private The Fall of Andalasia ~Book 1~

[Sekel 692]

@

"Okay." Helena said with conviction as she saw him leave. She ticked off what he said in her mind as she did the actions. 'Make them move away from here. Trust Arianna if we ever see her. Give shortsword to Tulla. Pierce myself if I think we're being tracked by any Witch Hunters. Right.' Helena thought to herself.

@@Flying Ace, @@Sanctified Absence, @@Alex Kennedy, @@Shadow Dancer, @@Torrent505, @@RunsWithSquirlz

Helena took a deep breath and talked to all the members at once. "Adrass appears to have disappeared and told me a few things. One of them was that we have to move away from here. Now. I'm not sure why but it's most likely because we're being followed by another Witch Hunter. Here" Helena drew the shortsword and gave it to Tulla. "He told me to give this to you. Adrass said that he trusts you with it and that if he gave it to Whisp, she'd throw a temper tantrum. My words, not his." Helena said, giving Whisp a small smile to show she didn't mean any offense. 

Edited August 23, 2014 by Dji

[Torrent505 370]

Clarke just rolled his eyes, "I can't say I'm surprised that the hunter is the first to abandon the group, I had hoped he would stay with us longer than this though." On his cart he started rearranging materials, he'd skip that project then and work on another, he wasn't too picky and perhaps it was better not to build something for the hunter who in his mind had always been destined to abandon them.

 

He started his cart chugging down the path toward Ashcreek Forest, they wouldn't make it there today but if their travel was uninterrupted and they made good time then they would at least reach an inn for the night. He tried to keep his cart to even terrain, this work was much more delicate than the other project.

[Shadow Dancer 111]

"He'll be back I don't rightly know when or how, but the Hunter, dose not seem the one to abandon a mission without good reason." I replied a bit suprised that someone would doubt a Hunter that has tollerared and fought along side us so far. But I then remembered the tinkerer was not in the party for long.

[RunsWithSquirlz 274]

Tulla took the sword gladly from Helena, testing it out by giving a few short swings in the air. It would take some getting used to and she would need training but she liked it. Whisper just grumbled something underneath her breath about a stinky hunter.

 

Ashcreek forest was just a thing gray line in the distance at this point. Within a few days, which felt like a week to our travelers, Ashcreek began to stretch above the skyline. In front of the forest, only a fields length away, was a large rather accomadating Inn.

 

"Hearts Desire Inn"

 

The windows were covered by thick velvet curtains amd the sills were bursting with flowers. A heady, sweet aromatic scent drifted out from a crack in the window. Tulla kneed Tugg to stop in the road, looking at the Inn strangely. Whisper had been traveling on horse with Finn in her lap most of the time, and she had changed positions amongst the party several times to chat with different people. Even daring to disturb Indicus from his quiet mood.

 

The princess stopped as Tulla did, coming to a halt besides the tinkerers cart. She looked at the Inn but all she could think of was the wonderful food they must have, her stomach growling in agreement.

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

@@RunsWithSquirlz,

 

Robert had to admit he was pleased to see such a fine inn out here. This was the kind of place where he was at his best, playing for patrons, wooing barmaids, and drinking the night away. Such happy memories. He approached the princess. "Might I suggest that we spend the night here? It would do us good to have some of the comforts of civilization again for a night before we head into the woods." 

[Sekel 692]

Helena felt relieved to see some civillisation out here. After reading the sign, it seemed familiar, somehow. She's never seen it before so why is it damiliar. That's a puzzle to work out for later. Helena, who was a bit behind the Princess, saw Robert go up to her and she heard what he said.

@@Alex Kennedy

"If we do spend the night here, then at least we'll be able to make good time tomorrow through the Forest." Helena said to Robert, not daring to say Ashcreek because of the many stories she's heard and, to be honest, They scared her immensely.

Edited August 23, 2014 by Dji

[Torrent505 370]

Clarke chimed in from atop his cart, "I agree with Robert and Helena, one last evening and night of civilization will do our minds well before we trek through the forest. As a bonus we can get up at the crack of dawn and waste no daylight outside the woods, one thing my associates who have traveled the woods all agree on is we must not travel at night."

[Flying Ace 142]

@@RunsWithSquirlz, @@Alex Kennedy, @@Torrent505,

"I agree with Robert, a bed would really do well for use." Dresden said standing on next to Robert, "so, what else is known about this forest? Beside the fact that no one dares enter this forest at night." Dresden asked crossing his arms, "because so far this forest is sounding like a perfect vacation."

[Shadow Dancer 111]

During the trip before finding this inn, it seemed Whispers inquisitions about my past were not finished, but each time I would be vague in my answers. Thankfully her training with a dagger went well as expected over the days, she at least now could make sure she did not kill herself with one, and could survive some what in a short scuffle.

[RunsWithSquirlz 274]

Whisper nodded over to Tulla who slid off of Tugg and trudged to the door. She gave it a hard rap and stood back, waiting for an answer.

 

A buxom, beautiful woman opened the door, clad in a rose colored robe and thick brown hair falling down her back in curls. She gave Tulla a small smile and it broadened when she saw the others close by.

 

"Oh, helllloooooo. My, my, what a time of night to be here! You beautiful people must come in! Please, leave your animals in the stables!" She grabbed Tulla by the arm and yanked her in, leaving the door open for them to follow.

[Torrent505 370]

Clarke answered Dresden, "It's an amazing vacation spot lad, so good people never leave it. As for what's actually in there it's all just superstition and speculation. You want my best guess? Lycanthropes. Nobody wants to travel at night in the woods and bands of them are know to occasionally terrorize Illia. Legend says Ashcreek had a 'monster born' in it, that was the disease spreading throughout the town and the monsters have used it as a base ever since." He dusted off his gloved hands as if the case was closed and looked at the Bard, "What do you think Robert, would some werewolves spice up that song you're writing?"

 

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

 

Clarke looked after the woman, "Guess I'll store my cart in the stables as well. You all go ahead, I'll take the horses over." He put a much steadier hand on the chimera, "Come along with me Tugg, you can spend the night with my cart. That will at least keep it safe."

 

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

 

Serafinno not considering himself animal tried to stay close to Whisper.

Edited August 23, 2014 by Torrent505

[Shadow Dancer 111]

I carefully walked in the woman's demeanor a bit too friendly and welcoming driving me to bring out my collapsed blade and ready myself to use it, instincts screaming at me. I ignored them for now but did not dismiss them, instinct or not I needed to keep the princess alive.

[Sekel 692]

Helena raised an eyebrow at the woman's enthusiasm and did as she asked. After having done so, she looked behind her at the others and shrugged, following Tulla inside. What she saw in there amazed her. It looked stunning, considering they were on the edge of a haunted forest and all. Realising she was in the middle of the doorway, she stepped to the side and tried to locate Tulla just by looking through the crowd.

Edited August 23, 2014 by Dji

[RunsWithSquirlz 274]

The scents, of Hearts Desire were alluring. The incense relaxed them, made them thirsty, made them hungry and made them a bit tipsy with happiness.

 

Tapestries, rugs and couches decorated the main room. It was filled with a group of guests and every single maid in the place was a sight to look at. The hostess stopped Helena and grabbed her gently by the shoulders getting a good look at her face "What precious beauty! You may call me Madame, what is your name, doll?"

 

Tugg grunted and followed Clarke, sniffing the air as he did so. There was a smell he couldn't place. Whisper looked down at Finn, he was so big, how could she sneak him in?

 

A couple of girls were fawning over Tulla, commenting on her outfit and weapons. How dirty she was for such a pretty girl!

[Sekel 692]

@@RunsWithSquirlz

Helena was taken aback by the sudden appearance of the woman from before, insisting she be called Madame. "Hi, Madame. Uuuh ... my name is Helena." Helena introduced herself, blushing slightly at the compliment. She was never called beautiful before, especially by another girl so this is a first for Helena. "This is a ... lovely inn you have here." Helena said, trying to make some conversation.

[RunsWithSquirlz 274]

"Helena, the name of regality! The Inn is a tribute to my former home and as such, women always stay free" Madame led her to Tulla and the girls.

 

"Ladies, this is Helena, lets see these gorgeous beauties get the deluxe treatment!" She smiled.

 

The girls giggled happily "Come with us! Your men will be just fine!"

Edited August 23, 2014 by RunsWithSquirlz

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

Of this, Robert approved. Everything in here was just how he liked it. If only he could stay here for more than just a night. Still, best to make use of what time he had rather than weep over not having more of it. He headed over to the bar and ordered a pint of ale. If the drink here was good, this place would be completely perfect.

[Sekel 692]

@@RunsWithSquirlz'Former home' Helena mouthed and walked with Madame to Tulla and some other girls. She felt relief when she saw Tulla and wondered what the deluxe treatment. "Deluxe treatment?" Helena echoed and stood beside Tulla awkward;y, wondering just what this deluxe treatment was.

[Flying Ace 142]

@@RunsWithSquirlz, @@Alex Kennedy,

"Robert hit me over the head I need to make sure this isn't a dream." Dresden said putting a hand on Robert to stop him self from falling over at what he saw; it was nicer, cleaner, and he felt extreme happiness. Even this 'Madam' was probably the nicest person he'd ever met.

[Shadow Dancer 111]

I felt some what relaxed, still in a ready position to follow my instinct. but my instinct to get out of here and kill everyone in the area not in our party out of percaution was present. I decided to settle on just getting out if things go wrong. I sat down and just looked around. Something struck me wrong here.

 

(Edited he is not fully relaxed due training but is still much more relaxed then normal)

Edited August 24, 2014 by Shadow Dancer

[Sanctified Absence 126]

Zaddion was the last to enter the place, his serious and a little blank expression hiding the fact that Indicus wasn't the only one suspicious about the whole situation. He had never trusted others that hadn't proved themselves before and wasn't very fond of attention he didn't need. Still, there was something... Soothing about the place. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but he felt a little happier here than in most occupied places he'd been, this didn't put his suspicions to rest completely however, he was far more relaxed that he normally would've been.

Edited August 24, 2014 by Sanctified Absence

[Torrent505 370]

Serafinno having seen Helena getting fawned over and loved wanted some attention too. This place smelled really good and made him feel good too, he had no intention of hiding and no idea why he should. The smell was super sweet and lovely, like Whisper before a royal festival when all the other humans sprayed the flower water on her. It overwhelmed him but in a good way. He strutted about with his neck high and rubbing his head against people affectionately at random. When he got to Madam he practically rubbed his whole body against her like a cat, he really like this woman.

 

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

 

Clarke put Tugg and the horses in the stable. He sat at his cart for a little bit putting some final touches on what had to be one of his finest works, he hoped Miss Whisp would like it.

[RunsWithSquirlz 274]

The barmaid promptly set down a cup and began to pour his ale, looking up at him while she did so.

 

"Well.." she purred "How long will you be staying? Hopefully...long enough?" She gave Dresden a small wink.

 

Whisper looked around, she felt at home at once. The madame shot up her hands in surprise and then scooped Finn up into the air "What a handsome baby!" She showered him with kisses, leaving red marks behind. She almost gasped when she saw Whisper in the crowd and turned to a maid. After some hushed conversation, the girl went over to the princess and joined her with Tulla and Helena.

 

Whisper stared wide-eyed at everyone, wondering what was happening. " The deluxe treatment is perfumed rose-water baths for the body, oils and creams for the skin, and mixtures for your hair. What a women deserves. You'll all feel amazing and sexy afterwards!" The girls promised as they led them upstairs.

[Shadow Dancer 111]

I looked at Zaddion to see he was relaxed more then usual but still held suspition about the place, I walked over to him, "Seems that I'm not the only one not exactly trusting what goes on here." To be honest I was a little relived that it was not just me with suspicion.

[Sanctified Absence 126]

"I've already gone over the possibilities, nothing sinister or unnatural comes to mind..." Zaddion was slowly losing his caution to relaxation, with only a sliver of suspicion in his head, one that was weak but refused to leave. "They're probably just good at what they do, I doubt you or I know a lot about what a person's charm is capable of," of course the tiny suspicion in his head was still there, people could use their charm as a device for control after all, but why would these people do such a thing?

Edited August 24, 2014 by Sanctified Absence