Been a While

[Calhoun Farstrider]

Elsewhere, while a Half-Orc walks into a bar...

Calhoun leans forward and pulls his heavy, wolf fur cloak tighter around him. The brisk early winter air bites at his face and threatens to give his nose frostbite. In front of him, the ranger has a small fire with a venison loin cooking on a spit. The meat sizzles and fills the area with an arousing aroma. He pulls his knife out of its home on his right hip and prods the meat checking its progress.

The half-elf had found a natural retaining wall formed by a sunken patch of earth and an old hickory tree. The hickory was the the top of the "wall" and its roots formed the wall, holding back the earth.

The ranger leans back against this wall now, he had found a natural "chair" as well, and looks around him. To his right and withing arm-reach, his bow and quiver lean up against one of the many roots making up the wall. In front of him, is a small, neatly created, fire. Around the fire, is a ring of rocks that the ranger had put there to prevent the fire from spreading. In addition to the meat sizzling on the spit, there is a pot of tea boiling at the edge of the fire. And to his left, is a very large male deer laying dead on the ground.

This deer was the one who donated the loin cooking over the fire. That's Calhoun's only problem at the moment. He is trying to figure out how he is going to transport the monster deer to the nearby settlement. It weighs roughly 220 lbs and the half-elf has already gutted it.

That predicament aside, Calhoun is quite proud of the size of his kill. So proud that he had ate it's heart and blood still stains his face. It's been a while since he has killed anything he deems worthy of consuming its essence by eating its heart.

He leans forward again, shaves a piece of meat off the loin, blows on it a bit, and pops it into his mouth. "Holy crap!"

Yeah that is arousing.

[Karter Darven]

The woods. Karter had never liked the woods, nothing to climb and run across really. He could climb a tree quite easily but it was the run/jump to each tree that was difficult. Other smaller branches constantly blocked his way and it wasn't long before Karter had given up and was simply sitting on a large branch of a decent sized tree, legs dangling over the side. He had a fresh apple in his hand; cutting slices of it off with his boot knife and eating them. It was cold, but Karter's attire allowed him to be surprisingly warm; except for his face. He merely applied his mentor's thoughts on the pain from falling through a roof, accept it and let it disappear. On his shoulder perched his campanion, a pseudo-dragon named Erastil. Erastil had followed Karter around ever since Karter found him in a cage, whether by choice or some other circumstance he didn't know, and set him free.

The dragon let out a cry, and gripped Karter's shoulders slightly tighter. Karter frowned at him.


"We really need to work on your table manners, bud. Just cause we're in the woods doesn't mean we can be civilized." Karter said as he reached into his pocket and pull out a tiny chunk of meat, feeding it to the dragon. Erastil was more than capable of communicating with Karter via his mind, but the dragon was hungry and annoyed.

Karter looked down at his stomach when it growled. He'd been eating the apple for a while but apparently his body craved actual food. He was about to hop down from his perch when a breeze brought a smell to his nose. It smelled something like cooking meat, it made his mouth salivate none-the-less. He took a few big sniffs trying to get a sense of where the smell was coming from. He had a basic idea so his next step was too investigate. He motioned with his head in the direction of the smell and Erastil flew forward.

Now Karter was no woodsman, so sneaking through the brush wasn't his forte, he was however pretty light on his feet. In Karter's experience, the lighter you moved the less chance you had of falling through the roof. He moved through the woods as carefully as he could, making far less noise than he'd thought he would. Eventually he could make out a fire, an possibly an large tree, other than that was for the most part covered. Karter made his way towards the fire, moving at an angle and slowly. He eventually could make out a figure by the fire, the smell of cooking meat was now strong.

Suddenly there was a loud snapping noise. Karter froze and looked down to see a broken branch under his boot. He swore under his breath a few times, and remained still waiting to see if there was any reaction.

[Calhoun Farstrider]

Calhoun's ears prick up at the sound of a twig snapping very close by. He had been about to toss another slice of meat into his mouth when the abrupt sound rang out over the sound of the crackling fire and the sizzling meat. He could tell the sound had come from above him. Without moving his head he about the area with his eyes.

Not knowing whether he was dealing with something hostile or not, Calhoun popped the slice of meat into his mouth and dropped his right hand onto the pommel oh his short, leaf-bladed sword which was on his left hip. Considering it was all silent until a twig snapped and then it was quiet again, the Half-Elf could only assume he was dealing with a Humaniod. An animal would have continued to make noise as if it were the only living thing around.

Assuming it was a Humanoid nearby he called out, trying to sound as welcoming as possible. "There's no need to sneak up on me. I'm harmless, I swear."

[chaiguy]

Orboros pulled his the boar skin cloak hood to shield his face from the sudden blast of frigid air. Despite the harsh conditions he knew he had to remain vigilant, bandits had invaded the Echo Woods. His tribe had fled from a large group of them several days ago.

By most reckoning he had lived in the Echo Woods for a long time, but not by elven standards. To his tribe the building of the road, the establishment of the short lived ones settlements and the arrival of the bandits where recent developments. Things where changing now, and not for the better. Something had to be done. Some wanted to violently oust the intruders. Orboros knew it was an impossible goal, the elven tribes where not powerful enough to do so. Their priority should be to convince the outsiders to abandon their nearsighted ways, and live as one with the natural cycle.

The direction of the wind changed, bringing the smell of burning wood and cooking meat.

Fenrir’s ears pricked and he faced in the direction of the scent. This was something that needed to be investigated, without knowing the distance to the fire it was impossible to determine if it was a fire for an individual or a camp. He signaled Fenrir to follow the scent to its source.

Orboros was not a scout, he was not practiced in the art and the thick boar hides he wore made it even more difficult. Fenrir on the other hand moved a quietly as a shadow, his nose leading him unerringly to a natural retaining wall formed by a sunken patch of earth and an old hickory tree. A very large deer was lying nearby, it had obviously been gutted. Usually the deer would be hanging; perhaps this was a lone hunter, unable to lift such a large animal unassisted.

A faint sound of a branch snapping was heard from above.
A male voice proclaimed that he was harmless. Things were about to get complicated. Orboros would most certainly be noticed by the speaker, and likely by the other, but pressing on would be the only way to determine what was going on.

[Karter Darven]

(OOC: changed Karter's compainion. Also, Chai, I couldn't tell where your char was coming from and if he was visible or not from where he was. If so, lemme know and i'll edit)

"There's no need to sneak up on me. I'm harmless, I swear."

Karter dropped low to the ground in a crouch, thinking quickly. The voice sounded truthful enough but Karter knew, much from his own experiences, any lie can be made truth. His first thought was maybe draw a blade, show that he wasn't able to defend himself. No, then whoever the voice belonged too was friendly and decided not to be so friendly anymore.

The more Karter thought about it the more he realized he needed to just show himself. He stepped out of the brush, with his hands raised, showing he held no weapon in his palm. His right hand was, however, ready to grab the handle of his kukri on his shoulder at a moments notice.

"I'm not looking for trouble, smelt your fire and dinner. Figured it was worth checking out." He said with a slight smile, trying to look friendly. Suddenly Erastil landed on one of the roots, close to the man, and made some noise. His eyes were on the man's meal, and the little dragon opened and closed it's mouth.

"Really?" Karter said looking at the dragon.

"Hush, he as better food than you."The little dragon said.

"I apologize for her, she's not much one for manners or being on her best behavior it seems." Karter said to the man, putting emphasis on the dragon. "Care for some company friend? They call me Karter." Karter said as he sat down on a log close by. There was noise of something, or someone, moving through the brush. Karter readied himself for an attack. "Though I believe we may have more soon."

[chaiguy]

(OOC: I added a spear my character’s equipment list to better match the avatar. I’m guessing that he’s coming from the NE. He was coming from the woods to the camping site if that is more in line with your question. From how I imagined things he was in a position where he couldn’t see either character, so even though he’s not hiding the vegetation probably concealed him. I’m sure as soon as he enters either characters line of sight they’ll see him. His wolf companion is being stealthy on its approach to the campsite though. )

Orboros approached the old hickory tree; he did not bother with subtlety he knew hiding would be futile with such observant people. Fenrir moved as silently as a leaf on the wind.
He could differentiate 3 distinct voices. Two seemed to be adult males, the other perhaps a child. It seemed from the conversation that the adults did not know each other.

He wanted to avoid violence if possible. To help seem less threatening he put his spear away (OOC I’m not a medieval weapon expert. I imagine there’s some way of doing this, but I’m not sure). He still wasn’t unarmed after all, and besides it was the strength of nature that was his protection, not weapons.

Continuing forward he saw two figures, a human and a half-human. In addition he saw a strange small winged reptilian creature. He had never seen such a creature in the Echo Woods; perhaps one or both of these men were from distant lands. (OOC: this of course doesn’t mean that either must be from somewhere else. Oboros certainly doesn’t know every secret of the forest after all).

“There is no need for alarm, for I mean you no harm.” Oboros spoke as soon as he saw the men, although his words held no warmth. It was strange to speak in the Common tongue; he wasn’t especially fond of it.

(OOC: has Calhoun cleaned the blood from his face after eating the dear’s heart? Oboros may be able to make a connection to the ritualistic eating of the deer’s heart if he hadn’t.)

Fenrir had approach close enough, probably within 40 feet, it would be inconsiderate and perhaps viewed as hostile if he was allowed to come any closer to them unnoticed. Oboros whistled sharply and motioned with one hand. Fenrir emerged from the shadows, placing himself 10 feet ahead and between Oboros and the others.

“Such a spirited little creature, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one of your kind in these woods. Have you traveled far to come here?” Oboros asked.

[Calhoun Farstrider]

(OOC: I don't believe that there is really a way to sheath a spear but leave it. I think its hilarious/awesome lmao. You're just defying gravity with your body magnets. Yes Calhoun still has blood on his face. And since you two have seemed to make it a trend lol, I too added to Calhoun's Physical description and changed his sword to a tomahawk. It seemed more appropriate for an outdoorsman to have an ax for firewood that also doubled as a lethal weapon.)

Calhoun chuckled softly as the little dragon landed next to him and the man apologized. The ranger filleted another piece of meat off the spit and held it out to the little winged creature. "I don't mind. There's plenty here."

He motioned at the deer over on the ground. "If I have cut more into him though to feed you... I may start charging."

Calhoun also snapped his head towards the direction of the rustling in the bushes. "As for the company? It depends on your definition of 'company'."

A second man emerged into Calhoun's temporary resting place. As the second newcomer spoke, the Half-Elf noticed him making an uncomfortable face. If Calhoun didn't know any better he'd guess that the Elf (Calhoun had noticed his pointed ears.) was uncomfortable speaking common. With a whistle, the elf summoned a wolf to his side.

Calhoun busted out laughing at this. "Well! This has certainly turned into quite the gathering. Five strangers being brought together by my cooking. There's no need to stand on ceremony, I see five hungry stomachs. Please sit! My names Calhoun but please call me Cal. It'll save you breath."

[Karter Darven]

(OOC: If you'd like an example of how Erastil's voice sounds, yes Erastil is a she, just look up any video of Kate Beckinsale speaking in her natural voice)

"I don't mind. There's plenty here." The man said, holding out a piece of meat for Erastil.

The little dragon snatched the meat out of the mans hands, tossed it slighly into the air and bathed it in a sapphire blue flame; before catching it in her mouth and swallowing it. Karter looked at her, raising on eyebrow.

"What, I like my dinner a little more well done. You know this." Karter heard Erastil's voice in his head. She looked back at the man, then flew to Karter's shoulder and resumed her normal perch. "Tell him thank you for me." she added.

"She say's thank you. But I wouldn't make a habit of giving her treats, she will take advantage of you." Karter said with a slight smile. The little dragon made a noise resembling a scoff and a thin wisp of smoke rose from her nostrils.

The man motioned towards the deer and said "If I have cut more into him though to feed you... I may start charging."

"I'll gladly pay, friend." Karter said, still slightly tense. He relaxed when the source of the noise in the brush revealed himself. An elf emerged from the forest saying,

"There is no need for alarm, for I mean you no harm."

He had a look of uncomfort on his face as he spoke, as if speaking in Common was a task for him. Maybe it was, elves Karter met in the cities had told him how speaking in Common wasn't always the easiest thing for Elves living outside of cities.

"Such a spirited little creature, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one of your kind in these woods. Have you traveled far to come here?" The elf added, speaking of Erastil, and Karter chuckled a bit.

"Don't compliment her too much, it'll go too her head. But no, she's not from here. I freed her from a traveling merchant I met a few months ago. I guess she decided that I was interesting enough to follow and well, here we are." Karter said, speaking for Erastil. The little dragon had lowered her body, baring her teeth, smoke rising from between them. Erastil never like strangers, especially ones so interested in her, Karter just hoped she behaved. Kater noticed the man whistle and a wolf appeared, a majestic beast it was.

Calhoun busted out laughing, "Well! This has certainly turned into quite the gathering. Five strangers being brought together by my cooking. There's no need to stand on ceremony, I see five hungry stomachs. Please sit! My names Calhoun but please call me Cal. It'll save you breath."

"Thank you, Cal. As I said before, I am Karter, and this is my friend Erastil."

Suddenly Karter noticed something. Cal had some similar features as the elf. Karter felt slightly silly not noticing the half-elf features right away, he needed to work on his perception of things it seemed.

"So friends, what are the chances of all of us being so close at the same time. Are either of you out here for a purpose? Seeking hidden treasures, looking for an adventure and to grab your names worth of glory?" Karter's age was beginning to show as he settled onto the log he had decided to sit on, he'd always been fond of a good story or two.

[Hroderich Gottfrei]

OOC: Sheathing a spear can be done by removing the spear head. =]

[chaiguy]

Orboros noted the blood smears on Cal’s face; surely this hunter had consumed the essence of the magnificent stag. Something Orboros would have also done, had he slain such a creature. Clearly Cal had an understanding of the Old Ways.

“I am oboros, my hunting companion is Fenrir. It would seem to me that you have consumed the essence of the stag Cal, well done for such is the way of a true hunter.” Oboros said.

“Concerning my presence here Karter, it is good that I have met you, for this forest is no longer a safe place to travel. Not that I doubt you or Cal’s combat skills of course.” Oboros said in an ominous tone. “Bandits have invaded these lands and driven me and my tribe from our ancestral hunting grounds.”

Karter’s companion seemed agitated, which was quite a change in disposition. Some of the things Karter said about or for this animal seemed to imply it had an understanding of speech, hmmm. In the creature’s tense state, it seems best not to inquire for more information about it.

Oboros had spent the morning scouring the woods for threats to his tribe; he definitely felt a pang of hunger which the scent of the venison enhanced. Cal spoke of payment for meat; which was understandable of course, he had killed the deer through cunning and skill and he should not be expected to give it away. On the other hand Oboros hoped Cal would accept payment in form of barter since Oboros tried to avoid the trade of items for money.

Orboros pulled three leather bags from his backpack. “Cal, in exchange for a portion of meat for my hunting companion Fenrir and myself I am willing to give you this bag of Portobello mushrooms, this bag of dried blueberries and a bag of tobacco.” He hoped to err slightly on the side of generosity.

[Calhoun Farstrider]

Calhoun smiled with pride as his 'half-brother' elf commented on his kill. "I appreciate the praise but I'm just like the dragon," he pointed at Erastil, "All that praise goes straight to my pride."

Orboros then switched gears a few times. First, he told of invading bandits and frowned. The ranger knew all to well of greed and the concept of laying claim to another's land or life. The idea was absurd. Secondly, the elf offered payment for the meat in the form of mushrooms, blueberries, and tobacco. Calhoun reached for his own pack and poked around for a bit until he found his own poke of tobacco. It was nearly full, he had refilled before he left on his hunt and hadn't exactly smoked much. Tongue hanging slightly out of his mouth, he pondered adequate payment.

"Tell you what. Since I'm in such a ripe mood and since this is a special occasion I feel... I'll take just a hand full of those blueberries. I love them so and really, seeing them right now, I'm just wanting a hand full to eat. Mushrooms, I've never really been fond of eating fungus. And I seem to be quite square on tobacco so that I won't be needing either. SO! Just the hand full of blueberries that should be fine and you and your wolf can eat your fill. As for you..." The ranger now turned towards Karter. "You and your small friend also can eat your fill and I'll just accept donations in any form. Are we agreed?"

He held out his right hand for Karter to shake first. He'd shake Orboros' next. It wasn't a matter of which he liked more. It was just how he did it.

[chaiguy]

Cal seems to be a rather generous lad, Orboros thought. "I will accept your proposal Cal." With that they shook hands and the meal began.

[Karter Darven]

"This forest is no longer a safe place to travel. Not that I doubt you or Cal’s combat skills of course. Bandits have invaded these lands and driven me and my tribe from our ancestral hunting grounds.” ” Oboros said in a rather ominous tone.

Karter frowned slightly, reaching up with one hand to stroke Erastil's chin to try and ease her agitation. Bandit's were never a good thing, especially in the woods. Karter had dealt with bandits before himself, usually it was after snatching up some gold or trinket the left within his reach. Karter wasn't a professional thief though, meaning he didn't focus on it, but his mentor had drilled into his mind to practice a bit of everything; ranging from picking a lock to making poison to fighting.

"Bandits? That's never a good sign. Forgive me, I'm not familiar with elvish ways, but surely your people have a few warriors that could get rid of these bandits." Karter said to Oboros. He then turned his attention to Cal and said,

"Of course, I'm not going to allow you to feed myself and Erastil for free." Karter shook Cal's extended hand before adding, "Did you happen to see any sign of these bandit's on your hunt Cal?"

[chaiguy]

Karter’s words stung Orboros’s pride. He thinks elves are weak, asking if we have warriors! Orboros furrowed his brows and his jaws clenched, try to remain calm making allies was for the best both for his tribe and in general. “Yes, we have warriors! Maybe I wasn’t clear enough, I said DRIVEN from our hunting grounds, we fought them. We didn’t just say, ‘Here bandits we really don’t feel like being here anymore so we’ll be leaving. Oh and by the way why don’t you chop all the trees down for a fort and do some slash and burn faming while you’re at it too.’”

[Nymerias]

As the savory scent of roasted venison wafted through the air Baern couldn't help but let out a slight whimper. It had been some time since Taela had helped him take down such prey as she refused to kill what the two of them couldn't finish themselves. Not realizing what she was doing she kept walking ever closer to the scent. Once she realized what she was doing she had half a mind to swiftly turn around, but then she heard voices. Holding her strung bow tightly she strode closer to try and get a better idea of who was out there. She had heard of bandits in the area and had no intention of getting Baern and herself captured. She didn't let herself her close enough to hear words, but the voices sounded friendly and calm enough and Baern's ears where perked and tail wagging. She usually could trust Baern to warn her if something was dangerous or not, and the fire for roasting would be warm, and perhaps she could barter for some meat for Baern. "Oh alright Baern, we can check it out..." She strode forward at a steady pace, not too slow to be considered sneaking nor too fast to be thought hostile, and called out from a good distance away when she saw figures by a fire.

"Hail there travelers, might there be another spot at your fire for a druid and her companion?" She still held her bow tightly as she continued to walk forward waiting for a reply. She certainly hoped Baern was right this time.