The combined caravan travels with no interruption throughout the morning. Sometime shortly after noon, the scouts indicate that the clearing ahead is a relatively safe place to eat a mid-day meal. Since the caravans have not pooled their supplies, there are two meal-preps going on. Though there is a good deal of interaction, there is a brief period when the "old guard" is able to speak freely without being overheard. Even Sangiyok has gone to answer a call of nature. Use this opportunity to discuss any "sensitive" or "private" information.

[EDITED on Thu January 8, 2004 @10:38 PM (PST)]

"What happened?"

Faliol's ears swivel into their attentive position.

"Yes, please give us the details. Did they co-operate or did you fight?"

This last is punctuated with a flurry of paws swinging in the air...

Lekchock stands off to the side near Nuyok looking slightly uncomfortable. When the wicker man comes out of wagon, his eyes nearly pop out of his head, and starts mumbling strange things and picks up some dirt and thows it over hs shoulder.

The Wicker man catches your action from a distance. Slowly and solemnly, he reaches down, grabs some dirt and throws it over his shoulder in direct imitation. Then he waves.

"It was a simple matter really, we encountered Melkut and Jornu driving the prison wagon, and they released Celeste and the infamous brigand Peaches. The group of us stayed at a nearby shed for the night, where they gave us some information to help get back here to you. That's about it, but for coming across the slain occupants of the sanctuary by the jungle's edge. Not sure who did it or what they were after, so we had no choice but to continue on."

"What sanctuary? What slain? How many, who were they, haw are Mulkut and Jornu, Huh?"

"The two occupants were slain, presumably the clergy caring for the sanctuary. We encountered the sanctuary long after leaving the company of the two guards, so I am sure they are fine."

Celeste adds solemnly, "The woman was not quite dead, though she appeared to be. She grabbed my arm and spoke a word that sounded like 'yaraza', and then she died." Looking at the others, "Does anyone have any idea what that means? Could that be the name of the people who attacked them?"

"Yaraza?" says Kent. "No, but it does sound like a name. Whoever did it would have to be pretty ruthless. No one attacks a Sanctuary, not even riven. Eh, outlaw riven bandits, that is." He glances apologetically at Beka.
"Not even gators attack Sanctuaries. Or so it's said"

"Everything about it was odd - the attack itself, and the haphazard searching done by the attackers."

At the mention of Peaches name, Celeste will walk over to Beka and withdraw the sleeping Peaches from her pack. With a smile she looks at Beka, "She fought bravely, I don't know what I would have done without her."

I listen to the discussion, curious about what happened as well, but am watching for those of the other groups to come within hearing range.

I'll be hidden off to the side watching where the strangers had gone and will give a sign to the others should one come near.

"So, we wnet shopping for the last few things. I'm carrying different qualities of wine back, please don't drink the profits, Faliol and Ricco hooked up with this bear Sangiyok, who seems to be nice but odd, and we hightailed it out here to meet you. I think Ricco and Faliol are also trading in liquor so we might be able to find a similar buyer when we get back home. Anyway, that's what happened to us, what about you?"

"So what's the story with our new companions and our planned route back?"

"Haven't really had much of a chance to talk to them, but they are all heading the same direction and didn't mind waiting for you guys to catch up before leaving. Safer in numbers and everything."

"Psst... hey, are any of them 'deps? Uh you 'dps can tel each other can't ya, Nuyok?"

I add as an afterthought, "Hey what kind of sanctuary was it anyway, like a stones temple or somethin?"

"The Brother is an adept, though he likely is no more than merely sighted. I plan to find out more. As for the sanctuary, it was a plain small structure on the jungle's edge, and its two apparent occupants were slain and there was no pattern to the search of the contents of the sanctuary. Do you know of this sanctuary?"

' never heard of anything outside of Talon other than city names, just figured a sactuary is a strange ting to be killed in."

Looking over at Riccoco, a frown can be seen on Faliol's contemplative muzzle. His best friend seemed unsure. He hadn't spoken in ages.

.oO(Something is wrong. Ricco is WAY too quiet. Maybe he will tell me later, but for now this kit needs to fill this deafening 'coon silence.)

Slapping right paw on Nuyok's back and left paw on Lekchock's back simultaneously with a head bob towards the Vagrant, Faliol boldly proclaims, "The ladies of Tallon thank you three gents! If any of you had not returned, hearty and hale from your 'mission', my mood would have darkened considerably. And since my magnificent posterior seems to sense its master's mood, brightening or darkening accordingly, the women of our destination owe you three a big wet kiss!"

Softer, so his voice only carries to Vagrant, Nuyok, and Lekchock, the kit's jovial manner stops as suddenly as a summer-time jungle rainstorm.

"The bear is named Angilak. His loyalty is to this other bear, named Sangyiok(sp?), who is Ricco's new partner. He can throw that axe VERY accurately. He seems like a nice fellow, but I have a feeling that could change quickly, under the proper circumstances."

Louder, "Angilak! Come meet Nuyok, Vagrant, and our new friend, Lekchock! Gentlemen, may I present the smooth-talking Angilak?"

The great bear lets out a terrific sneeze just befor ethe introduction. As you watch, he pockets a tiny silver box into the folds of his sash.
"Greetings again, friends. I trust your provisioning is suitable? I have brought but meager fare for our wanderings and am hoping to supplement it with the provender provided by providence. Hm!"
He glances more directy at the three. "Are any of you skilled at the puissant art of hunting? Perhaps the forest man? I have heard but tales and rumor of your folk, and never had the honor of travelling with one."

Angilak was introduced to the rescue party last thread. It was the post where I unintentionally clipped the end of his speech.

Lekchock seems greatful for the distraction from the wicker man, and looks to the bear but keeps casting nervous glances at the oddity mimicing him, "We, I know 'ow ta hunt...if that's whachur askin"

"Most certainly, my most esteemed wilderness trekker. Hunting was indeed the very gist of my inquiry. Being a fellow of voluminous proprtion, I require a goodly amount of nourishment, far more than this poor nag can comfortably transport through this thick and steaming foliage.
"My preference is meat, but if needs must, I can stomach most anything short of a gator."

"You stomach anything but gator AND fox. You accidentally left off 'fox', Angilak."

One thousand one, one thousand two...

Smile fades, "You don't eat foxes, do you?"

Angilak smiles a grin of huge teeth, "Sadly no. They are far too tough."

Faliol gulps, hopefully unobserved.

"That...ah, answer implies...er, knowledge. How do you know we taste tough, unless you have tried...uh, excuse me."

Faliol exits, looking for Cas.

sorry!

OOC: Some confusion here, I only remember the one bear Angilak, being introduced??

OOC: If you could see his body language and hear his inflection, you would be able to tell that Faliol was talking of another bear, not present, that they presumably met in Adala.

OOC: What Kenny said.

OOC: So, the other bear is not traveling with us, just was a beast Ricco dealt with?

OOC: correct.

OOC: I think some of the confusion may be due to Sangiyok being mentioned in the opening thread, so he seems to be here, but Angilak is who we've been in conversation with...

Nuyok's eyes narrow, observing Faliol to be sure the kiss is not forthcoming.

OOC: GRRRRR! You obviously missed this line - "the women of our destination owe you three a big wet kiss!" You should be so lucky! The fox kit has MUCH higher standards than to kiss any male, pink, nine toenailed, smelly, eternally cranky adept!

Faliol comes back from talking to Angilak, Nuyok, Lekchock, and the Vagrant. He gently grabs Cas by the arm and whispers, "Cas! Angilak eats foxes! He says we taste 'too tough'! Then he smiled at me with those HUGE teeth! Teeth that have had bits of Vulpine meat stuck in them!"

His ears are straight up and every hair stands out, "Cas! Promise me you won't go off alone with that...that PREDATOR!"

No waiting for an answer, Faliol runs off, "Gotta find Pops! He is too slow to run away from that monster!"

As Faliol runs off to find Jareek, Angilak turns to those remaining and says, "Terribly literal-minded, I suppose. Try and compliment someone. Ah well, you know what they say about Demon Kings and good intentions..."

Merikian Saying: "The Courts of the Kings are paved with good intentions"

Spotting Jareek, Faliol pads quickly over to his foster sire.

Whispering, "Pops, that Angilak has eaten Fox in the past! I, for one, do not plan on being anybody's entree and I will NOT allow you to be the major ingredient of some bear's stew! Now I know how those rabbits felt when we entered their bar..."

Ears flattening, "I don't like being lower on the food chain..."

"You would think after listening to me all those times he would know better than that."

OOC: For those that don't check the General Messages, our favorite 'coon is under the weather and extremely busy. Get well soon, Jason! This game is made richer when you play and made poorer by your abscence...

OOC: Anyone want this little trident? What about this cart full of liquor? Or this little disco vest? The owner is away, shall we divy his stuff?
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Hah! That will prompt our favorite 'coon to speak!

OOC: I think the trident will be great for roasting marshmallows and mucking stables, I'll take it!

Yup, that aught to get him!

When able, Nuyok will speak with Vagrant and Handle, saying "the Arkis fellow seems a bit...different. Handle, do you know anything of him yet? Vagrant, he seems...odd..., not unlike you...," Nuyok smiles slightly, trailing off.

Vagrant gives a nod to Nuyok so it's known he got the joke. His words change the subject, "So are there plans to move on soon?"

"I am not sure when we will move out, though I am wondering if this larger caravan will be better for defensive purposes, or worse due to slower speeds."

When the opportunity presents itself, Nuyok will engage in casual conversation with Brother Cadbury, directed toward "adeptitude" in general, to gauge Cadbury's ability, and perhaps into the nature of his mission. Walking up to Cadbury, "Brother Cadbury, you have travelled this route before? Our journey here was my first, but I found my talents as an adept were most useful for the caravan, especially spirit sight and healing. If I may, so as to know everyone's value on this expedition, what if any are your areas of spirit ability?"

Brother Cadbury grins ruefully. "I am alas, but sighted. I cannot muster the least of the most minor of devotions. However, I have made this trip three times, full circle. I have a sharp eye for all that, and know well the dangers we may face."
He gives a short laugh. "In the city, I am primarily known as a scribe and researcher. My fellows back at the Temple of the Lawgiver hardly believe the tales I tell them.
"And you, good Master, what are your areas of expertise?"

"A sighted eye is most useful for the journey, I found. As for myself, I have talents in the areas of healing and personal enhancement. The former were in much need before. What areas do you research?"

"History, mainly. It's a woefully incomplete discipline. I also know a little geography and some done some cultural studies."

OOC: I reviewed some old threads, to no avail. I'm trying to remember a reference to a crystal tower or black tower or some such, back sort of along the way we came, that may have been the source for the reaver controlling orb, or has some sort of legend associated with it as being a source of old world or Demon King artifacts - help!

[EDITED on Tue January 6, 2004 @2:37 PM (EST)]

OOC:
That would have been the Ice Palace of the Wendigo, which the possums told you was beyond Black Lake. Here is a search on Wendigo

OOC: Thanks!

"History and geography? Would you happen to know anything of the Ice Palace of the Wendigo? I understand it lies past Black Lake, sort of between Tallon and Adala?"

"Between Tallon and Adala? I doubt it. Black Lake lies south of both, and far deeper into Nunavut than most people travel. We will travel north of Black Lake as we walk the Lizard Road. I guess in that sens it's between them, but well off the beaten track.
"What would make you interested in the Ice Palace? If it really exists at all?"

"The legends of artifacts and potential for knowledge able to be found there are of interest to me. What do you know of it?"

"Well, it is supposedly made entirely of ice, presumably by the will and whim of the Wendigo. The Wendigo was a Demon King and seems to have been the primary personality of this area an age ago. Gone now, of course, like all of them Prometheus be blessed.
If you've never seen ice, it can be found on distant mountain tops, and even in some local caves, probably through some trick of anima.
The legends say it lies in deepest Gator country. Why they should live there, no one knows."
He settles on a convenient fallen log.
"Oh, let's see. Hmm... The Sword of Tallon was found there by the Paladin Orion hundreds of years ago. It has not been reliably seen since, though every now and then some tall tale or other will make the rounds. Some people say there is an entire frozen valley beyond Black Lake."

"Yes, I believe I have heard of the sword, amazing that someone would lose such a thing. An entire frozen land seems quite unlikely," Nuyok says gesturing around, with a bit of smirk. "But who knows what powers the Demon Kings held and may still be at work. How hard do you think this Ice Palace would be to find? Separate from the potential intervening dangers, such as Gators, of course."

Brother Cadbury shrugs. "Who knows? People who go about disturbing the Courts are asking for troubles and woe certainly. If this is your quest, I would advise against it. You seem too young for a black and evil fate."
As he speaks, an unbidden image of Master Ash being "devoured" by multiple reavers springs to mind...

"Ah, no concern is necessary, most likely just idle musings. Do you know of any other exotic Demon King locales?"

"Hmmm... Many sailors speak of Nemo's Deep. Supposedly they can hear the bell of it's tallest tower ringing in the depths of the sea. Sounds like superstition to me, though. History tells us a few of their names, but not where they were. Names like, Dragon, Great Cthulhu, Wendigo, Nemo, or Imago. But little is really known."

OOC: Great Chtulhu!

OOC: I'm back in action folks. I'm way behind. I don't think it would be good for the flow of the game if I went back and started commenting such I went AWOL. Therefore, I'll try and just chime in to the most recent events and thigns happening in the near future.

BTW, EVERYONE had best keep their grubby paws of Ricco's trident!

OOC: Jason! Thrilled at your return! I tried to cover your silence by taking the liberty of commenting IC about Ricco's pensive state. Now, please stop Faliol before he gets his dumb self killed!