Suny stays near the edge of the settlement. To Seltyn's questions she responds quietly,
"Well..how close are we to where we need to go?" Her elvish diction being beautifully spoken and precise.
Wil nods to Elorin, taking her words to heart and knowing there would be a time and place for him to return the favor but for now he wouldn't overburden himself further. There was too much to do in the mean time to let duty and other obligations get in the way. He smiles at Elorin before they start to leave the temple once more. "I better be careful, you ladies are far to lenient on me. I may accidentally take advantage of it if your not to careful." The last part was a weak attempt at a joke on his and he gave her a warm smile. "I'm sure there will be a time and place in the near future, for now we need to get you resting up. We've a long journey ahead of us yet."
Wil was shocked to see the symbol of Corellon Larethian and then was simultaneously embarrassed for being surprised. With how rustic and in-tune with nature their village was, it shouldn't be so shocking that they bare the All-Father's symbol. He had just become accustomed to being called old-fashion or strange in human lands because to them the Father of Elves was simply a lesser god in comparison to their own. His symbols were worthless trinkets to the less scholarly and only the most rare of them were considered art.
So at the feast he enjoyed himself immensely, taking the time to improve relations with these shy and reserved cousin's of there's he even dared so much as to challenge a few to rounds of archer. After a few drinks mind you so that he wasn't too overly crushed by their great skill. Eventually he even tried a hand at their hand-to-hand combat. It wasn't long before he ended up flat on his back having been trounced by a maiden roughly half his weight. Accepting his defeat gracefully, and albeit sorely, amid the chuckles and clapping of spectators.
He approached their war leader, seeing that the wood elf carried himself with an air of experience and martial discipline Wil decided to salute him respectfully. "Hail Cousin, I am Wilaml of House Fmelvam and it gladdens my heart to see more of my people after a century spent among Mankind."
The wood elves are excited about retrieving the artifact. They would like to return with you to elfhome. The other option they are considering is to send a diplomatic mission to elfhome to ask for the artifact, and another to help you get on your way. The diplomatic mission will be willing to carry any written petitions you wish to write.
The elderly elfmaid sums up their feelings: "Your return has been a bittersweet one. We are happy to see what the elven nation has become, if you are any indications of it. But we really want the Caduceus returned."
Seltyn will try to finish the book, then decide what to do with it.
The tatooed hunter explains as he approaches Azlain: "Our elder informed us that you are much like us in appearance and prowess. We have taken this to assume that you have marks of meaning upon you. Forgive our curiousity, but we use these marks to denote training and accomplishment. We did not know that those marked would be accepted into the elf nation. Are you a citizen of elfhome? Have you met the queen?"
Seltyn reads the book.
Suny simply wanders around and watches how these Elves go about their daily lives...an' stuff...
"I... ah, no. I am not a citizen of anywhere. I did meet the queen briefly, but I doubt she would want me as a subject."
Azlain looks at the tattoos marking the men's bodies and shook his head. "and my marks have meaning, but they aren't good ones."
Thalas spends most of his time observing his blood kin. Though he sympathized with their reason for doing so, that they would turn their backs on a god of knowledge and wisdom was troubling to him as a Wood Elf.
"Seltyn, may I read the book you've received after you've finished? I am very curious to read what my god chose to share with you."
Thalas spends most of his time observing his blood kin. Though he sympathized with their reason for doing so, that they would turn their backs on a god of knowledge and wisdom was troubling to him as a Wood Elf.
"Seltyn, may I read the book you've received after you've finished? I am very curious to read what my god chose to share with you."
Of course. I think you'll find the story interesting, particularly the part about the Caduceus. There's a question there. I want to give the book to the wood elves, but not until we both agree that that's the wisest course.
Seltyn will share the story under the spoilers with any who want to know.
"A question, indeed. It is good that we have some time to think on it before returning to the court, as such chicanery would never have been considered in my youth," replied Thalas to Seltyn.
"I am unsure how much they would value a book on what they already know of themselves: I suspect Labelas Enorath gave you the book for our benefit in understanding these people."
Yes. There's no reason to doubt that the story's true. We should find out if their version of events is the same. If it is, then this is for our Lady, so she will believe them. If not, then it is for them, so they'll know what really happened.
Either way, Pentima took it by trickery, if you ask me, and his claim to it wasn't legitimate. We must tread carefully here. Lady Fontina is his descendant, and if she has the Caduceus, she may not be too keen to give it back.
Seltyn remembers Ciedrel's hints that something was wrong in Elfhome. Could this be a part of it? He could only speculate.
Without evidence, it's all speculation. You need facts.
Let's find Elorin, and have her arrange a sit down with their best scholars. We need to learn what the wood elves know, or think they know. Then, we'll know what to do.
"Indeed. Lead on, my friend," replied Thalas as the two of them set out to find Elorin and meet with the Wood Elf leaders.
A sit down is arranged with the wood elf council. The war leader, the elder elfmaid, and a man with grey hair and large staff sit down to meet with you.
The elder lady speaks first: "As you called for the gathering, you may speak first."
A few other elders attend.
A little pre-meeting chat:
Elorin knows what we know. She called the meeting. She wants them to tell us more about the Caduceus, why it's so important, and their claim to it, including what they think happened to it.
If their story varies much from the one in the book, Seltyn will speak up at the appropriate time. If he doesn't mention it, no one does. Elorin will act happy to have been given an audience, and we leave.
Our charming diplomat will now be charming and diplomatic. We've missed our foxy Fox, and we need her to resume her role as our face to the world.
Bump.
As Elorin begins to ask about the artifact, she realizes she is bringing up a sore subject.
"Why do you need to know this information?"
Suny wanders around looking for other Elves closer to her own age.(As in younger than every one who seem to be presenting themselves) ;)
Wil continues to speak with the wood elves, hoping to build relations with his kin-folk and getting to know them as best he can. He is open and friendl;y, explaining his families survival among mankind and listening politely to the stories of his distant cousins.
Wil continues to speak with the wood elves, hoping to build relations with his kin-folk and getting to know them as best he can.
He spends time in the shrine of Corellon, sorting his thoughts and meditating quietly before going about the task of writing up a suitable response to the queen.
To our magnificent and glorious Queen Ciedril.
I regret to inform you that the Sprite was lost, we survived the monster that you had warned us of but Elorin fell in combat. We were set upon by the Black Citadel scant hours later and despite our valiant defense of the Sprite. We were sunk and our opponents were in the wind. Fear not. We press on Milady, we continues on foot towards our goal and have met with the Wood Elves.
So far they have been both friendly and open, albeit they are shy and I sense an underlying tone of wariness of our intentions. In the face of their isolation it is understandable, however they have provided us with a great boon. They returned Sister Elorin to us and have asked to meet with you, so that they may prove their claim over an artifact known as the Caduceus.
I understand that this may be ill-received and that the words of an outsider as myself may have no bearing in such private affairs. Please understand why I support the Wood Elves claim and only wish that you hear their claim. I have not detected any deception in our short time here and continue to believe, especially through the their recent actions, that the Wood Elves are decent and good folk.
It is my fervent hope that we can foster an alliance and bring our distant cousin's into the nation.
Sincerely: Kit, Wilaml Fmelvam, of the Foxes
Sealing the letter with the symbol of his house Wil tucked it safely away in his pack until he could present it to the group of elves that would be heading on the diplomatic mission to Elfhome.
At an appropriate time Elorin will approach the elder.
"Thank you once more for raising me. I owe you a great debt and I understand you want us to help in your claim to an item from our Elven Queen. She is a reasonable and well educated woman and I am sure coming from ourselves the request will be taken seriously. I need to ask you for some information so that I can present the best request I can.
Myself and Seltyn and the others did not know of your claim to this item or the item itself until we met you all. What happened and why you no longer hold possession of it.
I know very little of the history of our people and that is something I would like to change. In order to make the strongest future we must learn from the mistakes and successes of our past. May we sit and talk about what happened with the artifact, where it came from, why you claim it and what part of history has brought you to this day? and perhaps more importantly, how we can share our traditions and make the Elven kingdom strong and united once more."
The elder responds, "So your entire group is completely ignorant of the Caduceus and any of its history? You have no idea where it is or if the elven nation still holds it?"
That is correct, Seltyn interjects. If the Lady knows anything about it, she hasn't spoken to me. We weren't chosen for our knowledge of lore, exactly.
He nods towards his motley crew to accentuate the point. They're not stupid, but they didn't learn their skills by just studying old legends. Not even Seltyn.
What I want to know is what you believe happened to the Caduceus. Where do you think it is?
The elder rcounts to you, "We had a disagreement with elfhome after the war. Our lands were in elven lands, and the elven government could help us. When they resettled south, we decided to stay and ignore the resettlement orders rather than give up our home. The Caduceus which we had allowed to be used to heal elves in the capital was withheld for us and used to extort us to stay a part of the elven nation. Unfortunately that was exactly the wrong tactic to take with us. An elf noble visited and volunteered to arrange for us to be welcomed back, but the cost would be the loss of our artifact, which we were told was siezed anyway."
The war chief is visibly irritated, "Why do you need to know this? You act is if we are the beggars here. As if your help waits to judge the merit of our case. I will have no more part of these talks."
The war leader storms out. He is visibly unhappy.
Speaking to the elders now that the warleader had left, Thalas tries to rectify the situation.
"Elders of my people, out intent is to build a case against those whole stole from you: that the artifact was yours to lend to your cousins in their time of need and that they broke faith with you regarding its return is beyond discussion. The warleader questions why we need to know about the Caduceus. Does the warleader not scout his enemies before battle? Does the warleader not seek to engage in battle on his own terms at a time and location of his own choosing? So to does your claim to the Caduceus need to be fought that it may be rightfully won: only by understanding how you have come to this place can you find your way free. As a Wood Elf and follower of Labelas Enorath, this truth has been known to me and all of my brothers, sisters, and cousins who likewise seek the enlightenment of knowledge. For only with knowledge and understanding can the will to return what is yours be exerted."
Suny remains quiet, thoughtful and watchful through out the unfolding events.
In response to Thalas, the elder asks: "So you will be going with us to make our case? We were under the impression you had other priorities. As for our war leader, he is quite the hot head. Rumors abound about human blood in his line, so he is quite defensive."
Wil decides to follow the war leader, with Elorin, Seltyn and Thalas speaking with the elders he felt unneeded. Elorin was far more skilled at Diplomacy then he was but as a soldier he may be able to patch things up with the war leader. "Please excuse me honored Elders."
Bowing slightly to everyone present, he walked briskly out of the room and after the war leader.
"Please hold up! I would like to speak with you more, forgive my comrades they mean well and do not mean insult. But if you do not wish to speak then perhaps I could challenge you to a sparring match instead, as I am interested in learning about my Cousin's and their unique fighting style." Wil spoke in elven and despite his near perfect annunciations he still couldn't help his human mannerism's from making his words flow with the usual elven ease. However his words were sincere, he didn't want bad blood between his group and their wood elf brethren. Not if he could help it...
"We have a mission to accomplish, yes. It has already proved deadly," Thalas nods in Elorin's direction, "despite our precautions. We would be very grateful for any help you may provide, for your knowledge of the area is likely to be crucial to our journey to The Harbor. Once we have obtained the ships from Harbor, it is our intention to return to Elfhome directly - now to seek the return of the Caduceus to you. We have agreed to do so in the course of justice and in gratitude for the restoration of Elorin regardless of any further aid you may render us."
Hoping his words of appeal to the wisdom of the Elders had demonstrated their intent, Thalas waits patiently for the Elders to speak.
The war leader nods at Wil's words. "Wilaml, we know of you. Your work with one of our sponsored mercenary companies is well known. We had our eye on grabbing you at some time, but you were learning much where you were. I guess we lost you to the homeland."
It is clear to Wil that war leader is very favorably inclined to him, but this does not extend to anyone else in the group.
He adds, "When your were swapped out for the face and diplomat, it was obvious to me the whitewashing is being put on. I have been around the block enough to recognize true collaboration versus a negotiation. As for sparring, the young ones of the Order of the Unicorn would like to spar with you. I am wearing my fancy 'look nice for the guests' uniform. Can't change out of it for a while."
Meanwhile, at the Living Hall
The elderly elfmaid speaks:"We believe the artifact is on the elven island. We are readying an diplomatic mission to ask for the return of our artifact as we speak. As you are obviously on dangerous business if you go to the Harbor, we cannot count on you to return. Those who undertake the Tests more often than not perish."
She looks patiently at Elorin and continues: "Why do we think it is ours? Lady Ciedrel's father made it for us. It was a dowry for Lady Ciedrel's mother and was given to my father. That explains why it ended up on the island with Lady Ciedrel's mother in times of need. We did not refuse its use to our kin. When we get it back we will not repeat that mistake."
Thalas nods in acceptance of the Elders' words. "Would you be willing to delay your departure for a week? Should we be successful, we would certainly offer you the hospitality of the ship on our return journey to Elfhome."
Hearing what he wanted to know, Seltyn decides to give them the book.
This book appeared in my hands shortly before we lost our ship. After hearing your explanation, I cannot believe that this book is just for me. It was meant for you.
In it, you'll find evidence to support your claim to the Caduceus, along with a letter to the Lady explaining how we got it, wizard-marked with my rune. You should have it in your care, in case I don't complete my tasks.
He hands it to the elder.
The elder smiles and nods.
"Thank you. Our war chief will accompany you a while. He obviously is sitting out the diplomatic mission."
He adds, "When your were swapped out for the face and diplomat, it was obvious to me the whitewashing is being put on. I have been around the block enough to recognize true collaboration versus a negotiation. As for sparring, the young ones of the Order of the Unicorn would like to spar with you. I am wearing my fancy 'look nice for the guests' uniform. Can't change out of it for a while."
He smiled as he was reminded of his work among the Companions, he missed his former comrades but felt that he was doing something even greater now. He was happy to be on the Warleaders good side as this man would be a great ally in the times to come. "I feel as though I have been blind all these years, it is good to be known among my kinfolk and I am ashamed to say I hadn't noticed you all sooner. You are correct though, I did indeed learn much from them and living among mankind..." His smile dimmed a little as he remembered moments of joy and loss, yet his memories of loss felt like they sometimes outweighed those times of joy.
He shook his head at part of the War Leader's comment though, disagreeing with being 'lost' to the homeland. "I've swore to aid my people, not just one homeland in particular, now that we have found one another I see that I will have to work harder..."
He raises his hands in a placating gesture, hoping to tone down the man's obvious dislike for what appears to have been a bait and switch by his comrades. "I am more removed from personal bias as are many of my comrades. I believe they are like myself and lack the knowledge of what was lost. So they are trying to understand without ostracizing themselves from their homeland in doing so. Normally though it is Elorin who does the speaking for the Foxes and in the short time I have known her, I have found her to be a wonderful woman who I trust fully with my life." He let his words of trust end his part in their discussion, he didn't say it because he owed Elorin a debt for failing to protect her. He said it because he truly believed it and hoped that he could sway the War Leader to understand that as well.
He adds, once the War leader had a chance to speak. "I would enjoy sparring with the members of the Order of the Unicorn very much, where do they reside?"
The war leader introduces Wil to the medium horse, known as the order of the unicorn. Although their training concentrates on mounted combat, they spar with Wil using scimitar and shield dismounted. You do learn that over half the elves train in mounted combat, and they have ready access to quality horses. Almost all elven warriors have their own horse while Lady Ciedrel's people have almost no horses.
The de facto leader of the wood elves thanks Seltyn for the book and sends it with an elder male to lead the diplomatic mission. They bring the letter signed by Wil and any messages Talon provides.
The war leader mentions he is to escort the group to the Harbor. Having been there many times, he knows the way. He brings an short, older wood elf with him. You recognize him as the elder who led the monks in the clearing when you first met the wood elves.
You are told it will take three days to travel to the Harbor.
The war leader and the ascetic prepare to escort you safely to the Harbor. They explain the Harbor is dominated by the Irori Monastery. Any access by land will probably require speaking to them. They are a group of monks that believe in perfection of the mind, body, and soul.