"Lady Talschornvox, howdy do and thank you. Very impressive. I'm working on trying to replicate such beauty. Honestly." Kevan says after the lovely woman lands.
Then he sees Lars start to work on the injured man and hurries over to watch. "This too is impressive. I'm getting good at breaking things but putting things back together astounds me. Can I help or would I just be in the way?"
Alden moves to each of the fallen, checking to see if any of them are still alive.
”One of the items I found in the last Shard empowers me against swarms, M’Lady,” Alden replies, tapping the clasp of his cloak, as he continues to render aid.
Once he has done what he can to save the others, he rises to his feet, and says. ”Gather around friends, and let the power of Erastil wash away your pain.”
”Perhaps, introductions are in order,” Alden says. ”May I introduce Lady Talschornvox, a good neighbor we met through the merging of our respective Shards.” He gestures towards the Dragon, giving her a respectful nod.
”I am Alden Cooperson, and I live to serve Erastil and all people who would live in peaceful community with one another.”
He turns to the others, giving them the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Watching Lars work, Kevan looks up at the man and says, "I'm Kevan, I'd shake, but your busy." Then he looks up and around "Kevan!" he shouts and goes back to watching Lars.
On the ground with bugs still crawling on him, biting and stinging Jaxom flails and fails again to brush them off.
Alden was too concerned with the condition of the fallen villagers to notice anything.
He likewise notices nothing in the Drafon’s tone or expression.
Milton manages to catch a glimpse of the dragon as it comes down and transforms. Wary of a green dragon he tries to remember what he knows of them. When he finishes stamping off the remaining ants he turns towards her and says "Thank you Lady Talschornvox. That gives us a break until more arrive. There is a whole hill of them off that way." He then points to toward their home. "My name is Milton McMurray. Please to meet all of you." He then heads over to Lars and asks "How are they? We have lost so many already."
Milton knows that green dragons are fierce creatures with a wide array of both natural and magical abilities. They can fly, breath acid, and have innate sorcerous abilities. They also become more powerful the older they get. What age and what powers this dragon may possess beyond that he cannot be sure.
Lars gets the man back to consciousness, but he didn't seem hopeful. He turned his head away, weeping in pain and grief.
Kevan notices a satchel next to one of the dead men and recognizes the leather as being alchemically treated. Putting two and two together, it was very likely part of an alchemist's kit or at least held some alchemical items.
The lady dips her chin slightly in greeting to the newcomers. "A very useful tool for you." she notes with a glance to Alden's clasp, "I would like to discuss these insects with you, and I have a proposal."
Alden nods. "A large nest of giant insects is a threat to everyone: your forest, our crops. They need to be exterminated as quickly as possible, M'Lady. It is in our mutual interest to work together to accomplish this."
Lars glanced over at Milton, making eye contact with the mage. He then looked back over at the newcomers, eyeing them to judge how much of a threat they were. Deciding that it was immaterial, as they were allied with a dragon. He knew his limits, and there was no scenario in which he would knowingly aggravate something so far beyond him.
”Lars.” He said, his voice rough and low. He pulled his armor to the side, showing the tattoo of Erastril to Alden. ”Any blessed of Old Deadeye is a friend of mine.” After a moment he added ”And we would hear this proposal.”
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
With the help of his friends Jaxom survives. He isn't sure that he's fully, mentally recovered.... but that is something for later thoughts.
"A large nest of the bugs? How many bugs are we talking? Big ones as well as the swarms? Anything besides ants? Is it possible to get close enough to scout them without getting attacked?"
"Too many." Lars said to Jaxom. "The more we kill, the more than come. And fewer of us are left."
The lady watches the conversation with passing interest, not responding to Alden as the others discuss the threat the ants pose.
"Tell me Alden." She says quietly, "What is your plan for the villagers that remain? Will you take them back through my forest first? Or will you go around it?"
She looks back in the direction of her domain.
After a moment she turns back to look sidelong in Kevan's direction. Meeting his gaze.
For but an instant one green eye, the one facing more toward you, shifts to a draconian pupil, then back. Had you blinked you would have missed it. Then she favors you with a thin grin.
"It would be easier if you allowed them passage, but if you do not want them to pass through your forest, we will respect your wishes, and lead them around, M'Lady," Alden replies. "Just as we did with the people of Ostenso, we will explain the terms of our treaty and the expectation that the terms of that treaty be honored. However, it should be noted that this nest of insects will most certainly not comply. They will strip your forest clean, they will strip the land of all the crops we have grown, and if that doesn't bring about starvation for every living being in our shard, the insects will kill every one of us who survives the famine in order to feed their colony."
Alden pauses a moment to let the urgency of the situation sink in. "We could, with your cooperation, destroy the nest now, and assure that our prosperous relationship continues. What say you, M'Lady?"
Talschornvox gave Alden a curious look, the hint of a smile still on her face. Then she looked to the acid scorched ground where the swarms had been minutes before. "They would, would they?" she asked.
She took a breath. "If you took those people around my forest it would be a much longer journey, I would think." she mused, "In fact, going around my forest rather than through... well that would be more than a day's travel. Over open ground."
She then stepped over to one of the dead ants. "You're Andoran." she explained as she considered the corpse, noting the clean cut through the ant's head. "You've had lobster?" she asked, "Herded cattle?"
Are you suggesting we domesticate the insects as a food source, M'Lady?" Alden asks. He pauses to consider the matter. "I suppose it could be done, but we need to cull and contain the herd. The nest is already too populous for new neighbors to manage, and we have now provided the bugs with more land and food sources. As to the issue of granting passage through your forest, do you wish to grant passage, refuse passage or are you putting passage on the table for negotiation?" Alden is fairly certain he knows the answer to the question before he asks it, but the dragon enjoys the game, and the pieces must be set on the board in order for it to be played.
"You lot have been very busy lately. Many irons in the fire." the lady says, and the smile became less of a secret as she looked at Alden approvingly, "...and trying to corral these creatures that live on the edge of my domain could be problematic. The last thing I would want is some kind of ranch on my northern border."
She turned to face the horizon in the opposite direction of her forest. "Rather than domesticate or kill these creatures, better to simply cull the herd on occasion. I have a lot of experience in managing wildlife. After all, these creatures pose no threat to me and my servants. The girls are rather adept flyers as well."
The lady looked over those gathered, and she did a scan of Lars and Milton.
"I am considering adding this land to my territory. As such, I would provide protection from it's denizens, and you would secure an additional food source." she declares, "Swans do not enjoy meat, and I do not have such a voracious appetite."
Almost as an afterthought she adds, "...and if you wanted permission for these people to travel my lands you need ask for it. I don't know if you're trying to get around our terms or if you're simply opposed to asking nicely."
"Friends," Alden says, turning to Lars and Milton. "Do you have the right or authority to negotiate on behalf of your community? If so, then, you and we both need to come to an agreement with M'Lady. I can attest that, thus far, she has been good to her word, and has neither initiated or threatened violence against our community. She has been, as I said, a good neighbor." Alden pauses long enough to nod respectfully to Tal. "That being said, she is very protective of her territory and her privacy. If an agreement is reached to allow travel through the forest, it will most certainly come with conditions. Knowing this, do you wish to enter into negotiations?"
Lars laughed bitterly. ”All who could claim ownership of these lands have long since been devoured. If I were to ask for their position I’d have to scrape what is left of them out of the ants which ate them.” He glanced over at Milton, his smile devoid of any humor. It was the look of a man who had forgotten what the word hope meant. ”As some of the last men who can still stand, I think we are the closest left. I don’t see any other answer but yes.” He waited to hear the mage’s opinion.
"You guys can come live with us. We have a great setup to include a small piece of a city. Hopefully neither of you wants to be a beggar. The pickings are slim in that area. At the same time we don't have a beggar's guild so perhaps you could get that started. My name's Kevan by the way. I can be your guide. Show you the ropes that sort of thing. Say, do either of you know how to blow stuff up? I'm working on something with a little more pizazz than the little bombs I was throwing tonight. While not a big boom, I have made some enjoyable fireworks. I thought about using them for weapons but haven't gotten around to it..." Kevan keeps going on sharing his development of alchemist fire, his new bombs, trying to figure out how to best use the liquid silver stuff, what a nice dragon Talschornovox is, his attempts at baking, and various other things he thinks new people would want to hear.
Milton looks to Lars and nods slowly. He then turns to Talschornvox "Any leaders in the town are long gone. We have a few people inside the ring of fire and that is it. I think this town is a lost cause and if you would be so kind as to permit it, we would be happy to escort them through your forest. If not we will have to go the long way. These survivors have been through so much already." He then pauses and waits for her response.
"They are requesting safe passage through your forest, M'Lady. What say you?" Alden asks.
"I see no reason why they can't be allowed passage, so long as you give them proper escort." Talschornvox mused, "...and since I hear no opposition I will not hesitate to claim these lands as mine. I suggest you take all with you what you can."
”How do you feel about her offer?” Alden asks the newcomers. ”All of this land for safe passage through the forest. Is there anything here that would give you pause before accepting? Do you wish to make M’Lady a counteroffer?”
Alden keeps his tone level and polite, as if her were merely brokering a deal between two parties.
Lars looked over at Alden, his face as hard as stone, though there was fire in his eyes. It was much easier to talk to a fellow human than to a dragon. He made a point of ignoring Kevan, though. The jibe of asking if he wanted to be a beggar would normally have been enough to raise his fists, but he knew that he was in no position to do so. Far too many people would die if he let his pride get the best of him. In a happier time he’d have entertained the halfling’s ramblings. The physician in him would have been interested, at least, in the chemical knowledge. But at the moment he had another body to bury, lest the ants eat it. Another life to mourn. And he was facing the simultaneous reality of salvation, coupled with losing his ancestral land. It was all too much. He could see what the paladin was doing. He was trying to give dignity. To ensure that the people had a voice and could negotiate as equals. But…he was broken. Far too much blood had been spilled over family fields, with the bodies of farmers turned into fertilizer for crops that would never be harvested. It felt like condescension dressed as charity.
”We are dying.” He growled, trying to keep his anger in check. ”Why play these games?” He asked, his voice cracking from the pain of the situation. ”Everyone in charge is dead, and until you lot got here we were just fighting to the end. Protecting...” Forcing his fists to unclench he continued, and he made the sign of Erastril to steady himself before continuing. His voice defeated ”The land is yours. Or hers. That the last of us that remain may live is better than what we faced minutes ago. Just…don’t insult us by pretending that this is a negotiation.”
It was odd. Up until just then he had been resigned to dying. Now he, and what was left of the community, would live. And he knew that he should be happy. But the idea of their land, which they had lived on and cultivated for longer than any could remember…it was being conquered by another. By an inhuman monster that wore the skin of a human, but which showed no actual care for the people that lived on the land it was annexing. And the idea of losing that was like a punch to the gut. All he could hope for, though, was that he didn’t insult their new draconic overlord. He was a brave man, but he was not suicidal.
”I would like to ask some small concessions on behalf of the newcomers., M’Lady,” Alden says to the dragon, again giving her a respectful nod. ”Since the insects’ nest is on your territory, it should fall upon you, as a good neighbor, to cull and control their numbers. Just as you have required that we keep our people from encroaching on your territory, we ask that you prevent the insects from encroaching on ours. Will you give your word that no insects originating from the lineage of this hive will cross into our territory? Will you give your word that, should this happen, you will provide immediate restitution to our community for any death, damage, or loss of crops and livestock?”
"Is that not what I suggested?" Talschornvox said in a bemused tone to Alden, "But if you would wish to amend our contract to include such specifics I would be amenable. Though perhaps we could simply shake on it this time? Is that not an agreement your Ertastil would honor? One between good neighbors and in good faith?"
She then turned her attention to Lars. "If you wish to remain on these lands and deal with the ants as you have you are welcome." she said, "No agency is being taken from you. Should these men wish to aid you they are also free to do so. We have an agreement between us. I have no claim on these lands."
"If my assistance did not make it clear..." she added, "I have come to aid and offer a potential solution."
"I mean no disrespect, M'lady. I seek only to make certain there is no misunderstanding between us. If all parties present are amenable to these terms, as I have spelled them out, I will clasp hands with you to seal the agreement in the presence of these witnesses."
"Say, Miss Tal, I've been meaning to mention, you looked awesome coming in all dragon like. I hadn't seen you like that. If at all possible, sometime in the future of course, do you think I could get a ride? Obviously, I can't fly but that just seems like it would be the most amazing thing ever. You fly just for fun, don't you? I know I would. With all the things I have done, I've never flown. I was thrown by a big half-orc once but that doesn't count." Kevan says when his attention is drawn back to Talschornovox.
With a weariness that Lars felt deep in his bones he nodded. ”We will live.” He said, more to himself than anyone else. He looked at the dragon, forcing himself to look her in the eyes. He didn’t know the right words to say, for he was far from being as silver tongued as Alden. And he had no idea as towards what might make something “official” in their eyes. Not everyone in the village had been literate, and a man’s word meant more besides. ”On behalf of those who are left, we accept the terms.”
The lady gives a genuine laugh at Kevan's request. Then nods politely to Lars, the slightest dip of her chin. "That you will." she agrees softly.
"If you can keep to yourself what I look like in my other form." she says softly to Kevan, "Then I might be convinced to do that for you. Sometime."
Turning back to Alden she favors him with a thin smile. "One day I hope we can talk easily ser paladin." she offers as she extends a hand.
Milton puts his arm around Lars' shoulders, sighs tiredly, and says "Let's gather the other's and whatever we can salvage from here. I'm sure whatever we bring with us will help in our new home." He then begins the walk back to the few remaining residents when a thought occurs to him, "Do you have any children in your village?"
Having survived the bugs barely and only with the help of the others, Jaxom watches the discussion at his usual distance. He doesn’t like magic and knows that the lady is magic. He doesn’t trust her….
But, now that the battle is over, he should get back to work. He had wondered if there were any mines in the new shard. But, with the agreement he guesses it didn’t matter.
Alden takes Tal's hand gently and respectfully, as a gentleman would a lady. He maintains it long enough for it to seem formal and official in its significance. "We are agreed," he says.
Before letting go of her hand, Alden gives the dragon a warm smile. "My thanks for the compassion you have shown these people, M'Lady. If I am available and able, I will answer your summons and speak with you on any subject you desire."
With that he slowly releases her hand, then turns to the others. "Let's get the survivors evacuated, and through the forest. Once we reach the other side, we can see about getting everyone fed and sheltered."
The dragon smiles warmly. Her handshake is firm enough not to appear weak, but there is not much strength in it. Likely she has shaken hands with many mortals.
"Perhaps we can share a meal the next time you bring me a tithe." she suggests, "Hopefully, no other shard will join ours ahead of that."
The group puts out what remains of the barricade. Most of it was only smoldering now. The women and children inside blinked in the relative brightness of the illumination the party brought with them. The inside of the building had only the light of a few candles.
Five women of various ages and seven young children looked at their saviors. None of those children could have been more than eight seasons old. Two women, likely Tarlinde and Martha, went to the injured smith Joffrey and tended to him. In short order one was weeping, likely Martha. She tried to rush out of the building, likely to see her dead son, but the man held her back.
The children, despite the change in their fortune seemed despondent and sad.
The party started to gather what could be carried. Most of the village's resources had been put to the defense, but there were a few weapons and tools that could be salvaged. A few sacks of grain, produce as well if desired. Though there was no shortage of that back in Passbog. The survivors took keepsakes and other small items. Blankets, household idols, tools for yard work or in the kitchen.
Kevan had noticed an alchemy bag next to one of the fallen men earlier. Opening it he found a pair of alchemical supplies, but also a rare find in a several prepared vials of silversheen. If combined with steel into an alloy it could make a special weapon.
Having traveled most of the day and into the late night made for an exhausting trip home for the party. The villagers were weary, tired, and not used to such treks as well. It was a miserable trip that left the group exhausted. With one exception.
As they neared the other end of Talschornvox's forest they came into sight of Passbog. In the sun of the new day the village was lively even at a distance. The cluster of houses around the inn and smithy were bustling with activity. The sleepy children perked up their ears as the peals of shouting from playing children in the town square reached across the field. Joffrey looked at the expanded smithy of Fogril, and seemed to find new strength with each clash of hammer on steel that reached his ears.
Now the villagers of Garm could see what future awaited them, and it was not the doom of giant ants swarming them and devouring them. No, it was a prosperous and growing township. One with leadership, direction, and heroes.
Alden spends the first several days doing his best to integrate the newcomers into the community, primarily be finding lodgings, food and clothing for them.
Once they are settled, he does what he can to give each of them purpose and a sense of belonging. Those who had salvaged seed he encourages and teaches (if necessary) how to plow and plant crops. Any who show and interest in a trade skill, he refers to Passbog's artisans.
He encourages the children to play, but firmly admonishes them to stay out of the forest and swamp.
After a few days, he approaches the Mayor and Council about delivering the tithe of etherium to the Dragon.
"She has not pressed the issue, but I fear any further delay will draw her ire. I would not risk the community's safety on a misunderstanding as to why it has not been delivered sooner."
Tel Beys and Tymos exchange a look. "Is there something you need from us?" Tel asks, "The tithe is your magic... stuff and loot you find, yes?"
"Yes...of course. Sorry to waste your time." Alden gives them a respectful nod and takes his leave.
He makes his way to the tavern, gathering Jaxom, Kevan, Milton, and Lars as he comes across them, inviting them to come to along.
When they arrive, he claims a large table and invites the others to sit with him. "We need to give Tal her tithe. We have the etherium, but was there anything that could be construed as treasure, or an art object? Despite her appearance and lady-like manner, we should always keep in mind that she is a dragon, and could likely kill us all if she decides our agreement is no longer profitable."
Milton shakes his head "Other than our personal belongings anything worth anything is long gone. What exactly is the agreement with her? I am also working on a gift for saving my life. It's only polite."
Lars sat, accepting the offer from Alden. For the first time in Erastil knew how long, he had performed basic hygiene. His clothes had been cleaned, his hair washed, and he had an actual night sleep. And yet somehow he still managed to look wild.
"A gift?" He looked at Milton with a bemused smile. "The dragon sounds like nothing more than a Baron. Or any other noble. It keeps us safe, and in return it gets whatever is of value in its lands. And if we don't give it what it wants, then it stops keeping us safe...from it." Reaching for his drink he took a sip. "But it's worth it if also keeps us safe from ants and the like. If you lot need to head out to collect tribute, then I'll do what I can to help. The only thing from our village of value was the crops we grew."
While it was true that he wanted to leave to assist, as a way of repaying the strangers for saving them, there was another reason as well. He was a self-trained druid, for that, along with his alchemy, was what kept his lycanthropy controlled. The wilds called to him.
"Our agreement is to give her fifteen percent of the metal gleaned from the Living Gems with each shard merging, fifteen percent of any coins and jewels, and one piece of art or knowledge of her choice. Thus far, her she has been good to her word. If there is no coin or artwork, it would not be the first time. She has not obligated us to provide what we did not find. Do either of you possess any knowledge that she might be interested in? A spell, or perhaps a treatise on a particular field of study? If not, then I will present her with the metal, and hope that she is satisfied with the offering. She did just acquire a huge swath of land. I will make sure to bring that to her attention."
Lars shook his head. "We were a farming community. If there was any trove of art or knowledge, it would be news to me." He looked over at Milton, curious to see if the mage knew of something he didn't.
"I will take the etherium to her, and let her know that you wish to bring her a gift of your own making, Milton. That way, she will expect you when you arrive to present it."
Alden turns to Lars. "I understand your distate and concern regarding our pact with Talschornvox, Lars. I can only say that our short-term goal is to survive, and our long-term goal is to reunite the shards of the world. Thus far, our goals and hers have coincided, and she has not sought to undermine us. That being said, I'm sure you're as familiar with the parables of the Widow and the Snake, as well as the Frog and the Scorpion as I am. We are not lowering our guard with regard to her. She is a green dragon, and while none of us is an expert in dracology, it is common knowledge that the chromatic dragons are evil in nature. Could she be an exception to that rule? It is not impossible. But she could also be a measured, patient, master manipulator. I haven't ruled out this possibility, and neither has anyone else in our community, to my knowledge. I approach each meeting with the same caution as entering a cage with a dangerous predator."
Lars leaned forward, a smile on his face. It was a cold, bitter one. ”You’re a wise man.” He said, staring Alden in the eyes. ”The world that was, it was not a good place. And I don’t expect this broken one to be any better. But for what it’s worth. Thank you.” Still with the intense stare he added ”Dragon or not, you lot bled with us. And one of yours nearly died. Regardless of why, that is not something I will forget.”
"Under Dead-Eye's gaze, you have my oath," Alden replies, extending his right hand to Lars. "My life is pledged in defense of the people of of these lands, and any we meet with each future merging, who seek to join us in living in a peaceful, kind, and just community. I will fight at your side, and in your defense, so long as your goal is a noble one in Erastil's sight."
Once Alden got the new residents settled and met with the newcomers to the shard he went to visit the dragon. When he arrived he found Talschornvox at her usual table, seemingly expecting him. A tray was set in the center and covered with a silver topper. A pair of plates on either end. One at her place and one opposite where a chair was set for a guest.
"Good afternoon." the lady said, "I did mention joining me for a meal. Are you hungry?"
Kevan returns to the lab to work on more alchemist fire.
”I would be honored, M’Lady,” Alden says in a respectful tone. He approaches the table, pulls out the empty chair and takes a seat.
”I have brought your share of the etherium. I can give it to you now, or after the meal, as you prefer.”
"That can wait." the dragon announces as she lifts the tray. Underneath was a thick roast of meat surrounded by a spread of steamed vegetables. A sweet smell of onions and herbs came from the tray, with the scent of the roast. The meat was similar to pork in smell and color, but lacked the grain of the meat. It was similar to seafood.
Standing and taking the fork and carving knife she served Alden and then herself. "You should try this and see how you like it." she reasoned, "If you're going to want ant's delivered when I cull from the herd it is best if you know the taste."
It smelled wonderful, and his portion was large.