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// Argali's character submission (http://forums.layonara.com/656142-post1.html) //
// Argali's Dwarven Defender prestige class approval (http://forums.layonara.com/recent-approvals/146632-request-prestige-class-argali-trueaxe.html) //
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*a letter written in common*
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Aurachil, The Eleventh Day Of Dry-Heat, Fourteen-Twenty-Three
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Argali is now on Mistone, in the Port of Hempstead. What a surprise, no?
To make a long story short, because everyone knows how you like a tale that is short and to the point and that doesn't go on and on and you never know when the end will be, when Argali told the master-of-arms she wanted to become a defender, he said that they could not teach her, as they did not have any defenders of Taur'en any more. Argali thinks they could see her disappointment, because they said that the other clans have defenders, and that Argali could go and visit them and ask if they would sponsor her. They said that when Argali becomes a defender to come back and help with the troubles.
When Argali said to go to Bloody Gate, they said that would be too dangerous, and when she asked about the dwarves on Dregar, they said there were troubles there too. So they sent her to Mistone, and to try with the Ulgrids who are in the Brech Mountains.
Argali is still practising her common too, like you said. She is speaking very clearly with no accent.
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali
[/I]
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*a letter written in common*
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Aurachil, The Twenty-Fifth Day Of Dry-Forge, Fourteen-Twenty-Three
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
You'll never guess what. Argali rans into a kin in Mistone who helps her with her quest. His name is Jacrum. He tells Argali of not one, but two defenders. This is marvellous, no?
But this Jacrum, he leads such a strange life. We returned from the swamps when there was all this nasty shrieking in the air, and dark shadows racing across the land. Then, from nowhere, appears this volpine creature with two swords {"volpine" means "fox like", Granny}. And Jacrum knows this creature, although it seems they do not share the same tongue. They are both looking for this Teeth-a-less person.
As well as this, Argali is doing well. She has found work delivering packages and keeping the Port's sewers unclogged. It is so stinky down there, Granny, and rats, never has Argali seen such a size of them. Do not worry though, Argali does it well.
Until next time. Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
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*a letter written in common*
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Mithrik, The Second Day Of Cold-Hammer, Fourteen-Twenty-Three
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
You'll never guess what this time. Argali has found one of the defenders Master Jacrum was talking about. His name is Fenrir Thornaxe and he is from Bloody Gate. Who would have thought that Argali would have to come to Mistone to meet a defender from Alindor? He is working on important fighting techniques for defending. Argali thinks she can learn alot from him. He says Argali is to work on her weapon handling and he will steer her in the right direction. This is wonderful, no?
Argali is now doing work in the crypts in the Fort of Vehl. Argali will not say more because she doesn't want to scare you, but you can rest assured that Argali is being very careful.
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
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*early morning, the silence behind the temple in Fort Vehl is disturbed*
"Lunge, lunge.
"Back sweep. Center.
"Back sweep. Center.
"Front sweep. Guard.
"Front sweep. Guard.
"Back sweep. Front sweep. Guard.
"Back sweep. Front sweep. Guard.
"Front sweep. Back sweep. Center.
"Front sweep. Back sweep..."
*the loud ring of metal on stone, and the sound of breaking glass*
"Zorry...
"Do not fearr. Argali will pay for the damages.
"'Ow much?
"Does Argali think therre iz a betterr place to prractice?
"The arrena? Wherre iz that?
"Oh."
-
*a letter written in common*
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Agorin, The Twenty-Eighth Day Of Cold-Hammer, Fourteen-Twenty-Three
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Please make sure you are sitting down when you are reading this, because it is a bit shocking.
Argali is working (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3002&day=2007-10-22&c=3) on a ship at sea when it is attacked by pirates! Yes! Very dangerous! They captured us, and burned our ship with the passengers on it. Fiends! Argali's blood was boiling and she was letting them know what she thought of them. All the time Argali had to spend in the recruits' mess hall was put to good use. Argali does not think the pirates are speaking dwarven so well, though. Argali is hoping the passengers made it back to the shore somehow.
Then (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3242&day=2007-11-5&c=3) it gets even more dangerous! Yes! Argali is put in the arena to fight the three, three! very big orcs. Argali must say that she acquitted herself quite well. Then the pirates are making the others fight each other. Fiends! Argali was horrified.
You will never, ever guess what happened next, Granny. Not in the hundred years. A gold dragon! Yes! A GOLD DRAGON! Argali could not believe her eyes. It was going to fight two of the others, but some other pirates stopped the fight before it happened. This was very strange.
Fortunately, we were able to escape the pirate island, though the pirates did not let us go easily. Argali is not so keen to travel on the sea after that.
Vorax keep you safe. Vorax keep Argali safe, too.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
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*The stillness of the vast interior of the Fort Vehl arena is disturbed by a lone dwarven female drilling with a double axe. Out of armor, she is swathed in sweat as she repeats the movements over and over.*
*lunge, lunge*
*guard, high back sweep*
*guard, high back sweep*
*Although there is no oratory accompaniment, her look of concentration suggests an internal dialogue.*
*guard, high back sweep, front sweep*
*guard, high back sweep, front sweep*
*For a moment she stops to she reflect upon her practice, the double axe rests horizontally balanced on her palm held at her shoulder. Then she begins again, this time changing the lead leg.*
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*a letter written in common, stained by freshly cut pipeweed*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Agorin, The Seventh Day Of Cold-Rust, Fourteen-Twenty-Three
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
What a surprise! Argali has send you some pipeweed in with her letter. It is growing all over Mistone. This is amazing, no? She was going to send some in her last letter, but it was already very soggy.
The kind person at the place where Argali sends her letters pointed out that Argali was putting the addresses the wrong way around. So, Argali has changed this.
Argali has made some new friends on Mistone. They are very big, and Argali is feeling quite safe with them, though she has to be careful she is not squashed. Some people have said they are giants, but they are far too small. Argali is thinking maybe they are pygmy giants, but she is not sure. Anyhow, we have been busy making Mistone safer for everyone! Hopefully Argali will be able to help make Taur'en safe one day too.
Hope you enjoy the pipeweed!
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
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*In the Fort Vehl arena, a dwarven female is making ready to practise her drill. She marks a circle on the floor around herself in charcoal, and proceeds to drill with her double axe, attempting to stay within the boundary.*
*After a while she stops, and examines the charcoal circle. There are some obvious smudge marks. After some consideration, she realises that this only tells her after the fact. She thinks a while, then leaves the hall.*
...
*The dwarven female returns with a whole manner of bottles and sets them at the perimeter of the circle. She continues with her drilling. Every so often, when the heel or toe of her foot knocks over a bottle, she stops and takes note of what she was doing and where she has moved to. She sets the bottle upright and continues.*
*smash*
*gasps, holds her cheeks*
*The bottom end of the double axe has collected one of the bottles. There is glass everywhere. The dwarven female busies herself cleaning up.*
...
*The bottles are gone. The dwarven female rummages through the weapon racks around the arena. Finally, she pulls out a large, round shield. After removing the strapping, she sets it flat on the floor. Standing on the shield, she continues her practice.*
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*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Ferramis, The Twenty-Seventh Day Of Cold-Rust, Fourteen-Twenty-Three
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Thank you for telling Argali that the pipeweed should be dried and pressed before it is sent. She will do this next time.
When (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3262&day=2007-10-26&c=3) Argali is responding to notices for help, she has to be on her guard. It turned out (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3612&day=2007-11-9&c=3) this little girl who wanted us to get her ring back, she was really some powerful spellcaster in changed form. Argali will spare you the details (http://forums.layonara.com/694502-post1.html), but it really goes to show that things are not always what they seem.
Argali had her suspicions, though. Perhaps it was her desire to grow up to be an assassin, or her taste for ale and whiskey for someone so young, or maybe it was her evil, menacing stare, but Argali suspected from the beginning there was something not quite right with this little girl.
Do not worry though, Argali is becoming quite shrewd.
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
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*As a dwarven female enters the arena at Vehl, the arena hostess speaks with her. The dwarf pass her a small consideration, and the hostess indicates a figure waiting at the side.*
"Zo, you arre willing to trrain with Argali?"
*The figure nods.* "For the price named."
...
"The point of the training iz to force Argali out of the cirrcle. Argali will be doing herr best to stay in the cirrcle."
*crunch*
*The training partner has thrown himself at the dwarf and tackled her to the ground.*
*The dwarf extracates herself from the tangled bodies.*
"Err, verry good, but we will be using the trraining weapons."
*She hands her training partner a heavy wooden training sword and shield, and takes a quarter staff for herself. She takes her position in the charcoal marked circle.*
"Ready? We begin now."
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*a letter written in common, speckled with bits of dried pipeweed*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Cuprig, The Fifth Day Of Cold-Lode, Fourteen-Twenty-Three
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Argali has finally sent the dried pipeweed. Hope you are liking it! It will help keep you warm in the months of the winter, no?
It seems Argali is still not having the good luck with ships. This time (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3232&day=2007-10-27&c=3) it is caused by the dark elf! Yes! Argali could not believe it. And even more astonishing, the people who Argali was going to travel with preferred to take the dark elf instead of the three of us! Yes! Argali would have been gobsmacked except she had fallen in the water at the time after the ship left port while the three of us were still on the boarding plank. Maybe this was a good thing. Argali is thinking perhaps those people need to spend some time in the tunnels under Taur'en, then they would not be so happy to see the dark elves.
Things are not all bad though. Argali forgot to mention in her previous letter that she had been given a magical helm for helping the lieutenant in the Fort of Llast. Argali is very proud of it and is wearing it all the time now.
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
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*In the Vehl arena, a dwarven female is preparing for another training session when two shifty looking characters approach her. The dwarf looks at them, uncertain of their motives.*
"Pug an' me 'ave been watchin' ya, missy."
"Yeah. We been watchin'."
"Oh?"
"We reckon Pug 'ere can push ya ou' a' tha' circle."
"Yeah. Push you ou'."
"Oh, zis iz zo, iz it?"
"Pug being so big an' all, an' ya bein' so small."
"Yeah. Pug big."
"Size doez not matterr zo much."
"Care to put a small wager on that?"
"Yeah. Bet on that?"
*thinks a bit* "Verry well. Argali will wagerr you."
...
*After a whole series of contests and bets, with the balance of coin shifting between the two parties, Pug finally hobbles off with his handler, a little the richer.*
"Argali will see you boys again zoon, no?"
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*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Brenzik, The Fifteenth Day Of Dark-Crypt, Fourteen-Twenty-Four
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best for this year. It is at times like these that Argali is missing everyone. Argali has send some more pipeweed. She has wrapped it separately this time, like you suggested. Hope you like it.
Argali is proud to say that she has been helping the guard to track down the escaped criminal (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3302&day=2007-10-29&c=3). Unfortunately, he has eluded our search so far, but we are keeping our eyes and ears open for any word about him.
In the winter months, Argali would be thinking that she would be able to buy the travel cloak, but they are not to be found for sale from any of the merchants on Mistone. Do these people not know how good they are for keeping out the weather?
Anyhow, Argali must go now. Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
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*A dwarven female enters the Vehl arena. It is more crowded than usual, and she wonders if she will be able to find a clear spot. More disconcerting, however, is that all eyes seem to on her.*
*The arena hostess walks over to the dwarf.* "They've all been waiting for you, y'know."
"They have? What iz it they arre wanting?"
"They've heard you are taking wagers."
"Oh."
*The dwarf thinks for a moment, then addresses the crowd at large.* "All who arre 'erre to push Argali out of the cirrcle forrm the line. There will be one bout each time, and then the next perrson. When Argali haz had enough, that iz the end."
...
"Argali haz had enough now."
*a few grumblings of discontent come from those still present*
"Maybe you can come again the next time?"
...
*Passing the Temple of Rofirein, the dwarf drops the modest collection of coins she had accrued into the collection box.*
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*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Adamachtis, The Seventeenth Day Of Dark-Deep, Fourteen-Twenty-Four
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Glad to hear that you are enjoying the pipeweed. Argali thinks of you and her time growing up in the Castel of Bydell when she is picking it. Especially in the winter Argali is missing your famous leek soup.
Argali thinks of her kin in Taur'en, too, and the troubles they are facing. It was good to spend time with them when Argali went back to Taur'en to join the recruits. And now Argali is away again. It seems she is always going and coming.
Argali must say she is not sleeping so well at the moment. When she wakes up in the morning, it is like she has just finished the heavy training session. Sometimes she even takes the afternoon nap.
Remember to keep wrapped up and the fire stoked. Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
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**In the Vehl arena, a dwarven female is coming to the end of a lone training session with her double axe. In a moment of abandon or revery, she turns and pirouettes across the arena floor, the double axe horizontal at her waist. The double axe is lifted above her head and twirled as she continues to whirl across the arena. The double axe is flicked out to be held at one end, spun around her head once in a great sweeping arc, and then used as a counterbalance as she spins around and around. The double axe is brought into the waist again for a finishing twist, and then a flourish of attacks, canoe-paddling the alternate ends of the double axe.
She defends against some imagined foe, her fervor increases, a chill runs down her spine. A lost feeling of dread washes over her. Caught unawares, she freezes for what feels like minutes. Bewildered, deflated, she discontinues her practice.**
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*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Mithrik, The Tenth Day Of Damp-Mood, Fourteen-Twenty-Four
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Argali has to be more careful answering the notices for help. This time (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3332&day=2007-11-2&c=3) we were drugged and framed for the murder! Yes! By the sly and cunning dopple... [/i]*several struck-through words* shapechangers. Everybody is soon becoming paranoid and untrusting when they do not know who is who.
While we are helping the guard find out what has taken place, the dastardly dopplers are framing us with another murder, this time of the famous captain of Spellgard. This was very bad. Who can we trust? Even from the people who are not dopplers, will they believe our story? It is so bad that we are breaking out of gaol so that we can figure it out for ourselves.
Eventually, we are making the contacts with people, and return to Spellgard to explain everything. But even then, the deceitful doppler is showing up to make things confusing again. However, this helps us, because now more people are seeing our story. We go to see the lawkeeper, and there is plenty of talking as we are telling our story. With the proof we are finding while we are escaped, he is believing us. All we are having to do is pay for the damages and fix the gaol door that we are breaking, and everybody is happy again.
Trusting the wrong person can get you killed. Not trusting the right person can also be bad. It is the tricky thing, no? Especially when the dopplers are still out there.
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali
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*In the Vehl arena, a dwarven female stands on a round shield with a double axe.*
*guard, right overhead strike, left overhead strike*
*guard, right overhead strike, left overhead strike*
*She repeats over and over, leading with the right foot, and then with the left, trying to find the natural rhythm, trying to redirect the natural inclination to step off the shield. For the moment, she settles on a square stance, with neither foot forward, keenly aware of the vulnerabilities of such a pose.*
*She stops a moment, and dares to pirouette and twirl the double axe overhead. The feeling she was looking to recapture elludes her. She continues her practice, reversing the swing of the double axe.*
*guard, right uppercut, left uppercut*
*guard, right uppercut, left uppercut*
*And on and on.*
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"Granny!" Argali gave the elderly dwarven female a big hug as she opened the front door. "So gude ta see yoo agin!"
"Och, lassie," Granny Hornpipe replied, "Wot a surprise. Come un, come un.
"Yoo can pop yer gear on tha rack thar. Ut saves tha furniture, yoo know."
...
"So, wot brings yoo ta Bydell Castle?" Granny Hornpipe finished pouring hot tea into a mug.
"Thar were trooble on B'ar Islan' wid tha bugb'ars. Argali were thar ta help oot. So, she uz on Alundor an' comes ta see yoo," Argali beamed.
Granny Hornpipe handed Argali the mug. "My, my, wot adventures yer havin'. Jus' dinna be foolish an' go an' get yerself kull'd. Th'ars eno' o' tha' un Taur'en."
"Aye, Granny. Nay, Granny."
"Well, dinna jus' sut thar loike sum bump on a log, tell yer Granny wot yer bin oop to."
"Argali uz busy practisin' har foightin' skulls so tha' she can become tha defend'r o' har kin un Taur'en..."
And so the exchanges and story telling went through the rest of the day and into the evening.
-
"Gude mornin', lass."
"Gude mornin', Granny," Argali grinned at their pleasantly familiar exchange.
"Hoo dud yoo sleep?"
"Foin," Argali smiled. "Ut uz so gude ta be un har ol' bed agin. An' yoo?"
"Well eno', well eno'. So, do yoo ha'e any plans fer today?"
Argali shakes her head.
"Grand. Yoo can help me un tha kutchen, then."
"Tha' woold be wond'rful!" Argali couldn't help but clap her hands in excitement. "Will we be makin' leek soup?"
Granny Hornpipe grinned. "Jus' let me check ma pantry."
...
At the end of another day, Argali lies blissfully asleep in a familar bed, a well worn poppet doll at her pillow.
Her restful state changes. Her eyelids flicker, she squirms and fidgets in the bedsheets. Her heart races. She cries out, disturbing her own dreaming. She does not wake, but settles back into a restless sleep.
-
"Gude mornin', lass."
"Gude mornin', Granny," Argali dutifully responded.
"Hoo dud yoo sleep?"
"Nay so gude."
Granny gave a knowing nod, "Soond'd loike tha' ol' dream o' yers."
Argali shrugged, "She nev'r rememb'rs."
"Maybe thus toime ut wan's ta come oot."
Argali looked concerned.
"Dinna worry lass, ut wull be foin," Granny stroked the fringe from Argali's forehead.
...
In the light of a candle, Granny Hornpipe sat on the edge of Argali's bed.
"Smell thus."
"Uts heath'r, aye?"
"Aye." Granny popped the heather under her pillow.
"Noo, look unto ma eyes," Granny looked deeply into Argali's eyes with the compassion and knowing of a mother's mother. "When yer havin' yer dream, yoo'll smell tha heath'r. When you smell tha heath'r, yoo wull rememb'r."
Argali nodded, pulled the sheets up, and drew her poppet doll close.
...
After waiting what seemed like a very long time, turning from side to side, Argali finally slipped into sleep.
Again the restiveness returned to her. A black shadow passes over her dreaming. Darkness, loud noises, panic, fear. Like the scream of a banshee, a piercing shriek cuts to the core, "RRRUNNN DDEOONNAA!"
Unable to reconcile the events of the memory, the dark oily seas of the unconscious roll in on themselves, and drag the dream down into the depths again.
-
"Gude mornin', lass."
"Gude mornin', Granny," Argali echoed.
"Hoo dud yoo sleep?"
Argali looked up at Granny as though she had done something wrong. Unexpectedly, her chin quibbled, and tears came to her eyes.
"She tries ta rememb'r," Argali said between sobs. "An' noo she uz cryin', an' she dinna know why."
"Noo, noo, lass," Granny Hornpipe held Argali's head close, "uts alroight."
...
Later in the evening, Argali sat back in the armchair, a small fire burned in the fireplace to keep away the chill of the night.
"Har, drunk thus, lass," Granny Hornpipe handed her a steaming mug.
Argali sipped from it. "Wot uz ut?"
"A draught ta help wid yer sleepin'."
Argali sat contentedly, occasionally drinking from the mug, staring into the embers of the coals.
Granny Hornpipe drew another puff from her pipe.
Argali finished the mug, feeling tired and a little light headed. "Argali had bes' be goin' ta bed, oo'r she'll be fallin' asleep un har chair."
"Jus' stay put, lass. Wh'ar goin' ta take a small trup." Granny Hornpipe's words sounded distant and a little incoherent.
"We ar'?" Argali mumbled.
"To a place far away an' long ago."
"Oh. Tha's noice," she replied absently.
A perfume wafted over her. It was something familiar, something recent. Mmm, she considered idly, heather.
In a moment, Argali was in a dark place, and an old fear took her. Back in the chair, she murmurred her distress.
"Uts alroight," came Granny Hornpipe's firm tones. "Tell me whar you ar'."
"Ut uz dark. Thar's alot o' smoke as well. Ut uz har'd ta see."
"Look aroond an' tell me wot's thar."
"Thar uz nowt. Jus' darkness an' smoke." Argali paused for a moment as she surveyed her environs. "Oh! Oh! Th'ar two kin har. Th'ar strang'rs, but... th'ar familiar as well."
"Go on."
"Argali uz har as well."
Granny paused, concerned.
"She uz? Wot uz she doin'?"
"She uz keepin' everyone safe."
"Wot aboot the two kin?"
"Th'ar lying doon, noo. Wh'ar waitin' fer them ta get oop, but th'ar nay movin'."
Argali paused. "We wait fer such a long toime. But uts alroight, Argali keeps me safe."
Goosebumps ran over Granny Hornpipe.
"We wait fer a while. Then thar's voices callin', and kin come. Th'ar happy ta see me, an' whisk me oop an' take me away from tha two kin lyin' on tha groond. But ay dinna wan' ta leave them, an' am cryin'."
Granny Hornpipe could hardly believe it; the lass had actually said "ay".
Argali paused for a while, watching, captivated.
"Wot's goin' on noo?," Granny Hornpipe's asked.
"Thus uz when Argali's differen' life starts. They ha'e a bug bonfoire ta mark tha occasion, though ut seems ev'rywun's sad at tha same toime."
"Very gude," Granny Hornpipe sat back in her chair. "Uts toime ta come back noo."
"Alroight." Argali sighed softly, and drifted off.
-
"Gude mornin', lass."
"Gude mornin', Granny," Argali echoed.
"Hoo dud yoo sleep?"
"Very well," she beamed. "She uz feelin' much bett'r. Tha' draught really sent Argali ta sleep. She dinna even rememb'r goin' ta bed."
"Ah," Granny Hornpipe replied in realisation.
-
"Ut ha'e bin gude ta spend thus pas' month wid yoo, Granny," Argali smiled.
"Gude ta see yoo agin, lass." Granny Hornpipe gave Argali one last hug in the doorway. "Noo, get yer goin' a'fore yoo muss yer boat. An' dinna be stoppin' ta talk wid any strange folk on yer way."
"Oh, Granny."
Argali waved and turned, and walked along the cobblestones out of Bydell Castle.
-
*In the Vehl arena, a dwarven female takes out her double axe. She shifts its familiar weight in her hands. It had been absent to her touch for a while now, and holding it again, she realised how she had missed it.*
*She flicks the pole haft in the palm of her hands, the double axe heads at each end spinning around the haft.*
*She runs through her basic drill, marching up and down the arena again and again, repeating each of the basic strikes, blocks, and counter strikes.*
*For a moment, she thinks about breaking out into a free form attack sequence, but smiles to herself; maybe later. For now, she just drills.*
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Agorin, The Fourteenth Day Of Dry-Axe, Fourteen-Twenty-Four
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Argali would like to say thank you once again for putting her up last month. It was good to be home again. Argali is feeling very refreshed. Hope you found Argali's little gift. Please do not keep it safe and try to give it back to Argali the next time you see her. It is for you.
Now that it is summer, Argali finally finds the cloak! Yes! She got it from the ogre. Argali is not sure what the ogre was doing with such a small cloak, but it cleaned up fine. It keeps off the rain very well.
Argali's natural cave sense has proved very useful. Yesterday, she was able to help the group find their lost friend in the caves (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3152&day=2007-11-8&c=3). She falls down the hole and there is the lost person. Very uncanny.
Then, you never guess what again! The dragon (http://forums.layonara.com/dragon-storm-campaign/143912-young-black-dragon-spotted-port-hempstead-farmlands.html)! Yes! Argali must be the dragon magnet! This one was smaller, and black, and as it turned out, quite friendly, but Argali could not help but be on her guard, as she has heard all these stories about the dragons eating people.
On the sadder note, it is the first anniversary of the kin of Taur'en losing their wizards (http://forums.layonara.com/690892-post60.html). Argali hopes the kin are holding on. She is working hard to become the defender and hopefully she will be able to come back soon and help them in their struggle.
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
-
*A dwarven female rummages around in the weapon racks along the walls of the Vehl arena. Finally, she comes up with what she was looking for, an old round shield. Carefully, she removes the strapping, and places it on the floor.*
*She stands on the shield, and begins running through the basic strikes, blocks and counter strikes of her double axe. With each motion, she practises taking half steps, and quarter steps, and keeping her feet in place. She attends to her balance, moving her body, but keeping to the same place, or taking a small step, and then returning to center.*
*And on and on, and over and over.*
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Aurachil, The Eleventh Day Of Dry-Heat, Fourteen-Twenty-Four
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
It is the year since Argali arrives on Mistone! My, does time fly. In this time, Argali is becoming quite the accomplished warrior. She joins with the like minded adventurers to help the people as best she can. Sometimes she even helps on her own.
During this time, Argali meets the human warrior like Argali, called Sasha. She provides the stirling example. She is so courageous, always at the front, engaging the enemies, protecting the others. Argali is quite sure Vorax himself would be pleased to count her as his own. Argali does her best to keep up with her, but she has to run fast to do so. Argali watches and learns. One day, she hopes to be as good as her. Then Argali will be able to help her kin.
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
-
*In the Vehl arena, a dwarven female explains the next program to her training partner.*
"For zis exerrcise, you arre trrying to tag Argali with the staff, and Argali iz trrying to avoid being hit, while staying on the shield."
"You arre ready? Good, let us begin."
...
*clunk*
"Alrright. Argali puts herr helm on forr zis one."
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Mithrik, The Nineth Day Of Cold-Hammer, Fourteen-Twenty-Four
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Argali learns many things recently. Firstly, she goes to the trial (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3592&day=2007-11-12&c=3) of the tricky lady wizard who has been casting spells where she is not supposed to. Well, there is so much talking! Each one is speaking, and then the other one. Then they decide that they have not had enough talking, so they set aside another day (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3822&day=2007-11-19&c=3) for more talking. And after all the talking is done, the tricky wizard escapes! Yes! Argali is quite sure the kin settle these things much more effectively.
The next thing Argali learns is the lesson of the battle field. Argali had been taught about this as the recruit, but now she sees it for herself. We are on the Isle of Krashin, in the north where it is so very cold, to find the lost son (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3512&day=2007-11-12&c=3) of the chief. The ice giants have taken him, and we are trying to get him back. But they are very tough, and three of the group fall badly, including the courageous Sasha. It seems not matter how good you are, you can always fall. If this is the way it is, then that is it. You can only do your best. And if you are going to fall, then make sure you have done your best first.
Argali steels her resolve to help her kin no matter what.
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
-
*Argali finishes her custom with the halflings in the Deliar trading hall.*
*A dark cloaked and hooded dwarf enters.*
*Argali smiles to him.* "You arre the kin, no?"
"The 'kin'?"
"Dwarverrn."
"Ehm kin aye, bu' ye can see tha' eh reckon."
*Argali nods in agreement.*
"Eh think eh've met ye. Ye from tha' fort?"
"Forrt? No, Argali iz frrom Taurr'en."
"Close enough." *The dwarf smirks under his hood.* "So, how's life tratin' ye?"
"Good enough. A little dangerr herre and therre."
*The hooded dwarf tightens his gloves.* "Tha's how eht be on Mistone. Eht's generally safe."
*Argali nods in agreement.* "Zis iz what they said when they sent Argali to Mistone."
"Well, they knew wha' they were talkin' about, then."
"Zo, arre you arround frrom zese parrts?"
"Bloody Gate. Alindor."
"Ah. Argali knows anotherr kin frrom Bloody Gate, too."
"Eh've left Bloody Gate for good though."
"You have? Why iz zis zo?"
"Personal matters." *The hooded dwarf offers a smirk of a smile.* "Le's just say ehm nay loike other kin."
"Oh. Argali sees." *Argali replies, not really seeing.*
"Anythin' eh can do ye fer, er should eh bid ye farewell?"
"The otherr kin Argali knows from Bloody Gate iz Fenrirr. Maybe you have 'earrd of him?"
*The hooded dwarf seems to grin under his hood.* "Wha's he like?"
"Oh, about zis big," *Argali raises her hand up to head height* "He wearrs the white cloak and hood." *She nods for emphasis.*
"Hm... Well... Yer ehn luck. He be nearby."
"Oh? Zis iz good to hearr!"
"Wha' ye want o him?"
"He iz the defenderr. Argali wants to be the defenderr alzo."
"Oh... Right." *The hooded dwarf scratches his head.* "Ye wanted tutorin', aye?"
*Argali nods.*
"Well, have ye practised loike ye were told?"
"Argali prractises verry harrd." *Argali nods sincerely.*
"Good. Then, we'll see wha' ye can do."
"Oh? You arre interrested alzo?"
"Come."
*The two dwarves depart the trading hall and Port Hempstead.*
// Taken largely from the session log. Fenrir Thornaxe (http://lore.layonara.com/Fenrir%20Thornaxe) kindly appears courtesy of s0ulz (http://forums.layonara.com/members/s0ulz.html). //
-
*Two dwarven figures approach the arena in Vehl.*
"Zo, Fenrirr iz at the arrena?" *Argali asks.*
"He will be shortly." *The hooded dwarf replies.*
*Argali looks around the arena for Fenrir.*
"Now. Get ready. This will nay be easy fer ye."
*Argali nods.*
*The hooded dwarf searches through his bags for a few bottles and metal disks.* "Ye usin' eh shield now... Wise move."
"Argali can use most weapons. She can use the double axe alzo."
"Ye should focus on one. Yer box."
"Argali steps into the squarre?"
"Aye. Ye cannae dodge out o the box."
*Argali nods.*
"Eh will throw blades at ye."
"Oh?"
"Ye either block, dodge er shrug eht off."
*Argali nods as she holds her shield up squarely.*
*The hooded figure throws a series of throwing blades at Argali with almost unerring accuracy. He frowns.* "Eh suppose ehm eh good throw."
*Argali looks from over the top of the shield and nods.* "Verry good."
"As eh shield defender, ye need te know yer strengths ehnd maximize em."
*Argali listens intently.*
"Loike the stance. Yer biggest weakness be yer static pose. So, ye must make sure ye can withstand the Seven Pits o Hell standing ehn one place, er yer dead."
*Argali nods.*
"Ye can do this with improvin' yer stance, magic, artefacts, ehnd preemptive manouvers. So, always keep yer fightin' gear eht the best, since ehts much o yer abilities."
*Argali nods intently.*
"Wha' belt ye have on?"
"A leatherr belt."
*The hooded dwarf digs through his bags.* "Fer the purpose o this trainin' ehm givin' ye one o mine."
"Oh, thank you."
"Ye'll get eh idea o wha's eht te shrug off bolts, arrows, ehnd daggers."
"The defenderr can do zis?"
"Naturally. Ye'll see later."
"Ooo."
"Wear eht."
*Argali puts on belt, and raises her shield again.*
"Now, resume yer stance." The hooded dwarf throws another series of throwing blades at Argali.* "Ye see the difference?"
*Argali nods.*
"With artefacts helpin' ye, ye can forget arrows ehnd focus on yer stance ehnd posture. Ehnd eht annoys the archers beyond belief. *He grins under his hood.*
*Argali smiles.*
"Tha's the defensive part."
*Argali nods intently.*
"Ye need te pick yer spots when te stand ehnd when te dodge. This unfortunately only comes through practice."
*Argali nods.*
"So eh can only give ye the basics, the rest is fer ye te work out ehnd polish. Every defender has the basic elements in common with the other... yet their style varies."
// Taken largely from the session log. Fenrir Thornaxe (http://lore.layonara.com/Fenrir%20Thornaxe) kindly appears courtesy of s0ulz (http://forums.layonara.com/members/s0ulz.html). //
-
*The hooded dwarf continues his instruction, putting his armor on.* "Now fer yer offensive part. Between stances ehnd blocks ye need te counter ehnd charge fer better positions. Eht helps iffn ye can kill things. Otherwise the foe will just wear ye down, ye cannae stand ferever."
*Argali nods grimly.*
"Attack me."
"Argali can step out of the squarre?"
"Aye."
"Verry good." *Argali raises her shield again, and then attacks with her waraxe.*
*The hooded dwarf dodges and moves around Argali in a well practised manner.*
*Argali concentrates as she attacks. Occasionally, when she does hit, her axe seems to do nothing but bounce right off.
*The hooded dwarf blocks her blows with his hands, arms and shins, seemingly guessing her attack patterns.*
*Argali seems a little perplexed.*
*The hooded dwarf counters with his own attack, and knocks Argali to the floor.*
*Argali puffs a bit as she gets back up.*
"Good. Now ye see..." *He rolls up his sleeve and reveals his arm. The skin has no marks of cuts at all and seemingly looks a bit more grayish than normal skin.*
*Argali removes her helm to look closely.* "Oh!"
"Now some might say this be eh divine gift. Yet eh know be'ah. Ehts mental."
*Argali looks a little puzzled.*
"Through puttin' yer body enough pain ehnd damage, ye have te realize ehts only temporary. Wounds heal, injuries be'ah. Once ye realize this ye lose the fear o gettin' cut."
*Argali listens intently.*
"Ehm just showin' ye where yer path will eventually lead. This will nay happen overnight. On the offensive, ye need te remember key things. First... never run inte battle. Yer nay Kuldjargh. Yer calm, collected ehnd methodical."
*Argali nods.*
"Ye run te approach, slow yer pace ehnd flank er claim point without any chance o gettin' attacked on the move."
*Argali nods.*
"Alo' o fools nay understand tha'. Second, while attackin' nay get lost ehnd the fury o battle. Once again yer nay Kuldjargh. Keep eh calm thought ehnd keep ehn eye on yer surroundins. Fer possible chokepoints, traps er overall be'ah locations fer yerself."
*Argali nods, intent on the words spoken.*
"Lure ehnd taunt. Maim ehnd cripple. Iffn need be, fall back ehnd take stance. Third, stay on yer feet."
*Argali nods.*
"Yer only as strong as the ground under yer feet. This be somethin' eh went inte quarrel with the traditional Defenders."
"Oh?"
"They prefer te stay ehn one place all the time, only movin' when advancin'. Eh do eht differently. Eh do chain movements."
"Oh."
"Tha's up te ye iffn ye want te stay te y er traditions er nay. Just pick yer spots when te break inte stance."
*Argali replaces her helm.*
*The hooded dwarf breaks into his basic stance.*
*Argali observes intently.*
"Now, attack as ye like, bu' try ehnd spot meh stance, foot setup ehnd dodgin' blocks with meh shield. Eh will only blok yer attempts."
*Argali nods, and takes a breath.*
*The hooded dwarf takes his stance, shield in front hand behind his back as if grabbing for something.*
*Argali focuses intently on her opponent, looking down at his feet and stance occasionally.*
*As if without effort, the hooded dwarf blocks and dodges her attacks with fancy shieldwork and at occasions blocking with his free arm.*
"Good. Observe. Good!" *As she lands a cutting blow. Blood drips from his shoulder, yet the wound closes quickly.*
*Argali focusses, glancing down at his stance occasionally.*
*With one quick dodge and a swift punch, the hooded dwarf puts Argali on her knees.* "Good work."
*Argali breaths deeply and gets up.* "Thank you." *She nods*
"Tha's the basics. Defensive ehnd offensive. The rest be mental."
// Taken largely from the session log. Fenrir Thornaxe (http://lore.layonara.com/Fenrir%20Thornaxe) kindly appears courtesy of s0ulz (http://forums.layonara.com/members/s0ulz.html). //
-
*The hooded dwarf draws his instruction to a close.*
"Defenders be different from Kuldjargh er any other frontliners. We have spirit ehnd mental awareness. We always look fer be'ah tactical opportunities ehnd ways te turn the foes attack against emselves. Tha's somethin' tha' comes with experience. Ye die, ye learn. Ye live, ye make notes."
*Argali nods.*
The hooded dwarf claps his hands once.* "Tha's eht. Ye work on tha' fer some time."
"Thank you, sirr."
"Ehnd ye'll be ready te pick up yer first stance ehn no time. Eh just hope tha' eventually yer realize wha' eh have. Mehbe by tha' day eh've had enough work with meh path tha' ye will nay be shun fer eht."
*Argali nods.*
"Now fer some rest ehnd ale." *He bows to the arena.*
*Argali bows also.* "Thank you. Do you expect Fenrrir zoon?"
"Ye just got tutored by him."
"Oh! Fenrrir! Sirr!"
"Nay sir meh, eh nay got nay titles."
*Argali is a little shocked.*
"The belt please."
*Argali replaces her belt.*
*Fenrir tends his cowl a bit to hide away the bright light from the torches.*
"Iffn ye ever need more help te flesh out yer stance. Send word te meh guild house ehn Hempstead."
*Argali nods.*
"Eh might be able te help. Are ye eh Voraxite?"
*Argali smiles and nods.*
*Fenrir frowns a bit.*
*Argali is a little puzzled.*
"Suppose ye need time. Time will show ye."
*Argali nods, not quite understanding.*
"Now then. Eh'll take meh leave."
*Argali smiles and waves.*
"Farewell."
"Keep safe."
*Argali returns to the arena to practise what she has been shown.*
// Taken largely from the session log. Fenrir Thornaxe (http://lore.layonara.com/Fenrir%20Thornaxe) kindly appears courtesy of s0ulz (http://forums.layonara.com/members/s0ulz.html). //
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Brenzik, The Eighth Day Of Cold-Rust, Fourteen-Twenty-Four
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
It is being winter again soon, so keep rugged up. Argali sends the extra pipeweed as well.
Argali has been so busy helping everyone finding their miscreants. Firstly, she helps a group who is after this Gimbol (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3092&day=2007-11-16&c=3) person. We track him to these caves which have the salt crystals growing from the walls. The further into the caves we are going, the more salt there is, making it hard to breath and stinging the eyes. Argali is feeling she is being desi... [/I]*several struck-through words* dried out. At the bottom of the caves, we find him and try to capture him, but he is too tricky, and runs into the wall of the cave!
Then, after much time (http://forums.layonara.com/development-journals-discussion/140642-argali-trueaxe.html#post698362), Argali is hearing word of the escaped criminal (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3432&day=2007-11-16&c=3) again. She joins the group and we follow him all over Alindor, including through the treacherous Swamp of the Sorrows. It is even more stinky than the sewers of the Port of Hempstead! He had even duped some of the kin to help him. In the end, he refuses to surrender, and perishes in the fight. Argali does not understand this.
Until the next time, Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali
-
*In the Vehl arena, a dwarven female is in her armor and helm, standing on a round shield, several paces away from her training partner.*
"Alrright now, we trry again, like the prrevious times. You arre thrrowing the round stones at Argali, and Argali is trrying to avoid them."
*The female dwarf flicks the double axe in the palms of her gloves, perhaps in slight nervousness.*
*As the stones are thrown, she dodges them as she can using small movements, or turns her armor into them to fend them off.*
...
"Ow." *The dwarf rubs a sore spot.* "Perrhaps the full plate arrmor would be betterr for zis.*
*For a moment she considers.* "No matterr. Argali will imprrove. Please continue."
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Adamachtis, The Third Day Of Dark-Crypt, Fourteen-Twenty-Five
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Happy New Year! Argali hopes you are well, and it is nice and warm and cosy in your home.
Argali meets again the person she has not seen since she first arrived on Mistone. She is the bluey-greeny skinned elf of the sea! Yes! Argali did not believe it when she first saw Chiara the year ago. She was thinking maybe she could be the pale dark elf, but she said this was not so. When we meet again, Argali has to tell her all about not fibbing, and how you cannot have friends if they do not trust you. Argali remembers all the things you have told her.
Argali wonders if it is fibbing when people pretend not to be themselves. Two of the well known kin were not being who they are, then at the end they say, yes, it is them. Maybe they are having the joke, or maybe they do not want to be famous, and are pretending to be ordinary. Argali does not know.
All the best for the new year. Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
-
*In the Vehl arena, a dwarven female steps through the stances she had been shown, repeating them over and over.*
*She takes up her double axe, and begins working through basic strikes with each stance, finding what works together, what works well together, and what works against each other.*
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Mithrik, The Twenty-Third Day Of Dark-Deep, Fourteen-Twenty-Five
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Argali has been helping the kin (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3662&day=2007-11-23&c=3) in Lyn! Yes, they are having the problem because no-one is trading with them. Argali immediately spots the two problems they are having. Firstly, is the hordes of ogres on the way to Lyn! Yes! All their customers are no doubtedly being eaten. Secondly, of the customers that do get through, they are put off because it is so very cold in Lyn. Also, just quietly between you and Argali, the guards of Lyn are not doing the very good job. Yes, Argali is afraid it is so. Our own group was badly trampled by the rampaging minotaur outside Lyn.
[/I]// bubbled //
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali
-
*In the Vehl arena, a dwarven female steps through the defensive stances she had been shown. She has some familiarity with them, and is quite well versed in their execution as she repeats them over and over.*
*She takes up her double axe, and works through the basic blocks with each stance. More intuitively, she is able to match the blocks to complimentary stances, and which blocks work against which stances.*
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Agorin, The Seventh Day Of Damp-Mood, Fourteen-Twenty-Five
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Argali is having the most amazing sensational experience of her life! Yes! She could not believe it herself! It is occurring while she again helps the group find the Gimbol (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3102&day=2007-11-24&c=3) miscreant. They tell Argali all about the story, and how they having been chasing him for a long time.
So, this time, when they are doing the summoning {do not worry, Granny, Argali is quite sure they are knowing what they are doing}, this, this truely fantastic creature comes through! Yes! It fills the room with vibrations that go all the way to the bone. But it is not just like the booming thunder from the very big storm, but something more. Argali does not really have the words to describe it, not even in the tongue of the kin. Some of it is like the thousand tiny wind chimes blowing in the gentle wind. Others are the gentle harmonies rolling over you like the waves from the sea. Then they build to the crescendo that would knock you from your feet.
It is not just in your ears, but penetrates into the parts of you that Argali does not even know she has. It was truely serene and blissful. Argali was captivated, standing in the room, but she is somewhere else, floating... [/I]*a few small drops stain the page and cause the ink to run* sorry, Argali is making the tears on her letter. Then it goes, and Argali is floating back down again. She is not knowing what to make of it, but it is truely amazing.
// bubbled //
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali
-
*In the first light of the morning, a gentle wind blows through the canyon of North Fort on Dregar. A dwarven female stands in the sands behind the great tent, the heavy sides hardly disturbed by the breeze. She steps through the familiar defensive stances that she has been shown, again and again.*
*She retrieves her double axe, and tests each of the basic counter strikes with the stances. She runs through each stance with the block/counter strike sequences, building from her block and stance work. She finds what stances are best to move to with each counterstrike.*
-
*In North Fort on Dregar, a dwarven female jousts with a off-duty guardsman in the sand, to the entertainment of those watching. A circle has been marked, and she does her best to stay within, moving from one defensive stance to another, making small motions to dodge his blows, or turning her armor into them to deflect them.*
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Agorin, The Fourteenth Day Of Dry-Anvil, Fourteen-Twenty-Five
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Hello! Argali is just back from the Fort of the North on Dregar. There is so much sand there. Argali has been to the deserts on Mistone, but on Dregar, they just go on and on and on. While she is there, Argali meets the kin who helped her to find the defenders, Jacrum Shieldbreaker. He is with his brother, who is looking exactly the same as him. We visit the kin of the Runic Anvil on Mount Norand, and see the giant dragon statue of crystal. It is truely wonderous.
Previously, Argali had been helping to collect the timber for the tower repairs with Jacrum on Mistone. This would be the straightforward job to do, no? But when you are travelling with the kin who are leading such extraordinary lives, even the simple tasks can be perilous! Yes! This elf who Jacrum is not knowing appears from nowhere and is asking for the help. They are both knowing this Teeth-a-less person, who is the lich! Yes! The elf disappears, and the skeletal minions appear and attack!
After we escape, the strange sphere appears and the big booming voice is speaking! It becomes all misty and we are watching the battle between the army of heroes and the undead. A bigger undead starts casting his fell magics into the heroes, who are falling down and being sucking into the ground. The undead wizard is laughing, when the kin charges to the front to fight the wizard. He is Jacrum! But the undead wizard chops off his head! It is horrible, Granny, horrible! Then it goes all misty again. Jacrum (http://forums.layonara.com/725682-post31.html) is mentioning his brother's name, which Argali did not understand at the time because she had not meet him yet.
It seems Argali must be on her toes all the time. She is never knowing when she has to come to help.
Vorax keep you safe. Vorax keep Argali ready.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
-
*In the arena in Fort Vehl, a dwarven female greets her two training partners.*
"Zo, we rememberr the tagging from last time, no? Good."
*She indicates the newer training partner.* "You will be the main attackerr at the frront of Argali. Argali iz mainly blocking against you."
*She then indicates the more experienced training partner.* "You will be the flanking attackerr. Argali trries to avoid yourr tagging. But most of all, she is trrying to be aware of you, to keep you in herr mind."
"We arre underrstanding? Good. Firrstly, the flankerr is attacking frrom the frront flank, zo Argali can see you. Depending on how that goes, you will be moving morre to the side flank."
*The dwarf puts on her helm* "Ready? Let us begin."
-
*a letter written in common*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Mithrik, The Sixteenth Day Of Dry-Axe, Fourteen-Twenty-Five
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
From her trip to Dregar, Argali now sends the new pipeweed that she finds. Be care though, Argali has been told that it is spicy.
Argali is learning about unexpected consequences. Yes, it is tricky, no? She joins the group to help the old lady (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3692&day=2007-11-30&c=3), and goes into the cave, but to get inside, the locked door has to be opened. Inside, we find the lady, who is pleasant enough, and says to help ourselves to the thing for the old lady. While we are doing this, she leaves. On the way back, we are seeing the camp that we passed earlier has been razed. We are thinking the two events are not separate. So, by accident, we have made things worse. This is sad, and Argali does not know how to make it better again.
Sometimes the consequences are of our own making, but we seem not to be able to help ourselves. Argali remembers what you told her about the perils of gambling (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3802&day=2007-11-29&c=3 ), but it seems some people's Grannies have been remiss in passing this on. This poor fellow was making the bet and losing, making the bigger bet and losing again. Even when he won, he had to bet it all, and then would lose. It seemed he was like the moth to the flame, he had to bet until he lost it all. This was very sad for him.
Hope you enjoy the pipeweed!
Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
-
*In the arena in Fort Vehl, a dwarven female greets her two training partners.*
"That iz right. We arre doing the tagging frrom the frront flank again. Who would have thought it would have been zo difficult to masterr? Argali iz surre she will make zome headway zoon.
"Ready? Let us begin." *the dwarf slips her helm on*
-
*a letter written in common, covered with fine masonry dust and dirty fingerprints*
Argali Trueaxe
Port Hempstead
Mistone
Granny Hornpipe
Bydell Castle
Alindor
Aurachil, The Eighteenth Day Of Dry-Heat, Fourteen-Twenty-Five
Dear Granny Hornpipe,
Argali has been on Mistone two years now. During this time she has meet many people. But, you are never guessing who she is meeting now. The King Rory of Bloody Gate! Yes! Of course, the King Rory is not actually speaking with Argali and asking how is she or things like that, but Argali is there in the hall when the King Rory is discussing the problems (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3772&day=2007-12-2&c=3) they are having with some of the famous heroes. Yes, it is true! They are even asking Argali to go to help when the merchants are attacked by the giants.
Argali apologizes for the dust on her letter, but she is helping Jacrum to make the repairs (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3862&day=2007-12-1&c=2) on the tower in the Fort of Llast. Yes, this is unusual, no? Who would have thought Argali would be doing such things? You know, there is something very satisfying about building with your own hands. Maybe it is in her blood? At the moment, we are over half (http://forums.layonara.com/rumour-has/147762-residents-fort-last.html) the way through.
The break for lunch is over now, Argali must get back to work. Vorax keep you safe.
Love,
~Argali[/I]
-
*In the arena at Vehl, a dwarven female jumps for joy. Her two training partners are slightly bewildered.*
"Argali doez it!"
"But 'e 'it 'cha."
"Argali was knowing he was hitting herr!" *she beams*
"She made the slight defensive move against his strrike, like zis." *she demonstrates the movement* "Did you not see?"
*looks of non comprehension from the two training partners* "Can we change to the side flank fing, then?"
*she shakes her head* "Argali haz only just found what she was looking forr. We must keep doing it, otherwise she might lose it again."
"Ready?"
*she darts in and gives them each a rap with her training staff* "You werre not ready."
*she grins at them* "Ready..."