The Company sat and talked to Denn through their dinner and through another bottle of wine, but then found their tongues were tired. The merchant had become a bit enebriated and thus his pace of conversation slowed down until the man just sat and looked about with a big smile and dreamy eyes.
The common room of the River Cross began to fill as the afternoon sun waned and dusk settled in. Smoke began to cloud the room and the noise of laughter and conversation rose about them. Still the Company sat and watched - for danger and for the amusement of seeing what seemed typical of any common room, in any town, in Middle-earth. Men broke out in great boughts of laughter as the beer flowed and the few women in the room eyed each other in embarassment of their mates. Some women circled the room with other intentions, looking for the few men that may be in need of companionship and who had real coins to spare.
Crolm came back to the table where Fengel and his friends sat to check on their needs all through the evening; it was obvious the man wanted to provide the best of service to those who had gold coins in their possession. From the proprietor of the River Cross, the Company learned that Denn (who had risen and left the inn) was a common face around the city and truly did have a lucrative business. Crolm also let them know that the mayor of Ilanin taxed heavy most traveling merchants to the city so that they could afford the strength of guards to assure the safety of the residents. Finally, they learned that though Harizän and his men were encamped across the river, they were not seen much in the city proper. Mainly they only came into town for supplies, or to sell the supplies they seemed to garner from the south.
"The area is quite peaceful really," Crolm observed. "The wain riders move through this area at times but this is the longest I have seen any group remain... been almost three seasons."
Nain laughed as he watched another fool of a performer who had come into the common room some twenty minutes ago. The thin lad was standing on his hands while he had some of the patrons rest their crocks upon the flats of his boots. The boy stated his objective was to balance on one hand while he grabbed each mug, one at a time, and would chug them... all while upside down. Nain understood the bet to be that if the boy failed, then he would have to buy a round for the table of men who had provided the mugs - if he was successful, then he would be given a silver piece. The Dwarf thought that Men had too much time on their hands.
All the while, no one of Harizän's folk came to disturb the River Cross Inn, or the Company. All the while, the young minstrel played his lute and laughed with his fellow performer.
[OOC:] Actions - and / or - Dialogue?
"I will take my leave of you," Dirnhael said to the Company while setting down his mug upon the table. "May you sleep well."
He looked forward to a night of rest in a bed for a change - it had been some time, and Dirnhael still considered it a luxury.
(EDIT to insert Fengel's dialogue)
Dirnhael paused. Fengel was right, of course. The comfort of the inn and a full belly had gotten the best of him for a moment.
"Yes," he said. "We have already attracted attention from the Easterlings." He thought back to Durgil's brash-but-brave actions as they entered the town.
"I would appreciate your diligence." He would be certain to return the favor soon enough.
(EDIT to insert Durgil's dialogue)
He noticed the gleam in the young noble's eye. "Take care," he said firmly. "Take no chances - we will be far stronger together come morning."
After securing the room and making himself comfortable enough to sleep, he drifted into dreams of Ioreth, fair Rivendell, and the life that seemed so very far away in these lands.
As Dirnhael rose from the table, Fengel stood and grabbed his shoulder, "I do not think it wise for us to relax while we are here. Remember how Koskas came into our camp at the Three Tears. We should at least have two to a room and take shifts watching." Fengel nodded to the rest of the company, drank the rest of his brew, then walked with Dirnhael.
OOC: What is the weather like out this night? overcast? moon in the sky?
As it come late, Durgil fancied a bit of leg work was in order before he turned in. "Thermon (or whatever name we know him by, i keep forgetting), do you think you could put off the comforts of a bed a while longer and stretch your legs with me? I would like to see to the horses ere I retire." He gives a surreptitious wink and a look that seeing to the horses may not be all that are looked in on.
OOC: Yep it's Thermon, it's Galudir when I go into 'narrator mode'. Silly rogues and their names. ;D
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Galudir tapped his hands on his full belly as he leaned back in his chair, "Yes Durgil, I suppose I should take a bit of a walk. If only to aid in digestion." With that Galudir left the table and casually followed Durgil out of the inn.
[OOC:] Matt, it is a warm breezy night with the hint of rain in the air. There is little starlight due to the cloud cover and the moon is not out. City torchlight is maintained down the main thoroughways of the town and they gutter in the wind, but provide shadowy light.
Durgil and Galudir walk from the River Cross and into the night-shrouded horse paddock. Lanterns glow in various corners of the stable yard and provide enough light for the stable hand to perform his nightly tasks. The two could also see the town was dimly lit by torchlight braziers and from the inner glow of homes and businesses.
The wind tussled their hair as they looked about. There was little movement looking back towards the main square of the town save in the few places of business that catered to people of the night - otherwise it was the city guard keeping watch, walking in pairs.
As they stood looking about, the stable hand came up, "Good eve sirs. Can I fetch your horses?"
Back inside, Nain and Edrahil sat alone. It was evident to the Dwarf that the Elf would not be going to sleep anytime soon as he ordered another glass of wine. The Dwarf liked how the mage was able to drink... too bad he was an Elf.
Edrahil sat and stared at the minstrel who was making a good fare for the night. He had not approached them since he came in the inn earlier. Didn't he want to increase his inventory of tales? He was busy... the room was full.
"Maybe suspicion is taking to great ahold of me," though the Sindar.
"No, no," says Durgil holding up a hand. "We've just come to see how they fare." Looking around, he comments, "I'm glad to see such a stable full isn't too much for you to handle. I think this should satisfy our elf friend, don't you, Thermon?" Turning back to the lad, "You wouldn't happen to know of any place that entertains so late into the eve? We wish to experience the local flavour and all it can offer while we're here. I think preferably not where those East-men frequent -- such an ill favour is about them."
"Well good sirs, my Master Crolm keeps his common room open as late as needed for those that will. You'll find the Ebb -n- Flo serving until the late hours too. Other than that, there are some small places along the river but certainly they'd be of no interest."
The boy continued, "Sure don't have to worry 'bout the Easterlings... they keep to their own 'cross the river."
"Ah well, Ebb'n'Flow it is, my good man." Handing the boy the spare copper in his pocket, all 16, "Thank you for the advice," and head begins to head in a direction of the establishment. Once out of earshot, he whispers to Thermon, "To the river, shall we?" Once the coast is clear, he ducks into a dark passageway and makes for the riverside establishments.
OOC: Stealth (Sneak) - (4+3)+4+2=13
Stealth (Hide) - (4+3)+4+2=13
The two men became shadows amongst the buildings and shacks that made up Ilanin. They splashed through puddles and leapt over piles of refuse as they maneuvered south towards the river, and both were pleased to see that there was little traffic on the main throughways of the town.
Galudir turned a corner only to be startled by another shadowy figure standing there and his hand fell immediately to his sword hilt. A voice emanated, "Spare a silver?"
With a discouraged shake of the head, Galudir pushed past the beggar and continued on. The rogue had a better instinct for the urban landscape and so Durgil was content to follow. The sound of the river and laughter began to grow as they slipped from the shadows onto a lane that ran along the water and a series of structures. Some were workshops; some warehouses; and others were small dilapidated shacks where lived the long shoremen, but at this hour not a few were places of gathering for the locals who either did not have the coin or the desire to patronize the finer inns.
A cacaphony of shouts came from an open-sided barn and Galudir and Durgil could see a ring of men standing in a large circle, pushing and shoving to see whatever was going on within the center. Pipe smoke and spilled beer wafted in the air and the sound of jingling coins could be heard.
The two companions realized what the event was as a large, bloodied rooster was held aloft to the cry, both of glee and sorrow, of its victory. Laughter and shouts followed as bets were distributed. Some men walked from the circle, obvious losers that no longer had anything to wager, while behind them, those that remained prepared for another contest. Other men gathered in smaller groups outside the large circle and talked quietly amongst themselves or to the women who began to hover about. Galudir and Durgil became aware that they were also being inspected by the various people around them.
"Your pleasure good sir?" asked a lilting voice. Durgil turned to see a young girl standing beside him, her fingers walking up his padded shoulder.
[OOC:] Actions - and / or - Dialogue?
Still playing the his assumed role, he smiled at her, "It's not often I get a proposition from such a fetching young thing, but tonight is business for me and my friend... business of the kind that you aren't interested in." Spurning her advance for moment, the young Dunadan had an idea and turned back to her. "But maybe you might be interested in a proposition of mine," he said, flashing a penny of silver for only her to see.
The young girl's eyes widened at the site and a smile broadened across her face, "What do you need?"
Back at the River Cross, Fengel yawned as he sat in the candlelit room - Dirnhael slept and the Éothraim had taken the first watch. Sounds of the common room below could be heard, muffled from the floor, but it did not bother the Dúnadan in falling asleep. They were all tired.
Fengel rose and walked to the paned window. The poured glass made the light of torches burning outside sparkle and flare; beyond the light was murky darkness. Across the river, the camp of Harizän was still lit and the warrior could see people moving around. He gritted his teeth at the thought that his sister could be captive there. So close...
The Éothraim's keen night eyes caught a sudden movement of men on horseback approaching from the east of Harizän's camp. Folk from the main encampment broke away from the firelight to go and greet them.
"Damned glass!" cursed Fengel at the swirled panes that broke up the features of what was going on.
Edrahil had not gotten up to meet the minstrel. He watched and listened, occasionally smiling at the tales being weaved; all the while taking quiet sips from his glass. Nain had gotten tired of the lack of conversation and had moved to a table that hosted some of his kinfolk. They had arrived, looking well-traveled, just an hour prior. To his pleasure, the craftsman learned that the Dwarves were an expedition out of the Grey Mountains come into Ilanin for supplies - and to sell some of the gems they had procured in the Iron Hills!
Nain's eyes suddenly caught Edrahil's from across the tables - the Elf nodded in the direction of the minstrel. Nain looked to see a swarthy fellow talking to the young lad as they walked from the inn.
Ah, well Durgil hadn't gotten that far in his plan. He opened his mouth to speak then shut it realizing it was agape. He looked for help from Thermon. "Um, maybe a bite to eat in a quiet place. I'm famished, how about you? Know any place good?"
The young girl's face displayed her confusion, "Well if you are wanting to eat and you have that kind of coin then you can do far better for yourself at the River Cross or Ebb-n-Flo. You won't find anything here that you will like... and you may want to be careful of flashing that kind of money down here at night."
"Excuse me friends."
Nain stood and followed the minstrel out of the bar. He wasnt sure if there was something that the minstrel could tell the man or if he was just in danger but he figured if the elf was motioning for him then it was probably important. He walked out the front of the bar and looked around to see if he could find them in the dark.
Nain saw that Edrahil had followed him out and was standing just behind him in the shadows of the porch. The Dwarf looked left and then right and saw nothing but the empty street. Wherever the two men went, it had been rapid and so he assumed that they ducked into an alley.
Edrahil cocked his head to the side and listened to the night. The Elf looked to his left in the direction of mumbling voices.
[OOC:] Nain and Edrahil needs to give me Stealth (Sneak) test roll and must overcome the Opposed Hear rolls I made for the Minstrel and the Easterling below.
Edrahil's Observe (Hear) test:
Observe +4
Roll(2d6)+4: 5,6,+4 Total:15 SWEET! SUCCESS (Edrahil knows the direction)
Edrahil's Stealth (Sneak) test roll
Stealth +7
Roll(2d6)+7: 5,3,+7 Total:15
Easterling's Observe (Hear)
Observe +6, Specialty +2
Roll(2d6)+8: 5,1,+8 Total:14
Minstrel's Observe (Hear)
Observe +8, Specialty +2
Roll(2d6)+10: 3,5,+10 Total:18 SUCCESS - heard Edrahil
OOC: This thread'll teach me never to assume it's bedtime again. :(
[OOC:] Yea but just think about how good and well-rested Dirnhael will feel in the morning... everyone else will be cranky and maybe bleeding. (D
OOC: Nain is always cranky, it's a dwarf thing :)
Stealth (Sneak) test roll
Stealth +2
Roll(2d6)+2: 3,2,+2 Total:7
IC: Nain, not being built for stealth, jingled and clattered as he stepped out the front door of the inn. He stopped on the steps which silenced most of the cacauphony but he was fairly certain that the damamge had already been done.
Edrahil and Nain moved onto the street towards a dark alley that the Elf was sure where the two had gone - unfortunately his short friend was unable to move with stealth. The Sindar heard the conversation as it came to a quick close...
"... four men, an Elf, and a Dwarf," said a youthful voice. "Eh? What's that... someone's coming."
The two companions got to the end of the dark alley and peered down it only to see the shadowy shapes of two figures run to its opposite end and turn right towards the river.
Fengel needed to see more and so he decided to wake his friend, "Dirnhael... sorry to wake you but I must go find another vantage to see what our enemy is up to, but I did not want to leave you alone and unaware."
Dirnhael awoke with a start. He had slept for a few hours - more than they often got in the field - and regretted that Fengel did not.
"What did you see?" he asked, his sharpness of mind returning by the second.
He quickly put on the rest of his armor and reached for Vorandur as Fengel replied.
"Well I really think we all could use a drink," he says trying to gently impress upon her than they should be somewhere else to continue the conversation.
Persuade (Charm) - (6+3)+3+2=14
Fengel went back to the window, "I saw what looked like a company approaching from the east of Harizän's camp. We should go outside for a better view?"
Galudir merely smiled and allowed Durgil to guide the girl away from the crowd. He hoped to ask her some questions about the Easterlings, their habits, and quite ways to cross the river. The merchant back at the inn was helpful, but this lady gave Galudir the impression that her long nights along the river bank would have given her ample opportunity to learn all sorts of secrets about the Easterlings behavior.
Quote from: Palandil on Aug 21, 2007, 05:02 PM
Fengel went back to the window, "I saw what looked like a company approaching from the east of Harizän's camp. We should go outside for a better view?"
Dirnhael nodded. "We need to find the others," he said.
Nain turned to the elf as the two humans disappeared into the darkness.
"Sorry friend, Dwarves weren't built fer sneakin'. Did ye hear anything they were talking about?"
[OOC:] I have the entire party separated in two's! MMwwuuaah hha hha!! >:D
Edrahil looked down at his noisome friend and whispered, "Aye... having a Dwarf move quietly is likened to sculpting a graceful marble statue with a pick axe!"
With a smile and a wink he continued, "The young lad was speaking of us... telling the content of our Company. It seems that mayhaps this young musician was sent to spy on us. What say you?" Without waiting for Nain to answer, Edrahil entered the alley and quickly moved down towards the opposite street. "Come," he said.
The two companions came to the end of the alley and looked down the street in the direction that the minstrel and swarthy man had turned. Edrahil's keen-eyes saw the young lad, lute upon his back, moving quickly down the street. The Sindar checked his sword to make sure it was loose in its scabbard and then moved to hurry after.
Dirnhael and Fengel also moved out. They quickly descended the stairs to enter into the common room once more only to find it empty of any of their comrades, but still clamorous from the patrons. They moved through the crowd and exited into the warm, stil night air. Outside was quiet and only the occassional passerby was seen.
Fengel knew the direction to the river and moved in that direction to find a vantage point where the Easterling activities could be easily spied.
"Your coin, your time," smiled the girl. "Come... it is this way to the Ebb-n-Flo."
She took Durgil by the hand and began to lead him.
[OOC:] Not sure what or where you want to go with the girl, Matt, so I will wait for a post from you or Nikitas.
Kory, not sure if you guys are wanting to approach the minstrel.
Paul and Shawn - not sure if you guys want to do anything before you get to the river - so I will wait to see if there is any posts. If nothing by tomorrow, I will continue on with what you guys find.
OOC: If the minstrel is alone, and Fengel and Dirnhael can find him, I suggest they approach him now. The two of them make a formidable enough pair for one minstrel... What do you think, "Fengel"?
[OOC:] Hey Shawn, Fengel and Dirnhael do not know anything of the minstrel's peculiar behavior. You two are only aware of the activity that Fengel saw across the river in the Easterling camp... and Fengel wanted to get a better look than what the poured glass was allowing.
I guess my OOC above caused this confusion - I corrected it so you guys can give me your input before I move you to the end locations.
Nain grinned at the Elf's analogy but when he took off down the ally after the minstrel he had a moment of doubt.
"Perhaps we should.....aw, hells."
And with that he took of after the elf, jingling like a sleigh.
OOC: The intent is to ply her with food and drink to cough up info about the Easterlings she might know or have heard, unless Thermon has any other designs. Also, in the end, lest something bad happens, see if she can do a little leg work for us in finding out info or possibly an info broker.
Quote from: tomcat on Aug 24, 2007, 04:48 PM
[OOC:] Hey Shawn, Fengel and Dirnhael do not know anything of the minstrel's peculiar behavior. You two are only aware of the activity that Fengel saw across the river in the Easterling camp... and Fengel wanted to get a better look than what the poured glass was allowing.
I guess my OOC above caused this confusion - I corrected it so you guys can give me your input before I move you to the end locations.
OOC: OK. Then I'd suggest that they search for a better vantage point; preferably one where it doesn't look like they're spying... as Han Solo said in "Return of the Jedi", "I don't know... fly casual." ;)
Galudir followed Durgil and the lady towards the inn, but when they were a ways off from the river bank and the small crowd gathered there Galudir pulled her to the side. The impetuous Galudir immediately took to the matter at hand, "Although I am sure you are fine company, tonight me and my companion desire to know what you have noted about those Easterlings across the river. Do they come through into town often? Is there a quiet way to cross the river?..." reaching into his coin pouch and then into the lady's hand Galudir adds another silver piece to the bounty, "and of course we would appreciate your discretion on the matter."
Concern for the where abouts of their friends crossed Fengel's brow. However his immediate concern was across the river.
OOC: Fengel will continue on to a good vantage in which to fly casual. ;D
The streets of Ilanin's main town were essentially a series of concentric ovals that had a main east west through-way bisecting it. The center oval was the main square and there was also a broadening of the road where it met the river. Though it was not a huge city, nor were there tremendous amounts of streets and avenues, still Ilanin could be quite maze-like, especially in the dark of night. The Company had spread throughout the many streets, each group with their own objective.
Nain and Edrahil followed the minstrel at a fair distance to keep the lad from realizing he was being pursued, but close enough not to lose him. The craftsman wondered what had happened to his swarthy friend.
The duo continued down the road as it bent south to run alongside the river heading towards the Carnen ford. On their left was a large, empty paddock for livestock and on the right was a series of shoddy houses. The minstrel disappeared in the second structure from the main throughway, shaded light shone from the windows.
Edrahil looked around, suddenly becoming aware of a presence, "Nain... I think there may be trouble."
The Dwarf looked towards the paddock where a set of glowing yellow eyes peered out from the shadows.
Fengel followed the river north a ways up to the outskirts of the town's center. The River Cross sat very close to the river already, but the Éothraim wanted to get a good view, all the while keeping covered. From the new vantage, the two companions watched as a large man, surrounded by an entourage, made discourse with another group. The second group was led by an intimidating shadow that sat atop a great mount and Dirnhael and Fengel both had trouble keeping their eyes upon him. Their hearts quailed each time they gazed upon the new stranger and it was apparent that his visitor troubled even Harizän.
Soon it was revealed why the travelers came when the Easterling leader issued commands and a group of individuals were led out from the main encampment to be apparently taken away.
"They have come for the prisoners!" hissed Fengel. He panicked in his heart. What if his sister had already been taken away by the horror that sat across the river? What if she were in the group that had just been relinquished by Harizän?
The silver penny quickly disappeared into a small pouch that the girl hid within her bosom and her face showed the semi-relief that the only apparent service needed here was information. She had no ties to anyone across the river... in fact she kind of feared them and thus stayed clear. Still, she was no fool - you did not live long on the streets being foolish. But there was no harm in telling these two men what she knew... they certainly had paid a hefty ransom.
"No," she said, answering one of Galudir's questions. "The ford is the only easy way across the river with or without a boat, otherwise yer swimming and the Carnen has proven the better to most who have tried. So if yer looking to get across, hire yerself a boat."
She looked around to make sure there was no one within earshot, "The Easterlings have been here for a few seasons. They don't come about much save to buy food and what not. They don't even come about fer a bit of lovin'! The leader is quite ferocious but he keeps his people to their side of the river... save those that ride through at night and go off west. Though... I haven't seen 'em ride off west in a whiles. In fact, somes just come back not long ago and not ridden 'cross the Carnen since. Theys used to bring people through at night," she paused as she looked back through her memories, then continued, "You know... youngers, female-folk... all of them plains people."
The girl pointed, "Theys keeps 'em over there fer a while... not sure wheres they go from there. I hear the big leader has a real passion fer the women... keeps a lot around him. They say he will fight any challenge." She laughed, "No men 'round here brave enough to make such challenge."
"Anyway," she shrugged wondering if she had given enough, "That's really alls I know. You lookin' to go over there?"
[OOC:] Actions - and/or - Dialogue?
Nain and Edrahil can give me Initiative, unless they wish to flee.
OOC: Initiative +2
Roll (2d6)+2: 1,5,+2=8
IC: Nain was startled by the eyes even though he'd noticed that the man the minstrel was with had disappeared. He cursed himself for not coming the to the conclusion that he was waiting to ambush them just a few moments sooner as he reached for his axe.
"The sister of a friend of ours was taken by force some time ago." Durgil gives a description of what he believed the woman looked like. "Have you ever seen her? As for going over there, that would seem to be folly. Do we look as though we're great men at arms, miss?" and he gives her a sideways smile. "I know we cannot ask for more than your word that you won't spread this around, but we'd ask it anyways. Less trouble for all is better."
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Aug 28, 2007, 11:58 PM"The sister of a friend of ours was taken by force some time ago." Durgil gives a description of what he believed the woman looked like. "Have you ever seen her? As for going over there, that would seem to be folly. Do we look as though we're great men at arms, miss?" and he gives her a sideways smile.
"I think you hide more than you seem..." she said looking at Durgil. "You are not from here, nor are you like any men I have seen in this region. But folly or not, I see in your eyes that your fate lies across the river."
She shook her eyes free from the young noble's charm, "I have seen no woman like this... although it has been overheard in whispers amongst the Easterlings that come to buy things in town that there is one spirited woman thrall in Harizän's stable. I have heard that she is his favorite and he keeps her as a trophy... the east men laugh as they discuss how she has tried many ways to kill their leader. Unfortunately, the last word that passed through the streets was that she had been broken... no longer having a will to fight, let alone live."
The young woman knew what it was to be a slave. She was a slave to her profession as well as to the man that kept her. She wondered why she did not fight or run... where would she go? Hearing stories of strong women and telling these tales amongst her fellow females gave them all strength and courage to continue. She suddenly was sad at what she had told Durgil and realized that she hoped, no prayed, that the woman thralls across the river still fought.
"If you'll be needing nothing else sirs, I will be on my way."
Fengel could take no more. He needed to know if his sister was across the river, enslaved by the Easterlings. He could not wait longer only to find that she had been sent east to some unknown fate. But what if she already had?
He made up his mind. The Éothraim turned to Dirnhael, "It is said that this Harizän the Easterling will accept any challenge. I will challenge him to a duel for the life of my sister and the removal of his people from our lands. I will not see anymore of my folk harmed when I can change this with a single guantlet thrown."
Even in the dark of night, Dirnhael could see Fengel's eyes flare with his fiery determination.
[OOC:] Paul, you have not been able to post much and so I am adding some story for Fengel. If you do not prefer he takes this course, let me know before this thread moves on. - Doug
Nain heard a growl emanate from the shadows as he drew his axe from his back. Behind the Dwarf craftsman, Edrahil also drew forth his sword and the two strode forward to meet their challenger, all the while the Sindar chanting.
[OOC:] For Nain and Edrahil, combat will go into a new set of combat round threads. For everyone else, the story will continue in this one... unless you guys come to the river crossing and see your companions in combat and thus join.
Quote from: tomcat on Aug 29, 2007, 09:55 PM
"I think you hide more than you seem..." she said looking at Durgil. "You are not from here, nor are you like any men I have seen in this region. But folly or not, I see in your eyes that your fate lies across the river."
[snip!]
"If you'll be needing nothing else sirs, I will be on my way."
Such a burden it was for Durgil at times to see those suffer with little to nothing while he had had all he needed and more growing up and even now. The sadness in the young woman touched his heart, but her keen perception put him off a little. "Thank you," he said with sincerity. "If you hear of any other news my friend and I might be interested, please send word to us at the River Cross."
"Just one last detour I think before we tuck in for the night. What say you Thermon: check out the crossing to see what we can see and then back to the inn?"
Quote from: tomcat on Aug 29, 2007, 09:55 PM
Fengel could take no more. He needed to know if his sister was across the river, enslaved by the Easterlings. He could not wait longer only to find that she had been sent east to some unknown fate. But what if she already had?
He made up his mind. The Éothraim turned to Dirnhael, "It is said that this Harizän the Easterling will accept any challenge. I will challenge him to a duel for the life of my sister and the removal of his people from our lands. I will not see anymore of my folk harmed when I can change this with a single guantlet thrown."
Dirnhael grabbed his friend's arm forcefully.
"
And what if you lose? Koskas was at least my match, and even
he is subservient to Harizän," he practically spat.
"You will be dead, your sister will remain a slave, and your people will still be overrun. This is folly!"
Dirnhael understood the rage that boiled in Fengel's blood, but he would not let him cast aside his life for nothing.
"Even if you were victorious, do you really believe that his men would simply let you walk out of their camp and they would march back to the East with their tails between their legs?"
His voice softened a bit.
"No, my friend. We will drive this rabble from your lands, and reunite you with your kin -
and we will do it together."
He looked about Ilanin; the night sky cloaked it in shadows, and all about, the darkness seeped into every corner.
"But it will not happen this night. Come, let us find our companions so we may plan Harizän's downfall as one."
[OOC:] Great posts guys! I love this game! :>
Fengel hesitated and Dirnhael was not completely sure he had convinced his friend that the challenge was not the right decision, but then the Éothraim turned to follow.
"So," asked an angry Fengel, "What or who do you suppose it is sitting atop that mount? It put fear in my heart to even behold his shape."
The two men continued back south along the river, back towards the River Cross - at the same time, Galudir and Durgil walked north towards where the road came to the river.
[OOC:] Matt and Nikitas, if you guys continue up the road towards the river crosssing, you will come to the combat going on. It will take you guys until Round 5 to get there and of course you guys know nothing about it.
Shawn and Paul, let me know where or what you guys wanna do. If you followed the river south, you too would come to the combat but it will not be until Round 6.
With a voice that betrayed his growing need for rest, Galudir answered Durgil "Yes, well, lead on and I will follow." Once away from the lady, Galudir added, "If only there were a quiet way across the river, we could end this occupation with but a single slice of a dagger." Galduir knew that some of his methods may seem dishonorable to the rest of the company and he would readily admit that they were. But in the rogue's estimation a battle avoided is a victory earned.
Fengel could not shake the thought of his people let alone his sister being dragged of to the east as slaves. "Dirnhael, we should at least move across the river and try to save my people. What about an ambush some where east?"
OOC: Could Fengel see how many men were in this new contingent?
[OOC:] Hey Paul, it is too dark to discern the numbers in either group as everyone seems to be milling about (including the captives).
"A dagger in the night might lay low many men if caught unawares, but I fear that Harizan and, we well know, Koskas won't be brought down by such means. Simple, unfortunately, is not an available path before us."
OOC: I at least will continue in that direction.