Vanel Aetherhand's Story

Vanel was crouched behind a bush on the northern side of the village, waiting for his familiar - with its light temporarily diminished - to return from a brief scouting trip. The village didn't seem like it would be that much of a threat, but you never know what sort of xenophobic types might be in the village. There had been plenty of times when he had ventured into a hostile village without knowing, so the scouting routine had basically become mandatory.

The small blue orb of light shimmered in front of him, indicating that his familiar had returned from the trip. The orb of light casually darted around him, softly pulsing with light every now and then.

"So, what's it look like in there?" asked Vanel, gripping his staff firmly.

"Pretty average village, but it looks like some adventuring types have wandered into town," said the Eladrin. "One Nephilim, some warrior type on a horse, a girl, a satyr, and a living construct, of all things."

Vanel groaned, and started to get up. "A Nephilim. You're completely serious?"

"Yep! The villagers even had him bound up until the horseman showed up!"

"And a living construct? This is starting to look like a bad adventuring story."

"Well, at least they've got a master mage to stand in the back and prod them along, right?"

"Shut it, you. At least there's definitely something afoot in this town. I guess it's time we showed up," Vanel replied, getting any dust off his robe, heading into the village, the staff thudding softly along the dirt road. People on that side of the town were giving him somewhat odd looks, but most decided not to bother him, since he was carrying an inscribed staff and had a blue orb of light floating around him. Upon making it roughly to the center of the town, Vanel stopped by the side of a building and just watched, waiting to see what would unfold.

Kael grumbled at the appearance of two more beings. A giant ....metal....thing made it's way over to them and said they would be working together. Kael just stared at thing....it was huge and....She didn't ever want to admit it but intimidating. She frowned at the feeling of a mage. And a powerful one if she was correct. She felt him out and glanced in him direction before looking around at all the strange beings that were now too close for comfort. She back a bit away and slipped behind a building, latching onto the wall to climb up onto the roof. With her cloak pooling at her feet while she crouch-walked to the edge, she kept an eye, ear and nose on every person she could see.

Well, at least things were starting to get interesting...

Ren watched from the trees, looking at the village below. Big enough for a good reward, but small enough for Ren to question it. No one had noticed him yet, but thats pretty much why he is a rogue. Though he prefers the term "Ranger", as Rogues are generally referenced with thieves and assassins. But its not like he had a choice. He had no magic, and his curse made him lack the strength of a warrior......and the capability to wear proper armor. But, he was small, agile, fast. And he had combat skill. Enough to hold his own.

Ren recognized none of them. Which was strange, because he had seen quite a few adventurers. He wondered however if this would lead to any problems with him getting the job. After all, he looked like a kid. And he didn't like sharing the knowledge of his curse, he found it....embarrassing. To say the least. But he sighed. There was no way he would be able to receive this contract without alerting everyone to him being there. He hoped from tree to tree, making his way to the roofs of the actual village, remaining stealthy. Thats when he saw the construct. He must have moved in when he was gone. He sighed. He needed whatever money he could get. He had no other choice. He thought out what he was going to say. Make some sort of good impression.

"Well, as much as I would love to see you all attack, tie up, and kill each other, I do believe that at least one of you had some sort of problem. So maybe before everyone starts fighting, we could hear each other out first, and not instantly resort to violence? Instead, I don't know, maybe work together?". It was the only way he would have a chance of being included, he figured. Of course, dropping a name helped, and while he wasn't some big and famous knight, his good deeds did earn him at least a little fame. "Names Ren, by the way....".

Kael raised an eyebrow at the small human that had jumped across the roofs of the village. She chuckled at his boldness and jumped off the roof to stand near the crowd of people again. Her hood was still down and her hair still flowing freely around her shoulders she chuckled again and spoke loud enough to be heard.

"Ah such courage for one so small. Interesting little one. I am Kael."

Thorin turned at the thunderous footsteps of the contruct approaching. He looked upon it in wonder, never having before laid eyes on such a creature. Turly it was a marvel. The ingenuity of those who bent magic to their wills was impressive indeed. Shortly after the construct stated that they would all apparently taking up this quest together the monster hunter caught sight of the satyr in teh distance, bow in hand it appeared poised to strike. Thorin pulled his hammer from his belt slowly as his eyes locked with the small horned man, a fiery look in his eyes as if he was daring the beast to fire. Before the satyr could loose an arrow a wizard and a rogue appeared both apparently casting their lots in with the group. The satyr seemed hesitant to fire, not from fear but uncertainty. A non threat for the time being Thorin took his eyes away from the satyr, yet kept his hammer firmly in hand should the beast do something foolish and fire upon the warrior. The female mage spoke a word of greeting to the young rogue.

"Ah such courage for one so small. Interesting little one. I am Kael."

She said kindly. Thorin came to stand at her back, his bulky frame dwarfing her lithe form.

"I am Thorin Balderson, well met lad. This is our party then it seems yet we lack a heading and a goal."

Malik was about to shake the hand of the one who so kindly saved him untill he turned around twords the satyr. He quickly moved infront of this man called Thorin Balderson "Please dont.. drop your weapon stand down for the people, they seen to much blood shed already please stop" Malik said kindly but sterm. " We are all he for the same reason so there is no need for fighting " Malik said looking at everyone that had shown up in this village. his eye where filled with sadness for the people living in fear " Sorry, My name is Malik a cleric of Obad hai its very nice to meet all of you"

Malik stood there not moving an inch doing what he tought was best, but he was not sure if it was his place to get in the way. " you saytr you a protecter of the forest right, I ask you to stand down this is not the time or the place for this"

Thorin turned to stand at Malik's back, protectively he eyed the satytr in the distance. He didn't say a word, no word was needed. In his hand was Thorin's hammer, in his eyes the unafriad glare of a welcomed challenge. Should the child of the forest think he brave enough to stand against Thorin then the monster hunter would show him just how very wrong he was. Should he show wisdom he would accept the refusal of combat, admittedly more than a bit dissapointed but he would accept in none the less. No all that was left was to wait and see what decision the archer decided.

There in the shadows of the forest, stood the slender yet muscular Dark Elf who was rather eager to see what the noise was about. He eyed everything, taking nothing for granted seeing as how the smallest worm could turn out to be a deadly enemy or trap. The rouge looked at a tall muscular looking fellow accompanied by a few others. Where were they staring, he pondered the thoughts before analyzing the situation. He was too well covered for them to notice so, some one else perhaps. Mercutio grinned showing his white fang-like teeth before appearing behind the group and stepping from the shadow of a house. "Travelers, I see you are in need of assisstance?"

Due to the strange bustle in the small farming town with all the travelers gathering together, they payed no heed to another individual who walked through their defenses like a shadow. This individual was a Drow, A dark elf. Such an individual person of such a race would not be liked lightly, unless several of the villager's recognized his face, he was here years ago when his heart was broken, on a moonlit night.

His name was Zaldir Kestal. To him, the village was slightly worse then what he left it as. The large wall, the distrust of the locals, and to be more bluntly, the desire for help grew larger. Zaldir kept his hood up and his swords well hidden, as he approached the crowd of villagers crowding around a cleric and several other individuals he had no time to identify.

"Why here? I have no need to be here." He said to himself not feeling completely at ease with himself and the villagers look on strangers. Yet perhaps he'll be enlightened as to know what purposes and intent the people want with adventurers like the growing crowd of individuals.

"Casshern." Came a voice in his head as a pain came into his heart. "Okay okay, you win." He quickly muttered as he uttered a prayer of repent to the Deity who so closely marked the roads in his life. His amulet glimmered in the light of the sun as he walked through the crowd and towards the group of adventurers. He said nothing as the individuals seemed to be talking amongst each other and not to him directly. He took his time to look at the villagers. Several of them had pitchforks and seemed ready to drive almost all of the newcomers out.

Zaldir sighed as he looked at all the children huddled in the sidelines watching. He remembered of times where he himself as a boy, would be like them whenever someone new came to talk with his clan leader, then his own mother. But, those were happier times. Now Zaldir was alone in the world, about to join up with a group of strangers it seemed. "Seeker be with you all, May his servant be ever at your service."

Kael had to admit, she was a little bit in over her head. Strange beings kept showing up and joining the once small group...and she couldn't for the life of her remember all their names. There were a few magic users, she could sense that... then a couple pointy-eared folk, this little party was growing steadily and she wanted nothing more than to get away from this many bodies. Being around so many people made her nervous, she couldn't risk one of them finding out and hunting her, not as weak as she was right now. She took a few steps back and bumped into Thorin, the giant man seemed to tower over her and she felt somewhat sheltered. She turned to the winged man.

"Why are we all here? Do you know? You were here first so..."

She was distracted when a beautiful woman came into town, asking to purchase a beast. What an interesting being, she holds herself like she is the ruler of this land she smirked as she thought then turned back to the winged man.

"Silence, the both of you." stated Zaldir, who observed the woman's entry and her desire for a horse. "Also, Milady, cover your clothing with this, I fear that there may be unfriendly people here who despise nobles." As he said this, Zaldir took off his cloak and tossed it to the woman out of good gesture. "This is a starving village, not a bargaining ring." he added as he looked at several of the villagers who gave him a look of surprise.

"Don't be so surprised good people. Something told me you needed help, a lot of it." Zaldir said to them. "It's no mere coincidence that everyone gathered here for something. But in order to find out, I, and several others need enlightenment on the situation." He sighed after speaking and held his peace until more about why so many traveling adventurers such as the large hammer wielding man, to wandering swordsman such as himself, feel irresistibly drawn to this village, at this exact place and time, were addressed.

The more personal question he asked himself was this, and this alone. "Why should I be a part of this group? What's the boon other then not being alone in the world for awhile?" This is what was in his thoughts. Still he held his tongue until he knew what exactly was going on.

"Gods above, I really should intervene, right?" whispered Vanel, expecting a somewhat concerned reaction from his familiar. The whole situation was really getting out of hand. It's like none of these adventurers had ever sat down at a tavern and actually listened to a minstrel's story. A real shame, since he would have preferred meeting some normal types in the local tavern and actually starting a legitimate adventure from there.

"No. It's just getting good," said his familiar, until the stench of burning flesh filled the air. "Aaaaand, maybe you really should. Don't want that elf dying, do you?"

"Right. Looks like it's time to see how well my antimagic fields work. Given that I've got quite a bit of practice with them, this shouldn't be too much of a trouble, right?" asked Vanel.

"Nope, not at all. I'd expect that to cover the situation. Top it off with something intimidating, though. Style is everything, after all."

Vanel nodded, and started walking towards the woman and the Drow, ignoring practically anything in his way. Once he was approximately five or six feet away, he raised his staff, and a sudden calm settled across the air. Astra would probably feel the effects of Vanel's antimagic field, which suppressed any ongoing magical effects in the area, including her attempt at choking the Drow.

"You come to a backwards village like this, demand a war horse from its master, and attempt to kill off the last surviving member of a Drow clan? You're awfully bold. I'd like to see how bold you really are, without your magic."

At first Kael was amused at the events currently unfolding. She was grinning from ear to ear, hoping that perhaps someone would finally die. But after a while of listening to their silly squabbling she yawned, already bored with their form of amusement. Really people could be so predictable sometimes. The beautiful woman seemed like a strong enough person to have on her team...if she wished to bow before someone. Alas she was not that sort of creature and so quickly that notion. Strength was a key advantage when hunting for a pack of High Dragons...but strength also attracted much larger and stronger enemies than she could handle in this form. She cursed the Dragons for the millionth time since her "punishment" had commenced. They were foolish.

She ran a hand through her dark purple ponytail, her eyes flashing to red at the thought of Dragons before going back to the flat silver they were when she was bored. She stepped around the crowd of bodies to stand between the villagers and the group.

"Look here you silly travellers, I really don't care about any of this. Not your horse, not your coin, not your head. What I do care about is finding out if I am actually going to gain some profit from this silly little village or if I am wasting my time. If it is the latter I will gladly kill the villager who sent the message to me asking for help...wherever he may be. Now 'please' finally answer my question so I can be gone." Under her breath she muttered, "besides it's not as if the Dragons will wait while you all prance around."

Malik turned around and saw what was unfolding " Stop this nonsense NOW!!!" he demanded in much anger " This is stupid, foolish, and repugnant Now cool your selves and we can work this out " Malik was at an boiling point and ready to explode from the anger he was feeling, his eyes glowed with malice " Please stop be for anyone gets injured, everyone " His eye begain to weep as his temper exploded forth. His aura surled around in a shade of black and gray, his hand begain to burn with fire. Malik flaped his wings and flow up high " Stop this or I shall end it all" he said demanding and answer from the ones fighting at that point." so WHAT say YOU!!"

The threat from the dark elf had solicited an unexpected response from the slayer of Sleipnir, anger. He turned with fire in his eyes ready to break his body, his stance was that of a lion ready to pounce. Yet it was the other of his kind that spoke up first. In the defense of the woman the one called Zaldir warned the other elf that should he make a move against her he would have to deal with him. Bold and impressive, not what Thorin expected. Most of their kind tended to close rank when dealing with humans. Before any further action could be taken the 'damsel in distress' dealt with the cur on her own, needing no help from the men. Her hand shot out like a bolt of lighting and seized the offending elf's throat. With a grip like a vice she squeezed, putting the swordsman on his knees in seconds. It was then she put her powers on display as the elf's skin seared beneath her touch. Not a scream of pain could be uttered by the elf for no air could escape his lungs under the iron grip of the sorceress. Two more of the company would come forward before it was done. The human mage would seek to defuse the situation with his quick wit and casual demeanor while he cast a anitmagic field to dispell the fire in the woman's fingers. The mage's sarcasm brought a smile to Thorin's face. He had a few choice words for her before Malik made his presence felt. The powerful cleric Nephilim roared out in fury for those around him to stop, his hands blazed with fire should they dare refuse. The time had come to end this little dance and Thorin took it upon himself to do so. He should have put the elf swordsman flat on his back with a single punch for his sharp tongue yet his anger had slowed his action allowing this mess to unfold.

The big man took a single step towards the elf on his knees and the one keeping him there. He reached out his hand and grabbed hold of the womans.

"Not that he doesn't deserve it..."

Thorin began as his large hand dwarfed hers, and covered it completely. Thorin's bright blue eyes locked onto the womans as he pulled her hand away. Her strength was formidable, more than one her size should posses. Thorin just attributed it to some form of magic yet his own was still mightier by far and he pulled her away with ease. The elf fell back in agony clutching his throat with labored coughs as he tried to catch his breath leaving Thorin standing in the center of the tense standoff with the beautiful enchantress.

"But you've had your fun."

Thorin finished before pausing to hold the woman still with his gaze alone. Her hand still in his, they both stared through each other's eyes as if both had been surprised by the other and found themselves wanting more. It was then that Thorin released his hold on her hand and spoke to the group yet his eyes never left the woman.

"Calm yourself brave Nephilim, there will be no more fighting this day between we gathered here. The elf has his life, his kinsman needed not cut him down and the mages spell is no longer needed. The woman wants a horse and she shall have one. My steed is hers. My price... a single kiss."

The corner of Thorin's mouth turned up into a daring smirk. She was certainly bold enough when it came to striking down those who offended her. It was time to see how willing to act she was when she must truly commit to get what she wanted.

Thorin stood in awe of the woman's boldness, fire and ingenuity. He was beginning to like this one. The monster hunter shook his head with a warm, hearty laugh as he rubbed his jaw with his hand. Nursing the blow to his manhood as slowed him for but a moment before looking up to her with a approving smile.

"My dear, my honor has been lost to me long ago but well played none the less. Your prize has been won and... I believe you earned a bit more, my name. I am Thorin, son of Balder. Slayer of Sleipnir and bane to wicked beasts all across the known kingdoms."

He said with a nod showing the respect of one adversary to another. Still rather captivated by this unique woman Thorin couldn't help but hear Kael address Malik as to the heading of their little merry band. It was then that Thorin realized he had been so enthralled by this beautiful stranger he had forgotten why he was here in the first place. For the first time since setting eyes on the enchantress Thorin wrenched his gaze away from her beauty to turn to address the reason for their being here.

"Apologies Malik but I've seemed to got a tad distracted. Though the wizardess is right. I was told there was some monster here? Some evil that was in need of a good slaughter? Honestly I've heard very little of what plagues these lands. Perhaps you may know?"

Zaldir watched as the following events unfolded. However, he was so distracted by the sudden temptation to kill the other Dark Elf his own honor and sense of dignity was upon him. The Noblewoman had his opponent at a disadvantage, he wanted it to be dealt with honor. Wordlessly, he sheathed his blades and snapped back to reality. "I didn't want to kill anyone anyway. That would make me no better, nor worse then him. Since the day I was forced off my perch, I learned something." Zaldir thought to himself before saying out loud without even knowing it, "When you sit upon a high place, amongst stars and clouds, you may lose sight of what's happening on the ground."

The dark elf then sighed and simply watched as Thorin lost his horse to the Noblewoman when she used the horse as a loophole of the price. Typical of some men to want to steal a kiss, but Zaldir learned that sometimes travelers do such things to have a grasp at something that Zaldir himself silently under all his desires to seek help for the weak and lust for the fights to come his way on the road, yearns for the most. Love and companionship. But his yearning for such things could possibly never be. He didn't trust any woman he encountered in his life, all because of one, most sacred rule he followed from his younger years.

He was forbidden to share his secret name, the name which his own god uses to make sure he follows instructions or pulls of fate. What magi would call his True Name. For if that name was given to those with evil in their hearts, they'd use it against him. Sighing Zaldir turned to look at the villagers once more as he picked up his discarded, dirt covered cloak. "So, which one of you called for help?" He asked as he refastened his cloak on himself.

Malik landed on the ground with a bit of grace and poise " well Infact I do know alittle a bit about this area" He walked closer to Thorin " Well I believe their mybe a few humanoids creatures like Alaghi, Centaur, and Forestkith Goblin, and Some others. Also magical creatures like the Blood Hawk, Bearhound, aslo one or two plant creatures like the Assassin Vine, and the Battlebriar, tree ent. That all I have heard of but I'm sure that not all that the Place has to offer my good sir" He said with a bow and a kind smile " is there anything else you would like to know?"

Makil turned to Kael with a reponed" well yes this should be worth you time,once we fine out what we are all here for. I herd through some people that they where Having some Beast control problems, I believe something to do with live stock and crops have been disappearing but not sure, Also I heard about a Dragon sighting round these parts ..... but its all rumors and hear say, thats it"

Thorin grinned wide and fierce at the mention of the assortment of fearsome creatures in the are. The big man crackled his knuckles as he returned Malik's polite smile with a bold one of his own.

"Sounds like we haven't come for naught then. I yearn for battle and creatures like that should surely deliver it to me. What say we seek out word in the local inn? It's been my experience that a town's barkeep knows more than a town's lord by far. They have the ear of the city and should certainly point us in the direction of where we may begin our hunt."

Thorin reached out one big hand and put it on Malik's shoulder in friendship.

"Never before have I hunted beside one of your kind brother. Ours shall be battles worthy of song. Sung to men to make them envy of our glories, and women to make them yearn for our company. Our names and the names of all those who follow us will fill mead halls in every corner of Lore as bards weave the tale of our victories."

Thorin's excitement was contagious as the feeling of all those in the newly formed group seemed to perk with the promise of glories and serving justice to those creatures that stalked the darkness nearby. Thorin turned to spot a villager walking across the dirt street carrying a wicker basket of fresh rolls. A young man, but 16 or 17 winters. Thin and lanky, not a warrior in the making but a coddled lad who had the look of one who'd never left his mother's skirt.

"You there! Boy!"

Thorin called to him, his booming voice startling the young man. The boy nearly dropped his basket in surprise but managed to utter out a meek response as he pointed to himself with a shaking finger.

"M-Me?"

"Yes you lad! Where can a warrior get a drink?"

The boy swallowed hard, visibly nervous yet was able to point down the road as he answered.

"T-The Harpy and The Hobbit sir, it's our only tavern."

Thorin smiled cheerfully and gave the boy grateful a nod.

"Good lad!"

With that Thorin turned to Malik, the cheerful grin still firmly in place.

"To The Harpy and The Hobbit! Come all whom would join in the hunt!"

Thorin said in a jovial, albeit overly excited, tone as he lead Malik and the rest of the group down the road to the tavern.

Mercutio felt the grasp of the womans hands gentle but fierce as they clenched around his throat. No air was in his lungs as he felt his flesh sizzling and nothing was more unbearable than that pain. He fell back grabbing at his throat as the other elf had standed against him. What sense be it to stand against thy own race. Mercutio thought to himself as he forgot about the pain and stood up still grasping his throat.

There was no pain from her attack but what sense would it make to release my body and greet them with my true self. No no it would seem all to un-needed, but still that woman had a demonic say about her. Dare I speak the words in my own mind. I had only heard about them and crossed blades with one but this one was different. As the burn marks around his neck began to heal Mercutio still pondered trying to put bits and peices of what the woman was. His thoughts however where interupted by the giant's booming voice. "Bless the gods must you be so loud." Mercutio said in an almost irritated manner following the group to a nearby tavern led by Thorin.