- Location
- Somewhere!
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] We'll go.... that way: Look, it's the fucking woods. You've done this a million times. If you trust your gut and rely on how well you knew Enramu before, that should help you find him.
Old adventurers never die, they simply fade away.
- Thread starter Artificial Girl
- Start date
- Original Fantasy
- Location
- Academy City
- Pronouns
- They
[X] We'll go.... that way
I like the aesthetic of this choice, it feels more natural here.
I like the aesthetic of this choice, it feels more natural here.
aldersprig
Twisted Twig
- Location
- Finger Lakes
[X] We'll go.... that way: Look, it's the fucking woods. You've done this a million times. If you trust your gut and rely on how well you knew Enramu before, that should help you find him.
I like this. It suits the character. ;-)
I like this. It suits the character. ;-)
BungieONI
Seven gremlins in a trench coat
- Location
- Lickwidget
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[ ] Ask a ranger: There's a ranger station here at the trading post. They should be able to tell you about where to find Enramu, right?
[ ] Ask a trader: There are quite a few traders here. Besides that, the elf who runs the trading post might gibe you some good information on how to get going.
[ ] We'll go.... that way: Look, it's the fucking woods. You've done this a million times. If you trust your gut and rely on how well you knew Enramu before, that should help you find him.
Well that's a wonderfully rough start! I love that she's calling them ducklings.
I think a trader might work, because he probably has to come in and get supplies every once and a while.
[X] Ask a trader: There are quite a few traders here. Besides that, the elf who runs the trading post might gibe you some good information on how to get going.
[ ] Ask a trader: There are quite a few traders here. Besides that, the elf who runs the trading post might gibe you some good information on how to get going.
[ ] We'll go.... that way: Look, it's the fucking woods. You've done this a million times. If you trust your gut and rely on how well you knew Enramu before, that should help you find him.
Well that's a wonderfully rough start! I love that she's calling them ducklings.
I think a trader might work, because he probably has to come in and get supplies every once and a while.
[X] Ask a trader: There are quite a few traders here. Besides that, the elf who runs the trading post might gibe you some good information on how to get going.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] We'll go.... that way:
Look, it's the fucking woods. You've done this a million times. If you trust your gut and rely on how well you knew Enramu before, that should help you find him.
I don't trust her with raders, considering her past record.
I don't trust her with raders, considering her past record.
Amphidsf
The Quipster
- Location
- Golden
When was the last time we've heard about our old Friend Ranger McRangey or whoever. Depending on the recency of the last word coming down that says a lot. If we know he's still active than stomping around loudly in the woods is probably a pretty good shot to find any Ranger worth the name.
I'm glad I found this. Retired or Forgotten Heroes riding out once more is one of my favorite genre's, one that doesn't nearly get enough representation in fiction.
I'm glad I found this. Retired or Forgotten Heroes riding out once more is one of my favorite genre's, one that doesn't nearly get enough representation in fiction.
Last edited:
- Location
- Somewhere in the stacks
- Pronouns
- She/Her
It's been a while. You're mostly going on what you remember he said he was going to do when you all parted ways back in the day and bits and bobs you've heard since then.
Amphidsf
The Quipster
- Location
- Golden
Thanks for that.
[x] Ask a ranger: There's a ranger station here at the trading post. They should be able to tell you about where to find Enramu, right?
If they know where he is, they know where he is. If the don't know where he is, they probably have seen results. Unless he's dead, in which case they probably would know that too.
- Location
- PA
[X] We'll go.... that way: Look, it's the fucking woods. You've done this a million times. If you trust your gut and rely on how well you knew Enramu before, that should help you find him.
This seems wise- maximum 'Screw it!' Seems like even if Sarnar doesn't find Enramu, Enramu can find Sarnar.
This seems wise- maximum 'Screw it!' Seems like even if Sarnar doesn't find Enramu, Enramu can find Sarnar.
[X] Ask a trader: There are quite a few traders here. Besides that, the elf who runs the trading post might gibe you some good information on how to get going.
1-3: The Greenwood
- Location
- Somewhere in the stacks
- Pronouns
- She/Her
"That way." You pointed north and west into the shadow of the trees, then reached back to adjust the straps on your traveling pack.
"We're just going to walk out into the woods?" Vitor. You looked at him meaningfully.
"Yes. If I know Enramu, and I do, then he's likely hanging around scaring human poachers and being his mysterious elven self. He always had a penchant for being dramatic, that guy," you replied.
"Shouldn't we maybe see if anyone knows about where he is first?" Alenea asked, her brow furrowed as she adjusted the strap of her crossbow. "I mean, is your plan to just wander around the woods until you find him?"
"No," you said, like a liar.
"I know he's in this area, so I figured that we can pick up some signs of him and track him down that way. Besides, you're a tracker. I trust you." You grinned. A little flattery always helped smooth things over. While the answer seemed to placate the halfling, she still didn't look happy about it.
"...Alright," she said. "Makes sense, but I've never tried to track an elf before. Let alone an elf who's a ranger on his home turf."
"Well, it's good practice," you said. "Trust me! I've got decades of experience under my belt."
With that, you set off down the winding path into the trees, quickly leaving the small trading post behind you. The Imena Edhil was always a bit humbling, honestly. As you got further into the forest the light took on a green tinge and the fierce, direct sunlight further out faded away into a muted shade that stretched on and on. Soon, the smells of the trading post faded as well--wood smoke, tobacco, meals being cooked and the smell of human livestock until all that you could smell was the earth and the green of the living forest around you. Soon, there were nothing but the trees jutting upwards like endless towers.
Vitor, who usually tried to make small talk, had gotten very quiet as the sounds of the wood settled around you and you glanced back to make sure you hadn't lost him. The gangly young man was still there, halberd resting across one shoulder and helmet rattling against his pack. He gawped up at the massive trees like the farm boy he was. Alenea was different. Dressed in browns and greens she almost blended into the woods as well as an elf and with her hood up, that bright shock of beautiful blonde hair had vanished. She moved carefully, not making a sound as she slipped past dead branches and fallen leaves.
Maybe there was something to these kids. Maybe.
"I've never seen trees so big," Vitor murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "It makes me feel like I'm in the cathedral at Riverton. Like I'm someplace sacred. Really... reminds you that you're a small part of somethin' bigger, don't it?"
"Yeah," Alenea agreed in her own quiet voice. "It's beautiful. I thought the Old Woods were impressive but this... wow..." Her voice trailed off into a reverent silence. You shared the feeling. These woods always made you feel small and almost irrelevant.
You hated feeling small and irrelevant.
"Yeah, it's pretty," you cut in with a grumble. "Just keep an eye out. We'll find him soon enough." That'd put a stop to any rhapsodizing. At least that's what you hoped.
---
Three days later, you had not yet found Enramu. You had been scrambling up and down hillsides and winding through groves of trees and along small streams and found absolutely nothing. In fact, you privately were a little unsure about where exactly you were at this point, even with your compass. You hadn't let that on to anyone, of course, because that would be stupid and these kids would just make things worse anyway.
Yeah.
The travels were uneventful for the most part until that third day, when first Alenea fell into a cold, quick moving stream trying to find a way across. You and Vitor both got equal soakings trying to help her out and the day had ended in a wet, dripping misery as you laid your clothes across branches to try and dry them out while you cooked supper. No one was in a good mood now. Vitor seemed content to follow in your wake, but Alenea seemed to be getting testy again, especially now that the awe of the forest had worn off to some degree. You were sitting around your campfire for the evening, poking at your field rations when she spoke up.
"Sahar, are you really sure he's out here?" She sounded ready for an argument this time. You grimaced.
"Yes! I'm sure! I said that already!" You snapped back, glaring with your good eye.
"Guys..." Vitor tried to wiggle in between you two to prevent the argument he saw coming but he wasn't doing a good job of it.
"I think you're just lost," Alenea said. "And you're just leading us in circles. I bet you're not even really Sahar Raad--you're just using her name to pull one over on us!" Oof. She was mad. You couldn't really blame her but you also weren't about to let her get that jab in on you.
"If I wasn't who I said I was," you replied, pinching the bridge of your nose, "why would I bother stomping around the bloody Imena Edhil with you?"
"I don't know! Maybe you're planning on robbing us!"
"You two don't have anything worth stealing!"
"Alenea! Sahar!" Vitor tried again, apparently too stubborn to just let the two of you argue it out. "We're all tired but we didn't expect this to just. Be done with in a day, right?"
"See? Vitor understands!" You said, quickly taking the opportunity to claim him for your "side" of the argument. Alenea glared at him and he held his hands up in a placating gesture.
"Hey! Wait! No! I'm not on anyone's side," he protested. "Just, arguing about it won't help us get where we're going and I think protecting our homes is more important than who's right about what!" He said, a bit louder this time. "Okay?"
"...Fine," you said after a moment and Alenea opened her mouth, as if she was going to say something else, then closed it. Glared.
"Let's just eat dinner," you added with a sullen set to your shoulders. As you said that, a figure stepped into the circle of your firelight. You started, almost tugged your sword free of its scabbard before you recognized the gray clock edged in green and gold that the figure wore--the uniform of the Imena Edhil's rangers who watched its borders.
"I could hear you arguing from miles away," she said (because you were pretty sure she was a woman now) and she pushed her hood back to show light brown hair and a freckled nose, a slender steel circlet on her head.
"What are you doing this far from the road, travelers?" She continued, eyes moving from you to Vitor, to Alenea and then back. "And so well armed, too. You don't mean mischief to these fair woods, do you?"
"No!" You said. "We're looking for an old friend of mine, actually."
"Ah." She went quiet for a moment. "I am Naevys, Ranger of Imena Edhil. Perhaps I can help you, if you are lost?" You shot Alenea a glare to keep her from talking. You were still the one in charge of this little expedition, weren't you?
"I wouldn't say we're lost," you said. "I just haven't been to the wood in some time and I'm still getting my bearings again."
"I see," Naevys said. Then Alenea interjected.
"We're definitely lost. I think we could use the help." The elf looked from Alenea to you, smiled a little.
"So you are lost and not lost. Interesting." That smile. Just like an elf. "Who is the friend you're looking for?" She stooped, warming her hands at the fire.
Okay. Maybe you can get help without asking directly.
"Enramu. Enramu Greencloak. He's a ranger."
"Enramu Greencloak?" Naevys frowned. "I don't know a ranger by that name. Are you sure he's in this area?"
"Yes, ah..." You had to recover. Shit. Fuck. "He said he would be here, last time I saw him." You know, fifteen or twenty years ago.
"Hm. Well, there is an elf who lives out here--a couple of days from here still, but in the area. He might know your friend, even if I don't. His name is Ivasaar, nice guy. Kind of reclusive, though. You also might want to try the foothills off to the east? Sometimes other rangers go through there to make sure goblins haven't started any trouble, so it might be a place to look." She smiled.
"Thank you," you said as politely as you could manage.
"You're too kind," Alenea said with a genuine grin. Vitor nodded.
"Really, that's a big help."
"Of course," the elf said. "Do you mind if I rest myself by your fire for a while?"
"Not at all," you said smoothly and with more kindness than you felt. This whole trip was starting to seem like it would take more time than you had planned. Just great. You'd have to decide where to go in the morning. Hopefully it'd bring an end to this search sooner rather than later.
"We're just going to walk out into the woods?" Vitor. You looked at him meaningfully.
"Yes. If I know Enramu, and I do, then he's likely hanging around scaring human poachers and being his mysterious elven self. He always had a penchant for being dramatic, that guy," you replied.
"Shouldn't we maybe see if anyone knows about where he is first?" Alenea asked, her brow furrowed as she adjusted the strap of her crossbow. "I mean, is your plan to just wander around the woods until you find him?"
"No," you said, like a liar.
"I know he's in this area, so I figured that we can pick up some signs of him and track him down that way. Besides, you're a tracker. I trust you." You grinned. A little flattery always helped smooth things over. While the answer seemed to placate the halfling, she still didn't look happy about it.
"...Alright," she said. "Makes sense, but I've never tried to track an elf before. Let alone an elf who's a ranger on his home turf."
"Well, it's good practice," you said. "Trust me! I've got decades of experience under my belt."
With that, you set off down the winding path into the trees, quickly leaving the small trading post behind you. The Imena Edhil was always a bit humbling, honestly. As you got further into the forest the light took on a green tinge and the fierce, direct sunlight further out faded away into a muted shade that stretched on and on. Soon, the smells of the trading post faded as well--wood smoke, tobacco, meals being cooked and the smell of human livestock until all that you could smell was the earth and the green of the living forest around you. Soon, there were nothing but the trees jutting upwards like endless towers.
Vitor, who usually tried to make small talk, had gotten very quiet as the sounds of the wood settled around you and you glanced back to make sure you hadn't lost him. The gangly young man was still there, halberd resting across one shoulder and helmet rattling against his pack. He gawped up at the massive trees like the farm boy he was. Alenea was different. Dressed in browns and greens she almost blended into the woods as well as an elf and with her hood up, that bright shock of beautiful blonde hair had vanished. She moved carefully, not making a sound as she slipped past dead branches and fallen leaves.
Maybe there was something to these kids. Maybe.
"I've never seen trees so big," Vitor murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "It makes me feel like I'm in the cathedral at Riverton. Like I'm someplace sacred. Really... reminds you that you're a small part of somethin' bigger, don't it?"
"Yeah," Alenea agreed in her own quiet voice. "It's beautiful. I thought the Old Woods were impressive but this... wow..." Her voice trailed off into a reverent silence. You shared the feeling. These woods always made you feel small and almost irrelevant.
You hated feeling small and irrelevant.
"Yeah, it's pretty," you cut in with a grumble. "Just keep an eye out. We'll find him soon enough." That'd put a stop to any rhapsodizing. At least that's what you hoped.
---
Three days later, you had not yet found Enramu. You had been scrambling up and down hillsides and winding through groves of trees and along small streams and found absolutely nothing. In fact, you privately were a little unsure about where exactly you were at this point, even with your compass. You hadn't let that on to anyone, of course, because that would be stupid and these kids would just make things worse anyway.
Yeah.
The travels were uneventful for the most part until that third day, when first Alenea fell into a cold, quick moving stream trying to find a way across. You and Vitor both got equal soakings trying to help her out and the day had ended in a wet, dripping misery as you laid your clothes across branches to try and dry them out while you cooked supper. No one was in a good mood now. Vitor seemed content to follow in your wake, but Alenea seemed to be getting testy again, especially now that the awe of the forest had worn off to some degree. You were sitting around your campfire for the evening, poking at your field rations when she spoke up.
"Sahar, are you really sure he's out here?" She sounded ready for an argument this time. You grimaced.
"Yes! I'm sure! I said that already!" You snapped back, glaring with your good eye.
"Guys..." Vitor tried to wiggle in between you two to prevent the argument he saw coming but he wasn't doing a good job of it.
"I think you're just lost," Alenea said. "And you're just leading us in circles. I bet you're not even really Sahar Raad--you're just using her name to pull one over on us!" Oof. She was mad. You couldn't really blame her but you also weren't about to let her get that jab in on you.
"If I wasn't who I said I was," you replied, pinching the bridge of your nose, "why would I bother stomping around the bloody Imena Edhil with you?"
"I don't know! Maybe you're planning on robbing us!"
"You two don't have anything worth stealing!"
"Alenea! Sahar!" Vitor tried again, apparently too stubborn to just let the two of you argue it out. "We're all tired but we didn't expect this to just. Be done with in a day, right?"
"See? Vitor understands!" You said, quickly taking the opportunity to claim him for your "side" of the argument. Alenea glared at him and he held his hands up in a placating gesture.
"Hey! Wait! No! I'm not on anyone's side," he protested. "Just, arguing about it won't help us get where we're going and I think protecting our homes is more important than who's right about what!" He said, a bit louder this time. "Okay?"
"...Fine," you said after a moment and Alenea opened her mouth, as if she was going to say something else, then closed it. Glared.
"Let's just eat dinner," you added with a sullen set to your shoulders. As you said that, a figure stepped into the circle of your firelight. You started, almost tugged your sword free of its scabbard before you recognized the gray clock edged in green and gold that the figure wore--the uniform of the Imena Edhil's rangers who watched its borders.
"I could hear you arguing from miles away," she said (because you were pretty sure she was a woman now) and she pushed her hood back to show light brown hair and a freckled nose, a slender steel circlet on her head.
"What are you doing this far from the road, travelers?" She continued, eyes moving from you to Vitor, to Alenea and then back. "And so well armed, too. You don't mean mischief to these fair woods, do you?"
"No!" You said. "We're looking for an old friend of mine, actually."
"Ah." She went quiet for a moment. "I am Naevys, Ranger of Imena Edhil. Perhaps I can help you, if you are lost?" You shot Alenea a glare to keep her from talking. You were still the one in charge of this little expedition, weren't you?
"I wouldn't say we're lost," you said. "I just haven't been to the wood in some time and I'm still getting my bearings again."
"I see," Naevys said. Then Alenea interjected.
"We're definitely lost. I think we could use the help." The elf looked from Alenea to you, smiled a little.
"So you are lost and not lost. Interesting." That smile. Just like an elf. "Who is the friend you're looking for?" She stooped, warming her hands at the fire.
Okay. Maybe you can get help without asking directly.
"Enramu. Enramu Greencloak. He's a ranger."
"Enramu Greencloak?" Naevys frowned. "I don't know a ranger by that name. Are you sure he's in this area?"
"Yes, ah..." You had to recover. Shit. Fuck. "He said he would be here, last time I saw him." You know, fifteen or twenty years ago.
"Hm. Well, there is an elf who lives out here--a couple of days from here still, but in the area. He might know your friend, even if I don't. His name is Ivasaar, nice guy. Kind of reclusive, though. You also might want to try the foothills off to the east? Sometimes other rangers go through there to make sure goblins haven't started any trouble, so it might be a place to look." She smiled.
"Thank you," you said as politely as you could manage.
"You're too kind," Alenea said with a genuine grin. Vitor nodded.
"Really, that's a big help."
"Of course," the elf said. "Do you mind if I rest myself by your fire for a while?"
"Not at all," you said smoothly and with more kindness than you felt. This whole trip was starting to seem like it would take more time than you had planned. Just great. You'd have to decide where to go in the morning. Hopefully it'd bring an end to this search sooner rather than later.
[ ] Ask this Ivasaar guy: If anyone will be able to tell you if Enramu is here, it's probably him. He's local and likely knows the area better than anyone. Plus, he's closer and easier to get to.
[ ] The foothills: Knowing Enramu, this is the place he'd be. He was always talking about how much he hated goblins and hey, maybe you can show the kids the ropes too. It's a further way to travel, but you feel have a good feeling about this one.
[ ] The foothills: Knowing Enramu, this is the place he'd be. He was always talking about how much he hated goblins and hey, maybe you can show the kids the ropes too. It's a further way to travel, but you feel have a good feeling about this one.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
You know, I almost can't wait until we get to a swording opportunity, because I have a feeling that even now they probably doubt us a little. And I've been told that Sahar is good at one thing: swording. So.
ThatGazzer
Minds Eye Bind
- Location
- PNW
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] The foothills: Knowing Enramu, this is the place he'd be. He was always talking about how much he hated goblins and hey, maybe you can show the kids the ropes too. It's a further way to travel, but you feel have a good feeling about this one.
We have 30 years of experience, if our gut says this is a good idea, I believe it.
We have 30 years of experience, if our gut says this is a good idea, I believe it.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Our guts also led us in several days of circles, but eh.
[X] The foothills:
Knowing Enramu, this is the place he'd be. He was always talking about how much he hated goblins and hey, maybe you can show the kids the ropes too. It's a further way to travel, but you feel have a good feeling about this one.
- Location
- PA
[X] Ask this Ivasaar guy: If anyone will be able to tell you if Enramu is here, it's probably him. He's local and likely knows the area better than anyone. Plus, he's closer and easier to get to.
No we're right but the kids got that dang elf to back them up and it's best not to burn our credibility here.
When Ivasaar figures out he can't find Enramu that's when we pipe up, that'll show em...
No we're right but the kids got that dang elf to back them up and it's best not to burn our credibility here.
When Ivasaar figures out he can't find Enramu that's when we pipe up, that'll show em...
ThatGazzer
Minds Eye Bind
- Location
- PNW
- Pronouns
- They/Them
That may be, but this is a swording-gobbos-based gut feeling, and she's good at those.
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Ask this Ivasaar guy: If anyone will be able to tell you if Enramu is here, it's probably him. He's local and likely knows the area better than anyone. Plus, he's closer and easier to get to.
Karlito
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
[X] Ask this Ivasaar guy: If anyone will be able to tell you if Enramu is here, it's probably him. He's local and likely knows the area better than anyone. Plus, he's closer and easier to get to.
I lay decent odds that this guy is Enramu, using an assumed name, and if I'm wrong, well, all elves know each other right?
Real talk tho, we should probably just give up on finding Enramu and recruit this Naevys. She seems cool.
I lay decent odds that this guy is Enramu, using an assumed name, and if I'm wrong, well, all elves know each other right?
Real talk tho, we should probably just give up on finding Enramu and recruit this Naevys. She seems cool.