The now mounted Company members trotted back up the ridge, away from the Dunland settlement, in search of their comrades. It was still a few more hours until the sun would wake, and though they were exhausted and hungry, it was the consensus that they put some distance between themselves and their former captors.
Upon reaching the summit of the valley, the rogue, mounted on his horse, rode up to them with Jethro in tow. Now they only needed to collect Edrahil and Durgil and make their way back east and south towards Khazad-dum.
OOC: Actions - and/or - Dialogue?
If the company consensus is not to move on yet, feel free to correct me and I will edit this post.
OOC: Has Galudir joined us? The last I read, he took all our stuff and hid it...
Quote from: Galudir's last postGaludir dismounted and quickly took the long sword from his bags and hid it a few yards away from the bent tree. With a smile on his face he rode back toward the town to find his latest employer.
OOC: Here is where I am interpreting that Galudir comes to find you all.
Nain walks over to Jethro and rubs his nose while checking him over. He then moves back to the saddlebags, takes out and apple and feeds it to the nag.
"Thank ye fer findin' him."
Quote from: Stefan on Sep 18, 2006, 03:51 AM
Nain walks over to Jethro and rubs his nose while checking him over. He then moves back to the saddlebags, takes out and apple and feeds it to the nag.
"Thank ye fer findin' him."
Dirnhael manages a chuckle, and claps the stout dwarf on the back. "It's the least we could do in return for our escape."
It's not clear from the narrative, mostly because I figure Galudir wouldn't know which is which, but he has hidden Dirnhael's sword.
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"Well, I see that most of your company has gathered. I am not certain where the other two could have went." Galudir opens the saddlebags on his horse and begins handing the weapons back to the group.
"This is what I left the hut with, I was surprised when I saw that I had left alone." He smiled as he finished his thought and quickly added. "You will find that there is a sword missing. Unfortunately, I feel I have a rather poor bargaining position amongst so many armed men, and otherwise, and I have had to protect what is due to me. Once I receive my pay I will happily return it and depart."
Quote from: Nikitas"You will find that there is a sword missing. Unfortunately, I feel I have a rather poor bargaining position amongst so many armed men, and otherwise, and I have had to protect what is due to me. Once I receive my pay I will happily return it and depart."
OOC: As you guys read this post from Nikitas and reply to it, keep in mind that the ultimate goal here is for Nikitas and his character Galudir to stay with the Company (unless of course, Nikitas has alternate plans?).
Anyway, how that is rolpelayed out and that comes to fruition I leave in all of your capable hands! ;D
Quote from: Nikitas on Sep 18, 2006, 03:49 PM
It's not clear from the narrative, mostly because I figure Galudir wouldn't know which is which, but he has hidden Dirnhael's sword.
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"Well, I see that most of your company has gathered. I am not certain where the other two could have went." Galudir opens the saddlebags on his horse and begins handing the weapons back to the group.
"This is what I left the hut with, I was surprised when I saw that I had left alone." He smiled as he finished his thought and quickly added. "You will find that there is a sword missing. Unfortunately, I feel I have a rather poor bargaining position amongst so many armed men, and otherwise, and I have had to protect what is due to me. Once I receive my pay I will happily return it and depart."
Dirnhael glanced at Nain, wondering what bargain had been struck. The man
had helped them, but Dirnhael did not appreciate such... he could not find the words.
Drawing himself up to his full height, he strode towards the newcomer.
"My name is Dirnhael, Knight of Fornost, and you shall have whatever payment our companion promised you."
Stepping a bit closer, his voice lowered menacingly.
"Unless you hold my blade ransom any longer, that is. Then I will be...
inclined... to
forget that you aided us, whatever your reasons for doing so."
"Now - my sword... and your name."
Quote from: tomcatOOC: As you guys read this post from Nikitas and reply to it, keep in mind that the ultimate goal here is for Nikitas and his character Galudir to stay with the Company...
I have to make that tough don't I? :D
Edit: I think this may qualify as needing to spend a point of courage due to the Stiff-necked flaw. What do you think tomcat?
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"My name I offer freely, Thermon, of this town or that. And this matter is simple enough to resolve, five gold pieces and you may have your property." Galudir looked Dirnhael in the eye, challenging him, but despite his recent imprisonment the Dunedain looked bold and fearsome. In that moment Galudir broke his gaze, and looked to the ground as he offered other terms.
"But I can see that the sword is dear to you, and I would rather not learn if you are willing to kill for it. I have known others to kill for less. If you are a true knight then your word should bind you, swear it and I will fetch your blade."
Quote from: Nikitas on Sep 18, 2006, 08:50 PM
"My name I offer freely, Thermon, of this town or that. And this matter is simple enough to resolve, five gold pieces and you may have your property." Galudir looked Dirnhael in the eye, challenging him, but despite his recent imprisonment the Dunedain looked bold and fearsome. In that moment Galudir broke his gaze, and looked to the ground as he offered other terms. "But I can see that the sword is dear to you, and I would rather not learn if you are willing to kill for it. I have known others to kill for less. If you are a true knight then your word should bind you, swear it and I will fetch your blade."
"You
already have my word. The coins will be yours," Dirnhael said, without blinking.
The man was brazen, Dirnhael thought, but he was obviously no fool. Those two things often went well together, he mused.
He tried not to judge Thermon too harshly - the man
had risked himself for them, even if it was for pay.
Dirnhael remembered his childhood days; a hardscrabble existence as an orphaned lad until Celephain took him into his house at Tharbad and raised him almost to think of himself as kin. Had he not been so fortunate, would his life have been so different?
His features softened a bit - but only for a moment, as his sympathy waned.
"Not until Vorandur is in my hands once more," he thought...
Nain was about to speak as the Human glared at him but Thurman spoke and the attention was taken off the Dwarf. He decided that there was no point in arguing since they'd made what seemed like a reasonable deal. Reasonable to them anyway, Nain thought to himself that he'd probably have haggled a little more.
Fengel shook his head at this obvious rogue's reply to Dirnhael. If it wasn't for his aid in freeing them and coming back with at least some of their gear, he would have been cut down for his disrespect. He spat through his teeth, "Rabble."
"Of the highest quality." Galudir looked a Fengel as he responded and then turned his horse back toward his hiding place. "Follow me." He led the company back where he hid the sword. Dismounting and bending over a thick shrub, Galudir removed the sword from a small pit in the ground which formerly held a rock he had rolled aside. Silently, Galudir took the blade to Dirnhael and held it out for him to take it.
Edrahil and Durgil descended from the gazebo, back into the pine wood in search of their comrades. In the foggy thickness, the forest was hushed but faint voices could be heard along with the whicker of horses. Below in the valley, the glow of a fire could be seen but no sounds could be heard. The Elf and Dunadan figured it safe to head towards the muted talking before them and so weaved through the forest in that direction.
Not far away, Vorandur settled into Dirnhael's hand, given over by the rogue.
Quote from: Nikitas on Sep 19, 2006, 09:15 PM
"Of the highest quality." Galudir looked a Fengel as he responded and then turned his horse back toward his hiding place. "Follow me." He led the company back where he hid the sword. Dismounting and bending over a thick shrub, Galudir removed the sword from a small pit in the ground which formerly held a rock he had rolled aside. Silently, Galudir took the blade to Dirnhael and held it out for him to take it.
Dirnhael bowed his head in thanks and unsheathed his blade to inspect it, happy to see that it retained both it's beauty and it's sharpness. The Dunmen had done it no harm, and Thermon had treated it with respect.
He would keep an eye on this one - he was a stealthy fellow, and one who obviously thinks quickly on his feet. Such men were often dangerous... or useful.
Once the two had rejoined their companions, Durgil asked in a subdued voice, "How is that you escaped the village after all that noise? Surely they didn't just let you go." Upon spying one additional to their number, he pointedly asks, "Who is he?" The young Dunadan notes what expression he could see upon his reference to Thermon.
As Dirnhael hung his baldric over his shoulder with Vorandur now in place, Edrahil and Durgil walked into the small clearing. Both Elf and Man had a relieved look upon their face when they saw that all of their companions were there, equipped, and none seemed harmed.
OOC: Actions - and/or - Dialogue?
[EDIT] I wrote this as Matt posted so play off his comments.
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Sep 21, 2006, 05:07 AM
Once the two had rejoined their companions, Durgil asked in a subdued voice, "How is that you escaped the village after all that noise? Surely they didn't just let you go." Upon spying one additional to their number, he pointedly asks, "Who is he?" The young Dunadan notes what expression he could see upon his reference to Thermon.
Durgil looked stronger, more vital than he had just hours before, Dirnhael thought. Perhaps breathing the free air again did him some good... he was pleased to see it.
"This is Thermon, who aided our escape," he said, speaking to Durgil while looking at the newcomer. "You and I will have to discuss his payment." Dirnhael hoped that the young noble would either have money or know where to get some.
"He is...
rabble... of the highest quality," saying the last with a slight smile upon his lips.
"They let us go... after Fengel and Seriand gave them no choice but to do so," Dirnhael said with a twinge of regret. He did not regret their actions, of course - they had bought their freedom - but he wished he had not had to leave a people to wither and die... he left Tharbad so long ago in the first place to stop the same thing from happening to others.
Perhaps there was still hope.
He looked at Edrahil. "What have you found, my friend?"
Durgil watches the faces of the others and especially Dirhael as he gives his recount. "Payment?" he queries, giving the newcomer an evil eye. There was definitely more to this story that he should definitely know about. "They don't make rabble like they used to then," he quips. Giving way to Edrahil to relay their goings-on, Durgil resolves to keep an eye -- a close eye -- on Thermon.
Quote from: sdrotar on Sep 21, 2006, 07:44 AM
He looked at Edrahil. "What have you found, my friend?"
Edrahil breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his other companions alive and relatively unscathed. "There is an old elven structure nearby. Apparently your 'apparitions' were pointing the way there. We should go there to rest, for there is a fountain that will reinvigorate us after our ordeal. Durgil has already drunk from it, and it's healing properties are apparent. When we are there we can discuss our course. The view is quite interesting."
[ooc assuming everyone goes along with this ... ]
On the way back to the gazebo, Edrahil asked if any of the villagers were killed in the escape attempt, and was quite relieved when he learned that no life was lost. Edrahil moved close to Fengel so that he might speak with the horseman. "Fengel, I know that you were angry with my words while we were in the stockade, and for that I am sorry. I understand your frustration with their treatment of us. Despite that, these men fought against the orcs that attacked us. Yes, they mistreated us, but they are more barbaric and superstitious than us, and we are ignorant of their ways. Had blood been shed in our escape, the consequences could have been dire. When those who oppose the Shadow fight amongst themselves, it is surely a victory for the Enemy. I hope you can understand that this is why I opposed our attempt to escape."
Fengel placed a friendly hand upon Edrahil. "I am not accustomed to caring for those who miss treat me. And my freedom seems all that I have right now. Do not think that I am uncaring though. Being penned in like useless animals tends to put men on edge." He says with a chuckle. Taking his hand back he adds, "I too am glad that no blood was shed, they need their strength."
Once back at the elven ruins, Edrahil pointed across the lake, inviting everyone to look for the companion structure to this one. "This is a place of seeing. The enchantment still exists, allowing you to see much farther than normal. Across the water is another structure similar to this one, although it also lies in ruins. Unlike this structure, which has suffered from the passage of time, the other looks like it has been destroyed, likely by agents of the Shadow. Within it lies an iron brazier, the purpose of which I cannot guess."
"This past night, while surrounded by the strange fog, Durgil and I saw lights coming from the location across the water. I believe that we must investigate this other structure, for therein lies a clue to solving the mystery of this place."
OOC: Very nice post Brian! I am digging this! :D
Seriand listened to the banter but could not bring himself to want to help the Dunmen, their treatment had been foul indeed and had left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Or we could continue on our course and let these men take care of their own." Seriand took a drink from the well and filled his drinking pouch with the wonderful water.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Dirnhael mused.
The Dunmen did not treat them well, to be sure, but they treated Orcs and the like more harshly.
Allowing free people to fall - even those such as the Dunmen - allowed the Shadow to grow, and aiding the Shadow; even by inaction, was not an option in Dirnhael's mind.
"Drink from the fountain," he suggested. "We will need our strength if we are to see this through. I will not simply let Men wither and die while something can still be done to stop it."
Quote from: Wiseman on Sep 22, 2006, 09:16 AM
"Or we could continue on our course and let these men take care of their own." Seriand took a drink from the well and filled his drinking pouch with the wonderful water.
Edrahil joined Seriand at the fountain, taking a deep drink of the healing water. "I understand your anger with the Dunmen, Seriand, for they have done us all a great injustice. My fear is that whatever evil is upon them may spread beyond their small village."
Fengel too went to the fountain. Standing across from the elves he listened to their conversation, as he dipped his hands into the cool water to drink. He could not imagine what devilry could be plaquing these people. And though he didn't want to care since they hindered his return to his sister, he wasn't one to leave people that were being attacked. Even if the enemy was still unseen.
And so he too prepared to follow Dirnhael to aid yet another desperate people. After getting his fill of the mystic water, Fengel again filled his hands and brought it to Heostor who was standing near to him.
Galudir remained on the edge of the gazebo, just below the last steps up, while the others gathered around and began drinking from the fountain. It seemed that they were planning an investigation, to help the hillfolk of all people. And from the way the apparent leader, that Dirnhael, spoke it was not likely Galudir would be paid any time soon. His band will probably leave him for dead or captured by the time he returned to their meeting place. With a heavy sign Galudir climbed the last few steps dragging his horse behind them, "So then you mean to explore this other ruin? After last night I think some rest is in order first. For my part I will go find a stream for a drink, and possibly some food in the forest as well."
Dirnhael turned to Seriand and spoke quietly.
"If you are hale, please follow Thermon from a distance and observe him in the forest. Your Elven footfalls are but a whisper, and whatever his experience as a woodsman, it certainly pales in comparison to your own. I do not trust him yet, and I would rather not risk being sold out to someone else on our voyage if he chooses to depart."
His features softened as he looked away from the receding form of Thermon and back to Seriand.
"I realize your anger with the Dunmen; I share it. But please understand; they are still Men, and I would not leave my kin to die anymore than you would leave a withering village of The Firstborn."
He placed his hand on the Elf's shoulder.
"We need you with us... I need you with us."
"What about these people causes you so much ire between our escape and now?" Durgil queries suspiciously. "Put yourself in their place... what would you believe if you in their situation? Just what did happen in the village that allowed you to leave unhindered after all that commotion?"
Seriand looked into Dirnhael's eyes for a moment and concentrated on him, reading the man, it was indeed true that he was good right to the core of his being. "Very well." Without a second thought Seriand turned around and started off, tracking the wily rogue.
Track: Roll(1d12)+8: 6,+8 Total:14
Stealth: Roll(1d12)+10: 10,+10 Total:20
Nain listens to the men and elves talking among themselves and his respect for some of them increases. While he listens he gathers twigs and wood then builds a small firepit a short way away from the Gazebo. He digs enough depth so that most of the light will be conceled then puts the kindling in place and lights it.
Actions:
Fire Building
Roll (1d12)+4; 10+4=14