Silme

"Truth be told Master Wizard, I can't say as though I'm terribly fond of the idea myself," Silme says as he glances at Doyl. "Yet he may be a formidable ally in the treacherous Woods. I'd wager if he is Warrior of even some honour, he'll join us if his path leads to the City. If not, we venture on our own."

Nicodemus

"True... Based on what he told me earlier, I don't think he is very honorable person. Your usual hired sword. Still after those orcs I can't deny his usufullness", Nicodemus ponders. "Maybe we should sleep now and see in the morning if decides to join us".

"I am going to the King's City and I would prefer the straightest road, but if you want to explore the Wood I am willing to take a detour", the wizard says.

"And please, call me Nicodemus", he extends his hand.

Updated 30 July 2013 (20:47)

Sir Grale BG

A tall, imposing figure enters the tavern. Although he does this without fanfare, he has a presence that is hard to miss.

He stands six feet tall, and would be broad-shouldered even without the bulky chainmail that covers his torso. He is obviously in excellent health despite the nasty scars that split his brown beard on his left jaw. His bearing is that of a proud warrior and the sheen on the grip of his longsword tells everyone with the eye to see it that he is a practiced fighting man. Clearly straight off the road, his cloak is stained by travel and the rainwater trapped in the dragon-shape that decorates the brow of his helmet spatters onto the floor as he takes it off his balding head.

He places his fingers on a disk-shaped bronze amulet on a heavy chain at his breast as he declares "I am Sir Grale, and I have come for a renegade wizard! Reveal him and you shall be rewarded; hinder me and perish!"

He strains his eyes to scan the smoky innards of the tavern.

Updated 30 July 2013 (21:38)

Nicodemus

Nicodemus is in the middle of the conversation with Silme when Sir Grale enters the tavern. He turns to look at the newcomer and quickly turns back to Silme, face white as a sheet.

"Bugger..." he squeaks squeezing his eyes shut and seems to be paralyzed on the spot.

Silme

Silme uses his skill as a Ranger to use the smoke filling the room as cover to stealthily move himself in front of Nicodemus without drawing the attention of Sir Grale. When the Elf is satisfied that he should be covering the wizard with his tall frame he places his hand on the hilt of the blade on his hip.

Staring at Sir Grale Silme states in a commanding voice, "perhaps you could elaborate on your quarry Master Knight as many have passed through those doors this eve. Can you describe this menacing conjurer and what they may have done to draw your ire?" he asks. "Perhaps with more news we could better serve your needs and narrow down which, if any, persons coming here this night might be your renegade."

Doyl

Doyl plops down into a chair and slides his foot under the haft of his axe, meanwhile looking busy taking a very long draught from his pint.

Sir Grale BG

The knight grasps his belt, which brings his right hand very close to his sword hilt. He looks back at Silme and answers his challenge with a firm voice, "Nicodemus the Necromancer has used forbidden magicks for unnatural purposes, for torture and murder." To the entire inn he declares, "Although he may seem harmless do not be deceived into thinking he would experience anything except delight in tormenting and killing you! You would have no mercy from him - his parents didn't!"

He turns his keen eyes back on Silme. "So, Elf, does this sound like the sort of man who deserves notice?"

Updated 31 July 2013 (12:07)

Nicodemus

The wizard in question hides behind Silme and tries to make himself as small as possible. He mutters a spell under his breath and the shadows seem to gather tighter behind Silme hiding him even better.

"D-don't-don't believe a-a word he says", Nicodemus whispers when sir Grale claims him to a be a necromancer. "I was framed".

Silme

"Aye," says Silme, "I did see such a man in here although he left some hours ago. Muttered something about passing the Wood to the East," Silme pauses and appears to be gathering his memories of some encounter. Finally the Elf continues, "ah yes, to the Dragon Spire and the towers in the East, that's where he said his path took him."

Doyl

"Bollocks," Doyl sounds out, burps loudly and looks at Sir Grale. "This guy you're looking for, he's thin as a reed, a jumpy sort, yes? Someone like that came here, threatened to turn me into a newt or somesuch after asking me to be his sodding guide, the lousy twerp. I know where he's headed, and it's not eastwards." His grin broadens as he adds, "Anything more will cost you. You ready to deal?"

Sir Grale BG

The knight's brow furrows as he listens to the squat mercenary. He keeps a menacing eye on Silme and says to Doyl, "If your help brings this villain to justice, in addition to the satisfaction of having done the right thing," at which he smirks, knowing well that it has no meaning to Doyl's sort, "you will be rewarded well," and mentions a sum that would allow a life of luxury for months, or feed a peasant family for over a year.

He then gives his full attention to Doyl and adds, "If you refuse, your reward will be a painful death."

Silme

Looking at Doyl, Silme says, "of course he'd of told you something different than he told me. An outlaw on the run is hardly going to state his exact intentions to strangers." Returning his gaze to Sir Grale he continues, "especially not a wizard such as your quarry. I saw him in action in the Woods on my way here." Turning to Doyl, the Elf states in a very serious manner, "and his skills are such that I've rarely seen before, and coming from an Elf that says much. Certainly none would wish to draw the ire of such a wizard, particularly when I witnessed him dispatch a half dozen orcs with one spell."

Silmes look turns to one of confusion and asks Sir Grale, "come to think, if your necromancer is as powerful and dangerous as he appears to be, why send only one Knight to retrieve him. While I've no doubt about your skill on the field of battle, by your own words this wizard is not be trifled with."

Sir Grale BG

"I come protected by a higher power, Elf," Sir Grale grunts and approaches Silme slowly, keeping an eye on the Elf's sword hand. "You're looking to fight, it seems. That you would lift a hand against a servant of justice means you have something to hide. Speak true or fall!"

As he comes forward the bronze amulet starts glimmering and emitting a soft keening sound. He slides his fingertips onto his swordgrip, ready to draw.

Silme

"A hand has yet to be lifted Master Knight," Silme says, preparing for a fight, "whether you are here as a servant armed unknowingly with the lies of your Master, or you are part of this evil design I know not."

Drawing his longsword before him and releasing the mace from the other side of his hip the Elf says, "but none matters now as clearly the time for parley has ended. I've no quarrel with you, but if you deign to fight than I will answer."

Sir Grale BG

"May the gods have mercy on your soul," the knight announces, draws his sword and charges toward Silme, aiming to drive the Elf back and get in close where the former's considerable mass would be to greater advantage and render the mace less effective.

Doyl

Doyl gets up, kicks up his axe and grabs it near the head. With an amused glance toward the melee he turns away, tankard still in hand, and walks out of the inn with axe tucked close to his side.

Silme

Quickly using his sword to hook a nearby barstool, Silme flings the object towards Sir Grale's torso while taking a step forward to meet him in battle. As he moves he says in a commanding voice, "now is the time for us to act."

Fred

On the second floor of the Inn a small figure stirs beneath the huge blankets of a huge bed. Disturbed from a deep alcohol induced slumber by the commotion downstairs the tiny being attempts to free itself from the sheets and bed linens. At last a pair of green eyes emerge at the side of the bed peering out from under the bedding.

"Oomph," he says as he slips out of the bed and onto the ground which is much farther down than expected. He crawls to the door while brushing his disheveled brown hair from his eyes. At last the Halfling reaches the door and leans against it, listening to the 'goings on' downstairs. "Bother," he pants at the door, "I knew I should've picked a more respectable establishment."

Updated 2 August 2013 (06:49)

Sir Grale BG

Although the knight hardly notices the bar stool's impact, it does slow him down a little. Undaunted, he drives his huge mass into Silme, and although he can no longer crowd the elf, his tackle is formidable.

Nicodemus

All this time Nicodemus has been hiding behind Silme's back, eyes closed hoping no one would notice him. When the fighting starts his concentrations breaks and and the shadows he had gathered around him disappear like smoke in the wind. The wizard lets out a not very manly scream and quickly he ducks behind the closest table and carefully peeks over the top.

"Oh this is not good... not good at all.." he mutters staring at the sight eyes wide. "I must do something... Oh, it's all my fault!" the wizard keeps muttering aloud to himself in desperate voice and biting his already short finger nails.