Ana moans something indistinct as she wakes, a cry of fear or pain or... both. She feels her body, smiles weakly and looks over at Garland.
”Bastards! Ackh. I. Hate. Little. Faery. Bugs. I’m gonna kill ‘em and then squash them and then set fire to them. Twice.”
She sits thoughtful as Garland expresses her own dismay.
”I hear you Gar. So. We prepare. We do the ambushing. We get the ranged weapons we need. I think....yes...let’s use this as a learning opportunity. You fight well when you can rip and tear them. I can hit ‘em if they’re fairly not too far away. We just need to be smarter.”
The shop is unfortunately devoid of anything in cold iron, though you do see that they have some alchemist's fire and a thunderstone. Vivialla frowns as she watches Ques shop. Ummm...are you going to burn down the forest?
Srsiel heads to the Isker Smithy, and is met by Isker Euphram himself, a middle-aged human who was rumored to have been in the Taldan army for years. He seems to chew on the question, then nods to a table and some sling bullets. Those are all I got ready in cold iron...those bullets there, all 10 of em, are magicked too...fine weapon that...if you use a sling. He seems to imply that he, certainly, does not. [b]Other than that, I have some cold iron, but it's raw. Gotta' burn it low too, so I can make something for ya', but I couldn't have it ready for a day at least.
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Ques gulps. "You mean real wizard enchanted magic bullets? Wow! I don't think we can afford them. Maybe you could just cut that cold iron up into bits I guess we could use them in a sling. Hey, maybe you could just coat some normal arrows or bolts with this cold iron stuff.
"But I'm thinking I'd rather wait for you to make me some bolts and maybe I can buy a crossbow from someone. You got one of those here?"
"One things for sure. I am NOT going back out there without us being armed with cold iron."
Nodding at what Isker has to say, Arsiel grimaces. "Well master smith, can you craft a set of cold iron arrows? I think that's going to be fastest and I don't know how long the poor woman the monsters kidnapped has. "
Feeling glum, he returns to the Stoat to check on Ana and Garland. Assuming they are conscious he'll go in to see them.
"Hey, are you two alright, that was quite a scare you gave us. Those nasty little things were awful, combined with the tatzlwyrm, and the zombies we did not have a good day. If you are still willing to try and rescue the poor noblewoman, I'm having some cold iron arrows crafted should we encounter those things again. As soon as Smith Isker has them crafted I intend to return to the rescue, and I would really hope to have some help from you two out there." Arsiel looks between the two women, hopeful in their response.
Garland smiles, despite her injures, at the concern shown from Arsiel, "I think I need to see this through. At least until we figure out what has happened to Lady Argentea. Beyond that, I cannot say with any certainty."
Isker seems a bit taken aback by Ques at first, but then just shakes his head and sighs. Having known the impetuous youth at least somewhat, he grins and nods, then looks up at Arsiel. Indeed, friend...I know what yer doing out there, and we appreciate it, just so you know. This damned weather ain't right. I'll have 'em for you...come back this evenin'.
Anadorita nods.
"I'm ok Arsiel. A little lashing from pipsqueak fey won't keep me down. Besides, I bought all this snow gear, and can't stand not using it...."
The ganzi rises and heads to her family's tavern.
"Just gotta go take care of something" she says as she wanders off.
As soon as Ana enters the common room, Kale offers her one of her motherly glares and stomps over purposefully, brushing her hands on her apron. What are you doing up, young lady? You're supposed to be resting!
Ana brushes aside her mother’s care.
”Mother. I’m fine. I need rum. Or whiskey. Or...something.”
She catches her mother’s look.
”No! Not like that. I don’t want to drown my sorrows. I’ve seen enough sots and drunkards to know better. I want something explosive. A cocktail of flammable liquid...”
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Ques spends the day shopping and wheedling and trying to get the equipment he wants - a crossbow and some bolts, preferably cold iron if anyone has them and scrolls of healing of one sort or another. He summons Grey the following day to check on his condition. This is the first time he's ever dismissed the creature while ti was so severely injured. getting clobbered by his mother's rolling pin hardly counts.
Kale's eyes widen, as expected, then seem to narrow, and she gives a quick nod of understanding. That bad out there, is it dear? If there were anyone else that could do it...
She curses softly under her breath, then motions towards the bar, and the cellar beyond. Take what you need girl...but try to keep to the dusty bottles will you...they're not aged, that just means they're not selling.
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Ince Ques is able to get somewhere more private he retrieves his Eidolan from... wherever it goes, Grey is in just as bad shape as when he dismissed him. Thus he is forced to use up both of his spells to heal him (heal 16 HP).
"Well, Grey, that was a bit brutal. You weren't there for what happened later. Ana and Garland almost died and we have to go back if we want to finish the job - which I do. What is it like where you come from? Were you conscious after I dismissed you or did everything just pass in the blink of an eye?"
Once feeling up to it, Garland also gets out into town. She stops by Theodora's place for a quick visit and to check on how her own patients are doing. After the quick visit, she does a little bit of shopping to prepare for the eventual hike back into fey territory. Finally, she stops by her own house to off-load some unneeded equipment and rest a little bit.
Ana conducts a quick hack of her locks, feeling perhaps that if she can’t exactly change on the inside, a more ferocious externality might help.
In the morning Arsiel seems prepared to go, looking at Ana he double takes some, That's quite the change from last evening, feeling better are we?"
Garland joins the others and smiles at Ana, "I love the change. Remind to not to piss you off.
Ana smirks.
”Sure. Much better. Have crossbow, will travel.” she smiles, brandishing the powerful weapon.
”Also, I have exploding liquor!”
Grey seems to...stretch? It's an odd movement, but given the eidolon's anatomy, nearly any sort of move would seem odd. Young Ques, you cannot begin to understand the passage of time in the place whereupon I dwell. Why, it has been weeks since I was banished by that fell wyrm upon which I had hoped to make my mark. I've spent the time hunting the beasts of the shadowrealm for some small sustenance. I have come to cherish the time here, as your realm is so alive, so vibrant and full of color. It's nearly blinding in its brilliance.
You head out upon the road you'd traveled only a day before. There is notably less fanfare today as the people of Heldren watch you go. Still, some of the town council are there, wishing you luck as you head into what is an even colder day today.
Shortly after leaving Heldren, Garland mentions to her part "I'm thinking we should pick up where we left off. Unless someone else has a better idea of where to go."
Ana makes a point of looking back toward Heldren, then forward into the snowscape.
”Yup. Sounds like a plan.” The ganzi youth sights down her crossbow, then trudges on.
Looking at his companions with a newfound respect, 'Agreed, lets go back to those things in the trees."
Arsiel strings his longbow once they reach the massacre site and keeps his eyes to the skies. one hand continues to stray toward the new cold iron arrows he acquired.
Grey slither-walks forward to take the lead, Arsiel not fr behind, as they break off back into the snow.
You come upon the site of your battle soon enough, the bloody trails in the snow a painful reminder of the vile little sprites' antics. Said sprites, thankfully, are no where to be seen. You count yourself lucky as you pass through the area with the "decorated" trees.
Passing through the area with eyes shamefully averted, you head towards the west, following the icy trail. The path narrows, and a narrow game trail winds its way through the trees and undergrowth here. Hoofprints mark the underlying snow, leading in both directions - some prints come towards you and then branch off and others lead directly to the west.
As soon as you stop to glance at the tracks, you hear a light voice. Hello. Looking up, you see a majestic white-furred stag, standing among the frost laden trees, not more than a hundred feet away.
Ana immediately shoulders then sights down her crossbow.
"Hello indeed. Pardon my brusqueness, but lityle fey bastids tried to kill us yesterday, so if you don't mind explaining just how you are a speaking stag I'll then lower my weapon." she calls, voice slightly muffled by the proximity pf her crossbow to her face.
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Ques also wonders the same thing and his eyes dart from side to side - and up, and he scans the area for the little buggers. After reassuring himself, he decides to try a more polite approach.
"Please pardon my jumpy companion. She had a near death experience lately that has left her a bit nervous. We promise that we have no intention of doing any harm to you or the environment and are merely seeking the source of recent disturbances. Probably someone or something as disagreeable to you as us. May we please pass?"
Also being on edge from the previous day's encounter, Garland keeps watch on the surrounding area as Ques and Ana speak with the stag.
Seeing Ques and Ana negotiating with the stag, Arsiel lowers how bow, holding out his hand toward Ana and attempting to motion for her to lower hers as well.
Ana sees Arsiel's hand motion and mutters "Waiting for it to not breath ice or snow or flaming...icicles" keeping her aim steady.
The stag seems to quietly reply, its speech slow and plodding. Please, yes...I assure you that those aren't necessary. I only wish to help...please, tell me why you've come to my forest.
Ana lowers her contraption of death a little to better see the stag, but it still hovers above completely lowered.
"We follow a trail of death and duplicity. A wagon carrying a noblewoman was waylaid and the lady kidnapped. Lady....Whatserface. Then we followed tracks leading away from the ambush. And unseasonal snow. Like...lots of snow. Found an exploding box/chest, almost like it was a trap fer us. An' a wyrm with wings. An' some fey spricks that dang near kilt us." Ana smiles winningly.
"So. That's why we've come to your forest. With weapons." she adds helpfully, waggling her crossbow to demonstrate.
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Ques murmurs sotto voce "Little buggers!"
"It's not like we WANT to be attacked by zombies and pricked by icicle arrows, but I have to tell you that your forest has become a dangerous place of late. I'm thinking that these weapons may very well be indispensable. Do you know that you are the first friendly creature we've seen in this place?"
Garland keeps looking around, waiting for something unpleasant to happen, "Not to be ungrateful for your help, but how is that you plan on helping us? And why would you help us at this time? As the others have mentioned, we have not had an easy time in your woods."
The stag moves a few steps closer. My, you have had the time of it then...and those fey are easily the most powerful and deadly things I've ever seen...marvels, truly. It continues on, seeming to dip its head as it walks...maybe in deference. Help? Why, I can guide you through of course...there are many dangers ahead that you may not recognize without knowledge of this place.
It turns to the west and begins slowly in that direction - the direction you'd planned on going. Come, come. The Wishbone Creek ahead has frozen over, but I'm sure you'll find a way across. Just follow me.
”Why?” Ana stammers, quickly continuing.
”Given what we’ve faced, you might easily imagine we might be suspicious. Especially of talking stags, because, well for you, who might speak stag, talking stags might be commonplace. Not so for us. Not so indeed. So. As sorry as I am to look a...talking stag... in the...mouth, I wouldn’t mind at least a slight compact of some kind.”
Ana pauses, thinking how her words might sound.
”We’re a little on edge, and trusting is a little difficult right now. Understand?”
The stag seems to understand, or at least its ears flick in recognition of the idea. Of course...this forest is a dangerous place, and one such as I may be a bit odd to the realm of man. But I assure you, I only mean well. If you'll follow me to the Creek, I'll show you...I'll guide you across. You can keep your distance if you like.
Garland looks around at the others, "Not everything out here can be evil, right? We have no other leads of where Lady Argentea is, so I think we have to trust this...stag...for the time being." As she is saying this however, she thinks back to what the stag has said and eyes it, trying to get a read on the animal.
Nodding in assent to Garlands word Arsiel follows somewhat in awe of the talking forest stag.
”Gah. Fine!” Ana relents, dropping the crossbow to her side and stomping off after the others.
Garland drops back to stand with the others and whispers, "Somethings definitely not right here. The voice we are hearing is coming from that things back. Stay safe." She then twists her fingers in arcane movements and quietly speaks a few words, focusing on the creatures back.
Garland does, indeed, detect a magical aura on the creature's back. Concentrating, she can pinpoint a small area in the fur just behind the neck. The aura is faint, but seems to be ongoing.
Garland keep concentrating on the magical aura trying to determine what is going on.
You follow this perfectly normal stag through the immensely dangerous forest, hoping that perhaps just something in this place doesn't wish to kill you. After roughly ten minutes of walking, you come in sight of this aforementioned Creek and from here it does, indeed, appear to be frozen over.
Before the Creek, though, you see that someone has put together a human-sized snowman. It stands in the middle of the trail before the stream, a crude wooden sign leaning against it that bears the words "Tresspassers turn back."
The stag doesn't stop at all, but merely says Come, come, and moves towards the Creek.