Planetouched Peril

[wolfheart]

"It would seem so, Zafira. This is Father Parab, the leader of this pilgrimage. He was just telling me of what dangers we might face." Pharos looks up at Zafira.

"And this is Zafira, father Parab, and the one over there, that is Jabin the diviner." Pharos indicates his newly arrived companions.

"The rest should be along shortly, Father Parab. When is it that you would like to depart?"

ooc: Pharos has the folowing spells prepared: 0-level: Guidance, Light, Resistance. 1st-level: Bless, Entropic Shield, Enlarge Person (Dom).

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

"Zafira, I am pleased to meet you, as well as you Jabin. I would not expect you to depart today. We still have a few last-minute supplies to gather, fresh things we could not ready in advance, and that will give you time to ready yourselves as well. And please, do not worry yourself overmuch with the air-kin bandits. Bandits are always a problem, and the air-kin may only be slightly more so than normal bandits. That is why I spoke of them," Father Parab says reasonably.

 

[wolfheart]

"Very well, then. Once my comrades have gathered and we have made all our introductions, we shall take our leave until morning. A nights meditation will do my spirit good, and I may find some insight in the sun-father's teachings that may serve me on this expedition." Pharos gives a bow as he leaves Parab and joins his companions. "I trust you all were able to find the items you needed. If anyone would like, You may come to the temple at dawn and receive the blessing of the Sun-father with my bretheren and myself. We may even be able to provide a morning meal before we hit the trail."

 

[Verbatim]

*As Jabin's name is spoken, he looks up at the priest and nods his head in greeting, allowing all to see his sweat soaked hair. Stepping up slightly, Jabin listens as the head priest tells them that they would not be leaving until the following morning.*

"It is a pleasure to meet you Father, and with yours and the other's leave, I will retire to my room for the evening. I have much packing and preparing to do before we leave in the morning."

OOC: I will review the scroll list available, as well as Jabin's funds after while and let you know which spells he buys in a quick post..

 

[Rhia]

*The sky glistens a vibrant blue as a few bubbly clouds leisurely make their way across the horizon. Sweet tones of a woman's gentle voice can be heard wafting over the fields. Azure sits on a hay bale in the back of a wagon, singing a tale of the misadventures of a paunchy farmer and his ripening prize pumpkin. Children's laughter spill from the 3 boys sitting around her in the wagon. These enjoyable children belong to a good natured farmer returning to his home near Willow Grove after successfully selling his wares in a larger city to the South. The farmer agreed to give Azure a lift if she would entertain them on the long ride home.*

*Having received her father's blessings and given her last performance in her home town, Azure had busied herself gathering her things when suddenly she realized she didn't have the slightest clue where to go. She definitely wanted to see Greenfire Lake, but didn't dare go there alone. At least not yet, she thought with a mischievous smile. As she lay on the floor, her feet resting up against the wall, a memory popped into her head of lavender-eyed Aeron. "Yes, Aeron! He invited me to visit him while he temporarily stays in... Willow Grove. That's it. The White Swan Inn. Aha, I have my first destination!" Scrambling to her feet, Azure clapped her hands, prancing about her room.*

*And so her travels began, hitching rides, slowly winding her way to Willow Grove. She had delighted in meeting new people on the way, especially this particular farmer and his sons. They had never seen one of her kind before and were enthralled the moment they laid eyes on her, mistaking her for the Rainbow's Delight, whom every male dreams of meeting. Laughing, she gently corrected them, though truth be told, the comparison greatly flattered her. Sheepishly the farmer offered Azure a ride if she would sing for them, an offer she readily accepted.*

"Aye miss, here we are now. Willow Grove, at your service, " the driver, proud of this small town known for their quality horses, beams as he pulls up along side the gate.

"Oh how wonderful! I can feel the warmth of this place already," enthuses Azure as she gathers her things.

*Before hopping down out of the wagon, she bestows a kiss on each of the boys' foreheads. Coming around to the front of the wagon, she smiles up at the farmer With a sly look, she pulls herself up and places a quick but full kiss on the unsuspecting farmer's lips. Laughing upon seeing his face blush a deep crimson, she hops back down.*

"Thank you good sir. May Liira bless you with joyous dreams this night." Letting the silent-struck farmer interpret that any way he wishes, Azure turns towards the gate, fairly skipping along into the city.

*Stopping to ask a very helpful man how to get to the White Swan Inn, Azure makes her way along the streets. In the waning light, she comes upon the fine Inn. Smiling up at the sign with the beautiful bird painted on it, she rises up on her toes and laughs excitedly, hurriedly heading into the inn. She had expected to see Aeron on the stage performing his magical tricks for the crowd, but he was not there. Stopping at the edge of the room, Azure scans the various tables for any sight of the Sorcerer. She finds him sitting at the bar a few yards away, talking with a patron. Smiling to herself, she ducks halfway behind a post, peeks out to point at Aeron while incanting a small spell.*

Done, she whispers to him, "Aeron, you're looking handsome as ever. Won't you buy a great adventuring girl a drink?" Her message accompanied by a soft giggle.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*Aeron jumps a bit, then turns to find Azure behind him.*

"Azure! How good to see you," he says, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Let me tell you, you couldn't have come at a better time. Come over here for a second, I have an offer for you."

*Guiding her to a table at the back where they wouldn't be overheard as much, Aeron signals for wine and a light snack of fresh bread, honey, and apples.*

"I though I was going to be gone by the time you got here. I was working here for a while, doing simple illusions and whatnot, but I'm afraid the innkeeper took a bit more advantage than he should of and I sought other employment. The Adventurer's Guild was looking for people to form a new group, and the Guildmaster, Sarwen Tash, helped in hooking me up with a decent group of people. But when the 'keeper of the White Swan heard I was leaving he suddenly changed his tune about my conditions and offered me a position I would be a fool to refuse.

"But let it not be said that Aeron was ever a man to go back on his word! I promised Sarwen there would be someone to fill my place and here you show up all ready and willing. There's a group of people, pilgrims actually, that want to be guarded through some rather rough country, protected from bandits and the like. I think you would do splendidly, Azure, if you care for a bit of adventure," Aeron says with a winning smile.

*If you decide to talk to Sarwen, Aeron will go with you to speak with her. Sarwen proves to be a lightning genasi woman with a head of short, white, fluffy hair and an air of competence about her.*

"I'm glad you found someone Aeron, I promised Father Parab six and now I don't have to go back on my word. Azure, I'm sure you'll do quite well; Aeron has vouched for you," she says with a smile. Sarwen will take you to one of her back rooms to hear some of your magical music, just so she can confirm for herself what Aeron has told her. Satisfied, she will sign you, offering you your 250 gp advance, minus the 50 gp signing fee, if necessary. She will quickly describe the other members of your new party, and point out Pharos, Zafira, and Jabin as they pass buy. She can even point you in the direction of the Horse Trainer's Guild to buy yourself a steed.

*There you find a man, who judging by his swarthy cast and twisted hair, must be Saku, deliberating over a mount. Horsemaster Rulo, upon hearing your request, will introduce you to the three remaining light horses. Cherry Blossom, with her sweet disposition, catches your eye, and you happily buy her. Rulo expediates your transaction, so that you can leave with Cherry Blossom as soon as you're ready.*

[OOC - Whew! That was kind of a whirlwind introduction, but if you want to introduce yourself to Saku, or anyone else in the party, feel free. Cherry Blossom's stats will be in the OOC thread momentarily.]

 

[Rhia]

"Oh I'm so happy for you. He obviously must think highly of your gifts for keeping the patrons entertained to offer you a better position! And to think I have an adventure waiting just for me. You're an angel, Aeron."

*Azure leans in giving Aeron a kiss on the cheek. After some more chitchat about Willow Grove, rumor's of Brightfire's whereabouts, and their families, Aeron takes her to see Sarwen. Listening intently to all Sarwen has to say, she readily agrees to attend the pilgrims on their journey. "Thank you again, Aeron. I will stop by to see you before I go, if I possibly can," her eyes shine brightly as she says goodbye to her friend.

*The bard plays her best for Sarwen showing her merits in entertaining music, magical music, and a few simple cantrips. She pays her 50 gold signing fee, and accepts her 250 gp advance.*

"I will go right over to the Horse Trainer's Guild. I am so excited, Sarwen. Thank you for trusting in me."

*Azure spontaineously gives Sarwen a warm hug before heading out to see the Horse Master. "She's beautiful, Master Rulo, I will take great care of Cherry Blossom," she says stroking the vibrant horse. Once the transactions are finished, she decides to introduce herself to the large man Sarwen had described as Saku. Leading her new best friend over to him, she bends to the left a bit trying to get Suko's attention.*

"Suko?" Straightening up again she smiles brightly and offers her hand, "Hi, I'm Azure. Sarwen has been kind enough to put me into your group protecting pilgrims from bloodthirsty bandits on a riveting road. It's great to meet you." Azure is aware that what she had just uttered sounded incredibly hokey, but it was too late to take it back now!

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

*Staying a little behind Pharos, Ashlie hears the conversation with the priest.*

It seems as though this group has enemies as well. Oh well, it's never easy money.

Ashlie waits until the conversation gets to a slow point and simply states, "It seems as though we should get some rest for tomorrow's journey. If there is nothing else that is needed of me, then I think we should all get some rest."

*She kneels down to pet Shilo, who has been waiting patiently. She waits for the others to decide on if there is anything else to attend to prior to finishing this days events.*

 

[wolfheart]

*Pharos turns to his companions*

"I shall wait here for Saku and Aeron. The rest of you should go and enjoy your last evening in Willow Grove. We can muster here in the morning. I will arrive after the dawn service is complete. You are all invited to receive Pelor's bounty, of course. If I do not see you at the temple I will see you here, hopefully rested and ready for the road."

*Pharos waits for his other companions and absent-mindedly brushes Goldfires coat.*

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*Pharos, as you stand waiting, Sarwen comes out to meet you, holding a small book.*

"Pharos, I needed to tell you something. There's going to be a last-minute change to your roster. It looks like Aeron was able to wrangle something a bit more to his liking at the White Swan, however he didn't leave you in the lurch. A friend of his, another radience genasi, came into town and he recommended her highly. Her name is Azure Rentlon and she's a bard and magician. Do you know of the musical magic some of them can do? She's quite capable of it, I tested her myself, and she's going to be useful. So I signed her, replacing Aeron," Sarwen says briskly. The decision was fast, but then again, lightning-fast decisions are a lightning genasi's specialty.

*As you brush Goldfire, he leans into the strokes, occasionaly butting his nose gently against your chest in appreciation.*

~~~

*As night falls over Willow Grove, the street lamps are lit, and the bars go into full swing. The Saddlebag Saloon seems to be filled to capacity with many of the laborers and horse drivers that make up Willow Grove, and loud fiddle-and-drum music throbs through the night. Ale is flowing freely here, and there's catch-all stew and trencher bread all for a couple copper. Anyone seeking food, drink, dancing, and perhaps even a friendly companion has no trouble finding it here.*

*The White Swan is a bit more subdued, having an elegant harp player weaving her music with Aeron's magic in an elaborate dance of color and light. Sweet white wine is the drink of choice here, and roasted phesant with fresh vegetables the dish of the evening. There's one inn that caters to adventurers, called The Yellow Dog, and is branded with the Adventurer's Guild seal on the door.*

*The Yellow Dog has a lively crowd, but it's not nearly as likely to end up in five or six brawls like the Saddlebag Saloon is. Because it is favored by adventurers, those that fight and guard for a living, the innkeeper makes a point of cultivating a pleasent atmosphere, rather than a charged one. There's three groups of adventurers there tonight, the Company of the Black Fletcher (a group of Black Pine elves that guard those traveling to and from their lands), the White Raven Fellowship (a mixed group of gnomes, elves, and a human that specialize in hunting dangerous animals preying on farms and villages), and Quick Axe Brotherhood (five dwarves and a half-orc that do a lot of hunting down and eliminating orc and goblin tribes). The ale here is fairly light and refreshing, and the stew's content is much less questionable than that at the Saddlebag Saloon. Besides, those that are in the Adventurer's Guild can get a discount on their room and board here.*

*For those just wishing a quiet meal and a bed, they can pay Sarwen a silver for the use of one of the cell-like rooms the Guild keeps ready for the purpose. You can get a mug of decent ale or a glass of red wine, a good pidgeon pie, and vegetable soup in relative quiet, if you're willing to put up with questions from Sarwen's young daughter*