Tol Orodruin - Another Travel / Eine weitere Reise

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:04 pm

Gwihen watched the crow for a short moment and looked back at Caitlin then.
R-Really? Well I'm sure it might be possible but...maybe you could talk to my teacher or you could show me how.. to learn like this Dhalsim did?"
He looked back at the crow which landed fairy near to their position.
"I always thought they were more scared of humans.."

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:13 pm

"I already thought about speaking to some of them. Though I'm quite sure they won't listen to such a 'young unknowing girl'."

She accented the 'young unknowing girl' sarcastically before she directed her attention to the crow.

"Oh, that's Ysgar. My carrion crow. Well... not 'mine' exactly. He is free to do whatever he want, he just likes to keep me company."

She smiled at the raven and spoke to him.
"Hello Ysgar, my friend. This here is Gwihen."

The carrion crow hopped closer to them curiously.

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:16 pm

"Erm..hello, Ysgar." He smiles slightly at the raven.
How did you make him follow you? I have seen people with tamed dogs, cats or horses, but never anyone with a tamed crow.

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:21 pm

"Oh, as I said. He isn't tamed."

Caitlin stroked over the stomach of the pitch black crow.

"It's long ago since this crow landed before my feet with a wounded wing. I picked him up and cared for the wound... and that's why I got Dhalsim to know. So it's due to this crow that Dhalsim discovered my talent and that I am what I am now... that reminds me... why do you want to become a medico anyway?"

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:28 pm

Gwihen looked at the ground. "I...I don't know."
He breathed in deeply and started to talk again, his eyes still looking at the ground. "My-My parents are rich and titled, they didn't want me to.. "waste" my time with things like playing with friends or...or girls. They sent me here so I can learn most discipline and earn knowledge. He looked up again at her and the crow. "But the times when I was a little boy who wanted to play games on the streets are over. I know what I have to do here and I will finish it. And after that I will... I will.. He stopped for some moments. "I'm sorry, Caitlin, b-but I don't know what I will do after this here.."

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:39 pm

Caitlin nodded. "I already thought something like that."

She tiltet her head and let the carrion crow sit on her forearm.
"Some days ago I met a man called 'Geirr'. I don't know if you ever met him. He is a medico in a town called Klafert, he wears expensive clothes and his belly let conclude that he is just eating the best food and drinks the best wines. A medico is for sure a job where you can earn a lot of money. Geirr for example, is just treating person who can pay him. With other words: even if it is a sick orphan child, he wouldn't care. And that is not right.
I'm medico and a druid because I love the nature and all its creatures. I want to help them and lessen the sorrow and pain which is already enough in this world.
And that's why you should become a medico, Gwihen. Because of what you feel when you are helping... not because you parents choosed it."

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Mon May 16, 2005 7:42 pm

He sat for a moment, thoughtfully. I-I don't know. I never had the chance to really help people. All I do is sitting in the library and learning. B-But I'm sure I could! I know many things...but the only thing I have done so far was extracting a chip out of Halevs hand.. The red color of his face slowly vanishes.

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Mon May 16, 2005 10:43 pm

"It doesn't depend on your knowledge, but on the fact if you really want to."

She smiled and took the books he had carried with him. She let Gwihen show her the parts he was mostly interested in right now and Caitlin told and taught him everything she knew about it.
With good humor, simple explanations and breaks.

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Mon May 16, 2005 10:48 pm

The lesson was fun, a feeling he hadn't felt for long on the island of scholars.
They forgot the time and one hour after there should have been a date with Gwihens "real" teacher he remembered and they hurried back to the academy.

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Tue May 17, 2005 9:41 pm

As Caitlin and Gwihen finally reached the library again, his teacher didn’t seem to miss him. He and some of the other elder stood in the hallway and had a loudly debate.

“And who will we send there?”

“They informed us too late. According to the letter there are already many dead.”

Caitlin stopped and without minding to disturb the conversation she asked:

“Letter? Dead?”

Gwihens teacher turned towards her.
“We received a letter today from a council man from a town near by. There is an epidemic which already claimed quite many dead. And we are debating right now who we will send there. It’s a dangerous venture, since they informed us too late.”

Caitlin nodded. “If no one volunteers I will go.”

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Tue May 17, 2005 9:49 pm

Gwihen stood silently with his books under his arm and listened. He looked up and was quite shocked when Caitlin didn't think or wait long and immediatley announced that she will volunteer. He heard the teacher say it is too dangerous, many were already dead and the epidemic was infective. In the same moment he thought about the last hours and what he had learned, that being a healer and medicus means to help people. This was his chance to help, and to do something different.

"I will volunteer, too!",

he blurt out and gulped.

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Tue May 17, 2005 10:08 pm

Gwihens teacherlooks surprised and in a commanding voice he said:
"You will... What?! No. You're too young. You won't go."

"Why not?", Caitlin replied in a serious tone, keeping her gaze at the elder. "One of the best ways to learn something, is simply to do it. Let Gwihen prove what he can. When Gwihen wants to, I will take him with me. With or without your permission."

The elder slowly grew red in his face. How dare she? This girl wasn't the half of his age but thought she would be more wise?
Avoiding the black eyes of the lady his gaze drifted back to Gwihen, waiting for a reply.

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Tue May 17, 2005 10:17 pm

Gwihen looked down at the ground. He had never contradicted to his teacher, but he had to do it this time, it could be his last chance to chance something and he would look so weak and double-minded otherwise. It was his life, not the life of other people. He looked up and in the eyes of his teacher.

"I will accompany mistress Fergus, sir. I've been learning for one and a half year from books now, I am ready to do something...bigger, sir."

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Tue May 17, 2005 10:24 pm

The elder obvisiously got even more angry, but calmed himself down, closed his eyes for a moment and then said to Gwihen.

"Fine. When you leave this island without my permisson, don't think I will teach you any further. You can wait some more years then before you can study here again."

Caitlin frowned for a moment at the elder but gave Gwihen a gentle and encouraging look... ready to say, what she already thought some hours ago.

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Tue May 17, 2005 10:27 pm

"A-Alright. I-I have made my coice."

He breathed in and stood silently for a moment.

"When do we go?"

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Tue May 17, 2005 10:40 pm

Caitlin smiled satisfied and looked back at Gwihens teacher which nearly seems to explode.

Some of the other elder had to chuckle softly.

"I will make sure that you won't study here again, Gwihen Thorvid! You are a shame for your reputable parents. A medico you will never become."

"Oh, he will. No worry. I will teach him. It's sad how this island is losing their best students. But lucky for me, I couldn't wish a better one."

With a smile she turned to Gwihen. "Go and pack your things. Meanwhile I will gather the information we need from the eldest. I will meet in 15 minutes in the garden."

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Wed May 18, 2005 9:35 pm

The smell was horrid as Caitlin, Gwihen and another medico called Daunte entered the town gate.
“They are burning the dead”, Caitlin said shortly to Gwihen as she recognized his slightly shocked look. Daunte nodded in agreement.
The first day they spent to gather all the infected person and quarantined them. Daunte and Gwihen studied the symptoms while Caitlin cared for the victims of the epidemic.
Headache, fever, breaking out in sweat and for those who were coughing up blood, it was already too late.
Another medico followed the other day and they took turns in the way of helping.
Gathering herbs, caring for the infected, studying the books.
Though they made good proceedings, five people died them away. Two women and three men. All five middle-aged.
Daunte and the other medico were quite reserved with careing for the infected people and Caitlin watched out that Gwihen didn't do too much hard work, while she didn't mind to care fully for them.
She knew that medicating was as important as speaking with them. Showing them that they are not alone.

Two days passed by and Caitlin sat at the table writing a letter.
Feeling a slight warm forehead.

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Wed May 18, 2005 9:59 pm

The smell of the burning dead was horrible, it was all over town and not just in the zones of quarantine. The faces and minds of the people were dark, and many escaped. Here and there some ill people with high fever spoke about death and the end the whole day. The town had become scurrile, Gwihen had never seen something like this before.
Caitlin made sure that Gwihen didn't work too much and didn't come the dead or ill people too near for long times. She was working hard, thought, but still found some time to teach him things. "Won't you rest a bit, Caitlin?", he asked sometimes, but she just waved aside and told him that there was still work to do. She already looked very tired and even more pale than normal, but Gwihen couldn't make her do a longer break to rest.
Gwihen just felt strange between all those dead and dieing people, it was a horrible experience, but instructive. The work made fun somehow, and he always smiled a slight smile when someone was healed or on the way of recovery.

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Thu May 19, 2005 8:20 am

Some hours later Caitlin sat still in the room were she wrote the letter. She felt her forehead, wiped the sweat away and for the first time fear could be seen in her eyes, as she took some of the medicine herself.
Gwihen entered. „Caitlin…?“

„I will be alright, Gwihen. Don’t worry“, she said without looking at him. Her voice didn’t sound as sure as she wanted.
„Go and help Daunte. I will take some rest.“

Gwihen just nodded with a concerned look and left. Some seconds later Caitlin started to coughing up blood.
With tears in her eyes she wrote a second letter…

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Thu May 19, 2005 9:02 am

Slowly she pulled the hood over her head to cover her face and tightened the grip around her druid staff.
She left the quarantine without telling Gwihen or anyone that she was leaving.
Just a little note on the table ‚I will be back soon’.
Caitlin really had to left the station. She felt worse with every minute she stayed in this cold building.

Without being recognized she staggered out of town, knowing that a carrion crow was following her.
From the town gate a path led into a forest… exactly the place where she wanted to be right now.

She wandered through the woods a long time, til all the strength left her body and she sank to the ground, coughing up more blood.
Heavily she leaned her head against the tree she was sitting at and her eyes closed...

Gwihen Thorvid · Post by **Gwihen Thorvid** » Thu May 19, 2005 9:46 pm

"Where is she, Daunte? Where?"
Gwihen asked with fear. "I don't know, boy, I haven't seen her since quite a while..Why are you so scared? She was away for many times to help in another part of town."
Gwihen shook his head. "B-But never this long. She wasn't well, Daunte, I think she was ill, too...
Daunte made a serious face, thinking for a moment, then he lay one hand on Gwihen's shoulder. "If we don't get a lifesign of her soon we will start to search, alright? Until that time, we have work do do. Lots of work."

Pendar · Post by **Pendar** » Thu May 19, 2005 11:55 pm

Sitting beneath a tree the young captain watched the end of the day roll by as crafters packed up there stalls and smithys closed up shop. The warm air of the late afternoon seemed peaceful and soothed his wracked nerves. At least he could sleep tonight now that Quinasa was safe, the prospet of bed as apposed to a night spent crawling through every hole he could find was a great comfort. He smiled broadly as he saw Caitlins crow land a few feet infront of him,a letter from her seemed the perfect end to a day...
Hurridly unwrapping the parchment, he felt ice course through his veins as he noticed the blood stained paper and jumbled lettering...a few phrases stood out immediatly.
but... I just got fever and some other symptoms of the illness.
.. how high the chances for recovering are.
Such dark words punctuated by crimson stains......
He stood staggering as if struck ,Take me to her Ysgar he spoke at the spot were the crow had been moments ago. The bird was gone though and he stood alone.
Unsure of weather he was going to lose his stomach,scream or simply crumble he fell back against the tree and slid to the ground.
Tanora, I do not pray but if this world knows justice spare her if your deep waters hunger take me,,,surely she is more beloved of the gods more alive in this world than I could ever be.
The words tumbled half wept into his folded arms as he sat beneath the tree unmanned and utterly alone to a degree no previouse recollection seemed to equal.
I know the gods do not barter but simple fact should my light be taken from me, like this...I am sure to perish heart wasted away.
He sat for he didnt know how long under the tree outside the shop, deaf to the world and lost to a torment he couldnt give voice, some were the heart dearest to him suffered and he was powerless to help or even know, how it would end....
When he eventually opened his reddened eyes it was entirely night..standing slowly he walked out of town not careing were the path ahead might lead...

Pendar · Post by **Pendar** » Fri May 20, 2005 1:37 am

After his meeting with Aristeuas he left the town at a run making a bee line for the docks.
Arriveing some minutes later lungs burning and muscles acheing he apprehended the young cabin boy Jarmal.
"Which boat sails I care not where, just give me the name of the ship best set to sail at speed and no the fact you buy and sell, is not an issue"
The young mans stammered a reply obviously shaken by apparent mad man before him.
"The Star that sloop yonder is fitted and ready,,,but,,,but there rum runners place might be a floating tavern how ever i dont see them taking passengers"
Pendar laughed despite himself...Aristeuas would feel right at home no doubt.
Making a slight effort to straighten his hair and wipe the worst of the crime from his face he approached the boat and called out for the captain. A portly man's head appeared over the bow, Aye what you be looking for lad
Well a foot upon your boat with be a good start, after that I intend to make you wealthy friend, Pendar replied
Wealthy you say boy well come aboard then land rat, the portly captain retroted motion for his crew to lower the gang plank.

Pendar let his eyes pass slowly about the boat, if he knew one thing it was ships and this crew was disciplined enough ship was in good repair and her light rigging affirmed his hopes that she could set good speed.
Turning to the captain he extened his hand introduceing himself..

Pleasantrys aside he proceded to make enquires,
This ship ocean ready, and deep keeled? Dont tell me I have stumbled onto a shore cruise for doxies he jibed with a forced grin.
The captain who's name was Rismed took in a staggering breath nearly causieing his piggy eyes to shoot from there sockets and prepared himself to set forth on what would no doubt be a most enlightening litany of profanitys.
Pendar grinned, I believe that asnwers my question I need to charter your ship with all haste.

Nearly an hour of haggeling later, about everything Pendar possesed armors,weapons and coin includeing the jewel inlaid greatsword caitlin had gifted him some time ago resided with the captain.
How ever Pendar did have a ship willing to follow a crows direction and carry Arist straight to the isle he knew caitlin to be on.

Hold on beloved help comes,just hold on..
Judgeing by the time between her letters arist could reach her in a day which meant if he left tomorrow evening...perhaps there was time.
Leaveing strict instruction for the captain to wait for Arist and then sail with all haste. The young captain returned to town to honor his part of the bargain and assure Quinasa's safety and pen Arist a hasty note all the help he could offer.
He knew little enough of magics or the way of druids, but he let his mind drift until he believed he found the crow Ysgar and called with all his heart for the bird...

Aristeaus · Post by **Aristeaus** » Fri May 20, 2005 7:07 pm

Leaning over his wife Aristeaus plants a kiss on her forhead. The young elfess had been through much of late, with the death of the couples child and the ladies kidnapping Aristeaus had hoped it would be the end of it, but as was allways the way for those of a cursed existance, the peace would never come.

Placing a letter beneath his wifes pillow the finely clad man turns to the men stationed at the door and motions for them to open it. Time was short, and if he knew the captain of the guard as he thought he did the ship would be prepared soon, cloak about his shoulders a look of weariness upon his face Aristeaus walks from the town of trollsbane his pace quickening once passing through the gates.

Once he would have hired a healer to travel to this forsaken island he had heard about to see to the lady Caitlin, but with times as they were and his fondness for the lady in question. For any to go but himself would be a slight, not just to the lady but to he himself.

The northern castle loomed beyond the town of Varshikar, its walls ragged and the mortar cracked. A cursed place many said. It would be hard to believe that not much more than a year past it was a place of grandeur. Its wall adorned with banners and its great chambers full of life...

With the confidence of a man of the arrogance only Aristeaus could show, he approaced the gate of the castle, and passed through the breached doors. It had been sometime since he had been within these walls, and a sense of peace settled over him. He was home.

'Who go there' a harsh voice booms from the shadows of the grand hall,
and a large heavily muscled to the point of deformed humanoid lurched into view, a top heavy mace in hand a look of vicious intent upon its face.

Turning to the ogre Aristeaus lets his travel worn cloak slide to the floor, revealing his infamous blade strapped to his side.

' Prepare a horse, i need to make haste. '

The ogre looked to the man and nodded with a low growl emitting from itself. ' Allways travel .' And with those brief words the creature returned to the shadows from which it came.

-----

' Ive been gone to long .' Aristeaus stood within one of the back rooms of the castle and reached out his hand to a seemingly plain wall, with a swift turn of his wrist the man slides a small pebble embedded into the wall sideways. A grinding sound came to the mans ears and the wall seemed to move in upon itself revealing a passage beyond.

' I must hurry.'

Lowering his head Aristeaus made haste to reach his study..
Within lay his old possesions from the art he was loathe to let people know about.

There was the box, as he had left it. And as he knew they would, the dust covered bottle and containers greeted him upon it's opening. Herbs and other components of his old trade. Used in the right combinations and the right amounts they could cure and revive the body, used wrongly by accident, or as in many cases on purpose they could kill.

Closing the box Aristeaus sighs for a moment, the days of unrest and worry being forced back into his being to be let loose at another time. Shaking his head briefly he picks up the box and tucks it under his arm and makes his way from the castle to the grounds beyond.

It was as he had ordered, the horse awaited him, and as he knew the ogre was gone. Probably back to the rocky wastes, or into the recesses of the castle which it felt obliged to guard. Mounting the horse Aristeaus strokes its mane before pushing his heels into the beasts side and with a swift lurch the horse jumped forward and start of at a trot, taking its master to the southern docks and the boat which awaited him.

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Fri May 20, 2005 7:34 pm

The carrion crow heard his name and examined the calling man with his black eyes.
Spreading his wings he flew towards Pendar and sat himself on the arm he was offering.
Ysgar didn't do that often, but he knew the man and what his intention were, though he couldn't understand the human tongue.

Ysgar kept Caitlins company since he once fell at her feet with a wounded wing. He remembered how she helped him ... all the time they spent together ... how both learned to communicate with each other without knowing the others tongue.
He usually avoided humans before that happening, but this woman were different.

The carrion crow probably knew more about Caitlin than anyone else. More than this man who was loving her so deeply, nor her best friend. Simply because he learned to listen to her, without having her speaking.
It were her eyes, her mimic, her gesticulation.
All those things gave away more about her than her spoken words.

He wouldn't lose her a second time ...

Pendar · Post by **Pendar** » Fri May 20, 2005 9:13 pm

The sound of approaching hooves woke Pendar from his standing sleep. He had not meant to close his eyes but it had been days and eventually fatigue had won out. Wiping his eyes quickly he stepped from the alley he had rested in to await the rider. Shielding his eyes from the sun that seemed to pierce his brain he watched the approaching rider.
Waiting the man had brought the beast to a stop he took hold of the reigns and waited for the man to dismount.
Speaking swiftly, He asked..."you got my lettter?"
If so you have all i can offer,
Motioning for Ysgar to move to the mans shoulder, he smiled slightly.
The crow will guide you, I know you will do all you can...just please bring her back to me
I will return to the inn and keep vigil over yours, . So badly Pendar wanted to turn away let this moment wash over him. Instead he merely pointed to the green sloop rigged and ready to sail with the tide....

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Fri May 20, 2005 9:28 pm

The black carrion crow hopped onto the other mans shoulder. He knew this one as well.
He was dear to Caitlins heart.

Ysgar crowed as he thought that he could be back in no time, but that obvisously he had to show this man the way.

Aristeaus · Post by **Aristeaus** » Sat May 21, 2005 12:16 am

The docks came into view and the young captain took the reigns. 'Greetings.' The man dismounts from his sterling and makes his way slowly to the awaiting ship.

Another journey..

Looking to his side Aristeaus see's the crow land upon his shoulder.

Ahh yes, as long as the bird lives so does its maiden..

The man lowers his head and walks up the plank to the awaiting vessel.

'Set sail captain, i shall be below'

Caitlin Fergus · Post by **Caitlin Fergus** » Sat May 21, 2005 7:07 am

The crew of the ship was quite amazed about this deadly serious man with this mysterious crow on his shoulder.
'Did I get it right? The crow is showing us the way?', one of the crew asked the other... 'holy madness!'

Ysgar spent his time to communicate with the man he was traveling with, but it wasn't as easy as with Caitlin. The man obvisously tried to understand him and knew that he was saying something, but it didn't work well.
Only on the last day of the travel they made little proceeds and as Ysgar read from the mans eyes, he felt sympathie.

"In an hour we will arrive a harbour!", the captain yelled down.

Aristeaus · Post by **Aristeaus** » Sat May 21, 2005 1:23 pm

In an hour we will arrive at harbour!

The man looks up from the tomb which he had been studying, and closses it with carefull hands. The crow Ysgar still sat upon the mans shoulder. A silent yet comforting companion on this lonely trip.
Since the departure from trollsbane Aristeaus had been studying the tombs which he had salvaged from Darloks library. Truely Darlok was an inspiring figure, but in this inspiration also deadly.
The books spoke of many different subjects, including the one which interested the man at this time, Herb crafts and practices. Within its pages were methods and notes laying out many tasks which had been forgotten, armed with this knowledge Aristeaus felt more secure than his allready dark practices in the art should dictate.

He arrived out on deck, as the crew were prepared to meet to land, walking to the captains side Aristeaus placed a gloved hand upon the captains shoulder and spoke in a low voice which carried over the wind.

' Tell me what you know of this land captain '