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As so begins the story of Âdayil...
Uduksh pulled the members of his scouting party closer. It was now full night, and the lush forest was quite except for the isolated yowl of a screech owl in the distance. The fog was settling low and thick in the small clearing they had gathered in, and the threat of rain by morning was evident. He motioned everyone forward then began to speak.
"Long have the Shattered Tooth Gnolls taken advantage of their numbers. They have pushed us further and further into the forest granted to us by right, and now we fear they have another invasion planned. It is our duty to stealthily approach their camp and see if we can uncover their plans. Hopefully we can ambush a scout and torture him for information, but regardless we must uncover their nefarious plot. Âdayil, you Koresh, and Slocum stay with me. Barsh lead the others to the east... and remember stealth is our friend".
Success. The Gnoll camp was sleepy and had obviously somehow gotten a supply of cheap whisky, so sneaking in and gathering maps and notes from the main shelter went smoothly. They were placed in a weatherproof leather pouch and handed to Âdayil. "As you are the least combat capable it is your job to make sure this information gets back to Flenser and the others back in our camp. Hopefully that won't be an issue".
He nods at the other squad as they move off into the night. "Follow in my footsteps if you can, and if we get separated head back towards our territory. If you are followed count 100 steps then Slocum turn north to distract them, after another 100 steps Koresh you turn off to the South, Âdayil you take the pouch and head off west towards our camp".
Then things went wrong. Suddenly Uduksh vaulted into the air in front of them. He looked at them panic stricken, as several metal objects began clanging from the net that now suspended the war leader 10 feet off the ground. He quickly pulled his dagger, and began to saw at the thick ropes, his face pushed against the net in your direction. "Go! Go"!... and they did. As planned Slocum turned north with a quick nod of understanding. The baying of the now alerted Gnoll warband's hounds grew louder in the night. After what seemed only a minute Koresh turned from the trail and headed south. "Run like the wind"!. So she did, the baying of the hounds becoming more distant, as they pursued the decoys.
It was nearly daylight when Âdayil approached their camp. The smell of burning wood, and the screech of worried carrion birds greeted her arrival. The temporary shelters had been burned, and corpses littered the ground. The bodies of dead gnolls and several of her tribe members lie in poses of death on the ground. It looks as though the camp had been raided but much of her tribe had escaped. She began looking for signs of their escape route, but as she began to circle the camp, the dreaded sound of Gnoll tracking hounds began to emerge from the West. So she ran...
4724 Calistril 18th - Somewhere in the Southern Shadrak Forest
She had barely escaped the pursuit for months. Near delirium with fatigue and hopelessness. Something kept her moving forward. Finally, beneath the roots of a giant oak she collapsed. Can I really keep going? Why won't they leave me alone? She rested her head on the leather sack containing the information they so desired to keep secret and drifted off to sleep...
"Awaken Âdayil. Your journey is not over". The young Orc started awake and noticed glowing yellow eyes peering at her from the brush. She pulled her Falchion and shrank back against the tree. "Fear not. I am here to offer you a bargain in return for your pledge to me. I will see you to safety, but we must join as one in return".
"What is your decision"? The baying of the hounds continued in the distance.
Adayil peered at the almost-incomprehensible entity before her - an amalgam of bone, bark, moss, chitin, fern, feathers, clumps of dirt and leaves topped by a skull of some kind of horned animal. Elk? She was not sure, blinked against the pangs of hunger, the pain in her joints, the sorrow of loss and being lost. Its voice seemed to reverberate without sound inside her very skull…
And yet, if this was the End, for surely seeing spirits of the forest meant she was either dead, or close to….then what harm in making final bargains? She moved her head to the side, made a slight upward movement, then nodded, made a feral rictus grin.
”Ach oh. Join, say you. Well. You. Join. Me. Come with me down to whichever hell you have planned for a failed scout and lost sister.”
She spat at the thing, all the venom and rage of her various hurts.
”Join me!” she shouted, raging despite the danger, rattling her falchion at the apparition.
"Very Well! No need to get all snippety about it. I'm here to help you reach for powers you never imagined were at your grasp. You may call me Hagness".
The strange being seems to emanate power, and you pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming. The creature comes into full view, dragging a large sack that made clanking metallic sounds as she settled in front of the Orc female.
"I can sense the sadness in you and the false feeling of hopelessness. You are not a failure as you live and have the chance to redeem yourself. Rest here, and I shall watch over you and make sure you are safe. When you awaken, we'll talk".
The strange creature turns the sack upside down and a strange assortment of gears, wires, and unusual metal parts cascade out. She then takes a booklet from another sack and turns to a page to start reading. You find your eyes closing and you slip into a deep sleep.
You awaken at the dawn of a new day. A low mist is clearing from the forest around you, and the day promises to be a clear warm one. Arrayed before you on the ground is an assortment of forest nuts and fruits, and a freshly cooked Rabbit half. But the strangest thing you see is a tiny mechanical crab like thing setting beside the food.
Hagness addresses you. "Ah! You are awake. I have spent much of the evening drawing up a mutually beneficial contract that only requires your signature and a drop of your blood to finalize. It basically states that I am to provide you with power beyond your wildest dreams in exchange for you serving as my eyes and ears in this mortal world. Should you choose to sign my friend Krutk here will accompany you and allow you to draw upon my power, and communicate with me. You need only share a drop of blood with him, and he will serve you faithfully".
She holds forth a quill, and a small blade.
"Do we have a deal"?
Adayil doesn’t really know what to make of all this. One minute she is being chased to within an inch of her life by gnoll tribesfolk, and now - she is offered food and bargains in safety. Not one to look too deeply into reason, but mindful of the hidden desires and motivations of others Adayil pauses to try the food before making any….sharp…decisions.
“”Hagness”. Hmm. I wonder what it is that you want in this, my, world.” Adayil considers the crab, its dry carapace even now glossy, like lacquered plate, as it turns this way and that on its many legs, seeming to consider her back.
Adayil turns her head back to face Hagness, lips taut, resolute.
”I have no need for your blade.”
With a flourish, Adayil takes the quill from Hagness’ outstretched hand, and stabs herself with it on the thumb, a hard yearning stab that brings forth a proud drop of blood. She smears it on Krutk.
”There. It is done.”
Hagness is somewhat startled by Adayil's quick action. "Such impatience".
She says a few words, then uses the small blade to make an incision on her own body, then mixes it with the Adayil's blood. She begins a slow murmur under her breath, and slowly the crab animates and starts to move about. Adayil feels something pushing at her mind, and with a sharp pain she feels the presence of the Crab... and by association Hagness.
"There. Krutk and you are as one. He has much to teach you".
She then retrieves another quill and extends the parchment to the young Orc. "Now if you'll just sign here, I'll be on my way. You can follow this stream for a bit. Soon you will come to a small village known as Raven. Your destiny lies in that direction".
Adayil stifles a gasp, realising her mind created an image of the crab moving, where assuredly it was not. But…is now. She comes back to her senses. More or less. She looks at Hagness.
”Sign? Make a mark? As I did on the crab, so shall I on your parchment.”
Adayil stabs her thumb onto the page, smearing a bloody thumbprint on it. With that she gathers as much of the provender as will fit in a sack without spoiling, grabs the half rabbit whole and hefts her falchion.
”Right. Thank you, Hagness. And stay out of my way….”
Adayil begins to walk toward the village of Raven. And, apparently, Destiny.
”Come along…Krutk.”
The crab scuttles after her, eventually catching up and climbing up onto her shoulder. Adayil sighs.
Growing up in Raven wasn't the most exciting existence for anybody... much less one with ambitions as high as Telurion. But he kept messing up. He was so eager to become a holy warrior like the ones in the stories that his desire sometimes overcame his caution.
It's not like he had any real family here in this one-horse town anyway. In fact, travelers often shared with him that the Temple of Thyr in Raven was one of the few still active anywhere in the world... but the stories he read in the church records. He would be one of these.
It was hot and he was soaking wet from both the sweat and the spray of the river. Cleaning the bathing pits on Geyser Island wasn't his least favorite chores, but this time of year made it worse. Still, he couldn't rest till they were all completely scrubbed out to Old Father Grimble's satisfaction. I can hear him now. Telurion... you have so much potential... why must you ruin it with your thoughtless acts.
The strong young man stretched and rubbed his back as he saw a stranger enter town. A halfling walking up the river road whistling to herself. He watched as the stranger walked to the gate of the Honeyclaw Meadery and vigorously rang the bell hanging by the gate. He then bent back to his work as several of the many Honeyclaws came to the gate to greet the stranger. Well these things aren't going to clean themselves, and the geyser is due to erupt again by morning.
It had been a long journey, but not altogether an unpleasant one. Afterall a priest of Mick O'Delving didn't visit your hamlet every day, and the whimsical blessings and stories shared always provided pleasant conversation, and usually a generous meal. Well except for that unfortunate encounter in Forstergate a fortnight ago.
She pulled the short scroll from her bandolier and turned it several times before nodding in acceptance and ringing the bell at her destinations front gate.
As she waited for someone to answer her summons she glanced about and notices a strapping shirtless human male waist deep in some depressions in a barren rock in the middle of the river. He stood stretching and glanced her way before quickly reverting his glance back to the hole he was apparently cleaning for some reason.
Finally, several of the Honeyclaw clan emerged from various buildings on the plot. The smell of fresh honey and buzzing of numerous bees in the background made her think that a nap might be in order before she has to conduct business. Might be a good place to stay for a bit as well as this was the last stop on her assigned list.
It was supposed to be an easy job... weren't they all, and for the most part it was. Simply sneak into the warehouse of the Mostent Hoopery and see if she could find the secret entrance that the Nolesorth clan was using. She was usually the choice for these operations as she was very sneaky... and very small. And there wasn't supposed to be anybody down here...At first that was true until.
Caks was looking behind the racks of iron stock on the left wall of the basement, when she heard the scrape of wood on stone. She quickly took cover and saw seven members of the Nolesorth gang enter the basement. One of them looked right at her. "There! I see someone over there". She dashed up the staircase to the main floor, pushing over barrels and rubbish bins to slow her pursuer, and fortunately the door upstairs was not locked. Thinking quickly, she dashed for the front door, unlatched it and slung it open, just as she heard the door from the basement open. Looking around, she jumped in one of the new barrels on the floor pulling it closed over her head.
Might be wise to stay here for a while just in case they left someone behind. And sure enough she could hear voices from somewhere in the building.
The warm darkness of the barrel, and the scent of the fresh pine lured her to sleep and the next thing she knew she was jostled awake by the motion of the barrel being moved. Strong cheerful voices and grunts of effort accompanied the movement. Probably best to just wait here till they move me wherever I'm bound then I can get out. But again fate intervened. She was rolled in the barrel banging around inside and trying not to panic squeak, then the barrel was stood upright. Well there is a bit of luck... until another barrel was placed on top of hers... then another... then another.
Time passed. It was hard to tell much, but she was definitely on a ship travelling somewhere. The even flow of the river was soon replaced by the gentle roll of the sea, and she wasn't in Castorhage anymore. She had most of her adventuring gear on her, and if she carefully rationed her water, she'd be good for a week or so... but she'd be mighty hunger... and who knows who owned this ship. She could only count the days by the coming and going of light from the not completely sealed lid of the barrel. She would let out a small squeak asking for help every now and then, and knock on the barrel with the hilt of her dagger... but to no avail. The sounds of a ship at sea, covered her meager effort. Damn I would be trapped in an expertly crafted barrel.
Finally after 4 days at sea by her reckoning, about an hour or so after the sun set she heard one of the barrels above her move. Then another. Someone placed the end of a crowbar on the lid of the barrel and despite her best efforts to hold it in place the lid was slid aside.
Perhaps you could describe the face that peers into the barrel at the young ratfolk.
Lill had come down into the hold to get provisions for the cook. She was not on Sea Mist this trip. Another fishing ship Molly, which was named after the daughter of the captain, was going out for sharks. They often give the crew nasty bites and her gifts are better than bandages for helping the crew recover.
Crowbar at the ready, she pries open the top of the barrel marked 'Salted Herring', and was a little annoyed that it was on so tight. She tossed the top aside, and looked in and did not see fish at all! She saw a rat's face, and the rat saw a fairly young human with messy brown hair in a ragged ponytail. In the darker hold, it was hard to make out more details.
Lill was shocked, but she recovered quickly. "You are not breakfast, but we need to take you to the Captain. I'm Lillanith. Please come quietly, and don't make me freeze you." Her tone of voice is polite, and she extends a hand to the rat in the barrel.
Blinking in the sudden bright light (at least bright to someone who has been sealed in a barrel for days on end), Caks gives a tiny squeak of surprise!
"Fr..fr..fre...freeze.me!! Please don't do that! I was trapped in here by some thugs...honestly! I was not trying to stow away!"
She lets the woman help her out of the barrel and seems captivated by her height and the strange way her hair and clothes seem to rustle, as if in a light breeze.
"My name is Caks. Where am I?"
Telurion stared for a moment, perhaps too long. But that Halfling girl was beautiful!
He quickly caught himself though, and suddenly felt stupidly self conscious about being soaking wet inside the bathing pits, on cleanup detail. Even with all the water around, he felt his face heating up - he knew he was blushing, and he hated it. So he returned to his scrubbing furiously, after stealing only one more glance at the girl.
He made a mental note to drop by the tavern later during the day - where else to know the latest about any new arrivals?
She was really getting tired of all the side eye glances, and the whispered conversations that suddenly ceased when she grew near. She'd been here all her life... they knew her... and still the doubt persisted.
Wavecross was a bustling village. Known for its deep-water port, and its contracts to deliver herring to the city of Castorhage for the most part. Though the port was good it was small and the few fishing craft based there filled most of the available dock space.
Finally, she'd had enough. She had skills that far exceeded what was needed in Wavecross, so she began to scheme her relocation. She took every available opportunity to crew on journeys to raise funds for her trip. It was on one such mission that she met the individual that would change the way she approached life.
The journey had been routine. The warm currents that swept the Molly northwest towards Castorhage, and storms were rare this time of year. The task was simple. Take crates of herring to the Blight and return with empty barrels for the next trip. She had overheard one of the Stevedores mentions that it seemed one of the barrels was not quite empty... so when she had a craving for a quick snack she sought out that one particular barrel.
"Ah. There it is. Let's just find a crowbar and see if there is a tasty snack inside".
"Ahhh"!
Wait. If I remember right the captain has no tolerance for stow-aways. Do I let him know about Caks... or help her stay hiddden.
Adayil was tired. She'd been on the run for what seemed like forever, and her feet hurt. The repast in the forest with the weird Haggatha had not been nearly enough to offset the days of flight, and all she wanted was a soft place to lay her head, and a couple of gallons of thick hearty stew.
Though she carried the strange crab doll in her pouch, to keep the pace she desired its constant repositioning, and intrusion into her thoughts kept her from completely zoning out as she walked.
Finally, some scattered farms began to appear along the trail. She had to hustle a bit when one of the farmers out hoeing grabbed up a crossbow at her approach, but he dropped it when she kept moving on.
Then the smoke of some village ahead. This must be Raven... finally
As she approached the sound of thousands of bees came from around the bend, and she saw a Meadery with a group of halflings sitting around a table in the shade of a giant oak tree. In the middle of the stream was a strange rock formation, and what appeared to be a shirtless human wading across the stream from the rock with a bag over his shoulder and a long-handled brush in hand. Before her stretched a small village nestled between the river, and some cliffs that rose abruptly behind it.
"I'm Lillanith. Call me Lill. This is my first time on Molly, and the Captain is a bit overbearing. It would be best if we keep you hidden for now. I can get you food and water." The latter word makes her smile for some reason. "When we get closer to shore, I can help you sneak off the ship."
Lill takes Caks' story at face value. She doesn't ask about the thugs, at least for now, and if Caks agrees to stay hidden, helps her to make a better hidey hole and tries to get her food from the galley.
Filled with trepidation, not exactly ameliorated by being "moved on" by crossbow-toting farmers, Adayil grunts to Krutk - mostly to not feel alone. A lone female is easy prey...but a lone female wielding the power of the gods is something else. At least that is what Adayil tells herself as she saunters proudly toward the town, betraying none of the anxiety she feels.
"Stranger be the strangers thee know not/ Allies find where thee can or you will rot/ Fair to bear a grudge when blood runs hot/ And all to find a stew to put in pot." Adayil sings to herself, a tune from her youth she always sought solace in, though some of the gentler translations err on less...dark interpretations. For herself, Adayil cherishes safety. For her, and for the little one.
Krutk tapped her neck.
"What?" she stammers, breaking her reverie. She gazes with focus now. " The strong human? He is a hero? Hmmph. I think not. He wields a...brush!?!"
Giving the strange huts and dwellings and buildings a serious case of orcish side-eye, and giving the foolish halflings a wide berth, Adayil approaches the shirtless man, appreciating his physique and mien.
"Man. I am Adayil. I request...assistance."
Telurion stopped his scrubbing to glance at whomever might be addressing him... And his mouth just went agape. He rubbed his eyes once, then twice, sweat and moist all over his face, disheveled long brown hair and beard.
"Hello Miss..." - he stammered - "Are you hurt?" - he shook off his initial stupor at seeing the orcish woman, and moved closer, though cautiously - "What happened? Have you been attacked on the road?"
The ratgirl's nose twitches at the mention of food and she nods vigorously.
"Food, please. And if you can leave the other barrels off this one I would much appreciate it."
She listens as the woman talks about the captain and concern can be seen in Caks bright eyes.
"Sneaking will not be a problem...I am really good at that...but I have nowhere to go once off this boat! I am hundreds of miles away from my warren...and not too sure how to get back!"
Adayil nods, not wanting to divulge...anything really. The small crab at her neck pulls a stray lock of her hair away from her face and neatly stows it behind her ear. The orc shakes her head.
"Not the road. Not here. Not...near here. This place is likely safe." she murmurs, looking with a mix of hope and anxiety at the chimney smoke of the nearby village.
She gulps, throwing her trust and everything she has left into one attempt at...a future... free from sorrow.
"Adayil." she stammers. It comes out harsh, almost like "Chadajill".
"I was attacked in the forest. Gnolls, many days from here. My family... were slain."
"I seek shelter. I have coin." The orc stares at Telurion intently.
"I'm a long way from home, too, but in my case it's by choice. Once we get to Raven, that's our destination, and get you on shore, we can try and find a map. Once we do that, we can plot you a course home. I'll be right back."
Lill will return to the galley and make a snack plate for Caks and bring it to her.
Adayil nods, not wanting to divulge...anything really. The small crab at her neck pulls a stray lock of her hair away from her face and neatly stows it behind her ear. The orc shakes her head.
"Not the road. Not here. Not...near here. This place is likely safe." she murmurs, looking with a mix of hope and anxiety at the chimney smoke of the nearby village.
She gulps, throwing her trust and everything she has left into one attempt at...a future... free from sorrow.
"Adayil." she stammers. It comes out harsh, almost like "Chadajill".
"I was attacked in the forest. Gnolls, many days from here. My family... were slain."
"I seek shelter. I have coin." The orc stares at Telurion intently.
"Huh..." - Telurion hesitated - "Adayil? is that your name? Mine is Telurion - if you are wounded, we should head to the temple. Come" - he showed the way with an arm out wide.
"No offense, but if you need to, feel free to lean on me for support - I might not have many talents, but a strong shoulder I do" - he paused - "Miss... You realize you have some sort of crab thing on your neck?" - for some reason he felt like an idiot even bringing it up.
"I am sorry to hear about your family - have you been running since? Are you being chased?" - the realization suddenly hit him, and he stared down the main road where the orcish woman had come from, holding the large scrub as a weapon.
"Hyes. Adayil, my name is." she nods, eyes lowering slightly.
"Yes. Crab. Crab is Krutk. My friend. I am able to walk, but thank you."
She follows his lead, heads toward the temple, suppressing a rare smile as he fumbles with...various questions. His desire to protect her, and she guesses, his village, with a large brush is....admirable, despite the ridiculousness of the image.
"I think we are safe - the Broken Tooth we opportunistic - I do not believe they will trouble this thorp."
She looks him in the eyes again.
"My thanks....Telurion."
"Ah the crab is your friend" - he nodded - "First time I see a crab pet" - he chuckled awkwardly as they moved along.
"I think we are safe - the Broken Tooth we opportunistic - I do not believe they will trouble this thorp."
She looks him in the eyes again.
"My thanks....Telurion."
"Ok good - I think I might chase off a couple with this" - he swung the brush - "But that would probably be short-lived. Never really fought a gnoll before"
He returns the look with a warm smile - "And you are welcome"
"Do you know why they attacked your family? Was it a raid?" - he asked, now seriously, leading the way to the Temple of Thyr, where he hopes to find Father Grimble.
Adayil nods.
”My family were warriors, and…I suppose, also raiders, if the opportunity presented itself. We had found their camp and…stolen something from them…maps…something important. But the Broken Tooth were fierce, clever…and we were ambushed. I was told to run…and I did - I was not at our camp at the time they returned our welcome.”
Adayil sniffs the air. Looks into the middle distance.
”None survived at our camp. Perhaps some were taken prisoner at theirs. Now… I am bereft.”
The small crab caresses her neck.
”Aye Krutk. I am not completely bereft.” Adayil gives a crooked smile.
”Enough of me. Telurion. What of you? Are you punished to be made to scrub holes in the water?”
The first couple of days were pretty uneventful. Small farmsteads, and even a real roadhouse offered them room in the hayloft, and the salt tack kept them from starving. They even scored a rabbit the second day in. But the track that lay ahead was less civilized and rumored to be dangerous.... but it was the most direct way to their destination.
The day started out fine, sunny if a bit chilly, but by mid-day the clouds began to move in, and by two hours before sunset the fog cloaked everything in sight. The hopeful banter and plans for the future died away, and even their footsteps seemed muffled. Then they heard it a howl in the distance... then one closer and to their left.
Perception DC-16
There. A shadow moving quickly between two trees to the left, then the crackle of something heavy moving through the undergrowth to the right. And in the fading light almost covered by fog a wolf standing hackles raised blocking the trail.
Perception:
A shiver runs through the ratgirls body and a startled 'sqeek' escapes her throat.
"Wht...what was that?"
She keeps her hand on her small knife...just in case!
"Wolves," Lillanith says. "Three of them. One left, one right, one in front of us."
Lill is not rattled by the fog as it is a sort of weather that she likes. But, even as she warns Caks, she taps into her own power, and a wet mist forms around her in a 10' radius. Water and air moving in a circle, harmless but noticeable.
In a surprise move the main wolf slowly walks forward and speaks in slobbery common.
"Ah Someone who loves the fog as much as I do. Who are you and why do you trespass in my forest? Do you not know how dangerous it can be here"?
"Lill..Lill...the wolf is talking to us!!"
Caks shrinks down, crouching to make herself look as unthreatening as possible, but still kept her dagger ready!"[/b]
"We are walking to a town called Raven. We mean no disrespect to you or your pack and had no idea this was your forest. We do not have much to offer as a tribute for our trespass, but we do have a little bit of rabbit left from our dinner last night that we could offer. I can also give some jerky if you like it."
Lill stays next to Caks as she negotiates with the wolf. She has enough rations to get them to Raven, so she doesn't mind giving up what is left of the rabbit.
”Enough of me. Telurion. What of you? Are you punished to be made to scrub holes in the water?”
Telurion laughed - "You don't want too know about me - nothing interesting happens in my life, good nor bad I guess" - he suddenly blushed again - "I mean... Nothing interesting happening is better than something bad happening... I didn't mean to... Sorry about your family" - he repeated once again.
"I can't complain about my life here in Raven - Father Grimble took me in when I was but an orphan babe. My parents died long ago. Never really got to know them" - he shrugged - "Been living here ever since. The Father brought me up and taught me almost all I know. In return I help tending to the Temple of Thyr, and I help around the village as I can - cleaning out the bathing pits is one of my chores, depending on how much the Father thinks I've messed up" - he chuckled.
Adayil struggles to understand all the nuances of Telurion's words - most of it is far too fast and vernacular for her to grok, but the import is clear. An orphan. A priest. A temple.
Having been attached informally to her own tribe's wise-women, Adayil can empathise. But this life seems...safe.
Krutk taps her neck with his largest claw.
Yes, Krutk. I understand. No Krutk, that is not... necessary.
Adayil smiles openly, showing her teeth.
"I see you Telurion. You are a good man. Your parents have made a strong soul."
She looks at his warbrush, and taps it coyly.
"And you can defend your village with...other weapons?" she teases.
"I can try" - Telurion shrugged with a smile - "I do have armor and blade, but like I said, nothing really dangerous usually happens around here. Most of the times some conversation is enough to get things sorted" - he added - "Or a fist to the face. But usually no bloodshed"
The wolf laughs in a weird wheezing rattle. "Ha! I have no need for your pitiful scraps of dried meat. I like mine fresh".
The wolf then steps a bit closer, and the movement from the sides ceases. "This place known as Raven is not far. If you left at first light you might make it there tomorrow. That is assuming you survive the evening. I'm still trying to determine if you should join me for supper or be my supper".
As the two new acquaintances walk along the river into town proper, Telurion is both relieved and nervous to see Father Grimble approach with a couple of the older acolytes in tow.
"Ah Telurion. I see you have finished your scrubbing. I'll go shortly to review your work".
He then looks at Telurion's new companion and quickly makes the sign of the cross of Thyr in the air.
"And who might this be? Picking up strays again... though this one looks a bit smarter than that bear cub you brought home... without its mothers permission I might add when you were 12. Where are you bound?".
The reception of the Honeyclaws was as boisterous as expected, and the feasting and sampling of mead went on for a few hours after your arrival. after all beekeeping and mead making was hard work, and any excuse to knock off early and have a party was welcome. Still the elders of the clan, particularly Petunia Honeyclaw kept glancing at you from time to time, obviously not as excited by your arrival as the others. After a couple of hours, she excused herself and headed towards the main house. She looked at you and beckoned you forward with a glance.
Caks gives a small squeak before slowly standing to talk with the wolf.
"Your magnificence. I do humbly ask that you allow my companion and I to pass. If not to show your benevolence to all, then allow us to spread your name far and wide so that all who pass through these woods know to offer you proper reverence and respect."
Diplomacy:
Adayil looks a little hard at the priest. He seems...to be giving her a compliment. Of a sort.
So. Smarter than a bear. Bears are very smart. They find honey. They fish. They protect. They kill.
"Father Grimble. I am Adayil, of the Death's Head. [here Adayil bows her head forward after touching her fingers to points of the skull scar tattoo on her face] My family were slaughtered by Broken Tooth gnolls in the Shadrack. I seek shelter, and succour. For myself, and...the little one."
Adayil looks to Telurion.
"This one, Telurion - he finds me and tells me...I should go to the temple. For aid. Is this true?"
"No stray Father Grimble" - Telurion reinforced - "Âdayil has come to look for assistance and respite from her recent hardships - she has been through a lot, and needs..." - he paused, wondering, and then looking back at the half-orc and finished confidently - "A place where to feel safe, and where to gather her thoughts. The Temple seems like the perfect destination for her"
"I would suggest that you let us pass unmolested. We have caused no harm to you, your pack, or the woods, and we are not at all tasty or digestible."
The Wolf seems to smile...at least as much as a Wolf can smile and bows down to one front knee. "Well-spoken child of the Elements. Fortunately, I find you interesting companions, and am tempted to offer you succor for the evening. Please feel free to follow me back to our lair, and you may spend the evening safe and sound".
At those words you hear the wolves on both sides depart deeper into the forest. "This way". The talking lupine leads you down a overgrown trail to a small bark covered cabin located beside a small waterfall. Smoke emits from a hole in the roof of the dwelling. "Please make this your home for the evening and sleep with no fear. I will return shortly with some food to share with you. Your payment is only a story for you to share with me".
You enter the small dwelling and find rough pallets on the floor with animal skin blankets. About half an hour later you hear movement outside the hut, and see a man dressed in furs approach with a brace of rabbits on a stick over his shoulder. "Hail the camp and prepare your stories". You are somewhat surprised to hear the voice of the wolf coming from the man.
"I am called Kloy by the forest, so you may refer to me as such. Please regale me with a tale as I prepare the feast the forest has provided us".
The priest quickly loses interest in the well-known youth and turns his attention to the new arrival. "I am sorry for your loss... and of course the Church of Thyr turns away no one deserving or his mercy".
He turns to one of the acolytes with him. "Rufio. Please escort our new friend Âdayil to McGills and see that she is given a room... at least for the evening provided by the Church. Telurion since you seem to know this individual best, perhaps you could go get cleaned up, then provide company for her at the evening meal".
"Bring her by the temple tomorrow morning, and perhaps we can determine how we can build a mutually beneficial relationship".
He then dismisses the pair, and heads towards the Geyser rock to see if it is cleaned to his satisfaction.
The young acolyte then motions Adayil to follow him and leads her to a sprawling inn on the banks of the river.
Adayil listens carefully, slowly parsing the priest’s words.
She nods respectfully, gives her thanks and follows Rufio. As she leaves, she turns to Telurion.
”Many thanks Telurion. The little one will know you are a strong soul…”
"No need to thank me Ada... il" - Telurion replied, still struggling with the inflections of the name - "I will get cleaned up and meet you later today - we can grab a bite together. Unless you prefer to rest?"
It had been a long journey, but not altogether an unpleasant one. Afterall a priest of Mick O'Delving didn't visit your hamlet every day, and the whimsical blessings and stories shared always provided pleasant conversation, and usually a generous meal. Well except for that unfortunate encounter in Forstergate a fortnight ago.
She pulled the short scroll from her bandolier and turned it several times before nodding in acceptance and ringing the bell at her destinations front gate.
As she waited for someone to answer her summons she glanced about and notices a strapping shirtless human male waist deep in some depressions in a barren rock in the middle of the river. He stood stretching and glanced her way before quickly reverting his glance back to the hole he was apparently cleaning for some reason.
Finally, several of the Honeyclaw clan emerged from various buildings on the plot. The smell of fresh honey and buzzing of numerous bees in the background made her think that a nap might be in order before she has to conduct business. Might be a good place to stay for a bit as well as this was the last stop on her assigned list.
Alorea's eyes were inadvertently drawn to the shirtless man in the river. She smirks mischievously and gives him a wink before he turns away.
Soon enough, though, the Honeyclaw halflings come out to greet her. She salutes them with her holy pick, a mostly ceremonial tool but handy as a last resort in a scrape. "Blessings of Mick O'Delving upon you, friends. I am Sister Alorea, at your service! I've come a long way, and I must say, I'm quite parched! Spare a bit o' mead for a thirsty lass?"
It had been a long journey, but not altogether an unpleasant one. Afterall a priest of Mick O'Delving didn't visit your hamlet every day, and the whimsical blessings and stories shared always provided pleasant conversation, and usually a generous meal. Well except for that unfortunate encounter in Forstergate a fortnight ago.
She pulled the short scroll from her bandolier and turned it several times before nodding in acceptance and ringing the bell at her destinations front gate.
As she waited for someone to answer her summons she glanced about and notices a strapping shirtless human male waist deep in some depressions in a barren rock in the middle of the river. He stood stretching and glanced her way before quickly reverting his glance back to the hole he was apparently cleaning for some reason.
Finally, several of the Honeyclaw clan emerged from various buildings on the plot. The smell of fresh honey and buzzing of numerous bees in the background made her think that a nap might be in order before she has to conduct business. Might be a good place to stay for a bit as well as this was the last stop on her assigned list.
Alorea's eyes were inadvertently drawn to the shirtless man in the river. She smirks mischievously and gives him a wink before he turns away.
Soon enough, though, the Honeyclaw halflings come out to greet her. She salutes them with her holy pick, a mostly ceremonial tool but handy as a last resort in a scrape. "Blessings of Mick O'Delving upon you, friends. I...