Kraven Desselius & Daenalin, Valenwood

Daenalin saw that most of the people that he had disturbed had an ill-look on their faces. Serves them right, Daenalin thought to himself, We need a damn cook for this place. He dropped the silver pitcher and silver spoon and raised his arms. "If the khajiit really did attack, we would of been dead! You would of been--"

"Shut up!" an anonymous soldier shouted at Daenalin. He obviously was angry at Daenalin's sudden act of immaturity towards waking everyone up. Serves them right, he thought, my morning was pathetic as well. And truth be told, Daenalin was not much of a morning person. His stomach growled loudly and he was hungry. He looked around and saw no food to be found. Only thing worth putting into mouth was the leftover crumbs from the night prior. He stalked the campsite for something of flavor and worth, but was unsuccessful. He walked around, ignoring the various stares and bared teeth.

Daenalin sighed, complaining to himself "The gods haven't urinated on me for one day? I awaken with stomach empty only to find that there is nothing around. But noo..let's add feces to the urine, let's pour it into Daenalin's mouth...meh!"

He then heard a girl chuckle loudly nearby. It was the bosmer girl, Raven was her name? Daenalin quickly made his way towards to where she was. As he found her, a smile widened throughout his face. What he just saw what one of the most beautiful things he had laid eyes upon; An apple. Daenalin quickly made his way toward the girl and snatched the apple from her hand. Regardless if it was eaten or not.

"Women...they don't know how to savor the taste of an apple." Daenalin smirked as he held the fruit in his hand, ready to take a bite.

****

Kraven Desselius arrived at the campsite with one hand holding his spear while the other held to his chest. His dagger was bloody, as was the shredded marks of claws on his chest and arms. Blood dropped down his shoulders to his arms to his fingers down to the ground. The jaguar did considerable damage to him before he delivered the killing blow. Nevertheless, the animal was a wild opponent and a worthy hunter. He paced toward the campsite, he saw that mostly everyone had woken up. But some appeared angrier than others. And I just has bathed, the Imperial complained in his mind. He came to find that Meldor was up already, communicating with the Dark Elf. And he also caught briefly the burn mark on his leg. Kraven smiled at the scene and simply shrugged it off. The camp had gotten active as everyone went about their active duties. Most of the individuals around were men, with only two women. One being the famous bosmer girl which some men had looked upon her with lustful thought. He didn't blame them. Being in the war-front without the touch of a woman is a a grueling process of patience and endurance. Only few succumbed to unfaithfulness and otherwise betrayal. Kraven wished himself strong enough to not pursue a woman. He thought of his own lover, the taste of her lips, the warmth of her skin. The caring touch of her affection. So distant from where he stands now. Each thought caused his jaw to tense. He felt for her. He was after all, still human. With he was also a beast born of heart.

Still bleeding, Kraven made his way to the fortress and saw Daenalin speaking with the bosmer girl. He suspected Daenalin was speaking to her not due to his need for a woman, but something different. Daenalin is not enamored by other bosmer women. He is more attracted to Nord women and even argonians. Ignoring them, Kraven ventured to get some water to aid in the healing of his body. Although he knew exactly what he needed for the healing process to speed up. But he would get that later. His body naturally healed wounds that he suffered, hopefully no one around would strike it as odd. Kraven gulped the jug of water down and set it hard upon the table. In front of him, tied in a corner and bounded in chains, was the prisoner. Kraven felt a brief moment of sympathy, so he grabbed more water from another jug and poured the fresh drink into a clay cup. He walked toward the Khajiit commander, holding the cup in front of the prisoner's face.

"Drink. No man should be denied the purity of water. Even if he stands on the opposing side." Kraven offered the cup to the prisoner.

Varon Athren, Valenwood Day 2

Varon continued munching on his dry, stale, and boring hardtack, when the Bosmer, Meldor, approached him and asked, "Hey Varon, I'm going out to the nearby town to gather some supplies for everyone. It's too much for just me to carry, interested?"

Varon was surprised, but he jumped at the chance to get away from the camp and have the chance to possibly get himself some better food! But he tried not to sound too eager. “Yeah, sure. Sounds good to me. Let me just get suited up for the journey.”

He got up and hurried to get his armor—iron armor that was worn and heavy. Maybe he would trade it for some lighter leather armor, if he could? That would give him some extra money to spend on food and possibly other things he might need. Not to mention, his iron armor was too hot and uncomfortable, and he became more easily fatigued in battle. He had nearly lost his life many times due to becoming over heated and worn out from that wretched armor. Yes, it was definitely time for a change.

When he was fully armored and had his blue glass longsword, his dagger, and his bow and arrows—a heavy load, apart from his canvas bag that was filled with all his other belongings—he went back to meet Meldor, saying, “All right. I’m ready when you are. Shall we?”

Meldor, Valenwood

Varon eagerly accepted Meldor's offer, as he knew he didn't want to spend the rest of the morning sitting alone by a dim fire with what looks to be a distasteful breakfast. He went to get everything he had, possibly to sell some things, possibly to have just in case of an attack on us, none the less, it looked like it would hold him down a bit and when he came back and was already to go Meldor mentioned it.

"You sure you're gonna be able to keep up in all that? We wont be taking a stroll, we'll be jogging," He said this, while motioning towards the weapons and armor. He only needs a bow and arrow, and a sword, maybe, but not all three but this was Meldor, who thought everyone was as good with the bow as he was, when most weren't.

While talking to Varon, he noticed Kraven came into camp with scratches all on his chest, bleeding pretty bad. He motioned for Varon to follow him as he approached Kraven, "Looks like you had a fun morning," He said, looking at the scratches. "I'm heading into the town nearby, need anything?"

Raven, Valenwood Day 2

While in the midst of her laughter, Raven was somewhat surprised the Daenalin suddenly turned and came toward her. She stopped laughing, though she still had a look of amusemant on her face. She was about to ask him what he wanted, but then a smile spread across his face and before she knew it, he was snatching her apple away!

"Women,” he said with a smirk, “...they don't know how to savor the taste of an apple."

Raven was completely taken aback, and just as he was about to take a bite of her apple, she stood up and slapped him right across the face and he dropped the apple, his mouth still hanging open as if ready for a bite. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to take things that don’t belong to you?” she scolded. But then a smile spread across her face and she chuckled a little. “But you’ve caught me in good humor—take it, if you are that hungry.”

She bent down to pick up the partially eaten apple, using her dagger to cut off the part she had eaten from and wiping the dirty part with her shirt. Then she held it out to him, and said, “Here, take it. I have another, anyway. I was wise—I thought ahead and brought enough food to last me.” She winked at him, as she continued holding out the apple, waiting for him to take it...

OOC: Sorry it took so long, again... Unexpected things came up...

Daenalin & Kraven Desselius, Valenwood.

The commander did not say anything to Kraven. He simply drank his water and gulped it down. Then he kept his head low and offered no speech, not even a mere thanks. This man must be broken, Kraven realized, after all he had endured one cannot blame him. Still knelt down, Kraven began speaking to the captive. "I harbor deep respect for your people. I sparred with many during my years as a slave in Morrowind and the Bloodworks in the Imperial City Arena. You worship the Hungry-Cat. As do I." He smiled.

The khajiit lifted his head to look at Kraven and simple stared with his golden feline eyes which had a mixture of sadness and anger. He did not say a word but stared at the Imperial with those emotional eyes, his gaze ever piercing Kraven's. The Imperial stood up and sighed, grabbing a piece of cloth soaked in water. He began washing his left major pectoral muscle, massaging it slowly. He simple squinted at the bloody gash that gave him a brief sting. But it was endurable. Looking back at the khajiit, Kraven offered a few more words.

"I do not hate your people. I am simply protecting the land in which I now made my home."

The commander finally spoke, although his words were unmistakably bitter. But Kraven suspected they were not meant towards him. "Then you shall fall whilst protecting it and so will your allies."

Kraven scoffed a smile and turned his head to the bold prisoner. "Each to his own fate. As I am to mine."

The Imperial stood in front of the prisoner when Meldor approached him along with the Dunmer, Varon. He commented on how "fun" Kraven's morning was. He knew it was obviously sarcasm. The Imperial scoffed as he removed his hand from his chest. "One to be remembered." Kraven said to Meldor. While glaring at Varon, he smiled and looked at the Dunmer's burnt leg. "My night and morning was better experienced than others. But ill-memories shall fade in time. As all things born of misfortune do."

If Varon was smart enough, he would recognize that as a fair warning, if not a manner of apology. Looking back at Meldor, Kraven thought about what he wanted. Hopefully, it would not be too much. "Porridge. Made from boiling oats and meat along with goat's milk. Bring legumes as well. That is all I desire."

****

Daenalin stared with his mouth gaped open as his apple fell to the ground. He also watched as the bosmer woman claimed herself to be in a swell mood and picked up the apple, cutting it and dusting off the dirt. Then she held it out open to him for him to eat it. Daenalin grabbed the apple and stared at it. Many thoughts flooded his mind. Should he eat the apple after it was dirty? Should he throw it away and starve? Decisions decisions. He looked at his apple and then back up to Raven. He was never attracted to bosmer women, but this one at least deserved his respect.

"You soil my apple and yet offer it with arms open as if was freshly born from a tree?"

After a brief moment, Daenalin brought the fruit to his mouth and bit down upon it. He chewed happily and looked over at Raven. "My mother told me if I was able to reach it, then I deserved it." he chuckled briefly.

Gavril

Weldarion, Valenwood, Day II

When everyone had been screamed out of their sleep by the bosmer, Weldarion headed down again. He picked up his belongings and prepared to go out to town. When he was all packed and ready to go one of his fellow soldiers walked up to him.

“are you going to town? If so, you might want to join Meldor. He is about to leave any minute, I think.” The bosmer said. He gave Weldarion some gold and asked: “when you have the chance to buy weapons, please bring back around twenty arrows. This money should be enough.”

“Sure, I’ll see if I can find Meldor.” He took the coins and turned around to find Meldor. After looking around he located him talking to the large imperial. What was his name again. He walked over to them and gave them his friendliest smile.

“Good morning too all of you. Well as long as you forget about the khajiit that are looking for us.” He greeted them. He also nodded at the Khajiit commander. “ I believe we haven’t properly been introduced. I am Weldarion, archer. I’m sorry for what happened yesterday.” When the Khajiit didn’t answer weldarion let the air escape in a sigh.

“anyway, Meldor, I heard you are going to town for supplies. Maybe I can join you?”

Meldor, Valenwood

Kraven was talking to the commander, or trying to for better use of words seeing as the commander barely spoke. I don't blame him, after all, being a prisoner svcks, Kraven told Meldor what he wanted from town, some porridge made from boiling oats and meat, along with goat's milk and legumes as well. Meldor gave him a friendly smile and said, "Sure thing mate," And as he was finishing his sentence, the other Bosmer that had been talking to one of the only two girls in camp last night came up and greeted everyone there with a "Good morning too all of you. Well as long as you forget about the Khajiit that are looking for us,” and then tried to talk to the commander, but with the same results as Kraven had had.

He turned to Meldor and asked if he could accompany him and Varon to the nearby town to get some supplies, "The more the merrier," He said, with a friendly pat on the shoulder as he began walking out of camp, raising his hand up, as if a goodbye to Kraven, and anyone else who was watching. The sun was starting to get into full swing, along with the animals belonging to these parts of the forests. He looked up one last time before entering the woods too look at the dimly lite moons resting on the horizon, not yet disappearing from the world.

Grob the Goblin Smasher

"I saw your fall, friend. Qanar hopes you are okay. You wouldn't have any ideas on how we get our leader back, would you?"

Grob turned around to see a Khajiit looking at him.

"Ah you saw that. I'm fine thanks. How to get back our leader? If it was up to me the town should give us their best weapons, armour and men then we would storm the enemy and amongst the confusion still back our leader" said Grob.

Weldarion, Valenwood, Day II

"The more the merrier," Meldor said, and with a friendly pat on the shoulder he began walking out of camp. Weldarion quickly followed. He raised his hand, like Meldor did, waving to all who may notice him.

“I hope nothing happens while we are gone.” Weldarion spoke, more or less to himself. He looked back one more time before entering the woods.

wow, very short post, but there wasn't really anything that happened except for Weldarion following Meldor to town.

[OOC] So, Count Lauriel asked me to control Aravi a bit since he will not be able to post for some time, and I am going to do just that to progress the action on our side. I hope what follows is ok :unsure: I tried to keep the dialogue and feelings of Aravi to a minimum...

Nee-Wom (& Aravi), Heimthor, Elsweyr

Aravi chuckled as Nee accepted her apologies, seeming to take the situation lightly. He even joked a bit about the sugar! Relieved, she listened as he reassured her that he would be allright with a few time of healing.

"What wasss that, after all? What happened to me?"

Nee proceeded to swarm her with questions, but she dismissed them for later.

"We will clear out all questions you have later Nee... You are safe now", she smiled.

It was getting dark, and she needed to find a place to sleep. However, there was one last thing she needed to do before leaving. Aravi wanted to at least partially amend for the mess she created. It was a hard step to take for her, but she wanted to do it. She turned to Dar'Kharu.

"Please... take these as payment for his treatment." she said, handing the herbalist all the remaining moonsugar she had on her pouch "I think it will suffice".

He looked surprised at first, but quickly grabbed the pouch, with a greedy expression on his face.

"Of course... This one is pleased by the paymenent... I hope you return here soon miss" and he blinked, perhaps guessing that she could not stay away from the sugar for too much. Aravi turned for the door, and after saying one last goodbye to Nee, nodded to Juhanor, who was just helping another member of the group, an Imperial to sit down. He seemed wounded. Not a good day for the group it seemed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you... " Nee said to Aravi, as he saw her paying his treatment. He watched as Aravi left, feeling relieved that she did not try to harm him in purpose, and wondering that he may have made a friend that day. Unusual way to make friends though.... It was the first time that someone became his friend because of putting him into a comatose state. He was interrupted from his thinking as the Cathay-Raht answered.

After Juhanor answered him, they shaked hands and the Khajiit prepared to leave, looking for a place to sleep like Aravi. As he was ready to cross the doorway, the Imperial of their group came into the room, grasping his arm in pain, as little flows of blood from a little wound. He too, laid down in a hay bed, near to Nee.

It seems I'll have roommates tonight then...

He laid his head again, preparing to sleep. He could see through the windows that the dark was already setting in.

Varon Athren, Valenwood Day 2

Meldor commented on Varon's attire with uncertainty. Varon knew that if they were jogging, it would be difficult to keep up, but he needed to sell or trade his armor, and he was even considering selling his bow and his quiver of arrows. After all, he really wasn't as good with a bow as he was with a sword, and he could think of plenty of things for which he would have better use. So he had every intention of putting up with it.

Weldarion approached just as they were preparing to leave, asking if he could join them. "The more the merrier," Meldor replied. Varon didn't really mind, but he worried that the two Bosmer would ignore him or leave him behind--after all, they were swifter and more suitably dressed than he and doubtless they would not want to be held up by the slower, more heavily encumbered Dunmer.

When they set out from the camp in the direction of Thaira, they began at a decent pace, but quickly sped up and began jogging. Varon struggled to keep up, breathing heavily but attempting to hide his discomfort and do his best to keep up with them. In the hot and humid jungle, he was wearing out fast, but he used spells to fortify his endurance to keep from getting overly fatigued. He was just thankful that was the one area of restoration magic he had taken the time to learn well enough.

With the two Bosmer getting along swimmingly, Varon felt like more of a tag-a-long. Hrmph, he thought with some resentment, Meldor asked me first. It is really Weldarion who is the tag-a-long. But he certainly didn't blame them for getting along together well.

OOC: Sorry if it wasn't top-notch. Writer's block still sticking somewhat. Feel free to make Weldarion and Meldor talk a lot and pay little attention to Varon, other than to know that he is there.

Meldor, Valenwood

Meldor walked off from the camp and disappeared into the forests, assuming Varon and Weldarion were right behind him. He never checked himself, but he could easily hear their footsteps and the crackling of the leaves on their boots. The sun was shinning bright overhead now, but one could not see such beauty as the nets of branches the forest had created blocked the sun from view. At least we'll be able to make our trip in the shade. Casually, Meldor picked up the past, hoping both Weldarion and Varon could keep up. Weldarion was a fellow Bosmer, so to say he couldn't keep up is an insult, but Varon was a Dunmer, and a very loaded down Dunmer at that.

As they jogged through the forests, Meldor could see the beauty this land had once held, and in fact still holds, though it is marred by the coming of battle. One could easily see the animals of the forests lingering in and around their trail and you could hear the roars of tigers as they began their morning hunt for food. The birds were chirping away, as if singing a tune to help pass the time and no matter how fast you ran, you can never outrun their rhythms.

The journey didn't have much talking, as it is unwise to talk whilst running through the forests full of wild, predator like beasts lingering in the shadows of the great trees. In what felt like just a few minutes, the trip lasted around about an hour and they arrived at the small, but well kept town of Thaira. Once they reached the town and saw the daily routines of the natives there, Meldor decided to break the silence and told the boys he needed to go fetch some supplies for Kraven.

"Alrighty guys," Meldor spoke, glancing at both Varon and Weldarion and then upon the town, "I need to go get some supplies for Kraven and the archers. I believe we're all going to the blacksmith as well, so if you decide to go their first, we'll just stay together. Oh, and Varon, make sure you don't cut the manes of these Khajiit." Meldor gave Varon a wink and slight grin, letting him know he was merely joking about the matter.

He walked off after that expecting to be either alone or have both of them at his back, eying the nearby buildings, looking for signs where he could get the supplies he needs. He saw the tavern nearby and figured he could get the supplies Kraven needed their once they met back up so he kept walking what appeared to be the main street of Thaira, looking for a local blacksmith. Finally, he saw the sign he had been waiting for, "Crito's Weapons and Armor." He walked in and immediately saw the Imperial slaving over a hot furnace. Hmm, you'd think the local blacksmith would be run by someone of the general race.

"I assume your Crito? If so, I'd like 100 arrows please, Steel if possible, and in five different quivers," Meldor placed his bag of gold onto the counter, assuming that would cover it.

Raven, Valenwood Day 2

After Daenalin took the apple, he looked at her with some surprise, spoke, and then took a bite and savored the flavor of the crisp, fresh fruit in his mouth. Then he looked at her, chuckled a bit, and said, “My mother told me if I was able to reach it, then I deserved it.”

Raven laughed, and nodded her head. “Very well, then. I guess you deserved it. Enjoy my apple. It was the last one I had.”

Winking, she got up and walked away, deciding to go out into the jungle for a small hunt. She gathered her bow and arrows, strapping them to her back, and then glanced over at Daenalin, who continued eating his apple with a strange look on his face. She smiled, nodded to him once more, and then headed out into the jungle…

*****

Varon Athren, Valenwood Day 2

When they finally arrived in Thaira, Varon was thoroughly exhausted. He had to stop and take a breather once Meldor headed off for the blacksmith’s shop, and Weldarion went his own way. Varon watched them walk away, and then looked up at the nearly cloudless sky. The hot sun was bearing down on him like the heat of a fire in the hearth on a roasting chicken! He had to get his armor off!

With determination, and almost a sense of panic, Varon began stripping his heavy iron armor off, breathing a sigh of relief when he dropped it to the ground with a loud, clanging thud. He wasn’t sure if he was going to trade it for any armor at all. He knew many of his fellow soldiers were fighting without any armor—probably wisely, at that.

Wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand, Varon heaved the armor up off the ground and headed toward the blacksmith’s shop after Meldor. For now he would just trade in his iron stove for some gold—what he would do with the gold after that would be decided after some brief but careful consideration.


OOC: I am so sorry it took me so long. I've been very busy this weekend. But I'm starting to get back to normal, I think.

Weldarion, Valenwood, Day II

A good hour after they left the fortress they arrived at the twon of Thaira. It was small but well maintained. The buildings were completely made out of wood and there was no real stone pathway. The inhabitants mostly khajiit gave the two bosmer unfriendly smiles. It’s clear that Meldor and I will have to watch our backs around this town. No telling what a young khajiit might try. He tried to smile as politely as possible back, with no real effect.

"Alrighty guys," Meldor spoke, glancing at both Varon and Weldarion and then upon the town, "I need to go get some supplies for Kraven and the archers. I believe we're all going to the blacksmith as well, so if you decide to go their first, we'll just stay together. Oh, and Varon, make sure you don't cut the manes of these Khajiit." They headed off in town. Weldarion had to stock up on food and arrows, and bosmer from the camp had asked for arrows too. they walked on what seemed to be the main road of the town. First they passed tavern, there he could possibly find the food.

“I’m going to the tavern to get new provisions.” He said to the others and waved at them. He then entered the tavern. It was filled with beastfolk, especially khajiit. No other bosmeri was to be seen or heard. As soon as Weldarion entered the place the crowd fell silent. All eyes on him. He felt awkward when he quickly ran over to the bartender, who appeared to be an breton.

“my name is Lucien, what can I get you?” he asked Weldarion, while he kept his eyes on the mugs he was cleaning.

“I need provisions, anything that stays good for a long period is good.” He placed his some of his gold on the table. “I hope this will do”

“yes, I’ll send someone right away to the store. Can I get you something to drink while you are waiting?” the breton asked.

“I have to visit the blacksmith first. I’ll be back later today to pick up my stuff” Weldarion turned around and walked out of the tavern. The crowed came back alive, and as soon as Weldarion was out of the building the noise was back. He followed the large path until he saw a sign reading "Crito's Weapons and Armor." I believe Meldor will already be inside. He entered and, sure enough, stood in line behind Meldor. He touched him on his shoulder to make him turn around.

“I just thought I’d let you know that the local folks aren’t happy to see us. Be careful”

Raven, Valenwood Day 2

The jungle had a peaceful atmosphere that day, and Raven enjoyed the solitude. She stopped by the river and closed her eyes, breathing in the air and listening to the animal sounds surrounding her. The jungle was abuzz with life.

A mosquito landed on her forearm and she felt the pinch of its bite. Hissing with irritation, she swatted the insect, crushing its fragile body beneath the palm of her hand. Then she knelt down by the river and washed the squished bug off her arm, the blood it had feasted on right along with it.

Hearing the sound of an animal in the brush nearby, Raven pulled her bow off her back and readied an arrow. Her dark eyes narrowed on the bushes from where the sounds were coming, and she knelt down on one knee, pulling back the bowstring and waiting for the creature to show itself. The hint of a smile crossed her lips as she thought of the tasty meal she was about to enjoy—but when she heard a faint growl come from within the bushes, she felt alarm rise within her. Just then, a large tiger jumped out at her, and Raven screamed as its hulking body fell over her, ready to devour her.

As she dropped her arrow and fell to the ground beneath the tiger’s weight, she raised her arm up with the bow to block the attack. The tiger’s razor sharp teeth bit down on her arm and she cried out again, terrified but determined to live. She managed to concentrate hard enough to blast the tiger with a small flame spell, and the creature fell away from her, roaring from the searing pain.

As Raven climbed to her feet, she began to feel somewhat faint from the loss of blood as it dripped heavily from the wound on her arm. The tiger stopped and looked at her, its tail whipping furiously and its bronze eyes looking at her with hunger. Momentarily, she met the tiger’s gaze. She could see the intelligence in the hunter’s eyes, and she beckoned to the soul within. Suddenly the tiger stopped growling. Her tail ceased to whip around, and she put her head down, walking over to Raven and rubbing against her body.

Breathing heavily, Raven attempted to smile. But then she felt the shock of her wound, and darkness began to overtake her….

OOC: If anyone wants to intervene, please contact me first, so we can work out a scenario together, because I have some ideas for the continuation of this, and I don't want anyone to do something without us agreeing, first.

*****

Varon, Valenwood Day 2

Crito’s Weapons and Armor. That was the inscription on the sign that hung over the door to the blacksmith’s shop. Varon stood outside, looking up at the sign and wondering if the blacksmith would give him a decent deal or not. What sort of name was Crito, anyway? Was it Khajiiti, or something else? When he walked in and saw the man behind the counter, he knew it must have been Imperial—it certainly didn’t sound Breton, and the man didn’t look Nord, nor was he a Redguard.

Meldor and Weldarion were both there already, waiting to be helped, so he stopped behind them, and said, “Hey, long time no see! I’m going to trade in my armor, but I don’t know if I should get a different type of armor, or if I should just go without. What do you think?”

Weldarion, Valenwood, Thaira, Day II

Just when Weldarion spoke to Meldor , Varon entered the shop, carrying his heavy iron armor. Finally some sense. He’ll have it easier when he gets some lighter stuff.

“Hey, long time no see! I’m going to trade in my armor, but I don’t know if I should get a different type of armor, or if I should just go without. What do you think?” Varon said.

“Depends. Go for something light, if you want to keep some protection and otherwise nothing. I’d suggest some leather. And if it is the warmth that irritates you than you should buy light colored clothes. I’m going to do the same.” Weldarion suggested. Just then the Crito called for another person to help him with the customers. A young imperial walked to the counter and looked at weldarion.

“Can I help you?” he asked

“sixty arrows please, Steel if possible and in three different quivers. And I also need a new knife, nothing fancy, as long as it’s sharp and balanced.”

the boy came back with the arrows and suggested some of the knifes they had ready. Weldarion chose one that was simple in looks but sharp and good balanced and with a good price. He quickly checked them. When done he picked up his stuff and gave the kid his money. “I’ll see you guys in the tavern.” He then left the shop and went to pick up his provision in the tavern.

-

He was seated in a table in the corner away from all people. When they noticed he wasn’t leaving they started ignoring him. His provisions were packed, the new arrows savely stored away, the dagger sheathed in his right boot and new beige, white and dark brown clothes in his backpack. He was patiently waiting on the others while he drank from his mead. Carefully watching the crowd and trying to pick up on any news from the surviving members of the company whose captain they took prisoner.

Kraven Desselius & Daenalin, Valenwood.


Daenalin sat back and saw as the bosmer woman left the area to go on a trip of her own. He shrugged and bit into the apple with ravenous hunger. After he was finished, he took notice of Kraven walking around bloodied and wounded by what appeared to be of some savage creature. He quickly got up and ran to him, already asking questions, but his curiosity outweighed his worry for his friend. "You are wounded...looks like a tiger attack."

"No," Kraven answered sternly. "A jaguar."

Daenalin smiled "Have you killed it?"

Kraven turned his head a little as if he was surprised by his response. He nodded slowly to Daenalin. "I have."

"Ha...haha!" Daenalin threw his fist into the air and finally stopped as he threw away what was left of the apple. "Take me to it then! I am starved and all I had was this apple and a caterpillar!"

Kraven sighed and chuckled. He patted his friend in the shoulder and motioned for him to follow. While in the camp grounds, Kraven grabbed two wooden bowls made from exotic roots imported into Valenwood. He also poured both of them some drink that was also made from the sugarcane groves clustering against the two main river basins in Elsweyr. The liquid tasted almost like coconut water, but was a bit sweeter and more thicker. That was one thing that Daenalin admired about the khajiit. Their food is mostly sweet; candies, cakes, pies, some puddings and even sugar-meats are the staples of the khajiit diet. Both ventured back into the forest, leaving the fortress behind. As they wandered back to the location, Kraven looked up into the clear sky and sighed deeply. "You lived here more than I have. Tell me, Daenalin. When do you think it shall rain?"

Daenalin scratched his head as he almost tripped over an over-sized root. "Eh, a day from now, perhaps?"

The Imperial nodded in satisfaction. He longed for the rain to fall. Not only because it would help locate food, but also because it could potentially slow down any enemy forces that would try to invade the fortress. Though he struck it as unlikely. Kraven took a large sip from his sweet drink and happily trekked through the deep forest. The various scents invaded his nostrils; insects, plants, water and....blood! Bosmer blood! Kraven stopped Daenalin by holding out his hand before his small companion. He sniffed the air around him and his eyes widened a little. He pointed to the trees standing in the west. "Over there you will find the remains of the jaguar."

Daenalin, realizing that his friend was going to leave him for something, could only nod in gratitude. Perhaps Kraven heard an animal nearby or some food? That would be great for him, as Daenalin was not in the mood of hunting. Let Kraven do all the work, Daenalin thought. He walked around with his wooden bow and began whistling an old tune from his tribe. He looked back and saw that Kraven was no longer there. He shook his head and continued walking on. "More for me,"

As he ran, the Imperial could follow the faint scent of spilled blood. He knew it was bosmer, he fought alongside many to tell which blood came from which species. He looked around to no avail, but the sickly smell was growing stronger as he wandered around. After a few minutes of searching, Kraven heard the purring low growl of a feline. A large cat. He gripped his spear with both hands and ducked to where the sound came from. He saw through the underbrush a tiger rubbing itself against the same bosmer girl that was back in the camp. Her arm was profoundly bleeding, so much that it seeped over the dirt around her hand. Kraven, without thinking twice, jumped from his hiding spot with spear shaking heavily above his head. He shouted at the tops of his lungs in attempt to frighten off the beast.

"Ahh! Yaahhh!" Screamed the Imperial with mighty voice. The tiger charged at the man, only to stop as it saw that the man screamed even louder and threatened to pierce it's flesh with the spear. The large tiger stared for a brief moment, then it fled away into the depths of the jungle. Kraven stared at the direction it ran off to, almost certain it would return to finish the job. But luckily, it didn't seem to come back. Kraven clenched his teeth as his wounds burned even more with every strong movement he made. But he saw that the bosmer girl suffered more injuries than he did. He knelt down to where she was at, inspecting the blood on her arm. It was deep, but chances are that she will live. He picked her up gently and used his left knee to rise himself up. He held her in his arms and began walking back to the campsite to find immediate aid. Blood causing a trail on where he traversed, he tried to hurry his pace back to the camp for necessary tools to stop the prolonged bleeding.

Meldor, Valenwood

As he was waiting, and watching Crito put the arrows into their respected quivers, he made sure to count every single arrow placed. He made sure he wasn't being taken advantage of, when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Almost immediately, Meldor reached for his dagger on his left side, not knowing what could be on the other side of his body. He turned and as he saw Weldarion's friendly face, it felt as if the whole world had been lifted all his shoulders. Weldarion mentioned what he was thinking, that the Khajiits weren't happy to see Bosmer walking around their town. He hadn't notice nor thought anything of it while pacing towards the blacksmith, but when time had given him the chance to ponder such thoughts, he didn't want to spend anymore time then needed here. It was already guaranteed that when the Khajiit come, and you can beat you [censored] they are coming, that the local Khajiit will gladly spill the beans on them being so close.

Before he could respond however, Varon walked in and said something about trading in his iron armor. Meldor gave a slight smirk as he knew that armor was unbearable in this weather, especially with the humidity levels. Weldarion told him to go to leather and then left to go about his business. Meldor looked over at Varon and nodded, saying, "I'd go with leather to mate. It's much easier to move in and the heat is generally bearable with it on."

He left the smithy and quickly found out that holding five different quivers, plus his own is a handful to deal with. He figured he pass a few among Varon to hold that way it'll be much easier. The quivers themselves were not heavy, it was merely cumbersome to have to make sure the arrows don't fall out. He thought about sticking them through the bottom to make them stick, but alas it would fall apart with 20 arrow holes over the bottom, plus having the actual arrow heads slowly chip away at the fabric. By the time his mind was done making his decision on what to do, he arrived at the local tavern where the band of three were going to meet. He walked in and as if on que, the Khajiit all stopped talking and laughing and fixed their eyes on the lone Bosmer. He smiled at the attention and started his way towards the bartender with his chest out front, starring at each and every Khajiit in the room.

"Never show fear my son, never in the face of an enemy show you are afraid, for that means weakness, and weakness means defeat."

Once at the bar, he looked over at the Khajiit bartender and sternly said, "I need porridge made from the boiled oats and meat, alone with goats milk and I need legumes as well." The Khajiit looked at this Bosmer with a puzzled face, as if questioning whether or not he should actually comply with such a picky order, but never the less, the Khajiit smiled faintly and said, "Right away." He knew the smile was a facade but he didn't care and he watched as he fetched his required items. As he was waiting, he looked around the tavern once more and noticed some of the locals had stopped starring and went back to their conversations, though some hardy folks kept their eyes fixated on him. He noticed Weldarion at a table in the corner of the tavern and gathered his supplies and placed the legumes into his pockets and held the bowl of porridge in his hand as he walked over to Weldarion.

He nodded and sat himself and the bowl down at the table. "How in the world am I suppose to carry a bowl of porridge for Kraven whilst running through the forests?" Meldor grunted a bit and looked around again, "So you think they like me?" He smiled his normal smile he has so accustomed himself to doing.

Juhanor - Looking for a napping place

Juhanor made certain that both Nee and the Imperial were well-taken care of before leaving. "Well, I need a place to stay," the Cathay-raht said, "so I'm off." Juhanor walked a short distance away from the healer, then leaped up onto the roof of the closest building. Taking care that no-one was looking, Juhanor bunched his muscles and jumped across to the healer's, landing lithely atop its roof. Seems pretty solid, and I'm close enough to watch out for whomever attacked the Imperial.

The Cathay-raht, tired from the days events, took a drink of wine, then quickly fell asleep on top of the healer's roof.

Qanar - Heimthor Tavern
Disappointed that the Orc didn't have any ideas, Qanar yawned, wanting to get out of the conversation. He'd never much liked Orcs and he was just going to take credit for the idea anyway.
"Oh. Maybe one of the others has better ideas. As for now" Qanar yawned again "Qanar is tired and he must go to sleep. Be battle-ready, Orc. May your dreams be kind"

Qanar padded toward the bar to rent a room, but remembered his lack of Gold. Grunting, the Cathay left the tavern looking for some stairs to sleep under. He was no longer surprised how dark it got so quickly in the Desert - it was different in Senchal, it was always dark there. As he put down his bedroll, about to lie down for the night, Qanar heard whispers in the shadows. His greaves would be stolen. Sighing, he picked up his bedroll and looked for another of his company and saw Juhanor jumping onto a roof. It would be safe to sleep alongside another of his company, that way if one of them was robbed there'd be another to beat the thief up.

Qanar climbed the adjacent building, like Juhanor, mimicking his actions. Qanar landed next to Juhanor with a soft thud, hoping not to wake him. He set down his bedroll and unstrapped his greaves and slithered into the bedroll, quickly falling into a deep slumber...

?-?-?

Elsweyr GM Post #2
Sunlight filters through your eyelids and you wake up from your sleep. It's a lovely morning, but you can tell it will be a hot day.

Your stomach rumbles and you immediately think of breakfast. You should find something to eat, quick

Kerris Vinchis and Dar'ji - Heimthor

Kerris slowly opened his eyes with a groan, and saw the large Khajiit staring back at him, he opened his mouth, and attempted to speak, but all that came out was a croak, Kerris closed his eyes once more as if the attempted speech took all his reserves of energy.

"There, there now..." the Khajiit said slowly, laying his hand on Kerris' forehead, and continuing, "You came in here after fighting a Dunmer, you said. I gave you treatment, but you reacted badly to it."

"I did rub some crushed Daedra heart on it." Kerris replied.

"No... that would not have done it... Maybe something in your system, it was a simple treatment of Aloe Vera leaves, merely to heal the wound."

Kerris tried to get up, as he was very hungry, and the healer did not approve.

"Steady there! You should be alright, I'll get some food for you, just wait for me here."

Kerris lay back down and closed his eyes, when he heard a knocking on the door, and heard it slowly creak open.

-----------



Dar'ji woke up, and her stomach growled, and she remembered the meager dinner she ate last night, and she craved for ham... Or bacon... she added as an afterthought...

She dressed herself and opened the door to her room, and made herself a small ham breakfast, just enough to satisfy her cravings. Her father walked in and sat her down, and said he needed to talk to her about something.

"I think you noticed the warband that is currently in town, and I know what you are thinking, no way at all are you going to help them. You know of all the Bosmer agents in Heimthor! I am not happy about it but I just want you to be safe." He said.

He was like this all the time. Not caring what she wanted, just her "wellbeing", what is the point of being well if you do not follow your dreams? She resolute. She would join today, right now.

"I need to go to see Dar'Kharu, We need some more Sugar." Which was true enough, she just didn't reveal how long she would be gone.

She waked through the street, the day was hot, but her Khajiiti nature allowed her to not notice, she didn't mind the heat. But the cold? No way in Oblivion!

Shaking these thoughts from her head she approached the Herbalist, just to see Dar'Kharu leave, but she knew of two members of the Company that were in there, the Argonian, and the Imperial from the alley.

She knocked on the door and slowly edged it open, hoping not to wake any sleeping occupants.

-------------------

Kerris sat up, eying the quietly moving door, and seeing the young Khajiit girl on the outside, he sighed in relief, letting off a breath he never knew he was holding.

The girl walked in and asked awkwardly, "I saw you in the alleyway, with the Dunmer, that was exhilarating!" she seemed to gather her thoughts and introduced herself.

"I am Dar'ji, I live here, with my father." she paused, perhaps to let the details be absorbed, and Kerris nodded for her to continue. "I am looking for adventure, could your company offer it?"

"NO!" Kerris was appalled, the idea of a young girl arming with naught but what appeared to be a kitchen knife fighting in a brutal war, was completely out of the question. He was going to press the matter when Dar'Kharu came in, and ushered out the moody Dar'ji.

Kerris looked at his breakfast, and buried his face in it.

Varon Athren, Valenwood Day 2

Both of his companions suggested that he get leather, so when Varon approached the counter and set his armor there, he said, "I would like to trade these in for leather, if you have any, please."

The blacksmith looked at the iron armor, and then back at Varon. "Iron won't fetch a very large price around here, dunmer." Varon felt less confident, worried that the blacksmith wouldn't even take it. But then the man turned and called to his apprentice, saying, "Bring out some fine leather for this man--I'm sure we've got something of a decent size."

The apprentice went into the storage room, and Varon waited with as much patience as he could, while the boy rummaged around in the back, making all sorts of noise. Then he came out carrying what looked like a full suit of leather armor in a light color--he had seen many of the Khajiiti soldiers wearing such armor, and he knew it was much better suited for the desert and the jungles than his old beat up iron armor. He could almost feel the difference, and he felt a great sense of relief.

"Here you are," Crito the blacksmith said, taking the pieces of armor and setting them on the counter. "Try these on for size."

"Thank you," Varon said with a nod. Then he carefully tried on the armor--cuirass, greaves, boots and gauntlets--and he moved around in them, nodding as a slight smile spread across his face. "This is good," he mumbled. Then, almost laughing, he said, "This is excellent! It fits perfectly--like it was made for me! And it's so light and easy to move in! I'll never wear any other kind of armor again!"

Crito nodded with satisfaction, and said, "I take it that means you want it, then?"

"Aye," Varon answered. "I'll take it!"

Crito nodded again and began looking over the old suit of iron Varon had brought, figuring out the worth of it. When he had finished, he asked Varon if he needed anything else. Varon shook his head, and then Crito gave him some gold to make up the difference, and Varon headed back out into the blinding light of day, a sense of satisfaction on his face as he moved more freely in his new armor.

He had been thinking of trading in his bow and arrows, but at the last minute he'd decided against it--even if he stopped using them, he was certain there was someone back at camp who could use them.

When he stepped into the tavern where his friends should be waiting, he saw the place was filled mostly with Khajiiti. He looked around and saw Meldor and Weldarion sitting together at a table, but decided to head up to get himself a nice refreshing beverage before meeting them.

"Can I help you?" the proprietor asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"I'd like three canteens of water and some dried meat, if you have any."

The proprietor nodded and bent down to pull out a jug of water and some canteens. Filling three of them, he asked Varon for payment before handing them over. Then he went to retrieve some dried meat and filled the empty leather sack Varon had given him. After paying for the meat, Varon went to meet his companions. "Well, are we ready to return to camp, then?"

*****

Raven, Valenwood Day 2

Darkness. Emptiness. But then...light. Small at first, but little by little, the light began to grow. And then suddenly Raven felt herself back in her body again--everything hit her in a rush, like a heavy wave smashing into a cliff-side during a storm. Where was she? She felt almost as if she was floating--no, not floating...she was being carried...

Her left arm--intense, throbbing pain...a wet, sticky feeling.... The smell of iron--blood--assaulted her nostrils.... What happened...?

Suddenly Raven awoke, in a near panic, crying, "No! Put me down! No!" But as her eyes fell on Kraven's stern and perhaps worried face, she stopped and remembered what had happened--the tiger, the attack, and then complete and utter darkness. "Kraven," she sighed in relief as he set her down and helped her to stand. "The tiger... You saved me..." She stopped and looked down at the deep bite on her arm. She still felt too weak to heal herself--she couldn't conjure up the strength of mind to cast a healing spell, so she pulled something out of her pack to tie around it to lessen the bleeding.

When she looked back up at him, Kraven was still watching her--his eyes...almost beast-like and wild... It was strange--startling--and for a moment she almost couldn't speak. But then she managed to smile faintly, and say, "Thank you for saving me... For that I owe you my life."

Nee-Wom, Heimthor, Elsweyr

Nee opened his eyes suddenly, as he heard a knock on the door. He closed them again, quickly, and brought his hands up to cover them for a bit, because of the light that burst through the windows and hurt his still somewhat asleep eyes. Opening them again, he saw that a small Khajiiti lass had entered and walked over to his fellow roommate, starting to talk to him. It seems that she wanted to join the warband... Odd idea for such a small little girl... or should he say kitty? She looked fragile, and she was barely armed.

Then again... we should all have a chance of fighting for what we want. Maybe she just feels the need to defend her kin...

Nee knew that sensation well. He too, after having most of his family killed by Dunmer slavers, could only think of revenge and fighting the ones who wished to hurt his few remaining loved ones. Ultimately though, that ended up not making much difference. The group split up and the Dark Elves still hunted the Argonians... Maybe it was better if she didn't get involved in any fight, and just lived a normal life on a normal village. Then again, he reflected, if she trully wants it, there's not much anybody can do about it...

The imperial looked shocked by her statement, and blatantly denied allowance in the warband. It looked like she was willing to argue, but then the herbalist entered the store and hushed her out. He handed the fellow by the other bed a bowl, which he took avidly, and crossed the room to give Nee another one. He muttered a word of thanks and proceeded to eat it, since the restoration of his leg had taken it's toll on his energy reserves.

"Ahhh, this sure tassstes good, herbalissst! Tell the innkeeper that he is a great cooker!", Nee shouted, now on his normal cheerful state. The effects of the sugar had all passed during the night, and he tried to get up. It still hitched a little on the place of the wound, but it seemed that whatever concoction the alchemist had used it worked in full extent. He limped a little as he walked to the other side of the room and sit on the ground, in front of the Imperial that was in his group.

"I don't think we have been introduced. I am Nee-Wom, warrior from Argonia! Who you are, and how did you get into this condition?", he stopped a little, looking at the man's wound. "It seems I am not the only one who had no luck yesterday...."

Weldarion, Valenwood, Day II, Thaira

By the time he was almost through his drink, Meldor walked in, with what looked like a bowl in his hand. From it came a great scent. I guess some sort of porridge. I hope he doesn’t plan to eat his evening meal here.

He nodded and sat himself and the bowl down at the table. "How in the world am I suppose to carry a bowl of porridge for Kraven whilst running through the forests?" Meldor grunted a bit and looked around again.

“so that’s what I smelled when you came in. we’ll have to walk back to the camp. Unless you can close the bowl some way or another.” Weldarion answered. He inhaled heavely to catch some more of the scent and unwillingly his stomach started making noises.

"So you think they like me?" He smiled at Weldarion. He had to laugh.

“no, I don’t think so. But they won’t do anything stupid for now. We should just be out of here by the time the locals get drunk.”

Together they enjoyed their drink and a good ten minutes later the group was complete again. Varon walked towards them dressed in light letter armor. The difference was huge. Weldarion could see he liked his new armor a lot more than his old iron one.

"Well, are we ready to return to camp, then?" Varon asked.

Weldarion gave him a nod and jumped up. He took his stuff from the chair next to him and placed them on his back. “let’s go. We don’t want to keep everyone waiting. He stepped out of the tavern expecting the others to follow him and leaved the town straight in the jungle.

Kerris Vinchis - Heimthor

Kerris closed his eyes, and the he was back in Anvil, he was with his mother, walking on the Gold road, picking flowers for their vase back at home. His mother bent down to pick up an Aloe Vera leaf, and Kerris started feeling dizzy, and his mother started to speak.
"I don't think we have been introduced. I am Nee-Wom, warrior from Argonia! Who you are, and how did you get into this condition? It seems I am not the only one who had no luck yesterday...."

"What?" Kerris asked, then snapped back to reality as he saw the Argonian in front of him. "Oh, right"

"I am Kerris Vinchis, I know you, I carried you here after that Khajiit gave you sugar." He glanced at the herbalist who seemed to be preparing some form of potion, or maybe just crushing some ingredients. "Yes, you are right, I had little luck, albeit better than my opponent's," he returned his gaze to Nee-Wom and continued, "We are being followed, watched, they will know we are coming, Valenwood agents stalk this city, they are likely to return to the Bosmer camp and inform them of us." He shifted his feet, and continued, "we have stalkers."

The Herbalist walked over and handed Kerris a small potion, and Kerris drank it and asked, "What is it?"

Dar'Kharu replied, "It is a simple extract of juices from various creatures, it should stop the dizziness, I gave you something last night that likely affected your coordination." when Kerris frowned, the Herbalist quickly replied, "It was simply a painkiller."

Kerris lay back, and felt his wits return to him, that was a fast-acting potion! The herbalist noticed his reclining position and said,

"Your legs were not harmed, and you arm is not bleeding. Get up and walk around, you should be fine, you have daedra hearts, yes?" Dar'Kharu asked, and continued, "rubbing them on it for two more days should see it fixed."

Kerris got up and thanked the Herbalist, and said to Nee-Wom, "I seem to be recovering, friend, how about you?"

----------------

Dar'ji - Heimthor

Dar'ji trudged out of Dar'Kharu's shop, of course they wouldn't let her help them, she was a "girl", which svcked, she could be one year older, and she would be allowed to go. 'Well, maybe not one year...' she thought.

She couldn't go home, so she went to the tower by the gate, to watch0 them go, then, at a safe distance, she would follow them. She headed to the bookseller first, go get something to read while up there.

She walked in the bookseller and looked around, until she found the book she wanted, it was entitled, "A hound in the shadows," she bought the book at headed for the watchtower, she climbed the ladder to the watchtower, and began to read her new book. And there she waited...