A Broken Heart in Brokenthorn

[Silvermaiden]

((This quest closed to myself, Corvus McCallum, Fenris, and Soliel))

After parting earlier from the group she had met on the streets, Delfa made her way to the nearest Tavern. Oriseus had stated something about people looking for help with certain jobs and such, and she was hoping she might find something that would prove beneficial in testing her skills.

Upon reaching and entering the nearest establishment, she tried not to pay attention to some of the obvious looks she may have recieved. After all, "children" were likely not seen in such places. Or so she had been told by her grandparents.

She looked around until she spotted a board on the wall with several papers pinned to it. Just as Oriseus had described. She approached it and looked over it carefully. Some of the writings were in languages she didn't know, yet most were luckily written in common tradespeak language.

As she scanned through the numerous postings, there was one in particular that caught her attention. A widow by the name of Karla Sombers had lost her husband 5 years ago in a tragic boating accident, and her son was the only family she had left. However, the 10 year-old boy ventured into Brokenthorn Forest three days ago and had not yet to returned. The woman was now offering a reward for a search party to go into the forest and find her son.

Delfa stared at this note for a long time. Mare noticed this. "What is it? Are you planning on taking on that one?" Luckily, with whatever noise was occuring from the chatter and whatnot in the tavern, Mare's voice would likely fall low enough not to be heard by others. Delfa nodded in reply. "Yes", was her simple answer. "Going on a simple search for someone won't test your skills that much, child." "That's not entirely true", she reached up and pulled down the note off the board with that statement. "There's no telling what may happen wherever we go in this land, yes? And even so, a child is lost and needs to be reunited with their mother. I cannot simply ignore that fact."

You could almost hear a sigh from the long trip of cloth at that moment. If that were even possible. Before Mare could even make another statement, Delfa looked around until she saw who she presumed was the head of the establishment and quickly made her way up to them. "Excuse me", she began without hesitation. "Could you please tell me where I might find the one who wrote this message?"

A rotund, stubbly man behind a counter peered over the edge to look down at Delfa, reaching for the paper she was holding up. He studied it before looking back at her, pointing a chubby finger to the bottom of the paper. "This here is where to go, young lady", he coughed. She looked back at the paper to see that there was, in fact, an address written at the bottom of the ad. "Oh!" she exclaimed, rather embarrassed. "Thank you, I did not see it." "You sure you wanna be takin' up that ad, missy?" Delfa's attention went back to the man as he spoke again, and as he continued. "Brokenthorn's a bad place to go. Aint no place for kids." Delfa somehow smiled at the comment. "That is true, sir. Which is exactly why I wish to take this. A child is lost. And as you say, that forest is no place for children."

With that comment, she turned for the door. The man behind the counter scratched a finger within his thinning hair, grumbling something about 'foolish youngsters'.

[HikariAngel]

The streets of Scara Brae were bustling with activity as the molten sphere in the sky continued its tireless trek through the atmosphere. Jovial shopkeepers called their wares from behind sturdy wooden stalls, each one promising greater quality and lower prices than the other shops in earshot. Given the volume of the cries, that meant that everyone within a one-block radius was fair game. Indeed it was a wonder that the cat-eared girl trying tirelessly to make her way from one alley to another didn’t go deaf. Easily overlooked, the silver-haired girl ducked and dodged the taller (and more noticeable) races with all of the finesse she could muster. With so many people crowded so close together, it was only natural that she would bump into a few of them; nimble gloved hands found a silver coin or two, sometimes catching the rare gold piece.

Dark-tipped ears flicked back and forth as she lifted her last couple pieces before darting into a narrow alley between two rather plain buildings. With her small frame it was not much of a tight fit, but anyone hoping to follow her would find it nigh impossible to catch her as she navigated the alley with an oft-practiced ease. Quickly reaching a rough part of the wall, the hazel-eyed cat burglar dropped her few newly-acquired riches into a sturdy purse hanging just above her left hip. With a flick of her wrists, the claws normally sheathed in her fingertips and toes slowly slid out from their places of hiding. The olive gloves she wore changed as the lethal nails punctured the enchanted fabric; six-inch glistening steel blades flowing from each fingertip. With a grace only a cat could muster, the feline thief scaled the wall in a heartbeat to a small rag-tag shack erected on the flat roof of the building. Pulling aside the door flap, the girl was assaulted by three others that looked very much like her… only younger.

“Monica!” The youngest squealed as the older girl walked into the small living area. The smallest and youngest of the three, she was the only girl other than Monica in their home.

“How much did you get this time, big sis?” The older of the two boys asked with sparkles in his eyes. Though none of them were true brothers or sisters, they were just as much of a family as anyone related by blood.

“I’m hungry…” Said the youngest boy. He was, at most, only a few weeks older than the smaller girl.

“Kairi, it’s good to see you, too. I don’t know how much I got, Slate, but you’re welcome to count it out. And don’t worry about dinner, Sable; I’ll get something from the grocer’s today. I’m sure I got enough for a good meal. Has anyone seen Shana?”

“She wanted to be like you, sis,” Kairi said with a smile that almost split her face in half, “She said she was going to explore the Brokethorn like you used to do.”

Monica sighed and pushed the thin fabric flap open once more. “Slate, looks like you’re going to have to get dinner tonight. When you go in, get only what we need and hurry to the clerk. Don’t spend too much, and don’t try to steal anything. I can’t afford to lose you again. I’ll be back as soon as I can with Shana, but don’t stay up too late waiting for me.”

The three younger nekos sighed and said a collective “Yes, Monica” as the oldest disappeared over the edge of the roof. It was often noisy at night living atop a tavern, but there was almost always food thrown out late at night and unfinished food was better than no food at all. The owner didn’t seem to mind either as long as Monica kept the younger ones in line and out of his business. As she stood up from her rapid descent, the cat girl’s ears caught someone saying something about the Brokethorn being no place for children. It sounded strange coming from one who looked like a child, but Monica herself knew that it was never wise to judge ability based on appearance.

“If you’re going into the Brokethorn, would you mind if I accompanied you? My sister has wandered off in there as well and I fear she may have gotten lost by now.”

Hope it was worth the wait >.<

[Silvermaiden]

Delfa jumped slightly in surprise as the Neko-girl suddenly appeared in front of her. "Oh! Um..." She stammered a bit before regaining balance. "Yes, Miss. I am going to this 'Brokenthorn' Forest. However, I should speak with the one who requested this venture to attain further information. So I am on my way to see them first." She said this as she pointed to the scrap of paper in her hand containing the ad. "You are welcome to come with me as well if you wish."

[Corvus MacCallum]

"Go on Branden break the mongrels arm!"

"Keep pushing mutt boy you`ve nearly got him"

The clamour continued as a group of raging fight fans cheered on a bitter arm wrestling duel between the taverns local champ Branden Forside, otherwise known as the one wristed wonder...well they were drunk when announcing his title and a stranger in town, looked like some feral monster hunter, thick fur adorning his waist that almost seemed alive at times like a wolfs tail, his feet seemed to be garbed in some canine creatures feet reshaped to fit a humans but then there was nothing fake about the fangs in his maw or the sheer ferocity in his eyes. This stranger was Corvus and he quite enjoyed some friendly competition particulary when it consisted of some coins or a free round at the drink-easies, his hand wrapped in bandages and sharing that new fashion acessory with another fellows arm, Branden the guy was huge, built like a brick shit house and about as bright as what gets left in those, he had a rather risque tattoo of what had once been a slim lady-friend but after all the working out she looked to have gained quite a lot of weight and seemed a tad less appealing...funny what your mind focusses on when trying to take your mind off just how hard this gorilla is squeezing your digits,best wrap this up quick...well it was a thought at least. The 'duel' had been going on for a good ten minutes now, not that Corvus couldn`t finish him off he just wanted to see the muscle man struggle against someone shorter and thinner, that vein throbbing in his fore-head looked ready to burst, bet that would make a good display...nah I`ll just snap his arm the blood can wait for another time. Gritting his teeth the Highlander let out a deep rumbling growl that made the watered down ale tremble before with a massive effort, savouring the adrenaline pumping through his veins the champion was dethroned, not with a whimper or whine..more of a snap and a crunch, but still there are mages who can pop that back under the skin.

"He did it,the underdog wins!"

"Damn straight now divvy up so I can get out of here heheh....oh stop your crying...fine"

Grumbling Corvus clawed at the chair he sat upon with his feet using it to gain some purchase and bring himself higher and further across the table before gripping his opponents arm, taking firm hold there was a sick wet pop and that kind of noise made when you just bite into some fresh crispy cereal drenched in milk...refreshing in the morning,but when it comes from your arm, a tad distressing. Sadly it didn`t do much to damage his opponents volume but it at least got an even bigger gasp from the audience as they started exchanging coins a rare few coppers hitting the spot in front of Corvus...should have challenged him earlier, more money to waste but still this would at least get him a new buckle for his gauntlets, things pointed corners had been stabbing him now and again during awkward angles.

Still.... a bigger score was needed, this place was far too quiet and isolated for the really big monsters to appear and there were so many fangs to add to his collection, even the...hmmm spot missing on the request posters he hadn`t noticed anyone taking it, still he had been focussed on other things...wonder if it had a decent bounty...

"...re you wanna be takin' up that ad, missy?"

Was tricky picking out the seperate words among the clamour around him but that at least let him know the snatcher of that task was still in the tavern for...nope shes heading out,dammit man on your paws!...snatching up his coins, shrugging off a meaty guys resounding pat on the shoulder and Corvus started to head out, normally he`d go to great lengths to weave in and out of crowds but with such a large weapon strapped to his back it seemed a tad counter productice, he didn`t need any accidental amputations on the crowd when he bent forward. It took a bit of effort but he was out just in time to see the...well diminuative 'missy' that was looking to take the job and another lass..feline..short too how to make this unimposing,oh hell with it.

"Forest?...if you don`t mind lass I`d like to lend a hand"

[Silvermaiden]

She looked behind her to see the appearance of the larger, wild looking swordsman through the door of the tavern. Goodness! People were certainly willing to be helpful around here.

"Oh! Well, thank you as well, sir. Though as I said to this person, I must speak to the one who requested this task first." She pointed to the leaflet in her hand. "You are welcome to come along if you wish, though."

[Silvermaiden]

HikariAngel and Alayna are no longer participating in this quest. New players to be determined. Continuing from last post

Looking between the two, she made a turn to head down the street away from the tavern, not paying mind at the moment whether or not they would follow. She pulled out her map and took a look at it, scanning through it. It was then she was met with a slight dilemma.

The map marked the region of Scara Brae in its entirety, showing the layout of the land and various routes thoughout. It did not, however, provide an accurate layout of the city and its streets.

Delfa looked at the scrap of paper with the ad on it once more, taking note of the address. She stopped and turned to look back and see if the other two were following. Perhaps one of them might know where to go?

New players decided. Soliel, Rath, and Fenris are now included in this quest.

[Fenris]

The sun shone warm and the breeze blew cool. Fihrinn could scarecly remember a time like this.

He lay on the roof of a one-story stable, where the smells of horse and hay met with the wind's pine-scent and slightest trace of sea-brine. His fur protected him from the scratchiness of the roof's straw thatching, and the wood-work frames supported his spine comfortably.

And the sun shone warm and the breeze blew cool. He could scarecly remember ever feeling like this. He could scarcely remember a time when memories came without bringing tears and grief with them.

It was beautiful.

Ainnir had loved days like this. Fihrinn had always called her crazy--he'd always preferred the overcast days of wintry winds and softly falling snows. But here, as he listened to the chuckling of a listless horse below, and the hushed gusts of wind eased over the rooftops, and the smells of the market, of pungent lumber, savory trout, musty tapestries, and exotic spice, each visited his nostrils in turn...

Maybe sunlight wasn't all that bad.

He smiled--the first truly, deeply happy smile he'd mustered in so very long--as he stared at the silken-blue sky. Perhaps it was just his imagination--it probably was--but he fancied Ainnir was smiling at him.

At last, she said. At last, my brother, you live again.

His tail swished contentedly across the prickly thatching, and he rolled his head to the side, looking down at the street below. A young girl stood there, her silver-azure hair falling in twin cascades over her shoulders, as she glanced at a sheet of parchment, up at the streets, and back at her companions.

Fihrinn rolled to his feet, stepping carefully over the roof only where rafters beneath the thatching would support him. Leaping lithely onto the cobblestones below, he approached her, an affable smile gracing his maw.

"Are you lost, miss?"

[Rath]

Rath hated being alone.

Ever since he had left the comforts of his home, Rath had run into hardship after hardship. He ran out of money three weeks after leaving, and soon afterwards, townsfolk ran out of pity for the poor fool. Within days, Rath had been reduced to a beggar, and then as his weary body grew weaker, he finally resorted to stealing. It was not easy for a person like him; most people take notice when a tall young adult walks by. In order to be successful at thievery, the key aspect is not being noticed. Unfortunately, his physique and size prevented that from happening.

“Well hello there, young man,” a relatively old woman cooed. Rath rolled his eyes, and shoved off, intending to push further into the swarming crowd. A hand held him back, however, and the grip was tightening.

“No one scoffs at Miss Catherine!” Rath sighed deeply, and turned back to face the old woman. She was no longer smiling, but instead her spectacles had turned a deep maroon red, and her smile had turned into a sinister grin. “You will please me,” she growled, “or else.” Rath chuckled lightly and twisted swiftly out of the witch’s grip. Taking opportunity of his freedom, he ducked low and hurtled away from the impending doom that lay behind him.

“Stop that man!” screeched Catherine, looking startled. “He stole my purse!” A soldier who was sitting nearby chomping on a piece of meat looked up at the supposed victim. He cocked his head.

“He stole your purse?” The soldier’s eyes stared at the bag that the witch was clutching in her right hand. “Looks like you’re imagining things.” With a loud scream, Catherine stormed away.

Whew, that was close. I’ve had problems with women before, but I never thought my looks would kill me one day…

Rath quickly checked to see if anyone was in pursuit before slowing to a stop in front of a tavern. Rath could see a small group of travelers further down the road, all apparently talking about something. Interested, he moved closer, trying to discern what they were saying.

[Soliel]

"Purse... stolen? Who?" Soliel looked above her and around, swearing she had heard those words, but she wasn't sure. She had been walking around for some time now, looking for a tavern. Somebody had told her that most taverns gave away work for people who needed it, and Soliel hadn't enough money to go on with her travels, in search for the girl who she had seen in her childhood.

"Well, whatever... I guess there's no thief." The silver-haired girl said to herself, accompanying it with a sigh. She looked around and noticed a few people traveling in a group, and Soliel recognized that they one of them was looking at a map. They were walking away from the tavern nearby, and she blinked.

One of them had mentioned something about being lost, and most of them looked troubled with whatever they were doing. Were they all strangers to each other?

"What are they doing?" The girl whispered to herself, tilting her head in confusion. A man who was nearby glanced up at her.

"They're out to fetch a boy or something. Hear the barkeep mentioning that some people finally took the task."

Soliel's eyes lit up, and she thanked the man profusely.

"Hey, hey!" Soliel yelled out, running towards them. "Where's the tavern--I mean, do you know where I can get a job?"

[Corvus MacCallum]

Oh... great, the Mods...

It would have been a fanciful thought to beleive the wolf races of Salvar had never met, while secretive due to understandable distrust of the human races, Highlanders had managed some brief interactions with the people of the Modadh-Duine, they were often nick-named Mods or hounds due to their closer resemblence to the natural beasts both races stemmed from. Generally the terms were friendly on each side but competition was fierce between the young bloods, he himself had competed many a time against similar Mods when taking part in trade excursions, it was a matter of pride by acheivement rather than blood-line.

His tail twitched at the thought of this flashy furred git trying to up-stage his hunting talents in the future but still, didn't let the hostility become open, couldn't anyway his mind had been snapped out of brooding to hear some aged old biddy yelling about her purse and then, another female voice, hmm... a perky one. Turning around to eye up the approaching silver haired shortie he flicked his head back to the strange little job holding creature, seemed plenty were eager indeed.

"Give me a second with the map and I could sniff the place out heh..."

Smirking he then returned his visage to the fresh silver haired lass that had drawn up to the parting group.

"Well looking to snag one at the moment there, but that lass there has the directions to the employer... fancy tagging along?... strength may be in numbers but so's good banter"

[Silvermaiden]

Alright. Posting order established. Myself, Fenris, Rath, Soliel, then Corvus. Time for fun!

As she was looking back at the scruffy character still at the tavern entrance, she heard a noticeable 'THUD!' and felt the small tremor over the ground that accompanied someone, or something, rather large landing on the ground. Her head turned to search for the cause...and was soon met with the vision of something furry and very big towering over her.

"Are you lost, miss?"

Her head tilted back sharply to find the beastly face of the individual and, whether by startlement or by the sudden jerk motion of her head to look up, she found herself stumbling backwards several steps and soon landed on her back against the stone."Ah..Ai!!"

She felt a ringing in her ears temporarily from the impact. It took a moment for her to shuffle up onto her elbows, shaking her head a bit to try to regain control of her momentarily shaken vision. Once she had, she looked back up at the tall creature again. Good gracious!! And she thought Jack was big! For the moment though, her attention was not so much transfixed on his size...but on his face. Her wide eyes blinked several times as all she could do was stare. She didn't know what to make of him. Though considering the fact that noone around the area was making a fuss or screaming that he was a monster, she figured he must not be so. Though those thoughts were culminating in the back of her mind. At the moment, the more prominent thoughts running through her head were currently still fixed on his appearance in general. As a result, she was left prone on the ground with her mouth open slightly, yet speechless as she continued to stare.

So preoccupied was she that the cry of a purse snatcher and the inquisitive approach of the silver haired girl were left unnoticed. It wasn't until the spiky haired one from the tavern approached that her attention became redirected.

"Give me a second with the map and I could sniff the place out heh..."

She looked back and up at him slightly, feeling the blood rush to her face in embarrassment suddenly. She made an awkward scramble back up to her feet, raising the map and the scrap of an ad up to him. Both were now noticeably crinkled due to being clutched in her hands during her previous episode.

"Oh...yes, thank you."

She slowly and awkwardly ventured a look back at the furry creature. However, her attention shifted back towards Corvus again as she heard him speak, though not to her. It was then that she registered the presence of Soliel in the group. She took a moment to gather the girl's appearance, but again, her eyes went back to the furred one.

She took time to notice the semblence of a smile gracing his wolven features. Odd, yet apparently non-threatening.

She felt embarrassment rush to her face again and quickly made a deep bow towards him in apology. "I am so very sorry for my behavior just now, sir. I was startled by your sudden presence. I meant no offense. I am truly sorry."

[Fenris]

Fihrinn's eyes widened in alarm as the girl swayed, and he reached to catch her--but he was too slow. He crouched and offered her his paw.

"Are you all right?"

She propped herself up and stared at him for a moment before looking to one of her companions and standing herself. Fihrinn did likewise.

"Give me a second with the map and I could sniff the place out heh..."

Fihrinn turned to the creature as the girl offered him her directions and blinked. A Highlander. He hadn't seen one of their kind in a very long time. He smiled.

With that nose, I doubt it...

Come, Fihrinn, be nice.

Then the child turned back to him.

"I am so very sorry for my behavior just now, sir. I was startled by your sudden presence. I meant no offense. I am truly sorry."

A friendly smile spread wide across his muzzle as he returned her bow. "None was taken--no pardon is necessary. I apologize for frightening you." Then he turned to the Highlander. "So, where are we headed...?"

He almost said "mutt." He caught himself just in time.

[Silvermaiden]

Rath has chosen to drop from this quest.
New posting order is myself, Fenris, Soliel, and Corvus.

[Soliel]

Hey, I apologize, but I also need to drop out. >__>;; I just can't post regularly in this quest right now, and I don't think you guys want to wait a week or so every time it's my turn. Sorry, sorry. @__@

[Taskmienster]

This thread has been sitting for a full year. Since no response has been made to create activity I am going to be moving this. If you would like it to be reopened please feel free to PM myself or another admin and they will be able to move it for you back to Scara Brae.