Vin_Da_DM: Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Appearing in the godly realm of Selenia our heroes met one of Knights of Purgatory who was slain by the Guardian. Leading them to Selenia�s palace they learned that the balance had been broken and that Daegriss was responsible. Agreeing to Selenia�s request to find the remaining Warriors and gather them against Daegriss� forces, our heroes were sent away.
Vin_Da_DM: You all awake inside a modest stone temple. At the head of the room the Guardian stands in front of a quaint altar and beautifully crafted stain-glass window of Selenia. He watches you casually waiting for you all to rise.
Vin_Da_DM: $ Start
Tewyn rises, �Well, where did we get sent this time?�
Claron stretches then turns to gaze at the light coming through the stained window noticing the Guardian.
Tabris sits up rubbing his head. Noticing the Guardian he sighs and gets up slowly, yawning and stretching. "So much for it just being a dream."
^Lilly^ opens her eyes and stretches letting out a yawn. Looking around tries to figure out how they ended up here. �Where are we?� asks groggily.
Vin_Da_DM: The Guardian shifts his stance, his cape flowing briefly to catch up. �Good, you�re awake. I�m afraid I was only able to transport you and whatever you were wearing at the time here.�
Luna_Faline rises slowly, stretching each leg separately, twisting around slowly.
Tewyn: �Well, good thing you didn�t catch me in my sleep tin man�cause I sleep in the buff.�
^Lilly^ grins slightly at Tewyn, �Very funny.�
Claron: �I�m fully aware of that,� feeling uncomfortable about only having a nightgown to wear.
Luna_Faline: �You could grow some fur, Tewyn.� I purr as I stroll toward the altar.
Tewyn looks at Luna_Faline. �NO WAY!!! Silky smooth drives the Elven ladies crazy.�
^Lilly^ giggles, �Now, that�s a funny sight...a furry elf.�
Tewyn: �Any thing else would make me a lowly dwarf�or even dare I say...human.�
Tabris: �Well, it could worse dear.� Nudging Claron Tab winks to her.
Luna_Faline shrugs, �I like some fur.�
^Lilly^ eyes Tewyn, �No comment.�
Claron: �Then why is it you wanted to go back to your pokey poke dream then Tewyn when we all arrived in this place?�
Vin_Da_DM: Tilting his head the Guardian shakes his head then extends a hand toward a pile of robes and clothing near the main doorway.
Tewyn: �I can accept, even like some humans Claron, doesn�t mean I will want to be one.�
Claron smiles at Tab as she stands up....
^Lilly^ walks over to the clothing and robes. �YAY, new clothes.�
Vin_Da_DM: �It is not much, but you will find suitable garments there.� Turning to the altar the Guardian runs a hand across it and grabs the small leather bag that appears, �You will need this as well��
Luna_Faline pauses in front of the altar with my face raised to the light. Then I turn and look at the clothes.
Tewyn goes and inspects the clothing.. �No, no, blah, wrong color.� throwing clothes over his head. �Think I�ll just stick with the leather suit.�
Luna_Faline looks at the bag and holds out my paw, �What is it?�
^Lilly^ grabs a set of clothes and a robe. �Perfect�� grins at Guardian �Almost like you knew me.�
Tabris: Raising a brow Tab goes over to the pile of clothing now strewn about and picks up a baggy dark blue robe and slips it on, �Not bad...could be better.�
Claron walks over towards the pile of clothing and robes, reaching down to pick up one of each. �Ohh!� suddenly realizing that her belly is now more than twice the size it was when they arrived the day before.
Tewyn: �So, where are our play toys?�
Vin_Da_DM: Looking at Luna the Guardian reaches his slender fingers into the bag removing a small injector of some sort. Handing the bag to Luna he nods, �Money and a translator of sorts. Your arm please.�
^Lilly^ slips on the clothes. �Hmm, perfect fit.�
Claron looks over at Tabris, �I sure hope this is one size fits all�cause at the rate my stomach is growing I could need a new outfit rather soon.�
Luna_Faline takes the bag and continues to hold out my paw, �What is that Phalanx?�
Tabris: Chuckling Tab kisses Claron on the cheek, �I�ll make sure we stop at a store for momma�s to be.�
Vin_Da_DM: The Guardian�s eye blinks at Luna, then presses the injector against Luna�s arm. A short fuzzy feeling dissipates and he nods. �It will help translate most languages so you can understand and speak them. And please, don�t call me that.�
Claron watches as Luna_Faline extends her arm towards the Guardian....�Why must she be injected?�
Luna_Faline: �Thank you, and you still prefer Guardian?�
Claron smiles as she realizes the Guardian has all ready answered her question.
Vin_Da_DM: Looking at Luna he nods and turns to the others, �If you would kindly lend me your arms for a moment.�
Tewyn holds out his arm and turn his head away, �Damn, I hate these things.�
^Lilly^ waits her turn with her arm outstretched.
Claron throws a matching dark blue robe around herself then waits her turn to be injected.
Tabris: Shrugging Tabris stands next to Claron and waits as well, �Should have eaten that apple.�
Luna_Faline moves over to the robes that have been scattered around the room and finds a deep purple one. I throw it around my shoulders and tuck the pouch in the pocket.
Vin_Da_DM: The Guardian injects each of you in turn, pausing briefly to hit a button on the injector before pressing it against Claron�s arm. �The money will be good for this world, for the others you will have to make do.�
Claron nods her head at Tabris...�You had to mention food�� as her stomach growls loudly.
Luna_Faline: �We�ll manage somehow, I�m sure.�
Vin_Da_DM: Laying the injector back on the altar it disappears. Turning to look at the group the Guardian nods, �The town is just down the hill, the man outside will escort you and help you find everything you�ll need. I must go now...the enemy�s movements cannot go unwatched.�
^Lilly^ examines the shot after she�s injected and then looks outside. �We�re going shopping??�
Claron watches as the injector disappears��Sure hope he escorts us to a place to eat.�
Tewyn starts heading down the hill. �No need to sit and wait.�
Claron laughs as Tewyn bounces off the closed door.
Vin_Da_DM: Shaking his head the Guardian places both his hands on the altar and disappears in a swift flash. Behind you the large wooden doors slowly open to the sun shining down on a grassy road.
Claron gathers the robe around her tighter as she starts for the door.
Claron stops for a moment outside the door and looks around.
Luna_Faline raises the hood over my eyes and steps thru the doors.
Tewyn exits and starts walking down the road.
Claron feels Tabris slide his arm around her waist as they follow Tewyn.
Vin_Da_DM: The country side is grassy and filled with various trees in bloom, two men in red armor stand waiting on horses just down the path. They watch you as you clear the temple.
Tewyn spots the armor clad men giving them a small nod and continues on down the path.
Claron: �Its really quite lovely here��
Luna_Faline moves toward the men on horseback.
Vin_Da_DM: As Tewyn passes them they form up and ride to either side of the group, the left one looks down studying the group. �Heading for the city travelers?�
Luna_Faline: �Purrhaps�� I rumble lightly.
^Lilly^ walks down the hill and looks around.
Tabris: �Sure is, but I doubt he brought us here for the scenery.� Tabris shrugs and squeezes Claron�s waist a bit.
Claron looks at the armored man that spoke... �Yes, we are... Sure hope there�s a good establishment that serves food.�
Luna_Faline tucks my paws into my sleeves with my hood down. I think to myself �no need to reveal to much�.
Vin_Da_DM: �Of course. Please, follow me.� The two men softly heel kick their horses and go ahead of the group. From behind you can clearly see the spear-like rifles on their backs.
^Lilly^ walks up beside Luna and pokes her. �What�s with the mystery Kitty???�
Claron notices the spear-like rifles slung across their backs.
Tewyn just walks behind silently.
Luna_Faline hisses, �The worlds are full of mysteries. No one needs to know them all.�
Vin_Da_DM: As you continue down the road it eventually turns to stone inlaid pavement, ahead the road curves around the hill. Quietly you notice the two horsemen are riding closer together.
Claron: �Tabris, the Guardian said a man...yet there are two�� suddenly feels suspicious.
Tewyn slows his pace watching the two, �Hmm, tightening the path��
^Lilly^ looks a little taken aback. �Alright.�
Tabris: Eyeing the horses his shakes his head, �Maybe a slip of the tongue...beats me.�
Claron watches as the two horseman ride closer together.
Luna_Faline looks around slowly, my ears twitching this way and that.
Claron: �Wonder precisely where the city is?�
^Lilly^ watches the city�
Vin_Da_DM: Clearing the curve in the hill you notice the road leads down to a quaint village that appears medieval but you see cars (think 20�s) driving the streets.
Claron: �Wow, who�d thought there be old timey cars here... of all places.�
Vin_Da_DM: Ahead of you the two horsemen draw close enough to where you think they would collide but then seamlessly form into a single horse and rider. Bellowing heartily he points towards the town. �Almost there. Welcome to Ashton�s Bend.�
Claron stops for a moment as the two riders become one.... �Did you see that?�
Luna_Faline side steps a steaming deposit as I move forward beside the horseman.
Tabris blinks and looks at the guy on the horse, �Unless I�m seeing things again...I sure did.�
^Lilly^ looks around at the group and realizes she�s on her own.
Luna_Faline: �And where might we find a tavern?� I ask softly.
Vin_Da_DM: As you reach the edge of town the rider looks down at Luna, then motions down the street to a large two story building at the center of town. �The tavern is just across from that, it�ll have a green tree in front.�
Luna_Faline eyes follow to where he points. �Thank you sir, you have been most helpful.�
^Lilly^ eyes Luna. �And why would you want that?�
Claron smiles and runs her tongue across her lips..... in anticipation of tasting food.
Luna_Faline turns to look at Lilly. �I believed you to be hungry.�
Tewyn eyes search across the town.
^Lilly^ nods. �Well yeah...never mind.�
Claron turns towards ^Lilly^, �Because I need to make sure the babies get nourishment.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Tristam, ma�am.� Pausing at a large water basin Tristam hops off his horse and gives it a pat on the shoulder. Turning he continues to walk at the head of the group, �Guardian says to help someone, I�ll help �em.�
Claron quickens her pace towards the building keeping her eyes open for the green tree.
Tabris: �Hell, I�m starving, too.� Walking next to Claron he watches her and smirks, �Hope we have enough money for you to eat for three.�
Luna_Faline: �I see, Tristam.� I move toward the tavern.
Tewyn heads out toward a different part of town, �I�ll just be over here somewhere.�
Luna_Faline pauses to look at Tewyn. �I do not recommend that you stray too far.�
Claron: �Don�t you mean four?... You need nourishment, too.� Chuckles.
Tewyn: �Yea, yea, kitty, I know, you have all the money anyway so can�t have any fun.�
Vin_Da_DM: Sure enough the tavern lies just across the street from the large building. The �tree� in front is actually a rose bush that has been carefully grown to look like a tree. Cheerful music comes from just inside the green-glass front door.
Luna_Faline: �Fun...yes,� I mutter as I turn to enter the tavern.
Claron: �Look...it�s roses...� walking closer to it, memories of roses flooding through her mind....
Tewyn sticks his tongue out at Luna_Faline. �Well, we can�t all drink, need to browse this place.�
Claron hears the music and makes her way to the entrance of the tavern, the smell of food assaults her nose as she nears the door.
Luna_Faline pushes my way thru the crowd inside to find a table.
Claron follows behind Luna_Faline.
Vin_Da_DM: After heading down one of the intersecting streets Tewyn finds himself in what appears to be a flee market. Tent and booths are selling all manner of things, from fruit to car parts. An young lady looks up from her pottery and winks at him.
Tewyn smiles to the young lady and gives her a nod.
Luna_Faline as I sit down at a table near a back door, I look around for a bar maid.
Vin_Da_DM: Inside the tavern is pretty much what one would expect. People of all ages are sitting at the bar and tables drinking and eating. A pair of satyrs stand on a stage in the corner, playing Irish jigs on a set of large pan-pipes.
Tewyn stops for a moment. �Young lady could you tell me more about this village?�
Claron sits down at the table next to Luna_Faline.
^Lilly^ slips into a seat rubbing her hands with a paper towel.
Vin_Da_DM: The woman blinks at Tewyn then speaks hesitantly, �What w-would you like to k-know?�
Claron: �Wonder what kind of food they will serve here?...Sure hope its something I recognize,� looking at Luna_Faline.
Tabris: �Good food, I hope.� Listening to the music Tab�s raps his hand against the table smiling.
Tewyn: �Now, with that wink earlier, no need to be shy. Just general things. Why the mix of technology and such?�
Luna_Faline: �It will be edible and nourishing.� as I motion to the barkeep.
Vin_Da_DM: A tall man with overalls and a green shirt walks up to Luna and Claron�s table. �Welcome to Ashton�s Rose Tavern. What can I get you?�
Luna_Faline: �Food, and milk.�
Vin_Da_DM: The woman blushes, then quietly passes bills to another customer at the booth, she looks back at Tewyn. �I-it�s just how we a-are. I don�t k-know much about t-tec-technolo.�
Claron smiles at the tall man��Eggs, bacon, toast, strawberries with cream. and lots of it,� as she places her hands on her belly.
Tewyn nods, �Its okay...so can you give me some history of this place?�
Vin_Da_DM: Smiling the tall man nods to Claron and writes down her order, pausing he looks at Luna. �What kind of food, miss?�
Luna_Faline looks up letting my hood slip back a little. �Tuna salad will do.�
Tabris: Raising a hand Tabris looks at the man, �Just some eggs and toast for me, two big glasses of orange juice, too.�
Claron slides one of her hands down from her belly and squeezes Tabris� thigh gently underneath the table.
Vin_Da_DM: �W-well.� The girl sits on the edge of her booth and tussles her long blonde hair with a finger, �Mr. A-ashton came here, u-um hundred moons ago. B-brought all sorts of t-technolo with him. G-gots all sorts of f-folks here.�
Claron: �What about you, ^Lilly^? What do you feel like eating?�
^Lilly^ sighs and eyes the menu. �I�m not sure..�
Vin_Da_DM: Nodding the man scribbles hastily on a pad then hurries off to the kitchen. In the corner the two satyrs switch to something you�d think was blues music but not quite the same.
Tewyn watches the girl carefully. �I see...any weapon smiths around here by chance?�
Claron: �Don�t know if they have pop tarts... Though,� a smile crossing her lips.
^Lilly^ glares. �That�s not even funny.�
Vin_Da_DM: The girl grins and Tewyn notices she is very much a vampire. She motions to a large black and yellow colored tent at the corner of the row. �M-mr down there s-should have weapons.�
Claron giggles... �Oh, I thought you rather enjoyed pop tarts.�
Luna_Faline glances at Claron then Lilly.
^Lilly^ crosses her arms.
Tewyn smiles back. �Thank you very much, save me one piece of that pottery I will be passing back by here I�m sure.�
Vin_Da_DM: The tall man appears from the kitchen with several plates. Placing a tuna salad down in front of Luna he then present Tab and Claron their plates. Smiling politely he looks at Lilly, �Anything I can get for you?�
Vin_Da_DM: Nodding excitedly the girl giggles at Tewyn, then goes back to dealing with other customers.
^Lilly^ looks at the menu��I�ll just take a Chicken Caesar salad.�
Tewyn heads to the weaponry tent and takes a look around.
Vin_Da_DM: Raising a brow he looks at Lilly, �Chicken what? I don�t think we have that.�
^Lilly^ looks again, sighs and closes the menu.. �How about a tuna sandwich?�
Claron places the napkin across her belly then reaches for a strip of bacon with one hand and a ripe strawberry with the other one.
Vin_Da_DM: Tewyn finds an varied assortment of swords, guns and other weapons on display. A large burly man in a black apron sits on a stool fixing a small automatic handgun.
Claron wastes no time eating the bacon�then pops the strawberry into her mouth.
Vin_Da_DM: �All right,� The man hurries off the kitchen again.
Tewyn: �Nice collection you got here.�
Vin_Da_DM: Watching Claron eat Tab chuckles then begins to eat his own food. Oddly enough Claron notices her strawberries are actually blue but taste exactly the same.
Luna_Faline watches the man leave. �So, how are we supposed to find these other people?� I ask in a low voice.
Claron: �Funniest colored strawberries I have ever seen....but sure tastes good�� digging into the rest of her food.
Vin_Da_DM: Setting the gun down the man looks at Tewyn curiously for a second then nods, �All hand crafted and guaranteed to last longer than I will.� With a bellow laugh he crosses his arms.
^Lilly^ debates on whether to ask Claron for a strawberry.
Tewyn laughs. �I�ll bring you some business later, with some travelers of mine.�If you don�t mind?�
Claron notices ^Lilly^�s glance....�Would you like to try one?�
Luna_Faline takes a spoonful of tuna salad and thinks about our mission.
Vin_Da_DM: �Of course lad, of course. Shop�s open until second setting, a good half a day.� Watching Tewyn he picks up the gun again and begins fixing it again.
^Lilly^: �Umm�I don�t want to take something they might enjoy,� glances at her tummy smiling. �But if you don�t mind and have enough, I wouldn�t mind trying one.�
Vin_Da_DM: The waiter quietly deposits Lilly�s sandwich in front of her, then goes back to tend to other tables.
Tewyn nods and heads back toward the tavern.
^Lilly^ pulls apart her sandwich slowly, nibbling at it.
Claron: �Sure, go ahead,� holding the bowl of strawberries in front of ^Lilly^.
Tewyn walks in and looks for where the others are seated.
^Lilly^ smiles, putting part of her sandwich down and grabbing a blue strawberry. �Thanks�� takes a bite.
Tabris: �Well, robot guy said �we�d know� the others when we found them. So far I�m not getting any psychic readings�� Chuckling he finishes off his juice.
Claron sets the bowl of strawberries down and notices Tewyn walk in...raises her hand to signal to him where they are.
Tewyn goes over to the group and takes a seat.
Luna_Faline looks over at Tewyn. �Find any fun?�
^Lilly^: After finishing her strawberry she continues to nibble at her sandwich. Waves to Tewyn as he sits down.
Claron: �You should try these blue strawberries...they are really yummy,� smiling as Tewyn sits down with the group.
Tewyn: �Will try some later, if I need a blood transfusion. But seems this town has an interesting tenant.�
Claron reaches for the other glass of orange juice and downs it without stopping.
Luna_Faline: �How interesting?� I ask then take another bite of food.
^Lilly^ grabs a glass in front of her and takes a gulp of it listening.
Tewyn: �Seems a Mr. Aston came here some years ago and brought all this technology with him.�
Claron listens to Tewyn as she sets the empty glass back on the table and begins to devour the rest of her eggs, bacon and toast.
Tabris: Tab shakes his head at Claron as she eats but listens to Tewyn.
Luna_Faline: �Wonder what happened to him? Where is he now?�
Tewyn: �Didn�t dig too much, but should be someone to check out�find out where he came from�is also a decent weaponry shop down the square, can get some basics we need.�
^Lilly^�s eyes light up. �Did they have any daggers?�
Tewyn nods, �Daggers to guns, nothing too advanced.�
Claron: �How advanced are the weapons?�and what about armor?�did you find any of that?�
Luna_Faline: �Hmmmm, we�ll look at those while we�re here.� finishing my tuna.
^Lilly^ goes back to her sandwich mumbling, �Sweet.�
Tewyn stands and heads to the bar.
Claron shakes her head...�Primitive weapons then.�
Luna_Faline pushes my bowl away and reaches for my glass of milk. I look at the other people in the tavern over the rim of my glass.
Vin_Da_DM: Behind the bar a satyr looks up at Tewyn and speaks with an Irish accent, �What can I get ye, sir?�
Claron sets her fork down...wipes her lips with the napkin...�You were right, the food is good and definitely nourishing, Luna_Faline.�
Tewyn: �Just some info�Where could I find Mr. Ashton?�
Luna_Faline nods at Lilly as I watch the satyrs playing in the corner.
^Lilly^ eyes Luna. �Did I say something?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Ach, afraid you�ll be finding� him out in the town stones. Ashton Jr. lives in the big house down the north road. Right �bit o� work that place, look like one of them star story places.�
Tewyn nods, �Thank you, hope he likes visitors.�
Claron smiles as she pushes her plate away from her and reaches for the rest of the strawberries....
Tewyn returns to the table.
Claron glances over at Tabris as she brings the bowl up to her lips and drinks the cream straight from the bowl.
Vin_Da_DM: The tall waiter from before casually stops by the table leaving a check and clearing away the empty plates and glasses.
Luna_Faline rests my back against the wall behind me, I reach for the ticket as the waiter leaves.
Tewyn looks around to the others. �We need to get moving, shops don�t stay open all day.�
Vin_Da_DM: The scribbles on the ticket are hardly legible but at the bottom it reads �52 ��.
Luna_Faline reaches in my pocket and shakes my head as I take some bills out of the pouch and leave them on the table. �He can keep the change.� placing the pouch back in my pocket.
Claron sets the bowl down and places the rest of the strawberries in the napkin...bundling them up she looks at Luna_Faline, �You might have to add one napkin to the bill.�
Tewyn: �Watch the free spending there, kitty. We don�t know how much money we actually have.�
^Lilly^ eyes Claron. �You actually think they�re gonna charge you for a napkin?�
Claron: �I dunno.�
Vin_Da_DM: Luna sets down a 55 � note and the waiter quickly picks it up along with the ticket and leaves three blue coins on the table.
Luna_Faline looks at Tewyn. �Sure I don�t?� I purr softly standing up to leave.
Claron chuckles then pushes her chair away from the table and stands up... �Lead the way, Tewyn.�
Tewyn heads out of the tavern and back toward the black and yellow tent.
Luna_Faline follows Tewyn looking around as we go.
Tabris: Clapping for the satyr musicians Tab stands up and follows the others, �Not a bad place.�
^Lilly^ takes a couple more bites of her sandwich before pushing her chair out and standing up, stretching �Yes, probably should go check out a few places.�
Tewyn: �Hello there, dear sir, I am back as promised and brought the business with me.�
Vin_Da_DM: The burly man notices Tewyn and the others approaching and stands, �Welcome back lad, take a good look and ask if you need anything.�
Tewyn: �Well, I chose mine the first time I stepped here�that long sword there on the wall, if you please.�
^Lilly^ walks in behind Tewyn and meanders around the store looking at the assorted weapons. Two catch her eye and she is drawn to them one at a time. First were the daggers. She almost skipped to the display case. �Wow, these look amazing.�
Luna_Faline roams around the tent looking at different things.
Vin_Da_DM: �Good choice lad, good choice.� The man walks over to the sword rack and takes off the golden hilted sword with waves etched into the blade.
Claron looks around at the weapons with Tabris. �What do you think I should use, Love?�
Vin_Da_DM: Luna and Lilly find quite a variety of blades in various sizes, small guns, some rifles on racks and a barrel of pole-arms in the corner.
Tewyn holds the blade, �Very nice feel to it�you make fine weaponry, sir.�
^Lilly^: Practically glued to the case trying to figure out which one she wants. �So many pretty ones to choose from��
Tabris: �I dunno, Babe. Use whatever you want.� Holding Claron�s hand he looks over the wares as well.
Luna_Faline: �Lilly, beauty is not always practical.� I whisper as I move over to the staffs.
Vin_Da_DM: Smiling to Tewyn the man walks over to Lilly and the display case, �Anything catching your eye, lass?�
Claron looks at the weapons that can be thrown or fired, feeling that for now it would be best that she didn�t do hand to hand combat with the enemy.
^Lilly^ eyes Luna. �Not when it comes to daggers. The prettier ones give me the better luck,� grins.
^Lilly^ sees the man. �Ummm, yup, those,� points to a pair of daggers.
Tewyn slides the hilt over my back and ties it securely.
Vin_Da_DM: The man carefully opens the case and removes the dagger pair. Silver spiral handles top the simplistic blades. �A nice choice as well.� He hands them to Lilly to look over
Claron smiles at Tabris...�Well, help me pick out something I can throw...or fire�I don�t think I should get too close to the enemy.�
^Lilly^ holds them in her hands her eyes gloss over. �I like them�� rolls them around in her hands and tests the weight. Getting ready to aim as if she�s going to throw the dagger she spots a longbow hanging up. �OOooo! That�s a beauty too. How is it?� pointing to a silver and blue long bow.
Claron stops when she notices the metal and wooden boomerangs... �Oh, I want that metal one... and what about shurikens?...do you have any of those?� asks the shopkeeper.
Tabris glances over the boomerangs and picks up a nicely carved wooden one with roses painted on it, �Hey, this one looks like your style, Babe.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Shurikens...never heard of those, but I�ve got throwing knives.� The man glances at Claron, then grabs the bow from the wall and looks at Lilly, �Good firing range and it�d take a bear to break it.�
Claron smiles when she sees the roses...�Oh, yes!.�� reaching over to take the rose covered wooden boomerang from Tabris...
^Lilly^ eyes light up. �Wow, these are great...I want them both...but do we have enough money?�
Luna_Faline looks at Lilly�s selections feeling the pouch in my pocket, �Purrhaps.�
Claron instantly feels this is the right weapon for her...�I will take at least two daggers, something small enough that they can be hidden easily, also.�
Tewyn: �Yes, dear sir, what is the damage to our purse for all of these?�
^Lilly^: �I hope so...wouldn�t want to have to choose, and these are both almost identical to the ones I had before.�
Vin_Da_DM: The man lays the bow in front of Lilly then crouches behind the table and brings up a quiver with about thirty blue feather arrows, glancing at Claron he nods and grabs two slender throwing knives from a basket. �That all for you folks?�
Luna_Faline looks at Tabris with a raised brow, �Are you going to take anything?�
Tabris grins and looks at Luna. Extending a hand a slender obsidian sword folds from his palm. �Got everything I�ll need.� The man in the booth watches Tab but doesn�t appear surprised.
Claron nods her head...�That�s all for me,� happy with the two slender daggers and the wood and metal boomerangs....
Luna_Faline: �Then I think that is all we need. Sir, how much for the lot of it?�
Claron smiles and lets out a soft sigh as she sees Tabris didn�t lose his ability to make his own.
Vin_Da_DM: �Let see here.� The man looks over each of the items, rubs his beard for a moment, then nods decisively. �I�d say 2800 should do.�
Luna_Faline pulls out my pouch and looks inside. �Would you take 2500?�
Vin_Da_DM: �2650,� The man grins and looks at Luna crossing his arms.
Luna_Faline grins slyly at the man, �Deal!� handing him the exact amount.
Vin_Da_DM: The man takes the bills with a nod, then watches them. �Thanks for the business folks. First setting�s soon, most of the other shops are gonna close up in a bit.�
Tewyn turns and steps away.
Luna_Faline ties the pouch closed and replaces it in the pocket of my robe.
^Lilly^ grins as she looks at her longbow, arrows and daggers. �Yay, I�m back in business.� Swings her pouch of arrows across her back and slings the bow over her shoulder. �There now, that�s good for now.�
Luna_Faline steps out of the tent and looks up and down the path. �Where to now?�
Claron slides her hand in Tabris� hand as they walk out of the shop...sliding the daggers in her robe pocket for now and holding the boomerangs in her other hand.
Tewyn: �We head up the north road, to go see Mr. Ashton, Jr.�
Luna_Faline raises my brows, �Lead the way then.�
Tewyn starts heading north, �Seems this will be a quite elegant place, was described as a starry stone place.�
Tabris: �Sounds like a plan to me,� Tab smiles at Claron and kisses her hand softly. �Woman of my dreams. Kicks ass and raises children.�
^Lilly^ walks out of the shop last grinning from ear to ear. She sees the rest of the group heading north and tags along trying not to lag.
Claron: �If you say so Tewyn.� wishing she had a few minutes to figure out where she could hide her daggers on her person...smiling at Tabris...�Haven�t raised them yet, but kick ass I can do.�
Luna_Faline: �Starry stone? Do you mean fairy tale palace?� I ask Tewyn.
Vin_Da_DM: The north road seems to be mostly residential and mostly cottages and villas. A ways down the road you see a stone arch and a large gray building with panels on the roof reflecting the light of the first of two setting suns.
Tewyn: �That or a nice tech palace.�
Luna_Faline: �Hmmmmmm, I guess we�ll see.�
Claron gazes around as they approach the stone arch....
^Lilly^ is glancing at all the different houses. �Who is this Ashton, Jr. anyway?�
Vin_Da_DM: Claron and Lilly notice typical family activities around the houses. Smaller houses belonging to satyrs and the larger ones humans.
Tewyn: �The son of the former Mr. Ashton, so hoping he can give us some news.�
^Lilly^ eyes Tewyn still confused. �Okay.�
Claron smiles as she notices children playing around a few of the houses...and dreams of the day their own children have a home to call their own.
Vin_Da_DM: As you get to the stone arch you can clearly see the Ashton�s Manor. A gothic exterior is randomly inter-mixed with bits of steam-age technology. The metal plates on the roof seem to be primitive solar panels.
Claron shakes her head as she sees the gothic looking house...�This place gives me the creeps.�
Tewyn: �Looks like the place.�
Luna_Faline: �Let�s hope he doesn�t mind uninvited company,� I rumble.
Vin_Da_DM: A drive leads directly to the front of the house, large pillars with carved gargoyles flanking the metallic front door. A large knocker-ring rests in the center of the door.
Tabris: �Seems a bit out of place, but I�ve seen worse.� Tab looks at the manor as they continue towards it.
Luna_Faline looks at Tewyn. �I think, you should do the honors this time,� remembering the last door I tried to open on a creepy house.
Tewyn uses the knocker.
Claron moves in closer to Tabris, �Sure hope he ain�t a vampire.�
Luna_Faline my paw smoothes down the fading white streak in my hair.
^Lilly^ watches from the back.
Vin_Da_DM: The large door creaks open and allows inside to a plain lobby. The inside of the house looks similar to the outside with bits of technology all over the place. From behind the door a thin butler looks at you with beady eyes. �Visitors?�
Tewyn: �Yes, is Mr. Ashton, Jr. available?�
Claron skin feels like it begins to crawl as she sees the thin butler with beady eyes...a shiver runs up and down her spine.
Vin_Da_DM: The butler walks around the group and shuts the large door with a groan after you are all inside. �Who calls upon Mr. Ashton?�
Tewyn: �The goddess Selenia and the Guardian have sent us here.�
Vin_Da_DM: �And your name would be?� The butler looks at Tewyn carefully.
Tewyn: �I am Tewyn, these are my comrades.�
Claron watches and listens quietly, her grip tightening slightly around Tabris� hand.
Vin_Da_DM: Giving the squad a look over the butler nods, �Please wait here,� he then disappears into a side room.
Tewyn: �Had to be up front, either he could be on our side, or one we have to get rid of.�
Claron gives Tewyn a quick nod in agreement.
Vin_Da_DM: �Interesting place...looks like a mad scientist�s house or something.� Tab moves over to a nearby table, watching a steam device that is apparently a clock.
Luna_Faline: �I hope your right about this, Tewyn.� I whisper.
Tewyn: �Take a look around Luna_Faline this village could never have what they do without this man and his father. Had to be investigated.�
^Lilly^: �Investigated???�
Vin_Da_DM: As the side door opens two ragged puppies dash out and up the spiral staircase in the corner. The butler walks out shaking his head at them, �Ah, yes. Mr. Ashton will see you now. Just over there.�
Vin_Da_DM: The butler points to an elevator next to the staircase and watches you with arms at his sides.
Tewyn: �Just out of place Luna_Faline. Totally out of place.�
Tewyn: �Thanks,� stepping into the elevator.
Claron looks over in the direction the butler points and hopes to god she can sit down and take a load off her feet.
Luna_Faline: �You first, Tewyn,� motioning to the door to the lift.
Luna_Faline steps into the elevator behind Tewyn.
Claron enters the elevator leaning more on Tabris than she had been previously.
^Lilly^ walks in slowly and cautiously.
Tabris: Watching Claron lean on him he nods, �Let�s hope you�re right about this guy, Tewyn.�
Luna_Faline waits for the lift to go.
Tewyn: �With all we�ve seen, don�t you find it strange that in this medieval town, there is early technology and only one person brought it in?�
Vin_Da_DM: After entering the elevator it buzzes once, then moans slightly as it begins to take you up. After about two floors you are left off into a much nicer white sitting room. Ahead a white door is cracked open and light is pouring in.
Tewyn steps out and heads toward the door.
Luna_Faline moves around the room studying it�s contents quietly.
Claron listens to Tewyn and is pleasantly surprised to see the white sitting room.
Vin_Da_DM: The room is a typical sitting room. Paintings hang on the walls and white couches flank an oak coffee table with books and teacups on it.
Claron steps out of the elevator with the help of Tabris wondering if it would be considered to rude to sit in the first chair she sees without being invited to do so.
Tewyn calls out, �Mr. Ashton��
Vin_Da_DM: From the other room you hear a pleasant sounding voice, �In here, my guests. Please, come and have a seat.�
Claron looks at the paintings on the walls.
Tewyn heads for the other room peaking inside the door.
Vin_Da_DM: The paintings are mostly landscapes of the surrounding city and hills. A large picture of a young woman sits among them, apparently Mrs. Ashton.
Claron follows along side Tabris to where Tewyn is peeking. �He said come in and have a seat. Does it look safe enough to do that?�
Luna_Faline turns from a painting I am studying to follow Tewyn thru the door.
Vin_Da_DM: Inside the next room a large library. Tall bookshelves line the walls and a marble fireplace is giving off the light you saw from before.
Tewyn: �Seems so.� Enters the room.
^Lilly^ slides in right behind Tewyn.
Claron smiles and enters the room...
Tewyn: �Thank you, for seeing us unannounced,� while entering the room.
Vin_Da_DM: At a large desk in the center of the library sits a man in a gray suit with short black hair. He nods to you over a pile of gadgets and papers.
^Lilly^ walks in the room and looks at that look.
Claron looks at Mr. Ashton then spots a seat close to the fire and quietly sits down
Tewyn: �Do you mind if we ask you some questions?�
Vin_Da_DM: Standing up he motions to the large crimson padded couches near the fireplace, �Not at all. You mentioned the Guardian. I heard he was in town recently.�
^Lilly^ sits down.
Tewyn: �Yes, he sent us here...but we would like to hear your story�You seem a bit out of place in this village.�
Claron rests her hands on her belly as she settles back on the sofa.
Luna_Faline curls up in the corner of one sofa to listen to the conversation.
Vin_Da_DM: �Ahh, I thought you would ask as much.� Walking around he studies the group before continuing, �My parents came here from the southern continent after a dispute over technological advances. Seeing this as a place my father could continue his work in peace he settled down and gave the towns folk a leg up, so to say.�
Tewyn nods, �Seems they have faired well and you have drawn many different types here.�
Claron: �So, the southern part is more primitive than here or just more resistant to technology?�
Vin_Da_DM: Nodding as well he pauses in front of the fireplace. �Quite the opposite my dear. The southern nation desired my father�s work for war, but beyond firearms he would not give them what they desired�� Turning he looks at Tewyn, �The humans started arriving shortly after my father, the satyrs have always lived in this valley.�
Tewyn: �So, your father was a peaceful man?�
Claron takes out the napkin filled with strawberries and begins to nibble on one as Mr. Ashton answers.
Tabris: Leaning back against the sofa Tabris eyes the loads of books on the walls, then sneaks a bite from Claron�s strawberries with a grin.
Claron smiles back at Tabris.
Vin_Da_DM: �Yes�� Walking toward his desk he pauses then looks at Tewyn, �The Guardian sent you, then perhaps you can help me with mystery.�
^Lilly^: �Us, help you?�
Tewyn nods, �A friend of the Guardian is a friend of ours. How can we help?�
Claron: �What kind of mystery?�
Luna_Faline yawns and stretches, the warmth from the fire making me very sleepy.
Vin_Da_DM: Grabbing several papers he brings them over to the group and passes them out. On them are sketches of fighter planes and tanks. �The southern nations suddenly starting producing these devices a few months ago. A spy of mine hinted that the southern nation is receiving help from a recently arrived foreigner.�
Claron looks at the sketches...�Any idea as to who the foreigner is?�
Vin_Da_DM: Pausing he sighs and brushes a loose strand of hair from his face, �Sadly no...but whatever the intentions I do not think it is a good sign.�
Claron: �So, what is it you want us to do?�
Claron takes another strawberry from the napkin.
Vin_Da_DM: �I would ask that you travel to the southern nation and help my spy investigate this matter further. I fear this foreigner has dangerous plans.� Turning he presses a button on his desk, �But please, it will be dark soon. Please rest and I shall give you the full details of my request in the morning.�
Tewyn nods, �Yes, some rest and a fresh start will be best.�
Claron eyes twinkle and a smile crosses her lips at the thought of having a room with Tabris alone.
Luna_Faline can only purr. �Sleep...yes.�
^Lilly^: �...And where by chance would we be sleeping?�
Vin_Da_DM: The butler slips into the library and motions towards you. �This way. The guest quarters are prepared.� The two ragged puppies from before leap onto Ashton�s desk and he happily plays with them. �Sleep well, friends.�
^Lilly^ follows the butler.
Tewyn follows the butler to the rooms.
Claron takes Tabris� hand as he helps her up from the couch and they follow behind Tewyn.
Luna_Faline uncurls from the sofa and trails behind Lilly to my room.
^Lilly^ smiles at Luna, �You ok?�
Luna_Faline: �Yea, just tired.� I purr.
^Lilly: �Ok.�
Vin_Da_DM: The butler leads you to three different bedrooms. Looking at Luna and Lilly the butler perks a brow, �You ladies will have to share a bedroom, if that is all right.�
^Lilly^ eyes Luna. �I don�t care. You ok with that, Luna?�
Luna_Faline: �That�s fine,� I mutter softly as I enter the room and collapse on a bed.
Claron: �WHAT?!?� eyeing Tabris.
^Lilly^ smiles at Luna and waves to the others. �Night, guys.�
Tewyn picks a room and starts stripping, bare gray butt showing before he gets to the bed.
Luna_Faline pulls a pillow closer and is instantly asleep.
Tabris: Chuckling at Claron he points to the other bedroom across the hall, �Looks like this one is ours.�
^Lilly^ shuts the door and collapses on the bed opposite Luna drifting off into a deep sleep.
Tewyn: �Night, Billy bob. Night, ma. Night, pa. Night, kitty-kitty.�
Claron: �OH, thank god, cause I thought he meant me, too.�
Claron giggles as she opens the door to the third bedroom.
Vin_Da_DM: As the second sun sets outside your windows and night descends you feel as if a new sun has risen and your journey has just begun.
Vin_Da_DM: $ End