Digging Holes (Part 2)

A bright pink parasol floats above the bridge's railing, and then floats down the stairs, hovering over Murder. She dressed for the weather, in a bright, sky blue summer dress. With little sandals that smack against her heels as she walks along. The shadow from the parasol soon looooms over Razen, as the Gobbo peer curiously into the hole he's working on. "Whatcha looking for? Did you drop a ring?"

Walery tried to offer sense, but sense doesn't do so well in this town. Blaming Sandy actually seemed to work a bit better, though it seems we're no closer to a solution. He'll stand around, though, in case the digging brings up cross subterranean creatures.

Razen looks up from his work - now smudged with dirt, and with several more very large holes dug up than there had been not so long ago, with a grateful expression on his face. "Murder! Thanks for the shade. I am looking for barrels of ale."

Seemingly dressed for a mild winter day, Ga'Elian strolls down to the riverbank from the bridge above, whistling merrily with a perky bounce in his step. Once he sees the others and the ground under his feet is less vertical, he skips over and jumps, turning a full aerial somersault and landing in front of Razen. Sticking the landing like an olympic gymnast, he says, "Hot day for hard labor, Razen. You might need a massage and you'll certainly need a bath when it's all said and done."

The Gobbo peers at Razen for a few moments. "How long have you been out in the sun? Have you been drinking any water?" She gives a bit of a start when Ga'Elian suddenly appears at the edge of the hole. Murder blinks. "Er. Why not help him dig? There's barrels of ale to be had."

Razen considers Murder's question. "No I suppose that I have not had much to drink, but if I find the ale I am sure that it will help." He glances sideways at Ga'Elian and smiles a small smile. "I would be glad of a massage - and a bath - when all of this is done."

Chloe remains on her knees, watching as Razen's unceasing labor brings yet more watchers to the banks of the Tornmawr. She reaches up and begins to undo her braid, gently placing the silver clasps in her lap. At Ga'Elian's suggestion she goes a little wide-eyed, her fingers fumbling in her hair for a moment before she seems to regain some form of composure and returns to unweaving the thick locks.

Ga'Elian stands back and watches the half-oruch dig. Getting the rhythm, he starts to sing, matching the rhythm of song to shovel, "That's the sound of the men working on the chain... ga-a-ang...." putting real soul into the singing.

GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Perform/Sing: (1)+20: 21 (EPIC FAIL)

Walery eyes Ga'Elian, and says, "What chain gang? There's just him. And he's doing it willingly, which confuses me the most." Murder glances sideways at Chloe a moment, and giggles, grinning brightly. "You should let Ga'Elian give you a massage too, he's rather good at it." Her grin broadens. "Or are you imagining them in the bath?" She looks back to Razen. "Did you want some water, Razen?" When Ga'Elian starts to sing, the Gobbo listens raptly.

Razen makes a short sound of amusement at Ga'Elian's song and pauses long enough to wipe some of the sweat from his brow. It leaves a smudge of dirt there, and it's an odd counterpoint to the flush that rises at Murder's comment. "Uh... Yea I could do with a cool drink."

Ga'Elian stops singing and says to Walery, "Razen has his own chain. A masterwork spiked one, if I remember correctly. He showed it to me one day when I was practicing with my magical whip." Then to Razen he reminds, "Remember when Astaren provided you water?"

Chloe looks to Murder, a bit of a startled expression on her features before she smiles softly, pursing her lips to one side in a whimsical way as she shakes her head. As she pulls the final winds of the braid apart, "Something similar, but not quite that." She admits, running her fingers through her hair several times before she sets herself upon the task of weaving her hair once more.

Walery says to Ga'Elian, "Well, that's hardly a gang thing in any event." The water bit now has him puzzled.

Razen freezes in place at the memory that Ga'Elian provides him, his eyes sliding toward Murder, flickering toward her floating parasol. He's bracing for the impact of water when she giggles and runs away. The relief on his face is immense as is the disapproval when he glances toward Ga'Elian. "That was terrible! Shamans!" He stabs the ground viciously to calm himself and shakes his head. As he moves the chain on his hip jingles musically. Proof that Ga'Elian was correct in his memory of Razen's equipment.

Walery ehs? "Terrible shamans? That definitely sounds like Alexandria," he agrees. "What sort of terrible shamans were they?" he wonders. He continues to watch the digging, and idly asks, "How deep are you going to dig, by the way?"

Ga'Elian reaches into his shoulder bag and pulls a clear glass bottle out of it. In the bottle, a honey-golden liquid sloshes around as the ranger opens it and hands it over. He says, "Here. I know mead is sweeter than you generally prefer, but it's what I have, and," He waves his gloved hand and the bottle suddenly become frosted with condensation. He continues, "it's nicely chilled, to boot."

Chloe begins to pin her braid into place, a lazy spiral with the end of her braid tucked up underneath the final loop, left to dangle like the end of a pony-tail from the bun. "Shamans are usually just misunderstood, but sometimes they're crazy too." Chloe adds in, keeping her position for now, her attention idly shifting to watch the Gobber's form racing up towards the bridge.

The pink parasol can be seen over the railing again, moving at a good clip this time. And then, Murder jumps up on the edge of the railing, a pair of waterskins tied together and hanging over her shoulders. She jumps out from the railing, and plummets downwards... suddenly decelerating only a few feet from the ground, ending up floating gently the rest of the way. The Gobbo runs over to Razen, and pulls the skins from her shoulders, offering them up. "One warm, one cold.", she offers.

"I've seen him before. His name is Astaren." Razen looks suspiciously at the drink that Ga'Elian offers him and shakes his head. "I think I will wait to see what Murder has." The half orc only has to say her name for the woman to appear, and he offers her a grateful grin before accepting the waterskins. He takes a deep drink from one, choosing the cooler of the two. Then gasps appreciatively. "Thank you Murder."

Ga'Elian nods, and guzzles the chilled mead himself. He puts the empty bottle back into his bag. Then says, "That took you no time flat, Murder. I'm impressed."

Walery doesn't know Astaren, shrugs. The chilled waterskin is good, but at the goblin's name, he blinks. "Did he say your name was Murder?" He has no drinks, himself, but will survive.

Chloe finally stands, dusting sand and dirt from her robes for a moment, "Well folks, I am going to go explore more of this wonderful city! Always new sights, smells, people oh my goodness people!" She does a sudden twirl, the robes fanning out for a moment as she does, clapping her hands together excitedly when she stops, "Okay bai!" And she's half-jogging away, with the occasional peek over her shoulder at the group, though mainly Razen, obviously.

"You're welcome, Razen. The warm one is a bit stronger.", Murder says with a grin. Nodding to Ga'Elian, she clasps her hands together in front of her, demurely. "I do have tricks up my sleeves.", the Gobbo says, despite having bare arms and shoulders. "Yes.", she replies to Walery. "That is my name, Murder." She waves to Chloe. "Have fun!"

Razen looks appreciatively at the other waterskin before tying them to his belt so that they can hang while he gets back to the business of digging. From the looks of it he has no intention of stopping anytime soon. "Goodbye Chloe." He waves at her and shakes his head once she is gone. "I wish I knew what I did to scare her." His words are muttered mostly to himself.

Walery waves as Chloe departs, and hrms at the goblin, and wonders, "Are other members of your family named after crimes, or just you? I think I don't know so many goblins as I thought. The ones I do know are named things like Wazzlepot and Flimjammer." He's an artificer, of course.

GAME: Ga'Elian casts Negate Aroma. Caster Level: 19 DC: 14

Ga'Elian incants a spell and pats Razen on his tattooed shoulder. Instantly, and for the next 19 hours, the half-oruch is scentless. (No body odor whatsoever.)

Murder watches the woman run off, and she looks then to Razen. "She has the hots for you, Razen. As in, she wants you." The wee green woman twirls her parasol, and looks to Walery. "My twin is named Mayhem." She offers a shrug to the man. "That's cause most Goblins have dumb parents. They hear pots and pans falling and name their kids that. Me? I got to name myself."

"Was that Sildanyar?" Razen asks Ga'Elian, and nearly misses what Murder says. Her words make him gawk at her though, then shake his head in disbelief. Rather than entertain her flight of fancy he returns his attention to Ga'Elian. "I do not speak elvish." Of course like most who are heavily sweating he hasn't noticed the scent of it - or the lack of it now.

Walery huhs at Ga'Elian, and gives Murder further consideration. "You named yourself 'Murder'? That's interesting. Orcs are sometimes named Rolf Hugeaxe or Gunther Skullcrusher, though, so I guess Murder is in a similar vein. So to speak."

Ga'Elian grins and says, "It is a language spoken by many Sildanyar." He then offers, "I cannot change the weather, but if any of the three of you would like to be rendered temporarily comfortable from the heat as well as from extremes of pressure, and be enveloped in a thin layer of clean fresh air, even under water, I can make it happen. Just rest a hand on my shoulder," then realizing that his shoulder /might/ be a stretch for Murder adds, "Or anywhere else on my skin."

The Goblin glances to Razen a moment and shakes her head. "It was a magic spell that he casts. And I was being serious. That woman very obviously wants to be uhm.. taken. She was imagining you in the tub." She fusses with the little hat she wears, and glances to Walery. Murder shrugs to him. "I was raised by Baz, who is an Orc. So, perhaps that had something to do with it?" Looking to Ga'Elian, she frowns a little. She huffs and shoves her hand under his shirt.

Walery nods thoughtfully. That sounds like an oruch sort of name, to him. "I see," he says, but declines Ga'Elian's spell. He's fine as he is.

Razen looks at Ga'Elian in surprise, and takes a little step back away from his offer, particularly after what Murder says. He simply has no idea what to say on the subject of Chloe, so he focuses on the other thing she says that is of interest to him. "I have met Baz... He was. Impressive."

GAME: Ga'Elian casts Life Bubble. Caster Level: 19 DC: 16

Ga'Elian utters another incantation, and pours the entirety of its effects upon the gobber whose hand is up his shirt. She is now protected by the spell for the next 38 hours.

Murder squeaks at the sudden arrival of the spells effects, and she pulls her hand back, looking at it suspiciously. She grins to the Elf. "Thank you, Elian.", she says quietly. Nodding to Walery, she looks to Razen. "He's awesome. Super strong, and never gets tired. Lets me sit on his shoulders as he goes about his business."

Razen grins at Murder's description thinking it an apt one. "We fought together against the giant rabbits I was telling Ga'Elian about it the other day." He nods to the elf and then thinks about the fight. "I was impressed with his prowess."

Walery says, "That sounds interesting. Giant rabbits? Were they fluffy?"

Ga'Elian, apparently finished with spell slinging for the moment looks at the others and nods, saying giant bunnies can be vicious, but their pelts are awesome."

Murder nods to Walery. "Fluffy and DELICIOUS.", she says with a broad grin. To Razen she nods, "I was there. But if you think he is impressive in armor, you should see his chest. So many scars!" She nods her head enthusiastically to Ga'Elian. "They are vicious annnnd delicious!"

Walery says, "That sounds like quite a feast, then. I've never eaten giant rabbit before, but the smaller ones aren't bad."

Razen laughs. "I remember you, but they were not." He motions toward the other two men. Still he gets a distant look on his face as if trying to imagine Baz without all the heavy armor that he was clad in. Razen shakes his head, unable to imagine it. "I hope we get a chance to fight with him again in any case!"

Ga'Elian looks at Murder and says, "Baz wears armor? I didn't know that."

Ga'Elian adds, "Of course, I've only ever seen the guy in taverns."

Murder nods to Ga'Elian. "Baz is a priest and a warrior. He has heavy armor. But he does often take it off." She looks to Razen. "Oh, you want to spar with him? He's pretty strong. And big. But I could arrange it, if you liked?"

Walery listens curiously. This is all pretty interesting. "So many heroes in the city. It's a wonder anything has time to happen here."

An excited light grows in Razen's eyes. "Truly?!? I would be in your debt Murder." He looks like a child offered sweets. Ga'Elian says, "That sounds interesting. I'd like to watch that fight. Maybe even wager upon it's outcome. Anyway, I need to go check on something. I'll see you folks later."

Murder chuckles to Walery. "There are far more ills in the world than heroes. We have to be vigilant." She waves to Ga'Elian as he turns and heads of, "See you later, Elian." Looking to Razen, she grins brightly. "Would you now? Hmm."

Razen waves to Ga'Elian as well before returning his attention to the two companions left with him. With the shift in conversation he resumes digging, his break making it easier to get back into the swing of it as it were. "I agree with you. When I first came here I could not believe how many troubles this place has, but... I think the strength of arms here draws in those who wish to test it." He slaps a hand against his arm where his tattoo is. "Aegishjaimur. Protection that draws in the foes."

Murder, Walery and Razen are all at the water's edge. Talking, while Razen works at digging a hole. One of many. The Goblin chuckles at something Walery has said, and nods. "It does make it easier, when the bad things come to you. You're not as tired for the fight." She glances at the tattoo Razen indicates. "Did you make it yourself?", she wonders.

Up on the Highbridge, a feathered humanoid can be seen perched on the bridge railing. With a triumphant squawk he leaps from the bridge, gliding on his wings and covering huge distances as he "falls." For a while it seems like he might end up in the river, but he manages to pull himself up enough to touch base on the riverbank instead. He looks very pleased with himself, and gives Murder a hug.

"Greetings!" Razen waves to Erakirak, seeming impressed with his short flight downwards. "My sister Parba did it for me actually." Saying his sister's name makes a soft smile grow on his lips.

The wee green woman drops her little parasol at the squawk from the Egalrin, and when he lands and comes to hug her, she meets him halfway. By jumping into his arms. Laughing noisily, she clings to him. "Hello!", she says cheerfully. "You found me! And caught me! Whatever shall I do?" Giggling, she looks to Razen. "Oh? Is it magical in nature? Does she do this for a living?"

Erakirak catches her handily and carries her back, his beak split in a wide grin. "You could start by introducing me to your friend?"

Razen scrunches up his face at the idea that his tattoo (either of them) might be magical. "She said it would protect me and bring me foes, as she said that this one." He touches the one that bisects his right eyebrow. "Would keep me hale, and she only did these tattoos for me. She is a hunter, like I and our father." The half-oruch seems distracted by his thoughts, but offers his hand to Erakirak anyways. "I am Razen Diharth."

Murder cants her head to one side, nodding to Razen. "Well, it sounds like they are magical then, if they are to protect you and keep you healthy. Think she would tattoo other people?" She looks to Erakirak, "This is R..." She closes her mouth while the Orc introduces himself. "And Razen, this is Erakirak." She blinks. "Do you have a last name, Rak?"

Erakirak introduces himself with a trill-clack in Auran. "But you can call me Rak," he adds. "And, well... have they brought you foes, then?" To Murder he says, confused... "...this is the last name I ever -- oh! You mean like a family name? No." He scowls a bit, seems to be about to say more, thinks better of it. "No," he repeats.

Razen smiles at the other man. "It does, and like you I have no family name. I shed it when I left my homeland and chose this one in its sted."

"I have no family name, because I have no family. Well, besides Mayhem, and Baz." Murder squeezes Erakirak tightly. "And maybe Erakirak." She goes quiet for a moment, looking at the Egalrin, before grinning broadly.

Erakirak smiles. "If I'm not family I'll do until one comes along," he says with a smile, keeping an arm around her waist. To Razen he asks "Where is your homeland?"

The half-ourch's expression becomes even more serious, the soft smile that the mention of his sister brought disappearing entirely into a sort of painful wistfulness. "I hail from the furthest north where the world grows cold and the Bonesworn clan make their hunting grounds."

GAME: Erakirak rolls knowledge/geography: (6)+4: 10

Murder raises her eyebrows to Razen. "I'm from up north as well." She looks to Erakirak and nods. "Oh no, you're family. If.. if you want to be?"

Erakirak nods in vague recognition to Razen. "So what brought you South? "

His only response to Murder is to curl a contented wing around her.

The question makes Razen flinch and he curls his hands around his shovel, the point driving far into the dirt. He lowers his head so that he does not have to meet anyone's gaze when he answers. "I was not welcome. My father made it clear that I would never be... Oruch enough to be part of our clan."

Murder ohs quietly, and wiggles free from Erakirak. She walks over to Razen, and jumps into the hole to hug him. "You're welcome in my clan, Razen."

Erakirak nods. "Foolish of him." He pauses, smiling fondly at Murder's gesture. "Your mother was human, I take it?" Razen wraps an arm around Murder and gently hugs her back. "Thank you Murder." He coughs and nods toward Erakirak. "Half-elvish actually. She died giving birth to me, so I never knew her. I do not even know what people she hailed from."

Murder pats Razen on the shoulder, and pops up out of the hole. "You're most welcome, Razen. Us heroes have to stick together, right?" She looks to Erakirak and runs back to him, climbing up into his arms once more.

Erakirak seems somehow relieved by the answer. "I'm sorry for your loss." he replies, somewhat formally. He pauses to hug Murder before adding "If you don't mind my asking... why are you digging yourself a hole?"

The half-oruch seems to gather himself and offers a self-deprecating grin. "I was informed that there are several casks of ale burried here, and I was asked to dig to find them until someone else can return to take up the task or locate them by other means." Razen sighs heavily. "As of yet I have seen no sign of them."

Murder grins. "At least you have that other skin, for later, right?" She hops down and leans against the Egalrin, pulling a wing down gently to cover her. "And if you don't find the casks for ale... you should make that person who told you take a swim."

Erakirak looks uncertainty between the two. "Is... it common to bury ale, here?"

"No, not common at all. At least as far as I know." He digs a bit more, then glances at Murder. "Why would I tell them to take a swim? If anyone needs one after all this - it will be me." Razen grins.

Murder chuckles and bounces from foot to foot. "Ask that Chloe to join you! See what she says." Giggling, she looks to Erakirak and shakes her head. "I dunno, but probably not."

"I see," Rak replies, clearly confused.

"No... I don't," he admits. "Why do you expect to find ale underground?"

"It was not my idea." Razen explains, although not well. "You see there was this woman earlier looking for it, and she asked me to keep looking in her place." He shrugs and stares at the ground. "I am beginning to think that she was wrong about the location, but I promised to help and I am a man of my word."

Murder bounces again, and moves to take up her parasol once more. "I am going to run up and get us our dinner, Rak. Come back to the room when you're done here, yeah?" She stands up on tiptoe and kisses Erakirak on the beak. "See you, Razen!"

Erakirak regards Razen skeptically. "So... you promised to dig until someone came to relieve you?" He returns the kiss enthusiastically and nods agreement. "Will do!"

Razen grins. "Exactly!" He glances the way that everyone seems to be leaving, and offers Murder a goodbye wave. "Goodbye!" Razen turns his gaze on Erakirak. "Would you care to help?"

Erakirak thinks about it. "I'll do you one better," he replies, then more formally: "I relieve you."

Razen blinks and then laughs. "I do not think that it works quite that way do you? What about when she comes back and finds that I have left off the job?"

The half orc heaves a heavy sigh but nods and stabs the shovel into the ground. "I suppose you are right. I will clearly not find them this way, and she will have better luck with the magic user that she finds." He glances toward the sky. "Besides it is getting late and I am hungry."

Erakirak nods. "I would offer to join you for a meal," he says a little awkwardly, "but..." he grins in a way anyone who has ever known a teenage boy with his first girlfriend will recognize, "...I have plans."

Razen grins. "So I heard. Go and enjoy them." He clasps the other man on the shoulder and walks away to pick up his gear. "We will meet again soon enough, and I will buy you a feast then!"

-End-