After seeing that for now the battle with the giants would have to wait, a slightly dejected Cor turned again to the new folks. "You all have a choice now; to join our group or go your own way. Whichever you choose none shall fault you and the gear is your to keep. I canna promise you a long life if you join with us and i can guarantee peril at every turn. We are on a mission to destroy an item of great eveil. Just hours ago we managed to retrieve the item but not without the loss of several of our origional group. If you wish to travel with us you will be counted as equals. For now we will take a short rest break and then head up and hunt down the giants if at all possible but will not seek them if it takes us from our ultimate goal."

Cor waited for a reply.

With the threat of battle ahead and the possibility of danger creeping on them from behind, it made sense to share the equipment of their fallen companions. But, after Ayreon, Lothor and Valene had tightened the last strap and buckled the last belt, it made for a strange sight all the same. Sirène recognised each burnished shield, scarred breastplate and notched sword from another time and another place. A constant, haunting reminder of the fallen. Even Sirène herself had taken a pair of elegant, fingerless gloves and a new hooded cloak to go with the wrinkled staff she had acquired. She had justified each acquisition with the knowledge that each item was enchanted and that it would be a waste not to make use of such powerful magic. But, she felt guilty all the same. And, it was not because she was still grieving for fallen friends.

‘It is because they were not my friends. I knew so little about them; their loves, their dreams, their desires. It is a struggle to even remember their faces....’
Tears pooled at the edge of Sirène’s almond-shaped eyes, almost undetectable amidst the deep, watery aquamarine that was their natural colour. She suddenly felt cold as she sat on the rough stone floor, dressed as she was in a thin silken shift and a leaf-patterned sash. She pulled her legs to her chest, causing her clothing to ride further up her smooth thighs but providing some comfort nonetheless.

‘And if others die, would I begin to forget them just as quickly?
She was afraid of the answer; afraid of what she knew the answer to be.

…

Sirène slammed the spellbook closed. She sighed loudly in frustration. Haila’s spidery hand had become an impenetrable web, and her dark, muddled thoughts ambushed her whenever she paused to try to untangle it.

Niamedris was little help. The little Elven cat was restless, demanding to be petted, played with or for the party to move on. Eventually he had disappeared into the darkness of the tunnel. ‘Hunting,’ he had told her, although she was not sure if he would find any prey underground. ‘Perhaps even cats need something to distract them from their thoughts?’
The elven sorceress rose and stretched, pulling the thing garment over the gentle swell of her breasts and thin, dancer’s hips. ‘I need a break too,’ she decided. Sirène looked over at Ulthok. She had noticed the way the halfling looked at her; a look she doubted she could ever return. ‘Besides I don’t think it’s that sort of break I need. She padded instead, barefoot, over to where Ayreon was sitting. He was handsome in that classically Elven way: an ageless beauty that only grew brighter as the years rolled by. But Sirène had something else on her mind, other than his looks.

“I know your family,” she blurted out suddenly in the Elven tongue, like a penitent hastening to break out of a long fast. “Larenthenar,” she drew out each syllable carefully, “it took me some time to place it after you said you were serving with the humans of Shan’tara. But the name is of E’Loth Lo’rian. Tell me, do you have any news of home? It seems the further I get, the longer I stay away, the more I seem to miss it.”

Lothor accepted the food, drink and rest gratefully, it had been three months since he had had such a full stomach as this. Ayreon was already making friends, there was an old friend from home and because of this he was accepted almost immediately. Lothor however was not. He was treated generously, but Lothor had never been a socially apt being. He preferred his own company where there were no first impressions and no awkwardness.

He sat apart from the group though still part of the roughly formed circle. He made no effort to talk to the others, he would smile if he felt it necessary or put on a stern face if an overheard conversation was of a serious matter.

The first time he was forced to speak, bar the awkward handshakes of the greetings, was when a dwarven male spoke up Lothor remembered his name, Cor. He had forgotten some of the other names and would no doubt have to awkwardly ask for them again at some point, but Cor had stuck.

"You all have a choice now; to join our group or go your own way. Whichever you choose none shall fault you and the gear is your to keep. I canna promise you a long life if you join with us and I can guarantee peril at every turn. We are on a mission to destroy an item of great evil. Just hours ago we managed to retrieve the item but not without the loss of several of our original group. If you wish to travel with us you will be counted as equals. For now we will take a short rest break and then head up and hunt down the giants if at all possible but will not seek them if it takes us from our ultimate goal."

Lothor waited to answer a while, his hand resting on his chin, stroking the whiskers of his fading dyed green beard. The apparent quest for an evil weapon stroke him as foolhardy and 'out of his league.' Great heroes and heroines went on quests to thwart evil. Lothor was but a simple woodcutter born of a low birth. He had no heroes blood. True enough Lothor was a hero to many small hamlets and villages. He would fight off creatures that threatened their towns and build houses once they were ruined, but this... this was something else.

Lothor remembered his solemn vow earlier to the party and found himself with little choice than to accept. “I choose to go with you, through times of danger and those of peace.” Lothor wanted to tell them he was no hero, he could wield a sword as well as any trained noble and fight without showing cowardice, but he was no hero was he?

Lothor stood awkwardly not knowing what to say as he awaited the answers from Valene and the suspicious Pegasus rider.

"Well Lothar lad, if ya are ta join us then scoot yourself into the circle. Though there are nobles and non in our group we hold each others as equals and must trust each other as we would a brother or sister. Well except for sister Greynickers but her and her ruler are a story for later." Cor was glad that at least one had taken his offer to join the small band.

The mage had taken a chance of offending the new member of the party by taking the liberty to cast a simple cantrip of clean on her. But it just wasn’t right for one of the “folk” to have to look like that.

When the manacle of spiritual blocking was removed from Valene’s wrist a confidence and glow seemed to engulf her. It was good that she looked as strong as Ulthok knew she was.

Now sitting quitly the mage watched as Sirene studied the book left by Halia. The elegant elven beauty seemed upset as she slammed the book shut. The thief watched from the corner of his eye as she glanced his direction then pattered off to speak with the new eleven warrior. Winter is never as cold as the glance of a woman when she does not want your attention. It had been a fun thought that the tall one might enjoy a bit of mischief and distraction but now there was a equal and as they say “size matters”.

Taking advantage of the rest time Ulthok refreshed the spells he had spent in the escape. As he studied he noticed the lady Beestinger in deep contemplation.

He had watched as the three they accepted weapons and items and was impressed with selection the lady had chosen.

She was also a “Master of Shadows”, perhaps she might let him steal a kiss.

Oh to be clean, oh the loveliness of not being coated in grime. A year of dirt ground into her skin, making her ache and itch. She thanked him over and over. She accepted the clothes and slipped away to make herself presentable. When she returned and they were given true gear she began to wonder if her god was feeling a wee bit giddy today. Things seemed to be going a bit too far in her favor. ''

When released from that infernal bracelet she felt as though she could dance. She felt the divine presence of her god fill her again and the relief that flooded her was the best gift she could have been given. Quickly she went about fashioning a mask for herself from the rags of her old clothes before she sat down and began to pray for her god's blessing.

The halfling woman sang very softly to herself, not wanting to bother her new companions. Her god liked song and the merry sounds she produced, but she didn't want to get off on the wrong foot with these people. They seemed like a kind bunch, if a bit serious... though she supposed they had great reason to be serious. For that reason she felt like maybe she was meant to join them. Her god tasked her with making life merry for all and if this group was trying to save the world that certainly fell under keeping things merry. She could feel Ulthok's eyes on her as she prayed, she had her suspicions that it had a lot to do with her thieving abilities and their shared race.

When she rose from her prayers she approached him. “Did you have something you wished to ask me?” she asked in a light voice, her ever present grin wider than ever. “Been a long time since I've seen another skilled with their hands.” Even though her abilities were no secret, it was bad luck to come out and say one was a thief.

She caught Lothor out of the corner of her eye and nodded to him. Freedom, for however long they lived. She wondered how that would change the way they got along. She wasn't about to be the meek sheep she had been in the giant camp... no, not at all.

The soft lilt and soothing sound of small cleric’s voice seemed in stark contrast to the strain and terror of the past few hours. Ulthok could tell this one has the allure to lull others into a sense of well being; he wonder if she then picked their pockets.

When her prayers were done she rose and approached him. As she moved he couldn’t help but notice that his breeches never looked that good on him.

She approached him. “Did you have something you wished to ask me?” …... “Been a long time since I've seen another skilled with their hands.”
Putting on one his best innocent looks Ulthok chuckled, “Uncle Trapspringer once said, beware of a woman wearing a mask,….. she may steal more than your money.”... Valene was a natural, her voice, she smile, her will…… it was no chance she survived a year with the hill giants.

“It is nice to know that there is another able person to help clear a safe path for this group. It has been an honor and yet a burden being the only one to sense the items of destruction and pain. May we complement one another to keep these tall ones safe; they do have their uses. “

Ulthok glanced over at Lothor, ”Your human buffed up nicely, there is more there then he lets on. We keep him safe and he’ll help keep us alive.”

Valene recognized the look in Ulthok's eyes as he watched her move. It was a familiar expression, one that normally would make her heartbeat speed a bit in anticipation of the game ahead. Her cool head however firmly reminded her that this was not the time and certainly not the place for that sort of game. It was very nice to know however that she could still catch prey without intentionally setting the snare, mayhaps the year with the giants hadn't left her as haggard as she had suspected. Then again, maybe he had just been out here among this group for too long too.

His quip made her laugh and she removed the mask, carefully tucking it into her shirt against her heart.
“My Trickster frowns upon stealing money or goods from one's companions.” she said casually, knowing full well what he was implying. Having someone to play with on her own level, someone who knew the subtleties and the run around dances of their craft was a joy.

When the conversation changed to a bit more serious of a matter she nodded. If he had managed to keep this group somewhat safe for presumably a while, if she read the group dynamics properly he seemed to have been among them for a while, he clearly was not lacking skill. With his keen wit, quick hands and not being too hard on the eyes, she could see getting into all manner of trouble with a man like him if she wasn't careful. She held her hand out, grinning. “A partnership then,” she said happily.

His next observation however made her smile falter for a brief moment. “Lothor has been a stalwart friend and a much needed ally these last few months, but mine? Never, I take none to keep and belong only to my Trickster.” Now if she could just get Lothor to understand that. Her affections for any were fleeting at best. Love was a game best played in short duration, for eventually all the players would lose and that was when friendships were threatened. It was hard to stay merry when one was in love and she couldn't abide it.

“If we ever know a moment's peace in a town with good ale I'll drink to keeping the tall ones safe and merry. For now however, if I am the only one the group is waiting on, I should not hold you up any longer. I have said my prayers and my god is pleased with me. I would very much like to see daylight with free eyes again.” As a matter of fact it was what she had been longing for since the earth shook.

Ayreon was starting to feel better by the minute. The feeling of loss was still strong in his heart as he and Tarenmenel had shared a bond stronger than any he had formed with another living being for the last 50 years or so. The Pegasus had not only been a mount, but also a friend and a companion. Such was the way of the Pegasi riders and it was what made them the one unbeatable fighting unit in the king's army. The pair of man and mount needed no words to operate. But now Tarenmenel was gone and the paladin had other matters he needed to attend to. He was still on the mission the King had honored him with and that mission had to be completed.

But before the elf could relay the orders he had been given, his new companions pulled out a magical bag and started offering him, Valene and Lothor equipment. Ayreon had been fortunate enough to keep his suit of plate, so he only needed a weapon and a shield. But the enchanted pouch was filled with all number of useful items, two of which he immediately recognized and picked for himself as no one else seemed to have any use for them. Donning the elven made cloak and boots (oh it felt so good to have proper boots after a long, long while), the paladin raised his green eyes as Cor the dwarf spoke up:

"You all have a choice now; to join our group or go your own way. Whichever you choose none shall fault you and the gear is your to keep. I canna promise you a long life if you join with us and i can guarantee peril at every turn. We are on a mission to destroy an item of great evil. Just hours ago we managed to retrieve the item but not without the loss of several of our original group. If you wish to travel with us you will be counted as equals. For now we will take a short rest break and then head up and hunt down the giants if at all possible but will not seek them if it takes us from our ultimate goal."

Yes. He knew of their mission. The group had set out looking for an ancient artifact all those months ago, but what that powerful item was, Ayreon had no clue and apparently all details of it would not be shared as of yet. A wise choice no doubt. Even if Ayreon was working for the King as were Cor and his group, there was no way for the dwarf to know whether he could trust the strange trio new or not. Not yet at least. As always, the elf considered his answer for a moment allowing Lothor to speak his mind first even if the human appeared to be considering his own answer as well. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly the woodcutter agreed to join the dwarf's group, but then again he had given his word on it only moments earlier. Ayeron was always happy to see men of honor and Lothor's answer brought a smile to his face. There might be hope for the human after all.

Nodding to Cor's reply about everyone being equal, Ayreon let his wondering gaze fall on Althena for a while. He'd never met the beautiful Valar before and couldn't even begin to understand what it must have felt to be the only one of her kind still known to exist. Shaking the sad thoughts away from his mind, Ayreon was about to stand up when another beautiful creation of the ever powerful Corellon padded softly to him. Looking up from Cor, the elf smiled warmly to Sirene as she spoke in their native tongue:

“I know your family… Larenthanar", each syllable drawn out carefully, "“it took me some time to place it after you said you were serving with the humans of Shan’tara. But the name is of E’Loth Lo’rian. Tell me, do you have any news of home? It seems the further I get, the longer I stay away, the more I seem to miss it.”

Standing up, Ayreon gave her a deep bow all the while looking into her bright aquamarine eyes and smiled once more. "Milady Serene. I was not quite able to place your beautiful features, but now I can see why you felt so familiar to me. There is no mistaking the E'Loth Lo'rian blood running in your veins. I am certain we will have much to discuss later on." Ayeron pushed back some of the platinum hair from his face and the smile vanished from his lips for a heartbeat or two.

"Yes. Home... Your group has been gone a while and much has taken place in that time… The armies of our King have marched to Craggon Core some weeks ago with prince Andan in command. The king has summoned all the lords to join his eldest son on the march against the dark lord and most have complied. The human king of Shan'Tara has gathered a great army from all corners of Trilogy and our brothers and sisters will join forces with him in the battle to come."

Ayreon switched to common language to make sure everyone understood what he said next. "I along with my fellow Riders was sent out to find your group. It saddens me to hear of your lost friends in the course of your important quest, but the King's orders were clear. We were to locate Lady Althena Sunblayze and Lord Cor Trollhammer and relay you your next order. Unfortunately his majesty never mentioned the rest of your party by name, but the command was to cover the whole group… whatever may be left of it."

The paladin looked at all present one at a time to make sure everyone was listening. His voice was soft, but firm and his words were a command rather than a question, even if the command wasn't coming from him: "The kings words were as follows: "Should Lady Althena have in her possession the long lost item, she along with her companions must head out to Craggon Core immediately. If the artifact has not yet been found, it must be their foremost priority to locate it. As I hear now that the item is in your possession already, then I believe the first part of the order is to be followed."

Turning to Cor, the white-haired paladin bowed and continued: "As for your question, Lord Cor. I am bound by duty and the King's command to join you on your mission. However, I am also very honored to pledge my blade…" Ayreon raised his new sword in greeting, grinned and continued: "Well, technically it is yours of course. But nevertheless, it would be an honor to serve beside you in your quest to destroy the evil artifact as well as in the coming battles.."

Cor heard the answers to his invitation and then also the new word from the king. "If his majesty wishes us to move to Craggen Core then so we shall. From the sounds of it we have little time ta waste. Gather your things and let us head up the fissure and get our bearings so we may continue our journey."

“War then,” Sirène whispered after Ayreon informed her of the Coronal’s decision to march to Craggon Core. She could see the picture now in her mind’s eye. Serried ranks of elves dressed in gleaming golds and greens; summer hues worn by a people long sunk into their winter.

And then another thought came to her.

“Daughter.”

The voice was cold and emotionless. A stiff, formal embrace followed born more out of a sense of duty than of love. And when he pulled back she could see the lie of his smile in his sad deep blue eyes. He was dressed completely in black, his garb completely unadorned except for the stylized pendant of a broken arrow that hung around his neck.

“It’s good to see you,” he added in what she knew to be a lie.

“I…” Her voice trailed off. She could not say the same. He was a stranger to her.

“You still blame me,” he whispered in shame, the smile vanishing, his knuckles whitening in rage. He slipped away before she could tell him it was not anger she felt. It was pity.
Sirène knew he would be with them. But the thought of meeting Eldare Candarae, Dark Avenger of Shevarash – her father – proved no comfort.

…

Long slender fingers were still working to lace up an outer robe made of fine dove-grey suede and white silk when Cor called impatiently for them all to press on.

“If war has begun as Kerynsuoress Ayreon has told us, we would do well to head to Gygax. We need supplies, and we may be able to join a column there on their way to the Front.”

“Of course,” she added as she finished tying up her bodice with an elegant bow, “we do have giants to deal with first.”


[OOC: Kerynsuoress = Holy Warrior]

Rayne made sure thathat all had a share of the availiable rations. It was not that anyone had asked her to do this but rather a need to keep doing something positive. THere three new companions, since they had all elected to remeain with theirparty, were now a part but the neeed to help the group unit as one was important as well. Rayne taled to each of the newcomers as she moced around.

Cor as their leader had stepped up and offered them and invitation to stay if they wanted with them or go if theyd desired. Rayne smailed at how naturally Cor now took heimself as leader. He also took out the bag of holding to pass out armor weapons and gear to each of the newcomers makeing them as well equiped as could be.

It was easy to listen to the various conversations going on. She especially listened to Ayreon conversation with Sirene. Later she would ask him about Ariell and her other companions. that was nore personal. She was sure others of their party also wanted to hear about what was happening since the last time they had had any news form home or kingdom.

The halfling woman certainly showed some interest in their own, Ulthok. She seemed to begin to rbe ecovering from her ordeal, or at least putting a good face on it. Or, pehaps it was just the nature of halflings to enhoy it when things were good for a bit.

Lothor the humanm of the three newcomers was the most quiet and he sat apart from most of the rest, Not that there was that much space between them all in this small camp they had settled into.

Moving over to where Lothor sat. The tallish elven ranger asked, "Would you like anything more? and then added, We are glad to have you with us. Ig there is anything else you might need let me know and I will dee f we can provide it."

When she noticed Srene finiahing her conversation she crossed over to where Ayreon was. "It is good to hear something of home and what was going on out in the world.. Perhapsyou can share it with us all as we have beeen long from any news of home and country. But before that can you tell me if Ariel made it home safely. I sent her off with a message when we entered under the maoutain. And how is that scamp of yours, Tarenmenal."

"Sirene it is a good idea to gather some provisions. however, we need not seek out a column. Our part in this war is not in the ranks of those who battle but rather as a small band on a special mission. A few more blades and spells will not swing the tide of battle but destruction of the sword just may save the world."

Ulthok smiled to himself as listened to the Halfling.

“My Trickster frowns upon stealing money or goods from one's companions……….A partnership then,…………………..Lothor has been a stalwart friend and a much needed ally these last few months, but mine? ..Never,…. I take none to keep and belong only to my Trickster. .....…If we ever know a moment's peace in a town with good ale I'll drink to keeping the tall ones safe and merry………. For now however, if I am the only one the group is waiting on, I should not hold you up any longer. I have said my prayers and my god is pleased with me. I would very much like to see daylight with free eyes again.”
Gathering his gear he acknowledged Valene’s knowing it was time to move on,…“Well thank your god for me………… it is nice to have you with us… and I hope we won’t have to wait so long for that drink. But we must prepare now to leave, at least to start toward that town with good ale. If there is anything you could tell us about the giant’s lair that may make it easier to get out of this dreadful mountain our leader Cor would appreciate the information.”

With the four hour break passing as if but a moment in time, the party with spells and rest was ready. Having offered what gear could be used by the newcomers it was time to see what they had in mind. Cor as leader of the larger party spoke first.

"You all have a choice now; to join our group or go your own way. Whichever you choose none shall fault you and the gear is your to keep. I canna promise you a long life if you join with us and I can guarantee peril at every turn. We are on a mission to destroy an item of great evil. Just hours ago we managed to retrieve the item but not without the loss of several of our original group. If you wish to travel with us you will be counted as equals.”
Strangely the first to speak was the quietest of the newcomers the one called Lothor

“I choose to go with you, through times of danger and those of peace.”
Seeing that her big human companion had agreed to join the greater party, Valene looked to Cor, nodded her head in agreement of her joining and then with a smile upon her face moved to speak with the other Halfling of the group Ulthok.

As was the way of knights everywhere it seemed, Ayreon was the last to speak. Looking at all present one at a time to make sure everyone was listening he began to speak in a soft yet firm voice laced with the confection of command.

"I along with my fellow Riders was sent out to find your group. It saddens me to hear of your lost friends in the course of your important quest, but the King's orders were clear. We were to locate Lady Althena Sunblayze and Lord Cor Trollhammer and relay you your next order. Unfortunately his majesty never mentioned the rest of your party by name, but the command was to cover the whole group... whatever may be left of it.”
A pause to catch a breath...............

“The kings words were as follows: "Should Lady Althena have in her possession the long lost item, she along with her companions must head out to Craggon Core immediately. If the artifact has not yet been found, it must be their foremost priority to locate it. As I hear now that the item is in your possession already, then I believe the first part of the order is to be followed."
Turning to Cor, the white-haired paladin bowed and continued:

“As for your question, Lord Cor. I am bound by duty and the King's command to join you on your mission. However, I am also very honored to pledge my blade, technically it is yours of course. But nevertheless, it would be an honor to serve beside you in your quest to destroy the evil artifact as well as in the coming battles..."
And with those last words from the Elvin Paladin the party both gained a new member and a new goal. Deliver Althena to her step-father at the fortress of Cragged Core.

Althena had as she had done for the many months of this quest stayed quiet till the end and seeing the Paladin having finished now took center stage.

“I thank all of you both old and new for willingly give up your lives to protect me. And though I have at times been rash or abrasive in my manner and desire to see this quest end I know now that this quest will not end until that what I carry is finally once and for all destroyed. How that is to be done and by who I do not know perhaps the answers lay with my step-father at Craggian Core. But no matter what you who stand here now will be forever in my thanks... Now let us go kill some Giants”
She finished with a big smile on her face. Speaking of those Giants in the short four hours of rest not a one had arrived proving Cor’s knowledge of stonemasonry and mountains once more correct. Then it was time, with not a word spoken, in single file, with Ulthok once more in the lead, but this time with Valene only paces behind, moved upwards once more. In a slower pace moving upward then Valene, Lothor and Ayreon had taken moving down the party reached finally after about 90 minutes reached a point where light could be seen reaching into the tunnel ahead. The light of course was that from a hole in the tunnels wall, the same hole that the three newest members had escaped through.

However as they moved closer the party could easily see that the hole was larger then it had been when the escape had happened. It was obvious the Giants had kept on digging at it for a short period of time, but why had they stopped?? Looking closer Ulthok was the first to notice, lying half in and half out of the hole, what at first appeared to be a stump or log but was in truth revealed to be a bloody giant sized severed arm, a Giant’s arm!. With the rest of the party hanging back both Valene and Ulthok moved closer to investigate, seeing how mangled and bloody the arm was, deduced that something very strong had ripped and broken it easily. The blood having already dried gave the best time of death roughly 3 or so hours ago.

Looking back to the party Ulthok thought to ask if they still wanted to move forward however really having no other choice but to move forward threw the hole held his tongue. Pausing for a moment to listen and hearing nothing but what sounded as bird calls. and with Valene in the lead, due to her knowledge of the interconnected caves, the party entered a carnal feeding frenzy! Crows, Vultures, Rats and various insects all were fighting for their share of shredded chewed upon meat. However not just any meat but the left overs of the shredded torn apart bodies of at least six Giants, the bodies of the smallest, the children, no where to be seen. With the cave set up such as it was, the full acoustics’ had not reached out into the tunnel past the hole in the wall and had not warned the party of the sight they would behold. It did not take a high intelligence to know that something or something’s had ripped through here feasting upon Giant flesh, the scraps left to any scavengers.

What type of creature could so easily kill eight adult size Giants, both male and female, presumably eat the children whole, and then leave the scraps behind as causally as food left on a plate at an all you can eat buffet. Whatever it’s source it clearly was a danger greater then a measly clan of Giants.................

(DM OOC: Ok here is my post for this week I hope you all like. I see Brianna was able to post and I’m glad your still very able to do so, I hope your situation gets better in the coming months. Kyle you however did not so call me and let me know why not. Use the house phone I’m running short on Cell minutes
Ok next post baring real life will be next Sunday the 20th.
Enjoy.)