Zenenicel's Temple
The room is filled with the smell of incense of lavender and jade. Hulking marble walls rise into an endless ceiling. In the center of the room stands the stature of Zenenicel, patron god of people and humanity. As you enter the temple you are given a note by one of the priests to freely wander about the temple chamber and congregate amongst your fellow warriors.
One of the interesting attractions in the temple chamber is the 4 wall scrolls depicting the Clynactims with small stats drawn on the sides.
The wall scrolls show the mighty titans:
Lnuhic
Caysuhcdan
Hehadyem
Vmopint
Inkah paced slowly around the temple, feeling uneasy about leaving Hren grazing outside. Her eyes travelled around the mighty structure, finding too many pleasing details to keep her eyes in the same place for more than a moment. The small heels of her boots made soft clicking sounds on the hard floor, which echoed throughout the room, she felt the need to be silent other than that out of respect for the statue that seemed to always be looking at her. It was not the god that she worshipped but all god's deserved the same amount of respect, they were higher, more precious. She approached the scrolls gazing at them for a moment before moving closed to read.
There was a noise outside, the noise of an unfamiliar startled horse, the thuds of several heavy things bouncing off the ground, and what must have been a man yelling. Eventually the noises calmed down; someone else had arrived. There was a moment of stillness, the person outside was busy searching through their things and teathering their horse. Finally there was the sound of heavy footsteps moving across the rock floor, and a rather flustered looking, weather beaten and surprisingly young man came into view. He looked as if he was in the slightly better end of vagrants since he was more than just skin and bone, usually refined for con artists or, more likely for this man, travelling bards. It was obvious that he was a bard from the accusing lute that was pointed dramatically at the large statue of Zenenicle that towered in front of him. The man, with absolutely determined desire not to show respect right now, proclaimed in a voice that echoed around the walls "I could have walked!" Happy with the display of disgruntled displacement he looked across to the only other figure who didn't quite seem to fit in here. "I'm guessing... you are one of the greatest warriors that have ever lived that I have been told I would meet?" he said after scanning the woman briefly, still a little peeved by his teleportation Dorothy style.
A third rush of air heralded the arrival of a short, scrawny, and extremely dirty child. The girl, though it was hard to tell through all the caked dirt in her hair and on her clothes, landed on the cold floor, her silver dagger landing precariously next to her head.
Caja sat up and grabbed her dagger, shoving it into the sheath in her pile of clothes. The clothes, all grey, or maybe faded colorings, made her look less malnourished than she actually was. She looked around and saw two other people. Taking them to be the reason she was there, she stood, taking out her dagger and readying to fight. She rushed the man, quicker than anyone could expect from another human, certainly quicker than even one would expect from an animal, her dagger in hand, which she brought up to his throat. "Where am I? 'Oo're you? Why didya bring me 'ere?" She was angry, and tired, and now she was sore from having landed on the stone floor.
The man had been distracted, the moment the girl landed he'd turned his head to the woman he'd just addressed and said in a voice that intended to be quiet yet still echoed "I see a child... do you see a child? I see a child. Why did they bring a-hurk!" He stared at the girl with the knife at his throat, trying not to swallow as he carefully held up the lute to show her he was armed with a musical instrument. He pulled his neck back slightly so it wasn't SO pressed against the dagger and said "
Llyvurn Whenbury, nice to meet you. And I didn't bring you h-h" he couldn't pronounce his "h" without his throat pressing uncomfortably against the blade "'ere... 'e did." He pointed the lute at the God, hoping that the girl let him go soon "Didn' even tell you why?"
"Enough!" Behind the scrawny child stood a behemoth of a man dressed in gray. He grabbed the girl by the shoulder and pressed her into the nearest wall. "Knife...now." He said in a low and stern voice.
Having moved her stare from the scrolls to the girl when she arrived (giving her a look of both disbelief and confusion),
Inkah now faced the hulking mass of man that had spoken. She could think of no words to say and so kept her mouth tightly shut, glancing at the reactions of the others. She clasped her hands behind her back, standing with an upright and sensible posture and making herself look a lot more brave than she was; she didn't want anyone to think her weak, nor did she want the gray-clad man to know that he intimidated her.
"Be careful with the child" surprisingly it was
Llyvurn, the one who had just had the knife to his throat; he was a bit confused, he'd been through a lot in the last few minutes, but he knew how the girl felt. "She obviously wasn't explained everything before she was... dumped here" he moved forward towards the man pressing the young girl against the wall, placing a placating hand on his arm, as it was the highest point he could reach easily. "Listen" he said, trying to move almost between the girl and the giant of a man without getting in trouble with either side "We are all here for a reason, some of us were brought here through... not very satisfactory ways. If we calm down and take a moment to talk about this I'm sure everything will become clear. Possibly." He had to admit that there were some things he didn't know about himself.
As soon as she had been pressed against the wall,
Caja knew she was in trouble. This was quickly turning into one of the best to one of the worst days of her life. She felt the hand pressing hard into her, keeping her from moving. "Choo wan' dis
dagger? Go get it!" She flung the dagger with all her might across the hall into a wooden door leading from the chamber. It embedded itself deeply into the wood. "Dere! No more blade! Now is someone gonna tell me whadda 'ell is goin' on 'ere?!"
The man released his grip and scoffed at the child. Turning toward the door he grabbed the handle of the dagger and, with ease, pulled it away. He glared at the small group before him and said not a word, but instead went back to his corner and sat down, taking the dagger with him.
"Yes, well..."
Llyvurn was up to a flying start, all the people were grumpy, angry or just plain mean. What the hell was a bard going to do here? He rubbed his neck slowly, wondering if he should have signed that contract before meeting these people, then turned to Caja. "Are you alright?" it was an odd question to ask someone who had put a knife to your throat a moment ago but she was so angry and so frightened... He couldn't help feeling like he should help her in some way. "I can tell you what I know... but that's not much" he admitted, a finger tapping on a lute string to make sure his comfort thing was still in his hand.
A loud explosion rocked the doors to the temple, followed by frenzied Whinnying from the horses. Almost immediately succeeding the noise the doors to the temple were thrown open as a brown and red blur tumbled through.
"Ah! Hah! Hot! Fire!" the blur soon revealed itself to be
Bael, as she stood and began vigorously patting down her sleeve which was slowly becoming ignited in flame. Bael ran frantically about the center of the room. "Water?!" Suddenly she spotted a small basin of holy water seated before the statue of Zenenicel. Without pause she ran toward it and threw it over her arm with an "All praise the Gods!" As the steam from her clothing lifted about her she finally noticed the other people occupying the room. "Oh..." she said, issuing an uncomfortable cough, "greetings..." with that she shifted on her feet uncomfortable, mumbling something under her breath that sounded something like:
"should never transport...explosives..didn't warn me...if I ever get a hold of that fat-"
Inkah shot a small glare in Bael's direction, hearing Hren's terror, but it soon dissipated; each of them had been through the same unorthadox way of travelling and Inkah was perhaps the luckiest of the group, as no one had been there to witness her and Hren's not-too graceful entry. "I wonder if we're to expect any more startling entrances."
Caja watched the man take her dagger and scowled. She was used to bigger, older, stronger thieves taking her best bounty, but that hadn't happened in a long time. Anger coursed through her again and she looked up at Llyvurn, who seemed to be the only one who was speaking besides the woman who had just entered on fire. "Choo tell me wha' dat paper said?" Her voice had taken on a less angry and gruff tone, sounding a little more like a girl's voice. She couldn't help shooting a glare at the man who was now sitting in the corner with her dagger like he was entitles to it. At least she still had the coin and goods she had lifted earlier.
Llyvurn gave a tiny smile to Caja, the girl was starting to calm down now. "The paper... that man should have explained it to you before this happened" he said softly, keeping eye contact with the small child "You have been... sought by Zenenicel to be part of a quest to stop the Clynactims." He pointed up at the tapestries on the wall to show the terrible monsters "You have been asked to go on a quest to kill them and do the God's bidding." He took a deep breath, time for bad news "However, you HAD a choice... until you agreed to it by signing the contract in blood. Which... by the sound of it, you did by accident."
Coming in more softy and gracefully than the others, a figure dropped to the ground, landed in a crouching position, and then stood and leaned against a pillar. With arms crossed over his chest, he studied the room carefully, his neck craning this way and that to take the whole room in.
Sydnee felt slightly uneasy inside this place, having not been in a temple since he was a small child, back in his home town. The place had an eerie feel to it, and Sydnee felt slightly trapped and enclosed, which is why he chose to stay just on the brink of the temple instead of wandering further inside.
Across the temples marble floor came a soft wind that blew only at ankle level. It was a harmonic breeze and gave off a calming aura. The wind traveled up and blended in the smoke from the incense. "It is time!," came a low and peaceful voice from the ceiling. The smoke twisted and shaped itself into the form of the patron god Zenenicel. His holy form stood proud and what looked like a face seemed to beam at the group "Children of Cusadrehk! Welcome to my chamber." His voice echoed gracefully off of the marble temple. "By answering this call you humble me. Allow me to show you a token of my gratitude." In the center of the temple an exquisite table and 10 beautiful chairs fit for a king appeared. It was full of meats, exotic fruits, desserts, dark rich greens, and fine spirits. "Eat your fill my warriors, for we have much to discuss in the upcoming hours."
"Contrac'? Whas dat?"
Caja had started talking to the bard, but when the food suddenly appeared and the voice sounded, she looked around, confused, then delighted as the voice said to eat her fill. She darted over to the table, ignoring the chairs, and danced around, grabbing as many sweets as she could shove into her mouth at once and filling her pockets with them before anyone else could even get to the table. She also grabbed a bunch of the fruit, and a large slice of meat, ignoring plates, utensils, and everything else, simply grabbing with her hands. Finally, as she retrieved enough food to feed five people, she retreated into a corner and sat there, eating happily, forgetting her earlier concerns when it became apparent that whoever had her was planning on feeding her.
"Bloody Bragons..."
Bael whispered under her breath as she stared at the table. That was a feast the likes of which she had never laid eyes on. Biting her lip to keep from drooling all over the stone floor she slowly approached a chair. She stood beside the table warily completely ignoring the child as she ran about. As if unaware as to whether the table was truly there Bael prodded it and then jumped back quickly. "You lot seeing this?" she asked finally of the others in the room.
"I wouldn't eat any of it if I were you,"
Sydnee murmured as he approached the girl, and then in passing whispered in her ear, "Only god knows
what was done to it." He chuckled a little to himself and then sank into one of the chairs, pushed it back from the table, and then swung his legs up to rest them on the pristine table. he put his hands behind his head and let his eyes watch the little girl over in the corner for a moment before he half-closed them.
Llyvurn was about to explain to the girl more, but the moment the food appeared the girl flittered away to gather as much as possible. He sighed softly, going over to the large table and starting to gather up his own modest pile. Meats, vegetables and fruits found their way into his pockets before he sidled over towards Caja so he could speak to her. He stood next to her, eating his own food slowly as he said softly "Contact... means that you can't back out of this. You are obligated... by the gods themselves. You must do what they say."
As the pirate passed,
Caja looked up at him until he sat down. She continued filling her stomach, though, despite his warning. The food tasted fine to her. She looked up, the piece of meat half eaten, when Llyvurn came over and started talking. "Iffen dey feed me, dey got me," she said through a mouthful of food. At the speed she was eating, it was likely she hadn't seen this much food in a long time if ever, and was very soon going to make herself sick. Though, if anyone was paying attention, they would soon notice that most of the food went into various pockets in her clothes, though she still ate more than enough for a girl her size.
Bael finally sat, though slowly, as if she were about to sit on a pin. Staring at the spread before her she gradually reached for the reddest, most delicious looking apple she had ever seen in her entire life. As she bit into it's crisp skin, the smell burst over her senses and the sweet juice of it's flesh trickled down her chin. Bael couldn't help it...she made a slightly inappropriate noise as her eyes closed and she slumped into the seat with a look of pure pleasure splashed across her features.
Opening one eye and raising the appropriate eyebrow,
Sydnee chuckled at the girl before closing his eye again. Although the food did look delicious, he refused to touch any of it. He didn't feel the need to be bribed or bought by the gods, and he wasn't too trusting of their type anyhow. Instead he took this time to observe and make mental notes about the others who were gathered round.
"Well"
Llyvurn said with a soft chuckle "I don't think they will keep feeding you, but I think that is my job." He smiled down at the girl, he was watching her and while he wasn't quite as trained as others in tracking her little fast hands he could tell most food was in her pockets. "What is your name my little theif?" he said cheerily, wandering if this girl truly was the best theif in the age; she seemed a bit skinny and young for this quest.
Though Llyvurn couldn't tell,
Caja had already sized him up and saw the many places he could hide gold. Though with the big jerk in the corner, she would probably get in trouble for trying to steal, so she refrained. "Caja," she said in response to his question, still eating. She pulled up one of the pieces of random fruit and ate it quickly, catching all the juice so it didn't land on her clothes. Another thing she made sure of was that she didn't smell like the food she was eating. It was hard, but she did it. Llyvurn, standing the closest, would not necessarily notice it, but she had seemingly no distinguishabl
e smell despite the dirtiness of her appearance.
The man in the corner rose from the temple walls, eying the two new additions. He didn't speak a word, his company annoyed him slightly, and sat at the head of the table and helped himself to some bread and ale. As he ate he watched closely at Caja thinking to himself how utterly uncivilized she was. "Drec femm pa sucd ihbmaycyhd,"(This will be most unpleasant) he said in a muffled voice.
Inkah's face swept across the food when it had appeared and as she sat down there was nothing in her mind but the hows and the whys behind it. Though, she was hungry, her need for understanding was greater - not to mention she didn't like the idea of eating such fine foods while Hren was outside with nothing but grass. She looked at the head of the table, narrowing her eyes at his muffled, unrecognisable words but decided better than to comment.
Sydnee absently looked to his palm, half-expecting to still see blood. The wound, however, had healed, and he was left with a faint white scar. A reminder of my task and its promise he though before looking Inkah's way. She too was not partaking of the food presented before them, and he was curious as to why.
Completely satisfied with her apple, Bael began to look around and observe the others. The young brigand who had spoken to her smelled of pirate. She knew his types well from growing up on the docks with her father. Instantly he was on her "watch" list. Pirates were the kind you couldn't turn your back on. Speaking of which she didn't want her pockets anywhere near that waif with the appetite either. The other young girl she could form no opinion on, and the bard she just assumed was good natured, being a bard. As her gaze fell upon the man at the head of the table Bael's blood ran cold. Something about him reeked of death. She knew that cloud hovering over his head all to well. Instantly her nostrils reeked of the scent of the sea. Taking a deep breath she pushed down the memory that had triggered the smell.
The man at the head of the table took notice of Bael's observations of him. To break the tension between her and himself, he stood from his seat and went to the alter to say a prayer.
Zenenicel was pleased to see his warriors minds at ease, if only for a brief moment. "Crusaders! I must apologize in advance for my soon to be hasty retreat. The Cult of Yeiovan has blockaded worshipers from most of the temples and our worldly power weakens without them. In my place I have given my authority to my two most trusted worldly vessels. You all have had the pleasure of meeting Escrat before arriving here." Escrat the herald appeared from behind the statue of Zenenicel his smile still glued to his face. "It is now time for you to meet my proxy of combat. Count Braquis Adalei Nooj, former commander of the Wingrad royal guard and my chosen champion who will provide you with your training. Children of Cusadrehk, absorb his teachings for he has much to share." The smoke form of Zenenicel began to fade. "Forgive me my champions, but I fear our time has come to an end. Farewell for now." Zenenicel's last words echoed through the halls of the temple for what seemed like hours. At last the crusaders mission had begun.
Nooj Turned and faced his trainees. His face turned into a frown from the sight of his unorganized pupils. "Listen up because I do not repeat myself. You are here on behalf of the the holy patrons. It is my duty to see you survive in combat." Nooj began walking around the temple floor eying his students. "I do solemnly swear that I will bear true allegiance and faith to to the Gods of Cusadrehk. My sword will never spill the blood of the innocent. My shield will always protect the weak. My judgement keen. My wits sharp. No matter the obstacle I will always overcome. I will never stop until my gods shepard me to eternal rest. Upon this oath I give my honor. This oath you will hold true till the final moment of this campaign." He looked at the wall scrolls upon the wall and pointed to Bael. "You! What do you know of these creatures?"
The god's fading figure held her rapt attention until he was completely gone. Her then eyes moved around after Nooj; Inkah listened intently. Everything about the place and the situation fascinated her so much so that she almost forgot the questions that drifted listlessly around her mind. She looked towards Bael, waiting to hear her response.
"It's been..." Llyvurn couldn't admit that it was pleasent to meet Caja, she did put a knife to his neck after all... "interesting to meet you my dear..." He took a sharp breath, then looked over at Nooj as the man stepped forward to speak; his hands fiddled with his lute while he watched the man speak. He liked the idea of not harming innocents and shielding the weak, but he wasn't so sure how well he'd be able to fight. His sword wasn't even sharp after all.
Bael's grey eyes locked with Nooj's. An inexplicable emotion flashed across her pale face which grew even paler at his question. Bael turned her gaze to the scrolls and cleared her throat and stood as she spoke. "As for three, I know little, save their names, and reputations. But, as for Caysuhcdan...I know him all to well, sir." Here Bael swung a little on her feet, as she felt as if she had been plunged into the ocean. The disorienting feeling of not knowing which way was up struck her and she rushed through her last words, fear stringing her words together breathlessly, "He lives in the dark deep! Always waiting for a ship to cross his path! His great mouth is lined with long teeth that could slice through a mast in an instant! His fins are as sharp as a blade and can cut a man in two! Storms are where he thrives, feeding off of the fear and disoreintation of m-m-m-men. Sir!" Bael slumped back into her seat out of breath, darkness was closing in on her sight. A whispered prayer to Limsedo and her sight returned. With a deep breath she sat back up in her chair, embarrassed of the state she had so briefly found herself in.
Caja frowned as the god spoke again. She had no idea what he was talking about, and it showed easily enough on her face. She continued eating, despite Nooj speaking as well. Glancing at the wall scrolls, Caja could see the images of the monsters and raised her eyebrows. Pieces of what everyone was saying were started to fall into place. She stood suddenly, dropping the half eaten fruit onto the floor. "Wai'! No one said anydin' aboo fightin' no monsters!" she exclaimed in horror. "I ain' goin' up agins' dose dings!"
Nooj sensed Bael's fear and decided to let her gain her composure. "Vagabond! You signed a blood oath promising your complete loyalty to Zenenicel. So when we march...I'll be sure to put you on the front line." He gave Caja a cynical smirk and went back to the scrolls. "Does someone else have anything to contribute to this briefing?" Nooj gazed around the room.
"Whas dat?" Caja still had no idea what a contract or blood oath was, and didn't even know who Zenenicel was. The only part of his speech she understood was 'vagabond', and that only because she had been called that on occasion. She stared at Nooj with intense dislike. He was exactly like the Street Cleaners, men who would take in orphans off the street with the promise of food and force them to do all sorts of menial labor and tasks and never feed them until the orphan escaped or died. She sincerely hoped that wasn't the case with Nooj, but from what she had seen, it described him perfectly. She suddenly pointed to the statue. "Who's dat?" she exclaimed, confusion in her voice and on her face. "Who're you all?"
"We're the other poor bastards who were dragged into the mess, willing or not," Sydnee murmured, finally opening his eyes. "Don't try too hard to be pretentious, Nooj, or your head will explode. Or perhaps try harder so it will." He crossed his arms over his chest, and began to stare intently at the man.
"Stop. No amount of bickering or insulting will change the situation. Most of us came here knowing what we faced; you signed, you're here, you will continue to be here. Live with it or die trying." Her face was serious and she met no one's eyes while speaking. Instead Inkah stared intently at the statue, her own thoughts and doubts filling the spaces the words had left.
Bael shot a glance at the pirate, her grey eyes filled with a silver fire. Her previous fear had turned to indignation at how lightly he seemed to be treating the situation. She placed her hand on the table and turned toward him. "Take you so lightly the fate of our world, brigand, that you insult the only man standing between us and the Clynactims?" Bael narrowed her eyes, his handsome face making her annoyance with him burn fiercer, "I know your kind, pirate, how you came to be among us I wonder. The last time I checked the scourge of the sea weren't considered warriors, more like thieves. Rats sailing filthy ships of stolen goods."
Lynvurn placed a gentle hand on Caja's shoulder, he had a feeling that the girl wouldn't be happy about doing all of this. "Listen, lass" he said softly, completely ignoring Nooj; the man had little people skills it was obvious, right now he would deal with those who would need his help before fixing the more difficult ones. "You're... stuck... but you don't have to suffer this entire way. Hell, you might even enjoy it, and I'm... I'm going to make sure you're well fed alright?" he tried to smile, he didn't like how this girl had been trapped in this choice and he was quite determined to make things seem a bit better for her.
"Perhaps I was called here to balance out a silly little girl like you who's frightened by some wet noodle of a creature in the sea," Sydnee replied, his shift slowly changing to the girl. "And if anyone took some damn time to think this through, obviously he isn't the so-called "only man standing" since we're all here. In fact, if he's so damn wonderful, he can do the job on his own, and we can all go about our merry way." His gaze remained steady, and although his voice rose a little his expression didn't change.
"Only a fool..." began Bael her voice a dangerous low, her anger causing the many freckles on her cheeks and nose to stand out even more, "would mock the ferocity of Caysuhcdan, especially a man, oh excuse me, boy of the sea such as yourself." Bael leaned forward shortening the space between them, "You won't stand a chance against him, much less the other beasts." Bael drew up and spit at the pirate's feet. "What are you here for?" she hissed, "You think that the women will come crawling at your feet, oh brave warrior who faced the Clynactims and soiled his pants? What were you promised ship rat? Money? All of us signed the same deal." Bael sat back in her chair, "if you have such little respect for your life, by all means continue with the inane babel that seems to so readily spill from your lips. And good riddance when the Clynactims come to collect."
Sydnee turned his face to the side, and then slowly turned it back to face her. "Money is trivial, my dear, once you get enough of it. So if that's all you're in for, you will be sorely disappointed." He took his feet from the table, and stood. "And you may feel free to call me "boy" when you've seen people die in front of you. When you see people tumble to their deaths, burn, or bleed from terrible, terrible wounds. Until then, girl, know your place."
Bael for the first time in the past few moment grew calm. Her eyes slipping gradually from anger to deep sadness as she gazed up at the pirate that stood before her. With slow quiet words she held his gaze and asked, "Do you really think any of us here are strangers to death?" Bael watched the chiseled feature of his face for any flicker of emotion.
Sydnee blinked, and his expression weakened, and then softened. He sighed, and sat back down, sinking into his chair. He rested his elbow on the chair's arm, and let his head hang in his head. "Of course not," he murmured, shutting his eyes as if in a gesture of defeat.
Caja could barely follow half of the conversation. She finally groaned and looked up to the ceiling of the cathedral. Her stomach was twisting in knots, both from the realization that she was stuck here and eating too much food for her small body. She didn't like the way this was quickly becoming everyone against everyone, and she certainly didn't like the way that Bael had mentioned stolen goods. If they all knew she was more than just a street urchin, they might turn on her as well. So, instead of dealing with their conversation, she looked up at Llyvurn and nodded. "I didn' know 'oo dat man was. Bu' I'm 'ere now. So I migh' as well stay." She turned to Nooj. "Iffen I don' attack no one else 'sides dose monster beasts, can I have me dagger back?"
Lyyvurn was standing there with his hand over his face, silently cursing his luck; he knew it, he knew that he would be unable to do anything here. He was a bard, a travelling bard, what the hell would he do to help cheer this lot up? When they didn't hate each other they were despressed apparently. It didn't help that he also was a bit of a stranger to death; more like mild aquaintances, they'd met when he had come for someone else that Llyvurn had stumbled across. The kind of person you nodded to, maybe struck up one or two conversations but neither was really sure what the other's name was. "If" his voice carried across the room, he was used to having to have his voice heard in noisey rooms without it seeming like he was shouting "everyone is quite done arguing... I would like to know if we are going to get anything to help us on this journey? I saw another horse out there, my own cart can support maybe three people... Are the rest of us meant to walk? Where are we even heading towards first?"
Nooj debated Caja's question to himself for a moment, then decided to comply with her wishes. He walked over to her and handed out the dagger. "Tis a fine blade nevv. Don't ever let me see you pull it out in a sacred place again." He then turned and walked over beside Sydnee, fixing his eye onto the pirate as if he was peering into his soul. "You think you have this whole situation figured out ar? Behold! I'm Sydnee Hammis, arrogant pirate extraordinaire! Nooj then leaned into Sydnee's ear and whispered. "Scars tell me a lot about a persons worth. Your wrist, a burn no doubt. Man doesn't just stick his hand into a fire for nothing, has to be a reason. What was your reason pirate?" After he finished mocking teh pirate walked away and sat back down at his chair, eye still fixed on Sydnee.
Sensing a fight brewing Escrat interjected. "My friends please let us put our differences aside for a moment. Friend bard, would you not be so kind as to play us a tune as we wait for our other companion?"
Llynvurn looked around at all the figures on the table, taking a deep breath and bringing the lute up to his chest. He plucked a few strings, smiling down at the lute as a soft song began to play out into the holy temple. When he spoke however he spoke normally, not singing, but still with a strange air of someone trying to tell a story. "My name is Llyvurn Whenbury" the voice was calm but strong, trying to keep people's attentions and stop the fighting "I'm a bard and a map maker. From what I've been told I'm here to keep you all happy." He chuckled, pausing as he strummed out a fiddly little section "Don't worry, I'm not sure why I was sent here either. I'm not really a fighter..." He chuckled softly and looked up towards the Zenenicel statue "Maybe it's because I have a still in my cart. Maybe it's because I'm the only one willing to follow you brave men and women into the worst of this armed with a musical instrument... But I'm here. I'll make sure you don't go hungry. I'll make sure we get the best deals from traders... and I'll make sure to make that little bit of money we might need." He chuckled and looked out over the faces, giving a half smile and still plucking away at his lute "You guys are here to do the important things. I'll take care of everything else."
Just as Llynvurn finished playing, a door to the temple opened and an older, thin priest walked into the temple. He froze at the sight of the warriors around the hall, and glanced up at Zenenicel's statue, offering up a quick prayer for forgiveness for being late. The priest then walked over towards Nooj. "I thought they would be here tomorrow." He looked at Escrat. "I thought you said tomorrow." Without an answer, he waved his hand at them, excusing their miscommunication. "No matter, they are here now." The priest gave the group a bow and straightened. "Warriors, I am Father Taneyr Puug, priest of Zenenicel, and his chosen healer. Let me properly welcome you to this temple of my lord." He glanced at Nooj. "Unless you have welcomed them already." Taneyr made a face and turned back to the group. "Have you made introductions amongst yourselves yet?"
"Forgive my rudeness father.' Said Nooj with a bow. He then stepped away from the group trying to gain his composure.
There was a feeling in the room that no one was really sure how to answer this old priest who had wondered in so late... and Llyvurn was great at breaking silences, it was practically what he was paid for. "Not formally, other than myself... and perhaps Count Braquis Adalei Nooj" the bard nodded in the knight's direction "Though he did have a God doing most of the introduction for him." It was strange that Llyvurn could say something like this with all the control and mild humour as if he had just told a mildly amusing story, a testamony to his life rule of some respect to everyone instead of all respect to some.
Inkah inclined her head before she too introduced herself, "I apologise for my quietness, this situation is somewhat overwhelming. I am Inkah Stretkensen and outside waits my horse Hren." She pulled her lips into a smile, though slightly nervous it was a true one; she was thankful to be partnered with such interesting beings, even if they did almost break into fights.
Breaking the thick silence Bael spoke, "Baeled Majorn," she glanced around the table before glancing up at the Taneyr, "though many call me Bael." She felt as if she had nothing better to say, so biting her lower lip gently, she resigned to silence.
"Father if I may speak plainly," said Nooj "Our time is limited here, the Cult of Yeiovan know of our presence here and will surely begin to take action soon. Warriors, forgive my harshness earlier," The Count went out of his way to notice Sydnee, "but it may be time to move toward a safe haven so that we may have time to conduct strategy. Bard! Since you are our only person knowledgeable with maps here, I am counting on you to serve as navigator for the group. We must be packed and ready to travel by the end of the hour. Make ready troops, our destination is the mountain town of Binbma. If we are lucky we will arrive in three days." The Count then left the group and walked out of the great temple doors.
Taneyr bowed slightly to Nooj. "My apologies. I have been remiss in my obligations. I do hope you forgive me." He turned to the group. "I will learn which warriors each of you are as we travel I am certain." He stepped forward to stand next to Inkah, giving her a kind smile.
Despite Nooj's proclamation of imminent travel, Caja did not want to leave the temple after just getting here. She went to the table and shoved more food into the various pockets of her garment, carrying enough to feed herself on the three day journey. She went back to stand by Llyvurn, since he was really the only one being nice to anyone, especially her. Caja had sheathed her dagger and was now ready to travel, not sure what everyone else was waiting for.
Bael hesitated and then stood, her chair scraping on the floor, "alright then ladies and gents, that's our cue." With light nimble fingers she picked one last apple and stuck it into her bag. "one for the road," she whispered to herself, and then followed Nooj from the temple.
Llyvurn looked at the table with an almost disapproving air; that was a lot of food to waste. That was, if he hadn't promptly followed Caja and began to stash the food as well, with a cheery grin towards Taneyr while saying "For the journey". Red meat could be recooked or dried out for sustaining travellers, fruit could be kept to eat, then when they began to rot they could be used to brew some nice drinks to help sustain even longer. Good thing he wore many layers, every single one hand pockets and most without holes in, so he wandered out of there with as much food as he could gather.
Sydnee stood, and as he walked to the door whistled a soft, sad tune, almost under his breath, his hands shoved deep into the bowels of his pockets. This was going to be an interesting journey, that was certain. With his hat tipped precariously on his forehead, he headed towards the exit, and onward to the road ahead.
Picking up an apple as well, Taneyr gave everyone still in the temple a smile and went over to the corner, lifting a bag and a walking staff he had stashed there. With a turn and a salute to Zenenicel, he walked out of the temple.
Caja watched Llyvurn taking food and smiled. Finally, here was someone she could relate to. She followed him around the table, picking up a strip of meat to suck on while they traveled, and went to the door, standing just out of the temple, waiting for Llyvurn and the journey to begin.
Llyvurn stepped out of the temple, stretched and looked out over the view; quite nice if he did say so himself. He looked down at Caja, the girl seemed surprisingly accepting of him now, he was sure she'd actually smiled. "Do you have a ride or do you want a lift?" he asked her with a slight chuckle, nodding over to the horse and cart tied up beside Hren "That's mine. I've got room for a few riders." He was offering because she was incredibly thing, quite friendly and honestly probably couldn't walk around too much; eating a lot after eating a little gave cramps, he'd learnt that after coming across some people whos cart had been run off the road.
"A lif' woul' be nice," Caja said. She went over to the horse and held out an apple to the beast before climbing onto the cart. She looked in the back and noted the still with a smile. She knew what the contraption was, even if she had never tasted the brew. Caja sat down and rubbed her stomach, eager to be on the road.
Out of the temple came Nooj. He was not dressed in his gray attire, but a shimmering steel armor. His helmet was tarnished with dings in it, yet his armor looked untouched. Most notably was his broadsword attached to his back. Unlike most swords, his was curved which was noticeable from the shape of the sheath. Around his waist was an assortment of pouches carrying various odds and ends. "We'll be leaving soon warriors. Does anyone have any questions?"
"How fast are we planning on traveling?" asked Bael with a glance at the cart, "If there really is a blood thirsty cult on there way, I'm not sure how that cart or-" here she glanced at Sydnee, "those of us on our feet are going to fare..."
Moving to the side of her steed, Inkah smiled. Mounting Hren was easy, easier with the carrot she had offered him before. She looked to the others, "If anyone needs it, Hren is fully capable of carrying two." She patted his side and grinned as he beat his hooves.
Nooj acknowledged Inkah for her generosity, but shook his head in protest. "It will take about 3 days minimum to reach Binbma. Jeumod sits in between the temple and our destination. I have taken the liberty of sending word to the local inn keeper, we will rest there for the night. That morning we will take some time to shop for provisions and head out before high noon. From Jeumod we will travel till sundown and make camp, the air gets very chill the closer you get to the mountains. Any more questions?"
Taking a step forward and leaning on his walking staff, Taneyr looked at Nooj. "Not to be purposefully obtuse, but I believe if we wish to make it to the town before dark, we should start moving. Some of us have not traveled in a great deal of time and may be slower to get started than others." He looked at Llyvurn, his eyes bright. "Young one, may I stow my pack among your possessions? I am afraid that walking with it too long may slow me down more than I am already."
"Sir, if you want then you can climb up as well and go for a ride" Llyvurn wished that others were more willing to accept a ride. He wouldn't be able to carry much but he could give some of them a lift, and it would speed them up. He moved over to his horse, untying the beast and patting it's mane soothingly; maybe it was time to retire the old girl, give her to somewhere needing a slow cart being pulled around. This would require a much grander horse, a faster one as well probably... or one with more stamina. Not that she wasn't a grand girl, but she didn't deserve all this, SHE wasn't signed in blood.
Escrat sensed something forlorn in Llyvurn. He walked up to him and with a smile patted his horse head. "Tis a fine beast, friend bard, yet she looks well traveled. Perhaps a life of leisure is in order?" He turned to face the stables of the temple showing many fine specimens.
Taneyr shook his head. "Nay, I cannot ride. It is my duty to walk and allow others to have comforts. Anyway, I will enjoy stretching my legs for a bit. Until I get too tired. Then I will gladly accept the ride." Taneyr placed his small bag in the back of the cart, pulling out a small carved wooden charm that was made for him by his grandson. He put the string around his neck, tucked it under his robes, and walked to the front of the cart once more. "However, if you are indeed in need of a horse, mine is more than able to pull this cart of yours. He is strong and has been restless since my grandson is no longer able to ride him. His name is Robir." There was a hitch in his voice as he said 'grandson' that was barely perceptible.
Llyvurn nodded slightly to Escart "I will take a new horse if you promise to look after Sessil for me. She's not the strongest but she can pull a cart steadily for days if that's what's asked of her." He nodded to Taneyr as well, giving a slight smile "I'd be glad to take a familiar horse, if you think they are up to the job. It is always better to have a familiar horse." He didn't mention anything about the grandson, but there was a slight twinkle in his eyes that suggested that he hadn't ignored what he had heard. Now was not the time however, things like that could be brought up later, over a good drink.
"Very good," said Escrat "We leave as soon as the switch is made."
It didn't take too much time for the priests to switch out the horses. afterwards the group made good on their plan. Waving goodbye to the temple priests, the crusaders marched down the path toward Binbma.
The journey continues on Traveling to Binbma
The Crusaders Ballad | Zenenicel's Armory | The Crusaders | Zenenicel's Temple | Traveling to Binbma
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