Weston -- Logs

Weston Soundstage
Wollem National Park Gate
The two lane road widens as it comes around a corner, splitting into six lanes. Four small huts cross the road ahead, with wooden arms dropped down between them. The toll huts are long since abandoned, with windows shattered and doors ajar knocking and creaking in the wind. Beyond the park's toll gates, extends a shining mass of ashphalt. The huge parking lot extends a couple kilometers in length, with room for a couple thousand cars, dozens of RVs and a hundred busses. Currently, the parking lot is empty.
Only a few scraps of garbage bounce in the wind across the lot, snakes of heat trails in the distance coming up off the ashphalt. Trail heads and interpretive hike paths lead off from several points around the parking lot. Wooden bridges and walkways link the paths onto the main trail heading up into the forest.

Bethpage, Doctor Chong, Kavanaugh and Pitch Black make their way, slowly, to the edge of the national forest. When they arrive, Geneviev and Saburo are waiting with the newly-repaired APC.

Dr_Chong smiles silently in greeting when he sees Geneview and Saburo.

Kavanaugh moves forward to the APC, a bit worriedly. "Everything's working fine with it now?" he asks, looking over the replacement wheel job.

Geneviev looks up at Kavanaugh as she takes out the folded camo-'blanket' for the APC.

Saburo is wearing his helmet again, but is breathing through it's cbr filter instead of off the canned air.

Dr_Chong is carrying his helmet in his off hand still.

Dhori looks up at Bethpage when they arrive. "I go find Antyrii Big Family.. come back get you. You wait here. Yes?"

Saburo looks at Dhori. His faceplate changes color a few times as Saburo scans him with multioptics.

Geneviev just stares at Dhori when she sees him.

Bethpage has not yet removed her helmet or switched to outside air at all. She eyes the others who have silently, wondering. Dhori's question jolts her back to the present. She nods, trying to be a nice calm person in a funky black suit with no face, "Yes, Dhori. We will wait."

Dhori looks over at the two new humans and looks nervous. "They not eat Dhori?"

Bethpage tries not to sigh heavily. "They won't eat Dhori either. Er. No, they won't eat you."

Dhori nods at Bethpage, then scampers off into the woods, disappearing quickly into the folliage.

Saburo shakes his head slowly.

Saburo says, "Maybe we should get what we're carrying with us ready now."

Kavanaugh arches an eyebrow as Dhori dances off into the underbrush. "So, how has your day been so far?" he asks Saburo and Gene cheerfully.

Bethpage sighs once the kid-creature goes. She turns to her teammates who were absent from the discovery of Dhori, and says, "Glad you made it back safe, guys. We've been invaded by elves."

Geneviev blinks and glances at Saburo and back to Kavanaugh. "Uhm...not as exciting as yours, I would think."

Saburo says, "I didn't know elves lived here too. Was that a child?"

Bethpage says, "Maybe they're aliens. Not sure it matters, really. Either we kill them or we don't. So far our only specimen has been very childlike and harmless... uh, Saburo? What do you mean, here too? Does Japan have elves?"

Saburo says, "Aliens? "

Kavanaugh frowns, then blinks, looking slowly at Saburo quizziacally. "Yes, what did you mean by 'here too?'"

Saburo says, "In Japan there are many myths of elves, and goblins, and fox-spirits and demons."

Geneviev says, "Has it....called itself an elv?"

Saburo says, "You called it an elf."

Bethpage says to Saburo's question, "Well, they could be aliens trying to masquerade as elves. That's not much weirder."

Geneviev nods. "And it looks like one, Saburo?"

Dr_Chong says, "Elf like creatures are common in many mythologies. Dhori said his people moved around a lot. Perhaps that could explain that common element in myth."

Bethpage says, "He didn't actually say he was an elf, no... he called his species, um... Antyrii, I think."

Saburo says, "Well, maybe that's what they saw on the sattelite. "

Saburo says, "Maybe they have the information we need."

Bethpage nods to Saburo, "Yeah. That's what we were thinking."

Dr_Chong says, "Dhori also mentioned another tribe or species called the Dowrani, that he seemed to fear."

Saburo says, "So what should we bring with us to their camp?"

Bethpage says, "There's apparently at least two kinds, yeah."

Saburo says, "Two kinds? Well, let's hope we just met the friendly ones."

Dr_Chong says, "We should be prepared for anything, just in case."

Bethpage says, "I don't want to leave my weapons behind. We can't trust these things."

Saburo says, "I'm keeping my armor on."

Geneviev looks around. "Yes...if it was a child, there's no telling that the adults will behave as fearful."

Saburo unhooks his helmet, though, and takes it off again. he straps it to the top of his backpack.

Bethpage says, "They may be friendly. I figure, if they're really friendly, they won't mind that we want to stay armed against an attack of Dowrani surprise."

Dr_Chong notices Saburo, and straps his helmet to his pack the same way.

Kavanaugh nods slowly in agreement. "Yes, we should go armed. Not that they'll be the Devil's own legion, but there are certainly other things to worry about than that. We should, however, not overburden ourselves, if possible."

Saburo pulls leads out from a pouch on his belt, and plugs them into jacks hidden behind his ears. He plugs the other ends in to his pistols. He takes a second pair of leads out, and attaches them to his machine guns. He fastens the leads at his collar, so he can easily switch between them.

Bethpage says, "I don't really think the Devil's legions are going to be a problem, Kavanaugh."

Saburo says, "If they turn out to 'be' the problem, we'll solve it. No worries."

Kavanaugh does a quick check of the gear he's carrying, being careful to check that he has no chambers loaded. "Never ran into them m'self, Beth, so I couldn't tell you wether they would or not."

Kavanaugh frowns a bit as, in his checking, he comes upon his deck, and remembers. "Oh, that's right," he murmurs. "Saburo, Gene, you should see what we found from the camera...."

Saburo says, "We should have raided Sydney better, and got smaller trucks, maybe. Or dirtbikes."

Saburo says, "Oh yeah? "

Bethpage says, "It's Page, Kavvie. --Oh yeah. Showing them might be a good idea..."

Saburo takes out a smoke and walks over to Kavanaugh.

Geneviev walks over, still holding the camo-blanket.

Kavanaugh starts unpacking his deck and a small flatscreen. "Don't complain, we got a perfectly good vehicle with this here APC. The Lord truly did bless us. Oh, sorry, Page, forgot for a moemnt there...." He manages to get the thing set up, but hesitates before starting the video. "I gotta warn you both, it's a bit gruesome." Then he plays the video for them.

Bethpage murmurs, "No prob, Kav," and waits for the others' responses to the video.

Saburo says, "That definitely explains the skeleton with the wounds..."

Saburo says, "He is very skilled with that sword."

Geneviev hmms. "Pretty strong. Sword, though?"

Saburo says, "Don't sneer. Enemies who sneer at my sword have often found their sneer widened into a red grin of death. If we see this one, shoot it."

Geneviev looks at Saburo. "Did you see me sneering?"

Saburo says, "You seemed to be."

Saburo shrugs. He lights his cigarette.

Geneviev hmms. "A sneer involves a smile, but a little less friendly. Like this." She executes a perfect sneer at Saburo.

Saburo smirks. "Perfect."

Saburo says, "That creature is fast with it's sword. Don't let it get that close to you."

Geneviev nods and returns to a more neutral expression. "Would someone help me with this camoflage?"

Dr_Chong moves to help Geneviev with the netting.

Saburo says, "Why don't we drive it up the road and park it under the trees?"

Bethpage moves to assist as well.

Geneviev nods and steps away from the truck. "My all means. Not too far, though. He's got to find us again, right?"

Bethpage says, "Dhori did ask us not to move. I'd hate for his parents to decide we'd invaded their territory. If we move the APC, the rest of us ought to stay here til the driver gets back, so we're doing what we said we would do."

Saburo says, "They'll find us. We're not hiding."

Kavanaugh provides, "The driver shouldn't be alone, either. Okay, who wants to come with me to hide the APC?"

Bethpage says, "Suit yourself. I told the kid we would stay here. We're meeting potential allies who outnumber us. I'm staying here like I said I would."

Geneviev shrugs. "Let's just hide it over there and then come back and stand over here."

Bethpage nods, "Works for me. I'm just feeling paranoid."

Saburo sits down, and closes his eyes, breathing deeply. He meditates, concentrating on what he saw in the video.

Kavanaugh nods, and slips into the APC, starting it up.

Geneviev climbs into the APC with the netting. "This shouldn't take long."

Kavanaugh says, "Nope, not at all!" as he drives the APC only couple dozen yards to conceal it in the brush."

Geneviev climbs out and starts unfolding the netting, tossing one end over to the other side to unroll it over the vehicle.

Kavanaugh helps Gene to unfold the netting and arrange it atop and around the APC. Once done, he stands back, hands on hips and grinning. "There!" he exclaims. "If I didn't know any better, I'd likely bang my head walking into it." Pause. "Oh, you hush, Yarnchaser."

Geneviev nods. "Good. Let's remember where we parked it." She takes a slow look around.

Kavanaugh nods cheerfully, and tries to take some line-of-sight bearings on some noticable landmarks, before starting back to rejoin the group.

Geneviev returns to the others with Kavanaugh and Yarnchaser.

Bethpage looks around, trying to see approaching Antyrii in the trees.

Geneviev takes out her canteen and drinks the entire contents without stopping for breath.

Kavanaugh glances over to Gene and sees her draining her canteen, starts to say something -- then simply doesn't, turning his attention without comment or gesture back to scanning the brush for their visitors.

Dhori comes back out of the woods, two others are following behind him, but they stop at the edge of the forest to watch. One is a male with blonde hair and the other is a woman with chocolate brown hair. Dhori continues until he reaches the group. He smiles. "They let you come."

Saburo gets up, and picks up his rifle.

Saburo watches the two older aliens, engaging his telescopic vision for a closer look.

Kavanaugh blinks, coming more alert, but doesn't immediately draw any of his weapons. "Ah... what are their names...?" he asks, a little wanting for something to say.

Dhori points over his shoulder at the older Antyrii that are waiting by the edge of the forest, "He Tahlael.. she Nimlia. They Elders."

Dr_Chong bows in greeting to the elders and introduces himself.

Saburo says, "They don't look that old to me."

Kavanaugh blinks, looking over to the Elders, and nodding politely, then looking back to Dhori.

Dhori grins a little at Saburo. "They elder to Dhori."

Saburo says, "Well, let's follow the breeze and go then."

Bethpage grins behind her helmet. "Are they going to eat us, Dhori?"

Geneviev picks up her pack and pulls it on, tightening it.

Dhori laughs, "No. They not eat you. Humans eat Antyrii.. Antyrii not eat humans."

Saburo moves to Doctor Chong's side, and motions towards the two elders. "Shall we?"

Bethpage slips her own pack on, little enough though it's carrying. "Just checking. Ok, Dhori, let's go."

Geneviev blinks at the doctor. "Humans eat Antyrii?"

The Elders stand, waiting for the group to get close. When they do, both nod, almost in unison, then turn and begin walking into the woods. Dhori follows them and motions to the group that you should follow as well.

Dr_Chong nods his head, ready to depart.

Saburo muttters, "Bloody Australians"

Kavanaugh says dryly, "I don't think they're aboriginies, Saburo."

Saburo follows them into the woods, staying close to Doctor Chong.

Bethpage follows, looking around for Antyrii ambushes.

Kavanaugh brings up the rear, if someone doesn't push him ahead first,

Saburo remains alert as he walks, listening and looking into the surrounding woods.

Dhori grabs Bethpage's hand and tugs her a little closer to the Elders. "Elders want meet humans who survived. They curiosity too."

Quiet seems to be the order of business, so Geneviev makes as little noise possible as she moves.

Geneviev's hand moves instinctively to her sidearm when Bethpage is grabbed, but she doesn't yank it.

Pitch_Black cracks the seal on his helmet and pulls it off, patting down his pockets for something. He pulls out one wrinkled cigarette from a thigh pocket and leaves it in his mouth. He doesn't light it yet. Fire bad, he thinks, No point in spooking the indigs. Yet.

Bethpage twitches when seized, but reminds herself it's just a kid. It's just a kid and allows the short alien to lead her.

Up ahead in the forest, the group spots another one of these Antyrii standing in the trees. He is tall, as they all seem to be, but he has flame-red hair, similar to Dhori's but without the red-hair complexion to go along with it. He is wearing clothing made of leather and his hair has been braided and dread-locked with leaves, beads and feathers. He is leaning against a bow and watching the group approach.

Saburo looks the new Antyrii over. He must be a perimeter guard.

Pitch_Black snorts a bit, and hides the grin behind his hand under the pretense of adjusting his cigarette. If I say 'hail and well met' to this guy, I'm gonna inhale my Yeheyuan.

Kavanaugh looks over at the fellow standing in the trees, and adjusts his kepi a little. "Well," he says quietly, "we're certainly not alone out here....

Geneviev nods. "Indeed."

The two Elder Antyrii, identified as Tahlael and Nimlia by Dhori bow to this Antyrii and move to take positions on his right and left.

Geneviev says, "Arrows hurt as much as any bullet. They just take longer to recycle."

Bethpage eyes the new creature thoughtfully. Cute, for a freaky forest elf. I would hate to try to sleep with that hair, though. I'd better not try that style. Wonder if it's going to try to kill us with that bow soon.

The new Antyrii smiles at the group. "Welcome. Dhori tells me that he met you in the human city to the south. That you survived. We are very interested to meet you."

Pitch_Black says, "Likewise."

Saburo says, "Not as interested as we are to meet you, I would bet."

Kavanaugh blinks as the man speaks. "Same here, actually. Er, to meet you, that is."

Bethpage says politely, "Yes, nice to meet you too."

Dr_Chong waits silently at the ready, attempting to discern intent and any untruths.

He motions to the two at his sides. "This is Nimlia and Tahlael. I am Taiat."

Saburo lowers his rifle and rests the end of the barrel on the ground. "Maybe you can answer our questions."

Saburo says, "I am Saburo Toshihiro."

Pitch_Black says, "Dhori mentioned you, Taiat. He said you might be the one to help us out. He gave me the impression you're the one in charge."

Bethpage nods at Saburo's words, and addresses the fiery-haired Antyrii. "I am Bethpage. Shall we share information about this place?"

Kavanaugh says, "Er, Father Henry Kavanaugh....""

Geneviev tips her head. "Geneviev Beauchamp."

Taiat nods, "Yes. Dhori told me that you had many questions that he was unable to answer. I hope that I can answer some of them for you. I have questions for you as well. But, we'll make our way to the camp before we begin questioning each other."

Saburo says, "Lead the way..."

Taiat says something in what can only be his home language, to Nimlia and Tahlael. They leave, heading farther into the woods. He gives them a moment, then smiles. "Please. Follow me." He turns towards where Nimlia and Tahlael went and starts walking.

Bethpage follows, wondering what Taiat said the the other elves...

Dr_Chong follows along, observing silently.

Saburo says, "Where did you send them?"

Taiat turns to Saburo, "Oh. I sent them ahead to tell the scouts that we were passing."

Bethpage looks back at her party... "Hey, guys. Can we all don helmets for a moment please?"

Saburo says, "What do you scout for? Everyone here is dead and gone. "

Pitch_Black says, "Everyone human."

Taiat raises an eyebrow. "The Dowrani are still very much alive."

Saburo says, "The child said that name didn't he?"

Bethpage says, "Yes, Saburo. Dhori did."

Saburo turns on his internal comm broadcaster. "What is it Page?"/

Geneviev glances at Bethpage. "Mine's in the APC."

Bethpage says quietly into her mike, "I noticed we're kind of talking over each other here. It would be easier if only one of us asked the questions and supplied answers to the elves for awhile."

Saburo replies on his comm, "Sounds like a good idea. Who?"

Geneviev nods. ~Yes. We could just do this if we have something for that person to ask of the...elves."

Bethpage says quietly via comm, "Pitch did a good job with the kid when we met him. I didn't especially. I'd suggest him for now, unless somebody objects."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes on his comm, "Whatever you decide is fine with me. I will make suggestions if I think of anything we might have missed."

Saburo subvocalizes, ~If I think of any questions, I'll let the spokesperson know over the comm link.~

Geneviev adds, ~Father Kavanaugh seems to have the most experience talking with other species.~

Bethpage says over her comm, "Sounds good for me too, Saburo. Maybe we'll get a chance to talk to these guys one on one later, too. I'm curious about them."

Saburo subvocalizes, ~I'm mainly concerned with two things. Just what it is they think we've 'survived' from, and why they're afraid of these Dowrani.~

Saburo nearly snickers out loud. He covers it with a fit of coughing.

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, Most likely they think we survived the disease and have been here all along.~

Bethpage wishes that her gloved hand could politely cover her helmeted mouth for a good giggle after Gene's comment... she grins hugely inside the helmet.

Kavanaugh subvocalizes into his radio, "Thank you for the kind words, Gene, m'child, but Yarnchaser and I have a rapport that I simply don't have with Dhori's people. Oh, hush, Yarnchaser, don't complain, it's the truth. I've no problem with Pitch Black. God grant you the tongue of St. Augustine, m'son."

Taiat comes to a stop at the edge of the clearing, and motions for all of you to enter. It is not a large clearing, but a large fire burns merrily in the centre, with a deer spitted over it. Around the clearing you can make out small huts, though they look to be made of animal skins and not permanant housing. "Welcome to our home."

Pitch_Black grins a little, still following behind and a bit to the right of Page; with his helmet still under his arm he holds up his free hand and signals over his shoulder; First and second fingers upraised: V, Victory, it's all good.

Dr_Chong bows to Taiat, giving him honor for his welcoming us.

Geneviev looks around curiously.

Bethpage looks around. So we have better field gear. Doesn't mean they don't kill well the good old-fashioned way.

Taiat says, "Please excuse us. We do not all speak the human tongues here and therefore many will not be able to communicate with you."

Pitch_Black looks up and around, scanning the clearing. "It's no problem. You haven't been here long, looks like."

Taiat shakes his head, "Not long, no. We haven't found a good place for a more permanant settlement and don't wish to begin setting one up until we are sure we have a good place."

Bethpage sees Dr. Chong bow, but hesitates too long wondering if she should try it too, and doesn't do anything at all. I'm an ugly statue. Yeah. That's the ticket.

Saburo stands a little behind the Doctor. He's looking around curiously.

Pitch_Black says, "If you don't mind my asking, where were you before? Not that Australia isn't beautiful country, but it's a little remote..."

Taiat frowns a little. "I don't know the human names for the area, I'm afraid. It was in the northwest of a large continent. Mountainous forests."

Pitch_Black narrows his eyes a bit. He can't be talking about Europe. "So what made you come all the way down here, then?"

Taiat says, "We'd heard rumours that the Dowrani were on the move, towards here and wanted to ensure that we were able to keep an eye on their activities."

Pitch_Black refrains from adding, And if they check my sneakers at the gate, they damn well would've remembered you at United.

Dr_Chong subvocalizes into his com, He's telling the truth, but he's holding something back I think.~

Pitch_Black says, "So what is your history with the Dowrani? Something heavy, yeah, to come all this way after them...?"

Saburo subvocalizes, ~Keep an eye on them, huh?~

Taiat starts to walk towards the campfire as he speaks, apparently leading you towards it. He sits down when he gets a little farther into the clearing. Some fallen logs have been set up here, slightly away from the fire, like a meeting place. "The Dowrani are our cousins. It is good to keep up with what they are doing, as it can often affect our kind as well."

Bethpage subvocalizes, ~Maybe they didn't move here voluntarily, they ran? From the Dowrani?~

Saburo finds a spot on the log to sit down. He rests his rifle against the log, close at hand.

Pitch_Black hms. Swing and a miss. It's like talking to water. "If you'll excuse my getting right to the point, Taiat... what are they doing? We think it may have something to do with what happened to this continent."

Geneviev stands at the end of one of the logs, still looking around. ~Ask if they know what killed the humans?~

Taiat nods at Pitch. "Yes. We believe that they may have caused this as well.. but we just don't know."

Geneviev glances at Taiat. ~That'll do.~

Pitch_Black says, "Do you know why they'd be involved?"

Kavanaugh settles down as well, seating himself on the log, and letting down his pack. The cat slinks out and unusually curls up sleepilly in his lap, stretching out briefly after being in a kevlar rucksack for so long. He subvocalizes, "What makes him think that the.. these Dowrani caused it?"

Saburo looks to Doctor Chong briefly.

Taiat smiles sadly, "That is much easier for me to answer. The Dowrani wish to eradicate humans, utterly. Their hatred for humankind runs deep and strong."

Bethpage decides to sit down too. Her feet are tired, and she can shoot from there if she has to... Oh, shit. I definitely think I'm not inviting the Dowrani to my next party, at this rate.

Saburo subvocalizes, ~Seems to me like he's telling the truth....~

Pitch_Black mms again. Well, that was easy. "Taiat, you can tell the difference between Dowrani and Antyrii, yeah?"

Taiat continues, "Their leader believes that humans are vermin that have stolen the birthright of the Elven People from them and he wishes to make you pay."

Taiat nods at Pitch, "Yes.. There are differences."

Pitch_Black says, "Sounds like a real charmer. If we showed you a likeness of one, think you could tell me if you recognized them?"

Saburo looks uneasily at the elf, his hand moving unconciously to one of the mini smgs strapped to his leg.

Taiat nods again. "Yes. I could tell you from a likeness, as long as it was not a long-distance view."

Geneviev's brow furrows. ~These people don't seem like they'd have the technology to engineer the virus that was unleashed here. Doctor?~

Taiat motions Dhori, who has been sitting nearby listening, over. He says something to him in his language.

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~I have not seen any signs of technology yet, but that does not mean they do not possess it.. Or something equivilent.~

Pitch_Black turns. "Hey, Padre. Show 'em the Inigo Montoya footage?"

Dhori nods at Taiat and dashes off towards the tents.

Kavanaugh frowns slightly. Elves. He, Taiat, actually called himself an elf. Kav had thought that the elves were just the remnants of pre-Christianity Albion relgions-- He blinks. "What? Oh! Right, moment...."

Pitch_Black says, "I'm guessing this is probably one of them, Taiat... but maybe you can put a name to the face."

Kavanaugh blinks again, freezing as he starts pulling out his deck. Did he just say 'Renthal' to Dhori...?

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~That sounded like the word or name Dhori used when we showed the tape to him. Renthal.~

Pitch_Black pauses a moment when Taiat mentions that name again. Huh. I suspect we're about to find out.

Taiat waits for the likeness to be shown, patiently.

Geneviev blinks. ~He recognized the face on the recording?~

Bethpage frowns. ~Yes, it did sound like 'Renthal.' Maybe he's one of the Usual Suspects?~

Saburo crosses his arms, studying the elf.

Kavanaugh recovers, and sets up the screen, freeze-framing the image on a good capture of the darkling's face.

Pitch_Black says, "You recognize this guy, Taiat?"

Taiat looks at the screen, frowning thoughtfully. "He is definitely one of the Dowrani. It looks like it might be Alamsech, but I can't be completely sure."

Saburo hmmmms.

Pitch_Black says, "Anyone special? Or just one of the crowd?"

Kavanaugh makes note of the fact that Taiat doesn't seem at all perturbed or distraught or confused by the display of technology, which Douri had called some kind of magic earlier. He puts that on a mental sticky-note right in the front of his mind.

Saburo says, "You two don't look that different to me."

Taiat looks at Saburo. "There are small differences. Their features are slightly more angular and they are, on the whole, pale and a little more slender." He turns to Pitch, "Alamsech is, for lack of a better term, the third in command of the Dowrani Empire. He is one of the Warlords."

Saburo spouts out, "Empire?", clearly surprised

Kavanaugh blinks. "I wonder what made that woman so important that she warranted his attention, then."

Geneviev chews her lip. "Uh...how many strong is the Dowrani Empire?"

Pitch_Black keeps his face blank, though he thinks, I should have guessed that. God. I never did like Robert Jordan. He lets Taiat answer the other questions before going on... about twelve more are blossoming in his mind.

Dhori comes back to the little meeting area, with another person in tow. This man is one of the elves. He has long black hair, dark eyes and pale skin. He sits down next to Taiat and studies the group carefully.

Bethpage subvocalizes, ~She might not be important, Kav... just a little bit of fun.~

Saburo studies the new arrival.

Bethpage looks the new elf over.

Kavanaugh nods very slightly. "That's true, Page," he subvocalizes, managing to sound sad. He looks over curiously at the new arrival.

Taiat says, "I don't know that she was important, aside from the fact that she was human and not dead. Yes, Empire. That is their term for their Kingdom. I don't know how many they are these days.."

Pitch_Black says, "These days? Uh, how many were there before?"

Geneviev nods. "How about a guess, then?"

Taiat turns to the other elf at this point, "Renthal? Perhaps you can answer this."

Renthal looks over at Taiat from his study of you. "The Empire numbered in the tens of thousands before the humans began to strengthen and take over ou-- their lands."

Bethpage decides after a moment of studying Renthal that he's not as friendly-mannered as the other elves seem to be. She keeps an extra eye on this one.

Saburo says, "He's a Dowrani, isn't he, Taiat?""

Pitch_Black says, "Tactful as ever, Tosho."

Geneviev listens to Renthal. "And now?"

Taiat nods at Saburo. "Yes, he is."

Saburo says, "Like a samurai, straight to the point."

Saburo smiles.

Kavanaugh catches Renthal's slip of the tongue, then looks sharply over to Saburo as he makes his denoument. He tries not to reach for his SMG. Or his holy water -- wait, he doesn't have that with him. He tries not to throw Yarnchaser at him. Yarnchaser would kill Kav if he did that.

Bethpage frowns, but suspects Saburo may be right... and Taiat confirms it. Oh, boy.

Renthal shrugs. "They are probably still in the high thousands, though their strength dwindles with each generation."

Geneviev blinks. "Thousands?"

Pitch_Black says, "Mmhmm. So you don't share the genocidal impulse?"

Geneviev subvocalizes, ~And they didn't ever show up on scans?~

Bethpage winces. We may not like Renthal's answer...

Renthal shakes his head at Pitch. "I do not. If I did, I would still be with them."

Pitch_Black says, "Change of heart? Or just tired of it?"

Saburo subvocalizes, ~Maybe he can tell us how they killed the humans. That girl who was killed by their warlord was just one. The rest of them didn't die like her.~

Renthal says, "I had a differing of opinions with Lord Lakusta. I believed that the humans did not need to be eradicated, only conditioned to stay away from our homelands."

Geneviev nods soberly to Saburo.

Saburo asks curiously, "Conditioned?"

Kavanaugh says slowly. "Where... where, specifically, is your, the Dowani homeland?"

Bethpage snorts, though she tries to keep it quiet. Conditioned. Hello, Pavlov.

Renthal nods, "Yes. Conditioned. There was a time when the humans feared us and wouldn't have dared venture into our homelands. I believed it was time to teach them to fear us again. Where? The forests of the Old World. It is in what I believe is now called "Germany" "Austria" and "Switzerland"."

Pitch_Black hms. You're all heart. "I see. So, do you know how they managed to clear off an entire continent? If it was them?"

Renthal shakes his head, "That I cannot answer. I was exiled when they had decided to wipe the humans off the face of the planet, but it was before they had figured out how they were going to do that. I believe, firmly, that it was them that did this, though."

Bethpage sits very still, fingers itching. Oh, I want some quality time with this one. Teach me to fear, your ass...

Pitch_Black says, "All right. Let me ask you one more thing. How is it that you've stayed out of notice here? There are a lot of eyes on this island right now."

Saburo gets the uneasy feeling that they'd have us believe they've been staying out of notice a lot longer than that...

Taiat answers this question. "We keep to the trees for their cover and our scouts keep us alert to any unusual activity in the area."

Kavanaugh lets out a breath slowly. I can see it, he thinks. Oh, Lord. This makes for an uncomfortable arrangement. He glances at the cat, completely asleep in his lap. "Yes, Yarnchaser, I'm sure they had nothing against cats. Your concern is overwhelming me."

Dr_Chong vocalizes, ~I notice he has not asked us anything about our intentions here.~

Saburo replies, ~So have I. But I'm in no hurry to lie to them.~

Pitch_Black says, "I think your cousins have put everyone here into a bind, whether they realize it or not."

Bethpage flips to IR on her helmet, on a whim. Let's see if we look different than Them this way...

Taiat nods, "They have. We realise it. We only wish that we'd discovered what they were going to do before it was too late."

Pitch_Black says, "Then you understand what might be at stake."

Taiat says, "To an extent, though I'm not certain that I understand from the human perspective as you do."

Geneviev frowns. ~Best not to tell them about the vast glass parking lot at this point, Pitch.~

Bethpage sighs, away from the mike so as not to hiss. Nope. Damn. We all look about the same.

Pitch_Black says, "The details aren't really important, from that angle. So, tell me something. If you're all relatives, why aren't you out slicing up coeds too?"

Bethpage switches back to looking at the world the normal way.

Taiat tilts his head to the side, "I'm sorry. I'm not sure I understand.. "Coeds"?"

Pitch_Black shakes his head, "Uh, nevermind... Why aren't you interested in putting us to the sword as well?"

Taiat looks vaguely horrified at the suggestion. "The Antyrii believe that the humans belong on this planet as much as we do, and have as much right to it as we do. We would not try to take that away from them. We believe that the humans could, given enough time, become a valuble ally to the Elven Kingdoms."

Geneviev glances at Dr. Chong. ~Perhaps getting a blood and tissue sample from one of the elves would come in handy at some point. Help us figure out the differences that allowed them to wipe out a continent of people without effecting themselves.~

Saburo says, "I think I like you, Taiat."

Bethpage grins fiercely and subvocalizes, ~Yeah. Maybe Renthal will volunteer.~

Geneviev gives Bethpage a quick smile.

Dr_Chong vocalizes, ~Do you think they would willingly submit to that or do you have a sneakier way Gene?~

Pitch_Black nods. You know, I'm betting the whole nuclear devastation angle would really bum you out, Taiat. "Then I guess it's a good thing we found you first. We need to find out how they did... whatever they did, to the continent. At this point... It looks a little early to rule out magic. Maybe you can help us figure this out?"

Renthal looks at Pitch. "Are you finished questioning me, or do you have anything else you want to ask?"

Geneviev answers, ~I don't know the answer to that one. Maybe if one gets hurt you can offer to help.~

Pitch_Black says, "I'm done, Renthal, unless you got something to add."

Taiat smiles. "We would be more than happy to assist you in your search."

Dr_Chong vocalizes, ~Will do.~

Renthal stands and turns on his heel, walking back towards the tents.

Saburo says, "We will need to get our gear from our truck."

Geneviev watches him leave, considering testing out her laser sighting...

Taiat watches Renthal go and smiles apologetically. "Please excuse Renthal. It is much easier to learn than it is to unlearn, but he is loyal to us and not to them."

Saburo says, "We will see about that."

Kavanaugh has remained, for the most part, quiet and thoughtful throughout this, petting the sleeping and laconic cat.

Pitch_Black says, "Some habits die hard, I guess. Doesn't matter for right now."

Saburo says, "Do the Dowrani know you are here?"

Taiat looks over at the fire. "Are you hungry? The deer is nearly ready to be eaten.."

Bethpage's eyes get wide behind her concealing helmet. We're camping in the woods with the elves? After we met Renthal? Does this freak nobody else out but me? She repeats the first two sentences subvocally.

Saburo says, "Food? What a gracious gift to offer us!"

Saburo says, "Domo Arigato."

Taiat says, "We don't believe that they are aware of our presence here. But it won't be long before they realise, I'm sure."

Pitch_Black says, "I'd be more worried about them accidentally advertising themselves to the outside world."

Taiat says, "They will be careful. They've been hiding from humankind for a very long time. They have their ways."

Bethpage frowns, and subvocalizes, ~Fairytales say never to eat what they offer you...~

Dr_Chong vocalizes, ~We can stay on guard during the night. I cannot detect any falsehoods in anything they have told us.~

Saburo replies, ~I'll test it out for you then Page.~

Saburo follows Taiat, more than happy to have some deer.

Geneviev nods. "As have you, I suspect. Did your entire nation move here or did you leave some of them behind in Bavaria?"

Bethpage's stomach protests her resolution, though. It's been a lot of hours since she put on the damn suit... and she's thirsty, too. She watches Saburo, unsure if she's more worried or jealous.

Taiat motions to a pile of trenchers on a mat on the ground. There is a long knife sitting next to them. "Please, help yourself. It is our way here."

Dr_Chong says, "I thank you for your offer Taiat, but I do not eat meat."

Taiat shakes his head at Geneviev. "No, many remained in our homelands. We are not in this "Bavaria" though. That is where the Dowrani are. We are far from there."

Geneviev sits down on the end of the log that she's been standing next to, nodding thoughtfully at his answer. "I don't eat meat, either. Thank you, though."

Taiat nods at Doctor Chong, "Is there something else that we can get you, then?

Saburo helps himself to a feast!

Dr_Chong says, "I am fine eating the rations I brought with me, but thank you for offering."

Taiat nods at Doctor Chong again. He gets up and grabs one of the trenchers and cuts a piece of the deer off for himself. He sits back down on one of the logs and eats.

Saburo subvocalizes between bites, ~So, what are we going to tell *them* about us?~

Dr_Chong vocalizes, ~I am suprised they have not asked us more so far.~

Saburo says, ~Maybe they already know~

Pitch_Black sits down someplace out of the way, quietly watching the clearing.

Geneviev looks thoughtful for awhile, watching Saburo and Taiat for a few minutes. She blinks and answers, ~It seems that our mission doesn't really suprise them.~ She opens up a thigh pouch and takes out a couple of blue wafers and bites into one with a snap.

Saburo says, "This is good!"

Saburo says, "Oishi!! as we say in Japan."

Taiat finishes off the bit of meat that he had cut for himself. "How is it that you survived where the rest perished?"

Bethpage looks at the meat being carved. The Dowrani seem to have killed the other humans in a manner that seems to have gone away. Maybe. I shouldn't eat with the elves, but... I think it's safe to breathe, now.

Saburo busies himself with eating, letting someone else answer that one.

Kavanaugh glances between Bethpage and Pitch, and then down at the cat. "Well, only one way to tell, Yarnchaser." He scoops the cat up in his arms and meanders over to where Saburo is. "Oh, come on, don't tell me you never had venison before. You haven't? Oh, that's right, we couldn't afford it. What do you mean, 'what's this we thing, kemo sabe?' Who pays the bills...?" He continues his 'conversation' with the cat even as he sets the lump of feline down -- alert with one eye open and looking at the meat -- to draw a very modest portion of the deer. Yarnchaser does sniff a bit at a venison morsel, then promptly ignores it. He nods politely to Taiat. "Thank you, m'son-- er, sir." Somehow he kind of doubts that the elves are Universalist Unitarians or any other flavor of religion he's even heard of.

Pitch_Black picks up his helmet and raps on it demonstratively. "Proper equipment," is all he says by way of reply.

Taiat nods at that.

Dhori creeps towards the cat, belly down on the ground as he crawls towards it. He reaches out and pokes it.

Pitch_Black licks his upper lip faintly. Diu, man, I wonder how good a liar I am wearing new skin. I can't even feel my own blush response. I don't think I have one yet.

Geneviev takes another bite and glances over at the creeping shadow.

Bethpage switches off her canned air, and takes off the helmet. The fresh air feels wonderful on her skin. She scratches the itch on her nose she's had for hours now,runs a hand through her short hair, and digs in her pack for her own rations.

Saburo says, "Where will we find these Dowrani?"

Taiat says, "I'm not sure where the Dowrani are. Our scouts haven't been able to find them so far."

Saburo says, "Where have you looked? We have maps."

Taiat blinks at Geneviev. "Are you certain that you don't want venison? Those don't look very.. appetizing."

Geneviev says, "They were at least in the city. Maybe the storm drains?"

Saburo says, "Good idea. Do they live underground?"

Taiat says, "We have scouted to the north and west of our position. We were going to begin scouting southward soon."

Bethpage munches her dry rations. Healthy. They're healthy, Page. Just keep saying that.

Saburo says, "All the way to the coast north and west of here?"

Taiat shakes his head, "No. They live above ground, as we do."

Geneviev glances at her wafer and at Taiat. "The meat does smell good, but it doesn't do anything for me. Thank you, though." *snap*

Pitch_Black stands up and crosses the clearing. He passes his canteen to Page as he walks by. "Looking dry," he murmurs.

Saburo says, "Well, they were in Sydney at one point, but they are not there now."

Kavanaugh looks up. "That fellow with the sword was in the city. Maybe that's as far north or east as the Dowrani have gone?" yarnchaser takes the moment's inattention to reach out with a paw and a full set of claws to skewer a venison bite when Kav isn't looking.

Taiat looks a little baffled at the two human females. As though he can't figure out if all human women are picky eaters or if these ones are just a little strange.

Bethpage grins, and for the first time in hours it actually shows. "Thanks," she murmurs, and takes a sip. It helps.

Saburo says, "Unless our intelligence is all wrong, they would have attacked us had they been in the city while we were there. That leaves only the whole rest of Australia to search."

Geneviev watches Taiat. "If it will make you feel better, Taiat, I will eat some."

Pitch_Black says, "That's a little more ground than we're equipped to cover."

Taiat says, "No, please don't feel any obligation. I am just curious that you would prefer Hard Tack over Venison. I certainly wouldn't."

Saburo says, "We can get vehicles in Sydney. Or another city."

Taiat says, "I'm certain that our scouts will be able to find the Dowrani. Having Renthal is a great help, as he knows where they are more likely to settle than we are."

Saburo says, "Will they stick to the woods and steer clear of the desert?"

Geneviev says, "Is anyone here a pilot?"

Saburo says, "I am, yes."

Pitch_Black says, "For all our sakes, we hope they do."

Dhori brings a trencher of meat that looks suspciously raw over to Kavanaugh. "For him." He points at the cat.

Geneviev says, "Maybe we can find one of their stealth fliers."

Taiat nods. "Yes, very likely they will prefer the forests."

Saburo says, "I've never flown a jet like *that* before... "

Saburo chuckles. "But I've always wanted to try."

Geneviev grins.

Pitch_Black tries not to look pained. "Dai gut le si," he murmurs to himself.

Saburo says, "My experience is limited to helicopters, small prop planes, and lear jets."

Bethpage smiles at Taiat. "It's not that I don't appreciate your hospitality, Taiat. I have special needs, though, and what I brought will satisfy them. Deer will not, as nice as it does smell."

Geneviev says, "Don't they have some stealth choppers?"

Taiat says, "I expect that they will try to establish this as a new homeland. They will want it to be as much like their old home as they can get it."

Bethpage sighs inwardly at the jet conversation. Boys and toys.

Saburo says, "The Australians? I doubt it."

Geneviev says, "Maybe some rich industrialist?"

Geneviev leans across to Page, offering a blue wafer.

Taiat smiles at Bethpage. "Thank you. If there is anything that we can do for your diet, please don't hesitate to ask."

Saburo says, "Possibly. Or some criminal cartels. They would have vehicles rigged for minimal heat and aural signatures."

Kavanaugh blinks to Dhori. "Oh, thank you, lad," he says, accepting the trencher, and looking at the fur-puddle beside him. I don't know if Yarnchaser'll like it. He's an awfully picky eater...." Picky, nothing. As the trencher is set down, Yarnchaser awakens, and the surprisingly limber feline stands, stretches, yawns, tries it's best to look uninterested in the venison, and fails miserably as it starts to daintilly (if the mongel of a tom can even look dainty) devour it.

Kav blinks. "Well. I guess he likes it, after all! Thank you, lad, I think you've just made his night!"

Bethpage is startled into a grin at Geneviev. "Oh! Thank you, really. I don't think I can eat those, though. They put my stuff in my rations."

Dhori breaks into a big smile.

Bethpage nods as politely as she knows how at Taiat, "Thank you, sir. That's very kind."

Saburo glances over at the Doctor.

Dr_Chong looks back at Saburo.

Geneviev nods and smiles, speaking again to Taiat, "Yes. Thank you."

Saburo gets up and helps himself to some more venison.

Renthal comes into the camp, walking fast. As soon as he gets within hearing range he shouts Taiat's name and then something that you cannot understand. Taiat smiles, apologises and stands to follow Renthal.

Pitch_Black leans against a largish tree and folds his arms behind his head, frowning as he looks into the distance. Which leaves us with one more important question. What exactly do the Russians have tied up here that would motivate them to dig up six deep darks that were thought safely dead and buried and use them to lever six washed-up hustlers into Dungeons and Dragons territory? Diu gau kui. None of this makes any sense at all.

Saburo says in Cantonese, "So Doc, how did the elves turn us into dust?"

Pitch_Black nods, watching Taiat depart.

Dr_Chong watches the direction that Taiat goes.

Bethpage watches Taiat and Renthal go, frowning...

Dr_Chong replies in the same language, "I only wish I knew."

Kavanaugh blinks, looking up as Taiat moves off. "I think something's about to happen," he deadpans.

Pitch_Black shrugs a bit and sighs. "Maybe they got wizards. Who knows? Not much can be ruled out right now..."

Saburo turns his night sight on.

Geneviev blinks. "You want me to follow?"

Saburo watches the rest of the clearing, while he eats.

Bethpage says, "I was just about to ask if anyone minded if I did, Gene. Heh. If nobody minds, want to toss a coin for it?"

Saburo says, "Good idea..."

Pitch_Black unfolds his arms and lets them drop to his sides, watching the direction that Taiat departed in. "And now comes the complication."

Kavanaugh says, "Think it'll be the left, or the right shoe that drops?"

Bethpage looks quizzically at PItch Black. "Hm?"

Pitch_Black mms. "Just got a bad feeling, that's all..."

Geneviev shrugs and stands. "You flank right...I'll flank left. Be silent."

Bethpage says, "Can do. Back in a bit, guys. Anybody asks, we took a pee break. Call it a girl thing."

Kavanaugh is most assuredly not a stealthy man, and instead takes discrete inventory of his gear, and just where he needs to grab his SMG.

Pitch_Black says, "If anything goes down, get out with a quickness."

Dr_Chong subvocalizes, ~You two stay in touch.~

Geneviev nods to Pitch and moves off quietly, seeming to reach the shadows before she's gone far enough from the fire.

Bethpage says, ~Will do~ and puts the helmet back on to be darker.

Bethpage slips out into the night and trees, looking for Taiat and Renthal.

Geneviev and Bethpage leave the encampment, quickly being lost to the rest in the darkness. The can see each other for awhile, as they don't spread to the sides right away, but at one point Gene looks away and when she looks back she can no longer see the other. She smiles quietly and continues moving in a relatively straight line, searching with nightvision for their quarry.

Geneviev subvocalizes, ~You hide very well, Page.~

As the go deeper into the woods, they pass by Nimlia and Tahlael, both hidden in the forest. But neither of the Antyrii scouts seem to see the two human women. It is Geneviev who spots Taiat, beyond the tents, speaking in a hushed voice to some of the other elves. They are blocking the view, but there seems to be something on the ground at their feet.

Geneviev subvocalizes for the others, ~There's a circle of elves here including Taiat. Seems to be a small humanoid in the center of the circle and they sound concerned.~

Geneviev adds, ~Lying on the ground.~

Bethpage finds herself lost in a stark black forest. She subvocalizes, ~Well, at least you found them, Gene. I see bugger all over here.~

Dr_Chong vocalizes, ~Think they could use any medical services?~

Pitch_Black mms, touching his earpiece. "Backtrack, Page. If you get eaten by the Grue, we're even more fucked than we were already."

Bethpage hears something hit the ground immediately behind her. Ohshit! She turns around as quickly as she can and stay quiet, so at least she'll see the sword hit her...

Geneviev answers, ~Most probably, unless it's dead, but I wouldn't come running out here yelling, 'I'm a doctor'.~

Bethpage is confronted with a bow, pulled and aimed directly at her. Renthal is holding the bow.

Dr_Chong vocalizes, ~I could come strolling in that direction to see whats keeping them and offer to help.~

Bethpage smiles at Renthal as charmingly as she can, and says "Would you believe I got lost looking for the bathroom?"

Geneviev blinks, but doesn't move. ~Page's been made...~

Renthal smirks. "No. I wouldn't believe you. However, since you have been fortunate enough to stumble into me while you were so greviously lost, I'll be more than happy to ensure that you are not attacked as you do your business and then I will escort you back to the camp."

Pitch_Black hisses under his breath, "Shit." Gau leng cho... as usual.

Bethpage decides to make the best of a bad situation and make him miserable too. She deliberately beams at him like he's just what she wanted to find, and says sweetly, "It's all over but the leading back to camp part. Lead on, fair knight." She offers her arm.

Geneviev doesn't sigh...that'd be bad. ~Sounds okay...~

Renthal relaxes his hold on the bow, slinging the arrow back into its quiver. He doesn't take her arm. He does, however, give it a dubious look. "Have to keep my hands free," he says quickly. He motions her forward.

Geneviev watches the circle, but asks, ~Should I try to beat them back?~

Pitch_Black touches his earpiece. "May as well, Geveviev. Apparently we aren't giving them enough credit in the stealth department."

Taiat, meanwhile, steps away from the group, affording Geneviev a good look at the person on the ground. It looks like a child, like Dhori, though this one has pale skin and dark hair.

Saburo lights his after meal smoke.

Geneviev freezes. ~Looks like a child about Dhori's age, but with pale skin and dark hair. Maybe a Dowrani? You might get that tissue sample sooner than you thought, Doctor. I'm returning...~

Geneviev withdraws quietly, careful to not step on dry twigs and leaves.

Saburo says, ~Sounds like their scouts might have found them already.~

Bethpage takes out her malice on Renthal by projecting very convincing disappointment and flirtiness at him for not taking her arm, during the entire way back. She even manages to keep the smirk purely internal.

Saburo strolls around the clearing, having his smoke.

Renthal sighs slightly and holds his arm out for Bethpage, not looking at all comfortable about it, but if there's one thing worse than a human, it's a pouty human, so he swallows his pride.

Bethpage takes Renthal's offered arm with delicacy, and a smirk that transmutes into a purely sweet smile. "You are such a gentleman. Thank you, I will remember your kindness in finding me when I was lost." It's even true.

Geneviev steps into the clearing after a few more minutes, skin and hair returning to her normal shades from a pitch-black color as she enters the circle of light. She looks a little relieved to beat Beth and her captor back.

Saburo nods to Geneviev, his eyes a little wide.

Bethpage returns to camp with her warden, safely after Gene, and gives her fellows a slightly sheepish look. "I got lost. Renthal here was kind enough to.. escort me." She simpers a little. Deliberately.

Pitch_Black says, "We see that."

Saburo walks back to the fire, and tosses the butt of his smoke into the flames.

Geneviev just stares at Bethpage and Renthal.

Kavanaugh isn't quite observant enough to catch Gene's little color-change, but he does nod to her in greeting as she arrives, then blinks as Beth returns with Renthal. "Er... I imagine so...."

Pitch_Black says, "Thanks for retrieving her, Renthal."

Saburo looks at Chong. "Is she... flirting with it?"

Dr_Chong says, "I do not think I want to know."

Renthal lets go of Bethpage's arm as soon as he possibly can. He nods to her and to the other humans before retreating back into the woods, still looking uncomfortable.

Saburo chuckles. "Good work."

Pitch_Black says, "So they found a kid, Geneviev?"

Bethpage waits til Renthal is out of sight, then a few moments, before jamming her fist into her teeth and snickering helplessly, spite and stress-relief combined.

Saburo moves a bit away from the fire, and starts doing a few stretches.

Geneviev says, "Apparently. I'd have to guess Dowrani, but it's hard to tell with nightvision."

Pitch_Black says, "You smell any blood?"

Geneviev is momentarily distracted by Bethpage's snickering, smiling just a little herself. She looks back to Pitch Black. "Ah...I don't think so, no."

Pitch_Black huhs. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Saburo says, "What's taking them so long?"

Geneviev says, "Maybe they're having a strategy session? Someone's bound to notice the missing child and lauch search parties at some point, right?"

Saburo says, "Sounds like the perfect bait to me."

Kavanaugh says, "Was the kid alive or dead? I'm afraid I didn't catch that..."

Geneviev says, "Well...it wasn't moving. That's all I could tell. And they seemed concerned. If it was alive, wouldn't they have rushed it back to camp?"

Bethpage recovers, and breathes more easily. "Oh, it's good to be icky. Sorry about that, guys... he was better than me. Good thing we sent two of us... good work, Gene. Even if we don't know what was going on there yet, it's bound to be useful."

Saburo says, "If it's dying, maybe we should take the doctor and go help it."

Geneviev nods to Beth.

Kavanaugh murmurs uncomfortably, "Maybe not, if the kid was Dowrani. They might not feel... inclined to tend to them."

Saburo says, "We can't interrogate the dead."

Pitch_Black says, "I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves. Let's just go straight to the source... when Taiat gets back we'll suss out what's going on. Meanwhile... let's try not to antagonize the natives? ...even if they are about as charismatic as dead leaves."

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Last modified: 2001-Jun-12 14:29:39

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