Wrath of the Dragonkin
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		<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Non-Adult Sandbox =&gt; Non-Adult Roleplays =&gt; Topic started by: Lady Jenn on February 03, 2018, 05:46:30 am</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 03, 2018, 05:46:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vennar was a tall, raven-haired, middle-aged blacksmith who stood over an anvil, beating his newest sword into shape, occasionally looking over his shoulder towards the doorway to his forge. His friends had yet to arrive, and after what had happened to his brother he feared for them being out alone in the city.<br><br>He picked up the sword, giving it a few practice swings and smiling as he saw that it was perfect as usual. This one was intended for a special use however, one he had long expected to come but had still dreaded. He walked over to where a small painting of a beautiful young woman hung, kneeling down in front of it and closing his eyes for a moment, before looking up at the image.<br><br>"I am sorry Ainur," he said quietly. "I have failed you. I promised I would stay out of the wars that scarred this world, but now I fear I have no choice in the matter, I see no other option anymore."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 03, 2018, 12:28:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Don't get all sentimental on me now Vennar, keep talking like that and you'll be the first of us to kick the bucket."<br><br>A teasing remark comes from what was the empty doorway as a thin, robed figure now stands there. An unfamiliar face greets Vennar but doesn't surprise him as Cefrey walks towards the center of the room and into the light, revealing the face of a young, blonde haired human man, just another one of her various identities for living within this city.<br><br>"I take it that I'm the first one here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 03, 2018, 02:23:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"First?" he asked, wincing as he stood up again, his knee aching intensely. "I'm worried you might be the only one, and I'm not even convinced I-" he stopped speaking as a loud knocking came from the door. "Wait here," he said, taking the hammer from its hook and approaching the door. He breathed a sigh as he opened the door however, as an old lady stepped through the doorway. "Carolina, I thought you were a guard for a moment, I could've taken your head off."<br><br>"Good luck with that old man," she said, laughing. She walked over to Cefrey and offered her hand. "Carolina, city historian and possibly the least remembered occupant of this place." She turned to Vennar. "You did tell her the bad news didn't you Vennar? She sighed as she saw the look on the smith's face. "There is no-one else coming, our other options are either dead, captured or too scared to try fleeing the city. And while he's afraid to admit it...Vennar is not fit enough to travel beyond the forest, nevermind the Blight."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 03, 2018, 05:47:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cefrey is silent for a moment. "...I see... Well, no use crying over spilt milk. I'm ready to leave right now, and given our current state, I'd rather not risk staying in this city much longer, it's honestly kinda suffocating..."<br><br>Snapping out of her own thoughts, Cefrey turns to Carolina and smiles, "Sorry, I don't think I properly introduced myself, the name's Cefrey Orien, but you must've heard that from Ven here, seeing as how you knew I was a 'she....'" Cefrey polymorphs into the human form she grew up as, her hair turning reddish brown and growing out to medium length, eyes shifting to a deep green, and her features softening to those of a young woman. "But please don't blow my cover like that in public, even the dullest guard would suspect something if they heard a slip of the tongue like that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 04:30:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"How do we get her out of the city?" Vennar asked, looking concerned. "The streets are crawling with guards, they see anything suspicious she won't stand a chance."<br><br>"You think I would come that unprepared?" Carolina asked, chuckling, before turning to Cefrey. "My cart is waiting outside, get under the cover on the back, I'll be out soon but I need to have a word with Vennar before we leave."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 10:58:52 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alert from the unusual request for privacy, Cefrey masks her wariness without missing a beat. "Go on ahead Ven, we'll catch up to you in a bit." She immediately forms a telepathic link with Vennar, secretly telling him, "<em>I'll keep the link open, so let me know if anything happens out there. Be careful.</em>"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 04:01:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sorry about misreading the last post, I can't edit this, but know that I'm redacting this post.</strong><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=282458.msg13895751#msg13895751">Quote from: Orenji on February 04, 2018, 10:58:52 am</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Alert from the unusual request for privacy, Cefrey masks her wariness without missing a beat. "Go on ahead Ven, we'll catch up to you in a bit." She immediately forms a telepathic link with Vennar, secretly telling him, "<em>I'll keep the link open, so let me know if anything happens out there. Be careful.</em>"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"Is there really a need for that anymore? Can't I just put on a new face and sit in the front with you?" Cefrey asks Carolina quizzically, "I have plenty of identities that they haven't caught onto yet and the papers to go with them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 04:45:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Trust me," Carolina said. "The back of the cart is safer, I'll fill you in on the plan when I come out, but...what I need to speak to Vennar about is...for his ears only I'm afraid."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 04:54:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"...Alright, I won't pry." Polymorphing back into the blond haired man she came in as, Cefrey makes her way out of the smithy and cautiously exits out onto the street, inconspicuously scanning the area for the cart and any guards or otherwise suspicious people.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 05:31:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a few moments Carolina stepped out, closing the door behind her and jumping onto the front of the cart.<br><br>"That cloth is laced with an invisibility charm," she said quietly enough that Cefrey would be the only one who could hear her. "As long as you don't make too much noise the guards shouldn't notice anything. I'll let you know when it's safe to get out." She set off towards the gates, whistling a tune, and made easy progress until they reached the gate, where two guards blocked their path. "Captain, is there a problem?" Carolina asked.<br><br>"Apologies ma'am," one of the guards replied. "But we have orders from the king." He signalled the other soldier, who walked around the cart and seemed to pause close to where Cefrey was hidden, before walking back, shaking his head. "I appreciate your patience Carolina, you may go on your way now."<br><br>"I hope we'll see each other again soon," she said, bowing as the gate opened before riding through it. She drove north, not stopping until they reached a forest whose interior was so dark they could not see beyond the third line of trees, coming to a stop on its border. She turned to face the back of the cart. "Cefrey, it is time to reveal what our plan is," she said. "Plus, I have a couple of gifts to help you with your quest."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 05:39:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After climbing out of the cart, Cefrey stretches her body and replies with a salty tone, "It's about time, I really don't like being kept in the dark like this you know..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 05:49:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Vennar and I were worried you would never agree to the plan," Carolina said. "The days I could travel north with you are long gone, you will have to travel alone...for now at least. However, I have these for you." She reached into the back of the cart and bringing out a necklace at the end of which was a red gem. "A Dragonsblood gem, one of only six in the world. Not only will this glow when a dragon is near, but it will translate dragon speak for you and vice versa." She hung it around Cefrey's neck before returning to the cart, and taking out a massive sheath, pulling out a sword which seemed to be covered in glowing runes. "The Dawnhammer Blade, forged for an alliance of men and elves centuries ago," she said, sheathing the sword again. "Not only are their few equals to this blade in combat, but there are many who will come to your aid simply because it is in your possession." She handed her the blade, giving her a sad smile. "The first thing you must do is cross the forest, stick to the paths, particularly at night there are creatures in this forest you do <em>not</em> wish to cross paths with." She clambered back onto the cart. "If you meet any of the Elven rangers that guard this forest, tell them Carolina sent you, they will be more likely to protect you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 06:31:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After fastening the sword by its sheath to the backside of her waist, hidden under her robes, she turns towards Carolina and says, "Got it... Then I guess this is goodbye, huh? It may take a while, but the next time we see each other, I'll be sure to bring you good news, so stay safe until then."<br><br>With a reassuring grin, Cefrey extends her hand for one last handshake before they part.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 06:43:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Be careful," Carolina said as she took up the reins of the cart. "The Forest of Shadows earnt it's name a long time ago, it will swallow you whole if you are not careful." With that she set off back towards the city, vanishing into the darkness.<br><br>Somewhere under the forest eaves Cefrey was being watched by a figure, draped in a green cloak, stood so flat against the tree that even the sword at the figure's belt was barely visible. It wasn't yet clear whether this figure was friend or foe however.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2018, 07:27:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Channeling her psionic energy, she casts the Darkvision spell on herself, doing so without any incantation, gesture, material component, or even an arcane focus, a feat that would make any wizard rip their hair out with envy. Despite it being midday, the forest's lush canopy blocks almost all of the sunlight pouring in from overhead, hungrily consuming every drop of light it can reach, but the few trickles of light coming through are now enough to see clear as day thanks to the transmutation spell she cast on herself, and it should stay that way until nighttime when she'll have to cast it again.<br><br>Before making her way down the road Carolina rode in from, Cefrey takes a quick glance around herself, acting casually but cautiously scanning the area to make sure no one followed them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 04:21:26 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The figure was watching her, a green fletched arrow knocked to its bow. But she wasn't the target, instead the figure was watching a shadowy wolf prowling towards her through the undergrowth. The wolf jumped into the air, but never reached Cefrey, its body hitting the path with the arrow through its neck.<br><br>"Who dares trespass on the sacred forest of Kaer'theon?" the figure asked, a second arrow on the bowstring, this time pointed at Cefrey. "And no tricks, your magic won't protect you from me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 09:34:39 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Strange, I've never heard of a spell that can detect my inherent changeling nature, it's not really magical... Unless they've already seen my true form with truesight! Shit! If they can cast True Seeing or even worse, they have an ally who can, then they're dangerous.</em><br><br>Concentrating on her Mastery of Air, Cefrey seizes control of the air around her to form a protective veil of wind, an additional layer of magical protection to the nearly invisible inertial armor she always maintains with her Mastery of Force. Even if it's just a subtle psionic effect, she maintains her psychic focus on her Mantle of Awe, hoping it'll make her even just a little more likable.<br><br>Turning to look at the figure, she cautiously asks, "...Who's asking?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 09:50:42 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"One of its protectors," the figure replied, firing an arrow which barely missed her. "If you have nothing to hide, wh-" the sentence stopped as the figure caught sight of the sword at Cefrey's belt. "It...it can't be..." the archer whispered. The figure lowered its bow, stepping out from behind the tree and onto the path. They were taller than Vennar, wrapped in a long green cloak, beneath which could be glimpsed a brown tunic and a pair of leather gauntlets, which reached up to remove the hood, revealing an almost ethereal looking face, long silver hair flowing down the female elf's back, a pair of intense blue eyes staring at Cefrey. "That sword, where did you get it from?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 10:34:22 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"...A friend by the name Carolina, you could say she sent me here..." She stares daggers at the woman, clearly upset about being shot at, even if it was just a warning shot.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 11:27:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Carolina..." Ariadne said, before letting out a soft laugh. "There is a name I have not heard in far too long." She curtseyed as effectively as she could in the long cloak. "My name is Ariadne, I believe <strong>I</strong> am the Ranger she hoped you would meet here, we go back a long way." She walked over to the tree, pulling it out effortlessly, before going over to the wolf and kneeling next to it. She said a silent prayer before pulling the arrow out and returning it to its sheath. "Humans do not normally visit this forest, Carolina is well aware of that, what possible reason could she have for sending you through here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 12:02:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dropping her concentration on the her cloak of air, the Ring of Magic Retention on her right ring finger absorbs the remaining psionic magic for later use. Although it can only retain one kind of magic at a time, this ring took a small fortune to produce, nearly all the money she earned brewing countless healing potions, but it was worth every copper piece to be able to conserve every drop of psionic energy in her limited reserves.<br><br>She ruffles the short, blonde hair of her current male form and sighs to herself before answering, "Look, I'm just passing through. She's the one who dropped me here without a word about not being allowed here, so if I offended you I apologize, but you're going to have to take it up with her. I've got to get to the Dragonblight Kingdom as soon as possible, so you're either going to have to guide me out of here to a path I can take safely and without offending anyone else, or you're just going to have to let me pass."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 12:21:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We are told to..." she started saying before the words died on her lips at the sound of howling in the distance. "If you want to reach the dragons alive you would be ill-advised to try travelling this night, I should have known the wolves would be hunting in a pack." She seemed to ponder the options for a moment, before grabbing Cefrey's hand. "Don't let go, it is not safe for you to walk this forest alone." She dived into the underbrush, dodging between trees until she reached a small clearing. There was evidence of a small camp, with a hammock hanging between two trees, and a fire pit at its centre. She took a couple of breaths after letting go of Cefrey's hand, before setting to work forming a magical barrier around its border. "If we are going to spend time together I would prefer your natural appearance," she said, before saying less quietly than she assumed she had: "I shouldn't be falling for human females again, it never ends well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 01:23:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then it's a good thing I'm not human..." Polymorphing once more, Cefrey's figure turns feminine, her skin turns a pale white, her hair grows out to a medium length and shifts to a light silver color, and her eyes turn completely white, with no pupils, and surrounded by thick, black rings. The lack of details and distinctive features is honestly a bit disconcerting.<br><br>"I don't mind showing you this side of me since you've already figured it out, but even if it doesn't get me killed on site, I'd rather not draw attention to myself keeping this up..."<br><br>(Keep in mind I built this character using D&amp;D Unearthed Arcana for 5e, but with some tweaks to the Mystic class, since it's not really built that well. Cefrey's true appearance is based off of the changeling race, which explicitly not human and who's polymorphing abilities aren't really magical, so it's very hard to detect. I honestly wasn't expecting every character I've met so far to see through it...)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 01:35:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Sorry, everyone but Ariadne that's just bad writing on my part, she has reasons of her own lol)<br><br>"I would...prefer you like that when you can though," Ariadne said, blushing as she turned around having finished the barrier. "A beauty like you shouldn't be hidden behind spells." She felt a wave of embarrassment. "An elf like me shouldn't have feelings for you. Saying that, an elf like me shouldn't be doing a LOT of things I am," she said, discarding the cloak and quiver to reveal her tunic had daggers scattered among its pockets. "That blade you carry...my full name is Ariadne Dawnhammer, that blade was forged for my grandfather by blacksmiths the likes of which you will no longer find this side of the Great Sea."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 02:21:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(NP, I just don't want it happening for the rest of the story lol, just try to keep in mind the form Cefrey is currently in, I'll try to repeat it so you don't have to wade through countless posts to find the last form she took.)<br><br>Smiling subtly at the compliment, Cefrey replies, "Then maybe you can tell me something about this thing. All I've heard is that it's something everyone around me will recognize, but no one seems to want to tell me what they'll recognize it for, or anything it's capable of either."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 04:22:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She cast a spell to start the fire and then sat down with a sigh. "It's part of this world's history most modern people ignore," she said. "There was a time when Elves were found throughout these lands, during that time an Orc warlord came to power who gathered a larger horde than any before or since. At first it was simple raiding parties, the kind of thing humans and my kind could brush off with relative ease, but then he ransacked a human city north of the forest. The humans went to my grandfather begging him for aid, and he was smart enough to know the threat this posed to all races. So, as a mark of the new alliance they were to form he had the greatest Elven smiths of the age forge a sword he would take into battle," she said, pointing to her sword. "The runes on it were created with Elven magic, imbued with dragon magic...It is almost impossible to shatter and it is claimed in the right hands the magic it holds can be used by its wielder." She seemed distant for a moment. "As for why any would follow you, it goes back to the final battle of that war: my grandfather was the one who faced the warlord, and while he slew the orc his wounds..." she paused. "His courage in the face of certain defeat led the leaders of all races to make a promise on the blade. If another threat arose that might bring an end to the world, and one arose wielding this sword, all would swear their loyalty to them. It's possible even a dragon lord would be your ally at one sight of that blade."<br><br>She got up, shifting uneasily. "You should take the hammock, I can sleep on the ground and I'm sure your boyfriend wouldn't appreciate us sharing a hammock."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 05:00:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cefrey props her chin up on her hand, looking up with a grin on her face and says, "How sly of you Ariadne, testing to see if I'm seeing anyone and indirectly inviting me into your bed all in one fell swoop...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 05:08:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That's not what I..." she said, turning bright red. "I am not used to...I believe humans call it flirting, the last person I was in a relationship was...some time ago." She brushed a tear from her eye. "It was a genuine offer, I don't even know why I still have that hammock, when I do sleep here I mostly sleep on the forest floor anyway."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 05:20:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cefrey chuckles to herself a bit, "I was just teasing you, go ahead and take the hammock, I don't need to sleep anyways."<br><br>After changing her psychic focus to the discipline of the Adaptive Body to rid herself of the need to sleep, she pulls out a massive bag, stuffed to the brim with clothes, potions, tools, and a wide variety of adventuring supplies from the extradimensional space of her Hold Object spell. Pulling out her herbology and alchemist's tools and materials, she gets started on brewing her potions.<br><br>"Go ahead and get some sleep, I've got plenty of work to do. I'll wake you up in the morning."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 05:37:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Pity," she said as she clambered into the hammock, pulling a blanket over her. "I could have done with someone to cuddle up with right about now." Although she tried to make it sound flirtatious she sounded more sad, falling asleep with a necklace gripped in one hand, opened on a picture of her and a young woman.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 05:59:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a few minutes of crushing amrans leaves with her mortar and pestle and working them into a vial of water boiling above a small burner, Cefrey hears the rhythmic sound Ariadne's breathing as she falls asleep and then lets out a huge sigh of relief.<br><br><em>Damn, talk about coming on strong. Well, she's not bad looking, but there's no way all the nine hells that I'm jumping into that fiery mess, especially knowing she's still not over her last lover. Guess I'll just have to figure out how to deal with her in the morning after she wakes up....</em><br><br>Working into the night, she brews a number of potions, creates another extradimensional space to hold the Dawnhammer Blade, hoping to stay a bit more inconspicuous, and expends the last of her psionic energy on the Healing Elixir spell, conjuring two additional potions for the next day, before replenishing her psionic energy for the day. Upon sunrise, as difficult as it is to tell beneath the impenetrable canopy of the forest, Cefrey gently wakes Ariadne up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 06:23:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Wha-" she started saying taking a moment to wake up and remember the events of the night before. "I'm not sure I've slept so well in a very long time." As she sat up she noticed the necklace, feeling her heart sink. "You weren't supposed to see that," she said, hanging it back around her neck and jumping to the floor. "You wouldn't begin to understand," she said, walking over to find fresh clothes. "We need to plan where we're going today." As she slipped her cloak on she slammed a fist against the nearby tree trunk. "No non-Elf could understand what I went through, I was a fool for thinking you'd understand." She set about checking her quiver, in which one had noticeably darker feathers than the rest of the arrows, which she took out and checked carefully before replacing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 06:42:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hey," a serious look in her eyes, Cefrey reprimands her in an icy cold tone, "I can't pretend I didn't hear that. I've lived my whole life pretending to belong to other races, and I can tell you from first hand experience that anything you think you know about another race is all bullshit. Anytime you or anyone I've ever met has made an assumption like that, it's been because they were selfishly pushing their feelings and problems onto a group of people they know nothing about, and it's disgusting. Don't ever let me hear you talk like that again."<br><br>An eerie silence befalls the camp as Cefrey stares daggers at her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 06:50:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Myraz killed her," Ariadne snapped at her. "I let her go back to your city because I thought she was safer away from me, all I did was..." she closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. "I wear that necklace because she gave it to me the last time I saw her alive, as a reminder that I will kill him if I ever get the chance." Tears were coming freely now. "Are you proud?" she said, standing up and facing her. "I offered you affection and you judge me when you have no idea what happened, I need to..." she started to turn to leave the clearing when she stumbled, barely catching herself on a nearby tree, seeing blood coming from her side. "Crap, last night."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 05, 2018, 07:06:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Tch..." Cefrey clicks her tongue and then swiftly rushes over to Ariadne's side, switching her psychic focus to her Mastery of Force to neutralize some of Ariadne's weight as she picks her up and carries her over to a clear, flat section of earth. "If you're injured, you shouldn't have push yourself so hard..."<br><br>Opening the extradimensional space, Cefrey drops her bag to the floor and uses her Warping of Force to pull a towel sticking out of the bag into the air and dropping it flat on the earth before carefully laying Ariadne on top of it, after ripping open her clothes covering the wound, Cefrey quickly applies one of the two healing potions she conjured last night before examining the wound more closely.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 04:03:04 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I was too busy saving your life," she said, wincing slightly as the potions got to work, before laughing. "I don't even remember how I got that injury, that's the problem with travelling for hours without stopping." She gingerly sat up, glad to feel that the pain of the wound at least had subsided. "Thank you," she said. "I owe you one for that." She found herself so close to her that, for reasons even she wasn't sure of, she pulled Cefrey into a kiss, before almost immediately letting go again. "I...I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that."<br><br>She got to her feet, and went over to pick up her weapons, careful to avoid the bandages. "We can't walk across the forest, time is of the essence and that will take us far too long." She thought for a moment, then a smile crossed her face. "There is an old friend of mine, a bit north of here, who has horses we can use. If we reach the walled town north of the forest by nightfall we've covered considerable ground in one day, plus there is someone in that town who knows the events beyond the forest better than we do." She walked over and offered Cefrey her hand to help her up. "Listen, I..." she paused, trying to choose the right words. "My...reluctance with you is not because of my past love, I fear if you get close to me you will get hurt. I would like to be...closer to you, but only if it was what you want. You don't need to answer now, I suspect we have more than enough excitement ahead to distract us."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 01:08:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You don't have to worry about me getting hurt, I'm a big girl that can take care of herself," she says with a grin. Turning serious, she walks up to Ariadne, putting a finger on her chest (her sternum you pervs) and looking her straight in the eyes, though it's hard to tell as she has no pupils, she continues, "You should worry more about yourself and what you want. You said that you offered me affection and I judged you when I have no idea what happened, but if I were in your shoes, I would've been more offended if I had taken you up on that offer when I hardly even know you and I clearly don't hold any special feelings for you whatsoever. Besides, before you even think about entering a new relationship with someone, for both your sake and the sake of your partner's, you need closure. Trust me, I know this from first hand experience too. I know what you're probably thinking, but slaying Myraz isn't going to get you closure, just vengeance. I don't know what you're going through, so you need to take a good, long look at yourself and figure out how to get that closure yourself.... Look, I haven't spent much time with you, but as far as I can tell, you're a beautiful, capable woman Ariadne. You'll get through this and find happiness again, and when that day comes, I'm sure you'll find someone wonderful to share it with. Whether or not that person is me, well, we'll just have to wait and see."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 01:27:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She turned away from her, feeling a mixture of anger and sadness but unwilling to let her see it. She shouldered her bow and put the quiver over the other, trying to keep herself distracted. "We need to go, Laeran may not be far from here but even mounted I wouldn't suggest being in this forest at night, those wolves aren't even the worst predators that call this place home." She stepped towards the edge of the clearing. "Gather everything you need, we won't be coming back here for a long time," she said, pulling her hood back over her head.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 01:47:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(BTW, in case you thought she said it out loud, but the words "Damn, talk about coming on strong. Well, she's not bad looking, but there's no way all the nine hells that I'm jumping into that fiery mess, especially knowing she's still not over her last lover. Guess I'll just have to figure out how to deal with her in the morning after she wakes up...." were in italics because they were Cefrey's internal thoughts. Not sure, but it seems like you thought Ariadne heard her say it and she wasn't really sleeping, and now she's pissed off, all she would've heard was a sigh.)<br><br>Sighing and shaking her head to herself, Cefrey tosses her bag back into its extradimensional space, polymorphs back into the form of a scrawny looking, jet black haired man fitting the merchant's outfit she now wears, and follows after Ariadne.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 02:50:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Let's just say it's more a case of she feels a bit paranoid about...a lot of things...and right now she feels like Cefrey just confirmed her paranoia. Although I'm 100% certain Cefrey did that completely by accident lol. Also, I'm about to cue up a way for our buddy to jump in almost directly lol)<br><br>They thankfully didn't need to travel too far until they reached a large clearing, at the centre of which was a low building, a pasture containing three horses set to one side of the building. Ariadne walked up to the door, knocking on the door and getting no immediate response. "Laeran, I know you're in there, you never leave this clearing and you're nowhere outside." There was a clumping noise from the other side of the door, and it opened to a man as tall as Ariadne, a few faint dark brown strands hinting at the former colour of his now grey hair, with an apron hung over a red tunic and brown trousers. His most remarkable feature however was that his eyes were milky white, a sign of his blindness.<br><br>"Is that you Princess?" he asked, reaching out and pulling her into a hug so strong she visibly winced. "This is the longest it's been since you visited me in a long time."<br><br>"Laeran, we spoke about this before," Ariadne said, sighing. "Don't call me that, especially in front of others. My friend...doesn't know about that."<br><br>"What about your other friend?" Laeran asked, raising an eyebrow.<br><br>"<em>What</em> other friend?" Araidne asked, her hand lingering on the sword at her belt.<br><br>"The one who triggered the bells that surround this pasture," Laeran replied. "You've known me long enough to not trigger those, so I know it wasn't yours."<br><br>"The hell..." Ariadne said under her breath, taking her bow from her shoulder and knocking an arrow to it, unsure where to point it. "I don't know who you are," she called out, "but I advise you show yourself now. The old man may not wish to harm others, you cannot say the same about me however."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 03:37:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Running at a quick walk a scruffy looking broad man with weeds sticking out in all places of his clothing tumbles from the woods through to the pasture.<br><br>"Will you keep that nonsense down and put that bow away, what am I going to do? Throw stink blossoms at you!" he says in an annoyed voice while pulling said weeds from everywhere it was stuck.<br><br>"There are wolves sniffing round in there and I for one don't want to be lunch, I have to mask my scent with these wretched things. Now be a darling and get in that door before the catch your scent too." He trundles up to 50 yards of the place assessing the low building and the fair ones in the doorway. <br><br>"Look I'm Barty, you are you guys, we're all friends here. Now lets get inside and celebrate with a glass of your finest away from that creepy forest, I thought I'd never find my way to a clearing." He gestures with a rugged handsome face, eyes pointing to the side for a second, as if to say, 'there is no need for the bow, point it somewhere else and give me a break; this guys had a hell of a night.'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 05:55:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Putting her hand on Ariadne's wrist and pushing it down, Cefrey turns to Barty and says apologetically, "Sorry about that, my friend here is a bit jumpy because we just managed to escape from some pretty nasty bandits. Hopefully, they're too preoccupied with my cargo to chase this far after us, but you can never be too careful..." she finishes, flawlessly acting the part with a clearly bitter but resigned attitude.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 06:04:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's good to know you're making some friends for once your hi-" Laeran started saying, before a growl from Ariadne made him stop. "I'm sorry Ariadne, you know I would do nothing to put you in danger. There must be a reason for you being here, right?"<br><br>"We need horses," Ariadne replied. "We're heading north but we need to travel rapidly. Are the horses ready?"<br><br>"My horses are always ready," Laeran said, chuckling. "She has been wondering when you'd return." As Ariadne walked towards the paddock he turned towards the other two. "Take whichever you wish, but you would be advised to leave the dark horse to Ariadne, that horse will allow no other to ride it."<br><br>Two of the horses in the pasture looked almost identical, but the third was considerably different: a massive black horse, it seemed momentarily wary until Ariadne approached, reacting as if seeing an old friend.<br><br>"It's good to see you again Silver," Ariadne said, touching the horse's nose. "Are you ready for another adventure? We're off to see the dragons."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 06:28:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Barty approaches the door, he eyes up the grey-haired man by the door, "Greeting friend, any chance you have a stiff drink for a weary traveler? I apologize for the smell, it'll pass soon." Then close up he quietly asks, "Pray tell, what is going on with the other two, they seem stressed, have I interrupted something? A lovers quarrel?"<br><br>He sits against the wall by the door, wisely not pushing the matter of an invite into the dwelling unless asked. He breathed a sign of relief to know that he could rest a bit and then see if could wrangle passage and importantly company with these fine horses. He dared not travel alone again and from dulled memories of his past, a earlier Barty assessed the younger looking two to note they seemed spry, hardy and fine sport in a fight. <br><br>He pulled out a pipe made of hazel, prepping it absentmindedly for later. Internally he was thinking how he might get a figure of their plans and if there was adventure to be had; new stories to be told. The Barty of his past was stirred and being sober for the first time in weeks he could think more clearly. Realising he must look a state, he added casually to the older man "Is there anywhere I could tidy himself up a bit?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2018, 07:21:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Irked by the smoke coming from Barty's pipe, Cefrey fans the smoke away from her face before making her way towards the horses as well. Cautiously approaching one of the two brown horses with an open hand out, she takes a minute to calm it down from it's initial start at the sight of an unfamiliar person before placing her hand on its head and then stroking its mane. Turning back towards Laeran and Ariadne, she calls out, asking, "What's this one's name?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 02:47:20 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Sorry for missing that Barty never lit the pipe, I still can't edit yet, but here's the correction)<br><br>*Seeing the pipe Barty pulled out, Cefrey distances herself a bit from him in anticipation of the smoke, and then makes her way towards the horses as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 06:35:47 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If you want any of that I'd advise following them," Laeran said, nodding in the direction of the horses. "They are heading in the direction of an inn I'm sure has everything you need and much more. From the sounds of it though they're heading for the dragons, its up to you whether you want to go that far."<br><br>"That's a good question," Ariadne said, trying to think. "If I remember right that horse is called Petra, she was left here by an adventurer who never came back for her." She jumped onto Silver's back effortlessly, feeling more at ease than she had since Cefrey had first crossed paths with her, as Laeran walked over to Cefrey.<br><br>"Would you like a hand getting on the horse?" he asked her. "Not all of us can be as agile as an Elven ranger," he said, laughing as he held the horse still, stepping close enough that Ariadne wouldn't hear. "Go easy on her," he said quietly to Cefrey. "She likes to seem strong but she has many things she has found no-one she is comfortable with telling about." He looked over the horse at her for a moment before turning back. "She hasn't told you who she really is, has she? It is no mere Elven ranger you're in the presence of."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 07:56:55 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing the party already preparing to move, Barty pushed himself back up the wall, pocketed his Pipe carefully, taking a second longer than he needed and made his way over to Laeran.<br><br>"Nice to meet you old man, how can I replay you for the use of the horse? It is very kind of you."<br><br>He held his hand out to the third horse and gave it a lump if sugar, "Such a friendly house, whats it's name?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 09:30:36 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<del>Pass</del>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 09:39:01 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That horse is Mara," Laeran replied. "She can be a little...jumpy, but treat her kindly and she will get you anywhere you wish, within reason anyway."<br><br>"Unless you two can think of other questions we should go soon," Ariadne said, looking at the sky with concern. "I don't want to linger in this forest longer than we need to." She smiled as Laeran walked over to her, the two touching hands tenderly. "I promise I will come back and spend time with you properly."<br><br>"Be careful Ariande," Laeran said. "All of you, the lands north of here are growing...restless, more dangerous." He stroked Silver's flank before turning to face the elf again again. "I cannot make you tell them the truth, but at some point your friends need to know who you are. There are all-"<br><br>"I will not take that route," Ariadne said, tension in her voice. "Not unless I have no other option."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 12:43:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sensing the tension, Cefrey cuts in, "Don't worry yourself too much sir, I may look like this," she says motioning to her current appearance as a scrawny, human man and a merchant, scruffy travelling clothes, messenger bag, and all, and continues, "but I've dabbled enough in the arcane arts myself, and with Ariande's skills, I'm sure we can take care of ourselves and stay out of trouble just fine!" She gives Laeran a reassuring smile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 05:18:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In reply he jests with a smile, "So, a wizard, sorcerer or .....something else eh?! Some parlor tricks for the journey will shorten our time. Do you do the one with the cups and balls?" He finishes with wink and a hearty laugh knowing full well what the younger man meant.<br><br>"I've been on an adventure or two with you magic types and though some may look on it with distrust, for me it has saved my hide on many an occasion."<br><br>He pats Mara on the neck before a light tip of his heal to motion her into a light trot closer to Ariande, "Are you similarly skilled Miss? Your stature and the bow tell me your skill set is more varied. Always good to have an archer with keen eyesight nearby. I have a trusty sword and if need be know how to use it."<br><br>He motions to give a nod to Laeran for his hospitality but then gives a sad look at his milky eyes and pulls a coin from his pocket, reaching down to the old mans hand, "Something for the use of the horses."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 05:37:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am an Elven ranger," Ariadne replied, studying him closely. "I am as dangerous with a sword as I am my bow, and..." she waved a hand, burning a branch off a nearby tree. "Do not assume I am incapable of magic myself."<br><br>"Save your coin," Laeran said, handing it back. "Ariadne is the one person who can take these horses without paying. Returning them safely will be enough repayment for me."<br><br>"Come on you two," Ariadne said, nudging Silver towards the path north. "We have to reach the tavern at Marshan just north of the forest, we have an old friend of mine who can inform us as to what's happening beyond these borders." She nudged Silver into a steady trot. "Don't let me leave you two behind."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 05:45:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Giving Laeran a meaningful nod goodbye, Cefrey kicks her new steed, Petra, steering her in the same direction as Ariadne is going and following close behind her, letting her lead the way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 05:58:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Take care old man, I'll bring a nice wine when I return!" He calls to Laeran.<br><br>Barty nudges Mara to catch up to the other two, looking to get the names of the other two and seek to learn more about them on the journey.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 06:13:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once they had caught up with her she set off at a canter, although she was careful not to push Silver too hard, aware she would have easily outpaced the other two horses at full tilt. It was impossible to track time under the eaves of the forest, but as the sun was setting they exited the forest into a wide open plain, to the east of which stood a large walled town. She took a few steps toward it before stopping to allow the others caught up to her, cradling one of her knives in hand.<br><br>"Marshan, one of the last civilized towns before the wildlands of the north," she said, nodding towards it. "Be careful in there, there is a city guard of sorts, but they are rather...lax." She turned Silver to face the others. "If you have any questions, I advise you ask them now, I would rather not draw unnecessary attention to ourselves once we pass through the gate."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2018, 06:30:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well for starters," Cefrey turns towards Barty, "Ariadne and I still have to deliver what little cargo those bandits didn't make off with to the Dragonblight Kingdom, but now that we're here, what will you do Barty?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 08, 2018, 07:01:35 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Barty's face moves from smiling to serious.<br>"Cards on the table here, I am a loose bon vivieur who is in need of stretching some old adventuring muscles. I'm honest and trustworthy, if you can take my word for it. I can see that you two have been tightlipped from when I met you and don't believe I'm being told the whole story. You helped me out of that forest for which I am thankful. I would replay this by helping you but if I was to die for a cause I would prefer I know what that cause is; Can you both play straight with me as I have been straight with you?" He pauses for a moment and looks deeply into both their eyes.<br><br>"I can keep your trust and not let slip your persons or cause but if you are bandits or a nasty sort, I will bid you adieu here and you can return the horse to its owner". He positions himself as if to dismount but waits for a response. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 08, 2018, 08:36:01 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"There s a king south of this forest," Ariadne replied. "He has lived an unnaturally long life due to the magic of an artefact stolen from the dragons, but that magic is so strong we cannot hope to fight it ourselves. So we are heading north to plea with the lord of dragons to give us aid." She looked away from the others for a moment. "Although I have my own reasons for wishing to see his reign brought to an end." She turned back to them. "The north is dangerous though, that is why we need to speak to my friend, running an inn here means he hears stories of what lies beyond the human lands." She looked at Cefrey, deciding to allow her to explain her motives.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 08, 2018, 12:38:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Barty gives a reassuring nod to Ariadne and also looks to Cefrey.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 09, 2018, 04:13:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After carefully observing Barty's body language, intonation, and reactions during all this, Cefrey subtly nods to herself, accepting Barty's words as truth albeit with a grain of salt, and responds, "...Sorry for the secrecy, but it's hard to trust anyone, especially when you've made enemies of someone as powerful and ruthless as King Myraz, so if you're going to travel with us, you're going to have to play along with us, since I'd like to avoid drawing as much attention to ourselves as possible. The story is fairly simple, I'm just a travelling merchant going by the name Jun Tanaka, peddling rare and useful potions from various strange and faraway countries I've been to, and the two of you are my friends and bodyguards, as you probably figured out by now. It's risky a risky venture, but I'm going to take a shot at the Dragonblight Kingdom, even if it is nearly impossible to make it past the Great Wall. Also, I specialize in disguising magic, so don't be surprised when I switch up my appearance and name to fit in or throw anyone suspicious off our tail. Think you can handle all that old man?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2018, 04:25:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Barty stayed quite a few moments, then replied "I can handle more than you think, whelp! Don't they tell you to respect your elders where you come from? Anyway, I appreciate your candidacy and hope that there aren't any crucial details you are keeping from me. I have no love lost for this king Myraz you speak of, his reputation proceeds him and I have always stayed to the edge of those lands for fear of his interference with us free folk. Why, he has been in power since I was young." He paused in solemn thought.<br><br>"Lets find your friend in the Inn, I haven't had a drink in a while and we need to stock up on provisions, I am more than happy to take on this task if you need me to do my share in preparation."<br><br>The mention of an inn seemed to did spark a change in the man, who looked at this stage like he was without a hot meal in days.<br><br>"I've always wanted a sejour in the Dragonblight Kingdom, see the sights and get some trinkets" He said with a rueful smile. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2018, 04:42:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Stay close to me," she said, pointing Silver in the direction of the town. "There may be no evil king in charge, but there are plenty of less...savoury types there."<br><br>She led them up to the gate, where the guards let them through without seeming to bat an eyelid, before leading them down the main street to a tavern, set slightly away from the road, outside which a boy of no more than thirteen was sat sleeping, a helmet covering his eyes and a large spear close to hand. Ariadne stopped in front of him, mouthing to them to dismount and keep quiet as she did the same, walking up to him while pretending not to notice him.<br><br>"I heard Boar's Head Tavern was protected by a great warrior," she said nonchalantly. "But all I see is a boy who cannot keep awake on duty."<br><br>"How dare y-" the boy started saying as he sprung up, before a grin crossed his face as he recognised her, pulling her into a hug that even surprised the elf. "Auntie Ariadne, it's been ages since you last visited."<br><br>"I know, I'm sorry Nathan," she said, ruffling his hair affectionately. "But my friends and I were passing through and I couldn't go through town without treating them to one of your famous drinks."<br><br>"Don't let Dad hear that," Nathan said, laughing. "He has a big enough head already. Do you want me to take your horses to the stable for you?"<br><br>"That would be wonderful Nathan," she said, smiling as he walked away. "And when you're done, tell your father we need to speak to him." She turned to them, a sad look on her face. "The landlord isn't his real father," she said. "I found him when he was still very young next to the bodies of his parents in the forest. I knew he couldn't live in the forest, but I also knew the owner of this tavern had just lost his wife to illness and needed something to make his life whole again, and as they say the rest is history. Just...be careful talking about it around them."<br><br>With that she lead them into the inn, the patrons looking up at the new arrivals, but the sign of her ranger uniform convincing them to go back to their drinks.<br><br>"Find us a table," she said to them. "I'll get our refreshments." With that she vanished in the direction of the bar.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2018, 05:04:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finding a table with a clear view, Cefrey pulls up a chair and nonchalantly starts scanning the area, taking notes of the exits and evaluating everyone she can see.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2018, 05:29:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After waiting a few moments for the other two to enter ahead of him, he enter through the door and pats his clothes to produce a puff of dust from his travel. Then claps his hands to dust them off too. He uses this moment of bustle to keenly get an assessment of the clientele; who are the local winos (his bread and butter for pulling in a crowd), who are the regulars for a daily meet with hardworking friends, the more serious talkers who have private meeting in hushed tones in a neutral ground to talk, and lastly the loners - the ones looking for certain work, giving work to the right person and those whose work is not just illegal but dangerous. <br><br>Having taken it all in casually as if looking to find a free table, he walks over towards Cefrey. "May I sit here?" He says in a polite and clear baritone. Seeing general agreement he sits at the same table, with his face casually pointed towards the closest seated member of the loner category. If there were prying ears here, this one is closest and the most risk of overhearing. Barty then starts to discuss the most boring filler of topics to put off those prying ears - the weather. If they are going to listen, then at least challenge them to listen to someone else!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2018, 05:48:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ariadne made her way to the table, three drinks in her hands, placing them on the table before sitting down. "Drink up," she said, trying to smile. "There are few drinks you'll find better than the ones here, and I'm paying, this won't happen again for a while." She was looking away from them, toying with a ring on her finger. She only seemed to perk up when Nathan briefly came over. "How are you doing kid?"<br><br>"Dad says he'll come and find you when the inn closes for the night," Nathan replied. "He can't come over before then without making the customers suspicious." He frowned. "Auntie, what's wrong?"<br><br>"I'm...I'm fine Nath," she said, squeezing his hand. "Don't worry about me." As he walked away she put her hand back on the table, now it was clear the ring was covered in elaborate runes and symbols. "I'm sorry, I'm not much company right about now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2018, 06:02:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After pretending to sip at her drink, Cefrey frowns and asks her, "What do you mean, 'not much company?' You've made this trip far more interesting than it could ever have been if I had been on my own."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2018, 06:26:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You haven't even begun to understand who I am," she said, her voice cracking. "This..." She sighed, putting her head in her hands. "I would give anything not to be here right now," she said, a tear falling from her eye. She was so distracted she didn't notice that the bar had emptied and a tall, grizzled, grey-haired man was walking over till he coughed. "Paeter?" she asked, looking up and trying to smile as he hugged her. "I feel like I've been away too long."<br><br>"You're a ranger," Paeter said, smiling at her. "I would never assume my inn is more important than your forest." He turned to the other two, bowing deeply. "My name is Paeter Magnusson, this is my tavern, you are welcome to stay here as long as you require." He shot a cheeky grin at Ariadne. "I'm surprised you don't have a beautiful wo-" He stopped, regretting the words coming out of his mouth too late as Ariadne turned and stormed towards the back of the bar, causing him to sit down and sigh. "Twenty years I've known her and I still know how to say the wrong thing at the worst possible moment." He turned to them. "Unless one of you is brave enough to make sure she's alright I would be interested to know what brings you here, Nathan may be too innocent to know what Ariadne is asking for, but I know she only asks directly for me when she feels I have information that can help."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2018, 11:59:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"...I think I'd better go check on her. I'll leave it up to you to explain to him what we're here for Barty, and be sure to tell him our cover story as well." Cefrey says, getting up from the table, following after Ariadne.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 02:44:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Barty slams his fist on the table as he stands barking to Cefrey "Whelp, Sit your arse down! You can sniff after that in your own time."<br><br>Then projecting across the room, "Miss high and mighty, are you leading this group or playing broken hearted darling here? If you can't keep it together in the company of your old friend, how do you expect to succeed in our task?"<br><br>Standing he glowers across at the two of them while speaking to Paeter in a lower terse voice, "Sorry to cause a fuss in your nice inn here, but I was to understand we are here on important business. I have someone, I expect, old enough to be our mother who can't deal with life and a young fella who is dopey about her from what I can see. We are heading to Dragonblight country to speak to their higher ups, can you tell us anything to help or not?"<br><br>He sits back down without taking his eyes off the other two, then takes a swig of the drink and finishes the lot in one go.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 02:59:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You have no idea who you speak to do you?" Paeter asked, raising an eyebrow and letting out a laugh. "I know Ariadne is reluctant to speak of her past but..." He looked over at her, sighing. "She's going to kill me for telling you this but...Your companion is no mere Elven Ranger, that ring she wears is a ring of the Throne of Dae'valos. Ariadne...Ariadne is second in line to the Elven throne, she is a royal, so I would choose your words extremely carefully." He turned to Cefrey. "Go to her, she has not reacted that way in some time, something is wrong." He turned back to Barty. "I would be careful insulting the Elf, matters north of here are worse than even she realises. There are rumours of a Trollstorm forming north of here," he said, taking a large gulp of his drink. "If you don't get to the dragons before that happens, nothing between here and Dragonblight is safe."<br><br>Ariadne had her head buried in her hands, visibly shaking in a way she didn't want the other two to see, quite glad that Paeter and Nathan were nowhere nearby.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 03:15:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sorry about this old man, but I really don't think I should leave her alone after an outburst like that..." Cefrey says, giving Barty an apologetic look before ducking into the other room to find Ariadne by herself. Without saying anything, Cefrey sits down beside her and waits for her to calm down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 03:27:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Paeter, you don't know me so I'll take you patronizing words with good favour, I don't care two hoots if she was Queen of the Trolls, we are here to do a job, if she can't do that then I don't see why I should follow her to my possible death. You don't think all of us have seen tragedy in our own time?" as he says this there is a vacant stare on his face for a moment.<br><br>"I have lost friends and ....more... from missions that went sour when soldiers crack under pressure. That happens and people close to you, well, then end up dead. " He paused as if to push down memories.<br><br>"She brought us to you and if matters are worse as you say, then we have no time to waste. Please tell me more of this Trollstorm and the urgency we face. And Paeter, please call me Bartleby" The last sentence was said with a personal touch, as he offered his hand to Paeter.<br><br>Though he focuses on the conversation at hand he knows full well that his voice was carried across the room. They may have seen Barty to be a hearty ligth hearted traveler already, here now was a deeper, battle forged adventurer who unintentionally exposed his own true self. Full of fire, fury for battle and the will to survive it taking them with him through to the other side.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 03:45:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Next time you go to open your mouth to her, consider this," Paeter said sharply. "If Ariadne deserts you I do not fancy your odds of reaching Dragonblight alive. I'm not convinced you can get there WITH her help."<br><br>"Dad," Nathan said, looking slightly alarmed as he came over with another drink.<br><br>"I'm sorry Nathan," he said ruffling his hair. "Adult emotions are...complicated, go to bed, we'll be fine." Once Nathan was out of earshot he turned back to Barty. "Dragons rarely fight wars in ways other races do. A Trollstorm is when dragons drive Trolls south, then come the Thunder Lizards, whelps and...whatever other nightmares populate the slopes of Dragonblight. And then, if by some miracle you can survive those, then come the dragons. One of those would be the match for a full army, and no-one knows how many populate the Blight. However, if it was imminent we would know already, which means you have time to persuade Stormrider he can get what he wants without cutting a swathe through the southern lands."<br><br><br>"I know Paeter didn't mean to upset me," Ariadne said, turning to her to reveal a tear-stained face. "But...you must understand, love among Elves does not work the way it does among humans. It is supposed to last for life, and yet..." she looked down at her ring. "I chose to leave one back on the island, and then I sent the next to her death. My...reaction to you is not unfinished business with past love, it is the fear that I could never make you happy. You're incredible, you're beautiful, you're..." She felt herself laughing between the tears. "And now I've just made our journey north more awkward without even trying."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 04:28:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Stunned, Barty quotes " 'If Ariadne was to <em>desert </em>?' In the middle of a push into dangerous territory? If that is the type she is, then tell her the best of luck with her travels, she can get another fool to walk into their death! No wonder she grieves for lost loves."<br><br>With that he picks up his bags and leaves a coin on the table, saying "It is her friend's horse in the stable, I am no horse thief, let her know I hope she succeeds in her quest." Then walks out the inn door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 04:37:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not accustomed to such direct praise, Cefrey coughs a bit to break the ice and says, "Well, thank you for the kind words, but I really don't think you should worry too much about me. Look, I don't know how you think love works, but in my experience, no matter what race is involved, it's always messy and joyous and painful all at the same time. Love isn't about making your partner happy, it's about trusting one another and finding comfort and happiness in that trust..." Cefrey pauses a bit with a far off look in her eye before she continues, "...I'm not perfect, and I've made mistakes before just like you have, but I just have to pick myself back up and keep moving forward as best as I can. We all do. So don't be so hard on yourself, because you deserve to be happy too."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 04:45:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She found herself trying to fight the urge to lean across and kiss her, looking away from her. "I would...like to be with you, but I will not force you to. I need to sleep, I've ruined this for both of you." She got up, immediately feeling dizzy again. "Cefrey, my wound..." She looked down at her hand. "It's..." She lost her balance, collapsing onto the floor with a crash, which elicited a cry from Nathan.<br><br><br>Paeter followed him out, sighing. "Barty, right now I do not understand why, but Ariadne is loyal to you. She would not bring you here if she didn't trust you with her life." He sighed. "Rather than judging her for things you do not yet know, give her the chance to explain. If I was still capable of going on an adventure I can think of few people I would rather..." His sentence was cut short by Nathan's shout. "Nathan..." he said under his breath, heading back towards the door. "Are you coming or not?" he asked, now more calmly than before.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 05:52:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<del>pass</del>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 06:15:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Go to her now, she is clearly not ready for the journey, I will return tomorrow and see where this all stands." With that he walks into the night time street, the darkness quickly enveloping him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 06:32:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Barty," he called after him before sighing. "Damnit," he said, running back into the inn, finding Nathan knelt by Ariadne's still form. "Let's me through," he said, placing hand on her forehead and wincing at the heat coming off it. "Nathan, find our other guest, tell her we need her <em>now</em>."<br><br>"She said she didn't want to be disturbed," Nathan said, hesitating.<br><br>"I don't care if she doesn't want to be disturbed," Paeter said fiercely. "Our guest is gravely ill, get her now." He took a look at the wound, as Nathan disappeared upstairs, letting out an appreciative noise. "Whoever bound this wound has great skill, but..." he smelt the blood from the wound. "Hell, she's been poisoned. My guess is it spread unnoticed by whoever applied these bandages." He stood up as a young tattooed man suddenly arrived, closely followed by Nathan, leading Cefrey off to one side as the man set to work. "We have a problem," said Paeter. "I...may have overreacted towards Barty, he's now out there in a town he barely knows. He says he'll return tomorrow..." He let out a laugh. "Next time I'll keep my mouth shut."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 06:39:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cefrey frowns, "...What exactly did you say to him?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 06:43:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<del>PASS</del><br><br>*Consider Barty out of contact until the following day, I may have him do a scene by himself reflecting on things but off to bed now.*
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 06:48:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"He accused Ariadne of being weak and being a liability," he said, sighing. "I am over protective of her, so I stupidly told her she would desert you two and...suffice to say I nearly made him run off. I actually thought me telling him an army of murderous monsters may be marching south would be the worst thing I could say." He took a seat at one of the tables. "Do you know what awaits you north of here? It is not just dragons, I suspect your city has been free of the stories of the creatures of the cold north until now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2018, 07:15:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cefrey sighs, "Before that, I have to put my foot down for Barty here, because if I were in his shoes, I would have done the exact same thing. An army of monsters may seem scary to you, but what's infinitely more dangerous is a companion who would abandon you. Following someone like that is sure to get you killed. Now, I don't know what Barty told you, but you seem to think I've just been cooped up in the city of Tarnegar, blind to the world outside like the rest of its imprisoned populace. I may not have the latest and most detailed intelligence you do up this far north, but I haven't skimped out on my own homework."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 02:14:22 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Homework?" the young man said, raising an eyebrow at her. "You don't have the first idea what lies north of here."<br><br>"Teral," Paeter said, feeling tension between the two. "She meant no offence to you, I can explain this. How is Ariadne doing?"<br><br>"She will survive," Teral said, looking down at her prone form. "Whatever attacked her...it didn't give her a fatal dose of the poison, I suspect that may have been more luck than anything else though." He got up and headed towards the bar.<br><br>"Excuse Teral," Paeter said, turning back to her. "His kind are one of the few human-like species to live north of the Badlands, so he can be a little...prickly about this." He sighed, taking a look at the elf. "She would never desert you, she is loyal to a fault, but I know her history better than either of you. I should have...I should have said he should <em>speak</em> to her before he judged what she was thinking. As for the north..." He got up, disappearing behind the bar and returning with a large map which he opened on the table. "The last recognised piece of human civilization is the tower of Valen, just before the border of the Badlands," he said, pointing to one of the few structures on the map. "I would advise staying there tomorrow night, you would not be advised to cross the Badlands at night unless you have no other option. Then come the Badlands," he pointed to the area beyond the first border on the map. "Orcs, lots of orcs, ruled by the most dangerous warlord seen since the days of the Dragon Wars, if you believe the locals anyway. Then come the Troll Hills, not necessarily an area of danger. Trolls rarely attack without provocation. And then comes-"<br><br>"And then comes the slopes of the Blight," Teral said, returning with a strange, blue liquid in a glass. "It is said if the Lord of the Blight does not wish you to enter his city, you will not leave the slopes alive. The Thunder Lizards there are more than a match for any warrior you could possess." He saw Paeter's disapproving look and sighed. "You all need sleep," he said, picking up Ariadne's prone form and turning to them. "I will see you in the morning."<br><br>"I am too old for this," Paeter said, laughing and coughing, glad that Nathan was nowhere nearby to see how pale he suddenly looked. "There is something you must know, again I doubt she will appreciate me telling you this but...What Ariadne is unwilling to admit, at least to herself, is it is possible even the dragons will not be enough. If that is the case, you will have to visit the Elves...her homeland...Take it from one who has known her longer than you, if she does not wish to speak of what happened there, do not force it, she may tell you in time but...she has more pain in her past than either of you have begun to realize." He turned to her, trying to smile. "Do you want me to make up a room for you? I won't charge you, a friend of hers is a friend of mine."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 09:41:33 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"...Thank you, but no." Cefrey heads for the door, pulling the hood of her cloak over her head. Stopping at the doorway, she turns back and says, "I have some business to attend to, so I'll be leaving Ariadne in your care tonight. I'll be back in the morning." before ducking out of the inn, not giving him time to protest. After casting Darkvision on herself, she swiftly makes her way down the street in front of the inn, carefully scanning the area.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 11:27:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Outside the town in a field, Bartleby stands by a lone tree facing out and staring up at a overcast dark sky, "Brothers, Sisters, your path for me seems ... challenging. This Ariendne seems to have the right idea but her mental and physical strength is not there. Helm, take care of her and hopefully grand her some humility for what she can do, and to let others carry her load. Keep us safe on the road ahead."<br><br>He then return an icon to an inner pocket.<br><br>"I'd best find a barn for the night and get some rest myself. Provisions need to be procured for them soon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 11:47:04 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The next morning Paeter came downstairs, finding Ariadne up, sat by he window and looking at the steadily waking town. He set to work cooking a breakfast, before bringing a drink over to her and sitting opposite her.<br><br>"You have to tell them the truth eventually old friend," he said, looking at her sadly. "Much as I feel they are being unfair to you I believe they have good intentions towards you. You cannot do this alone Ariadne." He sighed. "If she was here...if she could speak to you...what do you think her advice would be?"<br><br>"To keep them by my side," she said, smiling weakly.<br><br>"Exactly," Paeter said, smiling and resting a hand on her shoulder. "Rest, they will be here soon, and then you can discuss your arrangements while I make you all some food." With that he got up and walked toward the kitchen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 12:10:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Flipping through a new spellbook, Cefrey casually walks down the street towards the inn. She's already scanned the area throughout the night, but with no signs of any pursuers or suspicious people, she can now relax a bit. Once again under the guise of Jun Tanaka, the black haired, male, human merchant from the east, she makes her way inside the inn after a night of thorough investigation, visiting the underground under another alias, and finally selling her potions and stocking up in the market just as it opened.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 04:12:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A loud but not violent kick to the front door breaks the morning mood at the inn, "Nathan Lad, get the door for me." comes a shout.<br><br>As Nathan opens the door, Bartleby walks in with this own bag on his back and 3 saddle bags weighing heavy in his arms. Nathan leads him to where all the others have congregated. He walks to where he can offload the bags to an empty seat.<br><br>"There, provisions as promised. I have my doubts about this task of yours" he says towards Ariadne. "Ignoring the sheer scale of the outcome we would hope to achieve, how do you propose getting there crossing lands of offensive and violent peoples? Your attitude seems foolish to me that you are clearly injured and you seem mentally at a disadvantage from some past personal loss. Your baggage is your own and I frankly don't care about it. Our mission is what is important and you don't have to explain yourself to me. You need to stow it and deal with it afterwards. I don't mean to insult here but we deal with the practicalities of what we would aim to do. I am sensing a lot of ego, I'm sure you were someone important once, maybe even still now, however to me you are a follow soldier working for the same cause. You too 'Jun'. I am neither your subject, servant or slave. I expect to be treated as such and I will do the same."<br><br>After a pause he says "I have said my piece and have yet to decide if this mission has even a hope in hell to succeed. Best you speak clear and true now, and we can see what we have the makings of?" With that he makes his way over to the the stove and pulling three eggs from a pocket, cracks them into a pan while letting the moment sink in.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 04:49:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Enough," Teral said, appearing in the doorway and seeing Ariadne's rising anger, stepping between her and Barty. "You are caught between a tyrant with the power of a titan and a dragon who will bring hell down on everyone if you do not act speedily, and yet you sit here arguing." He turned to Ariadne. "You are in no state to travel, however I know enough of your family to realise there is no point trying to stop you, and at least you will not be travelling alone." He turned back to Barty. "There is no quick way north, however there are ways which may bypass the more dangerous elements of the Orcs. I can show you the way, and with that sword," he said, pointing at the Dawnhammer Blade, "the dragons are more likely to listen. Stormrider's father swore allegiance to that blade, if you have honourable reasons to travel there he will give you an airing."<br><br>"I can travel fine," Ariadne snapped. "I am done being protected. But if Teral is offering us aid, I believe we should take it, the danger that lies ahead doesn't scare me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 05:36:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning towards the newcomer to the room, Barty says "Firstly, who are you and what are you doing interrupting on a private conversation? I spoke to the woman and expect her to respond!"<br><br>Then turning towards Ariadne, "Secondly, what is this blade he speaks of? Did you think it unimportant not so share that with me when I asked you to be candid only yesterday? This is the lack of respect and trust I speak about. Honestly I don't see it worth joining this if that is the way people are treated, namely me in this case."<br><br>Without taking a breath he continues "Thirdly, the dangers that lie ahead should scare you! Have you no sense of self preservation? Is this a valiant death you seek to leave behind, a glorious tale to inspire others of your greatness? I can see the anger coming out, I suggest you drop the ego and think level headed for a change. As I said to Paeter last night, when he spoke of you being 'so well able for the task that I should be careful how I speak lest you desert me', that I am no-ones fool and that I am not to be cannon fodder for anyone!"<br><br>Barty places the now cooked eggs in a loaf of bread from the same pocket, walks over to his bag and starts putting it on again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 13, 2018, 06:26:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You want to know?" Ariadne snapped, shooting a fierce look at Toral. "No, my honour is being questioned, ill or otherwise I was not brought up to allow a sleight against my character to go unanswered." She looked between Barty and Cefrey. "My name is Ariadne Dawnhammer, or to use the name my mother intended for me, Meria Dawnhammer. That sword," she said, pointing to the sword while trying to stay calm. "That is the Dawnhammer Blade, a sword thought lost centuries ago, forged for my grandfather before Elves departed beyond the South Seas. In this land's darkest hour, faced by an Orc with the strength to sweep every race aside like they were nothing, my grandfather formed a desperate alliance, but..." she looked away. "He died in the biggest battle of the war, saving a human city from near certain destruction. His sacrifice inspired every leader there, including the father of the now Lord of Dragons, to swear that if aid was ever needed that blade would act as an oath they were sworn to uphold. If there is any chance Stormrider will help us, upholding his father's promise to my family is going to persuade him." She faltered, Paeter helping her steady herself. "I fear nothing because...I know what happens if we fail, whether it is at Myraz's hands, or at the hands of a vengeful dragon, if we do not try nothing will be safe. If either of you have anything you truly care for you would be unwilling to risk the devastation that is coming. I have seen too many die because of that damned dragon artefact to stand by and let more fall to it." She turned to Toral. "Barty is right though, much as I appreciate your healing, you have not explained your presence here."<br><br>"I am a member of a race you would not know," he replied. "We call ourselves the <em>Sidhe</em>, I was originally here to look after a dying seer of ours but...she has passed on. We travel through the north regularly enough that I know paths you do not. The alternative is you risk the Orcs finding you. They are no allies of Myraz, but there are few who would help you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 10:13:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"...Alright, has everyone said their piece? Anyone have anything else they'd like to put out there? Because I have some things to say and I don't want any interruptions..." Cefrey suddenly says in a low, commanding voice that seems to fill the room, subtly empowered by her psychic focus on her Mantle of Awe. She scans across the room, looking Ariadne, Barty, Paeter, and Toral in the eye one by one, making sure she has their attention and giving them each a final chance to speak up before she speaks her mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 10:16:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<del>Polite Pass :-)</del>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 10:20:49 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm listening," Ariadne said, sitting down as Teral leant against one of the tables, Paeter quietly shuffling Nathan out of the room to give them all space.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 10:33:21 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good." Cefrey turns her attention entirely to Barty, "Lets start with you Bartleby."<br><br>"Firstly, if I ever made you feel like a subject, a servant, or gods forbid, a slave, I apologize, but just as you respect me with the honest truth and expect the same in return, I respect you with privacy and by giving you the benefit of the doubt when it comes to your fair share of secrets and I expect the same in return as well. I have no other quandaries with you, so if you can accept that, I think we can get along just fine."<br><br>Cefrey firmly looks Barty in the eye and extends her hand out to him, offering him a chance to shake on it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 10:40:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Barty extends a warm two handed handshake saying "Well spoken, you have treated me well, I have never asked you to give more than what is needed and your personal secrets are your own. Please continue."<br><br>He ends the handshake with a warm smile to Cefrey. The hint that Cefrey always treated him well leaves a loose suggestion in the air.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 10:58:33 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling back at him, Cefrey thanks him before turning towards Ariadne next and returning to the serious, commanding force she was just moments ago. "Now then, I have quite a few issues with you Ms. Dawnhammer..."<br><br>"For starters, from the moment I've met you, you've led me around by the nose, not giving me a chance to truly speak for myself or consulting me on what my own plans are. I have to borrow Barty's words here because honestly, I share his sentiment, 'I am neither your subject, servant or slave.' If you can't treat me as an equal, then I'm sorry, but we're going to have to part ways here."<br><br>Ending on that harsh note, the room falls silent as Cefrey firmly stands her ground and waits for Ariadne's response.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 11:08:20 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That's not..." Ariadne said, trying to stay calm. "I didn't..." she felt the urge to vent building inside her so she breathed deeply. "That was never my intention, I was only trying..." She stopped, feeling her hand gripping the table so tightly it was hurting her. "I'm sorry, to both of you. I-I need some fresh air." She got up, exiting through the doorway before Toral could make any attempt to block her path.<br><br>"Let her go Toral," Paeter said, reappearing in the room. "I don't think now is the right moment to try and speak to her." He turned to Barty and Cefrey. "What are your plans then?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 11:23:50 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If she can't handle the simple truth of her own actions, then I'm afraid this really is where we part... Sorry for bothering you with all this and interrupting your business." Cefrey turns to address Barty and Toral, "I don't think it's appropriate to stay here any longer, so if either of you would still like to lend me a hand, I suggest we take our discussion elsewhere. I saw a nice pub a few streets down, I think it was called... 'The Prancing Pony.' How about I treat you to breakfast and we all just lay out our plans and really get to know each other?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 03:27:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're right," Paeter said, anger written across his face. "You've outstayed your welcome, I would appreciate if you took the horses now." He walked towards the door, stopping when he felt Toral's hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry friend, I promise I will make sure she has a fitting burial place, and I will keep an eye on Ariadne." He hugged Toral. "Good luck." With that, and a last look towards the other two, left the room, slamming the door to the kitchen shut.<br><br>"I've already eaten," Toral said, turning back to them. "But I'll come with you, how far is it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 03:37:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not far, it's only about a ten minute walk."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 05:06:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pleased that some sense was finally being made, Bartly continued to The Prancing Pony where he was keen to say less now and absorb more from the others who knew more about all this.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 05:18:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That table is best," Teral said, pointing to one in the corner, while scanning the tables around them. "If you need money then ask me." He looked out the window, his mind wandering as he waited for the others to come over. "Earth mistress," he said under his breath, "tell me I am doing the right thing." He felt a tinge of surprise as he turned towards the bar, seeing Ariadne talking to a tall, bearded man, a hammer strapped across his back. She looked briefly in his direction, before turning her back to the table. He sighed, closing his eyes, grasping the necklace, and mouthing whispering something in a foreign tongue.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 06:37:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's fine, I said it was my treat, didn't I?" Cefrey flags down a barmaid and lets the two of them order whatever they want, claiming to have already eaten and letting her go without ordering anything herself, before turning to Teral and getting down to business. "Now then, I couldn't help noticing back at the inn that you seem to already have some sort of connection to Ariadne and Paeter, so before we go any further, I just feel as though we should clear the air. I think it's pretty clear that what I said back there severely offended the both of them, as good as my intentions were and as upfront as I was trying to be. I'd just like to make sure that I didn't offend you as well, and if you don't mind, would you like to share with us the nature of your relationship?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 06:46:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ariadne I only knew through reputation before yesterday," Teral replied. "You do not stay in Paeter's inn without hearing stories of her. Paeter..." he looked distracted for a moment. "Paeter took us in. I came here with...one of my kind, an older female whose health was deteriorating and beyond any healing skills I possess. We came to an agreement that he would hide us here for as long as necessary. Unfortunately that deal ended when she passed into the next life last night." He looked in the direction they'd come briefly. "Paeter loved her once, he won't say it but I strongly suspect he still does," he said, turning back to her. "That is why he is protective of her. We are better off changing the subject though, we need to make plans." He felt unease, glad at that moment the tavern was so loud the Elf couldn't hear what he was saying at that moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 06:59:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I see... yes, that does put things into perspective..." Cefrey mumbles to herself under her breath. Looking up and noticing Teral's discomfort and Ariadne's presence, she says, "Well, I'm glad I haven't offended you, but if you're uncomfortable with the company we are in here, we can always move. Would you like me to see if they have some more private seating or if there's another tavern or inn nearby?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 14, 2018, 07:09:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, I'd rather be here," he replied. "There is only one inn I would feel comfortable in, and I don't think Paeter will allow us in again." He realised he had absent-mindedly still been holding the end of his necklace and suddenly let go of it. "I will come with you if you wish though, you are heading into a region I know well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 15, 2018, 05:10:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In reply Barty says, "Please tell us everything you think will help, we are going in blind and need to plan this properly."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Orenji</strong> on <strong>February 17, 2018, 06:17:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Right, then let's start from the beginning..." Cefrey takes a cylindrical leather case off of her back, opening it up, pulling out a number of maps, and spreading them across the table, making sure to leave some room for the food they will be bringing. With a glance at both of them, she adds, "This may get a bit long, but if you have any questions, please refrain yourselves until I've finished."<br><br>"Now then, as you both probably already know, this here is the fortress city of Tarnegar, the capital city of the Kingdom of Alandal and the home of King Myraz." she says, pointing to where the city is marked on a map, within the norther part of the Karuten Plains, just south of The Forest of Shadows. "What you may not know is that within this city, and probably across his entire kingdom, Myraz has been terrorizing his citizens. At first, the city guards would pursue anyone who might pose a threat to his rule, raiding the homes of rebels and protesters of his militaristic rule, but now, they persecute anyone who so much as speak poorly of him or defy them."<br><br>"Unfortunately, it only gets worse. Myraz has in his possession a magical artifact he stole from the king of Dragonblight, King Stormrider... 150 years ago. As long as he has this artifact in his possession, I'm afraid that there is nothing anyone can do to stop him. Not only is his lifespan extended by it, but it also makes him invulnerable... Well, at least as far as I know, it's very possible that it has more limitations or functionality than that." she says, shrugging her shoulders.<br><br>"In any case, my good friend and leader of the resistance within the city of Tarnegar, Vennar, has entrusted me with the task of venturing to the capital of the Dragonblight Kingdom and requesting the aid of King Stormrider. He also entrusted me with the Dawnhammer Blade, and if you remember what Ariadne said, it has quite a history behind it and it should help us at least seek an audience with the king. If you'd like to see it, I'd be happy to show it to you later, but I'd rather not pull it out anywhere it might attract unwanted attention."<br><br>Looking over Barty and Teral, Cefrey asks them, "Now, do either of you have any questions?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Jenn</strong> on <strong>February 17, 2018, 06:23:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So far, no," Teral said, watching her closely. "Well, other than how you plan to reach the Blight, as someone who calls the Troll Hills home, this is no mere stroll you are suggesting we take." He was suddenly reminded of the night before, especially still seeing Ariadne at the bar. "My apologies, I'm sure you have this figured out."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wrath of the Dragonkin</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pdriggy</strong> on <strong>February 17, 2018, 06:51:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Barty adds to Cerney, "Please go ahead, tell us more" 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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