First Five Starts Now
Chance stops at the door staring in at Harlow.
Khamyra walks past and glances at the Captain. The exchange of looks told the Onyx Elf to get everyone out of the house.
Chance walks to his large cabinet, opens it and places some of the daggers and other things in it. He glances at his necklace and he smirks thinking how he would love to turn invisible right now and walk out the back door.
Eventually the house clears. After grabbing a mug of ale, Chance sits down across from Harlow.
“I feel like I have to apologize, but I am not sure for what, I know this is not you causing this shit,” Harlow starts out, wearing her usual Black Ward gear, kind of zoning out looking down at her mug.
Chance takes a deep drink, wipes his mouth. “Nothing, you don’t have to apologize for anything. Velencia has been obsessed with this temple for quite some time and that Atticus nonsense below… it has been eating at her.”
The Champion scoffs a little, “when she gets her mind on something, it usually does not lose focus until it is done, or lots of people are dead,” the big man finishes off.
The Captain nods, glances over to Chance who seems a bit dirty, and worn out. “I left a note on Bastians table when I left yesterday asking if this Atticus thing was anything we really need to worry about,” she says, continues, “then, I get a runner at my house at high sun telling me Camerondale was going to invade the new temple, and… well, you know the rest.”
Chance nods his head in understanding, and Harlow can appreciate that. She kind of expected a fight but instead is having a conversation both of them understood.
“I will have a sit down with her, I will bring Khamyra along and really get her to understand this is not going to work, I mean hell… we already have two gods and another one that wants to overthrow the godplane, we really do not need another roaming around out there,” the quarter elf responds taking another drink.
Scoffing a bit, looking down at his mug Chance continues, “I don’t think she is in any hurry to head back down there. It is heavily warded and guarded right now and she would not go down there without Khamyra,” he says, grabbing the handle of the mug a bit tighter, “I will let my wife know not to join in any exhibition with her, maybe even have her talk to her about it more.”
She nods her head and smiles a bit, “I have been torn in every direction possible since you started back up. But I feel like we need each other Chance,” Harlow says, giving the man a serious look, “I can see how much you have matured over the past year or so, but I also am witnessing first hand the struggles you are facing everyday with your many roles.”
A giggle can be heard from the backyard, and Chance smiles wide, “yes, and my most important one…” glancing up to Harlow, who also heard it and was smiling, “a father.”
“Don’t worry about the Royals, I will take care of them Monday, just be careful on your trip to Magus Orion and first thing when you get back, “ the captain says putting her mug on the table and standing up, “get with that Priestess of yours, see if she will shut down the project there.”
Chance also stands up and nods his head, “I will Cap, thank you for taking care of the Royals for me,” he responds while the two exchange a warriors handshake.
The Captain leaves the house.
Shortly after Khamyra is walking in with Cralon in her hands, eyebrows raised and smirk on her face.
“Well, it went better than I thought,” the tall man says, shrugging his shoulders a bit, “we just need to talk with Velencia when I get back to get her to stop going down there, or…”
The Warlock smirks, “yes, yes, I will talk with her about it too. She has to know this is not something you want to be poking at for a long time. Think it’s time to give up the ghost on this.”
The Champion turns to his son, who gives him a playful slap to the face. Chance gives him a wide eyed look as the kid mumbles, “da-da.”
A huge smile washes over the fathers face and looks at Khamyra.
The Onyx Elf walks over, hugs them both, and Chance engulfs them in his big arms. Novalee comes in with Krishana and a big family hug ensues.
The day goes on way too fast for the Champion, knowing he is going to be away from his family for so long. Again torn between being a father and being a hero keeps him in deep thought and contemplation. He starts to pack, and Khamyra takes over about halfway through.
Kids to bed, the house now quiet. Chance walks out to the balcony with a glass of port in hand. He looks out over his backyard, to the sparse forest and starts to see stars twinkle a little. To his right the large moon is just peeking across the horizon. The wind picks up a little, rustles the trees and a cooler breeze hits him. A smile washes over his face knowing that this is Khamyra’s type of weather.
“That breeze is wonderful, perfect weather,” his wife says softly walking out on the balcony, port in hand as well.
Chance lets out a laugh, and puts his arm around the Onyx Elf.
“Oh? That is funny huh?” she says, giving him a little nudge and taking a sip of the thick wine.
He nods and smiles, “just said to myself, man, this is Khamyra’s type of weather.”
The two of them stand against the railing, watching the stars get brighter, the rustling of the leaves and the beat of their hearts.
“I am going to miss you, love,” Khamyra finally says, finishing out her port. “The kids will miss their da-da.”
Chance looks down and sighs, “maybe joining the Ward was not the best idea if it is going to take me away from you guys so much,” he says, also finishing out his port.
She takes his glass and gives him a look, “BW is not taking you away this time silly, your fiery babe Azatina is,” the Onyx Elf replies giving him a look.
Sighing he looks back out over the backyard, “I am not looking forward to leading this entourage, I never like doing that really,” he starts in, “just yet another thing I will have to deal with.”
Khamyra gives him a big warm hug and says “You will do just fine, better than fine, you will do great.”
He nods his head, feeling the breeze bite him one more time before heading inside.
The couple snuggles up and Chance tries to suppress the anxiety he is starting to get in anticipation of the upcoming trip. Eventually falls fast asleep with his arm around his wife.
Monalay (Monday) 7:00AM
“Not much worse than your wife mistaking your nuts for ping pong balls, get up it’s 7AM!” the crier yells, echoing throughout the town.
The kids are squeaking and fussing in the bassinets. Both the parents get up and take care of them. Breakfast served, the morning goes on as usual until 8:00 AM hits.
Chance has taken a quick bath, is in his standard under-armor attire and is staring across the house watching as the kids are finishing up eating. Novalee and Cullun are exchanging anecdotes and Khamyra is just staring into her mug.
“I am off now. I am not sure how long I will be,” the quarter elf says with a big exaggerated sigh, walking to the table.
The kids give him a sloppy kiss, everyone says goodbye and Khamyra plants a kiss on the Champion that made his toes curl.
“Be careful hun, keep your wits about you,” the Warlock says looking at his chest and caressing it, “I’ll get with Velencia and try to straighten the situation out.”
The Champion looks down into the big beautiful brown eyes and softly smiles, “I will love, I will.”
Chance heads out, and gets hit with an almost winter-like breeze. He shutters a little and raises an eyebrow, “damn its cold,” he mumbles to himself looking to the sky seeing more clouds than sun and feeling a stiff breeze.
Then jumps on Toby and starts off for Camerondale. For a moment he gets a little dizzy. Shakes it off and continues.
The Champion grabs his gear for the trip, gets to the compound, changes into his Black Ward armor and heads back to the stable with little to no interruptions; which he was thankful for.
“Short tips!” can be heard echo through the front gate area and the quarter elf has a big smile run across his face.
Talia comes running up and the two embrace, “so glad you are coming with me, I will need your help,” Chance says with a bit of chatter of his teeth.
She pulls back and looks up, “yeah, me too,” then pauses, looks around and then back at the Champion, “it’s fucking cold, what the hell…”
Nodding his head he looks around and people are gathering, getting in wagons or getting on horses.
Chance glances over and sees a familiar face walking to him. “Baroness,” he says, giving her a little bow and smile.
The beautiful blonde woman walks to Chance and gives him a look, “interesting day yesterday I hear…” she says beckoning for them to take a walk.
Shoulder sags, the Champion starts to walk with Cassie. Talia looks over curious about what was so interesting about yesterday.
“You know how serious this is Chance, the temple and what is happening there?” Cassie says, glancing at the Champion from the corner of her eye.
He nods his head, “yes, only been told about 50 times now. No disrespect Cassie, but for the 50th time, it is Velencia, not me.”
The Baroness stops the both, sighs and looks over to him.
“I already have Khamyra going to talk with her, and my wife will not go on another adventure with the Priestess for the foreseeable future,” Chance finishes out in a mini rant.
The Baroness nods her head and sighs, “Harlow has already been through the Castle like a tornado this morning, and everyone seems to be satisfied… but,” she says, pauses a moment and looks to the Champion, “me and Affinity could read her and there was a lot of uncertainty with her.”
The quarter elf sighs and nods his head, “of course there is, it’s Velencia.”
The two of them embrace and Cassie wishes him the best as he makes it back to the entourage forming. He looks and an unmistakable figure is standing looking over the large traveling group. Tall, dark armor and clothes, dark features and massive. Killian, Sargent for the Black Ward and heads up the Guardian division. Better known as the “muscle” division.
“Hey Kid, looks like you have a lot to look out for,” Killian says glancing around at the wagons and people, nodding his head.
Chance walks up and the two exchange warrior handshakes. “Yes, a lot…” Chance says in a somewhat underwhelming tone.
The Goliath gives him a half scolding look, then giving him a playful nudge. “We have Demi going with you. She joined shortly after the Witch War, she was awarded a few medals and has been in the guards for 25 or more years. She has applied to the Black Ward for over a decade, but we felt it was a good time to bring her in after all she did in the war, she will be very helpful in tight situations.”
The Quarter elf nods his head, still a bit dizzy, but understanding why she is going on this trip, “in another words, she drew the short straw or wait, she is low on the totem pole, correct?”
Nodding his head, the giant mumbles “something like that.”
Killian perks up when he sees his underling meandering about. “Demi, get your ass over here!” He yells waving her over.
Prompt and quick she makes her way over and is standing next to the big man, “as reported Killian,” she says in a stiff awkward stance. She looks to Chance and she starts to shake her head a little, brow is furrowed, like she is realizing something.
“Demi, this is Chance, he is the lead for this operation to Magus Orion,” the big man says in his booming voice, “you will be second in command, and you will support him in anything he needs, understood?”
Almost in a trance staring at the ground, her face flushing a bit, takes too long to respond.
“Hey! Girl! Wake up!” Killian booms, making her jump some, and a look that makes her straighten out a bit.
“Yes, yes, second in command, understood,” she says scrambling to get back in order.
“Nice to meet you,” Chance says reaching out to shake hands, only to get a hesitant cold fish response to the greeting.
Killian slaps Chance on the back and it makes him step forward, “got to get back kid, good luck and behave yourself.”
The giant lumbers off back into the City presumably for the compound.
Her shoulders sag and she is shaking her head, “you, are leading this exhibition? Really?” This Demi woman says in a condescending tone.
The quarter elf shakes his head, biting his tongue and turns to double check everything with Toby.
“No offense but,” she starts only to get a loud barb back from Talia, who was just coming over.
“Usually when someone starts off a sentence, no offense, it means you are going to be offensive,” the Witchblade steps next to Chance and glares at the Black Ward member.
The older woman gives Talia a look that did not sit well with her, and responds, “I am not talking with you, move along.”
Chance squeezes Talia’s arm, and she knows enough to walk away.
“Yes, you will be taking orders from me,” Chance says turning around and looking at the woman, “if there is going to be a problem with that, I suggest you put your horse back in the stable and go speak with Killian or better yet, King Bozutto. He can straighten up any misgivings you may have about this,” finishing off with a smirk and a small shoulder shrug.
Demi looks a bit confused and back to the Champion, “this is the Kings orders?” she says almost not believing him.
Talia, who never backs down, “uh yeah, duh, he is the Champion of the Court of Camerondale, and the Champion of…”
“Talia, ok. Enough, thank you,” Chance says, giving her a look.
The Witchblade shrugs her shoulders and walks further away, mumbling something about the bitch better back down.
Chance is getting anxious, but knows he has to start organizing things, “report on the readiness of the group,” he says looking towards the Black Ward member.
The older woman looks around her and back to the Champion, “I don’t know, you tell me,” she says, giving him a resting bitch face and again a condescending tone.
The Champion nods his head, dips it a bit and slowly walks past the woman with his hands behind his back. Then he softly says, “I do not plan to fight with you the whole trip, you either get on board, or the stables are right there to drop off your horse. If this is too much for you, I will understand, hero.”
Demi’s stands rigid, face flushing and she grits her teeth. Then heads for her horse to check her gear.
Chance continues walking and starts to bark out some orders, getting things situated. Talia helps out and the group is all but ready to go.
“Demi, you are up front, two guards behind her. The meat of the entourage behind them. Then two guards follow up and me and Talia will bring up the rear,” Chance says as everyone nods their heads and starts to get in formation.
The temperature does not go up much, barely hitting 50 degrees, and the wind is doing them no favors. Some spots of sun that everyone enjoyed but it was few and far between.
About 4 hours in they stop, get something to eat, drink and take a pee.
Talia approaches Chance, tugs on his arm, “who is the bitch? She looks like she is going to be an issue all trip,” she says giving the older woman the eye.
The Champion shrugs his shoulders, “just an old grizzly war veteran most likely, used to taking orders from the likes of your father,” he finishes, taking a bite of a ration, “not some young quarter-elf.”
“Bitch better back down or I,” she starts to say only to get interrupted by Chance.
He grabs her arm, “we will have enough to deal with, I am sure the time will come that I will put her in her place but as of now, it is not the time… or place really,” Chance says with some whip to it.
The party moves on and again stop for refreshments and bathroom duties after a good 4 hours.
Demi comes back annoyed, “we can start to cut across here, and it should save a couple hours off the trip” she says to Chance pointing at her map.
Chance glances at the map and sees there is literally nothing on the road, no town, no village. He shakes his head.
“I’d rather get to Orc Snout, and sleep there for the night,” he says, taking a drink of his waterskin afterwards, “better protection for the group.”
A look of surprise washes over the older woman’s face, “so a warm bed is more important than saving us time on our trip?”
A long pause as Chance finishes up his ration, looks at her calmly, “no, I said, it’s better protection for us. If you are going to put words in my mouth this trip at least make sure they are more pretty than that.”
Face flushing, she snaps the map back into her pouch and heads to the front in a huff. Talia who just jumped on her horse watches her with a smirk on her face, proud of her bro.
The group arrives in Orc Snout a little after 7:00 PM and after a short stint in front of the rock that looks like an Orc Snout they head in. Chance informs Huxley Grooms, the steward of the town that they will be staying overnight and a larger campsite will be just outside the town. The Steward was thrilled to see the party, and welcomed Chance, Talia and Demi to a nice dinner.
The majority of the group sets up camp on the outskirts of the village.
“Demi, make sure the group is situated and safe out there,” Chance says as he is walking towards the Inn called the Snarling Badger.
The woman turns, large eyes, “me? Why am I the one who has to go out to check on them?”
Talia goes to snark something back, but Chance stops her.
“Because I asked you too,” Chance says calmly as he slowly turns to the woman, “you are my second in command and I need reassurances that the people are set up and more importantly safe. Is that too much to ask of you?”
Stunned at the calmness and the clarity at which Chance spoke, with a reddening face, Demi turns and walks off to the encampment.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Talia says with a bit of whip to her voice, “since when are you all mister cool, calm and collective.”
Chance shrugs his shoulders and smiles… but in the back of his mind he is beginning to think something else is in play here.
The Champion gets himself, Demi and Talia a room. Pays for it, tells the Inn owner to hold the other key for Demi. Then he heads up to his room and ungears. Splashes some cold water on his face, and sighs a little; already missing his family.
He starts to dig through his bag when he sees a note, and a small vial of murky clear-like liquid. Furrying his brow he looks at the note. Instantly he knows it is Khamyra.
“Love, Do not be mad at me, but I know that you were worried about leading this group. To help, I gave you a little boost in your tea this morning (+2 INT, +2 WIS for 12 hours) to keep your head clear and your sword arm down. You might get a little dizzy tonight, so do not worry. Give this vial to your Black Ward member or Talia in case anything goes sideways and you need to get brought back from, you know. I miss you already. We will be waiting for your return with open arms and kisses. Love you, Khamyra.”
The note has a faint smell of the perfume Khamyra wears, and Chance brings it up to his face, closes his eyes and just breathes it in. He is brought back to the time out by the well on that perfect day with his beautiful wife and amazing kids. Takes a long shaky breath, catches himself from getting emotional and just smiles softly.
He puts the vial and the note back in the bag and heads down to meet up with Talia and Demi for dinner with Huxley.
Talia is waiting for Chance at the bottom when Demi walks in. She looks about the room and see’s Talia.
“Tell your buddy, that everything is secure in the camp, I think I might pass on dinner…” the older Black Ward member starts.
“Really? Whatever. I am glad, looking at your cranky ass for the whole time would ruin my appetite,” the young Witchblade barbs back interrupting.
Demi’s face starts to turn red and begins to respond when Chance makes his way to the bottom floor.
“Demi, get out of your armor, meet us at the Stewards house in five. The key to your room is at the front with the Inn Owner,” chance interrupting the soon to be sparring match.
She turns with an odd look on her face, “my room?” She says almost not believing him.
Nodding his head, walking towards Talia, “Yes, you are part of the group’s leadership, and you should be awarded the perks that go along with it.”
Befuddled, she nods and turns for the front desk, head down a bit.
The Champion and the Witchblade make it to Huxley’s house and gets invited in. A humble but very well kept abode, that had a wonderful smell of food when they walk in. The warmth of the fire he started for them was cozy. He introduces his wife and his oldest child and they begin to converse. They drink a bit of wine, nibble on an appetizer. Demi joins in, in a surprisingly nice outfit, better than Chance or Talia. The night goes on with good food, good drink and good conversations.
Towards the end of the night Chance is starting to feel dizzy, and decides it was time to head back anyways.
The three excuse themselves and head back towards the Badger (name of the Inn). They disperse to their rooms and fall fast asleep shortly after.
Turn Base Starts Here
Tuskalay (Tuesday) 7:00AM
DMaster: CRY:It’s 7:00 AM, looks to be a beautiful day in Orc Snout!
You wake up.
Chance: I wake up, climb out of bed and get my under armor clothes on. Then give my gear a once over and get in my armor. Grab the rest of my gear, make my way back downstairs and make sure breakfast is ordered.
DMaster: Talia is already at a table, drinking some tea.
TAL: Short tips! Morning
Chance: Chan: Good morning to you as well
giving her a big smile and sit down next to her, reaching into the bag I pull out the bottle Khamyra packed
DMaster: TAL: Breakfast should be here soon.
Demi makes her way down, geared up.
Chance: Chan: Talia, I need you to keep this in a safe spot, if you would, just in case
looking over as Demi makes her way down the stairs
Chan: Good morning Demi, hope you slept well
DMaster: She nods her head and sits at the table. Talia looks at the bottle, raises an eyebrow
TAL: Is this to make your willy bigger?
Chance: Chan: Really? no Talia, I mean really? I will explain to you later.
Smirking a bit at the little jab
Chan: let’s just enjoy breakfast before we have to head out
DMaster: Demi does everything in her power not to laugh. The waiter comes over with breakfast, eggs, sausage some hashbrowns. It looks and smells amazing.
TAL: Who knew a place called Orc snout would have this good a breakfast (munch munch)
Chance: nod my head and eat my food
Chan: Demi when we are finished with breakfast I want you and Talia to go make sure everyone is ready to leave. I want to take a moment to thank Huxley. He has been really good about everything.
DMaster: Demi nods her head and Talia gives you a look. Shrugs her shoulders.
Chance: then just go back to eating my breakfast and finish up by patting my belly.
DMaster: Talia gets up suddenly.
TAL: Come on Demi, lets go check on the camp.
Demi gives her an odd look, slowly stands up, not sure if following her directions is a good idea…
TAL: Unless you want to pay for breakfast
Demi shakes her head, snorts and they walk out quickly.
Chance: Chan: Nice. I will be with you both shortly.
I will pay for breakfast if it hasn’t been done, leave a small tip as well and make my way to find Huxley
DMaster: Walking out and down the main street, it is a beautiful day. Blue skies, a few clouds on the horizons, mild temps and just a slight breeze. It seems fairly busy, people living their everyday life. You walk by some older, but well kept homes, and make it in front of the Stewards abode, not much bigger than anyone else’s. He is outside his house watering flowers. Whistling a tune.
Chance: Chan: Good Morning to you Huxley, I just wanted to come thank you for the wonderful hospitality you have shown my group.
DMaster: He turns and smiles
HUX: Of course, always happy to welcome in Camerondales finest
Chance: Chan: well I will be sure to mention it to the King when we get back just how well we were treated
giving him a smile
DMaster: He gives you a surprised look and nods his head, smiles again.
HUX: Safe travels.
Looks to the sky
HUX: Looks to be a nice day to travel too.
Chance: Chan: Thank you, yes it is. I better get to my group.
DMaster: You two exchange handshakes, and he turns back to his flowers
Chance: Make my way towards the camp outside of town
DMaster: The group is all but ready to go. The last of the diggers are getting on the wagon. Demi pointing out a few things to others. Talia is on her horse by the stable looking over to Toby.
TAL: You went from not knowing how to ride a horse to having the nicest horse in the group in what a year or so? Except mine of course.
Chance: Chan: well, that’s debatable…
making sure my group is in the formation I said to be in before going to Toby
DMaster: They are getting in it; you will have to back-track about an hour to hit the main path branching off the road to head towards Hillside.
Chance: That suits me just fine. Give Toby a pat before I hop up in the saddle and look over at Talia.
Chan: let’s get this show back on the road
DMaster: The group heads back, finds the large trail and heads down it. Some of the fields to the left are seeing different areas of trees, and the right you start to see some hills and way-way in the distance a mountain or two. The group starts down the large trail, a far cry from the road. (rolls a 14) The trail turns larger and is decent. A few bumps here and there, but nothing bad. Some of the poor wagon riders might have a sore ass but it seems good. Nothing happens, a few deer run by, and that is about it. You stop to drink, nibble and pee pee
Chance: When we take our small break I pull Talia aside.
DMaster: Talia wide eyed, looks.
TAL: What up, bro?
Chance: Chan: so I guess you are wondering what that bottle is for?
DMaster: TAL: Need to keep it up eh? Hey, it happens to the best of them, you know.
She giggles.
TAL: I really want to know what Cassie was doing making a special visit to you yesterday… an interesting day on Sunday, really?
Chance: Shake head.
Chan: nope. it is in case you need to bring me out of my state when I am in champion form if I lose it, just a fail safe if my anger gets the best of me.
DMaster: Her eyes bulge a little
TAL: Oh your frenzy thing-a-ma-bob
She takes the bottle and puts it in a more secure pocket
Chance: Chan: yes exactly, we don’t have a beautiful Onyx Elf to bring me out of it
looking over at her and smile a bit
Chan: let’s hope it doesn’t come to a point where you even need to use that
DMaster: TAL: Me too, now in regards to Sunday?
She finishes her half ration giving you a look.
Chance: Chan: oh, Sunday? nope.
Walk to Toby, finish my ration, take a quick pee and mount.
DMaster: She curses a little, playfully. Everyone heads back out. It goes quicker than you thought and get there in a few hours (rolls a 20). You estimate it is about 2:00 PM. Now there is not a cloud in the sky about 65 degrees. You are riding in. To your right on the pathway that is leading North West; You can see about 150 feet off the path, about 20-25 people working on some sort of dig. Tents, wheelbarrows, and piles of dirt. Talia squeals a little seeing that. To the left is a combination of some open fields, a few patches of small wooded areas. About a quarter mile ahead is the base of a pretty large hill, against more hills and further back what seems smaller mountains. Nestled in there is a village or small town.
Chance: Chan: okay no need to squeal, we are all right here. Try and contain your excitement. Before we get to the dig site we should go to town and get everything set up.
Leading the entourage towards the town.
DMaster: DM: Condensing. A few guards see you and wave you over. They tell Chance to set up along the southern front of Hillside, and they will get someone named Henly. There is already a few empty tents and some supplies there waiting for them. Everyone jumps out and heads over there. Camerondale horses have their own make shift stable by the entrance apart from the normal stable. The Champion starts to bark orders, getting them to set up camp, getting tents up and organizing the supplies. Figure out an area where they can cook and eat, etc. You see this younger woman walk over with a few other people. Strawberry blonde hair, wide eyes, beautiful face, very thin and seems to be nervous and fidgety. She is looking over your group, scanning for the leader most likely.
Chance: Chan: Demi and Talia, you are with me for a moment
make my way over to this woman
DMaster: They both head your way. Her eyes get big and she is frantically looking past you, then back to you
WOM: I am looking for… Chance Axion?
Saying with a bit of trepidation. Talia is already giggling
Chance: Nudge Talia.
Chan: You have found him
Giving her a small smile
DMaster: She is just staring at you
WOM: Uh, ok.
Shoulders sag a little.
Chance: Frown at her, grit my teeth.
Chan: this is Demi my second in command and Talia, well she is… she is Talia.
DMaster: the strawberry blonde woman looks confused and a bit disappointed. Then nods at both of them. You can tell she is not thrilled seeing you as the lead.
HEN: My name is Henly, I am the foreman of this dig
She seems wound up tighter than a butthole in an anal beads factory.
Chance: Chan: Nice to meet you. Is there anything amiss?
DMaster: She shakes her head fast and looks over her shoulder.
HEN: They should be there by now, come, I have assembled the group. You can meet them.
Talia leans in and quietly says
TAL: She walks like someone put a pole arm up her ass
Chance: Give her a deliberate look, smirk. Nod my head and look back to Demi
Chan: Demi, I want you to go back to the group and continue finish getting things organized
DMaster: She stops and looks at you.
DEM: I think I should be with you on this…
Chance: Give her a look and shake my head.
DMaster: In a very disagreeable motion she shakes her head and heads back. Walking along a makeshift path along the front of Hillside, you reach the southeastern point of the town and there are more tents, they seem more permanent, better made and bigger than the ones you saw at the dig.
Chance: Just walking along not saying too much, taking all this in
DMaster: You get to a big tent, walk in and there is a large round table, with chairs. Some torches on the poles holding the tent up. People sitting, standing, drinking, eating, and talking
HEN: Everyone take a seat, please
as you look over everyone, you can tell right away she seems to have the same issues as you are having with authority. They glance at her and go back to what they are doing
Chance: Clear my throat.
Chan: Excuse me. Perhaps you didn’t hear what the lady said, she said take a seat
I let a little light beam out of my eyes
DMaster: They look a little harder and then notice the Black Ward symbol, and a few of them nod their head and walk for a seat. After the light show they stop and stare at you, shaking there head, like they didn’t think they saw it correctly. Talia nudges you,
TAL: Chance… probably not the time for that. Just saying.
Chance: Nudge her back and lean in
Chan: it got their attention didn’t it?
DMaster: Henly nods to you, as to say thank you.
HEN: Sorry to interrupt your day. I just wanted to introduce our guests.
She looks to you, nods her head
Chance: nod my head at Henly
Chan: I am Chance Axion of the Black Ward, I will be leading up most of the security for the rest of this endeavour.
looking this group over
DMaster: The dwarven man raises an eyebrow and mumbles something about “wondering if Obyren knows about this.”
TAL: I’m Talia Stotz, I’m well… here because I Know the most about the Roundel than anyone else in Camerondale, apparently
An older woman is giving her a “oh honey, sure you do” look. Henly looks around.
HEN: Where is your second in command?
Chance: Chan: Back at the camp situating everything.
DMaster: The younger thin woman leans in.
HEN: Uh, she should probably be here. But anyways.
Talia giggles.
HEN: Everyone, want to introduce yourself?
* A older lady, average build, looks to be about 40-45 years old, greying hair and a very cheery face. She looks up from some papers
GRA: I am Gracelynn, the professor for the dig. Leading the scribes as needed.
* A dwarf stands up looks you over, rusty hair and beard. Very dirty. Stands about 4’11” tall. Stout and built like a brick shit house. Not sure how old, but you would guess middle aged.
DWO: (burp) Dwonstin Caskhead, lead digger for the excavation.
Wipes down his shirt and some dust flies much to everyone’s disapproval. Then sits heavily back down in his chair.
* A human man, scruffy and has a skeezy look about him, stands and smiles. Can’t be more than 25 years old, beyond a 5 oclock shadow, stands about 5’10” and a decent build.
LECH: Lechter, and I am not sure what I am.
He laughs nervously, and looks over the group.
LECH: I am taking care of everything else, I guess Jack of all trades?
* Henly looks over everyone and fakes a smile.
HEN: I am Henly Graber. Foreman for this project. You will report to me for everything, understood?
Chance: Nod head to her.
DMaster: Suddenly the tent flaps open and in barges a man in serious armor, breast plate and hard leather. Perfect hair, well shaven and well built. Looks very familiar.
OBY: And I am Obyren, and your worst nightmare.
Giving you a growing smile.
Chance: Look, smirk and shake my head.
DMaster: He walks to you and gives you a hearty warriors hand shake.
HEN: Oh dear, is the Princess in town already?
OBY: Sure is. She is getting set up in the Town Hall
HEN: Ok, everyone get ready, Dwonstin, please clean up… Lechtor can you…
She is in a panic mode. No one is listening to her. Everyone chuckles a bit, roll their eyes, it must be a common occurrence. Obyren gives Talia a smile and nod.
TAL: So how is Jennilese?
The Witch Blade says trying to break the awkwardness. Knowing they didn’t really get along last time. Obyren gets a big smile
OBY: She is great. Thanks.
Henly is trying to organize the table, and the shelves in the tent.
Chance: will let Talia and Obyren chat together and make my way over to Henley
DMaster: HEN: Ok, so yeah. Be on your best behavior, she will want reports, status and progress
She says to no one listening.
Chance: Chan: take a deep breath for a second will you Henly?
DMaster: She does not get a chance to respond. Suddenly the tent flaps open up
Chance: Turn towards the opening
DMaster: Everyone seeing the Princess, they all stand and go to a knee or bow
AZA: Where is that scoundrel?
Big smile on her face
Chance: a big smile goes to my face
DMaster: She races for you and slams into you with a huge hug. You twirl her around a bit.
Chance: Chan: it is good to see you, Azatina.
DMaster: She looks up to you and smiles big.
HEN: Uh, no, you address her as Princess, Chance.
Chance: Give Henly a look and smile,
Chan: No, she will always be Azatina to me. Or maybe (quietly) Brim.
Give the Princess another look.
DMaster: She smiles and shakes her head playfully.
AZA: And if he didn’t, I’d have his ass in a sling.
Chance: Look down at her, smile again.
Chan: I don’t know why, but I always forget how beautiful you are
Quietly saying that.
DMaster: She starts to blush. Then looks around the tent, steps back and smiles.
AZA: Afternoon everyone
She says almost embarrassed. Everyone is just mouth open staring at you two. Even Talia and Obyren
Chance: I straighten up, back up a bit and bow alittle to Azatina to keep up appearances, seeing how everyone is reacting.
DMaster: The Princess glances over and giggles, says softly.
AZA: Yeah that shipped sailed, you goof.
HEN: Ummm, your grace, we were just getting everyone acquainted.
Azatina nods, and glances at you playfully
AZA: My name is Princess Azatina.
she waves, the tent has a few chuckles and smiles
Chance: Chan: it is good to see you again, how have you been since we last saw each other?
DMaster: She smiles
AZA: Busier than a three legged goat trying to eat grass on the side of a hill
Everyone furries their brow
AZA: I won’t hold you guys up
She looks to you again
Chance: nod my head and smile at her
DMaster: AZA: Dinner, just you and me tonight. Go to the town hall around 6 PM ok?
Talia has that look, and Obyren is almost blushing looking away.
Chance: Chan: I wouldn’t miss it
DMaster: She is leaving and everyone is bowing and such, out she goes. Obyren gives you a long odd look, smirks and walks after her trying to speak with her.
Chance: Make my way over to Talia, seeing that look
DMaster: HEN: Well, umm, ok. She didn’t even ask how things were going, jeesh… dammit.
The foreman still looks worried and disappointed.
HEN: I guess back to work, all of you. I was going to walk you two around the dig site now. As much as we can anyways.
The group is walking out of the tent, heading back to work.
TAL: As much as you can?
HEN: Yeah, for security reasons, we can’t get too close to the roundel
Chance: Chan: and I am guessing that’s where some of us fit in
DMaster: HEN: Yes. A guard went missing about a week ago, and now a digger has gone missing just yesterday.
TAL: This a common occurrence around here?
HEN: No No. But guards do take off from time to time, stress of the job… but now that a digger is missing too, we think there is something else at work here.
Chance: Chan: of course digging things up always reveals things that should sometime be better left off buried
DMaster: TAL: You don’t say?
She nudges you
Chance: Nudge her back and just smirk
Chan: I just did, so lead on Henley and show us the dig site
DMaster: HEN: Tomorrow you will get the full tour including the Roundel with security reports from our Captain. Or well, you know him apparently, Obyren.
She leads you out and about 15 feet up the path is Azatina, Obyren and some other person. An argument is happening.
Chance: Stand my ground.
Chan: Hold up.
Keep an eye on them for a moment.
DMaster: What appears to be an elf, huge beautiful eyes, long perfect hair, and looks well, gorgeous, gives you a furrowed brow look. That makes Azatina glance over.
AZA: Chance, hun, come over here
Talia scoffs a bit.
TAL: Hun? (quietly)
Henly is all flustered again
Chance: Chan: not now Talia
Feeling my face flush a bit I will make my way over to Azatina and the others
DMaster: You walk up to Obyren and Azatina. This elf, perfect skin, beaming eyes and symbol on her forehead looks to you
AZA: This is Inasatra. My, well, protection for as long as I am here. Courtesy of my father
She says begrudgingly
Chance: Chan: well I am not sure you need it, Azatina but I would prefer you have as much protection as possible.
Look to the Elf.
Chan: nice to meet you, Inasatra
DMaster: She barely glances at you. This Eldengleen, as you assume, has this fantastical armor, some metal, some leather. Has weapons all over her.
AZA: Ok. Look forward to tonight Chance
DM: Condensing. Talia was wondering who the hotty elf was. The mention that she was Eldengleen makes both woman stop and look back. It is around 4:00 PM and you tour the dig site. It is pretty open for hundreds of feet, it would be near impossible for anything to make a run at them without them seeing it. Chance goes over guard positions, etc in his head. You guys make the rounds, she points out a few things they discovered and Talia was in heaven. Just that the buildings were a bit strange, windows were these long horizontal thin things, doorways usually dipped below the ground. Chance is more interested in the positioning of the guards than anything else. But at the roundel, from what you can see; it what appears to be about 5-7 feet – fencing or railings and looks like steel bars going in a giant circle encompassing the huge structure.
Chance: finish off the tour and make my way back to camp
DMaster: You reach the “work” tents and head inside. Henly is starting to look for a map you can have, when the tent flaps open. In walks a woman and a young boy. Talia whips around, a little spooked. Henly turns and frowns.
HEN: Yanmiir, you have to get with the guards!
The woman is frantic, red eyes, looks exhausted and is holding her son close to her side.
YAN: They won’t tell me anything, he has been missing for 2 days now! I don’t see you guys doing anything!
Chance: Chan: the missing person is your husband?
DMaster: She nods her head. The kid looks like he has been crying. Talia’s eyes bulge a little seeing them, she grits her teeth. Henly sticks her head out.
HEN: Guards, please can you help her?!
Chance: my shoulder sag a bit seeing the state the mother and boy are in. I will lean down towards the boy with a lot of sadness on my face. Remain calm so as to not make the situation any worse.
Chan: what is your name?
looking at the boy
DMaster: BOY: Thomas, sir, mister
He seems a bit intimidated by you. A few guards are heading over
Chance: Chan: you can call me Chance.
giving him a smile
DMaster: He is hiding behind his mom a bit. The guards come in.
GUARD: Come on, come on, we told you we are doing everything we can
They grab the woman and the kid
YAN: Everything you can do? I haven’t heard anything and I don’t see anyone looking and…
GUARD: Come on, lets go
He pushes her forward
HEN: Such unsavory manners, her just running in here…
Talia is ready to burst, her hand was ready for her dagger.
TAL: Unacceptable…
Chance: shaking my head seeing this all transpire before my eyes
Chan: we will let you get back to things. Get me the map tomorrow ok? I need to go over things with my second in command, thank you for the tour.
DMaster: She turns, smiles and nods her head
HEN: You must report at 8AM. In this tent
she then heads back into the main tent.
Chance: Chan: I will see it done
As we are walking away still shaking my head
Chan: come Talia, my heart breaks for them both, especially that boy
DMaster: Looking around, you see Talia already halfway to the camp with one hell of a head of steam.
Chance: Chan: Shit.
Start heading towards the camp quickly.
DMaster: You reach her, she is grabbing her pole arm, some daggers. Also grabbing for her good Ironbark armor.
Chance: Grab her arm.
Chan: Talia!
DMaster: She whirls around
TAL: I am going to go look. To think there is someone missing… someones husband, someones father out there…
Her face is red and her jaw clenched.
Chance: Chan: No. Ain’t happening.
DMaster: You get a look that tears through you.
TAL: Uh, yes it is.
Chance: Chan: damn it Talia! don’t put me in this position. Your father would have my head if anything happened to you
DMaster: She pushes you.
TAL: How dare you say that! What is wrong with you?
Chance: Give her an odd look, and stand my ground.
DMaster: TAL: What happened if I went missing? Khamyra? Or… your… I am not even going to say it. You would lose your shit and rip Legon a new one until you found them.
Chance: Clench my jaw, look down, knowing she is right.
Chan: But Talia.
DMaster: After a few spars back and forth, Talia getting more insubordinate by the minute.
Chance: Chan: TALIA! Goddammit. Will you just settle down for one flippin second!
DMaster: She is just glaring at you.
Chance: Chan: Let’s get Obyren over here and he can help out, OK?
DMaster: Talia’s eyes thin and she is giving you a curious look.
TAL: Either you are planning something or you really want to help.
Chance: Shake head and call for Obyren.
DMaster: She grabs a paper, looking at what appears to be a crude map of the Roundel. After a few minutes Obyren comes out. The captain looks at you as you are flushed and stressed, then he looks at Talia, who is impatient and flushed. Then gives you a look that, honestly made you want to burst out laughing. Like he now thinks of you as the “Plugr” in the situation.
OBY: What can I do for you?
Chance: Tell him what we want to do.
DMaster: You get two words out before Talia interrupts.
Chance: Roll eyes and grunt.
DMaster: TAL: We are going to look for the missing man. That digger guy.
Obyren looks the two of you over, and tilts his head a bit towards Talia.
OBY: Where do you suppose we look?
TAL: The Roundel, where else would he be?
He smiles, steps forward and looks directly into her eyes.
OBY: Talia. You take one foot into that hole and I will…
Interrupting, of course.
TAL: Listen, I wasn’t going to really use this “card” but I am not part of the “camerondale” entourage, OK? I am here on my own free will. If I want to go there, I will go there…
Chance: Slap forehead, and keep looking on.
DMaster: Obyren, has his lips pursed, looking a little past the young Witchblade.
OBY: First off, I am not your father…
She goes to interrupt again, but he stops her with a death glare.
OBY: First off, I am not your father. You will pay me respect and listen to me. Secondly, I am not with Camerondale. I am the Captain of the guards for the entire Realm of Magus Orion, understand. That means you are under MY rule, MY laws. I say no one goes in, and if you even step a pinky toe in there I will have you slapped with some really nice thick bracelets looking out a dungeon cell. Do you understand me?
Chance: Eyes wide, small smile, hiding it from her.
DMaster: She turns a bit, red faced, pondering.
OBY: I did not hear you Talia, Do you understand me?
By then Demi has made her way over, curious as to what was happening.
TAL: Yes. It is like I am the only one who gives a shit!
Chance: Chan: Talia, he means it.
DMaster: DEMI: Uh, what’s going on?
Getting largely ignored, the Black Ward member kind of throws her hands up in the air.
TAL: We can still walk around it right? Or will you bring the Magus Orion army down on me?
Giving Obyren a nasty look.
OBY: If that is what it takes to keep you in your place, then yes.
Talia just shakes her head, crosses her arms.
DEMI: We are going to the Roundel?
Chance: Chan: she wants to go looking for missing people.
gritting my teeth
DMaster: DEMI: You mean the guard that went missing over a week ago?
TAL: No, the boys father, who went missing a day or two ago that no one seems to give a shit about.
Gives the woman a look, hoping she sides with her.
TAL: Yeah, another one missing. That makes two.
Chance: Chan: damn it Talia enough already
DMaster: Demi looks you over, and Obyren; wondering why this is such an issue.
OBY: I was going to wait until tomorrow to lead you on a tour of the perimeter of the Roundel but might as well do it now. By the way Talia, what is his name, the guy who is missing?
She looks at him, and shakes her head with a shoulder shrug. Obyren scoffs while walking a bit towards her, leans down, growls a bit.
OBY: We scoured this area, in and out of the town for over 36 hours straight; including all around the roundel. We had to pause a moment, so people could actually get some rest.
Pausing a moment and continuing.
OBY: His name is Miseal. Miseal Kondiless. His wife’s name is Yandiir, kids name is Thomas. Miseal took the job because it paid very well and he wanted a better life for his family. He is originally from the Village of Dappo about a horse ride west of here. If you ever think that I don’t care for my people… I will send your ass home so fast your boots will take another 2 days to meet back up with you. Got it?
Talia, seems to drop her shoulders and she nods her head.
OBY: There is something not right down there. If for whatever reason he is down there, very little chance he lives. But we can take a good look around the perimeter.
TAL: Alright…
Chance: Chan: Demi, gear up. We are going to walk the perimeter.
DMaster: She still has wide eyes and she goes to get her weapons
OBY: It’s kind of a long walk, it is pretty big
TAL: I know it is 1,120 feet in circumference, rumored to be about 150 feet deep, and has magical waters at the bottom.
OBY: We will just keep that rumor, a rumor, ok?
Chance: just shake my head
DMaster: Demi walks over with her great sword strapped to her back
OBY: Let’s go.
He waves on two more guards to follow.
Chance: Chan: Azatina is going to have my ass in chains if I fail to show up for dinner. damn, this is so not what I signed up for
DMaster: Obyren laughs
OBY: Yes it was Chance, it so very was. Welcome to the ever so lovely world of leadership
You guys walk past the tents, and you can see the diggers are done. They are washing off and talking by the work tents.
Chance: Chan: now I know what you went through dealing with me
kind of smirking
DMaster: He puts his arm around you and leans in, talks softly.
OBY: I would of taken you everyday and twice on starlay my friend
glances over to Talia
Chance: Chan: I don’t even know how to respond to that, but I suppose we better do this or she is never going to let it go.
glancing over to Talia
Chan: I can see now why they get into so many arguments
DMaster: You notice Talia is quieter now, a bit more reserved. What Obyren said seems to be sinking in. You get to the Roundel, looks like 5-7 feet from the ground is a railing of sorts with wires in between, DM: It almost reminds you of a prison barb wire. Talia stops, takes her dual pole arm and jams it into the ground
TAL: Hold up, let me get a feel for the area.
She gets on her knees, puts her hands on the ground
OBY: Oh, what now?
He is turning around
Chance: Chan: she is a witchblade, communing with nature is kind of her thing.
DMaster: Her head flings back. Her eyes white as chicken eggs. she shutters a bit, Demi backs up seeing her face flushing and her eyes blank.
OBY: Oh lovely
The Captain says quietly. Talia gasps a bit. Takes a moment and stands up. Grabs her pole arm
Chance: Chan: and just what did you get from that?
DMaster: She is shaking her head
TAL: Nothing, absolutely nothing
Looks at you
TAL: I’ve never NOT got anything from that cantrip
She seems out of sorts now, in deeper thought.
Chance: Chan: just grand, here we go, she is going to wanna go in.
DMaster: She shakes her head.
TAL: No. I don’t, more now than ever. I mean, nothing. All around, it generally goes a few hundred feet out and I felt absolutely nothing. The Roundel is the same too. Usually I get something, a tree, a bush, underground rodents, even people. I couldn’t even sense you standing next to me. It was just… empty.
OBY: Like Chances head
She looks at him, a smile forms
TAL: Yeah kind of like that
He nods to her
Chance: Shake head getting more frustrated.
Chan: yeah a fucking laugh riot.
sigh a bit
DMaster: Demi doing everything she can to not laugh. You guys walk to where the entrance to the roundel would be, now packed solid with dirt and sediment.
TAL: Don’t freak out, I just want to look over
Obyren nods points to everyone
OBY: Might as well take a look, it would be hard for you guys to fall in, with the odd barbed wire and railings. BTW, it was there to begin with.
Chance: Chan: at this point yeah, cause why the hell not
DMaster: Looking over, it is massive. You can’t see the bottom, not even with dark vision. It looks like there are levels, like a hotel, all the way down inside this circular hole. It is now in great disrepair, railings, you can make out what you think is doors on the wall sections. Talia is tapping the railing, looking at it
TAL: This feels cold
Obyren nods his head
Chance: I pull out Silent Fate as we are walking around
DMaster: OBY: Yeah, we noticed that too, it’s made of a metal we can’t identify
Demi looks over
DEM: Wow, this is one hell of a wishing well
Chance: Chan: not the kind of wishing well I want. Where people go missing and it being empty of life.
DMaster: Talia grabs some dirt and closes her eyes. (DM: she rolls a 25 perception) Looks at the dirt. Nothing happens. The Witchblade sighs. She walks a good 100 feet away. Tries again and out sprouts a little weed. Obyren raises an eyebrow, after squinting to see.
OBY: OK. That was interesting
Talia heads back dropping the dirt.
TAL: I am guessing this area is a magic suppression of sorts
She glances at you, pursed mouth.
TAL: Change over Chance, I wonder if you can
Chance: I will nod and see if I can
DMaster: With ease, you burst into light, eyes beaming. Demi backpedals and stumbles falls on her ass
DEM: What the fuck is this???
She instantly grabs the back of her neck, making a hissing sound.
Chance: Chan: Talia, my abilities are god given not magic
Glance to Demi.
DMaster: Talia nods in understanding. Watching Demi, Obyren lets out a loud laugh.
Chance: Chan: Demi, didn’t they tell you who you were going with?
DMaster: DEM: Uh, yeah
She is getting up staring at you, wincing a bit with pain. Then slowly look you over, her eyes widening.
DEM: They said you were the Champion and I just thought it was that silly title the King gave you…
Obyren smirks at that comment, then begins to look at you. Talia is still in deep thought.
OBY: Interesting… I heard about it, but to see it… impressive.
Talia is smirking a bit now.
Chance: Chan: Champion of the Court but I am also the Champion of Finster
DMaster: Her eyes bulge, as everything clicks once you said that.
DEM: Oh my god…
She goes to one knee
DEM: M’Lord
Talia and Obyren both look and have wide eyes.
Chance: Walk over to her and put my hands on her shoulder and lift her up
DMaster: She turns and moves her hair and the symbol is just beaming off her, a slight wince.
DEM: I apologize for my manners, M’Lord
Chance: Get her to look at me.
Chan: No bowing, no kneeling and for Finster’s sake, call me Chance.
Make sure she understands that.
Chan: now before you wince anymore let me change back & I turn back to my normal state
DMaster: She nods, looks ashamed a bit. Talia looks back to the sun that is heading further down
OBY: Yeah, I think we wasted enough time, we need to high tail it if we want to make it all the way around. Or, we can put this off until tomorrow, I have a 8 guard patrol rounding this place in 15 minutes. They are on a 2 hour patrol schedule.
Meanwhile the two guards with you are absolutely baffled to what was going on, they are a good 30 feet off.
Chance: Chan: yes let’s get a move on. We know one thing, magic is going to be a no deal, this close.
I look to see if Silent Fate is being affected
DMaster: Not that you can tell, it has a orange hue to it still. Talia looks everyone over.
TAL: Maybe we should wait until tomorrow.
She says quietly, and she looks very conflicted.
TAL: Between my cantrip failing, and Obyren having guards patrolling, I guess it doesn’t make much sense. Plus I think Demi has to change her panties.
DEMI: What now? My panties?
Obyren laughs and points back to the village.
Chance: Chan: only you Talia.
DMaster: As you turn to leave, you then hear a noise emanate from the roundel. At first it was hard to comprehend, it was echoing through out. But eventually you think it is a loud growl.
Talia’s eyes bulge and she backs up
TAL: OK. What was that?
She looks to Obyren who looked the same as the rest of you, wide eyed and freaked.
Chance: Chan: everyone get back now
I instantly change back over to champion form as we are backing up
DMaster: OBY: Thats new, never heard that before!
After a few minutes, it gets quiet again.
TAL: Wonder if my magic or… lantern boy here is getting somethings attention?
Chance: Chan: well one way to find out, everyone back up a bit
DMaster: Obyren and Demi both have their weapons drawn
OBY: Lets not Chance. If we are poking the bear, let’s be better prepared, eh?
Chance: I walk closer to the railings, stop and look back.
Chan: Yeah, that makes sense.
backing up away from the railing, slowly
Chan: whatever is down there sounds, big, not sure how big, but big.
DMaster: TAL: Yeah, big, we got it.
OBY: OK, we overstayed our welcome, let’s get out of here
TAL: I second that.
Demi rolls her eyes a bit, heading back.
DEM: Yeah, I’m going to sleep real sound tonight
Saying sarcastically.
Chance: Chan: lets back up out of here slowly
I will keep everyone behind me as we back up
DMaster: You all leave, sheathing your sword. Two of the guards with you walk over.
GUARD: Captain? What is going on…
Chance: I am still in champion form look over to the guards
DMaster: They are just staring at you
OBY: OK, Chance, I think you can dose the flames
Chance: Chan: Sorry, yes.
smiling, I change back over to normal
DMaster: OBY: We are fine, but double the patrol along the rim alright? Do not linger either, make the patrols quick.
They nod their heads. It’s about 5:30 PM
Chance: Chan: yes we need to get back to camp anyways. Demi, please set up a rotation of guards at the camp to keep watch in four hour intervals
DMaster: She is giving you a glossy stare, a bit thrown with everything that was happening.
DEM: M’Lord, the Hillside guards will patrol and guard for us. But I will coordinate with them and ours to do it the best. She nods even bows a bit. Talia rolls her eyes and walks past.
Chance: Chan: Good. Good.
Grab Demi.
Chan: and for the love of Finster, would you quit bowing to me. I already told you I don’t stand on tradition. And, call me Chance. Got it?
DMaster: She nods, still a bit wide eyed.
Chance: Shaking my head I walk back to camp, get out of my Black Ward armor and change my clothes. Find something decent that Khamyra packed and get into that. Keeping silent fate strapped to my side. Find Talia.
DMaster: You look what you packed and frown, but at the bottom of your saddle bag is a really nice outfit. With the Black Ward symbol embroidered on it. All black, a few high lights of silver. She must of picked it out. You get changed. Talia is by her horse, in deep thought brushing it.
Chance: Chan: Talia, lets have a quick conversation shall we?
DMaster: She glances over and nods. You two make it to an open area. The wind picking up a bit, the air getting a little more brisk.
Chance: Chan: I know me telling you want to do is like bouncing steel ingots against a brick wall, but we can’t have what happened here today happen again. We just can’t.
Say this, looking down, rubbing my temples.
DMaster: She is quiet, hands folded in front looking down. She does seem to be nodding.
Chance: Chan: I need you.
DMaster: Talia glances up, a little surprised.
Chance: Chan: I have no problems with disagreements. When you have them with me, please, please, bite your tongue. After whoever we are around leaves, come to me. Talk to me. OK? We can figure anything out then.
DMaster: After a moment she softly smiles and nods her head.
TAL: Yeah, I can be a bit much. I seen the look on Obyren’s face earlier, and I was embarrassed.
Chance: Lift her chin and smile.
Chan: Not only are you like a sister to me, I value your opinion and count on your counsel. Let’s just have a united front for everyone to see. When we are alone we can then throw the smack.
DMaster: She chuckles and leans in to get a hug from you.
TAL: You sound so old Chance. I miss the rambling man, who gets stuck in the gut with pole arms and I can make fun of his short tips.
Chance: Laugh a little, kiss the top of her head. Get a big smile and go check on Demi.
Chan: Demi, report guards in rotating duty
DMaster: She looks and she stiffens up right away.
DEMI: one on each side, in tandem with the hillside guards.
Chance: Chan: good, good, you are in charge while I am gone. If anything should arise send a guard to get me
put my hand on her shoulder
Chan: I am counting on you to follow my orders
DMaster: She nods and unfortunately bows a bit. You see the fire in the middle of the camp, people are eating, relaxing a bit and its getting a tad chilly now.
Chance: smile and make my way towards town hall. Letting my thoughts drift to Khamyra and the kids as I walk
DMaster: The guards allow you in and you head down the main street. You see the tallest building, made of stone; a good 4-5 stories. It has to be the town hall. The guards at the entrance allow you in, expected. You go down a large flight of stairs into what looks like a throne or court room. A servant sees you and points you to the double doors across the room. You see the Eldergleen elf sitting at a table, looking to be nibbling on some food. She gives you a fleeting glance and goes back to her food. You go through the doors and into a short hallway leading into a dining room. Azatina is leaning against the table, she glances over.
AZA: Chance!
She walks over and gives you another hug
Chance: Chan: as per your request, Azatina, I am here
give her a small hug
DMaster: AZA: Request, really this is how we are doing it? I would of hoped you wanted to visit with me, not forced by the word of the Princess.
She points to your seat
Chance: Chan: Of course I do.
Sigh, sink my shoulders.
Chan: Sorry, being in charge of things has made me see things in a different light
DMaster: AZA: You don’t say, really?
She says in a chuckle, giving you a “really” look.
Chance: Chan: its one thing to be following someone but when people are counting on you to keep them safe…
Smirking a bit
DMaster: AZA: uh Chance…
She laughs
AZA: Preaching to the choir, try dealing with an entire Kingdom, with a dying father, a mother who doesn’t give a shit, a brother who cares more for getting poon and a younger brother who has no interest in leading…
She stops, blushes a bit from gushing.
Chance: Chan: I can relate. Try being the figurehead of a whole religion, and temper the evil tendencies of, well, everyone and try and guide them to a more… well…
smiling even bigger, chuckle
Chan: Sorry, yeah, preaching to the choir.
DMaster: They serve the food and it is excellent. The Eldengleen shows up, peers in.
AZA: Ina, come come, have something to eat. I’d rather you do that instead of creeping around all night.
Chance: Keep glancing in her direction every now and then, as I am eating
DMaster: INA: I have already ate, M’Lady. I will just check back in later.
She seems annoyed by you and you two match eyes. Speaking in elf dialect.
INA: Is there a problem Black Ward? (e)
Her voice is so smooth, similar to Fey’s – but antagonistic.
Chance: Knowing this won’t end until I whip out the proverbial flopper and get it over with. Stop eating, drop the fork on the plate and slowly look to her.
Chan: Do you want a problem, elf? (e)
DMaster: Azatina’s eyes light up, and looks to the both of you. She apparently does not know the elf language. The elf with big greenish eyes scoffs, walks out and closes the door.
Chance: Shake head and pick my fork back up.
DMaster: AZA: What was that? What did she say to you… and damn Chance what did you say back?
She says, now staring at you.
Chance: Chan: long and short of it, it was a pissing contest. And, probably not the last one either.
Start eating again.
DMaster: She sighs and shakes her head.
AZA: She has an attitude. My father helped her clan a while ago, and for payment I now have a personal guard.
Chance: Chan: Hmmm, what Clan?
DMaster: AZA: Vaalyun. It is a remote one, close to the Straka forest. Too close apparently, they were under siege when the Witch War was on, the beasts in the forest all riled up. My horn-ball brother was sticking it to one of the elves. He brought in reinforcements and helped fended off the attacks and also helped them build better defenses.
She shakes her head.
AZA: Like we have time and money to be doing that shit. But it did probably save a lot of lives, so that is good. But, that clan has more eldergleen elves than all the others combined.
As she is finishing her food, she chuckles.
AZA: She probably drew the short straw with this assignment. But, you probably know her cousin, or some relation. They all sleep with each other, a family thing; it keeps the blood pure I guess.
Chance: Cringe a bit.
Chan: Who is her Cousin?
DMaster: AZA: That new Guardian for Animax? Have you met her?
Chance: Laugh out loud.
Chan: You can say that.
DMaster: She gives you a look, raises an eyebrow.
Chance: Chan: We have had a few encounters, the last one she was launched 40 feet in the air by a raging Ogre Beast, known as a battering ram for attacking giants and ogres.
Think a minute, remembering.
Chan: She flies pretty good threw the air…
DMaster: AZA: Is she ok?
Giving you wide eyes.
Chance: Nod.
Chan: I kind of almost choked her to death too…
Chuckle
DMaster: Now the Princesses eyes are wide as they can be.
AZA: That’s funny? Choking someone?
Chance: Nod my head.
Chan: When it is that twerp, it is.
DMaster: The door opens and Inasatra walks in and looks over you two.
AZA: We are fine, Inasatra, what do you expect is going to happen in here?
The Elf is staring at you for a moment, shakes her head.
Chance: Chan: Do you want to get this out of the way? Go toe to toe? (e)
DMaster: She stands there, stoic and shakes her head.
Chance: Chan: Like your cousin perhaps? Naya’il? (e)
DMaster: Azatina recognized him saying the name and and Inasatra gives you a look.
INA: Excuse you?
Saying in common dialect.
Chance: Chan: My counterpart in this world, the Guardian. We have met a few times. Pains me to say it, we are on the same team right now.
DMaster: INA: Oh, have you? Same team?
Giving you a look like she doesn’t believe you.
Chance: Look down, let my eyes beam a little light and look back to her.
DMaster: She backs up and for the first time you see her stoic look break, she unsheathes a gorgeous scimitar blade.
INA: Counterpart? You, you… are the Champion of Finster?
Chance: Nod head, put my eyes back to normal.
DMaster: The elf looks to Azatina, huge eyes and in disbelief.
INA: You associate with this evil, evil filth?
Chance: Laugh out loud. Smile.
DMaster: AZA: That is enough Inasatra. You are dismissed for the night.
Giving her a fleeting look.
INA: I hope my cousin taught you a lesson then.
She says sheathing her sword.
Chance: Chan: If you mean her dangling from my hand getting the life choked out of her, then yes. Lesson learned.
DMaster: Her eyes turn to slits, face flushing.
INA: Rubbish.
Chance: Chuckle and shake head.
Chan: No. Won’t even talk to you about a battering Ogre making her a sporting ball.
DMaster: Inasatra stops, and stands a bit straighter. Looks down.
Chance: Chan: Ahh heard of that event, eh? We all have our growing pains. Luckily in that battle, we had my wife Khamyra, the Warlock. Me and her, with the Baroness took care of the giants. It was a brutal battle.
DMaster: The beautiful elf is just standing there, red faced.
AZA: I spoke, you will listen. Please. take your leave before I get angry.
Without acknowledgement, she twirls around and walks out, slamming the door behind her. You two continue to trade stories and little inside jokes. Also talk about things happening with each other.
AZA: I realized today I might be a bit to “cozy” with you. I didn’t even realize it.
Chance: Chuckle.
Chan: Quite ok, I enjoy it.
DMaster: She smiles.
AZA: It is just when I am stressed out, or scared or, whatever. My thoughts seem to drift towards you. It makes me feel better, makes me feel… safe. I guess it just has manifested it’s way to our face to face relationship.
Chance: Finish eating and give her a warm smile.
DMaster: She scoffs a bit, smiles and nods her head.
AZA: So I should probably bring you up to speed with what is going on with Magus Orion.
Chance: Wipe my mouth, lean back a bit. Take a drink of whatever is in my mug.
DMaster: AZA: This is as secret as secret can be Chance. OK? Very important you won’t say anything.
Chance: Nod head, and smile.
DMaster: She stops, and is looking down at the table, in deep thought. Swallows hard
AZA: My father passed away last week, but no one knows it yet.
Chance: Look at her, wide eyed.
Chan: Azatina, I am so sorry.
DMaster: She nods her head, and you can tell she is swallowing her tears right now.
AZA: The problem we are having… there is no one available to take the crown. my older brother is gone. Out galivanting around like he always does. But we can’t find him. We have sent out riders to find him but they have not reported back yet, or came back empty handed.
The Princess sighs, pushing her hair, part of it red, out of her face.
AZA: So it now falls to me. My mother is too old to accept the crown, and my younger brother doesn’t want anything to do with it. And between you and me, he is a dullwit, I wouldn’t want him on the throne.
Chance: Nod my head, reach over and take her hand.
Chan: That is terrible. Is there anything I can do?
DMaster: She takes your hand in her hand as well.
AZA: Right now, no. If we do not hear back from my brother by weeks end, we will have to make the announcement of the passing of my father, and that I am ascending to the throne.
Shaking her head she scoffs a bit.
AZA: I really don’t think my brother will care. As long as he keeps getting his dick wet and gets drunk. But if I do ascend, and he comes back…
Chance: Chan:…wanting the throne. Can’t you just let him have it?
DMaster: AZA: I guess. But there are bylaws and such. Tons of red tape and the fact, in some ways I would have to relinquish my association with my family to do so. Guess they wanted to make sure people were doing the right thing.
She releases your hand and she huffs a bit.
AZA: Always confusing.
Chance: Chan: Sounds like it.
DMaster: AZA: I am calling on Bozzy for support if things get dicey. But anyways… this is just between us ok?
Chance: Chan: Of course. Always.
DMaster: She then stands, knocks on the table twice and some servants come in to start cleaning up. She takes one.
AZA: Please show Chance here where he will bunk for the remainder of his stay, along with his 2nd in command and, that Talia girl?
She glances over to you.
Chance: Nod head and smile.
DMaster: AZA: I will talk with you tomorrow. Thank you for coming.
She wanted to give you a hug, but with the servants she thinks twice. Leaves.
Chance: Chan: You are very welcome. I will talk with you then.
Straighten myself up and make my way out of town hall, then back to camp
DMaster: You get there and its pretty quiet. The guards are doing their duty, fire is smaller but still going. Talia is looking over some parchments and a map.
Chance: Chan: hey grab your stuff Talia
DMaster: She glances up
TAL: huh?
Chance: Chan: we have rooms at town hall for our stay. Courtesy of Azatina
DMaster: Her eyes light up
TAL: Guess your little flirting has it’s advantages, mum’s the word with Khamyra. I was not looking forward to sleeping out here, anyways.
Chance: Give her a look.
Chan: We were not flirting. We are just close.
DMaster: She nods her head as she is gathering her things.
TAL: I gotcha bro, staring at those perfect cans all the time would make anyone close.
Chance: Shake head.
Chan: get packed up while I find Demi, put another guard in charge of camp.
DMaster: You find Demi, tell her and she is thrilled. Then she recommends someone to be in charge, and get that situated. Your 2nd in command tells you she will meet you there, she will make sure everything is good here.
Chance: tell her where the room is located and make my way back to Talia, and head towards town hall.
DMaster: You two get there, head up four flights of stairs led by a guard. He shows you to your rooms. Going inside it is a 15 x 30 foot room, a large window on the skinny end. Bed on one side, dresser wash basin, chest on the other. Very simple room, grey stone walls, no decorations. There is also a small fireplace too
Chance: if it feels chilly in here get the fire going and start unpacking gear
DMaster: You start the fire and suddenly a whoosh of air rips through the room, and everything turns black, turns dark. Fire goes out, some odd flickering like lightning.
Chance: look around my eyes light up instantly. Dark vision kicking in.
DMaster: VOICE: Look what you did.
ANOTHER VOICE: I didn’t think it would of done that
Have yet to see anything
Chance: grabbing silent fate looking around I go full champion
Chan: show yourself now!
DMaster: VOICE: Now you got him all upset, I am surprised you know how to wipe your own butt.
Chance: letting my voice boom a little.
Chan: No butt wiping in here!
DMaster: Laughs that echo.
ANOTHER VOICE: I don’t wipe my ass anymore, I am a god you dolt
VOICE: Don’t remind me….
Chance: looking around, getting an idea.
Chan: Really?
gripping silent fate tighter, shaking my head.
DMaster: You turn and you suddenly see Finster and Animax flicker a bit then come into vision.
ANI: See that works better now doesn’t it?
FIN: It’s my first time you little twerp!
Chance: look like I am going to bow, but just smile instead.
Chan: M’lord it is good to see you, you as well Animax
DMaster: FIN: Hey Chance, if you didn’t realize, we have to talk.