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

[Founder]

-L��r�nthi�-

����d�n continued to lead the small group along the road. He noticed Tilion was able to see the road as well, but he was not surprised at all. The old man was a Wizard. The Elf looked out of the corner of his eye. The entire group continued to follow him. It almost seemed strange. Perhaps the D�n�t� had the uncanny ability to rally people to his cause. Even the older Thyrak soldier, Borimir Donothais, continued with the group. The Wopen was an interesting sight for ����d�n. It had been a long time since he had seen one. He looked back to the road. If he didn't keep his eyes on it, then he would lose it. They had been walking for hours. The trip would have been shorter with horses, but they had none. ����d�n stopped suddenly. His eyes squinted at the surroundings. He held his hand up to stop the group.

"The air thickens here," He said, "Fell voices are in the air...voices that are not speaking the tongue of Elvish."

He looked back at Tilion and V�l�th��s.

"The Juar encampment is before us," He warned, "They lay directly on the road. We can not go around them, for if we do, we will surely lose the road."

����d�n, as were the other Elves, surprised the Juar found the road. Although through extensive use of espionage using nature, it was discovered they did not find the road. They had simply found it through fortune. To this day, the Juar know not of where they stand. The Elf waited for the others to respond...

[Republican_Man]

Chagra grunted something out of fear.
"Yeah, I feel it too, Chagra," Hanthellion replied. "I have a bad feeling about this..."
He turned to the others. "I hope you old men know what you're doing." Chagra barked something. "You said it, Chagra."

[Valathous]

~L��r�nthi�~

The air was foul. The unique, recognizable stench of a Juar camp reached V�l�th��s' nose. Upon listening intently he was able to pick up several sounds not far from them that was not simply the ambient noise of the forest.

V�l�th��s lay his hand on the hilt of on of his swords, Ethysious, but did not draw it. With any luck the Juar would let them pass unchallenged. By rights of their accord having lost the war, they had no right to even be in these lands.

"Tilion!" V�l�th��s called to the old Wizard, "Should anything arise, stay with the child and the faerie. Do not let any harm come to them."

[Republican_Man]

Chagra readied his Wopen "bowcaster" bow-and-arrow weapon as he walked, ready for anything. Hanthellion did the same, with his bow-and-arrow. If anything happened, they would be ready to shoot.
Hanthellion's sword was on his belt at his side, as was Chagra's axe on his belt at his side. If they needed it, they could use it.

[Valathous]

~L��r�nthi�~

Slowly V�l�th��s walked up the road. He passed the Elf as he made his way up the road to the Juar camp. He quickened his pace and stood upright looking confident, bold and able.

The road bent and went around some trees. V�l�th��s was no longer visible to the group but what was visible, to V�l�th��s, was the Juar camp. He continued to approach it, one hand remaining on his hilt for protection.

[Lord Borg]

Tillion stayed close to the Child and the Fairy, NoB. He was starting to take a liking to NoB, Fairys were always curiouse to him. He readied his staff for any thing that came this way.

[Founder]

-L��r�nthi�-

A silver arrow was taken from ����d�n's quiver and placed into his bow. He aimed it to the ground and followed after V�l�th��s. The man was on a hill overlooking the Juar encampment. The thin Elf knelt next to him and looked down at what he was seeing. A few Juar were staring at a large stone tablet. On it was a small animal, deer perhaps, that was writing. It was about to be sacrificed in one the Juar's rituals. The Elf cringed at the sight. His people had rituals as well, but none that hurt animals or nature in general.

"(Barbaric...)." He muttered in Elvish.

His fingers tightened around the bow. The Juar encampment was extremly neat and orderly, as were all Juar villages. By the looks of it, there couldn't have been more than 20 Juar in total. He looked over at V�l�th��s.

"Shall we attempt to be cordial m'lord?" He said in the tounge of Thyrak.

Before V�l�th��s could respond, a loud cry could be heard. No, not cry. A roar. The Juar about to complete the sacrifice turned and looked directly at where the Elf and D�n�t� were hiding. Everything went in slow motion. The elf's senses immediatly took over. The roar came from behind them, not ahead. ����d�n could hear the whine of a weapon flying through the air. He looked towards where he heard the sound. Then he saw it. A katana, one of the weapons of choice the Juar use, was hurtling towards V�l�th��s. The Elf stood and launched an arrow at it with lightening speed. The arrow flew and hit the weapon directly. It's course was slowed down and it landed hard at V�l�th��s feet. The Juar were running up the hill towards the group...

"(To arms)!" The Elf screamed.

[Valathous]

~L��r�nthi�~

V�l�th��s took a step back from the blade that had missed him, due to the accuracy and force of ����d�n's shot, then booted that juar in the chest sending him backwards. V�l�th��s drew Ethysious from its sheath. It seemed to radiate in the sunlight producing a vague illusion of an aura.

V�l�th��s began to back up quickly, returning to the others along with the Elf, ����d�n. V�l�th��s then turned and ran forwards towards the camp. He had to make haste. The Juar were quick and he had to ensure they did not arrive at the others before him, otherwise they would be drastically outnumbered, even with Tilion amongst them.

While running towards the party V�l�th��s yelled to bring them to attention. "Tilion! Borimir! They're coming! Arm yourselves!"

V�l�th��s arrived at the party less than a moment later with his sword ready at hand. He stood before them panting with the Elf beside him. V�l�th��s turned to face where he had just come from and stood ready with his sword. The Juar rounded the corner hard and with a large number....

[LanariaRayton]

Lana awoke in a almost cold sweat and sat up slowly careful not to disturb those around. It was a dark dream she always have when she feels like she needs to be somewhere else, doing something. She doesnt remeber the dream, but she always wakes up feeling like time is slipping away. Dawn still look to be a few hours away but she knew she would get no more sleep this night. Careful not to draw attention to herself she pulled one of her daggers out and used it to scale the tree she had been resting near. Once she climb high enough to stare over the top of the tree tops she found a sturdy limb to sit on. Was she and her people doing the right thing? She knew peace would be a shot lived thing until they found out what the threat would be on the other continent and handled it. Afterwards she did not think peace would last, she doesnt even know what peace really is. Does anyone? She figured these thoughts came to her because of her half-blood, her weak half. She must stop thinking like that, she is Zyhnn. She is what nightmares are made of. Seeing dawn start creeping over the horizon she got up and started to make her way down the tree. Determine to get moving as soon as possible.

[Republican_Man]

"No reward is worth this," Hanthellio said quietly to Chagra in disgust. He clipped his weapon to his belt and drew out his sword. Chagra hid behind a tree. He would fire his bowcaster at the enemies coming for as long as possible.
Solomir readied his sword for combat...

[Valathous]

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

Many of the men were resting at this point, although most of them in more of an uneasy slumber than rest. The presence of the armed, unbound Zhynn still irritated and unnerved many, despite the fact she hadn't attempted to kill anyone yet.

The Men on watch had no troubles over the course of the darkness. Arnathus had been on of those who had received little rest. He felt that if he had brought the guest into the camp that made his mean nervous for their lives while they slept, he would be the one to ensure their safety. Granted he had got some sleep, several hours, but not close 8 hours most men had, or will have received come rising time.

The sun began to rise over the hill slowly, a red hue covering the sky. Arnathus watched it for a while, gazing intently upon the glory of the sun.

~L��r�nthi�~

V�l�th��s clutched the hilt of his sword tightly. The Juar fast approached. V�l�th��s undid the broach on his cloak, letting it drop to the ground to prevent it from obstructing him during battle.

A sharp noise echoed through the air. Several birds from the surrounding trees flew away in fear. The noise was the first blow of the battle. V�l�th��s blocked a swing from the Katana of one of the Juar. The Juar swung quickly again but was easily blocked as V�l�th��s lowered the blade and cut short the Juar's attempt to remove his leg. V�l�th��s' sword travelled quickly up the blade of the Katana and then he forcefully rammed it to the ground, brought Ethysious quickly, then sunk it deep into the furry flesh of his assailant. He withdrew it in a timely enough manner to parry a stroke by the claws of another. The Juar were infuriated. V�l�th��s had drawn first blood.

[LanariaRayton]

Lana dropped to the ground and brushed herself off after her climb. Seeing Arnathus awake she walked over to him, "shouldnt we be going soon?' she asked eager to move on.

She hated being in one place too long and she felt that she need to find out the truth behind rumors and get to where she can find answers quick.

[Valathous]

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

The sun had nearly completed its trek to rise above the hillside. Now more than simply a cresent of light along the horizon, the great donor of warmth was nearly fully ablaze in the clear blue sky.

Arnathus, having finished observing this spectacular course of nature turned to face the Zhynn woman, Lana, as she asked him about the time of their departure. "Ah, good morning. The men are currently being risen," he pointed out to Lana as several of the watchmen on last duty began to rouse the others for their day's journey. "The camp must be cleaned up and packed then we shall return to my lands. Upon arriving at our destination we will be given food."

[LanariaRayton]

Lana nodded, "Very well, the sooner we are on the way the better," she said more to herself. She moved away from him back to the tree she had been at before and sat down against it and waited silently emersed into her own thoughts as she watched the men. She picked up her head peice and carefully hooked both edges to her belt so it wouldnt be in the way. For this trip at least she need not conceal herself in the shadows, at least not yet.

[Founder]

-L��r�nthi�-

The Juar were rushing in from the small camp they had made. So far, none had approached the fellowship. V�l�th��s was fighting the Juar off to prevent that from happenening. ����d�n saw Juar, running at him on all fours, with his Katana in his mouth. Sometimes the Juar would run on all fours to gain speed, but they were no simple animal. Many adventures have made that mistake and paid for it. He twirled an arrow in his fingers and quickly took aim of the rushing Juar. His hand let go of the arrow and flew through the air. The Juar leaped, barely missing it. It pulled the Katana from it's mouth and swung down. ����d�n moved out of the way, almost being cut in half. The Elf pulled out another arrow and stabbed the Juar who was still recovering from the hard thrust. It gave a wild feline scream from the pain. ����d�n spun around and put the arrow in the bow in a swift motion. The Juar leaped at him again and ����d�n fired the arrow...right into it's mouth. The animal warrior's throat was pierced from the arrow. It fell to the ground, dead at ����d�n's feet. He quickly grabbed another arrow and took aim for another Juar. V�l�th��s was fight a Juar, sword to claws. The Elf closed one eye and made sure to aim for a specific spot. Both the Juar and the D�n�t� were moving around a lot and he risked hitting his companion. ����d�n pulled the arrow back and was ready to launch it.

"(Die Elf)!!!", A Juar screamed in it native language.

����d�n turned to the voice quickly but the Juar, using its stealthy abilities, snuck up on him. It sliced across his shoulder with very long and sharp claws. The arrow launched by accident and hit the ground VERY close to V�l�th��s, nearly killing him. The nimble Elf dodged another slice to the face. He lifted his bow upwards as another Juar brought a Katana down to cut him in two. The bow, made out of precious dwarven metal, was able to block the steel blade. ����d�n pushed upwards and kicked the Juar in the stomach. Using his still raised leg, he kicked behind him, knocking the other Juar back.

[Valathous]

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

Nearly 45 minutes had passed since the men had risen from their uncomfortable night's rest. They had gathered their belongings and unpitched the tents. The food supplies were replaced on the luggage horses. Men began to mount their steeds as they prepared to return to their lands.

Arnathus has his horse by the reines and walked it over to where Lana was sitting by the tree. He ensured that the saddle was tight and properly in place along with anything the horse was to carry.

"We're ready to leave. Would you feel more comfortable infront of behind me while riding on the horse?" Such a question showed trust as being that if she chose to sit behind then his back would be to her, which he hoped and felt she would not take advantage of.

~L��r�nthi�~

Battling to survive against the likes of several Juar by one's self was a formidable task on its own without the help of one's companion nearly shooting him. V�l�th��s was rather annoyed by the misfire of the arrow but noticed it was not due to poor aim but by being attacked by surprise.... If one could be surprised by not expecting to have a Juar attacking him at this current moment.

V�l�th��s slashed at the gut of one of the beasts, who then fell, then proceeded to turn quickly to block a swing from another of the Juar. It unlocked it's blade with V�l�th��s' and sung several times more; V�l�th��s had to be faster as there was a second one also feeling obliged to attempt to slay the Ranger. V�l�th��s withdrew a hunting knife then lean backwards, dodging an upper torso swing. He lundged back upright and drove the knife firmly into the chest of one of the Juar. He jumped backwards to avoid a thrusting blow from a Juar; it attempted to swing at V�l�th��s once more, he blocked the swing and unlocked quickly and brought his blade to the leg of the Juar, loosening it from the Juar's body.

V�l�th��s winced as leaned back to quickly avoid a swing but wasn't fast enough to dodge it completely; it least a cut across his chest.
"Borimir! I cannot do this alone, my friend!" he called out to his friend. V�l�th��s also hoped that the two mercenaries would feel the need to increase the numbers to improve their chances of survival.

[LanariaRayton]

Lana smiled and rose, "In front would not trouble me at all, leaving both of us in a position to remain alert." she said knowing him asking expressed a certain trust.

Lana walked over to the horse and swung up easily before him and waited for him to follow suit and mount up behind her. "So how long do you think it will take for your people to not question my intentions are nothing but honorable?"

[Valathous]

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

Arnathus was rather surprised. For someone who claimed to not know how to ride a horse very well she mounted with relative ease. He placed a foot in the stirrup and stepped up, swinging his other leg over and sitting on the horse behind Lana. He reached and grabbed the reines from the horse's neck and it began to gallup towards the rest of the men whom were ready to leave.

"Honestly? I doubt if many of them will ever trust you. Our people have been fighting for years. That is not something that they easily forget. Many have had family slain and hold strong grudges," he explained, "Though, others are more friendly and may warm up to you soon."

Upon reaching the group Arnathus gave out the orders for directions. Many were glaring as he sat behind the Zhynn woman but he ignored it. He called for their depart and began to ride in the direction of the town they would head towards. The others quickly followed.

[LanariaRayton]

"Hmm which is probably another reason i was chosen for this mission. For I do not look like most Zyhnn, I doubt if i was not wearing the clothes i am wearing now you would think me zyhnn." she said then smiled, "then again maybe there should be more half-breeds if are still at war you wouldnt know who is the enemy and who isnt in your own homes."

She looked up and back at Arnathus and grinned, "I am joking of course, I might have thought of it but the Zhynn detest half-breeds and would never think of it. You have nothing to fear."

[Valathous]

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

Arnathus wasn't very comfortable with that suggestion. It was rather true. Had she not been wearing Zhynn garb she could have passed as a woman of the race of Men. He hoped what she said was true, that they hated half-breeds. But that made him wonder once more. If they hated half-breeds then why was she trusted by their order?

"Indeed," he said, somewhat sceptical, "Then why are you alive, let alone trusted? Yes, you told me you were chosen for this mission because you looked closer to us and would most likely have better results at relations between the nations... But why would you be trusted if they dislike those like yourself?"

[LanariaRayton]

Lana sighed, "Being the only child of Lord Zakarallas goes a long way, so desperate that they would look the other way to someone like me. As for being trusted, as i said since i was given the chance being the circustances of my birth I was given the chance to also prove myself and my worth. Seeing how others like me were treated who are not so lucky i strived to be the best of the best...." she said trailing off. " You want the truth?" she asked looking back at him once again before looking forward.

"I was afraid that i would wake up from that wonderful dream and be once more a slave. They trust me because they made me who I am today."

[Valathous]

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

Arnathus cocked an eyebrow at the story. Perhaps she was getting a little too comfortable and trusting already. While the story itself had nothing wrong with it and infact made Arnathus pity the Zhynn, something he never thought he'd do, something else caught his attention.

"That was not a wise thing to reveal," started rather seriously, "To say you are the only child of one of the most high ranking officials in the Zhynn government..." Arnathus remained silent after that. He would let her ponder her mistake.

[LanariaRayton]

"I knew what I was saying, if you think i did not mean to reveal something. Call it a show of faith if you will, for this mission the zhynn want me to ... bscially.. embrace that otherside of myself. They dont want to hide anything in a show of peace. As for my life being in jeapordy?" she said then laughed. " They trust that i will get myself out of any situation that might befall me. You might say its overconfidence but they think otherwise, they know me for my resourcefulness and quick thinking. "

She paused then said, "Also for my ruthlessness and determination. I am a Jaguar when most men look into my eyes even of my own people they see there own deaths." she said sighing. "or so i have been told."

[Arellia]

[Valathous]

~B�n�r�t~

"Perhaps I underestimated the nobility of the Zhynn leadership, or the stupidity. Sending one's own child and only heir is a bold move for peace, indeed," Arnathus stated, "As for your ruthlessness and cunning ability.... They are a valuable resource but at some point most resources run out."

At thispoint in their journey, they had entered the lands of B�n�r�t. This fact had taken a load of stress off the shoulders of many of the men, but not entirely. They were several hours away from the their destination at their current pace.