RP 48: The Quest

[Ciryaher]

Trossia was busy looking indignant, so Belsen took this opportunity to speak up. "I cannot say that I know precisely where this pass lies...my knowledge is more of the small forest where I was raised and taught."

He then turned to his questioner, "No, I do not think I am from the place which you speak. I was cast out of the clan as soon as they realized I had the Mark, and I never knew any other dwarves closely. Trossia's father, Angornin, took me in and raised me, and now I am like her brother. I will vouch for her, if you do not take her word, that she is a fighter of prowess and skill. A cleric am I, and as I said before, I will aid you with all of my skill."

[chrysophalax]

"Excellent allies it would seem to me, my Prince. Their combined skills can only be an asset to us." Rondel was glad in his heart for the distraction provided by Trossia. Perhaps she would be able to ease some of the hurt Celebcristion had suffered by taking his mind off what had happened in the past.

[Narya]

"Aye" said the prince to Rondel, giving him a meaningful smile. "I believe it will truly be wisdom for both parties to stay together, do you not agree, Dalfir?" Dalfir nodded his head in affirmation, and said, "I never said we can't bring new friends, and since friends you are, I believe you will be most welcome in the quest. Rondel will brief you both on the mission at hand, while we find a good place to set up camp for the night. Unless of course you two know where we can spend the night in these parts?"

[Ciryaher]

Trossia grinned, "Well, there is an inn nearby, but we just came from there. You could stay, but the dwarf won't be allowed in for a decent price," she smiled and proferred her hand to the prince, "But at any rate, we're glad to be of service, and I'm glad to have found new...friends."

[Narya]

Smyern started at the mentioned of the discomfort of the inn to his friend Boffin. But the Prince reassured him that Boffin will be considered greatly.

[YayGollum]

*riding Pooftop alongside Belsen, Boffin tries to socialize* "Ummm... clan? Mark? Goddess? Well, you say that you didn't know Dwarves closely, so I wouldn't know what kinds of things you've learned from the humans up here. I'm an Outcast among Dwarves myself. Never was very interested in mining and wealth. I'm just happy to not be the only Dwarf around here anymore, even if you're practically a human." to anybody ---> "How much farther is this inn? Pooftop and I are getting hungry!"

[Ciryaher]

Belson gave Boffin a strange look. "A clan is a family of dwarves. I would have thought even non-dwarves knew about that. As for the Mark..." he lifted his hood a bit and showed a tattoo-like marking around his eye and down his cheek in the shape of some form of rune.

[YayGollum]

"Hmmm... I got the clan thing, I just didn't know that humans did that, too." *sees the crazy thing on his face* "Ah! I might have heard something about those back at the Lonely Mountain, but I could be wrong. You were cast out for having that mark, right? They never could explain to me well enough why they would do that. oh well. Ever heard of Aule?" :D

[Narya]

The company finally reached the eves of the town, it began to rain again, and later in the evening there was slight hale storm and they needed to stop travelling and got to the inn. Curiously, the innkeeper wasn't manning the front desk and the group waited at the foyer for quite some time. Boffin didn't like the feeling of the town one bit, as they saw only a few people walking in the streets and he described them as "Queer", and the others would not speak of it again. The prince was quiet for the rest of the road half-expecting another suprise attack would come. Dalfir and the rest looked around waiting for a sign of someone to come and help them as Cirgan and Tolir felt the cold as their wet clothes clammed on their skins.

It was Rondel who approached the prince and told him that there was something not right in the area.

"I know Rondel, I feel it, like a silence before the storm. The tenseness of the night takes my breath away." and his thoughts strayed to Trossia who was innocently warming herself at the fireplace with Belsen and Boffin talking like exiled dwarves will at a pinch.

[YayGollum]

*paces for a while in front of the fire* "Well, it doesn't look like we'll be getting a room here." to Trossia and Belsen ---> "Do you know of any other places we could stay at? Or places to eat? I'm starved! I don't feel safe out here, either. It feels too much like Quandro. Maybe we should ask one of these humans if they know something we don't." *walks to the door to grab the first person he sees*

"I've stayed here before, when I was in between my Dwarven teachers and my hometown. It never used to be this quiet. And they never used to hate Dwarves! The sooner we get rid of this Gnargoth guy, the better!"

[Narya]

Then as if awaken out of a dream, the Prince drew out his sword and Rondel fitted an arrow in his bow. "Perhaps Boffin is right in this one, Quandro was like this when we got there and we fell into an ambush" he said, turning his attention to Belsen " Did you know the town would be empty? Did you lead us here on purpose?"

[chrysophalax]

Rondel became vaguely alarmed at the Prince's edginess and placed a conciliatory hand on his arm. "Be at ease my Prince. Accusing Belsen of trickery will avail us nothing." He called to Boffin who paced hungrily before the fire. "Boffin! As it appears the Inn is deserted, why don't you slip into the kitchen? With no one to stop you, surely you will find your fill in the back, possibly carrots for Pooftop as well."

The Dwarf's eyes lit with enthusiasm and he stomped over to the kitchen entrance, rubbing his hands in anticipation.

[Ciryaher]

Trossia stepped in front of Celebcristion and shouted at him angrily, "Do not try to blame Belsen for this! You know very well that I was the one that mentioned this inn to you, and not him!"

The dwarf attempted to make a calming gesture and speak but the fiery girl cut him off. "I can't explain why the place has suddenly changed, but it has nothing to do with us, I assure you."

Belsen finally got to speak. "Let's not argue, my friends. We will look into the cause of the queerness that has invaded this village. We must work together," he finished as he trotted off after Boffin in search of something to eat.

[Narya]

Embarassed by the sudden gleam of anger in Trossia's eyes, the prince coiled a bit, then ventured to explain, " Forgive me, my lady, but I am not at ease in such a place. We have been ambushed before and I lost someone who was closer to me than a brother in that battle. I wouldn't want to loose anyone again. I am sorry for accusing your friend." he tried to speak some more but Trossia just gave him a cold look. So he went back to Rondel who was looking at him disappointed. " I know what you are to say, and I am wrong on that account. I just don't trust the silence and I still bear the pain of losing Rolban with me. "

[YayGollum]

*walks back in, carrying some bread, cheese, apples, dried meat, and a couple flasks of wine* "Here we are! I gave Pooftop some carrots and apples, too." *starts chowing down* "So, have we decided what we're doing next? Since this place looks abondoned, we could just spend the night, and ask the villagers what's going on tomorrow." :confused:

[Narya]

suddenly the earth starts to rumble, and a noise like that sound of screaming faint at first, then getting louder and louder until it was deafening, filled the air. There was a great crashing and the sound of falling rocks, then arrows started darting through the walls of the inn.

" Everyone get down!!" cried the prince, as he grabbed Trossia by the hand and embraced her.

[Narya]

The entire inn throbbed as the countless number of minions charged at the little village. They resembled dead men: pale and their faces dry and cracked, with a trace of dark blood here and there, and upon their heads a dark mark of Mordor Tengwar, the sign of Gnargoth, they move fast and are quite strong, though their bodies are very brittle and turn to dust easily when struck by a sword or arrow. Their unseeing eyes wide open yet hallow.

Trossia struggled out of the prince's embrace, and gave him an angry look, like he took advantage of the situation to embrace her. The prince just shook his head, and grabbed his sword. The others went charging at the foul crowd that assembled at the front. Dalfir had lit several of them with his staff, but still more poured out like water when the dam bursts.

Rondel called out to the others "We cannot win this!" he said as he crushed two of the minions by this shield. "Dalfir! We have to move out of here!"

Celebcristion immediately noticed that the inn's roof were near trees. "Rondel! To the roof!!" Boffin didn't like the idea that was brewing in the prince's mind but had little time to object. "I will carry you my friend if that is what is needed to save your skin!" cried Smyern. Trossia and Belsen went up the stairs and the others followed. And not a moment too soon for just as Rondel disappeared on the first flight of stairs, the minions poured inside.

[Ciryaher]

Belsen stopped on the stairs and waited for the others to move up and out to the roof. He moves his palms in circles parallel to eachother and chanted in some forgotten tongue. As the first of the enemies entered the stairway, there was an explosion of light and a series of hoarse cries. Several bodies lay at the foot of the stairs and outside the doorway, smoking from a bolt of energy. Belsen sniffed at the static in the air and then dashed up the stairs.

[Narya]

The company of the Quest raced through four flights of stairs, and at the fifth and final final flight they found one solitary room, into it they all entered, and they barred the door with everything they could find. The minions were closing in on them and though Belsen's magic slowed them a bit, still more of them poured in like water, but Belsen has given them enough time to enter a room and barr its entrance.

"Find a way out through the roof!" cried Dalfir as the elves and the dwarves push agains the door to keep the enemy out.

"You better hurry!! We can't hold this door forever!" Cried Smyern.

Trossia found a stool and a small table on the side of the room and stepping on top of it, she tried to reach the ceiling which was made of hollow material to keep the sunlight out. With her sword she sliced a piece of the ceiling out and then made a large hole, big enough for everyone to climb out. She was then pushed out to the roof by Dalfir and Cirgan, then one by one they were all upon the roof of the inn.

Last that came was Celebcristion and Boffin. "Go on Boffin, Climb to the roof! Rondel will cover me!" Boffin followed though gave the trees outside a disappointed look for dwarves never like the sight of trees nor the idea of climbing one even their lives depended on it. But he clambered up through the help of Smyern and Rondel, and lastly the prince jumped on to the ceiling and the door of the room came to with a crash!

Rondel fitted an arrow to his bow and fired at the minion that was nearest to the prince's dangling legs. When the prince was finally out into the roof, Dalfir and Rondel were already on top of the nearest trees.

"Trossia, jump! Or we will be killed!!!" cried Smyern, but Trossia hesitated, and so the prince, seeing that there was little time to waste, carried her and jumped onto the trees with her, Trossia gave out a loud scream, and held onto the prince tightly.

Cirgan suddenly roused them with a cry that rattled their wits, "Boffin and Belsen have slipped, they are falling from the roof!!!" and then they all turned and saw the two dwarves clinging for dear life on the other side of the roof, while Rondel fired arrows at every minion that peaked its head through the hole.

[YayGollum]

*Tolir, who was gingerly stepping to the edge of the roof to find a few strong branches that could hold his weight, heard Cirgan and crawling, slowly inched his way to Belsen and Boffin, then carried both of them over his shoulders, with the extra weight, they were about to crash through the thin ceiling, but Tolir threw his huge axe onto a branch, then tossed each Dwarf :rolleyes: onto other branches, he shakily stood up and barely made it onto a more sturdy, lower branch* "Hey, Boffin! Throw me my axe! I don't want to lose it to them!" *after getting his axe back, he looked around at his companions* "What were those things?" *almost falls off his branch* "Is there a safer way than this? I don't know if I can follow the rest of you through these trees!"

[chrysophalax]

Relief washed over the company and they made their way as quickly as possible to the ground, (mostly for Tolir's sake). When they had reached solid ground Rondel and Cirgan pounded Tolir on the back, smiling broadly. Tolir had to sit down as heights had never been his favourite thing. Boffin came up to him and punched his shoulder, thanking him for saving the two of them.
Rondel shook his head in wonder. Who would ever have guessed that clumsy Tolir would turn out to be a hero?

[Narya]

But the minions were still on the ground, so the whole group went back up the trees. They treaded the long road out of the town through the strong boughs of Birch Trees, and Fir. Boffin was most annoyed by the long slow business of jumping from one tree to another. And Belsen had to be carried by Tolir and Cirgan for he nearly fell of several trees.

At long last Dawn has come. They were still near the Town, however the minions have dissolved into dust for that is what happens to them the moment the rays of the sun touch their brittle bodies. They were tired, and mostly famished, as well as a bit weary from the long travel without any hope of getting through the forest.

[YayGollum]

*with the trees in front of them thinning, Boffin thinks about jumping to a tree that's obviously too far away, but gives up and drops down into a thick bush* "Whoof! I don't see anyone after us, so is it okay if I rest for a minute? I brought some food from that inn if anybody's hungry." *unties a bag of food from his belt*

*pretty tired himself, Tolir decides not to throw Belsen over to Cirgan again and drops him into another bush, then swings himself onto the ground* "Good idea! These trees are starting to get weaker out here!" *sits down and shares some food with Boffin* "I hope those things didn't kill our horses."

[Narya]

"There is very little hope of their survival, I'm afraid.." says Dalfir, puffing while he takes twigs out of his long beard.

"Where to, Dalfir? I have lost all sense of direction" Smyern inquired, looking sore and weary, for it was a long night indeed, and the group has not eaten since that night that they found Trossia and Belsen.

[Narya]

Dalfir looked back at the trees that now loomed thick behind and in front of them. There was very little hope of finding a path in any direction they go. He bowed his head in thought. The rest of the group became anxious and did very little to cover it. Boffin for one kept muttering about how hungry he was, and Belsen and Trossia were discussing their desire to part ways with this ill-fated group. The prince, Smyern and Rondel were making the best of their time watching the perimeter, while Cirgan and Tolir were cleaning their weapons and checking the supplies that they were able to spare during the attack. It wasn't enough, and they will be needing more in the next 2 - 3 days. They worried.

[YayGollum]

to Belsen ---> "You came from this area. Are there any other towns nearby? I should have brought more food from the last one. oh well. Maybe we can sneak back there to get supplies?" *looks around hopefully at the dejected faces of his companions*

[Narya]

The prince approaches the two dwarve. Seeing the look of hunger in Boffins eyes, he felt pity for the dwarf who at many times tasted his bitterness. I am not hungry at all...if you want you can have my share of the food Boffin. The dwarf smiled.

Dalfir at last stirred and spoke, "I believe we should consult the trees, since it is these trees that brought us to where we were." Cirgan started, looking baffled at the remark made by the wizard. "Consult the trees? How do you suggest that be done?" Tolir shared his opinion, "Perhaps you will show us magic today will you not, Dalfir?" said Smyern with jest, knowing full well what the wizard had in mind.

"Since you obviously read my mind, Smyern, will you do the honours?" Then like a cat Smyern went up the large Fir tree that was nearest to him, and soon enough he was lost in its immense branches and thick leaves.

The prince found it a perfect opportunity to talk with Trossia who has been bothering him since they met. There was something about her that captured not only his respect but his attraction. She was beautiful beyond the measure of mortal men, yet very cunning and witty. He wanted to tell her this yet everytime she would look into his eyes he is taken by her beauty and he cowers.

"Are you hungry my lady?"

[YayGollum]

*Boffin hears Celebcristion talking to Trossia about food and quickly stuffs his face with what he's been given* "I hope those trees are good to you, Helleranin (Smyern)!" *looks over at the prince and the girl, talking with his mouth full* "I'm sure he'll get some food for you really soon! There isn't much to be had, but it's a good thing that we don't have to go back to that town! I have no idea what those things were that came after us."

[Ciryaher]

Belsen nodded and spoke to Boffin. "I don't know what those things were...perhaps it matters not. At the least, I think I can get us food, but I must rest here for a long, long while. I need to concentrate," he said and rubbed the mark on his face thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, Trossia was returning Celebcristion's gaze and nodded slowly. "Yes...I am famished. I think that we can safely eat more of our rations, because Belsen has that look that I've seen many times," she said, looking sidelong at the prince with a grin, "And I am sure that he will deliver."

[Narya]

The prince was again tongue-tied for Trossia's look gave him a shiver, she was beautiful, fairest in the house of men. Fairer than the maidens he has seen in his father's kingdom. And there was something about her that made him choke, and surrender to the clouds. Then a thought struck him - could it be that he has fallen in love?

Dalfir waited below, and slowly Smyern (Helleranin) appeared coming down from the massive tree which he climbed earlier.

" Well, where is our next direction?" Enquired the wizard. Everyone was anxious to hear his report for it was the middle of the day and soon night will be upon them once more.

"We have gone North-east of the mountain. If we strike west a little and continue North we should be able to see the pass." A sigh of relief could be heard from the group. But the prince became worried. He gave whatever food he had to the two dwarves and they shared it with Trossia. He approached Dalfir.

"Dalfir, I believe it will be too dangerous for Trossia to travel with us. We are heading towards Gnargoth, and she is not prepared for such a battle."

"What would you have then, Celebcristion? We cannot leave her here along, to wander off. She can't return to the Town, it has been destroyed. I understand your worry, but I must say that she is safer to travel with us than to travel alone."

" I know there is no other direction safer, however maybe when we get to the pass we can give them the option of either staying behind." To this the wizard gave the prince a long look, and the prince understood how ridiculous his suggestion was. But the wizard patted him on the back realizing the reason for the prince's behaviour.

"She is made of tough fiber. I believe she is well prepared for such a day. She will not be parted from Belsen, and Belsen we need for the pass, and beyond. Who knows what else she can do." And he gave the prince a wink and the group started heading west.

[Narya]

Heavy rains poured down upon them on the fourth day of their journey. The dwarves were drenched and grumbled all the way. When at last they to a fork on the road they started striking northwards and then at last they came into a clearing facing a side of the mountain. They hid behind large rocks that were placed at the edge of the circle.

Belsen and Boffin tried to peek out and saw that there was nothing there, and thought the elves were being too cautious. Dalfir and the elves still did not move. The dwarves became impatient. Trossia was also showing signs of discomfort but Dalfir would not move.

Suddenly Boffin started complaining loudly. Smyern tried to hush him up but it was too late. From somewhere behind them a loud noise was heard then suddenly the trees started falling and flying in all directions like it was being swept by a large broom. Then to their horror a huge thing looking like a dwarf with a large ax came crashing towards them.

They all fled and ran to the circle. The large monster was quite fast and could sense them through some form of magic. Dalfir tried to use his staff against it, but the monster kept charging at all of them weilding its large ax to and fro nearly hitting some of them. The elves took out their swords, Cirgan took out his sword and the dwarves armed themselves. Arrows flew and hit the monster but it did not even make a dent. They tried to hit it with their swords and their axes and their hammers, but to no avail. The monster was made of a very strong metal.

"Our weapons are useless! The entire monster is made of mithril!" Cried Smyern.

[YayGollum]

*Boffin, who had been hiding behind a tree, remembers something from Dwarf history and rushes out, slips on some wet grass, and pulls himself up with his mace* "Kibil Bund-u-shathûr ai-mênu Khazad! Stop!" *the monster freezes just as it's about to smash Tolir, who was staring at his ruined axe after smashing it against the monster's leg* "That was close! Is anyone hurt? I just now remembered the phrase to control those things. I never thought it would be useful, but I love to collect useless bits of knowledge! :D What should we do with this now? Any of the Dwarves here could use it later."