Kevin's Watch

as soon as the "R" is said in front of the inscribed stone, the stone slide to the right and you can see a dark tunnel in front of you.

[ooc] for Tanya: Solana doesn't have an opal in the mouth [/ooc]

[ooc] am i losing requests that someone did to me? i had a very busy day at work so i don't have all in mind.

About your level up. You should tell me how you want to progress in the class for each of your characters[/ooc]


Balpur says
"oh... i don't care about the money, i will give my part to Arael, he needs the money to rebuild his farm..."

"Thanks littel goblin, i appreciate your gift"
Arael takes 100gp
"those will be much more than we need to rebuild the farm and i can buy something that my father needs, like more work horses and cows."
He smiles.

as soon as the "R" is said in front of the inscribed stone, the stone slide to the right and you can see a dark tunnel in front of you.

After a moment of surprise from the opening of the hidden passage, Renard looks over at Tänya. His look of surprise mixes briefly with a look which may be interpreted as 'miffed', wondering if he spent all that concentration on the poem for it to be solved by a pirate imitation. ---
--- then bursts out laughing!

"Well done, beautiful light of Solaris, you are truly a wonder."

Renard looks in to the depths of the dark tunnel beyond and sighs. "Companions, I will confess to be feeling a little --- mauled at the moment. If you think it prudent in this situation to go rest our weary bones at the comfort of the inn for a few hours, we may all benefit from it. What say you?"

Tänya looks Arael directly in the eyes.

"Are you not thinking of coming with us then? You will need more coin to outfit yourself properly, on top of the expense of rebuilding the farm...

"I will gladly take another 37 gold. But maybe we can pool this extra together. Perhaps Solana would prefer to pull a cart we can all ride in...

"...should we decide to stick together..."

She casts a curious glance around the group.

As the tunnel opens, her instinct is to immediately dart inside and search. But, her common sense revolted against that idea. You are exhausted, and need healing yourself. Not to mention the others are all also hurt. Renard, and possibly Atrus, should ride Solana back, if you can convince them to climb up on her. Admit it, as large as she is, that may be an intimidating thought to them...

So, first things first. Head back to the church. This tunnel will either stay open, or will reopen by saying "Arrr!!!" again, she giggled to herself.

Adressing the others once more she spoke some of her thoughts aloud, "Wow, this tunnel tempts me. But I am with Renard. I am really, really tired and wish to seek the healing of the clerics at the church. I, for one, am willing to come back tomorrow, after a good night's rest and healing, and a visit to the market."

Turning to Renard and Atrus she says, "Gentlemen. Solana appears to be in as good of health as I have ever seen her. But I will admit I am not all that much a challenge for her. Would you two agree to ride her back to the church, so I can observe her to gauge her strength?

"I will be glad to lead her in front, and," thinking of the innate curiosity she had already observed in the bard, "perhaps tell some tales of the g-ds, if anyone would like to listen..."

Turning to Renard and Atrus she says, "Gentlemen. Solana appears to be in as good of health as I have ever seen her. But I will admit I am not all that much a challenge for her. Would you two agree to ride her back to the church, so I can observe her to gauge her strength?

"I will be glad to lead her in front, and," thinking of the innate curiosity she had already observed in the bard, "perhaps tell some tales of the g-ds, if anyone would like to listen..."

Flitting a hesitant look between Tänya and Solana. It may be observed that Renard regards the horse with a fair bit of awe. Then with a bow, I will concede the honour of Solana to the brave warrior" ---a nod to Atrus--- "And I have faith that the gifts of Solaris have given strength to your companion. But I will cherish any stories you have to tell, for stories are a precious gift for those who wish to listen."

Eyes flashing in her regard of the bard, Tänya adroitly reminds him, "You are barely conscious, good sir. Solana is quite gentle with me at her lead, and even without, as long as she knows I approve of her passengers. Please, reconsider."

[ooc]and I shall remind you that you barely have positive HP...[/ooc]

*glare*

Renard wrote:”OWhh, one minute I am leaping across a creek and throwing flaming oil at a bear, and the next this flaming-bear is nigh-on raping me"

Grinning widely at the battered bard Atrus speaks, "Perhaps he thought you were courting it!" He walks over to the wall where the root system has been carved in. Inspecting it closely, he takes out a piece of chalk and begins to draw in the top part of the large tree, connecting to the root system. "Perhaps the twin is the missing piece of the symbol?" he says to his companions. Shrugs, and turns back to his work.

Grinning widely at the battered bard Atrus speaks, "Perhaps he thought you were courting it!"

Acknowledging Atrus' joke with a wide grin, Renard replies, "My good Atrus, if I was endeavoring to court it, we would be married and have a brood by now." <wink>

[ooc]and I shall remind you that you barely have positive HP...[/ooc]

[ooc] hey don't you out-of-character remind me of my character's hp! [/ooc]

Clearing his throat, Renard leans close to Tänya and whispers something (PM). Then smiles and offers his arm to the comely elf. Why not just accompany me personally." <playful smile>

Thonunian looks over at Tänya and the bard.

"Although I would like to be healed before going down this tunnel, I also believe that it would be prudent to find out as much as we can about the powers of your staff. If it can heal, I believe we should spare the kind priests from as much trouble as possible..."

Especially since I am not sure that the old man was right in assuring us that the priests will not charge for this healing...

"...I also think that if we are to be traveling together, we ought to know at least how much healing we can depend on from our party."

He then looks at Balpur and Arael. "Although I am glad to see people so selfless, I am not sure that it is a good idea to take so little. The Druid had a sound point about your need for equipment, farmer. However, if you do not wish to come with us, I can not think of anything worth pooling the money for. I suggest those of us who want it split the extra, but agree to hold on to it in case we do find something worthwhile."

He turns back to the tunnel, and examines it closely. [ooc]Listen and Spot checks please.[/ooc] He looks at the party, and then says "Even if we can be healed by this staff, I believe we ought to rest anyway, since some of us need to replenish our power. The staff may regain power over time as well."

Looking at the Druid and Bard he queried "Do you not agree?"

*deep breath*

"Thonunian," Tänya replies, voice dripping with icicles, "what my staff can and can not do is none of your business. Let alone the fact that I am only learning about it for myself now. Leave the details of it to me. I promise I will do all that I can to help the party, should they need it and no other opportunity for others to assume some of its abilities, such as clerics at a nearby church, be present."

Turning to the bard, her countenance grows sterner. "This does not mean I will willingly heal a party member who collapses after refusing to ride when he can barely walk," with icicles continuing to drip in her tone. "The fighter is weakened, but not as weak as you..."

Her eyes narrowing, she takes the proffered elbow and sighs deeply. "Yes, all right. I will personally accompany you..."

*gritting teeth*

"...on the back of my horse..."

And taking a firm grip with her other hand, she brings the unwilling bard next to Solana's near side (i.e., left) and begins the process of introducing him to her.

As the bard familiarizes himself with the blonde Avelignese, Tänya leans in so she barely touches him, and whispers something back to him...

Arael speaks to Tanya
"I had a visit a night before the dead animals come. I was in my bedroom when a strange metallic creature appeared to me. He said that the gods is watching me and that i have to follow my blood to please them."
He takes a pause
"i think i have to answer the calling... i feel that is the right thing to do... i think i should come with you. I have the feeling that my journey is already started."

Balpur's smile is so wide that his face barely contains it!
"Oh yes! you are right! Answer the calling! we must answer the calling! and i assume if i will come with you... i will have a lot of fun! yes yes, lot of fun!"
the goblin claps his hands.
"of course if you all wants me!"

Thonunian glances at the goblin.

He may be decent, but still, he is a goblin! He can come if he wants, but I will not extend an invitation.

He looks at Arael, and says "Welcome aboard! It is nice to know our party is gaining members. Perhaps we could help you find that armor your 'father' mentioned before we do any more exploring, though. As for your dream, it may not have been... most of the people here seemed to have some sort of idea what the imposter meant when he said that the gods had summoned us..."

Occupied with trying to convince the bard to get astride Solana's back, Tänya nearly misses Arael's and Balpur's answers. Replying to them over her shoulder as she attempts to convince Renard, she says...

"I am glad that you will join us! ...go on, Renard. She will not harm you... But then, please reconsider taking some more coins, before we divvy up the rest. ...she's more gentle than a lamb, truly... You will need adventuring gear of some sort, I am sure. ...don't be such a...bard!!!"

The half-elf rogue shrugged, indicating his willingness to follow the party, wherever they were going right now.

After a while of flitting back and forth between Thonunian, Tänya and her horse, watching them all with a certain amount of amusement and caution, Renard finally raises his hands in defeat.
"All right, fair one, I shall accompany you upon Solana. Such an alluring invite cannot go unaccepted." <playful wink>

Renard accepts her assistance as he (quite unsteadily) get upon the magnificent Solana with a supressed grunt of pain. Adjusting his tunic, he says to all present, "Well, it is decided then. Let us return to the town. We can chat with the priests and see what they are capable and/or willing to do for us as we aid thier town. And more importantly, let us return to the inn for some food, drink, tales, rest"---and with a playful grin---"And whatever else arises."
And with a playful wink, Renard then reaches a hand down to return the favour to Tänya.

Renard wrote:Renard finally raises his hands in defeat.
"All right, fair one, I shall accompany you upon Solana. Such an alluring invite cannot go unaccepted." <playful wink>

...and with a playful grin---"And whatever else arises."
And with a playful wink, Renard then reaches a hand down to return the favour to Tänya.

A sly smile crosses over the druid's face.
She won the battle of wills with the bard...
...this time.

She looked forward to going up against him again.

"Renard, Solana is carrying both our shares of the treasure in her saddle bags. There may be yet more coming; Arael should consider taking some more to outfit himself to accompany us. But if we return to investigate yon magical tunnel, we can retrieve the rest then."

Before grabbing Renard's outstretched hand, Tänya guides Solana to a stalagmite which she then hops on. Then grasping the bard's hand, she vaults up on to Solana's back, her 5'2" frame lithly settling in front of the bard's. Taking his arms, and tucking them tightly around her waist, she drew the bard close behind her, and clucking softly to Solana guided her towards the half-blood waiting at the cavern entrance.

Thonunian looks after the two on the horse, shrugs, and scoops up the rest of his share. Then, with a last look at the mysterious tunnel, he follows after them.

[ooc]Mephiston has assured me that we each have "900/5" coins, because neither Balpur nor Arael will take any more[/ooc]

Fully content to have Tänya direct Solana out of the cave, snug behind her and his arms placed on her hips. Out to the surface, Renard discusses a few matters with her and they ride along the north west part of the town to the church. Once there, Renard does his best to dismount first (likely recovering from a slight stumble) and assists Tänya.
"Let's visit with yon priests and see if they can illuminate us in some areas where darkenss shrouds our knowledge of this dark god. As well, perhaps they may be grateful enough to lend us the healing gifts of Solaris."

Renard offers Tänya his arm once more, and prepares to enter the church.

[ooc] DM, if appropriate at this moment, could we get a desciption of the 'House of Solaris'?... [/ooc]

Content upon the back of Solana, Tänya relishes the freedom of once more being above ground. Trusting to Solana's sense of direction, she releases her hold on her mane, leans back against the chest behind her, her head nestled upon a firm shoulderblade, and gazes up at the stars.

"I find it amazing to have lost Solana, fought desperately alongside you all, and to have Solana restored back to me, all before dawn shows her brilliant colors...

"Eolinger rules over the Wind and the Air. It is to him we make offerings for Freedom, and safe Travel. Both Argothoth and Belugoth are influential over Darkness, depending on if you are dealing with spirits or stealth, respectively. Yet, " and her hand sweeps out to indicate the open night sky above them, "I know nothing of a deity over the Stars and Moon, nor of the Sun. The pantheon of Talamh deals only with Talamh, although where Solaris, mother of all the other deities and Creator of Talamh hails from initially has not been revealed to me in my studies yet."

Shifting gently so as to not inadvertently harm any of the bard's wounds, she moves her gaze to the distant forest and trees. "Matheris is the G-ddess of Nature, or so I have always been taught. But..," and a crease wrinkles her forehead between her brow, "I follow Solaris as the mother of everything, so she also has influence over Nature. Several domains of the g-ds overlap: I already mentioned Argothoth and Belugoth with Darkness. There are also the two Taurons, both g-ds of the Minotaurs, Karas and Koris. Both are g-ds of War, but one is aimed at Destruction, the other Defense and Aid.

"The opposition of the deities is fundamental to our pantheon. The more I think on it, why shouldn't there be a deity over similar domains to Matheris, perhaps one also of Nature? But whereas Matheris is in the Light, where all can see her plants and animals, and the bounty of the harvest, as her holy symbol depicts with its rendering of a well grown tree, why not a sister deity, a g-ddess of the soil, of the hidden aspects of nature, those underground and not seen?"

She shakes her head, and sits up right as Solana enters the village and makes her way up the main thoroughfare towards the church.

"I can see the followers of such a one easily becoming twisted, mistaken in their rituals and beliefs. But, if this 'twin g-ddess,' this Graveris exists, perhaps we should not start off with the assumption that all of her followers are evil. The hidden beauty of Nature in the soil of the ground is often nurturing and benevolent. I have experienced it often in my studies over the years. But, it may be time to learn to thank the appropriate deity for her gifts..."

She lapses off into thoughtful silence as they approach the church itself. As the bard uncomfortably dismounts first before her, she shakes her head in mock dismay, then with a winsome smile, accepts his help down.

Stepping shyly out of the inevitable embrace his lifting her down from Solana produced, she smiled up at him mischievously. "Now, was that so bad?" she grins at him, as she takes his proffered arm with a light touch.

Thus arm in arm, they approach the doors of the Sanctuary. "I have been here before I went to The Wild Boar. The clerics recognized me as a devotee of Solaris, and allowed me to meditate and pray. But," and she turned to Renard with a slight frown on her face, "the traditions of my Order differ from the rituals of the church. Some clerics see fit to try to bring me in line with their dogma. I beg you, take no offense if such arises.

"I assume while the majority of the priests and priestesses of Solaris now sleep, that at least one will be offering the Office of Aurora at this time. My Order calls prayer at this time of day Oútrenya, but we can go in and await its conclusion to request the attention of some of the clergy here."

With that, Tänya gave the supportive elbow a light squeeze, and she and the bard entered.

[ooc]hopefully with the rest of the party right behind[/ooc]

Tänya wrote:[ooc]hopefully with the rest of the party right behind[/ooc]

[ooc]Indeed. Thonunian is right behind you. He isn't going to miss the healing he so desperately needs.

And Mephiston, do you think you could update the cavern to show where the entrance to the tunnel is?[/ooc]

As the others leave the cave, Atrus casts one last forlorn look at the place where the strange men disappear. His words reverberate softly off the waterslick walls.

"I WILL kill you...."

He turns and runs to catch up to the others.