Turn 92

Turn 92 Meeting Kay

You finish making camp, eating and discussing your next moves. The boy doesnt look afraid and in fact seems right at home with you. As you prepare to settle in for the night, you hear bushes rustling, and a female human appears in your camp. A chainmail covered woman stands near you. Along with her full armor, she wears a blood red tabard that covers her chest and ends almost at the knees. A black baldric with two small dagger hilts hanging from inside is slung from her shoulder to hip. Matching the red of the tabard is a full cloak that hangs from the shoulders that nearly touches the ground. Black knee-high riding boots and gauntlets, silver scabbard, sword and leather backpack finish the outfit. Her long dark hair in a pony tail way down her back, her hazel colored eyes blazing. You cant tell if from anger, or just the reflection of the firelight.

Reggie deep in thought, after his meal, suddenly looks towards the noise, and seeing the stranger suddenly screams "AAAGGGHHHH" "Don't creep up on folks like that, anyway, Who are you?" he asks, and before the stranger has a chance to reply, he turns to the rest of the party. "Who was suposed to be on watch, eh?" Before you, a fat gnome in what appears to be a purple dress stands before you. You realise, that he is actually wearing a robe, but it is very badly tailored. The word 'tent' springs to mind..... Seeing that the stranger isn't obviously dangerous, Reggie bows deep, and introduces himself. "I am Sir Reginal Austin the Third, but you can call me Reggie"

At the sound of the scream from Reggie Wulfgar rolls from his blanket into a kneeling position swords in hand, "What the blazes!!" He looks at the woman then glances around to make sure that there is no-one else sneaking around the campsite. Seeing no-one Wulfgar stands up you see He wears Studded Leather armour but the studs have been darkened, his hair is jet black. His skin is well tanned possibly due to having spent a lot of time outdoors. His eyes are a fascinating shade of green somewhere between Jade and Grass. He carries a backpack which seems to be pretty full, with a longbow firmly tied to the outside, and on his left hip he wears a very plain black leather scabbard. You can also see the hilt of a knife protruding from the top of his right boot. These boots are also black in colour and stop just short of his knees. He looks back to the woman then as the others awake he lowers the sword and slips it back into it's scabbard. He turns and walks to Cole where he kneels and gives him a shake "Come my friend it is time to arise!" He glances over to Arilyn to make sure she is okay after her hard day yesterday then quickly checks that everyone else is there and okay.

At first the stranger doesn't pay the gnome an ounce of attention, instead she frantically looks over every single living creature that's in the vicinity while muttering, "Where the blazes is he?" under her breath repeatedly. Her expression quickly turns from anger to a state of confusion when she realizes her target isn't in sight . Finally she speaks, "I was told he was with you!",directing herself to the gnome who spoke to her first. "I was told Jarryd was traveling with you! All of you fit the descriptions, but that.", a scowl forms on the human's face, "bastard should be sitting right there, bragging about something he never did, or calling himself a "Giantslayer", "Trollsbane", or something stupid like that. And my fist by now should be coming down on him, knocking that stupid smirk off his face." After exhaling, the stranger frowns and realizes she's made abit of an arse out of herself. She bites down on her lip and calmly mutters,"Er, Sorry, the name's Kay Wanderwit, of Fawn. I would appreciate it if you'd tell me where Jar is. He has allot of explaining to do."

Stepping forward Wulfgar looks at the stranger "Do I detect a little hostility towards Jarryd? Well I am afriad you are to late he has already left this group. Permanently!! My good lady Jarryd is dead!!" Watching closely to see if there is any sign of grief or if she is going to break down Wulfgar hesitates for a moment then continues "Sir Gareth the leader of our group will tell you the tale of his demise" Turning Wulfgar walks back to Arilyn "How do you feel this morning Arilyn? I am going to make some food do you want some? You may keep the medallion as your own now. I am sure that is what Callus would want."

A second gnome relaxes as the new arrival appears not to be hostile. His hands slowly free themselves from the folds of his cloak and speaks, "Welcome Kay. Ya might wanna be less sneaky runnin' up on people. With this group, yer likly to take a crossbow shot in the head." He glances over at one young human male that is dressed rather flopishly. "I'm Keldar, of a small farm town named Durant. Me, Reggie, and Vince there (the floppish looking human is pointed at), we've been with this group here fer a really short while. An avitar of Azimuth popped us here amongst these others. They seem like a trunsting bunch, if ya need a spot to sleep tonight."
This gnome is wearing a dark grey cloak over lighter grey clothing. He has a fancy looking sword strapped to his back, and a common one at his side. Around his belt, a number of daggers gleam in the fire's light. On his lap, you see what looks to be a spell book. His face is that of a steriotypical gnome, with a pronounced nose and a well-groomed goatee. Though his looks are gnomish, his mannerisms seem far more like a human that Reggie's.
Rising smoothly to his feet, a tall dark-haired gentleman steps a pace closer to the fracas and casually holds his left arm to one side in a "stay" motion to the young boy with whom he had been speaking. A golden hawk screams across the sky-blue surcoat mantling his obviously well-muscled physique. Although a helmet, greaves, and armguards lie near him, it is obvious he sports no armour upon his person save leathered pants. Two long swordhilts rise across broad shoulders, though the warrior makes no move to draw them, instead standing with the calm ease of one who could draw and strike well before trouble could attack. A handsome face holds a stern expression and piercing green eyes. "Apology accepted, Kay Wanderwit of Fawn, and welcome to our fire. I am Sir Gareth Arr, servant of Pikahl, knight under King Arion of Dragonmeyr, and appointed leader of this king's company. I would know what causes you such anger as to storm a stranger's camp with blazing fire in your eyes, heedless of caution and threatening violence on a member of our party who has left this plane behind and journeys now with the gods." The knight gestures to the supper still cooking on the flames. "Some of us have not yet eaten; if you can restrain yourself from harming anyone here, you are welcome to join us and share thy tale."
Arilyn moves quickly to her feet as she hears the rustling noise..her movements are as quick and graceful as a cat. Her blonde hair covers her pointed ears and flows down to her shoulders, resting lightly over her black silk shirt. Her doeskin pants hug her long legs and her dark brown leather boots fit snugly, rising up to her knees. Tucked down the inside of her boots are two daggers. She reaches for her long sword in a swift fluid motion, wincing slightly as a streak of pain flows up her arm. Arilyn looks at the human female and knowing that the human poses no threat, takes her hand off her sword. Standing tall, she tilts her head up, raises her nose slightly in the air and frowns at the vulgar language that had come forth from Kay's lips. Confirming her belief that humans more often than naught lack even the most basic of manners, tilts her head up higher, swivels lightly on her boots and turns her back to the new arrival. As Wulfgar speaks she looks at him warmly, "I am much better. Thank you for your care and your consideration." She rolls up her sleeve, "Look, barely a scratch." Keeping her arm held out longer than necessary she continues, "I am not very hungry..but thank you." Leaning closer to Wulfgar she whispers huskily, "You are 'giving' me your medallion..I..I can't accept such a precious gift." Reaching up she holds the medallion between her breasts. Looking over to the group she sees Kay. Immediately feeling her pulse quicken, she stares deeply and glares at the newcomer.
Wulfgar take a hold of Arilyns hand and examines the scratch, "It is good to see it healing nicely and please keep the medallion as Callus wishes it. If you wish in the morning we can start to strengthen that arm of yours? We should have a little time before we leave." "Yes you may keep the medallion, please take it and maybe Callus will guide your arm in future. I could not offer anything better to my Goddess than to ask you to carry her symbol. Your beauty would grace her medallion and I think she has taken you into her heart like I have taken you into mine.. again he looks into her eyes this time you notice his eyes sparkle. I eh, what I mean is. Never mind!" His face softens and then hardens as he turns to face the stranger. "Arilyn please excuse me a minute!" Turning he walks towards the stranger "I am Wulfgar and I welcome you to sit at our fire and tell us why you seek our departed friend. I would also like to know who told you Kay Wanderwit, of Fawn that Jarryd was travelling with us. It after all was no one around these parts and our journey has been a long and tiring one. I would say that a few of our group here never even met Jarryd, then you come barging into our camp calling him for something for which he cannot defend himself. I hope you can give us an explanation?" He stops in front of the stranger his hand on the hilt of his sword.

With the sudden noise, Jahl rolls from his cozy spot near the fire and immediately has a dirk in each hand, one of which is ready to be thrown. For a moment his head spins as he wakes from his nap and comprehends what is happening. As quickly as they have appeared the dirks disappear as Jahl stands to address the new guest. Jahl is a tall man with lanky, unkept brown hair, he has green eyes all set in a round face. Jahl is mostly covered by a large forest green cloak that is held in place by a large, simple broachpin. Glimpses underneath the cloak show that Jahl is wearing dark leathers. His gloved hands sweep widely as he bows politely and speaks. "Pardon me," Jahl starts and suddenly pauses as if he has just noticed her armor. "M'lady," he finishes. "Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Jahl Silverlock, at your disposal. Please sit and tell us what is troubling you so. Mayhaps we can help you."

The warrior finds a seat, "Guess I was just a little anxious, however if you really knew Jarryd, you might of done the same if you were in my place."
"I assure you, if he's truly dead, the son of Phant is not hanging around in Paradise.", Kay pauses and bites her lip again, "We were sent out to retrieve some holy item called "The Bell Of Tameras". With this device, your crops would always be fruitful and never die out, kinda handy, especially in these times. After what seemed like forever, we found the blasted bell which was in the hands of some cultists. They were planning to somehow reverse the magic and turn the bell into a, well, a crop-destroying device. The cultists put up a good fight and several members of our group were seriously wounded. I was sent to recover the bell which was stuck on some strange snake-head-statue. After that was done, Jarryd congratulated me with the back of his sword-hilt and was able to sneak out of the temple before anyone else was the wiser. Several of us tried to hunt the guy down, however Arwin wasn't with us that day. I gave up hunting the guy down after a year. I didn't hear a thing about him until one night I was staying at some tavern called the "DragonTail". I heard some storyteller going on about a group of heroes that was supposed to be "cleaning" up the lands. I really didn't pay much attention until he mentioned you-know-who. Well, to er, shorten the rest of my story, I followed a few leads and now I'm here."
Listening to Kay tell her story Wulfgar walks back to his bedroll, "Okay, I'm turning in I need to get some sleep, Jahl I'll have a look at your forehead in the morning right now I need to get some sleep.!" He draws his sword and replaces it on the ground next his blanket and lies down and moments later is fast asleep.
The knight listens carefully to the tale nodding and shaking his head in appropriate locations. "The Bell of Tameras surfacing after all these years... I recall reading a small journal entry of one of the last to see the Bell, a mighty warrior named Olain Oakensworth. According to him, his company had routed the group holding the bell, but when he went to take it, one of the fighter in his group, a woman he had trusted at his back for countless battles, struck him down and fled with the bell. It was the belief of most of the brothers and sisters that studied such works that perhaps the bell had been created as an item of co-operation, and should it only be touched by one gender, the nearest male would feel a heavy necessity to rescue it and hide it. Granted this is merely theory, but perhaps it would be of use to you in considering his memory. Jarryd did dub himself a 'Giant-slayer,' and made true in that vien," Gareth's voice drops to a low rumble to himself, "Though not in a fashion with which I agree." Shaking his head out of the fog of memory, the knight completes his tale. "Last I knew of him, through the divine wisdom of Pikahl, he was a man of good intentions and character. He perished at a temple within which we rested for the evening, deep within the swamp to the north. Some form of slimey creature attacked the party in our sleep, cutting off the exits and making escape extremely difficult. Jahl was one of those I was unable to save. I cannot even offer you a token of his in memory, as most of his belongings were dissolved just as was he. My apologies if he was close to you." Jaws clenched and eyes tightly shut, Gareth rises abruptly, nods a goodnight and paces back to his remaining armour where he continues his fast and prayer.
After listening to Kay's story about Jarryd, Vincas final takes his turn at introductions. With a slight bow in her direction he says...
"Well met Kay, I am Vincas Quinbal, late of the village of Durant. Like yourself, my 2 Gnome companions and I have but recently joined this group. We too heard that this group was in need of assistance in their duties, and since we got that tidbit from a good source we decided to lend a hand where we could. I'm glad that you have come to help as well, and I look forward to hearing more of your travels."

"Well, I guess I wasn't pleased with his actions.", Kay adds after Gareth's story. "After what he did to me, along with the fact that he took a sword that was customized and enchanted just for me. When I awoke, I was tied to an altar and was just about to have some unnecessary surgery by a remaining cult-priest. Thank Lent, the others were able to find me in time." The warrior's tone lowers, matching the knight's, "As for any relationship, the only one that we had was a professional one. As a company of sell-swords we looked out for each other, but beyond that there was nothing. Just a desire to finish our current job at the time "
Kay watches the others bed down, "I don't wish to intrude into whatever you're doing or anything, but I really don't think a trip back to town alone would be a good idea at this time. I was crazy enough to go here by myself the first time, but I don't wish to tempt fate again. I'm not that tired, and I could help with watch. I don't know what your current mission is, but I'm pretty sure that kid over there isn't one of your fellow warriors and if you're returning him where I think you are, I would really appreciate the company going back..If you don't mind.".
Kay spends a few moments watching Gareth curl up for the night and the sudden appearance of another gnome slightly startles her back into the real word. "Er, sorry, Vince Cueballl? Qunball? I was, er thinking." She turns and gives Quinbal her full attention, "Uh, joining a group? That wasn't in my intentions, I had pretty much planed on finding Jarryd, returning his favor, and then dragging him off to justice. No offense to anyone, but if a Pik-Knight hadn't just told me what happened, I would of continued my hunt. I didn't plan anything beyond that, maybe a much-needed vacation. However, if you're all into something interesting, I might wish to add my skills to your fray..", The warrior pauses for a second and smiles, "If you'd just tell me what you're currently doing, and I'll think about it."

A small, thin man sitting by the fire looks up at last from the book he is reading. "Well met, Kay. I am Caoimhin. You're welcome to share our fire, and our path if it pleases you." He stretches his arms, then stands to face the newcomer. "You stir bitter memories indeed. Jarryd and I parted poorly. Shortly before his own death, he led us into a fight that we could easily have avoided, which cost us the death of a dear friend. I did not forgive him this error in life, and have not yet made peace with his spirit." He turns and looks into the fire. "It seems I have unattended business." A few moments pass, and he turns again to look at Kay. "Anyway, welcome. Our group is large enough that we rotate watches, which gives us as much security as one can have in these wild lands and times. You should be able to get a good night's sleep here." He turns and walks to a tree just at the edge of the camp. "Good night, all."
Arilyn moves quickly to her feet as she hears the rustling noise..her movements are as quick and graceful as a cat. Her blonde hair covers her pointed ears and flows down to her shoulders, resting lightly over her black silk shirt. Her doeskin pants hug her long legs and her dark brown leather boots fit snugly, rising up to her knees. Tucked down the inside of her boots are two daggers. She reaches for her long sword in a swift fluid motion, wincing slightly as a streak of pain flows up her arm. Arilyn looks at the human female and knowing that the human poses no threat, takes her hand off her sword. Standing tall, she tilts her head up, raises her nose slightly in the air and frowns at the vulgar language that had come forth from Kay's lips. Confirming her belief that humans more often than naught lack even the most basic of manners, tilts her head up higher, swivels lightly on her boots and turns her back to the new arrival. As Wulfgar speaks she looks at him warmly, "I am much better. Thank you for your care and your consideration." She rolls up her sleeve, "Look, barely a scratch." Keeping her arm held out longer than necessary she continues, "I am not very hungry..but thank you." Leaning closer to Wulfgar she whispers huskily, "You are 'giving' me your medallion..I..I can't accept such a precious gift." Reaching up she holds the medallion between her breasts. Looking over to the group she sees Kay. Immediately feeling her pulse quicken, she stares deeply and glares at the newcomer.
Kay turns from the fire and frowns, "He was always the first one into battle, and if there wasn't one, he tried his very best to start one. I'm sure wherever he is now, he's been judged for his actions.". The warrior watches Caoimhin head off to sleep and wishes him a good night, she then looks around to whoever's at watch, "So, what's the deal? This looks more like a patrol than an adventuring company, and what's with the kid?"
Gareth looks up from checking on the boy with what looks like a trace of pride in Kay's first statement. "It is a long tale, Kay Wanderwit, seeker of giant-slayers, and more suitably shared over a morning's meal when it is less likely to disturb everyone's sleep. You are welcome to share our space; your actions are those of a good and trustworthy person, and here we place that highly. If you would so like, please rest now and join the second watch. Wulfgar [the knight points out the fighter/cleric] heads the mid-watch and will wake you at the time. If you still wish to speak of this in the morrow, it will be my pleasure." Pulling up the blanket on the sleeping boy, Gareth sinks back into cross-legged prayer.
Kay looks around to find an safe place to rest, "Well, I guess I'll learn tomorrow. 'Night.". The warrior smiles at the knight and once a decent area is found, she'll curl up and catch a few winks.

ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Morning comes with no further distractions.

Wulfgar rolls from his blanket and stands up he grabs his sword and wanders over to Gareth. "I am going for a scout around Gareth I will be back shortly" Turning before the Knight can respond he walks slowly over to his blanket and picks up his bow and quiver and walks quickly out of the camp site.
Reggie looks around at the rest of the party and asks

"Let get down to the important business of the day, Who wants what for Breakfast"

Reggie, builds up the fire and starts cooking. Any suggestions not including food are ignored.
Keldar stretches upon awakening, and opens up a spell book, and begins to read. When done, he looks at the leaders of this new group, awaiting one of them to do something.
"Anything hot sounds good.", Kay says rubbing her head, "And a side-order of information would do just fine". Gareth stands from checking on the boy, making sure the lad is sporting the knight's leather jerkin. "What would you know traveller Kay Wanderwit? I am sure your ears have caught the names of all here... we are a company charged by King Arion of Dragonmeyr to inspect a given section of Dragonmeyr and report back with our perceptions of its safety, and the development or destruction of areas from the war. Of late, we have been steered this direction by the gods, though we know not for what reason exactly, though one might suspect it is our current dilemma. Lord Reynold hired us to pay ransom to a collection of bandits holed up in a keep a distance back and retrieve his son safely. We did so, but during the exchange it was discovered, terribly inopportunely, that the ransom was faked. At present, we know not if the Reynold or one in his employ attempted to secure the death of this lad, Baldwin. My suggestion would be to take this lad to a safe holding, but we know nothing of the boy's destination save that it lies somewhere south. Hmmm... it would also seem that the brigands must have ties or spies within the keep, for it seems odd that the brigands to the north would be so far south at the exact time the group is travelling to squire the lad. With the state of affairs such as it is, it is fair to assume the lord would have kept quiet the exact departure date of the boy. The brigands obviously had a superior force or ambush along the trail of the travelling party with a very short notice given. Interesting." The knight draws a stick of dried meat and chews on it thoughtfully. "Since the dropping off option is too time delaying, we shall have to return to the lord's keep. It would be nice to know where the squiring lord's keep is... but such is not our luck. Therefore, we must return the boy to Reynold's keep. The lad has said that his father seemed to be normal of late, so I would suspect magics or a person of influence in the keep. I suspect that the lord had someone prepare the ransom for him once he opened the chest, for he seemed terribly busy with operating details. The question is then do we take the boy in with us or leave him guarded somewhere outside the keep. I would favour bringing him with us, for it allows us to remain together, and we can watch carefully the reactions of people when he is returned. I would suggest that we mention that the exchange was successful, then speak with lord Reynold in private on the full truth of the situation. Thoughts?"

Cole awakes, looks around in astonishment, and asks "whereamI?Iwascastingonthebanditsandnowwe'renotthere"

Arilyn rises lightly from her bedroll and buckles her sword around her hips. She adjusts it just so, watching Wulfgar closely as he leaves the camp. She takes a few steps towards him and then stops. In silent grace she shifts into a defensive stance and draws her sword with lightning quickness..the air whistling as she moves the sword in a flurry of 'X' movements. Slipping the sword into its sheath she rubs her upper arm lightly as it begins to tingle in discomfort. Arilyn flips her hair over her pointed ears and walks to the boy. Her smiles grows brighter as he looks at him. She kneels in front of the boy and asks if he was ok??did he sleep well??if there was anything she could do for him. Arilyn walks over to Reggie..her hips swaying slightly..a bright smile forming over her lips. She presses her finger lightly to his stomach, "I wonder if your cooking skills come close to matching your eating skills." She turns and with her finger pointed counts the horses. With a hearty laugh, "You be good Reggie and promise me that you will never ever eat my horse. OK?" She steps without a sound towards Kay, tilting her head slightly to the right as she looks at her from head to toe. Arilyn has a look of innocence..a warmness that lights her brown eyes. She nods her head to Kay and reaches out her right hand, "I am Arilyn Starglow."

Jahl sits up and stretches quietly as he watches Arilyn perform and wander around camp. "I agree with Gareth. We should return the boy to his father and keep what has actually happened quiet and only inform the king that something was amiss." Standing, Jahl moves over to his riding beast to carefully pat it and attempt to be friendly. "We do have a long ride ahead of us, and who knows what we will find when we get there. I think that we should finish breaking our fast soon and be off." Returning to the cooking fire, Jahl smells the wonderful aroma and comments, "at last! Someone who knows how to cook!"

Reggie looks up for his pots and pans. "Who sort of gnome do you think I am, eating people's horses?" Reggie says, faking a look of shock and then says with a smile "Besides, I don't have a cooking pot big enough!!"

"Very intriguing", Kay mumbles to herself while Gareth speaks of their dilemma, "Sounds like something I've read about before. This Lord Reynolds guy probably has a younger evil brother who wants the power. He'd bump off the son, causing LR such grief that he steps down paving way for the brother. Or maybe Reynolds was already killed and replaced my a shapeshiffer of somekind.". The sellsword ponders a few more situations (thankfully) to herself while checking up on her armor and equipment. "As for the kid, I think it would be wise to take the fella in with us, since these lord-type folks always seem to be so bleed'n paranoid. If we come marching in without him, he just might flip..And if the group come in minus a few, he might think you're all up to something." Kay smiles warmly at Arilyn when she approaches and returns her greeting, "Just call me Kay."

Re-emerging from the woods after about 45 minutes Wulfgar walks over to his bedroll and packs it away quickly a sheen of sweat covers his face and his shirt is soaked through. Muttering to himself as he works to get his gear packed away, Wulfgar seems to ignore everyone completely.

Wulfgar seems to ignore everyone completely. Reggie, Arilyn, and Kay discussing food. A boy, the key to the situation, who knows little and speaks less. A mage-no three mages now!- feeling no qualms about what their spell-casting may cause in havoc to themselves, or even their companions. Four new lives to defend. Memories of those left behind along the trail. Gareth shudderingly releases the breath he had been holding and continues his fasting and prayer, waiting until all are up, fed, packed, and ready to move.

Keldar looks up from his spell book at this display, with the wide eyes of a teenage boy. He shakes his head, and buries his nose, alittle deeper this time, into his spell book and finishes his reading. Afterwards, Keldar moves over to the remnants of breaksfast, grabs some food, then awaits a decision to do something. This working for the gods business is strange... not like they'd tell you exactly what they want you to do...

Vincas lounges around the campsite, eating his breakfast and doing little else. "If you would, Sir Gareth, please tell me more about this Lord Reynolds. I've got a bit of experience in high court and dealing with nobility. I'd like to go with you when you report in to him as to what you found." When it's finally time to depart he grabs his bag and looks for a mount.

Turn 93