Blood in the forest!

[sharringtonm]

Snow Hawk relates to the guards at the Viridal Border about the battle that broke out there. Seems a Dwarf was leading a woman toward the city to go to prison and met up with a Paladin. A dark man got in there way and then a feral Orc attacked them all.. in the end .. most of the people involved had either fled or lay bleeding to death on the ground.

To hear him tell it .. a bird flew down and became a man who collected up the body of the Paladin and the woman, and now there's talk she's in the Druid's glade awaiting the will of the Keeper. He says that anyone who's life blood is spilled in the forest, the druids can claim that act as their jurisdiction, if they wish.. even on the borders.

He relates how large groups of armed men have been heading to the Druids grove of late, camping out in that area.. supposedly awaiting the disposition of the woman.

[Lollercide]

Hano paces around the grove impatiently, grumbling to himself.

"Bah! To think the Druids would claim to have jurisdiction over one of Sundren's encampments! On the outskirts no less!" His eyes flicker with rage moving around still mumbling, "Not only did that bastard Snow Hawk claim the corpse of that witch, but, knowing of her evil deeds - The children and elves she has killed.. He resurrects her! With no thought of consequences or approval from the Druids!"

He clutches his fist, trying to ignore Samantha's flirts behind him. "The True.. Guide me."

[BattlePixie]

Mittens roughly pushes her way passed Sundrian guards, snarling and snapping at any that attempt to block her way into the glade.

"They have no right in this forest" she thinks to herself, remembering the exchange she had earlier with that human "soldier" at the Schild mountain fort. Pausing a moment she turns back to the assembled humans.

"Goes back to your fort. Hide behind your walls where yous belong." she snarls and barks.

[Subal]

Gromlin sits in his office still working with the new artifacts he has gathered from the witch samantha. slowly the old dwarf flips through a book searching the various metal's and enchants that appear too be contained within. Silently and quickly he rubs his eye's as it has gotten late, and he is still wore out from the energy he spent apprehending the witch. "The damn druids are insane bringing back that crazy bitch". Gromlin finishes rubbing his eyes and puts the artifacts back away for safe keeping during the night. Her followers will come for it , and he would need too be ready.

[Dark presence]

Serena warily watches the city folk in the grove, and keeps a suspicious eye on Mittens too. She reminds every city slicker a short bit of information as they gather.

"This grove is a place of peace, protected by Eldath. Sit, rest, wait. But do not think to break the peace, because Tempus will not side with you in this place.

"And if you don't stop staring at my horns, every dire bear for five miles will think you're a female in heat."

[ThePaganKing]

*Tellesian hears the news of Samantha's capture and hastens to the Grove*

"That bitch must die for the crimes she committed against my people and the blood she spilled in my forest."

*With determination, Tellesian runs towards the grove*

[Kangleton]

The wind in the Grove suddenly changes in direction, with vague whispers being heard from all directions, detected only by those who knew to listen.

"It isn't over..."

[Vichtor]

A Knight in full armor walks through the assembled soldiers glancing around. Upon seeing Serena, he smiles and bows low and speaks plainly.

"I've heard the rumors floating around those who mingle here. It seems a poor show of faith to the Keepers of Balance to intrude upon your Grove in such a manner. I cannot speak for these here, but know that there are those who would show a greater respect for your home and actions than the government who sent these men. I pray you have no ill feelings toward these soldiers though. It is not by their own will they violate this place with their ignorance of its balance. Others who are more...independant should know their limits and place and honor the rule of your house, though." *casts an appraising glance at those non-soldiers assembled*

At this he turns and begins walking, speaking as he goes.

"Soldiers do duty but retain the honor of their station. They do not unduly stress their host in a peaceful presence, nor are they careless of their actions. The Honor of the Soldier must reflect the man. You have a purpose, but were sent with no foresight to the consequences. Focus then on what you are here to do, and respect those whose home this is, knowing you have no quarrel with them. Those who would send you here without such words or preparation make such grievous errors that it is a wonder they still lead, but you must take upon yourself the responsibility they lack. Free men and women hold responsibility as their own, and they alone answer for their actions. Before you act, then, weigh the consequences to all involved both now and in the future and ensure it is the proper action. Do not err in the way of the so called leaders who sent these soldiers and neglect the larger scope of what you do."

[The Ice Hag]

Braghuru retreats to the frozen wasteland of the Cold Climb, nursing her many wounds. The human paladin and his Dwarven companion had caused her greivous injuries, but the numbing embrace of Auril had already began its healing.

She screamed her fury into the night, her thoughts lingering upon the image of dark haired woman.

[joker]

*Calowyn eagerly awaits the decision of the Keeper. He is torn between his duty to protect nature and his elven heritage. He thinks it would be best if the witch dies and it does not matter who sends her to her death!*