Adventures of "The Aerandir" (CRP)

[Tuvoria]

A few hours after sun up, Wyl and the others arrived and found the camp preparing to make way. Both groups shared what had happened to them as an unease hovered over the conversation. It seems Marcus was progressing beyond what his brother Darius had done before his death. Now it seemed the Red Claws had been reformed, they had orcs and others in their ranks, they had at least a couple of magic users, and they still had some werefolk amongst them. They also had taken to raiding on the seas. As it was fully daylight now, the full band headed into town to resupply before heading on. Tuv visited the temple complex and sent word to Jim to have the ship and crew meet them north of Kercia. While there Tuv got reports that a small band, possibly those that escaped overnight, where spotted near the road heading towards Kercai. Tuv informed his band of sailor/soldiers. Everyone had their weapons at the ready as they headed out of town. Shortly after the noon hour, Angus came up next to Tuv and whispered we have company on the right just beyond the tree line. Tuv smiled as he replied they have been with us about half the hour. 4 of them from my count. Pass the word along. Let them come to us.The hidden group continued to shadow the members of the Aerandir for about another hour or so, until the road came to a wide sweeping meadow. The meadow sloped a bit to a small hill on the left. Tuv led his group there and quickly set up a campsite. After the fire was lit, Tuv gathered some of the hot ashes into a pot, and took it and anyone who had a bow of some sort to the road. He told everyone to dip their tips in oil and lite the oil. Then to fire upon where his arrow lands. Shortly 5 flaming arrows were on the way into the tree line. A few he screams could be heard and soon 3 figures where coming out of the woods and it appeared one was preparing to let off some form of a spell. Tuv quickly let off 2 more arrows in a blink of an eye. That individual collapsed and fell back into the woods. This stunned the others. Tuv then called for his group to close the gap. Before they knew it, the crew from the Aerandir had closed the gap and engaged the Red Claws. Connor suffered a severe wound to his arm, but the rest of the group was unharmed. The magic user was the only one of the Red Claws to survive the battle. Not taking a chance, Tuv removed everything out of his belt and pockets and broke both hands of the magic user so that he couldn't cast any spells. The magic user refused to say anything other than that Wyl would be returned to her true family and that Darius would be avenged. After a bit of this ranting Tuv had him gagged. Still he tried to mumble on. Eventually Tuv had him knocked out, thrown over a mule, and his feet and hands tied together. Tuv informed all that he would turn him over to authorities in Kercai. The group quickly ate, reloaded things and continued on their way without any more incidents. Just as it was begining to approach dusk, the group arrived in Kercai, informed the gaurds of what had transpired, and turned over their prisoner. They then set about finding an inn to set up in and to stable the animals for the night. Tuv honored his men buy paying for everything and buying a cask of mead for them all to enjoy. Tuv had one glass as he knew it may be a long night and he wanted to keep his wits about him. He could see the unease and tension in the eyes of his bride as she pondered the words that the magic user had stated on the road. Tuv did his best to try to ease her fears and as the musicians began to play, asked Wyl to come and dance with him.

[Tuvoria]

The next several days went by in a somewhat tense state. Everyone remained somewhat on edge, awaiting yet another attack. Wyl did not want to admit it, but Tuv could tell the last few encounters where weighing heavily upon her. Now that it was confirmed that the Red Claws were trying to rebuild, the were-creatures amongst them, the adding of orcs and seaman, and now confirmed magic users, it seemed as if the past was not going to go away. The group slowly made their way to Olvida in Bercaria. There they met up with Jim and the Aerandir herself. Jim had reported that while the groups had separated, the Aerandir had run into a a Red Claw frigate north of Barci. The Aerandir got the jump on them and the last Jim saw of the vessel it was heading east with only one mast intact and a good portion of the ship on fire.
They ragtag group set sail the following morning towards Bielya in Absynia. The journey went quite well as there was a very favorable wind behind them. The journey to Bielya was without incident. When they arrived at Bielya, Tuv gave everyone a 48hr liberty pass to try to help ease concerns and let the crew relax. Tuv took advantage of the time to visit with the harbor master and several local fishing captains. No one could state that they had seen or heard of any ships matching what the crew of the Aerandir had seen the Red Claws using.
When the Aerandir again set out with plans to head south, the morale of the crew was slightly improved. Wyl still seemed a bit on edge, but she was getting better and the light, though slowly, was coming back into her eyes. About 4 hours out of Bielya, the scouts called out that Red Claw sails were on the starboard bow. Tuv ordered the crew to prepare and to keep on course as is. Once the enemy ship was close enough, Tuv ordered full sails and to raise the colors. As soon as the colors were raised, Tuv had Ronald attempt to signal the other ship as to their intentions. The enemy ship failed to respond. Tuv then had Andrew, who was in the fore bow sprite, launch a flaming balista arrow at the ship. It hit true on the fore deck, at which point the Red Claw ship altered course and raised full sails in an attempt to get away. Tuv ordered the Aerandir to pursue. After about 2 hours of chase, Tuv began to worry that this may be a trap and called off the chase. The Aerandir then changed course and set sail once again to the south keeping a every watchful eye behind them for the attack they all felt would soon come their way. As night began to fall, no sails had been seen, but the crew and its captain all still remained on edge.

[Tuvoria]

After several tense days of playing cat and mouse with a few possible Red Claw ships, and having to circle back due to Wyl and a a few others falling overboard, the Aerandir made its way to the port city of Olvida. While in Olvida, Tuv and Jim both got word of possible raiding parties from the Red Claws in the waters to the south and inland as far way as Leesburg. It seemed from some of the inland reports, that they were set up near the crossroads south of Amara and demanding tribute. Those not willingly giving tribute, where attacked and many of the women and teen girls being taken hostage. After some long discussions, it was determined that once again the crew would split off. Jim would be acting captain and sail along the coast towards Paz. Tuv, Wyl, and a few volunteers would head inland along the main roads patrolling and looking for signs of the Red Claws. The next morning Tuv and his small band headed to the southeast. The group traveled for several days without incident. There were a few incidents of when they knew someone or something was shadowing them, but nothing came of it. They eventually arrived at Amara and decided to stay for a night or two and gather updated intel. In the morning they planned to head out towards the crossroads about halfway between Amara and Leesburg. Reports were still coming in about possible magic casters and shapeshifters in and around the crossroads location. Tuv hoped this was just gossip and rumors, and not the truth. He was concerned not only for the locals, but his group, and the child that Wyl was carrying. Moreover, he feared that the stress and worry regarding the Red Claws might bring out Wyl's hidden nature putting even more people at risk or having them consider her as a spy and one of the Claws. Tuv tried to put the thoughts out of his mind, as he curled up next to his wife and tried to sleep. Tomorrow would bring enough issues on its own, he didn't need to add more to it.

[Wyllow]

The trip this time, having had many twists and turns took a greater toll on her than she expected. The dangers had been more intense than she had expected.. But still, she remained as cool as possible in those situations. A light headache nagged her this morning. Her belly had become much heavier as they had traveled. A tiredness was felt more often and came quicker during the day, requiring often, a stolen rest or nap. Something that she rarely indulged in normally. As the troupe had all come back together and they made the final steps towards Bravia, she was glad to be coming home.

She love her time away, but something about this trip made her long for her own bed and seek the comfort of her home around her. If she thought too far ahead, she might even over think the real journey ahead of her once home. One she would hope that instincts would kick in and she was just able to know what to do. Often she was in a dream world counting the days. By her calculations, a little one could be expected on or around the middle of November, but that is if all things went to what loosely could be called 'the plan'. A grin flicked upon her face as her mind knew that babies did as they chose and arrived at just the precise time they were meant to.

She was glad to be back in her husband's arms as she lay quietly beside him in the darkness. However, she couldn't wait to be home.

[Tuvoria]

The final leg of the trip home was for the most part quiet. Even though things were quiet, there was an uneasiness and tension in the air. While nothing cane to fruition, the sensation that they were being shadowed and watched remained with them all the way to Cork. The group decided to remain in Cork overnight and head home in the morning. As Tuv headed down to the main room, he could not help but hear several people talking about how the militia had discovered what appeared to be a humanoid being that also seemed to be shifting in shape. It appeared to have died in a firey explosion of some type. No one knew the full details. Tuv was on tightened alert as he harnessed the team and got things ready to head to Bravia. His main focus now was getting Wyl and their unborn child safely home. After about 2 hours, the tension and worry faded away. Before they knew it, the group from 5he Aerandir made the turn up the path that lead from Strawberry Lane to the home that Tuv had built.

[Tuvoria]

It felt almost like a surprise to Tuv and just how fast he and Wyl settled back into home life after having been at sea and traveling for so long. The call of the Sea still had a draw on him, but with the baby soon to come, he knew his place was by Wyllow's side here in the lands of Bravia. Things had been peaceful and relaxing ever since they had crossed back into Bravia proper. Tuv laughed at himself as he thought about their adventures together and how now Wyllow did more of a waddle as her belly continued to grow. Tuv had kept Jim and the crew of the Aerandir in his employ and had them making routine patrol runs along the ocean borders of Bravia. Tuv was at peace and almost forgotten about the Red Claws, when as he was walking through town towards his tavern, a messenger came running up to him and handed him a sealed piece parchment. Tuv quickly thanked the messenger, gave him a frenzia, and opened the message.

	Lord Ralathondor, I am Artelius, a wood scout associated with the Temple in Cork. In a recent patrol along the border between Cork and Widu, we found a unique corpse in the caves near the hidden glen. It appeared to be a were-creature caught in midtransformation. We think it may have been a cross between a human, an orc, and a wolf. What made us think of you was the armor we found shredded near him still holding an axe and several arrows. It looked like a large red claw. We have not seen any other signs of any creature like this. We have burned the body and sealed its ashes in holy oil in a secret and secure place. We felt that you should be made aware. If anything else come forth from our patrols, we shall send you word. Faithfully, Master Artelius of the Temple at Cork

The letter caught Tuv off guard and he had to recollect himself. This he feared may have been an advance scout. But who, he thought, did him in. His contacts and sources had been quiet of late. He hastened his pace to his tavern shop and quickly drew himself a pint of ale and sat down near the hearth as he pondered things. He didn't want to worry Wyl this late in her pregancy. He crumbled up the letter and tossed it into the fire as he finished his ale. He remained at the Prancing Pony for a bit before he headed back down Strawberry Lane and to his house.
In the midst of the night, Tuv came wide awake with a panic as sweat poured from his body. He instinctively reached for a weapon, but soon realized he was safe in bed. He glanced over to check on Wyl and saw that she was sound asleep and he watched a bit as the baby moved and made her nightshift dance about.
Not being able to go back to sleep just yet, he got up, lit a candle on the table, and sat down in an overstuffed chair, and just watched Wyl. His mind still racing, he grabbed the axe he had in the wardrobe closet and laid it down on the table. The whole time his mind racing with the thoughts of how much of the changeling trait will the baby have and if the darkness often associated with changelings would draw the child to that fate or if Marcus and the Red Claws would come looking for the child. The fear and worry began to overtake him, and he laid the axe in his lap.
The next thing he knew sunlight was breaking through the curtains and dancing across his face. The fear and worry, however, still remained with him, at least for now...