Hazardous Times

[mistral4543]

Gavrouche

Darn... another one of those self-righteous lads. ~ He had hoped to see some drama, but this is turning out to be an anti-climax ~ "Well, I guess we should be on our way." ~ He prays that Eliza will not agree to join them. ~ An unnecessary distraction, and certainly our group of three is already more than what I would have preferred.

Gritting his teeth imperceptibly, he too awaits the bard's reply.

[mistral4543]

Eliza

Having heard Raymond's words, her face had turned quite ashen ~ Refused once more! ~ The sense of despair she feels is complete ~ Have I lost my art of persuasion?... Or is my appeal now lacking?... ~ There is no more time to think, for that detestable man has asked another question.

Follow them? ~ Her quick mind begins to churn out possible scenarios ~ It is my only chance to try again at a later time, when Raymond sees the truth in my words... yet that lecherous character nauseates me beyond endurance. ~ Indecisively, she lifts a right hand to tuck a wisp of her hair behind the ear ~ Is Raymond worth the effort? What a foolish and rigid person he is! He doesn't deserve my attention at all...

Glancing at his beetroot face, she feels herself relenting. With a heavy heart, she replies ~ "I accept."

[mistral4543]

The group of four begin to make their way around the city, still gathering information. Soon, they more or less reach one conclusion - there are several treasures being sought after, and they could be anywhere, including the city sewers.

At length, they decide on the sewers and unaminously vote Raymond to be the leader ~ "It'll be a chance for you to prove your manhood."

[Larry_OHF]

Raymond

He was not about to shy away at a chance now to do good in his teacher's eyes. Someday...he will be a great leader...just like that. For now, he would have to be more of a tag-along.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air...he descended into the blackness below. The footing was very unsure and quite slippery, yet their was adecuate lighting with all the holes in the roof from the streets to empty into this place. Instantly, Raymond decided to head south in the tunnels. Taking his time on the slippery surface, he still was able to move alot faster than his followers...though Raymond did not know if it was because of his youthful gait or their reluctance. He wondered if he should have his sword out. Sometimes...rats can get rather large...

[mistral4543]

Gavrouche

"Hey... be careful there..." His hisses go unnoticed by his neighbour, and he sighs inwardly ~ I wonder just how much stealth Raymond has... ~ As he grins at the thought, the smile on his face freezes as the air echoes with Raymond's yells and some eerie howls.

His hands instinctively draw out his dagger and he begins to hide in the shadows, moving silently in front, hoping to catch the enemies unawares...

[mistral4543]

Damien

Too late does he realise the sudden movement from the left and he grunts as he feels a chilly hand tightening on his left wrist. Drawing out his longsword with right hand he thrusts it at the invisible foe, smirking as he hears the resounding scream of agony.

The grip on his hand loosens and he directs a forceful kick forward. Gaining confidence, he strikes an aggressive pose, ready to engage the unseen attacker once more.

[mistral4543]

Eliza

Her eyes and ears only for Raymond, she sprints forward, hollering ~ "I'm here, Raymond!" ~ Then shrinking back in horror at the sight ~ I am no fighter... ~ Her quick mind begins turning, and without further hesitation, she begins strumming on her little harp.

A sense of calmness soon envelops her, followed by a wave of optimism and valour ~ I could smite a devil with this current mood! ~ She continues playing, watching her companions gaining luck in their battles ~ Who says music has no value?

[Legolas]

Legolas

They reach the village halfway through the third day. Legolas had spent most of his time thinking, wondering about what happened and what he would do. Wondering if his feelings for Sorsha were real.

The rest of the journey had been quite uneventful but for the howling of a wolf pack during the nights.

He looks around, examining the buildings in the village as he walks beside the girl. Most are made of a dark brown wood, as one would expect in these parts. A number of old men sit in te shadow of one of the larger homes, chatting and drinking. A lot of women are outside, attending to their daily buisenss.

"Where to now?"

[mistral4543]

Sorsha

Feeling the eyes of everyone on her, she takes a step back involuntarily ~ They still remember... ~ A quick glance confirms her suspicions, and sinks her heart further.

With some difficulty, she finally finds her voice ~ "That way." ~ She points to a path leading to the left. They make their way towards it, the crowd parting for them to proceed. The eerie silence of the surroundings quite frightens her.

The path is lined with some shrubs, lovingly tended, with blossoming flowers. Momentarily, her face lights up at the memory of happy days almost forgotten. But Puka's whining and scratching at the familiar wooden door up ahead draws her attention back to her companions. Now advancing towards the hut, her azure blue eyes greedily devour every aspect of it. This was the hut where she had known pleasure, pain, dread and worry.

There is no response after her three hard knocks.

After a while, she gathers courage and raises her left hand. It shakes slightly as it reaches out for the knob. Gritting her teeth now, she turns the knob and the door swings open. They step in, and she stiffens at the sight that greets them.

On the ground lay three corpses.

Her frozen state only partially thaws as she tries to identify the bodies to Legolas ~ "Philip, my guardian... his wife..." ~ The last body is placed face-down, and she bends down, acutely aware of the growing terror engulfing her.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she takes a deep breath before reopening them and her trembling hands reach out to turn it over... this time, she gives a single scream ~ "J... Justin!" ~ The horror is complete ~ "B... but he died... two months ago...I... I thought I saw him then..." ~ Her voice quivers ~ "The corpse... it's too fresh..." ~ Just what is going on?... ~ Another glance reveals that all three have died not from physical injuries. ~ Poison...

More and more questions, all of them threatening to send her mind spinning into oblivion. She gets up and turns to Legolas, yet the sight of his face drains some colour from her cheeks. Hurriedly, she looks at her feet, not knowing what else to do.

[Larry_OHF]

Raymond

He had seen two bloated, rotting corpses just stand up and come moping towards him. Who wouldn't scream? He had never seen a walking dead person before, and he wished that he still had that luxery. He was sick to his stomach and scared out of his wits. He tried to pull the sword from its scabbard, but his hands would not respond. In the distance he heard music from a harp. He also heard his two companions fighting their enemies. Meanwhile, Raymond just hid against a dark part of the wall, too frightened to move.
One of the undead reach out and grabbed ahold on Damien. It had taken him by surprise. That hand of his that was touched by the ghoul was paralyzed, and useless in this battle. He gritted his teeth against the pain of icy fingers and jerked away from it's grasp. He thien kicked out at it, knocking it into the other undead. One advantage that they had was speed and accuracy. The ghouls were much more slow and unprecise in their actions, due to their bloated state.