Dragon's Egg - Act III

[SeverinR]

Bressel
"Nissa, I don't know that it is safe to go there yet. Aliron doesn't trust many in the group with the knowledge of where they are, let alone the chance the dogs might follow. I can only get you to the general area, Aliron is the only one who knows their exact location."
Bressel checks the ocean and remains fo the docks for more fish demons.
"I don't see Aliron, so I assume he is hiding, watching what the dogs will do now."

Aliron
Remains hiding watching the Dogs as they head for the tree line. If no violence occurs when they reach the tree line, Aliron will move around and check on the group. (Not sure if he can see them from where he is.)
Aliron will prepare an aimed shot at the leader of the dogs, the first sign of violence against the women and children he will shoot and drop down so they don't see him. (I'm assuming the distance isn't point blank for an arrow. So he will have time)

 

[Keitsumah]

"She needs berries."

"Ah. Baldart -here." I dig out the berries i have left in my bag (i think it's six? Liadan has the fourteen that she got earlier -or at least i know she has berries) and offer them to Baldart. I'm not sure it's a good idea for me to leave, though. I have no magic, and my only weapon is a staff. At best, i can only fend off one enemy. It's not like i can do any real damage.

"I think i should be the one to stay behind if you do go. I will only be a liability at this rate." i say quietly.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

Berries... I'd completely forgotten I had some. More than ten, at least. I pull them out and hand them to Keit or Baldhart (whoever is closer, or whoever taken them first). I should have given some to Llucheden... oh, well. Maybe I'll have some left over.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I gladly take the berries. I give Keit the trident, and drop every weapon but the scimitar--in case Nissa can use it.

"Thanks, Keit, Liadan. I hope there won't be a fight, but I can't trust those gnolls. Even if they keep their word, how will people react when they see their weapons drawn?"

Stupid dogs. And if they're not stupid, I was for letting my guard down.

Seeing how some berries will expire--or I might, if this goes badly--I eat 5. ((Full HP!))

I follow Nissa as quickly as I can, trusting her bird's eye view to lead me to the enemy. What to do with the enemy when we meet... I'll trust her in that as well.





Nissa

((Not sure if she has more than one oil bottle, but she will fly directly over Ghendra and hover out of his reach. She looks for projectile weapons to determine how high she needs to hover.

If she can use Baldy's purse to carry as many bottles as possible--even if that's only one bottle--that will be less conspicuous than holding a bomb, as she doesn't intend to provoke a fight.))


When I'm over Ghendra, I get his attention...

"Ghendra! Why are your weapons drawn?"

Those on foot are slower. Maybe I can stall Ghendra with conversation. Maybe conversation is as far as we need to take this. In any case, he burns if I even suspect...

"Given your mercilessness in Srilkind, there is only one reason to approach children with weapons in hand. I mean to honor the truce, but let us recognize it as such. Despite your help--and yes, it is appreciated--"

And now that the ass-kissy diplomacy is out of the way...

"--these people have more reason to fear you than the sea creatures, as your army killed more than ten times as many, and your attack was equally unprovoked. When you come to them with weapons in hand, what are they to think?

"What am I to think?

"Because I know you are not going to find Catli anywhere in Arendal. You have been told--truthfully told--that she escaped around the time Aslaug lost contact. Does she think we're smart enough to toss the necklace, but stupid enough to keep her daughter in the one place she knows to look?"

Wellllll......

"She has half a day's head start, and your gnolls entered the caves before the children ran out. They would have passed by her if she were there. You have no reason to take my word for it, but do you not trust your own men that Catli was never in those caves? They know what she looks like!"

Truth...

"What will happen to the people of Arendal when you see for yourself Catli is not among them? They were not involved in her escape, nor were they informed of it. Those that are closest to her now travel with her."

And now, the bullshit...

"South. Which port she left from, I cannot say. Or perhaps she traveled via elven gate. We did stumble onto one of those. In any case, she left by sea or by magic, and we convinced her to remove the necklace. None who remained saw her leave, so even under torture, you cannot possibly obtain any information other than what I have just given to you."

Believe me, or give me an excuse to burn you straight to hell...

"Maybe if her mother didn't have so many people killed, we'd be more receptive to her reasons for hunting her down. I suspect Catli is meant to be sacrificed to a demon. I don't suppose Aslaug gave you the specifics regarding how her daughter is to stop a demon, or why someone who thinks a demon is so terrible and evil and powerful and must be stopped..."

I pause. Let those words sink in.

"..is herself someone terrible and evil and powerful. And must stopped."

As if they give a f...

 

[Steerpike]

After Liadan heals Llucheden, Cadell sets off after the gnolls, but then diverts toward the Spear, seeking Aga. The Spear is dark and quiet inside, and there is no sign of Aga, nor of any of the patrons - at least not in the common area. No one tends to the bar, no one sits at any of the tables. If Aga is there, she must be in the kitchen area in back, or else in one of the rooms upstairs.

The gnolls continue to move east through town, with Aliron keeping an eye on them as they pass the temple of Tyr and into an open field that leads toward the wooded area. While this is going on, Baldhart and Aldar are just finishing up their weapon retrieval, and making record time of it. Nissa flies to Bressel for a word with him.

As Aliron continues to watch, Ghendra motions for his gnolls to stop halfway across the field. He advances another ten yards himself and then calls out into the wood, though his voice is lost on the wind. A moment later, one of Arendal's militia men emerges from the trees, weapon drawn. There is an exchange between the two, with Ghendra motioning toward the wood and the man shaking his head and saying something back.

Liadan is meanwhile searching the fish demon bodies, but find nothing of use on any of them apart from a couple of daggers so crude that the creatures preferred their claws. Only Nissa's find seems significant.

The conversation runs for a couple of minutes more, by which time Baldhart and Aldar are moving across Arendal toward the east. As they round the temple they can see Ghendra and his gnolls in the field. Nissa moves into position over them, then calls out her questions to Ghendra.

The gnolls looks up at her. "Ah, my little deceiver returns." Ghendra chuckles, a coarse rumbling sound. "Were we not just set upon from the sea and the forest to the west? From two directions these creatures came. Though we saw the villagers flee to these woods..." he points toward the militia man "can we be sure none of the demons climbed up from the sea in pursuit? Our weapons were drawn because the battlefield was not secure."

Ghendra barks an order to his gnolls, who put up their weapons. Ghendra sheathes his as well. "This man has told me the villagers are safe, and that there are no demons in these woods. That was our discussion. You may ask him if you like."

The militia man casts a quick nod toward Nissa, but doesn't sheathe his sword or takes his eyes off Ghendra.

The gnoll continues. "If it is as you say and Catli is not here, then I will take my warriors and leave. I am their commander, however, and it was upon my oath that we undertook this mission. All I wish to do is take a quick look at the villagers, to see for myself that Catli is not here. My warriors have seen her, true, but an image of her face was burned into my mind, and none will recognize her better than I."

Ghendra shrugs. "A quick look, that is all. Our weapons will remain sheathed. If what you say is true, and Catli is gone, then we can do no more. We have no means of tracking the child even if I wished to continue down this path."

The tail end of the conversation is caught by Baldhart and Aldar as they arrive ((and also by Cadell if he elects not to search the Spear. If he wants to check the Spear, he can, of course)).

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I secure Llucheden outside the Spear and head in. The common room is dark, silent and empty. Aga could be hiding in the kitchen, or upstairs. I check the kitchen first, calling out as I approach and hoping I don't startle her. "Aga, are you here?"

Liadan

The fish-demons' corpses hold nothing of any use or value. I leave their crude daggers alone. Little wonder the beasts preferred their claws. As I search the corpses, I regather as many of my arrows as can be salvaged.

Should I begin dealing with the corpses myself, I wonder, or elect others to help?

I shrug and move to heft the nearest corpse in hopes of dragging or carrying it to the sea. If others with to help, they are welcome to join me.

The thing is heavier than it looks, but I manage, step by step.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Deception was a means to take Catli from you without bloodshed. Now it is truth I want. If you say a look will satisfy you, then by all means, have your look."

To the man I ask, "Would you kindly follow along? I believe Ghendra speaks the truth, so here is what I suggest. Let us arrive together. You ask the people not to fear. Remain still. Allow the gnolls to look upon them.

"Ghendra, I would ask you and yours to offer the courtesy of keeping a distance. Enough that you may clearly see the children, but not so close that... and don't take this the wrong way... that we would be perceived as unable to stop you.

"My reason for deception in Srilkind and my reason for truth now is the same: I want no innocents harmed. That means letting you finish with your business, and yes, letting you walk away.

"Why I expect you to see reason in my plan: if the people fear you, they will run. They will scatter. They will make noise. That will give you reason to suspect that Catli is hiding among them. That will keep you here longer. Memories of your atrocities will cause the quiet tension to come to a boil. And what happens when tempers flare or fear becomes greater than reason... I cannot protect the innocent if that happens."

I fly to Baldy.

"We will keep a respectful distance from you, so likewise, we cannot possibly attack without you seeing it coming. We only wish to observe. I may even retire this temporary body of mine, since I now trust you are true to your word.

"Shame you did what you did in Srilkind. Had you met the people of the north as you came today, your people could truly achieve the peace you dream of. I've been observing human nature since my death nearly 800 years ago. Another truth: your day in Srilkind will overshadow your day in Arendal. I pray your misdeeds do not bring harm to your race as a whole."

I pray for the gnoll pups. Ghendra can go to hell for all I care.

 

[Steerpike]

Inside the Maiden's Spear, all is still quiet. No one responds to Cadell's calls - not Aga or anyone else. A quick check of the kitchen area shows that it it empty, and in fact the entire building has the feel of an empty place. On a positive note, access to ale and food is completely unhindered by anyone demanding payment.

Liadan is able to recover her arrows from fish demon bodies and from the ground. Remarkably, none of them were broken during the fighting. After gathering them up, she begins to carry a fish demon body toward the sea. The creatures are heavy, their muscle and bone dense, and their skin smells of fish that has stayed out in the open air too long. But Liadan manages to move the corpse all the same.

At the edge of the eastern woods, the militia man nods to Nissa when she asks him to cooperate. Ghendra grunts as Nissa speaks, then addresses her in return:

"Spare me your lectures, little one - whatever you truly are. Where were your sympathies as gnoll children died in the mountains after being driven from the valleys we called home for generations? Where are your sympathies now, because those children still die. I suspect your concern for life stretches just far enough to cover those who look like you..." he eyes Nissa's wings, "more or less."

Ghendra waves a hand at the air and turns back to the woods. "I would have liked to see thing go differently in Srilkind. Still, I had my orders, and those orders were meant to prevent greater bloodshed. I fear the child we seek will carry more destruction in her wake, for her mother will not rest until she is returned. You may find yourself wishing you'd allowed her to come with us in Srilkind."

The militia man has, meanwhile, gathered the children in the forest. They are to go to the temple of Tyr. Ghendra motions his gnolls well back, and then takes a couple of steps back himself. Small children, boys and girls, emerge from the wood, some with mothers or fathers who have refused to leave their side. They give Ghendra a wide berth. He watches each intently, but says nothing until almost three-quarters of the way through the line of children, when a girl of around Catli's age, with the same dark hair, moves past, her head down.

Ghendra kneels to bring his great body lower to the ground, though he still towers over the child. "You...girl. Let me see your face."

The girl stops and then looks over fearfully. A girl in front of her reaches back and grabs the black-haired girl's hand, and she seems to find strength in the gesture. She uses her free hand to brush her long, wet hair from her face. Ghendra studies her carefully, but once her face is fully exposed it is clear she is not Catli. The gnoll grunts and motions for the girl to move along, which she does quickly, brisk movements of her feet carrying her and her friend toward the temple.

When the last child passes, Ghendra grunts again and says something in his language to one of his warriors. The other gnoll replies. Ghendra then turns to Nissa and Baldhart, saying, "You spoke the truth. The child is not here, unless she remains hiding in those woods. But I think not."

"I will make my report to my La...to Aslaug. Then I will assemble my senior warriors. We have much to discuss."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

No sign of Aga in the kitchens. The whole place feels empty. My empty stomach rumbles, and I look over the food and drinks that were abandoned. After some deliberation, I help myself to some bread and cold meat, washing it down with a half-pint of watered-down ale. No point in getting drunk first thing in the morning... or almost first thing. I leave a silver coin on the countertop in payment, in case anyone returns to find it.

My appetite appeased, I head back outside and find Llucheden again. We head on in search of the gnolls again; I hope I haven't missed anything of dire importance.

Liadan

Hauling corpses is heavy work; I have to pause every so often to wipe sweat from my brow. I wish I had a cart or something to make the job a little faster. Another pair of hands would be appreciated as well. I look around, wondering if anyone is even near enough to take notice of me anymore.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I give Baldy her purse back, so I don't disappear and cause an explosion. Brynhild knows where my sympathy for the pups lies. I do not owe this gnoll an explanation, and I have no interest in stalling him with conversation. Go with your tail between your legs. Aslaug awaits with a rolled up newspaper, or perhaps she is harsher on failure.

I hope she is, as long as she punishes Ghendra and not a gnoll pup. But I won't slow his exit by asking a child-killer what motivates him. Evil always justifies itself. No man considers himself to be a son of a bitch. Who knew the old saying applied to dog-people?


Baldhart

Damn dog. I won't be baited. So much to say... but I really want to kill him more than talk to him. Let him walk. Next time he shows, I hope our party can agree we kill him on sight.

I turn to the crowd, after the gnolls are gone.

"I am Baldhart," I say to the people, "a nun in the service to Brynhild." Who would believe I'm a maiden? "Please forgive my appearance." I gesture toward the tears in what was once Gisla's skirt. "The enemy had sharp claws," I try to pass off as explanation. "What matters most is that the children are alive after all we have been through.

"This is Nissa." I gesture to the valkyrie. "I cannot explain her presence to you, but I cannot expect you to ignore what your eyes cannot possibly miss. All you need to know of her is she is the most loving person I have ever known, and she took a wound preventing an enemy from finishing Gisla when she fell. Gisla will survive. Nissa bandaged the wounds herself.

"I will prepare a meal for Gisla. My mother's recipe will help her regain her strength." Goodberries, but I won't speak of magic, even when they're looking at a valkyrie. "What will help her even more is Aga."

((I assumed Aga was with the women and children.))

If I see her, I call, "Aga? Please come with us. Gisla will be more worried about you than her own wounds. I hope you'll be the first you see when she wakes up... if she hasn't already."



Nissa

"Regretfully, there are two men I was unable to save. They are elders who sacrificed themselves so the children may live. What was dead upon my arrival in the caves, and I was too late to save the other, who fell before my eyes. One of my Sisters tends to them now. They are being taken to their god, accompanied by a valkyrie. I believe these men follow Tyr. If that is the case, I can assure you that the God of Courage will be pleased with these men who put their own lives before the young.

"If you wish Baldhart to perform a funeral to honor them, she is a nun. For now, I believe these children need to be in warm beds, in the loving arms of their parents."

As I fly back, I pass the girl who stood up to Ghendra, and the other, who touched her hand.

"You were very brave just now, young ladies. What are your names?"



Baldhart

Did she just say...?

 

[Steerpike]

Aga does emerge with the others, and she hurries over to Baldhart when called. She looks worried. "Gisla? What's wrong?"

Ghendra and the gnolls move away from the group emerging from the woods, but linger at the edge of town, the gnoll leader casting his gaze over the village as though looking for someone. When Cadell arrives on horseback, Ghendra says something to his gnolls and then moves forward again, hoping to intercept the elf.

Cadell nears the group just in time to hear Nissa speaking to the two girls. They stopped when Nissa spoke to them, as did a boy who was walking near them. All three look up at the valkyrie with wide eyes.

"I'm Fiona," says the girl Ghendra thought might be Burnbright. It is clear she is a year or so younger than Burnbright, and her companion perhaps half a year old. "This is my sister Rionach." The other girl nods at Nissa, but says nothing. "Are you a real valkyie?" the girl asks, with the bluntness of youth.

Meanwhile, Liadan continues disposing of the fish demon corpses. She has managed to tumble two of them into the dark waters, and is busy on a third.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I catch sight of Ghendra and his gnolls, along with Baldhart, Nissa and the folk of Arendal. Aga is among them, I note with relief. Ghendra looks around and sees me; he speaks to his gnolls in their tongue, then moves toward me. I hear Nissa speaking to two young girls as I urge Llucheden forward.

"Ghendra," I call out. "Is everything alright?" What will he do, now that he sees Burnbright is not among us?

 

[Keitsumah]

I spy Liadan hefting the bodies over the cliffs and decide to help. I am not strong, but I hope i can at least lend a hand.

Okay. Maybe the one i picked is a bit too big.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I gesture Aga to follow, preferably away from other townsfolk. I tell her,

"She'll live. That is what you need to hear first.

"I was coming back from the caves when Gisla was defending against a second wave of attackers. She had fallen by the time I arrived. I didn't see her fall. Nissa—the tiny valkyrie—was on standing on Gisla's back as I was rushing over. She was ready to sacrifice her little winged body for Gisla, but the fish demon attacking Gisla was slain by Mauve—the woman Gisla arrested. Had Nissa and Mauve not acted as they did, when they did, I fear I would have called you over for a far more grim reason.

"But Gisla lives. I called you because I thought you'd want to be there when Gisla wakes up. And she'd want that. I think you're the closest she has to family here, but what do I know?"

I show her some goodberries.

"I know Gisla may not approve of this. I know the laws of the north differ from the laws of my mountain, but I also know Nissa, a valkyrie. She would tell you herself there is no evil force behind these berries, which can make Gisla strong. She'll still need time to heal, but… it'll be like waiting for kitten-scratches to heal, not near-fatal wounds.

"Aga, I had been thinking of becoming a nun in Brynhild's service for a long time, but it was Gisla who inspired me to finally make the decision."

Well… that and ditching my sword forced me to put Hanako's training to use. But still, Gisla was a factor.

"She could've had wings like Nissa tonight, but I want her to wake up and keep being a leader in Arendal. That said, I won't feed her these berries without your consent… and your permission to use the kitchen. I always thought berries tasted best with bread and tea. That's how Mother used to serve them."



Nissa

Finally! Children don't run away screaming!

"Fiona, Rionach, good to meet you." I ask the boy, "And would you happen to be Elof's son?" If he is, I'll tell him what a great help his father was in keeping the caves safe. The man assisted me, his boy should know.

I answer Fiona's question. "I am." I offer the torch to Rionach. "If you would kindly hold this, I will land."

I grab some snow—so cold!—and rub it into my hands. I wash my face as best I can. My wings… I outstretch them.

"Not much of a wingspan," I tell the child. "Most of the valkyries are taller than your sister. Still, they help me get around."

Oh, those damned gnolls! Still here! They're like that boring guest who won't just leave the party. Go away. Home! Bad dog!

"Sadly, Fiona, I won't get around for much longer. This body is a gift…" Cold. Not yet. "…life is a gift. Stay safe, children. If you wish to speak to me again, see the tall woman?" I point to Baldy. "She is a nun. When you can no longer see me, I can speak through her." Very cold. The snow isn't helping. "I guess I have time enough. You can t-touch the wings if you want t-to…" I open them. The inside might not be bloody. "When I was younger, I suppose I would have wanted to d-do that."

Life. Innocent children. This is my reward. Just a moment's peace with happy children, until the next attack…

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I shove the third corpse over the cliff's edge and watch it splash into the sea. My thoughts churn like the water far below. Have I displeased Oercus in a way I'm not aware? Did I lose track of time, miss a solstice sacrifice? I forgot to bring any emeralds with me through the Gaita. I don't think we're lacking in potential lives, what with a child-murdering gnoll-horde in the town... they certainly fit the requirements. But would that be a breach of my vow to Baldhart against murder?

Turning from the heaving sea, I drop to my knees. My hands clench on the stiff grass. Oercus, blessed lord of elven forests, hear Your humble servant's prayer. If I have sinned against You, show me the error of my ways, that I may make amends and seek forgiveness.

 

[Steerpike]

Cadell speaks to Ghendra as he approaches, and the gnoll shows a set of wide, feral teeth in that expression that may be a smile. He offers a massive, paw-like hand to Cadell.

"All is well. I am glad you were not seriously hurt in the fighting. I wanted to tell you that I am taking my warriors and returning to the north. I will leave right away. I have my most trusted warriors here with me in the village, but there are some among the group outside of town that are more...impulsive. And you never know for sure what goblins will do. Only fear keeps them in check, and I've been gone long enough they may get their own ideas about venturing into the village.

"I offer my thanks to you, and to the others I spoke with. You've been true to your word. I have much to think on as I travel north again. I will delay my report to Aslaug for a day or two while I consider matters, but I cannot promise more than that. I hope we will meet again under better circumstances. Should you seek me, you will find my people two days ride north and east of the Verstenn Hold, though I am rarely at home these days it seems."

Baldhart talks to Aga as they move toward the Maiden's Spear. Aga looks worried when Baldhart recounts what happened to Gisla, but her worries fade a bit as Baldhart continues. When Baldhart mentions that Mauve saved Gisla, she presses her lips together tightly, but says nothing.

"A nun? I have too much fun letting the boys chase me." Aga gives Baldhart a sideways glance. "And you've set aside your sword? Will you go to a convent?" She chuckles. "I can't see you with the sisters, Baldhart, sitting around some drafty old convent like a group of mother hens." She smirks for a moment, then giggles, her worries seeming to have left her entirely. Looking Baldhart up and down, the barbarian women being fresh out of a battle, Aga says "I don't mean to laugh. I just can't see it." She grins at Baldhart somewhat sheepishly.

When the conversation steers itself back to Gisla, Aga settles down a bit. "I think the berries will be OK. If I know Gisla, she'd tan my hide if I told you no and she was laying in bed while we buried the dead and rebuilt what needs rebuilding."

Where Nissa hovers near the children, they all seem enthralled. Rionach takes the torch when offered and watches Nissa clean herself. The boy says his name is Liam, and he is not Elof's son. When Nissa offers her wings, each of the children runs a hand lightly along the feathers. Then Rionach says: "If you're a valkyrie, then you're really dead, right? Kind of, I mean. You must have died in some great battle. Da used to say Brynhild took spear maidens who fell in glorious battles as her valkyrie, and then her valkyrie would guide men who fell in battle to their reward in Valhalla."

Liam frowns. "She doesn't look dead."

Fiona's cheeks redden and she hisses something to Rionach and Liam and makes them shut up.

Liadan and Keitsumah finish returning the fish demon bodies to the ocean. And the last corpse is thrown in, they can make out a couple of the other corpses bobbing near the surface and being tugged occasionally beneath the gray waves as though some creature is pulling or biting at the bodies.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I listen as Ghendra speaks, nodding at his words and relaxing in relief. A day or two of delay isn't much, but it's an advantage we can make use of.

"I thank you, Ghendra, on behalf of myself and my company. Had you not aided us against the threat from the sea, no doubt this fight would have ended far worse." I offer him my hand -- my real hand, not the empty gauntlet. "I'm glad we could part on amiable terms."

Liadan

My grisly chore finished, I turn back to the village. The others will have gathered there, no doubt. I hope there is no one who needs more than first aid. That is all I can manage right now as far as magic is concerned... assuming Oercus will allow me even that.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I can't help but laugh. "I'm glad I cheered you up, Aga. I had a friend who called herself a 'fighting nun.' What I learned from my nun friend was to fight without armor or weapons. Just now, seven of my eight kills were with my bare hands. I do not say this to boast... when I was forced to drop my sword, I feared I would be ineffective in this battle. Fortunately, I remembered my training days with my old friend Hanako. So, if I am to fight like a nun I'll accept the whole package, even the vows.

"I'm not like you. Boys run away from me. Hanako is very pretty, but for me, a nun's vow changes nothing. If my appearance screams 'barbarian,' good. I won't stop being a woman of the Iron Mountain, and I serve the Goddess of Battle."

Aga is one of the more reasonable ones. I like her.

When we get to Gisla, I'll check to see if she's awake. If not, I'll carry her inside. But I want Aga with me. Whatever needs to be done to care for Gisla, I want her to make the call.



Nissa

Dead? Is that what I am? I'm not sure how to explain it myself.

"When the body dies, the spirit lives on," I tell the boy. "Therefore, I am alive."

Fiona doesn't like the boy's question, so I'll leave it at that.

"As for greatness, what Fiona just did was great. She stood bravely before an enemy who gives no quarter, not even to little girls. The world will forget this day, but to the people of Arendal, this was a great battle. When children are targeted and none are harmed, who can fail to see greatness in that?"

I look up at Fiona.

"This body of mine will not last." I pick up a small amount of snow and hold it up. It will melt to nothing before I finish talking. "Like the snow, it will soon disappear. But I will still be in Arendal a little longer, even if you can't see me."

I hope the children won't freak out. Most of the blood on me isn't mine. I suppose the blood will just fall when my body disappears.

"No matter what you may see, when I disappear, it will not hurt."

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I look around, everyone is carrying on with their tasks at hand. I sit around, pondering if there is anything useful I could be doing, there is always some personal admin that needs doing at some point. So I sit down and begin to clean my items, then it hits me, My familiar. If we have some time in the village perhaps I could be summoning him. I better check with the others before I start, As It seems to take a long time I remember.

I approach Baldhart hurriiedly.
"Baldhart, How long do you think we will remain here?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"I'm not sure. I want to tend to Gisla, and…" Are the gnolls really gone? Out of earshot? "…there are others I must see." I turn to Aga, "Dalla, for one, though I think I should bathe and dress properly before I see her." I add, "Proper bathing in a proper bath. The ocean has too many teeth."

I think on his question, and try for a straight answer. "I hope we can stay at least half a day."