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Keeper of Dragons
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Choices

Cor left the king's tent and knew he would soon have as much of an answer to his question as possible. Then what? The balance of Tril hung in teh balance and perhaps on his next decision. With the dragons of evil flying unopposed the ground forces of good stood little chance of victory. More likely they marched out like lambs to the slaughter. Only with good dragons to keep the evil ones in check was there a chance for good to prevail. 'A fine choice ye have before yerself ya do. Tis it better to go off in search of the good dragon queen without knowing what might have befallen her or stay and fight in what might be the last great battle' Cor shook his head and noticed that he was standing in front of a tavern he had not yet visited. 'Might as well think on a full stomach.' he thought.

Cor entered the inn and as he looked around he saw what passed as the normal clientel for this area. Knights, paladins, wizards and men at arms that had pledged their life to a cause larger than them all. Each aware of the cost of failure not only on the bigger scale but on each as an individual as well. Many, if not most, of them would fall and leave behind wives and children who would mourn them. At least they served by choice not by force as was the custom in the opposing army.

"May I help you good dwarf?" the barmaid asked. "Ahh but that you could lass." Then a moment later Cor added, "Some hot stew and cold ale. Keep them both coming and ye will find a well earned tip." Cor's mind drifted back to the matter at hand. 'Do I ask the entire party to go off on what may well be a fool's erund? If not, Do I go alone or split the group? Bah, there is no easy choice." His thoughts intereuted by the arrival of his food and drink, the elder dwarf for a moment focused on the stew and ale. Both were better than average or perhaps he had just not had anything that passed as good for some time.

Late into the evening Cor sat and thought, interupted on occasion by those who recognized him and wished to offer their thanks for all he had done so far. He felt that others deserved much more credit and he spoke thus. Soon he found himself goaded into telling the story of the raid. Even vetera soldiers sat on the edge of their chairs and leaned in close to listen. Some thought the kobold disguise most clever, other were not so sure about attacking in disguise. Those of course were the paladins. Cor told of the attacks and then made sure that each of the fallen was given a toast by all present. "Tis only by the grace of Odin that I am here ta tell this tale. Tomorrow, who knows what fate awaits each. All we can do is fight with honor and believe in the strength of good." With his tummy full of ale and stew, Cor made his way back to his bed. No close to knowing what path to choose than he had been when he began.


Posted on 2013-03-08 at 02:23:39.

Teller of Aryn
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509 Posts


Enter the Paladin

Lady Jessica Voltaire, Paladin of the Great Goddess Athena, Knight Defender of the Realm of Callahorn smiled widely as she raised her wooden longsword. The four lesser knights around her held their swords at the ready. She nodded to them and the ‘dance’ began: both of the knights to her left made the mistake of attacking her at the same time, she pivoted to her left raising her shield to catch of the swords blows as she spun behind the attacker and gave him a shield bash to the upper body as her sword racked the back of his leg causing him to careen into the other attacker. She quickly darted in before he could recover and slashed across his breastplate scoring a ‘killing’ blow with her practice sword.

As Jessica whirled to her other two opponents she saw that they were wearier and spread out one to either side; she took a hard pose and awaited her attacker’s first move.

She didn’t wait long, for the one to her left attacked with a high faint while the one on her right went for a low swipe towards her midsection. Ducking under her shield and moving left she avoided the sweep and took the high jab on the top of her shield as she drew her sword across the legs of her first attacker taking him to the ground.

Dancing out of the range of any riposte, she turned the last man with a faint smile. She saw a smirk upon his lips and before he could decide how to attack her she pressed forward with a flurry of jabs and sweeps which drove him back. The man managed to block or avoid her blows for a few seconds but soon her wooden sword rang off his breast plate and he fell back and laughed as he dropped his weapon upon the ground in a sign of surrender.

“Once again Lady Jessica, you have bested us easily.”

Jessica laughed aloud and tossed her wooden training sword to the side as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

“Your companions are too eager, Sir Tomas,” she said with a chuckle, “you should teach them patience.”

“It is the inexperience of youth,” Tomas replied, “you remember being that young don’t you?”

She raised an eyebrow at him and smirked, while she was once young as the other lesser knights against which she had just spared with she didn’t recall being that naïve about battle. She had always had a knack for combat; the sword seemed to be the part of her that had always been missing as a child. Her father, Aryon Voltaire Adviser to the King of Callahorn, had frowned upon her playing soldier with the boys. He had grander plans for his daughter; a marriage to a Lord or Baron would increase their family’s position.

Jessica had hated to disappoint her father, but the life of some Noble Lady who sat around entertaining other Noble wives was not the life she would choose. The thrill of battle, a sword in her hand, the blood of her enemies upon her hands was what she craved. While her father had been upset at her choice of profession, at least she had sworn her service to the King; the King and Athena.

The Goddess of Wisdom and Combat, was her patron deity; it only made sense that Jessica would become a Paladin of Athena. She found service to the Goddess and the Kingdom of Callahorn quite fulfilling. She dedicated her life to service to God and Country, in that order.

Jessica trained hard almost every day with sword and shield and sometimes her mounted weapons to keep her skills sharp. Though of noble birth she demanded the trainers take no heed of such and treat her as any other. Therefore, they gave her no favor, the bruises upon her body truth of that.

As Lady Jessica saluted her training partners and turned away from them, a young squire ran up to her and handed her a towel. He was her personal squire, James, barely 18 years of age; he was the son of a noble man and had aspirations of one day being a Knight himself. For now he did as all Knights, including her, had done before him; serve as a squire to a full Knight. James leaned close and whispered something to her, her head came up and she paused in her step. She looked at him as if not believing what he had said; he nodded to show she had heard him right. The King had summoned her to an audience; she handed Squire James her practice shield and walked away.

Jessica wiped the towel across her face as she moved off to the baths, the sweat having started to dry in layers upon her lithe, well toned body. She could not appear before the King in such a state, as she cleaned up she knew James would have her Armor ready in her quarters.

 
===================

(This section in collaboration with the DM)

Twenty minutes later, she walked into the Royal Audience Hall, her helm tucked under her left arm as she stopped at the foot of the dais and dropped to her right knee and bowed her head low.

“Lady Jessica I, or rather the Realm, has need of you,” the King of Callahorn said in a firm authoritative voice.

“I am your humble servant, My Liege.” She replied finally rising her gaze to look up the King after being addressed.

“A day past you may have heard of the raids undertaken against the enemy’s engines of siege”

“I have, Sire.” She had heard but knew little details as most of the raiders had not returned.

“Yes well, of the groups sent only one returned with most of its members intact. It has been brought to my attention by my friend King Maridynn of Shan’Tara, whose people they be, that they are in need of spiritual fighter, a Paladin. As such, you will be assigned to them the moment you leave these chambers. Know these things as truth, they have had two others before you and lost both. One to death, the other to darkness so you will be an example of Callahorn and I trust you to hold true to your training and beliefs.”

“You need have no fear on that score, your Highness,” she replied a faint smirk upon her lips.

“Though you are of the nobility so is their leader, a Cor Trollhammer, and it is he who will command you. You will find him and his group at the home of the fortress commander. Gather your things and seek him out and present yourself to him and show him the pride of Callahorn within your heart.”

Still on one knee she bowed her head and placed her right fist over her heart as she replied, “As you command, Sire!”

She rose and whirled around sharply and strode from the King’s Audience hall. Once outside she retrieved her helm from beneath her left arm and placed it on her head once more as she strode off.

================

Early the next morning, Lady Jessica arrived at the home of the fortress commander, General Martin St Albans, and presented herself to the General’s guardsmen standing watch at the gate to the walled compound.

“I am Lady Jessica Voltaire,” She said holding out the parchment scroll, given to her by the King’s Scribe, which verified her position and purpose here, “I am here to see the group of adventurers who are being housed here; the ones who recently returned from an excursion upon the battle field.”

The Sgt of the watch came forward and took the scroll and opening it took note of its contents and the seals of authority placed on the document.

“I believe the leader of this group is one, Cor Trollhammer,” Jessica added.

“Everything appears in order here,” the Sgt said as he rerolled the scroll and handed it back to her.

“Of course it is,” She said raising an eyebrow as if he would dare to question her word.

The guard Sgt gave a little smirk then signaled to one of his men; the man stepped forth and saluted sharply.

“Take Lady Jessica here to see the Sir Trollhammer,” the Sgt ordered and then turned and walked back to his guardhouse.

Jessica’s eyes narrowed at the Sgt’s back, she knew these men were a bit haughty being the personal men of the General but it was no excuse for such behavior towards a Paladin and Knight Defender of the Realm. She turned and gestured the soldier to lead on and she followed a couple of steps behind him and to his right. She had never been in the personal household of General St. Albans; she studied it as she followed her guide. She marveled at how the walled compound was laid out; bottle necks creating Kill points, heavy banded doors could be barred from the inside making escape impossible, all-in-all a very defensible home.

Jessica’s guide led her into the house proper and upstairs; stopping before a door he gestured to her that this was the room she sought. She nodded to the guide and he turned and left her standing there without another word; again another rising of a slim brow then she shook her head.

Turning to the door presented before her she knocked on the quarters of Sir Cor Trollhammer and awaited his answer. When/If he came to the door and opened it he would see before him a tall (6’) figure dressed in a set very intricately adorned Field Plate Mail including a helm sporting a white horse’s mane. The figure reached up and removed the helm and shook her head to free up flowing golden lock which cascaded down to her shoulders. A fine longsword hung from her left hip and a large shield was strapped to her back.

“I am Lady Jessica Voltaire,” the woman before him stated wearing a faint smile upon her lips, “I am looking for Sir Cor Trollhammer.” Her tone gave the impression that she didn’t expect the dwarf before her to be the man she sought.
_________________________

(Well there is my first intro post; I hope it is satisfactory. If I have erred in some fashion please let me know. I look forward to RPing with all of you. )


Posted on 2013-03-08 at 18:19:37.

Keeper of Dragons
Devil's Advocate
Karma: 59/18
2581 Posts


A visitor

Cor was deep in prayer; a prayer that the mallet in his head would cease banging on his skull. "Curse that las for actually keeping the ale flowing." he said to no one. Reaching for his flagon he poured a good measure of ale. "Only real cure" he said agian to no one. Downing the ale he looked around for something to wear that was at least half clean. "Must rememeber ta ask the laundry lass ta see to my things today." After sniffing and discarding several items he finally settled on remaining in his nightshirt a bbit longer. As he slipped it back over his head he heard a knock at his door; one that sounded as if teh one outside was using a battering ram powered by a tribe of hill giants.

"For the love of Odin quit yer knocking!" he yelled and then realized that yelling was no better than the knocking. Cursing himself under his breath and still with his nightshirt partly over his head he opened the door. "Well, what de ye want lass?" Taking in her fancy armor, the plumed helm and the sword on her back he knew at once she must be a paladin. One that had not yet tasted the bitterness of the carnage raging just outside the walls of the keep. Giving her a raised eyebrow he asked, "Is there a costume ball today I was unaware of?"


Posted on 2013-03-09 at 03:31:48.

Teller of Aryn
RDI Fixture
Karma: 21/1
509 Posts


By Athena, A dwarf?

"Well, what de ye want lass?" The shabbily dressed dwarf before her asked; hadn’t she just said who she was a moment ago?

"Is there a costume ball today I was unaware of?" the dwarf continued looking over her armor; she frowned at that. Was he insulting her appearance? She straightened herself up to her full height and asked again.

“Since you appear to be inebriated,” she said in a haughty tone, “I will repeat myself.”

“I am Lady Jessica Voltaire, and I am looking for Sir Cor Trollhammer.” She said slowly so he could understand her this time.

As she finished she took in the sight before her, he was hardly dressed, not appropriate to be answering a door in such a state. He had obviously been drinking heavily, so much so that she could still smell it upon him now; a deplorable sight!

Both her eyebrows suddenly raise, by Athena NO! Could this be Sir Cor Trollhammer? Trollhammer? It did sound as if it could be a dwarves name; by Athena this cant be true. She looked down at him and waited for what she was sure was bad news to come.



Posted on 2013-03-09 at 13:21:32.

Keeper of Dragons
Devil's Advocate
Karma: 59/18
2581 Posts


come in

"Can ye keep it down a bit lass, me head is killing me this morn. Ye have found the one you seek, I am Cor." Gesturing as he spoke, "Come on in lass. If ye'd be so kind as ta tell me what brings ye to be looking for me that might be a good place ta start." Cor moved behind his dressing screen. "Ye can talk while I get into something a bit more appropriate than a nightshirt. Was nay expecting any visitors." Behind the screen Cor began changing. In a moment of mischeviousness he called out, "I seem ta have forgotten me pants lass. Would ye be so kind as ta throw me a pair, or I can get them but no peeking, yer choice." Cor knew it was an odd request likely to make his vistor uncomfortable. That was exactly what he intended.


Posted on 2013-03-09 at 15:40:44.
Edited on 2013-03-09 at 15:45:07 by Keeper of Dragons

Teller of Aryn
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509 Posts


Dwarfs can be so cruel!

"Can ye keep it down a bit lass, me head is killing me this morn. Ye have found the one you seek, I am Cor." Gesturing as he spoke, "Come on in lass. If ye'd be so kind as ta tell me what brings ye to be looking for me that might be a good place ta start." Cor moved behind his dressing screen. "Ye can talk while I get into something a bit more appropriate than a nightshirt. Was nay expecting any visitors."
Lady Jessica shook her head, of course this was Cor Trollhammer. She slowly walked into the room as Cor walked behind the screen; she looked around and tried to keep from holding her nose at the putrid smell in the room; a mixture of sweat and ale.

Behind the screen Cor began changing. In a moment of mischievousness he called out, "I seem ta have forgotten me pants lass. Would ye be so kind as ta throw me a pair, or I can get them but no peeking, yer choice."
The screen blocked the incredulous look that came upon her face; she pondered a second but then decided she would rather not see a naked dwarf. She spotted his pants tossed upon the floor. Pulling her dagger she used the tip to lift the pants and keep them at arm’s length as she walked over and flung them over the edge of the dressing screen to Cor.

“Lord Cor,” she said in a firm voice showing no sign that she had been ‘rattled’ by the exchange, “I have been sent by order of my King Lacorana Palantinos, Ruler of Callahorn, to join your group and to… follow your orders, Sir.”

Lady Jessica Voltaire slide her dagger back into it's shealth then stood stiffly at attention, her helm held in the crook of her left arm as she awaited the word of her new 'Commander'. She wondered what her King and her Goddess Athena had in store for her; it seemed like her future held trials and tribulations which would test her in ways she had yet to imagine.



Posted on 2013-03-09 at 19:08:21.

Keeper of Dragons
Devil's Advocate
Karma: 59/18
2581 Posts


my oders

Cor pulled up his pants that had been deliveerd at dagger point and was caught off guard when his visitor informed him that she was there at the order of the king. When she stated that she was to follow his orders he nearly split his side laughing. "Follow my orders is it lass? Well that is a fine idea. I believe my first order for ye is ta go down and order two bowls of stew and two mugs of ale. I'll be down shortly ta join ye." Cor popped his head around the dressing shield and added. "Make sure it IS ale in at least my flagon or teh king will hear of my displeasure."

Cor waited until she left and then quickly washed and opened his traveling chest. 'Guess I had best put on a proper show for the las before she has a stroke.' he thought. Pulling out his well polished ceremonial armor and tunic he made sure that he looked every bit the epitome of a knight-cleric. The armor of a paladin might be fancier but there was no mistaking the craftsmanship of his own armor. His tunic was of the finest silk. Only his axe was evidence that he was no court peacock for it was razor sharp and the haft was wire-wound and well worn attesting to its frequent use in combat. Finally ready and sure that the wait was just about as long as it could be without being insulting he made his way downstairs.



Posted on 2013-03-10 at 00:33:35.

Teller of Aryn
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509 Posts


Fun and Business!

"Follow my orders is it lass? Well that is a fine idea. I believe my first order for ye is ta go down and order two bowls of stew and two mugs of ale. I'll be down shortly ta join ye." Cor popped his head around the dressing shield and added. "Make sure it IS ale in at least my flagon or the king will hear of my displeasure."
Lady Jessica opened her mouth and then shut it again; she realized that this dwarf was try to mess with her, to get her riled up. She smiled slightly and then inclined her head as she turned to go.

“I will await you downstairs,” she said before closing the door behind her.

She went downstairs and found the dining area where she introduced herself as a new member of the group and placed the order that Cor had asked for and then sat and waited for him. She also ordered the ale for Cor, yet she got herself a glass of wine which she sipped while she waited.

When he arrived she raised an eyebrow at the new dress that he wore, she lifted her glass of wine and raised it to him.

“That is a more appropriate look for you Sir Cor,” she said with a smile and then gestured to his awaiting stew and flagon of ale, “Your meal sir.”

“Now as to why I am here,” she continued locking her eyes with his, “I am not here to fetch your meals or your ale; this is the last time. I am here to help you fight, period.”

“So not that you have had your little fun,” she said with a smirk, “perhaps we can get down to business.”




Posted on 2013-03-10 at 02:21:48.

Keeper of Dragons
Devil's Advocate
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2581 Posts


business

"Aye lass. tis indeed time for business. What you say about being the last itme you take my orders may ring more true than ye know." Cor sat and sampled his ale. "Ahh, that is a fine ale." Setting the flagoon back on the table he looked into her eyes. "Be not so eager for a fight, I have lost many a friend in battle. Perhaps ye have not heard of the results of the last raid? Too many elite lost their lives inflicting damage that is no more damaging to our foe than than a pinprick to a dragon. Eagerly they sought glory and a chance ta prove their worth and all they found was death." Cor took a few bites of stew before continuing. "My own group, if it is even mine, has lost more than a few good friends. Where we walk; death takes notice. That fancy armor and beautiful plume will nae protect ye from what we track. There are no words to describe the pure evil that stands against us in our task. Yer vows will be tested more than ye can imagine if ye walk with us. I know, for I spent over 100 years testing paladins who wished to prove themselves ready for advancement in their orders and thougght I knew what evil was. I was never so mistaken in all my life. This fancy armor and tunic will find itself relegated once more ta storage when this discussion is finished for it is more utilitarian kits that are in order for us. If ye seek glory or revenge or a chance ta prove yourself ta yer god then walk away now and feel nae shame in it. I nae care if the king himself sent ye; do ye accept the burden yerself lass?


Posted on 2013-03-10 at 04:49:57.

Odyson
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6326 Posts


A Hard Days Day........

The raid on the machines was going close to plan as the teams attack burst the first into flame. But as they attacked the next the course of battle changed as it often will. The giant guarding the great tool of destruction saw the spells being cast and realized there was something wrong with this group of Kobolds and turned to attacked them as his machine burst into flame too. Ulthok knew Valene was one of the two kobolds the giant was after but the disguise was even too good for him. So before the behemoth could do them harm the mage loosed a flash of lightening to stun and drop it before it could reach the team. Two energy arrows finished the job felling the giant like a huge tree. Thus started the melee as the other defender rallied to the sound of the giant hitting the ground blocking the team’s advance to the next machine.
The scene of the oncoming Orcs and Kobolds reminded Ulthok of the charging Wargs around the wagons. Raising his hands the mage loosed the same spell as then.

“Team behind me, prepare to charge the center.” Spreading from his finger tips Ulthok utter “Brrrrrr,” and cast a cone of cold. Before them the charging creature stopped in their tracks as the Orcs and Kobolds froze solid, but the two giants were only slowed.

The party charged through the frozen enemy and swarmed the giants. Cor and Rayne made quick work of the first, but it might mace had made its mark on the two. The Halfling cleric rushed to attend Cor and the range. The rest rushed the second inflicting mortal wounds, but it reached out grabbing one of the group as it fell. The huge hands clasped over the kobolds head. Before Ulthok could pull Idrenal to sever the giants arm it fell and crushed the member skull. The only mercy was that it was quick. Ulthok looked quickly to see who the giant had killed….. for now he could only tell that it was one of tall fighters as they took revenge and slaughtered the giant like an oversized cow.

Looking to Cor the mage saw the look in the leader’s face and knew the fighter couldn’t be saved by the cleric’s spell to raise the dead. Reluctantly he moved on the next target.

As he got into range the Halfling draw on his last spell of fire ball and engulfed the last machine in fire. Then from above a lightning bolt struck the machine , Sirene had rejoined the team.

Reaching out to Peri, Ulthok called her, “Peri, to me… now…., we need to leave.” Within moments the mage felt a slight pressure on his shoulder. A small voice inside his mind said impatiently, “Ok..ok.. I’m here already…. That nasty black robe thingy must have been strong or lucky.. it never felt my spells.”

“Stay close my friend we need to leave now.” Then as Sirene landed he call to the others, “To us.. quick we need to teleport back!” As they gathered Sirene looked to Cor, he shook his head and she knew they were missing one.
With the group set Ulthok took his material and whispered, ”There’s no place like home.”

He expected the tingle of energy of their body separating from this location to congeal again at their intended destination. But nothing….Sirene looked to Ulthok, her spell failed too. “Great googly moogly…….Well group looks like we do it the hard way…..back out the way we came in….follow me, again!” Together they rushed back to open in the dome.

By the time they’d reached the opening the last two giant had taken up position to hold them while reenforcements were came to finish them off. Remembering how Maggott would call him Master of Shadows, the mage called up help of his own and summoned three shadow monsters to drain the life from those blocking their way and Sirene brought in a fire elemental that cast the giants aside. Through the ravaging carnage the party escaped the dome. Regrouping outside the party was short another member, as they search quickly it was to no avail. Cor directed them to move, the mission was complete now was time to survive.

Drawing his wand of cold Ulthok lead the party back and as they came upon a group orcs in the treaches he cast his last cone of cold again freezing these so the other would finish them as they passed. The group charged on. Enemy fighter and archer pursued, though a hail of arrows and spears they ran. Ulthok using his wand to clear large groups in front of them and the other defending against those that tried to flank them.

Ulthok had never been much for prayers, but hoped Cor’s Odin and Valene’s deity would smile on them.

Approaching the city the spell that had disguised them was lifted so the that archers on the wall would not add to their trouble. As they reach the passage that would lead them to safety the fighter Lexson dropped to her knees and then rolled on her back. A sinister black arrow had pierced her and had quickly festered. Cor and Valene knelt by her to heal her and get her inside but their magic would not help her. Before their eye she started to change, she was a half dragon and their healing magic could not heal her. Ulthok stood close behind Val to protect her from any arrows or spears that might come. There he over heard as the young fighter spoke to Cor.

“Save her you must Dwarf, complete my mission if you hold this world dear. Find our Queen and save her, or the Dragons of Good will never fly in your defense.” Then she breathed no more.The party quickly gathered her up and they all fled into the safety of city.

Cor had Lexson taken to a place for honorable burial and the remaining party were lead back to the great hall. There they told their story and heard of had happened with other teams from the few that had returned. As Ulthok listened he knew someone’s deity had watched over them, for there’s was the only party to return with most of its members surviving.

When that was done Cor attended to Lexson and surely left prayer for Sorin and Eclipes. The remaining team was escourted back to the home of St Albans.

Fatigue now settled on Ulthok as they walked through the streets, it would be good to bath and rest in a soft bed. The kitchen would surely have some sweet treats he could find to reward Peri for help and bravery.

He also noticed how Valene now walked quietly ahead near the guards. She seemed in deep thought or perhaps it was fatigue weighing down on her too. Battles and near death changes you each time you face it, perhaps … well times change.

Reaching the General home Ulthok made his way to the kitchen and there a fresh apple pie had just come out of the oven. Peri could bearly contain herself. The fluttering of her tiny wing and her musical squeaks charmed the kitchen staff once again. The two left the kitchen with a tray of food, drink and a steaming apple pie.

Word had spread quickly of their return and house staff had a hot bath waiting in his room. The mage placed the pie on the dresser and the tray of food by the bath.

”Peri.. enjoy your well earned pie…I’ll enjoy this bath and bit of food and ale.” The two quietly spent the evening alone in their room.



Posted on 2013-03-10 at 05:36:41.
Edited on 2013-03-10 at 15:31:11 by Odyson

Teller of Aryn
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509 Posts


Death and Battle!

Lady Jessica listened intently to what Cor had to say; she did not interrupt and he could probably see in her eyes a faint sadness for the loss of so many in the recent battles. While she had not been permitted to fight yet, she had friends who had been sent out and did not return. When Cor was finished and asked her if she was ready to accept the burden herself, she straightened herself in her seat.

“I know you look at me and the elaborate armor,” she spoke up finally, choosing her words carefully, “and think I am just some fancy noble lady who plays soldier and strives to prove herself by dying out there on the battle field.”

“Let me assure you Lord Trollhammer,” she said in a firm voice, “I am not here to prove myself to you or anyone. I have fought many battles, and earned my rank as Knight Defender of the Realm. What I do is for my Goddess, My King, and my people; the people of Callahorn are in danger here from the evil Horde beyond these walls and I mean to help save them.”

She paused and took a sip of wine before continuing on.

“My King has ordered me to assist you and to follow your orders, as long as they don’t involve fetching your ale,” she smirked slightly, “and I accept this duty as long as it strives to defend the people of Callahorn and it is the will of my Goddess and my King.”

“I am sorry about the loss of your companions,” she said and bowed her head slightly, “I too have lost friends in this battle. But those of valiant hearts and strength must always face death to save the less fortunate.”

She raised her wine goblet and drank a toast to those who had fallen in the battle.

“So now to answer your question,” she said emotion telling in her voice, “I accept the burden of the great task that lies before us. I will give my life in the defense of Callahorn and it’s people.”


Posted on 2013-03-10 at 14:52:18.

Keeper of Dragons
Devil's Advocate
Karma: 59/18
2581 Posts


welcome

Cor listened to both the words and the manner in which they were said. It was oft the latter that was the more telling. She would do.

"Lass, if ye are apt ta assume the burden then I will do my best ta share the yoke fairly. Know that this group is unlike any other ye have ever served with, of that I am sure. There is no chain of command, no series of ranks, nothing that ye would find in a company of knights. This is a loosely organized party made up of highly individualistic members. That I lead them is more correctly said as I speak for them. If ye follow my commands in battle ye are likely ta be the only one who does. So far we have enjoyed the blessing of luck more oft than we should have and that kept us alive."

Cor took a few more bites of stew and finished his ale. "Now if ye don't mind I am going up and get out of this ridiculous outfit. I'll arrange introductions with everyone straight away." Cor took his leave and after changing sought out each party member and asked them to introduce themselves to the newest to join the group.

Finished with that, his mind turned once more to how he was supposed to find the dragon queen. Hopefully word from the king's messenger would arrive and give him a clue.


Posted on 2013-03-10 at 17:07:52.

Kriea
postima prolifica
Karma: 74/7
691 Posts


Drama that needs to be done...

Valene had struggled to be everywhere she was expected to be in the battle as well as keep a wary eye on her taller friends. She knew they had been well capable of watching after themselves long before she came along but someone watching your back a luxury she had come to appreciate. As the battle raged on and as the dragon woman stilled under their healing hands, a realization washed over Valene. Now was not the time, but a change was needed in her life.

Her god was a very merciful one. He demanded from her only that she be tricky and that she spread revelry and joy. As she stood at the solemn funeral ceremony for so many dead she knew there would be many more deaths to come, indeed hers may even be among them. Had she spread joy in her party mates? Doubtlessly she had made Ulthok happy, but she knew no more about her other companions than she did about the patterns of the stars in the sky. She could name them on sight but beyond that they were a pretty mystery, fun to look at but ultimately not something she knew more than basic information about. She was out of her element and devoting herself to a single man. While it was a parody of what her mother had always wanted for her, it was not a path she should have put herself on. She had a duty to her god and to the world. It was standing there watching the sad service that she began to put together what her next few steps had to be.

Once she was left to her own devices her first action would be to fashion a mask out of a covertly taken corner of blanket or curtain. It was a bit rough but it served her needs. She sat herself down and prayed devoutly, not apologetically but instead as a promise to her god and herself. She let Valene the person fade away in her mind, letting the anonymity of the mask take her until she sat as a stranger in her own skin. When she opened her eyes her mind was set. She could be complacent for no longer. If they were truly facing the end of the world, facing down the annihilation of everything, then her abilities were needed more than ever.

Now, to arms, so to speak. Valene's first stop had to be Ulthok, because he needed to know some things. On the other hand, tonight was also a night that she should be celebrating the life of the fallen and sending good thoughts toward them for whatever they found after this life. All this mourning and depression suited humans and elves just fine, but she had been raised differently. She didn't know enough about Dwarves to know how they handled death but she assumed that it involved alcohol so maybe there was promise there.

The cleric wandered off to find the other halfling in the party, wondering how she would find him. When she located him she watched him from a little bit off for a while, trying to figure out how she would word her news. “Ulthok? Can we talk for a moment?” Her voice stayed unwaveringly plesant though in truth she was terrified that he would shun her. It was unlikely, but she had seen stranger things.

“I will be brief for seriousness does not suit me tonight, but we both know that our affections have gotten out of hand. It does not suit people of our kind to be so closely attached to a single other. I value you, both your friendship and your skills... but this hot and heavy romance must cool. My life is owed to my god... and with the way things are....” Her pleasantness cracked, a hiccup of sadness in her voice.

The pause while she gathered her composure would allow for him to answer her.
“Maybe if we were not in the situation that we are...” She stopped, all her composure failing her. “If things were different I like to think maybe I would be happy with you.” She admitted finally. “but it seems the prank is on me this time... to find someone that suits me so well at the exact moment when I cannot devote myself to having him.”

And then in a moment of uncharacteristic panic she ran. Turned heel and took off as fast as her legs could carry her. She found her bizarre mount and buried her face into the fur at the tiger-like creature's neck. “By the coin, what's gone wrong with me?” She groaned. “Valene when did you become such a sodding fool?”

This was where she remained for quite some time until she composed herself and went looking for Cor. Mayhaps he would have some drink, and that was badly needed to smooth her frazzled mind. “Um... Cor?” she called timidly when she found him.


Posted on 2013-03-10 at 20:42:47.

Teller of Aryn
RDI Fixture
Karma: 21/1
509 Posts


Joining the Party

"Lass, if ye are apt ta assume the burden then I will do my best ta share the yoke fairly. Know that this group is unlike any other ye have ever served with, of that I am sure. There is no chain of command, no series of ranks, nothing that ye would find in a company of knights. This is a loosely organized party made up of highly individualistic members. That I lead them is more correctly said as I speak for them. If ye follow my commands in battle ye are likely ta be the only one who does. So far we have enjoyed the blessing of luck more oft than we should have and that kept us alive."
Lady Jessica listened to Cor speak, she figured that nothing she might say would have any effect on his thoughts on the subject. Her only reaction was when he spoke of there being no chain of command and how the others didn’t follow his orders; how was it possible that this group had returned when others had perished.

Cor took a few more bites of stew and finished his ale. "Now if ye don't mind I am going up and get out of this ridiculous outfit. I'll arrange introductions with everyone straight away." Cor took his leave and after changing sought out each party member and asked them to introduce themselves to the newest to join the group.
Jessica smirked at his mention of his armor and rose as he did, she inclined her head to him and watched him leave the room. She sat back down for a few moments and finished her wine; thinking on the days to come. Rising she wandered around the General’s walled compound as she waited for others from the group, which she didn’t know so couldn’t seek them out herself, and knew that this time might be the last peace she might see for awhile.



Posted on 2013-03-10 at 21:06:49.

Keeper of Dragons
Devil's Advocate
Karma: 59/18
2581 Posts


Another visitor

Cor heard Valene call him. "Aye lass?" Cor motioned to an empty chair, "Sit if ye wish. I could use a distraction from my thoughts just now and the ale is not doing the job. Not that I have not given it more than a fair chance."

Cor wondered what brought the usually reserved Valene to seek him out but he was gald she did. e did not know much about her and realized that if he had been looked upon to perform her eulogy he would have been a babbling idiot trying to cover the fact that he knew almost nothing about one so close.


Posted on 2013-03-10 at 21:34:24.

   
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