These old bones are tired, but they won't let me rest. I was on patrol. I tell Jasnah it's a morning ride, but she knows. I hold back Dunele until I relent and let him run. Winded, I rein him in at the Eastern Guard Outpost. Dunele knew this is where we'd end up. Old friends and their habits. I catch up with Willard and Leah, restocking them with an apple pie from our larder. It's been a good harvest and Jasnah has tried her hand at pies since giving up the sword. Their tower walls are strong and well fit. I admire their attention to detail. Good, stout folk. Soon our talk wanders. I both knew and hoped this is where the conversation would end. Harpies; on the roads, in the mountains. But... Oh, Jasnah. You knew I would, didn't you? I purchase the latest missive from Guard Commander, the last of the gold coin still spinning as I heel Dunele toward Covetous. We ride past massive guild halls and fortifications long empty. Where are these brave warriors that fought in days of old? Ah, but doesn't the spring of youth overrun us all? I picture them, huddled around their fires for warmth, hulking walls a mockery to their slight frames, weapons and treasure scattered about in their dotage. I smell Covetous before I see it. Sulfur, brimstone, and rot. I enter and begin laying waste to the foul harpies. This is what we know! Song and sword and death! I am young again. And, who's this? A young warrior? Edrick Blade, he says. I look him over and dismiss him outright. Young and inexperienced. I fetch supplies for the lad when... Eric has found her! The vile, corrupt Gamayun. Eric rushes her. I grumble under my breath, roll my eyes, then bellow, "For the people of Vesper!" Catching up to Edrick I hear him yell a battle cry for his mother. I glance sidelong at him expecting fear. But no, there's real fire there. Not just from the spouting flame striking towards the ceiling. His courage fuels me. I summon a deamon from beyond this world and instantly feel the shame and rush of power all at once. Gamayun dismisses the deamon with the wave of a greasy wing. "Flee!" I yell to Edrick. He grits his teeth and fights all the harder, katana a blur. I turn back with a grin, our clothes bathed in the orange glow of hellfire. We fight. But, her uncanny poison is too strong. I fall. Meanwhile, in a guild hall of the Dark Octopus, a mage sits, reading a dark spell book. He looks up, rolls his eyes and throws a handful of roots, pearl, and moss into the air. I see Sparrowhawk storm through the entrance to Covetous, hardly stopping to summon one of his deamon companions. There is fighting; a leathery-feathery flurry of wings. By the light of the lightning crackling around Gamayun I see Edrick's corpse on the dusty cavern floor. Gamayun shrieks and dies. Sparrowhawk revives us. We three part ways. I ride back to the Eastern Outpost, saddlebag filled with the head of Gamayun, my mind filled with the visage of a warrior wielding flame and sword. I smile with hope for the future. It's not the first time I've been wrong.
Aragon, the Guard owes you and the Dark Octopus a huge debt! The creature Gamayun has been causing trouble for sometime now with her brood, and to bring her demise is a great feat! Word will spread wide of your battle and great honor will be bestowed upon you and yours! I will seek you out with your reward in hand and a smile on my face knowing such great warriors as the Dark Octopus roam our lands! Cero, Captain and Emissary of the Guard
Uumies tink Clompin ovursyze chikin beeg uhcheevment??? *muguk laughs so hard he drops his cider and falls off a rock*
Cero, good sir, I appreciate the well intentioned rewards offered by the guard. However, I am quite comfortable in my newly acquired log cabin near Cove, and I find I have all the necessities of life. The only things I require these days are adventure and memories. You've already provided both. Perhaps we'll adventure together one day! Oh! Muguk! I didn't notice you there with your finger betwixt nostril. I think I take your meaning (hard to understand you) and I must say, I enjoy fried chicken as well! Maybe backing off the cider is a good idea until you get that sitting on the rock thing figured out... Good Jupiter, your kind words are welcomed, yet what I long for is a good caravan escort. Perhaps one day our paths will cross again in adventure! Until then. [OOC: I must apologize for the crappy quality of photos. And Muguk, I got a good chuckle out of your comment because I haven't played in a while and couldn't find my macros and ended up dying to Gamayun, which was really embarrassing in itself!]
