Cody stayed close if for no other reason than the protection of having a cart in between him and any stray arrows. However he didn't try to interfere with helping to treat the injured. Not that he thought what he did would make any difference. Cody had seen the injuries, could smell the thick scent of the blood he didn't expect Uluki would live. It was too bad, she had seemed real nice.
Well at least the others should live even if injured. His ears twitched in all directions, seeming to have a life of their own. One job he would never do was pull a cart, it was worse than having a rider. Once attached to a cart you really would be dependant on hoping the person released you in the end. What if he didn't? It was way to restrictive...that was what lower class horses were for.
Many Roads Merge
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AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
Angel was relieved that his call was heeded. At least the old man wasn't any threat, since he seemed to know a thing or two about medicine.
He noticed two very odd-looking girls come after he had cried out for help. He wondered of they were Uluki and Rollick's daughters. His assumption seemed to be proven correct, since they were helping them out.
He also noticed that whatever the old man gave the winged girl to give to Rollick, it worked on bringing him back to consciousness. At least he was safe, but what about Uluki? The stuff seemed to have evened out her breathing, but still...
Angel stood himself up. When the old man offered to pull out the crossbow bolts, Angel managed a weak smile and shook his head, but accepted the sachets gratefully. Angel wanted to extract the bolts himself; he had pulled arrows out of his scarred body before, so bolts were nothing compared to that. He grabbed one of the bolts and yanked it out. He breathed forcibly through clenched teeth as the pain in his arm intensified. He tossed it aside, then yanked out the other bolt, once again clenching his teeth to supress a cry of pain. His arm still hurt a lot, but he figured once he used the sachets the peddlar gave him, he'd be alright.
Angel was about to get into the wagon when he heard more footsteps coming from the direction in which the group was attacked. He then heard the sound of about a dozen blades being drawn from their scabbards. The bandits were back...most likely to finish what they had started.
"I'll handle this," Angel said, then stepped out from the protection behind the wagon to face about twelve bandits, each donned in torn pants and shirts, each equipped with a hand crossbow and a crude-looking falchion that was speckled with dried blood. They were smirking, showing their yellow teeth, quietly chuckling at their seemingly hapless prey.
"Har har...looks like our prey's about to escape," their leader, a tall, stocky man with a scraggly black beard said. "An' we ain't even took anythin' from 'em. Now! Before they leave! Take everythin' of value, kill 'em, an' bury the bodies!" The bandits roared their approval and were about to charge, but Angel intercepted them, standing between them and the wagon.
"Now that's as far as you go," Angel said, a steady gaze locked onto the leader. He looked them over again...they seemed to be weak, since they used their crossbows first to weaken their victims. That was mistake number one. Still, their leader looked tough...
The bandits paused for a second, then roared in laughter. They didn't take him seriously...mistake number two. The leader, who was the first to regain his composure, growled, "Lookie what we go here...a wounded boy who thinks he can protect 'em...just who do ye think ye are, messin' with us bandits?"
"My name isn't important," Angel said, not flinching even once. "I think you've done enough damage. If you're smart, you'd take my advice and run far away from here and never prey on unwary travelers again. Wouldn't you agree with that and save us a whole lot of trouble?" His face showed neverending seriousness.
The bandits laughed again, thinking that he wasn't any threat. "Now listen here, laddie," the leader said, approaching Angel with his falchion drawn. "We've killed and stealed fer years, an' ye think we'd take orders from a half-breed boy like you?" He pointed his falchion at Angel. "Now let us do our work and ye [i]might[/i] be spared."
Which made mistake number three.
Angel dashed to the bandit's left side faster than any normal person could move. In one instant, an orb of pale yellow light formed in his left hand. In the next instant, he used both hands to mold it into a shining, slightly curved blade about three and a half feet in length, making sure the blade was dull enough so it wouldn't cut. While making sure he wasn't moving his right arm much, he then swung the blade of light left, slamming the blade into the leader's back. The leader threw back his head, crying out in pain. Angel then quickly spun around clockwise and brought the light sword into the leader's exposed stomach. The leader's breath left with a "whoosh" as he doubled over. Angel withdrew the blade and held it high above his head. He then brought the flat end of the blade down upon the leader's head. The leader went head-first to the ground hard without so much as a peep.
The other bandits stood there, speechless, with their eyes and mouths wide open in both awe and fear. "He...he just grabbed a sword out of thin air an' took the boss down with three swings...he...he ain't human!" one of them managed to say in utter horror.
Angel straightened himself. Yes, he was only part human...but that didn't bother him much anymore. He then pointed his blade at the other bandits. "Anyone else?! Or are we in agreement?" he snarled. His different-colored eyes formed a glare that seemed it could pierce even a hardened warrior's soul...a glare that would give even the strong-minded nightmares.
The bandits openly flinched and gasped in fear. "I-I-I don't want to fight someone like [i]that[/i]!" another bandit whimpered. "L-let's get out of here! Or it's [i]our[/i] bodies he'll be burying!" The others nodded in agreement and ran off into the wilderness, leaving their unconscious leader behind.
Angel's glare faded away and he sighed in relief. He allowed the sword of light to dissapate. He gave another weak smile; he had gotten his revenge. He then turned around and headed for the wagon, his expression now calm and collected.
"They won't be bothering us again," he said as he uneasily climbed into the wagon and seated himself across from Rollick, the two girls, and the still-unconscious Uluki, making sure he offered enough room for them.
He noticed two very odd-looking girls come after he had cried out for help. He wondered of they were Uluki and Rollick's daughters. His assumption seemed to be proven correct, since they were helping them out.
He also noticed that whatever the old man gave the winged girl to give to Rollick, it worked on bringing him back to consciousness. At least he was safe, but what about Uluki? The stuff seemed to have evened out her breathing, but still...
Angel stood himself up. When the old man offered to pull out the crossbow bolts, Angel managed a weak smile and shook his head, but accepted the sachets gratefully. Angel wanted to extract the bolts himself; he had pulled arrows out of his scarred body before, so bolts were nothing compared to that. He grabbed one of the bolts and yanked it out. He breathed forcibly through clenched teeth as the pain in his arm intensified. He tossed it aside, then yanked out the other bolt, once again clenching his teeth to supress a cry of pain. His arm still hurt a lot, but he figured once he used the sachets the peddlar gave him, he'd be alright.
Angel was about to get into the wagon when he heard more footsteps coming from the direction in which the group was attacked. He then heard the sound of about a dozen blades being drawn from their scabbards. The bandits were back...most likely to finish what they had started.
"I'll handle this," Angel said, then stepped out from the protection behind the wagon to face about twelve bandits, each donned in torn pants and shirts, each equipped with a hand crossbow and a crude-looking falchion that was speckled with dried blood. They were smirking, showing their yellow teeth, quietly chuckling at their seemingly hapless prey.
"Har har...looks like our prey's about to escape," their leader, a tall, stocky man with a scraggly black beard said. "An' we ain't even took anythin' from 'em. Now! Before they leave! Take everythin' of value, kill 'em, an' bury the bodies!" The bandits roared their approval and were about to charge, but Angel intercepted them, standing between them and the wagon.
"Now that's as far as you go," Angel said, a steady gaze locked onto the leader. He looked them over again...they seemed to be weak, since they used their crossbows first to weaken their victims. That was mistake number one. Still, their leader looked tough...
The bandits paused for a second, then roared in laughter. They didn't take him seriously...mistake number two. The leader, who was the first to regain his composure, growled, "Lookie what we go here...a wounded boy who thinks he can protect 'em...just who do ye think ye are, messin' with us bandits?"
"My name isn't important," Angel said, not flinching even once. "I think you've done enough damage. If you're smart, you'd take my advice and run far away from here and never prey on unwary travelers again. Wouldn't you agree with that and save us a whole lot of trouble?" His face showed neverending seriousness.
The bandits laughed again, thinking that he wasn't any threat. "Now listen here, laddie," the leader said, approaching Angel with his falchion drawn. "We've killed and stealed fer years, an' ye think we'd take orders from a half-breed boy like you?" He pointed his falchion at Angel. "Now let us do our work and ye [i]might[/i] be spared."
Which made mistake number three.
Angel dashed to the bandit's left side faster than any normal person could move. In one instant, an orb of pale yellow light formed in his left hand. In the next instant, he used both hands to mold it into a shining, slightly curved blade about three and a half feet in length, making sure the blade was dull enough so it wouldn't cut. While making sure he wasn't moving his right arm much, he then swung the blade of light left, slamming the blade into the leader's back. The leader threw back his head, crying out in pain. Angel then quickly spun around clockwise and brought the light sword into the leader's exposed stomach. The leader's breath left with a "whoosh" as he doubled over. Angel withdrew the blade and held it high above his head. He then brought the flat end of the blade down upon the leader's head. The leader went head-first to the ground hard without so much as a peep.
The other bandits stood there, speechless, with their eyes and mouths wide open in both awe and fear. "He...he just grabbed a sword out of thin air an' took the boss down with three swings...he...he ain't human!" one of them managed to say in utter horror.
Angel straightened himself. Yes, he was only part human...but that didn't bother him much anymore. He then pointed his blade at the other bandits. "Anyone else?! Or are we in agreement?" he snarled. His different-colored eyes formed a glare that seemed it could pierce even a hardened warrior's soul...a glare that would give even the strong-minded nightmares.
The bandits openly flinched and gasped in fear. "I-I-I don't want to fight someone like [i]that[/i]!" another bandit whimpered. "L-let's get out of here! Or it's [i]our[/i] bodies he'll be burying!" The others nodded in agreement and ran off into the wilderness, leaving their unconscious leader behind.
Angel's glare faded away and he sighed in relief. He allowed the sword of light to dissapate. He gave another weak smile; he had gotten his revenge. He then turned around and headed for the wagon, his expression now calm and collected.
"They won't be bothering us again," he said as he uneasily climbed into the wagon and seated himself across from Rollick, the two girls, and the still-unconscious Uluki, making sure he offered enough room for them.
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Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
((NPC Post))
Rollick and the girls heard the commotion outside. He realized that the combat would be hand to hand, and he still had his sword with him. He should go help Angel fight them off. He gently set Uluki down, laying her head on Dash's lap. Zee looked puzzled that Dash was now holding both Martin and Uluki, but Rollick gestured to her, indicating he needed her to help him with something else.
"I need you to help me pull these bolts out." He'd waited because the blood had clotted somewhat, and when they were removed, the wounds would bleed freely. He'd been hoping to delay that till there was a healer nearby.
It seemed the fight had come to them, however, and the bolts restricted his mobility too much. The one that had struck most superficially had fallen out, but he still had bolts in his back, his side, and his right shoulder-- his sword arm. He wouldn't be of much use until they were removed, and he couldn't reach them himself, so he gritted his teeth as Zee pulled them out. It hurt even more than when they went in, especially the nasty one in his shoulder, but he did not allow himself to make a sound. It wasn't a matter of pride or machismo, but rather that he didn't want to scare Zee. If she thought she was hurting him she would stop, and he needed all the bolts out.
"Thank you, Zee. We'll do the same for Uluki when we get to town, but we need to wait for now. When they come out, they'll bleed, and she can't lose any more blood right now." Zee nodded her understanding.
Rollick moved to leave the wagon, but a wave of dizziness forced him to his hands and knees. His right arm gave out abruptly, banging his face against the floor. He thought he might pass out, then that he might vomit, but both those feelings passed, leaving him exhausted. His side began to bleed freely again; he could feel the warm liquid soaking his shirt. He realized he wouldn't be able to stand up, let alone fight. His injuries were simply too severe. Rollick would have to struggle to stay conscious, let alone engage an enemy.
Reluctantly, he returned to his place between the two girls, and took Uluki in his arms again. He felt so helpless, so weak. He was not used to those feelings, nor was he comfortable with them. It shouldn’t all fall to Angel to win this fight. Rollick should be there to help him, but his own body had betrayed him. His strength had failed him.
Uluki was so pale, so still. Her skin looked ashy grey, and she seemed so small. He didn’t usually notice her size. Certainly he reached things down for her from high shelves and was aware she couldn’t see over tall obstacles, but she was just… Uluki. She was so vibrant, so active and energetic, that she rarely struck him as especially small. Even when she was asleep, she looked so alive. It was different when she was this badly injured. She looked tiny and pale.
A wave of guilt washed over him. How had he failed to protect her? How had he allowed this to happen to her? The fighter protects the caster. Rollick loves Uluki. He should have been able to keep her safe.
A younger man, a stronger man, could have protected her. Angel had saved Rollick, and judging from the sounds outside, had defeated the bandits single-handedly. He found the comparison unavoidable.
Still, he smiled at Angel as the Half-Elf climbed into the wagon and announced his victory. “I’m glad to hear that. Well done, my friend. And thank you for the bolts you took to save me. I’m very grateful. I hope your arm doesn’t hurt too badly.”
Rollick and the girls heard the commotion outside. He realized that the combat would be hand to hand, and he still had his sword with him. He should go help Angel fight them off. He gently set Uluki down, laying her head on Dash's lap. Zee looked puzzled that Dash was now holding both Martin and Uluki, but Rollick gestured to her, indicating he needed her to help him with something else.
"I need you to help me pull these bolts out." He'd waited because the blood had clotted somewhat, and when they were removed, the wounds would bleed freely. He'd been hoping to delay that till there was a healer nearby.
It seemed the fight had come to them, however, and the bolts restricted his mobility too much. The one that had struck most superficially had fallen out, but he still had bolts in his back, his side, and his right shoulder-- his sword arm. He wouldn't be of much use until they were removed, and he couldn't reach them himself, so he gritted his teeth as Zee pulled them out. It hurt even more than when they went in, especially the nasty one in his shoulder, but he did not allow himself to make a sound. It wasn't a matter of pride or machismo, but rather that he didn't want to scare Zee. If she thought she was hurting him she would stop, and he needed all the bolts out.
"Thank you, Zee. We'll do the same for Uluki when we get to town, but we need to wait for now. When they come out, they'll bleed, and she can't lose any more blood right now." Zee nodded her understanding.
Rollick moved to leave the wagon, but a wave of dizziness forced him to his hands and knees. His right arm gave out abruptly, banging his face against the floor. He thought he might pass out, then that he might vomit, but both those feelings passed, leaving him exhausted. His side began to bleed freely again; he could feel the warm liquid soaking his shirt. He realized he wouldn't be able to stand up, let alone fight. His injuries were simply too severe. Rollick would have to struggle to stay conscious, let alone engage an enemy.
Reluctantly, he returned to his place between the two girls, and took Uluki in his arms again. He felt so helpless, so weak. He was not used to those feelings, nor was he comfortable with them. It shouldn’t all fall to Angel to win this fight. Rollick should be there to help him, but his own body had betrayed him. His strength had failed him.
Uluki was so pale, so still. Her skin looked ashy grey, and she seemed so small. He didn’t usually notice her size. Certainly he reached things down for her from high shelves and was aware she couldn’t see over tall obstacles, but she was just… Uluki. She was so vibrant, so active and energetic, that she rarely struck him as especially small. Even when she was asleep, she looked so alive. It was different when she was this badly injured. She looked tiny and pale.
A wave of guilt washed over him. How had he failed to protect her? How had he allowed this to happen to her? The fighter protects the caster. Rollick loves Uluki. He should have been able to keep her safe.
A younger man, a stronger man, could have protected her. Angel had saved Rollick, and judging from the sounds outside, had defeated the bandits single-handedly. He found the comparison unavoidable.
Still, he smiled at Angel as the Half-Elf climbed into the wagon and announced his victory. “I’m glad to hear that. Well done, my friend. And thank you for the bolts you took to save me. I’m very grateful. I hope your arm doesn’t hurt too badly.”
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Dynadin Rolthor
"I'll handle this," Dynadin had heard the boy say before he then moved from behind the wagon and faced off with the bandits. What the old peddler then saw was something he had never seen before, not in the many years he had been travelling; he was immediately intrigued and even had to catch himself from staring at the boy as he finally got into the wagon. Dynadin shook himself from the slight awe of what he has just seen and got into his seat at the head of the wagon, taking up the reins and whipping his horse lightly. The strong grey animal moved into a light trot so that the wagon moved quicker than before, but not so quick as to make things uncomfortable for his passengers.
"We should leave the woods as quickly as possible. They may come back with more of their friends." he said, turning back to them briefly. "The young lady we are missing should just be up ahead. She said something about a horse . . ." His voice trailed off as they made their way steadily along the road. His passengers were safe for now, as long as they could get out of the woods intact.
Only a couple of minutes later and Dynadin noticed the young woman approaching on horse-back. He steered the horse slightly to the right so as to accompany the woman on her horse, yet he kept at the light trot knowing that she could keep up.
"We should leave the woods as quickly as possible. They may come back with more of their friends." he said, turning back to them briefly. "The young lady we are missing should just be up ahead. She said something about a horse . . ." His voice trailed off as they made their way steadily along the road. His passengers were safe for now, as long as they could get out of the woods intact.
Only a couple of minutes later and Dynadin noticed the young woman approaching on horse-back. He steered the horse slightly to the right so as to accompany the woman on her horse, yet he kept at the light trot knowing that she could keep up.
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Aislinn Vahtees
The noise of a battle came quickly to Aislinn's ears but by the time she got in sight of the road it seemed to have ended. Seeing that the wagon was already moving she mounted her horse and kicked him so he would catch up with the peddlar. She heard noises from the back of the wagon and just as the peddlar drew close to her horse she dropped back a little and peered inside.
The duskling was unconscious and her family were gathered around her with worried looks on their faces. The two older children she spoke of were looking after the baby and her human husband was cradling his wife. She was injured but still alive. They would have to get her to some place where she could be healed and fast. Angel caught her eye and she noticed he was also injured. She gave him a quick nod before she kicked the horse to the front of the wagon again. She had so many questions about what had transpired.
"Uluki is injured, do you know somewhere in Marn we can take her for healing?" Perhaps with injured passengers it would be easier to get them into the City...?
"Forgive me for my rudeness, and thank you for your kindness. My name is Aislinn by the way, I am sorry to bring this trouble to your door." It was perhaps rather fateful and even egotistical to own the bad luck that had befallen her companions but it was too much of a coincidence for it not to be her fault, so she believed. If Uluki died she would feel the guilt of it, and that prospect gave her even more incentive to find a seer and rid herself of her curse. Aislinn had not had a vision though, so maybe the duskling would not die after all?
"Out of interest, what did actually happen?" The woods were already starting the thin and the sounds of the river got louder, gradually drowning out the sound of their horses hooves on the road. Their need was great and speed was essential but the divets and holes in the road meant that the wagon could not go too fast. If it hit a divet and the wheels broke they would be in an even worse situation...
The duskling was unconscious and her family were gathered around her with worried looks on their faces. The two older children she spoke of were looking after the baby and her human husband was cradling his wife. She was injured but still alive. They would have to get her to some place where she could be healed and fast. Angel caught her eye and she noticed he was also injured. She gave him a quick nod before she kicked the horse to the front of the wagon again. She had so many questions about what had transpired.
"Uluki is injured, do you know somewhere in Marn we can take her for healing?" Perhaps with injured passengers it would be easier to get them into the City...?
"Forgive me for my rudeness, and thank you for your kindness. My name is Aislinn by the way, I am sorry to bring this trouble to your door." It was perhaps rather fateful and even egotistical to own the bad luck that had befallen her companions but it was too much of a coincidence for it not to be her fault, so she believed. If Uluki died she would feel the guilt of it, and that prospect gave her even more incentive to find a seer and rid herself of her curse. Aislinn had not had a vision though, so maybe the duskling would not die after all?
"Out of interest, what did actually happen?" The woods were already starting the thin and the sounds of the river got louder, gradually drowning out the sound of their horses hooves on the road. Their need was great and speed was essential but the divets and holes in the road meant that the wagon could not go too fast. If it hit a divet and the wheels broke they would be in an even worse situation...
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AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
Angel gave another weak smile. "You're quite welcome, Rollick," he said. "And don't worry about me. I've been through a lot worse," he added gravely as his smile faded. He made it sound like an unfortunate truth rather than an arrogant statement, for he disliked being arrogant in a situation like this.
Remembering the pain in his right arm, Angel took off the right sleeve of his coat to inspect the injury. Like his left arm, his right arm had about twenty red lines scarring it. The two new wounds from the crossbow bolts were still bleeding profusely, and the scratch from the third crossbow bolt had already stopped bleeding. He knew that he had lost a lot of blood from those injuries. Even from what he had been through, small injuries like these could be fatal if they hit the right place.
Then a wave of guilt came crashing over him. Even though he had succeeded in driving away the bandits, he couldn't prevent Uluki and Rollick from getting hurt like that. He just wasn't quick enough, and his own helplessness had caused the near-deaths of the two of them. If they had died, then he could never forgive himself. He felt so helpless...
Then, after Aislinn asked what had happened, Angel answered gravely, "The three of us were talking in the woods...when we were beset by bandits. They had crossbows...Uluki was hurt very badly. Rollick..." he motioned to Rollick, "carried Uluki, getting himself hurt badly in the process. I saved his life so he could do so...." he held up his injured arm, "We made for the wagon as cover. Both were unconscious when I got there. I didn't know what to do. Then these two young girls appeared." He gave a kind smile to them before continuing. "The kind peddlar offered help, and the girls woke Rollick up thanks to some kind of medicine the peddlar gave. The bandits came again...but I drove them off. So...here we are." He never lost that serious tone in his voice.
He then turned to Rollick and the still-unconscious Uluki. "How is she?" he asked.
Remembering the pain in his right arm, Angel took off the right sleeve of his coat to inspect the injury. Like his left arm, his right arm had about twenty red lines scarring it. The two new wounds from the crossbow bolts were still bleeding profusely, and the scratch from the third crossbow bolt had already stopped bleeding. He knew that he had lost a lot of blood from those injuries. Even from what he had been through, small injuries like these could be fatal if they hit the right place.
Then a wave of guilt came crashing over him. Even though he had succeeded in driving away the bandits, he couldn't prevent Uluki and Rollick from getting hurt like that. He just wasn't quick enough, and his own helplessness had caused the near-deaths of the two of them. If they had died, then he could never forgive himself. He felt so helpless...
Then, after Aislinn asked what had happened, Angel answered gravely, "The three of us were talking in the woods...when we were beset by bandits. They had crossbows...Uluki was hurt very badly. Rollick..." he motioned to Rollick, "carried Uluki, getting himself hurt badly in the process. I saved his life so he could do so...." he held up his injured arm, "We made for the wagon as cover. Both were unconscious when I got there. I didn't know what to do. Then these two young girls appeared." He gave a kind smile to them before continuing. "The kind peddlar offered help, and the girls woke Rollick up thanks to some kind of medicine the peddlar gave. The bandits came again...but I drove them off. So...here we are." He never lost that serious tone in his voice.
He then turned to Rollick and the still-unconscious Uluki. "How is she?" he asked.
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Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
((NPC Post))
The effort of speaking was wearing on Rollick, making him more tired and aware of his injuries. He didn’t have the energy to shout to make himself heard by the wagon driver or the woman on horseback, so he addressed Angel alone for the moment.
"She's better, I think. I can't say for sure; she'd know better than I would, if she were awake..."
Rollick was forced to pause for a moment as sadness and worry stabbed through him like a knife, a worse pain than any physical injury. He quickly brought his emotions under control as he continued.
"...But she seems stronger. She's breathing more steadily and isn't gasping for air, and her heartbeat is more even."
Please, please let that be true and not wishful thinking, a false perception based on his own desperation that she survive.
"Whatever this kind stranger has given us seems to have helped us both. I’ll thank him for that on both my behalf and hers once we reach Marn.”
The effort of speaking was wearing on Rollick, making him more tired and aware of his injuries. He didn’t have the energy to shout to make himself heard by the wagon driver or the woman on horseback, so he addressed Angel alone for the moment.
"She's better, I think. I can't say for sure; she'd know better than I would, if she were awake..."
Rollick was forced to pause for a moment as sadness and worry stabbed through him like a knife, a worse pain than any physical injury. He quickly brought his emotions under control as he continued.
"...But she seems stronger. She's breathing more steadily and isn't gasping for air, and her heartbeat is more even."
Please, please let that be true and not wishful thinking, a false perception based on his own desperation that she survive.
"Whatever this kind stranger has given us seems to have helped us both. I’ll thank him for that on both my behalf and hers once we reach Marn.”
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Dynadin Rolthor
Dynadin drove the horse on so that they finally exited the woods, coming within sight of the Ofriyu and the city of Marn. He slowed the wagon down to walking pace, Aislinn following suit as he did. He turned to the young woman, taking her in more clearly now in the early light of day; she seemed all the more worn for it.
"A pleasure to meet you, Aislinn. I am Dynadin Rolthor." The peddler bowed shortly, yet kept his focus upon the road ahead as he spoke. "There is a place, yes. A hospital where less questions are asked than is normal in Marn. This is where we shall take her once we get through the city gates."
The old man made to continue, but the young man with the impressive magic answered before he had the chance . . .
"Manners young one! Besides . . . You need to rest as much as possible; that exertion back there will have not helped your injuries, what with the energy it must have taken out of you. Come here and let me see that arm." As the young man explained the situation to Aislinn Dynadin could see that the bleeding from his injuries would only get worse. With a frown he opened one of the hidden compartments underneath the seat and took out a small piece of cloth, handing it to the young man. "Here, wrap this tightly around the wound and stay seated. We will be there shortly." Dynadin paid little attention to the words that were spoken, yet he heard his name clearly enough.
Turning back to Aislinn and returning his attention fully to the road ahead he nudged the speed of the horse with a flick of his wrist, causing the leather strap of the reins to lightly hit the grey animal. As he did this, his sleeves moved up his arms slightly and revealed his right hand to be bandaged up; blood was apparent, having soaked through the cloth it seemed but there was not too much. He shook his sleeve back over his hand before turning to Aislinn properly, "We shall have to cross the main bridge as the others are too well occupied, it seems. If we are lucky we may catch the Guard in lighter numbers than midday, even if their mood may not be so kind."
Indeed the city already seemed to be quite awake with plenty of traffic exiting the city via the smaller bridges along the river; these temporary bridges were popular with merchants and workers who left before even dawn it seemed.
"A pleasure to meet you, Aislinn. I am Dynadin Rolthor." The peddler bowed shortly, yet kept his focus upon the road ahead as he spoke. "There is a place, yes. A hospital where less questions are asked than is normal in Marn. This is where we shall take her once we get through the city gates."
The old man made to continue, but the young man with the impressive magic answered before he had the chance . . .
"Manners young one! Besides . . . You need to rest as much as possible; that exertion back there will have not helped your injuries, what with the energy it must have taken out of you. Come here and let me see that arm." As the young man explained the situation to Aislinn Dynadin could see that the bleeding from his injuries would only get worse. With a frown he opened one of the hidden compartments underneath the seat and took out a small piece of cloth, handing it to the young man. "Here, wrap this tightly around the wound and stay seated. We will be there shortly." Dynadin paid little attention to the words that were spoken, yet he heard his name clearly enough.
Turning back to Aislinn and returning his attention fully to the road ahead he nudged the speed of the horse with a flick of his wrist, causing the leather strap of the reins to lightly hit the grey animal. As he did this, his sleeves moved up his arms slightly and revealed his right hand to be bandaged up; blood was apparent, having soaked through the cloth it seemed but there was not too much. He shook his sleeve back over his hand before turning to Aislinn properly, "We shall have to cross the main bridge as the others are too well occupied, it seems. If we are lucky we may catch the Guard in lighter numbers than midday, even if their mood may not be so kind."
Indeed the city already seemed to be quite awake with plenty of traffic exiting the city via the smaller bridges along the river; these temporary bridges were popular with merchants and workers who left before even dawn it seemed.
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Aislinn Vahtees
Aislinn pondered the half elf's response, but could not help but have a wry smile when Dynadin told him off. She had caught most of the tale of the bandits but did not take Angel at his word. She still did not trust him. Considering Rollick was barely conscious and his wife was badly injured, the state of affairs very different to how she had left them, she decided she would not take the words of the vagrant as gospel and that she would keep a close eye on the half elf. He had done nothing to earn her trust, in fact he had made her more suspicious. She felt more of an inclination to listen to Dynadin then the young half breed.
She got her horse as close to the wagon as possible and called to those still aware enough to talk and to listen.
"We are about to pass the Marn City Guard so please, keep it down until we are in a safe house." She hoped her words were heard and would be heeded.
"I am afraid I am somewhat of a fugitive myself Dynadin, so I shall try and keep a low profile and leave you to talk us past the Guard. Mayhap we shall not even need to stop for them..."
The wagon drew ever closer to the cold river, and further from the dank and dark forest that separated Marn from Shim. South and east of the road she could see the what appeared to be a water tower dominate the skyline. As she looked west up river the towering structure of a huge water wheel spun as the river rushed through it. There were lamps lining the streets in the City ahead of her, and one by one they switched off! Marn had electricity?! How strange it was that Thar Shaddin approved of Gnomish technology but shunned most magic? It gave her hope though, where there were gnomes there might be answers...
It seemed she had spoken too soon about the Guard, for as they got to the south bank they were halted by four of them. Aislinn reigned in her horse, and looked off down river. She had pulled her cloak and hood around her revealing only a little of her pale face and tried to appear inconspicuous. Their fate was in the hands on the old peddlar now, and Aislinn prayed he had the means to get them inside.
She got her horse as close to the wagon as possible and called to those still aware enough to talk and to listen.
"We are about to pass the Marn City Guard so please, keep it down until we are in a safe house." She hoped her words were heard and would be heeded.
"I am afraid I am somewhat of a fugitive myself Dynadin, so I shall try and keep a low profile and leave you to talk us past the Guard. Mayhap we shall not even need to stop for them..."
The wagon drew ever closer to the cold river, and further from the dank and dark forest that separated Marn from Shim. South and east of the road she could see the what appeared to be a water tower dominate the skyline. As she looked west up river the towering structure of a huge water wheel spun as the river rushed through it. There were lamps lining the streets in the City ahead of her, and one by one they switched off! Marn had electricity?! How strange it was that Thar Shaddin approved of Gnomish technology but shunned most magic? It gave her hope though, where there were gnomes there might be answers...
It seemed she had spoken too soon about the Guard, for as they got to the south bank they were halted by four of them. Aislinn reigned in her horse, and looked off down river. She had pulled her cloak and hood around her revealing only a little of her pale face and tried to appear inconspicuous. Their fate was in the hands on the old peddlar now, and Aislinn prayed he had the means to get them inside.
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Cody
Cody had been trying to decide how long he could push it til he changed to being a human. If it was not for Aislinn near the wagon he would have already changed forms to look in on Uluki. They thought she would be ok with healers but Cody could still smell all the blood from the people, and could feel the tenseness in the air.
Cody didn't know Aislinn and that made him suddenly wary of being so close, but as the sights of Marn came into existance he was running low on time to keep with his plan. She seemed worried of his new friends also, but he just didn't know about her...
People were just about to come into view and Cody gave up. He changed forms; there was no smoke, no flash of light or slow transformation, as only true magic could do it was simple as one moment seeing the horse and the next moment seeing a human appearing to be around 17. Black hair, as rich in color as his black coat, cropped at the shoulders, lean body with only enough fat to be healthy. He wore simple black shirt and pants.
A few moments left, a wary look to where Aislinn was to see if he'd spotted his coming up, hoping she wasn't going to stop him for any reason. Then he jogged to the wagon backside to hop in to where Rollick, Angel, and Uluki stayed. Just in time for the cart to be stopped half a second later by the guard. Cody then looked at his friends expectantly, forgetting for a moment they might not realize he was the same person as the horse that had stayed near them.
Cody didn't know Aislinn and that made him suddenly wary of being so close, but as the sights of Marn came into existance he was running low on time to keep with his plan. She seemed worried of his new friends also, but he just didn't know about her...
People were just about to come into view and Cody gave up. He changed forms; there was no smoke, no flash of light or slow transformation, as only true magic could do it was simple as one moment seeing the horse and the next moment seeing a human appearing to be around 17. Black hair, as rich in color as his black coat, cropped at the shoulders, lean body with only enough fat to be healthy. He wore simple black shirt and pants.
A few moments left, a wary look to where Aislinn was to see if he'd spotted his coming up, hoping she wasn't going to stop him for any reason. Then he jogged to the wagon backside to hop in to where Rollick, Angel, and Uluki stayed. Just in time for the cart to be stopped half a second later by the guard. Cody then looked at his friends expectantly, forgetting for a moment they might not realize he was the same person as the horse that had stayed near them.
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Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
((NPC Post))
Rollick blinked for a moment as the strange young man casually jumped into the wagon. His first assumption was that the blood loss had finally caught up to him and he was hallucinating. That had happened a couple of times before, and it wasn't terribly pleasant.
He realized this was not the case, however, when he felt both girls stiffen in reaction to the stranger's arrival... and they wouldn't respond to their father's hallucination.
This was real, then, and a real danger. Was it one of the bandits, returned for revenge? Or was the young man involved with the Guards who Rollick could hear outside? Either way, it wasn't a good situation, and Rollick could think of no other reason for there to be a strange boy in the wagon without any explanation.
He sought eye contact with the stranger, his usually kind blue eyes hard and determined. He spoke softly, too low for the Guards outside to hear, but with great purpose and firmness, leaving no doubt how serious he was. "I don't know who you are or what you want. If you're content to sit there, I'll cause no trouble for you. If you attempt to harm my family and friends, I will make you regret this day, I promise you that. You can see my injuries, but I assure you I have more than sufficient strength to defend them."
Rollick wasn't entirely sure that was true--his body was so weakened by his wounds-- but his will to do so was certainly strong, and sometimes that was enough. Keeping one arm wrapped around Uluki, he indicated his sword with the other.
"I would advise you not to give me cause."
Rollick blinked for a moment as the strange young man casually jumped into the wagon. His first assumption was that the blood loss had finally caught up to him and he was hallucinating. That had happened a couple of times before, and it wasn't terribly pleasant.
He realized this was not the case, however, when he felt both girls stiffen in reaction to the stranger's arrival... and they wouldn't respond to their father's hallucination.
This was real, then, and a real danger. Was it one of the bandits, returned for revenge? Or was the young man involved with the Guards who Rollick could hear outside? Either way, it wasn't a good situation, and Rollick could think of no other reason for there to be a strange boy in the wagon without any explanation.
He sought eye contact with the stranger, his usually kind blue eyes hard and determined. He spoke softly, too low for the Guards outside to hear, but with great purpose and firmness, leaving no doubt how serious he was. "I don't know who you are or what you want. If you're content to sit there, I'll cause no trouble for you. If you attempt to harm my family and friends, I will make you regret this day, I promise you that. You can see my injuries, but I assure you I have more than sufficient strength to defend them."
Rollick wasn't entirely sure that was true--his body was so weakened by his wounds-- but his will to do so was certainly strong, and sometimes that was enough. Keeping one arm wrapped around Uluki, he indicated his sword with the other.
"I would advise you not to give me cause."
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AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
After being told off by the peddlar, Angel felt embarassed, but did not show that outwardly. He accepted the cloth, however, just to make his bleeding stop, or, in the least, slow down. After tearing it in two, he wrapped each piece around both wounds on his scarred arm, tightly enough so that the bleeding didn't bother him.
As they drew nearer to the gate, Angel grew more anxious. What if, after all this, the guard wouldn't allow them passage into the city? Would their efforts have been for nothing? Angel glanced at Uluki again. No, they had to let them in. Her life was at stake. And if they didn't let them in and she died...
Angel's thoughts were interrupted when a strange boy suddenly entered the wagon. H noticed Rollick taking a stance--somewhat--to protect Uluki and their children. Angel was impressed; even while injured, Rollick never backed down from protecting his family.
Angel then turned to the newcomer. "Who the devil are you?" he asked, quietly enough so he would not be heard by the peddlar or Aislinn...or any outside passersby. "If you're another bandit..." His voice trailed off as he formed another glare. Whoever this person was, Angel was not about to let him leave. Still, he waited to see what this boy would do.
As they drew nearer to the gate, Angel grew more anxious. What if, after all this, the guard wouldn't allow them passage into the city? Would their efforts have been for nothing? Angel glanced at Uluki again. No, they had to let them in. Her life was at stake. And if they didn't let them in and she died...
Angel's thoughts were interrupted when a strange boy suddenly entered the wagon. H noticed Rollick taking a stance--somewhat--to protect Uluki and their children. Angel was impressed; even while injured, Rollick never backed down from protecting his family.
Angel then turned to the newcomer. "Who the devil are you?" he asked, quietly enough so he would not be heard by the peddlar or Aislinn...or any outside passersby. "If you're another bandit..." His voice trailed off as he formed another glare. Whoever this person was, Angel was not about to let him leave. Still, he waited to see what this boy would do.
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Dynadin Rolthor
Dynadin Rolthor was not a particularly dishonest person, he did however know how to get around people if needed and besides, the City Guard were not exactly the most innocent of people.
So when one of the considerably armoured, muscular members of the guard waved them to a halt with a lazy raise of his right arm, the peddler couldn't help let slip a small smile as he nodded to the man. He looked particularly jaded, grumpy even, as he stifled a yawn before addressing Dynadin, "Mornin'. Business and nature of your belongings."
Dynadin was neither surprised nor taken aback by the short nature of their welcome. His initial observation of how tired the Guardsman was could be considered an understatement; the dark semi-circles under his eyes and his unusually slouched shoulders suggested to Dynadin that a late night had been somewhat enjoyed. The peddler cleared his throat loudly before he spoke, which then turned into a wheezing cough, but he recovered quickly, "P-Pardon me for that. Long journeying and late night travel do not mix well with one my age." Out of the side of his eyesight Dynadin noticed Aislinn move her horse a couple of steps backward and closer to the wagon before he continued, "I am a peddler, my name is Dynadin Rolthor and within my wagon are some small apparatus that help me with my selling."
The guard yawned once more as he looked the wagon up and down; fortunately Dynadin was simple to look at and rarely, if ever, roused suspicion . . . But then the guard caught sight of Aislinn, "And what about her? Why is she so heavily covered?" He shot at Dynadin. "Ash," Dynadin responded, his voice steady yet worn as if tired, but with another small smile, "She is merely my assistant. I'm afraid she suffers terribly from acne and would rather not disturb anybody's breakfast ... " his voice trailed off as the shouts and screams of a disturbance came from the other side of the main bridge.
"Come on lads!"
"They're trying to cross it the scum!"
"Let's deal with this sharpish!"
It appeared that the bandits had indeed returned and were so upset by the young boys actions from earlier on that they were even prepared to cross the main bridge. The Guardsman took a couple of hesitant looks at the other side of the bridge as his comrades ran past him toward the scene before finally making his mind up, "Okay okay! IN now and be quick about it!"
Dynadin didn't need telling twice and so whipped his horse into a quick trot into the city, taking the most direct path for the hospital. As they made their way he turned to Aislinn, "That was closer than I had imagined it would be, my dear."
So when one of the considerably armoured, muscular members of the guard waved them to a halt with a lazy raise of his right arm, the peddler couldn't help let slip a small smile as he nodded to the man. He looked particularly jaded, grumpy even, as he stifled a yawn before addressing Dynadin, "Mornin'. Business and nature of your belongings."
Dynadin was neither surprised nor taken aback by the short nature of their welcome. His initial observation of how tired the Guardsman was could be considered an understatement; the dark semi-circles under his eyes and his unusually slouched shoulders suggested to Dynadin that a late night had been somewhat enjoyed. The peddler cleared his throat loudly before he spoke, which then turned into a wheezing cough, but he recovered quickly, "P-Pardon me for that. Long journeying and late night travel do not mix well with one my age." Out of the side of his eyesight Dynadin noticed Aislinn move her horse a couple of steps backward and closer to the wagon before he continued, "I am a peddler, my name is Dynadin Rolthor and within my wagon are some small apparatus that help me with my selling."
The guard yawned once more as he looked the wagon up and down; fortunately Dynadin was simple to look at and rarely, if ever, roused suspicion . . . But then the guard caught sight of Aislinn, "And what about her? Why is she so heavily covered?" He shot at Dynadin. "Ash," Dynadin responded, his voice steady yet worn as if tired, but with another small smile, "She is merely my assistant. I'm afraid she suffers terribly from acne and would rather not disturb anybody's breakfast ... " his voice trailed off as the shouts and screams of a disturbance came from the other side of the main bridge.
"Come on lads!"
"They're trying to cross it the scum!"
"Let's deal with this sharpish!"
It appeared that the bandits had indeed returned and were so upset by the young boys actions from earlier on that they were even prepared to cross the main bridge. The Guardsman took a couple of hesitant looks at the other side of the bridge as his comrades ran past him toward the scene before finally making his mind up, "Okay okay! IN now and be quick about it!"
Dynadin didn't need telling twice and so whipped his horse into a quick trot into the city, taking the most direct path for the hospital. As they made their way he turned to Aislinn, "That was closer than I had imagined it would be, my dear."
Last edited by Dynadin Rolthor on Fri Jul 20, 2007 2:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Aislinn Vahtees
Aislinn couldn't help but shoot the old man a withering glance when he told the Guard she 'supposedly' had acne. Luckily for them, especially Uluki, the bandits helped them get into the city without the wagon being searched. Aislinn silently thanked whatever god they worshipped here for small mercy's, luck or fate had played a big part in their entry into this bustling metropolis.
Cantering through the streets of Marn was pleasant at first. As they passed the water tower on the left Aislinn took a quick look back at the Guard dealing with the bandits that had attacked her new companions. They were being beaten back into the forest, and a small crowd was gathering in the early morn sunshine on the banks of the river to watch the fray. The young girl grinned and turned back to the road ahead, happy that they had not encountered more then she had feared they would.
The smells of the Business District and the downtown area were mixed with pleasant odours as well as putrid aroma's. She wrapped her cloak around her more, hoping she did not draw any more attention. It was a fine line between looking shady and being so open anyone could identify you. As far as she was concerned the only people who would have a right to demand to see her face had been sidetracked and were now far behind them. As they turned the corner into the main thoroughfare, and passed a tavern called the Drunken Rat on her right she noticed the peddlar had started to slow down. Aislinn had been so enraptured by the hustle and bustle of the early morning trade she had not noticed the buildings to her left, particularly what appeared to be a hospital...
It appeared they had arrived.
She jumped down off the horse and tied its reins to the rings on the side of the building. She noticed a bell on the left hand side of the door which she rang, before turning back to the wagon. Dynadin had only just come to a halt and as the wagon rocked to a standstill she went around to its rear and looked in.
To her surprise there was a young lad sitting in the back, looking as scared and surprised at her then she was to see him. "I believe we have arrived. We must hurry and get Uluki inside this... " She turned to the Peddlar who had just joined them and raised her eyebrows. " Where exactly is it that you have brought us?"
Cantering through the streets of Marn was pleasant at first. As they passed the water tower on the left Aislinn took a quick look back at the Guard dealing with the bandits that had attacked her new companions. They were being beaten back into the forest, and a small crowd was gathering in the early morn sunshine on the banks of the river to watch the fray. The young girl grinned and turned back to the road ahead, happy that they had not encountered more then she had feared they would.
The smells of the Business District and the downtown area were mixed with pleasant odours as well as putrid aroma's. She wrapped her cloak around her more, hoping she did not draw any more attention. It was a fine line between looking shady and being so open anyone could identify you. As far as she was concerned the only people who would have a right to demand to see her face had been sidetracked and were now far behind them. As they turned the corner into the main thoroughfare, and passed a tavern called the Drunken Rat on her right she noticed the peddlar had started to slow down. Aislinn had been so enraptured by the hustle and bustle of the early morning trade she had not noticed the buildings to her left, particularly what appeared to be a hospital...
It appeared they had arrived.
She jumped down off the horse and tied its reins to the rings on the side of the building. She noticed a bell on the left hand side of the door which she rang, before turning back to the wagon. Dynadin had only just come to a halt and as the wagon rocked to a standstill she went around to its rear and looked in.
To her surprise there was a young lad sitting in the back, looking as scared and surprised at her then she was to see him. "I believe we have arrived. We must hurry and get Uluki inside this... " She turned to the Peddlar who had just joined them and raised her eyebrows. " Where exactly is it that you have brought us?"
Last edited by Aislinn Vahtees on Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Dynadin Rolthor
"Sigorax Blacksmith & Infirmary, my dear. Rest, Relax and Repairs. I shall elaborate further once we are finished." Dynadin replied, a look in his eyes of reminiscence as he spoke the three R's. He knew this place well enough all right. He raised an eyebrow as he continued to speak, taking in their stowaway and helping Rollick and the others exit his wagon, "Okay. Everybody in, before Uluki's condition gets worse and no worrying about questions; fortunately no such complications will arise here." He helped the young boy out of the wagon with a helping arm whilst distractedly adding an afterthought to his words, "Or at least, there wasn't the last time I was here." - indeed keeping it a thought to himself.
The group began making its way in as Dynadin made his way back to the front of the wagon and then returned to the back within seconds. He brought with him his staff, made of some dark wood and looking particularly tough it stood a couple of inches above the old man's head. He stretched it out so that the end was placed a couple of centimetres below his new passengers chin. The staff was impressively still considering the age of Dynadin, yet the look in his eyes dismissed any signs of age weariness as he scrutinised the young lad - "Yet another one; are there no more men left in this city?" he thought cynically - and took in the appearance of one who appeared quite lost. This prompted a quick question, which he shot at him quietly enough to not attract any unwanted attention, "And just what would a boy your age want in the back of my wagon? Speak quickly before I make the Guard aware of your unchecked presence here."
The group began making its way in as Dynadin made his way back to the front of the wagon and then returned to the back within seconds. He brought with him his staff, made of some dark wood and looking particularly tough it stood a couple of inches above the old man's head. He stretched it out so that the end was placed a couple of centimetres below his new passengers chin. The staff was impressively still considering the age of Dynadin, yet the look in his eyes dismissed any signs of age weariness as he scrutinised the young lad - "Yet another one; are there no more men left in this city?" he thought cynically - and took in the appearance of one who appeared quite lost. This prompted a quick question, which he shot at him quietly enough to not attract any unwanted attention, "And just what would a boy your age want in the back of my wagon? Speak quickly before I make the Guard aware of your unchecked presence here."
Last edited by Dynadin Rolthor on Fri Jul 20, 2007 3:47 am, edited 1 time in total.