Dragon's Egg - Act III

[SeverinR]

Aliron continues in stealth mode, but primarily to hunt rather then hide from people.

He will follow the path of the deer, if he can get a deer he will have Baldhart take the extra meat to town.
If not they will feast on smaller game tonight.

The hunt will be a nice change of pace from the stress that life has taken them through recently. Sometimes nature was tougher to fool then humankind, but the meal will be all the more enjoyable with a little challenge.

(Aliron will still watch for people, but will be hunting. His goal is enough food to feed the people in the cave tonight and maybe in the morning. So thats when he'll stop. Or if he gets a deer, he'll send the rest in to town in the morning.)

 

[Steerpike]

Liadan

Dagger or not, Liadan is able to finish the wounded deer. The animal was not alone, and the sound of its fellow deer bounding through the trees fills the air as soon as Liadan's arrow strikes home. In moments, the forest is peaceful again, though the scent of warm animal blood is on the air.

Aliron

The path of the deer winds through the trees, though Aliron is able to follow it without much difficultly. After a few minutes of picking out deer sign and moving stealthily through the woods, Aliron notes the faint trace of another elf following the tracks. The sign is so faint, he would doubtless have missed it were he not an elf himself. A few minutes more of following and there is a sudden commotion well ahead, as of a number of animals bolting through the trees at once.

Nissa

The parents of Fiona and Rionach seem pleased to have company, and the mother bustles around clearing a space for Nissa to sit. The table is small and cramped, and the two girls take up their chairs, both trying to seat themselves next to Nissa (even Rionach, who slowly seems to be losing some of her reserved nature). A word from the father has the girls glumly setting their chairs in the customary positions.

The family is quiet while Nissa says her prayers, and both the mother and father nod respectfully when Nissa finishes. The father throws out a few words for Tyr, and also thanks to Gefjon for the bounty of the table. The mother brings a thick stew and warm bread to the table. The stew is mostly vegetable, but there are chunks of meat - rabbit by the look of it. She spoons out the largest shares of meat to the father and Nissa, and then lesser shares to the two girls, taking only vegetables and broth for herself.

The meal passes amicably, with the two girls lapsing into stories of the terrors of the caves, and then the forest. The story isn't all grim, despite the serious nature of the topic. Rionach points out that Fiona was about as quiet as a grizzly bear tromping through the woods, but Fiona trumps her by recounting the story of Rionach looking over her shoulder back toward Arendal as they ran toward the woods, and then promptly stumbling into a bush and landing on her backside. There is giggling on both sides, and the parents seem, on the whole, willing to indulge the two children.

When the meal ends, Fiona grabs a brown woolen cape from a peg on the wall and drapes it around her shoulders. "Let's go, Nissa. Before it gets dark."

She looks at her mother, who nods. "You go on, Fiona. Rionach can help me clean up."

This elicits a groan from Rionach, who expounds on the unfairness of the situation even as Nissa and Fiona head outside.

Only a moment's walk, bringing the two closer to the tree line. A house much of the same size and design as Fiona's rests at the farthest edge of the town. A girl of around nineteen is just outside the house, beating a thick rug against the side of a tree. Fiona calls out to her.

"Dalla! Is your ma in? We've some work for her."

Dalla turns and opens her mouth to speak, then takes in Nissa and lapses into a momentary silence. Then: "Um...she's just clearing up dinner. Hang on."

Dalla heads into the small house calling for her "Ma" in a voice unnecessarily loud for such a small dwelling.

Baldhart

Burnbright excitedly takes in the rest of the story of the battle. When Baldhart speaks of fear, she sobers a bit, thinking. " I guess that's probably how it was with Veborg," she admits. "Father Harald..." her voice catches for a moment and a look of pain passes across her eyes, "well, he used to say it was only the crazy ones that weren't scared in battle."

Inside the Spear, Aga is tending to the few patrons who have come in now that the place is re-opened for business. When she sees Baldhart and Burnbright, she bustles over. "A bath? I think we can arrange that. She can use the one in Gisla's room." She smiles at Burnbright, then turns back to Baldhart. "Gisla's already awake. She's insisting on coming down here to help me, though I told her I don't need it. Dinner will be ready in about five minutes - just need to get the bread out of the oven. You two go on to Gisla's room. I'll have a plate ready for each of you when you come back."

Mauve

Getting to the village unseen is no problem, as there still isn't much activity. People seem largely content to remain within their homes for the time being. Moving behind the spear, Mauve can feel warmth emanating from the walls of the building and smell fresh bread on the air. There are a few voices from within, though it is not a raucous sound and it doesn't sound like the inn is full to capacity. One voice Mauve picks out immediately is Baldhart's, though it is not clear what she is saying.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

As I study the text it becomes apparent due to the old dialect it will take me at least a day to work out the details of exactly what it says , however after half an hour of study or so I manage to get the gist of what it says; Apparently, back before the Great War there was a sort of dragon cult - people who revered the dragons and in some cases worshiped them. The spell hand-written into the book purports to temporarily transforms the skin of the caster "as into the hyde of the great wyrm." Apparently, priests of the dragon cult would cast this on themselves in battle, providing greater protection against blades and other attacks.

Yes, Yes As I read the passages that I can make out I cant help but feeling drawn to the power of the great mythical beasts, This skill combined with the ability to speak the language of the beasts would no doubt feed my hunger that grows daily to learn these skills. I remain where I am studying intently to find out the details of the spell completely

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I smile and shift the stag's carcass to let the blood drain from it, then hoist it onto my shoulders and start back toward the village. Maybe someone in the Spear will lend me a knife so I can skin, gut and butcher my kill. I don't intend to let any of this go to waste. Even the antlers could make a weapon or two for someone. It's a shame we aren't staying longer, or I could tan the hide myself. I'll let someone with a more permanent residence here handle that task, if they wish.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

As Dalla goes for her mother, I shudder at the thought of her and Tommen. I tell Fiona, "I can appreciate a girl not wanting to marry. Some girls grow out of that phase. I didn't." I smile, but say no more.

I wait for 'ma' to answer the door.

"Greetings Elli, Dalla," I say to the ladies when they answer, "I have heard about your skills. Perhaps word has spread and you've heard of me? My name is Nissa van Donk." This would be a good time to ask if I can come in.

When they let me in, I thank them and go on, "You may have guessed it's not normal for valkyries to buy clothing. But... I don't have a choice. Fiona saw for herself that I could appear and disappear. Now I can't. So here I am, wings and all!" I smile at them. "I'm glad it's just us girls here because I can't wait to get out of this baby dress. Oh, ask Fiona here. I fought an entire battle in the nude. I'm not shy. I am cold, however."

I keep the dress on for now, until they're ready to work. But I need them to be mentally prepared.

"I need you to fit me for everything. I will stand naked while you wrap me in measuring tape. I need undergarments, tights, and you need to mind the wings. My dress must be backless. I was thinking of seeing the leather worker for boots, and also a backpack that would be cut in the back to conceal my wings. If you ladies have the means to do this, I'll gladly give you the business.

"Oh! And speaking of business, it so happens I am training Brynhild's only nun. Like me, she has trouble finding dresses in her size. You'll need more material for her. And there are three young ladies that could benefit from your services." I gesture to Fiona. "This one here and her sister will need to wait. The other is a girl who is about Fiona's age."



Baldhart

I thank Aga and head up to Gisla's room. I knock first and await her answer.

"Gisla, are you feeling well? You remember Burnbright, don't you? Aga said she could use your tub, and if you're up for company I can wait here with you." As long as Gisla's fine, I tell Burnbright, "If you see a pink ring around the tub, it's blood from my bath. The blood isn't mine." I don't mention that a large portion of the blood washed off me came from Gisla.

When Burnbright leaves, I tell Gisla, "We may need to stay a little longer, though it's probably best I keep quiet about her being the gnoll's target." I show Gisla a woad plant. "She likes painting herself. Since she told me of her interest in our faith, I've been calling her Sister. I suppose if we're both spotted with the blue and I call her that, people will just assume she's a mountain girl like me."

I play with the plant a bit, then I remember what I meant to ask.

"Can I borrow a mortal and pestle?"

 

[Nihal]

The wall is warm under my fingers. I press my palms and my forehead against it, relishing the sensation for a moment. Then her voice floats to me. It had to be her.

I ignore the door and climb to one of our windows—or any other unlocked window if ours aren't. This place is quieter than last night, one can almost feel something off in the air. I peek through the door and make sure no one is on the corridor before tiptoeing to the next room we occupied. If anyone else stayed in this town their belongings will be in their rooms. I need to know.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
Not to many elves in the area, but always careful he moves up to check on the commotion.
Shooting at fleeing animals is to uncertain to kill the target, but rather just wound them and have days of suffering, so Aliron just makes sure none are charging at him.

When he sees the elf and the kill, he steps into view, making noise so not to suprise the elf.

"Need a sharp blade?" Aliron asks.
"How are things in town? Is it safe? No one locked up or facing execution?"

With one finger on the arrow to keep it noched, he slips the dagger from its hiding place and holds it up in a non-threatening manner.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I smile as Aliron approaches, and nod at his question. "Yes, thank you. Everything's fine in town. No gnolls or fish-monsters, and no other threats."

I set down the deer and accept the knife, then roll up my sleeves and give my hands a quick wash in the snow before starting to take care of the deer. As I work, I look up at Aliron. "What have you been up to?"

 

[Nihal]

There is chatting upstairs too, and I recognize a voice. The barbarian doesn't seem to be talking to one of... yeah, she isn't.

I leave the door of the room ajar, a gap wide enough to see who goes on the corridor, and sit away in the darkness, with eyes wide open, waiting for her.

It won't work, I need something. What do I have in my backpack? I search in silence, glancing at the door occasionally, until I find a small candle. Now, that will do.

 

[SeverinR]

"I joined the outcast members. The youngest can say her name now." Aliron says quietly looking around the woods.
What of the criminal element of our group? They remain free?"

"Masama and Bressel are with the girls. They are warm and safe. I do not think we should stay much longer in the area. Either the enemy will come or the town will seek out the outcasts, criminals or different children."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I nod. "I've seen neither hide nor hair of the criminals, nor have I heard anything, so I can only assume they are safe."

Pausing in my work for a moment, I stretch out my limbs briefly before hunching back over the deer. "I agree that we should leave soon. I've rested enough for a while. As soon as I'm finished here, I'll let Cadell know. Do we have a plan for going forward?"

 

[Steerpike]

Aldar

The temple of Tyr remains relatively quiet as you study the text. There is little happening, though you overhear some discussion over what should be done over the death of Father Geralt. The consensus appears to be that word should be sent to Alfoss.

The priest you spoke with leaves you undisturbed, except to check at one point to see if you want water or a bite to eat. He glances curiously at the page you are studying, but does not linger.

Nissa

Elli steps outside to greet Nissa. She nods and says "I have heard somethin' about you, young miss. Nothin' stays secret long in this place. I appreciate what you done for our village, I surely do. All this what's happenin' has me nervous. Talk o' demon children, the slaughter up at Srilkind, the murder of Father Geralt. And now fish demons and gnolls and valkyries. It's the end o' times, and you can count on it." She chuckles to herself. "Though I guess if its the end o' times, you'd know about it, bein' a valkyrie and all."

She glances up at the sky. "Well, it's dark times in the north, at any rate. Times where those what want a life for themselves ought to head south to better lands."

Dalla puts a hand on her mother's shoulder. "Mama, I told you I'll go. And you too. As soon As Tommen gets back from his job..."

The old woman clucks. "Tommen. The boy ain't got a lick of sense, Dalla Eklund. I got enough saved up to put you on a boat out o' Alfoss. I mean to stay. Whoever heard o' a woman my age setting out on a boat to start over somewhere new?"

Dalla opens her mouth to say something, but then seems to remember her guests and clamps her mouth shut.

"It's OK, Dalla," Fiona offers. "I'm sure Tommen will come back like he says. Rionach practically swoons over the idea of the two of you heading out on a ship to start a new life."

Dalla offers the child a grateful smile, but before she can say anything more Elli prompts Nissa to continue what she was saying.

"Me and Dalla can make what you need," Elli says. "We'll need some materials, I don't doubt, but there ain't much I can't do with cloth and leather, and haven't done at one time or another."

Fiona looks briefly confused when Nissa mentions her and her sister. Then the light seems to come on. "Are you...you mean I get something too?"

Baldhart

Burnbright smiles wide when Gisla allows for use of the tub. "I'll bring the water up myself!" And with that announcement she bounds out the door to find Aga and a bucket.

Gisla chuckles. "Enthusiastic one, isn't she. What's with the black eye?" She groans a bit as she moves to where Baldhart stands, then curses. "Blast it all, anyway. I haven't been hit like that in a battle since I...well, since I lost this." She raises her stumped arm. "I must be getting too old for that sort of thing."

"I'm glad you've taken that girl under your wing, Baldhart. From what you've told me, I think she there may be a dark road ahead for her. I just hope there is light on the other side. Poor thing - she still seems so innocent sometimes, despite everything. And you can certainly borrow a mortar and pestle. There is a set in the cupboards above the table where we chop vegetables. Maybe Burnbright can....Burnbright!" Gisla hollers the girl's name with lungs that are strong despite her injuries.

There's a faint cry in return that might have been "What?!"

"Get the mortar and pestle!"

Gisla shrugs. "Not sure if she heard that."

Mauve

The room through which Mauve enters was Baldhart's. There is no one there now. Mauve opens the door a crack to watch the hallway. The room Cadell and Liadan used is not far away, but the door is closed and she can't tell if anyone is inside.

There is a squeal of delight that Mauve recognizes as coming from Burnbright, and a few seconds later the girl comes dashing down the corridor, feet pounding on the floor. She doesn't notice Mauve. Gisla's voice also calls out - something to do with a mortar and pestle. Burnbright doesn't even slow as she calls back in answer.

Aliron and Liadan

The woods around the elves remains peaceful, with neither their conversation nor field dressing of the deer interrupted. The sun is hidden behind the horizon, though there is still plenty of light. The temperature has fallen a few degrees and promises to fall further. There is no other sign of life except for a small Kite that lands on a nearby branch and cocks its head at the work of the elves.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

Shouting from the other rooms breaks my concentration on my work. I sigh and set my armor aside, figuring this is as good an opportunity as any for a break. I wait for Burnbright's running footsteps to pass by my door before I open it and look out.

((DEX check to notice Mauve if I'm allowed))

((EDIT: Should be WIS, not DEX, making that a fail. Which is disappointing -- I was really curious as to how their conversation would turn out. ))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

"End times? No. If that were the case, I assume you would see several valkyries… or at least a bigger one."

Ah, yes, Tommen. He deserved to die by a woman's hand. But now that his name's come up…

"Elli, I came to have clothing made, but… I just heard your daughter's name was Dalla moments ago. The nun I am with wished to speak to someone by the name of Dalla." I turn to Dalla. "You may want to sit down for this, and I hope my presence at least confirms there is life after death…

"This is about Tommen, Dalla. Tommen will not be returning. He died in battle.

"The nun, Baldhart, wished to tell you herself. She takes no pleasure in this task, but feels it is her duty as a servant of Brynhild. Letters from Tommen are with her. Now that you mentioned his name, there's no question you are the Dalla they are addressed to."

I won't say Baldy killed him. If she'll hear her, it may be best to hear the bad news now before the worse.

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Dalla, might I suggest you take a moment for yourself while I speak to your mother?"


((If Dalla goes to her room or Elli and Nissa talk outside or something that keeps Dalla out of earshot…))

Once the mother and I can speak in private, I tell Elli, "The nun wants to bear the responsibility of answering any questions about Tommen that Dalla might have and discussing the nature of his death. She means to serve Brynhild this way, and I'm a valkyrie… I don't want to prevent Brynhild's only nun from serving her goddess. Maybe that makes little sense to you, but I think we can agree that Dalla needs to grieve for a moment before hearing any details. One thing I will tell you, however… Dalla is better off without Tommen. There's a reason why he never told your gentle daughter about his 'job.'

"That said, I'll understand if this is not the best time to ask you to make dresses." I gesture toward Fiona. "Even if you cannot assist me, at least I would like to pay for a dress for Fiona and one for Rionach—which could be made another day. As a valkyrie, I'm not accustomed to giving material rewards, but the girls acted bravely and deserve recognition. What better reward than a lovely custom dress?" I tug the hem of my dress, made for a 9-to-12-month old human. "Don't let my baby clothes fool you… before I earned the wings, I was known for being quite fashionable."



Baldhart

"The black eye? She's learning to fight unarmed. Not from me. I pull punches and have no stones to kick."

Best left unexplained.

"She is innocent… and brave. Did I tell you she rushed into battle with sword in hand while a knight of Tyr cowered behind a table? She took a swing at one of the monsters her mother sent after us.

"And about that, I honestly have no idea what to do for the girl. I thought I was traveling with a group that means to protect her, but we've had deserters and now a murderer… and I even have to ask myself whether those of us acting on the child's behalf are handling things in a way that will only lead to her capture. Is Grim still staying here by any chance? Of the two men who put Burnbright under our care, he is the only one still alive.

"The gnolls gave us some information, and it's disturbing. I wonder if Grim knows what they know."

 

[Nihal]

Burnbright is here. Burnbright is f— here. Why is she here? Unbelievable! I roll the candle between my fingers, wanting nothing but to throw it at Baldhart's head when she comes into view. A door opens.

The sound came from the wrong direction.

I resist the urge to move away from my door for fear of drawing attention. The time seems to drags by without anyone walking down the corridor, let alone approaching this room. EVerything will be fine, the window makes a good escape route, the ocean is just by this place and I hold the advantage in a nigh— I hold my breath. I've made a terrible mistake and chose the worst moment to realize it. I forgot to cover my eye!

 

[Ankari]

Winter steals the suppleness of skin and muscle, and seeps into the empty pockets left behind. Ice, tissue, and frustration twist my face into a snarl. A howl swells with pressure, eager to dissolve into the deep night sky.

Another day of waiting. That is all I can afford before I track down Ghendra and bind him to my vision of a Gnoll nation. An army of savages led by a murderer to protect a people trapped in the illusion of world abiding their rules. Stupid humans.

But Burnbright needs me. The fools gathered around her are little more than a field of flowers standing before a stampede. Only a wisp of their passing would remain. a scent of rightousness floating on the wind of their destroyers passing. Not fools, then. Fools are victims of a broken mind. Ignorant. Willfully ignorant. Mortally so.

I pull my cloak tighter around the knot twisting in my belly. Empty quiver, empty stomach. The thought of Mauve strikes me. Why had I not sought her out. She should be stalking these forests, too. Maybe she could wiggle her fingers and sneak back into town.

I feel my jaw creak with strain.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
"No plan yet. But we should assemble and decide, I would prefer everyone be ready to move when we decide, so no one has a chance to reveal where we are going, intentionally or unintentionally. We have new strangers and I feel some old that might not be working towards the same goal as the rest."
Aliron pauses to look around again,
"It also rules out that we have a spy if suddenly our enemy knows where we are, if no one had a chance to tell anyone."

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos and I awake at the shouting from the other rooms. The wolf growls, ears folding back as he takes a protective position over me, but I shove him off and grab my staff before heading quietly toward the door, the click of claws right beside me.

What on Earth is going on? Curious, I cup a hand around my ear to listen:

(Girls are better at eavesdropping! )

 

[Steerpike]

The Hallway at the Spear

Cadellopens the door to his room just in time to see the back end of Burnbright heading down the stairs. He does not notice Mauve, who is also watching the corridor. Keitsumah hears only the thudding of Burnbright's feet as she moves past.

It is only moments later that footsteps hit the stairs again, and Burnbright appears once more, this time carrying a wooden bucket with one hand and holding a mortar and pestle in the other. The bucket seems to be the heavier of the two, and the girl leans a bit to one side, sloshing water as she walks.

Nissa

When Nissa mentions Tommen's death, the color drains from Dalla's face. She starts to reject the idea, certain it can't be the same Tommen, but the mention of letters gives her pause. She wipes at her eyes with the back of her hand and says "Will she...will this nun give them to me?"

Elli wraps Dalla in an embrace and gives her a quick kiss on the head. Dalla takes comfort for a moment, then pulls herself free, straightening herself. Her hands still tremble, however. "What will I do?" she says, softly enough that Nissa can barely make out the words. "It was all planned. I've saved...."

She trails off, and Elli repeats Nissa's advice that she take a moment for herself. Dalla nods, somewhat mechanically. "I'm going to look at the sea," she says. "Toward the south."

For her part, Fiona looks stricken as well, though her expression is mostly one of sympathy for Dalla. The girl's eyes glisten as she looks at the other woman.

When Dalla leaves, Elli listens to Nissa and says, "I never did care much for Tommen. He treated Dalla right, though, I have to grant him that now he's gone. The boy never said a hard word to her that I heard. But he didn't think nothin' through, and he wouldn't work a day if he could avoid it. Always looking for quick gold. He made bad decisions, that one, and look where it left him."

Elli shakes her head as though at the waste of it all.

After a moment, she claps her hands together. "You're still going to need your clothes. No reason to put off working on it. And you, young miss Fiona," she turns toward the girl "why don't you come on inside and let's get you measured."

Baldhart

Baldhart and Gisla talk about Burnbright while the girl is out fetching water. When it comes to Grim, Gisla says "As far as I know, he's still here in Arendal. But I'm not exactly up to speed on the events of the past twelve hours. I'll check with Aga - she should know if he and his wife collected their things."

"Do you mean to leave Burnbright with them? I suppose they could take her somewhere away from here. Could Aslaug find the child, even far to the south? Grim's a stout man, but I don't like his odds if Aslaug sends for her daughter with even greater force than what we saw here."

Ankari

Outside of Arendal, all remains quiet. There are only a few people wandering the streets as the sun starts to set again. Militia men are about, though only a few of them. They seem attentive enough, but seem to have the same feeling as the rest of the village, which is that Arendal is out of danger at least for them moment.

A slender, tall woman of perhaps nineteen moves deliberately through the streets, seemingly lost in thought as she doesn't look at anyone she passes. She comes to the edge of the cliffs where the ruins of the burned stairway still lay, black and twisted, and gazes out over the ocean.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"I learned a hard lesson from my last attempt to leave Burnbright away from the battle. She was sent with warriors for good reason. No, I will keep her close." I move to the door and see the child struggling with the water. I take it from her, and thank her for the mortar and pestle.

Once the water is in the bath, I move out to Gisla's room. If she permits, I mix the paint here in the room. I spread rags on the floor--rags I don't intend to wear again--and lay another rag across my lap to protect the dress that I actually care about. I tell Burnbright, "You can make some paint if you want either before or after your bath. I was thinking you can put some on. You are already my Sister in faith, so why not resemble me? If I recall, you enjoyed painting your face." I show her the woad plants. "I think I have enough for both of us."