Vengeance of the Heart

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Sat Feb 15, 2003 4:13 pm

“Are you alright?” As Acolytus looked up, he saw Gurney standing in the door opening casually, looking back at him his hands in his pockets and his ballist on his back. “That was a pretty though fight, judging by the sounds of it at least; couldn’t see it myself.”

Unable to identify the creature on the ground in front of him, Gurney curiously leant over to take a look at the dead thing. “What did you call it again… a worg?”

He straightened his back again and sighted. “God what a night, I came to the wrong town in the wrong time.” Then he turned around and looked back into the Inn and wondered what to do next. Should he find out what the lady was up to, find out more about this last fight or not interfere at all?
It all became a bit too much to him. He was entertainer at first after all, not a real adventurer. He could take care of himself though, being on the road had though him that much. Something about him wished to see the girl again, even though he knew that it would most probably be a bad idea.

Suddenly Acolytus jumped up and dashed forwards to Gurney. “Get inside! Quickly!” Acolytus pushed Gurney though the door with force, Greppun followed right behind him. Without understanding what was going on, Gurney allowed himself to be pushed into the Inn easily, thinking that Acolytus probably had a good reason.
“Worgs travel in packs, huge packs in these parts. We had best stay inside.” Once inside he quickly turned around and slammed the door shut.

A couple of seconds later, sniffing and growling could be heard on the other end of the door. Howling sounds filled the air but residential farmers and maidens soon got back to what they were doing. Apparently they had gotten used to this and it didn’t matter to them that they most likely had to spend the night in the Inn.

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Mon Feb 17, 2003 7:16 am

Still stunned by the woman who just left the Inn, Gurdio sat on his chair. Suddenly Gurney and Acolytus came running back inside. Apparently something outside had scared them off. Gurdio could guess what is was. Worgs dwell in the city from time to time, scaring of the commoners and, apparently, sometimes hardened adventurers.

Gurdio thought about the past, while he was bringing an ale to his mouth. The fight had made him thirsty. Back in the early years, when he stilled lived with his parents in his home town, Archenbridge capital of Archendale. Many times the people he once knew there appeared in his dreams. His mother, fair and beautiful, Sydia was her name. Gurdio had never understood why she had ever married a man like his father. His father was…..Gurdio didn´t even want to think about him. His brother, Lucas, a strong fighter, one of the few among gnomes, left home when Gurdio was only a child. Would he ever see him again? A family driven apart by one man, his father. Sometimes it made Gurdio cry when he thought about how it could have been, if only….

For some time Gurdio kept dreaming about Archenbridge and his old friend. When he finally looked up, released from his dreaming, he needed some time to reorientate. Where was he again? His eyes, which had a strange red glance over them, searched the room, looking for something familiar.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 2:42 pm

Forced back inside the Inn, Gurney decided he’d join the table again where Magus, Gurdio and Mursalin still sat talking; Gurdio looked like he was thinking about something else though. “Are you joining us?” He asked Acolytus.

Then he made his way over to the table, he passing by a few newcomers; both elves, a male and a woman. He winked at the woman in a playful manner, just for the fun of it. “You’re stuck in here for tonight too eh?”

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Tue Feb 18, 2003 7:18 pm

Acolytus had finished cleaning off the mud off his cloak from the scuffle outside. Greppun, still with a slightly heavy breath, seemed like all was well again. Acolytus looked ready to call it a night, and head to a room and enjoy solitude.

“Are you joining us?” Gurney asked Acolytus.

Acolytus paused. It seemed at that moment, that his heart, cold from pain and troubles, was ready to warm over. Thoughts raced through Acolytus’ mind. These people may have been strangers just a few minutes ago, but who were they now? These people were not strangers. Could they be friends? No…no….friends are found in the grove alone. But wait….

There was a different element here. That woman that walked into the bar a minute ago…something unique has happened.

Acolytus glanced at the eyes of the tavern patrons. There was fear and confusion in many of their eyes. Acolytus then looked into the eyes of Gurdio, Magus, and Mursalin quietly talking at the table. His eyes panned further and saw the eyes of Gurney. There was something different within their eyes. A different sensation was felt. A feeling of contentment, almost…maybe companionship was felt within Acolytus.

“I suppose I am joining you, Gurney. I suppose I am,” Acolytus calmly said.

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 3:36 am

Seaching the room, Gurdio noticed Gurney and Acolytus talking to eachother. His keen eyes saw that they were discussing something important. A few seconds later his ears confirmed that assumption:

“I suppose I am joining you, Gurney. I suppose I am,” Acolytus calmly said.

Slowly but determined Gurdio got on his legs again, leaving the other two at the table alone. He walked towards Gurney and Acolytus.

“Sorry, I overhead you two. You talked about ‘joining’. Joining what?,” asked the gnome illusionist curious.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 8:29 am

"We were just about to join you at the table Gurdio." replayed Gurney. “Nothing big, though I do wish to talk about the woman from earlier this night.”

He took another step towards the table where Magus and Mursalin still sat, and then he turned back and nodded towards Gurdio and Acolytus. “Are you gonna stand there all night or what?”

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 8:49 am

"Hey, hey, take it easy mister. If it wasn't for your help earlier this evening it would have left...."

Muttering and cursing, Gurdio took a chair, joining the others again.

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 10:34 am

He took another step towards the table where Magus and Mursalin still sat, and then he turned back and nodded towards Gurdio and Acolytus. “Are you gonna stand there all night or what?”

“Yes. I suppose you’re right,” Acolytus replied.

Acolytus, while making his way towards the table, pondered why he has been brought to this inn at this time, as opposed to spending the night at his friend’s house on the other side of the river. Why on this day, with these people, with the incidents that have all occurred so fast?

“Hey, hey, take it easy mister. If it wasn't for your help earlier this evening it would have left...."

Acolytus thought, and said aloud, “It?….What are you referring to, frien…” Acolytus paused. “....Sir?”

Acolytus took his seat again.

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 10:43 am

"It....like in, the gnome you are looking at right now". For Selune's sake, do I really have to justify everything I say or do. First the incident, now my vocabulary. Where will this end? Me justifying breathing?". sighted Gurdio.

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 12:37 pm

Magus noticed Acolytus’s jaw clench angrily. He quickly broke in. “Easy there, friend,” he said to Gurdio, at once sympathetic and admonishing. “No need to get excited. It has been an eventful night, and your slip simply aroused a bit of curiosity, is all. One inquisitive person can’t begrudge another, can he?” he finished smoothly, nodding at Acolytus. Then he took a sip of wine and with a gesture invited Gurdio to take a seat.

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Wed Feb 19, 2003 1:08 pm

Acolytus took note of Gurdio’s strange defensive position.

“Hrm…I was not interrogating you. I am a foreigner to referring to one’s self as it. I am sorry if you feel I was attacking you. I think you’ve had a harsh night. Maybe a few drops of ale and a nights rest will return you to a more sensible mood.”

Acolytus motioned for Gurdio to sit down after Magus’ invitation and nod.

CM · Post by CM » Wed Feb 19, 2003 1:33 pm

Completely shocked and confused by the whole incident. Mursalin was curt and to the point. "What in Helms name was that and why are people so calm about it? And what is the bloody noise?"

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 7:17 am

Unsure to what noise Marsalin was referring, Gurney decided not to respond. In fact, he decided to leave the matter for what it was and change the subject in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“So… what did you guys make of the lady earlier on? I thought she was pretty hot, in a queen on the undead type of way.” He laughed and leaned back in his chair. “I wonder what she was up to though.”

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 7:22 am

"Well, it seemed Harnan knows more about it. May be we should invite him to our conversation."

Gurdio nodded to Harnan, who came over as quickly as possible.

"Now, please tell us, what do you know about that lady."

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Thu Feb 20, 2003 9:02 am

Nervously Harnan moved from one foot to another, staring at his shoes the whole time.
"Euh... what lady? Many women come in here on a night like this.. I...I don’t know nothing." He looked across the room “Look, people want to order, I got work to do.”

Hoping he had talked himself out of it, Harnan tried to walk away. Quickly Gurney grabbed him by his arm. “Come on now Harnan, tell us what you know.”

Unable to leave, Harnan looked at the men at the table, only to get one and the same response. “Answer the man’s question Harnan.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll tell you what I know.
Her name is Serena. And a long time ago, when I was still young, I worked as a cook at the de ‘Arnise Hold. Her father worked there too, as a guard that is. A respected guard too, a lieutenant or something; I’m not sure. Sometimes he even got the privilege of acting as the personal guard of the countess, the lord’s wife.
Since he was close to her so many times, he started getting feelings for her; couldn’t blame him about that, she was a very attractive woman. The countess was smart too and she noticed this change in him; told him that they could never be. She loved the lord much, I know she did. She never told the lord about the man’s feelings though.

Time had gone by and he grew and both rank and status. But he started misusing the trust the lord had put in him. He started stealing from the lord and he abused his status outside of the castle walls; abusing the peasants and all… pretty nasty stuff. He got away with all of it, and like with all wrong do’ers; he thought himself to be untouchable. Until in the end, he went too far.

When the countess went on a hunting trip, he acted as her guard; like he had done many times before. This time was different though, his unanswered love had taken serious forms and a twisted thought swirled around in his sick mind. In an unexpected moment he overpowered the poor woman, and as he was far stronger then her; there was nothing she could do to stop him. He took advantage of her that day; you know what I mean… He thought that he would get away with it. Thinking his lord would never act against him, of course the lord did; justice had to be served.

Serena’s father got punished in a horrible way. But the seed had already been sown. For her mother was the countess…

The lord didn’t acknowledge her as his child though; he had her locked away deep in a dungeon specially build for her, Serena was his greatest shame. No one was allowed to see her, no one but me. I was the cook and after all, she still needed to eat.
There was nothing for her to do down there, no friends or stuff to play with… nothing. All she did to keep herself busy involved magic, making magic figures in the air; I think she was very gifted. But I know nothing of the matter. No one told her how to do it or anything, I think she taught herself.

I couldn’t bear to live with it, so I left. I’m still ashamed of that. I should have stood up against the lord about this injustice, but I was too afraid. She was too young to still remember me, but I remember her like it was yesterday. She’s a lot older now, but I recognised her. I’m sure it’s her.

I have no idea how she got out of that hell or what she is up to now though.”

During the story, Gurney had released Harnan’s arm. And right after the story Harnan took a step back and turned around. “That’s all I know. Please, leave me be now.” Then he walked over to the bar and sat down behind it burying his face in his hands. The memories made old feelings live up again.

“So much for lifting the mod a little.” Gurney thought to himself.

Tybaltus · Post by **Tybaltus** » Sat Feb 22, 2003 1:09 am

Upon hearing Harnan’s story, Acolytus lost all focus of his surroundings, as if the only thing worthy of attention was that woman and what could have possibly gone wrong.

“Gods…,” Acolytus said in shock. “If this woman had such a traumatic life early on, then the repercussions could be astoundingly horrendous. Only one with strong willpower and a strong soul can endure such pains. Believe me….I know. I have seen treachery. I have seen pain. I have seen death upon death. Loves lost. I hold on to what I can,” Acolytus paused to pet Greppun on his head. “But this woman…she has seen horrors; been through horrors. She lived in a nightmare.” Acolytus stopped his movements and petting. “What happens if she couldn’t handle what she saw?”

Acolytus gazed into the eyes of Gurney. “What happens?” Acolytus swayed his head towards Mursalin. “Well what? What could this woman do?”

Acolytus shook his head in disbelief, while he gathered his composure. “She is a disturbance to the balance, if she is what I fear.” Acolytus stopped. “I fear we have breached a point where we are far beyond the point of return.”

CM · Post by CM » Sun Feb 23, 2003 12:15 pm

As Acolytus rambled on, Mursalin was preoccupied with other thoughts. He had been doing something before the woman walked in. Ah yes he finally remembered, the barbarian was still tied up outside, what had become of him?

Mursalin left his set without a word and strode outside to see what had become of the barbarian.

==========
OOC There is a worg outside right?

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue Feb 25, 2003 4:17 am

As Mursalin gently opened the front door to a crack, he saw no sign of the barbarian. He had given up hope about the poor guy being alive when he noticed that there was no blood spilled or chewed on bones anywhere.

Many of the worgs had gathered far enough from the Inn, they were eating a cow which hadn’t been locked in safely. This allowed Mursalin to venture outside a bit, there was no sign of the barbarian to be seen anywhere.
One of the wors remained in front of the Inn though. It didn’t seem to notice Mursalin though; it was interested in something else. The beast jumped up snapping with his big muzzle at something.

Curious to what the worg was interested in, Mursalin looked up and saw the barbarian pressed up with his legs and his back between two pillars supporting the roof in the Inn. The barbarian stared at Mursalin in panic, unable to speak because of a gag in his mouth.

It was quite an effort getting way up there all tied up, but it was the only way for the barbarian to stay out of the range of the worg.

Rudar Dimble · Post by **Rudar Dimble** » Wed Feb 26, 2003 8:45 am

When Gurdio thought Mursalin was taking a bit too long to come back, he ran outside to see what kept him busy all this time.

He noticed Human Paladin staring at two pillars that hold the roof of the inn. What Gurdio saw there was both sad and comical. The tied up barbarian was trying to save his own life in a very unusual manner, pressed up between the two pillars.

Curious about how a paladin would deal with such a delicate problem, Gurdio stood there, waiting and trying to conseal his laugh...

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Wed Feb 26, 2003 11:18 pm

A sober feeling lingered in Magus as the tale ended, though he wondered as to its truthfulness. He had heard far too many tall tales in such places to trust such a story on faith alone. Yet it had the ring of truth, and in the barkeep’s eyes shone the sorrow of painful memories, and the unmistakable grief of regret. Either this man was a phenomenal performer, or the tale bore truth. Or, Magus corrected himself, he thinks he tells the truth. For even amongst the guileless the mind was a slippery thing, and memory was not always faithful. But if the story was true…then that woman could be dangerous. Given what the woman herself had let slip, he couldn’t afford to ignore this new evidence…especially if, as he suspected, this woman was not out for mere retribution…but for blood. There was no question now as to what had to be done. One way or the other, more innocents could not be allowed to come to harm.

As the last of his wine dwindled, Magus watched as first Mursalin and then Gurdio disappeared through the doorway. Curious, and finding his wine glass thoroughly empty, Magus followed. As he stepped outside, the irony of the situation immediately struck him, and he couldn’t keep from shaking his head, a small grin on his face. Nonetheless, he couldn’t just stand by and watch such a pitiful spectacle. All serious, he looked at the paladin, who seemed ready to charge the vicious-looking worg. “Wait.” Magus whispered, grabbing his arm lightly. “You lure it away, and I’ll get the guy out of there.” Mursalin looked skeptical. “Hurry!” Magus added. “Before the commotion draws more of them.”