Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I slip back into my baby dress and remove a gold and four silver from my purse. "I won't refuse your generous gift, Elli. Thank you kindly!"

To Fiona, I say, "I would spend seven gold on you child. Do not belittle your part in saving the town. You acted exactly as you needed to, and it's not something I take lightly. Besides, the woman I am training has taken nun's vows, which include sacrificing armor and weapons. She doesn't need money so badly now that she doesn't need to purchase steel, and if she gets herself killed, I'll guide her soul and we'll need to leave the money behind…" Turning to Elli, I add, "…and my pretty new dress. One more motivation to keep the nun alive!"

I head to toward the door. "Elli, I shall return tomorrow. I can't wait to see your work!" I tell Fiona, "Thank you for guiding me here. Now I did promise your mother I'd see you home safely. We can walk slowly and talk on the way, if you'd like. Just give me one moment."

I fly up…

…but I don't see much at a quick glance. I'll fly over the area later and make sure the area is truly safe.

"Well, that was exhilarating," I tell the child. "So, what shall we talk about?"

 

[Ankari]

"I'm not someone to attest to anything without concrete facts. I do know this: Tommem death is tied to our struggle with Auslog." What did Baldhart tell this woman? The thought that I may be the first person to speak with her about Tommem's death never occurred to me. I consider my words, careful not to dig myself into a hole.

"A warrior is more brain and determination than muscle and sword. Brains to adapt to a situation and determination to see your task through. You have the determination." I stop to punctuate my meaning. "I, and if my companions desist from this dalliance, they too, can teach you the knowledge needed to survive and kill. We are a fractured people with varyiing backgrounds, but our goals are all the same. Aslaug must be stopped. I will see it happen. Wouldn't you want to be there as well? To fill the hollowness with closure?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"I meant no offense," I say to Grim's wife. "I simply meant that many priestesses of Gefjon wish to serve as her handmaidens in the afterlife. Nissa explained… well, never mind that. Since Burnbright's father was unknown, I was considering possibilities. Rape, scandal, a broken vow…"

I assure Grim, "I definitely don't want Burnbright near her mother."

Now it's my turn to give information. "There is something I learned. The gnolls said this, but to Cadell, not me. It's likely true because as much as I'd have preferred to see Ghendra burn, I'll say this for him: he's a lousy liar. He says Aslaug needs her daughter to defeat a demon. She's possessed by one, wants to kill another… so Burnbright's her tool to slay a demon or two. The gnolls never did mention how Burnbright would be used, but I suspect 'used' is the correct term.

"Where can I find Aslaug's uncle?

"As for Burnbright heading south… Grim, she would be safe on my mountain. My uncle is chieftain, my father is the strongest warrior I've ever seen, and my mother is a healer. She would live on the peak, where no enemy could get to her without facing my people. And she'd get the training she wants… just not from me, if I don't make it back."

I sit down.

"It's not what I want. Leaving her, I mean. And it'll break her heart as well, I fear. If she's to follow Brynhild, she needs to know what a sacrifice is. Maybe I could ask you to make a sacrifice as well." I look at Grim, his wife, the suitcases. "You take her."

I let the words sink in, but go on, "I'll write a letter of introduction. It'll get you to the peak. Tell my dad I killed more monsters than the others in my group, and I killed the last seven with my bare hands. Tell him about my match with Hrolf. Dad taught me not to brag, but he'll want to hear that. Let Burnbright tell him some war stories—she's seen me fight. He'll be in a good mood. Then when you tell him about Srilkind, maybe you can convince him to find some adventurous men to help you rebuild."

It's a lot to throw at him… and I'd rather be on the ship to ensure safe passage, maybe have Branwen kept safe if we can somehow sneak her aboard. Or there's the portal, not to say that walking is without risks. In any case, the others would need to agree. I won't make decisions for the group, but I need to know what Grim thinks of this, or there's nothing to discuss.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
Aliron returns cautiously to the cave. Ensuring no one is around before disappearing over the ledge and into the cave.

I offer Masama the meat.

"I believe we need to leave soon. We have overstayed our welcome as it is. The group is slow to see the dangers of lingering here. I hope Cadell will be able to convince them of this. Our Eagle child is only one of many they would like to have their soul cleansed by fire."

 

[Steerpike]

Nissa

Fiona gives Nissa a warm smile when the small valkyrie assures her that both she and her sister will receive a dress. She stammers out a thank you. The sum to be paid to Elli isn't large in terms of the party's assets, but for a family like Fiona's it represents the kind of purchase that doesn't happen often.

Elli is already sifting through her needles, thread, and materials by the time Nissa and Fiona leave, and she merely raises a hand in a goodbye gesture, saying nothing as she stares down at her work.

Fiona watches Nissa with a broad smile as the valkyrie takes a quick flight, then lands again. When Nissa asks Fiona what she wants to talk about, the young girl shrugs. "I don't know. Do you think you can stay here for a while? Maybe you could even live here. I bet the village could use another brave fighter. My Da knows how to build houses. I bet he could make one for you. And probably some of the other men would help too."

She seems to realize she's rambling on a bit and clamps her mouth shut.

Ankari

Dalla walks alongside Ankari, silent for the moment. She is clearly in thought. "If Aslaug is responsible for Tommen being dead, then I'd like to see her pay. It won't bring Tommen back, but maybe it will be justice, if that even exists. What could you teach me, to make me useful to you? I'm not much with weapons, except maybe a bow. Tommen taught me to shoot a little. We'd go after rabbits sometimes, and then I'd cook them up real nice with some roots or potatoes - whatever we had, you know. We'd talk about the south land, and what we'd do once we got there. What our kids were going to be like. We were going to have a boy and a girl..." She trails off.

"I have some money. Tommen gave me some every time he finished a job. This last one...well, after that we were going to get a ship south. I guess I don't need the money for that anymore. What should I get?"

Baldhart

Grim listens to Baldhart's story of the gnolls, his face growing darker as she speaks. By the time Baldhart is done with her story, and her proposal, Grim's lips are pursed in thought, and his wife has stopped packing and is staring at Baldhart.

"If Aslaug has a use fer Burnbright, I don't like the sound of it. Can't be nothing natural. Whatever got into that child, I'll never know. She was a sweet little thing first time I saw her. Wouldn't have hurt a fly...."

"I don't know much about Aslaug's uncle. Came to Srilkind a few times, but that was a long time ago. From what I'd heard, he stopped at the temple to see Aslaug when he was in the area. That would've been a long time ago, though. Worked odd jobs - trading, or hiring out as a guide. Last I heard he was in Alfoss and had something to do with fishing." Grim shrugs. "That was years ago, though. Couldn't say as to when he last saw Aslaug. It's just that he's the only family left I can think of. Apart from Burnbright."

When it comes to talk of taking Burnbright south, Grim frowns. "Leave the north?"

"Maybe we could keep her in Srilkind," his wife offers, but Grim shakes his head. "We all saw how that went last time. I got no reason to think Aslaug won't send her nasty pets after Burnbright again, and there ain't no way we can protect her. Still, everything we had was sunk into our place in Srilkind...every last coin, spent back when we first got there. I hate to let it all go without tryin' to rebuild."

"We could go to Mittelstadt," the wife offers. "I have a cousin there..."

"And show up with nothing but our hats in our hands? How're we going to take care of ourselves, much less Burnbright, if we go sailing off to the south with nothing but the clothes on our backs?"

Grim turns back to Baldhart. "I love that child. We both do. And if taking her down to Mittelstadt will get her out of harm's way, then I reckon I'll do it, even if it means giving up everything we built. But we just ain't got the means right now. At the very least, I'd have to get back to Srilkind, try to salvage what I can. Probably set out for Alfoss after, sell what will sell and book passage south. If you think that's the smart thing, then I reckon we'll go along with it."

Aliron

Aliron makes his way into the cave, finding Masama alert, Branwen huddled behind him. When Masama sees who it is, the tension drains out of his muscles. He accepts the meat gratefully, tearing a portion off and handing it to the young harpy. Branwen gnaws at the meat, her little doll dangling from her other hand.

"I, too, feel we have stayed too long," Masama says. "Where do we go from here? I would travel with you, if you and your friends will have me. I believe Asra has led me to this one - " he motions at Branwen " - and the other child. To help protect them. What is our plan, now. Do we flee, take the children to safety? Or do we stand and fight?"

 

[Ankari]

"You're a brave woman. No need to memorize a list. Go to the inn, find Baldhart. If she doesn't know who you are, tell her you're Tommem's widowed fiance, and you need hunter's gear and leather armor for yourself. Tell her you will be joining our cause against Aslaug, to hunt down the demon who stole your Tommem. Only offer your own funds if she is broke, which I doubt she is. Tell her her favorite ranger asks that she pay as a way to settle the balance. Also, please grab me a quiver of arrows."

I stop and turn her to face the village. "The life of a warrior isn't easy. In the time to come, don't complain of what you must endure. Know that no harm will come to you from any of our group. If I find that to the contrary, I will kill them for you. This loyaltly is what I expect of you. I will kill to see you live, and you will do the same for any in this group. But, since you are new to the dynamics of our ways, trust in my decision. It is the only one that fullly aligns with yours.

"Now go. We have a hard march ahead. Gather your gear and meet your new companions. If you happen upon Mauve, tell her I could use her company while I wait for people to remember their duties."

I walk toward the forest, unable to keep the optimism out of my step. Action, the opposite of stagnation. With Della, and hopefully Mauve, we can strike at the heart of evil while the others discuss their fears and whisper words of ripened love to one another. Wait. What happened to the thief? He was a good one to have around.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Mittelstadt? The Inquisition is strong there. I fear Burnbright would be found guilty of her mother's crimes by association if anyone found out. My mountain would be like a fortress, but no matter… your hearts belong to Srilkind.

"On that, I meant what I said that my father might be able to persuade a handful of men to come over. I can think of a few who would, strong men and skilled warriors. I can't promise anything other than that I'll write the letter tonight. If you have parchment, I'll write it here and now.

"I'll need your full names." I say to Grim's wife, "If you'll forgive me, I don't think we've been properly introduced. That's the trouble with monster attacks. They leave very little time for manners. Baldhart Eisenberg is my full name. In the Old Tongue, my family name means 'Iron Mountain.' That's where I'm from.

"I could use the uncle's name, too. I'll see if I can find him, and I'll keep Burnbright close until there's a concrete plan to move her south. I agree that sending her to Srilkind is a fool's risk."

While I wait to see if Grim has parchment, I contemplate what to write. Goros Baldknuckle Junior almost went north with me. Maybe when he finds out how many monsters I killed while he was home flexing his muscles in taverns…



Nissa

"Fiona, if I leave tomorrow know this: I would love to stay if I could." I put an arm around her, then land and walk. "These wings had to be earned through sacrifice—my life. This peaceful moment—having dinner with your family, and shopping for clothes… I haven't had this experience in nearly 800 years. An orc robbed me of it when he crushed my skull with his club.

"But death only led me to this. I am a valkyrie now. I won't question why I can walk among mortals and defeat monsters… but I know I must show my gratitude to Brynhild. To live here would be shirking my responsibilities, because I was sent to guid Her only nun, and the nun will fight many battles."

Or just one more if the opponent is too strong. Best I keep that to myself.

"Do you ever pray to Brynhild?" I smile. "It's okay if the answer is no… I'm simply asking."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

As Aliron leaves, I head back to town, looking for somewhere likely to make use of the deer's hide and sundry other things. I might keep the antlers and bones for myself, to make weapons in case something happens to the ones we already own. I doubt they'll do as much damage as steel, but even so.

((Waiting on Ponder to respond before Cadell acts or speaks again...))

 

[Keitsumah]

(*facepalm* Okay well i can't think of anything they might do so im out for this round)

 

[Steerpike]

((Question, if SomethingToPonder shows up: did Aldar take the book with him? I don't see any indication that he returned it to anyone in the temple)).

Ankari

Dalla nods solemnly as Ankari speaks. "I think I can do that. Be loyal, I mean. I want to do something to help. Not just for Tommen, but for everything that's going wrong in the north." She thanks Ankari for coming to her, then promises to collect her gear after finding this 'Baldhart' in the Spear, then she hurries off in the direction of the Maiden's Spear.

Ankari heads toward the forest, and just as is nearing the fringe of trees, Liadan emerges carrying an deer's hide and antlers, among other things.

Liadan

The journey back to Arendal is uneventful. The woods are quiet, as they have been all day. Liadan carries her burden through the woods and steps from the trees into the frosty grassland that stretched between Arendal and the edge of the forest. She sees Ankari almost immediately, striding in her direction.

Baldhart

Grim nods and puts a hand on his wife's shoulder. "I appreciate yer consideration lass. And apologies on not introducing ourselves properly." He thrusts out a hand. "Grim Torbensson, and me wife here is Astrid Ivarsdottir. Northerners, born and bred." Astrid smiles and gives Baldhart a nod. Grim continues "I grew up on me family's farm, and Astrid here is from Alfoss. Seen her once taking our goods to market, and she was just about the prettiest..." Grim trails off, then clears his throat. "Well, anyway, that's the introductions then."

"If you got kin what's got a mind to help protect Srilkind, we'd be grateful for it. As for Mittelstadt...well, it's true the Inquisition is powerful strong there, but ain't no one needs to know about Burnbright's ties to Aslaug. As little mind as the southerner pay what goes on up here, I doubt half of 'ems even heard of Aslaug."

Astrid merely says "Thank you for your kind offer, Baldhart," and goes back to packing up their things.

Nissa

Fiona seems comfortable walking with Nissa, and she's dragging her feet a bit, obviously in no hurry to get home. When Nissa asks about Brynhild, Fiona stops. "Pray to her?" the girl asks. "I don't guess I have. I mean, we give thanks to her, 'specially around harvest time. But I grew up praying to Tyr, and the priests have never said much about praying to other gods or goddesses, even though they teach us their stories when we go to temple."

Keitsumah

Despite being shut up in their room, Keitsumah and Batos do hear the commotion outside that is swiftly approaching the Spear. It is clear that someone is yelling downstairs, and there is a general commotion. Outside, Cadell has stopped Aldar is appears to be speaking to him.

((The noise is enough now that no roll is needed to hear it))

Cadell

Aldar seems distracted, somehow. Not quite cognizant of what is going on. His skin is covered in serpent-like scales, and he stands, staring blankly at Cadell in the space between two adjacent merchant shops. A temple priest is striding forth from the direction of the temple of Tyr, calling out at Aldar and to the townsfolk around him. The child seems to have stirred up a commotion in the Spear as well, and people are spilling out of there to see this 'demon' for themselves.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I swear under my breath as the commotion around us worsens. Aldar doesn't seem to have taken in a word I said. Maybe I can slap him into paying attention. "Hey! Listen!"

Or I can miss entirely.

Liadan

As I emerge from the woods, I see Ankari heading in my direction. My hands are too full to let me wave in greeting, so I call out to him. "What's going on? Do we have a plan of action?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

"No matter, child. If you ever want to ask about Brynhild after I've left, I suggest you speak to Gisla. She knows my goddess better than most priests of Tyr."

I smile at the child. She's stalling me and I know it. I hope she doesn't get too attached.

"Fiona, you know what would make me very happy? Whether you marry or not, devote your life to Brynhild or Gefjon or Tyr or Freya… I would be very happy if you live a wonderful life, and a hundred years from now, I could find you in the spirit realm and hear all about it. If staring into the face of that gnoll is the most dangerous thing you ever do, that's okay. You don't need to get rich or slay a monster or marry Mr. Perfect. Just be good to yourself and good to others, and I'll say, 'Fiona of Arendal, what a wonderful life!'"

Maybe a tad early for a corny goodbye. I do have to pick up the dress.

"If you're home when I pick up my dress, I'll show you how it looks before I leave town. Before we part, would you mind if I speak to your father?"

He is a builder, but… I won't press the issue. Unless he needs the work, I'm sure he'd rather stay with his family. And rebuilding Srilkind won't pay well. How much would be worth his while?



Baldhart

Grim and Astrid. "A pleasure to meet you, Astrid." A part of me wants Grim to finish the story, but I need to see to Burnbright, so best we keep the conversation short.

"Mittelstald might be safe, but the thing about secrets… they can't be kept forever."

Only a matter of time before Ankari is seen walking the forest with us, or Aldar wows a crowd with a light spell, or Branwen takes flight and poops on a state of Tyr…

"My father is Rainhard Eisenberg, my mother is Melisandre Eisenberg, my uncle is Chieftain Wolfgang Eisenberg. I can't promise results because of who I'm related to. A Chieftain is not a king who forces his subjects to come and go and die on a whim… but I know a few of the boys I trained with would be jealous to hear I killed monsters while they sat on their asses."

I get up.

"I'll check on Burnbright now. In case Mittelstald turns out to be her best prospect, how much would you need to fund the trip?"

After hearing my answer, I'll check on Burnbright…

 

[Ankari]

A rustling from the forest sours my optimism. The oddity of Liadan emerging with a deerskin and antlers disables my caution. I frown to hide a smile.

"What is a pretty priest doing out here dragging a skin and antlers?" I can't restrain my mirth. "If you would allow me, I can relieve you of your burden. I'd enjoy a few moments of friendly conversation. Besides, I've been isolated from the group and am unaware of its current disposition. Fill me in, and I'll share with you my valued opinions."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

"I was hunting," I say, handing Ankari what I'm holding. "Aliron took the meat to those hiding in the woods. I'm afraid I don't know what's going on any more than you do -- I was hoping you could tell me."

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos and I both jump when a commotion starts up beneath our feet in the Spear. The wolf growls, sniffing the floor as if he could smell their agitation from here.

He heads toward the door, pawing at it, and I open it to follow him downstairs. What happened now? Are we being attacked again? Goosebumps rise on my arms. The memory of just how close we had all come to death that night will haunt me for some time. But when i reach the bottom, Batos pressed close to my leg, i see everyone heading outside. I can't make out much, but the word "demon" comes to my ears multiple times. Batos growls quietly beside me, and I slip outside with the crowd. People jump away from Batos, but at least he clears the way easily as I rush to where their anger seems to be honing in on.

"What's going on Batos? Where is it?" i ask, and the wolf scents the air.

He barks in the direction of an alley, hackles rising. But he seems confused. I decide it means that it is at least relatively safe and poke my head into the alley.

My eyes widen and i clap my hand over my mouth before i can scream. "Dear Goddess, what happened to him?" I hiss when i spy Aldar. No wonder Batos had been confused -he'd smelled them both, but Aldar's scent must have been changed a bit when the scales had come out.

The commotion behind us seems to grow louder and i hear Batos bark in alarm. We don't have much time.

"Distract them for a moment will you?" I call in his direction, and the wolf gives me a look that I think might border on embarrassment. "Oh, now you decide to be all dignified? DO SOMETHING!"

The wolf growls at me and then turns to face the oncoming crowd, legs spread wide and head low. Batos shoves his ears forward, hackles raised and eyes glinting when he pulls back his lips to bare his fangs. Tail raised like a flag in warning, a deep, rumbling growl throbs in his chest as he tries to stall the villagers.

I turn around and spread my arms. "Please, do not come closer until we've figured out for ourselves what has happened! I am sure there is an explanation for this!" i yell.

 

[Steerpike]

Aliron

Masama starts gathering things together in the cave as he waits for Aliron to tell him the plan. He does not have much, so it isn't long before he's ready to go. Branwen finishes her meat and, remarkably, uses a strip of cloth on the ground to wipe her hands and mouth - someone has been teaching her hygiene. She then walks over to stand between Aliron and Masama, looking up at the two men, her doll dangling from her hand. She seems to sense it is time to leave the cave.

Nissa

Fiona's cheeks redden a bit as Nissa talks about her life and how she should enjoy it, but she nods throughout. "I will, Nissa. I'll have a good life. Me and Rionach both will. Maybe I _will_ talk to Gisla. I've always been...I don't know...she's kind of scary. There's something hard about her face, and I heard her arm got bitten off by a bear. But maybe I'll talk to her anyway, if you think it would be OK."

When the two reach Fiona's house, the girl pushes the front door open and yells "Da! Nissa wants to talk to you." As it happens, the yelling is unnecessary. Not only is the house small, but "Da" is standing just a few feet inside the door. He wipes his hands on his pants, pats Fiona on the head, and steps outside, pulling the door shut behind him.

"What can I do for you?" he asks, looking down at the small valkyrie.

Baldhart

Grim's face opens into a wide grin. "Help to build Srilkind would be much appreciated. If you think there's them on your mountain what would want to help, send 'em along. I can't promise 'em much gold, but we can put roofs over their heads and fill their stomachs while they're here, and it may be that we can scrape together a bit to repay 'em."

"As fer gettin' the girl down to Mittelstadt. Going out of Srilkind, the journey would've run about 120 gold, and then you'd want to add another 6 to 10 for food on the trip. If you send her outta Alfoss, I reckon it would be a little less. Ship travel there is more regular, and Mittelstadt is just a bit closer as well. Also, if you're gonna put her on a ship, talk to the captain or first mate. Might be they'll knock some off the price if she's willing to work for her keep."

"I wouldn't send her off alone, though. Mittelstadt ain't no place for a young girl what's never seen a place bigger than Arendal here. It'd swallow her up. If you can't send no one with her, then I reckon either me or Astrid will go with her, take her to our kin down there. I don't know that I'd worry much about the folks there figuring out who she is, unless she starts turnin' folks into newts or pullin' rabbits outta hats. But when you and that group of yours go down to get her, I'd keep a tight rein on anything that smacks of deviltry. The Inquisition like as not would kill the lot of you on the mere suspicion that one of you was a witch."

The Alley

Cadell continues to try to impress upon Aldar the seriousness of the situation, but he doesn't quite seem to be grasping it. As the two speak, the sounds of the villagers growing outside of the alley, Keitsumah and Batos arrive on the scene. Keitsumah takes in the situation and snaps off some orders to Batos. The wolf positions himself between the group and the villagers, most of which are coming from the direction of the Spear, but a few of which are now coming from the Temple of Tyr, following the initial priest.

When the crowd spies the bristling wolf, some of the wind leaves their sails. They slow down, but there are still shouts, mostly from people wondering what is going on. The priest calls out accusations of demon spawn and that one of the temple's sacred books has been taken. Villagers squint, trying to get a good look at Aldar, but unwilling to get closer to Batos.

The tension is palpable. It is clear that murder, fish demons, and gnolls were about all the village could stand, and yet another horror piled upon those could plunge the whole place into chaos.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa (walking with Fiona)

When Fiona says Gisla is scary, I simply say, "She's not as scary as that gnoll you talked to. But if you ever want to ask about Brynhild or valkyries—y'know, questions that will come up you'll wish you'd've thought to ask me—she's the resident expert on my goddess."




Baldhart

((I'm not sure if Grim's reaction means he saw Baldy's letter, but if she had the means to write the letter in front of him, she'd have done so and let Grim and his wife read it.))

When Grim talks of what he can't promise, I hope I've been clear that I can't promise any will come. "I'm sure none will show with expectations of getting rich," I say with a smile.

"I would never send a girl alone on a ship. I was the only woman on the ship north. I still recall the way a boy looked at me and tried to muster the courage to speak." Maybe I can skip the part where the spear went through his throat. "There were fish demons on that trip, too. I guess a boy alone on a ship is no safer."

Maybe the gate is the best way south. But everyone would need to agree on that…

"Well, I guess I'll need to consult the others before we make definitive plans for Burnbright. And of course, I'll let Burnbright have her say. I'm off to her now. If I don't see you off, travel safe."

I head to Gisla's room next. If it's open, I'll enter; if not, I'll knock…




Nissa (at Fiona's house)

'Da' towers over me. Talking to big people is easier when I fly. Talking to Baldy with my wings hidden will take getting used to. I better stay on the ground now.

"Fiona tells me you're a builder. If you have regular work, then what I'm about to say should be ignored. However, if this happens to be a time when there is little for a man of your talent to do, I thought I should inform you that Srilkind is in some need of builders. There is a good man named Grim who means to solve this problem himself, but he can't, and I suspect he's too proud to ask. I know the people of Arendal are disturbed by the monsters that came and went… but your village lost three elders. Srilkind lost their high priest as well, and many others died. Not old men, but young men, women and children as well.

"You have a wonderful family, so of course you will do what's right by your wife and daughters. But… if not you, surely there are other builders. Do you think you could gather some men to help Srilkind? If you're not much of a talker, I would gladly accompany you if you would escort me to other local builders."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I grind my teeth in mounting frustration, still trying to talk sense into Aldar, and starting to wonder why I still bother. Maybe it's wiser just to walk away.

<Aldar, if you understand a word I'm saying, do let me know now. If you won't take our comrades and our quest seriously, it's on your head, not mine or the others'. We can't take responsibility if you go putting us in danger!>

 

[Steerpike]

((I'll add a post relating to others when more people have posted their actions. This post should help bring Nissa into the main action in town)).

Nissa


Fiona agrees that Gisla is not as scary as the gnolls, and that she'll approach her with any question she might have. When Nissa has a chance to talk to Fiona's father, the man listens thoughtfully to what the valkyrie says. " I have some skill with my hands, and I built the place you see behind me. If Srilkind's as bad as they say, then I reckon they'll need to help. We've done a bit of business with Srilkind over the years. Nothing much, but a bit. Besides, those of us here in the north are always just as the edge of a wilderness. Like what we do is the difference between civilization and the way them gnolls lives up in the mountains. If one village falls...well then, that sets us all back."

"Let me ask you this, young valkyrie," he says, apparently judging Nissa by her apparent age. "Do you reckon them gnolls will come back? Or them fish demons? I don't see no reason I can't help rebuild Srilkind. Only thing I got to decide is whether to leave the girls here with their mother, or whether to take all three of 'em to Srilkind with me."

"There's more here that know how to use their hands. If I was you, I'd ask after some more builders up at the Spear. It's going to take a bunch of us to set Srilkind right again."

 

[Ankari]

"Then we are both confused. I am stuck out here because of my actions in saving Branwen. If you're heading back to town, look for a Tommem's widow. She will be joining our company in our endeavors. If you would be so kind, tell me where I can find Aliron. I need to know what everyone's intention will be come tomorrow."