Adventures of Caelereth

Leseris is a small town west of the paelelon woods. In fact, so small it isn't on any maps drawn to date. In this town is a small tavern called the Dark Dream Inn. This tavern is usually populated with people of all sorts, Elven and human alike. Sinen has just arrived in this town after many a day of long travel. Stopping shortly to inquire about an inn he comes to the Dark Dream Inn.

Oddly named inn. Wonder if it has some significance

He pushes the door open and walks inside, shutting the door behind himself. Inside the inn/tavern is lit with little in the way of lights. Many different people sit about drinking and telling all kinds of tales. Sinen makes his way to the tavern keeper,

"Sir, might I incquire as to if you would happen to have a room available?"

The man who his quite heavy set and has a short dark beard of sorts looks at him. He replies in a gruff voice.
"For a price we do."

Sinen simply produces a couple coins and gives them to the man who proceeds to point him to the stairs and tells him which room is his.

Sinen makes his way to the stairs and proceeds to go to his room to get settled in.

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Jamalian enters the strangely named inn and looks around. It wasnt too bad. It was quite old, but not all that tatty. He wasnt really interested in finding a place to sleep, just resting.
He approached the inn keeper and cleared his throat as he spoke.
"Do you have anywhere in which i can relieve myself?"
He was putting it nicely and he hoped that the man knew he was talking about.

The man tilted his head towards a staircase which lead not only to several rooms, but to a toilet.

Jamalian slowly ascended the staircase and looked around. Most rooms had signs on the doors, showing that they were taken, but a few didnt. He slowly opened the door to an empty room and entered.
The room was lovely. Nicer than most places that he had stayed in. He sat down and leaned up against the wall. He hadnt had a decent paying job for a while and couldnt afford to pay for his room. He hoped that he wouldnt be found out, for if he did, he may have to use force to escape punishment.

Sitting on the bed with her feet tucked under her, Muargath combed the last tangle out of her long, white-blonde hair.  Softly humming, she peeked into the small looking-glass that rested on her nightstand.  The face that stared back had large, dark gray eyes framed with thick lashes.  Her skin, despite spending an inordinate amount of time outdoors, was quite pale and very clear.  She smiled at her reflection- at least now she was clean!  When she got the room, she wisely had some hot water delivered so she could bathe.  It wasn't a soak in a tub, but it was sufficient.  Satisfied that she didn't look like a raggamuffin or a street-urchin any longer, she tucked the comb back into her travel bag and climbed off the bed.

She pulled on a clean, white cotton peasant-blouse and then a lightly-tanned, suede tunic over that.  Woven breeches, off white, went on next with a fit that was tighter than pants yet looser than tights.  On went woolen stockings to pad her feet and her long, soft leather boots, a close color match to the tunic.  A weathered, brown leather belt was buckled to rest on the curve of her hip, a sheath for her dagger attached to the lower side of the belt, right next to a medium sized leather pouch.  She grabbed her dagger off the bed and slipped it into the sheath while taking a last glance around the room.

When Muargath opened opened her door, she heard another door close farther down the hall.  She could also hear footsteps approaching at a casual pace.  She locked the door behind her and looked up to see an elf walking toward her.  She nodded a polite greeting to him and continued down the hall toward the stairs.  Time for a drink and a meal!  She was so looking forward to having something hot to eat, cooked in a kitchen.  Her stomach grumbled just thinking about it.

At the bottom of the stairs, Muargath paused to survey the room.  She chose an empty table by the fireplace to sit at.  When the server came by, she ordered a house meal and a glass of red wine.  While she waited for the food to be brought, she set her boots on the hearth, one boot crossed over the other and with her legs straight, to take full advantage of the warmth.  With a small smile on her lips, she kept a close eye on the room's other occupants.  

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

                The black cloaked wizard had been walking for some significantly long stretch.  
        He followed the presence within his soul like a compass bearing, where ever it lead him
        we would journey.  

                The wizard had come into eyesight of a small town up ahead.  He halted for a
        moment as he looked onward.  Was there something that he was suppose to do within
        this small town or was it just like the others he had come across before.

                The cloaked wizard continued along the path that lead to the town.  As he
        entered it he saw a glimpse of darkness within his head, vanishing as fast as it had came.  
        When the wizard regained his sight he looked forward and saw a sign, Dark Dream Inn.

                Was this another sign that the presence within him showed him when they felt
        the need to do so? Surely his visions he had been having lately we like a dark dream,
        often robbing him of his sleep and rest.

                The wizard walked onward, toward the small Inn.  He hesitated for a instant at
        the door before a cool breeze came forward and seemed to open the door for him.  
        The wizard walked within the Inn and looked about.

                The wizard was wearing a black cloak, a hood covered his face from sight but
        some details were still clear.  His silver hair seemed to flow with the presence of a
        constant cool breeze that seemed to follow him.  He carried a staff in his right hand and
        a book in his left, both seemed to radiate with a blue fire that seemed not to harm the
        wizard.

                The wizard looked about for an empty table, hopefully near a fire but it seemed
        to had been already taken by a female human.  The wizard turned his head toward a
        empty table near the far right corner, the light emanating from the fire barely reaching it,
        lighting only a few areas with it fiery glow.

                The wizard sat down, place the book he held down upon the table, its flame not
        harming the wooden table as it seemed.  He turned to the barkeep and ordered a bowl
        of warm stew and waiting for his meal to come.  He fiddled with the staff within his hand
        as he thought about the visions he had been having lately.  What would they lead to?  
        What di they mean most importantly....

Inside his room Sinen throws his pack on the bed. He Quickly undresses and cleans himself up a bit.Then dresses himself in fine green pants and a green tunic made of a rich cloth. He props his sword up by the bed-side and lays his horn of the small bedside table. He then slips on a pair of green riding boots. He slips his silver ring back on his left hand and graps his small money pouch. He walks out the door and locks it behind himself. Walking down the stairs he finds a table in the dark corner in the farthest corner to his left. He orders bowl of stew, a bit of bread, and a mug of ale. He sits down and leans back so that he is propped against the wall.The ale is brought to him quickly after it is ordered and he takes a drink then sits it on the table.

Near his table is an old man with several younger people gathered around him. Sinen can hear the old man telling stories to the younger people. For the moment he pays no attention. The old man is talking of great battles with orcs.

Sinen looks around and notices male elf dressed in a black cloak. From Sinen's perspective he would guess probably a wizard. He also notices a Female Human by the fire.

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

The road was dark and cold. Nt freezing mind you, but certainly not suited to one of the Rahaz-Dath anyway. Alef the Aj trotted briskly to the town's meager gates and the doors opened with little time wasted. Alnac looked around, seeing nought but a few broken houses and a tall stone construction which by it's apparent activity Alnac guessed to be an inn. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be just that. A large sign read The Dark Dreams Inn . Alnac gasped. Surely this was not a safe place for one of his distinguished cloth! Yet, an inn was an inn. He hitched Alef to a tall post, and Alesham purred. The small Ximax cat jumped to Alnac's shoulder and the two entered the dark inn.

He stepped carefully to the counter and ordered a room. He then took a seat, and unplugged the flask of Lord Gho's elixir. He drank sparingly, and observed tho other customers. Some of which caught his immediate attention...

---

Death is not the worst than can happen to men.
-Plato

After resting a little while, Jamalian got bored with the place. Sneaking into a room probably wasnt the most wise of ideas and killing the innkeeper just for a room would just be stupid. Plus, it would attract a lot of unwanted attention.
He decided that he had just enough money to buy a little food and then he would look for a new job.
He made his way down the creaky staircase and once again appraoched the innkeeper.
"Thank you for that. Now, id like something to eat."
He pulled a gold coin from his pocket and placed it into the soft hands of the man in front of him.
"Whatever food and drink this can buy me, ill take."Jamalian sat down at a stained, scratched table and pulled out his most prize possession, his cutting disc. The dim lighting reflected from it and made patterns of light on the ceiling. He examined the circular mithril disc with its gold trim shining brightly. It was still sharp as ever, it never seemed to get blunt.
He sat still, staring at it in content, waiting for the innkeeper to bring the food which he required.

It was the heavyset and bearded innkeeper who finally brought her the hot meal and wine she ordered.  She paid him in silver, tipping the man an extra coin as well.  Then she turned her attention to her bowl of stew- rabbit, potato, and a myriad of vegatables, all in a thick gravy.  It wasn't fancy, but it was hot and it tasted good.  The warm bread served with it was fresh too.  Her bowl was empty in  no time.

Belly full, Muargath sat back and pushed the bowl away from her just as a cloaked wizard entered the room.  Knowing he was a wizard was not a big stretch since the wizard carried a staff and book, both of which glowed with an intense blue aura.  Muargath tried not to stare, and looked into the fire instead, sipping her wine.  Then the wizard ordered a meal and that was when she figured out he was a he, and he was an elf, too.  Who was she to judge, if a body wandered about with hood drawn even indoors?  In her periphial vision, she kept a sharp note of the wizard... these types have always brought her much luck and wealth in the past...

In the background, Muargath could hear a man talking to a group of children and every once in awhile she'd overhear bits of sentences.  But she wasn't paying much mind to the storyteller.

A couple of other travelers wandered in from outside and or upstairs, but the room was far from being crowded.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

The old man near Sinen begins to tell the young people around him a new tale. One Sinen hadn't heard in many years.

---

(Old Man)

"Long ago there were eight powerful wizards that refered to themselves as the magi. They lived in a time when war and magic threatened to rip the world asunder. For fear of what may happen they used their magic to end the wars between mages and warriors"

---

Sinen goes back to eating his stew and ignores the tale for some time. He had forgotten what came nexted.

---

(Old Man)
"In desperation these eight magi crafted a stone of unimaginable power. This stone they gave the ability to heal the world's wounds, to end disease, and even to defy death itself. This stone they called the Fire Gem after it's flame red color and the magical flame that forever burns in its core. It is said that the gem was lossed soon after its creation, and the magi dissappeared from this world. It is even rumored that the gem is so place near here. Who knows if it really is."

---

After hearing this Sinen turns to the old man.

"Sir, I hate to interupt your tale, but it would seem as if you left quite a bit out. I myself cannot remember, but I swear that I heard more to it."

(Old Man) "I may have left some out, but can you fault and old man uch as myself. Besides that is all that I was ever told as a lad."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Muargath picked up on this new conversation with lackadaisical interest... at first.  Then she thought, Maybe there really is a Firegem!  I wonder...?   Glancing sideways, she saw the elf she'd passed in the hall upstairs was the one who spoke.  She casually surveyed the room to see if anyone else was listening, especially paying discrete attention to the elven wizard.

Turning her back to the fireplace, she placed her half-empty wineglass on the table before her and rested her chin on her hand, elbow propping her up.  Thus she gave the appearance of being terribly bored, even though secretly she was intrigued...

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Edited by: Muargath   at: 1/22/03 10:06:27 pm

Jamalian attached his weapon back to his belt and stared down at the dusty floor. He never had been a patient person and things werent about to change now.
He was just about to forget the food and leave when he overheard a conversation between two fellow Elves about a magical artifact.
He was taken in by the story of it straight away. Something with power so great could be just what he needed. No more work, no more travelling. He could create an empire and rule over it as a king. No longer would he be a simple rogue, but royalty instead.
He sat still, continuing to listen to this intriguing conversation.

                        The wizard sat silently in his chair eating the warm stew that had been
                sat in front of him earlier.  As the wizard listened to the various conversations
                that went on within the tavern one swayed his interest indeed.

                        As the old man had finished telling the tale the wizard sat in deep
                thought.  He was sure that he had read somewhere in the libraries of Ximax
                about a stone of immense power, many stones seemed to have been written
                about.  But he thought that he recognized the name Fire Gem.  But it had been
                forgotten by many in the world, now only a tale told by the fire as it seemed.  
                Was it true...what mysteries would it hold.  Surely if he could find such a stone
                and study it he could understand its power more and use it on his ever exodus
                quest that he was being led on through the eyes of another.

                        He watched as a man spoke up about something being forgotten with
                the tale.  The wizard knew that there was something missing but hadn’t read the
                wise words within the texts of Ximax for such a long time now had forgotten
                most of them himself.

                        The wizard now interested in what would happen next lowered his
                hood, revealing the silver hair that is tucked within the cloak he wears.  The hair
                is loose and flowing as if a constant breeze flowed about him.  Under the cloak
                surrounding the neck of the wizard a golden material seems to be worn.  It
                seems to shimmer, even within the dim light he sits in.  This only hints to the
                finest cloths the wizard wear under his cloak.  The wizard now listens even
                more in depth as he sits sipping his stew.

*Dray had been staying with a family and helping out for a few months now in the small town of Leseris. After defeated the mage at Rimmerins ring Dray had retreated from the the world and all his friends. The power within him had become dangerous to not only himself, but his friends as well and he needed to find a way to make sure he could control it. He had been traveling by himself for 2 weeks before ending up in the woods not far away from this small town. He happened to come upon a man and his young son who could not have been more than 10 years old surrounded by a group of goblins. The boy had a small dagger in his hands and one goblin lay at his feet while the father had a small sword drawn, but one arm and his head were bleeding from injuries he had sustained. The goblins were laughing and jeering at the man and his son and Dray bellowed out a challenge drawing both his blades and rushing into the fray. The goblins were caught off guard and Dray had dispatched 2 quickly. The man and boy were equally as surprised, but recovered quickly as the goblins attacked. The man fell protecting his son as Dray disptched the other goblins, exceppyt for one which ran away. Dray was about to give chase, but the boy was trying to rise his father who had fallen unconscious. Dray put his blades away and went over to the man. He had been praticing his healing arts and attempted to heal the man, but once again his magic failed him since he lacked the proper training. Dray carried to man back to his house where he was attended to. Dray felt he was to blame for the mans injureies and stayed with the family doing the duties the man would have done in his steed. The man was fully healed now and Dray had just finished teaching the boy some sword lessons and decided to head to the Dark Dream for a drink or 2. Dray entered the tavern and noticed it had a few more people than usual including a robbed gentlemen in a corner and a few elves in the room. Dray paid them no mind and headed straight to the bartender*

Bartender"Dray! hows it going today?"

"Its going well Walter is fully recovered and ready to get back to work again. It makes me feel better to know he's going to be fine."

Bartender" Now Dray you saved his life its not your fault he was injured, in fact you saved him and the boy from being killed!"

"Yes I know, but I can't help but feel responseable. I'll probally be leaving here soon too, I have to continue out into the world and see the things I have not seen yet"

Bartender Well you know you will always be welcome here Dray we are all thankful for what you did those months ago. We'll be sad to see you go.

*Dray smiles and pulls out his money pouch which had not been growing much since he had lived in this town refusing payment by the mother for his services in the Walters injured time*

Bartender"Now Dray I am not going to make you pay for you meal this time...AH! no arguing this one is on the house I'll bring you out the stew and some ale...NO arguments its the least I can do for the help you have done around here,"

*Dray smiles and sighs as he puts his money away and sits at the bar waiting for his meal*

<font color=blue>The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away</font>-<font color=green>Dray Ducroix </font>

Immersed in his conversation with the old man about the tale of the Fire Gem and its creators, Sinen didn't see the person enter the tavern. So it came as a surprise when he heard a familiar voice. Turning to the bar he noticed who he could only believe looked like Dray.

Now hasn't it been a while since I've seen him

Getting up and walking to the bar, Sinen sits down next to the man he thought he knew. Getting to the bar he noticed that it was in fact Dray.

"Hey Dray, it's been a while hasn't it?"

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Alnac listened carefully to the old man's words.  ...defy death itself... ? perhaps this gem would be all he would need to rid himself of his addiction to that vile elixir once and for all?! ...no. Only the pearl could do that. His eyes wandered about. After a few moments, he noticed a young woman sitting at an adjacent table... looking bored out of her mind. Alnac stood up, and walked over to her. He did his best to fake a smile; real ones were few and far between since Thalambath and Lord Gho...

"Might I attempt to entertain you my lady?"

---

Death is not the worst than can happen to men.
-Plato

Edited by: Alnac Kreb at: 1/23/03 5:39:39 am

*Dray get his drink and is taking a drink as one of the elves approaches him. The elf sits next to him and a familar voice comes to Dray*

Its been awhile hasn't it Dray?

*Dray almost spits out the ale as he looks over and sees Sinen sitting there next to him.*

"Sinen! Why yes it has been awhile since we have last met. Its good to see you, you look great? What brings you to this small village out in the middle of nowhere?"

The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away-Dray Ducroix

Startled out of her reverie, Muargath looked up at the handsome man who addressed her.  

Her dark gray eyes widened slightly in awe at his dark, exotic features and she blushed almost immediately when she realized she was staring... so enraptured by the conversation about the Firegem, she hadn't even noticed when he came into the room.  It was as if he'd just appeared out of the thinnest air!  Not nearly so odd, that this would happen in such a place as named The Dark Dream Inn!

"Why yes... Please have a seat!"  She gestured toward another chair, then picked up her wine glass and took a hasty sip in a sad attempt to cover her embarrassment at being caught unawares.    

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

"Well, to tell the truth,Dray, I've been travelling around. Mostly seeing what I can see, and trying to find information on the disappearance of my parents."

dropping to a whisper and moving so only Dray can here.

"I've just heard a story of an ancient artifact I'd forgotten all about. I'm thinking of looking into this item as The story I heard was fragmentary and it bothers me that it would be told in this small town."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

*Dray leans is as Sinen lowers his voice to catch his words and then also lowers his voice so only Sinen can hear him*

"Well my friend that old man has many stories he tells then to the children at least once a week sometimes more often. I am soon to leave this town as it is my business here finished, so if you would like to look into this artifact I would be more than happy to help and old friend out."

*Dray slaps Sinen on his back lightly in a friendly guesture and nods a thanks to the bartender who had just set his bowl of stew in front of him. Dray takes a few spoonfulls of the soup and looks back to Sinen smiling*

The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away-Dray Ducroix

"I'd be glad to have you with me. You never know what will happen next."

Sits for a moment then stands.

"Dray, I'm going to get some rest. I'll see you later. It's good to see you again."

Walks up the stairs, unlocks his room, and goes inside. He shuts and locks the door behind him. Laying on the bed he begins to think about all his friends he hadn't seen in awhile.

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Edited by: Sinen Darkchild at: 1/23/03 11:30:15 pm

Muargath looked up at the dark stranger and wondered why he was hesitating.

    A fluid movement of green in her periphial vision drew her eyes away to the same elf who had been talking to the old man a moment ago... and now the  elf was having a whispered conversation with a strong-looking warrior over at the bar.  The two seemed to know each other. But a very short time later, the elf went upstairs again, leaving the man to his meal.  

Of course, Muargath was curious, but not so curious that she'd be rude to the handsome man who'd addressed her... so she turned her full attention back to him instead.

The elf, and the Firegem, can wait.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Edited by: Muargath   at: 1/24/03 8:28:09 am

OOC: Sorry, I've been having bad connection problems.

---

Alnac took a seat at the table and took another draft of the wretched silver elixir. He held back a face of disgust, and turned his attention to the young woman.

"So, you've heard the old man speaking as well? It seems an interesting story... perhaps there is more than one gem that can save my life." He realized he was straying and giving away to much. His thoughts turned to Thalambath, Lord Gho, and the Pearl at the heart of the World... He remembered...

...the blood moon shall rise over the bronze tent, and the path to the pearl will be revealed...

He regained control of his own mind, and hailed down the barmaid to get something else to drink. Lord Gho's poison was getting on his nerves.

---

Death is not the worst than can happen to men.
-Plato

Jamalian's food was taking its time, so he decided to go and see where it was. He moved up to the bar where 2 men sat a few stools away from him. One of them had only just walked in, but the other was the wizard who had been talking of this Fire Gem.
He sat quietly, hoping that he could gain a little more information, but the two men just agreed to search for it together.
Jamalian wanted to find this gem and the only way was to speak to the men, and the perfect opportunity came just as the wizard went back to his room.

Jamalian moved over a few stools until he was sitting next to a strong looking male. He went straight in at the deep end by requesting to know where the Fire Gem was.

"Excuse me sir. Im sorry to bother you, but i really do need your help. I am in search of an item. It is powerful and it could be used to take over these lands if placed in the wrong hands. I must get to it before anyone else can use it to complete their own evil deeds. I believe it is called the .... Fire Gem. I was wondering if you had ever heard of this before."

This may not have been the smartest thing to do, but for Jamalian, getting information directly was the only way.

Laying on the bed, Sinen drifts into sleep.

---

A figure in all black, his face hidden from view stands near a wall with a male and female elf chained to it. The image flashes to a figure dressed in black carrying Sinen's sister away.

The image shifts again. Orcs and even more foul things ravage the land. Cities burn, and people die. Amidst all this is a man shrouded in black, holding aloft a gem shaped as an orb. It's heart burns with a fire, its malice biting into Sinen's mind.

---

Sinen's eyes snap open suddenly.

That couldn't be happening. Could it be what is to come, one possibility amongst an infinite number. It is strange.

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

She slipped through the tavern door quietly, her bare feet and the butt of her spear thunking against the floorboards. As she reached further in, her green eyes clouded over; the place was full of dark strangers and darker plottings. She pursed her lips and furrowed her blonde brows slightly; then tried to hide her opinion by waking quickly toward the bar.

She did not bother to slip her lithe form into a seat; she rather preferred to stand beside the counter, spear in hand. It is easier to escape the foul dealings if one is already on their feet. She cleared her parched throat and spoke; her voice, while light was commanding for an elf.

"If the request can be granted, a large glass of water would be appreciated; perhaps followed by some Aohu'o mead if such a drink exists here?" The tender plunked a grimy glass before her and filled it with what can assumed to be water. It wasn't entirely clear, and had some things floating in it, she could not discern what.

"Perhaps it'd be best if the Ale was brought now." She pointed out and pushed the glass to one side with a nimble finger.

A rich, honey-brown mead was brought to her, and set upon the counter. She nodded; at least they had Spiced Mead. She picked up the glass and took a long sip; it parched her throat with the taste of cinnamon and honey.

As she drank her mead, she listened. Some mumbling of a jewel called the Fire Gem pricked her ears. While this term was not familiar, the thought of people of such a vile watering-hole discussing this ancient artifact made it seem as if it should have been. She scrunched up her elven features in a look of both disgust and confusion, but covered it with a sip of her ale.

Well. I don't think lowly assassins and thieves should rightly own a magical artifact such as that; it no doubt contains much power, far more power than their short-lived minds can concieve. She set her pint upon the counter, and fumbled with her earring as she thought.
Maybe I should discern who exactly wishes to find this Fire Gem; and decide for myself their worth and caliber.... but I can not tell right away if they are a good person. I may have to journey with them as they seek the Gem,  which will bring it to my possession if I feel that they are unfit...
Well and Good, it seems; one last journey for the Old Jhell. If it comes to my hands, then I will present it to the 'Ronn... and its fate and powers will be decided there.

She picked up her pint of spiced mead and took a long sip. To have to talk to folk such as this may take another glass of Mead...

Quicky throwing the ivory horn on the table over his shoulder and around his neck, he picks up the sword from against the wall and straps the belt around his wast. With the sword fastened he picks up the rich dark green cloak from atop his pack and fastens it around his neck. Checking finally that all his stuff is together he leaves the pack and walks back down to the bar. He walks quickly to Dray ignoring the man near him that wasn't there before.

"Dray, I fear we may have a problem which will arise in the near future. I believe we should set out before day breaks tomorrow. I feel it in my heart, evil looms in the distance. Every second wasted will only bring disaster. I'll wait at the entrance to town."

Without waiting for an answer he returns to his room grabs his pack of things and slings it on his back. He then come back down and goes straight to the tavern keeper.

"Sir, I shall not be staying the night as planned. Here is some money as a token of generosity."

Sinen pulls two coins made of gold from a pouch on his belt and hands them to the man then turns and heads for the door. However as he is walking words float to his ears.

"So, you've heard the old man speaking as well? It seems an interesting story... perhaps there is more than one gem that can save my life."

Looking over he realizes that the person speaking is the guy who is now sitting with the lady by the fireplace. Sinen walks over to the guy and calmly says,

"Excuse me, while it may not be my business, I have happened to over hear you talking of a gem. Might I ask what you call this gem for I am preparing to seek out a gem of my own. Could this be the same gem?"

Sinen pulls up a chair, and throwing his pack aside, sits down.

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Edited by: Sinen Darkchild at: 1/24/03 11:47:36 pm

She smiled as he sat down.  "I, uh... well.  I was that obvious, huh?"  Muargath asked, while looking around to see if anyone else was watching her.  Satisfied that they weren't, she turned back to the dark-skinned man.  "But what do you mean by more than one gem that can save your life?  Do you owe someone a debt?"  

To the barmaid, she said, "and bring another red wine, please?"



As the barmaid walked away, the elf in green approached and said, "Excuse me, while it may not be my business, I have happened to over hear you talking of a gem. Might I ask what you call this gem for I am preparing to seek out a gem of my own. Could this be the same gem?"   And then the elf grabbed a chair and joined them at the table.

Muargath leaned back in her chair and studied the elf.  "The same gem?  Perhaps... perhaps not.  As for us, we were just now getting acquainted."  She paused and grinned at the elf.  "Is it this 'gem of fire' you seek?  Are you sure it is not only a child's tale?"

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Edited by: Muargath   at: 1/25/03 8:31:43 am

The innkeeper set some hot stew, freshly baked bread and a tankard of ale down on the bar. If it tasted as good as it smelt, he was sure it would be a good meal.
"Thank you."
Jamalian took some bread and plunged it deep into the bowl of stew before pushing it into his mouth. It was one of the best meals he had ever had. The innkeeper was indeed a great chef.
While still eating, Jamalian listened out as the wizard returned and spoke to two people who sat behind him. Although he wasnt being spoken to, he couldnt help but call out. It was the only way he might be able to accompany them on their search for this precious and powerful stone.
"The Fire Gem!! I am in search of the Fire Gem."
Until now, he actually wasnt in search of it, but he had liked what he heard earlier and now it was all that was in his mind.

Hearing someone shout out that he was searching for the Fire Gem Sinen pays him no attention, or so it appeared, but in reality this man and his words registered in the back of his mind.

Fool, you could keep it quiet.

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

*Dray nods as Sinen leaves and goes back to his meal. He eats it slowly to make sure he will not eat too much and to savor the flavor of the stew. Dray kepts his ears open to hear anything he could from the people in the bar. A elven maiden entered the inn with a spear in hand and ordered a few things at the bar. She obviously was not too fond of the place at all.*

"Hmm interesting"

*Dray finishes his meal finally and sits there finishing his second mug of ale as Sinen comes back down the stairs is an obvious hurry and seemingly disturbed. Before Dray could say anything Sinen was almost out the door, but he stopped and joined 2 people at a table.*

Well now something spooked old Sinen there...well guess I will jsut have to gather up my things and get going then.

"Hey Ed!"

*The bartended comes over and sees what Dray needs*

"I thank you my friend for the meal my money pouch is quite thin as of late. I am going back to walters house and gathering my things. I am to enbark ona quest with an old friend"

EdSo you are leaving with that elf I saw you speaking with I assume?

"You assume right, I may return to the village....but I don't know for sure. Make sure the boy keeps with his sword pratice and watch over them for me. There is nobody else around here I would trust to be able to do such a task"

*Ed just simply nods at Dray and the men clasp hands as Dray stands and walks over to Sinen*

"Sir...Madam...Excuse the interuption, Sinen I will meet you where you have said I must pick a few things up first."

*With those words Dray nods at the man and woman at the table and leaves the inn*

The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away-Dray Ducroix

Junas walked slowly and silently into the tavern and glanced around. His bulky armour was heavy but showed no affect on weighing the strong warrior down.
He sat and began to listen, what were all these people doing here? Junas asked himself. Let's see what adventures may come upon me here.

Before the elf could answer, the muscular man from the bar came to the table.  "Sir...Madam...Excuse the interuption, Sinen, I will meet you where you have said I must pick a few things up first."  Then he nodded his good-byes while Muargath lifted her glass in return.  

She glanced at the elf.  "Sinen, is it?  I am Muargath.  I will give leave to my new friend for introducing his own self, as I yet don't know his name."  She took another sip from her nearly empty glass.  

Muargath was intrigued by this conversation and she let it show...  

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

"I am sure this gem really exists. Where exactly I do not know. Most every child's tale is started from fact. The story told here is incomplete. I mean to find the complete story."

Looking around noticing a man at the bar, the femal elf that just walked in, The other guy that just came through the door, and the wizard that had been their some time.

"I fear this gem's very existance may throw the world into disarray."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

                        The wizard sat back as he had finished his stew earlier and now was
                drinking some cooled water out of his waterskin that sat now on the table.

                        As he sat there and listening to the conversations of the many people
                within the bar and taking in their words the wizard watched as a female elf
                walked into the tavern.  She walked over to the bar side and asked for a glass
                of water and some mead.  The wizard sat as she pushed the grimy water that
                was brought to her aside.  The wizard walked over to her carrying his        
                belongings with him and stood beside the female elf.



                        “Surely you may find my water better then the water found within this
                        establishment my lady.”



                        The wizard offered her his waterskin to which contained the cooled
                clean water that the wizard had drank earlier.

                        The wizard waited for a response from the female before he would
                move toward taking a seat at the bar with her.  He listened to the conversations
                still within the bar.

Edited by: Gararion at: 1/25/03 6:50:11 pm

"I am sure this gem really exists. Where exactly I do not know. Most every child's tale is started from fact. The story told here is incomplete. I mean to find the complete story.  I fear this gem's very existance may throw the world into disarray."

Muargath nodded in agreement regarding the origin of children's tales.  "Yes, but this story has been around for a very long time, Sinen.  What makes finding it so urgent now?  That's what I'd like to know."

She studied the elf's features, watched as he glanced about the room.  She set her glass down on the table, empty.  "I might consider coming with you, if you need help.  I have certain... skills... that might come in handy."  She smiled sweetly.  "But what, may I ask, is in it for me?"

The elven wizard with the blue gowing staff and book was on the move- and she watched him as he went over to the female elf that had just walked in minutes earlier.  Muargath was suddenly torn between following the wizard or staying in this conversation.  Why is it that the doings of elves fascinates me so?  And where, by Coor's crossed eyes, is my wine!?

She brought her gray eyes back to Sinen's and smiled a veiled smile, her thoughts well hidden.  Crossing her hands over her slim tummy, she appeared very relaxed and sure of herself while awaiting Sinen's reply.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

OOC: Completely changed this post, didn't read the previous posts carefully enough.

Junas sat at his table listening to conversations, he heard something about a Fire Gem and a group going to search for it or something along those lines. He listened to a male elf, he learned his name was Sinen, he was speaking with a beautiful female human.

Fire Gem... sounds interesting. Junas thought to himself. I must try to get involved in this quest, I would also like to get to know the lady.

Edited by: Junas at: 1/26/03 3:29:08 am

As he seemed to be the only one who was alone in this place, he gulped down his ale and approached Sinen and his newly made companions.
"Excuse me, sir, but i wish to go with you. That is if you would like some company along the way. If not, we will find ourselves racing each other to find this artifact and the less opponents i have along the way, the better."
He didnt mind having opponents along the way at all. If he did, he would probably take care of them, but there was a problem. He didnt know where this Fire Gem was and he had only heard of it that very day.
"So, what do you say?"

"You may gladly accompany me. I could use all the companions I can get. I plan to leave a bit later so be ready. Just realize one thing, I do not know an exact location. My first goal is to figure out where it is then how to get to it."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

But before Sinen could answer Muargath, another stepped forward- one of the shortest elves that she'd ever seen- and said, "Excuse me, sir, but I wish to go with you.  That is if you would like some company along the way.  If not, we will find ourselves racing each other to find this artifact and the less opponents I have along the way, the better."

Curious to see how Sinen would react to such a challange, Muargath's glance bounced back and forth between the short, black-haired elf and the green-clad elf, Sinen.

"So, what do you say?"  Concluded the newcomer, his green eyes flashing.

Muargath stifled her look of surprise when Sinen merely replied, "You may gladly accompany me.  I could use all the companions I can get.  I plan to leave a bit later so be ready.  Just realize one thing, I do not know an exact location.  My first goal is to figure out where it is then how to get to it."  

Muargath took a quick look around at the people around the table.  This group just keeps getting bigger and bigger...  Her new, dark-skinned companion, the first one to join her at this table, had said very little in the last few minutes, especially since Sinen joined them.  And Sinen.... how clever of him to avoid her questions.  She will have to ask him again, when there are fewer ears present.  Muargath knew that timing was just as important as luck in most matters.  She watched Sinen carefully now, wondering if it was only the recent interuption that halted his answer.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

If this man didnt know exactly where the Fire Gem was, Jamalian might have been better off alone, but as he had heard very little about it, he thought that finding it alone would be a hard job.
"Glad to here it. My name is Jamalian, i not yet know yours."
He waited to learn of his new ally's name.

"Well, Jamalian, I am called Sinen. Good to meet you."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

"Muargath."  She murmurred to Jamalian.  During these introductions, the barmaid finally brought the ordered drinks.  Muargath gladly took her wine and sampled it.

Turning back to Sinen, she asked, "So, where will you... er, we find this information?  And when, exactly, do we leave?"  

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Alnac broke out of his trance. He was completely unaware about how much time had passed.

"I will join you as well. If you will have me."

---

Death is not the worst than can happen to men.
-Plato

"Well, I will gladly have any who will join me. To find this gem may be a tough matter. I intend to visit an friend who is versed in ancient lore. Her lore and the library she keeps may very well prove useful. I plan to leave as soon as I am sure everyone who will be travelling with me is ready. Of course, I plan on being away from this town by the time light breaks over the horizon."

Sinen's eye is drawn away and to the wizard with the glowing book and the female elf with the spear at the bar.

I wonder. A wizard I can see, but his power I am not sure. He may be of some use, but I am not sure.  

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Junas sat still observing the female named Muargath, the male elves Jamalian and Sinen discuss about a quest. Junas wondered and debated with himself what to do. Several options ran through his mind: ask if he could join; wait to see if they wanted him in on this quest; simply introduce himself to see what happens.

He decided to take his third option, he stood lowly and walked up beside Sinen. "Excuse me, I am sorry but I overheard your conversation. My name is Junas and I would much enjoy to learn more about his 'Fire Gem' as you call it," Junas waited to see how Sinen would respond or if Muargath or Jamalian would respond to Junas.

*geez, I leave for a day or two and Ka-Paw! All goes on!*

She set her ale down onto the counter, and was approaced by a fellow in a dark cloak. She raised her green eyes to look at him, and he surrenedered his waterskin, adivising her that his drink was far better than the Bar. She cocked her head a bit and eyed the man, then took the skin.

She smelled the drink; the odor gave off a cool blue color in her mind's eye. She smirked and looked at the man again; he seemed well enough and the drink did not seem more than water. She took a sip from the skin, and nodded in approval as she tasted the drink. She swallowed, and then handed the skin back.

" I greatly appreciate your offer of the drink. It is quite refreshing, and I do agree of its quality as being somewhat better than the Establisment's."

She stood for a moment, and thought; then looked to the cloaked man. " Having only been here for a short time, I have heard much talk about a Fire Gem. As it seems you are schooled in the elements and their abilities- " She eyed his glowing tome, then looked back. "- perhaps you know of it, and can enlighten me. I have not heard of this gem, which I find odd. Have you any information of it; perhaps of its abilities and if it is to be feared?"

Muargath smiled again.  An old friend, versed in ancient lore.  Well, that's nice.  And extremely convenient.  And Sinen's attention was on the elven wizard.  How great would that be, if Sinen could get the wizard to join this group... then I can keep an eye on him too!

She glanced up and noticed a young man walking toward them.  He'd said, "Excuse me, I am sorry but I overheard your conversation. My name is Junas and I would much enjoy to learn more about his 'Fire Gem' as you call it."  Junas was tall, blond and very attractive, his blue eyes scanning the group at the table and ending on Muargath.  She smiled back at him.  She shifted a little in her seat, "Hello Junas, nice to meet you.  I'm Muargath.  Would you like to join us?"  She indicated the last empty chair that was right next to her.

   

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

"Pleasure to meet you Muargath," Junas greeted the beautiful lady. "I am quite interested in joining," Junas added as he took a seat beside Muargath. "I would like to learn more about this quest and the fire gem and such before I give you a final answer though."

Muargath chuckled a little, "You'll need to ask Sinen," she said, nodding toward the green-clad elf that sat across from her, "I know very little about this gem, myself.  Other than what children's stories I've heard over the years.  I had offered to go along, though... anything will be more interesting than moping about this dull town."

Grinning, Muargath leaned in closer to Junas and whispered, "I'm more of a big-city sort, if you understand me."  She winked at Junas and then sat back in her chair again, picking up her wineglass.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Edited by: Muargath   at: 1/27/03 7:54:01 pm

Muargath told Junas that she knew little of the gem, she was just looking for something more exciting than staying in a dull old town. She then leaned over to Junas and whispered ."I'm more of a big-city sort, if you understand me." She winked at Junas and then sat back in her chair again, picking up her wineglass. Junas smiled at her then looked over at the elf named Sinen. "Excuse me Sir, but are you Sinen? I am interested in learning more about the fire gem," Junas politely requested, his eyes continued to move back and forth from Sinen and Muargath.

"Well, to tell the truth, all I can tell you fo this gem is that it is quite a powerful relic. If you wish to know more of it then I would invite you to join me?"

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Junas listened and thought for a moment. "I would much enjoy this adventure. I will join you, sounds very interesting as well. How can I resist?" Junas laughed lightly.

---

---

Gararion looked at the female elf as she took a drink from his waterskin and handed it back.

Then she asked him what he knew of his "Fire Gem" that everyone had been speaken about.  Gararion looked at her and answered back in a low voice.

"It is true that I have knowledge of this gem that they speak of, though I am sorry to say that that knowledge has seemed to been forgotten within the cast passeges of my mind since I read the tomes within Ximax ages ago.

But I may enlighten you still in some manner.  With every tome I have read an every artifact I have knowledge about I know this one thing to be true with every one.  No matter the intention one created a artifact of great power, or even little power, they may be used for good or for evil depending on the hands that weild them."



Gararion waited for the elven maiden response to this.

But he also noticed that a female sitting at ta table seemed to keep a eye on him for a while now.

Edited by: Gararion at: 1/28/03 2:50:30 pm

"Well, then I suppose I should gather my things."  Muargath said decisively.  She took a last sip of red wine before placing the half empty glass back on the table.  

She glanced as Sinen.  "So where is this meeting place?  Or shall we meet at the front door here?"  She stood up,  waved goodbye to the exotic, dark-skinned man who'd joined her table before anyone else.

Looking back at Junas, she said, "It was nice meeting you... I'll see you later."

Then she left the table, sauntering casually toward the open archway leading to the stairs.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Sne nodded slowly at the Mage's notion. "A good point indeed..." She thought a little, and let her green eyes slip to the area she had heard of the gem before; a table whose occupaNts seem to be increasing. She looked back to the Mage.

"As wise as you are, then I have no doubt that you have heard the whispers and discussions eminating from the table by the fire. If my aging ears serve me well, then they seem ready to depart on a journey to find it..." She lowered her eyes to her mead, of which she takes a sip.
" I've already formed my opinion on these folk; for comparison, do you believe these folk should be governed on its usage or best left alone?" She paused for a moment, letting her eyes dart over again, as if to re-assure herself of her feelings for these folk.
" I feel it would be a mark against me if I let information and power slip into wicked hands without my intervention. In lay terms, I know too much." She looked to the Mage again, and pursed her lips. She felt old all of a sudden, and laid a nimble hand on the counter.  

"We shall meet and make sure everyone is together by the entrance to town."

Sinen grabs his bag and stands.

"If everyone will excuse me I must be heading out. I have small business to attend before we set out."

Sinen walks towards the door. Again his eyes visibly stray to the elven lady and the wizard by the bar.

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Gararion listened to the words of the female elf that stood before him.  As she finished speaking Gararion stood silent for a moment, listening to the conversation now that took place at the table whos members were now departing for the night it seemed.

As the conversation at the table slowed down a bit Gararion spoke to the elf in front of him.

"Yes I too have heard the words spoken by those sitting around that table and they do seem ready to depart on thier journey to find this stone.

I too have decided that I shall join them as from everything that I have read during my time spent within the libraries of Ximax surely I cannot let another artifact fall into evil hands."

As her eyes darted over to the table for a moment Gararion thought for a moment, what were their true intentions?  Were they good or were they evil.  But never the less even a good hearted person may cause great evil with a artifact of power if they use it wrong and become tainted with the power of the artifact.  Greed has a great grasp over ones soul.

Then the elf spoke again.

"It is true that some acquire great knowledge over time, but it isn't how much knowledge one has I am affraid that matters the most, it is how one choses to use that knowledge.  For knowledge may be as deadly of weapon as any blades edge."

Gararion remained silent now as he looked over the remaining member of the party which sat at the table.

Then he spoke once more.

"As it seems we both have the same idea of this small group, may I have ones  name?  I am known as Gararion."

Junas looked at Muargath as she walked away, he smiled to himself before listening to Sinen. They would all meet at the entrance to the town, maybe there Junas would get more answers, but until then he just gathered his things.

He moved back to his original table and sat gathering his things in his pack. He tied his scabbard around his waist leaving his sword dangling, he slipped over his armour then he covered it with his cloak. Better to carry very little," he said quietly to himself as he sat down in his seat waiting to see what else could happen.

---

---

Jamalian replied to Junas as he re-joined him and sat down.
"I agree, travelling light is the best thing to do. That is why my weapons are my only possessions."
Jamalian sat down on a creaky wooden chair and rocked backwards on forwards on 2 legs for a little while, trying to overhear the conversation of the 2 who sat at the bar behind him.
"Junas, isnt it?"

Junas smiled. Yes, you know my name but I do not have the pleasure of knowing yours good sir."

---

She nodded sagely as the Mage spoke words that made great sense. He had much knoweldge; it seemed to rival if not surpass her own. They thought on the same wavelength and that was appreciated by her for few seemed to think in the same fashion she did.

As she listened, she was glad to hear that he would find a way to join the group. Her mind had already been made up and having someone with similar thoughts yet of a different point of view upon the journey could only benefit the group and herself.

As the Mage announced himself as Gararion she did the same.
" I am called Viresse by most, as that is the name given to me by my parents. Some have taken to calling me Vir, but those that have are not with me now."
She smiled faintly, her tanned jhellerhim face was fair and calm.
" Now, Gararion, should we see to it that we join the Party as they prepare departure?"

She held out a hand in  a gesture of him to lead the way. Though she was considered a leader by some, her slow way of decision-making was not suited for taking command.

*Dray left the tavern and headed right to Walters house. He went in through the back door and was greeted with a smile from the entire family who was just about finished with their evening meal*

Walter"Dray have a seat and eat with us there is some left if I am not mistaken"

*Walters wife nods and goes to grab a bowl, but Dray raises a hand to stop her*

"That will not be neccessary, thank you for the offer, but I have already eaten and am full"

*Dray paused for a long time, but it was obvious he had something to say*

Walter"Your leaving"

*It was stated as a fact, not even a question, seems these people had gotten to know him well over the past few months*

"Yes I am leaving. Walter you are fully healed and have been working the past week and Ben you have learned much and grown into a young man as your father recovered.....an old friend of min wandered into town and i spoke with him at the inn. He plans to set off on a quest and I intend to join him. I just came by to thank you all and gather my things."

Walter"You have not reason to thank us Dray, we are the ones who should be thanking you for what you have done, and we greatly appriciate what you have done. We are sad to see you go, but we know its the best for you...

"Yes now Ben you keep up with your swordplay and become a great swordsman that way any goblins who dare cross your path will think twice about it."

*Ben nods slowly as Dray heads up the stairs and to the room he stayed in. He gathered his things and went back downstairs. Ben had left the room as had Walter, but Debra had stayed and was holding a package in her hands*

Debra"Dray I have been working on this for you for awhile now....you may have use for it some day for some reason, but I want you to have it as a thank you...now don't argue with me or try to not take it, just take it with you and go, and come back to visit sometime, you will alwasy be welcome here....you know that.."

*Debra hands Dray the package and leaves the room tears forming in her eyes. Dray takes one last look around as he heads out the door. He pulls his cloak over his head so his appearance and who he is is masked as he heads to the meeting point at the edge of town. He waits to see who else may arrive as he leans against a wall of a stable nearby. He opens the package and inside is a very nice and well made forest green cloak with gold seems and a golden tie around to neck area. Also inside is some jerky and a note saying thank you and that there is jerky inside for the long road ahead. Dray smiles to himself as he rewraps the cloak and puts it into his bag along with the jerky and he waits.*

The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away-Dray Ducroix

Gararion looked at the elven female that called herself Viresse.

"I think that would be the best thing to do now."

Gararion followed the open hand and started to walk toward the door that the figure dressed in green stood in.

"Pardon me sir, but the lady and myself have overheard you speaking of a certian gem that has caught our attention.  You have spoken of a quest to go searching for this stone if I am correct.  I believe that we have both agreed that we also would like to acompany you on your little quest if that would be possible."

As Gararion spoke to the male he sensed a essence about the figure, sorrounding his sword and a ring that he wore upon his finger.  What power did these items have?

Edited by: Gararion at: 1/29/03 3:34:05 am

She stood behind Gararion quietly. She felt no need to interject any statements after Gararion spoke, for he seemed to say exactly what needed to be said with both eloquence and authority.
She waited for a response as she stood, ready to relay her poinions if the need arose. As far as she could tell, Gararion would be a reliable ally in these travels. But again; Viresse was always wary of mages as she knew no magic herself.

As she stood still behidn Gararion she thought of ways that the Mage may betray her. Perhaps she was too open with her speech, and she hoped that it did not become her downfall. Nevertheless, from what she had gathered Gararion was a good ally and she would rely upon him as a source of information and advice... until he proved himself other wise.

It didn't take Muargath long to pack her small pack, for she owned very little.  Rushing back downstairs would be a mistake though, and she didn't want to appear over-eager.  No, that wouldn't do at all...  So instead she flopped onto her bed and rolled onto her back, revelling in the comfort of a soft mattress.  The light from the window was ebbing and the sun, dipping below the horizon, cast dark shadows over the walls of her room.  But the darkness did not bring her to a sleepy state, for it was in the dark that she was most awake.  

She stared at the ceiling and wondered how long it would be before she'd sleep in a decent bed again.  Her hand absently went to her money purse and she jiggled it a bit.  Sadly, very few coins clinked together within the leather pouch.  No time for leisure... the best thing to do is go along with the others and see what fortune they lead me to.  She studied tthe small imperfections in the ceiling until it was so dark that she could no longer see them.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

"I am Jamalian. I am sure we will get to know each other a little better on this quest, but now is not the time to talk."
He stood and pushed the chair underneath the table, it screeched along the ground as he did so.
"It is time to leave. I will see you at the gate."
Jamalian turned and left, squeezing past those who stood at the door. The 2 who he had been listening to at the bar were asking about joining himself and the others. The more the merrier.
He slowly left the inn and strolled slowly down the road.

Junas nodded. "See you at the gate."
He looked around wondering where Muargath was, had she already left while Junas was talking with Jamalian. No, he would have seen her. Does she know we're leaving now? Junas thought.

---

With a small sigh of regret, Muargath sat up and climbed off the bed.  It's a sad, sorry shame I already paid for the room, I could've snuck out the window and saved me some coin!  

    She picked up her light pack and slung it over one narrow shoulder.  She didn't bother taking a last look around the dark room, since Muargath knew she had everything already.  She grabbed her cloak from a peg behind the door and draped it over her free arm before exiting the small chamber.  

    Taking her sweet time, Muargath walked downstairs and straight up to the bar.  To the innkeeper she said, "Here is your key back.  I will not be staying, after all."  She slid the key across the counter toward him.  Glancing about the room, she spotted Junas and waved at him, grinning.  Not wanting to announce her intentions to the entire bar-room, she pointed toward the door instead and then started in that direction.  She paused in the doorway for a moment to see if he was coming, before stepping outside.

On the porch, she set her pack down on the unevenm, wood planks and swept her tan-color, woven cloak around her, adjusting it about her shoulders.  A moment with the silver clasp and she was done and ready to go.      

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Junas saw Muargath come down the stairs, she returned her key to the innkeeper. She turned and waved to Junas, she pointed to the door and walked just outside. Junas nodded and got to his feet, slung his pack over his shoulder and followed Muargath outside.

"Ready to go? Most people have left and are awaiting Sinen at the gate."

---

To the wizard he replies,

"You both are gladly welcome on this quest. Meet at the town gate. We will leave shortly, I have to take care a small business first. Now if you will excuse me."

Sinen exits the tavern and heads to a small building not far. From the sign above the door it was obvious that it was an herb shop. Inside he picks up a parcel of healing herbs from the lady and gives her some silver coins. Then he leaves and heads to the blacksmith shop. Catching the guy before he closed for the night he picks up a dagger he was having repaired and sharpened. Sinen paid the man with a few gold coins. Then Sinen headed for the town entrance. Getting their he sees some of the people starting to gather.

"Everyone who is to join me on my quest. Speak if you are ready."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

"I am ready to join you on this quest."

---

Death is not the worst than can happen to men.
-Plato

She picked up her pack again, just as Junas walked out.  "Ready to go? Most people have left and are awaiting Sinen at the gate."

Muargath looked about at the dark through-fare of Leseris.  The few shops that made up this small town were already closing, as none stayed open much later than sunset.  "Gate, you say?  This hamlet has a gate?"  Muargath chuckled and stepped off the porch.  "Very well, Junas."  She made a show of looking first left, then right and finally spying a couple of people gathering on the outskirts of town which was, in all honesty, about 20 peds away.  "I guess we go this way..."  She walked off, still chuckling...

People in dark cloaks, the hoods drawn... ever and always the same.  But here was the powerful-looking man who'd whispered with Sinen at the bar earlier.  And here also were the two elves standing apart from the others- one being the wizard with glowing staff and book and the other being the female with the long spear- no, make that three elves, for the short, dark-haired one was here, skulking about, as well.  And the laconic man who'd sat at her own table, the one with dark skin and beautiful eyes and no name, he was here too.  Clearly, just about everyone who'd been in the bar was here, waiting for Sinen to arrive.  Muargath stood off to one side, looking down and drawing circles in the dirt with the toe of her boot, but out of the corner of her eye, she patiently studied the rest of the group.

Finally, Sinen showed.  "Everyone who is to join me on my quest-  Speak if you are ready."

Oddly enough, it was the quiet one, her exotic friend, who spoke up first.  "I am ready to join you on this quest."

Muargath smiled to herself.  I am here by my action, and my actions speak louder that any word.  Still she said nothing for she knew that Sinen could see her plainly.  Speaking would be, in her mind, superfluous.      

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Edited by: Muargath   at: 1/30/03 9:44:04 am

As Sinen arrived, everyone seemed to perk up a little as they were ready to start this adventure.
"I am ready."
Jamalian stood straight with his arms crossed, waiting patiently for the other to reply.

Gararion nodded to Viresse as he left the tavern making sure that she was following behind him.

As they got to the road side Gararion saw many of the same people who were just moment ago sitting within the Tavern now standing here with Sinen, some speaking up saying that they were ready to leave.

Gararion looked to Viresses for a moment and then back to Sinen.

"My compainion and myself both are surely ready to join you on this search."

Gararion looked over each member now, trying to discover their weaknesses and strengths for they prove worth while along the path that they would now lead.

Junas looked around, everyone stating that they were ready.
"I am ready." Junas finally said, he was unsure if he was or not but just chose to follow along with the rest of the group.

---

She nodded to Gararion as he announced their readiness. She was always ready to move; she had few possessions.
Standing to one side of Gararion she seemed to mimic his movements as the group stood waiting.

They all looked like Ruffians to Her.
A white-haired lady.While her look was unique, her casual dress meant business and task-doing.
A fellow of some sort; he looked young and spoke boldly.
There was another man of similar speech, but he seemed to be a bit more testy and quick to speak.
Then the Cloaked one that only spoke when he felt he needed to. He seemed shady and She felt she should watch him.
And the Elven fellow that seemed to be the leader. He seemed especially worth watching; he knew much and seemed to know what to do and how to do it. Which may very well be a problem if his intentions are ill.

And Gararion. While she knew nothing of him, he had knowledge that was useful and they though in a similar fashion. He seemed to be the one she didn't have to worry about. However, she swallowed anxiously. She hoped she wouldn't have to change her mind.

Edited by: Viresse  at: 2/1/03 2:07:02 am

"Well then, if everyone is ready I think we should get moving. I don't know what to expect. I'm glad to have everyone with me on this journey though. We head south from here past the city of Hog to the far western edge of the Amatrar forest. There is were I will begin this search."

An interesting bunch here. I'm not sure I want to know their motivations.

Sinen sets out in a southerly direction from the town.  

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Muargath made a small show of hoisting her pack-as light as it was- a bit higher up on her right shoulder, before turning south.  She fell into step with Sinen, however, she kept a good ten paces behind him.

From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed some of the others as they followed along, and  the rest she could hear behind her.  Fire Gem.  Fire Gem.  I can't believe I am hunting down a mythical relic from some badly written child's tale.  What next, should I be looking for ghosts and demons too?  Why am I traipsing about the countryside with nearly a dozen strangers?  For merely the hope of some small gain.  A few coin and a good deck of cards might get me farther...  

"Feh!"  She said aloud.  Muargath froze, looked around her like she was surprised she let that slip out.  A moment later, she put her head down and kept walking, picking up her pace.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Junas pursued the group, leading the way was Sinen, he appeared to know the most of all these matters. He then noticed Muargath walking quite quickly with her head down, around 10 paces behind Sinen. Junas looked at her and smiled, he continued to walk wondering and thinking of what events shall occur on this quest.  

---

Jamalian slipped his hands into his deep pockets and strolled forward, keeping towards the back of the group. He stayed alert, although it wouldnt seem so just by looking at him. He had his head down and his hand movement was restricted, but he was always ready for anything.

He listened to his surroundings, waiting for any changes in sound. He also listened to the conversations of those with him. He had learnt that he could learn exactly who he was dealing with by listening to how they spoke and what they said. Soon he might learn the others motives of finding this Fire Gem.

He kept quiet and to himself as he slowly strolled along, keeping close to the others.

Gararion watched as the others began to move on.  They walked at a normal pace, slower than what Gararion had been used to but it had always seemed that he moved with the wind himself, as if he was truely in touch with it when he wasn't trying to control it to his advantage.  It seemed the wind had always tried to emrace him and protect him.

Gararion looked at Viresse and held out a hand in a gesture almost saying "Shall we".  He then walked on following behind them not knowing where his female companion liked to be within a group.  But they slowly caught up to the last man in the group and followed behind him.

Eventually she found herself walking next to Junas.  "So, Junas, tell me what brings you to this part of the country?  Or are you from these parts?"  She tucked a strand of white-blonde hair behind her ear and glanced his way.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

"Well I was born in Caelum, so I suppose I am sort of from around here." Junas answered as he lowered his head. "What about you?" Junas asked interested in how Muargath got involved in all of this.

---

"Caelum, is it?  I grew up in Naios.  We're practically neighbors, Junas."  She smiled.  "Well, maybe not.  I've been on the road for awhile now.  I don't expect to see Naios again anytime soon."  Her smile grew bitter and then faded.

Clouds were slowly starting to pull in overhead and the moon had not yet risen.  Muargath looked up at the night sky, then over to Sinen.  Up ahead, their elven guide led them down the road, making not a sound as he walked.   She cleared her throat a little then said quietly, "Recently, I've been in Elsreth.  Interesting town, that place.  Not so great if you fancy a bet, though.  That's why I'm here... I was planning on visiting Hog next.  Some good card-houses in Hog, I've heard.  Maybe go on toYorick and spend some time on the coast. The beaches there are supposed to be nice this time of year."  She walked on in silence for a bit.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Junas smiled at Muargath. "Sounds like you had everything planned out." He paused for a moment. "Me on the other hand, I have no real idea what my life holds in the future. I am basically just taking things as they come to me. It can be fun, never knowing what comes next actually."

---

"Plans usually have a way of getting altered, and usually when you least expect it.  At least, that is the way it is for me.  I'm used to it, though."  

Muargath paused for a bit, looking around to see if the wizard was still with them.  He was, glowing staff and all.  Him and the other elf, the female with the big poker, were bringing up the rear of the party.  Muargath looked at Junas again and spoke in a whisper, walking even closer to the young man, "I keep my eyes open for opportunity, and when it comes, I seize it with both hands."  She made a grabbing motion with her free hand for emphasis, just as she'd said it.  "This Fire Gem we seek might not even be real... but I've no doubt we'll find other treasures along the way, where ever it is we are going.  Even now, we are headed to some lady sage who will give Sinen more information.  Have you ever been to a sage?"  She asked this last with a glint in her eye.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Edited by: Muargath   at: 2/2/03 8:36:15 am

Memories of his past surged through Junas's mind, back at Ximax. The mages of Ximax, the last time he saw her. "Not exactly, I visited Ximax once. But never really got any information or anything like that from one."

---

"Ah, I see..."  She replied knowingly.  "Well, sages are usually mages of sorts.  Sometimes they are mages that just couldn't handle adventuring around... preferring their books to excitment, or maybe focusing on one small aspect of knowlege or a spell-type.  And sometimes they are just taking a break... for the sake of researching and all."  

Muargath caught a look from Junas and smiled, "I've been around a mage ot two in my time.  I know nothing at all about casting, myself, but I do know this..."  She leaned in even closer and lowered her voice to the merest whisper, "They always have valuable stuff lying around.  Sometimes so much stuff that they cannot possibly keep track of it all!"

She stepped  back a little, continuing the pace down the road.  "Little things, knick-knacks and such.  They can hardly miss it.  And if they do, they they just hobble on down to the shops and buy a new one... ooh!  Did I mention that sages have money too?  Lot's of coin!"  

Muargath sighed and looked up at the night sky, wistfully remarking, "It's almost like I'm doing them this grand service, uncluttering their junky workspaces..."  She walked along, watching Junas' reaction out of the corner of her eye.  

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Meanwhile.. some distance down the road...

Gashnum walked slowly along the path. His spear resting lightly over one shoulder, its banner played about joyfully in the crisp night breeze. In his left hand he carried a leather lead, which, of course, led back to his horse. The horse carried all manner of things; supplies, blankets, a tent, a fairly large sack which was tightly bound, its sides bulging with what looked to be some kind of mineral or metal, and his longbow and quiver, among other things.

At his side Gashnums hound, Duster, walked obediently. His tounge lolling out one side of his mouth. Sometimes the dog would run off the path and into the surrounding grassland chasing pheasants and the occaisional tarep.

After a good while Gashnum became aware of another group of travellers some distance behind him.He could barely see them through the darkness, but it looked like at least one was carrying a torch. They would catch up to him within the hour. Gashnum had been in this part of the world for only a short time, he had yet to meet anyone who was unfriendly, but one couldn't be sure.
"Woah."

Gashnum stopped his horse. He walked back several steps and retrieved a sheath from one of the saddle-bags. It contained his short-sword, Gashnum strapped the sheath to his belt, then pulled his travelling cloak tight about him against the nights chill. He leaned against his horse casually as the group began to approach.

Edited by: Gashnum Invraldi at: 2/2/03 10:14:57 pm

"I see," Junas looked at Muargath and smiled, they were now going to see a sage, was Muargath going to take some of the sage's coin? Junas thought hard for a minute or so about this silently, wondering what will happen when they meet this 'sage'.

---

Muargath could tell that Junas wasn't so keen on her hobby.  Even so, she was only a little disappointed. Not everyone is as enterprising as you, Muargath.  He seems to be an idealist, after all.  Better to alleviate the situation a bit...  She chuckled again, a little louder this time.  "I was only joking, Junas.  Don't you worry about me... I'll be good!"

She innocently grinned up at the tall, young man and continued walking silently by him.  She began to quietly hum a happy melody she'd heard in a tavern a few months back, sneaking peeks at Junas from time to time.  

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Edited by: Muargath   at: 2/2/03 11:52:11 pm

Sinen's hearing being better than average picked up Muargath and Junas' conversation easily. He chuckles to himself.

"Muargath, you may find this sage a bit interesting. We will see."

Movement in the distance catches his eye.

"It appears that a lone traveller walks our path ahead."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Alnac kept to the rear of the group, taking a draft from the silver flask every hour or so. Alef the Aj kept speed with the others, and Alnac observed every member of the group... what this quest would give him, he did not know, he only hoped that he would lose no more... Hearing Muargath's humming, Alnac began to sing a song from his youth... he remembered little, but kept up none the less...

Rahmat, Udzera,
Hide and tree,
Drink, my darling,
Strong you'll be.

Rahmat, Udzera,
Stars above,
Fill your belly,
Mother's love.

Rahmat, Udzera,
Food and bed,
Hush, my small lamb,
Lay your head.

Rahmat, Udzera,
Shendar-nest,
Sleep, my baby,
Take your rest.

Soon after. he stopped, and fell back a little. He did not know, or trust these people... neither did he know what he could do that would assist them in his quest... The oasis of Nermenith was far away... but maybe he wouldn't need the Pearl if he had this Fire Gem...

---

Death is not the worst than can happen to men.
-Plato

Junas continued to walk beside Muargath when she realised that Junas did not care for her profession. "I was only joking, Junas. Don't you worry about me... I'll be good!" Muargath told Junas chuckling. Junas smiled at the beautiful white haird lady and laughed. At that Sinen walked up to them and said. "Muargath, you may find this sage a bit interesting. We will see."
They continued to walk and Sinen pointed out a traveller walking there path ahead. Junas looked up and saw a figure but he couldn't make it out clearly.

---

Gashnum could now clearly make out the group. There were as many as seven of them coming out of the gloom. The group was strung out over a fair distance. The closest were in a group of three, and it looked like they had finaly spotted him. Wishing to make his presance as friendly as possible Gashnum drew a flint and tinder from a pack. He then drew a wicker torch from a cloth bag attached to his horse.

Gashnum struck a spark onto the torch, it took two tries before the dry brush caught, the flames began to lick across the torch. Gashnum reached into the sack and drew out a length of old tattered cloth and began to weave it around the torch. After a few moments the flames began to burn at an even rate. They cast a small glow around Gashnum and his two pets.

Gashnum took a few steps forward, now the travellars were only about twenty paces apart. A comfortable distance for greetings.

"Hullo there!"
"What brings so many out on a night as dark as this?!"

*Dray followed close to sinen, sometimes he would get so close to the trees and bushes he would blend in a seem to dissapear for a second until he moved. He walked in silence remember his past few months in the small village. He did not even pay much attention to the conversations going on or the man that now shouted out a greeting to them*

The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away-Dray Ducroix

Sinen had told them of the direction they were heading and she nodded as she thought of where they were heading and how they would do it.

She smirked as Gararion made a gesture that bodered between respect and humor. She nodded and allowed him to slip ahead of her; she felt safest at the back, and stayed only a ped or so behind Gararion. She loved the sound her bare feet made upon the earth and staying in the back made her feel as if she was travelling alone again. She watched those ahead of ehr with some interest; watching their paces and how thet held their items, trying to pick out their demeanors from their body language. Everyone seemed to be quite guarded and she pursed her lips in slight irritation.

How was she supposed to figure out their goals if they did not make themselves easy to read? She thought of that idea until she came to a simple solution. If she got the chnace to speak to each one alone, she'd easily figure out their motives. Especially if she asked them Of ther Fire Gem.

But what would she say if they asked Her about it? She sank her head and thought. Could she be honest with them?  If they had evil intentions it would be foolish to say the Truth. But if they had curiousities toward it and did not take the sinister angle, then she could become allies. And that is what needed to happen.
Another idea came upon her. If she was so willing to lie about her intentions, would the others be just as inclined to do so? She thought of the idea and frowned, stuck in a cycle of betrayal and lies that had not even happened yet, if they were to happen at all. All she had at that moment to give advice was the plod of her feet as she walked toward the unknown...

A blaze alighted a fair distance away, it outlined a figure with a horse in a fiery gold. Her eyes widened. Yet another shady character for her travels,with a Horse no less. She hoped to herself that this man would not join; perhaps he truly was just curious. But if he was not.... She hoped it wasn't another to babysit.

Edited by: Viresse  at: 2/3/03 5:24:49 am

Only a few feet in front of them, Sinen suddenly said, "It appears that a lone traveller walks our path ahead."

Muargath looked into the darkness and saw someone down the road lighting a torch, or rather, she saw a torch flare up, but couldn't see who lit it.  She, too, wondered who could be there.  When she heard these words, "Hullo there!  What brings so many out on a night as dark as this?!"


Muargath broke into a cheerful laugh... and rushed forward into the light's radius.  "Gashnum!  Fancy meetin' you out here on this road!"  She grinned at him, while scratching Duster the hound behind his floppy ears.        
 

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Gashnum greeted Muargath happily. They hadn't seen each other for quite a few months, back at that desert inn, he couldn't quite remember what it was called. The "ungainly swan" or something of that manner. He could never remember places. Oh well he thought to himself.

Gashnum's smile widened as his brain put a few thoughts and ideas together. He took Muargath's attention away from Duster for a moment.

"I bet... that I know exactly why you, and the rest of these folk are on this road at such a time." He smiled slyly, and a knowing twinkle was in his eye.
"But we will talk of that at a later time." he said with a hushed tone, for the rest of the group was beginning to gather into the meagre light of the torch.

Gashnum raised the light up so that no one would be harmed by the flame, and so he could see faces a bit better.

"Greetings all, as you might have heard." he looked back at Muargath. "My name is Gashnum"

Edited by: Gashnum Invraldi at: 2/3/03 6:55:38 pm

Jamalian stayed quiet all the way, even when this stranger made himself known. He wondered what dealings Muargath had had with him in the past, but he wasnt really all that bothered in the private lives of the others.

He moved forwards a little, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man who had stopped them and although the light flickered on his face, it was still mostly a shadow to him.

She looked to the Man who called himself Gashnum. She smirked a bit; he seemed friendly enough. But it could be a ruse. And if the white-haired Muargath knows Gashnum on friendly terms it seems. So perhaps they are on the same level? Then Only interrogating one would be sufficient. But again; lies can fly as well as feathers.

She eyed the man. While he seemed handsome in human standards she did not see why. Her elven mind simply didn't grasp human beauty. So she looked around the group again, trying to pick up the nuances of personality that the darkness may bring.

Gashnum was whispering to her, "I bet... that I know exactly why you, and the rest of these folk are on this road at such a time.  But we will talk of that at a later time."

Muargath nodded in agreement as the others gathered around the torchlight.  He said to them, "Greetings all, as you might have heard, my name is Gashnum"

Smiling warmly, she turned to Gashnum, "It's good to see you again.  Are you traveling south here?  If so, you should join us.  At the very least, we can travel together for a time."  Muargath looked at Sinen, "You don't mind, do you?  Gashnum is a trader and I can vouch for him."  She grinned again.

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Edited by: Muargath   at: 2/3/03 10:34:38 pm

Junas looked at the one named Gashnum and smiled walking up to the newcomer. "Greetings Gashnum, my name is Junas Goloniel, a pleasure to meet you."

---

"your welcome to travel with us as long as you may like."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

Gashnum nodded to Muargath.
"It would be a pleasure to travel with you."

"Junas, its good to meet you." Gashnum said warmly. He nodded to Sinen as he allowed him to join up with the group. Several of the group continued to walk along, not wanting to break their pace. Gashnum nodded to a few of them as they passed. He turned around and affixed the torch to a bracket on his horses saddle, to free up one of his hands.

To Muargath and Junas he said
"We better keep moving."
He took his horses' lead and began to walk again, Junas and Muargath fell into step with him. Duster tagged along right behind them, tail wagging happily.

"Its good to be on the road with a friend." he said looking to Muargath.

"I was begining to get lonely." he grinned.

Edited by: Gashnum Invraldi at: 2/4/03 2:00:10 am

"Lonely, Gashnum?  You?  I find that hard to believe..."  She bantered as she fell into step with her trader friend.  "You are the most diplomatic person I know, after a fashion."  Muargath grinned.  

"So tell me, what has the mighty Gashnum been up to these last few months?"  She peered at the load his horse carried and wondered if he toted any good wine...  "And why are you traveling at night?  This isn't the desert, you know."  She lowered her voice a bit, "We are on urgent business, per Sinen, although he has yet to explain why it is so urgent..."

Speaking louder again, but not too loud, Muargath said, "Of course, I didn't have to come along, but I thought if I didn't, I'd die of boredom in the little backwater town we just left.  Can you imagine, not a card game in sight!"

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Gararion followed the people ahead of him, as he thought over what the visions that he had been having lately had meant.  What were they, guidings or torture.  Was was his fate, for these visions surely controlled it now.

He followed in silence as they moved on down the word.

He also thought of what this sage they were to meet would know, hopefully she would open lost memories to him about this fire gem, for he had read it once before but that was ages ago, much longer than any human would live, longer then 5 human life spans.

Gashnum smiled slyly, as he noticed Muargath glance to his horse.

"Your right of course, I don't get lonely." He looked up to the stars, which were out in full force.

He leaned close to Muargath and put a hand on her shoulder to steady himself as he whispered to her again.

"Im out here because of a dwarf I happened to meet."
He glanced behind him, no one was paying any particular attention. So he continued.

"I managed to get him quite drunk, and he divulged some.. ah, sensitive information about a gem. He told me to come to this town, and speak to an old man." Gashnum straightened up and smiled.

"And you know," he looked up to the stars again "I've always loved travelling at night."

They walked on in silence for a few more minutes. Gashnum gazing up at the constellations. And smiling at the occaisional shooting star. He broke the silence a second later.

"How about a bit of a drink. I've got a vintage that I think you'll have quite a liking for."

Edited by: Gashnum Invraldi at: 2/5/03 2:34:50 am

She watched Muargath and Gashnum as they conversed to one another. Her elven ears were sensitive and she could faintly hear every word. But not a one was of interest to her or divulged any information about their intent.
The were just drinking buddies.

She then saw Gashnum lay a hand on Muargath and Viresse let an eyebrow raise in confusion and curiousity. To her personal experience no one laid an hand upon another unless there was an emotional intent extended. Perhaps... he wished to be more than friends?
She let a hiss of a laugh escape her. These two shall be no trouble then if that is their intent. Starring into one another's eyes instead of looking for the Gem... That was fine with Her. Two less folk to worry about.

*Dray traveled at the front with Sinen and snapped out of his trance he had been in since they left the town*

"So Sinen who is this sage of yours....and what have you been doing for the last few months.?"

The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away-Dray Ducroix

"This sage is an old friend and sort of a mentor. She saved my life twice before. As to what I've been doing I've been searching for my parents."

 Fools rush into battle blindly, but who is really the fool? The fool or the fool who follows him.

"Your right of course, I don't get lonely." Gashnum had replied.
I didn't think so...  Thought Muargath.  Wish I were like that.  But I do get lonely...  

Muargath listened attentively as Gashnum leaned in a whispered to her.  Before he moved away, she replied, also in the smallest whisper and with a finger touched to her pale lip,  "Be careful what you say here, my friend.  These elves have fantastic hearing, or so I'm told.  Wait until we can step aside someplace private... then we will talk more of this gem."

Muargath wondered, Could this old man be one and the same as he who told the story in the tavern?


"And you know," Gashnum, the stargazer continued as they walked along "I've always loved travelling at night."

Muargath nodded.  She loved the night sky too.  It was a shame that clouds were slowly rolling in.  She hoped it wouldn't rain.  Nothing was more miserable than trekking through a cold rain.  They walked on in silence for a few more minutes. Both of them gazing up at the constellations.  

Then Gashnum said, "How about a bit of a drink. I've got a vintage that I think you'll have quite a liking for."

For a brief moment Muargath rejoiced and it showed, but then she thought better of it and her bright smile quickly faded.  "No, Gashnum, I need to keep my wits about me."  She kicked a rock in the road that had the misfortune to be near her foot.  It skittered completely off the path and into some bushes. "Maybe later, when we stop to sleep?  In the meantime, I would love to catch up on things with you..."  

"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia

Gararion listened as he picked up the few words he could from Sinen about this sage.  Did ths mean that Sinen himself knew magic or what was the role of this mentor he wondered as he continued to follow th rest.

"Maybe later, when we stop to sleep? In the meantime, I would love to catch up on things with you..."  Muargath said to him after declining a drink for the moment.

Gashnum nodded but remained silent for a few more moments. The sound of many booted feet padding along on the dusty road was soothing, almost rythmic. Gashnum realized then that he was getting fairly tired. He noticed that his torch was bruning quite low, so he took another large strip of cloth from a saddle bag and wound it around the first, being careful not to smother the flames. After a few moments the fire sprang up again casting a warm glow in the horses immediate area.

As they walked Gashnum began to tell about what he had been doing for the last few months. Embellishing on a few key points, including an amazing shot with his bow that dissarmed a potential assasin from seventy paces, and the rousing tale of a drinking contest with four dwarves which ended in a friendly bout of drunken singing. Gashnum trailed off after his last tale, the one about the dwarves, and smiled up to the stars again. He released a contented sigh.

"And what about you, what has Muargath been up to as of late?"

The warrior who acts out of honour cannot fail. His duty is hounour itself. Even his death - if it is honourable - is a reward and can be no failure, for it has come through duty. Seek honour as you act, therefore, and you will know no fear.
 
From the 183rd Ritual of Devotion