Hazardous Times

[mistral4543]

Dalben

"That's where you're wrong, child." ~ His firm voice begins to nudge her from her inertia ~ "You must right this wrong… it is Justin's wish." ~ Ignoring her feeble protests, he shows her the note ~ "Read what he says… …please ask Sorsha to avenge my death…… you would not leave him with his dying wish unfulfilled, would you?"

[mistral4543]

Sorsha

"It cannot be! Justin was so mild-mannered… I refuse to believe he would want revenge!" ~ In despair, her voice turns shrill ~ "You're lying!" ~ And she flings herself against the arm-rest, covering her ears with her tiny hands.

He wants something from me… I should have known… he bears ill intent… ~ Her mind spinning uncontrollably, she gasps for air and shuts her eyes against his melancholic gaze. ~ "I beg you… please, leave me alone."

"It is as you wish, child." ~ She hears no sound, yet a thought penetrates her mind. In horror, she reopens her eyes and sees Dalben's piteous look ~ I cannot force you against your will… you have to decide if you wish to let Justin die in peace." ~ The inner voice ceases speaking, and she shakes her head to clear her mind ~ "What must I do?" ~ The tone of resignation ringing in her voice.

[mistral4543]

Dalben

"Alas, I cannot tell you, my child… for if I knew whom it was that killed my favourite disciple, I should have dealt with him by now." ~ His sorrowful reply sinks her heart further ~ "Unfortunately, I must stay here… to protect this little village. All seems peaceful now, I'll concede, but never have I taken it for granted." ~ Sighing, he continues ~ "These are uncertain times…"

"… I know you are totally unskilled and unprepared for the journey ahead… a journey to find the murderer of your loved one… and worse still, to kill the fiend with your own hands… but somehow, you will find a way… if you have the will…"

He makes a sudden quick motion to stand up and strides over with such energy that her eyes widen. Drawing out an amulet, he unclasps it, placing it against her cool neck and fastening it once more. ~ "This should protect you considerably in your travels."

Watching her finger the trinket nervously, he smiles. To her further surprise, he now produces a bulging bag and places it in her hands ~ "These are what I can afford to give you, by way of better preparations."

Sighing inaudibly to himself, he strokes his beard once more and walks over to her, placing his hands on her shoulders ~ "Good luck, Sorsha." ~ He plants a kiss on her forehead.

[mistral4543]

Sorsha

Back in the inn...

She emerges from her room, dressed in a light blue robe and wearing a midnight blue cloak; the dainty boots shine with newness and she tucks the amulet out of sight.

Walking down the corridor, her hands stray to the foreign items clasped onto her robes - a sling and scythe. As she enters the serving area, a lump forms in her throat ~ To part with Winthorp so soon... it's almost a crime... ~ Her eyes avoid his, and the burden in her heart grows heavier.

"I... I have to go... for now." ~ Her voice trembles ~ "I don't have a choice, Winthorp... I'll be back..." ~ She flings her arms around him, allowing the tears to run unchecked down her cheeks.

"Well... as you say, you'll be back." ~ The forced smile sends another arrow of guilt tearing through her ~ "Just you remember your words, my girl... I'll be waiting for you." ~ Gesturing towards one of the tables ~ "Before you go... have a meal on the house." ~ Grinning, he proceeds to carve out the choicest meat, deliver the most savoury sweets and delicious beverage to her.

Obediently, she sits, staring at the feast before her ~ If only I had an appetite... ~ Not wanting to hurt his feelings, she begins to consume the food slowly...

[mistral4543]

Damien

Realising that Raymond seems lost in a daze, probably over that waif-like girl, he smirks to himself ~ In all fairness, she doesn't look too bad... just that she's on the scrawny side... ~ He watches his new friend drifting off into a faraway land ~ Let him dream... I've got all the time in the world, anyway... besides, he's the one keen to embark on this trip, not me...

But when half an hour has passed and still Raymond does not snap out of it, he begins to chuckle softly ~ "Hey, bud! Seems that you've found a new purpose in your life now... are you sure you still want to come along?" ~ He breaks into a hearty laugh.

[Legolas]

Legolas

He had slept long tonight. Longer than usual. Somehow the journey must have been more tiring than he had suspected. When he walked down the stairs the inn was near empty. Only six people, not including the barkeep and a waitress, were still there.
Legolas broke his fast in silence, sitting at the same oaken table as the night before. He got up to pay the owner for the room and the meals, thanking him for the friendly welcome. Then he set out again, leaving the small village by the main road, but quickly taking a sidetrack. Another two days and he would reach his destination.

Legolas marches onward, determined to cover the distance quickly. He enjoyed being out among the birds and other forest animals. From the track the elf followed he could keep an eye on the main road. A cart passes, heading towards the village. Legolas sees a girl sitting on top of the cart, chatting to the driver. She reminds him of the girl he met last night.

Where had she been? He heard her ask teh barkeep for a job, and he'd welcomed her in. So why was there only one waitress around?

Normally he would not worry over trivial things like this. But there was something about the girl that made hom worry for her safety.

He turns, and marches back. Quickens his pace. The innkeeper, he must know something.

Passing the cart which was standing on the village square, the villagers gathering around it, Legolas reenters the inn. Most costumers are outside, but one woman in a blue dress is still there, eating slowly. The innkeeper stands near her, watching her eat.

Legolas steps up to the barkeep.

"The girl you hired last night, where'd she go?"

[mistral4543]

Winthorp

Jolted out of the pleasure he takes in watching Sorsha eat, he looks up hastily to see a familiar face. Hmm... didn't he just leave not too long ago?... Why is he back... ~ "Why, now... what would you want with her?" ~ Trying to maintain a jovial tone and striving to hide the deep suspicion beneath.

His sharp eyes rake up and down the elf ~ Seems of harmless intent, and I pride myself on my judgement of characters after all these years of interaction with colourful ones. ~ He casts Sorsha a quick glance out of the corner of his right eye ~ The poor mite needs all the help she can get... perhaps he will offer her some protection...

After a pause, his lips purse before parting ~ "There's the one you're looking for. It's amazing what wonders a shower and clean clothes can do, eh?" ~ He emits a forced chuckle, gesturing towards her.

[mistral4543]

Sorsha

Struggling to cope with the mound of food placed before her, she nibbles on it slowly, not particularly eager to start on her journey ahead. Occasionally looking up, she seems the customers come and go, not more than seven in the room at the same time...

Winthorp is just too kind, watching over me like this. ~ The minutes pass and she makes some progress ~ I wonder where I should head for... this is one impossible mission I've been assigned... why would Justin want me to do this? ~ A furrow forms on her brows momentarily ~ It's just not like him to push me like this... I'm sure there must be some reason behind this...

She snaps back to attention as she hears two male voices floating above her. Staring upwards, she sees Winthorp talking to him. He, who resembled the love of her life. He, who had stepped out of the tavern earlier on. Why is he back? Here he is, asking for me... does he care for me? ~ Despite the improbability of such an event, the thought curiously provides some comfort to her.

Hearing Winthorp announce her presence, however, her face turns slightly pale ~ Perhaps I am mistaken... perhaps he means harm... ~ Her body trembles a little ~ What could he want with me... ~ She bites her lips furiously, her fists clenched beneath the table.

[Larry_OHF]

Raymond

"Uh...no...it's nothing...Come, I want to see the world!"
They make their way out of the sleepy town and into the forest. Raymond knew which paths to choose that would take him where he thought they should go...due West. To the west lay a large city, bustling with activity and information. Surely that would be the right place to go. He communicates this information to his new companion as they are hustling through the woods.

[mistral4543]

Damien

He nods, cautiously peering around as they make their way towards the city. Mentally, he maps the areas they cover and he tries to determine a more specific plan of action.

After the mass of forestry, they finally view a city ahead. Bustling with activity, it is a sharp contrast to the sleepy town they have just left. Secretly, he thanks Raymond for his keen sense of judgement.

Stepping up to the city gates with Raymond, he feels the eyes of the guards dissecting his body and the sensation unnerves him ~ Not a friendly lot. ~ Outwardly, he salutes them with a respectful smile and follows his companion closely.

When they are past the gates, he turns to Raymond, speaking in a lowered voice ~ "Any idea where the local taverns are? I think they're probably the best source for local gossip, and this might lead us to what we want."