Our Story begins in the setting of a tavern. Sitting at one of the barstools, he looks around the room studying the details around him. The ceilings are high and the supports seem to be made of oak. A fire pit in the middle of the room glows brightly as the cracking sounds of the wood from time to time, breaks the soft mumbles of the patrons that fill the bar. Candles and torches light the tables, and chandeliers light the ceilings. A 6' 5" 250lbs. half-elf with long blonde hair sits quietly on a barstool, huddling a stein half full of ale as he keeps his back facing the room. There are a few braids here and there, inner mixed with the natural flow of his hair. His eyes are grey, and are not portals to his soul. The obvious feature most noticable, is the size for a half-elf. Alot bigger than most, but a seemingly gentle being. Mostly a hunter with his primary weapon being his bow that he crafted himself. He wears a light chainmail tunic with a crafted set of animal skin shoulder-pads. Dark brown leather pants covered by a lighter shade of brown leather thigh-high boots. A belt around his waist with two pouches hanging on both sides. On the left side of his waist, hanging next to one of the pouches, is a straight dagger. There are noticable pockets running up the insides and outsides of his boots. He seems to rely on his bow primarily, and the dagger as back-up.....or more commonly for skinning. The tavern was a common-place for all the strange races of this world to be in one place at one time. It was a good place in the town of Forcetto to get a hunting group, make trades, make friends..........or a more common event, make enemies! He has a pile of tobacco layed out on the bar, and is in thought of his next actions to make more gold as he rolls tobacco in single sticks. The door of the tavern suddenly opens, sending a chill of winter air into the room. His tobacco whirls around the table and he cups his hands together to catch it the best he can. He hears the door close, and the person slide the wooden latch down to lock the door in place. His tobacco dies down, and what?s left of the cloud floats down onto the bar again. He gathers it into a pile once more, and glares over his shoulder to see what foolish being could be so inconsiderate! He was a little suprised, but still not forgiving when he saw a female covered in a hooded robe blow the hair away from her face. She was balancing several packagaes in her arms and he immediately felt compelled to help. He had always had an extreme soft spot for females ever since he could remember. It may have been from his mother leaving him at such a young age......He jumped up from his barstool, and caught one of the packages as it was on its way to the floor. "Here.....Let me help you with a couple of those...." he told her as he stood back upright. She laid her chin on the top of the stack, and looked at him with the palest blue eyes he had ever seen before. "Thank you Sir......but I can manage......". It hurt his feelings a little that she declined his offer to help, but he understood her reason for distancing such a stranger in this town. He could not trust her in the same likeness. He smiled a warm smile at her and placed the fallen package he had caught on top of her stack. "There ya go then Madaam.....". She nodded the best she could as she used her chin to steady the stack of items and said, "Again......thank you.....". He kept his smile towards her, and made his way back to his stool. She awkwardly moved to the nearest open table and let her items fall onto it as softly as she could. He went back to rolling what was left of his tobacco, but now aware of her presence in the tavern. She sat down in the chair as she pulled the hood up over her head, and neatly set up each item on the table. She brushed the amber strands of hair that waved in her face, back behind her pointed ears. She was beautiful! And of the same race as him too! She pulled out a small notebook and pencil as she began to read it in her head. She pointed to each item and seemed to check off what was most likely a list on her notepad. He looked over his shoulder trying not to allow her to notice, wondering what they were for. His love struken stare was broken by yet another gust of cold air, brought in by the next visitor. Once again his tobacco went flying and he decided that this was not going to work. Once the door was closed and the tobacco settled for a second time, he decided that the sticks he had rolled thus far would be good enough for now. He gathered up what was left of the pile, and put it back in the pouch along with the papers. He finished his ale and ordered another from the golem bartender. A creature made of granite with amazing strength, but were destined to be slaves of the lands due to their lack of intelligence.

He stood up from the comfortable chair, and stretched as he looked down at the half finished ale. "Can't let this go to waste....." he thought as he grasped the stein in his hand and began chugging what was left. He tilted his head all the way back as he guzzled the last drop, leaving nothing but a thin layer of froth at the bottom of the glass. "Ahhhhh....." he let out loud and then wiped his hairless face with the back of his hand. He walked over to the bar, and stood next to the stool where he had began his evening at earlier. He set the stein on the counter and asked the kind golem behind the bar, "Wouldst you be willing to sell this stein....or one of it's equal?" The golem looked around the room and then leaned in closer. He whispered, "I'd be willing to give it to you for free, for it is my masters property....." and then slowly smiled a progressively wide grin just before leaning away as to not draw attention to them. He smiled back at the golem, and slipped him a healthy tip, for he had always disagreed with the ownership of intellegent creatures.......as low of an intelect as they might posses. He tucked his newly aquired stein into one of his pouches and headed towards the door. Just before he undid the latch, the hooded woman let out, "OH NO!" and he abruptly stopped and looked over at her. "THAT SCOUNDRAL!!!!!" she yelled out as everyone else in the bar had their eyes on her as well. She stood up out of her chair as it tipped over behind her from her hastiness. She rummaged through the pile of items she had laid out on the table furiously! "NO NO NO!!!! HE WOULDN'T HAVE........." she blurted out again. Compelled by her beauty.....even more now that he saw she was upset.....He walked over to where she was standing, to see if he could help. "Uhhh......Maam......" he said to her. She paid him no attention and kept rumaging through her items as if she was counting them over and over again. Then she was just mumbling to herself in a strange tongue, "Steelalo Vin Dostada Mo! Cheep Nano, Meen Kak Ruin BAK!!!!!" she let out. He moved up behind her and grabbed her shoulders as he felt her body trembling. She turned around and laid her head down into his chest as she wept slightly. "I can't believe it....." she said crying slightly. "I kept a good eye on him the whole time......he promised......" Then her angry emotions took over, but she held her composure as she pushed away from him and wiped the tears from her eyes. She looked up at him with tight serious lips, "Would you be willing to help me if I offered you gold?" He would not be able to resist any request from such a beautiful specimen.......let alone if he would make gold as well. That's the main reason he visited this tavern.

Leaving the warmth of the tavern behind him, he lowered his head into the wind and made his way down the dirt street. He knew of the Inn, and that it was only a short distance away. He passed the stable as he heard the grunting and scratching of the mounts inside. He stopped for a moment to look inside, and pondered for a moment if he had enough to buy one. The thought of stealing one had never crossed his mind, for he was a very noble being. "Nah...I better save what I have for any supplies that we may need. He continued his chilly walk up the street as he finally arrived at Bargs Inn. It was barely lit inside. The occupants were most likely in their rooms for the night. He looked around the lobby and immediately noticed the chairs covered in furs and skins. "Impeccable craftsmanship....." he thought as he went over to caress the furs that lined the chair. He reached out to touch the brown and white fur and a deep raspy voice boomed into the room as he was inches away from feeling the softness in his palms. "IS DER SOM' DIN 'DAT YA NEED?" It startled him and he whipped his hand back as he turned to look at the voice. An average size man with a short brown beard stood behind the counter with his arms crossed. "Uhhhh....Yes.....I'm here for the room key under the name Magathorn." he told the man. "Magathorn huh?" the man asked eyeing him up and down. "Yes....that's right" he said back as he slowly walked closer to the counter. "Hhhmmm...." the man said and then finally uncrossed his arms and turned around to his neatly kept grid of boxes that hung on the wall behind the counter. He moved his finger up and down the boxes, until he found the one he needed. He reached in and pulled out a hand full of keys and chose just one of them. He put the rest back in the box, and turned around with it dangling between his fingers. The man dropped it in his hand, and motioned to the stairway with his head as he crossed his arms again, "Upstairs, last door on the left". "Uhhh....Thanks...." he said back as the man waited for him to go up to his room. The man watched him closely as he finally headed up the staircase. He got to the top of the stairs and walked down the wide hallway. There wasn't anything odd about the place, other than the Inn Keeper downstairs. "Last door on da' left....." he muttered to himself as he approached the door. He tried the key, and it quickly opened without any hassle. He creaked the door open and peeked his head in to look around the room before he entered.

He brought the stick back to his mouth for another drag, and got a little more comfortable as he slid his bow off his shoulder and laid it on the ground next to him. He thought to himself that this would be a good time to practice hie telekinisis. It was the only unnatural power that he had. He pulled out his newly aquired sharpening stone, and tossed down onto the floor. He stretched out his free hand towards the stone as he concentrated. A low growl in his voice emerged as he tried to move the stone with his mind. This was a new found skill that he had discovered about himself by accident. He saw a circus performer a while back in another town performing amazing telekinisis tricks, and was astonished. He walked away after being in aww, and half heartedly tried to blow some rice out of a nearby basket at one of the stands. He had almost given up, when he gave it one last push of energy with his mind. A small pile blew out of the basket! He looked around to see if anybody saw him, and was overwhelmed with excitement. Ever since then, he's been trying to harness this power from time to time. After many failed attempts at the sharpening stone, he grew weary. But, he was determened to make something happen before he was done practicing for this session. He put the last of his tobacco stick on the floor, and grinded it in with his foot. Now he could concentrate more intensely without the distraction of the smoke in his face. He concentrated hard and began pushing on the stone with his mind. The stone started to gently slide on the floor a bit. He pushed harder as his low growl grew louder. He pushed the stone a good foot or so across the floor before becoming too fatigued to continue. He raised his head and caught his breath as his mind returned to normal. He looked at the stone and smiled, as he was pleased with his progression.

The crows kawing outside the window awoke Sortas first. He opened his eyes and as he tried to adjust to the bright sunlight shining directly through the window and landing on his face. He rolled into the shade as he looked over at Manard still sleeping in a ball. Sakyo looked at Sortas and nodded as he sat squatting with his rear end hovering the floor. He looked starngley comfortable in that position. Sortas nodded back and came to his feet. He gave a huge stretch, and cracked his neck in both directions. He softly walked over to where Manard was laying and whispered, "Manard........" as the dwarf snored loudly. Again he said his name louder and Manard grunted and stirred as he finally awoke. He cleared his throat with a cancerous cough. Sortas thought to himself, "Must be from all those cigars.....and he's not the youngest of men either.....". Manard sat up as he finally opened his lungs again. In his raspy voice he asked, "Anybody else show up?" ".......doesn't look that way...." Sortas replied. "....Hhhmmm.......We need to talk to that girl.....see what her plan for all this is...." Manard said. As he brought his mature body up to it's feet, he grunted, "At least we had a warm place for the night.......eh' Sakyo?" as he looked over at his assosiate. Sakyo rose to stand upright from his squating position and nodded back. "Well.....should we.......go downstairs to the lobby?" Sortas asked Manard in hopes that he might have a better idea. "Aye.....maybe that Inn Keeper fella might know somethin' ". The group gathered up their belongings and headed out into the hallway. They started down the stairs as laughter could be heard coming from the lobby. They piled into the lobby area and saw the lady from the tavern sipping tea, with the Inn Keeper directly across from her doing the same as they both sat in those big comfortable looking chairs. Both of them looked over to see the group standing there, and the Inn Keeper looked back over at the girl. "Why don't you get us some more tea honey suckle?". She set her cup down on the table that sat between them, and rose with a smile as she went back behind the counter and disappeared. It was a much different mood than she had been in the night before. "Have a seat gentleman....." he said as he opened his arm towards the open seats. Sortas was the first to walk over to one, and finally got to feel the soft fur that lined it. He rubbed the palm of his hand accross the seat, and sat down into it pleased. Manard sat in another one, and Sakyo squatted down in his strange sitting position next to him. "Sorry 'dat me an Lex where in such different moods last night.......We were still a smidge upset about 'da misfortune" he explained. "My name be Twain......Twain Magathorn........and 'dat be me daughter Lexania...." he said as she walked back into the room with a tray of hot tea. She handed each of us a cup, as she smiled at Sortas. She liked his looks and the feeling was mutual. "Is this all of you?" she asked with a beautiful voice that soothed the soul. Manard spoke up a little discouraged, "Aye.......so it seems lass....." as he took out the first cigar of the day.

The group stood outside watching horses trot up and down the streets, as they carried all sorts of different looking beings on top. Some were warriors suited in plate armor, some were magical looking beings dressed in robes or clothing made of silk. Peasants walked the streets, and sold wares from their stands that lined both sides. At last, Lexania came outside to join them as she wiped her face dry. Sortas looked at her concerned and asked, "You...ok?". She pushed passed him and said, "Follow me" as the began down the street to the stable. "Stay here" she told them as she walked inside for a moment. The group continued to view all the sights in the town as most patrons eyed them up as they passed. Sakyo growled and Manard comforted him, "Easy....We'll be out of here soon mate......" and Sakyo lowered his growl a bit. Finally Lexania came back out as an older woman stood leaning in the frame of the front door. She looked to be around her forties, and had a rough disposition about her. It was even more validated when she spoke to Lex. "Those mounts come back with anything wrong.....and that'll be the end of ya Lex!" she told her. Lexania turned to her with a smile and said "Thank you Lania". The woman tried to hold back a smile as she told her, "Anytime......" and went back into the building. Lexania had the group follow her to the barn door that led into the area where the mounts were kept. "These are ours" she said opening another door where seven horses stood. Manard spoke up and told her, "Sakyo won't be needin a horse lass........They don't like his kind" "Oh.....ok......Guess we'll only be needing six then....." she said a little concerned. Manard could tell she was a little worried and said, "Don't be worryin your pretty head.....he can run just as fast on his own......HA HA HA....." he laughed as he slid his axe into one of the loops on his mount's saddle. "Oh good...." she said relieved as she threw her leg up and onto her horse. Sortas mounted the saddle of his and grabbed the reins with what looked like more comfort than all of them. Sortas followed Lexania out the door and looked back at Manard, "You coming?" "Aye Mate! GO!" he said waiting for Sortas to exit. Sortas was a little confused and shrugged his shoulders as he rode outside into the street.

The muddy road that they traveled was lined on both sides with tall trees that had no limbs. It was a beautiful sunny day and the future seemed just as bright. There was a good feeling amongst the group except for Manard towards the newest member. He obviously didn't take kindly to people nosing around when it came to Sakyo. They traveled the windy mud road as it led deeper into the forest and away from the town. Most of them were amazed at how Sakyo was able to keep up so effortlessly. After a good hour or two of riding, the group had slowed it's pace down to a gentle trot. Lexania yelled back to them as she had the lead, "It's not much further.......We should be there shortly....". There was a faint path off the main road that they finally turned off on, and now just walked down. The small path was thickly overgrown with vegetation as they pushed through it. Eventually after a little discomfort, they came to a clearing where a single house stood with smoke rising from the chimney. It was a simple house with a straw roof and a fire pit out front. There was a small garden that had sprouted some leaflings on the side of the house. A black kettle hung over the fire pit as steam rose out of the top. There were roses growing in one of the boxes hanging on the outside of the window. It seemed like a lovely place to live. An attractive female came out not noticing the group yet, as she walked over to the kettle with a stick. She stuck it in the boiling water that filled it and pulled out a soaked white dress. There was rope that she had strung up in the sunlight between two posts near the fire pit. She walked over to the rope as she left a trail of water, and slung it up on the line. She straightened up the dress for proper drying as she walked back over to the fire pit again. She stopped suddenly as she finally noticed us there, and dropped her stick as she put her hands on her hips. Lexania whispered to us, "Stay here, and let me try to talk to her first" and then walked away by herself up to the woman. "I suppose you think that horse is for me?" the woman asked with her hands still on her waist. "We need you Doria" she said raising an eyebrow. "I cannot believe that for one second you would actually think that I might travel with you once more!" and she stormed into her house. She stormed right back out with a lute in her hand and said, "Get off of my property Lexania! And take your foolish followers with you!" Lexania sighed and turned to join the rest of her group once more. "Now what?" Sortas asked as she joined them.

They made their way back to the main road and Doria introduced herself to the rest of the group. Her hair long and auburn, with a natural waviness, had a bundle of mistletoe fastened on the side. Her skin was pale, yet beautiful. Her eyes also pale, but of a blue color. She wore a white ruffled theatrical looking shirt that a poet might wear. There were criss crossed leather ties running across the opening in front. She left them loose to show off her milky white cleavage. Her pants were a deep purple velvet, and were tight at the ankles. She wore laced brown sandals around her feet. She seemed a normally pleasant being, and to be in an angry state must have been difficult for her. Sortas and her shared alot of the same honest qualities. Sortas couldn't decide who was more attractive....although Lexania had caught his attention in the tavern and felt a powerfull connection when their eyes met. "So....Lex.....What is all this about anyway?" Sortas asked as they walked along the road. The others perked up to hear the conversation as well. "Well......it's a long story.....but since you all are willing to help me I'll tell you? she said. "It all started when I was little when my father and I lived in the huge town of Metropolis". Manard chimed in "Ahhhh......I've been to that horrid place......" She turned and looked back at him and asked, "Then you know how powerfully run by magicians it is then?" "Aye....." he said back. "Well not much has changed from then, until now" she said looking forward again.

After the story was finally understood, everybody in the group was a little more at ease with the noble cause. Doria pulled up next to Sortas's horse and smiled as she whispered, "Hey......how much is she paying you?" Sortas smiled and whispered back, "2,000gps" "So....Lexania......I get 4,000gps for this?" Doria said with a smirk. Lexania let out a loud sigh and replied, "Yes.....Doria!" "Wahoooo" Doria celebrated. "This way!" Lexania said a little aggravated as they turned off the road and headed into the mountains. There was a huge crystal lake at the valley of the mountains and Lexania spoke up as they got closer. "We should let the horses drink before we continue through the mountains". They arrived at a quaint little field that was next to the lake and dis-mounted. The horses drank as the group stretched and ate some of their food. It was around mid-day, and Sortas started thinking ahead. "Are we going to camp in the mountains tonight?". Lex replied, "That's what I had planned, why?" "Oh.....no problem with that, as long as the wolves have been fed recently.....And I for one, have never met a wolf unwilling to eat" he told her as he ate his apple. "Wolves are the least of our worries mate......" Manard said as he ripped into a turkey leg. "These are the Rathe mountains.......eh Lex?". Lexania looked confused and said, ".....yeah?" "Hill Giants be the biggest threat......" as he tore into his turkey leg some more. She gulped and asked, ".....Hill Giants?" "Aye.......They do carry nice items at times......." he told her. "Well.......we can stay here.......if you want........It should only take a days journey to get through them by my maps" she said trying not to sound scared. After a small amount of discussion, they decided to stay there for the night. By staying here, they wouldn't have much to worry about, and they could get a comfortable nights sleep. Nightfall eventually came, just as they had collected enough firewood to last through the night. Sortas laid a nice pile of wood into the pit they had dug and Lexania motioned to Questal, "If you please.......". He moved his arms around a couple times and smacked his hands together as the firewood erupted in flames. They all gathered around the fire and set up their blankets to sleep for the night. Doria got out her lute and began to play a sweet, mellow song. They were all asleep in no time. She fell asleep after she saw the rest of the group were in their own dreams. Sakyo as always, stayed awake as he rested in his familliar squatting position and kept watch for the group.

They had all finished eating and were full, and happy. Manard took out one of his cigars and Questal quickly lit it with his magic. Manard looked at him a little embarrassed about their first meeting. "Hey mate......" he said grabbing the cigar from his mouth. Questal smiled as he could tell an uneasy apology was forming from the dwarf and decided to save him the trouble, "Accepted" and they nodded to each other with understanding. "Well Then!" Manard spoke up to break the uncomfortable feeling of emotions, "Should we get going then?". The others agreed as the comotion of everybody getting up from the table filled the air. They gathered up all their things and mounted their horses. Manard made sure nobody was looking, and with the help of Sakyo, mounted his horse as well. They started heading through the mountains and didn't see any sign of any Hill Giants. Things were starting to look up as Sortas smiled to himself, "We may not have to fight anything in this rough terrain!" Just as he thought those words to himself there was a rumble beneath them. The horses were acting scared as they stopped for a moment. Lexania looked around to see if somebody knew......."Is that?" she asked. "Yes" Questal answered back. The rumbling came to a steady one right after another as Sortas put his head to the air for a better listen and squinted his eyes. "It's running......" he said. Lexania growing more worried asked, "Well is it coming this way?". Sortas focused and told her, "It's hard to tell with the layout of the terrain". All of a sudden, a huge head emerged from over the top of the next mountain. It stopped for a moment as it sniffed the air around it. It's eyes came to rest on the group, and it sneered as it charged down the hill towards them. Sortas took over with a natural leadership ability, and yelled to the group, "OK Everybody! Hold Your Ground! Questal.....Can You Hold It In Position?" "It Will Be Difficult, But I think I Can Manage" he said. Manard pulled his axe from his saddle, and Doria got her lute in her hand. Doria shouted, "I'll try to take the anger from him" "OK Everybody..........Get Readyyy.........." as it got closer and closer.

The Hill Giant was in bad shape now, as it had blood gushing out of both legs, it's chest, and now it's neck. It came down even further as it writhed in pain and held it's chest up with it's hands. Manard saw the opportunity and charged once more under the giants neck as it stayed hovered for the moment. With his axe high above his head, he rode underneath, splitting the giants neck with a shower of blood! He charged out from underneath it, as his body finally came crashing to the ground. The giant layed there in pain, as it slowly bled out onto the grass. Everybody stopped for a moment and breathed heavily as they looked at each other. Then Manard lifted his axe in the air and growled a victorious war cry. "RRRAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!". Everybody else joined in with their own victory chants as they were relieved that it was over. Everybody except Sakyo, his true abilities were not shown today, for all he could do was protect the others with a being this huge! Nobody looked down on him however, but he still wanted his chance to prove himself to the group. Sortas looked around at everybody smiling and said, "Good Work Everyone!". Questal was on his feet again and looked to be refreshed from Lexania's healing powers. "I Think This Party May Posses Potential For Great Things!" he said smiling. "Well......Who wants to loot it?" Sortas asked. Sakyo jumped up willing to do anything to be an equal with the others. He actually spoke for a change, and with his low voice said, "Ill Need Your Dagger", as he looked at Sortas on the horse. Sortas pulled his dagger out of it's sheath, and handed it to Sakyo. Sakyo ran up on top of the giants dead body with his blazing speed, and began cutting it's pouch free. He got both straps severed, and ran back to the group as he drug the huge pouch behind him. He took the dagger from his mouth, and handed it back to Sortas. Sakyo opened the flap of the huge pouch and started throwing out all the worthless garbage that was inside. Hill Giants were pack rats of sorts, they kept every strange item that they came accross. This can be good.........and bad.

Finally they had left most of the rockiness behind, with an occassional boulder here and there, as the terrain slowly turned into a more marshy area. The sun was setting, and Lexania thought that it would be best to camp soon. "Does this look like a good place to camp for everyone?" They all agreed, tired from the long days journey. They strapped feed bags on the horses and set up camp. Questal ignited the fire as before, and they all sat around it quietly. Manard walked away from the group to his saddle bag that was neatly laid next to his horse. He smiled as he pulled out a large bottle of ale, and returned to the glow of the fire pit. He let out a grunt as he sat down, and said, "AHHhhh......Now this is what I call....Relaxation!" as he laughed his distinguished laugh. The pop of the cork was heard, just before he lifted it up and gulped a huge amount as some of the ale ran down his braided beard. He raised his eyebrow towards the girls and smiled an evil smile as he extended the bottle towards them, "....Eh?". They both giggled and respectfully declined as he shrugged his shoulders and took another swig. Sakyo rested in his squatting position away from the fire with his back to the group. Questal was already snoring as his older body moved up and down with his breathing. Sortas smiled and extended his hand towards Manard, "I'll have some if you don't mind?" Manard shook his head "No" with his mouth full of ale and handed it to Sortas as he swallowed. As soon as Doria saw that her love interest was accepting of the alchohol, she piped up abruptly, "Me Too". Sortas just smiled and looked at her as she shyly looked away and took the bottle from him. She tilted the bottle up, and took a healthy swig out of it. Manard and Sortas looked at each other a little stunned and then looked back at her the same way. She tilted the bottle back down between her lap as she saw them staring at her. There was a moment of silence, and then all four of them let out an orchestra of laughter. Lexania kept laughing as she stood up and walked past Sortas. She put her hand on his shoulder as she walked by him and said, "Goodnight all....".

Sortas was awakened abruptly by the very woman he had been dreaming about. He opened his eyes and smiled a love struck smile as he stared into her beautiful blue eyes. Her voice was muffled as it got louder and louder while he awoke. Finally he could hear crystal clear as she yelled in his face, "GET YOUR BOW!", and pulled on his chest to get him up. He shook his head a few times as his vision cleared up, and saw Sakyo fighting three orcs with his Kung-Foo Monk style. "OH MY!!!!" Sortas let out as he jumped to his feet. He heard the clinging of metal as Manard was in a fight with another. Lightening struck a few more that had moved closer from Questal's magic. Sortas grabbed his bow as he heard the neighing of the horses. He looked over and saw an orc tieing all the reins together. It had gotten all of them tied but one, as Sortas raised his bow towards it. The orc saw Sortas and snarled, just before jumping up on the lead horse and speeding away. Sortas didn't want to take a chance of hitting one of the horses, so he crammed his arrow back in his quiver, and ran full speed to the last horse left. He jumped up in the saddle with lightning speed, and took off after the horses. Meanwhile, Doria played her lute and took control of the nearby wildlife. Ravens attacked one orc, as she had a patch of vines contain another. Lexania kept Sakyo and Manard healed as they took battle wounds from time to time. Orcs alone were not a threat, but they were like the ants! Their damage was done in numbers. Questal was able to blast large amounts of them as they came over the hill, but he could not use any offensive spells if the orcs made it to the group. He would surely hit whoever was fighting them as well. Sakyo was a wonder to watch as the rest of the group noticed. They were a little unsure when he wasn't able to show his abilities the day prior with that Hill Giant. Today however, he was able to prove himself a valuable asset, as he could handle three at a time with little effort. Sakyo finished the three off that had attacked him with fatal bone breaks. The clinging of Manards axe ceased, while whatever orcs were left retreated. Everyone looked at each other and rejoiced victorious. Then Doria asked, "Where's Sortas?" as she looked at each person for a response. Finally, Manard shrugged.

Sortas finally caught up with the orc, and tried to raise his bow for a shot. It would be extremely difficult at these speeds for a safe shot. Then he thought to himself, "Maybe I could use my telekinisis.....". He concentrated hard on the side of the orc, as he tried to push him off the horse. After a good deal of concentration, the orc started sliding off the side as it gave all it's might to stay in the saddle. Eventually, it's head was almost dragging the ground as it hung on for dear life. Sortas gave one last push with his mind on top of the orcs body, and it lost it's grip as it fell to the ground and rolled a couple times. Sortas's first priority, was gaining control of the runaway horses. He sped up next to the lead horse and grabbed the reins. He pulled back on it, and finally slowed the herd down to a stop. He sat on top of his steed as he tried to catch his breath, and finally let a smile cross his face. Realizing he had finally gotten control of the situation, he tied the lead horses reins to his saddle and started to head back to camp at a much slower pace. He finally came to the body of the orc on the side of the road, with it's body face down. He stopped the horses and dismounted. He pulled his bow back as he investigated the body. He kicked it, and then sprung back in case if it was still alive. The body of the fallen orc didn't move. Sortas stuck his leg out and kicked it's body over to face it up. The body rolled over and he saw blood running from it's nose and mouth.........it was dead. The only thing of value on it, was a gold pendant with an emerald set in the middle. Sortas reached down and pulled it from around it's neck. He put it in his pouch, and mounted his horse once more. He looked down at the orc to give it one last look of respect, and continued the long trip back to camp.

They all sat down and began to eat as they talked and laughed about their victory. The group was melding together well, and friendships were being made. Sortas left the table early, and went to the nearest source of water that was around a mile away. He took the gold necklace from his pouch and washed off the dried up blood in the water. When he was finished, it shined brightly and the emerald sparkled. He made his way back to camp once more and walked up to Lexania after many thoughts of what to say to her. "Lexania?" he said. ".....Yes?" she asked suspicious of why his hands were behind his back. "I......uh....have something for you...." he said as he showed her the emerald pendant. Doria was watching the whole thing as the anger inside her grew. ".....It's......Beautiful" she said as she was suprised that he was giving it to her. "Well......it pales in comparison with you, but let me help you put it on anyway". He walked up behind her as she lifted her hair to reveal her soft neck. He pulled it up around her neck and clasped it closed as she let down her hair. She turned around to face him as he stayed close to her. There eyes locked as he slowly moved in to kiss her, when they heard a loud crash. They both looked over to see that Doria had dropped one of the pitchers on the table. She looked at them as she kept her emotions hidden and said, "Oops......Sorry....". Lexania slid out from in front of Sortas and began walking away to her tent. She turned as she was leaving and said, "Thank you Sortas....." as she smiled. Doria was happy that she had broken up their meeting, but still upset that Sortas had not thought of giving it to her. Sortas finally broke his stare at Lexania walking away, and whipped his head over to Doria with a glare. She just smiled and shrugged as she said, "Sorry......", and began to clean up the broken pieces of the pitcher. Sortas stormed passed her and continued walking until he got to one of the large boulders at the edge of the camp. He jumped up on top of it, and sat with his back facing Doria as he was alone with his thoughts. It was pretty clear that the group would be staying another night, so Sortas decided to stay there until dark as he watched the sun set. He thought of how Doria had broke up what might be his only opportunity with Lexania, as the anger inside him grew.

"I 'ad gotten into a quarrell with a bhuddist monk in some run down town along my travels. 'e cut me arm in the ba'le which really got my bloo' boili'. I take my axe like this....". He showed Sortas as he got a little excited about reliving the battle. "......And I swing i' a' 'is sword right......'is sword goes flyin behind 'im about a hundred me'ers and 'e falls to the ground. I lift me axe up to finish off the job, an' 'e starts beggin for 'is life ya know" No No...wait......I'll give you a slave.......'e says to me. It took everything I had mate........everything I had not to finish him off righ' then. But for some reason I heard 'im out. Come to the temple with me.....'e says......And 'e's yours. 'e takes out a piece of paper that 'appened to be the contract, and signed 'im over to me with 'is seal. Now I know what you're thinking mate......Wouldn't it be stupid for me to go to the temple where all 'is brothers were right' Well, I thought about i' for a moment and realized something......The monks were very well known for their credibility. They have a widely known reputation for keeping their word right' So I goes wi' 'im to the temple....and as promised....he brings out Sakyo on a chain leash. 'e tells me 'is name.......'ands me the contract......and bows to me before going back into the temple." Manard then looked over at Sakyo with a smile. "......I've 'ad the li 'le buger ever since!" Sortas was relieved to finally hear the whole story behind those two. "So that's where Sakyo gets his fighting style from?" "You go' i' mate" Manard said just before finishing off the last of the ale. Sortas thought for a moment about everything he had just learned, and then let out a sigh. "Well Manard.....Thank you for the ale my friend.....and the conversation....". Manard smacked the cork into the empty bottle, and threw it into the fire. "Anytime mate....". Sortas got more comfortable and said, "I shall see you in the morning". "Righ' O" manard said as they both drifted off into sleep.

Lexania took the lead as before and told the group, "We are getting closer......two days ride perhaps". They ventured into the woods leaving their camp just as it was with the fire pit still lit, the tents still pitched, and the mountains behind them. As they continued through the forest, Lexania told them, "These woods will end soon and we shall be at the swamp that borders Custo. There is a town in Custo that is safe. We can get more supplies there and possibly find out for certain the whereabouts of Mink". Manard belted out with little hesitation, "You Don't Know Where He Is!?" The others were not pleased as well, as they let out sighs. Lexania quickly intervened, "Calm down everyone........I know where he resides, but he may have went into hiding.....". Manard looked at Sakyo, "Shall we leave then mate?". Sakyo looked undecided, so Manard decided for him. He grabbed the reins and turned his mount in the opposite direction. "Sakyo!" he said as he began slowly riding away. Sakyo put his head down as if he did not want to go, but began following Manard anyway. Lexania yelled to him, "Manard......Wait.......Please! We Cannot Do It Without You!" Manard just threw his arm up in the air without looking back and grunted. Lexania looked down and tried to quickly think of a way to get him back.......then she blurted out,"I'll pay you 5,000gp!" Manard slowly stopped. With his back still facing her he asked, "....And if we don't find him?" Sortas spoke up before Lexania could, and told him, "We Will" Manard finally turned when he heard Sortas' voice and saw that everyone else seemed confident. Manard looked at Sakyo as a smile crossed the reptiles face. Manard sighed and decided that for the amount of gold she had offered.........it was worth a shot. He looked back up at the group with a smile and belted out his raspy laugh. "What Are We Waitin' For Din!" he said as he galloped up and passed the group with enthusiasim now. The others followed Manard's lead and the group was at a good pace to arrive at the swamp. As they were approaching the forests' edge, the huge trees began thinning out into smaller bushes and grasses. The sun broke the horizon as they were almost there. A much dimmer green shower of light seemed to spring from everyones' body, and fall to the ground.

The party slowed their pacedown to a walk as the edge of the swamp came into view. A herd of deer, that were there to drink, bounced back into the woods for safety as the group approached. They stopped at the edge of the marsh, and Lexania looked it over. "It's not as bad as it seems.....unpleasent, but it's shallow. We can walk directly through to Custo from here" she told them. She clicked her heels against her horse and began trudging through the mud and mosses. The others followed as fog rose up from the water. Other than the mud, it was not that unpleasent compared to fighting Orcs. The mounts were not enjoying the experience, but they were to be rewarded with high quality oats once they reached the town. They had been trudging through the mud for several hours now, and were about to leave the swamp behind them. The towns watch tower began coming into view, which sent smiles across everyones' face. Lexania and Doria giggled like little girls, they were so happy. The swamp went from mostly water, to more thick mud and moss again as they approached the edge. Lexania stopped as she noticed her horse having a difficult time. "The mud is much thicker here.....I'm afraid we'll have to dismount for the remainder of the swamp" The others were unhappy, but were in agreeance with her. Their mounts were having an even harder time with the extra weight. They moved through the mud along side their horses as they led them with the reins. Lexania still had the lead and was having problems with her mount. "Come on Rosie, we're almost there old girl...." The others watched and laughed a bit as Lexania tugged on the reins, trying to get the horse to proceed. Rosie wouldn't budge. She had taken the personality of a donkey!

They finally came to the shallow mud and mounted their horses as before. Sortas got next to Lexania and reached his hand down to her. She grabbed it and slung up into the saddle behind him. Doria let out a, "Pffft....." and then turned away as they both looked at her. The wet mud was finally behind them, and it began to harden on their mounts and clothes from the sun. The watch tower got closer and closer as the front gates came into view, and a dirt road formed ahead. Questal spoke up and said, "Open Gates Are A Good Sign", and the others felt more comfortable now. When gates of a town were left open, that usualy meant there was nothing to fear. It was almost certain to be a pleasant stay......

As they rode in, Sortas asked, "I wonder if I can get some arrows here....." Lexania spoke up and told him, "Yes, you can buy weapons here, but they will be sent to the guards armory until we are ready to leave". The streets were lined with stands of vendors and seemed to have everything that they would need. They even had a chemist shop for Questal to stock up on reagents. Manard and Sortas noticed the tavern right away. They looked at each other and quietly laughed. "We should stable the horses first" Lexania said as she looked around Sortas to try and spot it. "There it is..." she said pointing up ahead on the left hand side of the road. They pulled up front and she dismounted as Sortas helped her down. "Wait..." Sortas said rummaging through his pouch before she went in. "Here...." he said as he gave her a hand full of coins. "Get them the best oats they have to offer...." and then he put his head down, "....they've been through alot...." She smiled up at Sortas from his generousity, and dodded before heading inside to pay. The store keeper came back out with Lexania and led them into the stables. Everyone dismounted as the gentleman stroked one of the horses and told them, "They shall be treated like kings". The group felt comfortable with the accomodations, and stepped out onto the street. Doria rubbed her hands together, "Where should we go first?" Questal spoke up wearing a now earthy brown color on his robe and said, "I Am In Need Of Reagents". Manard looked at Sortas and asked him, "To the weapons?". Sortas smiled. Lexania spoke up and said, "Ok everyone, this town is safe enough to split up in. Shall we meet back at the Inn when the sun goes down?" Manard spoke up with a bit of laughter in his voice, "No M'lady..........the Tavern!" Lexania rolled her eyes and said, "Fine....we shall meet at the Tavern....". Manard laughed again. He, Sakyo, and Sortas headed off together as Doria scampered up behind them. Lexania went off to make reservations at the Inn, and Questal started towards the chemist shop.

Doria was complaining to Sortas outside as Manard closed the door behind him. "Well....shall we go to the tinker shop then" Sortas asked her. "Well yes.....but that's not the point..." she said as she walked away from them. The followed her towards the tinker shop, when she looked back at them to say, "It IS a weapon ya know?". "I know Doria..." Sortas said growing tired of her bickering. They arrived at the tinker shop which was set up similar to the weapon shop. The only noticable difference was the color of paint on the outside, and the wares on the inside of course. Doria pushed into the door, still aggravated with the black smith, and went right up to the female shop keeper. Doria bluntly asked her, "Do you have any bard instruments here?" The lady pulled her head back, confused as to why Doria had such an attitude. "....Yes.....what type were you interested in?" she asked. "Well, to make a long story short, my lute is filled with mud and I need a new instrument". The lady suspected that was the reason for Doria's rotten tone of voice. She simply smiled at Doria like a good businesswoman should and said, "Yes maam.....We have lutes available in three materials....Pine, Oak, and Cherry" "How much for the cherry, and may I see it?" Doria asked a little nicer now that she had discovered they did indeed carry instruments. "100gp for the cherry......let me go get it" she told her. She came back out with a fine quality lute made of cherry wood. Doria inspected the craftsmanship and was pleased. She leaned her ear down to it as she strummed the strings once. "Ewww....." she smiled, ".....already tuned". The woman behind the counter smiled, "I am a bard as well. I take good care of my instruments".

They entered the tavern and looked around to scope it out. There was only humans inside which may cause friction with the diversity of their party. The patrons briefly watched them come inside, and then went back to their conversations. Sortas looked at Manard and shrugged, "I guess we're welcome......". Manard laughed and slapped Sortas on the back, "Aye mate, now fetch us an ale!" They saw Lexania and Questal sitting at a large table and headed over towards them. Sortas gave Lexania a smile and a wink, as he continued to the bar. He got two ales and balanced his way over to the others. Manard was sitting with a cigar already lit, as he eagerly reached for one of the mugs. Sortas sat down and enjoyed his ale for a moment as he studied the tavern. It was rather common, some tables......a bar......the usual. There was no fire pit in this Tavern however, but the food smelled especialy good! If there was one talent humans had, it was definitely cooking. This tavern was alot friendlier and livelier than the last. There was a small band of four members playing a Keltic type of music. People were dancing on the cleared out space that was next to the end of the bar, where it wrapped around to meet the wall. Laughter and cheers filled the room along with the clinking of mugs due to toasts. It was a very pleasant environment indeed. It wasn't long before a waitress showed up at their table with a smile. "How is everyone doing this eve?" "Very well M'lady......another ale for me" Manard told her. She nodded and began writing down their orders on a small note pad. "Alright then, Let me just go get you those drinks..."she said with a smile.

Out on the street Lexania grabbed Sortas' arm as they strolled together in the moon light. "I wanted to thank you for trying to save Rosie. She was...." and then she sighed. "I helped her mother give birth to her.....she was a good mare". "I just wish I could've gotten to the beast sooner" Sortas told her, looking away with disappointment on his face. She stopped their stroll and mad him look at her with her hand on his chin. The gazed into each other's eyes, and then she whispered to him, "You tried.......". She pulled his face down to meet hers by the back of his neck, and they kissed each other slowly and passionately. She finally pulled away from him, and they just smiled at each other as they were lost in each others eyes. Finally, they continued to the Inn and concluded at the room she had reserved. It was a large room with comfortable rugs covering the floor. There were plenty of nice quality comforters folded neatly for use. There were a few chairs and a couple small tables. Sortas handed Lexania a comforter and grabbed one for himself. They laid down on opposite ends of the room with love struck smiles on their faces. They drifted off into one of the most relaxing, and deepest sleeps either one had experienced in a long while. They both had thoughts of the infinite possibilities of a future between them.......

Mosh was a human male with brown hair pulled back tightly into a ponytail. He had stubble on his face, and basiclly fit the profile of a man that a woman may pick up from the tavern to make another man jealous. He wore a reddish tint studded tunic, with matching pants and gauntlets. The studs were a dull silver with a few knicks here and there. Tattoos covered the exposed skin of his arms along with a scar. He was an average 6 feet tall and a bit skinny, but toned. He looked like his strategy was speed, which later the group would learn that it was. A pair of black leather boots that stopped just below his knees finished the outfit off. There were three empty sheaths on the outsides of both boots as well. After finishing yet another delicious meal at the tavern, they discussed their next plan of action. "It is only one days ride to the Orc camp where Mink resides.....We shall camp the night just outside of it's border, and strike them just before dawn" Lexania told them. "Aye....just like the li'l basterds did to us in the mountains!" Manard let out as Sakyo nodded and punched the palm of his hand with his fist. "Uh.....Mosh".....is it?" Lexania asked him. He nodded to her. "Do you have a mount?" "Of course!" he snapped back. Sortas noticed the attitude and did not approve, but decided to save his strength for the moment. "....Is it in the stables?" she asked. Mosh laughed and asked, "Where else would it be?" Manard was getting a little aggravated as well now. Lexania bit her tongue and addressed the rest of the group, "I will go get our mounts everyone. I shall meet you out front". "I will get my own thank you? Mosh told her. Sortas stood up from the table and looked right at Mosh with a stare of warning, "I shall go as well" he said with not even a hint of his usual smile. Questal felt the un-easiness and intervened, "I Believe We Are All Finished Here.....Perhaps We Should ALL Go....". Mosh broke the stare with Sortas first as he soon realized he was outnumbered.

Sortas rode up next to Doria to speak with her privately. She wouldn't look at him, but she listened. "Is this guy Ok?" he asked. Doria stayed looking forward and asked, "What do you care?" "I just don't want you to....." and then he sighed. "I don't trust him" "Just don't worry about me Sortas.....you never have before" she said as she kicked her horse to get ahead of him. Sortas just sighed and shook his head. He slowed down a bit to let Mosh ride next to him and said, "Interesting choice in swords....." "You can weild these quicker. Speed is key to a victory" Mosh explained. "Is it speed that you require......or is it lack of strength to swing a broad sword?" Sortas poked back still displeased with their initial meeting as he looked at Mosh with a raised eye brow. Mosh simply lifted his chin and laughed quietly, "I shall have to prove myself......then you will be begging for lessons". Sortas smiled, "We shall see".

Everyone sat off on their own as they prepared for battle in each of their unique ways. Manard and Mosh sharpened their weapons as Sortas sharpened his arrow tips. Questal sat in a state of meditation as Sakyo practiced his moves in slow formations. Questal finally rose from his meditation and said, "Rest Well Everyone, We Shall Strike Before The Sun Rises" and he went off to lay down for the night. Eventually everyone had fallen asleep for a restless night. The moved throught the night just before dawn as quietly as possible. They were at the torch lit camp within an hour, and tied the mounts just outside the perimeter. Questal nodded to Manard for him to move around to the North side of the camp. He nodded back and disappeared into the darkness, followed by Mosh and Doria. Questal had the others that were with him wait a substantial amount of time, to allow Manard's group to move into position. He looked up to see that the two watch towers on his side, were both occupied by two Orcs. It looked as if the Orcs were armed with bows and arrows. He then looked at Sortas and Lexania as he made sure that they were ready. He looked at Sakyo last, and then moved closer to the watch towers. He began moving his hands around as a glow of electricity built between his hands. The Orcs in the towers tried to see what it was, just before he released a blast to one of the towers. It went up in flames immediately as well as the two archer Orcs that occupied it. The other watch tower sounded their horn into the camp as they took cover.

Both groups were closing in on Mink in the center of the camp as the remaining Orcs ran to guard their leader. Mink shouted to the small group of Orcs that surrounded him, "Use Your Crossbows!" They quickly followed the order and resheathed their swords as the reached for their crossbows that were slung across their backs. Mosh was the first to reach the remaining group of Orcs. He sliced one across the neck, and stabbed another through the stomach at lightning speed. Manard soon joined in , clearing a few Orcs with a mighty swing of his axe. Two more fell with a "Thunk......Thunk....." from Sortas' arrows. Just then, an Orc pointed his crossbow at Manard as he raised his axe over his head for a massive strike. Manard struggled to swing it down in time, but the Orc let his shot soar, striking Manard in the chest. Mosh quickly ran over and stabbed the Orc through the back. They both fell to the ground as Sakyo ran over to his masters aid. Three Orcs attacked Mosh as two more tried to finish Manard off. Sakyo viciously took those two out as he was engulfed in a rage. The last two Orcs finally fell from Mosh's katanas, and Sortas' arrows. Mink stood alone now, unsure of what to do. He drew his sword and took a defensive stance. Sortas shouted to Mink with his bow pulled back strong, "You'll Be Dead Before You Raise It To Strike! Drop Your Sword!" Mink turned to see the tip of the arrow pointed directly at his head. He reluctantly surrendered and threw his sword to the ground."Sakyo, there is rope in my saddle bag" Sortas told him. Sakyo took off in a flash as Sortas kept his arrow pointed at Mink. Lexania ran over to Manard and looked him over as he rithed in pain.

Lexania then walked over to Mink and smacked him across the face. "You Knew My Freedom Was On The Line!" she scowled at him. Mink said nothing back to her. "WHERE IS IT MINK!?" she yelled. He seemed to have a bit of remorse and said, "In my hut......in the chest......." as he looked at the ground. She stomped past him and into his hut. She kicked over the chest and started rumaging through the items that were in it. Mosh walked over and looked inside to watch her. There were jewels of all sorts scattered across the floor of the hut. "Who gets the jewels?" he asked with his eyes wide. " NO ONE! WE ARE ONLY HERE FOR THE CRYSTAL! WE SHALL NOT CARRY OUR REPUTATIONS THROUGH TH MUD ALONG SIDE MINKS, AS HE HAS CHOSEN!" then she went back to rumaging through the chest. Mosh laughed a bit and asked, "Who are you to......." Lexania stood up and yelled in his face, "WE WILL NOT!!!" Mosh slowly backed out of the hut as Lexania obviously refused to budge. She waited for Mosh to move back a few more steps, and then returned to searching the chest for her item. She came out of the hut in a completely different mood as she showed the group the crystal. "We Have It!" as her eyes became slightly wet. Everyone cheered with victory as Questal rejoined them as well. He walked up to Mink as the cheering died down and asked, "Where On Earth Did You Aquire That Armor?" The others piped down to hear minks response. "A clan of drows in the underground caves of Meramack" he told them. "I Have Never Seen Such An Armor" Questal told him. "Nor have I....." Mink replied. Mosh then spoke up and asked, "What shall we do with the snake?" Lexania spoke up and said, "We will leave him be. Although his greed is that of a rogues, he did in fact help me obtain the rest of the items I needed". Then she turned to Mink and said, "The Gods smile upon you today. Let this be your chance to turn from your wicked ways". The party began walking to their mounts as they left the sun shining on a destroyed camp, littered with bodies of bloodied Orcs.