[Continued] - Lug/A Rescue Mission - 28 April, 1 VC

[Zorroroaster]

She asks forgiveness for the sheer idiocy of her present quest, leniency towards her equally stupid partners

I assume this is a standard prayer?
Lug calls out, "Hello? Xavro? It's your pal Lug!"

For Marge? Absolutely.

[MonkeyWrench]

Valorei begins walking to the grove area, his eyes switching to every new sight with equal fascination, "Everyone, do you not feel the power here? Just presence of calm and peace, whoever this Centaur Xavro is I would most certainly love to speak to him!" He looks around the grove, trying to find some sign of the centaur grove-tender.

"I cannot wait to get back to my writing pads and record what a beautiful sight this place is, the tranquility can almost be felt physically!"

[Marullus]

Niles raises an eyebrow. "It is birds and wildflowers, Val." he smiles bemusedly at the elf. He turns his interest to the crumbling tower.

Ferris the wolfhound, however, growls and takes off at a run to set the stag to chase.

[AleBelly]

Varas rides Mustard up to Lug's side. "Explored that tower yet?" he asks. "Know anything about it?"

[Zhym]

Lug reacts to the wolfhound's chase with wide-eyed horror.

"NO!" he shouts. "Niles, please—stop your dog!"

"Xavros hates violence and hunting," he explains. "Shoulda told you sooner. But if your dog hurts that stag, we might have another enemy. We really don't need another one."

[Keehnelf]

The stag turns and looks in the direction of the sudden disturbance, and then bounds behind another tree, disappearing immediately from sight. Ferris runs around the far side of the tree, hoping to head off the creature, but instead skids to a halt, retreating in the face of the aged centaur with flowing white beard who appears in the creature's place, gnarled staff in hand.

Xavro looks up toward the assembled adventurers, and then back to Ferris, before kneeling and reaching down to pat the dog's head. Ferris pants happily and rolls on his back under the centaur's gentle touch.

The master of the grove takes a few steps toward the party and calls out. "Hail, travellers. I am Xavro. Tell me truly: do you come in peace, or do you carry darkness in your hearts?"

[AleBelly]

Varas, astride his horse, replies. "My heart is filled with darkness for foes and peace for friends. Lug tells me you are the latter. I hope so, sir" he says, bowing his head.

He pats Mustard reassuringly.

[Keehnelf]

Xavro does not appear reassured by Varas' response. "If you enter my grove, I ask that you leave your weapons beyond the bounds of the outer trees. They will be watched over, but they have no place here."

[AleBelly]

"And my beloved horse? I am happy to leave my weapons behind, but am loathe to abandon her in unfamiliar lands."

[Keehnelf]

The centaur chuckles. "A horse is not a weapon, no matter what men may think on the matter."

[MonkeyWrench]

Valorei ignores Niles comments, completely taken in by the beauty of his surroundings, that is until Xavro makes his appearance...

The young elf's eyes widen as his smile widens even more, a veritable fountain of energy bursts from the Elf as he bounds over to the centaur, stopping just a few feet away from the Centaur and making a gracefully flourished bow. While lowered he speaks, "Xavro, It is an honor to meet one as respected as you, I am known as Valorei Derwaynin, Or simply Val to my friends." He stands up to set eyes on the centaur, his eyes shining and his smile obnoxious, "You have a truly beautiful grove, I would greatly enjoy the story of it's creation!"

[Dram]

Baxtaw- Takes his weapons and lays them on the ground. This truly the most beautiful place I have since arrival in these lands. I am honored to meet you. And would like to hear the stories of this land.

[Scott308]

Dorvar eyes the centaur harshly. A dwarf, surrendering his weapons in this hostile land? Not likely. I would prefer not to go unarmed. I will wait out here.

[Zorroroaster]

"Foolish dwarf. How many decades, if not centuries do you think this glade has existed here, undisturbed? Do you truly believe that you could stand alone against whatever force would be powerful enough to break the peace of this place? Leave your stubbornness at the edge of the glade with everything else and join us."

Marge drops her sling and staff at the perimeter and walks forward. All of her bluster has faded, and to the party she seems to look younger, less haggard, less stooped. Her hair glows in the dappled light as she walks towards Xavro. She pauses when she nears him and bows her head.

"Your grace."

[Keehnelf]

Xavro looks down at Valorei, a pained look on his face. "Though I count your kin as allies in times long last, these are dark days, young elfling. I would ask that you depart to the edge of the glade and leave yon blade of wind behind until such time as you need venture into the dangerous wild once more." He motions to the elf-prince's sword.

Looking at Dorvar, he smiles softly. "You are more than welcome to remain at the edge of the glade. I would not think of taking your weapons from you by force or coercion, unless you choose to bring them unwanted into this domain. I can assure you that, while I live, this grove will remain a safe haven for all those who come in peace."

[Keehnelf]

The centaur nods kindly in Marge's direction. "Ma'am, you are welcome in this place of peace. I hope that it brings you needed respite from the trials of beyond, at least for a time."

[Marullus]

Nihilius loiters at the back of the group. At the centaur's question he purses his lips and surpresses a smirk. He remains silent, simply dropping his dagger in the grass and follows, leaning on his tall staff.

[Scott308]

You may think I'm foolish, Marge, snorts Dorvar, but you have not seen the things we have seen out here. Go in with the centaur if you wish. I hope everything goes well and I am worrying for nothing, but I remember a peaceful glade where things were not as they seemed. I would prefer not to give up my weapons so I shall stay out here.

[Dram]

Baxtaw- Dorvar do you have any question you would like us ask of our new friend? Come Marge maybe one of us should be on guard. There is no telling what is waiting for us beyond this glade. Baxtaw moves behind Valorei and awaits centuars next command.

[Keehnelf]

The mercenaries seem to be taking a cue from the dwarf and, eyeing the figure of the centaur a bit askance, ask leave of the diminutive lady to remain at the edge of the grove on watch.