As the dragon is destroyed, the big grey-skinned warrior’s countenance shifts once more. He watches the spirits get released, leaning on his polearm as he shrinks back down to his regular size.
’Gotta admit … that’s a first.” He claps the tiny Ganorok on his tiny shoulder, ”And that’s how it’s done in the FACEPUNCHERS, Mouse!”
As the man expires, Bladud simply watches. It wasn’t everyday you got to see this kind of magic dissipate. ”Any way to reverse whatever’s happening’ to you, bub?”
To Ganorak, he lies back and shakes his head. "The wealth of Talamir... it's all yours. It's also over there." He points weakly to the dragon's hoard on the far side of the cave.
He shrugs at Bladud. "I'm an old soul, but... a true resurrection of some sort might bring me back...? But I'd much rather go." As wrinkles spiral across his face and his hair dyes white, he gives a bemused grimace. "And if you bring me back, it's to punish me for my misdeeds... I'm getting off rather lightly, when you think about it." A cough wracks his form.
"It seems possible to me that you are perhaps judging yourself too harshly. You did evil things but you did them for a good reason. And it sounds like you repent the evil of your deeds. That should weigh somewhat in the scales of justice. Nobody knows how the Gods will judge them until they face that judgement.
But, while there is still time, I will give you the last unction if you wish. Confess what you have done and, if you truly repent, you have a chance. But you must TRULY repent"
’Gotta admit … that’s a first.” He claps the tiny Ganorok on his tiny shoulder, ”And that’s how it’s done in the FACEPUNCHERS, Mouse!”
Ganorok smiles at Bladud.
"Quite impressive, I must say. Now, if you excuse me..."He hops to the treasure hoard and does his best to swim in the mountains of gold, while signing a happy tune.
"I’m off for the gold and I'm off for the lass
Who ties pretty bows on her knees
And I’m off for the glory, I'm off for the fame
And the mountains, the mountains of cheese!"
He seems surprised. "You... are merciful, paladin. I think I would have liked to know you better."
"And... as a child, my parents taught me that one should approach death with humility. Go quietly, go modestly. No ceremony, no rituals; Pharasma will know me and judge me regardless of my manner of passing."
He hesitates as the bones in his fingers creak as age withers and stiffens them. "If you would take it, however, before I go... I would like to give you my blessing."
If accepted, he raises his hand and presses an ancient silver signet ring on a whitening knuckle against Halderns head. Hoarse, he quietly begins whispering. "Gods of Taldor, protect and... and grant this man success in his endeavors... lords of Taldor, respect and honor this man should he come to your halls... enemies of Taldor, r-re-repent and... and return peacefully to your homes sh-should you earn this man's ire. So say I, Lord of Talamir, Prince of... of... of Taldor, E-Eldran Tesh. So say I."
With the last word spoken, Tesh's falls to the floor and his eyes peacefully close; his decrepitude stops as with a final breath he departs.
With the crystal shattered, the landscape above and below takes on a pleasant transformation. The pulsing pained spirits dissipate, significantly easing the journey back to Dalaston. Moving the dragon hoard proves problematic in the beginning; the dragon's wealth constitutes many horse-loads of material. Ganorok quickly proffers his portable hole, which provides easy solution to this problem.
Returning to the town, you find a gradual calm gripping the town. Fires have been extinguished, collapsing buildings demolished. You also spot the rotund Count Saleno and a few subordinates and family members being driven out of town in a cart, a cheering and mocking crowd hurling dirt small stones after him as he drives off into the distance. When they hear the dragon has been slain, a fair larger and happier cheer rises up, and you find yourselves swarmed with happy, embracing men, women and children. Some seem wary of Ganorok and a little shy of Bladud but still offer grateful handshakes.
Three weeks later, the town is significantly more recovered, with thanks to you. The streets have been cleared of rubble, collapsed houses and the like have been cleared and taken out of town. Together with much of the town, you gather in the temple of Abadar. Scrubbed and reconsecrated under the careful gaze of Haldern, it finds itself suiting a far more joyous purpose than before. To a chorus of rising organ music, Alleria and Baydon slowly march in step down the central aisle to the waiting priest at the central altar. The bride has chosen to garb herself in a dress of pale duck egg blue, a refreshing change from the unearthly pale that garbed the bloodless. A tiara of white and blue wildflowers sits upon her head and above her beaming face. The groom is formal and darkly dressed, his expression solemn and severe befitting the gravity of the pass few days; he is unable to prevent the occasional small smile from alighting upon his features.
As the two raise hands and are bound together by the priest most of the town rises to applaud, and the rest of the town joins them after to attend the feasting tables set up by the Irini Brewery, a fresh burst of life to energize the town after so much death.
Amid the festivities, the two find a moment to speak with all of you. Alleria hugs Haldern, Bladud and Kenja in turn. "I know I said this earlier, but... thank you so much for coming. It's meant so much to me, and to the town, that you're here... and were here before to save us." She turns to Ganorok and bends over. "I can't forget your role either, sir; thank you for helping my friends."
Baydon extends a hand and offers firm shakes. "I'm... sorry for my loss of composure when I saw my mother. It was... a great loss. On behalf of the town, I must reiterate our eternal gratitude." He hesitates a moment. "I know it is tradition to offer repayment for the task of slaying a dragon... but every coin is our town's rebuilding a little delayed. Might I trust in your heroism and selflessness and trust you to set a price fair for yourselves and the town?"
Alleria links her arm with Baydon. "I'll be staying here in town, with my beloved. With Saleno gone, I believe that together we can keep this town together... and my husband will be the man to lead and protect it." he nods his head gravely. "my mother always wanted the best for me; my family has always wanted what was best for Dalaston. I hope to fulfill these wishes."
Haldern would get together with his companions and come up with a fair price. He'd try and get them to err on the lower side but wouldn't push that TOO much. The group deserves its reward.
AFTER that, he'd make the following announcement.
And yes, anybody with good Sense Motive is probably not at all surprised by him doing the following. Bluffing is hardly his strong point.
"My companions and I have come up with a fair price for the town. I am hereby turning over all of my share of that price to the town for rebuilding. You need it more than do I"
Ganorok, still smiling after all the loot they got from the dragon, waves his hand.
"My share of the dragon-killing reward can be used to improve Abadar's temple, no problem."
Your words are met with the appropriate gratitude.
Haldern's family is heartily encouraged to attend the wedding, and are given a place of honor with their patriarch at the feast. Alleria quite eagerly comes up and asks to be introduced.
Looking through the town, it's possible to see a rare opportunity. A crippled town, on the slow path to renewal. Old indolence and greed now purged, with room for somethingnew to take its place. A decimated guard and armory, and a great deal of weak magical weapons from the dragon's hoard. It's possible that this could be a place to settle down, to shape and be shaped by; to use ancient Talamir's last relics to rebuild Dalaston.
Furthermore, the priests of Abadar in Dalaston have all been driven away or killed. There exists room for someone to play a key role in rebuilding the church.
The time following the dragon slaying had been filled with recovery, growth, and a rising sense of community well-being. Bladud had found himself more and more detached. At first, it was easy to ignore, he could always find someone to sit and drink with between when some down time presented itself, and there were always some locals ready to join him in an evening of telling tales that only had a grain of truth buried in all the crazy—albeit fun to listen to—embellishments.
But all this time, in the quiet moments between working, drinking, and the few bis of fun he could find in the small town, Bladud had begun to feel the pull. That indefinable thing which had been the underlying theme of his life. Somewhere else, there was something else for him. And if his life was any indicator, this something was steeped in violence ... and glory.
His mood shifted subtly, and a slight edge entered his jokes. Then one day, he knew it for truth ... Bladud was being called away. As he alway did, he packed and prepped first. But unlike what he usually did, he pulled together those who had come to rely on his strength; he pulled together his team.
"I'm leaving," he grunted, looking at each of them levelly. "I was never meant for easy and steady times." His black eyes meet Haldern's, "That's yer thing." He looks off to where the sun is setting, casting the small, recovering town in shades of deep reds and purples ... the color of blood and bruises. "Nah, I feel somethin' out there, and I'm gonna go find it."
He shrugs, an ugly smirk playing on his thick lips. "Besides, it's gotten downright boring in this joint. And I've nearly drunk the place dry." He gives each of them one last look. "Don't think too bad of me. Hopefully we'll find each other in a scrape again some day. I look forward to it."
Before it can get too much more awkward, Bladud climbs onto Saint, his overburdened warhorse. Without so much as a wave goodbye, he rides out of town. There is no fanfare. There is little comment, except maybe from the sad tavern keep, who's losing the town's biggest drunk of the last month or so.
Just before riding out of the darkened gates and being lost to sight in the dimming evening, he stops and looks back, his face conflicted. "Oh .. and ... if someone comes askin' after me, do yourself a favor and deny you know me." He gives a final shrug as if to say 'What can I say?' then rides into the darkness.
Kenjakana makes sure that no one starves; being able to conjure multiple mansions stocked with food and beverage for hundreds is probably more than enough to feed the entire town. That said, Kenjakana also tries to ensure that the arrangements are temporary. Getting the town back to self-sufficiency avoids the issue of everyone going hungry if she dies of a heart attack or something.
When Sir Haldern inquires about bringing his family to the wedding, Kenjakana gladly teleports him and Jensai to collect them. Since she has made the same trip at least monthly since acquiring Greater Teleport, it takes minimal effort. She otherwise spends most of her days aimlessly drifting around.
Bladud's departure is the one thing of note that gets a significant reaction out of her.
"Be safe, Bladud," Kenjakana says as she hugs her friend's meaty arm. "If you don't mind, I'll visit you occasionally."
With that said, the Sage Sorceress waves goodbye and watches the biggest Ham on Golarion ride off into sunset.
Ganorok, whiskers downcast at Bladud's departure, lets a small tear fall.
"If you ever need a professional procurer, let me know. I'll give you a great deal, big friend!"
With great effort, few see Bladud go; he avoids gratitude, reward, attachment. One man does, however; an old guard atop the wall, hair grey and armor cracked. At the sight of the mounted warrior riding over the horizon, an urge strikes him. Reaching for a battered flute in his back pocket, he draws it, moisten his lips, then begins to blow a quiet melody. A haunting elegy, echoing emptily through the walls, wavering between calm, sorrow and contentment. As the final note is blown, the half-orc disappears over the edge of the sky forever.
The party decides to summer in Dalaston. By the end of it, the town looks as good as new, if not better. Houses are rebuilt, the town's fortifications are stripped down to a more welcoming basic and trade caravans are a frequent sight outside the town's walls.
On the last day of winter, a call goes up from the city's highest watch tower; a brown-winged creature, descending upon the town. It's dismissed for a few moments as a bird, until it continues growing larger and larger as it descends until finally a magnificent tawny roc descends atop the watchtower's roof with a piercing shriek, tucking its feathers in as it alights.
Terrified, eventually the guard notes it is making no aggressive moves, and has indeed stuck a leg out towards him from the roof; a leg with a large golden scroll strapped to it. Shakily retrieving it, the guard watches the roc fly its way down to the river to drink. Townspeople gather on the walls to watch it.
Reading the words attached to the scroll, the guard blanches and hurries with it towards the residence of the town's three saviors.
Unraveled, the scroll is as much a work of art as it is a message. Gold trimming surrounds the page, inlaid with designs of clouds, lightning bolts, suns and other symbols. The message written upon it in rich blank ink is simple.
"With great respect, the lady QUEEN SENNA SCOURGESISTER requests that the lady KENJAKA, the lord BLADUD, sir HALDERN and company attend her in her home city of JOL, and to then bestow upon her the honor of their presence as she attends the wake of KING SVEINN BLOOD-EAGLE in the city of KALSGARD, such that the passing of the great king can be mourned and matters personal and vital may be discussed."
The note is followed by several oaths swearing the honesty and integrity of the message as well as small prayers of respect and good fortune written in the celestial tongue.
As the summer goes on, Kenjakana seems to come and go, using her excellent magical mobility to help Dalaston as needed. She becomes rather famous for conjuring her invisible, interdimensional mansions to house herself and then setting up a sign pointing to the approximate location for the door. She usually gives away most of the food and beverages.
...Why do people always get my name wrong? Kenjakana ponders with a sigh.
"Spelling aside, I'm surprised that Senna remembers me. I don't recall saying much to her personally, and I largely just observed your conversations from the shadows. Regardless, we'll need to tell her about Bladud's depature," Kenjakana says to Sir Haldern when the letter is given to them. "...Want to take Mouse with us? I'm not sure how long that contract was supposed to last, but I think he falls under the 'company' the letter mentions."
Ganorok spends the summer making sure the town recovers from in the economic sense of the world. Some loans here and there, some buys of local produced goods, some investments in needed business and you have a thriving community back on its feet.
When he sees the roc, cautiously slips into the shadows, and moves out of the way. When the scroll is delivered to the others, he waits outside, while having a lunch of milk and cheese.
"Maybe a new exploration. I feel the itch to go get some more mysteries unravelled."
Haldern was very happy to be able to bring his wife Sylvanta and his two children (son Marcus aged 10 and daughter Fridella 8) to Dalaston and to the wedding.
The friendship of him and his companions, forged in battle, strengthens in the calm of the rebuilding. He and his wife definitely appreciate Kenjakana's willingness to use her powers for her friends. Sylvanta soon counts Kenjakana amongst her closest friends. It is nice to have another woman to talk to, a woman who understands the adventuring life, a woman who knows her husband
Both Sylvanta and Haldern are clearly very capable fighters and warriors, and both know when and how to be as hard as nails. While they are generally reserved in public, rarely laughing or joking, their fundamental kindness and goodness does show through. But even in public an occassional glance or touch reveals the great love they bear for each other and for their children. In private or when with friends that they trust they become quite relaxed and are even known to make the odd joke or two :-).
The children are well behaved although Fridella has a definite mischievous streak to her.
And its hard for the townsfolk to not laugh out loud at the spectacle of the large, fierce Griffon Jensal behaving like a kitten with the two children. He allows ribbons to be braided into his feathers, he sits with his head "in" Marcus;s lap, he bows his head in pretended chagrin when they chastise him for being naughty.
While certainly supporting Ganoraks efforts to rebuild the temple to Abadar and certainly not trying to compete, Sylvanta and Haldern do construct a small temple to Ioemedae in town and accept without charge all who want some martial training and who are willing to embrace the discipline at the heart of all worship of the Inheritor.
For a little while, at least, Haldern happily settles down with his family, his adventuring career at least put on hold.
He is saddened at the departure of Bladud but knows that it is the way of things for companions to separate. He made it clear to him that he only needed to call and Haldern would be there at his side as fast as either Jensal or a teleport could bring them.
"If he wishes to come with us, I think bringing Ganorok along would be a great idea. I plan on bringing my family with me, they need to see a little more of the world and we could all use a change. The larger the party the better, as far as I am concerned"
The trio having reached an agreement to travel, they separate and begin their various preparations. Two days hence, they reassemble outside Dalaston's city gates. Their chosen method of travel is two caravans, leftover from the city's formal rule, made of rich wood and no less luxurious appointments inside, pulled by two teams of two sturdy horses. Pulling on a brightly gilded bell as a good few of the town gathers to wave their protectors goodbye, Marcus and Fridella ride atop the roof of the second gripping a handrail under the careful eye of their mother Sylvanta, waving goodbye to their new friends and acquaintances as the fearsome Jensel makes a lazy loop around above them before dropping to the ground to trot beside them regally as they get into the journey proper.
The journey while long proves only mildly eventful. Most of the difficutly proves from the arrival of spring; snowmelt muddies roads and sends foxes, rabbits and other animals racing along the meadows and forests you pass, causing the children no small amount of merriment. Passing by a small rural community, a travelling pastor begs help resolving the town's endagerment by the brutish Dead Leg Gang of bandits. The sight of Kenjakana's magic, Haldern's visage atop his mighty griffon nad the dimuitive scurrying ratfolk prove enough for them to throw down weapons and beg for their lives, particularly when their leader is swiftly pinned by a casual griffon leg. Haldern briefly oversees their fair trial and punishment, and earns the small caravan a week of the town's finest supplies for their efforts.
The landscape has been completely cleared of snow by the time Jol comes into sight, grasses sparkling wetly from dew. The town seems more prosperous from when you left it, years ago. The fields surrounding the town buzz with activity, either from horsedrawn ploughs being dragged from tens of fields under the gaze of hundreds of farmhands as they all muck in with seed planting, to the barns opening releasing hundreds of new-born sheep and cows to graze in the fresh fields. The city itself seems larger, a small township of new buildings and construction at its edge, as if the city is bursting free of its ancient walls.
As you approach the city, the sight of Haldern, Jensal and Kenjakana provoke salutes from the walls' guards and with a loud roar of "OPEN THE GATE!" the mighty city gates are levered open fully, drawing forth a few curious onlookers as the small caravan passes through the immense moving walls of timber and iron. A good few smiles erupt as you're recognized, and stableboys jostle for your attention as you repair to the city's stableyards, four eventually being chosen by some strange and arcane procedure to free your horses and take them to their stables for rub-downs and feedings.
A man in city guard armor with a large iron and gold helm carved in the shape of a stone giant's fearsome face arrives followed by six more city guards. He presses his fist to his chest in a salute, crimson cloak wavering as his fellows follow suit. "Welcome to Jol, Sir Haldern, Lady Kenjakana-" his eyes scan for someone else before returning you you. "-and others. Queen Senna Scourgesister awaits you in in the Jolburg, as well as guest quarters before the procession departs for the wake. If you'd come with me?"
"Thank you for this kind welcome. Please, lead on"
Ganorok shows a big smile, all teeth and happiness.
"Ganorok, at your service, but you can call me "Mouse"."
He follows the others, looking around with his small beady eyes.
"Yessir. I am named Captain of the Watch Creighton, and it is my men and I's honor to be your guard." He turns back and raises a fist. "Honor guard, FALL IN!"
Duly the procession moves through the city; marching Creighton and his men, mounted Haldern, quiet Ganorok and confident Kenjakana, Sylvanta holding the hands of two curious children so they don't wander off. Ganarok peers around the city curiously and spots a few skulking pickpockets or suspicious nobles, but little beyond what is normal for a city the size of Jol.
The Jolburg is a mighty fort in the centre of town, a redoubtable redoubt for the city's defenders to retreat to should the walls be breached. Today its doors are wide open, and you're shown through is open courtyard and iron-studded buildings through to the familiar meeting hall. At the far end lies the ruler's throne, wooden and strong, with the crag linnorm Haldern and the others downed high above it, preserved and draped over the throne. Initially your gaze is drawn to it, before eventually turning to the gaggle of people dressed in rich and formal clothes on the other side of the hall, arguing over a desk piled with scrolls and books. Eventually a gentle yet firm syllable is uttered, and the group parts to reveal Senna with her gold and silver circlet, missing her wolf pelt and instead garbed in light and practical everyday clothes. She smiles a greeting as she approaches and the gaggle return to their arguing, Creighten coming to attention. "Tu Senna Scourgesister, Queen of Jol, we present Sir Haldern, lady Kenjakana, company and family!" She nods regally and makes a gesture. "Thank you, captain. Dismissed." She gives Haldern a firm handshake and pulls Kenjakana into quick hug. "It's very good to see you two again." Her smile grows wider as she looks over Haldern's family and Ganorok. "And who might these welcome guests be?"
Ganorok bows low, with a serious face.
"Ganorok, Priest of Abdar, at your command, your highness."
The queen gives a courtly nod. "Welcome to Jol. Our city is still recovering from its time under a ruler with... middling... respect for law and structure; it will do it good to house a priest of the forces of civilization."
Elsewhere in the castle, a runner arrives at the quarters of a dark-haired man in silver armor pouring over a hefty scroll. "Sir? They've arrived."
Daniel nods to the runner, "Thank you for letting me know. I will come at once." He rolls up the scroll and locks it away. He moves to the door and gives himself a once over to make sure everything is presntable and then goes to meet the Queen and her new comers. He awaits at the door to the room until the Queen invites him to enter.
With a tiny half smile, Haldern makes a deep bow
"Your majesty, it is very good to meet you again. May I have the great honour of presenting to you my wife Sylvanta. This young lady is Fridella and this young man is Marcus.
Sylvanta, children, this is Her Majesty, Queen Tu Senna Scourgesister of Jol. A great monarch and also a good friend"
Not to be left out, Jensal also bows and chirps to Senna, and then stretches his long neck out for a good scratch
Kenjakana is happy to have her friend Sylvanta along for the trip. Having spent so much time traveling with manly men like Bladud and Sir Haldern, it is nice to have some female company for a change. She entertains Marcus and Fridella by summoning different heavenly creatures along the way.
Throughout the trip, thanks to her surprisingly good survival skills, Kenjakana serves as the group guide.
Before reaching their destination, Kenjakana uses Paragon Surge to nab Sending for a quick message to Senna about Baldud's departure; she figures that it would be a good idea to let her know in advanced.
Kenjakana is not sure what makes the Dead Leg Gang surrender faster: the divine wrath of The Inheritor or the Celestial T. Rexes she summons.
After readily returning the hug, Kenjakana grounds herself and takes a Minkaian-style bow.
"Good to see you again, Your Majesty."
Senna grins, reaches out and scratches gently at Jensel's neck, much to his pleasure. She nods regally to Haldern's slightly awed family, and to Kenjakana. "An honor to have you here in Jol." She looks around you all. "I'm very pleased you will be able to come. Kalsgard is a beautiful city, and part of its traditions is that upon returning to it, one should bring a friend to watch them experience it for the first time." She turns to Kenja. "I'm particularly happy you were able to come along, Kenjakana. Kalsgard is the far end of a new trade route between Avistan and Tian Xia; it might let you see more of your countrymen than you have in some time."
She claps a hand to get Creighton's attention. "Well; your family must desire to stretch your legs a little from your journey, or rest a little. Creighton can take you to your prepared quarters, and show you the gardens. Mugs of hot milk and chocolate are waiting, and anything else you desire... and we've a little business to discuss here." She looks up. "And captain; let Daniel in on your way out."
With a tiny bit of persuasion, Haldern's family files its way out as Senna turns, her face growing a tiny bit grimmer, and a man with long brown hair is shown in. "While it is good to see you again, I should cover grimmer matters as soon as I can; I've no desire for you to believe I've deceived you. Firstly; this is Daniel, a fine and clever man who's been helping me for several past months." She crosses to a table on the other edge of the hall, and unveils a map of Kalsgard on it. "So. Sveinn Blood-Eagle of Kalsgard is dead. He was struck with an illness of the head, something from his age. And we do head to Kalsgard for his wake, all the Linnorm Kings and Queens do." She looks up and continues hastily "And before I say anything else, I'm sure your family will be safe, Haldern. The city is beautiful, large and with many trusted guards, let alone those I'll be bringing along."
"With that said..."
She turns to Daniel and nods. "Recount your efforts in Kalsgard, if you would."
After he's finished, Senna adds "There's one other matter. From everything I can determine, there was nothing suspicious about the manner of Sveinn's death. He was an old man who held on a long time, he was struck by the most natural of age's infirmities, there's no obvious sign of poison or disease. But..." She sighs, and her face grows worried. "...Sveinn was not an ordinary man. He was the King, and the best of all of us. We spoke a few times, in detail. It was with absolutely legendary focus that he wished to remain King until he could find a strong and just ruler for Kalsgard, for the entirety of this land. For him to die ordinarily, and leave no anointed heir behind for his city..." She shrugs. "He was an extraordinary man, who was born beneath extraordinary signs and lived extraordinarily. I find it hard to believe he could die so ordinarily."
"So... I've invited you along, just in case something is wrong in the city of Kalsgard. In a strange city, dependable allies are rare indeed."
"I hope you're still willing to accompany me?"
Ganorok shifts uncomfortably, not sure if he is "invited" to that quest, and which payment is expected.
He has grown fond of Haldern, and specially Kenjakana, and would love to go with them...
Senna quickly turns. "And you, sir Ganorok, if you are counted as a worthy companion of these two, you are absolutely welcome to come. And if something foul is indeed afoot and you help me deal with it, I can promise a fine reward."
Ganorok beady eyes glitter as jewels, and a wide smile shows in his mouth. He bows repeatedly.
"Your Highness! I am but your humble servant! Command, and I will follow!"
"You know me. I find it hard to resist any call for help, especially from an old and valued friend. As long as it doesn't endanger my family, you can count on me.
Oh, and don't let my wife fool you. She is quite competent in her own right"
"...I made the trip over the Crown of the World myself some time ago. It was... an experience; it is definitely not an easy journey," Kenjakana recalls as she closes her eyes and thinks. "I also spent many months in Kalsgard. I was looking for any clues about what happened to my Lords and Ladies, an old dynasty who once ruled Minkai before being deposed in a violent coup by evil usurpers. All leads I followed about their fates went to dead ends. Shortly afterward, I learned about the situation with the Storm Queen, and having no purpose anymore at the time, I decided to act. I wanted to make difference for a change. Sir Haldern and I joined forces not too much later."
Kenjakana opens her eyes and takes the air once more.
"I will accompany you. I once witnessed the regicide of a great dynasty. I truly hope that is not the case here."
Daniel steps forward, dressed in very fine chain-mail accented in black in light blue, and a short sword at his side. He wears a holy symbol of a short-sword and moon. He is a very ordinary man; average height average build. When you look away you have a hard time remembering what he looks like. He looks at each of you for a split second and then says, "As her Majesty has said I have been helping her for a few months now. I have been trying to establish some unofficial information sources in Kalsgard. Nothing nefarious, just ways for us to confirm other information that comes out of there. None of my efforts have been successful. It is not as if they are being discovered and removed, they are just failing to take root and disappear. Every time we try our efforts are shooed away like a gnat. It is very frustrating to one of my nature. It's time to go there and see what's going on. Something is going on there but I've no idea what."
Senna looks thoughtfully to Kenja. "Well; if there is some conspiracy we crack open while there, perhaps we can make some progress in your search in the aftermath."
Senna nods approvingly to Daniel. "Precisely. And we've a feeling that whatever it is that's so in control in Kalsgard, it isn't Sveinn or any of his followers."
"There's little I can tell you beyond that, so... while I'm grateful you're willing to come, is there anything further you wish to ask before we leave? I'd like to leave for Kalsgard possibly as early as tonight."
For a brief, fleeting moment Haldern looks a little upset at the thought of his family setting out again that evening, without even a day to recover from the rigors of the road getting here.
But he just nods, not saying anything
"I'll have to pack some cheese for the road."
Cheese is bought, and supped upon the next day.
The day is spent in Jol; briefly touring, briefly resting. Sylvanta appreciates the time to rest while Haldern takes the children around the city, burning off their excess energy.
Come the evening, Senna's retinue lies ready to depart; three fine carriages, newly arrived from Absalom, engraved with Jol's crest and with Creighton at the head of a small group of guards, with the party's company bringing up the rear.
Heading east around Grungir forest for some time, the land passes by brisk but warming, all fields and forests.
The guards keep a respectful distance, but eventually one night as the caravan rests and Senna studies her books and sends off ravens with messages, one of the guards, a young man with a scar on his neck and short black hair approaches, helmet doffed. "S'cuse me, sirs, lady. We'w're just over there, having a drink, talkin' about things we'd seen, done. Be our honor if'n you were to join us." He gestures to a small campfire and a few guards sitting around it, sipping from mugs beneath the Ulfen starscape.
Haldern and Sylvanta would happily join the guards and get to know them better. Jensal would watch over the children.
When asked about his adventures, he describes them in very brief detail, trying to walk that fine line between False Modesty and Boasting. He is more interested in what experiences they have had.
If time allows, he'd also spar with whoever wanted to. NOT trying to humiliate anybody, he genuinely would try and help them improve themselves.
Ganorok goes to share a drink, and takes a little cheese to share with his new friends.
Daniel stands up and smile at the man, "That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'd love to hear of some of your exploits." He then walks over to the campfire with the others and sits down and has a drink.
"...so there I was; WAIST-DEEP in RATS in that old man's basement" swig "when a damned BOX, attached to god knows what, somehow falls, clobbering me over the head. That'd be it for me, but it pulled down a bed, twenty jars and a chandalier he'd pinched from an old art hall." swig "Squashed the rats flat; my mates found me after and we went to the pub till I'd forgotten the entire day."
They look a little curiously over the rest of you. "...got anything like that?"
They listen politely to Haldern's tales, a little awed by the sense of scale in his exploits.
Later the next day, Haldern takes a few men onto the field and shows them sword and lance-work; dizzying parries and strength of arm learned from years of experience.
Daniel takes a few swigs as the man tells his tale and then says, "I don't think I can beat that but, have you ever had a problem that just refuses to go away and gets worse every time you fix it? I was down in Andoran and there was a problem with some kobolds attacking the lumberjacks and killing them. So I went into the woods with some people and found the kobold's hideout. I was in some underground temple to an evil Dwarven god. So we killed them all and go back to town and rest. Problem solved, right? Oh no. About two weeks later more lumberjacks start disappearing and the violence is even worse. So we go back out and track em back to a an old Azlanti tomb. Something in the temple turned the head kobold into an undead and he set up camp in this tomb. Now it's not just kobolds, but undead ones too. So we clear out the tomb and he's dead...again. Problem solved right? Oh no! After resting for a week in town, one morning as we're eating breaksfast, the town is invaded by hordes of undead. Somethings raising the corpses from all the graveyards in the area. We track the problem back to the old dwarven temple and find that an area that was blocked off by a collapse before is opened up and go down there and clean the place out. There's some undead cleric in there playing with things he shouldn't be. Once we cleared them all out we headed back to town and rested up. I was called away after a week of rest. I was never more glad to leave a town than I was that one. I don't want to know what was next. There was a circus setting up as I left town. Never got to enjoy it though." Daniel then drains his mug.
"...so there I was; WAIST-DEEP in RATS in that old man's basement" swig "when a damned BOX, attached to god knows what, somehow falls, clobbering me over the head. That'd be it for me, but it pulled down a bed, twenty jars and a chandalier he'd pinched from an old art hall." swig "Squashed the rats flat; my mates found me after and we went to the pub till I'd forgotten the entire day."
When he mentions "Squashed the rats flat" Ganorok's mouth falls open, his whiskers down, a tear in his eyes.
"That... that... that is MONSTROUS!"
One of the guards looks at Daniel oddly, but the rest grin as he finishes his tale. "A circus... gods know what that would have been; I can't stand clowns." "Had the same issue with a bunch of street kids and a turned over beer barrel the size of a house; kick one group out, another gang moves in."
The storyteller goes a bit white as Ganorok squeaks. "Oh shi... erm... I..."
Spirits are high as the group reaches the Rimeflow river. Piling onto a large barge, you set off downriver to the north. Within a few hours of travel, the barren tundra to the east and west has been replaced by the verdant edges of Grungir forest; trees of all shades of green, strange howls and cries from within, dark depths that seem to sparkle in the midmorning sun. The guards take turns singing what few sea shanties they know to keep their spirits up; Senna bids them keep silent as they pass strange bubbles in the water until eventually they move beyond it.
The journey comes to a halt as with a sudden rush of air, a gap in the trees expands into a purple and green void. From within it, a silver orb the size of a building appears, hovering a moment, still. Suddenly it opens up, revealing three figures. They walk towards you, the silver material forming ornate steps with inlaid silver trees beneath their feet. Behind them, the silver material rapidly constructs itself into a floating city, shining and majestic, composed of floating skyways, twisted spires and sprawling alleyways. Further details unfold themselves from the silver, grass, bronzework, iron; the city winds itself into the trees, becoming part of the forest itself. Denizens appears; gnomes, trolls, animalistic humans and creatures that change shape with the breath of the wind; as they walk, beneath their feet, the city reshapes itself into temples and spires.
Senna gasps. "Nithveil..."
The three figures on their silver stairs are tall; high as Verakas the cloud-giant maven, but far thinner, their skin pale as the glowing moon. Their eyes are ebon and raven hair falls to their ankles. They wear furred dresses of dark brown leather and silver brooches, and strapped to their waist are thick iron shears with edges as bright as moonlight.
They stop at the river bank, fifty feet above the ground. The first, in the middle, her eyes locked on the barge, a harsh scar on the side of her face including a missing ear bringing tears to your eyes. The second, to the side, stares at the sun above, eyes unblinking, shears gripped tight in her hand. The third, at the back, stares north at your path ahead, a thin hand stretched in front of her as she stares along her palm, revealing a missing finger.
Senna makes to stand, then hesitates, and turns. "I... I think they want to speak with you"
[spoiler=DC 20 K Local]A cult, the Varki, worship the norns as pseudodeities worth believing in and following, dedicated to the peoples' survival.
Daniel gasp as the city unfolds itself into the wood and the Norns appear. "That's something I've never seen anything like before and I've seen a lot. The Norns dispense knowledge of things to come and ride Nithveil to see aid. I'll go see what they have to say Your Majesty. Will you accompany me?", Daniel says as he looks at Haldren, Kenjakana and the Mouse.
While the others talk around the campfire with the guards, Kenjakana stays silent and thinks about her homeland. Given the current situation in Minkai, many of her fellow countrymen have made the trip over the Crown of the World to escape the chaos, and quite a few have settled in Kalsgard. While researching the fate of her lieges, she spent quite some time in that city. The idea of going back stirs memories long stored away.
Kenjakana has dealt with norns before; one of the first things she did after crossing the Crown and failing to find any concrete records about her lieges was seek one out and consult her. The answers she got were... cryptic at best, nonsense at worst. That said, they had been quite correct that she would find some purpose and solace by traveling with a Shining Knight of The Inheritor.
"I will accompany you, Daniel," says Kenjakana as she flies after her newest ally's side. She pauses before adding sheepishly, "...What's a Nithveil?"
When she has a moment, Kenjakana casts Tears to Wine on the contents of her canteen and takes a big swig. It gets followed up by a Heroism and a Heightened Awareness.