Cenna makes sure she doesn't speak in the past tense. "What's the name of your village?"
The Gardeners...
Christian pauses as he listens and decides to wait to pass on his little knowledge of them to the others.
Now is not the time to speak about those bastards.
Samil I want you to take this bead and toss gently on the group right over there.
Christian helps the child do so and waits.
He motions for Elish to come over to him and he whispers a magical phrase into her ear.
That word will operate the bead and create a campfire for us to sleep by for most of the night. Go ahead...try it out.
The children hail from a village called Old Hill, perched above a creek a day-and-a-half's ride north from Halvon on the Boarwood, Elish explains with a natural, practiced efficiency that suggests her grandparents drilled the explanation into her mind, in case she and her brother ever got lost.
The children can only say of the Gray Gardeners that they weren't supposed to ever talk about them, but they knew that they were responsible for making many other people besides their parents go away.
Lord Christian has heard a nasty tale or two about them. The Gray Gardeners were a group of masked executioners that formed in the aftermath of Galt's revolution. While ostensibly meant to eliminate "enemies of the revolution" who might threaten Galt's new "egalitarian society," in actuality they were little more than thugs, vigilantes, and murderers who were quite divorced from sane definitions of justice.
Bydar listens as the children tell the name of their village to Cenna, then smiles as the campfire bead is used.
Christian's a decent soul... truth, all of my companions seem to be.
Christian waits till he is out of earshot of the kids to pass along his knowledge of the Gardeners.
They are a mob whose idea of justice fluctuates as easily as the tides ebb and flow. In my opinion...they crave chaos more than justice.
He looks to the children with concern.
I think we should return home with the kids right away. Traveling into the unknown wilderness with them is dangerous. The deserve some stability after so much trauma.
"We've no right to put them in more jeopardy," Bydar agrees.
Elenora thinks the kids have handled themselves beautifully in the wake of danger and despair, but is not opposed to heading home. The outing has been a pleasant diversion to bookkeeping.
Cenna removes her boots and warms her feet by the fire, wiggling her toes in the threadbare socks. "If we're south of the Mudbowl then I think this is the Shrike or the Little Sellen. Rivers are a natural barrier. It's probably worthwhile to establish a border outpost here sooner rather than later. And reach out to the Lizardfolk village nearby to let them know of their new neighbors and allies." The sorceress speaks obliquely, avoiding any mention of the larger threats to the burgeoning kingdom. The children don't need to feel any less safe at the moment.
Christian pulls forth some very nice maps.
I agree with your assessment, and I think we are in this area right around here.
Looking to the structure and then at the children.
It is settled then, we head for home.
Smiling at Bydar.
I think you already have an idea of what the new structure will look like. So go ahead and put your thoughts to paper. Get some measurements as Cavan will want those.
The lord then turns to Elenora.
We have some time as we travel home. Would you please put together an estimate on what you feel would be the cost of repairing this crossing.
Cenna uses a simple spell to prestidigitate the dirt off her clothes and body. She looks to the children afterwards. "Do you want to try it? It's not as nice as a bath and it tickles a little bit."
Elenora worries her lower lip a little in thought, "Aye, sir, will do, but can't do, at least not here." the plump accountant holds up her hand in stalling of a great lord's disappointment "I mean, I'm not a building type, lord, just a counting type. I'll measure, and scoop up some soil, but'll need to talk to some of your people back home about time, materials, and general grief the project will take, then add 25% percent cause no one ever finishes on time and in budget. I'll get it for you sir, and it'll be as accurate an estimate can be, given the very nature of the word estimate and all, just need a touch of expert time to do so." if one was a sailor, one might say her long winded answer would fill an entire sail here and back again.
Smiling at Bydar.
I think you already have an idea of what the new structure will look like. So go ahead and put your thoughts to paper. Get some measurements as Cavan will want those.
"I think we can manage mix of beauty and utility" He nods with interest. Ideas do come to him.
He hears Elnora talk, "Master Brightshield and I might be able to help you with some of the technical aspects , Miss Elnora, if you like."
Elenora flashes Bydar a thankful grin "Excellent, lordship. You help me with the amounts, I'll provide the worth, then the task'll get done and trade will flow evermore." she does seem rather pleased with that prospect.
Game date: 1 Desnus, 4720 AR
Cool with passing clouds, with rain likely tomorrow. High of 64 F (17.8 C), low of 39 (3.9).
Sunrise: 6:40 AM (twilight began at 6:02 AM)
Sunset: 8:13 PM (twilight ends at 9:38 PM)
Length of Visible Light: 15h 36m
Length of Day : 13h 33m
It had been a long year for the kingdom of Charis. New settlers had flooded into the little kingdom, pushing the developed land up from the shores of the Tuskwater all the way to the South Rostland Road. Farms now dotted the roads that tracked through once-trackless plains and fishing boats ply the brown waters of the Tuskwater under the watchful eye of the growing city.
Many of these folk were the hardy refugees from various disasters- the destruction of Fort Serenko and the tragedy of Galt primary among them. Others were settlers sent from Restov or Silverhall. Some had just wandered in and settled down. The winter had been hard but spring had eventually come and with it, new life and the promise of a better future.
Friends had come and gone, with only the Baron himself, Christian D'Elegante, remaining in active duty in the field. His old companions had retired from the adventuring life to focus on running the kingdom or on other activities. Brave new heroes had stepped into the gap and now the storytellers the taverns spoke of Aelbourne the bandit killer, deadly Aldrea the sharpshooter, good lady Elaina the healer, little Cenna the kick-ass tattooist, and Zarrin Dusk, former Varnling.
In fact, it is a celebration of the future that has the esteemed party in the frontier town of Bellis today, halfway between Charis and Varnold on the western bank of the Crooked River. The independent little town had been founded by survivors of Fort Serenko and they were doing well for themselves. Zarrin had received a simple but pretty invitation on handmade paper to the leader of his old band's wedding, and the leadership of Charis had decided to attend as a show of cooperation with the kingdom to the east.
Bellis is a pretty little town, with flower gardens in front of well kept houses, neat farmsteads supplying food, and keelboats in the Crooked River. It is a pleasant scene and the gods have blessed the day by keeping the rain away for one more day. It is just after noon- the festivities are planned late enough to allow everyone to complete their necessary chores and come celebrate with the happy couple. In the distance, a dog barks, children laugh, and the bees hum while gathering pollen.
Festivities for the wedding stretch from the stone chapel and rose gardens of Shelyn, past a large open-air tent, and down to the sun-drenched, tree-lined banks of Stillwater Creek. Music and laughter fill the air, with partygoers calling out for attendees to join their games and merrymaking.
Cenna arrives in town a bit early bringing with her what she needs to create Henna Tattoos, something she can paint on the children for the festival that will wash away in a day or three. She also makes sure that she brings enough supplies for face painting the children, any animals she can handle though she herself prefers to paint dragon faces on the children. All free of charge for purposes of the festival.
She checks in with the local leadership for the best place to set herself up. Before she takes a seat for a potentially long day of painting, she walks the town to meet people and just get a lay of the land as she had never had reason to come in this direction before.
The noble mercenary arrives to the festivities by way of a simple wagon and a few extra horses. No fanfare, no guards, just him, Ohma and Hjorleaf. Them and of course the wagon is filled with Ohma's specials. A select mixture of meads, cordials, wines and beer. He is polite and kind to his hosts.
I am very thankful for the invitation and wish the happy couple a joyous marriage.
As the festivities continues throughout the day, Christian presents a gift for the couple.
May it bring you luck, good fortune, and ward off evil spirits. I pray to the gods that it will collect all the hope ones needs to create a happy and joyous life together.
The silver carving resembles a dragon with its wings furled out to form shape similar to a horseshoe. The wing tips can be used to hang the carving over the threshold of their home.
Christian has red pants, white shirt and a black doublet. Over this ensemble is a travel coat of black with silver trim. The outfit is simple yet stylish.
Ohma mingles as best as her old bones will allow her. The simple wool dress continues to remain clean as she consumes more and more mead over the night.
Hjorleaf follows her around keeping her out of trouble. This man stands over seven feet in height and boasts a huge physique. His skin is pale, and his face carries a full beard and long braided blonde hair. Furs adorn his shoulders, and a large drinking horn made from a mammoth tusk rest along his side. He says little but remains courteous to those around him.
Zarrin wanders into Bellis at what would be a fashionably late time for normal people. However, over the last few years, the ranger has grown less and less concerned with the trappings of civilization. He did not lose track of time nor is he unable to determine the hour. He just no longer really cares about such things.
So it was that he strolled into town a few hours after midday, dressed in the greens and browns of Erastil. The stag, scared animal of Old Deadeye, is emblazoned in the center of his armor. A longbow and quiver are slung over his back, and a longsword hangs at his side.
He seeks out his old friend almost immediately smiling warmly when he sees him all dressed up for the ceremony. "As my father was fond of saying, stick a fork you. You're done." Zarrin quips in good-natured jest.
Cenna arrives in town a bit early bringing with her what she needs to create Henna Tattoos, something she can paint on the children for the festival that will wash away in a day or three. She also makes sure that she brings enough supplies for face painting the children, any animals she can handle though she herself prefers to paint dragon faces on the children. All free of charge for purposes of the festival.
She checks in with the local leadership for the best place to set herself up. Before she takes a seat for a potentially long day of painting, she walks the town to meet people and just get a lay of the land as she had never had reason to come in this direction before.
When Cenna arrives in the morning she finds a harried gnome woman named Mertis Cobblestocking in charge of organizing the festivities. Appreciative of Cenna's free entertainment, she is quite busy with the various tents and the catering to organize. Mertis sets Cenna up under the shade of a massive oak tree near a smooth floor that's been prepared for musicians and dancing and hurries off to supervise the caterers.
Before the wedding celebration kicks off, a good looking half-elven man comes up and introduces himself. "Hi, I'm Parmis." He has a bright smile and a warm, friendly expression. "I guess I'm in charge of the music." Parmis gestures down at Cenna's henna and brushes and grins. "Could I get one before we start?"
Cenna grins at Mertis, "Thank you!"
She sets herself up, and looks up as Parmis arrives, [bb]"Well met Parmis. IN that case we will be seeing a lot of each otehr today.
Absolutely, my first customer of the day! What would you like? Most often the henna is applied to the back of the hand. Which hand do you prefer? Any deign specifically or just whatever I come up with?"[/b]
The noble mercenary arrives to the festivities by way of a simple wagon and a few extra horses. No fanfare, no guards, just him, Ohma and Hjorleaf. Them and of course the wagon is filled with Ohma's specials. A select mixture of meads, cordials, wines and beer. He is polite and kind to his hosts.
I am very thankful for the invitation and wish the happy couple a joyous marriage.
Lord Christian is greeted by an extremely busy gnome woman named Mertis Cobblestocking. She introduces herself to the Baron as one of Bellis's councilors and the owner of Three Mead Tavern, explaining that Bellis prides itself on its honey products, including mead. Christian thinks he's heard something to that effect before, but the small town's trade would flow east into Varnhold or north into Restov rather than west into Charis so he has yet to experience it for himself. He even has a vague memory of someone mentioning that the little town has an annual honey festival but Christian has never attended.
She thanks him for the drinks and takes him over to the feast tent , where delicious smells already emanate from the large, open-sided canvas tent. An auburn haired woman wearing the holy symbol of Cayden Cailean is in charge of the catering, commanding the folks preparing to serve the food and drinks as well as the cooks with the air of a general surveying her army. Several townsfolk man cookfires and grills behind the open-air tent, and the woman- Revas Benwold- moves back and forth between the cooks and servers with a smile on her face and encouragement on her lips. She grins at Christian.
"Well, we'll see how your stuff holds up against ours. Maybe next year you can enter the competition!"
As the festivities continues throughout the day, Christian presents a gift for the couple.
May it bring you luck, good fortune, and ward off evil spirits. I pray to the gods that it will collect all the hope ones needs to create a happy and joyous life together.The silver carving resembles a dragon with its wings furled out to form shape similar to a horseshoe. The wing tips can be used to hang the carving over the threshold of their home.
Christian has red pants, white shirt and a black doublet. Over this ensemble is a travel coat of black with silver trim. The outfit is simple yet stylish.
Ohma mingles as best as her old bones will allow her. The simple wool dress continues to remain clean as she consumes more and more mead over the night.
Hjorleaf follows her around keeping her out of trouble. This man stands over seven feet in height and boasts a huge physique. His skin is pale, and his face carries a full beard and long braided blonde hair. Furs adorn his shoulders, and a large drinking horn made from a mammoth tusk rest along his side. He says little but remains courteous to those around him.
The happy couple is Zarrin's friend Elyin Ursage, a red-haired, heavily bearded man maybe ten years older than Christian, and Kailah Winmede, a fiery young redhead probably 2 decades younger with a smile on her face like she's just won the greatest prize in the world. She beams at Christian and while Elyin looks like the kind of man who usually doesn't crack a smile, even he looks happy. "Thank you, Lord Christian." He glances at Kailah, clinging to his arm, and smiles. "I am sure it will be a blessing."
Hjorleaf and Ohma find a wide array of distractions. First is the Lover's Bridge , where several children are dangling fishing poles into the creek below- when one catches a fish, they immediately jump up and run toward the feast tent to deliver their catch for the fish fry.
There is the feast tent itself , where anyone can get food and most carry their wooden plates off to sit on the grass or under the trees elsewhere.
Elyin and Kailah greet their visitors in the decorative gazebo at the bottom of a natural ampitheater , at the end of a freshly graveled path strewn with flower petals.
To the north near the creek under the shade of a several massive oak trees, musicians perform a wide variety of songs for dancing and happy folk whirl beneath the colorful streamers and lanterns hung between the trees. Cenna is set up here, as well, and she has a steady stream of business for her henna tattoos.
Hidden by the treeline behind the gazebo, the clang of horseshoes against iron posts and excited shouts announces a horseshoe pit . A handful of watchers and players mill about, and a massive half-orc is trying to organize a tournament for after the wedding.
To the northeast, apart from the boisterous crowd, sits a well-shaded stone structure surrounded by rosebushes. A pair of wooden doors carved with chasings of amorous satyrs and nymphs leads inside. The entire structure of the chapel to Shelyn looks almost brand-new. The doors are unlocked and the wedding gifts are neatly piled inside for safekeeping.
South of Shelyn's chapel, a wide path leads to a maze of thick, ten foot tall hedges with songbirds nesting within. A few wedding guests stand at the entrance, while occasionally one or two will venture inside to explore the rose gardens and statues inside.
Cenna grins at Mertis, "Thank you!"
She sets herself up, and looks up as Parmis arrives, "Well met Parmis. IN that case we will be seeing a lot of each otehr today.
Absolutely, my first customer of the day! What would you like? Most often the henna is applied to the back of the hand. Which hand do you prefer? Any deign specifically or just whatever I come up with?"
Parmis shrugs and sits down across from Cenna, a smile on his face. "Whatever you want!" He has long, dextrous fingers with guitar player's callouses on the fingertips and his hands have swordsman's callouses on the palm. "You're not from around here. How do you know Elyin and Kailah?"
Zarrin wanders into Bellis at what would be a fashionably late time for normal people. However, over the last few years, the ranger has grown less and less concerned with the trappings of civilization. He did not lose track of time nor is he unable to determine the hour. He just no longer really cares about such things.
So it was that he strolled into town a few hours after midday, dressed in the greens and browns of Erastil. The stag, scared animal of Old Deadeye, is emblazoned in the center of his armor. A longbow and quiver are slung over his back, and a longsword hangs at his side.
He seeks out his old friend almost immediately smiling warmly when he sees him all dressed up for the ceremony. "As my father was fond of saying, stick a fork you. You're done." Zarrin quips in good-natured jest.
Elyin indeed looks out of character for the way Zarrin remembers him. The half-elven leader of the Foresthawks was always serious and quiet in his soft leathers, but now he's in a suit that wouldn't be out of place on a Restov street and he looks happier than Zarrin remembers ever seeing him. He leans forward to clap Zarrin on the arm. "Ha! Just wait til it's your turn, buddy! I'll make sure we come and get you so drunk you won't be able to walk down the aisle straight! How have you been, man?"
Aldrea, stands a bit off to the side. These shindigs were not really her scene. Too much fancy dresses and shoes. She wasn't one for dresses. It restricted movement too much, and always gets tangled up in her gear. So here she is, in more masculine attire. Besides. It helps keeps her bandages out of view. Well, most of them anyway. At least the rest seem to be enjoying themselves. That's a good thing. No need to sour everyone else's mood just because she didn't like a setting
Cenna grins back, "No, I've been lots of places but most recently I've settled in Charis. Lord Christian and his allies asked me to stay, and they gave me a compelling enough reason to do so.
I am here to show support for a neighboring realm, so this is more of a diplomatic visit than a personal one as I've never met Elyin and Kailah before. Plus Zarrin said he didn't want to miss out and how could I say no to two of my friends asking me to come along?
Plus whenever I can ply my chosen craft for children, it's a good day."
She begins the tattoo designing a dragon, her favorite subject, on Parmis' hand.
"Since you're in charge of music, let's call this a Song Dragon. A Dragon with the heart of a bard and the voice of a Siren.
What about you, how long have you been in Bellis?"
"Well, we'll see how your stuff holds up against ours...
Christian smiles brightly and then his laughter is let out.
Every pallet is different. I appreciate the offer. Today is not about our libations. We are here to celebrate this union with good friends and making new friends.
Elaina Newberry loves weddings! And for this wedding she had even managed to get out of bed uncharacteristically early to complete vital tasks. She's wearing her usual priestess robes, silks in a cascade of rainbow colors, which stand out even at a wedding, though not near as much as they usually stand out against the drab greens and browns normally worn by the denizens of the sodden lands. Much of the festivities already chime with the priestess and, though her time here has been short, she can accurately declare that she loves Bellis, especially the flower laden front gardens (which are very difficult not to rob of their flowers), talk of honey mead (there will be free samples, right?), as well as the smartly decorated temple to Shelyn, one of her own favored goddesses.
But today is not about her or her desires, beyond her desire for the bride and groom to have a happy marriage. To help facilitate that, the priestess of the Radiant Prism marches up to the happy couple, her long red braids bouncing with each step, to present them with her wedding gift. She knows most couples might prefer wrapped gifts, but hers needs a small amount of explaining to explain its relevance. "Hello!" She introduces herself exuberantly, beaming. "And the Sanctuary of the Refracted Light" - her current working name for her temple to the Radiant Prism, subject to change - "Sends their greetings, and wishes for you a happy, long-lasting marriage! Oh, I'm Elaina Newberry, by the way."
From her pockets she fishes two rose gold lockets on rose gold chains. The lockets are somewhat of an awkward shape; one is the left wing of a songbird, the other the right wing of a butterfly. The pair can mate, interlocking along a shared inner edge to create one set of wings, the pattern on the wings forming a rose when connected. Opening the lockets reveals, as one would expect, a spot in each one for the couple to mount tiny portraits of the other but, more noticeably, a soft, faint, orange-yellow light spills from the lockets. "I got up, I don't know, a hundred hours ago - and I am exhausted! - to capture the rays of the rising sun this morning in these lockets!" She hands the lockets over and steps back, positively beaming at the couple. "Now you'll always be able to see the sunrise on your wedding day."
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Her hand darts into her pocket once more and draws a tiny black bottle with embossed gold lettering and filigrees. She steps up to Elyin, slipping the bottle into his palm and closes both her hands around his, not that her tiny hands could actually engulf the big man's own. "This is royal honey!" She says, almost in a whisper. "It's not for the wedding. Well, it is for the wedding, but not the wedding wedding. It's for... well... after the wedding, but before... well... You know." She nods not-so-subtly at the bride, smiling at the two of them, a slight pink blush to her cheeks. "Well, I'm sure you two will figure it out!"
Plus whenever I can ply my chosen craft for children, it's a good day."[/b]
She begins the tattoo designing a dragon, her favorite subject, on Parmis' hand.
"Since you're in charge of music, let's call this a Song Dragon. A Dragon with the heart of a bard and the voice of a Siren.
What about you, how long have you been in Bellis?"
Parmis nods along with Cenna's comments, agreeing that children are always enthusiastic audiences. He smiles at the tattoo suggestion. "That sounds fantastic!"
"Me? Hmm. A couple of years. I was in Fort Serenko when that dragon destroyed it. Some survivors went up to Restov, some other places, but a lot of us came here." He shrugged, his smile fading at the still-recent memory. "That was the worst thing I've ever seen. Did you even know that stone could melt? I didn't."
The half-elf takes a deep breath and nods to the west, indicating Charis. "Calistria sent a blessing when your Lord Christian killed that thing."
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Her hand darts into her pocket once more and draws a tiny black bottle with embossed gold lettering and filigrees. She steps up to Elyin, slipping the bottle into his palm and closes both her hands around his, not that her tiny hands could actually engulf the big man's own. "This is royal honey!" She says, almost in a whisper. "It's not for the wedding. Well, it is for the wedding, but not the wedding wedding. It's for... well... after the wedding, but before... well... You know." She nods not-so-subtly at the bride, smiling at the two of them, a slight pink blush to her cheeks. "Well, I'm sure you two will figure it out!"
Kailah laughs and pats Elyin on the shoulder, shooting him a grin. "He doesn't need that, let me tell you," she says, "but we're always happy to try something new." The older, bearded groom nods and smiles as well, clearly enjoying being with his young bride.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts," the couple says to her as another group of well wishers comes up behind Elaina.
The festivities continue for a few hours until mid-afternoon when everyone is ushered into the ampitheater for the ceremony. As everyone quiets down, a sudden swell of music announces the bride and groom’s approach. Kailah and Elyin emerge from the chapel of Shelyn with the priestess Viviana by their side. Bridesmaids and musicians follow behind. Once the procession reaches the gazebo, Viviana announces a song about unexpected love from Shelyn’s Melodies of Inner Beauty. She nods briefly to the musicians for accompaniment and starts to sing.
Elaina grins, face flushed. She can already imagine all the little babies running around... "Well I would love to see you two in the congregation if you ever get around to visting Chaise! And I know you said you don't need any help..." She winks at Elyin, then at Kailah. "Buuuut if you ever have any problems, problems of the heart, problems of the body, problems of the bedroom... Well, I'm pretty much an expert! Also I'm available to babysit whenever, like, whenever." They're so adorable I'm gonna die! She cannot hog the bride and groom to herself - much as she might like to - forever, so she excuses herself to find the mead.
~~~~~
"Bees? Luckily I speak bee." Elaina says quietly to herself whence she hears them. Well not bee per se, but Sylvan, which is probably what bees would speak if they could speak. She's also quite the dancer, which is how bees actually speak. Not only is she an expert in relationships, she's an expert in bees. The last thing she wants to do is interrupt the ceremony, especially with one of her favorite songs being performed, so she contemplates slipping out unobserved. Bees aren't hostile, normally, but these are odd days, and bees can be dangerous if angered. As much as she hates to plan to murder the bees indiscriminately, she can't actually herd the bees away on her own, so she needs some help. Looking around the crowd, which is more difficult than one might imagine as Elaina is quite short, she spots just the girl.
Gracefully making her way through the audience, Elaina slips quietly behind the cute sorceress. "Cennaaaaaaa!" She whispers, grabbing the womans hand and squeezing it. "Those tattoos you make are so so so so beautiful! Also could you help me maybe kill some bees I don't want to hurt them but I know you can summon fire or maybe summon a bee keeper or something I think they're in the trees behind the gazebo and if we molest them with our music and they attack then bee-people relationships will be at an all time low also we need to be quite about it I don't want to disturb the ceremony!"
Even with her earplugs, she picks up on the buzzing. A swarm of bees she wouldn't be able to do much against, but nonetheless, she reaches to get her weapon of choice. These lands, from what she has gathered, aren't strictly safe... Yet
"We may have unwanted and very dangerous guests" she warns those around her
Cenna does her best to hold back from frowning at Parmis' statement, while she certainly understood that some Dragons had the capacity to ruin lives, many lives, the callousness of celebrating their deaths just didn't sit right with her. Especially considering her own heritage.
"Thankfully, Lord Christian is a wise man and was able to resolve the problem". She leaves it at that as she finishes his tattoo.
-------
Cenna takes a seat in the back after all she is a very extended acquaintance at best for this event.
Perception
Cenna nods at Elaina, "I hear it too, good idea. I just hope I don't need to slay hordes of innocent bees right now, and if I do, I'll want to know who's behind this and why. Because that sounds like a helluva lot of bees". She stands up at Elaina's suggestion.
"I have been well my old friend, and it is truly good to you so happy. We are all fond of Kailah as well. Dorin, Galadon, and I had a running bet to see how long it would take for you to get the courage to ask her hand." He wisely avoids saying anything more.
He quietly takes his place among the assembled guests, sitting on the grooms side two rows from the front . He has kept is weapons close at hand, as it was Nirmathai tradition for close friends of the groom to 'defend the honor' of the wedded couple, should there be any objections. This also meant that he was a bit more alert to any potential troubles, so he too hears the bees.
Cinna and Elaina are still talking and Aldrea warning those around her when Viviana suddenly stops and gasps in pain, swatting a bee on her forearm. A low, booming buzz then erupts from the treeline behind her as thousands upon thousands of bees rise into the air. The roiling mass of insects heads straight into the gathered crowd, eliciting screams of terror. Most of the crowd panics, scattering in every direction and pushing, shoving, and tripping over each other as they run to get away.
Knowing she has no chance to fight a swarm, not to mention a swarm that big, she elects herself to help get the people to safety, and also make sure the bride and groom gets out without too much harm
Buzzing...could that be bees. What is going on?
His voice is calm and clear due to many years of issuing orders in the middle of battle.
Crowd control...great.
All guest move as quickly as you can towards the feast tent. Move quickly but be careful of those with you and around you, we do not want anyone hurt. Get to the tent and we will use it to block out the bees.
I am at a wedding not arms or armor on me...that would not be proper. oh joy this will be fun.
His voice turns towards a more professional demeanor.
Hjorleaf, get these people to safety. Once in that tent drop it on your heads. All those that cannot affect these bees help get the people to the tent.
He looks to the bees
Cenna, Elaina...I need magic on those bees. Anything that can disrupt them or destroy them. We have civilians in the area, so be careful.
Elaina puts a hand to her rainbow-covered chest. "Well I hardly would expect me to have spells to use againt bees! Bees are practically my favorite!" The priestess says placidly. Regardless, she raises her holy symbol and summons a burst of radiant sunlight betwixt the swarms. It should hit both of them, but unless these happen to be particularly evil bees it will have little effect.
Invoking the power of the very sun itself, Elaina scorches the swarms. Hundreds of bees burn to a crisp and fall out of the air but that leaves thousands to still threaten the crowd.
Aldrea helps direct people away from danger along with Christian's big, bearded companion. The crowd seems to be listening to Lord Christian's suggestion and moves toward the feast tent.
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Cenna grimaces, having to slay hundreds if not thousands of bees makes her very unhappy, she begins casting a fireball to double up on Elaina's burn them out of the sky approach, all the while thinking about how she will enjoy firing such a ball at the perpetrator of this attack...
Fireball (spell specialization) - DC 18 Reflex Save
"Woohoo! The first fireball of the day!"
Knowing he can't do much against swarms, Zarrin hops up on a table or similar lofty perch, and takes a steady aim with his bow. He peers around, trying to find who or whatever unleashed the bees.
The fireball explodes overhead, crisping most of the bees. One of the swarms is so badly damaged the rest lose their focus entirely and dissipate back into random individuals. The other seems to be barely hanging on.
A ringing voice booms out of the empty air over their heads. The voice is louder than a giant, louder than an entire choir of people. "Fools! You shall rue the day you shunned my pallid condition and laughed at my losses! Know your doom has come! When Lady Rhoswen arrives, all will perish—you will choke upon her mist, die by her thorns, and fall before her armies! May you forever suffer the curses of the Fellnight fey! Tenzekil shall have his revenge on you all!”
Zarrin peers around, looking for the source of the voice or any other threats but doesn't spot anything out of the ordinary outside the scrambling crowd.
"What? Who's shouting? Whoever's shouting, stop shouting, you're not helping! Don't listen to the other persons shouting, everyone! Only listen to lord D'Elagante's shouting!" Elaina, being quite short, is easily lost in a crowd. Elaina casts a spell that makes her lighter than air. Well, not really, but it lets her walk on air, and she steps lively-ly into thin air, up and over the crowd. "Don't look up my skirt!"
Cenna casts See Invisibility and then begins to search for the figure to match the booming voice.
[ooc]Perception
Great, more f$!%ing fey
Christian also turns around looking for the voice.
assuming this person is...
Tenzekil, you are upset but taking out your anger this way is not the right path. Stand down before you get yourself hurt or more importantly...someone else gets hurt.
Maybe that will drag his ass out in the open
Still trying to help organise to getting people away from the angry bees, she mentally notes that this person could be a potential next target, but the note is fleeting, too much to do to care about that now
"If you value your life, I would suggest you quit hiding and reveal yourself." Aid Another on the good Lord, Intimidate[/ooc]
Zarrin takes aim in the general direction the voice is coming from, and nocks an arrow, waiting.
The group looks around for the source of the voice. Christian's sharp eyes spot movement near the mouth of the rose garden.
Meanwhile, the remaining swarm descends on a woman running toward the tent and she screams as the bees sting her to death. At nearly the same moment, a ring of thorny vines snake up out of the ground around the party, exploding into a wall 10 feet tall and 5 feet thick, trapping panicked townsfolk in with the visitors.
"Gah. Time to get to work!" as she takes aim at the visible intruders that isn't just a mass of bees, and takes her shots
"Trapped, wonderful".
Cenna is horrified to watch someone struck down by the Swarm. She grimaces and aims another fireball high to try and finish off its threat without actually killing anyone else.