The feast (Varden)

[Rhaxta]

The windows to the keep of Belatona were alight from the fires within. They had been going solidly for three days now, so the keep was alive with lovely heat and bustling with activity. The fires had been so active to prepare for the feast.
At Elva's insistance, Nasuada was eventually convinced that a feast to celebrate taking Belatona would be good for morale.

The halls of the keep were lined with great swathes of brightly-coloured silk, shimmering curtains of green, white and purple. The colourscheme hailed back to the Varden flag; the white dragon upon a green field, weilding a purple sword. A large specimen of the flag infack billowed out behind the large table at the back of the halls. At present, many servants and cooks were moving over the table, laying out the dishes. Their main staple was pork and wheat, yet there was some extravagance; ducks and geese, and several fruit and vegetable dishes, the contents of most unknown to the human cooks, yet due to the fact that the elves in their company insisted they could be a delicacy if cooked correctly and the fact there was little variety to the feast as it was.

The war had taken its toll, but Nasuada was convincing herself tonight, no one person should think about the war, especially her. No one would worry about the battle that occured a fortnight past where the wounds were still fresh in mind and body. Any wounds in the surface and within the keep were discreetly covered and disguised by silk, flags and on occassion a handful of guardsmen.

Nasuada twisted in her yellow dress, the silk was somewhat stiff, as it was made new for her that week and had some hasty last-minute changes. The cuffs came down her arms and covered her hands, yet the top of the dress curved so the straps lay about and exposed her shoulders.

Guests had begun to come inside, the doors had been opened and every fighting member of the Varden was invited to join in and celerate within the building that had braught so much pain in the strive to obtain it.

''Don't think about it, my Lady'' Elva gurgled beside her. The girl wore a black dress with a deep, blue-purple shawl sprawled about her own, pale shoulders.

''I am going to need a drink, then.''

The witch-child only smiled.


((Okay, make your way in and meet and greet! I shall jump in with s'more NPC's and my own soon.))

[Ardocc & Mani]

Trotting two dark-chestnut ponies and a creaky wooden wagon into the city recently torn asunder by a great battle wasn’t something Mani was in a habit of doing, but he was low on his supplies for the journey due to the very same army occupying it. He made this trip once every four months, as his nomadic tribe swung into the southwestern portion of the Hadaracs. Usually he stopped at Furnost, but the war raging around the land had drained it of supplies, so the hooves now clacked and echoed against stone streets and buildings. The sun was far above head, putting everything in a spotlight. A presence in his mind brushed his consciousness enough to tell him that it missed that feeling; it didn’t express in words, more like a series of images and feelings. The energy’s memories of an entire lifetime humbled the young boy and he smiled with an appreciation for his own.

His spirits has been tracking the Varden’s progress for many leagues and were the selfsame ones who informed Mani that Belatona was in fact safe. He found a small stable for the ponies, and ensured them with his mind that they would be completely safe; still they stood bellies touching and ears back at the Varden’s bulking war horses. His wagon was stored safely under a rotting canvas tarp behind the barn, it appeared quite devoid of anything valuable, and satisfied by its appearance, Mani left to explore the city for a market.

His left hand rested on a dagger strapped his belt. His fingers polished the pommel in absentmindedness while he used his spirits as eyes and ears; a habit he’d had since he was young. The same thing reached his thoughts over and over; flashes of a crowd in front of the keep, smells of a feast, no apparent danger. He turned up a maze of alleys and arrived at the backside of many warriors in their best attempts at formal clothing; wrinkled, every one of them. He slipped his slight frame between the throng and emerged through the gigantic doorway. A whisper, {i]The girl in yellow, it is the Varden’s head.[/i] His extended five senses were in their own his sixth; he was aware of most things at once.

He paid her a glance, but nothing more, finding a rough wooden table he sat, relatively alone, observing the crowds.

[Kiara]

Leliah pushed open the door and walked in. Her attire consisted of a long, flowing ruby red dress with gold trim, She bore a pair of black leather pumps on her feet. Her eyes showed slight temperaments of joy and happiness, along with all the despair and sadness the death of her parents caused. Her slender fingers peeked out from the wide sleeve-ends of her ruby red dress. She had a small brown bag slung around her shoulder, It was her shoulder bag that she had owned since she was a child. Her blond hair covered her hazelnut eyes slightly, Her field of vision was reduced a little but she didn't mind at all. She nodded to the nobles as she entered but she reserved her most great and respectful greetings for Elva and Nausuada. She had no weapons with her and the Nighthawks would never search an elf.

She smiled at them both and bowed, "Your Majesty, Shining-Brow." She took a seat near the two and took food and wine, But no meat. She took fruit and honey with a glass of red wine. She did not start until she was allowed to by Nausuada and Elva. She tucked her hair back behind her ear and bowed her head. "I have had no word from the Elven Army. But the rest of us should be arriving soon. Her hair fell back into her eyes again and she tucked it behind her ears for the second time.

She picked up a piece of the carved hog and let it down onto her plate. She had never tasted meat before and she was eager to try it. She looked around the table and took a sip of her wine. "I must admit, Your Majesty, that we did very well on the siege of Belatona!" She spoke with a seemingly honeyed voice before stopping and waiting for a reply.

[Kathena]

Silis slowly strolled over to the other Varden members, trying to take her time. Her right leg had just been healed by a healer from Emiryal's spell. The humanoid cursed under her breathe at the Empire Rider. In a way, that stupid elf had ruined the battle for her. If she had her smooth, pitch black tail she would have lashed it at the thought of the battle of Belatona and her revenge. Then Varden might have won, but it had all gone down in flames for her.

Silis flipped her sleek black hair as she stood at the edge of the crowd. Her black and white trimmed robes were replaced with a long black dress for that night, but it wasn't as fancy as most. Being a werecat, she didn't care what she loked like in huamnoid form. She only wanted her cat form to be as purrfect as possible. She walked slowly over to the nobles, Elva, and Nausuada, but she didn't get to close. She wasn't a noble, and she didn't deserve to sit beside them. The humanoid pulled out the chair in front of her and sat down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amanes looked around at the people around the tables at the feast, but she didn't see anyone she knew. The elf left terribly alone and she glanced shyly up at the table. Out of the corner of her eyes she spotted Silis, but she didn't walk over to her adopted sister. They had both agreed that they were their know people now, and that they didn't have to send everyone moment together anymore. She longing to go over there anyway, but she just stood there, looking for her new friends. Aldric and Cicymyst were no where is sight, which did make her quite sorrowful. The elf had liked hanging out with those two, but they weren't there so she had no choice.

[Rhaxta]

Nasuada's smile tightened slightly as the elf woman spoke to her of Belatona. It was nothing the woman had said; per say. Nasuada only felt keenly the amount of carnage and unnecessary death there was. Orrin and Trianna's foul contraptions had gone somewhat haywire - thank goodness they had the foresight to have a safety word in the ancient language that extinguished the magical fires immediately.

A more genuine smile teased itself out of that one - the tightness only lasted a second, making it look more like a twitch. ''Thank you, Leliah. It was a miracle we made it without the Elven armies; I shall be greatly relieved when they arrive.'' She took a sip of wine and Elva eyed the elf woman beside her. She had nodded a greeting when the elf woman acknowledged her, but apart from that she didn't really say much. Until then, anyway.

''Nasuada; this feast is for fun. Of course people are going to talk about the battle - it's hot gossip. Yet you sitting about and moping isn't going to stop them talking about it, so don't fight it.You shall feel better when you can announce our news and get those ants out of your pantaloons.'' Though this outburst was common for Elva - she could get away with harsh tones - recently there was a softer note to her adult voice when speaking with the Lady Nasuada.

''What they will think when they hear of the eggs, I wonder?'' Elva murmured, as if questioning herself, a vacant expression in her deep violet eyes.
Nasuada looked blank for a moment, but it seemed no one else except for the elf woman had heard. There was no uproar, anyway.
''Later, Elva.'' Nasuada said with a slight smile. ''I don't feel quite brave enough to say it aloud, not yet.''


~~~

Rhaxta looked over to a pitcher of mead, sitting there ripe for the plucking. She hadn't had a drink for a good three years, maybe more. She used to love mead, she never drank much as she used to work in the bar in that little village near lake Tudosten. oh so long ago.

Now, with all the pains in her body and mind and the nervousness she was feeling, a glass of mead with some hot water seemed to her like the best cure. Her injuries had healed mostly, but her back and legs were still stiff, and her side ached where she had been slashed.

Rhaxta stood near the back of the hallway against a pillar, her green eyes bright and wide with a mixture of fear and wonder. There were so many people, she was unaccustomed to company of any sort - she disliked crowds very much.

They just made her uncomfortable. The battle was pretty bad, but this was even worse. In the battle she had at least been wearing her leather Armour. Here, she was wearing a dress.

A long, dark green and very...feminine dress. Rhaxta did not know what to do with herself. She had never worn a dress and felt strangely exposed.
The woman who had tended to her wounds had taken her Armour away, leaving Rhaxta only in possession of her leather corset and her boots - and she refused to lend her a pair of trousers, she had to wear a dress. Trousers wouldn't be proper.

The woman's insistence had confused Rhaxta, but in the end she had relented. She really, desperately wanted to be here for some reason - other than mead and a good meal.

After a few minutes of alternating between fiddling with her long red hair and her dress, she strode over to one of the hand maids who was serving and got herself a small goblet of mead before moving back to her perch against the pillar.

She could see everyone who entered the halls here - she was most keen to find a flash of silver hair. After a few false starts - there were a few elves present - Rhaxta had grown impatient, and now just found herself people-watching without great enthusiasm.

She wouldn't know what to say to anyone that might have approached, and she was not looking forward to speaking to any of the elves that had seen what actually happened to her in Belatona.

Her eyes held the faces of any that turned her way, and any that gestured to her she would give a small smile in return. She was by no means being antisocial, it was plain enough she was shy.

[Kiara]

Leliah blushed slightly and smiled at Nausuada, she looked to Elva. Leliah quickly turned her head and thought of her parents, The pain, The urges to rid of herself, The loneliness. She turned back to them and smiled again.

"When do you think Firesword and Bjarskular will show themselves?" Leliah suddenly inquired, She looked to Elva to see if the witch-child had noticed her sudden pain and upset. She raised her eyebrow at the child. "Are you not cold, Shining-Brow?"

Leliah waited for the large, infamous snout of Saphira to poke into the room. She looked around the large room, then noticed Amanes. Miss Memorystalker, Come sit by me. Leliah beckoned gracefully with one hand and waited for the others of her kind to notice her. Leliah sat and fiddled, Waiting to be told to start by Nausuada.

Leliah wondered what her rivals would be doing, would they be feasting, or would they be partying? Leliah remembered Merzina Heracin, They had met once on the battle field but never fought each-other. Leliah waited for Amanes to reply. Leliah didn't have many friends and hoped she would be able to make friends with Miss Memorystalker...

[Zilo]

The night was still young, but for some reason it was a horrid night for Zilo, and there was only one reason why. Though they had won the fight here at Belatona there was still something on his mind. He had fought two dragon riders, may be it one was short and not long lived. But there was also the man that he held off till his teacher got there. Sighing slightly he walked into the feasting room. Looking around he noticed that it was all females perched in here already. And that he was the only male to make it. He hadn’t told anyone of his two fights against riders, sides no one would believe him so it kind of made him smile. Preceding to enter the room he sat down at the chair on the far right away from the others thinking over the battle he had just experienced. The man sitting from them was no small human, as a human built he was six foot five, broad across the shoulders, and his tan was almost like the princess, Nausuada. His hair was white despite his age and he had strange eyes, they where yellow, but with a grayish tint in them.

But other then that he looked like he went through hell, his entire body wrapped in bandage, a small cut on his left check, they could see in the wrap, where an arrow had gone through his right shoulder, there was a small hole there starting to heal on its own. He hadn’t asked a mage or anyone else to help heal him. He preferred to stay to himself. His left arm had some small burns on it from Nedras fire that he had protected the Kat and the young warrior before. But that was in the past. The tattoo on his left arm, if they where elf, they could tell meant loneliness, it also meant that he was just fighting right now for revenge, but what was he planning after that? Nothing at all, that was something he hadn’t thought about, but he didn’t plan ahead, only for the next battle ahead, because there was always a chance for him to die.

Looking around the table he noticed a few of them where on edge a little, but also the little girl is what attracted his most attention, he had seen her riding nearside, or with Nausauda at the battle field. But why bring someone so young with her? Was she her child or was she of that much importance. Shaking his head to dismiss the thoughts, he looked around, something about another woman caught his interest. She had the looks of the cat he had saved on the battlefield. Looking a little bit longer than he should, he dismissing it again, looking back down at his food he wanted to say something but he felt out of place. He should have came in here more dressed than in his pants and these bandages.

Looking around he saw they where all dressed for this occasion, but that was expected or so he thought, since women couldn’t exactly wear nothing on top. Looking up at Nausauda he smiled slightly. “That was one hell of a fight today.” He said, but he didn’t have much to say. Mostly because after that fire attack, he couldn’t do anything more, even if he wanted. The werecat and the young warrior where on their own, he would of helped them, but the state he was in. There wasn’t a chance in the world he would have been helpful, besides breaking Nedras concentration, and when they continued to fight him after him barking at them to draw back, the man had his mind attacked by the dragons, and the cat had gotten her legs broken, but that was their penalty for fighting a rider.

Looking up again he spoke softly, though he looked gruff and like someone that would talk like a cave man in some way, as he overheard from women talking about the warriors, his voice was soft as velvet, but smooth as silk. Some Empire soldiers they had captured, had told him his voice was almost able to match their king, except he had more of an English accent than Zilo had. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to assist in the final rush, I don’t think I would have been much more help, in the state I was.” He said looking at each one of the girls. “I wish I could of given you more of my strength when breaking in, but…..” Leaving out the riders which most didn’t believe. “I had my hands quiet full on the battle.” He said smiling softly. Turning his gaze back down at the pitcher and water he poured himself some, the food wasn’t here yet. The chefs where still cooking it he presumed.

[Kathena]

Amanes stood up strait when she heard Leliah speak in her mind. The elf's shoulders relaxed once she realized it was Leliah talking to her. Using her magic, she replied to the elf. Thank you for asking, Miss Blackwater. I would love to. She then glanced over to Leliah to see she was sitting beside Nausuada. The elf lowered her head, slightly embaressed. She wasn't worth sitting with the nobles, for she wasn't royal or anything close to that. She was the daughter of peasants.

The elf slowly began to walk over to Leliah, her eyes shimmering in the light. She was wearing a bright blue dress, and she had pinned her curly, dirty blonde back for the occation and she wore shoes fancy instead of her leather boots. She heard Zilo began to talk and watched him for awhile before continuing over to Leliah. Once she reached the chair beside the elf she smiled. "Thank you for letting me sit by you, She said softly as she pulled out her seat. The elf sat down and looked at the table. The food looked wonderful, but when she saw the drink she stared at it for a few moments. She had tried to drink under peer presure before, but she had hated the bitter taste. She also had decided it wasn't good for her and never did it again. She looked back at Leliah and managed another smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silis watched Zilo from her seat, listening. She thought back at the memory of the battle and it all came back to her. She was in cat form, fighting Emiryal with Cicymyst. Zilo had been near by, but he didn't help... She had wondered why at the moment, but of course she couldn't ask. Then she had broken her leg... Shaking her head to get the terrible thoughts away, she looked at the human with her sharp emerald green eyes. Then the humanoid smiled and gave him a small nod. "You did your best, Zilo. And if you were really in a bad state, the thought of helping us is all that was needed. Thank you for considering it..." She said softly as she searched the human's eyes for a moment. Then she nodded at him gratefully and looked back at the table. The werecat spotted the water pitcher and poured some into her cup once Zilo was finished. Then she stared at the cup for a moment, pondering on thoughts of the battle.

[Ember]

Issie didn't feel like meshing with the rest of the crowd below, besides it was kind of rude to leave Tierar on her own despite the dragons urges for her rider to go and enjoy herself. Issie just didn't feel as though she belong in the merriment. A horrible nagging feeling tugged at her heart was she pondered over what they were going to be doing next. Of course they would head for Uru'bean. They would try and kill the King and then they would either all die or they would install peace. Then what? Try and squash all the small pockets of men still loyal to him? And what if they did all die? Who would continue the fight? Worry lines brought her eyebrows together as she perched on the crumbled wall of the city they had sacked. Issie's arm still ached from her fight with the magician she'd had the few days before the battle. Despite the healers best attempts her arm still ached slightly when she moved it, a bearable, if sightly uncomfortable, ache which was set deep in her bones. Issie was just glad it wasn't her right arm or fighting with a blade would have hurt something rotten in the battle. Issie chewed the bottom of her lip in worry, sucking it through her teeth, gnawing at it till it grew pale, and then releasing it so the blood could flow back into the flesh only to repeat the process all over again.
"What are we going to do Tie?" Issie whispered to the large diamond dragon whom lay stretched out under the wall, bathed in the setting sun light. The wind suddenly picked up and blew harshly across the plain of grass which stood between them and the party which was bubbling with life. A woman's laugh filled the night sky before being drowned out by the beating drums of victory. The diamond dragon lifted her head and opened one shockingly deep blue eye which made Issie begin to pitch forward; staring into Tie's eyes was like looking into a deep pool which sung to you. The dragon blinked causing Issie to hold herself upright. A rumble started in the back of the dragons throat, amused at her riders tired appearance.
We don't worry about that now, Isellmarie. We think about the party. Isn't there a lonely male elf in need of attention somewhere? Issie's mouth gaped open at her dragons response before shaking herself and causing her brown and white hair to fly about her face. The wind struck up again and seize a few wisps, making hem dance in front of her like puppets being controlled by an invisible master. Issie's cheeks were a deep red still from her dragons response and when the rumbling shook the wall she knew it was the reaction her dragon had been hoping for.

Issie snorted and stood up slowly, putting her hands on the small of her back as she stretched. Her face tilted up to the sky and she squinted at the clear sky. It looked as if the Empire dragon riders had better things to do tonight. The wind was calmer when it returned carrying the music to her sensitive ears. She breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth before her hands slid round to rest on her hips, her thumbs booking the waistband of her trousers which hung low on her hips. She wore a white blouse that fell off of her shoulders, exposing a sliver scar from the King himself which stretched from her left shoulder to her right hip. It had been a savage blow designed to break her, all it had done was anger her, harden her. The blouse was yanked in at the waist by a boned corset made from dragon hide. It meant a small part of her was protected while she looked more ... Party like. Issie didn't do dresses. Hell, she'd grown up with Arya, of course she didn't do dresses. Her trousers were low hipsters and were tucked neatly into leather boots. Her blade, the handle of which was encrusted with diamonds, hung by her side with the tip off the blade pointing to the ground. She wanted to fly, or to talk to someone who understood the weight she felt. There were load of riders now which as good, the dragons were no longer threatened. But that didn't mean the weight of the empires fall was lighter on her shoulders. She just wanted to go and get it over with already. Restless she kicked a stone causing it to arch into the sky.

[Rocore]

Gharznog had taken place in the battle for Belatona but had been told to stay outside the city. A couple pranksters from Belatona told the kull that his kind were welcome inside the city. Being a trusting fellow, the hulking soldier believed the young men. As he made his way inside the city it became obvious to those around the kull that he was not welcome.

The citizens hid or threw things, several small items bounced off the over-grown urgal but he didn't seem to mind. Perhaps he hadn't even noticed them at all. His every step seemed filled with an unknown purpose as if he were on an important mission. Several people shouted at him and though many warriors of the Varden had fought with other Kull they were not much kinder than those from the empire. A glass bottle slammed against his chest and he finally stopped, he blank stare worried most of the onlookers as he tried to find the one who had thrown the bottle. Unfortunately he saw no one who would own up to it and moved on, stepping over the glass.

Eventually an officer stopped him, "Hold on there, big guy. The Kull and urgals are to stay outside the city. No offense meant but humans of the Empire don't understand your kind." Gharznog opened his mouth as if to say something then closed it, "Feast in da' castle, I fight, I feast, yes?" The man smiled, "Buddy, I'm sure your people pulled the weight of many a human soldier. But, orders are orders."

"I eat, wit' da' otha heroes." replied the Kull he was determined to go to the castle and the Varden officer simply sighed, he didn't want a fight with a kull. Nor did he want a problem, "Eh, good luck then... Just keep down the main road and ignore the rabble." The officer continued on heading away from the castle to keep the civilians in order.

Gharznog finally made it to the castle and was met with several guards who told him to turn away, "I fight, I eat with otha heroes." The guards knew their orders but having fought beside the kull and seeing their destructive nature decided to keep an eye on him.

As the kull entered the keep he stopped and soon the party died down, he stared blankly over the crowd as a smile crept over his face. He was staring at the meat and took a tray for himself before sitting down in a corner. A great smile upon his face and soon the talks picked back up though many were uncertain of whether the kull should be around or not.

[Rhaxta]

The food arrived just as there was a handful of newcomers to her side of the table. There was no pre-arranged seating order, so everyone could come and go as they pleased. Nasuada gave a greeting nod and a smile as the other elf and young woman joined them. ]''Eragon and Saphira have been very busy rounding up routed soldiers and setting guards for Hyperion. I imagine they shall join us for a short repass when they come off their guard.'' In all honesty, Nasuada was not entirely certain where Eragon was at present. She thought htat might sound bad, though.

Nasuada looked to the man who was talking of the battle (Zilo). She gave a soft smile before replying ''Oh, please do not. I should apologise to you for Orrin's mess. It was the enchanted fire that hindered you, if I am right?''
''Now Nasuada, you cannot go complaining of it being too effective. Let us just never let it happen again - I felt at the end of my wits by the end of that escapade.'' Nasuada gave a small smile; she had been warming to Elva's bluntness, recently.

~~

Rhaxta's stomach surged as more food was braught out, this time great steaming silver platters of meat and vegetables, the scent of garlic heavy in the air. The mead having done a good job of calming her down, Rhaxta now felt a slioght pang of over-indulgence. It had been a long time since she drank mead, espcially three tankards of it. 'How did that happen?'[/i]

There had been a rush back to every available space at a table as the next round of food was braught in - she wouldn't feel at all comfortable amoungst that press of bodies. With the reflexes and speed of a starving cat, Rhaxta snatched up a small wooden tray and gathered herself a few handfuls of food from the slowly diminishing number of spaces along the tables. Now knawing contentedly at a rib, Rhaxta walked back over the hall when her eyes were caught by movement. A small movement of a rather large...creature. Her forest green eyes widened and went glassy with facination.
The horns and markings along with his immense stature left him instantly recognisable as a Kull. Fortunately, Rhaxta had been informed of the treaty between the Varden and Urgals so was saved a great deal of embarrassment. Procuring another tankard of mead she sauntered over and gave a small bend of the knee and tilt of the head.

''How are you finding the grub?'' Rhaxta, being out of civillized company for so long grasped at one of the things she knew. Food.

[Rocore]

The Kull didn't need to move as he continued chewing and eyed the elf before him. "Food iz good, same as in dah camp. Betta' shinies 'ere..." The Kull stared at the elf a moment longer, "You iz good 'unta? You got trophiez?" He asked and with his free-hand shook the assortment of skulls that were draped over his chest. The tray before the Gharznog was over-flowing with food, he seemed to be making quick work of it though. He even tore a leg of boar and put it on the end of a spiraling horn. More specifically the one on the right side of his head.

His eyes trailed away from the elf to the others in the crowded room. His eyes roaming over the many people searching for enemies. His people were after all the common enemy of Alagaesia until now. He was also curious about them, they told stories about their battle in Belatona but much of the talks were pointless... His eyes found their way through the crowd and settled upon Nasuada, "Why Nasu-Nasua-Nazuda not shout'n vict'ry? She lead Varden and Clans ya?"

[Rhaxta]

Rhaxta smiled, instantly finding herself somewhat comforted by her unusual company. He spoke her language. ''I don't have any of my physical trophies with me...except for my scars, I suppose. I have a nice big one I got from one of those gigantic bears that roam around the Beors.'' Rhaxta eyed the skulls draped over the kull's chest. There were some she recognised, but a few she did not. The half-elf's green eyes followed the kull's gaze until they came to rest on Nasuada, sitting at the end of the table at the top of the hall. The woman only looked away long enough to put down the rib she had finished chewing to pick up another. She tore into it with great gusto before her eyes turned back to the woman in yellow.

''I suppose she might be lacking in mead..humans seem to get nervous in crowds.''' she spoke as if she was not a human - she may have been half elf but she was unaware of that; as far as she was concerned she was human herself, if an odd one.
''Speaking of, you seem to be lacking yourself.'' Rhaxta said softly before gesturing rougishly with the full tankard of mead she had aquired when coming over to speak with him, and now she pressed it forward, offering it to him. ''Not as nice as a horn, but it still holds the drink so I can forgive it that.''

[Rocore]

Gharznog cracked a smile, his sharp teeth gleaming for a moment. "You'z a smart humie!" He wrapped a massive hand around the tankard and gulped down a portion of its contents. "Ya, da 'orns be good but drink tastes da same!" The Kull pushed himself up, the tray at his feet. He winked at the half-elf and took in a deep breath of air before letting out an bone-shattering victory cry. "For da Varden! Soon we knock down da King's door an make new war song! To Nazuada!" The Kull let out another roar before polishing off the remainder of the refreshing mead. He had hoped to cheer up the place and particularly Nasuada, she should be rejoicing it was her army who conquered Belatona and her plans that had made it possible.

He didn't realize most of the people might find it frightening or worse. After all having an urgal around citizens of the Empire didn't invite happy feelings. Gharznog grinned at Rhaxta before drifting through the crowd and retrieving a flagon for himself and refilling hers. "Vict'ry party lively now, yes?"

[Zilo]

Sitting there and watching everyone. Nasuada w was talkig to him and he laughed heartedly. “No his fire did not seem to touch me. Rather it was the fire from a riders spell that seemed to do the most damage.” He said thinking back to when the rider had attacked the cat and the young warrior again. Dismissing the idea just right before and urgal cried out a victory roar for the varden. Raising his mug he cheered as well. Standing up he walked over to the urgal. He was just a bit taller than he was. Zilo stood at a surprising six foot five. And was nothing but a human. Yet his height and shoulder width he was a giant human. Walking ever closer to the urgal he smiled. “Nice to meet ya fellow warrior, and you two miss.” He said as he was holding out an hand to the urgal. Noticing the small elfin warrior beside of the urgal, it seemed she was drinking hard.

The hand he held out to the urgal was in wraps and was pretty banged up from all the fighting and the fire. But he didn’t care, an urgal showed barely any pain and only when it was too much to bare. And he respected them for that. And that was something he would never forget. Thinking for a moment he turned to the elfin woman and smiled. “I don’t think I’ve seen you on the battlefield at all.” He said thinking about when he was fighting and who he was fighting. And all the bloodified places around him, thinking for a moment he brushed out his mind to everyone in the room willing to accept. He showed in his mind the two fights with the Riders he had, and then him going back in time to stop nedras flames from hitting the cat and the young warrior. Using his axe and body as a shield, “Theres my story so you guys know why I didn’t help that young warrior.” He said noting how tired his was, and how much energy he had left really, even though bluffing the elf to try his hand at him.

Turning back to the urgal he smiled. “And you, your different from most urgals, you actually are trying to mingle I like that courage in ya.” He said laughing heartedly out loud where it showed passion and truth. Turning his attention back to a woman that he had asked about before, “Your features are nearly human, but I can see the elf in you, you’re an elf it seems, I will comment now your beauty is unmatched by those scars. The scars shows your are true and loyal, but your beauty relies grace and intelligence in your mind. Two things you should be proud of. If I wasn’t sworn in ancient language for revenge against the king, I would throw all down and stay with ya.” He said jokingly but at the same time almost serious. Standing there looking around. He figured it was about time to go outside and practice his swordmanship against an elf again.

[chan2000]

Will was standing on the roof of the keep of Belatona. He had taken the liberty of leaving his longsword, "saxe" knife, and throwing knife at an abandoned house that he would sleep in for however long the Varden was in Belatona. The only weapons he had with him was his longbow and a quiver of three dozen arrows. He sighed. He didn't really fit in with people, let alone large crowds. Heck, he wasn't really dressed for the occasion! The teenage boy had a green-gray cloak on so he could blend in with the walls of the keep with ease. He thought for a few more minutes about whether or not he should go inside and introduce himself to somebody. After all, he left all his friends at Carvahall and Therinsford. He deserved to get some new ones. He jumped down from the roof to the edge of a window sill that was a sneaky entrance the party hall with relative ease. He then entered through the window. He pulled his cowl farther down to keep most of his face in shadows, then walked further into the hall, keeping to the walls that he blended in so well with. He saw a trio of a Kull (I thought they were supposed to be illegal at the party,[/i][/b] he thought), a half-elf, and a bandaged human. He shrugged and went over to them. He stepped away from the wall and said, "May I introduce myself?" He waited to see if they would be shocked to see how he appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

[Rocore]

A toothy grin appeared on the Kull's face as Zilo came up to him. He was impressed by the humans size, he had wondered how big they grow and was happy to see this one could actually pass for an urgal. Gharznog stood at around nine feet, spotting him in a crowd even among his own kind was hardly a difficulty. He shook the human's hand as his grin spread wider, "I'm 'ere for da food." Came his reply, "Help da young all tha time and d'ey neva' learn. You do good by 'im though."

The Kull shifted in his place, he wasn't used to so much 'kind' attention among humans. The skulls over his chest rattled and he took the haunch of meat from his right horn and began eating it. It took him a moment to realize another human appeared and the Kull raised his left arm to crush the sneaking man. He stopped with his arm raised in the air and he decided to let the human go on. Then it spoke to him, these humans were starting to feel too comfortable around him... It was unnerving the kull... "I'z Gharznog, you 'az a tongue, speak up!" His large yellow eyes were intense as he gazed upon the young man.

[chan2000]

Will smiled. A Kull. This would be interesting. He tried to probe the Kull's feelings and his face crinkled from the strain. The others, of course, couldn't see that. He sensed that the Kull was irritated. Will frowned. That was not surprising. "I guess that I'll have to do this differently," he muttered. He took a deep breath. It took a lot of air to speak the language and he was out of practice. "Greetings. My name is Will Marvenson. What are the others' names?" Will said in Urgal. The others would just think he had growled and bellowed unusually. He hoped that he had impressed the Kull and not have to shoot in self-defense.

[Rhaxta]

Nasuada nearly jumped out of her skin as a great bellow filled the hall, causing teeth to rattle and many items about the room to be dropped in fright.
Many of the guard around the hall stood staring gormlessly at the urgal in shock and - almost- awe. Some looked to Nasuada as if for confirmation, but she simply waved it off. A grim smile came over her features. Orrin could say what he wished about Urgals - one was here and she was not going to disgrace herself or the Varden by asking him to leave. The Kull was surrounded by several familliar faces, he wasn't hurting anyone.

''At least someone is having fun..'' whispered Elva wistfully.

~~

A peal of clear, elated laughter escaped Rhaxta as the urgal released a great bone-creaking bellow - once she had recovered from her start. She recovered quickly enough to join in the second war-cry, hers was significantly less terrifying and loud but still full of heart.

''I think a funeral would be lively with you around, friend.'

Rhaxta joined in the traditional post-war-cry drink, yet she only sipped hers. She had been drinking before due to boredom mostly; now she felt the night had taken a turn for the better.

Her green eyes turned up mid-drink, and her heart gave a great thundering jolt in her chest. Her elation lasted only a moment, then she realised it was not who she had thought. Nevertheless, she gave a smile and lifted the goblet of mead to the newcomer.

Rhaxta had a brief struggle with her mind - as it had immediately thrown up impressive barricades as it felt the probing of another mind. She gradually dismantled them in time to see the tail-end of his memories.

''Oh, I was certainly there. I was nearby you at one stage but...quite a lot of it is a blur,'' Rhaxta did not feel very inclined to share all of her own tale of the battle. She remembered every moment in all terrible and agonising detail. Most of it she did not understand.
Somewhat disarmed by the mead, however, she did let her own conciousness leak out and divuldge short flashes of her own experience to both of the party- if they were willing

A vision of a shade raining fire down upon her. Her appearance in the tower after an impulsive spell that lacked guidance from the ancient language (which did not seem strange to her.) Then, unbidden, the glimpse of a green-black dragon hanging above her before stopping in mid-air where it was met by a boulder of flame.

Rhaxta quickly detatched her mind hastily; some mysterious force had taken her body for it's own during the battle. She was sure it was not a spirit, yet she didn't dare reveal it to anyone, for fear of them believing her a shade.

Her eyes widened and flashed a bright grass green as the man (Zilo) spoke. Her bemusement almost drowned out the words that followed, but eventually Rhaxta caught up with herself - and reacted by blushing. An entirely embarrassing bodily reaction that she had not had to contend with for more than a year.

''Uh..thank you? Sorry, I usually take compliments a bit more gracefully but I must say you are mistaken. I am human....but I do like to think myself intelligent - which just proves it. Ah, vanity.'' But even as she spoke, doubt once again pried into Rhaxta's mind. ''Well...as far as I know I am human...anyway.,,''

The pale pink glow still dusted her cheekbones, but Rhaxta had regained the majority of her composure. She did not jump as Will appeared - she had felt someone approaching due to her forced downtime of her mental defenses. She just didn't know who or what.
She eyed the newcomer and the Kull oddly for a moment. in their somewhat strained exchange.
She gave Will a gentle smile, then realised what she had forgotten to do.

''Ah! Names, I forgot about that. Mine is Rhaxta'' she said to all in their small party.

[chan2000]

Will nodded. "Finally, someone that is not that surprised. Oh, and nice name, if a bit unusual," he replied. He turned to the other man in the group. "Now, I would like to know your name, please," Will asked him briskly. Slowly, he lowered his defenses and sent tendrils of thought to the minds of Gharznog, Rhaxta, and the other man. From the man, he caught a name. Zilo. "Never mind, Zilo," Will amended. He snatched at a waitress's plate and his hand closed around a mug of mead. He swallowed it all in one gulp. Instantly, his thought tendrils grew sloppy and more noticeable.