Dragon's Egg - Act III

[SeverinR]

Aliron
I walk up silently behind them, to Mauve;
"You didn't think I would let you walk out of town alone did you? I was approaching when I saw him walk up behind you. I wanted to see if he was hostile or friendly."
To Masama as I slip the scimitar back in its sheathe. (always expect the worst of people and they rarely disappoint.)
"Masama, You seem to accept Branwen, I appologize for threatening you on the boat, but I think it detered the fishermen from action."
"Sing softly to her and she will sing back. She learns quickly, I think she will learn our language soon." I look around for any people that might be around.
Back to Mauve:
"I was distracted when you walked away, What are you doing? I know you fear the fishermen and who they might tell, as I do."

Bressel
Bressel looks around, shakes his head,
"Can never keep track of that elf. I guess I'm buying." Bressel announces to the group,"Nothing to expensive, I don't have alot of money." He walks in the bar, looks for a free table. He goes to the bar orders an ale. Looking over the people in the bar. Looking for the toughest, those that look good with a blade, looking for anyone that stands out.
"I'm buying for the blue faced lady too, if you can catch her." He says watching Baldhart moving around.
[If a table is empty he'll go sit down.]

 

[Nihal]

I look up, startled. "I hate when you do this, Aliron!"

"I do not know what exactly I should do. I wanted to get the berries and... other supplies, but Baldhart left me alone there and I would not dare to follow her inside the place! You can not trust in another's mind; if the owner of the place did not think in throw me out to keep the appearances we would have bigger problems. I am not sure if it is safe to set foot inside any building of this place. I am so tired.

"If I were these dogs I would look for us here and in the temple first. What I did in Srilkind was unexpected, I can not count on it again once they start looking for Burnbright." I shiver and mutter, "Seriously, won't these peasants send anyone to get their children? Idiots!"

I shake my head. "What do you suggest? I would avoid staying on the forest as much as it is possible."

 

[SomethingToPonder]

Sitting at a table nursing a warmish ale, I stand up and ask
"Does anyone know where i could purchase any enchanted weapons around here."
"If we're going to be exploring any bloody temples Im going to need some sort of decent weapon.Looking around Nobody seems to be paying much attention, But there is one shady character in the corner who catches my eye..
"What about you, What do you know about enchanted weapons."

The man doesn't seem to move, Yet I see the ugly scarred face of his lifting under his black hood.I am sure he is looking at my staff but i couldn't be certain.

 

[SeverinR]

"Occupational hazard." I smile at Mauve.
"I think we need to avoid the woods, I think we need to avoid the sea, I do think the mounted creature in the sea was following us. We need to get Branwen into the tavern without anyone noticing. Damn, the only place we don't have a potential enemy is from above."

(edited to close to town to have Branwen sing)

 

[Nihal]

"No danger from above for the time being. I am sure we will figure out a way to make an enemy on the skies," I reply with a faint smile.

"I believe the creature on the sea was attracted by the stone knife, the one I have been... using sometimes. I do not think it is safe to spend much time near the sea. We ought to set watches this night, everything wants to kills us for a reason or another." I slouch my shoulders.

"We could wait there until the dusk is closer. Risky, however better than go out already. If we make sure there are enough people in the common room to see us returning without Branwen it can work. Someone sneak in with her through a window in the back of this place..."

 

[SeverinR]

"Well, there is a person that excels at sneaking and I think you just complained about him." I smile.

Masama, would you be so kind to stay with Mauve? While I go make an appearance in the tavern, then I will go to our room, go out the window, and meet you behind the tavern near the woods. You two will go in and show the crowd you have no child, enjoy a drink to show your in no hurry to get to the child. Then you can come to the room. Please send Baldhart up to the room to recieve Branwen."
"Masama, I am trusting you a little, but I think you might be better in a seperate room."
"I would prefer Mauve, Baldhart and I in one room. Just to be clear to protect Branwen, nothing else." I look from Mauve to Masama.

[if agreeable, I will go in and make conversation with each one of the group, and then pay for a room in that faces the back of the tavern and go up.
I will use the grapling hook to go out the window.
I will take Branwen and wait for Baldhart to come to the window. I will tie the rope around me and have her pull us up. (Hard to climb with a child in ones arms and I don't think she would allow us to pull her up alone.]
[[Unless of course there is a room on the ground floor, but then Aliron probably won't sleep well.]]
[could have Bressel, but Aliron doesn't trust him that much and he is a little loud.]

 

[Nihal]

"Sounds good. I hoped you would help in this part, I had my fair share of emotion today. We must make sure they see us leaving the town with her, otherwise assumptions will be made.

"When I send Baldhart upstairs I shall ask her to give you something to help with this plan. You will love it. Do you need the dusk to act?"

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart

Gisla nods a Baldhart talks. "Very well, you can speak to Dalla if you wish. Once you're all settled in I can send for her, or give you directions to her home. Tommen was always rash and prone to bad decisions. What possessed the fool boy to get caught up in the events you describe, I'll never know."

"I look forward to meeting this 'Burnbright' of yours. It seems strange to me, all this fuss over a child. Take all the time you need to prepare, and bring that harpy child to me when it is safe to do so. In the mean time, you can pay Aga for room and board. She'll be happy to make the arrangements."

Gisla smiles warmly and puts a hand on Baldhart's shoulder, walking with her back to the common room.

The Common Room

Aga smiles at Bressel when he walks in, and a few heads turn, watching with some suspicion the presence of yet another newcomer in town. There is some muttering but no open hostility. Baldhart and Gisla emerge from the back just as Aga pours an ale for Bressel. "Here you are." She cocks her head and studies Bressel for a moment. "You're with the group from Srilkind, aren't you?"

Before Bressel can respond to the question, Aldar rises from where he sits and asks about acquiring enchanted weapons. The mixed looks that fell on Bressel become uniformly dark and turn to the elf. Gisla pales slightly and Aga seems nervous as she looks at Aldar over Bressel's shoulder. She leans in close to the Barbarian. "Magic? Is that's what is going on? Have demons come out of the Taint?"

Gisla puts her hand on Aga's shoulder and says "Hush, child. No need to fan the flames. We've trouble enough on the horizon."

Addressing the elf, she says, loudly so that all in the tavern can hear: "We do not get many foreigners here, and of elves we see even fewer. We understand that things may be different in the south, and the ways of your people are strange to our eyes. I have seen the elven forests for myself, and there was much I did not understand. Including your sense of humor. I'm sure you know we keep well away from magic and other evils, being a godly people here in the north, and though your suggestion that we might deal in such dark forces was meant as a jest, I ask you to respect our ways here. Magic and evil may be cause for jest in the south, but here, so close to the Taint, we do not tempt fate."

She inclines her head, respectfully. "I'm sure you meant nothing by it," she says, eyeing the other patrons meaningfully.

((There is no scarred, hooded man in the tavern. Just a small assortment of village regulars

Another post coming momentarily)).

 

[Steerpike]

Mauve & Aliron

Masama points toward the ocean when Mauve asks where he is from. "That way. Far that way, beyond what you all deem the 'southern lands.' A vast kingdom, full of riches and wonders." He smiles, white teeth gleaming. "As to why I am here - the same reason as you. Asra has set paths for us, and we walk those paths. Ours were meant to intersect. I did not understand why Asra had lead me here, but now, seeing this child, I know."

"As for 'harpy' children...I do not know that word. I know only that in times long past, there were children who had the aspect of our goddess. Part human, part bird. They were revered in our land, but long has it been since any have been seen. Many of my people consider them a legend, nothing more. Asra has led me here to find this child." He points a finger at Branwen.

Masama looks over his shoulder, back toward the village. "We must do something with her soon, or I fear things will go badly in this village. Too many eyes have been on her already, and none of them friendly."

Aliron walks up, and Masama listens attentively as he speaks. When Aliron finishes, Masama laughs in his low rumble and says "There is no need for apologies, my friend. You protect the child. You had first to see whether I meant her any harm. This is just. Had I not been overcome with surprise, I would not have leapt toward her as I did."

Masama rises to his full height, then bows, once to Mauve and once to Aliron. "I am at your service. I will not allow anything to happen to the child, or to those who guard her."

When talks turns to the sea creatures, he says to Mauve: "If you have an artifact of theirs, I would cast it into the ocean and be done with it. The Sahuagin are a vile and cruel race, and much of the ancient magic remains known to them. We know of them in the oceans of my land as well. A dangerous enemy."

Cadell & Liadan

Grim smiles and clasps your hands warmly in his. "Your efforts are appreciated. This was once a beautiful and bountiful land, before the Taint came. I hope it will be again soon."

When Cadell and Liadan take their leave, Grim nods graciously. "I'm going to see about sending a runner to the temple, and maybe about some volunteers to get Egil, Kolla, and the other kids here when it looks to be safe."

Burnbright

Burnbright sits outside the door to the Maiden's Spear, holding her golden necklace up and letting it dangle in front of her face. Growing bored, she twirls it around her finger and asks Grim "What's taking so long?"

 

[SeverinR]

"Sounds good. I hoped you would help in this part, I had my fair share of emotion today. We must make sure they see us leaving the town with her, otherwise assumptions will be made.

"When I send Baldhart upstairs I shall ask her to give you something to help with this plan. You will love it. Do you need the dusk to act?"

"The lower light the better. Do not go to far, Baldhart beat us here, I'm not sure how fast the Goblin worgs can travel, but only a little slower then a horse I fear."

I look at her and jesture towards the woods,
"Get out of here!" I shout, turn quickly and stomp towards the tavern.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I come out to the common room, ear-to-ear grin as the owner escorts me. The grin goes away as soon as Aldar opens his mouth. My jaw drops, but Gisla's voice solves everything.

I sit next to Bressel, then look up at Aga. "I believe I'm the blue-faced lady he spoke of, so the drink is on him." I turn to Bressel, "Thank you, sir!" then back to Aga, "And I wish to pay for a hot bath and a room. A big room. I guess the bath needs to be big, too, but the room is for more than one; the bath is not."

I tell Bressel, "Save my seat. I have unpleasant news, and I do not wish to delay it further."



I step out front and find Burnbright, Grim and his wife. I give Burnbright a hug, then kneel down. I expect my expression is enough to prepare Grim for what I have to say. "I climbed the cliffs, Burnbright, and rode back on Sir Cadell's missing horse. But I didn't risk life and limb just to save a horse…" I look into her eyes and wonder if she's ready for this. Even if she is, it will hurt. I take her hands in mine, and let her feel it—Father Harald's amulet. "I went under the cover of the cliff wall and three burned houses, past twenty-odd deadly foes, and into Tyr Temple. I did it because I knew you wanted me to. You didn't ask, but… you wanted me to. I wanted to, too, and I didn't want to let you down.

"Father Harald fought bravely, Burnbright, and a devotee of Tyr never lies. They must have asked him where you were, or if Grim would really slash your throat to prevent your capture, but he said what a follower of Tyr would say: the truth that doesn't betray a loved one. 'I will not help you,' he must've said. I can't be sure of how it went down exactly. But I know this: he defeated five, and there were many more. In such impossible odds, to defeat five took great strength and skill, and the corpses were his kills and his alone. I know enough of combat to read bodies. The old man had more fight in him than I'd imagined! But I was a day late to be of any help. I'm sorry, Burnbright." I look back to see if Gisla's watching us. "Tonight, you will join me and Gisla, the owner of this place. She's a follower of Brynhild. You will learn much at this meeting—things I cannot teach you myself. It will help you deal with Father Harald's sacrifice. But… it won't stop you from being hurt by this loss." I open my hands, leaving the amulet with her.

I turn to Grim and show him the hatch marks on my skull helmet. "You know what these marks mean, right?" I don't wait for more than a nod or a look. "There was an informant. A man sent messages through Srilkind. No doubt the runner let him know where to find Burnbright. The runner, I suspect, was duped into giving this information. The man responsible for sending those monsters…" I point to the nineteenth mark. "…he won't do it again."

And just like that, whatever guilt I felt about Tommen: gone. In fact, I'm glad it was my sword.



Wait… Grim mentioned a runner!

"Oh, and Grim… about the runner. Could you have him speak to Sir Matthew about bringing back the hide of the six-legged beast that punctured my armor? I need new armor, and I intend to have it made from the beast who tried to eat me. I was planning on going there myself, but you hiring a runner keeps me from having to leave town, where I may be needed soon."



I invite Burnbright and others to join me as I head back to Bressel's table.

I nearly collapse into my seat. I turn to Bressel, "What are we drinking to? Better question: what're we drinking? Something strong?"

 

[SomethingToPonder]

"Perhaps my sense of humour is not one to be taken lightly around these parts, Please forgive me, I am a foreigner in your lands i meant no disrespect."
With that I finish my mug of ale, And signal to the barkeep to bring me another, This is going to be a long trip, no sense in staying sober the full journey.

 

[SeverinR]

Bressel
I wave at the bartender for two beers, as I see Aliron enter.
""Baldhart..I must ask, How many more naked winged women are inside you?" he asks quietly, frowning at her. "Where did you learn to summon winged women, my Barbarian master never taught me that trick."

Aliron
I enter the tavern walk over to the table with Bressel;
"are you behaiving?" To Bressel, I ask glancing at Aldar.
"Baldhart, I need a room, I am not feeling well and I think laying near an open window and listening to the singing crickets of the night might do me well. Might you show me the room real quick?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Bressel?" I slap him in the arm. I show him the decoration on the hem of my dress. "This 'naked woman' is the silhouette of a valkyrie. I suppose she isn't clothed… a toga would've ruined the design. But it's just the one valkyrie. And the trick isn't mine—a tailor named Arn designed it. Oh… I suppose he's dead. And his lovely wife. And Eskel's sisters were among the surviving children, but his mother…"

Alin mentions a room. "Well, the only room being prepared is mine. If you're in a hurry to rest, I suppose I can show you when the room is ready. I don't expect to hear crickets sing until nightfall, but then, your ears are better than mine.

"It does sound peaceful… I think I'll open a window tonight as well."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

Joffur does not seem to be in the common room, though another arrival draws my gaze. Baldhart emerges, escorted by another woman -- this must be Gisla, the one she was so excited to speak to. My eyes widen at the sight of Gisla's left arm, and my right hand unconsciously creeps up to grip my left wrist. I smile at her as I approach, and incline my head.

"Well met. You must be Gisla. I am Cadell, and this is Líadan, my beloved. Baldhart may have spoken of me, if only because she arrived here on my horse."

 

[Nihal]

"Well, I do not think we have many options now he's gone doing such a show." I get up. "Masama, right? I believe I have already introduced myself, but if I did not my name is Mauve. We call the child Branwen.

"Sahuagin, uh? I do not think they are any more vile and cruel than the many dangers that surrounds us." I smirk. "The knife has served me well, it is an invaluable weapon in our fight. I will think in something." I keep myself at his left side so I can keep my eye on him, strolling towards the town's edge.

"Tell me more about your land. You must have traveled a lot! Did your journey take you near the Blackshard Mountain? You might heard something about this place. Is your people any different from these people—regarding..." I lower my voice, "...their fears... I mean... the Taint's origin and everything? Oh, sorry, I am asking too many questions, am I not?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

In a low voice, I tell Bressel, "I don't want to scare the locals, but you saw a real valkyrie… her father was a halfling, which is why she's so tiny, but her mother was an Eisenberg. Her grandfather was Wulfgar Eisenberg, the first of our 'barbarian' people to ascend the Iron Mountain. I know the history of our mountain better than anyone alive, thanks to Nissa."

I stop myself from boring Bressel with a history lesson. Instead I say, "It was Nissa who told me I should go north if I wish to serve the Goddess of Battle, and she steered me right. A battle worth fighting up here! But if you don't mind me asking, why did you come up north?"

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
Aliron walks over to the bartender, we'll need a room. I would like one with a view of the woods out back if you have one. My friend and I will be sharing a room, And I will buy the next round for our table."

Bressel
"I came up north to explore and find adventure. Nothing more noble then that. I have been wondering the terrain for many years. Thats how I met Aliron, Hades I don't even remember the city."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Well, you'll find adventure here alright. I think it'll be a pleasure to fight by your side. I wonder if, between the two of us, the alpha mutt will be intimidated."



You barbarians think you're so scary.

Well, we are… maybe not to you, but you're the most fearless soul I've ever met in my life.

I've seen that glare of yours make an enemy get sloppy. You should use that trick more often.

I always forget to!

 

[SeverinR]

Bressel:
"Any sign of those fishermens?" Bressel asks Aliron.

Aliron:
"No, I hope they ran through town and didn't stop. But I doubt that. I think they might be gathering a pitchfork party. So stay alert and don't drink to much."

(how much for the drinks? Bressel bought 3, and Aliron bought 3.)