[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#81

Jhandan and vomit don't go together well. Jhandan and large smelly men don't go together well either. Jhandan and the vomit of large smelly men is THE one thing you don't want to have happen to you in the morning.

I kept my composure, lept down from the saddle, and started to wipe my boots. "Indeed, the men where you come from let out more than wind out of their mouths. I must apologize, sincerely so."

I tuned to Itascia, the interruption having cured my little 'condition' more than well.
"Yes, Jhandan it is, and a lot of other stuff too." I had to smirk "Without it, I'd sleep all day... still growing, you know. Takes a lot of effort."
Patting my pouches, I explained:
"Jhandan, Yoruga, Gurmi, and a few more daily, Blerran once a week, so if one of the beasts would try to wolf me down, it might spoil it's stomach; once a month a Phoenix blossom, so if I die, there's nothing left to animate or possess..."
I grinned broadly: "Some of them don't taste too bad, but generally, it's a pain, especially the Phoenix."

I smiled at Itascia brightly, amused about myself ... theose smiles are the oly ones that I'm good at: "Any addictions of your own you wnat to tell me about?"

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#82

That had gone better than he had expected. Just one cutting little verbal dagger from the boy. Not quite the fearsome barrage he had been bracing himself for. Either the boy was in a really good mood today,or he was just too engrossed in little Ithascia to let Klanu distract him from his quarry. More likely to be the latter,he thought with faint smile as he gripped the stirrups of his horse and pulled himself upright with his big right arm.

Ithascia was pretty enough in her own way,if not quite your conventional beauty and young Corram was at that charmingly foolish age where a young lad is obssesed with getting the loving little attentions of the fairer sex. The fact that Ithascia was not quite his age probally wouldn't deter him. Well,time to give the two some time alone. He doubted that either of them would appreciate his company right now or at any other time for that matter. He hadn't quite impressed them with his ''I'm the tough warrior,so don't give me any lip'' outburst the previous day at the mayor's office. Of course,the brat had started it first. But somehow,he didn't expect Ithascia to see it that way. Women could be very biased sometimes. He had spent enought time living with them to learn that

Still nursing his aching head,he turned in Harshang's direction. As immaculately groomed as ever,the Southner seemed lost in some kind of trance,unpertubed by either Klanu's noisy arrival or his kind if unwilling decision to share some of last night's food from the feat with Ithascia and Coram. No way was he going to try and strike up a conversation with the man when it was obvious that he wanted to left alone.

It had been barely half of a Hulras(Snake Rider unit of time equal to an hour) since he had left the inn and he was already begining to miss Bryce. No one else wanted to have a friendly chat with him. At times like this,he missed the little man's warmth and friendliness. You never appreciate what you have until it's no longer around,he reflected somberly,recollecting those times Bryce's unceasing babble had nearly driven him out of his mind.

The Mayor. Maybe he was good for some conversation. From what he had observed yesterday,the ruler of Cudereim had seemed an affable enough fellow. Still nursing his throbbing head,Klanu walked over to where the man stood some distance away and tapped his shoulder. ''So,what do you think is responsibe for what we've seen? An angry god of nature,dark forces of evil or a crazed necromancer? I know you might dismiss such speculation as a waste of time,but I'd just like to hear your thoughts.'

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#83

The mayor had been listening attentively to Corams words of beasts and things which would try to 'wolf him down', when Klanu tapped his shoulder. Leyri blinked once and shifted his gaze from the forest to the snake rider, attending his question before nodding faintly. "Many in the world don't believe in such things. Personally, I have travelled nearly all of this land - I've only been mayor of this town for a half-year - so my experiences force me to believe in what most would call 'legends' or 'myths'."
"Personally? I believe this forest to be home to something. Why it is suddenly here, I have no idea. What it is home to, I do not know, either. I entered the borders once, though. Just past the first row of trees - and it felt as though I were unwelcome, and should leave."
"I'm sure there is a logical explanation, somehow, but the mind does wander..."
Leyri shrugged faintly, shifting that lockbox to rest beside him.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#84

Listening to Coram. She nodded as she listened, digging through one of her bags. Retrieving a small pouch of purple and green blossom like items were removed. One pulled out of the bag. A look to Coram for a moment. "i will be right back."

Carrying the item over to Klanu. Offering it to him. "Here, it will help ease the sickness you are feeling." Bai zhu was excellent for calming the stomach and easing the pain in one's head." A reassuring smile. Trying to be helpful. After giving him the item she returned to where Coram was to continue with their conversation.

"You consume such a deadly combination. It is a wonder that you are not dead." She knew that mix of herbs and such was almost a fatal combination. There were a rare few who could survive such a mix. And Itascia was not one of them.

"I use to have an addiction to Yan Hu Suo and Jhandan." That combination was dangerous, it over stressed the heart and could kill you. And it was an even harder addiction to get over. Mainly a mix used by preformers such as acrobats to keep up with the long strenous hours and lack of sleep.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#85

Klaun looked bemusedly at the little blossoms that Ithascia had handed him,then decided that he was supposed to chew them. Popping them into his mouth,he pulled a slight face. They were dry and tasteless,much like a mouthful of dust. Not that he wanted to complain. If they would help to ease this mother of all headaches,he would be a very grateful man.

Sure enough,they did. Within minutes,Klanu could feel the relentless pain in his head receeding a little. His stomach too had settled somewhat. Giving a little sigh of relief,he made up his mind to thank Ithascia for those herbs when she finally managed to tear herself away from young Coram. But meanwhile,there was the mayor there for him to squeeze for more thoughts and suspicions.

''Home to something,eh? I hope it's not a dragon or some other dread beast that will decide to swallow the entire province with it's forest. Maybe it's just some woodland spirit that wants to reclaim a patch of forest that was razed to make way for farms. My people say all forests are home to such things. That's why we've always avoided entering them whenever possible.''

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#86

"What is a dragon?" Queried Leyri. He hadn't heard of such a thing before. Perhaps it was a myth of Klanu's people. Either way, the mayor shrugged faintly. "I don't see why some spirit would up and decide one day to take back farmland which has been created by humans for centuries. And I've not heard of any spirit - mythical or otherwise - with the ability to move so many trees around."

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#87

Since they would be waiting awhile for the others to arrive, Itascia decided to unshoulder the pack for a while. Removing it, she set the bag at her feet. Giving her left shoulder a brief rub. That pack was a bit heavy, but the items in it would hopefully be of use on this mission.

Looking to Coram. "By the way, thank you again for the bite of bacon." It was a small piece but had satisfied that sudden craving for protein. Sometimes dried fruit and nuts were not a filling breakfast.

She knelt down a moment and rummaged through her pack once more. Sorting through the pouches of herbs and roots. Finding the one she was looking for after a few minutes. One of the leaves was removed. Folded into halves a few times before the popped it into her mouth.

She then closed the pouch and placed it back into the pack once more. Closing everything up. Chewing lightly on the leaf. A eucalyptus leaf most likely. Something to soothe her throat. It was starting to feel a bit scratchy again. Atleast it didnt hurt so much anymore. More of a dull ache now from time to time, like if she inhaled too deeply.

Eventually Itascia would make some herbal elixirs instead of relying on the herbs in their natural form. But until she was content with what she had. Besides elixir bottles could be accidently broken, and some of those things you would not want to mix. Dried herbs and roots were easier to contend with when you traveled.

A glance towards Klanu. Noting that his color was better. It seemed that he had partaken of the Bai zhu. Good. From the looks of it, the bai zhu was already working to make him better.Pleased that the herb was helping him. Knowing that being sick,or hungover, was not a pleasant feeling. Especially when it was accompanied by vomitting. Besides, an upset and unsettled stomach did not go well with traveling. Though a strangely amusing thought did come to mind, it would have been funny if it didnt seem mean to think such a thing. Her attention then went back to Coram once more.

That almost amusing thought still lingered in her mind, as mean as it was though. ~Well if we are beset by some monster..he could always throw up on them and that might scare it away.~ Joking about some one being ill was just wrong. Plain and simple. No, she would not share that thought with anyone else. Erasing it from her own mind. No more picking at these people she was traveling with. No more ill thoughts and little humorous things. After all she might have to rely on them to get her out of danger at some point. Silently she could not help but wonder what they thought of her. A nuisance, most likely. A simpering useless female... but she was use to people feeling that way about her. Weather they were from the North or from the South.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#88

I turned to the mayor, my features serious: "So you have not heard of such a thing - that does not mean it is impossible. For example, in the Year of Red Stars, a demon infested the crops of Beyrnel, a hamlet of five hundred souls. After they have dined on the first bread baked of it, they were changed into unholy shrubs. Only a priest who was fasting escaped to tell the story... Or in the Year of the Molten Serpent, the holy oak of Danvar was possessed by a demonic entity, whereupon it commanded the other sacred trees to strangle the villagers, and it has smitten those who fled with sorcerous lightning...."
Looking at the mayor, not certain what I was hoping to find, I added: "What unusual sights or omens have you seen, not including the appearance of this forest? Strange lights in the sky, weird births, ... anything?"

Uncertainty. Most unpleasant.What would await us under those shadowy boughs? I'd love to have at least a marginal outline of what might have moved so many trees, so ancient and twisted, into the midst of a flourishing country.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#89

Itascia listened intently. These things would probably prove to be quite valueble bits of knowledge. Sadly amongst this group she would likely be the most ignorant of super natural things. She had never encounter the strange and unusual. Which some may consider a blessing.

Her attention shifted to the Mayor as well. Omens and signs, if she ever saw them in her travels then most likely she was unable to see them for what they were. A slight frown formed as she began to think things over. Stealing, jumps and flips, and medicine...pretty much the only things that had played an important role in her life. Never one for superstitions or religion. In the life that she had growing up, one needed to remain practical. Focus on what was right before your eyes.

Itascia thought to ask something then. Something that had come to mind. Maybe the answer had already been said at some other point and she had missed it. Either way she was going to ask. "How many have gone in there...and how many have come back?"

The answer may help them to guage their odds of surviving this. What things awaited them in there? How many lives had this forest consumned since it's arrival? No matter what happened, no matter what they might encounter in there, her fellow travelers could count on her to do her best. She would guard their backs, as she hoped they would guard her's.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#90

Leyri watched Coram intensly as the tales of demons were related, and gave his head a faint shake, "I am not as ignorant as you may believe in such matters, Coram - though that is not something I wish to discuss at the current point of time. All I can say, is that in all the knowledge I can gather, I've never heard of such a large-scale action. This far exceeds the Beyrnel plight, or the fallen oak of Danvar. And no - I've not been aware of anything out of the ordinary. But if there WAS something out of the ordinary, no doubt it would have occured closer to the center of where the forest arose. Cuedrim isn't the target of this thing, it just happened to be on the edge."
"I've heard of only four enter deep into the forest in all the weeks it has been here, Itascia, but of those four, none have yet returned. They left of their own accord, however, and not at the same time. You will hopefully have a party at your back."

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#91

Itascia nodded as Mayor Leyri answered her question. Moving over to a peaceful spot to sit, dragging her pack with her. She was seated, her back leaned up against the pack. Her attention having been drawn to the forest. There was a strong chance that they four who went in there were still traveling. Perhaps. There was also the chance that they were dead, and their group would possibly come across their bodies as they entered the forest and moved deeper into it's bowels.

A forest just simply does not appear over night. Not by any naturals means. And it was doubtful that these trees uprooted themselves and walked here. And by what force or reason did the trees stop here? And why had Falamir and Uldama been engulfed by this?

Hopefully they would find the answers to these questions. Remembering that yesterday Mayor Leyri had stated that he believed that Uldama to be the at the heart of this forest. The center is usually where such events spiraled out from. And most likely that would be where they would find the answers. She wondered if the people in those towns were still alive. And how they would manage to escort them all back safely.

If they did find survivors, how many would refuse to come with them? How many would rather stay trapped in those towns instead of braving the forest? Probably many from Falamir and Uldama had already braved the forest and had become lost. Or worse, dead.

The leaves in her mouth soon became bitter. They were now a sufficiently mushed bit of pulp. A bit of cloth was removed from her pocket. And the green wad was deposited into it. The fabric was folded and placed back into her pocket. The water skin lifted and the cork removed. A brief drink was taken. The skin recorked and returned to her side.

Itascia studied the woods still. Realizing that most likely she would be one of the ones to climb up into the high branches of the tree to see if she could spot signs of life from Falamir once they began to draw closer to that town. Perhaps smoke from a chimney, or a flag of some sort.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#92

Hashang opened his eyes abruptly, banishing meditative dreams of enlightenment.
"Have any heard the tales of the Mindful Forest?" he said, startlingly ending any illusions as to his continuing stupor. "It is not... strictly relevant; a legend told among my people."

There was a pause.

"Mindful Forest is a god who made a bet with Urushkli, the God of Mirrors. Mindful Forest was a good gambler, and knew that he would win against even the God of Mirrors, but he disregarded the tales of Urushkli's trickery, and thus he lost, for the God of Mirrors decieved him and won the bet, and thus won Mindful Forest's daughter for his wife.
Urushkli, when he had gotten her with child, ran away with her dowry and all their belongings. Mindful Forest became so angry that he left Heaven to search for Urushkli, and while he was outside the gates, the God of Mirrors fastened them shut and took Mindful Forest's belongings for his own as well.
Thus, Mindful Forest spends all of his days wandering the mortal land as a great silent forest who is so angry that it tears apart those who wander into it."

Hard eyes were turned towards the eerie trunks of the forest. Hashang stood up and breathed in deeply.

"When do we depart?" he said, voice colored with impatience.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#93

Timber stood still, catching the scent the wind bore from the ominous forest. A low growl escaped his throat, confirming my worries - he had a better nose for things thatwere not of this world, with me on Jhandan or not.

I calmed him with a soothing cuddle: "I wish I could calm people like this... or myself."

Turning to my companions, I looked for signsof uneasiness. "Itascia,are you certain? There is no shame if you don't want in...."

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#94

Her attention shifted from the woods upon hearing her name. Itascia looked to Coram. A nod of her head given. "I am going. I have already given my word and accepted partial payment." She was trying to live an honest life now.

She watched as he cuddled his furry companion. "I have come this far, I will not turn back now." Hopefully she was making the right choice. Itascia was very slightly uneasy about all of this. But she had already made up her mind.

She had sealed her fate when she had accepted and spent part of that money/ It would be wrong for her to have just taken the money and run. She may have been a thief, but she did have some sense of honor.

A slight smile, one that was almost mischievious, formed. "Besides, who knows what trouble you might get into without me." Trying to lighten the moment a little. Her attention drifted back to the forest for a moment. Not liking the ominous feeling that she got from it.

Itascia looked from Hashang, to Klanu, then finally settled upon Coram once more. Four of them had arrived. Though five were stuck waiting. No doubt Klanu's red-haired companion would not be joining them. But what of the other three? Had the forest frightened them away? Or were they still sleeping? Who knows.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#95

Klanu shivered as he gazed at the dark brooding mass of the forest. ''Who knows? There might be some tuth to the old legend of Harshang's. Or maybe not. One way or the other,we'll find out. To be honest though,I'm not too keen on finding out. I mean why disturb the dark thing that is responsible for the sudden appearance of this forest? But I accepted this challenge together with Bryce and I will answer it,even if Bryce won't be there to protect me with his blade. All men die as the Gods decree and if it's my fate to die in that forest,then so be it. All the same,I'll find myself missing Bryce's company. The Gods know,his never ending chatter was always a small price to pay for that deadly sword arm of his. If it wasn't obvious back then,it sure is now. Still,if Bryce recovers quickly,he'll probally try to meet up with us at some point.'''

He shook his head and gaves a little sigh. ''Poor Bryce. Is there anything he wouldn't he give to be with us right now? Wish I could say I felt the same. If Greyson,Aurakh and that woman Miranda decided that they're really not up to journeying to what might be their deaths,I won't judge them.''

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#96

Aurakh emerged from the shadows of the forest. He had skirted alongside its edge the entire morning, ever since he left Greyson snoring in the room next door at the inn. The whore was long gone, but his pouch had remained; there were telltale signs of her searching for it, and of her increasing frustration while doing so. But she had only found the money he left for her; the exact payment she demanded in the first place.

As Aurakh closed in on the would be heroes, he kicked a stone towards the forest. He had no luck at all while hunting along the borders of the forest, a fact that unsettled him more than a little. That was why his slingbag now was filled with dried meat, nuts and raisins, dried roots and other travelling fare bought at the local general shop. He had also bought a new, sturdy axe and a thick oiled hide, for use during heavy storms and torrential rain.

Looking slightly pale from yesterdays beer binge, Aurakh stopped in front of Mayor Leyri and nodded. "Greyson will probably arrive soon, he cannot possibly be that exhausted despite the fact that he entered his room with more women than I can handle." Aurakh laughed and beamed a smile to those present.

"Mayor. I am concerned by the fact that I find little game along the borders of this forest. What can you tell me of animal life within the forest? And what about humans? Is there much traffic to and fro the woods? I apologize if you have already answered the question, but this forest is unlike any I have seen before"

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#97

"I can trust you to keep things in order for a while?" Greyson asked the youth. The young man nodded with a hint of anxiety, he was barely old enough to shave and the village knew, as well it should, he was a local.

"Yes sir..." he said, "I wont let you down."

"Good." Greyson said, gathering the reins of his horse, patting her on the nose with the palm of his hand. She was already saddled, and his supplies were packed away in her saddlebags. Plenty of water, flour and a stout iron pan, dried fruits and salted pork and beef, just for variety. A good solider knew that he marched on his stomach and not his feet. "It is getting late and the mayor may think that I have taken his money and run. Remember how little mercenaries are trusted before you decide to become one yourself, Kirke."

"I understand sir..." the young man said, saluting with a fist to his heart.

*****
Greyson lead Amie, the mare, to the place where the mayor waited in the company of the lithe thief, the southerner, and the Serpent rider warrior, as well as the nervous ranger. He carried himself with the relaxed air of a seasoned campaigner, which he was. He had not fought any demons, and catching the last part of the conversation of possessed grain, and strangling trees was disconcerting to say the least.

"Good morning to you all." he said, saluting the mayor as the man was also technically, as his employer, his superior.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#98

At Aurakh's question and arrival, Leyri stood and tore his gaze from the forest, nodding faintly to the man in greeting, "The townsfolk - as I - have heard the howling of wolves within the forest, as well as several varieties of birds. Some which are known to us, and others which arent. Apart from that, I don't believe anyone has seen any creatures. Perhaps they have yet to catch up with the forest? As for humans, as I was telling Itascia, There have been only four that i'm aware of that have entered. There may have been more that went in without any townsfolks knowledge, but we have no way of knowing that."

As the sound of horses hooves on the rough path became apparant, the mayor turned to see Greyson approach. "Ah, and I was beginning to think you had hung your tail between your legs and left the opposite direction, Greyson!" Leyri's tone was, of course, mocking in nature - Past dealings with the man had proved him to be a reliable sort. "Well, I suppose this is all we can wait for. Perhaps Miranda will turn up late and catch up with you all. Even still..." Leyri switched a latch in the lockbox in his hands and opened it up. What was revealed inside was a felt-lined interior, and resting on the base was a miniature figurine. disc-like in shape, about 3 centimeters in diameter and a half a centimeter in thickness, this object had an imprint on either side of it. On one side was an image of blackened, spiked shackles and chains, and on the other side, a similar image, except the chains were broken - shattered. The disc was suspended on a small, leather strap, allowing it to be hung over the neck like a necklace. "In my travels I came across this trinket, and though I've yet to find its purpose, I know it has a use. I'm compelled now, to hand this to you all - I trust it to Greysons hand now, simply because I know him more than the others here, and know he will heed my words. Don't misplace it. If you lose it, risk your life to regain it. If it is stolen from you all, forfeit the thiefs life to collect it. This may sound foolish to you all now, but trust me." Leyri removed the coin from its case and extended it to Greyson. In the mercenaries hand the coin felt dead.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#99

Closing his hand around the metal coin, Greyson imagined this was how a riverstone from Styx might weigh in the hand. The mayor wasnt the sort to make outrageous demands, so his warning was dually noted. "I'm sorry that I was late, I was giving final instructions to Deputy Kirke for the disposition of the town guard until my return, or lack of." Greyson said.

"The watch will be kept with the same patrols, and Kirke suggested building a palisade around the town. Its not a bad idea, but that would be quite formally your decision to make." The mercenary said, a hint of irritation in his voice. There was no escaping the stigma of his profession, a mercenary was a mercenary no matter how much good he did.

"If this is all that is going perhaps we should head out. There is a good deal of unfamiliar terrain between us and Uldama."

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#100

''That coin,is it magic?'',Klanu asked the mayor,in an awed tone. There was something special about that coin,he was sure. The mayor obviously thought it valuble,even priceless. He had asked them to guard it with the deep concern that most men would have reserved for the safety of their sons.

Magic. Sorcery. The two words kept ringing over and over in his head. Like all of his people,he feared and respected this arcane force,that among their people,was the sole preserve of the priests and priestesses. Magic marked you forever,they were in the habit of saying,those wise ones. All of them would be changed for good,he suddenly knew. Nothing would ever be the same for any of them again,if they lived through this perilous venture.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#101

Aurakh stared at the coin the mayor had entrusted to Greyson. It was unlike any of the magical fetishes and foci of the tribal Shaman of his people.

"Perhaps it is time we enter the forest? I don't know who was to be the leader and so, but I respect Greyson as a veteran and the mayor seems to do likewise. Perhaps we ought to travel as he suggest until an agreement is reached as for who among you shall be our decisionmaker. I can travel ahead and warn of impending danger."

Aurakh crouched down and dug his hands into the soil, feeling the earth between his hands. He took a fistful and smelt it, savouring the aroma. Among the Yarang it was believed that the soil nurtured all and was, in a sense, the mother of everything.

So it begins. I am ready mother

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#102

"I'm sure Kirke's thoughts have merit - I will speak to him in detail about erecting a Palisade, later today. And Magic, Klanu? Well, I suppose you could say it is magic. But its story, i do not wish to disclose to you all at this time - my reasons are my own." Leyri closed the now empty case in his hand and twisted the latch to lock it once more. "And yes, Aurakh. Now would be a good time to enter. Hopefully the rest will not be too far behind, and they will catch up before long. Going at a steady pace, it will take a day and a half... perhaps two days to reach Falamir, and another three or so to find Uldama." The mayors voice trailed off for a time, as he turned to stare into the forest. His gaze seemed as though it pierced through the very trees to the center. He spoke once more, his voice neutral, "And take care. I feel something sinister about this forest..."

_______________
II. Enter the Green

Six figures stood in the shade of great leaves, just shy of the border of the large forest.
A slender, petite woman stood to the left; Itascia Jarnagua. Her pale complexion contrasting with her dark hair. The woman was idly rubbing her neck, as though soothing a small ache.
With a stoic calm a large man - tattooed head to toe in an intricate design of scarlet and black - stood. Hashang karKureshmu's eyes were closed as, even now, he was in a state of meditation. Hidden between a spike of red and a swirl of black on the back of his hand was a separate tattoo of a snake fang, a droplet of poison beaded at its tip.
Klanu's eyes were open, however. Peering deeply into that forest, as though it were another challenge to prove his worth and manhood. Though he was somewhat discouraged by the absense of his master, Bryce, he was intrigued by the adventure this phenomenon might bring.
There was another who was peering directly into that forest - but Coram Denavere was looking for any unusual signs that the trees may harbor. Bieng a hunter of evil, Coram knew more of the darker side of the world than the others in the party, and as such, knew what to look for. But interestingly, there was nothing to indicate that this forest was out of the ordinary. Apart, of course, from the fact that it was not there several weeks ago.
With bow on his back and grim features on his face, Aurakh stood. Constantly alert and looking all around him, the tracker studied for signs of animals. He saw and heard little, barring the chirping of exotic birds, and the droppings and signs of several varieties of rodent.
And finally, there was A. R. Greyson. The grizzled mercenary had seen much of life, and the hardened expression given showed that a bit of it left a bad taste in his mouth. In his left hand was a coin-like object. Greyson was the first to speak, "Well, no time like the present..." And forward he stepped, followed by the rest.

---

The first impression given from "The Forboding Forest" was... well, not quite that foreboding. Early morning sunlight filtered through the thick canopy above them, giving the forest beneath a lovely, luminescent jade light, not too hard on the eyes. The sound of foreign birds chirping filled the forest with music, and the soft 'crunch' of the parties boots upon the remains of the cobblestone path was rythmic and almost peaceful. For all the premonition of danger this forest brought out, it appeared to be quite a calming place. After a mere hundred meters, the smell of farmland and sounds of the waking town of Cuedrim faded into the distance. They were completely alone, in this forest.
Some hundred meters in Aurakh - and perhaps some of the more observant others - will begin to notice traces of animal activity. A small track in the thin grass here, a tuft of hare fur caught on a low branch there. A sound or two of scuffling of small forest creatures off the path once in a while.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#103

I was ... uneasy. If the trees had been twisted, covered with runes seemingly burned into their bark, or had been lichen hanging like tentacles from their branches, I'd have known what to do... but so? There, a sappy squirrel, nibbling on a nut, playfully leaping from branch to branch. Sunfire looked in its direction, but was too satiated to give pursuit.

The forest seemed almost sleepy, a place cut out of the dreaming, with lines blurred by soft sunlight seeping through the canopy.

To save Rowan's strength, I slid down from the saddle ... we were not all mounted, anyway...

The feeling of distrust to my surroundings grew even stronger in me.

Turning around to my companions, I spoke, or rather whispered, for a loud voice seemed so out of place here: "Does anybody of you see anything anusual?"

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#104

Klanu shrugged. ''Apart from the fact that this place is not quite what I imagined it to be? No. I suppose I should feel grateful for that. The absence of woodland spirits and demonic beasts agrees with me. ''

''But'',he continued with a sly little smile tugging at the edges of his lips,''it makes you feel unneeded,no?''

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#105

"Doesnt look all that intimidating to me." Greyson said, rubbing Amie's neck. The black and white horse rubbed her head against his leg, scratching her forelock against the scabbard of his sword. "And at least we can assume that there will be fresh game to be had. Might be better to let the hunters snare us some food rather than eat our preserved food first."

He surveyed the forest with his soldier's eyes, looking for the ambush, or the chokepoint. Where the archers might be hidden. He had been involved in two ambushes, and had nearly died in both of them, and carried scars from both as well. "Everyone seems to be expecting demons, or some sort of freakish monster to come hopping out of the woods. I dont think this is the Jaberwocky, I think our instigator is of the human variety."

Even though not a superstitious man, Greyson made a warding gesture with his fist. Soldiers were generally a superstitious lot and they referred to monsters and the minioons of evil magics as Joberwockies from some archaic poem that no one quite remembered save for it having a powerful beast that was slain with a magical sword and alot of nonsense words. "With deferrence to the demon hunter in our midsts, I have never seen a demon. Humans seem to be capable of evil and malice without them." He said with a note of humor. Soldiers and mercenaries could be an odd lot when they were alone.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#106

Itascia wasnt sure on what to make of this. So she chose to remain silent for the time being. Keeping an eye out for predators..including those of the human variety. Never judge a book by it's covers. True, they all had been expecting something dark and more sinister. Not the peaceful woodland surroundings that they now found themselves in.

Dont be decieved by the written word. You dont judge a book by it's cover, but dont let it's pages fool you either. This place may have been calm and peaceful. That was true. But things had a habit of changing at a moments notice. She already knew that from experience. As far as they knew, some unseen enemy could be laying a trap for them.

Or this was all just going to be some weird peaceful trip through the woods. Not that she would complain. Many things were often made out to be worse than they actually were. Only time would tell. Perhaps when night would come..things would be very different here.

Thinking about the unknowns was enough to drive a person mad. Itascia sighed, re-adjusting her pack as she walked. Hearing Greyson mention fresh game. Good idea. At least it sounded like one. ~Would the game caught here be safe to eat? Stop it, your just being paranoid~ Itascia silently scolded herself. At the moment, this paranoia she was feeling, however slight, just seemed silly. Glancing briefly at a squirrel as she passed by it. Seemed perfectly normal to her.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#107

"No, Klanu, I do not feel unneeded... but, tell me... if you knew someone is out to kill you, would you prefer if he came waving a dagger at you, or have to find him in a celebration full of smiling guests?"
I shook my head.
"Uncertainty is the worst thing... with nothing to do, the unknown danger nibbles at one's sanity, slowly eroding it. Not that most people have much to spare."

Leaning against Rowan, I spoke to Greyson: "Yes indeed... most people do not need demons to guide them to evil, those being only a convenient excuse afterwards. But still, a human villain behind this would have to be a gardener without peer."
Considering my words, I added: "Thugh any agency behind this is likely to have human minions..."

With that, I turned my attention to the bacon again. There, there was a piece of something solid I knew what to do with.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#108

She listened to the conversations as she walked. Looking to them. Remembering the bai zhu she had given to Klanu. Catching up to walk by him. "How are you feeling ?" She asked, looking to him.

It gave her something to focus on rather than the woods around them. Besides, alittle conversation might lighten up the uneasiness that she was feeling. Itascia truely hoped that the bai zhu had been helpful.

That was one herb that she had several pouches up. Bai zhu was excellent to have around. Good for easing stomach ailments and headaches. But it was best steeped as a nice tea with a bit of mint. Her preffered way of using it. Helped with the very rare migraines that she would get.

Itascia hoped that he wouldnt mind her talking to him. She was curious about those she was traveling with. Coram and Klanu were the only one's here that she had spoken to before. But she didnt know much about them.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#109

Swaying on his brown horse,Klanu started a little in suprise when Itascia suddenly appeared by the side of his horse. So Ithasica actually thinks me worthy of conversation,he couldn't help thinking. I guess that she isn't one of those annoying people who would judge me based on a misleading first impression. Good. It'll be nice to have an attractive woman to chat with as we trek through this forest.

''Oh,those herbs did the trick,in the process earning you my eternal gratitude'' he answered,quickly recovering. ''Gods,if you hadn't saved me with your herbs,I would have probally spilt my own skull open to put that awful headache to an end. But it's a tragedy that they didn't arrive before I callously scarred young Corram forever by drenching his boots with my bodily fluids.''

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#110

"We waste time. The normality of the wood is clearly visible to all who can see," said Hashang tersely. "I do not believe that there are demons here. The priests of my land say that Hell has no half-measures. Demons rarely possess subtlety. If they had caused this," he indicated the verdant woodland with a sweep of his hand, "there would be horrors."
His word, horrors, seemed to reflect something within his experience, speaking more to the listeners than was said.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#111

"I think anytime you cut someone open in combat, he will spill more than the contents of his intestines over your shoes..."

"But, this aside... does anyone see any higher tree that could be climbed to gain an idea of our surroundings?"

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#112

''I'd leave that job to Aurakh if I were you'' Klanu answered. ''The man is a capable scout and he'll know what to do to help us get our bearings. Meanwhile,you should go on looking for demons.'' Then he begun sniggering,unable to contain his urge to needle young Corram a little .''If there are any to find of course. Who knows,that adorable little squirrel yonder might just try to bite my arse off. You can have a chance to show off your prowess then.''

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#113

I almost had to laugh, he reminded me so of the neighborhood kids from .. home ... so desperately trying to make me angry, just to get some response. So what, this large smelly man was more amiable than most, so he might as well get it.

I put on an inquisitive look, bordering on the paranoid, one eyebrow slightly raised: "And I might have found it, the demon you miss so, for it might have snuck into our midst, a demon of dissent... tell me, where is that brash swordsman Bryce? Oh, you will tell me that he's sleeping off his headache, right? Right? Who of us will have to go next, strangled or throat ripped out when the moon is high?"
Placing my hands upon the sword hilts, I raised my upper lip to fletch my teeth, then eased up and said: "Bullshit. You don't have the stuff to be a demon. Now... will you please cut it out? Pretty please?"
I flashed him a set of pupppy eyes: "Pweeeze?"

I turned to Itascia: "Now, I swear you, the next time I attend such a meeting, I'll say 'I'm just a kid with two swords and a bad attitude' and all will be fine and well."

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#114

Itascia watched the exchange between Klanu and Coram with light amusement. It was like being back with the preforming troupe. Looking to Coram at his last statement. She could not help but smile while shaking her head slowly. "Perhaps, sounds like an idea to me. But it is comforting to know that on this trip you are more than a boy with two blades and an attitude."

Her attention then went back to Klanu. "And I am glad the herbs helped you." She nodded her head. "And I am sure Coram will recover from this morning unfortunate event. So do not worry about it much. But should it help,"A mischievious and playful smile formed. "I could give him something as to where he may grace your shoes with his stomach contents. And then things would be even between you both."

She then paused, turning her attention to the trees. Hmm. There was pretty good one nearby, perhpas from the branches she would be able to spot a taller tree there. Itascia went about un-shouldering her pack. "Hold up a moment." She said to all of them. Setting her pack down. She headed to the one tree, reaching into her pockets for those half gloves that she owned. Pulling them on, the leather palms made it easier to maintain your grip. Gripping the lowest branch she could reach, holding it tight, a foot braced against the trunk a moment.

And then up she went, into the tree, clmbing quickly and carefully. Being cautious as to which branches she used. Not remaining long on the ones that creaked to much beneath her light weight. Ignoring the ocassional squirrel that chittered at her angrily.Keeping close to the trunk she reached a good height. Bracing herself she pushed a few brnches out of the way. From here she had a better view. And that view was branches and smaller tree tops. Deeper in the direction they were going she could make out a taller grove of trees. And they were already heading that way.

Okay, time to climb down. Working her way back slowly. Stopping at one point when she almost lost her footing when the brnach she had been holding cracked at the base. Not good. Letting it go carefully, scooting around away from it. "Guys, heads up, some of the branches are bad" She didnt want any of them getting smacked by the branch when it decided to let go.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#115

Greyson took the time to find himself a place to rest while Itascia climbed the tree. He would let the Serpent-Rider and the demon hunter quarrel all they wanted until the matter looked like it might come to blows. It wouldnt do any good for the rescue party to hack itself to bits over implied insults and threats. He hadnt meant to add wood to the fire with his earlier comment.While he had never seen a demon, or anything demonic for that matter, he had seen his share of atrocity.

The bodies lay in the field, quiet save the buzzing of the flies and growl of the carrion hounds as they fought over a particularly rank corpse. It was the irony there, in a field of dozens of dead, the two beasts fought over a single corpse. Men and women, all dead. Villagers for the most part, but it looked like there had been some resistance, perhaps an itenerant adventurer and perhaps some well armed locals had organized a defence. It didnt matter, outnumbered 20 to 1, they had all died.

The smell was horrible, their bodies bloating in the sun, some already torn open by the scavengers and carrion eaters. They had been hacked to pieces, limbs servered, heads decapitated. It was carnage that was followed by desecration of the dead. Eliza was among them, her long black hair matted with the blood of the head injury that took her life...

Greyson held his hand up to his face, covering his eyes. He busied himself with checking Amie's packs and making sure she had some water to sip while they paused. He wiped his face, the image still burned into his mind years after those events.

The funeral pyres had burned, and had burned for days. Their clouds of smoke laden with incense and funeral prayers written on strips of blessed paper. The priest spoke the words of benediction, and with that the hope that none of the dead would rise as a hungry ghost to haunt their place of death. He had refused, instead building her a caern of stone by the Shuddering Pools. He laid her body to rest there, and said the words of benediction himself as he buried her in stone. Flowers would bloom there, in the next year. He considered it a good sign, that from the bier of blossoms laid upon that cold stone, that her favorite flower should so spring.

"We should put aside out petty differences." Greyson said. He could imagine how they would look, their eyes glassed over from death. He could imagine the horrors that the wounded might be subjected to, the pains they might face before finally succumbing to death. He would not let it happen, not if he could help it. They might be experienced, but it seemed that all of their trials and adventures had been the solitary type.

"If we are too busy making jokes, and hints of threats, we are going to be blind when the evil truely arrives. This is a trap, it reeks of it. This is too easy, but we are just getting started. We keep together, we respect one another. Coram was right, we have to face down a demon in our midsts. Dissention, hostility, it cant continue..." Greyson said.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#116

''Sorry,Greyson'' Klanu mumbled somewhat sheepishly from the top of his horse. ''I guess that must have been an unprovoked taunt on my part,but a part of me still has trouble accepting the kid with two swords and an attitude ,who must see the rest of us as people he has to save from the demons that lurk around every corner.''

''But if it will ensure that no hard feelings fester between us,I offer the hand of peace and friendship.'' This was said with a mock solemn voice,as he leaned across his saddle to extend his hand to Corram. Then more seriously,''An end to sniping between us,Corram? And my apologies about the boots. No man likes having his footwear covered with the puke of another.''

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#117

"Boots are an item, Klanu, unliving and uncaring. I do not fly into fits of rage over items. No harm done."
I reached out and grasped his hand... and found myself liking it. Again. Why, Mother of Gods? I did not know. Perhaps I shook the hand longer than I should have.
"Trust and friendship, Klanu."

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#118

''Yes,trust and friendship''. Klanu smiled warmly,touched by the sincereity in young Corram's voice. He squeezed Corram's hand,but unlike the last time they had exchanged a handshake,the gesture was gentle and friendly. ''Maybe you might just change your mind about not wanting to save my ungrateful hide,after all.'' Then he flashed Corram a grin,one full of gentle amusement,to show him that he was not mocking the young hunter again.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#119

Aurak inhaled deeply, smelling the bark and the flowers, the grass and the aroma of summer. Behind him his companions clamoured and shouted. Someone, the small boyish woman probably, was climbing up a tree. Apparently they did not fear the forest or anything within it.

Sliding through the undergrowth, Aurakh took care to avoid the lethal Mossowen Thorns. While not instantly fatal, they were lethal in larger doses, causing a bloated belly, cramps and fever a few days before the victim died. A few hundred meters back, Aurakh had cut a soldier’s sign into the bark of a Shadowbirch tree as a warning to Greyson. It would make the mercenary alert. The sign, combined with the branch of Mossowen he had nailed to the trunk, would let the party know what to avoid.

There had been a cobbled road here before the forest rose, now the cobble stones were overgrown with thick grass and, in some places, trees had risen and disrupted the cobbled pattern. As Aurakh crouched to study a particularly smooth stone, he realized it was a mile marker stone; it’s inscription read “Cuedrim, 4 kilometers”.

If they continue to make such noise, I will have to let them know. They sound more like kids playing in the field, than professionals on a rescue mission.

[Terenis] Foreboding Forest

#120

Itascia managed to climb down the rest of the way without incident, though she did pick up some company on her way down. That one squirrle was determined to chase her out of it's tree. Chittering and sqeaking angrily until Itascia's feet touched the ground and she back away from the tree.
She found the squirrel to be amusing, watching it scamper back up once it was satified that she would not be bothering it or it's tree anymore.

She removed her gloves and placed them in her pocket once more. Glancing to all of them. Itascia went over to where Greyson was, seeings how he had apparently taken on the role of leader in this mission. "Greyson, I could not see too much from that tree, but I did see a grove of taller trees further up in the direction we are heading. From there I should be able to get a better view of things. Maybe from there I might be able to get a better lay out of this place"

Thinking it over a few minutes. Realizing that Aurak had continued on a bit further, most likely doing some scouting. Her attention went back to Greyson. "Should we continue on, or do we wait for Aurak to return?"