Clutch of the Dragon - Part Five - The Homecoming

* Gideon hums quietly from his place at Auroch's side

* Auroch wakes up, the axe's sound buzzing in his ear

<Auroch> I'm up, I'm up!

<Gideon> Bout time

<Auroch> Well gimme a break, I like te sleep at night!

<Gideon> It's day.  You can see a sliver of light over the mountain

<Auroch> Bah! Whaddya know bout time? yer an axe!

<Gideon> Apparently more then you

<Auroch> Bah!

* Kiran yawns and frowns at the noise

* Auroch looks around at the rest of the group

<Kiran> Damn noisy axe

* Gideon hums proudly

<Auroch> don’t puff up his ego!

<Kiran> that wasn't a compliment

<Auroch> I think 'e was mumbling te me in my sleep!

<Gideon> What ego?  It can't be much bigger then a dragon.

* Auroch grumbles

<Auroch> It's too early te talk bout this

<Auroch> I need food!

<Kiran> So do I. So get hunting!

* Kiran grins at Auroch

<Auroch> Only if ye start the cooking!

* Whillen seems to have returned overnight, after having disappeared for some reason after they killed the dragon. She's sitting on a rock at the edge

  of the clearing, skinning three rabbits she has next to her.

* Kiran mutters about hating to cook but does it

* Auroch whistles, and walks over to her

<Auroch> Hello again

* Kairune wakes up and notices Ver'Dir is gone

<Whillen> Hello again.

* Kairune shrugs

* Whillen smiles at Auroch

<Auroch> Ye missed a good fight

<Whillen> Sorry, I had some... errands to run.

* Zeke growls lightly and goes off limping, in search fo food

* Gideon hums in slight annoyance

<Gideon> Introduce me

<Auroch> hehe, just like a woman

<Auroch> umm, Whillen, this is me axe

<Auroch> His name is Gideon

* Whillen raises an eyebrow

<Gideon> Greetings

<Whillen> Hello...

<Auroch> Ye get used te it, trust me

* Gideon hums pleasantly

<Whillen> More concerned about that "Just like a woman" comment, actually.

* Whillen chuckles

<Auroch> That's just something fer Kiran te hear

<Auroch> It's a joke

* Kiran shoots him a glare

<Gideon> Better be careful or else your going to be wearing that pot of water she's boiling

*** LoneGrelk has joined #roleplaying

<Whillen> Riiiight.  Well, I don't suppose anyone wants rabbit for breakfast?

<Auroch> hehe, good point

* LoneGrelk is not seen by the main group

<Auroch> It's not bacon, but it'll do

* Zeke Sets a few traps here and there, big enough to disable a grelk

<Whillen> Sorry, I didn't find any hogs running about the forest.

<Auroch> hat's okay, I like stew too

<Gideon> What do you mean?  You've got one standing right next to you.

* LoneGrelk walks, into one of the traps, and is impaled by a few sharpened stakes

* Kiran snickers

* Auroch looks around

* Whillen sighs, and hands the prepared rabbits to whoever's cooking.

* Zeke takes out a knife and begins to skin the Grelk

*** LoneGrelk has quit IRC

* Auroch spots Zeke

<Auroch> Is that a... grelk?

* Kiran takes the rabbits and begins to prepare them

<Kiran> Thanks

* Zeke shrugs

<Gideon> Well it isn't a rabbit

* Auroch grumbles, realizing there are downsides to having a talking axe

* Gideon hums

<Whillen> So what's on the agenda today?

* Auroch smells the rabbits Kiran is cooking

* Zeke continues to skin the grelk

<Auroch> hmm, well it'd be nice to get back to town

* Zeke sighs with boredom

<Kiran> And a bath!

* Auroch smells Kiran

<Auroch> Aye

* Zeke chews on a raw strip of meat

<Kiran> Hmph!

<Auroch> I'm teasin', teasin Kiran!

<Kiran> Err Zeke, do you want that cooked?

* Zeke shrugs

* Zeke gnaws on the meat

<Gideon> He's a saris.

<Kiran> They eat raw meat?

<Gideon> Not always

<Gideon> They like to have a variety though

<Zeke> some of us like red meat...

<Gideon> Raw is just as flavorful as cooked with spices

<Zeke> plus it's cheaper than cooked meat

* Kiran makes a face

* Zeke rolls his eyes at the human

<Kiran> Rabbits about done

<Auroch> mmm

<Auroch> can't wait

* Kairune grumbles something about getting back to Delur

<Whillen> Good.  I apologize for not bringing the wine sauce.

* Whillen chuckles

* Kairune spits

* Kiran smiles

<Kiran> That would be tasty!

* Auroch smiles

* Kiran finishes up the cooking and motions for the others to eat

<Kiran> I am not the best cook....

* Kairune is glad that the bard hasn't seem to have returned

* Whillen takes some rabbit

* Auroch rushes over, and gets some rabbit

<Auroch> mmm, sgood

* Kiran jumps out of Aurochs way

<Kiran> How long do you think it will take to get back to town?

<Gideon> A dwarf and his stomach.  Probably one of the few things more dangerous then me

<Whillen> Depends on how full the stomach is.

* Auroch is too busy eating to argue

* Whillen eats

* Kairune takes a peice of raw meat off of the grelk and eats it

<Auroch> needs beer

* Gideon hums a chuckle

<Kiran> Is there anything that doesnt need beer?

* Auroch thinks about that

* Kiran grins and eats

<Gideon> You are talking to a dwarf

<Auroch> hmm, well i think wine doesn't go too well with beer

* Kiran giggles

<Auroch> or rotten eggs!

<Auroch> but that's bout it

<Kiran> Ewww but would you eat rotten eggs or toss em out?

* Zeke leaves the area to scout out the path

<Auroch> don't know, never had em

*** Zeke has quit IRC (Quit: )

<Kiran> We about ready to head out?

<Auroch> Have you noticed, Zeke is a lot quieter now?

* Auroch nods

<Gideon> Ready when the rest of you are

* Kairune grumbles

<Gideon> Not that I have much of a choice

<Whillen> I'm ready.

<Auroch> Bah, what do ye have te get ready? yer an axe!

* Kiran snickers

<Whillen> He probably wants you to polish him.

<Auroch> Aye, I'm ready

* Whillen chuckles

<Auroch> When we get te town

<Gideon> Well that would be nice.  I was stuck in a dragon cave for over 100 years

<Kiran> Let's goooo!

<Auroch> Well first I gotta get some polish!

* Kairune wishes the axe had a mouth so he could shut it

* Auroch starts walking, but doesn't know the way to go

* Gideon wishes Kairune had a life so he could end it

<Kiran> Errr Auroch? Is that the right way?

<Auroch> I don't know; looks okay te me

*** Zeke has joined #roleplaying

* Zeke finds the path to Delur

<Auroch> Zeke, where's the right way?

<Zeke> Come on, this way…

* Auroch follows Zeke

* Kiran follows Zeke

* Zeke points southwest

* Whillen follows Zeke

* Zeke scouts ahead

* Kairune stumbles behind the rest

* Gideon rests in Auroch's belt loop

<Kiran> How long before we get to town?

*** Reiji has joined #roleplaying

* Reiji watches from the shadows

<Zeke> I don't know

*** Reiji has left #roleplaying

* Auroch keeps on walking

* Gideon begins humming a marching tune

* Zeke also keeps on walking

* Kiran follows along, pulling out the book Baal loaned her. While walking she reads it occasionally.

<Auroch> This is a long walk, why'd we ever leave town in the first place?

<Kairune> to kill a dragon

<Gideon> The dragon's hoard.  Where you found me?  Remember?

* Auroch sighs

<Auroch> Yeah, and now I'm stuck with ye

<Whillen> Besides, towns are cramped.

* Zeke growls and runs ahead

<Gideon> Well you could sell me in town

<Auroch> ye want me te sell ye?

<Kairune> Delur is pretty small

<Gideon> Up to you

<Kiran> Melt it

<Auroch> Couldn't get half yer worth!

<Gideon> Now don't start talking murder

<Whillen> Half of 0 is still 0, Auroch.

<Auroch> Aye, I'll not kill me axe

* Whillen smirks

* Auroch grumbles, holding the axe tightly

<Gideon> Hmph and I was actually starting to like the other woman.

*** Zeke has quit IRC

* Kairune groans

<Auroch> I'm just kidding, I'm not gettin rid of ye, yet

<Kairune> where'd cat man go now?

* Kairune looks at the path

* Kiran grins

* Whillen chuckles "What, you can make sarcastic comments but I can't?"

<Gideon> Of course you can I just won't like you anymore

<Kiran> Ohhh a fickle talking axe...

<Whillen> Well, if you can't take your own medicine, fine.

<Gideon> You try living longer then you can remember and see how you like it

<Auroch> How long is that exactly?

<Whillen> Doesn't mean you have to be sarcastic.

* Kiran laughs suddenly, realizing they are arguing with a lump of metal.

<Gideon> You'd be bitter too if people kept talking about melting you down and throwing you off cliffs

* Auroch wonders how much longer it'll be before they get to town

<Kiran> Awww Gideon, we are just teasing you.

<Auroch> They couldn't melt ye if they tried

<Gideon> Not by normal means but it could be possible.

<Auroch> Yeah, but they wouldn't know how

* Auroch trudges with the group for a while, until they can see the outskirts of the town Delur

*** Zeke has joined #roleplaying

<Kiran> Woo town!!!

<Gideon> Hmmm there wasn't a town here 100 years ago

<Auroch> About time!

* Zeke is waiting, leaning on the gates

* Zeke growls slightly

* Kiran rolls her eyes at Zeke

<Auroch> Not much of one here now either

<Kiran> But it has an inn!!

<Kiran> And that inn has ale...

<Auroch> Aye, and a bath

<Auroch> Ale!

* Kiran snickers

<Gideon> What about my polish?

<Kairune> looks like the thought makes him drunk

* Auroch runs excitedly to the gates, remembering the wonderful ambrosia

<Kairune> or act drunk

<Kairune> bah

* Auroch is too busy thinking of beer to worry about polishing an axe

<Kiran> That's how he normally is!

<Gideon> Hrmph

* Baal_Zaahr sitting in the tavern sniffs the air...."Ah a dwarf is near…"

* Whillen heads to the inn to get herself a bath

* Kiran walks into inn and waves towards Baal

* Auroch enters the tavern

<Auroch> Baal!

* Baal_Zaahr looks up to see Kiran

<Baal_Zaahr> Ah, it is about time you returned

*** Barkeep has joined #roleplaying

* Zeke mutters 'scum

* Kiran smiles

* Gideon remembers to keep quite so everyone in the inn doesn’t want to try and steal him

<Auroch> A big mug of ale, Barkeep!

<Baal_Zaahr> I head out for a bit and when I return everyone is gone.

* Kairune sits at the bar

<Kiran> I have a few questions about that book and would like to ask them when I finish with my bath.

* Barkeep fills the largest mug in the bar, and hands it to the dwarf

* Baal_Zaahr nods at Kiran

* Auroch drinks

<Auroch> Ahhhh

* Whillen leaves the room and gets a bath

* Zeke glares about the room at the dirty humans

* Auroch empties the mug, and slams it down

<Auroch> More!

* Barkeep is wary, but he refills the mug

* Baal_Zaahr chuckles at the small dwarf

<Baal_Zaahr> So where did you all head off to this time?

<Auroch> Ahh, well we found the other dragon

* Kiran wanders up to her room and gets cleaned up. She comes back down dressed in a fitted pair of pants and blouse, both a dark blue. Her

  strawberry blond hair is long and hangs to her shoulders.

<Kiran> Back!

<Auroch> That was fast!

* Zeke growls

<Kiran> I am hungry.

* Kiran grins

* Auroch mutters 'for a woman'

<Kiran> I heard that!

* Kiran pokes him in the ribs

<Baal_Zaahr> Ah another dragon.

* Auroch tries to act innocent, but is too drunk

<Kiran> This time I got my armor though.

<Auroch> E!

<Kiran> And a new sword.

<Kiran> Ohh, I found something for you! Be right back.

<Auroch> And I've got a pretty new axe! Gideon, say hi te everyone!

* Gideon remains silent so as not to attract the patrons

* Kiran runs upstairs and grabs the book covered in runes she found in the dragon hoard.

* Auroch stumbles, and falls on the floor

* Kiran sighs

* Baal_Zaahr thinks the dwarf has drunk to much

* Auroch pulls himself up, and grabs his mug

<Kiran> Auroch have a seat at the table.

<Auroch> Why?

<Kiran> You are standing at an angle.

<Kiran> That's why.

* Auroch looks at himself

<Auroch> I am?

* Auroch falls down again, spilling the beer onto the axe

<Kiran> See?

* Gideon hums slightly in annoyance

* Kiran sighs

<Auroch> Oh, sorry

* Baal_Zaahr raises an eyebrow

* Auroch stands back up, and flops down on the table

* Kiran goes over and orders food for herself and Auroch

* Zeke eyes a human female's purse...

<Auroch> Sorry there, Gideon

* Zeke walks up to the stranger

* Kiran grabs Zeke on her way back to the table

<Kiran> Come with me.

* Gideon hums faintly, again in annoyance

* Zeke growls loudly at Kiran

<Zeke> lemme go!

* Whillen comes back downstairs, now quite clean, the only mark on her skin being the tattoo. She sits down at the table with the others, relaxing in

  her chair after the long day's march

<Kiran> Zeke... don't start trouble here.

<Zeke> I can start trouble wherever i want

* Baal_Zaahr pours himself a drink

* Kiran sighs

* Zeke snarls

<Kiran> As you wish.

* Auroch notices he isn't as drunk any more

* Kiran sits down at the table and frowns at Zeke

* Zeke gets free, and notices the patrons are wary of him

* Zeke grumbles

<Kiran> Baal, I found this in the dragon treasure.

* Kiran hands him a book covered with runes.

<Kiran> I can't read it but I thought you might be able to.

<Baal_Zaahr> Ah what to we have here...

* Baal_Zaahr takes the book from Kiran

* Zeke stares suspiciously at Baal

* Baal_Zaahr opens the books and studies it

<Baal_Zaahr> hmm, very strange runes...

<Baal_Zaahr> this book seems quite old

* Kiran nods

<Kiran> That one is pretty, it looks like a sun

* Zeke gets anxious for some reason

* Baal_Zaahr nods

* Baal_Zaahr grins a bit

* Zeke runs over to the table, and slams the book shut on the table, glaring into Baal's eyes

* Kiran jumps

<Kiran> Zeke!

<Zeke> you sicken me, human

* Baal_Zaahr looks up at Zeke

* Baal_Zaahr slowly stands

* Whillen blinks

* Gideon hums faintly in anticipation

<Kiran> Zeke, what is your problem!

* Zeke flashes his war claws in front of Baal's face

* Baal_Zaahr looking deep into Zeke's eyes

<Baal_Zaahr> That was uncalled for

wants to donate to the blood bank?"

* Zeke bores into Baal's eyes with his own stare

<Gideon> *whispers to Auroch* You gona break it up?

<Auroch> Should I?

* Kiran puts a hand on Zeke to try and calm him down

<Kiran> What is wrong Zeke?

<Zeke> humanity is wrong

* Baal_Zaahr looking back at Zeke and then around

* Zeke looks away and jumps into a barstool

<Auroch> What do you mean, humanity is wrong?

* Zeke growls lightly

<Baal_Zaahr> I suggest you remain calm friend, their are no guards in this town....

<Zeke> don’t call me friend, filth

<Kairune> aye, but there are guards..

* Kairune points to himself

<Kairune> and you'd best watch yer tongue, cat man

<Gideon> *whispers to Auroch* Sounds like an open invitation for a fight

<Zeke> is that a threat??

<Auroch> Aye, but what side do we choose?

* Kairune shrugs

<Kiran> MEN!

* Kiran throws up her hands in annoyance

* Baal_Zaahr places a small leaf under his tongue

<Kairune> bah

<Gideon> *whispers to Auroch* Hmmm your call stumpy

* Kiran 's food comes and she promptly ignores the argument while she eats.

<Auroch> Kairune, since yer a guard, shouldn't ye be stoppin this?

<Baal_Zaahr> I suggest we return to what we where doing, if you wish to settle this later we can outside of town

<Kairune> bah

* Auroch sighs

<Kairune> nothin's happened yet

<Auroch> Gideon, do ye have te call me stumpy?

<Gideon> *whispers to Auroch* Don't draw attention to me

<Auroch> but it might

* Baal_Zaahr sit back down and opens the book once again. All the while keeping an eye on Zeke

* Auroch whispers to Gideon "oops, sorry!"

* Zeke contemplates taking the human's wretched eyes out of their sockets

<Kiran> So what does it say Baal?

* Whillen drinks her wine and just watches

<Baal_Zaahr> I am unsure, this looks like one of the ancient writings I have read about

* Kiran shrugs

<Kiran> I have no use for it, so its yours to keep.

<Baal_Zaahr> Perhaps of the Ssslik origin.  They are rumored to use pictures in the writting as we see here

<Kiran> Ohh?

<Kiran> Do you know anyone who can read it?

* Auroch doesn't understand ancient writings, he understands the blade and the beer

<Baal_Zaahr> perhaps, but none are near this town

* Kiran nods

<Kiran> This is a small town.

* Baal_Zaahr chuckles

<Kiran> But good food!

<Baal_Zaahr> ah that it is

* Auroch nods

<Kiran> Here is your book back as well. I haven't finished reading it yet.

* Kiran hands him his book

* Baal_Zaahr takes the book from Kiran and places it back inside the piwafi

<Baal_Zaahr> I hope it was to your liking

<Kiran> A few things confused me.

<Kiran> I know it was about a search for a dagger.

<Kiran> But did you ever find it?

<Baal_Zaahr> no, we are...er I am still looking for it.

<Kiran> We?

<Baal_Zaahr> Ah, a few of us that search the lands for these fine artifacts.

<Kiran> Ahhh

<Kiran> Oh!

<Baal_Zaahr> I believe we talked of them last time we where here

<Kiran> In it, you talked about a plant that had a poison that immobilized people.

* Kiran nods to Baal

<Kiran> Very little of it talked about the cures though…

* Whillen stands up "I think I'm going to get some rest. I haven't been sleeping enough these past few days.

<Whillen> I'll talk to all of you tomorrow.  Good day, everyone.

<Kiran> Good night Whillen

<Baal_Zaahr> ah yes, it is more of an ivy type of plant.  The leaves produce some type of toxin.

<Auroch> Night

* Whillen heads upstairs

*** Whillen has quit IRC

<Kiran> What about a cure for it?

<Baal_Zaahr> When mixed properly with food or a drink it can be very effective

<Baal_Zaahr> A simple laurel leaf

<Kairune> hmm...

<Kairune> oh!

* Kairune grumbles

<Kairune> almost forgot

<Kairune> I have to return to my post

* Kairune spits in annoyance

* Kiran rolls her eyes

* Baal_Zaahr wishes farewell to Kairune

* Kairune waves absently and leaves the bar

<Auroch> Bah! ye've been gone a few days, what's a few more hours?

*** Kairune has quit IRC (Quit: )

<Kiran> Nice duty to job there.

*** Raven has joined #roleplaying

* Raven flies and lands on the barkeep's shoulder

* Barkeep pretends nothing out of the ordinary is happening

* Raven looks around

<Kiran> Hey, its one of those birds again!

* Raven flies away

*** Raven has left #roleplaying

<Auroch> That was strange

* Zeke gets superstitious

<Kiran> A raven has kind of been following us.

* Baal_Zaahr takes a drink

<Zeke> those birds are companions to evil spirits…

<Zeke> the human barely noticed it...

* Auroch tries to remember what ravens mean

* Zeke quiets down, realizing the barkeep would hear him

* Barkeep hears him, but does and says nothing

* Kiran shrugs

<Kiran> It's gone now.

<Auroch> Aye, no reason te worry

* Baal_Zaahr agrees

<Auroch> So whaddya wanna do now?

* Zeke contemplates becoming a bandit again

* Gideon whispers to Auroch "Polish me."

*** Mayor has joined #roleplaying

* Mayor walks in, a raven on his shoulder

<Kiran> Errr

* Mayor looks at the group

<Kiran> Hello...

<Mayor> You must leave...

<Mayor> It is not safe here for you...

* Baal_Zaahr looks up and acts as if nothing is wrong

<Mayor> Leave now, while you still can...

<Kiran> Eh? I paid for the night!

*** QueNihal has joined #roleplaying

* QueNihal hides on the astral plane, looking on

<Mayor> Doomed!

* QueNihal nods

<Kiran> I hate that word...

* Zeke shivers

* Mayor leaves

*** Mayor has left #roleplaying

<Auroch> What did he mean?

* Baal_Zaahr raises an eyebrow

<Kiran> Ummm

<Zeke> humans...

<Zeke> go figure

<Kiran> Well... he said we were doomed...

<Kiran> Leave while we still can...

<Auroch> But why?

<Kiran> Its not safe...

<Zeke> his threats are empty

<Baal_Zaahr> I am sure he is only trying to scare you

* Gideon whispers to Auroch "Feels like the life just got sucked out of this town."

<Kiran> It's working...

<Zeke> human's words mean nothing

<Auroch> Why would he try and scare us with empty threats?

<Zeke> because it's how humans get their power trips

<Auroch> Bah!

<Baal_Zaahr> look at this town my friend, perhaps they wish to keep it small

* Gideon whispers to Auroch "Kiran is talking a lot like the mayor was"

* Auroch whispers back "Aye, and she is human too"

* QueNihal whispers subtly to Kiran... 'Doomed...

<Baal_Zaahr> I would worry none the less about that one

* Kiran jumps and looks around

* Zeke raises an eyebrow

<Kiran> I have a very bad feeling.

* Baal_Zaahr picks up on something, looks around and returns his attention to the group

* Auroch stands up

<Auroch> Maybe we should leave

<Zeke> I'm a saris. my intuition should tell me if there's anything wrong

<Zeke> i don't feel a thing, save the stench of humanity

* Kiran rounds on Zeke

* Zeke growls lightly

<Baal_Zaahr> Ah yes, the saris and their great psionic abilities.

* Zeke glares at Baal

* Zeke detected a bit of sarcasm

* Baal_Zaahr glares back

<Auroch> I trust ye, Zeke

<Kiran> If you can get your head out of your ass and anger long enough you might realize something is happening Zeke!

* Zeke nods at Auroch

<Zeke> nothing is happening

<Auroch> but ye can't say it's all normal!

* QueNihal whispers a calm nothing into Zeke's mind

<Zeke> I don't feel a thing

<Kiran> Then you are blind Zeke

* Auroch is nervous

* Auroch whispers to Gideon "What should we do?"

* Baal_Zaahr looks towards Kiran

<Baal_Zaahr> If you are nervous dear just stay close and all will be fine

* QueNihal screams into Kiran's mind 'DOOMED!!!!!'

* Kiran is looking around the room, frightened

* Gideon whispers back "Your asking an axe. What makes you think I know what to do?"

* Kiran nods towards Baal and then screams

* Auroch whispers "Ye've been around 'for longer than ye can remember'"

<Kiran> We have to leave!!!!!!!

* Baal_Zaahr looks back towards Kiran

* QueNihal attracts a raven, and commands it to land on her shoulder

<Baal_Zaahr> Now what?

* Gideon whispers to Auroch "Find me a target and lets cleave it in two"

<Zeke> …

* Kiran looks at the raven and cries out

* Zeke shakes his head

<Auroch> Aye!

<Zeke> this can't mean anything...

<Kiran> Get it off me!!!

<Gideon> Get that Raven

* Kiran begins swatting at it

* Baal_Zaahr stand up and reaches for the raven

<Auroch> Don't hurt it!

* QueNihal whispers to Kiran 'doomed'

<Kiran> It's too late!! We are all doomed. That man was right!

<Zeke> You're insane

<Auroch> Let's go outside! it's safer there

* Gideon realizes he talked out loud

* Zeke rolls his eyes, and stalks outside

* Kiran runs outside

* Auroch tries to pretend he was the one that spoke

* Auroch runs outside

*** townmob has joined #roleplaying

<Kiran> Uh oh...

* QueNihal is drawn quickly by Kiran's fear

* townmob have ravens on their shoulders

<townmob> Leave...

* Baal_Zaahr stands slowly and follows the rest out the doors and into the streets

<townmob> Not safe...

* Kiran nods to them

<Auroch> Bah!

<Kiran> You are right

* QueNihal whispers to Kiran 'They are doomed... join us…'

<townmob> Doomed!

<townmob> Escape...

* Zeke growls at the humans

<townmob> Impossible

* Baal_Zaahr begins to chuckle a bit

* Zeke spits at them

<Gideon> You need to snap Kiran out of this

<townmob> Doomed!

* Zeke glares and hisses at Baal

* Kiran moves towards the crowd

* Baal_Zaahr grabs Kiran

<Gideon> Don't just stand there stumpy!

<Baal_Zaahr> Where do you think you are going?

* Kiran whimpers

<Auroch> i can't just kill a crowd of people!

<Kiran> To join them

* QueNihal whispers to Kiran 'Doomed... all of them'

<Kiran> We are all doomed

<townmob> Join us

<townmob> Doomed

* Kiran looks blankly at Baal

<Kiran> Can't you see it?

<townmob> Too late...

<townmob> one...

* Gideon melts his form and reshapes into a two handed hammer

<Baal_Zaahr> see what?

<townmob> of...

<townmob> us...

<townmob> now

<Gideon> Knock them out then

<Kiran> I have to go with them.

<Auroch> Kiran! NO!

* QueNihal attempts to inhabit Kiran's mind

<Gideon> Knock her out.

* Auroch runs after Kiran

* townmob surround Kiran

* Kiran walks towards the townspeople

<townmob> One of us now

* QueNihal works his way through her psyche

* Baal_Zaahr grab a hold of Kiran and begins to shake her a bit

<Gideon> Why dosen't anyone listen to me?

<Baal_Zaahr> Snap out of it Kiran

* Kiran stares at Baal

<Auroch> fine, I'll knock some of em out!

* QueNihal is strengthened by the turmoil Baal causes

* Auroch swings Gideon back and forth, knocking some of the townsfolk out

* QueNihal settles down into the back of Kiran's mind, and sleeps

* Baal_Zaahr looks around at the others

* townmob swarm the dwarf

* Zeke runs toward the townmob

<Auroch> Aaahh!

* Zeke slashes at them with his war claw

* Baal_Zaahr begins to chant

* townmob swarm Zeke

* Zeke pushes a few back with psionics

* Gideon melts his form and makes a shell of metal around the dwarf

* Baal_Zaahr watches as the hands of several undead grab hold of the mob's legs

<Gideon> Good thing your small

<Auroch> Can't... breathe!

* Kiran turns towards the townspeople again

<Gideon> Oh right

* Gideon opens an air hole

<Auroch> Ahhh

<Auroch> Thanks!

* Kiran watches as something breaks free inside her mind

* Auroch stands, pummeled by the townsfolk

* Kiran stumbles

* Baal_Zaahr looks at the mob and speaks.

* QueNihal allows Kiran momentary control

<townmob> Noo!

<Baal_Zaahr> I suggest you stand back and return her to us now!

<Zeke> she's one of them

<townmob> Too late... human... ours

* Kiran looks around and cries out

* Baal_Zaahr begins to chant once again.

<Baal_Zaahr> L'alurl gol zhah elghinyrr gol

* QueNihal commands his townspeople to swarm Baal

* Baal_Zaahr pulls his hands together and begins to encircle a small orb

* townmob swarm Baal

* townmob pummel Baal

* Gideon reforms back into the two handed hammer once the townspeople are away from Auroch

* Baal_Zaahr keeps up the ritual until a large orb forms

<Auroch> All right!

* Auroch runs into the crowd, knocking some of them out

*** Barkeep has left #roleplaying

* Kiran regains her own mind and charges towards the people mobbing Baal

*** Raven swarm ([email protected]) has joined #roleplaying

<Baal_Zaahr> L'alurl gol zhah elghinyrr gol

* Raven swarm fly in the air

<Raven swarm> Caw! Caw! CAW!

<Kiran> Inside!!!

* Baal_Zaahr flings the orb at one of the mob

<Kiran> Get inside!!

* Zeke spits

<Zeke> I can take this filth

<Auroch> Aye, so can I!

<Zeke> these filth rather

*** Raven swarm has left #roleplaying

<Gideon> Nice knowing you then Zeke

* Zeke slashes at a few more

* Zeke ignores the axe

* Auroch knocks more unconscious

* Zeke notices the blackened blood coming out of the people

* Baal_Zaahr watches as the orb enters one of the mob folk and the explode

* Kiran gasps and runs for the inn

<Gideon> Come on back inside the inn before the Raven's peck you to death

* Zeke witnesses Baal's display of dark magic and is appalled

<Auroch> Don't kill them!!!

<Zeke> eh??

<Zeke> they're corrupted!

<Zeke> look at their blood

<Auroch> That orb! It's killing them!

* Zeke gasps

<Gideon> Argue later run now!

* Auroch sees the blood

* Zeke runs toward the inn

<Auroch> why's it black?

* Auroch follows into the inn

<Gideon> RUN stumpy!

<Baal_Zaahr> ever see blood boil

*** Barkeep has joined #roleplaying

* Baal_Zaahr begins to run towards the inn

<Gideon> Bar the door

* Auroch gets inside

* Kiran runs inside

* QueNihal curses at the loss of the demon infested townsfolk

* Gideon forms into a solid metal bar

* Auroch bars the door once everyone's inside

<Auroch> keep them out, Gideon!

<Barkeep> Too late...

<Kiran> Umm what about the backdoor?

<Gideon> I can't hold forever.  The door will eventual snap

* townmob breaks through the back door, and the windows

* QueNihal creeps up into Kiran's conscious mind...

<townmob> Grr, brains

<Gideon> Ok bad move.  Pick me up again Auroch

* Kiran gets a blank look

* QueNihal makes her take her swrod

* Auroch picks the axe up

* QueNihal attacks Baal

* Baal_Zaahr begins to feed off of the terror in the tavern

* QueNihal 'doomed'

<Gideon> Your gona have to kill them

* Kiran turns to Baal to attack him

<Auroch> all of them?

* Baal_Zaahr begins a mental struggle with QueNihal

<Auroch> What bout Kairune? Where's he?

* Gideon returns to his axe form, tired of all the changing

* QueNihal realizes he was detected, and takes a stronger hold over Kiran's body

<Kiran> We are all doomed...

* QueNihal attempts to bind himself to her

<Auroch> Kairune? What happened to him?

<QueNihal> you will have to kill her to be rid of me

* Baal_Zaahr looks at the Saris

<Zeke> what??

<Zeke> I’m busy

<Baal_Zaahr> Well you posses the psionic abilities what is with her

* Zeke fights off some villagers

<Zeke> nothing as far as I can tell

* Auroch kills a few villagers

<Zeke> she's one of them

<Baal_Zaahr> L'elend zhah alurl

<Zeke> must have been one of them all along

* Zeke still under suggestion by Que'Nihal

* Baal_Zaahr watches as the shadows within the bar come alive and aid the small group of adventurers

* QueNihal commands Kiran to kill Baal

* Baal_Zaahr mumbles "some abilities"

* Kiran tries to fight the command

* QueNihal begins to corrupt her blood

* Kiran raises her sword to attack Baal

<Auroch> Stop!

* QueNihal whispers 'do it… or be damned'

<Gideon> You are pathetic Zeke.  I've never seen someone who won't even try.

<Kiran> I am damned

<Zeke> I"m fighting these damn zombies

<Zeke> isnt that enough??

* Baal_Zaahr thinks of something

<Auroch> We can't fight with ourselve!

<Gideon> Not when you can do more!

* Auroch kills more townsfolk

* Kiran strikes out towards Baal

<Baal_Zaahr> Kiran fight it..

<Zeke> I can't!

* Baal_Zaahr dodges most of the attack

<Gideon> Then you lost before you started

* Kiran tries to stop the attack

they act

* Baal_Zaahr looks down as some blood drips from his arm

<Gideon> Do you give up on everything you do so easily?

<Zeke> shut up

* Zeke slashes a few more villagers

* Baal_Zaahr looking back at Kiran

<Auroch> They're too many!

*** Kairune has joined #roleplaying

<Auroch> Kairune!

* Kairune rushes in to see the massacre

<Baal_Zaahr> Come now you can fight it...think of the times we spent talking of the bookd

<Kairune> what is going on here?!

<Baal_Zaahr> er book

<Auroch> yer people!

* Kiran fights against the demon, her attack towards Baal is haphazard at best

<Auroch> they've gone crazy!

<Kairune> You're murderers!!

* QueNihal sends waves of pain through Kiran

<Auroch> they're trying te kill us!

* Baal_Zaahr tries to dodge the attacks and succeeds at most

* Kiran struggles to say something and then cringes in pain

* Baal_Zaahr looks down to see the wound in his arm in now larger

* QueNihal takes control of her hands and points them outward toward Baal

<Kiran> Make... it... go... away....

* QueNihal lets a few bolts of psionic energy fly toward the necromancer

* Baal_Zaahr stumbles back as he his hit the the energy

* Kairune rushes to where Zeke is killing villagers and tries to engage him

<Zeke> What the...

<Auroch> This is madness!

<Baal_Zaahr> How the hell did a human get psionic abilities?

* Kairune slashes Zeke on the head with his short sword.

* Zeke falls

* Baal_Zaahr regains his foothold and stand up

* Auroch rushes to protect Zeke

<Gideon> Well it was good being your weapon for awhile Auroch but it looks like this is hopeless

* Baal_Zaahr regains his foothold and stand up

* Kiran stares at Baal

<Auroch> Aye!

* QueNihal keeps Kiran pinned to the ground.

<Auroch> What can we do?

<Gideon> Keep slashing

<Kiran> Get... it… out… of me!

<Kairune> Die murderers!!

* Kiran struggles

<Barkeep> Stop, it is time to stop all

<Kairune> huh?

* Baal_Zaahr looks around and begins a search into the mind of the female human

* Townmob stop attacking

<Baal_Zaahr> Fight it my dear

<Baal_Zaahr> remember of the creatures we talked about.

* QueNihal suddenly jumps out of Kiran's mind and enters Baal's through the psionic link

* Kiran tries to fight off the demon

<Baal_Zaahr> I know you can remember

* Kiran screams

<Auroch> Kairune, there is more going on than you can understand

* Kairune looks confused

* Baal_Zaahr feels the presence of something enter his mind

<Kiran> DEMON!!!

* Auroch points to Kiran

* QueNihal tries to close off Baal's conscious mind and enter a nightmare

<Auroch> see?

<Kairune> I see you've all gone nuts

* Baal_Zaahr stands still for a few moments

<Kairune> it was bound to happen sooner or later…

<Auroch> Aye, this whole town's gone nuts!

<Kiran> It was a demon! It’s not in me now

* Auroch grumbles

<Kiran> But it was!

* Kiran stands up and faces Baal

<Gideon> Gah!  Explaining something to Kairune is like trying to get blood from a turnip

* Baal_Zaahr begins to focus on his training as a young necromancer and the conditioning he went through

<Auroch> Gideon! We can't argue with ourselves right now!

* QueNihal tries to tempt Baal with images of bloodlust and carnage...

* QueNihal stirs the necromancer's inner beast

* Auroch looks at Baal, wondering...

<Kiran> It's in him!

* QueNihal lets the necromancer's hunger grow

* Kiran points to Baal

<Baal_Zaahr> Sargh lueth kyona phuul dro'xundus

<Auroch> Then if we killed him, the demon would die?

<Gideon> No

<Kiran> No!

<Gideon> It would just reform on the astral in a weakened state

<Auroch> Zeke was right, there's something unholy about Baal

* Baal_Zaahr begins to stumble around the tavern a bit

* Kiran goes to help Baal

<Kiran> Your turn to fight it Baal

* QueNihal leaves Baal's body, knowing that his hunger would triumph

<Auroch> then how can we stop him?

* Baal_Zaahr falls to the floor

* QueNihal appears as a blackened cloud

<QueNihal> fools

<Gideon> Beat him in the astral

<Auroch> But how do we get there?

* Kiran bends down to help Baal

<Gideon> Your mind

* Kiran points to the cloud

<Kiran> Look!!

<QueNihal> you cannot defeat me on my own terms

<QueNihal> not even in your own world

<QueNihal> give in to the despair

* Baal_Zaahr looks up at Kiran and whispers..."The small pouch of herbs...get it for me..."

<Gideon> Your pathetic

* Baal_Zaahr points to his piwafi

<Gideon> You can't even fight a battle on your own

* Kiran nods to Baal and gets his piwafi and the pouch in it

<Gideon> What's the matter demon?  Your body to ugly to actually use?

<Auroch> Aye, we can take ye on this plane or the astral!

<QueNihal> I have no body

<QueNihal> bodies are for the weak minded

<QueNihal> is that so, dwarf?

<Gideon> Yeah.  Threw it away because you looked in the mirror and saw how ugly Khan made you

<Auroch> Aye, Bring it on!!!

<QueNihal> perhaps you'd like the opportunity to prove it

* QueNihal laughs at Gideon

<Auroch> I'm not afraid of ye!

* QueNihal shifts the dwarf into his sanctuary within the astral plane

* Baal_Zaahr takes the pouch from Kiran and removes a small paste and applies it to his wounds and then replaces the piwafi over his body

* Auroch is momentarily confused

<Kiran> I am so sorry Baal.

<Auroch> Come out an fight!

* Kiran turns to see Auroch disappearing

<Kiran> Auroch!!

* Baal_Zaahr whispers to Kiran

* Baal_Zaahr whispers to Kiran

<Baal_Zaahr> It is ok

* Kiran offers her hand to Baal

* Baal_Zaahr slowly makes his way back to his feet

<Kiran> We have to help Auroch

* Auroch swings Gideon menacingly

* Baal_Zaahr takes Kiran's hand

<Gideon> Calm down Auroch

<Gideon> Feel him with your mind

* QueNihal makes mirrors appear all around Auroch

<Auroch> It's hard te calm down!

* Auroch stops, and slows his breathing

<Gideon> I've seen worse opponents on the bottom of warrior's boots

* Auroch looks at all the mirrors

<Kiran> We have to help Auroch!

<Auroch> Gideon, guide me!

* Baal_Zaahr agrees with Kiran

<Gideon> I'm a weapon.  You are the guide

<Auroch> fine!

* Auroch swings the axe towards a mirror

* Auroch shatters it

<Gideon> Better try harder.

* QueNihal confuses the dwarf by shattering all the mirrors and appearing in a corporeal form

* QueNihal attacks Auroch

* Auroch blocks the attack

<Auroch> Yer not real!

* Gideon glows brightly

<Auroch> Yer just playin with me mind!

* Auroch imagines huge vines behind the demon

* QueNihal continues to slash at Auroch but misses

* Auroch sees the vines appear, wrapping themselves around the demon

<Auroch> Aha!

<QueNihal> aaaaahhhhhh…

<Auroch> I've figured out yer tricks!

* QueNihal is bound to the astral plane, unable to break free

<Auroch> Me mind can imagine stuff too!

* QueNihal Auroch is dispelled from the illusion

<Kiran> Auroch!

* Auroch is back in the tavern

<Auroch> Kiran!

*** QueNihal has quit IRC

*** Kairune has quit IRC

* Baal_Zaahr looking towards Auroch

<Gideon> What?  I don't get a welcome back?

* Kiran grins

*** Kairune has joined #roleplaying

<Kiran> Welcome back Gideon!

<Baal_Zaahr> Ah welcome back friend, are you alright?

<Auroch> Are ye me friend?

<Auroch> I think he's gone for now

* Zeke groans, and grasps the gash on his head

* Kiran sighs and bends down to help Zeke

<Auroch> Zeke, yer hurt again?

* Kairune sits down at the bar, dumbfounded

<Zeke> It's… nothing

<Auroch> It's a gaping head wound!

<Kiran> You groaned. It's more than nothing.

* Baal_Zaahr sits down and begins to tend to his wounds.

* Zeke fumbles around for something to bandage his wound

* Zeke growls at Baal

* Gideon hums and notices all the townspeople that died

* Kiran smacks his hand away and bandages his wound up.

<Zeke> get away

* Baal_Zaahr glares at the saris

<Zeke> both of you

<Kiran> Zeke... shut up.

* Auroch mumbles to Zeke "I don't trust Baal any more"

*** townmob has left #roleplaying

*** Barkeep has left #roleplaying

* Kiran binds up Zeke’s wounds

* Zeke whispers to Auroch "We should've listened to Serieth in the first place"

* Kiran walks over to Baal

<Kiran> Are you okay?

* Zeke growls

* Baal_Zaahr wonders who Zeke is talking to while he attends to his own wounds

* Auroch whispers "Aye, but what can we do now?"

* Baal_Zaahr nods

* Zeke sends to Auroch "find out who he really is"

<Baal_Zaahr> I shall be

* Auroch whispers "Okay, I'll try"

<Kiran> Again I am sorry. I would never attack you. That demon did it.

* Auroch walks over to Kairune

* Baal_Zaahr grinning a bit

<Baal_Zaahr> I know... I know

<Kairune> what the hell happened?

<Auroch> Kairune, I'm sorry about all this

<Kairune> half the town is dead

<Kiran> Speaking of which... I've come to another conclusion.

<Auroch> They just swarmed us, and started attacking us

<Kairune> and now you're talking like nothing happened!!

<Auroch> Oh?

<Kiran> Having a demon inside you is just as bad as coming face to face with a dragon.

<Kiran> Neither of which I want to do again.

<Auroch> No, ye don't need te fear a dragon

<Zeke> Oh, so you admit that dragons are scary, do you?

* Baal_Zaahr grabs his side and he chuckles a bit

* Kiran glares at Zeke

<Zeke> and here you were calling me a coward for expressing my fears in a healthy manner

<Auroch> Listen Kairune, we're not trying to act like nothing happened

<Kiran> Healthy manner? You cowered and hid!

<Zeke> I came forth when the situation demanded

* Baal_Zaahr looking towards Zeke

<Baal_Zaahr> and yet you could not sense the presence of a demon?

<Baal_Zaahr> even with your abilities..

<Zeke> I can't explain it! maybe my psionics aren’t good enough

* Auroch walks toward Baal with an open wound, the smell of blood in the air

<Kiran> Auroch! You are bleeding!

<Auroch> It’s not much

<Auroch> Just... enough

<Kiran> Eh? Just enough for what?

<Auroch> Never mind, my dear

* Kiran looks at Baal and then Auroch

<Gideon> Just enough to make him bleed is all.

<Auroch> ... Aye... That's it

<Kiran> Let's get you bandaged up Auroch.

* Baal_Zaahr raises an eyebrow as he realizes the axe is talking

<Auroch> I'm fine!

<Zeke> ugh...

* Kiran glares at Auroch

<Zeke> have Baal do it…

<Zeke> he's the healer…

<Auroch> hmm, good idea

<Auroch> Baal, would ye heal me wound?

* Baal_Zaahr removes his pouch and a small vile

<Kiran> Baal did help save me Auroch....

<Auroch> Aye... so?

* Zeke tries to detect Baal's reaction to the blood

<Baal_Zaahr> he take this, I believe you will remember it's abilities from the last time

<Baal_Zaahr> er here

* Auroch holds his wounded arm up to Baal

<Auroch> please, apply it yerself

* Baal_Zaahr chuckles

<Auroch> I know ye'd do a better job

<Zeke> he's weak

<Kiran> Auroch you are being silly.

<Zeke> it's not funny

<Baal_Zaahr> you..you must drink it.

* Auroch reaches his arm to get the vial, putting the wound close to Baal's face

* Baal_Zaahr ponders if the dwarf forgot about the others he gave to him just before the battle with the dragon

* Auroch isn't subtle

* Auroch remembers the other potions

<Baal_Zaahr> here take this

<Auroch> Thank ye

* Baal_Zaahr returns to the bandaging of his own wounds

* Auroch drinks the potion

* Baal_Zaahr removes another vile of orange potion and drinks it himself

<Kiran> Auroch? Will you get me some water please?

<Auroch> Okay

* Auroch gets some water from the bar

* Zeke feels uneasy about Baal, but he gave no indication of being a vampire or wanting any blood.

* Auroch gives it to Kiran

* Kiran leans into Baal while no one is around and whispers "I felt you in my mind"

* Zeke shrugs

<Kiran> Thank you Auroch.

<Auroch> No problem

* Auroch walks to Zeke

* Kiran takes the water and drinks it

* Auroch whispers "What do you think we should do?"

* Baal_Zaahr leans towards Kiran and whispers…"Are you sure it was not the demon?"

* Zeke sends to Auroch 'based on what he did when you put your arm up to his face; I doubt he's a vampire… But he's still a necromancer.. I don't

  trust him

* Kiran smiles "I can tell the difference between a hate filled presence versus someone trying to help"

* Auroch whispers "Aye, good point."

* Baal_Zaahr looking around the bar

* Zeke sends to Auroch 'but he does enjoy the bloodlust we witness while traveling with us...

* Auroch whispers "Aye, he's a strange one"

* Baal_Zaahr stands up and makes his way to a table

* Kiran notices the carnage for the first time

<Auroch> Should we clean this up?

<Kiran> Oh gods...

* Zeke sends to Auroch 'The way he dispatched the villagers is just evil and ... disgusting

<Gideon> It's the least we could do.  We did kill them all

* Auroch whispers "Aye, that was... wrong"

<Kairune> I didn’t kill nobody

<Auroch> Easy fer ye te say, ye aren't gonna be picking them up!

<Kairune> I have a right mind to kill the lot of ye

* Baal_Zaahr glares at Kairune

<Gideon> Then you would be just like us

* Kiran looks around, horrified at the scene

<Baal_Zaahr> What where we suppose to do then? Let them kill us?

* Auroch groans

<Kairune> You could've run

<Auroch> They swarmed us!

<Gideon> And left Kiran behind yes we could

<Kairune> it was your choice

<Baal_Zaahr> if we had run the Kiran would have perished

<Gideon> Just as you have yours now

* Kiran mutters "me dying would have been preferable to all of them dying"

* Baal_Zaahr stands up and approaches Kairune

<Kairune> I take my leave now. I'll not travel with the likes of you

<Gideon> Are you so sure Kiran?

<Baal_Zaahr> I do not know how you deal with friend but I do not let mine die

<Gideon> You know what that demons mind is like

<Gideon> They were all under a similar state

* Kiran nods towards Gideon

<Gideon> Would it be better if they stayed like that for eternity?

<Auroch> For what it's worth, I'm sorry Kairune

<Kiran> I guess not.

<Kairune> Well, whether you were in the right or not. we'll have rebuilding to do here

<Auroch> Aye

<Kairune> I'll expect you out of town as soon as possible

<Auroch> Can i help?

<Gideon> Half the town is now free from the influence.  We aren't heros but we aren't villains

* Baal_Zaahr looking around

<Kairune> the villagers wont take kindly to your story, i think

<Baal_Zaahr> Let them stay I shall leave, seeing I was the one to kill them

<Kiran> No Baal

* Baal_Zaahr looking back towards Kiran

<Kiran> We all stick together.

<Auroch> But they were there! They saw it!

<Gideon> I killed a good many of them as well.  You could blame me and say I possessed everyone.

* Auroch groans, weary

<Baal_Zaahr> Let me leave, I am use to the hard life of a necromancer

<Gideon> They might just believe that

<Gideon> They can't hurt me anyway

<Kairune> I wouldn't ask you to do that

<Kiran> If we all skulk out singly it would make us look guilty

<Baal_Zaahr> As I said before none understand our ways

<Auroch> I cannot run from my actions, that would be cowardly

<Kiran> We did what we did in self defense.

<Auroch> I have killed... and I have a responsibility now

<Kiran> The ones alive will remember the feel of the demon in them.

<Kiran> I do.

<Kairune> where are the alive ones?

* Kairune looks around

* Baal_Zaahr makes his way towards the door, turning back he tosses a small pouch toward Kairune...

<Gideon> Probably gone back to their homes

<Kiran> Baal!

<Kairune> I doubt they would speak up

<Baal_Zaahr> here that should help in some of the repairs.

<Kairune> they'd likely get burned

<Kiran> You don't have to leave.

* Baal_Zaahr begins to chant

<Baal_Zaahr> L'alurl khalus abbil zhah dosstan

<Gideon> If it makes you feel better Kairune we did knock out quite a few of them before we had to start killing them

<Auroch> Kairune, all the gold ye'll need te pay fer repairs ye can find in the cave with the dead dragon

<Kairune> there’s a small inquisition stronghold in these parts. Word would spread quickly and our entire town would be wiped out

* Baal_Zaahr steps out of the tavern as two shades take their place by his side. Looking to them...

<Baal_Zaahr> Let us leave, if they wish to blame us then let us die fighting.

* Kiran runs out after Baal

<Auroch> Would ye fight more innocents?

<Kiran> Thank you.

<Kiran> You helped me when no one else knew how.

<Auroch> Kairune, I feel I have te help somehow

<Kairune> you'll have to leave then, and take your story of demons with you

<Kairune> we can't have that kind of trouble here

<Auroch> Is there nothing else I can do?

<Baal_Zaahr> Yes but the ways of my kin are not welcomed

* Kiran shrugs

<Kairune> if what you said is true, you've done more than enough

<Auroch> It is, but I wish I could do more

* Kairune shrugs

<Kiran> Wait for me please. I think we are all going to leave.

<Auroch> Well goodbye Kairune, I hope it goes well for you and your town

* Kairune nods

* Kairune grumbles as he leaves

* Auroch leaves the inn

*** Kairune has quit IRC

* Zeke leaves the inn

<Auroch> Kiran! Wait up!

* Zeke follows Auroch

* Kiran turns to Auroch and smiles

<Auroch> Yer me friend, whatever we face ahead of us, we face it together

<Gideon> You might want to leave a note for that other woman.  I think she slept through the entire thing

* Kiran grins at Auroch

<Kiran> I will do it.

<Kiran> I have to get my things.

<Auroch> Hurry

* Kiran runs inside, leaves teh note under her door and grabs her belongings and meets them all back outside

<Kiran> Fast!

* Baal_Zaahr watches from a distance as the group heads back in and then heads out into the forest

<Gideon> Zeke!  You coming?

<Zeke> yeah...

<Gideon> I gotta have someone to insult on the road

* Kiran laughs

* Zeke growls

* Auroch looks at the town as they leave, and thinks that it was a tragedy what happened, but he had to wonder why the demon used the ravens to control the people

<Gideon> I still never got my metal polish

<Auroch> In the next town, me axe

* Zeke hands Auroch some crude oil

* Zeke snickers

<Kiran> We will find a lake and dunk you in it.

<Auroch> Bah!

<Gideon> Hmph

<Auroch> So where to now?

<Zeke> hmm…

<Gideon> Just wait till I get a good polish.  I'll shine so bright it'll blind you.

* Baal_Zaahr once he realized he was a safe distance from the small group he sends them all a message..."The next time we meet it shall on my terms…"

* Zeke shivers

* Auroch is angry

* Kiran grins

<Auroch> The liar!

<Auroch> The scoundrel!

<Kiran> Liar or not, he helped me.

<Auroch> The monster!

* Zeke nods

<Zeke> he's evil

<Auroch> But can we trust him again?

<Kiran> He could have let me die.

<Gideon> Calm down stumpy.  You'll burst a vessel

* Auroch pants

<Kiran> But he didn't.

<Zeke> it would've been a waste of organs in his eyes

<Zeke> perhaps he's saving you for later

<Gideon> That's always possible....

<Kiran> No it wouldn't have. He could have harvested them.

<Auroch> Regardless Kiran, I wouldn't trust him again

<Zeke> not in front of us

* Kiran shrugs

<Gideon> Maybe he likes you

* Kiran turns to Zeke and punches him in the stomach.

* Zeke groans

* Zeke growls at Kiran viciously

<Zeke> you are deluded huuman

<Kiran> Now, we are even.

<Zeke> I've never hit you

<Kiran> Not with your hands but with words you did.

<Zeke> whatever..

* Baal_Zaahr once deep into the forest the necromancer turns to his shade...."Tell the others to meet me here and we shall take up the search once

  again…This time we have a saris to feast upon.."

* Kiran sighs

<Kiran> I was looking forward to a soft bed too.

<Auroch> Aye, but it'll have te wait fer later

* Zeke growls

* Kiran snickers and pokes Zeke

<Kiran> He is pretty soft.

<Kiran> he might work.

<Zeke> !

<Zeke> No I’m not

<Zeke> I'm a warrior!

* Zeke growls

* Kiran grins and winks at Zeke

<Auroch> Bah! Maybe Gideon can make something

<Gideon> Oh sure a metal pillow

<Gideon> Real comfortable

* Zeke snickers

<Auroch> Well it couldn't hurt!

<Gideon> Yes, yes it could.

<Auroch> hehe

<Gideon> I say you use Zeke

* Zeke growls

<Zeke> you'd get hairballs

<Gideon> I'll change into some manacles and you can tie him down

<Auroch> I say we find some nice trees

<Auroch> and lots of grass

* Zeke nods

<Kiran> I've slept in trees before.

* Zeke loves grass and trees

<Auroch> Not in the trees!

<Auroch> Bah! That's crazy!

* Kiran grins

<Kiran> It's safe when traveling alone.

<Zeke> It's easy, Auroch. and pretty safe

<Auroch> I don't think so, I need te feel the ground!

* Zeke shrugs

<Auroch> I'll stay on the floor

<Gideon> Almost as crazy as a talking axe

<Kiran> I do believe hell has frozen over, Zeke and I agreed on something.

* Auroch laughs

* Zeke snickers slightly

* Auroch sees a comfortable place to sleep for the night

* Baal_Zaahr off in the distance as night falls the young necro begins to prepare for battle.

* Kiran sees where Auroch is heading and nods

<Zeke> Zeke finds a comfortable branch to perch on, and falls asleep.

<Kiran> At least its not a cave floor!

<Auroch> Bah!

* Kiran curls up next to Auroch and falls asleep

* Auroch goes to sleep on the forest floor, Gideon keeping watch