~The Katta Comes~ (Aerynth)

Cheshire · October 29, 2004, 05:04 AM

As Aerynth followed the two 'rangers' into town, he was confronted with a rather peculiar sight. The buildings seemed to be formed of stiff, living vines, on a grid of some sort. The buildings were pleasant, though the ground revealed the evidence of a blaze that must have encompassed the whole area the Jagari could see. There were few people around, but as he came farther into town, he spotted a more normal looking structure. The architecture was still influenced by the rest of the buildings, but it looked more natural...well, more artificial, and that was natural for the Katta.

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The verdant carpet of Acumin parted to reveal the last building that remained from before the war. Great stone blocks ascended to a total height of two floors, their irregular shapes molded together with mortar and occasionally replaced by glass-less windows. While the villagers had preserved the last building that didn't follow their new 'building codes' they had done what they could to make it fit in as much as possible. No glass in the windows, all the tables were made of great slabs of stone or repaired from the former tables, and the whole building was crawling with vines. Honeysuckle had grown over so much of the building that it was hard to see the building beneath. The air was filled with the sweet scent during most of the spring and summer, the fragrance only dissipating inside the building where it was replaced by the smell of warm food.

Mila Ventrude was the owner and waitress of the Tavern and Inn. Her father had owned it before her but had passed away in the fighting, and so she had inherited the relic. Despite the far more natural ambiance she kept the tavern very well cleaned and in excellent shape. No creaky doors, no splinter-giving wood.... the tavern was a well oiled machine thanks to Mila.

She spent much of her time behind the restored wooden counter up against the back wall, pouring drinks or taking orders. Behind that was a door to the kitchen. Mila served as cook as well - in fact, she ran the tavern all by herself. The service was a bit slow, but Mila wouldn't have it any other way. It was better to work alone than to risk having to trust another person. For while Mila was friendly and open, the war on Acumin had left her irreparably scarred. Not in the physical sense - despite a few nicks here and there, her body was mostly unharmed. But mentally she was not the happy-go-lucky person she'd been before. There were many gray hairs in the once seamless black, and her eyes had a tired look about them that had nothing to do with physical fatigue. She spent all her time caring for the tavern and for her customers; being busy helped to take her mind off of her past, which to Mila was no small boon.

Despite Mila's own mourning and pain, the tavern was very cheerful. The food was good, the ale was generally cooler than room temperature, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. Tables lay sprawled about the main room, parting only for the stairwell in the back which led up to the top floor. The top was reserved for rooms for the rare guest that Mila received. More often than not the only ones who slept in the tavern were those errant husbands whose wives had kicked them out of their houses. Occasionally a trader or two came through, but most of the tavern-goers were the villagers themselves. Regulars were essentially all that Mila got. She made good enough business despite this, easily enough money to keep the Tavern in top shape and to let her work absorb her. Few would have called it a great life, but it satisfied Mila and in turn her customers. Those who wished that the pretty waitress would smile more often didn't mention it... it was better than tears, after all.

(Originally written by Sidhe, edited by Lichen)

After following the patrolmen inside, the younger went to chat with the keeper of the bar, while the older again spoke to Aerynth.

"So you've come to help? I would suggest finding a job, besides the rebuilding. We've got most all the government stuff up, but we still have no homes. It takes druids to make those vines grow fast enough to build with, but it's good to live with Carmelya, with her blessing. We shut down all the logging, and now we are trying to learn a new way of life. It's hard, but easy things are seldom worth doing, eh? Anyway, I heard they need an assistant Aedile, and you maybe could help me and the boy patrol the area of the barrier, if you're a follower of Carmelya."

The man shifted in his boots a little, then took a seat at the bar, ordering two ales. There was no exchange of money between the keep and the ranger, which was strange to Aerynth. The elder ranger slid one across the bar toward the Jagari and spoke again.

"Well, my names Cristof, and the young one is Malone, my nephew. We're not proper rangers, as you probably could tell, but we're followers of Carmelya, and we do our part to protect our homes. There is one real ranger left in the village, he might be able to show you a thing or two about those swords you carry. He's got a couple like that. They're made of that elf steel though....I heard that it's some good stuff, I was thinking of getting Malone a set of chainmail of that...I worry about him, you know...Anyway...are you hungry?"

Cristof seemed a bit weary and sad, but it was clear that a tragedy had occured here. Aerynth had seen no more than ten villagers, including the two rangers, and it seemed he had followed them most of the way through town.

Aerynth · October 29, 2004, 04:01 PM

Aerynth was worn from his travels, and he not quite used too lugging the extra wieght of 2 swords around didnt help. Aerynth had made haste too Acumin stopping rarly, sleeping none... The many days of heavy travel and light sleep have seemed too caught up with him, but never the less he kept up with the two Rangers the very best he could. Once inside the Tavern and Inn a look of relief shown as he took off his swords, and sat them near the closest seat at the bar. Slumping down in the seat at the bar with his swords, he looked up too Cristof and listened.

Aerynth smiles as he speaks.

" I would be happy too assist you two in patroling the barrior. My uncle sent me too help, so anything you need really. Your right absoulutly correct I will need a job, if Im too stay and help. So ehm, who might I need too speak too reguarding that Aediles office job?"

Once the Old Ranger sat down at the bar and ordered the ale's, Aerynth noticed no payment being made for the Ale. This seemed a little odd. As the mug slide over towards Aerynth. Pure delight, beamed from his eyes. Grinning ear too ear, he thanked him for the ale and listened once more.

Aerynth was glad too know the name, of the Old Ranger. Taking a large sip of his Ale, and then wiping his mouth clean. Aerynth smiles and then says.

" Well it has been very nice meeting you Cristof, thanks for ale once more. I am a bit hungry actually... (a brief pause) Maybe you can interduce me too the last "Real Ranger" or at least point him out too me sometime?

Aerynth thinks about the survivors of this town, noticing no more than maybe ten people throught most of the town. Not wanting too really bring up a painfull subject he decideds it is proubly best too steer clear of that topic.

Cheshire · October 29, 2004, 08:37 PM

Cristof smiled back at the Katta, but before answering, he called for a dish of stew. He turned back to Aerynth, still smiling and nodded.

"Well, I'd be happy to escort you around town, I can show you the way to the Aedile's office, and we'll definately have to meet the captain before we go on patrol. He likes to know about new arrivals."

The stew came quickly, and while it was a bit thin, it still looked appetizing and tasted well. It was surprisingly filling, though there was only a small bowl before the Jagari. Cristof said no more, turning his attention to the ale before him. He waited for Aerynth to either finish or ask more questions, before suggesting they head out.

Aerynth · October 30, 2004, 03:05 PM

The stew tasted great too Aerynth. The way he eats his food might seem slightly awkward too most folk. He sat like royalty, back strait up and all proper. Small bites and the pinky out 90 degree's from the the perfectly placed index finger at the tip of the spoons handle. Eating quickly and then setting the bowl down next too his ale on the bar, he then grabs his ale, and washed the stew all down. Wiping his mouth off with his left hand, and giving a friendly smile too cristof.

Aerynth grabbed his swords, and straped the straps onto his back, shifting the straps over slightly to a more comfterble position and a better angle just in case he needs too draw quickly. Giving Cristof "The Nod" Aerynth prepares too head out too see the city, not that theres much left.

Cheshire · October 31, 2004, 06:53 AM

Cristof acknowledged "the nod", and began to meander out into the city, taking Aerynth in tow. The winter chill was just starting to set in, causing a shiver to run up the ranger's back. He gripped his green cloak tightly about him, shielding him from the cold. He really was too old for this, but no one was left to do it. He turned to the Katta and nodded in the directions he indicated.

"The Aedile's Office is over there, if you want to check in on that job. The Druidic Grove is over that way, in case you'd want to check that out. If you have a mind to learn arcana, it would be quite helpful...the winter is setting in, and we haven't got homes built yet. We may all be sleeping at the Sooty Cavern this time around. The fountain of Carmelya is where we'll head when you're through, so I'll meet you right here when you're done with your errands. The ranger is at the fountain, he always is."

After Aerynth ran about here and there, and returned, Cristof led him to the fountain of Carmelya.

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The rich green carpet of grass that coated the ground of Acumin was green year round, fed by magic more than any natural life-giving substance. It's soft green leaves were parted in the center of town by a bulge in the land. This small mound was topped with a small stream that bubbled up from the depths of the ground, the life-giving water spreading about town in several small streams. It was a calming place, full of life and beauty and a reminder of the gift and the task that they had been given. Many came here to pray quietly and to find solace in the gift of nature. It was in technicality their temple but there were no services here; the people of Acumin believed in finding their faith on their own.

There were priests, of course. These priests were druids as well, and used their magic to protect the town, the Dolwoods, and each other. The druids had been trained immediately after the shield had gone up, those with talent coming to learn under who soon became known as the head priest despite his insistence otherwise. Lehan Y'las was a humble man, and did not pay much mind to those who called him their leader. He had been a journeyman when the calamity had befallen the town, and had quickly risen to the rank of Master. Nobody was certain how this was as he'd been the only druid left in the town; some said he'd followed the Elder Treant into the Dolwoods and begged to be taught so that he could teach others. Lehan had never commented on this rumor. He was remarkably young to be a master druid, however.

Very near to the fountain was a small statue of the goddess Carmelya. The woman was indistinguishable as far as her race went... she could have been elven, could have been human, could have been halfling. The statue was very small and had been carved from a large stone left over from a building that had been destroyed in the war. She was wearing loose robes and had a look on her face so kind that it was nearly excruciating. Carmelya had saved them from calamity after calamity and had erected the protective shield about their town in order to protect them all from further harm. Her servant, an elder Treant, had given the town a book bound between two slabs of bark, held together with grass. This book contained the creeds of their Goddess, the instructions for how they would live from now on, but it was incomplete. It told part of a story, but not the beginning, and not the end. When asked why this was, why the rest of the book was made of blank pages, the servant had replied that when it was time, the words would show themselves.

This book sat next to the statue, an unobtrusive and humble lump of bark and grass. It had obviously been enchanted for the water did not disturb the parchment but ran off the edges leaving the writing untouched. This book was used for prayer and to remind the citizens of exactly what had happened to their town and how to never let it happen again.

(Credit goes to Lichen for the description)

Before Aerynth could glance at the book, he was greeted by a warm voice. It was deep and resounding, the kind of voice that commanded attention, the kind of voice that could instill courage in friend and fear in foe.

"Ahh...Serale. You must be new, since I don't recognize you. I am Matthes, ranger of Carmelya. What is your name?"

OOC: Post in the other threads at your leisure while we continue here, just don't take too long at the aedile's or the druidic grove...this guy won't wait on the street forever...hehe

Aerynth · November 1, 2004, 12:34 AM

Aerynth went off too the Aediles office, and then the druids Grove. After some time pass's he returns and meets back with Cristof.

Following Cristof further too the Fountain of Carmelya, the sights were beautiful. But of everything a book stood out, a magical book well at least enchanted... As Aerynth walked towards it wanting too read it the voice of Matthes rings out. Aerynth replies.

Serale, Matthes. I am Aerynth. Cristof told me, you are the only true Ranger left in town. He also said you might be able too teach me how too use these.

Drawing both blades out from his backstraps, then shifting his foot position. Bending his left knee slightly and standing with his right foot forward he brings the blades pointing too the ground directly infront of him. Aerynth while displaying the Elven Longswords lowers his head out of respect.

Cheshire · November 1, 2004, 06:58 AM

The proprietor of the voice was a medium-sized human male. Matthes frame wasn't impressive, but rather wirey and tight. He wore brown leather and green wool, and had two elven longswords similarly strapped to his back. His hair fell to his shoulders in loose brown dreadlocks. The only thing that stood out about this man was his eyes, or rather, his eye. The ranger's left eye was missing, or presumably so, as it was covered by a black leather patch. His other eye, however, shined with a light that seemed to come from within. It was a bright green, seeming to pierce the Jagara's immortal soul.

"You're interested in the book? Go ahead and take a look, it's important for all who come to this city to read Carmelya's word, and understand our love for her...and about those swords...yeah, I could show you a thing or two, though my style can be described as a little flamboyant."

In true ranger fashion, he flashed a roguish grin, waiting for Aerynth to read the book.

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The Return
And Carmelya saw this and became sad, and Her tears dripped across the earth once more, and touched some of these People, and caused them to remember. Those who remembered came to the Goddess and She was not alone anymore. Seeing that she needed to protect nature from the Destroyers, She reminded these People of their pasts and they became Guardians once again. And these People were gifted with the knowledge of Carmelya herself and were given the tools to the Magic of the Forests and Plains and Deserts and Seas, and so the People became Her friends and Her tools, and she named them Her Druids.

But Her Druids had been Destroyers for so long that they did not know what else to do, and so when Carmelya told them they were to live in the great Forests, they began to cut down Trees to make houses. And Carmelya stopped them and told them that they should not live in dead Trees but bend the Trees to their will, and that they should live in holes in the ground, and in caves in the rocks, and live as the Animals did. And the People agreed, and for a time things were good.

And then the People said that they did not know what to eat, for surely if they killed the Animals they would be Destroyers, not Guardians? And Carmelya replied that should they kill for food then they were not Destroyers, but rather followed the path of Nature, for was that not what the Children of Carmelya, the Animals, did? And the People agreed and for a time things were good.

And then the People said that they did not have wool or cotton to make clothing from, and that they needed more clothing than furs from food-kills alone could provide, and that they needed money to trade so that they might be clothed and stay warm in the winter. But they did not know how to get this money without becoming Destoyers and not Guardians, and so they asked their Goddess what they should do. And Carmelya replied that they should take from the Lands only what it could give freely, and that this was what they would trade for those things that they needed. And the People agreed, and for a time things were good.

And then the People said that they knew what to eat, and they knew where to live, and they knew how to trade, but they did not know what to do to protect the Lands. They asked Carmelya, for how were they to Guard when there were so few of them and so many of the Destroyers. And Carmelya replied that they should multiply by speaking with the Destroyers and making them remember what they have Forgot. And the People agreed, and their questions were sated.

But Carmelya had seen them forget and knew that while People were smart they were not as smart as Her and might forget again. As she did not wish that, the Goddess decided to make a reminder for them all, and so she took a great Tree of the Forest, the biggest Tree of them all, and in it's bark she formed the words of the Wisdom of Carmelya. And these words were indeed wise, and the tree became wise in itself, and the words were this:

"And you shall live in Nature and be of Nature, and all shall be right and well with you. And you shall not cut down the Trees, nor flatten the earth, but bend the Trees and burrow like the Animals do, and live with Nature in it's true form.

And you shall not hunt but what you need, and shall not gather but what you need, and all shall be right and well with you. And you shall not kill but what you will eat, and you shall not destroy but act as the animals do.

And you shall not take but what the Lands cannot give, and all shall be right and well with you. And you shall take only what is freely given, and leave some for the future and growth will continue and replenish what you have taken.

And you shall go out and you shall teach the words and spread the message and all shall be right and well with you. And the message will be the Ways of Carmelya and the ways of Nature, and the Destroyers will remember and will follow in your path."

(credit to Lichen)

Aerynth · November 1, 2004, 03:25 PM

Surprised too see a one eyed Ranger, and also suprised too see such a brillantly peircing green eye. Aerynth blinked a couple times too make sure his eyesight was correct. Not trying too stare knowing that might offend Matthes.

Once Aerynth got past the one eye thing, he noticed the swords behind Matthes's similarly strapped. Giving a friendly smile Aerynth put the left blade back onto its backstrap, and then the right blade. He gave a quick nod too Matthes, then walked over too the book. Aerynth read it.

Aerynth was completly speechless, not so much what he read. But his wandering mind had flooded with thoughts that he hadnt really thought of before this moment.

Thinking - What if the worst isnt over for Acumin? What if theres another attack... How can I be of any help? What was my Uncle thinking in sending me here. I just cant believe...

With a troubled look on his face, Aerynth stands looking at the book just thinking. Aerynth knew that in reality there is much too be done. By no means was this going too be a walk through the forrest. Time will be of the essence.

Miserably trying too act like before, Aerynth turned towards Matthes and forced a smile.

Cheshire · November 4, 2004, 04:45 PM

Matthes saw the fear in the Jagara's eyes. He could tell that the word of Carmelya had shaken him, but indeed it had shaken them all. This was his first step toward true enlightenment. The ranger smiled at Aerynth and stepped closer.

"Well, I bet if you met me out here in the morning, we could work on getting those blades going. I've swung mine around quite a bit."

He gestured to the elven steel swords strapped to his back fondly, as if mentioning an old friend.

Aerynth · November 4, 2004, 05:24 PM

Aerynth was glad that Matthes was willing too show him a thing or two with his swords. Giving a nod with respect, and speaking in a soft tone Aerynth sincerly says.

" Thankyou, Ill be here in the morning. "

Giving a wave, and turning towards Cristof. Aerynth has had a long day. Aerynth was still full from the stew, and was ready for some sleep. Speaking softly still.

" Well Cristof, thankyou very much for showing me around. Can you maybe show me where I can sleep, its been a long day and theres much too do tommorow. "

Aerynth waits for either a reply, or for Cristof too lead him too somewhere too sleep.

Cheshire · November 4, 2004, 06:52 PM

Matthes nodded to the Katta, acknowledging his appointment.

"I'll see you then."

The ranger then turned back to his contemplation of the soothing fountain. Cristof also nodded, and smiled to Aerynth giving him the information he was seeking.

"Go ahead and head back to the inn, you'll be welcome there."

OOC: Check the Acumin forum for your training thread.

Aerynth · November 4, 2004, 10:35 PM

Aerynth returning once more too the Tavern and Inn, he walked over too the bar. His tired, and troubled face seemed too barly get out the words.

" May I please get a room too stay at for the night. "

His normally black eyes, showed a tint of blue. He stood slugishly, and seemed ready too pass out at any minute. But Aerynth sat down at the bar, reluctant too go to bed. Something was clearly on his mind, and Aerynth didnt want too bother Cristof, or Matthes by bringing up the sensitive subject of Acumin.

When Aerynth's Uncle had heard news of Acumin being destroyed he had sent Aerynth not but two brightnings afterwards. Aerynth only knew that Acumin was attacked and almost completly destroyed. Aerynth's recent realization at the fountain has sparked something within, he wanted too know the whole truth. Aerynth figured that a barkeep's job is too gosip. So Aerynth asked.

" An ale please. And not that it will help me sleep, but I must know. May you please tell me exactly what went on here in Acumin, and how it was destroyed?

Knowing that this subject wasnt going too be an easy one for anyone too here too speak of, Aerynth got out some crowns. Sliding over 40 crowns while looking into the Barkeeps eyes, almost begging too know.

Cheshire · November 8, 2004, 08:35 PM

Mila shook her head at the crowns that Aerynth layed upon the bar, handing him an ale. She spoke to him, after considering her words.

"Money is of little value here, we are above it now, or below it, whichever way you think about it. Anyway, I'll tell you what happened. There is an underground city of dark elves below this village. The Vysticchi there believe that this land, our home, belongs to them, and tried to take it back. Their foul necromantic creatures swept through our town...burning and pillaging. They took many prisoners, and killed almost everyone else. This building is the only one that remains nearly as it was in the time before the attack."

Mila sniffled a bit, thinking of the loss of her father, but she was strong, too strong to cry. It was time to work and rebuild, not to waste her effort with tears.

"Carmelya, though, saw our trouble and sent a Treant to save us, aiding him in the casting of the barrier that now surrounds the village. We owe everything to her, and now we strive to always be at one with nature, and to heed the Goddess's words. The words in the book at the fountain."

Aerynth · November 9, 2004, 04:17 AM

Aerynth felt sorry for Mila, he knew it would be tough for her too tell him. But was glad she did. Taking his crowns back, and after drinking his ale. He sat for a few more moments. Aerynth decided the best thing he could proubly do, is sleep. Asking.

"If you could point me in the direction of my room it would be most appreciated."

Once Mila pointed out his room, Aerynth went in. Locked the door, and sat down his pack. Then took off his straps, and took layed his swords hilt up in the air next too the bed. He thinks about his day, and how life is going too be quite different for him. And then drifts off.

Cheshire · November 11, 2004, 09:40 PM

Aerynth awoke the next morning, hearing a rapping upon the door to his room. It was enough wake him, but while there were no locks, the one knocking did not open it. Should the Katta answer the door, he would be greeted by the face of Mila, holding a small folded piece of parchment in her hand.

"This is for you, from Matthes."

That was all she said before heading back down to tend to things at the bar. It was a beautiful winter morning. A thin layer of snow covered the ground, though the chill was not too intense. The note contained a short message, and below it was an unintelligable signature. The Jagari was glad that Mila had told her who it was from, given the lack of detail in the message.

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Aerynth,

Meet me back at the fountain. I'll need you on patrol this evening.

(something scrawled here, a name perhaps?)