|
Post by Icor on Jun 17, 2005 1:00:47 GMT -4
Note - Head to "Plot - 'A Daughter Missing in Everhath'" in the Divulgence Centre for more information on this roleplay.
Moaticus shook his head in disbelief. No power, mortal or immortal, could possibly provide fifty percent of trade goods coming from Eren’Cul to some mercenary – it had to have been a joke. Despite the obviousness of this, he’d been watching ex-militia and even some of the hired Guards of Lau’s ports leaving the area for some untold reasons. Why they would head north was beyond him; most of the security along Eurothra’s shores was tighter than it’d be somewhere along the eastern mountain ranges. Even if someone found out where this fare who sent the distress calls out was hiding, why would they take a shoreline road if it was harder to access? Merchant ships from the south were filling the tavern up with more foreigners than usual, most of which having come from underground. None would come from the deeper south without hooded cloaks like those – if they’d leave unprepared, the sunlight would burn them alive.
Moaticus stood in his door with one arm pressed up against its frame. He was poorly groomed – the white beard on his dark chin needed organization that he really didn’t have the mind to deal with at the time. People were moving around, and noise was in the city’s brine air. Folks didn’t talk so much as that, unless something stirred them up. The actions of these southerners were too sloppy to not notice. Just because some hirer put a note out with a jewel in it doesn’t mean he, or she, would live somewhere up north where it could get damn cold. He narrowed his eyes and inhaled with a hiss through his teeth, having way too much to think about at once. This hirer could be anywhere, and Lau was slowly wearing down on him.
A few days passed, and activities remained constantly bustling. Instead of moving north along the beach-front, he’d head north-east by east until hitting some of the southern portions of Eurothra. Apparently Maoticus knew of a few forest areas in southern Eurothra that he could attempt to infiltrate the region with, and save possibly weeks of security issues and other entanglements with elite guard regiments. Once there, he’d look for someone else to pair with, or possibly more to study the sent document and hunt down the fare who sent it.
Moaticus gathered his things slowly. He studied the newcomers as he worked his last few days on the docks, and picked up various supplies from passing merchants, most of which being parchments and ink. He acquired a couple maps as well, and more tack-based food than you could believe. Fish-food was edible just like most herbs, and fresh water wasn’t something difficult to find.
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 20, 2005 21:00:42 GMT -4
It had been about a week since the strange rider had handed a note to Gar-ten, a note containing a small jewel and a task. The promised reward 50% of the trade from the mines of Eren’Cul, the fabled dwarf mine of immeasurable wealth. The task, rescue a half-elf women, first child of an unknown noble, from an unknown land. But that which puzzled Gar-ten the most is not who the employer was, nor how to find this missing child, but how he was found. Having no contact with anyone he knew, nor living in one place for any length of time. As Gar-ten entered a small port town by the name of Lau. He had been there before, just passing through. He had never seen it this busy before, the four inns in the town were full. Gar-ten wandered around from inn to inn until nightfall looking for a place to stay. Throughout the day he noticed a drow just standing in a doorway watching people pass. But it appeared that he was looking for someone in particular. As Gar-ten walked through the main plaza their eye met just for a second, but in that second Gar-ten saw something deeper, something searching. But as quickly as it begun Gar-ten waked behind a building and lost sight of the drow. Gar-ten eventually crawled into an empty barn to sleep in the hayloft. He figured that any issues the owner had with him could be solved by a few coins in the morning or if need be the edge of his axe.
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 21, 2005 3:15:27 GMT -4
Treasures could be found in many forms, all of which having some indication of an owner. Moaticus had little choice but to find some kind of alchemist to examine the rock jewel, assuming most of them hadn’t already seen it. Apparently mages were called as well – he noted a few hobbling off a ship covered with runes and robes. It sickened him. Faerie tales, illusions, and deceit were all they had to show as far as Moaticus was concerned. Regardless of who was coming off the ships, he had little time. Most of his references would be swallowed up by others much more gullible than he. A trip to Eurothra didn’t sound bad, and he’d planned on going there anyway to pick up some literary works.
He avoided the tavern. Soldiers had flooded in, their muffled, jagged voices cutting the night as brawls took place. Ideals clashed in towns all along the southern sea-line. There’d been meetings and battles inland as well, most of which involving traders. Hundreds of desperate goblins started killing off merchants to get the money to begin this insane journey. The south wasn’t a safe place, and it concerned him after he’d been seeing folks from the north walking around. The only reason someone like a lumberjack would be in Lau was because it was a wealthy city rather than a poor port. Not only did lumber ships move in and out of the huge port areas, but it was tools and Ice Guards, some of which were elves. It’s not like they weren’t welcomed there – it was simply that no one ever saw them. Some didn’t like it. Some did. It was really a question of opinion, in the long run: how much power would the merchants and people be willing to hand over for more protection and safety?
The nights were long and without sleep. Moaticus watched through the window as he examined the letter and its words. Some of these people were foreign. How would they know what the letter said unless the sender also wrote it in their language? This puzzled Moaticus. The more he pondered, the more he became afraid. Never the less, he had nothing to lose; literally. His first mission was to find a partner, if but only one, to get north.
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 21, 2005 23:31:00 GMT -4
Gar-ten was awoken in the night by the sound of a fight. It was a bar fight that has spilled out into the street and gotten out of hand. Angry at being awoken, he quickly resolved the fight, it didn’t take much seeing that they where all drunk anyway. Looking out to the waters he saw that it was already starting to get light out.
“Not much use trying to get back to sleep now. Might as well make the most of an early start” he muttered to himself. As Gar-ten wandered the streets he was surprised to see that many of the stalls where already open. So making the most of an empty market he purchased some hard tack for the road, and a few good apples to much on as he thought of what to do next.
As he wandered the streets he found himself next to the home of the drow he had seen the day before. Ever since they had looked each other in the eye as he waked through the common he had been wondering just what the drow was looking for. As Gar-ten walked around the small one story house he noticed that one of the windows was cracked open. His curiosity getting the better of him he slipped it open the rest of the way and crawled in. The room was dark and empty but something caught his eye. A jewel lying on a note placed carefully in the center of a small desk. Gar-ten waked over and looked at the note paying little heed to the jewel, for he had one just like it. I was the same note he had received. He paused to think about it. The uncanny number of militia, ex-militry and bounty hunter types in the town. Yes, if everyone got a letter like this it would explain that, but who could do such a thing. Get a letter out to every military type in Everhath, which would prove harder that finding him. Just then he heard a floor board creak behind him. As he spun around he reached and pulled out his belt knife with one hand and with the other reached to undo the clasp around his axe. The drow was standing there, with a small knife in his hand ready to be thrown. Knowing he didn’t have much of a chance dogging a knife at such a short distance he stuck his knife back in his belt and tightened up the strap holding his axe. Gar-ten didn’t say anything he just pulled out the note and handed it to the drow, and waited to see what he would do
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 22, 2005 3:03:58 GMT -4
Moaticus was prepared to kill should he have to, but he didn’t want to. Intruders were one thing, but it wasn’t a time to question such actions anymore. Chaos was everywhere in the south. Despite the fact that this ruckus might have all been some kind of game, or hoax cause by the letter, Moaticus was still bound by three things: mortality, greed, and most regrettably, curiosity (Put it however you want it: thirst for knowledge even; it’s still curiosity, and can be dangerous). He lowered the knife and stepped into the light beaming through the open window. It illuminated half of his bearded, tall face, and though his complexion was sharp, he tried hard not to show any sign of anger.
“Rarely, since before the letters came to us, did foreigners enter a stranger’s home while in the light of Olath Drathil”, boomed his voice in the quiet of the small house. His tone, despite its deep-pitch, was in no way meant to be ominous.
He scoffed slightly, and gestured lazily at the jewel.
“Keep that. Eren’Cul will have it back if this turns out to be an elaborate joke.”
He walked to a dresser on the far wall and began packing again, putting the dagger away to the side. He continued slowly, asking possibly more questioned than Gar-Ten was willing to answer. He’d shoot anyway, just to soften the mood.
“What’s your name? Why are you here in Lau?”
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 22, 2005 20:14:59 GMT -4
“I am called Gar-ten the wanderer. And I am in Lau because this is where my feet have taken me.” He said with as much authority as he could muster. “And as for this” he said as he put the note back in his pouch, “I don’t think it could be a joke. If two weeks ago someone told me that this would happen, I would have called him mad. To not only get a message to every fighter in all Everhath, all in a very short window of time. And to find me as well? Everyone that I ever knew thinks me dead, and I have not lain in the same place for more than one night in over three years. No, who ever has done this is serious.” He paused for a moment than added, “that or he wants every warrior in Everhath off chasing nonexistent children for reasons unknown, but if that where the case” his voice just trailed off as he sunk into thought.
Gar-ten eventually moved to the window looking out on the newly risen sun and taking in the fresh sea air. “As for the moon of Olath Drathil, I have my defenses against such things. You would be surprised at what one can learn from nature, especially when one learned from scrolls when one was younger.”
Looking back to the drow he thought for a moment as the drow was packing his bags. Finally after a short silence he said. "What or who do you seek, what was it you were looking for in the crowd yesterday. And why are you packing you things?"
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 22, 2005 22:50:48 GMT -4
Moaticus remained rather silent, all except a wheeze in his breathing which indicated both life and death in him in a troublesome, symbolic mannerism. He listened steadily. Eventually, his packing was finished, and a simple backpack which he swung over to his back contained all his things. He glanced at Gar-Ten once or twice as he closed windows and blew candles out.
“Not just fighters, adventurer, but horrifyingly, all those with simply the power to end life.”
He moved to the doorway and turned to lean on the frame heavily as he stared into his own house. No light illuminated his face – his figure was no more than a black shadow in the air.
“As much as I hate speed, we cannot linger here. Gather your things wherever they may be, and meet me by the east gate. We’ll talk on the road.”
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 23, 2005 1:30:28 GMT -4
“All that I have is here, this small pouch contains all my money and the small pack under my axe has some hard tack in it. Everything else I need is provided by nature, roots and animals for food and clothing. But if you are thinking that we will travel together then I must warn you; I have a familiar, a wolf named Malthag, he waits for me just outside the city. All that I need I take from the world around me. As for not being in a rush, I feel the need to get out of this city as quickly as possible, it’s so… unnatural.” Gar-ten tightened his belt and straps on his back, paused, and then looked at the drow. “Lead the way”
As Gar-ten stepped out into the sunlight Moaticus saw him well for the first time. He had long dark hair and a short well kept beard. His hair was all pulled back but for a little in the front which hung down in front of his right eye. When he moved his head Moaticus saw his right eye, there was a large scar passing vertically through it, the scar started just above his eyebrow and ended just below his cheekbone. The eye was completely white. His skin was light but his face looked to be chiseled from stone. His shirt and pants were a light green, and looked as if they had been bought in a town, but his boots and cloak where obviously made from animal skins. His cloak still had all the fur on it and looked to be made of wolf; his boots had some fur on the tops and looked to be made of rabbit. His belt was tanned leather and had two knives on it, and a small pouch containing some coins and the jewel that came in the letter. On his back he had a small pack in which he carried the food he had bought at the market and some other items that he found handy, small cookware and such. And then there was the great axe, two handed with a double crescent blade. His clothes did little to hide his broad shoulders and thick arms. All in all he looked a force to be reckoned with. For all but the well kept beard and obvious good hygiene he looked to be your standard barbarian. But by looking into his eyes anyone could see that this was no mindless savage, the keen fire of intellect burned brightly in his eyes.
Looking to the drow he calmly sated in a most friendly manner, as one talking to an old friend. “It is most unusual to travel with someone when you don’t even know their name; I have told you mine, what is yours?”
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 23, 2005 3:13:02 GMT -4
It didn’t take long to navigate Lau. The streets were built wide for trade-carts and other vehicles. Moaticus walked with a hunch in his back, examining Gar-Ten rather well for a few moments before he pushed on toward the east gate.
“I’ve nothing against the wild, Gar-Ten. I’ve spent much of my life in it.”
Upon reaching the east gate, a few guards were checking newcomers, though there were very few, to say the least. Everyone was going out through the aid of horses, or other furry (or scaly) beasts. Moaticus nodded at the guards who had little concern for leavers; only concern for arrivers.
Once reaching the first checkpoint which consisted of one tower in close proximity to Lau’s eastern wall, Moaticus tied down a couple things on his shoulder-pads. He was well armored, if not fully armored, and wanted to be as comfortable as possible. He then began moving again, weapons sheathed and eyes forward.
“Malthag. I’d be honored to meet him. My name is Durth. Durth Clia’var Moaticus. We’re going to the Shultan Woodlands south of some Eurothra suburbs. We can sneak into the city through there to avoid inspections.”
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 23, 2005 12:31:41 GMT -4
As soon as they passed through the gate Gar-ten stopped and closed his eyes, and for a moment or two he was completely motionless. Then his eyes suddenly snapped open again. “Malthag is hunting a deer; he will catch up with us when we make camp. We will eat well tonight Durth.”
For a short time they waked down the road together in silence. When they entered a small grove Gar-ten walked off the path and toward a thicket. Moaticus looked on with a puzzled expression for a moment. Gar-ten reached into the thicket and pulled out a hardened leather breastplate. Looking to Moaticus he said, “This is the reason I came to Lau, and this is why I have been here before. Whenever I need new armor or something repaired I come here, I have a arrangement with a man in the town, all he knows is that when he hears a wolf howl on a moonless night that there will be something here for him in the morning, and when he is done fixing or making what I need he leaves it here and finds some gold in the morning.” Reaching into his pouch he pulled out a few coins and placed them in the ground. Putting on the armor made him look even more intimidating. A studded, hardened leather breastplate just showing under his fur cloak made him look all the more like a barbarian. Looking to Moaticus he said, “I know it’s not as protective as chain mail, or full plate, but it is enough to deflect an arrow or turn a poorly aimed blow, and it provides much better mobility.”
As they walked together the conversation turned to things of the past and how they each got to where they where. (See biographies) After some time of exchanging stories and reminiscing of times past (although Gar-ten’s far past seemed like just yesterday for Moaticus) the topic changed to what they would do next. “What is it you seek in Eurothra? If everyone received the same letter as us than there is little we could find from others, unless you are thinking that we might find others to join us there.”
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 23, 2005 20:21:01 GMT -4
Moaticus never truly tried to predict the actions of his new friend, as to better avoid being surprised or confused in any way. He’d seen enough to know accepting oddities was a skill one shouldn’t ignore. He never told Gar-Ten much about himself, save moments he had in the wars. It was obvious to Gar-Ten that the drow was purposely excluding facts about himself, for whatever reason.
“Business comes in many flavors, Gar-Ten” Moaticus remarked after his friend suited his armor and explained its existence. The drow turned from the glade to continue after Gar-Ten finished organizing his things, and the conversations continued. The woodlands surrounded them both. The trees had about three feet between each, and all consisted of partially the same size. The floor of the forest there was mostly flat, making navigation easy, but seclusion difficult. All conversation remained silent, both whispering with the skill of any ranger.
“Eurothra has a guild for alchemists. Getting to it is imperative, for two reasons: one, they can analyze the jewel, and two, they can get us access to Heraldic Libraries.”
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 23, 2005 23:56:19 GMT -4
As soon as it stared getting dark Gar-ten slowed his pace and started looking into the woods more often. Soon he stopped altogether and motioned for Moaticus to follow him into a dense thicket. When Moaticus stepped through he was surprised to see a stone ring with burnt ashes in the center and a clearing about five feet wide around that. Gar-ten was already at work getting some small twigs with which to start a fire. After getting enough he brought it to the center he took a rock and one of his knives and hit them together to make a spark, soon enough he had a small fire going. He gathered some larger pieces to keep the fire going and assembled a rudimentary rotisserie. He then took off his axe and back sack. From his back sack he retrieved a small whetstone and began sharpening one of his knives. After a short time Moaticus noticed that Gar-ten was mumbling to himself, eventually Gar-ten looked up at Moaticus and said, “Will they really let us in the Heraldic Libraries?”
Before he could answer a large wolf walked right into the camp. It was much larger than Moaticus expected and it was pure white. Gar-ten laughed at the expression on his face. “Yes, that’s right I forgot to mention he is a direwolf, one of the few remaining of his kind, largest and smartest of all wolves. I saved him as a pup, his entire pack had been hunted down and killed by a pack of forest wolves, they are smaller, weaker and dumber but they had numbers. I found Malthag here cornered and about to be killed. Most of the pack was wounded from fighting Malthag’s pack. They made easy killing, a good meal, and as you can see a warm comfortable cloak.” At that he erupted in a deep rich laugh that echoed through the glen. The wolf just sat there looking at Moaticus with a hint of curiosity, then as quickly as he had walked in he walked out. In moments he was back dragging a deer into the camp this time. Gar-ten was done laughing at this point and immediately started to carve up the deer. He cut out much of the meat yet he did leave quite a bit for the wolf. After he had taken all the meat he wanted, enough for both he and Moaticus, with some to spar, he pushed the carcass aside and placed the meat on a skewer already stripped and ready. As soon as Gar-ten had pushed the carcass to the side Malthag walked up and dragged it away to just outside the light of the fire, where he ate contentedly the rest of the evening.
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 24, 2005 2:39:32 GMT -4
Moaticus never sat after having entered the clearing which would be their camp. Though his voice was deep, it was airy and didn’t carry far. He took off the backpack and placed it by his feet, watching Gar-Ten create the fire slowly. His back soon found a tree to lean against, and the Drow crossed his thick arms over his chest.
The size of the wolf didn’t surprise Moaticus, though it was larger than most wolves he’d seen. His lips formed a vague smile as he examined the animal, listening to Gar-Ten introduce the creature and offer its history. After the creature had returned with food, and Gar-Ten had finished his joyful laughter, Moaticus took the time his friend spent cleaning the meat to answer his first question.
“They have connections which will lead to our gathering of information. And I am most pleased to meat Malthag. It sounds as if he has served you as a fine asset in your journeys.”
The wind slowly picked up in the trees. It made little sound, causing the fire to stir and grow. It’s yellow light clashed with Moaticus’ skin, turning it instantly to an obsidian color. His white beard glowed on his face due to the drastic contrasts in his complexion.
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 24, 2005 13:12:45 GMT -4
Once the meat was set in its skewers Gar-ten got up and went to a nearby brook to wash up, he took a small canteen with him and filled it up. When he got back he turned the meat on the skewers and then offered Moaticus the canteen. As he drank Gar-ten seated himself by the fire. He stared into it, almost like he was watching a play fold out that only he could see. And as he watched he started talking. “My mother one told me about the Heraldic Libraries. She said that there are more books there than anyone could read in their lifetime.” Glancing up at the drow he added. “Or any human could at any rate” the drow didn’t answer he just handed the canteen back to Gar-ten. And Gar-ten in turn handed him a skewer. The meat was still dripping, the outside was crisp but the inside was still juicy, and the smell of roasting meat had permeated the camp.
After they had finished eating Gar-ten emptied the rest of the water onto the fire and then kicked some dirt on top of the ashes. At this Malthag got up and waked over to Gar-ten and sat by his feet. Gar-ten wished the drow a good nights rest and then he lay on the ground and the wolf curled up next to him. Soon enough he was sleep but the wolf was not. It just laid there watching Moaticus, never moving, never taking his eyes off or him, his yellow penetrating eyes.
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 24, 2005 15:29:07 GMT -4
Moaticus had long sat still by the same tree, running the flat sides of his dagger along his thigh one way, and then the other. The metal made no sound in the night which could be heard over neither the breeze nor the wildlife. Moaticus donned a relaxed expression which was hinted with emotions of worry. He stared into the night, breathing in a hypnotic rhythm as if sleep had long taken him away. It was still early in the night. The long travel during the day had not wearied him much, and Gar-Ten’s words, unexpectedly, clung to his thoughts. His plotting was evident; this letter was too much more than a call for help. He began to ponder on theories, all of which revolved around a grander and more elaborate scheme. Who was toying with them? If someone or something was, Moaticus wouldn’t have it without having an explanation.
Telling Gar-Ten that the daughter in the letter would be his last priority wasn’t his intention yet. He wasn’t sure yet of how the adventurer received or translated the note. Some time in the Guilds would do him good to better tune himself with the world.
Morning crept up like the wind itself. The birds woke, and began a racket.
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 24, 2005 20:05:02 GMT -4
Gar-ten’s eyes snapped open the second the light of the morning sun hit his face. Getting up he stretched and pulled a little meat of the skewer that was left from the night before. Eating some himself and tossing some to Malthag, he looked at Moaticus. “I see you didn’t sleep much, if any.” He said as he handed him some meat. “Here eat this; you will need your strength. We have a long day ahead of us and I want to increase our pace.” Moaticus didn’t say anything; he just took a piece of the meat and put it in his mouth. Gar-ten just watched him for a moment, as he turned away to gather up his things he began to seriously wonder what kind person he had joined company with. “You must have noticed that the south is getting more dangerous, not that is was ever safe. Orks and goblins are getting bolder with each passing day. And I fear it has something to do with the letters. Yet, I can’t help but think that there is more to this than what is written here” he said as he read the letter again. Content that everything was in his bag and he had forgotten nothing he tossed it across his back and tightened the strap, his axe came next.
Only when Moaticus saw Malthag standing in the full light of the day did he realize just how big he was. Standing on all fours he was at least four feet tall at the shoulders. His long snow white fur pressed smoothly against his body, Moaticus could see the curves of strong muscle all along his body, his jaw looked strong enough to rip a mans arm off, and his legs powerful enough to run down the swiftest of horses. He sat down beside Gar-ten and looked expectedly at Moaticus as Gar-ten began to scratch his head behind his left ear. Moaticus got up and tossed his bag across his shoulders having taken nothing out if it the night before. Nodding to him but with ought saying anything Gar-ten walked out of the clearing and straight to the road with ought looking back. Malthag waited a moment looking at Moaticus as if to see if he would fallow, once he did Malthag went bounding after his master. Watching them walk together down the road made Moaticus think of a legend he had heard once long ago, when he was but a child, of a man and his pet wolf, walking out of the great forest into a land ruled by a vile tyrant. As the story want the hero eventually killed the tyrant and freed the people only to vanish into the woods once more. Moaticus chuckled to himself as he shook the memory from his mind. He had much more important things to think about now than old ledges.
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 24, 2005 23:50:06 GMT -4
It hadn’t been seen yet, but Moaticus had a hood which he quickly tossed over his crown. After leaving the camp, Moaticus sheathed his things, gathered his backpack, and while they exited the thicker parts of the woods, he spoke quietly.
“The sun bothers me” he uttered in a creaky voice.
His appearance seemed as threatening as Gar-Ten at that point, his irises having a red glow from the darkness of the head-covering. He sheathed his weapons and straightened his armor plates while he walked through what were now flatlands. There was a path, but to take it would defeat the point of even going into those woods in the first place. Moaticus walked briskly. Moaticus could be seen making complete turns frequently, staring back in the direction he and his friend walked away from. Their path wove like a snake through rocks, trees, and over rivers and cliffs to avoid Eurothian watch-out posts and other checkpoints along with something much more dangerous. Moaticus hoped that his actions wouldn’t seem absurd Gar-Ten. The Drow had led them through the wilderness in a tactically slow fashion, doing more than just avoiding outposts most of the time. The day wore on, and soon, the sun was right above them as they entered a small patch of woods. Moaticus held an arm up to Gar-Ten and Malthag, not thinking first to wonder if pointing at the massive wolf would offend it or not.
Moaticus hushed them with a “shh”, and gestured for them to move behind the trees.
“Something stalks us, friend. It has been following us since daybreak.”
Moaticus’ voice was tight and difficult to understand as he gazed back out toward the hills from the forest-line area. There were hints of concern in his mostly hidden complexion, though no fear yet could be observed.
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 25, 2005 22:43:54 GMT -4
Moaticus noticed that both Gar-ten and Malthag lifted their heads and sniffed at the air in the same manner. Gar-ten smirked to himself as he looked at Moaticus, “Whoever or whatever is fallowing us is either very smart or very lucky. The wind has been to our faces all day, no send on the wind.” Gar-ten undid the belt holding his small backpack and let it slip to the ground. He slowly took of his axe; the bottom of the axe grip had a small spike which he stuck into the ground. The axe itself stood five feet high each blade being roughly two feet long. Next to another man it would have looked absurd but Gar-ten showed a familiarity with it that made it look most natural. As he held the axe upright with his left hand he made sure his knives where clear in their scabbards. Looking at Moaticus he said with a smile on his face, “So, should we go and welcome them, or should we wait?”
|
|
|
Post by Icor on Jun 26, 2005 17:22:42 GMT -4
“We need not try startling them. They are aware of our suspicion now.”
Moaticus pressed his back hard against the tree, lifting his chin higher so that his head also touched the bark through his hood. Neither his movement nor breath made sound of higher volume than that of the wind, nor could wildlife could be heard. Something alien moved in the field.
“Wait here. We must be certain this entity is a foe before we justify that it is a foe with thoughtless actions.”
Moaticus leaned out, looking back to the hills. Nothing appeared, yet anyone could feel the cold chill of being watched. It was obvious something followed – even without the scent of the alien. Ten minuets passed. Moaticus wasn’t about to lose his patience, yet still decided to push onward. With knowledge of guerilla warfare, Moaticus used what gestures and sign language he knew to signal Gar-Ten to continue into the brush, assuming his friend was well learned in common forest tactics. The communication was brief, and Moaticus swiftly, and soundlessly, hiked into the trees while hugging the shadows with passionate devotion.
|
|
|
Post by lordhebdar on Jun 26, 2005 20:10:23 GMT -4
Having spent many years in the military Gar-ten knew exactly what Moaticus meant with his hand motions. Hearing nothing and smelling nothing he moved quickly and quietly through the woods. Years of living in the wilderness gave him stealth and speed that amazed even the drow. It was almost like he was one with the forest and everything around him. The Moaticus recalled the words he had spoken the day they met. “As for the moon of Olath Drathil, I have my defenses against such things. You would be surprised at what one can learn from nature, especially when one learned from, scrolls when one was younger.” Easley keeping pace with Moaticus he looked to be having fun for the first time since they met. His sack slung over his shoulder with one hand, his monstrous axe in the other, and a big childlike grin on his face. He couldn’t look more content, and not for the first time Moaticus wondered how sane this man was.
|
|