Lore

“I wouldn't do that to a poor goat.” Astra said with a smirk as she gave the blazing hearth a wide berth and took the seat offered to her by the Drow “It would traumatise the poor creature.”

"So you going to tell me your name now or am I going to have to wrestle you for it?” Thorin asked with a smile.

The question she dreaded . . . Astra avoided his gaze as she thanked the serving wench as the buxom women laid down a plate full of broiled vegetables, spiced potatoes and meat. Astra hadn't realised how hungry she was until the alluring smell of the food filled her sense.

“Three bottles of your finest wines.” Astra said to the woman, feeling generous.

But what should she answer to the Thunder Beast Slayer's question? She dare not use her real name . . . But what of half?

“You could try,” Astra said coyly as she slipped a small spiced potato into her mouth. It was so good. “But I wouldn't want to hurt your pride and show you up in front of your followers twice in one day.” A smile curving her pretty lips “As for my name . . . one is as good as any but if you must call me something . . . you may call me Leena.”

It was better to stay closer to the truth. Less chance of slipping up, pondered Astra as the serving wench brought the bottles of red wine.

Zaldir had listened to the Noblewoman chat with the Son of Balder. Apparently her name was Leena. "Popular name, if you've been to the North." The Drow stated. "The previous Lord had a wife with that same name. I use the term previous due to some rumors I have heard on my travels."

Zaldir simply filled the pint in front of him with the red wine, not caring if the barmaid offered glasses. He was beginning to be alert, however. The other drow who nearly started a fight laughed which could only mean one thing. "He knows the massacre and he found me out." he thought to himself. He could never shake off the day it happened, for he was young, a child. Yet somehow, when Death himself seemed to be riding through the massacre, he stayed his hand on young Zaldir, even he did not know why. Some people who were more superstitious then others, believed this meant that Zaldir had a very special role to be placed upon him in the near future.

That, or he was very lucky to have escaped the slaughter. To that thought Zaldir just drank from his cup calmly. He sighed after the initial sip. "I've a bad feeling I'm in for something eventful. Zaldir you fool, you went and placed your foot right into it too."

Mercutio drank more from his cup calling the bulgard women over more and more, not being able to feel the tingling he was hoping for. That was when the Cleric, Malik had wandered over and offered to heal him. Mercutio laughed and smiled, "I require nothing from you Cleric. As you can see these wounds have healed themselves." Mercutio stated coldly as he moved his collar showing his neck, back to its original color. "Now if you would please, depart from my sight. I'd like to enjoy my meal." He stated as he ripped a piece of meat from the bone.

Thorin had a big turkey leg in hand and a plate of spiced potatoes in front of him along with a foamy pint of ale. Truly he was a happy man at the moment. The biting conversation between him and Leena may seem tense to some, even aggressive but the big man was loving it. Women didn't usually talk to him like this and he was finding this rather exciting. Her last quip was something about Thorin trying to wrestle her for her name.

"Ha perhaps you're just afraid to have a man put your on your back. Be completely at the mercy of someone else's might as his strength enveloped you."

The innuendo hung heavy in the air and wasn't difficult to discern for any listening. Though this was Thorin's intention. He was not one to mire words in heavy false meanings and fancy verbiage. A quality blatantly obvious now. He paused to wash down his mouthful of food with his drink and as he set his metal tankard down he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. An old man sitting alone by the fire light. A crooked, gnarled old walking cane in his bony grip. His hair on his head had been thinning for years by the look of it and what grey strands were left hung about wildly on his scalp. Yet his beard was as full as ever and hung down to his thin chest like a thick grey like a storm cloud. His eyes however were his truly most unique feature. Black as night they spoke of pain endured from a life time of hardships yet a wisdom derived from such drudgery.

He had his gaze locked on the table of companions and seemed to have been staring for some time. Thorin had a mind to rise and shout at him to see if he had purpose for his glaring yet something pinged in his mind to slow his ale addled blood for a moment and leave the decision up to those around him.

"We got us a fan lads...Or perhaps it's one of Leena's scorned lovers."

He teased with a deep chuckle.

Malik stood up a bowed " As you wish" Before he could turn around he noticed a dark aura, a cold chill ran down his spine " what is this " a fear ran through Malik all he could do was turn around and look at was behind him. When he did so all he saw was a old man setting alone, thoe he still seemed harmless but still why was he full of this fears. The old mans gaze fell to Malik the cold stare made him take a step back. malik fell to the floor with a loud crash " why why am I.... afraid" Now he was froze he could not do anything more than shake in fear.

Astra looked down at her plate, trying to fight the deep blush staining her cheeks . . . But then she turned back and stared at Thorin furiously. She should smite him right there on the spot! . . . However when she saw the cocky smile lining his stubbled features she knew that's exactly what he wanted . . . to unsettle her, to see how she reacted. The giant did not mince his words no matter how lascivious.

When he simply smirked at her in return, Astra decided to teach the wicked Slayer a well deserved lesson in civility as he reached forward in his seat to get more Ale from the tankard, Astra hooked her foot around one of the legs of his chair and pulled it forward from beneath him.

Before Thorin had any idea what had happened he was flat on his back on the floor.

“It's not my back you should be worried about . . .” Astra smiled down innocently at him as she sipped her wine . . . “And for your information I have no scorned lovers.” In fact she had no lovers at all . . . Ever!

“Neither am I afraid of anything . . . Especially not of you, Slayer of Sleipnir.” Eyes locked on Thorin's playfully in challenge “Do you need a hand up . . . Or two?” Astra teased but then her attention was caught by the large crash.

Turning in her seat to find the Nephilim keeled over on the floor, clearly in pain . . .

the aura coming from somewhere was over powering " It... it hurts" he screamed in pain. it smeeded to crushing force that could not be stoped, he tried to force his aura to stop the Pain but nothing would do. 'what to do what to do' he thought , the man kept his gaze on Malik never blinking never turning away. " Stop!!" he yelled

" your not that strong are you cleric" A voice in Maliks head said with a laugh

" who are you " malik thought

" If you dont know, your in big trouble... as so are your friends"

Maliks eyes grew wide " NO.. NO ..... NO!!!!" his eys begain to weep tear of pain " I will stop you " malik said

Thorin leapt to his feet, a snarl in his throat at the sight of Malik writhing in pain. Tears of agony streamed down the face of the nephilim and the joyous mood of the group was all but shattered. Thorin scanned the crowd for the source of his allies pain but saw none. All looked at the unfolding scene with fear and concern. All but one. The old man whose raven dark eyes were unmoving and unblinking. His vigil, still as the grave as he sat. He had not moved since Thorin first spotted him.

"Witchcraft..."

The monster hunter growled ferociously as his hand went to his war hammer. He pulled it from his belt as he locked his gaze on the old man. He pulled back his arm and prepared for a mighty throw that should end this dark wizards life in a single blow.

"Your hold on him will end with your life by the force of my hammer, wizard..."

Thorin warned dangerously, his voice little more than a snarl before he committed to his hammer throw. Steppeing into the throw to give it more power he launched his weapon like the fury of a scorned god. Thorin's hammer sailed through the air on a collision course with the old man's chest.

the old man did not loose his gaze with Malik he did not move one inch, when the hammer hit the man chest there was loud cracking sound from his ribbs. The hold on malik was gone malik stood with leg shacking his body ripe with pain " what in the nine hell was that, never have I delt with such A force in my life"

" well, weell I miss judged your friends" a voice said echoing from what seemed to be every inch of the room " hello and goodbye to you all ,because the next time we meet shall be the last"

" If you dare to show your face I'll make sure that you will be distroyed and sent to the deep part of hell, that I can be sure of and you little trick will not work next time you.... low down ,dirty good for nothing, skum from under a goblins back side" Malik at this point he was angery and very weak, but he could still go on no matter what he would never stop

Mercutio noticed the sight of the Cleric writhing on the floor. Mercutio though for a moment "This is none of my concern, I have just acquainted with these people, I know nothing of their dealings with the likes of witches or mages alike." But even the Drow could not escape the scream of Malik's screams. Mercutio sighed for a second as he rushed to the fallen nephilim's side and held him, staying his shaking body. "Do not think me lightly because I show a moment of compassion, but for the moment it seems you are safe Cleric." Mercutio said as he grinned.

As soon as he heard the cleric's screams Zaldir got up sharply, his hand on his golden handled sword, however, Thorin beat him to the attack. "Seeker's breath." He muttered as he sat back down, running his hand through his shoulder length silver hair. He heard the warning of the strange Wizard, or whatever it was. However, something inside him boiled, wanting to burst forth.

His desire to fight wanted to come out and actually fight against something, but he had to keep it contained. He needed to talk to someone before he thought of an excuse to attack Thorin for beating him at the punch. He looked around for people to talk to, however, the only person of value to talk to at the moment was Miss Leena. Something inside him wanted to talk to her, get to know her better through conversation.

However, he felt like he'd be talking to someone who didn't put other people's advice at heart. Zaldir sighed and returned to his pint, whilst other people would laugh or sarcastically remark about something, or even flirt with other people, Zaldir was always a quiet person. However the words of his next question seemed to slip out on there own, unbidden by his own thoughts. "So, have you ever been to the Northern Lands Miss Leena?" he asked curiously, almost instantly, then he coughed mid way on a gulp of his drink.

"Curse it all! You put those words in my mouth Seeker! Pushy God!" He swore in his thoughts and mentally shook his fist. But he couldn't take back his question. He sighed, "Pardon my curiosity, I've not been the best at talking to others. It's been just me and the road for a long time."

His hammer felled the old man. Whether wizard, or fiend or demon the offender was dead. The caved in chest was proof of that. Thorin rushed to Malik's side where, of all people, Mercuito was currently crouched offering a supportive hand to the nephilim.

"I killed an old man and an assassin plays the nurse, this is truly a day of firsts. Are you well Malik? Does that dark magic yet linger?"

Thorin asked as he heaved the nephilim to his feat with ease. Concern was evident in the monster hunter's face but above all else he wanted answers. He'd battled many a dark wizard in his time. Slayed many a nightmare beast yet this was odd even for him. From the grave either the wizards magic gave voice to the shadow or perhaps there was a larger game afoot and the voice they heard was that of their true opponent.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Leagues from The Harpy and The Hobbit a mighty steed raced across the road, his heavy hooves beating the stone like thunder. It's rider, clad in magnificent armor, pushed his mount ever faster. His heading was the home to beautiful women renown the world over and home to some of the most learned individuals in Lore. The Hold of Ebar was in the grips of fear due to a sadistic killer that had been kidnapping women right off the street. Women of all manner of social status, rank, wealth and behavior. Nothing truly connected the victims save for one key fact. Their beauty. Each and every one was described as ravishing in their appearance. If this was the lure that attracted the murderer than truly the streets of Ebar would fill with blood before he was done for Ebar was indeed truly home to beautiful women abound. The brave Knight Sir Guy raced ever onward to the city to begin his investigation of who murdered the Inquisitor John Harkon and there was only one way to do that. Solve the original case of who was this mysterious serial killer that was plucking women off the street never to be seen again. The board had been set and the Knight was on the move to make his play.

" I'll be fine..... on time " malik said keeping the teuth hidden sence he did not want to worry everyone " please go back to what your doing, no.... need......the concern your self............with me" malik said as the world seemed to spin and blur. he tried to keep face but it was not working at all. Makils body tipped back but he braced him self and a chair so not to fall. "I'm fine " this was the only thing to say that came to mind at this point, to repeat just about the same thing over and over. that voices word still echos is his head, he needed to do something to protect everyone else.

The question was so random it took Astra by surprise as she almost choked on her wine.

She looked at Zaldir through assessing eyes but saw nothing sinister in his curiosity.

But why the North Lands, Why not the West Lands or the East Lands or the Lands beyond the North to the other Kingdoms?

"As it is, I have not," Astra lied concentrating on her plate of food, the sweet meats in particular that we're delectable truly "But it is where I am heading right now. A long and perilous journey that is why I was in need of a steed, you see. And what brings you here Zaldir?" She asked changing the subject from the dangerous direction it was heading in.

And what had happened to Milady? . . . Maybe it was safer as a Miss though after all, she decided.

Astra thought back to what had just happened as she had watched as first to her and everyone's surprise Mercutio comforted Maliki until he stated not to consider it as kindness on his part and then Thorin joined the two. The giant was gentle . . . This disturbed Astra. Men like him were not suppose to be soft or gentle . . . But then again her father had been . . . So why did she expect different of other men? Because no other man she had ever dealt with in her life had been . . . A frown formed on her lips, yet she did not have the time to analyse this anomaly further right now.

But her concern regarding the Evil Drow's strange behavior, Thorin's disturbing softer side and Zaldir's curiosity about wheather she had traveled to the North Lands was over shadowed by the seen that had played out before her eyes . . . the wizard . . . His coal black eyes had sent her into a perpetual state of silence.

Everything was pointing towards what she dreaded . . . Aurora! Could her sister really be the one to blame for all of this?! She did not want to believe it but her better judgement knew the truth.

She had to get to Vantgaurd Castle before it was too late, much too late . . .

Zaldir saw that Leena also choked on her wine almost the same way he did. "Oh very funny Seeker, why not make everyone do a spit take?" he thought sarcastically. She said that she hasn't been to the north, but had been on her way to the northern lands, hence the need for a horse.

Then she asked him what brought him here, and his heart almost stopped. If it weren't for his dark skin, Zaldir would be as pale as a sheet of snow in apprehension. How can he explain how he came to be here, what mostly controlled his path, and ultimately, what was he here for? Should he say that he was brought here under the guidance of fate, or lie and say there was no reason for his being here, he was just here.

"Many things." He said finally. "You can say, something out of my control brought me here for a certain reason, or say the state of this poor village brought me here. Otherwise I can simply say, I too was on my way north. It's been a long time since I've been that way, and I've heard rumors that The new ruler isn't as kind as the previous one was." Zaldir took another drink off his pint, finishing it in two gulps.

"But, I can truly safely say, that the real answer, is all of them at once. It's just where the thread of Fate pulls me that matters."

An old man with a walking cane walked into the tavern, he took a long look at everyone " hello and good evening to you all I am the elder of this town you my call me Nydilac, I heard that you all are here to help out with are little problem..... well I should start from the begining" he took a seat " a while ago, I think three months or so thing have been happening like cattle go missing along with some of the people of the village have been disappering as well. Just recently the crops and houses not in are town wall have been distroyed. All eyewitness say its a monster with glowing red eyes, thick black skin. The monster is very tall and very thin"

“My Queen, the-er man you asked for is here.” Said Ser Sedrick Aurora's man of business.

The tall, large bald man was a formidable fighter who had no hesitation cutting a man's throat at the simple nod of his Queen's head.

She'd rather have Sedrick take care of this business but she needed the man here with her in the North Lands reflected Aurora more then a little irritated with having to involve someone she did not completely trust with this sensitive business.

Damn her mother! The woman was loosing her mind in her old age. She could say what she liked but only Aurora knew what was best for the North Lands, for Lore in general and most importantly . . . herself. Which entailed a sword and her sister and the first being run through the latter. Only then would her dark soul be at ease.

Ser Sedrick bowed his head in acknowledgement, his blue gaze almost as menacing as Aurora's own as he turned and opened the large doors to the Throne room.

“Enter.” He said in his gruff rarely used voice.

A small man, almost dwarfed by Ser Sedrick floated in slowly, his face darked and hidden by the hood of his long cloak.

“The Order of the Dark Justice at your service My Lady.” Spoke the Assassin as he bowed.

“My Queen, you mean Assassin.” Interrupted Sedrick coldly from behind.

Although his face was hidden, the Assassin's form visibly stiffened as he half turned to face the towering beast that was Ser Sedrick.

“There has not been a sole Monarchy of Lore since the days of Sephia.” Commented the Assassin.

“Well there is now!” Commanded Aurora as she rested on her Throne “Sephia's blood runs through my veins . . . It is my right to rule every part of this Land. Those that realise this earlier shall be well and truly rewarded.” Enunciated Aurora “What be your Rank Assassin?”

“I am a Disciple, Rank Four.”

“I hear you are the man I seek to bequeath my Quest upon,” Aurora stated as she rose from her Throne and came to stand in front of the Assassin “I've also heard pay is poor for someone of your calibre and capability . . . And the Lands of the North are well endowed. Naturally, should what I ask for be done, I will reward you handsomely . . . Out of the sight and pockets of your Masters.”

The Disciple Assassin stood silent a moment as he considered Aurora's offer and then finally spoke.

“It would be foolish of me to go against and hide things from my Masters . . . It would mean certain death.”

“No, Assassin . . . It would be more foolish of you to go against me . . . Think of it this way,” Aurora said calmly as she circled the small man “Your Masters be in my hand . . . So all that should concern you would be pleasing me . . .” Smiling coldly she stopped in front of the cloaked man. “Be you indifferent to my decree Assassin?”

His face was still hidden but Aurora could sense his equally chilling grin.

“My Queen.” His voice sang as he kneeled down on one knee and took one fair hand and placed a kiss atop it “How can I be of service to you?”

Aurora's smooth laughter lilted through the open room as she brushed the back of her palm across the rough scarred cheek under the hood.

“My sister . . . bring her head on a Silver platter to me . . .”

Even in the heat of the day, Areth still felt cold. It was a feeling she hated, an annoying insect that kept bothering her no matter how much she swatted it away. In hindsight, it would have made more sense to fly across the lake instead of swimming but what’s life without a little challenge? Even if that challenge leaves you soaking wet and tired. A red braid filled the young woman’s hands, squelching every time water was drawn from its silky confines. Areth needed something to warm her up, something to pick up her now waterlogged mood. “Maybe Murray will hook me up with a glass of fireball.” She thought out loud. With a swift click of metal on stone, her direction changed, drops of water following her every step.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
The bell chimed softly as the door to the tavern opened. Murray laughed at the sight of his favourite customer, despite the excitement that had just happened. “Well, well, well. It looks like the little lizard isn’t an amphibian after all.” The old man continued smiling through Areth’s middle finger. “Can it Murray, give me the usual.” Murray turned and began making the unusual concoction. 2/4th’s ale, 1/4th chilli powder from overseas, and the rest a layer of pure, 100% alcohol. With a sly grin, the drink slid down the bar, making a noticeable clank against the girl’s gauntlet. Almost instantaneously, the drink burst into flame. After a few seconds, the fire disappeared, leaving half a glass of copper liquid. The dragoness downed the drink in one gulp, much to Murray’s amusement.

The drink hit like a jalapeno train. A blast of spice mixed with just a pinch of sweetness warmed her from head to toe. Giving her head a few shakes for good measure, Areth’s mood had perked up considerably even though she was still wet. “Ahhh, gotta love the kick! Thanks Murray, here’s your payment.” Areth leaned over the bar and kissed the old man’s cheek, causing him to blush. “You know, one of these days you’re going to have to pay with actual money.” He said nonchalantly. Areth laughed, this exact conversation happened every time she came into the bar.

Scarlet eyes scan the bar, looking for some kind of entertainment. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, just the usual drunkards and begga- wait. Who are they? The young woman’s gaze fell upon a strange group of adventurers nestled at one of the tables. ‘Dark Elves? Don’t see much of them here. That blonde guy looks ripped, I’ll have to see I he wants to fight later.’ These analysis’s continued until she reached a strange girl with jet-black hair. A surge of power filled her veins. This girl, somehow, had draconic blood. ‘Interesting. I’m going to stick close to this one.’

It seemed the village elder was talking to them about the town’s problems. Areth sighed and strode towards the group, giving the elder a soft clap on the shoulder. “Hey old man, I want in on this.” She smiled and turned to the group. “I’m up for a bit of adventure.”

Kael was chilled to the bone sitting at the end of the bar farthest away from everyone in the room. She had watched the incident with the "old man" and had listened to the conversation start with the village elder and that had all been fine and dandy...until another Dragon being had walked in. What??? Why is there another like me in this...this...pathic rotten little village?! her voice screamed in her head but her face remained the same. As soon the as the other had walked to the elder Kael stood and bolted to the door, not caring if anyone saw or cared where she was going. Dragons she could deal with, Humans she could kill. But this woman...made her feel uneasy. She had never met another "half-breed" and didn't think they had existed. Yet this woman felt like her......

She walked blindly and realise she had come back to the spot they had all met. She shouldn't stay here. She should be on her way to find the Dragons to rid her of this stupid curse and yet...something was pulling her back inside to be with the group of oddballs. She shook her head and, frustrated, Kael let loose the loudest yell of anger she could find before dropping to the ground staring in the distance with hate in her eyes, making them a deep black. She hated Humans, she hated Dragons. She was both and yet neither. Where would she ever find a place or even a friend? She growled. Who needed friends?

Thorin had finally received a heading and a beast to slay. He could not be happier. A fiery grin dawned on his face as he rose to his feet and gave the elder a firm nod.

"You seek this beasts end, then Thorin Balderson shall see it done."

With that he turned to his allies that were all gathered around, having just listened to the tale told from the old man. The burning desire for conquest had ignited in Thorin's heart and he could almost feel the thrill of battle upon him. He stepped away from the table and rested his hand on his hammer at his hip.

"We leave at once."

He said boldly to all those nearby in open invitation to the heroes around him. Those that rose would follow Thorin to the mouth of the beast and pit their strength against it's own power. A those that remained would never again see the hero son of Balder.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There it was on the horizon. It had taken just under a month to reach the infamous citadel of Ebar. Home to the fabled Great Library, the elven consulate and some of the most beautiful in all of Lore. It is here that a killer stalks the streets. Keeping to the shadows like the coward they were they struck out in the night and kidnapped women only for their bodies to turn up bloodied and mutilated days later. Sir Guy had been carefully reading Harkon's reports on the case yet had much more he needed to discover if he was to solve this mystery. First thing was to ride into the massive metropolis and seek out the captain of the Town Guard. He and his men would have worked closely with Inquisitor Harkon during his investigation and no doubt would be able to show Sir Guy where Harkon left off in order for the Justicar to begin his own investigation.

The Knight trotted his magnificent white stallion passed the towering town gates. The guards dared not stop a Knight of the Holy Order on official business. One look from the Justicar and they knew to let him pass. So there he rode, past the pilgrims and townsfolk. Past the vendors barking about their wares and the whores offering every man's desire. Nothing would deter the Knight from his mission. He ignored it all while at the same time taking careful note of all he saw, smelled and heard. The scent of fresh bread from the bakers brought memories of Guy's youth flooding back to him. The sight of young boys running about playing knights caused the Justicar to smile at them. A single nod from him was like the greatest praise the boys could ever receive and the consequently shouted with joy before exchanging hand smacks and running off into the crowd to continue playing.

It was the Guard Hall that was Guy's destination. A short building in comparison to the massive towers that made up most of Ebar's canopy. The city was so tightly packed with buildings that in the oldest parts of town it could be difficult to see the sky. Yet there before the Justicar was the round Guard Hall. A barracks and base of operations for the city guard of Ebar. It was also where Sir Guy's investigation would begin. He tied his horse to the post outside and entered to seek out the guard captain.

“Do not be so foolish Thorin Balderson.” Astra stated with a slight smile as she still sat sipping her wine, while others got up to follow the Thunder Beast Slayer. “You think this Beast you seek is a run of the mill evil creature that you can simply slay with that hammer of yours?”

What the old man had said . . . it all sounded so terribly like the beginnings of her fathers stories of when the dark demons and monster began appearing on the Lands of Lore all those many millennia's ago. She did not care for the Thunder Beast Slayer . . . Yet, she did not wish to see him die either . . . Strange that.

“Why risk your life for these people?” Astra now said to the whole group “It wasn't long ago that these very folk had the Nephilim out there ready to burn on faggots.”

It appeared as if Mercutio, a sadistic curve to his lips, agreed with her wholeheartedly even though he had opposed her outside. Astra made a mental note never to trust that Drow. However, she guessed, he would be entertaining no doubt.

“Give me one good reason why I should help these pitiable Villagers?” Astra expectantly asked turning to Thorin with a raised brow and a pout “And because it's the right, good and noble thing to do is not reason enough in my book, Thunder Beast Slayer.” She added with a smile.

"Good and noble?... You know me not at all woman."

Thorin growled, challenging her as he turned to face the noble woman. Her tone was infuriating. Her willingness to let these people suffer simply because it was not her problem was enough to drive Thorin mad.

"Hide here if you wish Astra. Thorin Balderson flees from no threat, no enemy. Nobility plays no part in it. Right and wrong does not drive me. I am a warrior born, warriors do not run and hide or seek others to fight battles for them. Nay I go where the challenge is greatest. Seek out the monsters of this world and dare them to prove themselves stronger. You ask what reason we have to save these people? I ask what reason have you not to? Fear? Cowardice? Weakness? If those are your reasons then be brave enough to admit them. If not then follow me and we shall prove our strength is greater than what threatens these people."

Thorin's gaze was full of fiery determination and passion. His body looming over Astra beforehe turned to the group.

"Tha goes for the rest of you... If you're too weak to help these people then run and hide yet call yourselves warriors no longer.... In fact call yourselves men and women no longer either for you are children in my eyes."

With that Thorin threw one last baleful glare at Astra to impart on her his last words.

"And you... My horse deserves a better master."

His peace said Thorin Bladerson, Slayer Of Sleipnir walked out of the tavern to track down this new beast.

Astra stormed out of the tavern right after Thorin. How dare he speak like that to her . . . that, that Oafish Giant!

“Why would I want to know a fool!” She shouted at Thorin as she exited the old tavern onto the coble stoned street.

Thorin turned around to face a furious red cheeked Astra. She stepped up right in front of him, forgetting all about propriety in her aggravated state.

“Because that is what you will be a fool and a dead one at that.” She spat venomously up at the towering man staring down at her angrily as she poked him heatedly with her index finger “You have no idea what you are seeking and what folly you are inviting to your door. And don't you dare call me a coward or weak!” Astra finished . . . suddenly, not sure what to do as she stared up into Thorin's eyes and then took a step back realising she was standing much too close.

“Self preservation is not cowardly or a sign of weakness . . . However, if you are determined to be a complete buffoon and to find this damned creature then I suppose I must come with you . . .” She said as she folded her arms across her chest and looked to the side instead of meeting the man's gaze “Just to make sure you don't end up getting yourself killed.” Astra added for good measure when she took a peek up at his face and saw that annoying grin on his rugged features, again.

Rage, fury and the contempt of an angry she goddess Astra exhumed fury as she scolded the much larger man. Thorin looked down at her, angry at first but with each word she uttered his anger was exchanged with admiration. Truly he had never met a woman like this before. When she was finished her tirade she agrred to accompany him in the hopes of ensuring he did not meet his death. A smile etched it's way onto his face as the realization of her true intentions began to form in his mind.

"Very well then Astra, we shall strike out against this beast... Perhaps you will find the joy in it you seem afraid to admit you seek."

Thorin said, adding the last bit a tad under his breath as Astra and Thorin walked off on their own to hunt down the beast that had been terrorizing the town. Their hunt took them deep into the surrounding forest and it was there Thorin found the first tracks that would lead them to the monster they sought.

"Here."

Thorin said as he knelt beside the sizable track. The track was not some blatant foot print in mud or dirt but a subtle disturbance of foliage.

"It came through here... and it's big."