[RPG] Ryn�r�n and Kh�r�th: The Lost Relics (TEMP LOCK)

[Valathous]

~ L��r�nthi�, Irienshri ~

Valathous Ayrithar sighed as he looked up into the golden-green leaves of the beautiful and tall Elven tree he was underneath of. It was strong, thick, lush, all that one would expect in the beautiful forests of L��r�nthi�. Its bark was coarse and strong, brown in colour but strangely enough seemed to have the slightest hue of silver in it.

The Ranger looked at the Wizard. The old man was wise beyond his years but just as odd. Perhaps that was why the Elves were not all that quick to believe him despite his high regard as a member of the Wizard's order.

"Yes, that would be ideal. Though, where would you expect to find more proof?" the Denat� questioned, "We cannot expect the Dark One to return to the same place I beheld him those few nights ago? Unless of course he was looking for something, but there is nothing of significance to himself that I am aware of within that forest of ��l�iri�n..."

~ Coastline, B�n�r�t ~

They rode hard and they rode fast. They were now resting after setting up a small camp that consisted of a 2 small fires and 3 mid-sized tents. The journey had lasted for a the better part of two days since they had left the capital city of Tanandrial in search of the reported persons landing on the Western coast by way of what was an unscheduled small boat. Most that arrived along the West were large ships for trade from R�n�r�. Riders had been sent off in different directions ahead of Arnathus Kalvaryne's party in order to locate the location. Two had already returned reporting they found nothing. Arnathus was sitting about the fire eating a bowl of stew that had been made consisting of rabbit's meat and various vegetables that had either been brought in the small sacks attached to the horses' saddles. The men sat about the fire singing a large array of songs cheerfully. Some of the songs were about their victories over the Zhynn to claim these lands, others of things long past during their times within R�n�r�, or some of soft, fair maidens who stole the hearts of the warriors. It was then that Arnathus was distracted from this joyous moment of singsong by one of his men on guard duty.

"M'Lord!" Called one of Arnathus' men, Halidr from beside him.

"Yes, Halidr? What is it?" The fourth marshal replied.

"He is here! The last scout!" Halidr said rather excited, "He brings word of the location of those we're after!"

"Excellent!" Arnathus exlaimed, getting up from the ground where he sat about the fire.

Arnathus and the man, Halidr, walked off to the edge of the small, temporary encampment to greet a man who was in the midst of dismounting from his horse. He gave a curt bow to Arnathus upon seeing his approach.

"My Lord Kalvaryne!" He greeted, "I bring news of the whereabouts of those who crossed the sea!"

"Well met, my dear Kayten," Arnathus greeted, "Now, speak quickly! Where may I find these travellers?"

"They lie just South-West of here, my Lord. No more a mere few hours ride, I'll have you know!" the scout, Kayten Gryis told Arnathus, "They appeared to be armed, my Lord, approach them with caution."

"Thank you, Kayten," Arnathus said, "There is a large pot of stew about the fire. Help yourself after your long journey."

The scout thanked Arnathus and made his way to the fire where he dined heartily on the succulent stew. A few moments later Arnathus gave the announcement that they would be leaving shortly to intercept the band of travellers. With full stomachs and spirits high, the men roared loudly in acknowledgement. An hour later the tents were put away, the fires put out by small amounts of water and trampling of well covered feet. The men were set; they left after the travellers from R�n�r� and rode for several hours. They would be there shortly.

[La Forge]

Coastline, Banorat

Queen Bianca Avanti, of the Amazons of Ronaro, stood at the edge of the sea, the foaming waves gently splashing about her bare feet. Her long dark brown hair flowed in the gentle breeze, splaying about behind her. The woman's deep, mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, green eyes, peered out, over the vast sea, as if searching for something. Maybe it was her own home that she was looking for. Only a week after she had left her forest and she was already homesick. This land...Banorat...Bianca rarely came to this land...She did not like this land. While the land was majestic and beautiful...the lands of Banorat and the surrounding area were so...primitive and wild. So many vile creatures lived in the land. Evil Men lurked everywhere. The land was dangerous...Banorat was most certainly the frontier. A colony of Men. Sometimes Bianca wondered why Imzadi had chosen this land to be the location of her kingdom. I suppose Imzadi didn't want to leave her forest. During the few times that Bianca had visited Banorat, she had found that Imzadi's forests were quite beautiful. She could see why Imzadi didn't want to leave. Truthfully, if this were Bianca's home, she would have never wanted to leave, either. But, now, with this attack on the forest, Bianca didn't know what to think. What of Imzadi? What of her people? What of the forest? Who committed these atrocities? Men, no doubt. If so, Bianca would surely tear the first Man that she saw and tear his heart out. What had happened?

Bianca let a heavy sigh escape her cold blue lips. She turned around and walked back up the sandy sea shore, her naked body gleaming in the sunlight. Bianca preferred to be nude. It allowed her to be free. When in friendly company, all Amazons would go nude. It allowed them to live...to relax...to breath, for once. All of her worldy problems would just...float away...She was at peace...For now...

Bianca returned to the small camp that her troops had set up. The Amazons needed to prepare for the coming days. After all, Bianca was exhausted after such a long voyage. Such a long boat ride is nauseating and very exhausting. Row, Row, Row...For days! The smell of the sea was intoxicating. It was good to be back on dry land...to have your own two feet on the ground. To be in control...Bianca had never liked the sea and she probably never would. She preferred the forest...Her forest, most of all.

Above, the sun had disappeared behind the clouds and the shining stars had began to appear in the black sky. The night air was fresh and refreshing. The sounds of the waves coming from the sparkling blue sea was relaxing. Everything about the night was wonderful.

Just as Bianca was about to retire to her quarters, one of her guards, nude, just as Bianca was, burst forth, both tired and terrified. She paused to take a breath before looking up at Bianca, eye-to-eye. This woman was one of Bianca's scouts. The look on her face displayed a sense of urgency. What had happened?

"Men!" the woman muttered, still gasping for breath. "Men are coming!"

[Valathous]

~ Coastline, B�n�r�t ~

Lord Arnathus Kalvaryne of the Eastfold and his party of horsemen rode hard, one carrying a large spear with the flag of B�n�r�t on the end, waving majestically through the night's sky. Arnathus himself had a spear in one hand as he rode. His strong arm and accuracy made him dangerous with such a weapon, though he hoped he wouldn't have to use it with this encounter, or his sword, which he was quite proficient with, as well.

The small camp was now in sight. The longer fur horsehair tail on his helmet, along with Arnathus' hair flowed behind him as he rode towards his destination. As he approached the camp quickly he was made aware by the noise that the small camp was now alerted to their presence. He tightened his grasp over his spear. Now, as he got closer though, he found something to be quite odd. The camp appeared to be full of women, many of the actually nude... Arnathus was quite content to know his party was well disciplined after discovering this.

After another moment, the large party was at the camp and formed a line with their horses along the front of it. Their spears were at their sides rather than brandished as a sign of peace rather than hostility. Arnathus dismounted from his horse and drove his spear into the ground next to his horse. He walked forwards and awaited reception from a member of the group.

[La Forge]

Banorat, Coastline

Before the Men had arrived, Bianca had rushed into her large, ornamental tent and dressed in her combat gear, not allowing the approaching Men the pleasure to see her, the Queen of the Amazons of Ronaro, in the nude.

Her combat gear consisted of a long white dress, covered with a breastplate and several leather straps on her arms, legs, and abdomen. It may not be the most protective of armors, but it did allow her more freedom when it came to movement. The Amazons had favored light armor. Heavy armor bogs you down. Light armor gives you enough protection and the ability to move effectively. A perfect balance.

Before departing her tent, Bianca had strapped on her quiver and slung her wooden bow over her back, before picking up her spear and exiting the tent, through the beads that hung from the entrance.

Flanked by two of her Royal Guards, who had dressed, as well, approached the Men who had circled her camp, spears drawn. Bianca approached the man who appeared to be the leader.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Bianca spit at the Man, with such ferocity and anger...

[Valathous]

~ Coastline, B�n�r�t ~

As the three women approached him, Arnathus was rather pleased to see those three that were to address him had the courtesy of being clothed. To speak to someone such as Arnathus while in the nude in any other place besides the confines of his domain was just rude and inappropriate. He was slightly taken aback by her harsh demeanor and aggressive nature. Though, this would not phase Arnathus Kalvaryne, he had experienced worse... much worse in his exchanges with the Zhynn. Such brutal creatures they were... Careless, merciless, cold and black hearts that probably would not beat if their own mothers were killed...

"Common courtesy would suggest that I should be the one asking that of you, being that you have intruded upon the domain of the Eastern Men of B�n�r�t," Arnathus replied somewhat arrogantly.

Whether or not that was the most intelligent thing to say to a band of women who appeared to have such tough, weather and combat-worn exteriors had yet to be determined but being in the face of adviserity whether it was a Zhynn force or a host of women, had yet make Arnathus hold his arrogance.

"You were spotted by our watchmen before even reached our lands," Arnathus stated, "What brings a host of women such as yourselves across the sea to B�n�r�t?"

[La Forge]

Coastline, Banorat

Bianca folded her arms and scowled, in annoyance. This man was a pest and his group of knights were only a nuisance. What matter does it make that she and a few of her soldiers were here? They didn't plan on attacking the Men or anything! The Amazons had given up on that years ago. Just stay out of the affairs of the Men and you will be fine. However, when the Zhynn complicate matters...things change.

"My name is Bianca Avanti. I am the Queen of the Amazons of Ronaro." Bianca introduced herself, hastily, wanting to leave this man and be on her way. She had much land to traverse and she needed to reach Imzadi quickly. Who knows what could have happened by now? What if Imzadi was already dead? What if ALL of the Banorat Amazons were dead? What, then? "I am here to assist my allies, the Amazons of Banorat. They are in danger." Bianca sighed, heavily. "Now that you know our purpose, would you please allow us to pass? I am in quite a hurry, as you can see..."

[Valathous]

~ Coastline, B�n�r�t ~

Arnathus smiled at the woman. Royalty? He thought not. What was more serious though, was her concern for the Amazons of B�n�r�t. Arnathus had not had dealings with them for many years. They were secluded within the forests and the King let them stay there out of generosity despite the fact he clearly had the numbers to be rid of their pesky tribe.

"Royalty from R�n�r�, are you?" Arnathus asked rhetorically, "Well, excuse me for questioning your sovereignty but if I'm not mistaken, the Royal Family of R�n�r� is under the rule of King Calen Herend. Now, with that in mind, I believe I may address you as perhaps Madam or Mistress Bianca Avanti of the Amazons of R�n�r�. Now that we have that settled, I am Arnathus Kalvaryne, Lord of the Eastfold and Fourth Marshal of the B�n�r�t militia. "

The arrogance of Arnathus seemed to cover him almost in an aura of haughtiness. Now, this was where he made a keen observation as to the urgency of this band and their departure time.

"Now, Pardon me, Mistress Bianca Avanti, but if you are in such haste at this particular moment in time to run to the aid of those who are on the other side of this rather large nation, which contains a mountain range which will surely impede your progress," Arnathus began, throwing in several mentions of obstacles that may dampen their spirits, " then why were you and your party relaxing in such a carefree manner as but donning only your skin in the middle of a camp that happens to appear prepared for a nice slumber? Perhaps after such a long journey across the sea you were in need of a much needed rest, one that we seem to be trampling upon with the formalities of our own nation in discovering the intentions of unexpected visitors to our lands?" Arnathus said somewhat sarcastically in response to her wishing he and his men leave. After all, he was ordered by the King himself to discover the intent of the foreign party. He would not be received as poorly as such by some band of wondering women.

[La Forge]

Coastline, Banorat

Bianca was outraged at this arrogant man's comments.

"How dare you talk to me in such a manner, you bastard!" Bianca burst out, her body glowing with anger. Saliva flew as she spoke. Her eyes were aflame, burning with the intensity of the flames of hell. She had never been spoken to in such a manner, before. She was royalty! To her people, anyways. That was all that matters. This...Man had no right to question her authority. "The Amazons have no affiliations with Ronaro besides of the fact that we live in the same land. We pay no tributes to the Royal Family nor do we show respect to them. We are a seperate peoples. Sometimes I wonder why the Almighty One even created Men...especially Men of the likes of you." Bianca roared at the man. Arnathus Kalvaryne was his name? "I suppose you were only created to mate...then, die. Or, that is how it works in my culture. MY culture, you see? We are different from you Men. Our habits are of no concern of yours. Being in the nude helps us relax. This was our temporary camp. We were to leave in the morning, if not sooner. We are very tired. Crossing the sea is no easy task. But, now, with you in the way, whatever shall I do?"

[Hitchhiker]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Geredar shook his head. "While it's possible, I think that it is more probable that his magic is just not accurate enough. Whatever means he is using to evade the bonds that keep him on the island must affect how accurately he can project himself. No, we can't rely on the forest being his target."

He drew out the crystal that he had. "We may be able to make use of this." A sort of shadow drew across Geredar's face. It may have been the lighting, but his expression also conveyed the wizard's reluctance. And when a wizard is reluctant to do magic, you know that something must be up. "Of course, what I would suggest would be quite dangerous--especially to you."

[Valathous]

~ L��r�nthi�, Irienshri ~

Valathous, the Ranger, looked at the Wizard, Geredar for a moment then down at the crystal he was holding. Valathous' gaze was drawn to it. He watched it ever closely as it swung back and forth like a pendulum ever so slightly from being drawn from the Wizard's garb.

A danger to himself? He needn't even to have a second to reply to the wise Wizard.

"Whatever befalls be is of very little consequence to this world if it ensures the likes of Jarmalus to never set foot on these lands in physical form or apparition ever again," Valathous said quite unselfishly, "Tell me, Geredar, what is this plan of yours?"

~ Coastline, B�n�r�t ~

Arnathus smirked at the woman's outburst. She was rather easy to set off as it seemed. He removed his helmet and held it under his arm, his long blonde hair falling about his shoulders.

"I dare to because I can, Mistress, because I can," He started, "And people like me were created for an ever important purpose. While I'm sure many women would wish for my only purpose being to mate, alas it is not. It is, in reality, to serve and protect his own people, which is of course, what I am doing at the moment. Ensuring there is no threat coming over from across the seas. So excuse me for fulfilling my apparently menial purpose."

Arnathus looked about the camp for a moment with a cocked eyebrow and a grimace. These women had a long way to travel to reach the forests of the Amazons in B�n�r�t.

"Tell me, Mistress, what misfortunes have befallen the Amazons of these lands? It intrigues me as the East, where the forest lies that they inhabit, are my lands where I partol, the Eastfold. As I am quite aware I did not attack them, and the forest is far from any border, what could have caused such an urgency for you to travel the sea to come to their aid?"

[Hitchhiker]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

"You're not going to like," sighed Geredar. "It may be possible to find out what Jarmalus is seeking if we can . . . connect with the crystal. In order to do that, we need a vessel, someone who can voice the emotions and snippets of thoughts being caught in the crystal. You would become connected to it, and so you could sense that intents that Jarmalus felt during his latest projections.

"I would do it myself it it were possible, but we need a wizard to work the magic behind this, and a wizard to break the connection if you grow to be in too much danger. Alas, even with me watching over you, it's possible that your mind could be . . . damaged. You may not emerge from the experience intact."

It was a lot to ask of Valathous, but Geredar hoped the ranger was up to it. If they could figure out where Jarmalus was going next, perhaps they would be able to gather more clues.

[Valathous]

~ L��r�nthi�, Irienshri ~

There were risks involved in everything. For everytime Valathous spoke to a stranger there was risk, everytime he fought in a war there was unimaginable risk.

"For things to get done properly, risks are a necessity," Valathous said to Geredar with a sigh, "I will partake in whatever plan you have that may help us gather evidence enough to lore the Elves to our aid."

Afterall, without the help of the Elves, who were and are still directly affected by the witchcraft of the Dark One, Jarmalus, then it was quite likely that they would fail. Besides, having someone other than wandering Ranger and a crazy old Wizard would probably come in handy when in came to talking to other arrogant Royals of various nations.

[Lord Borg]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Valandil nodded back and explained to ����d�n about his choice. "(They are already mobile on exercises, if I am correct, they are in the general direction we will be traveling in, we could meet with them on the way, and then continue on, to bolster the defenses of her home.)"

[Founder]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

����d�n nodded his head to Valandil, his attention not focused on his words. He looked back towards the library, filled with ancient books. The elf remembered the wizard and ranger back there and the small disagreement they all had. A part of him wanted to go back and offer help, but another part wanted to help the young mistress and her homeland. He didn't know what it was, but he felt that they were important and whatever task was ahead, he would need them.

(Excuse me.)" He said to Valandil and Luthien.

He walked back towards the steps they had come from and saw both the Wizard and ranger discussing something. ����d�n bowed to both of them.

(My words may have cut deep)," He said, "(But I meant no harm. I've become cynical in my youth...)

[Ziona]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Luthien nodded quickly to ����d�n as he madde his departure. She turned to Valandil.

"(I fear I am dragging both of you into something that you need not concern yourself with.)" She sighed and hugged her arms to her chest. "(I wish not to cause any great strife between you two or any of the other races in these lands.)"

[Lord Borg]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Valandil shook his head. "(It is no strife, we care greatly about our brothers and sisters.)" Valandil sighed quietly. "(We have...ran into trouble before attempting to bring more then enough help, he is just being cuatiouse...)"

[Ziona]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Luthien nodded.

"(Well, I appreciate your swiftness to assist my homeland.)" She looked Valandil straight in the eyes with her bright blue eyes and smiled gently. "(My father, I am sure, will welcome you with great feasts and much happiness.)"

[Lord Borg]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Valandil smiled. "(I guess that means we will have to over eat...)" this was a joke, as it is no secret that Luthien's father likes to have plenty of food served at the feasts... Valandil thought a bit on what was going to be said to the other members of the royalty that two of the family were going to leave...

[Valathous]

~ L��r�nthi�, Irienshri ~

Valathous Ayrithar looked from the old Wizard and his plans that involved frying the Ranger's brains over to the Elf, who surprisingly seemed to be apologizing. Valathous, while pleased with this would not accept an apology only to have the Elf walk off again and offer no aid.

"While I appreciate your realization of your words, you must know that they cut deeper into the veins of your lands than they do in mine," he started, "It will not be I who needs to be tended to if we ignore these warnings, but rather all people... Take into your heart this knowledge before going galavanting around on quests of small magnitude, my Lord."

After once again ranting to the Elf, he felt acknowledging him politely with a proper title was in order after the Elf had the courtesy of apologizing.

[Ziona]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Luthien paused and headed over to a small window, overlooking the valley. She smiled down on the green trees and foliage as it washed over the landscape. Nature soothed her and she stood a few moments, raising her hands in front of her and summoning forth a druidic form of a blessing. She turned and pushed a wave of air towards Valandil, bestowing on him the same blessing that she had just put over the valley and herself.

[Lord Borg]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Valandil bowed his head slightly as he felt the wave of air. Time was nearing for depature. He waited for a moment, to let it be appropiate. "(M'lady, do you have any of your belongings you wish to bring?)"

[Founder]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

[Ziona]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Luthien shook her head.

"(All I need I carry on my being already.)" She smiled to Valandil. "(I am ready for departure.)"

[Lord Borg]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Valandil nodded. "(Very well then, let us procede, we'll meet up with ����d�n on the way out...)"

[Ziona]

-L��r�nthi�, Irienshri-

Luthien nodded and followed Valandil quickly.