Borosev

Dark Dagger

Ernestus Greye

For the most part, Ernestus kept to himself during the ride, occasionally scanning their surroundings as they travelled. The journey to Timberholde felt quicker than expected.
After settling at the inn, Ernestus thanked the princess for the payment for their lodgings, and eagerly awaited for a decent meal.
It was a good one, ableit a bit smaller compared to what he normally would have. His appetite being much larger since he aquired his affliction.

Relaxed and still sitting at his table, he quietly watched as the others went about their business. Ernestus brought out a small journal from his knapsack, and updated his notes regarding his journey.
As he wrote, he looked up to see Elra as she asked about placing a ward on the room, "Thank you, but I do not think its quite necessary just yet."he said with a friendly smile.
After finishing his notes, he tucked the journal away and headed for his room, bidding the others a goodnight and thanking the innkeeper along the way.

The room was a tad cramped, but it was good enough. He placed his sword on the opposide of his bed as per usual. The bed was surprisngly comfortable considering how rough it looked, but it had been a while since he slept in one.

His sleep, once he finally managed to, was restless at first. His dreams were tainted occasionally by the beast within. Eventually he managed to settle down, and get some rest.

Dark Dagger

Ernestus Greye

As Rynn brought the guards to attention to escort the party, Ernestus straightened himself, and merely nodded to his old friend as they made their way to their mounts.

Given it was his first time riding a horse, Ernestus just managed to keep himself on the saddle. This is slightly uncomfortable. I can only hope I can get used to this. he thinks to himself.
He pulls up his hood, ready to face the rain again, and tucks his sword under his cloak as much as he can.
Ernestus takes a look around at the rest of the party as they readied themselves for the journey in turn. "Lead the way my lady." he nods towards Rynn.

Dark Dagger

@Catharyn not at the mo soz, but its up to @pinkkoala321

Dark Dagger

Ernestus Greye

As the two guards that were assigned to him approached, Ernestus recognised one of them. He squinted trying to gauge who it was, "Eamon? is that you?" he asked with surprise.
One of the guards reacted, "Sir?" the one on the left replied.
After spending a moment observing the man before him, "Ernest?" he then said.
Ernestus let out a laugh in relief, and the two men embraced. "It is great to see you old friend. I see you faired well." he said.
"Yes. Ever since that couple took me in, life's been pretty good." Eamon replied, also smiling with surprise.

After a brief pause, Eamon said "I'm surprised to see you here, especially given what i've heard had happened to Hedgehill. They said the place had been ransacked, and there were only bodies and ruins left. How's it you got out of that unscathed?" he then asked.

"I left some time ago myself. And I had been gone for a couple of years."
Ernestus raises a hand and creates a small ball of light as an example.
"It turns out that I have the ability to wield magic. And so, I took it upon myself to see if I could make use of it. The Vicar guided me to a monastery a fair distance from Hedghill."
Eamon's eyes widen as Ernestus shows him, "So I see."

Ernestus paused for a moment and dispelled the ball.
"Once I returned home from my training, all I had returned to was fire and death", his eyes begin to water slightly, "I tried looking for survivors, but there was no life left there." he said looking away from Eamon, feeling disappointed with himself.

The other guard had wandered away leaving the two to speak.

"I'm sorry." Eamon said not knowing what else to say.

Ernestus waved off Eamon's sympathy, "It's alright." he said straightening himself, "Theres nothing that can be done. Its gone." he said, more to himself than to Eamon.
Eventually the two began talking about some old memories of home, and caught up with each other on their lives.
After some during their chat, Ernestus noticed Arin finish his investigation within the vault. He then noticed Elra bringing a packed feast with her.
He suddenly felt a slight bit awkward as he hadn't really helped much with the current situation.

Dark Dagger

Ernestus Greye

Ernestus placed a hand on the pommel of his blade in case the worst happened as Rynns guards stepped forth as the elf clearly casted a spell. He was then surprised and confused as both the elf and the princess were both speaking in an unusual language. He remained alert as Arin clearly lead the conversation(?), but he wasn't sure where it headed.

Then after listening to the princess when she started speaking common again, he kept his hand on his blade as she guided the group.
After reaching the dead end, he witnessed the princess knick herself with a dagger, he squinted and focussed on whatever she was up to, and then realised it was some strange locking mechanism. Ernestus then rested his hand from his sword.

Dark Dagger

i'd imagine its part of the mystery

Dark Dagger

Ernestus Greye

"I'm not one for flying, and i'll be honest, i've never ridden a horse before. I have mostly walked." Ernestus said feeling a bit awkward, "But i'll try riding nonetheless." he then said.

He pondered for the moment on whether he could outrun a horse if they'd happen to go down the road of a forest, if he allowed himself to fully transform, but such a thought should remain such. I doubt they would be happy finding out about me. he thought to himself.

Dark Dagger

Ernestus Greye

Ernestus holds up a hand to the Dragons offer, "No thank you, i'll manage for now. Hopefully I can get something later." he says with a friendly smile in turn.

"How far away is this Timberholde as the crow flies? Or drake in my case. Who here knows the land best, places to rest, places to avoid, that sort of thing?"
After listening to Vuthaternock, "I'd assume it would be quicker to fly? would it not?" he then says with curiosity.

Dark Dagger

Ernestus Greye

Ernestus raises his hand, "I do apologise for the inconvenience, but could I get something to eat? I have not had a proper meal in a couple of days during my journey coming here." he lowers his hand, and places it against his gut due to discomfort.
"Though I do suppose it could wait until we get to Timberholde." he then says.

He ponders for a moment about the idea of travelling for the rest of the day without eating first. His eyes change again as he looks up and around the room, until he shakes himself out of it.
Ernestus raises a hand and mutters something under his breath, his hand then begins to glow slightly, and he then hovers it over his gut, the ache begins to fade away. He sighs, "I'll sort you out eventually." he then says to himself quietly.

Dark Dagger

Ernestus Greye

"The dagger is longer than most. As the name suggests, it's pure black. Almost unnaturally so." Ernestus makes a mental note, "We have no suspects. And we doubt it's anyone in Eastormel. No one here is that stupid." He raises a brow to the remark, One shouldn't underestimate anyone, as anyone can be surprised by the most unlikely sorts. he thought to himself.

"As for how they did it. We don't know. Things would go missing, and we assumed it had gotten misplaced. Whoever took the dagger left no trace. At least, not any that we've been able to find." Ernestus shook his head in dissappointment. The security of this place must be very poor if such treasures are lost so easily. he thought.

"The Dark Dagger hasn't been used in decades. It's become more of a symbol." Ernestus' eyes follow to the dragon briefly before returning to Rynn,"While I'm sure there are records somewhere of its power, that knowledge has been lost to our family. I can tell you that it's nothing good." I don't think finding it is the best option then...Ernestus thought.
"Nothing good can come out of something that feels so wrong. You would have to be near it to understand but..That dagger, it isn't natural."
And with that final comment, I think it best that its destroyed, if its truly a possible danger.
Such things should not be waved around as a symbol, especially if its a potentially dark and magical artifact, that they don't happen to understand anything about. Ernestus thought, his concerns about this job becoming clearer.
He briefly looked around the room at the other group members, concerned about their true alignment.

"Right. We can't wait around here forever. If there aren't any other questions of the utmost importance to you lot, we should head out. The Underground is nearly a week's ride from here if we take our fastest horses.
Ernestus is snapped put of his train of thought. We are leaving so soon?
"Our first stop will be the town of Timberholde. If we leave now, we should reach the inn not long after nightfall."
The beast within began to stir slightly as his hunger started up again. For a moment, Ernestus' eyes changed, and he began to sigh, but it sounded more like a growl. He quickly shook himself out of it and faked a cough.

He continued to listen to the group as they said their pieces.
He agreed with Arin, but Elra made a good point too. However given how lacking the security seems to be, especially given how often they lose items, he didn't exactly have faith in their capabilities.