Nail Stormbringer can be seen outside his cabin, preparing what looks like all his equipment and valuables. He looks worried, a look he is unacustomed to. As he tightens the strings that hold his pack together, he takes a final look around his cabin to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything important. After assuring himself, he hefts his pack onto his shoulders and heads toward the tavern to say goodbye to his new friends.
Nail looks at Erdan and smiles. He never had a chance to be properly introduced to the newcoming since he arrived in Jastrey. Regretting this, Nail promises to befriend Erdan upon his return.
"I do not plan on retreating into any dark place, dear rogue. I've simply come to a jarring realization. This whole time I thought I failed to defend myself from those Orcs on my home shard because I was too weak of a warrior. But now, after living among the fair people of Jastry for some time, I've come to see that one may not be able to win a battle based simply on the brute of his arm or the swiftness of his blade. No, in order to redeam myself and aid my new friends, I will have to learn how to use magic along with my sword," he says with lightning flashing in his eyes. "I've heard of a powerful sorcerer living in an adjacent shard, and I plan on seeking him out and learning from him."
"Besides, I might be a non-magic user and a human, but the followers of Ressik will kill me just the same for siding with mages and Elves and the like. I might as well join the party and learn a few tricks to use against those self-righteous fools. I don't much care for those who oppress others."
Nail shifts his weight to the other foot before adding, "When I return, Erdan, we shall have a round of drinks together. I feel I've not gotten the chance to know you at all, but I don't think right now would be a fair time for such things, what with Ripper missing and a large army camped right outside of Jastrey."
Taklinn and Glimmer enter the tavern halfway through Nail's explanation and sit at the bar. Taklinn looks at nail and says "Well if yer to be leaving, at least see if ye can find some people to help the cause while yer gone. Explain to them that this shard very well may fall to the followers of Ressick, and that it is only a matter of time until their shard is targeted. If this threat is to be turned aside, it is better that we stand shoulder to shoulder with others that are in danger. Any assistance could turn the tide; and I think ye just may be able to bring us some help. Well best of luck to ye, and make sure yer back before spring breaks lad, lest ye come home to a leveled town. May the road rise ta meet ya lad." Taklinn clasps Nail's hand and slaps him on the back and walks away to a table to eat a small meal before heading back out to mine.
Nail grins at his dwarf friend and nods his farewell as Taklinn leaves the bar. Turning to Glimmer, Nail says, "That Taklinn might be a bit hot-headed at times, but he really is a good man. I'm leaving you to look after him, my dear fairy. It's not often that a non-dwarf is able to raise interest in a grizzled old tree stump like Taklinn, and although he probably would never admit it aloud, I believe he's taken quite a liking to your company, m'lady." Nail grins mischieviously at his last statement, enjoying the reaction it causes in Glimmer.
"As to aiding the cause, perhaps I might be able to return to my own shard and seek the aid of my lover, Lexi. She is one of the fae, like you, Glimmer. She has dabled in the art of healing, and she has a kind heart as well as a strong soul. I believe she may be able to help us."
"In any case," Nail says rising from his seat, "farewell until Spring. Upon my return, I shall stand before you as an adequet magic user."
Nail walks away looking to say goodbye to anyone else he can, but looking especially for Rasiri and Atasatch. He refused to leave without telling his two closest friends where he was going.
Erdan replies, "For some reason, even though I am human, I am drawn to woodland creatures. Fairies, Elves, and the like. I've been said I look much like an Elf myself, but this is impossible as my parents are both human.
"As for your plans, I bid you good luck and I bless you with safe travels."
[OOP - Erdan, the human warrior, is not the same as Altair, the human rogue.]
"Well dear friend, I do wish you well in your travels and in your Lexi Love happenings. I'm not sure about Taklinn. He helped me more than he knows in searching for Ripper. Whilst I am quite smitten with him, I fear it shall not be returned. Suits me just as well. I do so enjoy the chase. Be well in your travels dearest Nail. Return to us safely and quickly."
Erdan sits in the tavern, eating his late-afternoon brunch. He notices Nail clomp into the room. He looks up and sees his bags.
"I see more than one is leaving this town. I heard another one, named Altair, also retreated into the darkness. Where do you plan on heading?"