Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Ireth]

Liadan

I watch Baldhart leave, but don't move from my seat. Cadell takes Baldhart's vacated seat and wraps an arm around me; I lean into his touch and close my eyes. Cadell and Baldhart are right about me, and about Oercus. Dedicating myself to Fraxinus seems a much better choice. But...

"What should I do with my holy symbols?" I ask, looking up at Cadell. "My unicorn pendant is little more than a pretty trinket to me now. And would Fraxinus bless a bow that holds Oercus' white topaz?"

"You could sell the pendant," he says with a shrug. "Holy or not, it is still beautiful. As for the bow, I think that is for Fraxinus Himself to decide."

I nod slowly. I should decide on a price for the pendant... silver symbols tend to cost between ten and a thousand gold coins, but a unicorn would not be deemed holy by anyone here. I doubt it will sell for more than the minimum. Still, ten gold is better than nothing.

Sighing, I run a hand over my face. "Is there anything else needing done here?"

"Not that I know of yet," says Cadell. "If you wish to rest, feel free. I think it might be best if you remained here in case Gisla needs you. Even an hour of rest will give you back a little magic."

"I think I will." I kiss his cheek, then slip away and head up to our room.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Gisla's Room

I come in the room singing, "...tea, a drink with jam and bread," but I stop as soon as I see Aga. "I suppose you don't see me as one who likes to sing, either."

I place the tray as Gisla's bedside.

"But you see what I've got? Whenever I hurt myself, Mother made a berry jam like this. I don't have Mother's magic, but she always let me spread the jam. I couldn't find herbal tea, but black should do it. Oh... am I supposed to serve cream and sugar, too? I'm not a black tea person."

But enough about tea.

"Aga... can we have another look at the wounds? Liadan's magic should have done the trick, especially after her wounds were physically cleaned."

((If Aga didn't clean out the dirt and dried blood, Baldy would have.))

If Gisla's fine, I better remove the ring. Maybe the drop in temperature will startle Gisla awake, and the tea and berries will make short work of her discomfort.

 

[Steerpike]

When Nissa fades from view, Rionach and Liam gasp involuntarily, eyes widening as they stare at the point in the air where Nissa hovered a moment ago. Fiona's expression remains serious, but as the other two children wander in the direction of the Temple of Tyr, whispering excitedly, Fiona lingers at the spot for a few moments, gazing at the empty air, before following silently after the other kids.

Inside the Maiden's Spear, Liadan's spell seems to have the desired effect on Gisla's wounds, and by the time Baldhart returns upstairs with jam and tea the woman's color has returned to normal and her wounds look much better.

Aga grins at Baldhart as she comes in singing. "Oh, don't worry, Baldhart. You have a...um...lovely voice."

As Baldhart leans over to take the ring from Gisla's finger, Gisla stirs. Baldhart gets the ring off without the injured woman noticing, and a moment later Gisla's eyes flutter open.

"What...?" the injured woman says. Then she snaps upright into a sitting position. "The attack! I've got to get out there." She starts to rise, wobbles, then balances precariously on her arm, which is trembling.

Aga rushes to her side. "No, Gisla. It's OK. It's all over!"

Meanwhile, Cadell has taken Llucheden to the stables just outside the Maiden's Spear. There are no stablehands there, nor anyone else. The town seems to be trying to recover and reorganize in the aftermath of the chaos. There is, however, a place to tie the steed, as well as ample water and food.

As some of the group talk within the Maiden's Spear, villagers start to spill in - men, mostly young adults without children to care for. They appear to have decided that the best way to deal with the aftermath of the attack is to take to drink, and they begin to call out for help from the Maiden's Spear staff. But Gisla is still in bed and Aga is with her. The crowd does not seem unruly, however, and appear forgiving of the less-than-orderly state of affairs. They gather at various tables to await someone with access to the kegs.

Keitsumah and Batos find a secluded spot in the woods and are able to rest there in peace, with no villagers, fish demons, or gnolls to disturb them. Even with the sun out, there remains a firm chill on the air.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I linger in the kitchen after Liadan goes upstairs, and soon hear more voices in the common-room. Villagers looking to drink away the horror of battle, no doubt. I decide it's best not to trouble Gisla and Aga, and leave the kitchen to deal with the customers. I hope they won't mind me serving them, and not one of their own.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Gisla, I prepared something for you to eat. It's one of Mother's recipes." I want to tell her of the magic, but if she doesn't ask... "Nissa let me see her memory of the battle." I shudder as the image of Gisla slamming into the wall replays in my mind. And Nissa! I thought I was so brave to fight unarmed, but next to Nissa, I am nothing. "I can tell you if you want me to. But first, you will eat."

I hold out the bread. "While it's warm." She will not refuse this.

"Know that the children are alive. Nissa witnessed the deaths of two elders. These men sacrificed themselves so the children could escape safely. I believe they were the only casualties. Nissa tried to patch up the wounds of one man." I see it. Nissa's tiny hands make the effort--then the vision is awash in red from the dying man's blood spraying Nissa in the face. I'll spare Gisla this detail. "I'm thankful she was able to save you."

I hear the crowd below.

"Aga, Gisla, if there's anything I can do to help, just ask. I'm here to serve." Oh! Gisla doesn't know. "I am a nun after all." I show Gisla my bloodstained knuckles. "See?"

Baldy, you do realize the worldview of a nun differs from yours...

 

[SomethingToPonder]

As I enter the spear I take a look around and see the majority of the villagers engaged in conversation and sitting around the tables, looking around frequently for someone with access to the kegs. I see a few members of the party also chatting amongst themselves, I go to walk over to them and decide against it at the last minute, Instead I walk up the stairs to an empty room and lock the door behind me.

((SP, I have tried to find this info in other threads and in this one but older, because I know I have asked before but it was at the wrong time. However I seem to have forgotten. How long does it take to summon my familiar again? I kow the amount of gold etc but the time always seems to slip my mind. Apologies for asking yet again. If it is within a good amount of time I'll cast the spell and roll for it, What should I roll with? ))

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I look up in the midst of pouring one customer's ale, and see Aldar coming into the room. I call out to him, hoping he might lend a hand (rather literally), but he ignores me and heads upstairs. Or perhaps he can't hear me over the chatter in the room. Oh, well.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

Going up the stairs I think I hear Cadell shouting on me though im not sure. As I sit down in my room I realize I cant just do my own thing when others need a hand, I decide to go back and check if he was in fact calling upon me.

I head down the stairs and call over to Cadell.
" did you need a hand friend?" He seems to be rather overwhelmed and I take it upon myself to go over and assist him anyway.
"Hang on, hang on, one at a time" I tell the rowdy crowd.
I turn in the middle of trying to bat one customers hand away and telling another to wait a moment.
"Are they meant to be paying for ale here?"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

"Yes, I could, as you say, 'use a hand'." I laugh at my own joke, the better to ease the post-battle tension. "Thank you. And yes, payment is expected. I doubt Gisla would like having empty kegs without a full coin purse to make up for it!"

 

[Steerpike]

Cadell begins serving the villagers who have stumbled into the Maiden's Spear. Many are clearly shaken by the morning's events. They accept the ale, but there are a few sideways glances and familiar rumblings as the villagers seem to be put off in the presence of the elf. A burly, grizzle-bearded man, the oldest of the villagers in the Spear, rises, sloshing a spattering of ale onto the ground as he gestures with tankard.

"Now, now, there be no call for that! Say what ye will 'bout elves, but this elf..." there is more sloshing as he motions toward Cadell "stood against them fish demons while we got our women and little ones to safety!"

"What about the murderer?" asks one young man. And another calls out "They brought the dogs with 'em!"

The old man fixes each with his eyes for a moment and says "I don't see no murderer here, do you? And them dogs fought the fish demons too, though truth be told I'm glad they've up and gone. But your hissin' and mutterin' ain't no way to treat a man what saved yer hides and is in here servin' you drink when he ought to be at rest. I know the people of Arendal got more gratitude than that in 'em. Let's have three cheers fer them what saved the village!"

There are a few cheers and some more half-hearted muttering, and the man bellows out again. "I said three cheers fer sending them fish demon runnin' back to the ocean that spawned them. Three cheers fer a cold death for each and everyone of them scale-skinned bastards. And three cheers fer the saviors of Arendal, be they man or elf!"

With this second speech the crowd starts to come around, and by the time the old man reaches his last sentence, as hearty cheer goes up from most of the people present, and more ale hits the ground as they all raise their tankards. The old man gives Cadell a quick wink, then sits back down and sets in on his own tankard of ale.

After that, the most of the men are gracious to both Cadell and Aldar, though there are a few who still remain a bit distant. Each pays for his food and drink with no argument, however. Gisla is highly regarded and none of them have a mind to take from her without paying.

Upstairs, Gisla sips her tea gratefully then takes a bite of the bread and jam. Her face puckers. "What kind of jam did you say this was?" She eats dutifully, and her countenance grows grim when Baldhart mentions the deaths in the village. When Baldhart shows her knuckles, Gisla runs one hand over them carefully. "Gods, but you gave out some punishment, girl. What happened to your sword?"

While Gisla and Baldhart talk, the sound of a man talking loudly, followed by ragged cheering, drifts in from the common room. Aga rises, a look of mild alarm on her face. "I better go see what they're up to. Be a shame to win the day only to have the Spear torn down around us by our own people."

She hurries from the room.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I can't help but smile as the old man verbally defends me from those who mutter and hiss. As they cheer, I incline my head humbly. "I'll be sure to let the others know of your gratitude."

I continue serving ale and food to those that want it, wondering if the loud talk and cheering have roused Gisla or Liadan.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I reply to Gisla, "I didn't say. You might have a variety of berries there. We travel with a druid--there are many where I'm from, including Mother, so I know what they do to berries. Aga thought you'd prefer that to staying in bed, and... I know the laws of the north, but you'd have died without magic. Not just these berries, but if not for Liadan a few minutes ago, I fear Nissa's bandaging would have only delayed your death. Even if you could have lived without magic, I'd never forgive myself for leaving you to recover slowly."

Gisla notices my fists. I laugh.

"Remember the stairs? I had to jump, and I needed both hands to grab the wall. I left the sword, then I had to save Batos, and... it was a dumb idea, but it worked. I mean I dangled Liadan from a rope! I was praying the whole time, and I felt stronger when I prayed. That's when it hit me. I don't need a sword to serve Brynhild.

"I remembered my training days. My friend Hanako was the only girl monk in her order. She called herself a 'fighting nun.' She trained with me and another friend so... I guess it was to keep boys away, not that I ever found that a problem. Anyway, I sparred with her, and when I saw my weapon on the burning stairs, I just hoped I'd remember."

I giggle. It's not funny, but I hold up my fists.

"Seven! I tossed some off the cliff, and when they climbed up I threw them again. I mashed their heads against the rocky ground. Four of 'em died like that, including one I pulled off of that alpha male gnoll. I punched three others to death. I was hoping you'd get to see that, but...

"Thank you."

I need to stop myself. Dad told me not to boast.

"I always thought about being a nun like my friend. I don't just mean fighting like one, but having the commitment to Brynhild. I could still be a... barbarian. That's the word used to describe my people and I'm fine with it. I'm just as devout either way, but something about the word 'nun'--it just screams, 'My Goddess comes first.' She does.

"But I thank you because of the example you showed me. Nissa wasn't in my head when I was praying or making that big decision. But I saw you. You looked a murderer in the eye and, without hesitation, allowed him to call an army of gnolls to aid Arendal. Your focus was on the battle, and what was at stake: innocent lives. I wanted to push Ghendra off a cliff--when he I and were the only ones--and let him be ravaged by the fish demons. But that was my want, not Brynhild's.

"We needed to forget, for the moment, of past wrongs and focus on the battle and fight it justly. If you had refused the gnolls' help, I'd like to think we'd still have won. But maybe more would have died. Maybe children.

"My sword is... aw, I left it outside when I went to carry you in. But anyway, I'll discard the sword and armor along with my errant ways of thinking. Well, I'll discard the errant ways but sell the equipment." Not the sword, if Bressel wants it. "Maybe I can afford a war horse soon."

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos and I chose a hawthorn bush to lay under and recuperate. Tired and in awe of the fact that we had all managed to come out alive thanks to our friends, I stroked his head where we lay curled up in a hollow where Batos had dug out the snow -hidden from sight. If it hadn't been for the others, he wouldn't be alive. He wouldn't be here. I don't know what i would have done if he'd...

I shake my head forcefully and close my eyes,burying my face in his fur. I can't think about it. I will need to give them my deepest thanks later -but for now we both need to calm down and rest. Then we will go.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I stop myself from sitting at the edge of Gisla's bed. I need to clean up.

Not in the ocean!

Yuck, no, Nissa. Even if they're scared off, I'd feel filthier knowing I'm swimming in fish guts.

They pee in the ocean, too, y'know.

I can take a snow bath.

A what?

Animals pee in snow, but it turns yellow. I can use white snow to...

Take a 'snow bath.' Yes. There's a reason those don't exist.

Well, it's not my fault I'm the only one who abuses magic rings.

You seem to go out of your way to.

If I use a tub with all this stink fish blood on me, who wants to be next? You can't argue with such logic.

I can't, though logic has little to do with that.

Don't say 'little to do,' Nissa. We have a lot to do. I still need to give Dalla the letters. That can wait, though. I want to see Burnbright, pick new berries and see who among us can use the remaining ones before they expire.

Fiona, too.

Who? Oh! The girl you spoke to. She wanted a hug.

I know, but I was naked and bloody. I'll find her again in a few hours. My appearance needs to be addressed anyway. Brynhild didn't send me here to put on a show, but I know She understands I had to act, or there'd be another day of valkyries picking up children. Srilkind, we were too late. To not act here in Arendal would've been inexcusable! And my intervention was not in vain. Gisla is alive from my bandaging, and the caves were secured quickly with my fire bombing.

I'm sure She trusts you, Nissa.

Yeah, but She must've noticed me with those children. I didn't need to address them, but I wanted to. It's the first time I was able to speak to those I saved. In life, I mean. It was a greater feeling than I could've imagined. The children didn't thank me--and I didn't want them to. We just talked, and the kids were adorable. I'm really good with kids, but... it was just nice to talk to them while they're still in their bodies.

You're great with kids! I'm sure Brynhild knows you well enough to... wait a minute. Is it okay if I do this nun talk with you? I mean... you know Her personally.

I do. But it's still okay.

Okay...

 

[Steerpike]

Common Room

When Cadell thanks the old man, he gives a gap-toothed grin. "No need to thank me, lad. When I was hale enough to swing a sword without cuttin' me own head off, we showed respect to those who fought for us or alongside us. You and yer friends could've left us to the teeth of them fish demons, but you didn't. Yer heroes of this little village, and anyone who says otherwise can come see me."

Aga bursts into the room just as the man finishes, and picks her way through the tables to Cadell's side. "I'll take those," she says with a grin, holding a hand out for Cadell's tray. "You must be exhausted, and here I've left you to serve this bunch!"

"We do owe you a debt," says Aga, looking up at Cadell. "This village probably wouldn't be here if you hadn't fought for it. And all your friends too." She looks sideways at the room, taking the boisterous crowd. "Does this mean that you will, uh...I mean you and your friends will be leaving? We could sure use some help around here if you have a mind to stay." By the time she finishes her sentence, her cheeks have begun to redden noticeably, which doesn't take a lot on her pale cheeks.

Others in the common room continue to eat, drink, talk, and laugh. The occasional song breaks out, mostly about glorious battles in the distant past, though there is one baudy and rather improbable song about a mermaid and a farmer's son.

Upstairs

When Baldhart tells Gisla there is magic in the jam, and that other magic was used on her, she considers a moment, then shrugs, taking on the practical air she so often has. "It's not the idea of it I'm against," she says. "I just thought it was supposed to be dangerous. To cast spells, I mean. But it seems like we've seen more of magic the last few years than I heard of them having during my mother's entire lifetime. What do you think it means? Are the old ways coming back? Is magic becoming safe again?"

She listens appreciatively to Baldhart's stories, throwing in the occasional "Ha! Served the fish demons right!" and becoming more animated as the tales grow, despite still being in recovery. The stories of battle clearly inspire her. "Brynhild is strong in you, Baldhart. You should be very proud."

When talk turns to Ankari and the gnolls, Gisla looks a bit worred. "Where is Ankari, anyway? Not still in the village, I hope. I'm certainly willing at this point to let him leave and not return, but let's face it, under the law he is still wanted to murder, and helping the village during the attack would be considered at trial but it won't get him out of the trial all together. I hope he had the sense to make himself scarce. And I hope the gnolls are truly gone as well. Who would've thought I'd ever fight alongside one of those dogs!"

Gisla appears to consider the absurdity of it moment, then her mouth drops open. "What am I thinking? Look at you Baldhart. You must be ready to kill for a bath! I've send for water. You can use the tub in my room. I insist!"

Outside

Aliron's perch on a building in Arendal affords him a view of the most of the village, as well as the remains of the burned stairs to the dock and the sea stretching beyond. All is quiet in the village. None of the tradesmen are in their shops, and most of the people appear to be home with their families. The only exception are those who have gone to the Maiden's Spear and a group of elder who have convened in the Temple of Tyr.

If things are quiet where Aliron is, they are even more quiet outside of the village where Bressel is. Nothing bothers him, and in fact there is no much to draw his attention at all apart from the occasional sound of wildlife.

Similarly, Keitsumah and Batos are undisturbed beneath their hawthorn bush. As the sun climbs higher, some few rays of sunlight and warmth penetrate the branches to them.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I can't help but smile at the old man's words. No matter how young I look, I am hundreds of times older than anyone in this village.

Aga arrives, and I gratefully hand her my tray. She asks about our plans, her fair cheeks growing redder and redder with every word. I glance toward the stairs and sigh. "I think we need to decide that as a group and get you an answer later. I thought I heard Baldhart say she hoped to stay half a day, but things may change depending on how Gisla is doing. How is she doing, by the way?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Proud she says… "Yeah, I guess I am proud." I can feel my ear-to-ear grin. I'm giggling. I really need to control that childlike laugh. "But I'm trying really hard to be humble!"

As for Ankari… "I'm not sure if he has much sense at all. Mauve was smart enough to leave. I honestly wasn't sure I should bring her up, but you have a right to know. If not for Mauve, Nissa might've got her wings plucked trying to bandage you. She drove her spear through the back of the demon who tried to finish you." If she's willing to hear it, I'll tell all—Nissa's flying kick, and even the part about Keit's crazy spell!

And her offer…

Do you want to build a snow valkyire?

Not as much as I want a warm bath.

"A bath… yes, that's what I was doing in the first place when those fish demons showed up. Right place, right time. But yes, I'll gladly use your tub so I can bathe in peace. Thank you. Let me get some fresh clothes."

I waste little time, taking the tailor-made wool dress, and the baby dress for Nissa. When I return to Gisla's room, I hold up Nissa's dress. "You two can talk later," I say, knowing Gisla's seen Nissa in the dress before. When it seems appropriate, I'll tear off my bloody rags and relax in the tub…

​Brynhild, I have much to be thankful for. Where do I begin…?

 

[SeverinR]

Checking the town perimeter once more, Aliron climbs down and remains in the shadows makes his way back to the Maiden Spear, with all the activity Aliron slips in quietly moving to a corner to see who is in the main room.

Silently He slips through the crowd to Cadell's side.
"Our group is divided, Mauve and Bressel slipped out of town, as I believe the ranger did too. Wolf girl and her puppy are somewhere in the woods also. I am joining Bressel to the north along the shore line. I'm sure he's got a camp set up, so send word what the group plans to do. I wish to check on the special members of the group that left town before all the violence happened.
They are not welcome here and I doubt either would be safe either. The dogmen have left but how far and how long we do not know."
Aliron looks around again,
"Tell anyone that still holds true to the vow we took for the group that we need to leave soon. If the Dogmen are gone, the replacements will be on our trail soon. I know the group, we will hear you coming." Aliron smiles looking over the group in the bar, watching for any sign of trouble on their faces. (Aliron trusts no one ever.)

(unless there is possible hostiles in the area, Aliron's moving in shadows and silently isn't so important as to need a roll. but I can roll if needed. Once in the bar its only trying to move around unnoticed, not hiding or moving silent.)
(I also take from my perch, that I could see group members leaving town, so thats why I posted it. I wouldn't know where they were after they enetered the woods though. Without tracking them. Mauve & Ankari were probably the only one that might have tried to sneak out of town, the others just walked. And Ankari, Aliron just assumed he left.)

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I reply to Aliron in an undertone, and in elvish so no humans can eavesdrop. <The gnolls' destination is two days northeast of Verstenn Hold. That's all I know. I will speak with Baldhart when I see her next and try to gather the others to make a decision.>

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I close my eyes and enjoy the warmth. But somewhere out there are two little girls. Alone. Afraid. And they need civilization more than I do. I must go to them.

As I dry myself, I tell Gisla, "Thank you so much for your hospitality. I will not be gone for long, but there is a little one I must see to." I slip into my wool dress.

I consider my supply of rations. Burnbright, Branwen, Masama... I suppose Aliron and Bressel will be there as well. And none of us are going to eat rations after the night we had.

I take out ten gold coins. "What can I purchase with this?" I ask. And I trust Gisla, no matter what others think of me for it. "I mean to feed two little girls and a very big man. Enough for six adults should do, as I won't go to them alone. Oh... and is there a basket or two I can use to carry the food and keep it relatively warm?"