Enter the Hero of the Mountain

[thequestgiver]

Characters: The Hero of the Mountains and the Heroes of Schwanheim
Open? Yes!
Where: Just outside Schwanheim
When: RD8
What: The Hero of the Mountain approaches the capital



The road leading to Schwanheim is quiet and pastoral, and oddly devoid of travelers... except for one.

A young woman, no older than 20, walking idly down the well kept road, looking almost smug as she surveys the land. She's dressed in a finery that isn't often seen outside the capital, smart looking red shoes on her feet, a thin gold bracelet at her wrist and an ornate jeweled pendent resting on the cream of her ribbon adorned dress; if it were not for the more practical nature of the clothing, one would think her more a princess than a hero.

She carries only a small bag over her shoulder and the air of something otherworldly about her. There would be no doubt in anyone's mind on seeing her that this indeed is someone special.

And no doubt in others mind that this is also someone dangerous.

Comments

[greatsquirrelhunter]

Faolan saw a stranger on the road and bounded over to confront her. "Who are? Where going?" he demanded.

[shorterinperson]

It was impossible to live in Schwanheim and not hear the rumors. When the hero came, Alanna was well aware of where to wait for her, and wait she did. She stood by the side of the road, arms crossed.

[thequestgiver]

The young woman looked over with a faint smile. "I am the Great Hero of the Mountains," she introduced with a small bow, "And I am off to the capital to see the King."

[thequestgiver]

The young woman paid her no mind as she walked, her expression mild and pleasant as if being worn by a greater on a reception line, yet also somehow arrogant.

There was also an odd air around her as if something was just not right...

[shorterinperson]

Alanna's frown deepened as the woman passed her. This must have been the hero she had heard so much about. She was simply too different to be anyone else.

"Excuse me?"

[thequestgiver]

The young woman paused, turning. "Yes? What is it?"

[shorterinperson]

"Are you the one who's come here from the mountains?"

[thequestgiver]

The woman gave a charming smile. "That I am. And who might you be?"

[retrieverchef]

Eliot watched the woman walk down the street. Something about her screamed danger to him. He eyed her closely, trying to identify what it was about her that bothered him. He couldn't see any one thing. Except... She seemed a bit too good to be real. And, in his experience, that usually meant there was something wrong.

[bedroomduties]

Well, she did look more dangerous than expected, this Hero of the Mountain person. Stephane had waited a bit to go and meet any of the 'special' people of this place, but this was as good of a chance as any.

"Welcome, madam."

[shorterinperson]

She uncrossed her arms and took a step forward.

"I am Sir Alanna, of Pirate's Swoop and Olau. I wonder if you might be able to tell me why all communication from the mountains has been cut off."

[thequestgiver]

The young woman blinked, looking genuinely puzzled. "Cut off? Don't tell me the Thorns have gotten there already!"

[thequestgiver]

She gave him a warm smile in return. "Thank you, my good sir. May I trouble you for an escort to the castle? This is my first time in this fair city and my business is quiet important."

[thequestgiver]

There was also something more, something harder to identify. Something just... not right.

She didn't seem to notice him or pay him any mind as she walked, her head held high.

[shorterinperson]

"I had hoped you might be able to tell us that. We haven't heard a thing in days. In fact, the silence started around the time we heard that you were coming."

[thequestgiver]

The young hero frowned. "After I have destroyed the Thorns, I will have to return to set it right again..."

[shorterinperson]

"If there's any way I might help," Alanna offered, putting a hand on the hilt of her sword.

[thequestgiver]

"You may escort me to the castle so I may have audience with the King," the woman replied, tone crisp.

[shorterinperson]

Her eyebrow twitched and she crossed her arms.

"As you wish, my lady."

[bedroomduties]

If anything she seemed to be polite. That put her closer to Stephane's 'okay' list and further from the other one, at least.

"Gladly." The bow came out even before Stephane noticed it. Some habits still were difficult to let go of. "Is it too forward from me to assume that you wish to meet the King?"

[thequestgiver]

The young woman smiled with practiced charm before resuming her walk. "Pirates swoop, you said you were from? Some place over the ocean?"

[thequestgiver]

"It is none too forward at all, my good sir, for it is a correct assumption. I have traveled many a day to request this guidance for the benefit of all the Kingdom."

[shorterinperson]

Alanna followed with the gait and posture of a bodyguard. She may not have been particularly happy about it, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to do the job.

"Yes miss. A port city with a long history of piracy."

[thequestgiver]

"My! That must have put quite a damper on things," the young hero commented idly. "No wonder you left it."

[retrieverchef]

Eliot let the young hero pass undisturbed, watching her carefully. He frowned slightly, wondering what she intended to do in the city. Finally, after he could no longer see her, he walked away to find Faolan. If the boy had interacted with her, it could be telling.