Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Ireth]

Cadell

I can't help but grin as Batos rubs my head with his paw, further mussing my already imperfect hair. When he howls another tune, I fall silent, my mouth dropping open. I haven't heard that song in almost a hundred years... How could he know it? Keit couldn't have taught him, could she?

I look at the sleeping elf-child, then back to her wolf, my gaze contemplative. Something is very strange here. "It seems there's more to you than meets the eye. Perhaps both of you."

I feel very odd, talking to a wolf. Still, it seems he can understand a lot. But it's not as if he can talk back, not in a language I understand. Music can only portray so much without lyrics.

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos

I nod, a wolffish grin coming to my face, but before I can't do more Keitsumah stirs and awakes. I drop to the ground and pad over To her as she rubs at her eyes, muttering. "Wha? Cadell? What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" She asks.

Keitsumah

I look between the two, confused. Cadell is usually not without Liadan at his side, but he doesn't seem worried. Batos seems fine as well, despite the fact that he will need a good few days to heal. I can only hope we won't have to fight for that long.

Then I catch wind of a strange, almost smug emotion coming through the link between me and Batos, and I look at him sharply. "What did you do?" My tone causes the wolf to stick his tongue out at me, and I laugh. That alone is enough to tell me nothing is wrong. Things may be strange, but not wrong.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

Batos bares his teeth in what I think is a grin -- it's hard to tell with animals. I take it as a 'yes'.

I have no room to ponder that, as Keit wakes not long after. I smile at her. "I heard him howling and came to investigate, that's all. Nothing's wrong."

 

[Keitsumah]

"Huh." i blink and look up at Cadell. "You know he's always doing that when i fall alseep -i think it's a lullaby of some sort but I don't know for sure. I was never taught any songs by my family, or if i was I just can't remember them. Still, it's cute." i grin at the wolf, who suddenly has a sour look on his face. Batos hates being called cute but he'll tolarate it from me.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I nod slowly, still thoughtful. This keeps getting stranger and stranger. "It is a lullaby, and one I know well. Maybe he spent a lot of time around other elves before he met you. Still, I'm not sure wolves typically howl to their packmates like that."

 

[Keitsumah]

I shake my head. "Batos found me not long after..." i wince,"...the fire. He was only a pup at the time as well, and we were in the middle of the woods. I am not positive, but since i never came across any other elves until now, i must assume that we were far away from anyone -and a wolf pup at that young would not have been able to go very far on his own..." i look over at Batos and the wolf makes a groaning noise, ducking his head and pressing it into the dirt. He makes an odd mixture of sounds, most of it growling, but it's almost like he's grumbling something. I quirk my brow at him. Even though we have been together for many years -most of our lives- I find i do not know very much about him in truth.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I nod slowly and do not speak. This mystery will take a long time to unravel without help. If Keit knows so little about Batos' past, I doubt anyone else would. Certainly no one here in the north. But how long will it be before we can go south again, and how much time will we have to devote to finding answers?

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
"Come warm yourself by our fire. They are close." Aliron motions, scanning the woods for signs of movement.
"My dear lady Baldhart, I believe you forgot to put your armor on. How can, such a warrior as yourself forget to don her armor? I believe I would have heard you an arrows shot away had you been wearing it."
"I do hope you are not expecting me to teach you the ways of steath. You are to big and clumbsy to sneak around." Aliron chuckles, "and you are at such a disadvantage by swearing off missle weapons."
"I do quite well shooting people at a distance then hiding when they are close, only to give them the suprise of their lives as I end it for them."
As they enter the hideout, Aliron asks;
"I trust you brought under cooked food for Branwen?"

Bressel
"You do look so out of place without your armor."


Aliron
Talking more quiet now,
"We'll sit here for a little while, let the fire burn down so as not to start a wildfire. Then we can go. I like Bressel's choice of a hideout, but I think I'd sleep better where the girls are."
"Ringleader Balsted beat it into me never leave a fire unattended, God rest his bastard's soul. A traveling minstrel's life is so glamourous." Aliron spits to the side, glaring at the fire. "Maybe he should not have left his dagger unattended while he slept. They never did find out who cut him up." Aliron smiles looking up at Bressel.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Don't underestimate the ways of the monks. I killed seven with my bare hands on this night. More importantly, it was when I was forced to abandon my sword that I found a way to rescue Batos. I may have rushed into battle had I been armed. Raising Batos on that rope gave me time to think on what else I can do without the burden of steel. I was trained to fight without weapons. If I'm going to be forced to climb and jump in lakes, the armor only hinders me anyway."

I tap on the hilt of the scimitar--Nissa's, not mine. "My fist is just as damaging at this piece of metal. I don't need it.

"I don't need fire either, but at the moment, I don't need a magic ring to keep warm. I want Burnbright to wear it.

"As soon as the fire dies, we move then? That's fine. Oh, but I had the food prepared the same. I didn't say who it was for, only how many. I don't want to endanger innocents or inform potential betrayers with dangerous knowledge--not even a hint that Branwen is in hiding. If they know she's here, they know Burnbright's here as well."



Baldy, did you forget something?



I draw the two-handed sword from my bearskin cloak, and hand it to Bressel, hilt first.

"I almost forgot, Bressel... you may have this, if you'd like. It's the best weapon I could get from Olaf's shop--at the north base of our mountain, if you've been there. It cost me 50 gold, so I considered selling it in the next town. But if you can make use of it, it's yours.

"You may want the bearskin cloak as well. It's not at all feminine and it'll fit you. The scabbard is sewn into it, so it's either that, or you'll need to have a new scabbard made.

"A follower of Bryhnild is forced to swear off missile weapons. But I swore off the rest by choice."



((If Alin/Bressel heads to the children, you can assume Baldhart travels with them.))

 

[SomethingToPonder]

With the others all otherwise occupied I decide to take a stroll in the village, see if I can discover any old books or something interesting like that.

I walk outside and the cool breeze hits me straight away.
I knew I should have worn another lair.

I set off in the direction of the larger part of town, looking for some kind of library or a large building that may contain some old books, They've always fascinated me.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron:
"Monk? YOU?" Aliron's mouth drops open. "I totally agree with the bulky heavy armor, but no armor and no sword? That is crazy. Did you take a hit to the head?"
"I think it would be easier to teach you the ways of stealth then the ways of a monk."

Bressel:
"I will use this until you want it back." Bressel takes the sword in hand checking its balance and the blades edge.


As the fire dies down, Aliron moves out to check the woods for anyone that might be lurking around. He has his bow and arrow ready.
They move along the path to the spot near the cave.
Aliron will sit down and rest watching for anyone around before going further.

After a few minutes, he will tie the rope and climb down to the cave. Once he is just outside the cave he will quietly call into the cave so as not to scare anyone inside. Then he will enter.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"I have already learned the ways of a monk. My best friends growing up were Hanako, a nun of... I'm not sure who. Some eastern goddess. I used to think she followed Brynhild because she never referred to anyone by name. Anyway, I sparred with her. My friend Addison tried teaching me to use a bow. Trust me. Swearing off missile weapons is hardly a sacrifice with my terrible aim."

To Bressel I say, "If you wish to sell the axe and keep the sword, feel free. I will only want the sword back if you decide not to use it. I would sell it or give it to another who can make use of it. It killed its eighteenth monster tonight. I put that demon right through a rail. I think the sword's first kill is the one I will remember most fondly. The first was also a fish demon. Anyway, I hope this sword serves you as well as it did me."

I follow Alin. I can't wait to see her. To see them! As we enter, lower the basket and grab the rope.

((Not sure if that's a success, but I doubt I failed by 5 so I'm sure Baldy didn't fall.))

But my anticipation makes me careless, or perhaps fatigue makes me weak. I hold my position. How high up am I? I need to slow down.

C'mon Baldy... you're stronger than that.

I make sure my grip is right before hooking a basket around my arm. I do the same with the other baskets, the slowly lower myself.

As Alin leads me in, I call out softly, "Burnbright? Branwen? Who wants breakfast?"

It won't be as hot as it was when I left the Spear, but even lukewarm bread and meat will taste good for a girl who was forced to camp here. As soon as I see Burnbright, I'll slide my ring on her... unless she's actually warm enough. I don't want her body to get used to the false warmth of the ring.

 

[Steerpike]

The Cave

When Aliron calls into the cave to announce the group's arrival, there is a shuffling of feet from within and Masama's voice calls out "Aliron, is that you?" Warm air emanates from the mouth of the cave, and the smell of a fire mixes with salt from the ocean. Smoke from the fire flows out of the mouth of the cave, but is immediately dispersed by wind blowing up from the ocean, and so you saw no sign of the fire as you approached.

When the three of you enter, Masama is positioned just in front of the children, his posture tense. He relaxes when he sees who it is.

"Welcome back, friends," the black man says with a wide grin.

Burnbright brushes past Masama and throws herself onto Baldhart, the large woman having to steady herself to stop from upending the food baskets. "Baldhart! I'm so glad you're back. We were all worried, but I knew you were all strong! Did the gnolls attack? Was there a big battle?"

When Burnbright steps back, you can see that her lip is split and swollen, but she seems oblivious to it, peppering you with questions about the attack on Arendal.

Branwen scurries toward the group from a corner on the other side of the fire. Some small animal, perhaps a bird, lays dead near that corner. The small harpy runs up to Aliron and thrusts her hand forward. In it is a crude doll formed of bent and twisted twigs tied with twine. Small strips of cloth have been used to fashion a tunic and a pair of wings for the figure. "Bwannen!" the harpy says, as she displays the toy to Aliron.

Unlike on other occasions, Branwen herself is also in a tunic. The cave is not overly warm, but the fire has kept away the worst of the cold.

Burnbright's chatter stops when her eyes finally come to rest on the baskets. "Breakfast! I'm so hungry. Branwen ate a bird, so maybe she's full, but I haven't eaten yet this morning. Tell me you brought real food!"

Masama scans the three of you. "What of the others?"

Arendal

Within Arendal, things are starting to get back to normal - or as much as they can. Most of the crowd has departed the Spear, and Aga is busy cleaning up, practically dead on her feet and looking forward to a rest. Gisla remains in her room, recovering, and no one bothers Liadan.

Aldar wanders through town looking for evidence of a bookstore or library, but Arendal is a small village and books are a rare luxury. His experience in the north tells him that if there is a library, or what passes for one in the village, it will be in the Temple of Tyr.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I reply, "Thank you for keeping the girls safe, Masama!" Then after almost spilling our food, I say to Burnbright, "I missed you, sweetie! I'm glad you were warm, and I hope the food is still warm. Let's eat while we talk."

I lay out the food, making sure everyone is served before I serve myself. I make sure to give Branwen attention, asking her, "Are you still hungry, Branwen? What a lovely doll!"

I tell Burnbright how I was attacked by fish demons by the dock. Batos was nearly killed as he took out a creature controlling a big monster. I lost my sword, but was able to save Batos. But the fish demons went after the children. Alin, Bressel and Nissa rushed to the children's rescue. I followed after Batos was safe, but without my sword. In the end, two elders dies rescuing the children. Gisla was hurt, but she's fine now. I tell Burnbright of my decision to become a nun. "Like Masama, only 'monk' sounds too manly."

I break some bread before getting to the gnoll. "...as for the gnolls, they actually helped us fight. I wanted to kill them, but I would have endangered Arendal had I attacked. Instead, Nissa said you had gone south. The lie keeps us safe for now."

I take a bite of the meat. The food feels so good! So will sleep, but I must know...

I turn to Masama. "I was trained to fight unarmed as monks do, so I will no longer rely on steel. I do have something interesting to show you." I remove my necklace. "I didn't train in a monastery or a convent or a temple or... I mean, I trained with a monk friend and learned a bit from her master, but I didn't know many monks. Still, the necklace looks like something Master Rubi wore. Do you have any idea what this is for? It's supposed to offer protection, but from what?"

 

[SomethingToPonder]

After spending some time looking around the town which does not take long due to it's small size; I decide that it is of no use and decide to head back to the spear, However as I turn around and start to head back an idea hits me, perhaps the books would be confined to the temple of Tyr, Small villages usually tend to store books in places of "authority" to avoid building other structures.

I approach the temple hurriedly, Though as I approach I get an uneasy feeling, I cant tell why, however something feels off. Maybe it was the trouble recently.
I enter the temple and pause for a moment upon entering, trying to listen for any type of noise that may give away somebody's presence. after hearing nothing for a second or two I step into the shadows quietly to listen for another moment or two.
Always better safe than sorry Aldar I think to myself.
While in the shadows I look around the room for anything out of the ordinary, the books and any people that may be inside that I have not noticed.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I stretch my stiff limbs and look around with a sigh. I should head back to the Spear... I didn't mean to stay out too long, I only wanted some fresh air. I hope Aga doesn't still need help. Even if she doesn't, Liadan may be awake and wondering where I am. I should probably try to get some rest while I can, too.

"Are you two still alright on your own?" I ask, looking down at Keit.

 

[Steerpike]

The Cave

Burnbright is duly entertained by tales of battle. When Baldhart gets to the part about being a nun, her eyes wide. "You're putting away your sword?" She looks over at Masama, who is studying Baldhart carefully, then says. "Masama has been teaching me to fight a little bit." Her hand drifts to her swollen lip and she winces. "He got a good shot in on me, but right afterward I kicked him in the stones!" Burnbright's face widens in a grin.

Masama shakes his head. "A foolish tactic. I am too big for you to close with me like that. Had I been a true enemy, you would be dead and there would have been no chance to kick me in the..." he winces and rubs gingerly at his groin "stones."

"I know," Burnbright says. "You told me. Five times." She shrugs. "Besides, I still want to be a Spear Maiden. Masama said I should know how to defend myself in case I get disarmed, but Spear Maidens don't get disarmed easy!"

When Baldhart gives the necklace to Masama, he fingers it gingerly. "Protection? Such things are known to my people. It is said the spirit of Asra imbues them, lending special protection to her followers. If you do not mind, I will meditate on it a few moments. Perhaps I can learn something of it, I do not know." If Baldhart gives permission, Masama moves to the far end of the fire and sits, legs folded beneath him, with the necklace in his hands. He closes his eyes.

The food is a hit with the girls, even Branwen, who has apparently already eaten. She eyes the cooked rabbit dubiously but consents to take small bites of the meat and chew the pieces slowly while flying her little doll around in front of herself with her free hand.

Arendal

In the Temple of Tyr, a priest in a plain gray robe with a symbol of tear embroidered over his heart emerges from the back moments after Aldar enters. He narrows his eyes at Aldar and asks "Can I help you with something?"

((The next part assumes Cadell returns to the Spear. Feel free to catch up any interactions with Keit))

Aga is slumped over the bar of the empty common room when Cadell returns. The room has been cleaned and returned to order. When Cadell enters, the young girl jerks upright, then relaxes. "Oh, Cadell. I...I was just resting my eyes for a minute."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I laugh at Burnbright's technique, and ruffle her hair to show my approval. Poor Masama.

Of course I'll accept his offer! "I don't mind at all," I reply. "I appreciate all you're doing for us. You'll have to show me how to meditate… I only learned unarmed combat techniques from the monks so I could spar effectively with Hanako. Anything else she learned about the ways of monks was before I befriended her." I let him meditate in peace and enjoy some time with the girls.

I tell Branwen, "Nissa will have to teach you how to make your wings work." Three more hours. Burnbright will want to see her, too.

To Burnbright, I say, "I was forced to abandon my sword. It can't hurt for you to know how to fight without a weapon. My past training helped me on this night. Combining the ways of my people with the ways of the monks, I am stronger than I had ever been with a sword. I have no interest in wielding another weapon. I am a weapon."

I settle down to a good place to sleep.

"Well… a weapon that needs to rest after use. How about you, Burnbright? Are you well rested?" I spread out my cloak to use as a blanket. If either of the girls need rest, they may lie next to me if they want. I trust bread, cheese and conversation will keep me awake while Masama does his thing.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
"It is a great doll." he tells Branwen when she shows him her toy. "You look nice all dressed up too." He rubs her hair.
Aliron's mouth drops open when Branwen speaks her first word.
"You can say your name? Good girl." Aliron looks at Masama and then to Burnbright.
Taking a bite of food, Aliron walks towards the back of the cave, judging which is the best place for him.
Aliron carefully places his bow and arrows against the cave wall. Removes his scabard and leans it next to the bow.
"It has been a long night, we protected the town, now we need you to protect us while we sleep." Aliron sighs and slumps down
on the ground.
"The dogmen left, but I am not sure they will not return or try to follow us. Personally, I would still like to plant an arrow in the leader and his men. Maybe another day."

Aliron goes out and brings the grapling hook and rope in, so as not to attract attention.

Aliron chuckles when Burnbright mentions "stones". "Never write off any attack out of fairplay. The victor is always more fair then the dead. The dead can not tell the truth of the fight. Also Once the fight begins, never let up, the fight is never over until its done. Many a time the beaten down man has killed the triumphant as they took their bows to the onlookers."
"First rule of a fight, expect to get cut. But the most important rule is, make sure the metal sinks deep in your opponent, not you."
Aliron wraps himself in a cloak, pulling up his hood and stares at the fire. (Making it difficult for others to know if he is asleep or not.)

Bressel:
Begins eating also, he takes up a position on the entrance side of the fire, his axe on one side, the sword on the other.

"There is honor in fighting, but better to ask forgiveness while alive then regret with one's final breath."
Bressel wraps himself up and closes his eyes.
"Wake us, if there is trouble."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Alin wants to put an arrow in the gnoll leader's heart. Fine by me.

"You're not alone, Alin. I could've killed him with my bare hands. I had the opportunity, but... the result would have been innocent deaths in Arendal. I imagine that's the only reason you spared Ghendra. Just so we're clear, if you ever break a truce with a mass-murdering child-killer, I'll back you up. It may be best to see where the group stands before either of us takes such an action.

"People question the honor of deception, but when innocent lives are at stake 'honor' may get good people killed. In this battle, I was honorable only because dishonor would have got good people killed. Innocent lives trump honor.

"...and saving innocent lives trumps avenging innocent deaths. Too bad we were unable to accomplish both."