Thread: Once Upon a Rescue [AswanFox - Shura]

Clovis paused on a ridge, looking back at the ruins of the monolithic structure which now lay behind them. It had been three long days since the destruction of the sorcerer, though the Iron Tower still stood, after a fashion. Its polished black facade still glinted slightly in the rays of the setting sun, and stood thousands of tails high, as the young beastman reckoned things. Even a week out in mountainous terrain, and with several hundred feet blown off the top, it dominated the landscape. How we ever reached the summit I have no idea. Clovis thought to himself. Even with the aid of those lifting contraptions Kevel devised for us. The vulpine's broad ears drooped. Kevel, the party's inventor, now lay beneath a humble cairn of rocks at the foot of the black tower. As did Ulfin, and Flint, and- Come along, Clovis! We've had time enough to take in the sights, eh? Letting out a heavy sigh, Clovis turned his gaze back down the trail, to where the party's other three surviving members, plus one, picked there way along the boulder strewn trail down the mountain. Coming, Master! In truth, the group probably could have made better time without its leader, Clovis mused cynically. Gautrick , the blond-haired, blue-eyed, latern-jawed, 6' 10 human noble who had assembled the group had a sense of direction inversely proportional to his skill with a broadsword, and Gautrick was an excellent swordsman. He was also, by right of saving the young beastman's life, Clovis' master. The demiurges save me... he thought to himself, scampering nimbly down across the rocks to join up with the rest of the party. It wasn't that Gautrick was not good at what he did. As mentioned, he used his sword very well. However, he was unfortunately burdened with a very small amount of humility, and an overabundance of arrogance and stubbornness. Oh, he was fair enough to the rest of the party they were all human, or close enough, and thus deserving of some respect. Clovis, on the other hand... As the vulpine came up to the rear of the small group, he looked up to see a canteen come flying at his face. Reflexively, he caught it with both hands. Gautrick, looking over his shoulder, nodded to Clovis. Have a drink, pup you ought to need one by now, with all that fur! Glowering, Clovis raised the canteen in acknowledgement, and took a swig, his ear twitching as he heard Gautrick speaking again. Heh, always have to keep that one on track, Clovis... he's tamer now, I suppose, but y'should've seen 'im when we first met! Beastfolk will always be beastfolk, though... Gautrick, ignoring Clovis as if he weren't there, was speaking to the princess. She was walking just behind him, keeping mostly to herself. Gautrick of course intended to marry her, a fact he made no attempt to hide it was all Clovis could do not to laugh at this notion. The young bard had not really been able to speak to the princess, not really having been given the chance Gautrick rarely left her free to speak to anyone, and seemed to have convinced her that Clovis was little more than his pet. Pets were amusing, but not to be conversed with. Clovis was, of course, a bit more than that to the party a bard by trade, he was blessed with a silver tongue and a quick wit, and cursed with an insatiable curiosity, to which the princess proved an aching provocation. She was beyond his experience with humans, and would probably remain so. With a sigh, the bard looked past Gautrick, down the slope to the cluster of lights in the valley below. If their leader didn't get them lost again, the party would, for the first time in nearly a month, be able to spend the night in decent beds even Clovis, assuming the place hadn't changed its policies regarding beastfolk. Hefting his small pack, the young vulpine focused on this, and continued down the trail. The party was indeed able to reach the village before nightfall, but only just. As they hurried in through the town gates, the last sliver of the disc of the sun was crawling down below the mountain peaks, casting the valley into shadow. The air was cold, even to Clovis, who drew his tunic about himself as the group checked into a ratty inn. The group had come through the village on their way to face the Sorcerer, and received a better welcome now than they had then. The place boasted little in the way of amenities still, the presence of the princess did much to impress the innkeeper, who insisted on providing his best rooms, at a considerable discount of course. This was in a place where running water and clean beds were considered the highest luxuries, but what could one expect on the frontier. Once lodgings had been secured, Gautrick, in a manner he doubtless thought befitting, took the princess by the hand, leading her up to her room. At the door, he bowed to her graciously. Your chambers, my lady. I do apologize for the accommodations, but it will be some time yet before we reach... proper civilization. He turned to Clovis, gesturing toward him with a smile. Should you require anything, Clovis will remain here with you. The young bard stiffened. But-! The village had only two things of true note the inn, which the party now occupied, and a nearby tavern, the Cantering Steed. Said tavern was really the only thing around which Clovis bore any fond memories of the trail had been exceptionally dull, and if he could slip away from Gautrick, the vulpine had looked forward to practicing his trade. In places such as this, storytellers were well appreciated, even the furred variety. Gautrick looked sternly at Clovis. Clovis, you will remain with the princess. Attend and watch over her. Here. The human tossed Clovis a small leather purse. Have the innkeeper bring the both of you something to eat, and attend to our gear. Clovis considered protesting, but merely sighed. By this time, he was used to getting the short end of the stick, and Gautrick refused to be argued with. Yes, Master. Gautrick nodded, smiling. Good boy. Turning around, Gautrick clapped the other two members of the party on the shoulders, leading them away. One of them looked back at Clovis helplessly, but there was nothing they could do. Clovis glanced down at the purse, and then at the princess, realizing suddenly that this was the first time they had actually been alone together. Nervously, the young bard cleared his throat, hesitating for a few moments before speaking. Um... would... you like anything? He asked, canting his head slightly in the way animals did to show curiosity.