As quietly and quickly as she can, Sahsara will rouse the rest of the party and explain what she heard. She will then draw her rapier and sneak up to the room she thought the noise came from.
Gaelin wakes up from his slumber and looks about warily. When he sees that Sahsara is sounding the alarm, he quickly gets to his feet and grabs his greatsword.
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Ecaterina looks mildly irritated about being woken up, a scowl crossing her features for a short moment, but quickly gathers herself in readiness for a possible encounter with enemies.
Tristan nearly punches Sahsara in the face as he startles awake in the unfamiliar location, but quickly realizes what's going on. He silently rolls to his feet, fingering the cold iron charms about his neck for luck before following Sahsara. He waits at the bottom of the stairs, having no illusions regarding his capacity for stealth.
Jeydavu wakes with a groan. He rolls slowly to his feet and prepares to follow Gaelin to investigate whatever it was that caused Sahsara to wake them early.
As quietly and quickly as she can, Sahsara will rouse the rest of the party and explain what she heard. She will then draw her rapier and sneak up to the room she thought the noise came from.
[dice = stealth] 1d20 + 7
The glass broke upstairs in the map room, the only room on the second floor. Sahsara creeps quietly up the landing
Perception from the bottom of the staircase on the long shot I roll well...
...nope.
Look! I found a nickel!
Gaelin follows, his sword in hand.
Still not happy about being woken, Ecaterina nonetheless follows the rest of the party to the foot of the stairs. Initially, she was happy for Sahsara to scout ahead and see what was happening, but seeing that gaelin had started up the stairs as well, she shrugged and began to follow him, dagger drawn and spell ready.
Jeydavu follows behind Gaelin, scimitar in hand.
Perception DC 25
Sahsara whispers to those behind her, "There's something talking behind the door but I can't make it out. Sounds like it could be a fey though. I'm opening the door, be ready."
Sahsara tries to act natural, as to not frighten whomever may be in the room. And opens the door.
As Sahsara opens the door, three shapes zip out, flying at full speed past her over into the main area
Sahsara calls after the flying creatures, "Hello, what are you doing here?"
The three shapes lose themselves in the dimness of the main hall's rafters. None of the three reply to Sahsara's query. A few moments after the three shapes vanish into the rafter's gloom a dozen glowing lights begin to duck and weave between the forest of beams.
Ecaterina ducks instinctively as the three shapes dart out of the room and head towards the ceiling. Watching, and still on guard, she sees the lights appear and begin to dart around the gloom of the rafters, confusing the eye and making shadows play across the ceiling in strange ways.
"Four can play at that game," she mutters quietly under her breath before she starts to utter arcane words. Suddenly, four more lights appear amongst the rafters, these ones stationary and shedding constant light throughout the beams.
Ecaterina's lights brighten the area, but the three flying mysteries are hidden
"Right. I have a feeling that sleeping the night here will be a lost cause," Gaelin says with resignation, his eyes scanning for movement among the rafters. "Even if these will be found, there are no doubt more where they came from. I trust nothing in this accursed wood."
"Perhaps the best we can hope is to keep our vigil until the dawn makes our return journey possible."
A taunting doggerel sing-song comes down from the rafters
"Summer's Scions lost in snow,
Ware the icy Winter's blow,
Watch your back,
And sleep real light,
You won't be getting rest tonight!"
"I agree with staying till daylight, wondering around could go bad very quickly. Frankly their timing is convenient, imagine if it was midnight."
"Your are right Gaelin and Sahsaa we will not be able to find those mischievous creatures and will only further fatigue ourselves. I only need a little more rest before I can begin my morning ritual. If it is possible, I will try to rest in quiet corner, but if you need assistance, please wake me." says Jeydavu.
With that, Jeydavu turns around and lumbers down the stairs in search of a quiet corner.
*sigh* "While I'd prefer not to be sleeping while there are mischievous Fey about, I agree that trying to find somewhere else now out in the cold at night is a bad idea too. And despite my resistance to the cold, I for one want to sleep in a nice warm place rather than in a snow drift under a tree." With that, Ecaterina prepares to move her gear to somewhere out of the way to get some more sleep.
The last few hours of the night pass without too much trouble. Dawn breaks, and the snowy scene outside brightens. The fey in the rafters hoot and shout all night, sending dancing lights down on occasion to be a nuisance, basically making everyone fairly sleepless. Jeydavu holed up in the kitchen and managed to rest.
At dawn they all troop out, Jeydavu collecting his moose, and Lady Argentea wrapping up in furs from the lodge. They make their way back to Heldrin without incident, the cold fading to summer in Taldor once they pass the border of the wood. They find the village a riot of activity, with more adventurous folk arriving to see what is going on.
Ten Penny takes her leave outside the village
"I think our paths part here. I am headed to Qadira, and far from any sign of winter. Gods protect you."
Tama comes into the village, but she also decides to head out
"I fear I must warn my brethren of this danger and return with greater forces. Be careful if you return."
Athromar nods and takes his leave also
"I must find out the fate of my friends"
The party returns to the village council, and are hailed for rescuing Lady Argentea.
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The village head woman Ionnia greets them effusively
"Well done! You have accomplished much ! "
Lady Argentea takes her leave, thanking them again and promising them rewards if they come to the Taldane court. She goes to check on her banner man Yuln
Ionnia grimaces when she hears of Penelopy's watery demise
"She made a good stew. I know there'll be a lot of lonely menfolk behind the jakes of the Silver Stoat next Saturday night. "
She sighs
"Well at least I won't have to listen about people's change going missing and angry wives' rants about strange rashes on their husbands anymore"
She gestures to a couple of folks standing silently next to her
"I know you just got back, but I'd like to hear about your experiences. These folks here have come to me looking to explore the wood as well. Perhaps they can sit in and learn your tale as well? They seem solid folk"
One of the pair of new-comers - the tall man with bronze skin, fiery auburn hair and strange yellow eyes - glances at his companion, one elegant eyebrow arched questioningly, then steps forward and bows in what looks to be a Qadiran style, and looks up with a smile. His skin and hair contrast greatly with his almost too-white teeth and the blue and white of his robes. One hand comes to rest lightly, non-threateningly, on the hilt of a scimitar sheathed at his waist.
"Greetings friends," he says in an exotic but non-specific accent. "I am called Malden Sunspark, follower of the blessed Dawnflower. I have heard tell of strange events in this area - overbold bandits, but more disturbingly snow in the height of summer - and have come to investigate and offer what aid I can. The worthy Ionnia suggested to my companion and I that you have already begun an investigation, and that we might speak to you. I am eager to learn what you have discovered, and offer you my assistance - my knowledge, my blade, and what grace holy Sarenrae grants me - should you have need of them."
"Please also allow me to introduce my companion ..."
"Alikai."
The tall, statuesque woman dressed in standard sturdy outdoor gear pauses a second as if finished, then continues, traces of the north in her speech. "Oh yeah, hi. Nice ta meetcha. Heard you mighta got to have fun in the snow. Sorry we missed it." One work-hardened hand pushes unkempt chestnut hair off her face, revealing eyes of startling green against her tanned skin. "You need stuff shot, skewered, stabbed, or tracked, I'm your woman." She smiles with a flash of very white teeth, the act lighting up her otherwise somewhat naturally surly face with friendliness and good cheer.
"As for the rest... what he said." She jerks a thumb in the direction of her elegant and polished companion. Her eyes sparkle with a hint of mischief.
Ecaterina looks impatiently at the assembled group.
"Yes, yes, introductions are great and all, but can we do this in the comfort of a tavern with some hot food and wine in front of us. I am simply famished from the travel." The look on her face tries to make the others believe that she would perish without food.
A broad-shouldered athletic man of exceptional height strides forward and nods in greeting. His blond locks and hard features mark him as an Ulfen, but when he speaks he has he manners and unaccented speech of a Taldane. "I am Gaelin Northvein," he tells the newcomers. His manner is polite, but he seems tired. His studded leather armor is marked and stained from recent combat, although the greatsword strapped to his back appears to have been cleaned. In addition to that, a longsword hangs in a scabbard from his belt.
"Please excuse me if I am not quite myself. We have had an ordeal, and I believe none of us slept well." Although there is ample seating in the village hall, Gaelin makes no move to be seated while others are standing. He does, however, note any responses to Ecaterina's suggestion.
"We located the lodge of the bandits, and dispatched their leader," he explains. In his mind, he recalls plunging his sword into Rokhar's abdomen and heaving him over the railing of the lodge. "But I believe they were merely opportunists. They struck some sort of deal with foul fey creatures that came with the winter. We are told that there is a place where the winter comes through from the North, bringing the icy chill from realms cloaked in snow. The source is... unreliable... but I for one plan to investigate it after I have re-provisioned for the journey."
"We already ate, thanks."
After an awkward pause, Alikai resumes, "Uh, but if you guys haven't, a tavern sounds fine. Did you face many hardships? Anybody hurt? Malden's pretty good at stitching folks up. I'm better at putting them out of their misery." With a jerk of her head towards the nearest tavern, she invites them to follow. "Besides, I'm curious about this 'place where the winter comes through from the North.'"
A young man with snow-white hair and slightly pointed ears lingers near the back of the group. His appearance is otherwise unremarkable; he bears no armor or weapons, though his simple tunic is torn and stained with blood. He waits for the others to finish their introductions, then quietly introduces himself, "I am Tristan, the local physician's assistant. This winter is clearly unnatural and bears further investigation, that its source may be dealt with."
"Hello, I'm Sahsara" Says a woman of indeterminate age clad in studded leather armor whilst the party makes it's way to the tavern. "I've been following these folks since they rescued me. There certainly were hardships but I don't think anyone is currently injured. Though I'm sure there'll be need for plenty of healing and hurting in the coming days"
"Well met Gaelin, Sahsara and Tristan; yes, by all means, let us retire somewhere you can sit and eat, it was remiss of me not to enquire after your health and well-being. I do not wish to intrude upon the duties of the physician's apprentice," Malden nods respectfully in Tristan's direction, "but if you are wounded and require healing, I would be glad to petition The Dawnflower for the same on your behalf." He smiles at Alikai. "As my companion implies, that is one of my specialties." He turns to the statuesque outdoors-woman. "Cold from the North; perhaps you will have your wish after all?"
Alikai laughs, a rich belly laugh that comes easily and sounds oft-used. "Even better if it comes to me so I don't have to lift a lazy foot to get there, right? Still, much as I love my far homeland, it's not natural it be here, if you get my drift. Makes me uneasy. My people know that big changes in weather don't bode well for anyone." She nods to their new friends. "Glad you can bring us news. Very odd, isn't it? And fey, you say? Can't say I like them much."
"And here I thought you outdoors' types all loved fey," Malden murmurs, his smile taking any sting out of the words.
"They're flighty things. Flightier'n you, even." Alikai elbows her companion gently. "Let's hear these folks story and find out what we can before we head out. Is it true winter? We need cold-weather gear and all? Not just a snow shower to frighten the hot-blooded cityfolk?" She stares directly at Malden at the last description.
Making it to the tavern while listening to the banter, Ecaterina finds a table large enough to seat everyone and orders some roast meat and strong red wine. Now that she has what she wants and is in a better mood, she turns to the newcomers and introduces herself.
"I am Ecaterina Natalya Tredyakovskaya, and this strange weather originates from my homeland. I believe it to be the work of an enemy of my family and wish to see whatever plans they have set in motion to fall flat. As such I have taken up with this group," she gestures to her companions, "in am effort to get to the bottom of the problem."
Tristan appears intrigued by Alikai's mention of her homeland. "Where do you hail from? I'm sure it must be more interesting than this boring old town."
Alikai grins at Tristan and speaks a few words that sound as if she's gargling porcupines. "It's a boring old town in and of itself, though you probably wouldn't call it a town. More like a collection of tribe camps which come and go through the year. Nothing like this place. And nothing like the witch's homeland, either, though they both be cold. We hear tales of Irrisen and its witches. But then, we have those who ride the great beasts of the tundra, the mammoths. That's quite a sight..." Her reminiscence threatens to spill over into the next day.
"They're flighty things. Flightier'n you, even." Alikai elbows her companion gently. "Let's hear these folks story and find out what we can before we head out. Is it true winter? We need cold-weather gear and all? Not just a snow shower to frighten the hot-blooded cityfolk?" She stares directly at Malden at the last description.
"Ha! I do indeed enjoy cities and sun more than the frozen plains that you call home," Malden laughs, as they walk over to the tavern. "But as you know I spent many years in the north, spreading my goddess's divine word." He shrugs lightly. "The cold does not touch me, I just prefer it hot."
Making it to the tavern while listening to the banter, Ecaterina finds a table large enough to seat everyone and orders some roast meat and strong red wine. Now that she has what she wants and is in a better mood, she turns to the newcomers and introduces herself.
"I am Ecaterina Natalya Tredyakovskaya, and this strange weather originates from my homeland. I believe it to be the work of an enemy of my family and wish to see whatever plans they have set in motion to fall flat. As such I have taken up with this group," she gestures to her companions, "in am effort to get to the bottom of the problem."
Upon reaching the tavern, Malden quietly pays for any food or drink ordered (though he partakes but little himself), waving away any objections with an apology for keeping everyone talking whilst they were so clearly in need of refreshments. He returns Ecaterina's greeting, and raises an elegant eyebrow at her mention of a family feud, but does not further question her at this point.
Alikai grins at Tristan and speaks a few words that sound as if she's gargling porcupines. "It's a boring old town in and of itself, though you probably wouldn't call it a town. More like a collection of tribe camps which come and go through the year. Nothing like this place. And nothing like the witch's homeland, either, though they both be cold. We hear tales of Irrisen and its witches. But then, we have those who ride the great beasts of the tundra, the mammoths. That's quite a sight..." Her reminiscence threatens to spill over into the next day.
Alikai gets the sense Tristan wouldn't particularly mind if it did. Despite his exotic appearance, it seems he has seen little of the world.
With a look of satisfaction, Gaelin tucks into a warm bowl of stew. He addresses Malden, "I have a great deal of respect for the Dawnflower. No doubt her divine light could aid in removing this unnatural blight. Is that why you two have come? Because I believe it will take whatever aid available to see this through. Be warned - our task is not for the faint of heart. We have seen many trials already and no doubt will see many more."
"Like any man would admit to being faint of heart." Sahsara interjects after draining her glass. "All we seem to know is some fey force is causing this weather and we aim to stop it. If you're in, you're in no need to beat around the bush.... Sorry Gaelin, i didn't mean to over step. I'm just here by chance." Sahsara ends quieter than she started.
Malden's face grows serious. "I do not speak for Alikai in this regard, but yes, I am here to do the Dawnflower's work. I have an impression, a feeling, that this mysterious winter is a herald of great evil. At the least it is against the natural order. Am I up to the task? Time shall tell, but I will give my best."