Passage to Paradise

[madtinker]

OOC: Try this one.

"Oh good." Your father starts to play one of your family favorites. Sasha and Igor join in singing, Loren hums along, and even Devian is tapping his feet. Even though he plays wonderfully, your father's voice is off-key, and his jarring bass notes make everyone smile.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I will also hum along until at one point I pick up Sasha and swing her in the air dancing.

[madtinker]

Sasha's laugh turns into a scream of delight. Devian gets into the act too, hoisting Igor almost to the rafters. The mothers gasp and clap, still laughing.

After a few minutes the song ends and your father wipes tears of mirth from his eyes. "How 'bout a song, Mary?"

She looks hesitant.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Aw, come on mom," I encourage.

[madtinker]

OOC: I really tried to find a woman accompanied by accordion music, but couldn't find any, so you'll have to use your imagination here.

Devian and Loren join in the begging, and and at last your mother gives in. She sings an old song from a forgotten language. You know it's something about a young woman pining for her lover, but the details are lost to living memory. Everyone joins in on the chorus, and when its over everyone claps loudly.

After a few more songs, Devian stands and announces that the children must be put to bed.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll give Igor and Sasha a hug and a kiss and wish them goodnight, and give Devian a hug as well.

[madtinker]

"What about me?" teases Loren.

"We'll go to the tinsmith's tomorrow to see about those molds." Your father calls down the stairs as they slip out.

He waits until your mother is out of earshot, and whispers, "Are you really okay my boy? You took quite the thrashing out there, if Sam is to be believed."

[Manwhoisthisman]

I shake my head somberly and whisper in reply, "I don't think so, but it isn't the trashing, it was everything else. Do you think we could go on a walk in a little while?"

[madtinker]

He nods soberly, then calls to your mother. "Oh luv, I just remembered something I was supposed to deliver. Tobias and I will be back in a bit."

"Can it wait until morning?"

"I'm afraid not, dear."

"Oh all right. I'll just work on my knitting I suppose."

You head down to the shop, where your father rummages around for a bit, then motions for you to follow him out the door.

"What's on your mind?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

After I long sigh I say, "So much. Clawfoots seem... different than I thought, and the Thunder Lizard seemed so out of place and mechanical... and then Tom said there's more to Lost Ones than just tall tales. It's all so... strange."

[madtinker]

Your father listens intently.

It's a warm night, and the crickets are singing merrily. When you finish, your father looks at you.

"And all that's set you on edge? What about it bothers you, specifically?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Well, I guess I had mostly thought that we were safe here in San Angriel. I don't feel like I am anymore, and I feel like there is a lot more outside the walls than I used to."

[madtinker]

Your father walks in silence with you for a few minutes.

"well, you were able to drive off the beasts. Father feodor healed the injured. Pelor has watched over us for over 200 years. Why should he stop?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

I nod, "Ya know, I think that is what I needed to hear. Thanks dad."

[madtinker]

In the dim starlight, your father smiles brightly.

"Glad to hear it. Now, perhaps we better get back before your mother gets too worried."

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Yes, I agree. Home and rest sounds particularly good."

[madtinker]

As you're about to open the shop door at home, you hear this sound echoing from somewhere over the plain.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I halt, a brief look of panic crosses my face, but is quickly gone. "Well, I guess that's my call. Tell mom... I dunno. I'll be safe."

[madtinker]

Your father nods. "hadn't you better grab your gear?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

I nod, "I suppose I ought to."

[madtinker]

You gather your gear quickly and step out into the night.

Take 50 XP for roleplay.

[Manwhoisthisman]

And run toward the plains where I heard the call.

Spoiler: Stat tracking

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HP 8 | PP 10 | 980 XP <- humorously 20 xp shy of a level

[madtinker]

As you descend through the village, you see a squad of hunters led by Tom hustling toward the palisade.

Spoiler: OOC

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you have to EARN your levels in this game. *evil DM laugh*

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll change my route to join in and run along toward the palisade.

[madtinker]

You hear the sound again. After a ten second pause, you hear a similar sound, but much fainter and from a slightly different direction.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Tom, what's going on?"

[madtinker]

Tom glances your way, seeing you for the first time. "Oh Tobias, glad to see you. I guess you heard that bugle. We're not sure what it is, but after that longtooth this afternoon, we're not going to let it get any closer."

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Alright, lets go. Do I know anyone on tonight's watch?"

[madtinker]

"Well, Sam was somewhere around here. He might have gone ahead."

At your elevated pace, it doesn't take long to reach the palisade. It's looming ahead of you.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Is the gate closed and is the palisade in tact? (limited of course by my vision)