[Act 1] - The High Road

[Wildcard]

Midday. A bright sun. The Tenth of Cryxatum in the Season of Spring, Era XV Post Fractum

Daunting wicked clouds lined a serene and blue skyline. Radiant beams of sunlight coaxed a fine mood from Pirvan Kaldres as he stood atop his stone balcony overlooking the cityscape of Lauryl plundered by trees and a sharp vertical horizon line.

Below the great spires of The Court lay a bustling, beautiful if not jovial landscape of people from every walk of life. Far in the distance the gates to the city stood guarded by green clad rangers and a welcoming white snowfall.
For all the hardship they fought, this little piece of land .. this Frigid River was home and a safe place .. open to all who would filter through it's cedar doors and stand tall, proud and defiant.

[Azdra]

She stood in the snow, chin up, eyes watching it fall as if she took delight in it. Long hair spilled out of the hood of her cloak, pale blond and falling loosely well to her knees. Her face was revealed only because it was tipped up towards the sky as if she spoke to it in a private language only herself and the clouds heavy with snow understood.

Azdra stood out from the crowd as if not exactly part of it, though the truth was that she did not actually know how to join the herds of people that bustled about focused on their jobs, their errands, the worries of their day. She had none, not really, and the serene joy of that fact lit her face. Her dress, what people could see of it under the warm fur cloak was a plain green thing, unadorned and whispering of poverty. Sturdy boots covered her feet, but they weren't laced up tightly. Instead, they were loosely fashioned as if she had no concept of bindings and simply slipped her feet in and out of them without bothering with the leather. A small backpack graced her shoulder, though she carried it rather awkwardly, for all that it wasn't heavy or burdensome. Her eyes turned from the clouds, as if she indeed had just finished her business with them, and caught sight of the figure standing on the stone balcony. Her gentle green orbs were the color of new spring growth just erupting from the snow, a shock of pale life defying the cold. Azdra looked at the man on the balcony a long time, far longer than was polite, until a green clad ranger walked past almost bumping her. Her eyes dropped, turned, and she shied away from the ranger abruptly, with a snort of surprise, though her eyes were not on the man himself. They fell to his bow strapped across his shoulders, and she stepped way back loathe to let its curved wood touch her.

When the man had passed and was safely off, never realizing the reaction he'd provoked in the woman, she turned her eyes once more upwards. She was judging, weighing, deciding how to proceed. Men deserved caution and respect. She had both in equal measures for them. The problem was, she had no idea how to speak to the stallion, though she decided she must. It would be only proper among her people, and thus she assumed it was the right thing to do among his. But she had no wings, and she did not trust her words enough to lift them to him to ask permission to approach. So she waited, deciding he would come down eventually.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

OOC~ thanks for the invite!

IC~ The baron sat in his rocking chair with a copy of the Herald placed strategically across his face, the paper slowly rising and falling as the reader underneath snoozed another brightening away. The problem was that pregnancy could be a slow process and as much as Palacrisis looked forward to the arrival of his son Carmarak, the process of nature was just a bit slow.

Your snoring you big lump said the Baroness J'lyara and its driving me mad why don’t you just do something positive for a few brightenings and leave me alone!


Waking with a start and to the annoyed voice of his beautiful wife Palacrisis considered her orders and nodded Very well my love I shall be out of your hair as you request.

Thus alone in his study he slipped the hunting knife from the back of his trousers closed his eyes and stuck the point in the map of Aelyria hanging on the wall. Frigid River! Oh it could not be a few days in the Eunasian island basking on white sand no it had to be a ruddy mining town full of dwarfs with less than regular washing habits!


It did not take long by “wizard express” to reach the little town and accompanied by his friend the hawk faced Arakmatian master of sorcery who went by the name of Hassan Bey they slipped out of their portal of space and time into…..A courtyard or square overlooked by a balcony upon which stood a man who seemed vaguely familiar. There were many others milling around and green clad rangers carrying long bows lined the perimeter.

Pala pulled his fur coat around himself it was still snowy up here in the mountains and blessed the advice of his butler “To wear warm underwear and the new black leathers I think my lord” he had stuck the trusty old hunting knife back in its normal place in the back of his trousers and an elven long sword hung at his hip. The gauntlets matched the black leather of his outfit and a new wide brimmed hat completed the ensemble.

Hmm looks like something is going to happen my friend let us wait a few moments and see what transpires.

Hassan Bey was less amused by this request coming from the blazing heat of Arakmats deserts, snow was something he had encountered for the first time in Sheria and it was something he never wished to encounter again. He would have slipped back to his homeland had he not given his promise to Pala to stay on as he said “something interesting always happens around you my lord so I shall stay awhile” .


Pala looked around and his eye landed on a pretty girl a blonde haired beauty in simple clothing. He wandered across and doffed his hat revealing long dark hair flecked with silver sharp blue eyes and a long beaky nose.

Serale mistress I am a stranger in Frigid River is something going on? his hand gestured towards the man on the balcony My lady could you tell me the name of that man, he seems somewhat familiar but alas because of my age and feeble wits I cannot place a name to a face.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

INC: Now a legal citizen of the empire Elmaryia Leonard did not have to worry about cling of cold shackles around her wrists. It was an invigorating feeling and Elmaryia relished in her freedom. Never before had Elmaryia been to the Lylles Kingdom of Lauryl. A caged bird Elmaryia Leonard had been for far too long, and long ago she had promised herself that she would explore the empire. At ninteen era's the young woman had seen little of the lands and cultures of the empire,and one such city was Fridgid River.

Visiting other town's and cities was quite benificial to an imperial consul for inspiration to better their own province, also it was a good excuse to do some travelling, and Elmaryia loved to travel. After her coach had been given permission to enter the gates of the town, Elmaryia instructed her staff to find lodging and rest the horses. While her men did this, Elmaryia dressed in a white velvet cloak and a pair of light blue silk breeches and a white silk long sleeved tunic, and on her hip was her sheethed short sword. The land's were slowly awakening from the slumber of winter and their was still a chill to the air. By her side Elmaryia's ghostbane Mist who was full grown was walking beside her.

Venturing into the district where the government building's were Elmaryia's blue eyes took in the building's with an appreciative eye. It was then that a man caught her attention. It was evident by how he stood over the citizen's in his ivory tower that he was a man of importance. As a political official Elmaryia prefered to walk amongst the citizens rather then looming over them. Though to each their own the young woman supposed. The man above quickly lost the young woman's interest. Again searching for something to stoke her curiosity, Elmaryia's gaze came upon a woman and a man, though the woman was far more interesting then the older genteman. She seemed hesitant and a bit overwhelmed in her present surroundings. Was the source of her uncomfort the man beside her? Even the older men could be as randy as a young adult whose heart was fueled with lust.

With a friendly smile she approached the young woman, and said in a cheery tone. " Their you are. I have been looking all over for you. Though I fear that my feet are not as quick as yours. A bit clumsy I am and nearly triped over my own shoe," Elmaryia said with a chuckle. Turning her gaze she looked at the older gentleman and let a friendly smile curve her lips. " Greeting's sir my name is Elmaryia Leonard the present consul of the province of Carmelyn. I am new to Frigid River as well, though it is a lovely town is it not? I am not sure of his name, but I believe he is a public offical of sorts."

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Damn this was getting good , two pretty girls in less than a quarter candlemark and he only just arrived he thought to himself. Not that he would not be anything other than an utter gentleman towards any lady he would perchance meet on this trip. Pala had one of the most beautiful women in the entire kingdom waiting for him at home and she was more woman than any he had ever met! However that did not stop him enjoying the company of pretty girls!

The first blonde girl had yet to speak but the self assured young lady who had approached them was not so shy. He knew who Elmaryia was but had never had the opportunity to meet her in person. He bowed over her hand taking It into his own and brushing his lips across the fingers….

Your Excellency it is indeed a most pleasant surprise to meet you at long last. I am aware of your name and your high position in the new kingdom if you would permit me I would introduce myself. My name is Palacrisis D Jones Baron Austerfield of Sheria formally Imperial Consul to the Northern Marches Thane of Trysvale and Taralon and formally Governor of Arakmat but you my lady can call me Pala!

The pompous litany of titles and jobs was somewhat deflated by a broad wink and a chuckle. I have had more titles and jobs than a washerwoman pegging out clothes on a washing line but your Excellency now we have met what poor experience in matters of politics I have gained is at your service.

[Azdra]

Was she actually ready for this? It was one thing meeting the priest in the woods, a priest whom radiated righteous wrath yet took life with his old hands as if it were nothing more than plucking a sweet crab apple from a tree and sampling its deliciousness. Staring up at the man on the stone balcony, she asked herself that question once more. It was not as if she were scared. No, though the sense of not belonging was indeed overwhelming in this stone fortress of dead wood and mortar. But there were things she needed to know... indeed things she could learn. So she waited, watching the crowds, and letting them ebb and flow around her.

When the male approached, she studied him with open curiosity and a healthy dose of caution. There were rules to her existence, and cautions she had to follow. Ramses had reinforced them as well with his words of caution about the nature of humanity. She heeded him for he was indeed an ancient among humans, well on his way to the twilight world rather than coming from it.

Azdra snorted softly and stepped slightly backwards at Palacrisis' approach. Beneath her cloak, her skin rippled with her nervousness. She waited for an exchange of breath, a lowering of his head, the liding of his eyes... none of the signs of peace came. Instead his hat came off and she wondered at the gesture. Watchful, but still quiet, she followed his gesture to look up at the man on the upper story, then cast her eyes back at Palacrisis. He asked several questions, but the unicorn missed what he said in the strange desert-flavored accent of his words. His voice reminded her of warm places, though she didn't know if there was true warmth in his heart to match the tone slipping across his lips. Azdra looked to his hands again, wary of a weapon or some other sort of violence issuing forth, then drew in a long breath and expelled it. She didn't forget her manners even if he had none. The scent of meadowsweet, rare in winter though not as precious in spring, filled the air mixed with winterberry and mint she'd found in a high sweet meadow already released from Winter's snowy grip. She lowered her eyes, dipped her head off to one side, and extended the offer of peace even if he didn't know to read the signs.

She opened her mouth to ask him again to say his words, but found a woman on her left, speaking to her as if she knew her. The woman's common was rich, as if she was used to speaking, but her words seemed forced and almost false, like there was a question buried in them somewhere. Azdra tilted her head, shifted sideways, and moved so she could keep both humans in her field of vision. Human vision was an odd thing. She kept having to move her head to see what she wanted to see. They truly lacked a good clarity of vision all around them, and that in itself seemed sad.

The woman spoke to the man, and he responded giving Azdra a chance to watch their interaction. The woman's second outburst had more ease in it, almost reassuringly familiar, as if she were confident with what she was saying. The man seemed enthuisiastic about this, and Azdra wondered just exactly what they were talking about. The man? Up there? Yes, they were curious, as she was. Had they given their names in all the talking? She was fairly certain they had, but again she was lost in the language, titles, and exchange of ranking. So she pulled her cloak closer about her, expelled a long low breath again to reinforce her wish for serenity, and stepped slightly back, letting the two carry on their converstation. She'd watch, occasionally glancing upwards, but since she had very little understanding of what either of them were refering too, it would do her little good to participate. Besides, she was quite sure the woman had mistook her for someone else and would realize it immediately. It was a forgiveable mistake since most of the humans looked alike to Azdra as well. So she simply smiled gently pulled her cloak more tightly about her.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Despite all the commotion that befell Frigid River that brightening, it was more than a candlemark or two before Pirvan's address when Riconus made his way towards the building in which all men of importance within the city could be located. The Syl lord's large cape of a snow leopard's hide draped over his entire body for warmth, only leaving the center of his black wool jacket exposed to the elements. His escort, a 10-man contingent from the Sapphire Guard, followed their commander in standard battle kit, but still dressed in a long overcoat of black leather, worn over all but the Guard's tabard of dark blue & light blue.

As they entered the Court, their attention consumed by the massive spires that surrounded them, Riconus instructed his men casually, as they began to part through the crowd that had already begun to build underneath the balcony where Pirvan would make his proclaimation. "Five of you men should hang back, along the courtyard's walls. The other five need to come with me."

As they approached the doors, which could only be assumed as guarded by whatever Frigid River militia that was present, Riconus gave them sharp nods, before stating his purpose. "Serale, lads." began Riconus, with five of the Sapphire Guardsmen standing close behind him.

"My name is Sir Riconus Xind'ell, Earl of Portshire, General of the Sapphire Guard. I've been invited by the city's government to meet my long-time friend, Pirvan Kaldres, but need to have a brief discussion with Imperatis Horrgin Ironfist first. Would you care to direct me?"

[Korgar Kinslammer]

The dwarf’s gleaming convex breastplate sent the sunlight scattering in a multitude of directions, one of which included his obsidian gaze. “Arg! Durned blasted light!” He complained, groaning as tears began to formulate along the corners of his eyes. Wiping away the moisture and leaving a wet trail in his sweeping hand’s wake, the dwarf straightened his shoulders and proceeded into the Court where an amalgamation of adventurers, nobles, and peasants alike mingled. Korgar Kinslammer belonged to the foremost of the aforementioned classes as his battered but durable outfit testified.

Muttering a jumble of curses as he tried to observe the surrounding area, the young Zerdargian was forced to stand on the tips of his toes to garner a better glimpse of the Court’s occurrences. There were several humans and elves engaging in various discourses, none of which, though, appealed to the seasoned traveler. Subsequently, he steered his black orbs to the balcony of the Court, wondering when the thane would make his much anticipated appearance. The Herald had mentioned danger and adventure, and that had been enough to attract the tough Kinslammer dwarf.

Crossing his huge muscular arms over his barreled chest, the dwarf apathetically twisted portions of his obsidian beard around his stubby index finger. The handles of the two battleaxes strapped to his back poked watchfully over his broad shoulders. Possessed by curiosity, he wondered what the surrounding area of Frigid River had in store for him.

[Wildcard]

The morning was bold and carried a fresh chill over roadways rimmed with white snow-flakes that had hardened into the moisture of a warm evening. Standing just at the edge of the township's center, a bustling cobblestone crossroads did an estranged group of travelers look up. Far to the eastern horizon came the outline of a single figure offseting a vibrant red flag above the reclined fixture of a domed palisade. It bore the colors of ceremony.. A Bright Day of Reckoning.

Curved along an ellipse to each and every side of their introduction the promenade's ardent establishments brandished dry wooden beams, granite foundations and a celebration of passage. Whether that be in the form of hard gold currency or cheery shouts to a neighbor the people took to each others company like brothers, sisters and cousins.. with as much hate and love as those titles deserved. As the green maiden, the consul of carmelyn and the baron austerfield converged between shaded bodies of stormy blue, whites and matching natural highlights there passed between the glint of the suns a quietly cloaked trail of steel wool. In moved a trio of bodies aligned with purpose and exacting focus that pushed past bubbling remains.
As Azdra's fingers brushed over the skin of a nearby handmaiden, Elmaryia Grey's eyes met with a strange blue hue emanating out from the brass ring of the leader guiding these stark unfeeling fellows. The man's skin wore him like roughly chiseled marble, bald and impassive while five left fingers firmly clenched the hilt of an elaborate blade. This watchful hazel haired beauty blinked again, seeing a faint engraving of the letter 'M' scratched into the pommel of the man's grievous weapon.

Distracting but of no further interest, Mrs. Leonard return to the group's swaying conversation graciously. Palacrisis seemed at a rare impasse, noticing the stark silence tensing round the mysterious blonde's eyes cringed in thought. He quickly recovered by some feat of magic or rather redirecting his attentions to Elmaryia completely avoiding any social inattentiveness.
The enchanted creature in their midst began to sense something flooding into her shallow veins, reaching a horse's heart to palpitate it's coarse energy once more out to the throat. This servant girl, the naked emotion they touched.. brought a wild energy.. it drove shaking shimmers through the pond of Azdra's mind. Mixed with the heady memories of some lost sadist, the picture forming now arrived at the clarity of an out of focus puzzle.
Her Echoes.. they followed the unicorn here. These shale shards recollected the faces of the girl she now saw. Azdra knew the foreboding glance.. or a viewing glass inside herself did; pressure built under the ribcage equaling a physical understanding. Of enclosed spaces. Nothing more. This young pale faced girl with a bleached shawl died away through bodies beyond. The unicorn could follow east, or she could linger.

Arriving at the wide freshly scrubbed steps of the public hall and Throne mantle to the Thane, General Riconus Xind'ell offered his cadre of soldiers a brief reprieve. Such numbers of unfamiliar armed guards were forbidden within the outer walls of the city speaking volumes to the merits of safety enforced inside this trusted basilica of Laurylian heritage. Horrgin had granted him the papers for a body count of five lethal hand picked combatants, and even that was stretching it with the choleric rangers who manned every entry into these fabled markets and snow kissed streets. Something had spooked not only the gate warden, but half the town and the entirety of her militia.. burning citadel walls could not escape their nostrils fast enough despite the levity. These were a welcoming people .. now caution did linger on their lips and eyelids.

Entering the resounding deck of marble and fallow stone the General quickly found the black and gold crest of the Thane's personal bodyguard. A black bearded human directed his Sylrosian guest past a window lit courtyard then up a private flight of stairs where each Sapphire soldier was disarmed and accompanied. Their cadre swung through arches and archway to finally materialize into a third floor waiting room lined with richly lacquered hardwood and opulence.
Surprisingly, the very man in question .. The headstrong Horror idled like a leper king, bandaged up to the inch with two doe like squires and live ferret coaxed around his right arm.
"Serale Coward. Good to see you again." Were the only sterile words spoken by the ancient snarling Imperitas. This veteran's strange choice of jewelery still vibrated deep and low around it's fat master's kneck while his thumb stroked the pet's inquisitive head impassively. Under her breath one of Riconus's finest warriors let out what everyone was thinking .."What an arsehole.."

Squinting between rays of hot illumination the smartly groomed face of Mr. Jones conjoined to notice the outline of a dwarf approaching the township hub from the south .. then another from the west. He thought nothing of it till the two stocky figures drew closer and then appeared to have nearly identical features, even body language. Like twins except one looked as though it could wrestle ten heads of a hydra and the other had a black eye patch.
Best as his diminished and elegant human ears could, he politely failed to ignore their introductory crest of dialogue. The one eyed darkbeard opened the field. "Well 'paint me pucker and unlace m' blouse.. A real live Kinslammer. Here. How'deh ya find t' place under the stinking fumigation of all these thrice cursed Elv's and shortlived? Not even m' mother's merciful maggots would glance a second to my River were it not for her gems."

Korgar would surely recognize a fellow kinsman and Kinslammer at that. Here stood Brag, the very brethren who rescued his brother Colten from a collapsed mineshaft cycles before. Funny.. because Palacrisis recognized the braggart as well .. The Dwarf had been a lead foreman in the Carmelyn Bell Mining company. Strange how life's little tales intertwined with one another..

"Bless me bloody drum!" Both brows of Brag lifted higher then before. "If it isn't my favorite former Thane .. Palacrisis D. Jones." The second Kinslammer chose to walk towards the man with a hand outstretched meant to shake. "Gods be turning my screws loose if this isn't a fortunate occurrence. Sadly.. " The bewildered Dwarf's look returned to Korgar. "It's a grave and sad occasion that guides m' path this brighting. I've come to pay respects to Grent Ironstone. A friend of y'ar Fathers .. Deceased Champion to this here booming Hearth. He lies now in the Hall of Kings, buried for all times' among the bones of Lauryl's chieftans and regal ... ahem. Former Thanes." Even amidst the somber notes strummed over Brag's baritone could be noted a twinge of humor aimed for the pride of Palacrisis, this savy prospector's former employer."If your not in 'any way disposed, perhaps you'd come pay respect Korgar. Elder Kinslammer would 'a wanted that. Mr. Jones .. your welcome t' come as well.." The big breezed speaker eyed both adjoining women warily but in fine spirits. "and your .. daughters here. can a' .. come too. 'V got permission to delve the depths of The Court. So after you or after me, I've got'ta go. "

And that was that. They could and should go their separate ways.. or stay and make good on fresh acquaintanceship.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Interruptions, a small raucous fellow that looked vaguely familiar burst through the crowd his hand extended and his speech laden with friendly curses. The old synapses went into overdrive ….. dwarf …thane ….former thane ….good grief! …The mine, Trysvale….foreman ….er …er …Brag…Yes.!

Smooth as milk he took the heavy dwarfish hand a broad grin crossing his face By the blue hells of Jalat ….It’s been a long time Brag, how are you? …There were some good times in Trysvale what must be nigh on five eras now?….. Lot of time and ale under the belt eh what? …..Pay me respects? Certainly if you do not feel that it would be out of place for a human to be witness to a dwarven event as solemn as this?…

Daughters, nay Brag!…. Young and beautiful ladies yes but no kin of mine unfortunately, this lady is Imperial Consul for Carmelyn Province and this lady keeps her own counsel so her name is unknown to me.

The lady with the faraway eyes that looked beyond him to a horizon of her own knowing was a mystery but if she choose not to reveal her name or purpose it was her business and hers alone.

He bowed to each of the ladies Ladies shall we accept the good dwarfs invitation and pay our respects to his kin?

[Luit]

As Luit strode in to the courtyard, his step, his demeanor, and his very reason for being here were all defined by a great sense of purpose. This was no casual journey, there was no time for idle chatter in his eyes. As the center courtyard unfolded in front of him, Luit felt a chill from the breeze run up his spine. "One must answering the calling," Luit tried to convince himself as he recollected the warm lazy days on the beaches of Ieffreon that he had been accustomed too not long ago. True his current home of Diana was no paradise either, but at least there he had his own room to call home. Here he was a stranger; yet he persisted on. Luit knew a calling to do good when he saw one.

It had not been too long ago that he saw the herald article, announcing the need for help in Frigid River. Luit's first reaction to the article had been one of sheer excitment and enthusiasm. He was truly devoted, and really lived for, trying to help others, especially in danger. Now Luit was still human, and thus relishes the cheers and praise a hero recieves, so seeing that an entire city needed help Luit didn't even think twice about it. What more heroic than rescuing an entire city, saving countless lives?

Now Luit had thought about informing his superior, and perhaps bringing along some more of the Diana based Sacred Three militant group "the Vigiles" he was part of, he had decided against it. Luit didn't want to cause too much of a stir, especially so close to when he was planning to ask for promotion in the ranks. He had decided to only leave a note behind in his room, incase his roommates reported to duty early for they were free for the whole month of Cryxatum. If anything too serious came up, and the need for many more soldiers of the faith came up, Luit always knew he could call for the Vigiles assistance. As he looked around and saw the green-clad soldiers standing at almost every intersection of streets and every entrance to the town centre, Luit felt that there were plenty of soldiers in Frigid River as well. For now, Luit was not too upset about being on his own.

In the town centre proper, Luit saw several individuals of interest. The first man he spotted was, almost certainly, some sort of soldier or peacekeeper. Accompanied by a group of men dressed in similar garb, Luit surmised that he was not the only one who thought of inviting some order here to deal with the trouble. Seeing several soldiers in the courtyard, however, certainly helped Luit by giving him confidence in the cause. When evil can't be conquered by one blade, Luit had learned, several blades often do the trick.

Luit then saw a group with a rather interesting composition: A man who carried himself with an air of confidence and power, two relatively young human females, and then a dwarf as well. Luit couldn't help but think that if anyone here knew about the herald article and where to inquire about helping the city of Frigid River, one of that rather ecclectic bunch might. Luit walked towards the group, and then stopped a few paces away. He looked up and doing his best to sound professional and quite serious, he said in a loud, commanding tone, "Serale! I am Luit of the Vigiles of the Sacred Three from Diana. I am here to answer the herald article, that is to help the city of Frigid River and it's inhabitants fight off the centaurs and any other evil menace that presents itself. Perhaps one of you know where to inquire about such business?" With that he stood and awaited an answer, doing his best to stand upright and make eye contact with whoever spoke.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Herald article what blooming Herald article? thought Pala as the young Vigil from Diana walked across the square

Centaurs good grief, whatever next? Here you are spending a few brightenings on a whim out of your wife’s hair just before taking up a post as Chief of Military Intelligence, in an out of the way outpost that probably does even possess a decent bath and you get involved with centaurs?….. ….Good grief all mighty what have I got myself mixed up in?

The look on Palacrisis face of incredulity was enough to break a rare smile on the face of Hassan Bey his own master sorcerer who with a tapping of his long nose remarked

I told you Baron life gets interesting around you!

Palacrisis acknowledged the greeting Serale Luit of the Vigiles of the Sacred Three I am Palacrisis of Sheria … the impossibly long list of titles was getting to be a complete burden and frankly he was getting fed up with them already

….. Er you wouldn’t happen to have a copy of the Herald about your person my dear fellow , I seem to have missed the latest edition ?

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

The beautiful golden haired woman was an enigma and had stoked the young woman's curiosity. From the turning of her head Elmaryia assumed that the mysterious woman did not understand Elmaryia. I hope I did not frighten her with my rescue attempt. After all a woman needed to be careful especially in the presence of an unfamilure man.

Though everyone was entitled to their own secrets and while the young woman was quite fascinating El would not pry. After all their was nothing more humiliating or horrifying then having someone air out your dirty laundry. An experience that Miss Elmaryia Leonard was all to familure with. Turning her attention to the older gentleman Elmaryia smiled as she felt his lips grace her fingers. "It is a pleasure to meet you Pala, and here I thought that you were a rogue trying to woo the beautiful golden haired woman, please forgive my ignorance," Elmaryia said with a chuckle as her cheeks turned a light rosie hugh. " A former thane of Trysvale you say? I am proud to call Trysvale home it is a lovely place and my husband is now the present thane and the Imperial Consul of Eunesia."

Upon hearing his jest Elmaryia chuckled softly, " I am new to the position but your advice would be most appreciated."

For a brief moment some men caught her attention from their deminour it was evident that they were of importance. The blueish hue of the ring was quite peculiar as was the "m" engraved on the pummel on the man's importance. Well these are men of great importance. Something is brewing in this town. However the men were of no concern to her, and Elmaryia was quite content with her present company.

During her travelling Elmaryia had become more accustomed to the various races of the empire. Perhaps in month's passed she would have gawked at the dwarf with curiosity, but now she was far more polite. Upon hearing the mistake of her kinship to Pala, Elmaryia smiled. He was perhaps old enough to have sired her and he was a far better man then Talan Quinn. Her deminour quickly sombered though upon hearing the reason why the Dwarves had come to Frigid River. Turning her attention to Pala she nodded, " Yes I shall go with you to pay my respects to the fallen."

[Korgar Kinslammer]

Long bearded and barrel-chested, Korgar Kinslammer was the archetype dwarf. His trunk-like arms hung powerfully by his sides, the veins surfacing along his forearms suggesting that the two battleaxes strapped across his back were far more than ornamental pieces. Oddly, though, his obsidian beard was more tangled than a tumbleweed, and if people were to examine it thoroughly, they would notice that it was uneven on one side –the trim being the compliments of his wild father.

“If me daddy’s beard ain’t purple n’ his turds green, ain’t expected ta see yer ol’ face ‘round ‘ere,” the dwarf deeply replied. “I ain’t keen fer ‘em long ears but then again, ain’t ever taken yerself fer likin' 'em either. Haha! I'm 'ere ta collect on da reward, ye kno', da one in da Herald.” Grinning a yellow stained grin, Korgar planted his hands on his hips and struck a pensive pose.

He hadn’t seen Brag in years. They weren’t best friends, but any friend of his brother’s was a friend of his –for the most part, at least.

“Grent Ironstone eh?” the dwarf asked. The name was vaguely familiar. Korgar was armed with a decent memory, but having suffered a number of squashing blows in tavern brawls and what not, his storage capacities had, to an extent, declined in dependability. Nevertheless, a noble dwarf was a noble dwarf. “Sure. I kno’ ‘em. I’d say too bad fer ‘em, but ol’ Ironestone’s gotta be lovin’ da mead at Cetheron’s table. Prolly endless…”

Nodding compliantly, the dwarf moved to follow Brag to pay his respects. He did pause when his kindred addressed the human, and although he would not ordinarily have paid the man much attention, he did catch Brag’s comment about the human’s former ‘thaneship’. A former thane? Thrusting a powerful hand out to the taller man, Korgar grinned. “Yer a thane huh? Me names Korgar Kinslammer. Ain’t reckon we’ve met before.” He said.