"Then your initial offer was insulting." the dragon says with a deliberate pout upon her lips, "...and I would be fortunate indeed if merging two paltry shards rewarded me with the majority of return from a single item. You do make a fine point though, and to find a rake that understands the value of such pieces here is surprising."
She looks over Kevan with a new level of attention, and it was uncertain if he was fortunate or not to draw a dragon's attention in such a way.
"Fifteen percent of any wealth, of any of the shard metal, and an art piece or piece of knowledge of my choosing." she state firmly to Alden, "I would be content with such, thought if I receive a better offer from another we may have to renegotiate."
"Those terms are acceptable, with the caveat that should anyone approach you with a better offer, we be present at any and all negotiations, so that we are aware of what is being offered, and can make a fully-informed counter-offer. Are we agreed?"
The lady gave Alden a thin smile and nodded her head. She then rose to her feet. "Excuse me for a moment." she said softly before turning and heading down under the stump of the giant tree.
Rabbit sits tensely, biting his lip as they wait to see the results of their gambit. After his first interjected comment had seemed to run the risk of overwhelming her, he had decided it was better to keep his mouth shut and not risk undermining Alden's strategy.
"I think you did good," he whispers to Alden once Talschornvox has stepped away.
Rabbit sits tensely, biting his lip as they wait to see the results of their gambit. After his first interjected comment had seemed to run the risk of overwhelming her, he had decided it was better to keep his mouth shut and not risk undermining Alden's strategy.
"I think you did good," he whispers to Alden once Talschornvox has stepped away.
Eochaidh nods in agreement with Rabbit.
Jaxom stands back and waits. "Hmm...."
”Peculiar,” Kevan says more to himself than anything and then waits in silence.
The lady returns a moment later. Cradled in both her hands was a much larger emerald than before. The slightly heart shaped gem that was Deshrit, fused together with another emerald that was more diamond shaped. Laced between them where they were not cleanly fused, and coating thme each unevenly was a large amount of etherium. A hunk of it was shorn away in one place. The dragon clearly taking her due.
Setting the joined gems down on the center of the table Talschornvox favors the group with the same thin smile she kept when seemingly pleased
"You are familiar with Deshrit." she offered, "The other gem is Delian. She and I are on good terms, so please treat her well."
Deshrit made a sound as if clearing his throat in the minds of all gathered. "It is good to see you all again." he said primly. The gem seemed to be in good spirits.
Then another voice, feminine and soft came in. "I greet you honored ones." came the voice of Delian.
Talschornvox then took a few steps away from the table and lifted her dress to reveal a pair of knee high black boots she was now wearing. "I will also loan you the use of these boots." she offered, "Until I demand them returned you may use them for our mutual benefit. I will show you what they can do."
She then pointed to a spot in the grass. A moment later her form blurred with movement, the woman seeming to shift fifteen feet in a diagonal direction. She smiled the wider, gave a little hop in place, and then shifted another fifteen feet. With one more hop a moment later, she had finished a triangle and returned to where she was.
"Three times a day." she started to explain, "You can use them to move like this, and nothing should be able to react to you. They are rather handy for getting around an opponent." She then walked back to her seat and carefully slipped the boots off. Setting them down on the table next to the two gems.
Alden accepts the Stones from Talschornvox. "A pleasure to meet you, Delian, and I'm glad you are still with us Deshrit."
"Deshrit!" Rabbit says with unfeigned enthusiasm. "You're alive! Or, well, extant! And- hello, Delian! It's very nice to meet you, has Deshrit told you about us?"
The offer of the boots seems generous indeed, even if it is only a loan. Rabbit glances around at the others, then cautiously says, "Any further terms for the boots, ma'am, other than that they be returned when you ask?"
Alden accepts the Stones from Talschornvox. "A pleasure to meet you, Delian, and I'm glad you are still with us Deshrit."
"This is different than the first merging?"
”Now for the long wait. I don’t suppose with two of you together that the time between mergings would be less?”
The two gems were alight, their twinkling not in synch as each reacted to the welcome. Both of them greeted Alden in return, with the more subdued seeming Delian coming in quietly after Deshrit's own greeting.
"Why, of course I am alive Rabbit." Deshrit said matter of fact, "That should come as no surprise, unless you were secretly displeased with me, which seems to not have been the case." There was a familiar tone to his voice, having spoken so much with Rabbit over the months before the joining.
"Hello honored one Rabbit." Delian answered a moment later, "Deshrit has spoken of you all at length." Her tone was still subdued and light despite Deshrit's comfort.
"Only in that we seem to have not earned any such fate." Deshrit answered to Eochaidh's question. Then there was a pregnant pause at Kevan's question. "We are merely the keys, not the lock, master Kevan." Deshrit explained, "The two of us together, working together, will have no effect on the time between mergers." Delian did not speak during this exchange, though Deshrit's normal even tone had wavered in answering the rogue.
Talschornvox takes out parchment and a quill, dipping it into ink and starting to scribe a pair of matching documents for the group. There is a passing interest in the party's reuniting with Deshrit, but she does not pause from her task. One last official bit of business to conclude the negotiations.
Alden waits patiently for Talschonvox to write out the terms of the contract. Once she has finished, and offers them for signature, he makes a point of confirming that the terms were exactly as agreed upon, and that both copies are identically worded.
Kevan steps up to peruse the documents as well. "You have very nice handwriting, Talschornvox." Kevan remarks.
Rabbit beams to hear Dehsrit's voice again, and bobs a bow towards the new gem, Delian. "Oh you don't need to call me Honored! But I'm so glad there's two of you now. That way Deshrit's not alone. It would be sad to be the only one of your kind at all, I think."
Seeing the contract signing is going fine-- or at least he presumes so-- Rabbit runs light fingers over the fused gem duo-- and the significant amount of etherium still present.
".... I think I'm going to try to sew something with it," he murmurs to nobody in particular.
"This is different than the first merging?"
Rabbit glances around (though not sure for what, precisely), and lowers his voice slightly as he addresses Eochaidh's question. "The first gem was destroyed. It seems to be sort of... sort of a matter of peace versus conflict? If the shard... owners... are at peace or in conflict or something?"
"Be at ease honored one. This is simply a polite way of greeting new people." Delian speaks softly as her gem shimmers softly.
"I believe it is because we have not displeased our shard bearers." Deshrit elaborates, "I know not what conflict the previous gem had with you, but that seemed to be the cause for her destruction."
Alden and Kevan both look at the documents. The female was scrawling out the terms clearly enough, but the exact meaning of the legalize around those terms was difficult to decipher. "I'm more used to doing this in draconic." Talschornvox admitted, "I thought it better to use common given the more... rural nature of your shard." Once she was finished she set the two contracts side by side on the table for inspection.
Eochaidh helps Alden examine the wording of the contracts presented to the group.
Eochaidh confirms the two contracts are both the same, and basic enough he is certain there are no worrying exploits within them. The terms are listed as such:
- Fifteen percent of any wealth, of any of the shard metal, and an art piece or piece of knowledge of Talschornvox's choosing will be tithed to her after the merging and uniting of a new shard.
- The shard bearers will not name Talschornvox and will not trespass on her forest other than to seek audience with those who reside within.
- Talschornvox will secure any shards that come to be in her domain, and hold them for the shard bearers.
- Any contracts negotiated with other potential shard bearers will be done only with the current shard bearers present.
The lady then signs the two documents and offers her quill to Alden.
Alden accepts the quill, and gives a respectful nod. "Thank you, m'Lady, both for your hospitality and for your willingness to deal with us in good faith."
Alden dips the quill in the inkwell and signs his name to both copies of the contract.
Talschornvox lifts her copy before her, examining the signature for a moment before giving a wry smile and dipping her chin. Lowering her head to breath softly across the ink to help it dry. When she seems satisfied she rolls the parchment up and tucks it away into a small side pouch that somehow envelopes the parchment.
"I bid you all good fortune in your next merging." she tells the party, "If there is no other business, I believe I have had enough company for some time." She then curtseys to the assembled group and,
if no one stopped her, retreated down into her lair.
"On our way back, I suggest we pay our respects to the Swan Maiden. She lives here, as well, and it might be best to be on good terms with all of our new neighbors," Alden suggests to the group.
"On our way back, I suggest we pay our respects to the Swan Maiden. She lives here, as well, and it might be best to be on good terms with all of our new neighbors," Alden suggests to the group.
"It would be good to see Sarana once more before we leave."
Jaxom departs with the group, staying quiet.
"Thank you, Lady Talschornvox," Rabbit says with full earnestness. He picks up the boots, and the gems, and makes sure Mr. Whisper is safely in his pouch, before he scurries after the others. He is more than happy to see the lovely swan lady again, as Alden and Eochaidh suggest.
***
When they do return back to their fledgling settlement, Rabbit sees to it that Deshrit and Delian are rested on a comfortable small pillow with "a view" of the inn's common room, even if comfort means two different things to two sentient gems. He then barrages both gems with earnest questions-- was Talschornvox nice to Deshrit while he was in her custody? How far back can Delian recall? What were her impressions of the dragon-lady? Did either of them see much else of interest in the new shard?
Etherium is gently tugged free from the joined crystals, seeming to respond to touch. Rabbit ponders the strange metal that doesn't behave as metal, then goes to see if the others are free for a little discussion...
Once he's found Jaxom, Alden, Eochaidh, and Kevan, Rabbit clears his throat nervously. "Um. Hello. I... I think we should... do things with the etherium. It... wants to be worked, I feel. I could-- I could make clothes with it, probably. Capes, or shirts, or things like that. But Mr. Jaxom knows how to make weapons... maybe that is more... more important for us? Or... maybe the best plow ever, heh, to give us a great harvest!... I'm joking with that. Sort of. Um. Any thoughts?"
"Things that go boom!" Kevan says.
"Thank you, Lady Talschornvox," Rabbit says with full earnestness. He picks up the boots, and the gems, and makes sure Mr. Whisper is safely in his pouch, before he scurries after the others. He is more than happy to see the lovely swan lady again, as Alden and Eochaidh suggest.
***
When they do return back to their fledgling settlement, Rabbit sees to it that Deshrit and Delian are rested on a comfortable small pillow with "a view" of the inn's common room, even if comfort means two different things to two sentient gems. He then barrages both gems with earnest questions-- was Talschornvox nice to Deshrit while he was in her custody? How far back can Delian recall? What were her impressions of the dragon-lady? Did either of them see much else of interest in the new shard?
Etherium is gently tugged free from the joined crystals, seeming to respond to touch. Rabbit ponders the strange metal that doesn't behave as metal, then goes to see if the others are free for a little discussion...
Once he's found Jaxom, Alden, Eochaidh, and Kevan, Rabbit clears his throat nervously. "Um. Hello. I... I think we should... do things with the etherium. It... wants to be worked, I feel. I could-- I could make clothes with it, probably. Capes, or shirts, or things like that. But Mr. Jaxom knows how to make weapons... maybe that is more... more important for us? Or... maybe the best plow ever, heh, to give us a great harvest!... I'm joking with that. Sort of. Um. Any thoughts?"
Eochaidh is also curious about the answers to Rabbit's questions for the combined gem.
As to the topic of etherium, "As much as I'd like to create items with a peaceful use I tend to agree with Kevan about the 'why' if not the 'what' we should create. As seen again with this last merging not all will be peaceful and now we have a rather agitated 'partner' to consider."
"At this point, unfortunately, the best way to assure peace is prepare for war," Alden says. "Each merging runs the risk of introducing violent opposition bent on conquest and subjugation into our corner of the world. We need to make sure that we can defend ourselves, our loved ones, and our lands."
Turning to Jaxom Eochaidh asks, "What are your thoughts on the issue?"
Jaxom looks at the strange metal. He doesn't reach out to touch it. "I make good quality weapons. I don't know about magic, and I don't trust it. I know that there are, simple magic weapons. Things designed just to work just a little better than regular, not self aware or doing things other than what a regular weapon does."
He shakes his head and glances away. "Besides, don't you have to use magic to make a magic weapon? There's not a bit of magic in me. Just give me good steel, or maybe mithril or adamantine? I wouldn't know what to do with that stuff."
Jaxom looks at the strange metal. He doesn't reach out to touch it. "I make good quality weapons. I don't know about magic, and I don't trust it. I know that there are, simple magic weapons. Things designed just to work just a little better than regular, not self aware or doing things other than what a regular weapon does."
He shakes his head and glances away. "Besides, don't you have to use magic to make a magic weapon? There's not a bit of magic in me. Just give me good steel, or maybe mithril or adamantine? I wouldn't know what to do with that stuff."
"From what we've learned it seems that if you make the weapon out of etherium, it can be enchanted just from your work even though you don't practice any magical tradition."
"I've heard of people making these really wonderful sounding things called grenades. I'm thinking of trying to make some of those. They are supposed to be great self defense weapons. I also met a crazy gnome once, who had half his hair burned off, that claimed you could make little grenades that could be used in a sling so I may try some of those. Not sure if I need the etherium for those. I was thinking of trying to use its magical properties to make some actual magical oils. Maybe one that could be rubbed on a weapon to make it more effective, that sort of thing."
"I've heard of people making these really wonderful sounding things called grenades. I'm thinking of trying to make some of those. They are supposed to be great self defense weapons. I also met a crazy gnome once, who had half his hair burned off, that claimed you could make little grenades that could be used in a sling so I may try some of those. Not sure if I need the etherium for those. I was thinking of trying to use its magical properties to make some actual magical oils. Maybe one that could be rubbed on a weapon to make it more effective, that sort of thing."
"Keep in mind Kevan while I can make plants re-grow I cannot make your hair re-grow should you burn it all away."
The group wanders the forest, making their way to the large pond Alden had seen in his vision. It was shallow at the shoreline, with smooth stones lining the shoreline. Some larger stones dotted the landscape, and some moss covered rocks protruded from the calm water. Several groups of water fowl calmly swam about. Ducks mostly, but there were three swans that patrolled about the other birds as well. The shade of trees was cast over the water. Many leaves having fallen from the growing chill that was coming over the shard.
When testing the water it felt cool, but not cold as one would expect after days of winter coming over the newest land. There is no sign of Sarana, unless she was currently in the form of a swan.
Eochaidh will call out for Lady Sarana.
Even beyond no reply from the fey, the wildlife about the pond ignores the druid as well. The animals having lived for years without being bothered by man.
Rabbit glances around, uncertain-- still charmed by the beauty of the place but wondering if they're wholly welcome here. Not that the animals seem hostile... just... they're being ignored, perhaps.
"....you know," he says after a pause broken only be the natural noises, "....it'd be really funny if Talschornvox was also Sarana, heh."
Rabbit glances around, uncertain-- still charmed by the beauty of the place but wondering if they're wholly welcome here. Not that the animals seem hostile... just... they're being ignored, perhaps.
"....you know," he says after a pause broken only be the natural noises, "....it'd be really funny if Talschornvox was also Sarana, heh."
"But where did Sarana go?"
"Maybe she is exploring the area at large. You never know, she may not like the dragon and has just been waiting for an opportunity to get some distance. Or, she could be both."
Rabbit glances around, uncertain-- still charmed by the beauty of the place but wondering if they're wholly welcome here. Not that the animals seem hostile... just... they're being ignored, perhaps.
"....you know," he says after a pause broken only be the natural noises, "....it'd be really funny if Talschornvox was also Sarana, heh."
"But where did Sarana go?"
"If she was actually both ladies, I mean-- because shapeshifting magic. In which case she wouldn't be here because she'd be over where we just saw Talschornvox," Rabbit explains, with a chagrined smile. "Er-- it's just silly musing. I don't think that's actually the case. But it'd just be funny. If she was sounding us out in another form before she actually met with us. Um. Never mind. Like I said, silly."
He clears his throat and looks around. "Kevan could be right, she might just be... you know, out and about. Anyway.... Maybe we could leave her a note? If she wants to find us she can, and if she doesn't we can respect her privacy?"
If you prove friend to the forest you may come and see me at the pond you were making your way to. I ask only that any visitors approach the shore alone.
"Now that you mention privacy, she did ask that anyone who wishes to visit her should approach the pond alone," Alden replies. "I suppose we were thinking of our group as one entity, when she clearly sees us as individuals when it comes to visiting. Let's go home, then. She is either listening to us now, or will learn from the dragon that we have come to an agreement."
"Now that you mention privacy, she did ask that anyone who wishes to visit her should approach the pond alone," Alden replies. "I suppose we were thinking of our group as one entity, when she clearly sees us as individuals when it comes to visiting. Let's go home, then. She is either listening to us now, or will learn from the dragon that we have come to an agreement."
"I did consider our group as 'one'; perhaps you are correct. Yes let's go...home..."
It's clear by his demeanor and long looks at the forest he wishes this was his home.
It is very late when the group gets back to the inn, and yet candles still burn dimly in the window. When the party returns they find Bart, Norian, Siegfried, and Milana sitting around the main table of the common room. The Tooms family was huddled together asleep near the base of the stairs. Tel Beys and Fogril were asleep at a far table. Those awake straightened as the group came in, looking relieved to see all hale and whole.
"Is it done then?" Bart asked plainly. The question seemed more for confirmation than anything else.
Alden unfurls the contract, and holds it up for the assembly of townsfolk to examine. ”The dragon is intelligent, powerful, and protective of her territory and privacy. If we go about our daily lives, and do not trespass into her forest, we face no threat from her. Please make it clear to everyone not present, especially the children, that this is a binding agreement between the dragon and all members of our community. We cannot afford to lose her tolerance and goodwill because someone felt the need to sneak into the woods and see the dragon for themselves.”
Adding to Alden's warning Eochaidh says, "Since we went to the dragon almost immediately that means we did not have a chance to survey the forest for other dangers. So not only to not anger her but also avoid the forest since we have no idea what kinds of animals live there. But that means the animals in there could venture here so just be observant and mindful as usual."
Jaxom nods at Eochaidh's warning. "Good point. They didn't seem all that concerned about those werewolves...."
"It was amazing really. There we were, face to face with the dragon but Alden wasn't rattled a bit. He negotiated like a professional with some pointers from me and out of the blue the dragon capitulated. She was in such awe of his skill it was all she could do. We of course offered her a bit of treasure to keep her honest but it was an outstanding show of diplomacy. You really have to hand it to those church men, good talkers." Kevan says to those wanting to know what happened.