[Respite] - Factions

1. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #241

   Jhoric was stunned, afraid and angry; he stared at the tendrils of smoke drifting off of his right fist, thinking. This isn't right, he thought, I left that life behind. Who? What? How? Why? His mind was racing and he knew sleep would not come easily this time.
   
   Closing his eyes, he replayed the nightmare. Fire. Blood. Friend? No, he wouldn't go back. He needed to talk to someone, but who could handle a confession of this magnitude? Was there a priest that could bless this all away? He was in need of some spiritual guidance, his soul was on the line; only knowing one person of faith, or so he assumed, he decided he would seek out Rajani in the morning. For now, he would attempt sleep again. He didn't expect it to be easy, or very restful, but it would pass the time.

2. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #242

   Jaegarmond looked behind him, trying to discern whether the explosion that was sure to have decimated the entire Cathedral of Symphonies would leak through the portal behind him or not. Everything he knew about magical theory said that such a gateway should have allowed the thaumaturgical energy through as easily has it had him. No matter. The creature in front of him didn't appear to be worried, so he tried to shove the itch between his shoulders to the back of his mind. He had more important things to worry about first.
   
   "Tell me, where are the last of the refugees that just came through the portal? I need to speak with a few of them as soon as possible." Sandros' chandalar, his life-mate, needed to know of his fate, how he had died. Likewise with a few others, but the first would be the hardest.
   
   Another thought came to his mind as he asked the question: while they looked friendly, these folk could very well bear hostile intent of some sort. He needed to surround himself with familiar faces as soon as possible.

3. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #243

   Balin sat at his food and drank all the ale he could. He soon became drunk which was not normal for him. Once he was drunk he began muttering to himself as he stared off into the distance.

4. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #244

   The black haired 'human' replied to his question, somewhat gently - "None of your form have come through this gate in days, though that may mean nothing.  Other beings have come through before you, and time seems to be a bit .. subjective.  We have accounts of beings entering at the same time, but being days separated on entry."
   
   "Come, others may be through soon, and we have found, to our sorrow, that danger can come through these gates as well.  A surge preceded you that was barely absorbed, and should another come, it might not be absorbed at all."
   
   "I do mean now, gentle being."
   
   As the dark haired human delivered her barely veiled warning, the gate behind them glowed once more. 
   
   One moment, Fafnir was running for his life from the demons consuming his world, the next, thanks to a portal that happened to materialize in front of him, somewhere completely different.  Gone were the burned homes, the screaming of the doomed, and the hideous laughter of the Beyonders.
   
   He found himself standing nearby an odd being that appeared to be made of pure earth, and a Human woman looking at him with surprise. All about him human warriors were grappling with a small horde of his people - lizard men -  who had tried to flee in all directions once they came through the gate - apparently others of his people found the gate.
   
   "And who might you be?" the dark-haired woman asked Fafnir.
   
   
   
   

5. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #245

   "Well enough, I suppose. I should like to be informed if any others of my kind come through." he gestured for her to begin leading the way, his mind already racing with implications and theories about the portals. "I'd also like to discuss these gateways with another mag-"
   
   His words were cut off as a swarm of people swarmed out of the gate and encountered sharpened steel barriers, and he looked around, trying to gauge the size of the crowd before he grabbed the attention of the guide and gestured to the scroll case attached to his belt. "I may be of assistance calming some of these newcomers."
   
   

6. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #246

   Jhoric awoke early in the morning and witnessed a beautiful sunrise through the hole in his wall. Taking it all in, the dream seemed so long ago. Maybe it was nothing to worry about. He felt rather good about today; having slept better than expected, he was rejuvenated. So he hurried off to the mess hall hoping to see some other fresh, well-rested and friendly, faces.
   
   Jhoric entered the hall and frowned. Balin was face down in a pile of boar bones still gripping his empty mug and muttering between loud grunts and snores. Others were strewn about, but it seemed that most found their beds. Jhoric stood beside Balin and tried to get him to wake up and stand, "You need to get to your room and sleep this off, Balin." He urged, trying to wake the dwarf.

7. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #247

   Gideon woke up easily, sitting up on his bedroll and looking out, into the daylight. It was different here; at home, the sun was a warm, cozy orange, but this sun shone in a golden hue, bright and strong. Even the rainbow that streaked across the skies was unfamiliar, with a bright violet and blue stripe.
   
   He strolled out in his trousers, a towel on the shoulder, soap and razor in hand. Hygiene, a little exercise, then he would pack up some supplies, a few useful things, and go find Rajani. He certainly did not want to invite her anger by being tardy.
   
   Humming, he spilled one bucket of fresh well water over his head. First things first.

8. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #248

   "Take no concern, gentlebeing, the guard have things in hand.  Again I suggest visiting the mage society - you can see that tall stone spire over there? Yes, that one.  They raised that one by magic yesterday, and they are quite proud of it.  There are definately those there who can speak to the gates and what we know of them. Again, please move along before another group emerges."
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. Re: [Respite] - Factions

   #249

   Grozic could be taken by most for a dwarf, though a series of broken noses had taught many not to make that observation in his earshot.  Human he was, though stunted and and broad.  His face bore the marks of one who had seen few nights under a roof.
   
   Grozic walked up to the mage's society, he had seen a fine specimen of mare being ridden up there, and damned if he would let an opportunity go by. The prices on horses was astronomical, and he smelled opportunity.  Now, he just needed to find the owner.
   
   
   
   
   
   

10. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #250

    Rajani took a quick breakfast in the common room. She had been long accustomed to rising early, first in her training as an acolyte, and then surviving and running for her life. She felt better after eating steamed porridge. She found her way to the stables where Grey was stabled and took a few minutes to brush the gelding's mane and tail out before starting out on her day. The action was soothing and calming, the steady whick whick whick of the brush through the horse's coarse hair. She took up a brush and started to brush him down. He didnt actually need it done, the grooms had done a good job after they had returned from the jaunt into the forest.
    
    She sighed, no point in dawdling. She pulled her hair back, fixing it at the sides with a gold and onyx headband, and a pair of golden hairpins. She unfurled the silver chaised black robe, her fingers lingering on the hems. It had been a long time since she had worn it without fear of being accosted or attacked out of fear. Wrapping the dark fabric around her shoulders, Rajani mounted her horse.
    
    She urged him out of the stables, feeling the cold wind bite her face. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sensation against her skin. She started looking for Gideon, it would not do to leave without her escort.

11. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #251

    Fafnir glanced around judging his chances to escape, finding none. He turned to the black haired woman and her comrade saying " they call me Fafnir of the forest, whom might you be, and who is your earthen companion?
    In his old life none had accepted him for he was a lizardfolk, standing seven feet tall from his slate-gray claws to his blue crested head. He was unlike these warm-bloods in every way, yet this creature had given him a chance. He already liked it here.

12. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #252

    At the gate...
    
    "My name, gentlebeing, is Keldashera.  I know not the name of the earthen one - perhaps he can introduce himself formally, but please do it outside of the receiving area.  There are attendants outside who will know best how to direct you.  Perhaps you might wish to ask your fellow beings to stop panicking."
    
    
    
    
    As Rajani was looking about for Gideon, a short, dwarflike person approached.  Though his stature was dwarven, his face was pure human. It lit up when he saw her more clearly.
    
    "Lady! A minute of your time!"
    
    
    
    
    

13. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #253

    Toboran rose later than he would have wished, he was more tired than  he had realized. After grabbing his gear he headed for the hall to see about some breakfast. When he arrived Jhoric was apparently talking to the unconsious Balin.
    "Has he been here all night?", Toboran asked Jhoric from across the hall.

14. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #254

    Fafnir called to his fellows " Come lizardlings, the dark ones will be quick to follow us. The warm-bloods will watch our backs." After thanking Keldashera he rushes to escape the "receiving area" following the attendants and watching to see if the others would follow.

15. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #255

    "As far as I can tell, yeah." Jhoric replied to Toboran while still trying to coerce Balin into getting up.
    
    "Care to give me a hand?" He asked.

16. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #256

    The lizard folk paid little heed to Fafnirs request, but Fafnir was conveyed quickly to a scholarly human wearing long, faded robes.  Fafnir saw all about was a low wooden wall, and behind the wall was a large crowd of beings of all descriptions.  All wore looks of sadness and longing.
    
    "Name?", said the Scholar, somewhat sharply.
    
    "Fafnir!"
    
    "Occupation? What do you do? What usable skills do you have, if any, Fafnir?"
    
    
    

17. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #257

    "I am merely a wanderer of the woods, I can find my way around and will be of use in a fight. My skills excel in semi-aquatic terrain, if that helps."

18. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #258

    "Hunter? Woodsman? Herb gatherer?  Hmm, that blade... Okay, I think you best should go to the warriors guild.  Next!"
    
    
    

19. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #259

    "Hmmm, mind giving me some directions, I am not familiar with this area".

20. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #260

    Giving him an impatient look, the scholar said - "Large Palisade nearby the mage society encampment.  That way!" he pointed without looking.
    
    "Neeext!"

21. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #261

    Fafnir meanders off in the direction the scholar pointed, taking in the sights and attempting to pay close attention to the local buildings with the hopes he could find his way back.
    

22. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #262

    "I do not need to be carried, Jhoric. Though I drank more than intended, I am far from being that drunk. My room seems to be a good place to clean up and lower this ale-breath that I have." With that, Balin rose and went to his room, only stumbling once at the first step.

23. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #263

    With a little shrug towards Jhoric and a roll of his eyes Toboran walked off to look for some breakfast. 'Haps the kitchens have some boar left.

24. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #264

    Jhoric followed Toboran to the kitchen where the smell of pork was still strong.
    
    "Hey, Toboran, anything going on today or are things settling down?" Jhoric asked, then added, "If there's nothing happening tonight I was thinking about hitting up that brothel I saw next door. Maybe we can get a few guys together and catch a show."
    
    

25. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #265

    Upon hearing the salutation, Rajani turned in her leather saddle to look at who called her. She drew her brows together, not recognizing the short man approaching her. She smoothed the furrows from her forhead and pulled Grey to a halt. The gelding made not a sound, but was content to wait for a few minutes. He snorted and sniffed the ground around his front hoof. There were plenty of smells here, interesting smells for a horse, she supposed.
    
    She pulled the hood of her cloak back, revealing her carefully done hair, the golden pins glittering in the morning light. With rest and food, she had recovered much of her grace and what some men referred to as her 'milky' or 'alabaster' skin.
    
    "Yes, good sir?" She said, giving him a small tip of her head.
    
    (OOC - I figure with CHA 15, she is not exactly hard on the eyes, forgive the purple prose)

26. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #266

    Dimi struggled awake, well after dawn, escaping from the half formed nightmares that had plauged him since his endless flight across the flatlands and to the gate.  Getting up and streching he looked over to his horse.  He hadn't rode it since he'd come through the gate, had been paying for shelter and food, but when the dwarf had tried to buy him; he'd been refused in no uncertain terms.
    
    "You feel up for a run, boy?"  he asked as he started grooming the beast, before saddling up and riding it out of town.
    
    -OOC- So yeah, I'm going away for a couple of weeks, and I don't think I'm gonna have computer for a good chunk of them.

27. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #267

    Gideon strolled up to Rajani, packed and ready, with a stuffed backpack on his shoulders. "Fresh and merry, milady, at your service!"

28. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #268

    Grozic almost stammered, distracted momentarily by the display..
    
    "Why yes, my Lady.  I would like to propose, propose a bit of buisness.  Doubtless you are aware of the scarcity of fine horses in this place - much like everything else.  I have a fine stallion in top form that could, as we say, do buisness with your mare.  The colt would go for quite a price, it would!
    
    What say you? I'm willing to split the proceeds 50/50! Its a good deal, since I am an excellent salesperson, and would save you much effort in making the sale.  We stand to make much gold!"
    
    

29. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #269

    "Oh, hey there, easy fellow. Perhaps I can assist in your sojourn. I can only assume you seek your room?" Ringer exclaimed noticing the stumbling dwarf in the hallway.
    
    "There now--no, no, that is not a staff to lean on, that is my leg. Aaaand, here we go. Is this your door?"
    
    "Tell me if you would", Ringer asked the inebriated fellow. "Were you also part of the pig-hunting force? I ask because I am looking for work, and word of your group's exploits have been making the rounds. Who leads your trailblazing band? Perhaps I could speak to such a person? My talents are middling, but I tend to keep spirits up on long journeys."
    

30. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #270

    "Actually, I thought I would seek further employment from Master Taryer. Might be he has need of a strong soul and a sharp spear, and it would be better than sitting around doing nothing." Toboran told Jhoric, "Though, now I think of it, there may be some need of help over at the 'receiving area'".

31. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #271

    Balin left his room refreshed, though sleep would have been preferable. He headed downstairs and looked for some breakfast. He smelled the supper from the night before and headed in that direction.

32. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #272

    "Yeah? Taryer? I guess I should help him some more if I want to keep my room." Jhoric thought about the slight accidental modification he made to the room. "The gates would be a good place to help out too, I think we should find Taryer after breakfast and see what he thinks."
    
    Jhoric noticed Balin entering the room as he sat down.
    "Hey, Balin! Feeling a bit better I hope? Grab some breakfast and chat with us, me and Toboran were discussing future employment with Taryer."
    

33. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #273

    Gideon had to laugh, heartily so.
    
    "This is a gelding, simpleton, and not one of the rainbow variety, I seriously doubt that he would have any business with your stallion, and even more do I doubt that any good would come of it even if he would."
    
    He chuckled once more. "You're a good one. Mare!"

34. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #274

    "I guess then that I don't have to tell you that I decline your generous offer?" Rajani said with a smile.

35. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #275

    One look at Grozic told Gideon he had just earned a blood enemy.  Grozic's face colored red and it looked for a moment that the 'dwarf' would leap upon the half ogre bare handed.
    
    Instead, he said nothing and stormed off, only looking back once with a glance of pure malice.
    
    
    
    
    
    

36. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #276

    "Now there, never seen anyone make fun of anybody?" Gideon wondered. For sure, some people were too full of themselves.
    
    With a smile, he remembered an ocurrence back home. Heading towards the gates, he told the tale with glee. "Once, when my unit had to cross a bridge and a fat merchant with his wagon trail intended to do the same, we had a brief quarrel. The merchant decided to show us, and let the wagons head back and forth across the bridge for half a day. After that, we merrily charged him the toll what? Seventy times? And after that, he had to fine him for insulting an army officer a hundred and seven times. He was red like a pepper."
    
    Turning back where Grozic had stomped off, he wondered: "Shall I go back there wand teach him manners? Without a lesson, nothing good will come of him!"

37. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #277

    After a swift breakfast made up of whatever he could scrounge from the kitchens, Toboran left the guild and headed back toward the receiving area. Much had happened since he last walked this way, and much more probably would before he went back to his room. Though, you never really know, he could have a nice, relaxing day today, for once.

38. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #278

    The warriors enclave was not too difficult to find.  It was by far the most warlike of the structures here, though showed signs of being built too fast. 
    
    A pair of soldiers, an Axeman with ankle length chain mail, and a halberder with odd helmet and bright steel breastplate, stood guard at the gate to the enclosure.  The halbarder gave Fafnir an appraising stair, a hint of derision
    One of soldiers posted at the door, a tall man in ankle-length chainmail and large axe, gave Fafnir a look, saw the fine weapons he carried, and waved him in.  "Thrin is handling skirmishers - looks like you'll do well there...  He's the freaking Bugbear.."

39. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #279

    "Thanks gentleman, I will be on my way" Fafnir replied as he entered the building. He looked the hurried work over as he searched the crowd for a bugbear. He found Thrin easily and greeted him "Hail Thrin, I was told you were the one to speak to for placement. I am handy in a fight and eager to help out around here, the balance of nature is upset. The life of sentient beings is hanging on by a thread and I will help to preserve it."

40. Re: [Respite] - Factions

    #280

    Jaegarmond nodded to the guardwoman and watched for a moment longer as the lizardmen slowly came under the control of the ring of guards and were lined up for processing. He turned and began walking toward the appointed tower, his mind still racing with innumerable questions detailing the gates and various other things relating to this new realm.

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