(OOC: This thread is for Sir David's, Shikaalgargund's and Tchak'Ikhlul's narratives.)

David looked up from his journal writing and looked around the lounge area of the ship when he heard the Captain announce, “We are now in orbit around the planet Gwynneth, a House Hawkwood World. The spaceport at Londynium will be our landing site in the next two hours.” David sighed as a glow of happiness swept over him, only two more hours before he could feel the ground underneath his feet, the humidity of a world with more water than sand, and the fresh air all the deep forests of his homeworld provided again. David got up and walked over to a view port window to look down at
the blue/green of his homeworld hanging against the blackness of space.

As he headed back to his room to make sure he had everything, he passed a group of mustered serfs from Gwynneth originally and thus coming home doing a circuit with their Sgt keeping cadence. David turned the corner and stepped into the room he shared with Shik. He was glad he upgraded the quarters his retinue and he were put in. While riding in the cargo hold with the rest of the company minus the officers would have been ok with him, the fact that the cargo deck lost gravity for 12 hours after each jump which given their route would have meant 48 hours in zero gravity would have been quite tasked his patience. David cleans himself up and then makes sure he is not leaving anything behind.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Fri 10 Aug 2012.

In the Transport quarters lounge he has had access to, Tchak'Ikhlul was quietly sitting down across one of the very rare view ports. Contemplating the darkness has been his major occupation for the long weeks that have gone by. Long, long weeks. Though he was a bit worried of what the following days would be made of, he longed to be able to move freely again at last. The very cramped sleeping room he was sharing with the officers and the human priest could not accommodate his routine exercises and he had not dared use the crowded common lounge. He was attracting more than his share of stares already, not many having sympathy in them. He figured young knight David's obvious graces had much to do with the fact that hostility had seldom risen above that level. The defiance of the knight's troop officers was what he had to endure most. A stranger dropped in onto them and receiving the same treatment after little time spent with their master and non human at that, had woken some questions and doubts. A bit of jealousy maybe, a feeling Tchak was not accustomed to be on the receiving end of. He had made strictly no effort to break the ice with the humans for he did not feel it necessary. They were nothing to him.

He finished his nine daily devotions and stood up, giving one last look at the depth of space. When he had been able to peek out from the ship for the first time, he had instantly understood why the principalities had chosen the great dark as their symbolic residence. The point of view on the world spirits was without comparison and he had never grown tired of looking at the vast expense. Luckily, apart from the time spent in view of the portal, he had had little competition for his vantage point. Why the humans got bored so easily was beyond him, but he would not be the one to complain !

Now, to find David. The knight probably wanted him near before the landing. He made a quick stop at his bunk to gather his few belongings and purposefully walked to the knight's cabin.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:29, Sat 11 Aug 2012.

David steps out of his cabin and smiles as he can see on an oracle screen, the trees reaching into the anti-red sky. The captain’s voice echoes along the hallways slightly to go with Gwynneth’s mysterious nature, “All noble and retinues and Officers of Rangor Regiment, 25th Company. Please make your way to debarkation area. We will be landing in the next 15 minutes.” He instantly knew that they were landing on a friendly world otherwise, it would have been a call to NCOs to prepare their troops.  David meets up with the rest of his retinue (Shikaalgargund, Tchak, and Sister Rochelle) either in route to the debarkation area or at it.

David, a Lieutenant, salutes the Captain of 25th company because he is still under the man’s command but the way the captain has been either avoiding him or simply spending as little time as possible in his company tells him something is up but he doesn’t have a clue as to what it is. “Ah, David, Rangor Command has decided you are to make your way to Rangor ahead of the rest of the company.” David starts to ask about his platoon when the Captain heads him off, “Your platoon is in the capable hands of Sergeant Winters. She will make sure they return the rest of the way to your brother's estate safely.” Then with an almost gleeful comment, “Your brother has sent the family flitter down to help you on your way.” David thanks the captain. He moves slightly off to the side so to give the rest of the officers their space and worries about what is going to happen when he arrives in Rangor.

He tries to prevent his worried state from showing up on his face, even if his body language is screaming his mental state, by taking up a slight tour guide persona with his retinue because he does not know if any of them have been to this world before. Each of whom he had met and enlisted into his service on Istakhr. Shikaalgargund the towering old Vorox who hasn’t lost any of his fierce abilities and the Ukari shadow known as Tchak who saved his life in that incident. Finally yet no less important to David was the wispy 5-foot tall Sister Rochelle who had not only stitched him and the rest of his people up after an unknown number of patrols but also holds his confessional secrets. David privately thought her name was perfect as in old Urthish it meant ‘little rock’. He started his first tour guide speech, “Based on the views outside while we are landing, we will be arriving during the daylight hours. Which is a boon since it means that we will be making our way to Rangor under the veridical daylight period. The competing anti-red and anti-blue sky has been described in many a poem and painting so I’ll leave it up to you if you would also describe it as beautiful.” David pauses as he feels the ship drop to rest on its struts then punctured by the bellowing hiss of released hydraulic pressure (Most non-Engineers have no clue about this hydraulic process). An ensign in Charioteer livery standing on the other side of the area seeming to be waiting for the Captain announcement that landing was finalized before pushing the red button marked ‘release'.

The captain’s voice with a pleasing tilt comes over the ship-wide speakers again, “Rangor Regiment, 25th Company. Welcome back to Gwynneth.” He pauses few seconds before stating in a much more dried and weary voice, “We have landed at the spaceport in Londynium on Tolth. His Grace Duke William Rochfort Hawkwood rules over the fiefdom, which we now reside. He appreciates if violence was keep to a minimum so look to your NCOs and Officers for directions. Thank you for traveling via a Charioteer Licensed spacecraft.“


OOC:
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Sat 11 Aug 2012.

Shik joins David's procession with his gear bagged and his Muster uniform spotless.  As they proceed down the hallway, he takes a little nip of a golden liquid from a flask, then stows it as well.

When the Ensign pressed the release button, Shik gently reminded David, "Sir, even though this is your home, there may still be threats waiting for you.  I should proceed you out of the door to check."

This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Sat 11 Aug 2012.

David understands Shik’s caution but tells the Vorox, “While on nearly every other world, I would follow your suggestion. If the letters from home are true things in the city have gotten worst then they were three years ago.” He taps Shik’s Muster insignia, “That makes you a target for the Pagan soldiery.”

He holds his breath for a few moments while the door opens so the first breath he takes of his homeworld isn’t coated in fuel vapors. The Ensign waits until the squeal of the ramp lowering ends before telling the group, “Welcome to Londynium spaceport. Captain, your arranged transport is in Bay 94A.” The rest of the officers look out the open hatchway to confirm the they are on the ground before moving off to take care of their platoons/orders while the captain moves off towards Bay 94A. David follows the captain out of the ship and picks up his tour guide routine, “Londynium is a great place to visit with magic lantern shows and great shopping but its not so much a place to stay at the current time. About five or six years ago, Duke William Rochfort Hawkwood went, in my opinion, insane. He declared that the previous rulers of this fief were too lax in their enforcement of proper religious devotions. In comes the Inquisition and according to the church killed two million three hundred thousand people, later on pressure from the nobility and others caused Holy Terra to censure the Duke for the atrocities. I personally believe the other estimates which put the dead at twice that number.” He alters his course so they are heading to the pickup/flitter area and so they don’t go near a group of mercenaries, private or muster unknown, wearing a sigil of a Hawkwood Lion surrounded by a flaming jumpgate cross. “Forest Pagans decided to strike back at both the church and the Duke so Londynium is a happening place for them. I should know my hospital treats 5 times as many people in this city as in the capital of this world Llanfyrth. Depending on what street you go down, you could have smooth sailing, you could find yourself fleeing Muster mercs out of control or you could be in need of Sanctuary Aeon healers so your body is in one piece again. Or simply a combination of the three, walk down the street to a friend’s house than be forced flee a Muster brute-cart or skimmer then take shelter in a place the Pagans have targeted with a bomb.”

He is about to start another sentence when he notices a group of around 30 people in cloth garments with Muster chains on their wrists being led by a small group of guards towards an pockmarked wall. He picks up some speed and puts some distance between his group and that group before the sounds of automatic rifles firing off 3-round bursts echo through the spaceport and reach the group. He squeezes his fist until his nails cause pain to shakes off the memory threatening to overwhelm him. He continues after a number of moments, “I would give you a tour of my medical center in town, finest in Tloth if I do say so myself,” in a brittle voice, but he soon finds his inner calm and recovers himself so there is no shutter when he says ”but I think it would be best if we got out of this territory as fast as possible.”

David spots the livery of his family being worn by an ancient man and makes as much of a beeline as he can. It takes him a moment to recognize the man, “Mister Greves, You are looking positively old. You didn’t find some of those longevity treatments the nobles of Byanztine Secondus are raving about did you?” The old man replies in a booming laugh then when he recovers himself enough that he can speak again he replies with a deep voice you would expect from a 6’5 barrel chest and is very proper, “Greetings Sir David, your brother the Baron felt it was only proper to send the flitter along with a proper pilot, myself, to transport his gloriously returning brother home. So if you and your guests don’t mind getting on board.” He motions to a Krusier Air Yacht, “We can be on our way back to Rangor where we don't have to worry about if we are going to be blown up.” David bows his head in respect to Greves before carrying his duffle bag with all of his gear and collected memories on the vehicle and grabbing a seat.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Sat 11 Aug 2012.

Mister Greves moves with a fluid grace when he passes the group while heading toward the cockpit and gets the ship going. He runs through the checklist then maneuvers the yacht with a smoothness born of practiced ease. David doesn’t tell retinue that Greves is actually master in Koto Martial arts and personally studied under Count Rumi al-Malik because it is against the law on some worlds for serfs to know Martial arts.

David turns slightly so he is facing everyone from the sofa seating, “I must apologize for not giving the rest of you a chance to ask any questions or even really get a word in edgewise while we were in Londynium. I let my desire to get out of the city cloud my hosting abilities. I apologize.” He smiles softly. Then adds “Tloth is not as pretty as Rangor in my opinion but some of those trees are five hundred years old or more and haven’t seen or felt the touch of human or alien in all that time. Rumor has it that there is a tree down there that bares the initials of the first colonists on Gwynneth.”

David holds his hands to prevent his nerves from overwhelming him at being in this yacht.  “I suspect that I might be at Rangor’s Command for a few days. And you hanging around the city in hotels are not my idea of proper hosting so if you are amendable Mister Greves will continue the trip back to my brother’s estate with you onboard.” He pauses to hear their reactions.

Sister Rochelle replies “After your stories of the Pythivi Pater trained in Regin at your brother estate. I’ll keep going onward.”

“In any case, if you want to ask any questions about Rangor, my brother's estate or my family. I’ll give you my best knowledge, however if my bias shows through please excuse me.”

OOC: Pythivi Patar - a male amalthean healer who has completed their training.  Regin - An Amalthean specialized study dealing with the care of nobles and the upper classes
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Sun 12 Aug 2012.

Tchak is silent during the final phase of the descent, patiently waiting for the order to exit ship. He follows David closely and tries to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, feeling the tension palpable all around.

In the relative safety of the flitter, he finally opens his mouth :
" Thank you for asking, but I believe that your summary of the situation answers by itself. I doubt I would be welcome here and I have no friends in this city. Your home fief seems like a much more agreeable choice for now, I accept the invitation.

I do have a question about those pagans. What religion do they practice ? I was my understanding that the omega gospels were the only truly widespread belief among your race, but you talk about millions of pagans on a world that I believe is not so largely populated ? I am surprised."

David looks over at Tchak, "According to church tithe collectors, there are around nine hundred million humans, over a hundred million of which are forest people. However, how many of them are pagan i don't know. In addition to the human population, there are approximate thirty-five thousand aliens living on Gwynneth." He smiles at Tchak and adds, "Twenty-five thousand of those aliens are Ukari like yourself. Actually, its rumored that capital city of the Rangor Island hold the highest percentage of those Ukari but Juandasstas governors have never herded all the aliens together out of fear even when Ukari invaded Gwynneth during the Ukar War so true numbers are not known."

"We didn't really get to explore it but Londynium which we just left holds 6 to 15 million souls. The capital of Rangor actually houses around 3 million citizens." He pauses to let those numbers settle before adding, "The people of Gwynneth like to live a balanced existence with nature so the buildings are woven into the forests and rarely clustered together. However, if we are ever in orbit on another starship and its veridical night, You can see the whole planet lit up with smallish clusters like little campfires surrounded by deep green of forests."

"As for the forest people of Gwynneth, they were anarchists when they first arrived not long after the planet's discovery was sold to House Juandasstas. Hawkwoods were originally fortune hunters who came for the ruins and about 300 years after discovery actually married into ownership of the planet. If you call an invasion fleet a marriage proposal." he pauses when he realizes he is going off topic, "Sorry, my mind diverged there for a moment." he pauses again to order his thoughts before beginning again, "I like to believe they found something in the forests but I never actually stopped and forced one of forest people to tell me about their religion."

He adds just to enhance Tchak's knowledge, "The Univerial Church of the Celestial Sun's omega gospels are the main religion because their church is the most powerful in the Known Worlds. There are dozens of different religions or heresies on each world. In the rangor capital, there is the Eurygnostic faith, Children of Zuran, forest pagans, and Perceptors, just to name a few."

OOC:
Perceptors are also known as teachers, are church priests who don't believe in the destruction of knowledge that the church does.
Veridical night is when neither the Red Giant or the Blue star of Gwynneth is in the sky.
Londynium, in my opinion, is the same size as urban Chicago (USA).
Rangor's capital city is not canonly named. Its about the size of Naples, Italy
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Mon 13 Aug 2012.

David lets his fears that the flitter will fall from the sky like previously just drift away in both his tour guide answering of questions and his love of the conflict of colors in the sky around them. He is surprised when Mister Greves announces they are descending into Rangor’s House Guard compound. David waits until the flitter has landed and stopped moving before standing up. Straightening his military uniform, he looks over his retinue than says, “Good Luck at my brother’s estate, I hope you each are able to find something that you desire to do or see there.” He looks back over his shoulder before stepping down out of the flitter. A young kid, more than 9 years old, runs up to him and after verifying who he is hands over a letter instructing David to report to the General in charge of Rangor’s guard.

He turns back and watches the flitter flying off into the distance before stepping inside the HQ building and instantly feeling like he needs a gorget to protect his neck.

*** Flitter and arrival ***

The trip from the compound to the estate only takes an hour more flying time. It settles down with the same smoothness that the rest of the flight has shown before landing by sliding onto a former cave inside of a cliff face. Mister Greves powers down the flitter before coming back into the cabin and saying, “Welcome to Baron James Juandasstas’s estate, He will be your host until such time as you leave. A few rules,” he pauses as if he is remembering them from a long time off. ”First off, if you happen to leave the estate or decide to go hunting, be careful of both Rock Trolls and bandits. Likelihood of our guard getting to you in time to help is nil. Number 2, don’t kill or maim any of the people living in this estate.” He rolls his eyes as if he believes any of you will harm one of freedmen or serfs here. “Well, that’s it. The rest of the rules are for troublemakers, serfs, and those who are not invited. Food will be served in a few hours but until then your welcome to explore.” He opens the door from the cabin to the sea salt air and steps out of the vehicle. He precedes to descend the stair steps carved into the side of the cliff before heading off in the direction of the barely visible the manor house on a hill in the distance.

As soon as the door opens, dozens of different new animal noises filter into the cabin along with the sounds of the ocean crashing against the side of the cliff. A fishing village hangs on the horizon about a kilometer in the distance.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Mon 13 Aug 2012.

Tchak can't help himself from quietly adding : "I like to believe that you would not have to force them to this confession, but I understand that your Church is very protective of its flock and does not like them looking too much else-were."


After the flitter has landed and David has left the rest of the retinue to their own device, Tchak steps out of the machine. He wrinkles his nose at the rich odour the fertile land gives off and ponders a bit on the landing pad.
Seeming a bit lost, he turns to the tall Vorox :
"Sergent Shikaalgargund, have you been to this place before ? I know little about the Juandaatas humans."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:37, Mon 13 Aug 2012.

*** Sister Rochelle ****
Sister Rochelle steps in when Shik seems to stay silent, “Neither of us have set eyes on this fiefdom before. This is actually my first time on Gwynneth.” She looks at the Ukari who has become a new travelling companion for her. “It is said that House Juandasstas fight for the rights of aliens, whether it’s a Vorox being hunted for sport or an ukari community being forced out of ancient lands because some human noble wants a bigger pasture for his animals. Though it does not speak well of how they treat first time travelers if their staff leaves the new guests at the landing pad without even a ‘See you later’.”

“I think David wanted to be the one who was our tour guide but his commanding officers cancelled that idea.” She does not really know anything about her new companion and his level of knowledge of Human culture so she adds, “David is of the lowest of the noble class and lowest officer ranking in the military. So nearly his whole clan is his superiors and they do not hesitant to use their power over him.”

She is about to say something more when she spots a group of burly humans carrying what appears to be a rowboat on the shoulders. A female along with one of burly male splits off and heads up the steps towards the group. "Maybe they can help us..." She seems to shrink in volume at the idea of meeting with others.

The burly male, wearing a blue two piece (shirt and trousers, think Village Sailor uniform) cloth garment which has faded and frayed from what seems like years in the sun as well as the salt spray of the ocean, turns to address the group of three standing at the edge of the landing pad once he finishes climbing the stairs. Taking a breath to fill his seemingly massive lungs says, “I am assuming since your standing next to the flitter belonging to the noble family of these lands that you are guests instead of thieves. So who are you?”

Meanwhile the female is wearing a dark green cloak that gradually becomes a lighter shade when you get to her under clothing (shirt, trousers). One thing does stand out on her clothing, over her left chest area is the same emblem that David wears. She seems to be waiting patiently for your answers before doing anything.

Nodding in understanding after sister Rochelle's explanations, Tchak only answers with a shrug before the humans reach them.
A bit surprised by the tone the man has taken he tenses, ready to snap back, but a nagging feeling in the back of his mind keeps his voice level :
" Guests indeed, or so we thought. You talk with a lot of confidence for a man who does not know who he is speaking to.
We are Knight David's retinue, just arrived with him. I am Tchak'Ikhlul and here are Sergent Shikaalgargund and Sister Rochelle.

We are in need of directions, if you can give them... "

Managing to look down at the taller human, Tchak waits for his answer.

Standing behind the ur-ukari, Shik looked down on the human from his full height and favored her with a silent, toothsome grin.

*** Burly man meeting Group ***
He smiles his own toothy grin only he is missing his Upper Right Cuspid and his upper right laeral while listening to Tchak. His grin falters slightly at Sir David’s name with his eyes darting around the cave to see if David was there than rests on his companion for half a second. The grin dies completely when he hears ‘Sister Rochelle’ and spots the emblems of the Church of the Celestial Sun and Sanctuary Aeon on her garments. He ignores Tchak's last line about directions and lowers his head in respect, “My apologizes Sister, I meant no disrespect to you or your companions.” He steps back slightly and looks on Shik and Tchak with new respect.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
Looks right into Tchak’s eyes and does not blink. Moreover, does not even seem slightly troubled by the fact that a Vorox is towering over her. She waits until her companion is finished. Then, she takes up an almost regal air that does not fit her in the slightest, “If you are truly part of David’s retinue, which I will wait until he tell me himself. Then you have two real choices open to you, one you can descend these stairs and travel with us to the Fishing village. Option two, is you can be escorted to Baron James Juandaastas, who happens to rule this barony by the fine guards behind you.” She directs this all at Tchak and Shik. She bows her head to Sister Rochelle twice before looking her in the eyes and asks in an almost submissive tone, “Sister, we have an injured man down in the boat being carried. Can you help us?”

This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Thu 16 Aug 2012.

"We were told that we would be free to explore," Shik says in a rumbling voice.  "Do either of your options avail us of a chance to do that?"  The towering vorox crosses is top-arms over the chest of his Muster uniform and tilts his head, looking down at the woman.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:12, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***

She turns from Tchak and looks up at Shik allowing a tilting smile to light her lips. "Your welcome to explore these lands. Those two options were given because your companion asked for directions. Its better to travel in a group in a new land and those are the only two permanent locations in this barony. The forestry operation moves every two weeks to prevent one section from being over-harvested." She seems to have shed the regal air and adopted her own presence at Shik's challenge. "If you actually want to wander than I recommend the forest. With the two suns in the sky at the moment, the mysterious nature of it comes into full bloom." She actually sounds almost giddy at the thought of something mysterious.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:45, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

Shik's posture becomes less threatening, in a subtle way. Loosening his top-arms, he smiles widely and asks, "You make it sound very appealing.  Perhaps you would like to accompany me?  It has been years since I simply walked through a forest, if one could call fighting for survival on Ungavorox a simple 'walk'."

This message was last edited by the player at 03:29, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

*** Adelie Juandaastas, Sister Rochelle, Burly man ***
Adelie almost says yes before she is interrupted by Sister Rochelle, "I would love to help your injured." Adelie bows and thanks the Sister before gesturing for her to follow the man. He seems unsettled leaving Adelie alone, minus the guards, with Tchak and Shik but follows her directions. When Adelie returns to the two remaining members of the group, She has lost the previous giddyness when she seems to quote the next line from memory, "Every walk through a forest, whether its urban or natural, is a fight for survival. To lose sight of that is of course a death sentence." She seems to be regaining her more light hearted nature when she continues, "I can not join you today; duty as you can understand, i hope. Maybe, you will join me tomorrow when I guide a new group of serfs to the forestry operations. Of course that is dependent on if you are welcomed by my brother." She turns to head back down the stairs to the burly men w/ a rowboat. She pauses after a step or two and looks at Shik and Tchak, "When you see my brother, the baron, tell him your guests of Adelie not my brother David. Might just save your lives." She starts down the stairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

Shik frowns as Adelie walks off.  Looking down at Tchack, he says quietly "A curious family, these Juandaastes.  Even for nobles..."  He looks around at the remaining humans and adds, "Unless I miss my guess, Sir David may be somewhat out of favor.  We should tread carefully, my friend."

In reply to Sergeant Shikaalgargund (msg # 21):

 Tchak nods gravely :

“Strange indeed. And I am afraid “somewhat” does not even begin to describe our friend’s bad situation. What could anger his brother and Lord so much that we should fear for our own lives ? I do not like this. I would have suggested that meeting with the estate’s owner was the first thing to do, but I feel we do not know enough yet. And announcing that we are invited by Miss Adelie when our ties will be clear soon enough… dangerous as well.”

Shooting a sly look at the tall pile of muscles next to him, the ukar continues softly

“The baron certainly has other business more pressing than seeing two minor guests. As we have been invited by one of the fine ladies of this estate, we can delay this duty a little. I suggest we honour lady Adelies’ offer by joining her at the village and see if we can learn more about David’s situation.

I would also greatly enjoy discovering that forest. I have a feeling this world’s spirit is very strong in that place and no will to share my time there with blabbering humans, though I would not object to this lady’s company.

What do you say ?”

Shik nods quietly, placing a restless low-hand on one of his swords for a moment.  "Indeed," he rumbles.  "We should make sure Sister Rochelle is taken good care of as well.  Come, my friend.  Let us join the group heading to this village."

*** Sister Rochelle ***
Sister Rochelle is finishing her treatment of the poor soul inside the fishing boat. She speaks with Adelie softly before stepping away and joining Shik and Tchak. She whispers to them, "The boy fell overboard and had been bitten by a rare local animal. He was one step in the beyond by the time i got to him. However the Pancreator's light shined on him and now he has a decent chance of surviving." Looking at each of their faces, she asks her companions, "So whats the plan?"

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She reachs into the lowered rowboat and touching the young boy's forehead says her own prayer of thanks to the Pancreator. She steps away and the men lift the boat and start heading off towards the village maybe half an hour away or so. She walks over to the group, "Will you be joining us to the village or city if you compare it to the other villages in this barony?" Outside of the cave with the suns shining overhead you now can see clearly the exceeding youth of the lady in front of you. You wouldn't put her age at more then 14 Urth years.

Tchak and Shik are just starting to walk towards the exit when Sister Rochelle reaches them. Nodding in polite approval of her healing, he answers :
"We accept the young lady's offer. The situation here looks quite complicated."

As Adelie steps up, Tchak displays a respectful composure :
" Yes my lady. If you will allow us, it would be our honor to join you to this village city.
Our arrival on Gwyneth has been disturbing to us, and being on the defensive I'm afraid we may have come out as a bit rough to you. In truth, knight's David seemingly mmm dire situation is concerning us. We do hope he is not in too much trouble."

Gesturing towards the road, he continues :
" If you will show us the way ? David talks about you a lot -in words of praise of course- , and I am pleased to have met you first... "
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

*** Sister Rochelle ***
“Any family dynamic that claims to be ‘simple’ is an outright lie.” She chuckles before regaining her composure when Adelie steps up. She listens to Tchak and would bet he has orator training. She excuses herself from the group and joins the fishermen (burly guys) to make sure the boy has the best chance of survival.

*** Adelie Juandasstas ***
She takes up position next to Tchak with a friendly smile and begins to guide her new guests in the wake of the fishermen. “Gwynneth is regularly disturbing for the new travelers to it. However, I think I like to believe its more of a culture shock then anything dangerous. We accept a bit of everything here, different cultures, different religions, different people. We actually have a small population of people from the Vuldrok Star-Nation living in the fief. Excellent warriors, Watch out if you ever face off against them in a brawl or if you are stupid enough to take one of their radios.”

She seems to collect her thoughts before talking about her next topic. “It pleases me that he has talked about me. Given his desires to keep secrets, it says a lot about your relations with my brother. Now as to David being in dire situations, you don’t have to worry. There is little threat to him or you at the current time, however the longer my brothers are around each other the higher tempts flare.” She hasn’t looked where she is placing her feet this whole time but seems to glide over every small obstacle. “It might help you to know the root of the odds as you might have some advice for him given the different cultures. David and our brother James have been at odds with each other ever since David inherited the hospitals our father built. James claims as first born, he should get it all. It doesn’t help the fact that David both actually invested his money wisely so is actually richer than James and doesn't really care about the money.” She goes silent for a few minutes with a small smile on her lips as she remembers some childhood memory and her snapping out of it is followed by the off-handed remark, “I wonder how David is going to react to the fact that he was not informed or invited to the wedding.”

She stops herself from talking the whole trip. She seems to struggle over their names when she speaks next, “Tchak’Ikhlul and Shikaalgargund, please excuse me if I mispronounced your names, might you have stories you wish to share during our trip to the town?”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 26):

Tchak takes a long look at the very young human and shoots a hopeful look at Shik. The Vorox seeming lost in contemplation for the moment, Tchak prudently answers :
"A story ?" Visibly struggling with his answer, he continues after a couple seconds.
"I would not like to anger you or your chaperon with an inadequate tale, and my life is not more of a proper subject. I am not used to entertaining noble blood...young noble blood. Most of the stories I know come from ukar lore, I am not sure this is what you would like to hear..."

Shik's attention snaps back to the young woman and he adds, "Barring that, I could regale you with stories of the beasts of Ungavorox, as only a native could know them."

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
The thought of possibly hearing about Ukari Lore or Stories of the Vorox's homeworld has her eyes light up with a child's curiosity. "I did not mean to put you both on the spot there. Stories about Ukari lore? Tales about your homeworld Shikaalgargund? Tough choice." She pauses to think it over and says, "Lets go with Tales of your homeworld sound like the best option, Shikaalgargund. If your willing that is." She smiles to let them know she has no real hard feelings.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Sat 18 Aug 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 29):

Satisfied with leaving the mercenary take his turn at chatting with Adelie, Tchak concentrates on his surroundings. Some distance away, the first trees of the antique forest loom, casting heavy shadows, like a wall cutting off the wild from the rest of the island. He would definitively have to visit this place.

Ahead, the declining land let them just glimpse the taller roofs of the city they were approaching. Some village indeed !

Paying attention to what Shik is telling, Tchak makes sure to stay close to the young lady. She seems to care for the people, being seen with her could not be a bad thing...

"Let me tell you of Graa Kal, or the grackle fox as your people call it."  Shik's voice drops to an ominous rumble as he describes a an enormous eight-legged felinoid capable of single-handedly killing the massive armored herbivores that wander the plains of Ungavorox.

"Graa Kal was worshiped as a god by my people early in our evolution, we learned how to hunt from it, followed its ways... Until Graa Kal developed a taste for Vorox flesh, then it became a malefic devil figure in our legends, a bringer of death and destruction.  The feral Vorox religion still worship Graa Kal in some ways."

This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Sat 18 Aug 2012.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She looks on with awe as she mentally imaginations such a creature moving around the forest. Just before she says how cool that is, She realizes that such a creature would slaughter the whole ecosystem of the fief and still not be satisfied. Putting her awe into a little box somewhere she says, “Thank you for that tale Shikaalgargund. I’ll contact David tonight if possible and see if I can share a story of him tomorrow.” She grins as she thinks of some of the juicy tales she can come up before noticing they are nearly at the town. She begins to prepare herself.

*** Town of Wilmington ***
A forest of steel masts from the commercial fishing trawlers at the water’s edge gives way to two level timber framed warehouses. These give way to 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of sun baked brick structures ranging from one story to three. The people are suntanned industrial fishermen and the support organ needed for such operation. Sadly, while the adults all have laugh lines, there is not one smile to be found

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She seems pained by the dour looks on the people in the town when they enter. Adelie flags down one of the guards and after a few moments, he and a group of four others start clearing a path to the nearest hospital for the rowboat and Sister Rochelle. “Tchak’Ikhul, Shikaalgargund, This is the Town of Wilmington, the largest town in 100 kilometers. Its primary industry is commercial fishing if the forest of metal down at the water didn’t alert you. I have to go meet with the Mayor and stop in to check on the boy before dinner bell tonight. So, you are welcome to roam the town, The guards have your descriptions so you don’t have to worry about any hostility regarding your visit. I invite you to dinner tonight at 7 bells, at the Warping Vine Manor. I’m sure our chef has no clue idea what food is palatable for either of you, so I apologize in advance. When I see Sister Rochelle, I will be inviting her also so you will meet up with her there assuming she doesn’t find you herself.” She points out Warping Vine Manor to you, which sits on the only hill in view almost like the Manor was built there just so everyone would have to look up to it from no matter where in town they were. With a slight wave Adelie is escorted off towards the Town Hall.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Sun 19 Aug 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 32):

Tchak, that has been paying close attention to the city and people they cross, answers Adelie with a slight bow :
"Thank you my lady, we look forward to it."

Letting the girl go, he turns to Shik :
"Well, we have some time before us and trouble to keep out of. May I suggest that we find out if the juandaastas are as hospitable to aliens as they claim in a local establishment ? I like to get to know the new places I visit from the bottom up."

ooc : You can go on David, Tchak wont be doing anything worth describing.

Shik nods and says, "Certainly, my short friend.  Lead the way."

This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Mon 20 Aug 2012.

The tavern atmosphere was not hostile towards Tchak’Ikhul or Shikaalgargund, it was actually indifferent to them. Most including a group of youths were enjoying the pre-recorded broadcast coming over a ‘god box’ of a championship football (Soccer) match between a local team and a team from another town. When the local team won, the bartender seems to have been overcome by the spirit of the celebration because he shouted out, “A Round of drinks, on the house!” This was actually the first time the two had seen a smile from anyone other than Adelie since arriving in this fiefdom.

*** Story moving on to Manor *** *** Description of Manor first ***
The twisting vines climb over the entire of the Manor but it swirls around the four greek style columns leading towards a 4 meter high Ceramsteel Entrance door. As you near the house, a slight tingling sensation crawls across your skin and the buzz of insects flying around you disappears.  Beyond the entrance door is a standard mansion fit for a Count, not a lowly Baron. While the floor is something that nobility would not even notice, it seems to had been someone’s pride and joy; the closely cut hardwood that actually  flexes slightly as you walk over it, giving the feeling of grace no matter how clumsy.
Only one room is worth extra mention and that is the ‘Baron’s room or Throne room’ which is made from pure marble, it would take a person knowledgeable about the differences of marble to tell that this is high-quality Ravenna marble. Ten evenly spaced Greek columns line the room leading towards a Throne, carved into the columns are stories of from Gwynneth’s past. One actually tells a legend of a seafarer on a wooden ship fighting against a kraken from the depths of the sea; the end is worn away.

*** Emmanuel Carson ***
He opens the entrance door as Tchak and Shikaalgargund approach. He looks both of them over a few times measuring them, “Greetings Gentlemen. I take it you two are the guests, Madam Adelie stated were going to join us this evening.” He pauses to allow either to speak while motioning in a sweeping gesture for them to enter. Once inside, he closes the door behind them with the same whisper quiet that it opened. “If you two would be so kind to follow me, I will show you to the dining room.” He is slightly upset that these guests are not in formal wear but what is he to do. He sweeps across the floor down the hallway towards the sounds of light music. Assuming that the guests are following him, he opens the double breasted door and again motions them through.

*** Scene ***
The soft dim lighting matches the light music playing from speakers hidden around the room which itself accents the sounds of conversation coming from both the group of Mister Greves, Adelie and Sister Rochelle and from the number of other people all in formal or half a millimeter below formal wear. The room could easily been Shikaalgargund old briefing room during his Li-Halan days, 15 meters by 10 meters by 5 meters. A long length cherry wood table that takes up a sizable portion of the room with matching chairs surrounding it, can hold 22 (Ten on each side plus one at each end).

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She grins when she sees Shikaalgargund and Tchak in non-formal clothing and waves them over.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Tue 21 Aug 2012.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
“Ah, Tchak’Ikhul and Shikaalgargund, Welcome to Warping Vine Manor.” She hasn’t let her impish grin die yet, “I believe you already know Mister Greves, the barony’s pilot and driver. He was just telling us that he left you at the cliff due… as a result of an unofficial order of my brother.” She looks slightly ashamed at this. She tries to explain the formal attire by saying, “This dinner party is ego-driven event by the baron where he can promote the adventures of his knights. However, since David is the only knight of this barony that has been off-world; I expect this to be like all the other similar dinner parties.”

She is about to continue when a gong sounds and four people sweep in to the room via the opposite door then when you entered. A woman with graying hair trailing two much younger adults, one man and one woman, she is followed by a young lady. Each of them is attired for the dinner in their own color scheme.

Adelie whispers to Tchak and Shikaalgargund as they enter, “The Baron James and his wife Ramona; the Dowager Baroness, Elena Hazat-Juandaastas and pulling up rear is my younger sister Marcelle.” She seems to take pleasure in the last part as if it is a well-oiled barb against the young lady.

She joins the rest of the gathering in bowing their heads in respect to the Baron’s entrance. She picks up what she was going to say before her family arrived, “A few bonuses for being my guests to this dinner event, first is I have the honor of your presence at seats near me if you so choose.  And Secondly, any topic is open for discussion within reason.” After a pause period to check on how the mingling is going, in actual looking to see where her brother and sister are in the room, she adds, "How is Istakhr? I hear you get hit by a sandstorm every week."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Wed 22 Aug 2012.

Shik bows respectfully to the nobles as they enter.

He replies in response to Adelie's questions, "Madame Adelie, the weather on Istakhr was indeed quite dangerous at times.  I would not say that we had a sandstorm every day, but I do recall one time when Sir David and I were out with his troops and a large contingent of the Muster, collecting and transporting gedamals.  We passed around a sandstorm that stretched from horizon to horizon, and scraped the roof of the sky."

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
That curious spark that reared its head during the story of the Graa Kal now shows itself again. Adelie waits until Shik finishes before asking, “What is a gedamal?”

*** James Juandaastas ***
James sees his moment to enter the group discussion while his sister is distracted, “Sister, A gedamal is an Istakhr camel. Stronger legs and can carry more water than the Urth version.” James says this while sliding into the open space vacated by Mister Greves when the nobles entered, “I was wondering who my sister’s new guests were and am pleasantly surprised to hear that you are actually David’s guests not Adelie. How wonderful it is to hear that he well enough to send his retinue ahead of him to this gala.” He punctuates his statement with a mechanical smile. James pauses longer enough to listen to introductions of the retinue by Adelie, “I wish to extend my personal welcome to, Warping Vines Manor. If you have need of anything, I’m sure someone will be more than able to help you. May your time here be restful.” He slips away as quickly as he entered.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She waits until she is sure that her brother is on to another group before starting her side of the conversation, “How…” A gong sounds again “Ah, dinner is ready.” She tries to steer the group to places setup for her and her guests.


*** James Juandaastas ***
James stands up once every one is seated, “My friends and exquisite guests, I thank you for coming out on this night and sharing my table.” He adds a pause so he can try to hold everyone's attention on himself for those few extra seconds, “I have just learned that this table has new companions tonight, two companions of my brother David. Misters Shikaalgargund and Tchak’Ikhul. I hope you will join me in welcoming them to our world.” He leads the table in a round of clapping before taking a seat and signaling the head servant to begin.

The servants step forward and uncover everyone's dishes with flourish. James watches everyone so he categorize his guests based on their reactions to their dishes. He lets his eye contact linger for a second on Marcelle who managed to grab a seat next to Tchak'Ihkul.

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
When Marcelle smiles at Tchak after a few bites of her meal, she tries to fake the warmth of her sister's but it still retains some of her predator nature. She asks Tchak in the manner of dinner small talk, "Are you truly a Ur-Ukari?" Her eyes trace the facial scars.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Fri 24 Aug 2012.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
Adelie eyes her sister but doubts any hooks will hold on the Ukari so she keeps her mind on the stories of Shikaalgargund, “Was it a regular thing to be walking through the desert on Istakhr or was that a special case with regards to the gadamels?”

Tchak does not seem to be troubled by his lack of formal dress, but the entrance of the Baron surprises him and more even his public welcome.
Having just taken a prudent seat not far from Adelie when the Baron makes his announcement, he raises his own glass to the Lord while speaking up coolly :
"Thank you Baron James for your warm welcome. It is our honor to share your table tonight."

Tchak does not let out any notable reaction to the meal, but he makes a couple gestures before digging in. Having noted with interest that the second twin has chosen to seat next to him, the smile he gives back as he answers is just as telling as hers :
"Ukar born and bred my lady, from the home world of my people." Lose lacings and clothing purposefully fashioned for this let puckering scars show on his face and forearms as well as hint at yet other ones on his chest. Seeing the young human linger on them, he adds : "They are Baa'mon. Body, or life runes in your language. They tell of the wearer's life."
The ukar's unusual black eyes stay on Marcelle "You have never seen one of us before I suppose. Are there none of the ukars of this planet on the Rangor fief ?"

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
She nods slightly in agreement that they are Baa’mon, her eyes move over them like someone taught to read them. Starting with his true name she moves across each sentence while she answers his question, “There are thousands who claim to be Ur-Ukari in the Rangor Fief. In this barony, there is an enclave inside the landing cliff. My grandfather gave them that land and supported their petition to the clan council to form their own clan. The leaders of the clan have always called us rolvoktha.” Her eyes move to his torso before discontinuing because his clothing prevents a full reading.  She returns to her dinner for a few bits before coldly adding, “The Rock trolls took exception to their presence about a year ago.”

She has fully regained her facial control when she asks Tchak’Ikhul, “Do you count Velisamil or Kordeth as the home of your people?”

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 38):

 Tchak falls silent for a second while his mind catches up with the implications of what the young lady is saying. His smile becomes uneasy as he answers :

" I have mistaken a grave question for the polite query of one ignorant of my people. "

Bowing very slightly in what may be a recognition of her knowledge, he goes on.

" To answer your second question, I was talking about Kordeth, the current known heart of the Ukar people. Though our culture was in deed birthed by Velisamil, I doubt many ukars living today call it home.
And knowing what you meant by your first question, I am not sure if my answer is still correct. But that you think you can understand that particular question does tell me that -you- are really human... "

The last words are spoken tight lipped and clearly not meant to be a compliment, turning a few heads around them.

" So I am curious. What is a true Ur-Ukar ? "

This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Mon 27 Aug 2012.

Shik sits in his Muster Dress uniform amidst the gathered nobles, outwardly calm and comfortable while he slowly demolishes a heaping plate full of steaming meat, primly and properly carving it up with a fork and knife that seem far too small for his hands.  His ears twitch at the sudden change in tone between Marcelle and Tchak.

Turning his head he swallows his current mouthful and loudly asks, "Why is it you humans insist on burning perfectly good meat?  It is really much more healthful to take in the blood of your prey as well as its flesh.  Tell me, Madame Marcelle, have you ever taken the heart of a beast you yourself killed?"

This message was last edited by the player at 11:39, Mon 27 Aug 2012.

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
She lets Tchak’Ikhlul question hang for a moment while she politely answers Shikaalgargund, “That I have killed myself...”she looks at her sister when she answers, “Yes.” She turns her head back to Shikaalgargund, “Vorox normally don’t dine at the House so our cooks are unprepared for you. Next time you visit I am sure the cooks will have it as raw as your palette and the guests' stomachs can handle.” Marcelle internally grins at seeing the slight shock on her sister’s face at Shikaalgargund’s use of proper court table manners. She puts it out of her mind when she returns to Tchak’Ikhul, ignoring the few retinue members from other Knights who let their curiousness overcome their own conversations.

“Never claimed I would believed in the same thought process and understanding as another. Every species will have a different perspective regarding any statement as is only proper." She re-reads the portion of Tchak'Ikhlul's story about his combat abilities before continuing, "Now in my mind since you asked, a true Ur-Ukari is a being that has taken the Ukar but has not been reduced to a wimper by human domination. Pretty much what the clans were during the time of Rajen oj Rillos.” She pauses to take a bite of her meal before adding in a calm tone to diffuse any hostility Tchak'Ikhlul might take from the first part of the addition, “From what I learned of you, your answer is incorrect. In my, limited by species, opinion you might qualify as more than Ukar.”

After another few bites in which she finishes this course of the meal, "Since you now know my mind on the matter, what would you consider a true Ur-Ukari?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Mon 27 Aug 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 44):

Tchak has kept a close look on Marcelle throughout her responses, only distantly registering the vorox's intervention. His tone is still tense though less aggressive when he answers :
" You have had a thorough teacher of Ukari culture, the words you speak are proper and would please a scholar. Yet knowing and understanding are two different things.

You read my deeds but cannot see my heart, that these human clothes serve well in hiding. A fitting metaphor. I should thank you for your flattery, so I do.
Walk in the dark with me and you will know for sure.

What I consider as true ukari... "

He takes some time to shoot stern looks around him.

" Is not a proper subject for this fine court. And not well served by words. It is in truth a matter that occupies some ukari most of their life. War, darkness, blood, an unstable balance. All of these are part of it and cannot be heard, but felt.

Why do you ask such a question ?"

*** Marcelle Jundaastas ***
“As you said a scholarly interest but also a personal one, you are the first Ukari that I have met outside of the enclave and what people’s feelings are about themselves and their species is always an interesting subject in my honest opinion. But you are right this is not the topic or a subject that is proper for such a dinner environment.” She takes a sip from her glass, “Might I inquire about another topic of a less grave thoughts?“

She allows her trained facial muscles to show a hidden chuckle however the merth one would expect as part of such a facial reaction doesn't reaches her eyes, “I saw you make a sign over your food. Was that a blessing or an interesting way to mask a poison scoop’s testing of the meal?”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Mon 27 Aug 2012.

Shik begins to cough out a deep booming laugh.  "Oh, Madame Marcelle, you have the best sense of humor.  As if anyone would try to poison the companion of a Vorox!  If my friend suddenly started convulsing and spitting blood like a chok-cra crawled into his pants, the perpetrator would never leave this room alive."

Tchak turns to the tall Vorox to shake his head at him :
" What excellent guests we make, Shikaalgargund. Should I see if I can find an argument with another of our hosts while you rip some throats ?
We are lucky that the Juandaastas open mind is true in this manor ! "

Getting back to Marcelle, he grins at the subtle conversation plays :
" I see you like to keep things interesting, we really must meet again later.
So...will I admit to demon worshiping sins, or insult to your family ?
I was in fact paying homage to the gift of food. Thought I can not boast as much blood thirst as my great companion, I was hunter a long time ago. On Kordeth, in the Natar Worglin beneath the Sopeth Nag, you do not forget where what you eat came from.

Which gives me a convenient transition to a better subject ! I believe hunting is an occupation shared by human nobility ? Your sister Adelie, who graciously took the trouble of welcoming us, told us that your lands were ripe with predators. You mentioned bloodying your hands, was it during such an occasion ? "

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
Marcelle mentally declares Shikaalgargund would not be a good companion for a quiet dinner party or subtlety in the political arena. Listening to the conversation play, she dismisses the demon worshipping comment and assumes that insult the Ukari mentions is checking the food for poison; however she believes it to be simple wisdom given human and Ukari’s knowledge of the poison arts so doesn't answer. She goes to the last question asked, “Hunting is not an occupation for the nobility. Hunting is a past time or social event of the nobility and this barony does not want for game. However if you were looking for predators here then you might have to hunt for more than just a day outing.” She makes sure everyone is finishing their meals and are distracted before answering, “No, the occasion was not part of one of the Noble social hunts.” She smiles politely to Tchak and leaves any more information about where she bloodied her hands a mystery.

Marcelle Juandaastas lets that hang while the servants clear away her plate and put down a plate of her favorite dessert. Once the servant has stepped out of range, She asks Tchak’Ikhlul, “My sister Adelie,...” takes a second to come up with the next sentence in this word play. “is leading a trailblazing tomorrow. Might you be joining her or have you decided to rest and recovery from your trip to Gwynneth?”

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 49):

Searching the face of the young human for hints of hidden meanings :
" I must admin that after spending too many weeks closed up, as fascinating as travel within the stars can be, the prospect of traveling was appealing. Of course, if any more refreshing possibilities arose... "

With a smile, Tchak tries the desert that has been provided for him and turns his attention to the other guests.

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
Marcelle knows of quite a number of different possibilities that she can offer and all require some refreshing travel. However she decides not to take Tchak’Ikhlul up on the offer for possibilities now but if maybe at a later date. Marcelle smiles back at Tchak before starting up a conversation with her other neighbor .

*** James Juandaastas ***
He waits until everyone has finished their meals before standing again, “I hope the meal was enjoyable for each of you.” He smiles at each person as his eyes alight on them. He gestures to match his words, “Now that we are all full..." he looks at Shikaalgargund's bulk "or at least reasonably filled, I propose that we adjourn to the drawing room. Our Knights, for those who wish, have agreed to give stories of the daring deeds they perform that keep us all safe and sound.” He steps gracefully away from the table and taking his wife’s arm leads the way into the drawing room where a few servants, who did not get dining room duty, are waiting with drinks.

*** Story jump to next day ***
After the party adjourned to the drawing room, the guests freely mixed stories of deeds and daring with alcoholic drinks. None of the stories were even equal to half of one the stories from Shikaalgargund or Tchak’Ikhlul’s pasts. By the time the Paracelsus Belt was clearly visible in the sky, the stories had grown in the telling. At least one they heard had reached the point that a single soldier claimed to have faced off against a whole company of muster mercenaries with artillery raining on his end of a bridge all to prevent their crossing so he could save a damsel in distress.
James thanks both of them for coming before they are escorted to their rooms at a local inn inside town. When they enter those rooms, lying on an end table is a invitation card with Adelie's name, a location and time for early the next day.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
Adelie leans against a tree at least 80 feet high and watches the two escort guards run through their checklists before the group enters forest. She is not mentally there because she was still recovering from the information she overheard from her sister last night. She snaps back to reality when she believes that she heard someone approaching the group of serfs on lumber detail.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 52):

Dressed in sturdy clothing, with a big knife at his belt and an old slug gun nestled at the small of his back, Tchak is approaching gingerly.

If he was up as well, he is probably with Shik.

Reaching the small group, he bows to the young lady and nods towards the trees :

" The infamous forests of Gwyneth...  What should we expect for today ? If I have understood right, the village should take us most of the day to reach.
Do we need to prepare for fighting ? "

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
Adelie smiles sweetly at Tchak’Ikhlul and Shikaalgargund when they arrive while she runs her eyes over their gear to make sure they are set up correctly. After being satisfied she greets them and adds, “Infamous forests of Gwynneth, never heard them called that before.” She pushes off her tree and takes a step towards the two chuckling at the mention of fighting, “We are just going on a simple hike; the logging encampment is quite off the beaten path." A guard scoffs behind her at the statement. "Now as to the need to be prepared for fighting, there are those who would grandiose statements similar to.” She badly mimics a barrel chested voice for her next line, ‘There is always a chance for fighting when you step from the Civilized world into the untamed Wilderness.’ She ignores the few chuckles from the lumber crew who recognized who she was mimicking, “But the truth is unless you get totally lost and decide to hunt some game, I doubt there will be fighting on the trip there at least."

Both of the guards signal that they are ready. Seeing the signal, she looks over at the lumber crew who have been ready and says, “Well, If you two are also ready than we will move out towards the site.”

Shik laughs deeply at Adelie's words and rumbles, "Madame, you should know that there is no difference between the Civilized world and the untamed wilderness when it comes to the chance for fighting."

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
Adelie smiles knowingly at Shikaalgargund. She steps back towards the guards and calls out towards the crews, “Ok, Everyone up, we’re move out.” She motions gently to the nearest guard that he was picked as the pointman for the first leg. In a much more moderate volume, “Private Zen, you have point.” He nods his acceptance before moving out.

She trusts the escort guards since the first leg is part of their regular patrol route and stays near the two aliens. After only two hundred feet when she looks back, the town has disappeared from view but the manor is still visible from the right angle. Adelie grins from ear to ear as she in the knowledge that they have fully entered the forest. She makes small talk with Shikaalgargund or Tchak’Ikhlul about anything they are willing to talk about with her. The fog that they step inside fifteen minutes into the hike has completely enveloped the area and reduced visibility to only three meters in any direction. Therefore, when they near what should be first break point, Shikaalgargund and Adelie were the first to notice the differences in terrain. Signaling the group to hold up Adelie states, “Guys, we’re going to take a rest period earlier than regular, and guys don’t forget to make sure you hydrate.”

Adelie disappears a few moments after the group has pulled up places to rest. A little girl’s giggle echoes from somewhere around the group but direction is unknown thanks to the fog damping every noise. When Adelie returns from her personal recon, she speaks quietly with the point man before announcing the rest period over. If either of the aliens are curious after they get going again but on a more northeastern direction. She whispers an explanation, “We were travelling southeast instead of straight east from the manor so we nearly walked into a region that is riddled holes large enough to allow everyone in this party to break their ankles if we entered during this fog.” Adelie seems to be more subdued in speaking while she is constantly on the lookout during the rest of the first leg.

At the start of the second leg of the trip, true daylight shines through the tree canopy and turns the fog into a multi-color miasma before the fog starts to dissipate. Revealing the beauty of the land, they are hiking through. Adelie seems be more like herself when she redirects the conversation towards stories about David. Mostly it is little stories, at least from her, about her brother’s actions while he was still a child. About halfway through the second leg she asks Shikaalgargund and Tchak'lkhlul, "Probably the best interaction i can give you between James and David is your patron's knighting ceremony, if you are interested that is."

OOC: Yes i know i give like the worst possible hat hangers for others to reply to. Haven't gotten to the point where my writing actually allows for someone else to smoothly jump in. Sorry.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Fri 31 Aug 2012.

OOC: This is exactly what the GM said we should not do with regards to our posts. However, Shik and Tchak both stated they wished to pull this to a close or move to a point that David rejoins. This is a very long one, good luck. :/

Adelie smiles and nods to the silence of the aliens, believing she understands why they are silent. Therefore, she goes silent herself. An hour later, a scream came from up ahead and Adelie rushes forward to find out what happened. She found the point man had stepped on a camouflaged trap and fallen to the bottom of a ten-foot pit of which the bottom lined with dozens of spikes all aimed upward. She looked down over the edge at the man resting at the bottom and checks him out visually to see if any limbs are at odd angles or if he landed on any of the spikes before calmly calling down “Zen, don’t move. We’ll lower someone to help you.” She points to the other guard and with the help of the others in the group lowers the second guard, who promptly sets to work on helping Zen. Adelie checks out the pit from a hunter’s perspective and notices the number of decaying bodies and skeletons left on the spikes at the bottom and realizing a number of body parts are missing from the bodies, she spits out the word “Poachers” with venom.  After her examination, she helps bring Zen and the other guard back up to the surface. While Zen gets care for a broken wrist, she walks over to one of the lumber crew. After a quick discussion, he gives her a package from his pack that he handles with excess carefulness. She calls to the group, “Ok I’ll be taking point. Everyone ready to move out?” she looks at the two guards before starting out. She stops next to the pit for a minute for an unknown reason until she drops the package inside and start moving off in a slightly different direction than the point man was originally heading. Twenty-five minutes after she took point, there is a profound boom from behind the group.

With Adelie in the lead, the rest breaks seem to have disappeared. As the main sun dips behind the horizon, the lumber crew not used to hiking feels as if they have already marched a hundred kilometers and each step becomes more exhausting. A shimmering light up ahead of the crew looked like every other light they had walked through during this trip, only this time it takes more effort to move through this light. Once on the other side, they are assaulted by the piercing sounds of a modern lumber operation slamming into them with full force. An ear-splitting whistle echoes through the grove and silence descends. Adelie skirts the harvesting operation and heads towards a large Tent. A large man with cherry red hair pulled back in a ponytail stands in front of the tent. As the crew gets closer, they realize he is actually wearing a steel-grey suit in the middle a forest. He grins seeing the group arrive and steps towards them, “Ah, excellent. I trust that you had no problems getting here.” His slitted eyes rove over the party inspecting each of them. Some of the crew that are not used to the man actually stare back at him only to be mesmerized by those eyes to the point that they start to sway in tune with his movements. He smiled predatorily at those who started to sway before breaking eye contact and speaking to Adelie, “Madam Adelie, Welcome to our forestry operations. The mess tent is open to you and the crew. Of course, that is only after they have been logged into the personnel database.” He seems to have firebirds in his eyes when he realizes the huge mass that is Shikaalgargund.

“Thank you for personally welcoming me.” Adelie mentally dismisses Mister Williams’ insincere display of manners because she knows that he truly does not have any. She turns to the lumber crew that hiked in with the guards and Retinue, “After you step inside the tent, you will be processed and assigned to a work crew. Those who have been here before, please help out the jacks.”

Adelie turns back to Mister Williams when he starts talking to her again, “Madam, when I received of your trip here. I had one of the spare buildings prepared for you.” She accepts this and asks Williams which building before stepping passed beyond him and heading to that building. After seeing how large it was, she invited Shikaalgargund, Tchak’Ikhlul and the guards to join her in sharing the building for the night. She prepares her gear for the return trip before heading to the mess hall to be seen and to see how the lumberjacks are doing. She crashes into a heavy sleep before the planet’s midnight.

*** Next day ***

Adelie awakens at dawn but it seems that the lumberjacks had woken earlier because when the first rays of light enter the grove the sounds of the operation blast themselves against the windows. She moves down the sleeping area where her four companions fell asleep the night before and awakens those still asleep. Private Zen mumbled something about feet, which Adelie ignored and was secretly glad to have no knowledge of anything going on in the guard’s head.

An hour after getting up and putting food inside themselves, the retinue and guards were standing outside of the Tent they saw on arrival last night. Adelie stepped inside long enough to let the clerk know that they were going to set out for Wilmington, she laughed in a friendly manner when the clerk asked if she pass along a letter when she got back before agreeing. Stepping outside, she slipped the letter into her pack and said, “I’ll take point for the trip back. I will be setting a brisk pace assuming that each of you can handle yourselves.”

Adelie sets out at a slow pace that builds until the crew is running across the terrain. Shikaalgargund, of course, pretty much jogs the same speed as the fastest runner. After a quarter of the time when they were walking, they pass by the same pit that Private Zen decided to explore. The explosive she had dropped in the pit turned the spikes into shrapnel and pinned to a tree was the corpse of a man in camo gear. A quick search showed him to have all the tools needed to harvest different animal organs, Adelie made the assumption that she got the poacher so left him there. “Poacher examines his pit and finds a surprise.” As she starts building up speed so she can return to her running, she directs a comment towards David’s retinue “In answer to a question I’m assuming you were going ask. We allow free hunting on these lands. I mean a man has to eat a balanced diet and preventing a starving man from hunting the abundant game in this forest would be a crime in my grandfather’s opinion. However, certain animals are overhunted and some are valuable, they are on our no-hunt list. If you are found to be poaching, the sentence is ten years at the ore mine or some other place that prevents them access to any forest.”

Adelie actually manages to run nearly the whole trip back. As the crew reaches the edge of the forest, she slows and grins at her timepiece before announcing, “Still quicker than anyone else in the family.” Her grin disappears when five hoppers roar overhead towards the edge of the city where the commercial landing pads are. She stains her eyes staring at the Hopper before a light seems to dawn in her mind, “The garrison sent to Istakhr two years ago are returning after their disarmament. Bet David on one of them.”

She looks at the others before taking off running shouting over her shoulder, “Come on!” The Crew as it nears the town hears a low rumble of noise and do not slow down their run towards the landing pads. As they move through the town they are joined by others until they get close enough for the noise level raise from its beginnings as a low rumble to an ear-splitting noise. She turns down an alley from which she leads Shikaalgargund and the others into a building near the main street than onto its roof. The perfect vantage point to see what is going on. Down below lining Main Street are hundreds, possibly thousands all cheering as the first ramps of the hoppers lower to the ground.

Pulling out her binoculars, she watches first soldiers decked out in their dress uniforms begin to march down the ramps. The lieutenant of each platoon of the company followed by his Sergeant leads their platoon out of their respective hoppers. She sweeps the lieutenants looking for her brother only to see a woman she does not know leading his platoon. “Shikaalgargund, Who is that leading my brother’s platoon?” She seems nervous when he reports that it was a Sergeant named ‘Winters’. The platoons halt at the bottom of their ramps than Alpha starts up Main Street followed by Bravo with Echo lead by Lieutenant Winters and an unknown Sergeant pulling up the rear of the parade.

Stopping in front of the raised platform of James, the cheers die away long enough for James to give a speech about their bravery on their assignments and announcing that the rest of the day and tomorrow would be a Two-day holiday to celebrate the safe return of these men and women. During the speech, no one notices a man dressed in a standard military officer outfit exit from the hopper that once contained Echo platoon or where he disappears.

Adelie dismisses the two guards, “Two day holiday. Check with your Sergeants before you go out and celebrate.” The company continues their march and the crowd wait until they disappear towards the military compound before dispersing to enjoy their two-day holiday.

Adelie has been caught so much in the good mood that she has forgotten she did not see her brother in the parade. She takes a few steps towards the stairs and turns around to gleefully tell the retinue, “Once I get cleaned up, if you wish to join me for dinner at one of the Eateries around the town. I would be quite honored.”

David walks onto the roof and hearing Adelie’s offer says, “Make it Shannon’s and I’ll take you up on offer.”

Adelie actually squeals as she turns and runs into David’s arms, giving him a huge hug. David respectfully greets Shikaalgargund and Tchak’Ikhlul with what little breath he has left. Adelie finally at his urging for breath releases her brother and announces, “I have to go tell Mom that you’re here and are alive.  James and Marcelle totally won’t believe it!” She disappears down the stairs before he can even call after her.

David allows his lungs to regain their normal shape before he says, “Sorry about disappearing there, when Command orders you to report. There isn’t any option to say no.” He motions for them to join him for a walk and once they are out on the street he heads in the direction of their rooms at the local Inn. He seems uncomfortable in his uniform which is a sharp contrast to how comfortable he was when he arrived and when he was on Istakhr. It takes a moment for anyone to notice but the rank pins which he always kept shined unless in the field, the platoon unit patch and the House Juandaastas Guard insignia are all missing from his uniform. “Since you were with Adelie, I am assuming you met the whole family. I won’t ask what you thought of them but I am curious what your interest in now.”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Sun 02 Sept 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 57):

Tchak, after struggling a bit to follow Adelie in her marathon to reach the city (it was visibly not his idea of what a trip through the wild should be), looks content to see the young noble back. He waits for the two siblings to finish before greeting David himself :

" Knight David, good to see you freed. Your family has been ... entertaining, and your fief welcoming enough. A very different place than Istakhr for sure.

Right now, the only thing of interest to me is a place to sit, rest and share a smoke with good company. Your sister was very insistent of trying to cover as much distance in as little time as possible today, and she succeeded.

Let us have food, drink and grave friend-talks when the darkness has fallen. I believe you have a story to tell as well, no ? "

"It was but a leisurely stroll through the woods, friend Tchak'Ikhlul."  Shik grins toothily.

A look of concern crosses his face as he studies David's uniform and he says, "I, too, would like to know what has befallen you, Sir."

David nods, "Adelie loves to run, especially in the forest. Bet those guards I saw leave as I was nearing the roof agree with you Tchak'Ikhlul."

David sees an open air cafe and slides into a chair. He invites his two companions to join him. He informs them during the festive meal of his side-trip to Rangor's Command HQ.

"Sadly in the end, I was given a choice. Resign or be dismissed. I suggested a story about a reduced need for soldiery in these post-War times. And Command agreed to the story easily enough." He shrugs at the others around the table.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Tue 04 Sept 2012.

Shik's chest rumbles with a deep growl.  "This is a grave dishonor, angruwal!  I would kill all who dishonor your name for you if you would allow it.  I know you will not, though."

His low-hands clench angrily, giving the impression that he intends to go on a murderous rampage after all, then he slowly relaxes.  "Sir David, we should leave this world and it's ungrateful residents in our wake.  I can show you the wonders of the deep jungle on Ungavorox, or Tchak'Ikhul could take us to his home world, or we could explore any of the other worlds!"

David looks at Shikaalgargund than the waiter and the other customers before he says in a calming tone, "While the dishonor of losing my commission is severe. It is the proper reaction to incidents on Istakhr. Like that Gedamal mission, I lost a third of the men under my command. And other operations were equally bloody. They couldn't accept such losses and I was already the lowest ranking officer so they couldn't demote me. Now about you commiting mass-murder. I don't have enough money on me at the moment to either pay your court fees or pay off all the fines such a incident will cause. So I am going to have to decline the offer like you said." He smirks before commenting on Shik's second option, "I think this is going to be a good thing. Will give us a chance to see more worlds than just Gwynneth and Istakhr. Now the wonders of Ungavorox might be appealing, I optimistically put my life span on your world at two maybe three days. A week if I have proscribed Vau technology." He signals the waiter for another round of drinks for the group.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 62):

 Tchak, who has been silent during David’s narration of his ordeal with his command, seems very tense.

He spits out a couple of harsh sounding words in a tone so aggressive that leaves little doubt on their meaning. Continuing in urthish between clenched teeth :

“ Did you know it would come to that, when you chose to free … that Ukar ?

What will your family clan say of this ? “

David gives a subtle head shake at Tchak before skipping to the second question, "My family clan will accept it. The reactions to this will be easy to sort out even now. James will be happy since he can claim i failed in my duties. My Mother and Adelie won't think any less of me for losing my commission because as long as i return home alive at the end of the day they accept my actions unless I commit genocide. Marcelle will smile and nobody will be able to tell her opinion on it but i think she might actually smile at the fact that i was able to come up with a proper face-saving excuse on the spot." David takes a sip of his drink. "I didn't get a chance to actually see the parade because i was filling out paperwork but i take it that it that Winters looked well in her new role?"

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 64):

Still tense and seeming a bit perplexed, the Ukar answers :

" She looked fine yes.

Did this commission not mean a lot to you ? You were always giving a lot to these men,
yet I see no anger on your face. Where is it ? "

He sips from his drink to think a bit in order to let David answer before going on.

" I don't understand your morals Knight David, but I must admire your strength of will. When the time comes for you to be in need, I hope to be there. This I can swear with blood. "

"The Commission meant quite a bit to me and was great for me." David allows a silent pause as he ponders how he can accurately answer Tchak, "The anger that might come from being stripped of my command and my men. It simply isn’t there because I was given the option to choose who took over and I was able to pick someone I trusted, Ms. Winters. Thus my question about how she looked out there today.”

David ponders a few more seconds before philosophizing, “Now if they had ejected me from the service than put an idiot in charge of Echo Platoon. Who later got them killed in a series of idiotic and incompetent actions. There would be some anger, actually more than some."

David bows his head to Tchak and says, "Thank you for that pledge."

Their smiling waiter comes over and includes Shikaalgargund when he askes, “Gentlemen, would you like some dessert to finish off your meal?”

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 66):

The ukar slowly shakes his head in consternation :

" Always the others before you ! I should be thankful for it I guess, but it may well be your undoing. "

Looking up t the intruding waiter :

" If you have anything fit for my palate, do bring it. "

He then picks up his glass :

" Let us drink to our woes and drown them in the company of friends and good food. May we survive our enemies for many years still and enjoy the company of our brothers for as long. "

David looked up at the waiter and ordered a slice of some random lunch dessert that comes to mind. Once the waiter has taken away their lunch plates and headed to collect their desserts.

David picks up his half-full glass and says, “May our present woes be forgotten as the bright future eclipses them.”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Fri 07 Sept 2012.

Shik picks up the Vorox-sized mug of dark, foaming liquid and toasts, "To our honor."

In reply to Sergeant Shikaalgargund (msg # 69):

Joining David and Shik with a polite nod, Tchak glups his small glass down and sits back, enjoying the instant. Turning to the big Vorox :
" Sergeant Shikaalgargund - is there a proper way to address you in private by the way ? - you mention your honor a lot.
Is it the same honor that humans practice ? What is so great about it ? I ask not with the intent of insult, but I wish to understand. You are of a race of predators, living on a very dangerous world if I am to believe the tales. Do you not find being honorable to be...less than efficient ? "

The old vorox rumbles out a laugh.  "You can call me Shik," he replies.  "As for my focus on honor, no that is not something normally practiced by my people.  Feral vorox care little for the concept of honor, and most civilized vorox have only the vaguest concept.  My concept of personal honor, as well as my faith in the Pancreator, was trained into me during my time in the Li Halan Commandos.  It is not efficient, but I feel it helps keep me grounded."

This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Thu 13 Sept 2012.

David nods subtly to what Shikaalgargund is saying, "Its the same with my Faith. Its not practical in the corrupt worlds we live in but If I did not have the some outlet or release, I wouldn't be as grounded as I am."

David thanks the waiter who sets their desserts down before them.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Thu 13 Sept 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 72):

Tchak nods to Shik's answer with a wince :

" Trained into you ... Very well said. I too crossed the path of lowly humans who thought their ways of thinking were better. It does not bring forth fond memories.

As for your religion David, that is the issue with worshiping a unique god, when this universe was clearly created by more than one. But I will not start proselytizing tonight.

To the stars then, wherever this brings us.

Before we leave however, I will have to visit my kin here. It has been long since I've had the opportunity to met a clan. Your sister told me their caves are in the cliff next to the landing place ? "

David keeps his entrenched opinions about the fact that each culture's own religion beliefs to himself to prevent insulting either Shik or Tchak. "Most other places i could guarantee a chance to visit but the ukari who live in the cliffs answer only in the barest ways to my brother." David looks at Tchak to see how eager he is for the visit before adding, "I can request authorization from the elders for us to visit their enclave."

David looks down at his plate to discover he has devoured the dessert without really noticing it.