Chapter Three: Vardadraug and the Cosmic Ore

[killfire]

Bronze seldom sleeps like everyone else, known to stay awake for days if something is interesting to him. Bronze thinks a full overhaul and tuning of Powerpaw's armor might be premature so gives it a good cleaning, and does some heat welding where the scratches are worst. Then picks up the Prismalcum and starts to study it. Uses his skill to judge the weight that it is, and the weight that it should be if it was steel. Hammers at it to see what happens, and sees what happens if he puts it into a fire, using one of the sources nearby of course. Studies the reaction.


[dice]2323[/dice]

 

[Purr]

At the serious thought of sleep, Luna detects something new in her being. Something deep within her, an emptiness, like a batch of kindling that requires but the right spark to call upon a new flame.


This is not the feeling of readiness for new training; that feeling she has known six times already. This is a hearth ready to be fired - all she has to do, or so she thinks, is figure out how.


Also, Luna feels that this is something Sparkle is not inherently aware of.


Bronze, on the other hand, does not feel anything of the sort. Bronze knows that staying awake for days on end will accumulate a toll on his body and mind that will eventually have to be paid - a gradual decline of skill until rest is met.


It takes Bronze some time to set up his portable forge and workshop, for the fire to rise to life. As this is happening, Bronze looks about and does not see the Prismalcum anywhere.

 

[Captain Hesperus]

With the wagons finally halted for some rest, Otiorin beds down as best he can in the pool area. But, despite the lackadaisical Half-Elf's nature, sleep is illusive. Every time he closed his eyes, vision of Bria awaited, no matter what he tried. He lay there, staring at the ceiling. This was completely unlike him. In all the time he'd been adventuring away from home, he'd never had a problem with women. He had passed off his relative lack of knowledge of carnal pursuits with claims that 'Elves do it differently to Humans' and had learnt quickly what women preferred and practiced that. After that, he'd enjoyed many a night with many a girl and not one had lingered in his mind beyond the memory of a fun evening and a new skill learned. But yet, Bria had only been on the scene less than a day or so and she was firmly ensconced in his mind. Try as he might, he could not divert his thoughts and even as he pondered this, his eyes roamed the room, wondering where she might be now, what she might be doing. Instead, his eyes alighted on the blacksmith, Bronze. The man was playing with some kind of the equipment, a forge and anvil. He was another conundrum, but at least he was one Otiorin could confront without making an ass of himself. He rolled out of his pillow fort nest and strolled over to the smith, grabbing a bottle of wine from the rack and easing the cork out with a throwing knife.


"Good morning, master smith.", he said companionably, settling down beside the powerfully built artisan, "Such strange things have happened in so short a time, eh? You must be feeling slightly out of your depth, I shouldn't wonder. You don't strike me as the type to be roaming the roads, with the sky as your roof and the boards of a wagon as your hearth. I rather see you as a village's notable smithy, a good forge about you, a pleasant wife with dimpled elbows and home cooking beside you. And a gaggle of little ones about your feet, too. What set you abroad on the roads?"

 

[Kaerri]

Kitrin looks around as the party appears to be settling in. "I dunno, I'm still too wound up to settle," she says to anyone listening. "I'm going to go outside and keep the Meadowsweets company while they drive us onwards. Oughta have one of us out there to keep watch anyways!" Suiting action to words, she exits the wagon.


"Hallo! All the excitement's over in there and folks are looking for sleep. Thought I'd come out and keep you guys company. Anything interesting?" she asks as she clambers up to the roof and dangles her feet over the front edge again.

 

[killfire]

Bronze Smiles at Otiorin "It was a silly situation really, some of the other smiths didn't like the idea that there was someone with better quality work. Few rumors got tossed around, and a couple of accusations. I prefer not to use violence, so I'm on the road to, hopefully, something better. Is there anything I can do for ya? Armor need patching, blades need sharpening? Now where is that silly ore?" Bronze opens up the packs that stored what wears he was able to salvage from the battle, so Otiorin can have a look. "Any you? You are clearly the adventurer, what have you seen, and done? A good story is always a fluffy thing."

 

[Purr]

Wolf and Pecker wait in the comfortable hallway just outside the bar and winery, the rough ranger and falcon making quite the contrast to the posh, civilized paintings, rugs, and furniture that adorn the corridor. It is utterly quiet there; not a sound can be heard, even by Wolf's acute senses, save for their breathing and the ruffling of feathers as Pecker preens and chirps.


Then the door to the bar and winery opens and suddenly there is quite a ruckus! Wolf sees Powerpaw emerge from the bar and winery, filling the doorway as he leaves the door open. He walks toward the pool area until the furry beast spots Wolf and Pecker. "Hey!" he beckons with open claws, "Ranger-face! You evar seen treasure chests dat act like dis before?" He aims a thumb into the bar and there you see all three mimics, maws open, teeth flashing, tongues licking, and Bria (of all people) is there before them holding something in an upraised hand. The mimics are bouncing up and down making quite a clamor.


"Go on," Wolf hears Stewart tell her, "say it."


Bria giggles excitedly, her eyes wide. "Uh... Speak!"


"BAARF, BARF, BAAAARRF!"


"SNARF, SNAAAAAAAARRRRAFFF!"


"ARFARFARFARFAWOOOOOWARFFF!"


Bria hops and points at the mimic on Wolf's right. "Barfy was first! He wins! Hooray!"


Snarfy and Arfy roll on their "backs" and whine pitifully, but Barfy jumps up and down until Bria grabs a cloth from Stewart's hand. Then the mimic snaps shut and silent. Bria takes the cloth and using the small vial in her upraised hand, she wets the cloth. Then she eagerly kneels down to Barfy and begins carefully polishing him.


The whining from the other two continues...


"SIIIII-LENCE!" Stewart shouts, and the mimics snap shut and do as they are told. "You have to learn the importance of initiative!


"See," From the floor beside Bria, Stewart grins, "there are wonders in the world that are just plain fun to be a part of! Canine mimics! Ho ho ho... They were quite a surprise to me when I was first employed by Bilal the... what are we calling him now?"


Powerpaw growls. "Let's call him Bilal da Flatulents..."


"Why?" Bria asks as she polishes in circling motions.


"'Cause everyting dat came outta him smelled like it came outta his ass..."


Stewart throws back his head erupts in surprised laughter and Bria squeals, unable to help herself.


Powerpaw turns to Wolf, nodding with a raised eyebrow that seems to ask, "Wouldn't you agree?"


After Powerpaw receives Wolf's response, he takes a few steps down the corridor and opens the door to the pool area. There, he pauses. "Hey, Stewie-face! Looks like our party is nappy-timin' inside da pool. Just how big iz dis wagon, anyway?"


Stewart gets to his feet. "Oh, my pardon! Everyone must be ready to fall over after tonight's escapades. And here I am fooling around in here while Mister Meadowsweet is very likely driving us on! With about two hours to sunrise, we still have a little way to go before we reach the first checkpoint."


"Checkpoint?" Bria asks.


"Oh, yes. Bilal is, er, was, a master planner. He laid everything out, providing as much as he could in advance. He hated surprises. So we have little checkpoints along our route that, his sources told him, are less likely to be dangerous on our journey to Highwind. Our first checkpoint takes us right outside the gnoll territories and into... possibly more or less difficult area. Chances are, we should be fine."


"What you mean we shoulds be fines?"


"Allow me to discuss that in detail in the late morning when most of us are likely to be up. For now... we definitely require a minimum of two to three people to stay awake until just after dawn. Then we can park, take care of the horses, and let them rest. I should certainly be one of these."


"The resting horses? Hee hee!"


"No, you silly monk," Stewart casts a mock-angry eye at her, "the ones who stay up."


"I would like to see the dawn too. After tonight, I kind of miss the sunlight."


"All right then, Bria. I cannot help but feel certain the Meadowsweets would be most appreciative to sleep in a comfortable, warm bed tonight. You have shown you can manage yourself with animals. Even the boxy sort..." Bria returns the cloth and polish to Stewart who puts them away in a drawer. A bit of whining can be heard. "You two get yours tomorrow. We have guests to attend. Be vigilant!" Arfy, Barfy, and Snarfy snap to attention and bounce over to the very places Luna and Wolf first encountered them. There, they seal themselves shut and remain as still and as quiet as ordinary chests.


With this, Stewart, Bria, and Powerpaw, the latter with prismalcum in hand, head out into the pool area. When Stewart does not see the three hobbits, the old fellow crosses the large room and opens the front door, getting the attention of Kitrin and Bonny. There, Stewart repeats to the rest of the Wayfarers everything he has just told Wolf and the others about their route and checkpoint.


"Bria and I will stay up, but it would be best to have at least one more. Would anyone care to? The rest of you, I will gladly show to your soon-to-be-untrapped rooms..."


Whomever decides to stay up or down, Stewart escorts the soon-to-be-sleeping to the right-hand corridor where Luna and Kitrin recognize a particular bedroom at the end of the hall. Stewart raises a hand of warning and enters the bedroom, returning shortly with two small clay pots in his hands. "You won't be needing these." Stewart does the same to each of the five rooms in that area of the wagon. All five turn out to be guest rooms, each beautifully and comfortably furnished with two large, canopy beds, dressers, mirrors, and closets - enough room for a total of ten people to sleep in absolute comfort, assuming they are willing to share rooms. Powerpaw moves to take one bedroom, while, after a bit of running around, you see the Meadowsweets take another together. "Hobbits are welcome," Bonny yawns. "Well, actually any of you are. Don't worry; we don't snore."


Stewart then makes himself busy driving the Grand Wagon, while Bria takes over the prison wagon team.


"It would be best if a third or even fourth person stayed up two hours to post watch in case anything else happens on this comet-falling, dragon-filled, bloody night-of-nights! In fact," Stewart sips from a glass of wine, "I can't wait until it is my turn to hit the sack... Good night to you all!"

 

[Sherwood]

Luna covers her mouth and tries to stifle a giggle at the sight of Bria playing with the mimics. Then, when she hears Stewart talk about the upcoming road, she nods. "I will stay up. I'm too wound up to sleep right now anyways, and I have nearly my full complement of spells ready to cast, thanks to the special magic of that sky-stone. At least, I think that was what did it; I'm not too sure. Anyhoo, lets get this show on the road!" She heads outside and looks up at the night sky with a sigh, then heads over to the prison wagon and climbs up next to Bria. "I'll ride with you for a time, if you don't mind. It will give me a chance to thank you again for healing my arm." Luna idly rubs her arm where the axe had bit deep into her skin. "If you weren't there, I would have been in trouble."


After riding in silence for a time, she finally musters up the courage to breech a sensitive subject with the Ko monk. "Um, Bria? Can I ask you a personal question?" At this point, she is very glad for the darkness to hide her flaming red face. "What do you know about . . . boys? Well, not boys, but, y'know, men. I'd like some advice, if you'd be willing to help me out."

 

[Purr]

Luna might almost expect a kind comment or two from Sparkle, except that when the lively fire mage looks over to see her familiar, she finds her conked out on her shoulder - the first of your party to reach the sweet shores of Dreamland. Sparkle is many things, but like Stewart, she is far from young, as her body sometimes reminds her.


"She is so cute when she's sleeping," Bria whispers as you drive on.


When Luna asks, Bria perks up and replies quite comfortably on the subject, "Sure, Luna! What would you like to know? I mean, I know about Ko boys and men. Boys... Men... a man can act like a boy just as a boy can be strong like a man. Most of ours think like men." Bria looks Luna in the eye. "Wolf is a bit of both, I think, with the more attractive qualities of boyhood and manhood. Plus, I think he's hunky! Is that who you're thinking about Bonding with? Or are you just Ignited for him? A little while ago you two snuck away as if you were Longing.


Then Bria pauses and gulps in mild embarrassment. She seems to realize she is speaking so naturally and freely and with that comes another thought. "Oh, dear! Listen to me! I'm using Ko terminology like you're one of the family. Is that O.K., Luna? I... don't know if I can explain what I know in Outsider terminology... Other people sometimes think so differently. "

 

[Sherwood]

Luna looks over at Bria with surprise. Is what I'm feeling that obvious? <sigh> I suppose it is. "I wouldn't say we snuck away. . . we just were walking together. It's not like anything happened." She looks out into the dark as she ponders what to say next. "That's kind of what I wanted to talk about. I'm not even sure he does like me like that. I mean, just look at me. I'm so plain. Not like you. You're so pretty, I bet you had all the boys following you around. <snort> I still remember when I asked Jimmy Kendal out to a dance, and he told me he'd rather kiss an orc! I was soooo embarrassed. Wolf wouldn't ever be that mean, but that memory still hurts."

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Wolf doesn't quite come up with a response to Powerpaw in time before the overgrown cat turns to leave, so he just resolves to letting Stewart guide him to the sleeping quarters. There he bids Powerpaw and the Meadowsweets good night in-between yawns and proceeds down the hallway to claim the bedroom at the end.


The ranger could not have overseen the overall luxury and glamor of the grand wagon, but perhaps it was not until he found himself alone in the bedroom that he truly realized just how opulent it truly was. The prospect of sleeping in a bed of this kind, combined with the rest of the room, was very alluring compared to the great outdoors. And though Wolf wouldn't trade his night sky and nature's embrace for anything, right now he was as tired as tired goes, so he discarded his gear in a corner and crawled underneath the blankets.


The eery feeling from earlier would not leave him, but physical exertion stole him away easily and delivered him safely into the realm of dreams.

 

[Kaerri]

With this, Stewart, Bria, and Powerpaw, the latter with prismalcum in hand, head out into the pool area. When Stewart does not see the three hobbits, the old fellow crosses the large room and opens the front door, getting the attention of Kitrin and Bonny. There, Stewart repeats to the rest of the Wayfarers everything he has just told Wolf and the others about their route and checkpoint.
"Bria and I will stay up, but it would be best to have at least one more. Would anyone care to? The rest of you, I will gladly show to your soon-to-be-untrapped rooms..."

"I'm still up for a bit too," Kitrin replied. She peeks into the wagon to see which hallway Stewart leads sleepy people (so that she doesn't get in trouble when it's her turn to sleep), then hops back up to her perch when he comes back out.

Stewart then makes himself busy driving the Grand Wagon, while Bria takes over the prison wagon team.
"It would be best if a third or even fourth person stayed up two hours to post watch in case anything else happens on this comet-falling, dragon-filled, bloody night-of-nights! In fact," Stewart sips from a glass of wine, "I can't wait until it is my turn to hit the sack... Good night to you all!"

"Me 'n Luna'll stay until it's time for the next shift. I don't suppose you brought another glass, did you?" The little fighter swings her legs in time to the horses' gait as she enjoys the quiet of the night.

 

[Purr]

Bria keeps her hands on the reins as she and Luna drive along in the night under the steady clopping of the horses' hooves. The peaceful monk seems to take her time pondering, and once finished she nods to herself in approval. Then in her own soft, completely non-judgmental way, she grins to Luna and discreetly and openly explains her own feelings. "We are teammates now, you and I, and we're trying to become friends, so I have decided to take a chance here and tell you how I really feel, Luna.


"I feel like this: In the Ko monastery, when one discreetly walk away with another without a word to one's group, we call that sneaking - and we do it all of the time! It's totally O.K. I can't tell you how many times one of my people has pulled me away for one thing or another."


Bria's eyes turn skyward as she reminisces. "There was the night Jami wanted girl advice on... um... another one of us, and so he found me somehow and quietly whooshed me away to the fields. We chatted until dawn. Then Kessa thought she was going crazy and pulled me right into her home and begged me to help her out with boy matters. She was Ignited like the sun, but she was going about it the wrong way. Turns out, the one she liked was on his First too - it wasn't at all what she thought! And then there all of the times Heaven's kidnapped me from my my house, my bath, even the main kitchen when no one was looking, right before dinner was to be served! He couldn't help it; he was so new to us at the time - he just had a million questions and I was the only one he trusted. It still warms me to remember the feeling of his arms around me. Plus, he's so very hunky!" Bria rapidly waves a free hand to her face as if cooling herself off. "And none of these times were even on Healer business! They all needed me for one thing or another. But they sure didn't want everyone else knowing.


"See Luna, we Ko have more secrets than there are stars in the sky and to keep them, one must sneak around. I guess I'm glad that at least you have so nicely sat down and asked me. I'm so used to being gracefully kidnapped. Hee hee!"


Bria then puts her finger to her lips and ponders again. "Concerning you and Wolf, I don't know either of you too well yet, but here are a few facts to remember: He asked you to join him, didn't he? He seems comfortable around you. He doesn't appear Bonded with anyone (besides his falcon, but that's different). You said that nothing happened between you two. Did you want something to? Because that's another topic entirely. You know - the difference between Longing and being Ignited, and just being Ignited and desiring satisfaction and release from it." Bria waves her hand dismissively. "Everyone goes through that... Oh. Except for Mister Stonybones. But that doesn't count - he's a golem."


"As for being pretty, I thought like that once - I never really noticed my own level of attractiveness until it was pointed out to me by my people, and again by Outsiders that I trust, and yet again by friends of mine in adventuring groups I've been a part of. One person in particular really opened my eyes, and that's all it takes. It's just an image though. It's not that important.


"You are pretty too, Luna. Really! Think a minute: How many Outsiders do you know that wish they could fit into what you're wearing? Do you think all of those soldiers among Grimdell's Guardians were hooting at you because they thought you plain-looking? If you really doubt it, just borrow my glamered robe, I'll change the form to a form-fitting bikini, and you walk into the pool. As you go, look around discreetly at Otiorin, Wolf, and even Stewart. If they get quiet at you at first, they're watching. Guys do that.


"As for this Jimmy Kendal person, forgive him. Some guys are just dopey. He probably doesn't understand the hurt his words caused. It sounds like you were Longing and chose him, and he... well... maybe by now he really is into orcs! They don't have half-orcs in the world for nothing! Hee hee...


Then Bria begins to think out loud. "Wait. Maybe you're not sexually Aware yet? Hmm... Of course, maybe if we run into some of my people, the guys could tell you. Heaven's and Jami would be the best picks. Of course, Jami's blind so he'd have to touch you to find out, but if you liked it, and things went all wild between you two, it's O.K.! You'd both be smiling by morning! Oh wait. I'm on the wrong track. You're Longing for Wolf... But you don't seem to know how to go about it." Bria looks to Luna as if asking something completely commonplace. "Have you had your First yet?"


Meanwhile, Wolf descends into Dreamland...




...and Pecker with him. Wolf's senses still pull at him - there is a new emptiness inside of him. Whether he fills it or not seems to be completely up to him, but something inside of his mind and spirit is there. It is not waiting. It is not calling. It just is.


So is the luxury canopy bed Wolf has chosen to sleep in. The combination of his body's fatigue, the late hour, and the supreme comfort of the bedroom lulls the ranger into a deep and excellent sleep.


Stewart looks up to Kitrin...

...and his face seems to say, "Well, that is a first! I am looking up to a hobbit!"


"My deepest pardon! I did not think to bring you a glass. Well, we have options to cure that, friend. Would you allow me to tell you where the nearest are, and while you are getting one, would you please do me the favor of asking Otiorin if he really plans on sleeping at the pool all night? The guest rooms are far, far more comfortable, especially after a night like this. Or if you care to, I will do it if you take the reins and follow whatever leads Bria and Luna provide you." Stewart lowers his voice. "There is a lot of whispering over there. If they are having a chat-among-ladies, perhaps instead you wish to join them? What is your pleasure?"


 
Powerpaw slowly trudges, yawning, back into the pool area. Once at the corner where his armor once lay, great furry warrior looks around. Not finding what he is looking for, the muscled cat lets out a snarl.


"HRRRRR!"


The sound is enough to make a normal grown man jump out of his skin. Then those red eyes of his search about as if hunting for prey. They level at Bronze's workshop where his professionally-cleaned armor is set up nicely. Powerpaw pads over, his long tail swishing left and right in curiosity.


With a claw, he targets his now-shining armor. He peers down to Bronze. "You do dat?"

 

[Kaerri]

Kitrin giggles, first at the look on Stewart's face, then at his comments about Bria and Luna. "No no, if they wanted me to join, they'd've asked! Looks private. And sure, I can take the reins, an' then when you pry Otiorin off the floor, you can show him the proper place to sleep."


With a fighter's limited number of skill points available, Kitrin actually has no training in driving a wagon, but she figures it can't be that hard to keep the horses going in the same direction, especially with the other wagon to follow.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna looks out into the darkness as she ponders what to say. "I have to admit that Sparkle was right; you are a good person to ask about this. I'm just having a hard time talking about such a private thing." She looks over at Bria, and takes a deep breath before going on with a shaky smile. "I've been kissed before, but nothing else beyond that. That was a evening that I will never forget. It was a first kiss for both of us." Her expression softens as she remembers back to that time. "I don't know exactly what you mean with some of what you are saying, but I think I understand enough to follow your train of thought. These feelings I have . . . its wonderful and scary all at the same time. Like there is a fire burning deep inside me that turns into a bonfire when I look over at him. You are right about another thing: he is hunky. I've seen Wolf without a shirt on once; he's got such a strong body it made me just feel all tingly to see." She lets out a sigh with that memory. Then her self doubt rears its ugly head once more. "Do you really think that he likes me that way? Oh, Gods! I just don't know what to do! Why is this so hard? I used to think that magic was tough, but compared to love, its a child's game! This feels impossible to figure out!"

 

[Captain Hesperus]

"'Tis shameful that you should be treated thus.", Otiorin replied, "Were you a smith in Elven lands and your work stood out from your fellows, you would be notable, aye, but not as a subject of jealousy. You would be held as an example of how good your art can be. You would be asked by your fellow smiths to impart knowledge upon them and show them how to improve their own works."


The Half-Elf shook his head, it was confusing just how foolish Humans could be. Rather than learn from their betters and improve themselves, they prefer to wallow in jealousy and mediocrity, cursing those who were exceptional.


"As for me? Not so much an adventurer, as a scoundrel. I left home from boredom of the Elven life, wanting to learn more of my father's heritage. Now I'm here, it's not the world I thought it would be. Yes, there are elements that make it exciting and interesting,", he tried hard to ignore the image of Bria in the pool that entered his mind, "but on the whole it has much of the boredom I thought I had left behind. I tried several professions before I settled on adventuring, though to be honest I chose the life of a thief more for the implied excitement and danger than for pursuit of ill-gotten plunder. I'm as like to fritter away or donate anything I take as I am to save it."


As the memories started to return, he sat up took a sip of wine then sat cross-legged, in the style of the Elven bards, "I remember, I was once in this town where dwelt a corrupt magistrate. The man fancied himself a land magnate, so he would use his knowledge of the law to trick the local farmers out of the rights to their own lands. He would press them to sign over their lands to him and then he would charge them exorbitant rents on their own farms. As you can imagine, there was great discontentment amongst the hard-put-upon people of the land, and therein I enter the tale."


He paused to give a floury bow from the waist.


"I had just come in on a wagon train, bound for Sommerset and I got to talking with some of the local.... okay, some of the wenches. They were unhappy because their fathers and brothers were unhappy due to this man's underhandedness. I, of course, could not let this stand. Unhappy wenches are poor companions! So I devised a plan. I went to the magistrate's house in all my haughty Elven grandeur. He, like many there, had not seen a true Elf, let alone a Half-Elf, so he was stunned when I appeared at his door. He wined and dined me, seeing me as some great and powerful Elven noble, and I told him of the vast tracts of land I owned, much of which had veins of gold and silver on the surface. Why, of course, the man's eyes bulged at tales of such lands and he eagerly asked where they were located. I guessed quite rightly that he had never been more than two days ride outside the town and so I pointed out toward the distant mountains and said that there was a plateau high up where my lands were located. Yet still, his avarice was inflamed and he asked if there was still land there that was not claimed. I told him that not only was the land claimed, but it was also well guarded by fierce Elven warriors. This seemed to bank his fire, so I came back and said that I was in the lowlands seeking a place to build an Elven hall of great majesty and affluence and to do so, I would need adjacent lands for farming and income. This was exactly what the magistrate wanted to hear and I knew this. He offered a trade: all the lands he was landlord to for all the lands that were mine. I pretended to think upon it a while and, after my second glass of brandy, agreed. He handed me a document in which he signed away all rights to the lands he owned in exchanged for all that I owned and a quill. I signed it, then drew a map of where he could find my fields of gold and silver. Of course, my map was utterly spurious and would only lead him to the last city I had been too, but that was my intent. That very evening, he handed me the deeds, signed by him in exchange. In return, I wrote him a letter in Elven script, claiming it was a message for the first Elf he saw to lead him to his just reward. In truth, the letter said: 'Hail Brother or Sister and Well Met! Do not show pity to the man bearing this letter, for he is a scoundrel and thief who preys upon the common hardworking folk of the fields. He is spurred by thoughts of avarice and material gain and it is my wish that he be taught the folly of his ways. Please take such measures as you may to make his journey difficult, but do not allow him to come to his untimely end. I wish for him to endure many hardships before he sees the error of his ways. Yours in company, Otiorin Taletreader.'


"With my land deeds in hand, I left the magistrate's house and spent the evening returning the deeds to those whose lands they were for. There were many tears of joy that night and I was invited to sit and sup at many a table.... and there were many happy wenches who were gladdened by my act and willing to reward me for my cleverness. A thief and a confidence trickster I might be, but I do such things with a good purpose."


At that moment, Powerpaw returned and settled down beside the smith and the armor he'd been working on all while Otiorin had been talking.


"Well met, Sirrah! The good smith has been caring for your plate as if it were his own child."

 

[Purr]

Bria giggles, clearly pleased at Luna's choice of words. She places the reins in her lap and checks her hair. It is still damp from her swim. "Right! That fire you're feeling? That's probably what we call Ignition. It's the physical desire for a person. Longing, on the other hand, is the emotional desire. One without the other is just fine as long as both parties fully agree. If both are present for a long enough time, people become Bonded. It's really beautiful! As for Wolf feels about you? I have no idea. We are as yet too new to each other for me to know those kinds of things."


Stewart comes through the doorway into the pool area...




...and turns to hear Otiorin, Bronze, and Powerpaw together. In but a moment, the old fellow seems to sum up the scene accurately and he waits patiently until Otiorin concludes his tale. Otiorin addresses Powerpaw and the furry cat replies by picking up his armor and inspecting it with hand, eye, and nose. His whiskers flick as he sniffs the armor and runs his fingers down its battle-scarred surface. Powerpaw turns to Bronze and examines him with a long stare. "You does quality works. But how come you fixes an' polishes my armors? An' how much you want fer yer servish... serveses... yer skills? Moar..."


As Bronze replies, Stewart leaves the group and enters the right-hand doorway where Wolf entered. In moments, he returns, approaches, and addresses the roguish half-elf, handy blacksmith, and remorseless killer. "My dear fellows, you will find that your rooms are better than this floor by far, should you decide to use them. You are welcome to use those rooms whose doors I have left open down the right-hand hallway. No one has yet taken them. We will be stopping in roughly two hours and I can almost guarantee you a good night's sleep in the luxurious beds inside. Come tomorrow, I would be pleased to give you a tour of the rest of the wagon, however, I do ask that you not enter the left-hand hallway lest you set off our mimics or worse. There is one exception - my door is at the end of that hall. Otiorin, I believe you know the place, however briefly. That is where I will retire once our drive is done tonight. Knock thrice and I will swiftly be at your disposal. Good night!" With that, Stewart bows the well-practiced bow of a professional servant, takes a wine glass from the rack, and returns to the front of the Grand Wagon and outside into the open starlit sky.


Powerpaw waves and chuckles to Stewart as he leaves. "G'night! Glad you didn't wind up a screaming bloodstain like some'a those guys I splatted! Hoo hoo hoo...." The muscled cat looks ready for bed once Bronze replies, for he yawns, his sharp teeth and fangs stretching up to the ceiling.


 
Stewart returns outside. "You have my gratitude, Kitrin. Here is your glass and..." he pulls a bottle close and fills the glass in his hand, "the wonderful spirits in it. Thank you for keeping an old man company on the road tonight." His large eyes look down the road and peer into the shadow-strewn forest with its many secrets. "This is about as comfortable as I have felt all night... How about you?"

 

[Sherwood]

Luna looks over at her traveling companion, and leans over to give her a sisterly hug. "Thank you for taking the time to listen to me ramble on, and thank you for the advice. You've given me a lot to think about. It makes me wonder if Wolf is wondering the same things about me that I've been wondering about him. I suppose that time will tell all, as my old master would say." She looks back out into the darkness, wondering what the next day hold for them.

 

[Sherwood]

After traveling in silence for a while, Luna decides to stretch her legs a bit. To Bria she says, "I am going to run up to the lead wagon and talk with Stewart. It is time for us to get some information on what the good man intends to do now that his employer is gone." With a little hop, she jumps down from the wagon she is on and runs forward until she is along side the Grand Wagon. Scrambling up until she is up on top next to the driver's seat, Luna smiles pleasantly at Kitrin and Stewart. "Good evening, fellow travelers." She looks at the older man. "I thought that while we travel, it would be a good time to get to know you a bit better, and find out what your plans are now. We have not had much chance to talk with all the confusion from the day." She settles down on a flat spot and smoothes out her dress and looks expectantly at Stewart.

 

[killfire]

Tink's the Fluffy-Paw's armor, "A good polish keeps the acid in the bloodstains from causing damage to the armor, I heated the creases, and welded up the gashes because that can compromise the strength of the armor, and the leather binds have to be replaced regularly to keep there flexibility and stretchy-ness, heh heh, and I have to do it because even though it might not matter much to some, it matters to me. Payment? How about lets study that ore for a bit, see what it might be able to do, or be done to, or made into, or poked at, or something." Bronze notes the teeth and large yawn-ness and realizes that it might be a good idea to bank the forge-fire and set it to heat treating mode even though he doesn't have anything to heat treat. Set's out his bedroll near the forge, because unlike some unwise smiths he never leaves a fire unattended. "Silly villagers build using wood, not stone, so things burn down... mumble... mumble..."


Smiles a silly grin at Otiorin's tale of justice brought on by people. "That is good! Justice is best served with the people of character and fluffyness, if you need anything repaired, sharpened, trued, cleaned, fluffied, or just maintained, let me know. I also make a tasty roast."

 

[Purr]

Earlier...


"Oh, a hug!" Bria beams her sunny smile. "I love hugs!" When Luna embraces Bria, Luna is not given one of those cheap-feeling hugs with the little pat on the back as is sometimes done among some circles, but a full-bodied hug full of warmth and love, and not a short hug at that, but a real embrace from someone who truly seems to understand the power of togetherness.


When at last you part, Bria looks so very happy and relieved, as if Luna's touch had taken away the chill of the night and replaced it with something far more warming. "Thank you, Luna! I think I needed that. See you!" Bria waves, turning back to the horses. She begins chatting, apparently with the horses. "Oh, I wish Mister Bren were here. He's an Outsider and he's Life-bonded. He would know the answers to Luna's questions better than me, right, Mister horsey? Now what could your name be? And where did you get that little white spot on your tail there?" By the time Luna hops off the prison wagon and climbs the staircase about the Grand Wagon, the young wizardess's ears hear the soft sounds of Bria singing a little upbeat song to herself, or perhaps, to the horses.


"Ah, Luna. If you care, to the seat holds two." Stewart scoots over a touch, allowing Luna a seat beside him on the wide purple cushion that makes up the drivers' seat. Though he seems to be trying to hide it, Stewart appears quite tired. He listens to Luna's request, giving her eye contact when he is not watching the road. "Well... I am alive," he says quite seriously. "I did not expect to be after tonight, especially after feeling a sharp steel sword penetrate my chest and proceed out of my back." He glances to Bria and grins briefly.


"My plans now? They start with the pouch I gave you earlier. Since I am indeed alive, I would like to bring the contents of that pouch to Beatrice myself. Perhaps once I reach Averlund, I can then we can discover a cure for her situation. I imagine once you reach Highwind, you will have your own hands full enough without having to worry about a pair of old marrieds like us." Stewart chuckles, but you can see how much he misses his lady in the kind stare of his large eyes. "As for the rest of my plans, they highly revolve around what you will do with me. Perhaps it is my fatigue talking, but I do realize there is nothing stopping you from tossing me aside and taking the Grand Wagon for yourself, though if you do so, please allow me to give you that tour I promised you first. What do you mean to do with me and this wagon?"


 
Powerpaw considers Bronze's reply to payment with narrowed eyes and a restless tail. "Lemme chat wit da rest of da team. In da morning. After sleeps. Moar sleeps, moooooar..." Powerpaw nods his thanks, takes his armor, and slowly pads back towards the guest room he was pointed toward. He disappears through the door with another long, toothy, feline yawn.


"Mooooooooooooooar...."

 

[Sherwood]

The fire mage listens to Stewart with interest. "Obviously, I want to keep ahold of the Grand Wagon. Such a treasure should not be squandered. As for you, well, I do not know what the rest of the team would say, but I believe I speak for all when I say that you are welcome to stay on with us. We would have to work out the details, but I would like you to continue to help us maintain the Wagon in exchange for a piece of our commissions. I have some small amount of funds to keep us going for now, but we are going to be looking for profitable work soon. Would you be interested in helping us, and we can then help you deliver your pouch to Beatrice?" Luna watches the expression of the old man to see what he thinks of her offer, hoping for a positive answer.


"I have other questions for you, if you don't mind. First off, did Bilal keep a library? I absolutely love books, and having a new text to read would make me quite happy. Also, if there is a library, are there any texts on magic in it? One can never have access to too many spells. Finally, does the Wagon have a chess set in it, and do you play? I haven't had a match in quite a while."

 

[Kaerri]

Kitrin listens to Luna and Stewart for a few minutes from her perch atop the wagon. "Oh, say, maybe Beatrice would want to come too? Or does she have a farm or something that keeps her in Averlund? O' course we'll help get the pouch to her, whether it's just you going (although that's kind of dangerous, war an' all) or all of us." She grins as Luna starts rattling off questions. "How 'bout while you try to keep up with her inquisy-tiveness, I'll go keep Bria company?" Without bothering to wait for an answer, she slides down to "floor" level and then bounces over to the other wagon. (If they're close enough, a literal bounce. If not, she'll bounce down, patter her little feet across the space between, and hop up.)

 

[Purr]

The journey to the first checkpoint comes slowly to a close.


You ride through the cool of the night with attractive woods on your left and a winding stream on your right. Stewart puts his hand to his chin. He seems to try to put serious thought into Luna's offer, but the flutter of his eyes and his stifled yawns betray his fatigue. Twice, he seems ready to answer, but then he pauses and snaps his fingers. Then he turns to Luna. "I am interested in your offer, but..." he raises his finger. "'Never do business on an empty stomach or when you have the need of sleep. If you will be so kind to pardon me, I would like to sleep on this, and with a clearer mind and rested emotions, grant you an answer fully-thought-out and decided. Perhaps during brunch tomorrow? I do not imagine all will rise for breakfast after a night like this."


On the prison wagon, bleary-eyed Bria...




...is quiet for awhile, no longer talking or singing to keep herself awake. The weight of the day's events are full upon her shoulders though her soul is light, and despite her need of rest, her hands remain on the reins. Bria waves weakly as Kitrin joins her, and then, Bria slowly turns to her with an expression of curiosity. Out of the blue, she asks, "Why do Outsiders wait so long before their First time of love-making?"


The rest of the night passes quietly into day as dawn creeps over the horizon and your wagons finally roll to a stop. You find yourselves parked in a wide, bare clearing off of the main road where the nearest trees and cover are about one hundred meters distant. The many prints of previous camps, mounts, tents, and people cover the clearing, but none are here now, but you. A large stone well stands alone in the wind.


Stewart, half-stumbling, pulls himself up and off of the wagon to water and care for equally-tired horses. Bria watches him and helps as best she can. Those characters who are still awake are welcome to join in. Watches are posted, and with a tired wave and a smile, Stewart staggers off to the call of his bed.


Nothing outside bothers you throughout the morning. Lucky you. =)


Bria stays awake awhile still. She pats the horses one more time and walks away from the wagons, toward the east. She pauses some twenty steps away. She stands there, basking in the warm, orange light of the rising sun. For many moments, she is still. Just standing there, breathing.


Then slowly, the Ko monk moves. Her movements are soft motions of casting and fighting. First, her hands move one-by-one, then her feet, and soon, she is performing some martial dance very similar to the one she used when she made the food and drink appear in the prison wagon. She seems very happy doing this. Her body is light and free, moving with the kind of grace that comes only from years of serious practice. If there were music playing, it might sound like this:

Spoiler

[media]

[/media]
("Daydreamer" by Hiroshima)


A quarter of an hour later, she stops, coming to the full circle of completion. She bows slowly to the sun and smiles silently to it as if it were an old friend. Then without a word, she keeps that smile and retires to sleep inside the Grand Wagon.


Ranger Wolf sleeps as deeply as a man can...




...and his pleasant dreams contain moments like these... =)

Spoiler

[media]

[/media]
[media]



[/media]
When each of you retire, there is, somewhere deep inside of you, a sense of emptiness. For Luna, it is like a great hearth without a blaze. For Otiorin, it is like a long silence between notes in a song, or a hole in the night sky where there now should be stars. For Kitrin, it is like having a lovely, brand-new sheath but without a weapon to fill it. For Bronze, it is simply a terrific space for a fluffy pillow - minus the pillow...


There is no sense of disturbance or wrongdoing - it is just a patch of quiet inside of each of you. You realize that you can fill it or leave it empty as you wish, yet as you sleep, you do not quite know the nature of the emptiness.


When you eventually rise, the sun, you hear from Stewart, is high overhead outside. The polite knocking of hobbits has pulled you out of bed, each at your own speeds and moods, and should that fail to work, the door to your rooms are left open for you to smell the delicious, tempting smell of fresh bacon, eggs, ham, pancakes, and melted chocolate, among other culinary delights. Each of your noses tell you the hobbits are awake and have been at work here.


You find yourself (unless you really wish to miss out on this) at a grand dining table with a chair for every person save Powerpaw who is happily chomping away at a quintet of plates set on a breakfast stand on the floor. "Om nom nom nom! Moar?"


The dining room looks very much like this:

Spoiler

(Image from mysticmedusa.com)


Such is the munching going on, that no one has yet started a conversation. Who would like to be first? =)

 

[Sherwood]

Luna wakes in a good mood. With a powerful stretch, she cleans up and dresses herself in her traditional red garb before heading out to enjoy the feast that the Meadowsweets have prepared for them. With her spellbook in hand (after all, a wizard is always in need of studying her spells), she heads out of her room to join the others.


After eating her fill (and perhaps just a little bit over that), Luna sits back in her seat with a contented sigh. "Whittle, Bonny, I must offer my complements to the two of you for the fine meal that you have placed before us. Truly the perfect start to the day. Now, I have some questions for the two of you and Mr. Stewart. I briefly talked about this with him last night, but this will be the first chance I've had to converse with you. What are your plans for the future, now that Bilal is gone? Do you have a place of your own that you wish to go back to? Just to let you know, I have more than a idle interest in the answer. I have spoken with Stewart, and on behalf of our wandering bunch of hooligans, I have offered him the chance to continue his employment but with us instead of the repulsive cow he used to work for. Such a position can be available for you, also, if you would wish to continue to travel with us and see more of the world. Of course, I may need a tailor to let out my favorite dress if I keep eating as well as this every day." She smiles at the hobbits to show that she means no harm in her statement. "But, do not feel obligated to stay here if you have some other plans. Please, share with us what you are thinking."

Spoiler

Cantrips: Read Magic, Ray of Frost, Mage Hand, Detect Magic


Level 1: Mage Armor, Shield, Burning Hands x2, Shocking Grasp


Level 2: Mirror Image, Scorching Ray x3


Level 3: Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Displacement

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin was not aware of when sleep overtook him. Perhaps it was the warm comfort of his cushion nest, combined with the peaceful lapping of the water of the pool and the quiet sussarations of the others asleep in their designated rooms, but regardless, he drifted into a deep and much-needed sleep. Of his dreams, he remembered little, but as he woke he had a feeling he'd heard Bria's voice close by his ear. Close enough and vivid enough for him to turn and see if she was beside him when his eyes opened. Instead, he was confronted by the cheerful visage of Bonny waking him for breakfast. He rose swiftly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and feeling refreshed for even the short few hours he'd slept. Already, the others were stirring and he gently greeted each of his companions as he met them.


The dining room was, as expected, ostentatious for something like a travelling wagon but at the same time, totally in keeping with the magical vehicle that currently abided within. He took his seat and ate his share of breakfast goodness from the fine china platters, then sat back to savor the taste of the bitter black coffee that seemed to be endlessly on tap from the pot on the table.


"I trust everyone slept well and is ready for the vigors of what remains of the day?", he asked finally, looking around his fellows with a contented smile.