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Chaz [M:18:195:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=395&page=1#5840] member is offline
Charles Hire, Engineer
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 522
To the Overwood « Thread Started on Jun 16, 2012, 8:59pm »
The carriage was here. Charles put his hand on Nikole's shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze.
Almost ready, kiddo. Just got to wait for your uncle.
The rain came down in sheets, soaking the cloaks he had for the both of them. Nikole's snow white hair hung down out of the hood of her black cloak as she looked at the carriage, holding her small bag, her stuffed cat over her shoulder. Chaz had a larger bag, his flamer strapped diagonally on his back, protected from the rain by oilcloth. He couldn't really summon any other words; losing her, and the hell that awaited him back home...made him anxious.
Distant thunder distracted him. He hoped it would subside by the time they got to town.
A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible.
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #1 on Jun 17, 2012, 10:30pm »
Dom was as ready as he was ever going to be to accompany his friend back home. He'd also secured the help of someone who might be able to do some good if things got dicey. He hoped they wouldn't need her skills. He approached, carrying some new gear, having spent a good ammount of his savings at the markets, rather more expansive than they used to be. The thunder hid the familiar clacking of his staff.
"Lovely day for it." he remarked breezily as he approched, the rain pouring off his wide brimmed hat. He made sure to be as chipper as he could. What kind of moral support would he be if he were to share in Chaz's worry and sorrow, even though he felt those things himself.
"Sorry to hold you up, but we've got one more person coming. I don't think she'd be very happy if we just left without her, and she beats up on me badly enough already. I do ask for it though. Literally." Once Kiko arrived, they could go.
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
[b]Walk on the edge and bleed.[/b][0:Running With The Pack][1:Wherever I May Roam]
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 2,126
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #2 on Jun 18, 2012, 7:56am »
“You don’t have to wait on me Bard.”
Kiko’s voice spilled into the air as the rain picked up. She was dressed in her regular gear, the only concession to the weather being the hood she had flipped up over her head. Her eyes were on the sky. The rain was going to get worse. There was an electrical charge to the air, too. Lightning split the clouds apart seconds later and Kiko gave a short little laugh.
If she had been the type she might have made some quip about starting off with a bang. Instead, she waited for them to stow away the gear and enter the carriage. Flimsy contraption, she was not sure she carried for it.
Three adults and one child, in a small carriage; this was not going to be very enjoyable.
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Chaz [M:18:195:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=395&page=1#5840] member is offline
Charles Hire, Engineer
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 522
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #3 on Jun 18, 2012, 9:23am »
He was a little distracted and flustered by the mention of another person coming.
Dom, you didn't have -- oh! He stopped himself as Kiko approached. He didn't really mind anyone else going, not really. The road was hazardous, and even if the Drow didn't give them any trouble, which they shouldn't, there were still dangers. But the less people who had to deal with his neurotic self, the better, he felt.
It's good to see you, K-kiko. He almost didn't remember her name. Once, long ago, she'd saved him from drowning, and he hadn't seen her much after that. She was Grayell's....companion, he guessed. Were it not for the rain, he'd exchange pleasantries. Nikole hid behind him at the newcomer, and he put a hand on her head.
Let's get inside, at least out of the rain.
The small carriage rocked a little as it took the weight of the three adults, the held. Chaz went up to talk to the driver, leaving Nikole staring at the other two as they got in.
A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible.
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #4 on Jun 18, 2012, 12:42pm »
Dom stepped up last, smiling in Kiko's direction before stating "Don't be nervous Chaz. She probably won't bite." before settling in. He looked a little different with his new gear, the utility belt with its pouches and potion holders along with the mottled green of his clothing gave him more of a soldierly look. His new staff was shorter, darker wood, somehow more threatening than the knobby length of oak he'd used before. Maybe it was because it was more obviously tooled, sleek and straight as a new fletched arrow, despite being a foot shorter than his old one.
"I'll keep an ear out for trouble." he assured them, leaning his staff on his shoulder.
Maybe it was that, or maybe it was that for the first time he was without his instrument. He'd left it back at his new abode in the Foundry and considering he was never without his instrument it seemed like he was not there as a bard anymore. He was something else. What Chaz didn't know, and what Kiko likely did, was that his new pack also contained a blue cowled mantle.
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
[b]Walk on the edge and bleed.[/b][0:Running With The Pack][1:Wherever I May Roam]
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 2,126
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #5 on Jun 18, 2012, 1:46pm »
Kiko lifted a brow at Dominic's comment. She did bite. She probably would bite something or someone before this journey was over.
"Chaz."
She nodded at the little blacksmith before he left them to speak to the carriage driver. They had not stayed in touch. She knew of his daughter and the loss of his arm only because the Wolf had found him afterwards. She had never asked for details, and considering his impulsive decisions in the past, she could not help but think he was leaping into water far over his head... again.
But, he certainly didn't lack heart. Mechanical though it was. In fact, Kiko had known plenty of people with less heart than Chaz. She waited for Dominic and the little girl to enter the carriage.
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Chaz [M:18:195:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=395&page=1#5840] member is offline
Charles Hire, Engineer
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 522
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #6 on Jun 18, 2012, 2:10pm »
She did so, holding onto her toy as she climbed in and took a seat on one side of the carriage, quietly watching them. Chaz joined her after a moment, ducking into the cabin and pulling off his hood with a sigh.
He's taking us far as Fennen, my old town. That's on the outside edges of Cathian territory. From there we'll head into Overwood through the official paths. Cathians are the main go-between for the elves and the outside world, so as long as we stay quiet they won't look twice. He thought for a second and laughed, rubbing the back of his head.
The less time we spend there, the better, for all our sakes.
He scooped Nikole into his lap as she shivered in the cold and the thunder outside, running a hand through her hair, his metal fingers clicking and whirring in a way she had come to find comforting.
Thanks again for coming. Both of you. I promise we'll be as short as possible.
A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible.
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #7 on Jun 18, 2012, 2:22pm »
Dom smiled at that, replying "You're already pretty short, chief. And don't mention it." He sighed and leaned back, taking off his hat and placing it at his side to dry. He'd waxed the canvas of his coat and hat and the water ran off in rivulets. One learns little tricks like that when travelling.
His head turned toward Nikole. "Now you remember the things I taught you and you practice every day, okay kiddo? Keep it up and one day you'll be even better than me." He'd promised to send new letters with lessons in them to Nikole and intended to make a point of trying to visit her. He also intended on making sure Chaz joined him, despite his wish to not be too close to the girl, for her own safety.
"I've always wondered what your old town was like Chaz. Never got round to visiting myself. I'm kinda intrigued." He was keeping a cheery face on it all, but he could all but taste the apprehension in his friend.
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
[b]Walk on the edge and bleed.[/b][0:Running With The Pack][1:Wherever I May Roam]
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 2,126
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #8 on Jun 18, 2012, 2:36pm »
Kiko slipped into the carriage last and she would be the first out when it came to a stop. She would have much preferred to follow the contraption as the wolf, but, the horses would not have taken well to that, neither would the driver.
She was here to make sure they returned to Wistvale in one piece. That was what she planned to do. Her eyes went from Chaz to his daughter. She did not understand why the blacksmith was taking her to the Drow.
Yes. She was part Drow. But, that was not an encumbrance in Wistavle. There were a dozen races of people. Why return her to a place that would only hate her for her Cathian blood?
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Chaz [M:18:195:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=395&page=1#5840] member is offline
Charles Hire, Engineer
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 522
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #9 on Jun 18, 2012, 10:59pm »
Nikole nodded at Dominic, smiling a little, but still nervous enough by the goings on to remain silent. The guitar was wrapped up in Chaz's bags, with the papers Dom had dictated to him about how to play. Chaz's ears flattened to his head.
It's a nice place. It used to be pretty bad before the elves took over, or so I heard. Constant sieges from the goblins to the south. He shook a look to Kiko, and then back to Dom, rubbing his left arm.
Does she...do you know what the...deal is with the Drow? And me?
A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible.
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #10 on Jun 19, 2012, 7:07am »
The singer harumphed a little and shifted, quirking his mouth. "I didn't feel it was my place to go into any of that. Also, I'm not completely up to speed on it myself." He grinned a little, shrugging.
"I figured you'd tell me in good time if you wanted. The important thing to me, and Kiko I think, is that we get you and Nikole where you're going and make sure you're both safe." That was almost entirely true. Dom had ideas about finding out a little more about what kind of storm was swirling around the smith.
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
[b]Walk on the edge and bleed.[/b][0:Running With The Pack][1:Wherever I May Roam]
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 2,126
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #11 on Jun 19, 2012, 12:30pm »
Kiko turned her head to look Chaz in the eyes.
"I know you intend to return to the Overwood. I would think after what happened years ago your desire for Drow policies and attention would have ceased."
The statement was flat and lacking in even a basic sense of compassion. In Kiko's opinion Chaz was being foolish. She did not say that, but the tone was there and she did not mitigate it with any false smiles for politeness sake.
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Chaz [M:18:195:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=395&page=1#5840] member is offline
Charles Hire, Engineer
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 522
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #12 on Jun 19, 2012, 2:03pm »
He winced at Kiko's tone. It wasn't accusing or ill-intended, but it was blunt, scathingly so. And she wasn't wrong. The choice to move her back was a hard one, but he knew she would be safer there. He labored over the explanation, wondering if he should get them involved at all. The less they knew, the safer they were. He wiped his face with a hand and took in a deep breath.
Okay. As far as the Drow at large know, I'm Anri's old servant. Nikole is hers by a lifelong friend of hers we trust completely. But...some of them know the truth. And those are the ones I'm worried about. They're a group, they...they're dedicated to purity or something, I don't know. They know, but they can't say it publicly because Anri's family is powerful enough politically to crush them. He motioned with his hands, animatedly bringing them up to speed.
Anri can't say anything, because that would show her hand and the public at large would know about us. But they're still free to come to Wistvale. A year ago, after they...that man came after Nikole and I, they took her.
This was something he'd never said. It happened after Dominic had left, when Nikole was about six. He voice got a little strained at the stress.
They tried to use her to get to me, to bring me out of the city. Kept saying something about metal, how...I didn't have any with me, and I was defenseless. He swallowed, holding Nikole to his chest as he looked at the floor.
I don't remember what happened. I swear to everything I don't. Something...killed them. It wasn't me, even if... He calmed his breathing, the ticking of his heart going unsteady and strange.
Even if it used my hands. It wasn't me. I...I woke up, and there were all these blades. Fire, blood, it...my ticker was off pattern, like it had just gone through hell. I remember there was a...flash of something. I couldn't move my arm, and it was covered in...metal. Scraps of iron. Nikole was hidden away, I guess whatever it was that killed them knew I wanted her safe. After I came back, I knew that...she wasn't safe with me. She has to be back with her mother. If they come back, that thing comes back. As...as far as they know, Nikole has been studying abroad. She needs to go back. If I get... He hesitated, not wanting Nikole to hear him talk like that.
If something happens to me, she'll be safe. That's all I'm worried about.
A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible.
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: To the Overwood « Reply #13 on Jun 19, 2012, 4:17pm »
The carriage seemed very close, far too intimate. Dom shifted uncomfortably and something right down inside him that had awoken years ago stirred. He'd been afraid like Chaz once, a long long time ago. So deathly afraid. He turned his head toward Kiko, though still spoke to the little Cathian man.
"I, for one, am happy that something's got your back. For Nikole's sake, and yours. And someone told me that controlling power is something to strive for. That just because you've taken a life doesn't make you a murderer." He leaned back and laced his fingers behind his head.
"Dunno where I got such silly ideas from though. Any idea Kiko?" he said, grinning.
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
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Re: To the Overwood « Reply #14 on Jun 19, 2012, 4:46pm »
Kiko made a sound in reply to The Bard's words that managed to be both amused and disgusted at the same time.
Chaz's story was not a pleasant one. You did not hide things from the Drow, not and live for very long. His daughter's family might be powerful. Kiko had no way of knowing beyond his words. But, that power could always be circumvented. In fact, it was likely that the more power they had the more enemies they'd acquired.
However, that was minor issue at the moment. They were currently in a small vehicle with a man who, by his own admission, killed several of them - somehow. He claimed it was not *him* But, Kiko had no illusions that it would not happen again. Especially if his daughter's life was threatened.
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