The Last Paladin IC (Frosty)

[Maquise]

"Yes, I can do that. I would be glad to help you as much as I can." Mirabelle seems to relax for the first time since you've seen her as you wash.

"For the first time in my memory, I feel like I have a purpose. The thing is, I don't know how we are going to win this fight. At least Gorgeroth was mortal, and I knew that however unlikely, he could be killed. But I can't think of a way we could possible drive all of these fiends back to wherever they came from."

[Frosty]

Purpose...yes...purpose. Mira understands Karrin's feelings and fears, and having someone else in the same place as her makes Karrin feel...happier. Perhaps the world is worth saving and making an effort for after all.

"We'll drive the fiends back...with training..." Karrin starts soaping up Mira's back gently. "...training that I can give you. With friendship and community..." The paladin cups Mira's cheek with one hand, caressing it. "...so that we may find more like Lyanna. Lastly, with courage...courage to work toward one's aims and desires..."

With that, Karrin leans in and kisses Mirabell fully on the mouth, and will continue for as long as Mirabell permits and responds positively to.

[Maquise]

You do not know how long the kiss lasts. Eventually, Mira pulls slowly away.

"When I left my village, I wasn't expecting this," she says in a low voice.

[Frosty]

Karrin continues hugging Mirabell lovingly, finishing up the gentle soaping of Mira's back. "I understand Mira, I do. The world is a lot different from either of our expectations, and we'll need to find love and mutual support wherever we can. Love is the antithesis of what the fiends represent, and it makes us stronger."

The paladin moves to Mira's arms and shoulders and starts soaping and washing.

[Maquise]

Mira seems to consider for a moment. "I guess Prior Mardrick was right about a few things after all. I thought the Thrones had left the world, but you seem to be proof otherwise. I think I am ready for whatever your plans are."

[Frosty]

"As long as there are people like you and me to carry the tradition, the Thrones have not fully left the world. Plans...like I said, save people...make friends...crush fiends. But that's long term. Right now, I plan on us relaxing and enjoying ourselves..."

Karrin leans in for a kiss again, and she starts soaping and washing Mira's butt gently.

[Maquise]

Mira straightens for a second as you begin soaping, then hugging you closer, lays her head on your chests. The warmth is very comfortable in the chill river.

[Frosty]

Karrin begins humming a soothing tune, something she had heard as a child but whose title the paladin has long forgotten. She takes her time soaping Mirabell's behind, and then moves to Mira's stomach and breasts. "You're so warm...and soft..."

[Maquise]

Mira smiles as you continue, the horrid state of the world at large forgotten in the warm moment. She gives a quiet sigh.

[Frosty]

The paladin smiles back, and spends about the next half hour soaping and washing all over Mirabell's body, perhaps paying more attenton to Mira's breasts and nipples and between Mira's legs than elsewhere. With Mira likely very aroused, Karrin hands her the soap and says, "Your turn..." with a grin.

[Maquise]

Mirabelle takes the soap, her face now very red. A grin plays across her face as she begins to lather you up, starting from the top down, and paying more attention to some places than others. You get goosebumps, and not from the cold river.

[Frosty]

It's Karrin's turn to close her eyes and enjoy as her partner lathers (literally) attention on her. The paladin positively purrs, letting Mira know how much she is enjoying things. Karrin spends about the next hour and a half alternating between receiving and givng before finishing the bath.

[Maquise]

Despite the warmth you provide each other, eventually the cold catches up to you. You leave the river, grabbing a towel. It is coarse and uncomfortable, especially now that your skin's sensitivity has been heightened. The sun is warm on your skin, and has heated the pebble beach. Mirabelle discards her towel and lies on the beach, letting it heat-dry her skin. Usually concealed by armor, her alabaster flesh gleams in the sunlight.

[Frosty]

Karrin lies down besides her partner, happier than she has been in a long time. "Your skin...it has a nice glow. Especially after two hours of touching." She trails a finger along Mira's arm. "Too bad we both had to leave somewhat unsatisfied, but I think neither of us can hold of breaths for that long. It's alright though. We can save the fireworks for night time in the tent."

[Maquise]

Mira gives a quiet giggle; it surprises you, but this is the first time you've heard her laugh. "I'm glad I have something to look forward to," she says, trailing a finger across the outside of your thigh.

The sun starts to sink; by now it is mid afternoon. The two of you walk back to Lyanna, who is now fully dressed. She gives a huff and says, "About time. Really, how dirty can you-" she turns around to face you. "Heh. Looks like you two had fun," she says with a knowing grin, producing a look of irritation from Mira.

She hands you back your outfits. "I took care to wash and dry them." You red silk feels especially soft and comfortable against your still-tingling skin.

[Frosty]

Karrin smirks. "Oh, Mira is much more dirty than she had realized. For now, let's go back to the village, buy some rations, and then start heading for the burial site. I hope Grembler and company are still fine."

If there's eough food to buy, Karrin buys a week's worth of trail rations. Then they set out for the burial site.

By the way, will Karrin need UMD in order to use the scroll obtained from Gorgeroth? Also, is the battleaxe and hide armor he wore Masterwork? Karrin asks Lyanna if either would be an improvement for her over her current equipment.

[Maquise]

(His armor is masterwork, and his axe is magic. The scroll has cleric spells; it will require UMD)

The villagers sell you as much food as they can (5 days worth, 25 sp.) They also insist on giving you two horses for Lyanna and Mirabelle. They are decent animals, but not warhorses.

[Frosty]

Did Lyanna ever determine the abilities and properties of the battleaxe?

Karrin thanks the villagersfor the gifts, and they set out for the burial site!

[Maquise]

(The battleax has a +1 enhancement, but no other properties. BTW, you never did have Lyanna examine your greatsword to see if it was magic )

Trombe is able to go at a more consistant rate only having to bear one of you, and the new horses are able to keep up. You ride through the night, making it to the burial ground by daybreak.

When you arrive, the entrance of the tomb is deserted. The three of you proceed into the first few chambers you have already explored, Lyanna at the front. In one of the first rooms, you find Grembler apparently lying unconscious. There is no sign of the other goblins, nor any of the treasure.

"Well, that's just great," says Lyanna. "With our luck, a whole tomb-full of priceless artifacts just found their way into the grubby paws of some bunch who have no appreciation for their true value."

Mirabelle indicates Grembler. "Friend of yours?"

[Frosty]

(It's been a long time. Where did I get that greatsword refresh my memory?)

Karrin nods. "Yeah. That's Grembler. Helpful little thing. Can use a bit of magic too." She immediately goes to Grmebler checks for a pulse. If she finds that Grembler is alive, she'll heal the goblin.

LoH: (2d6)[2][2](4)

[Maquise]

(You found it when you liberated the garrison at Linedaikama)

The cloaked goblin stirs, sitting up slowly and rubbing his head.
"Oh. Hello again boss, uh, Paladeny." He looks around. "Umm, the boys like lots a shinies. They wants them all t' themselves. I say, 'we need wait for Paladeny 'n share' but they no lissen and clobber me."

Sense Motive: (d20+6)[11]

You can tell he is being dishonest in his report.

[Frosty]

Karrin narroes her eyes. "Grembler...I am a nice boss. Now, you are going to tell me the TRUTH right? It's the right thing to do, telling the truth. I promise I won't hurt you." Karrin tries the nice approach first.

Diplomacy (1d20+12)[25]

[Maquise]

Grembler looks at the ground, grinding his staff into the floor. "Grembler said others clobbered him and took shinies. That's exactly what happened. I... may not have said, 'stay and wait for boss.'"

[Frosty]

Karrin sighs. "I'm not mad at you. So...why did your fellow goblins clobber you? And how did they get ALL the shinies? That's a lot to carry."

[Maquise]

Grembler considers for a moment. "That good question. Grembler not know; I was clobbered."

[Frosty]

"When did this happen? And did you explore the rest of the ruins?"

[Maquise]

Grembler counts on his fingers. "About one day ago, I think. We stayed away from scary tunnels, decided we had enuff shinies."

[Frosty]

"Alright. Well, unless you have some idea where they went, we can't go after them. What will you do now?"

Karrin heals Grembler some more for good measure. LoH (2d6)[5][5](10)

[Maquise]

Grembler is surprised by your generosity with your healing powers. "I feel much better now. Paladeny best boss I've ever had. Umm, can I stay with you?"

You look at your companions. Lyanna shrugs, and Mirabelle gives you a resigned look that says, you're probably going to say yes anyway.

[Frosty]

Karrin just smiles at Mira and turns back to Grembler. "Of course you can. You're a part of my team now. Do you know what that means? It means we watch out for each other. It means sometimes we put ourselves in danger so we can help another team mate. We will also go around trying to help other people."

She looks around. "Lyanna, do you actually want to explore this place more? If so, I suppose we can. Maybe find more shi...I mean treasure. Also you may be interested in whatever lore and history is here. If not, I plan on searching out more people to help or find a demon nest to wipe out."