Disclaimer: See first chapter.
AN: A lot of the dialog in this chapter is drawn straight from the Everquest II game and modified to suit the story needs. I'm not always satisfied with the way it flows but oh well.
Beta: Me, Myself, and I still. There are bound to be mistakes, especially dropped final letters and suffixes.
[Gwenevyn's Cove, Erollis Isle]
After disembarking from the ferry, the group spotted a camp not far away. Walking over to it, they approached a barbarian man clad in fur.
Ranma hailed the man. "Hi, there. We are looking for Wregan Firebeard. Could you tell us where to find him?"
"You found him.", the man replied. "Another pilgrim, I take it?"
"Not really. We have a different goal but Yasha Redblade did ask us to check with you to see if you needed any help.", Harry answered Wregan.
"We could use some more provisions if you wouldn't mind helping us. We already have enough provisions for those that were already here, but we are expecting several more pilgrims to arrive. We will need more provisions for them.", Wregan stated.
"We can do that. What do you think, Kasumi, Ukyo, and Winky?", Harry asked Ranma.
"Yeah, they're into the harvesting thing. You three ok with doing getting the stuff for the camp?", Ranma turned toward the girls.
"Yes, Ranma, we will be glad to do it.", Kasumi replied. Ukyo and Winky nodded.
"There are some tundra beets that grow along the frozen beach front north of us, between the pillars of ice. They are filling if not the most tasty of foods. Be wary of the blizzard grizzlies nearby!", Wregan instructed.
"You three be careful!", Ranma enjoined.
Ukyo said, "We will, believe me."
Harry turned back to Wregan and said, "The rest of us will check with the rest of the camp to see if anyone else needs something."
"That would be good. I know there are several that have some concerns."
The team spread out to see what they could do to help.
[Kasumi, Ukyo, and Winky]
The trio of girls found the beets easily enough but harvesting them was difficult due to the surrounding bears.
As her earthen avatar crushed the life out of a blizzard grizzly, Winky said, "These bears is very aggressive. I wonder if we could use the meat?"
Casting a Wrath spell at a blizzard matron, Kasumi said, "Bear meat is edible and the pelts ought to be useful for something. I'm sure Ranma, or maybe Shampoo, can butcher the carcases. We do need to be adding to our supplies."
"Winky, uh, I can butcher the bears. I still have my house elf magic and they are not too different from cows and sheeps." She blasted the matron, finishing it off.
Ukyo slashed the attacking blizzard grizzly cub. "Damn, this cub should be running, not attacking." She spun and pierced the cub through the heart. "So, how do we get them back?"
"Our packs. Jessolt did say they would hold almost anything.", Kasumi noted. "I've got some room in mine and hopefully you two do as well."
"Now if these bears would lay off so we can get the beets, it would be nice!", Ukyo growled, sounding a bit like a bear herself. She turned and threw a shuriken at a charging bear. "Kasumi, why don't you gather up the beets while Winky and I take care of this one."
"I believe that is a workable plan. Yell if you need help!"
[Hermione and Daphne]
"Hello, sir.", Hermione greeted a small green creature standing next to the camp's main fire.
The froglok looked up and returned the greeting. "Hello! I haven't seen you around here before! I am Blorpisa Bogchild."
Hermione replied, "We're glad to meet you, Blorpisa, I am Hermione and this is Daphne."
"Ah! I had not seen you before, but I have heard of you and your accomplishments!" Blorpisa said enthusiasticly. "This is such a pleasure, Ladies. We're lucky to have such heroes within our midst. What brings you to Gwenevyn's Cove?"
"We're on my way to New Halas.", Hermione answered.
"As am I! I've stopped along the way as I've been attempting to create a new spell. It is one that would protect the pilgrims from the bitter winds and frosty landscape of New Halas, as well as protect them from the wild creatures and hostile entities.", Blorpisa said
Daphne asked, "How will you cast the spell on all of the pilgrims?"
"I don't intend to cast it on them all! I will enchant the spell onto parchment for the pilgrims to read aloud when they arrive.", Blorpisa explained.
"What if they can't read? What if they have children with them?", Daphne continued.
"Such details!", said Blorpisa somewhat dismissively. "But you do bring up a good point; I will have to make it so that when the spell is read it affects everyone in the area, not just the reader."
"This all sounds very interesting to me.", Hermione observed.
"Say, if you aren't in a hurry, I could use some help.", Blorpisa requested.
Daphne asked, "What kind of help do you need?"
Blorpisa explained, "To make the ink to enchant the spell to paper I need the arcane imbued ore of the rolling stones found east of here. Do you think you could go and collect some of the ore for me?"
"We can.", Hermione agreed.
"Great! As I said, you can find the arcane imbued ore on the rolling stones to the northeast of Gwenevyn's Cove.", Blorpisa continued. "They should not be too hard to find. Let me know if you get into any trouble."
Daphne nodded. "We'll be back once we have collected the ore you need."
The girls headed to the indicated where they found a lot of rocks about the size of a watermelon rolling around the beach. It looked very strange. Daphne turned to Hermione and said, "I would guess this is the place and these are the stones." Hermione nodded and called forth her pet, Jane, shrinking her so she wouldn't be confused with the original. Daphne charmed one of the nearby stones.
"Well, I guess we need to get started!", Hermione said and blasted the closest uncharmed rolling stone. The stone promptly attacked her and Jane cast a rooting spell on it. With that, Daphne joined the fight and they quickly finished off the stone.
"These things fight fairly well for just being a round rock! I wonder who bothered to enchant them and why?", Daphne said. A good distance away, two young Dwarves rolling stones down a long, steep tunnel, sneezed.
Suddenly, a large stone bigger than a beach ball rounded a jutting portion of the cliff and seemed to notice them. It promptly attacked!
Jane and the charmed stone moved to intercept with Jane casting a root spell. Hermione and Daphne fired their blasting spells. Hermione fired her Mind Burst then wondered how you could do mind damage to a stone but you apparently could. Daphne cast Medusa Shock as her follow up. Between their pets and spells, they soon destroyed the large stone. Daphne moved the rubble around with her toe and noticed a glint. She picked up the glint and discovered a ring with a magical aura.
"How did that get in there?!", she wondered aloud.
Hermione shrugged. "It must have rolled over the ring at some point and just added it to itself. Well, we still need more ore so let's get busy."
[Nabiki, Luna, and Shampoo]
Luna walked up to froglok standing in front of an open tent with a smaller froglok standing next to him. "Hello, good sir. And such a nice looking boy."
The froglok returned the greeting, "Good day, travelers. I am Flibbit Quagmarr and this is my son, Splorpy. Have you come to Erollis Isle to pay tribute to the Marrs?"
"We are on our way to consult at the temple. I am Luna, this is Nabiki, and this is Shampoo."
"Ah! Your names we have heard! News of your aid to Pilgrim's Landing has reached our ears.", Flibbit exclaimed. "My son and I have made the pilgrimage to Erollis Isle and we plan on finding a place to live in New Halas. Unfortunately, we cannot continue on to New Halas until the path is made safe once again."
Nabiki asked, "What is wrong with the path?"
"Many pilgrims that have tried to make their way to New Halas have sadly fallen along the way. The grizzlies are eating their remains.", Flibbit explained. "Though it may be the natural way of life, it has accustomed the bears to the taste of the pilgrims' flesh, making the bears very dangerous to travelers in this area."
"What would you have us do?", Nabiki queried.
"Please clear out the blizzard grizzlies around Gwenevyn's Cove so that the pilgrims traveling through this area are not hunted by the grizzly bears. It is unfortunate that the grizzlies must be killed, but the pilgrimage to the Cairn of The Huntress is of more importance.", Flibbit pleaded.
Shampoo said, "We understand. We will clear a safe path for the pilgrims and return to you once we have finished."
Flibbit bowed in thanks. "I shall watch for your return."
"Goodbye, Flibbit. 'Bye, Splorpy", Luna waved.
"Ok, girls.", Nabiki said. "Let's go bear hunting!"
[Harry and Ranma]
The two young men had decided to scout around the camp a little to get the lay of the land. They had just killed a couple of bears when they encountered something distressing! There were fresh Orc footprints within the snow not far from the camp! They headed back to camp to report this to Wregan.
As they approached the place where they had last seen Wregan, a man ran up to them.
"Harry, Ranma, it was horrible! A blizzard grizzly attacked Wregan!"
"I'm sorry, but who are you?", Ranma asked. "And are you sure it wasn't an Orc?"
"I'm Verien Skysigh, Wregan's assistant. The bear was still standing over him when the guard here spotted... Wait! Why would you think it was an Orc?!"
"We found fresh Orc footprints when we scouting the area.", Harry replied.
"Ack! That is not good. No, not at all.", Verien moaned. "That may even explain the grizzly attack! Perhaps they have been displaced from their den or pushed into attacking, whipped into a frenzy, if you would, by the Orcs' presence?"
Harry considered the idea. "That sounds plausible."
Verien wrung his hands. "Then someone must delve into the blizzard grizzly den in search for any sign of the Orcs in there."
Ranma said, "I'll do that." He turned to Harry. "Why don't you get the tent set up. It looks like we are going to be here for a few days."
"I agree.", Harry replied.
[Harry]
As Harry moved to where he planned to set the tent up, he encountered a halfing man playing a flute. The little man approached him and said, "Howdy do! I have not yet thanked you for all of the help you are giving us. By the way, I'm Jaisen Tutwhittle."
Harry smiled. "You're welcome."
Jaisen continued, "I mean it! If you had not come around, we would certainly be dead. We would have froze to death or been slain by bear!"
Harry said, "Speaking of bear, I found this being chewed on by one of them."
"Oh, my!", Jaisen cried out. "That is the helm of a Ry'Gorr Orc! I have seen it before and you never forget something as odd as that. I have yet to see an ulthork, but I imagine that's what died to make this helm. It must be quite old."
"Then this is evidence that the Orcs have been hunting the bears!", said Harry with some excitement.
"You're right!" Jaisen was almost hyper. "It is as we suspected then. The Orcs have aggravated the bears, making them lash out at anyone, pilgrim and adventurer, alike!"
Harry replied grimly, "Another reason to slay the Orcs when we find them! Thank you for your information."
He continued to the camp site and activated the tent.
[Ranma]
Heading toward the bears' den, Ranma slipped into his stealth mode as he didn't want to waste time fighting the bears. It was good that he did as there were a lot of them including one that looked a lot tougher than the rest.
"Maybe, I'll come back later and see if I can take him.", Ranma thought.
Slipping into the cave, Ranma noted that most of the bears were resting, almost hibernating. He figured they would be very grouchy if he disturbed them.
There were piles of trash scattered everywhere. Carefully sifting through it, he looked for any sign of an Orc presence. He found nothing indicating Orcs had been around but did note a lot of ore outcroppings.
"I'll have to ask Kasumi if they would like to gather this. We'd have to bring someone to protect them while they mined it but if she thinks we need it, it could easily be done.", Ranma mused to himself.
Ranma quickly left the cave and returned to Gwenevyn's Cove, dropping his stealth as he got close.
"Hi again, Verien", Ranma said in greeting.
"Did you find any sign of Orcs within the blizzard grizzly den?", Verien wanted to know.
"No, there was no sign of them. There were plenty of bones and discarded items but nothing that seemed Orcish.", Ranma informed him.
"Then they must be somewhere else. But where?", Verien said, worried.
Ranma shrugged. "I don't know."
Verien Skysigh says, "Let me think on this a while."
"We'll check in with you later, probably in the morning. See you then." Ranma then headed for the group's tent.
[Hermione and Daphne]
"Hello again, Blorpisa", Daphne greeted the froglok.
"Have you collected the arcane imbued ore?", Blorpisa asked with some excitement.
Hermione replied, "Yes, we have collected the ore for you."
"Thank you, Ladies!", Blorpisa said. "I will crumble and crush this ore into a fine powder and then use it to make ink to enchant my spell onto parchment, once I have perfected the spell."
"Let us know if it turns out successfully!", Hermione requested.
"Oh I shall, but I will not be able to test my spell for a while yet. I've got to hop about collecting some more materials first.", Blorpisa replied.
"If you need help with anything else, please let us know. We are glad to help the others here at Gwenevyn's Cove.", Daphne offered.
"I could use the help if you're offering!", Blorpisa replied. "I have been put in charge of making blankets for the people of Gwenevyn's Cove. I need unmarred fur pelts from the blizzard grizzly cubs. These cubs are found around a cave that is northwest of Gwenevyn's Cove."
"We will get the pelts for you.", Daphne promised.
"Thanks! That gives me time to continue working on that protection spell! I know it's distasteful to kill cubs, but I need their softer fur to make blankets. Besides, the number of bears has outgrown their natural food sources, making them a danger to the pilgrims. Thank you for doing this for me, Ladies.", Blorpisa said gratefully.
"We will return to you once we have gathered the pelts.", Hermione said.
A few hours later, Hermione and Daphne returned to the camp.
"You know, the cubs weren't too bad but the mothers, if you will pardon the pun, were a real bear!", Daphne commented.
"Ack! That is awful, Daphne!", Hermione groaned, then giggled. "Hello, Blorpisa. We're back."
"Have you skinned the pelts for me?", Blorpisa asked.
"Yes we have. Here are the pelts you requested.", Hermione replied.
"Great! I can get right to work stitching up the blankets. You did a fine job skinning, Ladies. None of the edges of the pelts are ragged.", Blorpisa exclaimed.
"Thank you. We did our best. Being a magic user has its benefits.", Daphne said with a smile.
"No, thank you, Ladies. You really are a life saver! I don't have much to give you, but please, take this coin for your troubles and one of my accessories.", Blorpisa said in appreciation.
"Thanks, Blorpisa. we can use it."
"I think we need to head back to the tent for the night.", Hermione said to Daphne.
"I agree! It's been a long day."
[Nabiki, Luna, and Shampoo]
"Hello, Flibbit", Luna said cheerfully.
"Have you killed the pilgrim-eating grizzlies?", Flibbit asked hopefully.
"We have killed a large number of grizzlies. The path to New Halas should be much safer for the pilgrims now.", Nabiki replied.
"I am glad to hear it! Now my son and I can prepare to break camp and continue on our pilgrimage. I cannot spare much coin, so please take one of the helms that I have been mending.", Flibbit offered.
Nabiki accepted the helm. "Thank you, Flibbit."
The girls left to check in with their group and get something to eat. Roughly half an hour later,
Flibbit came running up in distress.
"Help me! My son has been taken!", Flibbit pleaded.
"Someone has taken Splorpy?", Luna asked.
Flibbit said in tears, "I cannot find him! I left our tent to go and collect some more wood for the fire, as it was my turn to do so, and now he is gone!"
Nabiki asked, "What can we do to help?"
"You must find him!" Flibbit pleaded. "Oh, if he has been eaten by a blizzard grizzly I will never forgive myself!"
"Is there anyone I can ask at Gwenevyn's Cove that might know where Splorpy has gone?", Nabiki queried.
"You could ask Sigbrith MacInnes. She is friendly towards us pilgrims. Perhaps she saw something while I was getting firewood.", Flibbit said wringing his hands.
"We will check with Sigbrith to see if she has seen Splorpy. Do not worry, we will find him.", Luna said.
"Thank you, Ladies! Please hurry!", Flibbit pleaded again.
"We will return once we have news for you.", Nabiki promised.
The girls approached the barbarian woman working the forge in the middle of the camp.
"Excuse me, Sigbrith MacInnes?", Nabiki asked politely. This was a very strong looking woman. Her instincts told her to never upset anyone that pounded metal for a living.
The large woman replied, "That'd be me. What can I do for you?"
"We am looking for a small froglok child called Splorpy Quagmarr. Have you seen him recently?", Nabiki continued.
Sigbrith MacInnes says to you, "I saw little Splorpy run off and play with the other children. They went over the hill, to the southwest."
Shampoo exclaimed, "That's where the grizzlies are!"
"Yes, and if the children were chased by them they may have run even further away from our camp. I'm sure Splorpy is fine, but it's nice for you to have concern for these poor pilgrims.", Sigbrith observed.
"Thank you for the information. We will go and search for Splorpy."
With Nabiki tracking, the girls ventured out onto the Icemane Plains. It was a strange place with living whirlwinds, snow drifts, and snow flurries as well as the occasional bear. The elementals didn't seem to be aggressive but the bears were still very much so. Suddenly, a blizzard grizzly charged Shampoo!
Shampoo kicked it in the head as she flipped over it and followed up with a sword strike to the neck. Nabiki quickly notched three arrows and let them fly. They all struck the bear, one piercing the heart. Luna healed a minor bruise that Shampoo had received.
"Do you think we should salvage the bears we are killing as Kasumi, Ukyo, and Winky are doing?", Luna asked the others.
"Couldn't hurt. We can always sell what we don't need or want.", Nabiki replied. "Waste not, want not after all. It feels like they are doing some fishing now though."
"Yeah, with fish that fight!", Shampoo observed.
Suddenly, a small scared voice called out, "Hello? Who's there?"
Tucked in behind a large rock that had fallen from the cliff, they found the missing froglok.
Luna smiled and said, "Hi, Splorpy"
Luna giggled. "Splorpy! It's us, Luna, Shampoo, and Nabiki. We are friends of your daddy."
"I remember you! You killed the bad bears!", Splorpy exclaimed.
"That we did. How did you get out here?", Shampoo asked.
"I was playing hide and seek with the other kids when a huge man jumped out at us! We screamed and I hopped away as fast as I could!", Splorpy explained.
"You were frightened by a barbarian?", Nabiki wanted to know.
"No, Lady Nabiki! His whole body was a beard! I know what a barbarian looks like and this was not a barbarian.", Splorpy disagreed.
"Well, we're here to take you back to your dad. I think we should get going before you get any colder.", Nabiki said.
"Okay! Maybe dad will have some hot stew ready!", Splorpy said hopefully.
"Maybe.", Shampoo said with a laugh.
Returning to the camp, they were bombarded with many childish questions which Luna tried to answer while Nabiki and Shampoo kept watch for any dangers that might be around.
Luna called out, "Hello, Flibbit! We are back!"
"Splorpy! You have returned my son to me, Ladies! You are all that they have said! We are blessed to have a hero amongst us in our hour of need." Flibbit said as he hugged his son.
"We found him southwest of here. He said he was scared off by a large man with a beard.", Nabiki told Flibbit.
"A barbarian?" said Flibbit puzzled.
"He didn't think it was a barbarian. He described the beard as being all over.", Nabiki informed him.
"How odd. I wonder what it was he saw. The wilderness is no place for children! I will be glad when we have safely arrived in New Halas.", Flibbit stated.
"We am planning on ending up there as well, at least for a time.", Nabiki said.
"Perhaps we could go together when the time comes. I am but a poor pilgrim and could use your fighting skill. You never know what other dangers are out there on the ice shelf. Anyway, I thank you for finding my son and returning him to me safe and sound.", Flibbit said.
"We could not stand by and do nothing.", Luna said.
"Thank you, Ladies. I know it isn't much, but I have some coin to give. Please take them as a token of my thanks.", Flibbit offered.
"Thank you, Flibbit.", Nabiki accepted.
Nabiki turned to Luna and Shampoo. "It looks like we will be here a few days so we need to get back to the tent and settle in for the night. Shampoo and Luna nodded. (1)
[Tent, Library/Study]
Harry and Ranma were on tap for the evening meal so they were in the kitchen working on a bear stew. Winky's magic had skinned, butchered, and stored the bears the group had collected. The portions not useable for anything else were converted to a compost.
The girls were waiting in the Library/Study for dinner to be ready and to discuss some things out of earshot of the boys. Hermione opened up the discussion.
"Do you all remember what we found out about Soul Bonds?"
Luna spoke up. "Yes, they are a union of the soul, mind, life, and magic of two or more compatible people. They require a feeling of love between the primary bond mates and at least level affection with the secondary bond mates. The love of the primary bond may not start out as romantic love but it will become that. The feeling can be one way at first as long as it is a strong one and the two are compatible."
"We think that was why we were selected as Harry and Ranma's team members: We were all both compatible and at least somewhat in love with them.", Daphne added blushing. "I fell in love with Harry because of the way he treated people and because of a thousand little things. I never expected to be with him, though."
"I had started thinking of Ranma as a possible life mate before all this happened.", Kasumi said. "I had suppressed my feeling because our sister Akane was the one our fathers were pushing to marry him. However, Ranma and Akane have decided that they are better off treating each other as brother and sister than potential lovers."
"My change of heart began when Ranma saved Akane from Saffron. I started thinking of him more than a jock and my sister's boyfriend.", Nabiki said. "Yeah, he's a jock but he is a lovable one and a cute one besides. And since Akane has given him up, well, let's say I've grown up since I pushed him off on her."
"Harry treated me as a friend when almost no one else did. That is why I went with him to the ministry to try and save Sirius. By the time he asked me to Professor Slughorn's party, I was totally in love with him.", Luna informed them.
"I have been in love with Ranma since we were six when our fathers engaged us to be married. I admit to being angry and trying to kill him when I thought he knew about the engagement and abandoned me.", Ukyo said. "Of course, it was his lazy, good for nothing father that was really at fault."
"Even though Ranma is my husband by our laws, I didn't really fall for him until he saved me from the Ghost Cat.", Shampoo chimed in. "Although, I've always thought he was too too cute."
"I met Harry on the train to Hogwarts our first year when we were eleven. I thought then he was cute. He saved me from a troll Halloween that year and we became friends, along with Ron Weasley. That's when I began falling for him.", Hermione said. "Sixth year, I started chasing Ron because I thought Harry would never feel that way about me. I suppose Ron's mother influenced that because she was always pushing us together. But really, Ron and I fight all the time so I don't see that working. What about you, Winky?"
Winky's cheeks turned red. "Winky, er, I have cared about Harry Potter for a while as a house elf does to a good master. When Merlin gave me this form, my feelings began to change. I know this form can mate with a human and I would very much to do so with Harry Potter."
The girls all smiled knowingly.
"It seems both Harry and Ranma are a bit clueless about relationships.", Hermione stated. "This means we are going to have to slowly bring them along. This is what I suggest but other ideas are welcome. Tonight after we eat..."
Twenty minutes later, Ranma call out, "Yo!, food's ready!"
[After dinner, Kitchen/Dinning Room]
When everyone had finished eating, Kasumi got up and sat in Ranma's lap. She hugged him and then kissed him gently on the lips. "Thank you, Ranma!"
Nabiki, Ukyo, and Shampoo quickly repeated her actions while Hermione, Daphne, Luna, and a blushing Winky did the same for Harry.
Both males looked totally gobsmacked. Luna just laughed as she used her wand to clean up and put things away.
[Next morning after breakfast, Outside]
After a repeat performance by the girls at breakfast, the boys were again a bit dazed but ready to proceed with the day.
"Good morning, Verien!", Harry said in greeting.
Verien looked up and said, "Good morning to you as well. I think I have figured out our next step. We do not know the safest way to New Halas! We were relying on Wregan for that knowledge. And we do not know where the Orcs may have gone. We need to get the lay of the land."
"That makes sense.", Ranma agreed.
"Would you hike up to the top of the blizzard grizzly den? The higher vantage point should allow you to find our best path across the land, and may offer you some knowledge into where the Orcs went.", Verien requested.
"Nabiki and Ukyo are our scouts so it might be best if they go.", Harry suggested.
"We'll be sure to take in the view while we're there.", Nabiki grinned. Ukyo nodded.
"I guess the rest of us spread out and see what we can help with today.", Ranma said. "Kasumi, you, Winky, Harry, and I should go see if you can use the ore I noticed in the bears' den. If you want it, four of use can mine it quickly and take down any threats if we need to."
"I'll probably just use my wand to knock them out. No need to kill more than we have to.", Harry said as the four set off for the cave.
[Luna and Shampoo]
"Good morning, Flibbit!", Luna said with a cheerfully voice.
"Good morning, Ladies. How are you finding Gwenevyn's Cove?", Flibbit replied.
"We are finding enough work to keep us busy for a little while. How are you and Splorpy faring?", Luna said.
"We are doing very well. I have been taking stock of our supplies, and while they have been depleted during our long stay in Gwenevyn's Cove, I hope that we can restock soon and be on our way. Say, can you spare a moment to help us?", asked Flibbit.
Shampoo nodded. "What do you need help with?"
"Splorpy had a little metal Effigy of Mithaniel that he always carried in his pocket. Unfortunately he has lost it somewhere on the ice shelf.", Flibbit explained.
"We will keep an eye out for it.", Luna said.
"I think it might have been picked up in the eddy of a frigid whirlstorm elemental. I fear it is long gone by now, but if you happen to come across it in your travels, Splorpy and I would be grateful for its return.", Flibbit informed them.
"We will look for Splorpy's Effigy of Mithaniel and return to you if we find it.", Luna reassured him.
"Excuse me, Ladies", Blorpisa called out. "I'm Blorpisa Bogchild."
"Hello, Blorpisa. I am Luna and this is Shampoo. How are you?", Luna said.
"I myself am well, but the Frost-born Ward that I've been creating is not going so well. It appears that I am still missing a few key components to the formula.", Blorpisa explained.
"Is there anything we can do to help?", Shampoo asked.
"I overheard that you might be going out onto the Icemane Plains. I've created an Iced Trap to capture a few elementals to provide me with the missing components. If you are not too busy, you could hop west of here and collect iceflows and snowpacks. That would save me a lot of time.", Blorpisa requested.
"We can capture some elementals for you.", Luna said.
"Thank you! Just take the Iced Trap and use it on any iceflow or snowpack. They should be instantly attracted to it. I do not anticipate any problems.", Blorpisa instructed.
"I am sure we can handle a few small elementals.", Luna smiled.
"Thanks, and good luck!", Blorpisa replied
"We will return to you once we have collected the elementals you need."
A while later, Luna and Shampoo stood staring at a frigid whirlstorm.
"How do you hit a living wind?", Shampoo wondered.
"I have no idea, Shampoo. I think my magic will hurt them but just in case, be prepared to run.", Luna suggested.
"Too too good idea.", Shampoo returned. She notched an arrow and fired it at the elemental. Surprisingly, the arrow hit something and the whirlstorm staggered. It then turned to the girls and used some kind of ranged attack on them. Luna cast Velium Wind to damage and slow the elemental and followed it with her Wrath spell. Shampoo moved into melee range and begin slashing it with her swords. (2) Even though she did not think it would do much, Luna cast Plague on the whirlstorm and was surprised when it did do damage. Seeing Shampoo taking some hits, Luna cast a Regeneration on her. Soon the wind elemental was defeated and dissipated. (3)
"Apparently, there is something solid inside that wind that we can hit.", Luna observed. "We will have to fill the group in on this."
"Looks like we got lucky.", Shampoo said as she shifted through the remains. "It seems that this particular whirlstorm picked up not only Splorpy's Effigy but some coin and a piece of jewelery as well."
"That is good!", Luna exclaimed. "Now all we have to do is get Blorpisa his thingies and we can head back! This ice and snow is boring after a while."
"Hail, Flibbit!", Shampoo called.
"I don't suppose you have any word about the Effigy of Mithaniel?", Flibbit asked with some hesitation.
"We do! We found it in a frigid whirlstorm, just as you suspected.", Shampoo replied.
Flibbit smiled. "You are good to my son and me. I shall not forget your kindness, Ladies."
"We are glad to be able to return it to Splorpy.", Luna smiled back as they went to find Blorpisa.
"Hello, Blorpisa. We have something for you!", Luna called.
"Have you captured the elementals I asked for, Ladies?", Blorpisa said excitedly.
"We have captured the elementals for you, four of each kind.", Shampoo assured him.
"Excellent! That's much more than I hoped. With this many elementals I am sure I will be able to make progress on the Frost-born Ward.", Blorpisa enthused.
"We am glad that you are pleased with our efforts.", Luna said with a grin.
"I am more than pleased, Ladies. You are saving us! With every bit of aid you give us here in Gwenevyn's Cove, you help to ensure our survival within this inhospitable land. We are sure to live to see Mithaniel's blessed city of New Halas because of you and your group!", Blorpisa stated emphatically.
"It is the right thing to do.", Shampoo stated.
"If only everyone had your heart, Ladies. Now, surely you have other things that must be done on this day. If you find yourself with more free time, I could always use your assistance.", Blorpisa gushed.
"We or someone from our group will return if you need help.", Luna said as she waved goodbye.
Luna and Shampoo headed back to the tent to call it a day.
[Hermione and Daphne]
Blorpisa called out in greeting, "Hello, Ladies."
"Good morning! How are things with you, Blorpisa?", Daphne asked.
"As thanks for making the blankets, they've now decided I should prepare dinner!", Blorpisa mock groaned.
"The nerve of some people!", Hermione laughed.
"It's as the old saying goes: there's always something more to do around camp. I don't mind cooking over the fire, it's just that there's nothing to cook! I have a delicious recipe for cod, but it's too cold to swim in the Frostfang Sea and I don't know how to use a fishing pole.", Blorpisa said with a bit of despair.
"Kasumi, Ukyo, and Winky were doing some fishing yesterday and the Frostfang Sea didn't seem too cold to them.", Daphne said.
"Really? Maybe I'm getting old. If it's not too cold for you, would you mind getting the Iceclad cod that I need for my recipe? I think everyone would like a nice bit of cod and chips for dinner.", Blorpisa said with a brighter tone.
"We can get the Iceclad cod for you. It is amazing what enchanted clothes and warming spells will do.", Hermione noted.
"You will find the large Iceclad cod in the Frostfang Sea, northwest of here. I will need them to be large Iceclad cod in order to feed everyone.", Blorpisa instructed.
"Then we shall return with the large Iceclad cod.", Hermione promised.
"It's a good thing Ranma is not doing this. He hates being turned into a girl.', Daphne observed.
"I don't think he hates it as much as he claims, at least, not anymore. You heard Nabiki telling about him using his girl form to score free food and ice cream, didn't you.", Hermione countered.
"Yeah.", Daphne laughed. "These are the ones Kasumi said fight back?"
"I believe so.", Hermione said, calling forth Jane. Both girls entered the water and Daphne charmed a passing barracuda to be her pet.
They located a large Iceclad cod and started their sea hunt. After few hours, they had more than enough for Blorpisa and their own stores.
"Hi again, Blorpisa", Daphne called.
"Did you get the large Iceclad cod?", Blorpisa asked expectantly.
"We have enough large cod for everyone to eat well tonight with plenty left over for later!", Hermione said as she and Daphne handed over the fish.
"Splendid, Ladies! I shall get right to work cooking up the fish and chips for dinner.", Blorpisa said pleased.
"We are glad that we were able to help you out.", Daphne told him.
"We are truly in your debt, Ladies. I've collected some coin from the other citizens of Gwenevyn's Cove. It isn't much, but it's better than nothing, right?" Blorpisa said as he handed over some coin.
"It's more than enough. Thank you, Blorpisa.", Hermione said as she and Daphne left, heading back to the tent, tired out from their efforts.
[Nabiki and Ukyo]
The girls slipped into stealth as they approached the hill to avoid having to fight the bears. If they killed too many more, they would go from overpopulated to underpopulated and they were needed to maintain the natural balance.
As they reached the peak of the hill, the Icemane Plains were spread out before them. In the distance, they saw the mountains that made up the central portion of the island. There were two visible paths: One leading to the area known as the Great Shelf and the other leading up into the hills. After making notes and a few sketches, they returned down the hill and returned to Gwenevyn's Cove. Finding Verien, they greeted him.
"Tell me, what did you find atop the blizzard grizzly den, Ladies? Any sign of the Orcs?", Verien asked anxiously.
"No. But we did see a path we may be able to take.", Nabiki said as she showed him the sketches and notes.
"Well, at least we have that. Where must we go?", Verien asked.
"The western shore leads into the dangerous plains ahead, but there seems to be a path leading into the hills above it.", Ukyo said pointing it out on the drawing.
"If that is the case then we may just stand a better chance of surviving the trek to the city by taking that hill trail.", Verien noted.
"I hope so, Verien.", Nabiki said.
"Higher lands of snow are not necessarily the safest of conditions though, you know.", Verien said as he rubbed his chin.
"Yeah, that is true.", Ukyo agreed.
"Will you please go scout out the path you spotted from atop the blizzard grizzly cave? Once you have confirmed that it is as clear as you suspect, then return to us and we will make our way.", Verien requested.
"We can do that for you.", Nabiki said.
"Forgive me if you think I'm being timid, but I am leery about walking into a trap or into a treacherous situation.", Verien said with a sigh.
"We understand.", Nabiki said.
Nabiki and Ukyo set out immediately to scout the trail they had seen. The trail was fairly easy but unfortunately when they got a ways up the trail at a point blocked from view of their earlier vantage point, an avalanche had totally blocked the path. Disappointed, they returned to Verien.
"What did you find, Ladies? Is the path clear for us to take?", Verien asked with anticipation.
"No. Unfortunately, there is no way through. It is a dead end, blocked by a great weight of snow, ice, and rocks", Nabiki told him.
"As I had thought, it was too good to be true. Then we have only one choice. We must go west through the dangerous plains if we hope to reach the city of New Halas.", Verien decided.
"It seems the only choice.", Ukyo agreed.
"But I do not know how we are going to make it past the grizzlies. Their hunger seems insatiable!", moaned Verien.
"Ranma has made it deep into their cave.", Nabiki noted.
"That's right, he has. And you have survived the hike atop their cave. Your group has obviously learned how to fight them and how to navigate around them when possible.", Verien conceded.
"But that's just us. That's not all of you, too. And we may not be with you on that part of the journey.", Ukyo pointed out.
"I'll have to think about this awhile. Have someone check back with me later, if you can.", Verien requested.
Nabiki and Ukyo decided they had done enough for the day and headed for the tent to rest up.
[Tent Living Room, after dinner]
The girls had continued their reconditioning of Harry and Ranma, who, of course, enjoyed the new training routine. After 'training', the group had moved to the living room.
As Kasumi sat cuddled into Ranma and Winky sat on Harry's lap, Hermione, Daphne, and Nabiki passed out scrolls and books to the team.
"These contain information that can be used to improve your spells and techniques. They each cover only one spell or technique.", Hermione explained. "They can be used only once and then the magic causes them to disappear. It seems to be the local equivalent of a copyright. Although we got these off of the Orcs we fought while we were on Pilgrim's Isle, they are written in Common. We should be able to get more when we get to New Halas."
"We also obtained material to teach us the Orcish language.", Daphne added. "Apparently, the magic of Norrath allows you to speak and understand the spoken language if you can read it. We have enough so everybody can learn Orcish. This will be useful to understand their officer commands and for our scouts to spy on them. We need to keep an eye out for other language learning materials we can use." She turned and looked at Nabiki.
"Lastly, we found several scrolls that contain crafting recipes.", Nabiki continued. "Based on what Kasumi, Ukyo, and Winky found out from the smith at the refugee camp, there are nine crafting professions. We feel that we should each take up one that best suits our adventuring profession and learn that when we get to New Halas. I plan on learning Woodworking because they make arrows as well as bows and I go through a lot of arrows. We will store the crafting scrolls in the library until we can use them."
"Daphne, Nabiki, and I are keeping a journal of what we encounter and learn. Please let us know if you have anything to add to it.", Hermione requested. "Now what do you want to do for the rest of the evening?"
"Snuggle!", Winky giggled.
And so they did.
[Following morning, Outside]
"Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am still thinking about the problem with the path to New Halas. In the meantime, the froglok pilgrims are becoming cold. Their amphibious bodies were not blessed by Marr with much protection from the elements.", Verien greeted them.
"This is nothing like a swamp.", Ranma commented.
"Exactly. Wregan had promised to hunt them up some lion pelts to keep them warm. He had said that they were not far from here, but we have never seen any. Will you journey ahead and slay any of the big icemane cats you find?" Verien requested.
"We can get your lion pelts." , Harry offered.
"Thank you, brave friends. I thank the gods that you arrived here when you did.", Verien said.
"We're glad to help.", Harry replied.
The group talked among themselves and decided that most of them would join the hunt for the lion pelts. The remainder would continue helping out the inhabitants of the camp.
[Harry, Ranma, Nabiki, Ukyo, Kasumi, and Winky]
As they prepared to set out for their hunt, Flibbit Quagmarr approached them. "I understand you are going to hunt lions this morning. Is this so?"
"Yes, Verien asked us to obtain some pelts to help keep the frogloks warm. How can we help you?", Harry asked.
"My son Splorpy's jacket has become torn. He cannot go across the ice shelf with a hole in his jacket, and so we are delayed until I can repair it.", Flibbit informed them.
"What do you need to repair it?", Ranma queried.
"I need the pelts from icemane cubs. Their fur is soft and the leather will be supple enough to make a coat jacket small enough for Splorpy.", Flibbit explained.
"We will get the icemane cub pelts you need while we are hunting the large lions. We will make sure that we get enough to allow you to repair Splorpy's jacket.", Harry promised.
"Thank you, Friends. May Mithaniel light your way!", Flibbit blessed them.
"We will return once we have the pelts for you.", Harry confirmed.
It took a while but eventually, the group had gathered all the required pelts. Since no one had any desire to try lion meat, on the way back to camp the carcases were tossed in the sea to become fish food. They didn't seem to last long.
Harry greeted Verian as they entered the camp. "Hello again, Verien!"
"Have you the icemane cat pelts necessary for the frogloks?", Verien inquired.
"We sure do!", Ranma replied.
"Ah, this is wonderful! In fact, you may have returned with enough fur for us to craft you something, too.", Verien told the group.
"Oh my! That would be very nice.", Kasumi said.
The group moves toward Flibbit and his son's quarters.
Seeing the group approach, Flibbit calls out, "Do you have any news for me?"
"We have collected the icemane cub pelts that you requested.", Harry informed him.
"Thank you, Friends! Now I can finish Splorpy's jacket as well as something else I have been working on. I have salvaged some accessories, perhaps you can find a use for one of them?", Flibbit said tenatively.
"Thank you, Flibbit.", Harry said. "These are very nice."
"You deserve so much more!", Flibbit protested. "This trinket was the least I could do to repay you for all the help you have given my son and me."
"We are glad that we was able to help you and your son on your pilgrimage.", Ranma said.
The group headed back to their tent.
[Luna and Shampoo]
Flibbit greeted Luna and Shampoo. "Are you free to help us, further?", he asked.
"Yes, we are. Do you need anything else for your pilgrimage?", Luna replied.
"Actually I do. There are still a few things I must do before Splorpy and I can continue on our pilgrimage.", Flibbit told them.
"Is there anything we can help with?", Shampoo asked.
"Well, a few minutes ago, I saw some mercenaries carrying a strange ice crystal. When I inquired where they got it from, I was informed that they grow on the Icemane Plains. Unfortunately, I am no warrior so I cannot venture out there to collect them myself. I would have asked your friends to do it but they have already left on their hunt.", Flibbit explained.
"We could head out that way and collect them for you.", Shampoo said.
"If you would be so kind, I would greatly appreciate it.", Flibbit said.
Luna asked, "What do you hope to do with them?".
"Assuming they have no alchemical properties, I shall try to use them to trade for goods, room and board in New Halas. I hope that it will give us a better start there."
"We will look for these strange ice crystals upon the Icemane Plains.", Shampoo promised.
"Thank you, Ladies."
"We shall return with the crystals.", Shampoo confirmed.
Shampoo and Luna spent a while dodging lions and seeking out the unusual crystals. Finally, accomplishing their goal, they returned to the camp.
Flibbit greeted them upon their return. "Have you had any luck finding the ice crystals?"
"We did find some of the strange ice crystals. Oddly enough, they do not melt from heat and while I am no alchemist, I think it means they are not made of ice.", Luna told him.
"That is odd indeed.", Flibbit said, puzzled. "I shall have to study these further. Unfortunately, my field kit is not up to this level of work, but perhaps I can discover the most basic properties of these crystals."
"Good luck with your experiments.", Luna said.
"Thank you, Ladies. Please accept this as a token of my gratitude.", Flibbit said, handing them some coin and a piece of armor.
"It was no problem for us to collect the crystals.", Luna assured him. "Thank you for your gift."
Verien called out to Luna and Shampoo, "Ladies, you just returned from the Icemane Plains didn't you. Did you see any of the ferocious grizzlies amongst the icemane cats?"
"No, we did not. Why do you ask?", Luna replied.
"I have been giving some thought to how we may increase our safety while we journey past the grizzlies.", Verien said. "The bears have learned to steer clear of the icemane cats, as you can attest."
"It would seem so.", Luna agreed.
"So, if we have some of the cats working as our chaperones, then we should make it past the grizzlies.", Verien suggested.
"How are we to fool the cats into doing that?", Shampoo inquired.
"There is no fooling them. I'm suggesting you take this binding tether and leash icemane cubs with it.", Verien said.
"We can get you your cubs.", Luna said.
"Be sure to bring them back here as quickly as possible. Then tether them to the icemane post nearby.", Verien instructed. "That is our only hope in dealing with them."
Luna replied, "We understand."
Luna and Shampoo returned the the area they had been harvesting crystals. Luna simply used her wand to stun four of the icemane cubs and levitated them. Shampoo placed tethers on them and they returned to camp with the cubs floating along behind like birthday balloons.
When they got back to camp, Shampoo tied the tethers to the icemane post. Luna canceled her spells and they went to find Verien.
Shampoo said, "Hello, Verien. We have returned with your cubs."
"You have provided us with more than enough icemane cubs, Ladies.", Verien informed them. "Please take this coin and piece of armor as a token of our appreciation. We are all very grateful for what you have done."
"Thank you, Verien!", Luna said with a smile.
"And now that I know that these pilgrims will be safe, I must venture back to Pilgrims' Landing. Someone must alert them of all that has transpired here, and of the Orc prints you found.", Verien said tiredly.
"Farewell, Verien!", the girls chorused as they turned toward the tent.
[Hermione and Daphne]
"Good morning, Blorpisa", Hermione said.
"Hermione and Daphne! It is a most lovely day, is it not?", Blorpisa said with a smile.
Daphne laughed and said, "If you define lovely as freezing cold, then it is indeed lovely."
"I have made great progress on the Frost-born Ward! It is finally ready for its first field test. Will you do the honors?", Blorpisa asked.
"Sure! This is exciting!", Hermione said.
"Now I make no guarantees that this spell will work. Remember that this is a field test.", Blorpisa reminded them.
"We know, Blorpisa.", Hermione assured him.
"Let's see, where should you go to test my spell?", Blorpisa said tapping his temple with his finger.
"Is there anything else you need gathered?", Daphne inquired.
Blorpisa brightened. "Oh, yes! I do need some ice lilies. I feel that they will add a special component to the Frost-born Ward."
"Where can we find these ice lilies?", Daphne wanted to know.
"They grow on the Icemane Plains. You should have no trouble finding them, they are quite beautiful. Here, I shall cast the spell on you.", Blorpisa replied.
"We shall return to you once we have gathered the ice lilies.", Hermione told him.
Proceeding to the Plains, Hermione and Daphne found that the lilies were indeed easy to find but so were the icemane lions. The lions did not seem to be any less aggressive. After having to kill several, the girls managed to finish collecting the lilies and headed back. They found Blorpsia at the main camp fire as usual.
"Hello, Blorpisa. We're back.", Hermione greeted him.
"Have you collected the ice lilies for me?", Blorpisa wanted to know.
"Yes, we have the lilies you wanted. As you told us, they weren't hard to find.", Daphne told him.
"And how did my spell fare?", Blorpisa said with anticipation.
"We're sorry, Blorpisa, but it didn't work at all. We were attacked by every lion that we came across.", Hermione informed him.
"That is terrible! I do apologize! This is a very experimental spell, and I've been working as quickly as I can to get it working so that we do not lose yet more pilgrims to the hazards of New Halas.", Borpisa explained.
"I understand your dilemma.", Hermione said. "New spells often require a lot of testing before it is ready to use but the need is now."
"Thank you, my friends! Will you continue to help me?", Blorpisa asked.
"Yes, we can handle lions, bears and other creatures just fine.", Daphne said.
"I am glad to hear it!", Blorpisa exclaimed. "I shall incorporate these ice lilies into the ink for my spell. Return to me when you are recovered enough to do a second field test."
"We will get something to eat and return to you when we are finished.", Hermione said.
The girls went to the group tent to get a bite to eat. Hermione had found the instructions for the tent and was reading it as she ate. Daphne was reading a history of Norrath.
"Look here, Daphne!", Hermione exclaimed. "This says we can add a greenhouse to the tent if we want, as well as other rooms like work rooms, storage, and more bedrooms!"
"Yes, remember Nabiki found that out when she found the control panel although I didn't realize a greenhouse was an option. We could grow some of our food and have some place to see something green rather than all this ice and snow.", Daphne responded.
"Yes, I remember Nabiki finding the panel now. But more important than more rooms is that the tent has a concealment mode that causes it to blend in with its current environment.", Hermione said excitedly. "Plus it is warded to withstand a lot of damage!"
"Well, if we put it into concealment mode, we need to make sure we can still find it.", Daphne laughed. "Time to see what Blorpisa needs this time.
"Hi again, Blorpisa. What have you got for us?" Daphne asked as she and Hermione walked up.
"My friends, I have made the necessary modifications to my Frost-born Ward.", Blorpisa replied.
"Does that mean it's time for another field test?", Hermione inquired.
"It does! Are you ready, brave friends?", Blorpisa asked.
"Where shall we go to test the spell this time?", Daphne asked him.
"There is an overhang on the Icemane Plains called Pride Overlook. As the name implies, it is within the lions' territory. It is also near path to the Great Shelf, which is where I plan on going next, as it is the next stop on the pilgrims' path.", Blorpisa informed them.
"We will head to Pride Overlook and check it out.", Hermione said.
"Here, let me cast the spell on you. Do take care!" Blorpisa cast the spell on the girls.
"We will return to you once we have scouted out the location.", Hermione said.
The girls found the Overlook without much difficulty. Most of that difficulty was in the form of aggressive lions. Disappointed, they returned to Blorpisa.
"Did the Frost-born Ward work this time, my friends?", Blorpisa wanted to know.
"No, your spell did not work. At all.", Daphne stated.
"I am terribly sorry! I really thought it would work this time!", Blorpisa apologized.
"Well, it didn't.", Daphne complained.
"I wonder what could be wrong with it. Hmm... I shall have to find new sources of power for my spell. Fortunately, I am traveling on to the Great Shelf, so perhaps I can continue my work there.", Blorpisa mused.
"Maybe we will see you there.", Hermione said.
"Thank you for all of your help, Hermione and Daphne. I cannot express how truly grateful I am for all you have done. It is not much, but please take this as a bit of payment for your troubles.", Blorpisa offered.
"Thank you, Blorpisa!", Hermione said with a smile. "May your travels be safe ones! Come on, Daphne. Time to call it a day!"
[The next morning, Outside]
After spending some time the night before 'training' the guys, the group was up bright and early to head to the next stop on their way to New Halas. Hermione packed the tent and handed it to Harry, who placed it in his pack again.
As they were walking out of the camp, Filbbit approached them.
"Good morning, Flibbit", Luna greeted him.
"Good morning, Friends. The time has finally come for my son Splorpy and I to leave Gwenevyn's Cove and continue on our pilgrimage to New Halas.", Flibbit told them.
"That is great news, Flibbit!", Luna said.
"It is great news indeed. I would ask for your help one last time, my friends.", Flibbit requested.
"What do you need us to do?", Harry asked.
"I need you to protect my son, Splorpy. I am no fighter and the ice shelf is a dangerous place. If you would escort my son to the next stop along the pilgrimage, the Great Shelf, I would be most appreciative.", Flibbit pleaded.
"Why would you split up with your son?", Hermione wanted to know.
"I know that he will be safer with you. You have the experience, the skills and the knowledge necessary to escort him safely to the Great Shelf.", Flibbit said.
Harry looked around at the group. "Okay, we will take little Splorpy to the Great Shelf."
"Thank you! I will catch up with you both, soon. I have heard rumors of a small cavern carved out by some dwarves. I'll meet you there.", Flibbit promised.
"We're on our way. Is Splorpy ready to go?", Harry asked.
"He is. Take care, I shall see you all at the Great Shelf!", Flibbit said as he headed off.
"See you there!", Luna called.
Splorpy tugged on Harry's sleeve so Harry bent down to see what he wanted. "I have to go to the bathroom.", the little froglok whispered.
Harry face-palmed!
Author Notes:
(1) Nodding is not a universal gesture of agreement. However, for the purposes of this story, learning Norrath Common included the gestures one needs to understand. Strangely, these are the same as for the United States. That goes along with Common looking very much like American English.
(2) Normally, Guardians use a two-handed weapon or a single handed weapon and a shield although they are not excluded from using weapons in both hands. I chose to have Shampoo use dual swords, or sometimes dual maces, because she is usually shown with them in the anime. She may use other weapons at other times, depending on the situation.
(3) I'm not going to describe every battle, only the ones that contain something new or that are significant to the story. This scene explains how a elemental made from wind (or water, snow, fire, steam, etc.) can be hit and killed.