Brandt looks over at Syretia, Wait isn't it..nevermind he looks to the dragon, attempting to keep his horses under control. No nevermind Apothyl, we're just heading the direction we thought we should go in, and its grand you've met Booker's people. he says the last with a wry grin at the halfling.
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"I said what I said," Syretia whispers to Brandt, punctuating the sentence with a wink.
Bydar smiles, and gives the halfling among them a glance "You've a fine family, sir."
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"Was they 'any good'?" Booker asks incredulously. he continues, shouting and rolling up his sleeves.
"Whhhhhy I oughta... The Marmilades have been makin' marmalade fer decades! Generations ah Marmilades 'ave been makin' tha stuff, perfectin' our craft to tha product yous sees tahday!" he lectures, pulling out a fresh jar from seemingly nowhere. Popping the lid with a spoon, he scoops some out and starts trying to feed Syretia.
"I bet tha Dragon spent ah pretty penny once she 'ad a taste and yous will too now open up!" he demands. Fortunately, Bydar chimes in and he backs off a bit. Straightening his clothes and leaving the spoon in Syretia's hand, he concludes. "I does! Only tha finest o' Halflin's, down to a man! Ain't ah business opportunity goes unnoticed in tha Marmilade Household! Dragon er othawise."
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Reading the emotions of dragons is harder than with humanoids, but you suspect shades of embarrassment upon Apothyl's face as she attempts to turn the subject aside - perhaps to disguise how much she consumed and how much she spent.
"I can show you a safe, dry path around the lake's north shore, skirting the pine forest," the mother dragon offers. "Once on the far side, we will need to ask Eranex for passage through her lair."
Brandt nods, A safe, dry path sounds great to me. Wait, who is Eranex? Are you talking about a third dragon? the ranger looks at the dragon incredulously...
"I thought my departure from your village had gone unnoticed. However, I found myself accosted by a family of halflings. At first I feared they sought revenge, or worse, aimed to steal my egg. Instead, they offered...jams and marmalades, as though I were a common body in the marketplace. My magic had worn off, mind you, and my true form was unavoidably obvious. It was a...peculiar encounter, to say the least."
Be thankful that let you go with just an offering...I have heard tale of breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper that all last way too long.
Christian says with a smile on his face."I can show you a safe, dry path around the lake's north shore, skirting the pine forest," the mother dragon offers. "Once on the far side, we will need to ask Eranex for passage through her lair."
This Eranex, is there anything we should know of this...creature before we enter her lair?
Christian has a bit of concern on his face at the news.
Brandt nods, A safe, dry path sounds great to me. Wait, who is Eranex? Are you talking about a third dragon? the ranger looks at the dragon incredulously...
"You are quite astute," Apothyl says to Brandt. "She is a Silver...after a fashion."
Apothyl asks to walk and talk, guiding the party down the promised path whilst elaborating on this third dragon. Mighty, primeval pines tower above even your draconic guide as you press onward, skirting the lake's edge.
"When I was but a wyrmling, I heard stories of her father. He was a wise old Silver who laired in the watery caverns along the lake's eastern shores. He was beloved by the humans who dwelt in this land, among the rivers. They even named the lake after the epithet they conferred upon him: Silverstep. However, he vanished long before even I was hatched."
These legends also claim he followed an otherworldly lover into the First World, leaving behind all the wealth and power he'd accumulated on the Material Plane.
"Eranex arrived very recently, perhaps a year or two ago. She moved into Silverstep's old lair, claiming to be his daughter. Her form is...unusual. Her horns and wings are strangely shaped, and her whole body bears all manners of arcane patterns. She is friendly enough, but keeps to herself. I thought to ask her to be...well, the phrase in our language does not easily translate, but the best approximation would be 'godparent.' However, Mercifax thought her too much a stranger to trust."
Apothyl heaves a snorting sigh, bemused by the tragic irony.
"A third dragon. I've spent my entire life without seeing a single one and now I'm about to meet my second and third one in a few weeks time. Well, no time like the present."
Bydar nods in agreement with Orlog "Indeed. Wonders bloom when one blinks in these lands."
Syretia finds herself holding a spoonful of marmalade in her hand, somewhat overwhelmed by Booker's verbal tirade and confused as to how she wound up holding the spoon at all. What do I do with this? She rides along with the others, still holding the spoon.
As Apothyl tells her story, the name of Silverstep stirs a memory. "I know of him!" she exclaims. "I read a story about Silverstep when I was a child. It said he fell in love with a fairy and went to live with her in the First World. If Eranex is their child, then that might explain why she looks so unusual!"
There ain't no such thing as a meal that's TOO long, but I ain't sayin' that to his Lordship. Not while we're livin' in his domain, anyways, haha!
Booker wipes his face. "Jeepers! Three? At tha same time though, I dunno I can say I'm that surprised. Can't yous guys shapeshift an' whatnot?"
He inhales sharply. "Who do ya know if yer ah shapeshifted Dragon an' not, you know, uh, not ah shapeshifted Dragon? Maybe I shifted sooooo long agos, I forgot!"
"QUICK! SOMEONE DISPEL MY SHAPECHANGERY!" he shouts, arms wide open to be the biggest target possible.
"A love story? I'll want to hear that around a campfire sometime when we have the moment" Hopeful. Then a grin at Booker, "Mister Booker, I think as a Shelynite I am almost required to say 'you're beautiful just as you are'"
Interesting tale, do you have any reasons to think she would be hostile to us?
The mercenary looks from the dragon to Syretia....
Syretia giggles at Booker's antics, before turning to answer Christian. "I couldn't say, but I would hope that being the child of such a noble protector of smallfolk would make her predisposed to kindness and wisdom. Then again, nobody likes strangers trampling through their property."
"Eranex keeps to herself," Apothyl says, effortlessly stepping over a narrow creek in your path. "She guards Silverstep's old lair with an almost religious zeal. She claims to be on some manner of mission, but she did not care to elaborate, and I did not care to pry. Of course, when we meet her, if you wish to inquire further, you may try.
"Otherwise, she's been a perfectly pleasant neighbor for the short time we've shared the mountain range. I see no reason why she would greet us with hostility."
Well then, let us not keep her waiting. Lead the way if you would please.
Christian pauses for a moment as he ponders the copper dragons words.
...how many dragons are there in this...the stolen lands?
You know Christian, when we were brought here, I thought we'd be hunting traitors, settling brigands, and the like. Not negotiating with dragons about passing through their lands. This is a strange turn of events! the ranger comments to the mercenary.
"Our thanks again, Apothyl " Bydar says
"So? To the cave then. Let's get this thing done so that when can focus on building the city. Feels like we have been at this for so long now."
"I know the feeling, Orlog. I miss my bed already."
Brandt grins, Too long in the saddle for you both, I almost prefer being out here at times. Although I certainly miss the companionship of our small home, there is something to be said for all this undisturbed wilderness... he says has he pets Fenrir's head. The wolfhound appreciates the scratches and looks around for treats.
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Night falls as you follow Apothyl between the lake and the forest. She leads you to a hidden hollow overlooking the lake, large enough to fit all of you as you rest up for the final leg of the journey on the morrow. It is plain to see that the place is too damp for her liking, as copper dragons prefer drier lairs, but she endures it for the sake of the quest at hand.
A thick mist swaddles the lake shore at dawn. However, between your own wilderness skills and Apothyl's guidance - as she occasionally takes to the sky to confirm your course - the morning mist scarcely even slows down your progress.
You soon find yourselves in the shadow of the Tors of Levenies, rising pale blue in the distance. You among the verdant foothills, cloaked in rainbow-dabbled sprays of water from the many tributaries and cataracts that pour into Lake Silverstep.
Apothyl leads you across the slick, mossy ground until you're sloshing through shallow pools.
"Welcome to Duskdraw Falls," the dragon mother announces, bemused.
"Eranex, like her father before her, lairs in the caverns behind the water. I can't say I've ventured inside, myself. At least we shouldn't have need to worry whether she's at home. I've never seen her stray very far, and certainly not for long."
"It's very pretty," Syretia observes. "Should we go inside, or just wait for her to come to greet us?"
Always best to announce yourself when you are sure you mean peace, right lass? Brandt smiles at Syretia before dismounting and walking over to the cave entrance. He pounds the butt end of his Ulfen axe against the stone, hardwood making as loud a noise as he could,
Greetings Eranex! I am Brandt, Son of Oluff the Tall; General of Charis, and devotee of Erastil. His Grace, Baron Christian D'Elgatine, Lord of Charis by the Tuskwater, seeks audience with you, respectfully. the Ulfen finishes, looking over his companions hopeful that standing in front of the second cave with a dragon in it will go as well for him.
"I think I want a home near here" He admires, then nods to Brandt's choice.
Huh. Brandt's got a good clear voice. I wonder if he knows how to sing? Bydar makes sure his glaive is at rest and not in a threatening pose or anything that might be seen as such.
Now we are going to meet another dragon. How should we proceed...I mean this is a dragon and it is not like a book on dragon court etiquette for dummies. Dragons are territorial so....
Christian is drawn from his thoughts as Brand speaks up.
You would make a fair herald. Nicely done.
Christian dismounts and leaves his polearm with his horse. Looking at the magnificence that is Duskdraw Falls brings an appreciative nod to his face.
...a calming view to say the least.
He straightens his clothing as he prepares to meet yet another dragon but pasues as he looks at the symbol of Argent Dracos that hangs from his belt.
Apsu, even though I do not worship you...I still hold your teachings in high regards. I can only imagine that you are watching us right now.
walk with me
The mercenary leader steps out in the open to stand beside his companions.
Booker sticks to the back of the pack. Apothyl can obviously be trusted since she knows some good product when she sees it, but I ain't takin' any risks wit' ah whole othah Dragon!
Syretia hops down from her horse and steps up to stand behind and to the side of Christian, trying to look tall. She nervously tries straighten out the wrinkles in her traveling cloak, to no avail.
The echoes of Brandt's booming voice fade into nothingness among the crevices of the surrounding cliffs and foothills, eventually leaving only the sounds of the wind and rushing water to form the background of your conversations.
You wait amid the rocks and water, waiting awkwardly as nothing happens. Your patience is rewarded, though, as a dragon with shimmering, silver scales emerges from behind the waterfall. With preternatural grace she surmounts a rocky precipice.
Free from the shadows cast by the cliffs and caves, basking in the afternoon light, Eranex briefly stretches her wings - thus revealing the vine-like patterns adorning their membranes. What's more, you can plainly see that she is also much larger than Apothyl.
From her perch, she looks down to appraise the visitors calling at her home. With a sound like a deep sigh, a plume of purple smoke escapes her maw.
"If this is some manner of practical joke, Apothyl, I can't say that I understand it," Eranex muses, the emotion in her voice hard to read.
Brandt bows, somewhat nervously, when he sees the massive creature emerge from the cave, he then casts a sidelong look at Christian, and makes talking gestures with his hands.
A nod to Lord Christian and a soft voice "Be happy to back you up in diplomacy, Lord, but I do think perhaps your Order and this happening maybe more than coincidental"
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The mercenary lord looks from Brand to Bydar to the others. Droplets of nervous perspiration gather around his forehead as he walks forward.
...maybe, we shall soon see.
Come on bladder do not do this....hold it in Christian.
With a slow and respectful bow, christian mentally prepares himself.
Greetings Eranex, I apologize for the intrusion into your lands. Apothyl has warned us that our path would take us into your territory and even though our time is precious at this moment, I felt it important to present ourselves to you before we traverse your lands too much. It is your territory that we trespass on and I wish no disrespect to be taken. I am Lord Christian D`Elagante of Charis. These are my companions and members of the court.
Christian lets the word roll off his tongue as he introduces each member of the party.
Yes she can kill you with a tail slap but there are more important things right now
Christian remains still as he looks up at the silver dragon. He knows that he is insignificant to this creature but holds himself straight and with dignity.
Lock your fear in a box and put it down deep, deep inside.
Mighty Eranex, I stand before you and with humility and beg a boon of thee. As I stated before, our time is precious and therefore I will speak plainly.
He looks from the Apothyl to his companions and back to Eranex.
Here goes nothing
My companions and I recently recovered a dragon egg and while we were in the process of figuring out who the parents were, we encountered Apothyl who is the mother. Now the whole story is long and complicated but I will forgo it for now. The problem is that her mate has lost all hope of recovering their egg. His grief was so great that it turn to anger. He has fallen and destroyed a village north of here by the name of Nivakta's Crossing. We are traveling there now to confront him. It is our wish to bring him back from this dark path...and if he will not...we will do what we can to stop him from harming anymore innocent lives.
Christian's voice keeps it's respectful tone as he continues.
The boon that I ask is thus. We wish to pass through your lair. I am to understand that it will be faster to travel this way than to traverse the mountains. The longer Mercifax is about the more danger that can befall the area.
With those words spoken, Christian awaits her response.
Orlog has to pick back up his jaw when he sees the new dragon. "By Torag's beard, I've never anything like... like her before. And to think that she is still considered young. Can you imagine when she reach her final size?"
"...puh-lease?" Booker adds at the end of Lord Christian's speech. "And a jar of marmalade on the house?" he continues, pulling a jar out of his bag.
________
Syretia remains silent, her mouth unconsciously parted in awe by the sight of Eranex. She does her very best to commit every aspect of the enormous dragon's appearance to memory, certain that this is a once in a lifetime experience.
Bydar nods Orlog, he too is imagining, and it's easy to see why anyone would be nervous.
As Lord Christian speaks Bydar nods softly. The warrior is a skilled speaker and makes their hopes known in full.
Then booker offers to quite literally sweeten the deal, and the cleric of Shelyn has to fight the urge to laugh. He succeeds, but a large smile breaks on his face.
You know what? I should speak up as well, but seriously? How am I going to top that?
Christian keeps his composure as he speaks to the new dragon. He maintain eye contact with her.
A keen and wary eye can notice that Booker's mention of marmalade elicits a hungry flick of Apothyl's tongue, though she tries to hide this gesture which betrays her subconscious. As for Eranex, her reaction is less open and harder to immediately gauge.
"You would seek free rein of my father's lair? Well, so would I," the mighty silver cryptically responds. "Your arrival was not foretold, but perhaps it will be a favorable stroke of luck. You certainly carry an air of bravery and nobility. Most of you, at least."
With a great, some might say overly dramatic leap down from her perch - sending great sprays of water like a breaking wave - she lands much closer at hand. The proximity only serves to further emphasize the size different between Eranex and yourselves.
"If only I were here merely to learn about my long-vanished sire, but the truth is that I have been dispatched by my master upon a quest - a quest which now finds me facing unexpected opposition. Hear my plight, and I will lend ear to yours."
Apothyl lowers her head, though not in deference to Eranex but rather to whisper to you.
"She always speaks like this. I don't quite understand it, either. I prefer a straightforward joke to a roundabout riddle."
Christian's eye grow large as the dragon leaps down from her perch. He soon recovers from his fear and bows slightly.
Your tale is welcomed and we await your words. Please go on.
His voices is soft and soothing.
Booker nods his head knowingly as the Dragon tries to hide her hunger. I'll leave ah lil something for her!
He waits patiently for Dragon Storytime.
A hungry glint appears in Syretia's eye at the very idea of hearing Eranex's tale. This is going to be one Hell of a story!
Bydar is as intrigued as his compatriots
Brandt, somewhat in awe of the massive draconic figure, squats down to listen to the somewhat archaic speech of the dragon, He is reminded of time among the skalds of his people, where tales were told in ancient cadence among the smoke and mead of the halls of the Ulfen.
"From my home I have ventured, hailing from the First World, and here I wait in service to Shyka the Many. They foretold that an artifact of great power would appear here, within the depths of my father's old lair. Thus do I wait and watch to intercept its arrival, but I am opposed in this aim.
"Orsig, an agent of Count Ranalc, has also ensconced himself within. He lies in wait for the artifact, presumably in hopes that it can somehow lift his patron's banishment. He and his cohorts continue to pollute this place with their presence. Although I have vowed that, on my father's honor, all the wicked shall know my vengeful absolution, I must concede that I have been unable to drive them out on my own."
Brandt looks somewhat confused, as if there were more parts to the story he didn’t hear yet, but knowing that the massive dragon wanted their help in driving someone out of her caves.
"M'Lord, is she sayin' we oughta fight wit' her? Ah Dragon? Wants us tah fight wit' her?" Booker asks with disbelief. Jeepers, ain't this gonna be ah story fer tha gran kids!
________
Bydar's brow knits in concentration, not for the first time, he wishes he remembered more of what an old rambling priest used to go on about during his training. At the time he never thought he'd use it.
Christian listens intently as the dragon speaks. The names she mentions bring a blank look of understanding. He wades onward with little knowledge of who is who.
Eranex...you want us to help you with this task?
Christian looks from the silver dragon to the area that he presumes is the lair, then to east and the copper dragon Mercifax. He brings his attention back to the silver dragon.
This will be hard to pull off.
Not that I am oppose to this...but there is a tarnished copper dragon terrorizing across the eastern landscape. Destroyed Fort Serenko and Nivakta's Crossing already. Time is not our ally right now. He needs to be stopped before more innocent lives are lost. Either by redeeming him or...brought down.
Christian again looks off to the distance east.
Damn it! This is bad timing.
Please tell me what it is you are wanting from us?
"M'Lord, is she sayin' we oughta fight wit' her? Ah Dragon? Wants us tah fight wit' her?" Booker asks with disbelief. Jeepers, ain't this gonna be ah story fer tha gran kids!
________
[dice=Nature]1d20+11
Christian nods at Booker with agreement.