"A pity bounds of honorr and favorr do not bound tongues as vell." Gofran replies. "Verry vell done Bea. Now let's leave this place." He adds as he moves ahead, scouting.
The group quickly passes through the portal at the other end, trading the dry, scorching heat of the tunnel for suffocating, cloying heat. The humidity-saturated air, the loud noises of cicadas and birds, and the unmistakably tropical foliage visible beyond the immediate surroundings make it clear that they have emerged in a jungle.
Surrounding the portal exit, which shimmers for a moment and then solidifies into stone, is an open-air temple, its carved stone arches smeared black with soot. Charred branches and clumps of roots mark the shape of the garden that once stood here, but the plants and flowers have been ripped up and burned. In the middle of the ring of stone arches, in the center of a cold pit of charcoal, a half-complete wooden pillar once capped with a dragon's visage stands near a pile of carved rocks and a small sack of cloth.
And they are not alone. About a score of dark-skinned elven warriors are training their bows on the group, their postures wary and tense. Several of them bear wounds covered by bloody bandages.
Gofran frowns and raises his arms. "Ve mean you no harrm..." He says.
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"Čo chce trpaslík povedať, je "nemyslíme nič zlé" Hammid bows (or whatever appropriate greeting expresses polite salutation) and indicates each person in his party "Ona je povolaná Beatrix, On je povolaný Beau, trpaslík sa volá Gofran, a som povolaný Moonlight"
He switches to common "Do you speak Taldane?" continuing "The portal between our realms seems to have been tampered with - the Spirit of Dahak escaping through. If you need aid, speak now. Ospravedlňujeme sa za náhly priestupok" If our shady hero is pleased to be among his own kind, he suppresses the pleasure, burying it behind a malignant curiosity: What knowledge and power can these new elves bring his attention to?...
"What the dwarf wants to say is "we mean no harm"
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Introductions by name
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"We apologize for the sudden offense (tresspass)"
One of the elves, a man set apart from the others by his gold jewellery and bracers, lowers his bow and steps forward, giving a slight bow to Hammid and to each of the others as they are introduced, then starts speaking in halting and heavily-accented Taldane.
"Good day. I am Jahsi, of the Leopard Clan. My mother is of the River Clan. I speak your language a little." As Hammid mentions the portal, there is an unmistakable reaction to the name "Dahak", the elves tightening their grips on their weapons and looking at each other. Jahsi frowns. "Escape? No, no. It is other thing, but difficult for me to say. Not have enough words in your language." He shrugs and smiles self-deprecatingly, then winces as the motion pulls on the bandaged wound on his neck.
"Then speak in yourrs, so Moonlight can be useful forr once!" He says, speaking as if he was stating the obvious.
Bea introduces herself and greets the elf in their language as well "His followers came through to our village, threatening innocents and causing mayhem. We stopped them but was worried that there may be more on this side that would attempt to come through."
Beau puts away his rapier as a sign he, and by extension his friends, means the elves no harm. He observes the elves and tries to carve their features into his mind so that the sketches he'll make later speak a truthful picture.
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At that moment a dark-skinned, young half-elf steps forward from the circle of warriors. Unlike the others, she was not as well-armed, only clad in light tribal armor and not having a visible weapon other than a whip on her side. While she was strikingly beautiful, she also seemed rather fierce, her expression serious and edging towards severe. Notable, too, were the number of Ivory - or bone? - ornamental 'jewels' she wore, with what seemed like a full human skull hanging from the other side of her belt as the most eye-catching one.
"Baba, niruhusu nikutafsirie. Ufahamu wangu wa Taldane ni wa kina zaidi," She calls to the leader, Jahsi.
"Father, allow me to translate for you. My knowledge of Taldane is more extensive."
After receiving a nod from the man, she turns to the group. "I am Jeryn, daughter of Jahsi, student of the Magaambya," she speaks in formal Taldane. "You tresspass on sacred ground, recently taken from us by cultists of Dhahak and now reconquered. You say you are not aligned with them, or the agents they sent through the portal. Do you have proof of such a claim?" she asks, her gaze piercing, as if carefully scrutinizing you for the slightest hint of lies.
"It is a pleasure to meet to Jeryn, daughter of Jahsi, student of the Magaamyba." Beatrix curtseys respectfully. "Proof? What would... hmmm, we did take prisoners from the cultists attack. We could use the portal again to go back home and retrieve one of them. Would that suffice?"
Jahsi signals to the other elven warriors to lower their weapons as Beau sheathes his rapier. He addresses Bea in Elven, shaking his head sorrowfully.
He nods at Jeryn in thanks as she offers to translate, switching back to Taldane. "My daughter is very smart. More smart than I. But," he smiles warmly, "I believe what you are saying."
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Moonlight - fluent on each language being traded around - translates in turn for the group "They have decided we are not charau-ka nor boggards. I believe a discussion of terms are underway..."
Addressing Jahsi "Uhlaselwe ukuhlaselwa kwakamuva okuvela kumahlelo, nezidalwa zaleli zwe, ngiyacabanga. Ucabanga ukuthi bafunani?" a glint in his eye, our shady hero hopes that the response won't only be "to spread their cult", and that instead, per the legends with which he is acquainted, there is a great power or knowledge that these elves guard, which now lays within reach! His face wrapping hiding the selfish anticipation in his lips...
"You have been hit by recent attacks from cults, and creatures of this world, I think. What do you think they want?"
Beau sits down and makes himself comfortable while the others speak in languages he doesn't understand. "Ha! I'm glad it's clear we aren't Dhahak worshippers. Perhaps they ought to know we repaired the portal on our side, and that we're neighbors now. Whether they like it or not."
"It is a pleasure to meet to Jeryn, daughter of Jahsi, student of the Magaamyba." Beatrix curtseys respectfully. "Proof? What would... hmmm, we did take prisoners from the cultists attack. We could use the portal again to go back home and retrieve one of them. Would that suffice?"
There is a small nod as Jeryn inclines her head at this polite greeting, and she translates the offer to her father - whom then promptly decides to trust the group. She nods to him and bows in subserviant manner. "Sawa baba. Ikiwa hayo ni mapenzi yako. Ingawa ninauhakika njia yangu ingefanya kazi pia, ikiwa ungeniruhusu nijaribu."
"Father trusts you on your word and extends his greetings. He also extends his sympathies for damage suffered on your end by the Cinderclaws, and offers compensation or aid from the tribe in rebuilding. As he believes the Ekujae are partly responsible by allowing them past the gate on our side," She then translates to her accented Taldane, facing Bojas and Gofrain, unsure from their demeanor if they could understand either Elven or Mwangi. "He also wishes to ask your aid for a local problem we have been facing," she follows, and respectfully waits for Jahsi's further instructions.
The welcome and invitation to visit the tribe were implied, but not hers to offer - or so she figured.
"Help? We can try. Good relations between our people might allow us to open trade between us and Yes, rebuilding help would be very beneficial. Maybe once we are done with your problem, a representative from your tribe could come back with us to meet the town council?" Bea offers, looking around at her companions to see if they agree, at least so far. Once they hear what the local problem is, she understands there might be more discussion.
Jahsi squeezes his daughter's shoulder, whispering to her.
He then turns to address the others in Elven, pausing every now and then to allow time for translation.
"We were attacked. Charau-kas and boggards - the Cinderclaws - but they were so much stronger, with claws and scales and breath of fire... but that is no excuse." Jahsi holds his arms stiffly to the side, his muscles straining. "I ordered us to retreat and regroup. We returned and fought them off, but not before they opened Huntergate and sent some of their kin through. As to what they want... that is a dark tale best told away from here."
He nods to Bea. "You think far ahead, like a leader. I like that. For now, you must have questions. I can answer some, but for others we will need my other daughter, the lore-keeper or our clan." He gestures in a vague direction towards the jungle. "She is in Akrivel, our dwelling. You are welcome there, provided that you act with respect."
Bea preens a little, with a bright smile at the compliment, then answers "We will, sir. Please though, accept that our cultures might be different enough that we might need to be instructed when our actions fall outside your traditions." she has no idea what those might be, but at times they all could be a little contrary, so it seems best to hedge their bets on the subject.
Beau gets up and readies himself for the journey ahead of them. He pats off the soot and dust, takes a swig from his water flask, and nods at Jahsi to confirm he too will act with respect. "I'd be honored."
Gofran has the feeling that Bea is worried about him doing something rude... and she is right for he probably would, even if he did not mean to. "I'm nothing if rrespectful to those who deserrve." Gofran says, implying that the elves do deserve it.
Jahsi smiles at Bea. "We will not hold your ignorance against you, of course. Me and my daughter will travel with you to our village. It is a long journey, so let us know if you need a moment to rest, or if you need supplies. The jungle can be harsh to those unaccustomed to it."
Their truce and partnership being settled, Gofran relaxes a bit and takes a look around the place.
Now that she got a better look at the many injuries and extend of battle damage on display, Jeryn's features soften somewhat, and she regards the party with a mild curiosity. "You seem very polite and well-mannered, Bea. If you have specific questions, I would happily offer to explain what I can on the way. Yet, it is true that my older sister knows much more than I. I am but a visitor of sorts, whereas she is a resident."
"Thank you, Jeryn, I grew up in a household that required it. Have the cinderclaws been a problem for a long time?" Bea asked, as well as sending a smile to Gofran for his comment.
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Exchange of favors... yes...
Seeing the situation unfold without his intervention, Moonlight gladly recedes into the background, knowing fully well that in the company of these adventurers here, who seem all but the dwarf to trust him enough, his personal quest to learn more about these strange elves - and what Power they guard! - is already well underway.
With trained posture, standing with uncontained pride, he looms shadily over the introductions, face hidden, his thoughts his own, his eyes darting from one speaker to the next, handsome if stern eyebrows being the primary indicator of "expression" his presentation is capable of sharing outwardly...
Gofran spends a few moments exploring the ruined temple, focusing on the one thing that feels out of place among the elven architecture - the broken wooden pillar. Even a cursory examination shows that it was originally intended to be crowned with a wooden carving of a dragon's head that has been bleached white. The dragon is obviously meant to represent Dahak.
At the base of the pillar, a cloth sack contains a thin gold bar, but it has a strange sheen on it.
Gofran takes the gold bar, but doesn't touch it, using the cloth to protect his hands. "Bea, this sheen on this barr... is it magic? Or some alchemical substance?"
Bea moves next to the dwarf, looking with much interest "I... let me see" her eyes shift into the magical realm, and she considers.
Ever curious, Beau looks over Bea's shoulder and inspects the odd gold bar from a distance.
Bea doesn't feel any magic from the gold bar, but it is clearly mixed with another substance, although neither she nor Beau can identify it.
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Jeryn regards the proceedings, at first worried these people would prove her father wrong and were now openly looting a place sacred to the Ekujae right in front of them, but fortunately it seemed such fears were ungrounded, with the gold probably belonging to the cultists.
Thus, she patiently waits for the inspection to be done and the group to begin moving.
"Perrhaps the elves can discoverr vhat it is... a native plant? Orr vhateverr" Gofran says as he wraps the gold bar and stores it on his pack.
"We are sorry for the delay, it is the little things that might explain or aid, don't you think?" she apologies to Jeryn. "How long have your people resided here?"
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Beau grins when Bea asks how long the elves have been 'here'. Don't they live like forever? Wait, don't gnomes also live like really, really long? The grin disappears when Beau realizes that like the oft-mocked Chelish soldier Janus Nix, he too knows nothing.
He gets out his journal, flips to an empty page, and starts drafting the outlines for sketches of the sacred place, Jeryn, and the other elves.
Jahsi approaches, frowning at Gofran's find. Whereas most people would look at gold with awe, or greed, the elven champion regards it with disgust.
"Blood of darkness," he says in Taldane, then elaborates in Elven. "We shun gold, for it is the blood of Dahak that was spilled in our battle with him long ago, and it is cursed. It makes even the kindest and noblest of people covet it, and the curse ensures that blood is always spilled from such greed."
He points to his own gold jewellery. "This gold has been ritually purified, and I am keledi. If the Great Darkness should ever return, I have sworn to sacrifice my life to fight against him, and I have proven that my soul is worthy enough of cutting the flesh of a god. I am a living sacrifice, and these mark me as such." He says the last part with a mix of pride and determination, no trace of sorrow or regret in his expression.
He nods at the gold bar that Gofran has wrapped in cloth. "I would advise against taking that. But if you insist on doing so, our sages can try to cleanse it."
Beau grimaces when Jahsi advises them to get rid of the bar. Not because they'd be leaving behind valuable gold, but because of the implication. "It is our responsibility now, no? If we leave it behind, someone else will find it, and what chance do they stand to cleanse it, let alone withstand its corruption?"
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Bea perks up "I would be Very interested to see the rite of cleansing." she says quickly, before her cheeks redden a bit " Knowledge is I guess... my gold? Something to covet, probably too much.
If that request is too forward or the rite is a secret, please forgive me."
Given Jahsi knowledge of the gold, she asks "There was a chemical substance on the gold, do you know what it is?"
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Unexpectedly, Jahsi laughs and claps Beau on the shoulder, once his words are translated. "I like you!" the elf says in Taldane, then switches to Elven. "It is good that you take responsibility. And you seem very confident that you can withstand its corruption - perhaps we will put that confidence to the test, eh?"
Grinning, he nods towards the jungle. "Now, if there is nothing else, let us be on our way." He then whistles, a curiously modulated sound that, after a few beats, is echoed by the nearby birds. "Jeryn, you take the rear, make sure none of them get lost."
With that, Jahsi begins leading the way north through the forest with the grace and ease of one long accustomed to this environment. Although he slows periodically to allow everyone to catch up, the 10-mile journey is rather arduous for those not used to the jungle's humidity. After only a few moments under the dense canopy they find themselves drenched in sweat, and the air itself feels sticky and cloying. Jahsi stops at every stream they come across, encouraging everyone to refill their canteens or waterskins to stay hydrated.
At last, as the light begins to fade, their guide holds aside a curtain of vines, a half-smile playing on his face. "We're here. This is Akrivel." Except... where is it? There's only trees and lianas and thick-leaved bushes. With a mischievous grin, Jahsi directs the gaze upwards, and there -
Like a trick of the eye, the chaos of leaves and bark resolves into the shapes of dwellings. Woven tree branches form the foundations and buildings of a large treetop town, with bridges made of sturdy vines connecting them. Dozens of massive tree trunks, each over ten feet wide, support a wide weaving of branches that in turn supports the city above, and each is decorated with twisted roots and shoots that have been painstakingly arranged to form images of elephants and leopards. Further up the trunks, amid beautiful meshes of branches that have grown together to form wide platforms overhead, a staggering array of grafted fruit trees and terrace gardens creates a spectacular and colourful display.
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Gofran was about to say some words about that stupid superstition about gold and how their kin had been doing just fine with their mines, but Beau was quicker, so he decided to shut up.
As they leave the shrine, Gofran pays attention to the trail, the tress, rocks and rivers, committing them to memory just in case they find themselves in the need of returning to the shrine unaccompanied by the elves.
Gofran grunts as they arrive and he looks at the place. "Not bad."
"This is beautiful" Beatrix breathes in awe. Though the prospect of climbing the stairs required to get up there, stairs probably made for taller people, does spoil some of the magnificence for her.
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In his years, Hammid aka "Moonlight" has seen many elvish dwellings, and so, the splendor of yonder now-exposing sky-tree-city is diminished by a relative turn, taking not his breath away.
Only power excites!
Never-the-less, not un-cued towards social expectations, he feigns wonder, strolling into the protected area, past the threshold, with the act of a fish returning to sea, his height perfectly aligned to the scale of the sylvan architecture "Akrivel" he positions a semi-genuine compliment with practiced finesse "The stories about the beauty of this place do no justice"
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She apologies to Jeryn. "How long have your people resided here?"
"Us, as in the Ekujae, and here, as in this part of the Mwangi expanse?" The half-elf clarifies. "If so, our ancestors have been here since before Earthfall. Unlike most elves, the Ekujae remained on Golarion to fight the great Darkness that followed that event, so that life could persevere even with the lands shateered and the skies in perpetual darkness." Jeryn explains, and there is definite pride in her tone and tentative smile.
She listens to her father elaborate further on the tribal history and their distaste for gold. She frowns, and seems to consider her words carefully. "Yes, it is true. Dahak is the same darkness that I spoke of. His cultists, whom you have been fighting, believe that there is a way to bring him back involving these travel gates. There is more to this, but perhaps that is best kept to a later time."
During the travel, she lowers her voice to speak more with Beatrix and any others at the rear of the convoy. "Personally, I am not as against gold as most of my tribe. After all, it is my belief that it is not gold itself that drives people to do horrible and selfish things, but a greed for riches in general. There are many different forms of which that appeal to men, about as many as the Aspis Consortium and their allies seek to steal from the natives. And for that, we kill them," she states plainly.
Her sea-green eyes gaze over each of the party in turn. "However, we are not warmongers. As travelers and guests, you have nothing to fear from us. It is our way to safeguard and guide those traveling through the dangerous jungles should we feel it necessary. But, I would still advise you to be on good behavior. The tribe remains in conflict with Dahak's cultists, for one, as I'm sure my sister and father will speak more of when we enter Arkrivel."
The rest of the trip there, she spends time explaining how to present and conduct themselves to make a good impression, demonstrates the correct greetings and shares the titles of those in important positions, such as Linguist - her own - a function of diplomats and translators. Predictably, she is not surprised by the 'appareance'of her home city. and rolls her eyes at her father's mannerisms in amusement, but does smile warmly to the buildings forming the town above.
The Ways of the Ekujae
As both Jeryn and Jahsi explain during the travel to Akrivel, the Ekujae are particular about a few things. For one, respect towards nature - so killing animals other than for food or in self-defense is frowned upon, as is irresponsible use of fire. Secondly, their struggle with Dahak and, more recently, with the Aspis Consortium, has led them to view with suspicion dragon-associated characters, as well as worshippers of Abadar or Asmodeus. On the other hand, many of the prejudices towards certain heritages that exist in the areas north of Mwangi are absent here. Orcs and half-orcs in the Mwangi Expanse are well known as demon-hunters, so the Ekujae respect them, while elves and half-elves are received warmly. Generally, the Ekujae seem to value one's deeds over vagaries of birth and upbringing.
Jahsi looks delighted at Hammid's words. "You have heard stories of Akrivel? You must share them with us later! Perhaps at the storyteller's circle."
As he speaks, a figure descends from the canopy above tied to a rope. As she reaches the forest floor, the "rope" retracts into her shoulder, revealing itself to be part of the half-elf's body - an artificial arm of living wood. She smiles at the new arrivals, a brass staff in her other hand. "Greetings, travelers. I am Nketiah, of the Leopard Clan. My mother was of the Stargazer Clan. You are our guests, tonight and for all the nights you wish to stay. Welcome to our lands." Only then does she greet Jahsi and Jeryn, looking relieved to see them both in one piece.
Jahsi responds to her greeting, then turns to the group to explain in Taldane. "Nketiah is my daughter, like Jeryn. She is linguist of our clan. Also like Jeryn." He beams at the two women with evident pride.
Jeryn chuckles at the implicit praise, a hint of embarassment shining through her as yet formal and reserved exterior. "Sister, it is good to see you well, as always. Has anything changed while we were gone?" She asks, and walks forward to embrace the other half-elf as she speaks. Put against one another, it seems Jeryn is younger than Nketiah, though such a thing was hard to estimate exactly when one's prime youth extended through four decades.
"It is a pleasure to meet you , Nketiah"" Beatrix gives a bow. "We will endeavor to be worth of the kindnesses you have bestowed on us." she greeting is formal, but her smile is bright and open.
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Nketiah smiles at Jeryn. "We are making preparations for the harvest moon festival tomorrow, so your timing is great. Come, let us show our guests around." With a mischievous smile, the half-elf raises her artificial arm, which quickly unravels and shoots up into the canopy, then in a blink she's gone as she hoists herself up. Jahsi nimbly runs and climbs up the closest trunk, disappearing into the higher branches almost as quickly, then poking his head from between leaves.
"Come, come!"
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"Oh..." Bea exclaims in keen interest at Nketiah's extending arm. Unfortunately that delight and in truth the entire delight in the city disappears completely when Bea realizes "There are no stairs. Not even ones made for bigger legs???" the small bookish young gnome looks distraught.
Her violet eyes look around for the easiest path, mumbling something about being guests. Branches like stairs are rarely made to be at the proper height so she is forced to let her strange magic out. Magic that most people find disgusting. So it puts her into an even worse mood having to use it with new people around.
Her right arm morphs into a grayish slug like slimy tentacle, shooting out and latching on to a limb so she can climb up, then again and again, until she reaches top, where her hand becomes normal again.
Irritated thunder clouds can be seen in her eyes. She does her best to stiffle them, knowing the elves meant nothing by this act, just... still. She busied herself brushing off leaves,bits of bark, and slime trails while the others work out how to get up.
Gofran echoes Bea's words. "Just vhy? Ve dvarrves arre shorrterr than many rraces, and yet ourr homes beneath the mountains arre high enough forr even blasted giants to walk comforrtably."
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Having grown up in and around trees, the elevated environment brings Beau back to years long gone and, almost, forgotten. And unlike Bea, Beau has no trouble moving up and down. Not that the gnome doesn't manage to move on up. "This brings me back to my youth. We'd climb all day, every day, and would come up with colorful stories while doing so. We battled dragons, forest goblins, and even evil corrupted trees ..."
"Evil corrupted trees?" Bea imagines them with large toothy but oddly goofy grins. Probably they would provide stairs, if nothing other than to eat one easier.
Moonlight has no trouble scaling one of the massive trunks, the roughness of the bark helping with the grip as the elf climbs up into the canopy with obvious agility.
Nektiah whistles appreciatively at Bea, exclaiming in Taldane. "Your arm! Like mine, although a little different. What a great gift you have." The half-elf smiles warmly, perhaps sensing Bea's dark mood. "Perhaps we can trade stories later, if you like?"
By now, quite a few Ekujae have gathered amid the branches to watch the strangers, several of them lifting a hand in greeting. They cheer and whistle as, one by one, Bea, Gofran, Beau and Hammid successfully navigate the challenge of reaching the platforms on which the tree-city stands, and once they're up they find themselves clapped on the shoulder with obvious appreciation.
Jahsi leans in to murmur something to Nketiah, who nods, then turns to the group. "My father is going to prepare a place for you to sleep tonight. You are welcome to share our food, and any other supplies you might need. Feel free to explore our city, although I'm afraid that not many of the Ekujae speak your language. and if you have any questions, I'm here."