OOC>> Quite well, Larry, and very humorous, though this girl's lover is in bed with a unhealing wound. ;) I will delete the other post if people find it distracting. IC>>

SIR BLANDAMOUR (To King Beresfor) "Your Highness, may I be permitted to say that I find all of this talk of a piece of fired clay distasteful when it is your daughter's life that is in question? I quite fail to see why you hesitate in the slightest."

BERESFOR "You are impertinent, sirrah! Go slay me this dragon that holds my Gudrun captive, and your Order will have a strong friend in me."

SIR BLANDAMOUR (Bows) "I am glad to say that I am not under your orders, your Highness. Mine are to investigate this and to do as I see fit. Since I doubt that a man like your Highness would be requesting the Order's help, if your Highness' men could do it themselves, it would appear to behoove your Highness to take a less preemptory tone with me. I want to know the history of this item, what it is, and why the drgon covets it so, when he knows that such an action could bring on his doom."

<font color=white>The Steeplewood Forest</font>

<font color=darkseagreen>“I am surprised, Ligeia,” Iphigenia says to the younger woman, “a day spent in your company and he is still so carefully polite.”

“He is rather stubborn in that way,” Ligeia replies and then adds smiling mischievously, “but don’t hold that too strongly against him.” The women share a laugh and Ligeia’s smile broadens at the unexpected humor of the First.

Iphigenia waits as Raymond and TAO exchange greetings before speaking again. “Such conversation as awaits us is best conducted among such comforts as the grove might provide. Our home shall be yours while you are with us.” Turning to the East, she nods in the direction of a pair of enormous trees which suddenly begin to move.

“By your command, Mistress,” a low and resonant voice rumbles from the first of the trees and something like a face is apparent upon its trunk. With a slow and powerfully deliberate movement the tree seemingly uproots itself and steps to the side, its companion doing likewise. The song of a strong and confident voice drifts out into the opened space created by the movement of the speaking trees.

“That is Miriam,” Ligeia whispers to Raymond. “She is singing the song that will open the wards of the grove to you and TAO. Such a voice she has .....!”

There is a sudden twinkling of light as if hundreds of stars had burst into dancing movement along the forest floor and the howl of a great wolf [Ajax] brings Miriam’s song to its conclusion. A narrow parting emerges in the laurels that had been shielded by the speaking trees.

Turning to Raymond and TAO, Iphigenia smiles her words of welcome, “Come. Let us enter the grove.”</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: <font color=skyblue>Raymond and TAO</font> - Go ahead and enter. I’ll hold off on describing the grove for the moment, but suffice it to say it will make even the rest of the Steeplewood seem ordinary in comparison.</font>

[ 06-24-2002, 02:22 AM: Message edited by: Cyril Darkcloud ]

KING BERESFOR (to Blandamour, grudgingly) "Well, I don't suppose it would hurt for you to see it, just for a bit, though."
(He leads the knight to the inmost part of the castle, past guards, and carefully disarming traps. A massive steel door is reached, and he opens this with a golden key that he wears around his neck. The door opens, and a richly decorated room is revealed, with elaborate carpets and framed works of art on the wall. A superb table sits in the middle, with but a single chair. Upon it, nestled in a swirl of silk brocade, is an ivory vase, so elegantly simple that the glaze does not even completely cover it, but reveals the clay in a few places; but artfully, like a seductive woman baring skin. The glaze is faintly opalescent, and for some reason makes him think of a cedary smell, experienced once but never forgotten. Tranquility is in every curve, every variation of the color. Just to gaze at it makes him forget all of his worldly cares and touches his mind with the coolth of a child's spring morning, when all of the world seems new and green. Startled, he turns to the king, who smirks and says, "Yes, that is the vase called Peace of Mind. It was made by the master potter Ling Po as his masterpiece, an age ago. It is said that he made a dozen attempts before succeeding, each before it cracking in the kiln's fire. But finally he succeeded, and that is the result. It is mine, and I shall not part with it for a dozen daughters. I well know how to get more daughters, but there is only one vase like that."

Sanael Ganahr

Looks up after finishing with bandaging his leg and sees Isaura slapping the druid.

"You know Isaura - I don't think that a few slaps will make her any more cooperative. Why don't you apply your newly gained knife-skills and cut off her nose or something - I sure she'll open her mouth really quickly after that."

He turns his attantion to the captive druid

"Oh - and if she won't do it, I'll be glad to. You see druid - I owe you and your companions a little pain and revenge - after all have you seen what that damded wolf did to my trousers?", he gestures to the large tear in his trousers and the surrounding bloodstain, "Do you know how hard it will be to remove the blood."

He rises and walks over to the dead wolf and retrives his dagger. He starts to clean it, but appears to reconsider.

"No reason to clean it yet - after all it'll problbly get bloodied again in a few minutes"

With a little smile on his face he then starts to advance upon the bound druid.

OOC: Lets see if this will make her talk [img]graemlins/firedevil.gif[/img]

[ 06-24-2002, 10:09 AM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

<font color="plum">"ENOUGH!" Addison shouts as he slams his staff onto the ground.

"There will be NO MORE threats of torture against our captive!"

All eyes turn to him in shock and surprise.

"Lady Galadria, regardless of your previous explanations, I cannot believe that your Order condones torturing helpless prisoners. She is NOT evil, hence your actions are not justified."

"As for you good ranger" (his voice drips with sarcasm) "I hope you are only trying to intimidate our prisoner. But whether you are or not is of no consequence. I will not stand idly by and allow more torturing of the druidess."

He then turns his attention to the captive.

"And as for you, nature worshipper. I know that you are withholding information from us. I suggest you tell us everything that you know, otherwise, your life will most likely be forfeit. You attacked us and we defended ourselves. There is no apology for that, and we will do the same again if need be. The only difference is that you most likely won't survive a second attack on us.

Tell us what you know and I will see to it that you are freed and allowed to leave without further harm. Refuse and I can offer NO such garuantee for your safety."

"One last thing, druid. If you prefer to keep your knowledge to yourself, that is your choice. But our mind-warrior here (nods in Kishin's direction) can probe your mind and retrieve any information we need with or without your approval. You literally have nothing to gain by withholding this information. The choice is yours."</font>

<font color=skyblue>Smiling fondly at Raymond, she ruffles his hair with one gloved hand, then hugs him back.....

Glancing up, her eyes flash silver upon hearing Ajax's howl, and amusement colors her face as she lays a hand on Raymond's shoulder, "Lead on......"</font>

SANCHA (She focusses on the monklike man with renewed hope, then looks at Kishin, feeling the velvety fingers of his mind manipulating abilities and resolves to tell all.) "We...we work for the dragon, Lord Kinn'zuwannik." (She licks dry lips) "He promises to protect our wild lands from human settlement from the Kingdom of the Peaks. Our Chief Druid told us that he wanted to keep your party of adepts away, so that you cannot join the paladin, his forever accursed name is Blandamour, who hurt my sweet Diana. That is all I know. Will you let me go?"

OOC> Addison and Kishin ccan tell that this time, she is telling the truth.

<font color="plum">Addison looks to Galadria and says "She has truthfully told us everything she knows and I gave my word she would recieve safe passage if she did so. There is nothing more we can learn from her, so there is no reason to restrain her any longer."

Addison doesn't need his <font color="yellow">ESP</font> spell to read Galadria's thoughts. Her look expresses an equal mix of anger and frustration. She does NOT like having her authority challenged. She did not give HER word, why should she honor his. Besides, what if this thankless wench attacks us again?

Seeing her hesitation, Addison continues.

"We defeated her and her allies easily enough. IF she is foolish enough to attack us a second time...I will not interfere in any way."

He then turns to the druidess.

"In return for your freedom I ask that you not stand against us again. If you do, I will come back to your grove and raze it with every <font color="yellow">fire-spell</font> that I know."</font>

SANCHA (to Addison) "Thank you, kind sir, if I am released, I shall not harm your party in any way...only...only...can I go and visit my Diana? I think that she is dying."

LADY GALADRIA (She unties the druid, and as she does she winks at Addison) "Very well, we have kept our end of the bargain. You may go and visit the invalid, but no more libelling Sir Blandamour in my presence, do you hear? I know that if he had to harm this Diana of yours, he had good cause, such as, she probably attacked him as you did us. It does puzzle me that he left her wounded, for that is not like him. But, if the wound is unhealing, I know that he did it, for the wounds that his sword, "Cold Iron," deal out do not heal except by his will. Tell your leader that he is warring against the only chance that his daughter has."

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

He steps forward and puts a hand on the mage's shoulder.

"A moment, Addison. I know your intent is good, but you're not too consistent concerning threats."

The elf now turns to the druidess.

"Before you go, I want you to know that I regret what happened here. Had I felt there was a choice, I would not have taken the life of your fellow druid so easily. I am sure the others would rather have let your wolflike friends alive too. I'm sorry for your loss.
Please hurry and return to your grove, and dissuade others from attacking us. Not because we want to kill them, but because we will not let them murder us. You will not be aiding the balance by letting other druids be sent into almost certain death.
You will likely need them to shield yourself from the dragon's wrath when he finds out your attempt was unsuccesful. Now go. I don't think anyone present will change their minds about letting you go. But you'd best hurry and prepare against any attacks which may come from the dragon if you do indeed refuse to take his orders in the future. Unlike Addison here, I'd not like seeing part of nature go up in flames.
Oh, one more thing. Unless the lice are friends of yours as well, I think you should consider taking a bath. I wish you luck."

He takes a step back, then turns around completely to walk back to Sorsha. Not too far behind her, staring at him from the top branch of a bush, sits the odd green bird. He ignores it.</font>

<font color="plum">Turns to Legolas.

"Your chastisement is duly noted. While I did not wish to threaten the druidess, it was the only I way I felt I could ensure she would not attack us again. She may or may not care for her own life, but I'm sure she would rather die than see any harm come to her grove. I did what I felt was necessary to protect the party."</font>

Sanael Ganahr

walks over to Addison

"Listen mage - I don't care who you are, but don't presume to give me orders. I do whatever I feel is necesarry to achive my goals - if that means a little knifework - so be it. If you have a problem with that - turn around and don't watch."

"The Druid answered our questions - so I didn't need to use my knife. But if she hadn't, I would have used it. And don't imagine for a moment that your protests would have stopped me."

"I do hope that I have made myself absolutely clear."

Sanael turns away and walks back to his place by the fire.

[ 06-24-2002, 04:30 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

<font color=skyblue>Raymond

Raymond's legs shake with such nervous excitement as to nearly render him unable to walk. With great effort and focus however, he persues forth, looking around and trying to take in all the wonderous glory before him. Having TAO beside him made the whole ordeal more bearable, as he still was too shy for being here alone. He much preferred the guiding hand of a true adventurer. With visible joy, they pass through the opening.</font>

<font color="plum">Addison simply smiles calmly at the ranger.

"If I have a problem with your actions, ranger, I assure you that I will rely on more than my "protests" to stop you. Now that we are both clearly understood, we can be on our way."</font>

[ 06-25-2002, 12:36 PM: Message edited by: Cerek the Barbaric ]

LADY GALADRIA "Addison, Sanael, Legolas, put a lid on it! We are surrounded with enemies and this is no tome to fall out among ourselves. Now, which of you elves can track that smelly druidess back to her Head Druid? She is clearly besotted of that Diana of which she spoke, and if we can get there unaware, it would be strange if we could not cause some mischief. If we could get there and persuade the Head Druid to let Blandamour heal her, we might get him to change sides. At the very least, we could find out some valuable information." (She peers around at the space between the trees where the druidess disappeared.)

<font color=skyblue>Just past the opening, she stops.....

The bracer around her neck casts brilliant silver/amber light out, as blue flames dance across her cloak and staff. She turns her eyes, now solid silver, upwards and smiles........

removing the gloves from her hands, and tucking them in her belt next to the SpiritSword, she lays both palms on her staff....

the stone in the staff, and the stone in the bracer both glow a soft sapphire as she pushes the hood of her cloak back, letting her long silver/blonde plait of hair come undone as it swirls softly around her........

Smiling down at Raymond, she whispers, "It has been over one hundred years, since my booted feet have stepped onto ground such as this........"

She howls softly into the wind, then stands leaning one arm on her staff, the other softly stroking the sword.......</font>

<font color=teal>OOC: :D this should be more than enough information seen, for the druids to see that the legend they were told is not a myth, but right in front of them............*LOL*</font>

[ 06-24-2002, 06:04 PM: Message edited by: TAOWolf ]

OOC>>>I take it Raymond is in for one hell of a surprise?

SANCHA (Wild with relief, she runs through the woods to the house of Greentunic, not caring or even thinking that someone may be following her.)

[ 06-24-2002, 06:45 PM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

<font color=silver>Sorsha

If I had voiced my suspicions... would it have made a difference? ~ Hardly, it seems. Watching the group of men engage in some verbal battle is hardly comforting in the darkness of the night. She smiles weakly as Legolas returns to her side and reaches to entwine her fingers with his.

"Perhaps we should make a move now." ~ She half-whispers, not wanting to draw attention to herself and yet desiring to get out of the place.</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura

She hears Sorsha's words and notes that the others - save for Legolas - does not hear them. Walking over to Galadria, she addresses her in a somewhat forced gaiety ~ "Let us go now, shall we? And this time, we must be better prepared for more... surprises."</font>

GREENTUNIC (He hears the news that Sancha brings and storms into Kinn'zuwannik's den. The dragon is egging the quickling into tormenting Gudrun. Blood wells from her scratches. She is sobbing as she tries to fend him off. ) "Dragon! I have wasted my people trying to destroy these knights and adepts. Now, I am told that I have offended th only one that could save my daughter. Why have you done this?"

KINN'ZUWANNIK "Why, out of malice, my dear druid. You could never have stood against these wights. I shall have to do that, myself. But, now that you have bled yourself white, I shall be the only power in this land. What do you think of that? Now, if I desire to do a thing, I shall not be hampered by your little band of tree-huggers. You may live - to do my bidding. Now, ZZZbrp, show him out!" The quickling attacks him with his tiny scimitars, and he is forced to flee. He goes back to his cabin, where Sancha is weeping into Diana's sheets. She is only conscious at intervals.)

<font color=white>The Steeplewood Forest

THE GROVE</font>

<font color=darkseagreen>Iphigenia watches TAO with great interest, her dark eyes noting the nuances of the visitor’s gestures. At the glow of stones in the woman’s bracer and stave, her own eyes narrow slightly in appraisal. “Yes,” she says calmly, “it is as I had thought – the tale will be much more interesting told by your lips.” She steps forward through the opening in the laurel, leading the others into the grove.

There is a clarity about the air within the grove that lends a vividness to color and a sharpness to sound. Sound and color are what greet the visitors as they pass through the laurel bushes – the dancing of reflected starlight and the notes produced by the splashing rise and fall of water from the spring in the great stones near the entrance. Sound and color greet them once more in the deep and excited growls of Ajax and the shifting patterns of white and grey that define his fur. The sound of Miriam’s voice, still alive with the song of entrance and the sights and colors of the rest of the forest that dance above the basin to the tones of her voice await the visitors deeper within the grove. Within the clear air a patch of mist appears only to take the form of Aesop who runs to Ligeia and barks his own greeting to the new arrivals. The bright colors of autumn fire adorn the trees and a chorus of owls hoots from behind their concealing embrace. The clear air stirs behind them and the way through the laurel is closed once more as blonde haired Claudia speaks the words of warding. Ullalume sits quietly on the stones near the entrance to the grotto, her eyes wide and curious as she looks upon the visitors.

It is a place of relentless beauty, a place that demands both song and silence, a place whose beauty is both painful and compelling to eye and mind.

Ligeia sits on the grass and playfully scratches Aesop behind the ears. “Such is our home,” Iphigenia says to the visitors. “You are most welcome here.”</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: <font color=skyblue>TAO</font> - PMed a couple questions your way.</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

"We'll move, Sorsha. But it appears we'll have to pick a direction first."

Not wanting to step forward again, he instead raises his voice so he may be heard by the others.

"Lady Galadria, even in the failing light I'll have little trouble tracking her. However, I wont. If you want to visit the grove, you should have told the druid so and let her guide you. The threat has almost certainly been neutralised, and we probably have the better share of information already. Approaching the grove uninvited will end in more bloodshed, all of it unnessecary. More importantly to you, it will cost us time.
I hate having to remind a paladin of her duty, but you have a colleague to help out. I do not believe chasing druids is the best way to do so.

Sorsha and Isaurahave it right, we should leave this battlefield while there's still some light left and find another place to camp. I believe the castle is that way?"

Although he knew that almost everyone in the group would choose good over evil, he didn't exactly agree with the means some thought they could use to reach that same goal. It was not the paladin he worried about, she was likely just caught up in the excitement of the fight. He didn't like the approach of his fellow elven ranger.
So far, all the rangers he'd met preferred to avoid bloodshed through talking. Even Rrang and those like him didn't actively go out and search for something to kill. This one, though, seemed almost to live for bloodshed.
He shoots a disapproving look at Sanael's back before returning his attention to the others.
If not for Isaura's presence in the group, he would seriously consider going his own way with Sorsha. There were too many people showing distrubing behaviour, or not showing very much at all.</font>

Sanael Ganahr

sheaths his sword and dagger, picks up his bow.

"Yeah yeah - whatever. I'm sorry we can't continue this discussion - but i've apparently got a job to do"

He turns to Legolas

"And don't worry colleague - those treehuggers won't detect me unless I let them.

With that said, Sanael gathers his gear and sets off in the same direction as the druidess vanished.

OOC: how's that for an edit ;)

[ 06-25-2002, 01:11 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

OOC>Since I am kinda DM'ing this, I shall be glad to arbitrate it. I shall need weapons, armor-class, saving-throws, and such, though.

OOC>> You guys!!! IC>
LADY GALADRIA
(To Legolas, reluctantly) "You are right, I suppose. Let us journey on. As I reckon it, Beresfor's castle is another day's march. Come along, everyone." (She mounts Gold Top and canters to the road)

<font color="white">OOC> Done and done.

My apologies again for the misunderstanding.

(Cerek offers his hand to Ar-Cunin)

There's a few other Posts that will need to be edited or deleted to erase the incident. But there is no reason we can't continue with the story in the meantime.</font>

<font color="plum">Addison mounts his horse and heads for the road behind Galadria.</font>

OOC: Ar-Cunin

takes Cerek's hand and shakes

"just about finished with the editing" [img]smile.gif[/img]

IC: Sanael Ganahr

In the middle of the night Sanael watches over the druid-grove. He overhears the head-druids lament about his daughters fate and the betrayal of the dragon. He notes the depleted state of the population and their apperent dejection. With these informations he melts back into the darkness and heads towards the castle.

OOC>> Good! IC>
SIR BLANDAMOUR (To Beresfor, after tearing his glance away from the vase.)"Tis a nice trinket, sure, but to value it above your own flesh and blood passes my comprehension. But, whatever my opinion of you, King Beresfor, I cannot leave your daughter in danger. I shall journey to the dragon's den and confront Kinn'zuwannik." (He takes his leave.)

ELIZA (Getting rather bored, she ventures into the castle looking for Blandamour. Instead, she is immediately greeted by the Queen.)

QUEEN MARGOT "You must be the Princess Eliza that I have heard arrived with Sir Blandamour. Welcome! May I ask whom your father is, and why you are serving as the esquire of the bold knight? It would seem to be below your station."

ELIZA (She curtsies, being rather astounded that she remembers how.) "Your Highness, I thank you for your greeting and your welcome. As to my place, none is too humbled for an exiled princess whose kingdom is in chaos. My father, now dead, was Cedric, King of the Marches. I am very greatful to Sir Blandamour for taking me in and giving me the chance to be his esquire."

QUEEN MARGOT (Flushes) "Well, that rather explains it, does it not? I am glad, though, that Sir Blandamour will have you along when he rescues my daughter, for you will be there to make sure that she is treated with the respect due her station."

ELIZA (Taken rather aback) "Well... certainly... but Sir Blandamour would never take liberties, I assure you."

QUEEN MARGOT (beams) "Thank you so much. Now, if you will excuse me, I have duties." (She sweeps away. Eliza is puzzled. Does she think that the girl is reclining on a silk pillow in the dragon's clutches?)

<font color=silver>Sorsha

The group sets off once again, led by the regal Galadria and enigmatic Isaura. Occasionally, the latter flicks out her dagger, making swipes at imaginary assailants as if she is afraid she will lose the precious training received from the paladin.

Behind, Sorsha walks beside Legolas in gloomy silence, her chin drooping somewhat. More than half an hour later, she finally speaks softly to the elven ranger ~ "Legolas." ~ The rest of the members behind move on, some casting speculative glances at the pair ~ "I... I am afraid I bungled the affair miserably." ~ Her voice is wrought with humiliation ~ "Isaura will never agree to this task... I fear that we are only wasting our time." ~ Looking up at him rather uncertainly ~ "I am very troubled by all these affairs of late."

Taking a deep breath before continuing ~ "The temptation to leave almost drives me wild... after all, I just want to be with you always, and it should not matter to us what others think. I mean, about leaving the rulership of the kingdom and all that." ~ It should not matter and it does not... except... that it matters what he thinks. ~ "Yet it seems that to do so is the coward's way out. Others would have to sort out the mess that... I... created." ~ I almost regret killing Cedric; after all, at least there was a ruler then! ~ "And so, I think I have to stay, regardless of my preference... do you agree?"</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura

As the group covers more ground, her spirits improve a little as she pictures herself doing an intricate war-dance, slicing at unexpected angles and stabbing her foes in a single stroke. To her surprise, she finds herself humming a strange melancholic tune and the tears creeping into her eyes.

And then it happens - a flash - <font color=lime>The basket drops and overturns, sending the berries rolling on the ground. My heart skips a beat. I run forth... the babe is a ghastly blue. I reach out, speechless with terror as I feel the icy cheeks. Dead!</font> ~ With a cry, she drops her dagger and collapses onto her knees, burying her head in her upraised hands. Now sobbing - from sorrow or bewilderment, she knows not - she desperately tries to stop, knowing that everyone - including that hateful sister of hers - is watching.

"I'm alright." ~ Her voice is snappish, defiant even, before anyone can so much as venture to say anything. Dusting herself off the ground, she snatches the dagger and shoves it back into its scabbard and walks on fiercely.</font>

[ 06-25-2002, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

SIR BLANDAMOUR As the rays of the setting sun turn the castle's towers and pennons to ruddy gold, he hears the lookout sound the alarm. Sprinting to the step above the gate, he cries out in joy, as he sees Galadria's distictive pink armor and her shield, argent,a hand holding a severed head on a field gules. He rushes down to the gate to greet the party. They see a stout castle, four crenelated towers around a central keep, set on a hill overlooking a wild mountain valley with a river in its botttom. They make their way along a narrow road along the foot of the wall with the river flowing seetly on their right. They are challenged, then let to pass through the main gate, the portcullis raised.)

[ 06-25-2002, 11:17 PM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

<font color=white>Korup-shun

Constable Isaaks</font>

<font color=salmon>“I ain’t done nothing! I swear, whoever you’re looking for, it ain’t me! Whatever been done, I ain’t done it! And even if anyone saw, it wasn’t me I tell ya!”

“Relax, Amos,” he says as he limps to the peddler’s cart. “Whatever you did, I’m not here about it.”

“You’re not ....? You feelin’ alright, Constable?”

“I’m doing just fine, Amos.” He lingers over the wares displayed in the cart before selecting a couple small items and handing the peddler a few coins in payment.

“Since when are you the shoppin’ kind? You can’t be feelin’ right, you just can’t. You’re gettin’ me worried here, Constable. You sure you don’t wanna sit down and rest a minute?”

“Word is you’ve been trying, Amos,” he says as he presses the coins into the peddler’s hand. “Word also is someone’s been leaning on you.” Looking Amos squarely in the eyes he continues, “You just keep trying and I’ll see about that someone.”

“You’d do that? For me?” His startled eyes narrow. “What’s the catch?”

“You just keep trying, Amos.”</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

He smiles softly to himself. That she cannot bring herself to simply leave and let another take care of things shows she does care about what happens to others, regardless of her words earlier.
The ranger, too, keeps his voice down. What they are talking about the others don't have to hear.

"Sorsha, I too would like nothing better than travelling alone with you. If you really want to leave, I'd gladly go with you. But I'd prefer it if we tried to persuade Isaura a little longer.
All that happened at the inn wasn't your fault. Isaura simply refused to see the truth right then. She may change her mind over time if there's enough pressure on her, but she would not do so gladly..."

He pauses a moment, considering a new idea.

"I think she'd only take the position gladly if the people wanted to have her as their ruler.
Maybe we shouldn't be trying to convince Isaura, but the common man."

Again a pause. Although he makes no sound, the air carries the suggestion of a disappointed sigh.

"We'd have to know where she's going though, if she's even returning to the country. So it's probably best to stay a while longer, just like you suggested.
Tell me, have you ever seen a live dragon?"</font>

OOC>>>Yoohoo... anybody there?? I guess you lot are so caught up with NWN that you're not coming back [img]graemlins/crying.gif[/img] <font color=white>ATTENTION EVERYONE! PLEASE... PLEASE... COME BACK!!!!</font> [img]tongue.gif[/img] :D

IC>>>
<font color=silver>Sorsha

"A live dragon? Lords, no..." ~ Her nose suddenly twitches as a sudden thought strikes her ~ Will this be one of our last moments together? ~ Smiling weakly ~ "I don't think I could quite survive an encounter with one." ~ Her feet unwilling to carry on somehow ~ "D... do you think we've a chance of seeing one and not getting slaughtered?" ~ Absently placing her hands into her pockets, she shuffles on nervously.</font>

OOC>> Don't worry about us, Mistral. NWN won't work on our computer. We didn't post yesterday because the forum was down. IC>>
ELIZA(She is standing VERY close to Blandamour. She overhears Sorsha's remark, however, and turns to her with a pleasant smile on her face.) "Oh, the dragon is real enough. Kinn'zuwannik is his name, and he has captured the daughter of the king of this place. We (here she glances adoringly at Blandamour) are going to rescue her. If the damned druids will leave us alone for five minutees, that is."

Isaura notices that someone is staring at her. Glancing at him, she sees that it is a tawny-haired boy with peculiar eyes. It seems that they are golden, and he is smiling an odd smile, as if they shared a secret. He motions with his head, and she almost involuntarily takes a step towards him. When she does, he comes right over and lays his head confidentially against hers. She is conscious of an almost musky smell, not at all unpleasant. He says, in a whisper: "I see that you have come with your friends to rescue the princess. A laudible goal, but there is another just as fair, that lies dying not a day's march from here. Can you help her? She is my sister."

[ 06-27-2002, 09:46 AM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

<font color="aaccff">Legolas

He gives Eliza a distrustful look. She was searching for Sorsha even before she killed her father. There was no telling what evil plans might go round in her head, but they'd probably involve 'removing' Sorhsa. He knew it wasn't fair to judge her by her father's actions, but he disliked her nonetheless.

"The druids'll leave you alone. We took care of that on our way here."

He turns back to Sorsha, trying to put the worst of her fears to rest.

"As for the dragon, I doubt he or she will be much trouble either. You know the pink armour Lady Galadria wears? If I'm not mistaken it was crafted from the scales of a red dragon. She has plenty of experience in dealing with them combatwise. But I don't think it'll even come to that. Dragons usually prefer to talk and strike bargains to fighting a capable band of adventurers.
And there's no need for us to get close. If we're going to the dragon's lair, facing the dragon will be up to the paladins. We can stand and watch from the back. If it does come to a fight, my bow has a long range so there's no need to get close.
Most likely, though, we'll get to admire a magnificent beast in it's lair as the paladins talk to it, and then after a while we can be off again, letting it live in peace. Not all dragons are evil either. This one may have a good reason for 'capturing the daughter of the king'.
A bit of fear is healthy, but meeting a dragon is mostly a wonderful experience."

His voice dies away as his mind drifts off to previous encounters with dragons. He'd seen eleven true dragons so far. Most of the encounters had been peaceful. Some were not. He hopes the next one will be...</font>