"...Seek peace in life, before trying to find it in death."

Which is Luthien's way of telling the Captain to let it go.

    the   further  they went into the market, the  more  foul the smells  was. Foods that would  smell good  alone, mingles with others.. and  when the warming wind brushed through, it  carried the smell of  animals, and the leavings, there of.

 They Stood  before  a small  tent.. behind the tent were dozens of Camels.. a few oxen  and  some  lithe  horses.

 Teh girl looked up at Kree  and waves  a Hand towards the  fat fellow sitting on a divan eating some grapes.

  The  fellow sawed outlanders.. and.. Blasted elves!..you little vermin!..you dare to bring elves to My place of business!....it  took him a  few  seconds to off the  Divan and Lunge  at the  dirty  child, who ran behind  Kree and peered  around his  Cloak. Kree's Dirk hissed  from his  right  hip , as the  child's  eyes grew  wide with the steel inches  from her  face when  it was Drawn... Kree made  a show  of     twirling the Blade  until the  he caught it.. and leveled  at the  fat fellow's  jowls.

 ..You will , of course, Apologize to my Business partner? We enetred into a verbal contract... she was fulfilling  her  end?.. to attack her..is to attack me.... to attack me...is to...well.. I'm sure you see the error of your  ways..hmmm?

 .I..am sorry you little....

 ..no.. sorry...  I wish you to  speak to her, as you would any other business partner... and..perhaps.. a cup of water  and a few grapes for her?

 The fellow's  mouth hung opened  as he looks  over each shoulder.. two guards  and two wranglers... no so good odds...

  The fellow   took a few, hunched over steps  to Kree's  right side, He  took  his beaded silk hat from his head,..I.... I seek your forgiveness,..um...Good Lady..please... help yourself  to some fruit and  a cup of  cold  water...


 The Girl's eyes  were wide... she Looked  at Ivy who winked and nodded... she   did a very good  cursty and  ran over to the   grapes  and began to eat... one of the guards  poured her   the  cold  water.. she  was munching away looking back at the arrows  with a  smile.

    Kree flourished the Blade    again  and sheathed it, then Offered his hand... I am Kree... Quickshadow.. Leader of this Unit of  Crimson Arrows... we seek to  rent or  buy  the creatures  that are called, Ships of the desert?

 The Very Confused  Merchant put his  hat back on, and took Kree's   wrist in the grip......Sirrah?... I..I must tell you... this is not the lands for elves , nor  Arrows..

 ..This i have heard... it..is the fact why we  are here... I am missing  some  comrades in arms... rumor has it, that they came to Mok, and went into the desert.... I am betting. with Etta and Netta  as my guides.. that your place  would  be the place  they came for Mounts

 ..They may have, Good Sirrah.. i can but check my Logs?

 ..Then, let us be about  it , Sir... Oh?... That fellow there, Is Sir Luthien.. he  will handle the  barter?... You see?.. If i feel i am being Cheated.. I tend to ... hurt things...Now? I do not know your gods  i have to assume most are the  same...But   Good Luthien's god.. can help you meet yours..should you  decide, its a good thing  to cheat Outlanders who are a mission of mercy..

   Kree  opened his pack from the side, taking out a Velvet  bag, he handed  it to Luthien,..This was a Gift.. a very..very long  time  ago.. from a MAge in lands you cannot  begin to imagine.. Ivy, Myself and a few others    brought his daughter back from  a band of   slavers.... it.. lets you read any scratchings that could be passed off  for words......so?  he should be able  to read your logs... Just  fine..

   He gave them Both  a wave to  the  merchant's  tent... Kree sat on the  dust by the little girl as she munched  grapes  and took sips of  cold  water... she offered the Cup to him, and  he took a  sip.. the guard   refilled it.

 ..so?.. Your  light  eyes.. tanned skin.. you are not  a sand folk?

 she  shook her   head.

 but you belong to the guild?

 she nodded  again  and   lifted the hem of her  rags  to reveal a brand of the beggars guild.

 Ivy turned away at the sight of the brand.

 ..Do You Like it Here?

 she popped  a grape in her  mouth and  shook her head  'no'.

 ..how would you like to go to a Village... with  giant trees.. cool water.. and lots  of animals?

 she  stopped  chewing for a bit and looked at him....

 ..we have a ship...  it can take you to  my Village.. or a Village   in the Trace wood? Lots of elves... My village   has Humans.. dwarves......

  she tapped her brand....

  Aye.. the   guild  in Ironmound  is  an allie of the Arrows...I understand.. I also know we can take  care of any...problems...

 she looked around  at the others... then she nodded rapidly...

 Alright  then.. Ivy?...  you take her  to see the guild Master...someone go with him....and.. do not  be gentle, if there is a fuss...

  when you and  Ivy return , i will give you, your  pay for our  contract...

   Ivy held Out  his hand  and  looked to see who was going with him

  Meanwhile.. Luthien looked  at the Books and began to barter....
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Sun 11 Feb 2018.

Luthien, as it turns out, is an expert barterer, and won twice as often as he lost on the deals...on net, he drives the price down of 6 animals, but the price goes up on 3 others. Still, on the whole, he won, saving about 15 silver for the team. It helps being as naturally personable as he is, and having the integrity of a paladin besides. If he points out a flaw, even the stingiest merchant has to admit it is one.

"Found it. 5 Arrows headed towards the ruins of Ahmed. They took 5 camels, apparently two returned on their own. I doubt our people were irresponsible, so it seems they probably never made it out."

   Luthien's  report and  Barter gave   Kree a bit of  a smile, though concerned  showed as well.

    Taking off his pack, he sorted  through.. opening a purse that was buried in the pack Luthien could hear the sounds of clinking... The Merchant stood near as Kree  puled some coins from  the packing , after his sorting.

 1 Platium Griffin...10 Gold  and  10 Serpents.....

 he handed these to  Luthien, to seal the bargin. As they waited for Ivy to retrun.

Luthien pays the man for his time and camels, of course.

"Thank you, sir. I'm sure you understand what it's like when comrades go missing. We shall return."

Of course, the last Arrows probably said that too...

Brie had seen how this sand folk treated a little girl and took her by the shoulders soon as Kree put himself between the merchant and the girl.  She helped the girl get settled on the seat and made sure that no one else took advantage of her.

When Kree spoke with her and she showed signs of being a friend, she nodded.  I'll go with Ivy, unless I'm needed here for anything.

  Ivy, Brie  and the Girl walked  through the  crowed  Town. Ivy shook his head,..None of the towns  in teh Empire  smell like this... i do not know w2hat is worse..the animal smell or the sandfolk smell..

 the Girl still had some  grapes  and  would point where they were supposed to go.. finally, they came to the edge of the  eastern wall.. there w2here a few poor stalls set up selling trinkets and  questionable  food  Items.

 Two Dirty looked men step out, but thier   curved  blades were well cared for...you risk much..for an Outlander... why did the girl bring you here...

 ..I belong to the Golden Horn Thief's  Guild... we are allied with the Beggar's Guild, in Ironmound..

  ..so what, Long ear..we  aren't Empire  scum...

 ..no..you are not.. you  aren't  smart enough... The right hand made made to  make  a rush at  Ivy , trying to impress him with  the  flashing  His Blade..  Ivy stepped forward his  right  elbow  slammed into the  man's  face  as he  drew his own Longsword,  Cathcing the  Blade    as the Hilt  and they Both Dropped...Ivy Picked up the Blade.

 ..stay down..or die... he looked at the other  fellow,..your  friend  made a Mistake.. i was going to buy  the girl's freedom..instead... the price of her  freedom, is the  piece of goat offal's  life....Now?.. before you think about  getting revenge?  I am well schooled in the art..and  any slight  you give me.. will cost the Lives  of  fools like  him.....be thankful, My Captain is in a hurry.. or  we might have decided to clean out the inside of your guild hall...

 ..Come Little one.. You are now  free...  She smiled broadly  and    Grabbed Brie's  hand...

 The smashed nose, bladeless man called out.....You have  made an enemy of the Guild!... Outlander...

 ..I am Ivyain Nightblade  of the Crimson Arrows... I have guilds  behind me that makes your  guild look  like a gathering of blind old women.... Yo are beggars.. use you skills  wisely and  stay away from Blades... because you will die


   as they walk he says to  Brie,...if they do something Foolish.. do not kill them..maim them... it  is worse then  death to these people..

Brie drew her blade when the sandfolk made a move for Ivy.  She had the girl at her back to protect and shield her.

With Ivy's hand outb she took it along with the girl's and kept her hand ready for attacking if need be.

You don't have to tell me twice, she said with a wink.

  As they walked  back through the streets  the little  girl seemed  happy, but scared,It a tiny voice  that spoke of fear and hardship,... are... are you really taking  me with you.... yuou...you won't  take  me back... you won't sell me to some one  who will hurt me....

 Ivy had to Block   back the wetness  in his eyes...

Brie senses the silence from Ivy but knew the answer.

"Captain Kree doesn't allow harm to slaves, much less children.  You have found freedom, lassie."

She looks back at the girl but gives Ivy's hand a squeeze.

  The pair  return to    Kree  as the Camels  are  getting ready   to leave.

   > well..how did it..... jhe  stopped when he  say the  Curved Blade in Ivy;s   off hand.

  ..two toughs, outside  the  entacne to the Guild Hall.. a  swer grate  near the    north east wall.... One thought it would be a Good  idea to attack me.. this  is his Blade.. we did not pay for the Girl.. i said the payment  was the idiot's   Life.... and  this...

  he  underhands  the blade to Kree who  catches the HAndle and waved  the sword,..so?   the Curved Sandfolk  blade?

 ..look at it? Beggar's Guild with a Blade  like that?

 Kree's  frowned at the Blade. more  ebcause he missed the  quality,..Clamsort Steel....

 ..aye..  the   King of Clamsport. might have  his  eyes  on Vall or perhaps  making incursions into the Trace  Wood.. or Tou?

 ..aye.. a war on two fronts  for Ironmound.. three  if you  count the  South with the Red Elves...  and.. the red Isle Halfings , Harrassing sea trade.

  Ivy  Looks at the others,anyone want the Blade?.. damn good steel.. if you like the  fancy curve and all

 well  get the girl soem clothes   and food and take her to the ship to be...


 the  Girl   grabbed Brie's arm with both  hands.....NO!..she  said you would not give me away!

 what?.. No?. we are sending yuou to the  Big trees and lots of animals and...

 ..NO NO NO.. i will run.. i wil not be hurt no more.. she said  you would not sell me!

 ..you do nto understand.. we are going into the sands..  you need to send you to a safe place.... we...

 she looked at  Kree  with  as stern a look as a 8-10 year old  could.....the ruins!..every one tries to find the ruins!..you will not come back.. ..But.. i know the  way

 Kree looked over at the Merchant who   shrugged with his hands out,..Sirrah?..if  i may.... she might know the path... many of the beggars  are hired to take  folks through the Dunes...most times, they are the only ones who come back

 Lookign at the stern little  face, Kree  frowns  once more...go to the shops.. find her  decent travel wear.. get her a blade... we leave as soon as you  get  back.

Luthien looked at the young girl, the Knight actually dropping to a knee to look at her more closely.

"First, you are safe. Secondly, do you really know the way to the ruins? Our friends were lost there, and at the least, we should like to bury them properly."

  The  girl never   let Go of   Brie..if anything, she  squeezed  more tightly.....yes  sir.... it is a simple thing..realy..  those who live   in the sands  know when ...know..how  to look for them.... some  of the thieves  selld maps... but they are maps of  doom....then they go out to pick the bodies clean..well.. the ones they can reach?

 she Blinks back her own tears  at the thought  of being  Given away,... i would rather show you the  way..and die in the sands.. then be like those who are sold or given as  Gifts.. I do not eat Much.... I am good  at hiding...i am good  at sneaking...i am really good  at being quiet...

  Kree   frowns  more , he looks at the   Merchant,..do you have a smaller  Camel or..something?

 The Merchant   comes over to   Kree, putting his  at, around him,..Sirrah? I would glady sell you  a young one, but  it would prove wprse for you, then having the urchin ride  with one of your  ..slighter..bodies?  Hmmmm? And  I must telll yout this.... I do not know what you Empire Guilds are like.... But that Girl?..Unless yuou get her very  far away... they will find her.. and they will kill her....as a reward for  trying   to leave them....

 ..that is   ... Ridiculous..children are the backbone of the beggars guild...at elast until they  get old  enough to  join the  HArlots guild  or the thieves  guild, or both...

  The Merchant Patted  Kree's shoulder,..for the sand folk..and people like them? Controlling women  and  keep   the poor ...weak.. is  what is  important... there are many outlanders who want to 'save' Urchins... only a few , really are good at heart....

 ..and you are telling me this..why?

 ..i have seen the guild's harshness... they are worst then what you can imagine....

 Kree nods    as he says,..perhaps when this is over..  we may have to come  back  and do some cleaning..


 he gives Kree a whack on the  back  as he  double checks the    watering of the camels.
 The merchant laughs,..But my Friend?.. You will all die out there!

Die out there?

"I am properly prepared for anything. Up to and including fiends. The only thing I'm truly worried about is the sun and desert itself."

 The  Girl ( still gripping   Brie)....the Sands... the  sun.. and the sandfolk.. that's what you needs  worry about...'lest till we reach the ruins..then..  there are things....

 she looks at ground, them back to  Luthien,..but... i do not  want  hurt again... but the monster  they  sell us to...i would  go to the sand ..on my own first..

Luthien peers at the girl...

"Very well. We'll trust you. Lead the way then. You'll ride with Brie, there. She's lighter than I am by a good margin and won't burden the beast too much."

Brie picked up the smaller bodied girl and looks to Kree.  You know I can ride, she said firmly.  I will help this girl and protect her when she cannot herself. 

She looks to the merchant.  Tell me where I may go to buy this lady some clothes.

She looks at the blade that Ivy handed to Kree.  She extends her hands out for it.  Let the girl have it.  She deserves it to be the deathdealer to those who harm her in return.

 Ivy Grins..well?  she can have the Blade,  but i think it may weigh a bit more then her!....Maybe one of us   use it... if  we get through this.. we can take her  to Razorhawk and  she can train there?

  Kree  opens  his back pack up again and sorts  through the Coins,..get enough  to keep her  from overheating.. heavy enough for the Night's cold....Try to fined a stilleto or  a set  pair  of  samll thigh daggers, she can wear as  we wear dirks...

  She Pulls out a rusty bend blade  from the small of her back...showing it to them.

 Kree smiles,..that might have been good for the  guild you were in?... But You are with the Arrrows  now...

 then he looks  At Brie,..if you cannot find  good blades.. simply come  back, and I will give her  two of my thowing daggers.

...........

 The Merchant points to the Middle of the MArket, he says,..Give the Camels  another  30 minutes to drink... then..Sirrah.. I suggest you leave by the gate behind me...

 ..why is that?

 ..it leads   down the shore line a bit.. it will seem as if you seek to go to Clamsport..but there is   a side   path that will lead you into the sand.... and save you at least?  5 miles of Sand travel?

 ..and you are helping  us....why?

  The merchant nods to  Luthien,..you  bartered  fairly..and  to be truthful.. you could have gone to the   merchant near the   Lords.. they have many more animals..but thier   costs are higher... you did not wait to see what the costs were.. you trusted the beggar girl, and are saving her from a dark life...

 He is quiet, for a space  , as he looks at the others,...trust the Girl... the beggar's guild   knows of the ruins... the  first delvers made the mistake of using the guild for slaves... only the beggars ever come back...but?.. do not trust any beggars  you meet from here out... for   they will most like, want your doom...
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:33, Sun 11 Feb 2018.

Luthien thinks for a minute.

"Is there a trustworthy wizard in town? I should like to have a couple things Identified, if I can."

  The Merchant points  a many ringed  finger towards the   southeast wall,..there is a tall, slender  Building, with Silks  drapped around it, like a lustful dancer... There are  3 Magelings  there.. they are as  trustworthy as any..if ever a MAgeling can be trusted....'ware though.. they are all sandfolk

"I understand. Would anyone like to accompany me?"

If not, Ivy can come along. Of course, Luthien brings both enchanted items, the axe and gauntlet, that being the point.

  Ivy Nods   as  he  hefts the  scimitar   and carrier it openly, as a warning to any other  fools...

 the  'tower' is a 3 story   mud-brick building. the  silks  Flap around  and   there are shapes  painted on the walls of the  two moons and thier   phases.. two, rather well Dress  guards  sit outside with polearms..
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:33, Sun 11 Feb 2018.

Brie and the girl head to th various shops to find her gear very similar to Brie's own but smaller with room to grow.  She grabs a pair of leather strings, paying for those as well then tucks them into her pouch.

She also walks along the shoppes looking for daggers that a halfling would carry.

Luthien nods politely at the guards, and moves to enter.

"I trust they're available now?"

  The Guards  Nodded.. The older one  with a well trimmed beard says,..Go In, at least one should be in the Shop[....

 the younger one looks at the Blade,where  did you get that?

  Ivy looked it over  and  then looked at the fellow without raising his head,..some fool called me ..longear.. and waved his  blade at me.... i put him down and took it.... you now  how Tempermental  , we elves  can be..

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

  Brie  Finds  some   leathers for the girl and  a passable  cloak. all the  clothing  is well  up the ladder from what she was wearing before, She  seemed to delight  in the   boots, having been barefoot...forever?

 the best blade she can find  is  a  short dagger, that may well have been taken from a HAlfing, though the seller  refused to answer were any of his weapons came from..he would just say, " my salvage people found them"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:44, Sun 11 Feb 2018.