Green Day 2 On the Road to Waterdeep
The next morning you awaken, some of you are just coming in from
outside to a bountiful breakfast. More so, than the two that have
slept past the sun's rising. As Dunz and Fynvola rise, slowly one by
one, Zantorax, Jeremiah, Malic, and Shiro make there way inside.
Kyle is wide awake and whistling a cheery tune as he takes care of
all your needs. Some of you are thinking it is too cheery of a tune
for this time of morning, but I'm sure it has nothing to do with the
amount of ale and other beverages that were consumed the night before.
As noon approaches you begin to wander outside. Horses are saddled
and tied up at a hitching post in front of the inn, and the carriage
is drawn up and ready to go as well.
Hearing a groan, you look across the way to see Darrin and a huge
bulk of a man in a leather apron hefting a barrel into the back of a
wagon. Then together they lay a tarp across the back and tie it down.
Even from here, you note that Darrin's face is a might bit pale.
Behind you the door to the inn opens and you see Darrin's cousin,
blond haired and brightly blue-eyed on this fine morning. She stands
on the porch in riding leathers, smiling prettily at each of you and
bids you a fine and wonderful morning. Her voice is like a trickling
waterfall as it alights upon your ears.
You hear the crunch of gravel behind you, and Darrin's voice calls
out, "You look well rested, cousin."
She replies with a grin, "And you look ragged, Darrin. Up all night
were you. And don't tell me you were out here guarding the wagon."
Darrin places a hand to his temple, saying, "I wouldn't try to sneak
a lie by you, Zep. But we are ready to go, eh lads? We need two drivers
and grab a horse if you like," he says as he gingerly pulls himself up
onto the back of a sharp lined black charger.
Zeptha chooses a horse and before anyone can help her, is up in the
saddle and urging the horse towards the bridge leading north. You can
see she is an experienced rider and she sets a pace that most of you
consider too fast for how you feel. One look at Darrin's face is
enough to tell, that that is certainly his exact feelings."
Green responses In the Morning
Jeremiah
"I'll ride to the left side of the wagon" he speaks to the others.
"Let each take a suitable post and guard our wagon, it's contents and
it's owner."
Fynvola Quain
Fynvola smiles at the group in turn and does a quick pirouette and
curtsey to Kyle's tune.
She returns Zantorax's boots to him and then heads out to choose a
horse. She will look for a palomino and if there isn't one she will
sigh and choose a lighter coloured mount. If there is one she will
mount up, ride to Darrin and blow him a kiss with a delighted "Thank-
you, noble sir!", her eyes adance with mischeif.
Then she will spur her mount to catch up with Zeptha. Fynvola is
obviously a novice but seems to really enjoy herself, her melodic
laughter can be heard quite clearly.
When she reigns near Zeptha she is seen obviously holding a
conversation.
DM addition
You all note one Palomino, saddled and ready to go, which Fynvola takes.
She proceeds to ride over to where the smith and Darrin are working,
interrupting the loading of a barrel(Darrin almost lets go his end) and
notice that Darrin says something to her before she rides off to catch
Zeptha.
Darrin also makes his way over to Dunz, before he takes off and gives
him something wrapped up with cloth.
Dunz Kann
Arising late, rested, and hungry, the warrior bids his greetings to the
assembled group. After stretching and checking his gear, he consumes a
hearty breakfast while listening to the discussion. Upon exiting the
inn, he deposits his pack and shield in the wagon behind the driver's
seat for easy access.
"I would prefer sitting beside a driver since if I am called upon to
defend this caravan I would _not be able to do so_ if I had to manage
the horses as well. Otherwise, I will ride a horse."
(The warrior will either stow his pack and shield on the wagon or upon
the horse he rides. He then pulls his cloak around him and the hood
over his head and waits for the wagon to roll.)
Shiro Minamoto
I eat a light quick meal savoring this western cooking as I watch
the others go about their business. " Sumimasen ga. ( excuse me )
Kann-san. I ride with you, hai ( yes )? " I pull out my daikyu ( great
bow ) and toss my gear beneath the wagon seat as well. I take a seat
and await the others.
Zantorax Nightwind
I choose the largest mount I can find and mount up, albeit a bit
clumsily. Mentally, I calculate how much it will hurt should I have to
jump off the animals back if we run into trouble, and the odds that
the beast will run away in that event. To me, the situation does not
look good and I shrug. I put my heels into the horse's sides and head
over to Darrin. "Shall I accompany you, or would you rather I ride as
guard for your cousin?"
NOTE (DM) Malic Daggerfall
(I have tried to mail him once a day. I am hoping it is server/mail
trouble and he will get in touch when he can).
Malic grabs a horse and rides to the right side of the caravan.
Storyteller
Darrin can not but help to notice that the carriageis driverless,
and he yells to me to take the reins. Quickly I climb onto
the seat of the carriage and comply.
As he crosses over the bridge, Darrin looks wistfully back at the
small keep of Daggerford and mutters softly, "Bye, Tabek. May your
glass never empty old man. And when I return, I'll drink another
toast to your continued good health."
Zeptha slows down to a gentle pace soon after Fynvola catches
up to her. She is also kind enough show her some basic riding
techniques. Darrin suggests to Malic and Zantorax both, that they
ride to the sides of the caravan, and he will take the rear. He does
joke quickly, that he wonder's what lies his cousin is spreading about
him. Then he falls back to a rear guard position.
Too watch from here, it is quite funny to watch some of the others
sit their horses. They will be sore tonight, and I think to myself, how
happy am I to be sitting comfortably on this wagonseat. I feel a twinge
of guilt at having such an easy time of it.
True to the bartalk in town, the road is in good repair, paved
and the miles are well marked as you travel north. There is not much
to the scenery. Flat land abounds on either side of the road. There
is not much cover for an ambush, and as much as some of you are intent
on watching for danger, the only thing that looks threatening is
Zeptha's beauty.
You make good time and make it to a nice campsite at the side of
the road as dusk begins to close in for the night. By the markers you
have travelled ten miles since Daggerford.
Green Camps the night away
Dunz Kann
"Another day. Another ... . Well. Let's set up camp, eat , set watch rotations, and get some much needed rest.
I am not tired and volunteer for the
first watch this night."
[Shiro]
"How ya'll doin? Ah'm from suuuuuuuthern Wahterdeeeep. You're not
from 'round here, are ya? (Olympic flashback!) My name is not
Kann-san. It is Dunz Kann.
Fynvola Quain
Fynvola slips off the palomino with a laugh and a quiet, "I am
thankful for the advice m'lady, if I was any more sore than this
I would not be able to move at all!" and some ginger walking
about. It takes her a bit of time, but she unsaddles the horse
and ties him near the others.
She gathers some deadwood for the fire as an excuse to stretche
her legs and stay off her bottom. When she has a healthy stockpile
gathered she unrolls her bedroll and sinks crosslegged onto it.
She pulls out her clarsach and begins to strum the strings,
picking out a favourite upbeat folksy tune. She watches the group,
her eyes falling most often on Zeptha, Darrin and Zantorax.
After another short instrumental, she begins to play a slower
melody and sing in a clear, sweet but haunting voice,
"Slowly the summer sun fades to black
and the first evening star comes to light,
a quiet figure vows she's not going back
but still sheds a tear to the night.
She wonders if *they* look apon that star,
shining so alone in the dark velvet sky,
wondering just where their lost children are;
pondering over and over again `why?'
Look in the night as the white owl cries,
seek out the nightingale by day's light;
And know the child's dream never dies
but in the end gives a woman Sight.
Listening now to the wolf's sweet lament,
the young woman smiles through her tears,
she is certain that love will bring it's repent
and wash asunder the sorrow and fears.
The crackling fire brings her back here
to the here and now, to joys yet to come
as the child finds the dream is ever clear
and the woman's song fades to a hum
Look into the night as the white owl cries,
seek out the nightingale by day's light
And know well a child's dream never dies
but grows the wings it needs to take flight."
As the last notes echo into silence of the wood, Fynvola sets
down her harp, brushes a tear from her cheek and sets about
tending the fire.
Zantorax Nightwind
I slide down off of my horse, landing first on my feet, then on
my rear as my legs give out. "What manner of sorcery is this!" I
curse out loud in a language few in the group know, then look at
my horse standing next to me.
"This is your doing. You are undoubtebly a creature of some vile
power sent to torture and torment me." I then water and make sure
the hideous beast is fed and tend to it as only my unskilled hand
can foul up, cursing the entire time.
As I do this, I look at the rest of the group to see what they're
doing.
Jeremiah
"Well traveled have we come thus far, and the ten miles or so we
have traveled bring us that much closer to our goal. With a little
luck and some caution on our part, we should see our benefactor,
Master Darrin safe to his chosen site", ,
and of course the Lady Zeptha as well. My lady, you have shown
us your skill with a horse as well as your speed and grace."
.
Shiro Minamoto
" Dozo, sumimasen ga Kann-san. I do not understand your
strange ways. We of Kara-Tur speak as we speak. Dozo, mo ichido
itte kudasai ( please, I beg your pardon ) if I offend you. It is
out of respect I refer to you. If you desire I will try to
correct, hai. Mangura bok woklok bata kugai. " I apologize amply
and add a remark with a rare smile and a very slight bow before
walking off into the woods alone to find a quiet secluded spot to
meditate.
Malic Daggerfall
I hate having to eat and rush off. Very well, as long as it pays
in gold.
(after putting my equipment in the wagon) I make sure that my
sword is straped to my back and my daggers ready as well as armor
before getting on horseback.
After a days ride I'm tired (seeing that I'm not used to a horse).
I mates, how about some food. I think I'll go gather some wood
and find a nice fishing hole (taking my fishing equipment wtih me
-weapons too-) Anyone care to join me?
Settling down at the campsite
The campsite is a flurry of activity. Darrin busily sets about
taking care of the horses, though Zeptha cares for her own. Darrin
combs them down and sets out feed for them and is quick to helping
any of the others. He thanks Jeremiah for his help with the cart
horses, and all look up grinning as Zantorax falls to his behind.
Whatever he said, even the horse's ears drooped with hurt feelings.
Even as the horses are cared for, Fynvola gets a fire going,
and soon Malic returns with a quick catch of fish. Darrin quickly
grabs them up and after a proper cleaning, he spits them and sets
about cooking, while Fynvola entrances the group with her haunting
song. The aroma is wonderful, and by the time the meal is ready,
everyone has growls coming from their stomachs.
THE STORYTELLER
Darrin is distracted. It is hard to notice, except to a practised
eye. He tries to hide his distraction in service to his new workers.
He helps care for the horses, he helps cook, and he steps up with
ladle in hand, waiting to serve himself until last. Even before he
settles down to eat his portion, Darrin makes sure that our mugs are
full, drawing some Tabek's Red from the keg which sits nearest the
back of the cart. Darrin, without even asking, serves Zantorax from
the fresh water barrel at the back of the cart. During the course
of the meal, he sympathizes with those who are sore from their first
day's ride, and jokes that on the morrow they will feel even worse.
All well and good, but at times the talk of his companions
passes him by and I see him look to the North, along the road we
have yet to travel. And then he shakes himself from his revery and
comes back to us to refill our mugs again, though after one round
of ale, he has now boiled an aromatic cider, to warm us against the
chill to come later. For it is still early spring and the night's
can prove shivering cold even after the warmest days.
Compared to Darrin's wistfulness, Zeptha is the life of our
gathering. She also inquires of our aching thighs and backsides,
and is quick to provide a salve from inside one of her bags.
She says she is fretfully sorry that she did not visit with us in
Daggerford, but she was dreadfully tired. They have already been on
the road for a month, and that was the first decent night's rest they
have had. Softly she confides in us that Darrin and Tag hardly ever
stop for a break even.
She mingles with us gracefully, explaining to us that this is
her first trip to Waterdeep. She has always wanted to travel in such
pleasant company. She says this with a warm smile spread upon her
features. Continuing, she explains that Darrin has been the lucky
one, growing up on the road, seeing the world.
Darrin finally breaks from his revery as he realizes his cousin
is speaking of him. He grins and makes a joke about how well he has
learned to boil water on chilly nights. He is up again this young
one and refilling the mugs of those who wish to be a little warmer.
He stops at Fynvola last, and his eyes brighten for the first time
this day. He kneels down beside her and asks to be enlightened
about her. Where she learned to sing so beautifully and what has
called her to the road? And then he stammers something
unintelligible about what the song was about. His emerald eyes roll
upwards and he bites his lower lip, obviously wondering how to
rephrase his comment.
When she doesn't think Darrin can hear her, Zeptha tries to get
a laugh from everyone by saying that Darrin's attentions towards the
redhead are a might unseemly, since he hardly knows her. Of course
tripping over his own tongue, she laughs, he will hardly win her
heart anyway.
But he hears and is quick to reply, "And what of you, dear
cousin. And you to be married in a week's time."
Shortly she replies, "Of course, you are right, Darrin. It is
late and I should be resting. Good night all." Without a backwards
glance to her cousin, she reiterates a gentler good night to the rest
of us and makes her way into the carriage with regal air to match her
majestic beauty.
To my eyes, I can see the regret in Darrin's face instantly
upon the words flying from his lips. But his cousin has already
turned away. But even so, under his breath, perhaps a bit louder
than he had intended, he is heard to mutter to one who is not present,
"I was never the lucky one. She will have more than I, eh friend."
He is back on his feet and his gaze is back on the road, and for
awhile his spirit is gone again from our present location.
The Watch
first watch Dunz Kann, storyteller
second watch Fynvola, Zantorax
third watch Malic, Darrin
fourth watch Shiro Minamoto, Jeremiah
Watches consist of two hours each
The Storyteller
As all begin to bed down under the open sky, the last vestige of a
full moon shines brightly. Sharply across the sky a star streaks
overhead, striking northward along our very course.
On the morrow, all awake restless and antsy, a feeling left over from
darkly shadowed and unrecalled dreams throughout the night. Just
looking in each other's eyes we can see the dream reflected, but none
can call it to words, and the day is long ahead of us.
(
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