Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Steerpike]

Aliron and Liadan

The woods remains peace as the two go about their business. The sounds of animals and sometimes, distantly, of the sea, accompany them. There is no further sign of gnolls, or of fish demons. There is nothing to betray the fact that a battle for the life of a small village took place only just the day before.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

Content that the goings-on are not indicative of any approaching danger, I go back to cleaning my armor.

Liadan

I finish butchering the deer, setting the useful parts into separate piles -- meat and edible organs, organs for other uses, hide, and bones. I clean Aliron's knife in the snow and hand it back to him, then look contemplatively at what I have here. I could always give the hide and some organs to someone here who could make use of them, while the meat will suffice for our own meals once cooked or dried. We could keep the bones and antlers for tools and weapons, too.

I mention all this to Aliron, wondering as to his opinion.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart (before ordering food)

As I help Burnbright fill the tub, I respond, "There are many things we cannot see. I have not seen the land Masama is from, but I'm sure it exists. The moon exists, but what is it? How high is it? Is it a stone that will one day plunge into the sea? Is it big enough to crush a ship, or much bigger? Is it a world people like us or like monsters now dwell on? Is the sun light, fire or Masama's goddess?

"I don't have the answers to that. Nissa's spirit is not inside me now, so I can't ask her. But she won't tell all to me. She hasn't revealed Brynhild's image to me, which is something she could have done with her spirit inside me. She hasn't shown me the heavenly place where valkyries dwell. I understand why... she would be cheating me out of the experience she herself enjoyed. Being in Brynhild's presence, wading in the pools of Asgard, trying her wings for the first time.

"I will live the life that earns this, and I believe you will do the same.

"Let your curious mind question. Learn about the world, other gods. As long as you understand Brynhild's path, and what battles are worthy of fighting in Her name, I believe you are doing right by our goddess. Why there are different gods for northerners and southerners, humans and elves... I was wondering that myself. Maybe we'll both be dead before we find the answer.

"One thing is certain. Masama fights in the name of another goddess, but we are on the same side."



Nissa

I turn to Fiona, "By all means, child, look at the wings. I may appear to be the same age as Dalla, but I'm almost 800 years old. I stopped feeling bashful centuries ago, and I must admit to a mortal weakness... I like having a child staring at my wings. New clothes will be nice as well. I don't know how long I can enjoy this peace, but I'm savoring it."

To Elli, I say, "Oh, but speaking of Dalla, I hope she'll be okay. After I see Fiona home safely, I'll have the nun speak to her."

When Elli mentions my clothes, I reply, "Name your price. And don't forget Fiona and her sister. I don't mind paying for them up-front."

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
"It is best to use as much of the animal as possible, it sacrificed its all for us. If you have enough meat, might I have some for the group in hiding. There is five of us, two adults, Burnbright and the winged child and I."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

"Of course. Take as much as you need." I wash my hands in the snow. "I'll handle the rest."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart (after ordering food)

"Thank you, Aga." I look around at the people. The stares don't bother me. They stared on the mountain, and at least there, some men are bigger than me. If anyone makes eye contact with me, I'll offer a friendly smile.

I did invite Mauve to join me when we talk to Grim... I wonder if we should do that now while our meal is cooking. I may ask sensitive questions. I tell Aga, "I'll be back in about twenty minutes." Likely sooner, but better to overshoot than eat a cold dinner.

I head up to my room first. I open the door a crack and in a low voice, I tell Mauve, "I'll try to catch Grim while Aga prepares our meal. I asked her to have dinner ready in twenty. That should allow Burnbright time to bathe. I'll ask Gisla to have Burnbright remain with her until our brief meeting is over."

I go to Gisla and let her know I'll need about twenty minutes, and I'd prefer Burnbright remain with her rather than come to my room alone.

On the way to Grim's room, I knock on Cadell's door. If I knew where to find the others, I'd have them join as well. But Cadell knows the gnolls' story best. How true is it? And what could Burnbright do to stop a demon? I know Aslaug is only using her child as a tool. Her armies of monsters make that clear enough.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I glance up at a knock on my door, and set aside my armor and polishing rag before I stand up. "Come in!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Thank you, Cadell."

I enter, walking slowly mostly because I'm not sure what to say.

"What the gnolls said... Aslaug, demons, her intent to use her own daughter to rid herself of demons. I must admit, as much as I want the gnolls dead, I'm glad you spoke to them. I think we need to know more about what we're up against. It's apparent that Burnbright is a tool as far as her own mother is concerned. I want to protect her, but if only we knew what motivates her mother. Certainly not love for her child."

I'm babbling. Nissa's not in my head to stop me, so I need to stop myself.

"Anyway, I'm wondering if there's anything more Grim can tell us. I'm heading to his room now. Will you join me?"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

"Gladly. Just a moment." I could use a break from this chore anyway.

I jot down a quick note to let Liadan know where I am in case she gets back before we're done. The mangled letters formed by my right hand make me wince. It'll have to do. I follow Baldhart to Grim's room, hoping the man can give us some useful information.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I look at Cadell's armor. "I don't think I'd have the patience to polish armor. It's just as well I won't be wearing it anymore."

If Mauve is peering out, I'll let her know the hall is clear so she can follow.

I knock on Grim's door, and gently tell him who's knocking.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I tilt my head at Baldhart's comment concerning armor, but say nothing. I might ask her about it later. For the moment, I wait for Grim to answer.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

After much reading I manage to decipher the text in the back of the olds book; Who and or what wrote it remains to be seen, however I can still make out the spell well enough to cast it. I gather my strength, not knowing how much power it may take to cast the spell.

I take a deep breath and give it my best shot, I can feel the power it takes inside me and I start to shake as im casting it.



Success, As I cast the spell Leather scales seem to evolve from my skin, The pain is unbearable and I fall to my knees in agony. Yet after a minute I go back to normal, the only difference these mysterious scales that have now covered my skin. I feel stronger, More powerfull. I stand up , and leave the church to head back to the inn to investigate my new features more carefully.

 

[Steerpike]

Ankari

The woman at the edge of the cliffs turns her head when Ankari speaks, then takes a step back from the edge, almost as if embarrassed. She mutters something, but her voice is soft and the words are carried away on the ocean breeze. Then she stops, takes a closer look at Ankari, and says:

"You're one of them, aren't you? One of the travelers? The ones who helped save the village?" She turns back to the ocean, but still speaks loud enough to be heard. "I suppose you'll all leave, now. Seeing more of the world. We...I mean me and Tommen...we were going to travel, too. Go south to start a life for ourselves. Now there's nothing."

Nissa

Elli continues her work, and once she has the measurements done she says she can have Nissa's clothing and backpack done with a day if she works quickly. Fiona and Rionach will get theirs later. At the mention of payment, Elli waves a hand. "You've done a lot for this village. Making these things for you will be my payment for your protection of Arendal. As for the dresses for the girls...let's say seven silver each. I can do each of 'em up nice for that."

Fiona's grin falters a bit. "Seven silver each? Uh..." she looks at Nissa. "Do you have that much? You can just get one for Rionach if you want. I'll be OK, and I know she'll really love it."

Baldhart & Cadell

Having taken care of other business, the two knock on Grim's door. It opens after only the briefest of instants, and Grim is looming in the doorway, his jaw set. Behind him, his wife has scattered their things across the bed and is in the process of packing them.

Grim's jaw loosens when he sees who is at the door. "Ah...welcome friends? What can I do fer ya? Glad to see you both made is through that nasty business with the fish demons. Now that the danger is past, me and the missus are off for Srilkind. I reckon we need to start rebuilding as soon as possible. Let it sit too long, and there's no tellin' who or what might come along with a mind to live there."

Aliron & Liadan

Nothing interrupts Liadan as she finished dealing with the animal carcass. The day is even pleasant, a start contrast to earlier events ((note that if Aliron wants to go back to the cave, he won't have any trouble getting there unharmed)).

Aldar

Having puzzled out the spell in the back of the book, Aldar calls upon magical energies to cast it. The scales erupt across his body, painfully as they emerge but settling into a painless state. As Aldar turns to leave, the priest of the temple has pressed himself to one wall, mouth agape. The man yells, though his voice has a tight edge to it. "Carr! The militia!"

A boy, presumably Carr, pokes his head around the corner, gawks for a moment, then bolts out the front door. His ability to shriek could have been no better had someone set his pants afire. He streaks away down the dusty path toward the Spear just as Aldar emerges from the temple.

Arendal

Those who are going about their business within the village hear a high-pitched cry in the streets. It is muted from within the Spear or Elli's house, though it can still be heard. It is more clear where Ankari and Dalla stand. People in the common room of the Spear start to rise, muttering darkly and wondering whether some fresh hell has set its sights on Arendal.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I stay quiet as Baldhart speaks, content to let her explain why we wished to see him. As a high-pitched scream sounds outside, I wince and look around. Damn it, what now?

I cross to the window, careful not to step on any of Grim's or his wife's belongings. Looking out, I try to see what's happening.

((Quite a lot, apparently! Today is a lucky day for Rolz, it seems!))

 

[Steerpike]

Cadell

Looking out the window, which is pressed slightly open, Cadell spots a boy of perhaps 8, dressed in a robe common to acolytes of the Temple of Tyr, sprinting toward the Spear and yelling something about demons. The Temple of Tyr itself looks peaceful enough, and Cadell can make out Aldar emerging from its depths.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

My eyes widen at the sight of the screaming boy, and of Aldar emerging from the Temple of Tyr. He looks different... scaly? What on earth happened to him? He doesn't seem at all alarmed -- was this something he did to himself?

I groan in frustration, remembering that Aldar worships a deity associated with dragons. What was he trying to do? Now there's one more member of the party who can't show his face in broad daylight! Aldar was never the sharpest sword in the armory, but I never imagined he'd do something this foolish. He's going to turn the whole town against us AGAIN!

And what can I do about it? Of everyone here, I know Aldar best, or did in years past. Or at least I thought I did. Should I take responsibility for this, be his scapegoat? Or deny any affinity with him for the sake of the rest of the group, saying Aldar is a wild card whose actions are his own? Like Ankari and Mauve?

I huff a sigh, then excuse myself and hurry from the room. I bolt through the common room and out toward the temple. Maybe I can intercept Aldar before too much else happens.

 

[Ankari]

"You are Tommem's lady." I give a small bow. Formality can coax recklessness into a chain of expectation. "I'm honored to meet you. For what it's worth, I offer my condolences. As for those who I've arrived with, we have traveled the same path for a time, and my continue to do so. They lack the strength to do what is needed, a strength that I see in you. I would not restrain you against your will. Do as you please, but allow me to offer you another, more meaningful way. Blood for blood, as it were. Revenge won't make things right, but it does fill in the hollowness left behind." I wait for her response. If she seems interested, I offer her my arm and walk away from the ledge to the forest.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

​Baldhart

"Good to see you, Grim." I enter the room, and seeing that Cadell is staring out the window, I guess he wants me to do the talking. "Well, the reason we are here…"

Cadell bolts! I guess he saw something out there.

I don't see shit.

"Uh… I mean… the reason I'M here…"

No sword. No armor. Didn't ask for help, so I'll trust Cadell's fine if I stay here.

"It's about Burnbright. I want to protect her, but how? Leaving her out of the battle only endangers innocents. If I go after her mother, am I simply giving the enemy what she wants? Leaving the north is a possibility, only there are some among us who came here for other reasons, and it was Nissa the valkyrie who had me go north. There is a battle here I mustn't flee from, even if it means my death.

"My desire to earn wings doesn't mean I'm suicidal. I want to understand the enemy so I can defeat her. What's her motivation? What's her interest in her daughter, as you know it? How is it that a priestess of Gefjon became pregnant? It seems rather scandalous, seeing that one of Gefjon's providences is virginity. Nissa told me that; otherwise, I'd've thought nothing of her being a mom. I mean, Freya's priestesses are always getting knocked up on my mountain—but they're usually married. I assume the man who fathered Burnbright did not want to be known for it.

"If I survive this, I'll personally train Burnbright to be a shield maiden. Anyone who wants to take her must kill me. But I'm more likely to defeat an enemy I understand, so please, no secrets. I don't care about the politics or whatever sob story might victimize Aslaug. She leads an army of killer monsters, and there's nothing you can say that would make me forget about the innocent blood on her hands."

I look at the bags. I've got things to say about rebuilding Srilkind, but one thing at a time.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

Idiot, idiot, idiot! My thoughts rage against Aldar as I run to intercept him. On the way I dodge to keep from slamming into the boy in acolyte's robes--

((I'm actually not entirely sure what my trait bonuses are anymore, because of the weird leveling caused by my class switch. Steer, if you could help me sort this out, I'd be much obliged! Think it's safe to say that was a success, though.))

--and avoid him by a wide margin.

When I reach Aldar, I barely stop to catch my breath before seizing him by one pointed ear and pulling him to the nearest spot that offers some seclusion. Then I tear into him, trying to keep my voice down to a furious whisper. I talk in elvish, so hopefully few others can eavesdrop.

<What on earth has happened to you? You look like some sort of monster! No wonder there's people screaming about demons! You've been dabbling in evil magic, haven't you? Do you want to get us all killed? That's what's going to happen if the town turns against us again! We have enough party members who have to hide, we don't need any more! Get out of town, go to the woods. Now, before they bring out the torches and pitchforks!>

 

[Steerpike]

Cadell

By the time Cadell reaches the common room, the young boy has thrown the door open. Townsfolk squint into the daylight to growl at him - "Carr, what on earth...?"

Breathless, the boy says "it's one o' the outsiders! He turned into a demon back in the temple! I'm s'posed to get the militia!"

With the events of the day before still fresh on the minds of the townsfolk, the word "demon" has a predictable effect. Chairs are thrown back as people start to rise, and one man who is indeed a member of the militia picks up a spear that was resting at his feet.

Cadell is able to dash past Carr, who twists out of the elf's way to let him by. Cadell reaches Aldar a few seconds later and begins laying into him.

((We'll let Ireth and SomethingToPonder RP this for a moment. See Cadell's action, above)).

Ankari

Dalla considers Ankari a moment, then looks back out over the water. Tears well in her eyes. "I can't. It'd kill my ma, and she doesn't deserve that." She moves near to Ankari, wiping again at her eyes. "Revenge? You know who killed Tommen?" She studies her own hands a moment, contemplating. "I've never thought...I mean, I'm not a fighter or anything like that. You think I could do it?"

Baldhart

Grim sits heavily on the side of the bed, then motions his wife over, gesturing at Baldhart with his chin. The woman, frowns at Grim and continues packing, but she speaks as she does so.

"Aslaug was a sweet child. I'd have never thought her capable of...well, you know. She was always quick to lend a hand, and the crops when she was around! We saw her less those last years - you know, before she was taken. Maybe some of that was on account of her being pregnant. I couldn't even begin to tell you who the father was. No one from Srilkind, I'll wager."

The woman waggles a finger at Baldhart. "And Gefjon has nothing against pregnancy, mind. Why, me and Grim used to pray to her when we were younger, cause we always wanted...." She pauses, pursing her lips. "Makes no difference. Gefjon calls virgins to her, right enough, but she also helps a women conceive a child, bringing life same as she does with the fields. Guess a goddess can be both ways if she wants."

Grim nods as his wife talks, then adds "It's true, we don't know how she got with child. I reckon if anyone knew about it, it'd be her uncle. Or maybe one of the others what was at the temple when Aslaug was there. But whoever Burnbright's father is, I won't hold it against the child. Aslaug seems to have a powerful need to see the child returned to her, and I don't like it."

"Have you thought about sending her south, Baldhart? Getting her out of the northland altogether while Aslaug gets dealt with? Wouldn't be nothing to put her on a ship at Alfoss. Maybe pick one of you to go with her, make sure she's looked after. Whatever good Aslaug might have been to us in the past, she ain't the same woman any more. I'm not keen on reuniting mother and daughter."