Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Nihal]

I chuckle. "Yeah, if you keep bringing up those awkward memories then they will never go away." Placing a hand on her arm I add, "So won't the bad thoughts. You are too self-conscious!

"Baldhart, you are strong and it is something you should cherish. We both know you could take me down with a single punch, and you are not only mighty, you are tough too. I, in other hand, have a small, slender, perhaps gracious body... which is utterly useless—besides being repulsive! In battle my soul might still burn brightly, my mind might be sharp, but my body fails me and before I have the chance to realize it I am on the ground agonizing or fading. I can not even wear an armor to protect my soft skin for they are too heavy and restrictive for me! This is of no use, it is only a prison to my mind." I smile. "I truly envy you."

My closed fist bumps her arm in a light hit. "So... stop it or I will beat you!" I laugh.

 

[SeverinR]

[unless some encounter in the trip back, I return to the harpy room.]
Silently I open the door, do a quick survey of the room to ensure safety, then close the door behind me.
I tell whoever is in the room what the ranger found.

"The room with the Even gate would probably be safer to rest in and warmer too."
Looking up into the sky above.

[not sure where in the action I come in so I won't get specific about my actions.]

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Before Aliron enters...

((I would've replied last night, but... Game of Thrones was on!))

Mauve laughs, and I laugh with her. "I guess we envy what we can never have.

"But your body is not repulsive or useless. Okay... I gotta work on my compliments, but you really have a lot to be proud of. You're strong, just in a different way, but I saw that strength even when we first met. Maybe you didn't believe it at the time... I gave you that look, I know. But surely you figured out by now why I did that. Even if I had sized you up as someone I could flatten in one punch, I wouldn't have done that. Even if you stuck me with your spear, I would've pulled it out of your hand, even if it went through my armor.

"That's what was going through my mind when I glared at you like that. I hoped the look and my words would stop the fight, and if that didn't work, I was prepared to go through a lot of pain to make sure you wouldn't get hurt. Our presence startled you. There was no way I was going to draw my sword!

"I was shocked that Rydh did, actually, and even more shocked that he hit you and left before I could talk to him. I'd have been civil, but..."

Mauve doesn't want to hear this.

Finish what you started, Baldy. She's honest enough to tell you what she doesn't wanna hear.

"We're better off without him. I loved him like a brother, but the darkness in him was more than he could handle. I was thinking about it when I was swimming. I had at least ten minutes to myself--oh! And the ring! You really need to swim with that ring on. The water was like a bath, and the ceiling of the cavern sparkled as if I were gazing at stars! Anyway... I had that time to myself and it hit me: Rydh and I both worship deities of battle, but the difference is that I never lost my compassion. It's not the fight that makes me true to my faith, it's what I fight for.

"With Rydh, everything had to be a fight, including the way he spoke to me and you. When he and that big oaf took off with the boat, I was upset. But when I swam out to get the boat, I realized that when they left, the tension among us left with them."



Aliron enters...!

I see Aliron is back! And what's this about a gate? Hmm... I wait to hear what others have to say. Sometimes I'm too quick to speak up. I feel like listening for now.

 

[Ireth]

I look up as Aliron returns, and my eyes widen at his words. A Gaita Ellyllen, here? Where does it lead?

"Where is it?" I ask, putting away my sewing and getting to my feet.

 

[SeverinR]

"The door or gate appears to be an Elven gate of old, used to transport people between places. We did not try it, but I agree with Ankari it appears to be a gate, and you can feel the elven energy in the room."

I look for Branwen as I speak.

 

[Keitsumah]

At the mention of a gate I blink and look up, my mind still processing some of the words on the scroll before i can form a more coherent thought. "What? A Gate?"

Batos growls at me and I realize that he needs something to do before he ends up letting out all of his pent-up energy on someone. I realize there is only one way i can do it but my face turns bright red at the thought of everyone watching us.

"Uhh... guys don't be alarmed at what happens next, Batos just needs to let off some steam." i say, then set down the scroll and pounce on him.


Batos let out a surprised yelp, ended up on his back, and then the real fight started. The growl rising into a howl, he surged upwards and knocked me over, but i rolled out of the way before his paws could pin me. I started to growl as well, realizing that I also had a lot of energy after all of this resting and studying.

Rolling around in a confused heap of white and grey, blue and brass, i shut out everyone's surprised stares and jumped away from Batos before we collided again. He was always careful to not bite too hard, and had his claws sheathed, which i noticed to some annoyance. Yowling, I tackled him and bowled us both over, and we ended up rolling for a few seconds before he finally ended up on top, panting hard and his tail wagging. I was laughing.

((fun fact: i do this with my dog all the time))

 

[SeverinR]

Well if I haven't found her in the room yet, I think the rough housing of the wolf should get Branwen to show herself.

[LS, I guess we see where your priorities are, mine would be there too, if I could watch.]

 

[Ireth]

I nod to Aliron. "I know what they are. But I have not seen one for over a thousand years." I hope I can still remember how to use them.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I stroke Branwen's hair to keep her calm. Keit must be playing with her wolf.

I'll wait until Mauve's ready before I go in there.


((Giving Nihal a chance to post in case she wants to reply, but posted the above to clarify that to clarify Branwen's still with Baldy and Mauve. They're in the corridor from the "water room" to the "round room."))

 

[Nihal]

((^Thank you, sir!))

"That's what was going through my mind when I glared at you like that. I hoped the look and my words would stop the fight, and if that didn't work, I was prepared to go through a lot of pain to make sure you wouldn't get hurt. Our presence startled you. There was no way I was going to draw my sword!

"Oooh, I was this close to pee myself that day," I comment with a smile, showing a half-inch distance with my index finger and thumb.

"We're better off without him. I loved him like a brother, but the darkness in him was more than he could handle. I was thinking about it when I was swimming. I had at least ten minutes to myself--oh! And the ring! You really need to swim with that ring on. The water was like a bath, and the ceiling of the cavern sparkled as if I were gazing at stars! Anyway... I had that time to myself and it hit me: Rydh and I both worship deities of battle, but the difference is that I never lost my compassion. It's not the fight that makes me true to my faith, it's what I fight for.

"With Rydh, everything had to be a fight, including the way he spoke to me and you. When he and that big oaf took off with the boat, I was upset. But when I swam out to get the boat, I realized that when they left, the tension among us left with them."

"I did not love him like a brother or anything else for he held no love for me, only contempt. Yet," I roll my eyes, "I hate to admit I am feeling guilty. We need—" I stop talking, looking at Aliron. By the time he's finished, I forget was I was talking about, sustaining a confused look.

"What the hell is a Elven Gate? Why is it down here and why wouldn't the lizards destroy it?" I hurry to gather my things and ready myself to go.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I bring Branwen out. As much as I want to tell Mauve it's not her fault, it sounds like everyone wants to finish our rest at the gate.

I hear Mauve's question, and I have a similar thought, but first... "Look who's here!" I point out Aliron to Branwen, then ask him, "You think it will be safe beyond the gate? Safe for her? Will we meet other elves? Sir Cadell is a dwarf-friend. Will Darin be treated well there? He needs to rest most of all, but if you and Ankari both think it's a safe place adn the intent is to rest, I suppose that's fine.

"Just one thing. If it's safe from the lizards, is it safe for the reason this room is safe? I'm curious and I want to go! If Ankari is asking us to rest there, it makes me want to go even more, just for the sake of solidarity. But... consider why lizards fear it, if that's the case. If we go in, can we come out easily? Can we rest near the gate, so if we don't like what we see, we're not trapped?"

I catch the giddy energy and stop bombarding Alin with questions. I smile at him and gather my things. "Just food for thought. We won't know those answers until we're there. Keit... you were playing with Batos. Does that mean you finished studying your new spell? If that's the case, then I suppose we can move. If not, do you mind if we let her finish studying before we go?"


((@SP, I'm not sure how far the gate is, meaning I'm not sure how much travel time Alin experienced. Would some time have elapsed by now, so Keit could have studied the spell--or started studying--before Alin came back? Or did we pretty much arrive minutes apart? Two hours is the difference between Keit having a non-berry healing spell and Baldy having full HP and Mauve and Baldy having their MP back... or not having any of those things.))

 

[SeverinR]

"When you all are ready, we can go."
I walk slowly over to Branwen, waiting to see how she reacts.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Okay… let me sit a bit, then. I've been on the move when I shouldn't have been. Oh, and Alin… watch for the pee-pee dance. We're teaching Branwen to lift the dress. I know she'll accept your help"—I think!—"but if you want me or Mauve to do it, just say so. Better yet, say 'Mauve.'" I try not to laugh at my own joke. It's unbecoming.



I gather what little I have and sit by Mauve as she packs. I know everyone can hear what I'm about to say, so I better keep it short and vague.

"Did I ever tell you I'm an expert on guilt? Twenty-three years experience! And guilt is usually over something that's not my fault, like not being small and soft-skinned like a potential suitor would want of me. And Mother. I love her, but I'm not the dainty daughter she expected me to be, and I can't help that." Okay, enough rambling. Anyone with sharp ears must think this is about me. Now the part that has to do with Mauve, assuming I'm not so vague and blabber-mouthed I'm confusing her most of all. "I've got Nissa to talk me out of torturing myself with guilt. It helps to talk. But as long as I'm still alive, I like to talk to the living. So thanks for joining me in the other room before.

"I hope we can talk in private again, y'know, next time I'm feeling guilty when I shouldn't. Or… if you ever feel guilty over something that's not your fault, or beyond your control, or not as bad as it seems—if you ever feel like that, I mean—I can repay the favor."

I lay back, using my arms as a pillow.

"I still feel where you hit me. I just need to sit for a while." I close my eyes. "If you have any more advice for me, I'm listening."

 

[Steerpike]

The Gate

Ankari isn't able to determine anything about the history of this particular Gate. That it is unusual to find one intact here in the north is clear enough. He knows enough history to realize it has to date to the time of the Great War. There were other such Gates scattered around, but so far as any know, the only ones that remain now rest solely within the forests of the elves.

No enemies disturb the room with the Gate, and Aliron travels back to the round room unimpeded. Whatever happened to the lizards, they have gone quiet for the moment, presumably deeper within their hole. The trip from the Fae Gate to the round room is less than ten minutes, even when moving carefully.

The Round Room

The round room remains cold, thanks to the opening in the ceiling, but near the fire it is pleasant and here, too, the party remains undisturbed. When Batos begins rough-housing, Branwen scrambles behind Baldhart's legs and peers around cautiously.

Branwen is able to follow Baldhart's directions and learns how not to soil her clothing. She is a quick study. She seems pleased with herself, and when Aliron returns she turns to show him the back of her tunic, which is clean and dry. She isn't nervous around Aliron, and appears to be looking for approval.

If the party wishes to gather their belongings and move to the Fae Gate, it will only take fifteen minutes or so to relocate the group there.

 

[SeverinR]

"Aren't you learning quickly." I say with added enthusiasm to show my approval. "I am Aliron," I point to my chest, "you are Branwen." and point at her as I say her name.

[When everyone is ready I will lead them back to the Gate room.]

 

[Nihal]

Nodding to Baldhart, I answer, "Maybe later... Thanks." I smile, glancing at Cadell out of the corner of my eye. He, for sure, knows what is going on here.

"I am ready to leave. I will try to read a bit while we move."

 

[SeverinR]

"Reading languages is not my strong point, reading magical language is even worse. Maybe one of you spellspinners can make something out of all the writing on the gate."
I offer to pick up Branwen as everyone gets ready.
"Has she eaten and drank enough?" I ask the group not sure who would be the one to ask.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I smile back at Mauve, hoping she's done blaming herself.

I tell Aliron, "I filled my flask with clean water when I went to gather berries. She needed the water for her training, but I think I should carve and cook some meat before we move. I know we have rations, but Branwen likes trog meat--well, among other flavors we mean to discourage--but I'd hate to waste it, since the cold is preserving our kills."

((Assuming GM post means some time passed, or that cooking is relaxing enough to count as rest time so Blady's no longer punch-damaged...))

I head to the other room, carve, get a stick that works as a skewer, wash up and cook. The meat smells edible! I talk to Aliron and try not to think about what it is I'm cooking.

"We have sixteen Goodberries on us, and I believe Darin is the only one in need of a full rest." To Darin, I add, "Though I know you're brave enough to fight in any condition, I'll feel better if you rest. My question to you is, do you want to finish resting here or take a short walk to this gate? I suppose if it's a safe place, you can continue resting there. Perhaps someone can get that new healing spell to work, and it'll be the magic user who needs a rest.

"From my little bit of experience with it, magic replenishes faster than the body heals. Of course, I got a lot of body and next to nothing for magic. So I'm not sure how my personal experience applies to the other ladies here. Oh... I mean Mauve and Keitsumah, but..." I say to Branwen, "you're a lady, too, Branwen! Look at you dressed up and not making a mess!"

I move the meat to Branwen. "Meat," I say. It's rare, but proper rare. She shouldn't get blood everywhere this time. "Let's see if you can eat like a lady." I'd rather not demonstrate with trog meat, even if I did cook so it's fit for human consumption!

 

[Steerpike]

Going Back to mauve's Spell

Mauve follows the directions for the newly-found healing spell, reading through the incantation, making the requisite gestures, and drawing on the magical energy that opens up to her. The energy fills her sharply, but only for a moment, and before she can complete the spell and focus the healing power on Darin, she loses hold of the spell and it disperses into the air around her, leaving her with a hollow feeling.

At the Gate

The party finds that the room gives a comforting feeling, though the bizarre contrast of lush plant life beneath the surface of the earth seems to unsettle Darin, who keeps his distance from the Gate and can be caught looking sideways at the plants from time to time.

Branwen seems pleased by Aliron's recognition, and when he speaks she tries to pronounce his name back to him, though it comes out closer to 'ain' than anything.

When given the meat, she eats it hungrily, the more canine features of her small teeth becoming apparent as she tears into pieces of it. It isn't long before she has grease smeared over most of her face. There is no self-consciousness when it comes to eating messily - she just consumes the meat in as rapid a manner as possible, and there is some question as to how much she is actually chewing it.

As for the writing on the Gate, it is in Elven, though an old dialect. It is not magical in nature. The other two names are Rhuddin and Aelwyd Eirian.

 

[SeverinR]

Seems like forever since I rested, I sit down and lean against a wall near the gate.

The gate could mean safety for me, but almost certain death for the bird child.
The Gate must be a last resort, it might lead us into the middle of a city, or a well populated room, or it could be an abandoned building or room.
I watch Branwen eating, each step she takes learning is another obstacle overcome that makes her more an inteligent being, rather then a ravenous beast bird like her mother.
"Should we see if the gate works? and where it takes us? Or should we just keep it as an escape for emergency? What if it only works one way?"