Dimitrio shifts slightly in his seat. Although not new to being the center of attention, he is not used to these meetings.
He very briefly summarizes their findings but his tale leaves much to be desired. He nods to Lief, "Lief here can provide many more details. He even speaks the drow's foul tongue."
"Bet all my gold it was Drow they fought."
"'Fought'? Or still yet fight?"Kaylayne rejoinders. "Well, it's somewhat comforting to know that this army of elves is here. You've seen them shoot..each one is just a deadeye shot, it seemed. With all of them around, they won't have much need for us."
Kaylayne continues to snack on her apple.
* * *
Kaylayne greets Eviana, noting her unique beauty. She had heard that some elves could be condescending jerks, but had yet to detect any of that from this group. Perhaps because they were providing a service the elves seemed inclined towards showing a generous spirit or maybe the rumors she had heard of jerk elves was wrong. Or both.
"As you can likely guess, we are in a delicate position. It would be best if what you learn here does not spread beyond the bows of the Mierani. Do you agree?”
Kaylayne decides to be honest. Honest in asking the questions for things she does not understand.
"I'm not sure I do agree yet. I do not understand enough. What is the delicate position that you speak of? Perhaps we should start there before we go any further. I seem to be missing something," Kaylayne asks when given a chance to speak
Kaerishiel says little, though it’s clear he’s paying close attention. Eviana however stops you frequently and asks questions. She’s clearly interested in your story, especially as it relates to drow and drow actions.
She looks at Kaylayne, a little surprised, ”Why the very existence of Crying Leaf is a secret, though a poorly kept one. Better kept is that it’s a military base, and better still that it guards the ancient ruins of Celwynvian - overrun by drow!” she grows angry, but clearly not at Kaylayne, but perhaps her own failures.
”These are not commonly known things, and we would ask that you respect that secrecy, in so much as you can without breaking personal oaths of course. It is better that this ancient evil be regulated to mere myth. The very fact of their presence here is a shame on our race.” she looks sorrowfully at the party.
"Ah," Kaylayne says agreeably. "Then I agree with keeping that secret. I would hear more of the drow, later, if it pleases you to speak of it. If they are there, seems to me that you would all to know, so nations of Golarion might send armies should they be needed."
Kaylayne looks over to Lief, assuming the teen is going to provide the detail to answer the elf's questions.
"You want us to keep quiet about a military base here in your own forest, I got no problem with that. Keepin' quiet about the Drow? That ain't as easy a promise to make. They pulled a star from the sky and nearly crushed the city I call home. We're just supposed to let people think that's normal? That maybe any Varisian city can be crumpled by the gods?"
Ederin raises an eyebrow inquisitively at the regal Eviana, trying to appreciate her situation.
"We all gotta deal with our shame, don't mean other people need to suffer it. You clearly need help with the Drow, the longer you keep them a secret the more of your people you lose before you get help. What's so important about keepin' them in the dark?"
”I understand if you cannot be silent about the drow attack on your city.”, she sighs, displeased, but accepting. ”The drow are the sworn enemy of the elf - but do you know why? They and we come from a common ancestor. Earthfall was, do some degree, predicted by the elves. Most of us fled and only returned many years after the meteor hit. Some remained behind and died. Still others fled deep into the earth to escape their fate.”
Her voice drifts a little, as if intoning a truth, memorized exactly so as not to stray from the meaning of it.
”Ten millennia ago, the elves inhabited the surface of Golarion. But when the meteor fell, calling down calamity from the heavens, wrapping the world in eternal night, the majority of the elves retreated to our homeland of Sovyrian, there to remain until the time was once again right. “
”A sizable part of the elven population, however, refused to abandon Golarion. Instead, they sought shelter amid the depths of the earth. As the world burned and turned to ash above, they delved deeper, seeking ways to survive. Untold thousands died as they journeyed deep into the world’s deadliest wilderness.”
”Preyed upon by unimaginable horrors and enslaved by forgotten races, they endured woe and suffering like none they had ever known. Their travails made them colder and crueler, and their prayers went unanswered by their distant gods. In the end, it was savagery and demonic bargains that steeled them against the darkness, and bitterness and dreams of revenge against what they viewed as their cowardly brethren that drove them to survive. Over the centuries, pain and hated and dark magic erased all that made these orphans elves, and replaced it with a new cruelty known as the drow. “
”Decades after the elves of Sovyrian returned to Golarion, we were shocked to discover that our distant relatives had survived and the degree to which our so-called brethren had savagely changed. Fearing contamination and corruption of our own bloodlines, our leaders sought to conceal the drow’s presence in the world, both from our own race and all others. “
”The drow, however, see tenacity and necessity where we see savagery. They view themselves as the true descendants of the elven heritage; they have done what they needed to in order to survive, despite the scars that now eternally mar their society, their bodies, and their souls. “
She stops, trailing off a little at the end, her eyes welling with emotion and hatred. She gets a grip on herself, and continues, ”I’d like to have the opportunity to study these journals. May I have them? If they contain valuable information, as you suggest, I’ll reward you of course.”
"Lief here can provide many more details. He even speaks the drow's foul tongue."
Lief nods in affirmation of the dancer's words. "Undercommon is also used by the duergar, morlocks, and svirfneblin. The drow don't have a lock on it." He smiles cheekily at Dimitrio.
The young man listens carefully to elf. For now, he tamps down Kaylayne's and Ederin's objections, considering them for a later time if they prove relevant, following Eviana's story. And what a story.
"Eviana, you honor us with this oral history. I've never come across it in any of my studies. It is a sad history, and I fail to see why you consider the existence of the drow your responsibility to conceal. It's the ignorant shepherd that ignores the presence of wolves in the wild. The drow are simply an unfortunate reality. One with which we've only recently been acquainted. It could have been the end of us. We could have fallen to the teeth of the wolf. Had we known, we would have been prepared."
Lief produces the journals of both Depora and Shindiira. "With what would you reward us?" He moves the books across the table. "You would have us remain silent about drow. Are you trying to buy our silence?" The young man bites his lower lip. "I don't mean it to sound that way. I am glad you consider these journals worth rewarding the bearers, but the drow have bled into our lives. We haven't sworn oaths to our people, largely because we're unaware of the grave circumstances. I think you at least owe us the truth of what Shindiira calls the 'Armageddon Echo'."
"Lief here can provide many more details. He even speaks the drow's foul tongue."Lief nods in affirmation of the dancer's words. "Undercommon is also used by the duergar, morlocks, and svirfneblin. The drow don't have a lock on it." He smiles cheekily at Dimitrio.
Dimitrio smiles back at Lief but addresses the elf, "See there? I told you he was the smart one."
He then asks, "So what exactly is going on right now?"
"I do not know what the Armageddon Echo is though I have some theories." she says simply. "I hope that your journals will shed some light on it and help us confirm our knowledge."
Eviana holds up the journals, “Thank you for this. You now know why we have had to close the borders of the Mierani, and indeed, why Crying Leaf was established. The drow have a strong presence in the old ruins of the once great city of Celwynvian. I tell you now that the situation is far worse than you might suspect. The drow control the ruins almost completely, and have for some time now.” she looks displeased.
She looks at Dimitrio, ”We here in Crying Leaf have been locked in what seems to be an unending struggle with them for many years, and until recently we believed we had them contained. Yet your conflicts under Riddleport and on Devil’s Elbow show us all this is not the case at all."
"In Celwynvian, the drow have been quite elusive. Whenever we prepare a major strike, the city seems empty, but our gains are quickly eroded within days as a renewed force pushes us back. We had thought that the drow were fleeing into the Darklands, but we have wondered if they have been retreating into this thing they call the Armageddon Echo instead.”
“I must confer with my contacts in Kyonin to determine what is to be done after reading through the journals. Might I ask you to wait until we have decided? You have done well so far against the drow, and there may be a place for you among Crying Leaf’s forces in the battles to come."
She hurries on, "I assure you, if you are willing to join with us, you shall be paid handsomely, at rates equal to those we afford the Shin’Rakorath. But you mustn't decide now. Please stay with us a little while and rest while we study these journals and formulate a plan.”
Kaerishiel looks surprised at the offer made, but says nothing.
Dimitrio raises his eyebrows, "So you've been fighting this mortal and elusive enemy for years but you want to keep it hush-hush to the rest of the world?"
He continues, "And now that things are no longer contained, you are seeking help..."
"And you want OUR help? Maybe... and that's a big maybe we do help, we would like to talk to some of your seasoned drow fighters because... Ah, how do I put this? Let's just say that a couple of their fighting styles and characteristics are really... annoying."
He looks at his companions, "We will wait until you read the journals and then decide what to do. How long will this take and how can we make ourselves useful in the meantime?"
Ederin nods along with Dimitrio.
"I've eaten the dirt on more 'an on occasion 'cause o' their poison. Can't say I'm too eager to do that again, but I've seen how far their willin' to take things. I can promise that I'll at least consider fightin' alongside you if it comes to it."
He shuffles awkwardly for a few moments, not sure what else to say. "So, are we just supposed to sit around doin' nothin'? Anythin' I can help with, or somethin' fun to do around here?"
She looks up at Dimtirio, "I ask because things are no longer contained. I ask because I thought you were men and women of valor. You've already fought the drow, and done rather well from what you've said."
"You find them 'annoying'. We find them deadly. But if this fight is beneath you, I understand, though I'll be saddened by it."
She looks at the party, "Please consider helping us."
She stands quickly, "In the meantime, you may have whatever we can offer, though I'll advise it isn't much. You may question whomever you wish, though I suspect Kaerishiel knows more than any other here about fighting drow. He will be at your service." she looks at Kaerishiel to convey the command.
"I must study these journals and confer. Please stay and enjoy some wine and chat with Kaerishiel about the unpleasantness of the drow. If the camp is attacked, you may remain in your hut and we will protect you."
She gracefully exits the chamber with the texts. Kaerishiel stands and crosses to a sideboard where he pours some rather fine wine and shares out the glasses to the party.
"So what can I tell you that you don't already know?" he smiles glad to be on firmer footing. He seemed uncomfortable during the more diplomatic talking. Combat is firmer footing.
“The drow control the ruins almost completely, and have for some time now. We had thought that the drow were fleeing into the Darklands, but we have wondered if they have been retreating into this thing they call the Armageddon Echo instead.”
Kaylayne listens to the first part with a straight face, still not fully understanding the choices that have been made. She looks around the table to see how the others are taking the history lesson.
“Might I ask you to wait until we have decided? You have done well so far against the drow, and there may be a place for you among Crying Leaf’s forces in the battles to come. I assure you, if you are willing to join with us, you shall be paid handsomely, at rates equal to those we afford the Shin’Rakorath. But you mustn't decide now. Please stay with us a little while and rest while we study these journals and formulate a plan.”
Kaylayne's eyes go wide, her eyes looking at the others, at the suggestion that they might get recruited in their fight. Though she had been unlikely to seek conflict in the past, she was weighing any potential offer against whatever else she had to do: which was pretty much nothing.
Garrdian, he has faith. And drinking.
Ederin? He wants to fix Riddleport, gods bless him.
Dimitrio? He has his dancing, his spotlight. He's seemed happy in the Goblin.
Lief? He's looking for a fight. Always.
Kaylayne nods, agreeing to stay.
"Might we walk around more if we are to be guests for longer? I would see your town; I would even enjoy walks in your woods. Might we have more freedom while we await the ends of your research?" Kaylayne asks Eviana.
" If the camp is attacked, you may remain in your hut and we will protect you."
"No way love, if we're attacked here I'll help. Still need to prove I'm a better shot than this one." He jerks a thumb at Kaerishiel and raises an eyebrow at the man, seeing what he thinks of the challenge. He nods his head goodbye as Eviana leaves.
The short man turns back to Kaerishiel to answer his question.
"Ain't so much about what we don't know, it's about what we can be doin' better. Garry and I have both taken poison bolts to the ribs and got knocked out, if you got any thing to fight that it won't hurt."
"Have you fought them below ground, or always on the surface? Every time we've run into them it's been on their own turf and if you got tactics that work better down there, I'd like to know what they are. Got our own plan for the darkness they bring, but anything else could save our lives down the line."
"Please consider helping us."
Lief listens to Dimitrio and Ederin voice their concerns, and hears Kaylayne abstain from opinion. He looks at Garridan, who seems lost in thought as well.
"Please, Eviana. Forgive my companions for their consternation with the drow. They're only expressing themselves to show empathy for your fight, even if we've only encountered two, compared to your legion." He sits upright in his chair, positioning himself at the front of it.
"We wouldn't have traveled from Riddleport if we weren't interested in helping where we could. We understand that our role in this has heightened, simply from our exposure to the deeper problem. I can't speak for my companions, but as we learn how we can help, I certainly will lend my skill to your fight. Consider me a piece on your dragonchess board."
"Might we walk around more if we are to be guests for longer? I would see your town; I would even enjoy walks in your woods. Might we have more freedom while we await the ends of your research?" Kaylayne asks Eviana.
"You may have the run of the town of course, but I would ask that you not leave - at least not without permission. I would feel badly if you left and could not get back in through the thorn wall - or worse encountered drow or other creatures in the forest."
"No way love, if we're attacked here I'll help. Still need to prove I'm a better shot than this one." He jerks a thumb at Kaerishiel and raises an eyebrow at the man, seeing what he thinks of the challenge. He nods his head goodbye as Eviana leaves.
She smiles sweetly, "As you wish, but you are my guests. I would feel even worse if you were injured during your stay here in our little village."
"Please, Eviana. Forgive my companions for their consternation with the drow. They're only expressing themselves to show empathy for your fight, even if we've only encountered two, compared to your legion." He sits upright in his chair, positioning himself at the front of it.
"We wouldn't have traveled from Riddleport if we weren't interested in helping where we could. We understand that our role in this has heightened, simply from our exposure to the deeper problem. I can't speak for my companions, but as we learn how we can help, I certainly will lend my skill to your fight. Consider me a piece on your dragonchess board."
"I thank you for your offer, but please do consider it overnight. If you back out, I shall not think the lesser of you. These are dire times, and I suspect," she holds up the journals, "these will speed our operations here."
- - -
After she departs Kaerishiel leans in. "Well their poison is a problem, and they seem to brew it by the gallon. In our stores you'll find plenty of antitoxin, and of course smelling salts for those who have fallen. There are better protections against poison, but those are the most readily available."
"As for tactics, their damnable darkness is also a problem. Many of us have had ioun stones enchanted to counter it, but short of strong magics that's it. You might be able to get some smokesticks in the shop as well. Not great, but it does even the playing field if you're in a jam."
"Other than that, they're just foes. Many are thieves so watch the flanking, and of course all of them seem to be pretty tough. I don't know if that's just because we see only their seasoned warriors, or if they're just born tough. Never met a drow child."
He looks uncomfortable, "And frankly I'm not sure I'd want to. Can you kill a child? Even one so evil as a drow? That's an issue I'd rather not face."
"But let me give you a quick tour, we can talk as we walk."
- - -
Kaerishiel takes you around the village of Crying Leaf, and quite a small affair it is. About 800 elves live here, with just a few half-elves sprinkled in. No other races can be found. He explains they are supplied by Kyonin via teleport and like magics. If there's anything you need that you can't get locally, just let him know by the day after tomorrow and he can have it delivered.
There is no inn, there are no shops - at least nothing you can really spend money on. There is a general store of sorts, but everyone has communal access to its stores here - as do you for now. It has, more or less, everything you'd want for a military campaign, but little else.
Most of the buildings are residential, though they do have a larger structure with apartments for "Visiting dignitaries and the like. Closest thing we have to an inn, but we figured you'd want more privacy so we set you up with your own villa."
With that he leaves you for the night as he has some patrols to sort out for tomorrow. "Just take it easy, we don't make hasty decisions here. Might be a few days before Eviana gets back to you with something concrete. I hope you won't be too bored while you wait."
It's supper time, and when you return to your quarters you find a very nice meal laid out for you - though it is vegetarian. A servant attends you as well, ready to fetch whatever you desire. His name is Irfon.
Kaylayne stops by the general store, taking in what is available. She grabs (with thanks) a new elven cloak. Her old one, the one she had had since leaving home was beginning to show signs of wear.
"Thank you for this. I appreciate it," Kaylayne says, admiring the elven weave even as visions of magics dance in her eyes. "I can use this. It...it will be perfect."
After touring the elven town, Kaylayne will find a quiet spot and begin to sew, using her sewing kit. She does not sew well, but sews well enough to get by. Sometimes she sketches on the cloak itself using a bit of charcoal, trying to keep her sewing even and balanced. It is no master work...but after a few hours, a fetished butterfly's shape slowly takes shape.
She is proud of her new cloak, a work of love.
She smiles as she takes off her old cloak and dons her new one, bright and happy for what she has created in the peace of the elven base. She shows it off to the others.
"It's possible that this cloak will help me resist the effects of the drow poison as well though I hope never to have to test it."
After a satisfying meal, the tried to start a little chit-chat with his companions.
"So any preliminary thoughts on what we are going to do here?"
With no where to have a drink and relax the bard wondered around town trying to determine what these people did for fun.
He walked around trying to sound nonchalant and asked if there was any sort of musical entertainment.
Ederin will spend his time wandering around Crying Lief just listening to the talk of the elves and trying to get a feel for the place. If there is a battle here, he wants an edge on the drow and that means knowing where the high ground is.
"So, Irfon, do elves not eat any meat?" He asks through a mouth full of leafy food at dinner. "Why not? Have you ever had it at all?" Despite his inquiry Ederin doesn't seem to mind wolfing down an entirely plant themed dinner and he eats vigorously.
Irfon says, "No, elves, as humans, are omnivorous. Eviana is vegetarian however, and so that's what we get shipped to us more often than not. Meat is a rarity here."
- - -
After supper, you are approached by a page, asking you to please join Aetheri Irvos for a nightcap after your evening meal. You do not recognize the name. The page waits to take you to take to his mistress, or a reply if you're not attending.
"We're just waitin' around right? Might as well go meat this Aetheri." Ederin shrugs and gets ready to join the page. Looking at the others to see if they'll be joining him.
After supper, you are approached by a page, asking you to please join Aetheri Irvos for a nightcap after your evening meal. You do not recognize the name. The page waits to take you to take to his mistress, or a reply if you're not attending.
The thought of a nightcap sounded really good to the bard, maybe this was how the elves entertained themselves.
He got up, dusted of his clothes, and was ready to go, "Why of course, we will go; please lead the way..."
"And frankly I'm not sure I'd want to. Can you kill a child? Even one so evil as a drow? That's an issue I'd rather not face."
"By your uncomfortable hesitation, do you believe a drow child to be inherently evil, or have you ever known a drow to be redeemable?"
"So any preliminary thoughts on what we are going to do here?"
Lief considers for a moment. "Might take in some archery, and possibly spend more time with Wynd. Otherwise, I might inquire if they have any history books to read through. That would be excellent, actually."
...
Lief joins the others when the time comes to meet this Aetheri.
"By your uncomfortable hesitation, do you believe a drow child to be inherently evil, or have you ever known a drow to be redeemable?"
Kaerishiel sighs as he thinks. "We're taught that no drow is redeemable. My optimistic nature says that's not true, but I've met many drow and none were, so maybe my teachers were correct."
"Then again, I've never met a drow child as I said. Merely idle philosophy, no present problem." he grins unevenly.
"So any preliminary thoughts on what we are going to do here?"
Kaylayne mulls the question before answering.
"I don't have much else to do, Dimitrio. I thought I was going to find something important in Riddleport when I first came. Strangely enough, I did find it. I found...peace...within, if you would believe that," Kaylayne explains first time. "When I first came to Riddleport, I was torn in two, but...but I've found a way to live with myself, so to speak. Now that I've found that, I no longer feel the need to return. I can do anything. I might as well see what the elves offer."
Kaylayne smiles.
"I am not you, Dimitrio. I am not the dancer, nor do I seek the limelight. I was always happy to be behind the scenes doing my own thing. The bartending was fine for me while I needed it to survive. These past few weeks, I've become more me...I can do so much more than I used to. Bartending again? Maybe and maybe not. I do not know."
* * *
Lief Kaylayne joins the others when the time comes to meet this Aetheri.
"So any preliminary thoughts on what we are going to do here?"Kaylayne smiles.
"I am not you, Dimitrio. I am not the dancer, nor do I seek the limelight. I was always happy to be behind the scenes doing my own thing. The bartending was fine for me while I needed it to survive. These past few weeks, I've become more me...I can do so much more than I used to. Bartending again? Maybe and maybe not. I do not know."
Dimitrio is taken back by Layne's answer. He was just looking for a simple response and not for someone to pour their heart out, even if just a little.
"Well, you know Layne. I'm also fairly new to Riddleport but I sort of left Magnimar in a hurry. There are people looking for me. An old feud involving a girl. And I wasn't always a dancer. But where I grew up, you either became an entertainer or a thief."
He smiles back, "So I tried real hard to become a dancer. But after a while, even that didn't feel right. Sure, I wasn't stealing per say but I was benefiting from it. So one day I left. My... family didn't like that and they want to bring me back into the fold, sort of speak."
He adds, "I don't know what to do next but I sort of found a place back at the Goblin but that's got a lot to do with all of you."
He shrugs, "Did any of that make sense?"
He shrugs, "Did any of that make sense?"
Kaylayne nods.
"It does. We all have our paths here. And none of us expected to be here. Heck, if you told me months ago I'd have survived what we've survived, I wouldn't have believed you anyway."
Kaylayne looks around.
"And I suppose you want to get back to the Goblin. Back to being the star. Back to your show on your stage. I hope you embrace that opportunity, that desire, that path in life. Not all of us have it."
Kaylayne wonders what will happen next.
One of the larger buildings, a whole two stories, houses apartments for visitors to Crying Leaf and you are lead to one of those apartments. It is simply adorned, but nicely. The building itself has a first floor of stone and a wooden second with long swooping patterns carved into the two materials organically. You are led up some stairs and through a sturdy door into a small ante-chamber where you are greeted by the lady of the ‘house’.
”I am Aetheri Irvos, and I am pleased that you have come. Please, be welcome.” she leads you into an inner room, a combination dining room and sitting room. It is cramped, but very pleasant with a scent of clove lingering in the air. The dining table has been pushed to the far wall and the chairs arranged in a sort of circle. Light desserts and drinks are piled high on the table however and Aetheri encourages you to gather food and drink before sitting down.
Your host is an older elf, though not old. She has certainly seen a century and more pass in her lifetime, maybe even two. She starts with small talk, polite light chatter about herself, her hobbies, and Crying Leaf generally.
”I am an historian, particularly of music and other performing arts. It’s a bit of a fine focus, but I find many opportunities for my hobby.” She goes on to talk about music and how it impacts, and is impacted by, the culture it’s attached to. She tells a story, brief, about comparisons between old Chellish and modern Chellish tunes and the influences of demonology on the music.
All in all, she is a gracious host, and tries to make you all comfortable.
Kaylayne certainly gathers a fair amount of food, but not more than she would eat in total. She wants to be a good guest, both partaking of what is offered and making polite conversation.
On the topic of music, she is largely silent as she does not have strong passions. She certainly enjoys it enough, having worked in bars and taverns for most of her adult life, but sometimes prefers solitude and quiet to the noise and bustle.
She will listen and nod and ask questions, trying to enjoy this opportunity.
Dimitrio is pleasantly surprised as the topic of the conversation is revealed.
He comments on the type of music he is used to playing and dancing to, mainly Varisian folklore where the music is characterized by strong percussion and soulful guitars.
"While not the best of musicians, I can certainly accompany along. But I much prefer dancing and I am quite accomplished, if I say so myself. In fact, we have set up performances for our clientele back in Riddleport."
The bard then talks about their 'establishment'.
"What other performing arts do you study?"
As a Varisian, Ederin is used to talk of music and art, and he enjoys the polite small talk, but he's also a Riddleport native, and invitations rarely come without some sort of request afterward, so while the others talk, he waits for the other foot to drop.
He lets Dimitrio enjoy conversation with someone who holds mutual interest for once, but after some time has passed his suspicions finally get the better of him.
"Out of curiosity, love, why did you invite us over here?" He does his best to be polite, or as polite as he can be. "Music and performance, that's all well an' good but we ain't exactly known for our artistic accomplishments. Not lately anyway. Seems strange you'd want us over for dinner not havin' much in common, yeah?"
Lief takes his share of the sweets, and takes a seat nearby their new host. He eats politely, and listens to the questions beginning to burble forth. When the subject of music and the arts comes up, the young man leaves Dimitrio to his craft.
As Ederin poses his more pointed question, he turns to the elven woman for signs of puncture.
"What other performing arts do you study?"
”Well, as I say, I am pretty focused on music, but all that goes with it naturally. Ballet and other dancing, opera, and to a lesser degree, plays.” she does on to chat a bit about some of the fine operas performed in Taldan’s opera houses back at the peak of their artistic development. She sighs with pleasure at the memory.
"Out of curiosity, love, why did you invite us over here?" He does his best to be polite, or as polite as he can be. "Music and performance, that's all well an' good but we ain't exactly known for our artistic accomplishments. Not lately anyway. Seems strange you'd want us over for dinner not havin' much in common, yeah?"
”Ah, Yes, let me get to the point. I learned of your coming from our glorious leader, Eviana. I hope you are willing to extend your stay here a while and do me a little service. There’s a small coliseum in Celwynvian called the Coliseum of Mask and Lyre that I should very much like to visit. It is said they have the more remarkable frescoes and ancient texts. I would copy them for further study but I need an escort of some substantial skill to brave the drow patrols and who knows what else.”
”Eviana of course cannot spare the troops for anything non military and so I have been stuck here many months waiting for my opportunity. With you my opportunity seems to have arrived and my patience is rewarded.”
”I am sure you will be asked to help us in our fight here, but while they dicker over how best to do that, I shall, with your help, obtain what I need. What do you say, will you help me now before you help them or depart?”
”If we are successful, I shall grant each of you an item - plus, of course, an equal share of whatever you find in the coliseum itself. So what do you say, shall we leave at first light and examine the ancient city?” She holds up some documents, ”I already have permission from the council for this endeavor.”
”It is on the Northeast edge of the city, so we can make a wide berth around the drow patrols and perhaps sneak in without incident. What do you say?”
Lief catches a crumble down his chin. "Are you serious? Isn't the city crawling with drow? You're at war, but you want to sight-see? I must be missing something. Is the city largely safe from drow? I can't imagine they want you to take such a risk."
Lief catches a crumble down his chin. "Are you serious? Isn't the city crawling with drow? You're at war, but you want to sight-see? I must be missing something. Is the city largely safe from drow? I can't imagine they want you to take such a risk."
Dimitrio gulps as the older elven lady makes her request, "Ma'am, while we thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality and refined dinner conversation, I think my friend here is correct. The city does not sound like a place you want to be near. At all."
He adds, "Perhaps if there was something specific that you need us to search for..."
"I thought Eviana said 'In Celwynvian, the drow have been quite elusive. Whenever we prepare a major strike, the city seems empty,..'? Why not wait for the next major push and go in then?" Kaylayne asks, wondering what she is missing.
Kaylayne defocuses, her mind going elsewhere as she thinks.
Why don't the elves just destroy Celwyn? Deny any reason for the drow to be there. Destroy the buildings, leave nothing for the drow?
"Ahhh, a shame." she says. "Still, I had to try. I suspect there will be a major push soon, but I suspect you'll be a part of it, and I'm not so foolish as to go in alone. There are things worse than drow in that city these days."
"But, there are also frescos and murals there that I must see. I guess, if you will not help me, I'll have to wait for the next group." she smiles brightly. Optimistically.
She stands and picks a bottle of wine, "Please, one more round before you leave. I insist." she goes around and pours.
She'll then, uninterrupted, change the subject and chat a bit about Varisian music with Dimitrio. She has a keen mind, and asks probing questions of the styles and choices made while performing - and yet she understands that some of it is just the rhythm of the tune and the feedback of the audience.
"Ahhh, a shame." she says. "Still, I had to try. I suspect there will be a major push soon, but I suspect you'll be a part of it, and I'm not so foolish as to go in alone. There are things worse than drow in that city these days."
Kaylayne seems confused by this woman's quick surrender.
"The boy, though vehement, does not speak for all of us. Perhaps I might go, and maybe Ederin and Garridan as well," she glances at the men. "Why would you think you'd be safer with us than within the next major push? Perhaps you need to think this through moreso or explain it to us so we might understand."
She smiles even more brightly and spins on a dime, uh silver piece, "Oh! With three of you it might just work!"
"I am no warrior, so I need an escort. During a push, all the fighters are out, save the reserves. I cannot get anyone to help then. Just after they are usually defending... so that leaves just before. Now."
"I think, as it's on the edge of town, there's a good chance we won't encounter drow. But the drow have summoned and attracted many unwholesome things to the city in the years they have occupied it."
"So even if the building is abandoned, it's unlikely to be empty."
"No, Kaylayne. I speak for myself. Your constant arguments about being 'spoken for' are getting annoying. I'm asking her questions, Kaylayne. Questions. The more information the better, don't you think? See? You're even asking questions. How wonderful that you don't get scolded for it."
Dimitrio adds, "If we decide to escort you, you understand that we would try our best to keep you safe but there are no guarantees. Is there anyone who would disapprove of your 'quest'?"
He shrugs, "We are new here and don't want to piss off the wrong people."
Dimitrio is instantly aware of his foul language in front of the distinguished guest and blushes.
"Can your errand be done quickly so we can minimize the risk of exposure? How long do you need in this place?"
"No, Kaylayne. I speak for myself."
Kaylayne smiles, embarrassed for misunderstanding in front of company.
"That wasn't my point, Lief. Only that she seemed to take it that way. I did not presume you spoke for me, only that she took your words for mine. Which I why I clarified."
"Alright, here's what I don't get, yeah?" Ederin leans in and rubs his chin, direct his speech to Aetheri. "Ain't the elves tryin' to take back the city? Have you given up on 'em? 'Cause if Celwynvian can be reclaimed, then you can just visit this place when it belongs to your people again, right? But if you figure it's as good as gone, then I gotta reconsider throwin' in my lot with your army. Fightin' and dyin' are just part o' life, yeah, but I don't want to fight for a lost cause that ain't even mine."
"So what's the rush? Why do you need to get in there now and not later? I might just help you either way, but I want to know if this situation is even more desperate than we've been told."
Kaylayne ponders Ederin's words.
"Ederin, maybe we use this chance to see for ourselves? Maybe we see what's going on firsthand, because what between what Eviana is saying and Aetheri, I'm just not sure. It might be better to scout for ourselves...we're not going to know until we know."
She turns to Ederin, "Oh, but I have waited. many decades in fact. Though not all here of course. I've been dreaming of taking this trip for many many years. This conflict, to one degree or other, has been going on longer than my lifetime."
"It may go on beyond it as well."
"No this is a good time, and by the muses, you all are perfect. Unaffiliated. Perfect."
She looks at Dimitrio, "And no. No one is opposed to this on any but practical grounds. I require protection, and I require a few short hours. Tops. To get what I need. I have brought magics with me to help the process go more quickly."
She looks hopeful, "So will you do it?"
"Well, it might be an ancient one, but a city is a city right? I should be able to navigate it easy enough, catch anything before it gets the drop on us. It won't be safe, but we haven't done anything safe in a long time. Kay is right, it might give us some good information too."
Ederin smiles at the older elf, "Yeah, love, I'll do it, as long as I ain't the only one."
Dimitrio nods, "Sure, I think we can spare a few hours tomorrow, especially if your people take as long to come to a decision as those that dealt with our elf friend from Riddleport."
He inquires, "So what sort of magics are you bringing along?"
He inquires, "So what sort of magics are you bringing along?"
"Oh quite a few trinkets, but a few major items." she holds up a small box. It's about 6" long and an inch or so in diameter but it's hexagonal, not cylindrical. She says, "When activated, it creates a permanent illusion of whatever it's pointed to. Very handy for this sort of thing don't you think?"
She points it at the party, activates it, then turns it around and a duplicate of the party can be seen in the other half of the room. Correct in every detail.
Most of what she talks about is on that order, or much weaker (like the chalk that speeds rubbings). Nothing combat related.
Lief grimaces at the woman's density in social interactions. Yes, Kaylayne, you mention 'next major push', her next words mention 'major push', and she's focusing on my words, not yours. Why do I even try, sometimes. Lief, you forget... do not... engage... the crazy...
Lief returns to listening to the venture into the overrun city of the drow. Are you sure you're not looking for a fight, Kaylayne? Why do you b&*~@ about Zincher, a known quantity, and you blithely accept an offer to enter into elven conflict, for paintings and frescos, no more?
He hears Ederin's answer to the elf's call, so readies himself to join, in one manner or another. "Aetheri, do you have magics that will conceal our presence? We can only be so lucky, in our approach to a city we've never set eye upon ourselves, to not be spotted by lookouts. How accurate are our accounts of encampments and drow patrols?"
Lief leafs through his backpack, and produces a very wrinkled, rolled-up map of Celwynvian, and lays it flat out on the table. He wishes he had a second pair of hands to hold it down, so Aetheri can study it without touching it.
"Oh I have no such magics for the group. I have a little something for myself that will help, but I didn't plan to hide all of you."
"That's a very pretty map and an accurate representation of Celwynvian. But I don't know what these markings are. What are they?"
"Oh, there's the key. I didn't see it there under your hand. These are the drow patrol routes for this month. Dear god how did you obtain this?! This is enormously useful! Does Eviana know you have this information?"