Andrei nods, "We could try something like Morrows Seed, or Morningseed. Talks about the future and what we are growing here while also referencing Erastil and his child. Seedgate doesn't quiet flow to me but Oakgate would work too, that said nothing wrong with Morrowgate either."
A young brown haired women casually wonders over to the palisade gates. After having successfully escorted a group of settlers Kallista would have liked nothing more than to rest but after hearing that the other charter bearers were attending a council meeting outside, she decided to tag along and get a first impression on each character bearer.
Most people seem open to any of the suggested names, but Anwel's initial proclamation of Morrowgate seems to take hold fairly quickly.
Kressle offers the elf a slight smile and bow of the head as he finishes his pledge. "Well said Master Elf." She says and then turns to the rest of those gathered. "I to amend my previous oath and offer my pledge and oath of service to this community of Morrowgate. To stand for the redemption, opportunity, and the people who would make it their new home."
Quickly, the others of the small ad-hoc council and all of the former bandits follow suite and pledge themselves to the new settlement. Many of the newer arrivals hold back, but seem interested and somewhat surprised by scene and its outcome.
Finally, after all have had their say, Oleg speaks up, his rough voice breaking through the low murmur of the gathering. "Well, now that we've established we'll not go off and kill one another, how about we celebrate." He waves to Amos and Emil who then wheel in a barrel that Oleg promptly taps. As cheers erupt, he begins to fill mugs and bowls with his latest batch of ale.
Warren smiles and gives Kressle a warm handshake. "Your oath is more complete than the basic tenet of Erastil. We are blessed to have you."
Warren turns to Oleg: "Thank you Oleg. Tomorrow we can start to explore the surroundings to make sure we have a safe perimeter."
Warren is a well-tanned blonde with blue eyes [6'4" at 180#]. He is in great physical shape and moves with a natural grace and agility. Two eagles, one quite large, seem to circle above him and perch in his shoulder at times.
Kallista observes that the meeting appears to be over, and promptly heads in the direction of the barrel, deciding to get some sort of refreshment. As the press of people move inwards, Kallista loses sight of elf she saw address the crowd, but decides to mingle anyway.
Immediately after Oleg breaks up the meeting, Anwel makes a beeline for Kressle. He steps so lightly his heels barely touch the ground, and his black cloak and wine-red tabards swirl around him as he weaves through the thickening crowd. His hair comes loose, but he pushes it away from his eyes in time to avoid bumping into Andrea, and flashes her a euphoric grin as he passes by. The detached part of his mind reminds him that he should be feeling dread right now, for his mis--wrong word now--the Shadowcountess could still arrive and take him at any moment, and still might torture these people in passing. It pokes at Anwel's guilt, reminding him that he would never make up for breaking his promise to Darl, that he would fail in this one too, and that he will never be able to stop paying. But for all that, Anwel cannot help but dance. One way or another, his course is set, and he will follow it to the end. It is an oddly liberating feeling. Anwel wonders if this is a shadow of how Thad felt, finding his Brightness in the mantle to guard Rassada.
He finds Kressle by the gates, talking in an upbeat voice to Dorganil and a couple other morose-looking ex-bandits. He wonders for a moment if they had been acquainted, but pushes the thought away. He has something more important to ask her. "Kressle?" he says timorously. Though they both knew each other's stories, and had spoken over the bench, this is the first time he has talked to her face to face. She looks curiously at him. "Ah. Two points. First, I wanted to let you know that it has been sixty-six years since I really shook my fist at someone. That did not feel like a long time before today. I wanted to thank you for the experience. Memory, it turns out, does not compare.
"Second, and more importantly, I wanted to share a story Andrei, Warren, and I learned on our travels." He takes a deep breath to steady his voice. He does not want to make a mistake. "The last attempt to settle the Stolen Lands, twelve years ago, met its end when it was betrayed to Tartuk's tribe by a man named Sorik. He was described to us as a handsome, charming magician. I only know your story secondhand, but that description put me in mind of how you talked of Dovan and Akiros." He pauses for effect, and to let the former captain's mind go to work. "I suspect that Sorik and Akiros are one and the same.
"I was wondering if you had ever seen his face. Could it plausibly belong to someone who has been working to destabilize the Stolen Lands for at least a decade?" He clasps his hands behind him. "I came to you instead of telling everyone because all I have right now are suspicions. But you are a councilor and can raise the matter in a later meeting if you think they have merit."
Phedre had just finished stabling her horse and walking in at the end of some speech and the beginnings of a celebration.
Apparently someone has already made claim to this area... Morrowgate is a nice name. I wonder what I should name my new kingdom... I'll need to find out where the borders are for this nation first. Wouldn't want to set up only to find out it's already been claimed.
More thoughts about being queen of her own land race through Phedre's mind as she makes her way through the crowd. Seeing no one else preparing to give a speech, she starts asking random people who was in charge around here and gathering information about what was going on in the area.
"Excuse me, could someone help me find whoever is in command here? I have some topics I wish to discuss."
Warren watches the approach of the woman who looked to know her way with the weapons she carried and smiled. The druid was deeply suntanned and wearing a suit of armor made of animal hides.
"We have an interesting setup here. If you are looking for the military commander, you have found him. Andrei over there is our civil authority."
Warren indicates the man dressed in light armor standing closeby that, upon some scrutiny, somehow seemed to radiate nobility.
He continued:
"We are getting ready to patrol the surrounding area and map it. It should take a week or two. You found us celebrating after successfully returning from a long trek into the wilds. I was just going to make sure we were well enough provisioned before we left. I'm Warren."
"So the two of you have only just begun settling the area? That's great! I wanted to discuss where you plan on setting your borders. I have a charter to begin setting up a kingdom and I'd rather get along with my neighbors and avoid any land disputes." Phedre says confidently. Her smile disappears for a few seconds as she realizes she skipped right over introducing herself.
Laughing nervously, she offers a handshake. "Forgive my lack of manners. Pleasure to meet you, I am Phedre Runario. Future queen of... well I don't have a name picked out just yet. Morrowgate is a nice name! For your place, I mean. I don't intend on stealing that name."
Warren thinks about pulling out his charter, but the words on the piece of paper have been pretty much committed to memory as he replies to the lady.
"Well Phedre, our charter is for pretty much all the lands south of this trading post. Obviously for our security, you can't set up your kingdom too far north. I would think your borders can start a day's ride to the north."
He smiles: "Seems Brevoy is handing out charters quite freely. Anyway, make yourself home in Morrowgate until you are ready."
Warren turns toward Anwel and speaks to him with concern:
"If your theories are correct, this Sorik or Akiros will be a dangerous opponent! I did not make the association between the two, but it sounds like it makes sense."
Then Warren brings the rest of the group into the discussion including Vrask:"I am concerned for the security of Morrowgate. Although the land north of Morrowgate is not explicitly in our charter, I think it would be best if we secured the lands a day's ride to the north. These lands are far enough away from any authority that I doubt anyone would care too much."
"There is another very good reason not to declare a kingdom, or to explore, very far north," says Anwel, seemingly amused by Phedre's ambitions. "Brevoy's border runs along the Rostland Road with the exception of the loop it makes to Morrowgate. Those lands are already claimed and thoroughly mapped. And as far as mapping is concerned..." he pulls out his copy, which shows the southern and eastern lands that he, Andrei, Warren, and Gorax had explored before meeting Warren and Thad. "We should be able to make a quick circuit to make sure the land is safe, without having to map anything new.
"Speaking of new things, Phedre..." he says, gripping her hand and letting her shake. He does not bother introducing himself. If she had seen the proceedings - and it looked like the whole settlement had - she knew his name. "Are you sure you want to go off on your own? I was just talking with Kressle about our foes, but you haven't met them, and we could use some help in the field."
"I didn't think they handed them out to just anyone." Phedre replies with a slight trace of offense. "My charter was originally meant for my mentor. He declined coming here himself and instead passed the charter on to me so that I may have a chance to make a name and a new life for myself. I didn't think there was other charters in this area until I arrived."
Giving the elf a firm handshake and a smile, her voice returned to normal with an edge of excitement to it. "I was planning on recruiting brave men and women to help, but since you're already here I think it would be more beneficial to assist you until I learn the area."
"I have personally met ten charterees, including yourself," says Anwel matter-of-factly, silently including Vrag in his count even though his charter had not been granted by the Swordlords, "and have heard of one other. That makes a dozen, including me. There are probably others I have not heard of, and it is also possible that others besides you came with the most recent troop of settlers. We have long since come to the conclusion that Restov considers us disposable.
"That does not diminish the value of what we do, and again, we would be glad to have you," he adds, "but we have learned to think in a different way. I personally think of our group as Sowers of the Seed of Life - Sowers for short - rather than charter-bearers." The way Anwel says it, one can hear the capital letters. "The story behind that name is a worthy one, and Warren has perhaps the best reason to tell it." He gestures expansively at the druid, as if ushering him onstage, and moves back toward Kressle before his conversation with her can drift any more than it already has.
"That 'one other' wouldn't be me now would it?" Kallista remarks, looking rather breathless at forcing her way through the crowd. "Lovely speeches by the way...Morrowgate...such a queer yet interesting name". Kallistra rattles this off very quickly, and yet seems half distracted at the same time.
"Oh dear, I quite forgot, you can call me Kallista, and I came with that recent crop of settlers...just as an escort you understand, it was tricky getting here".
At this she looks around quickly, "I'm sorry, I wasn't really told all of your names..."
Warren smiles and seems a little reluctant to step forward, but is somewhat driven by the need to communicate the good news:
"I am Warren and was raised to serve nature at the direction of Gozreh. Recently we rushed to a remote shrine in these lands and witnessed the birth of a goddess. The progeny of Erastil, she is quickly gaining her powers in these lands. I now serve her and Erastil with the permission of Gozreh, who blesses this new goddess. We have a strong divine ally that will help bring peace to these lands."
He points to the assembled group. "We have lost some charter bearers on the way to pursue other interests. But Anwel, Andrei, Vrask, and I remain to serve this community and protect them. After giving her oath, I am gladdened Kressle joins our group today. We have come to find out that our ties are stronger to the people who have left Brevoy to settle this land than our ties to distant masters who wish for us to further Brevan interest."
He pauses: "I have heard the word 'Queen' used today. An interesting word which makes me think of feudal systems of government. At the moment, we have not set up any government, and our current command structure is somewhat loose. The settlers have already set up a council in our absence. But, with the naming of this town and the arrival of more capable adventurers, it is probably time to formalize a system of government. We have take the new goddess as our patron along with her father Erastil. It seems Erastil and his progeny will be an essential part of our government."
Kallista is open mouthed at Warren's almost casual claim that they witnessed the birth of a new deity, her mind ticking over at the various possibilities. There are a number of questions she wants to ask upon this subject but holds onto the impulse to ask them, figuring there would be time enough for that later.
Upon Warren's assessment upon his idea for the settlements government, Kallista shrugs "I care little for who currently rules, or what system of government we choose, although I do agree that including the worship of Erastil within our government should definitely be considered, although to what degree Erasil would be involved is another matter entirely. I always prefered cities that encouraged freedom of choice for worship, and I worry that while honoring Erasil as a Patron Deity might give us great favour, if it impacts on what other people wish to worship, both in the short term, and the long term. "
Kressle greets Anwel with a lighthearted smile which quickly turns serious as the elf outlines his suspicions. The tension on her face and in her body is easily noticeable at the mention of Akiros and her hand subconsciously passes over her heart and chest where the Bandit Lord's charm tried to burrow into her chest.
She starts to speak after a few moments, but then hesitates as Warren and the others join the conversation and turn the topic to matters of governance. Although not inclined to jump into the debate, she listens intently and with interest, realizing that what these people decide will also affect her life, especially given her oath.
Eventually she gestures to Anwel and drops her voice slightly so as not to be heard beyond the immediate group.
"I've not seen Akiros' face." She says, slight hints of fear and anger in her voice. "He is always wearing a black mask that covers his features. As far as I know, nobody has actually seen what he looks like."
Her voice carries more regret and disgust as she continues. "But Dovan, he's certainly a charmer and most would consider him handsome. He could fit the bill and he knows the area well enough. The gods only know he's a treacherous enough swine, especially if Tartuk paid him enough gold."
Warren nods at lady's point.
"Just because we have an official religion, there is no reason to prohibit religions compatible with Erastil and his tenet to serve the community well. Erastil would never exclude Gozreh from his community, but he would not take to disciples of the Destroyer. Obviously demon and devil worship will not be options."
He looks to Kressle and smiles: "Looks like you are in charge unless others of the inner council wish to remain behind while we explore the surroundings. We will leave at first light."
"Interesting," says Anwel, trying to block out the other conversation. He is tempted to bounce between them, and finds it very hard to resist a political debate, but it would be rude to everyone involved and he would be able to do neither conversation justice. Instead, he focuses on the way Kressle wears her trauma on her sleeve. "In the story we heard, it was Sorik who paid Tartuk so the Bone Ravens would attack the Rostlanders."
Phedre listens intently as Kressle describes the enemy that they would almost certainly be facing. "This Sorik and Tartuk sound despicable." she murmers quietly to herself, noticing the woman's revulsion just speaking of them.
"I have already pledged my sword to help rid my.. *ahem* our land of evil men and beasts. And mayhaps if you come to trust me enough, I'd like to meet this new goddess. Perhaps it was Iomedae's will for me to come here and offer her aid to the new divinity."
"It is nice to meet you lady Kallista. I am Phedre. I'm glad to know that I won't be the only female trekking out in the wilderness." she says with a grateful smile.
Warren speaks to Tams and Kressle as he departs.
"Make sure you look after the settlers while I'm gone. Depending on how things go, I may be back periodically to check in. But, it may work out we camp outside as we map the surrounds."
Warren turns to Vrag.
"Feels good to be on the move again!!"
He sends his eagles to look out ahead.
Warren talks with Phedre as they move out.
"We left Thad, a paladin of Erastil, to watch her. We won't be returning for a while as we don't want to draw attention to her sanctuary. You may be able to worship her and talk to her through your her holy symbol like I do. Who knows, you may get divine magic powers early. I definitely prefer knowing the source of my divine powers personally. Even if she is the newest diety to walk the lands, she still has power."
Kressle shrugs slightly when Anwel and Phedre speak of Sorik. "If it is Akiros, then I would not be surprised. He would sell his own mother to slavers if he thought it would help him achieve his aims." She matches Anwel discerning look. "I'm sure you've seen enough to know that."
She turns as watches the celebration and then continues, "As for Tartuk, he is less dangerous than you might guess. Mostly just worries that we humans will drive him out of his ancestral lands and home if he doesn't strike first. If someone paid him to do what he was already inclined to do...well..." She shrugs again.
Just then the oldest Meyerson boy steps up and somewhat shyly invites Kressle to dance. In just that instant her face brightens and the sense of jaded aloofness and inner pain falls away revealing a woman still able to smile and laugh when dancing and celebrating like any other member of a community.
The evening passes and you are all able to rest and resupply as well as get to know one another better. Upon hearing of Thad's decision to stay in the mountains, Ursula gets a determined look on her face and spends several hours in conversation with Tams.
The other settlers enjoy themselves during the celebration, singing, dancing, eating and drinking into the early evening but most have settled down by the time the moon is halfway across the night sky.
By first light the next morning most folk are already up and working in the fields or one the new construction. The party is sent off with waves and well wishes.
The first day passes uneventfully. Riding past Bokken's house, smoke drifts from the old brewers chimney, a sure sign he is in the middle of brewing some form of concoction. Magical or otherwise.
The day is mildly warm, dry and quite pleasant as spring continues to edge winter out and take a firm hold over the land. The next day is much the same and the land is drastically different from the dense forest and mountainous terrain of the west. This eastern country is mostly dry, rolling grasslands occasionally broken up by a low hill or slow moving stream. By late in the second day out of Oleg's the party reaches the point where Anwel determines you've reached the eastern extent of the charter. Leaving the Rostov Road the party heads south into unexplored land. Progress becomes slower as Anwel stops often to take measurements and make notes. But the weather continues to hold and the journey is uneventful and pleasant as this region seems to be much less populated than the areas previously explored.
It is not until the middle of the fourth day out of Oleg's that you finally come across signs of other inhabitants beyond the usual game and predators.
As he scouts ahead Warren discovers a trail running to the southwest across the grassy plain. Although it has been sometime since it was last used, there are a few tracks the druid is able to spot.
"Indeed," murmurs Anwel, his face falling a little, though not past a smile, as Kressle trips away after Gregor. The word is hardly precise, and the woman had left before he could explain what he meant. The acquaintances of his that most closely matched her description were the councilors of Isarn rather than, as Kressle probably surmised, the pirates who had captured him or the Shadowcountess. She would not let go of anything she considered hers, and would find a way to punish whoever tried to make her choose between them. Anwel had felt nothing but contempt for the pirates, but they seemed close-knit enough. The Galtans, however, had driven him and Darl, and many others, into exile, and killed others of their comrades, to further their own ambitions.
As far as Tartuk is concerned, Anwel is simply glad that the Sowers will be heading east for a while. True, Kressle has joined the priest of Erastil in claiming that the settlers do not have to make enemies of the Bone Ravens. But Anwel has made up his mind not to believe anyone on the subject until talking with Tartuk himself, and he wants to get to know Kallista and Phedre better before that happens.
Anwel still has a great deal to do, and less time than he had planned to do it, but he does join in the festivities for a couple of hours. At one point the settlers all link arms around each other's waists and dance what Alexis calls a Kolo until Donall snags his foot on a divot and pulls everyone to the ground in a heap. Everyone laughs and breaks back up into pairs again. After that, Anwel excuses himself, and retrieves his master map from Oleg and Svetlana's basement. He spends the rest of the evening painstakingly transcribing the field map onto the master one, making sure to twice recheck the distance and direction calculations he had made on the road before adding anything. At the end of the evening he transcribes one of the spells from the spellbook Andrei had found under the oak, to his own.
* * *
Anwel's early morning is a rush to prepare for an early departure. He prepares only two spells, for identifying the dead bandit leader's unknown items, hoping he will be able to expand his repertoire on the road.
When Warren gathers the Sowers together, Anwel bids him to wait a moment. He lays the items on the ground and explains what each one does. "I still owe Oleg more than five hundred crowns for the sextant," he reminds everyone, "so I would like to use anything that nobody wants to pay off that debt."
Warren discusses the sextant with Oleg before leaving and encourages him to extend them a longer time to repay the funds they borrowed.
"We have useful items--we can hang on to them for a while."
While on the road, Warren discovers the trails leading SW. He carefully examines the tracks and the nearby brush.
After some concentration he rises and says: "Large group of kobolds heading southwest about a month ago. I guess we can follow this trail later after we have completed our circuit."
He motions to Vrag: "Have you encountered kobolds yet?"
Kallista looks over interestedly, as Anwell prepares spells from his spellbook. After watching curiously for a few moments, Kallista spurs her horse closer to Anwel
"Anwel..I apologise if this is too forward of me but can I...can I read that book of yours if you are willing, and if I can get a spare moment?"
Responding to Warren's question, the bugbear snorts derisively. "Where don't you run into kobolds." He says. "They've ventured into the forests plenty of times, but then they usually get driven away quick enough by one of the warbands." His eyes drift across the open plains. "I've spent most of my life in the mountains and forest, not here in the open. So I've no idea where their territory might be."
"Well, we will secure or territory before running after them little menaces. Chasing them is probably more trouble than it is worth."
"You may peruse any of my books you wish, Kallista, particularly if you are willing to return the favor," says Anwel, finishing the final spidery rune of the one spell he had decided to transcribe. He blots at the wet ink with some scrap paper, and with his free hand passes her the dirty, brown spellbook he had been copying from. "But are you sure you would not rather stick with this one, that I found in the wild?" he asks. He closes his own black-bound book around its maroon bookmark. "You heard Fulton and Andrei. You know who taught me my magic, and where. Do you really wish to learn that magic?"
* * *
"'Not in the Smoke Glass Hills or the Narlmarches' is itself an idea, Vrag," says Anwel. "And it narrows down the possibilities quite a bit." He smiles with pride before continuing. "According to the most complete map we have, only about half the land described in our charters is not forested. And most of that is east of the Thorn River.
"The kobolds are not bothering anyone, so, because the point of this excursion is to identify dangers near Morrowgate, I agree with Warren that keeping our course takes priority over seeking them out. But if we happen upon them, I can greet them in the tongue of dragons. Maybe they know something interesting."
Phedre frowns at the mention of leaving the next morning. "But I just got here..." she whispers to herself in exasperation. With a short-lived grimace and a shrug of her shoulders she sets out to prepare for the journey, mostly searching out a hot bath to clean off the wear and tear of her previous journey.
"That is definitely an interesting idea, Warren. Though I suppose it would be easier for Erastil to permit his Paladin the worship of his daughter than perhaps Iomedae. My goddess is familiar to me and she grants me the power to enforce her will and complete my aims. I will think on it, though."
Phedre looked at Anwel with a smile. "It's interesting." She says if questioned about it. "I figured most adventurers would just kill them off if given the opportunity. I'm glad to hear that some here would talk to them first."
Kallista shrugs "In general, I always saw magic itself as neither good nor bad, but defined by how it was used thus, I would have nothing to fear from your black book - assuming I could even work the magic inside ". Smiling, she reaches out and takes the dirty brown book "I think I'll start with this one though"
Taking the book with care, she then reaches into her bags and pulls out a brown leather bound book, filled with complex formula, passing it over to Anwel "A word of warning though, you might struggle to learn some of my formula...its a little complex".
After consultation with Anwel and Andrei, Warren reads the magic manual and exercises before departing feeling heartier and healthier. The Harp of Charming is left for Oleg to sell and the proceeds of the sale that exceed Anwel's debt will be held for the Charter Bearers.
Warren, Anwel, and Andrei present the mace to Vrag. "As long as you serve this community, this enchanted weapon is yours. It can strike foes that mundane weapons cannot!"
Warren has thought about Anwel's counsel over the last four days and his resourcefulness. He would never have thought of buying surveying equipment. Talking to the kobolds did have merit--even if they had to fight them afterwards or interrogate a prisoner with the manacles.
Warren speaks briefly to Anwel:
"Anwel, your counsel and resourcefulness have been of great value to our group. I have been somewhat slow to see that after our earlier argument. Keep speaking up and I will definitely listen."
He thinks of saying more, but thinks better of it.
Vrag accepts the mace from Warren and even with the hard to read bugbear's features it is easy to tell the former enemy is humbled by the gift and implied trust.
"You are making me reexamine many of my beliefs about humans and elves." He says. "I am not...exactly sure what that means, but I will stand by my oath." His gaze turns and looks back to the west, toward the mountains and the lands of the Bone Ravens. "Perhaps, this time things really will be different." He adds thoughtfully more to himself than the group at large.
Oleg accepts the harp and gladly offers to sell it on consignment, although he warns that it may take a while since most folk won't have a need or be able to use such an item. "'Cept maybe if a few more charter folk like yourself come through. They might have the coin and wherewithal to use a fine magical harp." He then places it on a shelf with a few other exotic items and proceeds to fill your orders for rations and other traveling goods.
Kallista's efforts at crafting suffer from the rigors of travel. Spending the first two evenings in camp meticulously working with her small lab all seems to go well until the third night when the alchemical reaction is simply not correct. Fortunately, the materials can still be salvaged and little is lost except for time.
Crossing the kobold trail the party proceeds directly south and spends the rest of the day exploring and mapping, but finding nothing of significant interest.
Kallista rides up to Warren and indicates the structure "Warren...do you happen to know what's the purpose of having a structure like that so far out?"
* * *
Anwel raises an eyebrow at Kallista's warning, but when he cracks her book's spine he recognizes her notes as near akin to Udo's. He reads a few lines to get the gist of the effect the formula is meant to produce, then props the book open between his own black book and a rolled-up scroll. "You are correct, I could never prepare this," he says lightly. As he continues to talk, however, his voice darkens, and a cool breeze springs up around him, ruffling the corners of his papers. "Alchemy is material, and all my magic, in one way or another, is drawn from the realm of twilight, the shadow of this world.
"Most people, when they think of the shadows, picture malice: kytons and chains and the Midnight Lord." Anwel slowly massages his wrist, the thick wool of his sleeve failing to scratch an itch he doesn't feel in his skin. "Their caution is justified. The despairing, the frightened, and the wrathful are drawn to the shadows, and the shadows feed them power. But they mourn while they do. It is said that a true shadowmaster accepts his shadow's forgiveness for his weaknesses and sins." He thinks of Darl and his broken promise. When the Shadowcountess and her Bone Sister spoke those words, they meant he could endure penance, free himself of his guilt, and forget his old life, the better to serve the Shadowcountess. But maybe that was not what the saying meant after all, and maybe being free meant finding a different meaning. Anwel shakes his head. "I am not there yet."
"But you need not concern yourself with that," he says, his tone abruptly lightening again. "Now that I know how you practice, it should be simple to replicate the otherworldly energies with chemical formulas. It is the converse that is difficult." Anwel turns back to the book, flipping back a few pages to the beginning of the section. "Speaking of what you do," he says, realizing he'd said far more than he had meant to about himself, and trying to change the subject, "what prompted your interest in changing your face into a muzzle? I confess I do not see the appeal."
* * *
"Actually, Phedre, if you want to talk, I would much rather just translate," says Anwel, smiling a little wider at her compliment, and Warren's. His cheeks, however, redden in embarrassment. "Ask Vrag about my last attempt to lead a first contact. Very quickly did I resort to unwarranted but easy deceptions, manipulations, and threats. It did not turn out well, and I only hope I have learned something since then."
He inclines his head to Warren. "If I have, I thank you as my teacher in the virtues of forthrightness and faith. I do not know if our politics will ever mesh, and we clearly have different roles in the commune, but you are the better man."
Seeing her ride up to Warren, Anwel's eyes follow Kallista's pointing finger and fall upon the structure. He spurs Lairochal ahead to ride by them. "Both the witch Anastasia and the alchemist Bokken both keep cottages in the wilderness," he says, trying to bring Kallista and Phedre up to speed. "We passed Bokken's on our way here. Anastasia's is in the middle of the Narlmarches. Perhaps someone lives here too?"
Kallista looks blank for a second, "Changing my face...oh, you mean the research I'm doing!". Her face glowing with enthusiasm, she quickly elaborates.
"In my spare time, I'm looking for a cure for lycanthropy...that spell is just one of many spells that I am looking at in terms of magic changing the shape of someone. I am convinced that there is a connection - however small - somewhere between polymorph magic, and whatever it is that triggers lycanthropy, and if I can hone in on that, maybe I can find a cure!"
Caught up in her own enthusiasm, she starts rummaging through her saddlebags, looking for her sheaf of research notes, before checking herself. "Oh, please excuse me, I just get like that sometimes...you probably don't want to read piles and piles of notes anyway..it gets a bit dry in hindsight, but it gives me somewhere to direct my energies in my spare time"
Warren responds after Anwel taking time before replying to allow Anwel's response to sink in: "Some like to be alone--far from others. I as like that once."
"Time to see and talk to them. Let them know they have friends nearby at Morrowgate."
Anwel waves his hand over the paper-strewn table. "What gave you the idea that I would be averse to reading piles and piles of notes?" He shrugs. "While we are here I do need to finish updating the master map, but I am sure that the road will afford many reading opportunities.
"Have you investigated the shapechanging curses?" he says, tapping the still-open book. "As far as I could see, this only works for the composer. Many shapechanging spells are like that, or work only on consenting targets. But the full moon can bring about an unbidden were-transformation."
Riding toward the small structure you eventually cross an overgrown path or trail that leads up the low hill to the building. It has obviously been many years since the path was used as grass and weeds have nearly covered it completely, although the shallow ruts of many previous wagons passing are still noticeable in spots.
Approaching the structure, there is still no sign of life to be seen. The building itself is made of stone and mud bricks, and it seems the sod roof has partially collapsed on one end. A few windows look out over the plain in the parties direction, but the glass is long since gone. That's if there ever was any. The doorway stands open.
With a closer view it is also easy to spot another small structure just to the north of the house also built into the hill.
Running a hand through her hair Kallista manages an awkward laugh. "I guess I misjudged you, and I would be happy to share my research with you..when time allows"
Her face turns serious again as Anwel continues "Yes, I agree that shapechanging curses do hold the answer...but sadly that magic is beyond me at this time" Kallista tries to smile "I guess I make do with what I can"
"I'd be glad to be the speaker for the group if everyone else agrees." she listens to the conversation between the two men, not noticing the structure until it's been pointed out.
"Interesting... Warren, would you like to announce us or should I?"
Warren mentions with seriousness. "You announce us. Thad was good at that--maybe you will be too. Remember, for now, you speak for Morrowgate."
* * *
Anwel waves Phedre to the front of the group. "Just try not to bring down the rest of the roof!" he says.
Privately, Kallista is just happy its not her announcing the group, lacking confidence in this area "You have no objections here!"
"Hello! Anyone home?!" Phedre calls out clearly. She pauses for a moment, listening for any reply. She looks quizzically at Anwel, "What's wrong with the roof?" she asks quietly.
As Phedre calls out a light breeze kicks up causing the tall grass to rustle softly. It is the only response aside from a small dust devil that swirls across an open patch of dirt near the house and then disappears as quickly as it formed.