Vasu saw Archimedes fly not too far ahead, heading for the large Angel-Oak. Walking down to the dirt street Archimedes had flown over, Vasu looked left and right but could not determine which place would be Gogrin's.
Peering and using deduction, Vasu picked up on the trail. A feather here, mentioning and pointing of Gogrin's name by the other locals now and again, until finally Vasu saw a place that could only belong to a rich dwarf in 42.
Unlike the other buildings in 42 this one was made of well smoothed stone, all one level, with nearly no agriculture or plants on it at all. Beautiful wooden doors led to it being the entrance, another one of Archimedes feathers on the door step.
Vasu walked in to hear Telula talking to someone in common- she couldn't quite make out what it was.
As Telula finished her sentence, Gogrin made a move for the hallway Did I hear someone come in? OH- speak of the devil. Telula! Come look- Vasu has arrived after all. Come in come in!
As Telula greeted Vasu, Gogrin's smiling dwarven face returned to that of the serious dwarf they had met before- it seemed that the business side would most likely come out any time he and Telula were not in privacy.
Gogrin set down all the plates and three courses down on the rich dining hall dinner table as the remaining group members arrived just behind Archimedes.
The Mother, having given her grievances, bid Sealith and Suzume a silent nod and good night as she then went quietly in mourning to the Angel-Oak with Chelya and Binsk.
As she did so, Sealith and Suzume saw a familiar raven flutter around them in glee. It perched itself on Suzume's shoulders, nuzzling into him and then Sealith before jutting in front of them, then back.
Sealith and Suzume followed Archimedes to Gogrin's home, where they then saw Vasu and Telula as well.
Gogrin greeted them with a smile Ah! Yes! Archimedes landed on his outreached hand It is time for dinner, and to discuss plans. Please, you are welcome to my dining hall just here on the right. I have the head seat, but you may sit anywhere you like.
Sealith nodded before moving into the dining hall. Her tail curled and uncurled slightly as she looked at the table and the chairs around it. Walking to the opposite end Gogrin would be seated she would stand behind the chair.
Nodding to Vasu and Telula as she passed them.
A lot was on her mind but she would wait until everyone was gathered at the table before she spoke.
"None of us chose to help the wall project but I had an idea. What if we worked together on it? During training of any troops they will need strength training and have the idea, this is their home and they must protect it, ingrained in them. We could direct them to be part of the physical labor force. Telula, since you would be doing research in the Vault with Gogrin and have a specialty in magic. I was hoping you would be able to research good wall construction with magical elements to fuse it to the Angel Oak and make it strong."
Her attention turned to Suzume. "I was going to request that you talk with those you recruited to point you to the best armor and weapon smiths in 42. See if you could recruit them to help Alexis with her metallurgy and building defenses. Also, any stone masons should they have them."
Sealith's eyes turned to Vasu. Translating all she just said to the group then to her.
Turning back to the group at large.
"I have asked Vasu to be our eyes in the sky and help look for sabotage on this project should we all agree to it. I was going to run coordination and recruitment where we needed and assist you all in any way I can." The parts she hadn't told Vasu she would relay in Auren for her.
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Packed and feed they made their way to the Fey gate, the gate owned and controlled by the king under the hill. The gates where fickle and tricky, using them had great risk. But she had been ordered. The kings gate was the safe they said, but she had heard tails of some using it and coming out, twisted, tainted or dead. They said things lived in the spaces between the gates, should one see you travail they would come hunting for you. She pushed her fear down, and walked on. They passed fey guards and large doors to come into a huge space in which a swirling ball of light sat.
A single fey led her to the gates center then walked out again.
As they stood there she grow in size, The magic that kept her tine fading in the gate. She bowed to the gate,
"We seek passage"
Then a voice spoke into her head.
::Passage has been arrange, name the travelers"::
"My self Lady Br-oul, Nex and my mount here."
She patted her rise.
::You will only have a short time, my brother gate will move any moment, be fast travelers, haste or die"::
Then a passage way opened up, made twisting images all around, places, races things, spinning and overlapping. Thing moved in the mix of light and shapes. she took a step and fell into madness. It felt like every moment of her life was ripped apart, things brushed past her, hungry shapeless things.
Then in a moment something pulled her mount, screaming and winneying from her group, all fine clothing and valuable items in its packs.
The horse twisted and shifted before her eyes, its back sprouted spines, it moth fangs and its legs elongated and twsied. Then it was gone pulled still screaming into the vortex of light around them.
Then the madness was gone, they stood in a ball of light on hard cold ground.
::You are here"::
said a new voice in her head and then the light winked out of being. They stood alone atop a small hill, the stars above in the cold night air, and was violently sick, after a short while she stood back up.
"#^##%@*!! we lost the mount, now we have to ^&##^& well walk there."
She said to the wind and Nex, who was flying around in a little bit of a state.
"Yes I know you hate the gates, I don't know anyone who likes them so saying that means little Nex!, now fly your ass up and tell me if the lights over that hill the lights of 42"
As he did so, she checked what she had o her, just some basic thing, well they would have to do. she waited for Nex to report back.
"I can do my best. However, of all the various materials I've read and based on my observations, the magic of the Angel Oak is a Natural Magic, while I tend to work with Archaic. And those have a tenancy to not blend well." Telula answered.
"I have divine magic. Its specialty is not the natural world but maybe we can work together to make it so. With the mother we could use her help if needed."
Gogrin sighed as he began to take a spoonful of his red soup now and again Hmmmm. Perhaps if Telula and I continue our research on the magics and fusions while you other build, I could funnel a little more gold from the Vault into the project as well. I am sure there are other Druids nearly as capable as The Mother in putting together the natural and the man-made....
But- we will still need someone to go about enforcing my claim as Ruler of 42, ensuring that the upset in the basic public has not become too intense.
And I will still need an army- as much as I care for Elyse, she has proven that the control the Angel-Oak gives its wielder is not to be trusted any longer.
Sealith- you seem capable- why not let me fund the laborers and possible magics to you, and you direct them? I will request The Mother help you as well.
In regards to Suzume, Vasu, and Telula, I still need them to fulfill their roles, but I suppose if they were to aid in the process now and again it would not be the worst thing.
What do we think?
Nex flew through the cold air, but outside it was nearly 40 degrees and heavy winds-
The wind and cold as a combination were extremely uncomfortable to Nex, not allowing him to see anything. He happened to land right next to the gate, nearly rolling through the almost six inches height of snow as he continued to plug on. Taking to the air once more, Nex finally found a part of the wall that was opened- it had a huge U shaped crater in it.
In its excitement, Nex returned back to Lady Lynyna to tell her what it had found.
Please go ahead and give me a stealth roll and fortitude check against the cold for your 2 days of travel. You are so close to a reunion!!!
She stands and looks around, reaching into her pouch she brings and a wand and casts a spell. Then she rapped her cold weather clothing tighter.
"NEX, come here, get warm under my clothing, we have to walk there"
As he came over she pulled out a short bow and her quiver. Using her magic wrist item she made her clothing white. Blended her better into the winter landscape as she set off.
A brief smirk crossed Telula's face, the thought of working alongside Gogrin in magical research seemed to sit extremely well with her. "I think that will work."
Vasu nodded towards Sealith.
Vasu flattened her ear tufts and looked up at the face of Gorgrin. She said not a word and her expression was, once again, blank.
Gogrin now started in on the kebabs, pushing the bowl to the side
Very well. Suzume you will have your first assignment delivered in the morning. Sealith- you may direct construction on the wall or deal with dissidents- a guide will be provided tomorrow morning to take you to either place. Telula you may stay here, of course- the study just to the right of me is where we will first start our research to begin with. And um.... Vasu....
Gogrin turned to Sealith and pointed to Vasu asking What does she want to do?
Nodding to Vasu she replied to her.
Turning to Gogrin she would say.
"She is going to be our eyes in the sky and see if she can spot if anyone will interfere with the wall. I also wanted to ask. Have you ever heard of the Llieldasine?
Gogrin nearly choked on his soup as Sealith asked
I'm sorry.... Llieldasine?
Gogrin knows the term, but probably doesn't believe in it.
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Noting the choking but also the recognition in his eyes.
"Yes, Llieldasine, I believe If the tales I heard of them is true, then even one would be a great asset to the Angel Oak and city as a whole. This is a time of Change for the city. I think they could help."
The Llieldasine......
Those are highly dangerous creatures. They can endure nearly anything, live nearly anywhere..... Regardless, everyone knows that the Llieldasine are more than most likely a myth. A tale taken too far from a wizard who didn't know their bounds for necromancy and animation.
Besides- what would make you think they are here?
It is clear from Gogrin's reaction, as he slowly returns to his kebobs, that he fears the Llieldasine legends.
Sealith would continue translating for Vasu.
"They are no legend. I have met one. Long ago when I was a small. I saw one trading with one of our elders. I even remember her scent. She smelled like lilac. As far as I know, they abhor necromancy and they weren't created. Then again. All I know for sure is they exist and they love trees. I keep forgetting many don't go to the wastelands to live. There is much there that doesn't live here. You have it very safe."
Gogrin put a palm to his head with a sigh Why would they be able to help us, then? These Llieldasine? Their eggs, their families, their tribes, all I ever read on them is they can't be found.
Gogrin turned to Telula What do you think? You will be my partner in all of this- do you think we can handle yet another thing to look into?
"Because the way you have run the city magically is bound to fall and weaken you. The plants have been held out of season for a very long time I am guessing. While magic can do many things. Dependance and reliance on it weakens the creature or thing with time. Just as magic itself weakens with time, no matter how well made it is. Druidic magic supports and builds the land. It doesn't dominate. They could be a way to strengthen your kingdom. Are you against this because you are afraid it may be strong enough to take power from you? Or because you fear something about them? Since you did hint earlier that you didn't know about them but clearly did."
Gogrin gave a smile and sigh at Sealith The Llieldasine from anything I've ready are monsters. Dangerous. You here in this room with me, and The Mother, are the only capable hands we have in this room until we train more warriors, more scholars, and gather more knowledge on when Revelation will attack again.
If they would strengthen 42 then they are a worthy venture- it is finding them that is the waste of effort and time that worries me.
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Gogrin turned to Telula What do you think? You will be my partner in all of this- do you think we can handle yet another thing to look into?
Telula swallowed what was in her mouth, "It might be a little bit of a mental strain, but I think we could handle it."
Gogrin pushed his plate away with a smile at Telula Ha. Very well- Sealith, it appears we will be investigating the Llieldasine after all.
Now, I am unsure of the rest of you, but it is nearly bedtime for me. I have quite a day tomorrow, or, rather, we all have quite a day for us tomorrow.
You all will have your assignments in the morning- they'll be waiting for you with the innkeeper just down the road from here. I can offer a bed or two here, as well, should anyone feel a need to break into the wine with me.
Gogrin stood from his chair and walked to the kitchen, then coming back with a series of goblets and pouring Suzume and himself a glass. He left the wine and remaining goblets on the table for anyone to request and pour for themselves.
Sitting back into his seat with a huff as Archimedes left his shoulder and instead took its turn in the kitchen, Gogrin raised his glass to Suzume So then- how long have you been a warrior with that yak of yours, Suzume? The stable boys tell me it is a strong animal, but very kind. One of the most well tamed beasts they've seen in years.
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"Been a warrior since I could carry a blade." Suzume said. "Became a Ronin after half of my tribe was killed by invading forces." He breathed in deep. "And Beru, I've known her since she was born. Her parents were my parents', they were milk farmers, so as a gift before they passed, I was given Beru. She is kind, took a liking to Vasu immediately. very agreeable, though you have to earn her trust to be able to tell her to do anything. Too stubborn. How'd you meet your hawk, by the way?"
Suzume sipped from his glass, he observed Gogrin for a few moments. "You look well for all that has happened, have you had a nice time out with Telula-San?" He tilted his head, raising one brow.
Gogrin blushed as his dark complexion got slightly redder with wine, some of it, as always dripping onto his large red beard It's a raven my dear Suzume. A raven. And yes- Telula decided to barge right into my study earlier. She clearly has a gift of researching the arcane! It was refreshing- there aren't many here, even including those at this table, who actually study the arts.
The normally rely on the Mother for that.
But to be honest, I'm relieved 42 is in my control. The Mother wasn't much for leadership- and that's the reason we were so easily infiltrated twice. I tried warning her, but, of course, what could a mere banker say?
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"My mistake. My eyes are failing me right now." He looks closer at the bird. Looks kind of like me, doesn't he?
Suzume noticed the blushing.
"Arcane talent is indeed hard to find. Where I come from most mages are recluses that study transmutation spells on unsuspecting yaks."
"Banker? Weren't you a librarian not ten minutes ago?" He asked, playing on that little pet-peeve of Gogrin's.
Telula picked up the glass of wine and debated whether to drink it or not. Making up her mind, the Majar took a sip. With a quick shudder, she said, "Whew, that's um, that's different. I've Never had wine before."
"I only just reached adulthood for my race a few years back, and my father always said getting into drinking wine interferes with business." She responded.
"One hundred twenty three, my kind has a life-span similar to the Elves." She responded. Then she cocked her head to the side, "Like what exactly?"
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"Interesting. Thought you were human for a while, though granted, all of you fleshy races look alike to me, and if it weren't for the ears and lifespans of some of them, therre'd be no way to tell them apart."
"Past loves and fallen enemies, as well as myself getting humbled quite a bit in both regards. My friends, idiots, all of them, used to call alcohol, 'the only potion one needs on an adventure'. Sometimes, I believe them. Too bad drinking's become one of those 'special occassion' treatments lately." He looked at his glass, already emptied, something somber in his voice, his eyes more tired. "In fact, I think that's about enough for tonight."
Gogrin gave a wide smile at Suzume before answering I am a man of many things, as a Father often has to be. Banker, researcher, collector, an expert of studying the arcane. And a dwarf! All of these things are me.
And now, of course, a Ruler, too. I suppose a statue could be made- I'm just not sure they could get Archimedes right!
Gogrin poured himself a second glass of wine with a second thought Suzume, should you leave now, feel free to take another bottle of whatever you'd like from my cellar. Its enchanted so I can keep it at a welcome temperature all on one floor of my home. Despite my magic, stairs are not my strong suit, ha ha.
He turned to Telula What a magnificent age, 123! So many years of experience- surely you have a favorite thing to do by now?
Telula took another sip of wine, "Why yes, there is something I like to do. Reading actually, it's truly amazing what one can pick up from the right books."
Sealith translated for Vasu in between bites of meat. Her claws always delicately picking up a piece of meat before putting it in her mouth. With the smaller pieces she didnt bother chewing. The larger she tore with her teeth before swallowing. Watching them imbibe the wine, she didn't say anything but to inform Vasu in Auran that the wine was for everyone.
Sealith was still standing at her end of the table as she ate. Not once did she drink anything.
After another sip, Telula added in a slightly giddy mood, "Oh, and jewelry. I like making jewelry. It may have been how I was making a living before all of this, but the crafting of it is quite calming, almost meditative."
Jewelry? Gogrin's ears perked up Are you able to make magic items, at all? Or... No... I'd imagine because of your father...
Gogrin's voice trailed off as he then smiled to Sealith Now you... There has to be some sort of magic about you! You did kill one of the Sons of Terrak after all. Why do you not drink? Celebrate!
"I am an Oracle of Battle. Chosen by my ancestors to help enact their will. I go where there is battle. It is because of those same spirits that my enemy failed to kill me. Well, them and Alexis. She provided the distraction needed to take out one. It was no where as neat as her decapitating one. It was more messy like the mother."
Politely she waved her hand. "I do not drink, wine dulls the senses and clouds the mind."
she had made it over the wall and into an alleyway with Nex's help unseen. Her dress and look was that of an 50 something human merchant woman. a few streets in she asked after an inn and was pointed at one. soon there she got a simple room, and down by the fire in the bar asked for the news in 42 from a bord looking bard type, a silver coin in front of her to pay for it
Taking a slightly deeper drought, Telula replied, "No, I can't. *Hic* Excuse me. Whew, is it warm in here?"
The Bard grinned as he quickly tucked away the silver coin Aaaaah, you an outsider, yeah? It'll take more than 1 SP to get me talkin- give me a GP and I can promise no one will ever think twice about callin' you an outsider!
The Bard had gone from bored to excited in a matter of minutes- his fiddle laying lazily on his lap in his cheap cloth and unmatching top hat. Based on how the others were around him, though, it was quiet clear this Bard was liked- and based on the beauty of this inn, befriending him may not be a bad idea after all.
Gogrin gave a hearty, slightly tipsy laugh I suppose it is warm in here! Well then, I suppose anyone who wanted a nice relaxed end to dinner has gotten one. Archimedes is out bothering those who need to be bothered in preparations for tomorrow!
If you stay here, the hall right in front of the door you came in at has my master bedroom at the very end and then of course two other well fitted bedrooms on either side of the hall.
If not, going back out to the road and making a right will take you to the Inn just opposite my 42nd Vault- it is owned, as many of them are, by one of our Communal members and a local philanthropist of sorts, Mr. Aram.
Gogrin then began to get up and head off to bed with a slightly drunken smile at the group, mumbling as he turned out of the dining hall I'm very glad to have you all here to help.
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Telula stood up, and the room tipped a little. "I think, I'll be staying here tonight."
Looks at the barmen for a long cold moment, then brakes into a friendly smile
"For you family's health, and a light wine."
as she slips him the gold coin.
she walks over to the Bard and smiles.
"I would like a song with my meal freands, play well and silver shall be yours. But 1st how about you tell me the local news"
Vasu took a step towards the oddly shaped green bottle, and leaned toward the open neck of the glass structure. With a sniff, her eyes shot open, and she leaped back with a ruffle of her wings. The overpowering scent left her dizzy and on the verge of falling over. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she realized that she was being gawked at, and proceeded to nonchalantly preen her feathers to stave off the awkwardness that she sensed building in the room.
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