Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa, Earlier (Replying to Aliron)

Alin speaks after I dress myself.

I reply, "I think we're well into the afternoon. When Baldy wakes up, please let her know I'm shopping with her money. Oh, and I do love the scimitar! Did you see me, Alin? I can carry it with both hands now that I don't need a torch." I fly up and swing the sword with ease--it is even lighter than Mother's sword was!

I leave the blade with Baldy and pause to stroke Burnbright's hair. "I'll let you and the big people work out whether she heads to town or stays here. If the child is happy, there's no harm in camping out until we're all ready to move. Baldy will see her fed."

I tease the oxhorn braid on Baldy's head. "She'll worry when she can't feel me. Please tell her I'm stronger than I've ever been. I believe my body has the potential to last the rest of Baldhart's life."

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos

I stay by Keitsumah for a while, eying the few people in the inn with just as much trepidation as they do me. However, I am careful not to make any sudden movements and -though it is humiliating- try to portray myself as nothing more than a large dog. After helping the others clean up, or do whatever odd job that needs to be finished, Keitsumah heads upstairs to her room. Her hand brushes my head as she passes by, and I lick her wrist, the move off on my own. There are some people I would like to see, and interact with even if I am a wolf. It might help later on.

I wander about the village for a few hours, meandering about while the others rest. I keep an eye out for anything strange, but nothing happens, and so I decide to look for Baldart. The little woman.... Was it Nissa? I think I might be able to learn some things from her. But if she does realize what I am, it may do no good. I don't know how to return to the form I once had... I shake my head and start off outside the village, sniffing for any trails so I might find the Barbarian.

 

[Steerpike]

Arendal (Earlier)

The priest of Tyr leaves Aldar to examine the book of the Great War and listens to Nissa with interest. He nods at her account of the murder of Father Geralt. "I understand your position, and I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt. Father Geralt was a friend of mine, however, as he was of many here. You will understand if emotions run high. We will lay him to rest tomorrow, and it might be best if you and your companions did not attend that ceremony."

He motions to the door. "As for Fiona and Rionach..." The priest opens the temple door and steps outside into the cold air, motioning for Nissa to follow. He points north, to a small house just at the edge of the woods. There is no one outside it, and in fact the village streets are virtually empty. "The girls live there. I do not believe you mean them harm, and I see no reason to insist on accompanying you."

Arendal (later)

As Mauve is returning to the village, unseen from her vantage point along the cliffs near the wood's edge, she sees Keitsumah and Batos briefly, between a couple of buildings. They look to be heading for the Spear.

When Keitsumah and Batos enter the inn, Aga is serving the few guests who sit at the thick tables inside. There is no sign of Gisla. A fire is crackling, and the wood smoke mixes with the enticing smell of foods. People inside cast glances at Batos, some of them dark and some only curious, and there is some hushed discussion of the pair as they disappear upstairs. Although the villagers seem grateful, on the whole, there is still some novelty to the group and this is a source of much gossip and discussion among folks.

Cave

Branwen watches Aliron as he makes his preparations. She has her makeshift doll held close all the while. When Aliron mentions to her that she will fly soon, she gives him a grin and shakes her wings experimentally. It seems she is beginning to understand that language of others, though apart from her attempts at her own name she hasn't said much.

((Cadell and Liadan may be awake by early evening; Ireth, you can decide whether you want them to be up and about or remain in their room)).

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Thank you, Father. And let me add that I truly am sorry about the loss of your friend. I trust one of my Sisters saw Father Geralt to Tyr's heavenly domain. I understand if that brings little consolation."

I walk out of the temple… but outdoors, I fly! At least until I get to the house. When I get to the door, I land, and I knock. I try to fold my wings behind my back—not to hide what I am, but to prevent the panic likely to ensue if I'm in flight when the door swings open.

My voice is pretty. Maybe a youthful, female voice means mom answers instead of dad. Or do the girls answer? I wasn't much older than Rionach when I was struck down.

I knock, then let my words mentally prepare the family. "Fiona, Rionach… it is I, Nissa van Donk."

 

[Nihal]

Forest Edge

There isn't much I can do under the daylight. In the cover of the forest I sit and wait for darker shadows.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I keep reading through the book looking for anything that may be of some type of use to me.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart
I sit by Burnbright and sort out my berries and the woad plant. I can't just walk off without her. The cave is a safe-house, not a prison.

I ask Burnbright, "How would you like to mix some woad paint with me? We are Sisters in faith, so let people assume we are sisters. No one will mess with my sister!" I don't want to pressure her to go, so I add, "If you would rather camp here, I will not be long. I mean to bring food back this way whether you join me or not."


Nissa
I eagerly stand by the door, working out my shopping trip in my head. I can't shop if everyone's taking the day off, but I'll bet the girls can help me find the leather-worker and a tailor. The tailor is a woman, I hope.

 

[Steerpike]

((We can split the time into "earlier" and "later" to speed things along a bit if you like. Just for the time remaining in Arendal, unless the timelines merge sooner than that. That way, people don't have to wait while those characters active earlier in the day are getting things done)).

Earlier (Arendal)

Nissa knocks at the door and calls out to those inside. Immediately, there is the sound of feet hitting the floor and a latch being thrown, and then...nothing except shuffling on the other side of the door and lowered voices. When the door finally opens, a barrel-chested man with a thick beard and not a hair atop his head stands in the doorway, one arm back to his side holding a squirming Fiona at bay.

"Papa..." the girl hisses, "you're embarrassing me!" Indeed, her cheeks have gone quite red.

Inside the home, a woman in a thick wool dress and dirty apron is half visible within a doorway, a wide-eyed Rionach standing next to her.

The bearded man looks at Nissa a moment, blinks, and then releases his grip on Fiona. "Sorry 'bout that...er...Miss. Can't have the young'uns just runnin' off opening the door every time they hear a knock. No tellin' what all's wandering the woods these days, no matter what it sounds like when its callin' you."

As he moves back a step to give Fiona room, Nissa sees a long knife at his side, the blade shoved through his belt.

Later (the cave)

Burnbright lights up at the invitation to mix woad paint, as she always seems to do when invited to take part in important activity. By this time, Masama is also stirring, having moved himself to the mouth of the cave to get a view of the sun slipping toward the horizon. "And so Asra prepares for another of her night's journeys," he says. He looks back over his shoulder at Burnbright. "Remember what I told you?"

Burnbright nods somewhat distractedly, engrossed in getting her things ready so she can help Baldhart. Masama just grins and turns back to the mouth of the cave.

Branwen has tired of her doll and it hangs limply in her hand, her arm at her side. When she sees Burnbright getting her things ready, she makes a biting motion with her mouth and asks "Eat?" She points a finger at her own mouth in case her meaning has been missed.

((Everyone else, whether during the day or at night, feel free to post. SomethingToPonder - PM me about the sort of info you are looking for in the book, and I'll send you a PM back)).

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

"Forgive me, sir. I did not wish to startle anyone. My name is Nissa van Donk. The reason I am here is simply that I was commending your daughter for her bravery after the battle but was forced to cut our conversation short." As he steps aside I give Fiona a smile and tell her, "There is nothing to be embarrassed about. My father was very protective of me as well."

And when he couldn't protect me… this is not the best time to tell that story.

"Anyway, maybe I'm the one who should feel a little embarrassed. You see… there is a woman in the area. She's a nun—the only nun devoted to Brynhild, though she likely doesn't fit your image of a nun. I'm preparing her to earn the wings. Anyway, when she saw I could appear before her, she bought me this dress." I twirl. Why not? "It's a dress for a baby. I'm half halfling, so the size is fine, but…"

Enough babbling.

"…is there a tailor? Preferably a woman, but it is best I see a tailor here in Arendal since everyone knows of me. I would also like to see the leather-worker. Fiona—" I turn to her father. "—sir, with your permission, I would like your daughters to guide me. True, I could ask Gisla, but she is still recovering from her wounds—which, thank Brynhild, I was able to patch up! I have no medical training. And if you don't object, perhaps your daughters would like to be treated to a tailor-made dress. The nun will pay. Oh, and of course, if you and your wife wish to accompany us, that would be fine."




Baldhart

I watch Burnbright gather her things. To Branwen, I say, "Yes, Branwen. I will bring you some more food when I return." To Burnbright, I say, "Shopping, food, a bath… whatever you would like to do in town, let me know."

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron climbs up the cliff and moves quickly and quietly to cover to look around for anyone in the area, or for a potential meal nearby.
Slipping the bow of his shoulder he places an arrow, either for foe or food, he was ready. (Not fo-food. Yuch)

Bressel sharpens his blade and cleans and oils his armor.

 

[Steerpike]

Nissa

The large man stares at Nissa as she tells her story, saying nothing. The woman next to Rionach recovers first and steps forward. "Olaf...we have a guest."

The man blinks again, then mentally snaps to himself. "Er...sorry...uh...Miss van Donk. We've had quite a day or two and we don't get many guests 'round here. Leastways not those what don't come from Arendal."

He turns to Fiona. "I didn't hear nothing about no bravery." Then his gaze flicks to Rionach. "Nothin' from you, neither. Mind tellin' your old Da what you two girls got up to after the attack?"

Olaf grins ruefully and turns back to Nissa. "This one's got fire in her." He jabs a thumb back toward Fiona. "Maybe a bit too much, if you catch my meaning."

Flushing again, Fiona grabs her father by the arm. "We didn't do anything stupid, Da. Honestly."

"Except meet up with that big ol' gnoll," Rionach says helpfully.

Fiona throws Rionach a cautionary look and continues. "They came up on us when we were coming back to town. Looking for someone - another girl, but not one from here. I just didn't let them scare me, that's all."

Olaf gets ready to say something else, when the woman in the apron interrupts. "Olaf! Invite the poor girl inside, will you?"

Olaf rubs at his beard and nods, backing out of the doorway. "Sorry, er...miss. Come on in."

The mother wipes her hands on her apron and offers one to Nissa. "Nice to meet you Miss van Donk. We were just sitting down to eat, if you want to join us. As for a tailor...well, I don't think you'll find any trade in Arendal for a day or two. Everyone's going to be busy trying to repair the damage to the village. But if you want some work done, I'll take you over to Elli's place. She does all our work for us. Well, her or Dalla - that's her girl. Between the two of them, they'll make you just about anything you want."

Baldhart

Branwen seems satisfied by the promise of food and settles onto her haunches, humming an entrancing tune and seemingly lost in thought. Burnbright, on the other hand, is the opposite of settled. "Town! Yes! I can't wait to get out of this cave! Can I really have a bath? And after, can you show me where the fish demons attacked? And the gnolls? I can't believe there was a great big battle and I didn't see any of it!"

Aliron

The area around the cave remains calm and peaceful, with no enemies in sight. Aliron does spot small game animals, including grouse and rabbit. With some well-placed shots he can easily take a few of these. There is no larger game to be found, though there is sign of deer in the snow, leading away to the northwest. Based on the sign, Aliron figures there are four of five deer in the group, and the signs look to be only an hour or so old.

((As for the evening folks, feel free to post if you want to. Nihal, if you want to post what Mauve does when the sun goes down we can move that timeline forward. Same for Ireth's characters. That way you have something to do while the day business is taken care of. We can merge the timelines after)).

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

"Oh, you are so kind!" I accept the invitation, and the handshake. "Nissa will do. I don't want impose, but honestly, I don't eat much. I might be able to eat a quarter of what you would serve Fiona." I see that father is concerned. "The bravery I speak of is as Fiona says. The gnoll leader wished to examine her. Had she panicked, the gnolls may have flinched in a way that would seem aggressive. Your daughters' calmness drove away an unwanted guest, and they left peacefully."

I fly to Fiona and give her and Rionach each a hug.

"I would've done that before, but I was covered with blood." And naked, but I'll leave that part out. I breathe deeply. "I haven't had a home cooked meal in so long!" 789 years. "And I would love to meet Elli and Dalla." Dalla may not love her meeting with me.




Baldhart

I leave Masama the healing ring—if that's what it is—and tell him, "I'll see you are well fed. Thanks again for staying with Branwen, and for keeping both of the girls safe."

I take Burnbright to town. I show her what's left of the dock. "I was taking a bath there, and they came. I almost had to fight in the nude. Thanks to the monster that nearly collapsed the dock, I was forced to fight unarmed. I'm glad. When Nissa told me she knocked out an enemy with a kick, I would have felt like a wimp had I bemoaned the loss of my sword." I lead her to the Spear next, saying, "If you want the bath first, I'll order some food and check on Gisla while you bathe."

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I continue to scan the book with excitement, surely there must be something in here!

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I wake feeling refreshed around mid-afternoon. Cadell sleeps quietly beside me. I slip out of bed, careful not to disturb him, and see my bow and quiver lying next to the bed. The sight of them reminds me of my new devotion to Fraxinus. I think I should go out hunting for a deer. It isn't the right time for a sacrifice, but I can still make use of the meat.

I leave a note for Cadell to let him know where I am, then take up my weapons and head out to the woods.

Cadell

I wake just as afternoon starts to blend into evening. Liadan is gone, but I soon see the note she left on her pillow. I decide to clean and oil my armor and gauntlet while I wait for her to come back. If I have time afterward, I'll practice sewing as well.

 

[Steerpike]

Nissa

The father looks hard at Fiona for a moment, as Nissa relates the encounter with the gnolls. Then he shrugs and turns back to Nissa. "She's got the blood 'o northmen in her, and no mistake." His face twists in an over-exaggerated grimace and he tousles Fiona's hair. "The gods help me when it's time to marry this one off."

Fiona frowns at the marriage comment, but her arm wraps around her father's girth is as much of a hug as she can manage with the big man.

"Fiona doesn't want to get married," says Rionach. "Not ever."

Fiona twists around to answer this pronouncement, but before she can say anything, the mother interrupts. "Hush now, both of you. We're not getting into that again, and especially not in front of company." The girls fall dutifully silent.

The mother says to Nissa "I'm sorry you can't stay to eat with us. The whole village appreciates what you and your friends did. But I understand. If you want to find Elli and Dalla...." she proceeds to give Nissa directions to the small home the two women share. It is only a short ways to the west and a bit closer to the edge of the woods.

"Oooh, I can show them where!" Fiona pipes up, excited.

"Well," says mom, her gaze drifting up to the father. The large man shrugs again, a seemingly common gesture with him. "I don't mind, long as you stay with Nissa here. And if Miss Nissa will promise to see you home again when she's done there. I don't figure runnin' around by yourself is a good idea right now, even if you did stare down some gnolls."

Fiona grins and turns expectantly to Nissa.

Baldhart

Masama nods as Baldhart thanks him. "Asra sets her purpose across the world, in all things that walk, fly or swim. Even in the acts of nature. It was her purpose that set me on my path long ago, and that ultimately led me to you...and to these girls. I accept your thanks gladly, but thanks also to Asra. Without her vision I would not be here to help." Masama shows Baldhart his broad teeth as he grins amicably.

As Baldhart and Burnbright get to the village, it is getting to be later in the afternoon. Burnbright is near to bursting with excitement as Baldhart points out the locations where the battle took place. She mimes fighting and defending herself in accordance with the details of Baldhart's story.

"Baldhart...I was...well, what I mean is..." she blushes furiously. "Were you scared? I was, back when we were in the tunnels. And in Srilkind too. In the stories, Veborg is never scared, and I tried not to be. The battles in those old stories are always so glorious, even if the good guys fall. The fight in the tunnels and in Srilkind, and killing Father..." her voice catches for a moment, and she pushes on. "Well, it was a lot uglier than what they tell in stories. But now, hearing you talk, the fight here was like one of those stories. It must have been amazing. And I missed it!"

"Masama was going to teach me how not to be scared. Well, not exactly how not to be. He said you can still be scared, but what you can do is build some kind of wall around it. Like it's still there, only it doesn't affect and you doesn't stop you doing your duty. Does that make any kind of sense? I wonder if that's what Veborg did. Or maybe she was never even scared to start with."

The girl's conversation, and it's characteristic non-sequiturs, drop off until there is a mention of bathing. "Ohm please! A warm bath, and some food, and seeing how Gisla is. Let's do that!"

Liadan

Heading out into the woods, Liadan notices the relative peace that has settled around the village. With all the turmoil of recent events, it is like nature itself has forced a reprieve. Whether Arendal will has a lengthy period of quiet, or whether this is the calm before another storm is unknown.

In looking for deer, she first comes across smaller game - rabbits and birds making the best of what is left of daylight. There is sign of deer, but all of it is old...until her keen eyes finally spot fresh tracks disappearing into the woods to the north.

Cadell

Cadell is left in peace in the room. No one disturbs him as he falls into the rhythm of cleaning and oiling his armor. The faint sound of voices drift up from below - apparently the common room of the Spear is back in business.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

As I move through the woods, I look in disappointment at the old deer-tracks in the snow. When new ones blend with them, heading northward, I smile and follow. When I finally spy a deer, I move around so the wind won't bring my scent to it. Nocking an arrow, I inhale and aim, exhale and loose.

I smile as my arrow bites deep into the deer's flesh, and spring forward to complete the kill with my dagger.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

"Oh, I'm afraid you misunderstood me, ma'am. I did not intend to refuse your hospitality. I simply wanted to inform you I don't eat much. I don't know if you've ever dined with a halfling before, but I'm actually half human, which is why I have this… shape."

Which I'm proud of, even if being frail cut my life short. But then, that's how I got my wings…

"My point being that I eat less than the average halfling." I know Fiona can't wait to get out of here, but I tell her, "Fiona, let's have dinner first. After that, I would be honored if you show me the way to Elli's." To her mother, I add, "And of course I will bring her back home."

I think Fiona would be interested in Brynhild, but I'd rather not start a family feud. Still, I didn't need men in town to point out this 'fire.' I saw it myself…

"This may seem odd, but… well, you know what I am. Still, you might be surprised to know that this is my first time sitting down for a meal in eight centuries. My father taught me to pray before I eat. He followed Freya, as my mom did, but of course it is Brynhild who receives my prayers." I spread my wings. "She did give me these, after all. But if you wish to add to the prayer, feel free to pray to Brynhild, Tyr, Gefjon, Freya or the deity of your choosing."

When food arrives, I pray:

"Thank you, Brynhild; for the battle went well and no harm came to this beautiful family. Please watch over the girls, Fiona and Rionach, whose bravery in the face of a murderous beast may have prevented an unnecessary battle. I also pray for the souls of the two elders who I failed to save when sacrificed themselves for the children in the cave; may my Sisters guide them to their god. And thank you for this gift you have given me, that I may enjoy this peaceful moment with two brave young ladies of Arendal and the parents who raise them."




Baldhart

"I was worried that Batos would die, and I feared I would be useless without my weapon. But when I prayed to Brynhild for strength, I felt her touch. Nissa was not with me at the time, so she could not explain the feeling. But I know what I felt. It was at that moment I knew my nun friend—I think I've mentioned Hanako's name to you before—I knew her way was the path for me as well.

"I killed one with my sword last night, but seven died by my bare hands. As for Ghendra, he was weak and pathetic. If not for what he had done, I'd have laughed at his ineptitude in battle. Despite his presence, the battle was a joy. I was saving innocent lives and serving my Goddess. Only when I saw Gisla nearly died, did I feel fear again.

"But the important thing to remember is this: fear never controlled me. I never faltered, even when I lost my weapon or saw allies in danger. I simply did what I must to keep everyone alive, and I trusted in my allies to do the same. But it was my faith in Brynhild that kept me strong."

I take Burnbright to Aga, and say, "Remember her? She is in need of a bath, and I think we'll have dinner for two here. I'll also get dinner for another two afterward. In the meantime, do you think Gisla would mind if I visit her?"

 

[Ireth]

((Er, disregard the dagger comment in my post. Pretty sure Bressel still has Liadan's dagger. ^^; Oops.))

 

[Nihal]

I stretch and slap my arms and legs to life before getting up. I might need another day before my body stops aching and protesting at every bold movement. That's a pathetic form indeed.

I stalk towards the town, looking for the same path, the same shadows I've used the night before. One can be sure that at least one of those sluggards will be in that tavern, idling and feasting on warm food, rolling on warm blankets or submerging in warm waters. And here I am, sneaking to the back of that building once again.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I continue to read through the book however I find nothing of much interest, All the information in the book seems to be fairly well known and common knowledge. I feel a sense of dissapointment rush over me, For some reason I was sure that there was going to be something in there, something new.

Just as I flip the book closed I notice something on the back page. The text was different from the main writing. The initial surge of excitement is overwhelming, I have to take a moment to take a few deep breaths and control my excitement before I re-open the back page of the book, wishing, hoping what I saw was not merely a trick of the eye.

As I open the book A massive grin rolls accross my face as I see some kind of ancient text scrawled on the back page, It looks sort of like some kind of spell however I cant make out the exact meaning of it, it appears I will have to spend some time trying to decipher it. I am a fairly adept scholar and I think I can just make out the pattern that whoever wrote this has tried to code it in with.

((Success I think, Sp Will you send me a PM with what the text contains or something along the lines, thanks))