Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Barrock was quite astonished. He expected to have to swim upstream against the inquisitive, but this elf not only was fixing things up for the orc, he made the point as clear as possible with the jovial manner. Although there were information that Barrock found a bit cryptic, so far the first impression was a positive one.

Barrock maintained his unflinching glare at Timothy throughout the whole session, ready to retaliate if he was going to test his kindness, but it seemed more than apparent that the elf wasn't a poser. His muscles was more than relaxed enough for Timothy to do his work. His gaze only broke off of Timothy when the wind stirred up the trees. His eyes visibly dilated as he observed the surrounding, stopping after the empty threat died with the wind.

"No complaints." Barrock said, after Timothy suggested to go to where he was, where Rowan and Aurora were located. His hand picked up the sword and lifted himself up using it. He twirled his limbs several times to test the quality of the elf's work. His verdict was pretty good.

The ruffling sound of leaves and cracking branches followed the floating beacon through the forest. Whereas the elf blended into the forest, the green orc which should naturally have been a natural camouflage, stood out with every lumbering step taken. But it seemed like danger wasn't seeking them out today, as they arrived at the unseeming cottage unharmed.

Barrock didn't really attempt to make his arrival discrete. It was as if he wanted to hear an appropriate welcome from his two 'friends'.

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Timothy Babadil’s Cabin, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : @Conscripts
T A G S : @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




Rowan opened his eyes. A wooden roof was over him. Plants hung comfortably, and the sound of fireplace cracked warmly. It did not take long for the Light Elf to remember where he was.

Carefully, he sat upwards. It was a hard feat, not because he was in pain, but because the bed was pleasant. His wounds felt tremendously better, but he still felt a stir of unease as he guided his body from the mattress.

“Aurora?” He whispered.

The words drifted through the air, like a mystical note. From a room that an outsider normally would have not noticed, there was a small stir. It was like a labyrinth how the cabin was designed, yet when all was said and done, it was as clear as night-and-day to read the blueprints.

Aurora’s room was somewhere next to his, and when he walked from his room, he found himself in the living room and immediately noticed the letter on the table.

His first instinct was to check on Aurora, but with hesitation, Rowan walked to the table. Just as he finished reading the letter, he heard commotion from outside the front door.

It was Timothy’s voice.

A small flutter caught in Rowan’s chest. The sound of Timothy’s voice was not alone. He had Barrock and Vasco with him.

No.

The letter had not mentioned Vasco. Then, why did he have that notion? A small pain winced in his side. Like the very thought made his wounds hurt worse, and when the door opened, his wounds felt even darker and heavier.

Timothy tucked his hat under the doorway, and as he did so, he removed it. Behind him was a huge figure. It seemed much too impossible yet all too possible for the creature to huddle through the door way.

“Don’t yah worry about anything,” Timothy turned around the creature. “There’s always room for weary ones like yourself.” He turned to Rowan, “Ah, Rowan, glad to see you’re awake.”

Eyeing the Elf’s hand, gripping his tender side, Timothy smiled knowingly, “Apologies are well-known for making uncanny recoveries for various aches and pains of the body, mind, and soul, if you will. And, I believe, a perfect opportunity has stumbled upon you.”

He sparkled a wink and stepped aside to allow Barrock and entrance into the cabin. Friendly warmth lightened the room, despite his looming shadow. The fireplace continued to whisper embers of a steady slowness. If any evil did happen upon them, it would be blinded by the benignity of the room.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

“There’s always room for weary ones like yourself.”

Timothy judged correctly. After all that happened today, Barrock was more tired than anything else. His slowed responses showed more than his face did. Once he found an appropriately spacious space to sit, he unstrapped his gears and let it fell flippantly into the ground with a loud clang. With a growl that came oozing from deep in his throat, he sat down opposite from Aurora and Rowan.

And then silence. The only sound to echo in the room were the sparks coming from the fireplace.

Barrock spent most of the moment with his eyes closed, his breathing calm and rhythmic. He sometimes opened his eyes to observe the room around him.

Vasco. He was not here, so Timothy either hadn't gotten him or didn't get him. Depending on it, they would have to go and retrieve him. At this point, Barrock was okay with that. If that was his duty, he'd have to do it.

Rowan. He was in front of him. The guy who left him behind to fend for his own. The orc's feelings towards him was of a soup. Was there spice in it? Anger that he left a comrade behind to die. Yes. Bitterness, salt. That too. But for the most part, there was some sweet in it too. Barrock came in expecting to be wilt him with his stare or let the nature of his neglect rupture their relationship, but now that he was in front of him, he felt more calm. He didn't know what to say yet, however.

Aurora.

Aurora...

She wasn't there. Was she in danger again? Looking at Rowan, who looked gloom. The orc didn't interpret it as a sign of guilt, but more of worries, or even...grief? Could that be the reason why the elf went so far as to abandon him? Was Aurora's wounds that bad?

Nevertheless, maintaining his calm, Barrock opened his deep-red eyes and looked at Rowan.

"Where is Aurora?" He asked very directly.

His chest began to heat up. One could misconstrue his worries, and his frowning face for his anger. Only when Rowan would confirm she was safe did the orc allowed his expressions to relax, break even. His eyes would close again, looking slightly away, letting out a long sigh.

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : @Conscripts
T A G S :
E Q U I P M E N T :}




]As the orc’s large body came through the door, a shadow loomed into the room, but when he fully made his entrance, the fireplace welcomed the new comer with a happy crackle. A small smile, cheeky if anything, resided in Good’ole Timothy’s face. His mouth was obviously full of words that may never be spoke in their presence.

Rowan felt a shiver of guilt corse through his being, not as pain first but as a feeling of relief for having ought to feeling it. And then, as it continued, the silver lining turned sharp and caused him that same agony guilt and physical pain coupled together, often did.

When Barrock spoke, it was obvious he was a truly special creature. The large creatures words were not so much a hard demand or anything other than a stern question. He offered more empathy and compassion than was necessary, even for a simple creature.

The guilt shivered once again in Rowan. He could feel it as a cold sweat against his cheeks and forehead now.

Rowan’s eyes shifted towards the door making its appearance known solely by the speaking of her name. He had not been able to see her yet and was uncertain how she was. With the look on Timothy’s face, it was assumed she was fine.

“Right yonder,” Timothy beckoned. His hand shifted upwards and motioned towards the door a lullaby lulled from the door like white noise, as if the room was coaxing them to come in.

“Unfortunately or maybe more so fortunately, depending how one looks at it? I can’t let Rowan in until he says something. In his condition, he can’t afford not to.” A sharpness pierced from Timothy’s eyes to Rowan’s. An obvious sign of desire and trust that was unmistakeable my needed to be placed in Good’ole Timothy.

“I…” Rowan could feel the fear he had when Aurora was suffering, and he had to make the choice. The choice had not come as easy as the split second had made it appear. To explain the feeling was harder for him to pronounce. So, he stayed with formalities. “I apologize for leaving your side in the midst of battle to care for Aurora.”

The Light Elf’s silver hair strung downwards as his chin dipped into a small bow. The offering left him feeling a as if a weight was lifting from him. “Please, forgive me, as a noble soldier, seeking to regain his honor with you.” His hand turned into a knuckle as his bow became more of a prostration.

Timothy, acting as mediator turned his attention to Barrock. The fireplace continued to crackle.

“What do you say?” The Elder Elf was curious in his knowledge and wisdom, and the warmth in his eyes matched that of the burning fireplace.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

They didn't say exactly Aurora was okay, but it was good enough. Now it was time for the apologies. A part of Barrock was so over Rowan's constant state of regret. But this was necessary, and to be fair he wanted this a few miunutes ago. If there was a harmless peeve that the orc could not get over, it would be performance. If one were to improve, do it. And if one were to promise to improve, one ought to be short and concise. And Rowan's was quite short, no dreary teary stories.

"Save the sermon for that moment."

The orc left it with a nod. It was Rowan's responsibility to act on that promise, not Barrock's words.

Barrock turned to Timothy with a much more softened expression. He was the one who came to his aid when he needed it the most. That was a debt he would remember, even though the motivation might be because of Rowan more than Barrock himself.

"Thank you." He bowed slightly.

Now that they were all here in one place, it was time to figure things out. Without Vasco, it would be much easier to concoct a good plan. But first, about Timothy.

"Who are you in relation to these two?" He asked. "Do you know about our human?"

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : @Conscripts
T A G S :
E Q U I P M E N T :}




The orc’s word hit heavy against Rowan, like a secret he dare never trespass etched into his heart. His silvery eyes looked up at the Orc. His pale lips a thin line, serious and full of admiration. He had failed, but he would never again — given the future so full of the wide abyss.

“Of course,” the Elf rose, the pain he endured currently shivered with redemption and determination. His attention turned towards the door that opened in revealing his sister. Silence and a mute melody. “Thank you.”

Finally, his shoulders rested. The white hair, clean now from Timothy’s magical hands, glistened a reflection of the flame that warmed the home.

“Aye, I know quite a bit about the human. Such odd creatures. They don’t fit here in Avalia, yet still, they are here now with much power they can wield… if they learn properly.”

The fireplace cracked. Magic surrounded them in the cottage. Its energies were flowing through the lights, the veins of the plants, the twists and turns of the wood planks. And yet, there was a calm weakness that could go no further than it already had.

There was something, perhaps, inside good ole Timothy Babadil that no matter how powerful he grew, he could never fight, and the more powerful he grew, the less of a fight there would ever be. To some, the was powerful, to others his power was useless.

“There’s prophecies in humans coming into our world. The eerie part is, there are two endings to the prophecies. One where the humans help us to victory and the other…” A shadow loomed on the old Elf’s face. His hat tilted in seriousness. “The humans join forces with the Dark Elves and the night extends into infinity.”

“I know the human is probably long gone.” He mused starkly.

“Gone?” Rowan suddenly winced in pain. A thorn of horror pierced his wounds. The throbbing pulsed until it rested once more.

“You should understand this by now as a soldier, Rowan: Dark Elves know each other, a little too well if you ask me, even if they as so much loathe one another. The ones in power love to talk; and humans aren’t to be messed with. Surely, for favor, he’s been given over to the higher ups. Your jobs, not mine, are to go rescue him.” Timothy looked at the two creatures before him. A sadness passed through him when he saw Rowan, wounded and weak, but quickly the season of emotion changed back to the whimsy.

“Now tell me, how are you folks planning to get your friend back? You’re down a man and injured as is. I reckon you need to think before you act, this time. Something tells me you didn’t give ‘em what you could.”

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

To an orc, so long excluded from the world in their own self-imposed exile, it took a bit for him to understand the deeper context. But he got it, to some extent his brain could. Although, there was something to be said about the hilarity of the prophecy leaning either on a perfect world or a hell. But hey, in his language, this was how a butcher sold their meat, and a jewelrer sold their polished war skulls.

But if it was this dangerous that a rebellion was formed around this whole thing, there might be some truth to it. If anything, the best thing was to stop that second scenario from happening.

Barrock briefly glanced in Rowan's direction at the same time as Timothy. That stream of sorrow also found its way through Barrock, but not in a reciprocal kind. The orc slowly stood up and put his feet slowly in front of the other in a wide circle around the room with several deep breaths.

"The human needed to think." Barrock turned to look at Timothy, his head tilted slightly that exposed an undercurrent of sarcasm beneath. "With luck this time, he's not here. We will plan another."

His red eyes shot to Rowan, then back to Timothy, the gap inbetween was an unspoken message to the light elf. "But we don't make plans without information. What news can you find about this human?"

It was never in his head that he would ever take the lead on anything but his own lives, but reality never made any sense, so why not go along with it - if it gets the job done.

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : Barrock
T A G S : @Conscripts
E Q U I P M E N T :}




When Barrack spoke, his voice encouraged the room to listen. The plants hanging from the ceiling, green and lime and yellow of fresh life were still in their sway. The Fireplace, crackling with robust warmth ceased its sizzling save for a small occasion. And Good Ole Timothy, with his hat, shading the sparkles of his eyes that never knew how to lose hope, leaned inwards for respect of such a magnificent creature's wisdom.

"Aye," Timothy nodded his head. The brown leather tip of his large, pointed hat knelt too-and-fro with his movement. Long shadows dismissing him and blurring back to the fireplace as he chuckled to something mysterious and interesting. "Humans have been known to be the wisest of all creatures and the dumbest, as well. I believe this makes more sense of the prophecy. Humans be our heroes or our folly. Which way they choose, is their choice alone. We may only help guide them."

A small pause graced the Good Ole Elf. His curly brown hair was amber and bushed with an adventure he would never know but eager to understand and begin to explain.

"Your sister, my good Rowan," his eyes, slanting, excusing any privacy between Barrack and him, widened. "She has been studying under a great Elf for most of her life on the treasure trove of human folly. Albeit, I reckon, she may liken to call it something far less dubious, as respectful and docile as creature as she is. Needs much protecting for what she knows... and doesn't know."

"Yes," Rowan stood straight. The lightning that had been lost in him, winced and returned momentarily. It was their father who had taught his sister. "Our father said he had met a human centuries before our birth. The human had died closely after their happen-chance meeting. Father was able to make great contributions to our studies of the creature. However, our human is much harder to control than what our father taught us."

"Control?" Timothy chuckled again, amusedly. "No one controls a human. Not that Good Ole Timothy Babadil has ever known. Woe to whatever Dark Elf tries to control him, for part of the prophecy, left so muddied only to be speculated, that the human in the hands of the Dark Elf shall resume his own power as the Eternal Lord of Darkness, for his power is too great to choose otherwise when in the wrong hands." His head, instead of nodding this time, shook slowly and wisely and gravely, and the tip of his large, leather hat, resumed the motion, naturally and with a shallow lack of charismatic loft. "This is what makes humans all the more clever and powerful and dangerous. Only a human may control himself. And so, let this be written in your memories, whatever a human decides is always his own decision. Much like yourselves." He stood his ground to Barrock. "And how hard was it for you, good creature, great, grand, and wise, to make the decisions you have made? His hands, once at his side, swaying freely, were positioned on his hips. His chest beamed with an unspeakable pride for the large Orc, hovering so grandly in his doorway.

"Speaking of which, we've delved a little too deeply into conversation without making ourselves comfortable. Care for some tea, or what would have you, Great Orc, also known as the Ever Humble and Venerable Barrock. I know little about something as rare and unique as yourself. What is it you would like to quell your physical worries. Come in, come in. The couch will be made for you by the fireplace." And, on that occasion, the fireplace made its sizzle, a delicious sound for a welcomed guest.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

Orcs never developed the appetite to discuss highly theoretical concepts. They were all drivels to them, distraction from what they could do at this very moment. It was perhaps why they never achieved the kind of advances the elves and others were able to. Even that weird sect of so-called peaceful farmer orcs didn't find the appetite during that search for their own virtues. Barrock understood the sentiment.

Whatever the humans chose were their choice and theirs alone, fair enough. But how would they end up veering to one extreme or another? That one he couldn't make the dot. But then again, the prophecy sounded incredibly calibrated to instill a reaction, not a discussion. The truth might be somewhere inbetween.

Barrock didn't answer Timothy's first question, as the orc knew that he knew. Barrock saw no need to confirm it. It was tough going against everything that was his identity, almost akin to killing himself and reviving it with dark arts. But the second one, urgh.

"No titles." Barrock raised a finger. "Save it for the otherkins. With me, name only."

But he took the gesture more pleasantly rather than annoyance. He might be a bit mouthful, but Timothy saved his life. He also had the appearance of wisdom. And sound judgement, which Barrock wanted more right now.

Barrock took his time picking up his equipment and mannerly put them at appropriate spots in the doorway before coming in.

"A brew of Firefae, if one has it." Barrock said as he sat down. Barrock would readily admit that if he had the money in life, he would be addicted to that drink. It would be considered a strong drink for any other creatures, especially the small elves and fairies, but Barrock considered it calming, and quite a tasteful reward after a long week. A shame it cost so much.

"What calms me is a plan. Then we can talk abstracts." Barrock said, getting straight to business. "If that human is that important, we get him back. But...we don't know where he was taken. Do you know anything?"

_{T I M E : One Week After Human Arrival
L O C A T I O N : Lodge, Port10
I N T E R A C T I O N S : @Conscripts
T A G S :
E Q U I P M E N T :}




Touched by the Orc’s humility, Good Ole Timothy didn’t reply at first. Rather, he soaked in presence of the great creature. It was a gentle pause; one necessary as the older Elf cleared his mind to make his answer.

“I have suspicions.” The Elf began. “He was probably taken to the nearby Dark Elf General. Of course, that’s if none of the Syndicate became greedy.” He turned towards the stove and brown cabinets to the right of the entryway, a respectfully cozy kitchen area. More planted pots hung in the kitchen than any other area. It was assumed they were things that were edible.

A small stir came from Aurora’s room, and Rowan’s spirits lifted but died as no other stir came thereafter. He stared long at the room. He should not have ignored Aurora’s advice about handling Vasco, yet many of times, listening to her was like listening to riddles. He had his own inner journey to beset and conquer before his next meeting with Vasco. Thankfully, he was in wise company.

Rowan sat or rather collapsed into a sit in the seated area of the living room. Another sigh escaped him, but it was shoved aside for words. He folded his arms and closed his eyes.

“Thank you, Timothy,” he spoke clearly, even if it hurt his side to do so.

The Elder Elf turned.

“It's the least I can do, considering I am unable to help you fight,” A calm smile spread on his face. The hat tipped, and he continued his way into the kitchen. He muddled around, grabbing this herb and that spice. A pinch of this; a teaspoon of that. “I can take you to where they may have him, but I cannot assist any further...” He poured a bit of liquids together and stirred. “Rowan, do you have any requests?”

“Perhaps, you can allow us to bring a little something with us for good fortune,” Rowan's eyes were still closed, but he spoke more clearly this time.

“Aye, We'll get to that, but first -- ” Timothy let out a small chuckle, “I meant to say, do you have any desire for a drink or a bite to eat?”

“Oh... I,” Rowan blushed, eyes opening. “N-no, I've had my fill.”

With that, Timothy Babadil brought Barrack his firefae.

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Somewhere in the forest
Interactions: Timothy @mole
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

"Hmmmm."

One thing having come to blows with those of that race was that the dark elves always doubled-down on a victory. But none taught them what to do after a doubled attack. The dark elves had indeed beat them to a pulp, but they hadn't killed them yet. They always assumed their enemies would rest to lick their wounds before striking back. And they loved that shit. There was a sense of importance, a mirage of heightened threats that those elves basked in, even if they may suffer defeat when struck back. They loved to be seen as fearsome.

Which was why Barrock had to strike now.

"Good enough." Barrock knocked on the wooden stump he sat on loudly. "We strike tomorrow. However..."

He looked at the state of his group, there were little hopes they could strike effectively. Rowan looked like a breeze would break him in two. Aurora might be able to if she pulled it together, but he couldn't rely on that. And Timothy wouldn't join, he'd assume for a good reason.

"Join at will, but we will need help." Barrock declared. "I will meet him early morning, with much money."

There goes his savings. But if he was going to get Vasco back, only he would do. His reputation was as elusive as his presence on this mortal plane. And for how immoral the path this guy walked, he had standards. Strict standards.

Barrock picked up the cup of firefae and downed it in two gulp. Could've done it with one, but he should learn to savor the goodness in life.