At the First Dead
Fynvola
Fynvola gasps at the sight of the dead women and especially at the sight of
the babe. She slides off her horse and moves forward, crouching near the
bodies. Her fists clench in rage and her whole body tenses as she gently
lifts the babe and moves it to the side of the road, looking to the others
for help.
She looks up and says, "We can't leave them here like this...please let's
bury them..."
Dunz
The warrior refastens his sword scabbard upon his back so that the hilt is
within easy reach over his right shoulder. "Tag. Is there a shortcut to get
ahead of them (on horesback) that we could take since you seem sure of
where they are heading? Or do we just ride them down?" After mounting his
horse, an involuntary reflex of grasping the hilt, pulling the blade partly
free before sheathing it with a slight whisking sound is observed, almost
as if he was not even aware of what he just did. As he turns his horse, he
says, "I do not know Tag if we really need the Gods. Darrin seems to think
you can handle whatever we meet!" The disappears as the hood comes
up and the horse moves away.
Later...
Glancing at Tag and Darrin while pulling down his hood as Fynvola
dismounts, the warrior hesitates briefly before making up his mind. "Take
five." he says as he dismounts and kneels beside the bard. Pulling two
daggers free, his shoulder muscles ripple in unison as he begins raking the
ground. He whispers to her, "We really do not have the time to do this for
every body we encounter..." as the furrows get deeper and deeper. The large
man seems to know just the right way to work the ground to get the job done
as quickly as possible.
Jeremiah
Saddened by the visage before the group, Jeremiah heeds the words of Fynvola
Quain and joins Dunz Kann in digging a trench and preparing the bodies for
interment. With a single tear, he completes the burial tasks and rejoins the
party.>
"I would ask the same questions as that presented earlier by Dunz Kann, to Tag.
Is there a way of cutting ahead of this group we are chasing or do we continue
to pursue until we are able to overtake these beasts?"
Fynvola
Fynvola is using a large stick found nearby to dig a crude hole in the
ground for the baby. At Dunz' words her eyes flash and she takes a deep,
calming breath before replying. Perhaps a little too calmly, she replies in
a conversant voice, "Then we would be no better than the Orcs we follow.
Perhaps you could live with that, I cannot."
And she turns her back to the warrior as she completes her task.
Cathil DuAndath
Seeing Fynvola's concern for these departed Cathil quickly
moves the other bodies to the side of the road and seeks a proper
burial spot. Before doing so he looks at Fynvola and speaks with
sympathy in his voice, "Don't let it bother you that death has come
in this manner to these innocents, in the end they will be martyr's
for a greater good, even though their loss seems so great, there
will be a solem restitution... please, rest your weary and aching
heart."
Deciding not to make this situation any more volatile Cathil
quiets himself, and continues to look for a suitable place for
burial. Being somewhat used to, and desensitized to the matter of
death Cathil starts to look for a tool to dig with, not wanting to
prolong anyone's sorrow including his own. A grievance all too
common for him, Cathil stops, thinking about his past experiences
with the loss of loved ones.
Snapping out of his trance with a quick oath to Tymora Cathil
continues his search for a shovel of some sort. With one more
glance at Fynvola, Cathil quickly adds, "I can empathize with your
heightening sorry, I can only offer understanding and friendship,
if ever you have the need, just ask..."
[All]
I'd like to start shovelling, and maybe perform a small service.
Dalin Varon
I support of his friend, Dalin procures a flat rock from the ground
and begins to dig.
While digging he blesses the ground with Silvanus' glory. "No mother
or innocent child should have to pay for the sinner's ignorance."
Dalin then weaves two oak leave crowns and places them gently on
each of the slaughtered.
He then drops to one knee and goes into a deep prayer.
Dunz Kann
> "You see, yet you do not understand."
>
> For one last moment, the warrior appears to study the dirt as it sifts
> through his upturned hand. He makes eye contact with Jeremiah, his eyebrows
> lift as his head inclines toward the bard before shaking his head. He then
> stands and 'washes' his hands over the gravesite before mounting his horse
> and pulling up his hood. A reflexive pull of the sword hilt before he
> brings his horse back onto the orc's trail
>
> [Jeremiah]
> Or at least a shortcut to make up some time and pick up their trail again
> would be good as well. (They both wait on Tag to respond.)
Dalin Varon
Dalin, mounting his horse, says to Fynvola, "Melady, the burial of
the mother and babe signify the goodness
of all these peoples, even if they cannot be properly buried to be
sent to the gods. The most glorious thing
you can do for these people is to keep their tormented souls in your
prayers and avenge their death by
finding and destroying the vile orcs that slaughtered them."
"Cathil, my friend, it was no burden helping you bury those people,
it was an honor."
Dalin not lifting his head clutches the oak leaf pendant strung round
his neck and continues down the
road.
Tag says quickly, "We can only follow as fast as we can, until we
overtake them. Ms. Quain, every time we stop today will mean that
we will stop even more tomorrow and the day after. The faster we
catch these killers, the sooner we can stop them from killing. The
survivors will ..."
Darrin cuts across him, softly saying, "Fynvola please. I grieve as
well, but the others are still alive. If we must choose between those
already dead and those we might save..." he trails off.
Even as you ride again, it is only another couple of miles and you see
another body. Tag and Darrin both go to ride past, though Darrin bows
his head low.
Fynvola Quain
Tears spill freely from Fynvola's eyes as the women and babe are burried,
but she turns a grateful look upon Cathil and Dalin as they catch up to Tag.
She purses her lips and visibly pales as they ride past more deceased. She
doesn't stop, but sends a baleful glance at Dunz with each body, as though
somehow it is his doing.
Dunz Kann
"The dead will wait. The living can not."
(The warrior follows without pausing.)
Jeremiah
The journey continues as horses and riders pursue the cruel fiends ahead. All
are now flowing smoothly along the trail as each riders concentration focuses
ahead to the elusive orcs who drive their prisoners and themselves onward.
Traces on the trail give indications through trampled grass and battered dirt,
of the numbers going ahead. The steady rhythym of the horses and the breathing
and movements of the riders also flows into a steady gait, designed to last
until the group can overtake their prey. What will occur then, only fate can
tell. Jeremiah carries his fears and hopes in his heart as tightly as he grips
the reins in his hand.
Cathil and Dalin
Cathil feeling in equal sorrow with Fynvola decides to keep
his silence and continue on without argument to Dunz's decision.
NOTE
Dalin is also following in silence, grieving as much as the
rest of us but understanding the truth in Dunz's words.
[I am replying for him due to a short business trip he took this
weekend. -- Cathil]
StoryTeller
After you are done with your burial, you ride to catch up to Tag. He
leads calmly and quietly and after a brief time, he makes those of you
with second horses switch off again. The sun is high up and beats down
on you as you continue through the grassy plains.
Hours later, he dismounts and tells you to do the same. He dismounts,
but reins in hand he continues to walk the trail left behind by the
living. And soon it is back up in the saddle, and on and on to give
your poor horses a rest. Then the sun begins to go down at your backs,
and still he does not let up the trail. It is hours more until he
calls a halt right on the edge of running water and bids you to make
camp. This time he does not scout ahead, but stays with you.
The Dwarves break out plain bread and give you a each a bit.
Darrin says softly, "Wish it were a bit of rabbit, Varn. You make
a good rabbit stew."
With a laugh Maeg, pats the young man on the shoulder, and says, "That's
what she fed you just the other night."
Darrin laughs outloud and says, "Well, I'll go fill my canteen with
water. Anybody else want to come? Zan, Fyn, anyone?"
Dalin Varon
Dalin eagerly hops up and dashes to the stream. He cups the water
hastily into his hands and replenishes
his body from the hard days work. Dalin then fills his canteen and
throws it over his shoulder. Realizing
his actions he solemnly sits down on the grass and slowly consumes
his portion of bread, cracking
a smile now and then.
Jeremiah
Fynvola Quain
Fynvola smiles warmly at Darrin's invitation, but shakes her head. She
gingerly holds her hips and arches her back stiffly and replies, "I would
really like to rest, please." she holds out her wineskin to him and asks
sweetly, "Would you be able to fill my wineskin for me, please, just this once?"
Darrin bows with a flourish, and takes the canteen, saying, "I'll return
shortly dearest bard. It wouldn't do for you to go without a sip of
fresh water." He waits for no one else and down at the river's edge, he
fills the canteens, and then splashes the cool refreshing water on his face.
When the party heading for water have gone, Fynvola makes her way to the
dwarves Maeg and Varn and rather hesitantly speaks, "Umm, Maeg, Varn, I
wanted to...well, about the other night...I am very sorry for pulling my
sword like that and anything I might have said...I am not usually
so...rash..." she is a brilliant shade of red by the time she is done, but
she looks up from the ground to meet their gaze, not even realizing her
shoulders are cringed.
Varn quickly says, "Now, lass. You were upset, it's no wonder you acted
like you did."
Maeg grins up at the young girl, and says softly, "Cute young man isn't he?
You'd look like the yuletide season together, your hair and his eyes."
They both laugh warmly and bid you to take a seat and rest a bit.
As Darrin makes his way back to camp, he looks at the glum faces around him
and says, "Hey everyone. Come on now. We're closing in on them. Don't
you know where you are? This is the river Delimbiyr. You just crossed it
leaving Daggerford days ago. Why if we rode till morning right up the river
we could eat breakfast with Tabek tomorrow. Zantorax missed breakfast the
other morning at the keep."
"Darrin, this is no time for festivities," Tag's harsh whisper cuts across
the young man.
Darrin tries to speak, "But Tag, I'm just trying to keep everyone's..."
"That's enough. Now's the time for rest, as it should have been last night.
We might catch a break tomorrow. I doubt the Orcs will go straight through
the Laughing Hollow. The only danger is, we will have to find their trail
again on the other side. Now get some rest, Darrin," the Drow commands.
Fynvola Quain
> A bright smile lights up Fynvola's face at the dwarves gentle forgiveness.
> She sinks gratefully to the ground...legs stretched out in front of her.
> Still a bright red hue, she replies to Maeg's playful jibe, "Darrin is a...
> f-fine man." a littel frustrated with her sudden inability to communicate well.
Varn pats you, a little bit roughly, but meant well, on the back, and both
dwarves wink at each other knowingly.
Darrin's head bowed he stomps over to Fynvola and the dwarves, and hands her
her canteen.
> Sympathy in her eyes, Fynvola accepts her canteen and pats the ground beside
> her in invitation. "Thank-you Darrin, I'll try not to be so lazy at the
> next watering hole. I do wish father had thought to teach me to ride as I
> grew up, but instead we went everywhere by carriage, " she smiles a little
> lobsidedly and drops her voice to the barest whisper, "I disagree with Tag
> in needing to lighten the mood, but he is right in one thing. You really
> should get some rest tonight, I guess I kept you awake last night, though I
> didn't mean to. By my Sword, I wish things were different..."
Darrin, wide-eyed, shakes his head a few times, "I'm not a kid to be put to
sleep. I'm not tired," he complains. "And what if this is one of our last
nights together," he says softly.
> Oddly enough, Fynvola smiles warmly and says almost cheerfully, "If tomorrow
> was our last day on this earth then we will be together ever, but I would
> hate to think we met that fate because we hadn't the good sense to get some
> sleep the night before..."
>
> She looks a little self consciously as she looks beyond Darrin to the
> others, nods to them briefly as a silent good-night, turns back to Darrin,
> leans forward to kiss his cheek before she rolls her bedroll out and lays
> down to sleep, a smile curving her lips once again.
Darrin looks surprised by the show of affection, and then blushes a bright
red. Quickly he takes off his cloak and throws it over Fynvola's body, and
with one last glare at Feign, he lays down next to her, one arm draped over
her protectively.
Zantorax Nightwind
> A brief conversation between Zantorax and Tag is followed by Zantorax
> rising and heading in the direction of Darrin and Fynvola. As he approaches,
> he bows slightly to Darrin, obviously unknowwing as to whether or not
> Fynvola's still awake. "Darrin, my friend, you should get some sleep. If
> what I heard pass between Tag and yourself earlier today is accurate, you
> did not sleep last night. Believe me, depriving yourself of sleep will only
> make getting your friends bakc that much more difficult. Shall I get your
> bedroll?" Despite the concerned expression on Zantorax's face, his final
> question seems more like an order than a request.
Darrin looks about to protest, but he bows his head in acquiesence and
finally lays back, but with an arm protectively over Fynvola. He even
makes a point of closing his eyes, and it is only seconds before his
breathing evens out and deepens and he is fast asleep.
Dunz Kann
The warrior stretches out near the bank of the river and eats his bread and
cheese after having his fill of fresh water and refilling his skin. Once
the call to ride comes again, he will dunk his head in water before
mounting.
Dalin Varon
Dalin noticing his friends distress rushes over and sits on the grass
next to the tree.
"Don't worry Cathil. It will come to pass soon enough.", with that
Dalin pulls out a small
wineskin and gently lobs it to Cathil. "Drink up my friend you look
as if you could use three or four
of those."
Dalin takes his bow from his back and restrings it. "Come Cathil,
let us find some food to settle this
wine." He then walks in the direction of the woods signaling his
friend to follow
Tag
Tag calls out softly, "Don't cross the river, you two, and stay to the
east of us."
You hear small animals scurry for cover and you.....
Later, as you sleep
Fynvola
Fynvola begins to stir in her sleep, mumbling agitatedly but incoherently.
She begins to get louder in her mumblings, a distinct, "No...please...hold
out your hand..." she says gaining volume with each word. Suddenly she
cries out in a tormented voice, "Noooooo" and sits bolt upright reaching her
hand out to some unseen...
She wakens then, tears on her face. Her hand reaches for Darrin and her
eyes scan the camp for Zant and all her companions. Her breathing is fast
and shallow and you can see sweat beads upon her brow until she covers her
face in reaction to her dream.
She stands then and apologizes to anyone she's wakened quietly before moving
shakily towards the water to rinse her face of the remaining cobwebs of
sleep and dreams.
Shiro Minamoto
I cautiously ride into camp at the sound of the nighmarish scream. I am sure
that a guard or guards are posted. I do not wish to be mistaken for a
target. I call out,
" Milessaratish zathien carromeleg! " , in drow. ( I come in peace ).
Darrin
In surprise, Darrin calls out, "Fynvola, are you okay? Is everything alright?
Her shouting woke you all up, and Tag says quickly, "Since we are awake, then let
us continue now." He looks up suddenly towards the NorthWest and looks shocked
to hear his native tongue, and even placing his hands on his weapons, you all
watch as Shiro rides cautiously into your midst. And just as suddenly, Dalin
and Cathil return to camp bearing a dead rabbit triumphantly.
All is a mass of confusion, but slowly Varn and Maeg begin to handle things.
Varn takes the rabbit, Maeg pushes Darrin forward to help take care of Shiro's
horse, which is well lathered and breathing heavily, and Tag growls at the
warrior, "What are you doing here? Has something happened to Zeptha?" Darrin
looks up horror reflected in his eyes at these words. (
geocities.com/timessquare)