Illthir will gladly join in with the song, dance and drinking. Plus she'll soak up any embarrassing stories about Zokon like a sponge and filing them away for a future rainy day. Traditions were important after all!
Durgan spends time absorbing cooking lore from the older village women (all of whom despite their age are much younger than himself). However it is the villagers who are even more curious about the world outside, and press all of the companions for tales for their exploits.
Ilvah watches the village children from afar as the wizard, Eldiocesan, finally succumbs to their pleading requests and produces magical, animated fireworks from his staff.
Balzeros happily shares tales of his travels. While not a great storyteller, some of the realities of his stories, or at least what he presents as such, are intrinsically interesting. It is likely enough to entertain perhaps a handful of villagers.
________
To Talasia, she replies: "I understand it may, but all the same, I will keep Zokon save - when we have come far enough that he will not need to take care of everything by himself, I will gladly settle for a more calm life. Until then, my place will be at his side, to turn away any cruel fate that would befall him, or share it."
Alia will mingle with the folk, following Zokons lead on what is and is not proper. She will listen to stories about him with interest, full of wonder about how fast humans can grow as a person.
If such seems ok with Zokon, she will gladly dance with any that are not too drunk, politely excusing herself from those who are. She herself drinks little, just enough to toast with people.
In between social activities, she always comes back to make sure that Ilvah is fine, spending time with her ward as well and thanking Serena for her persistence in looking after the girl. Pointing out Eldiocesan as he produces Fireworks, Alia attempts to maneuver her two companions closer to the man.
"A marvelous display. I do wonder - since you were friends with Tamris...do you by chance know an Argentov Lind from around here? May be...more than a simple human?"
Durgan is about to start telling some tales of day-to-day life in the Stolen Lands, when he hesitates. He goes to find Zokon.
"Zokon, the villagers are asking me for tales. Rather than telling them about the more exotic episodes, I was hoping to tell them of what day-to-day life is like in the Stolen Lands. If there were any adventurous souls from this village who would wish to settle there, I would let them know the challenges and opportunities. But I don't want to start that conversation without asking you first."
Replying to Durgan
"Follow your feelings, I came from this village, so there will be people that will drink up your tales, no one is bound to stay here, if they choose to leave after hearing your words, that is on them."
Zokon approaches his mother and giving her a big hug asks "Mother will I and Alia be able to stay in the house? I would give her a comfortable place to stay Especially in this place where I want her to feel comfortable."
Serena is willing to sleep on the floor if there is room.
Durgan is happy to sleep on the floor of the "village hall" or out under the stars, as I said.
Durgan responds to the inquiries from the villagers about the world beyond. But rather than great battles or exotic encounters, he explains the day-to-day nature of life in the Stolen Lands.
"Well, they don't have many mills, because an expensive investment like that is at risk of being seized by neighbors who were too lazy to build their own, or destroyed out of spite. The settlers spend much time and effort grinding grains and planing boards by hand.
There aren't many grain silos, for similar reasons. Some folks have cleverly hidden root cellars, but you have to know where you are digging, and be wary of groundwater.
Forges are fairly scarce - again, not something you can bring with you if trouble comes. Some of the larger and more-established settlements have them, but nails and pots and so on tend to be more expensive than they are here in Brevoy. There are some traveling merchants who have such goods.
So the ordinary daily life is a bit rougher than you have here. But those are all things that Zokon and I hope to change in our new nation of Avalon. Making it safer for a person to build a mill, or a silo, or a forge, without the fear that it will be taken from them.
With the population as sparse as it is, the fishing is quite good. The hunting, too. Land is abundant if you are willing to endure the hardships."
He is just spreading the word about Avalon without looking for any firm commitments at this time - just getting it in people's heads. Preparing to move to the Stolen Lands requires months of preparation, making arrangements and saving up the necessary supplies. Hopefully by the time any of these locals are ready to move, we'll have more of a realm established.
Illthir pitches her tent somewhere not terribly out of the way - though if there's a *lot* of free food and drinks being served she might just nap under a table somewhere. Hopefully not though!
And she'll gladly recount some spiced up tales of their exploits - such as dealing with the evil kobold vizier in his underground palace or banishing the 1000 thieves of the river kingdoms. Things they'd definitely done and in no way exaggerated! Weeeeeell maybe just a little.
When asked, Ilvah looks at Alia as if to ask "What is this 'bath' thing you speak of?"
To Talasia, she replies: "I understand it may, but all the same, I will keep Zokon save - when we have come far enough that he will not need to take care of everything by himself, I will gladly settle for a more calm life. Until then, my place will be at his side, to turn away any cruel fate that would befall him, or share it."
Talasia nods in apparent appreciation.
Alia will mingle with the folk, following Zokons lead on what is and is not proper. She will listen to stories about him with interest, full of wonder about how fast humans can grow as a person.
If such seems ok with Zokon, she will gladly dance with any that are not too drunk, politely excusing herself from those who are. She herself drinks little, just enough to toast with people.
In between social activities, she always comes back to make sure that Ilvah is fine, spending time with her ward as well and thanking Serena for her persistence in looking after the girl. Pointing out Eldiocesan as he produces Fireworks, Alia attempts to maneuver her two companions closer to the man.
"A marvelous display. I do wonder - since you were friends with Tamris...do you by chance know an Argentov Lind from around here? May be...more than a simple human?"
"The name does not strike a chord with me, Alia, but then in my travels I meet a great many people."
Durgan responds to the inquiries from the villagers about the world beyond. But rather than great battles or exotic encounters, he explains the day-to-day nature of life in the Stolen Lands.
"Well, they don't have many mills, because an expensive investment like that is at risk of being seized by neighbors who were too lazy to build their own, or destroyed out of spite. The settlers spend much time and effort grinding grains and planing boards by hand.
There aren't many grain silos, for similar reasons. Some folks have cleverly hidden root cellars, but you have to know where you are digging, and be wary of groundwater.
Forges are fairly scarce - again, not something you can bring with you if trouble comes. Some of the larger and more-established settlements have them, but nails and pots and so on tend to be more expensive than they are here in Brevoy. There are some traveling merchants who have such goods.
So the ordinary daily life is a bit rougher than you have here. But those are all things that Zokon and I hope to change in our new nation of Avalon. Making it safer for a person to build a mill, or a silo, or a forge, without the fear that it will be taken from them.
With the population as sparse as it is, the fishing is quite good. The hunting, too. Land is abundant if you are willing to endure the hardships."He is just spreading the word about Avalon without looking for any firm commitments at this time - just getting it in people's heads. Preparing to move to the Stolen Lands requires months of preparation, making arrangements and saving up the necessary supplies. Hopefully by the time any of these locals are ready to move, we'll have more of a realm established.
"You don't say." says one man near toothless man sitting next to Lugo the fisherman from earlier.
Lugo elbows him in a humorous manner and says "Sounds a good deal aye, Lyle? They might even draw a barber there to help you with those teeth."
Once a few of his stories have been shared and the villagers occupy themselves with other things, Balzeros contents himself with sitting alone at one of the corner tables. So this is what it is like to live with normal, happy people. This is what people need in their lives, a real sense of community! If I can get myself a seat of power in this Barony, I can be part of making sure others have this too.
Zokon notes Balzeros and kinda joins him, picking his own table and just watching the festivities and drinking it in.
I need to remember the normal people that will be affected by the decisions I make, it's good to be back home.
The evening passes and the next day seems to arrive for most much too early--yet the fishermen are already abroad.
When asked, Ilvah looks at Alia as if to ask "What is this 'bath' thing you speak of?"
"Ah, don't worry. You'll see and can decide then.", Alia brushes the topic aside for now. Any explanation she could give would probably raise more questions for Ilvah, and she did not even have the confidence to ask this first unspoken question.
"The name does not strike a chord with me, Alia, but then in my travels I meet a great many people."
"Well, it was the name he gave us, at some point. We suspect, for a few reasons, that he might actually be a wyrm. I figured you may know about him by some other name. There also seemed to be some activity among trolls in the region. I had hoped to learn more about the winds that have blown you here. At least sit with us and share a drink, for old times sake."
The next morning, Alia looks to Zokon for guidance. They were here on his behalf, and she was his betrothed - it seemed proper for her to stay with him and follow his lead, rather than run off on her own.
Also, hardly a deviation from everyday routine...in the wilderness, you stick together...if you decide to run off alone just for the sake of it, you put yourself and others in danger...
With the rising sun, Balzeros begins collapsing his roof-based camp. Eventually, he makes his way down the rope to the ground. Enjoying the warmth of the sun on his skin, he waits for the others to emerge with news of the plans for the day. Wonder what Zokon has in mind for the day today...
Zokon says to Alia "Let's go tour the village see the people in their day to day business. Starting with the fishing boats and we can make it up from there, unless mother has something planned." he goes and seeks out his mother after dressing
Illthir emerges from her tent eventually, though she does take her sweet time. "*Yawn!*" She enjoyed a good party; but waking up the morning after wasn't her thing. Afternoon - now that was a great time. Though the tent wasn't *that* comfortable.
Eventually she finds the other party members and sits down by them, playing a soft tune on her flute. "Mmm. It's kinda pleasant up here, when one isn't chased by trolls. Heh."
Serena is up early to enjoy the sunrise. It always gives her a good feeling to see Sarenrae's arms greet the sky and dispel the cold darkness of the night. She relishes the warm kiss of sunlight on her face. After the sun has risen, she finds a quiet place and settles in for meditation and reflection, as well as to pray for her spells for the day. Only once this has been done does she come seeking breakfast.
Fergus had passed out at a table, wine glass in hand, and woke much the same way. Though no one can tell whether the blush on his face is from the wine, or embarrassment. Likely the former. Despite this, minutes after waking he looks once again his pristine, clean and groomed self. seems I've been a bit too long without good drink. I should treat myself for often. Perhaps it will help me avoid binges like this. Fergus mumbled to himself. Despite his headache, he manages to make his way to the others.
Durgan goes down to the docks on the river. He's never learned the ways of shipbuilding , but he will offer his assistance and the use of his Traveler's Any-Tool on fixing any boats in need of work.
During a quiet moment, he will speak to Zokon privately.
"Zokon, we do need to alert somebody about that troll army. I saw Alia talking to that odd wizard, and maybe she told him, but I don't know how responsible he is. I'm not really familiar with him or how much he gets involved in the land's affair."
"True I suppose the lawkeeper would be the one to talk to or maybe the local lord, but he is a distance away."
Eldiocesan tarries at the party late into the night reflectively sitting at the end of a long bench with Fergus passed out near the other end snoring.
Zokon says to Alia "Let's go tour the village see the people in their day to day business. Starting with the fishing boats and we can make it up from there, unless mother has something planned." he goes and seeks out his mother after dressing
"True I suppose the lawkeeper would be the one to talk to or maybe the local lord, but he is a distance away."
"Zokon, we do need to alert somebody about that troll army. I saw Alia talking to that odd wizard, and maybe she told him, but I don't know how responsible he is. I'm not really familiar with him or how much he gets involved in the land's affair."
Durgan goes down to the docks on the river. He's never learned the ways of shipbuilding , but he will offer his assistance and the use of his Traveler's Any-Tool on fixing any boats in need of work.
"The name does not strike a chord with me, Alia, but then in my travels I meet a great many people.""Well, it was the name he gave us, at some point. We suspect, for a few reasons, that he might actually be a wyrm. I figured you may know about him by some other name. There also seemed to be some activity among trolls in the region. I had hoped to learn more about the winds that have blown you here. At least sit with us and share a drink, for old times sake."
"Trolls you say?" says the wizard leaning in.
Serena spends most of her day near the child, wherever she and Alia go. She does not want the child to get too far from her sight. She still doesn't trust that the youngster is all she seems.
Durgan will work on modest infrastructure improvements, such as fixing bridges or docks.
He will be around to answer questions about life in the Stolen Lands, to vouch for Zokon (or Alia), and to answer any additional questions Eldiocesan may have about the trolls (since he saw more trolls than Alia did, and may have a better sense of their numbers).
Like Serena, he does not trust the girl very much. It seems odd that the trolls would capture her and hold her prisoner rather than just eating her. But with enough people attending to that mystery, he keeps his distance.
Unless someone seeks him out, Balzeros goes to inspect the local wildlife. From checking the fish population in the stream his healthy/stable, to looking over plant life for disease, to inspecting any animals in the town. He only has a general plan to start on the outskirts of town and circle his way inwards.
Zokon will tellt he person that needs to know about the Trolls and then spend time with his mother and Alia, letting be casual around each other. He will also just be around the village and see if they would be better off in Avalon.
"Trolls you say?" says the wizard leaning in.
"Trolls indeed. And unusually organised ones, it seems. Acting united. Durgan, one of those who joined our company since we last met, may have some more details, but it would seem a storm is brewing...it was my hope those were the winds that brought you here."
Alia replaces his almost empty mug with a fresh one filled to the brim."So do tell, what were you up to in these past weeks?"
If folks could, just give me a general summary of what your PC would like to do while in town.
Alia will be busy spending time with Zokon and Talasia, and trying to remember all the new people correctly(as well as listening to stories about when Zokon was a mischievious youth).
The remainder of her time, she is keeping near Ilvah, and maintaining their routine from the boat. That is, work near her, give her chances to interact, but don't pressure her. She just recently gave her name which is a milestone in Alia's book. If Ilvah does seem to take an interest in anything, Alia will try to focus on that.
"There were some ice trolls and winter wolves that we fought and killed, and quite a larger number some distance off. Something - I think it was that Argentov Lind that Alia mentioned - collapsed a hillside on the main group. Lind described them to us as a 'large scouting party'."
"Trolls you say?" says the wizard leaning in."Trolls indeed. And unusually organised ones, it seems. Acting united. Durgan, one of those who joined our company since we last met, may have some more details, but it would seem a storm is brewing...it was my hope those were the winds that brought you here."
"There were some ice trolls and winter wolves that we fought and killed, and quite a larger number some distance off. Something - I think it was that Argentov Lind that Alia mentioned - collapsed a hillside on the main group. Lind described them to us as a 'large scouting party'."
"'A lot' you say? They must come from the wilds of Iobaria, the Land of Snow and Bones, from beyond the mountains. And your friend Lind's description of them as a scouting party makes me think that this is a preamble to some greater. Hmm." He puffs out smoke sculpture of what you assume to be the Icerime Peaks, and Iobaria itself. The landscape rolls on and on if the witnesses where mountain hawks flying above their territory, the lead edge slowly disappears as if left behind in the viewing bird's haste plunging deeper and deeper into a land of forests and mountains. A land with few if any signs of humanoid inhabitants.
Alia replaces his almost empty mug with a fresh one filled to the brim.
"So do tell, what were you up to in these past weeks?"
Stirred from his meditation over the pipe-smoke map, Eldiocesan says "Oh, here and there. Wandering wizard you know." he smile brightly. "Since you and your friends helped smoked out Szam Tass's agent in the Stolen Land I have had quite bit to keep me busy. Perhaps I'll take a break from the hunt and look into this troll business." Then he grows serious and takes Alia's hand in his. "This is serious now" he says looking into her eyes with a piercing stare. "You have made a grim, implacable enemy in Tass. He is ageless, and never forgets a slight. Be on your guard. Now if you will both excuse me? I should be away by morning and the campaigner in me tells me it is time for rest." With a wink Eldiocesan, kisses the back of Alia's hand and leaves for the night.
Illthir will spend their time in town (gently) poking around and see if they had some interesting tales to tell. More material for her songs were always welcome! And who knew - perhaps there were some heroic deed in need of being done? Other then stopping a troll invasion that is. Might need a hand with that one.
She hadn't quite forgotten the wandering traders and their story about a magical flute either - nor the strange man and his fiddle - so she kept her ears open just in case this place too had some strange instruments around.
And a few attempts to get the child to speak - or at least smile. Some jest, some tales and some cheesy jokes. And if she didn't speak up well ... that just meant she was the perfect victim for testing out her low quality jokes!
Eldiocesan notes where the party fought the trolls and seems interested in investigating the matter some more.
The local fishermen can also send a boat up river to spread word to Lord Sergavian Medvyed.
"More grim, implacable enemies. Ageless and vengeful too. Just what we needed.", Alia responds with a mixture of resignation and sarcasm that nonetheless makes clear she is taking the warning serious. Nothing could ever be EASY, could it? "Take care, Calen-randir! We may have need of your wisdom and counsel again before this tale is over.", Alia curtsies to the Wizard in utmost respect.
There's a lot of suspicious looks, some sniffing of the soap cake, and surprise at the slipperiness of the tub itself, but eventually Ilvah settles in and seems to enjoy it even if she is apparently unfamiliar with process.
"Oh, it's even better with some scented oils. I think I should have some left.", Alia gets up and moves towards a location perpendicular to the privacy curtain.
"You know, we should probably also wash your hair. It's all tangled up - some of that oil will help with untangling it, but you should probably get it all wet first to wash of any dirt and grime. Hold your breath, cover your nose, and briefly go underwater."
And stay under long enough for me to knock out whoever had the indecency to spy on us...
"Son, come sit with your mother." Talasia says inviting her son over.
"Zokon, this is a big step. Marriage. You're not even fifty yet." begins the half-elf. "I mean, Alia may well be old enough to remember Brevoy as two separate nation before the coming of the Conqueror, over two centuries ago. That gap of time is well hard to overcome."
"Oh, it's even better with some scented oils. I think I should have some left.", Alia gets up and moves towards a location perpendicular to the privacy curtain.
Alia shrugs it off...if someone bothered to turn invisible for spying on them, he would not leave his shoes. It seemed significantly more likely they belonged to some paramour of Zokons mother, in which case it was not her place to invade into the privacy of their generous host.
Quickly going through her sanitary bag, she finds the scented oils she looked for and returns to the tub - and smiles as the girl plays with some soap bubbles: "I'm glad you enjoy it, Ilvah!"
"Yes mother" and he joins her sitting
"Your forgetting us humans mature faster than elves or half-elves, she may have seen more of the world but I am ready, we are a good match and we are good for the Barony, we will unite our peoples and be the stronger for it." he ends his prepared speech there and gives a bit of an exhale
{Skeptical mother look}
"Of course, dear. You know how I worry about you."
She kisses him on the forehead, and goes to prepare dinner.
"Phew.. "
A couple of days pass and the party makes ready to press on to the north, and Stoneclimb the home of Zokon's father and the seat of House Medvyed's power. Between them and the fortress lies the bulk of the great Gronzi Forest.
Zokon gives his mother a big hug and kiss "Is there anything you wish of father or want me to tell him?" he asks with a knowing look in his eye
This will be a good chance to show my worth to these people. I've got to be careful and lead them to our destination in good time! During each morning of travel, Balzeros wards their movements before doing his best to guide the group quickly and safely towards Stoneclimb.
"Zokon, if you don't mind me prying, what sort of reception can we expect when we enter Stoneclimb?" he asks.
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