The Tale of the Ugly Troll (cont. Part II)

[GameGurl25]

Despite traveling with many companions, Jena felt alone for the first time since she had entered the portal. Her mind was a mish mash of thoughts and emotions and Aeriah’s actions lately had her more confused than ever. What had she done so wrong…to make him act the way he had? Hoping he wasn’t mad at her, Jena decided to let him get his frustration out. Perhaps once he was calm they would be able to speak again. She was afraid to confront him, just as others seemed to be.

Glancing down at the goblins Aeriah slaughtered, Jena realized she had no interest in the junk they carried. She needed a journal, a tent of her own, and something to cheer her up. Hopefully they were close to a merchant. Sighing, Jena threw her bow over her shoulder as the party traveled near the mountain.

[dplax]

OOC: going back a bit in time...

IC:Drusalia 22/22

After Aeriah dispatched the goblins Drusalia had wanted to talk to him, but she could not keep up with him as the elf walked away at a high speed. The rest of that day Drusalia remained silent, contemplating the change in Aeriah's behaviour. She decided that either the elf was hiding something or that there was something he could not talk about. Could it be that parts of his past were trying to resurface? Drusalia decided that she was going to have another talk with Aeriah, when the right opportunity arised.

That night when all of them chose their campsites Drusalia chose her's behind a tree, facing away from the others. She had previously whispered to Verrion to meet her there after he finished eating.

[ 11-29-2004, 04:35 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

[Saliarasri]

Fairioni 26/26

Fairioni looks at Aeriah oddly 'Wonder what's bothering him? and makes a mental note to discuss it with him later, waiting until that night to ask him if something was bothering him.

Fairioni looks at the mountain with a distinct frown on her face "I get the odd feeling that I've been here before.. " She then shakes her head as if dispelling the feeling from her head as she remarks "Well, whether or not, it's time to move on."


[ 11-29-2004, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: Saliarasri ]

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

"We're here." Was all Aeriah said, frowning, closing his eyes and then opened them with deliberate slowness, casting his gaze up towards the mountain. "Up there, look."

If the others followed his gaze, they would see a distant spot within the mountain, a darker spot set upon the snow, just beyond where the fog surrounded the mountain. "That's where we're going." The elf's tone had taken on an authoritative note most unlike his manner before – almost as though he had been born to command. "I know deep within my heart, that is where we will find answers. Come.”

Without another word, the young elf set off, his cloak flapping behind him, his gaze narrowed against the elements. A brisk wind had struck up as the approached the mountain and the rain fell heavily, obscuring their vision. Soon, it would turn to sleet and then snow…

[GameGurl25]

Jena tied the cloak tighter around her neck. Her cheeks were flustered from the coldness. She had never felt this chilly before. It was always warm back home...and it certainly never snowed. Glancing at the distant point Aeriah showed the party, Jena scowled at the thought of having to get there. Closing her eyes, Jena clenched her fists, and hummed softly, slowly, and methodocially..... "why, god, show your hand...why can't one girl understand. I've never been here before..but you are here...like a mystery...I'm from a world that's so different from all that you are...how..in the light of one night...did we come..so far..." Realizing her voice had gotten slightly louder, Jena frowned and stopped singing and glanced at the others. "Oh...sorry..." Her song had been a reflection of something she should not have spoked of in front of everyone. Jena smiled as she realized Kyr was watching her.

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

"You're cold." Aeriah told Jena, his tone not exactly flat, but... his eyes were full of sympathy though, and without further comment, withdrew his winter-blanket from his backpack; trimmed and lined with fur, it would keep the coldest of chills out. "If you prefer, we can wait until tomorrow before attempting to ascend the summit? I know that you are tired, my lady."

Kyr watched the girl and shivered herself, flew over to her and buried herself in the thick folders of the fur on the girl's mantle, remaining on her shoulder. "It's too cold."

[GameGurl25]

Frowning, Jena's response came forced "Forgive me, I am so sorry. It's just....well...I've never been this cold before in my entire life...and I don't know if I can go on like this...at least not right now. I am truly sorry.

Jena turned away, upset at having disappointing anyone in the group.

[ 11-29-2004, 05:19 PM: Message edited by: GameGurl25 ]

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

Firmly placing both hands on her shoulders, and avoiding Kyr, Aeriah spoke firmly almost as though to a child, but not quite, "Listen you, it's all right. No one expects any thing from you. You don't have to come with us if you don't want to. If you want to stay here, that's fine; no one will doubt you. But, if you do want to come, we'll take care of you and find a way."

Frowning, the elf looked down at the girl's boots, "Given a day or so, I'm sure we could modify them... line them with fur - it would keep you warm and snug. Hmm... I'm sure we could find some other furs for you as well, and a scarf, maybe a headband. It will keep out the chill." Sighing, Aeriah turned her around to face him, pulled the girl closer to him, and embraced her in a warm hug. "Everything's ok. Really." he said calmly, speaking in soft, reassuring tones.

Kyr also added that everything was ok and she'd take care of the girl with a pretty smile lighting up her little face.

[GameGurl25]

Feeling suddenly warmer, Jena turned to face Aeriah with a little determination in her eye. "I am NOT going anywhere...except staying right by your side!" Oops.....she meant that but she had not meant to say it.

Lowering her face, Jena prepared for the worst

[Calaethis Dragonsbane]

Surprised, taken aback and more then a little flattered, Aeriah composed himself almost instantly, kissed the girl's forehead and whispered "I know, and there is nowhere I would rather you'd be. I'll protect you." He informed her calmly and quietly, soft enough for only her to hear.

Meanwhile, Kyr added, "As I said earlier, I'll look after you too. So there!"

Shaking his head in amusement, Aeriah murmured. "Oh, and what a great help that will be...."

"Aeriah! You meanie! You just wait! I'll tell her how you wet the bedroll when you were eight!"

"Of course, dear Kyr, you tell her - especailly as you lack memories past four weeks ago, as do we all."

"Umm..." the little pixie frowned in confusion, stomped her foot and glared at her grinning master. "Fine! I'll get you back somehow!"

"I'm sure you will dear, I'm sure you will..."

"Grr..."

Aeriah just smiled and gave Jena another quick hug, still not having relased the girl.

---
OOC: Edit: Replaced a "#" with an "'", which is how it should have been... *twitch*

[ 11-29-2004, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: Calaethis Dragonsbane ]