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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 17, 2006 06:30 PM |
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"Tell me, Richard. How long would it take for.. 6.. maybe 7, adventurers to travel to the Keep?" Mark asked keeping his eyes fixed on his ale.
"I'd say no more than two weeks," Richard said. He took a sip of ale and then turned to look at a man and a dog standing before them at the booth. He had wanted to speak with Mark alone, but this would work out fine. All that mattered is getting Mark to go on the journey to Cauldron's Keep. Then he would have plenty of time to speak with Mark alone. He knew none of the others possessed magic, but he had heard Mark mumbling to himself earlier about being a spellweaver.
"Well, since we will be together I think that this will be a nice time to find out something about eachother. I haven't even properly introduced us. I am Annunhalion and him here," he said looking at the dog is Robin. "And you gentleman, are?"
"Richard," he said with a smile as he held out his hand.
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Go Red Sox!
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Dragon_Slayer
Honorable
Supreme Hero
toss toss toss
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posted January 18, 2006 02:30 AM |
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Isildur decides to make a quick bathroom stop on the way. He washes his face and looks up at the mirror. As he looks up something catches his eye. Just above the mirror, was a symbol, drawn in pencil.
Isildur: It cant be... no no it cant. Its just some sort of coincidence!
With that Isildur rubs out the symbol and runs to his room. He throws himself on the bed and tries to get some sleep.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted January 18, 2006 03:28 AM |
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Through the Keep He stalked, altering traps and setting them to positions previously unoccupied, where the rogue's particular knowledge would fail him should he rely on it too heavily. For he had been watching Richard, studying his every move and pondering his persistence. Why keep coming back to such a dangerous place? That was Richard's secret, and it, too, would be revealed in time.
The Guardian finished His task and returned to the treasure room. Most explorers seeking to go deeper into the Keep would search for a hidden cave, some secret switch, or a trick torch on the wall, but this was no ordinary treasure room. A simple choice would have to be made, something dear sacrificed.
The party would know the bitter truth behind this statement soon enough.
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>_>
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted January 18, 2006 11:14 AM |
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"Mark. You look to be a very powerful man, Annunhalion." He smiled at the small wolf and as Annunhalion reached out to shake his hand, he hesitated at first. Then as they connected, pain swept through his hand.
Mark pulled his hand away, as if retracting from a hot furnace after being burnt. There was something even more odd about this man, something more than just elf blood.
He intertwined each of his fingers and the pain passed. Pressing his palms together, Mark forced another smile.
He looked at Richard. He seemed uncomfortable.
Keeping his hands still, Mark asked "Something you wish to say, Richard?"
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John says to live above hell.
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 18, 2006 03:11 PM |
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The reaction from the handshake, surprised Annunhalion a bit too. Eventhough he tried to conceal it, his eyes gave a flicker of slight surprise, or even shock. There certain was something in their conection, something Annunhalion felt only on certain special occasions. But now and here. That is no poor beggar behind those rags. No ordinary man either, there is something much more to this man, but he was sure that it would come to the surface sooner or later.
"Why, thankyou. You flater me."He said looking at Mark "You could call of our people powerfull, but the outer shell is not important. It is what is inside of you that gives you true power. Especialy if that power is in smoeform connected to magic." At this he smiled at Mark
"But since I don't posses the ability to use magic in combat or similair situations, although I wouldn't like to, my power doesn't lie there. I have only been thought to use magic of Nature to help and aid the living things around us. But then agains they are your foes who tend to judge your power, so you would have to ask them."
He then turrned to Richard.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Richard. Tell me, how did you come to venture into the Cauldron Keep?"
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 18, 2006 05:11 PM |
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"I went there the first time when I just grew my first beard. I went with a band of adventurers most of whom were naive like myself. The party leader was somewhat like myself. He'd been there before, but he knew little about how to get past the traps. We got lost in the maze. After a few days, most of the others lost their minds. It took us nearly a week to find our way back out of the maze. Only the party leader and I came out of there. The others like I said lost their minds. But I know the way through and it shouldn't take us more than a couple hours."
A young woman came over with tray of steaming food. The meal consisted of biscuits, pork roast, gravy, sweet potatoes and pea soup. Richard eyed the food and took a deep breath, taking in the wonderful aroma. His mouth filled with saliva and he swallowed it as the waitress set the food on the table before them.
"Thank you very much," Richard said delightedly. "I'm starving."
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Go Red Sox!
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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted January 18, 2006 06:19 PM |
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Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a loud thump was to be heard coming outside the tavern's door. A weird-looking fellow crept into the inn as the door swung open. Twice as wide as a normal human and smaller in height, the fellow stood up and looked around. No one seemed to be disturbed by his unexpected entrance.
The fellow started to march towards the bar, followed by consequent thumps of his large boots and crides of a battle-axe behind.
"How may I help you, sir?" the traveller was about to pull out a creasy paper out of his sleeve, as the innkeeper inquired. "A bit of dwarven ale does wonders, you know." he said smiling.
"Hmm... Takin' a seat and havin' a mug o' good ol' ale would certainly do good." the travelled grinned back as he was taking a seat at the bar where he saw several people chatting.
The bartender quickly brought some ale for the guest and the latter took a big gulp.
"Would you care to explain me what this is 'bout?" he took out the poster of the Cauldron's Keep and showed it to the barman. The innkeeper glared at him and pointed at the group that he saw earlier. "Lemme thank you for the generosity..." the traveller stood up and walked towards the men.
"O' dungeons and dragons! Would ye care to take a dwarf with ye, lads? Cauldr'n Keep awaits... Hathar's axe and runes at your service..."
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 18, 2006 08:09 PM |
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Richard held out his hand to the dwarf.
"Richard's my name. I am the party leader and guide on this journey. Great to have you come along..." Richard paused trying to remember the dwarf's name.
"Hathar."
"Great to have you come along Hathar. Sit down and have a nice hot meal with us. The meal is on me. There's plenty enough for all of us and if not we'll get some more."
Richard looked at Mark again knowing he never answered his question. He had specifically invited him over to get him to join the party to Cauldron's Keep and he hadn't said a word. Realizing he was staring at Mark, he quickly turned back to Hathar who had just taken his seat.
"This is Mark. This is Annunhalion, and his dog, no his wolf, Robin."
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Go Red Sox!
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 18, 2006 08:29 PM |
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Annunhalion eyed the dwarf carefully. Not that he had anything against them, no he was taught to take all equaly and he follew this in his life. Allthought there were exceptions...Nevertheless he held out his hand,
"Pleased to meet you Hathar. As I was introduced I am Annunhalion and this here is Robin. He is both wolf and dog, since he comes from the northern lands of the Frost Elves where dogs and wolves are crossed together, but that is not his whole story. But, here join us for a meal so we can get to know you."
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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted January 19, 2006 06:32 AM |
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Astonished by the reaction, not knowing what to say, the dwarf stood up, slightly reddened. He bowed to everyone and greeted Richard, Mark, Annunhalion and his wolf Robin in the dwarven tongue.
"Where do you come from, Hathar? Tell us your story," Richard continued. He quickly added, "if you wish to, of course."
The dwarf was already sipping beer from his mug, grinning, when Richard asked him the question.
"Well, 'ow come a dwarf like me ye ask me?" Hathar rephrased. He averted his gaze from then wooden tumbler in front. "I am not much of a storytell'r, as the stories cannot be proved to be true most o' the time. Anyway, I would not be a dwarf, if I did not tell 'bout meself. he laughed. I, Hathar, come from the Northern Mountains in northwest, near where the frost elves dwell. Hathar caught a glimpse of Annunhalion listening. I grew tired o' c'nstant mining and o' the local smithy. I decided to venture forth, into the world, to feel what a true adventurer feels.
Hathar took a big gulp of the brown liquid and bent down on the table. The dwarf was tired after his journey and the recent accident on the inn's staircase made his back hurt. He was a troublesome fellow, often had troubles with his clumsiness, but with time, it diminished.
"Now, I am an adventurer. Once, I heard a grey-beard wizard speak 'bout that Cauldr'n Keep o' yers. I decided to join ye in yer journey - I am thirsty o' adventures." the dwarf's eyes seemed to glow for the moment. Everybody knew that the dwarves have the affection for gold and gems, but this dwarf seemed to be different. "I can prove my worth not with battle-axe only, as I have mastered the magic of the dwarven runes." Hathar's face was reddening, undoubtedly proud he did not tell more about the hidden arts of the dwarves, but his dark brown luxuriant beard hid his feelings.
Suddenly, the traveller stopped eating and put down his mug. He seemed to be content he was finally full, so he thanked Richard for generosity, pulled out his pipe and sat back, relaxed, drowning in his thoughts.
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Dragon_Slayer
Honorable
Supreme Hero
toss toss toss
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posted January 19, 2006 10:52 AM |
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Richard turns as he hears a noise at the staircase behind him.
Isildur: Sorry to bother you but i couldnt sleep... i had things on my mind. I see we have another member in our new party.
Isildur turns to the dwarf and extends his hand.
Isildur: I am Isildur. May i shout you all a drink?
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted January 19, 2006 01:51 PM |
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"Hathar? Have we met?" Mark looked at the Dwarf.
He judged the answer from Hathar's expression.
"No? Hm. It's confusing, these things, there's not much difference after all... never mind. Your axe seems sturdy, and your arm strong. I hope that will help."
He turned to Richard.
"I wonder..." He paused. "I.. I could travel with you. You will need a mind capable of manipulating magic. I warn you, I haven't been out there for a long time, refused offers of fame and glory. But this is different. I can get ready for tomorrow, although I'll need to purchase new gear."
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John says to live above hell.
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 19, 2006 06:16 PM |
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Richard rubbed his stomach in satisfaction of a good meal. He heard a noise behind him coming from the staircase and turned to see the ranger coming downstairs. He offered us all a drink, but my mug had just been filled, so I declined his offer.
An expected thing happened next. That spellweaver, Mark, suddenly decided to join the quest to Cauldron's Keep. I was almost positive he needed convincing. But I guess perhaps the best convincing is having a good meal with a few friendly adventurers. Though he said very little and tried to hide his emotions, I could tell he enjoyed our company very much.
"We don't have to leave at dawn. If you need to go buy new equipment then we can wait for you."
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Go Red Sox!
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 19, 2006 06:47 PM |
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A nice evening it truly was. Robin was layung on his side enjoying a wolf nap. He learned some important thigns about there adventurers. The dwarf and this Mark have especialy caught his attention. There was something about Mark that would need explaining, not now, but soon enough.
"I think we should leave early, thre is no point in staying in this place. We have our equipment so it's up to the others, but I would like to leave soon."
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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted January 19, 2006 07:43 PM |
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The dwarf turned his head towards the staircase and saw Isildur standing in mid-way, explaining something to Richard. The words "all" and "drink" made the dwarf smile, so he sturdily stood up and greeted Isildur.
"Hail, Isildur! Thank ye fer yer generosity." a wide smile appeared on his face, slighty hidden behind his bushy beard.
The crowd in the tavern was roaring, joy, laughter and happiness were to be felt. Hathar was cheering too, happy about the adventurer squad. He did not doubt there were more of them, but from those he had met that far, he was content about having such mates in the group. However, a tingling feeling in the spine never left the dwarf. The conversation with Mark... Mark... Hathar knew many spellweavers, both good and bad... The dwarf remembered someone from the times long forgotten, carrying the name of Mark, but could not recall correctly, as the beer absorbed seemed to drowse him little by little.
Suddenly, he felt the chilly breeze behind, as someone entered the tavern. His mind, cleared from the drowse, started to work at doubled capacity. Everyone around was either drinking beer from the mug, sipping the home-made mead, having a conversation with the neighbours or just singing and laughing.
"Dwarves appearing in the city? Elves in the city?" the dwarf heard people whispering all around. Even though the dwarf was not of elven blood, he could hear well. "The wolf-dogs of the frostlings here?" someone whispered in a high-pitched voice.
Robin, snoring beside Annunhalion, who was chatting with Richard, was lying flat, napping, not caring about what happened around. The words about the upcoming departure seemed to gladden the dwarf, as his heart was already eager for adventure.
"Hmmm... If I am to leave soon, I need to visit the local runemast'r. Are any o' them 'ere? Mark? Richard?"
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted January 20, 2006 11:24 AM |
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"Good men, I'll be back down here tomorrow morning, ready. Time is.. plentiful."
Mark went back to his room, the cheapest, consisting of a desk with a mirror, a bed, and a locked chest.
He sat down at the desk chair and looked himself in the mirror. He was a wreck; stubble on his chin, hair down to his shoulders, his clothes almost in tatters.
This adventure had woken him up to reality, or the lack thereof that he was living through. There was sadness in his pale eyes, but he was a new man, tonight. He took a knife strapped to his leg, and took it to his face.
He paused, staring at his reflection. The mirror was cracked in two parts, but good enough.
He carved the knife gently across his face, the remants of his beard falling to the floor. After shaving, he rubbed his hands across his cheek, now clean shaven. As his hands passed over his face became damp, cleaning it without water.
Mark then took his hair up in a bundle, and sawed it off at the top with his knife. He then cut off the sides to leave short hair left all over.
'Now I look a Spellweaver..' He thought.
He took a thick metal key from his pocket and went down on his knees on the wooden floor next to the chest, and pushed the key into the hole. It turned with a grinding crunch, and the lid popped open.
Mark took out the contents and lay on his bed his clean white and grey, magestic robes and cloak down on the bed, next to his old staff.
He thought about all those years spent on the streets, wandering, scavenging just enough to eat, lounging in the tavern and in rooms.
He thought about his acquittal into the order, and his days there.
And he thought about his last fateful days as a Spellweaver. The days have changed now.
He was ready.
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John says to live above hell.
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted January 20, 2006 08:39 PM |
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I couldn't sleep a wink. Not now, not after being so accustomed to being awake all the time. But it was alright. I could hear what Richard was saying down below me. Luckily my room was right above the table they were sitting at. It seemed more and more people were joining his motley little group. The more the merrier I guess. I wondered just how long it'd take until he was ready to leave. I suppose saying that I was restless would be an understatement. I was excited, ready to leave now if possible. I hope we'll leave soon, the sooner this adventure begins, the sooner the fun can start.
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 21, 2006 09:45 AM |
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Perhaps it would be a good time to get some rest before the enxt day's jurney. Or maybee he and Robin should use the time to take a look around. This ran through Annunhalion's head, but as he looked at the sleeping dog, he soon decided. Time to rest
"Thanks for the enjoyble evening gentlemen, but we, atleast I am going to sleep. I shall see you at sunrise then"
He bowed slightly and walked away. At this Robin woke up from his sleep and followed him lazily. The rest could see as Annunhalion said something to the inkeep, droped what looked like a coin and then left upstairs, persumably to some room.
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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted January 21, 2006 05:58 PM |
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The night was drawing nearer the beginning, when the dwarf left, as he did not get any replies to his question. This was to expected, because there were no dwarves to be seen anywhere near towns and villages lately, runemasters even more likely.
"Hum, hum, hum... I am 'bout to get goin'..." the dwarf sighed. His heavy boots gave a loud thump as he stood up. "I'll see ye tomorrow mornin'... I need to find a runemast'r 'round 'ere somewhere."
The dwarf bid farewell to his mates and went to the innkeeper. He whispered something and took out a scrap of paper out of his sleeve and a tattered leather bag out of the pocket of his torn cape, supposedly full of coins. He was weary of his travels, as it took more than he predicted to reach a civilized place. Still, he was happy that he will finally be able to go on a thrilling adventure. His backpack ran out of food the following week, so he had to tighten his belt. His sack, where he kept his coins - life savings and salary, he got while he was a miner in the dwarven mines. The battle-axe that was hung on his back had to be repaired, as he used it to hunt animals rather than fight with.
Hathar left the tavern and turned right where he hoped he could find a runemaster. The place was dimly lit. The moonshine was even brighter than the lights near the houses. Hunters, merchants, chemists... The streets were full of their shops and stalls, but the streets themselves were almost empty.
A crow suddenly appeared out of nowhere and landed just before the very eyes of the dwarf. The dwarf that was humming a dwarven song stopped. The black crow eyed the dwarf as the dwarf scratched his beard. The dwarf took out some bread out of his backpack, crouched and called for the crow, offering the bread to the bird. The bird stood still, as if it was petrified. The dwarf was cautiously nearing him, curious about how the crow will react, but the bird was not moving, so the dwarf decided to pick him up.
Hathar was holding the bird on his bruised left hand and the bread on his right. The crow turned his head and continued to eye Hathar's deep black eyes, ignoring what was offered to him.
"What kind o' thing are ye?" Hathar asked the bird silently. No response. "Ye are a strange thing..."
The crow leapt and landed on dwarf's shoulder, still gazing at the confused face of the dwarf. The dwarf grinned at the bird, handed the bread and continued his nightly search for the runemaster...
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 22, 2006 12:33 AM |
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Richard went over his list a third time; food, water, weapons, torches, his wand, several keys, lockpicks, vials of poison, and various dried herbs for making potions.
Richard finally remembered what he'd forgotten he was missing. He needed his magnifying glass, but he'd have to head back home to get it.
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Go Red Sox!
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