Farmer in the Dale RPG

[Child of the 7th Age]

Elanor noted that the return trek had gone much faster than when they had left the house last night to try and find Eric. Her father knew exactly where he was going, and was not pulled off on side explorations as they had been on the outward trip. Torches were quickly doused in the well, and a small fire lit in the front grate, since papa had decided to take his rest in the family's common room.

Despite her worry over Eric, Elanor was not sorry to get a chance to lay down and rest. She took one of her extra blankets over to Aunt Esmerelda who had decided to stay in her parents' room where mother was now sleeping. Elanor leaned over to kiss her mother and Aunt goodnight; she could see clear lines of worry on both their faces. One or two hours of sleep was not much rest, but at least it was better than nothing. And how could they delay longer than that when Eric was outside, lost and cold and probably sleeping on the ground?

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

Much to her surprise, Elanor slept soundly and awoke about an hour after sunrise. Tiptoeing noiselessly outside her room, she noted that everyone else was still asleep, even her father who was sitting in a chair with his head slumped down on the table.

Elanor began preparing breakfast and packing lunches for the trip. They should eat something before leaving the house, and who knew how long they would be out looking during the day? After cooking a pot of hot porridge and setting a pitcher of milk on the table alongside a loaf of bread, Elanor fixed seven little packets of cheese and meat that they could carry along for lunch. Then she went back to assemble two more parcels of food. These were even larger than the rest. If they found her brother or Uncle Rhysdan, both of them would surely be hungry.

Suddenly, without warning, Elanor felt the walls of the house shudder once, then again. Pushing back fear, she hurried outside to see what was happening. The great wyrm was flying overhead in circles, bellowing in triumph as if he had something to celebrate. The dragon's massive frame filled the entire air, turning the rosy morning to a dull grey as the sun ducked under the clouds for cover. The noise the creature made was so deep and thunderous that it reverberated through the air from one side of the valley to the other so that even the buildings and the earth shook.

Shaking in revulsion to see that the beast had indeed returned, Elanor sprinted back inside the house, yelling out a warning, "Mother, Father, Aunt Esmerelda, everone up. We have to leave. That horrible creature is back."

[Pippin Pondlily]

Esmerelda woke with a start to the shivering timbers of the Millwind's house and the shouts of Elanor. "Mother, Father, Aunt Esmerelda, everone up! We have to leave! That horrible creature is back!"

Esmerelda wrapped her blanket about her shoulders and woke Willow. "The dragon's back in Dale. We're going to want to get going." Willow nodded and closed her eyes momentarily. She was nervous for her son; Esmerelda's heart went out to her. She hugged her close. "It will be alright," she whispered. She feared for Rhysdan too.

As she was walking out the room she got a look at herself in the mirror propped up over the dresser in the bedroom. Her face was dirty and her fine blond hair was tangled. She hadn't bothered to take off her dress before she fell asleep and it was now mussed and wrinkled with tears in the skirt from yesterday's difficult activity. She did her best to straighten her chemise sleeves and bodies and smooth the creases out of her skirt. Willow joined her at the glass. "Oh my," she said lightly, and smiled wearily, tucking a strand of curly hair behind her ear.

Esmerelda poured a placid stream of water from the pitcher into the washbowl and wet her hands and splashed her face, rubbing the darker patches of dirt with a towel. She dried her face quickly. A brush was lying next to the bowl and she grabbed it just as the house gave a second shudder. It was part of Esmerelda's upbringing to be as presentable as possible and the image of strength and inner beauty for her children. Now above all times was when her children would need her comforting presence the most and she did not want to look mussed or harried. There was also something strangely calming about looking nice and feeling clean.

The two families gathered in the kitchen, quiet at first, watching Arinn who tracked the avian dragon with his eyes.

"It makes broad circles in the sky, dipping and breathing his fire without pattern," he said. Then he turned back to the room. Elanor and Willow were stashing food into small bags and slipping ropes through the flaps so they could be carried easily.

"Daisy," said Esmerelda, beckoning to her daughter. "Let me re-braid your hair, dear." The little girl walked over to her mother, running her fingers through the messy braid as it came undone over her shoulder. Esmerelda took the brush and began to pull it gently through her daughter's beautiful brown hair.

Elian began to ladle bowls of porridge for everyone and Willow encouraged everyone to eat it slow so as not to upset their stomachs. Arinn took his bowl of breakfast standing up but didn't seem to show much interest in it. Esmerelda finished Daisy's hair and sent her to her own. She stood and set the brush on a small table pushed up against a wall next to her small bag of medicinal herbs and bandage strips that she had brought from her house. She set her hand on its smooth leather exterior and then tied the strap to the sash about her waist.

"We should get going soon," said Arinn, maintaining a firm paternal energy that gave confidence to his family.

"With the dragon about?" asked Elian, offering his opinion. Esmerelda had always been very proud of her son and his display of maturity in his father's absence made her glow. But he had provided an interesting detail: Would it be wise for such a large party to search for Eric and Rhysdan in the blaring morning sun? They would draw attention to themselves from the wyrm and in doing so inflict a greater danger. But they couldn't possibly just sit at the house and wait. What if either Rhysdan or Eric was trapped somewhere amidst the dragon's destruction or hurt and unable to move?

Suddenly Esmerelda was inspired to act, to take control, but she said little, knowing to leave to Arinn his duty. "We can't all go," she said. "It will draw far too much attention." Oh! how she wanted desperately to go out and help search for her husband. "Some of us will have to stay here with Daisy and Eli. We cannot present too large of a group."

Daisy looked up at her mother. "But--" she began; Esmerelda shook her head, cutting her off. "I'm sorry dear but the danger is far too great."

"And we've got to be quick," added Elian, looking sympathetically at his sister. "I know you want to help, Daisy, but father would be much more pleased if he knew you were safe here instead of out under the dragon's sky, and in harm's way." Daisy dropped her shoulders but nodded understandingly. Her brother was right.

Esmerelda rested her hands on her daughter's shoulders and looked to Arinn. "Well what should we do?"

[Fallinel]

Rhysdan had not walked far from the Fairlake homestead, when he was greeted by another farmer, Skylden Oakwain, who was a leader and market organizer in the local community. “Rhys!” cried Skylden, “I’m so glad to see you-we’re desperate for a level head and livestock experience, in the wake of the monster. Your son Elian told me that you were on your way down from the foothills.”

Skylden explained to Rhysdan that he had spoken with Elian earlier, and that Esmerelda and Daisy had gone to stay with the Millwinds. The Whitfield homestead was intact, and the livestock had been herded into the largest paddock, with plenty of water and even a bit of cover from a small group of trees. Rhysdan let out an audible sigh of relief, and tried not to show his disappointment and exhaustion when Skylden enlisted him and Hawkweed to help round up frightened livestock, and to put out any remaining smoldering fires. This necessary work, which tested the limits of Rhysdan’s physical reserves, extended throughout the night, and it was sunrise before Rhysdan made his weary way to the Millwind farm.

As the shepherd and his dog approached the homestead, Hawkweed began running in tight circles and barking. Rhysdan thought that the dog was merely excited about returning to familiar territory, or that perhaps he had seen or smelled one of the children. A sudden loud rushing, roaring noise dispelled that notion-the dragon had returned, and was flying overhead. Rhysdan could not resist the temptation to look up as the monster sailed past, golden-red scales gleaming in the morning sun. The shepherd watched with a mixture of fear and fascination as the dragon disappeared in the distance, and then, as if released from a trance, he began to move once more. Rhysdan and Hawkweed ran up the path to the farmhouse, and rushed in through the front door.

“Papa! Hawkweed!” shrieked Daisy, very nearly upsetting her bowl of porridge in her haste. She ran to Rhysdan, who enveloped her in his strong arms and lifted her up in a hug. Father and daughter were soon joined in their affectionate reunion by Elian and Esmerelda, and all laughed and cried in their joy and relief. Hawkweed waved his feathery tail, huffled and whined and grinned a doggy grin.

“Where have you been, Rhys? Your face is covered with soot!” scolded Esmerelda, as she wiped some of it away with a dishcloth. “I’ll bet Papa has been helping put out fires all night, and that Hawkweed has been rounding up lost sheep,” said Elian knowingly.

“You’re a clever lad, Elian, and you’re absolutely right about my overnight absence. I met Mr. Oakwain, after I’d rescued some animals at the Fairlake farm, and he asked for my help. There was so much confusion, terror, and destruction-but I’m sorry that you all had to worry about me,” explained Rhysdan, shaking his head. The shepherd sank wearily into one of the chairs, and gratefully accepted a bowl of porridge. Daisy sat in his lap, and began to speak rather hesitantly, “Papa, we’ve found you now, but cousin Eric is missing. We looked for him in the dark-all of us-but we couldn’t find him. I know you and Hawkweed can find him, Papa, please let’s go look for him now!”

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Child of the 7th Age's post

Despite her worry over Eric, Elanor could not help but smile broadly when she saw the reunion that was taking place in front of her. She glanced up at her mother and was not surprised to see Willow also smile, her eyes mirroring the solemn hope that there would shortly be a second occasion for all of them to celebrate. Even the wyrm's hovering threat could not erase Elanor's sheer relief at seeing her Uncle safely beside them.

It did not take long for the two families to reach a number of quick and sensible decisions. Esmerelda would stay home with Daisy and Eli, while the others went out to track down Eric. The two young children were simply too tired to push on without a rest. And Esmerelda had put forward a very good point. A large contingent of rescuers might inadvertently draw the dragon's attention, something that should be avoided at all costs. Once Eric had been found, they would all gather back at the house before deciding what to do.

Quickly, they picked up the satchels of food. Elanor also carried a packet of herbs and other healng remedies. She dearly hoped that she would not have to use these, but she reasoned that it was best to be cautious. This time both family dogs accompanied them; the hounds ran eagerly in circles, halting periodically to put their noses to the ground, as they bayed and sniffed and tried to pick up the scent. Walking out into the farmyard and heading towards the gate, Elanor noticed a steady stream of men, women, and children, tramping down the public path in a southerly direction. Many of them carried parcels of clothing or dragged along carts with other belongings; a few were leading the only sheep or cow they had managed to save.

Several women that she knew from the city beckoned to Willow and urged her to come over and talk. Willow explained about Eric, and hastily inquired to see if anyone had seen him. Once she and then she listened to what the women had to say. "It's bad in Dale," Goodwife Plunk confided in a gruff voice. "Some buildings are still burning and the few cattle still alive are all at loose ends and roaming the streets. That flying monstor struck two or three times, diving in and making a path of fire through the city. Some folk have decided to stay and fight the blazes."

"But not us!" added Goodman Plunk, with a hearty shake of his head. "Enough is enough. You can see how many have decided to leave, to head south to Long Lake or even beyond." The sturdy tradesman cocked his thumb and pointed it towards the growing number of citizens of Dale who were scurrying along the path.

"And you?" asked the Goodwife. "What will you and your folk do?"

Willow hastily shook her head, "We're trying to find Eric. That comes first. Once we do that, we'll figure out the rest."

The group said their goodbyes and headed to the gate, departing from the path to cut across the fields.

[ArwenBaggins]

After noticing all of the farmers and herders heading south, Arinn's spirit's were dampened even more. None had seen Eric, out of all of the numbers. They would have to keep looking themselves.

The five searchers continued on in the early morning sunlight, this time guided by the yellow rays of the sun instead of the flickering orange of the torches. They continued solemnly along the fields of destruction, Arinn shaking his head slowly as he noticed the cows roaming madly and fires still flickering. "Let us go to the river again and pick things up from there," he said softly but audibly to anyone who would listen, pointing off toward the water with a yawn.

Now that he found that he was still tired himself, he was glad that Esmerelda stayed behind with the young ones. Although he was fine with carrying Daisy, he didn't think he could do it again. And Eli... he was already weak, and Arinn didn't want him to struggle any more.

They reached the river a few minutes later. Elanor pointed out the pot where they found the footprints, and they stopped for only a second to gather in which direction they should travel. Deciding to follow the path along the river, Arinn would stop them at various points to look around and see if there were any clues of Eric's visit. Finding no signs whatsoever, the group continued sadly on.

"Look! A boat!" Arinn cried only a few moments later, with a tinge of a luagh on his voice. If Eric had used this boat, maybe he was still around somewhere!? "This is the boat that was tied down the river a ways. Someone- Eric, hopefully- has used it lately."

Elian then pointed something out that made everyone even more excited. "Uncle Arinn, footprints. Eric's footprints."

[Child of the 7th Age]

They were now on the east side of the Running River, an area that was far less familiar to them than the western banks. Swiftly they followed the muddy tracks that led away from the water and met up with a path continuing towards a wooded copse. The trees and bushes were smaller here and spaced wide apart. It would have been possible for a small boy to wriggle through without too much difficulty.

Elanor felt her heart thump feverishly as Arlinn picked up the pace, frantically pushing the branches aside in his keen anxiety to find his son before any further mischief could befall him. They had been going on like this for only a few moments when Elanor spied something familiar at the side of the trail. A small jacket was caught up in the thorns of a spiny gorse bush.

"Look, papa!" she called out, racing forward to her father. In her arms, she cradled the precious article of clothing. Although wet and dirty, the jacket was intact, showing no signs of blood or ugly rips. She bent down and let the dogs pick up the scent. They responded by sniffing the ground and hurrying ahead.

The jacket was clearly recognizable as one that used to belong to Eli. Willow had recently given the jacket to Eric, since he always lost so many clothes and she hesitated to buy him anything new.

Without a word, the party resumed its chase. This time Elian sprinted ahead, trailing closely after the dogs. He ran down the path some fifty paces, rounding a bend where the path continued on towards a strand of pines. These were much more imposing than the ones they had just pushed through. Covering the ground was a thick carpet of needles. Eli trudged more slowly up the steep hill, which was also blanketed with pines. He hoped that the slightly higher vantage would enable him to spot his cousin, despite the grove of tall trees.

But before he could make it all the way, Hawkwood and Ruff began baying out a warning a few paces ahead, clearly excited by whatever they'd found. Elian raced towards the barking hounds, fearful of what might be causing the ruckus. He halted abruptly at the top of the hill, staring out in disbelief. A few pines still stood but many of their branches were severely singed or snapped in two, hanging down to the ground. The floor of the forest appeared burnt and scorched, leaving large patches of earth that were barren and black Not an animal or plant remained alive. It was as if a maniac had attacked and rearranged the very bones of the earth.

Yelling back over his shoulder, Elian cried out shakily, "Arlinn, Rhysdan, Elanor, I'm up here. Come quickly....."

[ArwenBaggins]

Arinn held in a gasp when he climbed to the higher point of ground and noticed the charred ground. There was a deep black hole in the forest floor, where the dragon had unleashed his firey fury. 'We can only hope Eric made it out,' Arinn thought grimly to himself shaking his head.

The dogs started to bark madly and rapidly. They ran off together farther down the forest path, baying wildly and sniffing the ground as they went. "Come on!" Arinn ordered, motioning that the group followed the dogs.

Smaug had been here, and it was obvious. The tops of trees were gone, and random burn marks spotted the flora like a disease. Out of the corner of his eye, Arinn noticed a clump of underbrush that had a large space missing in the front, so he grabbed Rhysdan's arm and told him to stop. "It looks like someone crawled in-or out- of there."

Without waiting for an answer, Arinn got down on his knees in the mud and looked through the brush into the dark hole. Nothing. Standing with a sigh, Arinn dusted off the seat of his pants (with a few giggle from Elanor) and continued walking. It was several more minutes before Arinn noticed something a bit unusual.

'It can't be! Is it?' On the far edge of the path, just before it slopped down a hill, Arinn thought he saw a small lone figure moving slowly over the hill. With a burst of energy that he hadn't seen in ten years, Arinn took off quickly toward the shadowy figure ahead of them.

His wishes had been granted. As he neared, he noticed a small boy without a jacket and muddy boots. "Eric!" he yelled, careless to anything now. He had found his son. Although he was already tireing, his ran faster to reunite with Eric.

Scooping the boy up into his arms, Arinn couldn't help but let a few tears of joy run down his face. Other than a few small cuts and bruises, the boy was well. "Rhysdan! It's Eric!" he called to the group that was rapidly approaching. He cradled the boy like a small child, but quickly put his down so he could be greeted by the others.

After many hugs and kisses, along with a few stern looks (even though it was hard to keep a straight face), they were on their way back to the Millwind farm. "We should gather some provisions and then..." Arinn stopped for a minute. Did he really want to leave Dale? Of course not, but he had too... for his family. "leave with the rest of the farmers. For the safety of us all." He looked directly at Eric then, to whom he had sacrificed his jacket.

As they continued back along the forest path, the air about them was a little lighter. Eric was explaining his horrific experience for the first of many times, and Arinn was smiling for one of the first times in a day. Eric had been found.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Eric had never been so happy to see his family in his life, even his sister Elanor. They, apparently, felt the same about him, as he was embraced and kissed so much that he thought he was going to fall apart. Eric didn’t care how they found him or how long they’d been looking; he was just overwhelmed with joy to be going home. He was especially looking forward to some of his mother’s chicken pie, hot out of the oven. By now Eric felt extremely hungry and his stomach rumbled so fiercely that he was about ready to start eating tree bark. No bark for me, he thought, I’ll get hot fresh food when I get home.

All of the fear that he had kept pent up inside of him came flowing out like the tears streaking down his soft face. “Oh mommy, daddy” he stuttered, “it was so bad. I started following this big winged thing. And then I got lost in the forest and I didn’t know where I was and it was getting dark. So I went on the river, because our house is on it, but when I got out I didn’t see it. So then the big monster came and attacked me and blew fire at me, but I hid and it went away. Then you came and I’m so glad to see you and I’ll never run away again, especially after flying scaly monsters.” With that he gave his mother a big kiss on the cheek and hugged his father and Elanor so tight that he thought his chest would cave in. He promised himself he would give Eli a hug as soon as he got him. He wouldn't even mind if his brother kept the rock.

On the long walk home, Eric thought about how much he had missed his family. Maybe they really did love him after all, even as much as Eli. Getting lost had been very scary, it had taught him how much his family meant to him. His parents had never paid so much attention to him, but Eric decided that there must be easier, safer ways of earning their attention than getting lost in a forest, especially one with a big hungry monster. With a start, Eric wondered what would happen if the monster was waiting for him when he got home. From experience, Eric knew that he could hide from the monster, but he was not so sure about the rest of his family. He could just envision Eli fainting as the monster roared and flashed its teeth.

But Eric wouldn’t allow the monster to hurt any of his family; they were too special to him. He would find a way to hide all of his family from the monster before he could gobble them up. Besides, thought Eric, I may not be as strong or scary as he is, but I am certainly smarter. As long as I am here, the monster won’t be able to attack Dale. I won’t let it. Eric hummed as he walked and watched the tall dark trees passing by on the sides of the path, not quite as scary as he remembered them.