=========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 44 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 21:38, Mon 14 Oct 2002 Subject : The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- "From Life to Death a journey's path, Ye canna be lost I pray, For the wheel still turns in way rebirth, From Life to Death and back. "Praise to the Goddess, we hail thee, Your gifts abound in plenty, With wisdom comes joy, laughter and love, From Life to Death and back. From Life to Death to life... we pray..." As Elsbeth chants over Selina's body, the young woman start to quieten and finally appears to be sleeping peacefully. Slowly the air seems to thicken around the clearing, and a soft glow colours the air, almost as if great power is gathering around the young druid and her patient. Time seems to slow, and everyone is drawn to watch the spectacle … Suddenly the thick quietness is disturbed as Selina sits bolt upright and starts to scream. Her long undulating call splits the air, and you automatically wonder who's attention it might attract, but you cannot peel your attention away from the shrill screech of the young woman as it assails your ears … As she wails a thin wisp of white 'smoke' drifts out of her mouth and forms a cloud bearing the shape of Selina's silent screaming face. As the last of the cloud leaves the young womanise mouth, he body - now clearly lifeless - drops back to the floor and lies limp and relaxed a slight smile on its lips. Suddenly the Selina cloud darts around the space. Moving from person to person, circling them once or twice and then moving on to the next person. A slight chill passes over you as the form passes around you - almost as if you can feel the chill of death itself in your bones, but you move slowly and sluggishly almost as if the very air itself is impeding your progress. Suddenly, the cloud darts back to Selina's body, circles twice and then seems to dive into her belt with a thin whistling noise. As soon as it disappears, the thickened air returns to normal, almost as if all the energy and magic has been sucked right out of it and you are all left feeling slightly dazed and drained. =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 10 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 23:55, Mon 14 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf tries to focus on warding the camp, but his eyes keep being drawn back to Elsbeth's efforts. As her efforts are felt, he finds the hairs on the back of his neck prickling. Unconsciously, he finds his hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly enough to whiten his knuckles. When the scream sounds, he ducks his head and winces at the thought of bringing down all the dogheads in Hell down upon them. But then his eyes are locked on the wispy face, following it about the clearing. As it nears him, his eyes widen and he finds himself unable to move clear of it's approach. As it envelops him, he feels tendrils of death flay his flesh gently and shivers. He can't tell how long it dally's about him, but when it leaves, he finds himself chilled. He whispers thanks to Uller for allowing him the ability to survive the encounter. Still, the feeling pulls at his arms, making them feel heavy. Finally, the wisp dives into Selina and the danger, if there was any to begin with, seems to have passed. "Elsbeth," Rolf says, find the words hard to utter, "Did it work?" Even that little effort leaves the ranger panting for breath. =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 45 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 08:22, Tue 15 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth bends to examine Selina in response to both her own curiosity and Rolf's question ..... =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 17 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 20:32, Tue 15 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn observes the ceremony from his position on the hilltop, having cast his runes and sent word with Hugin and Munin on the evening winds that he, Odin’s selfless servant requires more boons and favors. From up here the chant, to his ear, sounds sweet and hopeful yet at the same time so laden with a sort of revering sorrow, a blameful praise and a blissful mourning all in one and much more. And, much to his surprise, he feels something wet trickle down his cheek. Ach, Ravn, you old sentimental fool, he tries to cast it aside, you let such maidenly charms stir you - get a grip, man! But the sentimental feeling, too, had a lighter and joyous side to it, a relief of at least some of all the tension that had been building up inside him since his return to the Southern lands. And that little skirmish with the dogheads had granted little relief in and by itself, not even the berserk rage had done much more than grinded off the sharpest of the sharp edges of his peaceless mind. Nothing like Elsbeth’s gentle voice dancing up towards him on the breeze... The scream cuts his considerations short, but before his long legs can carry him down to investigate the fit is over and he can only watch, impatiently, with a worried frown while the druidess examines her patient. “Well...?” He looks up at Rolf to learn the Constable’s thoughts and is surprised at what he finds. Did he just whisper the Hunter Vanir’s name to himself in prayer? Well, he may be a poor misguided faerie worshipper but it seems my little speech has at least reminded him who’s mortal and who isn’t around here. Not much, but it’s a start - we can always beat the fear of Odin into him later. Ravn smiles inardly, not seriously contemplating quite so drastic means of conversion (after all, a man’s beliefs are his own matter to a certain extent, even a leader of men) but still enjoying the thought of teaching Rolf Odin’s wrath like he himself was taught - with the stick. =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 17 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 20:46, Tue 15 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- The druid looks into the unseeing eyes, then lets her eyes stray to Selina's belt. She visibly gasps, then slowly draws the weapon, looking at it carefully. "I... in a matter of speaking," she stammers. "She was driven from the body, then... then..." She holds up the dagger, looking at it in the light. "Something is in here," she whispers in wonder, running her finger lightly along the blade. "What was in her is now here... and great magic it is..." =========================================================== From : Edgar Access : player Posts : 16 Date : 05:08, Wed 16 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- Edgar's attention has long since been fixed on the scene unfolding in the campsite, the dangers without of secondary concern to the trials of the two women within. But whatever hope the raven holds as Selena seems to calm, the scream that issues from her throat is shocking, causing him to grip his unfortunate perch (Amok, for since Selena's death-warning, Edgar has resolved to stay close to the wildman) with sharp talons, though given the circumstances, it is doubtful that either bird nor man are aware of it. As Selena's essence circles the campsite, the raven is moved to voice his wonder. "Great Queen," he says softly, reverently, feeling even those few words heavy on his beak, but strangely without fear, as if the chill of death that falls on all present was but an old, old acquaintance. When the smoke-form is drawn back to the body, Edgar comes to with a start, loosing his grip with a chirrup of absent apology to Amok. "The hand of Death is upon her soul," Edgar says calmly as Elsbeth handles the dagger wherein the Selena-spirit fled. "That blade is dangerous, but whether to it's wielder or those who feel it's bite, I can not tell." "Did she survive the extraction ?" =========================================================== From : Meeleek El'Wakhad Access : player Posts : 8 Bio1 : Midani mage Bio2 : of wind and sand Portrait : mfr006.jpg Date : 11:08, Wed 16 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- The young mage watchs Elsbeth's ritual with great interest, mentaly noting the use of matirial totems and the specific incantation. As the spirit faces him, he is filled with fear, but nontheless keeps on inspecting and studying. When the druidess risses and shows the possessed dagger, notes of alarms appear on the young Midani face. "The raven is right, Elsbeth Marva Traveri. The weapon is most dagerous, for a lose spirit is bound to search for a new vessel to possess, and surly one as unquiet as that of Salina. You best place it in cloth and not touch it with bare skin." =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 11 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 02:08, Sat 19 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf seems a bit unnerved at the weapon in Elsbeth's hand and Meeleek's warning. "Best put it away, but what of Selina, does she live?" He points at the prone, still figure on the ground. =========================================================== From : Peter Gasgano Access : player Posts : 5 Portrait : mfr022.jpg Date : 11:26, Sat 19 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- Peter stands aghast, face white, as the spirit circles the group - memories of Callum's possession in the crypt of the castle fly to his mind, and he steels himself for possession by the wraith should it occur ... A deep sigh of relief escapes his lips as the spirit makes its way back towards Elsbaeth and the corpse of Selina, but he doesn't fully relax until the spirit dives back into Selina's body. When Elsbeth holds the dagger high and speaks, he turns nervous agin. "Are you trying to say that her soul entered the dagger - not her body?" he asks nervously. =========================================================== From : Mandrake Access : player Posts : 2 Portrait : mfd138.jpg Date : 19:51, Sun 20 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: The ceremony ----------------------------------------------------------- Seeing the cermony start Mandrake watches curiously, and is startled by the appearance of selina's spitit. As soon as he is free to move again, he strides forwards towards Elsbeth. "Did she really psosess the dagger? let me look?" he asks excitedly, holding his hand out for the weapon. This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Sun 20 Oct 2002. =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 19 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 14:07, Sun 20 Oct 2002 Subject : Hands off! ----------------------------------------------------------- “UNHAND THAT DAGGER!” The Runecaster’s voice is loud, firm and unquestionnably commanding as he descends the hill at full running pace, stopping next to Elsbeth and the still unmoving Selina. He does not pause to await the Constable’s orders nor to suggest anything through him - for that, time is too short and danger to imminent. “None of you wil touch this item before I have submitted it to the scrutiny of the Alfather’s all-seeing eye and found it safe from evil trollbinds - none of you!” He looks around him in the circle of onlookers, stressing his exclamation, his face expressing steely determination. Then he regards the still somewhat shocked druid in a much softer tone. “Elsbeth, place that curséd weapon on the ground right now lest the madness it may hold seize another one of us. Then stand well clear that I may examine it further.” =========================================================== From : Meeleek El'Wakhad Access : player Posts : 9 Bio1 : Midani mage Bio2 : of wind and sand Portrait : mfr006.jpg Date : 16:29, Sun 20 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hands off! ----------------------------------------------------------- The scorn on Meeleek's face cannot be mistaken. =========================================================== From : Mandrake Access : player Posts : 3 Portrait : mfd138.jpg Date : 19:52, Sun 20 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hands off! ----------------------------------------------------------- Mandrake gasps and turns toward the Runecaster, a strange look in his eye, but still holds out his hand outstretch towrads Elsbeth. =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 12 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 12:50, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hands off! ----------------------------------------------------------- In a rare show of support for Ravn, Rolf says, "Elsbeth, set the dagger down. No reason to take chances when we don't have to." =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 19 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 13:14, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hands off! ----------------------------------------------------------- To all the conversation about her, the druid is oblivious, the weapon in her hand gaining all her attention. Elsbeth stares at the dagger, her eyes seeing all details. "Selina?" she whispers. "Was this what ye were tryin' to be telling me?" At Ravn's command, she almost jumps out of her skin. She glares at the man. "Ye are not givin' me orders! I'm knowin' what I'm doin' as a vessel of the Gods! Ye'll not use that tone with a druid!" She looks at the dagger again, then looks up at Rolf's words (basically waiting to see if the dagger does anything). =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 20 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 17:43, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hands off! ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn's mouth opens, his forehead burrowed and his cheeks red with agitation. He lowers his spearhead, slowly swinging it in a semi-circle before him, almost as if repelling some trollish abomination - or stating a warning to the others to stand clear of Selina, Elsbeth and the dagger. Yet before he can utter the words his mind have cast, angry words that would spell his fury in capital letters, and possibly words that would call down unmistakeable WRATH...!!!!! - before he can say any of that and forever ruin all chances of reconciliation and understanding, the one-eyed crow nudges him gently with its beak against his ear. Ravn pauses in mid-rage, cutting the build-up short. He grumbles and nods, almost as were he listening to something the speechless fowl were saying and, gradually, his visage cools. He takes a deep breath, straightens his back with the exhalation, lowers his spear again and finally says in a much softer, whispering tone to Elspeth. "........put it down, I said........" The emotionally sensitive among the party might feel a sudden urge to move south for the winter, spurred by the permafrost in his voice like the icy winds of Niflheim, home of the forst giants. In other words, as cold as it gets. The crow hops onto the Runecaster's head and bangs its beak angainst his spangenhelm ".........please......." =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 20 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 18:13, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hands off! ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth meets Ravn's icy stare with one of her own, her eyes still flashing with anger. Gone is the uncertain woman who had been hiding herself since the battle. Instead, a strength born of faith and experience seems present as she flinches not at the tone or actions of the other. A long moment passes, the crow's actions the only sound. Then, she very carefully sets the dagger on the ground, her eyes never leaving Ravn's, almost as if her eyes are trying to hold his captive... =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 22 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 18:53, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : There's a good girl ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn’s eyes stay locked on Elsbeth’s but from the corners of them he folows her movement down toward the ground and up again. His face, so horridly contorted just seconds ago, now visibly relaxes, and his lips move in a whisper that only she can hear. “...thank you..." Gone is the icyness, the singe of near-faltering self restraint, and the uncompromising command. Now, the Runecaster seems almost relieved, almost begging when he asks her again, still in a barely audible whisper: “...there is danger here....now please step away...” His voice is still gentle but a little louder as he offers an explanation, now the immediate danger seems passed. This is for everyone's ears, not Elsbeth's alone. “I am about to search it for trollery and evil - your magic, your being itself could disrupt the clarity of my vision.” Nothing wrong with little white lie as long as it keeps her safe... ”Stand clear, all of you!” There is nothing gentle about his tone of voice as he raises it to ensure that none of the others get in the way of what he must do next... [Private to GM: I will cast a Detect Evil on the dagger but I am pausing it for dramatic suspense and to let the others get a shot at posting in reaction to Ravn’s and Elsbeth’s actions.] =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 21 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 18:57, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Hardly a girl ;) ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth nods and slowly stands, her eyes now drawn back to the dagger. She backs away from it and watches Ravn silently. =========================================================== From : Mandrake Access : player Posts : 4 Portrait : mfd138.jpg Date : 21:55, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hardly a girl ;) ----------------------------------------------------------- Mandrake lets his outstretched hand drop, and appears to be about to make a wise crack or quip of some kind - but then steps back and lets the druid and the rune-caster sort it out between themselves. =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 48 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 22:00, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hardly a girl ;) ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth and Ravn seem to square off over the dagger - Elsbeth holding it out in front of her, talking softly to it as Ravn makes his demands. [Private to Elsbeth Marva Treveri: The dagger does not move or respond to you at all as you examine it.] As Mandrake backs away and Rolf supports Ravn, Elsbeth finally relents as she hears a more polite request from the rune caster, and lays the dagger on the ground at her feet. [Private to Ravn Ashengray: When you cast your detect evil - Nothing shows up on the dagger ....] =========================================================== From : Peter Gasgano Access : player Posts : 6 Portrait : mfr022.jpg Date : 22:02, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hardly a girl ;) ----------------------------------------------------------- Peter feels himself tense as his two colleagues face up to each other, and then breathes a sigh of relief as Elsbeth and Ravn seem to come to agreement. However, his eyes never leave the pair, nor the dagger laying on the ground between them. =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 13 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 23:14, Mon 21 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Hardly a girl ;) ----------------------------------------------------------- "Now, Elsbeth. Please tell me what's going on." Setting aside that he doesn't have the expertise to deal with this sort of event, Rolf decides he needs to defuse things a bit. "I'm afraid I don't understand yet what has happened." =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 22 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 03:07, Tue 22 Oct 2002 Subject : Not sure ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth watches Ravn a moment longer, a curiously calm and... intense expression. Then she turns to Rolf. "I... I'm not knowin' for sure," she admits. "I called for a rebirth and that was what did happen, but I'm not knowing if it was Selina we saw or if it was that which was in Selina, if ye be knowin' what I mean. All I know is that all that was her torment, all that was her pain... it is gone, and with it, the life from her body. And it is in the blade. I can see her face in it, in the handle, in the steel." She points to the dagger on the ground. "Whatever the gods freed from her is now there." =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 23 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 16:47, Tue 22 Oct 2002 Subject : Alternate theory ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn, listening with but half an ear to Rolf's question and Elsbeth's answer, points his spear toward the dagger with a low chant. "Almighty Alfather, lend to me the boon bestowed by precious gift to Mimer's Well Open my eye to what lies hidden of Loke's weave reveal before me trolléd runes curséd bands and trollish trickery" The Runecaster circles the dagger, swaying the spearhead above it, studying it intensely. A few minutes and several concerned grumbles later, he stands back, shrugging and shaking his head. "This is worse than I thought - for worse than facing your foe is knowing he is there without seeing him nor the nature of the threat he poses." He rubs his beard as is his habit when worried. "I see no bands of trollish magery, no trolléd runes that may explain this odd happenstance. One explanation could be that whichever evil force possessed the girl remains within her while her essence has shifted to safety in the dagger." He glances at Elsbeth. "Reborn within in, mayhaps." Ravn, testing his theory, shifts his focus to Selina's body. "Reveal yourself trollish power from my master's eye you cannot hide come forth from the maiden's earthly holster and show your ugly face!" [Private to GM: So how about Selina, then? Any powerful evil residing within her?] [Private to Ravn Ashengray: Nope - Selina shows up nothing either ...] This message was last edited by the GM at 16:47, Tue 22 Oct 2002. =========================================================== From : Mandrake Access : player Posts : 5 Portrait : mfd138.jpg Date : 16:59, Tue 22 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Alternate theory ----------------------------------------------------------- Stepping back out side Ravn's circling form, mandrake pushes his harns out in front of him, making a square with his thumbs and fore-fingers. Squinting he looks straight through the opening made towards the dagger chanting softly. "Let me see the dwoemer bold Through the framing hands I hold Make the sorcelled glow and flare And cast their aura in the air …" As he finishes he sweeps his hands uip and past Ravn and Elsbeth, before turning to takin in the others in the group. "Its magical alright!" he pronounces pointing at the dagger. "Seems to be some sort of conjuration on it - and a strongish one at that - although its confusing. Its like nothing I have seen before ..." he trails off slowly. =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 14 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 23:27, Tue 22 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Alternate theory ----------------------------------------------------------- "I see." Rolf says in response to comments from Ravn, Elsbeth and Mandrake, his expresion making it obvious that he does not. "Then I suppose we should bury Selina, but what about the dagger? Should we take it with us or bury it with her or what?" =========================================================== From : Edgar Access : player Posts : 17 Date : 11:53, Wed 23 Oct 2002 Subject : Out of the frying pan ----------------------------------------------------------- As Ravn begins to cast a spell, Edgar opens his, ready to give voice to reproach or warning ... or perhaps something more ... but as the runecaster's pet serves to bring some sanity to the man, Edgar relaxes somewhat, though he keeps his eyes fixed on Ravn as he seeks to glean some of the dagger's secrets. Mandrake's own casting and discoveries gives pause for thought, as do the questions posed by the Constable. "And is she at peace now, in that blade ... or has she just exchanged the prison of her body for one of steel," the raven mutters to himself softly. =========================================================== From : Meeleek El'Wakhad Access : player Posts : 10 Bio1 : Midani mage Bio2 : of wind and sand Portrait : mfr006.jpg Date : 18:37, Wed 23 Oct 2002 Subject : and into the fire? ----------------------------------------------------------- Pondering on Mandrake's divination, Meeleek finally turns to Rolf and says: "There are two roads to be taken. If we are to heal this woman, then both her body and her soul-dagger must be wrapped well and taken to priests with higher standing with their gods than our companions. Where such holy men maybe found- I do not know. "The second choice is to burn the body, and keep the dagger safe and out of our reach, so it may be destroyed by men such as I mentioned. This road must mean the utter destruction of Selina, for a soul without a body, ot indeed in a body not hers is an awful abomination. The choice is yours," he finishes, bowing. =========================================================== From : Kerim Alakani Access : player Posts : 6 Bio1 : Arabic rogue Bio2 : Angasa Human Portrait : mfr013.jpg Date : 15:14, Thu 24 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: and into the fire? ----------------------------------------------------------- John and others. Please forgive me for not reading back on old posts. It has been some time away from the game for me and I really don't have time to go back too far to read what has happened. Just in case I say something that is incongrous with what has already transpired. Kerim lets his breathe escape, having held it tensley during the face off between the voices of the various gods. So too does he let his muscles relax, unwittingly having tensed them all, more so the whitened hand that grips the pommel of his Cutlass. Rubbing the aches from his clenched jaw he timidly offers his own thoughts on the matter, though an expert he is certainly not. "Certain can we be that Selina, the wicked and evil, the calm and good are serperable and are not one and the same. Quick can we be to judge this so, but we know not that any possession ever so happened and it that perhaps this is her just so. Indeed does she look normal enough to us, but our eyes only show that which can be seen, and not always what is real. Can we know that she is not of kin such cursed that this is their eternity of existance, contrived to play against the self as neatly divided as is. Think! Seline was she not was in Earl Richards troupe. She has, by my eye, not picked up any such dagger or weapon which she did not thus carry into our company before we left the Earl's company. I say that this curse is a life curse. A cure cannot be had for it's nature defies such except by halfing the person entirely." Kerim pauses, sighing with regret, but also visibly shaking with a visceral fear of Selina's curse, somewhat sparked by Callum's unshakeable villification of Corellan. With his head cast down in apparent self loathing of what he is hearing himself say he reluctantly concludes his speech. "It is all that she is dead regardless of our efforts, and if that is what is ordained then that is what is. Cast not the sails into the sea if the cargo is lost. Yet her body I feel will putrify without the spirit long before any wise sages of servants of the divine can right her. The ship will not sail without crew. To rest we must lay her body, and destroy it we must such that no other spirit shall steal it. The rogue gulps and bites his lip tensley, suddenly looking incredibly uncomfortable, retracting physically from the discussion with his hand unwittingly returns to his sword as if he half expects to have to defend himself. =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 23 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 21:59, Thu 24 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: and into the fire? ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth sighs. "I'm not wantin' to do anything drastic until we know whether it was her spirit that did leave or somethin' else. I did cast on her yesterday and saw no evil upon her. I don't know that we can be assuming that it was evil that had her and evil that did go to the dagger. All I am knowin' for sure is that the gods spoke, the Goddess did act and we saw the result. And if I look into the pommel of that dagger, I am seein' Selina's face in it." =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 24 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 12:36, Fri 25 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: and into the fire? ----------------------------------------------------------- "Whether for my gods' displeasure with our actions or for my low standing among them", Ravn says, casting an evil glare in the burnused mage's direction, "I cannot say but I can do no more, neither to solve this puzzle nor to save this girl. Clearly, the Valkyries have not collected her, so at Odin's table she is not missed. All that remains is to cut her fingernails and commit her to the soily path to Hel - or whichever way you wish to dispose of her remains." =========================================================== From : Peter Gasgano Access : player Posts : 7 Portrait : mfr022.jpg Date : 21:37, Fri 25 Oct 2002 Subject : What else .... ----------------------------------------------------------- "It is difficult to see what else we can do ..." adds Peter quietly. Regretfully he shakes his head, comtemplating another burial ... =========================================================== From : Kerim Alakani Access : player Posts : 7 Bio1 : Arabic rogue Bio2 : Angasa Human Portrait : mfr013.jpg Date : 14:35, Sat 26 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: What else .... ----------------------------------------------------------- Kerim bows to Elsbeth "Lady and Druid know you that never have I contradicted your words, and know that now I so also wish not to. What I spoke of was my thoughts. Within us I see that we have not the answers we need, nor the skill to name such answers. Truths as they may be is all that remain. Evil you did not see in her, however she passes too and fro, from the darkness to the light, as day to night. I have spoken not of what I have seen that night I shared watch with her. From humanity she passed into the realm of night, becoming one with it, a part of it and that which hunts by it. It is only for lack of words that I cannot fully describe what took place. Yet she returned, as she was before she left, like any other lass. This is truth. Truth also lies in the fact that the dagger, whomever or whatever it harbours, can be carried by us till we find the wisest sages and priests. It can be wrapped and bound and we can return it, this is true. Her body, without soul or spirit, if we vouch to take it must be done so with the swiftest of horse, and be delivered to Earl Richard at greatest haste. To do less means it will be lost at any rate, the fly and bug will have it's feast. This is truth." Kerim turns his face from Elsbeth to Rolf. "Vote I that the body be destroyed, or that which was taken from it be returned to continue whatever fate it was playing." Kerim tries desperately not to look at Elsbeth. OOC: I got a bit more of the old posts read, with a bit of spare time, however I haven't yet gotten to any part where the reason for whatever was done to Selina was. Assuming there was one. It looks like the result wasn't expected is all that I could deduce. If this is private info, and only summations don't feel compelled to reply. =========================================================== From : Edgar Access : player Posts : 18 Date : 05:35, Sun 27 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: What else .... ----------------------------------------------------------- Edgar rouses from his consideration of the blade. "Kerim is right," the raven says, "without her spirit to sustain it, the body will soon perish. The dagger ..." The raven pauses a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing on. "From what we all felt as her shade passed us by, the spirit now within the dagger is not a quiet one ... even if it somehow could be restored to the body, Selena would be no better off than she was before we," Edgar dips his beak towards Elsbeth with respect, "called upon the gods' to aid her." "Where it not that Elsbeth can see her face within the blade, I would believe that the gods have indeed given her what we asked for, peace. The peace of the grave, mayhap, but ..." Edgar pauses again, "But if her spirit is trapped in that blade, then it is bound to this life and cannot be reborn." =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 15 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 14:24, Sun 27 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: What else .... ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf nods heavily, feeling the burden that Earl Richard had placed upon him. "Elsbeth, what do you say of Selina's body? And the dagger, shall it be kept or destroyed, or hidden?" It's clear that Rolf considers himself ill prepared for decisions of this nature. =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 25 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 10:00, Mon 28 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: What else .... ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn observes carefully, his one glaring eye wandering from one to the other of his companions as they state their opinions, believing his own standpoint to have been made sufficently clear. An arching eyebrow is the only sign to reveal his inner thoughts when Rolf - the Constable's irresolution clearly showing - draws on Elsbeth to make the final decision in this difficult matter. With visible interest, he watches the druidess keenly as she formulates her answer... =========================================================== From : Kerim Alakani Access : player Posts : 8 Bio1 : Arabic rogue Bio2 : Angasa Human Portrait : mfr013.jpg Date : 15:18, Mon 28 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: What else .... ----------------------------------------------------------- Upon hearing Edgar's words Kerim sighs, hoping that Elsbeth doesn't perceive him traitor against her judgement. The fact a god voice/avatar has concurred with his conclusions somewhat startles him. However somewhat relieved of his self persecution he is finally free to return his gaze to Elsbeth, along with everyone else. Very quietly, and without knowing he's doing it he says "Aye, indeed the hardest decision to make is that which you must make for Rolf. Choose wisely Elsbeth for your choice is his trouble whichever way it falls." =========================================================== From : Callum mac Aonghas Access : player Posts : 7 Bio1 : Human Celtic Warrior Portrait : mfw086.jpg Date : 16:12, Mon 28 Oct 2002 Subject : bicker bicker bicker. ----------------------------------------------------------- OOC: I don't know, I disappear for a few weeks and you're fighting like three year olds... Callum watches the whole series of events with growing puzzlement. All the magic and ritual being worked is far beyond his understanding. He looks on at the extended confrontation between Elsbeth and Ravn with growing unease. It's obvious to him that the lass is not herself, what with the wolf thing and the way that she reacted over the dead sidhe, and the priest should be showing a bit of respect to a servant of the Goddess, no matter his own faith. His head aches with the unaccustomed effort of concentration. Yon priest had offered healing, so he had accepted the offer and now everyone seemed to think he had converted to the man's strange, young, foreign gods. As if he would be so fickle. A real druid would have had his hide for even considering it. Ach, back to the lassie! What to do wi' her? Can they no' just get on with this dealin' wi' the dead and get back to whatever it is they came here to do. The dragon could be further away all the time. =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 53 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 23:21, Mon 28 Oct 2002 Subject : Silence is golden .... ----------------------------------------------------------- The silence thickens as people glance from Rolf to Elsbeth, waiting for the Druidesses considered opinion and Rolf's final decision ..... =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 24 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 23:37, Mon 28 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Silence is golden .... ----------------------------------------------------------- The Druid looks down at the dagger, then over at the still cold form of Selina. Her lips move in a silent prayer for enlightenment, even as she knows that she knows all she is bound to know... "As I was sayin' before, I wasna sensing evil on her, but she was possessed of either a madness or somethin' else. It could have even been the dagger, havin' its own power and havin' a stronger will than her. When the Gods worked their power, it may have forced the 'thing' back to the dagger, takin' her with it. Or it may be that there was truly no Selina left and what went to the dagger is but the last to be in her body." She frowns. "I'd wish that one of my kind would be here or close, that we could ask. Be that as it is, I see no danger in her body- it is but a shell. We can carry it or give it peace. As for the dagger..." She hesitates. "I'd be wantin' to take it, for it was through me that it became what it is and if there is a puzzle to be found, it may be the wish of the Old Gods that it be found by me. As a Druid of the Sacred Circle, I would claim that right." =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 16 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 02:36, Tue 29 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Silence is golden .... ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf nods sagely. "I see no reason to bring Salina's body with us. It shall be left here. I'd rather build a pyre, but I think burying is more suitable in this case. Kerim, Callum, set to that. Elsbeth, the dagger is in your keeping .... for now." =========================================================== From : Peter Gasgano Access : player Posts : 8 Portrait : mfr022.jpg Date : 07:50, Tue 29 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Silence is golden .... ----------------------------------------------------------- Peter breathes a sigh of relief as a decision is made, apparently without any more arguing between the leaders. Seeing Kerim details to dig the grave, peter heads across to the mules and makes sure they are still secured before unloading the quickly. After all, there is no point leaving the poor beasts loaded and waiting for this new ceremony to complete. =========================================================== From : Meeleek El'Wakhad Access : player Posts : 11 Bio1 : Midani mage Bio2 : of wind and sand Portrait : mfr006.jpg Date : 10:21, Tue 29 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: Silence is golden .... ----------------------------------------------------------- Bowing slightly in acceptance, as Rolf voices his decision, Meeleek remains silent. Although he was not ordered to do so, he joins Kerim and Callum in digging the grave, keeping his eyes always on the body, as if expecting it to sprint to undeath at any moment. This message was last edited by the player at 10:21, Tue 29 Oct 2002. =========================================================== From : Callum mac Aonghas Access : player Posts : 8 Bio1 : Human Celtic Warrior Portrait : mfw086.jpg Date : 17:42, Tue 29 Oct 2002 Subject : and another one gone... ----------------------------------------------------------- Callum looks relieved to have something physical to do and almost cheerfully grabs a shovel and starts digging. =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 26 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 21:18, Tue 29 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: and another one gone... ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn nods, agreeing with the made decision, and heads back up to his guard post. As he passes Elsbeth, he gives her a deep, reassuring look and an extra nod but other than that he does not display his thoughts for fear of starting another needless debacle. =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 25 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 21:57, Tue 29 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: and another one gone... ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth smiles back at Ravn, her expression almost warm. She then carefully bends down and checks Selina one more time, then removes the scabbard from her belt and makes sure there is nothing else... personal... on her. Then, she puts the scabbard on her own belt and walks over to the dagger. She stares at it for a long count, studying it. "You'll not be causin' trouble, I trust," she whispers to it. Then, she carefully picks it up, looks at it again, then sheaths it. =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 55 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 08:52, Wed 30 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: and another one gone... ----------------------------------------------------------- The grave is dug quickly this time as Peter unpacks the Mules again. [Private to Elsbeth Marva Treveri: As you bend towards the body you notice that the body is starting to deteriorate rapidly. There is already a slight odour of rot and the flesh on the arms seem to be turning very very grey and pasty. Selina is only carrying one other dagger (matched in size and shape to the one in your hand - but it is very plain) and her razor Wind at her hip.] [Private to Elsbeth Marva Treveri; Selina: As Elsbeth picks up the dagger and speaks to itsoftly imploring it to behave properly - she notices a slight throb from the hilt of the dagger against the palm of her hand] This message was last edited by the GM at 08:52, Wed 30 Oct 2002. =========================================================== From : Edgar Access : player Posts : 19 Date : 12:04, Wed 30 Oct 2002 Subject : A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- Edgar frowns, his thoughts his own as judgment is pronounced. "Her tale is told," he mutters, "her end a sad thing, really, a matter beyond her, beyond any of us. Perhaps if she had fought it harder ..." "Take care with that blade, Elsbeth," the raven warns softly, for the druid's ears alone, his tones tinged with concern the moreso for their shared journeys in recent times, "if something within it affected Selina ..." he breaks off, the implication all too clear, yet he seems afraid to speak it as if giving it voice might somehow make it come to pass. =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 26 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 16:40, Thu 31 Oct 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth nods at Edgar's words. "Don't ye be worryin' as I'll be most careful. And the Lady will be lookin' after me as well." She looks back down at the body. "We'll want to bury her quick- I'm wonderin' if the force now in this dagger was keepin' the body alive as its goin' bad quickly now." She glances at the dagger again, resting her hand on the pommel, wondering what its secret is... This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Thu 31 Oct 2002. =========================================================== From : Kerim Alakani Access : player Posts : 9 Bio1 : Arabic rogue Bio2 : Angasa Human Portrait : mfr013.jpg Date : 15:23, Sat 02 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- Callum! We always bicker like three year olds. That's how John wants us. Kerim, like Callum, is happy to be set to grave digging duties, though he dares not touch Selina's body. As he hoes at the earth he chats to the large warrior, "Indeed do I hope that my passing shall bring no quarrel, no fear, no question, only swift guidance to the beyond. Promises of such I would pry, yet hope of getting such would be far from reality. I would however have your word to cut a lock of my hair and set it in a stream that carries to the shores of the sea." With the digging done Kerim relieves Peter at the mules, allowing others to finish up the task. =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 59 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 17:40, Sat 02 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- OOC :- You worked it out at last :P:P:P The more you all squabble the easier it is for me :P And the more I smile as I read your posts :) =========================================================== From : The Dagger Access : player Posts : 1 Portrait : nsr039.jpg Date : 18:39, Mon 04 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- To anyone observing it, the dagger's handle appears to have a dark green tint to it. [Private to Elsbeth Marva Treveri: The dagger tingles, slightly, under your resting hand. The tingling might be almost misconstrued as the purring of a contented cat.] =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 27 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 19:18, Mon 04 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- As Elsbeth watches the digging, her hand resting on the dagger, she frowns, then looks at the dagger. She draws it and runs a finger lightly along the length of it, along the symbols. She studies it, trying to get its measure. [Private to The Dagger: Concentrating, she thinks. *I know ye be in there, whatever ye are. I'm knowin' too I put ye there. What are ye?*] =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 17 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 22:04, Mon 04 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- After a bit, Rolf let's his sense of responsibility win over and he lends a hand with the burial detail. Once Selina is committed to the ground, he glances about. He feels it necessary to say a few words. "Selina was with us only a short time and none of us got the chance to know her well, or to hardly know her at all. But when attacked, she stood her ground and gave up her life to help save ours. She was a true and worthy companion and I am saddened that we must leave her behind. Mark this spot well in your minds and remember what has transpired for Earl Richard would know this tale if any of us live to tell it." He looks around to see if anyone else has any last words to say of Selina. =========================================================== From : The Dagger Access : player Posts : 2 Portrait : nsr039.jpg Date : 23:13, Mon 04 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- [Private to Elsbeth Marva Treveri: At mention of Selina's name, the dagger grows quiet while Rolf speaks.] The dagger briefly flickers a dark crimson color that fades to a rosy hue before returning to dark green. =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 60 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 23:29, Mon 04 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- Selina's body is quickly buried and the party stand for a few moments around the grave, silently thinking their own thoughts ... =========================================================== From : Mandrake Access : player Posts : 6 Portrait : mfd138.jpg Date : 23:31, Mon 04 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- mandrake stands pale facerd as he watches the burial, more somber that you have seen him before. "Perhaps I should take word of this sad event, back to Earl Richard now." he says seriously. =========================================================== From : Amok Access : player Posts : 15 Bio1 : Crazy Wild Savage, Beast Bio2 : Killer,Thief in the Night Portrait : mh19027.jpg Date : 23:32, Mon 04 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- "And I will accompany you, I wish to see this town you have told me of ..." pipes up Amok in support of Mandrake. =========================================================== From : Peter Gasgano Access : player Posts : 9 Portrait : mfr022.jpg Date : 23:35, Mon 04 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: A stab in the dark ----------------------------------------------------------- After an extra moments silence Peter adds "And I suppose the rest of us must continue on ..." heading back to load the mules. Somehow, his whistful tone makes you think he would have volunteered to return with the news, if the Gnome handn't got in first. =========================================================== From : Kerim Alakani Access : player Posts : 10 Bio1 : Arabic rogue Bio2 : Angasa Human Portrait : mfr013.jpg Date : 14:22, Tue 05 Nov 2002 Subject : Confusion ----------------------------------------------------------- Kerim starts as Amok talks of joining Mandrake back to town, himself having assumed that Mandrake must be talking of magical means when he used the term "Now", as in right now. However he can't quell his worry, fear creeping in that in this dangerous land where two allies have been slain the party may yet weaken. To hide his stress he stumps off to the mule, his clenched tense jaw creating lines and furrows in his salt weathered and sun tanned face. Though not wanting to hear such news his activities about the mule are quiet as he actively listens for any word or talk on this subject. GM: That'd be move silently and hear noise if I can't simply overhear it. OOC: Ah, so we have a dagger in the party, and I guess it won't be difficult to have an argument with that either. Sigh!! JB: If we weren't finding different ways to bicker what would you do? Actually I'm rather worried what will happen if we come to the stage of burying Edgar the Raven. Do we cook him or bury him. Bagsy the wings... :) Sorry Edgar! =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 27 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 21:30, Tue 05 Nov 2002 Subject : How fickle.. ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn observes the fellowship's gradual dissolution and, to himself, shakes his head, his regard for these mellow-spined Southerners now slight amusement tainted with contempt. ...fickle, fickle...., he chuckles inward, then raises his gaze again to the surroundings, almost expecting to see a band of dogheads anytime now. "Where do you think the Norns wil lead us now, eh Uddhugg?", he asks his winged companion. "Straight for the dogheads' lair to either finish them off or buy a passage to Valhal? Or to yet another poor and easily distracted soul's slow and miserable demise for us to watch and be disheartened by?" His inward chuckle ebbes out with the coming of such thoughts. "...neither do I, Windstrider, neither do I....." =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 28 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 21:57, Tue 05 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: How fickle.. ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth leaves her hand on the dagger, feeling its warmth beneath her hand. She has nothing to say for Selina... yet... She turns and walks over to Ravn, reaching a hand out to him and looking up at him. "So. Are we done fightin' with each other? I mean, I know ye don't think much of women but I'm assumin' that ye like them just fine. Can we agree to work together as best we can?" =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 61 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 23:24, Tue 05 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: How fickle.. ----------------------------------------------------------- OOC: When you appear to stop bickering - I try to give you something else to think about that is contentious :) Surely you don't think you come up with all the issues yourselves? :) =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 18 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 23:40, Tue 05 Nov 2002 Subject : Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf is surprised by Mandrakes idea of leaving. "It's pretty dangerous around here. You think heading back now is wise? Of course, it isn't all that safe where we're heading, either." He turns to Amok and adds, "Do you think you can two can get back safely? You'd have to avoid getting into any scraps with the dogheads, probably hide and sneak about the whole way." =========================================================== From : Mandrake Access : player Posts : 7 Portrait : mfd138.jpg Date : 23:45, Tue 05 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- "I think we have probably cleared the route on the way here - all the dog heads we left alive were running home last time we saw then - and from what i have seen Amok can sneak well enough to stay hidden as well as I can ..." pipes up Mandrake. "And I certainly think Earl Richard should be told the strange fate of his bodyguard." =========================================================== From : Amok Access : player Posts : 16 Bio1 : Crazy Wild Savage, Beast Bio2 : Killer,Thief in the Night Portrait : mh19027.jpg Date : 23:46, Tue 05 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- "Uhhng!" nods Amok in agreement. =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 28 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 10:04, Wed 06 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn gives Elsbeth a serious look. "We must," is his short reply as he reaches out with his left hand taking her right, subconsciously exchanging the expected arm grip custom among the men of the North (a peers' salutary gesture) for a lovers' hand hold. And then he becomes aware of it and quickly retracts his hand, blushing, clearing his throat. "...ahem... Let us ask Rolf what his plans are." =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 29 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 21:13, Wed 06 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth's eyes widen at the blush, causing her to blush too as she realizes how comfortable her hand felt in his. "W-we should," she replies. =========================================================== From : Kerim Alakani Access : player Posts : 11 Bio1 : Arabic rogue Bio2 : Angasa Human Portrait : mfr013.jpg Date : 14:13, Thu 07 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- Kerim remains motionless, listening keenly, not wishing to be any part of a party split, but neither wishing to nay say those others in Rolf's company that travel with the gift of freedom from Earl Richard, like himself. Word of Amok leaving seems to unsettle him. There were so many questions he had intended to ask this strange man. Questions about his culture, about what trade occured between the tribes, with a view to including this in his empire of commerce. Unable to continue the charade of checking the mule any longer, or more than twice over, he slowly turns to hear Elsbeth's comment. About to comment that in Midani women hold esteem alongside men he is robbed of this conversation too as the Druid and Ravn cross lines. The display of emotion, even if akward is too much for Kerim, who blushes and returns to the mule. Straps such as these will never do, need I tighten them every mile? He says, though obviously not in question. =========================================================== From : Edgar Access : player Posts : 20 Date : 05:20, Sat 09 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- "The tale of Corellon and Selena's fate must be told," Edgar counsels, though the raven is unhappy at the thought of saying goodbye to a pair of his favourite perches. "Two may bring word where one may fail ... but more than two and the risk of discovery is too great ... and would weaken the numbers of those who must press on." For a moment Edgar pauses, looking around the rest of the group, eyeing each in turn, seemingly weighing them up (and frowning at Elsbeth and Ravn's unexpected conciliation) before he pushes off from his perch on the tree and alights on Rolf's shoulder. "I am sworn to obey Earl Richard, and here and now you in his stead," the raven caws softly, his beak dipped low by Rolf's ear. "I will give you my council, but follow your orders ... besides, no doubt the Runecaster will find an omen in the matter." This last with just a touch of malice. =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 19 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 22:23, Sat 09 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf starts a bit as Edgar lands on his shoulder. He'd not provided a perch for the bird before, not like the others. But it's only a momentary thing. He considers for a bit before speaking. "It doesn't seem wise, but I'll not bar your path back. But have a care Mandrake, Richard will have no reason to trust Amok without your backing." =========================================================== From : Edgar Access : player Posts : 21 Date : 02:51, Sun 10 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Splitting up??? ----------------------------------------------------------- The movement of Edgar's beak matches the direction of the Constable's gaze. When Rolf finishes speaking, the raven allows a soft caw to escape, though whether this is a farewell to the wildman and gnome, or approbation of Rolf's words, who can say ... =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 29 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 10:17, Sun 10 Nov 2002 Subject : And then what? ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn frowns at the sight of Edgar now perched on Rolf’s shoulder but decides to surpress his irritated reaction to the ridiculous twosome parody of a holy connection and, thusly, deny the acidic bird the satisfaction of having the Runecaster fly into a fit. Instead, he turns his mind to other matters. “Fare Thee well, dwarfling,” he says to Mandrake as the gnome prepares to depart, “and be mindful of where this savage leads you.” His farewell greeting is short, the gnome being to his mind representative of the things that have led his Southern kinsmen astray. Still, his irritation at the raven’s stingy sarcasms is visible in both his glare and in his voice, however well he tries to retain it when he turns to inquire Rolf as to his intentions. “Well, Constable - have you decided what to do next or will you hear our counsel first?” The first plural is obviously an indication toward both himself and the druidess, an unexpected point which the Runecaster underlines by ending the sentence with a long look at Elsbeth standing next to him. =========================================================== From : Kerim Alakani Access : player Posts : 12 Bio1 : Arabic rogue Bio2 : Angasa Human Portrait : mfr013.jpg Date : 14:01, Sun 10 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: And then what? ----------------------------------------------------------- Edgar frown? Let's see that again? Yes definitely a frown. Well I'll be. Gee JB, thanks for giving us more to argue about but I can assure you we're by no means out of ammunition yet. ;) Kerim lowers his head very slowly, obviously keen to hide his disappointment at Rolf letting the pair depart. In a second it snaps back up as Ravn lets his own anger taint the couples departure with words of "Savage", a figure he could have no quarrel with. His loss turned to anger he uncharacteristically loses his cool. "Have you no good to say of anyone? Within halls does your clan do naught but cast stones upon allies. Indeed you must have fell words worked for us all upon our departures?" Kerim, shoulders heaving under a heavy breath and hands on weapons, looks long at Rolf and Edgar, wishing for no good reason that he'd rebuke the Priest. And knowing that this is his own contest, for Kerim is under no leige to Earl Richard, he speaks again to Ravn, civility returning. "Apologise, or have others judge the savagery of your own kin by your words." =========================================================== From : Meeleek El'Wakhad Access : player Posts : 12 Bio1 : Midani mage Bio2 : of wind and sand Portrait : mfr006.jpg Date : 21:21, Sun 10 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: And then what? ----------------------------------------------------------- All through this discussion, Meeleek remains silent, feeling it is not his place to comment on such matters. He is a bit disappointed at the gnome's leaving, for his spell casting ability interested the young Midani. As he just stands and watches, Meeleek catches Edgar's look as it passes over him and he nods slightly. Kerim's outburst takes him totally by surprise, and the mage watches with interest, waiting for the priest's due response. =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 20 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 22:28, Sun 10 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: And then what? ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf looks over at Ravn, not liking the tone of the man's question. With a steely gaze, he replies, "What council would you give, Ravn?" Given the number of distractions, he misses the look between the Runecaster and the Druid. =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 30 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 13:50, Mon 11 Nov 2002 Subject : Here's what ----------------------------------------------------------- “Wise counsel, Constable, is simple counsel,” Ravn answers, “but never a simple matter. Both the counsellor and the counselled must retain a clear head and let neither temper nor rage cloud good judgement and hamper the harkener’s hearing. So my first counsel will be that the merchant stay his tongue lest it become his head’s bane, for his disrespectful manner heats my blood and brings to mind only visions of gory slaughter between ourselves - and that would be poor counsel, indeed, as well as poor judgement.” The Runecaster consciously uses the third tense but does look Kerim straight in the eye as he speaks, then turns to Rolf to say what he originally had on his mind before the merchant’s outraged intervention. “My second counsel, Constable, is that we recognise that nothing has changed, regardless of our companions’ departures. Our numbers have dwindled, true, and for this weaker men than we would feel disheartened. Yet we still retain the bulk of our strong fighting arms, at least some degree of godly favor - favors that we would be wise to further by proper offerings, mind you - and a task unchanged. When we left Earl Richard’s tables we set out against foes of greater numbers and now as before ressource, guile and resolve are what will lead us to our goal - not mere numbers.” He points about them with his spear, almost as if suggesting that the dogheads be already swarming on the campsite perimeter. “Our enemy lies await all around us, enemies we are charged with banning from these lands or destroying and they will surely fall upon us as soon as their courage returns - lest we fall upon them first, that is, while they are still licking their wounds from our previous encounter. This is no change, either, from what was when first we ventured here, except that odds may sway slightly in our favor if any of them has any memory of how their ambush fared - for they will likely be loath to close for combat and favor instead the retreat.” Ravn holds his fist out before him, shaking it. “We now have knowledge of where we may strike a decisive blow against our foe, to hit him where it really hurts. For what is it that binds a man to the land? For what will a man fight to the bitter end? And for the final loss of which will he leave?” Another one of Ravn’s dramatic pauses, then: “His home! Well, at least so it would be for any man of woman born. For such trollish fiends as occupy these lands I know not but I deem it worth an effort.” The Runecaster’s eyes glow slightly diabolically at the prospect of showing that little extra effort. Then he raises a cautionary finger. “However, our forces have been depleted and we are poorly prepared for combat. We know not our enemies' exact position, numbers, or defenses nor do we know if we must expect more of that trollish magic which struck Rolf and led him to the snake pit - nor how to counter it. This we must know in order to be victorious or we shall fight like blind men.” “So for now this is my third and final counsel, Constable: The nimblest among us should scout our enemies’ lair, going by Amok’s directions, amnd observe them for one full day that we may learn more of their routines, roles and reponsibilities. Then our scouts must return hither, by no means having disturbed the dogheads nor reveal neither our presence nor our plans to them, and enlighten us as to their findings. Meanwhile, those remaining here shall either summon and repair our gods’ pleasure or stand guard and prepare our departure. When the scouts return we shall make a final plan of attack, and lastly we shall clear those Loke’s abominations off Midgard’s surface!” He hammers his fist into the palm of his hand to underline his statement, then turns to the druidess by his side. “Elsbeth, have you anything to add?” =========================================================== From : Meeleek El'Wakhad Access : player Posts : 13 Bio1 : Midani mage Bio2 : of wind and sand Portrait : mfr006.jpg Date : 14:08, Mon 11 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Here's what ----------------------------------------------------------- Meeleek look of amused scorn at Ravn's threats quickly changes to one of apriciation, as the priest starts laying his plan.Finally, word sof action and not of pointless bickering, he thinks to himself, but still remains quiet. =========================================================== From : Kerim Alakani Access : player Posts : 13 Bio1 : Arabic rogue Bio2 : Angasa Human Portrait : mfr013.jpg Date : 15:04, Mon 11 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Here's what ----------------------------------------------------------- Ravn's comments are more than Kerim can bear. With bitterness eating each word Kerim launches into full scale acerbity. "Immutable mephitic hound! Dare you to give counsel that speaks of tranquility and peace, when such since you have followed us you have sought always to a day to contrive rife and division as you play to pit one of us against the other. I spit on your families name, and my family spits on your families name. It is worth less than dust." Kerim turns to Rolf with a small and stiff bow, extreme agitation over Ravn seeking an outlet. Effendi Rolf, my cousel be this. Ravn shall companion Mandrake. Amok's 'savagery' I will trade any day over this Pernicuous aspirant's mischief. With him amongst our number the dogheads needs send sacrifice no more of their own." Though Kerim is extremely furious his persistant good nature means he is able to stay his weapons, if not his thoughts and tongue. However his trust of Ravn, being at an all time low, means that he dares not turn his back on him. OOC: Sorry Ravn, your characters inflexibility earnt it. Even priests can't expect to keep casting stones without one bouncing back every now and then. =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 21 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 21:14, Mon 11 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Here's what ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf lets Kerim have his say as well, though he keeps a close eye on the merchant, just in case the man's temper causes weapons to be drawn. As Kerim shares his thoughts to Rolf, the constable realizes that his thoughts were unfair. He considers for several moments before sharing his thoughts. He faces Ravn calmly, even though the runecaster's words had pushed at his already strained patience. "So, you counsel that we continue our mission to scout out the doghead encampment. I agree that we should not dishonor ourselves by abandoning our mission." The idea of giving up had not even occured to Rolf. "As far as Kerim, I expect he'll show you the same level of respect that you show him." Rolf holds Ravn's eye for several moments to emphasis his point. Then he glances at Kerim, "Do I read things right, Kerim?" =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 63 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 23:05, Mon 11 Nov 2002 Subject : Ready to go? ----------------------------------------------------------- The bodies are buried, the mules packed and the dagger secured (in its scabbard) on Elsbeth's belt, the mules are packed and ready to go. Mandrake and Amok stand off to one side ready to say their good-byes and depart, as Peter stands ready to lead the mules away… All ready to leave now the party stand around Selina's grave the air tense with the friction between party members, as every one waits to see how Kerim and Ravn react to Rolfs words … [Private to Kerim Alakani : Rex - I understand that it can be frustrating - However - the story is ready to roll again as soon as you all get moving :)] [Private to Ravn Ashengray: It might be a time to let things slip past and move the party on ....] [Private to Rolf Liefson: Ir would be really good if the party moved on now ....] [Private to Elsbeth Marva Treveri: It would be really good if the party were to move on now ...] =========================================================== From : Peter Gasgano Access : player Posts : 10 Portrait : mfr022.jpg Date : 23:07, Mon 11 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Ready to go? ----------------------------------------------------------- Over by the mules Peter fidgets, moving from foot to foot, obviously uncomfortable with all the tension between his colleagues. "Maybe we should make a start ..." he asks tentatively. This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Mon 11 Nov 2002. =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 30 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 00:03, Tue 12 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Ready to go? ----------------------------------------------------------- Elsbeth is surprised... obviously... by Ravn's giving a choice to her, but is unable to speak as Kerim lashes out. She cannot blame him, for she too has born the brunt of Ravn's sharp tongue. As he has hers.... but she realizes that Ravn will never change his ways by mere words. In many ways, he is like a clansman of old, using faith and emotion and only believing in the power he sees, not in the power that is promised by speaches. Is that why his words sting me so? she wonders to herself. Finally, she speaks. "Fie! We can argue all day... we already have. Can we please go? We have a mission, and though good Ravn thinks it is only to slay and mayhap I'd rather avoid such slaying, our path is forward. We've lands to see and possibly ugliness to destroy." Beside her, Laddie growls. "So I'm sayin' let us away, and away now! Please?" =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 22 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 00:20, Tue 12 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Ready to go? ----------------------------------------------------------- "Aye," Rolf says to the Druid, "We have foundered here overlong. Callum and Ravn will take the lead; Elsbeth, Edgar and Meeleek next; Peter with the mules; and Kerim and I behind. Let us be away." He shoulders his equipment, helps any who need it and generally does what he can to push things along. As the move off, he adds, "Farewell Mandrake, Amok. May Uller speed you on your way and tell the Earl of all that has passed. It will grieve him, but better to know then to be left wondering." OOC: Aside from Laddie, isn't that our entire compliment now? =========================================================== From : Meeleek El'Wakhad Access : player Posts : 14 Bio1 : Midani mage Bio2 : of wind and sand Portrait : mfr006.jpg Date : 07:31, Tue 12 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Ready to go? ----------------------------------------------------------- Was it not the idea to send scouts ahead? thinks Meeleek to himself, not understanding exactly where the party is headed right now. However, not wanting to evoke any more strife, he turns to Rolf and says: "I may aid any spy to go unnoticed by a simple spell of Invisibility, if you wish, Rolf Liefson." And bows, as always, at the end. =========================================================== From : The Dagger Access : player Posts : 3 Portrait : nsr039.jpg Date : 16:33, Tue 12 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Ready to go? ----------------------------------------------------------- The Dagger flickers, quietly, between green and blue/green. =========================================================== From : Ravn Ashengray Access : player Posts : 31 Portrait : mfw012.jpg Date : 18:54, Tue 12 Nov 2002 Subject : Let's go! ----------------------------------------------------------- By Gungner’s edge! Madness haunts us still!, Ravn thinks to himself at Kerim’s outburst. But somehow, although a choir of proudly fallen warriors’ souls roar in outrage to his inner ear, Odin’s red haze swirling before his eye, the Runecaster manages the almost inhuman effort of resisting the urge to roar his blood name (the very name this insolent foreign fop presumes to spit upon and still speak of the future with the same breath of air), of resisting to drill his spear deep into the man’s throat, of resisting to forever quench this pathetic, quacking foreign speech and stuff the merchant’s words back into his chest and out his posterior to the accompanyment of only a bloodied spearhead bearing runes that tell the tale of the very name he would spit upon - the Alfather’s name, the name of the Gray Wanderer, King of Gods and God of Kings! These visions and words flail before his inner eye, his every muscle tightening with restraint, every fibre shivering. But he just observes Kerim’s fit with that icy cold one-eyed glare of his, calming himself with the inner vision of the impaled merchant adorning the nearest ash. And then, suddenly and unexpectedly, his searing temper is cooled like a hot iron set in the cool evening ale. Elsbeth’s voice. Only a thin smile reveals his change of mood but is enough - and so is the druidess’ influence, so much that he hears Rolf’s instructions - expected as they are and, to Ravn’s ear, overly influenced by well-meant but poor advice, trolled voices in a deaf man’s ear (his own not included, naturally) - with only half his attention. And then the Midani mage speaks his counsel - and the Rune caster is in for another surprise, for it is not the meaninless babble he would have expected from a Blueman of the Dry Lands. Raising an eyebrow, the Runecaster casts a brief glance at the strange robed Midani, noticing the mage’s shifting feet. He sees it, too, Ravns muses to himself at Meeleek’s words of shrouding a scout’s progress with magic, and what wondrous powers he must wield! Then, when everyone seems ready to go, he takes the lead with Callum, flashing a spontaneous smile at the towering Celt. “I guess you and I, brave Callum, must be the scouting party, then, and by our good Constable’s keen judgement the most nimble.” He giggles at the thought of labelling the seven foot plus tall and three foot some wide warrior with nimbleness, then proceeds to leading the odd caravan onward. “So let us nimble.” [Private to JohnB; Kerim Alakani : OOC: Nothing to excuse for - we’re role playing, right? And Ravn IS a bigoted, prejudiced, inflexible traditionalist just as Kerim is a hot-tempered southerner. That’s what makes the fun :o) And I agree with johnb - let’s move on, scouts or no.] This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Tue 12 Nov 2002. =========================================================== From : Elsbeth Marva Treveri Access : player Posts : 31 Portrait : ffs048.jpg Date : 19:27, Tue 12 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Let's go! ----------------------------------------------------------- Seemingly distracted, Elsbeth stares at nothing, thinking... and not noticing at all what is going on about her. =========================================================== From : JohnB Access : GM Posts : 65 Portrait : mmc001.jpg Date : 23:34, Tue 12 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Let's go! ----------------------------------------------------------- Mandrake and Amok take their leave - back up the track towards civilisation - while the rest of the party set off further into the wilderness. Yuri, isn't quite sure of where he should march, but decided to settle himself in the middle of the group. For about three hours the journey is uneventful, giving everyone's temper a chance to cool, when you spot the first stand of tall trees you have seen for a while. they stradlle the path making a natural copse which the path passes through. Tthe are a couple of mountain ash trees, an old solid oak tree covered in ivy and a few wild apple trees, one of which has missletoe growing on it. It is obvious that this is not a natural copse, but on ethat was planted here on purpose, and probably maintained at some point. Anyone with any woodcraft at all know that it is unusual to find these trees growing together. Indeed all the trees are clearly of different gaes - but still seem to be delibetately arranged ... Hanging from the trees are four large bundles, which as you get clearer resolve into bodies hung upsidedown by their feet. Two of the bodies move stighly indicating there may still bve some life left in them .... =========================================================== From : Rolf Liefson Access : player Posts : 23 Portrait : mfr004.jpg Date : 23:36, Tue 12 Nov 2002 Subject : Re: Let's go! ----------------------------------------------------------- Rolf nods towards Meeleek. "A good suggestion, friend Meeleek, but let's hold it in reserve until we see some sign of it's need." ===========================================================