Almost 200 years ago, when the land that was to become Nirmathas was still a vassal of the empire of Cheliax, the northern reaches of the Fangwood were a wild and untamed place. The crusades that laid low the Whispering Tyrant to the north were a distant memory, and those who remained were intent upon keeping the orcs of Belkzen and the remaining undead from Ustalav in check. As a result, the great forest was full of danger, from marauding orcs to deadly predators, making it unsafe for merchants hoping to trade with the growing community of Skelt in the foothills of the Mindspin Mountains to the west.
Ekat Kassen was a crusader and fortune seeker who came to serve Lastwall in the year 4515 ar. While he fought with distinction, he soon realized that he wanted more from life and left the Lastwall military to find his fortune elsewhere. His travels took him all over the region around Lake Encarthan, and he decided to settle down in 4522 after a very profitable adventure. Using a sizable portion of his fortune, he set out to tame a small area of the Fangwood on the banks of the Tourondel River, making it a natural stopover for those traveling up and down the river to Skelt. For the next 10 years, the town, which was then known as Kassen’s Hold, grew and prospered.
All that changed when Asar Vergas came to Kassen’s Hold with a host of mercenaries under his command. Asar was an old companion of Ekat, and the two had traveled together for some time before splitting up just after Ekat’s last adventure. Over the years, Asar became sure that Ekat had cheated him after that adventure. Promising great wealth to his mercenaries, Asar raided the town relentlessly for 2 months. Finally, the townsfolk managed to locate Asar’s camp in an ancient crypt deep in the forest, and Ekat himself went out to deal with his old companion. The battle was terribly bloody, with only a few townsfolk coming back to tell the tale. In the end, Asar was slain and his mercenaries scattered, but Ekat suffered a mortal wound. He died 2 days later, on the 11th day of Neth, 4535. In honor of their beloved founder, the townsfolk buried Kassen in the ancient crypt, interring his bones in a place of honor, above the simple sarcophagi used to inter Asar, his mercenaries, and the townsfolk that lost their lives in the bitter struggle. They placed an eternal flame above Kassen’s final resting place, so that all who visited might find warmth in the wilderness.
Over the years, the Crypt of the Everflame has become an important part of the history of the town, now simply called Kassen. The townsfolk view the crypt as a memorial to those difficult first years of the town’s history. Every autumn, a few of the townsfolk make a pilgrimage to the crypt to light a lantern from the flame and bring it back to town, where it is preserved all winter, a symbol of the town’s resilience. Most years, the town mayor and a group of dignitaries perform this quest. Every few years, however, a handful of younger townsfolk are given the honor of lighting the lantern. Many see this as a passage into adulthood, a taste of adventure before settling down to work and marriage. The quest starts out as a solemn ceremony in town, where the townsfolk gather to wish the adventurers luck, just as it was when Kassen himself left to fight the mercenaries. When the adventurers return a few days later, the town holds a great celebration in their honor. This also marks the final harvest celebration before the long winter.
This is the year for journey and adventure. Tomorrow is when a new group will set forth to claim the Everflame, prove their worth, and earn the praise of the town. Night has fallen upon Kassen but the warm glow of firelight washes out of the Seven Silvers. Inside the tavern our young adventurers find themselves guests to a hearty meal cooked by Trelvar Silvers himself. Several of the townsfolk are relaxing at nearby tables enjoying a final drink. There has been much talk among the elders, anecdotes of their own tales through the crypt. Though the line between what is made up and what is truth is blurred by the amber glasses of time and drink.
Four chairs sit at the central table, all but one are occupied. Closest to the bar is the gregarious Alton Kevmir. Known for being a troublesome apprentice, passed from one mentor to the next. Holgast, the wizard, still claims his tower leans further because of his stay.
Farthest from the fire, and closest to the window sits Risl Anu, the young gnome druid. Her great-horned owl, Ooro, perches on the sill. Feathers ruffled at the smell of wood smoke and tobacco. He stares at the room forever disapproving.
Near the majority of the other patrons is the mysterious Talis Eivania. Though she has lived among the town walls for several years many still refer to her as "that gypsy girl who just moved in."
A fourth chair sits empty, awaiting the final companion. The three can only guess who has been selected to join them. As with the entire ordeal, the townsfolk will not ruin the surprise.
Talis sits in front of her plate, idly sopping her meal's remnants with a chunk of bread. She brushes back an errant strand of coal-black hair that had managed to come unbound, glancing at her table-mates with her ice-blue gaze. Noting the empty chair with interest, she smiles crookedly and pops the bread into her mouth. Talis chews slowly and thoughtfully, musing about who the chair's occupant will be.
The viper coiled around her neck--just out of sight, covered by her cloak--hisses and flexes its cold muscles, flicking its tongue against her skin. Talis feels the viper's hunger seep into her own mind, like a gentle nudging.
"Patience, Emrys," she whispers. "I'll find you a mouse-snack before the night is over."
The door the the Seven Silvers opens and a great wall of a man enters. He is clad from head to toe in a suit of scale armor and wields a heavy greatsword across his back. Dark of hair and eye, but fair of complexion, the second thing that most notice about this man after his size is the huge smile that is near-permanently plastered across his face above his well-chiseled jawline. He lets out a laugh, waves to the barman, and strides over to the central table.
On arrival he grins even wider than normal and speaks in a booming voice, Ha ha! Well met friends! You must be my travelling companions for the evening. I'm Helios, it's good to meet you! He extends his hand to Alton to offer a hearty handshake.
Startled by the newcomer's sudden entrance, Talis coughs into her hand, nearly choking on her bread. She manages to wash it down with a swallow of wine, casting a furtive glance across the room to see if anyone has noticed her nearly choke.
Alton Grabs the outstretched hand and shakes it. "Welcome to the table! We were just wondering who our fourth would be. I think I have seen you around town before." Alton points to the empty chair. "I'm Alton, professional wanderer."
Helios slides into the empty chair and gives Alton's hand a firm squeeze.
Glad to meet you Alton! I haven't been in town extra long, but I've been training with Sir Dramott for a few months now. He releases Alton's hand, turns to the girls, and nods greeting, Nice to meet you too, ladies.
Risl sits quietly at the table, her knobby knees pulled up and pressed against her body, both of her lithe arms wrapped around her calves tightly. Her chin rests upon her knees as she gazes out the window, completely aloof. She hardly knew any in the tavern, as nearly all of her time was spent in the forests. Due to her isolation, Risl had grown increasingly uncomfortable inside buildings, and had developed a near crippling timidity around others.
Her long nearly white-blonde hair cascades down her sides and back, nearly reaching her bare and dirty feet. She barely touches the food before her, biting her lip, silently unapproving of the mutton that had been served her. Instead, she munches on small edible flora that adorns her hair and overly elaborate self-weaved hemp clothing.
Risl lifts her head only slightly, peering over the table as she hears a commotion. As she becomes aware of the massive, boisterous man that had entered the tavern, her large, slightly faded violet eyes widened with the slightest tinge of fear.
Helios spots the Gnome peek up from under the table, but hasn't really met a lot of nonhumans in his days and sort of always assumed that Gnomes and Halflings were just strange looking children. He had also assumed that the top of a head he had seen poking up from under the table was just a woman taking a nap or perhaps feeling sick after drinking too much ale and is more than a little surprised to see that there is some small child accompanying him on his journey into the Crypt of the Everflame.
As the gears slowly begin to turn within his mind, he comes to the conclusion that this young girl must be very powerful indeed to be an adventurer at such a young age and that he could probably learn a lot in the ways of combat from this child prodigy. Lately Sir Dramott has been reading him tales about mighty Knights of the realms taking squires and teaching them the ways of the blade and he immediately knows what he must do.
Helios stands to his feet, draws his mighty greastsword, and kneels down before Risl with his sword held above his bowed head. He speaks loudly and formally, "Great Warrior! I, Helios Amrek, son of Sir Argus Amrek the Orcsbane, pledge my sword to your name and offer my services as your squire if you will have me!"
Alton looks from the gnome to the kneeling man. He shrugs and look over to Talis, "Well, this should be interesting."
Talis watches Helios' display with a widening smile. She meets Alton's eyes and nods, arching an eyebrow. "Indeed. Tell me--Alton, is it?--how long do you wager Miss Anu will let the poor man carry on this way?" She pulls a gold coin from her pouch and sets it upon the table, tapping it with a single finger.
Risl nearly jumped from her seat at the sound of the booming voice rising from Helios, especially as it seemed to be directed right at her. It took the startled Gnome a few moments to process what had just happened, and the proposal that had been made. She scrunched up her nose and contorted her face, obviously thinking quite hard about the man's offer.
She glanced toward the window, where her feathered companion resided and whispered to him, "What shall we do, Ooro?" Risl paused, staring intently at the owl as he tilted his head and ruffled his feathers. It seemed she was actually receiving, or truly believed she was receivng, an answer from the owl.
Risl dropped her legs from her defensive position, and scooched herself forward, mustering all the courage she could. In a tiny and lilting voice she replied, "We accept your offer of protection, as long as you will assist in protecting the forest flora and fauna as well. They are my family."
Really, what could Risl do? He was large, and obviously rather powerful, and she was rather tiny and quite squishy. It would be illogical not to accept his protection, at least for the time being. However, she couldn't help but wonder what sparked the swift proposal, and why he had looked at her in that odd way. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she would remain silently suspicious until she figured it out.
Given that Talis coughed into her hand, none of the other patrons take much notice. Amrek and Kevmir see her glancing about afterwards. The others are too busy staring at Helios. Several can be heard muttering, and not all of the comments are the most flattering.
"He's strong as an ox, but I heard he can't count his own toes."
"Least his face is pretty. I doubt he knows what to do with it."
"Sir Dramott said he was training someone to be a paladin I bet this is the final test."
After the show of him swearing his services to the gnome. Many are shaking their heads. However their attention is drawn to the dark cloaked man who strides towards the table. His brown hair and bronze skin mark him as a native to Qaadira, "I am Cygar Anravis. It seems you four are the center of much attention this year. A group of adventurers, ready for the thrill of their lives before returning to the hum drum of this sleepy town."
At the appearance of this stranger, Helios stands protectively in front of Risl. His sword still drawn, he keeps the blade down nonthreateningly. He eyes the man and considers his character.
"Good to meet you Cygar. I am Helios Amrek."
Talis deftly brushes the coin off the table and drops it into her pouch, cinching the drawstring. She stands, nods her head in a brief bow, and speaks to Anravis in Kelish.
She bows again, a little lower, and raises her eyes to his. A small smile plays on her lips.
Helios is confused and wonders if Talis has drank too much wine and forgotten how to talk. He resolves to keep an eye on her lest her drunken antics make us look bad in front of this mysterious stranger.
Focusing on the sword in hand Helios mutters the holy words and performs the gestures to grant him the ability to detect evil in the man before him. His minds eye reveals there is an aura of jagged grey light around the figure, no note of evil.
"I have met paladins who are quick to scry for foul deeds, but usually they've heard more than a greeting. Actions like that could get you branded as a zealot and trouble-maker in the capital. Especially around a follower of Razmir," Cygar responds curtly, waving Helios out of his way. "As a fellow adventurer I only stood to give your group my blessing. From what the others say, some of you may not return."
From his seat on the bar the town bard, Jocyn, speaks up, "Come now, Cygar. They have barely cut their teeth and you already mention 'they may not return!' Alton may be a failed wizard, a half-rate fighter, and a poor excuse for a bard, but he's got a spark to him. I couldn't get the lad to recite a single poem from start to finish for me, but we'll see him and the others forging their own tales when they return."
Helios, having never really had occasion to test the latest ability Sir Dramott had taught him away from the training room, comes to a swift realization that Cygar was much more aware of his abilities than he had expected. Feeling a bit foolish and unable to think of anything clever to say, he bites his tongue, sheathes his greatsword and sits back down in his seat at the table.
Seeing Helios sit Cygar turns to Talis and speaks in Kelish, "It surprises me to hear my tongue so far from home. I would be interested in hearing who taught it to you on your return. Be careful on your journey, young friends. Let the spirit of destiny forge your path and it may even continue beyond this task ," After responding in the twisted tongue he turns to the bar, "I suspect they will all surprise us, Jocyn. When they do you had better have your lute ready."
Talis nods at Cygar, steps back tp the table, and places a hand upon Helios' shoulder. She leans down to him and whispers in his ear. "Come now, Helios! How were you to know he wasn't an agent of the chittering hordes of nameless evil? Perhaps, in the future, you should keep your scrying in your . . . private thoughts, unless you're sure you won't get caught."
She offers Helios a half-smile, gives his shoulder a reassuring pat, and returns to her seat.
Helios thinks to himself that Talis is probably right and he also muses that he is glad that she is a friendly drunk and not a mean one. His smile back on his face, he turns to his companions at the table and speaks, "Well I sure am glad I met you guys. What time in the morning do you want to set out?"
Talis sips her wine thoughtfully. "A worthy question, Helios. I'm for setting off in the wee hours, before the cockerel crows and the sun shines her face down upon the village. Alton, Risl? What say you?"
She produces a deck of fortune-telling cards, shuffling the painted wooden plaques with practiced celerity. "Of course, we could see what the Fates decide. Shall I perform a reading?"
Risl, having hidden behind the leg of Helios the whole time, watched the encounter curiously. She hadn't many opportunities to watch interpersonal interactions of any kind, really, and it thoroughly amused her to observe the small spatter.
Once everything was settled and everyone began speaking about leaving, she crawled out from under her protector's shadow and clambered up onto the tall tavern bench with surprisingly little effort. She knelt down on the wood, sitting upon her feet to give her a bit more height in overlooking the table.
As Talis began to shuffle the cards, Risl's heartbeat began to rise. She had never seen any sort of fortune telling, oracle reading, or any other way of speaking with the so-called "Fates." Her only way of making decisions was to ask Ooro, or the flora and fauna of the forest directly.
With probably a little too much gusto and excitement, she slapped a single, tiny palm against the wooden table as she exclaimed, "READ!" It was the loudest sound the Gnome had produced thus far.
Talis' eyes widen in surprise at Risl's insistence; she pauses her shuffling and stares into the gnome's violet eyes. "Aye, Risl. I shall read the cards. When shall we leave, on the morrow's morn?" Talis resumes her shuffling, casting a long glance at each of her table-mates in turn. As she speaks, her voice lowers into a conspiratorial whisper. "The number of cards I shall draw is three, a number of communication and impartiality."
She places three plaques upon the table, face down, and slowly waves a hand over them. "We seek to speak with spirits that be, by means of these divining plaques three. May Fate give sight to what is unseen."
1-Fool
2-Magician
3-High Priestess
4-Empress
5-Emperor
6-Hierophant
7-Lovers
8-Chariot
9-Strength
10-Hermit
11-Wheel of Fortune
12-Justice
13-Hanged Man
14-Death
15-Temperance
16-Devil
17-Tower
18-Star
19-Moon
20-Sun
21-Judgement
22-World
23-Coins Page
24-Coins Knight
25-Coins Queen
26-Coins King
27-Coins Ace
28-Coins 2
29-Coins 3
30-Coins 4
31-Coins 5
32-Coins 6
33-Coins 7
34-Coins 8
35-Coins 9
36-Coins 10
37-Swords Page
38-Swords Knight
39-Swords Queen
40-Swords King
41-Swords Ace
42-Swords 2
43-Swords 3
44-Swords 4
45-Swords 5
46-Swords 6
47-Swords 7
48-Swords 8
49-Swords 9
50-Swords 10
51-Wands Page
52-Wands Knight
53-Wands Queen
54-Wands King
55-Wands Ace
56-Wands 2
57-Wands 3
58-Wands 4
59-Wands 5
60-Wands 6
61-Wands 7
62-Wands 8
63-Wands 9
64-Wands 10
65-Cups Page
66-Cups Knight
67-Cups Queen
68-Cups King
69-Cups Ace
70-Cups 2
71-Cups 3
72-Cups 4
73-Cups 5
74-Cups 6
75-Cups 7
76-Cups 8
77-Cups 9
78-Cups 10
Talis places a forefinger upon the first plaque, to her left. "This first plaque gives us a glimpse into the recent past, in regards to our merry band and the events that have brought us together." She looks up, as if searching the air above the table. "What says the past, of foretelling the morrow's course?"
She turns the plaque face-up.
The plaque depicts four wooden poles in the foreground, planted in the earth like pillars and topped with a grape-laden garland; in the background lies an old manorial house, with two individuals facing the structure and bearing raised flower-bouquets. The painted sky has a yellow-orange cast. The plaque is upside-down.
Talis examines the plaque for a time, inhaling deeply before she speaks. "This is the Four of Wands. This suit--the Wands--represents the element of Fire. It shows us country life, harvest-home, and finding harmony in fruitful hard work and other simple rural endeavors. This is usually a plaque of great weal."
She smiles fully, and offers a benevolent nod. Her smile twists into wry smirk as she taps the plaque, three times, with a fingernail. "However, the plaque is reversed. Although we have indeed lived the rural life for varying lengths of time, all has not been farmhouse-dances and bountiful harvests, no? Our paths have largely been fraught with snares and nettle-thorns, transforming the fruits of our labors into nothing but the sweat on a workingman's brow."
Talis nods sagely, looking back to the plaque. "The sky's color speaks of dawn's light being less than fortuitous. Departure by rising sun is not suggested by this humble seer."
Talis gestures to the second plague, in the center. "This one offers commentary on our present state, of events and situations that are unfolding right now. What boons or banes exist in our current states of being?"
She flips the plaque.
This plaque shows a regal-looking man within a chariot being pulled by two sphinxes. One sphinx is colored black, the other is white. A city's walls loom in the background. The man carries a sceptre in his right hand.
"The Chariot awaits! It hints of a union of opposites, like the black and white beasts. They pull in different directions, but must be forced to cooperate, that a chosen path may be traveled. We must control our conflicting emotions, desires, and lots in life, that we may bring them together and give them a single direction, our direction. We must be confident and motivated in order to flee the stagnation of our once-rural lives."
Talis shakes her head, clucking her tongue. "We are a motley bunch, ruled by our own personal ambitions. Much is to be gained, if we do not succumb to our individual failings. Shall we see what answers the final card holds?"
Talis lightly touches the last plaque; it is almost a caress. "This final plaque bears tidings of what is yet to come. Depending upon our choices and actions as we embark on this journey, we may suffer great weal or woe. What has not yet come to pass is clouded in shadows and uncertainties. How the Fates treat us can never fully be foreseen; only in hindsight can our fortunes truly be anticipated. The answers we might uncover may not be fully realized until all is said and done."
She closes her eyes and raises her face, hands upraised in supplication or acceptance. "What mysteries unfurl in our little band's future?"
She turns the final plaque over.
As with the first, this plaque is upside-down. A wealthy merchant or noble stands between two wooden poles planted into the earth, again like pillars. The figure is looking out at a sea or lake from what appears to be a home's threshold, left hand gripping one of the poles and the right bearing a globe, the world. The painted sky is an ashen shade of pale blue.
Talis examines the plaque, nodding. "Ah, the Two of Wands brings this reading to a curious close. Normally, this is a sign of courage and daring, of striking out on a journey or new path. Upright, it advises us to make our move; we have the power in our hands, and now is the time to find the conviction to use it."
She gazes again at her table-mates, one by one, shaking her head almost sadly. "Reversed, the plaque spells out a different message. That which we strive for may come to naught, or may be so riddled with misfortune that any weal we glean may pale in woe's comparison."
Talis shrugs, and offers a half-smile. "Given that this last plaque depicts a day-sky--reversed--I believe that both dawn and mid-morning may be disastrous times to embark, on the morrow. I suggest we leave before dawn's light, while most of the town sleeps."
She gathers the plaques together and stows them in a pouch. "There's nothing like allowing the fickle finger of Fate guide us to our inevitable destination! Are we happy with an early start, or shall we tempt the Fates?" Talis grins with a low chuckle, her eyes glittering with amusement.
Helios looks on at the reading with fascination. He really enjoys the pretty drawings on the cards, but doesn't fully grasp what exactly Talis is talking about. However, the Little Lady seemed very excited about letting Talis make up her mind using the cards and he is prepared to accept whatever decision is made.
When the reading finishes he lets out a great yawn and says, "Well if we're to set out so early, we'd best turn in now to get some good rest!"
Risl's overly large, pale violet eyes again widen as the cards are flipped over. A small squeal of excitement, so high pitched it can barely be heard, escapes from her as each card is overturned. Her head, unproportionally large from the size of her diminutive body, bobbled side to side, her lips pursed with curiosity as she experienced this new, or new to her, phenomenon. To Risl, the idea that the past, present, and future could be determined by reading a set of cards was unprecedented.
She glanced over to Ooro, her owl companion and whispered, "Are you paying attention, Ooro? We must tell the forest of these cards, their meanings, and see what they make of this." With a shrill whistle and a distinct flail of her hand, Ooro outstretched his magnificent mottled wings and lifted into the air, heading straight for the forest.
As Risl turned back, her pale eyes, skin, and hair seemed to glow with just a hint of added pigmentation. Her eyes became a slightly brighter violet; her previously near albino skin showed a tinge of healthy pink; her pale, alabaster curls shined lightly with the faintest highlights of honey-kissed blonde. It was barely discernable to all but the most perceptive of adventurers.
"I will shortly have an answer from my own spiritual guides in the forest."
Talis glances at Helios, touching his hand. "Indeed, Helios. May your rest be unhindered by restless dreams." She turns to Risl. "Aye, seek the counsel of your woodsmaid's ways. I am eager to hear what answers you find! Perhaps the Green will grace us with a portent."
"If the rest of us are set on a pre-dawn departure I suppose I have no reason to stop us." Alton finishes his drink and stands. "I suppose something to lighten our moods before we rest is in order. Jocyn!" Alton turns to the bard. "Some musical accompaniment if you would." Alton jumps on his chair and begins to sing a song about the pre-divine exploits of Cayden Cailean.
Talis watches Alton as he begins his song, chuckling while draining her own drink. She stands and begins to clap her hands in time with his singing. "Croon us a slow one, after this bawdy and raucous Cayden-hymn is over! I need something to lull me to sleep, this night!" Grinning, Talis claps faster and whistles.
The bard song is crystal clear as Alton sings of an unknown tale about Cayden. The notes are pitch perfect and move the heart even if the story is probably made up. Mid-verse the shutters on the window slam open. From the cool night air Ooro bursts in and flaps slowly landing on the table. Plates and mugs are scattered to the side by the owl. He makes a soft hoo and drops an item to the table. It is the flower of a morning glory. His task complete Ooro returns to the window sill, head slowly turning around to face the room.
Risl plucks the deep royal purple flower from the table. Her fingertips caress the ridges of the single-petaled cup-like bloom as she twirls it within her hands. Her eyebrows furrow as she deciphers the message of the blossom, and after a moment gives a single terse nod of her bulbous head.
"It seems the forests mostly concur with the Gypsy. The color of the bloom is clearly signifying a departure before dawn, while the world remains in the blue dusk of night."
Risl pauses and looks over those at the table, a heavy sigh releasing from her small chest, "However, I have also been warned about the dangers that may await us, and that is why the poisonous Morning Glory has been selected."
Helios is quite amused by Alton's song, but is anxious to get to bed and begin the next day. He listens intently to Risl's interpretation of the gift from her owl friend and once her reading is complete he stands up from the table and says, "So it's settled. Let's meet at the door to this tavern before first light and then head out. I'm going to go grab some trail rations from Mister Silvers before we head out. I'll see you all in the morning!"
Silvers nods from the bar, "Don't worry about that. Mayor Uptal will meet you four tomorrow outside the Greathall with some supplies for the trip. You'll want to travel light, it's day and a half walk to the crypt."
His daughter comes from the kitchen and begins cleaning up the mess made by Ooro. Taking away the remains of the dinner.
Helios says his final farewells to his companions and heads back to Sir Dramott's to pack up and head to bed. If Dramott is in when he arrives, he fills him in on the events of the evening.
When the paladin departs Jocyn limps over to Alton. "You can sleep in my room, here at the inn, tonight. Get a good rest. I'll be busy celebrating your adventure. While I'm out I can see to it the Mayor knows you want an early start." He leaves the inn as well with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
When Alton completes his performance, Talis applauds, laughing. "Poor excuse for a bard, indeed! A marvelous song, Alton!"
She stifles a yawn, and approaches Risl and Ooro. "Your forest-guides have seen fit to bless you with an omen; it seems such a simpler thing than all my shuffling and chatter!" She regards Risl with a warm smile, and nods to the owl. "All this wine has imbalanced my humours! I fear I must retire, lest I yawn too deeply and let my soul wander freely from my body. I bid you good evening, Risl."
Talis waves farewell to Alton and Helios, whispers a soothing word to Emrys, and heads out the door and toward home.
Helios sits cross-legged on the floor next to Sir Dramott and replies, "They all seem like really nice people. There's Alton, he's a professional wanderer. He's really friendly and a great singer. He seems pretty quick on his feet too, so I think he'll be good to have around in a fight.
And then there's Talis, she's a real nice lady and had some fancy looking playing cards that she used to help us decide what time we should set out tomorrow. She also said something about how we might run into some misfortune and have to clean some wheels, but I think that shouldn't be very difficult as I used to clean and fix the wheels on our old cart back home all the time.
And finally there's a little girl named Risl. She's a really powerful warrior and has a pet owl. You'll be impressed with me because after I realized that she was super-powerful I got her to accept me as her Squire and personal protector. I think I'll be able to learn a lot from her..."
Risl bid the others farewell, waving emphatically to each in turn as they went their separate ways from the tavern. She had been incredibly nervous walking into the tavern at the beginning of the night, and now, walking out of it, Risl felt a sense of intrigue and excitement. Still, she was rather relieved to be outside again, since she had never really been comfortable inside any sort of fully enclosed building.
Risl flitted about the town, her bare feet barely making a sound as she danced about, searching for the hut of her mentor. As she moved, she spoke to Ooro, who was forced to fly in circles to remain slow enough as not to lose Risl completely, "What do you think of them, Ooro?" A staccato giggle rolled forth from her lips a few steps later, after a series of hoots from her companion.
"I think so too, I don't understand why people were making such awful faces at his performance, it sounded rather fine to me. Too, the gypsy was certainly fun, it was quite interesting to compare her magic cards with the voice of the forest spirits. I hadn't expected them to meet so agreeably."
Risl continued to twirl down the road, the lights from the scattered lamps and buildings beginning to fade as she made her way toward the outskirts of town. Ooro continued to trail along, soft hoots echoing into the night. "Yes, there was him as well, and I too don't quite understand his offer. He looked at me as if I was missing a leg, or like I was one of those special chipmunks. You know the ones, Ooro, the ones that were never quite right again after that unfortunate incident with the squirrels and the flying acorns."
Finally, she weaved her way through a smattering of trees, and spotted the hut of Olmira Treesong, her beloved mentor. She pulled open the door of twigs and twine, and slipped inside the dimly lit dwelling to tell her mentor all about the night's events.
"At least someone appreciates my work." Alton chuckles as he finishes his song. "I bid all of you to have an uneventful evening, I shall see you before the sun rises." Alton gathers his things and heads towards Jocyn's room.
Risl utters a trillingly melodic laugh and shakes a tiny finger at her owl companion "Tsk, tsk, Ooro. I told you not to chase the mice. You can hunt in the woods, not in the inn. You might eat someone's pet that way."
She turns back to Olmira, telling her of her new companions, and of the journey that she is about to embark on. Also, Risl fills her in on the message that she received from the forest spirits, the single Morning Glory flower. After conversing for a while, Risl asks for her advice, "Olmira, we are leaving before the sun rises, I do not know when I will be able to seek your advice again."
The heroes sleep deeply through the night, awaking before the rise of the sun. They prepare for the journey and each head towards the town center. During the short walk they see they are not alone. Most of the town has awoke before them and are moving towards the square as well. Dressed in black, as if attending a funeral they walk slowly. The bells atop the temple of Erastil toll their morning song when the adventurers arrive. To their surprise the square is being filled by a crowd, moving quietly across the cold, hard ground, their eyes downcast and mournful. After a few moments, a murmur passes through the crowd as it slowly parts to let Mayor Uptal through. He leads the way with a tarnished silver lantern. Behind him, an old pony drags a cart laden with backpacks and supplies.
Once he reaches the center of the crowd, Mayor Uptal stops and calls out to the assembled townsfolk, "Once again the winter winds blow through the Fangwood, marking the end of another harvest. There are wolves in the woods, howling at our walls, and serpents in our shadows, waiting to strike. Just as it was one hundred and seventy-four years ago, when Kassen himself left these walls to protect us, so it is today. Where are the heroes? Where are the brave folk that will venture out to Kassen's tomb and retrieve the flame to keep this community safe for another winter?"
Alton steps forward. "I shall undertake this quest." He stands straight, his leather armor tightened from it's normal loose fit and his hair combed and washed.
Risl tried to wade her way through the sea of legs and asses to catch a glimpse of the Mayor, her wobbly gnome head ducking to and fro in an effort to find a suitable space to squeeze through. She pushed and prodded at the legs of two men, the only pair of legs firmly holding her back from claiming a spot with the adventurers. Finally, the two men that she had been trying to pass by noticed her, and moved aside to let her through. Unfortunately for Risl, this moment happened to simultaneously coincide with her final effort to shove herself through their legs, resulting in an overcompensating push into thin air, a quick running stumble, and then falling flat on her face.
Risl's quarterstaff rolled out of her hand as she blew dust from beneath her tangled hair, a muffled voice calling out a simple, "I'll do it."