Brie watched the visual glare show down between Kree and Krell.  She giggled a bit.

I can see where Ivy does get his way of swooning the women, she said.  I can also see where you get your intimidating looks from as well.  Can't blame your father for seeking some companionship after...

She halted her comment as the horn blew.  She looked around trying to figure out what that meant.

Her hand quickly going atop Kree's hand nervously.  That means? she asks.

   Kree  took another  bit of the toasted Bread.  If the Horn Blows Once...as it did now. That means outlanders are coming by one of the Trade roads... The roads  wind a bit, on Purpose, so we can ambush those who would mean the Villages or the  forest harm...

 ..Two blasts means  we have  enemies in the forest itself... that's when Hunters and Wardens  earn thier Keep, by hunting  them down.

  Horn blasts from all over, as we heard yestereve, means   Arrows have returned home..

   Kree does    sweep the  area with  a turning head, trying to account for his people, but he shows no  worry. Unless something   stupid is done, he has no fear for their  safety.

 Bleakroot  was seen, leaving the  Council  Building, behind him 4  wardens carries the 2 chests.

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

 those in the  Inn were a bit  warmer then those  eating outside. But the trade off in food was equal..even  the greenish, moss-like gruel, had an aroma and flavor that would shock some one, after seeing it sitting in the bowl.

  The  three  Clerics who were sharing  some time together, also  turned to look at the  road way through the  'real' Gates, as warden swung the   thing  wooded doors open..both  doors Locked with a  balanced bar, that rose into the air when wardens  cranked   the  braided  hemp-like rope...when the  door  swung open , inwards.  Those  folks  could see the  doors  were made  by matching  20 foot tall Longs, not  only braided together  with the thick Hemp... but  long   poles  that  went through the  top, middle and Bottom of the  doors..

   First the leader  came through the gates, close behind him, was the Riding Mage.. then the cart with the Horse  as The driver  watched the horse. But the MAgeling Looked around..clearly in awe of the  rather large Village set in the 'middle' of the forest.

  The riders  were asked to  dismount, and the horses  taken to the  side  to be fed and watered... the wagon was held near the GAte, as  its  horse, was taken off the collar and  permitted to eat as well.

  An Officer of the wardens, a Youngish Elf whose Green armor  somehow gleamed in the sunrays that were  filtering down through the trees.  Mtoioned for them to take  a seat at and Empty Table, and told them to order something to eat...Mean while, Grenwal  met Bleakroot  as they walked towards  the MAges... Krell Dallied  with the  human woman, before getting up, grabbing his Bow, and walking  with them.. it was interesting, on this day, he wore his Warden Breastplate...

  The Mages  sat..The leader seemed less then happy. But the others  were ready for the  Elven food... to their  surprise. it was not just elven food, but Orcish meals ( that did not require  humaniod  meat!).. some Halflig fare..Dwarven, robust  meats  and stews..and even a few  Catfolk  samplings .

  As they  picked what they  wished  to eat and Drink. Bleakroot  had the Wardens  put the chests  near the totem... perhaps in a way of showing the MAges the Arrows'  numbers?... but that, of Course would only help those who could read the Names in elvish runes, or who have seen those runes  used.

 about  half an hour, the MAges  were finished  eating, getting some extra  drink from smiling   servers... Bleakroot , Grenwal and Krell approached.

 ..Greetings  MAges of Tou. I hear, from out  Arrows,that you seek to bargin for those goods  with in the Chests?

 The Mageling  stood  and Bowed his head  slightly,..Indeed..  High Elder. we had some , Misunderstandings  with your Captain... and hge refused a fair price on the road... saying  we must deal in your  city, since we would not deal in mine...

 Grenwal spoke up,..an' there by hangs a bloody tale!.. As ta  why ye didn't wish ta bargin in your  city!

 The leader  put  down his mug  and  glared at the Dwarf... The riding  MAge , just continued to eat,,as did the Driver...your  captain is overly full of himself!

 Krell laughs  Bitterly...of that?  there is no argument...but his confidence  is backed by his successes in the  field...

 ..Should he  continue to push such boundries..it will be his  end....

 Kree snapped,..but you will not  live to see the day....
 The elader  snapoped   a hard lok  at Kree, as did  Krell..

 Bleakroot raised a calming  hand to Kree,..Continue  with your Mornfest, Captain Quickshadow. Our people have learned  how to take slights from others... this? should be no different. And.... this  dealing is now in our hands... please, to not interupt....

 Kree slowly nodded,..Aye... High Elder.... but his glare at the Leader   was enough  to make the Leader  turn his gaze back to the  Council .

Brie watched the occurances as they took place.  Even enough patting Kree's hand when the Mages try to degrade Kree and his Arrows unit.

Had you been a it more pleasant and worked with us, you'd have had less hassle trailing us, threatening even to chase down these chests.

Brie adds in tandem with Kree's comment.

   Orlin had spent a restful night in the woods. [He really likes the trees here] and had returned.    He grabbed breakfast then returned to the square for the trade meet.  He nods in response to Brie's and Kree's statement.  "N'deed, while Kree may have pushed things a bit, you and your lackey at the gate took them over the edge.  Well beyond anything Kree did.  In the high woods, we are gruff, but some common curtesy's are what draws the line between friend and foe."  Orlin directly addresses the leader. "You and yours definitely  came off as foes by word and action and Kree is trained not to leave an enemy at his back.  I Rather think he showed a great deal of restraint by letting you live."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Thu 04 May 2017.

  Krell glowered at Kree once more,..your people  seemed to have fallen in with your bad habits...

 Kree  leaned  forward, on his Elbows, cupping the warm cup of caffee..the day was, indeed  getting warmer.. the leaves  would  hold  The heat well into the late night  dancings.

 ..If you thing   that was  a bit crase , You should have been at the Palace, when we returned  Nelk's  Daughter....  he turned

 ..you did  , what?

 Kree shrugged, Reedrick sent the information..by  Spell Sphere... who is  in charge of  updating these....

  The Two other Elders  turned to look at Krell...I updated the information, I....just thought it unimportant  to spread around....

 Kree lets out a harsh Laugh...

 Bleakroot was , more then a little put out... You are the  Commander of  The Clan's  Wardens.... The Wardens  and  Arrows  have a rivalry...but it should not  extend to allowing a Unit its  due praises.....much less, still such, from your own blood!

 ... The   entire report was  send  by Reedrick... he also has  a file in The Plank...The Cost of  Spell sphere.. would negate him sending  another   copy for a week or so,,, There was a  cold  Look in the  younger Quickshadow's eyes,...you  may hate  mu successes... but you should not steal coin  and praise from my  comrades...

 Krell waved it off,..I have the file in the Crimson Arrow's  stacks...any one may see them at thier leasure ...

 Bleakroot snaps,..NO!..... he  recovers  almost before finishing the word.....The  report will be read at  the Mainfest tonight....Saving Royal Blood is  a feat to be ...feted!  And to have the Crowd Indebted to us   is even more  worthy of Praise....

 Krell  backed  a step and nodded,As you say, High Elder.

  There was a shake of Kree's head as he locked  at the   warrior woman, who seemed to  care little of the goings  on.

 he snorted  before he took a  sip of his drink...Mother  would be so...'proud'...

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

may we continue  with the dealing...High Elder? said the Mageling.

..Indeed...  we counted the bottles  of Engar white... it is in its pure  powder form.... there  are 16 bottles in each  chest...for a total of  32....Our Sages  , roughly guess... you would be able to manufactor 6 healign potions  from each bottle.... They alos say.. you could manufactor 4  bottles of  nerve poison.... or  2 bottles of the 'deep thought drug'... some people never come out of that deep thought..and waste away in some dreamworld?

 'course... there's  the thing, ye can mix  an match them...

 ...yes.. that is   the...'clerical'..uses...but Mage uses are much grander... we can touch the planes  with the Drug.. contact  with Demons..and  even those who have died...when mixed  other  rare  powers, or   liquids..they can  have a devastating effect  on enemies ... the  drug can be  varied  with others.. to control people's minds..and...

 ..enough....  if you say much more.. we will not feel it safe to sell any to you.....Now?...what price per bottle  do you offer..

..we hoped to  buy at least one  full chest?

 ..what is yer  price  fer a chest....

 1000 gold... 2500 if you sell us both...

 there were gasps among the   crowd...gold  be tossed about  like it were wheat seeds!

    I am afraid, the price is too low....if the power is what you say..and  more?  I wager  we need to see 500  gold, per bottle....

 The leader slammed his  fist in the table, the other  two didn't even flinch. The MAgeling looked like he  got  slapped across the face....High Elder? we did not bring  near the amount of Coin... even at 100 gold.. a  chest would cost 1600...

 Then?  I am afraid you have made your trip in vain.  The Black Timber Elves and her other people, rarely get to deal  with our  goods.. when we do.. we offer  fair prices, and expect the same from traveling merchants... in this case... we have objects of some power... objects that seem to have been meant for Red Elves, no less....

 ..so? we will permit you to buy, what you feel you can afford .. but the rest of it, we will  let our MAges  , Sages and Clerics  find uses for them..

 The mageling  look offended for the first time, we could only buy 6!..then have  no coin for travel?

 .. Then..ye buy 5 and have  500 fer travel... 500  gold  could take ye to the other side of the great Mists...and back!

 The Leader stands,..The  9 hells  with them then...  we  should take our coin and go, if they do not want it...

 That is your  Option..of  course.. we will not feel slighted, should you keep your  coin... You have 6 hours, before the  sun is hidden by the trees.... you will make your choice then...Until then? feel free to take part in the celebration of  our Arrows' return or browse some of  the shops...food and drink is free this  day...goods..are not. Contact  any of the  Elders , when you are ready.

 The Three eldes    truned  and went their own way...Krell Bleackroot followed the  Wardens back towards  the Coucil house with the chests..

 Grenwal stopped  by Kree's  Table..os? Ye  saved a princess?... gonna look forward to hearing that tonight...

  That is not all you will hear, the story is filled  with..intrigue .

  He   gave Kree a Pounding the shoulder,  almost putting the elf's  face in the boards..now i really wanna bloody hear it!... see ya  tonight

"Before you go, Lord Grenwal, could I have a wee chat with you?"

  Grenwal looks at his  empty mug and frowns, Then back to Orlin,...aye..ye can..if ye had the mid ta follow me ta the Kegs? Been drinking tea and Caffee.. its  past highsun now.. i can start drinkin' the  real stuff!

She gave a chuckle when Kree had to compose himself after the dwarf's friendly attack.

So, what shall we do now? She asks.

   The elf  shrugs,..Relax? I suppose?.. or  we can browse the shops, she if there are any Razorhawk goods you may wish to add  to your closet?

  He  gets up from the table  handing his mug and plate to  a server girl. Come , Let us browse?...  what would you  like to see.

 They passed the Mages who  huddled, The Leader  snapped,..You put them up to this..didn't you!

 Giving him a wave as if shooing away a fly...Careful Lackey.. you are in my  ...'city'..now.... your  armor, your horse?   You could not even best the youngest of the  children here....

  The Leader steps away from the other  two...the driver is  just shaking his head. Put Coin  where  you mouth ends....

 Kree  stopped  and looked around, he  spotted  mute Boy  and called, Carr?  Come here....

 The  Mute boy smiled  as  other  'able bodied  kids  frowned, but  rushed to follow their playmate. Kree  stood  Carr in front of  the Leader...This is   Carr.. he  has no  blood kin..but he is as much a razorhawk as  myself.... he knows the trees.. and the pathways of the  Town...

 Ivy and  two disheveled  women appear from  the direction  of Kree's Home, Ivy calls out,..that overbearing human, cannot  beat a child of the forest!..you are stealing, good Cousin!

 Kree  walked  with the lad

leader and the Lad ( dozens of folks were  following, including Grenwal, who waved  for Orlin to follow.

  Ivy drew a line in the   dirt with his  blade... this is the start and Finish

   Well, Horseman.. you best get your horse, if you think you can  beat this  child of the forest....

 ..i would never use a horse to beat a child, but a whelp of the forest>,, i will do it gladly!

 A bet then? If you win..I will buy a  bottle of the Engar white and gift it  to you...

 what  would you want..if the gods  feel the   whelp should win?

 Two things... The  feather in your helm..and your  Dagger... that should be about even of cost?

 Ivy   looked like he was  drunk, but his eyes were a bit...too clear.....So..Here is the Rules of the Contest.... Carr and the  Horseman, Must enter  the pathway.... and get back to the line.. the first one   back to the line...wins....You may take any path, go between trees.. whatever  you wish.....you may not harm each other We need a  Judge.....

 ..I'll  be the judge.. You Lads  stay away from the Line..don't want no cryin' no matter who wins...

   The Mageling  and driver  came over... the  driver as well.. the riding  MAge was busy with a  Local female.

 ..This is foolish.. that child  cannot be a trained horseman?

  Then... make your  bet. Mageling..people who know the forest..know  its ways.. I will buy you a bottle  as well... You give  me  500 gold if you lose....

 ..you cannot  cover that much, you tree climbing   scum...

 Ivy raises  his  HAnd,..I will help him, with what i have....

 Grenwal nods, you will get thier  bottles.. and we will make certain, they pay us... Razorhawks do not  cheat other  hawks...

  Grenwal, gently, But  Firmly Pushes  Kree away from CArr... there are bets  going back and forth...oddly enough..most are betting on the  child...

 The  Mageling  smiles,...when this is over.. we will have  all the bottles... and the coin as well!

 Linny Comes over  with a parchment  and    a  porcupine quill pen that has plenty of Ink... I will make the book...

 The Leader     gets up on his Horse and Looks at the Child,..I will enjoy beating you.....

 While waiting for book to be made, Grenwal says,..now.. just ta give the  outlander an edge... teh contest is this..... you enter   the pathway.... and return to this line.... the only rule is? You cannot   use the same path  ye take inta the wood...

 The Rider looks about  there are at least three pathw ays  that branch off from the   path they must enter..he grins, knowing the  child cannot  out pace his horse.

 She spent the night curled up in her bedroll near the woods, and the day exploring what there was of the village. She didn't run into anyone she knew and didn't know if there was anywhere to go so she just kept to herself until she saw someone she knew. Then she'd ask about finding somewhere to stay while they were here. Or she'd just sleep at the edge of the woods again.

   a wood cutter who was bringing in wood  for the cook fires, say  Shadowmist,  He  smiled an pointed to the Shatterblade,..this party is  for your band... you get to stay   for free...and eat for free.. though any goods  you wish, you must pay for...other then  that, enjoy the  fest!.. There will be a grand story telling this night, from what i hear..something  that we were not  told, and will be read aloud, by the chief  bard!

 "Oh? But I only just joined! I have earned nothing yet. But I can pay for a meal. Thank you. Do you need help carrying wood? I would be happy to help."

 She offered to help gladly and would if he wished. Otherside she'd buy breakfast and see about a place to stay later.

  The   wood cutter  stop . He waves his hand to the village as if he was casting a spell...Some folk?  they have  just  entered the BAlck Timber.. and  found our  Village as they tried to escape those who would harm them.... Others... make their way her to join the cause... and fight those, who would harm  the one who cannot  defend themselves...Perhaps?  you have not been with them long... But you will earn..every bit of the thanks your team is getting....  The Captain would not have taken you in, had he not  had the feeling you would make the grade.

Brie nods and smiles at relaxing but it is short lived.  She takes a couple of steps back to let Kree and the others take over the rules and betting. She pit in 5 coin on Carr as well.

She crosses her arms as Ivy even shows up.  "You look a fright Ivy," she said to him.

In reply to Brestine Darksbane (msg # 220):

Diana figured it was easy coin.  The kid new the forest inside and out.  The big dumb ass was nothing more then a braggart.

She got a bet for 20 gold.

In reply to Brestine Darksbane (msg # 220):

Lucy was entertained by the spectacle.

This bet was, really a no brainer.

Big, dumb ass comes into the Timber, a place he doesn't know, and wants to put his ego before logic.

This was a sucker's bet.

She put 25 gold on the kid.

Luthien approaches the clerics, having seen a priest of his own order there.

He bows upon arrival. "Father."

He likewise node respectfully to the other two.

In reply to shadowmist (msg # 219):

 "Thank you for your information. I will go get breakfast then. If you ever need a hand, let me know. Goodbye for now Mr. Cutter. Have a rewarding day."

 She headed for the inn, knowing that any work she did in this village would need to be "honest" work, for she would not bite the hand that fed her. She looked around as she went waving and smiling at those she passes.

 Before she reached the inn, she saw Kree and others gathered around some horsemen. She drifted over to see what was going on. She grins as she sees what's going down.

 "Here horseman! I'll bet 7 golds on the forest waif! Put your money where your mouth is!"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:25, Fri 05 May 2017.

     The Cutter smiles at Shadowmist as he says,..if ye ever  settle inta the timber..wood cutting is a easy enough job, as long as yer smart enough ta cut dead wood!....

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

  The  Clerics  all turn to Luthien, The  Fellow from  Tra  smiles,..Have a seat... and get some food and drink! It is not everyday we have a unit return.... I hear there will be  quite the storytelling  tonight!

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

 Ivy  Looks at  Brie  and  Grins,.. The Ladies   think, I look just fine, Aye  , LAdies?
 The two  Giggle  and stand  against each other  as  Ivy's eyebrows  move up and  down.

  Grenwal watches  Linny as he marks down the Bets. I will warn all... you may bet what you wish...but should you try to not pay?... it counts against you as stealing... and the verdict will be harsh...

 The  leader  grins  and Nods as he once more, looks down at the child,..best be careful Lad... Horses do not know rules.. I would stay away from his hooves....


 Carr looked at the  Horse the  hooves  are  stomping into the  , slightly soft , ground.. a wrong  step could snap  the boy's   arm or leg like a twig... he merely  looks  away from the   Horse  staring straight ahead at the path...


  Krell stands as he sees/hears what is Going on , standing   from  his  spot  with his paramour , the  Edler  begins to move towards the  growing  crowd with a purpose.. Bleakroot    Holds out a Hand...allow them to wager... this is a fest, after all...

 ..Kree is planning something.... I think it unfair to the mages if...

 ..if...what, Elder Quickshadow? That one of our own outsmarts  an outlander? We win , in either case... should the boy lose this....contest.... We show our honor  by paying out debts..... If we will,  the stories will travel  about and reach the  ears of outlanders...and giving them pause , should they try to cheat us.....either way?..it  is  part of the gaming that goes on in any Fest...

 Krell Nods  slowly, But his  eyes  are focused on Kree.. a stern Frown shows his thoughts do not match  the High Elder's.

   Grenal  holds up  his Mug,are all bets placed?...

 The riding Mage was looking around at the growing crowd... coin was changing hands  as people heard of the Contest.. he noted, none  from  The Timber, wagered on the Horseman..while those  travelers in the  Village  wagered against the  child.

  The driver just smiled, standing off to the side with a drink and  some crème filled pastry ...the driver's  smile, was enough  for the  Riding  Mage to keep his  coin in his pocket

"There are many stories to tell. Faith has a way of bringing people home, one way or another."

Nonetheless, he joins the clerics when a place is offered to him,

   there are foods   set out, others are being cooked and served  as  folks  ask.

   The Cleric of Harg smiles a bit,..so.. How  does  a Holy warrior  get tied in with the Arrows?  We have had Clerics, of course..but many of them are as much for the coin, as the Arrows themseleve?

 The Cleric of tra  shakes his head,..I will not  speak ill of the Arrows... there  may be a few who are darker  then others, but in the end...they serve good, more then they serve  Evil.

In reply to Orlin (msg # 213):

    "Heh, drinkin is what got me stuck in the lowlands.  I can handle it but the old one seems to be able to use it to take control."

Brie stood next to Kree but would often look around and see everyone's reactions.  She noticed Krell watching Kree as if Kree was in the process of doing a bad deed.  She shook her head and whispered into Kree's ear.

Looks like father dearest isn't too fond of wagers, she mumbled.  Wonder how many times he's lost a bet.  To you.

In reply to luthein (msg # 227):

Luthien has told this story before...

"It's a matter of temperance. The Arrows are very good at making sure justice falls to the guilty. My job is to pick out those who do not deserve death and spare them that fate.