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Post by Caine Faerin on Dec 26, 2007 23:58:57 GMT -5
Somewhere within sight of Miyoor in the region of Voragimines...
Muttering half-hearted curses under my breath, I skid on the loose dirt and stone under my bare feet. I'm still half a days walk to Miyoor, the closest slice of civilization in these mountains. Unfortunately, it's now the later half of the day, and I'd greedily eaten the last of my relatively fresh meat around noon.
Too bad anything edible has probably been scared off by either my scent or the sounds of my passage.
Sighing, I finally reach a level area and stop- both to catch my breath and to take a look at the view spread out before me. I've come to the edge of one of Voragimines' several canyons, with the far-side just slightly higher than where I stand.
Ah. This is starting to look like home. It's been awhile.
I reach to my side and take out my canteen, hissing slightly in disgust at the tepid water that I drink from it. I quickly judge the distance between the too edges of the canyon and step backwards a bit to give me a bit of room. I put away my canteen and brush my hands dry.
Taking a few running steps, I run straight of the edge and quickly snap my wings open. The wind rushing through the canyon pushes me up and out and I momentarily close my eyes to better feel the ecstasy that is called flight.
Looking down, I see a couple of short, stocky figures pointing up at me. As one of the dwarves reaches over and starts banging on a small gong (luckily, it isn't the one warning of danger), I carefully wing my way down, back-winging to land at a decent length from the dwarven guards.
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Post by Tino on Dec 27, 2007 1:02:12 GMT -5
Hearing the commotion, Tino turned around curiously. The dwarves in the tea house has begun to seep out into the town hall at the sound of the gong.
"What's happening?" He glanced down at his new dwarven friends who are two-thirds his height.
"A visitor!"
"A visitor!"
"A visitor? Now? In the canyons?"
"You're a visitor too!" The dwarves laughed heartily and turned for the door.
Tino rolled his eyes and set out with his friends to see this 'visitor'. The town hall that is just beyond the gates of Miyoor is flooded with little dwarves with their large multicoloured hats. It looked like a festival of sorts.
Glancing around for any being above the height of this colourful crowd, Tino was caught by surprise. There at the gates was a dragonette with his mighty wings folded back. The er hoc at once slid away from his friends into the deeps of the city.
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Post by Caine Faerin on Dec 27, 2007 21:28:00 GMT -5
The gates are pushed open and I stroll into the "courtyard," ducking a little so my wings don't smack the low frame. I immediately spread them a little once I have room, as it starts to feel a little closed in.
Hazards of being a winged creature, I suppose.
The first thing I see when I look around is an Er Hoc with greenish hair and eyes, walking quickly away from the dwarven crowd and deeper into the caverns of Miyoor. The carnivorous side of my mind immediately yells, "Prey!" I mentally drag that part of me down where I won't hear it for awhile.
Meanwhile, a few dwarven soldiers have smacked people away from me and drawn themselves up straight (though even their height only reaches to my chest level).
"Are you merely visiting, or is this for business?" One says.
I smile, careful not to show my teeth in any way that might seem threatening. "Much more the first than the latter. I did promise to deliver some letters from acquaintances of mine, though."
I pull out a small stack of letters and read off the recipients names. Some are taken there, and the rest are given to a soldier willing to take them around.
After that's finished, I find a seat in a favorite little bar with a nice, amber-colored ale and a plate of food.
As the server sets the food down I ask, "Didn't I see an Er Hoc around earlier? I haven't seen a beast-man in some time."
"Eh? Oh yes. He's come here before. Rather jumpy; doesn't take to strangers all that well." The dwarf nods in agreement with his own words and walks away.
I eat my meal slowly- they seem to know a dragonette's stomach well- and think about all the things I've been doing the past few months. For some reason, my mind keeps straying back to the Er Hoc. From the glance I got, he almost seemed to quickly decide that I wasn't someone to be around.
For some reason, it bothered me.
I pay for the meal and walk out, stretching briefly as I look around. I wonder for a moment if I should look for a place to stay the night. Unfortunately, my curiosity is aroused, and something tells me that the little beast-man might be the key to a new adventure.
My mind made up, I walk down the hall where I last saw the Er Hoc turn down, hoping both that he hasn't gone too far, and that he's willing to talk before knifing me or something.
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Post by Tino on Dec 27, 2007 22:30:33 GMT -5
First lesson of being an er hoc: run when you see a carnivore.
Being raised amongst books of knowledge, Tino knew the dragonettes well. Usually the dragonettes do not return home to Voragimines unless for the purpose of raising their young, and adding on to that, Miyoor is a city of dwarves --- not an ideal place to raise little dragonettes. Tino did not expect to see one in the enclosed city.
This reminded him of the sound of the gong.
Right. He came by air. In this region, anyone coming by air would've been either royalties on pegasi or carnivorous races.
Tino shook his head gravely and proceeded to walk towards the inn where he was staying. Very few visit the city of Miyoor, and it was the only inn in town. It suddenly occured to him that if the dragonette decides to stay for the night, he'd have to stay in the inn.
"...Hmm."
Halted in the middle of his walk back, he brooded over how he could sleep outside in the canyons for a few more nights until he's found the flower he was looking for. He raised an eyebrow. It's either staying in the same inn with a dragonette or worrying about harpies and bandits every night. Sure, why not.
Sighing, Tino kicked a pebble that loned on the rock-tiled floor. He watched the pebble land far from him by a fountain and walked over to kick it some more.
Shouldn't be that bad, right?
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Post by Caine Faerin on Dec 27, 2007 23:08:33 GMT -5
I walk a little ways down, whistling a little tune I heard somewhere, somewhen. Up ahead, I see Miyoor's lone inn.
Alright. I try and follow a rabbit and my feet take me to a bed... is my subconscious trying to tell me something?
... Oh! Hello...
I then notice the Er Hoc standing near a fountain, kicking at something on the ground. His ears are down and he looks like he's thinking about something possibly difficult. I watch for a moment he shuffles after what seems to be a pebble, and decide to just walk up before he can decide to run off.
Thinking as I walk over, I quickly decide that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to sneak up on him, even unintentionally. Instead, I purposely knock another pebble into his path. When he looks up and sees me, he seems to tense up.
"Uh..." I wave a little. "Hi. You're a traveler too, huh? I've heard that's a rare thing around here." I pause, wondering what he might be thinking.
Alright... now what? I give myself a mental kick or too. That's right. Give name before asking someone elses... Stupid.
"I'm Caine. Who might you be?"
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Post by Tino on Dec 27, 2007 23:52:59 GMT -5
Tino blinked.
".....Uhhh........."
The sound of the pebble settling on the floor echoed in his ears. Staring at the dragonette, Tino couldn't help analyzing his features. He's never seen one up so close before. His pressed his open mouth shut and scanned Caine all over with his eyes as he do with new exotic animals.
After a few seconds, Tino realized that there was an awkward silence in the air.
Oh right, he's asking me something.
"...I'm..."
Wait, shouldn't I run away?
He blinked again. How am I supposed to run away like this?!
"I'm Tino."
This is great, let's just hope he's not hungry.
Getting his thoughts together, Tino started to eye the dragonette's expressions carefully, trying not to be distracted by the sharp teeth. He doesn't seem all that relaxed. Maybe he's hungry afterall. But then again, something feels different.
"Are...you staying here for the night?"
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Post by Caine Faerin on Dec 28, 2007 0:05:00 GMT -5
The beast-man looks rather confused, as he starts to stammer and then fall silent.
He stares at me and blinks after a minute or two. I just stand there, thinking that if I move at all, he's going to either rush at me with a knife or bolt.
Finally, "I'm Tino."
He shuffles a bit and his ears bob nervously. "Are... you staying here for the night?"
I shrug. "It's either that or risk waking up with a slight throat and a cut purse... if I'm lucky." I pause and laugh a little, glancing from the inn and back to Tino. "This is the only inn in Miyoor, after all." Another pause, while I start to wonder if he's feeling alright. "If either of us is planning to sleep here tonight, it might be best to not loiter out here too long. The innkeeper might get annoyed."
I slowly walk past Tino, making sure that my claws are sheathed and my hands aren't so close to my weapons that it'd make the young man more uncomfortable than he already appears to be.
"You coming?"
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Post by Tino on Dec 28, 2007 0:31:20 GMT -5
Tino fell silent for a moment. Part of his nervousness disappeared, however. Caine doesn't seem to think of him as food....for now. By the way he spoke, it also occured to Tino that the dragonette before him is a mercernary. The dwarves here don't usually attack visitors. They're more like endangered species here.
He followed Caine to the inn in silence. The front door has a visibly taller frame than any other doorframe in the city. Very visitor-friendly. Inside the inn, the innkeeper poked his head over the front desk at the sound of the tingling bells on the door. He recognized Tino who has been staying for a week now, and turned to examine his new guest.
"So you made a friend!" The innkeeper exclaimed, dismissing the fact that er hocs and dragonettes don't usually walk together. "You staying here, big guy?" He clutched a key chained to a crystal tag with 4 printed on it and gestured for Caine to take it.
Noticing the number, Tino realized that the innkeeper must have really thought that they were friends. His room number was 3 and he'd put the dragonette right next to him. He sighed.
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Post by Alaric on Dec 28, 2007 0:59:23 GMT -5
Alaric had finally made it to Miyoor, one of the few pitstops he could rest in before going to his destination, Itis. He had heard many stories of Itis, this mysterious town that evil things lurked in that accursed place.
But that just made Alaric more excited.
The young warrior put his brown hood over his golder hair and made sure that his ears would not show, after all he did not want anyone to ask about what a high elf was doing in these lands , he did not want any unwanted attention.
He neared the inn and was greeted by dwarves of whom he towered over. "Aye, you're pretty tall for a human." one bearded dwarf remarked, "Yes, well many say so." the traveler smiled, "Can I get a room for a couple of nights?" "Yes, yes come with me." the innkeeper lead him upstairs and opened the door of the room which was the furthest in the hallway. "Sorry you have to do with this room, we're having a lot of visitors these days." the dwarf said, "A lot of...visitors? That's unusual." "Yeah, well, what can you do?" the inkeeper muttered as he handed Alaric a key and started to walked away.
Alaric sat on the worn-out bed of green sheets, the bed was only 3/4 his size. Well, at least it's more comfortable than camping out in the forests. Closing his eyes for a few seconds he decided to go out and explore a bit before retiring to bed.
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Post by Casidaen on Dec 28, 2007 3:00:57 GMT -5
With a loud pop, Casidaen gently landed on the dirt ground below. He dusted off some silvery substance from the teleporting. He never did like teleporting, but he was in a hurry to stock up on supplies and visit some old acquaintances. He turned slightly to his right to watch the last of the sun creeping away for it's rest and smiled. Voragimines always did have the best view for sunset watching.
With a sniff, the tall elf headed down the rocky slope to a familiar inn that was twinkling below, welcoming him in. He finally reached the bottom with difficulty, cursed for not teleporting to their in the first place and opened the small door to the dwarf's inn. Casidaen literally had to bend his back just to fit through the door.
"Tedis?" his voice boomed in the cave-like in, and a chubby dwarf popped his head from around a corner, eyes wrinkling up when he recognized the large man.
"Ah! Casidaen! What brings you here old friend?" The dwarf waddled up next to him, barely reaching his knees. Casidaen took Tedis's small hands in his, feeling his heart warm at being called a friend, and smiled.
"I needed supplies and a place to rest before heading off to Facemoor. I'll be stopping at Itis' harbor, so I was wondering if you'd like me to get you a souvenir?"
Tedis chuckled and patted his hand fondly. "Why, I do like souvenir's! Thank you for thinkin' bout an old dwarf like me! Come then, let me get you a room! We've been quite busy lately! I suppose that's natural with such good weather as of late!"
The Clackiernian sat down on a small couch in the homely lobby, trying his best not to put his full weight onto it. He looked around at the guests, noticing a young blonde boy just walking into the lobby. He tapped a small diddy on his knee as he watched the boy with slight interest.
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Post by Tino on Dec 28, 2007 3:31:42 GMT -5
Making a small escape from the inn, Tino wandered to the east side of Miyoor continuing his search for a flower that is said to occur at this time of the year in the canyons around Miyoor. Little did he know that he should find more 'neighbours' when he gets back after dark. After being roomed next to the dragonette who he decides to be temporarily safe, Tino has decided that getting eaten by a neighbour is better than eaten by wild harpies or bandits. Annoyed, he shrugged the thought off.
The red-brown floor was bare of any grass, let alone flowers. Tino wondered if his Master was wrong about these flowers. The dwarves said that no flowers would bloom in these canyons. Pushing that thought away from his head, he tried some more. He could still search a bit --- the sun hasn't completely set yet. The sooner he finishes collecting the plants, the faster he can return to his Master.
The setting sun is casting a flood of red into the canyons, but Tino doesn't really want to return to the inn...
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Post by Alaric on Dec 28, 2007 3:46:36 GMT -5
Getting up from bed the young elf quietly left his room and walked towards the stairs. He could see that there was quite a number of people in sitting in the various chairs below chatting with one another. But one person definitely caught his eye. A very large dark-skinned elf was sitting there, this made Alaric's hair stand. Since he left home he had never seen a dark elf in his travels and somehow seeing one had made him nervous. Tightening up the hood atop his head he quickly made it out the door. Closing the door behind him he had sworn he felt a couple of large golden eyes follow him in interest.
Darkness was creeping up the town at that time and Alaric could see the sun go down. Sighing, he wondered if he could find some things of interest in this town. The traveler strolled down the market place and as he walked he could see people lighting their torches with fire to illuminate the streets. He could see a number of people on horses most likely to go to their homes, but Alaric still wanted to explore. His eyes searched for any item of interest he could find, maybe a rare trinket? a rare herb, maybe?
After walking for quite a while he came upon a place near the mountains, no people or houses, just bare ground. Finally, Alaric decided to turn back to the inn and promised himself that he would do some more exploring in the morning.
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Post by Casidaen on Dec 28, 2007 4:04:42 GMT -5
He watched as the boy's eyes fell on him. The blonde looked scared beyond all reason and quickly walked past the couch and himself as if Casidaen would bite him at any time. Casidaen closed his eyes and sighed. It was the same reaction every time. Not that he could blame the poor kid. He was, after all a large man and a dark elf to add. People were frightened by things they weren't used to. But he still couldn't help but frown and let the scene replay in his head.
Tedis returned with a smile, handed Casidaen a key and wished him a good night. He nodded at Tedis with thanks and handed him a few silver coins in payment. He stood up, the couch creaking with relief and started walking towards his room, but hesitated and turned around to look at the door when he heard it open.
He leaned against a nearby wall and cast his eyes downwards, trying to seem nonchalant. His mind was running a mile though, trying to think of ways to strike up a conversation.
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Post by Tino on Dec 28, 2007 4:37:31 GMT -5
Tino opened the door to the inn. The little doorbells rang at the movement, and Tino, looking up, blinked. He was stunned not by how there was a giant dark elf in the lobby, but the fact that another non-dwarf appeared today. As soon as he habituated to the giant man's existence, he noticed that the dark elf held a room key.
First room. I wonder if he'll help me if I scream. He joked darkly to himself.
Still, dark elves are interesting to look at. Glancing up to examine this might-be saviour, Tino realized that he was looking at him too. Not wanting to draw attention from the stranger, he nodded an apology and slowly turned away, starting to walk back to his room.
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Post by Askyre on Dec 28, 2007 5:04:51 GMT -5
The heavy darkness loomed all around himself. The imp treaded carefully amongst the stone-littered grounds, eyeing his target carefully and constantly. It had been three days since he'd last managed a good find--he couldn't hold out much longer. Traveling southward from Penspana had taken its toll on the male.
Askyre let out a slight hiss as he knocked a pebble, watching it clink against several others. He froze, watching as the tall figure continued on its way. Silently releasing his breath, he inched closer up behind the unsuspecting person. This had better be worth it...
Askyre could see some sort of settlement up on ahead, where he could hopefully sell whatever trinkets this person may be carrying, and earn himself a warm, comfortable place to stay, preferably accompanied with meal and few to no questions.
As he neared his victim, their stride and height confused him. Why would such a tall person be around here..? I thought Dwarves inhabited Miyoor, not Giants... Unfaltered by this speculation, Askyre moved quickly from behind, swiftly tousling through the man's pouches upon his belt, careful not to disturb the swaying weapons on his back. Narrowing his eyes, his ears perked as he heard a jingle. Focusing on keeping his steps in time with the cloaked figure, Askyre removed a short dagger from his waist and sliced the pouch free, carefully forking off and away from the unsuspecting traveler.
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Post by Alaric on Dec 28, 2007 6:33:52 GMT -5
Darkness now crept in the sky and it was pitch dark, the only lights came from the torches of the houses. Alaric felt tired and a bit sleepy from his walk, he just wanted to get back to the inn and sleep. Lack of sleep really gets Alaric in a bad mood. As he neared the inn he felt a slight movement at his left side. Stopping for a second he looked at the location of his money stash.
It was ripped right open.
Frantically looking around he could see a strange silhouette in the crowds, but that shadow disappeared in moments. The traveler let out a long breath. he absolutely hated thieves with a passion, "That's what happens when I walk at night, sleepy." He then reached out to his back pocket where he keeps some coins. "Just enough to last.." he whispered, counting the coins on his hands. He looked back to the crowd and said to himself that he would find out the person that stole his money.
But right now he needed sleep.
He went inside the inn and immediately went up the stairs and walked slowly to the last room in the hallway.
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Post by Casidaen on Dec 28, 2007 15:06:24 GMT -5
The elf looked up when he felt a presence in front of him and looked up to find an Er Hoc with his mouth open ready to say something. He seemed to change his mind, mumbled a soft "Sorry" and bounded away. Casidaen swiveled on his heels to face the little beastmen's back.
"Ahhhh..." was all that seemed to come out of his mouth and the man mentally cursed at himself. Just then, he felt a brief wind of someone running past him. Recognizing the person as the boy from before, he followed suit. Up the stairs he went, and they creaked heavily under his weight.
"I swear I'm not going to hurt you!" his voice bellowed down the hallway. He cringed at his 'opener' for a conversation and paused. "Er, well I meant to say was.. how are you doing?"
'How the jince does Uja-Riagor do it?' He slowed his pace greatly, putting some distance between the boy and himself just in case the boy was in the mood for a brawl. 'Ok.. this is stupid, shouldn't of done it you big oaf.'
He sighed for what seemed the millionth time this month, and turned around.
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Post by Tino on Dec 28, 2007 15:42:23 GMT -5
Another non-dwarf! Tino exclaimed in his head as he stared towards the room of the newcomer. This is odd.
The new character flew through the lobby so fast it was hard to recognize whether it was a man or woman, let alone race. The dark elf seemed to recognize him/her, however.
Tugged by curiousity, Tino turned around to face the giant elf who he decided must have came from Canniven by his race and accent. His voice is silky, thought the er hoc while his ears softly flopped. He eyed the giant elf curiously. Raised to study exotic organisms and treat hideously abnormal wounds, Tino was oblivious to the connection between being large and being dangerous.
"...You know that cloaked person?" Deciding that it might be a bit rude to just ask questions, he added, "Sir?" Although he couldn't pin down the elf's age by his giant size, he was certain that he was not a teenager.
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Post by Casidaen on Dec 28, 2007 16:25:44 GMT -5
The elf raised his eyebrows in surprise when he saw the tiny little sea-foamed green haired Er Hoc standing next to him.
"...You know that cloaked person? ..Sir?"
Casidaen chuckled at the 'sir' and gave him a grim smile. "Not exactly. Oh and no need to be so formal around me." The little hare-boy was cute. Very cute, the giant elf realized. He felt his cheeks burning involuntarily from looking at such a cute beastman. He had only seen a few beastmen in his ten years of travelling. And of course he'd never seen an Er Hoc before. Only a few Er Rits sprinkled here and there who didn't even bother to say hello to him in passing.
The northerner glanced down the hall quickly to see if the blonde boy had stopped or anything, but never-minded it and turned his attention back to the Er Hoc.
"Er.. um you were about to say something to me earlier right?"
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Post by Tino on Dec 28, 2007 17:08:14 GMT -5
Tino looked at him weird for a second, then remembered the dragonette.
"Oh!" He bursted out a little mumble.
The dark elf seemed like a friendly person. The best thing to do right now would be to befriend him, he thought instantly. Though he hesitated still. Tino's not all that comfortable with strangers, whether they're helpful or not. It really didn't take long until his nature won over logic.
"...It's nothing."
He looked up at the dark elf. Tino had to cringe his neck to see the giant's face.
"You're pretty tall, aren't you?" Tino wondered out loud. He then noticed that the man was blushing slightly --- well, it should have been impossible to see underneath that dark skin, but as a healer Tino was trained to notice things like such. He raised an eyebrow. "Are you feeling ill?"
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