Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Ireth]

Liadan

I nod slowly as the orc speaks. The orc didn't want to be paraded back to his camp as a prisoner, which is why it ran away; it seems to understand that it's captured now, and is willing to come quietly. I can tell it's speaking the truth when it says so. I translate for the others' sake, and wait for Cadell to let the orc up.

Cadell

I listen to Liadan's translation, and keep my eyes on the orc as I let it stand. "We should rejoin the others for now. Maybe they're building a fire. We could all use the chance to dry off and warm up."

Liadan nods and translates again, pointing back the way we came as she watches the orc.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I fly high, keeping a watch of the party's surroundings as I head back to the others.

Baldhart

I help gather firewood as I talk to Burnbright. "I was hoping we'd pass through Alfoss so we could meet your uncle—though after saving those children, I certainly don't regret the path we chose. What is your uncle like?"

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

With the orc subdued, Marius is not taking any chances. Keeping his bow at the ready, he keeps an eye on the orc and Nissa. The approaching boat has also caught his attention, at least for as long as it takes to figure out if it is a threat or not. In either case, Marius attempts to get Nissa's attention and motions for her to get down and hide her wings from the passing ship if she hasn't been spotted and already. Hopefully if the has been spotted, at that distance she is mistaken for a bird.

 

[Steerpike]

The orc rises slowly when Cadell lets him up, sure not to make any sudden movements. He seems suitably cowed, his gaze flicking from Cadell to Marius, Masama, and Liadan. He lets out a grunt-like sigh and allows himself to be led back to the camp, feeling the eyes of the group members on his back as he picks his way back through the trees in the direction of the river.

Back at the river, the firewood gets collected, and it isn't long before the group is able to get a fire going. Burnbright shrugs at Baldhart's question. "He's a nice man. A lot smaller than you, though that's not saying much. When he came to visit he always brought treats or a present, and he would play with me - unlike most grownups. I haven't seen him in a while. I guess he's safer while I'm no where near him. For now."

Branwen finds a long, loose stick and uses it to poke and play with the fire once it gets going, humming to herself and holding on to the remains of her doll. The heat from the fire is a welcome relief from standing in the cold air and wet clothing. Callan strips out of her wet things, down to a pair of white underpants that look like something a man would wear, and a bra that is little more than tube-like length of cloth that wraps around her torso. Tumi gives her sideways looks during this process, until Callan turns a hard eye on him. "Put your eyes back in your head, Tumi. If you'd ever been in a real military unit you'd know modesty is a luxury at times like this." Tumi grumbles and goes back to standing near the fire, trying to dry his clothes while they remain on his body. Callan spreads her wet things along the ground near the first and then sits cross-legged near the flames, her weapons close at hand.

By the time the others get back with the orc, the fire is good and strong. The orc looks at the flames fearfully and hangs back a bit. The boat from Ballara drifts downstream with the current. As it nears, it is clear that the ship is laden with barrels and crates of goods. It sticks to the middle of the river, not veering toward the group. A lad of perhaps thirteen stands on the barge, holding on to a rope that binds numerous barrels. He lifts a hand in a wave as the boat glides past.

Masama nods at the orc. "Liadan has spoken with him. I do not believe he will run again." His clothes, in addition to being wet, are dirty from his roll across the dirt after his failed tackle attempt. The big man looks at Callan and, taking his cue from her, removes his outer later of clothing and armor, revealing what looks to be some kind of a skirt of undyed fabric beneath. His skin is smooth and heavily muscled. He takes his dirty clothes and cleans them as best he can in the river water, then finds a place near the fire that will keep the garments as clean as possible while drying and lays out his clothes there.

Branwen drops her fire stick and walks over to Masama, holding up her ruined doll. Masama takes it from her and pulls the fabric off, revealing sodden, broken twigs beneath. He holds up one of the twigs and gestures to the remains of sticks and branches around the camp. Branwen gets the idea and begins gathering up small, dry twigs. Masama lays the doll's dress next to his own clothes to dry.

((EDIT: I didn't mention Nissa, above . She gets back to the makeshift camp before the others with the orcs. She sees the boat from a nice vantage point, and doesn't notice anything alarming about it. There is nothing else worrying in the area.

Also, I'm assuming Aliron is keeping a steady watch as always. Nothing to report for him either ))

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I follow Masama's example and take off my wet, dirty clothes, then try to wash them in the river. I'm only a bit more concerned about modesty than I otherwise would be, given the children present, but the cloth around my loins is quite enough to keep them from seeing what they shouldn't.

I hang my clothes on a tree branch near the fire to dry, then watch Branwen as she gives her doll to Masama. I wish I had my pack with me; then I could try my hand at making another dress for the doll. But it will have to wait until later. For now, I make sure my armor and weapons haven't been damaged by the water, or my tussle with the orc.

Liadan

I take off my dress and hang it beside Cadell's clothes to dry, then sit near the fire in my plain white shift. I check my arrows, bow and bowstring over for water damage, and make sure they can be dried safely as well.

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Having no real personal sense of modesty (and even if he did, the unpleasant texture of wet cloth and leather rubbing against is skin would far outweigh it), Marius has no problem stripping naked to wring out his wet clothes. Once they are as dry as they are going to get, he shakes them as flat as they are going to be and lays them near the fire to dry. He then carefully goes through his belongings to take care of them so as to avoid any water damage or mold. All the while, he keeps an eye on the orc, in case he needs to make a quick reach for his bow, while keeping enough of a distance that the orc (or anyone else) can't suddenly grab any of his belongings.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I strip down to my undies and leave my clothes to dry by the fire, but I back away from the flames so others can warm themselves while I keep an eye on the orc. The cold doesn't bother me anyway.

I tell Tumi, "You should've seen Nissa taking on fish demons naked and unarmed. I was bathing in the sea when they attacked, but like a fool, I scrambled for my clothing when all I really needed was my sword. In fact, I didn't even need that."


Nissa

I'd ask Marius if he wants a feather to cover that up, but I'm not sure how a man would take a joke like that. Guess I missed out on a few things in life, not that I have any regrets, Brynhild. I didn't expect to earn the wings when I...

I fly down to Branwen and, if she's up for it, I let her mimic my use of the wings. "I don't know when you'll fly, Branwen, but hopefully watching my wings work can help you figure it out."

 

[Philster401]

(I'm still unsure where Zoran is at and that is why I haven't replied.)

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron

The lure of the fire proves to much, so he comes out hiding. The clothes under his leather is damp so he removes the leather and lays it out to dry. The kneels next to the fire, still scanning every thing in his view.
"Keep alert. There is always danger in these times." He then begin wiping down his blades.

Bressel
Removes his armor and begins cleaning and oiling his armor, sword, and axe.
"Aye, if we are ambushed, grab your weapons and charge the attackers. The ambushers count on us panicking and running about while they cut us down. Charge one area of the ambush to break it up, then move on to the next target, but stay together."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I don't need clothes to bash heads. I let Alin know I'll help keep watch. I remain close to the children.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
"I try not to need my armor. Armor for me is a last saving grace. Distance and stealth keep me safe. I do the sword dance very well, but better to stay out of sight or out of sword strike distance all together."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"I learned to appreciate stealth back in Srilkind. Not sure how stealthy we are with this fire going."

If the boy on the ship noticed me, I wave back. If not, I'd rather not call attention to myself standing around in my underwear. I make sure to keep an eye on the orc, though I'll spare him any looks of suspicion. If this alliance is to work out, he needs to know he's forgiven.

I say to Liadan, "If he doesn't already know, please tell the orc we understand his lack of trust, but he doesn't need to run. Soon we will come before Korgak, and he will be with his clan. And can you ask this orc of his family? Does he have a mate or child? Are the children in any danger because of Aslaug's orcs?"

When if the orc answer Liana's questions, I'll ask Zoran to 'test' him again. Will he appear less evil, more evil or the same?

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I turn toward Baldhart as she gives me questions to relay to the orc, and translate them as well as I can. Sometimes I just don't have the right words, so I resort to pantomime. I hope it's enough to get the point across.

Cadell

I keep an eye on the orc as Liadan speaks with it, and try not to get too lost in my own thoughts. It's so strange to think how far I've come since I left home, even the second time. It seems I have to eat my words to Queen Brigh regarding the idea of allying with orcs. Not that she would care anymore whether I did or not. But if this works in our favor, it will be for the better.

 

[Steerpike]

The passing afternoon remains calm as the party gathers around the fire and takes care of their things. The boat continues downriver until it disappears around a bend, its crew, except for the boy who waved, taking no note of the party. Though the fire is certainly visible from some distance and sends curls of white smoke into the sky, no one and nothing approaches the camp.

The orc answers any questions put to it by Liadan with abrupt answers. The creature seems dejected at not having escaped. It will admit to no mate or children, but does perk up a bit at the thought of reaching Korgak soon.

Burnbright stands near the fire in her wet things to dry. She catches a glimpse of Marius and her cheeks redden. She quickly turns to staring into the fire and picks up Branwen's discarded stick to poke at the coals forming beneath the burning wood.

When Aliron steps near the fire, Masama nods to him. Masama chimes in his agreement with Aliron and Bressel. "Creatures may be drawn by the fire. Even a small group may chance an attack if they believe they can surprise us. It is wise to be on guard."

Masama works at binding small, flexible twigs into another doll for Branwen, his work interrupted by frequent scans of the area near the camp. Occasionally, he stops as though listening for something. The harpy watches Masama at work until Nissa lands before her and demonstrates how to use her wings. As before, Branwen copies Nissa's motions. She gives little jumps to try to get herself aloft, but the strength of her wings isn't there yet. She does seem stronger than when the group first found her, though, and Nissa finds that she is noticeably taller as well. With no knowledge of harpy physiology, it is hard to say when she will be able to fly, but she mimics Nissa's movements and laughs loud with each jump into the air.

By the time clothes are dry and things are cared for, Masama has finished Branwen's doll and hands it off to her. Branwen holds it at arm's length and grins at it, then scoops up the tiny torn dress that was on her own doll and takes both the dress and the new doll to Cadell. She holds both out to him, looking up questioning with large eyes.

Tumi smirks when when Baldhart tells the story of Nissa fighting fish demons and she bathing in the ocean. "I'm never in the right place at the right time," he says, casting a grin toward Nissa.

"Good thing, too," Callan says. "They'd have took you for a fish demon and run you through, face like that." She tries to keep a serious demeanor but cracks a smile at the end.

"You're a hard woman," Tumi says. "Evil to the bones, that's what I've always said." But he's grinning too.

The fire generates a lot of heat, and it isn't long before clothes are dry (if a bit stiff and uncomfortable) and weapons and armor cared for. There are still a few hours of daylight left. Masama dresses and moves to away from the river, about thirty yards from the fire, taking up a position there. Callan dresses as well and puts her weapons in order.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"If everyone's comfortable enough, I think we should move toward Korgak."

I can't help but wonder about the boat. Will they run into trouble? There aren't enough people like us around... if there were, Aslaug would never have assembled such an army.

I don't know if that's true. I contemplate a sacrifice for Brynhild. A battle could happen any time. "Liadan, let the orc know I will be at his side when we approach Korgak. He will not stand before his leader looking like a prisoner. Tell him to look strong for his leader." Brynhild, my sacrifice is to see that I am the first human the orcs will see. If they have archers, my body will catch the first arrow. I pray that my intelligence in this matter outweighs my foolishness…



Nissa

When the party moves, I fly above, watching for any movement on the ground. I take a look in the passing ship's direction, just to be sure no threats head their way…

((Yuck... I didn't label, but that was the roll for watching below when in transit. A second roll for the ship...))

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

Branwen approaches me with her doll and its dress, clearly asking me to fix it. I smile and shake my head regretfully. "I can do nothing right now, dear heart. My needle and thread are back in town. You keep it safe for now, and I'll fix it as soon as we are done here. Alright?" I hold out my empty hands to show her I can't help yet, then ruffle her hair gently. "Poor little raven."

Liadan

I nod as Baldhart speaks to me. "I will be at his other side. The orcs must know I am his translator." I hope they don't see fit to shoot me first.

I translate both our words for the orc and wait for his response.

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

With his clothes dry, Marius dons his clothing without a word as he sees little point in idle chitchat unless spoken to, particularly with people he barely knows. The clothes are a bit smoky from the bonfire but at least dry. He gives his clothes a little sniff and then wrinkles his nose in distaste before grabbing the rest of his belongings to continue forth. He doesn't much care for the idea of Nissa flying about because it both makes her a target and makes it harder for him to keep close in case of danger, but it is clear there is not much he can do about that. Bow in hand, he does his best to follow Nissa while scanning for any potential threats.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
After being warmed by the fire for his clothes to dry, he tends to the leather and then puts the armor back on. Never more then an arms reach from the bow or swords.
Once dressed he moves to the path the orc took to watch for any signs of approach.
He looks to the sun, the beautiful ball of heat and light, but for him, the power of darkness is a much better friend. In darkness the advantage is his. His bow ready.

Bressel:
Bressel takes his time getting armored back up, but before long he is ready to go.
He stands near Aliron waiting for the others.
Bressel watches the river and the way they came.
His crossbow is cocked and loaded.

"We are ready when you are." He announces.

 

[Steerpike]

Branwen accepts that her doll's dress can't be repaired with no complaints or concern, simply forcing the ruined dress back onto the doll as she watches everyone prepare to decamp. The orc listens to Liadan's translations of what Baldhart has to say and grunts acknowledgement. He assures Liadan that he will in fact lead the party to Korgak, and that he will not try to escape again.

The afternoon is waning as the party sets out. Nissa sees no sign of enemies in the immediate area as the group leaves, and the area down river, along the boat's path, seems clear as well, at least as best Nissa can tell. When the group sets out, Aliron scouts ahead, along the path that the orc took in its run, and Marius does his best to trail Nissa from the ground.

The orc leads the group along the path of its recent flight, which leads the group into sparse stands of trees that slowly thicken as the party moves toward the hills that appear to be the orcs destination. The group spends a good hour walking, with the occasional grumbling from Tumi about the distance, before the relatively flat ground turns into smooth, rolling hills. The orc picks his way along the hills, taking the group along shallow ravines that run between patches of higher ground. The ground is hard and the shaded areas are frozen with snow and ice. After another half an hour of winding between increasing hills, Nissa spots the thin trail of campfire smoke rising in the distance. With the tree cover, it can't yet be seen from the ground, but it looks to be a camp of decent size, and the orc appears to be making toward it.

Masama follows along quietly. Burnbright is quiet as well, and by the time the group starts heading into the hills she has Branwen on her back, the harpy having made motions that she wants to be carried. This lasts for a good twenty minutes before Burnbright sets Branwen back on the ground, saying "You're heavier than you look."

Aliron, scouting out ahead of the group along the path that the orc appears to be choosing, scents the distant campfires, though just barely, at around the same time Nissa notices the faint wisps of smoke. The elf's sensitive senses pick up the smell of a camp, though he can't see the smoke from his scouting position.

The ravine the group is in terminates in a winding path that looks well-traveled and winds up into the hills. There are no signs or other orcs, but it is clear that the group's captive means to head up the trail.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I tell Baldy of the camp up ahead, and fly up to get a bird's eye view of what—or who—is there.

((She sees smoke, I guess.))



Baldhart

I face the orc as I ask, "Who will we see at the camp. Is Korgak there? Will we see orc families?"