Mendez listened as carefully as he could to the conversation between Daldren and the old woman.
Teo was in a pouch hanging around his shoulder, nibbling on a small piece of bread found on the floor... hopefully not too stale for his friend. Then again, Teo would really eat anything he came across, and wouldn't complain.

*This is stale,* piped up the rodent with a squeak.
Mendez sighed as he responded, "Was that a complaint?"
A small crunching sound could be heard, *I'm glad to see you know my tastes.*
"All too well, Teo..."

((OOC NOTE: Asterixes are for Teo's replies, not understood by anyone else as much more than squeaks.))

Daldren listened to Hannah prattle her warnings, and took each word spoken to heart. There was something about the woman that while not necessarily unnerved the stoic man; certainly gave him cause to consider her more than she appeared. Daldren had been around many kinds of people, the talk of sages seers prophets or gypsies with tales of farsight were not beyond him. She knew he was from MV, and she correctly ascertained the direction of their travels. Coincidence mixed with lucky guesses? Perhaps, but Daldren wanted to make sure.

Even as the barkeep interrupted, Daldren's cold stare turned from Hannah to the portly man who saw fit to warn him of the inevitable loss of coin and common sense that would come from entertaining the thought of continuing his conversation with the 'crone'.

Dismissing the barkeep, rather than the target of his forbearance, Daldren returned towards Hannah, and he shook his head apologetically before placing a gentle hand upon the woman's left shoulder.

"If it takes a few coins to further glimpse where we head, or the dangers you speak of ma'am, then please reveal what you may. Fear not for changing of our future. I'm a firm believer that destiny lies in the hands of men. The Gods or forces unseen may place choices or opportunity in our path, but it is we who take the steps upon them, for better or for worse." Daldren shot a glance over to the table where his companions were congregated before looking back towards Hannah.

"It falls on me to see what others would miss, and to spot dangers before they spot us. Any information is... valuable information kind woman." To accentuate his intent, Daldren removed a couple silver coins and started passing them over his knuckles, passing them underneath and into his palm, before revealing them again and repeating the process.

"If it takes a few coins to further glimpse where we head, or the dangers you speak of ma'am, then please reveal what you may. Fear not for changing of our future. I'm a firm believer that destiny lies in the hands of men. The Gods or forces unseen may place choices or opportunity in our path, but it is we who take the steps upon them, for better or for worse." Daldren shot a glance over to the table where his companions were congregated before looking back towards Hannah.

"It falls on me to see what others would miss, and to spot dangers before they spot us. Any information is... valuable information kind woman." To accentuate his intent, Daldren removed a couple silver coins and started passing them over his knuckles, passing them underneath and into his palm, before revealing them again and repeating the process.
The old woman seemed to dismiss the barkeep as well as the man returned to his duties. She turned back to Daldren as he spoke and smiled softly at him. She reached out and laid a hand on the man’s arm when he brought out the coins.

“Stay your hand young man,” she said and gently pushed the hand with the coins back towards him, “it is not coin I seek no matter what our friend Kendal might think. I only seek to enlighten those whom I can. But there are rules when it comes to knowing the future… and some of them even I am not allowed to break.”

She said the last with a sigh as if she wished she could say more. The dog at her feet rose and looked at her, she glanced down and nodded, “I guess you are right… time to go.”

She rose to her feet and straightened her clothes and looked at Daldren, “Harken what I have said and be wary of where you are headed. Look closely at what you find… it isn’t what you first think it is.”

She laid a hand on his shoulder once more and then bowed her head to him then she walked past him and out the door, her dog in tow. The mutt paused at the doorway and looked at them all once more and it almost seemed as if the dog dipped it’s head a bit at them before turning and leaving the Inn just before the door closed completely.

The sun had set and the last of its glow was leaving the sky behind the messenger as he rode on into the night. His poor horse had put in a valiant effort all day with only a single, brief, respite and was now nearing the edge of collapse. The Syl rider wished he could slow his pace to give his steed, Dáithí, a break and some water, but he'd been foolish with his time earlier that evening and his punishment was watching Dáithí struggle to regain squandered minutes.

*****

Tadirien had made good time that morning and just before sunset he came upon the inn he thought MV6 would have stopped at for the night. He stabled his horse and took the time to knock as much of the road's dust from his clothes as he could before entering. This was his new team, and perhaps, his home. He would make the best first impression he could manage having just ridden most of the day.

He confidently stepped through the door and, just as expected, there was an armed group sitting around one of the tables just finishing up a meal. He ordered a drink and a small plate of food before approaching the MV team to introduced himself. "Greetings, sirs. My name is Tadirien Vanlithe." he said, pulling out a chair. "I'm sent here with a message for one of your team and with orders to join you until your current assignment is completed. Tell me, where may I find Elessarae?"

The all stared at the Syl that had just joined their table, then glanced at each other, before looking back to Tadirien with confusion etched on all their faces. "Who?"

Minutes later Tadirien was back on the road kicking Dáithí on to greater speed and kicking himself for skipping the most basic of steps in delivering any message, that of making sure you've found the correct recipient. He was so excited about actually being a part of a real MV team that he'd lost his head. Stupid, stupid mistake.

*****

Now there was another inn in the distance. He prayed this was the one, because he couldn't in good conscience push Dáithí any farther. This time Tadirien slip from the saddle, tied his reins to the hitching post, and headed straight for the inn. He'd lost his chance for that good first impression. Hopefully he wasn't too caked with dust.

He pushed through the door and nearly stumbled into the common room of the Lonesome Traveler. Too much time riding, not enough time walking, and his legs were rebelling against this unaccustomed walking. There was another group that fit the "MV Team" appearance, but Tadirien refused to make the same mistake twice on the same day.

Clearing his throat, the Syl projected his voice to catch nearly everyone in the rapidly quieting room. "Beg pardon for the interruption, but I have an urgent message for an MV team that should have passed through here recently. A silver piece to the one who can put me in touch with them, or two copper for proper directions." Tadirien paused to catch his breath before making eye contact with the man behind the bar and continuing, "Also, I'll need lodging for myself and my horse, if you please, sir."

And with that, Tadirien unceremoniously collapsed into the nearest chair.

Mendez turned to stare at the Syl who had entered with much ruckus, and glanced at the others in the team before deciding to take the initiative.

He headed over to the Syl with a mischievous grin and a gleam in his eye.
Teo had finished his crust of bread, and squeaked up from the pouch, *I know exactly what you're plannin' on doing. You'll prob'ly think you're funny, too.*

As he arrvied before the new arrival, he stifled laughter in anticipation.
*Bad joke incoming...*
Turning to show the MV insignia, "So how about that silver piece?" he asked with the same mischievous grin, amplified many times.

"Ah, yes" said the road-weary syl as he fished out a silver piece, "but I did not say I had a message for just any MV team." Tadirien now had just as big a grin on his face as the man who had approached him. "My orders are to bring a missive to a specific member of a specific team. If that's not your team, I may have to down grade this coin to copper." He paused here for effect, turning the silver piece over in his hand.

"Where's Elessarae? I have, quote, an urgent message for her, end quote. Here." Tadirien flipped the coin he'd been holding to the man. "On faith that you're not gonna jerk me around. You can tease me some more after I've finished this courier job and can think about something, anything else."

Pulling himself out of the chair, Tadirien shook out his legs in case Elessarae had taken a room upstairs or, gods forbid, up multiple sets of stairs.


((ooc: not sure how you want to deal with my handing the recall orders over yeolde, but that's what he's gonna do as soon as he gets a location out of mendez

Also, I'm aware the quote he uses isn't actually a direct quote. He's just playing a bit with the guy, bringing in the suits from corporate as a potential misdirect for any more teasing. if this guy is willing to take money from a fellow mv operative, maybe he'd be okay with a little informal griping about the management.))

Teo was relieved that Mendez' joke didn't fall flat as expected.
But the joker had already moved on.
"An Urgent Message?!" Mendez whispered, acting as if it were of the gravest importance, "Is it that the world is to end? The fall of Audalis! Why didn't we listen!? WHY!?"

From the pouch could be heard a squeak that one might take as a sort of sigh.

"Alright, I'll stop the joking. Elessarae is with us," he added, before leading the new arrival to the table.

"Here's someone who says he has an important message for Elessarae, by the name of..." turning to Tadirien, "what did you say your name was?"

"Tadirien. Tadirien Vanlithe, at your service... probably. Are you lot MV6?" The elf reached into his pack and pulled out a packet as he spoke. "My orders are to hand deliver this message to Elessarae of MV6 and then to join that group for the remainder of its current mission. Are you that group? What's our mission? They didn't fill me in before dispatching me from headquarters."

He stands there for a few seconds, caught up in his excitement, before realizing he was still holding Elessarae's missive. "Oh, yes.... sorry. I believe this is for you, m'lady."

Daldren considered what Hannah had said with all seriousness. Everything about the woman rubbed him as 'off.' Not, misleading in a negative deceptive way, not dangerous, nor with a sense of ill-will, just someone above and beyond the average folk one would typically converse with. Even her dog held an air of intelligence and worldly awareness to the soldier that found him nodding his own head in return to the mutt as it made it's final gesture before departing behind the old woman.

As Daldren thought about returning to the table, a stranger had made himself known amongst them, a carrier for Ellistrae it seemed; and potentially a replacement in her absense. Daldren remained by the fire, keeping his eyes and ears open, wondering what their leader's take on the new fellow would be.

After Anna had brought their drinks, Danamar took a sip of his cider and wondered about the situation they were in for. There was no telling what was awaiting MV6 on the days to follow. It was no doubt something evil and dangerous, but not having a clear image of the opposition made the cleric a bit nervous. He had the same kind of feelings of uncertainty about the old woman sitting in the corner. She did not appear to be a servant of any evil power, but there was something chaotic and mysterious about her. Fortunately, Danamar was not the only one who had noticed the hag, for Daldren was already heading to chat with her.

Instead of worrying too much, the syl decided to concentrate on more positive and interesting matters. He forced a smile on his face and moved his emerald eyes to Elessarae only to find that there was no need to fake it. The warmth touching his heart when looking into the eyes of his "little sister" instantly turned the smile genuine. All those years were immediately washed away and Danamar felt like he was that young boy again running around the grove with the little girl at his tail. The connection the two syls shared was almost telepathic and for what seemed like an eternity, there was no need to exchange any words.

Oh how he'd missed her. It was like Danamar had been reconnected with a long lost family member although in truth the two were not related in any way. Yet the love they shared was not between a man and a woman, but the kind that bonds siblings together - eternal and without reserve. Oblivious to what was going around them, Elleseler and Altatoror drifted away in a quiet conversation in their native tongue. For an onlooker the conversation would have been nearly impossible to follow even for someone mastering the sylvari language. They used words they'd invented as children to describe beloved things and left out much of the sentences knowing the other would understand.. There was no need for either to explain what he or she meant, for their connection was that strong. They were what their people called Eliai'iriai and Eliai'nerain - soul-sister and soul-brother - two parts of one.

And oblivious to the things happening around them they were. Danamar knew he could trust his fellow MVs to keep them safe or to warn them should a danger become imminent. Therefore, the leader of MV6 did not pay heed to what went on between Daldren and the fortune teller woman. His portion of Anna's wonderful fried vegetables as well as his drink stood on the table in front of him untouched. Nor did Danamar see the newcomer enter the inn - a stranger and a sylvari at that.

The warrior-priest would probably have found the unknown syl's proposition somewhat funny had he heard it, but the exchange between Mendez and Tadirien Vanlithe passed without either of them noticing. Only when Tariel poked him in the side, Danamar broke out of the trancelike conversation. Knowing the scout would not have interrupted them without a very good reason, the priest immediately turned to face her. "Yes?"

Slightly irritated by the fact that a member of the Militia Vericulum would be the reason for the disturbance, Danamar stood up to give Tadirien his full attention. He waited until the man had given the letter to Elessarae and then spoke with an even and relaxed voice: "Since you have managed to locate us and know our identities, I take it that you have received your orders from Tarse directly?" Without waiting for a reply he continued: "Please repeat officer Merchantson's command word for word."

If hearing the last piece of news he ever wanted to hear touched the noble-blooded syl, it certainly wasn't visible on his face. Those of the group that had known him the longest including Elessarae were probably able to sense something of the disappointment and pain their nominated leader felt inside. But to anyone else it would've seemed not a single word in the orders moved him in any way. Inside, Danamar felt desperation and confusion. The sister he had been given back after such a long time, would be taken away so soon with no indication on when they could meet again.

Tarse had said Elessarae should leave immediately, but surely their liaison could not have meant the very same evening? Nothing could be gained from her leaving against the night even when taking into consideration her ability of seeing in low light or her skills as bladesinger. No, Danamar had made up his mind. Merchantson was not here, so therefore he was still in charge of the group and as far he saw it, the newcomer as well.

"Very well. The reasons for calling away one of our number can not be anything but valid. The need for you back at home must be stronger than what is the MV's need for your skills, Elessarae. Therefore you must obey the summons. However you must not risk your new assignment by riding off into the dark of night right away. The distance is great and you can make up the time lost during the days ahead. At first light, you will leave MV6 and begin your journey back to Londelirinen, but not a moment earlier." With a sudden urge to show his love for the bard, Danamar reached out to stroke her hair lightly and gave her a sad smile: "Tomorrow can wait. Tonight we shall celebrate the meeting of a new friend and the departure of another."

Some hours later Danamar when everyone except himself and Elessarae were retiring for the night, the cleric pulled Tadirien to the side for a few words. His voice was soft and quiet and without a hint of threat in it: "Just a word of warning Tadirien. Although I put all my trust in Tarse's judgment and believe you are very much up to the task, I must say this… Elessarae's departure is only temporary and she will be back one day. For the time being you will be a full member of our team… But only until her return." The raven-haired priest knew he didn't need to add anything about the newcomer getting a more permanent place in the group should someone else leave or perish during an assignment. He was sure Tadirien would understand.

Evening, 23th Sempore (Teladay), 452 E.R.
The Lonesome Traveler, Pardinal

"Tadirien. Tadirien Vanlithe, at your service... probably. Are you lot MV6?" The elf reached into his pack and pulled out a packet as he spoke. "My orders are to hand deliver this message to Elessarae of MV6 and then to join that group for the remainder of its current mission. Are you that group? What's our mission? They didn't fill me in before dispatching me from headquarters."

He stands there for a few seconds, caught up in his excitement, before realizing he was still holding Elessarae's missive. "Oh, yes.... sorry. I believe this is for you, m'lady."
Elessarae looked up and showed no surprise at the sudden missive from the MV … it had to be serious for them to send it out so shortly after them leaving and to send a replacement… she reached out and took the missive from the courier.

“Thank you Sir,” she said as she undid the seal that only she could have opened safely … she unrolled the parchment and read it… what was said around her she apparently was unaware of as she read… her face slackened slightly at the message within… she raised her head and seemed to stare off into the distance as she contemplated what she had read… she was brought back to this room with the sudden realization that someone was speaking directly to her

"… Elessarae. Therefore you must obey the summons. However you must not risk your new assignment by riding off into the dark of night right away. The distance is great and you can make up the time lost during the days ahead. At first light, you will leave MV6 and begin your journey back to Londelirinen, but not a moment earlier." With a sudden urge to show his love for the bard, Danamar reached out to stroke her hair lightly and gave her a sad smile: "Tomorrow can wait. Tonight we shall celebrate the meeting of a new friend and the departure of another."
She reached up and took Danamar’s hand and pressed the back it to her cheek… she returned the sad smile… oh how she was tempted… but she knew it could not be…

“ah my Danamar,” she said… the first emotion showing upon her face… was sadness… he knew before she spoke what her answer would be…, “I must leave at once… the message was clear… the need is urgent… I can not delay one moment longer.”

She rose and gathered her things… trying not to look at Danamar lest she see the hurt that would no doubt be in his eyes… once she was ready she turned to the party … her gaze taking in all of them as if… it might be the last time she saw them.

“We all have our own journeys to take…” she said as she paused her gaze upon Danamar… “we must do our duty and protect those that can not protect themselves… be strong… and take heart … we will meet again.”

As if afraid she might falter… she turned and left the Inn… the door closed behind her and she was gone… leaving an emptiness within the room… and within their hearts.

Having eaten and rested… they spent a little time learning some of their new team mate… yet the emptiness of the loss one of their own left all of them feeling as if they should turn in for the night… they all acquired rooms and at first found sleep elusive… and not very restful…

They all had strange dreams that night… visions of darkness… death… people screaming… people crying out for lost loved ones… upon awakening in the early morning… something didn’t seem right… looking around they saw no unexpected visitors in their rooms… but they sensed something in the Inn was not as it should be…


(Ok.. hopefully we can get this moving along again... if you have any questions you can use the Q&A .. if they are private then PM me.. I would like a post a week from all... more if you feel inclined ... if you can not post one week please let me know... I realize that RL can be troublesome at times... so lets get this game on the road... post at will )

Something in their surroundings was amiss, and Irael had no love for it. After Elessarae's departure there was a distinct emptiness that defeated even his devotion to his training, disregarding his evening somatic practices to retire early.

Even with the extension to his rest it did not come easy. Darkness plagued his mind, twisting and contorting in sickening agony. Visions flashed of people he did not know, or may have known.... so much was lost to him. Death screams echoed, and he hoped this to be just a series of nightmares and not the return of his memories.

Nevertheless he arose earlier than the others, meaning to work off this feeling of loss and guilt with sword maneuvers and footwork in the stable-yard. Instead he found himself troubled by a sinking feeling that all was not well in the inn.

Perhaps it was just a feeling, but he was not about to take any chances. Donning his equipment Irael entered the hall, positioning himself to keep a close eye on the rooms of his companions. He felt to investigate on his own and leave them unguarded was a foolhardy course of action.

Silently and diligently he waited.

Elessarae looked up and showed no surprise at the sudden missive from the MV … it had to be serious for them to send it out so shortly after them leaving and to send a replacement… she reached out and took the missive from the courier.

“Thank you Sir,” she said as she undid the seal that only she could have opened safely … she unrolled the parchment and read it… her face slackened slightly at the message within…..
Tad could see the slight change in Elessarae’s expression, he knew that look. The greater call of family and court. That duty was deeper and couldn’t be denied. The call was never sent unless it was a must.

Tad heard Danamar words but he also knew Elessarae would be gone as soon as she could pack and mount. The look in Danamar’s eye and the sound of his words held clues only the Syl might catch. The heart break resounded and the pain reverberate, but nearly no one would have noticed.

Tad knew he was the outsider and his presents would be a reminder to the team leader of who would not be there. He also knew his duty and now it was to these MV members. He could never replace this noble lady, he would honorably fill the space left by her leaving.

Later Danamar pulled Tad aside, "Just a word of warning Tadirien. Although I put all my trust in Tarse's judgment and believe you are very much up to the task, I must say this… Elessarae's departure is only temporary and she will be back one day. For the time being you will be a full member of our team… But only until her return."
Tilting his head slightly to the cleric Tadirien said,” Amin naa lle nai. Cuamin linduva yassen megrille.” (I am yours to command. My bow shall sing with your sword.)
Danamar nodded and left.

Tadirien retired to his room and although he was tired from the days pressed journey, he found it difficult to slip into the restful trance that would revive him. Odd visions and strange sensings pressed in where peaceful thoughts should flow.

Mendez was awakened by a sharp pain in his left ear… he jerked awake and looked and found Teo resting on his pillar next to his head… Mendez reached up and felt a dampness on his ear lobe.

“Did you just bite me?” he asked the rat.

*I had to… you wouldn’t wake up* It squeaked at him…*Something is wrong… don’t you feel it?*

Mendez stated to complain about the bite but then he did feel something… something wasn’t right.. something ominous was afoot… leaping out of bed.. the action sending Teo squeaking loudly to the floor… he threw on his long shirt which hung down to his knees and opening his door he stepped out into the hallway… he saw someone out there… cautiously he opened his door… it squeaked louder than Teo… the figure there turned at the noise… he saw it was Irael standing out there fully dressed as if on guard duty.

“What is going on?” He asked in a quiet whisper as he stepped out into the hall… his nerves on edge as if he were about to be attacked by… something… what he didn’t know… but he had that feeling.

Irael stood vigilantly in the hall, his shield at the ready and his hand resting upon the grip of his blade. Despite the resilient sensation of danger he did not stir, keeping his thoughts and emotions in check and focusing on perceiving any approaching threats.

A sudden squeaking immediately brought his attention to a nearby door, and the figure of Mendez moving slowly into the hall.

**“What is going on?” He asked in a quiet whisper as he stepped out into the hall…**
"Do you feel it too?" Irael replied in a hushed voice.

He did not need an answer - Mendez's mannerisms were enough to tell him that the man knew something was wrong. Normally he was much louder...and a heavier sleeper. Although Irael liked the sudden change in Mendez, seeing him awaken before the others -and with nervous caution upon his face- was enough to convince him that the sensation he felt was not the aftereffect of his nightmares.

"Something is amiss." He continued in a low grim whisper, looking Mendez straight in the eyes. "Gather your things and awaken the others. I'll stand guard as they prepare."