Hell's Gate
        Series' Premier: The Ghost Wind

The Story

The day has been long and the sun is making it's long trek across the
sky as it seeks to set below the horizon.  There are a few people
wandering amidst the stalls still open for business, but for the most
part the town has settled in for the evening.  Noone will be out after
dark.  Not if they value their lives, that is.  Mostly, it's quiet and
laid back in nature, but with an underlaying fear that drives people to
make sure they are where they need to be before the sun vanishes for the
night.

Town Square - Absinth Village
     Tall pines can be seen in the distance.  Majestic spires of
greenery that shelter and surround the small hamlet. Mists fill the
areas of space though.  Clinging mists with swirls that make it appear
almost alive as it coils within the thick stand of trees.  This is the
way into the land beyond as well as the way out from areas as yet unseen
by most of those dwelling within this village.
     The village itself is a simple place.  Simple tastes and even
simpler lives.  There is no technology to be seen, save for the
occasional cart with a bad wheel.  There is a blacksmith shop, soft
clang of a hammer to metal echoing within the silent streets. There is a
Council Hall where the people can come to have their voices heard. A
small bar for those who seek to drown sorrows, rests east of the center
of town and lonely harbour rests to the south.  The ships all shrouded
in fog and often vanishing for a time before the fog mysteriously moves
back from them.
 						
Obvious Exits:
 < RD >     The Rusty Dog Inn          < CH >     Council Hall              
Contents:
Solomon
Maggie
Miles

A figure in the dusk strides towards the village from the East. 
Adjusting his garb slightly, he slowly but steadily approaches the quiet
town square.  Onlookers would be appropriate to question friend or foe,
for this figure appears mysterious, and arrives without provocation. 
Perhaps another traveler that seeks the thrill of being so close to the
Hellmouth, or maybe their worst nightmare...  The figure seems to lack
any sort of formal possession, instead, he appears rather simple, both
in dress and in posture, without much of an intention or apprehension. 
He finally reaches his destination, the square, where he stops, and
gazes about with confidence.

Description

The first figure presents himself with serenity and patience, contrary
to the angst of most young men his age.  Almost six feet tall, his
physique appears healthy, yet not overly fit; he apparently takes little
interest in the usual body-building activities his peers concern
themselves with.  His dark brown hair is conservatively parted to the
left, yet rests with enough body to tease his left brow when he moves
about.  Calmly probing the surroundings with his brown eyes, he
analytically takes note of any detail that fancies him, while his lips
remain slightly parted, accenting the cleanly trimmed beard that
surrounds them.

A hand-trimmed animal hide vest covers the wool shirt that tucks away
under the waist of his sack cloth pants.  His pants are comfortably
fitting, and held in place by a common cord that is tied about his waist
as a belt.  Thick wool socks peek out from beneath his the pants and a
pair of crude, leather bound boots. Every now and then, he'll glance at
a basic sun-dial timepiece, that is strapped with a leather band, to his
left wrist.

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

A dark and stalky human figure makes his way slowly across the ground,
seeming to look around a fair amount, eying various features of the
area.  His gaze lands on the square, as he slowly treads through the
creeping darkness towards it.  The figure's body is clothed in a large,
bulky trench coat, and otherwise appears normal.

Description

The second figure stands roughly six feet and two inches when standing. 
He appears to be fairly well built, and could probably take a fair
beating before it would affect him too greatly.  His crew cut hair is
the black of charcoal, which is a contrast to his light tanned skin and
smoke gray eyes.  He seems to be your every day, run of the mill human,
currently clothed in a hulky, long dark brown homemade trench coat,
which ends shortly before his heavy-duty hide boots, which look
well-worn.  The figure seems to be slightly hunched over, which is
either some sort of physical problem, or has something to do with what
lies beneath.  Beneath is a light shirt, which is opened at the
front-center, allowing one to gaze upon the heavy silver amulet.  A
thick leather belt with a fair sized silver buckle keeps his paper-bag
brown pants tight around his waist. 

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

Some of the villagers give the new arrivals a once over.  Not like
people ever /want/ to come into this town.  Well, unless they are the
a'forementioned thrill seekers. One of the men by the stands does his
duty and walks over to the first man, bowing slightly. "Good day to ya',
Sir.  Ya'..seem ta' be new ta' these parts.  Ken I help ya'?"  He
glances over to the other one and also plans to go over and see whom
this stranger is.  Not like the council would be happy if he didn't
inform them of new arrivals.  That would get him a day in the 'festoon',
working hard and nearly passing out from exhaustion.  But..it's the law
here and he has to abide by it.  He smiles gently, tipping his white
haired head to one side. "If..ya' be looking for a place ta' sleep,
there's always the Rusty Dog over there."

The first figure continues his gaze for a moment, as if savouring the
surroundings for a later review.  He then turns to respond to the
greeting.  He clears his throat, and then calmly replies, "Yes, yes I
am.  I seem to be alright at the moment, thanks for asking.", he notices
the other figure's approach and glances in his direction a moment,
before returning his attention to the man by the stand.  After some
thought, he acknowledges the suggested inn, "I'll keep that in mind,
thanks again.".  He then turns his attention to the inn, and gives it a
once-over.

The second figure watches from where he stands, not moving much or
taking notice of what is around him.  He does however note to himself
what the man said, going over it once or twice in his head to memorize
it.

The man chuckles softly, nodding and feeling that this fellow is
alright.  At least to his way of thinking. He smiles, nodding and bowing
once again before she adds. "If ya' do go to the Inn..don't let the
Innkeeper try to make ya' pay more en' the room's worth.  He tends ta'
be alittle over expensive."  The man winks once, chuckling softly before
he moves away from him and toward the next man.  He bows and smiles,
"Good evenin' Sir.  Ya' seem ta' be traveling and I wanted ta' welcome
ya' to the Village of Absinth."  He smiles, motioning around. "Ya'
should find shelter though..before nightfall."  He looks slightly
worried as he says this, glancing around nervously before looking toward
the sky. "Bad things happen at night."

The first figure chuckles to himself at that last remark about
over-charging.  He then takes a deep breath of evening air, and tries to
identify the apparent flavor, but before he finishes, he catches ear of
the warning.  Without much apprehension though, he finishes listening
and decides to examine the area once again.  However, this time he looks
past the village itself, and at the surroundings beyond.  First to the
North, then to the West; he skips the direction he approached from, the
East, and finally rests on South.  South seems to hold his attention,
for he knows precisely what is beyond the village in that direction; the
Hellmouth itself.

The second figure nods his head in greetings and speaks in a fairly
baritone and sandy voice to the man, "Greetings, sir."  His gaze stays
fixed on the man, "Indeed, it is becoming quite late, and quite dark. 
It would be wise if we all went indoors before night sets in...  I don't
believe any of us want to stay out much longer."  His voice keeps a calm
and steady tone throughout all that he says.

The man nods quietly, turning to look at the Rusty Dog Inn and smiling. 
"Umm..that would be best ta' do, Sir."  He tips his head to one side,
motioning toward the tavern and nodding. "There is a warm fire and much
talk going on inside for the stronger of heart that seek ta' be out
longer from their homes.  It's well protected against the evils ones." 
He nods several times, seeming very sure of this even if it's just a
belief and not a surety.  He glances over to the other man who just
arrived. "There is food and drink within, Sir..if ya' seek ta' warm
yourself by a fire."  He moves that way, hoping the others move that way
also, since the sun has almost set.

The first figure returns his attention to the man, raising a brow at his
apparent display of anxiety.  After a moment of thought, he nods as a
response to the food and drink statement, and decides that he has
observed enough of the area to get a good head start in the morning. 
With a rub of his trimmed beard, he clears his throat and complacently
follows the man towards the Rusty Dog Inn.

The second figure nods to the man and begins to follow him towards the
inn.  The sound of food and drink is enough to get him moving, since he
hasn't had a chance to get anything to eat our drink for the last few
hours that he has been traveling through the forest.  He doesn't really
believe that the Inn is as secure as he wants to believe, but at least
he is prepared for any problems that may occur at the inn, although he
would prefer to have peace this evening.

The Rusty Dog Inn - Absinth Village
     This establishment is meant to be a place of warmth and life even
in the midst of all the horror outside. All around the place people
would be chatting and drinking.  Sharing tales of high adventure over a
warm meal served by the lovely ladies who work here. Torches burn to
give more light for the room and cast shadows over the walls as they
sputter and flicker. A roaring fireplace is against the far wall, two
tables set up there for anyone who seeks to take the chill from their
bones.
     A long bar is situated along one wall and usually a great number of
patrons sit there to drown the sorrows of the day. Tables dot the
remainder of the room, four chairs to each to allow small group to sit
and chat or to gain strength from one another via companionship. A set
of stairs leads upwards to the only available 'extra' rooms in the
village and for a nominal fee, a weary traveller may find rest for the
night.
  
Obvious Exits:
 < SU >     Stairs                     < TS >     Town Square               
Contents:
Maggie
Solomon
Miles

The man enters and holds the door open for the both of you as he smiles
and motions toward the man behind the bar. "He is the Innkeeper.  Just
speak with him if ya' want a room fer the night."  He glances toward the
fire and sighs. "That sure does take care of the chill in the bones
though."  He glances at the other patrons, smiling to show them these
two are okay and then glances back toward the both of you. "I have ta'
get home.  Me wife will start worryin' if I ain't back before full
night."  He bows gently, leaving the both of you to find what you need
now that you're safe? for the night.  He leaves thru the door and closes
it with a click of finality.

The first figure smiles at the friendliness, however insincere it may
be.  He glances around a moment, nodding politely when he looks at the
Innkeeper.  After a moment, he gazes back at the door, a blank look
overcoming the usual clarity of his facial expression.  Its click echoes
in his head... causing a sense of worry to overtake him a moment, but he
has a job to do, and cannot let mere assumption drive him to reveal
himself early, let alone place himself and possibly others at risk.  So
he decides to head over to the Innkeeper, nodding past the second
figure, on his way.

The Innkeeper is busy at the moment, serving another drink to a patron,
but never let it be said that strangers who have been checked out don't
get service. "Aye...Good eve' to ya', Sir.  How might I be helpin' ya'?" 
He smiles, lacking several teeth in the front of his mouth, either from
lack of dentistry(which is more the reason) or from them being hit out
by someone.  He nods to the other person, grinning widely even with the
lack of teeth and waits to hear what someone may have to say.

The second figure nods and smiles to the man, and much like the first is
also not too sure this place is safe as any other place.  As the first
figure nods to him, he nods back and follows him towards the Inn Keeper. 
He gazes slightly towards the bar to find anyone suspicious looking, or
someone who seems the kind of person to know something.

The first figure clears his throat, and smiles warmly.  "Good evening. 
Would it be possible for me to get a room here, this evening?", he
inquires.

The Innkeeper smiles brightly at the first man and nods to the second as
he sees him also. "Yeah..I gots rooms.  You can have your choice really,
since this ain't exactly a vacation spot for people passin' thru."  He
smiles, tipping his head to one side as he asks the second man also.
"Ya' want a room too?"  He pauses waiting for the answer to that before
he reaches for keys.

The door flies open and a man comes running inside bearing scratches and
marks as though he'd been attacked.  After slamming the door closed, he
looks with wide eyes as he leans against the door. "Oh..God preserve
us!"

The first figure nods, "Alright... doesn't matter which room I get,
really.  How much?...", he is suddenly cut off by the abrupt entrance. 
He turns to be greeted with a horrible sight, and steps forward to ask
with concern, "What's happening?"

The second figure yawns, covering his mouth with his left hand.  He nods
to the innkeeper and starts to say "Yes.", but is cut off mid-word by
the man's sudden entrance, which soon has Miles' full attention. 
Joining the first figure, he turns and steps forward, towards the clawed
up man, "What attacked you, sir?"

The man at the door starts sliding down the door, holding it still as he
frowns. "Something....I ain;t sure what. I was headed ta' my home..and
it came outta nowhere.  All claws and teeth....I only managed ta' get
away cuz' of what me wife gave me."  He holds out a small cross that he
smiles over before he starts shaking again. "I..guess I should tell her
that it saved me life."  At that, he passes out and slumps to the side.

The first figure clears his throat, giving the man a look over, then
focussing on the cross a moment.  After a slight pause, he looks at the
around the room's occupants to see their expressions towards the given
case.  Finally, he steps forward to take a closer look at the scratch
marks, and perhaps move the man out of the doorway.

The second figure looks the man over as he passes out.  "All claws and
teeth..." is muttered under his breath as he walks towards the man to
help the first figure move the man out of the doorway.  He directs his
voice towards the figure, "Welcome to the town you'll never visit twice. 
I'd bet you get this sort of greeting often.  Pleasant town, no?...",
the last phrase of which is said with obvious sarcasm.

The Innkeeper sighs softly and makes no move to help the man who is
already being helped by the both of you. "It's the way things are around
here." He closes his eyes a moment, looking down toward the table. "Ya'
ain't got much reason ta' be happy 'round here, fella.  An' if ya' stay
long ya'll realize that real quick."  He sighs, shaking his head slowly.
"if ya' ken make it safer, then we'd be most appreciative of that, but
if ya' can't./..then ya' best ta' stay inside till day.  They don't
attack as much when the sun's out as they do when it's full dark."

The first figure bites his lower lip, then nods at the gruesome words
spoken by second figure, as they finish toting the unconscious victim to
a cozy spot next to the fireplace.  After a moment, he stands and looks
at the Innkeeper, nodding at what was said, even though it wasn't direct
at him.  He then looks towards the door and frowns.  Thoughts race
through his mind, as he pictures the village and the possible points of
attack.  Returning to reality, he looks back to the Innkeeper, "This
happens often I take... has anyone ever attempted to curb it?  Has
anyone stood up to what caused that?", he motions for the wounds on the
downed man.

The second figure mumbles, "I've stood up to such a few times.", which
is actually an under-exaggeration.  "Not my favourite thing to do..." he
chuckles, "But regardless of what you do, almost everywhere you turn,
bad things happen...  The cause of these things?  Usually always the
same.  Every now and then you actually find out it wasn't, and it turns
out to be very easy to stop.  Unfortunately, most of the time it is far
more difficult."

Since the door has been cleared another figure comes running in thru it.
It seems to be a small child that's eyes are wide in terror and she
seems to look around her for a moment with eyes frightened and unsure. 
She pants almost from how hard it looks like she's run.  She pants after
slamming the door closed, and doesn't seem to be able to speak at first. 
She too bears the scratches and bite marks as though she's been
attacked.

The first figure nods to the second, and before he can receive an answer
from the Innkeeper, the door opens once again, another victim arriving. 
He turns and looks this victim over, and is somewhat startled by the
fact that it's a child.  A child?  In a place like this, who would think
of keeping a child here?  He walks forward with a bout of concern,
squatting down to reach the child's level, he calmly inquires, "Are you
okay?", as he looks her over for any particularly dangering wounds.

The second figure was thinking more along the lines of 'what is a young
child doing out at this time of night?', but he still shows some
concern, although weary of the situation.  After all, what would a child
be doing either in a town like this, or outside at night in a town like
this.  He eyes her suspiciously, and stays quiet, not uttering a single
word to anyone in the room, expecting disaster to strike at any moment. 
If what attacked the man and child is still out there, and near by, it
would probably end up in this very inn.

Maggie blinks at the first man, eyes warily turning to him as she
continues to pant in fright.  She finds her voice after a few moments of
trying, "I..was with me folks...travelin' back home."  She shivers, face
frowning deeply. "Somethin'..came outta the mists and grabbed them." 
Her eyes go wide, bright blue innocence telling the tale of what she
appears to be. "They...vanished.  I..could hear horrible sounds..."  She
closes her eyes tightly, shivering. "Oh..God..it sounded like..something
eating."  She shakes her head and groans loudly as she shakes by the
door. "They..are gone..all gone..  I..I ran..."

The first figure frowns at the situation... this cannot be good.  These
things prey on children too?  But wait, this child never mentioned how
she acquired those scratches and bitemarks... with a concerned tone he
slowly and soothingly asks, "Miss, can you tell me where you got those
wounds from?  What did this to you?", he motions for the scratches and
bite marks.  His first instinct is to show concern, even though the
situation seems rather ideal... he never had to ask the first questions
to get an answer, it was just provided, by a child who normally should
have been too frightened to talk... but perhaps this child is strong, he
won't make an assumption, he is, afterall, here to collect evidence, not
make unjust guesswork.

The second figure arches a brow... parents... traveling alone with their
child in the dark.  That is a fairly... unbelievable story.  He kneels
down near the first figure, only inches taller than the other man, "What
is your name, miss?" A name would be nice to have, in the event that it
is required later on.  The story seems fairly farfetched, since no
family in their right mind would stay out so late, even if they were
only slightly delayed.  They would have run home.

The Innkeeper seems shocked at seeing Maggie run inside and even leaves
his bar to come around to the other side. "Maggie?  Child?  You look as
though the devil himself were chasing you. Are you alright?"  Surely, if
the Innkeeper knows her then she's okay, right? Maggie sighs softly,
glancing from one face to the other, frowning deeply till she sees the
figure. "Found..Ma..and Da.  They were going to get me far from this
place."  She starts sobbing pitifully, shaking her head. "All gone...All
gone now."  She continues to sob as the Innkeeper walks over to her and
lays a gentle arm over her shoulder.  He looks up to the both of you and
sighs, "She was lost and we took her in. She's been living with us for
some months now and it seems that she found her family..only to loose
them again."  He sighs deeply, keeping an arm around the young girl. 
"She's been thru so much.."

The first figure chews on his tongue a moment, before getting to his
feet, and looking at the door... he takes a deep breath and then looks
to the Innkeeper, "In that case, I think we should get some village-folk
together in the morning, and see if we can find out what happened out in
those woods.", he slowly approaches the fireplace, rubbing his beard. 
He then gazes towards the other man that he and the second figure placed
by it moments before, checking to see if he has regained consciousness. 
Something is amidst in the evening air, and if it hadn't an odd scent,
it surely had an odd viscosity... it feels as though one were walking
through air that was sickly thick.

The second figure shows more concern now, since someone has identified
the girl.  However, some things don't stick... the story he was told has
some holes in it.  If they were taking her away from here, why were they
near enough to the town at this time of night to get attacked.  Did they
leave at night?  Why on earth would they do something like that, anyway? 
He ponders a moment before looking towards the Innkeeper, "How old is...
Maggie?"

The Innkeeper sighs softly, glancing over to the first stranger before
he nods. "Yes..We should first thing when the sun rises."  He stays
close to the girl sighing softly as he smooths her hair back from her
face. He glances to the second stranger. "Well, she can remember I think
being 8 years of age."  He smiles gently at her, tipping her head to one
side.  Maggie manages a weak grin, "Umm..yeah..I'm this many.."  She
holds up 8 fingers and glances over to the second man as her head tips
to one side.  She stares at him several moments, "I was that many last
summer anyway."  She frowns and looks down, sighing deeply. "Umm..not
sure of the day though."

Description

Maggie seems to be a normal child.  One that has long blonde hair and
happy green eyes.  She looks at everything with a child-like view, happy
and enjoying all that may be around her at the time. Her curiosity knows
no bounds and she watches people in fascination of some kind.  Her voice
can often be heard to giggle merrily or speak softly to whomever she
chances to meet.
 
At the moment she is wearing a simple shift of homespun cloth with a
simple rope belt tied around her waist.  She doesn't wear shoes since
she appears to be far too poor to even afford simple sandles.  Her hair
is presently tied back off her slightly smudged face with a piece of
leather and she appears to have no other belongings with her.

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

The first figure sighs to himself, and raises his left sleeve a moment. 
He then remembers that sun-dials don't work indoors, and furthermore,
they don't even show a date.  He turns around, and looks back at the
girl, Maggie.  He remembers what the unconscious man had said that the
cross had a somewhat repelling effect.  So in a conjectural tone, he
calmly suggests, "Perhaps we should give her a cross.  The man who came
in here earlier seems to think that it helped.", he motions for the
out-cold fella.  Then turns back to the fire, and gazes into it...
letting the imagery take over...

The second figure arches a brow at the ingenious idea, "That would
probably help."  He begins to pat around his large coat, "And I believe
I have a few on me too.  A friend of mine told me that they were genuine
silver too."  Looking puzzled a moment, he finally feels the bulge of
the various charms and items he has stored on his person, "Ah, here we
go..."  He reaches his left hand into his coat, his hand traveling to an
inner pocket on the right side of his trench coat.
 
Maggie glances around for a moment, shivering as she inwardly realizes
what they are about to do.  Utoh..not good.  Well, let's see if she can
alter this to her advantage?  She widens her eyes at the large men
before her, rising to her feet and scampering away from them to hide
behind the barkeep. "Aww..poor child.  maybe she just needs to rest a
bit.  She seems far too upset about what happened to be very rational." 
The barkeep sighs softly, shaking his head slowly as he smooths down the
girl's hair. "It's alright child..noone is going to hurt you.  Try to
calm yourself.."

The first figure doesn't seem to be rather coherent anymore.  His little
gaze into the fiery depths of the mind have pushed him down the corridor
of memory.  With each flick of the flames' tongues, and each crackle of
the sparks, his eyes glaze over, as he becomes more distant.  Inward he
perilously falls, something beckoning him to follow its whim.  A cold
sweat begins to bead around his neck, as he is brought face to face with
a soul-clenching pain.  Moments later, he awakens, and stampers a
moment, before wiping away the sweat, clearing his throat, and pondering
his sudden tangent.

The second figure is just in the midst of pulling the cross out when he
hears the inn keeper's words.  He raises his shoulder a moment in a slow
shrug as he pushes the cross back into his inner coat pocket.  Raising
his right hand to his head he scratches his short sideburns a moment
before returning his hand to his side.  He doesn't take note of the
first figure, as he was not paying attention to him.

Maggie looks at the barkeep, smiling nervously for a moment as she hugs
his legs.  She looks over to the both of you, shivering as though she
were afraid of the both of you. "Umm..no bad men?"  She looks back to
the barkeep and gets a pat on the head.

The first figure hangs on Maggie's words a moment, then gives the
Innkeeper a blank look.  After regaining his grasp on reality, he slowly
strides over to the Innkeeper and calmly states, "About that room, how
much?", he then proceeds to yawn, signifying that it may be a good time
to get some rest, considering the big day the morning will bring.

The second figure also yawns, but stands back slightly and waits for the
Innkeeper to finish with the first figure before he steps in to get a
room himself.  Then he can set up all of his things in the room to keep
away any evil that tries to get in, or at least slow them down enough
for him to get moving.

Maggie glances around for a moment before she stays silent.  The
Innkeeper turns a smile to the first man, nodding. "Just 2 gold
pieces...we ain't had many patrons and the rooms are musty."  He
chuckles, "Ya want one on the Harbour side?  Or ya' want one alley
side."  The girl is forgotten for now, since she is just quiet next to
his feet.

The first figure rubs his beard a moment... then simply replies,
"Doesn't matter, whatever's most ideal for you.", he then recalls what
the man from the stand outside had said about the price, as he digs
around in his pockets, he looks up, "Two gold pieces for a musty room?".

The second figure raises a brow at this.  Musty room for two gold
pieces... hmm...  It just doesn't sound like a good deal to him.  He
continues to stand back and wait fir the first figure to finish with the
man.  While he waits, he looks Maggie over a bit from his distance a few
feet away, looking for anything that would stand out.

Maggie glances around a bit more, moving toward the Barkeep's wife who
takes her to one side and gives her a mug of cider.  The Barkeep widens
his eyes slightly, scowling. "Well...alright, one gold then.  But I'm
losing money as it is."  He chuckles, taking a key from the rack and
then reaches for a second. "Same goes for you fella.  One gold and that
includes one meal a day." His wife scowls but doesn't say a word as her
husband holds out two keys. "Ya' ken take yer pick of rooms.  Ain't like
we're busy or nothin."

The first figure smiles and bows, "Much obliged."  He passes the
Innkeeper a gold piece, and takes the first key.  He looks it over a
bit, weighing it in his hand a moment, then rubbing its surface with his
thumb.  Finally, he nods to those present in the room, gives a final
glance to the man who still remains out cold by the fire, and turns to
head up to his room.

The second figure follows suit, fumbling around his clothing before he
pulls out a few coins, some silver, some gold.  Once he grabs a gold
one, he stuffs the rest back where he found it hand trades it for the
second key, which he carefully examines.  He nods his head to the
Innkeeper, "Thank you sir."  Then he too heads up the stairs, pausing at
the top.

Maggie watches the men leave the room, taking their keys and heading up
the stairs.  She stands up as the last one leaves, grinning brightly and
running a finger along the wife's arm before she comments to the
Innkeeper. "They bear watching...be good little humans and let me know
what they do, hmm?"  She grins, walking over to the Innkeeper who grins
like a fool as he is touched. "I shall..make it worth your while if you
do... You know I can, hmm?"  She grins, glancing over to the wife who
grins also.  Mostly in adoration of this small girl before her.

The following morning...

The Rusty Dog Inn - Absinth Village
     This establishment is meant to be a place of warmth and life even
in the midst of all the horror outside. All around the place people
would be chatting and drinking.  Sharing tales of high adventure over a
warm meal served by the lovely ladies who work here. Torches burn to
give more light for the room and cast shadows over the walls as they
sputter and flicker. A roaring fireplace is against the far wall, two
tables set up there for anyone who seeks to take the chill from their
bones.
     A long bar is situated along one wall and usually a great number of
patrons sit there to drown the sorrows of the day. Tables dot the
remainder of the room, four chairs to each to allow small group to sit
and chat or to gain strength from one another via companionship. A set
of stairs lead upwards to the only available 'extra' rooms in the
village and for a nominal fee, a weary traveler may find rest for the
night.
  
Obvious Exits:
 < SU >     Stairs                     < TS >     Town Square               
Contents:
Maggie
Solomon
Miles

All tidy and tailored, the first figure makes his way down the stairs. 
It is a surprise he looks as good as he does, considering all the noise
he would have heard all night.  But he can sleep through most terrors,
so long as they aren't creeping up on him.  When he reaches the bottom
of the stairs, he looks about at the morning crowd, perhaps someone new
has arrived.

Looking not too much different than the night before, the second figure
walks slowly down the stairs after a slow, semi-sleepless night.  He
arrives at the bottom of the stairs next to the first figure and also
gazes around to see if there are any new arrivals, or if something has
changed.  There is a slight look of unease on his face from what he
overheard the night before.

The Innkeeper is up and about as bubbly if not more so than last night. 
His wife also seems to be on cloud nine.  But after the noises of last
night?  How could they be?  The child is nowhere to be seen though as
they set out a few odd assortment of drinks and bread for the morning
fair. He notes both your arrivals and smiles. "Good morning!"  He smiles
brightly, seeming to have slept quite well. He tips his head to one
side, "We have a few things we set out each morning to get the patrons
going..Please..help yourself."

With an air of patience, the first figure approaches the food and drink. 
He nods to both the Innkeeper and his wife, gratefully saying,
"Greetings.  Thank you for the offerings.".  While glancing around to
see if the man from the other night is still by the fire, he makes note,
"As soon as possible, we should probably proceed to find out what
exactly happened last night, with regards to Maggie.".  Finally he takes
a piece of bread and a goblet of water, then heads over to eat by the
fire.

Eyeing the inn suspiciously, the second figure heads towards the food
and drink, nodding to the two, "Good morning, and thank you for the
meal."  He takes a piece of bread as well as he makes note of the odd
bubbliness.  Next he takes a goblet of apple juice, "Indeed, we should
head out quickly . . . "  His voice is as deep and sandy as usual.  As
he starts to head towards a seat to eat and drink, he notices the
absence of Maggie, "Where's the girl?"  His eyes dart towards the
Innkeeper as he awaits a response.

The Innkeeper glances over to his wife and she nods, smiling widely.  He
turns back to the first man, chuckling. "Oh..the child's fine.  She's
staying with a couple further in the village.  They have said they will
adopt her and take care of her."  He grins, showing teeth this time.
"You don't need to worry about her anymore."  He glances over to his
wife and she chuckles as well, "Yes the child is fine.  She just needed
a kind hearth and home to make her feel much better.  People tend to
bounce back rather quickly...since the are is known for it's bad things
happening and people tend to leave homes open for those who need it."

The first figure listens intently, marking the oddness of the response. 
After a moment, he intones, "I think we shall always need to worry
around this neck of the woods.  If you two wish to stay here, I will
gladly check out what happened without.  Just point me to where she's
staying, and I'll be on my way.".  Standing up, he brushes a few crumbs
from his cloth pants, and returns the empty goblet.

The second figure eats his bread and drinks his juice as the Inn Keeper
speaks.  As he is told about people leaving their homes open, he nods,
"I'm sure..."  Once his food and drink are no more, he stands and dusts
his coat off slightly, knocking the few crumbs off that have
accumulated.  He returns his goblet as well and turns to the first
figure, "I shall accompany you, as one cannot be too careful in these
parts."

The Innkeeper notes this concern and glances over to his wife a moment
before he manages a nod. "Umm..she lives within the home at the end of
the row that has the tall oak beside it.  It is  the only home with an
oak still living next to the home.  They are good people and will
welcome you if you tell them why you have come."  He grins a bit,
sighing as he glancing in the direction of the harbour. "It seems we
will have to make due with the supplies we have since the shipments due
this morning have..met with disaster.  We shall make due..as we always
have and if you wish to see those which watch Maggie, those at the end
of the row are the ones to see."

The first figure nods to the second, then slightly to the Innkeeper,
unsure of what to make of the response.  However he does make note of
the oak tree, and decides he may wish to examine it a bit.  With his
usual stride of confidence, he heads towards the door, adjusting his
garments and clearing his throat en route.

The second figure rubs his stubble a moment as he arches his neck around
to readjust it with a barely audible crunch.  He nods to the Innkeeper
and his wife, "Thank you for the hospitality.  Depending on today's
outcome, I may or may not be back tonight."  Then he turns and heads out
towards the town square.

Town Square - Absinth Village
     Tall pines can be seen in the distance.  Majestic spires of
greenery that shelter and surround the small hamlet. Mists fill the
areas of space though.  Clinging mists with swirls that make it appear
almost alive as it coils within the thick stand of trees.  This is the
way into the land beyond as well as the way out from areas as yet unseen
by most of those dwelling within this village.
     The village itself is a simple place.  Simple tastes and even
simpler lives.  There is no technology to be seen, save for the
occasional cart with a bad wheel.  There is a blacksmith shop, soft
clang of a hammer to metal echoing within the silent streets. There is a
Council Hall where the people can come to have their voices heard. A
small bar for those who seek to drown sorrows, rests east of the center
of town and lonely harbour rests to the south.  The ships all shrouded
in fog and often vanishing for a time before the fog mysteriously moves
back from them. 

Obvious Exits:
 < RD >     The Rusty Dog Inn          < CH >     Council Hall              
Contents:
Solomon
Maggie
Miles

The road winds away from the village and toward a great number of homes
which lie just off the beaten track.  These homes must surely be the
ones that the Innkeeper mentioned since they seem to be the only ones
that are still within the village proper. Each one has a nice farm
attached to it and there are people working or children playing outside
around them.  Normal, right?

The first figure continues down the road with a patient stride, as he
looks about, examining the homes and farms.  The area looks rather
nominal, but given the history of the place, and the fact that it's the
closest known civilian habitat to the Hellmouth, perhaps there's more
than meets the eye.  In any event, he's ready to put on a new act, that
of investigator.  It's time to find out just what did happen the other
evening, and perhaps that'll lead to an appropriate answer as to why
things seem overly convenient, and people overly content, given the
current oddities that accompany the locale.

The second figure slowly stalks behind the first figure, looking more
slowly about than the other, also examining the areas.  Things indeed
seem oddly peaceful for such an area, and it doesn't take him long to
decide that he might as well start a conversation about that.  His usual
deep and sandy voice intones, "For the only known town nearest the
Hellmouth, this place sure seems to be a little... too well off, no?"

Propserous?  Perhaps, but all the people outside watch the both of you
with a certain wariness.  Almost as though they weren't too sure about
strangers or why they would come to this place.  One man gets all
defensive, taking his rake and standing in front of his children.  The
children behind him seem to cower away from the both of you, nervously
biting their lip or nails.  One woman sees you two and quickly pulls her
children inside off the porch and then warily watches from between the
curtains of her small home. 

The first figure stops dead in his tracks, after noticing the sudden
shift in civilian activity... almost as though it was done to counter
the originating thoughts.  He turns to the second figure, and quietly
says, "Notice anything change?  I'm not certain if they heard what you
said... or what you thought.  I don't know about you, but this place
gives me the creeps, and it's getting worse... something about this
whole village is starting to crawl under my skin.".  He then looks about
once more, focusing his gaze on defensive man, not with a criticizing
look, but a look of concern.  Then, just as quickly as he stopped, he
continues towards the destination, the only home with an oak tree that
still lives... something that doesn't seem right.

The second figure nods slowly as he also looks slightly concerned at how
people act.  He mumbles under his breath, "They probably think we're the
bad guys."  He raises his voice a bit, "This sure is an odd town, isn't
it?  It is quite creepy though, and slightly..." as they near the home
he cuts off a moment before speaking again, ". . . Out of place..." 
Giving the tree a once over, he continues to speak, "Now that's
something you don't see every day... and where you'd least expect it
too."

Indeed the tree is alive and seems to be flourishing too. As you get
closer to the yard, you can see an older man working in the fields.  His
two sons are out there also, hard at work and hoeing the rows evidently
for a planting of some kind.  It being spring, there is no telling what
sort of planting it might be. An older woman walks out from the house,
having seen you headed their way.  She smiles, wearing a simple wooden
cross around her throat. "Greet'ngs, Sirs.  If ya' looking fer a place
ta' stay..we have a sorta nice Inn..in town."  She motions back the way
you came, but seems very friendly as she stands on the porch drying her
hands.

The first figure approaches the yard and slows, bowing slightly.  He
calmly greets, "Good morning ma'am.  If it isn't too much of an
imposition, may I inquire as to where little Maggie is at this time?". 
He sure didn't beat around the bush, he got right to the chase.  In
fact, his reasoning is sound, considering how overly friendly this woman
seems to be.  Apparently, she is unaffected by what's influencing the
rest of those along this street.  Or perhaps she is... just moreso than
them.  In any event, he awaits a reply, while looking about at the yard,
zooming in on those working in the field, and finally, the tree.  What a
lovely sight... or is it?  Soon, time will tell.

The second figure would ask the same thing, except the first already
did.  So instead, he eyes the tree suspiciously a moment, moving his
eyes ony slightly before turning back to the woman and the first figure. 
Indeed, this woman appears to be more friendly than the others around,
and to be greeted quite warmly was definately not the greetings he had
expected to receive from anyone in this town.  After all, everyone else
has been suspicious from the start, even when the two arrived the
previous night.

The woman lifts a brow, tipping her head to one side. "Umm..maybe you
have the wrong house?  There's noone by the name of Maggie living here,
Sirs.  Perhaps..she's down the road back toward town?"  She seems
completely open about your questions, not seeming to be very afraid of
either of you.  She does note the staring at her tree and she smiles.
"Ah..I see you've noticed the tree.  Well, that was a gift ya' see. 
There was a preacher passin' thru and wanted ta' give the land something
holesome he said."  She smiles, walking over to it as she pats it
gently. "He said it's been blessed and we was lucky enough ta' get this
house when...well, when everything calmed down again."  She glances back
to the first though, "But as fer this Maggie person?  I don't know no
Maggie.."

The first figure grunts under his breath.  After a slight pause, he
nods, "Alright, sorry to bother you then.  Mind if we take a look at
this tree, however?" he inquires.  He looks the tree up and down, taking
note of the grain and texture its bark has, to the shape and size of its
roots.  Perhaps there's more to this tree than this woman knows... or is
willing to admit.

The second figure arches a brow, "Really?  Well, you see the girl came
into the Inn last night in a might bit of trouble.  I was wondering
where she was and asked the inn keeper.  He said to go to the house with
the large oak tree... which I believe this house is."  He pauses a
moment, "I wonder if we mis-heard him."  He shrugs and turns to examine
the tree some, also getting the feeling something is a little out of
place with it, despite what the woman said about it.

The woman shakes her head slowly, "I don't mind at all, but
please..don't hurt it alright?  It's always kept my family safe and
Lars..my husband would be very upset if it came to any harm."  She
glances back to the farm and the man working. "It's always been very
good for us..and I think the other families are jeolous that we have it. 
There have even been attempts to steal it."  She crosses herself in a
very old manner without even thinking about it. "Sad that they would
seek to sin in such a way.."  She frowns deeply.

A dark cloud starts to form overhead.  It's slow moving and seems almost
to creep across the skies, making the place start going dark.

The first figure nods to the woman, "Much obliged, ma'am."  He turns,
and runs his hand along the trunk of the tree... first down it, then up
it.  He pushes at one spot with his finger, then places his nose up
against it, and sniffs the scent of the bark.  Finally, he picks up a
sharp rock, and lightly scrapes at some of the bark, producing a fine
powder that he can taste.  He turns to the second figure and shrugs a
moment, then, making certain to hide it from the woman's view, he takes
the stone and presses it hard into the surface of the bark, leaving a
small gouge, hopefully to let some sap loose, so as to check it.  While
he waits, he looks up at the sky, and thinks to himself a moment, then
turns to the second figure and calmly states, "Looks like a storm's
brewing.  We should probably get back to the Inn soon.".

The second figure stares blankly at the woman a moment with a look of
'huh?'.  Finally he speaks, "How can you steal a tree?"  He looks over
to the first figure as he's playing with the tree and shrugs back, then
turning back to the woman he says, "You'd have to uproot the thing.  And
once you did uproot it, how would you move such a heavy object?"  As the
clouds darken the sky and the first figure speaks to him, he nods back,
"Indeed."

It seems that the storm has caught the attentions of the others as well. 
People scatter like frightened sheep into their homes, dragging children
along and slamming doors and bolting them. The woman standing on the
porch looks warily at the storm and softly whispers, "no." before she
too makes a quick motion and hurries inside. It's obvious that she's not
thinking it's a normal storm, but then..what /is/ really normal in a
place like this?  The men behind the house hurry for indoors as well,
warily watching the skies as they do.

The first figure thinks for a moment, then says in a complacent tone, 
"Let's stay right here, specifically, by this tree.", he motions for
the second figure to join him, as he takes a seat.  Then he looks up at
the sky, analyzing it, recalling some things he knows about climatology.
He tosses the stone he used to check the tree with, down to the street, 
where it bounces a few times, before coming to a nice rest, it's sharp
end pointing in the direction of the Inn.

The second figure watches as the woman retreats for the indoors much
like everyone else, "Well so much for getting an answer on how you can
possibly steal a tree..."  He chuckles and shakes his head as he turns
to his companion, about to tell him they should head back right this
instant, but he is stopped even before he starts talking as the first
figure decides that they should stay right there.  The figure arches a
brow, "You're either incredibly smart... or incredibly stupid."  Then he
heads over to the tree and drops down next to the first figure, the
sound of a solid surface hitting the tree where he sits.  He lightly
intones, "It's a nice tree... or at least it looks that way..."  He
smirks, "Of course, I have a feeling it really isn't as nice as it
seems."

The storm clouds move along the sky.  Creeping it could almost be said.
There are places in that storm that swirl and coil.  Clouds making
horrible shapes that can actually be seen.  This is no summer game of
finding the dragon or even the flower in the nice white puffies.  No. 
This is more leering faces and grimaces of faces in pain that they form.
With the clouds move a chill wind.  An ill wind which tries to creep
under the skin and into the heart.

The first figures narrows his brows at the clouds... then calmly
replies, "I'm vouching for the latter myself...", as he intently watches
the leering and grimacing faces that form.  The hairs on his covered
arms begin to stand, the subtle energy that the clouds are giving off is
filled with pain and anguish, all wrapped up in a hatred few know. 
Being sensitive to these energies is not the only ability he holds, he
is also blessed with an influential factor, and can block such from
flooding his heart and his senses.

The second figure's very nature used to be what these clouds are trying
to do to him, and it is almost failing miserably.  He still feels it,
and the hairs of his arms and those on the back of his neck straighten
until they are almost completely standing on end, "Beautiful isn't it?" 
Chuckling and shaking his head, "I've seen worse myself, but never
usually get caught in the middle of it... not one of my hobbies, you
see."

Hm, well you both believe that you are safe?  Think again.  Not only has
this weather begun in the skies, but there are some sounds in the
distance.  And some not so distant.  In fact, right to your left a voice
comes to you.  "Lovely..indeed."  The creature next to you grins widely
and vanishes, leaving a trail of demonic laughter in it's wake. Smaller
figures peek out from the shadows, snickering as though seeing you both
outside was the funniest thing possible.

The first figure notices the creatures, and raises a brow at their
laughter... and as though he is unable to control himself, starts
laughing along with them. "Oh... hahah... geez.... hahaha, can't help
myself... oooh... hehe."  Finally he stops, and catches his breath, what
a show he put on, a laughing fit in a situation like this.  Unheard
of... or perhaps planned?  Regardless, he seems unafraid, almost
expecting the current greetings the two are receiving from the vile
beasts of the stormfront.

The second figure looks to the creatures and chuckles along with his
companion who has broke out into a laughing fit, "Oh pah-leeze... Is
that the best you can do?  I've seen better tricks in a silent movie." 
He shakes his head and stares at one of the creatures before turning to
his companion, "Cute little buggers, aren't they?"

The small creatures are just the forefront of what is happening though
and what happens every so often when the Hellmouth decides to make
itself known. The creatures continue to giggle.  Both amused and
possibly nervous about what follows their arrival.  One or two shriek in
fear and go darting off toward the town. What follows them are three
rather large hulking shapes.  These shapes move along thru the trees,
glancing at each farmhouse and drooling slightly.  One in the center
unfirls his wings and takes off flying toward town.  The other two begin
heading your way, though the wind isn't heading their way so they
haven't scented you as yet.  Each stand about 7ft tall and have barbed
tails, long fangs which bulge from their mouths, and large sacks.

The first figure slowly gets to his feet, looking towards the trees. 
Although he still doesn't seem nervous, almost as though he has no fear. 
Or perhaps he's used to things of this calibre, and is ready for them to
bring it on!  After a pause, he quietly says, "Gargoyles... how
lovely.", he then turns to the second figure and says, "Perhaps we
should take cover, these things don't seem too friendly, and may be
looking for victims to drag off into their little realm.  Although they
may look the part, they don't seem to be hunters at all, they're
gatherers... but they look the part, so as to strike terror into their
victims, a cheap tactic by which to immobilize their prey."

The second figure gazes into the darkness and the approach of the
gargoyles.  He reaches into his trench coat and pulls out a three inch
long, quarter inch thick cylinder of ground tea leaf, save for the half
inch of thinned spongue-like hide in the front, which he inserts between
his lips.  The cigarette as it appears is wrapped in a thin skin of some
sort, possibly like that found on a plant.  Next comes a small stick
with a red bead on the end, appearing to be a match.  He strikes this
against the stubble on his face, lighting the match with a crackle, and
lighting the smoke next, before he extinguishes the match and tosses it
to the ground, stepping on it as it lands. Taking a slow toke, he
mumbles with the cigarette between his lips, "Yes... that might be a
good idea."

The two waiting for the first to return look intently at the houses. 
Their eyes even start to blaze a bit, narrowing as though seeking to
pierce the darkness in search for a likely prospect.  Their Master
doesn't like to be kept waiting after all and with the goal in mind that
they need at leastt two fresh bodies before they can go back, they seem
eagerly happy to do just that. One grunts at the other, replying to a
hissed question from the one next to it and then they both head toward
the first house they come to.  Thankfully, it's not the house you are
next to, but one just a bit farther to the left. One large fist pounds
on the door and there are some screams that can be heard from within the
house.  A man's voice yells at them to go away and the two creatures
only smile as they start smacking harder on the door.  If they don't get
stopped, it will give very soon.  The splintering of it is a dead
giveaway.

The first figure groans at the prospects of having to do what he has to
do.  But as soon as he sees those bloody scavangers, he decides he must
intervene.  Even if it means he must be the snack.  He strides to the
edge of the street, where he attains the sharp stone he used to pierce
the tree, it's tip still wet from the pre-sap.  Clenching it tightly in
his fist, he heads towards the house where the gargoyles are pounding at
the door, and he shouts in a confident tone, "Hey tinkerbell!  Step away
from the house!"  He holds up the fist containing the stone, as his
eyebrows narrow on the two uglies.

The second figure stares at the first as he walks away.  He pulls his
smoke out, only a quarter finished and tosses it onto the ground,
stamping on it when it lands.  Shaking his head he chuckles, "Gotta be
the hero..." There is a short pause before he continues, "Wait, who am I
to talk?"  Shrugging, he reaches his right hand into his trenchcoat and
around to his back, mimicing the movements with his left.  With a swift
motion, he pulls out a silver coated, cast-iron shield, and a thick,
silver coated, steel broadsword.  The sword he spins a moment in his
right hand to get a better grip before he starts a dash towards the
house, his slight hunch gone as it was apparently nothing more than the
shield taking up space in his coat.  His eyes look at the gargoyles and
he mumbles, "Whoa ugly."

The first creature turns at the words spoken by the first man.  He
scowls and fire blazes out of his eyes before he starts lumbering toward
him.  The second one, with single minded intent keeps banging on the
door in front of him.  Well, that is until the second man pulls out the
sword and shield.  He knows silver when he sees it and snarls in rage at
it even being this close to him.  The second monster stops at the sound,
eyes going to the shield and sword with more than alittle wariness
before he reaches out to smack down the first man.  One problem at a
time, though the sword and shield are more of a problem right now.  If
he can knock out the first man, then he can have one for the sack and
head to take care of the sword guy.

The first figure stops dead in his tracks, and holds his hands up high,
letting the sharp edge of the rock point at the oncoming smack.  He
channels his might through it, a healing energy that, if it doesn't
affect the gargoyle directly, will cause some interesting re-growth
effects with the pre-sap, of which will be smeared or even pierced into
the gargoyle on impact.  He simply glares at the gargoyle, and calmly
says one word, "Carnour.", as he awaits impact.

The second figure lunges towards the creature not going after the first
figure, his sword ready to strike, and his shield ready to block. 
"Swallow this you pile of petrified guano.  I want your head for my
trophy room."  His stance is that of a warrior, the right position to
parry or dodge an attack, provided he can move fast enough.

The first creature continues with the swing to hit the first man.  His
hands connects with the stone that he's holding up and shrieks an ear
piercing sound. The place that the sap connected starts making his hand
smoke badly and this makes his even more dangerous.  Like a wounded
animal, he is enraged at the pain.  The second one, having chosen the
stronger of the two men.  Or at least the more well equiped, continues
the charge toward him and seems to go right into the swing that was
aimed to take his head off.  The sword passes thru him as he vanishes,
leaving only air for the second man to find for his trophy.

The first figure smirks at the effects, pondering which caused it, the
pre-sap itself, or the healing energy.  In any event, now would be a
good time for him to dash back to the tree, but instead, he simply
stands there, unsure of his success... something didn't feel right... if
this thing were harmed by something as small as a rock with a drop of
pre-sap, why would it still go after him... perhaps it'll run now.  If
not, maybe the second figure will bail him out in time, for he finally
knows what made the apparent hump, and is rather impressed at his ease
in taking out the second gargoyle.

The second figure swings around, baffled, "What?"  He appears at a loss
for words for a moment as he looks around, "Where'd that winged _freak_
disappear to?"  Looking around a few more moments before he stops, he
turns to the first figure and his own beastie, "That's not normal...
something's wrong here..."  A look of light paranoia covers his face for
a moment as he gazes around a bit more.  He's prepared to take out the
first gargoyle should it move to attack the first figure, but he
otherwise stands still, unsure of what's going on.

The first creature charges for the man with the sword, seeing him as a
worse threat at the moment and also seeing that the first man has
something that will hurt it. He snarls in rage, lowering to ram into the
second man, ignoring the burn now smoking badly on his hand as he does
so.  There is a flapping overhead now.  Something watches.  Something
seems to be staying out of the fight, but watches from the skies to see
just what happens next.

The first figure watches as the gargoyle charges by.  With a sigh of
relief he turns to watch, and then notices the sound.  A flapping
noise... something above?  He looks up, but the darkness is too much for
him to pierce at the moment... he has little time to concentrate, so he
ignores it, and dashes towards the oak tree.  A drop of sap hangs from
the small puncture he made earlier.  He decides to re-coat the stone. 
After finishing, he looks around for something, and spots a long branch. 
Picking it up, he examines both ends, and decides on the one that once
attached it to a tree.  Taking the stone, he embeds it, sharp end up,
tightly between the grain of the splintered end, producing a spear. 
Grasping it tight, he heads back towards the second figure's location.

The second figure stares at the gargoyle as it approaches, stepping to
the right at the last moment to allow it to hit the shield and spin him
around, which should allow him to stab the creature between the wings. 
A swift maneuver against such a large creature, but it is no more swift
than stepping to the left and lunging forward to stab it in the ribs,
which would most likely knock the gargoyle on top of him anyway.

The monster on the ground continues his charge, seeming rather stupid to
head right 'into' the thrust, but he does.  Oddly enough, he vanishes
too once the sword connects with his back.  He doesn't even offer a
shriek though. Much the same way that the other one vanished.  The one
in the air shrieks in anger, staying far out of the reach of both of you
unless you start throwing things.  It tips its head to one side, large
wings flapping to keep it aloft.  Then the voice comes.  A great deep
voice from deep within its chest. <So  Humans...  You seek to help those
pitiful sheep that live here? Foolish mortals..  You do not understand
what you do and you will pay the price for sssssuch insolencccce...> and
with that it's great wings lift it higher into the clouds. Clouds that
turn ugly and dark before they start rolling back from the area.

The first figure slowly lowers his guard... letting those words sink
into his 'human' mind.  Too bad he doesn't really consider himself
human, oh well... what harm can it be for him to think differently than
a misguided monster that, of course, fled like a coward?  He turns to
the second figure, "Nice moves you have.  Too bad they were wasted on
things without a formal presense...", his voice trails off, as he looks
about.  Then he glances down at his custom weapon, deciding it may come
in handy at another encounter.  After a pause, he turns back to the
second figure, and calmly states, "We best be getting back to the Inn...
and I would prefer that we keep this little incidence under wraps for
the time being... if you don't mind."

The second figure chuckles at the creature.  Human?  Hah.  Arching a
brow at the first figure and chuckling sightly, he speaks, "Waste of my
time really..." He shakes his head, sliding the shield back into its
place in his coat, settling the sword in with it as he nods to the
request, "Of course... why should anyone know, hmmm?"  He pulls out
another cigarette and then places it into an outer pocket, "Once I'm
back at the Inn, I'm going to get my box of matches..."

The sky slowly begins to clear once again, normal  nighttime having
finally fallen while you both were dealing with the illusions sent to
discover who or what you both were.  Not like normal people just show up
here.  In fact, they avoid it at all costs and once it was known that
strangers had arrived, certain..tests had to be devised just to see what
sort of people had come.  Now they know, and they will of course be
wary. But, since you are so close to the Hellmouth, be prepared for
anything to happen.  Anything at all..

The first figure muses a moment, before he starts off back towards the
Inn.

The second figure shrugs and follows slowly behind the first figure
towards the Inn, with the normal hunch he has when he is wearing his
sword and shield.

The Rusty Dog Inn - Absinth Village
     This establishment is meant to be a place of warmth and life even
in the midst of all the horror outside. All around the place people
would be chatting and drinking.  Sharing tales of high adventure over a
warm meal served by the lovely ladies who work here. Torches burn to
give more light for the room and cast shadows over the walls as they
sputter and flicker. A roaring fireplace is against the far wall, two
tables set up there for anyone who seeks to take the chill from their
bones.
     A long bar is situated along one wall and usually a great number of
patrons sit there to drown the sorrows of the day. Tables dot the
remainder of the room, four chairs to each to allow small group to sit
and chat or to gain strength from one another via companionship. A set
of stairs lead upwards to the only available 'extra' rooms in the
village and for a nominal fee, a weary traveler may find rest for the
night.
  
Obvious Exits:
 < SU >     Stairs                     < TS >     Town Square               
Contents:
Solomon
Maggie
Miles

The first figure subtly enters, concealing his new-built spear.  He lets
out a yawn, and looks forward to chatting with the Innkeeper.  He holds
the door open for the second figure, and looks about, analyzing the
contents and occupants of the Inn, as he has done so many other times. 
Perhaps this time he'll notice something he hadn't before.

The second figure follows closely behind the first, and upon entering,
gazes around as he makes his way to the fireplace to light his
cigarette.  Once he does so, he takes a slow drag of it, exhaling the
smoke into the atmosphere of the room before turning towards where he
expects the Innkeeper to be and again looking around the room to see if
anything is different from the way it was when he left.  He removes the
cigarette from his lips and puffs out the remaining smoke before once
again placing it between his lips to further smoke.

The Inn is calm and quiet tonight, though people do huddle next to the
fireplace as though they felt cold.  It's hard to tell how everyone
feels truthfully at the moment since all the faces seem to wear the same
sort of blank stare.  Could it be they are afraid?  Or are they all just
mindless zombies at the beck and call of the creatures reciently
encountered? The first figure looks about for the Innkeeper, "Innkeeper,
Innkeeper, where are you?..." he calls.

Sure, the second figure was looking towards the Innkeeper, or where he
had expected him to be.  But he isn't there.  He takes another drag of his
cigarette before removing it from his lips, keeping a hold of it between
his right index and middle finger.  Exhaling the smoke, he looks down a 
moment before returning his gaze and his cigarette.

The man comes out from the back room, eyes looking toward the door with
surprise.  Could it be that he's shocked to see you both alive?  Could
be..  Or he could just be shocked at being called in such a way on such
a night. "Um..I am here, fellas.  No need ta' be yellin'."  He walks out
from behind the counter, glancing at the other patrons before he glances
at his wife. "Yah..find what ya' needed ta' at the house?"

The first figure nods, "Oh yes, we definately did.  Maggie gave us a
grand tour of the area that her parents were taken.  Quite a creepy
place if you ask me.  One might have expected something horrible to
happen... and so it did.  Clouds rode in, bearing grimacing faces full
of pain and hate.  Funny how you don't expect it to happen to you.", he
stresses that last word, then continues, "Anyhow, after running through
the forest from a nice pair of ... actually triplets, but only two came
after us... a pair of gargoyles, we managed to escape.  However, one of
them was able to claw at Maggie, so she was hurt rather badly.  We
carried her back for medical attention... back to the home with the only
living oak tree..." he trails off a moment, then takes a deep breath. 
Giving what he said a chance to sink in, he concludes with, "So, that
was our enjoyable day.  What was yours like?", he inquires.

The second figure turns slightly towards the first figure.  He chuckles
and shakes his head, leaning against the fireplace to continue smoking. 
Ground mint leaves this time, instead of green tea leaves like the last
one.

The man blinks a few times, listening to what is said with a shocked
look on his face. "You..got away from the evil things?"  He looks over
to his wife, nodding a few times before she vanishes behind the door in
the back. "That's good ta' hear fella.  Ya' shouldn'ta been out on a
night like 'is."  He frowns deeply, "We..got a name fer night likes this."
He glances to the other patrons who seem to want to ignore what is being
said, "We calls it the Ghost Wind.  Evil thin's come on the Ghost Wind..."
His wife comes from the glack with mugs of something steaming. "Noone goes
out..on nights like 'is."  He takes a mug and his wife walks over to the
both of you, offering one as well. "Bad thin's come out..on nights like 
'is."

The first figure chuckles, "Yes... a night like tonight... I call this
night 'Night of Illusions', myself.  Nothing seems to fit at all, it
seems to be playing out like a movie.", he looks down at the drink,
delaying a moment, before accepting, "Much obliged.  Have a good
evening.", he then walks over to the fireplace, and sniffs the drink. 
Pretending to sip it, and every now and then, while no one is watching,
slightly bumps the mug, so as to knock a bit into the fire.

The second figure shakes his hand, "Thanks, but I'd rather something
with alcohol in it myself."  From his belt he pulls a 750mL silver
flask, which his pops open and takes a swig from after removing his
smoke and tossing the stick of burning embers into the fireplace.  After
the quick drink, he tightly secures the flask and returns it to his
side.

The Innkeeper smiles gently, nodding as he sips his cider. "Yeah..well
that's what we call it.  Call it whatever ya' like."  He glances over to
his wife sighing softly, "People..tend ta' vanish when it comes."  He
frowns, looking into his drink for a moment before he glances over to
the both of you. "It's lucky ya' both got back safe.  Some..n'er return
from the Ghost Winds.."  He looks around the room and many of the people
look uneasy about it even be talked about.  The Innkeeper looks at the
flask, "Me wife makes good grog if ya' want any stranger.  An' ale too."

The first figure mumbles under his breath, "Yeah... from insanity.", and
continues faking his ingestion of whatever the cider may be.  After a
moment, he considers the evening's events.  The arrival of something
that is said to occur often, and not leave the victims... now why would
they have been left... furthermore, the gargoyles didn't have a
presence, they weren't really there, yet in a way they were... almost
like a projection of sorts; was it a test?  If that's the case, did the
issuer gain the knowledge sought after?  Even if so, not much was really
revealed from either himself or the second figure, so there may still be
some surprise.

The second figure takes his flask once more and opens it for another
swig.  Once he completes his task, he again seals it and places it away
in his thick trench coat.  Then he pulls out another cigarette.  A new
mix.  Green tea, mint, and ground pine.  He lights the tip in the
fireplace quickly and places it between his lips.

The Innkeeper lifts a brow slightly, but doesn't ask more.  He's seen
more than his fair share of freaked out people that come in during the
Wind.  He glances over to the fire a moment, light reflected in his eyes
before he turns away.  "Ya' know...we have alot happenin' here that ya'
should e warned about 'fore ya' go wanderin'.  Ya'..could get real
hurt..if ya' don't know."  He glances away, taking a long drink from his
cider. "Being so close...an all."  That makes more than a few heads look
his way before they start leaving the Inn.

The first figure simply waits for them to get far enough out the door,
before he tosses the remainder of his drink into the fire.  It produces
a slight hiss before a bit of steam makes its way up from it.  He then
gets up and motions for the second figure to follow him, as he heads off
in the same direction as the Innkeeper and his wife.  Time to do a bit
of investigating... something he was unable to complete earlier, when he
was so abruptly cut off by the clouds of the damned.

The second finger follows suit, taking a long drag on his cigarette
before removing it from his lips and exhaling.  He takes a few breaths
of fresher air as he follows the first figure towards the Innkeeper and
his wife.  As he nears the first figure, he places the cigarette back
between his lips where it shall remain for the moment.

The Innkeeper looks over to the both of you, blinking a few times before
he finally joins his wife.  They stand together, woman shaking slightly
she she looks over to the both of you.  But it's him that speaks first
of all. "You..don't know what it's like living in this town.  The place
that was here from your birth..and the place you've had to leave to live
in fellas.  It ain't pleasant..and It ain't nice by any stretch of the
mind."  He glances over to his wife, wrapping his arm around her as he
glances back to the both of you. "Ya'...have ta' live by yer wits most
times...or ya' don't live long."

The first figure flashes a kind smile, "Yeah...", he trails off a
moment, then continues in a quiet tone, "Is there something that you
wish to discuss with us?  If so you better go on ahead and do so. 
Otherwise we will be forced to find out on our own.  That won't be any
fun for either of us.".  He turns to the second figure, "I think I'm
going to head up for the night... take care." 

The second figure gives the Innkeeper and his wife a once over before
nodding to the first figure, "I think I too shall retire for the night."

The Innkeeper glances at each of you, sighing softly before he manages a
simple nod. "Ta'morra will be a new day and the sun will be out.  We ken
talk about it then.."  He glances toward the windows, sighing,
"When..there ain't so many ear listening..."  He glances over to his
wife motioning her to head to their own rooms as he sighs.

The first figure nods, "Your loss...", and takes one of the two gold
pieces in his hand, to pay for the night.  He then proceeds to the
stairs.

The second figure takes a gold piece from his coat and tosses it towards
the Innkeeper to pay for the night before heading after the first
figure, to stop him at the top of the stairs in case they have a chance
to hear a conversation like he heard the night before.  In any event, he
will be sneaking downstairs in the middle of the night to collect a bit
of charcoal from the firepit.  It will probably come in handy.

The Innkeeper is stopped by his wife scowling at her as he seeks to head
out of the room. "But husband..shouldn't they know?"  He scowls, shaking
his head. "You know very well what would be done to us..if we did. And
besides..they wouldn't believe us anyway."  He scowls and shoves her
hard to move toward the backroom. "Move now...there may be time
later..if they actually see what happens."