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"Out of the Frying Pan" - Book I: Gathering Wood (reprise)
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<blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 38054" data-attributes="member: 11"><p><strong>Session #4 </strong></p><p></p><p>As the five companions walked back to camp the dark clouds let loose with a soft, yet constant rain that increased in strength as the closer they got to shelter. </p><p></p><p>“Today is Remembrance Day,” (33) said Beorth. “I am going to go to the temple of Anhur when we get to town to give respects for brave warriors who have fallen in battle.” </p><p></p><p>The rest of the group seemed more concerned with cashing in on the goblin ears, Kazrack wanted to warn the guard about the goblins’ resources – their ability to make or trade for armor of excellent quality. So as Beorth went off to pay his respects, Kazrack, Malcolm and Jana went to the local guard house. Chance went back to the camp to look in on Jeremy. </p><p>At the guardhouse the companions were informed that the bounty was only six pieces of copper per ear. The one silver piece bounty was only during times of emergency, when goblins were a serious problem, which was not the case. </p><p></p><p>“What about this?” Kazrack said, showing them the studded leather armor, obviously good craftsmanship. </p><p></p><p>“I am not in a position to determine this an emergency, but I will express your concern to my lord, and it is in his power to do so. May I take this armor as evidence?” the captain asked. </p><p></p><p>“Will we get the difference in the cost of the bounty if the lord declares an emergency?” Kazrack asked. </p><p></p><p>“That is doubtful, since the state of emergency had not been declared when the ears were collected,” the guard explained. </p><p></p><p>“But it is in his power to change that. He can do it according to his discretion?” Kazrack said, pushing. </p><p></p><p>“Yes, I will mention it to him. Jack is a fair man, and he will give it serious thought, though I cannot promise anything.” </p><p></p><p>“I will give you the armor for 20 pieces of silver,” Kazrack offered. </p><p></p><p>“We do not wish to buy the armor. It will be returned to you once the Lord as examined it,” the captain explained. </p><p></p><p>Kazrack harrumphed and handed over the bag of ears and place the armor on the desk. </p><p>The captain looked in the bag and with a look of disgust tossed the bag to his assistant, “that’s really disgusting! Get rid of those!” </p><p></p><p>Malcolm took the copper and divided it among the three of them, giving Beorth and Chance’s share to Kazrack to hold when the dwarf insisted. </p><p></p><p>“Actually, I’m surprised that you got any ears at all. Everyone around here knows the Na-Sor Goblins chop off their own ears in defiance, for generations. Sometimes the locals trick foreigners to go hunting for the ears for laughs,” the captain said. </p><p></p><p>“Well you should stop them from doing that. Someone could get hurt,” Kazrack said, offended. </p><p>“Technically, they are not breaking the law, and no once forces people to go hunt goblins. They choose to.” </p><p></p><p>Kazrack harrumphed again,” I’ll be back to find out what your Lord said.” </p><p></p><p>---- </p><p></p><p>Outside the rain showed no signs of stopping, making the streets of Cutter Jack’s a muddy mess. The trio walked down the main street, and passed by a place called the White Flag. It was packed with what appeared to be sailors and they recognized two members of the Sea Cow’s crew standing in the shelter of the doorway smoking pipes. Jana decided she was too cold and wet to continue and wanted to stop in for a warm meal and a mead. The other two continued on their way, heading to the Metalgoods shop to get supplies to repair their armor. </p><p></p><p>Jana shook off her wet cloak and could feel the eyes of many sailors on her as she walked over to an empty spot at the bar. All the tables were full and the air was a cacophony of sound as the men whooped and hollered and sang and gave toasts. The barkeep brought Jana her requested mean and a plate full of steamed crabs, which she happily cracked open and ate with much relish – Crabs are a favorite food in Westron. </p><p></p><p>From one crowded corner, Jana could hear men cheering especially loudly, and occasional quiet, broken up by grunting and then a cheer! She turned to look and saw a bunch of crowded around one table. From within the ring, Devon stood, his sweaty muscled arms above his head in triumph. “I win again!” he cried. Jana noticed that Devon’s handsome companion was standing by, watching the arm-wrestling from the ring of men, while the short ugly one sat by himself, quietly, in another corner. </p><p></p><p>She turned back to her food and drink. As she placed the last husk of a crab on her plate, she heard a voice to her right. </p><p></p><p>“Mind if a join you for a minute?” the voice said. She turned to see Devon’s handsome companion, sitting in the stool beside her. </p><p></p><p>“No one is sitting there,” she said rather curtly. </p><p></p><p>“Thank you,” he said in a polite tone. “May I buy you a drink?” </p><p></p><p>“I’m fine,” Jana replied, gesturing to her mug. </p><p></p><p>He ordered an ale, and taking a big swig and sighing, he turned to the pretty young girl again. </p><p></p><p>“I wanted to apologize to you if you offended by anything my companion, Devon, said or did,” he said. “He kind of thinks with his mouth instead of his head. I try to keep him in line, sometimes I feel like his bloody mother.” </p><p></p><p>Jana smiled at this, and he returned her smile. </p><p></p><p>“I can see how you would have your work cut out for you,” Jana said. He laughed. </p><p></p><p>“I’m Markle, by the way. I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced,” he put out his hand to shake and Jana obliged him.</p><p></p><p>“I’m Jana.” </p><p></p><p>“Lovely name,” he took another sip of ale. “I was wondering what a girl like you was doing here with us? Going to Gothanius… It is not as if you had to escape conscription.” </p><p></p><p>“I just was tired of Herman Land. I wanted to see a little of the world.” </p><p></p><p>“Where in Herman Land are you from?” </p><p></p><p>“Westron.” </p><p></p><p>“Oh,” Markle paused, as if deep in thought. </p><p></p><p>“It is just that I know you’ve signed a contract and all, but some of these small backwards kingdoms aren’t as cosmopolitan as Westron or Verdun. They don’t see women as being worthy of being treated with respect like I do.” He smiled, sipped and continued. “You may be promised something, but I would not be surprised if they tried to deprive you of it.”</p><p> </p><p>“I had thought of that possibility,” Jana said, sipping her mead slowly. </p><p></p><p>“Well, my friends and I know that seemingly limited opportunities like this might lead to more opportunities and so we keep our eyes open. And I think,” He paused “That there might be room for you to take advantage of these opportunities as well.” </p><p></p><p>Jana took it in, but did not reply. </p><p></p><p>“I just don’t want you to be left out. Your chosen friends might mean well, but they are little naïve. Their antics are only going to get them into trouble. Hunting goblins? Seems like fun until someone ends up dead - Too high a risk for too little profit, if you as me. You’ll do well to stay away from such endeavors.” </p><p></p><p>“I was thinking that as I sat here and ate,” Jana replied. </p><p></p><p>“Well, I don’t want to bother you too much, so I’ll let you go, but if there is anyway I can help you let me know,” Markle said, placing some coins on the bar. “Barkeep! Her next drink is one me!” </p><p></p><p>He made to walk off. “And if I can help you with one of these opportunities, please let me know.” </p><p>Markle smiled and nodded and returned to his companions. </p><p></p><p>“I win again!” cried Devon. “Come on! Come on! Who’s next? I’ll beat anybody!” </p><p>Jana finished her drink and slipped the coins Markle left on the bar into the folds of her skirt, slipping back through the rain to the camp. </p><p></p><p>--- </p><p></p><p>Chance got back to the tent to find a wakeful and confused Jeremy. </p><p></p><p>“Where have you all been?” Jeremy asked groggily. </p><p></p><p>‘We went ahuntin’ goblins,” Chance said. </p><p></p><p>“Goblins? Are they nearby?” Jeremy asked. </p><p></p><p>“No, we had to walk miles to find them in this ravine and there were dozens of them all over the place, but I fought off a bunch wit’ me daggers, shifting back and forth, protecting the lass and making them fear me blade. The others did okay, too. Ya shoulda seen me face off the goblin warlock – I kept him from escaping even though he was using his foul foul magicks.”</p><p> </p><p>“Where is everybody else?” Jeremy asked. “In town collecting the reward. Ya hungry? I’m hungy. We missed dinner.” </p><p></p><p>Chance stuck his head out of the tent flap. “Kamir! Fetch us some stew or something. A bowl for me and a bowl for me sick friend here.” </p><p></p><p>“Right away, Chance!” Kamir said, dropping his endless task of keeping the fires burning despite the rain. </p><p></p><p>Malcolm and Kazrack returned from haggling with Oleg the dwarf at the Metalgoods shop for some supplies to repair the armor, and Kazrack immediately retired to his tent to work on his armor. </p><p></p><p>Malcolm entered the tent he shared with Chance, Kamir and Jeremy. </p><p></p><p>“Jeremy! Yer awake mahn! Good ta see it!” Malcolm cried. “Where’d ya get the food?” </p><p>“Kamir brought it to us,” Chance said. </p><p></p><p>Malcolm stuck his head outside of the tent flap, “Kamir! Get me some stew! And a piece of bread! And something to drink!” </p><p></p><p>“Okay,” said Kamir with a lack of energy. He had just been on his way back to the tent to get some sleep. </p><p></p><p>Malcolm turned back to his friends, ‘That’s a good lad.” </p><p></p><p>“So, what’s this about goblins?” Jeremy asked his barbaric friend. </p><p></p><p>“Aye, we fought gooblins an’ there wus eh foul witch of a goblin, but we killed them all. An’ we’re gunna go back tamarrah to hoont some more!” </p><p></p><p>“We are?” Chance asked. </p><p></p><p>“Uf carse we are. Ya feelin’ well enough to cahm with us?” Malcolm asked Jeremy </p><p></p><p>“I guess I will go. Someone has to watch your back,” the blonde Neergaardian said. </p><p>‘Thas tha spirit!’ Malcolm said. </p><p></p><p>Kamir entered the tent spreading mud all around making it difficult to feel comfortable in the already damp and cramped tent. Malcolm took off all his clothes and slept on his folded kilt, naked as the day he was born, his feet resting near Kamir’s head. Chance and Jeremy slept close together to one side trying to stay as far away from Malcolm as possible. </p><p></p><p>Outside the rain increased and decreased in intensity like soothing waves broken only my intermittent thunder – but it never stopped. </p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 12px">Ralem, 8th of Ese - 564 H.E.</span></strong></p><p></p><p>The sound of thunder cracking open the still dark grey sky awoke everyone to the realization that the rain still showed no sign of stopping. Jeremy and Chance awoke in cold puddles of rain that had run down the sides of their leaky tent and collected in puddles beneath their bodies. Malcolm did not seem to either mind or notice, waking with a sudden stretch and stepping outside naked as he always did, to greet the day. </p><p></p><p>Malcolm retrieved some drinking water and splashed some on the “important spots”, and then walked over to Jana’s tent to wake her to get ready for some more goblin hunting. </p><p></p><p>“Jana! Weck up! Time ta go a hoontin’ again!” he cried at the entrance to her tent. </p><p>The young girl looked outside to find the bare barbarian standing in the rain. She looked him up and down, taking in his hairy and stocky form, not shying away for one second – then she met his eyes unashamedly. </p><p></p><p></p><p>“There is no reason to go back. No more ears, no more reward,” the girl explained. </p><p></p><p>“Thar’s a whole lar uv em there to be explored,” Malcolm explained. </p><p></p><p>“There is no way you’re gonna convince me to go into a goblin lair. I do not have a death wish,” Jana said. </p><p></p><p>“But the goblins be a dahnga ta eva’one en this aria. We ave ta do something,” Malcolm tried, changing tactics. </p><p></p><p>“I don’t see that at all. *We* had to go find *them*,” Jana said. “I am not going. There is no reason for us to risk our lives and definitely no reason for me to risk MY life.” </p><p></p><p>Malcolm gave up and walked (still naked) across the muddy space between their tents to awaken Kazack. The dwarf was already up and getting his things ready. </p><p></p><p>“Jana dun wanna come,” Malcolm told him. </p><p></p><p>Kazrack shook his head, more at Malcolm nudity than his news. “Go get dressed, I’ll convince her,” he said. </p><p></p><p>The dwarf walked over to the human girl’s tent. </p><p></p><p>“Jana, Malcolm said you do not want to accompany us to hunt more goblins,” he told her. </p><p></p><p>“Yep,” she said shortly. </p><p></p><p>“But the goblins are a danger to the town and the people here,” the dwarf said.</p><p> </p><p>“Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t - Still no reason to risk my life going into a goblin lair.” </p><p></p><p>“Are you sure?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, there is no way you can convince me,” she came out of her tent to get ready for breakfast. “And if you ask me you guys shouldn’t go either.” </p><p></p><p>By this time Chance and Jeremy had exited their tent, and Malcolm followed draping his kilt over his hairy body. By this time the rain was just an annoying and obscuring mist that made one blink a lot. </p><p></p><p>“Jana isn’t goin?” Jeremy asked. </p><p></p><p>“No, I’m not,” she said. </p><p></p><p>“Well, if she’s nut goin’, Ahm nut goin’” Chance said matter-of-factly. </p><p></p><p>“Why?” asked Jeremy. </p><p>“`Cause I’d only be going to protect ar, and if she’s not goin’ I have ta stay here to watch over `er.” </p><p>Jana smirked. </p><p></p><p>“What do we need for her to come for anyway? She’s just a girl. What can she do?” Jeremy said. </p><p></p><p>“She’s a wizard,” Kazrack replied. </p><p></p><p>“I am?” Jana said. </p><p></p><p>“She is?’ Malcolm and Jeremy both said at once with great surprise. </p><p></p><p>“I am not a wizard,” Jana insisted. </p><p></p><p>“Of carse ya nat. Wizards use foul spells ta make people do things they dun wanna and summon up demons ann’ such. Ya not be doin’ that eh girl?” Malcolm said. </p><p></p><p>“I am not a wizard. I don’t know where he got this idea,” she pointed at Kazack. </p><p></p><p>“Of course she isn’t a wizard. Women cahnt be wizards, they can only be whi. .. “ Chance swallowed his last words, but looked sharply at Jana. </p><p></p><p>She returned his gaze without wavering. </p><p></p><p>“What did ya say?” Malcolm asked his countryman.</p><p> </p><p>“Nuthin’,” Chance replied. </p><p></p><p>“Well, then if she is not a wizard, she shouldn’t come. She’ll just be in danger and get in the way,” Jeremy concluded. </p><p></p><p>“That is fine, because I am not going. I am not so greedy and blood-thirsty to risk my life for what? The chance that they might have some treasure in their lair?” </p><p></p><p>“We’re naht goin’ en the lar!” Malcolm said vehemently. </p><p></p><p>“We’re not?” Jeremy said. </p><p></p><p>“Of carse not!” Malcolm elbowed Jeremy. “We ahve no intention av doin’ so. We’re jast gun look `round anhn see if there be mar scarin’ up trouble.” </p><p></p><p>“I’m still not going,” Jana said stubbornly. “And I’ll say again, I don’t think you should go.” </p><p>“We have to go,” Kazrack said. “What about the armor the goblins had? They are being supplied by someone or something. We need to investigate it for the good of this town.” </p><p></p><p>“How does the good of this town concern me?” and with that she slipped annoyed, back into her tent. </p><p></p><p>“Well, I’d love ta go with ya, but if she’s nut goin’, I cahnt go,” Chance said. </p><p></p><p>“Whatever, Chance, we don’t care if you come,” Kazrack said. </p><p></p><p>“Okay, okay. . . I’ll try en cahnvince `er,” Chance slipped into Jana’s tent. </p><p></p><p>Inside, Jana was getting her issued bow and spoon together, since the breakfast bell would be rung soon. </p><p>“Listen, I jast wanneda tell ya thaht I thank it’s a good idea that yer nut goin’ huntin’ gahblins,” </p><p>Chance told her softly. ‘They’re crazy ta wanna go, tittle be dahngerous.” </p><p></p><p>“Yes, Chance I know,” Jana said, exasperated. </p><p></p><p>“Well, then…” Chance spoke more loudly now to be heard outside of the tent. “If that’s yer final answer I understand.” </p><p></p><p>He came back outside. </p><p></p><p>“Nope, I cahnnut cahnvince `er,” he said. </p><p></p><p>“Fine,” Kazrack said. “Let’s go find Beorth.”</p><p> </p><p>The three of them walked towards town. </p><p></p><p>“Ahn we ned ta buy a lahntern,” Malcolm said. </p><p></p><p>“For what?” asked Jeremy </p><p></p><p>“For when we go inta tha lar, of carse.” </p><p></p><p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>(33) <em>Remembrance Day</em> is a holiday in honor of Anhur (God of Honor & Battle). This day is spent mourning over fallen heroes and soldiers and honoring the memory of worthy opponents. This is also an official political holiday of the Kingdom of Neergaard.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="el-remmen, post: 38054, member: 11"] [b]Session #4 [/b] As the five companions walked back to camp the dark clouds let loose with a soft, yet constant rain that increased in strength as the closer they got to shelter. “Today is Remembrance Day,” (33) said Beorth. “I am going to go to the temple of Anhur when we get to town to give respects for brave warriors who have fallen in battle.” The rest of the group seemed more concerned with cashing in on the goblin ears, Kazrack wanted to warn the guard about the goblins’ resources – their ability to make or trade for armor of excellent quality. So as Beorth went off to pay his respects, Kazrack, Malcolm and Jana went to the local guard house. Chance went back to the camp to look in on Jeremy. At the guardhouse the companions were informed that the bounty was only six pieces of copper per ear. The one silver piece bounty was only during times of emergency, when goblins were a serious problem, which was not the case. “What about this?” Kazrack said, showing them the studded leather armor, obviously good craftsmanship. “I am not in a position to determine this an emergency, but I will express your concern to my lord, and it is in his power to do so. May I take this armor as evidence?” the captain asked. “Will we get the difference in the cost of the bounty if the lord declares an emergency?” Kazrack asked. “That is doubtful, since the state of emergency had not been declared when the ears were collected,” the guard explained. “But it is in his power to change that. He can do it according to his discretion?” Kazrack said, pushing. “Yes, I will mention it to him. Jack is a fair man, and he will give it serious thought, though I cannot promise anything.” “I will give you the armor for 20 pieces of silver,” Kazrack offered. “We do not wish to buy the armor. It will be returned to you once the Lord as examined it,” the captain explained. Kazrack harrumphed and handed over the bag of ears and place the armor on the desk. The captain looked in the bag and with a look of disgust tossed the bag to his assistant, “that’s really disgusting! Get rid of those!” Malcolm took the copper and divided it among the three of them, giving Beorth and Chance’s share to Kazrack to hold when the dwarf insisted. “Actually, I’m surprised that you got any ears at all. Everyone around here knows the Na-Sor Goblins chop off their own ears in defiance, for generations. Sometimes the locals trick foreigners to go hunting for the ears for laughs,” the captain said. “Well you should stop them from doing that. Someone could get hurt,” Kazrack said, offended. “Technically, they are not breaking the law, and no once forces people to go hunt goblins. They choose to.” Kazrack harrumphed again,” I’ll be back to find out what your Lord said.” ---- Outside the rain showed no signs of stopping, making the streets of Cutter Jack’s a muddy mess. The trio walked down the main street, and passed by a place called the White Flag. It was packed with what appeared to be sailors and they recognized two members of the Sea Cow’s crew standing in the shelter of the doorway smoking pipes. Jana decided she was too cold and wet to continue and wanted to stop in for a warm meal and a mead. The other two continued on their way, heading to the Metalgoods shop to get supplies to repair their armor. Jana shook off her wet cloak and could feel the eyes of many sailors on her as she walked over to an empty spot at the bar. All the tables were full and the air was a cacophony of sound as the men whooped and hollered and sang and gave toasts. The barkeep brought Jana her requested mean and a plate full of steamed crabs, which she happily cracked open and ate with much relish – Crabs are a favorite food in Westron. From one crowded corner, Jana could hear men cheering especially loudly, and occasional quiet, broken up by grunting and then a cheer! She turned to look and saw a bunch of crowded around one table. From within the ring, Devon stood, his sweaty muscled arms above his head in triumph. “I win again!” he cried. Jana noticed that Devon’s handsome companion was standing by, watching the arm-wrestling from the ring of men, while the short ugly one sat by himself, quietly, in another corner. She turned back to her food and drink. As she placed the last husk of a crab on her plate, she heard a voice to her right. “Mind if a join you for a minute?” the voice said. She turned to see Devon’s handsome companion, sitting in the stool beside her. “No one is sitting there,” she said rather curtly. “Thank you,” he said in a polite tone. “May I buy you a drink?” “I’m fine,” Jana replied, gesturing to her mug. He ordered an ale, and taking a big swig and sighing, he turned to the pretty young girl again. “I wanted to apologize to you if you offended by anything my companion, Devon, said or did,” he said. “He kind of thinks with his mouth instead of his head. I try to keep him in line, sometimes I feel like his bloody mother.” Jana smiled at this, and he returned her smile. “I can see how you would have your work cut out for you,” Jana said. He laughed. “I’m Markle, by the way. I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced,” he put out his hand to shake and Jana obliged him. “I’m Jana.” “Lovely name,” he took another sip of ale. “I was wondering what a girl like you was doing here with us? Going to Gothanius… It is not as if you had to escape conscription.” “I just was tired of Herman Land. I wanted to see a little of the world.” “Where in Herman Land are you from?” “Westron.” “Oh,” Markle paused, as if deep in thought. “It is just that I know you’ve signed a contract and all, but some of these small backwards kingdoms aren’t as cosmopolitan as Westron or Verdun. They don’t see women as being worthy of being treated with respect like I do.” He smiled, sipped and continued. “You may be promised something, but I would not be surprised if they tried to deprive you of it.” “I had thought of that possibility,” Jana said, sipping her mead slowly. “Well, my friends and I know that seemingly limited opportunities like this might lead to more opportunities and so we keep our eyes open. And I think,” He paused “That there might be room for you to take advantage of these opportunities as well.” Jana took it in, but did not reply. “I just don’t want you to be left out. Your chosen friends might mean well, but they are little naïve. Their antics are only going to get them into trouble. Hunting goblins? Seems like fun until someone ends up dead - Too high a risk for too little profit, if you as me. You’ll do well to stay away from such endeavors.” “I was thinking that as I sat here and ate,” Jana replied. “Well, I don’t want to bother you too much, so I’ll let you go, but if there is anyway I can help you let me know,” Markle said, placing some coins on the bar. “Barkeep! Her next drink is one me!” He made to walk off. “And if I can help you with one of these opportunities, please let me know.” Markle smiled and nodded and returned to his companions. “I win again!” cried Devon. “Come on! Come on! Who’s next? I’ll beat anybody!” Jana finished her drink and slipped the coins Markle left on the bar into the folds of her skirt, slipping back through the rain to the camp. --- Chance got back to the tent to find a wakeful and confused Jeremy. “Where have you all been?” Jeremy asked groggily. ‘We went ahuntin’ goblins,” Chance said. “Goblins? Are they nearby?” Jeremy asked. “No, we had to walk miles to find them in this ravine and there were dozens of them all over the place, but I fought off a bunch wit’ me daggers, shifting back and forth, protecting the lass and making them fear me blade. The others did okay, too. Ya shoulda seen me face off the goblin warlock – I kept him from escaping even though he was using his foul foul magicks.” “Where is everybody else?” Jeremy asked. “In town collecting the reward. Ya hungry? I’m hungy. We missed dinner.” Chance stuck his head out of the tent flap. “Kamir! Fetch us some stew or something. A bowl for me and a bowl for me sick friend here.” “Right away, Chance!” Kamir said, dropping his endless task of keeping the fires burning despite the rain. Malcolm and Kazrack returned from haggling with Oleg the dwarf at the Metalgoods shop for some supplies to repair the armor, and Kazrack immediately retired to his tent to work on his armor. Malcolm entered the tent he shared with Chance, Kamir and Jeremy. “Jeremy! Yer awake mahn! Good ta see it!” Malcolm cried. “Where’d ya get the food?” “Kamir brought it to us,” Chance said. Malcolm stuck his head outside of the tent flap, “Kamir! Get me some stew! And a piece of bread! And something to drink!” “Okay,” said Kamir with a lack of energy. He had just been on his way back to the tent to get some sleep. Malcolm turned back to his friends, ‘That’s a good lad.” “So, what’s this about goblins?” Jeremy asked his barbaric friend. “Aye, we fought gooblins an’ there wus eh foul witch of a goblin, but we killed them all. An’ we’re gunna go back tamarrah to hoont some more!” “We are?” Chance asked. “Uf carse we are. Ya feelin’ well enough to cahm with us?” Malcolm asked Jeremy “I guess I will go. Someone has to watch your back,” the blonde Neergaardian said. ‘Thas tha spirit!’ Malcolm said. Kamir entered the tent spreading mud all around making it difficult to feel comfortable in the already damp and cramped tent. Malcolm took off all his clothes and slept on his folded kilt, naked as the day he was born, his feet resting near Kamir’s head. Chance and Jeremy slept close together to one side trying to stay as far away from Malcolm as possible. Outside the rain increased and decreased in intensity like soothing waves broken only my intermittent thunder – but it never stopped. [b][size=3]Ralem, 8th of Ese - 564 H.E.[/size][/b] The sound of thunder cracking open the still dark grey sky awoke everyone to the realization that the rain still showed no sign of stopping. Jeremy and Chance awoke in cold puddles of rain that had run down the sides of their leaky tent and collected in puddles beneath their bodies. Malcolm did not seem to either mind or notice, waking with a sudden stretch and stepping outside naked as he always did, to greet the day. Malcolm retrieved some drinking water and splashed some on the “important spots”, and then walked over to Jana’s tent to wake her to get ready for some more goblin hunting. “Jana! Weck up! Time ta go a hoontin’ again!” he cried at the entrance to her tent. The young girl looked outside to find the bare barbarian standing in the rain. She looked him up and down, taking in his hairy and stocky form, not shying away for one second – then she met his eyes unashamedly. “There is no reason to go back. No more ears, no more reward,” the girl explained. “Thar’s a whole lar uv em there to be explored,” Malcolm explained. “There is no way you’re gonna convince me to go into a goblin lair. I do not have a death wish,” Jana said. “But the goblins be a dahnga ta eva’one en this aria. We ave ta do something,” Malcolm tried, changing tactics. “I don’t see that at all. *We* had to go find *them*,” Jana said. “I am not going. There is no reason for us to risk our lives and definitely no reason for me to risk MY life.” Malcolm gave up and walked (still naked) across the muddy space between their tents to awaken Kazack. The dwarf was already up and getting his things ready. “Jana dun wanna come,” Malcolm told him. Kazrack shook his head, more at Malcolm nudity than his news. “Go get dressed, I’ll convince her,” he said. The dwarf walked over to the human girl’s tent. “Jana, Malcolm said you do not want to accompany us to hunt more goblins,” he told her. “Yep,” she said shortly. “But the goblins are a danger to the town and the people here,” the dwarf said. “Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t - Still no reason to risk my life going into a goblin lair.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, there is no way you can convince me,” she came out of her tent to get ready for breakfast. “And if you ask me you guys shouldn’t go either.” By this time Chance and Jeremy had exited their tent, and Malcolm followed draping his kilt over his hairy body. By this time the rain was just an annoying and obscuring mist that made one blink a lot. “Jana isn’t goin?” Jeremy asked. “No, I’m not,” she said. “Well, if she’s nut goin’, Ahm nut goin’” Chance said matter-of-factly. “Why?” asked Jeremy. “`Cause I’d only be going to protect ar, and if she’s not goin’ I have ta stay here to watch over `er.” Jana smirked. “What do we need for her to come for anyway? She’s just a girl. What can she do?” Jeremy said. “She’s a wizard,” Kazrack replied. “I am?” Jana said. “She is?’ Malcolm and Jeremy both said at once with great surprise. “I am not a wizard,” Jana insisted. “Of carse ya nat. Wizards use foul spells ta make people do things they dun wanna and summon up demons ann’ such. Ya not be doin’ that eh girl?” Malcolm said. “I am not a wizard. I don’t know where he got this idea,” she pointed at Kazack. “Of course she isn’t a wizard. Women cahnt be wizards, they can only be whi. .. “ Chance swallowed his last words, but looked sharply at Jana. She returned his gaze without wavering. “What did ya say?” Malcolm asked his countryman. “Nuthin’,” Chance replied. “Well, then if she is not a wizard, she shouldn’t come. She’ll just be in danger and get in the way,” Jeremy concluded. “That is fine, because I am not going. I am not so greedy and blood-thirsty to risk my life for what? The chance that they might have some treasure in their lair?” “We’re naht goin’ en the lar!” Malcolm said vehemently. “We’re not?” Jeremy said. “Of carse not!” Malcolm elbowed Jeremy. “We ahve no intention av doin’ so. We’re jast gun look `round anhn see if there be mar scarin’ up trouble.” “I’m still not going,” Jana said stubbornly. “And I’ll say again, I don’t think you should go.” “We have to go,” Kazrack said. “What about the armor the goblins had? They are being supplied by someone or something. We need to investigate it for the good of this town.” “How does the good of this town concern me?” and with that she slipped annoyed, back into her tent. “Well, I’d love ta go with ya, but if she’s nut goin’, I cahnt go,” Chance said. “Whatever, Chance, we don’t care if you come,” Kazrack said. “Okay, okay. . . I’ll try en cahnvince `er,” Chance slipped into Jana’s tent. Inside, Jana was getting her issued bow and spoon together, since the breakfast bell would be rung soon. “Listen, I jast wanneda tell ya thaht I thank it’s a good idea that yer nut goin’ huntin’ gahblins,” Chance told her softly. ‘They’re crazy ta wanna go, tittle be dahngerous.” “Yes, Chance I know,” Jana said, exasperated. “Well, then…” Chance spoke more loudly now to be heard outside of the tent. “If that’s yer final answer I understand.” He came back outside. “Nope, I cahnnut cahnvince `er,” he said. “Fine,” Kazrack said. “Let’s go find Beorth.” The three of them walked towards town. “Ahn we ned ta buy a lahntern,” Malcolm said. “For what?” asked Jeremy “For when we go inta tha lar, of carse.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Notes:[/b] (33) [i]Remembrance Day[/i] is a holiday in honor of Anhur (God of Honor & Battle). This day is spent mourning over fallen heroes and soldiers and honoring the memory of worthy opponents. This is also an official political holiday of the Kingdom of Neergaard. [/QUOTE]
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