Twig's cat nap disturbed

[Shadowalker]

Curled within a large hollow in the thicket, Twig dozed lightly, ears ever alert for any unnatural sound.

The breeze shifted and carried with it the sound of battle, far far off from Twig. Mielikkie gentle hand brought awareness of this distant struggle. Twigs head arose seeking the source, the grunts of Mordred of Fury were known, the other two voices were uncertain though a gnome or dwarf was there. Surrounding snowdrifts muted the sounds, this much was sure. Nose flaring with several scents, many of them unknown, but intermingled was that of Arctic Wolves.

Rising upon four powerful feet, Twig turned to face the east as the death cry of Mordred reached him. Life is difficult but the lad was clearly out numbered if Twigs nose was correct. Being fond of this one, Twig speed with all haste to the Frozen Reaches. Quickly finding the scent that spread from Frost Dale to the Efreets Lair.

Though Twig suspected that both of the voices heard had lead to Mordred's demise, he still moved without passing judgement, intent upon the scent that led him.

Mere moments after entering the Efreets Lair, Twig found the scents and voices he sought. Bre' Arahj the Seeker of Ragnars Reavers and an unknown called Karania by the other were in battle with several Efreets. The lass spoke quickly with contempt and disdain, making unfounded accusations. Twig was not as of yet certain that Mordred had not died in single combat, but it no longer mattered. As the last Efreet died Karania moved to flank Twig and the time for words had passed.

Striking swiftly with deadly claws, Bre' Arahj who reeked of the blood of Mordred, was swiftly struck down. The proud Karania attacked from the flank landing many blows, but was unable to stop Twig from dealing a similar fate to her.

Twig then began to speak to the fallen foes, to offer a raising of the dead, woe that the Rifts called them back before such service could be given.

Suspecting that their souls were bound to the nearby Frost Dale, Twig speed to that snow bound city. Finding them within offered the blessing of Mielikkie on their return to the Frozen Wastes. Alas the offer fell on deaf ears and the departed immediately after being twigged (bark skin).

[Delisha Zrazorian]

Delisha listened intently as Annabelle Thunderfist relayed the information about the unprovoked attack on young Mordred
in the Efreeti caves above Frost Dale and Twigs response to Mordred’s demise.

“Have you discussed this incident with Mordred?” Delisha questioned her Field Commander after hearing the report.

“Indeed I have, M’Lady”, Anna replied shaking her head disbelief, “Morderd was ecstatic as usual, welcoming the experience,
always wanting to improve his battle skills. Several times he escaped, resting and returning to re-engaged, but was unable
to do much damage with his weapon.

“He could easily run away from them, as they were slow and disorganized and he is almost as fast as me,”
the little Halfling beamed, “but he chose to try different techniques to test their weakness and eventually,
since he was unable to hit them, they brought him down.”

“Surely the Fury mules have better weapons”, Delisha stated, “Why did he not up-grade with his level.”

“To be honest, M’Lady”, the little Halfling blushed, “the Fury mules are in such a state of disarray,
all jammed together in the Melencia Counsel Hall, that finding anything is difficult a best.”

“It seems everyone is waiting for our Guild House with a persistent chest to begin the arduous process of separating
all the various level equipment and so those with little patience like Mordred suffer the consequences.”

“I see”, Delisha said slowly, jotting down a note to herself to visit the Master Builder today to approve the final Guild design.

Then looking up from her desk, Delisha continued…
“This is the second time in recent weeks young Twigs has distinguished himself in battle, any other Fury members
in the same position would have surely perished, yet… “

“Twigs may be young of age”, Annabelle began, “but his species retains the knowledge of its ancestors”.
Twigs does not need to learn how to fight as the other youngsters do, he has countless generations of battle experience flowing underneath his thick bark.

Twigs has been training young Mordred over the past couple weeks and I can see much improvement in Mordred’s battle style since it began.

“Indeed!” Fury’s young leader thought for a moment before she spoke again.

“All of Fury can gain from Twigs extensive knowledge”, Delisha smiled, “set up a training schedule as soon as possible for all Fury members”.



DZ