The group headed out of the gate, and into the forest beyond. They guessed that they would reach the Bal'nur caves by nightfall. Kitty walked silently besides Sytze, not saying a word. Her mind was preoccupied with other things.
Kitty couldn't quite come to terms with the fact that Stanislav had been captured. She had always seen him as someone who would always be there, no matter what happened; someone who could never be toppled. She mentally cursed herself. She shouldn't have been so selfish and blind. If she hadn't been so selfish and told Stanislav that she didn't love him, then none of theis would have never happened. If she had not rejected him, then he would not have tried to kill himself. If that had not happened, then they would have left Marith already.
She closed her eyes, rubbed them, then opened them again. There was no point on dwelling on what has already happened. You can never change what is in the past, as her mother used to tell her. You did what you could in the present, to try and change what could happen in the future. You did whatever was in your powers, and moved on. No point in upsetting the Balance trying to change the irrevocable.
Nobody said much as they marched on. Kitty kept her eyes firmly on the road, not looking at anything or anyone else. Sytze was walking next to her, occasionally looking over at her; but otherwise paying complete attention to his surroundings, in case he managed to catch sight of Stanislav or of the mage who captured him. Duncan was dividing his attention between his owl and his surroundings. He was speaking softly to the owl, and occasionally feeding tidbits of meat to it. Salem was walking in the lead. He was looking around for landmarks that they had seen near the Bal'nur caves. Behind them all was Rethne. Kitty, who was beginning to feel a bond of friendship forming between her and the halfling, could her Rethne muttering to herself. Normally, some of the stuff that Rethne was saying would have made her laugh. Today, she all but ignored the halfling's grumblings.
It was already nightfall when they reached the Bal'nur caves. As promised, Phraen was there waiting for them. Kitty wordlessly walked over to the large wolf and hugged him. It was too dark to see, by now, so they decided to camp outside for the night, and continue the search in the morning, when they had more light to see by. Kitty wasn't too thrilled by this idea, but she kept her thoughts to herself. Instead, she went near a tree, and started to set up her things for the night. Phraen came over and lay down next ot her things, and started to watch her unpack with a mild interest.
<You don't need to worry, Kit. I caught his scent at the cave entrance. It's not that strong, so he's probably deeper inside the caves. We'll find him, Kit. Don't worry.>
Kitty nodded, biting her lip. <Too late for that warning. I'm already worried as hell. I don't think Stan's been up against a mage before; at least not on his own. I'm not really sure if he's ever been told how to face one. You know, where exactly to strike a mage; what they're weak points are. And how to go about exhausting them without getting killed first, or how to break they're concentration. That sort of thing>
Phraen let out a wolfish snort. <Like I said, Kit, don't worry about it. Even if Stan doesn't know all that, he's still strong. He'll find a way to break a wizard without getting killed first. So stop worrying yourself to death, and get some sleep. You won't be able to do anything if you're just a tired druid.>
Kitty nodded, and went back to setting up camp. When she was done, she sat down on her bedroll, staring off in to space. When Duncan was done unpacking, he walked over with his owl, and sat down next to her.
"I know this is a very bad time right now, but I was curious. What kind of owl is he, do you think?" The kensai asked her.
Kitty studied the hatchling. "Huh. I can't really tell from the markings. But it's too large for most of the breeds I'm familiar with. I'm betting it's a giant owl. They're the only breed I can think of that would be this large, even just after hatching." She was quiet for a moment. "What are you going to call him, Duncan? He's going to need a name."
Duncan nodded. "I know. I'm going to call him Asriel, after my grandfather."
Kitty managed a weak grin. She was becoming more copmfortable around the other members. "It's a very nice name," She told him.
"Thanks," he told her. They sat there in silence for a little while longer. Duncan bade her goodnight, and was about to stand up when he froze. Sounds were coming from the caves. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked to see what was going on. "Not again! Salem groaned. Kitty reached for her staff, prepared for anything.
Board Story - The story
-
werebeargoddess
- Posts: 1096
- Joined: Sat May 01, 2004 9:05 am
- Location: Stargazing in a field
- Contact:
-
Demortis
- Posts: 3421
- Joined: Wed Jul 21, 2004 1:33 pm
- Location: The other side of the red dot.
- Contact:
While all the events out side took place, a lone creature is seen caged, in a dark cave. He is a Thri-Kreen, a mantis like creature with four arms, and two legs. He has two large eyes and a set of mandibles. His “skin” is a sandy-yellow; he also has two antennae on top of his head. He wears the clothing of a simple monk altered enough for his unusual frame.
“What have I done to deserve this?” Demorte asks himself. “Why am I here, I have done nothing to this mage and yet he keeps me caged.”
The sound of footsteps comes closer to the cage.
“You have a new friend, you ugly insect. Try not to eat him. I must torture him. To find out why he and his friends stole my amulet.” The mage says.
The mage opens the cage door and throws in a large human body. Closing the door he makes arcane gestures, then leaves. Demorte looks over at the abnormally large human male.
“Great, more company and I don’t think that he has any beer on him.” Demorte says.
Demorte walks over to check if the man needs any help.
“Well, he doesn’t appear to be hurt in anyway. Hey, hey are you alright?” Demorte asks him, while shaking him to make sure he is conscious.
“Huh, where am I. And what in the great Gods names are you?” Stan asks.
“Me? What you have never seen a giant mantis before? But, just calm down. I am guessing you did something to that mage to anger him?” Demorte asks.
“Well yes and no.” Stan tells of what had happened when the first encountered the amulet.
“Ah, hasn’t anyone ever taught you, not to steal from a mage?” Demorte asks.
“What? No I have been a slave most of my life.” Stan replies.
“My apologies, I did not know.” Demorte says.
“It is fine now help me find a way out of here.” Stan says while testing the cage for weaknesses.
“If it were as easy as breaking one of the bars…” Demorte starts to say but is cut of by the sound of a bar from the cage being broken.
“well I’ll be a son of a human. How did you break that bar?” Demorte asks.
“It was easy, apply enough pressure to something and it breaks right? A friend taught me that.” Stan replies.
“I must not have been strong enough. But, enough talk let’s get out of here. I need a drink bad.” Demorte says.
The two exit their cage, and head down a hall way.
“I need my equipment.” Stan whispers.
“As do I, I think there is a storage room around here somewhere.” Demorte whispers back.
The two begin searching the area for the storage area. After a short time searching they come across two skeleton guards patrolling the cave.
“What in the name of…” Stan starts out.
“Shh, they are the undead, doomed to walk this land by some unholy force. We need not alert them yet. They maybe the mages protectors.” Demorte cautions.
Demorte motions for Stan to flatten agenst the wall. The guards’ walk passed with out noticing the two.
“That would have been close. Now pay attention. Stick to the shadows, and try to stay quite. We do not need every guard in the cavern to come down on us. From the looks of things you don’t have the strength, and I cannot protect us both right now. Remember; stay quite and in the shadows.” Demorte orders.
Stan nods and follows Demorte. The two enter a large room filled with old junk that had been gathered over the years. Stan notices his twin gladii and armor. He then dons his equipment and nods to Demorte that he is ready. Demorte looks around and finds his set of prayer beads, and his pack.
“Do you have everything?” Demorte asks.
“Yes I believe so. Now let’s find that mage I want to finish what I started.” Stan says.
“No, we must leave this place and find help. We are not strong enough to defeat this foe.” Demorte says.
“What? Retreat. Never, I will kill this mage for threating Kitty.” Stan says loudly.
“Keep it down. We don’t need to alert the guards. Besides think of it this way, its not retreating, it’s a tactical maneuver allowing us to gather forces.” Demorte says.
“We are still running from a fight, that we can win!” Stan says.
“You obviously have never faced a mage before in the coliseum have you? Mages wield magic. A Force you cannot possibly stop. Therefore logic, dictates that we must survive and leave this place in order to comeback with reinforcements. I for one want to see this guy fry for doing horrible tests on my kin. But I will not be stupid enough to fight him alone. We need more help that’s all there is to it. You can sit here and get yourself killed over a woman, but I am leaving this place with or with out you. Its your choice.” Demorte states.
“How did you know I was a gladiator? I never said anything.” Stan says.
“Later, but now we must leave or be discovered missing.” Demorte says.
“What have I done to deserve this?” Demorte asks himself. “Why am I here, I have done nothing to this mage and yet he keeps me caged.”
The sound of footsteps comes closer to the cage.
“You have a new friend, you ugly insect. Try not to eat him. I must torture him. To find out why he and his friends stole my amulet.” The mage says.
The mage opens the cage door and throws in a large human body. Closing the door he makes arcane gestures, then leaves. Demorte looks over at the abnormally large human male.
“Great, more company and I don’t think that he has any beer on him.” Demorte says.
Demorte walks over to check if the man needs any help.
“Well, he doesn’t appear to be hurt in anyway. Hey, hey are you alright?” Demorte asks him, while shaking him to make sure he is conscious.
“Huh, where am I. And what in the great Gods names are you?” Stan asks.
“Me? What you have never seen a giant mantis before? But, just calm down. I am guessing you did something to that mage to anger him?” Demorte asks.
“Well yes and no.” Stan tells of what had happened when the first encountered the amulet.
“Ah, hasn’t anyone ever taught you, not to steal from a mage?” Demorte asks.
“What? No I have been a slave most of my life.” Stan replies.
“My apologies, I did not know.” Demorte says.
“It is fine now help me find a way out of here.” Stan says while testing the cage for weaknesses.
“If it were as easy as breaking one of the bars…” Demorte starts to say but is cut of by the sound of a bar from the cage being broken.
“well I’ll be a son of a human. How did you break that bar?” Demorte asks.
“It was easy, apply enough pressure to something and it breaks right? A friend taught me that.” Stan replies.
“I must not have been strong enough. But, enough talk let’s get out of here. I need a drink bad.” Demorte says.
The two exit their cage, and head down a hall way.
“I need my equipment.” Stan whispers.
“As do I, I think there is a storage room around here somewhere.” Demorte whispers back.
The two begin searching the area for the storage area. After a short time searching they come across two skeleton guards patrolling the cave.
“What in the name of…” Stan starts out.
“Shh, they are the undead, doomed to walk this land by some unholy force. We need not alert them yet. They maybe the mages protectors.” Demorte cautions.
Demorte motions for Stan to flatten agenst the wall. The guards’ walk passed with out noticing the two.
“That would have been close. Now pay attention. Stick to the shadows, and try to stay quite. We do not need every guard in the cavern to come down on us. From the looks of things you don’t have the strength, and I cannot protect us both right now. Remember; stay quite and in the shadows.” Demorte orders.
Stan nods and follows Demorte. The two enter a large room filled with old junk that had been gathered over the years. Stan notices his twin gladii and armor. He then dons his equipment and nods to Demorte that he is ready. Demorte looks around and finds his set of prayer beads, and his pack.
“Do you have everything?” Demorte asks.
“Yes I believe so. Now let’s find that mage I want to finish what I started.” Stan says.
“No, we must leave this place and find help. We are not strong enough to defeat this foe.” Demorte says.
“What? Retreat. Never, I will kill this mage for threating Kitty.” Stan says loudly.
“Keep it down. We don’t need to alert the guards. Besides think of it this way, its not retreating, it’s a tactical maneuver allowing us to gather forces.” Demorte says.
“We are still running from a fight, that we can win!” Stan says.
“You obviously have never faced a mage before in the coliseum have you? Mages wield magic. A Force you cannot possibly stop. Therefore logic, dictates that we must survive and leave this place in order to comeback with reinforcements. I for one want to see this guy fry for doing horrible tests on my kin. But I will not be stupid enough to fight him alone. We need more help that’s all there is to it. You can sit here and get yourself killed over a woman, but I am leaving this place with or with out you. Its your choice.” Demorte states.
“How did you know I was a gladiator? I never said anything.” Stan says.
“Later, but now we must leave or be discovered missing.” Demorte says.
Zombies are not real! The Government is still doin Human trails!
Have you ever wondered why, in a dream you can touch a falling sky? Or fly to the heavens that watch over you. - Godsmack
Have you ever wondered why, in a dream you can touch a falling sky? Or fly to the heavens that watch over you. - Godsmack
-
Golden Lion 86
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:15 pm
- Contact:
The Great Escape
Demorte and Stanislav were making their way through a labyrinth of traps, corridors, and guards. A few traps managed to harm them just a little, but not enough to hinder their progress. Half a dozen guards had been encountered and dispatched, and the two captives were close to the exit.
Then, they came to a large, well-lit room with two pedestals in the middle. On one pedestal was a glowing flask of ale. On the other, a pair of finely-crafted scimitars.
"Hold!" Demorte said. "Look! Ale and swords! Good... though a bit ridiculous."
"And suspicious..." Stanislav said. "Those are some nice scimitars, though. And you have been complaining about your thirst for hours now! Why did you not drink at the large fountain we passed? I had a boatload and nothing happened to me!"
"I do not drink such filth!" Demorte said indignantly. "Only ale!"
"And I do not drink spirits at all!" Stanislav said with a grin. "What a pair we make!"
Stanislav walked over to the pedestal with the scimitars and grabbed a hold of one. It was light, strong, and sharp. He made a few slices through the air, testing its balance, and suddenly, it began to glow orange. Stanislav felt lighter and faster somehow. He grabbed the other scimitar and ran to the nearest wall. He ran up the wall for as long as gravity took to get a hold of him, and backflipped off of it, slicing the air with his new swords.
Demorte, in the meantime, went for the ale, and drank some. The bottle did not decrease in mass, and demorte took another sip, and another. Finally, he had drunk the contents of the entire bottle, yet the ale kept coming! The ale made Demorte feel whole again. He strapped the flask to his belt and called to Stanislav.
"Come on!" he said. "We had better leave now before the mage finds us! These gifts must be a tool of some kind that he uses to track us, yet they did not kill us. Perhaps he is willing to let us go? Regardless, we must escape!"
"Agreed!" Stanislav said. Perhaps we will see him again, and then we can repay the favor."
With that, they were off. They made their way outside the lair, and into the open sun. After a few hours of travel, they stumbled upon the others, going toward the cave.
"Well I'll be damned!" Duncan said. "Who's that with you, Stan?"
"Demorte," Stanislav replied. "He is Thri-Kreen. Something like a giant mantis, he says."
"Yup." Demorte said. "Well, it looks like we have a nice, full party here. Now, perhaps, we can go give that mage a dose of retribution."
Sytze grinned, as did Duncan and Stanislav.
"Tell me, Stan," Duncan asked. "Are there any more of those in there?" he pointed to Stanislav's scimitars. "Perhaps this mage would be kind enough to give us a little something for our troubles?"
"I'll take his head!" Kitty said. "You can keep the loot."
With that, the party set out toward the cave, but when they got there, they found a large force of skeletons armed and ready to greet them.
Demorte and Stanislav were making their way through a labyrinth of traps, corridors, and guards. A few traps managed to harm them just a little, but not enough to hinder their progress. Half a dozen guards had been encountered and dispatched, and the two captives were close to the exit.
Then, they came to a large, well-lit room with two pedestals in the middle. On one pedestal was a glowing flask of ale. On the other, a pair of finely-crafted scimitars.
"Hold!" Demorte said. "Look! Ale and swords! Good... though a bit ridiculous."
"And suspicious..." Stanislav said. "Those are some nice scimitars, though. And you have been complaining about your thirst for hours now! Why did you not drink at the large fountain we passed? I had a boatload and nothing happened to me!"
"I do not drink such filth!" Demorte said indignantly. "Only ale!"
"And I do not drink spirits at all!" Stanislav said with a grin. "What a pair we make!"
Stanislav walked over to the pedestal with the scimitars and grabbed a hold of one. It was light, strong, and sharp. He made a few slices through the air, testing its balance, and suddenly, it began to glow orange. Stanislav felt lighter and faster somehow. He grabbed the other scimitar and ran to the nearest wall. He ran up the wall for as long as gravity took to get a hold of him, and backflipped off of it, slicing the air with his new swords.
Demorte, in the meantime, went for the ale, and drank some. The bottle did not decrease in mass, and demorte took another sip, and another. Finally, he had drunk the contents of the entire bottle, yet the ale kept coming! The ale made Demorte feel whole again. He strapped the flask to his belt and called to Stanislav.
"Come on!" he said. "We had better leave now before the mage finds us! These gifts must be a tool of some kind that he uses to track us, yet they did not kill us. Perhaps he is willing to let us go? Regardless, we must escape!"
"Agreed!" Stanislav said. Perhaps we will see him again, and then we can repay the favor."
With that, they were off. They made their way outside the lair, and into the open sun. After a few hours of travel, they stumbled upon the others, going toward the cave.
"Well I'll be damned!" Duncan said. "Who's that with you, Stan?"
"Demorte," Stanislav replied. "He is Thri-Kreen. Something like a giant mantis, he says."
"Yup." Demorte said. "Well, it looks like we have a nice, full party here. Now, perhaps, we can go give that mage a dose of retribution."
Sytze grinned, as did Duncan and Stanislav.
"Tell me, Stan," Duncan asked. "Are there any more of those in there?" he pointed to Stanislav's scimitars. "Perhaps this mage would be kind enough to give us a little something for our troubles?"
"I'll take his head!" Kitty said. "You can keep the loot."
With that, the party set out toward the cave, but when they got there, they found a large force of skeletons armed and ready to greet them.
Taste my Leonine Fury, mortals! 
-
werebeargoddess
- Posts: 1096
- Joined: Sat May 01, 2004 9:05 am
- Location: Stargazing in a field
- Contact:
The group barely had time to draw their weapons before the skeletons charged them. Then the skeletons were among them, forcing them to fight. The skeletons were not strong, luckily, and were dropped to the ground quickly. Nobody had sustained serious injuries, so they headed for the entrance to the cave. Before they could reach the entrance and step through the caves, however, a voice sounded out from behind them, causing everyone to stop, and twirl around.
“Ho, my friends, where are you going on such a fine day?”
Everyone stared. In front of them stood a tall man, close to six feet. He wore the bright, colorful clothing of a bard. He was rather lean and muscular, and had the beginnings of a mustache. His face was lit up in a bright smile. He seemed friendly enough, putting everyone a little at ease. Suddenly, Kitty’s eyes narrowed in recognization as she yelled out,
“Moose the 23rd, what ARE you doing out of jail? You are supposed to be there for at least another year!”
Everyone looked a little startled, even the man. Sytze said to her in an undertone,
Kit, you know this man? Have you met him before?”
Kitty nodded in reply, keeping her voice equally low. “Yes, actually, I do. Years ago he would visit my village with his father, Moose the 22nd, as he trained would-be adventurers. But then, the thief you see in front of us started coming on his own. A couple of years ago he got sent to prison for stealing.” Kitty shrugged. “It’s surprising he hasn’t gotten killed yet, actually. Most of his ancestors got killed by the group they were traveling with for stealing and such. Moose the first, if I remember correctly, got killed by his traveling group for pickpocketting one of the group members. Moose the second I think got killed for raiding through their stuff. Moose the third got killed for the sake of it, before he tried something.”
“Perhaps we should do the same with this Moose, just to make sure?” Sytze asked, though Kitty shook her head.
“No, not yet anyways. Yes, he has stolen some, but who knows? He may just end up like his father, and be good for a change. And he might not even want to come with us at all.”
Sytze nodded, though Kitty could tell that he was unsure. By now, however, Moose the 23rd had regained his posture, and was even peering at Kitty, as though he knew her, and was trying to recognize her. Suddenly, he gave a gasp of surprise and happiness as he did so.
“Ah, Kitty Johannson! Such a pleasure it is to see you! It has, my dear, been far too long since I last saw you. You are a beautiful young woman, as always.”
Sytze made as to deal with Moose, but Kitty stayed him by putting her hand on his shoulder.
“Last time I checked, Moose, you were seeking to court my sister, not me, and thought that I was little more than a bar wench. And besides, it is not my fault you decided to get yourself landed in jail in the first place.”
Moose winced, and both Sytze and Stanislav this time made strangling noises in their throats. Kitty still had her hand firmly on Sytze’s shoulder, and she gave Stanislav a look that silenced him, though she could tell that both men were getting rather annoyed with Moose, and wanted now to do something about it. After a few moments, Moose collected himself and continued on, though this time he looked a little flushed.
“Well, with that aside, I… I was wondering if, well, if I could travel with you for a while.”
Everyone looked rather surprised at this, and did not know what to say. But then, Salem walked forward and said,
“We appreciate the offer, Moose the 23rd, but we need some time to think on it. If you give us a couple days, and meet us back in Marith, we will tell you then.”
Moose nodded after a moment, and left, giving Kitty a wink as he did so. After he was out of sight, everyone immediately relaxed, then turned to Kitty for explanation.”
“Kitty,” asked Duncan, who was that, dare I ask?”
Kitty sighed. “That, my friends, was Moose the 23rd. He is descended from a long line of thieves. He is usually well intentioned. But I’m afraid that his…talents sometimes get the better of him. I’m just surprised that he has survived as long as he has. Most of his ancestors got killed pretty quickly. He could just simply be like his father, Moose the 22nd, and not as quick to steal.”
Stanislav’s brow was furrowed. “Kitty, why the heck did he speak to you like that I mean, I thought…”
Kitty only chuckled. “Stan, there is no need to worry. Moose has never been interested in me, or I in him. He was always going after one of my sisters or cousins. Before now, he hardly spared me a second glance.”
Stansislav chuckled as well, walking easier. After a few minutes, Rethne clapped her hands and said,
“Well then! Enough gibber gabbering, I say. Shall we get a move on, then?”
With a nod, they all began into the cave.
“Ho, my friends, where are you going on such a fine day?”
Everyone stared. In front of them stood a tall man, close to six feet. He wore the bright, colorful clothing of a bard. He was rather lean and muscular, and had the beginnings of a mustache. His face was lit up in a bright smile. He seemed friendly enough, putting everyone a little at ease. Suddenly, Kitty’s eyes narrowed in recognization as she yelled out,
“Moose the 23rd, what ARE you doing out of jail? You are supposed to be there for at least another year!”
Everyone looked a little startled, even the man. Sytze said to her in an undertone,
Kit, you know this man? Have you met him before?”
Kitty nodded in reply, keeping her voice equally low. “Yes, actually, I do. Years ago he would visit my village with his father, Moose the 22nd, as he trained would-be adventurers. But then, the thief you see in front of us started coming on his own. A couple of years ago he got sent to prison for stealing.” Kitty shrugged. “It’s surprising he hasn’t gotten killed yet, actually. Most of his ancestors got killed by the group they were traveling with for stealing and such. Moose the first, if I remember correctly, got killed by his traveling group for pickpocketting one of the group members. Moose the second I think got killed for raiding through their stuff. Moose the third got killed for the sake of it, before he tried something.”
“Perhaps we should do the same with this Moose, just to make sure?” Sytze asked, though Kitty shook her head.
“No, not yet anyways. Yes, he has stolen some, but who knows? He may just end up like his father, and be good for a change. And he might not even want to come with us at all.”
Sytze nodded, though Kitty could tell that he was unsure. By now, however, Moose the 23rd had regained his posture, and was even peering at Kitty, as though he knew her, and was trying to recognize her. Suddenly, he gave a gasp of surprise and happiness as he did so.
“Ah, Kitty Johannson! Such a pleasure it is to see you! It has, my dear, been far too long since I last saw you. You are a beautiful young woman, as always.”
Sytze made as to deal with Moose, but Kitty stayed him by putting her hand on his shoulder.
“Last time I checked, Moose, you were seeking to court my sister, not me, and thought that I was little more than a bar wench. And besides, it is not my fault you decided to get yourself landed in jail in the first place.”
Moose winced, and both Sytze and Stanislav this time made strangling noises in their throats. Kitty still had her hand firmly on Sytze’s shoulder, and she gave Stanislav a look that silenced him, though she could tell that both men were getting rather annoyed with Moose, and wanted now to do something about it. After a few moments, Moose collected himself and continued on, though this time he looked a little flushed.
“Well, with that aside, I… I was wondering if, well, if I could travel with you for a while.”
Everyone looked rather surprised at this, and did not know what to say. But then, Salem walked forward and said,
“We appreciate the offer, Moose the 23rd, but we need some time to think on it. If you give us a couple days, and meet us back in Marith, we will tell you then.”
Moose nodded after a moment, and left, giving Kitty a wink as he did so. After he was out of sight, everyone immediately relaxed, then turned to Kitty for explanation.”
“Kitty,” asked Duncan, who was that, dare I ask?”
Kitty sighed. “That, my friends, was Moose the 23rd. He is descended from a long line of thieves. He is usually well intentioned. But I’m afraid that his…talents sometimes get the better of him. I’m just surprised that he has survived as long as he has. Most of his ancestors got killed pretty quickly. He could just simply be like his father, Moose the 22nd, and not as quick to steal.”
Stanislav’s brow was furrowed. “Kitty, why the heck did he speak to you like that I mean, I thought…”
Kitty only chuckled. “Stan, there is no need to worry. Moose has never been interested in me, or I in him. He was always going after one of my sisters or cousins. Before now, he hardly spared me a second glance.”
Stansislav chuckled as well, walking easier. After a few minutes, Rethne clapped her hands and said,
“Well then! Enough gibber gabbering, I say. Shall we get a move on, then?”
With a nod, they all began into the cave.
I wanted to change my sig, but I can't think of anything to change it to
“Why are we walking through this cave again?” Sytze murmured softly as they walked through the dark tunnels, the light of a small torch guiding them past the darkness.
“Because we want retribution,” Kitty replied quick and firmly. Looking sideways at the complaining ranger.
Surprised, Sytze looked up, directly in Kitty’s pale blue eyes. He had not expected an answer from anyone. Like always, he was having a discussion with himself, weighing the advantages and the disadvantages. It was actually more than logical that everyone wanted to have revenge. Well, not everyone. Rethne was obviously there for the loot and why Demorte, the strange looking insect of whom Sytze knew nothing about, was coming along, and, more importantly, was allowed to come along, he didn’t knew either. That was of later consequences though, he would deal with it on a better time than this.
No, he knew perfectly well why they were walking through these narrow tunnels. The heavy, dark and damp air was obstructing his vision, yet the young archer could clearly see the determined and angry expressions on his friends’ faces. But that determination didn’t put his mind at ease, not at all.
“And what if this retribution of yours, of ours, will become our death, Kit?” He asked after a long pause.
Kitty suddenly widened her eyes. Kit? No one ever calls me kit, except for Phraen.
“I mean, it’s not like this will be a fight we can easily win,” Sytze continued, a bit oblivious to Kitty’s thoughts. He stared to the ground and sighed. “I know why you want revenge, it is as clear as the daylight outside, but don’t you think this is an unnecessary risk we’re taking here?”
“Not at all. But if you don’t agree, you can always wait outside,” she snapped back, slightly irritated and angry because of this sudden inquisition.
Sytze frowned at her, before narrowing his eyes and paying attention to the surroundings again. He had not expected this reaction. “Fine,” he whispered irritated, inaudible to everyone except Salem, who had overheard the entire conversation with his sharp elfish ears.
“Stop your bickering.” he smirked, but immediately changed his tone. “Yes, Sytze, there are dangers, but we cannot and will not let this mage walk around this land freely. You know what he is capable of, and you know what he is willing to do to the ones he captures. If that means I have to, possibly, sacrifice myself, then that is a risk I’m willing to take.” Despite his earlier self-assured expression, his voice was filled with doubt when he spoke the last sentence and his eyes were cast to the ground.
Stanislav, who had been eyeing his newly found weapon, stopped and faced the arguing adventurers. “Amen to that Salem, an evil like this should not be allowed to walk around freely.” he said to support the sorcerer.
“You are thinking about this way too much in black and white.” Sytze interjected. He knew he was fighting a losing argument, for his friends seemed quite set in their path, but that didn’t stop him from expressing his opinion and doubts. “The mage is an evil that must be stopped, verily of that, but what if we die? It is easy to say you are willing to sacrifice yourself, but are you just as willing to sacrifice your comrades?.” He paused and leaned with his back to the smooth, hard wall, while he folded his arms in front of him. “Besides, I’d rather fight the wizard on more comfortable grounds, with a bit more escape routes, than this damp, small, not so steady cave we are currently in. Outside in the forest, preferably.”
Duncan nodded silently. “You make a good point, my friend. However, that means we have to lure the mage outside. Right now we have the element of surprise on our side, I think, and that’s quite valuable as well.” Salem and Stanislav nodded in agreement.
“Well, the rest of us is going anyway, Sytze.” Kitty muttered softly, kind of regretting the way she had snapped at him a few moments ago. “If… if you do not want to come with us…” Her voiced trailed off as she realised what she was saying.
Sytze rolled his eyes and pushed himself off the wall. “Ahh shut up. Of course I will be coming with you. But you can’t blame me for trying to persuade you all to face the mage another time, can you?” He smiled jestingly and gently kissed Kitty on the lips. The softness and warmth nestled in his own and he felt his spirit rise slowly. Why didn’t he kiss her more often?
“Do that another time, will you?” Demorte hiccupped as he took another sip of his ale and grabbed his daggers with his other two arms. It all looked very strange, yet very natural at the same time. “Right now we have more important things to attend to,” he continued.
“What can be more important than this?” Kitty responded absently while she stared in Sytze’s eyes, not really caring about the answer she would get.
“Like throwing this through the wizard’s neck.” Demorte raised his arm, holding it triumphantly in the air. As he saw what he was holding up, however, his mouth fell open and he stared at it for a long time. “Err, wrong arm,” he muttered and quickly lowered his arm to have it replaced by another. This time he was holding a dagger, instead of a bottle filled with ale.
The party looked at him and laughed loudly, while Demorte shifted uncomfortably. “Hey! Such things happen if you got four arms!” he murmured, a little annoyed by the amused looks he received. Though that only led to more amusement and the bug coloured red, for as far as a creature like him could colour from shame.
“Enough of this!” Rethne suddenly said dismissively. “You people are spoiling our only advantage if you make any louder noises.” She turned around and cautiously walked further in the darkness.
“Our oh-so-pleasant thief is right,” Sytze said, still smiling. “Besides, she’s holding the torch and I would really, really hate it if we would get lost in here.” He released Kitty’s hand and walked after Rethne. “Wait for us, small one!” he shouted.
“Because we want retribution,” Kitty replied quick and firmly. Looking sideways at the complaining ranger.
Surprised, Sytze looked up, directly in Kitty’s pale blue eyes. He had not expected an answer from anyone. Like always, he was having a discussion with himself, weighing the advantages and the disadvantages. It was actually more than logical that everyone wanted to have revenge. Well, not everyone. Rethne was obviously there for the loot and why Demorte, the strange looking insect of whom Sytze knew nothing about, was coming along, and, more importantly, was allowed to come along, he didn’t knew either. That was of later consequences though, he would deal with it on a better time than this.
No, he knew perfectly well why they were walking through these narrow tunnels. The heavy, dark and damp air was obstructing his vision, yet the young archer could clearly see the determined and angry expressions on his friends’ faces. But that determination didn’t put his mind at ease, not at all.
“And what if this retribution of yours, of ours, will become our death, Kit?” He asked after a long pause.
Kitty suddenly widened her eyes. Kit? No one ever calls me kit, except for Phraen.
“I mean, it’s not like this will be a fight we can easily win,” Sytze continued, a bit oblivious to Kitty’s thoughts. He stared to the ground and sighed. “I know why you want revenge, it is as clear as the daylight outside, but don’t you think this is an unnecessary risk we’re taking here?”
“Not at all. But if you don’t agree, you can always wait outside,” she snapped back, slightly irritated and angry because of this sudden inquisition.
Sytze frowned at her, before narrowing his eyes and paying attention to the surroundings again. He had not expected this reaction. “Fine,” he whispered irritated, inaudible to everyone except Salem, who had overheard the entire conversation with his sharp elfish ears.
“Stop your bickering.” he smirked, but immediately changed his tone. “Yes, Sytze, there are dangers, but we cannot and will not let this mage walk around this land freely. You know what he is capable of, and you know what he is willing to do to the ones he captures. If that means I have to, possibly, sacrifice myself, then that is a risk I’m willing to take.” Despite his earlier self-assured expression, his voice was filled with doubt when he spoke the last sentence and his eyes were cast to the ground.
Stanislav, who had been eyeing his newly found weapon, stopped and faced the arguing adventurers. “Amen to that Salem, an evil like this should not be allowed to walk around freely.” he said to support the sorcerer.
“You are thinking about this way too much in black and white.” Sytze interjected. He knew he was fighting a losing argument, for his friends seemed quite set in their path, but that didn’t stop him from expressing his opinion and doubts. “The mage is an evil that must be stopped, verily of that, but what if we die? It is easy to say you are willing to sacrifice yourself, but are you just as willing to sacrifice your comrades?.” He paused and leaned with his back to the smooth, hard wall, while he folded his arms in front of him. “Besides, I’d rather fight the wizard on more comfortable grounds, with a bit more escape routes, than this damp, small, not so steady cave we are currently in. Outside in the forest, preferably.”
Duncan nodded silently. “You make a good point, my friend. However, that means we have to lure the mage outside. Right now we have the element of surprise on our side, I think, and that’s quite valuable as well.” Salem and Stanislav nodded in agreement.
“Well, the rest of us is going anyway, Sytze.” Kitty muttered softly, kind of regretting the way she had snapped at him a few moments ago. “If… if you do not want to come with us…” Her voiced trailed off as she realised what she was saying.
Sytze rolled his eyes and pushed himself off the wall. “Ahh shut up. Of course I will be coming with you. But you can’t blame me for trying to persuade you all to face the mage another time, can you?” He smiled jestingly and gently kissed Kitty on the lips. The softness and warmth nestled in his own and he felt his spirit rise slowly. Why didn’t he kiss her more often?
“Do that another time, will you?” Demorte hiccupped as he took another sip of his ale and grabbed his daggers with his other two arms. It all looked very strange, yet very natural at the same time. “Right now we have more important things to attend to,” he continued.
“What can be more important than this?” Kitty responded absently while she stared in Sytze’s eyes, not really caring about the answer she would get.
“Like throwing this through the wizard’s neck.” Demorte raised his arm, holding it triumphantly in the air. As he saw what he was holding up, however, his mouth fell open and he stared at it for a long time. “Err, wrong arm,” he muttered and quickly lowered his arm to have it replaced by another. This time he was holding a dagger, instead of a bottle filled with ale.
The party looked at him and laughed loudly, while Demorte shifted uncomfortably. “Hey! Such things happen if you got four arms!” he murmured, a little annoyed by the amused looks he received. Though that only led to more amusement and the bug coloured red, for as far as a creature like him could colour from shame.
“Enough of this!” Rethne suddenly said dismissively. “You people are spoiling our only advantage if you make any louder noises.” She turned around and cautiously walked further in the darkness.
“Our oh-so-pleasant thief is right,” Sytze said, still smiling. “Besides, she’s holding the torch and I would really, really hate it if we would get lost in here.” He released Kitty’s hand and walked after Rethne. “Wait for us, small one!” he shouted.
"Sometimes Dreams are wiser than waking"