Vadek stands in the animal pet store, surrounded by his choice of creatures to pick from. He wishes he could stay there all day, but he knows that the portal to the arena closes in just a few hours; and this time he is going to succeed at joining the Guardians of the Realm.
Vadek picks a pair of cats, a raven, three dogs, and a handy ice spider. The spider he hangs fromhis belt, and inquires as to how well the raven has been trained. The rest he loads into his wagon to take back to the orphanage for the kids.
The shop keep, a gentle looking older woman, says; "The raven is pretty new, just bred. It may be a bit young, but he should be in fine condition."
The wagon sitting out infront of the shop; two blocks journey from the portal back to the Arena town. After your last experience with the pet shop in that town, you thought it best to seek pets from another location.
Vadek nods and smiles at the shop keeper, and heads back to the arena town, and the orphanage vis the portal, after loading the dogs and cats into the wagon.
As the wagon travels through the portal gate, coming out the other side in the Arena town, the sights of smells of the massive city returns to you. You exit not far from the Market, the smell of spices and herd animals is thick in the air. You are close to the edge of town, another half hour ride and you'll be home to the orphanage in the woods.
Vadek follows the trail home, taking in the sights and smells of home, and eyeing the arena in the background of the city. "I won't fail this year." He says to himself.
The old church orphanage comes into view, the trees hugging close to it's sides, with small vines climbing up the sides. The children can be heard playing in the back, though one small girl sees you and starts running in your direction.
"Emily!" Vadek calls, "I got the cats for the mice, and dogs for the moles."
He pulls the cart up near the orphanage and pulls the caged cats and dogs from the back. There is a silver coated sheep dog, a hound dog, and a short haired shepherd. The cats are a calico and a tabby.
He gives the girl the two cats, and she runs inside yelling, "Vadek's home! He got the cats and dogs!"
Vadek just watches after her, then takes the dogs around to the back where the others are, and sends the dogs out to the garden and children. He leaves the raven in the wagon for now, he was just grabbing his gear to put on his horse, and heading to the arena after all.
The cheer of children and joyful yelps and barks of dogs resounds through the area. A few children rush out of the orphanage to see you, but quickly veer off towards the sound of dogs.
Vadek gathers his equipment and loads it onto his large draft horse. He attaches the ravens cage to the saddle, deciding to make a more permanent edition later, on the road. Once his horse is laden with his supplies, including his tools, he decides to pick a dog to bring along. He calls over the silver haired sheep dog, named Bolt. He then gathers the children and says his farewells to them and their aging caretaker.
"Be good for Mr. Von Sussenburg, hes a very kind and generous man for volunteering to take care of you while I am gone." Vadek bids each child goodbye, and rides off towards the arena.
Emily is the last to go back inside and even waved once more from the doorway. It isn't long before you get back to the city; and it is starting to get a bit wild. The gates have officially opened for contenders and cheers echo throughout the streets as each Hero, and soon to be hero, walks in through the gateways. You remember the familiar sight of food and merchandise vendors around the entrance; now having past them twice before. You think back on how, if it wasn't for that storm that blew in and sunk your vessel; you may have been returning this time as a Guardian of the Realm. At least you were able to save the captain, before the emergency teleportation spell returned you all back to the arena.
As you enter, some that recalled your heroic effects last year cheer for you, shouting words of encouragement; "You're sure to become a Guardian this year!!" One man yells out. His daughter yells with glee; "Look daddy! He got another Ice Spider!!! Yay!" The cheers fade behind you as you pass through the gateway, teleporting to a large stable area, with mounts of all kinds already tied up; from giant eagles, to a massive beetle, and dozens of horses. A young man dressing in red, with a gray belt sash, rushes up to you. "I'll take your horse sir. He will be well taken care of. If your journey requires transportation he will appear with you at your destination. You may leave your animals here as well, they will be waiting at your destination for you." He then puts out his hand, awaiting the reins.
Vadek dismounts, hands the reins to the boy, and let's him take the others with him as well. Only his mouse remained because Crag would have no part in being taken away. Vadek takes his place amongst the crowd of other hopefuls, and waves to his fans, eager to see what this year will bring.
The line to the portal exit is long, possessing many Heroes of renown; such as the tricky dwarven healer Triton, the human monk Apachai Hopachai nicknamed The God of Death, the famous human bard Orien Turkx and his wolf Gregar, the vampiric fighter Tarn Stromhelm, and many more. The line, thankfully, is moving fast; it shouldn't be long before you can enter the portal yourself.
The half-elven man before you stands in shining metal armor with blue tinged skin, long red hair, and a nervous twitch in his gold flecked blue eyes. On his arm is a symbol of a gauntlet holding a skull with a dagger through it; the symbol of the Order of the Gauntlet. The woman that steps in line behind you is pale, almost sickly so, lessening the tone of her green skin. Even so, she stands tall with a look of arrogance upon her face. Her eyes are different colors from each other, one blue like the ocean at it's surface, the other black like the ocean at it's depths. Her hair, like water, floats upon the air like a wave in motion.
Vadek is quiet, he notes the two, wondering what their specialties were. Vadek had his hand quiver strapped to his arm, a flap of leather holds the arrows in. He holds his glaive-bow in his hands, using it as a walking stick. He hadn't shown it off yet, saving it for the arena, hoping to play the audience with it. He had his hammer and dagger hanging from his belt, while a crossbow adorned his back. He had two backpacks, one hanging from the other. His supplies, including several tools from his kit that may help along the way.
"Stay focused on the objective this year. Dont get carried away." He says to himself, giving himself a small pep talk he continues, "This is your year. New friends, and a new beginning await you. For the Orphanage!" Vadek bellows the last part, not quite meaning to, he was almost to the portal now.
The half elf infront of you physically jumps, startled by your yell. The woman behind you places her hand upon your shoulder. "Are you okay?" she asks, with a hint to her voice; like that of a whale's song. There is a slight tremor to her body, like she is struggling to stand tall; almost like she is about to get sick at any moment, while holding herself together. Despite this, she adds; "I understand that you have your own goals and expectations; that you seek to grow from this. That is a good thing; accepting change is necessary to sustain yourself in the world." After a pause she then adds. "But please do so quietly. This challenge will be a struggle for most of us. Keep them in mind when you choose to express your emotions."
The half-elf before you goes through the portal. It shimmers a wave of purple as he passes through and vanishes from sight. The line behind you now has grown long; there will plenty of potential heroes today.
Vadek proudly steps forward, he turns slightly to the woman behind him and says, "I wish you luck." He then steps into the portal, ready for what may come.
"Congratulations. You qualify to compete." You hear a halfling man before you state. "Unlike last year, we have merged the qualifying scan with the portal, to speed up the process. If you did not qualify, you would be teleported to the exit and another attendant would be greeting you." The man takes a moment straighten his red uniform and adjust his gray belt sash. "You may proceed to the waiting area where an array of food and drinks have been provided to sustain you for your upcoming journey. The portal will reopen when it is time to enter the Arena." He then motions for you to pass through another portal before you, this one with an orange shine to it.
Vadek enters the waiting area, and chews down, filling his stomach, before taking a few extra rations for the road, namely the hardtack and dried meats, along with a few pieces of fruit. He then proceeds to rest, waiting for the portal to ready itself, he idly checks his supplies, and naps while waiting.
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Vadek stands in the animal pet store, surrounded by his choice of creatures to pick from. He wishes he could stay there all day, but he knows that the portal to the arena closes in just a few hours; and this time he is going to succeed at joining the Guardians of the Realm.
Vadek picks a pair of cats, a raven, three dogs, and a handy ice spider. The spider he hangs fromhis belt, and inquires as to how well the raven has been trained. The rest he loads into his wagon to take back to the orphanage for the kids.
The shop keep, a gentle looking older woman, says; "The raven is pretty new, just bred. It may be a bit young, but he should be in fine condition."
The wagon sitting out infront of the shop; two blocks journey from the portal back to the Arena town. After your last experience with the pet shop in that town, you thought it best to seek pets from another location.
Vadek nods and smiles at the shop keeper, and heads back to the arena town, and the orphanage vis the portal, after loading the dogs and cats into the wagon.
As the wagon travels through the portal gate, coming out the other side in the Arena town, the sights of smells of the massive city returns to you. You exit not far from the Market, the smell of spices and herd animals is thick in the air. You are close to the edge of town, another half hour ride and you'll be home to the orphanage in the woods.
Vadek follows the trail home, taking in the sights and smells of home, and eyeing the arena in the background of the city. "I won't fail this year." He says to himself.
The old church orphanage comes into view, the trees hugging close to it's sides, with small vines climbing up the sides. The children can be heard playing in the back, though one small girl sees you and starts running in your direction.
"Emily!" Vadek calls, "I got the cats for the mice, and dogs for the moles."
He pulls the cart up near the orphanage and pulls the caged cats and dogs from the back. There is a silver coated sheep dog, a hound dog, and a short haired shepherd. The cats are a calico and a tabby.
He gives the girl the two cats, and she runs inside yelling, "Vadek's home! He got the cats and dogs!"
Vadek just watches after her, then takes the dogs around to the back where the others are, and sends the dogs out to the garden and children. He leaves the raven in the wagon for now, he was just grabbing his gear to put on his horse, and heading to the arena after all.
The cheer of children and joyful yelps and barks of dogs resounds through the area. A few children rush out of the orphanage to see you, but quickly veer off towards the sound of dogs.
Vadek gathers his equipment and loads it onto his large draft horse. He attaches the ravens cage to the saddle, deciding to make a more permanent edition later, on the road. Once his horse is laden with his supplies, including his tools, he decides to pick a dog to bring along. He calls over the silver haired sheep dog, named Bolt. He then gathers the children and says his farewells to them and their aging caretaker.
"Be good for Mr. Von Sussenburg, hes a very kind and generous man for volunteering to take care of you while I am gone." Vadek bids each child goodbye, and rides off towards the arena.
Emily is the last to go back inside and even waved once more from the doorway. It isn't long before you get back to the city; and it is starting to get a bit wild. The gates have officially opened for contenders and cheers echo throughout the streets as each Hero, and soon to be hero, walks in through the gateways. You remember the familiar sight of food and merchandise vendors around the entrance; now having past them twice before. You think back on how, if it wasn't for that storm that blew in and sunk your vessel; you may have been returning this time as a Guardian of the Realm. At least you were able to save the captain, before the emergency teleportation spell returned you all back to the arena.
As you enter, some that recalled your heroic effects last year cheer for you, shouting words of encouragement; "You're sure to become a Guardian this year!!" One man yells out. His daughter yells with glee; "Look daddy! He got another Ice Spider!!! Yay!" The cheers fade behind you as you pass through the gateway, teleporting to a large stable area, with mounts of all kinds already tied up; from giant eagles, to a massive beetle, and dozens of horses. A young man dressing in red, with a gray belt sash, rushes up to you. "I'll take your horse sir. He will be well taken care of. If your journey requires transportation he will appear with you at your destination. You may leave your animals here as well, they will be waiting at your destination for you." He then puts out his hand, awaiting the reins.
Vadek dismounts, hands the reins to the boy, and let's him take the others with him as well. Only his mouse remained because Crag would have no part in being taken away. Vadek takes his place amongst the crowd of other hopefuls, and waves to his fans, eager to see what this year will bring.
The line to the portal exit is long, possessing many Heroes of renown; such as the tricky dwarven healer Triton, the human monk Apachai Hopachai nicknamed The God of Death, the famous human bard Orien Turkx and his wolf Gregar, the vampiric fighter Tarn Stromhelm, and many more. The line, thankfully, is moving fast; it shouldn't be long before you can enter the portal yourself.
The half-elven man before you stands in shining metal armor with blue tinged skin, long red hair, and a nervous twitch in his gold flecked blue eyes. On his arm is a symbol of a gauntlet holding a skull with a dagger through it; the symbol of the Order of the Gauntlet. The woman that steps in line behind you is pale, almost sickly so, lessening the tone of her green skin. Even so, she stands tall with a look of arrogance upon her face. Her eyes are different colors from each other, one blue like the ocean at it's surface, the other black like the ocean at it's depths. Her hair, like water, floats upon the air like a wave in motion.
Vadek is quiet, he notes the two, wondering what their specialties were. Vadek had his hand quiver strapped to his arm, a flap of leather holds the arrows in. He holds his glaive-bow in his hands, using it as a walking stick. He hadn't shown it off yet, saving it for the arena, hoping to play the audience with it. He had his hammer and dagger hanging from his belt, while a crossbow adorned his back. He had two backpacks, one hanging from the other. His supplies, including several tools from his kit that may help along the way.
"Stay focused on the objective this year. Dont get carried away." He says to himself, giving himself a small pep talk he continues, "This is your year. New friends, and a new beginning await you. For the Orphanage!" Vadek bellows the last part, not quite meaning to, he was almost to the portal now.
The half elf infront of you physically jumps, startled by your yell. The woman behind you places her hand upon your shoulder. "Are you okay?" she asks, with a hint to her voice; like that of a whale's song. There is a slight tremor to her body, like she is struggling to stand tall; almost like she is about to get sick at any moment, while holding herself together. Despite this, she adds; "I understand that you have your own goals and expectations; that you seek to grow from this. That is a good thing; accepting change is necessary to sustain yourself in the world." After a pause she then adds. "But please do so quietly. This challenge will be a struggle for most of us. Keep them in mind when you choose to express your emotions."
Vadek doesn't seem embarrassed, but says "Apologies. I am fine." to the woman. Vadek stands taller, letting his battle standard flap in the wind.
The half-elf before you goes through the portal. It shimmers a wave of purple as he passes through and vanishes from sight. The line behind you now has grown long; there will plenty of potential heroes today.
Vadek proudly steps forward, he turns slightly to the woman behind him and says, "I wish you luck." He then steps into the portal, ready for what may come.
"Congratulations. You qualify to compete." You hear a halfling man before you state. "Unlike last year, we have merged the qualifying scan with the portal, to speed up the process. If you did not qualify, you would be teleported to the exit and another attendant would be greeting you." The man takes a moment straighten his red uniform and adjust his gray belt sash. "You may proceed to the waiting area where an array of food and drinks have been provided to sustain you for your upcoming journey. The portal will reopen when it is time to enter the Arena." He then motions for you to pass through another portal before you, this one with an orange shine to it.
Vadek enters the waiting area, and chews down, filling his stomach, before taking a few extra rations for the road, namely the hardtack and dried meats, along with a few pieces of fruit. He then proceeds to rest, waiting for the portal to ready itself, he idly checks his supplies, and naps while waiting.