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Path: usenet.ee.pdx.edu!news.netins.net!solaris.cc.vt.edu!news.duke.edu!news-server.ncren.net!concert!gatech!news.sprintlink.net!uunet!in1.uu.net!not-for-mail From: gt6410c@prism.gatech.edu (Lance Dooly) Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.archives Subject: STORY: The Tales of Dark Haven (Chapter 2) Followup-To: rec.games.frp.misc Date: 10 Jul 1995 15:02:16 -0400 Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology Lines: 745 Sender: smm@uunet.uu.net Approved: smm@uunet.uu.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <3trtfo$670@rodan.UU.NET> NNTP-Posting-Host: rodan.uu.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------- The Tales of Dark Haven --------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - - - These stories are from an on-going E-mail campaign, and are currently - - maintained by Lance Dooly (vaps0ld@acme.gatech.edu). New stories will be - - posted in rec.games.frp.archives and are available for anonymous FTP - - at tfnet.ils.unc.edu in /pub/dark. - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- Chapter 2: Going to the Commons ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Kaeyar) As he walked with the others into the city, he eyed any other boats at the docks with obvious dislike. "The price of freedom - a wretched journey across that desolate, wet waste." Kaeyar shivered, then his face brightened as he imagined a rich and hearty meal of fresh game. (DM:) Dark Haven is not (yet) a city. The harbor is just large enough to hold three large ships, and this is along the entire length of the village. The 'City Wall' is not much more than a wooden palisade with cross-walks for defenders. ---- Citadel ~ M \ O-----O ~ _ _ i | | | ~ / \ / \ n |----------| |--------~--------| | | |------- d | | | ~ \ _ / \ _ / \ a | O-----O ~ gate houses | k | ~ river slumber \ s | ~ \ | ~ ~ | R | ~ ~ ~ ~ 'The Wide' Unsettled | o |~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ | c | North | k | Temples under Construction City | / Wall | ---- ~~~ The Docks | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | ~~~~ Settled Area Here | ~~~~ | ~ | The Sea ~ | ~ | ~ ** | ~~~~~~~~ ~ **** | ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~ ** | ~~ O----O ~ ~~~~~~~~ Pentagon | ~ | | ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ O----O ~ ~~~~~~~ ~ ---+------> North ~~~~~~~~Lion's Claw Castle Okay, this crude map to give you a clue. In the settled area are about four 'streets' going slightly up-down (east-west), and several 'alleys' going from left to right. Keep in mind that almost ALL houses are only one floor high. Notable exceptions are: The Commons, which is the only stone building of three floors in the settled area. The Docks, two large wooden sheds under the area where the temples are under construction. The straightish (left to right) beach left of the Pentagon is left as beach, with a Tavern that has a large terrace outside, with chairs and tables on the sand. This is called the 'Wizard's Plaza' The river slumber is a small stream whose water when drunk causes drowsiness. There is a small bridge over the river (not shown) that connects the Citadel with the rest of the village. The Wide is a market-place, hangout, whatnot. Rangers/Huntsmen skin their captured deer here, roast it and sell pieces to anyone able to pay. Others sell various other finds or stuff from the Civilized Nations brought with them, or 'ordered' through the Iron Throne trading coster, whose ships you arrived on. It is very hot and humid. Those wearing heavy robes and such will be sweating profusely, armor will also cause people to be exhausted quickly. This is not to say you cannot or should not use it, but for everyday walking around town, it would be more of a hassle than a boon. From what you understand it gets light early (6 am), and stays light till late at night (10:30 pm). Most people you see wear thin comfy clothes, some women bearing on the edge of indecency in their choice to combat heat. All wear short or no sleeves, those who have been around here for some while are well tanned. Temperatures are in the 90-100 deg Fahrenheit, 35-40 Celsius. You guys will need some time to adjust, being used to the cool breeze on a ship. Defenses are mainly against small raiding bands, or to keep out marauding monsters. From what you guys gathered on the ship, the natives are small (4-5 foot tall) dark-skinned humans. They fight ingeniously, but have not developed iron weapons or armor, and thus quickly lose any direct confrontation. Beware ambushes and a few potshots from the dark bushes (with poisoned darts, so watch out). Also, they seem to give the village proper wide berth in general. The area one days travel from either Dark Haven or Rhuleck's Farm is called the Safe Zone, or simply the Zone, and settlers are generally safe within this area. Outside this area however..... 'Common' dangers you have been warned about are the Blue Lightning, a small, extremely quick snake whose bite is extremely poisonous, and no known regular cure exists. The Dark or Black Knight; A huge creature, slightly man-shaped with chitinous armored hide. They appear to be dressed in black shining armor, hence their name. These brutes are extremely stupid, but also extremely strong. It generally takes four or five settlers to bring one down. Another is the Death Deer. It's flesh is very exquisite, however the creature itself is very evil-tempered. It has blazing red eyes, nasty serrated horns and a green scaled hide. It is known to attack and eat humanoids on occasion. The party has now completely disembarked from the boat. We make our way to the Commons to arrange lodging ..... (Dithion:) Once on land, he will walk to the tavern with the others. (Falrun:) Falrun thinks about the "Commons" and says to himself "Hmmm, I would be willing to room with Keilan and/or Tarok, however, it must be one of the best rooms available or it won't be good enough for me. (Falrun:) Knowing that the Drow had proved himself on the journey across the ocean, he fell into step with Shade and said, "Why don't we accompany the other companions to the commons and on the way you can tell me why one of your race would exile yourself to such a dreary existence. I don't mean to be rude or pry so details aren't necessary." (Keilan:) Keilan is standing by the gangplank, deep in thought. He comes out of his private thoughts, muttering "But first things first." Then his voice booms over the noise of the docks, "Companions! Let us all meet in this 'Commons' within the hour. No need to scatter like frightened rabbits around this sweltering nest of humanity." (Silver:) Silver will echo Keilan's call, calling out (by name) to those who seem to be wandering off amongst the crowd or heading away from the dock area "Remember Friends, we toast a welcome to this land of opportunity in an hour !" (Keilan:) With that said, Keilan adjusts his bow on his shoulder and approaches Silver and performs an ostentatious bow (as in bending at the waist not like an archer). "If you will follow me milady we shall try to obtain food, drink, and merriment in this land of savages." Extending an arm for her... (Silver:) When Keilan bows and offers his arm and asks if "milady will accompany her" she will laugh gaily, and take his offered arm. "A wonderful offer, my liege .... Ana! will you join us in celebration at journeys end and adventures start !? ... Tuft is celebrating in his own way !" Hopefully Ana will join them. Turning back to Keilan, Silver smiles and says "Good sir, lead on ..." (Tatiana:) Tatiana was still conversing with Lord Clasp as the others disembarked from the boat. She hadn't talked long when she heard Silver call her name. "I'm sorry Lord Clasp, but my companions seem to be heading on to the Common rooms to set aside a bed. I think I had better head on over before I get last pick" She smiled broadly. "I hope to talk again soon" she said as she turned and ran off to catch up with Silver. Tatiana ran gracefully despite the backpack full of all her earthly possessions. And it looked like it had everything but the Kitchen sink or so a Wizard told her once. Whatever a kitchen sink was :) Her long black hair flowed in the wind and her green eyes sparked with the joy of feeling the good earth beneath her again. Her usually fluffy sky blue blouse was plastered with sweat against her chest, but she didn't seem to notice. As she caught up to Silver a little out of breath, she said "What a babe! Huh?" she said referring to Lord Clasp. "Gods! It's hot here. I'm going to have to find a new set of clothes quick. These leather britches are really uncomfortable." "Hey guys, what's on the agenda for the day? Stake a claim to your bed then hit the Tavern to find out the local gossip? Looking for work can wait till tomorrow. What 'cha say?" (Keilan:) Keilan looks to his arm with Silver and then glances at his other arm. "Hmmm, it's a bit crowded what with the bow and staff, but I think there's still room for you too, Tatiana," awkwardly offering an elbow. (Tatiana:) Tatiana swung her lute off her left shoulder and slid it onto her right next to her short bow. She smiled warmly at Keilan and with a slight skip in her step she took his arm and gave it a flirting squeeze. (Keilan:) "I've been wondering," gazing up at Tuft, "Does your feathered friend do any hunting? A tame owl such as that, and I could bring down a weeks worth of rabbits in a day. If there's any small game in these forests, do you think Tuft would care for a chase?" (Tatiana:) Tatiana looked to the sky where Tuft was still in sight. "I don't know if I'd call him tame really. More like civil when he wants to be. Mostly he likes to be solitary. This boat ride was special circumstances, me moving and all." She grinned disarmingly and continued "We're kinda attached if you know what I mean, but I'm sure he'd probably be interested in a little cooperative hunting if he got first pick of the catch" "I'll ask him when he gets back checking the lay of the land" (Keilan:) "Ahh, a good hunter *always* gives his companion the choicest bits of the prey. You can tell him as much. How else would I gain his trust?" (Tatiana:) "He's real stand offish most of the time. I'm surprised he likes Silver, but then again she flattered him in her subtle way. Maybe that's what worked. I really couldn't say. But time and patience worked for me. I courted him for over a year before convincing him to be my familiar. "You never did say why you decided to take this trip, Keilan?" she said questioningly as they approached the commons. (Keilan:) "Would you believe I did it on a bet?" (Tatiana:) Tatiana looked him in the eyes to see if he was joking. Seeing that there was no jest she exclaimed "Now this I gotta hear!" (Keilan:) Keilan nearly doubles over in laughter at the earnest belief of his ridiculous answer. Blinking away tears, "oh-ho ho. I'm sorry. I didn't think anyone would step in that snare." (Tatiana:) Tatiana glared with an embarrassed grimace. "I'll get you for that" she said, and then started to tickle him playfully. But something about the glare she gave said she meant to get even. :) (Keilan:) Keilan escorts Silver and Tatiana, smiling broadly, and looks about for Kaeyar. "Kaeyar, if nothing turns up soon I shall have to test your boasting of knowledge with that bow. I still say I can best you twice of three. Perhaps we might even hunt one of these red-eyed deer? What say you?" (Kaeyar:) Kaeyar sizes up the scene of Keilan with a beauty on each arm, and says "feh - seems you're more interested in a different sort of hunting." shrugs, grins. (Tatiana:) Tatiana shot Kaeyar a glance but Keilan laughed before she could come back with a quick stinging retort. (Keilan:) Keilan laughs at this assessment and replies "Yes, but who is the prey and who the hunter?" (Tatiana:) Tatiana smiled with her lips parted and licked her teeth, then finished with a mock bite imitating a cat growling. It was a look that crossed between sexy and vicious. (Kaeyar:) With a grin and a wink [that is - cheerfully competitive rather than boastfully] he went on. "But certainly, if you'd care for a demonstration of a more useful skill, I'll gladly oblige. Whether tournament-style, with unadulterated, non-magiked bows and arrows, and a suitable target from, say, one or two hundred yards; or in action, against one of these devil-deer. Either way I'd be happy to instruct you! 'If nothing turns up soon,' heh. Judging by these stories I think we'll be buried up to our armpits in things that 'turn up' once we get beyond these walls." Kaeyar grins at the prospect. (Keilan:) Thinking about Kaeyar's reference to magicked bows and arrows, he says "No magician I, my friend. Nor possessed of such magical assistance. And if you think yourself the teacher, you'll find your pupil soon surpasses you." (Tatiana:) "Men and their bows, anyone care for a match of dagger throwing? or sword dancing." She shot a glance to Kaeyar to silence any snappy retort he might throw her way. Kaeyar's staring had put her off early on the ship's voyage but lately she'd gotten to know him a little and they'd developed a banter between them that they both were still trying to figure out. (Keilan:) Keilan notes Tatiana's reference to swords and daggers, and replies "And how, pray tell, would you bring down a 16-point buck? With a broadsword? A dagger? No, a bow is a hunter's best friend. But since you ask, I'd be happy to toss a knife or two with you." "But enough of these idle boasts! I grow hungry for some fresh meat instead of the salted shriveled cuts served on the voyage." (Silver:) While all this idle banter is continuing, Silver will look closely at all those in the crowd, and see if she can form any judgment on the type of people she may meet here, and if any characters in particular stand out. With Kaeyar, Keilan, Silver and Tatiana walking together, the others also make their way to the Commons ..... (Arlon:) "Kaeyar, why do you have a dislike for our people." (Kaeyar:) "Hmmph. If you ask me, Elvish society is elitist, racist, stagnant, and decadent. Indeed, the Golden Elf City into which I was born was shocked and titillated about the circumstances of my birth, and they never really considered me one of them because of my tainted blood. My blood father was an outlaw of mixed blood, primarily Sylvan, but a bit of something darker. Such a closed society! They were disgusted by me, and by the fact that I was born less than whole (I, err, *blush*, mumble, don't hear very well. Left me with no talent for music, or even spoken poetry and prose)." (Shade:) At these words Shade will lift an eyebrow and have a long look at Kaeyar (Kaeyar:) "My mother's husband, ashamed and enraged by his wife's dalliance, and reminded of it daily by me, heaped abuse on me as a child. When I stood up for my mother, and dared to ridicule some aspects of the decadent society that surrounded me, and crossed this man, he cast me out of their stifling city. This at an age when you, Arlon, would have just been learning your very first magics, your simplest dances and stories." "Young and impulsive, I soon found ways to have some revenge against these swine... Elves have long memories, and so I am still less than welcome in my old homelands because of those actions. I live to... well, I should not speak of that." (Shade:) Shade will raise both hands in a respectful gesture "No need to tell us, I'm very honoured by your trust in me anyway" And from his tone and expression anyone can easily see Shade is really meaning what he just said. (Kaeyar:) "And so when I look at elven cities, I see places of self-indulgent, overly rarefied, decadent silliness. Whereas, when I look at the activities of these humans, their new cities and their new technologies, new outposts like this one here, I see a vitality and will that the Elven race is lacking. Someday the humans will dominate these lands, whilst the Elves will still be turned inwards, decaying, grasping in vain for past glories. The Elves have rejected me, but I feel no great loss; I reject them with equal vigor." "This is not to say that I have not met some Elves who have taken a step or two beyond their haughty racism, their self-satisfied delicate aesthetics...ones with whom I've been able to feel a certain amount of kinship. But this has not happened often," looking Arlon straight in the eye. "Please, this is not a story for sharing. Even this far away, there may still be those who would swear vengeance for the things that I have myself done in rightful vengeance." (Shade:) "Your secret will be kept, Kaeyar, I myself am an outcast. (I told you my story on the ship didn't I ). Even if I think your rejection of the whole surface Elves society is a little over-simplification of the problem, I do agree with you that Elves tend to be racist." Then, with a sad smile "As sometimes are Humans, Dwarves, Halflings, Gnomes... especially if your ancestors lived underground" (Kaeyar:) "Well, think what you will. But I have existed outside of Elven culture for over half my life, and it is quite alien to me. They have no place for me, and I have no need for them." Kaeyar's harsh mask cracks a bit with this last statement. (Shade:) "Enough whining, I'd like to offer you, Kaeyar, and you, Arlon, my friendship," - he takes off his silk gloves, than he looks at the white skull tattooed on his right palm - "Sorry guys, not such a good omen to start this, but anyway I'd like to shake your hands." (Arlon:) "Shade it has been my experience that it is not the outer visage or the marks you have, it is what is inside the individual that counts. I will gladly shake your hand." Arlon switches his staff from his right to left hand and shakes Shade's hand. Arlon then offers Kaeyar his hand. (Shade:) Shades grasps Arlon hand smiling happily "I bow to your wisdom Arlon" then looks interrogatively at Kaeyar. (Kaeyar:) Quietly, and somewhat ashamedly, Kaeyar will shake hands with both Shade and Arlon. (Shade:) After looking at his two new friends for a moment, the drow makes two steps away from them, then deeply grateful to the silver lady for the gift "Yeeeppeee!!" - a reversed somersault - "Oh guys I'm soo happy!" - a few dancing steps - "you are my FRIENDS. People to trust and to be trusted by... I was born in a culture where to trust meant to be murdered" - a pirouette - "I cannot bear it. Now it is different." He chuckles "Uh, I feel so good I think I have ears just to prevent my smile from going all around my head!" (Arlon:) "Who would join me to inquire at the Citadel?" OOC: since it seems everyone is going to the commons I grumble to myself. "To the Commons then, last one there is a smelly orc!" (Shade:) With an amused very _slightly_ mocking smile and a little bow "And the first one is bound to be a smelly elf, Arlon, you'll sweat yourself through if you keep on being so excited." (Arlon:) "Ohh, my Drow friend, you must not have been on the surface too long - we surface elves do not sweat, we perspire; besides (chuckling and in a low tone) who would notice with a dwarf around (gesturing toward Tarok)" (Shade:) Shade casts a quick look at the dwarf to see how he reacts to Arlon's humorous remarks. Then, with a really amused chuckle, "You scored, Arlon" - a slight bow - "your knowledge of surface races is by far better than mine. Now I see why so many years ago, when I had just left the underworld, if I tried to sell bath salts in elven towns they had the habit to try to kill me: they were offended by my assumption they needed to wash - wide grin - I have always been thinking it was a racial problem...." (Arlon:) "Touche Shade, you have indeed lifted my spirits even more; one of my favourite things is quick banter between companions, and I have not had that for some time, I also enjoy a hot bath, a time to relax and wonder; but I fear I will not find such a comfort here. I believe this could be a very fine group." I will walk with Shade to the Commons, and I will tend to walk slightly ahead being very anxious at the moment and somewhat yelling to those with me: "COME ON, lets see what there is to see!" (Back to Shade:) Shade will walk at a moderate pace, trying to adapt to the group going. He will look around with a "I'm not so involved" look, but he will instead try to absorb as much info as possible. Shade likes Arlon's attitude and intellectual curiosity and likes joking with him (if he likes this too) If the drow feels Arlon is minimally offended by his behaviour he will immediately step back on a more polite and impersonal way of speaking. But he will not easily give up trying to be friendly. (Arlon:) I will move swiftly; but I will slow if my companions will not keep up. I am slightly drooling at the thoughts of the new things this world may hold. (Shade:) Shade does not like the idea of leading, he has been traveling alone for a long long time, so he won't try to get a leading attitude. Anyway he tries to inconspicuously coordinate the others. (Falrun:) Falrun turns to Arlon who has joined them and says, "Take it easy my good elf, it is unbecoming of one of our noble race to perspire so." (Arlon:) Arlon turns back towards Falrun and says, "Well my tall arsenal, there are many things more unbecoming than that, and to perspire is to be alive; anyway don't you see that I have used you to shade my travels - (in my humor tone) of course you will be well steamed if you stay in that leather oven much longer." (Dithion:) Once upon land, he walks with no one in particular, but continually gazes about him. He seems particularly interested in the palisade and keep. He keeps his club balanced upon his right shoulder, and holds it with both hands as he walks. Sweat drips from his brow, but he seems to pay it little heed. He pauses briefly in the journey to the Commons to speak to a passing guard. (DM:) When you guys reach the commons (not so hard to find once you know you are looking for the only three story building) the more comfort minded among you will be appalled. The building has no rooms, each floor is divided in parts by curtains, with a sleeping cot in each partition. So much for privacy or own rooms :). The price of staying here is even worse. While you are looking at the dismal place a small portly human approaches you. "H'lo my friends. I am Thorn, and am the owner of this beautiful piece of civilization in this Godforsaken land. If you would like to stay the night, such is possible at the paltry price of one golden sovereign a head a nite." At this he smiles and wrings his hands in anticipation. You see many of those who arrived with you on the ship who have already stashed their gear on one of the cots. Some are desperately trying to shield their patch with the inadequately large curtains. Meta: If you guys decide to stay here, he will accept your gold or in other denominations. You can leave excess baggage here before heading to the Tavern which Thorn explains only serves food and drinks, not rooms. This Thorn dude has a monopoly and knows it. Attempts at dickering or complaining result in a 'take it or leave it' attitude. (Dithion:) Within the commons, he listens to Thorn, until he mentions price. "What! A full gold coin! Are you mad? I have seen prices like this NEVER! Des! This is outrageous. I haven't even seen such blatant robbery during the wars!" (Tatiana:) "I'm of a mind to agree with Dithion, but I'll stay here for one night before I get the lay of the land. I think the moon and stars will be fine after this night though" She tossed a gold coin to Thorn and picked out a bed next to Silver and laid her lute and bow gently down next to the cot. She then swung her backpack off and plopped it down on the cot, which caused it to sag noticeably. (Dithion:) He bends his legs a bit, and lowers his chin, but keeps his eyes on Thorn. Then he starts to slowly move toward him, about to say something, he stops. He stands up straight, and says, "Excuse me, I meant no insult to your 'inn'." He turns and says to the group, "I will meet you outside." (Kaeyar:) Kaeyar hands a gold coin over to Thorn, barely choking back a trite pun on the man's name. (Dithion:) Once outside, he says (to those that have joined him) "I intend to check on Rhuleck's farm, and see what kind of charge he has. If it is also high, I will probably camp out." He starts walking on, and then adds, "If any of you are interested, that is." (Keilan:) Once at the Commons, Keilan seems surprised at the state of affairs but not alarmed. "Very well, 'innkeeper', here is a gold coin for my bed. For that price I expect nothing of mine will be touched. (DM/Thorn:) "I assure y'all that yer stuff will be safe here. Thiefs are hung in this place, so theft is at a minimum. At least one good thing about this hole of civilization." (Keilan:) "Hmmm. Repayment will be had if the thieves here are more clever than you say." Keilan is perfectly happy sharing a 'room' with several people. Indeed it seems he's sharing a room with half the town anyway. Keilan then drops his backpack onto a bunk and open it removing a small box with a ring inside. He puts on the ring saying, "I'll not trust this to stay put even with Thorn's assurances." (Kaeyar:) Noting Keilan's protectiveness of his ring, he says quietly "I have a magicked box which only I can open; I could store small items..." (Keilan:) "Truly? In that case I shall entrust you with these (digging into his pack once more and coming up with a pair of leather gloves). I have little use for them at present, but perhaps they will be useful later. (Kaeyar:) "Aye. But no doubt friend Arlon would be able to defeat the magical protections I've placed on it, or any other mage with the appropriate spells and experience." (Arlon:) Arlon responds: "Surely I could; but I would not do so" - smiles - "it would be a waste of 2 spells" Kaeyar unlocks the box and quickly places the gloves inside. (Falrun:) After grudgingly paying for a bunk at the Commons, Falrun joins the group at the tavern. "Hopefully they will have some civilized food here to be eaten." Falrun orders their best meal and some of their best wine. (Shade:) Shade does not need to buy light clothing. He does have it as the underworld can be very hot. At some time I think at the commons, he puts on a new suit: now he is wearing very loose trousers (Arab style) of thin, very very twisted wool (I think is called cool wool) and a sleeveless, deeply opened on the chest, shirt of thin cotton net. He keeps his silk gloves and his low, soft leather boots anyway. (Arlon:) Arlon will stay at the Commons (disgruntled though) saying "Maybe I can fix this place up" Then to his fellows around him "I believe we should continue to be on the lookout for BETTER accommodations." OOC: Once set up at the commons I will be anxious to get to the Citadel (Shade:) At the commons Shade will not care so much for the accommodations. As long as it is acceptably clean everything goes. No need for a private room or things like that, on the contrary the possibility of sharing one with companions would be welcome. (Silver:) After meeting in the Common's and - through no other choice - agreeing to the extortion by Thorn and renting a space on the floor as segregated as possible from the existing occupants, I suggest that the group has a tour of the town and meets back here at night. "Hey friends, what say you we do some exploring of our new home from home ? What about some of you - say Arlon and Shade perhaps - going up to the Citadel to see what opportunities await us - while some others of us take in the other sights ? What say you, Keilan? Tatiana?" (Keilan:) "Good enough. I still wish to find someone wise in the ways of these forests. There are many things I will have to learn if I am to be of any use to anyone out in the wilds. Each forest has its own flavor, very distinct and in this case possibly deadly." (Tatiana:) "I'd like to find a clothing store fast. Then maybe a bath, this heat is unbearable. She rolled up her sleeves to reveal well toned sun tanned arms. She then tied the bottom of her blouse up in a knot off to one side revealing her belly button and well formed tummy. She then loosened her blouse top so that it rested off of her shoulders and showed a lot more cleavage than she normally did. OOC: Any man staring that doesn't stop once caught will suddenly notice that Tatiana has a dagger in her left hand faster than the blink of an eye. (Some men she may not want to catch ;) (Kaeyar:) Kaeyar gets caught, looks Tatiana in the eye and shrugs; shortly afterwards he mumbles something about smart women being nothing but trouble. (Silver:) Assuming something like this is agreed upon .... Silver will indeed leave her backpack of items in her "room" and then speaks to those who wish to visit the town in general .... "I would love to explore the 'Wide' to get a flavour of the heart of the community, and I would dearly like to see the new constructions around by the Temple area" Assuming we walk around by the Temples and that there is no Temple under construction to Mielikki .... Silver drops her hood, and her eyes take on an excited gleam, gripping the arms of Keilan and 'Ana tightly (perhaps much more tightly than they would have expected). She gasps "Oh Keil ! Ana ! What opportunities this land has - What dreams can be born here ! I have met my true destiny ! " while a small tear trickles unnoticed down one cheek. (Tatiana:) "You worship Mielikki?" she questioned gently. I've had much woodland experience but never really seen the beauty of the wood the way you and the elves talk about it. Would you mind teaching me some. I'd like to see that beauty." (Silver:) Silver responds with a gleam in her eyes, and she speaks with an urgency seldom heard .... " Oh 'Ana, such beauty you could not believe !! Feel the peace that Tuft knows intuitively ... Become one with the forest ... When you truly see the beauty of the wood, your heart knows no bounds ... You fly !!" (Tatiana:) "Good, I look forward to our first lesson." With that, Tatiana heads off towards a clothing store. (Silver:) She will recover her composure soon (put her hood back up) .... "I have a feeling that Rhuleck's Farm may be worth exploring as a base for our operation tomorrow. Perhaps there is even a small house for rent or sale in the town somewhere ? I feel that we need to explore the possibilities some more - there are those among us who do not seem overly pleased at staying in Thorn's for too long a period. Let us talk to some locals later to see what they have to say." (Keilan:) "There are those among us who _cannot_ stay on Thorn's for too long a period. Not at present anyway." (Kaeyar:) Stepping into his cubicle, he stashes his pack, bow, sword, and cloak; he then removes his shirt and rips off the sleeves to his shirt after a couple of quick dagger cuts, and puts it back on. (Arlon:) Along the way to the Citadel he will be his normal - take note of the world - self and will scan the more interesting things. At the Citadel he will look at the opportunities available, along with looking to see if this mage is about. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------- End of Chapter 2 ----------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- *'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,* Lance Dooly gt6410c@prism.gatech.edu "Not I," said the cat. Physics/Chemistry/Philosophy (PCP?!)