Meteor Mayhem

[Mekel]

Mekel was disoriented from the sentinel's rudeness that he stormed off into the distance to let off some steam. He walked and walked and walked until he couldn't walk any more. He halted his hike next to a couple of small stones, about half the size of his fists. In a rage, he picked up the stones and started shoving them into his mouth. He attempted to chew through the rocks, but to no avail, and he swallowed them whole. He picked up more rocks and swallowed them too. There was something oddly satisfying to the devouring of these rocks, but his stomach soon began to churn. His stomach was now the one in a rage, and it greatly disliked Mekel for forcing this treatment upon it. The stomach wobbled a bit. Then it contracted sharply and then expanded greatly. The stomach exploded and Mekel died.

[Miroslaw]

(Alright... one down... a few more to go MWAHA!

The woman responded to Alexander, "Yes, I suppose that is an option." as soon as she finished talking, the Ork stomped off. "Was it something I said?" She did not give it another thought, sending the horse off. The dwarf then ran off yelling something about forgetting something important that could lead to the burning down of his house. The party was quickly shrinking. "And then there were six... If you guys are still up for it, let us be on our way before anyone else flees!" Following the words, she set her horse forward and out the gates. The wagon followed close behind.

[Deerfield]

Deerfield was on his best behavior. In no way did he want to flirt or seduce. There would be a time for that. For now, he wanted to get the group out of the city and on its way. He wanted to see Synthia in action, and await his chance to impress. He wondered if it was beneficial to winning her over if the group lost all other members, but he never thought of actively getting rid of them, at least not seriously.

He stood upright and paid obedient attention as soon as the beautiful woman entered the scene. He patiently watched the circumstances unfold. The orc and the dwarf weren't going to play any further role in this piece. He wanted to find out how the rest of this story would go, and wanted to be part of it, even if he really didn't know the background or the goal.

He looked into her eyes and mounted the horse given to him without any words. There was enough going on. However, answering her suggestion, he brought his horse closer to her's and said with a smile,
"Gorgeous ladies such as yourself tend to draw out the true man out of everyone. We will protect you with our lives and devote ourselves to your mission. Indeed, let us leave Wistvale, for every journey begins with a first step."

He motioned as if he was a captain setting out to sea, and rode ahead towards the gate and through it, as if he knew which direction to take.

[Goose]

Goose had no issue with the horse, he'd learned to ride more than likely when the rest of these saps were drinking from the teet.

"Come here darlin'," he said to his horse before he hauled his bellied self up on the poor animal who buckled a bit as the old man hopped on.

"Betty can't bother getting her ass sore, eh?" the old man said to Alexander as the mage rode off in the wagon. Goose kicked his own horse and followed after the lady with his bow in tow.

Truth be told it had been a while since he shot anything from horseback, but the old ranger was looking forward to the opportunity it if came down to it.

[Alexander]

::Alexander paid no mind to the Ork and the Dwarf as they ran off. It made no difference to him other than possibly a bit more piece along the journey and reduced 'cannon fodder' should things go poorly.

The first was a blessing, the latter could be dealt with when and if the time came.

So he spurred his mount to follow the rest of the party. His head covered by his hood, he made no efforts at conversation unless directly addressed, preferring the company of his own thoughts to those around him.::

((He mounted a horse, Goose. The comment about riding in the wagon was for others.))

[Deerfield]

When they passed through the gates, instead of trying to get close to Synthia, he started talking to the two new aquaintances; particularly the closet of a human that was supposed to be female.

Deerfield eyed the monstrous woman, impressed with her harnish. "Sorry there, was just having a laugh, right? But I suppose there was no fooling you anyway. My name is Alex, Deerfield. Everybody just calls me Deerfield."

He wanted to get them talking. He was a sociable person and there was no real thought behind it, even though he wouldn't mind the woman taking off her helmet. It was too early for him to throw himself into a serious conversation with the beautiful Synthia. Goose was just an old geezard, and Ravenhurst was ... Ravenhurst.

He would talk with the two about whatever, he had no trouble talking their ears off. The weather, the fascinating landscape. etc.

However, he would be in for a very intense surprise if they told him what had actually happened in the sky two nights before.

[Miroslaw]

The small man chuckled at Deerfield. “I dont know, you had us going. Originally, we saw the Dwarf. Synthia mentioned a Dwarf. After your display, We thought we had the wrong Dwarf. No matter though, we understand.” Truth be told, it was difficult to understand unless they had known Deerfield's personality. The hulking woman seemed much less entertained by Deerfield's conversation. She merely stared at him from under her helmet, not saying a word.

The small man continued, “My name is Porter Nimfeld. People mostly call me Little Jack.” The giant began to remove her helm, revealing a fairly average looking giant. She had long brown hair that traveled down into her armor and a fairly average looking face sporting brown eyes and a big, but fitting, nose. She placed the helmet in her lap and said “And I am Krisora Rindon. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Her words lacked a sense of sincerity. They would continue to converse with Deerfield in this manner for as long as he kept it going. Synthia also joined in the chat and seemed to know the Little Jack and Krisora before this expedition.

Finally, after quite a bit of traveling and conversation, the topic came to the job they are currently on. The talked as if Deerfield knew what was going on, but eventually found out he did not and broke it to him. The little man, “What?! You are telling me you didn’t even know about the meteors falling from the sky? What were you doing to miss such an event?” The woman in her blunt way said, “You are either an idiot or an extremely heavy sleeper...”

By this point they had been traveling north for quite some time on a fairly open road. Dusk was quickly coming and it would be many more days before they could more clearly see the mountains they were traveling to. Synthia called it before the sun completely sunk into the horizon, “Time to make camp, boys!” She rode over to a nearby tree and tethered her horse up. She proclaimed her ignorance with a question, “Anyone know how to camp?”

[Alexander]

::Alexander kept to himself the entire journey, and once the party stopped for camp this did not change.

He noted the girl's comment as further sign of her inexperience, but made no comment about it as he tethered and tended to his horse before finding a suitably flat spot on the edge of camp and began to work a spell.

The air itself felt charged with the energy he was using to bend and twist the local plantlife to fit his needs...::

((Casting:


Level 4 CANTRIPS

- Shelter -
Effect: The mage bends his surroundings and provides ample shelter for hismself and his party.
Range: The caster.
AOE: 6 foor radiius.
Cast Time: 1 whole round.
Power: Will work only in a natural environment with ample vegetation. Creates one primitive hut to keep out weather. Lasts 8 hours.))

[Miroslaw]

Porter jumped off the wagon stating, "I know a bit. Lets see what we can do here." He began rummaging through the cart. Krisora unlatched the Oxen to tether them up with the horses. Synthia walked over to Porter to assist him in gathering from the supplies in the cart.

While they were doing their things, Alexander used his fancy magic. The vegetation in the area moved and bent in blurs of motion. After only a few moments, Alexander was standing in a primitive, but suitable shelter. The trees around Alexander moved and intertwined to create a cone-like shape. The rest of the vegetation latched to the base created by the trees to form a buffer to the elements.

Synthia called out, "Ah, Mister Alexander, that is a splendid spell! Saves everyone a lot of trouble!" She clearly assumed it to be a party shelter, as it was large enough for everyone. Porter jumped on board stating, "Guess all we need now is a fire to cook up some grub, huh? Easy enough." He grabbed a small box from the wagon before heading to the newly opened area in front of the shelter Alexander had created.

[Deerfield]

They say that what bothers you most about other peoples' actions is often something you tend to do yourself. Deerfield had not a care in the world when he found out that some sort of rocks had fallen from the sky. Instead he interpreted it his way, remembering the night as he wanted, liking his version much more. The gods had obviously sent him a signal that they were impressed with his skill with the other sex; and with this signal they had brought him together with another fine woman to practice and sharpen his talents.

It wouldn't take long for a goddess - pff, maybe even a god - to come to him, begging him to show her something none of the strongest peers could even imagine. Yes, indeed that seemed a very realistic prediction to him at the time. Synthia was probably Tria herself in disguise, observing him, expecting much. It is safe to say that the man's imagination got out of control easily.

Deerfield tried to maintain eye contact with Synthia whenever possible. With so many others around, he didn't want to start flirting openly just yet. He knew how quickly the whole situation could turn uncomfortable. Unfortunately, he could impress nobody with his camping skills. He had no clue to survive in the wild beyond a couple days - catching a cold in the progress.

But he did know how to cook, although the supplies they carried with them were probably nothing fancy. He would be able to make it taste as good as it gets so far out of town. He eyed Ravenhurst with some jealousy, but did his best to prevent eye contact. The last thing he wanted was for the mage to haunt his dreams and push sweet Synthia out of them.
"Please, leave the cooking to me. I'll make you all moan in delight." Now staring into Synthia's direction again, saying the last part a bit slower, with more passion than the normal talk concerning organisation.

He started to like Porter, and wanted to know more about his connection to Krisora and of course the gorgeous woman whose goal they were all helping her aim for. Around dinner, before or after, Deerfield would seek a talk with the small man, and interrogate him on these matters. Any background would seem an interesting story to him. He doubted he would get as much information from Krisora, and he wanted to know more before seriously talking to Synthia.

[Alexander]

::Alexander was not happy with the thought of sharing his space with anyone and a scowl appeared on his face to reflect this.

The woman seemed to have little to no knowledge of the simple spell he had used, perhaps he could use that to his advantage with a bit of persuasion and self deprication.

Stepping in front of anyone that tries to enter the shelter, he calls out to the girl.::

"I wish that all could join me inside. Sadly, this particular enchantment only allows for the safe entry of the caster and his belongings.

I have no desire to endanger you all with the temptation of easy shelter."

::Turning on his heel, he ducks inside the shelter with his belongings. His hand trails low inside the folds of his cloak as he casts Chaos - Insidious Ward in the entryway, hopefully unnoticed. A precaution, should anyone wish to test his words...::

[Ramir]

(Is there any reason this hasn't moved in almost 3 weeks? Please remedy or discontinue or I'll have to lock it up. Thanks.)

[Miroslaw]

Synthia sported a dumbfounded look after Alexander's quite hasty decline to her self-invitation to his shelter. She giggled after he retreated into his shelter, "What a silly spell! A shelter, spacious enough for everyone, but only for himself!" Her tone was suspicious but not much more.

Porter picks up, "Well, guess I will continue on shelter. Please, Deerfield, you can go ahead and get a fire going for this amazing meal you have planned." There was truly no sense of sarcasm in his tone, or even in the large, genuine smile he gave the leatherworker. He passed the fire-starting box off to Deerfield, before hopping up into the wagon to gather the needed materials for shelter making.

The food Deerfield found in the wagon was quite impressive. There were a lot of dry goods like nuts and jerky. However, he also found a lot of salt cured and smoked meats and fish. Most importantly, he found many expensive spices for seasoning the food. It was a surprising selection considering they were in the process of building shelter in the middle of nowhere. It was quite possible to create a very good meal out of what was available.

As they worked on setting up the camp, the conversation flowed between Deerfield, Synthia, Porter and even Krisora. Deerfield learned that Krisora and Porter are childhood orphans and friends, though not of the same parents. They could barely remember a time without each other. They only came to Wistvale about a year ago, which they were recieved with a very warm welcome from Synthia. With Synthia's influence and recommendation, they soon became, more or less, hired work and friends of Synthia's order. Through the conversation, Krisora seemed to lighten up her stern demeanor and even chuckled at some of the stories that were being told of her and Porter's past.

It was not long before five tents were erected around the impressive fire Deerfield created. A fire is quite simple to make with pitch soaked rags. The smell of whatever Deerfield was making filled the area. It was an impressive and delicious aroma, though the fish took over most of the scent. As they all sat around the fire, basking in their accomplished camp, Krisora interrupted the flowing conversation with talk of the anticipated meal, "How is that food coming along, Mister Deerfield? Surely it will be ready soon?"

[Deerfield]

Deerfield enjoyed himself while preparing the fire and gathering the ingredients for the meal he was cooking. He was no masterchef, but food was one of his favorite things next to women, alcohol and victory. Having spent the second half of his childhood around the harbor he knew exactly how to cook a fish, and he had done it many times before. He thought it would be best to keep it simple and to not try too much for the first meal. He knew first impressions counted much.

He prepared a fish for everybody, and an extra one for anybody who needed more. He had no idea how much Kristora usually consumed. While Deerfield had found her a bit revolting in the beginning, the conversation had caused him to enjoy her company as well. 

They were still close enough to Wistvale to find the small trees the sticks of which the denizens used to impale and grill fish with. Salted fish of any sort was perfect for this procedure. If the sticks' bark and some wood was cut off and the stick sharpened, the tree's etheric oils quelled to the surface and invaded the fishmeat. Together with familiar spices and herbs, it produced the most amazing aroma and taste. 

He was in his zone while preparing and cooking the fish, fully concentrated in the rare delight of working with such good food in the middle of nowhere. He made sure the fish were completely gutted and cleaned and put the utmost care in making it perfect. He almost forgot about his feelings for Synthia and talked with everybody as if they had been friends forever. Perhaps Kristora and Porter had sucked him into their story. Maybe one or the other party member caught him shaking his hips a bit and dancing minimalistically to an imagined tune. It would have been a quite peculiar sight, seeing him in only half of his armor, without any weapon on him, fiddling with the food like a caring housewife, always the bright smile on his face.

When the fish was done and the others started asking about the food, the smell of which was already flooding the camp. He gave warm assurances and fileted the fish for everybody and gave them the meat separated from the fish head and skeleton, still rapped around its stick. He hoped everybody would like it, especially Synthia, whose lips and eyes he constantly scanned for any reaction at all. Maybe something different than her usual smile?

He also had one for Ravenhurst, that grumpy mage. Deerfield wondered if he would come out to grab some food. He had put some efort into it, and well, he was hoping for some appreciation from Alexander as well. Maybe they would get along better in the future. "Pff, not with that weirdo" he laughed to himself.

[Alexander]

::Alexander sits quietly in his shelter doing minor upkeep on his things as he listens to the conversations going on outside. He cares not for any sort of 'bonding time', but simply interested in any bits of information he may find useful for later.

Once the meal is ready and the time of his spell has run its course, he emerges to take his portion of the meal with a nod to the chef and retreats once more to his shelter.

He will continue to listen in on whats being said as he prepares himself mentally for what may be an encounter with his former captors.::