<font color=magenta>Isaura

"Eh?" ~ She bends down and perceives his earnest eyes staring appealingly at her ~ Could this be a trap? ~ A tiny frown governs her lips and she replies softly ~ "But I have no healing powers, little boy." ~ That precious sister of mine does... but no, I cannot risk the group's safety. ~ Her smile is grim ~ If I venture to save this lass, it will be by myself... the rest continues without me.

How could she have come to such a decision, she does not know. But she beckons to Galadria and whispers to her of her desire. Adding ~ "This might be a trap, and yet it might not. I will not betray you; please, lead the rest on and complete the quest without me."

Now turning to the boy, she nods gravely ~ "I shall do what I can for this girl whom you obviously hold dear to your heart."</font>

<font color=silver>Sorsha

She notes Legolas' slightly tensed attitude towards Eliza and finds herself similarly freezing up a little. First, Isaura and now Eliza. It seems that the only other lady whom she can presently get along with is Galadria.

Nevertheless, Legolas' words reassure her considerably and she smiles back gratefully ~ "I may well be thought the world's greatest coward... yet fighting just is not my style." ~ Ignoring Eliza's barely contained snickers ~ "But I will do what I can, if drawn to my wits' end." ~ Saying, she bends down and picks several pebbles, gathering them as possible ammunition.</font>

Sorry y'all been having connection issue's. It may continue, looks like work has set up the server to block me, but it is down or being serviced or something. Hope my disappearence hasnt been to difficult. Im sure it wasnt being the high caliber people that y'all are.

I will see you all later

Sanael Ganahr

As the dawn breaks upon the castle a tired looking elf arrives at the gate. After a brief interchange with the guards, he's allowed inside and shown the way to the guest chambers. There he meets up with Blandamour and Galadria, who have risen early as is their custom.

"Well here is the situation in the woods - appartently the Dragon - don't ask me to pronounce it's name - have used the druids to further its own ends by promising to help them keep the woods free of intruders - only to betray them after their flailed - and costly - attack on our respective groups. It seems that the dragon counted on us killing the druids - and thus removing a powerful faction from the picture."

Sanael pauses shortly and focuses on Blandamour

"Another thing that is perhaps of more use is the head-druids daughter, whom you wounded in the first fight, Blandamour. The way I interpreted his ranting is that he would do anything to have her restored to helth, but his own powers are useless for some reason. So if you know a way to heal the wounds you inflicted, you can have him eating out of your hand. Heh - I bet he wound even volounteer to join your Order, if it would save her"

He chuckles to himself and shakes his head.

" As potential allies I think the druids are a spent force - they've lost to many member to our defenses - but the head-druid have been inside the dragons lair and so he may hold useful information, if you deside to attack it on its home ground. I would advice you to seek him out before tackling the beast - and you should do it soon - from the way they acted in the grove, I don't think the daughter has long to live. And if she dies, I don't think any of us will be exactly welcomed there."

As he finishes his briefing Sanael stifles a yawn.

"But for now I'll try and get a little rest - wake me up when it's time to go."

SIR BLANDAMOUR "This is, Sanael, a great opportunity. As you say, we may find out much to our benefit. Indeed, the wounds that my sword gives are different than most, for they bear the wrath of Lord Torm, and can only be healed by that same."

DOLMAN(i.e., the boy withthe golden eyes) (to Isaura) "My lady, the task is to persuade my stubborn father to accept help from the paladins, and for them to aid us. You seem close to the pink-armored one, perhaps she can help."

LADY GALADRIA (To Isaura) "Certes, Isaura, you may go anywhere you like, but do you trust this boy? Certainly, he is very handsome, but you know how men are."

<font color=skyblue>She smiles at Iphigenia as she follows her. Taking off her cloak she sits on the ground, as she takes the SpiritSword from her hip and lays it on the cloak, wrapping it up.

Donning her gloves once again, she looks at Ligeia, Ullalume, Claudia, and Miriam in turn, smiling as her eyes slowly dim to a pale amber/silver. The bloodstone in the bracer glows softly red as she looks at Ajax and Aesop, smiling as she sets her hands on her knees, motioning Raymond to sit next to her if he wants.

Pulling out the flask of elderberry wine, she hands it to Iphigenia wordlessly as she softly starts to hum an ancient song quietly to herself as she runs a gloved hand thru the grass, a single silver tear running down her cheek........</font>

OOC>> TAO, is that "Bonny" or "boney" knees? IC>>
DOLMAN (To Galadria) "Ohh, a paladin! You aren't going to spit me like you did my sister, are ya?" (impish grin)"Pardon me, but did you know that your armor is turning pink?"

OOC:<font color=white> *LOL* "bonny" as in adorable, cute, handsome ehm.... SEXY, in other words :D NOT "boney" as in ..... :D well BONES *LMAO*.....ew boney knees are NOT SEXY [img]graemlins/dontknowaboutyou.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] </font>

[ 06-29-2002, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: TAOWolf ]

<font color=magenta>Isaura

She flushes at Galadria's words, feeling confused ~ "I... I only wished to be of help, on a smaller scale." ~ Here, her voice drops to a whisper ~ "I do not know if I can be of much help in a fight against a mighty dragon, but certainly the chances of healing a person might be better..." ~ Uncertainty flickers the light in her eyes and she sighs ~ "Forgive me, Galadria. My mind seems quite incapable of rationality these days. I will bide by your decision." ~ Yet she glances back to the youth involuntarily.</font>

<font color="plum">Addison remains in the background, monitoring the thoughts of those in the kings' court. He is repulsed by the self-centered, egotisitcal greed displayed by the king and almost wishes that the dragon WOULD ravage the countryside.

He "hears" the conversation between Isaura and the young boy. He quickly probes the young boys mind for any sign of deceit or treachery.

He also briefly scans the thoughts of Galadria and Blandamour, to learn of their plans concerning the dragon.</font>

<font color="yellow">*********************************** ***********************************</font>
<font color="palegreen">Kellen advances to the edge of the woods and sits down to eat a bite of lunch. The trees in this forest are magnificent - unlike anything he has ever seen before.

They seem to rise all the way into the sky, and yet, are exceedingly straight for all of their height. He remembers the name, Steeplewood Forest, and decides it is a very accurate name indeed. These are easily the tallest, straightest trees he has ever seen in his life, and he was raised in a city in the trees as are most of the grugach, or "wild elves", as they are more commonly known.

After his meal, Kellen removes the long, slender sword from the scabbard across his back. He is a BladeSinger, having learned his skill from one of the few elven masters in this area. He begins to move the blade in a slow, graceful series of movements known as the Blade Song. The sword is called a katana. It is slimmer than a regular long sword, but far superior in strength. It can easily do as much damage as a large, 2-handed sword when wielded properly.

As the BladeSong progresses, the sword becomes a blur of motion...and the tell-tale "whistling" sound that gives BladeSingers their name is easily heard.

Kellen continues to look around him. There are many eyes hiding just out of even HIS keen eyesight He has been watched since early yesterday morning. He suspects either the local faires or druids are keeping close tabs on his activities. Very well, he knows he could never "catch" one of them, so he will wait and allow them to come to him. By practicing his swordplay so close to the forest, he feels certain contact will be made soon.</font>

SIR BLANDAMOUR (Notices the boy talking to Isaura) "Ho, you, there, sirrah! Who are you and why are you talking to my party. I tell you now, I like not your looks."

DOLMAN (Hides behind Isaura) "Oh, please, fair lady, do not let him hurt me! I only seek healing for my sister, whom he wounded, mayhap to the death. Tell him of her plight, please."

OOC>> Addison detects nothing but fear and anxiety for his sister. Neither does Kishin.

<font color=magenta>Isaura

She turns to Blandamour with a somewhat embarassed smile on her lips ~ "The boy is named Dolcen, and he needs help for his wounded sibling - a lady druid, if I am not mistaken." ~ Watching his expression, she continues tentatively ~ "More specifically, he needs paladin help to save her... besides gaining your support, he would have to persuade his father to accept your assistance as well." ~ She stoops to look Dolcen in the eye ~ "Have I spoken true, Dolcen? Come, you must show your sincerity by speaking directly to those whom you seek aid."</font>

DOLMAN "Ye-ye-ye-yes, milady. My sweet sister, Diana, was the druid that you wounded the other day. She now lies unconscious and maybe dying. I...I know that it was you that wounded her, milord, and I really don't blame you, for I know well that she and her wolves attacked you. But, you are a paladin, pledged to do good. Can you not find it in your heart to heal her now, since we know that only you can do it? She is no danger, and would be grateful, I know."

SIR BLANDAMOUR (frowns) "I? I killed a female druid, not wounded one. I know that she was dead, for I...oh, never mind, I knew it."

DOLMAN (shakes his head sadly) "Yea, I know that you killed her, milord, but my father brought her back, but to the brink, only. She lies and bleeds, and it takes all of our father's skill to keep her alive. Will you not come, milord? Can you deny healing to a suffering girl, when you could see her bright and alive again?"

SIR BLANDAMOUR (Compresses lips) "Very well, since you put it like that, I shall heal the girl. But, I must be certain that I shall not be attacked, for that would negate any good I would do, by killing more of your people. If the Lady Isaura can go and be my ambassador and grant me free passage, I shall journey to your village and cure this druidess. But, mind you, if any harm come to her, the least little scratch, and I shall level your village to the ground. Am I clear?"

DOLMAN (Claps hands) "Perfectly clear, milord." (Turns to Isaura "Well, Lady, will you do this thing?"

<font color=skyblue>For TAO and Raymond</font>

<font color=white>THE GROVE</font>

<font color=darkseagreen>As Iphigenia silently accepts the wine, Claudia approaches bearing several cups made from snow colored wood. As the First pours out the wine, Claudia passes the filled cups to the others, starting with the visitors. Noting that Ullalume has not drawn close to the newcomers, she quickly walks over to the quiet woman with some wine and then returns to where the others are seated.

Ullalume placidly accepts the wine and takes a small drink from her cup, her eyes never leaving the one named TAO. Time has been torn apart around this one. Torn apart and twisted around her life in the violent way that is common in the rituals of other places. She has felt such things before, but never so strongly as this where at such a distance the twisting of time is so palpable. She sets the cup down and reaches for her own gloves, slowly putting them on. ~ It is best I take no chances with an inadvertent touch of this one.

As Miriam and Claudia introduce themselves to the vistors, Iphigenia’s eyes move between TAO and Ullalume. Turning to TAO, she speaks softly, “The claim which binds you is strong, indeed, if Ullalume is able to feel it at so great a distance.” Seeing the surprise in TAO’s eyes, she explains, “Perhaps you have heard the ancient tales of wondrously gifted individuals called ‘Cyveraens,’ those who can feel and shape and even change the movements of time. Ullalume is one so gifted and it is because of her gift that she keeps her distance from you.” She smiles as she continues, “She has placed her gloves on her hands that you might be free to leave yours off.” She rises to her feet and her bearing takes on an aspect of stern authority. Miriam gathers the tones of TAO’s song into her own soft chant as Iphigenia speaks, “Bright faced Artemis, beautiful Queen of Night, and Great Fenris, mighty in his pursuit, hold sway here and I am mistress of this forest and the First within the grove. Tonight hospitality shall rule in some little way even over the laws of your binding – so long as contact is brief, your markings will pose no danger this night to any within this grove save Ullalume.”

<font color=silver>ooc: <font color=skyblue>TAO</font> - Iphigenia’s power is great, but not great enough to grant more than a single day’s reprieve from the negative consequences of your touch.</font>

At a nod from Iphigenia, Ligeia removes a finely detailed clasp from her pouch. Handing it Raymond she says, “This shall mark you as one who walks under our protection.” The clasp itself is a remarkable likeness, in miniature, of the great tree at the center of the grove and is made of the same snow colored wood as the cups and hinged with silver.</font>

<font color=lightgreen>For Kellen</font>

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

<font color=thistle>There is a musical humming in the air as the wild elf begins the most intricate movements of his dance. The song of the spinning blade to which he dances is a song that is heard by curious and appreciative ears and the dance is one that is watched by curious and appreciative eyes. This dancer with the blade is an unusual elf, shorter and stockier than these curious eyes are accustomed to seeing. Questions begin to twinkle within the curious eyes and one set takes on a mischievous glint that is quickly seen and mirrored those of its fellows.

A ball of reddish color appears just beyond the tip of the dancing elf’s blade and begins to move in a jerky imitation of the movements of the blade. “Not bad,” a high and laughing voice speaks from the ball of color as it flies quickly away from the surprised elf. “But a litte slow, however. I doubt you're good enough to touch me.”

“O! Of course he could catch you!” A second ball, burnt orange in color, dances into the area to argue with the first. “Let me show you how to avoid a wildly spinning blade swung by a strangely musical elf!”

“Listen to you!” A ball of yellow color appears to join the other two. “I’ve seen club-footed dwarves that were more agile than you!”

“I bet he can’t catch any of us with that fancy sword,” the first one says.

“You’re right! He seems much too serious and I bet that sword’s only good for making fancy music.”

The three balls of color begin their own dance around the elf with the spinning blade, bringing the colors of early fall into an amused accompaniment of his movements.</font>

<font color=silver>ooc: A simple game of tag – have fun!</font>

[ 07-01-2002, 06:06 PM: Message edited by: Cyril Darkcloud ]

LADY GALADRIA "Sir Blandamour, are you sure? This could be a trick. I do not trust druids of any stripe, and these have already made a most determined attempt on us. Perhaps I should go with Isaura to ensure her safety."

SIR BLANDAMOUR "Hmm, I do not know. You, sirrah," (to Dolman) "What would be the reaction if the druids saw you coming back with a knight like Galadria?"

DOLMAN "I...I do not know. They hate and fear paladins as much as milady does druids, though I wish that this hostility was not so. Some there, like the woman known as Nightshade, might react violently. It would be hard to sneak her into the village. After our recent losses, the wolves are wary. Perhaps it would be better to have this Lady" (he means Isaura)"in by herself."

<font color="plum">If it will ease your mind, Blandamour, I will accompany Lady Isaura. I'm afraid recent events may have left Galadria a bit on edge. She seems far too eager to let her sword do her talking recently. Perhaps a bit of rest and relaxation would be beneficial before we face this dragon.

I interceded on behalf of one of the druids, so I may be able to enter thier village without causing further hostilities.

And...if it is a trap, I will be able to bring Isaura and myself back to the castle here straightaway."</font>

<font color="yellow">*********************************** ***********************************</font>

<font color="palegreen">Kellen smiles slyly at the three "lights". He has seen their kind before and knows full well how quick and agile they are. They will provide the perfect test for his skills.

He adjusts the rythm of his Bladesong and takes a swipe at the first faerie, which it dodges easily. He continues to turn and makes rather straightforward strikes at the other two as well. Neither of these come close either, but Kellen isn't trying to hit them just yet. Instead, he is watching their reactions and seeing movements they make to avoid his strikes. He then adjusts his dance accordingly and sends his blade whistling even faster through the air.

Faeries are naturally mischievous, and this game is great fun for them. They easily avoid the blade, and dash in towards the wild elf's eyes, dazzling him with their glowing "faerie light". They also continue to taunt him, hoping to break his concentration.

"He really is as slow as dwarf", says one.
"And only slightly better looking", says another.
"I think he IS a dwarf, or at least the son of one. Have either of you ever seen a true elf this short and chunky?"

That last comment almost succeeded in disrupting the BladeSong. Comparing an elf to a dwarf is a tremendous insult, but Kellen's mentor taught him to ignore such frivolous distractions during the course of battle.

AS he blade moves faster, the faeries find themselves actually being pressed a little to avoid the whirling pattern. The elf has begun to anticipate their movements and started striking at where they are going rather than where they are.

Thier "dazzling lights" are a bit harder to ignore. Part of his training required him to strike several fruits suspended at different heights and swinging in various directions while blind-folded. He had track them by smell and "feel" the movement air around the fruits and cleave them cleanly in two. But the fruits were larger and slower than the faeries, and not nearly as bright. So Kellen decided to trust his training and close his eyes. He found that he could hear the buzzing of the faeries wings and follow it if he concentrated enough. Still, try as he might, he simply couldn't match their swift agility.

Time for a little magical aide. He took his left hand off the hilt of his katana and reached into a pouch on his belt. His right hand continued the hypnotic rythm of the Bladesong as he quietly chanted words from a long-dead language. When the spell was complete, a surge of arcane energy flowed through his body, magically enhancing his reflexes. The low soft whistling of his sword became a loud buzz as the blade suddenly increased tremendously in speed. The first faerie was taken completely by surprise and knocked to the ground before he could flit out of the way. The second faerie lasted only a few moments longer before he was also "tagged". The third faerie found itself using all of its speed and agility to dodge the nearly invisible blade. Even it's enhanced vision was having difficulty following the blade's path.

He relied on the pattern the Bladesinger had been following and made his moves accordingly. Unfortunately, the very nature of a Bladesinger is to adapt to changes in their opponents strategy.

To his credit, the faering avoided the blade for several moments, but finally zigged the wrong way and fell to the ground beside its' companions.

Kellen bent down to make sure the creatures were not harmed, then began laughing. He truly enjoyed testing his skills and these 3 creatures had given him one of the biggest challenges he had ever faced.

He puts his sword away and sits down cross-legged next to the 3 small faeries.

"I wish to thank you, friends, for one of the best challenges I have ever faced. I am called Kellen. How may I address you?"</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura

She smiles gratefully at Addison and sweeps a deep curtsey ~ "I am much obliged for your indulgence, sir." ~ And stoops to address Dolcen once more ~ "Very well, lead the way, Dolcen. We stand ready to convey the paladins' good intentions."</font>

<font color=lightgreen>For Kellen</font>

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

<font color=thistle>“Definitely not club-footed,” one of the sprites says.

“Yes, definitely not. Not a dwarf either,” adds another.

“Could never be a dwarf with a laugh like that,” the third replies, “Dwarves are all bearded ale swilling grimness .... and monster bashing .... and heavy hammers .... and chopping axes and ... and... and ... O! I’m just glad he’s not a dwarf!”

“Not that we thought he was to begin with.”

“No. of course not. But the look on his face when we said that. Why now that is a story for the younglings tonight!”

One of the sprites begins to contort his face hoping to imitate the strange elf’s expression.

“No, not yet. The eyes need to be bigger.”

“And the mouth, you haven’t got the mouth right.”

“Wait! That’s it!” Turning to Kellen, a sprite in garments of various shades of red points to his yellow clad companion. “Do you see that? That’s what you looked like when Sylvus here,” he points to another sprite, this one clothed in varied russets and orange, “said you might be the son of a dwarf.” He looks once more at the contorted features of his companion. “Yes, definitely like that. Except you’re quite a bit taller.”

As one, the three sprites turn their attention to this elf called Kellen who dances to a singing blade. The bold and red-clad sprite steps forward and then stirs his wings that he might hover to the level of the elf’s eyes. “I am Jasper.” Pointing to the one whose face had so recently mimicked Kellen’s he says, “And this one of such talented facial expressiveness is Belshon. Sylvus is the one with the sharp tongue.”

“Speaking of dwarves!” Sylvus shouts in his high voice.

“Be careful, I just don’t have the energy to imitate any more facial expressions just yet. Elves are so difficult to get right.”

“No. No, you don’t understand,” Sylvus corrects Belshon. “Do you remember those unpleasant adventurers who were so much fun.”

“Yes! Yes, of course.”

“Well, then, do you remember how we saw to it that they left the Gloomwood without all of those heavy bottles of wine and ale to carry with them?”

“Why yes, I do. The smell of so much drink had me flying in spirals for a week.”

“Do you think our friend here would enjoy a drink?”

“An excellent idea, Sylvus! Go and bring something for him. Belshon, go with Sylvus and bring our guest something else.”

<font color=silver>ooc: Sylvus and Belshom will be back quickly, the one bearing a very old and very good bottle of wine from the southern regions and the other a mithril stoppered bottle of dwarvish spirits.</font>

<font color=DDDD44>Julano

The adventurers had left, and he doubted they would ever return again. For days he had raged, running through the forest throwing his spells at every tree in his path. When his minions came to speak to him he had ignored them, or blasted them too. The power they held would have been such an asset to him, but they had been too careful. He had failed to find an opening. It tore at him for weeks.
Eventually, finally, he moved on to other things. He had picked up his old life again. The passing of the adventurers had left the Witchy Wood with a relatively high number of deaths and disappearances. People wanted to know how and why. Naturally Julano didn't want to tell everyone their skins were hanging in his closet, so he lied. They believed him, he was the mayor's son. And a convincing actor too, or so he thought.
Aside from taking up his life in the village, he also rebuilt his legion of vampires. After the death of his 'ally' more beings had found their way to him. He put them to good use as he had his own lair made on the ground he himself had raized in his anger.
Julano had had just about enough of adventurers, and although he was not yet ready to go out into the world at the head of his army and slay every 'hero' in person, he was amassing his forces and already striking out at travellers entering too far into his forest. Noone in the village suspected a thing, yet, but suspicion grew in the settlements surrounding the woods.</font>

OOC: Julano is quite the distance away from the other characters, so I doubt they'll hear of the monster-infected woods anytime soon. Just setting the scene back there for some unfinished buisness from the original HT thread ;)
Tomorrow I'll be leaving for a three week holiday to England; don't expect any more posts from me while I'm gone ;) [img]tongue.gif[/img]

OOC>> Point taken, Legolas. Have a good time. IC>
SIR BLANDAMOUR (To Sanael, aside) "I still do not trust these Druids. Follow them at a distance, will you? Send for me at the first sign of trouble."

DOLMAN (To Addison and Isaura)*Skips for joy. Though worried about his sister, you cannot help but note his carefree and basically cheerful demeanor* "That is right kindly of you, milord and lady. Come along then." (They follow him to the druid village, about two hours march away. You may note wolves at various stages, but they do not attack. As you enter the stockade, you are closely scrutinized by the guard, who wears a scaly tight tunic, and carries a spear. Noting that you are with Dolman, who passes a secret sign, he lets you go through. He leads you to the largest central house, where a wolf guards the door. Entering, a large, dirty man swings from brooding at the bed, where lies a green-haired girl who moans intermittantly.)

GREENTUNIC "Dolman, what is this? Who are these people?"

DOLMAN (goes down on one knee) "Father, these are well-meaning strangers whom I brought to help Diana. Please listen to them."

GREENTUNIC (turns to Isaura and Addison.) "Well, what is it? How can you help my daughter?"

[ 07-02-2002, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

LADY GALADRIA (to Addison, before they left) "Have a care of those druids, comrade. It is true what you hint, that I hate them. I have fought them often, and have reasons for my feelings that you may not know of. They prate eternally of their damned balance, which to my way of thinking is pure foolishness, an equal amount of chaos and evil for every ounce of good or law. I will have none of it. Know, that they are treacherous and if they decide that their precious Balance requires your corpse on their compost heap, they will takd care to put it there."

Sanael Ganahr

follows behind Galadria, Isaura and Dolman - shadowing the little group. As they reach the village, he takes up the same position as the night before and watches the proceedings.

[ 07-02-2002, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

KINN'ZUWANNIK(To Zzzbrp, the quickling) "I haven't heard any news lately. My little druid keeps his cabin. Go to the druid village and find out what is going on."

<font color="plum">(<font color="palegreen">to Greentunic</font>)"Your daughter has been wounded by a very powerful and unique weapon. And the one who wields that weapon is the only one capable of reversing the damage done by it.

Sir Blandamour of the Order of the Radiant Heart is the owner of that blade, and he has agreed to come to your daughter's aid and heal her wounds upon your promise of safe passage for him and any who accompany him.

Without his aid, your spells will only delay the inevitable. However, Sir Blandamour could be here and restore your daughter to health before the sun sets this evening.

The choice is yours."</font>

<font color=skyblue>Wiping one silver tear from her cheek, she unbinds her hair, letting the breeze softly blow it across her face. She slowly removes her gloves one by one, tucking them into her belt....

She looks up and closes her eyes, lifting her arms above her head.....

The runes carved into her body start to glow a faint silver as she hums an ancient song softly, as she slowly opens her eyes, looking at each druidess in turn, then finishing her song as her eyes land upon Raymond....

She smiles softly and lowers her arms, laying them in her lap....

"I have missed journeying to these places the last hundred years.....My soul has yearned for this peaceful stillness...." she whispers as she smiles fondly at Raymond, then stands picking up her cup of wine, and sipping softly as she watches the two wolves......</font>

<font color=white>OOC: Will post again Monday. My fiance's parents are in town starting tomorrow, and I really enjoy visiting with them...have a happy 4th of July , ya'll and see ya Monday :D *cyril, feel free to post for me, you know my character better than anyone *LOL*</font>

[ 07-03-2002, 03:12 PM: Message edited by: TAOWolf ]

OOC>> Sorry to be late with this, it's been hell getting on the forum. IC>>
GREENTUNIC (His face is unchanging, and seems made of wood; to Addison) "You mean the filthy paladin that did this to her would come and heal this? How do I know that he would not just finish the job?"

DIANA (She moans and tosses feverishly. The covers become disarranged, and you notice a huge green leaf bound to her side. Bloody drainage has seeped onto the covers. Strangely enough, she seems surrounded by a faint blue glow.)

[ 07-03-2002, 06:15 PM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

OOC>>> I know what you mean, Attalus ;) But real life has kept me busy as a form of compensation [img]tongue.gif[/img]

IC>>>
<font color=magenta>Isaura

She eyes the perspiration-soaked druid dubiously, hoping that her own breathing does not betray her nervousness ~ "Wh..what's that?" ~ Whispering in a tone that addresses no one in particular, she stares in fascination at the blue glow ~ "This surely spells magic. What has happened?" ~ Inching her way towards the figure cautiously. </font>

GREENTUNIC (bitterly)"What you see is the magic that keeps me from healing her. It is the magic of that sword that your friend the paladin bears. Do you not wonder that I fear to let him near her? What do you know of him, mysterious woman of the scarred face? What can you tell me that would make me trust him with my treasure?"

OOC>>>Quick note to all you happy players...I have not left you for NWN !!...I actually have no time to be here, as my sister-in-law and her family have moved in my home for the week and the guest room is the PC room. I will return to you all on Sunday night, I hope.

<font color="plum">(<font color="palegreen">to Greentunic</font>) "By all accounts that I have heard, Sir Blandamour acted in self-defense against your daughter.

He was just as reluctant to offer his aid as you are to recieve it, but your son's concern for his sister persuaded him to change his mind.

Sir Blandamour gave his word to young Dolcan that he will heal your daughters wound. If you know anything of paladins, then you know that they value their honor as much as their fighting prowess, perhaps more. He would be shamed among his peers if he went back on his word and harmed your daughter.

You have seen how ineffective even your most powerful magic's are to cure the damage done by his blade. If you do not accept his aid, your daughter will surely die."

Addison pauses a moment to let Greentunic consider his words, then continues.

"We know it was the dragon who directed your daughter and her allies to attack Sir Blandamour. We have plans to face this dragon and rescue the princess he holds captive. Perhaps you would also like to face this beast and repay him for the wounds suffered by your daughter. Why not direct your wrath at the one truly responsible for your daughters condition?"</font>

GREENTUNIC (to Addison-you seee a struggle break out on his wooden face) "There is much in what you say. Indeed, she did attack him on the dragon's - cursed be your name, Kinn'zuwannik! This is truly all your fault! That dragon's fault. Yes, the paladin may come, I shall trust to his precious 'honor.'" (He turns back to Diana and utters a wrenching sob. She seems to stir and moan a little in response)

*Addison and Isaura hear a noise like a large bee. Something is fumbling at the door latch.*

<font color="palegreen">Kellen sits down, accepts the wine from the sprites and takes an appreciative sip. He is enjoying his encounter with the sprites. There were many such creatures, and their kin, in the woods where he was raised and he has always admired the "free-spiritedness" exhibited by most of them.

He was also - undisciplined - as a youth. Ignoring his chores to spend hours roaming his beloved woods and often getting into mischief very similar to that encouraged by the faerie folk.

After several drinks from the wine bottle, Kellen decides it would be rude to not drink from the other bottle as well. After all, Sylvas and...and....uh....the OTHER one were kind enough to offer it, what would they think if he refused?

He removes the mithral stopper and the pungent aroma of the dwarven spirit fills his nostrils. The smell is strong, but pleasant. It is also mildly intoxicating by itself.

Kellen lifts the bottle and takes a hearty swig. The liquid seems to burn its way down his throat, into his stomach, and then spreads to the very tips of his fingers and toes. Again, the sensation isn't unpleasant, just very powerful.

He notices that the sprites now seem to be flying around rather erratically (<font color="skyblue">they're actually just hovering in front of him with very amused looks on thier faces.</font>). He lifts the bottle and takes another long draught, then promptly falls over on his back in a deep sleep.

Jasper flies over and lands on Kellens' cheek. Reaching down, he lifts the elf's eyelids and peers underneath. Kellen shows no response.

"Nope," Jasper says, "DEFINITELY not a dwarf."</font>

<font color="yellow">*********************************** ***********************************</font>

<font color="plum">Addison turns to the door to see what the disturbance is.<?font>

<font color="white">OOC>> Let me know what Mr. Quick does. I'm hoping to at least hit him with a spell or two before he zips off.</font>

(Addison sees glimpses of a sprite yanking furiously at the doorlatch, which is stuck.)

GREENTUNIC (To Addison, shouting) "It is the quickling! We must stop him, if he is not to get to the dragon."

<font color="plum">Addison spies the small creature and quickly pulls some spell components out of a pouch. He begins casting <font color="yellow">Hold Monster</font>

The Quickling struggles to open the door before the spell goes off, but doesn't make it. He feels the magical energy strike his body, sinking in and trying to immobilize his limbs. Fortunately, Quicklings are highly resistant to magic and the spell has no effect. The Quickling changes tactics and charges towards the mage, his sword zipping back and forth as he goes.

Addison's normally calm demeanor cracks a little as the Quickling attacks. His <font color="skyblue">Cloak of Displacement</font> and mulitple <font color="yellow">Stoneskins</font> spells usually protect him from physical attacks for several rounds. However, the Quickling eliminates all of these defenses in his first flurry of attacks, leaving Addison more exposed and vulnerable than he is used to.

Adjusting to the speed of his foe, Addison casts <font color="yellow">Magic Missile</font>, a quick spell that never misses and deals lots of damage. Numerous "darts" of magical energy appear in the air, and streak down to slam into the Quickling.

The force of the attacks takes the Quicklings breath away and momentarily stuns him. As he recovers, he sees the mage beginning to cast yet another spell. Moving too fast to be seen, he grabs his sword and rushes over to stab the mage through the foot.

Addison yells in pain, which breaks his concentration and causes his unfinished spell to fizzle. He begins to cast again, only to have the sword stabbed through his other foot.

"DAMN!" he yells as he jerks his foot up off the floor. Addison changes his stance, placing the more injured foot behind him and away from this speeding demon-faerie. He tries again, moving his hands around to begin another spell - then suddenly lashing straigt out with his front foot.

The ruse works and he kicks the Quickling under its' chin as it rushes in with it's sword raised yet again. The collision is increased by the little sprites momentum and he flies back into the wall, completely stunned from the impact.

Addison wastes no time in completing his spell this time, but it is not directed at the fallen Quickling. Instead, a magical aura surrounds his feet as the <font color="yellow">Spider-climbing</font> spell takes effect. Addison then "walks" up the wall and onto the ceiling, hanging upside down in the middle of the room, but never taking his eyes off the deadly littly creature.</font>

<font color="silver">OOC>> OK, the Quickling has taken about 40-50hp of damage (your discretion on that). He shouldn't be able to take more than a couple more good shots, but I thought <font color="palegreen">Greentunic</font> might want to get in a shot or two.</font>

GREENTUNIC "Well done, mage!" (He brings his staff down on the stunned creature, killing it.) "Ha, ZZbrp, your days of tormenting the prisoner for the dragon are done." (Looks at Addison shrewdly.) "Aye, mayhap I can trust you. Go and fetch your paladin and let him try his hands at healing her whom he hurt."

[ 07-04-2002, 01:18 PM: Message edited by: Attalus ]

<font color="plum">Addison drops from the ceiling and cancels the <font color="yellow">Spider Climbing</font> spell.

"Then I will fetch the paladin and the rest of our party with all due haste."

Addison steps out of the cabin and casts a <font color="yellow">Dimension Door</font> back to the king's castle. He steps through and appears inside the throne room near the rest of the group, startling them somewhat.

Sir Blandamour looks at him and asks (somewhat sternly) "So....what news do you bring of the druid? Will he grant us safe passage?"

"He has given his word that no harm shall come to any of our party. In return, I have given my word - and yours too - that there will be no more hostility on our part. I reminded him that you acted in self-defense and that the dragon was his true enemy, as well as ours.

He agreed and may be willing to aid us in the upcoming battle against the beast. His heart cries for vengence for the pain suffered by his daughter. I convinced him to direct this vengence towards the one truly responsible for her plight.

Now, you may either follow me back through my dimensional portal, or use a more conventional method of travel to reach his cabin. I will await your arrival there in either case."

Addison pauses long enough for Sir Blandamour to reply, (<font color="ivory">OOC> You decide which.</font>) then re-enters the portal and disappears.</font>

<font color=silver>Sorsha

Somewhat overlooked by the group, Legolas and herself had retreated to a relatively inconspicuous spot to observe the proceedings. It appears that all should be going quite well when Addison appears with a dazzling ring of magical energy to convey his messages, then just as abruptly leave the group once more.

"Are wizards, sorcerors and bards not amazing, Legolas? Nothing quite like priests." ~ The awe in her voice is apparent ~ "Of course, they must have paid a price for these powers." ~ She glances up at the handsome face of the elven ranger ~ "I am so glad that you can accept me for what I am - plain and perhaps, below average in skill." ~ Her eyes glisten as they continue to fix upon his fondly.</font>

<font color=skyblue>Legolas

He has known her insecurities from the moment he rested his eyes upon her waif-like form. And it will take more than a few words a day to help her build up her confidence. So instead of speaking, he reaches out to hold her hand, grasping it warmly assuringly. That, and a smile, are enough to assuage her doubts for now. They then turn to face the group, ready to move off at Galadria's or Blandamour's call.</font>