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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: 50161" data-attributes="member: 11"><p><strong>Session #6</strong></p><p></p><p>“Stand away! I mean you no harm,” the elf said in a soft, but high voice like a morning bird’s. </p><p></p><p>“What did you do to our friend?” Kazrack asked stepping up brandishing his halberd. The elven figure stepped backwards and crouched reflexively towards the dwarf. </p><p></p><p>“He is unharmed. He but sleeps and will awaken soon enough,” she said in her liltingly accented voice. </p><p></p><p>“Why are you here?” the dwarf asked. </p><p></p><p>“I am hunting my former companion. He is ill and not acting as himself, and may even be dying,” she said in an even tone. “I saw you fighting him and the other wolves.” </p><p></p><p>“You mean the great white wolf?” asked Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“He is not a wolf,” she said. </p><p></p><p>At that moment Chance and Jana came up behind their two companions. </p><p></p><p>“Oh me loving Bes! It’s an olf!” Chance said, and covered his mouth. “I cahnt believe it!” (45)</p><p></p><p>Jana sushed him. </p><p></p><p>“What is he then?” Kazrack asked. </p><p></p><p>“He is what humans would call a ‘blink dog’. He is as intelligent and sentient as you or I,” she smirked with the word “you”. “If not more so… He has just been infect by the same disease that is infecting the wolves and he is no longer himself.” </p><p></p><p>“You were attacked by the wolves,” Beorth said noticing, a healing wound on the elven woman’s calf. </p><p></p><p>“Yes, and Janx, was bitten badly. A few days later his behavior became erratic and then a day later he attacked me, and ran off into the woods. I have been following him since, and caught up once or twice. He seemed to almost know me sometimes, but then would run off. The last I knew he was near the settlement, but I could not follow him there. The last thing I need is for superstitious humans throwing stones at me.” </p><p></p><p>“What are you doing here at all? I have never known of elves in Derome-Delem,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>She paused. “I am traveling abroad to learn of elves outside of our homeland,” she said. “But now must help my companion. I need to find a way to heal him.” </p><p></p><p>Kazrack lowered his guard, but the elven woman did not. By this time Jeremy came walking up and gasped at the woman’s alien beauty. </p><p></p><p>“We are hunting the wolves to put them out of their misery,” said Beorth. “But perhaps we can help you with your friend.” </p><p></p><p>“How do you plan to heal him?” asked Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“I’m not sure,” she said. “I overheard some trappers speaking of an old healer in the woods north of here. I was thinking of seeking him out, but even if he can help, applying any kind of treatment to Janx will be difficult if he does not want to be caught.” </p><p></p><p>“Do you mean the old hermit? We heard he consorts with goblins,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“Well, if that is the case, we should seek him out none-the-less – for such a thing should not be allowed,” the elven woman said. </p><p></p><p>“Well, your companion is a danger, so one way or another we need to take care of him. I hope you realize that if no cure can be found for him he is going to have to be killed, for his own good and for the good of the town,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“It will not come to that, but if it does I am prepared to do what I must do. What are your names?” </p><p>The party introduced themselves, including Ratchis, who Chance gone back to and awakened. </p><p></p><p>“Have you seen any goblins?” Ratchis asked. </p><p></p><p>“No,” she said. </p><p></p><p>“What is your name?” asked Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>She paused. “I am called Tirhas Tesfay,” the elven woman said, sheathing her short sword. </p><p>“Well, we will help you to help your friend, if we can,” said Kazrack. “If you help us with the rest of the wolves.” </p><p></p><p>“Agreed,” Tirhas said. </p><p></p><p>“One question, however,” the dwarf added. “Why didn’t you help us when your companion and the wolves attacked us?” </p><p></p><p>“I did not know who you were, or what your attitude might be. I wanted to observe you first,” she replied. </p><p></p><p>Now accompanied by the elven woman, the companions began to move northward. There was a but of discussion on how the blink dog might be captured, with little decided upon. Tirhas informed the party that Janx could “blink” at will and did not tire from doing it; also, no net could hold him. The best course of action would probably being trying to subdue the dog with non-lethal blows. However, they also considered perhaps trying to drug the blink dog by giving him food. </p><p></p><p>And so they marched on, Ratchis leading the way, followed by Beorth and Kazrack and then by Jana and Chance. Jeremy slowed his pace to match that of the elf in order to walk along side her, as she seemed to want to take up the rear. She seemed annoyed by him. </p><p></p><p>Chance leaned in close to Jana and whispered, “Ahve heard that elves have the power to charm men with a look. So, if you see me acting funny you have to do something.” </p><p></p><p>“Yes, of course she’d choose you to charm,” Jana said sarcastically. </p><p></p><p>“Why wouldn’t she?” Chance asked, offended. </p><p></p><p>Jana smiled. </p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, as Ratchis continued to look back and glare occasionally because the group chatter would not stop, as Jeremy tried hard to get through to Tirhas. </p><p></p><p>“So, you are a long way from home.” He said. </p><p></p><p>She did not respond. </p><p></p><p>“So how did you become friends with Janx?” </p><p></p><p>She did not respond. </p><p></p><p>“How does he do that disappearing stuff?” </p><p></p><p>“You would call it magic,” she finally said, with a flat tone that might have betrayed annoyance to anyone but Jeremy. </p><p></p><p>“It must be neat to travel around with a dog like that,” he said. </p><p></p><p>She did not respond. </p><p></p><p>“You have such lovely golden hair; did you know that? </p><p></p><p>She did not respond. </p><p></p><p>“Are all elves as pretty as you are?” </p><p></p><p>She did not respond. </p><p></p><p>And so they continued onward for over an hour, moving what was basically northward as they followed the sound of the river, still to their right. </p><p></p><p>After a time Ratchis lost the track of the wolves, but continued to move in the same general direction that they had been moving. It was then that he heard the sharp high-pitched voices ahead of the group. Holding a hand up so that the others would wait, the tall outdoorsman crept forward to see just beyond the brush, an unusual sight. A group of brown-orange-skinned goblins were marching in the party’s same general direction. There were over a dozen carrying what appeared to be wounded on litters. They were led by a tall goblin in a helmet and a chain shirt. </p><p></p><p>Ratchis crept back to the group and told them what he saw. </p><p></p><p>“We should take advantage of their weakness and slay them all,” said Tirhas. </p><p></p><p>“”Wait. They’re just going along their way – not bothering anyone – Can’t we just let them go?” said Jeremy. </p><p></p><p>“But they’re goblins,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“Exactly, “ said the elfin woman. </p><p></p><p>“I am in no shape to take on that number of goblins,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“But they are injured and unaware. We should be able to take them. We should be able to kill half of them before they even get a chance to react,” said Tirhas. </p><p></p><p>“This is the kind of foolish that led to Macolm’s death,” said Jana with a sigh. </p><p></p><p>“Yeah,” agreed Chance. </p><p></p><p>“They are vermin to be wiped out,” said Tirhas. </p><p></p><p>“But they may also lead us to the hermit, if he truly works with goblins, or may shed some light on the problem with the wolves. Better we follow them and learn what we can. They might even lead us to a goblin lair that might be a greater danger to the area,” said Ratchis. </p><p></p><p>“Good point,” said Tirhas. “We shall follow then.” </p><p></p><p>It was agreed, and Ratchis took his place back at point, keeping a good distance between him and the goblins and the rest of the group led by Kazrack following with the woodsman at the end of his vision. </p><p></p><p>They followed the goblins for another 25 minutes, when they suddenly turned away from the river rather sharply. Ratchis stopped to wait for the others to direct them correctly, but they took longer than he expected having been momentarily confused when losing sight of Ratchis. When he finally saw them he waved them in the right direction and continued to follow, coming to the edge of a huge clearing. </p><p></p><p>The clearing was at the base of a black stony hill and covered with thigh-high tall grass. The river was visible against a muddy bank that led all the way up to a wooden fort that the goblins were jogging into. The fort’s walls were 12 feet tall and did not seem to have any apparent towers or ramparts. The entrance was log double doors, with a sign of some kind over them. Ratchis could see some kind of letters or symbol above the door, but since it was 80 yards away could not make out the details. </p><p></p><p>The tall goblin was the last in and the doors closed. Ratchis crept back to the others and told them what he saw. </p><p></p><p>“What does the sign say?” asked Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“I do not know. I do not know my letters,” said Ratchis.</p><p> </p><p>“What are we going to do?” asked Kazrack. “There is no way we an attack a fort of goblins and hope to win.” </p><p></p><p>“This could be the hermit’s place,” said Jeremy. </p><p></p><p>“Why would a hermit live in a fort?” asked Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“We should watch and see what happens. Perhaps there will be more goblins coming and going,” said Ratchis. “I will make my way around and the clearing and see what I can see.” </p><p>“I’ll come with you,” said Jeremy. </p><p></p><p>Ratchis sneered, “Make sure you are quiet.” </p><p></p><p>“I can be quiet when I want to,” said the Neergaardian. </p><p></p><p>“Uh-huh.” </p><p></p><p>“In the meantime, we’ll make a camp,” said Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“And I’ll watch the front of the fort,” said Kazrack.</p><p></p><p></p><p>---</p><p></p><p>Ratchis and Jeremy crept through the tall grass around the west side of the fort, but could see not distinguishing features about it. So, they continued up the steep rocky hill behind it, crouched low, but still risking being spotted to get a perspective from higher ground. From there they could see a wooden building with a slanted slate roof within, and what looked like small garden plots before it, with trees and other plants. The small dark figures of goblins could be seen moving about occasionally. Unfortunately, the east side of the fort was obscured by the building itself. The way was too steep to easily traverse all the way around, so they climbed back down and crept back to their companions to report what they saw. </p><p></p><p>Ratchis took Kazrack’s place watching the front of the fort for any change or occurrence, while the others settled into camp; by this time Ra’s Glory was making its way towards its nightly rest in Anubis’ Realm. </p><p></p><p>“I don’t see how we are going to be able to do anything about this,” said Jeremy to Chance and wandered towards the river to wash up. </p><p></p><p>“Aye,” said Chance turning to Jana. “No way we can handle a whole fort full of goblins.” </p><p></p><p>“But what if this is where the hermit lives?” asked Kazrack. </p><p></p><p></p><p>“If he can help Janx I must find a way to contact him,” said Tirhas softly. </p><p></p><p>“If his is in league with the goblins I don’t see how we can get him to help. We may be forced to slay him,” said Beorth, with distaste. </p><p></p><p>“Or, he could be their prisoner, in which case we have to go in there and save him,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“We do?” asked Chance. </p><p></p><p>Jana smiled, but the dwarf frowned. </p><p></p><p>“Of course, we do. We cannot allow someone to suffer such a horrible fate, even if we had to die trying to save him.” </p><p></p><p>“I guess you’re right,” Chance acquiesced. </p><p></p><p>“Heh,” was all Jana had to say about that. </p><p></p><p>“But we don’t know if that is the case, and how will we determine if it is?” asked Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“We can wait until morning and see if goblins come or go or if anything changes and then make a plan,” said the dwarf. </p><p></p><p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong></p><p></p><p>(45) Elves are a rare sight in Aquerra, preferring their Kingdom of Tempestas - or isolated communities in various forests in Aquerra. While it is probable to see elves in more cosmopolitan places like Verdun, Haffar's Port or the cities of Thricia - Most people have never seen one, let alone spoken to one.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="el-remmen, post: 50161, member: 11"] [b]Session #6[/b] “Stand away! I mean you no harm,” the elf said in a soft, but high voice like a morning bird’s. “What did you do to our friend?” Kazrack asked stepping up brandishing his halberd. The elven figure stepped backwards and crouched reflexively towards the dwarf. “He is unharmed. He but sleeps and will awaken soon enough,” she said in her liltingly accented voice. “Why are you here?” the dwarf asked. “I am hunting my former companion. He is ill and not acting as himself, and may even be dying,” she said in an even tone. “I saw you fighting him and the other wolves.” “You mean the great white wolf?” asked Beorth. “He is not a wolf,” she said. At that moment Chance and Jana came up behind their two companions. “Oh me loving Bes! It’s an olf!” Chance said, and covered his mouth. “I cahnt believe it!” (45) Jana sushed him. “What is he then?” Kazrack asked. “He is what humans would call a ‘blink dog’. He is as intelligent and sentient as you or I,” she smirked with the word “you”. “If not more so… He has just been infect by the same disease that is infecting the wolves and he is no longer himself.” “You were attacked by the wolves,” Beorth said noticing, a healing wound on the elven woman’s calf. “Yes, and Janx, was bitten badly. A few days later his behavior became erratic and then a day later he attacked me, and ran off into the woods. I have been following him since, and caught up once or twice. He seemed to almost know me sometimes, but then would run off. The last I knew he was near the settlement, but I could not follow him there. The last thing I need is for superstitious humans throwing stones at me.” “What are you doing here at all? I have never known of elves in Derome-Delem,” said Kazrack. She paused. “I am traveling abroad to learn of elves outside of our homeland,” she said. “But now must help my companion. I need to find a way to heal him.” Kazrack lowered his guard, but the elven woman did not. By this time Jeremy came walking up and gasped at the woman’s alien beauty. “We are hunting the wolves to put them out of their misery,” said Beorth. “But perhaps we can help you with your friend.” “How do you plan to heal him?” asked Beorth. “I’m not sure,” she said. “I overheard some trappers speaking of an old healer in the woods north of here. I was thinking of seeking him out, but even if he can help, applying any kind of treatment to Janx will be difficult if he does not want to be caught.” “Do you mean the old hermit? We heard he consorts with goblins,” said Kazrack. “Well, if that is the case, we should seek him out none-the-less – for such a thing should not be allowed,” the elven woman said. “Well, your companion is a danger, so one way or another we need to take care of him. I hope you realize that if no cure can be found for him he is going to have to be killed, for his own good and for the good of the town,” said Kazrack. “It will not come to that, but if it does I am prepared to do what I must do. What are your names?” The party introduced themselves, including Ratchis, who Chance gone back to and awakened. “Have you seen any goblins?” Ratchis asked. “No,” she said. “What is your name?” asked Kazrack. She paused. “I am called Tirhas Tesfay,” the elven woman said, sheathing her short sword. “Well, we will help you to help your friend, if we can,” said Kazrack. “If you help us with the rest of the wolves.” “Agreed,” Tirhas said. “One question, however,” the dwarf added. “Why didn’t you help us when your companion and the wolves attacked us?” “I did not know who you were, or what your attitude might be. I wanted to observe you first,” she replied. Now accompanied by the elven woman, the companions began to move northward. There was a but of discussion on how the blink dog might be captured, with little decided upon. Tirhas informed the party that Janx could “blink” at will and did not tire from doing it; also, no net could hold him. The best course of action would probably being trying to subdue the dog with non-lethal blows. However, they also considered perhaps trying to drug the blink dog by giving him food. And so they marched on, Ratchis leading the way, followed by Beorth and Kazrack and then by Jana and Chance. Jeremy slowed his pace to match that of the elf in order to walk along side her, as she seemed to want to take up the rear. She seemed annoyed by him. Chance leaned in close to Jana and whispered, “Ahve heard that elves have the power to charm men with a look. So, if you see me acting funny you have to do something.” “Yes, of course she’d choose you to charm,” Jana said sarcastically. “Why wouldn’t she?” Chance asked, offended. Jana smiled. Meanwhile, as Ratchis continued to look back and glare occasionally because the group chatter would not stop, as Jeremy tried hard to get through to Tirhas. “So, you are a long way from home.” He said. She did not respond. “So how did you become friends with Janx?” She did not respond. “How does he do that disappearing stuff?” “You would call it magic,” she finally said, with a flat tone that might have betrayed annoyance to anyone but Jeremy. “It must be neat to travel around with a dog like that,” he said. She did not respond. “You have such lovely golden hair; did you know that? She did not respond. “Are all elves as pretty as you are?” She did not respond. And so they continued onward for over an hour, moving what was basically northward as they followed the sound of the river, still to their right. After a time Ratchis lost the track of the wolves, but continued to move in the same general direction that they had been moving. It was then that he heard the sharp high-pitched voices ahead of the group. Holding a hand up so that the others would wait, the tall outdoorsman crept forward to see just beyond the brush, an unusual sight. A group of brown-orange-skinned goblins were marching in the party’s same general direction. There were over a dozen carrying what appeared to be wounded on litters. They were led by a tall goblin in a helmet and a chain shirt. Ratchis crept back to the group and told them what he saw. “We should take advantage of their weakness and slay them all,” said Tirhas. “”Wait. They’re just going along their way – not bothering anyone – Can’t we just let them go?” said Jeremy. “But they’re goblins,” said Kazrack. “Exactly, “ said the elfin woman. “I am in no shape to take on that number of goblins,” said Kazrack. “But they are injured and unaware. We should be able to take them. We should be able to kill half of them before they even get a chance to react,” said Tirhas. “This is the kind of foolish that led to Macolm’s death,” said Jana with a sigh. “Yeah,” agreed Chance. “They are vermin to be wiped out,” said Tirhas. “But they may also lead us to the hermit, if he truly works with goblins, or may shed some light on the problem with the wolves. Better we follow them and learn what we can. They might even lead us to a goblin lair that might be a greater danger to the area,” said Ratchis. “Good point,” said Tirhas. “We shall follow then.” It was agreed, and Ratchis took his place back at point, keeping a good distance between him and the goblins and the rest of the group led by Kazrack following with the woodsman at the end of his vision. They followed the goblins for another 25 minutes, when they suddenly turned away from the river rather sharply. Ratchis stopped to wait for the others to direct them correctly, but they took longer than he expected having been momentarily confused when losing sight of Ratchis. When he finally saw them he waved them in the right direction and continued to follow, coming to the edge of a huge clearing. The clearing was at the base of a black stony hill and covered with thigh-high tall grass. The river was visible against a muddy bank that led all the way up to a wooden fort that the goblins were jogging into. The fort’s walls were 12 feet tall and did not seem to have any apparent towers or ramparts. The entrance was log double doors, with a sign of some kind over them. Ratchis could see some kind of letters or symbol above the door, but since it was 80 yards away could not make out the details. The tall goblin was the last in and the doors closed. Ratchis crept back to the others and told them what he saw. “What does the sign say?” asked Beorth. “I do not know. I do not know my letters,” said Ratchis. “What are we going to do?” asked Kazrack. “There is no way we an attack a fort of goblins and hope to win.” “This could be the hermit’s place,” said Jeremy. “Why would a hermit live in a fort?” asked Kazrack. “We should watch and see what happens. Perhaps there will be more goblins coming and going,” said Ratchis. “I will make my way around and the clearing and see what I can see.” “I’ll come with you,” said Jeremy. Ratchis sneered, “Make sure you are quiet.” “I can be quiet when I want to,” said the Neergaardian. “Uh-huh.” “In the meantime, we’ll make a camp,” said Beorth. “And I’ll watch the front of the fort,” said Kazrack. --- Ratchis and Jeremy crept through the tall grass around the west side of the fort, but could see not distinguishing features about it. So, they continued up the steep rocky hill behind it, crouched low, but still risking being spotted to get a perspective from higher ground. From there they could see a wooden building with a slanted slate roof within, and what looked like small garden plots before it, with trees and other plants. The small dark figures of goblins could be seen moving about occasionally. Unfortunately, the east side of the fort was obscured by the building itself. The way was too steep to easily traverse all the way around, so they climbed back down and crept back to their companions to report what they saw. Ratchis took Kazrack’s place watching the front of the fort for any change or occurrence, while the others settled into camp; by this time Ra’s Glory was making its way towards its nightly rest in Anubis’ Realm. “I don’t see how we are going to be able to do anything about this,” said Jeremy to Chance and wandered towards the river to wash up. “Aye,” said Chance turning to Jana. “No way we can handle a whole fort full of goblins.” “But what if this is where the hermit lives?” asked Kazrack. “If he can help Janx I must find a way to contact him,” said Tirhas softly. “If his is in league with the goblins I don’t see how we can get him to help. We may be forced to slay him,” said Beorth, with distaste. “Or, he could be their prisoner, in which case we have to go in there and save him,” said Kazrack. “We do?” asked Chance. Jana smiled, but the dwarf frowned. “Of course, we do. We cannot allow someone to suffer such a horrible fate, even if we had to die trying to save him.” “I guess you’re right,” Chance acquiesced. “Heh,” was all Jana had to say about that. “But we don’t know if that is the case, and how will we determine if it is?” asked Beorth. “We can wait until morning and see if goblins come or go or if anything changes and then make a plan,” said the dwarf. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Notes[/b] (45) Elves are a rare sight in Aquerra, preferring their Kingdom of Tempestas - or isolated communities in various forests in Aquerra. While it is probable to see elves in more cosmopolitan places like Verdun, Haffar's Port or the cities of Thricia - Most people have never seen one, let alone spoken to one. [/QUOTE]
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