Tommie
Every year as the snows slowly retreat up toward the mountains in Heatherstead and the signs of spring steadily show the promise of warmer weather, the citizens of Miller Dale begin making preparations for celebration. Already the fruits of spring are readily apparent, with the green fields dotted with drops of bright red with the arrival of spring strawberries and fragrant blossoms on the trees filling the nostrils of people in the streets. 

The streets of Miller Dale are clean and tidy, and the citizens have been busy at work tidying up their homes, businesses, and common areas in preparation for the big celebration. Chefs have been busy for days now, and merchants are all prepared to share their wares with the populace.

With everything close to being ready, eyes turned to the road from the west, which leads away up into the mountains. The reason? They await the annual pilgrimage of the female dwarves from Rouguemount Castle, the unofficial start to the big shindig. Every year, the Firebeard clan sends an envoy of the fine females down from their mountain home to visit Miller Dale, commencing the spring celebration.

Podric Thistlefoot, the halfling mayor of Miller Dale, has nervously paced back and forth across the room of his office, his eyes glancing up at the grandfather clock ticking its way through the seconds in hopes that Gallane Drakar, the captain of the guard, might push through the door with the good news at any moment.

But minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day... The moment never comes.

He has other visitors, and each time that a knock comes at the door, the tiny little mayor's hopes rise up in a swell, only to crash back down in disappointment when it is a tailor with an alteration to show him, or a chef with a tasty morsel to share.

Eventually, the little mayor has to face the facts: the festival *Must* Go on, with or without the dwarves. Podric could already sense the disappointment on the faces of the citizens as they stood collected before him in the square, confused and wondering why the event would begin without the dwarves, even though all knew that the event was now nearly a week overdue.
Joshua
"Wherever are those dwarves?" He grumbled to himself as he continued his pacing back and forth. "They should have been here days ago!" His pacing leads him back to his desk, human-sized, but the overstuffed chair behind it has been modified with a bench and a little staircase to allow him to utilize it normally. He has to reach up to make it to the surface of the table, where a tattered, rolled parchment awaited, and he grabs it in frustration to read it for the thirtieth time that morning.

**On the morrow, the women shall be leaving the castle and should reach the Dale by midmorning three days hence.** The flowing script read, and it was dated six days prior. With an exasperated sigh, Podric tosses the parchment back onto the desk before turning and pacing once more. "Maybe just a little longer... But by noon, I'll have to begin... With or without them!"

And now, just minutes before the noon bells of the tower square would ring in unison with the grandfather clock in his office, Podric shrugs his way into his leather jacket he had had made specifically for this grand event, and trudges toward the door to his office. It was time to begin.

There are people in the streets outside all about, all without a doubt hurrying along on their way to the market square. He can hear music from the bards and musicians even from just outside his door, and the smells of rich foods linger in the air, heavenly aromatic in the spring morning breeze.

Podric puts on his best smile and waves merrily to those who are passing by on their way. No sense in letting his own disappointment mar the show. It was time to begin, and the Dale could surely celebrate with or without a bunch of dwarves.

"Have the dwarves arrived?" Asked a young woman excitedly, but Podrick could only shake his head to the negative. "Not yet!" He added with his politician's smile. "But hopefully any moment...!"
Frank
Llew was walking, slowly but with with purpose, an apple pie in hand. Music faint, but growing louder as he got closer. Eyes up as he what he thought were children from a distance, were in fact little folk. Thick brows going in the air, mouth slightly agape at the place straight out of a fable it was.

He lopsided grin as he made his way forward, careful to not bump into anyone, then a slight frown as he realized he may stand out here before shrugging. He had a pie to deliver, his nose twitched at the smells, faint, but oh how good it smelt. In so doing, he allowed his nose to be his guide. Assuming thats where he had to deliver the pie.

Grunts and *"Excuse me."* Carrying him forward just as much as fascination and tipping his hat at people were leading him onward!
Allen
"Podrick! There you are."

 Gallane had not dressed for the occasion. On the first day yes, the second and third as well. After their dwarven hostesses still hadn't arrived the ol' guardsman returned to his usual worn out uniform. He had been helping an old friend at a stall hand out sweets to passerby. 
He cleared his throat.

"'Fraid my man still hasn't returned with any word on the passes yet. He should have-But.. Sir i believe the people grow restless. We cannot wait anymore."

The guard captain waved to a couple passing close by.

"I am gathering what men I can currently, and we shall bring back word of our Dwarven mistresses at once."
Nathan
*AC had been brooding, waiting for the weather to **Finally** Warm up, as she stood on a bridge, watching the river water flow seaward, her golden-amber curls fluttering in the increasingly fresh and warm spring breezes. Despite the spring breeses being less chilly day by day, she still huddled in a cloak that seemed still winter-heavy, however. Our 'golden bard' was not made for much cooler than the sub-tropics, and to her, this was still frigid!
Or, perhaps she was just being a wimp, she groused to herself.
But, at least there was a festival coming!
The people of this town had been getting ready for a festival! But, from the gossip she heard on the streets as she juggled and danced for coins, or from the bar patrons she chatted with between singing sets in festhalls, the guests of honor were late. Some sort of dwarven delegation from the mountains.
Hmmm...
She was rather surprised that sorties of city guards hadn't been sent up the roads to search for them, if they were so key to this celebration. She could tell the townspeople were getting restless. Seems the dwarven party was several days late. 
She set off back into the thick of the townsfolk to see if any new word was being bandied about...*
Joshua
Podrick nodded in agreement to his captain of the guard. "Gallane! Very well. I am sorry to have to ask it of you. You and your team will miss the early festivities, but hopefully... You will bring back good tidings with you." 

The little halfling was huffing to keep up the pace as he made his way toward the market square, which was now seemingly bustling with activities. Bards roamed the crowds playing music, none of which was unpleasant in itself but together somehow made a quite melodic tune collectively, and vendors plied wares, hawking in loud voices. There was plenty of free food to be had as well, though several of Gallane's sheriffs were standing guard in front of it, denying people access to the tables laden with the fresh food.
Frank
Llew was still strolling by, carefully as not to bump into anyone, making his way to a table before frowning, guards at the tables? He slowly turned his head to look over everything. Guards at ALL the tables? He stared a moment in thought, hand scratching his head. He went to stand off to the side to listen and watch.

Listen he did, people muttering about dwarves not showing up, and concern. He eyed the little folk, then the guards then adjusted his hold on the pie. Looking downward with a frown. Seems thats why the food was guarded. He stood quietly before walking over and holding out a pie to a guard motioning to the table with a bob of his head. Allowing him to take it and place it with the guarded treasure before backing off, hands going to his rope belt to adjust it with his cudgel, then to adjust his hat.

Standing awkwardly to the side as he watched the crowd, standing out of the way. Not much else he could do but watch and keep an ear out. Reward for the pie was the festival afterall... So he was told. Lips thinned slightly as grey eyes roamed.
Allen
The man nodded to the mayor, and turned striding forth. *There was work to be done.*

 It did not take too long of a walk to find what the captain set out for. Barry and Stooks- *His best men* Were not far off. Though they had only gathered a small group together as the towns small force of governance was spread yet even more thin due to the festivities. *It would have to do.*

"Stooks, put that damn custard pie down.. Let us make haste, for the time of delicious delicacies and wine shall be after we scout out the pass, and find our dwarves too~"

 Gallane was handed a sword, *His sword.* It stood apart from the various cudgels and spears of the guardsmen.

"Thank you Barry, Iam surprised there aren't any volunteers.. You let the others know? — Good, *Good*. Let us be off then."
Joshua
As Captain Gallane went off to begin wrangling his men, Podrick made his way to the little stage at the far end of the square, opposite the feasting areas. The customary podium was positioned with a little staircase behind it, just as always, and Podrick adeptly climbed up to stand behind it, facing the gathered audience. 

He remained there for a few moments, smiling and waving at the crowds, turning this way and that, stalling as he basked in the glory of the attention, even if it wasn't all solely on him. Clearly, even he could see that people were worried and confused over the change in the annual event, and more than half of the crowd was more interested in Gallane and his sheriffs preparing to set out. Curious murmuring began.

Raising his short arms, Podrick waved them in the air, calling for quiet. "All right, all right now, let's calm down... Everything's all right. I'm sure it's all going to be fine..." His familiar voice soon had the crowd's attention. "Let me explain what's going on," He said, reassuring smiles continuing unabated every which way he turned. "I received notice that the Firebeard dwarves were on their way last week, so the dwarves are coming, I assure you. There's simply no cause for alarm. Truly..." He had to speak loudly, because despite his hand waving, it seemed the more he spoke, the more the murmuring from the crowd increased. 

"People, please!" Podric exclaimed louder. "We just don't want to delay the celebration! Surely you all don't want to see the glorious foods that the best cooks in the Dale have created go to waste, do you?" He gave them a moment, smiling reassuringly, nodding his head slowly. "We've got wonderful weather, delicious food, and all of our friends are here!"
Frank
Llew kept his watching, brows slowly raising at the words, then glancing to the guards that were gathering, then to the rumors. Then to the small man who went up stage. Must be someone important? He put his thumbs into his rope belt as he listened. Then to the guards, then back again to the little person speaking. Brows going up, those were the dwarves all were waiting for. He made a slow nod, then glancing to the guards before walking towards the front of town after snagging a leg of something to munch on.

Keeping his eye on the guards, well, if he helped, maybe they would give him a free room, or some guarded patrol on the way back, it was chilly up here. He munched as he waited for things to move, once more out of the way, less awkward in his leg of whatever meat this was eating. Brows up as he took another bite, and tasty. He licked his lips.
Allen
*The captain and his men would gather around the main causeway that ran through the Dale to do a final call for any brave fool or fellow to join their small dwarfess scouting party.
Rachelle
Over the past week, Lir had swept the walks in front of their house, although they faced the sea; Mrs Seavers had been forthcoming that his and Artudian's seaside cottage ought to at least be tidy for the upcoming celebrations. The fields already looked a touch shaggy, but Lir had been able to pluck some little strawberries before Kyre got to them.

Lir had been informed of the Spring Dawning Festival. He himself was certainly going to attend, though Artudian remained uninterested, as Lir expected.

This necessitated several trips to the market square on subsequent days. With the dwarves' continued absence, however, Lir noted the rising tension and concern around what should have been a joyous event.

Lir waved to AC as he approached the market square. "AC! How are you?" He inquired as the guards began mustering to inspect whatever it was they were going to inspect. 

Lir watched the halfling putter about. He knew, from word-of-mouth, that this was Mayor Thistlefoot. He stepped out of the halfling's way at one point, not wanting to bother the small man.

Lir nodded to the young farmer who had delivered the pie, and then scoured the mm market square. Many bards, food... Guarded, when those bodies might be better deployed elsewhere? Lir crooked a brow.

The area felt... It felt, on its edges, wrong.
Frank
Llew kept his watch, then a small grin, victory for being right, he wandered on up a tip of his straw hat, glancing to others in the crowd. Nodding back to the man, adjusting his belt as he stayed towards the back with the guards, taking a glance and stealing a section of wheat from someone passing by with a bag of grain. Now he felt right at home... Save for going to go with a bunch of guards. On the bright side, it was better being hungry with some guards then it was to be around guarded food and hungry. His stomach rumbled to remind him as he chewed on the grain stalk. A sigh, looking curiously to AC and Lir again. Strange folk here too, celebration must be a big deal.
Rachelle
Lir noted the young farmer commiserating with the city guards. He tilted his head, eyeing the farmer with his one eye.

"Good afternoon. Here for the festival, my boy?" Lir inquired.
Douglas
"What're they doing this time...?"
*Resting within the treeline a few dozen yards from the centre of the square, the dwarven marksman's eccentricity had become a staple for the citizens of Miller Dale. Whether it was quiet conversations in the various taverns, or his stalkings through the town with fresh game slung over his shoulder, the suspicious looks had slowly been replaced with amused smiles and greetings. But Gitroki wasn't much of a social creature, especially with such a large crowd... Against his lap lay his tradition: an unstrung crossbow, the limb and axles tinkered with by hand and tool. The short quiver strapped tight to his chest, bolts glinting in the canopy-spurned light.*

"Firebeard ladies, eh? Shame, nice to see what Rouguemont thinks their subjects deserve... Feh, better not be trouble from home..."
*Grumbling to himself, the young dwarf shook his head slow as he mulled this over. It'd been a whole two years since his last report home, and his next would mark his last excursion into Firebeard territory. If the Grandmaster had changed his mind about their isolation, and had made plans to disrupt... He wouldn't know.*
Frank
Llew yawned as he waited, then glancing to Lir, just a dirty young farmer, cloth a little thicker in this cold air, clothing sometimes flowing in the breeze with how loose it was. He looked Lir up and down himself before bowing his head respectfully, almost bowing himself.

*"Just 'ere ta deliver a pie me lord."* He said respectfully as he straightened up with a lopsided grin.

*"Somethin ye needed o' me?"* He asked a moment later as he stared at the man, taking the stalk of grain out of his mouth. He knew his accent was different here, best not to confuse the man. He gave another nod of respect.
Rachelle
Lir laughed. "I'm hardly a lord, my good fellow," He said to the young farmer, hardly put off by the accent. The farmer would see a tall, handsome, dark-skinned and black-haired (with a decent amount of silver entwined) creature with an eyepatch over his right eye and, if the young farmer were astute enough, he would notice the two missing digits on Lir's right hand. 

Lir was finely dressed, in a black tailcoat and trousers and a waist-coat that looked a bit garish, along with the myriad of piercings on each ear.

"I simply wanted to know how you were finding the festival, dear boy," Lir told the young farmer. "This is my first. How are you finding it?"

Lir thumbed through the pamphlets about the festival that he had been given by passing workers. "I suppose some dwarf ladies are to show up?" He studied the pamphlet very hard, or appeared to... Seeing as he was holding it upside-down.

The glint of the crossbow bolts alerted Lir to Gitroki's presence. He nodded to the young marksdwarf whom he had met briefly. Sliding the pamphlets into his coat-pocket and nodding to the young farmer, Lir made his way over to Gitroki, motioning for AC and the young farmer to follow him.
Douglas
"Afternoon Lir."
*He grunted towards his acquaintance, restoring the crossbow and drawing a bolt from his quiver to test his handiwork. The string would draw taught, the dwarf raising the piece towards the treeline.*
"Here for the fancy stuff? 'S been in limbo fer' the last week..."
Frank
Llew's eye brows went up at 'not a lord' he looked him up and down again, missing the fingers on the first pass through, but not the second. Eyes locking with the hand eyes widening. Not a lord, then he must be a... A knight! Yes or some fancy noble man... Maybe he's in disguise! Or a soldier like his Da! But one of honor!

Llewn smile relaxed yet widened some more, motioning.

*"A little tense, told the little folk were fair joyous bunch, hearin music, but tongues wagglin with worry, food guarded too... Me tinks somethin a bit off if ya ask me."* He said motioning to the whispering crowds and guarded tables, stalk back in his mouth as he talked another sigh and rumble of his stomach, he glanced to the pamphlet, brow raising, a bunch of gobbly gook that is, but raising a brow at the pictures, the little folk were like humans in some way, not dwarves it seemed... Maybe hit his head too hard too, were those images upside down. He narrowed his eyes then nodded

*"Aye, the guards 'ere off to take a look was goin ta-"* Stopped talking as his eyes widened at the passing Gitroki, then at AC, then blinking as Lir walked off, he adjusted his hat and followed. A glance at Kaly, then double taking then forward again. Nodding at the Dwarf and AC again, thumbs tucking into his rope belt as he chewed the stalk of grain, watching Gitroki with fascination, pausing to tighten his rope belt. Glancing to Lir at his name, mouthing it silently, then back to Gitroki, a brow raised.

Glanced to the louder little folk then back forward again a slow nod, that made more sense, so those dwarves that Sir Lir showed him on that image sheet were missing, hence the guards. Llew's eyes flicked over then back forward again to the strange gathering, brows furrowed in fascination to each person. Giving another polite nod to avoid standing there too silently.
Allen
Leading the captains retinue, a hound. Belonging to one of the guards who swore by its keen nose. 
 They made way out of town, heading to scout the pass the dwarves likely took. *The Dawning Festival* Could wait no more! Especially when there was a rumours of a group of dwarves being sighted in the distance down that very way~
Nathan
*AC would have waved happily to Lir,* "Oh, hi! I was going to head back out to your house soon, but I got caught up out here! Had to do some performing for all the party goers, go find my friends again..."
*She points a thumb back at a pair of cloaked figures standing in some nearby shadows*

"They don't like the sunlight," *She'll comment as she notes the farmer and Gitroki near Lir,* "So, they'll hang out back there a bit. Who're these people, Lir? Friends of yours? Hi! I'm AC! How do you do?"

*She'll pose proudly, standing tall at her full not-quite-5'-in-height, but giving the air of someone at least a foot taller! She'll grin at them, give a toss of her golden-amber, curly hair, but then glance in the general direction of where the sheriffs were heading towards out-of-town,* "Was considering tagging along after those who are heading out searching for the ... I guess it's a troupe of dwarven ladies, right? If my partners back there can keep up, hehehe. What about you, Lir, want to tag along, too? Or you guys?" *She grins innocently at Llew and Gitroki.*
Frank
*The pair of cloaked figures eye AC, lifting their heads a bit to do so, revealing pale features that, indeed, look like they can't or at least don't like seeing the sun very much.*
Bertha
"We can keep up wherever you go, boss," *Heidi will say with a light 'hmph'.*
Celeste
"Really. We found you all the way here, didn't we?" *Hildi will add, with a bit of affront in her voice.*
Nathan
"I know, I know, hehe. Just teasing!"
Frank
Llew's brow continued to climb at AC, he nodded his head, a bow, pointed ears?!

*"Lo thar, Llew, great ta meet ye all."* He said with a tip of his hat. Staring at AC's ears in fascination, a soft smile, pretty voice, very pretty, glancing behind him a grunt of agreement. 

Then turning back to blink at two twins, he looked from one to the other, he tipped his hat again to the Hoff's, some slight confusion as he looked from one to the other. Brows furrowing, strange crowds in the northern lands indeed. Here he thought the only thing he had to do was drop off a pie.
Lydia
Ezra enters the area he saw all of the people walking towards in his journy. He looks around a little and notices everyone's just talkin' 'n' stuff while Ezra did not come with anybody else then himself. He was kinda lonely afterall. When lookingaround for interesting people the gay male thought i'd be good for him to interact with everybody. Including the females. He put his best paw upfront and approaches the ladies in a freindly way. I mean he wasm't trying to be flirty, but he only knew how to talk to guys.

"Good afternoon!" *Oh gosh is this the right approach?* He walks up to AC Gold. Waving. He saw all the other nice dressed ladies stading around her making him feel a bit more nervous. *C'mon ezra you haven't talked to woman before you'll be okay!* He said to himself.
Nathan
*AC looked back at **Llew** First,* "Nice to meet you, too! I'm AC, and these are my old friends Heidi and Hildi!" *Gesturing back at the Hoffs, both of whom quickly pulled their hoods back up, squinting their sensitive eyes at the bright sun of the day.*
*Then, she glanced back at the approaching... Wolfman?* "Whoa..." *She grins and nods to him, "Um, hi!" *She peers at **Ezra** Curiously, giving a slight tilt of her head.* "I'm AC. And you are...?"
Frank
*The twins shrugged at their cloaks to try to encourage the heavy outer garments to settle better, more thoroughly about them, and at the approaching wolfman, they subtly sidle to better flank their boss, though Heidi stays a bit further back than Hildi*
Ada
The journey onerously continues for the pale crusader. Whether accompanied or not, he set off along the east coast for a good few weeks until his eventual arrival to Miller's Dale. Unaware of the celebration taking place, he tossed a cleaned strawberry piece into his mouth after pinching off the green stem, chewing away as he enters the streets. How festive, banners and more laid out, the joyous laughter of children running amuck unsupervised and congregating townsfolk conversing on the dwarves' arrival. 

The gloomy figure with his hood dispatched continued into the streets, sticking out like a sore thumb. His black cloak was still laid around him ever since his travel from the North, laid with brown fur trimming along his collar and a length coming down just above his ankles, the separation obscuring much of his shackled armor underneath. Fascinatingly, it seems he doesn't garner much attention this time as he arrived, splendiferous for himself and his now alleviated expectations.

He remains on the path of the streets with a faint smile rested on his pale complexion, exploring the town and learning as much as he can about this unique event from passerby. Though he may stop when needed when he is engaged in conversation. For now and once, the restless warrior can actually enjoy a benevolent time, just for the short while he stays. 💛
Lydia
Ezra chuckles a little as he understamds AC's reaction. "Don't be scared of my appearnce it's nothin' much. I'm Sir Ezra Strand, but right now i'm more a hire to kill kinda guy." *Did I do well? I did right?* Ezra holds his paw infront of AC, "What's your name?" He aksed with a freindly gaze.

"Oh do not worry I am still a knight. Just... Just not of a existing kingdom." He answered with faith "I hope it still does but..." He stops. "Anyways. What's the deal here? This huge gathering and everything." Ezra trembled around on his shoeless wolf feet wanting to know the exitement. "Is it fun or deep orrrr" His tail waged like he was a little boy going to an human amusement ride. "Sorry where have been my manners" He laughs a little. "At the moment i'm not in service so Ezra is A-Okay!" He says.
Douglas
"More odd folks... That one's too loud, that one's too quiet... Beastkin? This far from the Fallen Kingdoms? An' those dwarves haven't got here yet... Smells like trouble..."
*Again the marksman grumbled, giving little more than a perfunctory nod to each greeting. He cast his eyes skyward, the sun beginning to lull along its azure path... The whole event was to be spoiled by some lazy Firebeards, it seemed.*
Lydia
Ezra's ears perk. *I have to* "I'm Adastrian actually. There is a diffrence." He approaches the person. "What brings you here? I mean to me it's not even clear why we're all here."
Douglas
"...Some sort o' festival. See the snowmelt? Probably has ta' do with that. What, you came out here for somethin' else?"
*An eye twitched at Ezra's perceived pedantry, sitting up and glaring into the canifor. The crossbow was slung on his back, the dwarf making the effort to stand as his rest had been interrupted by more than his Lir - of whom he would have tolerated for company during.*
Frank
Llew glanced to Gitroki, a soft grin. The tales were right on the grumbling. He may be too quiet but the peace was nice. He nodded in agreement, it did sound like trouble... Mostly for those unable to get food, or worse, maybe the poor dwarves got caught up? 

He glanced back as Ezra drew closer. Brow raising, Adastrian? He looked Ezra up and down, the stalk of grain in his mouth moving left, then right. Strange... Maybe it was a fancy word for wolf folk? He glanced back to Gitroki, then back to Ezra, chewing the grain stalk for a moment, he wasn't sure if he wanted to know that answer after overhearing some things. He glanced to the guards again, maybe he could escape with the guards if the strange folk got caught up in conversation?
Lydia
Ezra laughs. "No i honestly think just for the sight. The people, but furthermore I am not sure. I just saw alot of people coming to here." Ezra stretches out and sighs. He looks around a little and he notices the crossbow. "Fancy stuff huh? Self-made?"
Rachelle
"It seems we're still waiting for the dwarf maidens' arrival," Lir told the young farmer and Gitroki. 

"Fancy? Well, we've got to acclimate, haven't we?" Lir smiled at Gitroki. "Helps to at least know what it's about, after all."

Waving to AC, Lir said, "Oh, no worries. Sir Jathak's been doing better since the weather's been fairer. I'm quite happy about that, though we can discuss that later." As AC approached them, Lir said, "I've met Gitroki briefly once." Lir gestured to the crossbow-wielding dwarf. "As for me? Velir Silivasti. Lir, please. A pleasure." Lir nodded to Llew, considering the farmer's assessment of the situation.

"If it seems off to you, that's hardly good." Lir studied the sheriffs as they began moving off. "Perhaps they've been delayed is all. Such things happen."

Lir's eyes widened, though, as Ezra approached the group and introduced himself to AC. He took a few steps away from the tall wolf-man, but managed a small nod. 

Gitroki, too, now voiced concern that the festival wasn't panning out as expected. Lir scratched his chin.

"Hmmm," Lir mumbled. "I mean, I suppose the sheriffs will have everything well in hand. I imagine they've planned for the possibility of a delay."
Ada
Some couple of hours passing by, alone as he continued about exploring the town, Elysain didn't yet stumble upon the others who were conversing idly on the sidelines or crowds. To his opinion, he does not mind the dwarven women taking their time, seeing as there might be some complications or interruptions that could've thwarted the expected travelers.

His mind comes to wander certain euphories and mistakes of his past while savoring this mild time he has, reexploring untouched or wounded relationships in his past in his head. Some other thoughts travel to times of peace he's had alone on the road, seeing many content individuals and often blissful settings. Though he was quickly snapped away from his daydreaming when he had an unusual, white butterfly land upon his shoulder. A sign from beyond.

Shifting his cloak comfortably over his shoulder, he took a step into the deeper streets and looked for anything particular; fetching attention visually. There's not much asides the calls of opportunistic traders in stalls selling various wares. He'll stumble onto something eventually! But he's very excited to see the start every resident was expecting from this event.
Lydia
*He seems rather distant.* Ezra thinks for a moment. *People are still not used to this appearnce are they. Raphaela was smart to use a human disguise* He walks over to the set back man. "Waiting on the dwarf maiden's?" Ezra asks in hope for more information or knowledge of the happening. However he did keep his distence because of the uncomfortable reaction of the man. "Don't worry about my appearance..." He leaves a spot open in his sentence to give him a chance of introduction. "I am not harmful and rather seen as smart upon other so called Beast-kin." He smiled and tilted his head in a Freindly way. "Nice to meet you." And holds out his paw.
Margaret
Odawyn called out for AC and her little twin friends. It was easy to get lost in a sea of people when you reached to just above their knees. She pushed her way through in attempt to see what was going on, but it seemed every time she got close the crowd shifted her away again
Amanda
Kale entered the Event area after his somewhat troubled travel. When entered he noticed another Adastrian standing upon the humans that own these troubled lands. He stood upon one of the fenced brick walls to smoke a bit and watch wat was going on. Playing around with his element in his other hand. Sorta throwing it up and down. He did not say anything and was just there to observe.
Nathan
*AC was about to say more to Ezra and Lir and the others, but then she hears **Ody** Calling!*
"Huh? Ody?" *She glances to the Hoffs,* "Hang out here, I'll find her!"
*And she plunges back into the crowd, ducking and diving to look for Ody*
*Then, she'll hop up on a rain barrel to look around, and holler*
"Ohhhh-deeeeee, where aaaare you!
Shoot some fire up as a signal!" *She'll call
...
*Then, back to herself, and to Ecki,* "Should I have suggested that? She might give someone a hot-foot, hehehe."
Frank
*The twins will mumble to each other, trying to discuss out the diff between a wolf-folk and these Adastrians.*
Celeste
"We probably could just ask..."
Bertha
"But, might he think it rude?"
Rachelle
Lir furrowed his brows at Ezra, staring up at the tall wolf-man. 

"Ah. Terribly sorry." Lir did grasp Ezra's... Hand? Paw? Lir's grip was firm enough for that hand missing the last two digits. "A pleasure... Sir Ezra, was it?"

Lir watched AC skitter off to find another friend. At least for now, despite Llew's and Gitroki's misgivings about the dwarf maidens' tardiness, the atmosphere remained rather cheerful.
Lydia
*Hah must be wierd touching a paw.* "Yes it was Ezra indeed. I noticed you were a little distant?" Ezra set a step back for the man's comfort. "Is it the wolf look or the teeth or?" He asked for advice. "I mean I wanna fit in a little. Or atleast make others comfortable with my appearance." *I hope he's not scared or anything.*

Ezra's ears twitch as his wolf ears hear whispering. *"Just ask... Would it be rude."* Is what he heard. He turns. "You can ask me anything! I really don't mind!" He hopes to give them some assurance.
Rosemarie
Xa'el waited, sprawled out in a lounging manner upon a stack of barrels. He was a bit peeved at the moment.. As guardsmen held the tables and cooks hostage. To hell with free food if it is to just sit around and grow cold... The oddest damned festival he had ever witnessed. People just standing around and talking, where were the kegs and the whores? The sound of bards and needless chatter was incessant. Hopefully the party would pick up come nightfall. 

 It had been pure coincidence for the man made of smoke to even be in The Dale. Stuck in Heatherstead another week or so til the next ship to Tidehaven would arrive. Xael would sit here on these barrels absentmindedly twisting at his locks and stewing in boredom until *Something happened*. 
Hopefully some likeminded boozers or broads appeared soon.. Otherwise he may not be able to help himself from getting into trouble.
Amanda
He still stood there against the wall almost feeling bored. He looked over his shoulder noticing someone else isn't really doing stuff either. Kale walked up to him and sat on the barrel next to him. Pulling his Carmon Sigar out of his mouth. *Will he like Convo? Idk* He thought to himself. "You from here?" Kale asked the male. "Not saying you aren't but it's just uh..." Instantly apologizing aswell. "I'm just wondering, sorry."
Rosemarie
The mans eyebrow rose, and he brought his head up from its laid back position. 

"Nae~ 'n neither are you by the looks of it wolfie."

Xa'el sighed as he sat up all the way, adjusting his pack carefully before clapping his hands down on his thighs. Getting a good look at the feller before him.

"I've got no home but the sea, boy... *Ahem*, what's that yer smoking?"
Rachelle
"It's just... Er. I mean, are you a werewolf?" Lir dropped his hand. "I'm... Not used to seeing creatures of your sort about. It's a touch disconcerting for me; I'm still getting used to this place. I meant no offense, Sir Ezra."

Lir watched a second wolf-man approach a rather diaphanous-seeming fellow.

Lir glanced at Gitroki and Llew, trying to gauge their reactions to the wolf-man as well.
Margaret
The little gnome heard AC and moved towards her voice. She was being bumped and jostled around by these big folk but at the mention of fire a ball of it shot up into the air above her, harmlessly dissipating before it could light up anything. "AAAACCC!!! SAVE ME!" She yelled, hopping up and down
Lydia
Ezra laughs in a very over the top way. "HAHAHA, WEREWOLF!? HAHAHA" It makes absolutely no sense but he loved it. "Daaaamn I wish! Nah man this is just my regular and only form. It's just Wolf/Humanoid stuff I guess that's how you guys would call it." He laughs a little after that.

"I understand your thinking though" He follows up. "But it's just kinda funny to me heh"
Nathan
The little gnome heard AC and moved towards her voice. She was being bumped and jostled around by these big folk but at the mention of fire a ball of it shot up into the air above her, harmlessly dissipating before it could light up anything. "AAAACCC!!! SAVE ME!" She yelled, hopping up and down

*AC sees the signal flare*
"There she is!"
*She hops off the barrel and dodges, ducks, dips, dives, and dodges all the taller people to hunt for Ody!*
"I'll save you!"
*(hopefully) spying Ody at last!*
"Grab my hand!" 
*And would bob and weave, pulling Ody along, back to the barrel, and if allowed, heft Ody up onto it!*
"Take a breather up there till we can find a clear path back to my friends!"
Margaret
The redhead nodded after being plopped onto the barrel. She didn't weigh much thankfully, though she was out of breath. "What's this?" She questioned as she looked all around with her bright green eyes. "Good thing we left Roy back at the plantation huh? He'd have a field day with all this good food around. She stood up on the barrel carefully where she could see a bit better. "Looks like some kind of festival"
Amanda
He moves the cigar out of his mouth. It's a wodden Carmon kind of sugar that lasts forever. *Hm. He seems interested enough.* "Would you" He pauses. *I'm going to try.* "Would you like to find out? I'll be happy to show you." He says and follows with. "It's not a drug. And you don't have to smoke to find out."
Rosemarie
Xa'el's brow returned to that quirked position, and he looked possibly a bit baffled. He took the wood thing that was offered into his hand before passing it back to the tabaxi, or so he thought. Some anthropomorphic species.

"M'alright, whatever do you smoke it for if it has no effect? I can do that fine on my own!"

 The man somehow blew out a plume of swirling white smoke and laughed. 

"Say Wolfie- want to help me with something?"
Frank
Llew watched the chaos, now there was a lot going on, red heads popping out of barrels, wanderers, wolf people. He began to slowly back up, it would be a good time to get away, he didn't even know what was happening anymore. He slowly retreated to a wall, still close, to get a wider view of the storm instead of being caught into it. He crossed his arms as he made it to the wall, listening. Eyes going from one person to the other. Eyes glancing, another wolf person, then at the other new arrival, then back to the Redhead, blinking, small then glancing to the sky.

It was getting later, then ahead to watch once more.
Rachelle
Llew watched the chaos, now there was a lot going on, red heads popping out of barrels, wanderers, wolf people. He began to slowly back up, it would be a good time to get away, he didn't even know what was happening anymore. He slowly retreated to a wall, still close, to get a wider view of the storm instead of being caught into it. He crossed his arms as he made it to the wall, listening. Eyes going from one person to the other. Eyes glancing, another wolf person, then at the other new arrival, then back to the Redhead, blinking, small then glancing to the sky. It was getting later, then ahead to watch once more.

Ezra's laughter did startle Lir; while the man didn't seem afraid of the lupine knight, per se, he was certainly intimidated.

Noting that Llew drew away as well, Lir nodded to Ezra and Gitroki. "Sir Ezra, Gitroki... Pardon me a moment."

Lir sauntered over to Llew, his walking-stick tapping the cobblestones. He turned and leaned against the wall next to the young farmer.

"Quite a lot going on, isn't there, my boy?" Lir said. "Yet everyone seems rather kind, even the wolf-knight. He's a perfect gentleman."
Frank
Llew kept his watch, eyes doing a glance, then another as Lir approached, a bob of his head and dip of his hat. He nodded, a slight grin.

*"Aye, thar do be, nay seen any mean. Sometimes, it best ta watch the storm, nay the best at talkin me'self Sir Lir."* He said motioning with his head, his stalk of grain going to the other side of his mouth.

A lopsided grin and tapping his ears. *"Like ta listen me'self, me tinks less awkward for the lot if off to the side bein quiet then in the middle of a chattin group in silence, be right about in'tar'estin folk. Wolfknights, dwarves, folk in barrels, someone puffing smoke ova yonda, the twins... Nay tell them that already confused which one is which, AC voice be music ta me ears..."* He stated, pulling the grain out of his mouth to speak better, putting out more then a sentence or two and shaking his head.

*" Nay much for speakin me'self."* He stated... Despite putting out a multitude of sentences and grinning politely. Not admitting that things felt out of place with everyone here... Did that make him out of place. Brows furrowed at the sudden thought, out of place yet in place indeed, he looked up then back to Lir, eyes going up, like remembering he was in conversation still.
Rachelle
Lir did take a few moments to decipher what Llew told him.

He did smile. "Storm? Nay, just a jumble of people enjoying the new season's festival. It's a bit confusing, to be sure, but only in the way any crowd would be."

Lir twirled his walking-stick about. "Well, my lad, conversation is a skill that must be honed like any other. No shame in not feeling terribly good at it.

"Though I'm no sir. Just Lir, please; I've no titles as Sir Ezra or my employer have."

Lir studied the crowd gathered for the festival. "They certainly are an interesting bunch, aren't they? I've not seen the like of many of them before myself."

Lir tilted his head at Llew. "Are you a bit put off by crowds?"
Amanda
Kale turns up and looks at Xa'el. He doubts what it is that he wants to ask Kale. *Hmm... Hope it ain't to bad.* "Sure, why not." Still distant he still wants some attention and does so by accepting him. "I want to show you something first." Kale grabs the wooden sugar made of some special wood and blows on it. Before they know it they are in a black bocks with only the barrels to be seen. There is depth in the place, but it's a box where nothing was... Existing? *Hm this will work*

With an echoic voice and more assurance he answers. "What was it?" Obviously it would startle him.
Frank
Llew raised a brow, looking to the people. It was like a storm, at least to him. He nodded slowly in agreement with the second portion. No shame at all, he wasn't much for talking anyhow, leave that to people like Lir.

He narrows his eyes suspiciously at Lir, he said that, but he talked fancy enough to be one. He nodded slowly, but looked highly suspicious.

The last question through him for a loop eyes widening a moment then back to neutrality he motioned *"Things a bit bigga 'ere then back 'ome ye could say."* He said looking over the crowd, more strange people... But crowds were rare, back home, he would know everyone, here? More people, like a swarm, and not a face he knew. Brows furrowed then looked back before another nod, a slight shuffle of uncomfortableness.

*"...Mayhap a tad bit, strange place, and folk 'ere... Nay offence Lir."* He stated a motion to all about him, like everything was strange, a look of doubt, like maybe he was also strange, a hand scratched at his face, getting a fleck of dirt off.
Rosemarie
"The hell have you just done?"

 Xa'el narrowed his eyes and looked about for a second. *Quite curious, but not a threat*. He then shrugged and relaxed once more on his barrel in this newfound dark space. 

"A curious fae trick up your sleeve eh? No matter, listen here"

 The genie like humanoid tapped his temple with two fingers and then pointed them towards Kale. 
"All I need is for you to tell that guard over at that table." *The two fingers swung to what he imagined was where the table was.
"An altercation or some brawl or whatnot is happening in the alley o'er there." *He wasn't sure where exactly the alley was now, within the odd cube of shadows. 
"That's all,you want me to snag a pie for you?"
Amanda
Kale laughs softly. He was an introvert afterall. Or atleast silent. "Uh yeah sure. I mean... I could probably steal it for you considering..." He stood up from the barrel and teleported about 2 meters away from it and walked back to the barrels to said down again his arms spread in a ' see? ' way. "So if you want anything just tell. I don't mind."
Joshua
With all the activity taking place all around him, the halfling mayor of Miller Dale had remained at his podium, joined by several councilors of various areas around the city. They spoke together in hushed conversation on the stage, and the longer they talked, the more they were eventually ignored. 

Standing on his stand behind the podium, Podric actually had a bit of a height advantage over his companions, and he had been watching something down one of the side streets from the square. Eventually his attention focused on that completely, and he was forced to raise an hand to wave at one of the councilors talking to shut them up. "It's... Dwarves!" He said, lowly at first, but then a wave of relief flooded over him and his face broke into a huge smile. "**It's the dwarves!**" He said again, much more loudly, pointing out through the crowd at the approaching assemble of squat figures.

Normally the dwarves only sent a small contingent, a handful of the dwarven females, but this time it appeared that they had sent a large group of envoys! It was finally happening! The dwarves had arrived! *It was time for the festival to finally begin!*
Rosemarie
"Nah nah, yer green. I can tell y'aint know the tools a the trade too well, I don't want to draw any attention just distra-"

 Xa'el was interrupted by a clamor after the halfling up on that stage said something. The crowd was beginning to buzz.. *Apparently they had been waiting for guests to start the party..* He grinned and turned to Kale. 
"May not need any help after all."
Rachelle
Lir sighed. "I get it a lot, my dear fellow. Always have." He pressed his lips together.

"Do *You* Find me strange, then? I mean, I would much rather fit in myself, but there's only so much I can do about... This." Lir gestured to his coppery complexion, with the eyepatch, both of which generally made people nervous around him.

Lir turned to the mayor as he announced the arrival of dwarves. "Oh! Seems it's about to begin," He told Llew.
Amanda
Kale replies with a strain: "Sure" As the box fades away.
Frank
Llew grunted, then raised a brow.

*"Everythin be a wee bit stange 'ere Lir, ye been in some fights, so 'ave otha's, guards and folk restless... On the otha, with everythin a bit stange, makes me wonda if that makes me the stange one ye know?"* He said before nodding *"Everythin is a bit... So different from back 'ome."*

He glanced to the Mayor, then over to Lir then forward, bending to take a look, a nod of agreement, and curiousity.
Marvin
*A gentle fog had seeped in around the western entrance to Miller Dale, the springtime twitter of birds slowly petering out under the sounds of marching footsteps. As the group drew closer, their stout forms became more defined - armour, helmets and weapons drawn. This wasn't just a group of envoys, it was a veritable company of dwarves... But not Firebeard.

The gates were already open, but the incoming dwarves threw them further; a deafening creak following the drone of Dwarvish tongue in unison. The design of their gear was older, harsher than those sent from Rouguemont; their skin slightly paler; eyes harsher. Some pushed away at the guards, others leering at citizens drawing too close.*
Samantha
*Leading this rowdy band were three dwarves - two flanking one. The one at the head wore a thick cowl and cloak, made from dark leathers and wispy cloth. Holding a gnarled staff in one hand; a weathered book in the other, he squinted at the mayor and his entourage - the raven on his shoulder cawing angrily. A wicked smile curled, his hands rising upwards as a raspy voice crackled from him loudly.*
"People of Miller Dale! There's been a change of plans... Your little dwarven ladies are occupied elsewhere, and we have *Graciously* Come in their place. We are the Iron Vanguard. A pleasure..."
Jenny
On Nerdrat's left hand crept a sinister-looking young dwarf, his hood covering his dark eyes and his short beard.

Behind them clinked platoons of grumbly young Ironhammer dwarves, armed to the teeth with axes and swords and crossbows. All weapons at the ready.

"We're the *Reclaimers*," Growled Khumras as he slunk next to Nerdrat. "The Iron Vanguard is a *Terrible* Name," He snarled, just loud enough for the two other dwarves to hear.
Vito
*As confusion rose over the unknowing town, a large, muscular Dwarf sneers at them. The smile over his face grows wider as he believed him and his crew to have already won whatever battle was about to take place. His eyes glared throughout the crowd, looking for anyone who could even dare to match him and his might.*

*His grip tightened on his weapon, a large greatsword that almost appeared to be too large for his body. He hefts the huge blade above his head and lands it comfortably on his pauldron. Onlookers could see that the dwarf's wrist was crimson, as his blade had green barbs that stabbed into his arm, most likely for balance purposes.*

*With his own platoon standing proudly behind him, he shouts* 

"It doesn't matter what our name is! What matters now is that we're here now, and it seems a celebration is in order..." *The Dwarf chuckles darkly, amused at the malice laden within in his words.*
Wm
Ezra turns to them and so does Kale. They look at eachother and give a quick nod. They make a movement with their paws. Two different ones. Ezra grips on his sword and Kale grips on his samurai blade as they both walk to the person and his platoon. They both leave about 15m between them. They give a nod and pull the swords out. Then they stand straight up as Ezra spoke the words.
Lydia
"Identify yourself and your intention on what you are doing here. If the plan includes hurting these people or doing something with them we suggest you move. Now." Ezra seems dead seriues. No-one has ever seen him like this aside from the training he did.
Amanda
Kale simply looks serious and nods.
Joshua
With the look of elation on his face slowly draining into disappointment and then finally fear, Podric had begun waving his hands in the air over his head in excitement, but now realized he had only singled himself out as a target.

These were not the dwarves from the Firebeard clan, no— these were trouble, and he had just sent off the captain of the guard and most of the city's sheriff's in an effort to go find the dwarves. 

Looking around with frantic eyes, the little mayor did his best to take on a political role that he was quite famous for. Though sweat dotted his brow, he smiled and nodded in greeting to the three dwarves at the head of this virtual army. 

"Uh... Well, welcome! Welcome to Miller Dale! We're uh... Quite pleased to have you here with us to celebrate!" He shakes his head emphatically "Nobody wants any trouble here of course. It's a festival after all! The festival of Spring Dawning!"
Wm
They both seem effected and think they've made their point. They sheeth their, weapons bow and make way.
Lydia
"Y'know what to be effected of you"
Amanda
Kale (again) simply nods.
Vito
*The muscled dwarf cocked his head back and laughed heartedly. He was amused at both of the "Warriors" That stood before him, but his cackles were more aimed towards the mayor, Podric. He was delighted in Podric's mannerisms. He wasn't sure if Podric knew the danger they were in, or it the gnome was that dense.*

*The muscular dwarf had no words for the gnome however, he instead look toward the two who were flanked to his left and right. A familiar sneer smears itself onto his face once more. Before he could get his words out however, the two swordsmen withdraw their weapons. The Dwarf seems displeased, maybe he was hoping to see some bloodshed?*

*Either way, his head turns toward his leader, the one with the thick cowl and cloak, waiting for him to introduce them properly, or for him to call for an attack, either choice would please the grinning dwarf.*
Samantha
"Shut up, Khumras! Your name is stupid, we all agreed already! At least Darbad remembers his role..."
*The imposing air broke for a moment as Nerdrat glanced to his left-hand man, snapping with a voice far more shrill. He cleared his throat, glancing at Ezra and sneering dismissively. The mayor's words seemed to affect him, however, his smile slowly fading into brewing anger.*
"Trouble...? Celebration...? Why would we *Ever* Celebrate *Anything* With a bunch of brown-nosing whelps like you!? After casting us and our patron Nonika out when you *Serfs* Bowed to the Blood Mages, then spread rumours of our madness!? The only celebration we'll have is after we BURN THIS PLACE TO THE GROUND and TAKE WHAT WE WANT!!"

*The tension built and built in the scruffy dwarf's expression, until he was a deep crimson with the epitome of his rage. Purple lightning crackled from within his cloak, stamping his staff once and releasing a large puff of air. His composure returned, taking a few slow steps forwards.*
"...We are Ironhammer. We will take something from you today, alongside what we've already claimed. Now, as for what... Khumras! Darbad! Give us some ideas... What shall we do with the quaint town of Miller Dale!?"
Vito
*An impressed expression appears on Darbad's face. He wasn't expecting to see the "Oh so glorious" Leader of their forces Nerdrat get exasperated today. Darbad stifles a chuckle once more before answer his master's question*

"I'm just here for some fun boss. Booze, women, fights, gold, anything exciting will please me greatly..."

*His eyes once more glare toward the audience. His gaze however focuses on Podric once more, the feeble gnome looked to be the perfect candidate for a bruising if a fight were to break out. Darbad loved bullying the weak and defenseless.*
Rachelle
Lir watched the arrival of the dwarves with rather a lot of trepidation. The amount of them. The fact that they all were armed. Young, and angry.

The two lupine knights had sheathed their weapons, but still would be little use against a veritable army of angry young dwarves.

They were far too outnumbered.

Lir glanced at Llew, then jerked his head. Lir slunk along the wall out of sight, then dropped to the ground, motioning for the young farmer to follow him.
Douglas
"Nerdrat, Khumras and Darbad... O' course, I shoulda' known. Time to make a report..."
*The dwarven marksman grumbled to himself darkly, slipping between the trees and pacing around the action. He'd not interfere, not between two groups he was friendly with... But he needs to know what happens.*
Jenny
"*You* Shut up, Nerdrat! We didn't agree! I didn't, at least!" The hooded dwarf snarled.

"You've no *Sense* Of delicacy." Khumras turned, holding a palm up to the phalanx of dwarves behind him. Then he strode over to Podric.

Khumras swung a large hand to give the mayor a pat on the back just too hard to be friendly.

"So, Mayor... Let's have a tour of your office. See how you run things."
Frank
Llew glanced to the oncoming dwarves, a furrowed brow, they were certainly not woman as shown on the pamphlet... And armed. He glanced to the swordsmen, then back to the dwarves. They seemed ready to fight... Almost like bandits. He kept watching before the shout of pillage and burn. He got moving quickly. He saw the wicked weapons, farmer or not, a cudgel would not do himself much against a great sword, he heard the crackle of lightening. Magic?!

His jaw tightened, he glanced to Lir as he moved, going to follow, no motion being needed, glancing to those little folk still in the square then back to Lir. A nod, fear in his eyes, but a will. A missing eye, two fingers? He had to of had some fighting, or to get away. We will see what he had to say. He nodded again, as he glanced behind him. Hands resting on the handle of his cudgel until the knuckles were white, no other signs of tension however. Then back to Lir.
Allen
Gallane was eager to push his men harder than they were accustomed. Faster than the sleepy guardsmen of the Dale themselves knew they could go. For everyone was looking forward to the feast and drink that they would later enjoy!

 Of course there had been no group of Dwarves on the road. That had been gossip of the townsfolk. Gallane had hoped but, well it was rather a mystery. And the captain was beginning to worry what they searched for was perhaps something grim.

"Alright boys."
He raised a hand to get their 'posse' to stop.
"Let's have a rest~ Waterskins?"

 Most of the lot found a rock or some log on the wayside to sit but some went down in the road outright. Not Gallane. He stood and looked up further into the daunting range of mountains they had stepped upon. Thinking-
Nathan
*AC was still somewhat nearby, and as the dwarven party marches up to the Mayor's podium, she hops up on the rainbarrel with Ody.
She frowns — an expression not well-suited to her face — as she sets a hand on the red-headed gnome's shoulder and leans down to mutter to her*
"Yeeeeah, this doesn't look good, in fact, this looks ... Really bad. What should we do? We might be too far away for me to help the mayor up there — I can short-'port, but I think he's too far away. So, how can we help him? 
"If these are the *Mad* Dwarves, I don't think my singing could do more than just distract them, and it's too many, anyway. Hmmm...
"Maybe I should just distract them the more old-fashioned way? As in, good-looking girl trying to catch the attention of the guys? Get behind the barrel, as I doubt you want to help with *That*, and be ready for my signal. Have that *Fire* Of yours ready!"
*AC pulled her sash free and it ripples to be her strange-leather whip in her left hand, which she then shakes at till it sidles up to wrap around her left forearm.*
*Then she calls out, "Aw, c'mon, lads! Did you really come all this way just to be the wet blankets? Join the fun! The party! Big, strong, burly lads like you would be really popular, here! Like, look at those bulging muscles... I'll buy a pint for ... Well, there *Is* A lot of you... For some of you! C'mon, what do you say?"
*She poses fetchingly, standing atop the barrel, and shakes her hips,* "I'll dance and sing, we'll make it a party!" *She tosses her hair, grinning at the party of dwarven warriors.*
Rosemarie
Xa'el had returned to his throne made of barrels. He hadn't been paying much attention but once he was on one, he could see much better if the goings on. He stiffened a moment realizing this festival apparently had come under siege... Xa'el resumed his seat on the utmost barrel and enjoyed the pies he had taken when the opprtunity arose. Watching what transpired with a curious expression.
Frank
"Ummm..."
*The twins look after AC as she ran after Ody, ... Then the tableau with the dwarves happens!*
Celeste
"... This looks bad."
Bertha
"Definitely not the guests of honor, I bet...
Should we go after AC?"
Celeste
*Drags Heidi and ducks after Lir!*
*She mutters,* "If AC gets in too much trouble, we'll have to help her, but for now... Here!"
Frank
*They peer around the corner, eyeing the stand-off with the mayor, then make twin watchful, careful faces as AC tries her ploy at distraction*
Elizabeth
As Ezrah approached the town of Millers-Dale, he could feel the festive energy in the air. The sweet scent of blooming flowers and freshly baked pastries filled his nostrils, and the vibrant colours of the decorations hanging from every building caught his eye. The sound of lively music and laughter mingled with the gentle rustling of the nearby trees and the distant bubbling of a nearby brook.

The people of the town were dressed in their finest attire, with brightly coloured fabrics and delicate embroidery. Everywhere he looked, there were tables adorned with delectable treats and drinks, from savoury meats to sugary sweets and fragrant teas. The air was thick with the aroma of spices and herbs, and the sound of clinking glasses and joyful conversation echoed through the streets.

Children ran and played among the crowds, their faces painted with bright designs, while performers and musicians entertained the masses with their talents. Ezrah couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and wonder at the sight of so many people coming together to celebrate life and all its pleasures.

As he made his way deeper into the town, he saw that the festivities only continued to grow in intensity. From the stunning flower displays to the intricate costumes of the performers, every detail had been thoughtfully crafted to create an atmosphere of pure magic. He felt a sense of gratitude for being able to witness such beauty and community, and couldn't help but smile as he soaked in the vibrant energy of the spring festival in Millers-Dale.

In an instant, the enchanting aura of the market was shattered as a swarm of people began to converge, scattering away from the center where the festivities were to take place. At first, there was a palpable confusion in the air, but then the distant sound of metallic armour resounded through the air, a harbinger of the soldiers that were approaching the town's centre. As the clamour of screams and yells grew louder, Ezrah knew that something was amiss.

Without a second thought, Ezrah hastened towards the commotion, his heart pounding with unease. As he turned the corner, a scene of utter chaos unfolded before him. An army of dwarves stood before him, brandishing their weapons with malicious intent. The air was thick with hostility, and it was apparent that a deadly confrontation was imminent. It dawned on him that the guards of the city had marched into the mountains, leaving the populace defenceless and at the mercy of the belligerent dwarves.

Ezrah's heart quickened with a sense of urgency as he maneuvered skillfully through the crowds, inching closer to the unfolding turmoil. He knew that the dwarves would undoubtedly target the leaders of the city, and it was up to him to intervene and protect the innocent...
Joshua
Podric was nervous, and the "Pat on the back" Had him unbalanced and teetering on his position atop the pedestal behind the podium. He had to leap off in an impromptu little hop to the ground to keep from falling onto his backside. 

"All right, all right," He said in a hasty huff. "No need to get pushy," He agreed with the thick dwarf. "The councilors and I would be uh... *Delighted* To give you a tour of the town hall and... Uh... My office, of course..." He glanced up at the councilors who now towered over him, even more than the dwarf, but found each of them distancing themselves from his inclusion, backing away and shaking their heads to decline the "Invitation". 

Filled with disappointment and abandonment, Podric now of course wished he had not sent away Gallane and the sheriffs, but for now he just had to make due with the trouble at hand, and hope that they returned soon to help. Glumly, nodding his head, he began to lead the way away from the market square. "It's not all that far off..."
Elizabeth
As Ezrah moved closer to the scene, the severity of the situation became painfully clear. The absence of the sheriff and guards, who had presumably ventured into the mountains, coupled with the sizeable number of dwarves amassed before him, hinted at a premeditated attack. The village was undoubtedly unprepared for such an assault, and the consequences could be dire.

He was not far from the mayor now, or so he thought, for he did not know the mayor, but most of the attention seemed to be on that person at the podium. But he was too late to get him away from here.

Perhaps, he hoped, there were other people present who, like him, were considering intervening. Amidst the sea of faces, he spotted a woman standing on a platform, attempting to capture the attention of the masses. While it was unlikely that she could single-handedly turn the tide of the conflict, Ezrah's instincts urged him to approach her. She may hold vital information or be in the process of implementing a strategy to mitigate the situation. With a sense of determination, he made his way towards her, hoping that their combined efforts, alongside others who shared their concern, might have a fighting chance.
Samantha
*The grizzled dwarf stared blankly at the blonde-haired woman atop the barrel, along with his most loyal contingent. One of them growled lowly, barking in archaic Dwarvish to one of the others; both peeling off towards one of the houses. With a crack of wood and glass, the door was broken in.*
"...Eldritch Blast."
*With a flat voice and a flick of his hand, a swirling ball of purplish energy rocketed forth; enough to knock her off and leave a little mark. Nerdrat pointed a finger skyward, slowly turning it in a circle above his head in some odd gesture to the rest of his company.*
"You do that, Khumras... **THE REST O' YOU!** Fan out, groups o' three an' take what ya' can. Burn the rest, an' knock away any in yer' way... We're not killin' yet..."
*His voice boomed as he made the call, a light shockwave reverberating from his mouth. The remaining dwarves by his side seemed to swell in their stature; their faces brightening with malevolence; muscles drawing taught and strong.*
"Darbad. Guessin' we'll have some *'problems'* Ta' deal with. You and I can show 'em a thing or two, eh?"
*He croaked to his companion, pointing a rusty finger towards the crowd in front of the stage, nodding knowingly. He knew what the world was like, there had to be heroic types that could test their mettle... To overestimate their quarry would put them in the ground faster.*
Margaret
Odawyn gawked as they shot at AC and chaos erupted. She hopped up and down on her barrel before giving a tiny sort of war cry and taking aim at Nerdrat with her staff. Then she released a wildly unstable fireball in his direction. How dare they!
Nathan
*AC blinked in almost gape-mouthed suprised as, not only did her gambit at distracting the dwarves from pillaging by her offer of high culture, but, the one is **Shooting at her!** She lunges to the side but, of course, while fast, she's not **That** Fast, and she gets winged by the dwarf's **Eldritch Blast** As she indelicately tumbles to the ground.*
"Oof!"
*She hollers out in high dudgeon,* "Uncultured **Lout!**"
*She rolls to her side, rubbning her zinged bottom.*
"That'll lead a mark!"
Frank
*The well-cloaked twins gawk as the dwarf dares fire at their friend!*
Celeste
*Tries to lunge forward, but,*
Bertha
*Holds her back,* "That didn't look like more than a glancing blow, she should be fine! We have to help the elder here, and this other fellow who doesn't exactly look well-armed..."
Celeste
*Sighs and nods,* "You're right..."
Nathan
*Then **Does** Gape up at Ody, as the gnomes shoots off a fireball,*
"Oh, sh||izzle||! **Ody, get down!**," *And she'll try hopping up, groaning as she's sore from the glancing blast and the subsequent fall to the ground from the barrel, and tries grabbing Ody and looking for an escape!*
Margaret
Ody was yelling something in her native tongue before comically being yanked off her 'stage' by AC. She looked up at her "How dare they!" She commented as she was lead along, shaking her head and muttering to herself. "I ought to set them all on fire!"
Nathan
"Soon! But right now, first point of strategy — when you shoot something, don't wait where you shot from, or they might quickly shoot back!"
Brenton
As confusion reigned in the town centre with the help available still no match for the army of dwarves milling about, the crowd seemed unsure whether to scatter or remain. Some people began fleeing, and, in the chaos, Miss Sabyn Quenelle had gotten separated from her charge, Miss Fleurie Seavers.

"Miss Seavers! Miss Seavers! Fleurie!" Miss Quenelle shouted to no avail. Miss Quenelle threaded through the crowd, trying to locate the young woman. Unable to do so, she was swept away in a river of people surging away from the city centre. With no other option, Miss Quenelle lifted her skirts and ran as fast as she could towards the quieter... And richer... Section of Miller Dale closest to the seaside.
Connie
The old tea-seller Juchin found her tea stall overrun with dwarves. Some shoved coins into her tip teapot before grabbing cups and tins of tea, others simply seized what they wanted without paying. 

"Get off! One at a time!" Snapped Juchin, but the dwarves were too many. The tiny old woman found herself shoved out of her own tea stall as the dwarves ransacked it. All she could do was watch them guzzle down tea and break her teapots and cups.
Anna
/k: _Kiros stood still, his eyes wide at the calls of the dwarves. He gently bumps people aside as they ran past him. He shrugs a bit before carefully pulling his war hammer off his back. He sighs a bit as he left his barding at the forge for the festivities. As it cleared ahead of him, he walked a bit forward, the clacking of his hooves barely heard above the din. "Well... If they want a fight..." He grumbles. He growls at the now bandits, "Let's Play..." He waits ready for an attack, his large war hammer held with some ease and slightly different than usual._
Rachelle
Lir glanced at Llew, but, before he could respond to the young farmer, he found the Hoff twins encroaching into their space.

"Go help AC, or leave!" Lir hissed at the twins. Two people hidden in one spot was bad enough, but four of them huddled together significantly raised the risk of them all being found. Lir had spotted Gitroki concealing himself as well but had only a vague idea of the dwarf's location. He hoped not to encroach on Gitroki and reveal the dwarf's hiding spot.

Lir, hunched down against the wall, squirmed as he withdrew two daggers out of his waistcoat and handed them to Llew.

"Llew, my boy, do you think you could catch up to the sheriffs who've gone to look for the dwarf maidens? Let them know that the town is being attacked."

Lir narrowed his eye at the Hoffs. "Go help AC, or go help Llew alert the sheriffs and bring back some men. I've got a sick charge to try to get back to, and I can't have any interference right now."
Bertha
"Oh. We thought we should have helped you two, but ok."
Celeste
*Grabs her sister's hand, and withdraws her short-staff from her cloak with the other,*
Frank
*And they hurry out into the mayhem to look for AC and her gnomish friend! Huddled in their cloaks, they duck from shadowed alley to shaded awninged doorway*
Rosemarie
Had been snickering, watching as chaos ensued. The stout group of grizzled dwarves were actually quite intimidating. He was lucky that he did not care for this town at least a smiidge. This lot seemed more likeminded than the townsfolk... Though something awful dawned on Xa'el. Making him nearly choke on his pie and the man tumbled off the stack of barrels into a group of fleeing people.

*He dematerialized of course. Turning into a puffy cloud of white smoke the moment his boot hit upon someone's head...*

 This was bad, If Xa'el was a betting man~ *And he was.* He would bet that if this group overrran the town or burnt it down.. It would bring complications to getting a ship chartered to Tidehaven.. 

 The cloud ☁️ floated lazily to a rooftop and began to solidify and take the form of a man.

*This was turning out ever so unfortunately for Xael..*
Jenny
After a few "Friendly" Pats on Mayor Thistlefoot's back, Khumrash grinned as dwarves flooded around him, laughing. 

A dwarf who was one of many who had been filching mugs of ale laughed loudly and stumbled towards Ezrah, shoving the mug of ale at the slender fair man.

Khumras, however, gave another pat on the mayor's shoulder as the sirine stepped onto the barrel. 

"Let's hold off a moment, Mayor," Khumras grinned as he stepped towards AC.

Khumras remained still a moment as Nerdrat flung a blast of unholy energy towards the golden-haired maid.

"NERDRAT, YOU IDIOT!" Khumras yelled as he darted towards AC. He held out a hand towards her.

"My deepest apologies, O fair maiden of the sunrise." Khumras smiled his most winning smile at AC. "My colleague is rabbited. Forgive him. The mayor was just about to give us a tour of his office. Care to join us, my beauty?"
Frank
Llew's eyes looked over, eyes widdening to saucers, magic?! Magic bandits?! He swallowed then looked back to Lir then the twins, looking between the three, about to pull his cudgel before Lir handed him two daggers. He took them, did he know how to use them? Well, kind of, tiny swords right? He played the game of sticks. 

He looked them over the nback at Lir. He nodded, and took off at a sprint, running down the back of the small way, then around a corner, he heard screams. Teeth gritted as his vision swam. Running fast as his legs could take him. He had to make it past the dwarves. He kept running around the back. Hoping he wouldn't be noticed as he went at a dead sprint towards the bridge, tucking the daggers into his rope belt. His hat flying off, gliding in the wind to land near the looting dwarves. 

Face was pale with fear, and fueled his sprint to get out of town. All he had to do was get the sherrifs. By the gods, what if this was his town? He ran like his life depended on it. Almost slipping on the stone road several times.
Nathan
*Lofts her eyebrows at **Khumraw**. She was too canny to let her face show true suspicion, but considering she was hanging onto the fair, redheaded gnome who'd just flung a fireball at — or at least in the general direction, it **Was** Unstable, after all — of his troops, this seemed ... Fishy.
Then again, this whole affair was as fishy as a wharfside market at the **End** Of a long, hot, summer's day...*
*And so, she grinned sweetly at the dwarven boss,* "Sure! Can I bring my friend, here? You promise my friends and I full protection, on your full word of honor, lest I get to shave your beard?"
*She'll let him take her hand, as if he were a dashing knight and she the maiden fair of ye olde stories. She subtly hooked her whip off the back of her belt, and it slyly re-wrapped itself around her left arm, the one handing onto **Ody**.*
Frank
*The twins hadn't gotten far in their search for AC, before spotting her being drawn back by the dwarven commando. They hung back in the shadows of an awning, keeping an eye on this latest development!*

*They looked to each other, disappointment in their eyes. They had thought they had chosen right to protect the farmer and (to their eyes) old guy, so his snapping at them to go help AC stung, a bit. But, they settled back to the task at hand, and kept a close eye on AC and her other buddy, Ody.*
Vito
Ody was yelling something in her native tongue before comically being yanked off her 'stage' by AC. She looked up at her "How dare they!" She commented as she was lead along, shaking her head and muttering to herself. "I ought to set them all on fire!"

 *The blazing Fireball trailed its way towards its target. A shining, searing ball of fire lit up the area below it, bathing every onlooking in rays of crimson and gold.*

***KABOOM!!***

The spell found its target! A cloud of thin, black smoke surrounded the area around the podium where Nerdrat and Darbad had been. People looked on in anticipation to see if the threat was settled. As the smoke cleared, a menacing chuckle could be heard on the other side of the smoke. 

"Hehehehe!" *Darbad stood proudly in front of his leader. The sword that sat softly on his shoulder was now firmly grasped with both hands outstretched towards where the Fireball came from. The sword was blazing red, heat could be felt from yards away from it, how Darbad was able to stand so close to the blazing sword was anyone's guess.*

You're going to have to do a lot better than that if you want take us down! *A wicked smile still stood on Darbad'a face. He wasn't expecting the lowly townsfolk to have any sort of magic.* 

"It was a cute party trick, but that's all it was... Cute."
Allen
It was as if Gallane could feel the hopes of his men sagging. What had felt like a fun trek as a welcoming party. Had now very obviously become a search party. The force treaded onward, looking for some scrap of information. *Some lead*, at the very least they could bring back home. Then they could at least watch that familiar festival many of them had known for years if not their entire lives.

 The road at this point was more like a mountain pass now, though the captain and his men were only upon the tip of the iceberg that is the southern mountains. 

*Gallane was not feeling lighthearted anymore. For even when he had first got to thinking, and looked up at the range. He had accepted the possibility of this investigation becoming rather important.*
Samantha
"...You know Darbad, I've always appreciated you."
*Slowly opening an eye from his flinch, Nerdrat quickly realised that they were okay. He patted Darbad's shoulder and nodded, in a moment of genuine gratitude. This quickly faded however, his snarl returning as he raised the staff once more.*
"Get the gnome! Khumras, move or I'm zapping you as well, you wallflower! Who else... Who else wants this!?"
*His hands crackled with sparking energy, a deep and sickly blue jumping between his fingertips. A couple of the remaining dwarves sauntered up, battle-axes in hand to leer at whoever stepped up.*
Joshua
Standing off to the side of all the commotion, Podric cringed at the sudden ferocity, and was soon scampering off as only a halfling could do to find the shelter of safety. Running around the corner out of the square amidst several others, he quickly realized that he had somehow made good his escape, thanks to the intervention of others in the square. "Get them!" He yelled from a hidden position in a crowd of people. "Don't let them raze our poor city!"
Nathan
*AC, looking oh-so-innocent as she does, and still hanging onto Khumras' hand with one hand, and the pyromaniacal gnome with the other, tries to slooowly slide herself behind Khumras, pulling the gnome with her!*
"Oh, the vile brute! You wouldn't let two such harmless sorts as us fall prey to that ruffian there, right? Clearly he's mad!" *She mumbles to Ody, though Khumras surely could hear ... Perhaps AC wants him to, of course...* "Dwarves with magic... I bet it's driving him **Quite** Mad..."
*She's definitely angling to pur Khumras between herself and Ody, and as many other dwarves as she can ... **Especially** Nerdrat!*
*She grins as Podrick runes like hell! Her distraction gambit didn't go quite as well as she'd hoped, but if the Mayor can get away, it at least worked well enough! She'll glance around for the Hoffs. Spotting them, she gives a very subtle nod...*
Frank
*Nod back, and glance to each other, then to AC and Ody... But then toward the mayor. They mumble to each other, considering what distraction techniques might be needed, and whether they should help AC more, or the Mayor... They'll just have to see what happens next...*
Keith
_Kiros smiles on, his hammer slowly swinging now in front of him, "Well well well... Mayor gave the go ahead..." He murmurs. He slowly walked forward, his hooves clacking on the pebbled street. As he nears a group of dwarves, he checks to make sure they are raiders before going into swings to knock them out cold. The blows raining as if he was a part of a hammer team._
Nathan
*Hears the sound of growing chaos* "Ooooh, uh oh, more chaos! See? Don't just zap one cute li'l gnome, better go see what **That** Is, right?"
Frank
*Hearing the sounds of Kiros' ruckus, they creep closer, keeping their cloaks and hoods concealing themselves..., but stick to the shadows for now — or trying to, of course — waiting to see how the Big Dwarven Trio reacts, not wanting to let AC out of their sight, really, either.*
Margaret
Ody was suddenly snatched away, and good thing too, a rather intimidating dwarf was coming their way. She huddled against AC and looked up at the dwarf she was talking to. Did he need a fireball to the beard? To be honest, she wasn't sure how much energy she had left. She couldn't just blast all day, not yet at least.
Jenny
Khumras took AC's proffered hand, bending down to kiss it.

"A thousand million pardons, my sweetest pie. I have to attend to something first."

Khumras whirled towards the explosion near Darbad and Nerdrat. Unfortunately, they both seemed to survive the blast, and it appeared that the residents of Miller Dale might not be taken down as fast as they had initially anticipated.

Drawing his shortsword and knife, Khumras jabbed the air in the direction of Mayor Thistlefoot's voice.

"SEIZE THE HALFLING! AND HOSTAGES!" Khumras roared, charging in the direction of Mayor Thistlefoot's voice.

Dwarves began screaming and yelling and drawing weapons. Several seized unattended women, and the crowd began screaming and pushing past each other, trying desperately to get free of the dwarves.

Dwarves who had wandered off, however, had completely destroyed Juchin's tea stall. Another group had found Bruwilyn's blacksmith shop and were beating at the barred door with anything they could get their hands on.

Kiros's hammer sent several dwarves to their end, and one dwarf screamed for backup against the centaur. More dwarves began flooding towards Kiros, their own hammers and swords risen high. Two of the bigger dwarves thrust themselves as close to Kiros as they could get and swung their warhammers at the centaur's legs.
Rachelle
Lir heard the blasts after he had sent Llew off after the sheriffs. His stomach sinking, he pressed himself flat on the ground as the dwarves continued swarming not only the city centre but flooded into other areas of Miller Dale as well. 

He had to get Jathak the hell away from this mess before something *Else* Terrible happened to them. 

Drawing out the last two daggers he had, and with the cacophony growing louder all around him, Lir slunk along the ground as quietly as he could, looking for any opening that he might escape through.
Frank
*Spotting the **Mayor** Scampering away at high speed, they try to subtly catch his attention — quite the feat, what with their also **Not** Wanting to catch the dwarves' attention!
So, if by luck he's scampering in their direction — they'd perhaps be near the opening to some side street or alley in the general direction of where **Kiros** Would also be fighting...
Then they'll try to catch his attention, and gesture to the side street / alley behind them, which they've made sure is clear of enemy dwarves!*
"That way, it looks clear!"
*And, if he takes them up on it, they'll follow him to try and guard him — or at least prove a distraction if they do all get noticed...*

Llew feet slammed the ground, there was no subtly with what he was trying to do. Just pure speed, window blowing his hair. He ran past a dwarf, then another. Who knows when they would try to stop him. Shoes making pitter patter sounds as they slammed into the cobble stone road, then onward. The bridge was the key. 

He was tense, nervous, scared. What if he couldn't make it, what if the other dwarves had magical weapons? Could he even defend himself? Time seemed to slow for a moment as he thought, adrenaline fueling him as much as fear. He could almost hear the wind, like whispers as he ran. The shouts going to a slow, each step unbearably slow, each second like a minute. His vision blurred from the wind in his eyes, then it all came back too fast. He was getting closer to getting out of town.
Elizabeth
Ezrah moved with the grace of a panther, weaving his way through the throngs of people until he caught sight of a group of dwarves encircling someone. Without a moment's hesitation, he surged forward, his lithe form slicing through the air like a bolt of lightning. His every movement bespoke of a finely honed physique, suggesting the training of a warrior or athlete. Approaching the circle of dwarves, he burst into a sprint, propelling himself over their heads with a deft kick to one's shoulder, launching himself towards the centre. Landing with a gentle thud, he smoothly drew his sword, which glinted brilliantly in the sunlight, and spoke with a voice of authority, "We may be ignorant of the situation, but unity is our greatest weapon in overcoming it." His frigid gaze pierced the dwarves like icicles, but his words were directed at the stranger beside him.
Norma
The Miller Dale residents near the ocean, even though farther away from the heart of the carnage, were beginning to have problems as well.

Several small, unattended bands of dwarves had gotten into the coastal district. One band began pestering dockworkers and fishmongers. Several others began going at the pretty cottages and mansions lining the quieter streets, throwing rocks into windows and trying to force their way into houses they felt were theirs by right.

Seeing, however, as these more affluent households tended to have hired help and to house nobles with at least some military experience and training, the bands of dwarves, while they were certainly causing mayhem, were having a tougher time of it.

Mrs Seavers found herself with a panicked maid, an injured husband, two footmen who were only too happy to get in some scraps, and, most importantly, a missing niece.

Still, there *Was* The consideration of their unusual neighbors to attend to.

So, after promising to herself that she was going to send the bill for the damages to Mayor Thistlefoot for his abysmal lack of security, she strode to the stone cottage next door. One of the front windows of the house had been broken.

Mrs Seavers knocked.

The door was flung open, and Mrs Seavers sighed down the snaplock barrel shoved into her face by the already-bloodied creature wielding it.

"Mr Artudian, I never!" Mrs Seavers placed a hand to her chest. 

Whilst it took a few moments, which Mrs Seavers allowed to elapse in silence, Artudian did drop the weapon and glared at the woman.

"You seem to understand the issue, Mr Artudian. There is a raid by dwarves in the middle of the festival. Miss Seavers was separated from Miss Quenelle during the initial rush. I am going to find her."

Mrs Seavers peered around the trembling, blood-soaked little knight at a groaning dwarf lying inside the house by the breakfast nook, the table and two chairs nearest it splintered into pieces.

"I see you have things well in hand here," Mrs Seavers told Artudian. "I understand that Mr Silivasti is attending the event as well. I shall keep an eye open for him."

The severe-looking woman stepped back. She frowned and studied the mute knight, whose eyes had widened.

"I know you have been taken ill, Mr Artudian, but my understanding in my conversations with Mr Silivasti is that you have significant military experience. If you are in any sort of shape to help..." At this, the elderly noblewoman studied Artudian up and down. 

"You seem in finer fettle than most men half your age, and I imagine your expertise would be welcome. That fool Thistlefoot seems to have sent all the sheriffs to investigate the mountain passes, and has appeared to severely underfund the city watch. For such a large event, too! I'm very glad *I* Didn't vote for him."

Artudian narrowed his eyes at the woman. Behind him, a broken window shutter, just barely grasping to the wall by one hinge, snapped and fell to the kitchen floor.

Mrs Seavers turned away, approaching the carriage that had just drawn up in front of her house.

"If you must, Mr Artudian, remain here, and I shall endeavour to bring Mr Silivasti back as well."

The carriage trundled off, with Mrs Seavers inside. Artudian slammed the door closed and tended to his own plans.
Keith
_Kiros grins with each thud, blacksmithing built up those arms to do such fighting. He warily watches as more dwarves are called over. The fight, which he thought was rather one sided, a big centaur against smaller dwarves, turned the other way as another half dozen came into the fray. He growls out a curse and spots the swings to his legs. He rears back, his hooves flailing, but still a hammer hits him hard on the left front shin. He feels a crack and roars out with pain, he flails out with his right hoof and tries to nail a dwarf with that limb as he brings his hammer back into play. As he lands, he curls the left leg in and stumbles slightly, the right barely catching him.

He turns to the new comer as he landed and then nodded, "Stay on my left..." He turned back to the dwarves and now waited for their retaliation, his hammer keeping what he can at bay._
John
It was faint, far away or muffled - it was difficult to tell. At first it may have been growling that carried in the wind. Strange throaty somewhat guttural noises that was difficult to pinpoint where it was coming from. But as one of the men on the search party stood completely still ad tilted his head - he would slowly turn towards a heavy pile of large rocks, stone and debris, a new layer of settled dust covering the hill. 

A rock slide!

But what was he hearing? He pressed closer to the hill, then leaned into a large boulder pressing his ear against the rock.

"Snnooorrrrghh, psssssh. Snnnnnnnoooorghh. Pssssh." And more than one questionable strange sounds could be heard. 

Snoring? "Captain!, I think I hear something!!" He then took the hilt of his sword and rapped it against the boulder. "Hello! HELLO?" 

Mutters, grumbles, groans but eventually a voice rang out. "Help! We need help! The hill tumbled down on us!" The voice was strained, perhaps a little dry and gritty, but it was definitely female. "There was an explosion.. " Couchcoughcough. More voices all trying to talk at the same time to what had happened and then talk of thirst and ale.
Allen
Gallane was called to from one of his men, as they had been dispersed and searching along the mountain road and the byways. What the sheriff reported was a rockslide or some cave in just ahead behind the next turn and a commotion beginning as contact had been made with what sounded to them like a group of dwarvish maidens. 

 Captain Drakar felt a heaviness he was not previously aware of lift from himself. And he grinned despite the serious nature of the news. *He was sure dwarves of all people were sturdy enough~ nae. Built for exactly such the occasion as what had befell them*..
 He clapped the sheriff on the back, *It was Barrey actually.
Before stepping intently forward to—

"OYE"

*That was the sound of another of the sheriffs, Stooks if I recall~* Yelling out, as he spotted some farmhand in the distance. *Running up the road*.
Frank
Llew was unsure how far he ran, or how long. Just that he ran, that he needed to run. He was sweaty, even in the cold of the mountains he was sweaty. His feet hurt on the hard cobble, it was not like the packed dirt back home, or acres of wheat field or wood lands.

He began to slowly simply because despite his will to carry on, one can't keep a dead sprint forever. He was down to a jog, eyes widened as he saw people in the distance, he waved, and pointed back to where he ran.

*"Bandits, bandits pillagin the town! I-"* He wheezed as he took a moment to gasp and struggle for air.

*"Told to... Get ya, come back please, need 'elp, danger."* He blathered out, coming to a stop and bending over, he wanted to throw up, or felt that way, sweat dripping off of him, vision shaky and swimming slightly. He shook his head, can't do that infront of them sheriffs!
Allen
"Get the lad some water, you done well-Stooks. You take four men and the boy here and save our maidens. The rest a ye!
Let's go."
Linda
Milla woke to up to darkness, dusty air, and the sound of her sister calling for help. One of her traveling companions suggested that she stay down and rest, but despite her disorientation and injuries she characteristically ignored the advice to take it slow, and made her way towards her sister's voice.

"Billa, what happened? Are you ok? The last thing I remember is a massive bang and rock tumbling everywhere." She raised her fingers to her cheek, feeling something wet there. Lowering them, she could see that there was blood, half dried, half new, coming from a cut on her head. It didn't seem serious. She had been hurt far worse, before. Her body was very sore, but that too, was fairly common.

She swiftly made her way through the cave, navigating the rocks and debris finally finding her sister. She put her hand on Milla's shoulder, asking if she knew what the hell was going on.
Lydia
Ezra approached after chatting with Kale. He saw what was happening and choose to take action. He frickin' warned those dwarfs afterall didn't he? *Is he hit?* He thought. He called Kale over with an howl. It turned so loud that the normal hearing capacity couldn't hear it anymore. Kale houd back at the same frequency. He turned to Kiros. "Keep standing. A doc is in the way." Ezra drew out his two swords and called out: "I've told you to watch out and still you ruin it! Now... Come at me!" He stood a protective position for Kiros to have some time and rest.
Amanda
Kale approached as he saw Ezra's pose he knew something was wrong. A fey yards away he saw a few dozen dwarfs and to his left he saw a giant kinda guy with a large hit on his left front shin. Kale approached the dude blew softly on the pipe. (Not-with-effect) He exposed his hands and helt them up. Out came two white bluish fireballs. He lettet them dissapear and reapeared were two lime green ones. He turned them smaller and held them to the wound of the big guy. "Hm!" An alerting mumble. "Don't move." He said. "Okay. This should do. If you get hit here again I might not be able to heal it. I'll fight with you guys on distance." He patted the dude.
Elizabeth
Ezrah brandished his sword in a dangerous dance, the metallic whooshing sound it made as it cut through the air was enough to make even the most battle-hardened dwarf quiver in fear. He and his new ally, the centaur Kiros, stood back to back, a formidable duo against the surrounding dwarves. The ruckus had attracted the attention of two more fighters, approaching from a distance with what seemed like friendly intentions. Ezrah let out a wry chuckle at the sight of them, relishing the reinforcement. "Welcome to the party!", he welcomed them both. 

But there was no time for pleasantries. The dwarves were unrelenting, pushing forward with a determined fury. "Does anyone of you have a strategy?" Ezrah bellowed over the clamour, his focus fixed on the oncoming assault. Ezrah swung his sword with deadly precision, landing a cut on the cheek of a dwarf who had gotten too close. He knew, however, that he could not be too aggressive, lest he risk escalation to lethal combat.

With a graceful pivot, Ezrah glided back to the group, the air rushing past him as he slid just above the ground. The sun shone down on them, casting a golden glow on the scene of conflict, lending an almost surreal quality to the battle. It was as if the forces of nature themselves were drawn to the struggle, with even the gentle breeze seeming to pick up in intensity, as if urging the two sides to a climactic showdown. But for now, they held the line, determined to protect the village until the guards could arrive.
Lydia
"Yes" Ezra answered. "Hold a defensive line with 3 across this street." He looks at Kale. "Try and take higher ground." He turns to Ezrah "Let's try to fight both and not get close to eachother. They are focused on the town so if they see an opening they'll run through." He looked in his eyes with fury getting an aggressive stance. "C'mon then!" He said while he slashed his sword against a dwarf making a cut across his face as he fell down. The young dwarf was shocked as the Adastrian slashed his young untouched warface. "You will not get through."
Amanda
Kale nods in silence as he fleds and comes back ontop of a hill on the south side of the pathway. He looked over the attacking dwarfs and was kinda shocked. He'd never been in a battle before but he needed to help. And he choose to do so. He used his element to keep them away for the breakthrough of the pathway.
Brenton
A dwarf takes Kiros's right front hoof directly to the face and falls, whilst the dwarf who had landed the hit whoops and swings his hammer again, this time at one of Kiros's hind legs. 

With several bodies surrounding the centaur, a few of the dwarves began backing away from flailing hooves and the centaur's swinging warhammer. Still others began to press in, sensing the centaur's weakness.

One of the dwarves encircling Kiros fell at Ezra's kick to his shoulder, winded but only temporarily out of the fight. Other dwarves turned from the injured centaur to focus on the lupine knight who had entered the fray, two charging Ezra now as well.

Most of the dwarves stumbled and fell back at Kale's blast. They would be stunned for several moments, but they began rolling on the ground and getting their feet back under them.

A few moments lapsed where many of the dwarves stood panicked, then backed away from Kiros, Ezra, and Kale. Two dwarves spun away after the strikes from Ezra, yet the blood flowing began to anger the dwarves encircling Kiros. They pressed in further towards the three, warhammers and swords and shields flinging. Cries of battle and agony from the dwarves. 

Two dwarves, seeing Kale's attempt at healing the centaur and then his retreat to higher ground, began to chase the mage as Kale pursued higher ground.
Lydia
Ezra grunted at the impacts of the clashing swords. With growls he tries to hit them but the metal is strong and it lasts. It looked like an actual stamina test. He then choose to focus on one and missed. Then a hammer hit his shoulder. As he cried out a curse word he jumped backwards to rearrange himself. It did hurt, yes, but it wasn't dangerous or broken. He could still use his right arm. As he grunts the adrenaline finally comes in. Ezra's teeth clench as his eyes widen. He stands even more beastly then before. He trows a knife at Kale and shouts. "BEHIND!" Before acting defensive again.
Amanda
Kale turns to his back as he sees a knife flighing at him. He catches it and draws his samurai blade as he turns back to the dwarfs that followed him. He charged one with the blade as he tried to strike the other with an element.
Rosemarie
The festival was in full swing now. Maybe if it was like this every year he would have to make a jolly occasion of it..
 Xa'el was itching to get into the action, at first he hadn't wanted to because the odds looked worse than slim and we wouldn't want to run from a fight, no no:

 While Miller Dale was definitely in the middle of being over run. It was, a large place and from his rooftop he could see a few different groupings of chaos where people withstood the pillage. Spreading the attacking Dwarves numbers thin. Closest though *And most interesting* Was a centaur and certain others holding their own against a large portion of the raiding Iron hammers.

The smoke man would leave his bag up on that roof, and run forth off the ledge. At some point he wasn't running anymore, as his legs were gone. They had dissipated and were leaving a poofy white jet stream of smoke behind that propelled the man forward...

 He roared a war cry and made no introduction. Just started swingin, a fury of fists. If his timing was right and he was on point~ he would be nigh untouchable. What swordsman was up to the task of slicing a cloud.?. Catching the wind would be easier.
Brenton
Mrs Clemencia Seavers arrived at the battle in her coach. She darted out of her seat, drawing her sword as several dwarves accosted the carriage, one throwing her coachman to the ground. Her coachman and the dwarf who had attacked him began punching each other as another dwarf leapt into the driver's seat, grabbing the reins and driving it away once three other dwarves had shoved themselves into the carriage for a ride.

Mrs Seavers gaped at the dwarves stealing her carriage, but then rushed into the fray. "Fleurie!" She shouted. "Fleurie!"

Meanwhile, Juchin, the elderly tea merchant, grabbed an empty tea tin and flung it at one of the dwarves who had attacked her stall. She missed the dwarf's head, and the tin clattered harmlessly to the ground.

Bruwilyn Ironmaster and her father had barricaded the door to their blacksmith shop, but, seeing they were no match for the mass of dwarves attacking the door, took the few weapons they could grab and fled.

A contingent of dwarves burst in and began seizing swords and hammers and cudgels, snickering to each other and running back out to assault other businesses.

One of those assaulted businesses was Captain Rumblestep's carpentry shop. The halfling, too, limped away, his peg leg clacking on the ground as he escaped into the streets.

The trio of dwarves that had broken into the woodshop saw only a few weapons to be had. They grabbed what weapons they could and smashed to splinters everything else they saw, including dozens of lovingly-carved children's toys that they destroyed whilst cackling.

Pastry shops and butchers and tailors and meaderies and breweries along the streets found themselves at the mercy of dozens of young dwarves grabbing what they could, happily running away with food and alcohol and anything else they could grab, remaining unaware that the situation at the heart of Miller Dale, as well as at other places in the city, had already begun turning from a raid into something much deadlier.
Frank
Llew was resting, then eyes widening, he was going to have to go back. He swallowed, a nod, panting some more, then got to jogging, or more, keeping pace with the sheriffs, He hope they ran slow, or at least slow enough to catch his breath. What could he do more to help?

Llew had a slightly panicked look as he moved with the group, eyes going up. What about Sir Lir? Just abandon him? Or that lady with a really pretty voice... What would his parents say? He frowned as he moved ahead, thinking possibly a bit off with the lack of oxygen. He put his head down and got back to running, something had to be done, why should he be the one to do it?
Nathan
*AC blinked at Khumras charging off, and thus her big, burly meat shield has vanished, leaving her and Ody no longer well-hidden.*
"Well, crap..." 
*Well, before the Nerdy Rat got any wise ideas... Our golden dancer AC grabbed Ody and exited stage left, in the general direction that the bulk of the dwarves had gone charging in — well, those following Khumras, anyway. But...
Well, ok, not precisely that.. But, **Thattaway**! Because, she spied a true crime, a crying shame, a true **Travesty of justice**...
How, pray tell, did she pull off such a vanishing act?
She hopped up on the podium that the Mayor had so recently been pontificating from, dragging Ody with her!*
"Ok, gents!" *She called to any dwarves still nearby... Especially the Nerdy Rat!*
"This has been fun, really, but..."
*She muttered to Ody,* "Watch **This!**"
*She held up her other hand — still clutching the adorable firebug of a redheaded gnome with her whip hand but now raising her free hand as if clutching something within... And she hollered,* 
"**Smoke bomb!!!**"
*And making a downward-flinging motion... AC vanished in a big burst of purple and blue smoke!* [perhaps 15-20' diameter]
*Any who aren't **Very well distracted** By the smoke would perhaps notice AC, with a shimmer of golden-amber light, dropping in with Ody about ... 5' off the ground or so — hard to pinpoint a re-entry point through all this crowd! — not too far from where those foul cretins, those dastardly bastards of dwarves who...

...**Who**...*

***Dare accost Juchin and her wonderful tea shop!!!***

"Those... Those **True bastards!**" 
*But first, she must help Ody. ... After catching her breath. It was a rough landing, what with reappearing 5' in the air! She twisted to take most of the bump, letting Ody be cushioned with AC's soft self! They happened to land by an alleyway by Juchin's shop, and AC, wheezing as she got them to her feet, shoved Ody into it.*
"I see crates back there... Get on the roof and ... Have fun with your fireballs. I'll join you up t

Here after defending this lovely tea shop!"
*AC's whip slithered down to hang from her left hand, and after another long moment of catching her breath, rubbing a bruised knee, she snuck around the corner to help defend Juchin's shop! ... Well, or what's left of it...*
"Hmmm..."

*She grinned, and dropped the whip*


*After getting the mental affirmative as Ecki slithered back to the alleyway... AC stepped out where the dwarves attacking Juchin's teashop can see her*

"Oh no! How dare you damage all this beautiful tea! You ... You **Jerks!**" *She then assailed them with several more creative and blye-streaky choice words and phrases...*
Ada
How odd to have spent some time walking around, next thing you know while you rested atop of a tree that some aggressive, pillaging Dwarves decided to attack the same town you visited. Elysain never gets a break where ever he goes, and takes a couple of seconds to wake himself up before situating his mentality in a combat focus. He jots down his thoughts first ...

*Alright, clearly the town's spiraling. These dwarves don't seem exactly coordinated in their attack, and it seems to be generalized. In that case, there's a lot of debris around here I can use ... And this town has a lot of paths. If I can make it more predictable for the others, they'll get a better chance.*

Lifting his head up and swinging his leg over a branch, he drops down to the floor and quickly withdrew some hefty rocks from across the floor before proceeding to stalk along the alleyways of the town and around the darker crevasses, avoiding most of the flow of dwarves. There is, however, an occasion in which he was spotted and quickly proceeds eluding a pair of the brigands out into the dark; quickly dispatching them with quick and precise, decisive blows to their throats with the hefty rocks before rendering them unconscious. He'll be back for them later.

For now, he made it to the outskirts of the town. With that, he discovers some large, turned over wagons, barrels, crates and more that he can use to slowly begin makeshift building blockades to redirect and funnel the dwarves into. This also blocks off entire streets full of panicked residents he's ordered to defend themselves in the shadows in the meantime.

He leaves the main show up for the heroes ... *Now that the dwarves are becoming predictable in their direction.*
Rachelle
Lir had been able to stumble home, threading his way through throngs of overexcited dwarven youth. Yet even the streets towards the coast were spattered with dwarven hooligans.

Lir streaked down the roads, at one point shoving aside two angry dwarves attempting to block his path. One tumbled into the canal. He waved his arms as he sank, never screaming as the water slowly consumed him.

As he reached his cottage, Lir saw the blood pooled outside the open front door. Most of the windows shattered into pieces. The fencing around their property smashed in places. Half of one fence rail inexplicably missing.

Lir hurdled over the fractured fencing and shot into the house.

"Jathak!" Lir howled. The crates next to the hearth had been upended, books sprawled all over the sitting-room. The yellow settee had been knocked over, and it was stained with blood, as was most of the floor.

"Wolf!" Lir screamed, charging up the steps into their bedroom. The bedroom was untouched, so Lir leapt down, staring at the decimated table and chairs in the breakfast nook. Half of their shutters had been ripped from the walls, and nearly every one of their (very few) dishes now lay in bloodied shards on the kitchen floor.

Lir rushed to the barn and flung open the door.

He then immediately slammed it closed, clenching his jaw and inhaling deeply several times as he pressed his back against the outside wall.

He was fairly certain what he had seen had been a dwarf at some point.

After several breaths, Lir ran into the barn, calling for both Jathak and Kyre. Neither were to be found, so Lir ripped off his tailcoat and waistcoat, to give himself at least a bit more freedom of movement, and seized his scimitars from the tackroom.

Kyre's bitless bridle and his saddle were gone. The shield was missing, as were two swords, the best of the crossbows, both pairs of snaplock pistols, and at least one quiver of bolts and bags of shot and gunpowder.

Lir could not follow the massive bloody hoofprints for terribly long, so he ran back towards the city centre.

His stomach knotted. They were dealing with a dwarven raid, and now, unbeknownst to everyone other than Lir, an extremely unhinged paladin who was panicked and lost and likely wanting to kill...

As he arrived back at the city centre, Lir studied the madness. Seeing that the injured Kiros had help from Ezra, Lir raced across the square towards AC and Ody, brandishing his scimitars.
John
Billa was near the cave's entrance, rocks and rubble had fallen in on her, luckily her head was hard and her will was stronger. She dragged herself to her feet and dusted herself off and when she moved towards the wall of the cave, drew in a deep breath and coughed multiple times, cleared her throat and spit out a large loogie of soot and cinder. 

As her sister, Milla, approached Billa reached out her hand and waited for Mil to come near enough to feel her. "Aye, sister.. Seems we had a cave-in, but I remember hearing an explosion right before. I was guarding the entrance.. " She swung her head side-to-side, not remembering much after that. "We have some men out there." 

Billa coughed again, loud and harsh and rubbed her arm around her nose and face. There was no light to see anything, not even the hand against her own face. "Are the others Okay? We'll need to get them all to work." 

"Hello?!" The little blonde dwarf called out to the men outside the cave-in. "The name's Billa! Billa Stonebrow! We're supposed to be at the spring festival in Miller Dale! Let them know we're on our way!" 
Then turned to Milla. "We're going to need a fire to see.. " Deeper into the cave she hear the others scuffling towards them, spitting a few curses and kicking random rocks that dared lay on the ground in front of them.
Samantha
"You heard 'im, grab the Mayor and his friends! We'll be taking them home today!"
*The dwarven warlock had been able to keep out of the fight so far, barking orders at various of his associates as they pillaged between the bouts of violence. A few key fighters had surfaced, of whom his men had been having clear trouble with... But for now, he opted for a more general approached. That sickly green lightning crackled in his hands once more, Nerdrat rushing forward and letting off a cacophony of sparks towards the opposing group, leaving those injured to their fate - his subordinates would get to them eventually.*
Joshua
While many tried to keep an eye on Miller Dale's little mayor, there were few creatures as nimble and able to disappear as halflings when the pressure was on, and while Podric was no longer a spring chicken, he was still quite mobil. Nothing quite like a band of raging dwarves to motivate him, either!

While he saw several people trying to lure him this way or that, Podric instead kept on the move and as out of sight and reach of anyone who noticed him— friend or foe— all the while cheering on the resistance from afar. He was there to see the initial fights break out, and the... Other attempts to distract the dwarven invaders, but it was all snatched glimpses seen from between the bodies of others. 

Finally, once the smoke bomb was set off, he realized that it might make far better sense for him to get to someplace relatively safe until the sheriffs could return to help restore order, and began to make a quick path to escaping the square.

He might very well have made it, had not he tripped over someone else running away. When he rose back up to his feet, wiping his dirty, scuffed hands on his trousers, he found himself face-to-face with a group three of the dwarves who had been instructed by Khumras and Nerdrat to apprehend him. For a long moment that seemed to drag on forever, Podric and the dwarves stared at one another. He gulped audibly, then turned and started to run, only to be grabbed up by the dwarves and hoisted into the air amidst a chorus of rowdy laughter. "H— Help!" He yelped as he was suspended in the air, arms and legs flailing about. 

The mayor was in trouble!
Ada
A fleeting Halfling makes their way through the streets, and by some chance they were about to encounter a trio of dwarves who were ready to apprehend him given the chance by just around the corner. But fortunately; there is some luck on the quick footed mayor's side, as there is only one other person so far into the outskirts of the town, in the shadows between danger and relative safety.

As the halfling tripped, and was quick to his horror to see three dwarves apprehending him, hauling him from the streets afterwards, a lengthy and heavy rock came swirling out from the corner, crushing into the metal helm of one of the captors, rendering them unconscious on the spot. With shock and awe at his side, the closely tailing warrior, with their trusty one-sided blade by their opposing hand came in quick before the other men could deliberate what they have witnessed and quickly dispelled the second with a tricky strike at their nose by the pommel, causing them to drop the Mayor back down to the floor!

The second the other dwarf came down did Elysain finally meet an axe coming right down upon his face, which enacted a split-second weave backwards and a tear into his cloak, scratching his chest's skin superficially. After which, he faced the fallen Halfling and shouted at him,

"Run! There is a path behind me, it will lead you —" Cut midway by yet another axe coming to swing across his legs, which he deliberately struck away with his sword and continued whilst struggling in the fight. "— you to safety!"

While having now properly informed this unlucky soul of his potential escape; exactly the alley he cleared out and enacted his stealth attack from, the warrior quickly guides the blade into the dwarf's gut, just below their armor plating and rips it across. He dispels the attacker by quickly guiding a knee into them, thus dropping them into the floor with writhing pain. With this final enemy incapacitated, he lifted his blade up and acted as Podrick's over...
Frank
*The twins had begin to creep after the Mayor, still intending on aiding his escape... When he'd grabbed by the trio of dwarves!
The pair pressed back against a shop wall, and debate their options.*
*Heidi muses,* "It's long odds, us two against three well-armed and armored dwarves..."
*Hildi considers,* "But, we don't have to b eat them all, just disrupt them enough for the Mayor can get away again."
*Heidi nods,* "Then we can pull back, too. Ok! This sounds like a plan! Let me bolster you, then, we do the usual."
*Hildi gives a long sigh,* "I charge in, while you fire from 'over there'?"
*Heidi nods, and draws a ... Deck of cards? ... From her cloak. She rifles through them quickly, and chooses one,* "Here we go, the magic armor... Open wide!"
*Hildi pushes back her hood, revealing platinum blonde hair and extremely pale skin — an albino young lady — and opens her mouth, and Heidi starts to ... Place the card in her twin's mouth? When...
They startle and turn as a new contender appears! They watch as **Elysain** Dispatches the trio of dwarves and makes his own effort to help the **Mayor** Flee.
They nod, Heidi sliding the selected card back into her deck, Hildi shrugging
*Heidi comments,* "We'd better still watch and see that he gets away. Back to the shadows..."
*Hildi nods, now replacing her hood, and they resume their slinking along after the Mayor. This might mean they have to slink past **Elysain** To do it, but they won't speak up first. But, even enshrouded in dark cloaks, they defintely don't have the shape of dwarves.*
Keith
_Kiros watched as more joined his side. He was tense at first till someone patched him up with some strange magic. He grunted his thanks before looking above the din and chaos. He tested the leg, stiff and still in pain, but holding. He nods his thanks again.He saw that the others have the dwarves near him. He pushed them slightly aside, forming into a wall with the others.

He grins a bit before looking to the others, "Get ready... Gonna draw them here...". He looks back out and spots the leaders, his crazy plan forming as he shouted out into the chaos in a battlefield voice, "You BEARDLESS Cowards! Attacking civilians and looting! I bet you will never finish off the drinks you took! All this during a FESTIVAL!" He brings his hammer up and points toward the one throwing off the sickly green lightning, "You face me alone!" He pushes a bit forward as he spoke the last line, kicking and swinging the hammer at any dwarf that got too close._
Margaret
It all happened so fast! One moment Odawyn was bowing to the crowd before her and the next POOF! The little gnome allowed herself to be dragged off, coughing along the way. Once they were a good distance from the mass she said, "Wow! That was amazing!"
Linda
Milla breathed a sigh of relief upon locating her sister, but quickly refocused on the urgent situation at hand. Regardless of what triggered the explosion or landslide, their priority was to find a way out before the limited air supply ran out. She hollered out to the others trapped in the cave, ordering them to gather around. "Gather here! Let's dig our way out and make a fire for light." As the group assembled, they assigned tasks - two individuals were responsible for building a fire and crafting makeshift torches, while the others began to clear away rocks and debris.

As the group settled into a steady rhythm, Milla's thoughts wandered to what could have caused this catastrophe. They journeyed on this path every year for the festival. An attack by goblins seemed unlikely since nothing appeared to have been stolen. Could it have been a failed attack? It seemed more plausible that their travels were intended to be disrupted, be it temporarily or permanently. Milla was determined to uncover the truth and seek revenge against those responsible.
Allen
*The dwarves who had been caved in would work away at what they could, but eventually. A chunk of stone was toppled out of the way and serene light spilled into the darkness. Stones and pebbles showering down in that ray of brightness.. But they, were free. Looking into the red and exhausted face of Stooks, Gallane's second lieutenant.*

 Meanwhile the captain was leading his men~ as quick as they could carry themselves despite being thoroughly run ragged today. Back to the Dale. 
They would only have one brief moment of respite to make some semblance of strategy before what came next..
Though now~ Gallane Drakar could not think of such things, only his boots clomping on the ground, bounding onwards. Each step urging the next to go faster, *Further*.
Joshua
Saved by one of his good, upstanding citizens, Podric did not need to be told to keep running— as soon as he found himself back on the ground, his little legs were pedaling as fast as they could to get him moving the opposite direction. A squeaky "Thank you citizen!" Was quickly shared before he was off and away from the dwarves. 

Podric knew that it was his responsibility to keep himself safe: the citizens of Miller Dale needed him as the inspirational politician that he was, or... Well, they *Would* Need him soon enough, when the fighting was over. He ran from the square, ducking and weaving between groups of people in the streets, until he reached his little combination house and office, adjacent to the city hall and lodge. Glancing around quickly to be sure there were none of those filthy Ironhammer dwarves around first, he pushed his way in through the front door and slammed the door shut, finally breathing a sigh of relief. 

Here he could be safe. Surely the Ironhammers wouldn't find him *Here*. It was almost as if he'd forgotten that his office was furnished with a beautifully lacquered sign in green and black that said quite clearly, **Mayor's Office**.
John
To all the dwarf's surprise, the rocks and giant boulder was moved before they had finished making plans. Billa squinted as the sun shone brightly into the cave, the other females also looked shocked but started woooping it up and cheering! They kicked and stepped over the rocks and debris that littered the cave floor still, until they made their way out of the den, giving the men hugs, slaps on the back and punches on the arm. 

They were covered in dirt and dust from the rockslide, they didn't seem to mind - it was part of their life. Once they made sure no one was seriously hurt and Milla's cut on the head had been tended to, Billa explain what had happened and then Captain Gallane what was going on back in Miller Dale, it was clear this all was planned by Ironhammer dwarves!

BIlla ordered a few of the women to go back to their clan, the Firebrands, and bring their men! The Ironhammers will finally get their due! 

"Bring our men, more women! They WILL pay!" The woman cheered, waving their axes, hammers, and fists! Billa and Milla yelled a war cry and lunged toward each other, headbutting the other and laughed heartedly! 

"The rest of you, to the town! The men hear can fill us in on the way! 

"Lead the way, Captain!" The female dwarves were not dressed for battle, they had come for a festival, but rarely did that ever stop a dwarf. They had their weapons and were still a force to be reckoned with. The woman all fell in with the men and started back to Miller Dale.
Brenton
One of the dwarves rushing Kael managed to dodge the sword, but the other took the element full to the face. That dwarf fell, but the other lunged at Kael a second time. 

Meanwhile, the main group of dwarves surrounding Ezra, Kiros, Xa'el, and Ezrah was growing larger. The dwarves had shaken off their daze completely now, swords and axes and hammers swinging.

Once Kiros began kicking and swinging his warhammer, several dwarves went down, only to be replaced by other dwarves rushing into the fray, drawn by the centaur's taunt.

"Your mam was an insect!" Someone shouted at Kiros.

One dwarf fell to Ezrah's sword, his cheek sliced open. Another fell to Ezra's blade, his face similarly ripped open. Dwarves began falling to Xa'el's fists, yelling in fear and confusion as their weapons simply sliced through the genie's body without damaging it.

The remaining dwarves attacking Juchin's tea stall pointed and laughed at AC and Ody. Juchin stood nearby, flinging whatever she could get her hands on at the dwarves and missing every time.

"Give us a kiss, darling!" One of the dwarves yelled, running up to AC with outspread arms, his lips puckered. 

Another had had enough of Juchin throwing things at them and rushed over and pushed the old woman down.

"Stop it, you!" He snapped.
Rachelle
Lir was, for all his looks, hardly an exceptional fighter. As he raced across the square towards AC, Ody, and the group of dwarves accosting the tea stall, he drew the attention of several dwarves looking for an easy target. He managed to spin and dodge, slicing at the dwarves coming after him.

Lir only made the dwarves angrier by being difficult for them to hit and returning long but ultimately superficial cuts as he spun and weaved around them.

Until several things went disastrously wrong.

An unfortunately-timed spin put Nerdrat on his blind side, and a shock of green lightning struck Lir in his right shoulder. He yelled, and the scimitar clattered to the ground.

The distraction was enough for a dwarf to swing low and smash his warhammer into Lir's shin. Now Lir screamed as his leg was shattered, and stumbled backwards before falling. 

"Thanks, Nerdrat!" The dwarf turned and waved as his friends noted the seemingly-lone AC facing off with the dwarves by the tea stall and rushed off to "Help" Them defeat the sirine.

A distraction for a distraction.

Lir had the presence of mind to kick the dwarf in the groin with his good leg as hard as he could.

The dwarf squealed, the warhammer slipping from his hands as he toppled forward.

Directly onto Lir.

Lir grunted as the dwarf thudded onto him.

"Thanks, Nerdrat," He grumbled.
Jenny
Khumras stalked through the Miller Dale streets, flanked by several of his dwarves. He kept an eye open for the halfling mayor and slid through the shadows... Perhaps not as silently as some, but quietly enough that frightened citizens running for their lives wouldn't notice him.

Now, where might the mayor's office be, perhaps? City Hall?

Khumras waved to his men, and they stalked through the city, looking for City Hall. An unusual group of dwarves, ones not rushing about or attacking or yelling or pillaging.

Just silent. Calm. Seeking.
Norma
Into the square suddenly surged nearly a ton of already-bleeding-and-bloodied man-and-horseflesh. Kyre, the massive warhorse, had his head lowered and his ears pinned back. He opened his mouth, unleashing an infuriated equine shriek that pierced the air as his rider lowered, of all things, part of a fence railing he was using as a lance.

At a full gallop, they plowed directly over an unlucky group of dwarves. The railing lance went too low and splintered against the cobblestones, just missing a dwarf's head. Artudian let the wooden remains clatter to the ground. The wooden rail bounced a few times before settling.

Another dwarf unfortunately found his arm in Kyre's mouth, and he screamed as Kyre flung him high in the air.

Unable to stop quickly, they simply smashed right through a banquet table, which did slow them a bit and caused Kyre to stumble as they disappeared down a street.
Elizabeth
Ezrah's eyes scanned the chaotic scene before him, his mind quickly processing the dire situation. The dwarves were a fierce and sturdy group, and it was clear that his own band of fighters could not hope to defeat them all in time to save the mayor. But they could minimize the damage. Ezrah's sword sliced through the air with lightning-like precision, catching a dwarf off guard and leaving a cut on his face. The dwarf stumbled back, his bulbous nose feeling the sting of Ezrah's blade.

In that brief moment, Ezrah's eyes darted around, seeking out the mayor. He had glimpsed the figure earlier, before the chaos had erupted, and now he knew that finding him was crucial. He spotted the mayor, some twenty meters away at the other end of the square, running straight ahead, though he could turn into an alley at any moment. The mayor's safety was their top priority.

"**We must protect the mayor!**" Ezrah bellowed to his comrades, pointing in the direction the mayor had disappeared. But the dwarves still surrounded them, blocking their path. If they were to reach the mayor in time, they had to cut a swathe through the barricade of dwarves together.

Ezrah's sword glinted in the dim light as he charged towards the dwarves, **Hoping the others would follow**. He knew that the dwarves were skilled fighters, but they were not as agile as he was, and he was determined to use that to his advantage. He sprinted towards a dwarf holding a hammer, using his momentum to launch himself into the air. In that moment, he was like an archangel descending from heaven, his sword extended towards the dwarf. The dwarf swung his hammer with all his might, but it was no match for Ezrah's longer reach.

Ezrah's sword cut through the air like a razor, aimed directly at the dwarf's heart. The dwarf managed to dodge at the last second, but not without losing his balance. Ezrah's sword missed its target, but it gave him the opening he needed to **Push past the barricade of dwarves towards the mayor**.

The way ahead was still treacherous, but Ezrah felt a renewed sense of determination. He knew that their mission was far from over, but he was ready to face whatever lay ahead, with his sword at his side and his eyes fixed on the goal of protecting the mayor, he sprinted across the square.
Frank
*The twins were torn as they watched the Mayor vanish into the crowd. They knew they should try to tail him, but he was so small and quick. As, while they were above average in the Way of the Sneaky, as they and their friends sometimes called it, but that guy was quick. So, while they could try to trail the Mayor, what if they lost him? Then, they'd be lost in a city they don't yet know well, and far-separated from AC.*

***And then!** ... So many things happened in quick succession to rattle them even more...*

*First, they saw **AC**'s smoke bomb and shimmering appearance near what ... Seemed to be a tea shop, where their golden-amber friend confronted some dwarves that were — the cloaked pair glowered — tormenting an old woman. Seeing their comrade was outnumbered, they muttered to each other about whether to go help her instead of trailing the Mayor.*

*But moments later, they spied the reappearing **Lir**, and ...* "Oh my," *They muttered together, watching him take the blows, the cuts... And they winced together as he got blasted by the Nerdy Rat...*

*And to add even more to consider*

*Their sharp eyes glimpsed the dwarf that they had pegged perhaps as the leader... **Khumras** ... And a small party slinking away... Oddly quiet...*

"So suspicious..." *They muttered together to each other.*

*They set to conferring.*

*After some muttering together, they head towards AC. They decide to help her, then point her back towards Lir, then once the trio helps Lir, ... They'll suggest going after the Mayor! While they don't really know where he'd go, they bet there's some **City treasures** He would want to protect at all cost, so, wherever the Mayor works, like a city hall, they'd bet on there.*

*Well, unless he's an abject coward, in which case, he'd be headed to his own home to gather his own loot and flee... But they're just barely optimistic enough to bet on the City Hall first.*

*On their sneaking way to help AC, they briefly pause to gape as ... **Sir Jathak** Rides through! They

Sideglance at each other once more, then proceed onward to AC...*
Nathan
*AC was about to do Very Bad Things to these dwarves — more-so that ||bleeeeep!|| that pushed the old woman, than the one who wants to play kissy-face... AC sure hoped Juchin was ok, and didn't crack a hip! If Juchin was hurt, then she'd have to do even more Bad Things to these guys, whether that one dwarf was cute, or not!*

*... But, her plottings and schemings are set to recalculation by the commotion out in the courtyard behind her...*

*She glances back long enouugh to not take her eyes offa kissy-face-dwarf for more than a second...*

"Aw crap, **Lir**..."

*AC had to admit, she had hoped that Lir had, indeed, made his escape, and gone to check on Jathak. Well, seemed not. Why had he come back? Very brave of him, sure, but now look...*

*Crap, she had to decide, fast.*

*She glanced back at Juchin and these dwarves...*

*Then back again ... Now Lir was getting beaten down, and ... Her eyes widened as it appeared she was about to get more company, herself!*

"Well, ||bleeeeeeep||..."

*It was **Snap-decision time!** Her original plan would just have to be modified!*
*She sure hoped Ody was in position...
She was sure Ecki was, and knew what to do...*

*She dodged the charging-in kissy-face dwarf, patted his shoulder and grinned cheekily,* "Maybe later, big guy, if you behave! Unlike your friend, there!"
*Then, she hollered at the dwarf who pushed poor ol' Juchin,*

"Hey, you! So brave, aren't ya, pushin' around an old lady! Ohhh, what a braaave warrior! C'mon! Come pick on me! I'm more your size, and probably twice as strong! Let's go! I'll shave off your beard and glue it to your butt! I bet it'll look better! Your buddies won't know the difference, I bet! Or maybe they'll mistake you for your mom! **Come ooon!**"

*While the dwarf who had chased AC guffawed at the old-lady-pusher, that latter august warrior growled at AC, and indeed came at 'er! ... And so did his buddy, who was way faster than AC anticipated! He swung his rather large mace at her! AC had been busy spinning around

Mr Kissy-face, so couldn't dodge them both!*

"G'ah! Hey now, no bruising the merchandise!"

*AC got past them, with Mr Kissy-face growling at the one who had hit her,*
"Oy! That be me future wife ye be hittin', ye bastard!" *And as AC stumbling and almost falling, but flees, managing to keep her feet under her, Mr Kissy-face pushes Mr Mace!.*

*She took deep breaths to resist the pain in her thunked shoulder and ran like heck for the alley!*

*... Especially noting the the dwarves that had peeled off from Lir and were not **Coming right for her ... And were almost here!***

"Well, ||more bleeps||!!!"

*AC yelled upward as she paused by the alley mouth she'd set Ody and Ecki in moments ago,* "You better be ready up there with fireballs! I'm lining them up for you!"

*She turned back at the ... **Way** Too many dwarves coming at her,*

"Now now, boys, I know I'm cute, but really! One at a time! ... **I'll shave your beards one at a time!**" *Giggling, she ran into the alley... And after AC passed, Ecki lifted herself up from the dirt where she spanned the perhaps 10'-at-most-wide alleyway... To make a **Great** Trip-wire!*

*The first few dwarves were running too fast after AC... And down they went, tumbling atop each other, then as Ecki slides free and snakes her way after AC, one or two more trip over the first two dwarves! A few more bunch up behind their tripped-up buddies and holler after AC, who's now **Laughing her butt off**...*

*... Which she ceases doing as those dwarves behind their down and entangled buddies **Use** Those buddies as a platform to work on aiming crossbows at her! As she retrieves AC, she calls up again,* 

"Ody, where the heck are you!"

*She grumbles, then begins keening a musical tone... Golden shimmers briefly form before her, and she hops **Toward** The dwarves...*

*And vanishes, replaced by a gout of glittering water that blasts at the bunched up dwarves with a high-pressure blast! As the water bursts hard over the ... Perhaps half-dozen or so dwarves, AC reappears behind them...*

*And tumbles down from about 5' above the ground, as once again, it was hard to aim well when she couldn't see overly well past those plugging up the mouth of the alley. She keeps her feet, but was promptly knocked back off them by the blow of a warhammer to her side as another dwarf swings hard at her, as there's still a few that hadn't gathered at the mouth of the alley, so no getting a free shower for them!*

*AC rolls to the ground, cursing rather vociferously, the wind knocked out of her. The blow wasn't bone-shattering, as the dwarf swung hurriedly, but it sure sent AC sprawling!*
Frank
*The twins curse as well, spotting AC's predicament! Now they certainly had to save Lir, but her as well!*

"Open wide..." *Heidi shoved a card into Hildi's mouth, then they both dropped back their hoods, Heidi placing her cards back in her cloak and drawing forth and arming up a hand-crossbow, while Hildi brought forth a pair of fighting sticks that looked like some hybrid of tonfa with a mace. The magic of Heidi's card shimmering over Hildi, the pair moved in to 'convince' the dwarves to leave AC along!*

*Hildi charged in, swinging at the hammer-bearing dwarf, while Heidi fires a bolt into him, striking his arm, then Hildi's blows convince him to drop the hammer as he stumbles back ... Too bad there's another dwarf there to brandish his mace at the pair!*
Margaret
Odawyn had gotten up onto the roof with help from AC's handy belt! She'd just gotten her footing when she saw AC be knocked back and her face scrunched up with anger "Hey, you big dumb lugs!" She yelled, her little voice not carrying very far. Well, she knew something that would, a swirl of her staff and WHOOSH

A big fireball flew down from the sky (seemingly, but really the roof) in hopes of catching those dwarves that were harming her buddy! "AC!" She yelled "Are you okay?" Should she make another one? Maybe just burn Miller Dale to the ground?
Frank
Llew was so tired, he didn't rightly know what was going on, only thing he knew was that he was making it back. Hopefully the town was well.

He glanced beside him, dwarves joined into the group on the way back it looked like. More so, the dwarves who were supposed to be here, carrying weapons and laughing about it. He looked ahead, he must be hallucinating from how tired he was. Sweat dripped off him profusely as he marched back with the rest. He was so, so tired. His eyes went down to the ground. He hopped to make it back soon, he truely hoped so.
Rosemarie
Xa'el had a sense of camaraderie for the few who partook in violence with him. A feeling those who have fought and died besides brothers in arms only knew. He did not know the swordsman's name. Nor did he care, he didn't have time for such frivolity. 
 An axe belonging to a rather nasty looking dwarf cleaved the air. Swinging downwards in an arc to lop off Xa'els arm.
 If his timing was off even a bit, the man would suffer the consequences. He was unarmed~ as preferred. His fore arm blurred into a vaporous white cloud as the axe hit home. It continued swinging without any resistance and Xa'el met the dwarf's eyes as surprise set in, before loosingn a terrible grin and using that opportunity to take ahold of his beard and put several repeated loving fists into his face with his free hand that... Well it floated sort of, only connected to Xa'el by a small puffy line of smoke to his shoulder.

 He released his grip on the beard and the stout one slumped to the ground, his face broken, and bloodied. 

 There was no time to sit and admire, the swordsman lad was taking on several opponents at once, and surely Xa'el was just getting started. He let out a chuckle as he held his palm facing outwards. Smoke billowed out and surged forward. It lurched around Ezrah before stopping and hanging about dwarf head height where their assailants grouped up. Adding to the confusion and chaos, making some wheeze and cough.. Looking to find true air for their lungs.
Samantha
"Kehahah! A centaur eh? Bring it, then! Stand back, Darbad. I'll take this one."
*Nerdrat sauntered forward at this provocation, baring a wicked grin as smoke trailed from his hands after his last discharge of magic. His eyes glanced to Lir, sneering at him before rushing forwards again - purplish energy roiling between his hands.*
"Eldritch Blast! And three more!"
*Almost punching the bolts towards Kiros, the grizzled dwarf let loose his magic all at once; almost stumbling back from the force of the projectiles. As he recovered, he cursed aloud once he realised the mayor had escaped the clutches of their men. Their enemies were beginning to regroup, and seemed more organised than he'd like...*
"Where's Khumras!? The rat's stalked off again, hasn't he? Damn! Grab what you can, I'm making plans..."
Douglas
*Having found a decently hidden position to watch from, the marksman had found the entire situation infuriating from the beginning. Nerdrat and his accomplices were not only malicious fools, they'd ended up hurting innocents. If this was supposed to be an occupation, this was pitiful... Amongst the chaos, some of the Ironhammer dwarves would find well-placed bolts sinking into their armour joints, enough to catch them off-guard and allow the others to push an advantage.*
Keith
_Kiros was tiring at this point, lathered sweat was forming on his horse half. He fought off a few more dwarves before his gaze snaps to the one he called out. His eyes widen in shock, a splash of adrenaline, he dodges the first, brings his hammer to intercept the second... Which wasn't entirely a bad maneuver, as the hammer took the blow... Out of his hands. He watches it fly off in surprise before... THUD! The third one impacts him in the left shoulder, bringing him to reel back a bit. The last and final one, mindless, yet as devious as the swarf that fired it, struck him where his two halves merge.

Kiros's skin, what could be seen, goes stark white, as he stumbles back, in serious pain now, his breathing coming out a bit ragged. "Owww..." He wheezes out. He stumbles a bit... Before looking to the others, "Alone... Didn't work..." He sighs a bit as he looks about for his hammer, as now, he is without a weapon in his hands._
Ada
Seems everyone else was busy in the meantime. Elysain had already retreated into the shadows for now and continued his solo operation in hunting down survivors in the streets. With his bloodied sword in hand and a light, grazing cut against his chest singing minor pain with each flexion of moving muscle, he continued with strain to capture runaways and redirect them to safer pockets of which he makeshift crafted for their survivability. Multiple ran along by, and many he carefully instructed in the passing, critical minutes.

However, as he made his way over, he spotted a single, armed dwarf with their bloodied axeblade standing over multiple fallen civilians, his blood quickly boiled and he assumed a semi-squatted position behind the warrior. With his careful stealth and ingenuity using darkness to his cover, he rose the blade high and quickly ripped it across the unprotected nape of the scoundrel, causing a gasp to escape from his victim. Unfortunately for the dwarf, the blade penetrated into the bone and soon weaved their fate to bleed on the floor without motor control from the neck down.

Elysain carefully flicked the sword inward and was ready to sheathe until ... He looked down at the pile. There were two, blue **Eyes** Meeting back at him with a lacking glint of life within them. Bronze hair flowed down to the shoulders, and a hand reaching back up to him. He knows this girl from somewhere, but such impossibility is too high to be accounted for. That's until he heard the voice speak to him.

His heart raced. His every conceived thought halted.

*... Ely, why are you running away again?*
*Please, don't leave me.*
*Don't leave me. Don't leave me again. Don't leave me with mother.*

In that moment, the coordination in his hands withered to an extreme, violent shake. The sound of his environment is suppressed. He can only hear the racing of his heartbeat in echo, the extraordinary frightening screams in the faint distance of victims of the raid, and his inn

Er voice to let go. In that moment, he turned and his phantasms continued with him. With his mind in a confluence of both equaled rage and terror, he lost his grip on himself and lets his weakness take over. Sweat beads down his face as he took up the bloodied axe of the dwarf, hearing only the irritable heartbeat in his ears again. He needed to escape again. *He needed to flee!*

**Elysain Soul** Has become bloodthirsted for the raiders, his vision of the race of dwarves becoming but shadows of his pasts that he must cleanse to escape this false reality. Becoming a quickly fading warrior of hope, and now a phantom of terror, the temporarily crazed warrior lets out a shrill scream which overtakes every other in the town; but his own was *Haunting* In comparison, as it's not to fall into fear, but to *Cause* It. He loses himself in the moment, and goes to work hunting his soon-to-be casualties in his path of rightful vengeance. Any raider that stands in his way will be terrified by those bloodthirsty eyes of his, and wicked, maddened state of appearance and condition ...
Lydia
Ezra looks around trying to find confidence in his own mind. Before he knew it a dwarf tried to strike again. He couldn't make time and now was angry. He ran into the middle trying to kill every single one of them. Spinning his two katanas he hitted a few as a few hitted him. In a second he made an opening into the attack of the dwarfs but needed to get out as well. "Kale!" He called out without info hoping Kale understood. He held point as he saw some fireballs flying here and there. He called out to the rest as well. "Push now!" As he putted pressure on the attack. With some stumbling Ezra kept fighting. His ability caring for the little cuts. With every swing the weight of the katana was a bit much as his arms got sore and he himself got tired.
Amanda
He noticed the calls. "Yep!" Kale did some movements as those were important. He turned to Ezra and made a little fire wall due to a ball getting kinda sliced into a cylinder by Kale's Katana. When covered Ezra he turned to the rest of the platoon searching for ways to support. It was okay to attack. He heard a faint "Push!" And went for it as well sending two balls to make room for his approach at two little dwarfs. Kale was less tired then Ezra considering the lack of movement. *C'mon!* He thought to himself wanting to win his battle.
Frank
*Once Ody's flames were clear, the twins hurried over to AC, Heidi helping up the petite golden-haired one while Hildi stood guard with her fighting sticks in hand. Most of the dwarves are down, with one more dwarf checking his comrades in arms. Noting Hildi's eyes on him, he considered trying his luck, but as Heidi noted his eyes and, looking up from AC, trained her hand-crossbow on him as well, and AC lifted her whip too as she shambled to her feet, he decided that the odds are not looking good... And he backed off!*

*Heidi helped AC to her feet,* "We should get you to an alley or something, check and make sure no ribs are cracked."
Nathan
*AC stumbled to her feet with Heidi's help, holding her side, Ody's fireballs having scattered their opponents like bowling pins! She brandished her whip though, still, eyeing the fleeing last dwarf. She glanced back over towards Juchin's shop, noticing that the dwarves that had been 'cleared out' with her water blast seem to have moved on as well. Either they'd joined this crew, or gallumphed elsewhere ... For now.*
"Yeah, quick, over there. We can check on Juchen after you check my ribs. We have to help look for those leaders. That's probably the best way to end all this. The warlock, the one who *Seemed* To want to be nice to me, and there was a third one who those two talked to, he might be another leader of this invasion. But, we better link up with others who have been trying to resist them. None of us three are really equipped to mess with well-armed and armored warriors, at least not when they're in parties that outnumber us!"
Frank
*Nodding to AC's words, the pale twins didn't waste more time, and helped their friend to the chosen alley, and sat her on the rain barrels and crates therein and Heidi poked and prodded at her ribs, noting the winces, gasps of pain, or lack thereof while Hildi stood guard near the alley mouth. While Heidi worked on AC, the amber street performer sent Ecki slither-floating up to the roof to check on Ody!*

"You seem to have gotten lucky. You're breathing fine?"
*As AC cautiously nodded, Heidi continues,* "Well, yeah, the muscles will be sore, too, but I don't think your ribs were more than banged badly. He must have swung too much in a hurry to get **Too** Much force behind it. I'd say take it easy, but we're not out of this yet, I know. But, after all this, **Then** Take it easy."

*Heidi mumbles prayers as she lays her hands on AC's side. Cool, blueigh-white light washes over AC's side, Heidi taking a deep breath as the divine energy washes forth.*
Nathan
"Thanks, Heidi! We better get out there. I'm sure my water blast or Ody's fireballs didn't really kill anyone, just knocked them around, scorched them, and so on."

*The trio peered forth from the alleyway, some of the dwarves laying at the site of the fireballs ... Well, a few weren't moving,*

"Well, maybe a **Few** Got killed... But where did the others go?"

***But then***

"Look," *AC narrowed her eyes,* "It's the one who shot magic at my butt... He's still around... I owe him!"

*The Hoffs cautioned her, but she just glanced around calculatingly, plottingly,* 

*She speaks low,* "We have to sneak up on him and surround him, yeah. I bet he won't play around, this time... We'd best not, either.. We'll triangulate on him."

*After a long couple moments, Ecki rejoined AC, Heidi will shove another card into Hildi's mouth to refresh her magic armor, and the three young ladies worked on spreading out to get around Nerdy Rat, sticking to the shadows for now especially as, yeah, the **Centaur (Kiros)** Trots up to confront Nerdy Rat! Noting this, and how horribly the centaur warrior's first effort fails miserably, but the three girls seek to surround Nerdy Rat, Heidi behind him, Hildi to his left, and AC to his right, staying in the shadows as long as possible before stepping out.

AC sighs, she had been hoping she and the Hoffs had a bit more of a breather, but the centaur was in bad shape, she and her friends had to help him!*

*Noting how the **Centaur (Kiros)** Looked in bad shape, Heidi would angle closer to him, planning on checking his wounds and using him as cover to fire from with her hand-crossbow. If she can heal him relatively quickly, she'll plan on laying hands on him for healing, but if his wounds are too extensive, she'd try to cinvince him to escape, the ladies covering him then fleeing as well once he was clear.*

*AC and Hildi maneuver to triangulate on Heidi's adjusted placement, then with a grim, determined look on her face, AC called out to Nerdy Rat,

The ladies stepping out of cover to try to give Kiros a chance to recover or flee!*

"Hey! You! So big and brave, I know! Why don't you come over here, I'll pluck each little whisker from your chinny-chin-chin!" *She'll brandish her whip, which sparks with sparks of energy, and she begins to keen a surreal, musical tone... Heidi, if she succeeded on getting to Kiros would use him for cover to fire from, and if Nerdrat looked back to AC as planned, Hildi would be ready to rush him!*

***Ody**, while Ecki was up there to confer with her, and also would have noted **Kiros'** Failed effort to confront Nerdy Rat 1-on-1, has a strong hunch AC would want Ody to shoot at the dwarven warlock as well, so would request of her to do so, reminding her to just be careful to not accidently hit AC or the Hoffs. She'll try to bolster the gnomish pyro's confidence before rejoining AC for their maneuvers!*
Ada
While others pair up and quickly plot while in the midst of chaos, or outside of it, the solo warrior continues his carnage through the alleys of the streets. Relying mostly on the shadows dancing around the flames, most traversing groups of dwarves, too unaware of their surroundings while scavenging desolate areas for poor townspeople, would be met with the exposed portions of their armor by their backs completely torn into by a shade blade, rendered immobile on the floor from blows on the knees and sundering pain. Elysain ends their suffering promptly after with a precise drilling into their throats with his single sword, before proceeding onto his next targets.

This became a speedy and methodical plan of attacking for the three squads he encountered, until he was quickly chasing one escaping dwarf out into the middle of the streets where many other pillagers were quick to spot him mercilessly ramming the axehead into the back of the helmet of the poor stooge, who quickly fell as he had appeared with his helmet torn into two, along with his rear cranium. Having garnered attention from many of the raiders, they were bold enough to dash at him in a swarm semi-encircling him from behind.

Though this was paused when they all came close to eight or nine feet to him, lifting their assorted shields, axes, mauls and other weapons in his direction. He turns over to stare down upon the group of dwarves with wild, wide eyes and blood staining his neck up to his lower eyelids. This eerie sensation of serenity, the unequivocal calm emanating off this feral fighter who stood before them, it was as if observing a demon in the skin of a sickly young man. He spoke a few words to those who would be ready to oppose him in the coming seconds.

*"... I see wickedness in your souls. There is no cleansing you."* Slow words of judgment.
*"You can call me Soul."* He stated, lifting the blade by the pommel up as he progressed into a two-handed, middle stance with the dwarves. *"And I will clean your burdens."*

What transpired was much of a blur to those who witnessed, and survived. It was said that a single dwarf from the group of nine came to rush forward at him, delivering a low chop for his ankle, only to be met with the same foot he intended to strike lift up and stomp into the aggressor's nose, planting him back as the rest came altogether in an attempt to plunge him back against a tilted wagon behind the pale man. However, much to a surprise, the warrior's blade began to **Chime with a golden light** As he was backed up, lifting the blade up to his shoulder as he proceeded into a unique, low guard only known to swordsmen as the "Tail guard", before promptly swinging the blade across all forward blades in a great clash!

The weapons and shields were ripped from the hands of the dwarves with brilliant gold lights tailing behind the crusader's blade, the blades having clashed against one another and the wood of the shields splintered against the forearms of mighty, sturdy dwarves. In that moment of shock and awe, the hesitation from the many did the bloodied warrior who demonstrated a beautiful ability now savagely maimed one defenseless dwarf after another, plunging one sword into a face, a tear and a quick swipe to a still-standing companion beside them. The seven other dwarves were quick to flee afterwards along the main street, only three having fled with their lives, as the rest were quickly dashed upon and hunted down. Executed from their backsides, the cutthroat actions of the warrior exhausts his muscles and sores his throat from long breaths. He could no longer extend his blade against the remaining three who fearfully ran without a break to catch.

Only when he lost ...

The vigor did he feel a wound from his hip, as revealed one spiked tip from an axe of an invader managed to pierce his muscle slightly before his attack. He grunts roughly and bit down on his lip before collapsing to a knee, taking this moment to recuperate from overexertion while the streets remain clear temporarily before more invaders come in retaliation, or to warn others. Blood dribbles down the left side of his hip down his thigh, which he cups carefully.

*I need to be more careful ... I can't go after big groups like that again. I didn't think I had to rely on the strike.*
**[1/2 HOLY STRIKES USED]**

His final thoughts before looking around himself to see if there were more survivors, now that his daze and delusions were over.
Margaret
Ody was watching from above, a rare sight indeed. She looked over to the whip as it floated its way up to her. "Yes, yes I see him" She responded. Unfortunately, Ody wasn't an expert at fireballs so she might unintentionally hit others. She conjured up a fireball that only got bigger and bigger as she aimed at Nerdy Rat and then WHOOSH!

"Watch out below!" She called in her little voice as the fireball encroached upon the dwarf and all who were near him
Ada
After lifting himself up and placing a hand over his wounded hip, the crowd of dwarves who were soon coming for him were immediately set ablaze, but not before he heard the callout and quickly tossed the expendable cloak of his over his head and knelt down to let the fire and shock wash above him. After the explosion rung away and deducing the area safe, he glances up and gave a curt smile, soon calling out.

*"Thank you!"* Glad to have someone on his side in this. His hope rekindled and he proceeds on heading into an alleyway veiled in dark for temporary cover. He strips untainted cloth from a deceased dwarf and used it to dress his wounds temporarily for now. He tightens it carefully to allow for comfort in movement.
Brenton
As Ezrah lurched past the band of dwarves, several went down with nasty slashes to their faces. And as Ezrah ran towards where he had last seen the mayor, nearly a dozen dwarves chased him. Half, though, stopped at seeing the bodies of their brethren lying lifeless in the square, trampled or shot or cut down. Others, though, gathered their courage and pursued Ezrah. Others noted him and charged, trying to flank him.

Juchin was on the ground, moaning after the dwarf had knocked her to the ground. As Kissy-face Dwarf and Mace- dwarf came to blows with each other over AC, the others pursued her, tripped over Ecki, and were doused with water as AC teleported behind them.

Kissy-face Dwarf and Mace-dwarf ceased fighting with each other to both charge at AC, axes raised. 

Then they all turned their attention to the twins and charged the two young women. The dwarf hit by the bolt stumbled back, roaring, but others took his place, charging towards the Hoff twins. Feeling compelled to attack the twins, the remaining dwarves screamed and lunged for the two young women!

Just as they did so, however, Odawyn's fireball struck them. Many of the dwarves fell right there. A few ran away, aflame, screaming. Two of the dwarves dashed into the square, howling with pain as their clothes and hair and beards burnt.

In the square, a dwarf slid lifeless to the ground from Xa'el's pummeling. The dwarves closest to Ezra began coughing as the genie's smoke seeped into their eyes and burned their nostrils. The dwarves around Ezra and Kiros began backing up, trying to escape the smoke.

Dozens of dwarves still raced around the square. Many of them began lashing out at everyone they saw, even comrades, especially as bolts began striking them down. A few dwarves homed in on where the bolts were coming from, and they began running in Gitroki's direction.

A cheer went up from the dwarves as Nerdrat's blasts ripped Kiros's hammer free and then struck him hard enough to wind him. One dwarf seized Kiros's warhammer, cackling, and swung it at the centaur.

The dwarves began a chant.

"NERDRAT! NERDRAT! NERDRAT LEADWROUGHT! NERDRAT! NERDRAT! NERDRAT LEADWROUGHT!"

Then came Kale's firewall protecting Ezra, even as dwarves fell before the lupine knight. The mass of dwarves surrounding Kiros and Ezra finally began to thin...

...Only as more dwarves began returning to the square from other parts of the Dale, either laden with stolen goods or angry at their inability to obtain them. Some yelled and charged into the fray, some simply fled with their ill-gotten gains.

Dwarves turned to AC as she taunted Nerdrat. More dwarves rushed towards her, brandishing weapons and wicked smiles.
Rachelle
Lir gritted his teeth and shoved the still-squealing dwarf off of his body, then kicked him in the head several times. The dwarf stopped squealing.

Moaning, Lir managed to drag himself under a nearby banquet table, pulling his scimitars with him and streaking blood onto the cobblestones.

His heart sank as the hoofbeats thundered across the square. Artudian would, at this point, be nigh uncontrollable.

Lir squirmed out of his belt and wrapped it tightly around his thigh to stanch the flow of blood from his broken leg.

As the fence railing clattered to the ground near him, Lir mumbled, "So *That's* Where the rest of the fence went."

Pain flooded through him, but he saw others congregating and facing off with Nerdrat.

Lir decided to gamble, especially as he heard hoofbeats in the distance coming closer.

With two daggers left, Lir hurled one at Nerdrat's back.
Norma
Artudian and Kyre rushed back into the square. Kyre, his head still fairly low, had gone into a fast passage: each hoof rising high and then striking the ground hard in a fast and vicious trot.

Kyre had dropped his head because of the dwarven beard he had in his mouth. That beard was still attached to its screaming owner, a dwarf who was waving his arms and legs about as Kyre dragged him over the cobblestones around the square, occasionally kicking his flailing body.

Artudian had grabbed the shield he had affixed to Kyre's saddle and drawn the most dangerous weapon he had holstered.

As they approached the centre of the square behind Nerdrat, Kyre dropped the screeching dwarf, and Artudian raised his shield. Then his left hand, with the weapon in it pointed at Nerdrat.

A soft *Click*.

Then, from the mounted team, an explosion as Artudian fired the pistol at Nerdrat.

The shot missed Nerdrat; it went wide and short. It hit a cobblestone, bounced off, and rolled away harmlessly without injuring anyone.

What the shot did accomplish, though, was to make a loud and foreign and frightening noise intended to shock and scare everyone on the field, as well as produce a small fiery explosion. Smoke veiled Artudian and Kyre as Artudian kept his shield up but lowered the still-smoking pistol.

Then they started cantering around the square, streaming smoke, as dwarves began chasing them.
Brenton
Outside of the square, dwarves began fleeing in terror from Elysain's bloodthirsty rampage. Even the civilians trapped by the raid screamed and fled from him, terrified that they would fall under his sword. Several even scattered towards the square, the most dangerous part of the city, crying that their lives might not end this day. 

As Elysain's bloodlust dissolved, and he knelt in the alleyway tending to his injured hip after Odawyn's fireball had cleared a path for him, a young woman ran towards him, screaming.

"Saby! Saby, where are you? Help! Help! I want to go home!" 

This young woman was a terrified Miss Fleurie Seavers, and, seeing Elysain, she ran at him, her arms outstretched and her hands trying to clutch him out of pure terror.

"What's happening? What's happening?" Miss Seavers cried at Elysain. "Please don't leave me alone!" She howled.
Jenny
As Khumras and his fellows slunk towards the city centre, they came across a pretty building bearing a sign that read "Mayor's Office."

No dwarf said a word as Khumras reached for the doorknob and twisted it. Slowly he pressed the door open, leading first with the tip of his shortsword as the four dwarves with him now stood around him, blocking him from view.

Khumras said nothing as he and one other dwarf slunk into the mayor's office and quietly closed the door behind them.

Only after the dwarfs outside had dispersed, but remained in the general area, did Khumras shoot a sickening smile at the halfling.

"Happy Spring Dawning," Khumras hissed at Mayor Thistlefoot. He nodded to his companion. "Let's get him to sleep for a while. He needs his rest after such a big day, after all."

The second dwarf stepped forward, swinging a club at the halfling's head whilst Khumras stood guard in front of the door.
Ada
His consciousness was no longer waning from pain as he heard the calls of a young woman. Lifting his head and placing a step out of the dark alleyway, he opens an arm carefully for her to clutch onto and soon took a second to comprehend what she was asking of him. After that, he responds with a slow pacing of tone to assist in the woman's clearly hysteric state.

*"Breathe, breathe."* He advised,
*"There's an attack from some dwarves — now please listen to me. It's not safe going through these streets."* He uses his formal and precise tone, while still in minor pain from the hip up. *"You're gonna go through these dark streets like the one I'm in right now. You'll find no dangerous dwarves through there, okay?"* Now giving her a loose layout and instruction to increase her survivability odds.

*"That said, is there __anything__ you need?"* After all that explanation, he seeks a way to assist the desperate young woman in her time of need. As he spoke, he looks about the once dangerously flooded streets to see them now filtering out the raiders. In fact, he can observe a lot of them retreating, absconding from the horror that was himself.

*... Did I do that?* He asked himself. *What have I done?*

His hand was not tense on the woman if she grasped onto him, he only gave a reassuring hold on her forearm at most if such a case were made. Now that he is no longer suffering from the maddening state of his curse, he can focus less on retribution and more on protection; which also aids in his appearance, despite being dirtied with ash and soot and dried blood, no longer sports a crazed look in his eyes or a face and mannerism of that belonging to a wildling. He was much more easy-going from an initial glance now.
Elizabeth
As Ezrah extricated himself from the encircling clutches of the dwarven assailants, a disheartening realization dawned upon him. His comrades, valiant as they were, remained embroiled in the skirmish, unable to break free in time to ensure the mayor's safety. Without hesitation, he propelled himself forward, his sinewy form propelled by a combination of speed and grace, eschewing conflict to conserve precious moments. Yet, in his rapid traverse, there were occasions where the swiftness of his blade intersected the air with a ferocious swish, reducing a dwarf or two to insignificance. Nevertheless, such actions were executed in passing, for he maintained an unwavering momentum.

Navigating the labyrinthine streets, he raced towards the narrow avenue into which the mayor had fled. The cacophony of clashing metal and echoing clamor gradually receded, relegated to a subdued symphony that meandered through distant alleys. However, amidst this diminished orchestra, he discerned the faint but persistent footfalls of pursuers, stealthily trailing his every step. With a swift motion, he turned his head to ascertain whether his companions trailed behind, only to be confronted by the unwelcome sight of grim-faced dwarves in relentless pursuit. Clad in cumbersome armor and wielding weighty weaponry, their progress was hindered further. Exploiting this advantage, Ezrah surged forth, veering left and right with nimble precision, plunging into successive alleys, leaving the echoes of his footsteps as the sole remnants of his passage. He endeavored to maintain a circuitous course, ensuring that he remained within the core of the settlement.

Though unfamiliar with his precise location, his strategic movements prevented him from straying too far afield. He surmised that the mayor had sought refuge in either the town hall or his own dwelling, prompting Ezrah to surge ahead once more. His piercing gaze darted frantically, scanning the walls for any vestige of the mayor's name or the regal edifice that represented the epicenter of governance—the town hall.

As the symphony of footfalls reverberated once more, Ezrah halted in his tracks, melding seamlessly into the embrace of a somber building facade, cloaked in the enigmatic depths of shadow. Before him, a collective of dwarves emerged, their countenances distinguished from those who had pursued him earlier. An air of purpose imbued their strides, akin to hunters in pursuit of elusive quarry. It remained unclear whether their intentions fixated upon him or, as Ezrah intuitively surmised, the esteemed mayor himself. Yet, he found himself left with no recourse but to trail them, adopting an agonizingly languid pace while maintaining a significant distance. 

Gradually, an intimate square materialized before his discerning gaze, unveiling the sight of one dwarf and his confidant discreetly vanishing into a structure that held the unmistakable aura of the mayor's abode. The remaining dwarves dispersed outside, their collective presence now fragmented. The conundrum unfolded; any attempt to infiltrate the edifice risked incurring undue attention. Necessity narrowed his choices, leaving him with a gamble he was compelled to undertake. 

A resonant whistle pierced the air, reverberating through the labyrinthine market as Ezrah ventured forth, cautiously striding a few steps, mindful not to venture too far and expose himself to encirclement. Perhaps his orchestrated maneuver would beckon the dwarves to follow, unwittingly setting the stage for a calculated dance of attrition within the maze of adjacent alleyways.
Keith
_Kiros nods his thanks to the others as they kept him clear from the dwarves. He takes shallow breaths, the pain not entirely going away, his left leg now throbbing with the quick heal still holding, "Toss me a fallen weapon, a hammer." Ezra nods and tosses one of the dwarves' hammers up to him. He nods his thanks and gives it a slight swing, "Too light..."

His gaze moves to the one that has his hammer and gives him a grin, "Trade ya?" And goes to wack him with one of his own brethren's weapons to attempt to get his hammer back. He parries the first hit and attempts at a hit to the dwarf's hands holding the shaft of his hammer to let him release it._
Brenton
Miss Seavers breathed. More accurately, she hyperventilated as she clung to Elysain's arm.

"I don't want to be alone!" She wailed at Elysain. "That's too dark! I want my maid and my auntie!" She might be far too old for this sort of outburst, but it was happening nonetheless.

"Stay with me, *Please*, sir!" Miss Seavers howled, grasping Elysain's arm with all her might. Tears streamed down her face. 

"Why are the dwarves attacking? Are they going to wipe us out? Is it the Firebeards? What did we do to anger them so? That's why they're late! To catch us off guard!"

Dwarves fell under Ezrah's push forward, taken down by his flashing blade. Still, five dwarves continued tailing Ezrah as he ran through the streets.

At one point, the dwarves lost him, unable to keep up with the speedy warrior. Ezrah escaped the dwarves'detection for a few moments.

The dwarves outside the mayor's office jerked their heads towards the whistle and glanced at each other. They readied their weapons and did not move, as Khumras had instructed them to remain as they were. A whistle was nothing; they had heard two explosions and their comrades' cheers for their leader Nerdrat, but two of them turned in the direction of the whistle whilst the other two continued watching the area around them.

In the area, other dwarves and Dale citizens ran amok. The citizens were mostly trying to flee from the dwarves, most of whom were still looting shops and homes.

A small group set their sights on Miller Dale's water clock, contemplating how they might damage it.

"Not on your life, horse-boy," Sneered the dwarf as Kiros wielded a comrade's hammer. "I'll break your other three legs as well."

The dwarf swung the hammer at Kiros. Finding it parried, he pulled back to swing again.

Kiros's hammer connected with the dwarf's fingers, and he screamed as he dropped the hammer. Another dwarf rushed in with a sword, slashing it at Kiros.

Two more dwarves lunged at Ezra, swinging their hammers as hard as they could at the lupine knight's legs.
Ada
*"Right right, let's um, let's take some few breaths and we'll figure everything out, okay? Just stick with me and you'll be back somewhere safe."* He attempts to reassure her and carefully guides her out of the shadowy edges of the alleyway with him.

Pain came in intervals from his stab wound more than the minor cuts he attained, so he had to slowly pace through the now cleared main streets with his sword in his dominant hand. His mind's clarity was the only good positive in this situation he's in while guiding her. Though he is rather curious how many dwarves had fled the area due to his outburst. Was he really that terrifying? He didn't think so ...

Continuing the filthy, fiery streets, Elysain came to notice the residents were now more tucked indoors and how well barricaded everything had came to be now that he diverted a good portion of the main forces; if not fearmongering many to leave in the section of town they were in. But he also noticed some wary eyes on him from behind some windows, knowing full well that if he was terrifying to the aggressors, he may have struck more chords of terror in those he is trying to save. He only wished he could change what unfortunate fate made him become. 

With Miss Seavers by his hand, he made his way over to a further off section of improvised barricades in a well fortified position of alleyway where a lot of other survivors he directed were found, some having taken up arms to defend themselves. With that, he leans over to Seavers and asked, *"Do you see your aunt and maid in this crowd?"*
Lydia
Ezra corrected himself as he saw the dwarfs launch themselves at his paws. He snarled and putted his swords in the ground Infront of his legs. He grabed one knife to defend himself and a dagger that he threw at Kiros. "CATCH!" Ezra screamed. He launched the other knife straight at the dwarf attacking Kiros before retracting his swords out of the ground. One dwarf hitted his lower leg in a cutting way. Ezra screamed shortly and kicked the blade away with his other paw before striking the dwarf that hit him with a spear move to it's throat.
Joshua
It hadn't taken long for the mayor's hiding spot to be discovered, and all too soon Podrick found himself backing away from Khumras and his underling as they began menacing him. A brandished club seemed to spell a grim end for the mayor: even if he survived the blow, being rendered unconscious would surely not give the little halfling a chance of survival in their care.

He wasn't down or dead yet, however, and Podrick was nothing if not creative in ways to extricate himself from problems— whether it was citizens seeking to pin blame on him for something clearly out of his control, or a club-wielding dwarf. His hands were raised in surrender as the menacing dwarf came at him, but when the blow of the club came, Podrick ducked quickly under the broad sweep and ran to the side, then attempted to rush past the dwarf. 

It was a good ploy, but short-lived, especially with Khumras himself standing between him and the door. Gulping in fear, he hesitated, raising his hands again. "Now... Let's be reasonable here..." He began, his blue eyes darting about looking for anything that might facilitate an escape or provide some defense. 

The only thing that came to mind was an award on the big human-sized desk: the award for the best pie in the baking contest, which was no more than a little bronze rolling-pin on a stand. He lunged for it, having to jump up to even reach the thing, then turned with it in his hands, attempting to look intimidating. "Don't make me use this!" He threatened, followed by a far-less threatening (and *Much* Higher-pitched) yelp designed to be heard beyond the confines of his little office. **"Heeeeeeeelp!"**
Jenny
The dwarf swung his club and cursed as the Mayor ducked at the last moment, dashing past him.

Khumras grabbed at the halfling but his hand closed on thin air as the much nimbler little man darted around the office and successfully evaded his grasp.

The other dwarf chased the Mayor around the office, upsetting awards and cups and papers.

Then stopped as Mayor Thistlefoot wielded... A rolling-pin trophy at them.

Both dwarves laughed, and then Khumras said, "Oh! Well, in that case, we *Must* Be reasonable, mustn't we? How terrifying, Mayor! We surrender."

Khumras's grin grew nastier. "We'd like the paperwork declaring you Mayor, then, as well as everything relevant to the rule of Miller Dale. 

Both dwarves winced at Mayor Thistlefoot's high-pitched screech for help, stunned for one brief moment before the dwarf with the cudgel raises it and roars.

"You're ours, halfling! We're putting a dwarf in your place!"
Norma
Into the city centre cantered Artudian and Kyre, tailed by a few dwarves. Kyre dropped into an extended trot, his iron-shod hooves clacking on the cobblestones just out of reach of the pursuing dwarves. Artudian holstered the spent gun and picked up the crossbow hooked over the horn of the saddle.

One of the dwarves got close enough to slash at Kyre's tail. Kyre collected his trot.

The knight and his horse, in rage and panic and terror, were *Mocking* The dwarves.

Kyre suddenly kicked out with his hind legs, sending half of their pursuers flying.

As Mayor Thistlefoot screamed for help, Kyre's ear twisted towards the office.

They turned to face the dwarves guarding the office.

Kyre's ears went back, his head went down, and Artudian raised his crossbow.

One of the dwarves fell with a bolt in his throat as the horse and rider continued to advance.

The other three dwarves yelled and rushed forward, leaving an opening for Ezrah to get into the mayor's office.

From inside the mayor's office, the outside sounds of a fight began. The thud of a body onto the ground. The howls of terrified dwarves. The screaming of an enraged warhorse. Slamming of massive hooves on the street. 

Combined with more gruesome noises accompanied by pained shrieking.
Brenton
Still weeping furiously, Miss Fleurie Seavers was able to scan the crowd through her tears. She wiped her eyes, then shook her head.

"N-no, sir," She sniffled at Elysain after studying the crowd. "Or... Or Mr Silivasti was supposed to come, too. He's our neighbor. I've not seen him, either."

Miss Seavers boggled at the barricaded group holding, for the most part, makeshift weapons. "I... I don't know how to fight, sir."

Miss Seavers squealed and hid behind Elysain as several dwarves rushed the barricade. They hacked at it with swords and axes and mauls, and then one began trying to set the barricade on fire.

The dwarf attacking Kiros not only had his hands smashed, but he also took Ezra's dagger to the throat. He fell, but another dwarf took his place. Still, Kiros's hammer fell again to the ground, leaving him free to grab it.

A second dwarf went down to Ezra, and, enraged, another dwarf surged behind Ezra, trying to hack him in the back with his axe.

Yet another dwarf swung at Kiros's midsection with his sword, seeing the damage that Nerdrat had done.
Lydia
Ezra was shocked. "KALE!!!" He screamed
Amanda
As Kale was fighting his own fight he turned to Ezra noticing he needed help. Kale had evaded the dwarfs and had a new advantage point. He made sure he was ready and then he saw the dwarf behind Ezra. "Carkap!" He said. It meant: Ezra make sure you focus on your front. Kale blasted the axe out of the dwarfs hands and jumped off the lid towards it. Grabbing his katana he tried to slash the dwarf and keep Ezra's back.
Ada
He was trying to listen to Seavers for a moment, until hearing the crashing sounds of wood and debris in collapse from their attacks. He immediately turns over and holds her hand up to her face, soon reassuring her, *"Stay here with the others. I'll be back in a few seconds and I'll take everyone here, including you, to a safer place, okay?"* But he wasn't looking for a guarantee with her.

As he released her hand, he took the shortcut just around the barricades to get behind where the dwarves were at. Coming around the corner of a street just outside the building range, he noticed the group of dwarves were many, so he had to think of a plan. With wit as his best friend, he spotted an undamaged, large handcart which he took up by the two wooden ends, soon driving it up to the alley the dwarves were at. With shock and awe in his face, he rushed the dwarves before they were able to penetrate the defenses of the makeshift barricades, quickly ramming some along the sidelines and shoving many against the wall, pinning them with the wagon.

He took this chance while they were discombobulated to stand atop of the wagon, taking the arms-pinned, stuck dwarves' throats in quick chops. Though four along the side were quick to recuperate from the stunning blow and were ready to attack Elysain as he disposed of their primary, numerous squad members in front of the wagon. One dwarf came to slice at his feet, but only to find their axe meeting the side of the wagon as the warrior leaned back onto the handles, rearing the wagon back and dispelling the attacks. He soon backs off to divert the attention of the four remaining dwarves, who were still stuck at odds from being cramped between a wall and a wagon, towards him.

He returns hastily back around the side where he exited from previously and yelled to the group of armed survivors, *"With me! I know a place you can all escape from!"*
He lifted his bloodied blade to direct the many to follow him out of the compromised interse

Ction. His other hand was for Seavers, who he promised he'd return to.
Vito
*The menacing, muscled dwarf stood back and watched as the chaos unfolded throughout the city of Miller Dale.* 

"..." 

*He took a deep breath. His lungs filling with oxygen and smoke as the fires sprouting up around the town rage. His face, ever smiling, peered over to a part of town that hadn't seen much rampaging yet, the docks. Seeing as how his boss* **Nerdrat** *And his companion* **Khumras** *Had the rest of the seige "Under control" He allowed himself the priveledge to have some fun. Before departing for the docks, he gives* **Nerdrat** *A quick, affirming nod. His eyes move over to* **Kiros** *Giving the warrior a deadly stare as they engage with Darbad's superior.* 

*With that, Darbad took off to one of the piers. As he made his way down, him and a group of his own personal goons made sure to terrorize any townsfolk they came across. They threw an elderly woman into a nearby sewer grate, swung their weapons at men, women, and even children though they had allowed members of the latter two groups to escape with their lives the men however, not so much.*

*It took a few minutes for them to make it to the docks. By then the fighting behind them had ramped up and screams could be heard all over town. As they inspected the dock, a building had gained Darbad's depraved curiosity.* 

"The Singing Shepard... Hehehehehe..." *Darbad said has he pryed the swinging doors opened and heard hushed whispers echo through the apparently empty tavern...*
Allen
Drakar's group had gained in number but not momentum, 
As they approached they could hear the obvious riot like clamour of the chaos within the walls. A sense of dread befell Gallane but that feeling itself gnawed away at the exhaustion he was feeling.

 He Raised a hand and came to a stop, Sir Gallane had been at the forefront of their troupé. 
The captain nodded towards Llew and the dwarves who had caught up with them, and thought maybe perhaps was the time to say something inspiring... His thoughts however were on what to do next.. What strategy had they? In the mean~ their numbers gladly taking the moment of respite. They knew what they were about to do. What was necessary. Gallane looked upon his men's grim determination with approval~ And wondered what words he should say before the charge to take back one's home.
Frank
Llew was grateful for the pause. Bending over to catch his breath, a nod back. He gasped for it, wiping his brow as he straightened up, enemies on the road? No, maybe going to surround? No. He furrowed his brows in confusion as he watched. Why were they stopping? This thought became more apparent as he got rest. Then gulping, people were dying and they were on pause.

His eyes widened as he looked about, then to the sound of rioting, every second was another one dead, just like the goblins back then. He shook his head, almost barfing up his light snack earlier. Then went to keep going despite the pause.

*"Folk are dyin thar."* He stated as he went to keep moving despite how tired he was, sweat stinging his eyes with a wince, but he could help still, every second counted, including the food, what if they ate the food? A grim thought, along with death, just couple more feet, he almost brought them over... His task!? He was supposed to bring them over!

He looked over his shoulder as he jogged, pausing to walk backward, what does one say? He swallowed a moment.

*"Every bit we wait, the more them folk down thar suffer."* He said with a nod then got back to a running stumble, not really a speech, but he was never much for those, there was work to do
Allen
Captain Gallane steadied the approaching Llew with a sturdy arm on his shoulder. And scanned their slapdash force in arms. They were a sturdy lot~ they would make do. And reclaim the Dale. The festival was just starting. The captain responded to Llew, then addressed everyone. 


"I know son.. Gather your wits men- He's right. I want three units. Two smaller ones to round up and evacuate the townsfolk. Perhaps we could hole them up in The Singing Shephard~ The rest of you.. With me. We retake the city center."


 After a moment of people sorting out who was going where, Gallanes bear heading the smaller units~ The captain unsheathed his sword and brought it high in the air. Bellowing out his contempt towards those who would ruin their festival before charging forth into the Dale.
Frank
Llew would be steadied, totally not taking the chance to semi lean there to rest. A nod, taking the chance as people got organized and moving to take another rest, he would never admit how glad he was the captain stopped him, he wanted to throw up, eat something, then crawl up and sleep for the entire day.

He joined the unit with the Captain. He seemed a sensible sort.

Shortly, too shortly for his liking, they were on the move, cudgel in one hand, dagger in the other. He was here to help the citizens! Then he noticed they were charging into the enemy. He too let out a war cry, though, a keen ear to could hear the surprise and fear mixed in with the actual war cry. He did not expect such at all
Samantha
*There were a few things that seemed to dissolve Nerdrat's previous confidence. Firstly, the appearance of not just one, not two or three: Four skilled swordsfighters cutting his men to ribbons. Secondly, **Four** Eldritch Blasts had failed to eliminate the centaur... He wasn't sure how he could top that. Third was the stalking pride of lions that surrounded him now, his keen eye catching both AC's distraction and the twin's attempt at ambush. 

A close fourth, however, was the fireball.*

**"DROOOP!"**
*The warlock bellowed, slamming his head to the floor as he dived out of the way, using his commanding magic to force as many of his comrades to do the same. It seemed to help - only half of them had been crippled fully, the other half hobbling back to their feet; still half-on-fire. He grit his teeth and readied another throng of lightning, deciding to finally end the little gnome-*

***CRAAACK!***
*As he peeked his head up slow, the magic between his fingers fizzled out at the sound. Shock was the first emotion, then a rising disbelief. His eyes snapped towards the source, wide and bloodshot.*
"Black powder...?"
*He barely breathed a question, glancing to the treeline that the projectile must have hit - noting a blood-streaked dagger. The warmth against his ear had been more than adrenaline, then... Especially seeing as it was growing cold.*

"...BOOOOYS!? WRAP THINGS UP, WILL YA!? TIME TO **GET TO LEAVIN'!!"**
Elizabeth
Intrigue coursed through Ezrah's veins as he observed the dwarves stationed diligently by the mayor's office. Their unwavering commitment to guard the door hinted at a commanding presence within, perhaps even a leader of the entire battalion. Yet, the stoic dwarves presented an obstacle, barring his access to the sanctum where his objective lay. His keen gaze darted around with lightning speed, ever vigilant, ensuring the dwarves remained fixated on their post, unaware of his intentions. The bustling market square offered no immediate solution to his predicament, leaving him with a daunting choice—to confront the dwarf guardians head-on.

Taking a decisive step forward, Ezrah braced himself, prepared to unleash a commanding cry that would echo through the air. However, fate intervened as a figure on horseback materialized before his eyes, expertly felling one of the dwarves with deadly precision. The remaining dwarves diverted their attention to the audacious assailant, captivated by the unfolding spectacle. In that fleeting moment, an opportunity emerged like a fleeting star in the night sky. Seizing the chance, Ezrah propelled himself forward with measured determination, sprinting toward the door with unbridled swiftness. With a forceful kick, he swung the door open, its hinges creaking in protest against his relentless pursuit. A swift glance back, ensuring the path behind remained clear, and he stepped into the mayor's inner sanctum.

Ezrah: Within those walls, a cacophony of commotion assailed his ears, a symphony of urgency and peril. Instinct propelled him forward, obliterating the need for a calculated plan. Rushing toward the source of the frenzied footsteps, he burst into a room pulsating with tension. His voice, resonant and commanding, pierced the tumultuous atmosphere, resolute and authoritative. "Your time for games has expired." He declared, his words imbued with a measured intensity that transcended mere shouting. A predator's aura emanated from him, the electric blue fire within his eyes mirroring the predatory glint of a hunter closing in on its prey. Slowly, he maneuvered his sword through the air, the fluid rotation serving as a silent proclamation—only two choices remained for the two dwarves before him. His gaze flickered toward the mayor, a silent signal passed between them, conveying that when the dwarves launched their assault, the mayor should seize the fleeting opportunity for escape.
Margaret
Thankfully the little gnome was on a roof and not easily found! She ducked down, vanishing from sight when Nerdy-Face started looking for her. She wasn't sure how many spells she had left in her, if any, so down she stayed, giggling a bit to herself and wondering how AC was faring.
Keith
_Kiros smiled with satisfaction from the fingers being smashed, another dwarf came in and he saw the intent. He rears up and kicks out with his right foreleg right into the dwarf's face. He looks around briefly, "Let's charge! Someone... Get on my back!" And he crouches down slightly waiting to see if someone does. If someone does take the chance, "Hold on!" And bolts forward, swinging his hammer to clear the way as he charged Nerdrat once again. This time, attempting to be far more nimbler, even with the weakened leg. His charge was going to be darting left and right and waiting for the opening to trample the dwarf._
Nathan
*And to think... A mere few hours ago... Had it even been a few hours? Time flied when one was having fun... And while this was certainly **Interesting**, AC would be hard-pressed to find this even remotely **Fun**. Not in the slightest. Her favorite tea stand destroyed, along with the businesses of many others with whom she was less familiar, due to dwarves raiding the place like so many bandits... Yes. **Interesting**, but not **Fun**. Then, her friends were getting hurt! **Lir** Was having a bad time of it, and she had gotten beat around, herself. Good thing her good, good friends the Hoffs had turned up recently, or she would have a lot worse off!*

*But, before her was waiting the cowering — and, it seemed, ready to pull back — author of her recent, personal pain. The dwarven warlock who had dared, **Dared** To wound her! At least that other dwarven bandit had some manners, and a good eye for charm and grace! That one, AC might have been able to perhaps even do business with. Negotiate something. Perhaps she could have helped parley ... Provided these dwarves had anything beyond booty in mind, anyway. But, not this warlock. To AC's eyes, he seemed ... Half-mad. Perhaps that was to be expected from a dwarven magic-user?*
*Ecki sent AC a mental shrug. AC knew the whip wasn't exactly the best judge of human(-oid) behaviors and demeanors, so indeed, had nothing really to contribute ... Other than the sparks the sentient weapon had sparked up, ready to help AC deliver them to the quarry before them.*

*AC grinned in anticipation, and raised the whip... Pointing at Nerdy Rat with her other hand, nodding as she hears **Kiros** Call the charge!*

"... Yes, go! Hey Hoffs, **Shock Treatment!**"

*And, she raced in! AC was pretty speedy, her leather boots pounding lightly with her fleet feet, quickly eating up the distance between her and **Nerdrat**... Then she skidded to a stop, twirling as she did to wind up with the whip, and sent its electric-charged thong of strange leather at the

Waiting dwarven warlock, whom hopefully was still in the middle of regaining his feet!*
Bertha
*While AC contemplated her plans and how this just had **Ruined her day**, Heidi nervously took the time to give **Kiros** As good a 'once-over' as she could in the brief moment she had. To the centaur, still trying to assess the extent of... 

But, then, Kiros knelt down and invited a rider! Heidi didn't think centaurs normally liked being ridden like horses... But ... It was sucn a singular opportunity... And it would let her heal him at even closer quarters. Then she could fire her hand-crossbow from a better angle.

Heidi, her nervousness at battle — she not being as 'confident as her twin' == vanishing as she mounted the centaur, and as Kiros begins his press forward towards **Nerdrat**, Heidi will murmur a short devotional, and **Lay her hands** On the most obvious of Kiros' wounds that she can reach from this angle... Then she'll take back up her hand-crossbow and be ready to fire where needed*
Celeste
*Hildi waited patiently ... Well, barely-so... Ready for the charge! She was much more action-oriented than her twin, and was near-chomping at the bit to dive into the action, well-bolstered by her sister's magic. She shifted her eyes carefully around, circling to triangulate with AC, Heidi, and the centaur as well, so that neither got in each other's way... She was still trying to stay out of the way of any stray dwarves, who seemed to mostly be following the centaur or Sir Jathak and his destrier anyway...*

*Until **Nerdrat** Made his statement about fleeing, and a few gathered more about him and the centaur, then began to peel out, running like hell! Though, a few stayed to harrass Jathak and Kiros, Nerdrat was not left with many flunkies to protect him...*

*Kiros and AC both charged... And so did Hildi! A dwarf stood between Hildi and Nerdrat. So, while AC's whip aimed itself at Nerdrat, Hildi's fighting sticks were delivered hard — harder than a 'normal' young lady of Hildi's build might suggest — the pale lass spinning and delivering her sticks to batter away his weapon then upside the side of his head, ringing his helmet like a bell as it was sent flying from his head. The dwarf cusses,* "Screw 'dis, Nerdrat!" And flees with his pals.*
Brenton
The dwarf who tried to hack Ezra in the back found his axe blasted out of his hands. Then he found Kale's katana swinging at him, tearing him open. He fell to Kale's blade.

Dwarves flung themselves to the ground at Nerdrat's command, ducking from Odawyn's fire. Some scrabbled to their feet and began fleeing the fire and the sheriffs. Some began running around aflame. At least two hurled themselves into the Miller Dale canals to try to douse themselves before realizing that they couldn't swim.

One dwarf fell to Kiros's kick, and several others crumpled under his and Heidi's charge. One more dwarf fell to one of her crossbow bolts.

The dwarves who had been trying to locate Gitroki were stopped by the arrival of the sheriffs and the Firebeard maidens. Most fled, but others screamed in fury at seeing Firebeards and rushed the dwarven maidens.
Rachelle
Lir knew he had gone into shock. He was in agony but not as much as he ought to have been. He rolled onto his back.

Staring at the wooden table above him, he winced at further explosions and then hearing Captain Drakar's forces enter the square.

"This is a terribly embarrassing way to die," Lir informed the table he was lying under. "I mean, what do I say to the other ghosts? 'Oh, I went to a festival, and then there was a raid, during which I proceeded to bleed out under the dessert table?' Awful, really."

Lir had, however, properly applied the tourniquet to his leg, so his blood merely trickled out. He was not currently in any immediate danger of bleeding out.
Brenton
Dwarves found themselves rammed aside or pinned against walls against Elysain's rush with the handcart. 

The four dwarves who had managed to survive Elysain's attack chased after him. However, as Elysain reappeared near the barricade, several citizens rushed the dwarves as Elysain took Miss Seavers's hand.

Miss Seavers nodded at Elysain, and the rest of the citizens followed him through the streets.
Frank
Llew wasn't sure what happened next, but he charged in and the dwarves charged back. He bounced off a dwarf and hit the ground hard. A gasp as a breath left him then a scream as he rolled to a right, an axe burying its'self into the ground where his head was moments ago. He kicked and scrambled too his feet, throwing the dagger poorly as a distraction. It did not fly straight.

Then went to respond with a swinging of his cudgel, he was no longer aware of his surroundings, it was too much of a mess, it was a blur, even the dwarf in front of him. His heart beat too loudly, was he going to die here? He was paling from the thought as he swung his cudgel left and right. Praying that this was not the day he would die.
Joshua
A dwarf in his place! As if! In fact, even as he dodged and scurried to avoid being in the hands of these dwarves, Podric was keenly aware that there had been no dwarven lord or mayor presiding over the Dale in nearly three hundred years, not since the Ironhammers had walked out of King Bravumir Firebeard's hall in Rouguemount Castle to take up their residence in Hearth's Keep, yet here the Ironhammers were, attempting to regain control...

As his new would-be protector barged in, Podric found himself emboldened by a sense of courage he usually only found when about to make speeches in front of the citizenry. He *Did* Edge sideways toward the door and Ezrah, holding up the rolling pin award before him as if it were a real threat, but he stood beside the door, ready to engage in whatever way he might.

"Miller Dale is a free city!" He proclaimed in his best 'activist' voice, and there was only a tiny bit of squeakiness in that tone. "We'll fight to the last person standing!"

Of course, Podric had never fought a physical fight like this in his life, and he would likely be more of a hindrance than a capable ally...
Allen
As the main force of sheriffs and would be heroes slowly battered their way towards the main plaza square of the Dale. Inch by bloody inch, the other two units would be doing their utmost to sweep the perimeter of the town and offer aid or escape to any in need. They intended to hold the Singing Shepherd and then rejoin Gallane once it was secure.

 Meanwhile the captain was yanking his sword free from the crook of a stout bearded warrior's neck. Drakar had taken a quarter staff to the brow by him, blood and sweat mingled. Trickling down the captains forehead threatening to obscure his vision. 

 The festival square was in sight now, chaos spilling from the main thoroughfare into the alleys. It was hard to believe only hours before; this place was one of celebration and beauty. Gallane felt rage at seeing the various stalls that had been laid to waste and the corpse of a girl who had been trampled. Other bodies lay in the street, and Gallane bellowed his discontent and fury. He would not hesitate to slay any who turned their weapons on the Dale.

 A small group of militia or something was holding their own against the Iron hammers in the distance, efore Gallane could rally his men to help them he noticed Llew. Swinging his cudgel wildly. The boy was outnumbered~ Gallane rushed forth. Caution to the wind to aid the brave farmer.
Frank
Llew was being over whelmed, he was bleeding, he wasn't sure from what, or what blood was his own, or from others. He knew he caught a dwarf or two, and that his limbs stung. He also tried to dodge those sharp looking axes and swords, but he was so tired... And there was so many. His vision was still slightly blurry, would it be bad to pause a moment?

He heard the scream of something coming towards him, and suddenly jumped back, an axe ripping his clothing and glancing his skin, giving a flesh wound. Eyes wide, nope, it would be bad, keep moving. Sudden adrenaline as he got back to fighting, there was so many though!? Panic returned until the captain came in, he stumbled to the side. He would of spoke of how grateful, but only a sob of someone being saved escaped. He was only a farmer, and a farmer can only hold out for so long, his cudgel looking worse for wear as the fight wore on.

Llew didn't seem to notice, but he had cuts on his arms and torso, some deeper then others, but light, splattered in his own blood and others, his cudgel bloodied and possibly beginning to crack, it was only a thick piece of carved wood after all.
Ada
While the survivors continue to fair and square off against the remaining dwarves who followed, he leads the others with him to a more secluded and carefully guarded section of town's intersections where, upon entering, he discovered more refugees of the onslaught had taken shelter. This was definitely way more secure, as the militia also extended to taking posts against the improvised walls that block off the other three narrow entrances. With the majority of the citizens soon recuperating in this vastly superior defensive quarter, he looks back and nods to Ms. Seaver, speaking up.

*"Stay here with these people; they'll keep you safe. I'm going to get more survivors! If I find your acquaintances, I'll send them back here with you. You're going to be perfectly okay here."* Assuring her before quickly making his way back over to a group of armed civilians.

*"I need you all to overwatch this block. More survivors will be coming in, so be sure to arm all the strong bodies here; they'll need it. Scavenge loot from the deceased parties of dwarves for weapons and armor just outside the alley!"* With his order affirmed with the militiamen and warriors, he made his way out to continue his search for remaining folk in the town. He looks for signs of active households and crowds of endangered victims.

His wound's pain was now nullified with his mind and heart in conjunction with adrenaline and superior mentality working together to work himself into this selfless goal. That's when, as he rushed through the streets, he spotted the bloodied farmer Llew on the floor with the Captain's men taking arms against the overwhelming number of raiders. This was his chance to instill the fear in those pillagers from the quickly spreading news of the threat that was himself; to allow advantage for the warriors to hack at their backs as they run.

Elysain quickly withdrew the sword and rushed through the alleyway he had previously used to worm around the main front of the fight and leapt out onto a turned over barrel, towering himself over both men and dwarves. He reached down while in this moment to pluck a deceased dwarf from the floor, quickly placing the blade down across their nape and quickly slicing away at the flesh to behead it, using it to catch the attention of both parties in the major conflict. With the head held in his hand, and with Elysain's already almost thriller-horror looking appearance already being terrifying enough, he lets his dark fervor overtake him and enact on the path of retribution once more. A bestial scream leaves his lungs, overtaking the sound of flame and clashing blades as he had roared once in the back of the town. With the dwarf's head held in his hands, blood coming down his arm, he points his blade towards the oncoming crowd of raiders; giving them a hefty warning.

The news of a maddened warrior, craving the blood of dwarves already spread like wildfire prior, so for the warrior to now turn up on the **Front line** Of this combat was extremely dire for them. Fear was beginning to ramp up, as hands jittered and actions were withered to hesitation. This was a gigantic turning tide of morale for both parties. The captain and Llew were now given major advantage over their enemies who outnumber them! This is their chance to enact swift justice, flushing out their enemies through the streets, or to fortify their position on the main center. Elysain had to take a second to step behind the barrel he stood upon and shelter himself momentarily to reenter his mind, which was teetering on the brink of yet another hallucination-fueled rampage.
Jenny
Khumras's eyes jerked to the door as Ezrah barged in. As the mayor brandished a rolling-pin trophy.

Khumras and his comrade both swung swords and an axe at Ezrah as the man began making his speech, not pausing to listen to Ezrah's monologue at all, starting just as the first words slid from Ezrah's mouth.

Khumras's second took a deep slash to the face from Ezrah's sword. Khumras glared at the mayor and swung his shortsword at the halfling.

Outside the office, dwarves began rushing past, many stopping and screaming at what was left of Khumras's guards. 

One dwarf, though, was brave enough to poke his head in.

"Khumras! Nerdrat says to go!" The dwarf yelled.

As Khumras held up his sword and dagger against Ezrah, he shouted, "Well, where's Nerdrat?"

"Still in the square!" Yelled the dwarf.

"You LEFT him there?" Khumras screamed.

Khumras took the opening meant for the mayor, shoving his second directly into Ezrah as hard as he could before racing towards the door.
Allen
Captain Drakar looked on. Stunned with a mix of awe and horror at the man Elysian. Before blinking, *He was in a fight after all~..*

 He raised his arms, then brought the long sword down in a swift arc upon the thigh of a dwarf before him. With that opponent felled he pivoted and swung the weapon back upwards one handed with a finnese that made it clear he had done it many times.. And his muscles were just waking back up to remember those motions. 

 He cleaved a bit of beard and the very tip of nose off of another Ironhammer and the remaining few turned to flee. Gallane smiled with grim satisfaction as he lowered his blade. Blood dripping from its point. He turned to Llew and gestured at the cudgel with his own weapon. His voice was strong yet calm albeit one could tell the captain was a little worn out.

"You don't need to use that anymore lad. See to your wounds, you've done more'n enough.."

 He shifted his head looking towards his armored ranks that passed and began finally to push the square. Then looking back to Llew he grinned.

"After this is all over let us share a bottle of my favorite honey mead, and listen to the maidens sing by the bonfire. You're a hero my boy."

*And with that he turned and jogged away, to join the effort to repel the attackers.*
Brenton
Many citizens, a great number of whom had been wounded by dwarves or fire or falling debris before finding protection behind Elysain's barricades, gratefully joined Captain Drakar's units, following the sheriffs to the assumed safety of the Singing Shepherd. Miss Seavers, although she shot a pleading look at Elysain, stayed with them as she rushed to safety.
Rachelle
"...And that's why the weapons are in the barn," Lir told his very good friend the banquet table. 

He groaned, grasping head with his good arm, then spared a look at the continuing chaos of the square. He gritted his teeth as he saw Llew, bleeding.

"Llew!" Lir hissed. "Over here!"

Lir so far had been safe from further attacks under the banquet table. He hoped both of them might be safe here.
Norma
After dispatching the dwarves guarding the mayor's office, as well as the several that had chased them, Artudian and Kyre limped towards the fountain near City Hall.

Artudian, having reloaded his crossbow, buried his face in his hands and leaned forward, resting his elbows on Kyre's neck.

Artudian began shivering.

Kyre let out a worried whicker, but the horse could do little other than keep his dissociating rider safe for the time being.

Kyre took this time to plunge his muzzle into the fresh cool fountain waters as the sounds of battle and burning and collapsing buildings enveloped them.

They heard the clash of renewed battle as Captain Drakar, the sheriffs, and the Firebeard maidens surged into the square.

Kyre lifted his head, a touch renewed. Artudian lifted his, much less so. 

They whirled around and trotted back towards the square.
Brenton
Darbad and his men cut down several citizens on their way to the Singing Shepherd. The elderly woman flung down the sewer grate would not be found until days later. 

Inside the Singing Shepherd, three serving staff and the cook crouched out of view and under the bar, terrified. Dwarves still ran rampant around this part of the city, not knowing of Nerdrat's command to retreat.

When the doors were pried open, one of the barmaids sniffled. One patron was passed out drunk at his table, and several others cowered where they could, eyeing Darbad and his company with terror.
Ada
Elysain was struggling yet again while he was resting momentarily against a barrel behind the frontline charge to keep himself in check. However, as he looked up to the carnage that was taking place, he felt his blood boiling from within as he stared at the bodies that laid countlessly across the sidelines and middle of the rampage that took place. His thirst for vengeance was crawling back up again, his curse counting on his rage and lack of self-control. As he took a glance towards Llew and the other injured guards, he had to give one final push to resist!

**(🐭writer's note: this is the second time he's failed this roll, but makes up for it by yelling out a super cool [edgy] liner)**

But there is no stopping him now. His body begins to constitute another whirlwind of rampage within, and he loses himself in the passion of bloodthirsty justice. His sword was carefully sheathed as he shoved the barrel aside, plucking up a bloodied warpick and an axe from the floor from both a deceased guardsman and dwarf and lifted them over his shoulder and carried himself over to the side of the push against a wooden wall. Staring down upon the dwarves who fled, he reared one axe back and tossed it far ahead, which miraculously landed onto the calf of a fleeting dwarf raider, crashing down and catching some attention from the dwarves behind him. With their attention caught, Elysain points the mace towards them and yelled out,

*"Don't you run from me! All of you are seeing your gods today, and I will not refuse them their servants!"* If he actually had an ability for intimidation, this would be much more impactful than it already is. He is fearmongering to an extreme, and his voice was croaked and itched with gruff from his already previous yelling and screeches.

After he finished this dialogue, he hip-tossed the mace off to the side — which rolled over and landed right beside **Llew**, which might act as a better weapon than his cudgel. The mace in question was a crude iron mace with a spiked ball head. It could work for the time being if he wishes to continue fighting.
Frank
Llew kept going, holding as he could, then he heard a scream, he turned, eyes widening. What is that, he paused to stare at the carnage incarnate that was Elysian come his way, he whipped back around to fight HARDER. Nope, he wasn't sticking here as he smashed a dwarf in the nose, get him away from that. He couldn't see straight, but it was like a blur of blood, far scarier then what was here. He wasn't sure how, but the dwarves were also scared. Allowing them to be clubbed as they fled. Thankfully, scary blood dwarf killer was also going that way.

He wanted to hurl, he could feel his limbs ache, his wounds burn, sounds were slightly muted. He turned as the Captain spoke. Did he just here to take a break? They were getting mead? Hero's?!

His eyes widened, how could the captain think of taking a break of mead! Everything was on FIRE, but a break sounded nice... He could use one. He just kind of nodded and slumped to the ground attempting to breath. He stayed there until he heard his name, looking about, then turning. He blinked, was... Was that the old wounded warrior... Lir was it? He waved at him, common sense far since left him in his tiredness. Maybe the captain wanted him to take a break, sleep underneath a table? That was strange... But he could go for a nap... What about the fire?....Naaaaaaah, captain told him to break. He got up, going to stumble over, it was almost in reach when he tripped on something, he turned rapidly to see a mace. He turned his head, eyes widening in fear. The bloody blur was back.

He looked from the mace, to the man speaking, to the mace. Oh no, OH NO! If he didn't pick it up and join him, he was going to be sent to the gods! THE GODS! He looked behind him, Lir, Lir would too!

*"Don't ye 'orry Mista Lir, ain't no bloody ghost claimin us ta'da!"* He stated, picked up the mace, then ran, screaming in into the next pile of dwarves, it was not a warcry, it was a scream of terror, at least he could save Lir from the blood ghost

As he bashed a head, more blood splattering him in horror, and tiredly slapped a sword out of the way then tripped over a body, saving him from a decapitation, how he was still alive? Even Llew wondered
Rachelle
"Llew," Lir said gently as the young farmer approached. "I've not been accosted under here. It would be best if you–"

Lir didn't finish. Llew had grabbed the mace and started swinging it at a nearby pack of dwarves. 

"Oh good heavens," Lir sighed. "That poor boy is going to get himself killed." He rubbed his face with his good hand, his entire right arm frozen and aching. He glanced again at the field, hoping to see Artudian.

Unfortunately, he was, for the moment, disappointed.
Samantha
*The tide had turned, Nerdrat could sense it. The almost-felled centaur had gotten back to his feet, the congregation of elves and men that had surrounded him taking this chance to attempt a charge. Around him he heard the yells of his soldiers, and not the good sort of shouts... He turned to the rising charge, eyes smouldering like a demon's.*
"You want a hero's death, huh!? I'LL GIVE YA' A DEATH ALRIGHT!!"

*He almost frothed at the mouth as he screamed, arms quivering as he drew his hands together. In the space grew another purplish orb, swirling and curling larger and larger; pulsing with the last of his infernal energy. Once it had grown to it's limits-*
***SHHHHHHHH-***
**BOOM!**
*The ball exploded forth, letting off a sound that sundered air as it careened in Kiros and the others' general direction. Nerdrat was shot back a half-foot, his arms singed hot white from the latent energy; eyes winking slow. He stumbled back a step, then another...*
Vito
*The Dwarves swarmed into The Singing Shepard. Each one of them rummaging through the tables, the chairs, the barstools, the racks. Whatever they could physically reach, they would grasp it with their filthy, thieving hands. The Dwarves swung around the chairs, flailing them into the air and watched them as crashed hard down onto the floor. The shattered, wooden shards flew in every direction causing more destruction. They didn't stop with just the chairs... Soon every piece of furniture within the town's renowned watering hole was in the process of being obliterated.*

*They weren't satisfied with just destroying the place, no. That would be too simple, too tame. It would be no fun for Darbad and his boys to stop just there. They also grabbed the people within the establishment. The barmaids were thrown into the air just like the chairs. They landed hard, they breathe hoarsely as they try to gather enough strength to run away. As soon as one of them stood again, they were tossed again into the air. A painful cracking sound emitted through the air, followed by a pain-filled shriek. The process continued, each time a new bone broken, a new bruise appeared upon their skin. In another corner of the tavern a drunkard lay asleep on one of the tables. Sleeping off his drunk stupor and bothering no one. Darbad himself grabbed the man's head, startling him awake.*

"W... Who are you?" *The man asked. He was still weary and the fear of the sieging Dwarves hadn't sank its fangs into him just yet.* 

"Go back to sleep!" *Darbad shoved the man's head into the table. A pool of red appeared underneath where his face laid. Darbad giggled as he picked the man's head again, looking gleefully at the carnage he wrought.* 

"Please... I just want to go home. I won't cause you any trouble. You can even take all of my gold, please just let me go!" *The man pleaded. Darbad pretended to consider the man's plea for a brief moment. He looked over to one of his minions who was in the middl

E knocking over a row of glass mugs that had been shelved on a nearby wall.* 

"Boy... Hand me one of those glasses, will you?" *The dark expression on Darbad's face made everyone who saw it shiver.*
Brenton
The dwarf who had been knocking over the glasses paused, looked at Darbad, and swallowed. He picked up one of the few remaining mugs and handed it to Darbad. Some of the dwarves circled round the table, watching Darbad in fascinated horror.

In the brief pause, a sobbing barmaid struggled to her feet and ran for the door. She almost made it, but a dwarf grabbed her around the waist as she clawed at the doorframe.

"No, no, no! Stop, please!" The barmaid yowled as the dwarf dragged her back.

"Someone *Help*!" The barmaid screamed out the door before another dwarf closed it. 

The dwarf holding the maid flung her, and she hit the floor yet again. 

This time, she stopped sobbing.
Keith
_Kiros kept up his maneuvers as he watched the dwarf charge up a large blast, much bigger than the four that came at him before. His eyes widen in shock before a determined look comes onto his visage, "Hold on!" He comes to a short stop, Heidi being pushed into his back slightly, crouches quickly and waits for the last instant and jumps to the side, in a brash and reckless attempt to dodge the large blast.

It did not work... Exactly as he planned. The ball of force impacted just as he took the leap, avoiding the direct hit as planned, but the release of that energy boosted the jump... Right into a building, crashing hard. He ended up knocking himself out.((Not gonna take agency from KC.))_
Bertha
*Heidi tried to hang on tight! She was unused to even riding a horse — Sure, with her upbringing, she certainly had some training, some practice... But that was years ago! She was **Way** Out of practice... And obviously, Kiros was no actaul horse... No stirrups, no saddle... So, once Kiros skidded to a stop, she grabbed hard onto his shoulders, then barely withheld from screaming **Right in his ear** Once she spotted the huge **Blast** Rocking **Right at them!***

*She nearly jumped off right then! But, she snap-decided that would be **Really** Stupid... Of course, then Kiros himself leapt out of the way of the blast...

...

Right into a wall...*

*Heidi, this time, **Did scream! Out of instinct, she tried sticking out her leg to stop herself from being bodily slammed into the wall with the full strength of a ~~horse~~ centaur, and tried using that, plus hands pushing at Kiros' shoulders, to lurch away from the wall.*

***SNAP**, that was a bad idea! But, at least it cushioned the blow just enough so the rest of her didn't just slam full-on against the wall. The best result this clumsy instinct served was to thus have her slumping off of the falling Kiros just far enough that he didn't fall on her. It even served to almost push her back into the path of the **Blast**, close enough she felt its eeevil energies...*

*And so, end result? Heidi lays there on the cobbles of the courtyard, writhing and holding her broken leg, several bumps and bruises from hitting said stones.*

"That... Was **Really** Stupid..." *Granted, was it? At least she saved herself from the full force of hitting the wall! That could have knocked her out, too!*
Celeste
*Hildi was cursing as well — a few more dwarves who hadn't fled the scene at Nerdy Rat's request had intervened to prevent herself and **AC** From directly assaulting the mad dwarven warlock... So she laid in hard, having a bad, bad feeling... She whirled and nailed one dwarf full force, stumbling him back, then thudded her fighting stick into his face, but then didn't twirl out of the way in time and took another dwarf's hammer in the shoulder, causing Hildi herself to stumble.*
Nathan
*Seeing Hildi in trouble, she veered last second, causing her sparking whip to miss Nerdy Rat, and instead, AC rushes over to help Hildi! She whirls and twirls again, sending her whip instead into the dwarf that had struck her friend...*

***CRACK-BOOM!** The combined force of the mini-sonic-boom of a whip-crack plus the snapping of the **Shocking Grasp** Spell Ecki was holding ready combining to send the dwarf tumbling away. He lied there stunned and groaning.*

***And then!** As if he had taken advantage of their being distracted, they gaped, aghast, as the evil, wicked, dastardly Nerdrat had a chance to conjure an even greater **Blast**, sending it rocketing at Kiros... And thus at Heidi too!*

"**NO!!!**" *AC and Hildi shouted together! ... They started running as soon as Kiros tried leaping out of the way as both of them knew Heidi wasn't that good a rider, and they had a bad feeling...

Sure enough, down went Kiros, and down went Heidi!*

"Hildi, cover me, I'll try to get us out of the way!"

*And so, Hildi stands over them, watching to see if Nerdy Rat will now try to run like heck with this distraction... 

AC kneels down by Heidi, and glances around in near-panic for a hidey-hole...

... Then she can't help but grin,* "Hey, look who's over there... There's a good spot!"
*She keens a few melodic notes... The air shimmers golden around herself as she also reaches out for Hildi and Heidi... Sorry **Kiros,** No way can she take him, too...*

"**SMOKE BOMB!!!**"
*Under the cover of another blast of purple-glowing smoke, AC vanishes with the Hoffs... Reappearing in a shimmer of golden-watery light near **Lir** And **Llew!** She and Hildi quickly hide with Heidi behind a neighboring table!*
Brenton
As one of their comrades fell to Elysain's flung axe, one dwarf bent to help his screaming companion as the others stared at Elysain yelling at them from the wall. Many of them trembled and ran away. 

Some, though, seeing Elysain fling the mace to Llew, rushed the wall. They tried to climb it, and a few of them hurled daggers at Elysain.

A couple dwarves fled from the screaming farmer with the mace, and one swung a sword at thin air as Llew tripped. At least one fell from a smash of Llew's mace and would never move again. 

One snarling dwarf, a bit bigger than his comrades, rushed at Llew, swinging a massive maul at Llew's leg.

A dwarf stepped behind Nerdrat to catch him and support him; two others rushed to his side. Between the three of them, they tried to shove Nerdrat towards a street, towards an escape.

The dwarves screamed in triumph as Kiros smashed into the side of a nearby building and rendered unconscious. Two rushed towards the downed centaur, their axes held at the ready.

The remaining dwarves, however, were mostly focused on the Firebeard maidens, trying everything they could to surge past Captain Drakar's men and attack the women.

Other dwarves began fleeing the square as fast as they could, surging into side streets and informing any other dwarves that the battle was being lost as they began running back to Hearth's Keep. Still, as they ran, they cut down anyone they could and seized anything they got their hands on, carrying away more foodstuffs, more weapons, more raw materials, and even a few hostages as they fled.

Whilst Hildi smashed one dwarf twice and felled him, a second howled happily as his hammer met her shoulder. 

Then Ecki struck him, sending him to the ground sprawling and sobbing.
Ada
He was quick to have leapt from the corner of the wall he was upon when the daggers were initiating themselves at projectiles. As if some crude luck has occurred for the dwarves, as he left the barrel and quickly rebounded back behind the lines, beelining for Llew to prioritize protecting him over the others; the multiple knives tossed at him managed to *Barely* Pass by his backside to such luck! (

Elysain continued to move behind the men and plucked up a 2x4 wood from the floor, which had a slightly burnt end to which opposed his grasp. With it, he continued to proceed lightly tossing it up and underhand grapple the beam of wood, quickly identifying which dwarf was coming for Llew. Seeing the big dwarf coming over, he javelin tossed the wood beam for the rearing weapon in hand, intending to dispel his grasp or at least cause him hesitation so Llew could gain an advantage over his opponent in this critical moment!
Brenton
As Elysain flung the piece of wood, the dwarf, whilst he didn't drop his weapon, hesitated, distracted by first the flying wood, then by Elysain. 

Thus, he left himself open to a strike from Llew's mace.
Rachelle
Lir watched Llew with horror, at least trying to call out to Llew if dwarves flanked him.

"This is horrible," Lir told the banquet table... Before yelping in fear as AC, Hildi, and Heidi appeared near him in a blast of golden light.

"Hells, AC!" Lir yelled as the women took cover under a nearby table. 

"I mean, er... Hello," He continued. "I say, Heidi... Try not to move. It might make your leg worse. Have you got something to use as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding?"

Lir managed to peer out from under the table. "Or, if one of you could help Kiros, I think he would be most appreciative."
Frank
Llew was charging, he was swinging, then a cry as he felt sharp pain and something bite at his arm as he smashed into a dwarf who lay unmoving. Time slowed again, he had felt the crunch, the eyes go doll like, empty... He had killed someone. He let out another cry as reality seemed to move in waves. He was barely missed by a sword.

He turned as tried to get up, a dwarf with a hammer. He was going to end up like one of the dwarves who fell. This was it, all the good times flashed in his eyes. He didn't feel fear, but regret. Regret he didn't get a chance to say he loved his Mum and Pa one final time. Regret that he never gave the bakers daughter a rose, to invite her to a dance during a festival. That he wouldn't get to see his homeland again. It moved so slowly, he couldn't even blink, but watch. He hoped his family understood he wasn't going to be coming home.

Then he saw something fly past his head, hitting a dwarf, then the maul one, he had a chance! HE HAD A CHANCE?!

He rose up and swung clumsily in his haste to take the opportunity, flinging himself at the dwarf as reality screamed about him, the fire roaring, the blurred movement of dwarves, be it blurred from fear or watery eyes as he tossed himself. He didn't want to say good bye yet, he wanted to see his family one last time, he wanted to hold a beautiful, plump maiden in his arms, he didn't want to die in foreign land. All he had to do, was try, one, more, time. He screamed bloody murder, yet he couldn't hear it in the visions.

Nor see those who helped him so lost he was in tiredness, fear, and adrenaline, blood loss playing a part from various cuts he had, parts of him caked in ash and blood specks from his various fallen enemies.

*As the twins huddled behind the overturned banquet table, Hildi replaced first her hood, then Heidi's, so that their bright and gleaming platinum-blonde hair wasn't so ... **Stand-outish**...
Hildi then peered over the edge of the overturned table, while Heidi began probing her wounds. The cuts and bruises weren't so bad — even if she didn't use healing magic, it'd be fine. ... Now, the broken leg... This, she should tend to...
**But...**
She inquires of Hildi and AC,* "Um, what about the centaur? If I heal my leg now, ... He probably needs more healing than I do. AC, do you have enough power to pop over, then pop back here with him?"
Nathan
*Stood back up from behind the table, and peered back towards Kiros, where she had left him ... And siiiighs,*
"Crap... He's going to be hard to move... I don't have much power left.And ... Well dammit, but I'd better, huh? Or those dwarves..."
*She wasn't an up-front, in-your-face kinda knightly warrior... She prefered to be sneaky, cagey ... And especially not up-front and in the face of armored, well-armed dwarves! Dammit, what to do...
She took a brief moment to plot, scheme... Then she grinned.*
"Just means I'll have to get more clever... Hildi, stay here and watch the others..."
*She curses to herself, shook her head, and proceeded to keen a few surreal, ethereal notes as she readied Ecki once more, brandishing it in her left hand... The whip sparked and crackled and writhed of her own accord as AC crouched, leapt ahead...*

**WHOOSH!**

*... And reappeared in that telltale shimmer of golden but somehow watery light 10' /3m or so to the left of the pair of dwarves that were approaching the fallen Kiros.*

"Hey! You! Shabby-haired jerks! Who combed your beards, your blind grandmothers? You weak, pathetic ... **Goblins!** Q kobold could raise a better beard than you two! Heck, **I** Could! Not that I'd want to, my butt would be prettier than you two! C'mon!"" *... She snapped her crackling whip at the closer of the two!*
Samantha
**"NO!! Leave the...** The centaur... We're gettin' outta here. KHUMRAS!? DARBAG...!?"
*Nerdrat tried to resist the help of his comrades, but felt his legs lock tight as he put pressure on them; the muscles wound tight with the infernal energy flowing back through him. He'd pushed himself too far, meaning the others would be overwhelmed soon enough. They had to escape, or at least get most of their soldiers home. Eventually he staggered to his feet, waving a frantic arm to search for his lieutenants, and signal the final retreat. A bloodshot eye snapped to AC and her companions, wincing slightly at the snap of her whip.*
"IRONHAMMERS!! TO THE HEAAAARTH!!"
Brenton
The dwarves stalking Kiros scowled, turning from Kiros to AC. Brandishing their axes, both charged her, ignoring Nerdrat's order.

The dwarf fighting Llew took the mace square to the back of his skull. He fell.

Meanwhile, the dwarves around Nerdrat hastened to push or carry him out of the square, eyes wide with fear as the other two lieutenants were nowhere to be found...
Keith
_Kiros laid slump against the building, his breathing labored from both sets of lungs. He shook alert at the shout and looked about, his eyes half lidded in pain. He grunts slightly before, "Oww..." He slowly gets up, grabs a hammer... And takes a wild throw against one of the dwarves threating AC. He favors his left leg, curled under his underside. He stumbles a bit and waits to see if anybody can help him._
Frank
More blood splattered him, he saw the collapse, he thought he screamed in the horror, but he wasn't sure if sound escaped in the frantic situation. He tumbled and got back to his feet looking up, it was the crazy swords guy!? He just nodded and looked away to spare his sanity and from freaking out even more.

His eyes widened as they mobbed up. He hefted his mace and got to moving but struggling a moment as he went to a knee, confusion as his legs failed him. He suddenly hurled, the smell was too much, stuck for a moment as he recovered, looking up. Just a moment of rest, just a moment, he killed a man, he killed many men, by the gods.

He shuddered, he was-then saw the frozen horrified expression of a dead halfling, then another. His teeth gritted as he suddenly charged forth to find the next group, even though his charge was more of a stumble. It hurt worse to look at the dead halflings about, it hurt worse to know that he would be haunted by them by seeing his own family, he only had to move and do something, ANYTHING?! So he did, mace swinging tiredly, but with fury at the next dwarf, seems he was going to use all the fuel he had, and looked very much on the verge of collapse with how tired he was.
Rachelle
The dwarf that Llew swung at dodged, glanced at the farmer, then turned and fled with the others.

"Llew," Lir said. "Sit down, my dear boy. Take a breath. You did well. Thank you."

Lir, still unable to move much, waved at Llew as he spoke. "They're running. I think it's over, mostly." Here and there were still some fights, including AC pulling the dwarves away from the downed Kiros.

Then, the dwarves running down one street began screaming, turning around, climbing over each other in their desperation to get out of the narrow street that now echoed with the beating of massive hooves.
Norma
Artudian and Kyre slammed back into the square at a full gallop. More dwarves fell under Kyre's hooves; another one to a crossbow bolt to the face.
Rachelle
As the horse and rider team ran, Lir gulped.

"Oh, no," He whispered, but he knew precisely *Why* They were still surging uncontrollably through the streets.

"Jathak!" Lir yelled. "Here!"
Norma
And the massive warhorse turned, facing Lir and Llew, and trotted towards them.

A huge bloodied animal ridden by an equally bloodied fighter. Pinkish foam slimed the destrier's body, and the white feathered hooves were now clumped with rusting red. A few red streams crept down Kyre's flanks as his rider, who had reloaded his crossbow, stared down... Or through... Or at Llew. The crossbow remained pointed at the ground for the moment.

Kyre whuffed. His ears swiveled backwards as Artudian glared down at Llew.
Rachelle
Lir stared at them. "Llew. Llew, sit down." His voice had gone from comforting to commanding as the two stared at them. 

Artudian was hot and agitated and terrified and infuriated; Lir smiled at him, trying to calm him.

"Goodness, Wolf, you look like you've taken Kyre for a spa day at an abattoir," Lir grinned. "And had a terribly violent masseuse."
Frank
Llew looked up tiredly from his name, looking to Lir, what was he saying? He stared a moment, then up at the horse, then rider. He stared for a moment, then he heard the voice again. Sit? He could do that, who was that anyway? Lir? Captain? Didn't matter, he looked at the rider and the horse, the glare... Was he seen as the enemy? He plopped down, nodding. Bloody mace resting in his lap, he looked down at it, a look of horror, was that his doing? Then at his hands, it dripped. He looked away. On to the ground, he felt the ash hit his hair, the thickness of metal, copper and iron, the taste. He kind of slumped there, perhaps he moved closer? He wasn't aware, his eyes fluttered, calling sleep, but how foolish? Was there not dwarves... But he needed rest... Just some rest. And so he rested.
Norma
Artudian kicked his feet out of the stirrups and dismounted, sliding down Kyre's flank as the warhorse gently craned his neck around and nudged Artudian's shoulder.

Wincing, Artudian strode over to Lir, kneeling down and gently prodding Lir's broken leg.
Rachelle
"Wolf," Said Lir as Llew collapsed. "Help him. *Please.* He's a bit worse off than I am at the moment." 

When Artudian shook his head, Lir pressed his lips together. "Please, Jathak," He sighed. "He protected me, and he did rather a good job of it, too."

Lir also motioned to the other banquet table. "Heidi's broken her leg, too. There's lots of wounded," Lir told Artudian.
Norma
Artudian paused, then turned to the young man slumping down to the ground, bleeding, with the mace in his lap. He grabbed Llew and eased him onto his left side, pulling the mace aside for the moment. He scanned the young man's wounds, then looked back at Lir.

Rising stiffly, Artudian limped to the remains of the table that he and Kyre had largely destroyed. He seized the tablecloth and jerked it free, sending more foodstuffs and plates flying. He picked through the wreckage, plucking out of it long slivers of wood.

Artudian dragged the tablecloth and pieces of wood back to Lir and Llew. He knelt by Llew, eyeing the young man again, and drew a dagger to begin ripping strips from the tablecloth. These he started wrapping over Llew's wounds. Hardly ideal, but the biggest goal currently was to control the bleeding.
Kristyn
With Artudian occupied, Kyre scanned the field. His ears went back as he saw AC engaging two dwarfs. There was also an injured centaur.

An equine friend! Kyre trotted over to Kiros and began sniffing him. He nipped at Kiros's clothing and harness, looking for something to grab onto and pull, hoping to help the centaur to his feet.
Ada
He didn't give much chase to the remaining dwarves as he watched the men recuperate from their assault. Having no space to quarter left and not associated with the other men who valiantly took action on the front, including Llew, his rage began to simmer down within. For now, his mind settles on one course of action as he quietly turned away, reaching down to pluck up a sword from the floor from a fell soldier.

He did so quietly and proceeded back into the much more clearer side of the town where he forced refugees to evacuate in barricaded sections of road and more. Seeing some of the bodies beneath his feet evoked not much emotion from him, as he is no stranger to carnage, but his soul ached each time he saw yet another facedown victim of this once-relentless siege. With sword in hand, he silently made his way to each shelter, one by one and eyeing the current conditions of the people. Some did notice him and how worn and torn he appeared, but he just simply left before anyone could caution him to safety.

As he made it to the last shelter where Ms. Seavers was located, he eyed her and the other remaining masses of citizens that were recuperating from the attack. His body was slowly beginning to dwindle back to some pang of recognition towards it's humanity and it's limits; an ache coming from each muscle on his body as he overexerted energy. This made his wounds feel more tense and painful, a burning sensation from each. He carefully, without trying to alert the others outside, drags himself along the wall as he felt the weariness setting on him. Now in the middle of the street where fires simmer and some rage from the sides, he felt his body giving way to weakness.

His eyes dim slowly, waving between consciousness and not, to soon set close as he slowly pulled himself down to the floor covered in strays of hay. With him turning over a shoulder and collapsing on his back, his thoughts recede and he lets the bare comfort of inaction wash over him. With no resistance, he fell slumber in a clearing on the floor, away from the other bodies. As his mind sets into pained dreams, a voice from afar, demented and deep screeched out to him like a banshee.

*You will not rest here! I will not allow it!*

It beckoned, before he laid unconscious.
Margaret
Ody used the last of her reserves to cast fireball at the two dwarves bothering her buddy. Then she soft of sank to the ground and looked exhausted - but the big ball of flame headed their way made things worth it. Did she enjoy the destruction?
Frank
*By now, Heidi would have, with Hildi's help, splinted her broken leg and cleaned off Heidi's cuts and bruises. Heidi would have insisted on Hildi helping her over to **Lir**, too, to see what aid he needed, too. While she could have at least mostly-fixed herself up, she was holding her magic in reserve for when Kiros was brought to her. ... Well, that, and the twin **Vividly** Recall how Jathak, and to a lesser-extent Lir, are rather... **Averse** To magic... 
So, she hobbled along with Hildi's help for now, gritting her teeth in pain, and offered to help Llew,*
"What ... Can I do to ... Help," *Heidi asked with breathless effort.*
Nathan
*AC had been brandishing her whip to try to make the pair of dwarves stay back, anticipating the fireball. But, even then, she still squawked and **Hit the deck** When the fire rained down and scorched her two dwarven opponents!*

"Dammit! That was too close!" *She patted at her hair and the back of her clothes to brush away cinders and ash... Patted out the smoldering spots on her back and behind... And clambered quickly up to survey the damage.*

"Well, that helped... Where'd they go? Oh... There they are..."
*She shaded her eyes with her hand and spotted the two dwarves... **Way** Over there...*

"Yeah, I don't think they'll be back, hehe ... Hey, centaur guy! Lemme — oh! Hi!"
*She grinned at Kyre... Who...* "Wow, you sure got your exercise today, huh?"

*She stepped over to Kyre and Kiros, finally achieving that goal she'd set out on ... What seemed like so long ago, but really was at most long minutes. ...
She kept a wary eye out for the remaining dwarves, **Especially that darned Nerdy Rat!**, and grinned happily at **Kyre**,* 

"Oh good! You found a new friend! Can you help him over there to Lir? I was going to help him over there myself, but yeah, I bet you'd have a much easier time of it! Besides, I also wanted to check on poor **Juchin**, and check on my friend **Ody**, the one who's been flinging all that fire down! Thanks!"

*AC's whip reached up her thong and waved happily to Kyre, too,* "Hi!!!" *But, 

AC trotted off to check on Juchin first, as she was still pretty sure Ody's still safe up on that roof, while she knew Juchin is hurt. She hurried back to the ruins of the tea stand! She sadly surveyed the wreckage while she rushed to the fallen tea vendor,* "Juchin! Speak to me!"
Frank
Llew kind of stayed in his sitting, laying position. He heard speaking, but it was warbly, distant in a way. He looked up at Jathak as he knelt, who was this? He stared a moment in between large, heaving breaths as sweat made way like hornets to sting his eyes. Wasn't that the one on the horse. He glances as his wounds were being bandaged. Is this why resting? Oh... Ok.

He looked about and motioned *"T-the others mista, more 'urt then I."* He muttered out, barely a motion in his state, not resisting tending as he flopped a glance as he saw others approach, eyes beginning to focus but still not clear as he laid down for a moment, confusion on his face why his body decided to relax, not even noticing the mace disappearing from his grip, despite still thinking he held it. He tried to mutter his hellos but a long, slow groan escaped instead as he head sunk back, swimming, the itching he feeling turning into pain as he stared into a smoky sky as focus slowly restored its'self.
Allen
Gallane heaved, taking in great lung fulls of air. A gauntlet'd hand shaded the sun from his eye as he stood back. Watching dwarves flee, the man was looking grim and satisfied with dried blood caked upon one side of his face. His exhaustion made one feel like he had been battling through sweet berry syrup that was upon the festivals tasty-cakes. Yet, he smiled. His men fought to reclaim the city with compelling tenacity. Of course when fighting for your homes and loved ones... Gallane sighed a breath filled with relief. He never should have doubted his sheriff's for even a moment. For while they had they their shortcomings—

*His second best~ Stooks. Was spotted. He came running frantically across the square towards Gallane . And the sheriff looked quite battered.*

 The captain's eyes went hard, as he studied the oncoming man. He stopped upon arrival and hurriedly began blurting a tumbling torrent of words. The captain picked out a few key things which made his heart stop cold. "The shepherd" "Massacre" And "Dwarf". 

*And like so, Gallane's exhaustion could be ignored, it would have to be. He sprinted, as fast as he could manage in such a state... Yet all the while he thought; about how he had been the one to call that civilians group at the Shepherd for safety. Once again he had failed his people.* He would make this right.
Keith
_Kiros slowly gets up with Kyre's help and heads over to others, his head pounding with a headache like no other, "Thank you... Slave..." He mutters under his breath, semi respectfully. His voice sounds... Tired and not entirely there. His gaze moves about the damage and he just groans, "Nails... They are gonna need... Nails..." He gently pushes Kyre over to the other group of people, his left leg curled and... Not in an entirely healthy angle, held under his front. He winces has he moves and looks down, "Oh... That.. Is going to hurt... Soon..." He looks about briefly before, "Any healers?" He calls out a bit. His gaze looks down the road at the fleeing dwarves with disgust._
Brenton
Mrs Seavers followed armed men around the city, her own bloodied sword and dress mingling with the massacre of Miller Dale.

Finally, as she approached a group of citizens, that which she had been seeking fled to greet her.

"Auntie!" Cried Miss Fleurie Seavers, rushing up to Mrs Seavers and embracing her.

Mrs Seavers sighed in relief. "You will stay with me now," She told Fleurie. "We must get home once everything here is handled."

Miss Seavers then locked her eyes on Elysain as he struggled along the wall.

"He saved us," Fleurie told her aunt. "He made barricades to protect us and led us to safety. He's... He's wounded, oh no!" Miss Seavers gasped as Elysain collapsed unconscious.

Mrs Seavers released her niece and strode towards the others who were still hiding.

"We have been told to make our way to the Singing Shepherd," She announced. "Bring the wounded. It should be safe there. There is an unconscious gentleman outside who needs assistance."

As the citizens cautiously slipped back into the streets, several were eager to heft up the unconscious Elysain–one man lifting his shoulders, another picking up his feet, and several supporting his back. A woman grabbed the sword he had dropped, and several people pressed shreds of cloth to Elysain's wounds to try to stanch his bleeding.

The group made its way towards the Singing Shepherd. A human carried an injured halfling on her back. A dwarf laid on a stretcher borne by two other dwarves. A halfling and an elf shared the contents of their flasks as the Singing Shepherd came into view.

One of the dwarves threatening AC narrowly dodged Kiros's thrown hammer. Then he stopped to point and laugh at the injured centaur.

Some of the dwarves peeled off from fleeing at seeing the warriors who had killed their friends and family now mostly down. 

Ripe for vengeance.

They rushed towards the injured group before Odawyn's fireball set several of their number on fire again, including the two who had been chasing AC.

At this point, the remaining dwarves lost what was left of their nerve and fled the square, stumbling over each other to return to the hearth.

Juchin groaned as AC ran up to her.

"Oh, my hips," She scowled. "I can't stand. All for the best; what did they *Do* To my tea stall?"
Rachelle
As Heidi approached them, Artudian glowered at her. He pawed his hand down several times before Lir said, "He wants you to sit down."

Lir had begun shivering, and he smiled at the Hoff twins. "Bit nippy, isn't it? Got to account for spring and all that."
Norma
As the fireball exploded behind them, Artudian grabbed both Lir and Llew as hot air suddenly raced over them, crouching over them to take the brunt of the heat on his back. Once the heat dispersed, he picked up his crossbow and twisted around but saw only dwarves dispersing into the side streets. Blood trickled from a massive slash across his chest, as well as several others that cut into his arms and legs.

Artudian set the loaded crossbow down and turned back to Lir and Llew. Artudian undid the belt which held the white shawl draped over his clothing, and he wrapped the shawl around Lir before poking at Lir's broken leg.

Lir groaned as Artudian used a dagger to slice his boot off, then unwrapped the leather strap girding his left hand. Picking up the longer pieces of wood he had acquired, Artudian used the shards of wood and the leather strap to temporarily splint Lir's leg, stabilizing it just enough so that Lir could be moved safely.
Kristyn
Kyre bobbed his head up and down at AC, and he whickered at Ecki. He had certainly gotten his exercise today!

When Kiros addressed him as "Slave," One ear went forward, then the other back. Kyre pinned both his ears back as Kiros pushed him over to the others.

Kyre moved in front of the banquet table, blocking Artudian, Lir, and Llew from everyone else. The horse huffed, deeply disturbed and insulted by Kiros calling him a mere slave.

But, as he stood, Kyre eyed a strawberry cake on the table. He shoved his muzzle into the cake and began gorging himself on it.
Norma
Artudian stood, sliding one hand on Kyre's neck whilst the horse gorged himself on strawberry treats.

Artudian studied Kiros's injured leg, trying to keep both Lir and Llew from collapsing.
Frank
Llew was already enjoying sweet collapsing rest. Mind somewhere between wanting to wake up and wanted another five minutes. At the Fireball he did wake up, the sudden heat hitting him. He was Groggy, but awake now. He blinked his gaze, looking over to Lir, then Jathak then... Was that one of the twins. He blinked, sitting up, looking over, his mace was too the side. He rubbed his face, smearing soot and blood both.

He sat there a moment, and frowned, Old mister Lir was not doing well. He looked back to Jathak, and wince, he saw blood, he saw flames. He nodded, then huffed getting to his knees, then too his feet. He almost passed out from the pain, he bent down to pick up the mace and almost fell over. He remained bent over for far longer then Llew would ever admit , straightening up then blinking at the sight of a horse eating a cake. He just stared as he got the mace up to his shoulder with a stumble, glancing to a glass of what ever and downing it, he thought he drunk juice, but it was wine. It was refreshing though.

As he stood, he seemed to just be resting, knee's shaking.

*"Goin... Ta... Catch breath... Then... Help others... So... Won't need... Watch."* He panted out, head bent forward as he caught his breath, then straightened it still sweating. Just needed a few more minutes is all... Right?
Norma
"Bloody hell, Llew, stop it. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't help anyone else. Sir Jathak rather hates this sort of false bravado," Lir mumbled as Artudian turned to the delirious young farmer.

Artudian snorted at Llew, then tried to seize the mace from the young farmer's grasp, especially since the enemies had left. 

In these moments, Artudian had been able to bear others' touches, at least as long as he had control of the contact. He stared at Llew, his blue-iron eyes commanding, the massive scar across his face dripping with fresh-shed blood. He was, with his greying hair and the wrinkles on his face, obviously slightly older than Lir.

And his stout muscular physique suggested that he was, by far, the more experienced warrior of the two.

Artudian pulled his lips back in a snarl.

"Wolf, Wolf," Lir called. "He's just a boy. Be gentle with him. Please."

"Llew, my boy," Lir continued. "He's trying to help you. Let him; he knows what he's doing."

Lir coughed as he tried to sit up. "I'm... I'm not a knight, Llew," He said. "But he is."

After a swallow, Lir decided to introduce them to each other. "Sir Jathak, this is Llew. Llew, this is Sir Jathak Artudian."
Frank
Llew looked over, trying to motion, but the mace was too heavy, he almost dropped it and Jathak would be easily able to take it.

*"But... The people!"* He stated, he said looking back, giving back a good old fashioned, stubborn farmer stare, that did not save him from falling over to star at the sky in confusion as his legs gave out. He nodded. *"Help... Aight... But..."* He stopped talking as he looked back to Jathak, a knight. He bowed his head, not having the energy to bow. There was people to save though! He sputtered and just nodded, raising a hand in greeting and remained seated. The call was too strong now to do much then sit here now. He grunted a mix of stubbornness, relief, and thanks as he bobbed his head up and down.

*"Lo thar."* He eventually said in greeting, heavily delayed, but he got it out
Norma
Llew looked over, trying to motion, but the mace was too heavy, he almost dropped it and Jathak would be easily able to take it. *"But... The people!"* He stated, he said looking back, giving back a good old fashioned, stubborn farmer stare, that did not save him from falling over to star at the sky in confusion as his legs gave out. He nodded. *"Help... Aight... But..."* He stopped talking as he looked back to Jathak, a knight. He bowed his head, not having the energy to bow. There was people to save though! He sputtered and just nodded, raising a hand in greeting and remained seated. The call was too strong now to do much then sit here now. He grunted a mix of stubbornness, relief, and thanks as he bobbed his head up and down. *"Lo thar."* He eventually said in greeting, heavily delayed, but he got it out 

Artudian, not understanding the words, tilted his head as he pulled the mace from Llew's hands. 

Artudian stood, Llew's mace in one hand. The other he slid onto Kyre's neck.

After Kyre had finished demolishing the strawberry cake, he dropped to his knees, laying down.

Artudian huffed, then turned and picked up Lir. He placed Lir onto Kyre's saddle, then, with one hand on Lir's good ankle, gestured to Llew and pointed at the saddle.

He wanted Llew to mount Kyre and hold Lir. As an incentive, perhaps, Artudian slid Llew's mace into a sheath attached to Kyre's saddle.
Frank
Llew eventually would notice his mace was taken... Well, technically, it was someone else's mace, the really scary blood guy... He had to thank him still. Llew watched, brows furrowing, Lir got on the saddle and... Was being pointed at? He stared a moment, then looked from the horse, then to Lir. He saw the mace being sheathed, eyes widen. Were they... Leaving? He got up, stumbled over, and stared. Had he ridden horses? Kind of, have to plow the fields, has he ridden a horse with a saddle? Nope...

He looked back at Artudian, then back to the horse, and went to get on, or tried to get on. It was to be determined how badly this would go with how tired Llew was, it very much liked like someone flopping about like a fish. But he was trying!
Rachelle
Lir grabbed the saddle horn with one hand and stretched the other out for Llew to grab.

As Kyre was lying down, the horse was much easier for Llew to mount, even with how much Llew flopped. Llew would be able to slide his feet into the stirrups as well, since he was near Artudian's height. Lir would reach out to steady Llew, his brows knotted in concern.

"Calm down, Llew," Lir lowed. "You're all right. Just straddle him. Put your feet in the stirrups. Kyre will take care of us."
Norma
After helping Llew onto Kyre, Artudian stepped towards Kiros. He stared at the centaur's leg, then turned to pick up more pieces of wood. He then stretched out a hand to gently touch Kiros's leg, feeling for breaks that need to be stabilized.
Frank
Llew, after much flopping, eventually caved, took the hand and used it to climb on with a grunt. Face stoic and courageous... That did nothing to hide how exhausted he was as he got on and just sat there... Possibly laid there, maybe both, grunting his thanks for help and going still, looking half way between sleep and 'I'm going to do something', seems he was choosing rest at the moment as he huffed and puffed
Nathan
*AC nods as she helps up the elderly tea vendor Juchin,* "I know, I know... Bunch a' ... Well, I could throw around many bad words... Are you badly hurt? Let me help you over to my friends, one of them knows some healing magicks and more mundane methods, whichever you prefer. I'll help you clean up once the danger is past, ok?" 
*She'll carefully aid the old woman in the direction of the Hoffs Lir, and Jathak.
Frank
Meanwhile, with Hildi's help, Heidi, having splinted her own leg, would hobble over to take a look at Kiros' leg,* "Oh my... What can be done for this? I am not as familiar with horse legs as I am humanoid ones, would a splint work the same way..." *She sideglanced warily at Jathak, but with quavering voice, she nonetheless put forth,* "I have some healing magic if need be. He's much worse injured than I, so I could use it on him, first." *She eyed Jathak stubbornly,*
Nathan
*Approaching with Juchin, overhears Heidi's suggestion to Jathak, and winces... Uh oh, she hoped Jathak wouldn't do anything ... Well, what **Would** He do? She looked for somewhere Juchin could rest, to set her there.*
Samantha
*Seeing as the resistance had moved on as he had given the order to retreat, Nerdrat used this opportunity to gather as many of his men - alive, injured or otherwise - and hotfoot for the exit. They'd just waltzed in the front entrance, so no breach to take advantage of... They bolted for it, the warlock's eyes darting about at every flick of movement.*
"Those damned fools! They better get outta' there soon... No-one tell the Grandmaster, we were never here!"
*He coughed to his remaining associates, a silent nod shared between them all. For a raid, this had gone abysmally...*
Douglas
"Captain! You're gonna let 'em go?!"
*The marksman barked at Gallane, stomping over to his vanguard whilst firing off trailing bolts into the backs of Ironahammers. Each one was followed with a cursing in archaic Dwarvish, Gitroki recognising a few of them from the mining clans.*
Keith
_Kiros grumps slightly at the pain as the other gently prods his leg, "It's broken..." He uncurls his left leg and he teeters slightly on his three hooves as the pain flares, "Oooh... It did not like that..." His complexion seems to get a bit whiter. What Jathak feels is a clean break and huge bruising along the whole lower leg. He waits patiently, wavering the whole time, "Stupid... So stupid..." His voice comes out with a grumble, "Both I... And these blasted dwarves..." He looks to Heidi, "I apologize..." His voice comes out regretfully and just turns his gaze away, clearly.. Ashamed...

His gaze turns back to the knight, "Kiros... And you are?"_
Brenton
Other fleeing citizens speaking of carnage in the Singing Shepherd, as they had informed Captain Drakar's unit, caused the growing group of citizens to pause in the streets.

"What do we do now?" Asked the one-legged halfling clinging to the back of a human.

Those carrying the injured set them down carefully, Elysain included. Fleurie knelt next to him, pressing a cloth to one of his wounds.

Mrs Seavers, who had apparently taken command of the small group, watched Captain Drakar sprint towards the Singing Shepherd.

"It seems there is still a bit more to take care of," Mrs Seavers told the assembly. "Perhaps... Let us check on the wounded for now. Then we can have a thought about where we ought next to go."
Ada
Bare consciousness, slipping between a world of a painful reality and a nightmare beyond it. He hears the deep winds from a mountainous valley he recalls from a time past, alluring the nostalgia out of his mind. The hands carrying him remind him of a distant scene of where his friends, a continent or two away were pulling him through the trenches of a war-torn greenery field to find mystic, unique creatures. Though as the image rendered itself dark, the faint image of the actual scene of his bloodied body being carried and laid down came to view.

*Why am I remembering all of this?*

*Where am I?*

The thoughts echoed in the chamber of blackness, isolation in his mental escape. Though the solitude of his unconscious mind was soon invaded by the image of a silhouette with faint godrays behind his broad body. Observing while laid out on the floor both in his dream realm and in reality, incapable of movement via sleep paralysis, he listens to the squelch and crunch of leather boots beside his ear before the shadowy man knelt down beside him, whispering to him in the thick, somewhat Slavic accent of theirs. The male's coarse voice spoke to him carefully,

*"Everything is going as intended. The boy shows remarkable talent for murder, perhaps even the art of senseless violence. You have done well to raise such a remarkable soldier, but he is sloppy in technique and training. Look at him, he is covered like a pig in mud, with little pricks across his entire body. It's time to let go of this maternal passion, woman — let him become a retributionist."*

His eyes widen as he vaguely recalls this deep-rooted and long lost memory of his. Just as the man began to walk away with the light fading behind him, Elysain struggled to move up from the hard floor beneath him. His mouth made movement and his jaw shifted up and down faintly, but no voice came from it to his horror. Eventually as he squeezed his eyes shut and felt his body shake violently, he felt the invisible restraints on his body release and so quickly, he opened his eyes and gasped for air.

Fleurie's hand was pressed away as Elysain woke up back in the real world, no longer in the vivid hallucination that was his dream. He had beads of sweat coming down his temple and down his stubbled complexion, heaving uncomfortably for air as he risen from the nightmare. His mangy and curly locks of bloodied hair were also damp from fearful sweat he had accrued from this vision. Though he quickly comes to be relieved as he locks eyes with Fleurie momentarily, and then the rest of the others in the building thye reside in before eventually, and slowly placing himself back down.

*"I ..."* A huff, *"Is everyone okay?"* He asked the person next to him in a low volume.
Jenny
Khumras swung his fist directly at Mayor Thistlefoot's head. Then he spun around and ducked out of the mayor's office and back towards the square.

Catching up with Nerdrat as the last of them streamed out of the city, Khumras choked out, "Nerdrat! Your *Arms*!" He joined the small group of dwarves supporting Nerdrat as they stumbled their way out of Miller Dale and back towards Hearth's Keep.
Connie
Juchin groaned as AC helped her over to the group of wounded gathering in front of the stage in the square.

"Whatever helps me the fastest," The old woman croaked. "If I can't stand, I can't do anything."
Brenton
As Elysain locked eyes with her, Fleurie blushed. "Well...," She started. "No, to be perfectly honest. There's many people wounded. Some are dead. I think there are dwarves in the Singing Shepherd, and Captain Drakar and his men are going to get rid of them."

Fleurie watched Elysain sweat and struggle to sit up. "We've got you now. We're just trying to find somewhere to go that's safe, since the Singing Shepherd isn't."
Ada
After the confirmation and brief understanding of their current situation, Elysain managed to fully sit up from the floor and curl his arms around his knees. His gaze settled on the doorway of the building they reside in temporarily, soon subconsciously reaching his hand back down to the leather scabbard strapped on his hip.

*"Right, okay ... People are wounded. Okay."* Muttering to himself to clear his head.
*"Alright, I ... I got a bag left on a tree just beside this building. It has some herbal medicine I couldn't sell off, it should help."* Explaining exactly where he woke up when this crisis emerged before his eyes.

*"I don't know any places safe around here, but I need to go help the Captain. But I need you to do something for me first —"* Slowly reaching out and placing a hand on her shoulder.
*"There is a unique blend of herbs in there, should look like some red and brown crushed up leaves in a small vial. When they get my bag, I need you to give it to me. Can you and the others do that?"*
Norma
Artudian dropped his hand from Kiros's broken leg as Heidi approached. Wobbling around on a broken leg.

As he examined a centaur wobbling around on a broken leg.

As an old woman was brought over with a broken hip.

As a young bloody farmer refused to sit still.

Artudian sighed, both hands falling into his lap as he... Just started staring forward.
Rachelle
Lir cleared his throat.

"Ah, Sir Jathak... This is Kiros," He said after the centaur had introduced himself. "Kiros, this is Sir Jathak Artudian."

Artudian simply continued staring at the air in front of him.

Lir looked at Llew. "I need your help," He said, before realizing that the young farmer who was barely able to sit upright would likely not be much help.

"Just, er... Just stay here. Don't move," Lir told Llew.

Grimacing, Lir slid himself out of the saddle and onto the ground. Keeping his injured leg up, he managed to squirm along the ground and scoot next to Artudian.

"Hey," Lir said softly, leaning into the knight. "Wolf. Not now. Please not now. We need you here."
Brenton
Fleurie nodded. "We can," She told Elysain before rising. After grabbing a few other people, she ran off in search of Elysain's bag of healing herbs.

As the group snuck towards the Singing Shepherd, Mrs Seavers yelled, "Fleurie!"

Then the woman sighed. "Goodness," She snorted as she cast a disapproving eye at Elysain and followed the group searching for Elysain's bag.
Ada
Just for security sake, he forced himself up to his feet, hissing a snarl out from the abdominal pain and tailed the group after they had left to go get the bag. He made sure to have his hand by his sword in case anything happened. But he needs that specific herbal blend if he's going to return back to the Captain and the others at the Sleeping Shepherd.

He knew there wasn't going to be much dwarves out, so he mostly did it just to keep the group some safe company. Besides, there was around 19 or so blends that can support the multitude of wounded civilizations, so the trip wouldn't be for nothing. Especially if they knew the blend is a sap-like treatment for infections.

As he walked out, he couldn't help but wonder who that man in his nightmare was ...

**[INFO: Vespero]** Backpack contents: x9 poppy milk with yarrow concentrate (small herbal vials), x3 of nettle tonics (small herbal vials), x3 minor healing potions (small; alchemy), x2 sage concentrate tonics (large vial), **X1** Mysterious red & brown leaf crushed vial
Joshua
Podric was anything except a warrior. Even in the heyday of his youth, he was never one who intimidated anyone, and not only because of his minute size. One thing that he could credit for himself, however, was an uncanny sense of self-preservation, so it was quite unlike the Dale's little mayor to step up and try fighting, even with a competent warrior there to support his efforts.

He barely managed to make a single swing of his makeshift weapon, which naturally did not connect, but took a rather sensation blow to his temple from Khumras' fist. The blow threw him backwards, and the back of his head slammed into the corner of his human-sized desk which dominated the room. The mayor crumpled to the floor with an exhaled groan, the rolling-pin trophy tumbling from his hands to land on the floor beside him. Two bloody head wounds, one at his temple, one at the back of his head would make him seem much more wounded than he actually was, but he wouldn't be able to worry about that. Dizziness gave way to darkness, and Miller Dale's little mayor fell into unconsciousness.
Brenton
Miss Seavers and her companions crept slowly towards the Singing Shepherd. As they neared the building, the hollering of the dwarves inside became louder, interspersed with the occasional sniffle from a seriously injured barmaid.

Frightened hands dug around every tree around the building, until Fleurie Seavers came up with the bag in her hands.

"Here! We've got it!" She whispered harshly as she stood and ran back towards Elysain, with Captain Drakar's unit closing on the Singing Shepherd.

Mrs Seavers, sword in hand, escorted them back to the main group.

"It sounds like more are injured inside," Mrs Seavers told everyone. "And probably more will be so. Wield your weapons, and let us hide in the trees and tend to the wounded."

Miss Fleurie Seavers pressed the bag into Elysain's hand.

"That was so smart of you. How did you know to hide it by the Singing Shepherd?" Again the young woman's face blushed furiously as her fingers brushed Elysain's.
Ada
*"I ..."* Drifting his gaze off to the side awkwardly as he managed his way up to the group.

How does he explain that he was actually crashing on this tree because he lost his money to a very bad horse incident on the road? By incident, he defines it more as a *Tragedy* With how that errors that defined it. Though he digresses these thoughts and clears his throat, resuming his explanation on the matter.

*"It's a long story! But for now, I need you to get this bag back to the others and hand it off for the practitioners. It's all the essentials needed for medicine for immediate treatment."* Quickly doting off the story and explaining the situation, he inspects the side of the building they were upon and observes the structural integrity. He has a rather hazardous plan that he's brewing by the looks of his inquisitorially piercing eyes and stern brow.

He focuses back down onto his bag and quickly rummages through it after flipping the leather flap over, pulling out the specific leaf-crush vial and soon handing it back into Ms. Seavers' arms. *"I'm going to meet with the Captain and his men to plan on going inside. You __must__ stay safe, understood?"* Clasping his hand back onto her shoulder and awaiting an answer.
Brenton
Miss Seavers nodded, clutching the bag to her chest and turning even redder as Elysain touched her shoulder. She ran back to the group, where there was a hushed discussion before one human and one elf stepped forward to examine the pack's contents, consult with each other, and then turn to start tending to the wounded with the medicines.

The Shepherd itself still stood, though a dwarf had exited the building with a warhammer. Gloating at Elysain and Captain Drakar, he started swinging the hammer at the water wheel.

Then he spied Gitroki.

"Hey, boss!" The dwarf yelled to Darbad. "Gitroki's here!"
Allen
Gallane was in tough shape, though if you'd been there and seen the other guy.. *Dwarf* I should say... Well honestly you would just be glad not to be him. The man had commanded a good portion of guards and sheriffs to hold the Dale centre square, the rest to continue securing the city and a handful with him. Drakar had no formal military experience, and he was no general. Though he was confident in their success. Luckily many of the civilians of Miller Dale were not ones to be trifled with. If not for them or other random festival goers, things would have been far worse. 

 Gallane blinked and realized he had become lost in thought as the tired handful of sheriffs slowed to a stop. The Singing Shephard in view. 

" 'ere captain."
 Someone pushed a leather canteen into his hand, Gallane nodded. Thankful, it had been a long day. *Did he really seem that worn out?* 
 Either way the captain had a chance to catch his breath, and he unstopped the canteen knocking back a large swig. 
Shortly reeling and coughing with disgusted surprise~ He had been expecting water, not dark liquor tasting of leather. 

"Damnit Stooks.."

"Come off it cap'n it's good!"

 And while Gallane had not been prepared, it did set a little fire going in his chest. Clearing away some of the exhausting haze. *He could do this*, he had to.

 The captain returned the canteen and turned towards the dwarf in front of the Shepherd, Chaos resounding from within. Gallane spied Elysain the blood crazed one from before. And was glad to have the man on his side. 

*Then, he unsheathed his weapon, and charged.*
Ada
As he walked his way over around the corner to eye the charge of the men, Elysain took a few breaths before eyeing the bottle in his hand and uncapping it. He murmurs to himself, *"This is a really bad idea. But I'm too hurt to continue without it ..."*

Lifting the glass bottle content over his lips and opening the maw, he ingested the crushed sample and quickly felt the emerging effects of adrenaline course through his body. With the glass being dropped to the side as he felt the pain subsiding across his body, he spat out some phlem that built up as a minor side-effect from his throat and slowly drags himself across the wall into the Singin Shepherd with the others. 

As he had walked on inside behind the Captain, he cleared his throat and asked the captain while proceeding on in.

*"You got any plan for this, or are we just going all out!?"* He yelled to overtake the sound of marching boots and armor as the multiple men made their way inside. As he spoke, he had withdrawn the remaining weapon he had on him, his own blade. Continuing inside, he felt pretty top-notch with the effects of the herbal drug taking place inside his body, rejuvenating him for one more large combat such as this. He was ready to kill dwarves in the name of Miller Dale, their people and the Captain.
Vito
*The Dwarves had laid waste to the city's premier watering hole. Most of the furniture that once decorated this proud establishment had now been put to the hammer. Each splinter of wood was inscrutible from the other. There now sat no chairs, no tables, no bar, not even a shelf to sit one's booze upon. The alcohol, the famed prize for many of the sailors that frequented this hallowed hall was spilt onto the floor. Some of it had made its way into the gullets of the dwarves. A few drops had splashed on their victim's faces, but they paid no mind. Hard to care about another's messy drinking habits when you're dead.* 

*The Singing Shepard was the sight of a massacre. No one who was sitting here before the invasion was prepared for a fight. Blood pooled on the floor and stained the broken windows as the dwarves reveled with glee.* 

*Among the reveling, one dwarf had heard a small commotion coming from outside. He went to check on it.* 

"Hey Boss!"

*Darbad turned to face the now opened door and gazed upon the crowd. Same wicked, evil smile stretched across his face. His eyes stared coldly at whom he thought was the leader. The one in guard's attire who seemed to be already ragged from an earlier tussle.* 

"Hehehe..." *Darbad's voice rumbled as he laughed. It sounded more like a low, intimidating growl.* 

"Looks like the party is all here." *Darbad continued.* "Let's make sure we give them a warm welcome."

*The other dwarves howled at the opportunity for more bloodshed. They lept into action. Each trying their best to squirm their way out of the tavern and into the oncoming fray. Darbad himself remained steadfast within the tavern, his large greatsword still remained attached to his hand. He was unbothered, even as Gallane charged headfirst, trying to close the distance between them.*
Douglas
"Damn it, Darbad you mad dog! Ya've had ya' fill, now get lost 'fore you get yerself an' the rest killed!"
*The marksman barked, loosing a bolt at the dwarf he called kin. He expected Darbad and the rest of his remaining entourage to die today, but to assist in that... He couldn't bring himself to do it. So as the band of heroes began their charge, Gitroki made a rolling retreat; eyes burning with hatred locked with Copperstorm.*
Brenton
The dwarves who could rushed past Darbad and out of the remains of the Singing Shepherd. Axes and swords swung at Captain Drakar's men, trying to cut them down.

One dwarf ran towards Gitroki. "Gitroki!" He yelled. "We need a good ranged fighter with us... Hey!" The dwarf pointed his axe at Gitroki as Gitroki began to retreat.

"Help us, Gitroki! You traitor!" The dwarf screamed as he swung his axe at one of the sheriffs.

Several dwarves, however, remained in the Singing Shepherd. One charged Captain Drakar as the captain charged Darbad. Two others closed in on Drakar to protect their boss. Another two hurled themselves at Elysain, swords swinging.
Rachelle
Lir slid his hand around Artudian's bicep as the knight continued dissociating, failing to respond.

This left Heidi to continue most of the healing, including that of Kiros's broken leg. And perhaps Llew, who flopped about on Kyre's saddle. Kyre himself grumbled in discomfort, not wanting to lie down on the ground for much longer.

Lir sighed. "Wolf, we have to get you back to the house," He told the currently catatonic knight. Lir doubted that would help much; their house had been looted and trashed like many others. Keeping Artudian in this situation, however, would lead to far worse.

Lir sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he thought about the destruction waiting for them. "What the hell are we going to do?" He mumbled before he again leaned against Artudian.

"Hey. Hey, Wolf. Let's go back to the house now. My leg hurts. Please?"
Ada
Progressing with the captain and now with stabilization across his ligaments, both sore and wounded, he continued with his sword and quickly became aware of the oncoming dwarves. He wisely chose not to progress and instead held his ground, ready with the sword ahead of him to survey any oncoming attackers in his way.

And so there was; two coming side-by-side against him in a momentum of hurry; which enabled Elysain to precisely plan his attack out instead of bombarding as they did. He had quickly swayed his sword to a dwarf to his left, quickly stepping out of the range of the dwarf's strike from the right and swats their blade aside in a fervent parry, quickly engaging with the same blade in a drag across the dwarf's throat as they slid ahead past him.

This now leaves him *Death-glaring* The other dwarf as he had dispatched their partner. A silent showdown in a split of a second before he initiated his following counterattack upon the dwarf by engaging a sword-tip thrust towards their face.
Brenton
The dwarf whose throat caught Elysain's sword fell, gurgling for a few moments. The second dwarf who had charged Elysain took the man's sword-tip right to the face. He, too, fell.

As Captain Drakar's men thrust into the Singing Shepherd, nearly all of the dwarves lost their nerve, launching themselves out of broken windows and pushing out of the back door in the kitchens.

Dwarves with a better survival instinct grabbed their brethren and dragged them to any escape route they could, leaving Darbad alone to face Captain Drakar and his men.
Vito
The hardened dwarf stared at his own men as they turned tail and ran away from the resistance. His face formed into a sneer as his contempt for his own men rose. 

*Ptoo!* He spat on the ground. "Cowards". Scorn wrinkled his face into a damning frown. He was not pleased by this turn of events. 

He allowed himself to be swarmed by the first wave of oncoming men. With his heart pumping he lifted his greatsword into an offensive stance and started to cleave into the crowd. He sliced into a few of the men. Their weapons cut into his as well, but comparing the injuries Darbad's wounds were comparable to papercuts. 

The first wave of men didn't really stand a chance. Darbad's movements with his sword were unnatural. He didn't try to dodge, feint, or use any sort of masterful weapon art. He just simple slammed his sword as if it were a club, and yet the sword found its target every single time. His hand moved on its own, guided by an outside force.

Most of the others halted after seeing the carnage that Darbad was able to cause in just a few swings. Anxiety and fear had crept into the edges of their minds. 

Darbad, with his barbarian spirit raging inside of him, charged toward the rest of the resistance. His weapon aimed toward the Captain, Gallane.
Frank
*After tending to Juchin for AC, breathing hard as she sent some of her magic into the old woman's hip, Heidi wearily looked back to Kiros. She glanced to the side to eye the limp Llew, but then she slid her gaze back to the hobbled centaur.*
"Come here, I don't have much energy left, but we have to get you back on all fours. AC, can you help me check on that man?" *She'll nod to Llew, as she carefully hobbled herself, with Hildi's help, over to check out **Kiros**.*
"Hold still, let me see your leg... Can you try to set it back down for me? Make sure to lean on something."
*Provided that he does as instructed, she will carefully poke and prod to ascertain the extent of the injuries to his limb...* "Brace yourself... Is it ok if I use magic to heal this?" *Presuming he agreed, she shall utter strange, twisting syllables, holding a hand-painted playing-card-like card against the leg, and with a shudder, silvery light flows through the card from her hands into his leg, stitching it back together. Having used the last of her magic, she'll slump back against Hildi, looking ready to doze off.* "Ugh... Well, that was my last healing card..."
Nathan
"Didn't we already check on him? I think he's just tired out. Don't think any of that blood is his..." *But, she'd step over and check on Llew, "You ok? Any of that blood yours?" *While she inquired of Llew, she'd glance over, with high concern, at Lir and Jathak.*
Connie
Juchin, wobbly, stood up after the magic had knit her hip back together. "Thank you. You're a good girl," She informed Heidi, the ever-present scowl still sneering across her face. "You come find me soon, and I'll repay you."

The tea-seller wandered away from the group to study her destroyed stall. The entire stall was still aflame, and the burning teas and coffees combined into a slightly-unpleasant scent that permeated the entire square.


Juchin sighed.

"Maybe it's time to retire," She grumbled to herself as she watched her stall burn.

After a moment, she then muttered, "Probably not. Still have the suppliers. Pity about some of those pots and rare teas, though."

With another sigh, the old woman hobbled away into the streets of Miller Dale.
Keith
_Kiros sighed his thanks as he was healed. He carefully put weight on the leg and it was sore, but holding the weight he was putting on it. It still felt weak as all heck, but it was mended. He looked about with a sigh, "I'll go check the smithy... And get started..." He walks with a bit of a limp, being careful on the mended leg. He calls back to Heidi, "I am sorry..." His posture was of slight shame... And aggravation, all to himself. His tail is flickering to and froe._
Bertha
"No, don't worry about me. You, be careful on that leg for a good week or so. And, don't over-exert yourself in that time!" *She'd reply,* 
*As Kiros stepped off, Heidi would tilts her head this way and that, peering at his repaired leg, still trying to check if she has any other advice for him.* 
"I'd advise you let your apprentices or other helpers do the heavy lifting for a good week or so."
Celeste
*Hildi continued to stand as support for Heidi, her crutch if you will. She'd slide her gaze to look after Lir and Jathak, and eye that lolling farmer set up on Kyre, with wary concern.*
Nathan
*Would watch Juchin go, and call after her,* "Need any help with rebuilding your stall, let me know. I hope I can help somehow!"
*She was already plotting and scheming how this could work out mutually beneficial to Juchin and herself, of course, but set those thoughts aside as she kept a close, careful eye on Lir and Jathak, and that worn-out farmer.*
Connie
Juchin turned and waved to AC as she shuffled away through the carnage.

"Nothing to be done now, dearie," The old woman said. "I'm going to find somewhere safe to have a rest first. So should you."

With that, Juchin disappeared into the dying turmoil of the Miller Dale streets.
Rachelle
"Jathak," Lir sighed. "Come along now. We have got to leave."

Artudian shuddered, and Lir tightened his grip on the man's arm.

"Oh, good, whining still works," Lir smiled. As Artudian suddenly lurched forward, Lir pulled him back. He winced as Artudian half-stood and dragged him forward.

"Hey, hey, no, no, no. Everything's... All right. Just sit a moment. Ah...," Lir studied the bloodied ground around them. Then he waved to Kiros.

"Kiros, my good fellow! We've a barn you can have a rest in. Once it's a bit more presentable, of course." Lir eyed the shaking man whose arm he held and managed to tug Artudian back. "By the by, *You're* Cleaning that up, Wolf." He kept his voice as light and cheery as he could, but pain and fear clearly strangled his words. 

Artudian crouched beside Lir and had not stopped shaking or staring at the space in front of him. His hand slid around the stock of the crossbow.

Kyre, too, whickered at the centaur. However, the horse was getting uncomfortable with the amount of time he had been laying on the cobblestones, and he snorted in aggravation.

Leaving the crossbow on the ground, Artudian rose. He moved over to the twins and stared down through them for a few moments.

Then he picked Heidi right up and placed her on Kyre's saddle next to Llew. Lir was next. There was enough room for the three on Kyre's back, though it was a tight squeeze.

Artudian pulled the shield free from the saddle and drew his longsword before securing the crossbow.

Carefully, Kyre lifted himself to his feet.

At last, and albeit slowly, they finally moved off the field.
Tommie
[...Something is coming]

It took two full days to clear the streets of the bodies and debris left behind from the Ironhammer assault on Miller Dale. This was not to say that all signs of the attack had been eradicated; indeed, signs that the city had been attacked could be seen almost everywhere, from the damaged buildings, bloodstained cobblestones, and even the grim but resolute faces of the survivors.

The injured had been tended, and those fallen in defense of the city had been carried away to be prepared for sacred burial. Though Podric their mayor had been saved by heroes, the city had lost three members of the city council, and many hard-working and well-known people throughout the city from the dwarven rampage.

On the night of the second day after the end of the attacks, marker for the fallen had been placed along the perimeter of the market square where it had all begun. Wreaths and bouquets of spring flowers had been reverently placed around each, some by family and friends of the deceased, and as evening wore into night, members of the council distributed small beeswax candles that would normally have lit the evening air for joyous celebrations, but now served as the focal points for each of the markers. Market square would now be renowned not for its bustling daily activity, but as a somber reminder of a Spring Dawning in which so many lives had been lost.

Entering the square with Captain Gallane at his side and the group of dwarven females from the Firebeard clan following behind him, Podric's right arm was in a sling and his head was encircled with a gauze bandage, but he was smiling brave but grim as they passed through the assembled crowds who had come to pay homage. 

A poor facsimile of his original grand stage had been resurrected, and with the help of a tall young man waiting nearby, Podric climbed up behind the makeshift podium, raising an arm to wave at the crowd, smiling patiently as he waited for everyone to quiet. 

"Good people of Miller Dale!" He called several times until he had their attention. "My good citizens! We have endured such grim hardship and lost so many friends in this spring's violence, but Miller Dale has proven once more that the Free Cities shall not be cowed!" While what free cities he referred to was not clear, nobody collected there could deny that they had somehow won the day. Their cheer was subdued, respectful, and nearly everyone's heads nodded along in agreement.

"This festival of Spring Dawning is over, but we shall never forget it!" He continued, speaking slow, turning as he went to look out over everyone. "This square– the Square of Spring Dawning– shall forever remind us to be vigilant and prepared, and not let us forget those who are no longer with us as a result of our past mistakes. Market Square shall become a memorial not only to them, but to all of us here in the Free City of Miller Dale, and we shall meet here each year to remember."

There seemed to be enough people behind that decision to generate some applause, though again it was subdued, respectful. There might be joy in future festivals, but not here, not now.

Podric looked down at the papers in his hands and sighed, nodding slowly. "For we have lost." And then began the list of names of the dead of Miller Dale. It was not excessively long, all things considered, but enough had died to turn what had once been a festival of merriment and celebration into a funeral rite. As each name was written, one of the remaining city council members lit the candle at the corresponding marker for that person in the square, until a U-shaped ring around the perimeter of the square was lit with tiny pricks of candlelight that flickered in the warm night air.

And then after a lengthy moment of silence in respect of the fallen, the mayor lifted his head, smiling grimly. "Our freedom this day was not by chance, but was ensured by a number of great heroes." The answering silence seemed to surprise the little mayor, so he repeated himself. "Heroes, I say! We would be standing in smoldering piles of ash if not for these fine people!"

And so the list of names began."**Kiros Metalhoof, Jathak Artudian, AC Gold, Hildi and Heidi Hoff, our own Captaine Gallane, Elysian Soul, Goodman Ezrah, Lir Silivasti, Goodman Llew, Odawynn Sparkleshine, Kale Von Lycaon, Goodman Ezra, Xa'el**..."

There were more names, indeed probably more than actually contributed to the overall defense, but plenty of people in the city were given honorary mentions. The mayor was a politician after all...

"We stand here today because of you, my fine citizens– and citizens you are, no matter where you hail from originally–" This, finally, drew serious hearty applause, along with some shouts of zealous agreement. 'But to these mighty folk, the council has decreed the title of ***Defenders of Miller Dale***! Hail Defenders!"

"In addition!" Mayor Podrick called out over the rising cascade of cheers and yelling. "In addition!" There are three people who I have been... Encouraged to name specifically. Indeed, I saw firsthand how the valiant **Elysian Soul** Stepped forward to save my life, and I am told by Captaine Gallane here that **Goodman Llew** Was in particular a noble hero in many ways. Finally, it appears **Kiros Metalhoof** Was largely responsible for holding the dwarves at bay, providing hope and encouragement for all those who saw him! To these individuals, I hereby bestow the title of ***Wardens***, may they always be present when the Dale has need!"
Leann
————-

In the early hours of the morning, when few dwarves (and far fewer men) were awake, the next sign of danger appeared. As the sky began to turn pinkish blue with predawn light, a shadowy figure passed overhead. Those who noticed the movement, or heard the slight noise made as the massive creature circled overhead would look up, only to be dumb struck. 
The unmistakable silhouette of a huge dragon could be seen, flying in a wide arc, high above the city. It's wings were spread wide as it glided around, tilting its large reptilian head to survey the damaged city below. After a few passes, the creature turned northward and disappeared beyond the mountains.
Before long, the city would be filled with rumors of the sighting of a dragon. Some would dismiss it as stress induced hallucinations.
Some would take it very seriously, as dwarves do not have a fondness for the lizardkin.
All would be talking about it for days to come.
Tommie
**[THIS CONCLUDES THE MILLER DALE EVENT. If anyone wishes to continue on IC regarding the aftermath, please feel free to start a new thread.]**