Ganthanor is the first to wake, his head hurts considerably. Reaching up he feels a wetness and his hand comes back stained red. Slowly he looks around and sees Adriena. She is laying on the ground near Ganthanor. Ganthanor then notices that he still has his weapons. His next realization is that they are in a filthy alley.

It is reaching nightfall and traffic on the streets outside of the alley is starting to pickup.

Ganth rushes to Adriena only to fall back where he lay as the pain and fatigue over come him. Whispering to himself."A little more slowly Ganth ol' boy." This time he gets up slower and crawls slowly to Adriena. He examines her to see if she's still alive and notes that she is breathing. He checks for any injuries but finds that the only thing visably wrong with her is a bleeding scalp from hair being forceably torn out.

Quietly Ganthanor says, "Wake up girl..." He whispers."Wake up.... We're alive but we're in danger." Ganth gently nudges her awake. Adriena's eyes open and squint with the sudden rush of pain from her scalp. Ganthanor looks around quickly but doesn't see anyone heading towards the alley.

Adriena casts her eyes down and averts her face from Ganthanor, "Oh, what have I done? Surely I could have reasoned with that.. that .. Oh, when will this nightmare end? I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. Malis is all alone and sure to suffer at the hands of that she-orc." and she begins to cry. She curls herself up into a ball and leans heavily on Ganthanor, her sobs muffled in her chest.

After some time, she wipes her eyes and finally meets Ganthanor's gaze, "Damit, look at me feeling sorry for myself when you're bleeding all over. Here let me help you." She rips off a strip of her robe and tries to bandage his head. Her hands are shaking so much that it takes several tries before she can get them to stay.

Adriena says, "I.. I really don't know what we should do. Surely we two alone can't get into the castle and free that man. I wish they would have killed us.." Adriena pulls her knees up to her chin and stares into space.

Ganthanor replies, "I can only imagine what she's gone through. I wish I were able to restore everything to normal but that's just a wish. Adriena, don't give up on me.I see that far away look in your eyes. You're trying to escape this reality any way you can but it's not going to work. I don't know much but I do knowthat life is worth holding on to and we need to get on with it. Let's see if we can find the others in our party along the way to... to... I can't for the life of me remember why we're here. Something to do with retrieving some object perhaps?" Ganth looks at Adriena...."What was it again...?" Ganth gives a look around and is assured that apparently no one has taken an undue interest in the two orcs hiding out in the alley.

Adriena sniffs and looks at Ganthanor for a long minute. Finally, she replies, "We are here to rescue Lord Herpein before the orcs can make him tell the secrets he knows about our city. With the information they get from him they will be able to finally sack it and conquer the humans forever. Without him our people have little or no chance to survive the orc assult. We need to enter their Keep and free him, then get him home safely. Alright, Ganthanor. I won't give up. How do you propose we find him?"

Ganthanor's brow frowns and then a smile creeps on to his face, "We join the army." He stands up, gently pulling Adriena to her feet.

Adriena stops him before he gets too far. Pulling on his hand she says, "You can't be serious! That would just take us back out into the wilds, not to the Keep." Her voice softens, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be harsh. It is a good idea, but I don't think it will work. We need to keep ourselves away from any organized groups. They watch their soldiers like hawks. Besides, from what we've seen no-one volunteers to fight. Suspicions would be raised immediately. No, I think we had best observe the comings and goings of the Keep to get a beter idea of how things work around there. Maybe we can sneek in as kitchen hands or something. Now, which way do we go to get there?" Before her retorical question can be answered she heads down the alley away from the street closest to them.

As Adriena walks, she feels somewhat awkward, it takes her a few seconds to realize what it is. Her spellbook is missing, but to her amazement her dagger is in its sheath. Taking inventory of her items she finds that she is also missing the brooches, both those from Lady Otasura and those from Haratai, as well as her coin purse. Looking over, she sees that Ganthanor's brooch is missing as well.

Adriena's knees go weak and buckle under her. Placing a hand against the alley wall to steady herself, she slowly slips to the ground and startscrying again. "This is hopeless... hopeless..."

Ganthanor replies, "No... not yet... we still have life in us. Let's try to find others from our party. Perhaps they have been trailing us and we simply need to become visible long enough for them to see us." Ganth gently lifts Adriena to her feet."Come dear one... we need to get moving..."

Ganth gives her support for as long as she needs it. Looking out into the street, Ganth searches for any of the press gangs. Luckily, Ganthanor looked first. From their safety in the alley, they see a group of heavy armed orcs moving down the street with a cart trailing behind them. The orcs grab everyone in sight, knock them unconscious and toss them onto the cart.

Ganthanor has heard of such press gangs and knows that to the Orcs it doesn't matter who you are, or what you do for a living. If you get captured by a press gang, you are impressed into the military.

Ganthanor lets out a lungful of air as the press gang passes by the entrance to the alley and continues on down the main street, and says, "We're going to need food soon and water even sooner. That means we're going to have to steal for our supper.... How are your skills at thievery? Mine are worthless. I bash heads and take what I want from the unmoving carcass. We could find a home isolated from others and use it as a base....Perhaps we might find an Orc church that would take us in and help us...."

Adriena turns on Ganthanor, "That book was my life! Food and water are secondary to it! We've no money, I've no means to replenish my spells, you're beat to shit, and we are hundreds of miles from any safe place!" She begins to shake uncontrollably, her breath coming in short gasps, "There's nothing left to it.. nothing." The mage falls silent and allows herself to be led, her feet moving at nothing more than a shuffle.

Darkness continues to fall as the two move onto the street. They see that the road spreads out to their left and right. Further down to their left they see the press gang off in the distance. Looking at the rundown buildings, it is clear that the two are in the Poor Quarter of the city. The Keep is visable in the distance, towering over the buildings in the city.

The two move slowly for a few minutes when they hear loud voices and laughter coming from a building. Observing from a distance, it is obvious that the establishment is a tavern of some sort.

Ganthanor says, "We need to get off of the street for the night because it's safer but we don't have any money.... I do not relish the idea but I could perhaps earn us some money. I am after all a very pretty face and the lady Orcs might...." Ganth grimaces after saying that...."Perhaps, I could.... Ughh... no, I'd rather...."

Ganth shuts up quickly, fearing to tread on any subject of that sort. Ganth and Adriena locate the back of the tavern area and begin searching thegarbage for some food. The two root through the trash, keeping their bodies clean but soiling their hands and forearms without finding anything edible, "We might want to find the richer part of town as the scraps will be much better. On the other hand, it will be more patrolled as well.... We can't win even if we lost. I think that's how that saying goes...." Ganth shrugs.

Something about the orc's laughter snaps Adriena out of her trance. She shakes Ganthanor's arm to get his attention, "I think I have an idea, Ganthanor. Let's try to get a job at that inn. We can offer my cooking and your strength for food and shelter. It is possible that the owner has lost some hands with all of the recruitment going on. It will give us a place to rest, food, and we.. or I can possibly hear some rumors that will help us in our mission." Her face darkens frighteningly, "Once you are better, we can return for my book and make that witch pay."

Adriena says, "I will tell them we are husband and wife, home lost to fire. You cannot understand or speak anything more than simple common due to a close brush with the recruiters against your head. Ok? Let's give it a try, at least."

Ganthanor beams, "Excellent notion! Of course my close brush resulted in fewer recruiters..." Ganth follows Adriena into the tavern. He stands up straight and imposing hoping the polymorph allowed him to keep his 6' 4" height or close to it.

Adriena forces herself to smile at Ganthanor, "Sure, Gan, but let's make sure there aren't any enforcers around to here that kind of boasting or we'll be worse off for it." The smile leaves her face as if she can't imagine it being any worse. With a reserved sigh she looks for a backdoor to the tavern.

Adriena finds an open door way that leads into the tavern. Scratching her head for a moment, she looks carefully and sees that there are hinges in the doorframe that are attached to small pieces of wood. Looking behind her she sees the rest of the door partially embedded in the wall of the next building. There is a distinct footprint in the center of the door.

Carefully looking inside, Adriena sees the common room. There are 8 rectangle tables in this room with benches. Currently 3 of the tables are filled. At the closest table there is a huge orc wearing studded leather. Leaning against his table is a giant sheathed sword and straped to his back is an unslung bow.

At the next furthest table there are two orcs talking softly to each other. They are not wearing any armour and do not have any visable weapons.

At the furthest table, closest to the front door, there are 3 orcs eating and generally ignoring everyone else. One of the orcs is wearing leather armour and visable is armed with a shortsword. The next is wearing a black robe that Adriena recognizes as a priest robe. The third is wearing a robe as well but it is slightly different from priest robe. The last two do not have any visable weapons.

To Adriena's right is the bar and entrance to the kitchen. Currently there is no one at the bar, nor is there anyone manning the bar. No one seems to have noticed Adriena as she took in the scene.

Adriena eyes the robed orcs warily and remembers to remove her own robe. She rolls it up and puts it into her backpack which she slings onto her back, not needing to hide her spellbook anymore. With a reserved sigh, she enters the room and walks to the bar, making sure Gan is close behind.

As Adriena and Ganthanor enter the tavern. The rather large orc says to them, "Hmmph, have a seat my poor friends. You look like you need a drink," and then in a louder voice, which seems to boom in the room, "BarKeep! Three mugs of stout!"

Ganthanor looks at the enormous orc and glances back at the busted doorway.

As Adriena and Ganth are deciding what the do, an older orc comes bursting through the swinging door that leads to the kitchen. Around the orc's waist there is an apron and in his hands are three large mugs. The orc quickly sets them down at the table, and then politely leaves.

The other orcs in the common room take notice of Adriena and Ganth but only in passing. They return to their own conversations, though the priest robed orc sneers at their filthiness.

The Orc reiterates, "Come on, I don't bite, have a seat, drinks on me."

Ganthanor smiles hearily and sits down, understanding the meaning of the Orc's offer if not the words. He thinks that if he doesn't sit down the orc might get pissed or offended and this was oooone big orc. {Besides,} Ganthanor thinks, {This might be an easy way to get some work for money and _food_!}

Ganthanor tips the mug to the orc and begins to drink slowly. He tries to hide the fact that he is very thirsty; in reflection, Ganthanor can't remember the last time he did have something to drink, but after the tasty brew hits his throat, he can't help but smile wider and let out a slight sound of appreciation. Ganthanor continues to take small sips to prevent his mug from getting empty too soon.

Adriena follows Ganthanor and sits, though her nervousness causes her to spill some of her drink as she raises it to her lips. She sips it, testing the flavour. She prepairs herself not to wrinkle her nose at the taste, but finds that she doesn't need to. It tastes pretty good.

Her parched throat closes around the ale and she gives a little cough, "Ughhum, excuse me... Um, thank you. I didn't realize how thirsty I was. My name is Ithmuck. This is Ganth." She looks around the room at the others, noting the priest's scornful expression.

Eyeing the big sword she asks, "Are you with the fighting forces?" She takes another sip, wondering if her liking of the brew is because she is in an orc body.

Avoiding her gaze, the orc says, "No Ma'am just a half-breed cull who saw fit to buy his betters a drink or too... that's all."

Ganth doesn't have a clue as to their words and finds the experience unsettling. He's worried that the conversation could go bad at any moment and he won't have a clue. He carefully eyes Adriena looking for signs of worry or trouble but tries not to make it obvious.

Adriena notices Ganthan.. uh, 'Ganth's confused looks, along with the half-breed's humble tone. She lays a hand on Ganth's arm and gives a gentle squeeze of reassurance, then turns a smile to the big orc.

She lowers her voice, and after giving the robed one's a sideways glance, she says in common "It is not often one can actually find a kind hand in this world of ours. Thank you."

Her voice is low and soft, but huskey. She continues by patting Ganth's hand, "Do not think me your better, oh no, " she gives a wry laugh, "I have never felt so lowly as I do at this moment. My husband, here took quite a lumping earlier today. He was never too bright to begin with, but now... well he can only understand rudementory common, if you know what I mean. Still, he's got it where it counts. We have nothing left between us other than ourselves and the dirty clothes on our backs. We were thinking of trying to get a job here at this tavern, but I don't know... Is there a name I may call you by?"

The big orc replies in a rough common, "I am Barak...and me sorry for your misfortune but me not know of jobs here."

Adriena's forced smile falters a bit and she replies, "Oh, I see... well, then I guess I had better talk to the barkeep and see what I can come up with. Would you excuse me for a few minutes? I'll be right back." She gets up from her seat, gives Ganth a kiss on the cheek and walks to the kitchen door. She gives a light knock and waits for him to appear.

Ganthanor continues to remain quiet. He waits to see what Adriena can drum up.

Adriena only has to wait for a few seconds before the swinging door is being thrown open, Adriena quickly steps back to avoid being hit. Standing in the doorway is the same Orc that brought the drinks. Giving Adriena a quick once-over something runs across his face, too quickly for Adriena to identify, before his face falls in the neutral pose that is customary for innkeepers across the face of the world, "Yess?" he asks drawing out the 's' sound.

Adriena bows her head slightly and says in a meek voice, "Your pardon, keeper. My husband and I have recently lost our home and possesions. We are looking for work, mostly in exchange food and shelter, though a few coppers would help. We are good workers. I know my way around a kitchen and my husband, though a little thick, is quite strong and dependable, could you, perhaps, use an extra hand or two?"

Ganth waits quietly.

The innkeeper pauses for a few seconds, tapping his right tusk with his fingers and changing his glance from Adriena to Ganth. Adriena notices that the innkeepers hands are remarkable clean..for an orc..to the point of immaculate. Finally he says, "My name is Bamhoulder Haugnon. While under my roof and in my employ, you will call me 'Master Innkeeper', or 'Sir'. You will also clean yourselves up, you both are as filthy as elves," as he says the word, he turns his head to the sit and expertly spits into a spitoon on the ground.

Turning his head back to Adriena he continues, "You will work the room filling orders for food and drink. You will also help clean the rooms upstairs. Your mate will wash dishes in the kitchen and perform the grunt labour under the supervision on my mate. He is also expected to help quell any fights here in the tavern. No blood! His huge sword stays sheathed," he points under the bar where a thick club is located, "That is what he will use. Dead orcs don't buy anything."

Bamhoulder finishes, "You will be given clean clothes, food, and a place to sleep. Tips will be your own. You each will receive 5sp every two weeks wage. Breakage will come from your wages. Agreed?" He asks, but continues before Adriena can reply, "Fine, fine. Now get you and your mate cleaned up. My mate will ensure you get clean clothes and some food in your bellies."

Bamhoudler pauses and then looks Adriena straight in the face, placing his hands on her shoulders and says solemnly, "If you steal from me or harm my own, I will personnally skin you both alive and boil you for dinner," Baumhoulder's face returns to its neutral expression and he says, "Now move! No slacking here!"

Adriena says in her best orcish with obvious gratitude in her voice,"Yes, sir, Master Innkeeper. I am called Ithmuck. He is Ganth and, as you can see, has been hurt recently. He'll be good for your kitchen, sir, make no mistake, but he wasn't to bright before hand. He only understands the common tounge. I'm working with him, though."

Baumhoulder shrugs, and says, "My mate is in the kitchen, she'll set you up," before turning back to the bar.

Anxious to be clean again, she turns and hurries back to the table. She places a firm hand on Ganth's shoulder and says politely to Barak, "I am so glad to have met you and hope you will be around often, but I was able to get us some work. He wants us to start right away, too," to Ganthanor she says, "Come, dear, we must get washed up and ready go now."

Ganth nods to Barak as they leave.

Heading back to the kitchen a very ugly looking female orc, even by orc standards, looks up, "What do you want?" she cackles, raising a wicked looking butcher knife. Before Adriena can reply, Baumhoulder pokes his head into the kitchen and says, "They are working here now. Get them cleaned up," and then withdraws back to the common room.

Letting out a slight, "Hrmp!" the orc directs the two upstairs and shows them their quarters, on the way up the stair, she whispers to Ganth and tells him what Bamhoulder Haugnon said. "I think we can agree to those terms. We'll have to share the room, but I'm willing to keep up appearances," she blushes slightly.

Ganth whispers back, "We now have a base of operations. A place to learn. Keep our ears open...well, your ears anyway and let's gather information as best we can. What of Barak? He was obviously sent here by the queen, no?" Ganth has no problems with the sleeping arrangements as Adriena's new form doesn't do a thing for him. Perhaps to see her in her 'other' form might be interesting.... Ganth brings his thoughts back to the present, "The sleeping arrangements should be as husband and wife. We must keep up the pretense, no?" His face remains passive for a few moments but he then lets her off the hook with a smile, "sleep only, of course."

He continues his walk with her, looking for their destination. He can't wait for food, clean clothes and a decent nights sleep. Ganth will work hard for his keep. It's not in his nature to do otherwise.

Baumhoulder's mate, as the two assume she is, shows them where to clean up and then says, "Be back downstairs in an hour, the meal rush will be upon us," and then leaves the two alone.

Adriena remains silent until the Orcwoman leaves her and Ganth alone. She turns to Ganth and asks, "You really think that fellow, Barak, is from The Lady? I think it is unlikely, myself. He seems to be natural in his mannerisms. Still, we should make all the friends we can. Let's get washed up and get to work."

She draws the curtain around the wash basin and undresses. While she soaks in the cool water she metally prepair herself for the coming task. 'Serving a bunch of roudy, drunk orcs should be the highlight of my life' she thinks sarcastiscally, then she admonishes herself, 'Comeon, girl. A bad attitude won't help matters. Think positive'.

After a good rise, Adriena dresses in the garments left by the Innkeep's mate and makes a few neccessary adjustments. Her nose wrinkles at the smell of them, but they are much cleaner than what she had on before. She waits patiently for Ganth to bath, eating her portion of the meal given along with the clothing.

Having finished her meal, Adriena feels she is ready to begin her chores. 'Just like caring for my brothers', she thinks to herself, 'everyone bellowing for more and burping all over themselves...'.

Upon reaching the dining room, she notices the increase in patrons. 'Humm, dinner had better hurry before things get ugly - if it can get any uglier than these guys." Adriena enters the kitchen and announces that she will begin collecting orders for the evening crush and that Ganth is just finishing his bath. He'll be down shortly.

Before entering the dining room, Adriena 'makes herself presentable'. The kitchen doors swing wide and she says to everyone there, "I am your server for the evening. If you will treat me with patience and a little respect your meals will be served quickly and cordially. If you piss me off you will be wearing your food." She approaches the first table and begins her rounds.

Eventually, things have settled into a pace of her choosing and she finds time to visit with Barak. He asks her, "First of all, why does an orc only know common and pretend to be mute as most orcs fear infirmities such as this?"

She answers, "He was pretending to be mute so his idiocy would not be readily noticed. As for only speaking the common tounge, well, as I said - he was none too birght to begin with, but after a bad encounter with the enforcers he is doubly so. I hope to re-educate him eventually. Would you like an evening meal, Barak?"

Barak shakes his head in the negative and says, "I see... well, no thank you I've already eaten." Adriena's attention is quickly pulled away to new patrons, leaving the large orc there at his table.

Ganthanor cleans up, straps on his new club and heads downstairs. He gets to work as directed by the owners. He proves to be a hard worker, keeping his head high and his eyes alert for trouble. The few times a problem between patrons begins, Ganth solves it by clubbing them both down and tossing them out the door. Bamhoulder gives a gruff nod indicating that Ganth has the right idea.

During the shift Ganth finds a quick moment to give his 'wife' a big hug. Adriena accepts Ganth's hug, perhaps a bit to readily. It is clear to Ganth that she is nervous about handling the culinary needs of such a group but she is holding up very well. She smiles at him sweetly and returns to work.

Ganth doesn't say much, only to growl and look threatening when he should, otherwise, he works hard hauling foods and drinks up from the celler to the kitchen and scrubbing dishes; and of course, the occassional thumping of a skull or two.

Listening in on the conversation at the tables, Adriena learns that the priests are going to address the orc masses tomorrow in the amphitheater, something about a 'special mission', she doesn't learn anything more about it. Adriena also is facinated by the vulgarity of the orcs. Almost every third word is an obscenity, and every joke deals with body parts of one gender or another. Definately an orc city..

As the dinner crowd dwindles down, the two are allowed to get something to eat and after preparations for the next meal, are allowed to get some rest. Ganthanor and Adriena notice that Barak has remained in the tavern the entire evening as other orcs have come and gone, drinking ale.

Adriena approaches Barak's table, "How are you doing over here, Barak? May we join you again? Ohh, my feet are killing me! Here, Ganth, rub them for me," she smiles sweetly at her husband. Sitting with her warty feet in Ganth's lap, she gazes about the room, her mind still stuck on her chores of the last few hours. Finally, she asks, "Where is it that you live, Barak? Do you have a home nearby?"

Barak replies, "Actually, I have no home being a half human, I am shunned by full orcs. I am trying to get out of the city, I'm just waiting for a time when I dont have to do it alone, I've been alone so much of my life...Why cant they just get along," a tone of regret and a little bitterness are mixed in with Barak's last statement.

Adriena reaches across the table an pats Barak's arm, "Aww, there there, Barak. You've never had any real friends, have you? Well, guess what - Ganth and I are tired of the way the others live, too. If you like, you can call us friends. We have talked about leaving the city ourselves, but our recent hardships have put a hold on those plans. I wish..." She makes a play at a 'far away look', then continues, "But who am I kidding? Things can never be the same again. You see Barak, we have a dear friend locked away in the Keep and a few others that we got seperated from when the Enforcers beat up Ganth. You are certainly not alone for wanting to get out of this place." She says the last with all honesty and conviction.

Adriena starts drawing figures on the table with her finger. A bit sheepishly, she asks, "Barak... I was hoping you might do us a favor. You don't have to say yes; we've only just met, after all. But, could you help us find our friends, maybe? It looks like Ganth and I will be busy working much of the time, so it would really mean a lot to me.. us, if you could help."

Barak replies, "Well the enforcers are the elite guard but for even the chance of leaving here or ending my miserable existence honourably. I'll do it. And I'd Be proud to call you two..... Friends."

Hope shines in Adriena's eyes when Barak accepts her offer of friendship and agrees to help. "She holds his hands and says, "Oh! Thank you, Barak! You don't know how much this means to us." She looks around room once and continues, "We should get back to work; looks like a busy night," a look of fatigue crosses her face, but she stands, "Let me give you a description of my friends...," Adriena explains as best she can what Garth and Aanparon look like and then says, "Thanks again. We'll talk to you later."

Barak nods, stands and leaves the tavern.

Adriena pulls Ganth away from his near-empty mug and ushers him to the kitchen. Adriena watches Barak leave and whispers to Ganthanor, "I didn't tell Barak about Malis or my spell-casting. I noticed several times tonight that he would sneer at the clerics and mages that have come in. I want to trust him, but we had better be safe. If he finds the others, then we can tell the whole story to them all. Hopefully, we can go back to Haratai's in force and get my book back... if everyone agrees, of course." Adriena's expression says that they had better agree. She then returns to work.

Ganthanor continues his duties. At one point pulling out "The Club" given to him by the owner to bash a head of a particular disruptive old orc. Apparently, he got upset by the comment made from another orc at his table, stood up, kicked the table over and went after him. Ganth happened to be near by and quickly stepping up behind him and put 'it' upside his head. The Orc was out in a flash.

Relieving the man the proper amount for damages to the table and the ale he had ordered (plus some overhead), Ganth then carried the old coot out and propped him up in the street hoping to make an example out of him for anyone else thinking about causing any trouble in this tavern. Brushing his hands off, Ganth went back inside to continue working.

Walking by the owner as he returned to work, Ganth gives him the money from the unconscious old orc and continues on (minus the overhead for his trouble).

Adriena does not fair as well as Ganth in aquiring extra money from the patrons. 'I've never seen such a bunch of skin-flints in my life!' she thinks. The best she can do all night is to flatter an aged orc into an extra copper and two copper in a dark corner of the floor. 'Well, I am NOT going to flurt with any of these ruffians!' She manages to keep prying paws away and most seem to take little or no notice of her, mainly because she pushes herself to remain one step ahead of the crowd's needs and gives them no reason to call on her. She thinks that her father would tell her how proud her mother would be and it makes her smile her first real smile in days.

The busy night seems to go on forever, until Bamhoulder finally makes 'last call'. Adreina visibly slumps as the last of the patrons exit the building. A wry smile crosses the barkeeps face and he nods to his new help, "Not a bad job. Go get some sleep. We open again at noonday." He turns and enters the kitchen.

Adriena turns wearily to the stairway and plods to bed, "Are you coming, Ganth? I don't want to miss Barak, but I have GOT to get some rest." She waits at the foot of the stair for his response...

Ganthanor stretches after he finishes the last dish of the day. It's clean... they're all clean... cleaner than they've ever been, he would imagine. He looks around one last time to spot anything else needing some of his handy work. {Hmmm... I could get the corners clean where it's hard to reach... looks like no one has ever cleaned there in years... Nah... can't over do it... I'm an Orc after all.}

Ganthanor hears his wife's comment. She waits patiently for him to trudge up along side her. They both head upstairs and to bed.

Ganthanor is so exhausted that he barely manages to get his sword and sheath set at the head of the bed before he collapses in sheer exhaustion (both mentally and physically) on to the bed.

Looking towards Adriena...he says, "Not tonight honey, I'm too tired..." Adriena does not go directly to sleep. Summoning her last reserves of energy, she changes Ganth's dressing and cleans the wounds. She massages his hands and puts him into a comatose sleep. With that extra effort on Adriena's part Ganthanor falls fast asleep. Finally, she curles up next to him and tries to sleep. Soft tears come for a little while before silence envelopes the room.

Ganthanor sleeps like a log and awakens the next day around an hour before noon. Getting up slowly, he stretches his tired muscles.... "Adriena, being a fighter is easy compared to working in a tavern. I used more muscles yesterday than I thought I even had. Fighting's much easier than this... Better pay too."

Adriena smiles sweetly, then remembers what she looks like and crawls out of bed to stretch as well. "Oooh. I see what you mean [groan]."

Ganthanor smiles as best he can and whispers in Adriena's ear... "Let's see what we can do today about completing our mission... what is our mission anyway?" Ganth tries to shake the fog from his mind.

Adriena checks Ganth's bandages and replies, "The first thing we need to do is find the others. Barak looks capable enough; I just hope Aan and Garth won't run from him. I was so busy last night I forgot to listen for new about our goal." Adriena lowers her voice significantly, "You do remember our 'goal'?" Noting his blank stare, she explains, "We are here to rescue Lord Herpein, then we run like Hell back to The Lady's mansion. There are a few things that need to happen first, however. Find the others, get my book back, and enter the Keep unseen - with an idea of where we are going." She puffs at a dangling hair, "Should be a cinch."

Adriena and Ganth walk downstairs for a bit of breakfast, looking about for Barak as they pass the dining area.

***** Barak heads out to the main gate and leans against a building, partially to be out of sight, and waits. He watches patrols of orcs enter and leave the military city. Bored with the task, Barak is about to leave when he spots three orcs entering the city on horseback. Two of them match the rough discriptions given by Ithmuch. The third is a female orc. Not only are they on horseback but they have two spare mounts as well.

Barak follows them as they move through the city. He stops at a few places where the three orcs stopped and makes some blunt questions about what the three orcs were looking for. After a few thumped skulls, Barak learns that the three are looking for a warrior named Red-Tusk and another orc named Haratai.

The three orcs move randomly throughout the city for hours upon hours until finally stopping at an inn, where they rent a room for some deserved rest. Barak smiles to himself and heads back to the tavern where his two new friends are to tell them about what he has seen.

********* Barak walks into the inn about noon the next day and sits down... When Ithmuck comes to take his order he orders some food and whispers to her, "I need to talk to you ..." Adriena gives a small nod and moves out about her business.

Adriena is thankful for a slow morning so she has time to chat with Barak. Making sure everything is taken care of for the moment, she asks Bamhoulder for a short break and is thankful to get it. She sits with Barak and drinks a glass of water.

Barak tells her about the three orcs he saw and explains that they were looking for a warrior called the Red-tusk and another orc called Haratai.. Two of the orcs matched the description that Adriena had given, the third was an unknown female orc. Barak also tells Adriena what inn they booked rooms at.

Adriena muses, "_Three_ orcs, you say? Humm, I thought they were only two, but then I've made a new friend, too, haven't I?" She looks around to be sure no-one is listening before continuing, "We will have some time off this afternoon before the evening crush. Can you take us to that inn? Oh, you've been such a big help, Barak. Thank You!"

Ganthanor takes a moment during a slow point of the day to question Adriena about her conversation with Barak. Hugging her and leaning in close as if to kiss her ear and whisper sweet nothings, he whispers instead, "I saw the look in your eyes while you were talking to Barak... is it good news or not? Your face sure showed good news..." Ganthanor hugs her tight and gives her a moment to respond before releasing her....

"Good news indeed, Ganth!" Adriena keeps her voice down, but her excitement is obvious. "Aan and Garth entered the city on horseback, along with another girl. I can't figure out who she might be. Maybe she's just a whore they picked up or rescued from some agressives. I hope she isn't trouble. Speaking of trouble, they went around asking about Red-Tusk and Haratai. Geez, you'd think they would be more careful..." Adriena rolls her eyes worriedly, "Anyway, Barak will take us to the Inn they lodged at when we get our break. We'd better be busy until then." Adrens steals a kiss on Ganth's lips before rushing back to the tables. She avoids looking back at him, hiding her blush.

Ganthanor stands there a moment a little surprised but quickly recovers...he starts to look around as if to see who was watching both of them but decides that would be even more suspicious, instead he turns to continue his duties.... He puts in a little extra hoping that it might let him get away from the tavern a little longer....

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