continue here.

Continuing to lead the arrows uphill Myranda pauses at a checkpoint and scans the passage ahead, sweeping it with her bow as she waits for Lucy to leapfrog past advancing from one checkpoint to the next.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Mon 05 Jan 2015.

Sir Luthien was at his usual spot, though he hurried forward. Rescuing a princess was SUCH a classical Knight's quest that he couldn't help but feel excited by it.

Rolf moves ahead with the stealth of the cat folk whom he so richly despises.  He was less at ease than usual, not that he gave any hint of that, since he wasn't at the flank.  He never liked to have eyes behind him.

Myranda paused glancing back at the clanking that was coming from behind her; signalling the two humans not to press the advance, and if they chose to continue this they were welcome to scout ahead.

Luthien realized where his skills were not, and slowed his advance. His place was NOT with scouting, no matter how excited he was.

In reply to Luthien (msg # 6):

Noting the Knights reaction Myranda gave the handsome fellow a nod and warm smile of gratitude. Turning back to watch the passage ahead When Lucy was in place to cover her she'd move forward as they had been

Lucy moved forward, with all the stealth she could muster.  She paused and listened every 10 feet.  She concentrated on any sounds that might be out of place.  she tried to separate each sound.

She moved along the wall, getting as close as she dared to where the sounds came from.

Justin grinned as Luthien retraced his steps joining him a sufficient distance away from the Elven Scouts, to allow them to scout ahead while being close enough to render any assistance if needed.

In reply to Lucy (msg # 8):

Once Lucy had taken up her watch point Myranda moved forward quietly, paralleling her fellow scout and pausing to scan the area ahead for several seconds. Giving Lucy a nod she moved forward, mirroring the mode of advance Lucy was using of advancing in 10’ segments.

Reaching a point thirty feet from Lucy, Myanda scanned the passage ahead, for several seconds, listening for sounds and watching for of movement Once she was comfortable she signalling for the other Elfmaid to advance. As Lucy passed by she whispered So far so good

  As those who are scouting, move  ahead, they find it Drier and brighter, as Torches are set closer together,

  The see an empty Table  with 2 chairs about 90 feet up the  passage, the passage  takes  a gentle  turn to the west as it rises. The table has a Bottle of wine  and 2 tin cups sitting on it, there is a deck of  cards laying there as well. No sign of guards.

  When they pass the table, The can see, to the northwest, a Large Door straight ahead, but on the far side of the 3 way intersection...the righthand Passage goes upwards, to the NoethEAst , the left passage  goes  downwards, to the South west...there are  sounds  Coming from the Door, even heard from this distance ( 60 feet)..it sounds  Like  laughter, , gruff voices and clanking of untensils.

ooc since you lot appear to be the reclusive introverts.

Reluctant to leave possible assailants behind Myranda considers the situation. Kree indicated speed was of essence so she moved past the door and headed up the righthand passage. Keeping an eye on the door as she did.

ooc I resemble that.

Keeping both pace and suitable distance from the Scouting Elves, Justin paused when they signalled then advanced as required. Moving towards the door with the sounds coming from he glanced at the table with cards upon it and smiled knowingly;  Eta had seen to it that their passing was without note and slight clink from armour moving circumvented by the celebration taking place.

ooc should we listen to what's happening inside they may mention the Princess.

  the group slowly moves up to the door. standing there, they can hear  gruff voices, some are human,,,some  are Gnomish..perhaps  orc?..now and then there are the cries of a short sob from a females now and then.

  He Looked  down the  tunnel..there was troches  and such, but no sign of people... He  Looked Up the Tunnel, and it was the say..both ways  curved towards the north, from what they could  tell.

  while they stood there, the smells of  cooked beef and pork drifted  through the  cracks in the door, another squeal of a woman. a Gnomish Voice  shouted something , and there was a lot of Laughter, followed by a loud  sob.

 Kree Looked at the  floor of the Tunnel. Ivy , who had taken some steps up the tunnel Looked back and said, softly,..oh...no.....

  Quickshadow looked up from the floor, and at his comrades, asking an Unspoken question.....

In reply to the intersection (msg # 15):

ooc Myranda understands gnomish and orcish if possible she'll translate what she heard.

Myranda paused to allow the others to catch up so Kree can decide which direction or action to take. Hearing the voices coming from the room she quietly translated the snippet of gnomish or orcish
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Thu 15 Jan 2015.

Rolf had let Myranda and Lucy take the fore, pacing them but remaining some 20 feet behind, cose enough to hopefully support them should there be need but far eough back to avoid interfering with their efforts.

As they pull near the door, Rolf hears the sounds for himself.  He tries to figure out how many different voices he was hearing.  He looks troubled by the feminine sobs and squels.  Looking at hte others, he catches Kree's unvoiced query.  He thumbs at hte door, then slides a finger across his throat.

Justin moves into the intersection glances about the Arrows as he awaits Kree's decision. If they are to force the door its a bottleneck they'd need to quickly bypass this in execution also limits missile fire.

Diana had stayed behind the two scouts, but close to the forefront.  She had drawn her blade.

She figured any fighting, would probably be hand to hand.  So, she had left her bow on her back.

She looked up when she heard the "Oh ... No".  That couldn't be good, Not good at all.

She moved quickly and quietly to peek around the corner and up the hallway.

Cousin dear if you intend to silence those in this room I'll attempt to determine their number and location. If acceptable she gestures whispers several words and focuses. Quickly relating what she sees and hears to the others.

ooc Are there any objections to having me cast Clairaudience/Clairvoyance for this
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Mon 19 Jan 2015.

  As he gets the Input of those  around him , he says  softly,...if we enter here. There is a good chance we cannot  continue up the path to the Higher apartments of this  base....if we leave...we let those  helpless behind us, to thier fate...

 Turing to Isra, He says,..if  we fail, or take too mach damagfe from this  spot, we cannot go on, and save the  Princess....what do yuou thinbk she would want us to do....

 Isra  held tight to a  Long Dagger, She looked  around  , seeing Ivy loking at his own boots  and shaking his head.

 I should think, The LAdy would wish us to save those we are able to....

 kree Looks at the others,Agreed?..or NAy...the sands  are passing  quickly...

Myranda glances about the group The Sisters of Fate have guided us here for this purpose.
ooc would have cast commune however we don't have the time
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Mon 02 Feb 2015.

Luthien considers this, and...

"We could split up. Justin and I can take care of things down here, since climbing up things stealthily is outside our expertise. You guys can use the distraction we make of armor and swords to rescue the princess. All your equally non stealthy people should join the team that aids us."

Stealth wasn't a quality all Arrows had. Those that don't have any should make themselves useful where they can.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Mon 19 Jan 2015.

Glancing at Luthien Justin gives a slight headshake Devout of the Hunt One doth envisage separating to be fraught with adversity. Pondering the situation he looks towards the Priestess. Mistress of the Glen, wouldst Thee anticipate possible survival of yon prisoners if we continueth our search

 Myra  is having a hard time of it...her head hurts...and  what 'visions' she is trying to get, seem to make her hurt more.

 Kree Points to the door,If the  stakes were not  as high, I would agree with Luthien...but no matter what group would lsoe, the other group would have to contend with both ends of the halls , disgorging  foes

 ...the  door should not be locked.... Fighters Break in and split...archers  will cover you until we  all get inside...no quarter..no priosners..Kill them fast, or maim them so we  can finish them off when we have the time...

  Ivy   walks back down  and    has his Bow ready. Kree stands two Ivy's  left, they both Bring Up their  bows, as they wait for the others to sort themselves out.

As soon as she experiences resistance she ends her attempt. Turning to face the others she rubs her temples with both hands to ease the stress and takes several calming breaths as she uttering a hasty prayer to the Sisters Divine.  There's resistance to my effort, which may have alerted the slavers to our presence. I shall knock the door. Moving to the right near the armoured warriors.

ooc cast knock on the door
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Tue 20 Jan 2015.

Justin takes up position in front of the door signing to Luthien that the two should press forward with a partial shield wall to clear the entry and brush aside possible resistance. When Myranda knocks the door he'll follow Luthien in.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Wed 21 Jan 2015.

"Well brother Knight...here goes!"

And Luthien leads the way, with his sword and shield ready, all with the might of the heavens behind them.

Time to make a commotion to let his stealthier comrades do their thing.

Rolf takes up position, quickly stringing his bow with an expert twist of the write and stringing an arrow with lightning speed.  He gives a nod of readiness as Myranda prepares to knock down the door.

In reply to Rolf Liefsen (msg # 29):

Acknowledging the lanky Foresters readiness; she glances about the group checking they are all in place. Satisfied they are prepared she weaves her hands speaks a quiet word and motions like she's knocking on a door.

Diana had her bow drawn, and had moved into a supporting position of the door.  She planned to cover the best that she could whoever went through it.

"Just go in low, when you go in." She said.  "I'd hate to hit an ally with an arrow."

Lucy was by the door, next to Miranda.

"You know, it just hit me, that I could probably walk right in, and they wouldn't think much of it." She said to the others.

"Provide a distraction." She said.

In reply to Lucy (msg # 32):

Or get their attention unless you did with someone they know

"What I mean is, they wouldn't be expecting a catfolk to be an enemy.  They would be a lot less likely to put up their guard.  I mean, let's be honest, my other half are known slavers.  So, why not sue that to our advantage." She said.
"They see me, they are not likely to run for a weapons, as one of you." She said.

  Kree looks  from  Lucy to the others...Rolf, Diana,Ivy and Himself  stand ready with thier Bows, while the rest are ready to rush in.

 The Plan has its merits, But we  obly have one shot  at this..perhaps, If  we survive this, we can use that , as  we travel further Up?


Everyone who is charging in...rush the first  foe you see, and cut them down..we  will shoot  at those further  from the door...once you have Moved in, we will as  well...We will stay with out Bows, Until our  melee weapons are needed....

 Then he Nods  to Myra...

Luthien leads the charge, his great strength casually bashing the door out of the way. His great strength equally carries his sword towards the first opponent. It's kind of a pity he didn't have time to check to see if any of these folks might be redeemable, but this particular plan called for immediate action.

"Surrender quickly, and you may be spared."

Anyone who surrenders as ordered will not be the target of his sword.

(Moving straight!)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Sat 24 Jan 2015.

Quickly moving through the door Justin heads to the right of the room trusting both Luthien's and his own advances were being complimentd by one of the other fighters who should take the left. Once through the door he charges the nearest target. to make room for the others to enter and push the slavers back.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:57, Sat 24 Jan 2015.

After a quick reshuffle Myranda was positioned slightly behind Justin and Luthien casting her Knock allowing the door to be opened.  Quickly following the Holy Warriors into the room she moved into position on the left side of the room.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Tue 27 Jan 2015.

 The  door  opens  easily...and much faster, with the applied  spells.   the  Arrows rush in, they see....

  A Gnome has a  halfdressed Girl under his  arm and was moving towards the door..

  Another  gnome sits at the end of a Long Table, he is  drinking from a large tankard..he is not looking at the door just yet.

  On the Left side of the table  are 5 humans  and 1 catfolk, the Cat folk is female, and appears to be 'interested' in one of the  Humans.

  on the right side of the Table are 2 orcs,a darkelf and  another gnome...2 Human girls..all around 18 or so..are serving wine to the table...One of them Looks up as the Door  flies open and Luthien makes his offer.

 at the Far end of the room is  an Odd creature  that has  a mass of tenticles on its face, it his holding its head as if in pain and is Running to a Door at the back of the room...

  The Room is 40 feet wide....70 feet long, a door at the back  of the room.

............................

 Luthien's  charges in and  shouts his  words..The Gnome by the door looks up, dumbfounded, and drops the girl, who squeals..

  all the others in the  room look at the  Arrows, and rise from their seats...the  two servers, run to the walls..One of then shouts, " ISRA!"

  The Door is closing as the weird  person is slipped out the back...

Luthien, face to tentacles with great evil, immediately attacks the creature for which surrender is not an option.

Luthien tries to get to the Illithid as fast as he can, activating his mirror images along the way.

If he has a chance to strike at one of the beings as he goes, he checks for evil to determine who Tra wants struck down first...besides the obvious target.

Since the gnome's in the way, and he needs to let his allies in, he uses a mighty shield bash (or tries to) to send the gnome flying. His strength should be more then adequate to send a gnome from one end of the room to at least the table, if not beyond.

(Bull rush! Also, mirror image still going up)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Fri 30 Jan 2015.

Forward Chaps Myranda shouts as she charges into the room; moving to the left as they had planned and closing on the nearest human and slamming into him with shield and driving her longsword into him.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Fri 30 Jan 2015.

Anticipating Luthien action will be to head after the flayer, Justin presses forward, passing on the left of the Gnome, slashing at him as he does. Stay down Mistress... he cautions the female who was dropped by the Gnome.

In the hope of clearing the path of obstacles for the archers to target he charges the goblin seated at the table; smashing into it with his shield.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

Seeing an enemy Catfolk in the room, Rolf turns his attentions to it.  Keeping to the plan, he keeps to using the bow, though he feels the desire to go after it more directly, to stain his blade with it's blood.

Diana charges into the room, bow ready.  She opens fire at the fist available target, before taking more careful aim at the gnome closest to her.  Once the arrows had been fired, she will draw her blade, and engage the closet enemy to her position.

Seeing the female catfolk, Lucy lets out a loud growl, challenging the female to a fight to the death.
She draws her blade and charges right at the female, letting nothing and no one get in her way.
Her first move is to leap at the female, and try to bite her in the neck.  Failing that, she will try to rip and tear with her claws.

  Luthien cuts the Gnome  down, before him, as he  runs to try and stop the  strange creature  from getting away...He is about  half way through the room now...

  Myra Moves towards  the closest Human, he is just drawing his Blade as her Blade slices into Him, he is gravely wounded  as he drags out his  longswrod

 Justin Slams  into the Goblin after  adding  an extra  cut to the dying  gnome. The Goblin is  slammed By the shiled  and   thrown to the opposite  side of the chAir, and to the Ground.

 Diana's first Arrow  hits the Human Next to the Human Myra  attacked, the second shaft, hits the Gnome next to him...then she charges  into the fray..

  Lucy's  Cry is  answered and the  two feline folk meat in the air as the elap at each other, they hit the  ground to the  west ( left) of the table, roiling about the ground, Biting  scratching and  stabbing

 Rolf"s  arrows Fly down the table,,,both hit a Human down near the end, He Jerks  out of the chair, that he was  trying to stand  from..he hits the ground...

 Ivy and Kree Fire  their  first shots at the Gnome , at the head of the table...Both Him, and the Gnome is Pinned to the chair  with  quivering arrows in his shoulder and  chest...the Next two arrow  fly past him hitting the door, Just as the  creature  fled behind it.

 Kree and Ivy  nock  more arrows to continue you their support of their attacking Comrades.

..................

 to attack  The  two Humans that are left..either  not wounded or not  engaged, drop back towards the door way, their Blades  ready, the Dark elf and Two Orc  try to intercept Luthien..

Luthien's taking point, so the resistance is expected.

But the thing is...there's not just one Luthien right now...there's several. Mirror images of the original.

"We're here to deal with you."

While 'we' refers to the Arrows, it could apparently refer to a whole crusade of valiant Knights that seem to fight as one. All of the Luthiens seems to attack his enemies. But his sword only bites once (or twice, depending.) Of the foes in front of him, the drow was the biggest problem, he'd deal with the orcs after that.

Deftly moving to one side Myranda sweeps her blade in an arch slicing the wounded human in front of her, as she spins around to face him and the fellow behind him trusting her blade forward in a deadly combination into the second human.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

With the fight joined Justin methodically moves forward; thrusting his blade into the gnome, he'd knocked to the ground. Bypassing the fallen slaver he delivers a passing slash to the Dark Elf, on his right, as he moves towards the humans blocking the door.
This message was last updated by the player at 05:05, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

Diana turned her attention to the ... thing running for the door.
"What the hell is that?" She mumbles to herself.

She then fires off two arrows at the thing, looking to at least slow it down.

Lucy spills to the ground, rolling with the female.  She looks for any kind of leverage she can get.  No matter how small.

If she's able to get some, she will push that advantage, and try to get a major hit in, all the while defending herself from the samething.

  Two More Arrows  from Diana thunk  into the door the creatue  slipped through..the  door is open by only a few inches now.

 The real Luthien  closes in on the door..he leaves the  body of a Human drooping to his knees, the  falling back...his weapon clatters  from his hand.

 Justin's  attacks hack down the Gnome, and wound the  Dark Elf. The DArk  elf  attacks with two Blades, the first misses badly, the second  cuts deeply into  Justin's shoulder, the Dark elf shouts" Praise CRAN!"

 Myra, manages   to Kill the first human she attacked, the second one hits her thigh,drawing blood.

  Diana, Kree , Ivy and Rolf enter the room, Isra  following themshut the door...bar it...

 Ivy sends  two arrows  into the first Orc, it  tumbles over the bench  Iit was standing from.


 Lucy and the  Cat woman  have rolled to the west wall, tearing, biting and clawing at each other,

Luthien continues fighting towards the door, hacking the bodies of whoever happens to be standing between him and the door out of the way.

That Flayer is still top priority. His mirror images continue menacing everyone else, even if they can't do damage.

Brie had just flopped down on the ground.  Orin was securely tied to the tree near her but could easily reach the water bucket.

She was glad to be in an area of safe passage. She'd been invited before but other matters had taken a slight precedence.  Now after several days travel and a couple of misleading trails, she could certainly say she was on the right path.  Having ran into quite a few notable signs, she could rest a few before heading out.  Stone had gotten her this far, but the last skirmish with orcs left her without a riding companion.  Carrying his map of the area was the only guidance she had until the next town.

Laying her head down briefly, Orin kept pawing at the ground near her, dust flying into her face.

Looking up at Orin she'd heard but attempted to disregard the fighting up the hill a several yards away, wanting to simply rest.  She shook her head, giving Orin a wincing look of regret for not resting sooner.

Alright alright already, she said and stood up looking in the distance where the sounds came from and estimated how quickly she could get there.  Being unseen was no problem at least not as she got closer.

Stay she said to Orin in elvish.  She reached into the side saddle and rummaged through it quickly withdrawing a vial and her daggers as she tightened up the satchel and made quick strides towards the sound.

She came up quickly to a tunnel in the mountain and louder sounds echoing against the stone of the mountain walls, favoring a fight within.  This was not anything new for her, but her heart always raced and palms sweaty at the anticipation of it all.

Reaching the tunel entrance she placed her back to it, downed the liquid in the vial, a small amount at that and placed it in a pocketed fold of her pants. Dagger in hand, she turned to see a creature heading her way  into the tunnel.  The spell hadn't completely came into effect so It saw her and quickly turned on its heels heading opposite her own entry through the tunnel.  Seeing a pathway intersect into the was where the fighting was coming from.

Weapons readied she went ahead for the creature as she made quick strides down the tunnel, a familiar frame and voice had her taking repeated glimpses into the side room and smiling brightly as she vanished in thin air and proceeded towards the creature.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:45, Fri 06 Feb 2015.

Justin turned to face the Dark Elf a grin on his face. Let us dance then darkling he taunted as he trust his blade towards her.

Both Humans near her had been felled, allowing Myranda to use the opportunity to quickly change to bow. With a flurry of activity she changes weapons and snaps two shafts into the remaining human as she moves in support of Luthien
This message was last edited by the player at 08:29, Sat 07 Feb 2015.

   In the rush and all out  attack by the Arrows. the  enemy is all but wiped out..The Dark Elf  with Justin drops her  weapons  and screams 'I YIELD!

 Myra Brings  down  the last Human.

 Lucy and the  other Cat woman both  lay on the Ground..Lucy is wounded..the catfolk is dead.

 the Last Orc  drops his weapon and tries to surrender..By IVY sends  two shafts into the hapless  creatue...

 Kree Looks at Ivy for a Moment..Ivy says,OOOPs..it  appears i was in error....

 With a shrug Kree says.I..you should be more careful Next time... Justin..do what you will  with  my Dark Cousin...  then he  Motions with His Bow,Everyone else..sesarch the  dead..and..make sure they are dead....

t eh two women Run to Isra, when they reach her they ..bow.

 Luthien is at the door..what does he wish to do.

"The leader got away...Captain, I wish to pursue."

This is still a military unit, and Luthien's not going to charge off without the Commander's okay.

  Kree waves at the Door,..Go..take anyone with you who wishes to go..we will hold this room for a bit...do not outstrip our chances to catch up..aye?

 Then he turns  and Looks at Isra, who seems a bit  non-plussed at the  ladies before her.

In reply to fight (msg # 57):

Myranda quickly crosses to the Lucy, giving her a friendly grin. You couldn't have scratched her eyes out first. she teases while kneeling to assess her condition. Glancing towards Kree I'll attend to any who Arrow who has been injured if you'd gather around

ooc could I get an idea of the injuries everyone has taken. Myranda will do this quickly as she suspects they'll need to head after the Illithiad asap.
After she'd cast any necessary Cures on the party, she'll recover the arrows she'd felled the human with.

  Lucy is the only one who is...badly injured. The Cuts, and Bites are deep and Many..but...she still gave more then she got.(( she is at 2 HPs))

 Ivy  is  searching the Bodies and..with a quick move of his dagger, Makes sure they stay dead.

In reply to Myra (msg # 61):

ooc Can Myranda assess approximately how much healing Lucy will need

Luthien nods.

"Right. Anyone who wants to help me hunt down the abomination, speak now, and let's go."

Brie stalked after the creature, hidden from sight and quietly letting the mouse play its game of hide and seek.  Brie kept a patient eye and close but not too close distance on his fleeting trail.  She always had him in the corner of her eyesight as she moved.
Her stepped barely noticeable as she would often look over her shoulder to whomever may try to sneak upon her or attempt to break her stride.  She fingered the hilt of the daggers gleefully anticipating the right time to attack this thing.

Irritated that a Catfolk escaped dying at his hands, Rolf draws blade and savagely makes sure the Carfolk's dead.  He then moves to help Lucy out, adding, "Good work, that, but the next one's mine.". Lucy has her reasons for hating the Catfolk, but then so did he.

"I'll to with you." Diana said to Luthien.

She cleaned her blade of any blood and gore, and was ready to go.
"Anytime you are ready." She said.

"Aye." Lucy said, in pain.  It wasn't so much from the bites and cuts, but from the badly bruised ribs.  They kind of made things a bitch to breath.

"I'll tell you what.  Whoever gets there first, gets the prize." She said with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Besides, I owed that one.  Ran into that Leopard bitch a couple months ago.  We had an ... encounter.  Told her if I ever saw her again, I'd kill her.  So, take whatever bounty you like off that worthless furrball.  Hell, skin her for all I care.  I got what I wanted." She said with a  painful grin.

Throw down your weapons Now... Justin demands. If the Dark Elf complies he follows that with Thee are going to be bound and questioned. If Thee attempt to deceive or mislead us in any way, Thy actions will be revealed anst Thee willst be chastised accordingly. He glances at the Elves ooc Kree Ivy and Myranda to undertake this process.

Myranda tends Lucys wounds then her own. Once completed she crosses to Join Luthin Come along the longer we delay the more further the Illithid gets from us.

  Kree's eyes   do not leave Isra. She  looks up once or twice, but always returns her gaze to the Fllor. the  two women look at her and at Kree, as if  trying to figure out what the 9 hells is going on.

  Ivy is making his way opver ot  Justin as he searches   and...'makes certain'..the  dead will stay that way.

Once the Dark Elf is disarmed and bound Justin sits them on a chair crosses to Kree and quietly suggests they may be able to learn where specifically the Princess is being held. He then moves across to Isra, Mistress Istra, One be puzzled by such a greetings ast Thee were afforded. Such doth call into question Thy Person anst associations; wouldst Thee be counterfitting Thy true Person from Us.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

"Everyone coming with me, let's go!"

And Luthien leads the way through the door. He's got an illithid to smite!

  Kree turns to Ivy and Points to the Door with Luthien..Go with them, they may need another archer...


 Ivy Nods  and says to the Dark elf,I shall return, sweetie....

 The DArk elf laughs,That is not a certainty

   Isra Looks  at Justin and Kree the  other two women stand still...I...I am sorry..I am the Princess you seek.....


 Kree  nods,,....and you failed to tell us this...why?

 I promised  My hand maidens  i would  save them....if i had  told you earlier, i was afraid you would return me straightway...and My  handmaidens would,be lost...

 Looking to Justin, then back to  Isra, he says,That would be true of  most Imperial Units.....But  we are not an Imperial Unit...we  are the Crimson Arrows....and hunting and killing slavers is always part of any mission we take....If you would mentioned these  ladies, we would have  come here  anyway....Let us Hope...this is the  last time, that you are lest-the-honest with us...Hmmmm?

Myranda bristles at the Princesses deception. Well that's a fine surprise Missy Isra; are these three Ladies all that we need to find? If so Perhaps we shouldn't hang about. That Illithian will be reaching his associates and coming after us.

Having made sure the Catfolk's dead, he has little interest in much anything else.  The snaked-mouthed creature means nothing to him, so he let's others chase as they will, he sees no point to it, especially now that they've apparently succeeded in rescuing the princess.  He's not pleased with Isra any more than the others.

"Good thing Kree got to kill some slavers or he'd probably put down your handmaidens to show his appreciation for your.... surprise.". Rolf looks at her sternly, though not so sternly to convince Isra that he has similar thoughts.  "You have proved yourself false, look not for trust from me again."

In reply to Rolf Liefsen (msg # 75):

Justin is slightly taken aback by the outlanders comment about values; prompting him to gaze at the fellow for a short time; an expression of Incredulity obvious on his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Wed 11 Feb 2015.

Luthien scours the rest of the area, looking for an Illithid that needs a good rending asunder from his sword.

Killing that abomination is a much higher priority then princesses who...color the truth.

Crossing to the door as Luthien rushes from the room into She pauses at the door Whats the rush handsome do you think you can catch up to that Illithid, slowed by your heavy armour and without a horse

 the Passage winds upwards in a long Spiral. The Creature   is in pain, the brief look Luthian  and the others can see from fleeting glances  as they round  one bend, and it rounds the other...

 In between them and the creatrue... something else  chases.

  The creature is about  50 yards  ahead of Luthien and the others with him....

 Pointing to the  women he says,..go to the Dead, take  weapons you are able to use. Isra? I needs know, what Mission you were on, before you were captured.

 What make s you think I.....

  Do not think to light  one  fire, after another has been burnt out. Most Princesses are not used  to convey messages....

Sir Luthien cares not for the practicality of chasing the creature. He knows only evil must be vanquished, and the hunt for it is up.

"Your end is nigh..."

The other reason he wanted to hurry is to keep his mirror images up by the time he got there. So it looks like an entire crusade of Luthiens is arriving.

Brie has a good footing and less distance between herself and the creature versus the group that had splintered and left from the room trailing behind her.

She took notice of the creature ahead of her and how he seemed to be in some type of pain.  While she wanted to stop and ask it what was wrong, it was not what was right.  Obviously, these behind her coming in quickly were after it for a reason.

If he and his band of men were chasing it, it had to be a logical reason.  One she would not question, thus, she'd do her part in ending it's mortal life.

Quickly sheathing her daggers into the side pouches, she equipped her bow and as she came to a bit of a slower pace, targeted the creature down the shaft of the arrow.

She slowly became visible again to the group behind her as she made the adjustments to behead the beast.

Luthien continues tirelessly running after the creature. As much as he could wish for a steed, his mount has not yet been sent to him, so Tra must not think he needs one yet. Therefore he and all his images go charging after the illithid, a crusade of righteousness that's all trampling armor and shining swords...

Diana was right behind Luthien chasing down the creature.  She had her blade out and ready for when they did catch up to the thing.

Seeing the two rashly dashing away in pursuit of the Illithid thus splitting the group in a hostile environment. Myranda crossed to the table perched on one corner watching and listening to the exchange between her cousin and the Princess

 it had  Been a few Minutes into the Chase. The Creature was pushing hard,trying to get away.   the Top of the "wind"..the   tunnel flattened out into a corridor..at the far end ( about 50 more yards ) were two LArge Iron doors... The Creature  was  about 20 yards  from the Door, when , what appeared to be, a Half elven..or perhaps  pureblood elf woman, appeared Drawing back her  arrow and letting the shaft Fly. The arrow slammed into the   Creature's Left thigh, It screamed a horrible , Bumbling scream as it turned to look over its  shoulder.

 Just as the Arrow was released Diana...Luthiens's images, Luthian, and finally a hard charging Ivy came  around the corner to see the woman's shaft hit the thing.

  Isra Nodded to Kree and Moved to see what weapons she  could find, the two women closer to them did as well, one with a slight curtsy to Kree.

 The Halfdressed  woman that the gnome was about to take away snapped,..who are you to order a Princess of the Blood around? Princess Isra!..You should  HAve his head  for this!...He  treats  you liks a  slave....

 At that last word, Kree crossed the remaining steps to here, slapped her hard across the face, she stumbled and fell backwords her eyes wide, Isra and the others turned to watch....

 NEVER....NEVER...make the claim, that an Arrow resembles a slaver, in any shape or form.... Had it not been for Us, you would be enjoying the gentle careesses of that!...  he points to the dead gnome.

  he reaches down and Picks her up..she seems less sure of herself, and More then a little shaken.The elf's voice is a bit calmer  as he adds,..the TAsk we were sent to do, because  the Imperial forces  cannot be trusted...is done...we have  the Princess and will return her....you should be grateful you are coming along in the bargin. But you cannot simply run behind us...you needs carry weapons that you can use. lest we fall and you are on your own. We did not come here , only to see freed people fall into the hands of the enemy..

 Isra  speaks up, Captain Quickshadow is right Neri. find weaposn, and get a shirt or something to cover yourself...

  Neri stood  and Moved to one of the Humans to see if she  could wear his shirt, CAptain?

 Kree frowned at Isra, then nodded slightly to Neri,I was once  a Captain of the Guard, in the palace. My people's  representative, if you will. I left when i became sickened by the  boot licking and position buying that went on....I am a leader of a BAnd of Arrows..That, to me..is  a far more important standing.

 he looked around Justin , Rolf? let us  get together, and   head up that passage, incase our friends need help, if  we meet them we will return here and escape  the way we came in.

Sir Luthien continued charging forward. Hopefully the arrow that shot it would slow it down enough for him and his images to enter melee range. That was all he really needed...and wanted. He could trust to Tra from there to make sure his blade struck true.

Then again...even he couldn't charge there in one round, and he had a special arrow for just this sort of situation...as he charged, he put his sword and shield away, and drew his bow.

The special Fang of Tra arrow he had...well, he was no elf. He'd never be that good of a shot. But this arrow was blessed by his goddess. Continuing to close, he let that arrow fly straight for the illithid. It certainly deserved it.

Brie knew that a grew was coming up behind her and probably loosing arrows just as well.

She knocked back another and aimed for the other leg in an attempt to get the creature down.  She was smiling brightly at the accomplishment of the first arrow.  Her training was showing off quite well.

Aye Captain Justin replied; giving the Princess a half bow and the women a nod, he headed for the exit the Flayer used for his escape; hoping to either catch sight of the others or hear sounds of their pursuit.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:01, Wed 11 Feb 2015.

As her cousins have left her in-charge of the prisoner. Myranda gives the Princess a calculating smile. Now that you been reunited with your Ladies who have been liberated.What shall we do with this Dark One.

 Isra shook her head,..I..I do not know...I have heard, the Arrows were not....merciful when it comes to foes?

 The Gnome at the head of the table, was still stuck there by the two arrows, Kree was using his dirk to cut out 'plugs' of flesh, so he could try and retrieve the arrows without harming the heads.

  Images rush past Brie, followed by and arrow, followed by her second  arrow....

 The Images close in on the staggering  creature, the arrow  fired  by one of the men in shining armor slams into the thing's back, as it arches , Bire's second arrow hits  right below it..the odd looking creature falls to the ground...9 yards from the huge doors....

 Ivy  Turns  as Justin Joins them.

 Diana and Luthien see the now, visible, woman.

"I thank you for the aid!"

Luthien rushes forward to finish the creature off. It must not get away, being a creature of the worst sort.

If he closes to melee and it's unconscious, he'll literally slice its head off.

Brie lets another smile slip across her face.  No problem, Father Light, she said.  She keeps her stride similar to him but a couple of steps back.  Another arrow readied, but not aimed yet.  If the creature continued to move forward, she'd aim it high to the head.

She looks back briefly and sees others joining the chase.  A smirk appears briefly at the resemblance one of them have to another.  She continues at her pace.

  the Creatue is dead...if it wasn't, it is dead now as the ehad rolls  from the Body. The Double doors Loom, just 9 yards away from the creatue..door it never made it to.

"Oh, no, I'm just a knight, not a priest. They don't let priests carry swords anyway."

Now within range of the door...Luthien decides to check for evil...

  Luthien feels the cold  grip of evil...his heart aches, his  mind chills..almost as if some great hand  was  squeezing  his  heart...

In reply to the room (msg # 92):
ooc Oops sorry; assumed Kree had rushed off after Dianna, Ivy and Luthine with Justin and Rolf, leaving her and Lucy to guard the Princess and Ladies in waiting.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:29, Thu 12 Feb 2015.

 Kree was waiting for the others to be ready, while he cut out the arrows.

Brie stepped up to the creature to pull out her arrows.  Both of them have crimson and white feathers and are made of firm material.  She pulls them out and shakes off the gunk from the creature to the side of her so that no one near her or coming up to her would get it slung on them.

So, what were you chasing him about? she asked finishing up tending to her arrows maintenance.  I presume you are a band of raiders.

"Chasing that? I chased the Illithid on general principle and Holy dear GODDESS..."

Luthien suffers a massive head and heartache from that much evil.

"Ow. I need to retrieve the Commander, this level of evil needs the whole company..."

He heads back to do that.

 Justin moves toward Brestine, his hand raised in sign of Parley Greetings unto Thee Mistress; yon be Master Forester Ivy, Mistress Diana anst Devout Luthien; One Beith Justin Haveslane Devout of Eta. he introduces These caverns be fraught with all manner of corruption and Evil he points to the Flayer. I suggest Thee accompany us to regroup anst formulate a course of action

"Brother Justin, do you feel as much from that door as I do? Ow."

He rubs his head. That is not pleasant...

I've heard the same about many Companies, It may be true can't say for sure haven't been part of it long. She had helped Lucy to a chair where she could rest until the Heavies got back. Lucy Dear would you say the Crimsons are not merciful. she asks interested to learn this herself

"To slavers, never.  Like the Marauders were up north.  Give no mercy, take no prisoners, unless you need information." She said with a smile.
"And get information by any means necessary." She added.

I trust that clears up any doubt Your highness she asks the Princess pausing to allow for further discussion or clarification after which she slips off the table crosses to her friend So then Lucy my dear are you feeling spry enough to question the prisoner or would you prefer to wait for Cousin Kree.

Giving Luthien a nod, and motions a caution to both Ivy and Dianna. Mystress One doth Council Thee to accompany us from this vicinity he urges

"Yeah. We don't want to try opening that. We need to have the priests take a look at it. Preferably several of them."

Could be a door straight to somewhere nobody wants to go.

  Isra nods as  she hears the questions and the answers....IU ..have heard..good things, about the  Arrows. Though most of those  words  are couched distrust or fear.


 I asked  one of my Father's generals about them once. he said these words..' The Arrows  will strike deep, in places where  most warriors will not go"...


 The other Girls have  daggers,  one of the girls  holds a gnomish shortsword  and seem to know how to use it.

Brie extends her hand out to those who offered their own.  Now that her arrows were back in its quiver, her attention returned to what the others were speaking about.

 I'm not of light like you two are, maybe I can see if there is something to this entry.  She proceeds towards it and begins sensing for anything magical about the door.  Something the wizards and monks practiced themselves that had a hand in raising her.

In reply to Brestine Darksbane (msg # 111):

Justin glances skyward in an Eta aid us manner If Thee seek to alert any within yon chamber of Thy capabilities pray do cast Thy enchantments upon yon Door. He starts to head back the way they came.

Rolf sets his anger at the princess aside and moves over to Kree, ready to head off in support of the others.  His bow shouldered and his blade still in hand from making sure the Catfolk is dead.  "Ready if you are."

  Kree and Rolf move out to try and catch up to the  others.

  Myra, The princess and her  3  ladies, and Lucy are in the  room with the  barred door.

Alone at last I thought that fellow would take an age to get his wits about him. Turning to face the ladies in waiting she grins mischievously Right then shall we question the prisoner or do you wish to exact your anger upon it.

Brie nods to Justin and smiles.  Yes, I think I will join your band of merriment, she said.  She patted his metal shoulder and walks past him stopping a few feet away and eyes Ivy but still with a bit of distance to leave him curious.

Her smile has not stopped.  So you guys plan on going through this entire thing in one shot?

Luthien started pondering what the quickest way to alert the temples were. And where the nearest decent sized temple was. This needed serious looking at. For all that he was an Arrow, he had duties as a Knight too. And evil like that door can't be left unattended.

In reply to Myranda of the Glenn (msg # 107):


Lucy just smiled.

"Oh, I'm plenty up for interrogating the target." She said.

When she rose from the chair, her ribs groaned a bit but it wasn't anything she hadn't dealt with before.

In reply to Lucy (msg # 118):

Oh my Lucy m'dear; You are still in pain. Sit youself we shall wait for cousins Ivy and Kree to question the lowlife.

"Darlin, trust me, I'm fine." Diana said.

"Let's get this interrogation thing going." Lucy said with a grin.

Seeing that no one was brave enough to weather what ever may be at, on, or near this door, Brie shrugged her shoulder and placed her shouldered gear on the ground a few feet away from it.  She couldn't sense any evil, and even so, if she could it wouldn't affect her the same (hopefully) as it would of the Father Lights.

So, if you guys plan on exploring the rest of this place, something tells me that we have to get past this door.

She looks between everyone present for an answer of some sort.  When no or any type of response is given, she turns back and begins working on getting this "evil door" opened.  She remains diligent on this task until it is open.

Seing how the Elfmaid chose to ignore both Devout Luthin's and his own cautions, Justin gives a shrug and continues to head back to the others the sooner they get the princess and her companions out the better it will be for all.

  The rest of the group heads  down the Tunnels towards the rom their  comrades are in.

.............

 Brie  Looks at the door. there does not appear to be a Lock...she  tries to Push  and the Huge doors do not budge...there  seems to be no way to 'pull' the doors.

 she does..get an ...ever-so-slight..whiff of  sickening stench.....there can be  sounds of  some   type of rumbling?..or..is it her   imagination......

................................

 In the room Lucy is being fixed, while the  rest look at the DArkelf that is Bound and wounded.

Luthien isn't happy.

"Get away from there. There's at LEAST a fiend on the other side of that door, if not a gate straight to Hell. Or maybe the Abyss. Can't tell. Either way, we hunt slavers. We're not set up to take on a Fiend. Usually takes magic weapons to do that."

She'd shifted her position around the door.  Whatever she had stirred up it was enough to gag her.  She got up quickly and took the few steps back grabbing her gear.  She leaned against the wall for a moment to catch her breathe.

It didn't take her long to catch up with the others who were heading back.

Here I thought a trolls nest was nasty that topped it.

She shouldered her bow and arrows and followed this group.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Sun 15 Feb 2015.

  Ivy  waits  at the Bend, he, himself returning at arrow to its Quvier,M'lady?....Forgive me...but have we not met before.....

Myranda glances at the women then crosses to her friend Should we relocate the prisoner before questioning we wouldn't want to be causing undue duress for the Ladies ooc if Lucy agrees she'll help move the Dark Elf into the hall the others went

Brie walked along with the others in the lead but her mind had been wandering briefly when Ivy spoke out to her.

 She looked up at him and for a brief moment when she winked at him that it would have been a reflection of another female.  She looked back down and tucked her hair behind her ear which displayed a braided strand of hair with a crimson ribbon and then the ensignia if the crimson arrows landed on her shoulder.  The outfit a modified version fitted for Brie's frame

 She places her finger up to her lips to silence any introductions he may want to announce.

Maybe doll maybe, she replied with.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Tue 17 Feb 2015.

 Ivy just shakes his head with a chuckle, as he fall in step with her to reach the others.

In reply to Myranda of the Glenn (msg # 127):

Lucy just nodded and rose form the chair she was in.  There was a flash of pain, and that was it.  Then it was gone.

She took the dark elf into the hallway, making sure it was secured.  No sense having to run off chasing the damned thing.

Approaching the room Justin spotted Lucy pushing the Dark Elf prisoner through the door. Mistress Lucy what be Thee about. he asks giving the Prisoner a weary glance.

Now they are not overheard Myranda fixes the Princess with a speculative smile. You highness If I may; how is it that your party was overtaken by these slavers

Luthien reiterated, "Nobody touch that door. Captain, if we've anyone to spare, send them off to the temples. This door needs to be sealed by priests that know how. The kind of evil on the other side is much worse then slavers."

They had now reached the room and with that, she looked to Ivy and decided to keep quiet her presence by placing her finger up to her lips to motion for silence.  As everyone filed in, she too took her place among the others, bow on her shoulder and pack shifted to the side.

She took note of everything in the room, especially the target.

  Kree  Called Out  to Justin and Lucy,..Find  out what you are able from the drow...but  do not waste time...if she fails to give information..finish her..we have no time for Games....

 The Princess   shrugs,we were on out way to Yad. There is a   mercenary  captain there  with a small fleet of  6 ships. He was going to  sign on as   allie for  Ironmond, thus , that would free up some ship for us to patrol  further to the East...But..as luck would have it, we were ambushed  by several smaller  boats with   these  scum in...

 The  woman who spoke up against Kree   for the way he spoke to the Princess   opened her Mouth again,..it was a set plan..that is for sure...

 Kree turned to the woman,..if you know how...speak up..otherwsie..stay silent...

 The Woman bristled  at Kree's words, But the Princess tilted her head  as she  too, awaited the answer. I heard that Gnome there..at the ehad of the Table? Talking to the other Gnome , when they first captured us...he said  ...and these are the words  for certain..." The fellow who tipped  us off  wnats  Paid..outside the KArth Swamp..and that a boat had  already been sent  to meet them  there..on the Day of Fire.."

 Kree frowns..." The Day of Fire"

 Ivy Chuckles, Ahhh..Kree..you need to  spend more time in the Inns!..the Day of Fire..the last day of the Mouth, when people celebrate the end of the Mouth...bonfires..drinking..all of that?....By the way...The Day of Fire is Tomorrow,,,,

Luthien comes over to the princess and her handmaidens.

"Did any of you overhear your captors talking about that door? Particularly the tentacled one?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Wed 18 Feb 2015.

  One of the more quiet Ones slowly raised her hand,...I have never seen a creature  Like that before...it ...just showed up...yesterday...but from the Moment it appeared..it seemed to be in pain...Those doors?..very few people go there...even less come back...I hear tell of beholders...and  demons..and even dark dragons...I stayed  well away from there , when taking food around.

Brie leaned to look around Luthien and one of the others.  Sounds like we need someone that can speak Dragon or Drow? she says and strolls into the room towards Kree.  She looks around at everyone else and to the ones they are speaking to.

She took strong confident strides as she approached and stopped just inches from his face.  Think you need an expert linguist, yet?

She leans forward and kisses him on his nose.  What you need to know from'em?

  Kree is more then a Little surprised at Brie's appearance..I chuckled in the back round.

  His smile  was one of the few  'happy smiles" any of the group   he Puts  an arm around her then Points to the Drow in the  hallway, Find out what ytu can about this place....I wanted to check it out...maybe  wipe  the  damn place clean,,,,but we have to  meet that ship....I want to know who , in the court..would have sacrificed a princess to help our enemies...

She gave him a wink and headed to the hallway.  Thankfully a mutual friend taught her much in the way of the drow.

Reaching the drow, she knelt down to her level and began mixing some of her concoctions.  Her mutters could only be heard by the one in front if her.

You do understand that the Crimson Arrows are not by any means  obligated to follow standard rules.  How about we make this short and sweet.  You tell me everything I want to know and it can be a quick death.  Make me have to use force, mmmm, I don't think you'll like me for long.

She looked from her prepared vial up to match the eyes of the other being.

She continued speaking in drow.  What will it be?

In reply to girls (msg # 137):

"That sounds about right, with what I felt on the other side of that door. Has to be at least one demon on the other side. The creature we just killed eats brains, or so I hear. If it didn't eat yours, it had a reason. Did you hear anything else? I need to give all the information I can to the temples to seal that up."

  The  Youngest of the three put up her hand, she bowed her  head to Luthien as she said,...The Gnome was not too happy with the creatue...it seems like ..well..whatever it was brought  here for? It could not do... everytime it tried to do somehting..it  would wail in pain, and even fell to its  knees a few times...

Luthien pondered.

"Odd. Those creatures are typically very powerful. They have a kind of magic, though I don't really understand it. It must've been restrained in some way, considering it didn't try to use its rather large amount of powers on me. Or even try to escape with its powers."

After Kree gave Justin directions to interrogate the Dark Elf, he hesitated; not sure how to set about this task. Justin wasn't going to torture any confessions from it and felt certain he wouldn't be able to convince her to repent and tell all. With a shrug Justin setting about the task certain Eta hand would be revealed in this. When Brie was instructed to assist the interrogation Justin smiled and nodded at Eta intricacies.

  The Drow looks at Brie with distain,..you surface elves , are nothing but lapdogs for the Empire...I will not answer  Your questions

 The Princess had  claimed the Drow's hand cross bow, and  had shouldered the  quiver of bolts. She  also had a dagger on the other him. the other three girls  had  daggers and one oe them had the gnomish shortsword.

 ..may as well eat some of this  food, while we wait for  them to talk to the drow.... Kree looked over the  dishes  and  took a few slices of Beef and some bread, making a sandwich of sorts. He popped   the  cork on a wine  Bottle and  Poured some into an empty Mug.

Brie shook her head.  I see that you are going to make this hard.  She stands up and goes into a dark corner drinking from the vial.  When she comes back to her, she too is a dark elf. Her tone a bit firmer and dialect crisper.

How do you prefer your meat cooked? She asked her.  Myself I like it raw gritty and streams of blood sliding down my chin.

Lifting up thw arm she looks at it thoroughly.  Nay not enough meat...even for a beginning archer.  Now your thigh here....that's a whole other question.

She runs her hand up and down the leg feeling the muscles from them.

Yesss a nice thigh bone and meat will make a great feast.

She looked up and gave a great big smile.  You don't need it, right?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Mon 23 Feb 2015.

Justin took the change provided by Eta to leave the interrogation to the Elf/Dark Elf. Slipping through the door and closing it quickly least the Princess be exposed to whatever means of torture was about to take place.

Diana watched the proceedings,
She barely hid a smile, as she turned and exited the room.
She certainly wouldn't have minded watching, but there were more
pressing things to do.

Now that battle had given way to interrogatino, and that there were no Catfolk prisoners, Rolf finds hte proceedings rather dull.  He is tempted to carve a bit on the dark elf, but the others had their methods and he's patient enough to see how their efforts play out before deciding if he should push his way into their party or not.

He spends his time cleaning his sword, then putting a bit more of an edge on his dagger with a whet stone.

Myranda crossed to the table, helping herself to some cheese and dried fruits. Perching on a chair she faced away from the slavers bodies and glanced at the Princess; in the hope she may provide Cousin Kree with any other details that my be useful.

In The Hall...

  Brie ( in her new  guise)..talks to the  Drowess. The  darkelf  does not seem too worried about death...You may do as  you will, but Gorr will reward me...and his Minions  will find you...


.................

Inside the room

  Kree Motions  for Ivy to  stand watch at the door  and listen, the  Blue-eyed  elf  does so, after  grabbing  a  Nug of  wine and a a chicken leg.

  We could do more damage here..and that is a fact. However, we do not have the firepower to take  down the whole of the place....I am thinking, we will withdraw, Kill as many foes as we are able on the way out, and return the Princess and her Ladies to the Court...Then...Unless something else   gets  in the way, we may return, better suited to meet the  enemy..

Luthien nods. "I agree. There's worse then slavers in here, but we need magical weapons to deal with them. Do you have access to any enchanted blades, commander? Or know somewhere they're stored?"

  Like any where else....there are weapons  a plenty..but  not all have access. Unless  you are gifted  with one, or you find one?..they are damnably hard to get a hold of... My Bow, was made for me..as was Ivy's...My father  has a  Blade, but  i am most certain he will not allow  my use of it....


 We  get back to Ironmond, Reedrick can send out feelers...and we can talk to the LAdies of the street...we may be able to find weapons..and...borrow them...from people...

In reply to Luthien (msg # 152):

Whenst we returneth unto Ironmound wouldst not Thy Temple be able to either provide such or refer this matter unto another of Thy brethren
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Tue 24 Feb 2015.

"Possibly. I'll check. You should check yours too. Demon slaying isn't anything to go into unprepared. Hunting that kind of prey...takes effort."

Brie nods her head slowly stroking her sword and looking at the dark elf maiden.  Then living would be an injustice to your idol, she quips.  Death, the ultimate sacrifice.

She leans back against the wall letting the tip of her dagger ping on the ground.

That is perfect.  You'll be my slave until I get an answer or dismember you piece by piece each day, yet remain living.

She gets up and with a swift slash of her dagger cuts off the finger closest to her.  She prepares to walk out and find some rope or chain.

Curious to know how they will be going about his proposal Cousin dear will the Princess and her Ladies in any of this impromptu clean up or just the Arrows.

Justin mentally retracing the path they took counting off the doors they had passed for each could open to a chamber filled with Slaves. Ladies wouldst any of Thee recall the Path Thee were brought through anst possible numbers of Slavers not present.

  There is a  short..surprised scream  from the hall. The Drowess  sets off a stream of curses that travel from Brie  down through the last 10 generations of her  family.

  her mouth pulls up into a frim upside  down frown, then she spits  out in pain and anger,...we all know ..some day we  shall die....the pain..is but  out payment to  the next  kingdom...

...............................

 the woman start at the sound of the scream, Kree looks at Ivy who just shakes his ehad  and   sit by the door eating his chicken leg.

 The Princess looks at Kree as the   outspoken woman says ( with a slight sneer),arrow  Justice?

 Kree laughs,..Nay, Good LAdy...Arrow  Information gathering....Brie has learned alot...since  Joining me...the  one thing we hold..so that every one know...is that we do not worry how we get the job done...just so we do....get the job done.

 the  one who is most quiet moves to the Princess , who puts her arm around he. The Shy one says...but....if they die....

  Kree is looking over the table for something else to nibble on, he takes a bread loaf  and slices it  quickly with  the knife  on the tray, then  pours  some Honey on it... he motions for the women to eat as well,..then...good lady?..they die. We will not lose  anything we have...and we will not gain anything we do not have...but? there  will be one last target for us to worry about...sadly, sometimes we will allow  a dark one to leave, if they are very...co=operative...but for some reason...not too many folks are...


............................

 The Princess turns to Justin..they brought us  in from the Top of the FurMan's Chain, Near Yad...they have tunnels  all through the Mountain which means the Gnomes and  Dark Dwarves have allied against us. There used to be grand wars under the Mountain betweent he two...Now , I ehar  the Dwarves of Ironmond have  doubled the escorts for Merchants moving through the Underway...

In reply to waiting (msg # 159):

Grimacing at the sounds coming from the other side of the door.
Justin thanks the ladies for this information and attempts to engage them in conversation hoping to distract them from the interrogation that is taking place.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:16, Sat 28 Feb 2015.

Luthien, still concerned about the door of evil...

"Do we have any men we can spare? I'd like to have the temples warned about that door."

  Kree  nods to Myra,..Please inform Brie  we are leaving...the Drow is not coming with us... it was said. Plain and simple. He might have been  ordering a loaf of bread.

  He  finished the  bread  slice  and  downed  the Mug of wine,..we do not have anyone here, I would   send off alone, now, since we have  found the Princess...the Door has been there a while, it would seem, it shall not  be going anywhere..when we reach Ironmond, we shall see what we can do...perhaps  even talk with the Emperor  about this...

 Ivy  tosses the  bone  away  and wipes his hands  on the body of the Gnome.

Diana had helped herself to some of the left over food.  She watched the dark elf being "interrogated".  She smiled when a finger was cut off.
~Nice touch.~ She thought to herself.

When Kree gave the order to leave she was glad.  The sooner they got out of here, the better.

Lucy rose to her feet, at the order to leave.
She had no love dark elves in general.  But at the moment, her ribs hurt like hell, and she was in no mood to "help" interrogate the dark elf.

So, she left it to others.

She also got some of the food from the table, watching the dark elf all the time.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 162):

At mention of Brie; Myranda eagerly sprang from the corner of the table.  Brie's here... was the dear being held by these Slavers She asked heading to the door and flinging it open. Spotting the Elfmaid she beamed. Dear Brie where have you been all this time. she blurted rushing over to her and giving Brie a warm hug. Stepping back she casting a side glance at the Dark Elf We are leaving and Cousin Kree doesn't want any baggage slowing us down
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Sun 01 Mar 2015.

Rolf remains impassive as the interrogation goes on.  He's not one to enjoy such things, well not unless they're Catfolk, but he could set aside any discomfort as proves necessary.

He looks about, seeing if there's anything worth gathering up, but he's otherwise ready to quit this place.

If one may Captain Kree wouldst positioning yon Princess anst her Ladies in waiting slightly behind Luthien anst myself between Mistress Diana anst Myranda be a suitable order of travelth



This message was last edited by the player at 17:41, Sun 01 Mar 2015.

  Aye...we  can do that,,Brie? Finsih this..its  time to make our leave...  he  unshoulders his Bow and looks at everyone there,..there is not anyone , ion this mountain, that will be  wearing aromor, or  carrying weapons, that is our friends...you see some one..Kill them..at least, Until we can make it down the road.

"Right. Let's go then."

Luthien takes up the recommended position.

Slipping her shield over her shoulder Myranda readied her bow and taking up a position as suggested by the holly roller. Strolling along behind the Ladies she regularly checked behind the group to ensure nothing came at them from behind unnoticed.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Wed 04 Mar 2015.

Justin moves across to the barred door Checking everyone is to one side and out of direct line before glancing at Kree for confirmation they should breach the entry When given he unbolts and opens the door quickly stepping through Shield forward and darts ready moving forward to allow Luthien to follow.

Luthien takes his position in turn, letting his brother knight lead the way for now.

Since Justin was a little ahead, he took the opportunity to scan for evil as he went. Never knew what one might find lurking in the dark...or in the hearts of men.

Justin paused glancing back at Luthien to see what was taking him and noted the man focussing
This message was last edited by the player at 13:20, Mon 02 Mar 2015.

"Sorry brother. I like to keep all my senses open with this many slavers about."

And to make sure nothing from that doorway got out.

Once he had his focus up, he moved forward slowly.

   The Arrows  move out of the  Dining Hall, Both Ivy and Kree  and  taken an unopened bottle of  wine with them.

 Moving downward, The 'backtalking' maid  said something to  the princess in a Normal tome Of Voice.

 kree stopped  and too a few steps back and snarled in a whispered hiss,..IF....she   opens her mouth again...gag her...she will get us  all killed....

 Isra  Backed Up from the  angered approach of  the Elf, and then, Kree  spun on his heels, waving those on point, ahead....

Brie looked up at Myranda with a bright smile and surprised look.

Cousins finally let you out to play, eh?  She said jesting.  She stayed crouching looking at the drow.  Glad to have you out here, its been too long.

When Kree commented no additional baggage she knew even with a bit of bribing it'd have been a moot point.  She gave a drow girl a shrug and as she moved to stand used that same fluid movement to slash her throat.

As she walked out of the room she wiped the dagger on some cloth and sheathed it.  She caught up to Myranda to give a partial hug, then jogged to catch up to Kree.

In reply to Brestine Darksbane (msg # 176):

Myranda feigned indignation at Brie's comment about being let out I'd heart you all could do with a series of correctional's; aimed at getting you back on path and save you from your own devices. as she strolls back into the other room, returning Brie's half hug.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Tue 03 Mar 2015.

Once Luthine has finished concentration and moved to the front Justin joins him glancing back to check the others are taking up position. ooc if they need more room to get into marching order he'll advance making room to allow them.

Luthien moved forward after his scan...and stopped periodically to scan further. It was the quickest way to find those of dark intent.

In reply to Luthien (msg # 179):

Luthien then realized he wasn't likely to find much that Kree and the others would miss, unless it was invisible, and ultimately stopped with the detections.

The march sped up after that.

Brie carefully and quietly made her way through the tunnel.  She'd look back at the others confirming that nothing alerted them.

Creeping along she halted when shadows lurked ahead and movement followed.  She put her finger to her lips for silence and she sipped from a vial making herself invisible.

She moved ahead tiptoeing to eavesdrop on the shadows and bodies up a head before the others came too.

  There  are Three   Slaver/bandits  there, they seem to be looking around at the dead guards, One of the  is Pointing   outside the Cavern entrance.

Brie saw the three slavers, but just to make certain she crept closer into the room to check for any others that may be hiding or sitting and for any additional entrances.

When she confirmed that, she strolled back quietly to the group to inform  them.  If she finds an entrance, she'll slowly move to it and scout it for a moment and then to the group.

In reply to Brestine Darksbane (msg # 184):

Justin noticed Ivy and Kree paused, without hesitation he quietly closed the distance and spotted the cause. Ahead there were some slavers in the cave mouth. Turning he signaled for Luthien to move the women out of line of fire, and for the lights to be doused to prevent the slavers in the open spotting them. Positioned near Kree he glanced towards him awaiting directives.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Sat 07 Mar 2015.

Lucy spied the three at the cave entrance, pausing.  She signaled the others to stop, and then pointed to the opening, holding up 3 fingers.

She motioned for arrows and then motioned to her blade, inquiring to Kree how he wanted them taken care of.

Luthien dutifully nodded and got the ladies out of the way. He'd have to rejoin battle later...or perhaps not, they were tempting targets for recapture later. Constant guarding may do them good.

 Kree Pointed to  Himself, Ivy, Bri and Diana to use their  arrows.

 Then Pointing to the others, he then points the Guards ,  then  waits for the artchers to ready their  bows...

Brie nodded dutifully and swiftly swapped out  from her dagger to her bow, well, her borrowed one.   She mumbled briefly gliding her hand along the arch gave a soft whisper if 'thanks' and bent down on her knee readying her bow and eyeing her target.

Myranda, Ivy, and especially Kree would be quite familiar with it.

With a nod Justin acknowledged Captain Kree's directions. Readying sword and shield he prepared for a quick dash forward once the archers has loosed their volley.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Sun 08 Mar 2015.

Diana wasn't too far behind Lucy.  She stopped when the feline signaled something was up.
At Kree's orders she drew her bow, and notched an arrow.

bow and arrow at the ready Myranda closed up as the group prepared to deal with the slavers.

   Kree draws Back his  bow, he watches the   Slavers  as  they seemed to  be preoccupied by the caravan some  miles down the road.

  He  lets out a Breath and Fires His  arrow at the   Slaver  farthest to the left.

 Ivy Fires at the One  to the right.....

Lucy fires her arrow at the slaver in the middle.  Then she draws her blade, waiting for the rest of the archers to let loose their arrows, before moving to see if any survived and kill those who might have.

 Brie felt the quick burst if air over her from Kree's arrow.  She loosed hers just seconds after upon seeing where everyone else's were going.  She shot to the one in the middle.

 The arrow  shoot out, a Little ragged as they could not  use a 'count' to fire..Kree's arrow slams Into the  Guard on the Left, He Screams in surprise  and pain as the  shaft spins Him around and he Falls  Writhing in pain...Kree does not look hapy the man isn't dead.

 The one on the right Is hit  By two shafts, Ivy's smug look can tell you his  hit the fellow just as  he was turning...

 The Middle fellow  is  feathered with Shafts  and  he Fall out over the Opening, his weapons fly as he never knew what hit him...

Luthien is hanging back to defend the maidens, for now. He can be called up to the lines if the Commander sees fit.

Justin moves forward to gain ground and engage any slaver that was out of sight

Brie looked at the downed slavers and stood looking at Kree.  You're slacking, she said teasing.  She motions to Ivy's man.
I've been away too long.
She nudged him as everyone collectively moves to the room.

  The  elf  frowned as he walked up to the entrance and  looked out over the mountainside. He stopped by the  whipering  man , pulle dout his kinifr  and  cut a circle of flesh around the arrow so he could remove it ..the man Screamed as he did so...then   Kree jammed  the blade into his chest.

   he flicks the flesh of the arrow head and  wipes  it on the dead Man's  clothing, as he searches  the fellow  for  valuables.

 Ivy  Looked out...Three wagons...14 horsemen..and at least 20  footmen..that i can see..no doubt there are scouts  running around somewhere..

 ..Then we go straight  down... We won't be able to stop the wagons...but we  can kill more then a few slavers....

Following the others from the cave she disregards the fallen slaves as and watches the caravan intently. Pointing in their direction with her bow Cousin dear we've access to 6 mounts if you wish to run down those varmints and even overtake the wagons. Those on foot should be able to keep a good pace and deal with the foot and harry the horse in the process

  Kree   Pockets the  items  and coins from the Dead  Men..he found some other things as  well and slipped them in his pack,..next we have time, I shall go over this   and split it up.


 He  shoulders his Bow and take the   Slaver  He Killed   and  leans him against the wall. making a familiar rune on the man's forehead with his Blade...should have done that to some of them in there as well.....give them something to think about...

 after he cleans his dagger, he walks to the edge  with the others,where did we get 6 horses?

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 202):

Giving he cousin encouraging smile. Cousin Dear, I have learnt much since last we met; this includes an evocation which will make them available for 20 minutes after casting.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Mon 09 Mar 2015.

  ..I..do not know if that will work? I have never seen it done in these lands....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 204):

Smiling warmly at her Kree. Cousin Dear; now's as good a time as any to try it out. If it does work who will be the riders and seeing the mounts will be available for a short time what do you want the riders to do. she prompts glancing about the Arrows for suggestions.


ooc I suspect the longer we deliberate the further the caravan travels. Approximately how far are they now?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Tue 10 Mar 2015.

Brie walks in and yanks out the arrow from the body and puts it back in its place.

If someone wishes to ride with me, Wind shadow is on the other side.  We can scout around and take out whose around.

Justin pauses at the cave mouth and scans the area for threat, while waiting Captain Kree's decision.

  kree Looks to Myra,..you may try?..but you may waste energy...If it does work..I....will walk...

 tell them why, Cousin.....

 kree Looks at Ivy with  a cold stare then looks at the Caravan.

 Ivy turns to the others, Kree is not the best rider in these lands..he has been known to...fall off.....

 Quiet yourself , Ivy......

 The caravan is on the switchback road. Those who have used the Mountain for a strong hold have trimmed the tops of trees so anything  coming up the road can be watched..the wagons are about to make the first turn...it will take them 15 minutes , moving  left to right, to hit the next turn...another 15 minutes and they will make the turn that will bring them to the  entrance...

 ...if  we moved  now..daylight or nay...and we moved straight down...we could be in the middle of the two switch backs...and either hide....or...

 Ivy grins darkly,Ambush then from both sides....

"I'll go with you." Lucy says to Brie.

Diana dug the arrow out of the slaver, cleaned it, and put it away.
"I'll go with you." She says, a tenth of a second behind Lucy.

Brie looked between the cousins with a look of surprise.  Is there something I'm missing?  He wasn't bad of a rider when we went out.

Her attention darted back and forth seeking and answer to this mysterious feat of Kree's.

She gave a silent nod to Lucy and Dianna.

Myranda considered for a moment then revised her statement Um just realised a slight error on my part Cousin Dear. I got the order crossed over, envisaging 6 mounts when it's can reach that when I'm a tad more proficient with the spell currently I'm only capable of summing two mounts for two hours. Does that change anyone's thoughts she asked ooc if there were none she and focused and two saddled and bridled light horses stroll down the slope to her left and move towards the arrows.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Tue 10 Mar 2015.

ooc As Suggest by Kree the mounted come in behind the caravan while we move down the slope taking up a position on its flank. Recommend Diana, Brie and Ivy use the mounts. The Princess and her ladies should move in the same direction as the riders this will put them near the end of the train

Is this what you meant by between the two switchback roads Please note there is the up-slope and down-slope placements. Using the Upslope Kree and Myranda should be able to fire over the heads of Rolf and Lucy


Using available cover Justin heads down the slope towards the approaching slavers.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:37, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

Leaving the others to decide who'll ride Myranda slipped lightly down the slope towards the slavers moving into position beside her Cousin Ivy. When the arrows  were in position she targeted the closest slaver footguard and waited for the signal to attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

  The  Slavers  travel slowly, faint  sounds of a Lute can be heard as they  are happily nearing their stronghold.

 ( right now they are  in a line on B1 to B12 )

 ..I cannot  ask you all to follow me on this...But i am going to go down, we can strike the slavers  after they make the switch back, then flee down the slope .... he looks at  Isra and her  Ladies.

 ..we have to go through or  around them...I will follow  with You... her LAsies  just nod, knowing they have little choice  but to follow their princess...

 Ivy chuckles,..YOu'er not going to get more kills over me..I want to climb that totem!

 ( for gameplay sake. Kree, Ivy , Isra and her LAdies  are Moving and  will settle in the  thick trees at D & E...7-8 )

Lucy just smiled at the idea of killing more slavers.

"Well, alright it's slaughter time." She said with a big, toothy feline smile.

She started down towards the ambush point.  When she reached a point she needed to be, she notched an arrow and waiting for the signal.

Brie nodded and in a low near undetectable whistle called for horse.  Although tied to a tree it is a loose enough of a knot that he can get himself out of.

Brie looked back to Lucy and smiled within minutes the Large black stallion crept through the brush as silent as a shadow.

 She quickly mounted him and extended her hand out for Lucy to come up.  Once she was on, Brie made her way towards a darkened spot  so that she could ready her bow.

Crouching alongside a tree to the left of Ivy; Myranda ran her hand over the quiver of arrows touching each in a knowing way each moved easily under her fingers like blades of grass being tousled by a breeze; pausing at each to smooth the flights with finger and thumb.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Diana didn't say much of anything.  She quickly made her way down to position herself. (I-14) (BINGO!)
She draws her bow and awaits the ambush signal.

Once in position She focuses on the targets in front of her; when Kree sounds commencement she looses her arrows the first following quickly by a second. Both shafts flying towards Slavers the first aimed at a foot guard the second at a driver
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Mon 16 Mar 2015.

Rolf doesn't consider himself a great rider and he usually opts for his own feet when he can, but he'll take on one of the horses if one's available.  He joins with Myranda in shooting arrows.  He's focused on taking down the guards.  The wagons might move along quickly, but not as quickly as they can do on horseback and he'd rather chase down weakly armed and armored teamsters than Mercs or men-at-arms.

Taking up a position on the far left of the line Justin crouches and readies three darts. When the signal to attack is made He rises hurling the darts at the closest target
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Mon 16 Mar 2015.

"Brother Knight...I believe we've earned steeds of our own. Do you think it wise to call them now that we have more people riding?"

That to Justin.

   The Arrows  ready themselves for the word. The Princess and her ladies move slowly backwards  as the last of the  wagons roll around the last switchback.

 Kree Motions  for Luthien to stay low, so his blasted  armor doesn't give them away.

 Brie is on her  horse, off to the 'right' of the last switch back.

  Watching the horse riders  go past, Kree sneers , just a bit. they had their guard down, talking about some of the slaves they might  'try out' before they sell them..then the wagons rolls past...the  sobs  and moans from inside the  barred windows, made it clear, that these were indeed...slavers..

 Calmly  nocking an Arrow, he  waits until the Horsemen rounded the next switch back, the first wagon slowly down to try and Make the turn...

  Kree Hisses a sharp whisper.." NOW! "

 He fires at the  Hapless trooper  in front of him..........

As the darts sail forth Justin, gives a quick prayer to Eta, draws his sword and moves forward a little slashing at the wounded slaver as he manoeuvres towards the wagon
This message was last edited by the player at 04:44, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Brie is mounted on her horse (Lucy too?) and quickly draws her bow.  She eyes her target at the rear of the caravans and quickly kicked at her horse where he bolted out of the treeline and darted to the other.  Quick as lightning, and nearly unnoticed, and Brie shot at the first target with his back to her.  Once back in the tree line, she re-positioned herself, knocked an arrow,  and kicked for him to do the same.  She shot the second arrow at the next one in line.

Lucy rode beside Brie.  She fired her bow at a target closest.  She had learned horse archery as a kid, but it was never her strong suit.
She fired the first arrow, and then the second arrow taking a minute to try and aim at the target.

Once her arrows had struck she Slipped behind the tree using it for cover from return fire. Calling on Justin and Ivy to deal with any charging Slavers, as she focuses. Her hands moving in time with her quite commentary with a sharp action she points towards the riders centered at junction of H1,H2 & I1,I2 and Cast Sleep
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Luthien opted to hold his position. He didn't want to draw attention to the princess, and they were vulnerable targets to slavers. After all, they'd just been rescued from that sort of thing. His sword would be useful out on the lines...but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

   Kree's ...  2 Shafts Zip out of the Trees the  1st hits  the Slaver, the  2nd kills him...if he wasn't  dead from the 2nd shot..the  Rear wagon wheel getting struck on him would have  finished him..( SF G7 dead)

  Ivy... has a bit More Luck He Kills the   Slaver in front of Him, and  fires at the  draft horse... an excellent shot  Brings  down the Horse, stopping the  wagon, blocking the road....(SG G6 dead H H6 dead)

  Justin... Throws  His  Darts, the ones that hit  do decent  damage  while others  glance off the thick leathers of the slaver. But He falls to His  Knees as Justin charges out of the trees at him  ( sf G4 wounded On knees...)

 brie...Rides   out of the Trees as the screaming starts, the  Guards  Look to where the screaming is, but not behind them. Brie's  arrows fly true, the  first Slaver  falls, But does not seem quite dead..the second shot must have been Guide By Eta herself, or perhaps Neta moved the slaver?.. but the Arrow does  heavy damge to the Fello   who falls forward, the  shaft buried to the fletchings.(SF g-12...one the ground, not moving.Sf I-12..dead...)

Lucy... follows  Brie, she stays on the Upper side.  he  first  shot sails   high and hits the back of the second wagon..the  second shaft Hits   as Slaver as he turns   when he hears horses behind them, the man is wounded, as he shouts warnings...(SF I-11..wounded..badly )

 Myra.... Like Kree she had good  aim, but ill luck as the arrows hit...it  took Both shafts to bring  down the slaver in front of her...( sf G-5 dead...Myra's  spell will go off at beginning of out turn Unless she wishes to change action)

 Luthien....for  this moment, His weapons are out  as he stands watch over the Pricness and her ladies....

 Rolf... The Big Mands  arrows  fly at the fellow in front of him...the arrows both hti, as it takes both, to bring the man down (..Putting Rolf  at F8...Sf G8 dead )

Diana....Her  first  arrow  sails high, lodging into the wagon, her  second arro  is devastating tot he fellow in front of her, Like Brie's..the shaft to the feathers in the front, the arrow  head  poking out the back..( have  Diana at F9...SF G9 dead...)


( Please put Brie and  Lucy at I13 and H13)

  as the  screams of fera and Pain wash over the  road, Kree shouts,..Smash the Locks, free the slaves...Kill the slavers!

Luthien continues holding position. They also server who stand and wait. The rest of the company didn't seem to require his assistance yet, anyway.

And then he, on guard, noticed the incoming Mia.

"Who goes there?"

The shining knight didn't wait for an answer before scanning for evil in the incoming being.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Mon 16 Mar 2015.

Relocated to Situation maps
This message was last edited by the player at 10:00, Fri 20 Mar 2015.

In reply to Justin (msg # 232):

Mira hears a voice directed at her amidst the sounds of wounded animals and slavers, but does not respond. Her face is washed with a look of deep concentration. She focuses on the task at hand, hoping her makeshift allies will not mistake her for an enemy. She seems to instictively take up a defensive posture, and in a voice too quiet to hear clearly she mutters a short chain of words.

The power of the words is evident the second the last word leaves her lips. Her dark, half-hazardly bound hair shifts back for a moment. The air around her shutters in a strange way. What the actual effect of this directed power is Mira knows will depend on the strength of her cast, and the skill of her aim.

Rolf, having put down the nearer guard, raises his aim a bit to go for the other guard on foot (at I8).  He caughtbIvy putting down the horse, understandable to stop the train, but bothersome all the same.  Killing slaves was no problem,killing Catfolk was an unparalleled joy, but Rolf didn't like putting down animals except to put food on the table.

Brie hears the call for unshackling the slaves and she kicks the steadfast horse into gear.  She looks back to Lucy.  Stay fast and end the ones at the back, she said over hear shoulder loud enough to hear.

She makes a quick break for the slaves and uses her dagger to free the manacles.

Lucy adjusts her aim with the bow, covering Brie the best that she can.  She will fire two arrows at the closest slaver.

(G-12 and G-11)

She will also keep watch for any who try and interfere with the rescue, firing arrows at them as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

In reply to 9 hells break loose (msg # 230):

Diana will readjust her aim.  This time she will aim, letting out her breath as she was taught.  She will aim one arrow at the slaver at I-9 and the second at the slaver at I-8.
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:27, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

2nd  turns....

   the  Arrows press their attack, the Horsemen are trying to turn around on the road to come back down, One of them is shouting towards cave..but there seems to be no answer...yet...

...............

 Luthien looks towards the  woman who appeared and  chants  something quickly..aiming at the front end of the wagons.

 Mia's spell goes off, two slavers ( I3 and I 4), shout in surprise as they are lifted into the air, helpless....

 Justin...finshes off the wounded slaver ( g4) then guards  Myra...

 Myra's.... spell goes off, she sees  the Horse at I-1 fall, the  slaver mounted on it  is trapped under it, trying to get up.... The trooper at H2 falls from his horse, the horse Bolts up the road towards the cave...

Rolf...2  arrows Zip from his  bow  across the road  and  Bring down the slaver at I-8...

 Ivy...Jumps onto the front of  the wagon at H-7,,he  readies his bow, looking for another target

 Kree steps  behind the wagon and begins to work the Look of  H-7 wagon.

Brie...she brings her horse to the back of the last wagon, she  dismounts  and begisn to work the lock, she here the  people inside  screaming and crying to hlpm them...

Lucy.. her bow snaps into action, she misses her first shot, her  2nd  shot  hits hard and deep, Killing the slaver at G-11

Diana...brings  down the Slaver at I-9..it is hard to tell if he is dead...

Felling the Slaver before him Justin give his longsword a quick flick to throw off the blood as he waits for the Blackguards to counter the Crimsons attacks.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:58, Mon 23 Mar 2015.

Brie works quickly not caring about the lock, just wanting to get the slaves free.  She'd cautiously talk to each person as she made her way through the locks and slaves.  Speaking words of comfort and safety.

Myranda gave a slight shrug, her spell effect wasn't what she hoped, still half is better than a kick in the head she thought. Quickly moving towards the holy roller ooc aka Justin With a swift smooth motion she lifting her bow drawing its knocked arrow. Standing close to the warrior she scanned the area for the targets to present themselves.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:45, Mon 23 Mar 2015.

Lucy spurs her horse on, riding from I-14 to J-8,
She will fire arrows at any the Slaver at I-10.
Once she gets to her position, she will prepare to attack the slavers on horseback.

Diana moves from the cover of F-9 to I-11.
She will put her bow away, and draw her blade.
There, she will dispatch any still living slavers she encounters.
She will then observe the movement of the slavers on horseback, and decide what to do next then.

Rolf, not seeing any clear shot from his position, moves forward to have a better field of fire on the far side of the wagon train (to I8).  He looks first to the left and notes the slaver on foot near Brestine (I10).  If he puts the fellow down, he'll shift his attention behind him (towards I7) and prepares to attack that direction.

Mira watches with interest as the two slavers fall upward. Though she has studied intensively for many years of her young life, she has never seen these familar spells cast on actual living things.

She evaluates the front of the caravan, hoping the unaffected slavers have not figured her location yet. Several slavers and horses seem to have fallen to another casters spell further back in the caravan. The advancing fighters are still unknown entities to Mira, but with her last spell, she has left herself no luxury to stop and consider them further.

Mira prepares to cast an Incendiary cloud, a spell she has never truly seen the full effect of, though she had cast it many times. The concentration it demands is intense, and she prepares herself; working up the nerve and energy to cast it.

Luthien remains on guard by the ladies. He hasn't been drawn into the battle yet.

"You need to identify yourself, newcomer..."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Wed 25 Mar 2015.

  The  Slavers  are shocked...hit hard and fast on thier own doorstep?...did the City send an army?

 The Horse men called  to those below to  do a fighting retreat to the CAve... One rider took his horse into the Cave Hollering at the top of his voice...

 The rest of the slavers  tried to retreat to the cave, straight up through the trees for Cover from the fire of the Murderous attackers.

   One Rider sits On his  horse, Now , near the front of the Cave...

............................................

 Luthien....watches the woman reach out her  arm...near the   east end of the switch back,  a foglike Cloud  Appears, Glowing ebers begin to shoot  around inside of it..Horses  scream as they are struck  two slavers go down ( the horse men on G1 G2 fall, their horses  wounds  as   they burn)

 Mia...sees her cloud and the  slavers  fall from their horses  screaming as they burn....

 ROLF...moves forward  , turns to see the  Footsoldier  trying to make a break for the trees, One arrow  nicks him, the second arrow  puts him down ( slaver atI10 is dead.)

Diana... reaches   the  foot  trooper and  Fights,,, she Hits HIm, wounding HIm, as he strikes  backs. she feels the  burn from his blade as he grins at her...( Slaver  S10 is wounded,,and  fighting  Diana, who is wounded)

Lucy..rides  to I-12..there she  sees Diana in trouble..her  first arrow  sails off into the trees, but the Second  arrow brings the grinning  slaver to the ground. (s-10 is dead)

 Myra...Steps up and looses   two shafts at the driver..the First hits the seat..the  second Kocks the man from the wagon, to the ground...the third,  Hits  the  foot trooper,,but  does not nseem to bother him much...( driver is  dead...Trooper in front of  wagon is  nicked)

Justin.... stands  watch over Myra as she fires.....

Brie...gets the  lock open, and  people begin to try and crawel out..they head down towards  Luthien as they  stubble...

 Kree   Gives  up on the Lock  and climbs to the top of the  wagon,,,he stands there   so the horseman can see him, and nocks the arrow as he shouts,...YOU HAVE LOST!....WE TAKE THESE PEOPLE  INTHE NAME OF THE EMPIRE, AND GIVE THEM < THIER FREEDOM!

 The Horse Man shouts back,YOU ARE A FOOL...HOW FAR CAN YOU GET WITH THEM...WE WILL HAVE  MORE TROOPS COME FORTH AND...  he stops  as  Ivy and Kree begin to laugh.

 GNOMES LIE DEAD...AS DOES THE CREATURE WITH WORMS ON ITS FACE....BE GLAD THAT ETA SMILES ON YOU THIS  DAY...THAT WE   TAKE THESE PEOPLE TO BE CARED FOR..ELSE WISE.. NONE OF YOU WOULD SEE THE END OF THIS DAY


  More slavers  scurry up the  Hill to get near their leader....

 The fellow who rode into the cave  points inside as he is saying something to  the  Leader. the  leader looks at him and snaps his head back towards Kree...VERY WELL....TAKE THEM...LEAVE..WE WILL COLLECT OUR WOUNDED>...


 Kree tursn to the others,someone get the other locks open...and...make sure there are not  any wounded.....

 WE WILL HUNT YOU DOWN...WE WILL FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE

  Kree smiles as he  bows slightly,I AM KREE...QUCIKSHADOW...THESE ARE MY ARROWS....NO NEED TO LOOK FOR ME..FOR I WILL BE HUNTING ....YOU!

 Ivy dropped  down and worked thew Lock  on the first wagon..it took him  seconds  to open it, and   unload the hapless people out of there..

Luthien proceeds to usher the rescued people behind his guard. While he missed the battle, and is somewhat sad about it, protecting the innocent was also valuable service. Besides, the Commander did not see fit to call him to the lines.

"Get over there. We'll see to your wounds and hunger shortly."

Lucy turned her attention to the rest of the attack.  She watched, with deep satisfaction as the slavers scurried up the hill to the front of the cave.  She only wished she had thought of booby trapping the inside of the cave.  That would have been a great surprise!

She wheeled her horse around, facing the cave.  She was, secretly hoping that Kree would order an attack on the remaining slavers.  But she also knew such would be folly.  Tis better to fight going down hill then up.  A lesson she had learned some time ago.

She dismounted, putting away her bow, and drawing her sword.  She helped dispatch any remaining slavers.  She would take "trophies" from the dead.

She looked around feeling "at home".  The feeling hit her like a proverbial ton of bricks.  It was just like the "old days", with the Marauders.  She felt the same  Comraderie as she had back then.  Those old feelings coming back surprised her.

Diana redoubled her efforts against the slaver, angry at her self for letting the slaver "score".

Then the slaver dropped dead, an arrow in his hack.  She looked up to see Lucy with bow in hand.  She nodded her appreciation to her.

She looked around at the whole scene of chaos.  She found herself completely enjoying the slaughter.

She joined in killing the remaining slavers.  That she found herself enjoying.  Even though it was nothing more then a thrust through the heart.

She then helped with the freed slaves.  She conversed with those who she could, and did what she could to help others.

Mira releases her spell, and the burning cloud disperses in a mist that clings to the ground for a moment before disappearing. Sweat covers Mira's face; proof of the exertion casting pressed upon her. The smell of burning flesh assualts her senses as she takes a minute to observe the full effect of her spell. Not in her wildest dreams has she ever cast such a volatile spell on living beings. She sinks down and retches violently onto the forest floor.

After a shaky span of breaths, she pushes herself up. Slowly at first, she makes her way onto the road, walking towards the others whom she has just fought with. She comes first to the man who seems the very epitome of a virtious knight, and he seems to carry some air of official command. Stopping cautiously outside of what she thinks is about the length of a sword from the man, she bows politely Well met sir, I hope. I happened across this caravan quite by chance, and could not confront them alone, so for that at least I am glad to have found your party. Mira's nervousness is clear, as is the fact that she is trying to hide it. These strangers do after all, completely outnumber her. Slave freers or no, she had learned to be distrustful of those sharing the road.

 A strange elf catches Mira's eye. Not having seen many in general up until the least few months, she does her best not to stare. This elf seems different from any she has seen before, and her inquisative mind gets the best of her.

On the  lower road, a  woman on horse back slowed as she heard the  fighting and shouting Going on.

 People were  being let out of wagons, while  some  people were attacking other people. An Elf stood on the middle wagon, shouting...she could  just make out what he was saying...

Rolf glances around to see if any of the slavers were still about, wounded or not.  If he could get any in range of bow or blade, he'll attack.  Afterwards, he looks to those he put down, see if he could reclaim any of his arrows.  "A good fight.  I'd rather they be Catfolk, but slavers need killing more than most folk."

In reply to Mira (msg # 251):

"I am Sir Luthien, Knight of the Hunt, and one of the Crimson Arrows. Don't judge by my bearing, though, Commander Kree is in charge here. If you wish to team up, you'll want to talk to him. He's that one over there."

Luthien points him out.

Jenna rides up calmly to the group and spying the white knight, she mutters something to her horse, then nimbly dismounts and lets the reigns drop.  The dark amber and brown horse doesn't wander a step but it's eyes follow Jenna as she approaches the knight.

You Kree, she asks the man, paying no attention to whether she is interrupting someone else or not.  She seems unmoved by the chaos around her, but only holds the knight's eyes waiting for an answer.

Brie continues releasing the slaves from their shackles and double checks with them as they are freed.  When they are all loose, she remounts her horse to see another person approaching on theirs.

She rides up to the rest of the group and bow is casually readied to fire at will, but not with the intention of intimidation just caution.

She looks over at Kree and nods slowly.

In reply to Jenna McKillian (msg # 255):


When Jenna arrives, Luthien once again shakes his head.

"No. Commander Kree is the elf over there."

He again gestures in the right direction.

Jenna nods to the knight and turns without a word and steps toward the elf on the cart.  When he stops shouting Jenna addresses him.  You're Kree?  Crimson Arrows?

 Looking around, He  points to Rolf,..Rolf? See whatr you can do about breaking   spokes on these  wagons.....

   Justin, You and Myra  reales the horses and  take them down to the lower  road, the Yyounger slaves  and  those who are injured   can ride them

   He Looks   down at the woman from on top the  salve  wagon, He   chuckles a Bit as  his eyes shift towards   Brie  , Lucy and the others, then back to the  new Horse woman,Aye, I am  Kree, and this is My unit  of Crimson Arrows....


 Jumping down, he Looks inside the wagon, he calls out  to Rolf , Ncer midn the spokes...You and Ivy set fire to the straw in the wagons...these wagons will never carry slaves  again!

  Stopping for a moment he Looks at the  New horse riding woman, then sees Luthian with another  new person.

 What can i do for you...we  are in a hurry, we needs get these people  to safety, before the slavers decide to grow a backbone...

Diana was helping with the slaves and destroying the wagons when she over heard the comment from Kree.

She chuckled to herself.

"Yeah, right, like THAT will happen." She said out loud.

Then she went back to work.

Jenna looks the scene over while the Elf issues orders.  When he jumps down and addresses her, she replies, Then I'll make this short.  Apparently in order to stay out of the arenas of this god's forsaken place I need to travel with a company.  I'm here in search of a gnoll chieftan known as Cracked-Fang.  He ambushed and murdered my father and I've been tracking him for the past five years all across my homeland.  Six months ago he lead me here and now I'm tracking him all over your land.  Since I'm fairly new around here it's made it difficult to find him, but gnolls are famous for working with slavers, so when I heard there was a company of slaver-hunters, I figured that was as good a place as any to look.  I'm handy in a fight and can open almost any lock and my father taught me to be a world-class tracker.  If you'll have me, I'd like to join your company.  If not, then I'll just follow you around till an opportunity to show you how much you can't live without me pops up.  The look in Jenna's green eyes says there is a modicum of humor in her statement, but only a little.

Mira dips her head at the knight. Though a small gesture of manners, it is geniune. With the addition of two others, she makes her way to the man the knight had directed her to largely unnoticed. She takes special care not to look at any of the fallen slavers as she walks, though she cannot avoid smelling the spilled blood. She stifles a gag; it will not do to have these adventurers see how green she really is.

As the pretty red headed woman finishes pleading her case, Mira adds somewhat meekly I would like to join you as well....I may not be as fearsome as some warriors, but my education in spell casting is second to none. A wielder of magic is nothing if not useful. She does not mention half her reasoning for wanting to join a group is to avoid getting lost or accosted while alone.

Mira steals a moment to glance at Jenna. The woman is much more striking than Mira had originally gathered. Though not due to attraction, Mira blushes involuntarily and hastily looks away.

sidenote: Reguardless of Kree's answer, Mira will take one of the slaver's abandoned horses.

  Kree looks at the two women who have   asked to join the Arrows.  Turning his head  towards Ivy, he sees his cousin grinning and Nodding as he  helps the last of the  people down the  Mountainside to the lower road.

  shouldering his bow, the elf  reaches inside  his tunic  and withdraws a wooden Box, he taps it open , at first it looks like there are many  gem stones, but in fact they are various  types of  Ruby arrows.

  He  Picks   two out, places the  Box in his outside pocket for now , and holds one  out in each hand, towards the two women.

  The Crimson Arrows, least ways...MY unit  of Cromson Arrows, do many a t5ask, whether we gather Bounties, or..serves  the Emporer. We do things the Empire's troops cannot, or will not do. We  rarely show  mercy to slavers and CatFolk..and we ask for no mercy in return. We are the Fire, that fights the Fire....If...you think you are able to do that, Take a Pin, and  wear it so it is easy to see...

 ...............

 Isra  and Her Ladies   look  about, they seem to be subdued  by the  harsh, quick battle. Isra  Looks to Luthien and asks,...Does this mean, we must take the People with us?

Jenna nods as she reaches for one of the arrowhead pins.  Mercy has never been one of my stronger traits, she says.  On the matter of the gnoll I'm searching for, have you seen an gnolls about in your dealings with the slavers here?  If you find any I will need to question them.  I speak their language so it will be beneficial to both you and I if you keep them alive long enough for me to speak to them.

     Looking over his shoulder he sees some of the wagons start to glow and smoke rise from the straw,make sure you search the dead...get  weapons   so we can hand them out to the  people we saved....Then head down to the lower  road...

 He started down the  mountainside  as well where the  people and Arrows  where gathering, he says to Jenna...My Village is  in the BAlck Timber...there  has  been a Band of Gnolls and Cat-folk hunting   around the forest..they seem to try to hit the  caravans  coming from the desert. to the coast...every now and again, they are foolish  enough to try a trip through out Forest...we get   finished with  our Mission, we will head to the Village and see what  folks have hear lately...for that matter, when  we reach Ironmound, we can see what the City Guard has up on the Bounty  Board, sometimes there is news about slavers, bandits and such.

Jenna walks alongside the elf as he heads down the road with a scowl.  And what is your 'mission'?  More to the point, how long will it take?  I took your pin so I will honor my word to help you, but I cannot be long off the scent of my prey.

After removing her shafts from the fallen slavers Myranda assists the Holy roller to search the bodies, recover weapons and fire the wagons.  Once her task is completed she slips alongside Kree. Another nick at the slavers then Cousin dear, one that has brough increase as well she smiles indicating the two new arrows

    as they near the Gatherer  people, Kree says to Jenna,The Lady and her Companions, thjat where guarded by Luthien, are, our mission, we needs  get them to Ironmound..

 The Slavers had them, and we were asked to get them back.Along the way we have  found  and lost, some comrades...so..it is not rare , that someone seeks  greener pastures.

 Pointing out over the Lands, she can see a Large walled  city ( that looks about as big as copper piece, from where they stand) it straddles the River Storm.That is the  City.... , turning  .45 degrees to his left he says,..That is Ironwood. We go there, to  leave off these escaped slaves, In hope the Ironwood Elves will aid them...

 Ivy laughs  from a few paces away,he shakes his head as he says,What makes yuoou think the Ironwood elves  would aid these people?..Ironwood  is more noted for helping..Ironwood...

 ..THey have Ties  with Human cities to the north and east...it would do them  good to aid them, if Nay? we will have a longer journey taking this small horde to Ironmound...

 In Answer  to Myra's words he nods,..Aye Slaveers  dealt with....slaves freeds, and  a solid  slap in the face , for whomever ios the Leader inside that mountain....We will be adding to the Totem..that is for certain...

Jenna tracks with her eyes in the directions Kree points, taking little notice of the others speaking to him.  When he finishes she says, Fine.  What would you have me do to get us moving?

  Once  we hand out weaposn   to those who are able to carry them, we will movbe down through the trees, in the direction of Ironwood..I suspect  scouts  will see  us soon, with this large of a group..Then we shall see how  much  the Ironwood elevs  honor thier treaties....

 Turing to  the Group he says, Brie, Myra and   Jenna will scout  ahead  On Horse BAck.... Lucy and Ivy will take the right Flank, Diana and  Myself  will take the left flank...

 looking at the Former prisoners, some look shaken, some  relieved,You folks will stay together in the Middle, our   Holy warriors  will stay close to you...Good Rolf will be rear Guards..Mia? You stay witht hem as well, thus we wil have most of our spellcraft in one place

 Mounting up on one of the  captured Horses , he  begins to  head to the Left flank. Iv  grins,..Hey Cousin?...I thought you could not ride?

 Kree wheels the horse around , and says,I said i did not like to ride....I am 120 years old..I learned to ride when i was 20..in that space i have  had over 40 horses....that is not.....a good set of numbers...


 The Horse snorted and shook its head, Kree began to move off to his position

Diana fetched her used up arrows, cleaned them and put them into away.  She then went to follow Kree's orders.  Right Flank it was.  She took one of the slavers horses.  My, it felt good to be on horseflesh again!

She gave a "gidyap!" and the horse began to gallop off to the right flank.

Brie looked back as she remounted Quickshadow and passed Kree on the way.

Oh there are quite a few stories I could fess up to with the right bribe about his horse riding skills, she said with a grin and gave a low whistle to egg on the horse to scout away.

She took a more easterly direction.

In reply to Diana Hunt (msg # 271):

Mira pins the small ruby arrow to her robes. Full length robes are simply not suited to the road, and Mira had been made painfully aware of. She had donned a tunic cut with slits for riding which went only a little lower than her knees. Though the trunk of the tunic looked like ordinary robes, the sleeves were cut more slimly around the lower arms and wrists; again conducive to riding.

Though she balked at the idea of a blood oath, this Kree Quickshadow demanded none from her. Why not join these people for a while? After all, she had nowhere to go, and knew nobody. She would not admit it openly, but the world outside her academic circle had been very lonely so far. She dipped her head at Kree's order.

A deep brown gelding was still milling about on the edge of the caravan, discoordinated by the sudden scuffle and quick departure of the familar slavers. Mira snatches the reins, trailing loosely in the dirt. She pats the animal's neck, letting him get a good look at her and leading him back, rather than mounting, to the equally discoordinated group of freed slaves. Once the gelding seems more comfortable, she mounts in a practised motion. Her teacher had insisted on a "rounded education", though she could not have imagined before now why riding would have been useful to her. She takes up a middle position with the other casters, guiding the gelding effortlessly.

She stays silent, feeling rather shy amid new faces. She steals glances at her companions. The freedmen look to be lost in their own thoughts, and she does not disturb them.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Sun 29 Mar 2015.

 the  Group is   a bit North and East of Trader's rest..( a K in the faded part of the Mountains.) The scouts  lead them  to the southeast a bit, trying to get to the MAin Road, and Ironwood  beyond that.

 As the  Group spreads out  to  Handle their duties, Kree Adds, ..If you find  Game? Bring It down, these people  are Going to eat well this night...

Rolf uses his hand ax to make short work of any wagons before getting ready to move on.  He agreed with Kree on one score, he agreed with killing slavers because they deserve it.  If there was a reward to be collected, he would take his fair share, but if there was not then still he would put them down.  But that's a job, not his life's mission of killing the damned Catfolk.

Jenna nods when directed to scout ahead.  At the mention of wood elves, she wonders if they speak the same Elvish as the ones in her homeland of Andoria.  Guess we'll find out, she thinks as she heads back toward Bailey who hasn't moved a step since Jenna dropped her reigns.  As she walks among the bodies and burning wagons back to the horse, she pins the red arrowhead onto her shirt under the cloak.  He said plain sight, but I'll be damned if I'm switching this thing every time I remove my cloak.

Mounting Bailey she pats the neck of the dark mare and says, Well, we've picked up some new traveling companions.  Seems like they know what they're about.  I guess we'll see.  Bailey shakes her mane and nickers as Jenna lightly prods her toward the woods in the direction Kree had indicated her to scout.
Oh stop your complaining, she says in mock reproach, I know you'd rather have me all to yourself, but sometime it's good to share.  Once again we're the point of the spear girl.  Supposed to be some kind of elves out here.  Let's hope they speak the Elvish we know.  C'mon.

Jenna and her horse move up ahead of the rest of the group and begin scouting ahead on the trail.  She makes little effort to be hidden or quiet, knowing full well it would be a fruitless effort.  Riding through unknown woods belonging to wood elves made it a nearly sure thing that she'd be surrounded and either dead or subdued long before she knew they were even there.  Subconsciously, she touched the punch dagger hidden at the small of her back, sure it was well hidden incase she had need.

Her mind drifted to Cracked-Fang and the possibility that she'd finally picked up his trail once more.  After months of searching for any sign, or anyone who'd even heard of a group of gnolls in this land, she'd finally run across someone who'd told her about Kree and his Crimson Arrows who were mostly slave hunters.  In Jenna's experience gnolls worked well with slavers as guards.  Their hideous features usually so frightened commoners that they set aside all desires to try escaping, and if the sight didn't dissuade them enough, the growling, slobbering voice that would issue from them as they promised to chew the feet from anyone trying to escape would seal the deal.  They were god's awful abominations, and Jenna would rid the whole world of them if she had her wish.  I'm coming for you dog, she muttered as Bailey carried her along into the unknown forest.

The group heads  down through the Trees, a few  hours , they come Up , what passes  for the MAin Road of the Furman's Chain.. . Kree  Call out for them to travel down the Road until they can see the smoke  coming from  the  Buildings at  Trader's Rest.

  they then turn east, Into the trees of Ironwood. Quickshadow rides in and  says,These trees  Belong to the Ironwood Elves....I have a brace of rabbits, see if anyone else can bring down some game?...we will travel until we hit a clearing, and we will camp there....we should be visited sometime after   we eat...

 He Pivots the Horse away , heading back to his  flank...

Mira checks her horse's pace several times to match more closely with the ambling crowd. Though surely they must be glad to get out of the wagons in which they had been captive, many of them did not seem used to walking for long periods. The children present especially, fell silent after a time. Mira scooped two of the youngtest into the saddle, herself dismounting to lead the gelding.

The silence presses on Mira, and she falls astride with Luthien. She had wondered how an armored knight had found himself in such company. With some time and bordom her nerves had calmed and she asked Luthian with a gentle voice Where do you hail from? How did you come to be in this company?.

"Here's another.  Rolf holds up another rabbit.  He moves to the side and starts to dress the rabbit for cooking.

  As they reach a small clearing,  Kree Rides in once more , and ties his horse to a tree.

 Ivy  comes in as well, he  has  a Turkey hanging from his  saddle. He  Dismounts and takes Kree's  Rabbits, Joinng  Rolf in  dressing the game. Ivy points to some of the  freed people who are in better shape then Most..Gather  fire wood...only dead  wood, branches and Limbs lying about, do not cut  anything alive...

 Isra  and her Ladies   have  ried to be  busy as well, Gathering some Tubers  as they moved  through the forest.

 Kree looks around, MAking sure everyone is  accounted for,I'll do a ciruit around the clearing...though i do not think we will be bothered...

 Ivy Looks Up,How soon?

 They will let us  eat...rest...then someone will come around to ask us why we are in thier Trees...

 ivy smiles and goes back to work, Kree Moves out to the  treelines  and begins to walk around it.

Brie had busied herself making note of the vast forest of the Ironwood elves, not much unlike her old home.  Yet, vaguely still not quite like home.  She looked back in the direction of where Kree and the group should be and could mentally picture them there.  She closed her eyes and reflected back on everything that has happened, also listening for easy prey that she could hunt.  She also took this time to practice up on things Kree had taught her early on, even a few things that his own tribe, family, had taught her.  It was a wonderful time she had, and she didn't want to forget any of it.  So practice, she does.

She could hear animals scurrying around and took aim at them when any entered into her personal space.  The gentle caress of the breeze as it floated over her skin.  The moon lite highlighting up her face.  She opened her eyes and blessed the Gods and Goddesses for providing for them this evening and letting her find her way back to the people she belonged with.  She then moved back towards the group with her hunt dangling along on strings at the back of her saddle bags.

Quickshadow naying and prancing about knowing he too, for the most part, was safe and felt it.  She saw Ivy and Rolf fixing the food and Kree checking on everyone.  She dismounted and walked the black stallion over to the tree near Kree's own ride where they could communicate and jest about.  A pawing and tapping of the horseshoes echoed in the air to Brie which adding a wider smile to her face.

She sought out Kree after handing the game (1 grouse) to the fellows.  Wish me to follow with you as you go out?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Tue 31 Mar 2015.

  You can if you wish, I do not know  how foolish thos e slavers are, I cannot see them entering Ironwood,, but there  are other   things to be wary of..

Jenna came to the clearing before the others and dismounted.  Well girl, she said, I guess we didn't have to worry bout the elves after all.  I suppose this is as good a place as any to sleep the night.  You go ahead and graze before the others arrive and I'll stake out a spot for us to rest.  With a quiet nicker Bailey strolled off toward a patch of green grasses that looked appetizing and began to munch.  Jenna had seen some game, but since she never had taken time to learn the bow she figured the rest could shoot dinner.  Later in the evening she would go out on foot and set a few snares to catch game for herself and replenish her pack.

When the others began to file into the clearing, Jenna already had the beginnings of a fire started and an her bedroll laid out.  When Kree arrived she approached him and said, Nothing but animals and plants out there tonight.  I'm sure your elves are out there too, but they're keeping their heads down for now.  The other young elf girl approached and spoke to Kree, answering Jenna's next question of when they should expect the Ironwood elves to make an appearance.

When Kree speaks of walking the perimeter, Jenna says, <darkgreen>Why don't you let me do that.  You probably got your hands full with all these... she trails off gesturing toward the "freed" slaves that seem more lost now then they probably where in the hands of their keepers.  It'll give me a chance to set some snares and catch my share of the game.

    why don't you take the   east side of the Clearing, I shall take the North...the  west side leads to the road, and i do not fear anything that might be coming from the South. Just be careful, should you run  into an Ironwood Elf.

  with a flick of his hand , he  says to  Brie, Shall we...

 .........

 Ivy looks over the  people, and  at the Game as begins to sharpen  sticks to use  as Spits, we shall use the   spits  to cook the Rabbits, we will cut up the Birds   and tubers to make a stew..the little one s can eat the  stew, the older ones can eat slices of   Rabbit...Unless  someone  brings  down something bigger..

Brie paused as Jenna came up for the next set of steps for checking the outlying areas.  She gave the other girl a friendly smile but a warmer smile to Kree when he motioned for her to follow.

Careful there boys, she said to Ivy in particular.  Let's not have another incident of nearly cutting off your thumb.

She waved at them as they headed off towards another part of the forest and took out her bow, but left the arrows in the quiver at her back

Miss me much? she asked softly so as not to alert any one that may be trying to sneak up on the group or them.

Jenna nods to Kree and, catching the smile toward her from Brie, gives a nod of greeting but no smile crosses her lips.  She turns and heads back toward her bedroll.  From her saddlebag she takes a pouch that attaches neatly to her belt containing all her supplies for snare making and heads out toward the Eastern side of the clearing.  As she passes Bailey she says, I'm going to set some snares and take a look around.  Keep an eye on our stuff and don't stuff yourself.  I don't want you gassy or nobody will sleep tonight.  The big mare snorts its derision in her direction and then goes back to grazing on the lush green grass.  She smiles at the horse and then turns for the woods.

Lucy had a frustrating hunt.  Twice she had lined up a rabbit, and twice arrows had missed, and not even been close.  That is what frustrated her the most that her arrows were not even close to the target.

She spent a frustrated hour hunting before giving up and returning to camp, bashfully empty handed.

Diana had been successful in her hunt.  Although, it was rather limited.  She had targeted three rabbits, but could only make a kill of one.  After an hour, she returned to camp, adding the rabbit she had managed to kill to the pot.

Hunting is clearly not one of Miras skills. In fact, she was looking a little thinner for having relied mostly on trail rations in her time on the road. She makes no effort to search for game, as the only way she is likely to catch something is to cast a dominate mind or a summons. And that always seemed unsportsmanlike to her. She considers setting a magical perimeter on the camp, but dismisses the notion as she remembers what Kree had murmered earlier about expected visitors. There isn't much point in setting a perimeter for elves they want to appear friendly to. Instead she helps the smaller children set up sleeping places and watches those too tired to gather woods with the adults.

As a banking of wood accumulates, Mira starts several fires about the large camp. Though not a hunter, she knows enough to assemble spits over each flame, readying them for the game others are starting to bring back. Though so many people mean several fires are required, Mira cannot watch them all similtaniously. She recuits several children per fire to feed them wood, who seem excited to be trusted with the task.

As the hunters return, Mira notices the fearsom looking Lucy (fearsom to Mira's eyes) is empty handed. Mira is mildly surprised she was unable to bring down any game. She silently goes back to her simple tasks. She still knows very little about these people; hardly anyone had held a conversation with her. Scouting and traveling had kept most everyone busy as well.

Without comment Myranda gave a nod at her cousins directions. offered a prayer to the Sisters of Fate before taking up position.  Moving gracefully across the countryside from point to point she scouted their way towards the Ironwood forest. During this time she spotted and felled two rabbits which she knew would assist to provide food for the group as it travelled away from the slaver caves. Hearing Kree's recall Myranda gathered with the others handing the rabbits over to be cleaned and dressed while she set about assisting with other tasks needed to sustain the group
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Thu 02 Apr 2015.

  Walking  through the trees, Kree carries his bow in his left hand,...You came an a good time. We freed these folks, and we can get  the LAdy back to the City. We will have to  make a move then.  We need  to  get some  people to aid   us, in taking that Mountain, and  ridding this side of the Mountain  of  slavers...We may need to go the  the Village for  that.

Justin gave thanks to Eta for Her hand in this skirmish, grateful that he could be used to bring about the release of these three wagons filled with hapless prisoners; as he rendered what assistance he could.

Brie walked along, her gaze on Kree as they continued patroling and talking.  Her hearing focused on everything around them.

Glad I was able to make it in time, she said to him in a soft tone, nearly muffled. Are you wanting some of us to go to the village and request aid?

SHe looked off into the woods and around then bringing her attention back to him.  Or do we need to get this "lady" to safety first?

  if  we sent our  best rider, on  our fastest horse..it would take what? 3 weeks? maybe add a day or two?

 he  looks   up into the air behind them at the  top of the Mountain,whatvere is in that Mountain..it is thier home...we shall return, but  we have a job to do first.

Brie gives a nod and continues patrolling, listening, hearing the area around them as if it were a second skin to her.  As if, she belonged here and she was one with the forest, it was enough to put a smile on her face.

I would suggest that someone should stay behind and watch the mountain and the comings and goings.  I see that you need all the able bodies you can right now, especially with the slaves that were just freed.

She walked quietly for a moment, in deep thought.  Any way to send a message ahead of us?  A feathered friend, mayhaps?

There is no reason to leave one of us behind, I sent others   back to Ironmound  with messages and such

 ..i hope the Ironwood elves will help us..we shall see...

She skipped a step to turn and look at Kree with a tilt if her head.

I don't suppose that is why we took this side instead?

She reached out mentally to the forest as if calling out to a variety of species to see if others were around.

  The Elf grinned,..That might be exactly why we took this  side.... he  Looks around,..Not many of us make the trip to Ironwood...there are much hard feelings   between our peoples, since  are people where the first to sign the Treaty with the Humans and Dwarves.... Ironwood is proud of its  Forests, and Proud that they rule the plains about this forest...but..in the end, they are No match for Black Timber Elves....

 he says the last words  a bit more loudly, then the rest...

Myranda busily moved about the refugees, rendering assistance, a gentle word, or a warm smile of encouragement to those in need, as she did she heard Kree's slightly raised voice and grinned at his comment. So this was but another of his designs to attempt to repair the rift which is why the Sisters of Fate have also seen that the Arrows have been composed as it has she mused contently
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Thu 02 Apr 2015.

  As the  ex-slaves  settle in, they rgow  more and more relaxed..there are 14 children from the ages  of 4 to 12

 there are 10  adults, ranging from age  of  18-30.  they Huddle around the Camp fire, Ivy says aloud,Adults?..Please begin to hand out some of the  stew to the Younger ones, By then some of the   rabbits and such should be ready to eat. As more  GAme comes in..we will cook that as well...

 He opens his pack and Kree's  , taking out tin cups  and a bole  for use for the Kids Kree had  seen fit to Borrow a few of the 'nicer' mugs from the  slaver's dinning room, Ivy shakes his head and  smiles as  they begin to  ladle out the stew for the Young ones.

Jenna returns with a single large rabbit from her snares.  She was careful to reset the line with the intent to check it again in the morning.  She had dressed out the rabbit in the woods, leaving the gut pile well away from her snare line.

At the camp she hands off the dressed and skinned carcass to those doing the cooking figuring too many cooks would spoil the pot.  If there is anything left at the end I'll take the leftovers, otherwise I have some dry jerky in my pack.  Let the others eat.

Finding Kree she says, I didn't find anything that made me believe we're being followed or watched.  Lots of animal tracks but nothing human.  I'd guess the elves are about but if they're anything like the Shinari people of Andoria, I wouldn't find any tracks to follow.  What next?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Thu 02 Apr 2015.

   ...we  wait. Those  people need to eat and rest, the children will fall into a deep sleep, I am thinking, after what they have been through..we have seen it before..

 ..the  Elves  will come, perhaps  an hour or two after the moon rises...

Brie senses movement, the forest was becoming excited, nervous, perhaps.  She turned just as Jenna approached and quickly knocked an arrow with stealth movement the arrow targeting Jenna's lower abdomen.  It was enough to slow down, but not insure.

Thankfully, she'd anticipated someone sneaking up on them but held off on firing just in case it was friendly.  She exhaled slowly when she saw it was Jenna.  She lowered her bow, but kept the arrow out just in case.

Just as Kree spoke she gave him a nod towards where she sensed the forest growing antsy by the minute.  Are you certain so late? she asks softly.  I feel them growing closer as we speak.

Jenna nodded to Kree, Then I'll get something to eat and rest.  If you need a watch for the night, I'll go first.  Let me know.  Without waiting for an answer she turned and headed toward her bunk, paying no attention to the antsy, pointy-eared bowman.  Jenna decided if she wanted to shoot her in the back, well it wouldn't have been the first time.

Back at her bedroll, Jenna fished some salted jerky from her pack and reclined on her bedroll, using her pack as a pillow and had dinner.  Bailey soon sauntered over and looked down at her, chuffing.

What?  You had your dinner, she said around a bite of jerky.  It was starting to go bad but she figured it would stave off hunger until she woke and checked her traps in the morning.  Besides, you hate this stuff.  The horse chuffed again and then looked off toward the woods that the jumpy archer had indicated.  Jenna's eyes darted that way as well and she said, Yeah, I wish they'd get here and get this show on the road as well girl.  Seems a bit impolite to keep  us all waiting here, darkness coming on and all.  Real neighborly types would have had a meal and a show set up for us, wouldn't you think?  Bailey snorted agreement and started away again, munching on more grass.

Diana chuckled at Jenna's comment.

"Elves in these parts travel with caution.  They will scope us out, make sure we aren't anything too hostile, then make their move.  For all they know, we could be a bunch of slavers or something else." She said.

"Once they figure out that we're safe they will come.' she said.

In reply to Jenna McKillian (msg # 304):

ooc Removed post as Jenna has secluded herself out of both hearing and sight of everyone.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

"And, my dear, you miss my point." Diana said.

"They are being cautious, which is to be expected.  I'm sure they can be generous.  I'm by no means saying they aren't.  But it's a tactical move.  When an unknown comes into your territory, you don't go rushing headlong to meet it.  Instead, you send scouts to investigate it.  You watch and observe.  Then when the scouts have reported, then and only then you make your move." Diana said.

"There is no disrespect intended." She said, staring Myranda right in the eye.

ooc Apologies Diana, have removed my post to Jenna which you responded to.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

Justin does what he can to help make the refugees comfortable

  Kree  and Brie return from the  wood. Brie managed to bring down another Rabbit, and Gives it to Ivy.

  By now the Kids  are  eating ( drinking?) their stew, from the mugs and Cups  from Ivy and Kree, IVy is   using skillets and a pot to keep the stews going. He calls  an adult  over  and HAnd him or her  a Rabbit on a spit  and tells them to share with a few others.

  Kree had Picked up  an armload of  deadwood, and  spit it up among the cook fires and a few for  the  fires the Kids were sitting around.

 How Much Longer?

 Kree gave a half-smile,Not Long........, After the  ex-slaves   had food, Kree motioned to those who had not eaten in the Slavers  Dining room to take Food. Making sure he went over to Mira and  get her to get some stew or  Rabbit.

  everyone was about steeled In...when the first one came. She swung out of the trees on a vine and Landed  near the Cook fires. She did not even bother to draw a weapon as the  Elf Maid said,We do not permit slavers to enter  our  Forest..and Live....

 Kree tilted his head,..well..that is certainly good news, considering the  Slavers have a stronghold  about a day's  travel from here...

 The Elf  Maid  turned her head sharply to him, and he pulled  back the cowl of his  cloak...The Crimson Arrows, seek your  aid in protecting these freed slaves, and to ask you escort them to ironmond, or at very least , one of the Forts on the Highway...

 At least 6  other elves stepped from the trees, at least far enough to be seen.

 Ivy  said to the others,For everyone you see?..there are 3 you do not see....

 An blonde haired Male in a chainmail vest walked  across the clearing, ignoring the slaves as his eyes shifted  from one arrow to another.....and why, pray tell..would we do that?

 Kree  took a few steps  towards the Mailed  Elf, the Elfmaid stuck out an arm to stop him and he battled it  away with force,..know your place, seek not to touch me again...

 The Chainmailed  elf lost his haughty smile,Quickshadow?..You Dare...

 Choose your next words carefully, Mollen. I still have not forgiven you for the death of My first horse....

 Um...second  Horse...Cousin...

 Turning to Ivy,2nd?..are you sure..I was certain it was the first?

 Mollen  snapped,enough!

 Kree, turned..Indeed..enough...will you honor your treaty or nay?

 First, You must prove to me, that you are..indeed..Kree...

 The elf Laughed along with Ivy,...are you addled enough , not to remeber me...

 we have been catching shifters  in these lands..slavers takign appearnces of loved one and such...But I know   Quickshadow's Bowmanship....we have a test...
 Kree rolled his eyes  slightly, a Mad was  brought out from the trees, he was tied hand and foot..they brought him over to a tray about 40 paces  from where the two elves stood....This fellow is a slaver-shifter  we captured..we were taking him to out  city...

 one of the elves  put a gourd on the man's head,You and Elsa will fire one arrow at the gourd..should you  win, then i know who you  are who you say....

 Kree  frowned  but  Pulled and  arrow from his quiver, he nodded at the elfmaid,She drew back her bow and fired, the shaft hit the  tree 2 inches above the  man's head, 1 inch to the right of the gourd...

 Drawing BAck  the shaft until the fletchings touched his ear, kree fired..the arrow went straight and True, and hit the fellow  dead in the heart...his scream was short as he slumped  against the ropes that held him.....you win.....

 Mollen and everyone else looked at Kree  as he held  up both arms in a shrug. The the Chainmailed Elf began to laugh as did the others,Well met , Quickshadow!....Bring in the food!

 Another Dozen or so Elves  came through the tree line with  BAskets of bread  , wine and water, as well as fruits  and some Deer meat sliced up. They set baskets  down by groups  of people.. as Mollen Grabbed a bottle of  wine, Opened  it  and took a long  Drink, the Handed it to Kree, who did the same,Elven Gold..it has been a while since i have had this...

 Mollen   smiles  as Kree hands the bottle back,Tell me then?..why do you need our help?

 We are on a Mission for the crown..that is the most i can say, lest there be listeners about...We  saved these Slaves   by happenstance...we could not  leave them, nor could i pass up a chance to kill a slaver...


 So i have seen!..That was the test! they both laugh and drink,..we will take them across the plans to  the Bow shot Ferry..they should be safe once they cross the Storm....but? why not take them with you?

 WQe have a ship waiting for us...we need to report back there, and ride it up the River to the City..we have  some...loose ends...as it were..

 Mollen Nods,Fait enough, our peoples   may not have  always agreed, but we stand with yhou, in any fight that aids elven kinds.

 Speaking of loose ends?...Have you heard of many Gnolls running about these lands.

 Nothing here....i mean..there  is  always the odd  pack or  hutning party, some join up with pirates and slavers....The  word has it, there is  a strong Leader..one who is an Outlander...if the words are true, he runs  slaver packs  up in your  lands...

 kree nods  after taking another swig,That is all i have heard thus far as well...thank you for the information though.

In reply to Jenna McKillian (msg # 304):

Diana watched as the first Elf appeared, and observed the conversation.  She just shook her head.  Typical Elves.

She turned to Jenna.

"See, I told you they were being cautious.  They can be very generous, but first they are going to play it safe, and make sure we are safe.  Once that is established, then they will open their arms." She said.

Diana said it with a wink and a smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:09, Wed 08 Apr 2015.

When the other red-haired warrior approached and engaged her, Jenna was unsure how to respond as she'd been talking to her horse and hadn't expected anyone to speak to her.  Before she had the opportunity to respond in kind the elves entered the clearing.  Jenna's immediate reaction was her hand on her longsword hilt.  When nobody seemed uneased by the newcomers, Jenna relaxed and watched as the contest commenced.

When Kree planted his arrow cleanly into the heart of the slaver, Jenna grinned.  Well done, she muttered and relaxed even more.  She was too far away from the conversation to hear what Kree and the other elf were talking about, but then the red-haired warrior spoke again, reminding Jenna she'd been addressed.

Yes, they seem very friendly, especially if you're a slaver, she said wryly.  The growl in her stomach when they started bringing more food into the camp betrayed her resolve to live on jerky alone and she said, Suppose we'd best get some of that before it disappears.  If anyone else is as hungry as I am that won't last long.

Turning to the woman Jenna holds out a hand, Jenna McKillian of Andoria, well met.

Justin had been talking with some of the rescued moved across to Myranda to converse when the Elves appeared Undeterred by their arrival he watched for any threat and was pleased the Captain was able to resolve the situation; however the mention of slaver-shifters was of concern.

Brie stood quickly, bow in the ready not knowing what to expect and standing firm and tall.  Or at least as tall as her small half-elf frame could muster.  She nay batted a lash as the others came about and her senses tingled with nervous delight at the sight of more elves.

Her eyes looked over at Myranda, who know her delight to find more elves and learn from them.  It was one of their many discussions back in her village.

In reply to Brestine Darksbane (msg # 314):

Following a short discussion with the Roller Myranda glanced about the elves who had come to greet them. Catching Bre's expression; giving her friend a conspiratorial wink; for she too was pleased to greet another Elfmaid. As the Elves brought forth the Provisions Myranda stood called for a moment of their time and gave a loud Prayer of thanks to the Sisters in thanks for their Gifts and Bounty.

  Ironwood Elves bring in more  firewood, and some  are walking through the groups of arrows and slaves to see if they need food or drink. Some of the people are given Tunics or cloaks as well.

  Mollen waves to the  largest of  the fires,..Come , sit ..you all rest this night. My people  will keep watch.

 Elsa sits  with Mollen as kree Motions for Arrows to come over if they wish,Elsa says,Lere said she saw the battle take place. She was  scouting the   mountainside for  stray slavers...She  said you left some alive?

 Mollen's  eyes  widen in mock surprise,

 Aye, We had little choice. We killed  a number of them in the Mountain..and some  thing that had... he makes  wiggling  motions with his figures in front of his face,..snake like things on its  face...There is a door  in there...it oozes the feeling of Evil, My holy warriors could feel it...

 he  takes  another drink and shrugs,I had  no way of knowing how many more are in there..but  we hit them rather hard...they lost alot of people, , three wagons...and  we saved these folks...good  days  work , by any measure...

In reply to camp (msg # 316):

It was pleasing for Myranda to sit with her Kinsfolk, allowing her to partake of their company. She enjoyed the sounds and smells of the Ironwood forest which brought memories of her own Forested Glen.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Wed 08 Apr 2015.

In reply to Jenna McKillian (msg # 312):

"Diana." She said, shaking the woman's hand.

She didn't give a last name, just plain "Diana".

Looking over her shoulder Jenna addresses Bailey, Stay here, I'll bring you some apples or something if they have any.  The horse nickers in agreement and proceeds to stand near the bedroll without moving around.

Jenna joins the group of people and gets some food, listening to the conversations around her and doing her best to be attentive to anything about Gnolls in the area.  She puts some fruit into her pockets to give to Bailey later.

Mira remains silent throughout the confrontation and quick conversation that followed. Knowing nothing of the area, and little of the people who inhabit it, she can be of no real help here. Kree seems to know and trust the elves of this wood, so Mira assumes they are rather safe under their watch. Silence is probably the best stance Mira can take, since she rapidly gets the impression of arrogance and exclusionism. These elves do not seem like pleasent people to her at all.

As their makeshift camp starts to settle, Mira rolls onto her side and clutches her bedroll about her. Sleep is not too far away after the vigorous activities of the day.

  I will leave  a few of  my People Here, Quickshadow. I will take a small unit  up towards that Mountain and see if anyhting is stirring...the  burning wagons, make for a Good marker... he  Smiles  as he  gives Kree  a slap on the back...calling out to a dozen Elves, they leave, at least 6 are still in the Camp, Handing out  food and feeding the fires.

  Kree Looks  around  then walks Of  to Mira, he Waves  Brie and Jenna over as well.

 as he  waits for them, he gives Isra a Glance to see if her and her LAdies  are doing well, it seems to be that they have settled  in after  the 'feast'.

   Sitting  on a Broken tree truck, Kree says  to the the He has  Gathered together...This...was sheer Luck on our part, Eta and Neta teaming  up, aiding us to save the people and  put , more then a few, slavers in the ground...

 We  must finish the Mission at had, and return the  Lady to the palace.....from there we shall retune to  the Razorhawk Village...unless we are handed some task of import.

 Looking at Jenna  he says,Mollen says there are a few packs of Gnolls  running about the area, My guess  is, they come to join up with the slavers..or perhaps..are being used to sniff out  good  places sfringes of  the BlackTimber....This  could be  the one you seek...but it is hard to tell with these creatures. Regardless....we  make for Ironmound in the Morning...

"Indeed. Let's get her back safe and sound."

Because rescuing princesses are what Knights did best!

At the mention of Gnolls, Jenna's attention hones in on Kree.  Did one of them have a scar across the left side of it's face, big red nasty thing?  Jenna's whole demeanor changes from easy going and uninterested to seeming like she is ready to jump on her horse and ride all night if necessary.  When and where were they last spotted?

  The elf  smiled  slightly as his eyes shifted to Jenna,..Mollen did not say. But  we have  heard rumors for the last month or so. The the  South and  west of  out forest is  a large Desert. The people and creatuyres that live there are.... he frowns,..independant. They are  just as likely to trade with Red Isle Halflings, Red Elves and slavers, as they are to trade with the empire. This Gnoll?, if the rumors are true....seems ti have  found a Niche...

Between discussing recent events with her kin and assisting the humans Myranda takes advantage of Krees decision to draw Mira, Bri and Jenna aside to converse, thus drawing others attention to him and affording he an opportunity to enquire about several of her cousins along with fellow brethren in the Ironwoods. Asking that her best wishes be related to each.

Once the Rescued had been fed Justin moved through the campsite to where the Princess and her ladies were and enquired about their comfort.

Brie had stayed on edge until most of the group, including the slaves and the Lady and her company felt safe and free to return to a semi-norm type of conversation.  

She'd felt much better when Myranda had given her a look of confirmation towards the Ironwood elves.  

Gathering towards Kree with the others, she'd crossed her arms but felt much better with him near.  She'd grown a bit timid towards newcomers since their departure.  Maybe it was still learning to be "who she was" versus what her mother had told her about "who she should be".  It was quite a robust mental conflict at times.

Having her new elven friends near, helped that greatly.  Having Kree near, definitely had her feeling at home with what she wanted to be.  She gave him a soft, subtle grin letting him know she would be okay.

Listening to the plan, she nodded and took a seat.  I agree.  Once we get them there, we can then review and adjust to what we need to do next.  Their safety is of utmost importance.  Especially with the younger slaves that we've just attained, they need to feel safe and a place they can feel at home before we go gallivanting around on other dangerous missions.

Jenna nods in understanding.  They are not close, nor accessible.  Her eyes grow hard and she looks around at the people camped about and says, I've given you my word and I'll keep it.  I'll help you get these people where they need to go, but I have to tell you, if we come anywhere close to these gnolls, I must go find them, word or no.

She knows this is not something that would make her father proud.  A mercenary's word is their bond as well as their reputation, and the reality was that if the opportunity came she would struggle to make the decision.  But Cracked-Fang was responsible for taking her father from her, and that hate burned brighter than any concern for her honor or reputation.

  With a Grin to Brie, Quickshadow listens to the others and says ,( see Map of Laynak )as he draws in the dirt,Right Now...we are here, Just a bit  north of trader's  rest. The Ironwood Elves will take the  people  to Here.....the  Bowshot Ferry on this   side of the storm river..

 He Looks around at some of the Ironwood elves as he continues,They would  be wise to stay at one of the Forts over  the next night...but that is thier call to make, Cat Folk still Hunt the Grasslands...

 Meanwhile, we travel back down the Furman's Chian to Olant. We will signal out  ship and return to Ironmound and Meet with the Emperor...At that point, our Mission will be done,..and we will be able to seek Bounties   or what not, We will stay one Night  in Ironmound, to see what is happening, then return to  the Black Timber...

 Turning to Jenna,..and see what the Village scouts  have on the Gnoll slvers..

As the humans fell to sleep sated by both food and warmth, Myranda sat with the her Elfkin glancing up at Elsa and nodding.

Rolf listens to Kree's words, his eyes growing hard at the mention of Catfolk hunting the Grasslands.  "Maybe we should ward them through the Grasslands."  Any who know Rolf can tell that while guarding the freed slaves is important, the chance of putting down Catfolk is even more important to him.

 With a  small smile at Rolf, he says,we shall not see the Graslands  for a while, My friend..the  Ironwood  elves will escort the people to  the forts, and the Bowshot Ferry....we will....be taking the Grasslands across  the otherside, when we leave Ironmound and retrun to the Village...

 the people fall into a tired, relaxed rest. who knows when the  last time they had a full meal, and slept with no fear?

  a few adults  slept  By themselves...some of them gathered  children around them. to ease  both  there sadness.

  One small Girl , about 6 sat by a fire, wrapped in a Blanket the  Elves  handed out. she looked  tired and overly sad.

  Elsa  turns to Myra, giving her a look of quiet distain,..How could you ever hope to be  as good an archer  as one of  the ironwood  elves.....


  Ivy, who is  walking through the Camp, his eyes  checking on the   people, his Bow in his hand, with a grin towards Myra as he passed Ivy says,..she is right  , Cousin...Its hard to miss so many targets, and still be allowed to carry a bow...

 Elsa Glares  at Ivy, but the fellow  just keeps walking, paying her no mind.

Brie looks over the maps drawn on the ground, the light of the fire creating eerie shadows upon it.

So the princess and her ladies in waiting first, then we hunt down the Catfolk? she asks just confirming what Kree had noted.  Are any of these new elves going to be joining with us after the girls and slavers are in safe keeping?

Brie wanted to know more about elves, Kree would know this, if not for mere conversation.  But for a much rooted deeper understanding of her elven background.  Above all, she was content being in a group, especially this one with elven cousins hosting the party.  She'd gotten to spend a bit of time with Myranda, but not much with Ivy.  He was still a bit perplexing, but still similar to Kree in some ways.

   Taking off his pack , he walks a bit away from the fire ,sets it down and tiredly drops to the Ground, using the pack  to support his  back and head.

 placing the  quiver and Bow in easy reach , Kree smiles  at Brie,....The  people will be guided to  Bowshot's  Ferry By the   Ironwood  Elves....we must go down through the Furman's Chain  and  get our ship back to Ironmound....

 we will check  Ironmound  to see if there is anything that needs done...then head to  the Village...while  we cross the  grasslands  we will see if  we can  cut down on Catfolks..if  we find any...

 This...would be a good chance  for you to ask these   elves  about thier people? he takes a deep swig from the bottle and offers it to Brie.

Brie followed and after visually confirming that her horse was safe and tied to a tree securely, let her own bag and pack fall on the ground near Kree's.  She took a seat and reclined back letting what their next journey would be sink in for a bit.  While it sounded all so tiring to some, it was not or her.  It gave her great pride in knowing she was helping others as well as learning more about part of her bloodline.  With every adventure, she felt even that much closer to being one with herself.

When he commented on her talking to this group, she smiled and took the bottle and a swig.  Mmm, she said taking another sip before handing it back to him.  Would be a good idea?  Who'd you suggest first?

Justin glances from the saddened child to Mira. Mistress Mira wouldst Thee be willing to assist One in such undertaking ast to lighten Yon youth's situation he enquired

Seeing that others were tending to the freed slaves, Jenna says her goodnights and returns to her bedroll.  Reaching into her pocket she produces three apples and feeds them to Bailey.  Afterward she takes the saddle and reigns from the horse, freeing her to rest easy tonight.  The horse whinnies her appreciation and finds a spot nearby Jenna's bedroll to stand and rest.

Jenna lays down and is about to fall asleep when a child approaches her, a young, dark-haired girl, face dirty from the road and clutching a ragged doll.  Jenna guessed her age at around five.  Can I sleep by you and your big horse tonight?  I really like horses.

Jenna sits up looking around for another adult that should be looking for this child.  Where are your parents child?  You should be with them, they'll worry.

The girl's dark eyes drop toward the grass and her voice is barely audible as she whispers, They're not here.  I was took a long way ago.  I ain't seen my mom or da for ages.  I just been with the other kids, but I saw you and how you talk to your horse and I..  The girl looks up, tears slowly rolling down her face, cutting through the road grit.  I just thought maybe I could sleep by the horse.

Jenna pulls her blanket back and motions for the girl to come share the blanket with her.  The little girl fairly bolts onto the bedroll and, as if Jenna was some long lost aunt she hadn't seen in years, snuggles up to her and hugs the doll.  Jenna smiles a bit, then drops the blanket over the two of them and rests her head on her pack.  Bailey drops her big head to both sniff the child and to receive a scratch under the chin from her and nickers her acceptance.

The warmth of the child under the blankets with her turns her mind to her father, how, as a girl, she used to do much the same as this child when the thunder would roll through the mountains around their home and she would be afraid.  Though her father would most times reek of ale and sweat she would always feel safe listening to his deep snore beside her.  The girl had already fallen asleep, and not long after, Jenna drifted off into her own fitful dreams.  Dreams of fire, battle and crack-fanged gnolls.

Lucy hung more to herself, and in the shadows.  She knew well that certain elves didn't take kindly to "her kind".
Although, truth be told, she really wasn't in the mood to "create a scene".

She found a place out of the way, and laid out her bed roll.  She was close enough to hear what people were saying, yet, had found a shadow that hid her from most.

She laid down and listened to the sounds of nature around her.  It was rarely that she could do such a thing.  Most of the time there were events in motion that kept her mind running.  Yet, strangely, she was relaxed.

She closed her eyes, and just listened to the sounds around her.  Her mind relaxed, until she slowly drifted off to sleep.

Justin rose and moved away from the brunet, her lack of response was as clear an insult to both the child and himself, as any slavers blade. Crossing the campsite to the sad girl Justin crouched down beside her. Young Mistress hath Thee partaken of suffice to eat. he quietly asked hoping to draw her out
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:17, Sun 12 Apr 2015.

    Mollen and his  scouts  arrive  back at Camp, sunrise is about an hour away. He wakes  Kree from  his  sleep, from what we can see?..the slavers  did not even come out to check thier dead? But  we did hear shouting  from inside....It is a wise choice  for us to take the people  across the grasslands...we will stay with in the tree line Until we have to break out...if your people Leave  shortly, any one following  should go after you, rather then chance our forest...

 Kree Nods  as  he stands Up and calls out,arrows!..wake Up, there is a brook a few yards into the trees, to freshen up...then come back, a quick bite to eat and we head back down the Furman's  chain.

 The  ex-slaves Look up, one man asks,..and what of us?

 The Ironwood Elves  will take you  to the grasslands, and the forts  down on the road...from there..to the Bowshot  Ferry..from there? you should be able to travel safely to Ironmound...

 he  twirls his bow  and heads  off to the brook.

After the nights rest Justin rose early to offer Prayers and Devotions to Eta. When Kree informed them of the pool Justin accompanied the Captain to the pool and refresh himself for the trail ahead.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:56, Mon 13 Apr 2015.