"Whoops." Dawn nodded, putting her finger to her lips and grinning before heading outside. As she went through the door she shifted, suddenly, becoming a long red and green vine that went and hid in the undergrowth.
Making certain all are "tucked in" Kaliban settles for the night, confident in Dawn's alertness.
The night passes, with bellies full of food and heads full of plans. For Dawn, to her relief or boredom, there's nothing to be seen during her nightime watch other then watching wolf skins cure overnight. Hilde and Kaliban had done satisfactory jobs in their attempts to get as much as they could from the deceased beasts, though nothing really noteworthy.
Come morning, light slips through the leaves and caresses the Leshy's disguised form. It's colder this morning then it was the previous, and if she were anywhere else Dawn would almost think a storm was about to roll in. In contrast to her instincts however, there's not a cloud in the sky. just as it had been almost every morning she woke within this land.
Inside the cabin, the first one of the group to awaken notices that your host has beaten you to the punch. The sounds and smell wafting from the kitchen tells you of what the druid is up to. It's not long after that he walks into the room, a stack of plates and forks in one hand and a stack of flapjacks balancing on the other while gripping a rope with which a jug labeled "Sweet Stuff" hangs.
"Ah, you're awake. Good good." He takes a moment to look around the cluttered living space for a free table, but he settles in the end for simply setting the plates and jug down on the floor. He sits down to join them in short order.
I'm terribly sorry about the arrangements, I usually take my meals upstairs, and the last time I had guests was mid-spring."
Alasayn wakes up early to perform his daily meditation, reflecting on his skill and noble standing, his immense confidence bolstering his psychic abilities.
Seeing the hermit preparing flapjacks he raises his eyebrows and says in the politest tone he can manage, ”My, my. How...rustic.”
He sits down and gingerly drizzles some of the aforementioned Sweet Stuff onto his flapjacks and takes a bite. A slight shudder runs down his spine as he says, ”My word, that is sweet! I cannot say you’d find anything like this back in the banquet grottoes of Ryelth.”
"The floor is fine. It's where we'd be eating if we'd camped out, anyway." Dawn wandered in, once again humanoid. The Ioun Stones floating around her head seemed a little faster, the strange script they leaked a little more obvious. Poking a flapjack for a moment, Dawn shrugs and pours liquid onto it, folding it in half and devouring it in worryingly fast fashion. Munching thoughtfully, she swallowed and said, "Some kind of sugary sap?"
A flint cimes to his eye. "A family remedy. I might be willing to trade it's secrets if you do the same for that stew you made."
"Sure," Dawn replied cheerfully. "It was just the tatoes and veg and some dried meat, water of course, the herbs in your kitchen and some wandermeal to thicken it. Oh, and the Goodberries I made."
Two real meals in a row... could get used to this.
Terribly off key, he starts to half-sing a song to himself.
We search for the truth
We could die upon the tooth
But the thrill of just the chase - is worth the paaain.
He continues eating, then gets up to prepare.
Do you know anything about the Weathersmith politics?
Emma Jane snoozes away, quite unaware of Kaliban's tortured tones. Even the smell of food and sound of conversation do nothing to rouse her.
One of Dawn's Ioun Stones floated over and poked Emma. It would not stop until she stopped snoozing.
Elium has a short, fairly productive chat where the two exchange something in the way of recipes. He details not only how he made his 'Sweet Stuff' (A combination of a few roots that grow close to the river), but also of some of the various other meals one could prepare from nature. She'd find it a productive talk overall.
When Kaliban poses his question, the half-elf snorts. "That's asking a beggar if he knows anything about poverty, my boy." He sets his plate down, now emptied. "Needles to say I'm well aware. Anything specific on your mind?"
I don't want to jump at shadows or create conspiracies where they don't exist, but...
...who might have the most to gain, if the curse remains?
He frowns, "As much as I wish that the guild has the best wishes of our nation in mind, I can't help but note their standing. To be a guild member is akin to being a knight in some parts of this nation, and the highest rungs being practically nobility. If I had to place the blame anywhere, I'd instead look to the Maelstrom Council, the body which leads the guild. They're located in Lorval."
"I'd like to know who is frustrated and wants to change stuff. You know, maybe allies. There has to be some of them in the Weathersmiths, trying to do that 'change it from the inside' fungal attack method. And who absolutely doesn't want to help never ever, no matter what. You know. Bad guys." Dawn paused and wondered. "I wonder if one of them did the spreading thing? I mean, they're bad people who get stuff from it being here, wouldn't they want it to spread so they can make more power and money and stuff?"
Emma Jane wakes up, swatting at Dawn's stone reflexively as it bothers her. "Ugh, Daw, get this thing away from me!"
Dawn poked her one more time - for luck - before calling the Ioun Stone back to it's orbit. "Wakey waker, it's breakfast time."
Stormcaster Petyr Alwin, that's the man we spoke to... the girl was Raynawld?
We has set an appointment for the Stormcaster Master? Above this Alwin for 4pm, today... should we keep the appointment? If we do, what questions should we ask and what information should be gathered?
Is your friend and our destination on the other side of the city? Such that... our appointment is along the way?
Kaliban smiles at sleepy Emma and playful Dawn, as he prepares for wherever the journey will lead.
"You might fibd it worthwhile, or you may not. No harm in attending the meeting if you have it scheduled. The Guild may be an institution ruled by complacency, but they're not killers." He paused, "Well, not that I'm aware I'd anyway. For everything else... Here, I went up to my study when I woke up and gathered some materials."
The half-elf pulls out a rough looking map of Ulnswhere detailing major towns, landmarks, and geography. There's a section next to Mistwood that's been blackened by charcoal with 'Gone. All gone.' Written in harsh scrawl near it. Dawn recognizes it as being the cneter of a bad forrest fire just five years ago, which wiped out several villages, some she even frequented. On the opposite side of the map is the pass he me tioned yesterday, circled in red ink.
"I believe he makes his home somewhere in... This area. Look for caves near the river, he likes having constant water access. Merfolk, I'm sure you know how they are." He gives Alasyn a significant look.
"Regarding a list if people and their loyalities within the G
Hold... Ah, Give me a few minutes." Mutters he, while fumbling for blank parchment and an inkpwn.
Looking at the map with interest, Dawn pulled out a sheet of parchment and her own inkpen, passing them over so they could get the list. Her bag held many wonders.
Alasayn nods, ”Yes, quite so. I am quite certain that something could be gained from talking with the Weathersmiths. Institutional power is a breed apart.”
Hilde sits in the floor without comment, accepting her share of the baked bread with a smile. A dosing of the "sweet stuff", and she just smiles to herself as she slowly chews her way through the food, trying to ignore all this talk of going back and letting the little control freaks tell them no again . . ..
Your friend's name, Ellium and whatever we are to deliver. And, we will be on our way.
Try not to get yourself, killed. Eh?
"Yes yes, I already have the materials packaged here." The druid says, passing over thick parcel wrapped in waxy paper and secured with hemp thread. There's a certain weight and firmness to whatever's wrapped that kaliban would find odd, where Alasyn would find vaguely familiar. "Most of those notes are waterproof, but not everything. Please be careful with it. You'd find him by either the name Leomaris yu Inivile or 'Leo of Murky Beginings'."
You're treated to the sight of a sixty year old man pulling off an eyeroll that'd make most youth envious. "I'm sure you can gather the sort of individual you'll be dealing with by his assumed title. I assure you though, that he's well deserved of respect. Now, about those names..."
Kaliban is passed along a sheet of scribbled names and some vague information and mention of their loyalties. The Weathermistress is right at the top with the label of 'firm supporter of the guild'. "Do know that I'm not familiar with all the guildtowers, and people may've changed their opinion since I last heard of them. It should at the very least give you an edge when it comes to who to look out for though."
Kaliban nods solemnly, accespting the parcel. Looking around, he seeks consensus for moving on.
Dawn had her backpack on and was waving as she headed out the door. "Bye! Thanks for the help! And the syrup! Be back later!"
"Not much for pleasantries, is she? Thank you, sir. You have been more helpful than everyone else we've met in this country so far, combined. It seems that we need to try to keep up with Dawn at this point, though . . .. Thank you, again!"
Hilde's actions match her words.
The morning passes quickly for the group after they bid the old her it farewell, package in hand and a mission to task. Their journey will take them several weeks of travel in total provided they travel the good roads, but they must ultimately pass back through Wind's Edge. As it's stone walled buildings come into view the party is faced with one last pressing question. Do they still attend their appointment at the guild, or merely resupply and move on?
Inspired by their path through Wind's Edge, Emma Jane begins to sing:
Against the wind
We were running against the wind
We were young and strong
But just running against the wind
Aside from supplying a musical background, she sidles next to Kaliban, who despite his awkwardness in conversation has proven wise in his decisions.
"What think you? We could rest for the night while we are here, and keep the meeting. It might prove useful."
”It would certainly be prudent to attend the meeting. It’ll make a minor difference in our travels. Besides, I cannot imagine that hermits get out much. Comes with the job description, you know.”
"We're not on a timelimit," Dawn agreed as she ate some chocolate. "Well, other than the possible destruction of that other kingdom place, but we don't know when that's going to happen, so no rush. Either way, we can afford to go to a meeting. We did say we were going to, after all."
Skipping the meeting shows lack of commitment and professionalism. Besides, knowledge is power.
We can always learn something, perhaps not what we intended... But it is the cunning warrior who puts that to good use.
Your group decides that it would be best to follow up on their previous obligations with the Weathersmith's Guild, and everyone makes their way through town to reach the hourly ferry service. When you get there you're met with a small crowd of onlookers who seem to be watching some sort of show of street performance taking place. It's hard to avoid even if you had no particular interest in such displays, as it's taking place between you and your destination.
With a bit of careful maneuvering from the group, they eventually make their way up to the crowd's front, where they finally bare witness to the commotion's source.
Colourful bubbles floated through the air. All sorts of delicate shapes - a rabbit, birds, an anvil. In the midst of a cluster of such bubbles stood a man with a worn, but fine suit. A boarding pike was attached to his back that was far taller than him and attached to side of the pike at the moment was a fine, if worn-looking hat that jangled a bit as he walked.
The bubbles remained as she walked through. He bounced, twisted around, and shuffled a brightly coloured deck as he told a story to the crowd.
"...and after years of feeling they'd never be whole again, who should appear but..."
He reached behind a young woman's ear and pulled out what looked like a playing card with a child's drawing of a unicorn with a raised eyebrow as he clearly checked, but already expected her excited nodding reaction as he slid with a broad smile a few steps.
With a twist of the wrist and a cheerful noise, a unicorn-shaped bubble floated off the card and up "The Unicorn and... reaching up to take the hat off a man to reveal a card with a child's drawing of a fur-covered man the Mountain Man!" he shouted with that self-assured grin as he once again made an awkward looking mostly man-shaped bubble appear and flicked the hat back to the gentleman.
He made a wide gesture with all the cards, "What adventures you all gave them! Very difficult this time. There was a moment there when even I thought the Demon's Lanturn was going to blind them all. he nods to a small pleased child at the front. How their threads unwound and fates were sealed - but, now, for good and bad, they're all back together again. Maybe we will be too, depending on how long until I ship out or back again."
Another grand card shuffle through the air, "Each time the story they tell is different - each time we're different, but I'm always Trifoni Sforza with my cards, and I hope I brought some lightness to your day and some memories with each other."
He puts the cards away in a bandolier pocket before using both hands to pull out and lower down the boarding pike with the hat. He smiles and nods and talks - mainly about the story, the bubbles, or his available for fortune telling, with a firm grim as he waits and watches for tips or anything more interesting to do after entertaining a city crowd.
Being situated on a major waterway at the farthest end of the border has made the citizens of this town much more open to traveling entertainers then most. The reception Trifoni receives is a welcomed one, and situated at the toll booth has left them more mindful of how heavy their pockets are.
It's perhaps not an astonishing amount of coin, but it'll be enough to keep the chill away and his belly full for ankther night.
As he's counting up his payment for his performance, the Clevheln man cathces sight of a group of men, woman, and a walking plant. He's quick to notice that they have the looks of adventurers, and he'd surely wonder to himself just how long it's been since he's had fresh material to add to his own tales.
Always glad to see a fellow performer, even the street variety, Emma Jane takes in the act as they approach.
A mildly profitable and amusing way to spend his time between ships. Trifoni distributed the silver coins into various pockets and bags before he replaced his hat and started to return the boarding pike to his back.
He kept the corner of an eye on the interesting looking group that had joined the show late. It would have been fun to hide the Tangled Briar card on the walking plant. Maybe a bit too on the nose though and annoying adventurers was rarely a good idea. Especially if they might have interesting or painful gear or might be his next commission.
He nods to them, "Looking to hear what fortune has in store for your next adventure, or something more interesting on your minds?"
”Bubbles and fortune telling. How...provincial. Fortune’s got nothing to do with adventuring. With the brawn of my compatriots and the psychic might of yours truly, it is a matter of simply inevitable victory. Ah, but where are my manners? I am Alasayn vun Alushir, thrice-assumed inheritor of house Alushir, Lower Post-Margrave of Yulthinth, and adept-psychic, officially licensed by the Emperor of Osknia’s thirteenth advisory circle. Who, may I ask, are you?”
I'm just Kaliban... if you have the time, I would be interested in my fortune. The Half-Orc seemed genuinely interested, as if a glimpse at a possible future held much import.
Trifoni's beaming smile didn't flicker at all under the moody man's judgement. He was quite to use to skeptics of fortune and those who belittled the value in lifting the spirits and smiles of others. It was more difficult to keep smiling patiently as he waited through the rest. His gaze kept going fondly to the fading crowd as the titles went on.
Trifoni chuckled after the man finished. A few responses came to mind, like if anything Trifoni could say about himself could make the man more pleasant, but the other's request was more interesting. "Nice to meet you, Kaliban.
Trifoni took a moment to shine up his suit before continuing, "I have time for a reading, or a few if anyone else is interested, just need a place and some time, but if you're busy at the moment, I'll likely be around for a bit. Captain is planning to be here for a while, I'm still deciding whether to wait on her or find another who wants a fortune guide before this place makes me as weary as some of these folks. It's why I was doing all this - so many weary faces, even some of the kids and I find - provincial, aristocrat, bastards and the rest - kids and even many adults perk up at some colourful bubbles and stories of adventure where they can make changes, where fearful things that might can rarely touch like earthquakes or conspiracies can be vanquished, and how they were born doesn't matter as much for a bit."
It only takes a glance towards the river to see that your ferry has yet to arrive, and in fact still seems to be loading up on the reverse side. You'd probably have time for a reading, and there are some convinent crates nearby that could serve as a rudimentary pair of chairs and a table.
Kaliban see the crates and looks to Alasayn, Less than... provincial, I'm afraid.
And with that he moved over to them, inviting the fortune teller to do the same.
"Ooooh, the bubbles are pretty. What's a fortune? Isn't that something with the shiny yellow metal again?" Dawn looked a little confused as she bounced over behind Kaliban. "I thought fortunes were hard to get, and that was why everyone was so obsessed with the coin stuff? How can you give them to people here? Is it magic?" Dawn looked behind the crate to see if that was where the fortune was.
Trifoni turned to follow, taking a moment to check no one was coming to take the crates or seemed like they would mind. Best to not be rude or interrupted with this, "I'm more used to doing this on rolling ships and battlefields at a moment's notice, so this is quite relaxing and luxurious in comparison." with a gesture to the fine gently surroundings of a market as he sat.
He pulled out a deck case from a bandolier pocket near his chest, different to the brightly coloured one from before. It was well-worn with age and finely crafted. He gently pulled out the cards and a cloth which he laid across the crate.
Trifoni began to shuffle with care as he watched the plant person. "It is a magic to discern the what paths there and the quality of them, one families have refined for generations. Many who can use it to try to save time and avoid problems in getting all sorts of shiny metals and other things, though whether one chooses to follow how their Harrower reads the cards is always a personal choice. All paths will have benefits and risks. Sometimes just knowing and going the riskiest way can be best."
He set down the deck with care on the cloth, fingers remaining on top. With a smile and focused eyes on Kaliban. As this was the first time reading for him and didn't want to assume what other experiences with this Kaliban had, Trifoni explained, "Kaliban, what would you like to ask the cards and what do you offer in exchange for it's information? It need not be anything of merchant's value, like shiny metals. Sometimes it's better when it isn't. What you offer can show it what clarity and paths you need to know as much as the question...
I offer my life... to save yours. Unflinching aide.
Fingers resting softly on the cards, curiosity shined through Trifoni's warm smile, That's...a lot to offer a stranger. I've heard similar before, but from those who know what they might be facing and had greater needs. What would you like to ask, and then we'll see what the cards think of that...
Am I barred from Heaven as decreed, am I truly... forgotten?
The Half-Orc's eyes are steely, bracing himself for whatever comes. It is obvious this concern had been long on his mind.