[RPG] Ryn�r�n and Kh�r�th: The Lost Relics

[LanariaRayton]

Lana smiled, which was rare of her. There isnt much in the life of the Zhynn to smile about. " Oh there is very little of me to doubt. If there is one thing that holds true with me you can rely on is what you see is what you get. I dont like lies or misdeeds. No matter what you may see the Zhynn as there are those amoung them that hold honor and truth very high. "

She glanced at the stars, thinking for a moment if she had bit off alittle more then she could chew. Yes she knew her orders but to be in the company not of the zhynn and be on a friendly basis. Most likely this venture will get her killed before the week is out, but she will do as she was ordered. Which is another reason she was picked for the job. She follows everything to the letter, very reliable. Any other Zhynn would have most liekly killed this man then relized that he probably could have helped them. But where to now was the question. Somehow she had to get to the other continent and meet with the other races.

"So almighty one you know how to proceed from here?" she said laying back against a tree in a reclinign position like she was about to fall asleep right there.

[Omet'Ikilan]

I look over and see V�l�th��s grinning and I let out a warm smile.

"Kings orders, Im to keep this old man alive" I say in a joking manor.

I put my arm on V�l�th��s' shoulder. "Now, if you will, please tell me of your reasons for being here, it is quite a pleasant supprise, I did not expect to see a familiar face for a long time."

After finishing my sentance I detach the steel pauldron on my right shoulderand I rub the tender muscle beneath.

[Valathous]

~Somewhere in Shr�� near the B�n�r�t border~

Arnathus observed as the woman lay back against the tree. What was it that made her believe that she was safe with him? What made her think she could be so relaxed and not worry about being killed before they even reached the camp. Granted, with her aim with a throwing knife, if he rushed her it wouldn't do much good. But what if he were to killed her as he walked close to her back to his camp. It made him wonder. The feeling that she was different than most other Zhynn that he had met in the battlefield was at the forefront of his mind once more.

She did ask a good question though. Where to now? Back to the camp was the obvious answer. After that though? He did not want to lead her anywhere near the King, but he wished to discuss matters with him. Perhaps he could write a letter and have one of his men hastily ride to the capitol with it and return with the King's biddings.

No... That would be pointless. His order would be to kill her without hesitation. She spoke of a danger to all races from the Drow and Orc. Something that seemed to concern her Order above even Man. This concerned Arnathus. Whe they returned to the camp, he would have a talk with her about what she knew about these races....

"We shall now make for my camp. It is not far from here. We were patrolling the borders and crossed into Shr�� a few leagues to make sure there were no camps ready to attack us at any moment..." he admitted, knowing that more men in Shr�� probably wouldn't be news she wanted to hear.

~Keldinar~

V�l�th��s laughed very heartily. "Keep Old Tilion alive? Best of luck. This old fool finds himself in the worst situations at times," he said with a grin, "But his power is far superior to any that I have met, to date," he said, switching to a more serious tone.

V�l�th��s had known Tilion for many years now. The old man never failed to amaze him with each encounter.

"What am I doing here? You should know of all people that I never stay in one place for too long!" V�l�th��s said, surprised to be asked such a question, "Though I was coming in search of information as to where to find Tilion. It was by mere chance that I stumbled upon him. I'm sure you'll hear all you'll need to hear on the matters when we arrive at our destination at this honourable Elf's home."

[LanariaRayton]

Lana stretched and yawned, "very well." she said kicking dirt over the now low embers to douse the fire. She felt the spot the fire had been, satisfied the heat was gone and it was safe to leave it she stood.

She looked at him, "show the way, though from the direction in which u arrived i have a fair guess where your men are camping. You men are a loud race. If there is anything my race might teach you is stealth. A forest animal makes less noise then you do." lana said grinning.

[Valathous]

~Somewhere in Shr�� near the B�n�r�t border~

Now, normally, being that Arnathus was known for his pride and arrogance, Arnathus would have more than likely returned such a statement with a comment firey enough to have rekindled the now freshley smothered embers. But along with pride and arrogance, Arnathus was also known for his common sense and intelligence. He knew that such a response would only lead to a conflict with the Zhynn which could end up in one death or another. Neither of which he wanted at the moment, so he the exact opposite.

Arnathus smirked. "I have never been known as a stealthy individual. There are many men, though, who would be more than able to remain consealed, even to one such as yourself. And it is for that reason that you are completely oblivious as to their existance," he said with a wink, "Now come, follow me. The camp is not far from here."

Arnathus began to walk away, against his better judgement, to the camp. He hoped that she would follow and not attempt anything too bold. Arnathus rested his hand loosely on a consealed knife on his side with the same arm that was bent, keeping his helmet tucket to his body.

[LanariaRayton]

Lana followed putting her mask back on wanting her hands free as she was taught. Force of habit you could say. And though there was a air of understanding and peace between them for the moment. You could never tell what would happen once they met up with the others. She would be interested in testing her skills out against these so called men who are better then she he claims are there. Ever one for competition, she wanted to prove herself better. But for the moment she left her arms in a appearence of a relaxed state at her sides and opened all her senses to her surroundings.

[Founder]

����d�n �r�m�ll��� bowed his head to the men.

"(A thousand pardons)," He said, "(But the hour grows late. We should leave soon to my homeland...)"

People were still staring at the strange group. Some of them whispering angrily about the Elf who started the fire. He felt uncomfertable. His kinfolk were no where to be found. The town was a haven for all races, but not enough Elves were there for his tastes. He felt almost isolate and the fact that he just nearly burned down a tavern did not help matters.

[Valathous]

~Somewhere in Shr�� near the B�n�r�t border~

Walking through the forest was so relaxing. The fresh air, the trees, the flowers, the animals. It tended to rejuvenate one's inner being and body. A sip from one of the crystal clear and icey cold streams could often give one enough energy for an entire day's travels. This was, of course, unless you were walking side by side with a member of your sworn enemies...

Arnathus and Lana arrived just outside the camp after a good 10 minutes trek through the woods. Arnathus reached out and stopped her.

"Do not expect a warm welcome from my men. Be on your guard and ready to defend yourself. But know this... I value the lives of my men more than I value yours," he said in a harsh whisper.

[Lord Borg]

Tilion chuckled at his friends comment.

"I'm sure you have found your self in equaly worst situations my friend."

Tilion the white looked around. He saw many unhappy people. He looked at his on crowed.

"Let us get going then. It is a long journy to our destination."

Tilion steped towards the gates. It ment having to walk though the uneasy, gahtering crowd. Tillion knew that it waas possible for them to start trouble. He had hoped, that no one will, they have already drawn enough attention to them selves.

[LanariaRayton]

Lana laughed, "Oh I have no doubt. Would it be easier if you brought me in looking more like a prisoner then a tempoary ally? " she asked with humor behind her words.

[Valathous]

~Somewhere in Shr�� near the B�n�r�t border~

Arnathus stopped where he stood after her apparently humourous comment. He didn't find it the least bit funny, but rather contemplated using the idea. Tieing her up as a prisoner would mean that they would be safe in their sleep and the men wouldn't be forced to get along with her.
There was another side to this dilema. The men may find it necessary to be cruel to a prisoner, especially a female Zhynn.

"If it weren't for the fact I believe you may get harmed as a prisoner, I may have taken your suggestion to heart," Arnathus sniped, "No, you'll come to camp as an ally under my protection. The men know better than to undermine my authority."

At that Arnathus began to walk once more towards camp with his new found "allie". Upon arriving, the expected happened. The men jumped to their feet at the sight of an armed Zhynn who was unbound.

"My Lord Arnathus, what is the meaning of this?!" Garrar asked harshly, "Why have you brought this creature of death to our camp unbound?! Do you mean to have us killed?"

There was loud moment of agreement within the ranks. Arnathus simply stuck out his hand and lowered it signalling that he wanted them to be quiet.

"This Zhynn will do you no harm. She had ample opportunity to kill me in the forest, yet she refrained and chose to talk in place of combat," he said, speaking with a commanding air around him, "She revealed she has information regarding two of the other races of this land and their misguided plans. One of these species is none other than the Drow who are within the forests that lay just upon our doorstep! You are not to hurt, taunt, tease, maime, mutalate, insult, or discriminate her in any way or you shall answer to me."

The officers mummbled amongst themselves wondering whether to agree with their trusted superior or trust their pregiduce.

~Keldinar~

The Elf was right. Time was not moving any slower for the group just because they encountered a misfortune. In fact, the opposite seemed to occur as time flew by due to the burning tavern incident. V�l�th��s picked up his cloak that he had thrown to the ground outside the tavern and wrapped it around his form. He pulled the hood of the cloak up to cover his face. It began to absorb some of the water that remained on him from the dumped buckets, though much of it had evaporated from the heat of the fire. V�l�th��s wished he had thrown a bucket of water on his cloak as he noticed cakes of mud covering it. The rugged ranger began to walk away from the building towards the Western gate. They had a long journey to the Elvish lands; V�l�th��s began to wish he had a horse...

[LanariaRayton]

Lana smiled at there reactions, of course with her mask on they couldnt see that smile. Lana removed her mask and touched to make sure her braid was still intact, all this putting on her mask and removing it could make it come undone.

"hello boys," she said smiling as she strolled past Arnathus and sat down near the men and leaned against a tree. " So now that we are all buddy buddy when do we leave?" she asked.

[Founder]

����d�n �r�m�ll��� slowly walked towards the city's gates. A cold wind blew through, despite the fire's heat in the air. The Elf clutched the string of the bow across his chest. Something was horribly wrong. It was more of something he felt, rather than knew. He turned to V�l�th��s.

"My Lord," He said in the tongue of Men, "I know a short cut to my home. I feel we must arrive in haste."

He hesistated telling him the rest.

"But...," He warned, "The shorter road leads to more danger. It brings us closer to an encampment of Juar. Seldom do they welcome strangers...especially if the company has Elves..."

[Valathous]

The Western gates were now behind them as they walked towards the Elven lands. V�l�th��s had undone his cloak so that it swayed freely behind him as he walked. He had a hand on the hilt of one of his swords. The hilt seemed to glow slightly, embedded with several jewels and beautifully engraved handle. He turned his head to face ����d�n and glared at him for a moment. The Juar.... They were a deadly race who were bitter from their numerous military defeats. First with the Elves, then the Dwarves and Men, (but not without help from the Thyrak). V�l�th��s had fought in the war against them and had slain many in liberating the Men's capital city. Their need to reach the Elf's house to discuss the events required great haste. V�l�th��s sped up walking for a moment, ahead of the Elf then stopped wakling all together. He sighed, looked up in the air and back at ����d�n as he caught up.

V�l�th��s was hesitant. They had the petite fairy, NoB with them who more than likely wasn't experianced in combat. They also had the young child with them who seemed to be prone for misfortune. V�l�th��s was more than aware of the fact he had 2 combat-able mercenaries, a Wizard and an Elf with him though. Haste was in dire need...

"Tell the others to be prepaired to fight the Juar should the need arise. We will take your short cut; we need to arrive as as quickly as possible," V�l�th��s said to the Elf then sighed and shook his head.

[Founder]

The Elf bowed his head to the Denate and turned to the others. He didn't bother telling Tilion anything. The Wizard always seemed to know what was going on. Almost as if he had eyes and ears everywhere. Perhaps he did? The only others left were the child, Kendra; the Man and his Wopen companion, Hanthellion and Chagra; and the small fairie, NoB.

"We are going to my home," He announced, "But danger is involved. We must go through a Juar encampment. A most...dangerous foe. The choice is yours if you wish to accompany us..."

He touched his chest and held his hand forward, an old Elvish salute for respect. The Elf turned away and went ahead of the Denate and the Wizard. He stopped and looked around. The road was almost mystical. A Wizard put an enchanment on the road for the Elves. So only they would know how to find it and use it. Only an Elf's eyes could see it and even then it was hard. ����d�n squinted and stared into the forest. He had made this travel so long ago, yet the memory was fresh in his mind. His feet took a few soft steps past the trees. The road lay ahead somewhere. He dropped to one knee and looked at the dirt. Leaves lay all over the ground. Almost covering it. He wiped at the dirt and smiled. It was here. The trick was not finding the road, but staying on it. His eyes almost glazed away from the road. An effect from the spell. He kept his eyes focused...

"This way..." He announced.

[Valathous]

The possibility of battle was imminant. The screams of battle returned to his head. The memories of the blood and the death of the wars seemed to surround him. He saw his father...dead, next to his mother and siblings. The memory of slaughtering the Orcs returned; the anger and distress filling withing him. The images span away quickly and returned to the last battle with the Juar. Their growling and snarling... ravaging beasts... claws slashing, teeth biting, blades sinking, no mercy...

V�l�th��s tightened his vambracers and his belt. He drew his sword out 3 inches and stared at the blade for a moment. Ethysious, the pride of his family would once again see battle but on a less glorious and honourable, if you could call them that, plain of battle. He replaced it fully into the sheath.

His heart began to beat faster as the images continued to subliminally run through his head. He stared at the Elf for a moment and then walked forwards as ����d�n beckoned them to follow him along the path to his home.

[Valathous]

~Somewhere in Shr�� near the B�n�r�t border~

The Men glared at Lana as she walked by and sat by a tree. Harrolen, one of Arnathus' most trusted companions, approached him and began to rant to Arnathus in an aggressive whisper about the dangers.

"She could kill us all in our sleep! She should be killed or at least bound!" Harrolen said harshly.

"I will not kill her, I will not bind her," Arnathus said calmly, "She has valuable information to us and has already proved herself, for the most part, as a temporary companion. For as little as I trust the Zhynn, I trust the Drow less. At least the Zhynn have an honour code."

"The Drow are nothing! Their numbers make them an insignificant force comparable to our army! For this land to lose these Men would be catastrophic!" Harrolen continued.

"I have made up my mind, old friend. I would suggest you go and get some rest. We leave in the morning," Arnathus said, implying he would have no more of this discussion.

"I will have no rest tonight," Harrolen said, "Someone must keep watch to ensure our heads are not all on pikes by sunrise."

With that, Harrolen left Arnathus in a fury and sat by the fire with some of the men, being silent. Arnathus stood up from the stump he was seated on and walked over to the Zhynn.

"We will be leaving in the morning, back to my lands. We will make for the village of Junolli. From there you will tell me all you know and I will send messangers from the King. We will decide what to do after that."

[Lord Borg]

Tillion walked along in silence. He made sure everyone was together when they were leaving the city. He was aware of the road that the Elf could see, and could even "see" it. He continued to walk in silence, aware of everyone, and everything. A part of him looked foward to the Elvish city again. It is a place of beauty. The Elves have a unique understanding of art. Their stuctures showed it. They were certainitly elegant in their structures and art. Tillion pulled his cloak closer to his body. No real reason in particular, it was warm out. Quite nice really. Tillion assumed that it could be a possible upcoming battle that made him do that. Battles are never something Tillion wanted to be in, but he has sadly, been in many.

[LanariaRayton]

Lanaria smiled, "Very well, but I have told you i do not know much. My main duty in not only protecting Zyhnn interests is to find out more about what is going on. And since i trust your men will be so wound up tight tonight to rest and wary of things around the camp i think i will sleep since we need at least one of us to have there wits about them tomarrow." she said laying down next to the tree.

"Though there is one problem, how am I to keep up with you and get to our destintation fast? I have no mount, never had one. I am not one who is accustomed to riding. I always perfered my own to feet to rely or the treetops."

[Valathous]

~Somewhere in Shr�� near the B�n�r�t border~

Arnathus sighed. he hoped she knew a lot. He never trusted the Drow. Convertees of the dark Wizard, Jarmalus. They constantly dabbled in dark magic. There was no knowing what they were capable of with such power, even with smaller numbers than the Men's army.

"Some of my men will sleep if they know there are guards being posted. A watch will be set up anyways incase some of your people who are not aware of your intentions discover and attack us," Arnathus explained. Even in his own lands he would have a watch set up. "We have several extra horses if you feel comfortable enough to ride. If not, you may ride with me if you wish."

[LanariaRayton]

"Though i love horses, I dont like them under me. If you feel safe enough with me I would perfer to ride with you. I promise to keep my claws sheathed at all times. And I dont bite much so you dont have to worry about that." she said grinning.

"Now though I have had a long day on my feet, I think a few hours rest right now sounds heavenily. Have a pleasant evening." she said smiling and closing her eyes, feeling completely at ease at falling asleep in her people's enemies camp.

[Valathous]

~Somewhere in Shr�� near the B�n�r�t border~

Arnathus grinned back at the Zhynn but she fell asleep rather quickly before he could put in a smart reply to that. No matter. He got up and made his way to a large rock in the ground. He grabbed an apple from a basket that one of their supply horses had been carrying. He withdrew a hunting knife from a sheath under his arm and sliced a piece of the apple as he sat down on the rock. He place it in his mouth and began to chew, enjoying the fresh fruit while observing his men.

The men sat in various groups discussion things amongst themselves. One of the popular topics of the night was Arnathus' sanity and whether or not he had misplaced it. Another was of family and friends back home. Kullen spoke of his young son of 15; how strong he was becoming and what a worthy warrior he would one day become for his people.

"Looks up to his old man, he does! And right so, at that!" Kullen said proudly with a grin that dwarved the curve night sky's cresent moon.

"Oi! I reckon my lad's just as brave and noble as yours, Kullen! If not, more! Defeated a wolf the other day, or so my wife's letter said! Right proud of 'im, I am! Ought to have the head stuffed, maybe mounted on my door!" he said with a laugh.

Elsewhere in the camp, Rhun was discussing the fine wine he had laid down several years ago.

"When we get back to 'ome, I'm gon' open several o' them! 40 years old, some are! Not quite as old as my father's was, but aged well enough, I should say!" he boasted. His family was known for their fine wines. They had a vineyard in the back that always seemed to grow the best grapes. Enchanted some said they were. "You folk' can come if ya'd like! There's always enough wine for such esteemed company!"

Harrolen sat at the side with several of the other higher ranking members of the group. They seemed slightly more disgruntled than the rest.

"I don't trust 'er. Not one single bit..." Harrolen said angrilly.

"Out of his right mind, 'e is! Not a wink of sleep tonight for me..." replied Warrentho, an esteemed and honourable maceman.

"Arnathus has never let us astray before, my friends," Naerek piped up, "I don't see why we should doubt him now. His valour and sense of duty is above all of ours. He'd do nothing he thought would bring harm to us."

"Indeed..." Harrolen replied, "I'll be keeping an eye on her none-the-less, as I suggest you all do, too. Our leader Arnathus may be, but we have the right to be suspicious of our new companion. Who knows what could have been done to him in those woods. Witchcraft, magic...?"

"Enough of this!" Naerek said in an amused, yet annoyed tone. "I'll hear no more of this crack-headed rubbish and foolheartiness. I'm going to rest!" And with that Naerek left the group and made his way to his tent to rest.

[Founder]

-Coast of L��rn�-

W�rth�g was in a tent, set up near the water's edge. Night had fallen across the sky. The large captured dragon lay on the ground near the tent, asleep. The Orc commander had the tent to himself. It had the heads of various animals on the walls and weapons alongside. A large table lay in the center. There was a crudely drawn map of the Thyrak lands. Somewhere...the relics lay hidden and away from civilized nations or perhaps...among them. The Orc sat a large chair. His black eyes stared at the map. They needed a plan where to attack first. The Thyrak were no simple foe. He reached out for his glass to drink but his hand knocked it over. His vision blurred and he groaned in pain. Something was wrong...

"Wha..." He growled.

The Orc stood up and had to lean against the chair to hold himself up. A voice...no, the voice called out.

"Do you try to flee Orc?" It said.

W�rth�g looked around but saw no one. He would never see the voice. Not since...

"Answer me!" It screamed, "Now!"

The large Orc shook his head.

"No..." He said.

His head felt like it was going to be crushed.

"You do not understand that this must be done in haste," He yelled, "Yet you took the time to take a Dragon as your mount?"

W�rth�g dropped to one knee and clutched his head in pain.

"I...need it," He tried to reason, "For the attack against the Thyrak..."

The voice grew louder, all around him.

"My power wanes in this island," He said, "I must get out. I grow mad here...find the relics!!!"

W�rth�g felt the pressure release. His vision grew clear once more. The voice was gone. Jarmalus was the voice. His fury could not be sated. W�rth�g would have to double the efforts. The army would need to leave soon...

[Valathous]

~L��r�nthi�~

Several hours had passed since the group of assorted species had left the town of Keldinar behind them. They had travelled over the plans of ��l�iri�n and it's lush grass. They had followed the main path until coming to the secret Elven way. The grass seemed softer and greener and the breeze more soothing since they walked the path. V�l�th��s felt some comfort in this as he took in the nature around him. It distracted him slightly and calmed his nerves, restore his head to a blissful tranquility.

They had entered the Elven lands of L��r�nthi�, a place V�l�th��s had always loved to visit and would often wander its lush forests when he needed to relax. V�l�th��s walked along side the Elf, ����d�n, on the path that would lead them to his home, hopefully without fatalities.

[Lord Borg]

Tilion had mostly walked in silence, ocassionaly confering with the Elf and Thyrak on the possible battle. They were as "prepared" as they could be. Tillion of course, already had a spell in mind should things go wrong. Hours had past sense they started thierd journy and Tilion was still aware of the life around them. He caught up to V�l�th��s.

"My friend, what journeys have you expearinced in the last few months?"