WARRIORS & THE WEAPONLESS
Torynth and Gulius were the first to climb the cement stairs to relinquish their weapons.
As the dwarf reached the armory door, however, he balked " I've changed my mind. I'd be thinking this is a bad idea; somethin' don't seem right."
Gailwind became anxious and bent low temporarily hiding himself within the party.
The fighter stepped down clutching his blade
Watching the ranger and fighter take sides, Splendor responded " I see your point - both of you. But perhaps I am failing to understand the need to hold onto your weapons for I wield power from my soul and not through flashing steel. I don't like what the night holds for a pair of exiles choosing to break from the fellowship."
Nerendil placed his hand on the ranger's shoulder " I don't think this is a trap. I have not sensed any evil presence." As the duo discussed this evidence, Vaedamir added " We should not split our strength, but if you insist on staying away from the party, I will accompany you as well to keep the numbers stronger. We could all meet right here at noon."
Aramil looked around incredibly as Nerendil formed a quad wanting to leave the township.
As they walked away slowly, the paladin turned to the group " Hey Splendor, the owl can be our messenger if the two groups are in trouble, right?"
The four walked out onto the road passing the wooden huts of the guardhouses and quickly the gates clanged behind them sending dull, metallic echoes into the humid, night air.
Gresmo shook his head in disbelief. Looking up at the passing clouds shielding the purple moon, he spoke matter-of-fact " Seems like rain tomorrow. A nasty happening in these parts."
" This axe has never left my side and I ain't going to be doing it now." He tried handing the monk some of his coin for a favored purchase of rations, but the monk stood with silent distraught.
" What is this?" queried Gresmo " You ask to be put out into the swamps, dwarf?"
Gulius addressed the foreman " I'll be just leaving town, sir. Feel free to escort me back out."
The ranger moved next to the fighter in agreement " I don't like the feeling of this neither; I walk with Gulius. My swords are mine and will not leave my side." He stood tall in the yard; hands firmly on the hilt of his longsword.
The sorcerer massaged his forearms as the muscles visibly flexed under the tension " Well now, why should I make my friend a burdened pigeon if the rest of us weren´t even consulted about where you four are heading too!" Splendor walked to the armory stairway ready to give his staff over " I will have a night with the majority and talk as much as I can to the locals." With that he fell silent as the foreman signaled the gate sentries to swing open the barrier once again.