Josef was traveling through the dragonlands, specifically the Draconi forests. Now where he come from the surface world was a very dangerous place. You had creatures of all sorts who just love to kill men and shorter versions of men. He heard had heard stories of the Draconi forests and how dangerous it could be, the name incorporated parts of the dragon, but his kin had said the same thing about the surface world and the surface world... was filled with monsters. But it was also filled with beauty, and there were the manlings, who weren't all that bad. Still, Josef entered the forest for two reasons. One to map out a path, and two to...well explore really. He wanted to see dragon, a proper one mind you, not like the one he had fought. Josef hadn't seen any dragons yet, but he was able to admire to beauty of the forest. He seemed to be referring the surface word to that a word lot these days, the word beauty. Le'raana was in general a sight to see, it might even rival the first time he left the hold.
As Josef was trekking through the forest he just so happen upon a pond. He walked over to the edge to see his reflection, then he smiled at himself. He looked up to admire the rest of the pond, it actually seemed very surreal.
Lula was sleeping when she heard the forest go quiet, a general indication of a stranger in their midst. Her eyes opened and she glanced around, then up.
Hm. Human? No, not quite. The creature had a different feel.
Curious. Eyes glinting, the nymph moved a little closer to the surface of the pond to get a better look.
Josef's eyes were keen enough to catch the glint. He brought up his crossbow and quickly began backing away. Even if this place was beautiful there was no telling what kind of monsters could be lurking behind that deception.
Lula squeaked and dove back toward the bottom of the pond. She didn't know what it was exactly, but she knew a weapon when she saw one.
Josef eyed the pond suspiciously for a few minutes, but then he relaxed a bit. It was probably a fish that was a bit close to the surface. He heft his crossbow upwards with one hand.
Deciding she was out of danger for the time being, Lula swam to the other end of the pond and poked her head just above the surface, eyeing the stranger from the safety of a reed cluster.
THe dwarf had his back to the Lula as he set down his bag and crossbow. He was fumbling around for somthing inside his bag.
Curiosity piqued, Lula moved a little closer, along the edge of the pond. She kept quiet, but there was the very faint sound of moving water.
Josef had decided to rest for a while. He sat down against the tree, he took a chug of ale from his mug then took out a pipe and lit it. He took a puff of it before closing his eyes to take in the atmosphere.
The nymph crinkled her nose. Ducking under the water, she piped up, "Pardon? Could you not do that? The trees don't like it."
Josef blinked, was his smoke finally getting to him? Maybe it was the drink... but did somthing in the water just talk?
Lula frowned. Perhaps he couldn't hear her. "Excuse me?" she piped up a little louder.
Josef snuffed out his pipe, before getting up and slowly inching towards the thing.
Lula's yes widened and she skittered back through the water, causing ripples to lap at the shore. "N-no, stay there."
Josef's hand instinctive went to his axe by his side, but kept it there. "Who's there?" Josef shouted
The nymph squeaked and moved further back so the length of the pond was between them. "Just- keep your distance." She was not used to people venturing so far into forest and she wasn't really sure what to do.
"I want hurt ye, by me beard. But ye must show yerself in return" said Josef, watching the pond carefully.
Very, very slowly, Lula popped her head out of the water. She watched him with narrowed eyes, treading water warily.
"Alright that's a start." muttered the dwarf. "Do ye speak?"
Yeah they can speak, You probably spooked it with your crossbow. Gawfy said through his helmet as he approached from behind. He walked toward dwarf. Whats a dwarf doing around these parts anyway? Gawfy asked
The arrival of a second stranger was enough to spook Lula back under the water with a small squeak. She didn't go far though, watching warily from just below the surface.
"I dinna recall askin' a manlin' that question, unless thar be somthin' wrong with yer hearin'." grunted the dwarf, not turning around.
Fair enough. Gawfy knelt down Didn't think they had information on nymphs in draven holds. Gawfy said
Lula kept her distance now, still watching the two strangers as she treaded water just below the surface.
"Aye, but we be learnin'." said the Dwarf "Now, who may ye be?"
Gawfy He said. Just Gawfy He said as he looked for the nymph that was beseeching the dwarf. What do they call you? He asked eyes still fixed on the water
"Josef Grinsbeard." said the dwarf. "What are ya doing in these parts?"
Just got done hunting. Now im just wandering around, See if anything wants to fall in my lap
Gawfy said. Dont see alot of dwarven folks around these parts. Gawfy stated
"I'd be surprised if you did, we dawi folk prefer living under the great mountains then trudge around in the forest." said Josef, folding his arms.
Gawfy nodded, then eyed his crossbow. That's a nice crossbow you have there. Gawfy said.
The sides of it look a little sharp, I take it it doubles as a melee weapon? He asked
"Aye, a weapon, and a tool." said the dwarf, a hint of pride to it. "A lot of metal you have there... a bit much for a hunter."
What i hunt is a little... oversized Gawfy said As he took his sword off of his back. You can inspect it if you want. I know draven folk like to admire good metalworks He said
"They clearly were haflings, no respectable dwarf would call that hunk of metal a weapon." snorted the ranger "What? Do you just bludgeon things to death with that thing?"
Well Sometimes. Try to keep at least one side sharp but as you can imagine Its expensive To get someone to work on it. Gawfy said As He Holstered it on his back. Its more geared towards Bone breaking and Internal injuries. Works well on all manner of beasts. Gawfy bragged.
"What ever ye say manlin'. Ancestors are important, but even we dwarves evolve, if not just a little." said the Ranger dismissively and uninterested. "So what kind prey brought ye here?"
A Dragon,Male Seems this area hasn't had any dragons of sorts And This one seems to think This is his territory. The Village A half a days walk from here had had enough and pooled their Gold to Hire a mercenary. Gawfy said as he sat down. Whats got a Dwarf around here of all places? He asked
"That business is known of yours." snorted the dwarf. "Good luck with the dragon, your going to need it when you get cooked alive in that... thing."
I thank you for your concern. Gawfy said sarcastically For the record This isnt my First Dragon, Besides there are much more dangerous creatures i Have to Kill after this.Gawfy Looked over To the Dwarf's Axe. That's a nice Axe. Gawfy said. Can you use it?Stretching his arms out with his left arm pointing towards the dwarf as it relaxed.
"Won't be much used to me if I didn't" frowned the dwarf.
You would be surprised. Lot of people carry big weapons to intimidate folks and dont know the first thing about using them He said.
"How ironic." Snorted the ranger.
Gawfy chuckled. [i) yeah i guess you could say it is[/i]
"What ever you say, umgi" The dwarf found himself repeat. "Best be on your way then."
Gawfy stood up. Yeah i guess i should. Goodbye Josef. he threw up a hand As he started walking. May you be more pleasant If or when We meet again Gawfy Walked off into the horizon