Kelewen

Treasure & Treachery

"And 'nuff to keep our bellies full all day," Calvin said, already savoring the thought of the venison. It was an uncommon treat and he hurried to help her with it.

Straw looked slightly less pleased. "Best hide that carcass well 'fore we leave. Not sure if the Lord at Dawsbury would take too kindly to poaching his deer without a permit," he said grouchily, standing up slowly and massaging his knee slightly. It was obviously stiff after the night sleeping on the ground, but seemed to loosen up again as he made his way over to the packhorse. "Hey there, Apple. Ready for you breakfast?" he said, giving the horse an affectionate pat before digging in the saddle bags for a small scoop of oats for the animal.

Calvin looked slightly worried, but even if the lord would be unhappy, he couldn't see letting the deer go to waste.

Treasure & Treachery

Have been traveling and just got back home. :) I'll try to get a post in tomorrow.

Treasure & Treachery

I don't have any encounters planned for the night, but you're more than welcome to throw something in if you want to. :) Else we can skip ahead to morning.

Treasure & Treachery

Straw stepped a few paces away from the fire and settled himself near a large ash tree, his sword laid across his knees. Of course she doesn't sleep, he grumbled slightly to himself as he shifted to get comfortable with his back against the thick trunk.

The night was pleasant and Calvin retrieved a single woolen blanket with frayed edges from his small pack and rolled it into a pillow, stretching out near the fire.

"G'night, Cyriana."

Treasure & Treachery

Whether he caught the hint of a falsehood or not, Straw did not press the issue. "Ah, well, works out for me, I suppose. Must say, knowing we've got a dragon on our side should we find ourselves in a scuffle is a nice thought.

"Hey, I think this bird looks 'bout done," he said, inspecting their dinner. "I got some bread in my saddle bags." Straw stood up, brushed some debris from his trousers, then went to retrieve the mentioned bread as Calvin removed the game bird from the makeshift spit.

"I didn't pay it much heed, but did hear somethin' of a brawl in the tavern," the young man said, not fishing for information, just commenting. "Glad you're okay."

Splitting the grouse into 3 parts made for a bit of a meager dinner, but the bread helped fill up their bellies.

"Can't say I expect any trouble this close to civilized lands, but should make a habit of setting watch. I don't mind the first if you two wanna get some sleep."

Treasure & Treachery

Good points. :) I'll keep Straw worried about it, but let his greed win out.

Treasure & Treachery

Calvin startled slightly at Cyriana's sudden outburst, reaching toward her instinctively as she clutched her head, but then paused, uncertain what to actually do to help her. He glanced over at Straw, thinking perhaps the more experienced adventurer might know what to do. But the boy's glance went unnoticed as Straw was staring at the elf and at the eye covering, his brow furrowed deeply with worry.

Was it wise, he wondered to himself, to continue their journey? Would the dracolich spirit alert the elf to the dangers ahead? Or even take matters into it's own hands if the elf was knocked unconscious? And if so, would that result in one of those lightening bolts finding him? He swallowed hard at the thought. But on the other hand... it could of great interest, and therefore value, to the drow. In the end, the thought of the gold coins in his pocket outweighed the risk. He would just need to warn Zarintra.

He cleared his throat. "Sounds a boon overall to me," he commented. "But is that what got you in trouble back in town?"

Treasure & Treachery

I'm struggling a little bit for how to direct the story. With Straw finding out just how powerful her eye is, I don't imagine him continuing on with his plan. It's way too risky. Thoughts on where to take it?

Caverns & Critters

The smith twins turned at the loud sound of clattering rocks in surprise. Bevil shrugged, "Was probably just a cave in somewhere, sounded close though. Come on, lets see whats through this door, might be some treasure" Beevil said and began kicking at the bottom of the door at the rotted wood. After he had destroyed most of it he would take a peek through the bottom of the door to find out if he could see anything through it. Will looked behind him nervously, "I don't know it sounded too close, I think we should check it out." Bevil as usual ignored the advice, "Come on will, if you don't stay I won't be able to see anything so just be a pal and hold this lantern for me so I can get this door open." Will reluctantly obliged.

@Eklispe

"No, no, no..." the whispered cry met Will's ear, so quiet that he might be uncertain if it was his imagination as neither Hogarth or Beevil seem to hear it. "Help"

For as rotted as the door was, it was surprisingly difficult break it apart, but with enough effort, Beevil was able to force it open. Beyond, the floor rose so that it came out of the water and Will's lantern could just reveal a skeletal figure curled in a fetal position against the back wall. The skeleton was that of someone short, probably no more than 3' tall if it had been standing upright and still clutched a pickaxe in it's grasp.

The light also revealed a thin line of a green sparkling stone along the wall, possibly some kind of gemstone embedded in the rock.

Treasure & Treachery

A dracolich...? Straw couldn't help but look at the elven woman curiously as he turned the cooking bird again. Now, isn't that interesting? Something to warn Zarintra about, surely. He took a seat on the ground on the opposite side of the fire, listening to the rest of her tale.

Calvin stayed silent for a few long moments, digesting Cyriana's story, noticing her wince as if in pain. "Could you... get rid of it if you wanted? The eye... or orb, I mean."