Game Thread Introduction - Zakna Rerin

eraserpaste · #1 11-12-2010, 07:52 PM

The sun has already risen today, but it shines gray through the thick layer of clouds. Perhaps there will be rain today. Where might Zakna be found on this dreary morning?

wllmfiore8 · #2 11-12-2010, 09:33 PM

Zakna's eyes flutter open. "Mmmmm...aahhh..." he rubs his eyes and jumps out of bed. "Gloomy day. Ah, well, maybe a better day tomorrow. For now..." he snatches up his bow and leaves his small cottage on the outskirts of the village. Some gnome children, as old as he is for all he knows but at least a quarter of his height, come along the path to their houses, closer to the village center. Re, nyhkan! (hi, ranger!) the younglings greet him. Right back, in fluent Gnome, he replies, "Rammu, mytc! Ur, yht Typpma, damm ouin sudran E'mm ryja y taan vun ran yvdanhuuh saym! E's uvv du rihdehk!" ("Hello, lads! Oh, and Dabble, tell your mother I'll have a deer for her afternoon meal! I'm off to hunting!") He returns three hours later with two deer carcasses and his stomach rumbling. He drops one off at the village lady's house, saving one for himself. Zakna begins heating up some water. "Actually, quite a fine day. The deer didn't even see me coming. Hmm... Leta should be coming soon. She's always late," he chuckles as he begins to skin the deer.

eraserpaste · #3 11-12-2010, 09:56 PM

Hardly a minute after he mentions Leta, there is a strong and authoritative knock at his door. It's hardly similar to Leta's knock, but perhaps the ranger doesn't notice.

wllmfiore8 · #4 11-12-2010, 10:09 PM

Adjusting his cloak to better hide his rapier, Zakna greets the knocker without opening the door, "Hello, who is it? That you, Leta?"

eraserpaste · #5 11-12-2010, 10:19 PM

A young human male's voice replies. "Is the archer and tracker known as Zakna Rerin at this location?"

wllmfiore8 · #6 11-12-2010, 10:21 PM

"Yes, am I under arrest or something? Because, I assure you, I can jump out the window and disappear as fast as you can say 'yes'."

eraserpaste · #7 11-12-2010, 10:29 PM

The man stutters at first, having not expected such an answer. "Ah- um. No, I have a message from the Mercenary Headquarters. Your skills have qualified you to be invited to the competition."

wllmfiore8 · #8 11-12-2010, 10:39 PM

Zakna throws open the door. "Mercenary Headquarters, eh? What competition?"

wllmfiore8 · #9 11-12-2010, 10:40 PM

"Not that I'd have any reason to be placed under arrest, of course..."

eraserpaste · #10 11-12-2010, 11:13 PM

Standing at Zakna's door is a young man in traveler's clothing: hardy boots to survive a long trek, and a light cloak to protect him from the weather. He removes his hood in order to be properly viewed; however, he has trouble maintaining eye contact. Apparently, he understands the principles of being a messenger, but can't quite follow them.

He's slightly surprised by Zakna's reassurance, but decides to ignore it and concentrate on answering the question. "Well, um, you may have heard the rumors about the mysteriously empty elven ship washing ashore on the east side a few weeks ago. The government has decided to send some experts to the elven lands as diplomats. Oh! Um." He pulls a scroll case out from under his cloak, uncaps it, and removes the parchment. He unrolls it and clears his throat, but his reading is close to monotone, and quite forced. "The competition at Verzada will take place on the 2nd of the coming month to determine the best-suited mercenaries to accompany the diplomats to the elven lands." He glances up, and then continues. "The mercenaries shall provide defense for the diplomats should anything happen. If you accept this invitation arrive at the Arena on the morning of the 1st for further instructions. If you arrive late you will not be able to enter. Few mercenaries have been invited to the competition; you have been invited because of your skill and tact."

He rolls the parchment up, and then looks up at Zakna, unsure of what to expect now.

wllmfiore8 · #11 11-13-2010, 08:31 AM

"Well, sounds interesting. I will make my way to the capital, then."

Zakna quickly scribbles out a note to Leta telling her why he is gone and to meet him at Verzada instead. Then he gathers his possessions and leaves, with or without the messenger.

eraserpaste · #12 11-13-2010, 01:13 PM

The messenger has gone, likely exhausted from his long trip. After all, it's about a 3 day walk to Zakna's hometown from Verzada.

No sooner than Zakna shuts the door behind him, he hears that sweet voice. "Are you going somewhere, love?" Leta has arrived, late as usual. She smiles at Zakna, oblivious to the change of plans.

wllmfiore8 · #13 11-14-2010, 10:41 PM

"Oh, dear, I'm so glad you've come," the ranger replies, ripping up his note to her and overbearing her in a hug. "I have been chosen to compete for a spot on an expedition to find out what's happened concerning this abandoned elven ship. This is interesting news to you, of course; what will we ever do without those pretty and clever Elf men?" Smiling, he asks, "Would you like to accompany me to Verzada?"

eraserpaste · #14 11-17-2010, 01:45 PM

"Oh my." She pauses as she takes in this information. "This is quite sudden. Are- are you leaving now?" Her voice indicates surprise, but as she processes everything, her emotions change to excitement. "I'd love to come! Oh- I should need at least one change of clothes, wouldn't you think? When do you need to be at Verzada?"

wllmfiore8 · #15 11-17-2010, 08:29 PM

"I have to leave as soon as possible. I must arive in Verzada in three days! But if we walk quickly, we can make in time. Yes, I don't know how long the tournaments, so bring as many clothes as you'd like. I'm sure the Mercenary Headquarters will house and feed us."