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Post by TenabreTrevellian on Aug 2, 2016 15:00:28 GMT
It was time to leave Pinecliffe, and somewhat hurridely considering the situation with the Warforged. The ambassadors and a few others saw you off, wished you luck and waved you into the distance, all but Oakfell... Any questioning after him was responded with 'He's taking care of some business." You were also given some food, enough to last you some time, but not particularly nutritious. The road to Denirim has been relatively quiet as far as Pokemon go. Ever since yesterday's blast of arcane energy, the militia from Denirim have come out in flocks to make sure that everything is safe. Every few miles, there seems to be one or two people of assorted races, shapes and sizes with an even bigger number of variations of Pokemon. A Drow lounged under the shade of a tree whilst her Ekans slithered along the branches, and a little while further a rather self-entitled Minotaur had stopped the party to make sure they were not up to any funny business before being shushed by a Cyclops, who's Machoke mirrored the actions. That was a surprise in itself, although around Pinecliffe had been known for bringing in races around the world as a fairly neutral point, a Cyclops was a rare sight out of the desert and he stood a good few feet above even the tallest of you. Nevertheless, this one had seemed friendly, well spoken, and ushered you all along with a large smile. Farmlands took up most of the land to the south, and Tauros could be seen around the countryside, with pens of Milktank and one pen of Mareep. It's peaceful, and has given you some time to get to know one another a bit more. This is a point to have a talk between yourselves, and for Vaidos to approach, introduce, and explain himself. Then I will continue the story.
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Post by Lockdown on Aug 2, 2016 15:30:11 GMT
Eli looks around, taking in the scenery with a small smile on his face. "It's nice to be down in lands like these. The mountains are nice... but every place has its charms." He looks to the other two. "How are you both faring in these climes? I find it a little colder than normal... but I suppose I'm more easier able to adapt than some," he smiles ruefully.
As when he entered Pinecliffe, Blaze is asleep in his hood, the little fire type milking their morning training's exertions for everything he could. Prowl on the other hand, stalked along behind and to the side, eyes alert and whiskers trembling. The strange event from yesterday had put the feline on edge, and even a good hour of leaping and limbering had not been enough to burn away his nervous energy. On Eli's shoulder, his newest partner dozed, Delphi not used to the strenuous workouts that she had been subjected to, her lethargy more true than Blaze's sloth. Occasionally she lets out a quiet peep, nuzzling against Eli's warm scales.
"If it's not too personal a question... what do the two of you hope to find on this journey?" He rubs the base of one his horns in a nervous gesture.
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Post by carnackiArdent on Aug 3, 2016 22:15:15 GMT
Cecily shrugs as she takes in the view of the town around them. Despite herself, she can't help but give that Drow a wary look as they pass. Old habits. "I'm not having any problems. This is usually about as warm as Aquae Nithrae is this time of year. Drier, of course." Libellans don't like the cold, as a rule, but Cecily certainly isn't having any problems in this temperate area.
Her Pokémon have settled into their familiar positions - Draco flying above, Praelia a few steps behind her in bodyguard position. Her newest recruit is cradled in the crook of one of her arms - Ebulliens turns this way and that, trying to take in as much scenery as Cecily without the benefit of her compound eyes. The little Poliwag doesn't seem to be short of energy, at least, even after a grueling workout from Cecily. She likes to think she's a pretty good judge of how much pressure a Pokémon can handle, if nothing else, and she's definitely pleased with the results of her training on Ebulliens so far.
She turns her head Eli's way slightly when he keeps going, though she doesn't see any need to fully face him. Sometimes she still doesn't have a good grasp of what other races consider rude, body-language-wise. "Hm? Well, I'm just hoping to get some actual respect back home, personally. Should have seen the look on Marco's ugly mug when he heard I was being sent out for this." She gives an odd little trilling chuckle that makes her mandibles buzz slightly against her jaw. "What brought that on, all of a sudden?"
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Post by Lockdown on Aug 3, 2016 22:43:19 GMT
Eli flushes a little. "I don't like keeping secrets... and I figured that this would probably come up eventually, so best to get it out now, when we start, rather than having to explain in a hurry down the road if something happens..." he trails off and huffs a small tongue of smoke leaking from his nostrils.
"Right, so the first thing you should probably know, I'm a foundling. It's not uncommon, the Confederacy has sort of turned into an opportune place for tribes to drop children that they don't want or can't support. You'd be surprised how far away some of them have come from too. Anyway, they leave em on the border and usually a Ranger will find the baby or child in time, and take them to the creches in Belhalir to be raised... That's how I was found. But, well, I want to know where I came from, and this whole quest, a task spanning the entire world? Seems like the perfect way to find that out. I mean, I don't know anything about any part of my lineage, not even how I came to be half-dragon. The mage that examined me thought that the other half might be human, but he couldn't be sure... and with how few humans there are now, and practically none around the Confederacy, getting answers as to my potential parentage on that front has been... difficult. To say nothing of figuring out what kind of dragon I'm descended from. I mean, everyone knows about Carolinus being the son of Rayquaza, but so far as I know I've nothing to tie me to any line besides the fact that I can breathe fire, something that all dragons can do, if the lore is to be believed..." Eli slumps, seeming to have talked himself out at this point.
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Dec 12, 2017 10:45:02 GMT
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Post by HeadPikachu on Aug 4, 2016 2:11:43 GMT
Tark wasn't bothered by the slight nip in the air; with how peaceful this trek was, she had even taken off her upper armor once more and was down to her tank top. She didn't bother responding to Eli's inquiry with more than an eyebrow raise, given the fact that it was well-known where the orcs lived and what her specialty was. Heat would be an issue, but the cold most certainly was not. Karga and Horuun explored the path as they traveled, never going too far from their trainer, while Na'tok was carried in Tark's arm, one again cuddling the now-magical chunk of ice around her neck.
Eli had already responded to Cecily's inquiry before she could reply with her own reasons for the journey, but it was fine. He clearly needed to get more off his chest than either of them. "I'm sure you'll figure it out in time. Besides, you still have a family, even if they're not blood-related, and you've made a name for yourself. Doesn't matter who gave birth to you if you've got that." Tark assured. She didn't have much experience with orphans, though, as children who lost their parents always went to family members, or if none were available anyone who wished to take them in. The same with unwanted children. Abandoning an infant in the wild, as Eli had been, was absolutely out of the question, and seen as despicable and dishonorable. Tark would have some choice words should they ever find Eli's blood relatives, that's for sure...
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Post by SuperVaderMan on Aug 4, 2016 22:12:52 GMT
It was such a wonderful day to behold. The sun, partially hidden by the clouds, cast down rays of light and of shadow and bringing out shades and hues both vibrant and dim. A slight breeze rustled the grass and the leaves, breathing motion and life into an otherwise static landscape. It was a shame the man couldn't take it in freely, huddled in the shade of a tree by the road. It was for the best, however, the man thought as he once again peeked his head out to see who was passing by. Eventually those three individuals would arrive down this road. He would have liked to have met them under different circumstances, but recent events have put a damper on that plan. "Oh! Barra, look," a hushed, slightly whirring whisper told his small, metal companion. "An orc, a Libellan, and a draconic-looking fellow. Yes, I believe that it is them, let us go introduce ourselves!"
Stealth check = 12As the three are passing by, he takes a long step out of his cover and walks out onto the road behind them, his pawniard shadowing him closely. Regardless of whether they see him coming or not, he raises a hand and waves excitedly. "Ah, excuse me! Hello to you, future associates!" The man was somewhat tall and slender, similar to Cecily and reaching her height, with a long and dark overcoat. He appears to be bald with three eyes, one centered on his forehead, and as a cloud passes by to bathe the man in sunlight his entire cranium dazzles with a metallic sheen. He was a Warforged. "My name is Vaidos," he introduces himself, his voice possessing a slight mechanical hum. "Am I correct in presuming you are Ambassadors Tarkuul, Cecily, and Eli?"
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Post by Lockdown on Aug 5, 2016 3:16:30 GMT
Eli gestures to his two companions a moment before the figure steps out, and turns to face the Warforged, cautious, but with a friendly smile on his face. Blaze has cracked one eye, small shimmers of heat coming off the fire glands on his back, while Prowl is stropping about his master's legs with an unconcerned air. "That'd be us friend." His expression dips into curiosity "Though I am wondering why you're calling us "future associates". Care to elaborate on that please?" He puts his hands on his belt, in an easy position to draw his blade if needed. Perception roll: 15
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Post by carnackiArdent on Aug 6, 2016 7:50:11 GMT
Cecily is looking towards the shadows almost before Eli gestures, thinking she spotted something out of the corner of her eye. Clearly they were both right, as the Warforged emerges. She's a little less polite than Eli, or at least a little less subtle - she raises one of her upper arms like a falconer for Draco to land on, and one lower arm reaches backward, ready to free her spear from where it's slung across her back. She doesn't relax much with his friendly words, feeling a bit wary considering how he emerged from the shadows. "Do you have some sort of business with us, Master... Vaidos?" His body shape surprises her a little - judging from the few Warforged she's met, this one seems to be on the slender side. She almost wonders if he's based on a Libellan pattern - which would be rare, since Libellans built few Warforged to begin with - but the face is all wrong for that, three eyes or no. But size is certainly no measure of power, and she isn't inclined to suffer a surprise attack now that they're finally getting underway. Perception: 17.
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Post by SuperVaderMan on Aug 6, 2016 19:10:34 GMT
Vaidos' pawniard steps forward beside him to glower at the group as they prepare for trouble, and he continues to do so despite Vaidos placing a hand on his head to calm him.
"Yes, indeed I do have business with you, much business! In light of... recent events, I have been tasked by my nation to accompany you to Denerim and beyond to Reconcilia. I can show you the message if you would like," he offers, drawing a small bit of parchment from his overcoat. "I was posted at Denerim in the event something unfortunate were to happen to Ambassador Icarus, but we couldn't have imagined an event as dire as this!"
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Post by HeadPikachu on Aug 7, 2016 5:45:50 GMT
Tark had heard Vaidos's approach, but she wasn't immediately reacting with hostility like the others. Guarded, yes, but not hostile. Karga perked up and sniffed the air, but seeing her trainer not getting defensive, simply sat down on the ground as the group stopped. Horuun, meanwhile, yelped and hid behind Tark at the emergence of the newcomer, peering out from behind her legs.
"So, that's what Ambassador Oakfell was doing...I figured Icarus must've had a backup as well, as I know we do." Jartok had let her know who when she arrived to town, in fact. "Vaidos, was it? Welcome aboard. Might still want to show that letter to these two to ease their minds. Also, try not to sneak around trained warriors and scouts whenever you're trying to befriend them. That was a very foolish move." She advised, stepping forward and offering a hand for a shake.
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Post by SuperVaderMan on Aug 7, 2016 6:42:50 GMT
"Oh I don't wish to assume this will be a permanent arrangement, though I am prepared for that eventuality. With any luck we can resolve this matter, Ambassador Icarus will be right as rain, and I will be on my way."
The Warforged more than happily strides forward, his pawniard begrudgingly following close behind, and hesitates only slightly before taking Tark's hand. Now was it a firm handshake you give to orcs? But she's a female as well, do you give females firm handshakes? Well, she said she was a warrior, so that likely overrides anything else. A firm handshake it is! And speaking of-
"If sneaking around warriors and scouts were my intent, yes it would be very foolish. However," Vaidos gives a furtive glance around the roadsides, "I've had the suspicion that someone might have been following me recently. I hoped to conceal myself until your arrival, and now I feel much safer in your company, thank you."
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Post by Lockdown on Aug 8, 2016 20:57:06 GMT
Eli's brows raise when their apparent new companion mentions that he'd felt like something or someone was following him. "I apologize for my hostility earlier, I'm afraid the earlier incident with Icarus has left me a bit jumpy." He gently taps Prowl and Blaze on their respective muzzle and snout , the two mon settling back down. "Someone following you? Curious. Have you any idea who it might be? And why they might be following you?"
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Post by carnackiArdent on Aug 8, 2016 22:27:56 GMT
Cecily relaxes just a little when Vaidos presents his credentials. Even if she thinks Oakfell was a little hard on Icarus, she got the impression that the old warforged is no fool. She lowers her arm, letting Draco take off again, and leans down to let Ebulliens out of her arms. "Sorry. You never know what trouble to expect on the road." Her apology's a little terse; Cecily isn't all that great at admitting she was wrong, or even overreacting. Still, she steps forward to shake hands in turn after Tark's done so - her hands are much more slender than the ork's, all chitin and sharp-pointed fingers which she's careful not to scratch him with, but her grip is still strong.
She cocks her head when he mentions being followed, glancing around warily. "If they were sneaking around following you it's probably not goblins again. Or at least not the same set of goblins." Though Oakfell had mentioned hobgoblins living near Lotus City... had they sent a scout after Vaidos? After all, they hadn't exactly been invited to the conference.
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Post by SuperVaderMan on Aug 9, 2016 1:54:58 GMT
Vaidos gladly takes Cecily's hand, either unaware of the danger her hands possess or is undeterred by it, the metal and chitin of their hands grating slightly in a firm handshake. "It is no trouble at all, I understand completely - I was hiding from that trouble, after all! But I'm afraid I haven't the foggiest on who it might be. Off the top of my mind the only people very near the Warforged lands are the hobgoblins, but from what I know of them their culture doesn't tend to be so subtle. Though there's no accounting for unique individuals amongst a race, so perhaps it is?"
"But whoever they are, I doubt they will bother us now that we are all together! Shall we away to Denerim?"
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Post by HeadPikachu on Aug 9, 2016 14:40:29 GMT
"...We'll keep an eye out, still." Tark said in regards to the possibility of someone following them. In Orcish, she gave a brief order to Karga. "Nose up. Let me know if anything smells dangerous." Karga barked once and hopped up, nose in the air and sniffing about. That should do for now. "Daylight's burning and Warforged are depending on us; let's get there and to Lotus City as soon as we can." She said in Common, nodding to Vaidos and starting the group back on the road. Horuun looked curiously at the Warforged, and stayed close by Tark's feet as they traveled.
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Post by Lockdown on Aug 9, 2016 16:17:44 GMT
Eli extends his own hand finally, giving the warforged an apologetic grin. "These are my partners by the way, Prowl, Blaze and Delphi." He indicates each mon in turn, Blaze giving a yawn and Delphi blinking sleepily, while Prowl has turned his attentions to the surroundings. "And yes, let's get a move on before your stalker catches up with us on open ground." Eli falls into step with the others, moving so that Vaidos was in, or at least near, the center of their traveling formation.
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Post by TenabreTrevellian on Aug 9, 2016 22:47:57 GMT
As you begin walking, something seems very wrong in the air. You hear a faint rumbling and the ground begins to shake. To the left, all four of you and the majority of Pokemon manage to spot the group of Tauros that are beginning to stampede their way in your direction, the gate of the fence has been left wide open and something has riled them. A small horde of ten Tauros are suddenly a very large issue as they begin to charge. Thankfully, you've got an upper hand, some and they are a decent distance away, but at the same time, you all seem that they seem focused on your direction. All but a few of you Pokemon have also noticed, and they seem ready to take on what is coming their way. Those reading this spot something else as well. A moving tree, wait, not a tree, a Pokemon. A Trevenant lurks behind the Tauros and as you watch, it waits, staring and watching.
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Post by HeadPikachu on Aug 10, 2016 1:46:53 GMT
"MOVE!" Tark did the sensible thing and scooped up both her pokemon, running off the path and behind a tree to try and let the tauros stampede pass. Hopefully the others did the same, instead of trying to fight a raging stampede of tauros like idiots. She did notice one little thing behind them; some sort of spooky, moving tree pokemon she hadn't seen before. Weird, but they can worry about that in a minute. Horuun froze in one arm while Karga wiggled in the other, trying to get free and take them all down!
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Post by SuperVaderMan on Aug 10, 2016 2:39:07 GMT
"U-uh, yes! Good idea!" Vaidos sprints after Tark as fast as his spindly metal limbs can take him, his equally metal companion dutifully darting after him behind the trees.
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Post by carnackiArdent on Aug 10, 2016 3:06:39 GMT
If Cecily had eyelids, she'd be squinting. She doesn't like the looks of that Trevenant behind the Tauros.
Now isn't exactly the time to address that particular issue, though. Right now, the stampede is rather more pressing; it may be small, but it doesn't take a genius to know that the difference between forty hooves and four hundred is probably academic if she's still in their path when they get to her. She grabs Praelia's arm and Ebulliens's tail and pulls them up into her arms as she darts toward the side of the road after Tark and Vaidos, with Draco arrowing after her.
Once they've reached what's probably a safe distance, Cecily turns to watch again, trying to keep an eye out for that 'tree'. Would a Trevenant cause a stampede of its own accord? Surely if it had decided these were its woods, someone else would have noticed before now. Of course, if it had a trainer, that was an entirely different matter. "Did anyone else see a Trevenant, just now? I think we may have found Vaidos's stalker." She strokes Ebulliens's head gently; the little Poliwag was less than pleased with having her tail pulled.
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