Shapsters:
I am at school but my sheet will be up by tonight.

Cool, well I'm planning on posting the OP at about 10 GMT, but if you've not posted it by then just stick it in a spoiler with your opening post.

lostclause:
If you're not full when you start would it be possible for me to join? I'll put up a sheet asap.

In all fairness, I don't know how good a RP'er you are, but I'm willing to give you a chance, so please don't disappoint me.

You sure you don't want to start this RP sooner? ...I'm excited. :p That doesn't give me much time to post, either..

Aqualung:
You sure you don't want to start this RP sooner? ...I'm excited. :p That doesn't give me much time to post, either..

I may, and probably shall <.< I really need to get the post sorted first though D:

Haha, take your time. I'm just a sort of impatient person. ;p I've got homework to do in the meantime anyway!

I'm the only one with a girl character. Woo? :/

lostclause:
Sorry if it's a bit short on dates, I'm not entirely certain how long these guys live (hence no age).

I forgot to add that into the Race bit, it's 300, so I just stuck him in as a random age, just PM me if you want it changed. We begin in 10 minutes, Shapsters can join in when he gets home etc, because the story won't bound forward past when he can show up, hopefully.

Time Travelling Toaster:

lostclause:
Sorry if it's a bit short on dates, I'm not entirely certain how long these guys live (hence no age).

I forgot to add that into the Race bit, it's 300, so I just stuck him in as a random age, just PM me if you want it changed. We begin in 10 minutes, Shapsters can join in when he gets home etc, because the story won't bound forward past when he can show up, hopefully.

That's fine, thanks.

Time Travelling Toaster:

lostclause:
Sorry if it's a bit short on dates, I'm not entirely certain how long these guys live (hence no age).

I forgot to add that into the Race bit, it's 300, so I just stuck him in as a random age, just PM me if you want it changed. We begin in 10 minutes, Shapsters can join in when he gets home etc, because the story won't bound forward past when he can show up, hopefully.

Oh, I didn't know that, I just assumed it would be along the human's timeline since you didn't mention. Would you mind changing mine to 48, in that case? If not, it's no problem- it doesn't change his appearance, he's still young by their standards, just not that young.

"...go and get the names on that list and return with them to me," drawls the exhausted King slumped in his throne, to a group of cloaked figures.

They depart silently after bowing their heads to the King.

"Fredrick, I can't imagine this 'threat' holding as just that anymore," he says rubbing his temple, "I think the Atrin may attack soon, unless..." he trails off, "unless we can convince their leader to change his or her mind on the matter."

And that list you asked to be delivered sir? Fredrick asks hearing the door creaking shut at the other end of the hall.

The King laughs lightly, "well, just wait and see. For now go and tell the chef to prepare what we talked of, that's all for now," he waves his hand uncaring for him to leave.

"Of course milord," bows Fredrick before leaving the room.

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You have your targets to find correct? asks the leader of the group.

Yes sir, choruses the others.

Then ride and get them back here before the Atrin begin the leader nods to the group before turning to his horse and riding into the battering rain, each to their own people to gather the group.

His hawk takes off from his arm, to find it's wandering target before he sets off towards his city.

"A messenger has arrived" was the buzz around the gates, "He looks to be from the king."
"I heard he is here to warn us of war"
"I thought it was that we were safe"
"Maybe he is here for our lords death"
"Don't speak such-"

The chatter died as black boots struck across the cobble stone. Standing tall in his regal black and gold armor, a bald elf looked down upon the chattering guards. They began to rush about there work.

Slackers His boots sounded down the halls as he neared his King's chambers. This can not be good news His brisk pace carried him through the threshold and to the kings side.

" . . . We fear an Atrin attack is eminent-" the messenger shot a gaze upon the freshly arrived Royal Guard. With hands resting naturally upon his blades' handles, the Guard gave the messenger a haughty sneer.

The king lazily rolled his hand to tell the messenger to continue.

"The King requires your presence. We must persuade them not to attack either through diplomacy or-"

"Violence of Force" His voice seemed to boom through the too empty room, "My king, i request to lead the Troops to the Human kingdom."

"In do time, let the messenger speak" Came the kings faint voice.

"Blasted creature!"

Erir had spotted the hawk circling above when he'd been walking through the streets to the local market. His worldly possessions were on his back the rain was not doing them any good. Then, in the middle of the road, he'd been distracted by this animal. Mindful that he didn't have a falconer's chainmail gauntlet, he'd had to take off his coat and wrap it around his arm before he could receive the message. Now the rain was pouring down through his linen clothes as he shooed the bird away and examined the nicks in his coat. Replacing the garment, he began to read the message. His eyebrows shot up as he read. He glanced at the retreating bird.

'What would the humans want with me?" he asked himself aloud. "Still, no better way to answer that than ask them." Hoisting his gear onto his back once more, he set out through the winding streets towards the castle, his feet skipping along the cobblestones with a magical speed.

"OI! LITT'L KID! WOTCHER DOIN?!"

"I-I- begging you pardon, sir! It's just, very very wet out tonight. And, well- oof!"

Paldo felt the air shoot from his chest like a canon as the man's massive hand struck him down. He fell backward and rolled from the impact, slipping off the back of the rough stranger's wagon, landing with his face in a muddy puddle. He dimly heard the man cackle wickedly and his horse whinny in an eerie sort of laugh, as he continued down the soggy dirt path.

It had been a wonderful ride while it had lasted. Paldo had been travelling on foot for quite some time, and as he had seen the lone merchant drive by on his modest two-wheeled cart, the temptation was too great to resist. He had spent the past day huddled under the canopy that protected the merchant's goods, mostly fine lumber. Unfortunately, in an effort to sit in a more comfortable position, he had made quite a disturbance beneath the blanket, and his cover was blown.

He would have asked for a ride, but that man happened to be the first human Paldo had ever seen- up close, anyway. They weren't as big as his friends back at home had told him, and they didn't look like they would eat their own children. But still, they were much larger than little Paldo, and still frightening.

With a groan, he sat up, pulling his face out of the mud puddle and wiping his face on the travelling cloak he wore. He turned to look behind to see that that man had already vanished into the thick veil of rain, leaving Paldo alone once again. With a sigh, he stood, straightening his clothes and picking up his large backpack which the man had at least been kind enough to toss off the cart.

"It's not as though I was hurting him," Paldo mused as he strapped the pack over his shoulders and began to walk after the vanished man. "If anything, he-"

He paused as an idea struck him. Putting his hands together as though in prayer, he muttered a few quick words.

His hands caught fire; he panicked; by the time he had managed to extinguish the magical blaze, his eyebrows had been singed away. With a disgruntled expression, he snapped his fingers- this spell, he was very practiced at by now- and the hair regrew instantly.

Heaving a second, heavier sigh, Paldo continued his trek through rain and mud. He would have to suffer being drenched to the core. Overhead, he noticed a hawk soar, and, smiling, waved to the bird. I'm sure he would give me a ride, were he pulling a cart! ...But what would a bird do with a cart?

So distracted by the hawk as it flew by overhead, Paldo failed to notice as a man on horseback approached from the way he had come.

The messenger kicked his horse in front of Paldo, halting the small Oktra in his tracks, and causing him to fall on his ass (again). The stranger extended a hand, gloved in expensive leather, and looked down to him with steely eyes.

"The King orders your presence."

Paldo blinked. "King?"

The man nodded.

"...King of what?"

"T-The King!"

"Oh, well, this whole nonsense makes somesense now!"

The man failed to detect the sarcasm, and Paldo stood, staring up at the man on his mighty horse.

"I didn't know we had a king."

Gritting his teeth, the messenger leaned over the side of his saddle and grabbed Paldo by the collar of his cloak, picking him high off the ground- ignoring his wildly swinging legs- and planted the Oktra on his saddle, before prodding the horse into a swift canter back the way they had come.

"Too high! TOO HIGH! The air! SO THIN!"

"Shut your mouth, Oktra."

"Respect! SO THIN!"

After a bit of light training Arri had taken off her padding and rested on a bench in the royal courtyard. The place was beautiful. The flowers came from the Elven countryside. They were beautiful colors, ranging from bright yellow to soft oranges.

Standing from the bench Arri made her way to her bedroom. As the princess she was greeted by her servants, but she waved them away and bathed. She had always felt uneasy telling people what to do, instead wanting to do and experience things herself.

After getting dressed she made her way to her fathers, the kings, chambers. Upon entering she noticed Eiravel.

"Whats going on?" She announced loudly.

The messenger, being cut off yet again heaved a frustrated sigh

"Can you not keep your court in order?" Before his mouth had stopped its wagging a fine Elvish saber was glinting between his eyes with ill intent.

"You forsake your people to be a human messenger, then you come before the ruler of your people and speak out of term? I'd-"

"Eiravel, let the man speak."

"Your highness, we need your presence to stop the potential Atrin attack!"

"I am old and sick messenger, i can not travel to the whim of any king. I want to spend the rest of my days in the splendor of my kingdom, could i not send a replacement?"

" I will go, father." Arri walked closer to her father and held his hand. "I will go in your place. I am more than qualified. You have said so yourself."

"My sweet daughter. I cannot let you go. You are my only heir.. If something happened to you then our kingdom would have no ruler. I am afraid my answer is no."

Arri looked into her sickly fathers eyes, hoping that her words would persuade him she continued. "But father.. I have never been outside of the kingdom walls. Besides, if you let me go, then I will meet other races.. I.. I.." Arri couldn't put together a good enough argument. She wanted to go, she had over a hundred reasons why her father should let her go. But at that moment all her mind drew were blanks.

"Please father. I beg you... Let me go."

Looking over at the small group of soldiers in the room the King spoke.

"What do you think I should do Eiravel?"

What is he planning to do with so many messengers? Fredrick thinks, walking towards the chef's quarters.

Morning sir, grunts one of the guards standing near the entrance.

"Good morning, anything happened today?" he asks trying to take his mind from the messengers.

Just that cloaked group that left sir, other than that all quiet...unfortunately.

Fredrick waves his goodbye silently, the halls near the kitchen and chefs quarters where buzzing with talk of the group.

He tells the chef of the King's order and leaves the room before chaos entrails in the flurry of orders he shouts.

Fredrick stalks back to the throne room quietly, deep in his thoughts.

Eiravel looked upon the young princess. "She is just a child your highness, she knows nothing of battle" He looked at her pleading eyes, "She is your only heir, and the next in line to rule our people."

As the king was about to talk, Eiravel cut in, "And what kind of ruler would she be if she was never let outside of these walls?"

He watched as her eyes lit up,

"I will be her personal body guard and make sure she stays out of danger."

"Fine, I can trust the son of a Cyredrahel. Your family has shown nothing but loyalty and prowess with a blade. With you at my Daughter's side i have no other choice but to let her go."

He leaned foreward to speak with his daughter privately

"Trust in Eiravel, he might be distant but he is a great and loyal warrior. Please come home to me and your mother in one peace."

Sitting on his stool in the Blue Boar, Korgan looked down into his flagon of mead. There was very little left in this one, or any of the dozen or so empty flagons that stood close to his place at the bar. Belching, he looked around the smoky room, his vision blurred. Grunting, he reached into one of the pouches at his waist and took out a long pipe crafted from willow, along with a small box of tinder and smokeweed - Taldar Mountain's finest. Packing a small amount of the tobacco into his pipe, he struck some sparks from his flintstone and inhaled, savouring the sweet smoky taste as it mixed with the residual honey flavour of the mead. Smiling, he dropped a few coins on the bar surface, which the round faced human bartender scooped up quickly, nodding with an unsure look in his eyes.

Korgan chuckled drunkenly as he swung himself down from his stool, swaying slightly as he hit the floor. None of these surfacers seemed to know how to handle seeing a Dwarf in their territory. Walking past the fire pit in the centre of the tavern, Korgan continued to puff on his pipe, moving past the other humans, some of whom shot sideways glances at him as he passed. Moving over to the stairs, he made his way upwards, marvelling (as he always did) at the spacing of the stairs; even after a year he'd still not gotten used to the extra effort that he had to put in to climb them. Unlocking and entering his room, he shut the door and moved over to the small pile of possessions he had placed in the trunk at the end of his bed. Opening the chest, he lifted Snaga out, marvelling at the glinting blades and running his finger along the edge. A knock at the door made him whip round, bringing Snaga to bear as the door opened, a war cry on his lips. The cry never left when he saw that the figure at the door was another Dwarf. Korgan lowered his axe and squinted drunkenly at the Dwarf.

"Whozzur?"

The figure stepped forward - it was an aged Dwarf, maybe around one hundred and thirty years old, dressed in finely made clothes of human fashion and tailoring. Raising his hand, the Elder spoke.

"Greetings, Korgan Thoral, son of Gorek, Ironclad Warrior of Clan Azaghal, son of Baranzibar, I come bearing a message, if you will hear me."

The Elder seemed remarkably open, but Korgan still kept his axe at the ready, his eyes narrowed.

"Who are you? Who sent you?"

The Elder nodded, holding his hands wide.

"I am Talin Modahn, son of Heol, formerly of Clan Badenrizar, ambassador to the Dwarven Clans. I have come here to extend an offer from King Daniel VI, he requests your service in relation to a potential Atrin attack.

Korgan spat on the floor, growling with anger.

"Bah, Clanless! I'll not have your presence curse me with worse luck than I already have! Leave me alone! I should've known you were trouble when I saw you were wearing upwolder clothing!"

The Elder Dwarf shook his head sadly.

"Very well, I thought that this may happen. Your belief in our Gods and traditions was mentioned to me. I shall leave this with you, in case you change your mind."

Reaching into his finely made tunic, he pulled out a scroll, sealed with wax, and laid it on the small table next to the door. He turned and walked to the threshold of the door, pasuing and turning his head.

"Fare thee well, Korgan son of Gorek. I hope you find what it is that you seek."

That said, he left, closing the door behind him. Standing for another 30 seconds, Korgan stared at the door, not thinking anything. Lowering Snaga, he stumbled over to the table and picked up the scroll, noting the seal of the human royal family. Placing Snaga on the worn surface of the table, he broke the seal, his thick fingers unrolling the script. Squinting, even now human script always slightly baffled him, Korgan read through, reading aloud as he did so.

"Atrin attack... imminent... warriors... request..."

Burping again, he placed the script back on the table, swaying and catching himself as he did so.

"Huh, I've heard a lot of stories about these Atrin, guess I could go and brain a few... Especially if this job pays well, seeing as he's a bloody King... But still, fucking Clanless bringing the Gods down on my head..."

Picking up Snaga, he locked the door and staggered over to the bed. Resting the axe by the bedstead, he clambered under the covers (again, even after a year, he had not fully accustomed to the chill of the surface world after so long in the warm subterranean depths) and fell asleep almost instantly, snoring loudly as he did so.

By the time the two had reached the large city- Sweet, sweet pipes, that is large!- the rain had lessened somewhat to a more painful drizzle of the tiniest raindrops. They felt more like the pins and needles of the bush that Paldo had a habit of falling into, but at least this rain didn't weigh down his clothing as heavily.

The city was magnificent even beneath the dark shroud of storm clouds, and Paldo struggled to see every inch of it that he could as the horse blazed through empty streets. That horse remained the only thing keeping Paldo from jumping off and running away from his kidnapper, since it was likely that such a fall would break his neck (so he thought). At least he was travelling faster now than the rude man with his cart of timber had been.

As they rode, the streets became cleaner, the buildings taller, and the few people who littered the streets seemed more of the well-to-do type with their lavish dress and blasé nature. They approached the most noble structure within the city soon; a tall palace, its many windows lit warmly from inside, making the menacing and looming towers seem only a little more inviting. The messenger steered his horse straight through the front gates without hesitation, and through the entranceway. Upon nearing the colossal front doors to the palace, he dismounted, helping Paldo down roughly afterward. Another man with hair the colour of carrots stepped forward and led his steed away, while the messenger pushing the small Oktra by the shoulder.

"Shove on," he said gruffly. Wrapping his cloak more tightly about himself to fend off the cold, Paldo stared upward in amazement. This fellow wasn't joking. Oh, but Paldo, what have you done now?

Their path was long and winding, through massive halls decorated with all sorts of ornamentation- ornate rugs, colourful tapestries, vivid paintings, and weapons that hung on the walls. He soon found himself lost as the kidnapper would command him to turn left or right, up a fair amount of stairs, and into a hallway more broad than the others. They approached a large wooden set of doors, carved with figures of lions and other great beasts, before the tall man stopped.

"Y-You know, this king is probably busy, performing kingly acts, like eating a great deal-"

"I told you to shut it, Oktra."

Paldo shrugged. "You fail to make a very good first impression. A smile ought to brighten your day!" he said, putting on a beaming smile. The messenger looked to him, his lips curved downward in what might be construed as disgust.

"...Shutting it."

The kidnapper leaned forward and pushed against the doors, which opened with a loud creak. As they swung back against their hinges, the messenger pushed Paldo into the large room.

He froze, feeling a fair number of eyes fall on him, and silence.

After a long moment, he reached for a pouch at his belt, and held it aloft.

"Would anybody like a pecan?"

Arri smiled widely when her father agreed to let her go. Hugging her father tightly she spoke to him quietly in his ear. "Of course I will come home father. I promise you that I will. And when I do, I will have gained all the experience necessary for me to become a great leader just like you and mother. "

After letting go of her father Arri turned to Eiravel. His skill was well known throughout the Elven kingdom. Arri nodded, then bowed to show her respect for the experienced fighter. "Thank you too Eiravel. Without your kind words I would not have been able to accompany you on this very important journey. Once again, thank you."

This new journey will seemingly change my entire life. Thank the goddess that I have Eiravel by my side to protect me. Still, I do not know how the other races will act towards us. I know that not everyone will dislike us, but I know that many will.

Erir dropped his enchantment as he neared the castle gates. In times of war people were all too willing to jump to conclusions so he'd best keep his magic to a minimum. He briefly considered a glamour, so as to appear human, but decided against it. After all, if he'd been summoned it would only create confusion.

Instead, Erir merely walked up to the castle gates and joined the bustling crowd that was moving in and out. Upon asked for LeRouge, who's name had been on the summons, Erir was directed to a gaunt man who appeared to be a lord or noble of some kind. He also appeared to be in a hurry such that the Oktra had trouble keeping up.

"Pardon me Mr LeRouge but I do believe this is a note from your good self," Erir said and showed the small, damp piece of paper. Erir knew that 'Mr LeRouge' was probably not the right form of address but he disliked titles in general (although he wasn't sure that that wasn't jealousy on his part).

"Gather your gear and ready your horse princess, if i may be excused My Liege?" With a court nod he briskly walked out the door in his long calculated strides. His black heels struck off the cobble stone as he headed towards his family's home. He marched threw the door and watched as the help scurried about there daily chores. His mother sat in her chair staring longingly out the window into the empty yard. She had lost her will to live when her eldest boys died besides her husband, she did not find solace in her only living son. His family now rested upon his shoulders, a weight the young elf was not ready to bear. He grabbed his always ready travel pack and cloak before swinging back out of the door to the family stable.

He stood in front of his Father's prized war horse, a perfectly trained grey mare with fire in her eyes, and slung the worn saddle on to her back. The saddle was inlaid with Elvish runes and Knot work that wove an intricate pattern into the heavy war saddle.

He walked the horse around the yard once letting her muscles loosen before climbing onto her back and riding up to the castle gates, where he waited for the princess.

Sorry about the brief history, I will add more later, just wanted to get my sheet in for I have to leave now.

After Eiravel and the soldiers had left the room Arri's mother had entered. She said goodbye to both of her parents, much to her mothers dismay. Walking down the castle corridors the help bowed to her, as well as wished her good luck. She smiled politely at them and gladly accepted their small gifts, which consisted of nothing more than small trinkets that were made of various materials.

Arrving at her room she picked up a small bag, which had been packed for her, and made her way down to the stables. Her horse, Shan, was a young mare who had a white coat that had gray spots near her chest. Arri put her foot into Shan's stirrup and lifted herself onto the saddle. She walked the horse around for a few moments before riding towards the castle gates.

She spotted Eiravel and waved.

"Shall we get going?"

Lucidas sat on a crate in the rain watching the clouds shift in almost unnatural patterns.

"Huh? A very powerful wizard created this rain..." said Lucidas as he leapt off the crate, he continued "... It adds atmosphere, I'll give him that but I dont know what he is attempting to warn the other wizards about."

A crowd of people split and scattered as a single man in a dark cloak walked through, there was nothing altogether impressive about the man and yet the crowd was buzzing with fear. With this event Lucidas quickly pulled up his hood and turned away from the man, "He isnt here for me, he certainly doesnt need to see my face..." he muttered as he walked slowly after the cloaked stranger and thought "... but that doesnt mean I dont want to know what is happening.".

Once they arrived at the castle Lucidas sat down on a rock just outside the gates and watched as the guards talked with what looked to be an especially well trained fighter up in a catle window.

"I dont want to be rude so I'll just sit here and eavesdrop, wait... Is that rude?!" pondered Lucidas as he sat with his chin resting on his hand, watching and waiting to be noticed as he concluded he could learn alot more from the castles jailer.

"Princess, when we leave this gate you must pull your own weight. Youwill care for your own horse and equipment. I am here to protect you, not to baby sit you. Are we clear?"

She nodded yes and they road out into the greying skies. The journey was silent for hours, the only sound was the horses whinnies and their iron shod shoes striking the road. Eiravel liked the silent travel, he was not a very outspoken Elf, not unless the discussion was war that is.

As night fell upon them, so did they rain and they decided to make camp in a small cavernous like indent in the mountain side.

"Liking the journey so far Princess" He said as she struggled with her own tent.

Arri traveled contently next to Eiravel. She liked the feeling of being on the open road, though they were on an important journey she enjoyed being outside of the kingdom walls.

When it began to rain and they made camp Arri struggled a bit to put together her own tent.

"Liking the journey so far Princess?"

Looking up at Eiravel, Arri smiled. "Please Eiravel, call me Arri. And yes, I am enjoying this journey. Its different, but in a good way. I'm finding it difficult to do some of the basics, but I'm glad that I'm able to experience them."

After assembling her tent Arri asked Eiravel a question. "How much further until we reach our destination?"

Blearily opening his eyes, Korgan awoke to a foul taste in his mouth. Pushing the covers from him, he sat up in bed, blinking as he did so. Noticing that he was still fully clothed, he dropped to the floor and checked his possessions. Finding that nothing had gone missing during the night, he made his way from his room to the inn's stables, whereupon he proceeded to dunk his head in a large bucket of water before striding back into the inn and gulping down a flagon of mead mixed with Firewine. The edge taken off, he paid the barman and made his way back to his room.

Closiing the door behind him, Korgan read through the letter delivered to him the night before by the Clanless Dwarf. Making the sign of stone to ward off evil at the thought of the Dwarf, he reread the King's offer before sitting on the bed, his fist against his chin.

It'd be good to get back in the fight again, and who knows, I might find something to return to Baranzibar with. Anyhow, I'll need the money. Guess doing this beats wasting my time elsewhere.

A painful twinge at the memory of his father made Korgan close his eyes. Opening them again, his gaze took on its stereotypical steely look and he dropped to the floor again. Gathering his belongings, he was soon clad in his fine Mithril mailshirt and greaves, with his horned helmet held under one arm. After a good half-hour, his beard had been finely combed and braided, and his hair was neatly ordered as opposed to the shaggy mess that it had been for the past several months. The only other belongings that he owned hung from his belt - his dagger, his tinderbox and flint, his purse, the letter of marque from the King and a bedroll slung around the small of his back. Around his neck, a silver chain held a small pendant of black obsidian stone, chipped from one of the many walls of his home Citadel beneath the Durnhold mountains. Slinging his round shield over his back, Korgan picked up Snaga and rested it on his shoulder.

Damn, it's good to actually feel like an Ironclad again.

Making his way downstairs, he strode to the bar, noticing the awed looks he got from the few patrons of the inn, and strode to the innkeeper. The man looked down, unsure of how to react.

"E- Erm, yes?"

Korgan looked up at the man.

"I believe that I stayed here for four nights, how much do I owe you?"

The man breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh I... Never mind. The price will be six silvers."

Korgan nodded, the price was a fair one, and handed over the coins, nodding his thanks to the man. Turning to leave, he saw two of the patrons glance at him and laugh between the two. His eyes narrowing, he strode up to them.

"What?!"

The two men looked him up and down and burst into outright laughter. One of the men turned to his friend, choking with laughter.

"E- E- E's like a lil' 'airy kid in armour, inn-e?"

The other man was about to reply when he saw his companion fly from his seat, barrelled out of it by Korgan. The drunk man was silenced with a solid fist to the stomach and having his head battered into his own chair. Korgan turned and fixed the other drunk with a steely stare.

"Say one more word..."

He retrieved and raised Snaga.

"... and I'll gut you like the upworlder pig that you are!"

The man's mouth opened and closed like a goldfish a few times, his face pale. Korgan sneered before turning away and leaving the inn.

"Good."

Exiting into the grey drizzle, Korgan squinted (water that fell from the sky was yet another thing that he wasn't completely used to), spying the castle's spires, even with the limited view afforded by his short stature and the rain.

The letter said head to the castle and report to someone named LeRoue.

Shrugging, Korgan began to make his way through the busy streets. Normally, his size would make rapid movement difficult, but carrying a large battle axe tends to move people out of your way rather quickly.

"About noon tomorrow if we can get an early start" He said feeding the fire, he placed a pot of stew over the fire and began to inspect his blades. This was a habit of his, after a days ride he would cool down his horse, check his gear, then finally inspect and service his blades. He hummed a family battle song as he applied oil over his saber and cleaned the blade as light danced off its gleaming face.

"Arri," He said quietly as if he didn't want to be heard " i-"

She looked over at him as if she didn't expect him to talk.

"-I think you should try to get to sleep as soon as we are done eating." He looked out at the dark and empty woods " It's just a precaution but i will stand guard for tonight."

He cast his eyes back to his work at hand. His cold orbs starred back at him from the blade, a haunting loneliness seemed to creep around there edges. As thou they were looking deep into the past, constantly replaying that-

No. He finished with his saber and sheathed it. He looked off into the rainy sky. How long has it been?

"I smite you down you terrible ugly beast!" roared Bombur as he swung his mighty axe, putting all of his height and weight-albeit not much- into the swing, "You shall feel the wrath of my axe for the vengeance of the families and lives you have taken!"

He hit the great ugly beast on the arm and it threw its head toward the sky, roaring in pain its yellow teeth bared and its shrill shriek echoed throughout the land. The shriek was abruptly interrupted by Bombur's axe, which in a quick swipe, removed the ugly beasts head.

"HAHA!" he heartily laughed, leaning on his now bloody axe, "May your spirit fall to the depths of hell and your body feed a many creature!"

Bombur continued laughing as he grabbed the head of the beast, a bit of a souvenir, he did need to keep up to his name after all and proof is the best way to go about such a thing. He walked for about an hour, axe sheathed and trolls head in hand, he continued along the hills and back toward his quaint little town.

"Oh! What a most wonderful discovery I have stumbled upon!" cheered Bombur as he spotted a tree, with many a leaf and a thick trunk, "Looks like the perfect spot for a hearty lunch then a good nap!"

He approached the tree, legs trembling in excitement and stomach rumbling in anticipation. Off the pack on his back flew and down to the ground went he. In a matter of moments he was asleep, crumbs from the lunch he had engulfed rested on his chest and stomach, which heaved and ho'd as he heavily breathed and snored.

**********************************

"Ahem... AHEM"

"EH whot? Whats that?" Bombur's eyes groggily opened, his stomach was satisfied and his mind was cleared, nothing more refreshing to the body and mind than a good lunch and nap to follow it up with, "Who's that then thats quite en-" Bombur rolled to his right and was met with the head of the troll, he jumped up and grabbed for his axe, the tolls head was cut in half and the Dwarf-the person who awoke Bombur I might add- jumped back and stood in surprise.

Ahem, would you by any chance by Mr. Bombur Trollslayer son of Fili Ironforger? asked the young strapping Dwarf with shiny armor and a glorious axe, I have been sent here under the request of the Human King Daniel the Sixth, you have been requested to honor his presence as soon as you can possibly make it to the castle. I have other matters to attend to, please take this parchment for more information upon the kings request. Thank you Bombur Trollslayer son of Fili Ironforger, may your beard grow forever long!"

And with that the Dwarf turned and was trotting over a nearby hill, by this time Bombur had fully awoken and ripped open the parchment which was handed to him.

"Bah-what-Human? Now what would I want to do with those beardless, boring people!?" he gruffly asked to himself reading over the parchment, "Pah! Regardless or not of if I venture to this castle, I must return home first, I most certainly would not want to go off on an adventure without a sack full of lunches!"

So Bombur grabbed his sack-leaving the halved trolls head, no longer much of a souvenir- and headed off toward his town, pondering over the adventure which had just been proposed.

Fredrick was watching idly as the Oktra arrived in the courtyard, and watched as he was dragged in whilst someone sat on a rock nearby.

He wasn't dressed like the messengers. Who's that? asks a guard that wandered up to the idly staring Fredrick.

"I'd be lying if I said I knew, go and get a couple of guards to pull him in, I don't like the way he looks."

The guard nods before jogging down the hallway. "In the mean time I should go see who that Oktra is...he doesn't seem to be here by choice."

Fredrick pushes himself off the frame and finds the nearest stairs to go down and try to head off the guards pushing him about.

Lucidas snapped out of his thoughful gaze and noticed a group of guards heading toward him, he quickly rose to his feet and yelled "Its about time, you know how easy it was to just walk in here?" as a mischievous grin stretched across his face.

He put up no resistance as the guards took him to a cell, while Fredrick kept eye contact with him as he escorted past.

The slightly rusted cell door scraped shut as Lucidas leaned against the back wall of the cell, he briefly surveyed his surroundings and lazily said "I guess I am not using the door to get out of here, I know cells arent supposed to be inviting but I am sure they arent supposed to give you tetanus either!"

Lucidas took a pair of gloves out of his pocket and placed them on his cells bed roll, "Soon." he thought just as his first bowl of slop was being delivered. The bowl was left on a shelf built into the cell door as the slop began to drool out of a rather sizable crack, the jailer noticed Lucidas hadnt moved toward the food so he shouted "Eat it, you'll get nothing else!". Lucidas gasped and replied "How rude! I wont be recommending any of my friends to stay here, even though your food IS of the highest quality!", he then broke out into laughter which echoed through the silent halls of the castle.

The jailer sighs and murmurs "This one is going to be trouble.".