That night the Count is waiting at the forest's edge for Anastasiya as promised. When she arrives with everyone he greets everyone, "Hello again everyone, I cannot take all of you. Only Anastasiya because the one she is going to meet is very reclusive and it was hard enough to convince her to talk to one of you."
The Count leads you through the darkening forest, weaving left and right several times before exiting the forest into a rocky clearing with a cave and a low cook fire off to the side. As you both enter the clearing you can hear a woman singing inside the cave. The count leads you to the entrance and with a flourish bows to the entrance. "Great wise one, I have brought you the one I spoke of. The girl who would seek the crown."
The singing stops and a form begins to emerge from the cave. Stepping out of the cave is a LARGE Ulfen woman dressed like Ulfen nobility and on her belt in a sheath you can see a pair of gold scissors. "Greetings Anastasiya, my name is Freyn. Have you come to here to learn about The Crown of the Forgotten King?"
"Then we leave her in your care and under your protection," Rutilux says as he finds out Ana will be alone. I don't like this, but what can be done?
Well, I guess we shouldn't be too surprised by this. "We'll be here waiting for you when you're finished with your talk Ana." Dagmar smile reassuringly at Ana as she leaves with the Fae and then paces a bit nervously when she is gone.
"I'm worried about her too, Dagmar," Rutilux says when he notices her pacing.
"It's not that I think they actually mean her any harm or anything, but they are just so unpredictable, who knows whats going on."
"I know," Rutilux says, "They seem passionate but mercurial. Perhaps not the best combination. I'm glad we turned their wrath away from the town we came to help, but what they did to the other..." He frowns, "Nice as the bird is, and as useful as it will be for messages, I wish my first request had been possible."
Dagmar will pause in her pacing. "I really didn't think they'd do what they did. I just kinda figured they'd lift their forest ban off the town and put it on the southerners town instead."
"I don't think ANY of us knew they'd do that. Otherwise we might have tried things a different way," The cavalier sighs,"I hope less tragedy will arise when we help the other two peoples."
Several hours later Anastasiya comes almost stumbling out of the forest visibly exhausted and emotionally drained. When asked about what happened she replies in noncommittal tones but insists she's just tired after two mentally demanding days and just needs some sleep.
The Count did not return with her and she has clutched around her shoulders a very big fur cloak.
"We have lived next to the Fae for thousands of years. They do not change nor do their expectations, if they are not wronged they will not wrong us. . . Come Rutilux I will measure you for the fitting of the armor. It is right you should wear good Ulfen steel. "
"Come on Ana, I'll make sure you get tucked into a warm bed. You can tell us about your meeting in the morning after breakfast." Maybe I'll finish doing that in time to watch Rutilux be measured....
Anatasyia has returned and she looks exhusted.
On the return of Ana, Zethyris gets up from where he has been fiddling with his boots and eagerly anticipates a report. With none forthcoming, he inwardly sighs, and prepares to return to the village.
I suppose the mystery will have to wait until tomorrow.
He does not press Ana for answers, but will make sure that she is all right.
Rutlilux nods, as Anastasiya mutters she's too tired. "Rest well, Ana. It is good to have you back." He wishes the others good slumber as well. He joins the local watch that night, at least for a few hours before finally slumbering himself.
The next morning Anastasiya is still sleeping off her encounter in the forest in a deep sleep with her tossing and turning fitfully. She doesn't seem to be harmed so its decided to let her spend the day resting then you can leave tomorrow morning back to Tweyd.
Jediah waits for Anastasiya to sleep it off and putters around the camp training and guarding. Best send back word to Savol about what happened.
Rutilux wakes and today practices on training, and any help needed fitting the armor that is being resized for him.
Thorvald put the finishing touches on the resized half plate for Rutilux, it was too bad that he didn't have some finer materials and more time to create a masterwork set because he was working at the top of his craft having been inspired by the events of the past few days. As he checked the new fittings of the paldrons he glanced over to look at his masterpiece. An Ulfen long sword forged from the smelted metals and trophies recovered from the ashes of Ungrills funeral pyre. Taken glowing red from the coals Thorvald had worked the metal folding it and removing impurities, hardening it and giving it springiness to handle use in combat. It was as though Torag himself had guided his hands and the weapon was a fitting remembrance to the man it was forged to commemorate.
The blade was fit for enchantment, it could become a sword of legend if Thorvald did his part.
Ana the Witch Princess still slept, and no one else seemed to be needing his skills for the second half of the day. Thorvald was ready to travel when the group was and he had gathered extra provisions for an extended campaign in the service of Savol. Putting a good measure of fatted oil over the metal before placing it on the stand the blacksmith stepped back to admire his work. No one would ever be able to know that the armor had not originally been commissioned for the cavalier.
Cleaning up the forge and putting the tools back in place Thorvald thought that this might be the last time he saw this place for sometime if ever. He got out some of his smaller files and clamps and got out his helm. His fingers searched metal-formed into the likeness of a cave bear skull looking for any place to improve upon the hours already spent in its polish and refinement. Finding none and knowing that his own ancient breastplate was perfectly in order Thorvald looked for something else to busy himself with unless someone came to him with more work.
Heating a thin piece of rod he began crafting a decorative piece depicting the Fae Lord and the wild hunt descending upon the doomed lumber camp. As he twisted, clamped and clipped his weld points he thought on his new companions.
Rutilux seemed to be trustworthy and honorable; if a bit soft in his southerners ways. He wondered what life was really like in the summer lands.
Isham the sailor seemed likable too and his love of the seas would definitely give him a lot in common with the Ulfen who also were sons of the sea.
Ana was interesting she had a magnetism that caught Thorvald off guard. But he still wasn't trustful of her, she was he spawn of the great hag. She had also not yet told her story, but Savol had shown her his favor so he would remain as open minded as he could.
Dagmar was interesting, the smith wondered what motivated the woman to become a shieldmaiden and take up arms with Savol on campaign.
Jediah seemed to be a stout warrior and had a suspicious streak especially where Ana was concerned.
The half elf was also a suspicious type and did not seem to be as attuned to his elven blood as he did his human heritage. If Thorvald guessed right he was a child of a great southern city. He was quick with the small boys sword he carried however.
Rutlilux came into Thorvald's smithy and glanced at the resized half plate, "Thank you, Thorvald. Armor like this may mean the difference between life and death for me one day."
Jediah had earlier also asked Thorvald to work on resizing the half-plate for himself.
Thorvald swelled at the compliment, "If you tell me your crest I could make your mark on it. It is good Ulfen steel it will see you through many battles."
"So what is our next move? What mission are we going to perform for Savol?"
Thorvald looks surprised when Jediah comes in for fitting. "I had thought you weren't interested in the set. No matter this should fit you well after I am done with it. Would you like me to blacken it? Or leave it plain to tarnish? I do not know whether you honor Gorum or not?"
"My family's crest is not a simple one, but I would be happy to tell you of it." He describes it. "That might take some time to do though, so a symbol of a white eagle or black horse by itself might be enough."
He nods to Jediah as he comes in, "Greetings, Jediah."
"So what is our next move? What mission are we going to perform for Savol?"
"I think the next we plan to do is tend to the Oakrun, though we may head back to the Savol's main camp first."
Dagmar attempts to play nursemaid a bit for Ana in the morning, shooing off anyone trying to pester her with questions. When Ana isn't doing much other than sleeping, Dagmar wanders off to investigate what the men are doing. She'll stop by where Thorvald is working on the armor, curious to see how skilled he is and watches as the men try on their new armor.
"The Shieldmaiden comes here. She must not be spoken for or she would be covered in fine furs. So pretty, but wears so much grey. " Thorvald speaks to the men when he spies the lithe form of Dagmar walking towards the forge.
At dinner, though everyone is distracted by Ana's impending journey, Isham arranges to be seated near Headman Dolva. At a point during dinner when there is much cross-talk and Dolva is not the focal point of attention, Isham approaches, kneeling beside his chair for a quiet conversation.
"Dolva, I must put you on the spot. I want to talk to you quietly, rather than make a public confrontation. We have worked for the benefit of your village - part of this was for the rightness of the cause. But in honesty, part of it is to sway the loyalties of the village for Savol Kodiakborne. Before I leave, I must ask if you will recognize the Kodiakborne as the next King of these Linnorm Lands. Can you do that tonight, with witness by those assembled here?"
Seeing Dagmar fretting at Ana's door, Isham will bring tankards of cool water, and camp stools, and pass some time with Dagmar in light conversation - the power and beauty of the woods, the ride back to Tweyd and the state of the horses, the quality of Merroh's cuisine. Just some brief rambling to pass the time, settle the nerves, and get to know each other better.
As Dagmar heads toward the forge, Isham sits for a moment savoring the morning, and the sense of anticipation of a journey about to begin.
Then he heads off to begin saddling the horses for the beginning of the journey. 'If we set off early this afternoon, we can put miles behind us before nightfall.'
"The Shieldmaiden comes here. She must not be spoken for or she would be covered in fine furs. So pretty, but wears so much grey. " Thorvald speaks to the men when he spies the lithe form of Dagmar walking towards the forge.
"She lost her brother not so long ago, it weighs on her. Perhaps in happier years to come she will adorn herself more gaily," He muses, "As for being spoken for, I do not know if she has any kinsfolk who would try to arrange a marriage or not. I'm not even sure how much that is practiced in Ulfen lands," He finds himself curious about it, "Were she a Cheliaxian noble, no doubt she'd find her folks suggesting a match of political alliance." He gives a slight frown. "My own folks may yet push me towards one."
Leaving it plain would be fine, The symbol I imagine is a simple mountain picture. Jediah makes a little drawing of an 'M' type that looks like a mountain. I worship the Druken Hero of freedom.
"Oh, I have heard of this new god, but I do not know much about him. I can use sand to scour it down but then etch your symbol on the chest before oiling it."
"Good morning Dagmar, have you come to be fit for armor as well or has the princess awoken?"
Thank you very much for your services.
After enjoying her morning conversation with Isham, Dagmar decides to take a little walk about the town and stop by the forge. My legs still feel so stiff and sore after all that walking the past few days. I really need to stretch them out a bit.
"Good morning and neither. I wanted to take a walk and stretch my legs while she's napping again. Seeing all of you over here, I thought I'd stop and see how the armor fitting is going."
"It seems to be going well, in fact, Thorvald has offered to put a symbol upon it. He's a talented smith indeed."
Isham, rather than looking foolish and redundantly asking for allegiance, catches himself at the last minute. Instead, Isham engages in a quiet, but earnest, discussion of trade conditions and logistics for lumber trade between Merroh and Tweyd.
You all spend one last night in the town of Merroh getting supplies together and saying goodbye to the villagers that treated you all like family.
Anastasiya wakes late in the day, just in time for the farewell feast and eats ravenously. Over dinner Dolva and Isham discuss trade and its decided that when you all return to Tweyd Toopil can begin sending lumber orders and the townsfolk will complete them as soon as they are able.
*****
Thankfully your trip back to Tweyd is uneventful as you roam through the freezing countryside on horseback east. Throughout the ride Anastasiya admits to being okay but she needs time to fully understand the things she was told in the forest before she feels that she can share but she does admit that the fae was true to his word. What she learned could be a large boon in their battle against Irrissen if used properly but if used improperly or if it fell into the wrong hands it would spell doom for all free people in the north lands.
*****
When you return your first view of Tweyd is quite a shock. The town has certainly tripled in size since you left it. Rows of large tents circle the original town and tall watch-towers adorn the perimeter.
"Well at least Ana's sleeping has given us time to reoutfit and forge. I missed forging here. This was my village of residence, but I have moved to a town a little farther from here to practice my trade. I would suggest hat we might ride forth quickly to the lumber camp and secure the lumber there for Savol. We may also recover items and wealth we could use for the journey. If we do not, then common bandits will. If we bring spare items back to this village it will be stronger for it."
When you return your first view of Tweyd is quite a shock. The town has certainly tripled in size since you left it. Rows of large tents circle the original town and tall watch-towers adorn the perimeter.
"NOW I believe a month or more has passed." Rutilux comments."So many answer our lord's call." His heart swells a bit, "it makes one proud. We are touched by Destiny, friends."
"Perhaps Savol himself has arrived by now."
Zethyris's heart is light as he and his companions approach the town. In the month since they had left, the town seems to have gained new life.
And we have nought but good news to bring, as well. We have secured lumber, the allegiance of Merroh, the black oak for the Oakrun, and the assistance of the fae.
Once they'd ridden out more than half a day, Isham shared with the group that the Sidhe Lord Count Duskheart had not entirely denied Isham on the Kodiak Banner. He showed them the small scrap from Count Duskheart, with its vague indication to 'begin in the mountains'. Isham went on to explain, "I didn't want to say anything while still near the Wood. The Sidhe Lord took a great risk to share what little he could of this, and I have, and will, take pains to ensure he is not punished for such a kindness."
~~~~
"You've said rightly Rutilux, so many supporting Savol makes my heart swell. Come - let's check in!"
Ana slept through most of the day you were resizing the armours. Try asking again in the discussion thread, if they want to I'll add a segue
..."So Bron, that's what happened in Merroh. All that remains to report is our turn through the logging camp south of Merroh - the one that was established by the Varisians, and that the Sidhe Lord called the Wild Hunt down on. As we left, we swung south to view the results of the wild hunt, and see if there might be anything useful there. So we set off, and ..."
We turned our horses toward the logging camp. We had been there just days before according to our experience, but the calendar recorded it as weeks. We entered the camp on the same path we'd ridden earlier. As we rode in, we saw...
The morning is crisp and cold as you set out from Merroh on your detour south. The sounds of your horses hooves crunching through the early frost is jarringly loud in the almost oppressive quiet as you head towards the Varisian lumber camp.
When you are close enough to see it at a distance it looks just like you remembered it, albeit with different stacks in different areas. If you didn't know better, you'd swear that everyone was just sleeping in, until you get close enough to see the shattered windows and the doors pulled off their hinges. Personal belongings lay scattered in the dirt seemingly dropped in their flight from the Wyld Hunt, some trampled others fine.
Combined with your knowledge of what happened here the whole scene has a deep feeling of wrongness that your horses sense, refusing to go any further.
Zethyris slips off his horse, and quietly steps forward to take a look around.
No sense pushing the horse somewhere it doesn't want to go. Besides, I'm more comfortable with my feet on the ground. Now, what do we have here...
"Easy, Sunfire, Rutilux says to his steed gently as they move into the area. The horror of what must have happened here chills him, but he knows animals respond to that and even his horse is already spooked. It is done. All that can BE done is to help any we can IF there are any to help. He calls out, "Is anyone from this village still alive?!"
Then he listens and looks for any response amid the rubble.
Thorvald ties his horse off to a tree knowing that the Fae's passing here was leaving an unnatural taint which would not set well with the animals. The Fae hounds, or whatever they were, that came with the Wyld Hunt would likely disturb even the most stalwart of warhorses.
His horse secured Throvald started towards the camp and grimmiced when the Cavalier calls out to the village and responds in a joking manner under his breath,"Also if you are bandits we are giving you fair warning, load your crossbows, ready or not here we come! Rutilux I admire your good heart, but just be advised if the fae did leave someone or something behind, make sure you look at it long and hard so that you see what it truely is not what it may appear to be. Caution my friend will give you a long life in the north."
Perception
Along with several of the others, I dismounted and tethered my horse to a nearby copse of trees. We moved cautiously into the former camp, all of our senses piqued by the unnatural ambiance of the area. We pressed farther into the camp, looking for any threats.
Julian comes in separate from the others, attempting to blend in with the surroundings.
"Good advice, Thorvald, but if there is any chance this 'hunt' sent by the fae either spared or missed an innocent, then I'd be remiss to not call out and give them a chance,"The young cavalier said as he and his steed moved at a slow pace amid the remains of the town.