Author: Lou, Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 5:24 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox snorted at the man as he tried unsuccessfully to speak to her, only a few of his words were understandable. She kept the canteen out of his reach but kept a steady hand on him, as he stumbled by her side. She didn't really want him to hurt himself more, besides he was the only reason the two little green creatures behind them weren't squished into the dirt yet. She flicked an ear at him as he started to hum and she rolled her eyes. I hope this day goes by soon…she thought.

The sun had drifted to the far side of the sky by the time they had found the river. She hissed as she heard the two goblins bickering around behind her. She stopped and felt one of the small creatures run into the back of one of her legs. It stepped back and shook its head, the noises from the small creature stopped. She bent around and looked at the creatures. "Stop complaining you two," she growled at them. "We're almost there."

It was around noon when they reached the ogre's cave the next day. They had left their packs a short distance off, but the two goblins came along anyway. Once the cave came in sight and the creature inside could be smelled, the goblins took off and hid. She scoffed at them, cowardly creatures. She shook her mane and stepped forward with Silanus, ready to face this monster. When she saw him, she squinted her eyes and turned her head to the side. Some monster…

The size and color of the creature reminded her vaguely of an elephant. It spoke through its tears and she stepped forward with a mix of curiosity and caution. He didn't seem to be much of a threat, he even seemed slightly intelligent as he spoke well and clearly. She propped Silanus up against a nearby tree so he wouldn't fall and then walked up to the creature, her leg wasn't giving her much trouble anymore. "We aren't here to fight Sthar." She said quietly, glancing at her travelling companion.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Wed Mar 9, 2016 9:05 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

How insolent, how… How disrespectful! Silanus felt as if his leg was going to fall from his body, and he used the wine to feel better….And what did Paradox do? INSULTING HIM! He may be drunk at the moment, but he knows when it's too much!!!

Silanus glared at Paradox, he was outraged, furious! A small, arrogant smirk appeared in his face and said: "Y-you… You know why they call ME Tacitus The Mad? Yesss! Because I-AM-CRAZYY! Hahaha! Oh, my cen… centauho… Cen… Zen… Sfentaur friend… If you want my drenk, you can have it… But… The canteen! Give it back when you're done, mhm? Ok?"

It was quite interesting… Silanus usually talks in third person, however, he talks normally when drunk… why? Not even Silanus could tell why…

Tacitus Silanus tapped Paradox' back in a friendly way and said: "Please, don't lose my canteen. I only have one, heheh… Let's go! A world full of adventures awaits!" The soldier held Paradox' hand and continued walking, mumbling a melody… One he really liked.

Hours passed. The goblins were complaining about carrying Silanus' stuff, but soon they calmed down. Silanus finally found the river, and followed it. "Just a little further, my four legged frehnd!" He was holding Paradox hand as a little kid holds his big sister's hand while walking. She reminded him about his dead cousin, Louisina, oh, their voice was even similar!

The nice day became an ugly one; gray, thick clouds covered the skies, and a cold breeze could be felt. But, on the good side… The ogre's cave was found! It was there, some meters away! Silanus' drunkness had passed away, and he was eager to fight the ogre.

The two goblins hid behind a bush, it was obvious that they were extremely scared. But Silanus un-sheated his sword and entered the cave with Paradox…

One would expect an intimidating, cruel ogre… But no… Not this one. It was sitting down, crying… It was huge,  had a pale gray skin, two big eyes and large teeth… It could speak Canelux Language!

The ogre cleaned his teary eyes with his big hands and said: "Oh, more adventurers here, obviously going to battle with me… Why does everyone want to fight against poor Sthar! Sthar is a good ogre, please go away! Sthar hates battling! Why! WHY?! Why Sthar cannot live in harmony with people, just like orcs!" As soon as the ogre named Sthar finished talking, he began to cry more… Silanus could not even look at him without feeling sad…

Author: Lou, Posted: Wed Mar 9, 2016 1:53 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox rolled her eyes at Silanus's statments about the goblins. "That won't work on me," she said blandly. They continued on for a few moments and she listened as he gave her directions to his camp. She conversed with him as the day wore on and she watched the sun crawl its way across the sky. There were a few clouds about and they were white and clear, not the heavy gray burdens that would quickly be accompanied by a sudden rainfall. She was glad of this, she didn't want to get rained on. 

Her leg ached and caused her to stumble once or twice, each time she caught herself. Her bitten hand was stiff and swollen and she glared at the little goblins behind them when she lifted it to her face to get a better look at it. She was not happy with them, or Silanus for letting them join the two of them anyway. She didn't trust them and she didn't believe that she would sleep well with the two of them nearby.

At one point the pair stopped and she looked over at Silanus. His face was red and she had noticed his limp getting progressively worse the later it got. He yelled, his voice almost pleading. Then he laughed at the two goblins behind him and spoke to them. One of them ran up to him with a small flask and she stared as he threw back his head to chug the contents. She smelled the rank liquid as soon as he uncapped the canteen. She snorted at him and sided away a few paces. 

"You vile creature," she hissed at him. "Spirits are almost poison to my kind. Even the strongest of us will befall to its strength after only a few drops. That drink makes us go mad and I will not take part with any of it." She shook her mane and glared at him. "You humans and your ways disgust me." She reached down and pulled the canteen from his hand. "You do not need any more of this," she told him, talking like a parent. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sun Mar 6, 2016 11:58 AM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

"Good boys" thought Silanus.  Paradox was close-minded, well, yes… Goblins have no honour, respect for others and would even kill their family for a gold nugget. But Silanus trusted them, as far as he knew, he was their only hope to return to their clan…

Silanus listened at Paradox' words. He answered: "Oh, don't be like that. Look at those poor things!" They continued to walk, oh, the fresh air… The goblins were walking behind with the heavy burdens, and Silanus was holding Paradox' body, both of them were wounded, however, the centaur seemed to be as healthy as ever!

Silanus answered Paradox' question: "Oh, simple! We walk over there and follow the road. When we see the river, we follow it! There is no time to go to Silanus' camp, we'll go directly to the cave!" Silanus held Paradox' horse body, the poor man did not want to fall to the ground…. oh! The cold, dirty ground! 

Silanus slowly walked with Paradox, and his two goblin servants behind him. Silanus constantly spoke with her, trying to begin some conversations to kill time…. He mentioned his little rat named Lorica, he talked about his camp… oh, his beautiful camp! It was almost a city, it had fountains, statues, a temple…. oh, poor Silanus really missed his camp…

Silanus stopped and said to Paradox: "Oh, damn it all! Silanus CAN'T keep like this! Poor Silanus… He will… Heheh… Hah!" Silanus grinned and said something to his two goblin followers. The soldier asked for a canteen, it had some "grape" wine. It could be hardly considered wine. It was alcohol with grape… Oh, a strong alcohol! Strong enough to make a giant sleep!

Silanus opened his canteen and drank a little bit; of course, enough to make him…. "happy" Now, the soldier was drunk…. But it worked! His leg felt really good! He said: "Oh… My dear centaur… my friend! Want wine? If you want, ask Silanus! But please, take us to the… The water line, the land oceanic fresh water! It will take us to a cave, a hole in the beautiful land!" Silanus closed his eyes and hugged Paradox and whispered: Silanus will… eh… walk sleeping but awake and will walk… His leg feels bettah! He can walk, no run, only walk!

Author: Lou, Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 4:59 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox looked down at Silanus as he woke up, glad to see the fever gone from his eyes. She bent down at snorted at him. "I don't back out on my word," she said quietly. She let him grab on of her legs so he could stand upright next to her. She turned an ear back to him as he mumbled to her. She didn't say anything but nodded to him and stood still as he held on to her back for support. She heard a faint squeaking and looked back at the hole in the ground. 

She glared at them and flicked her ears back as two small green heads popped out of the ground. She huffed at them, disapprovingly, and would have walked away from them if Silanus wasn't still holding on to her. She listened as the man switched tongues and started conversing with the two smaller creatures. After a short while, the two goblins walked over and gathered up the soldiers stuff. She growled low in her belly as she looked down at the man. "They are not coming with us," she stated flatly.

Once she realized that she had no choice in the matter, she stepped forward, almost dragging the man along beside her. She limped through the doors, her hand on her knife at her hip. She didn't trust these little creatures that walked along behind her. When they walked towards the front of her, she bent down and snapped at them. She didn't care if she bit them or not. They were nasty little pests and she didn't like them at all. She was only tolerating them because the man at her side needed them.

"So where are we going?" She asked Silanus after they reached the road. She shook her mane and looked down the road. She turned and looked the other way. Fortunately, she couldn't see anyone. She flicked her tail and felt one of the long hairs brush one of the goblin's heads'. She was tempted to kick them but refrained. If they got under her foot, she wouldn't feel much sympathy if they accidentally got stepped on.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2016 12:54 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Silanus slowly opened one eye, then the other one. It was at last, time to wake up. This was one gray, cold morning… The sun was completely covered by light, large clouds. The man cleaned his eyes a little bit by scratching them with his hands, oh, he was dirty, his face, legs and arms were covered by dirt, however, as Silanus said yesterday, they had to follow the long river, to find the ogre's cavern; as soon as they find the river, he would clean himself a little.

Silanus said to Paradox: "Oh, wonderful! You kept your promise, yesterday, for a brief moment, Silanus thought you would leave, and leave the poor man alone… What a fool he is, to think something like that!" Silanus tried to stand up, but his damaged leg did not help… So, he held one of Paradox's legs, and slowly stood up… It would have been impossible for him to walk without help, so, he held his left arm on the centaur's lower body. Then, the man whispered: "Thanks…"

Time to go… Ugh, how will Silanus carry all his stuff? He looked at Paradox, he began to think that giving his stuff to her would be helpful… Oh, but it would not feel right, she is already doing too much for him… He thought of hiding his armor and stuff inside the barn, and after they slay the ogre, he would return and take them… Oh, it was not the best plan, but it would be handy…

Silanus was about to tell Paradox about his idea, however, an odd noise stopped him… Something was coming out of the gate… The gateway opened, and two small, young goblins came out of it. They had no armor, and their only weapon was a bronze dagger… What were those two little guys doing here? One of the goblins waved his hand at the man and the centaur, and then he began talking to his companion… Silanus carefully listened at the goblins' speech… He could not believe it… Their language was a little similar to the one that orcs talked!

Silanus knew the basics of the orchish language, after all, he lived in a settlement with them. The goblins were complaining about something… They were… They were punished by their clan. Last night, one of them stole a small obsidian ring, and their clan sent him away from the cave. Since those two are brothers, both of them recieved the punishment… Well, this can be quite helpful… Silanus tried to say something to them in orchish language, oh, they understood!  He was right, orcs and goblins had a similar language! Silanus said, that if they helped him become the chief of the clan, he will allow them to join the clan again… The goblins gladly accepted to carry his stuff, oh, wonderful! Now, the trip can finally start!

Author: Lou, Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 6:02 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox had her eyes closed and her limbs curled up into a ball. She looked asleep, but she was actually far from it. She flicked an ear as she heard Silanus speaking. He spoke about his cursed people and she opened her eyes slightly, remembering her own kind. How her own race was, in a sense, cursed. They were part beast and man, and hunted by both if the opportunity arose. Most animals didn't mind Centaurs, regarding them as one of their own. But on occasion, a bear or a wolf pack would attack and take a foal or two if they could. 

Humans were tricky. Some looked at them and saw the human portion, the logic, the reason, the intelligence. These people typically saw themselves as equals with them. Others saw only the animal, impulsive, aggressive, unpredictable. So they hunted the Centaurs just like any other creature and saw them as no different. She hoped Silanus was the other sort, and wasn't just using her for her strength and power. After a while, she allowed sleep to take her.

The night went by quickly and she awoke as the sun was peeking through the boards of the barn. She didn't want to leave yet, but she knew it was time to move on. Besides, she made the man sleeping near her a promise. She lifted her head up and stretched her arms. She yawned and shook her mane. Slowly she stood upright, her hurt leg was stiff and achy, though not nearly as painful as last night. She looked at her wrist and flexed her fingers. Hesitantly, she tried a spell and discovered she still couldn't cast any magic. She sighed, gathered up her bag, and swung it over her shoulder, tying it securely at her waist.

She stepped forward, the straw ruffling quietly from her hooves. She limped up to the sleeping man and nudged him gently with her foot. "Wake up, Silanus." She said softly. "It's time we were off." She grabbed the blanket and made it into a tight roll that she slung over her back and tied to her bag. She straightened and walked to the door, looking back at him attentively. "We have a long way to go and not a long time to get there."

Author: Silanus, Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2016 8:31 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

"Great, she is cooperating! The ogre won´t stand a chance." Silanus thought. It was a great thing to hear that Paradox would help him…Even if she was wounded, she was in a better state than him. First light, at the evening, it would not be a problem for Silanus, he is a disciplined man, things like that would not bother him. The centaur gave him a blanket, it was thick, warm enough… The Highlands are one of the coldest places, the wooden floor felt like ice… But it was nothing he could not handle. Let´s just hope that his wound would hurt a little less tomorrow…

Silanus lied on the floor, with the thick blanket covering him. It seemed he stopped bleeding… Silanus closed his eyes and said: "It´s not… Not something you would understand… They, well… The Kelonians are not gods, nor sacred, and not even our ancestors… They, well… They are THE truth… The kelonian ways, their manners of acting, writting, their buildings, their philosophy and their logic… THOSE are the REAL things… But their times are, sadly, gone. Silanus would feel better if he could tell the secrets about the kelonians, but well, at this moment it´s not important… Not for you, atleast." Silanus stopped talking and began to cough, just a little. His throat was dry, and he was thirsty. 

Silanus licked his lips and continued talking: "It´s not easy to live with a curse, you know? A curse that, not even your friends, will be able to help you with… The curse of being stalked, all the clan Silanus is in is cursed, in the same, but different manner… Ugh, it´s just… Hard!" Once again, Silanus stopped speaking. He was already stressed, he opened his eyes and looked around, he seemed to be worried… Most of his life, Silanus, well, not only him, but most of the members of his clan had been carrying a heavy, heavy weight… As time passed, they felt the weight lighter, and lighter… Of course, this is a weight they have, not on their bodies, but on their Souls. This weight was a curse, a curse that happened when their lives almost came to an end… What is the curse? Of course, corrupted valkyries…

Valkyries… Those damn "ladies" are the creatures that claim the souls of the people dead in battle. However, what happens if, someone who was SUPPOSED to die, survives? If the enemy feels mercy, and lets someone live, rather than killing them? The valkyrie that was supposed to carry his soul, gets… Corrupted. Now, this thing will not claim the soul of those that died in battle, but, instead, they will Murder the one whose enemy had mercy… Now, they will hunt it, until one of them dies. This, is what happened to almost every member of the Fratis, the clan where Silanus is in…

Silanus remained in silence for a long time, then, fell asleep. It was a calm night, no sounds, no birds making noises… Only silence, under the bright, silver moonlight. The evening finally came, and the sunlight entered through the holes the barn had…

Author: Lou, Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 7:40 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox, after looking outside for a few moments, turned back into the barn and limped to her pack. She stumbled briefly, before folding her legs up and lying in her straw nest. She curled up and rested her head on her arms. She sighed to herself, but then went silent and turned an ear when she heard Silanus start speaking again. Goblins again…She folded her ears back and ignored him. She heard his voice change, from pleading to gratitude. She lifted her head up and looked at him. 

"You are Silanus," she said, her eyes level with his. "You are brave, sometimes foolishly so. You are resourceful. You are a soldier. You are a man. You can make your own choices and choose the path that you want for yourself, without the Kelonians governing your life. I felt the same way with my herd, they made the choices for me. Then I realized I could choose my own fate, and be what I wanted to be. So I left, and I'm better off for it. Perhaps you could be the same."

She stopped talking and looked up at the darkening barn then back at the man. She snorted quietly before speaking again. "Killing this orc means a lot to you doesn't it." She stated firmly. "You are in no condition to fight by yourself yet, and if you only have a week, that isn't going to happen, you do realize that." She ran her good hand through her mane and started to undo the braids. She hissed to herself. "I will not have the death of you on my conscious, knowing I could have prevented it. I hope you know that I am really not happy with this idea." She glared at him.

"Pack up your things," she ordered. "We leave at first light." She flopped back down on her pack and closed her eyes. She felt the wind blow over her hindquarters and woke. She straightened upright and dug into her pack. She pulled out a thick wool horse blanket and rolled it into a ball. She eyed the soldier and tensed up her arms. She chucked the heavy blanket over to him, not really caring where it hit. "You can keep yourself warm tonight, Son of Adam." She lied back down and closed her eyes to sleep.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 7:06 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Oh, damn her! Damn her over and over! How could she? Is she mad? There were many easier alternatives, but she chose the quick and mediocre solution! That brief moment was a living hell for Silanus, if the piece of leather was there, he would surely scream…. After the arrow was gone, a hole was on the man´s leg…. Really? That is like a torture! Oh well, what is done, is sadly, done… Now, with some pieces of cloth Paradox covered his wound… Well, atleast she did what seemed to be her best… That is something Silanus should be thankful for, he could not have done it for himself… For a short moment, Silanus hated her with all his soul, then, he was thankful, and then, he began to appreciate… Most people would have left him, or even much him, she already had a wound of her own, why would she help Silanus? What would she get? Exactly, nothing…She did it because she wanted, because possibly she felt it was the good thing… Or perhaps it is a centaur´s nature… Who knows…

What did Silanus say? What were his words? Of course, curses… Not against her, against everything else… He cursed the arrow, the wound, the pain and many other things… Some words were even in an orchish language! Now, she left. It seemed that Paradox wanted to breathe some fresh air instead of being inside a dusty, dirty, mossy and old barn… Well, who blames her? Silanus quickly began to think in other things, trying to "ignore" the pain… Well, it did work a little, but now he was not only suffering, but also stressed… HOW WOULD HE GO TO THE CAMP!?

Silanus mumbled to himself some words: "Damn it all… He REALLY needs the goblins… If not, his goal will be a failure, a horrible, sad failure…" The man glared at Paradox and said, thankful, but dissapointed: "Well, thank you for everything, Paradox. You shall not be forgotten by Silanus, oh no, never…" Silanus stopped talking for a brief moment… He looked at his wound, some of the agony he was feeling could be seen through his eyes… After that short second of silence, he continued talking: "But Silanus fears that, since you are not willing to help him in his new journey, he shall go alone. If the Kelonians want it like that, so be it! Who am I to oppose them?"

Silanus grapped his backpack and left it close to his healthy leg… He slowly struggled to get up, of course, he did not… Silanus sighted and began to think: "Now what shall I do to go there? A miracle is needed, the tribe won´t help, the centaur won´t help… Let´s see how this goes…"

Author: Lou, Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2016 5:48 AM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox glared at the man. How dare he question her. Once he had taken the leather in his mouth, she folded her legs up under her and lied next to him. "I have taken arrows out before, Silanus," she said, focusing on his damaged leg. "I saw arrow injuries a lot back home, when we were hunted. By your kind." She flicked her ears back at that and hissed. "Brace yourself." She cut the wound, making it longer on the sides and a little wider.

She switched her dagger over to her hand and slid her fingers down the shaft. She put one of her knees on his upper leg to keep him still, before slipping her fingers into the wound. His flesh was warm, his blood making the arrow slippery. Her long fingers reached the end of the shaft and felt the arrowhead embedded in his muscle. Not moving her hand from inside his leg, she gently twisted the shaft of the arrow with her other hand. She was relieved to feel the arrowhead move with the shaft. It wasn't embedded in bone.

She felt the edges of the arrowhead, getting the approximate size and location. Carefully, she grasped the arrow head with her fingers and guided it out, slowly, with the shaft. When the arrow was successfully out of his leg, she put it down and reached for her strips of cloth. She packed the wound with some herbs and padded the puncture wound. She bound the leg in the cloth strips, wrapping it securely and fastening it with her large thorns. She wiped her hands on her ruined shirt that lay next to her, she had switched into a light cloak for her upper half while he was unconscious.

She took the leather out of his mouth and put it away. "You should be alright in a week or so," she said, eyeing her handiwork. "The natural body heals surprisingly fast from these sorts of injuries. With or without magical aid." She stood up and limped toward the barn doors. Her leg was still faulty and couldn't yet hold her weight. She reached the doors and leaned against one of the boards, easing the pressure of her bad leg. She looked outside and crossed her arms, tail flicking back and forth and ears forward. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 11:20 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Of course, of course! She refused, what a "surprise" for Silanus. The peace lover who only fights in self-defence refused his offer. Unfortunately for Silanus, Paradox was his only way of going to the camp… Alive… The man's neutral expression became a furious one. A part of him wanted to curse her, tell her to go to hell… However, he had to stay calm… Find a way to make her cooperarte….

Oh, if only Silanus could remove the damn arrow and walk! If only he could stop depending on Paradox! But the goblins were clear, he had to go and slay the ogre without their help, so it was vital for Silanus to persuade the centaur… What a pity, she is a smart one, so it would ne a hard task to make her understand…

Silanus saw carefully how she cut his bloodied pant; now he was able to see his wound… It seemed that it did not touch his bone, nor something important… Just flesh, if the arrow removal went well, perhaps in a month or two Silanus would be able to walk again… That's it, without advanced recovery techniques, such as alchemy…

Silanus gladly took the piece of leather… Bah, who knows if it's atleast clean! Before Paradox could begin, he interrupted her and said: "That's not the best way of removing an arrow, my dear half human friend…. Ugh, damn it! Cutting everything around? Are you playing the doctor or the butcher? Hm… Let… Let me explain…"
Silanus closed his eyes and took s heavy breathe, then pointed his fingers towards the "tail" of the arrow. "See this? Cut it, but not too much! Just cut the… Damn, what is it's name agaib? The wings of the stupid arrow, removs it… T-then, with a hammer, push it… P-push it until it's completely insidie, and the point of the arrow is… Out. Then simply pull it… Excuse Silanus' manners of talking, you don't speak about this topic everyday…"

Author: Lou, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 3:54 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox looked down the injured man lying on the ground at her feet. She was starting to be very convinced of his mental instability. Chief of the goblins? Who would desire that is surely mad. He yelled at her and started talking about a woman named Gratia. She wanted him to take her to his camp? Really? She didn't think so and flipped her ears back to her head. She squinted her steely gray eyes at him and swished her tail, the thick braid slapping her legs. 

"Do I look like a common nag to you?" She asked, thoroughly annoyed with him. "I do not take orders from a man, and I am in no way capable of going to your camp right now, never mind taking you with me." She lifted up her bad leg so that it wouldn't have to hold her weight any longer than necessary. It ached terribly still, but at least the herbs would help to speed the healing process. "Going now would be foolish and very reckless," she said, slightly less aggravated. "I have no intention of going, but if you want to, I will not stop you. Rule the goblins if that is what you desire, but I will not associate myself with a vile race such as theirs."

She snorted and shook her mane as he held the necklace. "I can help you if you want, but I am not travelling anywhere." She bent her lower half down and took a good look at him. His eyes were sparkling brightly, either from pain or fever, probably both. Gently, she lowered herself to the ground next to him and laid her good hand on his leg. She turned his leg just slightly to see it better in the dimming light. The arrowhead was deep into his leg, and likely barbed on the sides like the axe that the goblin had used on her leg. 

She looked back at his face, his body lying still on the ground. "I can pull this out, but it's not going to be pretty," she said quietly. She reached back to her side and brought out her dagger. She cut around the pant leg, heavy and wet from his blood, staining it a dark brown color. She glanced at it and grabbed a piece of thick leather out of her pack. She gave it to him. "Take this, it won't taste good but it'll help a little." She turned back to his leg and braced herself. "Tell me when you're ready."

Author: Silanus, Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 10:03 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Silanus slowly opened one eye and thought: "Ugh, who dares to disturb my slumber?!" Of course, when he saw a big leg horse leg infront of him, the man began to panic… Even if he was wounded, the soldier tried to stand up… That before he realized he had a damn arrow stuck inside his flesh… Then, he stopped and remained in the floor…

If one looked at Silanus' eyes, it could be seen all the agony Silanus was suffering… But well, what is done is done, and now, Silanus had to deal with the pain… After he realized the big leg was from Paradox, he… Well, he calmed down… The man said: "Oh, Paradox, you would not belive, Silanus is a step closer to become the chieftain of… Of the goblin clan! Oh, poor little Silanus needs your help, he HAS to go to his camp, on the land of the so-feared orcs! A medic, THE medic!" Silanus' voice slowly decreased, at the point it would be hard for a human to head him… He closed his eyes, breathing heavily and loudly, then he began to constantly touch the ground, searching for the amulet he recieved earlier… 

It took some seconds, but Silanus finally found it, and quickly held it… Then he opened his eyes a little bit and said: "Gratia… Gratia Postumia… She, she is the camp alchemist, she should have a… A way to remove this damn thing give Silanus streghts before the full moon… Please, take poor Silanus there, he will tell you the way to go to the camp… Take him there, before the time reaches, and Silanus shall lead the goblins…"

The goblins gave Silanus a last trial… There is an ogre in the neighboor land of the Highlands, the home of orcs. If he killed him within 7 days, he would lead the tribe. "
This is not lust for power… Silanus just needs every help possible to his cause, goblins would…. Would be most useful to him. Please, just follow the river to the south, you will find the camp…"

Author: Lou, Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 6:03 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox heard Silanus stumble up the stairs from the caves. She looked up, the straw sticking to the blood on her damaged hand. He smiled at her before collapsing on the ground. Slowly, she inched her way up right and looked down at him. Pride makes men foolish. She thought to herself as she eyed his injuries. They puff themselves up and think they can do anything and everything. It's almost as toxic as liquor is to a bird. She sighed to herself before turning over to her bag of supplies. 

She couldn't work spells with only one hand, so she looked for the herbs and bandages that she kept for times like this. She pulled them out with her good hand and sprinkled the dried plants on the bite on her wrist. She was glad the bleeding had stopped. The herbs stung briefly and she hissed under her breath. Once the stinging was subsided she took the roll of cloth and wrapped it gently, using large thorns to hold it in place. She flexed her fingers, and was pleased with her handiwork, even though it still ached. 

She reached down with her hands and grabbed the top of her foreleg. She bent it back around towards her and looked at it. It was deep, and she hesitated about sewing it. She twitched her hoof and saw that her tendons and deep muscle were still intact. Instead of sewing the torn flesh together, she mixed up a paste of the herbs and applied it to the wound. It stung and she bit her lip to keep from crying out. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes but she wouldn't let them come out and slide down her face.

The throbbing eased and she took up her bandage roll again. Gingerly, she covered the gaping cut in her lower leg and held together with another pair of large thorns. She checked herself over for any other injuries she might have missed before starting to put her supplies back in her bag. She stopped halfway and looked at the unconscious man lying on the floor. She stumbled unsteadily to her feet and limped painfully over to him. "Silanus." She said. "Silanus. You have to wake up."

Author: Silanus, Posted: Tue Feb 9, 2016 10:21 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Silanus saw how she refused his offer and thought: "What a damn shame…" he sheated his sword and simply said: "Very well… Silanus will play with the locals, you, well you rest or do whatever you wish." The man, with a fast but soft movement, hit his chest with his fist, as a signal of respect… After that, he just walked away.

Silanus remained inside the large cave for three hours, and the results were amazing, even for him… One would expect a small challenge, after all, goblin warriors can be killed with ease… However, those were… Different, simply special. This goblin tribe was organized, developed bronze weapons, and had even laws of their own! For this creature, this is simply impressive! In his adventure, Silanus fought against 16 goblins in a wide area… It was hard, but Silanus killed them all…

After murdering the warriors, Silanus wandered even deeper in the cave; he found a group of 27 goblins in what seemed to be the biggest area of the cave. A goblin, bigger than all other goblins, with a sharp short axe made of bronze and a thick armor made of bones and leather, walked towards Silanus… He… Spoke to him… Amazing! This goblin sat in the floor with a piece of coal and started to draw something… Of course, Silanus was curious in this tribe, and did not attack… For now…

The goblin finished drawing on the floor, he drew 5 things: A man fighting against three goblins, then the goblins were dead, then the man had an axe in his hand, after that the man was surrounded by goblins, and finally the goblins gave the man a rock and bowed to him…

It was pretty clear for Silanus the meaning of those drawings… If Silanus challenged the goblin chief and other 2 goblins and won, he would be the new leader… Impressive, now Silanus had the chance to be a chief of a goblin tribe… The man won and won, it was hard, but the three goblins were dead…

Half an hour passed after that and Silanus finally walked to the barn… He had dirt in his face, a small wound in his arm and an… An arrow in his leg! A flint arrow was shot there in a battle… He just smiled at Paradox and said: "Che did

Author: Lou, Posted: Sun Feb 7, 2016 7:05 AM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox looked at the man as he offered his sword with the promise of finding more goblins. She shook her head at him, tucking her wounded hand against her chest. "That is madness Silanus," she said quietly. "I don't kill for sport or for glory. I kill to defend myself, and that is all. You may continue your campaign down the caverns, but I will return to the barn." She stepped around him and limped back the way they had come. 

Blood oozed out of her cut leg, dripping onto the floor and making her hoof sticky. Her shirt was becoming blood stained from her mangled hand. She couldn't work her magic with only one hand, so her best bet was to get it bandaged as quickly as she could. The cavern seemed longer than the first time they'd walked down it. It echoed down here now, without their voices making any noise. Her footfalls weren't steady anymore, and scuffled a bit due to her injury.

She walked slowly down the tunnels and back to the stairs that led out of the cave. Carefully, she inched her way up the steps and was soon back in the barn. She walked painfully over to her pile of straw in the corner, lying down gently and extending her damaged leg away from her body. She looked at it, most of her lower leg was red from the deep cut. She rolled over on her side and sighed. She'd tend to herself if she could later. Now she just wanted to sleep, the adrenaline wearing off and the throbbing pain taking its place.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sat Feb 6, 2016 10:36 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

The centaur annihilated those goblins with ease! She crushed them or kicked them; none of the goblins survived… Silanus looked around, holding his spear with both hands, the place was silent now… However, it was obvious that there were more of those creatures here, since they usually live in large groups. Silanus had an arrogant, confident smirk… Yeah, his head hurted a little, that goblin's club was hard, but the adrenaline of battle… Ahhh… What a glorious, pure feeling. If there are more goblins here, Silanus would obliterate this plague… He said: "Ohohoh, perhaps Silanus could train a little, experience make the best. Killing goblins is a great way of training!"

Silanus put his spear on his back again, his right arm was covered with goblin blood… Disgusting… He looked at Paradox and said: "You… You have a great fighting style…. Crushing your rivals, old but gold… Silanus would be honored to fight against these goblins at your side…" The soldier stopped talking and unsheated his sword, then he softly held it and showed it to Paradox, after that he said: "But you need a weapon, a strong, sharp weapon… Take Silanus' gladius sword, use it wisely, come on… Come with Silanus, lets seek the glory we deserve! The glory that can only be obtained by victory!!!"

[Have a nice goblin artwork I found at google]

Author: Lou, Posted: Fri Feb 5, 2016 6:35 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox heard Silanus shout and saw the two nasty little creatures rush towards her. She didn't have time to reach for her bow and her bag was covering her dagger. They were upon her and she reared up, her head almost touching the cave's ceiling. She lashed out with her forelegs, each hoof as big the goblins bodies. She caught the one in the head and it flew back against the wall with a wail. The other with the axe swung wildly at her legs and she was forced to retreat a few steps. 

She brought her weight down on the goblin, pounding it into the earth with her hooves. It caught her cannon bone with the axe and she gave a beastly scream. She snarled at it, still screaming, and caught the edge of her hoof on its neck, severing the head from the body. She seethed and looked around for more, letting her beast half take control. She realized that they were dropping from the ceiling. She twisted around as she felt a light weight land on her back, spinning frantically.

She smashed her side into the wall and felt the small bones break, before the body slid off her side. She bared her teeth at the incoming goblins and rushed towards them, anger consuming her body. She reached down and grabbed a nasty devil with her hand, while trampling its companion while she ran over it. She felt the little creature bite into her hand, it's sharp teeth digging in deep into her wrist. She roared and with her other hand, slammed its neck into the wall. As it lost its breath, it's grip weakened and she pulled her arm out of its mouth. She threw the creature towards the other wall and it fell to the ground motionless. 

She looked behind her for Silanus. He seemed to be holding his own against the little creatures. She saw one jump at his head, but it was from the side, where his helmet blocked his line of sight. "Duck Silanus!" She yelled. She leaped upward, extending her hind legs out as far as she could and felt them collide with the small body just over the man's head. It dropped out of the air lifeless. Panting, she turned and looked for more. "I think that's all of them," she said, her voice hoarse.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Fri Feb 5, 2016 4:08 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Perfect, she had her own torch, now they both had torches. Silanus kept his own torch, but he did not lit it, because he didn't see any need to… After all, Paradox was leading the way. This cave was… Odd… The echo of strange noises could be heard everywhere; Silanus wondered: "What in the world is causing those noises? Is it just my imagination…?"

Silanus was nervous, really nervous… He often looked behind him to make sure they were not followed… However, he could not see anything… It seemed that Paradox, his centaur companion, was pretty nervous too. She mentioned how she had a bad feeling, that something bad happened… Before Silanus could answer, a screech was heard, a loud one. Suddenly, a small, green creature jumped to Silanus' back. This creature had a wooden club with iron spikes around it, and a strange thing covering it's head… It seemed to be a skull, perhaps an ogre skull, due to the large teeth it had. The small creature climbed the man's back and smashed his head with the club three times, but his thick helmet protected him… Silanus quicly punched the creature with his elbow, throwing him to the ground, then the soldier grabbed his spear and impaled it inside it's neck, obviously murdering it. Silanus yelled: "Goblin! There are goblins here, we are ambushed!"

Two more goblins appeared, this time infront of Paradox. One of it had an axe made with bones, quickly, the goblin jumped towards her …

Author: Lou, Posted: Thu Feb 4, 2016 11:40 AM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox jumped down into the cellar after Silanus, careful to avoid landing on him. She brought with her a piece of planking, covered in pine pitch at one end. She skipped forward a step, her hooves rattling loudly on the stone when she reached the ground. She bent down to the side, extending the rustic torch in front of her. She lifted up one of her forelegs, and raked her hoof against the other. A tall arch of sparks shot out from between her hooves and ignited the flammable tree sap. She stood upright and held the torch over her head, illuminating the cavern. She handed Silnaus his torch back and kept her own. Silanus said he would follow her as she led the way. Lucky me, she thought. She walked forward, the sound from her hooves echoing throughout the caves. The stone walls were shiny, they looked almost wet in the torch’s warm glow.

The cave was cool, and she couldn’t see the end of it. This is definitely not a cellar. She ran her fingers along the wall, and when she pulled back, the tips were slightly tacky. She licked her fingertips, the taste was salty with a hint of copper on her tongue. Odd, she had never been in a cave like this before. She glanced behind, making sure Silanus was behind her. She flicked her tail and felt his body with the long hairs. She knew where he was now, so she wasn’t tempted to kick him. She would have prefered it for him to put a hand on her flank, so fi the torches died she wouldn’t lose him and trample him accidentally.

She felt a draft pick up above her head and the flame flickered, but didn’t go out. She shivered slightly as the cool air went up her shirt. She had a bad feeling about this place, but she didn’t know why. Her ears flattened against her head and she felt her hackles rise along her back. “Silanus,” she whispered hoarsely. “I don’t like this place. Something bad happened here, I can feel it in the air.” Like static.

She kept going further into the cave and gradually became aware of the walls getting closer together. The cave was so narrow now that she couldn’t turn around if she wanted to. After a short while, it widened back out again and she heaved a sigh in relief. Suddenly there was a loud rumble and she felt the ground give way.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Wed Feb 3, 2016 7:05 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

After Paradox entered inside the caverns, she asked for Silanus' torch…. Well, she did break the other one, but… Why not? Silanus dropped his heavy backpack to the ground and began to search for his torch.."Damn, where did Silanus left his torch this time..? There…" The man mumbled to himself before finally finding the torch and taking it out… He quickly set it on fire, and before handing it to Paradox, he looked around and said: "Woah, this place is huge!" The cave had many, many small bats sleeping above the man and the centaur's heads. It had a complex system of tunnels, it was impossible that nature made those deep tunnels… Perhaps it is an abandoned mine or something… Who knows…

Silanus handed the lit torch to Paradox and said: "You lead, Silanus will follow…"

Author: Lou, Posted: Mon Feb 1, 2016 5:11 AM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Paradox stood still, smiling at the man as he spoke. He seemed vaguely confused, but then swiftly turned to joy and contentment. He liked her name. She was happy. She was proud. She was now a creature of her own making. An individual, not controlled and blinded by her herd in a blanket statement. She was no longer just a centaur. No, she was Paradox. She was now unique for her kind. If she returned to her herd in the forest now, with a name, she would either be banished, or made a legend. It was rare for centaurs to have a name, only the great ones of folklore were blessed to be given one.

She watched Silanus, the man was talking to himself again. She turned an ear and watched as he slid the pants up his legs. She turned slightly for modesty's sake, it wasn't polite to stare. Once they were on, she turned back around and was pleased to find they fit. With the pants and boots, he no longer looked like a soldier. She slung her pack over her side and walked over to him. She stepped carefully around him as he put on his armor, weapons and supplies. "I see they fit well." She said, observing his fast movements. The spell works. She was content with herself.

Silanus spoke excitedly to her, eagerly discussing the door in the floor. It's a cellar, she thought to herself. Not much in it, that I haven't seen before. He seemed very overly excited about it. Like a child getting a new toy. He pulled at the wooden handles and the old lock, but they wouldn't budge. He enthusiastically started to stab the small piece of metal with his knife, until it shattered the locking mechanism inside and broke free. He quickly opened the doors and peered inside.

Cautiously, she walked up behind him and looked over his shoulder. It was quickly revealed that what was under the door was not a cellar.  She looked at the man skeptically as he talked about the steps, horses were not made to go on them, and they were generally tricky with an extra set of legs. For him though, she would try, though she had a bad feeling about it. She looked at him, catching his scent. She was glad the new clothes didn't change it very much, the last thing she needed was to lose him in the dark. She glanced at the steps again. "I can fit on the steps," she said slowly, looking down at him. "I ask that you stay clear and as far back as possible. I have no desire to squish you, but a horse's quarters are not designed for stairs. I personally have very minimal experience with them and the last thing I want is for you to end up under me."

She looked at the dark cavern again, then back to Silanus. "But first, give me your torch, I will light it this time."

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 10:01 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

So… Silanus´idea was not that bad… She actually liked it… She liked a word as a name, a random word that she once said, and now, it seems that the random word is her name. Oh well, atleast she is happy, and honestly the name is pretty good… Silanus cleaned his rheumy eyes, once again with his red tunic; a small grin appeared on Silanus´face, the centaur seemed to be really, really happy, perhaps now they can be friends… After all, she´s not a divine or a goddess or a bringer of fortune, she´s just a normal creature, like him, like any other creature… Why not being friends? Silanus answered to the centaur, now named Paradox: "Seems you really liked the name uh? After all, Silanus´idea was not as bad as he thought it would be, heh… Same, Paradox… Silanus is pleased too…" 

Silanus yawned and his eyes covered with tears, this always happened when he yawned, and it was damn annoying…. He quickly cleaned his tears with his hand, and then, the man looked at the pair of pants, and said: "When Silanus came to this place, his orc socii… Ehem, orc friends, warned him about the cold… Damn, Silanus should have listened… Poor, poor Silanus…" The man stood up, stretched his arms, then his neck and finally his legs… Then, he quickly put on the new pants, under his small, red skirt of course. Now, his legs were completely covered with the warm, warm pair of trousers… What an amazing, beautiful feeling! The pants were a little loose for him, but… Who cares!? Now he won´t be freezing! Well… Atleast not HIS legs…

Silanus felt stronger, healthier than before, now he felt like he could carry all his armor and his burdens, and even more! The man ran towards his armor and, carefully, he put himself inside of it, then his helmet, his ankle armor, his weapons and finally his backpack… Even after all of this, Silanus was still feeling good! That was a holy pie!

Silanus gave an adventurous look to Paradox, and with a little smirk on his face he said: "Well well, don´t you just wonder what below this place? The gateway to the underground room, what does it hide, eh? Since Silanus first saw it, he felt like the door whas calling to him… Why don´t you come with me, come on, Silanus bets you fit through it!" Silanus walked towards the wooden gatedoor, it had a small, rusty, basic lock; of course that would not stop Silanus… The man grabbed his dagger and hit it like 4 or 5 times, until the old lock broke in half, unlocking the gate… What was it hiding? Why was it locked? Things like this are what make Silanus curious… He opened the dusty door… And what he saw inside it… It was not what he expected, actually, it was way better than he thought… A… A cave, why was a cave there??!! A damn cave under an abandoned farm, protected only by a locked gateway. Also, the gate had some stairs, even a rhino could walk there! Silanus laughted and said: "Hah, see? You fit there!"

Author: Lou, Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 9:58 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

The man finished his breakfast, wiping his face on his shirt. She watched as he slid on the boots. He seemed pleased with their fitting and looked eagerly at the pants. He was moving easier now, smoother. The pain must be leaving and she looked on content, knowing that she was able to at least take away some of the damage that she had caused. He mentioned the possibility of drugs in the pie, and she gave him a knowing look but didn't say anything. She would tell him some day, but that day was still a long ways away.

He looked confused and puzzled at her question. She focused on him intently, slowly getting to her feet. She hunched over slightly, to better look at him. He started speaking again and her ears were perked forward. Paradox. She tilted her head to the side, running the name through her mind. I am a living Paradox. "Paradox." One, simple word. Yet, it held so many contradictions. She was a contradiction. She looked at herself. Man and beast perfectly blended together in her body. A creature like her shouldn't exist, and yet here she stood, alive as the man at her feet.

She looked at the man and smiled, genuinely smiled. "I am Paradox," she said proudly. "My name is Paradox." She had a name. She was now an individual, no longer bound to her Centurian herd. She was her own person, and proud to be it. She walked away and kicked out her forelegs, almost consumed in her joy. She hopped and spun and bucked, her muscles rippling under her hide. She reared, showing off her full height, almost hitting the hayloft with her head. She twisted around, tendons popping out on her joints and hooves clawing the air. When she was done with that, she dropped her forelegs and rolled in a pile of straw. After a moment she jumped upright again, picking straw out of her mane. Her once shining coat was now dotted with dull patches of dust and straw fell off of her fur. 

She walked up to the man and stopped in front of him. She bent down and extended her hand. "Son of Adam," she said, still smiling broadly. "My name is Paradox and it is a pleasure to meet you, Silanus."

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 9:10 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

After some seconds, Silanus finished his app eating his Apple pie; his mouth got covered with some apple sauce and also a little bit of sugar. Of course, he quickly cleaned it with his red tunic… The centaur gave Silanus a pair of thick, warm boots and a pair of pants that would cover his legs, even his knees! Of course, the soldier was always wearing his tunic or his skirt that his armor had; but his culture had nothing against pants, so… Why not? Why wouldn't Silanus wear the pair of pants? 

Silanus removed his pair of leather boots and put his feet inside the other ones. They had warm fur inside it, how nice! The boots were just perfect for Silanus' feet, not bigger nor smaller, simply perfect. Somehow, he felt… Better. His pain was almost gone, and the marks of his arms were still there, but he couldn't feel them… Amazing! Of course, the soldier did not know she did cast a very basic healing spell on him. Silanus smiled when he felt better, and said ironically: "Wow, believe it or not, Silanus actually feels better, way better! Maybe the pie had a kind of drugs or something like that… Who knows!""

Silanus was eager to chance his pants, but first he asked the centaur's name, and listened carefully to the answer. Those were some deep, sad words. She was… She was asking him what is her name… So, in few words, she wanted him to… Name her… Silanus thought: "N-now, what should I say?"

Silanus sighted deeply, then finally said, a little nervous: "W-well…. Silanus only knows human names, perhaps orcs names too… But no cen…" He stopped talking for a brief moment… Yesterday, the centaur said that she was a… A living paradox, pfft, of course! But Paradox is a long name… He continued talking: "Well, since you said you are a Paradox, what about ehm… P-pary…?" 

Silanus' happiness dissapeared inmediately… He was dissapointed to himself, it was A SIMPLE QUESTION! A NAME, NOTHING ELSE! N-A-M-E!!! What kind of idiot would answer such a thing like……Pary………. Who knows if she liked it, but bah… Who would??? Silanus closed his eyes and looked down, then he said: "Silanus has a friend who gives good names, he's called Martinus, perhaps be would give a better name than… Pary…"

Author: Lou, Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 6:14 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She watched him walk away from her and crouch by his pack. He spoke, saying that his neck was injured and moving it was painful. She gave a sharp intake of breath and stared at the floor. His neck.If I had damaged it too much he could be paralyzed, or even dead. She hissed at herself. How could she be so foolish. The last thing she needed was a body and blood on her hands. She turned and walked over towards her corner of the barn, where her pack was. She bent down and scooped it up by the strap. Quickly, she dug into it, tossing out the old pants and boots that she had taken from the human house. At last she found what she was looking for. An old book of forest lore. She cracked it open and started skimming swiftly through the pages. Her eyes never stopped scanning the thin parchment. 

There it was, the healing spell. She memorized it and slid it back into her bag. She hoped it would help, at least slightly. Nature magic wasn't especially strong, but sometimes it sped the healing and numbed the pain. She leaned to the side and grabbed a handful of the dry dust from the barn floor. She cupped it tightly in her hands and concentrated. She closed her eyes and said the spell under her breath. Then she opened her hands and blew the dust towards the man, like one would blow a kiss. Dust heals dust.

Once all the dirt was gone from her hands, she opened her eyes and hoped the spell would work and relieve the man of some of his pain. She wiped the dust and dirt off her hands and picked up her pack again. She looked at the pants and boots thoughtfully before picking them up as well. She went to the man, where he was starting to eat his breakfast. "It will be cold before long," she said to him. "That shirt and armor will not keep you warm. My fur is good so I have no need for these." She tossed him the pants and boots. She walked a short distance away and laid down, extending her forelegs out. She rummaged in her pack for her rations and pulled them out. Mostly roots and some dried fruit. There was also a few mint leaves to chew on after. She ate her food quietly while watching the man.

 The man started to speak and she looked at him attentively. He asked her, her name. She looked away from him and gathered her thoughts. "Son of Adam," she said, more to herself than to him. "Centaurs do not have names. We are not given names when we are foals like human babes. We live in herds. All foals are Brother and Sister. All stallions and mares are Father and Mother. We do not single out individuals by giving them names, we are all one in the herd, not separate entities."

She ate her food quietly. "But I am not part of a herd anymore," she said with a hint of sadness. She looked at the man, her appetite forgotten. "Son of Adam," the words spoken slowly. "What is my name?"

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 5:39 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

It was a surprise for Silanus when the centaur stood up, she walked toward him slowly… The man thought to himself: "Did I awake her? Oh well, let's just hope she is calmer than yesterday…….." Silanus listened closely when she made that small, and obvious comment…. He raised his right eyebrow, licked his lips and finally said: "Well, you maaaaaaay have, but the marks in the arms are the last thing… Silanus is no doctor, but he thinks that when you slamned his head, his neck was damaged a bit…. He can barely move it, heh…" 

The soldier's neck was indeed pretty damaged, of course it was just a minor damage, but still… He sighted deeply and said: "But it is done, perhaps, if Silanus is lucky, the pain will ease after a good breakfast!" Silanus slowly crouched and opened his backpack, a small apple pie was there, with a raw rabbit leg that, after he cooked it, would serve as his lunch… Sadly, when Silanus was attacked by the centaur, he had his backpack on… So well, the pie got smashed, but it's still edible…

Silanus frowned when he saw the almost ruined pie, but well, what could he do? He was not in the mood to yell at the centaur, after all… The wounded man grabbed the pie and gave a small bite, when he finished chewing he said: "You know, Silanus does not know your name, but well, he thinks you already now his name for well, obvious reasons."

Author: Lou, Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 5:10 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She slept for a long time, her sleep dreamless. She heard the rain stop several hours later and the sounds of birds starting their daily songs, as well as the sound of several obnoxious cows. She felt the soldier next to her move and flicked an ear casually. She opened his eyes and watched him stand up stiffly. She laid still and silent and watched as he looked around the barn, now that he could see. He stared at the ground for a long time. She noticed that it was wet and shiny. Possibly a leak somewhere. She thought to herself. 

The young man walked to the edge of the room and she focused both her ears toward him in interest. He unbuckled the heavy armor from his body and let it drop to the floor with a hollow clang. He also put on the ground a small pack, as well as his sword and spear. What is he doing? He now stood, bare of his armor. A thin red tunic covered his body and extended down to almost his knees. She lifted her head off her arms as he heard him start to mumble to himself. She stared at him for a few more moments before lifting up her human half. 

She gave a long sigh, her equivalent to a yawn and shook her body, making her mane fly. She stood up, stretching out first her forelegs, and then each hind leg individually. She stepped over the mound of straw and walked towards the man. As she went, her eyes caught sight of a mark on the man's arm. At first thought it was a tattoo of some sort, it was so dark. Only then did she notice a matching mark on his other side and realized it was of her own making. She looked down and avoided his eyes. She stood behind his shoulder, her voice very soft. "How badly did I hurt you…"

Author: Silanus, Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 4:12 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Oh, how could Silanus sleep there? The damn rain made this place even colder! If it wasn't for the pain, the man would not have fallen asleep that fast… However, the centaur stopped acting so violent, and instead, she even curled around Silanus, and, finally, the centaur began to sleep too… Her warm fur would surely make his slumber better…

A new day started, the heavy rain slowly stopped, and gray clouds covered the sky. A small caravan of merchants passed by, but that did not matter, at this moment, the only thing that mattered to Silanus was to sleep some more…. Some more… Maybe two or three ours more… Sadly for him, this could not be possible, the cows he released yesterday, were close to the road; they mooed to the travelling merchants… Those damn animals could not keep SHUT…! Oh, poor Silanus, how would he sleep with the cows making so much noise? The man, with less pain than yesterday, finally woke up…

Was… Was the centaur sleeping around him? Now, that is clearly something un-expected; the armored man wanted to stand up, without waking the sleeping centaur. She was lucky, very lucky, how could she sleep with the damn cows there? Well, who knows… Centaur things maybe… Silanus slowly stood up, trying to make the least noice possible with his burdens…

Silanus finally stood up, hoping the sleeping centaur did not wake up… Now, he could completely see the whole barn. The dead worm was still there, the ants were gone, and the floor was wet. Silanus walked to the opposite side of the room and removed his heavy armor, leaving him with his short and thin red tunic… He dropped his armor, small backback with the little food he had, and his weapons too… The poor man could not even stand his burdens, the pain was weaker, but it was there…

Silanus talked to himself: "Woof, poor Silanus will not be able to sleep anymore with the cows… Well, Silanus wonders what the heck is inside the underground room, perhaps he will look in another moment…"

Author: Lou, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 9:41 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She watched the young man stand, slowly, as he got to his feet. His anger appeared to be gone, replaced by the pain she had caused. He moved stiffly, and promptly sat back down. He started speaking again, commenting her on her strength and way with words. She stepped back, her tail swished behind her hocks. She tried not to take the flattery to heart, he was just a Son of Adam after all. But his words carried weight behind them. 

She watched him stop talking for a second, her ears perked forward. There was the creaking of metal as he moved to lie down on the straw. The sound didn't seem as loud as before. She heard a new sound now, a soft patter on the roof. The rain had started, like she thought it would. The thunder would still be a distance away, but she still felt it through her hooves. The low, steady rumble of the storm, like a growl from a creature above the clouds. At least the roof of this place is good, she thought.

She took a step toward her mass of straw in the corner. She stopped and turned around, facing the sleeping soldier. It would get colder still, and she recalled him shivering earlier. His light tunic and armor would do nothing against the cold and drafts. She walked towards him, though a large part of her was saying that this was a very bad idea. She stood next to the sleeping body, and carefully, oh so carefully so not to wake him, she folded up her hind legs and curled around him. She tucked her forelegs under her chest and pulled her bag close. She laid on this, resting her head on her arms. She stared at the sleeping man, watching him breathe for several minutes. Only after a long time did she close her eyes and allow herself to rest.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 9:14 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Those were the smartest words Silanus has even listened to. He was a fanatic of poetry, and he considered himself to be a basic philosopher… Silanus' mother was a skald, and his father a dignitary and a general, he learned much from then, of course, before they passed away… A fanatic of poetry and philosophy like himself, considered her a great philosopher, possibly the best one he has ever met.

Silanus slowly stood up, his arms and his head were hurting, but he tried to simply ignore the pain… The man tried to stay still, but he felt a great pain in his back, so he sat down and said: "Y-you surely kick hard… A-anyways, even if little Silanus is dissapointed, after listening the sad, sad truth, he has to be strong… However, believe it or not, you are… Brilliant…"

Silanus stopped talking for a brief moment, and then continued talking: "My people would seek guidance from you, divine or not, you speak nothing but the truth… Silanus' clan, the Remnants of the Fratis, is in the l-land of the orcs… I-if you are interested, you can go anytime… B-but for now, let Silanus rest, for his guts hurt after such a beating…" 

Silanus laid his body on the ground, the mighty roar of a thunder was listened from miles away… After that, a heavy rain stormed the place, naturally, some water fell inside the abandoned barn, but it was no trouble… In a few seconds, Silanus finally fell asleep…

Author: Lou, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 7:55 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She stared down at the struggling man below her. He yelled and screamed and cursed at her. She held her bearing even and did not strike back at him again. She was sorely tempted to though. He would deserve it too. But she wouldn't do it. If she roughed him up too badly, she would most surely kill him, even without meaning to. Armored or not, he was still a human, even a large one was considered quite fragile to her kind. She was brutal, yes. She would not deny it. She was rough, and mean, and aggressive. But she was not a killer.

She listened to him speak. Her ears tipped to the sides, instead of flat to her skull. She felt her hackles flatten and she straightened upright again. He is not stupid. He is merely ignorant and blinded by impossible faith. She looked down at the beaten man before her, her eyes softened. Very carefully, so as not to damage the man more, she shifted up and dropped her hooves down to his sides. She didn't desire to hurt him anymore, and she looked at the deep hoof marks in his arms, almost guiltily. 

"Son of Adam," she said quietly. "Centaurs are no different than your kind. We are not the symbol of perfection that your people seek. There is none. Perfection is an idea, not a reality. I have searched for perfection for a long time, and it safe to say it doesn't exist. I'm sorry." She looked down at him, her ears pinned down not with anger, but with sadness. "Centaurs are both good and bad. Inside us dwells hatred, fear, anger, rage, greed, and jealousy. Like other mortals. But we also harbor joy, happiness, bliss, trust, and love. Some of us are just better at controlling one side over the other."

She paused for a second, her thoughts trying to turn into words in her head. "As for a leader," she started. "That is something that I am not. I am not a follower either. I prefer my own path, to following those of others, or leading others down mine. I just don't want to accept the responsibility of anyone besides myself. I am not a leader, but I am not a follower. I am a beast, and yet I am a man. I am good and yet I am bad. I am honest, and yet I still lie. I try to do good, and yet I still do wrong sometimes. I am a contradiction. A living paradox…"

Author: Silanus, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 7:24 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

But… Bit why? Why was the centaur being so rude with his worshipper? In the tales, centaurs are mighty semi-gods that led the way to the kelonians, an example, a leader… Not… Not an enemy… Not this! She even tried to kick him, and she did! Praised be the kelonians, if Silanus would not have been wearing his thick, steel armor, the centaur's hit would have been fatal… 

But then, this ungrateful centaur stood on Silanus' arms, struggling was useless, this heavy creature's legs would not allow it… Now, she was menacing Silanus… Really? What a dissapointment… She was not a bringer of fortune, not at all… Silanus frowned, now all the respect he had for her dissspeared… He said: "You… You legendary bastard! This humid land does NOT allow fire for that long! Even if you would not use your brute abilities to turn it off, the water scattered in the air would simply lower the damn fire, until there is nothing left!!!" 

Yes, if you got an angry centaur above you, it is not very wise to yell at it. She grabbed his head and slammed it against the ground, even if Silanus had a helm on, the hit was strong, and the pain big. The warrior, at the moment, unable to defend himself, said: "After all, tales are tales… Poor, poor clumsy Silanus, actually believing that the centaur would be a divine, or atleast actually help him… Centaurs were described as leaders, examples! Not the barbaric beast YOU are!!!" 

Silanus could try to hit the centaur with his knee, but it would be useless… He was not strong enough to hurt her with a mere kick…

Author: Lou, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 6:04 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She laid on the ground, her head on her arms as she listened to him speak. He was so loud, it was bordering on obnoxious. He continued ranting on and on about giant rats and orcs. She had never seen a rat larger than a cat, and was quite doubtful of his story. If he was trying to scare her it wasn't working. She looked at him when he paused for a breath. He had a slightly confused look on his face and she lifted herself back up, so that her human half was upright. Casually, she reached up and started braiding her hair.

She tried to look interested when he started talking again. This time it was about darkness. Oh, and back to the bloody yelling again. She pinned her ears back and ground her teeth. He was really starting to pick at her nerves. Once he was done yelling, he appeared to calm down. Finally, some quiet.  She thought to herself. She was done braiding her hair and reached for her bag at her side. The man moved suddenly then. Reaching swiftly for his pack for something. She quickly found out what it was as a bright orange light lit up the barn from his torch. 

Fire! She lunged upright, standing on all four feet immediately. She rushed over to the man and reared up, her front hooves knocking the torch from his hand. A loud animal screams escaped from her mouth and she pounded her hooves into the fire. She twisted and pitched, her hooves snapping into the fire like twin snakes. At last the flames died, and the coals were extinguished. Her forelegs were burned and the hairs on them singed black, the smell of burnt fur clung to her like a cloud. 

Her nostrils flared as she turned to the man. Her breathing was fast and she felt her hackles rise. Her ears pinned back and her lips rolled back into a snarl, exposing her white teeth. She lunged at the man, a hoof knocking him down to the ground. She stood on his forearms, leaning her weight back so as not to completely crush his bones. She leaned over to stare him in the face, her mane falling to the side like a stream of fire. "What. Were. You. Thinking!" She screeched at him, more animal than man. "This is a barn! Not a military encampment. This building will go up like a matchbox. The wood is dry and seasoned and there is hay and straw everywhere." She took her hand and slammed his head into the ground. "You will either start using that brain in your skull, or I will make it leak out your ears." She glared at him, letting her sharp hooves cut into his arms.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 5:40 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Silanus? Scared? Well, not scared, just disturbed, humans do not have an ability to smell and know what is and is not there… He licked licked his lips before talking, and said: "Well, a rat bigger than you, that eats orcs and even trolls, is no joke, noble centaur… The rats that live inside the land of orcs are bigger than one would think…." Silanus was a little confused… Was this really centaur really one of the mighty creatures that the tales of old described? The bringers of luck? Was she actually a centaur…?

Silanus continued talking: "And, Silanus is not scared of the darkness… He is scared of what lurks inside it, stalking you, waiting for you to lower your guard, and then… A-and then murder you, SLAY you! Just like what happened to poor Silanus' friend, Levius… They got him, you know, noble centaur??? GOT HIM!"

Silanus began to accelerate his breathing, shaken and now, afraid… He reached for his backpack and lit a torch… It was full of rusty iron nails, the wooden floor in it a long worm was dead, being eaten by ants… It all seemed normal for Silanus, except for a big gatedoor that led to a underground room…

Author: Lou, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 5:11 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She looked around the old barn. It sure was dark inside. She saw several large cobwebs hang from the beams and several holes in the floor of the hay loft. She watched a piece of straw fall gently to the ground as the dust settled around her. She picked her way carefully around the broken planks from the doors, the last thing she needed was to get a splinter in one of her frogs. Once she was inside, she stopped and closed her eyes for a second. She sniffed the air, making sure there was no danger. Old wood, hay, dirt, manure, and cattle were the only things inside here. Maybe an occasional mouse, but that would be all. It was safe here. She would stay here until the rain stopped.

She heard a loud clunking and banging and slowly turned her head to face the doors. The armored man sauntered into the barn and looked around. She flicked her ears back. This was going to be a long night…He sounds like he just dropped a whole line of pots and pans. At once. She snorted, slightly annoyed. And I thought centaurs were loud…This man even puts them to shame. The man stopped moving for a second, and she relished the sudden quiet. And the span of silence was cut too short. He pulled out his sword and proceeded to break the old wooden fence. And started yelling after them. This man was insane.

She reeled around and strode up to the man, her ears pinned to her skull. "What was the point of that?" She hissed, glaring down at him. "Those cows were tamed, they would not survive a day out there by themselves. Not only that, but they now pose a hazard to anyone out on the road. " She shook her mane and walked back into the barn, slightly more aggravated than before. The only reason she picked this barn to sleep was because it was out of the way. That she would not draw unnecessary attention to herself. Yes she broke the door, but she could never make it through one of the tiny barn windows. But now this crazy son of Adam is making noise and releasing cattle. She would have to leave in the morning now, whether it was still raining or not. She didn't have much choice now.

She found a mound of old straw in the corner of the barn and used her forehooves to spread it out. She turned and stood over it, before collapsing first her hind legs and then her fore legs. She tucked a hoof under her chest and unslung her bag from her side. She glanced at the man as he spoke again, her anger already starting to subside. "What kind of a soldier are you, if you are scared of dark buildings and large rodents," she asked, her voice skeptical. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 4:38 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Oh, how great, how kind! Those were good news! But, she doesn't know where she is going? Odd… Usually centaurs travel short distances, and in larger numbers… But this did not matter, perhaps, if he sticks around with rhis centaur, he would recieve a little blessing…

Silanus saw how the strong centaur kicked and destroyed the wooden doors… Damn… I wonder what would happen if she kicks a person… How many bones  would destroy? Hehe… Silanus thought. The armored man picked his helmet, his shield and his weapons, and walked to the abandoned barn; the cows looked at him, what are this creatures doing here, without people? They are just trapped there! How cruel, if a cow is going to serve as your lunch, atleast give it some good last days, not just leaving them there! Silanus un-sheathed his sword and with a swift, violent movement, he slashed the old fence and broke it… After that, he said: "Be free, cows! And thank you for blessing us with your milk and, some times, meat. There, cows, be free!" 

The cows had very few water left, perhaps for some more days… Silanus released just them just in time; the lazy creatures stood up and slowly left the abandoned barn… A cow even licked the man's arm! Hah, what a noble creature.. 

Silanus sheated his short sword and walked inside the barn, besides where the centaur stood; the place had hundreds of cobwebs, spiders, lots of dust and some rats… He coughted for a while, perhaps he got sick or something, or maybe it was just the dust… The armored man said: "This place is really spooky, hah! Look at all the mice, Silanus hopes that we don't encounter a giant rat, he once saw a dead one, what an awful thing…"

Author: Lou, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 8:26 AM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She watched the man stand up and continue to stare at her. She turned her head to the side and lowered her forehoof to the ground. She wouldn't attack him, not yet anyway. She flicked an ear as she heard his armor rustle against itself. He was shivering, she realized. Why? It wasn't that cold out. She looked up at sky, it was darkening quickly and she could feel through her hooves the roar of distant thunder. She didn't have much time before she would be soaked in the rain. She looked at the man at her feet, his head barely coming up to her rib cage.

He asked her a question, almost pleading. She stared at him, her ear flicked thoughtfully. She needed to get to shelter as well. A small voice in her head told her she couldn't leave this man out by himself in the rain, with the minimal gear he had. He'd probably freeze. Another voice in her head said to leave him alone, she didn't trust humans very much. She didn't really trust anything for that matter. She glared at him and stepped around him, careful to avoid stepping on his unprotected feet. Hooves were so much more practical than fragile paws.

After a few steps, she paused and sighed to herself. She turned her head to the side and called to the man. "I do not know where I am going myself." She said, flatly. "But if you can keep up, you are welcome to join me." She turned back and started walking back down the road. She walked for a while before seeing an old barn a ways off the road. She hesitated, looking around for any sign of human activity. Seeing none, she vaulted over a tall fence and stood in the field. The cows were all lying down under the tree cover, yet another sign that the was rain to be coming. She went quickly across the field to the old barn and stopped in front of the double doors. She wouldn't bother trying to get into the windows, she couldn't have managed that when she was a foal. 

She looked up at the old structure. It would suffice for a night or two. Now, how to get in…She thought to herself. She tried the handles on the doors, and they resisted strongly. She dropped her hands back to her sides and glared at them. She wheeled around and kicked out her back hindlegs. Her strong hooves collided with the old beams and they broke in. The doors fell to the ground in a crash, old wooden planks and splinters flew everywhere. She faced the door again and nudged some larger pieces out of her way with a forefoot. She ducked under the jagged remains and entered the barn, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 7:50 AM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Now… That is clearly something new. The tales Silanus heard as a child did not mention this… Perhaps she did not know that her ancestors were the companions of the legendary kelonian, which Silanus holds sacred. However, if she wants to be Silanus' equal, so be it.

Silanus stood up, staring at the centaur; he had so many things to ask! The armored man was trembling, the Highlands are too damn cold! He was hungry and thirsty, also tired… Silanus tols her: "As you wish… B-but before you go, would it be too much if Silanus asks if you, wonderful creature, would give Silanus a place to rest this night? For Silanus has no place sleep, nor to go…"

Author: Lou, Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 5:30 AM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She watched him from the road. He reached for his sword and she took a quick step backwards. She watched him take the sword from the scabbard and place it on the ground. He let his spear drop to the ground as well. She stared at him. Odd. What is he doing? She had never seen a person do this before, normally they would raise them up to fight her. But this was really quite strange. The young man dropped his shield and removed his helmet, revealing a shock of dark hair on his head. He stared at her intently, which she met with the same intensity.

The man walked towards her, slowly and calmly. She felt her hindquarters tense, ready to fight or flee if needed. She had seen him drop his gear, but still wondered if this was a trap of some sort. She briefly looked around to see if there were anymore men around. She only smelled the one, but she'd been tricked before. She saw no one else, so she returned to stare at this strange man. He was closer than before, gradually getting closer to the ground. She tipped the hoof of one of her forelegs to the side, in case he planned to jump up at her last minute. She was ready to rear if he tried anything, she could squish him easily, he left his armor by the side of the road. 

He stopped just before his forelegs and crouched down.  He started speaking to her, in a strange tongue that was similar to her own. Human speak. He prayed to her, called her a goddess, worshipped her like a god. Her ears flicked back and forth, unsure. She didn't know what to make of this man, as he sat quietly, waiting for an answer. 

"Rise Man," she said, looking down upon him. "Get to your feet so that we may be equals. I am not the goddess you speak of, only a mortal like yourself. Neither is any of my kind a god. I view you and all men as equals, even though I am myself a beast. I have no desire to be worshipped or admired. I just ask that you let me go and continue my wanderings in peace." 

Author: Silanus, Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 9:52 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

What a majestic creature… A centaur with human robes… Those creature usually walk in a larger number, why was this one alone? She is clearly a female one, I wonder if she has a family… Why is she alone? Are the tales my family told me… False? Silanus thought. Alone or not, Silanus considered himself the luckiest person in Canelux… However, if he had to earn this fortune, he had to pray to her, and make a small offering…

Silanus feared that this majestic centaur looked at him as a danger. He unsheated his sword and left it in the ground, then che dropped his spear, his dagger and finally his shield. After that, Silanus removed his helmet and left it with his weapons… He slowly walked toward her, and finally, he did kneel with respect…

Silanus closed his eyes and prayed to her: "Oh, mighty centaur, messenger of the Kelonian gods, bless Silanus with the will to survive those travels, here in this dangerous place! Forgive Silanus, for he carries few with him, just a mere piece of bread, his burden and water! What, oh mighty Centaur, what shall Silanus do for you? For he is a mere human, and you, a goddess, daughter of the kelonian gods!" 

Silanus remained in his praying position, waiting for Her answer. The Kelonians were a culture of people, who perished long ago. It is said that the centaurs were sacred to them. However, the kelonians were not, nor are gods, but Silanus and his kin hold them sacred…

Author: Lou, Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 8:34 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

She walked slowly down the narrow dirt road. She gripped her rough leather bag and shifted it to her other side. She had found it next to a string of clothes next to a barn that were hanging out to dry earlier. She had left a few silver coins in their place. Her hooves clipped quietly over the gravel, drawing the attention of several cows in a nearby field. She looked at them, ears perked and alert. They eyed her lazily, unimpressed, and continued on chewing their cud. Good, they don't seem to mind me around. She thought to herself. She kept walking, a small cloud of dust following in her wake. She flicked her tail, the long free hairs at the end swishing loudly at the pesky flies. It was almost nightfall and they were still out. Filthy blood-suckers. 
She yawned quietly and watched the sky gradually darken into a shade of midnight blue. The clouds floated overhead, changing colors with the sky. She dropped her ears slightly at the sight of them. Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning. The sky was a dark blue, with no hint of red coming from the setting sun. Great. It's going to rain. That will make things difficult. She picked her hooves up and started on a brisk trot. She had to find shelter before it got too dark. And stay out of sight. People didn't take too kindly to her sort. She didn't blame them, her kind was generally rude, loud, and rambunctious. More animal than man, with no sense. Maybe that's why I left? She thought. Because I'm more woman than horse? She gave a short laugh. Hah! She was a 100 lbs human and 1,200lbs horse. She was definitely more beast than anything else.
And yet here she was. Walking down the road. With a bag. With human clothes in it. Wearing a human shirt. What a joke. She smirked to herself. I'm a living paradox. A beast trying to act like a human she's not. 
She felt a quick sharp stab in her forefoot and jerked upright in surprise. She stopped moving and gingerly put her foot back on the ground. The pain came back, straight up her cannon bone. She gritted her teeth and bent over, while lifting up her hoof. Stupid rocks. Her fingers found a large stone between the wall and frog of her hoof. She hooked her nails under it and flicked it out. Almost immediately the pain was gone and she stood back upright again. 
Suddenly she smelled something. Something wasn't right. She flicked her ears back and forth, trying to catch the sound of something unfamiliar. When she heard nothing, she scanned the area very slowly with her eyes. Her nostrils flared and she reached slowly for her bow. Danger! Danger! Screamed a voice in the back of her mind. She pushed it down and continued to look for something that was out of place. She felt a fine line of hackles ripple down her spine and she swished her tail. She took a cautious step forward and then turned to the side. Then she saw him. Standing still as a statue, she almost didn't think he was real. A young man in armor. Staring right at her. Oh. Crap.

Author: Silanus, Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 8:00 PM, Post Subject: The wonders of the North [P]

Oh, how dangerous, but pretty are the mountains of the of The Highlands! Some tribes here welcome the outsiders, however, other tribes, are not-so kind with them. 

Silanus is there for an easy reason, diplomacy; Since he is the leader of a clan of rebels who plan to take down the Empire of Adeluna. But, for that, allies are required, so an easy way to make some allies to their cause is there. Sadly for Silanus, this was a slow day for him, he only found two tribes of farmers… Why would a farmer ally him? He did not even bother to ask…

Today, he and other two men came to make allies in the Highlands, but they went alone to make it faster… Damn… It is almost night, and the place is surely cold… Seems that the poor man will have to make a tent, and sleep, hoping for the morning to come and warm him…

Now what? A man of hot places, sleeping in this damn place? Oh, Silanus really hoped this night finally finished… The armored man stood up and packed his tent, hoping to find a nearby tribe or someone to help him… After some minutes of walking, he found… A horse? Since when horses travel alone? He looked at the creature… Could it be? A centaur?! If it was really a centaur, the man had a better luck that he expected… Those sacred people bring fortune!!