Archives: Trials of the Half-Elven
Chapter 1: Vedun, Kanon
Vedun was a small village near the coast of northern Kanon, a few miles away from the main road. During the Marmo occupation, the fearful villagers submitted to Marmo rule, allowing them to survive until they were freed. Olula was a remainder of that time, though buildings had been rebuilt, businesses restarted and new crops grown and distributed amongst the people, Olula was about the only way one could tell this town was once controlled by Beld’s empire.
She was half-dark elf, born of the rape of her human mother. However, nobody treated her any differently. They’d all come to love the innocent and beautiful half-elf. She was one of the most desired girls in her entire village, but she remained unwed, knowing she would likely outlive any man she choose to marry, or perhaps she hadn’t found the one. At seventeen, she began working at the town’s only inn, the Silver Sword Inn as a barmaid. She had been working there for three years, saving up the cash she made to one day leave and began exploring Lodoss and learning more about her elven roots.
For now, she spent her time washing dishes, serving drinks and mopping floors, dreaming about one day leaving town.
* * *
Rain poured from above, the sky dismal and bland. A young girl stopped her stride on top her horse, and looked up towards the gray above. Drops began to fall on her face. A rain drop fell into her eyes, she winced for a moment and wiped her eye. “Darn, I hate this weather,” she said to herself. She talks to herself a lot, she was that kind of girl, with a lot of voices in her head, a dreamer. She quickly opened one of the saddle bags at the side of her mighty beast, and pulled out an old worn out cloak. She wrapped it around her and over her head. “Reem,” she thought aloud again with a sigh, “Where are you going?”
Reem was riding swiftly on her steed Firestar. She had left the care of the gypsies to search for her father Azala, and to quell a growing desire for adventure. She didn’t have a clue as to where to begin, all she had was a name and a description to go by, and finding him on this accursed island might be harder than she thought.
A town. Up ahead a sign and a few building started to come in view. She slowed down when she came to the sign. It read: “Hail! Welcome to Vedun.”
The rain had began to pour with more intensity. I had better find a place to stay, she thought. She turned her head scanning the area of the empty town streets. A green sign caught her eye. Its paint chipping off and faded, though its hinges were still intact.
“Bingo,” she uttered below her breath. She took Firestar by the reins and trotted along to the inn. There was a small sliver of roofing where she could keep him safe from the rain. She tied the reins to pole nearby and entered the cozy little inn.
The atmosphere was warm, and home like. She was soaking wet but luckily she didn’t make too much of a mess when she went inside the inn. She hadn’t bothered to remove her cloak, nor even the hood for that matter. She walked over to the bar and saw a young woman, perhaps the keeper of this establishment. She had long pointy ears, perhaps a half-elf such as herself.
Reem’s face shadowed by the dark blue cloak only showed the tip of her nose and her mouth. “I need a place to stay,” she said taking off her hood, and exposing her glossy green eyes, and her long pointy ears. “Is there a stable where I can keep my horse?” she asked.
Olula stared at the half-elf customer speechless for a moment. She so very rarely met other half-elves, the last time she had met another was when she was a little girl. “Uh...certainly. There’s a stable around back, we’ll stable your horse for three gold a night,” Olula replied. “Room rates are five gold a night, plus meals are one more gold per day. Would you like to stay?”
Reem knew she had enough money for tonight, but then she’d be broke in a couple of days. “Alright,” she said with a smile towards Olula, “I’ll take the room.” She opened a very small pouch, it contained some gold but mostly silver pieces the gypsies gave her. She took out five pieces, and laid it out on the counter.
Olula scooped up Reem’s coins and put them in her apron pocket to give to the innkeeper later.
* * *
Soggy, wet, and damp, Thangroth sloshed through mud and trudged on; having been on the road was a true change from the mines. But as he moved on, the red-haired dwarf, made his way towards a small town, he hefted his beloved hammer over his shoulder. With a grunt, the young dwarf noticed an inn, the small hearth looked warm and inviting. Gathering his cloak and hood around himself, Thangroth headed in, first stopping at the doorstep to shake the excess water off him before entering. Opening the door, he made his way inside he noted the smells of beer wine and bread. The dwarf’s stomach growled, it would be good to have something better than trail biscuits and water for a change. Stepping up to the bar, Thangroth looked up at the patron and spoke, “I’d like a meal, wine, and a room.”
Reem turned her focus on the dwarf. “Well handsome aren’t you going to buy me dinner?” she said with a playful smirk, as she played with his beard. Though elves and dwarf don’t get along, she was up to one of her tricks again, if he wouldn’t pay, than perhaps she’d just have to take the money.
* * *
“Olula! Take this out to the dwarf,” the cook ordered from the kitchen doorway with a plate in his hand. “Get him a goblet of wine too.”
Olula obediently took the plate, then went to the pair and poured a goblet of the local vintage. With the plate gracefully balanced on the palm of one hand and the goblet in her other, Olula brought Thangroth his meal. “There you are, roast mutton, potatoes, and carrots tonight sir, if you need anything, just call me!” Olula beamed warmly as she set down his plate and goblet, but her eyes drifted to Reem.
* * *
Krisatris was walking down the wet road, tried, hungry, but however, she was in a cheerful mood. Being a ranger she loved the outdoors, it had been sunny a little while ago then it suddenly started raining. She had to admit her defeat to the weather however, for she had to find a place to stay in Kanon. Krisatris, breathing heavily, stopped to see a town and a wide smile came upon the half-breed’s face. “Great, a town just what I need,” she said. Krisatris went into a quick jog; soon she was in the town.
She looked around the town, the rain wetting her short brown hair, but the half-breed didn’t seem to mind. Krisatris shook her head and body to dry her. After doing that, she opened the door and went inside smelling food and seeing others laughing, drinking, and making merry. She saw a lot of people in the building, something that usually didn’t happen to her. She sat down in a chair and looked around staring at everyone. Krisatris saw a dwarf as well. But that wasn’t really new to her for Krisatris knew their race was always here to drink and eat.
* * *
Olula heard the door open again and glanced over her shoulder to see who had entered and her jaw dropped again, seeing that it was another half-elf. She glanced at Reem, then at the new girl. What an odd coincidence...
* * *
Krisatris was tired as if the storm had added an extra weight on her shoulders sighed as the door shut behind her with a quiet creak. She put her back to it, taking a lot of deep breaths. “Damn,” she said, sighing. “I’m worn out,” Krisatris touched her stomach as she heard it growls in protest from the lack of actual good food, She usually had apples but that wasn’t acceptable to her stomach. “Alright, Alright. I hear you,” she muttered to her hungry stomach.
She walked gracefully across the floor her boots hitting the floor as if they were singing on they’re own account. Krisatris found a chair and sat down. Her ears moved up and down a little getting, adjusted to the noise that now surrounded her. “This is so different, then being outside,” Krisatris quietly said. She set her stuff on the ground, next to her and opened her money pouch. She had enough to stay, as well as plenty of supplies for travel.
* * *
If it wasn’t the flirting it was the fact that the half-elf actually touched his beard, but played with it. The mere fact completely threw the young dwarf off as he stared at her wide-eyed. Being a Broadarm, he had an obligation to be civil and honorable, she was just an elf after all. Perhaps she’d meant no harm in the gesture or hadn’t been taught proper etiquette when concerning one’s beards? In a surprised tone, Thangroth quickly thought to himself and spoke hoping to change the conversation and get things moving in another direction, “I...am completely caught off guard milady. I’ll buy you dinner on the one condition that you listen to my lecture on proper etiquette when greeting a dwarf. By the way I am Thangroth Broadarm, pleased to meet you.”
It didn’t take long for the dwarf to find a table after he’d ordered which after awhile dinner was bought out to the table he’d picked faster than he’d expected. Looking in Reem’s direction, the dwarf was as good as his word as he made sure there was a place for her. Thangroth smiled broadly as the half-elven young woman set his dinner down before him. With a nod the young dwarf set several coins down for the barmaid’s tip and immediately tore into his food like a ravenous lion. Thangroth hoped his manners didn’t offend but after being on the road for so long all he could think of now was feeding his hunger.
Krisatris was shocked at the display. She was even more shocked at the dwarf’s reaction. She just watched them and sighed deeply. She put her back against her chair and crossed her legs, half of her wanted to get up and go over there and talk with them for she loved meeting new people. However, her nerves wouldn’t let her for she thought the two might get angry and didn’t want to be bugged. Despite that Krisatris was well thirsty, hungry, and yet still cheerful nothing made her more happy, then to actually see happy folks.
Krisatris just stared around the place she had not been inside a building for a very long time; this was her first time to be actually in one not much less staying the night in one.
As Reem was hard at work, she took a glance from the corner of her eye to notice a new face walk into the inn. It seems the rain is bringing in all types of travelers? She had found a place to sit down, and then Reem switched back her focus to the dwarf.
The helpful barmaid Olula had set the food on a table for the dwarf. He invited her, though made it clear of his irritation, a gentleman nonetheless, she would have never of thought.
“I am called Reem,” she replied to his words.
Reem followed him to the table and sat down, watching him as he tore through his food in such a wild manner. Reem couldn’t contain herself and so loudly at the sight of the dwarf; “Uhhhahahaha!” she laughed, pausing before she had eaten any of the food. Maybe I should teach him to eat properly? she thought to herself.
Reem just then realized what she did. She probably seemed very rude in the eyes of the dwarf, but it must be her elvish nature, being carefree and spontaneous. She calmed down a bit, hoping nothing would happen and quietly continued to eat her food.
Thangroth grunted and stopped for a moment looking at Reem with a questioning look, then the dwarf thought for a moment and burst out in hearty laughter himself, though in truth he had no idea why. After a round of good chuckles, the red-haired dwarf shook his head and spoke, “Hah! A motley pair we are, I a dwarf sharing a meal and laughter with a slip of an elf girl. If my father and brothers saw me they’d think I’d lost hold of my senses. Ah well...one makes his own path I suppose. So Reem, what say you? Have we lost hold of our senses or are we merely two weary travelers sharing good laughter, a meal, and enjoying the warmth of this fine inn? Ye must admit it’s better than being out in the cold rain, no?”
In the midst of his merriment Thangroth glanced over and saw another watching them. The girl looked lost and forlorn, with a deep sigh the dwarf spoke as he waved her over. “Truly, I’ve gone mad this night. Well come on over girl! You look as though ye haven’t eaten in a fortnight. Join us for a tankard of mead and fill your belly!”
Krisatris jumped a little when she saw that the dwarf has yelled over in her direction. She looked over, shocked to hear the dwarf offering her to sit down over with them. Before her mouth could move she found herself walking up toward the pair, setting her things down by her and put herself in the seat. “Thank you, mister dwarf,” she said slowly. Out of all the times she had traveled this was the first time she ever saw a dwarf actually wanting her to sit down.
Krisatris studied the two. “Nice to meet you both,” she said cheerfully. “I haven’t seen very many people. This is actually the first time I’ve been in a inn.” She looked around as she spoke.
“Ah...haha...ha,” Reem started to chuckle softly in an estranged and baffled manor as to the dwarf’s reaction. She should be thankful, she thought. He is a very nice person. Reem greeted Krisatris with a nod. “Really? How is that?” she asked, referring to her never being in an inn before.
Olula shook off her shock and confusion at seeing two others of her own kind, half-elves, and looked at Thangroth. “Umm....two more plates for the girls then?” she as Thangroth, and this time her eyes drifted to Krisatris.
“Oh yes please!” Reem said before the dwarf or Krisatris had a chance to reply. She didn’t mind milking what she could out of him.
Krisatris smiled cheerfully, “Because I’ve been traveling around for a long while as a ranger, I love the outdoors,” she said. Her voice was full of pride, but with a mix of sadness as well, being a ranger always brought back days with that human family she was raised by. Krisatris smile only widened, when Reem answered before they did she seemed like a nice person, as did the dwarf.
She looked at Reem and spoke, “Its nice to meet you. May I ask what are your names?” She asked them both.
Funny, Reem could of swore she had mentioned it? Had she or did she only introduce herself to the dwarf. Funny? she thought to herself, I’m getting old, though still so young for the pointy-eared race! “I am called Reem,” she said, looking into Krisatris’s green eyes, a similar shade to her own. A half-elf too no doubt, it was a strange occurrence that there would be so many half elves at this venue, and a dwarf thrown into the mix.
Reem grew up around the gypsies and learned trickery, fortune telling, and all sorts of stuff. She still had a deck of cards, suppose to be a form divination, though she never really believed in it, it fascinated her, and influenced her very being. The rain, had started up pouring even harder the winds sped up with great gusts fluttering the window shutters. A storm brewing, hardly, she thought, It was fate... her thoughts perverse by her infatuation with divination. Snap out of it! she thought, she was in a slight daze for a while, she found herself staring motionlessly at Krisatris’ eyes still as before. ‘What a strange girl,’ they probably are thinking...
* * *
Olula returned to the kitchen once the dread-locked half-elf gave her order. “I need two more plates,” Olula told the cook, then hopped up on a counter across from him. “This is so weird Barak,” she told the cook.
“What is?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder as he prepared the next two orders.
“Two half-elves just came in, and apparently they’ve never met before,” Olula mused.
“They darkies or lighties?”
“Looks like light elves,” she replied.
“It sure is odd, but it ain’t our place to ask questions,” Barak said. He didn’t seem too interested. Olula pouted behind his back in frustration. He set down two plates with the same meal on the counter next to the oven. “Here ye go, two more.”
Olula stepped down and took the plates, balancing both on either hand. “I’ll tell ye though, that elf blood sure makes ye graceful,” Barak added with a wink. Olula blushed and continued back out the common room.
Olula weaved through tables and chairs to get to the half-elves’ table, then set the plates before both girls. “There you go, would you like anything to drink with that?” she asked.
* * *
Krisatris was nervous as Reem just kept staring at her, however she saw that half-dark elf enter with their meals. “No, thank you.” Krisatris said turning down the offer of a drink, for she was more hungry then thirsty. She ate her meal as she knew this was going to be a very long day. Not liking quietness, the half-elf looked at Reem as, she ate her meal. “You, have a lot on your mind?” She asked her.
* * *
Rain poured down from morning sky, as a merchant wagon traveled a dirt road. A little way off from the road was a small village. As the wagon passed the village, a young man jumped off from the back of the wagon. He looked at the village and begins to walk toward it. This human adventurer was wearing a suit of burnished banded mail armor. The armor covered his chest, stomach, thighs, shoulders, and arms. The armor was made of overlapping strips of metal sewn to a backing of leather and chain mail. The chain and leather protect the joints and provided him with freedom of movement. The strips of metal shield the vulnerable areas. Over his hands, he wore a pair of metal gauntlets made of steel. His face was hidden by a full helm that had several holes near his ears. The human carried a simple kite shield with a red dragon painted on it. On his back was an ornamented leather baldric across his chest supporting a leather scabbard on his back. A longsword was sheathed in the leather scabbard. The baldric’s buckle was silver and had a pine tree carved into it. The scabbard was decorated with a rising sun, a crescent moon, and four five-pointed stars between the sun and moon. The baldric was decorated with various constellations. On his feet were a pair of sturdy black boots. The armored human wore brown leather pants and a sturdy leather belt with a metal buckle. He carried a backpack containing supplies and other things he might need on his journey. On the right side of his belt was a dagger with a roaring lion as the hilt. On the other side, an elven steel morningstar. Hanging from his neck was a pendant of a silver cross with sun-shaped emerald in the center.
He spotted the inn as he entered the town. The name of the inn’s sign reads ‘Silver Sword Inn’. He opens the door and quickly scanned the various patrons of the inn. Besides several humans, he notices three elven women and dwarven male. One of the elves has dark skin. He places his hand next to his dagger, but he makes it look like he is just resting his hand on his belt. He enters the room and closes the door. He removes his helm from his head, revealing his face. He is a fair-skinned, beardless human male with short, curly dark brown hair and light brown eyes. The adventurer has a convex-shaped nose and straight-pearly white teeth. A huge cowlick is in the center of his forehead, and there is a small, yet noticeable, white scar above his left eyebrow. He walks toward the table where two of the three elven women and the dwarf are sitting. He grabs an empty chair from nearby table and brings to the table, where he sits down to the dwarf. He places his backpack and shield down next to him, so he can keep an eye on them. The armored human places his helm onto the table and removes his gauntlets, and then places them next to the helm. Around his right ring finger is a hammered white gold ring with a small emerald in the center. The ring appears to be of elven design. The ring, despite light falling upon it from a nearby torch, doesn’t glitter.
A few patrons at a nearby table look at him and begin whispering to each other. “He looks like that guy who helped saved River Wind a couple of days ago.”
“Didn’t he tackle an ogress by himself?” another patron asked.
The newcomer hears them, and answers, “Yes, I am the Hero of River Wind. I defeated the hobgoblin leader and several of his goblin cronies, as well as the ogress that was with them.”
The patrons go back to doing what they were doing, although some of them have changed subjects talking about the young Hero of River Wind who was now in their presence. The young adventurer begins to think, Wow, news travels fast. I’m already on my way to becoming a legendary adventurer, just like those I loved hearing from the town storyteller back home. Maybe these people would like to join me. It couldn’t hurt to ask...
Looking at the dwarf and two elves, the adventurous human introduces himself, “Hello, everyone. I’m Derrick Ironfist, and as you have already heard, I’m the adventurer who helped in River-wind’s defense against goblin raiders and an ogress. May I ask who all of you are?”He turns to the dwarf, and speaks in the dwarven tongue, {“Greetings, dwarf. I hope you are doing well.”} Derrick smiles at them as he thinks that he will enjoy being friends with these people.
Olula as well had heard the stories from nearby River Wind of the young man who helped save the village. It would only be right to honor that with a free meal, however, she was shocked to see how the young man just rudely joined the table with the half-elves and dwarf she was serving. Still, the innkeeper would probably be upset if she didn’t offer their hospitality.
Olula put on an accommodating smile for Derrick. “Well, Derrick Ironfist, we’re honored to have a local hero with us. Would you like a meal and a drink? It’s on the house for you.”
Derrick smiled at the dark elf. “Thank you, ma’am. I would like some bread, potatoes, and tea, please.” He smiled at her before returning back to the dwarf and two elves.
Thangroth was just getting into his meal, when a young human warrior pulled back a chair and joined he and his two companions. Usually the dwarf was easy going and wouldn’t have minded had the fellow asked first. But, the liberties he was taking by doing so annoyed the red-haired dwarf, still it wasn’t his inn so he had no right to dictate where anyone sat. As the pretty elven barmaid stepped over she soon spoke the fellow’s name as well as providing a bit more information as to his identity. Unable to resist, The burly dwarf spoke, “Well well, a hero eh? You know boy, the first part of being a hero is being humble and being humble means manners. You sat, and nary a once did you ask could you join us. Nor did you incline as to if you were intruding on our conversation, still rough around the edges you are, but welcome! I’m Thangroth Broadarm at your service, and I’ll be glad to further instruct you in the proper way of manners, hehehe.”
Kris’s ears moved up in annoyance as he had rudely sat down next to them. Yet, the half-elf said nothing to him, not even a greeting for she was too busy stuffing her face with the meal in front of her. Kris was pretty hungry, having run out of food a day ago, she didn’t get to eat until now. She watched the dwarf and the young man. She had to agree with the dwarf, she found what he was doing very untactful, it made her food taste awful bitter.
Reem only looked at the man for a moment to see their new ‘friend’. Though his entrance seemed quite cocky, she had no qualms anyway, she was in no position to judge, for her own actions earlier might have seemed rude as well. Reem remained quiet and sipped her soup. She kept her eyes glancing from the pool below on the table to Kris, to Thangroth and Derrick.
“So what brings you all here anyway?” she asked out of the blue, and to no one in particular. In fact she didn’t want to ask actually, she knew the consequences that awaited her. Though, her elvish curiosity got the best of her, the words had left her mouth before she knew it.
Derrick began to tell his new friends of how he became an adventurer. “I was born in a small farming town called Ivory Rose in the north of Alania, near Novice, where I lived with my parents and my little sister, Jasmine. When I was three years old, the Marmo invaded Kanon, but Ivory Rose was too far north to be affected, even as the Marmo army advanced northward. Despite my happy childhood, I began to believe that the life of a farmer was not for me. I would always love to listen to the town’s storyteller tell tales of adventurers. I decided to become an adventurer. I often dreamed of the day people would tell stories of my adventures. When I turned fifteen, the Marmo invaded Alania and my town’s militia, which had been preparing for war long before Marmo stormed into Alania. The militia gave those sons of demon spawn a good arse-kicking. The Marmo were never able to even get near the town because of the militia. The blasted Marmo finally had to retreat, because Parn, Spark, and their friends were causing problems for Marmo. Although my dad wouldn’t allow me to join the town militia, the captain of the militia saw that I had the potential to become a warrior, and so, he taught me how to fight and use a sword and shield.
“My parents were worried about my safety, but they finally decided to let me follow my dreams. Dad gave me an enchanted longsword that had been in own family for many years. As a going-away present, the militia captain gave me a suit of burnished banded mail armor. One of my friends who I’ve known for a long time, a dwarf, who happened to be the son of the town blacksmith, made for me a small dwarven steel dagger. This dwarf was the same person who taught me how to speak, read, and write Dwarven, as well as how to take care of my armor and weapons.” Derrick chuckled as he said to Thangroth , “I have to say that you dwarves really known how to take care of your equipment. The militia owns a great deal of thanks to you dwarves. My town wouldn’t be here today, if it hadn’t been for you dwarves.” As saying that, Derrick Ironfist continued his story, “Jasmine, on the other hand, didn’t like the idea of her brother leaving home. I promised her that I would return home one day. She asked me when I was coming back, and I told her that I didn’t know when, but I assured her that I would return.” Derrick looked like he was about to cry, indicating how much he loved his family. “When I turned seventeen I told everyone in town goodbye, as I set off to become the adventurer I dreamed of becoming. I hoped to find wealth and glory, all the while helping people and fighting monsters. I hoped to find my destiny as an adventurer...” Derrick then began to tell of how he became the Hero of River Wind.
“I had traveled around a great deal, and was about to give up of becoming an adventurer, when I came upon a small fishing hamlet called River Wind near the Alania-Kanon border. Just as I near the village, I saw smoke coming from it. I rushed to the village to see if I could help in anyway possible. That’s when I saw it. A large band of goblins and an ogress lead by a really ugly-looking hobgoblin was attacking the village. The battle looked like it was almost over, but I didn’t really care. I just drew my sword and charged headlong into the fray. After killing some of the goblins, I began to fight the hobgoblin leader. He nearly broke my arm with that damned spiked chain of his. After lopping his head off, some of the surviving goblins turned tail and ran—right into the village guards’ pikes. The only thing left now was the ogress, and it looked like she was the real leader behind the raid because she was calling out orders to the goblins to stand and fight, or she would eat them for supper, or something like that. I don’t speak goblin or whatever language ogres used, so I really don’t know for sure. I was able to get behind her, climbed a nearby tree, and jumped right onto her back. She began jumping up and down, swinging her arms around, like she was trying to dance, all the while trying to grab me with her huge hands. I was finally able to drive my sword through her skull, instantly killing her. I almost got crushed as her lifeless body tumbled to the ground. Luckily, I jumped off her back at the last minute. However, I knocked my helmet off and cut my face on a rock.” Derrick pointed to the scar above his left eyebrow, showing where he got cut. “The village elders thanked me for coming to their village’s aid. They named me the Hero of River Wind and gave me two gems as a reward. After leaving the small village, I came upon some ancient tomb. It looked like it was made by elves, since a lot of the remaining carvings depicted elves. Unfortunately, the place looked like it had already been cleaned out long before I came along. My curiosity got the best of me, and after taking a closer look, I discovered, hidden in a secret compartment within the now-empty sarcophagus, an elven steel morningstar that the looters had overlooked. I then hitched a ride on a merchant’s wagon on my way to Kanon. And here I am now.”
Sitting back into his chair, he said, “By the way, do you mind telling me why all of you are doing, if you don’t mind my asking?” He waited for their answers.
Krisatris blinked, that sure was a long tale. Well, the longest she ever heard considering the fact it was the first she had heard. With a sigh, Krisatris spoke. “I’m just a wanderer,” She spoke this sentence simply and with a shrug. “I have been traveling around Kanon for a long time in search for the ones who killed my human family.” Not wanting to talk about it, she just went back to eating. “Thats why I’m here. Just a break stop really.” She said cheerfully, a piece of meat in her mouth.
After hearing Krisatris’s tale about avenging her family, Derrick began to feel sorry for her. He knew what it was like to lose a loved one. Derrick’s grandfather had passed away five years before Derrick left Ivory Rose. Derrick was also the one who had made his grandfather’s last days as comfortable as possible. Remembering his grandfather made Derrick homesick. He looked at Krisatris, and said, “I understand, and if you like, I will help you find the ones responsible for taking your family away from you.” He let the matter drop and turned to the dwarf. “So, Thangroth, how about you? What brought you to Vedun?”
Thangroth tried not to yawn as Derrick’s tale had been long, the dwarf wasn’t one for long-winded stories but after the young man had finished his tale and began Krisatris, Reem and himself about their business the dwarf raised an eyebrow and spoke as he reached for his mug of mead. “Hmnph...a meal, dry bed and short tales. Lad, I like ye, but for a hero ye be long winded. I seek my way in the land, it’s as simple as that.”
Giving the human a slight wink, he returned to his meal and decided to let the two half-elves chat with the boy a bit. For all his manners and friendly demeanor, Thangroth was still a dwarf and sometimes he could be as gruffly and endearing as the best of them. Slow to warm up to any new scruff about as he’d seen just join them out of the blue. Though Thangroth had to admit, the boy had potential. He did save some people from some nasty customers and that counted for quite a bit.
Olula headed back into the kitchen after Derrick gave her his order for dinner. She caught the beginning of his tale as she entered the kitchen, but she didn’t care to hear it.
“It looks like that fellow who helped River Wind has made his way here,” she told the cook. “He needs a plate.”
“Oh? What’s ’e like?” Barak asked and started filling a plate with the inn’s dinner for tonight. It was more than Derrick asked for, but it was common sense to honor a hero.
Olula stuck her perked nose in the air. “I think it’s gone to his head already. I can’t believe he walked in and just sat at the table with those half-elves without asking!” she complained as she started preparing the cup of tea. In the brief silence, her sensitive ears could hear Derrick’s tale still continuing. She was starting to feel sorry for the other three. “He’s younger than I expected too, he can’t be a day over nineteen.”
“Well, from what I ’ear, ’e’s skilled for a man twice ’is age. Killed the whole tribe of goblins an’ their pet ogre,” Barak replied.
“You know how skewed rumors can get. Besides, it doesn’t give him the right to barge in on people.” Olula seemed outright suspicious of the local hero.
“’ere’s his plate,” Barak said and set the plate down on the counter for Olula. She gracefully picked it up and carried it, putting a smile on again.
She set the plate and cup in front of Derrick, instead of just the potatoes and bread he ordered, he had a hearty helping of mutton and carrots as well.
“If there’s anything else you need, just call me. My name’s Olula,” she told them, then waited a moment, waiting for tips or more orders.
Thangroth could only shake his head slightly as the young warrior spoke, he was a talkative fellow for sure. As the dwarf drained the last of his mead, he listened to the last of the conversation, his mind wondered back to a time his father told him there’d be days like this. Looking almost pitiful, mostly due to the fact he wanted more mead the dwarf was relieved when the elven barmaid bought Derrick his plate, he’d soon have more ale. Smiling, the red-bearded dwarf fished out a few coins, he wanted to make sure she got a good tip. Speaking in as gentle a voice he could muster the dwarf placed the coins down where she could get them and waited for the order. “Aahh a vision of loveliness has returned, I’d like another flagon of mead milady and if you have them a few spice cakes for dessert. Mayhap they’ll keep the lad here too busy munching to spout out another long tale. Hehe, least till he finishes.”
Thangroth chuckled a bit as he eyed Derrick and gave him a solid pat on the shoulder, if the fellow was going to be friendly with them then he’d be as well. After all, there had to be some truth the fellows tall tale.
Kris grinned as the dwarf set some coins down for the maid. Following his lead, the half-elf took some coins and set her tip at the same place, next to the dwarf’s as well. “It was good.” She said to the dark elf maiden cheerfully.
Derrick thanked Olula for bringing his meal, although it wasn’t what he had ordered. Still, it wouldn’t be right to be rude. Besides, if he was kinda rude for barging into the tavern like he owned the place. Dad would give me a whopping if he had saw me do that. “Thank you Olula.” He took something out of his pocket and gave it to her. “This is a tip for being nice and for the food. I know I’ll enjoy it. Thank you.” He placed a small, cut red garnet in her hand. Derrick smiled at the dwarf as Thangroth patted him on the back. “Thanks for welcoming me, Thangroth. I know I will enjoy being friends with you and these fine ladies.” He winked at the three elves as he said ‘fine ladies’. He began to eat. I just can’t wait for the next adventures! he thought as he bit into a piece of bread.
Olula beamed as she was provided with tips, and when Derrick gave her the garnet, her opinion of him completely changed. The gem was beautiful and looked well cut. “Thank you so much, that’s very generous,” she told Derrick, resisting the urge to kiss his cheek for being so kind. “I’ll be right back with your mead, sir,” she told Thangroth and turned toward the bar, still smiling from all the compliments she received.
Krisatris was watching the half-elf maid leave to give the dwarf his order. She smiled, “She’s a very nice person.” She said very quietly. Her long ears moved a bit as she watched the man give her a gem. It was a beautiful gem, her view too had change. Yet, the half-elf said nothing, she couldn’t think of anything to chat about.
Reem had finished, she ate little, but filling enough to feed her small body. She was tired, and believed she was getting a cold from the rain earlier. Taking a nap would cure that she thought. Without hesitation and without a word she gracefully stood, and walked toward her quarters.
Derrick watched as Reem got up without a word for her quarters. She’s not the talkative type, that’s for sure, he thought. Derrick continued eating his meal.
Thangroth had finished taking another quaff of his mead as he awaited the Olula’s return with his order. The dwarf mulled over the name as he absentmindedly scratched his beard, the lass had a good name and demeanor. He’d noticed her skin tone and wondered, it was obvious that she was a half-elf, though the coloring of her skin suggested either her mother or father had been of dark-elven decent. Not that it minded much to him, one elf was just like the other to Thangroth. And like all dwarves, they could tolerate the flighty forest imps, for a time at least. And Thangroth was far more tolerant than others, besides she seemed a friendly lass and was a good waitress.
Then turning and examining each of his companions in return, the dwarf smirked and chuckled slightly to himself. As he noticed Reem excuse herself from the table, the look of fatigue on her face said it all. She was tired and sleep seemed in order for her, Thangroth nodded and spoke in a low grumble voice, trying to suppress the chuckles of a mirthful thought that just couldn’t correctly present itself to mind.
“Sleep well lass, if ye awaken and look down here. This is probably where I’ll be till late.” Thangroth finally turned towards, Derrick and couldn’t suppress his chuckles anymore as he spoke in near laughter. “My pardon, companions, but what a bunch we are eh? Two elven lasses, a human heroic boy, myself a dwarf. Haha, call us the family of ever mead. Since one would have to drink plenty of it to gather how we became family. Haha...well...I thought it funny.”
Derrick smiled at the dwarf’s humor. He had grown used to such humor while growing up in Ivory Rose. He had several friends who were dwarves, and a couple who were half-elves. Derrick still had problems telling half-elves from pure blooded elves, which had gotten him into trouble a few times. Derrick went back to eating. He pushed aside his plate, having finished it. He wondered what type of dessert they served here.
* * *
Reem had came back from her room, she had left her belongings there and came back to the dining hall. She took her seat, and noticed that Derrick had already finished, though appeared to have still felt hungry.
“Hope I wasn’t too long,” she said to all.
“Finished already? I bet heroes need to eat a lot for their travels?” she spoke to Derrick, though scanned her eyes across the table to all those present. She thought to herself, with help she’d be able to find Azala faster though she didn’t want them to know why, they didn’t need to, but she had no clues where to even start, and Lodoss seems to grow even bigger with each day of wandering from hamlet to another. She didn’t know much about dwarves, but if she remembered correctly they lived longer than humans or half-breeds, maybe she could find something from him.
“Speaking of Heroes er... adventurers, Sir Thangroth have you heard of an adventurer named Azala?”, she asked as subtle as possible.“An elf? Perhaps you’ve heard the name?”
Krisatris had finished her meal as well, filled up her stomach must have been grateful. Her long ears moved a little as she heard the dwarf’s joke. She smiled, he seemed to be a very nice dwarf, the first she had actually met. Then, her gaze was turned to the other half-elf whom asked the dwarf a question regarding, yet another hero. She blinked, she wondered why she asked the question. Oh sure, the half-elf had a few guesses. Yet, Kris said nothing, not wanting to get in the way of they’re chat.
Thangroth looked over surprised that Reem returned so quickly, the red-haired dwarf smiled as she sat down. Apparently she didn’t need sleep that bad, least that’s what the guessed. The young woman asked him a question about an elf named Azala, not wanting to insult her he resisted the urge to say that one elf looked like another to him. But, in truth he hadn’t met a great many elves since striking out on his ventures in Lodoss. The dwarf scratched his beard and wondered for a moment, he’d never heard of he fellow. Looking Reem straight in the eye, Thangroth gave a wink and spoke as he leaned back in his chair. “Sorry lass, I can’t say that I have. Is he a relative, or friend of yours? If ye need help in finding this fellow, I’ll be glad to help.
Kris was listening to them talk. She didn’t know whom this half-elf was speaking of either. Like the dwarf she didn’t know many other elves until now. When, he offered to help find the elf, Kris spoke up. “I’ll love to help you as well Reem.” Kris said to the half with a smile.
Derrick listened to the dwarf and two elven women talk to each other. Derrick was thinking about home and wondering if his townspeople heard about his heroism at River Wind.
Thangroth almost burped, but covered his mouth and spoke to his companions as he was nearly full. A dwarf’s appetite could well outlast most folks, but then he wasn’t a piggish eater either, unlike his brothers who ate everything in sight. The thought of his two older siblings made the Red-haired dwarf smile widely as he looked at everyone gathered and spoke, “Ahh, well my comrades, have any of ye family? Or more to the point siblings? Humor a slightly weary dwarf and tell me of your homes and hearth, if we’re to be a company of friends I would know a bit about each of you.”
Kris’s expression was one of sadness, with a little anger mixed in. She never liked talking about her past.. especially if it had to do with her parents, she had her hand into a tight fist under the table. She hated them both. “I guess.. I’ll begin first.” She said bitterly. She didn’t looked at those whom were at the table with her. “My father and mother didn’t get along.” She began. “My father was always running off with human woman, while my mother was always trying to be in control of everyone.”
The half-elf took a deep breath and went on. “When, my mother had found out what he had been doing, all that time, they both left on their own ways. My mother left without me, thinking as I was useless, since I was only half elven,” she said. Her gazed remained looking at the table. “I was forced to live out on my own.” She went on, “Luckily for me, I was found by another human family who took me in and raised me to be a ranger,” she said. Kris took a deep breath as she had finished talking about her true parents.
The dwarf’s eyes softened just a bit, Thangroth could almost feel the tension and pain evident on Kris’s face, he hadn’t meant to but obviously his question bought up painful memories for her. Once the elf female spoke, it verified the fact for him. Thangroth placed his mug down on the table and spoke as he looked back towards the bar and called for the waitress.
“My apologies Kris, it would seem I was out of bounds asking such things. What say we have our beautiful barmaid regale us with some juicy tales of this place eh and more ale as well? Milady Olula, would ye mind bringing a thirsty dwarf another ale, and engaging us with a bit of friendly conversation for a moment or two if your not busy?” The dwarf called towards the bar and took out a few coins and placed them on the table for her as he awaited the barmaid’s arrival, the red-haired dwarf waited patiently and smiled broadly at Kris and his other companions as he attempted to lighten the mood a bit.
Thangroth figured it might help to alleviate the dour feelings his question had struck up in Kris, at least he hoped so.
Derrick took out a map of Lodoss from his backpack and began looking at it, trying to decide where he and his friends should go to next.
Kris smiled cheerfully at the red breaded dwarf. “Thank you,” she said to him. It had seemed to lighten the load that had been placed on her shoulders. She waited for the other half-elf to see if she would join them, for tales and ale. She took a drink from the cup, it tasted sweet to her, since she had been drinking out of lakes. However, it wasn’t as good to her. Nevertheless the half-elf liked it.
Thangroth noted the map Derrick removed and glanced over the paper, curious the dwarf gave the human a small slap on the back. He didn’t want to give him as hard a tap as he had before, in a bright voice the red-haired dwarf spoke, “What have ye, there lad? A map eh? Mayhap we might venture on a quest and find the likes of coin and glory.”
Derrick felt Thangroth slap him on the back. The human just smiled and handed the map to the dwarf. “I was just looking at where we could go from here. Here take a look.”
Olula brought Thangroth his fresh mug of ale and set it in front of him. “There you go,” she said with a smile. “Does anyone else want something to drink?”
Before anyone could reply, the front doors of the inn swung open violently. A strip of carpet was rolled in, followed by two men clad in livery. “To your feet for Lord Darvis!” one of the men called.
Olula’s complexion drained a couple shades and the half-elf stood rigidly. A lord? What would he think of her? She was terrified of this lord’s possible reaction to her. Would he have her executed? Or exiled? Or would he be generous enough to allow her to go about her life? Olula wasn’t even aware of a lord in this region, but since Kanon’s noble houses had been reformed, the land was being divvied up between the nobles.
A man clad in an extravagant silk cloak entered the inn, walking on the carpet as if the floor wasn’t good enough for him. He tossed back his hood, and his nose was in the air. Olula could tell that he was too arrogant to be any good for her welfare. Her ears fell and moved back, as if she were trying to hide them.
Reem was sitting next to Kris as she watched the hostess bring the dwarf his ale, what a large mug. Dwarves must have a large tolerance for alcohol. Olula had kindly asked the others for anything, and Reem responded by shaking her head.
Derrick was plotting out something on his map. As the door opened, as a carpet rolled out from beneath like a slithering tongue. Lord Darvis? Who is that? “Hmph. I don’t take orders from any noble,” Reem said softly sitting in her chair. Her arms crossed, eyes closed, her nose in the air as well. Her arrogance might be matched with the lord’s perhaps. She waited and turned her head towards the man who just entered. She thought it would be best to stay quiet, these guys usually like to retort with ‘Silence, knave...er...wench in this case’, it would do more harm, and plus she denied them the chance to say such things.
Derrick turned and looked at the noble who had just entered. Derrick didn’t like nobles who treated everyone else, except for other members of the upper class, as no better than cow manure on a pair of brand new shoes. The young adventurer guessed that this noble and Reem hated each other’s guts. He turned back to his map, but this time, he had placed his hand on his belt, right next to his dagger, so as not to evoke a fight. Derrick’s ring had begun to shine brightly, despite the fact that there was no light shining on the ring. The ring’s mysterious glittering was in plain view for the dwarf and the two elves to see.
Thangroth took little note of the noble entering the tavern, what the dwarf did notice was the reaction Olula, their waitress had. The girl slunk back as her ears drooped as if she’d lost her only family. With a slight grunt the dwarf turned to notice the Noble’s entrance and hear the words as his entry was heralded, the girl probably was getting out of sight because of her darkly hued skin. He’d guessed she had a bit of dark elf heritage in her. Hard feelings from the war hadn’t been forgotten, it didn’t take much to guess that this noble might take a hard line towards the elf.
While Thangroth was far more accepting of elves than other dwarves, he did think they were flighty, but he couldn’t stand intolerance, not from his brothers or anyone else. Worse, was the fact that he had little thought of nobles, from what he’d found they tended to step on common folk and Thangroth had a nasty habit of stepping back. Still, he’d give this whomever he was his due and keep his mouth and temper if possible, glancing back over he noted the human’s ring shining unnaturally. The dwarf smiled as he noted the craftsman ship and spoke, “Nicely crafted ring you’ve got there lad, now show me more of this map ye have.”
Kris leaned forward to have a better look at it as well. It looked interesting to say the least she wouldn’t made seeing what it would lead them too. “Where does the map suppose to be of?” She asked the human with interest. She didn’t take note of what the human and the dwarf had token note up her interest was more into the map that was on the table.
Lord Darvis’s eyes fell on the table in the center of the room. The few patrons and barmaids all stood rigidly facing him, obediently. However, the group around the table seemed more interested in a map they had laid out. The Lord’s lip curled back in a sneer. One of his heralds knocked a staff against the floor loudly.
“STAND FOR YOUR LORD!” the herald bellowed at the table.
However, Darvis’s eyes now fell on the trembling barmaid standing near the table. The color drained from his face as he took note of her dark skin and elven ears.
“D...dark elf!” he stammered and shouted, pointing an accusing finger at the maid.
The heralds now noticed this as well. The one who had ordered the group to stand turned and leaned out the door. “GUARDS! There’s a dark elf in here!”
At his call, seven armed soldiers marched into the inn and drew their swords. Meanwhile, Olula began to sway, as if she’d faint at any moment. The half-elf barmaid was frozen in terror.
The cook came storming out of the kitchen and placed himself between the guards and the table. “Wait! Olula’s only half-elf! She’ll do ye no harm, she’s just a girl. Please, milord, I’ve known her since she was a mere babe,” he pleaded.
Lord Darvis stepped forward, swirling his velvet cape in front of him and looking at Olula in disgust. “She’s done no harm, yet. She may be only half-elf, but the blood of Falaris’ Children runs in her veins, does it not? That half-breed must be destroyed, for the sake of all that is holy!”
At this point, there was a soft thud as Olula’s legs gave out beneath her, giving the Lord and his guards a start.
At first Thangroth paid no mind towards the Herald’s loud command, he served no human lord and bade fealty only to the dwarven rulers of his home. While he would respect a worthy human ruler, this fellow showed none of the kind so far, especially when the noble called for his guards to arrest the poor barmaid Olula who’d so faithfully served them. When the redheaded dwarf saw the girl fall to the floor in fright, he rose hefting his hammer and stepped over towards kindly helping her up. Thangroth took little notice of the noble and guards till he’d helped the half-elf up, then turned bowed and spoke, “Forgive the rude manners milord, but I can vouch for the girl. She be only a barmaid..not a scion of darkness and it would be unworthy and unseemly of one such as yourself to arrest an innocent, you are worthy are you not?”
Derrick watched the situation taking place involving the noble and Olula. Derrick’s face was turning red with anger. Derrick had been taught by his parents that one should always judged a person by that person’s actions. He was also taught to dislike bigotry. Derrick clenched his fist and was beginning to draw his dagger.
Kris got up as soon as she heard the voices of the nobles toward the half dark elf maid. Yes, she was a dark elf but Kris had learned it didn’t matter about what race a person was, it was how they acted that determined if they were a kind person in heart or not. Kris was growing annoyance with this racial view that so many on Lodoss still up held. The half common elf glared at them as she was standing there.
Krisatris never did like having to go to violent actions to prevent bad stuff from happening, but due to the barmaid’s heritage, that could been prove to be impossible. Half Dark Elf or not Olula didn’t deserve this just because of the color of her skin. Snarling, at this cruelty she had clearly enough of. She drew her sword and slid in front of the barmaid, having her weapon at the ready. “Leave, her alone!” She snarled at them.
“Racist dogs! Always, quickly to judge a person by the color of their skin,” she snapped in anger. She lifted her blade up. “If you want to kill her, you’ll have to get through me!” she said with clenched teeth. “I’m not going to sit here and let you attack a person who has done nothing wrong! You always think their evil just because their dark elves!”
When the soldiers began to pour in from the door Reem had shot up from her chair. These guys are serious? She thought this Lord Darvis was just some small time noble pushing common folk around, without any real power.
The tensions in the room was escalating, one little spark could set the place ablaze. Thangroth’s aid of Olula aside the chef. Derrick in his headstrong advance, and Kris with her blade unsheathed. A confrontation could have been avoided, but with so many harsh words exchanged and the fact that a weapon has been drawn, it could only get uglier.
Reem eyed each individual, the soldiers, their lord, Thangroth, Kris, Olula, Derrick. Gaze met upon gaze, but Reem didn’t want to engage. She shyly backed away from them as slowly and carefully as possible. Hoping that she perhaps could get a position from behind the guards, or at least flank them if possible. A thought just hit her, “Firestar...” she whispered under her breath. She remembered he was left in the stable, if she could only reach Firestar and make sure he was safe.
Realizing a fight was about to break out and deciding to prevent it as best as he could, Derrick got out of his seat and walked toward Kris and said to her as he gently grabbed her arm, “Stop and think. I want to strangle this son of a goblin wrench as much as you do, but killing him would solve nothing. Innocent people would get hurt if we tried to take him down, not to mention that we would be wanted for murder. Deny him victory by refusing to teach him a lesson. Refusing to fight doesn’t make you any less of a person, especially in the eyes of your friends.” Derrick let go of the half-elf’s arm and stood between her and the noble, his face red with anger. Then, he turned and looked at Lord Darvis. Derrick just glared at the nobleman, and simply said, “As for you, I hope that one day, you will understand that people are always and ever shall be equal, no matter what anyone says. We have to live together in this world, and unlike you, I don’t give a rat’s arse what race my friends are members of. Ever heard of the Noble’s obligation? It means the obligation of those of high rank, meaning you, to be honorable and generous, especially to the lower classes! Now, get your sorry hide out of here, before I let this nice lady cut you in half!” Derrick continued to stand between Kris and Darvis, while still glaring at the noble, and his race still red as fire. He waited to see what would happen.
Kris knew Derrick was right, sighing she put her sword away and just gave him a return pat on the shoulder before saying. “I wasn’t even going to kill him away,” she replied softly. She knelt down next to Olula and could easily tell that the poor girl was scared out of her mind. She felt sorry for the dark elf, being judged just because of her skin color, she put the maid’s right arm over her head, onto her right shoulder and raised slowly to help the girl onto her feet. She looked at her friends, “Sorry, I just lost my temper,” she said to them as she stood there, helping her dark elf friend.
Normally the half-elf could keep her temper, but when it came to using harsh racist words or actions such as this, it filled her full of rage. However, Kris would of never tried to kill anyone she never did like to kill people unless she had to, She kept her cool this time, Nevertheless that didn’t make her feel any different toward the noble and his men. Kris looked at Thangroth. “Forgive me sir dwarf. I lose my temper when it comes to this type of ordeal,” she said to him.
Derrick smiled at Kris as she put away her sword and patted him on the shoulder. She softly said, “I wasn’t even going to kill him anyway.” Derrick watched as she helped Olula up and then, Kris apologized to Thangroth for causing such a commotion. Derrick understood where she was coming from; he, too, hated bigotry. He was raised to treat others as he would have them treat him. Derrick turned back to look at the nobleman and his guards. “I suggest you leave now, Lord Darvis, because I think you have overstayed your welcome. And I hope that you learn that bigots don’t stand very well in the eyes of Falis.”
Thangroth would’ve slapped his own forehead in frustration if he could’ve, but what was done was done. All attempts to parlay or reason with the nobleman were doubtless out the window now, especially with his other comrades having drawn weapons, and insulting Lord Darvis. Not that the fellow didn’t deserve it, it’s just there was a way to do things and a way not to do things.
The dwarf studied the men attending the lord and shifted his eyes to the window and other exits in the inn, no matter what happened next they would most likely need to bid a hasty retreat with the girl in hand. Should she have remained it’s most likely she’d be put to death out of spite, despite Derrick’s fame as a “hero” he wasn’t a lord and as such wouldn’t be seen in the same status. He wasn’t a knight either, which made it worse...each one of them could either be arrested or put to death for such an affront. The red haired dwarf had no intentions of having his neck hacked, stretched or otherwise nor would he see an innocent die for reasons of her heritage. In a cold voice the dwarf spoke as he made ready, still hefting his hammer but standing calm, cool and prepared, “Boy...that be the wrong tone to take with this one. Be ye ready everyone. Methinks, he’ll not be listening to anything now. When, if, we survive this. Promise me ye’ll think before ye speak.”
“Ye bloody fool! Do ye want to get us all thrown in jail, or beheaded?” Barak, the cook, growled at Derrick while he held his ground between the patrons and the soldiers.
Darvis’s face was red with anger as he glared at Derrick. “Boy, what makes you think you have the right to tell me to leave a town under my jurisdiction?” Darvis smirked in satisfaction as he said this. “Guards, take boy, the dark elf and the other elf into custody,” Darvis ordered.
The soldiers took a step forward, but the large cook flung himself to the floor, kneeling to his lord. “No! Please mi’lord, I beg you, don’t take Olula!” Barak begged.
Olula, with Thangroth and Krisatris’s help, stood. “M...mm...milord, please, I will leave Vedun if you spare my life,” the barmaid spoke, her voice quivering and her blue eyes rimmed with tears. Her eyes turned to Derrick and the others. “Please, don’t shed blood for me, and don’t make things worse for yourselves! I’ll leave Vedun, I’ll leave Kanon, I swear!”
Thangroth felt sorry for the poor girl, but what was done was done. The dwarf interposed himself between the guards and Olula as he spoke. “No need milord, I’ve another proposal. One which mirrors the girl’s request, there would be no danger if ye did banish all of us neigh to return under pain of death to this realm. If ye wish your men could escort us all to the boundaries of your realm, a stay in your stockades would take valuable time and resources no doubt a man such as ye self has better and more important matters to deal with eh? If not there would be bloodshed. As ye are a man of the crown milord, that is the last thing I would want. What say ye to my offer, a small mercy of banishment mayhap?”
The dwarf was ready no matter what the reply, he truly hoped for all’s sake that the noble would choose the latter. If not they’d do it the hard way and attacking a nobleman’s men and the noble himself was bound to have them branded as criminals here. Banished would be slightly better, but not as serious at least as long as they steered clear of the realm. Thangroth knew it would more than likely break the barmaid’s heart to leave her friends and kin, if she had any, but it was better than the alternative. Perhaps, they could petition a higher authority to look into the matter, if they were able to get through this one.
Kris nodded, “I agree with the dwarf, sure,” she said. She too was ready no matter what the respond she had messed up but, it was over a done with. She stared at the Lord, “I would like to be banished along with the barmaid,” she said. “As would everyone else.”
Huh? Reem’s ears perked up. Hold on a minute! I didn’t say anything about wanting to be banished. Who is this Lord Darvis anyway, does he have authority over Vedun? Or over an entire county in Kanon? Being banished for such a small infraction, not even a crime, is pointless. And she hadn’t even begun to search the area for her father yet. She had gotten behind the soldiers, luckily they had not noticed a small elf girl that could have been mistaken as the others. She tried to peek out the nearest window, hoping to see if there were other soldiers waiting outside, or even to get a glance of Firestar. She shifted back to the soldiers in front of her, the lord and the the party behind them.
Reem waited for the Lord’s reaction. If he did dare to take Derrick, Krisatris, and Olula away, who knew if he’d change his mind about the rest of them. Neither did she want to be banished. Either way, she was not enjoying this confrontation. Her hands reached for the slits in her inner belt, ready with the small thin daggers concealed in them. She always hated nobles anyway, the way they treated her when she traveled with the gypsies, she’d kill him, at least would try and not hesitate if the answer was one she didn’t like.
Suddenly an idea popped into Derrick’s head. “I apologize for being so rash towards you, my lord. If you were to forget this whole mess ever happen, I’ll be happy to pay for you and your guards’ meals. By the way, River Wind wouldn’t happen to be a part of your realm, would it? If it is, then you should be thanking me, for I’m the Hero of River Wind, Derrick Ironfist.” Derrick prayed that Falis would send a miracle.
Thangroth could only grumble, the situation was bad. The dwarf was quite convinced that it would only get worse, taking a few more glances at Darvis’s men. In a calm voice, the red-haired dwarf spoke once again as he was nearly simmering with anger and more than a little bit of frustration. “Milord Darvis? What say ye to my earlier offer, banishment would prove more agreeable would it not?”
Darvis thought on the option the dwarf had offered him. Apparently the half-breed barmaid was loved by the villagers, but in his mind, ridding them of a dark elf was in their own best interest. Whether she lived or died, as long as a dark elf wasn’t in his realm, he was content. She wasn’t threatening, she had even fainted!
The dwarf didn’t concern Darvis, if anything, he had done nothing but try and keep the situation under control. However, as he was debating their fate, Derrick said something that only pushed Darvis beyond his limit. “...then you should be thanking me...”
Darvis’s eye twitched. “Oh, I should be thanking you? I’ve had about enough of your insubordination, peasant! Arrest him,” Darvis pointed his guards to Derrick. The guards advanced on the adventurer. “Take the light half-elf as well.”
“What of Olula?” Barak begged.
Darvis sneered, and replied. “She will be banished. Dwarf, you are free to do as you please. Girl, you have until this evening to say your goodbyes.”
Reem, did her best to hold herself back from doing anything unnecessary. Lord Darvis gave his remarks, his mind unchanged, yet Reem had missed one thing, she seemed like a ghost in this whole thing. She had a choice to make who were Derrick and Kris to her? Strangers she had only met not a couple of hours ago. As for Olula, she hadn’t had much time to know her either, but no one deserved any of this. She was torn, she couldn’t decide, the door was so close all she had to do was make a pass, make her way to Firestar, and she’s off.. pretending none of this ever happened, but that was not to be.
CRASH! In her confusion, she knocked over a pot while walking along the side of the walls. She was directly behind the soldiers, not to far but not close enough for either her or them to strike,unless they had polearms or halberds.
“Oh...great,” she moaned in her own stupidity. Her person exposed, she had a surprised look on her face, as if to say, ‘Hey! I just got here!’.
Derrick had to think of something before he got arrested. “I apologize again my lord,” he said as he bowed. “I have a suggestion that will benefit both of us. If you allowed us to leave freely, we will aid you in tracking any bandits that may be causing trouble in your realm. In addition, if you allow us to do this for you, we will leave your realm never to return. Furthermore, we will hunt down these brigands for free. If this idea doesn’t suit you, then we will leave your realm without aiding you in bringing any bandits to justice under penalty of public humiliation. It is your decision, great Lord Darvis the Mighty. That is your title correct? I have heard many bards praising your heroism and battle prowess against Marmo. I apologized for not recognizing you at first for the mighty hero that the bards spoke of when we first met.” Derrick got on his knees, drew his sword, and held it up with the point towards him and the hilt pointed to the noble.
Thangroth grumbled under his breath, hefting his hammer he glanced at Derrick and spoke, “Tis time past for such recriminations boy. He’ll have ye in a cell as soon as is done, unless ye are willing to fight for ye freedom. When and if this is over, think well upon thy mouth before making use of it eh? I know ye are only human, but ye’ll live longer if ye do so.”
The dwarf then turned his attention towards the half-dark elf girl, stepped over and spoke to her in as gentle a tone he could manage. “Child, gather thy things and make thy way to the outskirts of town, now. Say what good-byes to whomever and make thyself gone, wait on the outskirts near the entrance. I shall join thee shortly. Make haste now girl, make haste.”
The red haired dwarf, turned towards Derrick and regarded lord Darvis and his men. He didn’t relish a fight with a nobleman or his men, at most he hoped the boy might get a few floggings, but knowing the noble, he might just as well stretch the lad’s neck wit a rope as soon as possible. And the other half-elf girl, certainly didn’t deserve such treatment. No matter what the outcome, he’d see the barmaid to safety and try to help out if possible, though he doubted this situation would end well. The dwarf made ready to barrel through Darvis and his men, if need be. But, for now he’d wait as wanted to hear the noble’s response.
Reem received nothing more than a wary glance from Darvis and his entourage. She hadn’t posed a threat in the proceedings, and at the moment, they had two people to arrest.
“Shut your mouth, peasant,” Darvis snarled at Derrick. “Or else I’ll add more lashes to your punishment.
The guards surrounded Derrick and Krisatris, they were ready to draw their swords if either of their prisoners decided to fight back. One guard went behind Krisatris and grabbed her by the wrists while another reached for her sword belt to confiscate it.
Two more guards went to arrest Derrick. One stepped behind him and twisted his arms behind his back, pinning his wrists, while the other confiscated his sword and mace, then continued to check his armor and boots for any hidden weapons.
“Take them to Vedun’s constable and have them detained. I will determine their punishment afterwards,“ Darvis ordered the soldiers searching and holding Kris and Derrick. Darvis pointed to two of the guards standing by. “You, follow the dark elf. Don’t leave town until after the hearings,” he ordered to Olula. Darvis wanted to make an official announcement of her banishment for the citizens to remember. If she returned, it was likely they wouldn’t report it, but then it would be on their heads if they didn’t inform him.
Olula nodded, it was obvious she was trembling and her eyes brimmed with tears. She planned to leave Vedun eventually, but only when she had enough money saved. Hopefully, if these people stayed with her, they would help her learn to fight and get equipment. At this point, she didn’t have decent traveling clothes, all she had was a few dresses.
She turned to Thangroth, “I’ll meet you in the town square, instead,” she said softly. The half-dark elf made her way to the door slowly. The two men assigned to her broke away from the other soldiers and followed her to the door. She paused as she crossed paths with Reem and offered the other half-elf a small, pained smile out of courtesy.
Kris didn’t offer any resistance, she knew better then to fight back, she just gave Derrick a look to warn him they were enough trouble as it is and he should shut his mouth before they get into any worse trouble. She just watched as the half dark elf was lead out. Kris let out a sigh of relief at least the girl didn’t get anything bad happen to her. She was ready to accept her punishment, the half-elf felt no shame in what she had done. Kris had no expression, but she felt happy that she was able to help a fellow ‘half-breed’ like herself.
Reem stood from her cringe and came back to focus by the time Olula had came to her, and passed with a smile and a painful look. Reem’s eyes followed her she was a bit dumbfounded, her mouth slightly opened unable to say anything. She hadn’t felt a shed of guilt until those few seconds. That look on Olula’s face said everything. There was nothing to do, nothing she could do. Kris and Derrick were to be arrested and Olula banished. Thangroth and Reem were the only ones unaffected by the lord and his entourage.
Reem decided it best to stay silent, but this time she wouldn’t be so selfish. It would be best to hold no resistance—not until tonight perhaps—she looked at Olula walking slowly away from the tavern. She then looked at Thangroth hoping she would catch his attention. She waited for the lord to leave or to finish his business before approaching the dwarf.
Thangroth’s rage fairly bristled, as he momentarily thought about bringing his hammer down on top of the nobleman’s head. Still, thought and deed were two different things as the dwarf impassively watched the young barmaid, Olula step out the door. What angered him as the fact that Darvis, didn’t just want to banish her, he had to embarrass and humiliate the girl by banishing her. It was already hard enough that she was being torn from family, and friends just because of her heritage. But whereas a quiet banishment would’ve been at least showing a bit of decency and mercy, this noble had to make it far worse by forcing a spectacle on the girl. Calling out the entire town, to see her banished, the dwarf wanted nothing more than to thrash the fop right there and then. But, Derrick’s hotheadedness had already landed himself and one of their other members into trouble.
Thangroth could’ve stopped the guards, but he didn’t relish fighting an entire town militia. That would’ve been pure suicide. Hefting his hammer casually, the dwarf gave the proper respect by dismissing himself and stepped over to the other elf woman and spoke in a low voice, “Let’s make ourselves scarce here girl, I’m going to follow the barmaid and make sure all is well. There’s naught that can be done to prevent our other fellows from being arrested not now at least.”
Reem nodded to Thangroth’s words. “I’ll follow our friends,” she uttered under her breath. She believed if she knew where the guards are bringing them, it would be far easier to spring them out later. Thangroth can take care of the other situation. “I’ll meet you later, when all is done,” Reem said.
Reem began to move but stopped. “Let’s meet at the town square, This tavern has enough bad luck,” she moved forward and began to move outside, waiting for the guards, Derrick and Kris to move along. She loitered quite innocently, and waited until she was a good distance to follow so she wouldn’t be spotted.
Thangroth agreed as he nodded to the young woman, it was a good idea. Considering everything that had gone on, the last thing they needed now was more trouble. Making sure to gather a last roll or two, the dwarf waited until everyone had piled out of the tavern, then looked at the owner as he spoke in a low voice. “Worry not, I’ll make sure to keep the lass safe. Mayhap one day she might be able to return, perhaps we can appeal this with yon higher authority.”
The dwarf made sure to keep his voice low and that Lord Darvis and his guards had left. The dwarf, stepped outside and saw Olula not far off, he also noted Darvis’s guards following the young woman. Thangroth followed as well, he didn’t trust Darvis and his men might get ideas. The dwarf was going to see to it that nothing happened to the poor girl.
