Aurelier was content with what was packed in her bag, and thought the others were okay. If not she had plenty for everything. She dragged her bag back to the group house, barely able to pick it up. She walked up to Minh and looked up at the tall man. "I think the group's ready to go." She said, her eyes big. She was extremely nervous for what laid ahead of her.

<sorry short post>

Nadia stood and watched the others gather. Her wrist felt better and now that it had begun to snow she didn’t think the man and woman were going to come back for her this time. She went through her bag and pulled out her only pair of shoes. They were meant for cold weather. Because when there was warm weather she would go with out any shoes.

She slipped her feet into them and stepped out side the house, her feet leaving foot prints. They had to leave now or they might get caught in a storm. At least with her abilities with water and it snowing they would not run out of water as they traveled.

“Is every one ready?” After asking she continued walking into the coming night.

Aurelier began following in Nadia's footsteps. Her shoes were not as warm, but her feet fit perfectly in the other elf's footprints. She began singing a song to keep the snow out of her eyes. She also prayed for a safe journey wherever it was they were going. Snowflakes began to form on her eyelashes and illuminated her blue eyes. "I've never seen so much snow," She said, looking around her. She heard a noise in the distance that sounded like a group cheering. Must be the other elves she thought, imagining the captain drunk. She giggled at the thought but quickly sighed when she realized the cheer had come from somewhere further away than town hall.

As Nadia walked she decided that she liked the look of her foot prints in the snow. She did a couple of steps and smiled at the pattern in the snow. She twirled and the walked a few steps before turning around to look at her art work. As she turned around she realized that Aurelier was right behind her and had been walking in her foot steps. For some reason this caused her to giggle.


“You should try following the pattern. You sing so well, but your body is graceful and I have no doubt that you could follow the steps of a dancer. Just like I can dance well but if I tried I could sing a song like yours. Probably not to the same effect or talent, but I could still do it. “ She smiled and did a few more steps to add to the pattern.

Aurelier focused and began following the steps with a little bit of a sway. She twirled here and then stepped there. She wasn't as graceful as Nadia, but she wasn't clumsy either. It seemed natural that she sang as she danced. Her song was perfectly attuned to Nadia's dancing without even trying. When Nadia laughed, Aurelier couldn't help but laugh.
"This is so much fun!" She exclaimed. "To be honest, I've never tried dancing before." She began to be more graceful with her movements and added her arms to it. She stil wasn't like Nadia, though.

Minh smiled behind his mask as he watched the two young ones dance and sing. He felt like joining in, since he did so enjoy dancing. He watched a little longer, picking up the movements, the tune of the song, formulating his own dance in his mind, then sank into a nearby shadow. As the two girls danced, he materialized once more from a shadow closer to them and added his own, unique dance to the mix. Keeping in a rythm and step with the song, his dancing involved more use of the hands as support, somersaulting and hopping into twirling flips before landing into a fluid crouch and spring back around for a fluid transition into a one-handed cartwheel. His movements were practiced, and fluid. He was never out of motion, and every time he stepped into a shadow, he seemed to blur or phase out, as if he was becoming part of the shadow. It was part of his ability: The Shadowdance. As long as he was moving, he employed a mixture of Gentry Glamour, and sleight of hand techniques to hide himself with the shadows, and even move from shadow to shadow, within a certain distance. It was useful in combat as well. To the song, he added a story. Keeping a sort of tempo, he told a tale of a young Fae female who wanted nothing more than to be a human. So she became a changeling, then after years of being a human, she had forgotten who she was and was miserable her entire life. It was a sad story that told a good lesson of being yourself rather than someone else, and Minh enjoyed telling it.


---------

The Bloodhands had no idea of the attack. They were too preoccupied with their attack on the village to even consider someone trying to come for them. But Trolls were hardy, and adapted well. The fight wouldn't be easy for either side. The only chance to ensure victory was to utilize the element of surprise efficiently.

Nadia was having a good time. She had never gotten to talk and play with others before and she loved it so much. After she had watched Aurelier she turned to watch Minh. He was wonderful at dancing and telling stories and she was entranced by the shadows. She watched so intently that she almost cried from the sad story, though she understood the message almost right away. As he finished his dance Nadia wondered a little way away from the rest of the group. She saw a glint from a few bushes near by and moved closer to see what was there.

She leaned down and picked up a gold chain. As she examined it she heard a crash in the bushes and a troll came out and charged at her knocking her to the ground. Others followed behind him and passed them and headed for the group behind her.

She tried to let of a warning yell but it was cut off when a hand covered her mouth. She struggled only for a moment when she remembered the snow around her she focused and caused it to sharpen and fly into the face of her attacker. He gave a grunt and tried to block his face. Meanwhile she scrambled out from beneath him and ran to where the others were.

{{ Group 4, day of the attack }}

Shoxom and group 4 marched through the snow-covered forest up to the troll encampment stopping 20 feet from the gate. The entire wall was made of logs placed on end, buried at least 10 feet underground, and had the tops sharpened to points. Shoxom took another 3 steps forward and shouted over the walls.

“You have guests, open the gate.”

The gate was based on hinge mechanics; the top was rigged to a rope that draped down the other side, in the mid section of the gate was a large wooden beam acting as the fulcrum, and the bottom half was designed to provide no space between the gate and the ground once closed. A single troll could open the gate using a crank connected to the rope. There was a loud creaking noise as the gate began to open, swinging out and up. As the gate was opening it became more ramp like and one the men of group 4 ran up the side. The gate, now fully opened, was parallel to the ground and the man on top sprinted across and leaped down upon the troll manning the crank, placing a dagger through his head and grabbing the crank in one quick silent motion. The two troll guards were too busy keeping an eye on Shoxom and the rest of group 4 to notice the death of their comrade. Walking forward with spears brandished they finally addressed Shoxom.

“What business do you have here, answer quickly or we’ll kill you on the spot.”

Shoxom scoffed at their threats and gave them a most sinister grin before responding.

“I’m here to challenge your chief to a one on one dual for command of this tribe.”

The two troll guards were completely taken aback by this answer, they had never heard of a human challenging the chief for supremacy, usually only the strongest troll warriors challenged him although they couldn’t think of any rule forbidding it. It was then they remembered that their chief was at the secret battle camp down the mountain.

“He’s not here right now, come back in a week or so.”

Shoxom grinned and looked behind the guards, seeing no one other than the dead crankman and his replacement.

“I think I’ll wait here”

With that, Shoxom drew his sword and in one swift motion beheaded one of the guards. The rest of group 4 quickly overwhelmed the second guard. Now, with everyone inside they jammed the three troll bodies into the crank to keep the gate open before continuing as quietly as possible to the chief’s tent. They made it without seeing or being seen by any other trolls. Shoxom was pleasantly surprised by how empty the encampment was, probably only a few guards by each gate and maybe 4 or 5 throughout the rest of the fort. Everyone else were just normal troll citizens who generally stayed in their huts. Group 4 reached the tent and immediately set it on fire. Shoxom got everyone’s attention,

“Prepare for retaliation, they should be on us fairly quickly.”

{{ Group 2, day of the attack }}

Group 2 stood in the forest just east of the troll encampment, double checking all their equipment. Two ladders, two grappling hooks, swords, smoke bombs. everything accounted for and in working condition. Someone spotted the smoke rising over the camp, the signal for attack. Group 2 charged up to the walls and laid the ladders against them. The first two people up brought the grappling hooks and secured them to the top of the walls, throwing the ropes down the far side. The two guards that would have been guarding the gate had probably left to go deal with Shoxom and group 4. The first two climbed down the ropes and secured the immediate area. The remaining 8 quickly followed, it was their job to clear out the huts. Each hut had a 4 windows and a door, group 2 was supposed to have one man climb through each window and two go through the door killing anyone they found unless they were of special interest. That left the last four to guard each wall from the outside. Wipe clean your blades and repeat. It wasn’t long before they had cleared out 3 or 4 huts.

{{ Group 3 }}

Group 3 was lead by Grail and had stayed behind as Shoxom and group 4 had lead the initial assault. Grail stood at the edge of the forest looking for the signal to attack. Smoke rose out of the camp illuminated shortly after by a faint orange glow. Group 3 charged in through the open gate. Their job was to clear out two huts as quickly as possible and then move on to back up Shoxom and group 4. Flanking any resistance would severely hinder them and make success almost inevitable. The first hut was cleared without problem and they moved on to the second hut within minutes. Grail was guarding the front door when he heard shouts and the clash of steel from inside. He quickly went to go help out. The scene before him was gruesome, the two men who had entered through the front door lay ripped to shreds on the floor, their intestines strewn about. In their blood pool stood a monstrosity standing seven feet tall, its dull grey skin sagging ever so slightly, claws and teeth covered in the blood of the two men now corpses on the floor. Behind this creature were 7 barred cells. 4 of which were filled with terrified men of group 3 who had been unfortunate enough to break the barred windows and climb through, and one of which held a man in his early twenties, his arms and legs shackled to the wall.

Grail stood face to face with the monster for about 3 seconds although to him it seemed like hours. Finally Grail composed himself enough to draw his sword, the rest was reflexive. The beast leaped forward and swung a claw at Grails head, Grail ducked under the claw and swung up at the arm. The Creature pulled its arm back avoiding the swing and lunged forward snarling. Grail watched in horror as the beast’s fangs extended another inch, a faint poison covering the tips. He ducked and rolled under the leaping creature getting to his feet quickly and preparing for another assault. The beast quickly turned around and dove again this time with both claws extended forward. Grail managed to block both with the flat of his blade but had to use both hands to stop the beast from getting any closer, its teeth trying to shred his face. Grail was backed up against the wall pushing with all his might to keep the beast away. It was a loosing battle, his arms began to give and the beasts gnashing teeth began to inch closer, saliva and blood dripping upon his pants and shoes. In a last effort, Grail sat down as fast as he could, pulled his sword out of blocking and pointed the tip at the beast. The sudden movement threw the beast off balance and it’s head fell upon the point of the sword killing it instantly, its huge body collapsing upon Grail. A loud snapping noise could be heard as the beast fell and a sharp pain shot up Grail’s left leg. It took a moment before the 4 men of group 3 realized that the beast was dead and were able to think enough to climb back out their windows and go to help their group leader. They shoved the beast off of Grail and immediately saw his leg bent at an odd angle, clearly snapped by the weight of the beast. Grail looked around and saw a wooden board. He ordered his men to bring him the board and then went to work bending his leg back to as straight as he could get it and splinting it with the board and a piece of his shirt. The men helped him up and he tested out his splinted leg, the pain was too much and he started to collapse. His men caught him and set him up straight again leaning against the wall. He thought to himself for a second before selecting two men to stay with him and ordering the rest to continue on to help Shoxom and group 4, going along with the plan was more important than he was. The 5 remaining members of group 3 ran off and left Grail and the two selected standing there next to the carcasses of the beast and the two dead members of the group. All this time, the man in the last cell had been quiet and observing from the sidelines, now he spoke up.

“That was some amazing fighting you did just now, not anyone could take out that monstrosity. What are you guys doing here anyway?”

Grail hobbled over to the man to get a closer look.

“What does it matter to you, and what are you doing locked up here anyway, don’t trolls usually kill anyone they don’t particularly like?

The man grinned

“Lets just say they found out that I have a particular gift that is useful to them and they didn’t want me to get away. If you get me out of here, I can help you.”

Grail thought to himself for a bit before ordering his men break the locks on the door. He hobbled up to he man and gave him a stern look,

“Who are you and just what kind of GIFT are we talking about?”

“My name is Veldion Bittermen, and I can manipulate electricity.”

Grail looked into the man’s eyes and saw that he was telling the truth. He then noticed that the shackles were made of a thick woven vine, probably because wood is not very conductive. Grail turned around and ordered his men to cut Veldion loose. He fell to the floor but quickly picked himself back up.

“Thank you, now you should let me take a look at that leg.”

Grail sat down and took off the splint. Veldion knelt down and placed his hands around the break, a slight tingling sensation spread throughout. The pain subsided quickly and the leg straightened even more.

“What did you do?”

Grail stared in wonder. Veldion smiled and explained.

“The healing process is directed by the electrical signals sent by the brain, I just sent them directly to the leg and in a much faster sequence. I accelerated the bone and tissue growth, although its still not completely healed. You will need another 4 hours before you can walk on it and another 3 days before its as good as new. You will need to eat almost constantly because your body is processing and digesting your food to maximize healing speed. You two go break open that cupboard, it has all the food for the week stored in there.”

The two members of group 3 followed the orders and brought the food back before going to guard the door.

{{ Group 5, Right before the attack }}

The stealth squad was lead by Nerik. Everyone had their own grappling hooks, bows, arrows, dagger, call whistles which produced a very unique sound that could not be heard with out a special earpiece, and specialized earpiece which aloud them to hear the whistle. They quickly spread out around the perimeter. When everyone was in position, Nerik blew his whistle to mark the ascent. Everyone scaled their section of wall and looked around to make sure no one saw them. One of the corner guards spotted a member of group 5 but was shot before he could alert anyone else, his body hauled up and thrown over the wall. Group 5 quickly dispersed to their designated locations. Each one had been assigned a house in which a guard lived. Upon arriving, they were to climb up the roofs and burry themselves in the straw so they were undetectable, if during the raid the guards were to come out of the house, the member assigned to that house would place an arrow in the back of his head and then proceed to kill anyone else in the hut. Setup had been almost flawless.

{{ Group 1, During the assault }}

Group 1 stayed back at the bandit camp and packed up all the tents and backup arms and armor loaded them onto the sleds. They then moved to The northern slope and waited for the north gate to open, their signal to move in and start unpacking.

Aurelier saw Nadia running back in their direction and was carrying something that glittered in the sun. It loooked like a golden locket. Behind her trolls were chasing after her.
"Cover your ears." She ordered the group of her friends and sang a note that would paralyze anyone who heard it. She watched as most of the trolls fell over and could not move. She gave a thumbs-up sign to her new friends to signal that they could use their ears again. She took a step back, into the shadows where the rest of her group was and watched for anymore trolls that might attack.
"Are you okay, Nadia?" She asked the other young, blonde elf. She looked into her eyes that were the same color of her own, searching for any sign of being hurt. When she was satisfied that the girl was not injured, she took the golden neclace and undid the clamps with her small fingers. Inside was a family: A father, a mother, and two young twin girls. Both had blonde hair and strange blue eyes. She smiled because they looked like Nadia.
"Is this yours?" She asked, curious if the girl dropped it.

Nadia quickly covered her ears at the other girls warning and watched the trolls fall around her. She let Aurelier have the locket and shook her head at the question.

“no, I just picked it up and I thought that it was yours and you had dropped it.” She stood next to her and looked at the locket. “They look like you….” Her voice drifted off as she thought that they kind of looked like her as well. Her eyebrows drew together in confusion and she looked at the other girl, then the locket once again.

Aurelier looked down at the locket. They were twins, but they're eyes were slightly different color. They were still odd shades off blue, but one had a greenish hue the other a purple hue. She pointed to the one with the green hue.

"That one is definitely you." But then she pointed at the other twin. "But that one kind of looks like me." She looked up into the other girl's eyes. She was identical, but older in comparison to the picture. They were the same height and had the same long, golden hair.

Nadia’s mouth fell open she didn’t know what to say. She realized the connection but couldn’t speak it. She looked back at the image and tears weld up in her eyes. She turned and threw her arms around the other girl. She hugged her tight. Think that if what she thought was true then she really did have family, and she wasn’t alone anymore.

Aurelier hugged the girl back. She had made the connection, but hadn't wanted to say it. Tears of joy began to fall down her cheeks. The other girl... her twin.. knew what it was like to have no family and suddenly they both had eachother.
"Twins.." Aurelier tried the word out, it seemed strange now that it had a different meaning. "I can't beleive we're twins."

(Just wondering if anyone else is going to jump in for the non military troll encampment that i'm raiding, if not then i'll just finish up. and is it alright if i get a small hint from the guy in the cell about the trolls working with vampires? i was kinda figuring that the beast that Grail killed was the failed experiment of one of the vampires trying to turn a troll and the guy i rescued had witnessed the whole opperation. just a thought to keep the story moving. PM me any thoughts)

Troll Settlement
-Currently Under Attack-
Most of the camp was sleeping or working, and when the attack came, it was too swift for any real countermeasures. What little amount of archers were available were rallied to a courtyard toward the center of the camp, and the heavy hitters made for doors. Bar'gro grabbed his Heavy Axe and hefted it in one, powerful hand. His tower shield was in the left, and he banged on his shield while calling a challenge out to the intruders,

"YOU WON'T HAVE DIZ CAMP 'UMIES! I PROMISE YE DAT!! BOYZ! MAKE FER DA WALLS! SHOOT DEM 'UMIES BETWEEN DE'RE TINY EYES AND MAKE 'EM BLEED GOOD! RWWAAARRRGHHH!!" he roared, raising his Axe to the sky as his troops followed suit. By this time, they knew the group was located in the tents off to the corner of the settlement. Something was wrong, though. Bar'gro may be as base a troll as they come, but even he knew how many troops he had. And he had more than this. From the reports the small band of humans made straight for one section of the camp and killed the 'pet' that the Warlord had sent them to watch over. So there must be another attack from somewhere else. Of course, this was somewhat expected. Nobody is dumb enough to send one troop directly into an entire Troll settlement.


----------------------
Elven Town
Town Hall
1 Hour After Initial Attack
-Currently Under Attack-
The first few Trolls broke themselves upon the walls of the Elven Defenders. Their armor gleamed in the morning light, and their Halbers reached neatly over the barricades while the trolls, carrying axes, swords, and hammers had a hard time climbing or crashing through the barricades. The Eastern blockaed had fallen an hour into the fighting, but the rest were holding.

"No matter, it was all planned. Pull the troops back from the Eastern Sector, and set the funnel to lead them to our secondary barricades. I want archers in the windows and on rooftops just behind the barricade lines, and get me the Captain of the guard that held the East gate, I want to send our Troll friends a little present from their flank." The Knight-Captain slipped his golden, winged helmet on as his messengers went to relay his orders. The defense was going well. At this point he had no idea of the small scout Trolls that the civilians were fighting off withint he heart of the city, but it wouldn't matter if they lost the rest of the barricades. Besides, he didn't have enough troops to relay to that sector.

--------------------
Elven Town
House Near Chapel
90 Minutes After Initial Attack
-Currently Under Attack-

Minh swallowed deeply, his throat was dry with nervousness. Sweat was beading down his forehead, and he stood poised in the shadows with his twin Starknives. He had never actually used them outside of practice and performances, but he was sure he would soon find their true use: Death. The Carvan life was hard. Every man and woman was trained with swords, staves, and other manner of weapons. He had taken a liking and talent for Starknives. Another he knew specialized in whips, and another still was a near master swordsman. Minh was well-versed with most any weapon, and even buckler-Rapier combat.

He waited, and sprung when a Troll came bursting toward the group he had sworn he would protect. The first Star Knife sliced into his heel, and the second across his back. The Troll yelped in surprise and pain at the same time, swirled, and brought his axe around with both hands as he fell backwards, away from Ming. The axe caught the Harlequin across his mask, slicing a deep scratch through it and tearing some flesh to leave a fresh, crimson streak from his ear to his nose in the right side of his face. Minh leapt into the air and came down with both feet on the massive Troll's chest, and the tip of his starknives criss-crossing within the Troll's throat. Arterial spray left a warm feeling on his hands and arms and he stood to face the second Troll that roared and rushed with a shield-warhammer combo.

(Has this died?)

<< Not really. I've been waiting for reply posts. >>

(me too, do you know what happened to everyone else?)

<< Well from what I saw a few weeks ago, they all started trying to make their own RP with the same theme, only minor tweaks. Not really sure where everyone went. We can just continue it if you want, at least on the bandit/troll side. >>

<i haven't checked here in awhile thinking that everyone has stopped posting as often. I will get another post really soon as a reply>>