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The hunters As Elsbeth and Rolf come back from finding water and they party gather around Mandrake, you hear someone clear their throat. Turning you see a number of men lightly armoured in the Celtic fashion looking at you from behind the bushes by the path. All are armed with either longswords or spears, and at the front stand the man who is obviously their leader. Although ready for trouble, they are not threatening you. Suddenly he smiles and says "Elbeth Marva, what are you doing here? And with as strange a group of travellers as I have seen for a while…" After Elsbeth briefly introduces you all to her cousin, Edwy, you are invited back to Dincaoc to tell you story and explain the flashing green lights they saw from the ditch wall the previous evening. As Elsbeth explains of the rest of the party left behind on the road from Mistaton, Edwy sends a couple of men to see the others safely into the village. The Travellers As you travel you see two men approaching you in the distance, and you naturally bunch together as a better form of defence. But they approach you open handed, giving you greetings from Elsbeth in the name of Edwy Treveri and offer you the hospitality of their village. Leading you forward you quickly come to a junction in the path that leads in to the village. All As you approach the village you see why it is inhabitable in this inhospitable region. Dincaoc is built on a head land surrounded by low cliffs, it is approached via a fairly narrow causeway, which is cut throgh with a stone faced ditch. There is a palisade along the inner side of the ditch and a fairly narrow bridge crossing it, you realise that three or four men could defend that bridge all day long, and worse- the bridge is wooden and could be burnt from beneath an attackers feet. You are shown to so some sleeping compartments in one of the roundhouses - which are hastily prepared for you. You are brought food and water, and a druid attends Mandrake with healing spells (4 hp back) - in all you are made comfortable. The pack animals and trade gear are taken away by a couple of young men for unloading and stabling. Eventually both groups are reunited in the village When you are all in and refreshed you are 'Invited' to meet with Edwy to tell your story. Led to another round house You see Edwy, sitting in a large chair surrounded by the senior fighters from his band. There is also a druid and a bard in attendance. Elsbeth and Rolf are given chairs in deference to their rank and the rest of you are shown to benches just behind them "Its pleased to see you, I am. The return of travellers to the area, especially in company of my cousin is indeed welcome. But I am interested to know of the green flashes that we saw in the night and the pile of dogheads you so proudly displayed. And why you travel in two groups through such wild country, as this ….. As he says this, cups of ale are distributed amongst you, indicating it is not too formal an occasion, although you realise that such a gathering of village elders makes it formal in itself. |
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{Earlier} Elsbeth begins to run forward to embrace her cousin but stops as she realizes what a horror she must appear to be. She is covered in mud and blood, a bandage about her stomach, her clothing torn, her hair loose of its braid and tangled. She instead blushes deeply. "It is a long tale, Edwy," she tells him. "A long tale indeed." She hadn't realized she was so close to Dincaoc. So close to home. |
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Turning to see the men, Rolf's hand instinctively seeks out the hilt to his sword, but he controls the motion. And then, as they recognize Rolf, he lets out a pent up breath. Still wary of course, but not really expecting trouble. At the invite, Rolf looks to Elsbeth but as she speaks up, it seems the decision has already been made. Finding a quiet moment, he leans close to Elsbeth and quietly says, "Is there anyone around who doesn't know you?" As they make ready to leave, Rolf takes up his makeshift sling , one pole in each arm, the other ends dragging the ground. As they approach Dincaoc, Rolf looks over it's defenses and nods approvingly. Without the threat of sea born raiders, the place would prove near invincible. Once inside it's walls, he wearily makes his way to the indicated roundhouse and sets the excessively weighty Mandrake down. Only when the druid is looking over the gnome does Rolf feel that burden lightly. Taking some time to make himself somewhat presentable, cursing his goods having been left behind, Rolf hears the approach of horses. Looking out, he sees Madelyn leading the others in. Rushing forward, he gives her a cheery wave and a smile. "Greetings Madelyn. I feared for you." He looks at the others a second, "For all of you." He looks back to Madelyn, "You've done well, Madelyn, in difficult straits. By the way, you didn't happen to bring our belongings along with you, did you?" Later, Rolf takes the seat gratefully. He gives Elsbeth leave to tell the tale. For one thing, he had little talent at such things. For another, these where her people. And for a third, she knew more of this Hunt than he did. Quietly, he takes his cup of ale and makes himself comfortable, enjoying being clean and reunited with the others, especially Madelyn. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed her until he saw her again. He squashes the thought. It wouldn't do. He had his duties and responsibilities and he couldn't allow his feelings to distract him. |
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Edgar is a bit disturbed by the sheer numbers of the people in this place, but feels sure that his new companions will look out for him ... even as he looks out for Mandrake, staying by the gnome's side through the journey to the village (a bit strong chap like Rolf probably didn't even notice the extra weight on the sling), and thereafter whilst the druid attends to him, watches on. When Mandrake recovers consciousness, Edgar chides him, sternly, though gently, ignoring any surprise in those villagers around him, "... charging off like that ... wouldn't know which end of a weapon was up ... did you never learn to duck ...", but it is obvious that he is most pleased that the gnome made it after all. |
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Finding a quiet moment, Rolf leans close to Elsbeth and quietly says, "Is there anyone around who doesn't know you?" Elsbeth gives a sly grin. "And as if just anyone would call me 'Elsbeth Marva,'" she replies. "This may come as a surprise to you, Mister Rolf, but this girl has family and land, and for the past few you've traveled among both!" She sighs a happy smile. "Mama will be beside herself, I be thinking. I'm hoping you'll be on your honor!" With the reunion, she rushes forward, despite her appearance, and embraces Madelyn. She hesitates as she sees the other woman's face, then swallows hard. "I was hoping the Hunt hadna scared you much, Madelyn." On the ride in, she looks to Callum. "You be seeing my home now, bonny Warrior," she tells him. "I think my brothers will be finding you one to talk and drink with, knowin' them!" |
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Yuri is very pleased to see everyone alive. Distressed Mandrake is in such poor shape, but all are alive none the less. "Where are Jesse and Rethe", he queries them, saying, "Oh, I would have liked to have properly thanked them, I don't think I did at all last night" when he finds out they have gone. "Your dog has been very unhappy without you Elsbeth, you've got a very loyal friend there. But what *is* his name?" Once inside Dincaoc Yuri immediately goes about trying to find someone who can mend his clothes and his mandolin, before finally going to wash off a lot of grime. Making sure he sits next to Madelyn when they are taken to see Edwy, he takes the opportunity to quietly tell her, "see, I told you they were just misplaced." |
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Still backtracking a bit here before the evening... Elsbeth smiles at Yuri. "I'm thanking ye for watching over him while I was away," she tells him. "His name is Laddie, and you should be knowing that he's no dog. He's a wolf." She looks to Rolf and the others. "I'll be seeing you this evening. I... I need to go home." With that she turns and hurries away, her wolf following, not looking to see if any choose to join her. The young woman moves through the village, almost running, limping slightly as the still unhealed wound pulls at her side. As she reaches the round house that is her family's, she hesitates, wishing she had time to clean the blood from her, to at least change from her torn clothing. Slightly embarrassed, she calls into the home. "Mama? Artur? Is anyone here?" |
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An older woman, with grey streaked auburn hair, rushes out from the round house and grabs Elbeth in a huge hug, before holding her away so that she can be examined. "What are you doing home here, girl? I thought you were supposed to be off, travelling the coast lands? You haven't done some thing wrong, and been sent back home have you? Now look at you! Dress all cut up and covered in blood too! Whatever are you thinking of girl? Coming home like that! Now get inside where I can sort that dress out ..." The tirade continues as Elsbeth is led inside, "... Tyrde and Artur are off looking after the cattle, but they will be back tonight. There was some sort of commotion last night. Now, are you limping girl? What's wrong with you? Will you sit down there while I look at you!" ---------- Yuri wanders around the village asking for someone to help him fix his clothes, and before long he finds a young woman who is prepared to help. "Ahh! Be away with you, and get something else on then fetch me those clothes back here. I can't be fixing them with you wearing them now, can I?". He has less luck trying to find someone to fix his mandolin, he finds carpenters - but their tools are much too large for the fine work needed on a Lute. ---------- Edgar certainly attracts attention and surprised stares as he starts berating Mandrake, although shortly after he starts talking the druid Mutters "Ach! I wouldn't want to be married to a nagging bird like that." Which draws a few chuckles from the nearby locals and defuses the situation somewhat. ---------- |
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Mandrake tossed and turned so much on the journey to the village, that he had to be restrained. His nightmares full of the horrible laughs and jeers of his captors as he could pick out the occasional work that he knew from his earlier discussions with their doghead prisoner related to eating and food. When finally they reached the village, in Mandrakes mind it was a place of dirt and depravity with bits of carcass, most recognizable as those of humanoids, and other signs of violence strewn about the place. Many gathered to watch the hunting party bring home the catch, him, to be devoured by the tribe. He closed his eyes, unable to bear the sights and sounds about himself. Why did he ever let himself over to the sound of the horn and the thrill of the hunt? It was so barbaric and now he was the prey, trussed like a pig. Finally, the noises die down and Mandrake, unable to bear it any longer opens his eyes only to see what is obviously an elder staring down at him, selecting the choicest cuts obviously. He feels the hands of the disgusting creature on him and he cries out "Don’t eat me!" but in a flash a haze lifts from his eyes. Eyes wide, Mandrake looks about himself, surprise reflected with in his eyes with the faces of his friends and so many strange humans, "What… where…" Closing his dropped jaw, Mandrake gulps and looking down the length of his body at the bonds starts again in a more composed tone, "Do you normally truss up your friends so?" "... charging off like that ... wouldn't know which end of a weapon was up ... did you never learn to duck ..." "I’m sorry my friend, I don’t remember anything" he lies, not quite looking the bird in the eyes, obvious from his tone that he does not want to discuss it. Mandrake enjoys the food, but is quiet and more subdued than any have seen him and as talk turns to the lights and the hunt, he does little but stare into his plate, or more frequently his cup. |
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Elsbeth vainly tries to edge her words in sideways. "No Mama, I wasn't sent home..." "Yes Mama, I am off..." "No Mama, I did nothing wrong..." Its not until she sits that she feels the pain again. The woman is starting to feel that this is some kind of lesson, especially since what she is enduring could be cured with a simple spell. Still, she can't help but cringing in pain as her mother pulls off the crude bandage to see the wound. "It... it was the Hunt, Mama," Elsbeth manages, gasping somewhat. "Just like in the stories! Oh, careful! And I was in it, Mama. That's how this happened. That's what the lights were, I be thinking." |
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"Ah, Laddie... well I bet you're a lot happier now huh Laddie? I realise he's a wolf, dog was a slip o' the tongue." |
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Herloch is unusually quiet in the village of Dincaoc. He only acknowledges the return of party unity with a slight nod. The food and water are very refreshing, and with a full stomach Herloch welcomes the free ale. He drinks it down quickly, greedily, and asks if he can have a refill. "Hey, if you've got a larger pitcher, fill that up and bring it here. Then you won't be bothered when I ask for another refill." Ah, tonight's a good night to get drunk, the priest of Thor muses silently. |
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Callum grunts his approval at Elsbeth comments and then carries on looking around him, first at their companions, then at the town. He is not so nervous around many strangers as once he was but there are still far more people here than he is used to. "So nearly like home and yet not - but no fault with their hospitality" thinks Callum. After Mandrake regains consciousness, he wanders over to him and pats him gently on the shoulder. "You may be small, my little friend but you fight like a bear - and handle a sword almost as well as one" he grins. Eventually, he approaches one of the elders. "Where is your Warriors' hall?" he asks "I've a mind for some more ale and some tall tales." |
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Elsbeth is still sitting with her mother, but now with her wounds bound and in a clean dress from her own wardrobe. She has fended off such comments as "Fie, Girl. You have been running with the hunt? How did that happen? Did the hunt do this to you? We had better get your hair sorted out, too. ...." and a whole host of other questions that come more from a deep seated love and concern rather than anything else. Then she is summoned to meet Edwy along with the others. The messenger get a tirade from Lyra along the lines of "Can't you leave the girl in peace for a minute? Have you got to drag her away from her mother as soon as she gets here?" but he is insistent enough that Elsbeth feels the need to attend. ---------- Callum asking the elder for directions to the warriors' hall, instead gets directions to Edwy's meeting where he is given a mug of ale. But not the jugs that he was, perhaps, hoping for. ------------ Mandrake is offered a supporting arm to the Lith-Ris house - but they are fairly insistent that he and his pet should join them. The others too, including Yuri in his still tattered clothing, are also encouraged along to Edwy's house. ----------- Herloch's mug is refilled, but he is not left a jug and gets a dirty look for his presumption. Before he can finish that mug the jug bearers have retired somewhere behind them, and are out of sight. ------------ Elsbeth recognises her cousin Edwy, as well as many of the others there, including the druid that helped heal Mandrake and who taught her some of the skills she now practices. "It is pleased to see you, I am. The return of travellers to the area, especially in company of my cousin, is indeed welcome. But I am interested to know of the green flashes that we saw in the night and the pile of dogheads you so proudly displayed. And why you travel in two groups through such wild country, as this... " He asked, and then adds "And indeed, I would also hear of this talking bird you keep." Indicating Edgar. |
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Elsbeth stands, now mostly cleaned off and attired in soft green dress adorned with sewn flowers, trimmed in silver. Her hair is brushed out and rebraided. "I'm not much of a teller of tales, as many of you be knowing," she begins, "but I'll tell what I can by starting with what happened before last night." She takes a deep breath. "I had held a ceremony, a ceremony of three for the victories of Warrior Callum, for the brave deaths of friend Yuri's companions and for the wood and glade dishonored by ills. It was grand and our voices were heard. With us were two that you don't be seeing here- two other Druids answering the call, Jesse and Rethe." Elsbeth bites her lip. "And I'm thinking all that's what called what you saw the night last. "We had gone to bed, the group of us. The big lad Herloch there and the little fellow, Mandrake, they were on watch when it happened. We were all brought out of sleep by the sounding of a horn, loud enough to bring us upright wondering what was happening. That's when the lights started, bringing fright to the horses." She pauses. "Then, we saw that the flashes were the green flames of the breath of great black dogs, coming from their mouths and from the very ground itself as they ran. They were being led by a large black skinned man, proudly bearing antlers upon his head, a spear in his hand. 'Ere we were knowing better, the Hunt was on us." The woman lets the murmer die down before continuing. "Aye, the Hunt it was. The Gods had been among us and now many of us ran with them in the dark of night. I'm not remembering much of what happened except that we ran and then awoke from an unearthly sleep, scarred and stained, the dogheads dead about us. Those that did not hear the call couldna' follow. And so we were a group of two." Elsbeth stops, her cheeks slightly flushed, clasping her arms to her, then sits to take a quick drink of her ale. |
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The tales are spun and the ale is swilled in vast quantities. But off to one side sits Rolf. He is thankful for the hospitality of their hosts, but these Celts... He never felt at ease in the company of his own folk, and while friendly enough, the ways of these people are strange. Still, the others all seem to be fitting in well, enjoying themselves. Glancing, he spies out Madelyn. Grabbing a mug of ale, he passes it to her. Leaning close, wanting to keep his words private, he says, "Strange place for a couple of Norsemen like us. Think anyone would mind if we take a stroll?" |
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Edgar's relief at Mandrake's reawakening is tempered by the mark the events of the night before have had on the gnome. The druid's spoken wish never to be matrimonially linked with such a "nagging bird" provide a welcome distraction, and the raven retorts "You're not my type !" with an affronted "Caaark !" for good measure, though he is saddened that this does not bring a smile to the face of the usually lighthearted gnome. Nevertheless, Edgar remains at the gnome's side, if nothing else, making him share his meal with his hungry feathered friend. Realising that a talking bird is somewhat of an attraction, Edgar tries to play to the crowd, though his concern for Mandrake leaves him subdued, and he is thankful when Elsbeth begins her tale and all eyes turn to her. But when she peters out, memories failing, he siezes on a hope, and hops to the centre of the room with a loud "Caaaark !" to get everyone's attention, and, after shuffling around in a circle to ensure all eyes are upon him, continues the tale, though shaping it different than he did before to those involved, when the full horror of the night still pressed on him. For now, the right words might aid a certain melancholy gnome. "I too was called by the Hunt that night, and so I followed with those that answered that Call, flighing high above the Land until I thought my heart would burst and wings would drop off ..." "The Master and his Pack lead them, lead them to where a pack of ravenous dogheads were gathered, and these few fell upon the creatures, heedless of their own safety, and slew them that the woods might be cleansed ... aye, bravely and with honour they fought, from the mightiest warrior among them ..." Here Edgar pauses and turns to face Callum, and nods respectfully towards him, before continuing. "... to the humblest scholar." His gaze lights upon Mandrake, and with it, the fervent wish that his words are equally as penetrating. "And so they defeated those creatures, though all bore the scars of the encounter ... some more deeply and keenly than others." And with that he flaps his wings, and flutters over to where Mandrake sits and perches proudly besides him. |
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Madelyn sets her lance as the two men approach, but at the mention of Elsbeth’s name she lowers it and is happy to follow the gentlemen back to the village. On arriving, she smiles shyly at Rolf’s welcoming, and dismounting, accepts his praise, directing him to his belongings on one of the mules. As Elsbeth approaches and hugs her, Madelyn returns it holding her friend close, "it is good to have you back", she says warmly. Madelyn assures Keldon is settled before taking her belongings into the roundhouse. She changes appropriately for dinner, and takes a seat as close to Rolf and Elsbeth as possible, smiling politely to Yuri as he sits on the bench beside her. "see, I told you they were just misplaced." She nods and smiles at him, before warmly looking over at Rolf. "Yes", she says, "it is good to be back together again". Madelyn makes general conversation with the people around her before Rolf approaches. Accepting the ale she smiles warmly at him, and takes in his smell as he leans closely too her. "Strange place for a couple of Norsemen like us. Think anyone would mind if we take a stroll?" "You don’t think we will be missed then", a look of concern crosses her face, "they were quite adamant that we attend this evening?" She looks to him questioningly. |
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OOC: Sorry for the confusion, I'm apparently putting the cart a few steps in front of the horse. I'll do a bit of warping of things here.... Rolf looks back at Madelyn, noticing how fetching she seems. At her suggestion, he looks about the room, noticing that Elsbeth has returned and looking little like the wild haired woman in the aftermath of the Hunt. He sighs and frowns slightly. "Perhaps you are right. Maybe later?" He settles down in his chair, feeling a bit ill at ease. The story passes quickly, at least for him. As she finishes the tale and shows signs of discomfort, he nods slightly to her. Reaching back, he tugs lightly on his ponytail and looks around, wondering when it might be possible to slip out without being rude to their gracious hosts. |
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Madelyn, listens attentively to Elsbeth’s story, this is the first time that she has heard exactly what happened, and her heart goes out to her friend when she realises the distress that she has been put through. Before Rolf walks away she puts her hand over his and squeezes lightly, nodding "Yes, later". Seeing Rolf’s agitation she wishes that she could do something for him. She also feels out of place in this hall of Celts. Hopefully it won’t be long now, and she can spend some time with Rolf, hopefully alone. |
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"So some of you were chosen to run with the hunt, but others were not?" Asks the bard. "And how is it that this servant of the Morrigan travels with you?" |
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Rolf is confused by the second of the questions put forth by the bard and decides it is time to speak up. "Aye, Elsbeth and myself, Callum, Mandrake, Smile and Flea were all swept up in the Hunt. The others were not. I'm not sure why." He pauses, considering, though he decides not to speak of his theory. "Forgive my ignorance, but I am not familiar with Morrigan, nor who this servant you speak of might be." Again, it appears as if he might have some ideas. "But why would travelling with such a one raise the question?" |
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"The Gods choose who they may," volunteers Elsbeth. "And they chose our people and a few others who heard the call. Such is the hand of fate, I'm thinking. I for one had no choice, even had I wished one. The Hunter called and I ran." She looks over at Edgar. "As for that one, he's no servant of Morrigan that I've been seeing, bonny bird that he is." She shrugs. "Perhaps the Warrior uses some ravens as his omens but not all. Or maybe Edgar is an omen and we're not to know it yet. Mayhap we'll be learning more as we continue our travels." |
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Peter is releived when the guides arrive tolead them to the village, and please to see his colleagues again. he is about to go offer help to Mandrake when the Village Druid cast his spell. However it is clear that Mandrake is not fully recovered from his, almost fatal, foray with the hunt the previous evening. Peter offers to help with the wounds and spends some time fussing around Mandrake but with no obvious efects. Peter then takes a quick snack, gets a wash and changing into his spare clothing, before finding somewhere he can wash his normal clothes and hanging them over some local bushes to dry. When they are summoned to the Cheif's hall, he goes along and sits quietly at the back, trying not to draw attention to himself. |
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"Tell me of these other druids ...." asks the druid, concern writ clear in his eyes. |
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Elsbeth nods, bowing her head slightly to the man who had taught her much. "They were of Clan Pagini, traveling so see our lord," she replies to the druid. "Rethe was the elder, senior to me, yet he oft seemed to show respect to the younger, who was of my age and a mite behind me in studies, with an eagle as his companion. Jesse was his name." She blushes slightly at the memory. "Rethe did help me in the ceremony, offering the gift of the land and rebirth." Elsbeth takes a drink of her ale, finishing it. "And they both ran with the hunt gladly, seeking it. When they left us after, Jesse was saying that he'd give an accounting to our clan, then they both took shape as eagles and flew off." |
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Both Edwy and his druid look slightly startled at this news "What were those two doing here? Did they say what they were doing?" asks Edwy. The druid explains "Jesse is the Lord of the Paginis, their equivalent of our own Segovax, and Rethe is his druid. Jesse isn't a true druid, but a warrior, like Rolf here and you brother. I had heard of his shape change, but never met anyone that witnessed it, you will have to tell me more about him later. Still they are a pair of wiley old warriors, who know how tolook after themselves." |
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After his little speech, Edgar prefers to melt into the background, though the Bard's comments elicit an indignant though subdued squawk from him. His companions' retorts, however, settle him, and he gives them a low caaark in thanks. |
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Yuri, taking frequent glances at Edgar, still amazed, quietly waits for all the questioning to finish, not all too happy about all these questions that serve as reminders for what has happened. "Sheesh, I feel like I'm twelve again and Ma and Pa are in the middle of telling me off and asking where I've been for the past week", Yuri mutters to Peter and Kerim (who sit to the side and behind him) with a half-hearted smile. |
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Peter, used to a much stricter regime and questioning, looks slightly puzzled by Yuri's comments, but smiles and nods anyway. |
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"I not after knowing why the others joined the Hunt, but I joined it of my own free will, well knowing what might be happening to me. Mind you, I am honoured to have run with the Hunt and happy to have survived the experience. As to judging the servants of the Morrigan - I am a warrior, I'll not be doing anything that might be making her take an interest in me." |
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------------------------------ENDS-------------------------- |
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