”Say, I’m glad you like the food – I don’t mind helping out and all; but I wondered if maybe you could do me a small favor?” he says after a moment.
”I know you’re handy with sewing and clothes and all that – you ever did work like fashioning necklaces and so on?” he asks casually.
He pulls out of his pouch the two mandibles from the mantis creature that he had cut off earlier.
”I was wondering if you could take these two things and maybe make them into a necklace?” he asks, holing them up for Xanxan to see.
”It’d look pretty sharp to have something with a little flair – and I figure this is kind of rare stuff, and sort of distinct. What do you say?”
As Gabryjel waits for an answer, he continues to hold the mandibles and watch the stew simmer.
"Mmm, beyond buttons, I can't say I have, but I could give it a go. Let me take a look see."
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As the food is being preparedaneira takes the time to check on the wounded. Their condition is much what she would expect and a few days of recovery will see them almost whole again.
Talking with Nadya she tries to answer your inquiries. Well, that question about the beast I can only speculate on. If what you say is true then I would assume it came through this portal as that creature is not native to these realms. As to the rest about what is going on around these parts...it's mainly daily living and tying to eke out the best lives we can here. We make this run occasionally to procure food for the Pale Tower. It is there with White Witch Nazhena Vasilliovna that more information could be gleaned into what you are looking for. Tell me though, how is it that you dared enter the portal at all? Shouldn't you have left that for others?
"Mmm, beyond buttons, I can't say I have, but I could give it a go. Let me take a look see."
Gabryjel continues to work on the food and he glances at the gnome as he hands over the things.
”I reckon it wouldn’t be too hard; just punch a hole in the ends and run a string through them – shouldn’t be that difficult,” he says with a shrug.
”I would have done it myself, but I figured you had a knack for this sort of thing so…” he says easily.
As the food cooks he glances at the others for a bit, then back to the gnome.
”Well, now that we’re here – now what?” he muses to himself, then looks up at the gnome, as if suddenly aware that he was speaking aloud.
”Sorry – I just meant… we come through this portal and the first thing we do is kill some monster and save the lives of folk we don’t know. I mean, that’s good for them – but how does it help us on this little thing we got going?”
”Is that even worth doing? You know, helping other folks – not that I’m adverse to it normally, but we kind of have this big thing hanging over our head and it seems kind of important… hell, I don’t know…” he says thoughtfully, then glances at Xanxan.
”Damn, that’s right! You didn’t take the oath or whatever it was… so you’re safe from any of the mess if we don’t follow through…” he says with sudden clarity, then grunts.
”I got to admit – I kind of got a little greedy back there… Personally I don’t give a rat’s ass if one witch or some sorcerer or whatever is trying to destroy the world – there’s always something out there trying to do that sort of thing… But I figured – given the perks it could offer – maybe it’d make me be able to help ya’ll a bit more with my bow, seeing as how I couldn’t hit the blind side of a barn door,” he says a bit ruefully, then shakes his head.
”Oh well… whatever the reason, the thing’s done, so now we’re struck with it. But as I was saying… I hope this crap don’t weigh on us on account of the fact that it’s all kind of not helping with the quest so much,” he adds with a shrug.
”I guess we’ll see…”
Venja listens with interest to Nadya's responses and musings. She nods in silent agreement that the local 'head witch' would be the person who know the most of what was going on in the area. Since she trained in this area as a girl, even though she was found wanting and sent home again, she does recall a few things about the region. She keeps her mouth shut though, both about her old training and about what is going on now in the area. Aneira is the one with the most diplomatic manner and Venja doesn't want to say or do anything that might disrupt the rapport Anee had made so far with Nadya.
She eats her meal, and does state her appreciation for the hot food, both to Anee for the cooking of it, and to Nadya for the hot fire. "Thank you so much for the hot meal. It is a pleasure in this cold."
We make this run occasionally to procure food for the Pale Tower. It is there, with White Witch Nazhena Vasilliovna, that more information could be gleaned into what you are looking for. Tell me though, how is it that you dared enter the portal at all? Shouldn't you have left that for others?
Aneira grew thoughtful upon Nadya's words. How much could she divulge of Illarion Matveius' quest. She did not know who could be trusted this side of the portal and who could not.
"Perhaps we should go to this Pale Tower and seek audience with the White Witch. The more we know of what is happening here, the more we can accomplish. Can you take us to this place, Nadya?"
To answer Nadya's question as to why they had passed through the portal, Aneira answered as simply as possible, "Our group accepted a quest and made pledge to a person from this side of the portal who passed through to the other side. We were the only people near him as he lay dying. So we took on his quest in hopes we could save our beloved Heldren from eternal snow and ice."
Illarion had said to close the portal they had to travel through it to the other side and find the focus there. She didn't know where to start looking for this focus and would speak about it to her friends privately at the next opportunity. Mayhap the White Witch knew where or what it was.
"Nadya, I mean no disrespect, but I must ask, what are your feelings regarding the Queen Elvanna?"
Venja, being a winter witch yourself and having been part of the society here you know that winter witches make up the ruling caste and are treated with suspicion. The long silences from the other men in the caravan would give adequate testimony to this fact. Thus it is obvious to you tht Nadya is not completely forthright when answering Aneira's questions. Aneira you get a sense there is more but not sure what or why.
I can bring you there with the shipment of food I am bringing to them but I don't know how much help they will be to you. As for the Queen, I have never met her before so don't really know whatt she is like. She is the queen however and rules over us so is adequate at her position. It is quite the story you weave though about a stranger at death's bed with a quest that you take on so quickly. I must admit that I would not be one to jump so hastily into such an arrangement if it were myself.
Scraping her dish clean into the fire to mask her voice she leans in close, We'll talk again when we are in private about the queen.
Aneira sensed there was something more going on but did not know what.
Hesitant to divulge more information to Nadya or her people, Aneira waited until she could speak privately with her husband and the others. Venja was a witch and could shed more light on the matter -- Aneira hoped so.
When Nadya had moved closed and whispered that she wanted to talk privately about Elvanna, Aneira nodded assent and responded with a swift yet discreet, "Thank you."
When she can get Aneira alone for a moment, away from Nadya's hearing, she speaks softly for Anee's ears only.
"I trained here as a child.. well not here here, but in the north among the winter witches. I failed in my training, but learned enough to follow their path on my own. Still, I did learn a bit about how things work here. The white witches rule exclusively in the frozen north. The locals are superstitious and very wary of the witches. They are not popular."
"I don't know how much Nadya might know about Queen Elvanna, but you should talk to her more, learn what she does know... whatever that might be. It could be useful when and if we approach the local witch, the one known as Nazhena."
"Getting in to see her might not be easy. They are not warm, friendly rulers, but with your excellent diplomatic skills, we might just be able to learn something from her or her servants."
Away from the others and talking in very low voice with Venja (for her ears only), Aneira relays what Nadya had privately said to her at the very end.
After the meal was done and everything was cleaned up, Aneira moved aside with her trusted allies and quietly whispered what had been said and waited to hear their opinions and thoughts on the matter.
As he works, Xanxan listens to Gabe and answers,
"Small things lead to big things, Gabe. The finest cloak in the world can unravel if you neglect a single thread and you can never be sure who or what its connected to entirely until it's gone. Only the master tailors, the gods, know who has import when you get right down to it. A tapestry can look mighty ugly from the underside, but those with a few above know each thread's worth. Most of Taldor's problems are from folks thinking they're important and that gives them the right to step on the unimportant or poor. But a gold colored thread cuts as easily as a brown one."
When mention is made how he didn't take the oath, the gnome smirks, "Most like I'll regret not having done so in some ways but I'll get by. Could be you made the right choice, but it just struck me too much as a knot I didn't want tied around my own threads. Saving folks? Well, if that's a mistake it's my mistake to make. Serving another? Well, then I'll be making my mistakes and someone else's too and that's not something I do lightly."
He adds, "And I ain't always the soul of combat efficiency meself."
As he works, Xanxan listens to Gabe and answers,
Gabryjel leans back, listening to Xanxan talk.
He had never head the gnome discuss religion, and the metaphor of the gods “weaving” the tapersty of the universe was interesting to him.
Finishing his porridge, he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and nods.
”I got to admit, I never thought of it like that,” he says after a moment.
Sighing a bit, he begins to clean the cooking gear, now that he’s done eating.
”You may be right about the whole quest thing. I don’t know… What I do know is that I’m eager to get going. But I figure it ain’t happening any time soon - at least, as far as I can tell... so in the meantime I’ll enjoy what’s going on around me,” he says.
”Anyhow, thanks for the conversation. I appreciate it,” he says sincerely.
With the different groups of people talking amongst themselves it is almost a surprise when people glance towards the entrance to the cave. Outside the light has diminished greatly as the storm has rolled in. The wind has picked up and the clouds have covered the sky. Snow is falling in large flakes and are blowing not the cave. Those closest to the entrance can feel the alarming top in temperature as the wind blows the cold inward. Even being in the cave would not be enough in this storm to survive. Only with the help of the fire and warm clothing do you have any chance to make it through to see the morning.
You see a shape of a humanoid walking or maybe even dancing around in the storm
Aneira sits beside Variel, close to the fire, listening to the howling wind and occasionally speaking with her companions. She does not notice/see anything outside, preoccupied with her internal contemplations of the Winter Witches and Elvanna.
After lending some assistance checking on the injured men, Beck spends the evening playing with the dogs, rough-housing and getting them to perform minor tricks with variable success, and talking with the drivers about the animals.
After eating and speaking with Aniera beck whispers, "wait, it's a magey-ocracy? No offence, but this ain't gonna be a fun time. I see'd aristocrat folk what's currency is lies as much as gold, an some magic fok's is as mad as powerful. Puttin em two together is a recepy fer trouble. Be careful what yea says to this 'Nazeenah', Anee. Imll try keep a weather ear, but if we had a couple signals what we could use as ta warn eachothers if folk seem sketchy'd be good."
While speaking, Beck abruptly stands without a word mid sentence and walks up to the entrance of the cave, starring, club tight in his hand. "Who in the bloody hell'd be out there in this storm? An' Dancin no less! Oye, Nadey, darlin, I dunno if I'm hopin this is normal in this area, but um... looks like it could be another o' them wyrd ice folk."
"My pleasure," Xanxan says to Gabe as they finish their conversation.
And he keeps his eyes peeled as others have chatter of their own.
But his stare goes back to the fire, and indeed, he almost misses the fact Beck spoke entirely.
While speaking, Beck abruptly stands without a word mid sentence and walks up to the entrance of the cave, starring, club tight in his hand. "Who in the bloody hell'd be out there in this storm? An' Dancin no less! Oye, Nadey, darlin, I dunno if I'm hopin this is normal in this area, but um... looks like it could be another o' them wyrd ice folk."
"mmm? What?"
"My pleasure," Xanxan says to Gabe as they finish their conversation.
And he keeps his eyes peeled as others have chatter of their own.
1d20+7
But his stare goes back to the fire, and indeed, he almost misses the fact Beck spoke entirely.
"mmm? What?"
Srsly xan, you have an uncanny ability to rol a 1 on perception checks! It's like your straight out of OotS. "I think I failed a spot check". I love it, and it makes me smile!
While speaking, Beck abruptly stands without a word mid sentence and walks up to the entrance of the cave, starring, club tight in his hand. "Who in the bloody hell'd be out there in this storm? An' Dancin no less! Oye, Nadey, darlin, I dunno if I'm hopin this is normal in this area, but um... looks like it could be another o' them wyrd ice folk."
Hearing Beck declare there was someone outside in the ghastly storm and dancing had amazed Aneira who hadn't noticed anything. She stood and moved a little closer to the entrance and looked out where Beck was looking. She silently waited on Nadya's answer.
Maintaining a calm expression on her face Nadya just smiles at you. As the exact identity of what you may be seeing I don't know. Around here there are many star age and wonderful beings that live in the cold and are not affected by the weather at all. Some are good and some are bad. You could be seeing an ice spirit dancing to the tune of the wind and it will pass us by never knowing or caring we are here.
As if her words were a calling the shape in the snow comes closer. A melodic voice can now be heard above the wind. Te voice is singing a strange song that flows with the wind. Although you can not understand the words you can feel an eerie power behind them wanting you to come out and join in the dancing.
After about a minute or so the creature appears in the entrance way to the cave.
Looking over the cavern she sees the food and gives everyone a broad smile. How excellent. My names is Mierul Ardelain and I would love to join you. How about a trade? A warm meal for some entertainment. Perhaps an Irrisen tale of the first winter witch or maybe a song of winter sprites dancing on snowflakes?
As the creature enters the cavern Variel stands up straight from where he was relaxing next to Anee. Not used to the new area he was jumpy and in a wary mood. It seemed strange to him that creatures could endure the weather like this and not be affected. It wasn't right. Yet at the same time it was a new world and he would not pick a fight with others just because he was worried and overly protective. It wasn't just Anee anymore that he felt protective of even if she was the main focus, but everyone once they agreed to go through the portal and take on the quest of the black rider. Too much was at stake apparently to be caught unawares and flat footed. The wary died quickly enough as it was, the unwary faster still.
Still he remained quiet and let Anee, Venja, and Xanxan do the talking. He would just be prepared for any surprises.
Venja looks at the strange being and wonders what she is. She contemplates all the lore she knows.
Fascinated with the idea of the tale of the first winter witch, she nods her head in silent ascent, but says nothing aloud at first, since it's not her decision to make, but Nadya's. She looks to Nadya hopefully. Softly she says to her, "Oh, please could we hear her tale?"
With Variel and Beck by her side, Aneira watched as the female made her way into the cavern and introduced herself warmly. Aneira listened to Mierul's voice and watched her, hoping to gauge the entrancing creature's motives.
Beck cocks hid head to the side looking the ice-being up and down. A creature so similar yet so different, with cloven whooves, hornes and pointed ears, but graceful and fair skinned, unlike the akward, and rather ugly tiefling. "Wow... i'd love to hear you tell a story"
What is she? Can't be a satyr, can she is she also a tiefling like me, or sommat else entirely he wonders, glancing at venja, as she tends to know things.
,
Not naively trusting, beck appraises the creature.
"Very lovely," Xanxan admits with a smile
Gabryjel says nothing but observes the creature with neutral eyes.
As ever, his hands are ready on his bow – just in case.
He makes no threatening gestures, however, suspecting that this creature may somehow be important. But at the very least, he does what he can to prepare himself from any potential threats.
Those of you trying to guess Mierul's heritage would think part nymph and part something else but aren't quite sure what. The other half clearly is what is giving her fiendish traits though.
Nadya looks uncomfortable about Mierul's presence but does not say anything at this time.
Looking around and seeing that her proposal is supported by most of the group Mierul starts her ballad of the first winter witch. Accompanying the ballad Mierul uses minor tricks to enhance the performance...ghost sound, prestidigitation, dancing lights to provide effects.
It is a sad tale told of long ago before the land of Irrisen was founded. The land was a cold barren place devoid of most life. The sun and moon chased each other through the skies with nothing much below them but a few early humans to track the countless days. One night the moon in her travels looked down and felt sad as there was no one to visit with her. For the sun was always racing ahead of her and those few early humans cherished the sun more than she. She began to feel lonely and longed for a companion. Night after night of loneliness was upon her until it was too much and she started to weep. From the moon a single solitary tear fell from the heavens to the earth. As it traveled in space it grew colder until the tear solidified. The tear fell to earth and struck a human as she slept. The impact of the tear woke her up from her slumber and looking for the source of the disturbance saw the moon high above. Reaching out her hands she began to talk to the moon questioning why the moon should awake her at night. Startled she realized that she could speak with the moon. Along with the ability to speak with the moon was the realization that she was no longer cold and did not need her heavy cloak at night. From then on the woman would spend night after night speaking with the moon being her constant companion and dancing in the moon's light. Those that spied upon her shunned her for they did not understand her and some coveted the powers she had. Soon the woman grew wise from listening to the lore from the moon. She took a man for herself and bore a daughter. That child was the first winter witch.
perform
Once finished she takes a bow before gathering some food for herself. Sitting easily on the floor she takes a moment to take in the group. Swallowing a bite of food she asks, So who are you that would hear the ballad of the first winter witch?
AT the questions Nadya jumps quickly in to answer it. These are friends of mine that I have made on my numerous travels. They are coming to visit me for a while.
Aneira was surprised by Nadya's unusual introduction. She had been wary to this point with Nadya and her people and so Aneira decided to continue with answering simply and not providing too much detail with this strange newcomer.
"We are simple travellers, waiting out the full storm with our good companion, Nadya, and her lovely folk. Hearing your ballad around the fire helps pass the time and not feel the cold as readily. Thank you for the gracious entertainment, Mistress Mierul." Aneira smiled at Mierul, inclining her head in respect.
Venja says nothing to counter Nadya's statement, merely biting her lip in contemplation and staying silent. She glances over at Anee and Xan, who, as skilled spokespeople, might have something to say, to see if either of them speak up.
I have never heard that tale of the start of the winter witches. I wonder how much of it has any basis in history or if it is all myth.
"Yup, though her dogs like me more than she does most days, but I'm used to it be now."
sense motive
Unaware of what is going on AVriel does what he always does in these situations and lets those who have a away with words do the talking. Why Nadya would jump in to introduce herself is different but maybe that is the custom here. Variel dismisses it out of hand and goes back to enjoying the fire and avoiding the cold.
bluff +2 from Beck
sense motive
Nice success on the sense motive. Only because you made it did Nadya's bluff work. This could have turned out way differently thus her reaction to you farther down.
Venja, you are sure that the story told is just a tale and has no historical fact behind it. It is simply a story and one that Mierul could use to show off her talents with her minor magics.
Mierul smiles at Nadya responding That must be one of the joys in traveling so much. Meeting people and making new friends. I know that I enjoy my travels as well learning new ballads and ways to entertain people.
Turning to the rest she addresses Aneira and Beck, Your welcome dear and as for the cold I must say I might have a bit of that winter witch in me as I do not feel the cold. Indeed I feel more alive the colder it gets but each to his or her own. As for you, looking up and down at Beck with a twinkle in her eye I can well imagine how you can get those to bend to your will so easily. Nadya is lucky to have such as you as a 'friend'.
Finishing her meal Mierul stands up, I thank you all for the meal but I can still put some distance in tonight as I dance among the snowflakes. Unless there is something else that I can do for you? Although not definite the last line would seem directed towards Beck.
Venja smiles and waits to see Beck's reaction to her apparent offer... whatever it might actually mean. She leans back and relaxes by the fire, full and comfortable after dinner and the tale, ready for a night's rest. Drowsily, she asks the others, "Shall we set watches for the night?"
Beck's eyebrows lift and he glances about from Mieurel to Nadya, and back and then to the dogs, giving one of them a look. He then smiles, saying, "I'd hate ta hold ya up from yer loveley dancin. Do wish I could snow-step like you, but i guess we aint all lucky ta get those kinda blessings from our folks," with a shrug. "But yea told a wond'rous tale, an' can we take ya up on the ofer for another one some time."
Beck stands clops over and asks, "I really don't mean ta be rude, but dunno ow else ta ask but who are yea, aside from an Ice-dancer and tale-spinner by the name o' Mierul, so as if one wanted, a'body could ask after yea?" tilting his head to the side.
Gabryjel sits down and stretches out his legs, wrapping his cloak around him.
He watches the other chat with the strange creature; his bow propped near him. He fingers the necklace on his neck absently and considers things as Beck talks.
Mierul smiles at your presumptiveness but leads you on anyways. Should you need me I will be at the Pale Tower for a bit. If perhaps you should gain entrance then come talk to me. If you cant bother getting in then I am done with you.
With that last bit she skips out the cave and dances her way into the storm.