In the beginning, there was light... (Tev)

[Tatercake]

The wind howled and tore at the leaves of the forests as a heavily-garbed human swayed and struggled to retain balance in the gale. He wore the plain clothing of a peasant, but was swathed in a heavy fur coat that seemed quite out of place. The human stood for a while before the heavy oak doors of the Ranger Hall to regain his breath, often blinking and flicking away loose particles of dust and grime that were being whipped onto his face by the furious weather.

Taurus and his wife Virgo were not keeping their usual post just inside the doors, instead opting to batten down every open crevice and prepare for the monster of a storm that was picking up currently. Thus, it took several hefty blows to the wood and much yelling before the human was heard over the weather. Taurus opened the doors slightly and allowed the man just enough room to slip through and collapse on the earthen floor, panting hard. The man lifted his head and gripped Taurus' warm cloak, speaking in urgent tones.

"Please, I must speak with the Master Ranger. It is of the utmost importance," he gasped, sweat running down his face and dripping onto his clothes. It was clear that he had endured much physical exertion for some time. Taurus nodded in acknowledgement, before setting off to find Tev.When he did so, he bobbed his head respectfully before pointing at the bedraggled human lying in the mulch.

"That man wishes to speak with you. He says it is urgent."

[Tev]

It did not take long for Taurus to find Tev.
Finding the visitor lying on the floor was indeed unexpected. Tev leaned over to check him over so that he could determine what might be wrong with him.
He knelt, bent over and listened to his heartbeat. How strong was it? How rapid was it? There was reason enough to be concerned about this individual.
Tev turned to Taurus and asked him to get the Healers Kit.

[Tatercake]

Tev was a man full of concern, and his first priority was to ensure that the man's health was not critical. He laid his head on the man's heaving chest, and was surprised to hear it pounding out at least two and a half beats ber second. The man had been exerting himself for some time.

Taurus returned with the Healer's Kit, though what the man really needed was a period of rest and some fluids. The latter was fetched and administered, and the man was propped up against the wall of the Ranger Hall. He grunted slightly and stared at the swimming figure of Tev with bleary eyes, focusing slowly and feeling very disorientated. He spoke with a slight slur at first, hampered heavily by heaving breaths and pains, but as his body wound down its tension and burned its hyper-energy the speech became more coherent, though the man could feel himself losing concentration and conciousness fast in the rapid cool-down.

"My name is Areipas, and I work as a footman for Lady Vernici of Narim. We were travelling East by coach to Taralon, where she was required for an urgent meeting of the nobility of Sheria. However, our coach and the surrounding entourage were attacked along the forest paths by a creature most foul, that annihilated our bodyguards before they could mobilise. I was able to escape, though I feared that it may be chasing me, so I ran as fast as I could to this Ranger Hall...

"Please, sir, I would humbly request the aid of a few of your rangers to return to the coach and see what happened. I cannot go alone, as all I bear in the form of useful possessions is this cloak to ward off the chill winds. I also have a small amount of crowns... a few hundred in notes, my pay in advance for the trip. Can you please help me?"

[Tev]

Tev listened to the words of Areipas. They caused him much concern. Up until recently, Narim had been a peaceful and safe place. This attack must be dealt with promptly. He said to Virgo, "Get all the Rangers to pack there provisions and bring their weapons. Have them ready with there horses. Saddle a horse for Areipas as well and put provisions for him in the saddle bags I will have Gemini join us. You and Taurus stay behind and tend to things at the Ranger Hall."
He then reached into his Healers Kit and took out a wad of Barkskin. He put it to the mouth of Areipas and said, "Chew this thoroughly. It will calm you and help you become at ease enough so that you can ride with us." When the man complied, Tev asked, "What was this creature like? How did it attack? Where there more attackers than the single creature?"

[Tatercake]

Virgo bobbed slightly, setting off at a fast pace to carry out Tev's bidding. Areipas accepted the barkskin and chewed tentatively, wincing a bit at first but eventually feeling more at ease and calmed. As the Master Ranger posed the concerned questions, he took the medicine out of his mouth so that he could be better understood.

"I cannot say for sure what the beast looked like, save that it was black, and large. It was... all around us, ripping and slaying everyone in its way. It had some form of blade attatched to it, for some fell with stab wounds, but the beast did not come entirely alone. The forests were awash with spirits and chill auras - the creature, I fear, wielded the Dark Arts of the arcane," he murmed, shivering with the recollection. "I do not wish to encounter it again, sir. It would be best to find the wreckage and make ourselves scarce as soon as possible."

OoC: I'll set up a new thread for the actual mission. If you wish to question Areipas further, feel free to do so here, and it will count in the other thread.