Suny bounces over . "Did some one say 'swimmin'?" (^_^) she asks exuberantly. (^_^)
My name is indeed Eirel, what can I do for you?
Casting some small spells, a dolphin soon appears.
After a minute of squeaks and whistles, the dolphin seems inclined to help the elves, especially after some more fish is given to it. Heading to the enemy ship with either Windfavour or Suny, they soon disappear into the blackness of the night and the water
We'll shadow them. If they keep moving to Elfhome, we can watch them and either attack, or just keep them off our shores.
Windfavor tosses a few fish into the the sea, and a medium sized sea lion appears.
The sea lion is quickly at ease with Eirel, the offered salted fish he downs in a few bites. He seems to be very distressed when Eirel points to the cove. The mannerisms and agitation seem to be similar to those when confronted with his most feared predators.
When Eirel summons his dolphin, the sea lion seems to be trying to dissuade the dolpin from approaching the cove. The sea lion goes so far as to interpose his considerable bulk in the way.
It is quickly obvious that the sea lion would not be distressed by just the two ships anchored offshore. The communication gap does not allow any further sharing of information, but the sea lion seems to follow your ship and is keen on sharing many fish.
Seriously, let's see what we can learn from the sea lion.
It seems to get on well with our ship's guardian. You make friends easily, Eirel!
The young wizard then realizes he should shut up, and not interrupt the magic. He then speaks to the Admiral of the Elven Navy, which as far as Seltyn can tell, is us.
Thank you, Windfavor.
I see we are positioned to move quickly, wherever we decide to go. If you need some speed, I can cast one gust of wind. ;)
Suny leans over the ship's railings and watches the behavior of the friendly sea life,
"I bet they's got them a Hag in'a water..." She opines.
As the party waits, the friendly sea lion is joined by four more sea lions. They seem mostly interested in the fish.
"Do we risk sneaking in or wait for tomorrow? Unfortunately I cannot talk to animals."
As the party waits, the friendly sea lion is joined by four more sea lions. They seem mostly interested in the fish.
"Do we risk sneaking in or wait for tomorrow? Unfortunately I cannot talk to animals."
Nor can the druid, for now. We should head to sea, and keep them in sight. If we attack, we must choose when. We have no advantage here. Let's see what these ships can do, and assess our options from there.
Seltyn also wants to talk to the wood elf (forgot his name) and see how he wants to help out. Is he an archer or meleer?
Seeing as things were decided, for now, he excused himself and headed below decks back to his makeshift infirmary. It was spartan but usable, a simple chair, a couple buckets of sand, some water for washing wounds and several shelves mounted on the walls barely filled the small space. Once he was inside he closed the door.
He unclasped his shield before setting it against the wall, he turned and sat heavily in the chair. He rested his head in his hands ruffling his ill-kempt hair as he leaned over, elbows propped up against his knees as he thought of sicking up. He took deep breaths, trying to steady himself and calm down. But it wasn't easy to, not with what had happened.
He couldn't bring himself to tell them, that he was powerless and he didn't know how long it would last...
The wood elf seems content with a heavy pull longbow or nasty glaive with a glowing tip.
Wil sets up his infirmary and finds four first aid kits.
The Slipstream waits for the witches to go up the coast from a comfortable distance.
They depart in a puff of steam. The sea lions stay around and begin some hasty chatter as the ships depart.
Windfavor can easily pursue at any time.
"What say you, Foxes? Follow them, or make for home - assuming those destinations are not one and the same," asks Thalas.
"I hope they are not one and the same. Killing them is still my aim, however I would not expect anyone to go to that battle who did not have nor want to."
We can follow at a distance, and if they continue approaching elven lands, that could be interpreted as an act of aggression. We would have to confront them at a time convenient to us. Say, just after sunset...
Eirel, your new friends may be of use. Can you communicate with them?
The sea lions seem to be attached to the local cove, and are delighted to recapture their favorite sunning area as the two ships leave. The Fireforge departs leaving a cloud of condensed water and it pulls the large rowing vessel. They head up the coast.
As the elven island is at the extreme southern part of the continent, and the Fireforge is headed south, the witches are headed in the general direction of elfhome. It is unlikely that it would be the final destination.
Although the elves can keep the witches in sight and shadow them, Windfavor seems to think their lookouts may eventually spot you. At the extreme edge of sight range with the speed of the Slipstream, he feels he can keep them from engaging indefinitely.
After four hours of tailing the witches, it appears they have not spotted the Slipstream yet.
As the sun moves from directly above, it begins to move west over the land. Although coming out of the sun works well, coming out of east as the sun sets to the west will also make tracking you difficult.
Wil watched the distant ship, he questioned whether or not the attack should occur. If they would be inciting a war when their was a possibility to avoid it. He remained silent about his doubts, unless he had need to voice it.
Eirel takes his time looking through all of the boat for other items and such like that might help them in the looming assault. He wasn't happy about the possibility of warring again, but if needs be, he would stand with his brothers. Just hopefully what happened last time wouldn't happen again.
Elorin's pure and dark focus on her intended target makes it easy for her to see the shipless wake.
She will make the others aware that at times, there is an occasional wake where there is no ship near the witches fleet and point it out to people.
"It seems my doomed target has friends in hard to see places."
Are they allied with a deep one, perhaps? Or is the wake a sign of some invisible ship?
Suny peers off into the gloom with the others.
"Rilly? T'is the other waves be enough to suggest there be somat as big as a ship bein' hid out there?" She asks. "Or be it somat else, hidin' under tha water, d'ye think?"
Thalas, at the mention of a deep one, feels a strange alien presence nearby, reminiscent of the Deep One encountered before. He is quite sure it is the same one.
As a matter of fact, Thalas points out, the lack of slaves on the ship is probably related to the Deep One. They will accept human slaves as payment to pass through their territory.
This is troubling news, but it's good that we have it, brother Thalas.
As thirsty as we all are for revenge (and we will have it), we have achieved our immediate goal. This vessel is ours.
I've watched too many elves die in fruitless quests to risk the lives of more of our kind, or this magnificent ship, rescued from its long slumber.
Let the evil humans sacrifice their innocents to their foul gods. I care little now for their lot in these times.
We will sail at full speed to our queen, and tell her what we know. There, we can make better use of our resources, and we will find and kill both the witches and the deep one when we're better able to do so. They are not moving fast, and we have the speed to run rings around them. We will choose the moment of their demise, not them.
It is in the nature of evil creatures to turn on each other, and either the witches or the deep one will wreak havoc on the other in due time.
Time is on our side, as my god would counsel. These enemies are too strong for us in their unity. We will strike after their inevitable discord has run its course. Then, they will be weak, and we will be stronger than ever.
Let's go home and see our people, and treat our guest to the best we have to offer. The witches will die. The deep one will die. All on our schedule!
Seltyn is visibly shaken up, which is rare. He hopes that the others understand that his reluctance to attack now is not cowardice, but simple strategy.
Admiral, full sail to our home port, as quick as can be managed without fatigue. Let's show our people what they've gained. Perhaps you have some new recruits in mind for a ship worthy of a true elven navy, as described in the history and legends of old?
He speaks excitedly to the old elf. I've read that there was a time when Elfhome had a mighty fleet, which protected the trade routes, fought off piracy and evil from the deep, and kept the ocean clean and in balance. How I wish to have lived in those days!
As Windfavor heads straight for home, the journey takes about two days with split watches. The ship is quite easy to sail, and between the captain, the druid, and Suny, the duties on the rest of the group are minimal.
The sleek vessel sails into port. As the news reaches the Queen, a huge reception committee rushes out to meet you. The news of the successful arrival and departure of the wood elves is just more good cheer added to the addition of the Slipstream to the elvish cause.
The elite houses reluctantly rally their support, and the elven artisans and smiths open up their wares to you. A sponsor comes forth from two houses to grant a boon to the returning elves.
A letter of credit for 10,000gp is provided for you to shop in the shops of some of the enchanters and craftsman on the island.
"It warms my heart to see your safe return. The rift of our cousins has been healed, and our seagoing might has been restored. I declare tomorrow a holiday for all elves on the island. We will celebrate with song and wine what some of our dearest children have paid for with their blood."
The elven queen seems to be excited at your return. She seems less burdened by her responsibility and the years than you have ever seen. Her step is more lively, and the lines on her face seem reduced.
"We will talk tomorrow. Today you will relax and recuperate in the private quarters maintained for your return."
Thank you, my Lady. I will pester you later, Seltyn says with a grin.
Seltyn talks to the wood elf. Come and share a day with no worries. We can be at ease. Your kin have done us great kindness. We owe you the same grace.
To the rest he says, I need a nap. We're "off duty." I hope to dance with Elorin and Suny tonight, or at least hear them sing. Let's get some rest, and we'll discuss things once we're feeling better.
Azlain was disappointed by the anticlimax but he put it out of his head. He remained his usual quiet self, but lacked the brooding mood they had come to expect. His wings had begun to fluff out and look less scraggly. He hadn't worn a shirt in days and had been practicing flexing them. It seemed the scar tissue on his back had robbed them of the needed range of motion for flight. He exercised them as much as he could, but they were weak and his progress was just beginning.
He found himself staying near Wil, trying to observe what he did. His newfound reverence for the elven gods was full of heart, but completely lacking in knowledge. Will was the closest thing to a role model he had for how to follow the teachings of Labelas Enorath.
Wil was glad to see that they would fight the witches another day, with his powers in question he wasn't ready to charge fruitlessly into battle. One day they would get their chance to strike at the enemy.
When they arrived in the capital, among the cheer of a successful mending in elven relations. Wil felt relief for the first time in a long time. It didn't take him long to decide on what, if anything he wanted crafted for himself or for Azlain.
He smiled and bowed in greeting to the Queen happy to see she was looking revitalized by the recent events and good fortune. When he was dismissed by Seltyn, he decided to do the only thing that was prudent. He went to the training yard, he practiced with sword, bow and on horseback as his warhorse hadn't seen any real action in days.
After a reasonable time, Seltyn will ask to see the queen again. She knows what he wants: More spells.
Elorin was not in the mood for celebrating. She remained in her room for most of the following day. Only leaving if requested by the Queen. She remembered the last they where here and she had set up the 'elven games'. The sound of people cheering and laughing outside only served to remind her how far away that happy time seemed.
She spends the day resting and gathering her strength, both physical and mental. Getting ready to face the group and her duties once more. She would give her best and smile again she was sure, though she could not see it now.
The returning elves are treated to a hero's reception. The news of the successful discusion with the wood elves and the recovery of the human king seem to have the queen in high spirits.
"We have actually a couple of things to consider. Many of my elven councilors are somewhat wary of signing any official alliance with the wood elves. It appears they have mercenary companies throughout the land are quite involved in human politics. The majority now argue that we have more to lose than they do with any formal alliance."
The queen also invites you into the large 'war room' for a consultation.
"It appears the Rovagug cult has fortified a town in a strategic river delta that guards a vital river trade route. Windfavor has proposed hiring one of the wood elf mercenary companies to threaten from the land, and land amphibiously from sea while the garrison is drawn away."
"We also have a chance to explore far to the north with the Slipstream. Rumors are an island civilization two days off the coast well past the monastery are worth visiting. Their alchemy was of great repute many years ago before we lost contact."
Eirel will listen to the proposals that the Queen has given them, and ponder. This was not his call to make. That was for these elves that he had joined. They had the ideas and the right to lead the small team.
With the body of the slain elf now taken care of, his mind turns to the female that was so intense looking as these strangers came aboard.
Taking a moment and speaking to Seltyn and Wil, he will enquire about her.
She seems angry. A boiling ball of hate, anger and misery. Has she always been so? I know that bards are a little apart from the rest of us, but I have never felt that kind of emotion before
She's a very passionate person. Talon was our friend, and had been with us from the beginning of our little troupe. His loss hit us all very hard, and for Elorin, her pain became anger and a desire for vengeance.
We will avenge him. I believe we'll make the witches pay for their cruelty when the time is right. For now, we must be patient and develop our power, and serve our people as best we can until that day comes.
As for our options, I like the idea of reestablishing good relations with the island folk. Elorin is a proven asset in such endeavors. However, strengthening our bonds with the wood elves and striking at the cultists using our fine ship would give us an outlet for our rage.
We've a score to settle with them, too.
Wil looked at Seltyn as he spoke, barely restraining himself from shaking his head. He also raised his raised an eyebrow at Eirel before realizing that before now he had never known Elorin like they did. Hell he only knew her but a fraction that the rest of the Foxes did as he was a newcomer still in his mind. "Eirel, Elorin is as Seltyn says. Her words have bonded fledgling nations together, healed past wounds and her passion is a gift of the divine. She doesn't deserve to carry such a heavy burden and I hope it hasn't harmed her in some way but time will tell. I planned on speaking to her today as she needed time to sit and mourn our lost brother. So if we plan on heading to the Island nation I will make sure my horse is settled."
He looks for a map if there is one available and tries to see if it would be prudent or not to bring his warhorse with them. If not, he sets off to repay his fee for the stables and headed to the shops to sell off the excess gear the party had accumulated...
The elven lady also has another issues to resolve.
"We have heard about the problems at the monastery. Some of the evil monks were not happy and have called us untrustworthy. We have prepared a proclamation to say that the elves are in no way a signatory to the "Wheatfield Accords". The concepts of champions and dueling to resolve issues rather than the field of battle is an archaic, human tradition we no longer support. As King Talmanes has been consulted, he has no problems backing us up on this. The Coastal Kingdoms will not be a signatory either."
She adds: "The dwarves and elves do not agree on many things, but I expect them to issue a similar proclamation. Human ways are not our ways."
She addresses Elorin: "I would like you to convince the wood elves to renounce the Wheatfield Accords. The wood elves, a nation of shapechangers, the Dark Citadel, and the a new dwarf clanhold are the only nonhuman signatories. Our diplomats feel this will reduce the power of the Coalition of Light and the human nations they operate in."
It's not his turn to speak, but Seltyn looks at Elorin, doing his best to show her that he loves her as much as anyone he can name.
She can do this, and it dovetails nicely into an attack on the Rovagug cult, along with the recently renewed alliance with our wood elf brothers and sisters, who are a bit diluted (deluded?) by their reliance on mercenary work with humans, while their destiny is so closely tied to our own.
Elves are elves. We live too long to think in the short term for ephemeral gains.
Humans don't think about what will happen a century from now. Elves have to.
Elorin listens to the queens request. "I will do my best Queen Ciedrel. I am honored that you would trust me with this important task." She speaks clearly and honestly.
Each word is no longer tempered with anger or vengeance but it still has the timing and well thought pace of someone who is controlling themselves, their actions and their emotions.
She will request some time and access to information to learn all she can about the accord and the nature and past of the wood elves. The more she knows about them and their culture, rituals and ways. the more effective a diplomat she can be.
If this is granted she will set to the task of research immediately.
She will also speak to Eirel after the research. As a wood elf he could be useful. Not only for information but if she has a wood elf by her side it can only serve to strengthen her words to them.
She will also speak to Eirel after the research. As a wood elf he could be useful. Not only for information but if she has a wood elf by her side it can only serve to strengthen her words to them.
Following the audience with Lady Ciedrel, Thalas accompanies Elorin for a time.
"I am afraid that time has sundered me from my kin. The Forest Kin we met so recently are nothing like who they had been. I was astonished that they felt no respect for the Elder gods of our people, who had - in what is now the past - been the closest of all the Elven Peoples to the gods. Nonetheless, I believe I have made progress in establishing trust with them by providing Variel and Varius with the solution to the riddle that allowed them to claim King Horseborn's flagship. Alongside your efforts toward restoring the Caduceus to them, I am sure that we will be able to successfully appeal to our sisters and brothers to reunite with us."
Remembering that Thalas and Wil are also wood elves she speaks with them as well as Eirel. She had long thought of them as friends and brethren and had not thought about them as wood, or otherwise. They are as we all are, elves.