"I'm used to walking, but speed is necessary. Let's see these magnificent creatures. You have tamed them?"
"Katrina along with some of our people has raised them. It was a bit of animal husbandry. As well as some magic. The animals are able to cross great distances."
"We will arrange an introduction and an opportunity to give them a ride. Elk mounts are not unheard of in this region and Katrina had befriended a unique elk herself. It seems that well a-hum . . . they got along."
From the rear of the group a voice arises. It comes from a well groomed man with a longbow on his back and a falcata and buckler at his side. He says "My name is St. John Reginald Smythe. I am from Taldor and only lately arrived. I haven't had anything to add to the discussion thus far and so have remained quiet. I came here looking for someone and was asked but the Adabarian clerics to look into the disappearance of Varnhold. Their seers had seen something of the disappearance and wanted more information. I can lend my sword to this group as well as my skills. I am a capable cartographer and can get along in the wild. I am at your service Baron."
"Welcome. You have traveled far. These events are trying. To hear that they have worked their way into distant seers . . . Please share what it is that they saw. Perhaps the vision or portents they had seen will mean something to people of the region."
St. John smiles and shrugs, "You know seers. They never say anything specific enough to really do you any good, just point you in the right direction. From what I gathered of their visions they saw the result and not the incident. A vacant town. Steaming food on the table. Half drank mugs of ale. That sort of thing and the name. Varnhold."
"Cleonora, Katrina, and I will go ahead and prepare the mounts. At your permission Lord Commander?" He would say humbly.
St. John waits for the Baron to finish speaking to him and then follows Jorne to the horses.
He calls out "Jorne. Jorne! St. John. St John Smythe. We've met a few times in Oppera. We have some friends in common. Do you remember?"
"Oppera? Is that where you went when you vanished to Taldor?" Cleonora asked as she gave her head of security a smirk.
"Quince will give us leave, the sooner we get ready the sooner we can depart. I will only take a moment to speak with those at the academy and gather a few things of need." Cleonora declared.
"Any who wish to see the academy are welcome to join me." She offered.
The aasimar nods and falls in line without comment, curious about the academy. "It is important to learn what we can. Even if only where to learn more. Maybe I'll be able to borrow a book or two?"
He stops so St. John Smythe can catch up. Likely with Cleonora and Katrina. Once he is near he would say, "Yes... I know a John Smythe and you look like him. When did the saint get added?"
Then after Cleonora asked he would answer with an amused smile, "Yes, Oppera is where I vanished into Taldor. The capital and royal seat of Taldor."
St. John laughs, "Teasing again I see. I hadn't expedited to find you here. It was suggested I come find you when it was know I was leaving and heading in this general direction."
He smiles as well, "Of course, how else to live life!? Oh and why is that? Frolicking with my sister again?!"
She seems impressed with their handling of the animals as long as they are treated well.
Speaking to Quince, "I am sorry for your loss Baron. It seems you have done well in getting your justice. If not for you I would not be here today able to ask for help. I would like to see the gardens and parks you have preserved here before we leave if it is not too much of a bother. Your cathedral is impressive, but I do favour the natural."
"Perhaps while we wait to embark, there is time to see your gardens? It pleases me to see a town that embraces nature, rather than fends it off."
Quince smiles, "Certainly." He sits and takes a drink taking the hand of Elizabeth he lifts it and kisses the back of her hand. "Shall we take those who wish to see the gardens for a tour."
"An excellent idea before your hard ride ahead, I would say seven or eight hours. Nothing like the seven or eight days it would normally take." She says leading with Quince's arm in hers.
The promise of gardens seemed to get Ike's attention. "Gardens? With a lot of herbs? Any rare ones? I'd love to see them, if you have any! I've got a collection book I'm trying to fill out. Any hermicus firious or isiania bobalgia? Either of those and I can complete another page!" Ike asked, following after Quince like an excited child, already pulling out his book and flipping pages as he walked.
Those following Lord Commander Quince, and Lady Elizabeth find that there is a robust gardening system in place. From the castle down through town there are sections of gardening that is likely used for the citizens of Elkheart. Many of these gardens are sectioned off with picket fences. They are also separated by the roads between the city blocks. Many of the buildings are used to cultivate vine fruit such as tomatoes, grapes, strawberries, and an assortment of vegetables. Most planters have flowers but also have some gourds or melons growing in them. There are many specices of plants you wouldn't think could grow in the cold Brevic climate but they must be doing something right.
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Those following Cleonora Petalouda Warden of the Scroll and Katrina Doverson Warden of the Faith to the elk camp are able to walk along the castle wall and have a very clear view of most of the city at least to the North of the castle. The path then leads down and beyond you see large timbered walls that are supported by natural trees. The trees seem to be fully grown around the walls. With a pull on a rope, the lever systems quickly works with its gears and the gate raises to let you all to enter. Beyond you see another barrier, an obvious system to keep the elk away from the gate, then around the stone wall you see hundreds of elk spread out upon acres of land. They have plenty of watering holes, shade, and plenty of green to eat. Seeing a group enter their area they approach slowly. On the stone wall you see some baskets with berries in them. Katrina points them out and says, "The elk love the blue berries, hold a few on your palm and you will make quick friends." When they see Katrina they come forward and nuzzle her.
-------
Something everyone would notice is there is no beggers, almost no litter, and there is huge sense of community. Many are helping each other and the merchants actually work together rather than ply against each other. You don't see anyone that is sick or malnourished. You also know the rumors of Greenwatch, that they use all sorts of magic and mysticism to increase the health of their people, lands, crops, and animals. Seeing such growth you wonder as well.
All along the main road you see flowers that bloom and rise from the cracks of the cobblestone. They get trampled upon and rise back up healthy as can be.
The promise of gardens seemed to get Ike's attention. "Gardens? With a lot of herbs? Any rare ones? I'd love to see them, if you have any! I've got a collection book I'm trying to fill out. Any hermicus firious or isiania bobalgia? Either of those and I can complete another page!" Ike asked, following after Quince like an excited child, already pulling out his book and flipping pages as he walked.
"I know about some of our crops and gardens. But I have not heard of such rare herbs. Is there another name for them? Perhaps a more common name?" She would ask knowing that the crops and plants are others speciality.
"You have created quite a haven here. It is unlike any other town I have seen." She is delighted by what she sees, smelling many of the flowers she walks past.
Quince smiles, "Well the land is fertile. The people have applied themselves. It does not hurt that we have an academy that has brought in a wide variety of techniques. Sulvanii our viser has considerable power that he has turned toward the good of our nation. Bearik my father in law," he nods to the baroness, "Elizabeth's father has helped as well."
Quince points to a few trees, "These were fun. I had read of a elf city, well it was an elf city. Gnomes moved in." He chuckles, "The elves had left and the gnomes moved in. However they didn't settle in the ruins of the elf city directly they built an entire city within the trees. The elves returned and apparently had to omit that the gnomes technically weren't intruding. The city is call Omesta. It is in Kyonin. A tree city as fun as it sounds is rather impractical especially for people not as light as gnomes. But we did have a few who were interested in these rather whimsical homes."
St. John seems to go elsewhere for a moment and smiles. He then looks at Jorne and says "I did spend some time with Genevieve before I left and it was her that told me to come find you. You and I both know our families would never allow a union between us. I will have to be satisfied with happy memories."
As he travels with the group throughout Greenheart, the elf is quick to note that harmony within the city is top notched.
The city seemed to be built with nature allowed to flourish in defined places in mind but the people and animals seemed well taken care off. Signs that tells the Elf that not only were these people not exposed to the harsher regimes of nature but also very much protected from that. In times of hardship, he wonders if the people here might even remember how to survive on their own.
The buildings intertwined with the trees and comments on a tree city was interesting but to an Elf so used to the land, it seems inconsequential to him. The plants being grown though caught his eye, several species that doesn't look suited for the climate was being grown here. More magic he notes but this one meant for growing of crops and doesn't seem to be infringing on the land itself. He has to assume that the higher powers here had something to do with that by keeping the land fertile. As long as the land wasn't being abused or drained of vitality, he was fine with it.
The Elk Enclosure was incredibly large and even though the elf has had the privileges' to see large herds. This might be by far the largest he's seen. he observes the Elk at present to soak in the sight.
As the group moves through the gate and into the elk's domain, Dinenen thinks to himself "Certainly not the academy, I don't think, but beautiful, majestic, and more than worth seeing ." As instructed, he gathers a few berries in the palm of one hand, extending it out for one of the elks to take the berries, reaching up and stroking the beat's neck and head, if it allows.
Sindri oohs and ahs his way through the kingdom, excitedly taking in the sights! An Elk might be a little too big for him though!
"Ah yes, how is my younger sister, Genevieve? I have been gone much longer than you." He asks interested in your interest as you see his protective side start to show.
He takes some of the berries and offers them with his palm to the elk, one feeds from it and then another. He seems familiar with them and they don't seem nervous around him.
Soon enough the elder elks come to their summons. The handlers begin to put saddles upon the elk. A simple bit and bridal are used for most of them, the bits are coated in something white. As the rest of the group comes to the elk park, the handlers point out the differences of an elk versus a horse. They are very similar but many of them don't care to be directed by force. A brush on their necks in the direction you want to go is preferred. No one has stirrups or crops to encourage the elk. Each of the handlers have a calm demeanor.
She points out, "We can send a few others with you should you need someone to ride for you. Though I also have sunshine here for a novice rider. The elk will protect themselves and return should you need them. Use this whistle and if any are nearby they should come running." With a clap a horse trots up, ready to ride. She also holds out two whistles.
St. John smiles unconsciously as he thinks back on Genevieve. "She is well and has a small army of suitors. Which come to think of it should you need an army you have one ready made. She saw me off with my family and a few other friends. I'd like to think she was sad and will miss me but I know there are plenty of others to entertain her."
Quince smiles at Sindri seeing the elf measuring himself in relation to the mount, "They are big and at run they move more than a horse does. They like to jump. Though size, with the right adjustments you would do better than you think. Katrina's own elk is bigger even then these. He points off toward an elk that is much bigger than the others. The scale is about the same."
The elf is enjoying himself being immersed with the scene of the Elf, he had some berries in his hands and was happily feeding them though it was clear that he had helped himself to some of the berries too. Find them incredibly sweet and definitely better then the ones he had foraged from the lands he usually lives in.
Looking up, his scowl temporarily gone.
"When do we leave?"
"Do you think I could maybe ride on the back of someone else's elk? I really don't add that much weight. Oh! Also I don't know how to ride."
"They're quite beautiful." She grabs some of the berries and feeds one of them, smiling.
"You can ride with me if you like Sindri. If these creatures don't protest."
The elf is enjoying himself being immersed with the scene of the Elf, he had some berries in his hands and was happily feeding them though it was clear that he had helped himself to some of the berries too. Find them incredibly sweet and definitely better then the ones he had foraged from the lands he usually lives in.
Looking up, his scowl temporarily gone.
"When do we leave?"
"We can talk preparations. If we have anything in our stores that can help you or any of those who are willing to go. I think at this point we looking to head out first thing tomorrow unless there is reason to delay."
"Take a turn at riding. The jump won't take long but once we are in Varnhold it will likely call for a long time in the saddle to look into what happened."
Delilah decides to do exactly as Quince suggests and becomes more familiar with the elk.
It takes the Elf some time but he doesn't begrudge it. The Elk was a beauty on its own and he appreciated it.
Roland pats the beautiful elk and tries to accustom himself to the beast's mannerisms and habits.
Layla feels somewhat comfortable with the elk, besides the fact she never truly rode one before. The Taldan fighter smiles and taps the animal gently, grateful it didn't throw her away.
Sindri on the other hand doesn't quite seem to grasp even the most basic concepts of riding, falling off the elk repeatedly, although each time with a grin on his face.
"Yeah... Jorne love I'm just going to ride with you." Cleonora said with a nod as she looked to him. "I'll be fine so long as I hold onto him."
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Speaking soothingly to the great elk in Sylvan, Dinenen strokes the neck before trying his luck. He follows the provided example for mounting the animal, and then tries to learn about riding one.
He is very happy to realize that he can tell some differences between riding this majestic creature and a normal horse. The question, really, is how he'll do under pressure, though.
"Do they have names?"
St. John feeds some berries to one of the elk and then when he feels they are friends he tries to ride it. He has trouble getting on it let along staying on it. In the then he just has to laugh at himself.
"No worries my dear, I will make sure we get there easily enough." As one of the larger elk walks up and you can see a collar around its neck and has the name Fyrestone on it. "My Fyre will get us there safely."
Responding to Dinenen the elf in a pleasant tone, "Yes some of them have names. Typically it is a claimed elk at that point. It is strange that the elk that have been infused with magic also sometimes gain more of a sentience, more like an empathic link. Like Fyre here, he is a bold one and wants to be out in front of the pack to defend. Though with the collar around their necks representing they are claimed, you are more than welcome to ride them, or at least try. They are more picky about who rides them."
"St. John, keep trying, though you might want to try another elk." He says while chuckling with the fellow. Offering his hand the help his friend off the ground and pointing towards a possible more rideable elk.
St. John takes Jorne's hand and moves to the elk indicated. He attmpts to ride again. St. John ends up trying two more elk before he finds one he can ride.
Quince looks about at the question of names, "Certainly, the great one back that is Katrina's elk, Sunshine." He points to a another elk with smaller antlers that appears to have a broken on on the right side. "That's Stubs." He looks between them. He points out another that is not being ridden and has what looks to be a poorly healed lower jaw. "That's Jasper."
Watching the riders he smiles occasionally chatting with Katrina or one of the handlers offering a bit of advice. He grabs some berries himself and feeds one of the elk, "This is Twitch."
"More sentient? Any signs of language? Perhaps they already have names we should be trying to honor?" He switches back to sylvan, leaning over the neck of the elk he is riding and asks "What of it? Do you have a name you call yourself?" He waits, not truly expecting an answer, but giving the creature a chance, just in case.
Speak with animal works but they don't have an actual language.
”Jasper, Blitzen, Flor, Fyre, Stubs at least that is what the others call him, yup. They have names but it is more like a scent, they accept the names we give them.” She replies, expecting that to sate their questions.
As most of you are more familiar with a specific elk and know more about how they move you are ready for the ride the next morning. Quince made sure to point to the general stores in case anyone needed to pick up something and even get some items the group asked for,
There are guest rooms in the castle you could stay at or you could go find a room at the local inn. They have two open rooms.
The next morning comes swiftly and most of you collect at the elk park. If someone doesn't show up a Clarion Call is easily made to summon the late or sleeping in individual. Finding your elk is easier than you know as they push others away so they can go to their rider.