3. Ohtar'a Vell'taure

Ohtar'a Vell'taure

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    Ohtar'a Vell'taure {roughly translated as} Warrior of the Forest

    Description:

    This tall Wood Elf stands out with his reddish-orange hair and quick smile. He is just under six foot tall and has the lanky build typical of his race. He is rather handsome, but tends not to notice as he spends most of his time worrying about the care of the forest and those in it. He is ever vigilant in his watch of the forest, and rarely resorts to any comforts such as sleeping in a bed or wearing comfortable clothing. Instead Ohtar is usually in his leather armor and is ever ready for what may come his way. He wastes no time in changing his gear constantly and tends to even sleep with it on. He believes in being ready at the moment of an occurrence and not a second after. He would not be slowed in answering a call for help by wishes for comfort. If these tendencies have given him a slightly weathered or rugged look, only others could tell.

    Ohtar moves with the cat-like grace of an Elven Ranger and handles his weapons fluidly. In fact, the weapons themselves appear to be nothing more than an extension of his being when he uses them. This is most unusual for an Elf of Ohtar's age. It is not often that such control can be found in an elf of around 145 years. This control and his serious green eyes often lead others to believe he is much older then what he really is. Ohtar's closeness to the forest has led him to follow Mielikki, and he calls upon her blessings often to cleanse the wood of his hated enemies (goblins and orcs).

    Background:

    Normal font = the actual account of the story

    different font = sharp emotions or feelings that Ohtar clearly remembers best

    Ohtara's past is nothing out of the ordinary. His early years were filled with laughter and learning. He grew up in a small forest north of Silvery Moon, and spent most of his days learning the skills of a ranger from his kin. He always had a keen interest in the ways of the ranger, and he learned with a great amount of speed and passion. It was not long in fact until he was considered on the level of an experienced Elven ranger.

    Ohtar was almost always exploring the woods. Whenever Ohtar was not out in the woods learning, he was enjoying the company of his friend Nebril. These two had many adventures riddled with blunders and close calls. For the most part however, they were able to terrorize their community with a great deal of success. In fact, as they were approaching their 120th years, they were finding little challenge at all in causing mischief. This caused them to quickly grow restless, and curious of the outside world. They wished to see more of what the world had to offer them, and they were soon on their way out into the world with a few others.

    The Elves let their feet carry them where they would; they were confident in their strength as a group and feared little. Their first days were filled with the laughter and the carefree attitudes of their youth. But what started out as a carefree journey between friends soon became something else entirely. Their party was set upon one day by a band of bandits. A small battle ensued inwhich one of Ohtara's friends was badly wounded as a result of their defense. Uricen could barely walk without the aide of others, and took all of their skill in herbs just to keep him alive through that night. If their bad luck had stopped at those wounds then perhaps matters would have turned out differently, but it was not to be so.

    They moved off the road and slowly made their way into what they thought to be the safety of a forest. Uricen's recovery was slow, and they dared not move him further, so they decided to stay in the forest until he gained strength. Two days they spent in the forest and their friend was showing some small signs of improvements, but it was then that the second disaster struck. Ohtar and Nebril were taking a look about the woods when they caught the smell of goblins in the air. Goblin scum… They quickly found that their camp had been surrounded! They rushed to warn their friends of the danger too late, for the goblins broke into the camp just as they returned. No!!! Ohtar let arrow after arrow fly. He struck down the first three goblins just as they broke into the light of the small fire, and he took a fourth in the upper thigh just as Nebril took it in the throat. There were six dead goblins on the ground, yet the attack did not slow. The creatures seemed to care little for their lives. They were intent on bringing death to his friends.

    Ohtar slung his bow over his shoulder and drew his blades as he ran to the aide of his friends. He moved as quickly as he could, but there were many goblins already between him and his friends. Ohtar dodged the blows of one goblin soldier and stabbed two others; one in the throat and one in side. They both went down as Nebril stabbed one at his back and hit another over the head with his small shield. Ohtar looked across the melee just in time to see two of his friends fall to the goblin ambush. With a cry of pure rage Noo!!! that he heard echoed at his side, Ohtar plunged forward into the goblin masses with redoubled effort. He called silently upon Mielikki's aide as he raked the goblins to either side with his blades. He was driven by a rage, a hatred that only goblin deaths could begin to dent. Flosrien and Dren'wal had been two of his closest friends! Now they are taken from the forest! Never will the woods feel their healing touch again. Never will the wind carry their Elven song. Sweet Mielikki… Ohtar was enraged at his loss and his blades song his wraith. Die Goblin Filth, You deserve not life! He moved with every bit of skill he possessed, and the goblins knew much death that night. The battle became fierce and many times over Ohtar was injured saving Nebril's life only to have his friend return the favor.

    Toward the end, Ohtar barely deflected a goblin knife from his chest to his arm, and he gritted his teeth as he slashed the goblin across its face with his short sword. pants in exhaustion Ohtar turned from the ruined creature to find Nebril still fighting despite barely beeing able to stand from his wounds. He tried to move to his friends aide, but he found he could barely move himself. Looking at himself he saw that he was no better off then his friend! We cannot possibly last much longer. He looked over and saw more goblins coming his way. I am too weak to fend these new ones off, but the goblins will not take another friend from me! He drew his bow and unsteadily nocked an arrow. May Mielikki guide my hand… He released just as he saw a goblin stone out of the corner of his eye. He braced himself and felt the pain of the stone take him in the side at the moment his arrow knocked the goblin threatening Nebril from his feet, dead. Ohtar dropped his bow and fell, gasping for the forest air as it was wrenched from his chest. So this is the end

    Ohtar watched as the remaining goblins came streaming for him. He could no longer see Nebril, so he willed that his friend had left him. RUN NEBRIL! Run! At least one of us must live. He could see no hope for himself, but he continued to fight he would take at least one more of this filth with him. I will not die alone foul creatures! He strained to reach his longsword and pushed himself to his feet. He speared the first one to reach him through the chest, but the creature's weight threw him from his feet. His head connected with the ground and his vision blurred. He thought he saw arrows shoot by over head, and he blinked his eyes to clear his vision. He no longer saw any goblins standing! The forest was quiet! Mielikki!

    He rolled over and pushed the slain goblin from his chest and noticed Nebril. He was pinned to a tree by a goblin blade that he had taken through the arm; his assailant was dead at his feet. smiles slightly thank you my brother for staying with me until the end. But how, how can this be? Nebril could no more have helped me then I him at the end, yet someone drove the rest of the goblins off. Ohtar felt a light touch on his should, and turned to see the concerned face of a…half-orc? Saved by a half-orc??? He could not believe his eyes, never had he heard of a single act of kindness from such creatures, yet here one was, saving their lives?!? Ohtar looked to Nebril who shrugged, every bit as confused by the turn of events.

    The Half-orc Kesdan offered them bandages and herbs for their wounds, and helped them put their friends to rest in a proper place. They were surprised to see him offer his deepest regrets that he had not arrived earlier to save their friends. Ohtar and Nebril were the only two friends to survive that night. He would continue to surprise them over the course of the next few years that they spent with him recovering from their disaster.

    Ohtar spent these years mourning over his lost friends and searching for Mielikki's meaning for him. They had learned the hard way that life is not always fair. They would never again throw caution to the wind and adventure carelessly. The terrible events had changed them much, and although they still emitted a sense of comfort upon others with their smiles and laughter, their laughter and smiles will never return to their old level. Ohtar has seen a hint of this difference in Nebril's discomfort at bringing so many fallen ones out of the woods. He believes it reminds his friend of the helplessness they experienced in the ambush and of their lost friends. As for himself, Ohtar finds that he is even more watchful of the woods then he used to be. Having seen three of his closest friends die, it saddens him to see others fall in the woods. He is determined to always do what he can for his friends even if all that involves, is seeing their souls put to rest.

    Ohtar also learned that not all creatures behave like his elders told him. Kesdan never asked for anything in return for his aide. This is something that took Other a great deal of time to understand, but Kesdan helped him see the truth. After all, Elves are not the only creatures that Mielliki looks after. Ohtar came to admire the Half-orc a great deal before they left to continue their journey of the world, and it was with sad eyes that he bid Kesdan farewell. The creature really was a good natured being.

    Ohtar burdened and yet enlightened with these new experiences and memories continued to travel the world with Nebril. For ten more years the two traveled where their feet would take them; helping where they could and offering condolences where they arrived too late. Slowly they have traveled and now they have arrived in the forests surrounding the town of Norwick.

    [[i:a030d54d94]Background Story]

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    Ponderings and Thoughts of an Old Wolf

    The old wolf sat hunched in on himself, cloak drawn tight against the whipping cold wind. He leaned against his chosen walking staff of the day, the gem cut one that Cotton had first given him in exchange for the mage staff. He glanced at the gem set in its peak and smiled sadly. He reached over and touched the patch of Shain'sul's pelt sewn into his pouch, as his intense gaze shifted through the rest of his items…Each adding its own story. Grivel's brother's ring, Rass's belt, the boots for helping the elven encampment with his brothers, Arah's old blade, the statue Lo'en had given him, and so many more...

    So much has changed…

    He smiled sadly as he often did when alone and remembering his path.

    _So much has changed since i first came to these lands. The old circle is all gone now. Fade and the others, and the old wolves. So many others lost as well. But the defiler is gone as well. Defeated finally, that is a night i will never forget…. The gypsy camp and elven camp gone...Norwick changed. Yuan-ti, Saurus, Vrock and other demons...Old for new. Ever is living a struggle.

    Lo'en and Nawen...found and lost. Stars in the sky that i can always see... along with all of the others who have taught me, fought beside me and walked their pathes in harmony with mine._

    He smiles and glances to the night sky as his random thoughts subside. He nods slowly to himself and rises, stepping out and falling down from the tree limb to land smoothly on his feet. He glances around quickly to make sure no one was looking. The wood is just as empty as it looked. He grins wryly and assumes his hobbling posture. The wind pulls the cloak from his grip and he grins even more.

    The stars to guide you and the wind to pull you along. The wind always speaks to me since Lo'en… Time to see where it blows an old wolf tonight.

    The old wolf hobbles off north towards the fires in the woods.

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    Just read the story…excellent stuff...had already surmised most of it from ingame happenings....now...must ...blank...out...mind slugs...

    Be assured, however, the wolves are prepared....


  • BAH! you screwed up ohtara! you screwed up! 🙂
    well.. atleast ic ive chosed the right path 😉
    ooc i thought different but heck, Arah's turst in some people proved to be valuable 😉

    extreemly well written.. i have not heard anything about that trip ooc so i was having eyes widen when reading this post!
    thank you for a good story stauffer

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    Enclosing Darkness

    Ohtar examined the elf’s wounds in disbelief. He could do nothing for the Elven mage. Nothing but listen to his words and offer what comfort he could to ease his mind. “You are safe now brother…you are safe…,” Ohtar‘s words seemed hollow to his own ears.

    The Elf was going to die, there was nothing Ohtar could do to help him. He could not stop the bleeding…All of his knowledge of herbs, all of his methods of healing, all of his prayers to Mielikki had been to no avail. The festering gauges all over the elf’s body could not be touched. They were unlike anything he had seen before…Swollen and angry, the wounds seem to flare heatedly at his slightest touch. Torn flesh hung in shreds off the mage from where the claws of the beast had wracked across the his body. What animal or beast could leave such horrible wounds? Ohtar doubted even a skilled cleric could have helped the dieing elf that stood trembling before him.

    He reached over to put a comforting hand on the mage’s shoulder when the elf suddenly fell forward on the forest floor at his feet. Ohtar started at the suddenness of his fall and quickly knelt, turning the Elf over to feel for his lifeblood. The timing of his heart through his neck was gone. The mage had returned to the comfort of the earth… He sighed sadly, bowing his head and murmuring a soft Elven prayer for the lost mage as he gently closed the Elf’s eyes to the life of the woods. He slowly climbed back to his feet and turned back to Uthger.

    “What did he say? What happened to him? You could not help him?” Uthger inquired glancing at the fallen mage uneasily and then back to Ohtar. Ohtar shook his head, his eyes sad and his mind racing over the Elf’s dieing words worriedly.

    “Am I Safe?”
    “Of course you are brother”
    “She…its not good”
    “Easy now brother, let me see to your wounds…”
    “It…The beast stirs…”
    “Easy brother…”
    “Ori..Ori…I…a..n..a..a”
    “You are safe now brother…you are safe…”

    “I could do nothing to help him with those wounds…Something is wrong at the Outpost. I must speak with Andu.” Ohtar turned to Karion, “Go find Andu quickly brother and tell him it is urgent that I speak with him.” Karion nodded in response to his words and raced off towards the druids grove as Ohtar turned back to Uthger. Ohtar’s eyes traced after his quickly disappearing brother and he sighed worriedly. _Could it be the defiler was free? Orianna….she was the guard upon his prison. Had the time finally come to face the corruption once more…

    “Ohtar…Lanz and Rianna were headed to the grove. If they are giving Andu and Lydia trouble then I will be able to help. Karion has been gone too long…something must be delaying him.” Ohtar blinked slowly coming out of his worried thoughts at Uthger’s words. He frowned angrily at the idea of such foolishness from Lanz and that women, especially at such a time as this.

    “Come then let’s head to the grove. The quicker I speak to Andu the better.” Uthger nodded and they both set out at a run for the Druid grove. The large barbarian’s strides easily match his gliding ones despite the armor he carried.

    As they entered the grove, they could immediately hear the commotion from within. Ohtar scowled angrily as he took in the scene quickly with his sharp eyes. Lanz and Rianna stood facing Andu and Lydia with their weapons drawn. Weapon’s drawn on Druids in their own grove by unwelcome guests. An argument was raging about who had the right to have Lanz and Clana’s child. Ohtar stepped forward with Uthger. “ENOUGH! Stop this foolishness, now! Andu, I must speak with you. There are more important matters that must be discussed…” Uthger moved towards Lanz and Rianna trying to calm them and to get them to leave the grove.

    “More important than a child?!?” Rianna challenged him angrily. Ohtar turned toward her looking her in the eyes dangerously.

    “Yes, more important than one child,” his words were spoken softly “You need to leave now, Andu has said you are not welcome in this grove.” He turned away from her then as Andu drew close to him along with Karion and Lydia. Their eyes all turned to him worriedly after hearing his words to Rianna. All of them seeming to search his face for signs of what news would cause him to speak in such a way. Ohtar sighed as Uthger got the two others to put their weapons away and quiet enough so he could speak. Ohtar turned to Andu, “Karion told you of the Summoner, Andu?” Andu nodded. “He spoke of Orianna brother, he said that it…a beast was free and that she might be in trouble.” Andu blinked, taken aback by his soft words.

    “No…it can’t be,” he looked to Ohtar questioningly.
    “I do not know for sure, but….his words and wounds…I want you to come with me to the Outpost to be sure.” Andu nodded.
    “Of course.”

    There was a soft rustling of grass and leaves behind Ohtar and he turned, scanning the distance. Shapes were emerging from the trees, entering the grove on almost silent feet. Elven warriors and mages, and in more numbers then he had seen since war had almost broken out between Norwick and the Outpost many years ago. “Come Andu, lets see what they have to say.” Ohtar moved towards them slowly searching for who might be leading them. The Lifeshaper emerged from their midst as they drew closer and Ohtar blinked in surprise. She turned her eyes on Ohtar, Andu and Karion as she began to speak in Elven.

    “We look for an Elven Mage, have any of you seen him? We believe he came north.” Ohtar nodded slowly.

    “He ran into me in the woods sister…but he was to grievously wounded….I could not help him and he has passed back into the earth’s embrace.” The Lifeshaper frowned and nodded slowly at his words. “Sister he spoke of troubling things. He mentioned Orianna and a beast being free.” Ohtar looked to her searching for answers.

    “That mage was an extremist…He thought he could cure the animals in the Dire woods of their afflictions. Despite everything we told him he continued to go there. He even held one of them in a cage at the Outpost. It is of this one he must have spoken for it burst free of its cage but a few hours past and rampaged through the outpost. It caused much damage before we could deal with it. It attacked the mage first, giving it the wounds you saw. As for Orianna…I know not of who you speak.” Ohtar and Andu looked at her in disbelief.

    “Surely sister…you must know of Orianna,” Andu looked at her curiously as Ohtar stepped closer to her and dropped his voice so that only Andu, the Lifeshaper and himself could hear his words.

    “You can trust us sister, the Wolves and the Circle have always supported your cause in these woods. Andu and myself know of Orianna as you do, I am sure. Please tell us what really happened. Those marks on the mage….those were not natural. They would be strange even for a Dire animal….I have never seen their like before. If something is wrong with Orianna, or the prison…” Ohtar and Andu looked at her almost pleadingly, their worry clear displayed on their faces. The Lifeshaper seemed to pause considering their words.

    “There is nothing for you to worry about. Orianna is still well and the prison still holds.” They both frowned again looking at each other worriedly.

    “Then why all of this concern for one simple Elven mage sister?” Andu asked.

    “And why pretend not to know of Orianna?” Ohtar added.

    “Few know of her brothers. Her name is not spoken so that the ears of others may hear. That is part of her protection. And like I said the Mage has caused much damage…” Andu looked to Ohtar.

    “But still…those wounds…and his words worry me sister. Surely you would allow us to see with our own eyes that all is well? It has been many years since I have even heard her name spoken…What harm could it cause” The Lifeshaper looked at Ohtar considering his words.

    “I do not know you well enough…but if you would stay at the Outpost for a few days, perhaps then something can be arranged.” Ohtar smiled in relief and nodded.

    “I agree then, if that is what you require from one in long standing friendship with the Outpost then I will do as you say…I must speak with Karion a moment before we go though sister.” She nodded in agreement, and he then turned away from her walking over to Karion.

    “Brother, I must go to the Outpost now with Andu and the Lifeshaper. I will be staying there a few days in order to learn more of what happened and perhaps to see the prison or Orianna. I need you to bring word of this to the Wolves. Make sure that they all know what we saw and that I will be gone for a time. Make sure they are ready for what may come Karion.” Ohtar frowned worriedly at his own words but then nodded and patted Karion on the shoulder.

    “What do I tell them to prepare for Ohtar?” He looked at Ohtar worriedly.

    “Tell them to prepare for the worst…If I do not return…no…Andu and myself will know for sure in a few days. The Wolves must be ready to act immediately in case what we find is as I believe. Make sure someone is watching Skara and Uglog. If they start acting together, that will be a sign for the worst.” Uthger stepped up close to Ohtar, having heard his words to Karion with his sharp ears.

    “You will have my support in what may come as well Ohtar…Norwick will be ready to aid you.” Ohtar smiled to him and nodded.

    “Thank you Uthger. I will send word to you as well after I return from the outpost.” Ohtar looked at the two of them and nodded and spoke his parting words as he turned “May Mielikki watch over you both until I return.” He walked back over to the Lifeshaper with Andu stepping up next to him after speaking with Lydia.

    “I am ready now Sister.” The Lifeshaper nodded and turned walking back to the Elves waiting behind them. Ohtar and Andu followed her as they traveled south and west over the forest floor.

    Some hours later, after spending some relaxing hours in the Elven outpost, the Lifshaper approached Ohtar and Andu. “She will see you now Ohtar and then you Andu. She wishes to speak with you one at a time.” Ohtar nodded in understanding as he rose smoothly to his feet.

    “I should be back shortly then Andu.” He follow the Lifeshaper to the Elven tent where she stopped outside.

    “She waits for you within, Ohtar.” She smiled to him and turned gliding off back into the Outpost to see to her duties. Ohtar took a deep breath and then opened the door to the tent entering quietly.

    Orianna and the weapon’s dealer waited for him there. She smiled to Ohtar as he entered and motioned for the other Elf to leave. The Elf nodded and left through the only door after locking it so that they could speak privately. Ohtar turned to Orianna worriedly and quickly pushed his worries out before her. “The prison sister…it still holds? I have heard and seen many troubling things…If something is amiss, please…the Wolves are hear to aid in your troubles.” She looked at him smiling softly and gently shh’ed him.

    “Easy brother Ohtar…please you should not trouble your mind so. How are you holding up under your duties? I have heard that you are the leader of the Wolves. Perhaps the stress has started to wear on you?” She looked him over worriedly her eyes drawing an answer from him though he was somewhat confused at her words.

    “I am well enough sister. There have been troubling times, but we always find our way through.” Orianna nodded slowly at his words.

    “Have you ever lived among a true Elven community Ohtar?” He blinked at her question and shrugged.

    “I grew up in Silverymoon Orianna. There is a large Elven population there.” She smiled softly at his words.

    “Then you have not. It is such a wonderful thing Ohtar…” She looked him over carefully. “Perhaps some of those that live in Town have been troubling you sister? Or even those within your Wolves who are not Elven.” He blinked once again.

    “Of course not sister. The Wolves are my family. Every last one of them means the same to me and Norwick has caused now troubles…” He looked at her curiously. She looked back at him thoughtfully before smiling softly once more and changing the topic…

    “Do you have anyone close to you brother? A wife perhaps? A mate?” He frowned slightly at her words…he had not come here to speak of such things. She did not need to know of Lo’en.

    “Sister, please. I came here to speak of how the prison holds and how you are doing…” He looked her over carefully only to see a normal looking women smiling back at him. She shh’ed him once more trying to soothe his worried tone and face.

    “Please brother Ohtar, you must relax…you are too upset. Will you allow me to help soothe you some so that we may talk more?” He looked at her curiously, but then finally nodded slowly. She smiled softly and began murmuring an Elven spell. Ohtar felt the air around him moving in around him gently before suddenly disappearing. He smiled slightly at the soft touch of the air, but didn’t notice Orianna frowning slightly in seeming fexation. Again and again she murmured an Elven prayer. Each time with the same results. Finally she looked over him carefully. She took careful note of his boots and smiled softly to him. “Perhaps you would like to become more comfortable brother? The tent is a bit warm for outdoor clothing.” He smiled slightly at he words.

    “Well it is a bit warm for my cloak.” He rose gracefully and began removing the cloak.

    “Let me try to soothe you some more…” Half way out of his cloak he heard her murmur the words to another spell. He felt a sudden jolt and staggered sideways slamming his body against the pillar in the middle of the tent. He grunted casting about in a daze as he tried to orientate himself despite the stun spell. He saw her…She smiled softly at him as her magic work its coarse through him bringing stars to his vision. **_Why?…She had lied to him…all was not well here…

    He watched helpless to do anything as she pulled out a small jar, a black ichors in it, slugs worming through.

    “I think you need to experience what being what one is…” Ohtar eyed her as she slowly removed a slug from the jar and stepped towards him. **_No… He struggled weakly against the affects of the spell holding his mind, but could not push himself away from the beam. The floor seemed to spin beneath his feet if he even moved his head. **_No…

    She wiped the slug off in his ear and smiled softly as it began to crawl deeper within his head through his ear canal. “No!!…AHHHH!!” Pain shot all through Ohtar’s head as it slithered ever deeper into his head and began attaching itself to his mind. “AHHH!!“ He was jolted from his feet, falling to the floor. He withered there against the beam. His back arched with the pain of the slug as he gripped his head with his hands. His vision blurred and tears streamed from his eyes as pain continued to erupt within his skull. The pain seemed endless and yet in but a few seconds Ohtar lay limply the pain gone.

    She moved over him then…still smiling…her soft, reassuring smile. He looked up at her in disbelief, the pain of his betrayal etched into his face. **_What have you done…How could I have trusted you?

    “Much better…now, brother Ohtar’a…you have a mind slug inside of you. A lovely little creature from one of the outer planes. This will keep your mind docile, and easy for suggestion…while not making you overly obvious to some of the more…overzealous paladins. Now then Ohtar’a…you will heed my words, and obey them. You will begin recruiting other Elven kinfolk to the cause, but not attract attention…act as you would in command. Good…you will not tell anyone that anything is amiss, nor will you raise any alarms about the defiler…you will tell them all is well. You will report back to me one week from now…hopefully with another brethren. Do you understand?” She looked him straight in the eyes waiting for his answer. **_No…I will not…you cannot make me do this…to lie

    “I do.” He listened to his own words in stunned disbelief. **_No…

    “Good…you will stay for a few days, to ensure you know your task. Now leave, and invite your brother in…” She smiled softly as he turned away from her. He was helpless to stop himself… Mielikki forgive me…. We should not have come here Andu…**_**__

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    Portals and Salamandars

    Ohtar looked into the fire shrugging off Braeth’s accusing look. He was not sure how much he liked the elf. Grivel and Big said they had known him for a long time, but Ohtar was becoming agitated by Braeth’s insistence that he must learn what the wolves knew about the attack on the outpost. Ohtar had no intention of telling the elf Wolf business, and no amount of glaring or comments about the Wolves being too closed mouthed was going to change his mind. Several time now he had thought about leaving Vino’s fire, but for some reason he had stayed. Ohtar sighed and leaned back on to his elbows trying to relax and calm his thoughts.

    As Ohtar leaned back he heard a flutter of wings and looked up in surprise. A bird with a note lighted onto Vino’s shoulder and hopped around until the old ranger could untie the note. He glanced over at Vino curiously as the old elf read the message and then turned to face them. “Cordelia is in the far west Rawlinswood.“ Vino frowned as he spoke. “She says Ugog’s mages have opened another portal there.”

    “Then We need to go see to this,” Fade said as she stood up and began gathering up items. Ohtar nodded and rose to his feet. He checked through his pack quickly and waited as the others readied themselves also. The party was quickly made its way westward to the far woods.

    Ohtar moved from the brush silently and breathed in the forest air slowly. He eyes widened slightly at the smell of smoke and something….else…something new to him…He looked around cautiously and was about to go back into the cover of the forest when he noticed Braeth running up ahead with Sker. They were moving towards the smell of smoke quickly. Ohtar sighed in frustration and moved after Braeth with A’Lan, Fade, Walkman, and Andu. So much for staying hidden until we know what we are up against.

    The sounds of fighting erupted suddenly ahead and Ohtar unslung his longbow. He quickly let arrows loose as he turned around the corner of the cliffs at a run. His arrows caught a goblin soldier in the head and a caster in the shoulder knocking it from its feet. His eyes scanned the area whipping around onto the giant fire creatures Braeth was grappling with. The lizard like creatures were covered in flame swarming down upon the group from the cliffs above.

    Ohtar planted his feet firmly and began letting arrows fly as fast as they reached his bow. There was a constant blur of motion as the arrows left his bow and glided swiftly through the air seeking their targets. The arrows pierced the salamanders’ flaming hides, and he heard the creatures scream out angrily. They started to turn towards him only to be cut down from behind by Braeth. More arrows began buzzing by Ohtar as the others added their bows to the fight, and he watched the creatures as they fell to blade and arrow.

    He watched as Braeth began to move up the cliffs and shook his head slightly. He moved past the still burning Salamandars and began to climb up after Braeth. “We should stay closer together,” Ohtar called out around him. He paused, looking back at the slowly cooling creatures worriedly before moving on to catch up to Braeth.

    The party brought down the normal goblins as they made their way farther west. There did not seem to be anymore then usual, but as they reached the boulders on the second cliff level, the salamandars returned in a second wave. They poured out from a gap in the rocks and swarmed around Braeth and Sker. Once again Ohtar let his arrows fly. Only this time his arrows did not seem to work as well. He watched as many of his arrows were simply burned to ashes by the fire on the beasts’ hides. Ohtar scowled angrily and reslung his bow as he pulled out his magical longsword and masterwork shortsword. He rushed in attacking the Salamandars around Braeth from behind.

    He used his momentum to drive his longsword into the back of the first creature and kicked it off of his blade quickly as others turned to face him. He moved his blades swiftly turning aside their flaming claws and slashing at them with his two blades. He cut another one down after ducking under a swipe at his head and slashing the lizard all across its stomach. Arrows continued to shoot by Ohtar, and some managed to pierce the creatures forcing them to their knees. Their party slowly pushed the flaming creatures back through the boulders; driving them under the hail of arrows and swiftness of their blades.

    As they passed the boulders, Ohtar glanced over the fighting at the sight of a shooting light ahead. “The portal!” Ohtar heard someone say through the din of fighting. He grunted in agreement as he turned back to his attackers. He slashed a lizard across the face and winced as another scrapped its claws deeply into his left arm. He felt the creature’s touch burning his flesh and he jerked his scorched arm away quickly. He turned his longsword and stabbed at the salamandar’s chest driving it back away from him. The creature tripped over a dead companion throwing it off balance. An arrow zipped past Ohtar’s head and impaled itself in the creatures chest, throwing it from its feet.

    Ohtar winced slightly and turned back towards the portal. He looked over at a flash of light and saw another Salamandar emerge from the portal. His eyes widened at the size of the creature. It was even bigger than the ones that they had been fighting. He inhaled sharply as he watched the bigger Salamandar call upon the aid of a elemental. Ohtar re-sheathed his blades and pulled his bow to send arrows into this new threat. His arrows struck the Salamandar just as Braeth stabbed at it with his blades. The creature turned on them angrily. It cast its hand out at them, and Ohtar doubled over in pain. He felt his blood congeal and slow and his breathing became ragged. Time seemed to slow and pain shot through Ohtar’s limbs with the pulsing of his heart. He struggled to stay upright continuing to stubbornly loose arrows on the creature, but he felt an end drawing near. He coughed and stumbled falling away from the creature. He felt his bow slip from his grasp as he fell to the ground. Pain jet through him with every few beats of his heart. He could feel his pulse…it thundered in his skull. The noises of fighting began to grow distant around him and then he hear Fade whisper in his ear and felt her healing touch.

    He rose shakily to his feet and turned casting around for his bow on the ground. He stumbled about weakly trying to find it. Just as he finally spotted it, he heard the whistle of angry wind and looked up to see his doom drawing down upon him. The elemental the creature had called was rushing down upon him. He had no hope of escaping…the creature struck out, and Ohtar felt his body crumble under the force of it blow.

    Ohtar felt himself leave his body. He desperately resisted the pull calling him away to another place…he did not want to leave. He struggled; he had a family here, a duty, and Loen…he could not leave Loen. His soul cried out in the pain of lose as he felt himself being pulled to darkness. He desperately reached out to Loen; stretching an arm, a hand he knew he no longer had. He pictured her face…perhaps for the last time…he felt…touched her face…a great sadness washed over him and darkness began shrouding her from his eyes. _No…I am sorry Loen…_Darkness swirled around Ohtar engulfing him a separating him from what he loved most. His thoughts began to fade and just then he though he felt…heard something I am coming… And then total darkness.

    Ohtar jolted upright. Light, colors, smells, sounds, everything bombarded him at once. He stumbled too weak to stay on his feet. He collapsed to the forest floor confused and exhausted. He looked up at the man next to him and weakly smiled to A’Lan who offered him a hand to his feet. “I am sorry brother….I failed you…I could not help you in time.” A’Lan looked down sadly unable to say more. Ohtar took A’Lan’s hand and stood leaning on his brother for support. He coughed emptying his lungs of what poison was left from the cursed Salamandar, and turned to A’Lan trying to smile comfortingly though his eyes were still sad.

    “I know that you did all that you could have brother,” Ohtar squeezed his shoulder weakly, “I did not expect you to do more…that Salamandar was strong. I am glad that you all made it out alright.” Ohtar glanced over their group worriedly. Fade wsat off to the side as weak as he along with Walkman. He sighed nodding to himself sadly. He glanced back towards where the portal had been, but it was no longer there.

    A healer named Anne moved up to Ohtar and gently grasped his head murmuring quietly to her deity. He felt another slight jolt, but soon could feel his strength returning. He smiled thankfully to her as she moved off to see to Fade and Walkman. Ohtar went off and gathered his lostitmes from where he had fallen and then returned to the group as they began to head back to Vino’s.

    They traveled east only a short distance before they found others. Loen appeared out of the forest and Ohtar rushed to meet her. Had he really been able to touch her? He reached her quickly and looked over her carefully. She looked out of breath and her gray eyes spoke of her worry for him and more. She had felt his touch… He reached over and touched her cheek gently. She moved into his touch and he smiled silently thanking Mielikki for returning him to her. “I was worried I would never see you again Loen” he whispered to her ignoring the others. He moved in closer to her taking in her scent and feeling the comfort of her presence. Her eyes locked with his…seeming to drink him in even as he did the same with her.

    He heard talking behind them and saw Loen look around his shoulder at someone. He turned and nodded to Cordelia. He listened to her closely as she told their party of how she had seen Ugog open the portal with the help of a shiny object that he had taken back into the hold after the portal had opened. She said she had been following a messenger to the warrens when she had been set upon by the Salamandars and was saved by Anne the healer.

    Ohtar nodded slowly in understanding as Cordelia continued. She suggested that they try to retrieve this item from Ugog while she went to watch over the warrens. Their party talked for awhile and then agreed to try. Their visit to the hold was short lived however. The party was forced to leave after some intense fighting on the first level. They left the hold bruised and battered, but still in alive.

    They then decided to close up the hold’s entrance to at least buy them some time to return later. If the goblins had to dig their way out then the item could not be moved for awhile. Everyone moved back from the holds entrance and Call threw fireball after fireballs against the surrounding walls burying the entrance in debris. The party then made their way back to the east o return sometime in the near future.

  • S

    A Needed End

    Ohtar looked out into the distance beyond the nearby buildings of Jiyyd. He longed to return to the woods that he called home. To feel the calming, comforting presence of the trees and nature… He felt the air stir near him, felt it building, weaving its way closer. He lifted his head slightly allowing the wind to brush the whole of his face as it made its way north and east. The soft coolness of its touch was refreshing in itself, yet he yearned for more. He breathed in gently as he felt the wind sliding past. Its many scents bombarded him, offering his mind brief images of the forest and its gentle creatures. The images brought sweet pains to his troubled heart as he turned back to the others and the task at hand.

    “Dealt with?” Nebril’s confused voice pierced through Ohtar’s own sad thoughts. He sighed heavily as he saw the pain in his brother‘s eyes. He wished now that the Nebril had not been with him when Ashen had come for him. He looked over to Ashen and Thad and he felt his jaw set as he resolved to stay the needed course.

    “Please take your pups out of your packs…” Ohtar watched sadly as Lo'en’s eyes turned to Ashen, suddenly halting in her attempts to tuck her struggling pup away. “If you cannot do it…give the pup to me..” Ohtars eyes turned sadly to Ashen and he nodded slowly knowing what must be done. He retrieved the winter wolf pup from his pack placing the creature on the ground at his feet.

    He watched as Ashen knelt down on the ground placing his pup in front of him. He turned his eyes to Loen worriedly. She was looking at her pup as it struggled. Its kicked its legs against her cloak laboring vainly to get free itself of her hold. The helplessness of the creature pained his heart, and he fought to picture the creature as it would be full grown. He heard Ashen unsheathe his shortsword and turned seeing him place it against his pups neck. “Perhaps I do not understand this fully…” Nebril’s voice once again filled the silence pausing slightly, “but why are you about till kill an innocent pup.”
    “ Nebril…” Ashen trailed off unable to bring himself to explain. Ohtar turned slowly to Nebril looking up into his old friend’s troubled eyes. He moved toward his friend and offered words of comfort.
    “They are evil…just like the drow, Neb.”
    “Are they evil from blood or from raising?”
    “From the blood Nebril,” Ohtar answered. He saw Loen shudder slightly from the corner of his eyes and heard her sigh softly. He felt the sadness in his heart deepen with the hurt he knew this was causing the two of them. They had not been with him and Ashen when they had learned the nature of these creatures so many days back they did not know the true danger of the winter wolves.
    “And how do you know?” Nebril challenged slightly. Ohtar sighed heavily wishing he could tell his friend that he did not know…that he could be wrong, but he could not.
    “ Vino has told us it is so…” Ohtar watched Nebril frown and turn his head away from something behind his back. He turned and glanced over his shoulder at Ashen in time to see him lower the dead pup to the grass at his feet. He closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath. Mielikki
    “ I.…” Ohtar heard Loen’s voice falter as he handed Ashen his pup unable to do the job himself. He turned away from Ashen and looked back at Loen sadly meeting her eyes.
    “It has to be done Loen…if it grows.…” He looked down at her struggling pup sadly shaking his head. He heard Ashen sigh slightly at his back and then heard the sound of distant thunder.
    “The goddess thunders,” Nebril said sadly. Ohtar heard the sudden sound of a bone snap and avoided looking over at Thad.
    “We cannot raise them right then?” Loen looked back into Ohtar’s eyes. Her gray eyes searching his seeming to plead with him for another way. He shook his head sadly unable to tell her differently. She nodded slowly and started to take out her short sword, but then she shook her head slightly pushing it back down into its sheathe. She moved slowly to Thad and offered her pup to him. “Take.” She turned away as he took the pup from her hands. Ohtar moved toward her as he heard another quick snap from Ashen’s direction.
    “It is painless, I assure you.” Thad said. As Ohtar reached Loen he put a comforting hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. He looked over her shoulder as Thad quickly snapped the neck of the last pup.
    “It is done…” He heard Nebril whisper from his side.
    “Aye..” Ashen said.
    “Aye, Its done.” Thad said as he released the pup from his grasp. He heard Loen sigh once again and squeezed her shoulder comfortingly.
    “I hope you know what you are doing.” Nebril said softly and then tried to smile.
    “When not even rangers can turn a creature.…” Loen trailed off said for a moment and then added slowly, “I trust you Ashen and Vino.” Ohtar watched Loen sadly as she looked to Ashen. “Is that all you require Ashen?”
    “Aye..” Loen bowed her head for a moment and then offered her small smile to Ohtar.
    “I need some rest…to think” she said. Ohtar looked at her worriedly searching her eyes before nodding slowly. “I will see you around,” she said staring back at Ohtar. Ohtar smiled slightly at her comfortingly.
    “Be careful Loen” his eyes watched her carefully showing his concern for her.
    “I will” she answered as she moved off into the distance. Ohtar watched her until he could no longer see her and then sighed returning his attention to the group.
    “What to do with them now Ashen? Have you talked to Big about this?”
    “We couldnt take them to the Outpost…” Ashen said, “Not now. We have to take their pelts if they're large enough. He hold onto the pelts for now.. until our next meeting with Six.” Ohtar heard Nebril sigh once again at his side and looked to his friend.
    “Fair enough.” Nebril responded, “Get the hides and let us get off this cursed hill.” Ohtar nodded slowly saddened by the pain in Neb’s voice.
    “Ohtar..” Ashen started bringing Ohtar’s eye around on to him. “You still have those other pelts?”
    Ohtar shifted his pack slightly.
    “I do.”
    “Should I start to skin the pups Ashen?” Thad looked at Ashen questioningly. Ohtar watched Ashen look over at Thad’s skinning knife and nod slowly. Ohtar looked at the others as they all took out their knives and then nodded slowly taking his own knife from his pack. He looked over at the small pup corpses sadly and sighed heavily.
    “I will take one.” he said. He bent slowly taking one of the pups up off the ground gently. He looked at the creature sadly for a moment and then began his task. He let his mind wander…not caring to dwell on the age of the creature that he worked his knife on. He looked off to the south once again…his yearning to be in the woods returning once more. His thoughts turned to Loen and his feelings for her. He hoped that she had made it back to the Rawlinswood by now and was in the comfort of the forest. He thanked Mielikki that she had left before they had started this part of their task.

    Time seemed to drag on slowly as Ohtar continued his task, and it seemed like an age before they all stood around a fire looking sadly down at the burning remains of the pups. Ohtar looked into the fire watching the pups slowly disappear, consumed by the heat of the fire, returning to nature. If only you could be rid of some memories so easily. Ohtar shook his head vainly trying to shake a picture of a struggling pup from his mind. He looked up at the others.
    “I trust you Ashen…you know I do,” Nebril was saying, “I am sorry for questioning you. It is just hard when information is not circulated completely.”
    “ I'm sorry you were put through this… but it had to be done..”
    “These pups were innocent,” Nebril murmured softly, “Forgive us for what we have done, and may you guide our steps.” Ohtar looked at his friend sadly hearing the strin in his voice. Nebril’s face was a picture of pain. He spoke out once again only this time in their home language. He spoke to Ohtar alone for the others could not understand their words.
    “They could have been raised for good…I know I could have done it…” Ohtar moved closer to his friend puttin his hand on Nebril’s shoulder as he continued. “I just dont get it…”
    “I do not think so Neb…I do not think so…”
    “I hope all ends well, Ohtar,”     Nebril said sadly, “I do.”
    “Tis for the best. Lives have been saved.” Thad murmured mostly to himself.
    “I hope…” Nebril said once again in common. “I am close to my home….” Ohtar looked at his friend sadly feeling helpless to comfort him.
    “One day you may see the beasts in action. Then you will understand.”
    “'Tis sad that such a beutiful animal must contain such evil blood.. “ Ashen murmured at their side.
    “Indeed,” Thad added.
    “I have heard your stories, I do not doubt you. I just do not know if it is blood, or how they were raised, but…I trust vino” Ohtar nodded his head slowly at his friends words.
    “But actually seeing changes things.”
    “I understand Ohtar,”     Nebril said trying to smile. Ohtar nodded slowly to his friend a sad expression on his face as he looks around at them.
    “All is done here..” Ashen said. Ohtar looked over at Nebril and watched as his friend started to move away.
    “I must go now friends,” Nebril said. Ohtar nodded slowly and watched his friend make his way slowly down from the hill.
    “Let’s bury these ashes,” Ohtars said sadly looking back at Thad and Ashen. He knelt to the ground dug a hole and pushed the ashes in with help from the others.
    “I didn’t particularly like seeing Nebril like that…” Ashen said, “He wasnt there…” Ohtar nodded slowly looking over at Ashen.
    “We have had some rough times…I should go see that he is alright.” He glanced off in the direction his old friend had gone. Ashen nodded to Ohtar.
    “Very well…I'll be making my way back to Norwick.” Ohat nodded to Ashen and sighed a final time.
    “May Mielikki watch over you two” he murmured as he turned to leave.
    “Farewell, Ohtar” Ashen said.
    “Be safe Ohtar.” Thad added. He made his way slowly away from the two listening to the murmur of their voices.
    “I'll go with you Ashen.”
    “Thad, will you be staying here, or going to Norwick as well? You handled yourself well…”
    “I am not a stranger to nature.”
    “Nebril and Ohtar took it pretty hard.” Ohtar nodded to himself as these words reached his el
    “Indeed.”
    “I knew it had to be done though.. no hesitation..”
    “It is a difficult thing to understand.” Ohtar nodded to himself as these words reached his elven ears at the bottom of the hill. A needed end but it is never one that I will allow myself to like or take lightly. That is what separates us from them. He looked towards the distant Rawlinswood, but then shook his head sadly putting his journey there off for alittle while longer. First I must see to an old friend.
    “Shall we return?”
    “I need to stop in Norwick for some provisions.”

    [Current/ Narfell Story]

  • S

    Into the Depths of Skara's Cave

    Ohtar lunged to the side barely avoiding the swing of the elite goblin. As he moved, he brought the hilt of his long sword around and connected solidly with its skull. Goblin Filth! The goblin was lifted from its feet and thrown to the ground as Ohtar turned quickly to face the rest of his attackers.

    The air was full of the sounds of a pitched battle. Arrows flew by Ohtar’s head in either direction as he tried to hold back the goblin elites from the rest of the archers. He blocked the goblins’ blows swiftly and returned their attacks when he found room or opportunity, but their numbers were quickly wearing down on his defense. He looked around desperately trying to spot where Lo’en had gone. He had lost sight of her at the onset of the battle, and now he was hard pressed not to fall himself. Ohtar gritted his teeth accepting the blow of a goblin axe in the side in order to block the swing of another that was aimed at his head. Blast! He fell to one knee as the goblin’s axe snagged in his armor. He thrust up into the stomach of the nearest elite with his longsword and desperately turned aside the swing of another with his shortsword. Ohtar felt the air stir to either side of him and heard the thunk of arrows as they connected with elites moving in around him. He pushed himself up off his knee quickly and cut down an elite that had been thrown off balance by the arrow lodged in its shoulder.

    Ohtar looked around again quickly, his eyes filled with worry. Where is she? The forest around them had gone completely still as the last goblin was driven back towards Skara’s cave. All around Ohtar, the ground was littered with the still quivering forms of dead and dieing goblins. Ashen stood a short distance off, still standing despite a similar pile of corpses around him. Ohtar nodded to himself and smiled proudly. Their party had done well. The goblins had not managed to break through their front line and the party’s archers had helped sway the battle.

    He glanced a little farther off to the side and finally spotted Loen. Relief flooded into his eyes and he moved quickly toward her. “Are you alright Lo’en?” She looked up at his approach and nodded. As he reached her, the healers began to move up from the rear to see to the wounded. One checked Ohtar’s side wound over quickly and applied a few bandages before moving on to see to Lof and Ashen who had also been towards the front.

    Ohtar looked around worriedly at their party. Ashen and himself seemed to be two of the more experienced fighters in the party. The two others that seemed to carry themselves well he did not know or completely trust. Already they had experienced strong resistance, and they had only just arrived in the deeper East Rawlinswood.

    Skara had sent the assassins who had poisoned Kanen and Janu; she must have known they would come after her in order to find the cure. The fact that Skara knew they were coming made him all the more uncomfortable. The last attacked had been too organized…. The elites had actually attacked their line with a wedge formation!

    “Everyone wait; let the Wolves scout ahead,” Lo’en called up ahead as party members began to pass them. Ohtar frowned at the members as they continued to follow Ashen closely anyways.

    “Let Ashen go ahead first, everyone stay back,” he called up to the front trying to get the less experienced members back to the middle of the group. He shook his head, sighing in frustration at the lack of their organization so far. Their party was now separating into two groups as too many rushed to follow Ashen instead of letting him scout ahead. Just then a lighter group of goblins attacked the trailing party. Foul creatures! Ohtar pulled out his bow aiding to bring down the goblins. This attack was much smaller and did not last long. Ohtar breathed a sighed of relief at what could have ended up much worse had the goblins been as numerous as before.

    “Wait! This is not a good time to be spread out like we are,” Ohtar yelled to the front in frustration. The party to the front turned to wait as Ashen finally got them to listen. “Everyone stay close,” Ohtar called out to the back as they began to catch up.

    “This is not working at all,” Lo’en said at his side, “We have to find a better way of organizing ourselves.” Ohtar nodded once again and turned to Ashen who all of the party members seemed to know. Ashen nodded and looked back towards the rear of their party.

    “Coin we should have three groups. Separate us out into an advance group, and two following ones. With the less experienced toward the back along with the healers.” Ohtar nodded with approval. “Is there anyone who can detect traps? They should lead us.”

    “I can detected and disarm traps,” Lof called from the back and moved forward to join Ashen, Lo‘en and Ohtar.

    “Alright,” Coin shouted back, “Elves toward the front and healers toward the back!” The group soon began to move again and in some disarray.

    “If you are in the front stand by Ashen here,” Ohtar called out and pointed as he tried to help sort their party members, “If you are in the back, move back by Coin and if you are in the middle, stand between the two groups.” Ohtar watched as their party finish sorting themselves out and then smiled slightly at Lo’en.

    “Everyone ready?” Ashen called from just in front of Ohtar. The responses came back from the rear that everyone ones, and Ohtar prayed silently to Mielikki receiving her blessing upon their party. Once the party had all gathered on the inside of the cave’s entrance, they waited while Lof cleared a trap from the passage. The party then moved down the hall where they experienced their first resistance.

    Goblin assassins and elites struck at the front of the party at the intersection of two passages. Ohtar, Ashen and Lof were all forced to face two or three of the creatures at a time while the archers at their rear dropped more of the creatures as the goblins ran to aide the ones already around them. Ohtar dodged two elite axes, blocked a third with his shortsword, and cut the legs out from another while he continued to move closer to Lof and Ashen. Sweat began to flow steadily underneath Ohtar’s helm and armor, and he could feel the sting of several minor wounds as he fought to keep the goblins back from his friends.

    He chanced quick glances back at Lo’en when he could, making sure she was alright. He saw Ashen cut down another elite with his blades and then go on to put his back to the wall keeping his attackers in front. Lof was being hard pressed by a few elites as Ohtar moved to his side. He caught one of the elites across the neck with a backward swing from his longsword and deflected the axe of another before it could strike Lof. Ohtar moved around lightly on his feet turning to help Lof with the rest of the elites. Lof struck one across its face sending it squealing off to be taken down by their archers. Ohtar deflected another swing from his chest only to feel a sharp pain suddenly shoot up his side. Ohtar grunted loudly at the pain and staggered on his feet bumping into the nearest elite. Having no room for his blades Ohtar struck out with his elbow sending the goblin head over heels as he caught it across the jaw. Ohtar heard Lo’en scream for him in the distance as he tried to regain his balance.

    As he turned to face the assassin that had stab him, he was already feeling the effects of some poison in his blood. It sneered at him baring its yellow teeth and then dove in again with its dagger. It thrust for his heart with the blade, but an arrow caught it in the calf causing its swing to jerk more to the side. Ohtar deflect the goblin’s dagger even further from his body just as Ashen cut the creature down out of the air.

    Ohtar looked about a bit hazily and saw yet more goblins advancing upon their group. Not thinking with a clear head he moved out to meet their advance. Ohtar swung down at the first goblin and felt the strong impact of his blades as they cut the creature down. He thought he heard a familiar voice yelling at him to get back, but it was all confusion to him. WHAT? He struggled to understand why he should pull back, and who was yelling to him. Then Ohtar felt arrows passing over his shoulders and watched as many of the goblins around him fell. He looked down at the creatures at his feet and frowned as he noticed the bleeding wound in his side. Finally, he understood. He looked up at the advancing goblins and started to back away towards the group and the safety of their numbers.

    As he reached the group, he heard two people rush to his side. One pulled back his leather armor and helped him stay upright while the other started lightly touching the knife wound. He gritted his teeth in pain as they examined the wound, but then he felt a healing touch. Aarg He leaned against the wall for support. The sensation jolted him and left him exhausted and weak, but he was recovering all the same. He looked up thankfully to the healer Bram and smiled reassuringly to Lo’en as she looked down at him. “I will be ok now” He told her seeing the worry in her gray eyes. He looked over and saw Ashen and realized it had been his brother Wolf calling for him to fall back. He smiled at his brother thankfully and pushed himself away from the wall’s support. He looked over Loen carefully, and nodded to himself relieved that she had, so far, escaped harm.

    Once he had regained his balance and senses, he rejoined Lof and Ashen at the front, and they continued on deeper into Skara’s lair. Lof stopped to disarm a few more traps along the way while their whole party guarded over him. At each intersection of passages they were attacked by another swarm of goblin elites, casters, shaman, and assassins. Each time their advanced group held off the goblins while the rear groups used their bows. The stream of goblins attacking them seemed endless. In just the few hours that they had been in the cave, Ohtar had already seen more goblins then he had in the past few months.

    Then just as they reached the large cavern leading to the lower level they were attacked again. Ohtar dodged to the side as a burst of magic shot past him and scorched the wall behind him. What the?!? Ohtar cut down the goblin shaman in front of him and looked for the source of the magic. His eyes widened at the sight of a Winter wolf, and he quickly drew his bow speeding arrows toward the evil beast and the goblins milling around it. It lounged at Lof and another member of their party, and they fought desperately to protect themselves from its fangs, striking at the beast with their swords. The wolf fought fiercely, but fell under a hail of arrows just as the rest of the goblins did that had attacked with it.

    “Oh no a wolf….” Ohtar heard someone say as he drew closer to the corpse of the creature.

    “Don’t worry friends. That was a Winter Wolf. They are viciously evil beasts. This one would have done great harm had we not brought it down.” Ashen nodded as Ohtar finished explaining and they passed a worried look between them. Ohtar then bent to begin skinning the creature. The Lifeshaper said that their pelts could be used to help the forest, and Vino said that they had some magical powers. He could not leave the pelt here for Skara, so he knelt, skinned the wolf and gathered what meat he could from the creature. Several times during this process he heard fighting break out around him as Skara’s goblins tested their perimeter defenses. As he finished this process, he wrapped the meat inside of the pelts and placed them neatly into his pack.

    The party then gathered and prepared to enter the lower levels. There had still been no sign of an antidote for Kanen and Janu’s poison. They could only hope that it lay further into her lair.

    Once to the lower level, they advanced slowly which was a good thing since they could soon hear and feel the foot steps of an Umberhulk. The giant creature came around the corner and only took 10 steps toward them before it fell to the ground a mass of quivering arrows. The group then continued on around the corner where Lof found a trapped door and another trap set across the width of the hall. Lof disarmed the trap on the hall, and they prepared to move on when a door behind them burst open. Goblin assassins leaped for the middle of their party and fire beetles spewed fire at them as they swarmed out of the opened door. Ohtar turned his bow and let arrows fly as fast as he could. Reach, set, pull, loose, reach, set, pull, loose. He watched as his first arrow found the eye socket of an assassin as it ran into the passageway. His next arrow embedded itself into the back of an elite just as it moved to swing at Coin. Coin swatted the elite aside as it stumbled from the impact, and Ohtar turned his attention to the fire beetles. They moved much slower, but their breathe was deadly and their shells thick. He leaped aside as one of the beetles spewed fire in his direction and he rolled quickly regaining his feet to loose more arrows on the beetles. He cast around worriedly until he spotted Lo’en and he moved closer to her as they pushed the goblin advance back through the open door way.

    The party continued on down the hall and started to pass the trapped door. Ohtar listened as Lo’en told everyone to leave the door be because it was trapped, and then they started to move towards Skara’s cavern. Crash!! Ohtar turned to see the trapped door broken down and many goblins swarming over the members of his party still behind him. He leaped back to help them, drawing his blades as he entered the melee. He struck out to his left and right slashing at goblins to either side in an attempt to reach Lo’en and Ashen. He saw Ashen go down under a mass of flailing goblins, No!!! and he charged forward to his brother‘s aide. He swatted the goblins from on top of Ashen and quickly knelt to help his brother. He called desperately upon Mielikki to save his brother as Loen kept the goblin mass back with her blades. He felt Ashen’s wounds start to heal under his light touch, and he breathed a sigh of relief as Ashen stood slowly and started picking up his dropped weapons. The healer Bram once again met up with them and finished healing Ashen’s wounds.

    The fighting died down a little bit allowing them to access the damage they had taken. One man had fallen during the fight and many others were beat up pretty badly. Ohtar looked at Lo’en worriedly until Bram got the time to mend her wounds. He then shrugged and stood patiently as he then received some attention himself.

    They then gathered together and prepared to search Crud’s animal cavern. The group quickly spread out inside of the large cavern and used their bows to bring down anything that moved. Crud charged the party followed closely by two more Umberhulks and another winter wolf. Lof and Ashen and a few others all surrounded and struck him down while Ohtar pulled out his lightning arrows and concentrated on bring down the Umberhulks that trailed him. His arrows sizzled and sparked as they struck the closest Umberhulk and it cried out angrily at the shock of the arrows before stumbling to the ground. The second beast trampled the first as it reared up to swing at Ashen with one of it large claws. Ashen ducked under the creatures massive claws and slashed at its legs while the rest of the party drove it back with their arrows. Then the air around Ashen seemed to sizzle as a bolt of elemental magic nearly knocked him from his feet. Ohtar slung his bow over his shoulder and ran in to attack the Winter wolf before it could unleash another spell. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the Umberhulk stumble back and fall over the first. The wolf growled fiercely and threw itself in after Ashen and those in the front. Ohtar struck out and felt the buzz of arrows as his blades clipped the creature from behind. Lof used his shield to block the creatures teeth while Ashen and Coin worked their swords. The creature fell swiftly under their combined effort.

    The cavern fell quiet as the wolf fell and Ohtar removed his helm to wipe the sweat from his face. He pulled out his skinning knife again and carefully removed the pelt from the wolf adding it to the one already in his pack. This done he went and joined Lo’en off to the side while the group rested before they were to enter Skara’s cavern. He sighed tiredly as he leaned against the cavern’s wall by Lo’en. He smiled at her and then closed his eyes to rest. Never fear for a second that she was watching over him.

    As he woke sometime later he heard Lof calling for him. “Ohtar, Lo’en?? Ashen wants you to come see something. This way.” Ohtar nodded worriedly and they followed him around the cavern back into the animal cages. Ashen met them at the cages entrance and nodded thankfully to Lof as he drew off to rest.

    “What is it Ashen? Is it the pups?” Ohtar asked as they moved slowly toward the rear of the cage. Ashen nodded worriedly.

    “It seems we were right. Look here there is a litter of the winter wolves.” Ohtar looked down and saw four small white shapes moving around on the dark floor.

    “We will have to bring them with us then.” Ashen nodded and looked at him and Lo’en.

    “We can all take one and put them in our packs. I know another that can take the last one for us.” Ohtar and Lo’en nodded agreement as they both bent down and carefully picked up their pups. Ohtar winced as the pup clamped down on his thick gloves with its mouth. He quickly placed the creature in his pack and shook his hand trying to get rid of the small pain.

    “Nasty little creatures.” Ohtar smiled over at Lo’en and rubbed at his sore finger. She smiled back at him as she put her pup away with no problem. Ashen returned then and introduced them to Thad a trusted friend. Ashen and Thad then bent and retrieved their pups, and they went to rejoin the others gathering outside of Skara’s.

    “Alright, everyone ready?” Everyone looked around and nodded and Coin kicked down the door. They rushed in trying to take the goblin witch down quickly, but she had been ready for them. Ohtar felt her cast some vile magic and then looked around in horror as everything warped in his mind. The ground moved unevenly under his feet and he stumbled into the wall nearly falling to the ground. He felt his mind drift and watched as his arms and legs sagged uselessly against his body. He looked around in confusion trying to sort out what was around him, but it was useless. What is going on??? He heard strange screaming all around him and he thought he heard Lo’en cry out in pain. “Lo’en!” He lurched away from the wall only to run into another. He shook his head trying to focus his eyes, but the spell held on to his mind strongly.

    Sometime later Ohtar felt the haze lift from his mind and he cast a look around him quickly trying to find Lo’en. He saw Skara’s ruined body cast off to the side and heard Janu cry out in triumph at having found the cure to their poison. Ohtar ignored these two facts and moved back out of Skara’s cavern finding Lo’en leaning against a wall in the passageway. He sighed in relief happy that she had not been taken from him. He moved closer to her and stayed with her as they made their way back out of Skara’s lair to the forest above. He saw her looking at Thad strangely every once in awhile, but he did not push her to talk about what had happened.

    The party then journeyed back toward Norwick to deliver the cured to Kanen. Ohtar and Lo’en waited for Ashen at Vino’s fire and talked quietly until he returned with Thad. It was then decided that they should travel to Jiyyd, far away from the known goblin strength. It would be harder for the goblins to reach the pups there. In Jiyyd they could hide the pups and wait until it was decided what to do with them. Ohtar was wary of taking them to the Lifeshaper with the corruption growing in the elven outpost and Vino seemed to be lost in his own thoughts again.

    [[i:2175ac960d]Current/ Narfell Story]

  • S

    Lost

    _Sharp Pain…agonizing pain a flash of bright light, then darkness..._Ohtar was lost. He had fallen; a victim to some villainous ranger's ploy. One that was a shadow of a ranger's true being. One that had lead his friends to harm. He felt his soul cry as he drifted. A cry of sadness and loss; a cry that burned. Once again he had failed his friends, he had tried to aide them, but in the end he had fallen. He had been denied even vengeance.

    _"Wait." Ohtar turned and looked at Grivel questioningly. Grivel scanned the forest to the south and turned back to Ohtar. "I think that was her."

    "You think it was the ranger?" Ohtar asked. Grivel nodded in confirmation. Ohtar sighed giving up on his test and walked back to helped Grivel search the ground for tracks. They both explored the ground's shape carefully. "I do not see any tracks."

    "She did not leave any before," Grivel countered. Ohtar nodded thoughtfully and looked to the south.

    "Then she has gone into Bugbear territory," he said frowning, "that is a dangerous place." Grivel looked off to the south for a time and then glanced over at Ohtar.

    "Where is Ashen?" Ohtar shook his head; he had not seen the ranger in sometime. He looked around for their brother, but he could not see him. "We should find him first then," Grivel said. They started an easy trot back toward where they had last seen him, and they soon heard voices carried on the forest wind. Ohtar smiled as he recognized some of those mixed in with Ashen's.

    "Just when we have need of many friends, look what you find Grivel." Ohtar scanned the faces in the party greeting Shyrae, Big Six and the rest of their company in turn.

    "There is trouble?" Big Six asked with concern. Grivel nodded and explained what they had learned of the shadow ranger. Fade and Grivel told of how Vino had called the ranger his nemesis and had given her chase when she fled. They continued on to add that Cordelia meant harm to Norwick, and that she had many beliefs similar to a shadow druid. The mood of the party soon became darker and Grivel explained what he had seen.

    "We saw her going south. She was trying to lure us to follow her," Grivel said. Ohtar nodded saying that she had not been out of their sight long though there were no tracks. Big Six frowned and looked about the party. He gathered everyone around, and they prepared to set off after the ranger.

    They moved south into bugbear territory and had soon cleared the area of the creatures. Then as the party swept farther south Ohtar spotted a dire wolf in the distance. "Wait!" he cried as members of the group continued on. His warning was given too late however and the beast struck as they drew closer to it. It did not last long as they sought to fend it off and Fade wept at its death.

    During the commotion of this brief battle three other travelers ran into the group. Ohtar recognized Kanen, but did not know who his companions were. There were a few brief introductions and questions. The group then explained the reason behind their search and asked if the three had seen the ranger.

    "I have seen one that matches that description," Braeth answered. "She went further south and had an evil look to her." Ohtar frowned at the news. He knew that the woods to the south were even more dangerous then the ones in which they now spoke. Ohtar continued to listen as discussion of what they should do turned into an argument about the dire creatures to the south. The discussion was long and Ohtar started to grow wary of the woods around them. He began splitting his attention between listening to what was being said and scanning their surroundings for bugbears.

    Ohtara's attention was ripped back to the group however, as he heard voices raise in warning. "Vashere that is not the way to the outpost!"
    "That is the wrong way!"
    "That is the way to the dire creatures!"
    "Stop!" Ohtar watched as the man continued south despite the warnings. Alone the man stood little chance of survival there, but how much help could even they give him. Their party became fearful for the man and soon they were rushing south to aide in bringing him back. He watched as Grivel and Shyrae disappeared in the trees to the south, and he ran to follow.

    He burst out of the trees into a horrible scene. Their were dire bears everywhere. Their fangs and claws were wet with his friends' blood and his party fought desperately for their lives. Ohtar was stunned by the scene. Why would so many of these creatures have been so close to this wood's edge?!? "No!," Ohtar cried out angrily as he watched Fade and Grivel fall to the creatures' fury. He let his arrows fly as he screamed. He had to distract the bears and pull them away from the others! His arrows flew true and many of the dire animals were soon giving him chase in anger. He ran east and then north through the trees panting as he emerged once again into the bugbear region.

    He looked back over his shoulder for any sign of pursuit, and was happy to see none. All was quiet for a moment but then the sound of battle erupted once again to the west. Ohtar spun and was shocked to see his friends fighting the dire animals here also. What trickery was this?!? Why would the creatures be here? He heard Ashen cry out in pain and then he saw her. The shadow ranger, Cordelia.

    She was just standing there, watching. Just watching. He had no doubt that she could see his friends' desperation, yet she did not move a finger to aide them. He looked at her cold dark eyes and her knowing smile and felt a fury rise in him. He leaped for her with his blades bare and sought to strike her down. She must be behind all of this. If he could defeat her, the battle might be swayed. Some of his friends might escape. Vino had called her his nemesis, and she had lead them to this place. Surely she was the root of this deadly ambush!

    He struck fast and hard meaning to take her down quickly, but he was denied. He felt both of his blades connect with the shadow ranger, but they did nothing. They bounced off Cordelia harmlessly. He mine as well have been striking at stone for all of the damage he had done her! His swords were useless. He couldn't believe his eyes. He quickly leaped back changing his tactics. He dropped his swords and unslung his bow. He nocked an arrow and let it fly at the ranger, but once again his attack did nothing! Cordelia just sat there smiling, not for an instant worried that Ohtar would hurt her. This mad Ohtar even madder, yet there was nothing he could do against her. He turned swiftly on his heel and ran to help his friends he still saw fighting in the distance. Perhaps they could still escape if they defeated the dire creatures.

    Ohtar reached them just as the last dire creature fell to Kanen, Vashere, Braeth, and Shyrae. He searched the area quickly with his eyes and was saddened by who he didn't see. Fade, Grivel, and the small one had fallen to the south and Ashen lay lifeless at Shyrae's feet. His heart cried with his loss and he turned on Vashere as Shyrae voiced her anger and sadness. "Look at what you have caused!" she cried holding Ashen's body gently, "Ashen has fallen because of you! What were you thinking?"

    "You should not have followed me," Vashere replied, "you were foolish to have followed."

    "What did you expect us to do," Ohtar countered angrily, "you are a fool." Then out of the corner of his eye he saw the shadow ranger approach. He nocked his bow and waited to defend against whatever new evil she would bring upon them now. But she stopped and began to speak instead. She told them that she would harm no one that did not attack her first, yet why had she lead them into this mess then.

    Ohtar did not believe her claims. This one would cause more pain to travelers in the future. Just as he was going to voice this, an arrow skimmed through the trees above the group's head. More bugbears had stumbled upon the group. They all turned and struck the creatures down. When they turned back to the ranger, Cordelia looked straight at Ohtar with hate filled eyes and threatened his life. She told him that she would repay him for attacking her and that he would pay. Ohtar frowned and watched as she vanished to the south. He knew that he had made a very dangerous enemy, one that he did not think he could best, but he had seen no other way at the time. He had done what he seen as right and this so called ranger would not confuse him with words. He knew well what he had seen. His friends had been battling for their lives, and he was sure she had been the cause of their pain. He still remembered her smile and those dark eyes…

    After the Cordelia had gone south again, they prepared to follow her south to retrieve their friends' bodies and possessions. They could not leave them to the dire animals. Braeth went first to try to draw them off, but when Ohtar followed a short time later the dire bears were still there waiting. Once again he released his arrows to draw the attention of the beasts while the others grabbed their friends. This time however the dire bears moved much quicker, and Ohtar could not shake them. They had soon caught up to him. He drew his swords and tried to defend himself, but in the end their strength was too great. They knocked him from his feet and Ohtar fell helplessly. Then there was only.Sharp Pain agonizing pain a flash of bright light, then darkness_

    Ohtar was lost; he drifted on tormented by the memory leading up to his fall. His soul cried out again and again as he watched his friends fall before him. Helplessly, he watched as events kept unfolding and always with the same outcome. Ohtar was lost. The Succubus smiled and beckoned to him. She promised an end to his torment and to end his pain.

    Then just when Ohtar had almost given in, he felt Mielikki reach out or him. She drew him away from his anguish and pushed him toward another place….someplace familiar...a place he remembered.

    Ohtar's eyes fluttered open weakly, and he looked up into the face of the Lifeshaper. A kind face filled with concern. In the distance he heard the worried voices of his friends. So I have been given another chance then. He looked around sadly and then smiled slightly to his friends as they approached. They all greeted him back to them as worry started to fade from their faces. It seemed it had been a long battle returning him back to the world. He looked into their faces sadly and began thinking about what had happened and what he must do now.

    [[b:acb79bb891]Current/ Narfell Story]

  • S

    A Remembered meeting between Wolves

    Ohtar steps forward slowly and frowns with worry before beginning

    I am afraid that i must inform the pack of a new danger in the woods. Just the other day Alandar, Big Six and myself were out patroling Skara's woods when many strange events unfolded.

    Big Six had been going to show us where he and Adius had been ambushed by a large force of goblin elites and casters. We had just arrived at the spot when big Six caught a glimpse of a large white wolf. Curious we began to stalk the creature due to Alandars knowledge of such winter wolves. He warned that they were dangerous creatures and had killed many of his people. Knowing such we moved carefully. The creature was very elusive and managed to not only elude us but also a poacher known as Bonis.

    We ran into the man, Bonis, about half way through our hunt for the creature. gives a general description of the poacher He insisted that he must have the creature's pelt. He could give no good reason for his intensity in the manner, so we were reluctant to let him stay with us. In the end however Alandar pointed out that the winter wolf was an evil creature. Because of this, we told the man he could accompany us to see it removed from the forest or if that was impossible, killed. He agreed and followed our lead.

    Bonis was a treacherous fellow. He managed to give our party the slip during our next encounter with a goblin force of archers and shaman. It was soon after this that we were set upon by more powerful goblin forces. Elites came at us in a number of waves. It seemed that the closer I brought us along the white wolf's trail the more numberous the resistance became.
    Finally, we managed to not only push back the goblin attack but to also sneak up on the white wolf unaware.

    Ohtar smiles at his memory of the groups stealthy movements

    The wolf was in the company of a goblin caster and an elite. From our hidden postion, through the trees, we managed to hear some important information. The caster stated that both Skara and one by the name of Crud wanted this winter wolf for their own. Upon hearing this we decided to pull back, regroup and attack to capture or kill the winter wolf depending upon its actions.
    Big Six devised our plan of action and we moved swiftly to carry it out. But it seems the goblins had moved faster. They managed to ghost the wolf away into Skara's cave before we could prevent them.

    It was at this time that Bonis made his move. It seems he had been waiting in Skara's cave for the beast. He struck at it as it entered, and it fled. It fled right into our midst at the cave entrance and struck out at Alandar and myself. We had no choice but to drop the creature before we were injuried ourselves. It longer then i would have expected with our strength and at its demise, Bonis came out of the cave laughing. Big Six called for him to explain himself, and the man told us of his disgusting actions.

    Ohtar's voice becomes strained in anger

    He told us that he cared not how he got the wolf's pelt, only that he had it. When he thought we would not catch the wolf, he had gone straight to the goblins for aide. He said that they would be able to get the creature for him so he had given them gold and fire arrows in exchange for their aide.

    We were angered at this statement and refused to allow him to touch the animal. When he saw things going against his wishes he tried to snatch the beast's corpse and run! We however were faster then he.

    Ohtar smiles proudly

    Both Alandar and myself were able to swat the poachers hands off the creature. Seeing himself denied his prize, Bonis fled into Skara's cave. We pursue him initially, but decided to pull back. We did not want the winter wolves pelt to fall into Skara or this Crud's hands if that is what she indeed thought. We returned to the cave mouth in the forest and removed it pelt. We then withdrew back to Vino's fire to find out some answers.

    Big Six asked Vino about what the nature of winter wolves and what their coats might be used for. Vino replied that winter wolves were extremely intelligent and ferious creatures that are always evil and often communicate with goblins. He said the wolves could even talk. He thought their pelts were a key component to some sort of magical cloak. He said a powerful wizard might know more about this matter. Big Six then asked Vino if he had ever heard of the poacher Bonis or of this unknown Crud. Vion could tell us nothing about either beings. Upon my inquiry Vino did however say it might be possible that Skara or this Crud might have intended to ally with the winter wolf for some larger task.

    After this meeting Big Six told me that he was going to take the wolf's coat to the deeper woods for a few days for safety. While he is gone i would suggest we find out what we can about these winter wolves, their coats, and the enemies intentions. We need to find out who this Crud is that has so much authority over the goblins to equal Skara. We also need to find out more about what sort of magical cloak the coat would make. If we can only capture this poacher, Bonis, we might be able to answer all of these questions. I think we should also look into finding a powerful mage who might know more.

    Needless to say brothers and sisters, this matter has fallen into our hands and we need to act upon it. This is our forest to protect. We know of a potential threat and we must learn more to protect against it. Everyone be wary of danger in the woods. We should keep an eye out for goblins with fire arrows and more winter wolves. We can not allow Skara to gain power through these creatures.

    Big Six told me to spread the word of our encounter and of danger. I have done this and also made some suggestions. I await your thoughts. I will answer what questions you have with Alandar's help until we hear from Big Six again.

    Ohtar nods to everyone and steps back to the fires edge

    [[i:aac61babaa]Current/ Narfell Story]