The Afternoon sun Beats down on you, the air is hot and still. The sparsely settled lands of Elsir Vale are starting to grow monotonous. The town of Drelin's Ferry lies a few days East ahead of you.
Frodo the Halfling gem "merchant" you are escorting call for a break for Afternoon tea, after all it's his only 5th meal for the day and Mister frodo sure like all his six food stops.
You have been traveling for a few days already along the old dawn way. It has been rumored to be increasingly more dangerous bandit wise, but so far so good, no trouble has come to find you yet.
Mister frodo is a nice travelling companion and his riding dog "sam" is well behaved.
By Hextor, what a loss of time ! was thinking Galdamor.
The tall Suel, clad in heavy armor, said nothing, dispite his thoughts. His hard, but handsome, face showing just some hint of exasperation.
Removing his helmet, its silver hair shines with the sun, some traces of sweat visible on its face as its hard gray eyes fixed on Frodo, the "men" who hired him a few days ago who's eating for the fifth time of the day.
He sat on a big flat stone and begin to think to the past month, when he reach the March of Sterich after is superior, Commodor Olden Klav, send him in mission in this chaotic land.
"Help restoring order, build a new church for Hextor" was his two commandments.
But few people listen to a new guy, alone, with a symbol of Hextor. A new guy with no records, no achievment and a stranger in this chaotic land. Especially when the hated church of Heroneus is strong.
That's the reason he accepted to escort Frodo, may be it will be his chance to prove is worthiness and to begin its true mission.
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Denlin plops down beside Frodo. "Well at this rate we'll just be a few more days to Drelin's Ferry. Glad you're paying me daily, and not a single lump Mr. Frodo. Afternoon tea is important if you say so." He listens to Frodo talk for a minute.
"No of course we don't need to hurry. There is no hurry here, those rumors of this area being dangerous were silly. Besides! You've got me here! No goblin or ogre would come near us given my mighty reputation!"
Denlin settles back in. This might not be life back with his tribe, but wandering had always been in his blood, that and fighting. You never got to fight new and interesting things back with the lion tribe, just occasionally orc raiders or a few wild beasts. Men were far more interesting opponents.
"Say, you don't have any of that good potato stew left do you?"
Stew? sure of course you have been traveling for a few days with Mr frodo and the 2 things he tacks rather seriously is Business and Food, and he if rather "good" at both. The stew while quite simple is excellent.
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"Ahh, that's damn tasty. I swear Mr. Frodo, coming with you was one of the best tasting chances I've ever taken." He gobbles some of the stew and wipes his mouth with his hand. He gives a contented sigh and continues.
"I am a little sad that nothing's happened this trip, not even wolf has wondered by lately. That would have at least kept things interesting. Don't worry though, I wouldn't let anything happen to you or Sam. Hey, grumpy! Quit brooding at me and come get some stew." Denlin calls to the cleric accompanying them.
How nice of you Denlin, and Sam is such a good boy aren't you Sam the dog approves with a loud wouaf
Frodo gently pats him on the head before continuing: I rather like peace and quiet but i assure you some merchants or caravan haven't as lucky as we have been so far.
"Did I hear stew?"
Brian had just come out of the forest after scouting ahead a bit and had heard his brother talking about tasty stew. He comes over and gives Denlin a good wallop on the shoulder before sitting down next to him and helping himself to a bowl.
"SNIIIIFF! Hmmmm! sure smells good! What all did you put into this?" he asks, taking a bite. "Ah come on Denlin, enjoy a bit of quiet time, it can be quite nice to roam a forest without having to worry for your life once in a while. Gives you time to think. Say you got any rings in that there pack to sell? Ah nevermind, you probably wouldnt..."
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A middling height, cloaked half-elf approaches from the shadows whence he came... Reill will saddle up next to the stew and ready himself for the ensuing excellent stew.
Mr. Frodo, I feel as if I had met you before... as if... I had maybe read about you somewhere... anyways. How about that there stew...
Rufa dismounted her steed, immediately moving to brush the animal. She had purchased the horse several weeks prior from a rather dashing elven bard she had met. Named Ruth-heriryar, the animal was powerfully built and well groomed, even combat trained. Sadly her skills at horse trading were not up to par, for she failed to recognize the one flaw with this beast. It was temperamental, even it's name a clue as translated from elven met "angry horse". Another reason to keep business partners and bed partners separate.
Focusing back on beast, she quickly brushes Ruth-heriryar before coming to join the others, taking silent joy in knowing her brushing skills are just as bad as her horse trading ones.
Sitting down she enjoys a bit of stew herself. "Some days I swear that animal forgets which of us is in charge. Quite tasty once again, Mr. Frodo." she takes a small bite before turning to Brian. "I take it no troubles ahead of us still?"
It seems like an eternity from the point when the young man dropped from the finely tended warhorse until he finnally joine the remaining of the group.
At first glance he seems like a contradictory mixture - his clothing is casual, clearly selected for travel and practical reasons, but his gear shows as someone prepared for the best and the worst - fully complete with a finely crafted, organic looking armor, a large wooden shield and multiple weaponry, he seems ready to take on an army, but on the other hand there is an underlying current and attitude of contemplation and sometimes distraction with the most casual of details, such as the singing of a particular bird or the waving of a particular bush in the wind.
When engaged in coversation, he is however, surprisingly practical and to the point - not easily dragged into philosophical considerations - a World Traveller - he had called himself more than once, interested in the knowledge of Oerth, but not above a good scuffle with the bad guys and bashing some heads that may need such treatment.
After dismounting and exchanging a few short words with his magnificent war horse, Silvanius proceeded in removing the steeds' barding, founding a comfortable shade and providing him with some food - "A friend" - he had explained to the others before, during the trip when referring to the magnificent beast - "We found ourselves with common needs, and decided to share the road" - he added with a huge smile and a pat on the horse's neck
Of course, by now, no one is that surprised anymore to see the giant that always lumbers around, following Silvanius - "It is indeed an ape, but much more than a friend" - he would say - "Grook'o is a brother..."
He hadn't been very forthcoming as to where he had come across the gigantic creature, but it seemed to follow and understand the man quite well, usually keeping silent in most occasions, preferably watching Silvanius from a nearby tree branch, which he would easily climb even though clad in an apparently tailor made reinforced leather armor.
As he approaches the group, Silvanius smiles - "There. My friends are comfortably settled in. Now... What is this I hear about a stew being prepared?"
Fiddling around in one of his pouches, the man produces a smaller pouch, opening it with care and showing it to Frodo - "Would you consider adding this particular herb to the stew - I have tried it myself and it offers a... Lets called it an acrid acquired taste that is most unusual. Actually... I'll add it to my portion, and if any of you are interested, do feel free to taste it, and decide for yourself"
At Rufa's comment, Silvanius smiles again - "I do not wish to offend Miss Rufa, but if any point you wish me to have a... word with your mount, I will be happy to do so - I believe he rather enjoys your company, and serving as your steed, much more than you think. In any case, I am also adept at animal training, and would gladly assist you with it" - he offers a short bow and resumes his meal.
Well i am hoping for no trouble myself, but it usually doesn't hurt to be prepared.
looking at the herbe Silvanus hands him, he smiles I see you have some Parsley. Good for you lad. well it is a bit lite for this stew as it wouldn't have time to really flavor the mix. Keep it for lunch tomorrow. I'll prepare a vegetable stew that will greatly benefit from it. As he hands it back
"I do not wish to offend Miss Rufa, but if any point you wish me to have a... word with your mount, I will be happy to do so - I believe he rather enjoys your company, and serving as your steed, much more than you think. In any case, I am also adept at animal training, and would gladly assist you with it"
Rufa turns to glower at Ruth-Heriryar, the horse almost seeming to smile back. "He better enjoy my company, as much brushing as he wants. Vain horse, every time we stop if I don't he starts getting uppity." Rufa lets out a sigh. "I suppose best to just let him stay the way he is. Hopefully that spirit will be better used if we encounter any foes. Though a peaceful trip through the countryside has some great appeal."
"I saw nothing up ahead but there is a point where it gets narrow and we best be wary when we get there. Something about it seemed... off..."
"ACHOO!! Damn beasts! I don't like them one bit. They make my nose all itchy an never did like them back home."
Brian is visibly put off by having to travel with a pack of animals.
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Denlin broke into a big grin as his brother joins them, giving him a "gentle" tap on the shoulder in return. "Hrm, might as well be careful, but with the Longarm brothers here there couldn't be any ambush to to find!" Denlin finishes his stew and looks out at the woods. "I bet those woods are your favorite kind brother. Plenty of nice glades to lay down and take a nap in when you're supposed to be scouting!"
He winks to Brian, and then finally notices how many animals they have accrued. "Bah, horses. Good for carrying things and for those who are too good to walk on their own two feet." When Silvanus offers to "train" he adds in a mumble "At least these ones might not run away with my pack at the first scent of orcs. Stupid wetback caravan..."
"I'll be just happy being classified as 'too good to walk", thank you very much." Rufa stands and stretches. "Though it's a good respite from riding at times."
you break up after having enjoyed afternoon tea and resume your trip toward Drelin's Ferry.
Diner passes and goes, and so does Night.
you wake up and now you are three days out from the town.
Brian gives Denlin a nasty sideways look and mouths dont blow my cover before they finish the meal. He then stretches and goes over to rest against a large rock, trusting that someone else will take up nightwatch duty.
When he wakes up in the morning, if Denlin is still sleeping, he will take a cup and fill it with water. He will then go over to Denlin and balance the cup on his sleeping brothers forehead before heading out into the forest for a bit of an early morning jog and stretches.
Ah well, Reill, that's why you took up the mandolin instead of comedy. Noone laughs at your jokes
Throughout the night, Reill sits just far enough away from the camp to were he can still see and hear everyone, but remain mostly undisturbed, or being forced into conversation. He is often quiet, finding himself day dreaming of one day being able to swoon audiences with his gifted musicianship. Then his mind drifts to his current job, and remembers he still has a long way to go if he if forced to take jobs like this to put food on his plate.
He will fall asleep, and awake in the morning, with a scribbled notebook in his lap. Upon waking, he will quietly put it away and see about any breakfast. When Frodo awakes:
Ah, Mr. Frodo. We getting close to Drelin's Ferry, if I'm not mistaken. Why don't you give me the rundown of what you be wishing to sell there again?
ha, Reill i am not going there to sell but rather to buy, actually it is more about contract renewal.
I must apologize for lacking attention... my mind... tends to... wonder... away from.... me
He stares off into the distance for a few moments. Transfixed by the subtle beauty of the morning rays of sunshine.
Ah, um... so about this buying and renewing then?
it is indeed just that he says with a smile
Silvanius' day starts early as he wakes up to tend to his animal companions and overlooking the status of all the beasts in the group.
He also attempt to gather additions to a healthy and appealing breakfast.
After collecting a couple of herbs, fruits or available berries, offering some of the delicacies to the animals, and stashing some the remaining in one of his pouches, he joins the others.
"Fortunately the trip has been quite peaceful so far - in spite of the rumours of increased bandit activity in the region. Are you aware of any details of the assaults that have been carried out so far?"
There has always been some far reaching goblin marauders coming form the Crystal mist mountains. But for the last two years there seems to be more attacks. The only things we know for sure is that there are very few human survivors. The goblins seems from what i understand to be more experienced.
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After waking up to a cold splash of water on his face and cursing his brother Denlin collects his gear and gets ready to head out. "Gah, it's too early here in the morning." He perks up at the mention of few survivors. "Don't worry Mr. Frodo, you hired the Longarms for a reason. My brother and I won't let anything happen to you."
He does shake himself awake and become a little more serious about the threat.
Silvanius' attention is clearly caught by the expression - "More experienced... What exactly would you mean? That these goblins seem to be more practiced that their usual selves, or more experienced than the humans they have been attacking?"
Off to the side, the huge ape grunts, and seems to become slightly agitated, as if mirroring the druids' frown - "And these cowardly attacks leave no survivors, you say...?"
The bard rolls his eyes.
Yes... I imagine it is hard for the dead to spread tales...
"A few caravan guards get themselves killed and now we have elite goblin strike teams. Truth be told they were probably drunk and didn't see them coming. Spread these stories as to not ruin their reputations. As long as we stay vigilant, keep our wits about us, this will be a simple job." She pauses a moment in thought. "Of course if we should encounter these experienced goblins we were told nothing about, mayhaps there would be a discussion of a small bonus?" By her tone, the wizardess is only half joking.
"Truth be told, we are just simply caravan guards and this is simply a caravan of sorts. If it could happen to them, then we have no special protection preventing it happening to us." Brian says as he comes out of the forest and dodging the inevatible fist coming from his brother. "Well cept we got us." He says with a grin while looking at Denlin.
Reill: you have no idea. All you know is that in the last two years the raids have been bolder.
by more experienced i mean everything that a veteran as his job gains after a bunch of years of practise. Hence why i have hired this year people that are of some caliber by themselves. says Mr Frodo.
Reill will pull out his mandolin and begin to play. Because he likes to play...
As home starts jamming out, a song fills his head
a merry batch of wanders did gather up one day. To help a mister frodo on his long and arduous way. To town he goes to sell his wares to strangers he not knows. Along the way much peril lay and danger surely loams
The hulking priest of Hextor kept his distance with the rest of the group. Walking on the road quiet and attentive.
During the night he prayed his god, hoping that he can proved to him that he's worthy of his attention and able to succeed his missions.
When Rufa, the human wizardess, spoke of the other teams killed by the goblins he replied with its deep and hot voice.
You're right Miss Damnatio. We must keep order and be organized. Laziness and disorganisation is always the path to defeat and death.
Silvanius laughs at Rufas' reference for a bonus and stands up - "I agree that the recounts are probably exaggerated, but I also agree that we stand nothing to lose by in fact keeping ourselves attentive"
Turning to Frodo he adds - "It is good to know you consider us possessors of that caliber, surely we will be doing our best to have you arrive safely at your destination"
"I will get started on preparing our mounts for travel - Miss Damnatio, shall I appareil your horse this morning? There may be something bothersome about the saddle or briddle themselves lending that less friendly mood to your beautiful animal"
you all get ready and spend the morning riding. Not much happens but the usual stop for second breakfast.
As I say Mr. Sivanius, we must not be lazy or disorganised.
We must focus on our mission which is to assure that Mr Frodo goes to Drelin's Ferry in one piece and alive.
So yes, we must be attentive.
Galdamor wasn't too happy to be around so "uncivilized" people. His love for order would be much more accepted in towns than in wilderness. Between the two brothers and Silvanius he was in minority.
Hextor be praised, to give me the priviledge to learn patience.
After his silent prayer the cleric looked around him, trying to see if anithing was wrong or strange during their second stop for "breakfast".
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Denlin scoffs at all this talk of "Attentiveness" and "Order", but he keeps his opinions to himself. After they stop for second breakfast he starts to think "You know Brian, I think the others may be right. Maybe we should be on guard. If there are all these rumors, and we haven't been attacked yet, then it has to come somewhere in the next day. Also, you said you had a bad feeling about the road ahead and I've trusted those since that caravan in Westdeepe." Denlin keeps his bow strung and near at hand and his greatsword on his back the rest of the day.
"I will get started on preparing our mounts for travel - Miss Damnatio, shall I appareil your horse this morning? There may be something bothersome about the saddle or briddle themselves lending that less friendly mood to your beautiful animal"
"Yes, that would be appreciated, Silvanius. Thank you."
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"I'd still prefer a nice, quiet and easy ride. The quicker to town, the quicker to a comfortable bed. Well, one more comfortable than the ground at least."
The day goes by without any kind of trouble.
Using the herbs that Silvanus provided him Mr Frodo make a wonderful Beef and vegetable stew.
Brian is sitting comfortably crosslegged with his axe across his lap and eating stew when he asks "What will we do when we get to Drenlin's Ferry? Are you still paying us to keep you safe or are we parting ways? An how about you Denlin? You always liked the cities and towns, what do you want to do when we get there? I got some extra coinage."
I don't know yet actually. First i need to talk to captain Sorana. she will know how safe are the roads beyond Drelin's Ferry to where i am going. replies Mr Frodo
Silvanius wears a big smile as he tastes the stew - "I have dabbled here and there in the fine art of cooking - I tell you Mr Frodo that if I manage a stew like this it would make me happy"
To the brothers he adds - "Your confidence alone is a boost to any that have the pleasure of travelling with you - I feel even Grook'O, with his combative soul, is starting to feel curious regarding your capabilities. I, for one, definitely am"
Even if Galdamor wasn't happy to stop five time a day to eat, the food prepared by Frodo was more than good.
The stew cooked by Frodo was excellent and Galdamor surprised himself asking for more !
By Hextor, I'm becoming weak and soft !
The night goes and passes by uneventfully. You make your rounds and Dawn appears.
Breakfast is made by Mr Frodo.
We should reach Drelin's Ferry by tomorrow mid to late afternoon.
And then you all break camp for the day's ride.
During the night, Galdamor prayed his god.
Fortunately, the night, as the others, was uneventfull.
After the - first - breakfeast, Galdamor packed is things, ready for another boring journey until they reached Drelin's Ferry.
The bragging brothers always hoping to see some goblins on the road to smash their skull to prove their worth. The cleric wishing almost the same thing to see how accurate their bragging was.
"Lets get moving then" - Silvanius puts in as he hops onto the saddle of his horse, after checking thoroughly the state of the bit and briddle, the horseshoes and hooves of the magnificent animal.
As the group moves along, Grook'O will usually lumber alongside the druid, occasionally wandering off to the side of the road, his attention caught by some particularly tasty looking berry or shrub. The huge ape always maintains his human companion within eyesight, however.
The day goes by pretty much uneventful.
And as you stop to make camp for the night you realise that tomorrow you will all sleep in soft beds.
Seeing that you have some time as you made camp early the longam brothers head out on Mr Frodo's suggestion to hunt for rabbits.
Upon their successful return Mr Frodo declares that he will make a: Rabbit with mustard sauce and rice.
The dish is a bit spicy but its delicious
"One last night of roughing it, then finally a night in town. I personally cannot wait for some civilization."