| Moria, Durin's Way - East This is the major avenue within Moria. The passage is enormously high and equally wide, the main thoroughfare for both the Dwarves of old and the foul uruks that displaced them. The passage is arched, while the corridor walls are constructed in a band pattern of three files of granite squares topped by rows of long, thin, slabs of red marble. In turn, another three rows of cube stones follow, and so on. The air is somewhat, damp, and slightly musty. Generations of uruks have created enormous piles of refuse that rest liberally along the walls, generating all manner of carrion. A plethora of paths and passages break off from this main highway, which continues to the West. Contents: Magog Zijgrak Duglabur Nazgok Obvious exits: North leads to Morghash Commons NorthEast leads to Melee Training Area East leads to Second Hall West leads to Durin's Way - West NorthWest leads to Animal Pens Down leads to Drum Room [Duglabur(#29717)] No response is offered verbally from Duglabur for some time, for his hand rests upon the skull of the elf head at his waist. He crouches down and then wipes through a small stain of blood upon the floor and brings his bloodied fingers to his lips and sucks upon them. Standing, "I have a bloodlust my King, one that will not be sated until I have presented this head," he pulls up the elven head and holds it straight out from his body, "to one of the Temple or my Gothshaka." Nazgok nods to Magog the terrible. He sheaths his scimitar, and grabs a dirty rag to tie on his left arm. The blood continues to ooze on his abdomen, and pools on the floor around him. Nazgok's eyes gleam with pain at the mailed Uruk, and he grimaces. Time for all things, including bloodlusts. Magog claps his thick hands together twice by way of congratulations. "That sight pleases me, snaga, but an elven head is of little functional value." Magog slowly marches around the fallen Talashakh, studying from a variety of vantage points. "If we had been successful in acquiring catapults, that head could be launched back at wood." A hint of anger courses through the King's words, "But we don't have those catapults, do we?" Whipping his neck back at Duglabur Magog snaps, "Give Sog the head, he can add it to the broth. You may do what you wish with your little friend, so long as you do not fight on my road." Again the King's attention wanders, and, rubbing his hands together he bends over and puffs at Zijgrak, "You failed me. Should I bring you back to life?" [Zijgrak(#24843)] The Chieftain's eyes flutter a little, but he remains in his comatose state, his breath fluttering a bit. He shows very few signs of life, but the swear continues to pour from his forehead, and his heart-beat is unsteady as well. Gurstaka strolls in from down Durin's way, his free and unbound right arm back to normal swinging by his side as if all was right with the world. Further down he spies his Talahakh and the Gothshaka himself. Gurstaka sniffs under his breath. He felt sure that Zijgrak would die of his injuries he recieving fighting the weakling pansies. Boots clicking on the stone floor, he approaches the pair at a steady pace, stopping only when he is 10 feet or so away, so that he may easier see what is transpiring. Gartogg Waddles along the road in the direction of the Melee Training Area. Gartogg seems to be mumbling something about a weapon and armor, but it's hard to tell. Upon seeing the scene infront of him he stops. His jaw drops and he gulps nervously, not sure what to make of it. Nazgok rises unsteadily to his feet, and using the shadows quietly moves out of the cavernous hallway. He leaves no noise, but a smear of blood easily marks his path. This is no time to stay, and with the arrival of many others perhaps he can leave in the confusion. [Duglabur(#29717)] Bowing his head to Magog and shifting the head back to its spot at his belt, Duglabur's face turns slightly sour. "As you say my King," he murmers, stepping back slightly. Magog lets forth a general command to no one in particular. "I demand a stool, healing implements, and a brazier of the hottest fire. Fetch it from the temple, and be quick about it. I will be here for a while." This having been said, the Gothshaka surveys his surroundings, menacing glances meeting any who stand about slack-jawed once a command has been given. Licking his blackened lips with a fiercely red tongue, Magog adds, "These wounds are fell. I will have to innovate." Gartogg waddles over to a Guard at his post and kicks him off his stool. Picking up the stool he waddles over to Magog and presents it to him, paying to attention to the swearing Uruk he stole it from. Gurstaka turns to a pair of Snaga that are milling around, barking out orders at the pair. "Healing Implements. Fire! Fetch them as your Gothshaka has commanded! The pair of snaga look at Gurstaka in fear, and then immediatly run off toward the temple. And bring back the Shaman Hykhert if you can find him quickly."Gurstaka calls out after the running pair. "The Talashakh will require the blessing of the flame if he is to survive, I think. . And bring back the Shaman Hykhert if you can find him quickly."Gurstaka calls out after the running pair. "The Talashakh will require the blessing of the flame if he is to survive, I think.'. [Magog(#22308)] "Well done, Snaga," Magog commends Gartogg as he sits down upon the stool, "You have acted resourcefully." Quirking up a brow, Magog tilts his head to the side and grunts at Gurstaka, "I did not know there was an echo on my grand highway." The King's eyes squint towards the south, only to return to normal once various implements of healing have been gathered at his side. "This will be difficult," the Gothshaka pontificates in an ex cathedra fashion, "And hence success will mean a new order." Without further ado, a surprisingly nimble pair of fingers sweep out to grip a needle. [Duglabur(#29717)] Having passed from mainstream attention, Duglabur makes a noiseless exit and moves into the Morghash Commons. Gurstaka draws a little nearer, stinging from the absent minded rebuke the King delivered to him. Staring down at the many wounds in the Uruks torso, he shakes his head a little. The King must be skilled indeed if he can cure such terrible wounds. Turning around briefly, he looks for the 2nd of the 2 snaga, the one who has not yet returned from his seeking. Gartogg bows low in respect for Magog, "Thank you Master, I am in eternal service to the flame and all its glory" Magog removes a thick strand of sinew from amongst his implements and so threads his needle. Placing the end of what must be the guts of some animal into his mouth, Magog bites down and so removes extraneous thread. "Now, the fire," he murmurs, dipping his needle into the smoldering brazier beside him for but a moment. Rocking off the stool, Magog begins to stitch in a precise fashion, his movements utilitarian and efficient. Every so often, the King places the needle back into the brazier before going back to intermingling the thick cords with the skin of the Thrakburzum Talashakh. [Combat Function Library(#15)] Magog tends to the injuries on Zijgrak. [Zijgrak(#24843)] The first motion from the uruk-hai in a long time is the slight wincing of pain as the Gothshakh tends to his wounds. He still remains in his coma, however, and his breathing remains ragged. His hand twitches slightly, but that is nothing more than the tensing of nerves to the pain. [Magog(#22308)] The stitching completed, Magog grunts, "The Talashakh is now stable, but he will require many herbs and much prayer if he is to regain his full abilities. However," Magog rises to his feet and spreads his arms wide, whirling about, "No longer will the horde continue to forget who it is that leads them, who can bestow and remove the blessing of the flame. Bending over, Magog angrily picks up the stool and flings it with all his might, resulting in a violent shattering at the end of its flight. "No more." That said, the King places his needle into the brazier once more, heating it until its tip glows red. "The Talashakh shall wear the name of his savior upon his brow," snorts the King as he prepares to scar Zijgrak. Gurstaka looks on as the Gothshaka continues his treatment, not even flinching at he inflicts his torment/healing. Patiently, Gurstaka awaits his turn. Gartogg stands quietly at the edge of the crowd. He watches Magog work nervously, not to sure what he should do. [Magog(#22308)] "Zijgrak wears the ancient sign of the Erokrakur. No more will we deal with the memories of the past. This is Magog's age of glory." An M is carved. "This highway once was infesed by Dwarves. Now it is the Flame's thoroughfare." An A. "Garjug is gone and the taint has been cleansed." A G. "Only Magog will not fail in the primary objective." An O. "The Golden wood shall be burned." The final G is added and Magog's ominous statements come to an end. Looking from Gurstaka to Gartogg and then back, the King asks, "Is something needed?" Gartogg hesistates "Nothing My King, I was just going to request a weapon and a leather tunic from Gurstaka. Implements which i require to better my service to the Flame" Gurstaka nods to the Gothshaka in response to his comment. "Yes great Gothshaka, I would have words with you, if you can spare the time on one as worthless as myself. Looking down at the name engraved in Zijgrak's head, he grins to himself. "Very nice work, Master" he says in a solemn voice. [Zijgrak(#24843)] As the name of the Gothshaka is carved into the forehead of the uruk-hai, he makes no movement. After his healing, he has slipped into a deep sleep, almost further into his coma. He rests, but peacefully now. His condition has stabled. The Flame has truly blessed him. Magog drops the needle, MAGOG upon Zij's brow, and nods to Gartogg, "Very well, snaga, Gurstaka is authorized to give you what you want, on account of your hasty service on my behalf. Now," Magog pauses and lets out a laugh, "Tell me what you want me to say, Gurstaka, but know that if you ask too much you might end up with a new ornament upon your face." Flicking his eyes to the needle, Magog lets out another hoarse laugh and barks for the snagas to move Zijgrak to an area more conducive to healing. Gurstaka chuckles along with the Magog, but there is no humour in it. "For over a month now I have acted as an intermim master of the forges, and they have prospered under me. There are no others who would challenge me for my position, and I have the approval of him." Gurstaka says, pointing at Zijgrak on the ground. Khartzog is dead, having killed himself. The Morghash Talashakh and the Shamans both approve of my claim for the position of Master Hammerer. With your blessing, I would be granted that position so that I may serve you and the flame to the fullest of my capacity. [Magog(#22308)] "My masters will get along with both tribes and be sanctioned by the flame. Seek the approval of the Morghash Talashakh and a Shaman and I too shall grant my consent. In fact, you may begin commanding formally by my word so long as such command is given." These words are uttered somewhat tonelessly and the king shrugs, "It is a pity the Hammerers have been so pathetic since I ceased to be the master of the smithies." "Fail and die," Magog adds, "I do not want to have to step in to lead them directly myself." Looking back to Gartogg, Magog finishes, "Now get this snaga his equipment." Gurstaka falls on his knees briefly before his King, showing his respect for the Uruk-hais authority. "I shall make sure that both of them bring word to you or their approval of my position before the day is out, Great Master." Gurstaka murmers, on his knees. "I myself remember the time you commanded in our forges, taking over from weak Narkhash. I assure you I shall Master the forges in your name in a way to your liking Raising himself back up to his feet, he gestures to the Guard, Gartogg. "Come along 'snaga' and we shall see that you are equiped properly in the way a servant of the Gothshaka and the Flame should be. Gartogg bows low to the King and follows Gurstaka. |