The Music  stops.. three   people wall out  on the  balcomey of the  large In that sits back off the   Village  Center.. A dwarf... and two elves  The Elf in the Middle stps up... the  other elf  stares  down Kree.. The dwarf merely grins as he sips  from a Mug of Ale.

  The Voice of the Older elf is loud...and somewhat cold....So... 'Captain'  Quickshadow.... we both know, we cannot  keep this overly long. Else our  people  will stone us... there is  a lot of Laughter.

 ..Elder Bleakroot... My Comrades  and I have done nothing , other  then what we were made to do.... get contracts, and  cut the darkness from the  realms.... there are others, who broke off, nad are trying a contract on thier own... and  our scout, Riku  is , even as we speak..hunting for them now...

 His arm moves to the totem,..you have recieved  2  updates  from my unit.. We found  The Emperor's  daughter...and uncovered some traitors in thier Midst...

 The Dwarf  raises  his MUg,Nice Ta here  them folks get thier comeupance!

  Kree's Father  stepped up,... you were to  seek out a missing unit of Arrows, after you escorted the merchants... are you able to tell us why...you did not  find the Unit...and why you came here with Mage Guildmens at your heels?

   Kree Stiffen a bit as he  turned his head, only slightly, to his father,..In the Filed.. I command my Unit.... we  fulfilled the contract to the Merchants, even though it  involved..dangerous goods.....

 we were beset by  two groups, both lead by Red Elves... the second  group , came  at us as we ....slept... here he grins and  people laughed,...  the Chests..contain..Engar White... I had thought it would be wise, to sell it to the Mage Guild...hoping there would be less chance of  any product made from them, hurting   the Empire.... but?  they chose to treat us like Beggars...so.. we  brought the chests here..... As Far as the Missing unit of  Arrows go?... Carn and His until  travels that area... he should be the one  to find them... if not... we can Hunt them down when we leave here.

 ...you make the assumption, we  will allow you to lead this Group of Arrows again?

 ..And you..Elder  Quickshadow. Make the assumption that they will not follow me?

 there  are cheers  at Kree's  words.... The Dwarf Raises His  Mug,..That be Nonsense.... Ye would have me, bloody Vote!

  The Head Elder Nods  slowly..Kree's  father  is less then Happy....So...Crimson Arrows? We ask the question we must ask as per  our laws..... How Many of you will continue with Captain Quickshadow?

 Ivy  Puts up his    Hand,  and  grins at Krell. the  Elder Quickshadow shakes his head
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:12, Fri 28 Apr 2017.

 She entered the village with a sense of relief. She wasn't used to such long walks and keeping up with the long strides of men. She found a place to sit, laid her pack down and sat down to rest her feet and legs.

"Long walk today."

Brie had followed along with Kree and Ivy staying but a step or two behind and to the left of Kree.  When they passed the totems of kills, she looked at each name, carving, and notch giving her the strongest urge to want to reach out and touch them.  Yet, it was sacred and she knew, not being an official member of their home, it could possibly mean the loss of finger or limb, death even.  She let the thought play around in her mind and left it at that.  She smiled as the thoughts toyed around in her head.

Kree halted followed by a bellowing dwarf who spoke out to Kree and this unit of Arrows.  She looked at the three standing on the balcony and froze as she reached the sight of one of them.    She took a long hard swallow but remained in her position, behind and to the left of Kree.   If she hadn’t of known better, she’d have reached out for his hand, a bit intimidated by their looming presence.

When one of the Elders spoke of Kree’s possibility of not Captaining another unit of Arrows, she shook her head and tried to clear that thought of out of her mind.  Kree, not be a Captain, nor not having this group.  She couldn’t fathom it and while the thought and many words ran about in her head as she tried to reason the logic of him not being one, her mind let loose briefly.

"That is absurd," she said, loudly and abruptly.  She covered her mouth just as quickly as she spoke it.  That was a bad habit that she thought she had left behind in her own previous kingdom.  Guess not.

Her cheeks blushed and redden for speaking out of line.  She looked to Kree and Ivy apologetically and mouthed a 'sorry'.

She sent herself her own cursings as this was not her home or place to speak up.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 11:24, Fri 28 Apr 2017.

Lucy took it all in.  It reminded her very much of Tarakia from up north.  They too, loved to celebrate anything and everything.  But cross them, and they would go out of their way to bring hell down on your head.  Especially if you were a slaver.

 kids  ran around touching the Arrows a little half human girl  with a small scar on her  forehead gave Lucy a hug..
"..kitty Lady!"

That took her completely by surprise.  She wasn't sure exactly how everyone would take to her, but then again, seeing the mix of people here, she really began to relax.

Then the half human girl with the scar on her forehead ran up to her and gave her a hug.
"Kitty lady!"

Lucy was completely taken by surprise.  She gave the girl a hug back, and then chuckled.

Yeah, just like in Tarakia.

Lucy put her hand as well.

"Nobody else is good enough." She said.  "If Kree isn't leading this unit, then you can have my badge." She said.

Diana had never been to the Black Timber before, nor had she been to Razor Hawk village.  She allowed her self a moment to be in awe of the of everything.  Then she quickly got over it.

She greeted those who came up to her, and offered to play with any children.  But that would have to be later.  There was business to conduct.

The Head Elder Nods  slowly..Kree's  father  is less then Happy....So...Crimson Arrows? We ask the question we must ask as per  our laws..... How Many of you will continue with Captain Quickshadow?"

"Is that a serious question?" Diana asked.  "Really." She said, shaking her head.
She finally raised her hand like everyone else.

Lafisual solemnly raises his hand in response to the question and takes a brief glance noticing a few others a doing the same.

   When the little boy received his feathers the staff murmured something.  Orlin looked at it in surprise. "Huh, that'd be a first.  I doubt it would be well received but I'll ask.  Why the offer?"  Another murmur, "Ah, I see.  These are suspicious people.  I do't think they want a oversized magical creature flying around their sacred woods."

   Orlin carries the chest into the presence of the elders and sets it down before taking his staff in hand again.  There is a faint crackle of energy as the staff recognizes his touch.

   When questioned on continuing Orlin shrugs, "I'm in fer a decade or two."

 Rolf steps up beside the others.. Luthien, in his gleaming  armor, does the same.

   Then? It is settled, Elder  Quickshadow? It Appears  The good  Captain has the backing for his comrades, and that is something we  will not...take away...

 The Dwarf Raised His  Mug again.. Krell,  simply nodded, but looked grim.

  As the crowd Cheered , Bleakroot held up his hands. And it  took a few Moments  for the  people to settle down.

 ..So.... Captain? What do you feel  we should do with these  chests? Since it was you, who  first went to the Guild? and you have them waiting  out side the trees.....

  Elder  Bleakroot...Elder Quickshadow, Elder  Grenwal.. the chests are full of vials of Engar White..... I assume, the  merchants  had a tie in with the Red Elves..or the red Elves had fooled... I leave the choice you wiser heads , then I.. you could easily have our sages, and MAges  use the Engar White to better   the Black Timber, or raise coin to help us do so.......I feel, if the Mages leave here  with those chest, they will, nay reach, Tou. Unless, they too, are  working with the red  Elves...

 Krell speaks up,would would have us use  something, that are  cousins in the Seas fight and Kill..NOT..to be used?

Many a head turned to Kree, he  took a step forward...They didn't fight hard enough...because here it sits....And The Sea Elves  are not much better then  the Red Elves. They make  treaties with  the seafaring folk, and collect tribute...then? they attack those who who do not pay, or cannot afford to...

 His arm waves  at the  chests, even?  if it was only broken down into healing potions..it would save alot of Black Timber,,and Crimson Arrow  lives....

 Bleakroot nodded,Wisewords..from one considered...unwise. Wewill talk to the Mages  tomorrow... and we shall deceide from there....now?..let's  get to the Celebrations!

   6  troopers in Greentinted armor  came  down to collect the chests, they took them up the opposite hill , pass the Shattered Blade Inn..to take them to the Council Building where the  strongest of  the foundations were.

   The people  wasted  no time in   starting Up the Music and dancing  about.. Kid s Flowed out of the crowd again, ruining about the Arrows .

  People crowed  around them, Offering them drinks that ranged from Elevn Gold, to Human wines, to dwarven Ale, Human Ale...and... deep green Ale made by the lizard Folk, from the KArth swamp...and odd people, that may attack a hunting party one day...and  trade with them then next.

  Kree  called   out to His  Unit,there will be rooms  for us in the Shattered Blade......

  To Brie he said,..If you wish?  you may come to my home..or  stay at the Inn?   a  Mug and a Plat of  deermeat and fruit  was jammed into Kree's  chest, he lighted  and took a deep drink of the wine..Holding the  Mug up for the people to cheer.

With the affirmation of Kree retaining his title as Captain of his unit of Arrows, Brie gave a small celebration of joy in the spot she was standing, containing it to a bit of clapping and bouncing lightly.  She took a drink and a sip and looked at it wide eyed.  However, Kree’s question took her a bit more by surprise.

Really? She asks leaning into him.  Your…place?

She leaned back and looked in the direction of the Inn.  I-I most definitely would prefer your place, though I was thinking that inns and taverns were more  your thing.

She joked and looked around sighing.  So, this is it.  This is your home.   There was something inside that gave her feel goods.  Something she hadn’t felt…in ages until she met Kree.

I’m sorry about the outburst.  It, just, happened.  So, uhm, one of them was your…father?


She gave a nod in the direction of where the dwarf and the two elves came out onto the balcony.

  People danced, at times  sung, sometimes in Common, some times in Elvish. There was even an Half Orc  Woman who sang an orcish, tune..sad, but  the tone  rising until it  fil the blood  with energy  as though you could  fight  an Orge.

  The Crowd mingled, some, of course, talked and laughed  in their own groups... others  came to the Arrows  to ask them to tell stories  of their  adventures.

 Lucy  found she was popular with   the Kids... The little  Girl came over  with some Friends pointing at her   saying, " Kitty Lady!"

 The other   women did  get approached  by   men who wanted to know what they were doing after the feast.

   Ivy was Dancing  and Capering about with some 3 or  4  women..if he was interested in anything else, you couldn't  tell.

   ..For those of You who wish to stay  at the Inn? It will not  cost  anything.... I have  an extra  room or two , if anyone wishes  to stay with us.... he nods to Brie.

  I do suggest you unload your gear, so you may take  part in the Celebrations... He   Picked Up his  pack as  some   women and Men tried  to  not let him leave,  I will eturn, it has been too long from home.. and  Elvish cooking!

  He Nodded to Brie  and Pointed at the Totem... he waited for her to see her  name.

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

 Orlin  had a Human woman,  dressed in  Green woven leaves and  carrying a Shillelagh,... You came down from the  Mountains.... Might  I ask why... for there are stories.....

...........

 There  were tables   set up for gaming... bones were being rolled... there were Mouse  races...it was interesting to see many of the  small Razorhawks   flitting from tree to tree... some if  rode on the shoulders of some of the  folks  who were dressed like rangers or  druids....

 Some of the children ( dispite the late hour) were taking part in games, races...

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

 One of the Bards  who was playing   the Songs  stopped the Music  as he shouted,... The feast will Continue... until tomorrow Night!... Mornfest......Midday meal...and  Evenfest will all be here!!!

 The crowd  roared  its  approval  as the Music played once more....

    Orlin raised an eye brow. "If I'm to answer yer question to yer satisfaction I would best ask what tha stories are."

  The Woman  looks around,...there  are  tales, of when the  Big ones  come down from the Mountains...that the Clash to end the ages is coming...

   there are a few kids that look at Orlin with wid eeyes..but  stay in a clump, as unsure to approach

   Orlin shakes his head.  "That's no a tale I've heard.  But if somethin were to drive m'people out of their beloved woods, then indeed that would be somethin to be reckoned with.  As for me? Wel the Gods saw fit that I be cast onto the lowlands on tha wings of an Eagle."

   He looks across the crowd.  "Speakin of which, which of tha counsel members would be most willin to talk to me."

In reply to Feast (msg # 166):

Brie nodded in agreement to drop off the bulk of her (their) gear and return.  As they walked along and he pointed to a specific spot on the totem she gave a big smile.  Though it wasn't as much as many of the others on the totem.  She was there.  Her name was on records at Kree's home.  She longed for acceptance in any form, this was a start.

She moved into Kree and took hold of part of a free-ish arm.  Sooo, what type of celebration? she asks curiously.  She'd never been to anything more extravagant than the tavern she worked in after a large raiding party came in or when the town celebrated its rebirth.  This, felt, different.

    The Druidess loks at the Inn  where the  Elders , once stood on the 2nd floor balcony. Grenwal..will talk to anyone... He is the first...non-elf.. to hold an elder's spot....Bleakroot, his the Chief  Elder... he may speak to you... The Elder  Quickshadow  may talk to you.... he is not  eager..to talk to  his own son...

  the  walked past the front of the Shattered Blade... the frond of the Inn  was covered in broken blades...those  are  blades that were broken in battle, both pours, and  enemies... when they are brought back... they are  fixed to the wall...

   Kree shakes his  head,..it is a big thing  when Hunter, or Units of Arrows  return... in our case, Ivy and I are still considered Hunter..and...we are Arrows...so there will be  much  eating, drinking and dancing. well..... into this time, tomorrow...

  After  a few Minutes of  walking and  being  greeted by  people  heading to the feasting, they come a  logcabin. the grounds in front are well cared for. Kree nodded at the looking at it,..there are  a few  folks who will care for  my home, when i am not here....

 they  walk pass the   deadwood  posts of the fence.. a well groomed garden was growing  some corn and such. He opened the door , a mid-age human woman  was checking the fireplace. a half elf man was tweaking some pegs into the   bannister  that lead up  to the upper floor.

 Master Quickshadow!.... we thought you would be at the feats, a bit longer!


  We are bringing our  gear home,  I will , indeed  return to the feast. It is the least i could do, for the greeting we have recieved...

 ..'cept fer yer Father..aye?
  Chuckled the  man.

 ..Linny!..Please  for  give My husband...he....can be so outspoken...

 Kree Grins as he   heads to the steps,..he is quite  right  Loa.... Linny? Loa..This  Is Brie.. she will be sharing my home, as long as she would   like....


 Loa   bows to Brie,..welcome Mistress   Brie.... to our Village...

 Kree tossed  Linny a pouch,..some of the pay i owe you and Loa..eh?

 .... Will Master Ivy be going to His Home?

 ..you know  Ivy.... i would be surprised  he ends up anywhere near his  home.....

 Linny laughs, Loa  gets a bit red faced.

  Kree opens the Master  bed room, putting his  Bow on the branch hangers in the  wall,  he takes his cloak , pack, quiver and lays it on  floor by  wall.

 ..do you need things Washed? Lao calls up the stairs.

  Nay..Look.. you two..get to the feast.... i am most certain, i will not get lost in my own home..aye?

 Loa  frowns,..If You are  sure..OHHHH....
 Linny grbas her  By the  arm and Pulls her to the  door,see ya  there....

Brie takes soaks up everything about Kree’s hometown as he walks them to his own home.  She swallows the lump in her throat as they approach it and she walks in right behind him and are greeted respectfully by hired caretakers.

Thank you…Loa, she said and bows back not knowing anything less than equal respect back.  She looks about the place as Kree finishes up talking with the couple and when he jests about not getting lost in his own home she turns and chuckles as well.

Good bye to you both, she says as Linny rushes Loa out the door.  It was a pleasure.

She then turns her own attentions to Kree and smiles.  Well. Now, she says and puts part of her gear in a corner clear of walkway or getting kicked over.  I’m here.  Finally.

She’s quite nervous.  More so from the inner feelings and self-doubts aspect of her human bloodline, than her elven side that is reveling in the glamour of it all, she has a minute feeling of inadequacy for the value and humbleness of the town and Kree’s home in comparison to her own town, shack, and of herself.

I definitely hadn’t anticipated the celebrations elaborateness, she said.  She walks over to him and leans against a wall.  I never thought, also, that I’d be here, now.  It was all, like a dream. 

She reaches her hand up and brushes his jawline.  Thank you.

  He  Gently takes her  Hand,..Well?  This is  My Village, for good or Ill.  It differs not, from most villages, except  it is now  largely  built from many races who have  come together, because of the harsh ways of Slavers and such.....

  Nodding to the door, he says....we  must get back.. it is considered , Il mannered  for Arrows who are being celebrated, to miss the celebration... I think? you may find it , rather tiresome!

  For the others. there  is Food either  shoved at them... or they are  Directed to the Tables.

 and Outdoor bar is Covered By Canvas that is a Mottled green,brown and yellow to blend into the   leafy  'roof' well above the  Village  center.

  Ivy capers about  with  women and some kids. He seems  like a kid himself, save for the Mugs of  wine he downs.

  For a Moment, there  seems to be a contest of sorts... drummers...pipers..and Flutists  play part of a song, to see which group gets  the most people   to dance..well stringed  musicians  play along  with them all.

  in some  places , bard/story tellers have clumps of people  listening to tales of  Elven lore, everything  from grim battles  to comic poems.

  The  three  Elder    are making their  way down the slight  hill, Green armored  guards  trail behind. But they do not seem too ready  for  trouble.

    "Then it sounds like Grenwal is the one to talk to. As for yerself.  You have the sense of someone one with the woods.  I AM a little new to this area, Could you help me become familiar with the plants and herbs available?"

  The  Woman  gave a  smile,..I am Enei..I  lead  my circle of Druids... you might be asking to learn the names, of the drops of water in the Storm River!  But I will  help you as   I may... if is not something that comes easy.

   "The talent of my line is dedicated to keeping the old one at bay.  Herbalism is one of my few pleasures.  Oddly enough he is more at peace here than I ever have felt him.  He even offered to give someone a ride.  Something I haven't heard of in all the centuries he has been kept within the stone."

Brie smiles and gives a nod.  It's better than from which I came, she said.  Most things I've seen, with you, are much better.

Let's get to the celebrations so as we can watch Ivy make a drunken fool of himself.

She gave a wink and was ready to go.

Diana went to the inn, and to her room.  There, she dropped off her equipment.  She laid her bow on the bed, and removed her quiver.  Then, her backpack.  It felt nice to not have to lug that thing around.

She undressed out of her battle clothes, and dressed in something much more casual.  She wore a short dress down to her knee, and a leather blouse and knee high boots.

When she was dressed returned to the party.

She danced with some of the men, but clearly her attention was captivated by a couple of the girls.  She went over making light conversation, and then began dancing, eating and drinking with them all night long.

Dawn would find her in her room, with two girls, one on each side, and a monster, slitting headache to go with it.