I’ve never been this deep in the woods either. This is good though. It means we’re close to the Elder Wood. I suppose we should camp for the night. Cathoris searches the area for any dangers as well as casts detect magic.
"Camping just outside of the Feywoods? Yeah, that doesn't seem dangerous at all," Thal says, giving a wink and a smile as he tries to keep a brave face.
"Extra vigilant on watch tonight, boys," he says, glancing about even as he says this to see if anything seems off or dangerous.
"Ah, the Feywoods are fine. It's the cannibalistic faeries and trolls we have to worry about..." Falkwyn gives a dark chuckle at his own half-hearted attempt at humor, and mutters, "None of us are going to be sleeping very well at all, I reckon."
Even though the group was fairly anxious about sleeping under the boughs of threes minded by faeries and their kin, The night passed unmolested. They awoke and started their day a little tired but none the worse for wear.
They trekked through the beautiful forest, hearing the bell like tinkles like chimes in the trees occasionally. and gentle beams of sunlight penetrated to the forest floor, giving the place a beauty that was unforgettable.
Towards dark, maybe half an hour before the group reached an area where the largest tree theyd ever seen rose to the sky. Obelisks like what they had seen at the ritual site surrounded the massive tree. Runes marked the menhirs. The Trees green branches starting some 15' above ground Moss clung to the bark and hung from its boughs. The same moss they needed to collect...
On their walk, Cathoris is amazed at the beauty of the feywood, and the difference from the woods he knew. But knowing the dangers of the fey, he tread as carefully as could be managed.
At the Elderwood, he is amazed at the girth of the tree and the site beneath its boughs. Looking up, he sees the moss and wonders for a moment before pulling out his spellbook. Let’s see. Do I have a spell to help with this? Dancing lights? Nope. Ghost sounds? Nope. Grasp? Uh, improved climbing... Maybe... Spark? Ha! Opposite of what we’re going for! Also, likely to get us murdered by fey. Ah, here. Mage hand! About 25ft, 5 lbs. Worth a shot. He closes the spellbook with a slap.
I can prepare a spell in the morning that may help us get the moss down, he says matter-of-factly. For now, I’ll check for magic again. He focus again, casting detect magic.
Seems too easy. Walking into a trap? Likely. Have to be on our guard, are the thoughts that race through Thal's head...but he's not certain they're his thoughts. Hehe, not my thoughts. Clearly my nerves are getting to me, he thinks, dismissing the creepy feeling.
"Anyone else think it was just a little too easy to wander into Fey territory?" Thal asks the group. "I mean, given that we're trespassing in their territory, and the rough interaction with loggers...I don't know. Just seems like maybe we're walking into a trap. I don't now, maybe it's just my nerves," and he laughs slightly as if to give some weight to that statement, but also looks nervously around them.
The fey likely see us as no threat and stupid. I doubt they even considered the thought that us lowly folk would find their poison, much less figure out what it is. If the stories of fey are true, I'm sure they are off having some revelry to our imminent demise. Alexander says with a mild look of contempt on his face. Though that doesn't keep him from scanning the foliage. For one never did know what to expect with the fey, except of course the unexpected.
'Youve both got the right of it, lads. Ive had few run ins with the Fey on my 'long walks' through these woods, though I've never been this deep into the forest before. They're fickle flighty things who guard their territory jealously. If we tread carefully we could come out ok. While I'm wary of the Fey its the cult of Zon Kuthon we should be ready for.'
Looking up at the moss Straug says with a grin 'Down the well, up the tree, whats the difference? I'm willing to climb up there if the group thinks it wise.
Kronk never even saw a fey, so just their mention makes the cook shiver. Yet, he pretends everything is fine - he's feeling more and more like an adventurer himself.
Does any of us have a rope? That would probably be helpful to carry if we are to climb, or if any of us is to climb it.
Quiet throughout their walk, Falkwyn can't help but be impressed by the size and grandeur of the Elderwood. Still, like Thallin, his concern grows more by the minute that this is, indeed, too easy. Still, here they were, and duty called.
"I have rope." As he answers, he detaches his coiled line from his pack, offering it to Straug.
Straug eyes the tree a little longer and then the woods around him. Sensing the unease of his friends he kicks at the dirt a bit.
'Well I didnt say it was a great idea I just said I'm willing to do it!' He finally says with a laugh. 'Maybe not climbing all over the ancient magical tree is a better idea. Plus I'd like to see Cathoris here get some magic practice in!'
Straug slings his pack and gear off his shoulders and starts to setup camp.
So, maybe we should rest and let Cathoris try his spell tomorrow! - says Kronk, not really looking forward to staying there much longer but... Agreeing with the idea.
The group settles in for a night without a campfire. Making it all but impossible for Cathoris and Thallin to see in the darkness of the forest beyond a few feet.
The others seem to move about ok in the dark. Camp is quickly and efficiently set up and the watch arranged.
The night passes without trouble, which seems strange to the group. But such is travel in the woodlands.
Stretching out his limbs as he wakes up and eats breakfast he looks at Cathoris.
'In your own time, lad. We're all here to back you up. Lets hope the tree doesnt come alive and get hungry.'
Straug draws his greataxe and stands at the ready eyeing the tree line warily while waiting or Cathoris to make the attempt.
Thal also stands watchfully at the ready and then realizes his empty hand is held at the ready. Ready for what? he wonders. He then shakes his head almost laughing at himself as he thinks, I should really pick up a ranged weapon if we're going to keep going on outings like this.
Falkwyn holds his bow at the ready, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings. "Take your time. You can do this, Cath."
Though on edge all night, Cathoris had a restful sleep. When he awoke, he quietly studied his spelllbook. With everyone on guard and encouraging him along, he began to work his magic.
The group awoke for the 3rd day in the forest, stowing their bedrools and eating a breakfast of jerky and dried fruit or mushrooms, they prepared for the day. They had camped just a short walk away from the Elder Tree and it took just a few minutes to reach it again.
Now they could see the tree in all its splendor in the dawns light. The Well Tended trees and bushes parted way, almost as in respect for this titanic Darkwood Tree that dominates this glade. Several times taller than a temple minaret, in one direction the obviously ancient tree reaches into the sky with branches like a giants arms, while in the other it plumbs the earth with roots thicker than a mans waist. Its limbs broad and strong, its bark thick and so richly colored as to almost be black, and its leaves the size of bucklers, this giant thing is less a tree and more a cathedral of boughs and branches.
The menhirs surrounding the ancient tree a testimony that the Druids of the forest hold the Elder tree as sacred.
Seeing the Elderwood in all it's splendor, Falkwyn's eyes momentarily go misty, and he finds it momentarily difficult to speak. The young ranger had traveled through forests for several years, first with his father and then with the lumberjacks, and while he had always found the wilderness quite beautiful, it was nothing like this
As Cathoris approaches the tree, Falkwyn remains vigilant. His bow is readied, but in his awe, lowered.
quite the sight... I've no doubt our "leader" wouldn't think twice about turning it into timber for the money. pah.
Thal smiles in amusement at Alex's comments about their "leader" and adds, "And why wouldn't our benefactor consider such a thing when he can throw around money to send morons like us out to face the danger," and throws a wink Alex's way.
He then turns to Cathoris and says, "Take your time, my friend. We'll keep watch," and with that, Thal scans the Elder tree itself first, the the surrounding area.
Kronk looks at Cathoris with the side of his eyes, but keeps the silence. He's trying to pay attention to their surroundings and guard the magus as he works his arcane magic.
Cathoris still awed by the tree, casts his spell. He gently works to untangle the moss from the lowest branches. He works tediously until he retrieves enough moss for Laurel.
Well, here we are, friends. I say we make haste.
Cathoris gradually begins gathering the moss. It takes a little time to direct the invisible hand out to grab bundles of it and bring it back. But after about 10 Minutes he has enough for Laurels cure.
The group hastily exits the glade and heads toward where they were told the witches hut is.
Immediately after leaving the Elder Tree within about an hour they arrove at the stream that feeds into the Darkmoon Vale Lake and then leaves out the other side as a river. At diferent times of the year the steam is either slow moving and shallow or fast moving and deep. In this case the rains havent come and there is a little to no run off coming down from the mountains as its all snow up there. So crossing the waist high stream is easy, though Straug is in up to his chest.
Coming out the other side, Falkwyn was the first to cross and as he is looking around securing the other side. He spies some tracks near the stream. They look like tracks hes seen before...those of a humanoid goat.
Watching carefully as everyone else crosses, he waits crouched down behind a bush waiting for the group....gradually they all join him.
Well, that went well. Cathoris breathes with relief after walking a ways from the Elder Wood. I thought for sure we’d be ambushed by the Elder Wood. Surely, the fey know the cure for their own poison. All the better for us!
————
After crossing the river, Cathoris crouches next to Falkwyn and looks around. What’s going on? he says curiously.
After getting closer to the tree Straug feels a little uneasy.
'Oi lads I'm glad you talked me out of climbing up in that thing...dont feel right to go getting my dirty boots and hands all over it'
Straug is still thinking about the awesome presence of the tree as they traversed the woods. There was something else going on there, but best left undiscovered! He thinks to himself.
The wade through the stream is refreshing though Straug is pretty soggy. He crouches down with the rest and looks around to see if he notices anything.
'Wots up lads? See anything?'
Alexander shows clear discomfort with having to wade through the river. Not only does he detest traveling in wet clothes, but now his attire is likely filled with silt. He is far too concerned with his own grievances to notice Falkwyns behavior.
As Falkwyn stops and seems to be on high alert mode, Thal scans the area for threats.
The ranger puts a finger to his lips to motion for quiet, then speaks just above a whisper, "The cloven hooved...creature. It's somewhere near here. I think there's only one, but..."
As Falkwyn looks around and tries to see where the tracks lead to...a two legged figure with the upper torso, arms, and head of a man, but goat-like legs, a tail, and curling horns on its head, holding a bow, steps out from behind some bushes and stares at the group. It does not appear hostile as the bow is down at its side. It holds up a hand in greeting.
Er... Hello? - says Kronk, not a drop of charisma in his humble soul - We... Who are you?
A touch startled, Falkwyn staggers a few steps back and almost raises his bow before realizing the creature isn't actually pointing it's weapon at them. "Um..."
The goat-like tail swished back and forth nervously as the goat-like fey stepped forward tentatively and spoke in his own language
"I..I think it's a Faun. They're usually friendly." the half-el said quietly to his companions, keeping his eyes on the creature.
Thal has no idea what the faun has said, but gestures to his tea kettle, pantomimes pouring and drinking, and beckons the faun forward, trying to communicate inviting him to share a cup of tea.
"If this works, I'm gonna need a fire and some water right away,"" he says quietly to his friends, keeping a friendly smile on his face all the while.
Straug is guarded, watching the faun closely.
This one seems nice enough now, but the fey are fickle creatures. Or this is part of some deception and there are others lurking
He scans the trees around and looks for any telltale signs of others.
He seems nice enough now lads just be on your guard. The fey have been known to turn in an instant, he says quietly to the group.
Cathoris stands up and says in Fey, I do
The Faun answers with a smile Good. I dont want to have any miscommunication. I am Quinn Parsleycup. Emissary from Queen Syntara of The First People of The Darkwood Seelie Court. She asked me to find out your intent. I have watched and feel you are not a threat. Am I wrong?
Cathoris relays the message to the others and quickly says No you are not wrong then looks to the others what he should add.
Thal carefully considers his words before suggesting that Cathoris translate the following:
"We are here because a sickness has come upon our people: our friends and family included. The sickness seems to have been caused by fey magic, though we don't know who or what caused it. We are simply trying to return with ingredients we gathered to make medicine to help heal their sickness...the ones we can still save, at least."
Alexander gives a dark glare to Thallin.
There was no need to mention fey involvement. Just tell them they were sick, and we need certain herbs to aid in making a medicine. You realize she herself is fey right?
Thal looks calmly and smiling at Alex and says, "He might not speak Common, but he can probably read body language. Let's try to keep it friendly-looking."
"And yes, I mentioned Fey, but he is of the Darkwood Seelie Court and we have no idea where this malady came from. If another Fey court is overstepping by taking active movements against us, we may have found an ally. If his response reveals that they're the culprits, we know who our enemy is," and he follows this with a laugh as if they'd had a pleasant interaction and winks at Alex as if to suggest he play along.
Falkwyn smiles at the Faun and then says to Cathoris, "Add that we mean no disrespect to the Fey, and wouldn't intrude upon their lands if we were not in dire need."
Cathoris takes the information and relays to the Faun.
We only dared come into They Feywild for a direst of emergencies. We mean no disrespect. We seek ingredients for a cure to a horrible disease that strikes our people that seems to have its roots in Fey dark magics, not to imply the Fey had anything to do with it, we have already discovered there were humans involved in implementing the magics. We have one of the ingredients now and seek the other two in other locations. We shall be moving out of the Feywood in another day, and on the return trip will simply pass right through as fast as we can.
The Faun studied Cathoris expression and nodded was thoughtful for a moment and said Could it be possible to delay your leaving for one day, so I could invite you to talk directly with Queen Syntara. Doing so may well actually speed up your return trip substantially. Of course this is totally up to you and your allies.
Keeping a smile plastered to his face, Thal says to his fellows, "Could absolutely be a trap, maybe just a ploy to delay us from saving lives, or might be a chance to get the greatest allies we could hope for in facing this plague. Thoughts?"