"I prefer this telepathic communication as it is so much more efficient and personal. If you are more comfortable speaking in addition to it, for the benefit of others, feel free. I fear our verbal languages are so different that there is little point in me talking aloud. Plus, I am eating!"
Tavros watches silently as those around him converse with big Mr. Turtle Man. He absently wonders how many people Akluzzar could simultaneously talk with. And if there were too many people, if you could paralyze someone with all the incoming thoughts. He suspected not; either the creature in question would probably be able to shut out certain people or it would simply sound like the equivalent of a lot of people talking at you at once.
Otherwise, he's content to let the others do all the "talking," instead allowing his breathing to gradually slow from the enthusiastic dancing he had just participated in.
Teniel, done with the main conversation takes the time to ask one of the goatlings (Bowki, if he can find him), and ask if the turtle is one of the venerated spirits of his ancestors.
Bowki responds to Teniel "Our spirits take many forms, whatever the spirits of nature wish to take, or if they are sent by our ancestors. Their form is always varied, although I must confess I have never seen a spirit until recently."
He also seems to have had a little too much fermented oat mash.
Makoto repeats her question from earlier, realizing she must have distracted the turtle.
"What sort of materials are required for the divination, and do you have any ideas as to where we could find them?"
"The materials required are normally precious gems like diamonds. These must be purchased with other money.
Tavros blinks as the sudden flurry of movement pulls him from his thoughts of Goodwin. He's filled with a brief pang of sorrow, but dismisses it with a sigh.
Back to his normal self, he waves goodbye to the great Akluzzar. Bye bye, Mr. Turtle. I hope your fish were tasty.
Lucina would stick to the sidelines still only speaking when out of ear shot of goatlings. "This could still turn bad we may want to plan on leaving soon."
Day 3 - Morning
The night comes as the ceremony dies down. Goatlings move in the late night to clean up the camp. Those of you who have been working on goatling understand some of the basics. They are excited about the water spirit. Some goatlings stand watch and patrol the camp as the night passes. The fires burn lower, but some are kept going. Perimeter watch torches are also kept alive. Among your groups, most of you settle into the tents they loaned you for the evening. It is your choice to post a watch.
The night goes uneventfully, some of you have trouble sleeping given the turbulent day. For some the trauma of combat and death is hard to push from the mind. For many if may have been the first time they have to draw blood or fight for their lives. The hardship of the wilderness has tired the body even if the mind is racing. Wild dreams or even nightmares awaken many of you. You feel somewhat safer in the huge camp and more secure in the 'comfort' of the goatling hide structures (think teepee).
Other than that, the night passes uneventfully and the morning of your third day arrives. The sun greets you and begins to warm the chilly alpine air. Once again you are thankful for the shelters that protect you from what could have been a dangerous night exposed to chilly temperatures. The goatling camp stirs as they waken and begin to prepare meals and take down some of the campsite. It seems clear that they do not intend to stay here long. The large tent of Golden Ram is still up and before long there is activity there. It seems that they are preparing the tent for a meeting, hopefully it is the one that many of you have been hoping to attend. After a morning meal, several goatlings go to the various tents and inform the participants that they are welcome to come and seek counsel with Golden Ram. He doesn't want a large contingent of people in there as it is difficult to focus on individual needs, so he will keep it small. Also the tent is not that big.
Maks thanks the turtle as he disappears, and then returns to her small group, cleaning up as she can... both the camp site and herself and her friends.
Maks takes her time the next day to eat, and watch how others are moving about and milling about; she hadn't really had trouble sleeping. Like Lucina, sleep was an escape from mundane worries. She seemed a little sullen the next day, partially because she awoke from a dream of luxury to hard ground once more. And she also had a tinny headache from her indulgence the night before. She drank quite a lot of water, while waiting for the others to decide what to do; she didn't want to be a leader just now.
At the group tent
"We should send one of us to talk to the chief instead of crowded him with all of us, no one will get a word in if we all go."
"I was thinking we should just wait until everyone else has finished talking. We can get filled in on things that were said and decisions that were made... I just don't want to be in the middle of it all right now. I feel like a lot of our family... aren't really as likable as I'd like, and distancing ourselves from that might mean that if things go very badly, we can still help to fix the situation... like with the party last night."
Day 3 - Mid Morning
The group decides to meet with Golden Ram separately, so they wait for his audience with the others to end. In the mean time the group readies themselves and prepares for what may lie next. The goatlings are disassembling the camp and they come to remove your loaned tent. They seem to feel sorry for taking it away, but you realize the large tee-pee style tents must represent quite a bit in the way of labor, effort and resources to create.
Jovar arrives to update everyone on the status of Tolhemia and her group. He flew through the night to arrive here.
"Greetings friends. Tolhemia has established a temporary home in one of the villages of the goatlings. They are taking up residence there and sending envoys to parley with the Dwarven Thain who runs the lakeside cliff fort that borders the goatling lands. The dwarves are in charge of this fortified town that is a joint interest of the human and dwarven kingdoms. Due to the large mining and logging resources, the two races have pooled their efforts to keep the area safe. A significant halfling population is employed in the logging industry at the lake front so say our scouting attempts. Gnomes also make up a small population. There are few if any elves seen. If discussions go well with the Thain, they will see if they can move to the fort town itself and use it as their next stepping stone before moving further. The goal being to learn enough of the world to make intelligent choices about where to begin the search for Goodwin. Tolhemia wishes to communicate her effort will be twofold. One, to seek out divination magics that will reveal where Goodwin is. Two, to strengthen in power, knowledge and wealth to afford the divination, or to master such magics ourselves. With extra strength and power, we can secure Goodwin's rescue. If the Thain rebuffs our efforts to peaceably join their town, they will remain with the Goatlings and seek a method to enter the civilized nations elsewhere. Several groups have split from Tolhemia's and are fanning out to attempt to explore into other lands. If you have messages you wish to relay to Tolhemia or other groups let me know. I see that many are still here at the lake."
"So... Tolhemia has already made several of the first steps we still need to make for the path we'd planned to take. Okay." The disappointment was evident in Maks's voice and demeanor. "No. She's already met with Golden Ram and set herself up in several ways. I've nothing to add or communicate... other than asking how Grobly and his group are doing."
After she finds out, she excuses herself to go forage nearby with Miyu. She takes the time to pray for guidance before doing so.
Jovar pauses and notes "We have not had contact with Grobly and his group for a few days."
Maks nods. "We'll ask the goats later, I guess." She says, quietly, before heading into the woods to satisfy Miyu's itch.
Makoto and Miyu head towards the water for some fishing fun. You head downstream a bit to get away from the commotion around the camp, to where it is quieter and all the fish haven't been scared away. You find an area where the rocky shoreline creates a small escarpment in the water, perfect place that fish like, and Miyu begins plying his skills as Maks looks for flowers or other items for pigments. You know that certain types of snails can make purple dye. Out of curiosity you poke around the water and nearby the lake looking for snails.
Before long feel an odd sensation, as if someone is watching you. You snap your head around quickly and see in the water large set of eyes poking out from a piece of nearby driftwood.
"It would seem as though I am caught out. A pleasant day to you Makoto. How fares your morning hunt?"
Jovar also shows you a crude area map that Tolhemia had created on a scrap of cloth.
"So should we go to the humans since they are talking to the dwarfs? If they haven't left yet we should try to talk to them about what we are going to offer for a parley."
"The hunt is going well, I believe. We've found a good fishing spot... which I'm sure you can attest to. It's everything else that seems wrong. Even though it's going right." Maks shakes her head, tails swishing in an annoyed pattern, despite the fact she's trying to put on a pleasant air. "I'd envisioned being the master of my destiny, now. That I'd go off and do something amazing. Then something else amazing... And more and more. But I've already found myself to be... inadequate. One of my sisters, during the time it took for us to meet with you, Golden Ram, and the youth of his culture, has already spoken to Golden Ram, found a place to stay with the other goats, and already begun talks of peace with the dwarves... How can I compete with that? I thought that even with my unique advantages, it would take weeks to manage something like that. And she's done it in a day." She shook her head once more, "I just... I don't know what to do."
"But can she create a painting on a rock from flowers? "
There is a brief pause, then "I did not interact with these people but I have seen their group earlier and they have many people, and they have already left these lands. It would make sense for them to leave this place and move on if they are aware of civilization nearby. Perhaps your destiny lies elsewhere entirely...."
"Either way, I was fairly rude last night. I told you much of myself, but I asked little of who you are, where you come from, what you do, or even what you enjoy. If I were the host of the party, I'm certain it would be clear I was a poor one. So... I'll make up for that now, since I have my head together. You know much of me... what of you? I did you come to settle within these lands? And what drew you to the party that hadn't before?"
"I come here to sleep and molt and to just take time away. It is quiet and peaceful here and without disturbances....usually. Other times if I get bored I travel the oceans and seas and do what pleases me. I had never been to their gathering before, although I knew that the goatling people occasionally came to these lands. Who I am, well I am a turtle. I do turtley things.
You get the sense that the last sentence is somewhat playful in tone.
"I want what most creatures want, to live happily and free to do what I wish. To travel the oceans and to grow in knowledge, wealth and power."
You aren't sure those are all universal sentiments, but that what the voice says.
"The more I ponder the situation and the arrival of your people it may be that I can help, in return for a favor. There is some risk, mostly aquatic in nature."
"I like you, you gave me a painting."
"I think we should head downriver," Teniel suggests to the others, "After we've met with the chieftain. Unless another group goes that way, some sort of raft would let us make better time, though collecting the wood might be tricky."
"Its the thought that counts. While not a masterpiece, it was touching, and art, even temporary has valuable, perhaps more so, because you can appreciate it while it exists, and hold the memory of it as a treasure.....I myself am somewhat of an artist..."
"I understand your hesitation regarding the water. I wonder...I may have a solution, give me some time to prepare...."
"I will make a map, and take you to a place far from here, but hopefully near lands you can venture to. I can sense the good in you and many of your friends. I wish you to protect a certain area from depredation by brigands, buccaneers, pirates and other ne'er do wells."
Tavros is bothered slightly by Jovar's lack of communication with Grobly's group. He tries to remind himself that they have had just as much training as he has and are just as capable at surviving. But it's still hard, going from a small space where he always knew where his siblings were and that they were safe to this big, unknown world.
He looks over his companions' shoulders at Jovar's map. "Do we know where the humans are? And if we take a raft, we have to be careful of rapids and waterfalls."
"I'm sure the goatlings can tell us exactly where and maybe even help us improve the map."
"I think we may want to spread out from wherever the others are heading, though," Teniel replies. "We've got too many 'heroes' in this forest right now, and I'd rather not have thirty others trying to speak with me everywhere we go."
"From our understanding the dwarves and humans share the same lands. The Dwarven Thain runs the fort and is in charge of the area, but humans and dwarves live in the region principally. We do not have much more information yet. This is very initial based on sending in some scouts."
"Very well. I shall be in contact."
Maks nods to Akluzzar and lets Miyu finish up with his fishing, while she looks for snails and other creepy crawlies. Once that's done, she'll head back to camp.
Day 3 - Late Morning
The initial group discussion seems to be winding up at the main tent. Those who wish to hold smaller meetings or even one on one are encouraged to visit. The campsite itself is being restored to a condition you can scarcely believe housed over a hundred individuals the night before. The campfires are extinguised, the ashes scattered, large rocks returned to their orginal spots. All refuse and garbage is picked up. Tents are all packed away aside from Golden Ram's tent and the goatlings are busy at work, making sure the beach looked unspoiled.
Maks returns with a quiver-full of dead fish, looking amongst the group, tails swishing slightly, with Miyu trailing just behind her. He seems quite pleased with himself.
"I saw Ak again. He was fishing in the same fishing hole we were. We talked about it at length... and he offered to take us somewhere pretty distant if we were up for it! We'd be able to work in an area he's trying to keep protected from pirates and such, and if we're out there, it means we'll likely be able to find treasure and the like, which we can use to pay for the divinations! He said he'd come find us to share what he knows when we're all together. What do you guys think?"
Tavros tilts his head as he thinks. He didn't like the idea of going so far away from most of his family. Or the thought of leaving the area where Jovar seemed to think their best lead for finding Goodwin had once been.
But with so many of us here, surely someone will find whatever is to be found. And if there is nothing here, would we not want to have others exploring alternate options?
He sent a few oddly tame choice words at that thought. But if something were found, surely they'd want to be close by to help out in Goodwin's rescue. Jovar had already fallen out of contact with Grobly's group, and they couldn't be more than a few days from here.
The conflict wages clearly across his expressive face as Tavros gives his companions a rather helpless look followed by a shrug, waiting to see what they thought of the matter.
"Hmm," Teniel considers. "As much as I feel the others will get up to some sort of trouble without us—it might be nice to get away for a while, and with no idea where Goodwin's gone we might have more success searching farther away."
"Staying in such a large group will likely intimidate anyone beyond diplomacy, if we want to help anyone we're better off getting the distance."
"Well... let's go talk to Golden Ram and inform him of what we've decided. Maybe he'll have suggestions or requests of us. It looks like they're finally filing out, anyway." she says as she moves towards the main tent.
Day 3 - Afternoon
You arrive at his tent as he is finishing the group talks. You suspect you will have some time to discuss with him, but it appears Golden Ram is preparing to depart soon.
He nods and he introduces his Elders. "Welcome, please speak your mind."
Maks's tails swish as she watches the others file out. "Sorry to delay so much; it had been my intention to seek a separate audience with you. There were so many misunderstandings over the last few days." she shakes her head. "And the more voices, the more mixed any single message becomes. There's beauty in cooperation... but too many paints just makes for gray sludge." she says, speaking metaphorically. "I spoke with Akluzzar this morning, while my companion fished. And... he has a job for us in distant lands. We aren't certain of how distant, or even precisely what the job will be. But I was wondering if you had anything that you felt would be worthwhile for us to do if we did find ourselves within a distant land... or any suggestions, or comments." she says, trying to open the floor for him or the others to speak.
Golden Ram and the Elders wait patiently for the others if there is anything to say. He also adds, "I would very much like to hear of this job in distant lands. For us, as discussed with others, one of our potential future strategies, if the future does not work out well for our people here, is to move to new lands. A place where we could live undisturbed would be welcome. If you find any such place in your travels, let us know."