The Days of High Adventure (EtherealElvenEmpress & Greeneyed23)

[Greeneyed23]

Kalo Noresh rubbed his eyes as he entered the township of Granding, hissing "Damned magicks." Then resumed walking, leading his horse , Larry, through the mud filled streets of the squallid little rivertown.

Dressed in his usual black leathers, his twin longswords obvious, one on his left hip, the other hanging upside down by his left hip, and with two visible elven daggers on his belt and right thigh, everyone was giving him a wide berth. And with his dirty and matted white hair and hard eyes, even the foolish who might have bothered him for fun or coin took pause.

And all stilled when they saw the emblem on his chest. Hanging on a silver wrought chain was the flame wreathed head of a Dragon, and upon closer inspection, the flame wreathed heads of a Wolf, a Lion, a Bear, and an Eagle were engraved onto the pommels of his swords, while smaller flameheads were engraved into the hilts of his daggers, the Snake and the Tiger.

Seeing these even the most haughty of 'hard' men stepped back, letting the stranger pass.

Kalo smirked just a bit as he saw them approach then step back, knowing precisely why.

Then he smiled. "Well hello Hamish."

The man he had greeted tensed, then slowly straightened, then turned away from the stall he had been leaning into, facing away from the newcomer. A big man, well over six and half feet, and with arms like slabs and legs like pillars supporting a barrel sized torso, Hamish chewed his torn lips nervously as he brushed back his dirty grey hair then smoothed down the matching beard. "Kalo...been a while."

"it has indeed. Seven months in fact. But here you are. And the price on your head has tripled. Twice."

"Kalo...I...you...you don't need-"

Kalo clicked his lips and Larry snorted, then walked over to an alley and into it, ignoring the cries of those within the passage.

Sensing trouble the crowd began to part, forming a wide oblong around the two.

Kalo smiled his coldest smile as tensed his left shoulder, then with a flicking flourish drew the sword from his back into his right hand. "Now Hamish. Be a good boy and come along. otherwise I shall be forced to harm you."

Hamish chewed his lip a little more. then said. "Really Kalo. I didn't expect you to come..." And whistled.

Twelve of the onlookers stepped forward, producing an array of weapons as they formed a loose circle around Kalo, Hamish drawing a large smithy hammer from the stall he had been 'inspecting.'

Kalo continued to smile, but said nothing.

Hamish growled. "Just....fuck off then! we don't have to-" Granding folks would speak of this day for centuries, and of the first strike even longer. Without stepping forward, the Black Flame gave an odd little flick of his right hand and the blade there buried itself in Hamish's throat. then both hands moved and metal darts took the two closest in the face, dropping them instantly. As they fell Kalo stepped forward, gripped his blade and spinning toward the next, tore the blade free, resulting in a torrent of blood that sprayed right into the face of the first of his attackers.

This blinded the woman, and she staggered back, flailing her spear wildly as she screamed for her companions to kill him.

Kalo ducked the spear three times, then gripped the shaft and yanked her forward as she was taking another step, thus breaking her stride and forcing her forward, into his blade. Her head flopped to the ground, and he spun once more, hurling the spear at a foe across the way, impaling the poor fool through the middle.

The fool screamed in surprised agony, startling several of his comrades as Kalo stepped past the beheaded woman, tossing the blade to his left hand and faking to draw his other with his right. As he did so the mace wielder, the next closest to him, swung a beautiful two handed blow at Kalo's head. But Kalo was not there. He leaned out of the way and calmly lopped off both arms, then with a backswing beheaded this one as well, then kicked the head right into the face of his next foe.

This one held a pair of fighting daggers and had been coming in low, so the head took him dead in the face, breaking his own nose and jaw, and breaking at least two teeth. As he screamed and clutched his mouth, Kalo drove his now drawn right hand blade into and through the fool's nose. He lived long enough to notice he felt no pain. Then fell, Kalo letting his weight pull the blade free.

He turned to the remaining six, all of whom were still on the other side of their circle, split on either side of the impaled spear victim, who was pinned to a wall behind him, and screaming and curcing wildly, flailing at his fellows for help.

Kalo smiled his coldest smile and flourished his blades, the blood thick on each. But, for a wonder, all six remained, then two, the two closest to him, charged. These two bore swords, one a massive bastard sword, the other a oddly short broadsword. They came in too fast however so Kalo merely sidestepped, ducked their swings, and nearly guffawed as they struck each other, the shorter sword cleaving deep into the other's chest, while the bastard blade beheaded the first. Kalo drove a blade into the survivor's heart, then stepped past and cross slashed the third charger, who had rushed up trying to hide behind the swordsmen, wielding her whip and dagger high.

The pair of slashes sliced up her whip and cut her throat and into her heart, and opened her belly to the air. As she screamed her last, Kalo hooked her about the head with a pommel and spun her over his hip, throwing her into the last three, forcing two to leap back and knocking the leader to the mud, his club pinned between him and the already dead woman.

Kalo hopped over him, then stabbed him through the right eye, kicked the first of the last two in the knee, snapped his blade up and out of the downed one to strike the third in the face with his pommel, then beheaded the second and drove both swords through his final foe's heart.

He pulled them free and whistled for Larry as he began collecting heads and tossing the bodies onto a cart. Once it was full he tossed some coppers to the owner. "Bury them wherever."

The man nodded eagerly and was off while Kalo went to speak to the Empire's commander in the area.

thirty minutes later, sans the bag of heads but with another very heavy bag of crowns, he went to one of local taverns and got a room, a meal, and rubdown for Larry.

it was after he ate and drank that e decided to wash and was in the tub, soaking, his eyes closed, when the knock came. "Yes?"

"begging your pardon sir, but there are two...gentlemen who wish to speak to you."

"Alright."

He opened an eye as they were led in. And smiled. "Well Oltan Greensfirth. And Hanary Lowtide. What are two elvish lords doing here?"

The two smiled and gave him polite bows, then sighed. "Kalo we have need of your help once again. Our people need you to ferry a member of our people across the planes to their destination in safety. we would happily pay quite handsomely for this, and even more so should she arrive unharmed."

"This isn't another marriage journey is it?"

They smiled but shook their heads. "No. suffice to say she needs to be brought safely from our home to another realm."

"Hence your need of a plane walker. Alright. we ride to your realm at dawn?"

"yes...do you have your Proper dress?"

"My fancy shite? Yeah. it's in the pack. unless you wanna go shopping in the magnificent Granding market."

"I think not. They are already calling your deeds today the Gruesome of Granding."

"Nice. bit gaudy but nice. very well. i'll even shave and wash my hair. send in the washgirl would you?"

"Of course. but we have some details to go over."

"Here? anyone could list-Oh."

Oltan, the elder of the two nearly identical elven statesmen, held up a small golden device whose wings were fluttering. It was a speaksafe, a magical device that rendered any noise heard from outside it's area of safety utter nonsense, making listening in nearly impossible.

"What of yours Kalo?"

"Which one? the big one got stolen and the little one only works a tenth of the time anymore."

"You should have one of our craftsmen repair them."

"Sure...sooo..."

They sat on a bench at the end of the tub while the washgirl, a young woman of 18 summers, entered and began to wash his hair and face, then to carefully but expertly shave him. As she entered they began speaking elvish, though she took no notice. she just did her work carefully, though she did notice that the big white haired man was covered in scars, and held an odd allure even the elves could not quite manage.

They finished just as she completed shaving her customer, so first the trio said their farewells, then he turned to her and gave her six crowns. She tried to demure, shaking her head, but he ignored her words and sent her on her way with the little fortune., then went to bed himself.

And in the morning they were off toward the elvish realm from whence the pair came.

 

[EtherealElvenEmpress]

This was not what Elara Idril Was expecting.a journey was one thing but crossing realms was a different dragon. Hillia was beyond the reach of humans and most did not bother going there since the route was treacherous. High and hard to breathe The hire anyone went up the mountain which meant it was a great place for the elves to make their Home Base. Far removed from society the elves loved it that way especially since their life span was a blink of an eye it compared to humans.

The mage Who was also the Citadel shaman had a long white hair which most looking at her from the back would think that she was very old until they would see her long pointed pale ears. Today she was dressed in green with her staff it was unmistakable that she was doing work and protecting the city. All of the locals knew her even the royalty and it seemed like she might even have more power than the king himself considering her status.

“Mistess El! My cat is stuck in the tree again! Can you just give my cat wings it’ll be easier?” An alpha child with tug at her long dress getting her attention making her smile as she shook her head no. “No darling…. cats should not have wings especially your cat. I’ll get it down now stay out of trouble I’m sure the cat does not like climbing trees and getting stuck there perhaps you should stop chasing it around like it’s a dog behind her to your pets.”The maid said kindly with a wave of her staff she easily made the cat float down from the nearby tree and the tiny Elflein was very happy holding their pet and thanked her by giving her a hug which she excepted even though the child they try to offer coin but she waved it off.

Just another normal day in Hillia. At least it seemed like a normal day nothing too crazy was going on and she was just doing her usual patrol and helping out the citizens with a little things that they needed. A cough here a little spell here nothing was out of the ordinary as she was checking to make sure all the awards and safety measures were around the city and it was a nice walk for her.

Little did she know her reality was soon to change but for now she was enjoying her secluded city at the near top of the mountain. Even the city gates did not have guards even though elves them selves were prepared for war they just didn’t see the need to have guards posted at their secluded out of reach area. The laughter of elf children running around the city and the bustling activities could be heard from anyone approaching but it was very rare to get visitors that were not expected.

It was still early as Elara Chose to hang out by a vendor with freshly baked bread near fruit stand offering up some coin for it even though they tried to refuse her payment considering all that she did for the city she still paid them even though they were reluctantly took it.

When and if the new stranger decided to venture up to their home With the other elves in tow that would eventually set off some alarms with her and the wards set up since they have one non-elf passing through but for now it seemed very peaceful and quite picturesque and almost like it was a perfect getaway secluded from human intervention….

 

[Greeneyed23]

Their journey to the realm was quiet and mostly peaceful.

It had mostly to do with the elves in regard to nature. Their presence soothed even the most hostile of creatures.

As for the rest, well Kalo handled that.

There were no fights as one look at his cold eyes sent even the most opportunistic bandits running.

Just before they left the road proper there was a minor incident however.

They were rounding a bend and preparing to keep along the hidden path to their home but were stopped by a quintet of men fussing over a broken down wagon.

But before the men could call out Kalo barked out a laugh. "Why Smiling Tom. When the devil did you return? I haven't seen you since the seige of Kornak...they said you were hanged ss a traitor."

The man in the middle of the group looked up confused, then smiled. "Mr. Kalo Noresh sir." He made a gesture to his fellows, but they were already putting their weapons away, and the wagon suddenly fixed itself. "I was Kalo. I was."

He walked forward, revealing himself to be a head taller than Kalo, and about 80 pounds heavier, but most of it muscle, and a still new rope scar around his throat.

Kalo hissed. "That must have hurt. Still making deals Tom?"

"Yes sir, Mr Noresh sir."

Despite being the bigger man, Tom was clutching his hat nervously before him, between himself and Kalo. It was abundantly clear he feared the warrior.

Kalo chuckled. "Shame they didn't spare you pain along with long life eh Tom?"

"I agree sir Mr. Kalo sir. But I have been about my business sir, Mr. Kalo sir. Not been hurting people. Just...uh..."

"Robbing those that can afford it? As WE agreed Thomas?"

"Yes sir Mr. Kalo Sir! Ain't we lads?!"

The others nodded dumbly.

Kalo sniffed the air. "You wouldn't be lying to me now would you Thomas? You know I have dealings with far more than mortals. If one of your patrons is violating rhe compact event hrough you..."

"No sir! Every word the truth sir! I may have beena little rough with some of the menfolk, but no killing and no troubling the poor sir I swear it on my mother's eyes sir."

Kalo smiled coldly. "You ate your mother's eyes Tom. So she would stop judging you. Try something else."

Tom gulped, and knelt, clapsing his hands in supplication. "I swear it on the antlers of he who raised me up? Who granted me my smile and gifted me strengths and powers unusual. Plesse Mr. Kalo sir -"

Kalo ignored him and whistled then made an odd high litched cry followed by a low looping call like unto an elk or moose, but with more force behind it than even the greatest of either species could produce.

And from the ground sprouted first a magnificent set of glowing blue antlers. Seven feet tall, with hundreds of points, and lookingnlike a wicked thorn bush from each main 'stalk' antlers of the grandest of such beasts all combined rose up as moose, an elk, a massive stag, a goat, a reindeer and more besides all appearred in one spot. Then with a pop it locked into place as a massive male Elk.

It towered over all of them, even those on horseback and shook it's head, then walked up to Kalo, and startling the elves, bowed it's great head to him. Then a low rich voice filled sith the sounds of wind and rain and the rustle of leaves and running in the moonlight spoke. "My old friend Kalo. It is well to see you. Have you need of my aid and succor? The debt between us remains my friend. "

Kalo nodded. "It does. And yes and no. I am fine and first allow me to introduce my companions. His Lordship Oltan Greensfirth of the loping fields. And Sea Lord Hanary Lowtide of the Broken Coast. Both are elves of great kindness, love of their realms, and deep wisdom. My Lords, this is Athuesnal. Spirit of the Wild Run."

The stag bowed. "Gentle elves. You know my cousin Farhast well. I smell his friendship and presence upon you. I am honored to meet you. My presence in your dens is unwelcome. Long ago I proved.....uncomfortable with even polite confinment in one of your dens. I do hope Queen Duella has forgiven me...but Kalo you summoned me. Why?"

"I need to know if Smiling Tom here iz behaving himself."

And he gently but firmly pushed Tom around his mount, out of his hiding place.

The Stag's eyes locked on Tom who whimpered. "Lord and Master. My King and my God. I have held to your command. I swear it!"

Kalo spoke softly. "He swore it on your antlers."

And Smiling Tom smiled. It was a good smile.

A smile filled with fun and delight and mischief and too much dancing and hangovers and headaches and short tempers and unexpected pregnancies and bad choices and war.

It was rare to see such a smile. But Tom certainly had one.

But as the great Stag glared at him, Tom's smile slowly faded.

And he began to shiver even harder.

FInally after some minutes the creature spoke. "He tells true my friend."

"Very well. Thank you. Thomas? You and your fellows get you gone."

"but Kalo I-"

"I was not asking Kalo. MOVE!"

Tom and his fellows dove into the wagon which darted off quicker than quick.

And the Stag began to walk with them as they left the path and entered the forest, banishing their tracks and speaking happily with the elves while Kalo listened and smiled.