Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

It just doesn't stop. Craziness, everything's under control, then more craziness. What if nobody claims the chicken? Does Keit stay here in the common room with that wounded animal? Why didn't Batos eat the chicken? Then there wouldn't be a chicken!

I fly over to Keitsumah and Batos. Maybe I can get them out before the crowd reacts.

I ask, "Keit, can I see you and your dog and your bird? Outside?"

((Outside, if Keit follows…))

I go on and explain, "I actually don't know what to do about the chicken." Or care. "Do you? I really wanted to see Batos. But I need you to translate. At least I think so."

I tell Batos, "I actually have heard stories, read poems, and seen paintings depicting valkyries riding wolves. Of course all of the other valkyries thought they were stupid, since the average wolf could not support the average valkyrie. But then, you're not an average wolf, and I'm not an average valkyrie.

"Here's the thing… I'm getting this funny feeling that everyone's ready to pack up and leave Arendal. And that makes sense for everyone, except for me. I have some new clothing being made, and it's important that I have that work done here. Next town we enter, I don't intend to reveal my wings. And… no offense, but you might need to stay out of towns as well.

"Anyway, I'm going to have a difficult time catching up if I wear the backpack that's designed to conceal my wings. If I fly and hold it, the wind might catch, and that will make flying… well, not dangerous. Annoying, though. And slow. I was wondering if you might stick around. I think I could use a ride. That, or I might need you to wear the backpack while I fly. Whatever's faster. Or easier."

I look at the chicken. Are her feathers the same as mine?

 

[Nihal]

Baldhart's room

I eat in silence. The part about the Inquisition is particularly interesting, if not confusing. I reckon I'm waging war on the whole world.

I shake my head in answer to her question. "My way to take her out of the town is the same way I have got in. Other than that I aware of the existence of a solution to her traveling problem, but I do not possess the required knowledge to make it happen, not yet. This and I would have to teach her magic, what I reckon would enrage many of our little group,"

"Her agents do not come into towns, her forces do. Her agents are local people, just like that archer we met. They could be anyone. I have a safe place to take her in mind, but I will not discuss it here. Such discussions should be done in presence of everyone and away from other people. Set a place and a time, so it can happen. I want to gather a little more information in the meantime,"

"Oh, and I agree the gnolls could easily locate her. They do not want, their leader in particular does not want any of it. I overheard him when he talked to her. He tried to dissuade her, he told us the truth." I push the plate. "Besides that, haven't you ever wondered how the children escaped Srilkind alive? Didn't you find it odd, that mere children were able to do what adults could not?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"What you would teach… I think I'm one of those who would rather Burnbright steer clear of that path. I'll hear you out, but…"

I get up. If everyone's done, I can take the plates down.

"…as you said, let's talk when the whole group's together. I'd be interested to hear that conversation between Ghendra and Aslaug. Burnbright, please lead Mauve to the cave where you camped out. If you see any of our group on the way, let them know to meet there."

I pause at the door. "Mauve, when you say 'gather information'… is that something you need to do alone? Are you planning to leave Burnbright with the others first?"

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
Aliron moves silently to the Spear, trying to keep an eye on the dark figure. Did the person go in? They didn't climb down or I would have seen it.
I move to where I can see where the figure was(or still is?) but try to remain in the shadows myself. In case it isn't the Mauve, as I suspect. Possibly the ranger, but I doubt he would be stupid enough to return to town, betting his life on stealth is not as common in rangers as thieves.

Bressel:
Walks to the spear, to find who of the group might be there, and maybe find a pint or two for the road.
Not as cautious as Aliron, but not fool hardy either, he eyes the spear and its surroundings as he appraoches.

(Aliron comes from town side, Bressel ocean side, but of course Bressel won't see Aliron.)

 

[Nihal]

Baldhart's room

"To teach it I should know it first. I am aware of its existence, but I did not study this subject. I am also sorry to say there is not much knowledge to be gained on hearing Ghendra's and Aslaug's conversation. I could not hear her words, only Ghendra's, and he didn't say much besides convincing her that Burnbright had moved west already, therefore, attacking the village would he a waste of his time." I take the sandals off.

"I need to be alone to learn more. No, I do not only need, it is wiser to not get anyone else involved. I am confident I can get out of trouble, but I am not confident I could get anyone else out of it and this is a burden I am not willing to bear. I shall take Burnbright to safety first." I give the sandals to Burnbright. "I am not sure yet, if I manage to find the gnolls' trail and they are not too far I may pay them another visit to learn of Aslaug's reaction. The leader may have contacted her already, however, if he did not, if by chance he does it only in a set time I can still overhear it. This information will be useful to point them to a false trail,"

"If I do not appear in our own meeting I could be just late, or something went wrong." I smile. "It is very unlikely, and I would not be harmed. It would be the equivalent to being late anyway, so, just move ahead. We've lingered here for too long."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Baldy's Room

"Okay," I say. "I wish you'd accept some help, though. Aliron might be willing to watch from a safe distance, or Nissa could fly over. But, if you think going alone is best… then let me help you now." I remove the necklace, and place it around Mauve's head. "This is my only armor. I hope you won't object to giving it back to me when you return. But if you have to run, you can't outrun arrows. The necklace 'bends wind'—which might keep you from getting shot."

((@Nihal, if you don't know, the necklace increases AC vs. missiles. By what margin, I don't know.))

I tell Burnbright, "I think Mauve will be fine, and she'll see you safe. And I think you'll find the slippers are quite fun! I wore them when I snuck around Srilkind."

To both I say, "See you in an hour."



Common Room

I head down to the Common Room. Dalla is there, hopefully not such a sad sack. Liadan and Cadell are there, too. And Nissa… isn't? Oh, well. I go to Gisla first. I tell her, "I learned some things about the gnolls… that they won't attack this town. They convinced Aslaug that we've moved out of this place. For the safety of everyone here, I think we need to make the gnoll's words a reality." No long, corny goodbye. Just a hug if she'll accept it. And something for the road. "I'd like to purchase some wine… and if you have any cinnamon sticks and oranges, some sugar and cloves, maybe I can go back to the kitchen and make one of Mother's recipes? It's a wine meant to be served hot on cold nights—gluhwein, if you've heard of it."

Spoiler: gluhwein recipe

• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
  
• 1 orange
• 10 whole cloves
• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle red wine

Click for source.

I'll buy six bottles of wine, and make as much gluhwein as Gisla's supplies allow. I trust her price is fair. But I also have questions about the other villages and towns in the north.



((This part of the conversation happens only if Baldy's invited to the kitchen and can have time to talk to Gisla while preparing her wine.))

Kitchen

"Gisla… as I'm sure you'll hear soon if you haven't already, one of our elf casters used magic publicly—while Burnbright was bathing, I think. I mean to keep this elf out of every human village, but still… it wouldn't hurt for me to enlighten this elf truthfully. I know of the Inquisition, and I know guilt-by-association is death. How much influence do they have in the north? In what towns? Do they search bags? Ask questions? Patrol the roads? Are they priests or paladins or… or what?

"Any chance you have friends in Melar, Alfoss, or anywhere else? You've made me feel very welcome in Arendal… I just wish I'd known that so many I travel with don't low how to behave outside of a lair full of monsters. You traveled with warriors… is it normal? Do men become macho dicks and brandish weapons in taverns and act like they own the place? I was raised by warriors, but my parents taught me that when you travel, you are a guest—and you represent your clan. I just assumed everyone was brought up that way. Frankly, I'm embarrassed by some of the behavior, and I still don't have the words for…" I can't bring myself to say murder. But that's what it is. And we're all tainted by the action of one.

"I just want to protect people, Gisla. Especially Burnbright. Will I find other warrior women like you, who get that? Are people going to take issue with me because of who I am, what I do, what I look like? I won't stop being the woman I am for anybody… I just want to know what to expect in my travels."


Shopping List

When it's time to go, I'll pick up:

• 2 tents
• Mauve's gift
• a weapon* and buckler for Burnbright
  ((short sword or spear, depending which she asked for—neither if Sir Matthew's sword is a good weight for the girl))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

((Since a wrap-up's coming, I'll just post the last bit of my characters' planned actions. If Keit or Ireth want to speak to my characters, assume that at some point in the timeline, an opportunity came up to talk to Baldy or Nissa.))



When Baldhart exits the Spear with Dalla, I politely excuse myself and join them. I even know the way—and I tell Baldy that Dalla's mother, Elli, is an excellent tailor and is very generous. I also remind Baldy I have half her money, and I spent some on the girls. Ha! Of course she doesn't mind. I'm her boss as soon as she croaks, and doesn't she know it!

Of course, Dalla is invited to join our little shopping spree, if she's in the mood… or if that will put her in a better mood… if any place is open. I tell Baldy that Arn the smith is inside. While she waits, I see if Arn can come to his shop or if his apprentice is there to handle any purchases. Just straight up gold-for-product and no trades or bargains, I promise the man. If he asks what I want, I tell him of Burnbright's order. ((If the leather-worker's in the Common Room, Nissa approaches him about Mauve's gift.))

When we finally get to Dalla's home, I introduce Baldy to Elli. I apologetically explain that she can't stay the night so she won't be able to have a dress made, but of course, I'M not leaving Arendal until my clothes are ready.

If I can say it tactfully, and in a way that Dalla doesn't hear, I warn Elli that "Dalla is rather fragile and if she has any friends in town—preferably female friends—she should probably not be left alone. She thinks Tommen's mind was under control. I think Tommen chose to side with evil without fully grasping what it means to join an evil force, but I also don't see the harm in Dalla believing Tommen's love for her was true—which may have been the case, in fact… as long as Dalla won't waste her life carrying a torch for him, when there are better men and she's so young and lovely."

While I'm at it, I let Elli know, "That big nun told Dalla the truth of Tommen's death. What she had to tell Dalla wasn't easy for her to say. It won't be easy for you to hear either. Just help Dalla grieve and move on. She's nineteen. Do I pass for nineteen? That's how old I was when I got into a fight I couldn't walk away from. I hit my opponent and he hit back, and… I didn't die right away. Just like Dalla, I never formally trained for battle. I simply had a sword in hand when our peaceful village ceased to be peaceful. Whatever Tommen got himself into, it's best Dalla wasn't dragged into it. She has a future as a seamstress, and as a wife and mother as well. In time, I believe she'll accept that."

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitsumah

My eyebrows rise at Nissa's idea, but I don't feel anything that warns me against the idea. It would work well, in fact. So long as the two are not spotted together. That in and of itself would be just as strange as if anyone had seen Nissa's wings to begin with.

"Well, what do you think?" I ask, and the wolf tilts his head to one side and considers Nissa. The chicken decides to settle down finally in my hands and I take that moment to wrap a thin piece of cloth around its leg. Batos keeps glancing between me and Nissa, and a slight, but grim smile tweaks the corner of my mouth.

"He's very protective of me, so being separated may make him act a bit rashly, but so long as you can hang on tight to his fur, I don't think you will hinder him when he runs. Brynhild willing, nothing will happen badly to either of us, or to the group. I'm sure we'll be fine once we're away from towns. That's the way we've been living until we were captured." I shudder at the memory of the harpies. Then i move one hand, holding he chicken in the crook of my arm with the other, and rub Batos's head. The wolf leans into the touch and seems to relax a bit, then lets out a soft growl. The smile grows a bit wider.

"He'll do it. He was suprised the first time, but now I think he knows what to expect. And..." I wave my staff in front of his nose and the wolf takes a quick step back. "As a reminder to you mister, I'm not completely helpless."

Batos curls his lip and, though his teeth show, his tongue sticks out more like an impudent child's.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

"Oh, how fun! Hopefully, we won't need to stay long, but I think I can hold on to that fur. I'd practice now, but I won't be able to sit properly now as I'm not wearing any underwear."

Did I say that out loud?

"Oh, look! There's Baldhart. And the seamstress' daughter is with her. I should go see if my un—clothing is ready, or at least some of it. Then I'll get back to you, and hopefully just two of you and not that bird." I tell the chicken, "We have enough feathered ladies in our party. Maybe you can…" I shrug at Keit. "…I'm just going to be honest. You can heal it, eat it, do both or neither. But if you heal it, do that in a dark alley or behind a tree so nobody sees the spell."

When Baldhart sees us talking, she gives Keit 11 berries, which I guess can be made into good berries. Just not publicly, I reiterate.

I tell the chicken, "And don't even think about eating a Goodberry. Those are People Food. They taste good with chicken." Better with turkey. I tell Batos, "Goodberries are for brave wolves, too. Keit, if he's not fully healed, please see that he is." I go to follow Baldy. I turn around. "Spare one for the stupid bird, if there's no other way… as long you're rid of the chicken."

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitsu

I quirk and eyebrow but manage to keep from laughing throughout Nissa's speech. Batos looks mortified for a moment, and that makes it all the harder for me to keep quiet and i end up chuckling. "I'm sure the chicken will be fine, it's just a light wound on it's leg, but yes, i will be sure to be careful." I reassure her. The chicken clucks in the crook of my arm and I consider it for a moment, but then decide against the idea i'd had of toting it around for eggs along the trip. It's owner will no doubt be happy should they find it, but for now I just wrap its leg more tightly and set it down. I doubt magic will be needed for it to recover.

I take the berries and pocket them with a nod to Baldhart. "Thank you, and I don't know about you two, but I will be glad to be off. It's... stressfull to be around so many people at one time." Batos leans against my leg when I say it and I rub his head again. I'm pretty sure i've been able to hide it, but the crowds have been wearing down on me and I've been finding that I keep trying to run off to random places for peace and quiet.

Nissa turns away and I wave goodbye, about to figure out where to put the bird, when Batos darts away from me and toward the Valkyrie. My mouth opens, about to ask a question, but Batos is already in front of Nissa and staring at her intently.

Batos

I don't know why i chose to do this, but she's a servant of the godess Keitsumah has decided to follow -Brynhild was the name i think- and desperation closed in before I could react. If she's close to a diety, then could she understand me?

I plant my feet and stand with my nose less than and inch from hers, staring into her face for what seems an eternity. It's odd to have someone at your level, but i shove that feeling aside and focus my mind on one question:

Can you hear me?

((dont have to react, or can react, or do something else entirely, just roleplaying lol))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I don't know what Batos wants, but he wants something. I pat him on the head.

"Are you worried about Keitsumah? You're her protector, aren't you? I'm assigned to protect Baldhart, but her fists seem to do the job. As for Keit, she can will the forest itself to protect her. Maybe we can trust the ladies to keep each other alive until we catch up. I'm off to the tailor now to get a better idea of how long that will be. Why don't you stay at Keit's side until I'm back from the tailor?—hopefully with at least one new garment!"

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos's ears twitch a little bit, but I don't see him react in any way other than when he touches his nose to the tip of Nissa's chin before walking away. However, i can sense he is troubled. I'll need to talk to him later and see if i can get any answers out of him, but for now, i wave in dparture and set the hen in the street, then head back into the Spear.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I see Aliron is getting things on the roof. I ask him, "Would you mind getting some of those oil bottles down? I don't know how many we can bring with us, but dropping fire on enemies seems to slow a rushing horde. I'll do it again when I have to."


Baldhart

Great. I have to carry breakable, flammable things? Well, I suppose we better not leave them of the rooftops. After we get the bottles down we ((or rather, the GM)) can figure out how many bottles we can safely pack and carry.

If I can find good handholds and footholds, I'll help Alin get the bottles down.

((If she climbs…))

Climbing is so much easier now that I'm not encumbered by armor!

 

[Nihal]

Baldhart's room and beyond

"Do not forget to gather everything that may have been forgotten in the rooms, Baldhart," I remind the barbarian as she leaves the room, my fingers touching and investigating the necklace all by themselves. It feels heavier than I remember. I could not tease its secrets. Someone did. Who?

It cannot be the elf, he did not possess the ability. I remember clearly, his lack of knowledge to do so was the whole reason he harassed me. Unless someone taught him. This doesn't bodes well.

"You too, Burnbright, get all your belongings. Leave nothing behind, for I doubt we will be returning," I glance at her as I slip my feet inside my new pair of boots. "The shoes you are using are special. You will discover they will help you in our departure, opening new paths for you. If something bad happens on the way rely on them to flee. Do not return here, seek the others outside this town, and be unpredictable about it, leave no trail, use the full extent of their boon to avoid capture and to reach the others,"

"Are you ready? You go first." I point the window with my chin. "Do not wait for me directly under the window, just in case..."


((After the girl is safely on the ground.))

I climb down after her—or this was my intent.



((I guess someone landed on her butt!))

"Drat!" I curse under my breath. Those shoes surely spoiled me. I keep the girl in the shadows for some moments, making sure we weren't seen. "The shadows are getting longer and we will travel with no lights. Stay close to me, take my hand if you no longer can see your way."


((If nothing prevents their departure Mauve will take her back to the wilderness and here they go to the cave.))

 

[Steerpike]

The Party Prepares to Depart Arendal

While the party's stay in Arendal has been relatively brief, much has happened, and most seem to agree that moving on is the best course of action. The common room remains a bustle of activity, with Gisla and Aga too busy to stop to eat anything themselves. Both snatch quick bites or mouthfuls of water as they can while serving the folks in the common room. When Baldhart's orders are complete and she gets back upstairs with the good, Burnbright, for one, gets straight to business, finishing her meal in a matter of minutes. When Baldhart and Mauve discuss getting her out of the inn, Burnbright casts a longing look at the bed in the room and pushes out her lips. She doesn't complain though, and dutifully puts on her sandals. She says to Baldhart: "Don't forget my paint tomorrow."

Burnbright follows Mauve's guidance, both of them getting out of the inn unnoticed except by Aliron, who is watching the place as he moves along the rooftops. The sandals allow her to get out of the inn easily, and she chuckles, though not maliciously, when Mauve falls, then helps her to her feet.

She tries out the new sandals as they go, and is positively delighted by them, using them to walk in ways she had no need to walk, and going out of her ways to clamber up the side of rocks and even up a few tree trunks as they go. Once out of the village, Burnbright is able to retrace her steps and lead Mauve to the cave where she was hiding. Before the get to the edge of the cliffs that overlook the cave entrance, Masama emerges from a thick stand of trees, Branwen just behind him holding her doll. He calls Mauve and Burnbright over.

Gisla gives Baldhart a nod and a soldierly embrace when Baldhart says her goodbyes. She says "You might look up Conrat Eberlein in Alfoss. He and I, that is to say when I first got to the south..." her cheeks color a bit, a very unusual thing for Gisla. "He was part of my team down there. Last I heard he was in Alfoss, but that was around six months ago. He may have gone back to Mittelstadt by now, but if not tell him you're friends of mine.

When Aga's turn to say goodbye comes, she wraps Baldhart up in a much tighter embrace.

When Keitsumah and Batos appear at the door to the Spear, there are some turned heads and whispered mutterings, but by now many have caught sight of the wolf, and everyone heard the creature mentioned. A few who haven't seen the sight for themselves look wide-eyed at Batos for a moment, until their companions pull their attention away. No one seems inclined to claim the hen in the time between Keitsumah's opening of the door and Nissa's intervening. The three move outside, where Nissa, Batos, and Keitsumah can take care of business. Nissa notes that her own feathers are much longer and nicer than those of the hen.

When Baldhart and Dalla leave, Nissa goes with them. She manages to find Arn first, sitting inside the Spear with a tankard of ale and a plate of some kind of fish. He squints down at his meal when Nissa asks him to open his shop, then shrugs and drains his tankard. He rises, muttering something about the "women-folk" always being after him for this, that, or the other, which earns a few chuckles from the other men sitting at the table.

Arn is able to get together the requested items, some of which take some attention to get them into the best possible shape before sale.

((Burnbright would rather have a spear, for the moment. She's strong enough for it and likes the length of it, but she's willing to carry a sword on her hip as well. For anyone who wants something from the Blacksmith, PM your list or post it in the welcome thread and I'll let you know if Arn has it and what the cost is)).

There is no sign of the leather worker, but Arn knows where he lives and can direct Baldhart, Dalla, and Nissa to the proper home. If the leather worker is awakened, he'll agree to come out an get to work as well. Arn is amenable to anything three ladies in his shop want him to do, and he gives Dalla a few toothy looks, which the girl pretends not to notice - or maybe she really doesn't notice them. She's quiet and lost in thought for the most part.

Aliron and Bressel both watch the Spear before moving too close, but it isn't long before party members exit and there doesn't seem to be much reason to watch. The two glimpse Liadan and Cadell as the door opens. They now have a good sense of where everyone is. Aliron is able to gather arrows and oil bottles from the roofs of Arendal with little trouble, and these are distributed among the group.

((People who are already loaded up with a lot, particularly weapons and armor, can carry a couple of oil bottles with them. People not carrying much could take as many as four)).

By the time Dalla gets home, she is very quiet. Elli listens to Nissa and promises to keep an eye on Dalla. For Dalla's part, she is undecided about whether to join the party, and says she isn't feeling so well. She heads off to bed promising to "sleep on it" and have an answer for the group in the morning.

The morning comes quickly, and by the time many in the party have finished their tasks for the evening they feel like they've barely fallen asleep when the first rays of the sun come in through the windows and/or into the cave.

((Anyone who wants to be in town still, is staying at the Spear; anyone else can sleep in the cave))

Arendal is already a bustle of activity, with the group headed for Srilkind having risen with the roosters and already made their way toward the other village. Olaf did indeed decide to take his family with him, to the delight of Liam, who at least wanted Fiona along.

The rest of Arendal is gathered together at the cliffs in the process of rebuilding the stairs to the docks. A ship will be in soon, and it won't do to have no means of trading with them.

The new day is bright and sunny, though the air is cold as always. The party's path is wide open in front of them.

((If there is anything else you wanted to do the night before you can PM me or post in the Welcome thread and we'll wrap that all up and get the party moving)).

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Morning already? The first thing I do is finally mix and apply the woad paint, and of course, I make sure Burnbright is awake to join me. I tell her, "You tried the slippers, so now you know of some of the wonderful things we found." I wear the green kilt today. It's not too short like the white dress, but it shows enough leg that I'm compelled to paint every limb. I go on, telling Burnbright, "My people learned to survive in the wild, so these temperatures do not bother me easily. Now that my arms and legs are my only weapons, I prefer not to wear a bulky outfit. Still… I'm cheating." I let her try the ring. When she does, I tell her to grab some snow and watch it melt in her hand. Once she sees what it does, I tell her, "If you or anyone else gets too cold, just ask for this." I decide not to wear it for now, even if Burnbright gives it back. If I wear it all the time, I'll grow soft.

If Burnbright's interested in training with her spear, I'll do some drills with her. My vow is not to use one in battle, but I certainly know how, and I've made no vow against using steel to train others. I can teach her. Perhaps she can learn the ways of my ancestors as well. That will make her strong. I wonder if I'll live to see her complete the training.

As we train, I tell her of my mountain. Not of my family, not yet… I simply compare the wilderness at home. Trees are different at the peak. Shorter, twisted, but full of life—unlike those plants I saw close to the Taint. I am unable to determine with is colder, the peak or the north. They can't be far off, though if I had to guess, my home is warmer.

"When I was forced to live in the wilderness, I didn't have a tent, and I couldn't run into town. I would hunt with my friends, and since I wasn't a very good shot, my duties were cooking and gathering." I take Burnbright to a good place for gathering.

((an hour… not a "hous"))

I don't think teaching Burnbright is slowing me down at all. If anything, I think I'm more focused than usual!

I give the berries to Keitsuma…

((Keitsumah now has 29 regular berries.))

…and I ask Masama a couple questions, one of them being to kindly watch Burnbright while I follow Nissa back to town.

But before I leave…


To Mauve:

I ask how her info-gathering went. I'll want the necklace back before we hit the road, but I doubt I'll get shot at in town. For now, I want to give. I give Mauve the leather eye-patch. "I know it's not much, but when we got into town, I had the leather-worker make this for you. It looks better than a rag, and it's less likely to fall off and expose you. The best part is, you can say it's an old wound. Just come up with a story, rehearse it well, and stick to it. No one will suspect you're anything but a warrior who lost an eye in a fight. Even if you don't go into a town, you never know who we'll meet on the road."


To Ankari:

I tell Ankari, "Dalla says she's sleeping on it—that is, the decision to join us. Are you sure you want her to, though? I mean, she's nice… but she knows nothing about fighting. I found that out when I told her I killed Tommen. And of course, I only confessed my own kill. She doesn't know it was you who killed Geralt. If she travels with us, she's bound to find out. Even if everyone in the group keeps silent, your description's been sent by runners… I assume every human village in the north will know by the time we arrive at one. Besides staying out of towns, I suggest you shave your head, use facial hair to come up with a new look… and even then, stay hidden. If you see someone coming on the road, go take a piss or whatever it takes to keep from getting discovered. As for the murder itself, Geralt smirked at the thought of burning a little girl—he was no innocent. I get that. But the people who uphold the law typically are, and maybe we'll run into such people. I came to the north to protect innocents, not wage war with them."



I let everyone else know that if Nissa's outfit's ready, we have no reason to stick around that I know of.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

How kind of everyone to stay the night! Perhaps Batos and I can travel with the group after all. I decide to start my morning with a quick flight.

The mist rising in the morning is very pretty from up here. Hopefully, no hostiles are sneaking around in it.

Well, seeing that Baldy and Burnbright have a lot going on, I should entertain Branwen. "Good morning, Branwen. I know you're too young to fly, but if the people can protect you, you'll live to see the day." I show her how my wings work. I point to myself, "Nissa." I show her, "Nissa can fly." I fly, land, then point out my wings. "Wings help Nissa fly." I touch Branwen's wings. "Branwen can flap." I flap my wings, "Flap, flap, flap. Branwen cannot fly, but Branwen can flap, flap, flap." Baldy's lesson with Burnbright may take a while, so I'll repeat the process, depending how the child responds to me. I'll try to teach per more words. My name, wings, flap, fly, please, thank you.

A siren with manners! Please impregnate me and be my lunch. But she's part human and part elf, not just a monster. I don't see a demon… just a girl whose only sin was being born. Can loving humans and elves awaken her elf-human half, and tame her beast half? Will the power of her song become tempting when she reaches puberty? Her mother was big… bigger than Baldhart. I can see why the priest justified burning her, but a deadly ritual isn't the way I want to save her soul. She can learn the difference between good and evil, and make her choice. I serve my goddess and Masama serves his. As long as Asra's and Brynhild's paths are similar as far as morality goes, I'll support Masama's desire to teach the child.

After Branwen's had enough exercise for one morning, I approach Masama. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced, Masama. I am Nissa van Donk. I am a valkyrie in Brynhild's service. I suppose you could say we have that in common—that is to say, we have each answered the calling of our respective goddess. I've never had the pleasure of being in Asra's presence… wait. That must sound strange to say. Do you know what a valkyrie does? Guiding souls of those who fall in battle—I can get into that if you want to know. The point is… I know nothing of Asra, but you are clearly a good man, and you're especially talented when it comes to caring for children. And you don't fault Branwen for what she is…

"I can't say for certain, but I get the feeling that Brynhild's path and Asra's path are not so different. I'd like to think if you and I are both teaching Branwen the difference between good and evil, we won't give her mixed messages. In short, I don't want her to use her powers to lure men to mate with her then die and become dinner. Even using mind control for mating… it's slutty. I mean, she won't be courted like a normal girl would, but still, in about a decade she'll be a seven-footer with raging hormones. My hope for her is that if she's raised by loving people, she won't abuse her powers."

Maybe Masama has a long-term plan? Well, Baldy's still busy and I imagine Elli would want breakfast before finishing her volunteer work.

"Can you tell me about Asra? What does she stand for?"


((I'll keep Baldy/Nissa around in case Ankari want to respond about Dalla. @SP, if you do a final post for Arendal, Baldy and Nissa would go to Elli's, make sure Dalla's okay and get Nissa's clothes if they're ready.))

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron

Brings down the oil, leaving the remaining oil where it will be found, he takes a couple and wraps them carefully.
(2 oil for Aliron and Bressel will take 2)

Aliron returns to the cave following those that went with Burnbright. Ever vigillant for unwanted followers or anyone sneaking around.

When they get to Masama, Aliron comes out of hiding and joins the group.

"If all are rested, we could travel by night. The elves travel well at night and my arrows are blessed by Agapanthus and strike more true from dusk til dawn. But if the group wants we can rest over night and leave early in the morn."
Bressel:
Bressel goes in for a drink while the others are gathering to leave. By the time they are ready he finishes his drink and goes with them.

"I stumble around in the dark, but with good light I can walk safely. Maybe have the elves in front or behind the main group, so they can use their vision to see any problems before we find them the hard way? We move slower, but this would also allow the elves to move silently. I trust the elves and the wolf to warn us of dangers we can't see in the dark."

[[elves: Aliron, Ankari, Keit, Cadell, Liaden, Aldar
Humans: Bressel, Baldhart, Burnbright, Mauve
wolf: Baltos
Harpy: Branwen]]

{{Seems we like the beginning of the alphabet for names. Elves-3 A's, Humans are mostly B's.}}
might I suggest:

scouts or front of the party: Ankari and Keit and Baltos (strong front)

Aldar just in front of the party enough to use twilight sight without being to far away from the group in case of danger.

The humans; Baldhart, Burnbrite, Bressel, Mauve, Masama

The rear: Cadell and Liaden.
Rover: Aliron-- moving from rear guard around group to scouts and around the other side, randomly not continuously(as he would get tired)
Moving half speed would allow the silent elves to move silently and will not strain the group. If Cadell still has a horse he could be the go between between the front and rear groups to pass word or check on groups concerns. He would also be the easiest to spot if Mauve needed to send a message. Elves aren't easy to spot when being careful, but on horse back?

Just a suggestion to get started.

 

[SeverinR]

How it would look

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitsumah

I thank Baldhart for the berries and wait outside the Spear for when we move out, careful to count and memorize the berries and Goodberries we have. Twenty-nine regular, eleven good. Batos sniffs my hand when I handle the goodberries, curious, but he doesn't make a move to eat any of them. Maybe he is just bored. I rub his ears after putting the berries away and he perks up a bit. Batos hasn't been acting very... active lately. He seems more calm and sticks by my side as usual, but there's an odd way he watches the sky at night. I even thought I had heard him humming a lullaby to make me sleep last night.

I smile at the thought, then look over toward the mist-enshrouded woods. We are leaving soon. This could potentially be the last time i will ever be in a village, or any sense of civilization. Who knows what lies beyond?

Batos leans into me, and I whisper the first lines into his ear, the words gradually growing louder:

"May it be an evening star,
Shines down upon you,
May it be when darkness falls,
Your heart will be true,
You walk a lonely road,
Oh! How far you are from home..."

Bato's flanks vibrate and his voice intertwines with my own, a tenor howl that rises no louder than my own voice.

"Mornie utúlië (darkness has come),
Believe and you will find your way,
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen),
A promise lives within you now,"

"May it be the shadows call,
Will fly away,
May it be you journey on,
To light the day,
When the night is overcome,
You may rise to find the sun,"

"Mornie utúlië (darkness has come),
Believe and you will find your way,
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen),
A promise lives within you now,"

"A promise lives within you now."

My mouth closes and I keep myself from looking up, knowing that if I do I may end up bright red. I don't consider myself a good singer, no one has ever taught me, but Batos seems to like it, and I never bring myself to think i have any more of an audience than him. Instead, I wrap one arm more firmly around his neck and bury my face in his fur. Batos lays his head on top of mine, and for a moment i block out everything and everyone, all the fears of what may lie beyond, all the fears from my past. It is not the future we must await, but the moments of life that we have that we should enjoy.