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Date Posted: 20:13:31 11/29/01 Thu
Author: Corum, Valhorek, & Erlic
Subject: Common interests
In reply to: Sarra 's message, "Same here" on 18:33:06 11/29/01 Thu

Valhorek was quite surprised at Sarra’s response to his question. He hadn’t thought of her as someone who roamed the Nerombian with knowledge of its ancient culture. There were very few people who seemed to employ that sense of direction, and those that did, usually found themselves teaching in the schools. It was a rarity to find an adventurer or adventuress that possessed such knowledge.

The healer realized this for he too, had to learn something about Nerombian culture, although it probably wasn’t as in depth as Sarra’s. When he had won the ship in Neromba, which he named the Azusa, he was forced not only to learn the language quickly, but also to adhere to their customs since his crew consisted of all Nerombian sailors. At first it was a bit difficult for them to adjust to him, but when he persevered, and showed them he meant well, they finally warmed up to him.

Together they had traveled the seas many times over, appreciating the water’s solitude wherever they went. They were a good bunch of men, and would do anything to save their ship, and Val felt the same way.

He was surprised at Sarra’s explanation of how she had joined the group, and how Erlic had managed to step in, which was his usual calling card. It seemed that whenever someone worthy needed help, the thief usually tried his best. However, the healer also realized that Erlic could be quite deadly with his weapons when the need arose, and perhaps that was why the man was always a bit on the quiet side.

“I’d be glad to join you,” Valhorek answered Sarra. After looking at the grotesque animal, Valhorek cupped his hands together to form a sort of stirrup so that Sarra could mount the creature. She placed her foot into his hands, and he boosted her up. Once she was finally positioned, he pulled himself up, taking a place behind her. Fortunately for them they had caught the last of Barry’s statement about how to maneuver the creatures. Val explained to Sarra that he was ready as he placed his arms around her waist. She stated the word up, and they were soon climbing upward.

************************


Corum didn’t think he talked that much. As far as he was concerned he hardly spoke at all, so how could the Barry character tell him he talked too much? Anyway, he simply shook his head when he spotted Tia. She boarded one of the rocs, and was soon gone. She had probably forgotten that the two of them were supposed to ride together, but that was ok, because she was still his friend.

“OK Barry,” Corum stated. “Let’s get on this thing, and see what it can do.” He was surprised that the undead had names, but since Barry knew what he was talking about, he figured why not. “All right Bessie,” Corum continued. “Time for you to show us your stuff.” The skull staff wielder boarded the creature, and checking to make sure that both Brat, and Eyes were safely tucked away so they didn’t fall while they were in the air, Corum mouthed the word, and the roc slowly started to move in an upward direction.

Oh, we got another one, just like the other ones. Another badass, another troublemaker. I'm scared, ain't you boys scared? I wonder if he's gonna show us what bad is? Boys, we got a man with a dog collar on. You think we oughta throw ol' Spike a bone?

Corum turned to Yorik, and wondered if maybe the air up here was affecting his brain. “YO BARRY!” Corum yelled. “Like just how much do you know about skulls? I mean, like, do you know why some skulls utter complete nonsense, and others don’t?”

Maybe Barry would have the answers Corum needed. In any event, he was getting to like to goofy, and crazy kind of skull. As an afterthought he turned to face the skull, which seemed to be gliding along effortlessly. “You know, Corum stated. “You’re not that bad after all…..for a skull.”

****************


Erlic watched as the rest of the grouped paired off, or in some cases, singled off, mounted, and finally took to the air. He was glad that Laurel was with Ravin, for if anything happened, the younger thief would make insure her safety. He spotted Justin ogling Isobel, trying his best to get the woman’s attention so that the man could ride with her. Regardless of how hard the merc tried, it seemed he was always lacking in some manners, which simply was his own downfall.

The assassin watched as the man lumbered toward the rock. He must have been weighed down considerably by the food, and other things he had taken for their brief journey, for he had a hard time trying to board the creature. Erlic made sure that the merc accidentally tripped with the use of his chi. The big man stumbled just enough to bash into the creature’s side, allowing it to move off slowly ready to depart, as if given the cue to fly.

Erlic quickly ran toward the creature, and vaulted aboard its back, taking a seat behind Isobel, and holding on to her waist until the creature attained a horizontal flying position. “You must excuse my presence,” Erlic stated as he spoke into Isobel’s ear. “I couldn’t let the opportunity go to waste, where we could discuss matters in private.”

The assassin wanted to get to know the younger woman a bit better, considering they really hadn’t the time to talk more about herself. If she were going to be traveling with the group, he would have preferred to know as much about her as possible.

“So tell me a little bit about yourself Isobel,” Erlic inquired. “What made you get into the adventuring business?”

While waiting for her reply, Erlic took a look around him. It seemed that Laurel, and Ravin were up front a bit, Corum was riding solo with Yorik, and Barry, Tia was off to the side, also riding by herself, Rowan, and Jeremy were a bit behind them, Valhorek, and Sarra were off to his other side, and Justin was just approaching from behind. He didn’t spot Marz, who was riding Tristan, and for now wasn’t worried. Erlic was sure that the dragon would protect his student.

Erlic turned to face the front when he noticed some other objects flying in front of them. At first he couldn’t tell which direction they were flying, but eventually they started to grow in size, which only meant they were headed in their direction. He quickly dug into his pack, withdrawing his bow. Now the bow he used wasn’t an everyday bow. For one, it folded into three neat pieces allowing it to be stowed anywhere, and take up less room. Secondly, it was a present from his master, who had taught him the use of not only this bow, but many others as well. It came prepared with arrows, six to be exact. If nothing else, Erlic had to smile for the wind was behind them, and would thus help in shooting the arrows if necessary.

A few moments later Erlic could see the creatures approaching them. It was a flock of giant dessert vultures, probably drawn to the scent of the dead skin still on the undead rocs. “EVERYONE WATCH OUT!” Erlic yelled to those who could hear him. “ATTACK!”

He turned back to face his opponents. “Keep the roc nice, and steady,” Erlic stated to Isobel. “I’m going to fire some arrows, and see if I can’t get them injured. Then we attack by hand, and hope we don’t fall off.”

Fortunately the rocs kept a steady pace, and weren’t afraid of the vultures. Erlic let fire as many arrows as possible, injuring two of the giant vultures. It became apparent that this simply enraged them further as they started to beat their wings faster, hoping to claw into their next dinner.

Erlic quickly collapsed his bow, and withdrew his katana. It would be foolish to be fighting dual handed, especially this high up in the sky. It seemed that Isobel was ready as well. “Let’s show them what we’ve got,” the assassin stated as one of the vultures came close. He swung with his katana, slicing partly through its wing.

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