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-------------- Chapter 10: And So To Bed - At Last !! ----------------
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(Kaeyar:)
Kaeyar slumps onto his cot, kicks off his boots, and is sleeping the
sleep of the dead before his head even hits the pillow.

(Silver:)
I will return late from tending to the wounded, and fall exhausted
onto my cot in the Commons. Even though tired, it will be some time
before I can actually sleep. Those around may notice me staring up at
the ceiling, remembering the sights and sounds of the field hospital.
I have been in battles before, where some of my friends have been
hurt, but then they were all willing participants.  This time there
were children, young and innocent, now suffering in pain, some
mourning the loss of mothers and fathers. It is possible to mend the
broken bodies, but not the broken dreams. If possible, I feel
exhausted more through the emotional drain than from fatigue.

(Keilan:)
Arriving at the inn, you find that Keilan has beaten all of you to the
punch and is snoring loudly by the time any of you arrive after
various dalliances with Mendahl or the dead.

(DM:)
Thorn does not charge you another gold, and the Commons is still
standing intact. You all find your stuff undisturbed, and lying tired
in your bed you can hardly believe all that happened in this single
day. You are quite sure you all could sleep through the destruction of
the world right now, without waking up. When some of you (the early
risers, others might snore on till next morning, if they so choose :)
) awake, the sun is already far past noon time.  You estimate that it
is already five PM, and outside you hear the bustle of people
hammering and toiling to repair the damage done.



It is the "beginning" of a brand new day and the party awake ....

(Kaeyar:)
He rises about 2:30 in the afternoon, blinking at the sunlight.  He
stuffs a hunk of dried meat into his mouth, takes a sip from a
wineskin, and begins chewing as if eating were unsavory chore.  He
then spends some time picking through his equipment, wiping the worst
of the blood from his weapons, counting his arrows ("damn!  only 5
left!")...

(Falrun:)
After a long and restless sleep (Falrun doesn't sleep well during the
day) Falrun wakes up and takes note of who else is awake.  While he is
sitting on the edge of his bunk and looking around, he will take out
his swords and start cleaning them and restoring some of their edge.
After he has finished doing what he can with his swords, he will start
on cleaning up his leather armour so that by the time he is ready to
leave the Commons he will look as if he had never been in the fight
last night.

When some of the others wake up, he will offer to go to breakfast,
dinner, what ever, with them.  Assuming that the tavern is still open
for business, that will be where Falrun suggests we all go for
something to eat.

(Tatiana:)
This wasn't an unusual day for Tatiana as far as the morning schedule
went.  She normally got up around 2 in the afternoon.  Perhaps it was
the fact that she was a bard and kept late hours at the pubs and
taverns, or perhaps it was her nature as was indicated by her
familiar, Tuft.  5:00 was late though and Tatiana felt a need to study
some of her spells again even though she really didn't feel like it.
That's one of the reasons she hadn't approached the Mages guild for
her second profession.  She just wasn't disciplined enough when it
came to the ways of magic.  History was more important to her.
History in the making, like last night.

She steeled herself into doing what was right and broke out her spell
book and started to memorize dutifully the spells she had expended
last night.  She had found she was capable of memorizing one more
spell of the second power, and was pleased.

(Keilan:)
Keilan wakes around 6 PM and begins the task of ordering his few
belongings as they are in disarray from the hectic preparation for
battle.  After this he adjourns to the Commons for a hearty meal with
whoever will join him.

(Silver:)
I awake about 6:30 and see Tatiana deeply engrossed in her studies.  I
check in a box by the side of my cot, and then comment to Falrun that
his armour is indeed almost as good as new. "Perhaps you could teach
me how to mend my leather armour, as I have a small split in the back
of it from the battles last night."

(Falrun:)
Falrun replies to Silver, "I can't actually repair armour.  This is
just an example of what a good cleaning and polishing will do.  If
there is any real damage to my leather armour, I would have to take it
to a real leather smith.  But I would be willing to show you the best
way to make sure your armour is in the best shape, short of actual
repair, after we eat.  I would also like to take time to visit with
Mendahl if I won't be intruding on Arlon."

(Arlon:)
"I don't mind at all Falrun" with a mild look of surprise "I didn't
think you would be interested to be in the company of mages!"

OOC: Arlon says this since Falrun hasn't shown any magical prowess -
     unless I missed something.

(Silver:)
Dispensing with her armour, wearing just her silken robe, boots and
cloak, Silver mentions to Falrun and Keilan (and anyone else in the
party who is around) that she will meet them later for dinner at the
Tavern. With that, she goes out into the town.

Upon her return, she will seek out the rest of the party at either the
Commons or the Tavern.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will be one of those up at 5pm:

If Shade is around, Arlon will ask him if he wants to go see that drow
with the alchemy store (I can't find the post with his name);
otherwise Arlon will just go there alone, unless someone else wants to
go.

(Shade:)
I'll come, but after a small snack with the others.  "Good mor.."- the
drow casts a casual glance at the outside - "evening friends.  How
about eating something? It's teatime.." he smiles.

(Arlon:)
"Very well, a small snack, then we go see that drow."

(Shade:)
After the snack Shade hopes everyone agreed upon, the bard suggests to
Arlon they'd better study at least part of the spells they used in the
battle "It should be a quiet evening" - he smiles to the mage - "but
who knows around here, things seem to happen soooo fast!"

Then, "Well, I think that if someone is not interested in the studying
of the potion he could go to check for jobs at the Citadel."

The drow looks at his friends "Any volunteers?"

(Falrun:)
Falrun speaks up at that remark and replies, "I will go to the Citadel
and see what is offered for employment with anyone that is willing to
accompany me.  Then we can meet at Mendahl's to discuss the
information that we gathered last night."

(Kaeyar:)
At talk of going to the Citadel, Kaeyar springs up immediately.  "Aye,
I am very game to see what kind of gainful employment is to be had.
Unfortunately, I think most of the population is going to be set to
work rebuilding this outpost -- I have no great love for brutish
labour.  Perhaps they will want an expedition to journey to that farm
further inland, to see what has happened to them in this attack."  As
he speaks, Kaeyar readies himself to go.

OOC: After going to the Citadel with Falrun, Kaeyar slips off for a
     bit.  Then he'll meet everyone at the tavern for an evening meal.

(Arlon:)
When Arlon gets to the drow who owns the Alchemists, he will explain
the circumstances of the potion and also say that Mendahl would also
like to look at it - he says this not knowing if the entire potion is
needed for examination. If the entire thing is needed, Arlon would
give Mendahl first shot at it. If the drow only needs part of it then
Arlon will ask if he should wait around for the result or return at
some later time.

After the drow, Arlon will take a look at what is happening at the
Citadel - jobs and so forth.  He will find the money changers and
trade in 2 of the native bracelets and necklaces, then Arlon will have
something to eat - If he sees Silver, he will ask if he could buy her
the dinner he promised.  If the whole group is there he will spring
for everyones dinner.

After this, Arlon will go see Mendahl (with the potion), and relay any
info that the drow was able to give.

If the Drow needed time, Arlon would look around for a few hours
before going to see Mendahl.  Arlon would check back with the drow,
before seeing Mendahl, to see if he had any conclusions about the
potion.

(Tatiana:)
When she finished her studies which took about two and a half hours,
she packed up her spell book and went looking for the others.  Perhaps
they were at the Tavern or looking over the lists of jobs.  There was
sure to be new lists of them after last nights battle.  But she wanted
something more along the lines of adventure and taming this new wild
land.  She headed toward the tavern to see if the others were there.

OOC: Tatiana will look for the rest of the team.  She is interested in
     finding out what kinds of jobs are available.  She will follow
     along with the majority of the party.  Following mostly Silver,
     and Shade.  Keilan and Arlon are others she is tending to hang
     around.

(Silver:)
During this new day, I will go off on my own.  I will aim to find Tier
Breche and ask about what Druids have already done so far in Dark
Haven. I will explain I have all these seedlings, berries, nuts, etc.
and will want somewhere to plant them away from the salt air, yet safe
enough to be protected from predators. "How about Rhuleck's Farm ?"  I
suggest.

I would also welcome any introduction to other Druids in town - not to
join up with, but just so we know each other, and can help each other
in times of need.

(DM:)
You look around all through town to find Tier, but do not find him.
Finally you go to the field hospital, where you know druids will be
working, and you might be able to find him there.

You do find him there, but unfortunately not among the tending druids
and clerics. He lies crumpled among a long line of the fallen. He
looks like he was in the thick of the fighting, and as you stand
mourning near him, a villager who is also nearby, looks at you and
speaks to you.

"He wuz a brave man. If it weren't fur him, I wouldn't be alive today.
The section of the wall where I fought was pierced by a wedge of Black
Knights and native shamen. We wuz all fallen on the ground and
defenseless, then comes yun druid, screaming like a madman from hell,
and takes on the entire cadre of 'Knights by hisselves. He bought us
da time to get up, and hold until aid came.  But the aid came too late
to save him. By them he was pretty much torn apart by da 'Knights. He
did not die tho, until he wuz sure all the others were safe.  That is
one good man there."

(Silver:)
Upon seeing Tier Breche and hearing of his valiant deeds from the
villager, I will immediately see about tending to his final departure.
I will speak to those in charge, and say that I wish to give Tier
Breche the farewell he deserves. I will create a funeral pyre and
removing all his possessions (he should depart as he came into the
world) will submit his body to the flames.

I would intend that his possessions will be given to those who can
benefit from them most.  I would examine his possessions carefully.
Any mundane items, such as clothes suitable for the climate, I would
like to give as a gift to someone who needs them, someone perhaps
sleeping out on the Wide. Any magical items would probably be best
investigated further (cast Detect Magic). Any small personal items
(such as I have my small silver owl pendant), I would like to keep in
memory of him.

When just the ashes are left, I will collect them, and shapechange
into an owl once more.  Flying over the forest, I will spread his
ashes far and wide, pleading in a silent prayer to Mielikki to grant
him the peace he deserves.

(DM:)
Tier's body was brought here, and is only dressed in his torn
clothing.  However, when you look for his stuff, that same helpful
villager walks up to you again, and presents you a staff saying:

"He had this on him. He used it to attack the black knights, and was
quite a powerful tool in his hands. I think it might be magical, but I
have no use for such things"

When you cast Det Magic, you find it is indeed magical. The only other
thing you found on him, was a leather strap around his neck with the
holy symbol of Mielikki (wooden) attached to it....



Meanwhile, back near Midnight's Run, where the party are due to meet
up ....

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana was strolling along towards the Midnight's Run, after checking
out the Citadels job postings.  Some of her friends were headed
towards the Citadel and she had intercepted them saying "Well there
you guys are!  I'm just back from the Citadel looking for jobs.  Only
one of interest really unless you like repairing walls and carpentry
work"

"Come on over to Midnight's Run and I'll tell you what I found over a
meal and drink!" She took the arms of who ever looked most reluctant
to follow her back to the Tavern.

(Dithion:)
Dithion says little...he seems extremely tired, even after a full
nights sleep.  He does go to Midnight's Run, though.

(Silver:)
As the sun is setting, Silver walks with a measured pace towards the
Tavern, Midnight's Run. She sees Tatiana and some others in the party
enter, arms linked and seemingly in high spirits. Silver pauses, and
then walks after them into the noise and bustle of the Tavern.




The party meet at the end of a less-adventurous day ....


(DM:)
Some of you spent the day going around town and looking for specific
things.  You are all now together again, at the tavern Midnights Run.
It is packed as usual, even with the severe loss in human(oid) life,
and the mood is subdued.

What do you all say and do? it is the second night/evening, about 9PM
I would guess.

Those of you with tales to tell, go ahead....

(Silver:)
After a moment, she spies her friends around a large table. Making her
way to them, she speaks briefly to a waitress, and gives her a coin in
exchange for the tray of goblets and pair of wine bottles she was
carrying. Moving over to her friends, she places the tray on the
table, and sits down next to Tatiana, her face quite pale.

One thing you notice when Silver arrives is that she now carries two
staffs (staves?). One is the now familiar owl-headed staff, the other
has a carved unicorns head at the top, and is slightly larger.

In response to anxious questions (probably from her friends
remembering the last time she came amongst them with dire news - was
it only a day ago?) she takes a slow drink from her goblet.

"I have just tended to the final departure of Tier Breche" she starts,
her voice hesitating slightly over his name. "His soul is with the
Gods, his body with the land."  Silver describes his act of bravery
which saved the lives of numerous helpless villagers, at the cost of
his own. "Fighting alone against the Dark Knights". After a moment,
obviously upset, she says "I have spread his ashes over the forest."

"Could you, 'Ana and Shade, compose a eulogy fitting for such an act
of self sacrifice ?  One with a haunting melody would perhaps be most
appropriate for him."

(Shade:)
Gently squeezing Silver shoulder, Shadowdancer replies "I'll do it,
Silver - a sad note in his voice - life is not fair sometime: he did
not deserve it.."  Then, in a more relaxed voice "Tonight, I'll be on
the palisade. You spread his ashes upon the forest, I have to look at
his green shroud to feel him fully."  he smiles looking at his friends
"But now let's allow ourself a cheerful evening, we are here to
celebrate a happy baptism, not a sorry death." he winks to Tatiana "I
assure you will mourn even too much listening to our composition
tomorrow."

(Silver:)
Later, at dinner, I will mention quietly to our drow companion "Shade,
I would like to express my thanks for the songs you sang to calm the
villagers last night during the battle."

(Shade:)
The drow cocks a little his head, an almost indistinguishable pleased
look on his face


(Silver:)
I will now grasp Shade's hand, continuing "I have met few people with
the greatness of spirit to have performed such an act. You truly have
a sense of what is right and proper, far above that which I have
experienced in my life.  Thank you once again."

(Shade:)
A broad and warm smile brightens the bard features "No need for
thanks, Silver" - he bows and kiss the druidess(right?) hand - "doing
what I feel has to be done just makes me feel a better drow"

Shadowdancer's gaze drifts in the emptiness for a moment than focuses
back on Silver's eyes and beautiful face "Sometime these feelings have
a great deal of pain packed with them" - he shivers touching his badly
scarred chest - "but one cannot argue with the cards Lady Tymora
bestows him, he just has to play with them at his best."

The drow pauses a moment, then, affection warming his eyes again
"Anyway, I have to thank you, Silver, gaining your trust puts a shiny
new light on this day."

OOC: Silver to Shade : By the way, I really like the way your character
     is working out. I think you are playing him really well !

OOC: Shade to Silver : "Many thanks" - the drow smiles and bows low -
     "I really appreciate your judgment."