In the Morning
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.
Dunz Kann
I will do my usual pre-breakfast stretching exercises before suiting up for
today's ride. (Now where is the food!)
Green Day 2 on the road
No one seems too inclined to bring their dreams to the light of
day. Darrin, though he looks slightly pale, is quick to call
attention to the wonderful sunrise. It is sure to be a pleasant
day for a long ride.
During a hasty breakfast, Zeptha breaks a few hearts it seems.
Yes, she is to be married to Sir Ross Marquet in Waterdeep. On the
third day of the festival. Her beloved is the leader of an up and
coming mercenary company, and a very great man in his own right.
For all his anxiousness, Darrin does not ride near
the front with Zeptha. It seems she is the one who is impatient to
reach Waterdeep, though with the upcoming marriage that is
understandable. But aside from Zeptha, Darrin takes great pains
to ride near everyone at some point in the day and engage in some
conversation, especially asking everyone where they are from and why
they are going to Waterdeep.
The road is still in good condition and as the sun beats high
overhead, the day a little too pleasant perhaps, a mixed group of
five, elves and humans, ride towards us. They are on horse only,
with no wagons to slow them down, and all wear riding leathers with
swords sheathed at their sides.
Responses to The strangers?
Fynvola Quain
Fynvola casually pushes her mount a little faster and rides beside
Zeptha. She seems entirely natural in her action, starting a
conversation with the pretty blonde in conversant tones, something
about dresses from what the group can hear. The group will undoutably
recognize the maneuver for what it is as her hand unobtrusively falls
to her sabre's handle, just as it did when she flirted with Darrin
when they first were approached by Tag.
Shiro Minamoto
" Ohayo ( good morning ) Darrin-san, ogenki desu ka ( how are you ).
It is beautiful day today, hai ( yes ). You tell about city we go to,
hai. This land not so different than Kozakura. " I say as Darrin
rides up beside me on the wagon. I also note Fynvola's action and the
approaching party and lay the daikyu ( great bow ) across my lap in
preparation. I watch to see what everyone else does. My leaf head
arrows also resting near at hand.
Darrin
"Ohayo...Shiro-san," Darrin tries to say politely. "Waterdeep is a
great city with at least 100,000 people. All manner of people and
adventure takes place there or at least gets its start there. As for
your country, there is little that I know. So few of our people
travel to the far east and I would love to someday."
Darrin to, leaves off as the other group appears. "Perhaps we will
stand watch together tonight, and you can tell me more."
Dunz Kann
[Darrin]
I would be more comfortable if Zeptha did not ride up front like that.
Particularly when we are being approached by "strangers" or when the
terrain ahead could conceal hidden danger.
[Fynvola]
Perhaps you could convince Zeptha without being heavy handed about it?
[Shiro]
"Ohayo" ( good morning ) "Wisconsin!" ( same to ya )
"Uh. Shiro-san? I suppose where you come from is really not that much
different from Waterdeep. Now there is an interesting place if you
like lots of people and things to see and do. I myself..."
The warrior abruptly stops in mid-sentence at the appearance of what
apparently looks like another company or patrol of some sort. He
visibly relaxes as he sights the elves, but nevertheless, he hops off
the wagon and turns around to see the surrounding area for any threats
before running alongside a bit.
Shiro Minamoto
I much honored Darrin-san, dozo ( thank you ).
Jeremiah
[He of course continues to keep an eye on the pair
ahead on horseback, and as well on those elves and humans riding
towards them.>
Zantorax Nightwind
As for the people approaching us on the road: I will ride forward,
past Fynvola and Zeptha, and approach them. I raise a hand in greeting.
"Well met fellow travelers! Might I inquire as to how the roads are
in the direction of whence you came?" Though my tone is cheerful, my
guard is up, though covertly.
Turn 11 cont. The strangers
The group consists of three humans and two elves. The elves are both
male and are sylvan or moon(silver elves are known as moon, in
the Realms) elves. The lead human, who nudges his horse a little
farther towards your group while the rest remain back a pace or two,
is an older female in her fifties by her wizened features. Of the
other two humans, both are male, one about the age of the leader and
the other a teenager.
Zantorax rides forward to parley with Darrin nudging his horse
up alongside, and as they walk their horses towards the other group,
Zeptha drops back a few paces as Fynvola holds back. Zantorax calls
out cheerfully, "Well met fellow travellers. How are the roads ahead
of us."
The woman replies, wearing a friendly enough smile, "Good day,
travellers. Agrardon, at your service. Be you merchants?"
The question seems innocent enough and lightly asked. Darrin
does not hesitate to say, "Just a humble merchant's son out of
Daggerford. We are heading to Waterdeep for the festival."
The woman wipes her long brown hair from her face and replies,
"We have just come from Waterdeep. The road is well traveled with
your fellow merchants. We have passed several caravans. Though all
are a couple of days ahead of you. You should hurry on, or you won't
get a good booth, young one. Aside from the usual dangers of the
road, there is nothing overtly dangerous ahead of you."
You all keep your eyes out and listen intently, but you see nothing
and hear nothing untoward. Strangely, even the riders with Agratdon,
don't move a muscle. Though whether this is good or bad, who can say.
At least they haven't reached towards their weapons.
(
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