Tavern Tales: Come on in and Have a Drink! Part V

[WhoGuru]

For a moment, silence held all in the Tavern as they stared at the wild picture Garulf made in the door. It was broken by Grond's bellow of laughter as he rose from his place by the fire with Failan and went to greet his childhood friend.

"By Stendar, Dragon breath I thought you eaten by the sea!" Grond wrapped his arms about the man, lifting him off his feet as Garulf sputtered and set him down finally to more laughter.

"Grond! You old horse's rump. You live!" Garulf slapped him soundly on the shoulder. "I should have known from the smell as I neared this place."

Staring at his face, Grond sobered suddenly and took his arm again. "Garulf, things have happened while you were...away."

"Gods. Has someone died?" Garulf asked, the merriment leaving his face but Grond shook his head and a grin spread across his face.

"Yes and no. I think we'll be picking you up off the floor soon." Grond stepped back and looked toward the fire. Garulf followed his glance and gasped, staggering back into the door as a vision from his dreams rose and came to meet him.

"It's a ghost." Garulf whispered, feeling a punch to his chest as he looked on the form of his beloved.

"No Garulf." Red smiled and ignored the tears that began to flow down her face. "Not a ghost." She leaped to him then, wrapping her arms around his neck and burrowing into his chest, head under his chin where it had rested so many times before. "I missed you."

Garulf stood immobile for a moment, staring down at her crimson hair, at Grond who he saw had tears in his own eyes as Failan came and snuggled in against him, feeling the unmistakable real weight of the woman in his arms. He took Red's shoulders, setting her away from him so he could look at her and studied every inch of her.

"Is it you? Can it be?" He breathed. As he looked, he noticed little differences, she was minutely shorter than he remembered her and much younger in appearance. Her hair was longer, eyes a slightly brighter moss green. But her crooked chin still dominated her face, the crooked smirk he had seen in his dreams so many times even now on her face. "Red." Her name shuddered from him and he crushed her suddenly in a frantic hug as she laughed. "My lady thief." He breathed in the scent of her hair like a bear scenting it's mate and held her even tighter.

"Can't...breathe." Red gasped from his chest, laughing even as she cried. "Bloody Nords...are going...to suffocate me."

He loosened his grip on a teary laugh and stared down at her. "How?" Was all he could manage through his tight throat. Rider came to them, punching him lightly on the shoulder, resting a hand briefly on Red's.

"Come sit by the fire. It's a tale worth hearing again." He said warmly, still amazed at their good fortune himself. It still seemed a dream, to have her back among them once more after such tragedy.

Garulf allowed himself to be led by his Red to the hearth in a daze and sat, Arlow pressing a heavy mug into his hand and grinning himself, and listened as they told him the story of how his beloved had come to walk amongst them once more. All the while he kept Red tucked firmly into his shoulder as though he were afraid she would vanish if he looked away and woke from the dream he was surely having. As if she could read the thought on his face, Red reached across and pinched his arm hard enough to make him shout.

"Ow! Alright! You minx." Garulf shouted and tugged her into his lap, holding her tight once more he took her mouth in a tender kiss and sighed. "It really is you." He rested his forehead against hers for a moment and simply let that realization sink in.

"Get a room you two." Grond broke the tableaux with a laugh and a shout. "Arlow! You lazy cur! More Meade! Catching up is thirsty work!"

[charlescrowe]

Serenity and Raurke stand bewildered looking on as Red made her glorious reappearance.

"Just HOW long have we been away, Raurke... when did Red 'die'?" Serenity whispered to Raurke

Raurke just stares on, having lost all ability to speak. He then conjures up another bottle and hands it to Red.

"What's all this about dying, you fox?" Raurke shouted as he finally found his voice. "Mayhap you'd enjoy a run to an old ruin with us? i hear it's got plenty of shiny for the filching" Raurke and Serenity said like twins, one starting, and the other finishio

g.

[grond]

Red sat without a trace of embarassment in the cradle produced by Garulf's great arms, and while she considered the twins' proposal, she ran her hand along Garulf's face, feeling it anew.  

"Shiny has always been a strong incentive," she said with a grin.  With both hands she slapped a rhythm lightly on either of Garulf's cheeks.

Garulf took the bottle from Raurke with a nod, but then scowled.  "But there are things we need to discuss privately!" he cried to Red, somewhat anxiously. "I must fill you in - on what's happened since we parted!"  

Rider and Jack howled with laughter, and when it subsided Rider said, "Morning's best for beginning.  Don't you think, friend Garulf?"

Garulf nodded vigorously.  

Just then, Red grunted, "Down," and Garulf released her, for the door to the upper rooms had swung open and into the Common Room came Lily.  Towering behind her was Grond.  Lily came to Red and they embraced tightly.

Garulf noticed Grond's moist eyes.  "Crybaby," said Garulf, though his own voice shook slightly.  

They moved to the great fireplace and sat all together once again, and exchanged stories for much of the evening.

[WhoGuru]

Late into the night, or early morning, most everyone had finally wandered off to their beds. Garulf pulled his weary woman up from the sofa and began leading her to the stairs as Bryn tugged on Red's arm.

"Just one moment? Please?" Brynna smiled at Red and then impulsively hugged her. "Thank you. For saving him. Without your sacrifice, my Lord Conall might still be lost to us." She sniffed, squeezing the woman tighter and laughed, stepping back to look at her. "I know that you're older than I but you no longer look it. I may have to start calling you little sister, for you are surely family to the Cearnachs in spirit if not in truth."

"Uh... Thank you!" Red said, a little flustered at the passionate thanks and the compliment.

"I never thought to have the chance to thank you is all." Bryn said, flushing herself now and bobbed a curtsy. "I wont keep you. You must be exhausted." She hugged Red again and then dashed up the stairs to her own room, leaving Garulf to chuckle as Red shook her head.

"I remember her, I think." She said suddenly on a laugh. "From...before."

He draped his arm over her shoulders and kept her close. "The Rider's granddaughter, Brynna. Er...great, great something or other granddaughter. I think. She was kind to you." Garulf told her, voice suddenly soft, and got her going to the stairs once more. "I'll explain as we go. You're out on your feet." Red did sway slightly as they ascended the stairs, feeling a pleasant sort of floating feeling from all the Meade, the late hour and the shock of being alive and among those she loved once more.

-------------

The Tavern slept long into the morning, though Red rose before most. She crept from her bed and Garulf's arms, smiling broadly at the sight of him sprawled there. She dressed in the unfamiliar clothes of her daughter, wishing for her own leathers, and quietly left for the tavern room.

Below, Arlow stood behind the bar, ruthlessly polishing it's eternally beringed surface and grinned at her when he saw her. "Good morning, Miss!"

"Morning, Arlow." Red greeted and would have walked past but a call stopped her. Wilson had poked his head out of the kitchen.

"Ma'am, hold for a moment." He said and then poked Arlow in the side with a long handled spoon, hissing something at him. Arlow hissed back, batting at the spoon and shooing the man away.

"Alright, I was going to you know." He said, irritated. "Go back to pretending to cook and I'll see to this." Wilson waved a hand at him and vanished once more into the kitchens. "Red. We kept something here, couldn't bear burying it with...well...up there on the hill." Arlow ducked down behind the bar and came up with a black, cloth wrapped object. He placed it on the bar and pushed it to her. "This is yours."

Red took the folds of cloth, folding them back and then gasped, clapping her hands together. "Oh, Arlow, you saved it!" From the cloth, she lifted out the familiar blue glow of her Welkynd bow and grinned broadly. Arlow had kept it in perfect repair, obviously polishing it daily. It had even been newly strung. "Thank you so much!" She slipped the familiar weight over her shoulder, adding the quiver of arrows beneath it. "Don't suppose you have my leathers tucked away back there somewhere? Or my dagger?" Red asked ruefully.

"Alas, no, Miss." Arlow laughed. "T'would be a lovely day for a ride into Sutch though. Perhaps you could find suitable clothing there to replace..." He looked at Scarlet's former garments and sniffed with distaste for their last owner. "Those."

"I may indeed. Thank you!" She reached across the bar and gave the man a kiss on the cheek, turning him red and then left the Tavern whistling happily. Outside, the morning was indeed lovely. A clear blue sky arced over head and the air smelled fresh and clean from the storms of the night before. Red went to the stables, slipping inside and to her delight, found Savior in the stall she remembered.

"Good morning, my lovely boy." Red went to him, wrapping her arms about his neck and laughing when he snorted, pawing the ground and seemed to lean in to her. "I missed you too." How long she stood there she didn't know but was startled out of her reverie by a polite cough and chuckle. At the stall door stood Rider, grinning and shaking his head.

"Some things just never change do they?" He laughed. "Morning, Red. Going somewhere?"

"Mm. Sutch I think." She said with a smile and picked at her black tunic. "I really want some decent clothes. The garb of the assassin is just not..."

"Not a comfortable fit for you anymore." Rider finished with a nod. "I had a feeling you'd want to make a trip." He gave a whistle and Legion trotted into view. "Mind some company?"

"Of course not! Most especially not company willing to lend a thief a little gold." Red laughed in earnest. "For I've nothing at all it seems!" She swung up into the saddle. "We could stop and see Arwin and Jean as well. I'd like to see their shop."

"Then that's what we'll do." Rider mounted Legion, turning him out into the yard and heard them follow. Outside, Grond stood with Garulf and Failan.

"Morning!" Grond greeted and clapped a hand on Red's leg along Savior's side. "Failan here needs to return to Udolf. Thought I'd escort her part of the way."

"Wouldn't try leaving without me, now would ya?" Garulf asked with a grin. Another whistle echoed through the yard and three more horses came padding out of the stables, grooms frantically slipping bits of bridle in place still and scowling at the group for disturbing them and rushing their work.

"We're for a visit to Sutch." Red told them as they mounted. "I don't plan on it taking long but you just never know, do you?" She laughed and kneed Savior into a trot, and then a gallop leaving them standing about watching her back.

"She's in a fine mood today." Rider said with a knowing wink at Garulf, watching the Nord blush. "We'll never catch her you know, if we don't go." He gave Legion a whistle and the warhorse exploded into movement, the others on his heels as they rode to catch up with Red's laughter, echoing back to them on the wind.

[charlescrowe]

Their room was small, but comfortable, and neither twin could sleep. In the dim firelight, they sat, checking their equipment, Raurke Polishing his Prized Glass Rose, a sword of no small beauty, in the image of a cutting from a rose stem, gleaming brightly as if the room were lit by daylight.

"'Cha thinkin 'bout, Raurke?" Serenity asked, playfully tugging on the tufts of hair on Ruarke's chin.

Raurke, slightly annoyed, regarded his twin sister with a ruefull look. Casting a glance upon her twin swords of no name. "You're just like her... like ma... the way you use her swords, you're naive, carefree attitude... I miss her so much, Seren..."

The twins had lost their parents to bandits while on a stroll around Lake Rumare four years ago. they were Twenty now, and learning the harsh realities of life at an even deeper level than on that day four years ago.

"You know what, let's forget that welkynd job and tag along with Red... i'm pretty sure she could use the help... and it'd be much safer in such a large group." Raurke suggested, much to Serenity's surprise.

"Fine, but don't you use none of your outlaw magics... you know the penalty for teleportation and that 'Flit' spell you created." Serenity barked.

Raurke gave her a bewildered look. "But, Flitting is half of my fighting style... what's wrong with suddenly appearing in front of an opponent twenty feet away and slicing'em up?" Raurke mused defiantly.

[grond]

Red felt she could ride forever.  Her new youth - and new life - filled her with an exuberance which bordered on frenzy.  A fact which, if asked, Garulf would have testified to.  He found it rather difficult to maintain the pace set by his beloved, for the night before he had too briskly savored her youth, and he decided it was far more comfortable to stand in the stirrups.  Though that posture too was uncomfortable.  “Go get ‘er old man!” cried Grond.  The Dragon Hunter gave a wincing laugh as he passed, urging Lightfoot to greater speed.  

Grond rode easily beside Failan as the others chased Red towards Sutch.  The two trotted lightly along the sunlit Road.  “Perhaps now your dreams of her will cease,” said Failan with a sly grin.

“Eh?” replied Grond, a wide grin on his own face.

Failan laughed.  “Look at the smile on you!”   She squinted at him, her own tanned face smiling still.  She led Tor, her charcoal mount, into Mik, bumping him.  The stallion whinnied and bit at Tor, and they quickened their pace as their riders allowed a bit of play.  “It’s alright,” added Failan.  “I love her as well, for that reason.”  

“Reason!?” cried Grond.  “What are ye talkin’ about!  ‘Tis a sunny, peaceable day!  I’m ridin with ye, dear heart - what more reason do I need??”

“Uh-huh, whatever, Nord!” replied Failan, laughing.  “Oh, sometime soon I’ll need to work with you.”

“Work?”

“Mmm, hmm.  I saw how you swung that blade of mine.  Appalling!”  At this they laughed together.

“Now come!” cried Failan.  “We’ve had our breakfast - let’s not be eating their dust for brunch!  Come on Tor!  Get up!”  With that, she sent Tor into a gallop.  Grond, bursting, followed, though at a canter still.   He thought of a thing his Dad used to say, when he was a youngling, and about to go off romping with Garulf:  

“May fortune favor the foolish.”  

It seemed today it did, thought the Nord.  He spat dust but could not close his smiling mouth.  “Okay, boy,” he said to Mik.  “Go on!”

The others stood together, waiting outside the Sutch Stables, and when Garulf saw his old friend come down the low hill, he called:  “Here he comes, finally - the Draugr!”

Without looking at Garulf, and whistling a happy tune, the Nord stabled Mik and soon returned.  He said his farewells to Failan, ignoring Garulf’s wolf whistles, and the mayor of Udolf rode easily away.  The companions walked up the short hill, and entered Sutch.

********************

They walked happily through the streets.  Soon, they came to the Black Powder Shoppe.  They filed in, and Grond held open the door for each of them, ringing the bell with his hand as each entered.  Rider,  Red, and Garulf - they filed into the shop.  But when Grond let the door close, he saw that which the others saw - the shop was dark and empty.  

“Went out for an early lunch?” asked Grond.

“Maybe,” replied Red, but the doubt in her voice was echoed in all of their faces.  “What might that be?” said Rider, and he led them to the back wall, where, amid the clean shelves and well organized stock, the Ranger spied something which the others at first could not see.  Just then, there came a shuffling noise from behind them.  Red leapt to the stair, for she saw Jean, heavy with child, struggling as she came downstairs to greet them.

"Arwin went alone," she began, but when Jean saw who it was that offered her aid, she fainted.

[WhoGuru]

Red struggled under weight on the stairs, bracing her legs to keep the gravid woman from tumbling down them. "Boys...I could use...some help!" Red gasped, feeling her back strain. Not only was Jean now much heavier for the child but as an elf, also much taller than Red making the angle on the stairs frightening.

Grond and Rider leaped up the stairs and each took a side of the stricken woman. Together the carried her to the bottom of the stairs and set her gently at their base. Red took her head in her lap and scowled up at them. "Someone, find a healer. Now. I will not be the cause of this little life going astray."

"It's alright, Red." Rider took her shoulder gently. "She merely feinted at the sight of you." He grinned now. "She'll be fine when she wakes."

The bell over the door gave another jingle, this time announcing the arrival of Serenity and Raourke. "Red!" Raourke greeted with a grin. "Fancy meeting you here. What have you done to that poor woman?"

"Oh, Raourke, leave off." Serenity gave her twin a shove and dropped next to the two women, rummaging in a small pack at her side. She removed a small vial and pulled the stopper with a flourish. "For those mornings when Raourke can't wake past the pounding in his head." Red laughed, watching as Serenity passed the vial under Jean's nose a couple times and then held on to her when she jerked awake.

"Wha?" Jean looked about and, on seeing Red's smiling face above her, felt her eyes cross once more.

"Jean, it really is me. I swear it." Red said gently and sat still as Jean reached a hand up to touch her face as though expecting her to vanish before her eyes.

"Wow." Raourke said in a slightly awed voice. "You really were dead, weren't you? Don't you know how to lead a boring life?"

Red snorted up at the elf. "Where's the fun in boring?" She looked back down at Jean. "Alright now? Because I'd hate to have to explain this to Arwin."

Jean chuckled, feeling her eyes moisten and pushed herself up to hold Red. "He told me of course, but I don't think I really believed him until I saw you standing there. Welcome back Red."

"How about we get you off the floor." Red laughed. She and Serenity helped the woman back on her feet. "These are my friends, Serenity and Raourke, by the way." She introduced them.

"Raven Elves." Jean smiled. "You do have the most interesting friends. Welcome to our shop." Jean greeted. "Though it seems to have gone mostly missing for the moment."

"Jean, where has Arwin gone? And what happened to your stock?" Rider asked, looking about at the empty shelves.

"Oh it'll turn back up soon, never fear. Come upstairs all of you. I've just put some tea on. Much more comfortable and the shop likes to rearrange itself better when no one's looking." She gave a little laugh and gestured them to follow her. "What brings you to Sutch, Red?"

The thief laughed brightly. "Believe it or not, shopping for clothes." Don't suppose you have anything tucked away?"

"As a matter of fact!" Jean turned at the top of the stairs, leading them to a door and opened it on a brightly lit, warmly furnished room. "There was a pair of light greaves I came across last week, of Dwarven design."

"And they're light armor?" Red asked appraisingly. "That's usually Heavy you know."

"Make yourselves at home!" Jean told them all. Patting Rider and Grond on the back, nodding to Garulf and the Elves. "Us girls will be back shortly!" Jean took Red's elbow and led her back out and up to the next floor.

"You know, I think this building is bigger on the inside, Jean." Red commented with a laugh and heard Jean chuckle as well.

"You have no idea." She said amused and opened another door. Inside, were boxes and crates of merchandise that had yet to make it downstairs. Jean went to a large chest in the corner and rummaged inside for a moment. "It's good to see you back again, Red, and I do believe you're younger than I remember you."

Red laughed shortly. "Yes. I am." She thought of her daughter and then quickly pushed the memory back. She'd promised Scarlet not to regret the choice and would do her best not to break her word.

"Ah, here we are!" Jean emerged with a pile of armor and clothes and deposited them on a table by Red. "Here are the greaves, some boots to go with them and really, Red, would it hurt you to be a bit more feminine?" Jean laughed and patted her shoulder. "I'm soon to be a mother, forgive me. Try these on for size. I think the greaves may actually be small enough for you. Curious. I thought they looked larger earlier."

--------------------

"What do you suppose they're doing up there?" Raourke asked. "I mean, it's armor, can't be that interesting."

"Raourke, you can be such a man sometimes." Serenity commented, prompting a laugh from the other men. "In fact, I think I'll go help." Serenity smiled and dodged out the door after the other women.

Rider dropped into a chair near the window and looked on the two elves. "So, how is it exactly you know our Red?" He asked with a grin.

"Ah, now that is a story!" Raourke settled against the wall, arms crossed and laughed. "There was this ruin, tucked away on the Morrowind side of the Valus mountains. Seren and I were thinking we were the first in. Only we reached the ancient throne room and what do we find but a snarky redhead sitting pretty as you please in the throne with the Ayleid crown we'd been after perched on her head and grinning that crooked grin."

Grond roared with laughter, as did Rider and Garulf. "Oh I can just picture that." He wheezed, wiping tears from his eyes.

"You left out the part where you jumped me and I outfoxed you, escaping with the crown." Red laughed as she entered, Jean and Serenity at her back.

"I was getting to that." Raourke laughed and whistled. "Nice. Very foxy."

Red blushed slightly. Dressed now in brown, Dwarven greaves, iron boots and a curiously feminine top Jean had unearthed, she looked quite different. Garulf gave her an appraising glance and came to rub his hands on the bare skin at her shoulders. "I like it. It suits you." Red blushed deeper to match her hair.

"Very well done, Jean." Rider said, rising to make room for the woman to sit. "You've made a girl of our girl." He laughed. "Now, perhaps you could tell us where Arwin is?"

[charlescrowe]

"Ah, I'll hit up the apothecaries now... best to have something to work with, should one of us be injured." Raurke said, with a teasing glance at Serenity. "That, and i need to think." With that, Raurke disappaered  out the door of the shop.

"So, Red, what's all this about you having died? We never really got the full story." Serenity asked furtively, not wanting to upset anyone. Serenity had just come down, wearing shiny black leathers as Raurke was speaking.

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Raurke checked his coin purse. "Empty? By the Nine, I have to cut down on the ale." He ryummaged through his pack, looking for something he could hock off at a general goods vendor when he heard a familiar voice.

"Tam! That blade's expensive, don't drop it. We need it in good shapoe for the customer." Said the familiar voice.

"Gadget?!" Raurke yelled in surprise. "What're you doin here?

"Ah, Raurke, nice to see you! I'm actually here on business. some noble or another ordered some ghastly ornate sword, and sent me a messenger. I just happened to have the metals in stock, so i took the job. Besides, you know nobles pay well." Gadget said offhandedly.

She was a Raven elf, like Raurke and Serenity, but was not blood relation. They had all three, grown up in the Temple District as neighbors. She had made Glass Rose and Serenity's Twin swords six years ago, as a gift to Their parents.

Still taking care of those swords, I see. Glad to see their getting the proper respect they need." Gadget said.

"Yes, we couldn't bring ourselves to enchant them, they cut so well. I still can't figure out what you did to Glass Rose's volcanic glass to make it cut ghosts, but I'm not complaining." Raurke said with a chuckle.

"Ah, the secret was melting down soulgems and mixing them in with the glass. Filled, of course." Gadget remarked. "At any rate, i must be going, but here's what I owe you for that last batch of welkynds you sent me." She handed Raurke a fattened coin purse and hurried off to the richer part of Sutch.

"Bonus!" Raurke said to himself, and hurried into the apothecary.

[DarkRider]

The afternoon sun was still high in the western sky when Jack Rackham led his Galleon out of the stables and into the tavern yard. The tavern was unusually quiet as most of her residents were off to Sutch for supplies, leaving the yard as eerily silent as a graveyard. The barman, Arlow, paused on his way to the wood pile to wipe his brow and eyed the dark clouds hanging far out on the horizon.

“Heading off to Sutch then?” he called to Jack.

The pirate tightened the cinch of Galleon’s saddle, “I’m afraid not,” he answered smoothly, “There’s a small point of business I’ve been meaning to see to and now seems like a fair enough lull to see it done.”

Arlow nodded, running a rough hand over the graying stubble on his chin, “It is at that, do you leave any message for the others?”

Jack considered for a moment, “Tell them I’ve gone to see a man about a boat, and not to worry, they will see me again soon.”

The barman made an odd gesture, tapping his head with his forefinger as if physically committing the message to his rusty memory, “Farewell than, Calico Jack,” he said cheerily, “Mind them clouds now, we’re due for a storm.”

“Farewell, Arlow,” Jack returned with a nod, taking Galleon’s reins and walking the steed down the tree lined lane away from the tavern. As he walked the dusty road he thought about his life at sea before the tavern and his life now, so full of fellowship and adventures he could never have imagined. He mused wistfully at how fortune had smiled on him that day he’d run into the Dark Rider and how differently his path could have turned from where it had led him then. In all his time ashore in the tavern he hadn’t once longed for the sea, but he was called to it now. It was not the sea that called, but the Charlotte and her crew. What fate had befallen them was still uncertain and while the dangers of the open waters were well known to all sea farers, Jack knew that if any of them yet lived they would be praying to see a familiar banner flying on the horizon. By now his own ship, The Longwinter, would be making berth in Anvil and the timing seemed right for a rendezvous with the life he had left behind.

Nearing the end of the long lane, where the path disappeared in the long grass, Jack crossed paths briefly with the half elf, Rebecca. She was carrying a small basket of goods, likely purchased in the camp town outside Kvatch. Though the girl had been staying around the tavern for some time she had yet to make any real friends, nor to take any particular interest in affairs that were not her own. She seemed quiet, in the sort of quiet way that betrayed a clouded past, one that might catch up to her someday. Jack had encountered many like her in his travels; such folks were common at sea where one could literally reinvent themselves and disappear to foreign lands. Perhaps, a new life is what this one sought as well.

“Safe travels,” the girl said meekly as they passed.

For a moment, he said nothing, but unable to help himself he stopped, “So she speaks!” he teased her, turning to lean against Galleon’s saddle, and grinning at her charmingly.

“I…I just…,” Rebecca stammered, blushing several shades of red clearly flustered by his roguish manner and cavalier tones. Though she was not without experience in the world, she had never met anyone with the debonair way of this Calico Jack and his attention made her feel strangely light inside, “I sorry, Mr. Rackham,” she said finally finding her voice, “I only meant to wish you well.”

“And so you did, girl, for which I thank you” he said in a friendly voice, “took me a bit by surprise is all, you seldom say much.”

“I know,” she answered, brushing a stray wisp of her short, dark hair away from her face, “it’s not that I wouldn’t like to…to say more. I am just used to being on my own I suppose, well except for my beasts.”

Jack nodded, “I think there’s a few around here who might relate. Fairly sure that in some county or another Rider and his horse are married,” he laughed and despite her shyness, Rebecca laughed as well.

“You’re a…strange man, Mr. Rackham,” she said meekly, “but I think…I like that.”

Jack bowed his head, “Then I’ll take that as a compliment,” he swung himself up into Galleon’s saddle, “You might want to try speaking more often, and to the others. You never know what’s coming round the next rise and there are times when it’s good fortune to have allies.”

“I will,” she said sincerely, offering a small wave, “I promise. Farewell.”

“And fare thee well, girl, until next time,” he returned, waving back before spurring Galleon off toward the west.

[charlescrowe]

Raurke walked out of the apothecary with a smile, oh how he weasled such a deal. "Must be my lucky day. I'd better get the rest of this to Serenity. She'll ring my neck if she doesn't get her cut."

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"Oh, so THAT'S what happened..." Serenity said wide-eyed as Red finished her tale of how she died.

"Indeed, my young little friend" Red replied with a sober smile. "Ah, Raurke, you're back! find anything good?"

Raurke looked up as he walked in. "Depends on how usefull a potion of glib tongues is to ya." he replied, cocksure. "I must have cleaned the damned apothecary out with what gadget gave me for those welkynds we delivered, which reminds me, here's your cut Seren." He tossed the purse to her.

The twins looked at Red and asked "So, Red, what's next?" in classic twin fashion.

[grond]

For an answer, Red nodded at their friend Jean, and declared:  “She has a missing husband.”

Together the twin Raven Elves said, “Oh, a mystery!  And look at the size of her!  She’s due any time now!”  They followed Red to where Jean lay on a sofa.  Grond and Rider knelt near her.  

“Arwin had only just come back from your journey,” said Jean.  “He told me the story of his lone battle with the Vampires, and I’m afraid I began to scold him for it.  Foolish - a father-to-be taking such a risk!  I was upset to the extent that when he said that you, Red, had been returned to us, I barely heard his words.  But might any of you be able to run out for me?  I really have a taste for sweetcake and radishes.”

They laughed quietly.  “We’ll go for you,” Red smiled.   She nodded to Grond, who barrelled out the door as if an Oblivion Gate had opened outside.  Then Red turned back to Jean.  “But what of Arwin?”  

“Well,” she began, “there’s something residing with us here.  Not a ghost but something else.  I think it’s kind - that is, it’s never tried to harm me, or Arwin either.  I don’t quite know how to explain it.  I am never alone when Arwin is gone from me.  Much as I do miss him, there has always been a presence here.  So I am never alone.  At first it was unpleasant, and I’d turn quick to see who was watching me, but no one was there.  But now that I’m used to it; now it seems fairly comforting.  

“Seems as if this very shop has a soul, and that soul - or spirit, or energy, or some such - it’s linked with another place.   I think that’s it.  That’s what it appears to be to me.  A window, or a doorway - whatever it may be - has appeared here.  The back wall has faded a number of times since we’ve moved here.  Faded away.  But just for a moment, so I couldn’t tell what I was looking at.

“Until last night.  We had just closed the shop for the night.  I was counting the day’s till and Arwin had just returned with an armload of radishes - oh how the babe loves a radish! - when he dropped his parcel on the floor and stared at the wall behind me.  His face was lit in blue light.  This time the portal, or vision - whatever - this time it didn’t close.  

“His eyes grew lit with worry, because he must have been shown something - quite tragic, by the look on his face - which I didn’t see, for as I turned, the opening, or hole - whatever - was drawing closed, and Arwin raced past me.  As he did he apologized - he managed a brief farewell, and a vow to return - but what good will that do if he dies?  Anyway - through the gate, or link - whatever - through the closing thing he leapt.  Then he and the hole, both were gone, the wall became a wall again, and it became very dark in here without the bright light, and with the evening settling in.”

After hearing Jean talk of the strange vision appearing, the Raven Elves went to investigate the far wall.   When Jean had finished her tale, Serenity stood as Raurke bent to something on the floor.  Brushing her purple hair out of her eyes, Serenity exclaimed, “Raurke don’t you dare!  Well then be careful!  Don’t squish it!  Is it hot?  Here, let me!  Come now!”

It was a glowing thing, like the ectoplasm dropped upon a wraith’s death.  But this thing writhed slowly in Raurke's hands, and had a clinging substance on one side, and a smooth moist feel on the other, as if it had only just come from some crag under the sea.  It was lit from within with a light the color of a summer sky.  It had four triangular legs, or that was its body’s shape, so that Raurke began and Serenity finished:  “It’s an X!  X marks the spot!”

[charlescrowe]

Unable to resist the pull of research, Raurke puled out an empty vial and slipped the... thing... inside. "I'm not quite sure what it is, but i'm thinking it'd be safer to handle if it were separated from our skin by 3 millimeters of glass." he said in explanation, then handed it about to hear everyone's thoughts.

"Queerest little thing i've ever seen" Serenity muttered under her breath as it reached her. "Jean, did your husband attack anything as he jumped through?" she asked, thinking hard.

"You know, I'm not quite sure. He may have." Jean said, unassuringly. Suddenly Raurke yelped, holding his hand. "By gods! that thing can paralyze!" He yelled. "Are you ok? Serenity and Red asked hurriedly, Red grabbing her pack and rummaging around for some potion or another. "Yes Red, I'm fine. Got my hand back now." He wiggled his fingers to make his case.

As Red examined the blob with a dark look, she said softly, "It looks like it might be related to the Elytra of the Shivering Isles, wouldn't you say? But at any rate, we best put this thing away in a safe place." She tossed the vial back to Raurke, who slipped it into one of the many pockets in his pack.

[WhoGuru]

"Really, all of you." Jean smiled at them serenely. "Arwin will be fine and return soon I am sure. He always does." She went to the back wall of the shop and patted it once, in a friendly fashion. "It isn't the first time he has slipped through this...portal."

"He's entered it before?" Grond asked, surprised.

"Hmm, yes. Though he thinks I didn't know." Jean laughed, resting her hands on her belly. "Honestly, as if I wouldn't notice him vanishing from inside the shop and then reappearing. You men can be so silly."

Red and Serenity laughed with her.

"So you'll really be alright? You're sure he'll be back?" Red asked, eying the back wall with curiosity.

"Yes, Red. Really." Jean gave her a gentle push toward the front of the shop. "Go on now, the lot of you. You've things to do and this little one has made me long for a nap!"

"We'll be back to check on you and your errant husband." Rider said kindly with a smile. "Take care of the little one in the meantime, and yourself."

"Always, Ranger." Jean laughed again and ushered them out of the shop, closing the door behind them and flipping the lock into place. She turned to look at the back wall once more and shook her head with a chuckle. "Hurry back, Arwin dear. People are beginning to worry about you." With that, she headed upstairs once more, humming to their child.

------------------------

The friends headed out of Sutch as the afternoon sun rose over the city. Near the gates, they stopped to wander for a bit in the open air market that had only been setting up when they'd arrived.

"You need a weapon, Red." Grond grinned at her. "Lethal as you are with that bow, you need something else for spitting the bad guys."

"Aye." Rider nodded. "There's a weapon seller over there. Perhaps we'll find you something there."

"That is, if you're sure you don't want your Dread Blade back." Garulf added questioningly. They had discussed it last night before she'd fallen to sleep and she had been quite adamant. "We'd retrieve it for you, you know that." Referring to the grave on the hillside.

Red smiled and shook her head, wrapping her arm around his as they walked. "No. It should stay buried. To be honest, I'm not even sure I could use the blade now. It may not respond to my daughter's blood as it was made for mine."

"Better you make a fresh start." Rider said and got a grin from her.

"Yes. That part of my life is over. I'm free of it." Red said and sighed, feeling suddenly lighter. "I hadn't thought of that until now. I'm free of all of it. The Night Mother, that bloody crystal..."

Rider draped an arm over her shoulders, trapping her between him and Garulf. "Going to take some getting used, eh?" He saw the shine of tears in her eyes, quickly blinked away and she smiled once more.

"Yes." She ducked out from between the men, giving Grond a punch in the shoulder as she danced past him and toward the market stalls. "I've a need for a sword I think. Been far too long since I carried one."

"Oh, I'm coming!" Serenity laughed, jogging after Red toward the weaponsmith.

"Can she even use a sword?" Grond asked on a laugh.

"Yes!" Rider and Raourke answered in unison and laughed.

"I've seen her." Rider nodded. "She's an expert, though the dagger was always her preference."

"Aye." Raourke agreed and touched the gold pouch at his waist as he surveyed the wares on display. "I'll catch you up. Too many goodies to look at." He veered away from the Nords and Rider and left them chuckling.

"I suppose we're on our own." Grond said and put his arms around Rider's and Garulf's shoulders in a crushing grip. "I smell meade from somewhere over there! Come!" Garulf planted an elbow in his friends gut as Rider gave him a good natured shove forward and together, they hunted down the smell of warmed meade while the others shopped.

--------------------

Much later in the afternoon, after tracking down the men who'd planted themselves at the Meade stall, they left Sutch in high spirits, Red still bereft of a weapon other then her bow. She'd found nothing in the market that felt right in her hand.

They rode from the city, Raourke and Grond teasing her that she'd be reduced to slapping at anything that attacked them on the way home. The good natured teasing continued, some directed at the Elves walking alongside the horses as they preferred and holding the group to a leisurely pace. The sun began to set behind the trees, lengthening the shadows into early evening. Rider stopped suddenly, pulling Legion to a halt. Out of habit, Savior followed suit beside him.

"Did you hear that?" He asked of no one in particular, tilting his head to hear the sound that had stopped him.

"Hear wha..." Grond started and then fell quiet as an odd, growling noise found his ears.

"Did Arwin not mention an army of Goblins in this area?" Rider asked, peering into the trees. The sound had been distant but in these forests, distance could be deceiving.

"Aye." Grond slid from Mik's back, pulling his hammer with him. "But that a was goblin war over a stolen totem he said."

"And that didn't sound like a Goblin." Raourke commented, drawing his sword in unison with his sister.

Red dropped from Savior's back, Welkynd bow in her hands and grinned. "Let's investigate, shall we?" She tossed a salute at them and then melted into the trees, vanishing from sight.

Garulf thudded to the ground from his horses back with a growl. "I see she's lost none of her skill at disappearing and getting into trouble. Bloody thieves." He grumbled under his breath, prompting laughter from the others, and followed her into the trees with the others close at his back.

[charlescrowe]

Red melted into the greenery, scouting ahead. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She instinctively reached down for the dagger that wasn't there, and was relieved when it was only Serenity. "I thought i'd lend one of my swords until Raurke get's back from anvil." She said as she quietly drew out her swords, handing one to Red. "Carefull, they belonged to my mother." With that, they stalked off in silence.

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Grond looked around in confusion. Raurke had just been there beside him mere moments ago. "Raurke!?" he shouted.

"Yes, my friend?" Raurkereplied, fading in to vision.

"Bloody hell! where've you been?" Grond said angrily. "Why, Anvil of course. Thought i'd grab a weapon for Red off of a contact i've got there." He held up a meaty selection of blades as proof.

"Anvil? But that's a week's ride from 'ere!" Grond exclaimed, exasperated and bewildered. At this, Raurke laughed heartily. "Don't tell the gaurds, but i'm proficient in teleportation magicks, and if my intuition's right, you may be getting a first hand look at my fighting style." Raurke smiled roguishly. With that, he took a step, and appeared twenty feet away and looked back. "C'mon, we best catch up to the girls if we want any fun 'tall." and he was gone.

[WillieSea]

As Jean started up the stairs she once again saw green lines appear on the back wall of the shoppe. The lines were getting bigger as time passed, and they would form in jagged lines, like cracks forming in the wall. She felt the Shoppe’s concern and knew it would only be a matter of time before that crack expanded into a portal that was uncalled by the shoppes knowledge. She felt the revulsion of that green power that tried to open the portal, she could almost feel its probing magics looking for a way in. So far, the shoppe was strong enough to keep it out, but it would only be a matter of time before it got in.

Jean then thought about Arwin. He had made too many trips into the portal locations the shoppe had sent him to. Not all of those places were safe and she worried for Arwin’s safety. He too was looking for an answer, a way to protect Jean and his soon to arrive child by her.

The green cracks slowly faded from view, the last of it finally forming a small ‘X’ on the wall. She continued back upstairs for an afternoon nap.

- - -

Arwin looked around the cavern he found himself in. Pulsing crystals hung from the ceiling and poked up from the floor. The whole cavern glowed in a bluish light and a crystalline melody seemed to fill the air. He looked behind him where he had entered the chamber and saw the broken stones of some ruined building. Looking through the crumbled remains he saw a passage that exited the chamber. Unfortunately it was totally blocked in rubble from some ancient landslide.

He then looked back into the chamber and using his excellent vision he searched the cavern. The shoppe would have sent him her for a purpose, he just had to figure out what that purpose was. He thought back to the other times he had gone through that portal. On these trips he had found a lot of strange stuff, including the gauntlets he wore as well as the strange ring that cloaks him from sight while still allowing him to attack. There were many such excursions where he had brought back quite a bit of ‘stuff’ for Jean to catalog.

His eyes quickly became used to the lower light and that is when he noticed all the crystals in the room seemed to be sending a beam of light to the center of the chamber floor. Looking closer, what looked like a pedestal of crystal seemed to absorb the combined light and pulsed rapidly. Arwin made his way carefully through the sharp crystal structures towards the focus of the chambers energy.

He soon came upon a fat glowing crystal that not only pulsed but it throbbed as well. As he approached, the crystal started to fracture and pieces tinkled to the floor in a cascade of shining faucets. The glow in the chamber dimmed and a blue crystal dagger hung suspending in the air where the fat crystal had been. It glowed slightly in the darkening gloom of the chamber. Arwin instinctively reached for it and when he grasped its hilt, a warmth seemed to surround him which quickly faded.

Another light then illuminated the chamber. Back up the way he had come down, where the ruined building still stood, a glowing light of some kind showed a familiar looking shop door with dark glass windows framing it. He smiled, apparently he had found what he needed in this place very quickly. Sometimes, he had spent days wandering around the place where the portal sent him, searching for what he needed, or more likely, what the shoppe thought he needed. He has a suspicion that it was currently just locking onto strong magical signatures, perhaps from his desire stock the shoppe shelves. It was certainly something to ponder.

At least the way back home was now opened back up to him. He sighed and carefully made his way back up to the portal and home. Not all of his trips in the portal had been this easy. He had a few new scars to prove that point and he chuckled as he opened the shoppe door and entered.

[charlescrowe]

Serenity's keen ylvyn ears picked up the faint sound of someone moving VERY fast through the wood. She tapped Red's Shoulder then pulled her down as Raurke appeared, standing sideways on the tree next to where Red's head had been just momewnts before. "Ah, I'm Quite sorry about that." Raurke blushed. "I can't see very well when doing that. It's a side-effect I've never figured out how to counteract."

Red got up and dusted herself off. "It's quite alright." She said gruffly, annoyed with Raurke ever so slightly. At this, Raurke reached into an inside pocket of his vest and withdrew a bundle of swords. "Thought you'd like one of these." He said with a grin"

Red stared bewildered. "I thought you were..." Red started. "In Anvil?" Raurke finished. "Long story, Grond and the others will be here shortly.  

Red perused the selection of blades in Raurke's hands. Suddenly, one caught her eye. Shaped exactly like Glass Rose, but made of obsidian with silver veins running throughout. "That one" She pointed. "Haha! Good eye." Raurke said as he slipped the rest of the blades back into that impossibly big pocket. "I'm gonna owe Gadget big time for that, but hey, we can't have you dyin again, and I'm sure you agree." Raurke said cheerfully.

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"Damnable Elf mage!" Grond muttered as he made his way through the brush and bramble. "I ought string him up and tie a slab of meat to his" At this point, Grond's monologue is cut short as he stumbles over a hidden root.

[WhoGuru]

Red slipped her bow over her shoulders, strapped the scabbard for the unusual blade to her hips and then gave the sword a few practiced swings, arcing the blade around her body and grinning with pleasure. "Oh it's perfect." She loved the way the silver veins glinted in the dying light along the black blade, giving it an almost marbled look and it was perfectly weighted. "Thank you. I promise to repay you for this as soon as I can."

Raurke held out his hand and Red gave it a quick shake. "Deal." He nodded. "Though I think you'll be saving quite some time for that little gem."

A soft whistle interrupted as Rider, Grond and Garulf entered the small clearing, having finally caught up. Rider went to Red, running a careful finger along the blade. "Amazing craftsmanship. I've never seen the like before. Truly." He watched Red slide the blade home. "It suits you."

Red laughed softly and took her bow back in her hand. "Almost forgot why we were out here." She said as the odd growls sounded again, much closer this time. "Looks like I may get the chance to break this beauty in very soon." She whispered. Garulf grinned at her and then, as she had done, melted into the trees with an impish wave. How easily she had forgotten the man hunted Dragons for a living and stealth was a much needed skill for him.

As one, the party moved on once more. The growls were coming more frequently and Red strung an arrow in readiness. Grond strode close upon her side, Rider on the other while Raurke and Serenity walked wide of them, keeping them from being flanked by whatever they were hunting. Garulf reappeared ahead of them and quickly motioned them altogether.

"Can't tell quite what they are. Ravening beasts with silver eyes and a lot of them. Looks like they took down a Land Dreugh ahead." He whispered just loud enough for them to hear.

"Silver eyes." Rider repeated and caught the exp​ression on Grond's face as well. "We go back. Now." He said in a firm tone, taking Red's arm as Grond moved close, watching the trees.

"Why? What's wrong?" Raurke asked, feeling the tension level rise.

"Quickly and quietly back to the Tavern." Rider said and began moving them away. "If they are what I think they are, we can't kill them."

"They must have stayed behind when we lost them in the cave." Grond commented softly.

"What must have?" Red demanded, looking back over her shoulder. "What has the two of you spooked?"

"The Vekyrie." Grond answered. "What if it's not them?" He asked Rider then, looking back behind them, hefting his hammer. "Shouldn't we find out?"

"Not until we find a way to kill them if they are first." They reached the road and their  waiting horses. He all but boosted Red on to Savior's back. "No need to get them on her scent again until we're ready, if it is them."

Raurke swung himself up onto Savior behind Red even as Serenity took a place behind Grond. "No time for a slow walk I think." He said in Red's ear as the horses jumped into motion.

Red noted that as they rode hard down the road, she had somehow ended up in the center of the group, protected. She knew only of the Vekyrie what Rider and Grond had told her and how they had hunted her daughter, who's body she now inhabited. What irony it would be if they finally caught up to her. She began to chuckle softly and simply shook her head when Garulf looked a question at her.

As they rode toward the Tavern, a howl broke the first evening air from behind them, spurring the riders on harder.

[charlescrowe]

When the party reached the Tavern, Raurke took a table and slid it to a dark corner, emptying his alchemical supplies onto it, and went to work, occasionally tricking Serenity into taste-testing his concoctions. "So, what are the Vekyrie?" he said, just loud enough to be heard over the clatter of plates, flatware, and mugs. Everyone went deathly quiet. "Okay, I'll drop it." He said, resuming his work.

Serenity wandered over to the hearth and pulled out her ocarina, playing a somber melody. Everyone looked up and gathered 'round, listening to the beautiful notes.

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Later that night, while everyone was in bed, Raurke paced up and down the dining room. He felt the hairs on his neck stand up. "You again." he muttered just loud enough for the "The Revenant" to hear him. "I've told you time and again, I will NOT join your foul ranks.

"Oh, but you already have, Raven of Talos." The Revanant said, as he removed his mask, revealing a vampiric face. "Or should i say, The Revenant Darkstar?" He chuckled darkly.

Raurke's Sword flashed in the dim light, as The mysterious Revenant disappeared. "I will not have you threaten my sanity, Revenant Shadestrike." With that, Raurke curled up in the corner and waited for sunrise.

[charlescrowe]

"You weren't supposed to be exposed to them, Serenity." Raurke said. He knew Serenity was hiding at the top of the stairs. "You can come out too, Red.

"What are 'Revenants'?" they asked simultaneously, sitting down on either side of Raurke.

"They are mortals who have discovered how to use vampiric abilities, and have as a result, become pseudo-vampires." Raurke said, defeatedly. "And yes, I'm becoming one. Even now, sunlight bothers me, as it bothers them, but we are not hurt by it. We haven't quite got the strength of vampires, but vampires do occasionally acknowledge us as one of their own, and use us as thralls on occasion." Raurke explained, "Since we have very little of their strengths, we also gain very little of their weaknesses. silver weapons sting, but not to the point where we can't use them. We require almost no blood, and depending on how many vampiric abilities we've used, our faces don't change."

"But you can stop the process, reverse it even, right?" Serenity said worriedly.

"I am afraid not, Seren..." Raurke nearly cried. "It' not like the disease of porphyric hemopphilia."

At this point, Red piped up. "And exactly which abilities have you used?" She grabbed a couple strong drinks from the bar and handed the out.

"Flitting." Raurke said with little hesitation. "I've been granted vampiric sprinting"

[charlescrowe]

Red thought for a moment, then spoke up "None of this makes any sense. I can't help but feel you're not telling the FULL story here."

Raurke sighed, then started esplaining.

"Four years ago, our parents were killed on a family outing. I was so caught up in wanting revenge, to get stronger, to do something to make me feel as though it wasn't my fault they died. I spent that year and a half researching magicks of... ill-repute. Among the dusty, ancient tomes i discovered in many libraries, I had found a report on the study of vampires and their abilities. Within this report, I discovered refferences to forbidden magicks

Serenity knows of some of them, through my use in combat over the past 2 years. In most cases, attempting to use these magicks results in death for us mortals, well, you mortals. I had died, technically, but i was so hellbent on vengeance, my soul re-inhabited my lifeless corpse. As it is, From an undead's stand, I'm a vampire, though there are differences. Not that any vampire hunter would care to know. As far as any of those would be concerned, i'm a weak vampire."

Raurke took a moment to let that sink in.

"As for which powers i've been using, even now, I'm using a magick to keep my face as pretty as it is." Raurke continued, then dispelled the magick to show Red and Serenity.  The women cringed away, surpised. "Red..." Raurke went on, "As for paying me back for the Sword, just keep my identity a secret." with that final request, Raurke disappeared.

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"I can't believe he left like that." Serenity cried. "He didn't even say goodbye!"

Red pulled her close and comforted her. "Seren, He can't guarantee our safety if he remains with us. Had Arwin gotten word, you'd be accused of harboring a danger to society."

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The aylied halls were familiar to Raurke. He'd been here multiple times

"So, Alberic forced your hand, did he?" another cloaked figure said, appearing from a doorway.

"Revenant Lord Vengeance, how good of you to send your lapdog to confront me in such close proximity to my sister. that wasn't part of our understanding." Raurke addressed the figure.

"Come now, Raurke, you and I should be less formal with each other. I've told you before, call me Lorrin." Vengeance said with a wicked smile.

"I've only come for refuge untill i can find a place for my own, Lorrin." Raurke spat, with a taste of hatred.

[WhoGuru]

Serenity ranted about the Tavern room for several minutes before finally storming out the door and then back in again a moment later. She looked at Red miserably and tossed her arms wide. "I don't even know where to begin looking for him."

"Then don't." Red said firmly. She took the woman's arms and gave her a shake. "He'll be back. I'm sure of it, Seren. If you go looking for him and end up finding what he's running from, what good will you do him?"

Serenity blinked at her old friend and smiled. "You never used to be this cool headed."

Red laughed. "Well, dying will do that to you. Come on. Bed." She pulled Seren up and gave her a shove toward the stairs. "Assuming you haven't woken everyone up by now." They hadn't and she got Serenity to bed and then to her own without meeting anyone. If they'd heard, they'd decided to leave it til morning.

Red rolled into her bed beside a heavily snoring Garulf and smiled. It was good to be home. As she drifted to sleep, she vaguely heard the sound of howling on the night air.

--------------------

Come the morning, Red woke to find herself alone in bed and frowned. Garulf must have risen early and lightly indeed not to disturb her. She dressed quickly, visions of Arlow's sweetrolls making her hunger and descended to find her lover had cluttered the table by the fire with the books Raurke had left out the night before.

"Good morning." She greeted him and allowed herself to be pulled into his lap and kissed. "You've been busy." She said, looking at the spread of open books.

"Hmm." He answered and went back to pouring over an image in the book in front of him. "This is what I saw in the woods yesterday, I think." He pointed to it and pushed the book closer for her to see.

"Vermai?" She said, looking closely at the creature. In the picture, it stood hunched on two legs, looking vaguely dog like with large eyes and more worrisome, long razor like teeth rivaled only by the claws on it's hands and feet. "That's what you saw in the woods?"

"Think so." Garulf sat back, allowing Red to slide into the chair next to him as Arlow deposited a sweet roll and a steaming mug in front of her.

"Bless you Arlow." She grinned at him and bit into the still hot sweetroll.

"Morning Red, Garulf." Rider greeted them as he strode up to the table.

"Mmmf." Red grunted happily around the roll and shoved the book Garulf had been looking at over to him and tapped the image.

Rider laughed, dropping into a seat and pulled the book closer. "What's this then?"

"What I saw in the woods yesterday." Garulf chuckled, handing a cloth to his beloved to wipe the icing from her face. "The Vermai they're called."

Rider frowned, staring at the picture and shook his head. "I thought these only lived in Hammerfel and only in small numbers as few were saved from Yokuda when it fell."

"You know them?" Red asked, surprised.

"Aye, but little and only from a purely academic standpoint. I've never seen one in person."

Serenity came down the stairs wearily, showing signs of having slept badly and came to sit beside Red. "You done with that?" She asked, pointing at the other half of the roll. Red laughed and passed it to her.

"Eat. You look awful." Red saw the questioning look on Rider and Garulf's faces. "Raurke had to leave suddenly last night. Now, if you know these things, can they be killed?"

Rider smiled, a wolfish smile spreading across his face. "Oh yes. They can be killed." He looked to the image in the book once more. "They're vicious and intelligent. If their numbers are as great as you suggest, Garulf, than we had better deal with them and soon."

[charlescrowe]

Serenity... how ironic a name. She was at war inside... nothing peacefull about that. She needed to hit something... to find something to rip to shreds.

"Sounds like fun." Serenity said curtly. "Let's have at, then." with that, she stormed upstairs and grabbed her swords, pack, and a couple choice poisons she had been saving for Umbra [had she not already been killed when She and Raruke got to her lair. Oh how Serenity and Clavicus Vile both were pissed.]

Serenity dashed back downstairs, swords at the ready. "What's the hold up? I got some anger issues need sortin' out!"

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Raurke felt a sense of freedom at not having to mask his identity, but felt sorrow at what he'd become.

Nornalhorst was a fitting place for an undead's lair. In the four hours he had been there, thirty necromancers had been assigned to him by Lorrin. Raurke was still puzzled at how he had become such a high ranking Revenant in such a short time.

"Revenant Darkstar," One of the necromancers said as he approached Raurke. "Revenant Lord Vengeance to see you."

"Very well." Raurke dismissed absently. It's his lair, why should he announce himself? Raurke thought.

"Raurke, I have matters to discuss with you." Lorrin said in an oddly passionate tone.

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Garulf whispered to Red, "What's with her? Is she always like this?" To which Red whispered back, "Shove off, Garulf, wouldn't you get antsy without me around?"

"Rider looked at Serenity, "Serenity, Vermai aren't a creature to take lightly. Put those swords away, and let's figure out a plan of action. I'm sure Raurke would..." At the mention of Raurke, serenity lost all mental control. Falling to the floor, she went into a trance-like state, muttering to herself below her breath and curling up tight.

[charlescrowe]

"Rielle is as of yet, un-taken. I believe you'd enjoy it there." Lorrin said in a flamboyant, flirty tone that made Raurke slightly uncomfortable.

"Alright, Lorrin, but you gotta stop that." Raurke said uneasily. "Thanks for putting me up and finding a place for me."

"Oh, but it was a pleasure. Take note that the brotherhood will keep you busy with tasks." Lorrin said, sinisterly.

Raurke went out and found his familiar. "Davide, we're moving to Rielle. I'll go ahead and set up my own quarters. You get the others ready, then come on over." Raurke said with slight distaste. He was still a guild mage, after all. After Davide left, Raurke disappeared.

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Red came downstairs quietly, having put Serenity in her bed. "What was that about, Red, those two get in a row or something?" Rider asked.

"You could say something like that." Red said exasperated.

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Raurke sat in the hidden depths of Rielle, trying to gather some semblance of order in his doubt-ridden mind. Lorrin had taught Raurke these forbidden magicks, and now his end of the deal was being called out. "No way out." Raurke muttered. His underlings were still two weeks away, so he had plenty of time to make his peace with the others.

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Garulf couldn't understand what had just happened. One moment, there was empty space, the next, Raurke was standing in front of him. "Bloody hell, Ruarke!" He shouted. "What've you been up to? Serenity's in a wierd way.

Raurke straightened up and addressed those gathered. "I'm sorry, but I must take my leave of you guys for a while. Something's come up, and I want Serenity safe as possible."

Red nodded, then ushered him upstairs. "What is it?" She demanded. "Why are you acting like this?"

Raurke sighed, "I can't tell you that right now." with that, he went in to Serenity's room and woke her up.

Serenity looked at Raurke, then out of no where, she punched him square in the jaw. "You ASS!" she yelled, "How could you leave like that? no goodbye?"

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There was a loud thump upstairs, followed by the sound of Serenity yelling.

"Sounds like Serenity knows Raurke's back." Garulf noted to Rider, both of them laughing

[grond]

During the night, while Red sat with Raurke and Serenity, Grond had gone out through the cellar door.  The Nord always found it hard to sleep on those first nights after Failan departed his bed.  Moreover, those creatures they had spied nearby worried him greatly.  For Grond was certain they were seeking out Red now, mistaking the mother for her tragic daughter.  So the Nord had gone out, alone; and under the silver light of the moons, he hunted those things he was certain were the dread Vekyrie.

He thought of the things he had heard and seen of them.  Bounty hunters they were, and Rider, together with Grond and Red’s other friends, had saved Red’s daughter from them.  For Grond, the task of guarding the cold and treacherous Scarlet had been a tedious one.  Now, however; with Red as the target - or so the Nord assumed - this was a quest with some urgency.  And these enemies were more dire a threat to his dear friend than the whole of the Dark Brotherhood.  For this quarry, these Vekyrie, could not be killed.  It was the foremost thing in Grond’s mind, and, having once lost his friend, he was focused so completely on her apparent danger that he did not manage to recall the one thing which might have kept him in his bed, to toss and turn and miss the warmth of his beloved Mayor.

So it was that when the Nord - loaded down as it were with potions and an Amulet of Warding ( for the Vekyrie made him take extra precautions for perhaps the fifth time in his life ) - came to a grove bathed in moonslight, and saw those things he had thought were Vekyrie, he crouched low as, from his place at the top of a short steep cliff, he realized he had been mistaken, and remembered Rider’s words:

“Those monsters will chase Scarlet until they kill her, or their employer is himself killed,”  Rider had said.

So the Nord looked on, and he watched these new creatures.  They scuttled and scurried throughout the grove.  There were two wide cavities in the ground of the grove, and through these some of the creatures exited, and others entered.  Slender as the Vekyrie, these creatures however did not appear wolfen.  They had segmented forms, like insects.  Their hides appeared in the moonslight to be dark like the Vekyrie, and their eyes had the same bright blue silver cast.  Occasionally, one would snarl at another as they collided and dropped the things which they held in their short powerful arms.  

There were too many of the creatures for Grond to face alone.  And they shared the Vekyrie’s initial indifference to his presence.  The large creatures burrowed like rodents, and like insects moved great mounds of stones and dirt, as they went about a task which Grond saw would at some point fill completely with their diggings the grove above which he lay, creating a mound of great height, with tunnels within.  

A hive, thought the Nord.  He shuddered, imagining being stuck in a tight tunnel.  It was his only fear.

Suddenly, the grove was empty, as all the creatures had gone into one of the wide holes, to whatever was below.  Grond ceased his fearful imaginings when he saw three of the creatures appear at the edges of the grove.  Each carried with powerful arms a broken, dead figure of a man or a mer, their torn leather or fur armor describing their savage capture.  And finally all was quiet as the three creatures disappeared with their victims down the holes.  The forest lay silent, then insects again began to chirp and sing.

Taking a deep breath, satisfied that Red was safe from the Vekyrie, Grond returned to the Tavern as the sun was rising.  He came in through the front door, and saw his friends, already awake.  "They ain't the Vekyrie!"  exclaimed the Nord proudly.

"No, friend," replied Rider smiling.  "They're called Vermai."

Grond went to the tap for a pint of stout ( for it does for the Nord's belly what sweetrolls do for some ), and returning to Rider, told of the things he had seen that night.

[grond]

The friends had sat together inside for most of the morning, enjoying Red's oft-missed company.  They shared both tales and ribald jokes, between which they talked of the Vermai.  But as travellers stopped in, they heard each exclaim to Wilson of the beauty of the day, so they took a basket of delicacies and pitchers of drink and went to take their ease in the Tavern's back yard.  

"T'ain't too far off," explained Grond.  "Yonder past the rise east of Sutch town."

They looked out that way, but the warm sun and the fair breeze on their faces made them reluctant to begin any journey of possible danger.  So until Serenity spoke - "Whatever is wrong over there?" - none wanted to move from their chair.

Seeing it as Serenity spoke, they stood from their lawn chairs as one.  Red said, "Let's go.  I've a route that'll surely bring us to their aid quicker."  And they all agreed, and returned to the Tavern, to gather their gear.

For that which they saw - or rather, did not see - was a southeast guardtower of Sutch.  It was all but gone.  The land ran down in hills from the Tavern to Sutch, but the town itself sat on a hill higher than the Tavern, and on clear days they could see the exp​ressions on the faces of the archers walking along the walls there.  And today was very clear.  So they saw that a section of the rampart had fallen and the tower itself appeared to have sunk into the ground.  All that remained of it was the leaning top, and that was ringed by archers, wearing the colors of Sutch.

As the companions filed into the common room they were hailed by Wilson.  Arwin stood there with him, and they greeted him warmly.  "I am on…"  began the Altmer, but his exp​ression turned hard as he eyed Raurke.  Then he went on:  "I am on official business.  The Countess asks for her friends' aid.  There is trouble below Sutch…"  Watching Raurke with narrow eyes, he went on to tell that something from below had fairly eaten away the supports of the southeastern corner of the town, and that the hole and the falling tower had taken the lives of several good men, women and mer.

"Tell Trintia we shall surely come to the aid of her and her city," said Red.  

"Then, dear friend," replied Arwin, turning finally away from Raurke, "shall we ride together?"

"Of course!" exclaimed Red in return, "but we'll go by another route.  Have a little lunch and we'll be ready to go before you're through!"

Arwin appeared troubled, but he agreed.  "Please, hurry my friends!"  

Scant minutes had passed before they each returned from their quarters, armed and armored.  After  thanking them all for coming to aid so quickly, Arwin turned his eyes again to Raurke.  Finally, Raurke could not contain himself.  He squirmed under the hard glare of this uniformed friend of Red's.  Smiling harshly, the Raven Elf said, "Have we met before, friend?"

"That is what I'm attempting to recall," came Arwin's stern reply.  

"Arwin," interjected Red, "stable your horse here, if you please - we won't be riding.  The route I have in mind is underground."

Red hoped that her interruption would refocus her two friends.  It did just that.  "Meet us round back," added Red.  

Arwin went out the front while Red and the others left through the rear door.  They met with the Altmer outside.  Red beckoned them, and they followed her.  She led them down the path towards the hot springs, and past them, down the steep hill, where water fell amid wide boulders, to the stream where Grond and Garulf had killed a Minotaur.   They crossed the stream, but followed its course for some time.

"Are we walking to Sutch, dear heart?" asked Garulf.  

"Quiet, you," replied Red.  "There!" she exclaimed, as if time, or other things, had faded the memory of the thing she sought.  She pointed towards a cluster of dark mossy rocks.  They walked on until they reached them.  "I'm sure you'll all agree," smiled Red, "my life is changed now.  So I have no need for this.  I would have told you of this sooner, Arwin, but other events...well, now you know!  Come!"

Sitting amid the jumbled mass of great rocks was a bare space, which would be passed by the casual traveller.  And on that bare space of ground was a sewer hatch.  "This used to be a way in, or out, for me," said Red, with a sheepish look to Arwin, now Sutch Guard Captain.  She pulled hard on the latch and lifted the heavy door.  It creaked on its hinges.  

"Welcome to Red's Way."