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Leopold sees Leconair's questioning look and waves his hand in assent. 'Help yourself!' he says, before going back to polishing a glass.
Armed with several recepticles, you hurry after the crowd who soon leave the road and start to head south of the town into a lightly wooded area. After picking your way through the undergrowth, listening to the excited chatter of children, and occasionally stopping to help one of the elderly villagers over a thick tree root, you emerge to a fascinating, and enlightening, sight.
Before you sits a natural hollow, perhaps 50 yards across, which appears to be entirely filled with moss of a variety of shades of red. Obviously fed by an underground spring, the moss seems surprisingly healthy given the recent prolonged spell of warm weather.
The villagers line up at a point on the downslope side, just as the shower begins to peter out. They wait patiently, until one of them shouts and points to a thin, but steady, stream of water which is starting to emerge. Immediately a sort of 'pot' chain is formed, with all manner of containers filled from the stream, then passed down the line for someone to carry away. Your jugs are duly taken and returned by a smiling villager who says 'not many outsiders land lucky like this. Enjoy!'
Eventually, everyone has as much as they can carry, and the happy crowd begin to make their way back to the village, a little more slowly than they came.
'Have a taste' the halfling replies.
Johan cautiously tips a little out of the jug and drinks it. It is surprisingly cool, and has a slight flavour, but is otherwise unremarkable.
Leopold explains 'there's a local legend that in the 12 days before the summer equinoxe - that's the day of the gnome festival - the water of the Red Moss has magical properties. As it doesn't rain much at this time of year, and the moss is protected by a royal edict to stop people digging it up, then you can see why the locals are so keen to get out and collect it when it happens. So I'd drink up if I were you as the legend also says that by the next moon the water loses its benefits'.
Outside, after everyone has stowed their containers, the court picks up where it left off. The last petition of the day is for the Knight's blessing on the marriage of 2 young people. For the first time today, he appears to take a real interest in the case, speaking earnestly to both the young man and woman. One of the locals explains that before the marriage can be recognised, the couple will 'walk the moss' together, meaning they walk hand in hand around the hollow you have just come from, before the final seal of approval.
They duly disappear for around half an hour, during which time nobody leaves. When they reappear, it is to a cheer from the villagers, who carry them on their shoulders back to the Knight, whose final solemn proclamation is that should the man ever be unfaithful to his new wife, the Knight will come back to town and challenge him to single combat for her honour. A look of worry passes over the young man's face, until the Knight breaks into a broad smile and adds 'maybe...'.
The man's father, who you saw earlier, stands and thanks the Knight, and the villagers for their gifts and good wishes. He announces that a small celebration will be held at The Lucky Charm this evening, to which all are warmly invited.
And at that, the court is dissolved, the head man thanks the Knight and the two go back to his house, while the crowd disperses.
'Yes' says Leopold, 'that's them married. Another local custom to signify that as well as the approval of the law, that Nature herself watches over the newlyweds. Supposedly if She objects they won't be able to walk round the hollow, although I don't know if it's ever happened! You're welcome to come to the do this evening as well, it's not just for the villagers'.
Leconair sniffs the water dubiously.
The moss must be constantly fed by a spring, the source of which would most likely be some aquifer in the hills - it will have picked up chemicals and nutrients from the rocks it has been filtered through.
From what he saw of the moss itself, it is possible that the combination of the groundwater and the rain which has recently filtered through the organic material is causing some sort of reaction. 'If there is anything unusual about the water, it is much more likely to be due to chemistry than arcane power' he thinks, although as a student of magic himself, he can't completely rule out the alternative...
Interesting, Leconair thought to himself. Well, the best experiment is the experience itself, I suppose, he said to no one in particular. He takes a nice long drink from the container he brought with him. He also pours out his wineskin, and fills one for future study. Finally, he refills his container gathered from Leopold's, and returns to the Lucky Charm to share with any patrons who may have missed out on it.
During the course of the rest of the day, you amuse yourselves in whatever way you wish. Several events happen between the end of the court session and the evening party:
- about an hour after the court closes, the Knight re-emerges from the head man's house. His horse is brought from the stable, the head man bows and exchanges a few final words with him, before he mounts up and rides out of town, heading further along the road (presumably to the next settlement).
- around mid-afternoon, Asko, Camlon and Petus, consipcuous by their absence earlier, ride into town and head for the campsite. They look as if they have been riding for a while judging by the trail dust on their clothes
- as night falls, the villagers begin to make their way to the inn. An open air barbeque has been set up, and the air is soon full of good natured banter and chat as the celebrations get into full swing
Johan walks the camping area to pinpoint the location of Asko's party's campsite. Once that is ascertained, he heads back to the inn to attend the festivities, buying a round for Leconair and Rath.
While at the party, Johan keeps an eye out for Asko and company.
To Leconair and Rath:
Looks like our friends from earlier have been busy. It may bear looking into. Now, I wonder where our new employer is at?
At one point you spot Jellardo. He takes some food from the barbeque and disappears back inside the inn. When you catch up with him he explains he has to look over some accounts, so will not be staying too long at the celebration. He tells you he will see you here tomorrow.
A little later you notice the trio of Asko, Camlin and Petus. They appear to have cleaned the worst of the trail dust off, and are also partaking of the hospitality. From the look that passes between them, they have obviously seen you too.
"We may have found a bit of luck ourselves. We'll see soon, I suppose." Leconair answered as he joined the group. "But, talk of work is so mundane. Tell me, how did you first find out you have the gifts for the arcane arts?" Leconair attempts to steer the conversation toward discussions of magic, hoping that talking about a personal passion (if he guessed correctly) may help him to relax and open up.
At the offer of 'refreshments', the others become somewhat more friendly. In fact, you couldn't help noticing that they appear to be quite pleased with themselves for some reason, and, in Petus' case, noticeably less hostile! After the first round, they take a turn and return the favour.
Leconair's attempt to draw Asko into conversation proves successful, and after a quick background about where he studied, he lets slip a few details about his specialty - Leconair's familiarity with magic allows him to know that Asko is a divination mage by choice, with little apparent affinity for creation or, happily, the darker elements of magic.
Even after a few drinks though, he remains guarded about what exactly he and his companions are doing in this area, and with Camlon appearing to be fairly taciturn in general, the only potential 'weak link' might be Petus. Except Asko keeps him on a short leash, making sure he doesn't overindulge, and if there is any enquiry directed at him, Asko quickly steps in and steers the conversation away into safer territory.
The evening passes in fine style, with fine food and ale for all courtesy of Leopold. Locals and visitors mix happily, and in the warm summer air, the mood couldn't be better, especially when the happy couple appear, and pass round a traditional 'khag' - an engraved silver dish with wooden handles, which has been filled with some form of strong spirit. As it is passed to you, one of the villagers tells you that is the traditional 'toast' to the bride and groom, and everyone takes a sip of the liquid to wish them health and happiness together. It certainly sets a fire in the belly, that's for sure!
Night has drawn in, and although the celebrations are still going merrily, you can see a number of people either slightly the worse for wear - the bride's father being one - or starting to think about heading to bed for an early start tomorrow. Over the conversation and tale telling, you pick up the sound of hoof beats and wheels.
Several people glance down the road, where they see a black carriage, drawn by 2 chestnut horses, with the driver, a stovepipe hat sitting atop his head, all wrapped up in a thick black coachman's coat despite the warm evening air.
The carriage pulls up beside the inn, and the door on the opposite side opens (presumably to let someone exit). Leopold disappears back inside. After about 5 minutes, during which time the driver hasn't moved from his seat, Leopold comes out and goes to speak to the bride and groom - from their body language he appears to be explaining something to them, and after a quick conversation between them, they nod to Leopold who goes back inside.
After another few minutes pause, Leopold comes out again and bangs a small gong to get everyone's attention. He clears his throat, and announces:
'Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to announce the climax of this evening's celebration: a bardic recital in honour of the bride and groom. Would you all please make your way inside'.
Heading inside, you see that the tables have been arranged so that a small area had been cleared in front of the large fireplace - no fire burns at this time of year.
You take a seat, with people standing or sitting on the floor in places. There is an expectant air, and for several minutes nothing happens. Then Leopold appears from the back room, walks to the fireplace and says simply 'friends and guests, may I present: Silverlight'. He backs away, and out from behind the bar emerges a figure, just over 5' tall, dressed in a full length black cloak with a large cowl. The figure moves with feminine grace, and takes up a position in front of the fire.
After a moment's pause, the figure begins to sing. The voice has an ethereal quality quite unlike anything you have ever heard before, and is exquisitely beautiful, how you would imagine angels would sing. The song is about 2 lovers who are separated, but travel to the ends of the earth to be re-united with each other. Their love is so great, that when they die the Gods turn them into white doves and the fly off to spend eternity together. It lasts for - well in truth you are so captivated by the song you don't recall how long if lasts, nor indeed which language it was in, just that it was one of the most beautiful and moving things you have ever heard.
As the last lingering notes of the song fade, you both notice the hooded figure quietly slipping away without stopping for the acclaim. It quickly disappears behind the bar and through the door to the back.
Looking around, you see the other patrons are still held rapt by the song, and seem to almost be in a trancelike state, overcome by the emotion of the tale. After a moment or two, people start to snap out of it, and the applause is hearty and sustained, even though the recipient of their cheers is gone...
My apologies. We were just hoping to compliment the young lady on her uncanny ability to sing. We will meet her out back, then.
To Leconair:
Perhaps we can catch her if we use the front door and head around back...
Johan hastens through the front door and heads towards the back of the inn, keeping an eye out for the bard and the odd coach.
Perception:
The driver is sitting on the driving seat at the front of the carriage, and is still dressed in his heavy driver's coat with the collar pulled up, and the large black hat. His gloved hands are holding the reins of the horses as if in preparation for departure, although they are standing placidly.
Johan makes his polite enquiry about the bard. The driver doesn't even acknowledge having heard him; he continues looking forward, although between the high collar and his hat, his face is largely obscured in shadow.
Curious, Johan tries to sneak a peek inside but finds the coach locked up tight, with the shutters in place over the windows. It's almost as if the passenger area was designed specifically to keep the light out.
As for the taciturn driver, he appears to be deaf, rude, both or possessed of some other ailment that prevents him giving a simple answer as he remains motionless, apparently oblivious to your presence.
Leconair waves at the driver to try and catch his attention, and calls to him, but gets no more response than Johan.
Muttering under his breath, Rath says 'I'll teach him to ignore us!' and puts his foot on the running board, ready to climb up beside the driver and start remonstrating with him. It is at this point that you can hear the side door of the inn open, and see a brief chink of light from inside which is quickly extinguished. Looking round, you see the cloaked figure emerging from the doorway. Its head tilts in your direction, and the figure stops, as if surprised by your presence.
It sees you, particularly Rath, and a muffled (female) voice says 'excuse me, please'. As it speaks, it begins to move to the coach door.
The figure stops briefly and you can sense, rather than see (because of the large cowled hood), that it is looking at you. The soft voice says again 'I thank you, kind sirs. I am but a simple singer, but if I can bring a brief moment of pleasure into the lives of my audience, my work has been worthwhile. Until we meet again...'.
With that she gives a slight bow, then utters a single word in a language that is unknown to you, and sounds somewhat harsh and guttural in comparison to the melodious tone of her singing. At that, as if jolted awake from slumber, the coachman jerks into motion, his right hand gripping the reins in preparation for departure, his left hand poised over the brake lever.
The cloaked songstress moves to the step beside the door, mounts it, and opens the door - the door which Johan tried not moments before and found locked. In the dim light you get a brief view of the inside of the carriage, which appears to be very well appointed, before the door is pulled closed as the bard steps inside. No sooner has the door closed, then the coachman releases the handbrake, and cracks the reins to get the horses moving. The coach rumbles out onto the main street, turns and begins to slowly move along the road out of town.
Somewhat disappointed to be robbed of the chance to learn more about the mysterious bard (and her equally mysterious carriage and driver), you return to the inn and re-join the festivities. A small crowd has gathered round the bride and groom and there seems to be some excitement. You ask a villager what is happening and he tells you that Leopold has just given the couple a gift. Apparently, as he was escorting the bard to her carriage, she gave him a box to give to the happy couple. When they opened it, they discovered a beautiful pair of matching silver wedding rings - 'from the look on Leopold's face' says the local with a chuckle, 'they must have been worth a pretty penny. He's got an eye for these things!'.
It seems like the perfect end to a wonderful day for the newlyweds, and after thanking everyone again for joining the celebrations, they leave for home; that's the cue for everyone to finish their drinks and do likewise.
The following day, a little wooly mouthed after last night's drinking, you rise, and after breakfast pack up your tents and gear ready to move out. Your new employer is waiting at the appointed time, and he greets you warmly.
'Now', he says, 'I am in your hands as to the travel arrangements. I plan on following this trail' he adds, pointing to a line on a rough map which he has spread out on the ground. 'All being well, it should take us about 4 hours or so to get to the gnomes' village. After that, I'd like to set up my stall, and I'll pay you what I owe. How do you propose we cover the ground?'.
Leconair nods in agreement. "I believe the travel will be quick, and hopefully uneventful." He looks up at the sky, trying to figure out what the weather will be like for this trip.
"Have you been to the festival before? What is it like?" Lceonair tries to engage the merchant in conversation as they prepare for departure.
Jellardo nods in agreement with your suggestions. 'Excellent, and very sensible' he adds.
On the question of the gnomes' festival he replies 'it's a vibrant occasion. The gnomes are very welcoming to outsiders - you may see a few things that surprise you - and the games are always well attended. There should be a few more merchants selling their wares, and the food at the banquet is uniformly excellent. In many ways I'm surprised more people haven't heard about it, but that's maybe no bad thing; too many people might encourage the wrong sort to attend, if you know what I mean?'
Leconair's weather eye reckons the day will be pleasant and sunny, so after a final check to see that all the boxes are secure, you set off.
You travel back along the road you entered town on for a way, then pick up the rough trail marked on the map without difficulty. Jellardo's horse is obviously bred for stamina, rather than speed, as it plods sedately onward over the bumpy and rutted track.
Johan is straining his ear to catch the details as Jellardo recounts another tale about the festival. So he fails to notice that the jouncing movement of the cart has caused the left wheel to become loose on the axle. Too late he shouts a warning to Jellardo and Leconair just as the wheel detaches itself completely and bounces off down the track, narrowly missing Rath in the process!
As the cart tilts catastrophically, several crates and boxes are thrown clear, with a couple hitting hard on the hard packed dirt and breaking open, spilling their contents on the ground.