The Aftermath:

With a series of quick shakes, the elfs manage to wake the dwarfs, and to their surprise, the half orc who appears to be an acolyte of Cuthbert.  Bruno reacts the swifter, laying hands upon the lovely elfin pri...girl.  Her eyes flutter deeply, then she cringes in pain as the dwarf priest of Moradin withdraws the arrow from her gut.

"Ye'll have a scar lass, but no more than that it seems," Antonin murmurs.  Looking up, he finds no words for Zan, though his face becomes a stormcloud now that Selene is recovering.

ooc: it is apparent Antonin is a relative of Selene's.

Uthecar goes from killer to clean up crew without a by your leave, though there are some unpleasant words being muttered under his breath...almost.  The innkeep barks, "Hah!  The idea has merit, dwarf!"  Then the man is shut down by his sister, whose suggestion takes precedence (see my last post above).  The idea seems to appease Uthecar, and his expression brightens...well, grows less dark anyway...

Suddenly, a youngish human, perhaps late adolescence comes from the kitchen area.  He carries twin kitchen knives, both blooded, and claims to have killed one of the gobblers.  Given his age, there's some doubt, but that's erased when the big form of the cook comes in.

'Oi!  Boy!  Deft with the knives, but remember to clean them before you cook again," Cook shouts.  In his hand is a frying pan, upon his forearm is an ugly gash.  Brielyn (the innkeep's sister's name, you may recall) approaches him, but he holds up the frying pan and shouts, "Away, harridan!  Don't think I didn't see you all scamper like rats down a hole! I know what you are!"

Weasel suddenly looks nervous at Cook's words, makes himself useful by pulling one of the goblins out the door.

Cook descends into a sullen silence, looks at the adventurers and says, "Don't suppose any of you have some cloth I can use to wrap around my arm?"

In the sudden calm following the melee can be heard a number of hasty introductions, dwarf to elf, elf to dwarfs, half orc to all.  It is an eclectic and surprising turn of events, but such is life in the heights.  Still, there is an undercurrent of tension - the innkeep and his family have retreated behind the bar offering hard eyes for the Cook, who has grabbed a chair for the nonce.

Suddenly, the fat waitress (Brielyn's daughter) stoops down over Rennar, the fallen ranger, and says, "Hey, I think he's still breathing."  There is about her a feral air, curious and a bit unsettling.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Mon 19 Sept 2016.

Bruno observes it all and when the cook asks for a cloth he begins to speak and when the serving wench makes her announcement he pauses. With a bushy eyebrow raised he turns to Kullonar, "Why don't you see what can be done for the, erm, 'Ranger' there. I'll help the cook."

Turning back to the cook he motions the man forward, "Let us have a look. I think I've still enough of the All Father's strength in me to help with that. Your dwarven guests, at least, intend to eat more of your stew and we'd rather you weren't bleedin' into it."

He holds out his hands and if the man lets him he takes a look at the forearm. Passing his silver hammer symbol over it he says a prayer.

Bruno Rhunthane rolled 5 using 1d8.  Cure Light Wounds.

Kullonar nod to Bruno and hurries to the side of Rennar. He gives the fat waitress a dismissive glance, he begins working on Rennar's wounds. Pulling forth a symbol of his faith, he chants softly, seeking healing for the man.

19:47, Today: Kullonar rolled 3 using 1d8.  Cure Light Wounds on Rennar.

Weasel's grin to Bruno is a bit bemused.

Myrrick's greeting is heartfelt and full...and not just for the girl, but for his mentor, Rennar as well.  Kulloner's healing has done it's work.  The bleeding has stopped, and the slow, sucking sound of a punctured lung has ceased as wounds have closed.  Still, Rennar is in grave shape, and will require close care and a long convalescence.

Bruno's touch upon Cook heals him completely with but a light scar as proof of hurt.  Awestruck, the man looks at his arm, looks at the dwarf and says, "Every day now and moving forward I'll offer a small prayer of thanks to the Soul Forger.  Moradin's grace upon thee, Priest!"

Of sudden, Antonin barks, "Myrrick, come tell me what happened with you and Rennar in full detail.  I'll hear every word."

Selene sits up, and with care the elflord assists her to a standing position.  She pouts a bit - a lovely face - at her ruined tunic, but then offers the young ranger a grin and says, "Aye, Myrrick...there's a tale here, perhaps an opportunity as well."

Turning with a pensive glance at Zan, she adds, "For you as well, Zanfinis."

Then she turns and graciously says, "But first, my thanks to these doughty strangers.  You'd no cause to get involved, yet you did.  In so doing, you saved a worthy life," she nods at Rennar, "and my own as well.  With that said, perhaps the opportunity I speak of exists for you as well.  Unless I miss my guess, I think this is just such the boon you've been looking for on your journeys."

Uthecar arrives from his grisly task in time to hear that last and his interest is piqued.  In the background, Weasel hovers and listens carefully.

"Ha!  You must be out of your mind with pain, Selene," Antonin says with a laugh.  "Two dwarfs, two elfs and a half orc in the same party?  Like as not they'll carve each other within the first mile!"


"Hush, Uncle," said Selene, before turning back to the assembled.  "I am certain you heard the declaration made by young Myrrick upon his entrance.  I'm certain as well each of you have heard of the rumored stronghold.  Ratik sits between hammer to the south and anvil to the north - with pardons to the Soul Forger, Father.  Yet here, perhaps is an opportunity.  So I ask each of you - will you take it?"

Kullonar steps forward and then goes to one knee.

"Two miracles have occurred this night, lady. A dwarf has called me 'brother' and a highborn elven lady has asked me to help her. By the Cudgel! I am your servant, lady elf."

Uthecar turns to Bruno a greedy glint too bright to hide in his eye.  "Gold and goblins Brother.  Gold and goblins."  It's easy to surmise his leanings, though he says nothing to the others, waiting on the priest to make their decision.

Bruno was gratified that his prayer helped adjust Cook's attitude towards Moradin. (More importantly, it might make future visits to this place a bit easier.) When the elves begin speaking among themselves he listens curious. Nothing like a bit of politics to make things interesting!

While he is still a bit bemused by the half-orcs reaction to his calling him by the title he had presented himself it does underline something important. That fellow is not half bad and what's more a bit of regard goes a long way. Perhaps too far for the lad. We shall see if he is truly a 'brother'.

When Uthecar speaks to him he nods, "Oh. Aye...."

Turning to the woman called Selene and her uncle, "Desperate times inspire, methinks.

"I would learn more of this matter, your worships,"

Glancing around the room, "Given the excitement of the past hour I would restart my meal, enjoy several more tankards, and hear your tale."

Uthecar gives Brother Bruno a hearty slap on the back, as he beams from ear to ear.  "Ha Haaa, now ya talking.  Let's forge the blue print over bread and beer." He glances at the cook, "That's one flagon, potatoes and a great nasty steak," he sayss in case the cook actually thought he was interested in eating bread.

His order complete, he doesn't consider anyone else might be thinking anything different and sets to picking up and pushing together the tables, trestles and chairs so food can be served.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:50, Tue 20 Sept 2016.

Zan had little to say at the moment, he did kringe a little bit when she called him that name.

He collected his arrows and came a sat at the table his appetite and thirst for drink having passed.

Myrrick relates the tale of the hunt, finding the well hidden trail, following it... the voices, Rennar's warning to run. Then during the escape, Rennar ordering him to get the message to Antonin no matter the cost, and staying behind to lead the gobblers on a merry chase. Once he's given every detail he can recall to Antonin and Selene, "Forgive me, there is a bit of a blur there. A lot happened fast." he looks to his feet a moment, "These people here helped you, Selene, and Rennar... I will journey with them gladly, if they'll have me along."

Zan asked, "Do you think you could find the trail again?"

Myrrick looked at Zan, "Yessir, I can find the trail again, I believe."

Uthecar lets out a satisfied "Ahhhhhh" as he takes a deep swig from the tankard that arrived at the table.   "Sounds like you're imperative to the success of any treasure rescuing, goblin thumping mission to me." he says looking at Myrrick.

The innkeep's daughter bustles to and fro with a cadre of servers as, from the kitchen, the sound of Cook's booming voice comes hardly muffled from within.

'If I were a rich man, yada, yada, yada, ya...'

Flagons are refilled, plates are set, blood is mopped.

Off to the side, Antonin crouches beside the barely conscious Rennar.  A litter is being made by members of the elfin patrol, as the older elf binds the ranger's ribs.  Myrrick hovers overhead until Antonin barks, "Go eat, boy.  You'll need the sustenance."

Selene sits at the head of the newly formed table, a small goblet of wine before her.  She twirls the stem, staring at the pewter for a moment as everyone gets settled, then looks up and smiles.  It is radiant, her eyes shine, her hair shimmers.  None among you remains untouched - even Uthecar pauses in his repast to stare at the fair maiden...

"You likely know some of the tale of Quesqueton and its two worthies, Zelligar and Rogahn.  Zelligar was a mage of some repute, a practitioner in many arts, including dark.  Rogahn was a great warrior who first found fame in the gladiator pits in the great north.  Somehow - and only they know - they met and befriended, and set upon a lifetime of adventure.  'Tis said they were dragon killers, demon tamers and friends of the undead - yet as they grew older, the retreated into the heights to build their fastness away from prying eyes.

Despite their predispositions toward the shadow, it seems both felt a certain loyalty toward Ratik.

Some thirty and more years ago, many years prior to Eveleigh, the Frost Barbarians raided in force.  A fleet of knarr came across the Bay, another horde traveled south through the passes and into the Timberway.

When things were most grim, as the pincers of the twin barbarian forces began to squeeze, Zelligar & Roghan, along with a mighty force of humans and fellfolk (humanoids) met the landforce in the wide pass above the Timberway and soundly defeated the barbarian horde.  They say an ocean of blood spilled that day, mostly barbaric, as Zelligar cast terrible spells and Roghan led fierce charges into their ranks.

The victory at the foot of the Rakers allowed Ratik's forces to rally.  In a swift counter attack, the met the landing forces and pushed them back into Grendep Bay.

As the victorious nobility turned to meet their unexpected allies, a courier arrived with a message that said simply, "We travel north."

They were never seen in Ratik again, though rumor tells that both fell atop a great mountain that loomed well above the last great pass leading into the barbarian realms."

She pauses, let's the tale sink in a moment before continuing.

"'Tis a lot to take in," she adds.  "But with Myrrick's news," she offers said lad a smile and nod, "...comes perhaps a hope unlooked for.  The barbarian tribes are restless again, our borders are not secure.  If Quesqueton has been found, then we must seek to secure the stronghold for a couple of reasons.  First, it provides a legitimate hedge against nonsense from the Bone March.  They'll not raid in force if we have a hold in the heights from which to respond, and a secure southern border will allow Eveleigh to focus her full attention north.  Second, surely some clue has been left behind indicating their true purpose, and ideas on how to meet the barbarians - and all our enemies - from a position of strength."

"Thus, to you comes a task that may change Ratik's fortunes greatly.  Go and search Quesqueton, find such clues in correspondence and journels and such as will assist Lady Eveleigh in our land's defense.  Furthermore, scout the ruins, and clear out such foes as you are capable of defeating.  Make note of all you come across so that we are prepared to take the ruins from whomever holds them."

"Simple, eh?"

She laughs at the last, breaking an increasingly somber mood.  Pushing aside the forgotten goblet, she leans forward and asks, "Any questions?"

Myrrick nodded to Antonin, "Yes sir, forgive me." he backs away and eats his fill, quickly, dwarves were around after all, and if he didn't eat it, they surely would. Looking to Uthecar, "I hope to prove as useful as I sound sir."

Myrrick, eager to make up for Rennar's condition and his horrible lack of prowess in the recent battle, "When do we leave?" There were more questions, but that was the one pressing his mind at the moment.

Kullonar

When the lady Selene begins the tale, Kullonar takes a piece of parchment from his pack and with ink and quill, makes a few notes. During his early years of study at the shrine, his teachers often made over his studious habits; he's found he can't keep all of his thoughts together, so the notes help him remember the important things.
So, between spoonfuls of stew, Kullonar writes anything down he thinks may be noteworthy.

After the tale, he finishes his stew and cups his hands around the cool mug of ale. Staring into the froth is easier than gazing at the beautiful elfish princess. Besides, he is almost sure her guardians and protectors would not appreciate one of his...breeding...to be caught in a lingering gaze upon their charge. And didn't she call one of them 'uncle' earlier?

"Lady Selene," he says, still looking into his mug, "in whose name should we claim lost Quesqueton when we find and secure it?"

Selene's shimmering hair and shining eyes were certainly something to catch and hold one's attention. Even before entering the priesthood, however, Bruno's notably high wisdom enabled him to avoid social awkwardness and to perceive of subtleties in situations. Indeed, given that he is one of the few clerics of Moradin not born of a family of priests it would be natural to point to this as being the reason he was accepted as a novice in the first place. So, while he could not help but note her radiant allure he was able to eat without slurping and listen to her tale without gawping.

When she finished and he hears Kullonar's question he nods in agreement, "Yes, what you say about making use of whatever might be found there and perhaps one day re-taking control of this fortress in defense of Ratik makes good sense to me, my Lady. Indeed, your words suggest that you hold a title or at least a post of significance under the ArchBaroness. Forgive me for my ignorance, but may I ask what that is?"

Weasel, finding a piece of goblin on the floor, bends to pick it up and then yanks back his hand, as if he nicked his finger.  "Sorry.  Just jittery, I guess."

Not overly interested in talk of who is in charge of what, Uthecar considers the boy, "You drew your first blood today son.  It shows courage, even if you were only fighting for your life.  Cast the aprons aside, come with us."  Uthecar stops one of the serving girls and orders a refill for himself, as well as a pint for the lad.

"I'll not let a first kill pass without a toast in celebration.  As he waits for the drinks to arrive he continues, "You're not a warrior, and probably not a mage, but it's clear the life of a scullery maid isn't for you.  You'll think of those jitters differently when you have gold in your pocket and have faced down more foes."  He looks to the door, pointing with a fat stubby index finger, "It's all out there just waiting for you to take, come with us, and find where your courage takes you."

The slender human entered the common room from the main stair mid-room and across from the kitchen door shortly before Uthecar addressed him.  His attention elsewhere, he turned his head swiftly and stared at the beefy dwarf with bug-eyes in surprise. 

As Uthecar spoke, the rest of the party cast a glance at the scrawny young man.  He didn't look the part of adventure, but his was a thoughtful mien, his eyes filled with intelligence and mischief.

His intrusion brief, and Uthecar's exortation nearly as brief, the rest of you turned back to Selene.

"Ah, my apologies, I am Selene D'Inarial, daughter of Earl Orion D'Inarial, Protector of the Lower Rakers and the Timberway.  My uncle, my guardian, is Baronet Antonin D'Inarial.  Thus I speak on some authority regarding these matters.  It has long troubled Lady Everleigh that we could not find this keep - she has set her efforts on finding the place using means both mundane and magical, yet has yet to discern the locale.  She will be most pleased with your discovery Myrrick - and I think it fair to say that I speak on her behalf in setting you this task."

"As for when to begin, I say as soon as possible.  At the first light, we shall convene in the courtyard of this fine keep and say our good-byes.  I will ride in one direction bearing news for the Lady Eveleigh.  You will make in the other direction toward Quesqueton - if you're amenable."

There is a note of challenge and humor in her declaration, such that none of you feel unmoved to the call to action.  Even the boy with the satchel has crept closer to hear what's being said.

Bruno nods as Selene speaks and takes a drink from his cup. He had heard his dwarven comrade's words to the human lad, but not responded.

He glances at Uthecar, but is confident he knows his thinking, and looks at Weasel with an appraising eye, Young, dumb, and full of.... That one'll be trouble, is the thought that shoots through his mind.

Looking back at the elf noble, "Since I'm a priest, I think I'm supposed to say that today's events and our meeting must be foreordained."

He pauses and takes another drink and purposefully glances at Kullonar, "But that is a Bard's bullshit."

Winking at Uthecar he laughs, "Let us be heroes together and if we may do so in the service of Lady Eveleigh it'll be good work done with twofold-plus value."

Finding the brothers humour infectious, and call to action irresistable Uthecar lurches to his feet, which does nothing to raise his height as he comes down off the stool.  He grabs his tankard as he falls to his feet, spilling some upon himself, which is ignored as if it never happened, as he raises it for a toast, "Two dwarves, two elves, a human, and a mixed blood Orkling priest.  A mysterious mix as I've ever seen, to unravel the mysteries of a mysterious place.  To being heroes." he says in toast.  "We've battled together once and won our lives, lets do so again and get filthy rich." He beams an enthusiastic smile about the place, not overly caring he is in the presence of close to elven royalty, as he holds out his vessel for others who are keen to toast to chink it.

Myrrick nodded, a smile finally crossing his face at the words of Selene and the dwarves, "Aye, a toast, more food, a goodnights rest. For tomorrow, we start down the road to becoming heroes. Thank you Selene, and the rest of you as well. Thank you all for what you've done today, and will do in the future." The somewhat somber ranger is rather charming when he tries it seems.

Kullonar clinks his mug with the bold-spoken dwarf and gives a toothy grin. He offers a bow and a smile to Lady Selene as well.
Thinking about this group venturing together lifts his spirit and he can't stop grinning; his face will surely be sore in the morning because of it!

He walks over to Bruno and says, "I agree with you, brother. This meeting could not have been anything other than ordained by the gods. We may not be the leaders of the group, but they will turn to us for spiritual need. I am confident that both of us are up to the task. It's going to be a glorious journey!"

"I'll need time to replenish my spells, first light works for me"

OOC: /sorry for the short post but still traveling at the moment