Adventure Time part 1

It was late in the day. The sun was setting and the Dwarf Krosik and his mule Iron were getting tired The forest road was not a bad one. His armor was starting to bother him. He had been walking almost just before sunrise and now the sun was setting.

Iron started to hee-haw. Krosik could tell He wanted a brake. Carrying all of the tools of his trade and supplies did not weigh too much. But even Krosik was starting to feel his backpack straps. Krosik's stomach was starting to make noises and hunger was setting in.

Looking he could see a cut into the forest others have traveled in that way Krosik believed. Leading Iron carefully into the forest Krosik could tell the forest was getting more overgrown. The trees were getting closer together as well. "well, Iron now all we need are those spider-kissing dewdrop elves. This looks like somewhere they would be." Commented Krosik grunting as he shoved a bush to the side.

Krosik was not known for being quiet most could hear him coming from a long distance away. Krosik had the habit of just moving things if they got in his way. It did not matter much to him. He had been known to even throw people much to their surprise.

Much to Krosik's amazement, the forest opened up a little. Which made it easier to walk. Krosik walked down to a stream walking through it and came up on the other side it was a little higher and the slope was steeper. As Krosik reached the top Krosik could see the glint of armor through the trees. Krosik stopped and watched for a moment.

Krosik could tell it was plate armor probably a knight of some kind. The armor was white with gold and blue trim and a blue cloak. "Hmmm" Krosik grunted. He observed the knight for a time. The knight was no run-of-the-mill knight Thought Krosik looking over the armor. "well, well, bless my beard" Krosik mumbled. Krosik started to walk toward the armored knight. Not hiding the fact he was coming Krosik was in no mood to quarrel with the knight.

Arc was walking by the nearby river and following it to the next city over. He began humming a new tune through his helmet to pass the time. There was a small sway in his walk as he seemed carefree during his stroll in the woods.
There once was a ship that put to sea
The name of the ship was the Billy O' Tea
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing is done
We'll take our leave and go
She'd not been two weeks from shore
When down on her a right whale bore
The captain called all hands and swore
He'd take that whale in tow (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing is done
We'll take our leave and go
Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da

Luckily for Krosik, the Knight was not moving too fast for a sure-footed Dwarf He could catch the knight. Krosik could make out the song the knight was singing but did not know it. He heard Dusty chatter some and Iron hee-haw. Korsik smiled "Yeah, Ye shut up! we almost got him!" Korsik bellows with a grunt. Looking Korsik wondered how the knight did not see Korsik or hear him coming. when Korsik got within 50 steps of the Knight Korsik yelled. "Ye Knight, wait up!" Korsik had a big smile. Maybe he will not be alone after all on this long trip. Ale is always better Korsik thought.

Arc paused in his song as he turned to see the dwarf trying to get his attention and heading for him. Arc felt no malice from the dwarf so he didn't get defensive but still maintained his balance in case he had to defend himself. As a test he spoke up, "And how may I be of assistance to ye?" Arc was large, especially in his armor as he looked downward towards the approaching dwarf.

Arc could see a dwarf in his 70's a powerful build Dwarf muscular and fit. He looks to be almost 5 feet tall. His red-brown hair and big hazel eyes. The tan skin shows the work that Krosik has done above ground. He has armor on that looks very nice and well-kept. There is a hand axe in his belt with a dagger hanging out from behind him. In tow, a Mule is black with white under the belly and some white on the legs and nose. Carrying Packs of Tools and supplies. On top sticking its head up in curiosity, the Dwarven Rock Ferreto (Dusty) large cat-sized creature with sharp teeth, the Rock Ferret has a long and slim body with medium to long fur. It has rounded ears, whiskers, and short muzzles. black to dark brown guard hairs with a white or cream undercoat. It has very dark brown eyes, and nose are black and a bushy tail.

"Sur knight, whit brings ye oot 'ere," asked the burly Dwarf looking around a bit confused. "Na horse?" not really asking more like questioning.

Arc rubbed his helmet as if he was rubbing his chin. He pondered his thoughts for a bit and then replied, "That my dear friend is an excellent question. I am still working on an answer for that very question. I am not sure if it was part of a sinister prank or ill fate but I woke up near here without a clue. All I have is what I am carring on me. I passed through Austarlande recently and learned I am in a continent called Winterlunde. Outside that I am in the dark. How about yourself?" The armored knight seemed rather chipper despite his situation.

"Mah manners, a'm Korsik Blackiron, Sur Knight. This is iron" gesturing to the Mule. "'th' wee lassie is Dusty," he said introducing himself and his party. The Rock Ferret sniffs in the direction of Arc and growls some. Korsik looks over his shoulder. "Be a nice lassy 'n' stop that " grunted Korsik. "I apologize, Sur Knight," he said with a small bow still keeping an eye on the knight.

"Lik' ilka born in th' Blackiron mountains, I'm a master crafter Blackiron fire hammer crafting guild artisan. I travel fae town tae town sellin` making workin' fur my clan bin at this fur ye ten years, I think," explained Korsik. "Noo keekin at yer armor 'n' helm ye were ye knocked out by a weapon. Ye have nicely made armor. Looks the be almost enough to be o' my works. I think ye wur in combat recently," explained Korsik.

Arc rubbed the chin portion of his helmet as he nodded as bit while pondering his answer. He replied, "Hmmmmm......... your logic is sound good sir. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Sir Arc, a Paladin......of sorts. As you said I seem undamaged for the most part however I am sure it is either magic or a curse involved in my situation." Arc looked at the dwarf and nodded as he asked, "So how good are you at smithing Sir Blackiron?"

"Ah... Nae a Sur, a knight, master Korsik will be braw Sur Arc," replied Korsik. "I made this armor mah axes I do mak' or fix juist aboot anythin', depending on th' cost. A dwarf gotta eat." Korsik said with a grin. "Wait you have not heard of my work? Sir Arc. I am well known as one of the best." Korsik is taken aback by the fact that Arc does not know if him.

Arc chuckled a bit then replied, "I see. I see. Then you may be a fountain of knowledge of this place.....or at least you know more than a bonehead like myself." Arch chuckled at the inside joke. Then he asked, "Well as you can see I was following this here river to the next town or city. Any clue where that might be?" Arc scratched the top of his helmet like it was his head.

"Aye, sur arc but it's getting late. Even wi' mah braun, it's nae wise tae travel at nicht 'n' ah wull shaw ye tae th' neist toun." Korsik said then looked around. "A well nae exactly 'til we git back oan th' road. Thare ur a lot o' caravans ye could earn some coin as a guar," suggested Korsik grinning. "''N' th' lassies while ur nae ill either.

Arc rubbed his helmet/chin as he pondered a bit then nodded as he replied, "That does sound like a good plan. Finding work in my current situation will be troublesome since I'd rather avoid working for the nobles. No offense but they often get themselves in some awkward situations involving politics. However a job as a guard in a caravan does have its appeal. However its somewhat shameful to say that I can not show my face to the public since when I woke up I developed a rather unpleasant "skin" condition. Will that be an issue for the guard work?" Arc scratched the top of his helmet as if he was scratching his head.

"ye skin hu... Weel I have anythin' like that Sur Arc, nae a healer bit caravans might," commented Korsik. "Noo if yer asking if I could work wi' polish 'n' mend th' armor 'n' sword na kinch wi' that," stated Korsik. Looking over the Knight Korsik almost felt sorry for the knight.

"A'richt tell ye whit ye dinnae seem tae hae muckle sae. Mak' th' deal wi' ye sur arc. I wull help ye tae th' neist townlet 'n' ye hulp me by furnishing protection while we journey. Whit say ye?" asked the Dwarf. Korsik appeared to be trustworthy. The Dwarf was all about business and appeared to have a lot of supplies. "Forby, ah aye bring extra mae ne'er knowing whin ye will have someone catches up wi` oan th' journey. O' course, ale is th' best shard." Korsik said to Arc.

Arc rubbed the chin of his helmet again as he hummed to himself. The he replied, “That sounds very reasonable Mr. Blackiron. Hopefully we can handle whatever comes at us.” Arc then held out his armored hand and said, “Then I humbly welcome thee as a travel companion.”

Reaching and shaking his hand Korsik smiled "Ah think fortren smiled on us, Sur Knight." replies Korsik. The burly Dwarf reaches into a bag and pulls out a mini Kag which looks to be very ornate for a wood Keg. "Dram oan it we kin seal it th' dwarven wey," says Korsik. The smell is of very good quality of Ale.

Arc accepts the mini keg barrel and replies, “You’re too kind Mr. Blackiron. If ya don’t mind I’ll have this with our meal.” Then Arc looked around and found a good place for a campfire. Then he reached into his bag of holding and pulled out some fire wood before placing it on the ground. Then Arc used his great sword to light the fire. He then reached into his bag of holding again and pulled out a “spit kit” for roasting meat. Then he drove the 2 “Y” shaped metal bars into the ground. He then reached into his bag of holding again to retrieve a whole side of a boar and skewered it through the middle before setting it on the “Y” bars to hold it above the fire. Then Arc pulled out 2 small blankets and placed them on the ground to sit on. Then he pulled out out a can of meat seasoning for later before he sat down. He looked at the dwarf and said, “Make yourself comfortable Mr. Blackiron. I’m not sure how much seasoning you prefer on yer meat so help yourself.”

Doing his prepping for camp Korsik tied off Iron and took his saddle pack off. Dusty climbed onto a log and looked around seeming to be watching Arc carefully. Korsik pulled out a few skins one looked to be a bear the other maybe a large buffalo skin. and laid them out near the fire ring. He neatly placed everything on the ground.

Placing a battle axe and Warhammer near him next to a shield all of the stuff looks ornate and skillfully made. Korsik looked like he had a place for everything and he placed it there. Korsik looked like a Dwarf who had lots of experience traveling.

Korsik had watched Arc set up the food and was amazed at it all. Korsik set a mini Kag, goat cheese, and something like breadsticks to share with Sir Arc. "Ah see whin it comes tae tea ye ken whit yer daein' Sur Arc," commented Korsik. Looking over Sir Arc's sword. So, a holy sword rare find indeed." Korsik remarked. "Even yer armor is expertly made. Sur Ark" said Korsik looking it over again.

Arc blushed under his helmet at the compliment. He chuckled a bit before he replied, "Thanks. I do my best to take care of it." Have ya ever made any holy equipment Mr. Blackiron? I heard its a big challenge for many." Arc slowly began to turn the meat on the skewer while talking.

Korsik smiled at the query he could go all night talking about the last twenty-plus years of crafting. "I have helped I am not a Cleric, So I can not sanctify th' items but have made the items themselves. Th' explanation they're rare is because it normally takes take up to four crafters 'n' clerics to make an idem. Tis a long process," Replied Korsik.

"Noo yer stuff I could not dae any major repairs out here need a special forge to dae anything major. Can dae some minding or even adjusting out here with whit ah have," explained Korsik.

Arc chuckled a bit under his helmet. It was obvious that the dwarf loved his craft. Arc tapped his chest plate a bit as he replied, “Well this armor is pretty durable so hopefully it will hold up for a while. I need to make some money for repairs in the future though. We are also assuming there is a team that could repair it in the first place. Since I’m a paladin, I have holy magic to spare. So how familiar are ya around these parts?”

" Na, not a lot. I ken some o' th' roads I hae bin traveling fur years aroond thae lands 'n' kingdoms. I hae nae bin home in ten years. Learning, teaching trading. Daein' whit good dwarfs dae." explained Korsik freely.

"Ia'm from th' mountains to the north mah stronghold is cried hammer fire o' th' Blackion clan 'n' th' Blackiron fire hammer crafting guild heid council sits. Blackion ben is hame. Us dwarfs hae bin thare for thoosans o' years." said Korsik.

" You? Do you remember where you are from? Anything from your past?" asked Korsik.

Arc smiled under his helmet as he envisioned his homeland. It was a beautiful city full of large fancy religious buildings, well dressed people and the church bells ringing every hour. However when he tried to remember the name of the place his mind went blank. Then as he tried to remember the names of people he knew he envisioned them with a blurry face. This troubled poor Arc as he had no answers to the question despite his memory. He scratched his helmet and replied, “I can remember what my home looked like but not the name. I wonder if it is part of the curse? This is troubling indeed.”

The Dwarf raised an eyebrow at the word Curse. "Ye said cursed?" What has this knight got himself into? thought Korsik. What about Korsik is this curse going to be on him too? He leaned back against his backpack to use it like the back of a chair. "Ye had to have a big fight with something to get this way. Have you angered the Gods? Sir Arc." Korsik was very interested in this and wondered if there was any marking Korsik could find.

"Haave ye seen only freish runes or markings on ye, yer armor, weapons? any new jewelry? I wish ah could dae something fur ye. But I'm lost curses. This is whin I wish ah knew high Claric tae help ye, Sur Arc. Bit a'm at a loss, This is when I wish I knew high Cleric to help you, Sir Arc. But I am at a loss," said Korsik

Arc scratched his helmet a bit as he was trying to find a good way to explain his situation. He pondered a bit as he replied, "Well Its hard to put in words, without creating a bit of panic. Ya see I feel like my old self. I can still do all tha things I did before only I look very different than before. I feel no bad effects and ta be honest I don't feel any fatigue despite my long journey. When I tried to use my healing magic to fix my problem it was only temporary and reverted back to my current state. As far as I can tell it is not contagious and seems to only effect myself. I dare not show my face to anyone since it is not a pleasant sight. Perhaps in the future I may discover a clue or two to my condition and the remedy for it. I do apologize for my cryptic way of talking Mr. Blackiron." Arc turned the meat on the skewer again.

"Ye na probelm Sur Arc. Sorry to dig into your past 'n' circumstances." said Korsik standing and giving a Dawrevn bow. "Forgive me, Sur Arc." standing back up Korsik looked at the fire. "Mibbie we can fin' something or someone in th' neist town that will help ye," stated Korsik with a smile.

Arc was thankful for the sentiment and he gave a slight bow to the dwarf before him. Arc replied, "Yer much to kind Mr. Blackiron. Its comforting ta know ye are so kind. Perhaps yer right in our learnin more as we travel a bit." At this point the meat had a lot of cooked parts so Arc cut off a few slices and put them on a plate then said, "Go ahead and take yer fill Mr. Blackiron. I'll just face away from ya so I don't ruin your meal." Arc then added some season to the meat before he turned around and lifted his visor to take a bite of the meat and then sipped the booze he received earlier.

TBC