Bermuda Hex Rp Forum

Location: Orc Camp Date/Time: Close to Midnight Who: Donny, Tik-Tik, Peri , DD DD plucked through the fresh corpses looking for one that would suffice for another ritual he only needed a small one this time nothing as big as that one time. When through the night air he heard it. Tik-Tik's beautiful voice demanding his presence. Rushing over to where he last saw Tik-Tik to find the young filthy human with the slightly under sized half-ling. In Thri-Kreen " Yes Tik-Tik, Are we in need of more food again? or did that blasted orc return to finish the job".  Seconds later a ghostly 3 eyed raven lands upon DD's head looking ponderously at the human.

Location: Orc Camp Date/Time: Close to Midnight Who: Donny, Tik-Tik, Peri , DD Tik Tik excitedly extended his hands and roped the sling along his primary arms so there was a mock sling on his chest "I always want more food! No no the orc isn't an issue anymore, if we find him again i'll make sure to eat him" TikTik finally finishes putting his sling on "But look! Now i can carry you DD! Try it! I really hope you like it!" TikTik excitedly crouches before the tiny Kender so he can climb in, "This way we don't gotta hide in the tiny land box... DD did you bring me a snack? Thats a bird right? those tasted good when you cooked them! I wonder what cookman could do with them!" 

Location: Orc Camp Date/Time: Close to Midnight Who: Donny, Tik-Tik, Peri , DD Gawking at the contraption Tik-Tik has on, DD lightly tugs at the seems and ropes. " Seems to fashioned well but can I ask where you got such an Idea, am I too small to walk now? although I could go for a nap... and this would leave all your hands free."  DD commands his raven to hover in the air 20 feet off the ground, just in case Tik-Tik gets hungry again. Taking out one of his squirrels he proffers it up to Tik-Tik. " This should suffice until I can find a larger beast to satisfy you"   Turning to Peri with a voice that is slightly higher pitched than necessary DD exclaims "  I think I have a way to find this site where the orc chief is summoning the daemon would you like me to do it?"

Location: Orc Camp Date/Time: Close to Midnight Who: Donny, Tik-Tik, Peri , DD As Dee Dee came over and began to chat with Tik-Tik, Donny aimed his conversation more toward Peri. "I just don't wanna throw a prize calf out the pastcher, just because he was a little small wild. However, I do understand you two are the original members; so the choice is yours ma'am." Donny picking himself backup sense Tik-Tik and Dee Dee started chatting, and he began to move himself away from the conversation.

Location: The Tempest Isles Date/Time: Sunset and Into the Night Who: Cicero, sent on to Peri Above the crashing seafoam against the cliffside below, Cicero Fijor, the Chainbreaker and Sorcerer of the Silent Sea, sat to eat a pear. At times, nightly snacks and swims were a ritual he had chosen to take, and tonight held a particular kind of significance for him. The Genasi looked out over the water, and he began to write. At first, the page was filled with a simple account of his time on the island, the people he'd met, the new understandings he'd come to regard and uncover. The paper grew dark with the weight of his ink, but as he took a moment to read what he'd written, Cicero couldn't help but laugh aloud at himself. He knew exactly who'd want to read this the most.  Dear Peri, whom I love so very, very much,  Hello luv, did you expect to get a delivery via Fey Hawk? Seneca has quite the eye for directions, so I trust him to take this letter right to your garden, or perhaps even your hands? Gods, I hope for the sake of your sanity that every flower is in bloom and every tomato is at its reddest. How have you been, now that another adventure has no-doubt taken you someplace interesting? Our prince does keep us on our toes, but you're not the kind to be caught off-guard, right? Did you know that no one else in all of Eberron knows how to smile as big as you do, Peri? The changelings here know how to laugh and joke, and they've got excellent bards of their own, but I think you spoiled me a bit too much, lighting up the room the way you do. I suppose I should tell you first, but I've made a bit of a breakthrough with these Soul Crystals we found along our way. Simply by imbuing my magic (lightning, of course. I wouldn't want to shatter them with thunder!) through the crystals, they retain that spark almost indefinitely! Beyond aesthetic, (though by themselves, they do look spectacular!) I'm hoping this "Spark of Life" can bring autonomy to otherwise inanimate objects! I don't have a mind for machinery myself, but the artificers here have been a great help in puzzling this out. I suppose they're beginning to look to me now for direction, take that as you will.  I didn't think I'd like the sea, and the islands do take some getting used to, but I think it's beginning to grow on me, Peri. The Isles don't feel the same to me as a ship's deck does; the latter gives me this anxiousness, like a caged animal pacing or something, but the former has...I don't know, something more to it? And not just distance-wise, I'm not being daft. There's just more agency here, I think. I've taken to flying more often as well, if you count levitating from hilltops and towers as flying. I used to consider the sky something I couldn't reach, but I've begun remembering that it's a part  of me. Perhaps that was missing before.  I ought not to be rambling, right? I won't keep you long, no adventure deserves to be stalled as the fearless leader reads a letter, but take this part to heart, would you? This I know: you're going to be brilliant, Periwinkle. More brilliant than the word can encompass by itself, and don't you go forgetting it, either. You can keep Seneca for a while, if you like. He might not stay, but I'll be happy while he's gone. If nothing else, it tells me that he's with you. I know you'll be meeting so many people out there in the world. Trust your gut to do what's right. More often than not, love, it's the best indicator for who you  are.  And have fun, Peri. Beyond anything else, any sort of politics or stuffy people who can't take the truth you've got to tell, it's so very important that you never lose your  spark. That vitality and eagerness for life is what I miss about you the very most. Give it to everyone you meet. It may be quite a while before I see you again, but here's to hoping that it passes in a second.  As much as I will ever be, Cicero

Location: Home Date/Time: After the report to Prince Rygar Who: Khord, Donny Khord finds Donny a while after arriving home and pats him on the back. "Scooter come here for a bit I want to have a talk." Khord heads out the door and leans on a nearby tree, waiting for Donny.

Location: Home Date/Time: After the report to Prince Rygar Who: Khord, Donny Donny was in the kitchen when Khord came, getting a handle of what food he needed to restock on. With all the running around they did, he didn't have the time to do a count of what they were missing, and what they needed. The only thing he truly remembered is that eggs were on the list. However, when Khord asked to speak with him Donny picked up his book and walked out the door, finding his ally leaned against a tree. "What you wanna talk about Mr. Khord?"

Location:   Regalport Date/Time: Mid-morning Who: Peri, sent on to Cicero To my Cicero, the best and bluest of boys, You better be well! Are you sleeping well enough? Do you eat well? Have you made new friends? I hope you have, but you better miss me! I miss you to death. Your letter made me cry, I'm so mad, I hate crying all the time! ㅠㅠ Our last adventure was pretty small, no sorcerous armies or undead, anyway. I did almost die--a demon things stabbed me, even though it was surrounded by big tough guys hacking at it and I am only a little halfling shouting things, but I guessed it realized I was trying to heal people. Smart enemies are the worst . I didn't die though, obviously, although I have another gnarly scar: I healed myself a little and then one of the interns then healed me some too--we have interns now, me and Khord. The prince "suggested" that we recruit more people to the team, since 2 people is too few for big missions. One guy invited himself, two guys we tested and invited, one of those guys died, two more guys (that we had vetted as adventure-worthy before) invited themselves, and then we recruited one more so we'd actually have a healer who knows what they're doing. So it's been kind of a mess. I miss having you and Cass around to back me up...Khord is great , don't get me wrong, but he also wins all the blue ribbons for 'avoidance', so. I miss having you around, not just as a friend but for your ideas and advice: the only one who really offers suggestions right now is Scooter, and he talks at me like I'm a simple-minded little cousin that he'd just as soon see stepped on by a bullette. But at least he's a go-getter, so who knows, maybe he'll become more bearable with time? I remember that Khord wasn't so cool at first, either. He kind of invited himself along too, didn't he? Your 'Spark of Life' sounds very cool and a little creepy! I'm still trying to learn new spells--and we have a cleric now, so I may even be able to practice them--but nothing as cool as what you're doing. I'm glad you're enjoying your 'Silent Seas' (it's still a silly title, Cicero!)...I don't know that I'll ever really like the sea, myself. Did you realize that I'm the only one in the group now that was in that first shipwreck that started all this with the Hex? I feel old. I certainly don't feel brilliant. But if you think I am maybe I can try and believe it--certainly you're no fool! I didn't keep Seneca around, obviously--he's taking this back as soon as he gets his rest--but it was nice to see him. You can visit one of my little friends as well, if you like: I planted a seed at the entrance of the secret tunnel, in a pocket of earth in the cliff face. She will probably have begun to unfurl her leaves by now, so you can go say hi every now and then, and think of me. With all the love in the world, Periwinkle

Location: Home Date/Time: After the report to Prince Rygar Who: Khord, Donny Khord looks at Donny seriously "You come up to our place and meet us saying it is destiny but what are you fighting for really? Is it because it is in your blood? Or is it for the glory, money, the thrill of it? Or is it revenge now?" Khord grimaces at the last of his sentences as he thinks about the past but he never takes his eyes of Donny, almost like he is studying him..

Location: Home Date/Time: After the report to Prince Rygar Who: Khord, Donny Donny looks up at Khord with a very confused look, almost seemingly not to understand the question. He raises his hands and places them on his head, in a very relaxed position. The right half of him, along with his permanently scarred arm, hiding in the shade of the tree; while his left half seemed to soak up the suns rays. "What you mean Mr. Khord? That's the only reason I join y'all, heck it's the only reason I'm still here. I know when I'm un-liked, but I know I'm destined for something great, and I reckon y'all can put me in the place I need to be. So to answer your question no fighting ain't in my blood, and no it ain't for revenge. Sure money and glory are perks of the job, but I don't need em. Destiny is what drove me to y'all, and my destiny is what I fight for." Donny seemed very relaxed, almost a counter to Khord's always serious demeanor. He returned Khord's gaze but not entirely, seemingly interested in the world around. However, shortly Donny focused back on Khord. "How bout you Mr. Khord? What you fighten for?" Khord was a mystery to Donny. He rarely spoke, didn't like people it seemed, and would actively avoid socializing as much as possible. He was hoping Khord would answer, but Donny had a sneaking suspicion he wouldn't.

Location: Home Date/Time: After the report to Prince Rygar Who: Khord, Donny Khord feels his eye twitching at the answer Donny gives as he thinks about how this 'boy' is going to get himself killed. "Destiny is something others say about those who went through hell afterwards. They paint the horrors over with words like 'destiny' to make themselves feel better for not doing what they should have and paying the sacrifice they couldn't" Khord feels his anger rising, not at Donny but just at the way the world works. He begins to think about how everything has a price of blood hidden behind it and how he has done his fair share paying the price with other peoples' blood. Especially those he didn't want to use as payment. Lost in his own thoughts he almost misses Donny's question. He looks up focusing on Donny again, taken aback at his own question used on him. "I... I used to fight because it was in my blood. I wanted to stop those that would cause harm. I wanted to protect those that were closest to me... I didn't understand what war and death truly was, thought I would be a hero, that just hard work would make everything work out. I failed because I didn't understand the world and how everything costs something, and that price is paid in blood." He feels the anger and disgust rising and starts thinking about what we he went through, almost losing himself to the past. He suddenly rakes his pointed almost claw-like glove across his face to bring him to the present, like it always does. He looks at Donny. "I fight because I owe it to them. Because pain is the only thing that keeps me here..." He looks away ashamed as he walks past Donny roughly pushing past him. Almost in the door, Khord suddenly stops and pulls something large off his back and tosses it to Donny without looking at him. "Here take this 'Farmboy.' Take it and go back to your home.." He then distractedly whispers to no one in particular, to himself, to the gods. "Go back before it is too late. Before you lose that precious pure heart of yours and all you see is a living nightmare. Before you are drowned in the blood of others... like I am. " He Heads through the house and disappears into the city with no destination in mind but maybe looking for a fight or something to drown out the spirits that have never stopped haunting him

Location: Home Date/Time: After the report to Prince Rygar Who: Khord, Donny As Khord walks away, Donny shouts out one last thing hoping the metallic dragonoid human would stop to listen to his banter. "You may not understand the world Khord, but it seems to understand you!" Donny taking a few steps toward the man that easily toward him, speaking more quietly to the private conversations. "I won't pretend to know you're past and what had happened, and I'm sorry that whatever it was happen to ya. But we build on that past, it don't define us!" Donny now gripping his runic armed tightly, to others it may seem like his arm was trying to come out. Donny now calming down, and returning to the current topic. "I can only speak for the hear and now, so I'll do that. You said you wanted to protect those closest to you, well you are. You are able to get from enemy to enemy wit great speed, you hit as hard as Tik-Tik, and you even man handled a demon to get him away from Miss. Peri. If that ain't protecting I sure as shoot don't know what is." Donny now looking down to the ground, avoiding eye contact. Speaking even softer, but loud enough for Khord to hear. "My pa...." Donny clearing his throat, before speaking again. "My pa used to say, 'You show me a hero, and I'll show you a tragedy'....jus cause you broken Khord, doesn't mean you ain't a hero." Donny looked up to see if Khord had even stayed long enough to listen to him. However, when he looked up Khord was already gone. Donny was unsure if Khord had even heard his final words. He looked back down to examine the shield that was just handed to him. It was a good weight and a good size, perhaps this would be his new shield. As he flipped it over to see the front, his heart broke a thousand times over. He saw the proud lion his step-father, no he saw the lion his real father wore. The first time he met Odus he was in this armor, Donny was shaking, scared, and bleeding; but Odus had a smile and a welcoming hand. Donny remembered seeing the armor hanging in the house, and it made him travel the path he walks today. The memories were too much for Scooter, each one weighing his body down until he found himself leaning against the base of the tree; huddled up into a ball, crying, clutching the shield, and missing the big lion that guarded his cub.

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Aren, Peri Aren sat alone in a small, out-of-the-way room of Bermuda Hex' base. He had finished his preparations for the Prince's mission fairly quickly - he didn't have much to prepare in the first place, so that was no surprise. Now all that was left was to wait for the others, and for their ship to be ready. So for now he sat, absently carving a small wooden totem while his thoughts wandered elsewhere. After wandering for more than a year, he'd finally come a little closer to his goal. He'd found a group of people who might be able to help him - and they'd let him join (though that had been a little dicey for a moment). Even better than that, though: thanks to the Prince he now finally - finally - had a lead on the people who had taken everything from him. He hadn't felt this optimistic since...Hell, since before this whole mess had even started. His goal was still far out of reach, but at least he could see it now. But things weren't quite what he had expected. Bermuda Hex was strong, yes, but they ( well...we now I suppose ) were far from the dauntless, unified, unstoppable group he had heard about when he had first arrived in the Principles. Aren didn't know what had happened to the group, but it was clear that there had been issues - all he had to do was remember Peri's laughter when she had heard about DDs death to see that. That was certainly not the reaction he had imagined while he was walking to their camp after finding the bodies. And then, the day they had received their mission from the Prince, Khord and Donny had gone off on their own - and both had looked fairly shaken as they returned. They covered it well, and had appeared to recover fairly quickly - but Aren wasn't so sure that was the case. And then there was that giant Bug-man. He'd seen a lot in the year since he'd left Elaris, but nothing quite so disturbing as that. The way he ate his former companion, and how he so gleefully killed their captured orc in the street... Aren shuddered. To top it all off, now there were no less than three rookies in the group, including himself. Yes, Bermuda Hex was not what he had expected. He frowned, briefly becoming aware of the piece of wood in his hands - he had originally been thinking to make the likeness of an Eagle, but that wasn't panning out like he wanted. He'd have to figure something else out now. Even if it was little more than a whittled trinket, he didn't want to make it incompetently. Still, for better or worse he was part of this team now. He already owed the Prince too much to back out, and even if he could he wouldn't want to. This team was his best bet to eventually act on the information he now had. He'd have to extend a little faith and trust as they had to him, even if they were a little...odd. At that Aren couldn't help but smirk at his own hubris. After all, the Gods knew he was no better. He certainly had secrets he was keeping - how could he blame the others for doing the same? Though, mine will likely only last until the nightmares come again ... Aren's hands paused for a moment as he felt a familliar dread pass over him before continuing. Still... there had to be something he could do about the party's division. He'd been searching for rumors of the pirates they were after in the last few days, and he'd found plenty - none of them encouraging. If nothing changed they were certain to have casualties before they finished this next mission. There were bound to be issues with a group together for so little time, but Aren wasn't sure they could afford to just wait for the group to come together naturally. Well - the first thing would be to try to not jump out my skin whenever the bug (Tik Tik?) moves. He started to shudder again, but managed to suppress it this time. Well, it seems like everyone else trusts the...guy? (Is it a guy?) ... anyway, I know nothing about him (it?), so the least I can do is give it a shot. Maybe if I could somehow manage to communicate with him... He sighed to himself. What else? From what I've seen, the main issues are simple familiarity, and Peri. Can't do much about the first one, but Peri... She's definitely short-tempered - even seems vengeful, at least towards Donny. Still not entirely sure what happened there, but I don't think her hostility is stemming from mailce. If anything, I feel like she's just very...stressed. Which is almost worse - a malicious person can still be an effective leader. A leader who's overstressed is likely to get us all killed. They can't see the big picture the way they should, more likely to make mistakes. Is there a way I could help her out somehow? Having someone else to rely on would probably help. Then again, I'm just another new guy here. I doubt she'd appreciate me trying to "comfort" her all of a sudden.  Aren could imagine quite well what his own reaction would be in her situation. He smirked again. "Not ending well" would put it lightly. Hell, maybe I'm just overthinking all of this, and there's no issue at all.   They obviously managed pretty well before I came here, after all.  Maybe it was just paranoia, but Aren still couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. He'd learned to trust that feeling in the time he'd spent alone, and it made him want to act. Aren looked down at the wood in his hand again. He stared at it for a second, then let out a small, almost inaudible chuckle. It seemed his hands had come up with an idea without telling him. Well, she does seem to like gardening...  he thought. She reminded him of someone else, in that. Coming to a decision, he nodded to himself and set to finishing the small totem. Once he fully set his mind to the task, the carving went quickly - the design was nothing fancy after all. As he worked, Aren was reminded of more carefree days, back in the city. The bittersweet memories served to remind him of why he was here, why he was fighting. The next day, Aren set out to find Peri - finished trinket in hand. Deciding on a course of action had put him in a good mood - even if it wasn't much, hopefully this would be a good start. After a brief search Aren found Peri in her garden, working. He took a second to compose himself and mentally run through what he wanted to do, then called out to her: " Miss Peri, Good morning! Ah, if you aren't busy, would you have a moment to talk? "

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Aren, Peri Peri tried not to be obvious about how startled she was by the voice. The taller of the two sneaky new guys was standing at the edge of her garden, smaller without all his ranger-y equipment and toying with something in his hands. She cleared her throat and finished gently easing the weeds out of the dirt around one of her little fruit tree saplings before squinting up at him. " I guess so, uh...uh...uh...what's your name? " 

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Aren, Peri "Ah. It's Aren, miss. Aren Ontarr." Aren shifted his weight a little nervously. He had expected the lukewarm response, but it was still a little unnerving when it actually happened. He needed to get better at the whole "conversation" thing... "I know all of this is pretty sudden, but I wanted to thank you for letting me travel with ya'll. We did meet on some pretty, um, odd circumstances, but ya'll let me join you, and even got me an audience with the Prince..." Aren trailed off, zoning out for a half-second before snapping his gaze back to Peri "Well, um... anyway, I can't really express how much it means to me, but I wanted to give you a small token of my gratitude."  He held out the trinket he had been concealing, revealing a polished circular wooden disk with the petals of a flower carved into it.  "I couldn't help but notice you were a gardener."  He continued, growing self-conscious now. Man, he always hated it when other people saw his work. But, he couldn't back out now. "and I know I'm presuming things here - but it seems like you've been taking a lot of weight on your shoulders. This is a wallflower - I'm not sure if the meaning is different here but where I'm from it means 'strength and faithfulness in adversity'. So, ah, I figured it might be appropriate..."  He trailed off again, this time from embarrassment. He remained like that for a moment, holding out the trinket and hoping his intentions came across properly. (the trinket - only with one less petal and no outer ring)

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Aren, Peri Well, he sure seemed nice. He had been polite from the start, as best she could remember, which was another point in his favor. She kind of wanted to know more about him, but not enough to ask: if she liked him, it would hurt when he left, and if she hated him, it would make it easier when he died. So instead she just accepted the little wooden disc, not as little in her small hands, and ran her fingertips across the grain. " Basswood, right? And our flower language is different, but I get the idea. " She was still working on Prestidigitation, trying to get the cantrip to a point where she could do it without thinking, but as she concentrated with her thumbs resting on the carved petals she successfully made a blush of orange color seep through the unpolished wood. " They come in other colors, of course, but ours were mostly orange ." She petted the trinket one more time, then tucked it in a pouch. He was still standing there, looking like a student about to have his work graded, and she sighed a sigh that came right up from her toes, one hand burying itself in the earth and the other gently clasping her little pouch of seeds. " You are presuming things, but you're not wrong. Just, I don't know...keep being useful and we'll be happy to keep you around, me and Khord. And try not to die. "

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Aren, Peri Aren breathed a mental sigh of relief as Peri accepted his gift. He smiled "Yes, ma'am. You know your wood pretty well, too."  He watched as she filled his carving with color - and felt a familiar pang of sadness and loss as it reminded him of another who had once done the same. He tried to keep it from his face, though - didn't want to reveal any more than he had to. He threw out an offhand comment hoping to cover his sudden emotion. "Ah, well - most of my 'flower language' knowledge is secondhand...It was my sister who really knew about them." Shit . He thought. That was a bigger slip-up than anything his face could have done. Maybe Peri hadn't noticed? After her statement it looked like she was deep in her own thoughts... "A-Anyway."  He forced a grin back onto his face, then continued quickly, "I'll certainly try not to die if I can help it. And if there's anything I can do around here to help out, let me know. I'm pretty much ready to go, so, ah, at the moment I don't have much to do. I didn't realize that it took so long to get a ship ready to leave, ha-ha."  Having said his piece and assuming that would be the end of the conversation, Aren half-turned to leave - not moving away quite yet. "Well. That's all I really wanted to say. Sorry to bother you so suddenly."

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Tik Tik Tik Tik sat in the center of the garden unsure what do to anymore, he spent a large amount his time practicing his writing and the other half scavenging around looking for any bugs that may be damaging to the tiny garden. Tik Tik kept finding things that were new, like the bugs here tasted different, occasionally he saw a fleshling walk by, or a new sound to track down only to be stopped by a fence. Every single time he excitedly beckoned to no one, while chittering "DD come look! It's something new! How do i spell-" only to abruptly remember and go into a state of gloom, after several minutes he'd be distracted again and the cycle would continue. For Tik Tik the cycle that had gone on so long of him incessantly asking DD questions that it was second nature, he began to remember the first years of being exiled. Worse enough he couldn't nap like DD always used to do when he was upset, Tik Tik just sat and waited for something to happen. occasionally checking to make sure his new "clothing" was still pristine and cleaned hung from the fence. 

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Donny and Tik Tik Donny was running around the house, especially the kitchen. In the three days he had been thinking of what Khord said, of course he would never leave his destiny. He knew he was important, and that the world needed him to be where he was. However, Donny had also been specifically helping out Tik Tik. He had him outside near his garden, having Tik Tik help with things. Not gardening, but holding the bucket, watering, shoveling; things that Donny could over see and help him out with. As Donny was inside cooking meals, he noticed Tik Tik clicking a fierce storm outside, he was standing near the fence looking at some kids running around playing. Donny had just finished making Tik-Tik's meal and begun to bring it out to him. "Hey Tik-Tik foods ready, are you alright?" Donny had decided to take care of Tik-Tik, he was nervous that the insectoid would get into trouble and would also go hungry.

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Donny and Tik Tik Tik Tik spun around and excitedly strode towards cookman "what food bits does cookman bring today!" He chittered as he began taking his long steps along the ground taking great care to only step on the spread across stones in the background. As he got closer he contemplated the question that was given to him "Not used to questions, but will try" he took the plate and sat down and started picking at the food his usual voracious appetite seemingly weakened. As his secondary arms ate his primary arms extended forward and wrote down "MISS DD, FIRST FAMILY" he paused without looking up and gestured to the hung clothing "TRADE? FOOD FOR CLOTHING?".   

Location: Bermuda Hex Base Date/Time: 3 Days after reporting to Prince Rygar, Mid-Morning Who: Donny and Tik Tik Donny got sad at Tik-Tik's first words, he knew DD was important to him. As he watched Tik-Tik jump from rock to rock, Donny made a mental note to make a pathway for him. Donny hope he can help him during the transactions. However his second words, were rather hilarious. Donny grabbed the stick and began to write, Food is gift. No trade needed. Enjoy.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day at fort, morning Who: Khord As Khord woke up from what barely could be called 'sleep' he felt like shit in about every sense of the word. Looking at his arms with new wounds from his own weapon he felt disgust. He knew it wasn't a smart idea even at the time but he really didn't care that he was hurting himself... And he didn't want to admit it but part of him felt a release at doing that, heading towards death headlong, something he hadn't done in a long time. As he got his armor on and walked out of his tent. He looked at the sky and sighed and then looked around. Donny was cooking food for everyone, like normal. He didn't see anyone else but he really was looking for them. Khord didn't really want to see them, especially Peri, He heard her come into camp after she was feeling better and he didn't want to look in her eyes right now. He distractedly packed up his stuff and sighed again. He began walking with no direction in mind, doing like he always did when he didn't want to think. He found himself at a pond and begin cleaning his weapons, gear, and self. Afterwards he put on his ragged tanktop and tattered pants that were still wet and pulled out some padded gloves and boots and began punching and kicking a tree like it was a punching bag. Every time he swung out a arm or fist he could feel that uncomfortable feeling he always felt, like he wasn't in his own body. Khord's body was responding stiffly and not as accurately as it should, as it use to. It felt like he was beginning his basic training were he couldn't move the small wooden sword as he wanted to. Every time he punched he felt something off and he would look at the arm he just swung and he would feel anger and disgust continuing to rise. He punched and kicked harder with each swing but it still felt wrong. Not even noticing that his clothes were now wet from his sweat and not the pond he washed them in. Panting heavily, he angrily pulled off the padding and hit the tree even harder, watching it shake and feeling the pain and impact. Khord grimly smiled a little as he began punching even harder, small bits of blood and bark flying with every impact. He lost himself in the physical sensation, not paying attention to his past, present, or future, nor the hours passing as he continued to punch the tree as if he could punch it down given enough time. Losing himself in physical pain was so much better than the emotional ghosts that were waiting for him to come back to his own thoughts.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Khord, Aren Aren awoke in his sleeping bag the morning after the fight. He hadn't slept in a manner that anyone would call well, but at least the old demons hadn't come for him that night. He lay there for a few extra minutes, letting his body wake up a little more before leaving the dubious comfort of his sleeping bag. Though he hadn't been near the worst of the fighting, after their battle in the dungeon Aren felt the need to refresh himself before breakfast - the stench of all those corpses still remained in his nose. Remembering the pond that Prince Rygar's men had mentioned last night, he decided to head in that direction, maybe take a quick dip to really wake himself up. However, when he got there he found the area already occupied by Khord, who seemed to be busy trying to beat down a tree. He wasn't in his armor for once, revealing some of the horrific scarring that Aren had seen earlier, in the Prince's bathhouse. Aren was amazed at the sheer power and precision of the strikes Khord was throwing at the tree - it was two feet thick if it was an inch and Khord had made a fairly sizable dent in it. Whatever the reason for his deformities, they hadn't slowed him down much. Frowning, Aren looked a little closer. The tree had a few specks of blood on it, too - blood from Khord's hands. It was clear he was nearly in a frenzy, not even noticing that he had been destroying his hands. He was drenched in sweat, too. How long had he been doing this? Aren hurried forward. He wasn't making any effort to be stealthy, but Khord was oblivious to his surroundings - so much so that Aren was able to get right up to him without being noticed. In an attempt to snap him out of his frenzy, Aren called out, "Morning, Khord! Hey if you're trying to cut down that tree we can probably find an axe or something around here." But Khord continued his beating, seemingly not even hearing Aren. Frowning, Aren persisted in trying to get his attention away from what at this point was becoming self-mutilation "Khord?... Khord?!" When it became clear that Khord wouldn't respond to Aren's voice he began looking around for some other way to break him out of his frenzy. Spotting some acorns on the ground nearby, he lightly tossed one at Khord, hoping the physical stimulation would work where verbal had not.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Khord, Aren Feeling something hitting himself in the neck, Khord turned around. Instinctively getting ready for a battle. He glares around, seeing one of the new guys. Taking a second to fully comes to himself as he looks at Aren, ignoring the obvious and taking a deep breath. "Do you need something?" He looks at his hands and brushes the blood off his hands as he leans against the tree, shifting uncomfortably as he refuses to look at Aren.

Aren breathed a small sigh of relief as he finally got Khord's attention. And fortunately it didn't look like he'd need much healing.  "Well, not exactly"  he said. "I was coming down to the pond to wash up and found you pounding on that tree, there." Unsure how to proceed, he shifted his weight a little awkwardly for a second before continuing. He tried to smile a little to lighten the mood, though he knew it probably came out more like a smirk. "Um. I've - uh - I've never seen someone hit that hard, especially barehanded... Um...  I'm pretty sure you weren't trying to punch down the tree, but I'm curious what exactly were you doing?"  Though Aren's posture seemed awkward, his eyes were sharp, remaining focused on Khord.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren "Nothing really...Just came out here for some solitude" Khord begins to rub his sore knuckles with his other hands as he begins to absentmindedly think about his past. He shakes himself, trying to bring himself back to the present. Unable to stand the quiet while knowing that there is someone else here now He tells Aren, " You can get cleaned up now if you want." He heads behind a large rock and grabs his pack, pulling out a salve and begins to rub it into his sore muscles and his wounds from yesterday.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny As Donny passed out food he parked a seat and began eating the omelettes he made, and he was quite impressed with himself. The veggie and meat omelette seemed to had come together very nicely. He couldn't help but smile, it felt good. They were working hard, and thus could relax a little harder when need be. As he munched away on his work, he observed his new allies and realized that three were missing. Where were they? He hadn't notice anyone leave.... then again he was focused on cooking, and sometimes becomes oblivious to the world. When he gave the scouts there food, they had mention that Aren had wandered off to the lake. Donny finished eating and didn't want there food to get cold, so he began to wander towards the lake with his things, and 3 plates of food. He was unsure where Khord and Auri were, but maybe Khord had took them out to recieve a "talk" as well. That's not including the +2 for my proficiency, so those omelets are delicious!

"Ah...I see..."  Well that went about as well as expected. It was clear that Khord wasn't interested in having a conversation - he was already moving away after that apparent dismissal. But Aren wasn't quite done yet - after yesterday's events he had some questions, and he was damn sure Khord wouldn't answer when there were other people around. "So, listen..." He began. Khord made it pretty obvious that he didn't like talking about himself, but if they were going to continue as a team Aren wanted to at least have an idea of the reason why the man was ok with stabbing himself half to death. Maybe he could even help - though he probably wasn't the best person to do so. So, Aren decided to continue, choosing his words as carefully as he could. "Is there some... reason why you decided that stabbing yourself was the best course of action yesterday? I know I haven't been with ya'll long, but you don't seem the type to just panic over something like that. Especially with Aurielle right next to you the whole time..." Hearing Khord's response, Aren retorted, "And you thought stabbing yourself repeatedly was the best solution? Again, maybe I was wrong but you don't seem the kind of guy who would genuinely believe that. And then just now, you're beating your own hands to a bloody pulp on a goddamn tree."  Aren's voice was uncharacteristically hard, even a little angry.  "And don't even try to tell me that you thought the tree was killing you, too."  Aren couldn't see Khord at all, but he could still clearly see Khord mutilating himself in his mind. He blew out a long sigh. "Aw, hell. I know I'm sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong, here. Keep your secrets if you want, but try to take care of yourself a little more, all right? Even if you don't care, I know there are people here who do." Having said his piece, Aren started to walk towards the pool. He was still within earshot, but didn't say anything further.

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Khord, Aren, Auri Aurielle woke with the dawn her hair a disheveled mess, her clothes were wrinkled from slumber. She stretched out listening to her body pop a few times before relaxing with a sigh. The day before had been a whirlwind of both good and super ick with the magots. She had watched one of her party try to dig the maggots from his skin by way of dagger and she wondered now how he was doing and what would drive him to try to dig them out that way. Rolling up her bedroll and smoothing out her clothes a bit she yawned and made her way off into a patch of tall grass near the pond. It didn't seem like anyone else was up yet so she sat herself in the long grass just out of sight of the edge of the pond and of the trees near by. One would really have to look hard to find her as she sat quietly muttering her prayers to her god praying for the power to heal her party, to protect them and keep them safe. She felt the calming presence of her god as she took in the fresh morning air and to her the sound of the morning breeze and the nature of the pond sung to her of life. The sound of thuds and cracks of wood brought her attention back into focus snapping her out of her deep prayers making the music of the world stop to her. Auri sat up a little more and cautiously looked around not wanting to make a noise, she was a distance from the rest of the party and she wasn't exactly tough compared to Khord or TikTik. Peeking from the grass she saw a form she didn't fully recognize hitting a near by tree repeatedly. She tilted her head, looking at him curiously, a sadness washing over her as she saw the marring of his skin. She wondered what could have done so much damage to him. Watching Aren approach and call out to Khord the sudden realization made her sadder inside but she resisted the urge to go to him. It took all her willpower but she knew if he had come out here to be away that maybe her presence would be unwelcome. She also knew that some wounds could not be truly healed. It was then she noticed the damage to his hands and made an internal note that she would try to offer him healing later. Quietly as she could, which honestly was not much, she tried to go the long way around the pond trying to give him his privacy for now. It was if her god was laughing at her though as she walked across the dew covered morning grass and felt her foot slip. With that she tumbled to the grass and then slid right down into the edge of the water with a splash giving away her location. "Oh gods be darned." She shivered as she sat there in the now murky disturbed pond water. She was a sight to be seen, disheveled hair she held forgotten to smooth over and we clothes sticking to her form, now both water logged and dirty.

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Khord, Aren, Auri Just as Aren was wading into the pond, he heard a high-pitched squeal followed by the familiar sounds of a person desperately trying to not slide down a muddy hill - ending with a small splash. Alarmed, he jerked his head around searching for the source of the sound, eyes immediately locking onto the disheveled and wet form of Aurielle picking herself up in the shallow water. Aren's breath caught a little at the sight of her - though they were in the same party he hadn't gotten to know her too well yet. He'd never done well around beautiful women, and she certainly qualified in his book - especially that white hair of hers. She had a certain almost otherworldly grace about her, despite her clumsy fall into the pond. Suddenly remembering his state of undress, a surge of adrenaline went through Aren. Definitely not panicking at all, Aren scrambled deeper into the pond, hoping that his important features would be obscured by the water. He then called out to Aurielle. "Um, hello there. I, ah, I didn't see you there when I was getting in. Um...do you need some help?"

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Khord, Aren, Auri Auri sat in the water for a moment looking over herself and shivered. It took her a moment before she blushed looking up realizing that the attention was now on her. "I uh... Oh goodness." Embarrassed now, she scrambled to her feet avoiding looking at them. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to intrude. I was just trying to say my prayers." Water dripped from her form, her wet hair was now sticking to her face. She may have had an otherworldly grace to her on dry land but right now she looked like a sad drown kitten, looking almost as if she might cry. Auri bit her lip as she tried to pull herself onto the shore back onto the grass. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She mumbled apologetically as she hauled herself out with some difficulty her clothes now made heavy by the water. Once out she turned from Aren lifting the bottom of her skirts and twisting them trying to wring out the extra water.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren As Donny wandered through the woods following the scouts directions, he wondered if Khord was really doing this speech again. I mean the others weren't quite like Donny, but perhaps Khord felt they should leave as well, or maybe this was a type of initiation process. Donny thought about all the reasons of Khord's words back then wondering why they stuck with him so much. People before had told Donny was a fool for living this life, some even offered him money to stay and maintain their crops, but Donny knew that was impossible. "I'll show them, I'll show all of them that I do have a destiny and this is the best way forward." Donny had finally arrived to the blue lake, and it was a wondrous sight blue crystal water, fresh green grass, pine seemed to fill the air. There were also more 'curious' sights. Aren was essentially naked in the water, Khord was covered in sweat and without his armor which he almost always had on, and Auri was in front of the lake wet and covered partially in mud. Donny froze for a moment as he arrived to the scene, he was hoping the three were together, but this was not how he envisioned them. "Ahh.....breakfast is ready....I'll a.....I'll give Khord his and a.. wait to give yours when y'all are done with that." He continued forward, avoiding eye contact with everyone, and placed the plates of food on the rock Khord was behind. Clearly the young fighter was quite flustered at what he was seeing, and wasn't sure if he wanted any part of it. (7 Perception so I didn't notice the tree :[ ) However, as he placed the food he noticed Khord's body was heavily damaged a lot more than normal, and certainly a lot more than it should have been. Donny remembered Khord's words, "Is this what the real words does Khord?" He spoke more quietly and with a surprisingly calm figure, Khord's disfigured body didn't seem to bother Donny as it did most people. Donny respected Khord and went to the other side of the rock, not looking at the Auri or Aren. As he looked to the distance he still spoke to Khord. "Two things, one I think you and me should have another chat, we may have more in common than we thought, and two what's this on the back of my shield..." Donny lifted the shield to Khord's height but did not turn around, he figured marks like those you want to stay hidden. "I pretty darn certain this wasn't on his shield, and I don't think my pa spoke another language. So I am to assume you added this." It would appear to the other Donny was trying to subtly block Khord's body from the others, and also Donny was trying to hide his flustered cheeks.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren And now Donny was here too - saying something about breakfast, of all things. Aurielle looked more upset than he had ever seen her, too. She just kept apologizing over and over. She looked alarmingly pathetic, such a stark difference from her usual demeanor that Aren couldn't help but feel a stab of pity for her despite himself. Suddenly realizing his error Aren turned away from her, feeling heat rise to his cheeks despite the cool water around him. He really wanted nothing more than to sink into the water forever at this point. "Um, that's all right."  He said, still facing away. "No need to apologize, it's my fault for not realizing you were there."  He hadn't been in the water for long, but with all the activity around him he decided that it was quite long enough. Looking around, he realized that Donny and Khord were talking somewhat heatedly to each other by Khord's rock. With Aurielle more concerned with her own waterlogged state, he was able to quickly get out of the water and dress without anyone noticing, at least enough to cover up the important parts. (17 Stealth) Still topless, he approached the still-upset Aurielle, carefully making sure not to look directly at her. He held out his shirt, hopefully not too awkwardly. "Um. H-Here. This should still be dry."   He said, "I've got another back at camp, so you can use this if you'd like."  

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren Having her back turned and busy trying to wring the water out of her clothes and her hair she didn't notice Aren walk up on her. Startled by his voice she squeaked and turned to look at him feeling very small and vulnerable, her face still a furious blush of embarrassment. "I promise I wasn't peeping. I was really just trying to say my morning prayers." Her voice was soft and shaky as she spoke. "My god would be ashamed of me if I did something like that." She nervously pushed a wet lock of hair out of her face and muttered, "I must be a frightful sight right now." A brief smile kind of appeared on her face as she laughed at the idea of her situation and how silly she must look. "I'm sorry." Auri laughed a little more shook her head. "You must think me mad. I'll just grab some clothes from my pack, I'm sure I have one extra set. I wouldn't want to dirty your shirt."

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren "Oh - no, no I believe you."  Aren tried to reassure the waterlogged cleric. Despite himself he could't help thinking that she was pretty adorable when she was flustered like this. "We all have our morning routines, after all."  He smiled at her, hopefully reassuringly. "I wouldn't worry about it - I don't think anyone would look their best after falling into a pond. I'm just sorry that you had the misfortune to see me like that."  As Aurielle refused his proffered shirt, Aren let his arm fall. He hung the fabric over his shoulder, to put on once he had a chance. Sensing that she maybe wanted to be left alone, Aren figured that his continued presence wouldn't really be a help.  "Um. I think Donny brought out some food for us, so I'm gonna go see what he made this morning. Do you, uh, want me to tell him you'll be back at camp?"

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren Looking up to Aren for a brief moment and taking in his form she blushed a little again feeling less forward than the night before when she had been more in her element and she had been more handsy. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean by misfortune of seeing you. Do women not often see you shirtless?" A lock of wet hair fell forward again into her face and she let out a little "hmmph."  She resigned to let the hair sit where it would until she could grab some clean clothes and a towel to dry herself with. "I guess that sounds like a good plan. I can't really go to breakfast looking like this now can I?" Auri let out another little laugh and shook her head. "I shouldn't be too long." She gave him one little waterlogged curtsie and a friendly but still a little embarrassed smile, then tried her best to be a little more graceful as she made her way back to the tent she had slept in to change her clothes and get cleaned up. At the very least she had managed to finish her prayers before falling into the pond and she made note of Aren's kind gesture, something she really wasn't used to.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren "I'll do that, then."  Feeling a little awkward seeing Aurielle's curtsy, Aren responded with a nod of his head, bending forward slightly to make it seem a little more like a bow. Turning sharply, he strode away back toward the gear he had left by the pond. He was smiling a little dreamily as he walked, remembering her smile and laugh in his head. He was whistling idly as he pulled his shirt on and he ambled back to the area where he had left Khord and Donny. As he reached the area he spotted the plates of food Donny had left on the rock. It seemed like Khord and Donny were having a pretty heated discussion, though, and Aren didn't feel like intruding again. No need to ruin his good mood, after all. He quickly grabbed both remaining plates, calling out, "Hey guys. Auri and I are gonna head back to camp so I'm gonna take this food, here. Thanks for the food, Donny."  Barely waiting for their response, he started walking back to camp, again whistling happily as he walked.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren Donny had his back to Khord, still avoiding eye contact to the 2 wet allies, it had seem Donny was waiting for Khord to put his armor on. When Aren approached Donny at a quick glance Donny had a slightly more serious look, however when Aren talked to Donny the constant smile returned to Donny's sun kissed face. "Not a problem, we'll be right behind you shortly. Soon as this big dragon gets dressed." The merry smile of Donny stood as Aren left the wooded are, whistiling a tune the seemed to bury itself in Donny's ear. He quickly yelled to Auri "Hope you like it Mrs. Auri!" Donny looked at her with red emabarressed cheeks, and gave a big wave goodbye.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren Khord continues to rub in the salve into his broken and painful body. Responding without looking up. "They were killing me and I had to get them out somehow.You seem to forget I looked for other ways. If there was any other way I would refuse to have made a deal with the demon and in fact I am going to have a talk with it anyway since it didn't live up to it's side of the deal and at the very least I am going to make sure there is no lingering consequences." Hearing Aren leave and finishing up massaging the salve in and as he began wrapping his still bleeding hands he heard a scream and a splash. The almost familiar sound made him look up instinctively, a glimmer of hope and the smallest start of a smile appearing in his eyes for a moment before he could force that down, thinking to himself 'She's gone. Don't think otherwise it will just hurt more later.' He looked over and chuckled to himself as he saw Aurielle brushing the mud off of her face. Surprised at himself for chuckling he shook his head clearing his face of the smile. As Khord started moving over to help Aurielle with her mess he noticed Donny. As Donny's quieter words rung out Khord consciously noticed why he felt so uncomfortable as he looked down and saw his bare limbs. 'FUCK' was the first thing he thought. Then his eyes narrowed to slits as he registered the meaning of Donny's words. "The world does a lot worse things than what you see." He pulls on a jacket, his helmet, leather boots, and gloves as Donny continues to talk. "You might be more off the mark than you could possibly believe about us being similar." He roughly shoulders past Donny, throwing a last remark in almost a growl. "We can have that talk you want later, but you better choose your words carefully..." Seeing Aurielle leave, Khord couldn't just leave her alone sopping wet. As he catches up to her he hands her a towel and calls out to cheer her up some. "It is a long walk to the camp you shouldn't stay wet the entire time just because you are a little embarrassed. Mistakes happen be glad you you got a little mud on yourself and can just laugh it off as a fun experience." Finishing up his sentence he notices that he pulled out a freshly bloodied towel that he was using to wipe off his hands and he quickly puts it back as he pulls his other towel that is markedly cleaner and offers it to her. He looks at her trying to figure out why he is doing this before it snaps into place. 'She looks like her... why didn't I notice that sooner.' He stares at her unblinkingly before coming to himself and looking down a little ashamed at himself, remembering the moment of hope that appeared earlier, squashing it down as he knew she was gone even though part of him wanted to believe she had come back to him. Flusteredly saying, "Take it." He forced the towel on to her as he began to hurriedly walk away, lost in his own thoughts.

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren She had started her way back towards the tent she'd slept in the night before but already sort of off her stride for the day and soaked through with only minimal luck in wringing herself out she found herself easily caught up to by Khord and surprised. "Oh..." Auri jumped when she suddenly found him by her side a towel being held out to her. She was small compared to him and though they had fought side by side she hadn't yet really taken the time to take him in. Her eyes went to the towel he attempted to hand her and realized the blood ok it was fresh as he tucked it away pulling her out a fresh one. "I uh... Thank you..." She wasn't sure how to handle Khord yet and now he was staring at her... Not really at her but what felt like into her. "is... Everything ok?" Her voice was small and wavering more from her shivers than anything but it was gentle. "Please wait." As she took the towel in one hand she reached out to Khord and her hand briefly found purchase on his arm as he moved away from her.

Location: Oustide Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Aurielle, Khord Khord, feeling a slender hand on his arm, turned around and stumbled. Trying to catch himself against a tree he roughly slammed into but was still standing. Righting and brushing himself off as he stands up he looks at Aurielle and looks at her. "Yes?" Having a hard time looking into her eyes as he was still thinking about the past. He begins to taste a little blood in his mouth from when he hit the tree and swallows it. The taste bring him to the present, he rubs he hand over his scarred cheek and looks at Aurielle and says more composed, "What do you need?"

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Aren, Omelette  Aren was already back at camp, about to bite into the Omelette that Donny had made for him. He had placed Aurielle's plate carefully near her gear, making sure it was placed on top of some surfaces so that it wouldn't get dirty. Errand completed, he had turned to his own food. All the excitement had left him with a ravenous hunger, but he couldn't help but hold off for a few seconds to admire the creation that had been placed before him. Aren could do little bust stare in awe at the Omelette. The omelette was probably the largest he'd ever seen, filling up almost the entirety of the plate it had been placed on. The eggs had been perfectly beaten into a light, fluffy exterior which practically glowed a golden yellow. There were a few small pieces of meat and vegetable which were poking out from the interior of the omelette which, far from detracting from the presentation, served to showcase the multitude of flavors that Aren was soon to be experiencing. Perfectly sliced pieces of ham, Green Peppers, and Onions were the most prominent. A few strips of Bacon, fried to the perfect crispiness, were so well-incorporated into the omelette they almost seemed to be one with the eggs. The cheese, melted sticky perfection, was spread perfectly evenly throughout the entire omelette, with not a single stray string running down the side onto the plate. Light dashes of salt and pepper were visible sprinkled over the omelette, promising not a single bite would be without the necessary flavorful accompaniments. Unable to wait any longer, Aren carefully cut off a piece of the masterwork only barely not completely beyond the scope of what could be called an "omelette". As the first bite touched his tongue, Aren very nearly shouted in ecstasy. Each ingredient was perfectly cooked. The egg beaten to perfection, the cheese melted and perfectly incorporated into the entire structure, the ham perfectly shaped and cooked, the vegetables cut into the ideal shapes and fried to sweet yet somewhat crisp perfection. The garnish perfectly complemented the ingredients, drawing out the most of their flavor while not overshadowing it. In addition, the combination of egg, cheese, ham, salt, pepper and onion was quite simply the most delectable sensation he had ever experienced in his young life. Aren closed his eyes as he savored the exquisite taste, visions of paradise running through his head.  All too soon it was over, the bite swallowed. Aren sat, panting slightly, almost unable to process what had just happened. He quickly cut another piece of the omelette off, this time taking a much large piece - and one with bacon incorporated into it, as well. He brought the piece to his mouth faster than anyone not watching could have believed, eager to taste the undisputed magnificence that was Donny's omelette again. This time the addition of the bacon nearly overloaded poor Aren's taste buds, leaving him again panting in bliss.  Aren devoured the rest of the omelette in short order, pausing to savor every bite with the same rapture as the first two tastes had been. The very last bite was equally as flavorful as the first had been, if not more so. As he finished, Aren started down at the empty, almost spotless plate he now held, lamenting that the end had come. 

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Aurielle, Khord, Aren Auri's eyes went wide as she watched Khord stumble and catch himself against the less than forgiving tree, wincing as he hit it. She gave him a long look over and her sweet demeanor changed to one of concern for him that she didn't know how to express. Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips twisted while she tried to find the right words, "I.. I." Silence fell over her for a moment before she continued. "If I have done something to upset you, I am sorry." She took a step closer to him and placed her hand on his speaking softly her voice carrying her concern with it, " please forgive me." As her hand found his a warmth emanated from her hands, but not in a way that would burn, but in a comforting sort of way as the way a warm towel fresh from the dryer would feel after a shower. Anyone looking would see a soft glow as she closed up his fresh wounds. It only took a moment before she took a step back. "I... I will return the towel I promise." She curtsied to him as she had done with Aren and booked it less than gracefully from Khord's presence just short of dashing. Aurielle made it quickly back to her tent avoiding contact with any of her other party members and once alone in her tent stripped away the wet clothes wrapping Khord's towel around herself. She took a moment to wring out the extra water from her hair before pulling out her dry clothes.  Looking them over, none of them any where near as fancy as the ones the Prince had given her after her bath, but all of them were in reasonable repair and had been hand mended at one point or another. Auri had never known wealth the way some people had and she had owned very few nice things in her time, anything she had would have soon become broken anyway. That was just the way of things in the temple orphanage and she had become accustomed to fixing broken things, mending them, making them beautiful and shiny once more. It was this love of broken oddities and desire to help people that the elders of the only Temple of Clark saw in Auri and attempted to cultivate in her teaching her how to summon the powers of the old one, to heal those around her, after all there is always use of a healer. Sitting on the ground with her fresh garments on she slid her chain mail on over her clothes remembering the one and only time she had gone without, and it only took the one time. She shuddered at the thought, or maybe it was still just the cold still, she couldn't be sure. She took a water skin and rinsed some of the mud from her hair before drying it attempting to make herself look a little less like she had just taken a dive into the pond. She pulled from her bag a couple of white ribbons which she braided into her hair pulling it back from her face. Lost in thought as she braided her hair a soft hum escaped her lips which after a few minutes turned to lyrics of some hym that the gnomish sister of the church used to sing to the littlest ones to calm them down. Somehow all these years later it still calmed her nerves and helped her to center herself when she was flustered, nervous or just plain embarrassed. She was glad of it in times like these, she was glad she had the music of her temple, but the more she was out in the world the more she questioned the teachings of her elders, realizing how few people in the world shared her beliefs and more often than not looked at her like she was a loony when she spoke the good word of Clark. Getting to her feet she slid them into socks and then into her boots before taking a deep breath and peeking her head out of the tent. Seeing Donny's omelette breakfast sitting next to Aren she watched Aren go through a wide range of noises and squirming while deeply enjoying his omelette. "Uhm A...Aren are you ok?" She approached him and his omelettey scene and carefully picked up her plate before sitting down near him. Sitting there now in armor and proper dress with her hair more or less cleaned and braided she looked much more as she had the other night and she was starting to feel a bit more in her element which put her a little more at ease.

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Aurielle, Aren As Aren was basking in the afterglow left by that heavenly omelet, he felt a content smile stretch across his face. Still distracted by the leftover flavors lingering on his tongue, he didn't become aware that someone was approaching him until they were already sitting next to him.  Turning, he saw Aurielle there - she had dried off and cleaned the mud out of her hair already. Her long white hair was now bound in a tight, well-made braid, with some white ribbons skillfully threaded through it. She was fully armored up, as well, clearly ready for the expedition they were about to undertake. As Aren saw her, he mused over how she seemed much more confident than she had by the pond - understandable given the circumstances. Though Aren had enjoyed seeing that more uncertain side of Aurielle, he couldn't help thinking that her confident demeanor seemed much more natural.  Aren's languid grin remained on his face. "Oh hello there, Aurielle."  He said in greeting, "You look great." Wait what? Aren's mind was still working slowly, unable to shake off the effects of the omelet so quickly. "Um, not that you didn't earlier. Ah, that is...I'm glad you're feeling better."  Aren was floundering, here. "Hey have you tried these omelets yet? They're really good. Donny outdid himself this morning."  

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Aurielle, Aren Auri smoothed out her skirts and chain armor with her free hand as she sat beside Aren. His comment caught her off guard and her cheeks flushed a light pink at the compliment, her eyes not daring meet his. "Th.. thank you Aren." A smile crossed her face as she sat the plate down in her lap. It was a pleasant change to travel with people who were kind to her, who complimented and tried to build her up. Most people in her experience we're not so kind and did not care whether you swam or you sank. "I have not had the pleasure of Donny's omelettes, but you must have really liked them." She took her fork and sliced off a small section with it. The cheese was still gooey and warm inside and as she cut into it a small amount of steam escaped it, she had not taken so long as for the omelette to have completely cooled. A gentle stab of her fork and Auri popped the bite sized slice of omelette into her mouth, chewing it slowly, taking a moment to savor each flavor as they came to her. Her hand went daintily to her mouth as she smiled and let out a soft giggle. "Aren you are right! These really are good." She sliced off another bite and a soft moan escaped her as she savored it, "mmmmmMMMmmmph." Eating about half the omelette Auri put her fork down and then looked to Aren noticing his gaze hadn't much left her or her omelette in the time that she had been near him. "Do ... Do you want this other half?" She held her plate out to him with a warm smile.

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Aurielle, Aren, tik tik Tik Tik followed the smell of food till he found the fleshies eating. He lurked nearby not knowing how to ask so he simply laid in wait watching the two eat delicious food. Tik Tik crouched and fiddled his secondary claws together wondering if there were going to be scraps left to munch on "Cookman made made morning food again, Cookman makes good food" before he knew it he was closer and crouching behind the two relishing the smell wafting from the freshly cooked food.

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Aurielle, Aren (& Tik Tik) As Aurielle smiled at him, Aren felt his brain stop functioning again. He gave himself a swift mental kick to make sure he wouldn't say something careless this time. Fortunately it seemed she had taken his comment at face value, but nothing good could come of continuing down that path. "Ah. Yeah, they're just really...good today." Aren felt his cheeks heat again, like they had earlier. Unable to maintain eye contact, he decided that looking at the dirt by his feet would be much safer. He kept his gaze there, fidgeting just a little bit, as she cut off a piece of the omelette and took the first bite. She seemed to enjoy the food just as much as Aren had, though her reaction was much more refined than his had been. As her high, clear giggle joyously bubbled out Aren felt like his heart skipped a beat or two. Aren couldn't help but smile with her as he heard it, "Yeah, glad you think so, too. We'll need to give our compliments to the chef."  Aren felt a small chuckle escape him at that. Aurielle continued eating, clearly enjoying the experience. Aren couldn't blame her - those omelettes were heaven made with eggs.  Nevertheless, Aren was discomfited with the sudden turn in events. Even through his best efforts, his gaze continued to be dragged back to the girl next to him, happily eating her breakfast. What was wrong with him? He couldn't even let a girl eat some good food without overthinking everything. Most likely Aurielle wasn't even aware of the effect she was having on him. She was just innocently enjoying herself - and it was probably better that way. Aren coughed softly into his hand. Yes, it was definitely better that way. Even if he was starting to feel something for her, there was no way she would feel the same, especially when she found out about...Aren felt a familiar pulse of equal parts sadness and anger go through him at the thought. Anyway, it was definitely better this way. It appeared that Aurielle noticed his gaze after a while, though again she seemed to interpret it innocently - offering him the rest of her food. "Oh. No, no I couldn't."  Aren refused the offered omelette regretfully, but firmly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel guilty about it. Please, finish." Suddenly a cacophony of loud chattering broke out behind them. Startled, Aren whirled around - his left hand automatically reaching for his sword belt before realizing that he wasn't wearing his sword. He felt the hand close over the hilt of his knife instead. It was only then that Aren realized that the source of the noise was none other than Tik Tik, doing...something... "Oh. It's you." Aren relaxed a little - but he kept his hand on the knife. "What do you want?"  Suddenly Aren realized that at some point he had wound up between Tik Tik and Aurielle, apparently roughly pushing the latter behind him. "Oh gods, I'm so sorry Aurielle. Are you OK?"  He quickly turned away from Tik Tik to offer her a hand up, apologizing profusely.

Location: Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Aurielle, Aren (& Tik Tik) Auri giggle bubbled up out of her again and as she shook her head a few stray white hairs fell in from her braid into her face, "No really, it is quite delicious, but I have found myself so full." Her smile and the warmth of her presence had a sort of wonderfully infectious quality to it. Still holding the plate out to him a shiver ran down her spine and she turned to find Tik-Tik chattering behind them. As she turned Aren was almost instantly between her and Tik-Tik causing her to fall off balance and with a squeak she slipped from her place on the rock she had been sitting on. Her eyes trailed up as the omelette went flying into the air above her and with speed she didn't know she had she put her plate up and catches the omelette on the plate with an audible, "whew." Laying back into the grass she laughed light heartedly and held the plate up. "Tik-Tik, do you want the rest of this?" Laying there like this was a perfectly normal interaction she held it closer to Tik-Tik. "You must be really hungry and it is really quite delicious!" Her face peeked out from behind her plate as Aren apologized to her. "It's ok! I am durable." 

Where : Outside Fort Date/Time: second day with Prince Rygar's men, morning Who: Donny, Khord As Khord talked to Auri the others Donny waited patiently. The two seemed to be having a pleasant enough conversation, Donny couldn't really focus on them he had his own problems. Khord's words rang in his head like a bell, "We can have that talk you want later, but you better choose your words carefully..." It seemed Khord was pissed and that man was sometimes more dragon than man sometimes. Donny looked at his shield and thought to himself, 'no time for this, I'll ask him later about it.' Should he ask a question? No Khord didn't really like talking, it would be easier to ask a tree how it's feeling then asking Khord. Beside Donny had apparently made a bold claim, he didn't think a comparison would be a death sentence; but the dice were cast and might as well see where the lay. Well if it was his only options maybe Donny should tell him about Mozume, it had been a while sense he even spoke her name. It was a painful would to remember. Donny sat there for a while reflecting and thinking about the past. It had been a while sense he visited. He didn't like visiting, it was a very troubling view. Sure it was sweet at first, but it turned rotten very quickly. Donny was spacing out looking into at his arm, looking at the magical runes that were carved into his arm. He rubbed them over with his hands, the blood was dried out but the scabs stood fresh. It didn't bother him as much as it used to, good thing his Pa was there. He looked at his shield, the golden lion staring back at him. Those were fun memories, those memories he didn't mind visiting. He looked at his hand and his shield, it was funny such diversity and yet so close in proximity. When Donny looked up Khord was gone, the tall metallic dragon had seemed to fly off when Donny was dreaming. There was only one way back to the camp, so Donny followed the trail back. Running back, trying to find the man that gave him a slip. Donny ran to find Khord for better or for worse. He found him, halfway through the trail on his way back to camp. Probably on the cusp of the forest. As Donny found him he was rather mad, he had spent all that time thinking of what to say and worrying; Khord just walked away with him. Donny found himself yelling from behind the mercenary, in a much unfriendly tone then Khord heard from Donny. "Are you kidding me Khord!" Donny continuing to walk now to Khord. "Khord I was waiting for you for twenty minutes, and you just walked out on me. What the hell is your problem! What the hell is both of your damn problems! I swear I've never met people who get so mad over something, and than hold a damn grudge. "  Donny now finally caught up to the metallic dragoon human, "Do you have a problem with me Khord."