. Give a signal and we shall come a-running to provide the distraction you need to escape as safely as possibe."

 

[Tokiwong]

Travellios tsks.

"A little words and suddenly blood shall be spilt. Truly, the mark of a base creature is its inherant propensity for violence. The Gnome has a point, it cannot be denied. I scarcely realize you are ever there. Keith, on the other hand, you relatively forthcoming with your presence.

"Violence is the way of the world, you pompous..." Keith sighs... "I will not justify my talents to you, stick to what you do best, and stay out of my way Travellios, or I will show you just how base I can be. The gnome has no point, and we shall leave it at that."

Keithe glanced from Travellios to Paendaerig, "Now lets get to the business at hand, and put this petty arguement behind us. But I will not brook another insult to my person, if you have something to say, you better say it with steel."

 

[Velenne]

The handsome, noble elf only laughs wistfully. As he picks up his things to leave, Travellios gives Paendaerig a knowing wink and a nod.

"Shur'obylsya motah estyh abyrllysah shythys at'wah*, indeed Kieth. But I also recall what my old instructor used to say (before an orc split his head, ironically): 'Fraud is the homage that force pays to reason.'** At any rate, I am ready when the rest of you are."



* Elven druid saying, "No tree has branches so foolish as to fight amongst themselves." (Actually an old Ojibwa saying.)

** Charles Curtis, A Commonplace Book

 

[Tokiwong]

The handsome, noble elf only laughs wistfully. As he picks up his things to leave, Travellios gives Paendaerig a knowing wink and a nod.

"Shur'obylsya motah estyh abyrllysah shythys at'wah*, indeed Kieth. But I also recall what my old instructor used to say (before an orc split his head, ironically): 'Fraud is the homage that force pays to reason.'** At any rate, I am ready when the rest of you are."

Keith does not look amused, he draws his blade, "I assure you, Travellios, I do not take an insult to my name, lightly, I give you one chance to make amends, or we settle this here and now. You do not insult the name of the Kinain* house, not while a scion of the name still lives."

* For those in the know the Kinain House is a famed elven family known for producing powerful wizards, and merchants. But for those deeper in the know, the house also makes business by training assassins and spies, as needed.

 

[Calim]

"The Gnome's point had great merit but it will not be heard because you are to highly invested in this little rescue mission, Keith. I did not know any of you before 2 days ago and would gladly like to be able to help keep each and every one of you alive as best as I can because life is much preferable to death. However, I may have mispoke in the dealings with you a moment ago but there are members of this group who seem to be very good at going unnoticed even in the midst of the group. When Sildarin came for us he seemed to be right there yelling and I for one could not see him. As for myself I have been raised in the woods and now how to make the best use of the available cover. When we scouted the first time and I went by myself I could not help but notice you once or twice myself."

Paendaerig sighs resignedly and continues.

"But this is no contest I have only the interests that you yourselves have shared with me and that is the safe reclamation of your brethren. And with that said I will leave the choice up to you Keith."

Paendaerig finishes and bows his head towards Keith and closes his eyes.

 

[Tokiwong]

Keith listens to Paendaerig, "Aye, Sildarin is quite stealthy, and mousey, his powers of stealth would prove useful, he should join us as well. Your words are noted gnome, and despite your claims otherwise, your elven made garments enhance your stealthiness moreso then natural raw talent. So do not lecture me on who is the better, among those of us here, Sildarin, you, and myself are perhaps the most apt for stealth."

Keith turns his attention back to Travellios, blade still drawn...