"Orcs are here." Seva, Uthgardt and warrior of Tempus, speaks low breaking the silence of early morning. With no other word, he turns to the east uncoiling a rope as he walks. Ahleera, ranger and druid of the Leaflord, turns slightly scanning the cliff to the west. Her elven eyes spot them quickly in the growing light of dawn. A small band of orcs moves along the cliff's edge, scouts by the look of them, all armored, with bows at the ready.
Moving quietly through the trees encircling the grove, she chants softly preparing to greet their unwelcome guests. To her back, Seva secures the rope and begins scaling the cliff face carefully. A large blur rushes past Ahleera. A brown bear, Martha by name, a guardian of the grove, charges forward having scented the intruders.
The spell dies on Ahleera's lips as the orcs stumble backwards out of sight, instinctively retreating from the animal bearing down on them. Unwrapping the sling from her belt, she quickly drops a stone in, waiting for the first orc to reappear, knowing they would soon realize the bear was no danger to them high on the cliff.
Moments later, they move to the edge, eyes glinting as they draw their bows up sighting the bear. A stone hurls through the air just as the first orc looses an arrow. Equal roars of pain and outrage split the air as both find their marks. Ahleera sends one stone then another at the orcs, finally being rewarded with the crunch as a stone strikes beneath the eye of one. The orc falls as another moves to take its place.
To her side, Martha rears in pain as another arrow sinks deep into her pelt. Injured, the bear the retreats. To the south Ahleera spots a figure stalking forward, eyes intent on the orc band. She stands silently, continuing the barrage of stones, keeping the orcs' wrath focused on her as arrow after arrow pierces the ground nearby, none finding their target. The second orc falls to her relentless attack just as Seva charges forward sword raised. One swing nearly cleaves the third orc in two, the next does so.
Trusting Seva to rid the grove of any remaining intruders, the druid turns to follow the injured bear. Slowly she approaches Martha crooning softly. "Shhh..." She rubs the bear's flank gently studying the wound, a ragged hole remains where the bear had ripped the arrow free. "Brave girl. You would have had them for a morning meal...aye."
A heavy thump echoes as Seva jumps from the cliff, sword streaming blood down the length of its blade. "You see anymore?"
Quickly, the elf turns to scan the cliffs surrounding the grove before shaking her head. Placing her palm over the wound, Ahleera offers up a prayer to the Leaflord, chanting softly as the wound closes and heals. Moving to the next, she breaks the shaft before removing the arrow from Martha's rear leg. The bear rolls baleful eyes full of pain toward her but stands motionless and trusting. Again Ahleera places her palm over the injury, chanting while flesh mends leaving only a bare patch in Martha's fur. Sighing quietly, she strokes the bear's head lovingly, "It will heal."
As Seva moves to her side, she scans the cliffs once more, a deep frown forming on her brow. "Their scouts grow too bold."
Glancing about, Seva sheaths his sword. "Should destroy the bodies."
Ahleera's only answer is a noncommital shrug as she turns her attention once more the the bear. Pulling Martha's face up in her hands, she looks solemnly into the bear's large brown eyes, "Tis Arien's healing ways you need....but mine must do for now."
Amused by the exchange, Seva comments, "Bear looks fine to me."
Frown deepening, "Finer before pierced by arrows." On a sigh, Ahleera releases Martha's head and returns to stroking her fur.
Watching, Seva queries, "Will these guardians remain here?"
Ahleera shakes her head. "Nay she will be free from duty soon. We cannot ask them to stay and protect what we do not. She has earned her rest."
"Big bear. I am certain she will return here again someday." On a shrug, the warrior returns to matters more pressing in his eyes. "So many ways to the ridge but so few to the grove. Archers here are bad for bears." Nodding, she studies the bear in thought as Seva continues. "Not much longer though... but orcs were close. Do not know if one escaped."
Looking to him, she once more nods in agreement. "Too close." Turning, she studies the cliff once more, eyes dropping to the mouth of a cave the orcs had walked above. The children were inside, could have easily been in the grove itself this morn. That would not do. Studying the bear once again, fur matted though the wounds were healed, a cunning look flashes in her eye as she tugs lightly at Martha's fur. "Come with me old friend." Lumbering along, the bear follows, Ahleera to the cave.
Stopping at the entrance, Seva stands legs braced apart, one hand on his sword. "I will stand watch Ahleera." Nodding the elf slips into the tunnel, the bear following close behind.
Moving along the passage quietly, she calls out, "Teia? Xavien?" rewarded as footsteps echo down the tunnel moments before Xavien's dark head appears in the torchlight. Skidding to a halt, he studies the bear then turns wide eyes on Ahleera. Amused, she smiles briefly before looking him over. "Would you care for a roommate?" Xavien nods firmly before his eyes dart back to Martha a smile bursting over his face.
Watching him, the elf pats Martha gently, "She was injured by orcs." At this, his pleasure drains, the smile fades to a worried frown, a shiver coursing through his small body.
"Around here?"
Answering frankly, she continues, "Orcs on the cliffs. Xavien...do not enter the grove alone. You or Teia."
A small scowl puckering his face, Xavien nods. "Yeah.. Machus said we can't. "
Relieved, Ahleera looks back to the bear, "Orc arrows cut deep."
Xavien's grows sad as the looks the bear over noting her blood crusted fur. "Aww Martha..." Eyes full of sympathy, he leans in stroking her neck carefully.
Smiling slightly, pride showing in her eyes Ahleera steps back. "I leave her in your care. I am sure you will have her feeling better soon."
They boy nods solemnly, sad eyes never leaving the bear. His soft voices croons, "I'll take care of you..." breaking off on a heartfelt sigh.
"She will be fine Xavien. Just needs to rest where she is safe awhile."
Nodding once more, he says firmly, "I'll protect her."
"I know you will."
Face stern but laced with worry, he waves for the bear to follow. "Come on Martha... come on girl."
Standing back, Ahleera nudges the bear a bit. "Go on."
Stopping, Xavien looks at Martha thoughtfully a blush spreading across his cheeks. "Hmm....can you bring her to my room?"
Moving forward with a nod, she tugs gently on Martha's ear. "Come on old friend."
Smile breaking across his face, Xavien hurries on through the tunnel. "Thanks."
As she moves along behind him, Ahleera sees the tunnel widen into a small chamber decorated with a few pieces of furniture and an assortment of items he had no doubt gathered through his wandering in the forest....when it was still safe to do so. A sad reminder of what their lives here had become. Xavien was no more suited to being caged in this cavern than she. Turning, the elf watches him eyes full of sympathy as he stands speaking softly to Martha. His eyes too serious and wise for one so young. Shifting she leands down looking Martha in the eyes solemnly, "He will take good care of you." Turning to Xavien, she smiles softly. "If you need help, just call out. I will be watching the grove for a bit. I know you will not need me though. You will do fine." Reaching out she scratches beneath Martha's chin. "She knows you well and will heed you. "
"Alright. Maybe." A small laugh erupts lightening his face for a moment before his eyes grow serious once more. He swallows hard, small brow creasing. "I am kinda scared Ahleera."
Tilting her head, she regards him intently. "What of?"
His voice growing smaller, Xavien confides, "The orcs.. an' the Zhentarim...I hope we leave soon." Worry lines his face as he glances back to Martha.
Thoughtfully, she stands quite a moment before nodding. "They can be frightening." Bending to bring her eyes level with his own, she continues. "They would have to go through the Daggers, rangers, and Machus to get to you Xavien. I do not see that happening."
Worry fades as a grin so like his father's spreads, lighting his eyes as he pats Martha's neck. "You all are pretty tough eh?"
Moving closer she whispers conspiratorily,"I am frightening in my own way." The wink she sends Xavien brightens the grin. "You just keep Martha safe. We will keep you safe."
"Alright." The boy nods seemingly reassured as bootsteps approch in the tunnel.
"Whoa...." Machus grinds to a halt spotting the bear standing by Xavien.
Amused Ahleera turns smiling, "Good morn Machus." He eyes the bear a moment before looking to Ahleera, and then to Xavien.
"Martha will be staying under Xavien's care until we leave. He has promised to look after her."
Relaxing slightly, Machus chuckles. "Ahhh.. I see. Well that's maybe a good idea aye. Mielikki knows she's got a brave ranger in Xavien." Xavien blushes bright red, smiling brightly, obviously pleased with the praise.
Sending Machus a level look, she explains further. "She was injured by orcs on the cliffs so I thought a bit of rest in here would do her good."
His brows shoot up at the news. "That so?" At her nod, Machus' face grows grim. "Well....I best be outdoors I think."
Watching until he fades from view, she turns back to Xavien a grin on her face. "I best speak with Machus. You best find ways to entertain a bear." Winding her way toward the entrance, the smile fades and her eyes harden as her thoughts return to the orcs lying dead on the cliff above. With a last glance behind to where Xavien's voice ripples through the air speaking cheerfully to the bear, she steps back into the grove. The children would be safe now. Martha would protect them.
