The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

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Ayluen

The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

Post by Ayluen »

Chapter 3<br><br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The fog settled over Kelethin like a thick moist blanket, keeping the humid warmth of the forest near the ground. Ayluen took the thick, wet air into his lungs, as he starred down towards his feet. Rather than seeing the ground directly under him, he saw it about a hundred feet below him. Not the most reassuring of sights to be expected. Not only to mention that it was early in the morning and that he had been waiting in this tree for someone for several hours. That someone was still unknown, as his trainers had been hastily setting up this scouting mission to Crushbone in less than a day.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp It was nearing the end of Ayluen’s second month in the guild, and so far this was the only assignment they had given him. It was actually assigned to several other young rangers, and a few more experienced veterans, but Ayluen was by far the most inexperienced one out. Most people disagreed with the guild masters choice to send him out, and Ayluen himself didn’t like it all that much either. Experience was vital to everything in Norrath, as one misconception or misjudgment could be fatal instantly.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The mission itself was not actually taking place inside the orc encampment of Crushbone, but rather around the gates and paths leading to it Instead of raiding, the guild wished to attain further information of the orcs habits, through stealth and spying. Ayluen had been suckered in to watching the entrance from above. Even though he knew this could probably turn the tide of the conflicts, it still was long tedious work, the kind Ayluen tried to avoid. Furthermore this type of information usually was left to the Faydark Scouts to gather, and the fact that the rangers would take up the task was rather mind-boggling. The elders had been very averse to provide information and reason of the task, and much of it made Ayluen curious, they type of curiosity that lead to trouble. The all too familiar trouble that Ayluen seemed to constantly be caught up in.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The wind picked up, and Ayluen swayed with the branches and leaves of his tree. A bird settled on his shoulder, and squawked when what was camoflouged in with its nest was not at all a branch. Grinning, Ayluen continued to hunch in his position of cover. He was half tempted to begin spitting on the younger wood elves wandering below him, just to view the splendor of faces. One could easily make spit seem like and angered bird…<br>What was minutes seemed like hours, and like the fog, sleep fell over him, beckoning him to the realm of Morell Thule, the Plane of Dreams. But sleep did not come, rather a massive progression of orcs below him. Ayluen immediately hunched back into more cover, watching with intent.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The progression was about a hundred orcs, and one dark elf, who seemed to be talking with a very large and heavily guarded orc, obviously the one in charge. Ayluen cupped his hands and began to chirp like many of the other birds. Hopefully the rest of his comrades would hear the warning and steer clear of the area. It would be almost certain death for anyone to stumble across this progression.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Soon the orcish mob and the dark elf reached the gates of Castle Crushbone, and walked through the lowered drawbridge and into the bailey of the castle. Ayluen peered as the drawbridge was slowly hoisted back to its upright position, and waited several minutes before jumping from his tree, into another one, never stopping to notice the long drop beneath his body. As he jumped from tree to tree, he thought about the convoy of orcs, and their dark companion. Surely a dark elf in this forest was a defiant bad sign, one that must be reported immediately. He continued hoping and swinging through the great oaken trees of the Faydark. Anyone seeing this from the ground would have either mistaken him for a skinny ape, or just assumed they had one too many drinks at the bar.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp As he neared the platforms of the city, tears the wind had forced out dripped into his mouth, the salty taste was enough to rupture concentration long enough to make Ayluen miss his next branch. He continued to fly slowly downward at an angle towards Kelethin. At first, panic pumped alarm into his system, forcing him to close his eyes and take a deep breath as the ground neared. When he opened them, it appeared that he was going to make it to the platforms, even if he skidded onto it. Ayluen straightened his form in hopes of breaking the wind and rolling on the platforms unharmed. It didn’t work. Out of cruel irony or perhaps the gods’ sense of humor, a gust of wind pushed his form back the foot enough to miss the platforms. Ayluen’s heart sank; this was it, then end that came too soon. Would there be a path leading to his father, or would he just be another dead commoner-<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp A sharp jerk rattled Ayluen’s frame and it took him a second to realize someone seized his ankle from the city above. Glancing up, he saw the grinning face of Leiph, obviously proud and planning on never letting Ayluen forget about this.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Tired of hanging around?” Ayluen flashed a look at Leiph for suggesting such a bad pun at a time like this.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Just pull me up you pile of troll shi-” The words changed as the face of an elder peered over Leiph’s shoulder. “Uh…I mean, thank you for…sav-er.helping me” Ayluen gritted through his fake toothy smile.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “No prob, you owe me one birdie boy” Leiph begin chuckling as he yanked Ayluen up to the safety of the wood planks.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Your never going to let me forget this are you?”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Nope!” Leiph beamed as he watched Ayluen dust himself off. <br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “What was the rush and flying about young Moonklaw?” A familiar elders voice asked.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen cleared his throat. “From my safety in the trees I saw a progression of about a hundred orcs, but here is the thing. Among their ranks there was a dark elf, and he didn’t seem to be a prisoner sire!”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The elder nodded, and strode back to the others among his rank, and began talking attentively. It was clear they were arguing about the recent news and possibly other information from other scouts.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Wow, this must be pretty serious, especially with a dark elf and all,” Leiph commented to Ayluen, as he starred at the discussing elders.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Indeed, at first I thought it was just a hunting party returning or something but it was too large for that. Then I saw that dark elf; that really confuses me. He was talking with an important looking orc, and I think he might had been an ambassador!” <br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “But why would the dark elves seek and alliance with the orcs?” Leiph questioned.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “That’s simple, they hate us, and the orcs do too. If they work together, wood elves wont be around for much longer. Imagine, the<br> orcs, with the armor and weapons of the dark elves, and then dark elf armies attacking us at the same time, it doesn’t look good.” Ayluen sighed.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The elder soon returned and thanked Ayluen, and dismissed him and Leiph for the day, it was evident they had the information they sought. Ayluen was still confused as to why the Scouts didn’t obtain this information, but decided to not dwell on it any longer, and instead to get a few drinks.<br><br>* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br><br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Now is the time to strike! The wood elves are unaware of our plans, and we can finally wipe them once and for all from the face of Norrath!” A deep, commanding voice demanded. The dimly lit room allowed little to be seen, save for the dark hooded robes, which shrouded their faces into the darkness. <br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “You fool! Surely the rangers have seen our man we sent, it was stupid of him to not go in disguise! If you weren’t such a fool, this would have never happened!” Another figure spoke as he pointed to the previous speaker.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “How dare you call me that, especially since you know I am twice as strong as you!?” The first figure replied<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp A third robed being entered the room, interrupting the argument. “Hush both of you. We are not here to bicker at one another, but rather to decide the fate of our brethrens mortal enemy. Tell me of our progress.”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The first figure nodded, “M’lord, I have dispatched my most skilled ambassador to the orcs of Crushbone. Soon the orcs will be allied to us falsely, and with their help we can take out the wood elves, before turning on them.”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The second figure snorted, “M’lord, this bumbling fool made the mistake to send that ambassador, surely the wood elves have discovered the move we made, or at least spotted him.”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Beneath the hood the third figure smiled malevolently. Everything was going as planned, soon the wood elves would be attacked, and with the orcs being the main forces, two birds would be knocked out with one stone. Then he could rise against his master and finally-<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Sire, what are you next orders?” One of the two asked.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The third figure glanced at the first. “Send forces after the alliance, but not too many. Accompany them, and make sure that the battle succeeds. See too it that the wood elves get destroyed, and then have our warriors finish off what orcs remain. Report to me then.” The third man left with a twirl of his robe and strode up the stairs.<br><br>* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br><br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp A chill made Ayluen shudder with dread, and almost longing at the same time. He was on his sixth pint of ale and still sober, and something told him that the odd sensation was a warning, from whom he had no idea. The all too familiar waitress returned with a seventh, and rejected Ayluen’s dwindling supply of coppers. “This ones on the house hun. Drink up.” Ayluen nodded and thanked the waitress before quaffing the mug. He slid the eight coppers for his next drink and this time the waitress took it, handing over yet another pint. Ayluen finished it and dropped a few coins as a tip before leaving. His mind had been made up, even though he might regret it.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp He jogged to the guild, and stepped into the doors of the hall. The guards raised an eyebrow as they intercepted him, “The elders are having a meeting young one, wait until later to seek audience or leave us a message.”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen thought quickly, “You don’t understand! The city is going to be attacked! I don’t know by who yet, but I know they are coming!”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The two guards looked at each other uncertainly, “And if we really are being attacked, we require proof to disturb them. I certainly don’t want to be de-ranked,” said one to the other.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Well…you see…I uh…don’t exactly have proof. You might call it a bad feeling. You know, the type that makes your bones shiver and your mind dizzy…”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp One of the guards snickered, “OH! We understand! Don’t we Jim,” the first one said sarcastically to his chuckling partner. “I tell ya what…”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen grinned, “So you’re going to let me in?”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Hold your horses kid, you didn’t let me finish. What you can do, is get a branch…”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “And what!?!” Ayluen questioned.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR HOLE!” Both guards were laughing hysterically, and soon were hunched over with teary eyes.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp <br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “So you take me as a joke!” Irritation burned in Ayluen’s face as he witnessed the two guards cracking up.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “YES! You’re the funnies thing that I’ve seen in a long time! Feeling? Ha!” Jim’s friend cracked.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen sighed in frustration as he began to leave, “You’ll regret this…”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The guard Jim looked up with a tear-streaked face, “Regret what? The stick in your arse!” This all together made both fall on the floor and continue to hoot at each other’s remarks.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen blew fierce air from his nose. He had to warn the elders, he just knew something was going to happen. But with those two guards in the way, nothing could be done. Just one of them could easily seize Ayluen in a matter of seconds. He could try to sneak around and into the window, but now that they know of his intentions, they would keep an eye open for sure, especially anything suspicious. Ayluen heaved a sigh of defeat as he trudged back to the tavern. No one was going to believe his outrageous claims of an attack; after all, the last siege on the wood elves had been over a thousand years ago.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Back so soon?” Ayluen looked up at the pudgy dwarf face that stood behind the bar, hand clenching a cloth as he spit in glasses and wiped them somewhat clean.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen nodded at Stouttummy, “Yea, pass me a pint.” He slid a few coppers across the bar smoothly.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Stouttummy captured the coins and replaced them with a frothy mug of ale. He peered at Ayluen with his one eye, enough to make him uncomfortable. “What’s bothering yea son? I haven’t seen ya so down since you fell down those stairs while trying to flirt with one of my waitress.”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen glowered at the dwarf, “You just had to remind me of that didn’t you? Now I feel even worse.”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Hahaha, sorry laddy. I didn’t mean nutting out of it. She was a pretty lil gal, too bad you screwed up.” Stouttummy continued to provoke Ayluen.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen smirked, “Yea too bad, she was a cutie.” He finished the pint and Stout replaced it with a new one, not taking any money. Ayluen nodded and thanked him.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “So how bout it? You know nothing leaves this bar that I hear. What’s getting ya down?”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen gave in. “This morning I was out doing some scouting for the guild. It was odd, because it seemed like something the Scouts would normally do. Either way, I saw some orcs traveling with a dark elf, who I think is an ambassador. And just a little ago, I got this feeling, one that I cant ignore.”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Stouttummy squinted his eyes in concern. “Ah dark elf eh lad? This isn’t good at all, what do you think a dark elf is doing in the Faydark, especially the orcs? Maybe an attack?”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ayluen exhaled in relief, “Thank Tunare I’m not the only one who thinks so. I have a really bad feeling that they are going to strike any day, and I don’t want the city to fall.”<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Well why don’t you just tell the elders what you think? Surely they will listen to you, after all you are the son of one of the most famous rangers.” Stouttummy suggested. <br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “I’ve tried that, the guards think it’s a joke and refuse to let me in. They dismissed us all earlier for the next two days, as they are in deep meditation. I’m very worried that they will go uninformed.” <br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Stouttummy sighed, “I’m taking a chance by believing you-“<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “So am I,” a familiar voice said. Ayluen looked up to see Leiph a few feet behind him.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Ah thank the gods you’re here, but what are we going to do about it?” Ayluen inquired.<br>&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Stouttummy grinned, “You know lad, I used to adventure. I’m sure we could convince some folks to help out, help me close up really quickly, we’re going to do some recruiting.”<br><br><br><br><br><br>Sorry it took so long, hope you enjoyed it! <p><center><img src="http://home.attbi.com/~boswellbrian/wsb ... ter><BR><a href="http://www.magelo.com/eq_view_profile.h ... 03">Ayluen Moonklaw</a>:Tunare's Bounty Hunter<BR>51st Pathfinder<BR>Mystical Lightfighters</p><i></i>
Flintrok

Re: The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

Post by Flintrok »

woot very nice ! <p>Flintrok Ironforge <BR>Cavalier of the 54th Trial<BR>Proud Guild Leader<BR> <a href="http://www.mysticallightfighters.com" target="newMLF">Mysitical Lightfighters</a><BR><a href="http://www.magelo.com/eq_view_profile.html?num=36384" target="newFlint">-=Current Profile=-</a><br>Member of The Mystical Alliance</p><i></i>
WienMT

Re: The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

Post by WienMT »

Nice story Ayluen. Keep up the good work.<br> <p><b> Wien Arrowsmith - Outrider of Tunare<br><i>Mystical Lightfighters</b><p> - Rangers dont get lost... they take the scenic route.<br> - He is one of them rangers... Dangerous folk they be.<br></p><i></i>
Keldora

Re: The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

Post by Keldora »

I love it Ayluen! Your talent grows and you better hurry with the next installment, I can't wait to see what happens!<br><br>Love,<br>Lady Keldora <p><img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/sammigayl ... </p><i></i>
Volan Bearheardt

Re: The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

Post by Volan Bearheardt »

It's great :) <p>Volan Bearheardt<BR>Shaman of 56 Spirits<BR>Morell-Thule<BR> <a href="http://www.magelo.com/eq_view_profile.html?num=132011" target="_blank">My Magelo</a></p><i></i>
kuwe

Re: The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

Post by kuwe »

/bump <p></p><i></i>
Ayluen

Re: The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

Post by Ayluen »

/bump <p><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.geocities.com/shogo_trumpeter/Ayluen_sig.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--></div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--><br><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.magelo.com/eq_view_profile.h ... 03">Ayluen" target="top">Ayluen Moonklaw</a><!--EZCODE LINK END-->:Tunare's Bounty Hunter<br>51st Pathfinder<br>Mystical Lightfighters<br>Morell-Thule Server</div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--></p><i></i>
Aay1ia

Re: The Moonklaw: Chapter 3

Post by Aay1ia »

/bump to keep them in order. <p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.magelo.com/eq_view_profile.h ... 21">Aaylia Templaer</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>59 Knight<br>Mystical Lightfighters</p><i></i>
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