Salvation Outpost - Chapter 2

Peldan hesitates to respond for a few moments before finally mustering the courage to ask the man what was on his mind:

"Most think me insignificant. Nothing but a lowly innkeep. I wouldn't even be surprised if that's how most in our group...including you...see me, if not worse. It's true that I have no real experience and it likely isn't wrong to make the assumption that I don't belong here. But I've spent most of my life running that inn that you met me in. And in that time, I've listened to, empathized with, and even consoled many a hardened warrior as they've passed through.

I've seen their nightmares reflected in their waking eyes. Felt the pall of gloom and death that surrounds them like a blanket in the cold of winter. I am not out here trying to seek some pleasant adventure so that I can go back to the inn when I'm done and tell grand tales of my own, but rather, I'm out here trying to find myself. To find the me that I could have been if only I'd chosen a different path in life.

It is why I followed you up that ladder and it's why I reached out and made contact with the specter, Vera. I want to understand the darkness that, until now, I've only heard about. My kind fear little, so understand that I fear dying an old man who has experienced little, more than I do dying tomorrow trying not to become that same old man.

I asked if it would be alright to ask something of you...that request is that you consider taking me under your wing and helping me avoid becoming the fate that I fear. I realize that I am not as big or as strong as you, so I cannot learn to be as you are in those ways, so I will need to find other ways to become the kind of man you are, but by using the tools that I have at my disposal. But I would be honored by your guidance and tutelage in my efforts of becoming that which I currently am not. All that said, I will understand if you care not to do so, and I won't fault you for it. But I feel I would end up regretting the not asking."

Malak stepped off the train. He had never been in such a contraption before and wasn't at all sure if he ever wanted to travel in one again. He'd never been in a "civilized" community before either and hoped this new experience would be far more enjoyable than the train ride. Having left his forest home just days before he'd followed the directions of his eldest brother and fount the train, even though he had no idea where it was heading.

He left the platform and decided just to wander about and observe the comings and goings of the people who inhabited this place. He had no plan for the near future except to explore the world outside of the Eldeen Reaches.

Newspaper in hand he read and wondered what a warforged was. It was good that there had been heroes about to thwart them. As he pondered briefly what his future held for him the image of his being a hero brought a smile to his beak.

Finding a map of the settlement he did his best to orientate the map to the landmarks he could match up around him then made his way to the Grey Beyond tavern. He was famished and was also interested in checking out Salvage Board. He'd never worked before. He'd been raised in the Towering Wood region of the Eldeen Reaches by the the Faerie Court. They'd found him as an infant, abandoned in the woods, and raised him as their own. Taught the ways of the forest by the Faeries and their allies, the Druids known as the Greensingers, he'd spent his adult life thus far defending the forest.

Reaching the tavern he entered and took a seat at a small table next to the window and ordered food and drink, spotting the Salvage Board on a far wall. He'd check it out after he ate.

Her eyes watch as new people. Yes. The rail always brings more. She wonders if any will survive. She doesn't let this take her attentions away from Goblin Garundah. SheK always has done better with non-humans. Seems to be a trait with her and just took a fondness to Garundah and her ways. And Garundah's toy.

Her mind shifts some, "I shall be leaving soon most likely. The heroes I travel with tend to be active. No doubt something off the message board will take me away. Does the excitement of adventure bring you joy." SheK vague alludes to her to come along.

Even as she is talking, that inner glow is taking over as she is becoming more herself. The redness her eyes as faded and her motions smooth and less noticeable. The slight jerkiness of the morning had vanished with the morning coffee. She still could use a few moments or so to make herself blend better. She looks a bit off at the moment and it makes her more notable than she cares to be.

Of course, now being a hero here, she has found it not possible to totally blend. People here always seem to take note of her now. It bothers her some as she isn't used to it. She ponders if she even likes it or not. It is just different. It makes her think about stop doing what she has. Might be time to move on. Perhaps this would be better.

Thoughts now race through her head as broke away from the toy and real life invades. SheK never had toys or even a doll growing up. Her life was the streets and no parents. No family. Then, there was only the house. Training. People she met were just objects of interest. Perhaps that swim in that enchanted fey pool had changed her too much now. And now that fey glow is showing.

SheK looks over Malak's way, "I doubt it. But who knows. This place brings all kinds."

Vice rubs his nose, even though he is more shocked than hurt by Belaluur's smack. "Ouch! What?! Not like any of her scrappers took down a titan have they? Saved a town from warforged? Let me guess, they have uniforms? Ladies love a man in uniform."

As he waited for his meal to be brought to him he entertained himself by "people watching". Over the din he swore he had heard the words "Bird" and "Fly" and looked in the direction he'd perceived the words to have come from. He caught sight of a diminutive fellow, of a race he was not familiar with, looking at him intently, before turning back to his steaming beverage. Malak took no offense to being gawked at. He'd never met another Owlin before so assumed his presence would be novel to most others as well. From what the Druids that had raised him had told him, Owlin were not native to Khorvaire but thrived on the island continent of Xen'drik. Someday he would travel there and reunite with his kind. Someday.

His food arrived and he ate quickly. When done he moved to the Salvation board to have a look at what work might be had.

SheK takes some mild interest in the king-size owl as she watches it. She calls over to Malak as to distract him, "If you are looking something solid to work with, my group that I'm with might be of interest. Come and share a drink."

As he skimmed the board a raised voice caught his attention. His head turned towards (SheK) swivelling more than 180 degrees as his body remained facing towards the board. The invitation was unexpected as he was a stranger in a strange land but he had to admit he would enjoy the company of others. Especially those who knew the region and its threats. A moment later his body turned to line up with his head and he approached (SheK's) table.

As he reached the table and before he took a seat he thanked the woman and introduced himself, "Thank you for the invitation. Hoo-hoo! I am Malak, a wanderer from the Twilight Demesne of the Eldeen Reaches. And hoo-hoo, who do I have the pleasure of meeting?" He took a seat and waved to a server to order another drink.

SheK watches Malak as he approaches with some interest as it appears her words hit home.

She replies back to him, "I know nothing of Eldeen Reaches. This is Garundah. And I'm called SheK. If you're not interested in solo work, I do travel with a group as mentioned. In fact, we are those they called heroes. You may have read something about us in the paper." She points out Garundah as she speaks.

"Paper has called us heroes for what we did. But really it was something that needed to be done. I'm not sure what our next exploit will be but surely something and soon. Probably something on the board if nothing else rears its fine head. Future is always an awaiting question."

She adds on, "I had hopes some of the others would appear here this morning but seems it will be later." as she savors her coffee.