Too Young (Thread Is Full) (Pre-WotL)

[Calus]

OOC: Well this thread is full so could no one that hasn't been invited, please not post on this thread.

To the people that I have invited, I am sure that you remember the rules :) . But there is always one so I will put them up again.

The characters must be young, i.e. for a human about 10 - 13, and an elf about 30 ish. There is only one exception to this and that is Kyra's character.

The characters must be beginning training of their class and so they are rubbish at it, but better than the others. So for a mage, only have the basic cantrips at a maximum; a ranger would have basic training in tracking and forestlore; a fighter would have a good ability in only one weapon and a meagre skill in another weapon. The cleric on the other hand, would normally get all the spells and they would only be allowed a certain amount; but they have to be disadvantaged as well so, their faith is unsteady and so not all the prayers they say will work, but also they won't have any powerful ones as their god or goddess doesn't give them that responsibilty yet.

That is all the criteria, like Sticko's threads, no OOCs as this makes the story look nice (that is not including this post :D ) I hope you have fun.

Name: Caleto Swiftsong
Gender: Male
Race: Elven (Qualinesti)
Age: 26
Class: Bard
Weapons: Lute, voice and a dagger.
Bio: Brought to Southern Ergoth with his parents, as the parents were sent out to figure out the rumours of the army. They found themselves in Ismel, waiting for another ship to take them to Northern Ergoth.

The story begins in a small village of Ismel on the North West coast of Southern Ergoth, the village is reknowned for their teaching of Rangers. The Ranger School has attracted great interest from humans from all over Southern Ergoth as well as the surrounding islands and some of the main continent. The land has been peaceful for many years and the threat of ogres and goblins has been reduced significantly, but there are whispers of an army, so imaginably large that people are just ignoring the warnings.
The beach just outside of Ismel holds the heroes that would save Southern Ergoth and maybe more places across Krynn, the heroes that are forgotten, the heroes that have disappeared in the ages of time.
"Ha", said Caleto, in derision and confidence. "I do know the words to the whole song, that is not what my shalafi is complaining about, apparently it is the way I sing it. The song is meant to 'rouse the blood and cause fear in the enemy'", said Caleto in a very good impression of his shalafi, Daelen Clarey. "It is useless, I will keep practicing while you lot go and play in the sea", he said to the assembled teenagers and children around him.

[Kyra Starleaf]

name: Willow
race: human
age: 18
class: none
appearance: long auburn hair, green eyes, tall and thin, small scar above her right eye.
weapons: none, but can defend herself with basic weaponless fighting skills.

Willow stood along the tree line watching the shore as the elven bard told stories to the village children. How she wished she could venture down and join them, she would dearly love to hear the wonderful stories the bard would have to tell however she knew she would be reviled if she dared to join them. Constantly hounded and teased unmercifully by the village children Willow kept to herself, alone in a small cottage on the outskirts of the village away from everyone else. Willow had been there for the last 5 years, her parents had moved there so her Papa could find work since the reputation of the area was prospering and for a while things were good, Willow was happy. Then 3 years ago, in the springof her 15th year, the village was attacked, Willow's parents forced her to hide in a small root cellar and promise not to come out no matter what she heard. Her Papa made willow promise she would not make a sound so as to not to be found, and that was the last memory she had of her parents. When the attack was over Willow's parents were dead. When the neighboors found them Willow was sitting between the bodies of her parents, crying silently for she had made a promise not to make a sound, and it was a promise she still kept today. The children of the village began to tease Willow, sometimes only throwing harsh words sometimes much worse. She became recluse only venturing into the village if it was absolutly nessessary, she finished her chores quickly and usually did not tary however this day, with her arms full of flour, she tarried long enought to watch the children being entertained by a bard.

[prophacyks]

Name: Kat
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Age: 12
Class: Theif
Weapons: A whip, and some throwing knives (Or atleast the ones she has left if she can find them after throwing them.)
Bio: She had been raised in one of the thives guilds back in Haven, her parents were both great theives and did much for the guild. Once they died Kat was raised by the rest of the guild, being taught the ways thinking she would be as great as her parents. They were wrong, after many accidents and some almost deaths. They finally threw her out telling her they had taught her all that they know and it is for her to leave and learn about life on her own now. So she did and has been traveling ever since. The worst part about her is she is a terriable Klutz, and if she does get into a fight it isn't her skills that get her out of it but the mere accidents she seems to cause.

IC: Kat has been traveling around Southern Ergoth for a while know, getting a bit tired of it she heads for the small village of Ismel hoping to find a way out of here. Everytime she seems to hear footsteps behind her though she rushes for a hiding place, usually though she trips or looses her grip on a tree and they end up walking by her and seeing her anyways. And this time was no different, she rushes up a tree this time and slips falls only to get her foot caught in a branch somewhere making her hand upsidedown from the tree. With a pathetic look on her face and her face turning read from the blood rushing to it she lets out a wimper and then tries to call out "Someone help me, please?"

[sticko_69]

Heric (last name unknown)
male Human Page
Age 13
142 cm tall weight 52 kg
dark hair and grey eyes
equipment. short sword, 10m rope, sleeping roll, flint and steel, knife, small grapling hook, cloak, rabbit trap, short bow and 10 arrows,

Heric is a gaunt looking Child. he was taken from his home at the age of * where he was made a page to Sir Uragrad Knight of the sword the solamic Keep on the west coast of southern Ergoth became his home. every morning he would do his masters jobs feeding the horse cleaning the stables polishing armour serving his masters dinner. the work of a page was repetative but he learnt to hunt to ride and to be proper. it came when Sir Uragrad left the keep to march north fifteen men at arm with him word had reached the knights ears that raiders were becoming more bold in the northian areas. on the morning they left Sir Uragrad gave Heric the short sword incase he got into trouble he wasnt due to start his squire training till 15 and Heric was honoured.

Heric was left behind in the small town when the knight and most of his men rode to investagate some reports Heric and 3 men steyed with the wagon he sat atop it as the men played dice. Heric stared at young lady with her arms full of sacks most likely of flour he was young and was just getting to know about women and he watched as she wondered along. her attention was fixed on something else though a man at the shore. Herics heart froze he had never seen the likes of it befor an elf.

[Mariner]

Norilonst "Norin" Nilstrom
Cleric-in-training
Gender: Male
Race: human
Age: 13 seasons
Ht: 5ft 9in
eyes: blue
hair: Red
Bio: Norin is a absent-minded child who is determined only to become a healer. His mind is always in two places in eveyday activity, but when it comes to his prayer it is his only love. Since he has no family the idea of caring for others is his way of coping with the lonliness.

Norin sat down crossing his legs listening to the music the elf played in wonder. Sniffling he wiped his nose with his robed sleeve and thought about playing with the other kids. He could never sit still for too long before gaining interest on what the other children were doing.

Standing up he noticed the smudge he left on his white robe and wondered how he it got there. "Teacher is not going to be pleased," shrugging he ran off towards the woods hearing the faint cry for help. Looking around he could see nothing, he began to peer around the bend wondering where this person was. Clsoing in on the whimper Norin looked up to see a young girl hanging from the trees.

"Oh hello up there," he waved, what game is this you are playing?"

[Kyra Starleaf]

When the children all seemed to scatter to the four winds Willow took that as her cue to return home. There was bread to make, chores to do and no one but her to do them. Keeping her head down Willow hurried down the road, she did not want to meet anyone on the way home however she did smile at a young lad seated on top of a wagon when she passed it. A few moments later she entered into her small cozy home, made of stone and mud with a thatched roof. Although it was small there was more than enough room for one person with a stone fireplace, large table and counter for cooking as well as some potted flowers inthe windowsill. Willow's bed was a small cot up against the far wall with brightly colored quilts she had made to pass the time in the evenings and a small chest held her meager clothing. She did not have much but what she did have was more than adequate for her needs, and she was handy at making things to help her get along. Willow put the flour away then started to get the mixings to make some bread for dinner, as she worked she sang a song in her head though no sound escaped her lips.

[prophacyks]

Kat sniffles her lip starts shaking and then she begins crying as she still looks at the boy "I.I.I am not playing, I was t.t.trying to hide and then fell getting stuck."

[Calus]

"Lift up your voice,
Shout your praise.
We love the Gods
And they love us"

"Come on children you know what to do". The children started shouting, rather than singing but it had the same impact, the chorus while spinning around and jumping to the acoustic music.


"The Gods,
The Gods,
We all love the Gods."

Caleto chuckled as he saw children jump around onto the sand and on each other. He looked up and saw knights pass along the road, he thought it was time to try his war song. He started in a low tone, the voice held weakness and timidness, but as the song carried on, his voice grew stronger any only grew slightly in pitch.


"Look into their hearts,
See their fear,
Lift your eyes to appear
Couragous,
Honourable
And invincible
CHARGE"

Caleto suddenly became more energetic and enthusiatic as he reached the 'charge'. His voice powerful and strong booming out across the beach to the knights and anyone that could hear him. He continued his song, his voice slightly louder than the previous verse.


"Enemies of the knights beware,
Good shall prevail
Look at the eyes,
They do not fear,
CHARGE"

"Charge the good of man,
Charge for your family
Charge for your very lives
Charge for Paladine
CHARGE"

[sticko_69]

Heric watched the Elf start his song he had necer seen an elf befor he had only ever herd of them a grat mystery of the world. yet here one was singing in some backwater town Heric would have stared forever had he not been so tired.

Heric watched as the Knights marched out of the town he lent back on a truck and was tapping his fingures to the tune he could here it was a strong tune and made his blood boil to listern to it like it was a war hymn. the battle hymn inspired Heric even in his dreams a dream of being a knight.

[Mariner]

Kat sniffles her lip starts shaking and then she begins crying as she still looks at the boy "I.I.I am not playing, I was t.t.trying to hide and then fell getting stuck...

"I am sorry to hear that," he pouted. Scratching his head he pointed to the girl, "How about khas? It is very difficult I hear, well at least the master says that."

Plopping down cross-legged he stared at the girl bobbing his head at her sway, "Oh, I am Norin by the way," he stated as a matter of fact.

[prophacyks]

Kat looks at him shocked, irritation rather then sadness was begining to show one her face "If you could please get me down from here I might think about talking to you after that."

[Mariner]

"Oh dear, yes, I was not thinking." Standing up Norin walked up to the tree patting the bark in a loving manner. "Master tree, please forgive me for climbing you. With a great hike of his robe he began to climb up to the girl.

Making his way out the branch he began to notice how high it was. "Do you think we can not do this again anytime soon. I am dreadfully scared of heights," he whipsered breaking into a sweat. Losing his balance he began to fall clinging onto the girls leg dragging her with him. "Hmpf, well that went well didn't it," he blew out. Fortunately for the girl he padded her landing taking all of the force.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Setting a steaming hot gooseberry pie onto the windowsill, Willow smiled to herself as she looked out the small window overlooking the forest, her friends had come to visit her, they always knew to come when she had been baking. As she pushed open the front door the fresh scent of baked bread preceeded her and a small flock of birds immediatly landed on the front walkway. Willow sat down in front of the doorway and spread the apron she wore across her lap. Pulling a small loaf of bread from the front pouch she started breaking it into small crumbs which were snatched up by the hungry birds. The smaller ones, finches and sparrows perched on her knee while the larger ones hopped around and picked crumbs from the ground as she spread them. Willow had been feeding the birds for years and they had grown steadily larger in numbers as the time went on, she usually ended up sharing two full loaves of bread with them each time. She didn't mind though, she always made more than one person could eat anyhow and the birds were good company. They did not tease her for not speaking, they did not throw rotten vegtables at her small house as some of the more evil minded children of the village did from time to time. Willow did not get angry with the children either, they only knew as much as the parents taught them and the village adults weren't much better. For the past three years Willow had been shunned by the villagers, they all thought she was strange because she did not speak. Called a dummy or worse Willow spent as little time in the village as she could and when she did venture in she went about her business quickly. When the bread was gone and all the crumbs found the birds began to leave, some of the smaller ones stayed, content to sun themselves on her knee, plucking at their feathers or favoring her with a song. Willow closed her eyes and allowed herself to be carried away by the music they gifted her with, dreaming that she was floating in the clouds, soaring over the treetops. As the last bird flew back to it's nest Willow gave a small sigh and got to her feet, the evening was coming so she returned inside and pulled out the quilt she was makeing, it would keep her occupied untill it was time to retire for the night.

[prophacyks]

Kat lands on Norin, she struggles standing up her elbow pushing into his stomach. She nearly falls being kind of dizzy for being upside down for so long, she finally stands still hand over her eyes trying to keep her from getting sick "Remind me to never ask you to save me again, by the way my name is Kat."

[Calus]

The knights rode off into the distance, Caleto looked slightly dejected, "Well it seems like it didn't work".
The children ran up to him and started comforting him, "I felt it, the blood boiling, the song of battle. It worked."
"Oh great so I can muster a bunch of children with my song, but not knights, great." Caleto couldn't think what to do, the only thing he could think was to play again.


"Lift up your voice,
Shout your praise.
We love the Gods
And they love us"

Caleto smiled once more, his heart once again going out to the children.

[sticko_69]

with the Knigthts out of sight Heric wondered if maybe he could get some food but he didnt want to get in to the suplies so he slipped away and found somthing he could defently eat something far beter than rations a gooseberry pie on a window. Heric crept to the windo wand peeped in to see if any one was guarding this pie seeing none he lifted the pie and putt in its place a few coins more than the price of a pie he didnt want to be a thief after all he was going to be a knight. he then turned hopeing no one saw him and they would find onely thrice the price of a pie and he would have the pie for lunch.

[Mariner]

Rubbing his stomach Norin placed his hand upon Kat's head murmuring a prayer.
"Please help Kat to see clearly my goddess." Although young he was gifted in healing minor aches and pains throuhgout his short lifespan. Smiling he asked if the illness subsided any.

[prophacyks]

Kat slaps at his hands "Don't touch me, stop that. Wait I do feel better, arn't you a bit small to be a healer. " She askes accusingly.

[Mariner]

Giggling Norin shaked his head in agreement, "Well I have not really healed you, the master says that if you beleive the pain will go away it will. I just took your mind away from the pain while your equilibrium balnced itself out."

With a little giggle he winked, "One day I will be the greatest, err, at least a good cleric," he shuffled. "It will take further meditation to be able to do such wonderful things."

Lowering his head he apologized, "I did not mean to trick you Kat," noticing it was late in the day he got startled, "Oh no I need to do chores, would you like to come?"

[Kyra Starleaf]

Hearing a soft clinking sound coming from the front of the house, Willow slowly got up from the chair and set aside the quilt. Going over to the window she was surprised to see a couple of coins laying in place where the gooseberry pie had been cooling. As she looked out the window she spotted what looked to be a young boy heading back in the direction of the village. Willow picked up the few coins and tucked them into her palm then turned from the window with a smile, she didn't blame the lad for taking the pie, gooseberries were pretty hard to resist, Willow was just touched that he left money for it rather than just taking it without thought. Willow returned to her chair and picked up the quilt once again, the smile remaining on her lips.

[sticko_69]

Heric hated eating proper he wanted to eat this pie in a matter of seconds and well no one was around now ot a single knight just the guards playing dice so the pie it seemed was his to eat how he liked. no one will stop him he chuckled to himself as he sat next to the supply wagon and closed his eyes, with a single motion he bit into the pie and it didnt stop till he had gooseberries all over his face.

[Calus]

"Oh dear children", said Caleto as the children and he walked up from the beach walking passed the supply wagons and hearing stange noises coming from the other side. He put his finger to his lips to signal silence, he made the theatrical and over the top action of creeping along silently, and made the motion for them all to go around the other side. He gently sang, it was barely a whisper, but the children all heard it,


"Creeping like the ivy,
Soft as the feather,
Quiet as the silent spring,
Come to jump the boy together."

On the last word of the song, the children grouped around the boy with his head in the pie, and they all growled loudly at once. "ROAR"

[sticko_69]

now if Heric hadnt jumped so high he wouldnt be on his feet one hand on the pie still in his mouth the other hand clasped on his short sword no on was taking his pie his honour wouldnt alow it.

[prophacyks]

Kat looks at Norin akwardly "Chores, no not really. I much rather play jump rope. You wanna play?" As she says this she takes her whip and starts using it as a jump rope.

[Calus]

Caleto laughed as well as the children as they saw that Heric had pie all around his face and was trying to look threatening. He turned to the children and said, "Go on children back to your parents, they would be worried sick."
The children ran off and Caleto turned to the boy, "Hello my name is Caleto, apprentice bard. I saw you come in with the knights, why are they here? Oh I am sorry for my rudeness, what is your name?"
Caleto was waiting for a reply as the town bell started to chime, he turned to the boy, "Quick we have to get out of here there is an attack on the village."
Caleto leapt upon the supply wagons as he heard shouts and screams, he suddenly felt guilt as he realised he had probably sent the children to their deaths.
He started in a low tone, the voice held weakness and timidness, but as the song carried on, his voice grew stronger any only grew slightly in pitch.



"Look into their hearts,
See their fear,
Lift your eyes to appear
Couragous,
Honourable
And invincible
CHARGE"

Caleto suddenly became more energetic and enthusiatic as he reached the 'charge'. His voice powerful and strong booming out across the beach to the knights and anyone that could hear him. He continued his song, his voice slightly louder than the previous verse.



"Enemies of the knights beware,
Good shall prevail
Look at the eyes,
They do not fear,
CHARGE"

"Charge the good of man,
Charge for your family
Charge for your very lives
Charge for Paladine
CHARGE"

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow looked up from her stiching, distantly she could hear the village bells tolling, her brow creased in confusion for a moment, the bells usually only rang out on special occasions. Willow shrugged her shoulders, Someone must be getting married she thought and went back to her needle point. She was never aware when the villagers celebrated, no one ever issued Willow an invitation. She sighed softly, just once she wished she could attend a party, to dance like everyone else and perhaps meet a man to be her lifemate, was that not what every young girl wished for.

[Mariner]

Kat looks at Norin akwardly "Chores, no not really. I much rather play jump rope. You wanna play?" As she says this she takes her whip and starts using it as a jump rope...

"I would love to jump rope but...," Noren noticed the bells. "That is odd, I did not know there was a ceremony happening at this time. Master would have had me preparing for the festivities all day. "Kat, lets go find out what is going on. Come on," yelled giggling, "Bet I can beat you to town."

[prophacyks]

Kat stands there a moment, looking like she is thinking hard. All of a sudden though she starts running past Norin and heading to town giggling "Oh no you can't, I'll beat you." Turning to him sticking her tongue out, and then tripping on the whip she had not put away falling to the ground.

[Aspen]

Name:Sadie Qu'Appelle
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Class: Ranger in training
Age: 13
Appearence:4'10", Thin. Long blonde hair, blue eyes. Brown leggings and tunic: standered uniform of the Ranger School.
Weapon: Short Bow, Quill full of arrows.
Bio: Sadie's father had been a ranger and so had all her older brothers. Sadie was born to her parents late in their lives, all her siblings where adults when she was born. When her parents had died of natural causes, her 4 older brothers had made the dissition to send the spoiled child to South Ergoth to the school in Ismel. Sadie made the trek from North Ergoth alone 4 years ago. And she's been attending The Ranger School ever since.

IC:The sun shown down through the trees in the court yard of The Ismel Ranger Academy. The chime of a school bell could be heard from somewhere inside the stone building. Quitely at first the halls and court yard were flooded with students as they changed classes. The senior students moved silently through the crowd, where as their younger counterparts, shouted and ran, much to the dissapiontment of their teachers.
Sadie made her way through the crowd. She had just left her archery lesson and her next class was Herbalism with Lady Enid Pailing. At the though of the old crone, a shive ran up Sadie's spine. She looked like she could have been around for the Cataclysm and had the breath of a dragon.
Sadie sontered along, and when she was sure no one was looking, she slipped into the small grove of trees used for various excersices, and after a few moments found a comfortable spot for a nap. Sadie had just closed her eyes when the bells started to ring in from the town tower.
In a matter of seconds, the court yard was filled with every student. All the students over 13 gathered themselves and prepared to head out, as they had been trained to do. Sadie made her way to this group but was stopped by lady Enid. "You're not going anywhere young lady. You're to small. Get back with the sophmores."
Shaking with anger, Sadie ran back into the school, towards the dormitory. But instead of locking herself in her room, she made a left, and headed out the front doors. Not Abyss or high water or old crony was going to keep her from the chance to prove herself. She hadn't traveled her alone and spent the last 4 years in training just to quiver in the school basement with the children.

[Calus]

From his vantage point, Caleto could see into the town and out the other side, where he saw a large host of silhouettes againist the sun. Caleto paused as he tried to pick out anyone needing help or his skills, he looked across and a large host of rangers ran out of the Ranger School. He knew his skills were needed now, so he ran towards the Ranger school, as he started running he heard his shalafi sounding his song, above the noise and clamour of battle.
Caleto ran around the corner and stood frozen as he saw fire arrows pass over his head, into a house behind him setting the building on fire, he heard a child screaming for help.

[sticko_69]

Heric was confused the battle was here not somewhere far away it was five meters away he was frozen he could only manage to take a bite of his pie and stare. his feet frozen still not a crum of pie fell from his mouth. the thought went through his head was this a dream or was it shadows dancing on the wall maybe he was dreaming no this pie was good it was no dream he was in a battle.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Hearing brief shouts and screams coming from the direction of the village Willow sighed and tucked her quilt away, the celebration must be getting rowdy for her to be able to hear the revelrey way out here. Getting up she moved to the front door and stepped out on the front walk way, looking in the direction of the village she frowned and tried to listen closer. The shouts were not yells of joy, they were screams of terror. The village is under attack! she thought, no sooner did the thought flash through her mind than a pale glow formed over the tree tops. the village was on fire she realised and she became paralized with fear as flashbacks of three years previous rendered her imobilized. She knew she should try to help but she could not move, she could not bring herself to enter the village, the main thought running through her mind was to flee, to hide as she had done once before. Pure terror coursed through her as she heard the terrible sound of someone crashing through the underbrush of the forest towards her, as she tried to flee to the safety of the house she heard harsh laughter sound out behind her.

[Mariner]

Looking back he witnessed Kat trip and fall giving an empathetic face. "Ouch, are you ok?" In the distance the two could here scattered screams from the villiage.

Noren winced at the sounds which almost seemed to physically hurt him. Looking again towards Kat he whispered, "I hear their pain, we need to help them. Are you able to walk?"

[Aspen]

Sadie heard the screams of the villagers and smelt the smoke before she made it all the way out of the school. As she made her way down the stairs she heard one voice over the comotion: a small child sceaming for help from inside a burning house. This was her big change to prove that she had what it took to be a ranger just like her father and brothers.
Covering her mouth with her sleeve, the young want to be ranger ran into the burning building... just in time to see the child being resued by one of the senior ranger students out the back door. Great! Just great! her big chance and she blow it. Sadie turned and tryed to leave the inferno but her exit would not be as easy as her entrence.
Sadie took a running jump through the flames that ingulfed the door way, landing on the street, nearly knocking herself silly and skinning her knees.

[prophacyks]

Kat nods "Yes I can walk." Worry creeping into her voice "What is going on?" She asks as she takes his hand and pulls him towards town.

[Calus]

Caleto grabbed a nearby ranger and sent them in to get the child, she came out the back door and took her off to the Town Hall, the ranger then went around with some more rangers, to take people to the centre of town. He congratulated the ranger and turned around to see a human girl fly through the burning door, he ran over to her, "Are you ok, young one? We must get you to the Town hall, I will take you."

[Aspen]

Sadie pushed the elf away. "I'm fine and I don't need help. I'm a ranger, can't you tell?" She stands and brushes her cloths of and inspects her scraped knees. Oh, how they stung.
The attacking force let their flaming arrows fly again, revealing the postion of their archers hiden in the woods. If Sadie could sneak up behind then, she was sure she could save the rest of the village all by herself.

[Mariner]

Trying to keep up Norin proceeded to stumble on his robes, "We need to go to the temple first, the master will tell me what to do."

Thinking this to be the best course of action he began turning off in another direction from Kat slowing theri pace. "Maybe we should meet up at the ranger school in a few minutes. Once I know that the temple and its faithful are ok I will bring help," he nodded, "does that sound good to you?"

[prophacyks]

"Yes, Ok the temple first then. I will follow you." She says slowing down.

[sticko_69]

Heric was rushing around looking for some one any one the choas was all around he swiped at a raider but to no avail. he soure some people running out of town he needed to find someone older maybe someone who would know what to do. Heric didnt really know where he was going he just knew he was trying to find someone and he realised he was at the home where he had found the pie he noticed that the house wasnt on fire maybe an adult was inside. Heric leaped a small bush darted through some trees and noticed the lady on the porch tolate he slamed right into her a good knock down had he ment to that is...

[Calus]

Caleto saw the girl run off towards the woods, he was about to follow, when he heard a familiar voice, his shalafi. He turned and saw him running towards him, "Caleto my child, run as far away as you can, run to the forest, the Knights of Takhisis and ogres are attacking. Run my child and try and save as many as you can."
The shalafi ran off to the battlements and the front line and he could here a blood-curdling song ripple through the town, Caleto stood there and listened, he thought about his task of saving people and running away. Roars of the ogres and battle cries from both sides suddenly grew, and the song was cut short, Caleto bowed his head, and said the elven prayer, and towards the woods, while also looking for anyone for him to bring out.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow searched frantically for the source of the laughter and was terrified to see a large human in black armor come from the woods, his eyes fixed on her. She started to back away when suddenly she was attacked from a different direction, she was bore to the ground as a small body crashed into her. Through a panick stricken gaze Willow realized it was a small boy that collided with her, a boy that had gooseberries smeared on his cheeks. Willow figured this was the culprit that took her pie, leaving coins on the windowsill, he must have been in the area when the confusion started and returned for shelter. Willow was afraid that there would not be any shelter here however perhaps they could loose the enemy in the woods. Getting quickly to her feet Willow bent and grabbed the young man by the arm, hauling him to his feet. A quick glance over her shoulder showed the dark knight now had a few comrades with him and they werer closeing in on the small house. Frantically Willow gestured to the woods, indicating they should run and hide, pulling the boy a few steps Willow waited for him to catch onto what she wanted him to do then waited for him to go into the tree line. Once the boy was concealed by the trees, she ran back to the house and searched for something she could use as a weapon. Grabbing her hoe, she swung it at her table, breaking the head of it off and leaving a jagged point. Willow knew she was running out of time, she had to get to the woods where the boy waited.

[Mariner]

Running with ferocity Noren slowed his pace listening to the gutteral shouts. He turned to Kat with a worried look crouching down on his hands and knees peeking through the brush. The temple, his only home, was burning emanating the cries of the dying. Large green humanoids cheered in their glory kicking at some poor soul. At a closer galnce he could see Huphot being dragged on the ground by ropes. Noren wanted to run for his master yet at that moment he noticed the young boy through his good eye. With a slight shake of his head he indicated not to help. Swinging his arm with all of his force he struck the ogre in the leg causing it to bellow in pain. Raising its axe the motion was swift and true, that was the last thing Noren saw before the tears began.

[Calus]

Caleto ran towards the woods and jumped over a bush, to see two children a boy and girl, he knew the boy was from the temple. He looked behind him and saw the temple aflame, Caleto felt the sorrow he was going through he bent down and picked the boy up, "We must get up, we have to get out of here."
As he picked up the boy, he heard a scream and a running of feet towards them.

[Kyra Starleaf]

As Willow started for the door to rejoin the boy in the woods, a shadow passed the window and she heard heavy footsteps approaching. She looked quickly about for something other than the hoe handle and spyed her heavy cast iron frying pan sitting at the edge of the counter. Quickly she grabbed it and placed herself behind the door. Willow held her breath so the dark knight would not be allerted to her presence however her heart was pounding so hard she was afraid he would hear it. The crunch of gravel beneath his boots sounded directly next to her on the other side of the doorway and Willow nearly jumped out of her skin. His armor creaked as he stood in the doorframe of the little house and Willow tensed, praying he was alone and she would be able to knock him out with the frying pan. The knight stepped into the house and looked around, he must have sensed Willow behind him for after only a moment he turned and locked hard black eyes to her frightened ones but by then it was too late. The frying pan crashed down onto his head, knocking him to the ground. The heavy sound of the knights armor hitting the floor of the house brought the other three knights running and Willow knew she would need more than a frying pan to defend herself. She backed into a corner and held the broken hoe handle in a tight grip as the knights entered her house. Spying her they laughed at her obvious terror. " Well now this is more like it." they laughed nudging each other as they eyed Willow from head to toe. Her hair was in disarray, falling around her shoulders like a shimmering curtain, her body was shaking from fear. A scream welled in her throat but instead of noise, her breath came out in quick little pants of terror.

[Aspen]

Sadie crept through the woods, trying not to make a sound, and for the most part, she was successful... except that she got herself turned around and couldn't find the archers she had planned to ambuse. The young ranger wondered the woods with little clue where exactly she was when something cought her eye. The flash on sunlight on steel. On the sword of a dark knight. There were three of then, walking along the road. Sadie drew back her bow and just as she was going to let the arrow fly, a loud sound rang through the woods. It sort of sounded like a bunch of pots falling to the ground in a heap. The three knights turned and headed towards the sound. They ended the small stone house of... oh what was the girls nake that lived ther? Sadie racked her brain, searching for her name as she snuck up on her prey.
Willow! that was it. Sadie had been one of many youth that had teases the young woman, though she had drawn the line at throughing anything worse than insults.
Sandie crept to the endge of the house and peeked around the corner to see two of the knights enter the house, the third stood just outside the door, no more than 6 feet away from the young ranger. Taking her bow, Sadie renotched the arrow and drew it back. Sadie was an ok shot but at this distance, she couldn't miss. She slipped around the corner. The knight was paying attention to what or whoever was in the house and didn't see Sadie. She let her arrow fly. It struck him in the temple and he dropped like a sack of potatos.

[prophacyks]

Kat seeing the hurt Ogre ready to attack Noren, she takes out one of her own daggers and shut her eyes and with all her strength runs at it with her dagger. She only manages to stick it in the stomach, but the pain and the force of her running at it knocking it over buying them time. She runs back over to Noren, and that is when she sees the man pick him up and say they have to find help. So she nods grabbs onto his leg and follows him, trying her best to not cry.

[Calus]

Caleto heard a shout from behind as he heard the ogre fall over with a knife in him, he also heard the smashing of bowls and a loud ringing noixe of two metal things hitting each other. He started to walk towards the sound, fast enough to get away from the ogre, but slow enough that he didn't run into more trouble. He made his way through the trees hearing the ogre search in vain, and then something grabbed his leg, he looked and found a little girl there. He comforted her slightly as they moved and they cam upon a house, with the ranger outside.

[Kyra Starleaf]

As the arrow pierced the third knights helmet, Willow jabbed out with the pointed end of the hoe handle, useing it as a spear to keep the dark knights at a distance. She had never been more afraid than she was now however as the third knight fell, hope rose once again inside her that help was on the way. One of the knights turned back to his fallen comrade as the other advanced towards Willow. Wedged tightly into a corner, she had no where to go excpet forward and gripping the handle she rushed forward unexpectadily, ramming the piece of wood into the knight. His armor deflected any injury she may have given him and with one hand he backhanded her across the mouth, knocking her to the floor. Willow tasted blood and dirt as she tried to regain her senses and her mouth curled into a snarl as the knight raised a booted foot and kicked out at her.

[Aspen]

Sadie smiled as the dark knight fall victom to her arrow. but she didn't have time to celibrate her victory, for the second knight came out of the small house to investigate what had happened to his fallen comrad. The dark knight cought a glimps of the young ranger as she bolted around the corner of the house, and he just saw the tip of her boot as she dissapeared into the branches of a near by tree.
Sadie sat on a small limb of the oak tree. Satisfied that the knight in is heavy armor could not follow her up, nor could he reach her, Sadie looked around and found that she had climbed a tree that was a good 30 feet away from the rest of the serounding forest. It seemed she was stuck here for now.
"Come down here, you little rat!" The knight yealed up at her.
"Not on your life!" She shouted back.
"I'll give you a drink from my flask." The knight tryed to bribe.
"I'm to young to drink." was her reply.
"If you come down, I'll give you a copper." The knight tryed to bribe her again.
"A Copper. That's not very much."
"Why won't you come down?" He begged.
"Because, your stupid and your cheap and you didn't say please." She tonted him.
"Please." He said sweatly.
"No." She said and then grabbed on for dear life as the inraged knight started to shake the tree.
"I'll wrip this tree out of the ground, you little rat!" the knight yeld.

[sticko_69]

Heric was now very well hidden he had crawled into a inclave under a large log as five men at arms came running past followed by their commander a dark knight he had never seen a dark knight but he was impressed they looked like solamics with but one differance the black armour he wondered if that was the only differance. another dark knight was signaling for a a group of archers that were looting what was the house he had gotten the pie from. Heric couldnt hear what was being said but the archers soon ran toward the town he sliped out of his hole and creeped along the tree line. one archer hadnt obayed comands he was helping himself to a pie. Heric raised his blade he brought it down apone the mans neck. the archer fell to the side his gloved hands trying to stop the flow of blood. Heric wast stong enough to sever the mans head from his body but he now left the man wailing and drowing in his own blood. the archer kicked and thrashed like a fish out of water till he was on his back flailing wildly. Heric steped forward the mans eyes were red blood covered his face mixed with dirt. the eyes were wide like his gasping mouth he must have shave a few days ago as he had stubble that had colected some folige that was stained crimson red. Heric lifted his blade again insted of slicing he tried stabing his short sword hit the mans chest once, twice it took five hits to penetrate the leather vest he wore and the bone which was his ribs . the gore was think as Heric contued to stab the man not dieing just twitching and screaming a horrid scream. till the man stoped never to breath again. heric stood back to see the bloodied corpse its chest open and head half hacked off. but the Heric had a price to show a pie a still warm pie untouched un spoiled and his. he tucked it under his arm and headed back to the hidding spot where the lady had left him.

[Calus]

Caleto saw one of the knights die, and another running after the little ranger he had met earlier. He saw the knight left back-hand the woman, Caleto filled with rage ran into the house his lute raised slightly above his head with a war cry. He ran under the doorway, but caught the end of the lute on the doorframe, which knocked his arms back; he now ran straight into the dark knight's outstretched hand, the hand around his neck and Caleto dropped his lute to the floor as he felt his air being trapped in his lungs.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow had managed to dodge the booted foot that was aimed at her head and was struggling to get to her feet when she heard a cry from the front doorway. Amazed she watched what looked to be the bard from eariler storm into the small house, his lute held aloft. As the elf ran head long towards the dark knight, he lost his lute and his momentum sent him straight into the hands of the enemy. Fury built inside her as the dark knight's hands closed upon the bards throat, and with a snarl she lept onto the knights back, dislodging him from the elf. Pummeling his head with her small fists, all thoughts of fear and reason flew from her, her only thought was to defeat the dark knight. As he struggled to dislodge Willow from his back the knight misstepped and with Willow's slight wieght throwing him off balance, they fell backwards with a crash. Willow tried to roll out of the way as she felt the knight falling however was not fast enough and the dark knights full wieght landed upon her right leg, pinning her to the floor. The bard had managed to recover from the lack of air and Willow turned pleading eyes upon him for help.

[prophacyks]

Kat watches all of this and all she could do was stare for a moment, when she sees the knight fall though she grabs up a stray sword that is slightly to heave for her but she manages somehow. And drags it along when she get to the knight though she finds some strength and manages to trip over his leg misses the other in there by inches and slices the guys throat once the sword comes down.

[Mariner]

It had all been a blur to the young man. Fire, the master, screaming that seemed endless in his mind. These events proved to be a burden to Noren's mind. He had passed out during the later events only to feel dull pain throughout his body. Forcing his eyes open he focused upon what had seemed a lute. Shaking off the nausea he also noticed the elf yelling something towards him. It had been in vain for Noren could not hear anything. Crawling towards the doorway Noren gained his bearings yet he could still not hear anything, he began to scream, to no avail.

[Calus]

Caleto watched in horror as the misstepped theif took the knight's neck with her. He stood staring at the body, until this shrill scream started to behind him, he turned to see the young cleric screaming his head off. Caleto felt the same way, he heard a rustle outside of the window and some shouts from the woods; he ran towards the cleric and covered his mouth, whispering a song into his ear.


"Hear the trees,
Hear the seas,
Hear the silence within the bees

Calm your mind,
Calm your might
Calm your senses
Stay out of sight"

Two soldier started to run out of the woods, passed the hiding place of the knight-to-be. Caleto grabbed his lute and hid behind the door, dragging the mini cleric behind him; ready to brain the next the knight that came around the door.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow struggled to free herself of the dead knight's body that had her leg pinned under him. She was glad for the timely assistance from the bard and the children however if the young girl had been a few steps closer she would not only have taken the dark knight's life, but Willows as well. Once Willow was free she hurried towards the back of the small house, limping a bit favoring her right leg, she shoved at the small window above her cot untill she had it open all the way then gestured to the children and the bard to escape the house throught the window. Willow also heard the sounds of reinforcements and she knew that the little house was quickly becoming a death trap, they had to escape into the woods where they would have a chance.

[prophacyks]

Kat watched the bard and Noren leave through the front without her, trying not to cry hearing more Knights coming towards the house. She all of a sudden hears someone from the back calling to escape that way. So she ran over to Willow, tugging on her clothing "The others escapes already."

[prophacyks]

Sorry double posted

[DLancer]

Name: Skyler Deerblade
Race: Human
Age: 13
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black
Class: Knight-in-training
Clothes: Blue tunic and black leggings
Weapons: Quarterstaff

Skyler arched his back and flung his arms in the air. Stretching, he peered down the length of the dirt path he was walking. Almost there, he thought to himself happily. Today was his day of rest and relaxation. A quiet time of fun down at the beach in Ismel. Technically, he was supposed to be reporting for training at Sir Almus Annallstrum's manor, but Skyler was never one for technicalities.
You see, Skyler was a KIT, or, in a more understandable manner, a Knight-In-Training. His Solamnic parents had sent him to Sir Anal's manor in the hopes of instilling knightly virtues in the youth. However, Skyler considered himself too progressive for the knighthood. He liked magic and favored fighting with the quarterstaff. Knights hated magic and favored fighting with the sword. When he had first arrived at Sir Anal's manor many weeks ago, he had been instructed that he must abandon his trusty quarterstaff "Q". Sir Anal's underlings had insisted on outfitting him with a dull, wooden sword. And too add to that insult, they had also insisted that he be on time for training sessions. Be on time? Hah! Skyler scoffed at such an idea. Children were not meant to constrained by the artifical deadlines of adults. Children were created to enjoy their youth - there would be enough time for responsibility in adulthood. So, with this rationale behind him, Skyler had abandoned his days of training for days of aimless wanderings and fun. Not that many would notice. Sir Anal himself had informed Skyler he was not to report to training until he was fully ready to accept the sword as his weapon of choice. And Skyler was not yet ready to do this. So, in his opinion, he had the implicit permission of Sir Anal to skip training sessions altogether.
Tyler slowed his pace on the wooden path. He stopped to sniff the air around him. Odd, he thought, smells like something is burning. Looking toward the horizon, he noticed plumes of smoke spiraling upward, right where Ismel was located. Confused, Tyler hastened his stride toward the village, propelled by the overwhelming curiousity of youth. Touching his quarterstaff for reassurance, Tyler ran up till the edge of the woods separating Ismel from the plains he had just been strolling. By this time, dispersed shouting and the smell of burning wood permeated the air. Maybe I should turn back, he thought. Despite his bravado, for he could act very brave in situations which had no real threat of danger, his stomach dropped and he felt a little nauseous. Legs quaking, he turned around to make a hasty departure. And then he saw it. Or rather he saw her. A girl. A young girl. A young girl screaming wildly in a tree that was being swayed by a large, black knight. His mind told him to flee, but his heart prevented him. He could not abandon this girl to the hands of a Nerakan knight. He may not be a full-fledged Solamnic, but Skyler was certainly not a coward. Unlocking Q from its harness, Skyler swung it out in front of himself. But there was one problem. He had no idea how to use a quarterstaff. Gripping the lengthy piece of wood awkwardly, Skyler placed himself in a bull-like position. With a wild, high-pitched scream, he charged the startled knight of Neraka. Aiming for the knight's groin, Skyler hoped fervently that the warrior was not of the female gender. Ramming the staff into the knight's nether regions, Tyler pitched forward, unable to control his own momentum, lost control of his staff, which had plunged firmly into its target, and flew headfirst into the knight's body. Both of the combatants tumbled to the earthen floor. Tyler heard a low moaning sound come from under him. Opening his eyes, he saw his opponent underneath him, attempting to nurse his manhood back to normalcy. Breathing a sigh of relief, he rolled off, grabbed Q, and lay on the ground next to his felled victim.

[Aspen]

Sadie was just loosing her grip on the tree branches when the shaking stopped. When she looked down, she saw that the knight had a bigger pain that a "rat" in a tree. A boy, close in age to herself, had struck a low blow, causing the knight buckle over. Taking this oppertunity to make her escape, Sadie shimmied down the oak. She grabbed her rescuer by the hand and half helped him up, half dragged him around the corner of the small house. There tehy found Willow was helping a young girl out the back window.
Sadie grabbed onto the child and pulled her out, "Come on. We all have to get out of here!"

[Mariner]

Grabbing at Caleto's hand Noren relaxed watching him speak feeling a wave of calm rush over him during this time of agony. Many lives would be taken this day, the child would have to mature soon to cope with it. Closing his eyes he began to clear his mind, to focus on serenity. The master would want him to live, to spread the teaching. Quickly grabbing for his pouch he realized his book was still there.

As if struck by force the sounds of battle beat within his temple causing him to shudder slightly. If not for the soothing words he could now hear from the elf he would have ran to battle, ran to his doom. He treid to see what was occuring as they stood behind the door, pulling at Caleto's sleeve he looked with worried eyes, wanting him to say something, anything.

[Calus]

Caleto saw the girls call to the window, he looked at the door, and heard the sounds of knights, but also felt the tugging of the young cleric. He grabbed the cleric's arm and ran with him to the window, there was a loud bang at the door, and the door flew inwards with three knights standing there. Caleto helped the cleric through the window and leapt through himself, landing on the outside in a heap. He ran towards the woods, and wailing of another child.

[prophacyks]

Kat let all her tears go once she got to the woods and found Noren, she ran up to him and latched on to him and started crying "Don't ever do that again, don't ever leave me alone again."

[Mariner]

Grunting at the joyful hug Noren exhaled in pain. "Oh Kat please be careful, I am bruised all over, the master...he is gone." Smiling he was happy to see his new freind once again. Soon after he began to frown"Where are we to go?"

[Calus]

Caleto ran through the woods to the girl crying, he came out in a little clearing, with a knight cradling himself, a boy and a girl. "Quick children this way", called Caleto but not too loudly, towards the pair; he then ran off back to where he had left the others.

[Kyra Starleaf]

As they stood in the small clearing amongst the trees, Wiilow looked at the children trying to take stock of any injuries. All seemed to be fine, frightened yes however none seemed to be physically hurt. Willow knew they could not stay in one place for too long, there were surely knights or worse hunting the woods for any who escaped the village. Still favoring her right leg a little, Willow made her way over to Caleto and gestured for them all to move deeper into the woods. At his curious look she blushed and shook her head then waved her arms towards the children then pointed into the woods once more. Willow sighed as the bard seemed to understand what she meant then she noticed something she should have seen earlier, the boy, the one who first came to her was not among the other children. Two boys and two girls were the only children in the small clearing besides the elf and herself, Willow could not leave without the boy. Turning back towards the house she shook her head at Caleto and gestured for them to stay there and wait then she slipped quietly back the way they had come. Dropping to her knees as she crept closer to the house, Willow was almost to the tree line before her sharp ears picked up a soft sound. Turning her head slightly, she was almost at eye level with the boy who lay hidden underneath a fallen log. Her lips quirked up into a small smile as she saw the remains of another of her gooseberry pies on the ground then she motioned for the boy to come out of his hiding place and go with her. Quickly the pair made their way back to the others.

[prophacyks]

Kat stepped away from Noren, wiping the tears from her eye "I'm sorry, his gone. Well you can come with me then, and we can adventure together. For I am the world greatest theif." She smiles at him proudly, while waiting to see what the others do next.

[sticko_69]

Heric was rubbing his finger over his blade which now had a nick in it from the bones he had just smashed he felt a sort of pride then pride cause he had killed its true that some say killing is not glories but it is the ecitment he felt flowed through him he was alive like he had never been the knighthood teachings were going out the window he would be a page no longer he was destain to be a warrior. licking the last bite of pie of his face he hurried along side the girl. to where he had no idea.

[Calus]

"Good we are altogether, right come on guys we have to get as far away as we can from here, I reckon we came out of the village on the south side. That means the closest and safest place is Castle Eastwatch. We got to move quickly."
Caleto started to move off, through the woods, "So what are all your names? My name is Caleto apprentice to my Shalafi...", he had said it so many times it just flowed out of his mouth, without him thinking. "I am an apprentice bard."

[Aspen]

Sadie stood up tall and proud, "I am Sadie Qu'Appelle. I'm a forth genration ranger and a 3rd year student at The Ismel Ranger Academy."

[DLancer]

Skyler looked around at his new companions. He had come for a day of rest and relaxation on Ismel's beachfront and now he had been plunged headfirst into a fight for survival against Nerakan forces. He rolled his eyes - he was sure something somewhere conspired to place him in awkward situations. Twirling his quarterstaff, he thought of his peers, safely quartered in the Solamnic's manor, swinging their wooden swords back and forth in mock displays of heroism. Well, he reflected, maybe I should have been more amenable to the sword. He kicked his quarterstaff. At least it didn't get me into this situation. Looking at those gathered around him, he attempted to take note of their professions. He could only identify a bard, a ranger, and a cleric with certainty. The other two, a young boy such as himself and an older girl, were indiscernable to him in this regard. Hearing Caleto's invitation for introductions, he decided to participate, since, in all honesty, he had no clue who these people were. "My name is Skyler Deerblade. I am supposed to be a Solamnic-In-Training, but I like to consider myself a free agent." He flashed a somber grin at his companions. "And, further more, I have no idea what I am doing in this situation. I can't even cook my own meals yet."

[Kyra Starleaf]

At Caleto's invitation to introduce themselves Willow flushed a bit and ducked her head, hiding her face with the legnth of her hair. She knew what was about to come, when people first learned she did not talk they pulled away from her as if she had the plague, she had seen it happen too many times to count. Usually she was just avoided however sometimes if a person was especially mean spirited, her house would be pummled with rocks or rotten vegtables and vile vulgar names would be hurled at Willow herself. She was used to being by herself however for the first time in a long time she did not want to be alone. Willow waited for her turn to come to say her name as the children went around in a circle introducing themselves, she wondered how this group would react to her.

[sticko_69]

Heric steped forward his blood splated leather vest and leather helm on and his sword slung over his back he was tall for a 13 year old and at that moment looked a lot older. he spoke clearly as he had been taught to do "i am Heric" he was going to say page of the order of solamania but he didnt he wasnt sure why he diddnt but it was his chose no one would know. he then glanced at the girl who had looked out for him she hadnt said a word at all he thought she must be very shy so he did what a man should do he steped beside her "and this is my friend.." he was trying to think a name up so they wouldnt ask any more questions but was lost so just left it at that but stood close to her and looked very defensive.

[Mariner]

"Willow...er sorry," Noren stammered. "I do not know much about her but that is her name, Willow." Rubbing his nose he looked around at the group with an uneasy feeling. Strangers who by fate became his new family. The kind hearted cleric beamed, "I am Noren, son of the White Lady. I don't really know what else to say, I just lost my home, my teacher, and fellow peers."

Looking towards Caleto he bowed, "Thank you for saving my life, indeed I owe you many thanks." Gulping he smiled nervously around hoping he would fit in. Noren never really had the chance to talk to many in the villiage. He heard many stories and commited them to memory. Now none of them really have the chance to have a childhood, much like himself, orphans one and all.

[prophacyks]

Kat came forward standing Proud "I am Kat, a great theif. I come from a long line of them, and someday go back to the guild and run it."

[sticko_69]

willow that was her name Heric thought that was such a pritty name he liked it but he kept that to himself.

[DLancer]

Skyler looked oddly at Willow, his head cocked to the right. "Hey, are you ok. Why aren't you saying anything? Noren, maybe she needs to be healed. She may have been injured in the attack." Baffled at her continued silence, Skyler drifted into thought. Willow was the eldest of the group by far. She seemed like an adult. She should be assuming the responsibility of leading the group. He looked around at the others. They, like him, were all kids. And, from their innocent expressions, they had no idea how to act in situations such as this. "Looks, guys, we need to exit this place before some Nerakan scouts find us huddled together. My lord's manor is nearby, but I do not know if the roads leading to it are safe anymore. Barring that destination, I have no other idea where to go or what to do. But I do know we can no longer stand around chattering." Swinging his quarterstaff onto his back, he gestured westward. "I'm gonna try to head back to the manor. You all should come too, unless you have somewhere else to go."

[Calus]

"Your Master's manor? Yeah that would do nicely, after all we have to tell the authorities of what happened in Ismel", he thought for a bit and turned to Skylar. "Do you think you can take us to your Master's manor? Sadie you seem to be the only ranger, could you forage for food and also keep an eye out for anyone. Skylar and Heric you look like you can be guards to our little troupe, Kat and Willow, can either of you two make a fire or cook?" Caleto was in his element, all the time of being bossed around to do things, and he had seemed to have become some sort of leader, of which he thinks he had made the right decisions so far. "The night is drawing in, we had better make camp soon, over there", he said pointing to a little clearing.
He sat down on a log in the clearing, he then started to walk around the site, checking for any problems, but also some way of making a shelter or blankets.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow smiled at Heric as he moved to stand protectivly in front of her and she placed her hand on his shoulder in thanks. Lifting her head she faced the others as they all stared curiously at her and nodded her head when Norin stammered out her name. The bold child with the long pole stared intently at her for a while ""Hey, are you ok. Why aren't you saying anything? Noren, maybe she needs to be healed. She may have been injured in the attack." he said and Willow quickly shook her head no. Covering her mouth with her glad she shook her head no to show she did not talk and hoped they all understood. Caleto seemed to take charge just then and decided what should be done. They all moved deeper into the woods and began to settle for the night. Willow walked around the clearing gathering small bits of dry wood for the fire, they had little in the way of supplies but Willow was sure they would make due untill they found somewhere more permanent.

[Aspen]

Saide grabbed onto Skyler, "I could use a hand with the hunting. Would you mind helping me?" She smiled.

[DLancer]

Skyler looked at Sadie oddly. "You sure you want me to come along? I may be good company, but I have no idea how to hunt. Like I said earlier, I can't even cook." Shrugging his shoulders, he followed Sadie's lead, ready to trail the ranger into the woods looking for prey.

[prophacyks]

Kat look crushed, setting a fire or cooking she has better skills then that. But upon seeing Willow starting with out her she rushes over to help. She starts picking firewood up along with Willow, she looks over at the girl. The only other time someone never talked for this long is when old Charlie lost his tongue, she wondered something "Lady Willow can you not speak?"

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow looked up from gathering an armload of sticks and smiled at Kat then slowly shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. With her hands full Willow was not able to use her hands to convey anything to the girl so she motioned for Kat to follow her back to the campsite. Dropping her load Willow got down an her knees and began to pile the sticks up with some dried moss for tinder to prepare the fire, inspiration struck when she brushed away some debris to clear an area for the fire and stuck black soil. Willow smiled up at Kat and beckoned her forward to stand beside her as Willow began to draw in the dirt. Chewing on her bottom lip Willow concentrated on her drawing, unfortunatly she was not very good at it. When she was done she sat back on her heels and shook her head at the poor figure she composed in the soil, she had tried to draw a younger version of herself hiding under a bed while monsters attacked two older people, in a seperate drawing she drew a man holding his finger to his lips in a gesture for quiet. Willow look over at Kat as the girl looked at the crude pictures and hoped she understood.

[Mariner]

A little hurt that Noren was not chosen to do any chores he decided to find Kat. He spotted Willow doing something while Kat watched with great interest. He wandered closer to see what was going on. Peering over he noticed the drawings, at that instant he recognized something from his books.

"Barbarian writings, I read about this, how wonderful. Knelling down he looked towards Kat. She is using a form of communication, very old if I remember. Looking towards Willow he smiled, "I also remember they would use hand gestures to communicate as well. Instead of fighting each other they would express themselves using them. Maybe we can create a way to talk using specific movements, then everyone could use them."

[Aspen]

Sadie smiled, but not at the young man she had dragged along with her,"shh." She whispered as she removed her bow and an arrow. She drew back the arrow and let it fly, hitting a tree, spooking a hare that was resting in it's tangled roots. "Drat. Missed him." She ran and retreaved her arrow and started down the path again. after a few moments she stopped and drew her arrow again and shot, this time hitting her mark. She retreved a yet larger hare and tossed it to Skyler. "Here, carry this." Then turned and started sneaking down the trail again.

[DLancer]

Skyler timidly caught the dead hare and placed it next to a tree. "Sadie, I'll put our prey here, that way I don't have to carry them everywhere." Running after the nimble ranger, Skyler grabbed his quarterstaff and kept it at the ready. "Sadie, are you sure you know where you are going," he shouted. "We are going pretty deep into the woods. Maybe we should stick closer to the perimeter." He watched as Sadie continued onward, seemingly oblivious to his callings. Grumbling, he followed her, hoping that no Nerakans lurked in the woods.

[Aspen]

Sadie stopped again and drew her bow. She let the arrow fly, again hitting a large hare. he lept through the under brush and retreaved her prey and turned back to see Skyler empty handed. "Where's the other one? Don't tell me you dropped it."

[DLancer]

Skyler looked at Sadie, rolling his eyes. "I didn't drop it, I merely placed it over by a tree for later retrieval." Skyler looked backwards, attempting to locate the culprit tree. Squinting, he tried to pinpoint it, however all the trees seemed to look the same. Motioning vaguely in the direction they came from, Skyler hoped Sadie wouldn't realize he may have lost her first hare. "Yeah, see Sadie, it's over there." He pointed to an entire section of the forest. "C'mon, you worry to much." Grabbing the other hare, he gently placed it against another tree in his vincinity. "We can pick them up on our way back." Poking Sadie teasingly with his quarterstaff, he exclaimed, "Let's keep hunting! Night is going to set soon and we don't want to be lost in this mess."

[Aspen]

Sadie hit him Skyler back, "You fool! Do you really want to be hunting for our supper after dark? Go back and get them." After scolding the boy, Sadie turned and scouted for another hare. It took her three more trys to hit the last hare. Three shound be enought to feed them. She turned and headed back down the path towards camp. She planned to send Skyler back and then she could continue on scouting.
"have you found them yet?" She asked.

[sticko_69]

Heric remembered how many times he had been at the keep watching the guards go about there bissness. remembered how the good ones never patroled to a set patton as pattons could be worked out, he remembered life at the keep a life he would not go back too he woundered why he wouldnt but his heart told him not to.

Heric would have prefered to stay close to willow incase she need him or maybe incase he needed her. Heric had desided to strap his short sword across his back finding it eassier to move about without it hit his thigh he had taken the steel helmet from the archer for the reason he had none of his own. it was old it looked like leather with stell bands but infack the helm was just covered in leather. the others came and when about the camp and Heric guarded it he had even gone as far as going a short range patrol of any dead ground around the camp to see if the enemies might come from that way.

[prophacyks]

"I am sorry I do not understand Willow." She says sympathetically to the other girl, she then listens to what Noren is saying about the hand movement"Yes old charlie used those after he got his toung cut out, he always seemed to use the more naughty ones though. But Willow do you think you might be able to try something like that instead?" Kat said excitedly.

[Calus]

OOC: Nuts! Sorry Mariner, I didn't realise, I actually wanted Noren to go around and check people out, but that is fine you have found something to do :D

IC: Caleto moved around the camp, the children and Willow had gone about their jobs quickly, he heard Noren say something and he turned to see a picture that Willow had drawn. He couldn't quite tell what was happening, but he pointed to the child under the bed, "Is that you?"

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow had smiled patiently at Norin's suggestion of hand motions, she could understand everyone fine so they would not need to make up some elaborate hand signals to help her understand them, they just could not understand her. That was alright, she would find some way to communicate with everyone. Caleto came up behind them and pointed to the crude drawing " Is that you?" he asked, Willow nodded slowly and smiled, he understood. She pointed to the other picture then raised her own hand to press her finger to her lips "sshhh" she exhaled.

[Calus]

"Some one telling you to be quiet? Parents?" said Caleto thoughtfully.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow nodded and looked down, memories of her parents flooding her mind. Memories of the attack from three years previous brought back to life with the happenings of today.

[DLancer]

"No, Sadie, I haven't found them all yet. We just have two of them. The one you killed and the one right here by the tree." Grabbing the rabbit by the tree, Skyler poised himself to head off in the woods. Tossing his rabbit to Sadie, Skyler started retracing his steps. "Sadie, take these back to camp, I'll look for the one I misplaced." As he walked back in the direction he had come, he lamented his idiocy. The night was setting and he had no idea where in this forest the other hare lay. Detaching his quarterstaff for reassurance, he held it out in front of him, using it as a walking stick. The cool air rustled the treetops, creating ominous noises that reminded Skyler of his younger days, when he had lay in bed restless, afraid to close his eyes for fear of what might be lurking nearby. I hope I will be able to find my way back, he thought. Looking backward, he tried to find any signs of Sadie, but she had been engulfed by the setting darkness long ago.

[Aspen]

Sadie walked back to camp and handed her trophies to Willow. "This would fill our bellies, but it should take the edge off. I had more but Skyler managed to loose one." She frowned and the thought of the boy leaving her kill just lying around. Looking around the young ranger found something to make up for the lost hare. "There's lots of berries we can pick right around here too."

[prophacyks]

Kat sits there listening quietly, feeling bad for Willow something bad must have happened. She then thinks to herself how much she misses her parents, a tear runs down her face for Willow.

[sticko_69]

Heric had stoped by the pile of wood he noticed the valewood peices and remembered his days painting shields which gave him an idea. he did another patrol then returned and got a few peices and went to his look out. the lookout was just a tree that had a veiw of the base came he had climed it befor from here he would be able to survay the area. Heric went to work with his knife. he started by cutting 8 thin planks that would form the two layers of the shield then rounded them so it would be a circle. the two layers would be ontop of each other crossing grains so to add strength to the shield. he had projuced the shield rather quickly it lacked a steel boss or straps even a hide cover for the front but he had made a crude sheild latter he might finish the peice.

[Calus]

OOC: Waiting for that Sticko :D

IC: Caleto turned to Sadie, "Where is Skylar?" He was about to hear the answer to that question when a voice walked into camp. "Well, well well, what do we have here then?"
A dark knight came walking into the camp followed by four others; they were the ones at Willow's house.
Caleto turned and lifted his lute to be ready to wack anyone that came close, "Get out of here."
The knights laughed at the puny elfling lifting his lute above his head, "Oh and what are you going to do? Play a song? Ooooh scary." The knights laughed some more and walked forward slightly.
Caleto moved in front of the girls and one of the knights said, "We can have fun tonight."

[sticko_69]

OOC: im on Guard i think i would have heard five armoured men coming Calus even as a kid

IC:
Heric saw the Dark knights coming he tried to warn the others but they were no where to be seen he leaped out of his look out and into the bushes he drew his short sword and the sound of the armour of the enemies hid the sound of Heric then he saw the leader a dark knight approch Caleto Heric was going to call out to try and warn him but it was to late damn if he had of being more alert the closes man was wearing a studded leather vest with the dark knight symbol on it he carried a long stave a weapon used to pull men from horses he was most likely a conscript the man also had a long knife on his belt. he would be a prime target.

Heric knew one thing he wasnt strong enought to pearce the mans leather which protected his vital organs. it is suprisingly hard to kill a man humans are stubon they dont want to die but heric had another idea. heric charged and swang. a swing like this would knock an of guard man down with luck but the leather might protect him even at full force since Heric after all was 13 years old had the man be wearing any armour heaveir even a fully grown man would have problems perceing with this time of swing. but heric was aiming for the mans leg the part right behind the knee where the mans cloths where easy to chop through as well as the tendents in the leg.

Heric hit with as much force as he could the blade dugg into the mans ledg he crumpled falling a scream the gods could hear came from his mouth. the blade was stuck fast in the mans leg wegde betwen the back of the knee. the man grabed the leg his stave fell to the ground and heric saw the weapon but dismissed it and went for the long knife. the other four men had turned towards the young warrior who stood now with a long knife in his hand the conscipt screaming adn holding onto his leg if the man didnt bleed to death he would be lame for life.

Heric had drawn the attention now it was up to the others.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow had gotten to her feet when Sadie passed her the two rabbits, she was very experianced at skinning and dressing wild animals. She decided she would clean the aminals down away from the camp so as to not attract any other wild animals. As she passed by Kat Willow layed a hand on the girls shoulder and smiled gently at her then shook her head as she wiped the lone tear away. Don't worry little one, everything will be allrightshe thought then Willow continued on out of the camp to get the rabbits cleaned for dinner. Only a short distance away a small stream ran clear and Willow made short work of skinning and cleaning the rabbits, rolling up the fur hides Willow decided to take them with her, she may be able to make something from them. As she got closer to the clearing a feeling of dread grew inside her and her breath came faster. Picking up her pace she stepped back in the clearing to see five dark knights and Caleto confronting them. Willow moved to stand beside the elf, as the two oldest it was their responcibility to keep the children safe. Gripping the dagger she had used to dress the rabbits Willow waited with a grim look on her face for the knights to make their move.

[Aspen]

Astonished that she hadn't heard the knights aprouch, it took the young ranger a few moments to react.Sadie grabbed her bow and fumbled with her quill. Damn she couldn't seem to pull out just one arrow. She kept fumbling until at last one came free.
She notched her arrow, drew her bow and froze. All she could see was armor. There was no flesh, no openings, no target she could hit.

[Calus]

Caleto saw Heric's bravery and turned around to the fire behind him, he picked up a log that was flaming at one end. He dropped his lute to hang on it's strap, and threw the log at the group of knights, the log landed near one of the knights, but it temporarily blinded them as their eyes naturally focused on the flame twirling in the air.
Caleto ran over to the knight on the floor, and hit him in the head with his lute, the strings rang and a horrible chord sounded loudly through the trees; the knight was knocked out.

[Mariner]

Kat sits there listening quietly, feeling bad for Willow something bad must have happened. She then thinks to herself how much she misses her parents, a tear runs down her face for Willow.

Saddened as well Noren went to comfort Kat. "Well, the past is the past my master always said," he said sniffling. Watching the other kids walk by with rabbits Noren decided he needed some time alone. "Well I am going to walk around the area for a while." Noren always wondered what his parents were like, did they leave because of him he wondered. All he could remember was the temple, this was the life they had chosen for him.

After some time Noren could hear the beats of battle. Looking all around with a scared look he backtracked towards the camp. "Kat! Where are you! Caleto! Anyone!" Noren had been lost in thought that he forgot to mark his way. "Oh dear, I am in deep trouble my goddess."

[sticko_69]

Heric had the long knife in his right hand as he leeped at the now confused knights they hadnt had a chance to comprahend what had happened first one went down screaming then the other four where hit by ash forcing them to cover their eyes an attack with a lute stunded one the other three were still trying to get a grip on things if they managed to heric and all his new friends would be dead. the largest of the men carried a huge axe he also got alot of ash in his face when he herd his fellow go down by the lute he swang into action unfortunitly he just swung his axe in a huge arc to get at any one who may have been trying to attack him. the first into contact was a fellow man who caught the full fury of the blow in the chest his black plate armour buckled under the force. ribs cracked and he was down gasping for air the third soldier had leaped out of the way of the axe swing.

The man that had gotten away from the axe swing was face don on the ground and was about to get up Heric took a chance he leaped onto the man the long knife cut into the mans body as heric gave a furry of blows. the man rolled over and griped Heric by the neck tossing him away his right arm was now cripled he held it into his body. the wounds wernt enough to kill him but he would need valuble time to recover. now one Knight layed knocked out another two wounded so they could not fight a fourth man was griping his bad arm but held a blade in his good hand. oh and the fith was regaining his vision and his grip on his batle axe.

[Aspen]

As the elf through the burning log and the knights reacted, Sadie saw it. One of the knights who held a battle ax in his hand had an opening in his armor. the helmet he wore covered his face but a pannel of the garget, that protected his neck was missing. It looked as though it had been removed and not replaced for what ever reason.
Sadie drew her bow and steadied herself. With a prayer to the God's the young ranger let her arrow fly. As the knight was fairly close and the shot wasn't that difficut, it found it's mark, persing his neck. The knight wheeled around,dropped his ax and grabbed at the arrow, his wet scream echoed through the woods.

[Calus]

Caleto looked around and there were three knights left, one that was winded but also bleeding out, another that was unconcious and bleeding out and the last was fully active. Caleto moved over to the winded knight, hitting him with the lute, making the horribly loud and out of tune chord spread through the trees. He smiled as he knew that he was subduing the opponents not actually killing them, he turned around to face the last knight, and his smiled disappeared. A knife thrown by the knight landed in his left shoulder, Caleto screamed out and moved his hand to the blade.
He drew his hand back away from the wound and saw blood on his hand, his face turned pale and his body limp, he fainted.

[Kyra Starleaf]

Willow had been keeping herself between the children and the knights, whatever happened she decided they would not hurt the children, then she smiled a bit as Sadie's arrow found it's mark and a knight fell sreaming in pain then again who would protect the knights from the children she thought. Willow looked around for a better weapon than the skinning dagger she had, however there was nothing else to be found. When Caleto fainted Willow knew she had to do something, it was time to take a stand and stop hiding as she had been doing for the past three years. Armed with only a dagger she rushed forward, useing her body as another weapon she slammed into the knight and they both fell to the ground carried back by Willow's momentum. Making odd little whimpering sounds in the back of her throat Willow pummeled the knight about the face and neck, stabbing with the little dagger, paying the monsters back for all the hardships she had endured for the past three years.

[prophacyks]

OOC: I am dropping out of here for a while, sorry about that. Just say Kat got lost or something. Thanks:)

[Aspen]

Sadie watched as Willow attacked the knight, knocking him down and stabbing him countless number of times through the man's visour. Even after the man was obviously dead, she still stabbed him. Sadie walked up behind her and placed her hand on Willow's shoulder. "I think He's dead. You can stop now."

[Kyra Starleaf]

Sadie's voice penetrated the red haze that had covered Willow's eyes, looking down she was horrified to see her arms and hands covered in the dark knights blood. Willow got up and backed away from the body slowly then she dropped the knife as if it burned her fingers. All the knights were dead, they had made a fatal mistake it underestimating the power of fear. Willow pulled herself together and looked around the camp to be sure everyone else was allright. Her eyes widened as she noticed that Kat and Skylar were no where to be seen, gesturing to Sadie, Willow ran to where Caleto lay and began to slap his cheeks to revive him. They had to find the missing pair!

[Mariner]

Hearing a loud wooden thud and a scream Noren ran to towards the direction. Spotting Caleto in battle with the dark knights sent shivers throughout his frame. Praying to his goddess to guide his hands he grabbed a hefty tree branch. "For the master, for my family," he growled running towards the fray.

[Calus]

Caleto began to stir, he groaned slightly, his wound seeping around the dagger, and the blood clotting on his clothes.

[Aspen]

Sadie watched as Willow tryed to tell her something then ran off the revieve the bard. Looking around, she noticed that Skyler and Kat were missing. That must have been what Willow as waving about. "Skyler! Kat! Where are you?" the young ranger said loudly as she headed out of camp to look for them.

[sticko_69]

Heric yanked his blade free of the mans knee the man had bleed to death his life blood flowing into the dirt. Heric lifted the blood stained blade into the sky to see the light reflecting of it.

[DLancer]

Skyler roamed about the forest, lost and jaded. Absentmindedly kicking rocks as he walked, he lamented his poor planning - had he just had the initiative to carry the rabbit with him he wouldn't be in this situation. As the cool wind whipped his face and hair, he looked upward. In front of him was the dark and shadowed forest, lit only by streaks of moonlight persistent enough to penetrate the overhead foliage. Nervously gripping his quarterstaff, he trudged onward, hoping that whatever lurked unseen behind the veil of darkness was neither Nerakan nor malevolent. Pausing to mark a tree, Skyler stopped walking, silencing the crunching of leaves and branches that were a function of this action. His ears perked. In the increased silence, he thought he heard sounds of steel against steel ringing out from the north. Forgetting his demarcation, he heaved his quarterstaff onto his back and sprinted northward. As he continued in this direction, the sounds continued to elevate. After about 20 minutes of travel the sounds ceased, but they had provided enough direction during their duration for Skyler to find his way to the perimeter of the woods. Scouting around, he spotted Sadie in the distance, yelling his name.

[Mariner]

Caleto began to stir, he groaned slightly, his wound seeping around the dagger, and the blood clotting on his clothes.


Noren raised the branch swinging with all his might towards the head of the dark knight. Caleto had dispatched them momentarily leaving one. It was an effortless blow, for the armor produced a loud clank most likely irritating the man than hurting him. The knight turned around leaving Caleto to bleed and grebbed Noren around the neck raising his fist. Grabbing at the man's hands Noren prayed to his goddess, for these seemed to be his last moments. As he prayed a smooth calmness began to flow throughout his body flowing to his hands. Pulling back in shock the man screamed in pain as if struck by a lance.

OOC: Well, there goes one of my heal spells. Although inflicted them instead of healed.