Graham feigns irritation at Teela's distractions. You shall not divert my attention this night, seamstress! he laughs, dodging a swing from Velus only to have the laugh cut short as he is caught across the midsection by the Magus' follow-up. Oof... Or maybe you will...
With a sudden spin, Graham ducks out of the way of another swing and grabs the heel of Velus' left boot , catching the man unawares and sending him tumbling to the ground. Graham catches the dueling sword that flies from his companion's hand before it hits the ground and offers the pommel to him at once. I believe you dropped this, he says with a wide grin.
Velas laughs along with Graham at his playful antics. "Ha! Before for you to take me down like that than for it to happen for real. Definitely good to practice against such tactics given bandits seem to be a continued threat."
After the sparring matches and training exercises are complete, Velas finds Oleg to purchase a repair kit and then finds a quiet corner to start repairing the Scarlet Knight's shield.
He doesn't seem to make much progress over roughly 10 minutes of work, likely due to new tools. After taking a walk around the fort to clear his head, he tries again.
Alvis' talent at fighting is much less than the great warrior instructing. Still, he gamely presses on.
Alvis gently says to Svetlana, "The taste will be influenced by mine as well as Abadar's judgement. Your cooking is superb, and you may compare it. But to that end..." Alvis launches into prayer suitable to the rustic setting, "Abadar, here are gathered persons dedicated to bringing justice or trade into a wild land. On this day of rest may you bless us with your bounty.".
Alvis says, "Split nine ways, the portions will be small. When occasion rises again, I'll ask for more than one such blessings."
After Abadar blesses the spoiled food, the divine magic purifies and cleanses it, making it suitable for consumption. It is edible and tastes fine, but it is not as good as the actual cooking from Svetlana. She eats her portion politely, but she says, "Tell Abadar to stick to making us wealthy. I have the cooking from now on, master dwarf." She gives Alvis a playful elbow as she clears the dishes.
Oleg seems non-plussed by the any changes to diet, and eats enough for two quite easily.
Nothing eventful happens the rest of the evening.
Teela looks up from the map when Scarlet Knight approaches. "Actually, yes." She responds without missing a beat. "If we're to travel together, how do I address you? The Scarlet Knight seems so... formal."
The armored man tilts his head to the side as if contemplating Teela's question, his face and demeanor not visible now that he has his helm back atop his head, but he is looking directly at her.
"I've traveled solo
since I've chosen this new name,"
the man says in a noticeably emotive voice -- different than the timbre he's used when rhyming previously. There's a sort of world-weariness to it, perhaps a little loneliness seeping in.
"Have you ... suggestions?"
It doesn't appear the enigmatic champion is willing to divulge his name just yet.
Quintessa closes her journal and gives Alvis an amused glance. Take heart, Brother Alvis, your miracle made it edible, and that alone earns Abadar his keep. But I agree with Svetlana. Tomorrow we’ll rely on her skillet, not the vault."
She rests her chin on one hand and studies the crimson-clad champion. "Names have power, Sir Knight. If yours must stay veiled, we need something handier than The Scarlet Knight every time an arrow whistles past."
A smile touches her lips. "Would Scarlet suit? Short enough for a battlefield warning, respectful enough for polite company, and it keeps your secrets intact."
She glances toward Teela, then back to the knight. "Unless, of course, you’d rather we address you by the cadence of your next couplet... but I fear Graham would insist on critiquing the meter."
Teela looks him up and down. "Well, I don't really know much about you, personality-wise."
"Hmm." She ponders the question, narrowing her eyes, then her gaze falls on the antlers. "Bucky." Teela puts her wrists on her head and extends her fingers skywards, imitating the spikes. She flashes a mischievous grin as she does so.
Better that than cuckold, the Scarlet Knight thinks to himself.
"It is creative enough and still true,
So for now, on our travels, it will do."
Realizing he hasn't yet divulged much about himself, he opens the front of his helm and smirks back, deciding to offer a limerick.
"A young Brevoy lord clad in red armor
Was renown for being quite the charmer.
Though his hands knew little toil,
He was so skilled with the soil
That he planted more seeds than a farmer."
The Scarlet Knight offers in a quick aside, "Not offered with pride,
Just truthful biography --
You asked to know more."
He turns to Quintessa next.
"Lady Orlovsky, from your lips Scarlet will do.
Please forgive me those times my manners aren't true -
I'm no longer the quite brash noble some once knew.
I've retained lessons of yore poorly, and too few."
He offers a semblance of a courtly bow, despite being in armor, to show that he somewhat remembers how to perform the role. He's a bit rusty at it, even if his armor isn't. It wouldn't pass muster at the courtly parties Quintessa has known in her days ... but it has its own bucolic charm.
He turns to Quintessa next.
"Lady Orlovsky, from your lips Scarlet will do.
Please forgive me those times my manners aren't true -
I'm no longer the quite brash noble some once knew.
I've retained lessons of yore poorly, and too few."He offers a semblance of a courtly bow, despite being in armor, to show that he somewhat remembers how to perform the role. He's a bit rusty at it, even if his armor isn't. It wouldn't pass muster at the courtly parties Quintessa has known in her days ... but it has its own bucolic charm.
Quintessa’s eyes widen a fraction at the limerick, one brow arcing sky-high. Then, just as quickly, the corner of her mouth twitches and she gives a light, perfectly practiced clap of approval.
More seeds than a farmer, is it? Brevoy’s poets will envy such fertile imagery!
"Planting more seeds than a farmer. Well now, that is a turn of phrase I have never heard in the salons of Eagle’s Watch."
She inclines her head in return to his bow. "Your courtly technique needs only a little polish, Sir Scarlet. We’ll have you dueling in the ballroom and the uhm, the fields, before the season ends. When the road grants us quieter hours, perhaps you’ll indulge a fellow storyteller with the unabridged edition."
She turns back to her journal, quill dancing, but the occasional sidelong glance at the crimson champion makes it clear that the lady intends to harvest that story eventually. With that playful jab delivered, she picks up her quill again and flips the journal to a blank page, intruiged.
Brevoy has many proud banners. House Orlovsky, Lebeda, Medvyed, Garess... But his heraldry is ... decidedly singular. What is his hiding?
Alvis look almost bored at the The Scarlet Knight's story, as though he read and sat through endless cases similar in nature.
Alvis says, "Bucky, hmm, suitable for this wild land. So, Sir Bucky, a tale so often told of humans, so a fate of exile, forced or willing penance. Something changed - perhaps faith? I know little of Arazni save she is lawful and some consider stubborn. Would you enlighten me of her faith and if not too impertinent, how you came to it?"
"A story for another time, I fear," the Scarlet Knight responds to Alvis.
"My faith is very personal, and dear.
Unlike Abadar, who sees you as guest,
My worship true is not at Her request.
And yet, she humors me, and I'm grateful.
So starts new this path, holy and fateful.
With scant guidance, I often improvise.
Well ... I'm not expected to proselytize."
'Bucky' turns away from Alvis with a sweep of his cloak in a practiced manner, this topic of discussion obviously closed for now, as he heads to assist Velas with the shield work -- or at least thank him for his hard efforts.
He politely nods his head to Lady Orlovsky and Teela as well, treating both equally as important people of a certain station, and he excuses himself to go to where the magus is working.
10 Pharast, Oleg's Trading Post, Stolen Lands
The morning down warmer than you expected. The sun rises bright and hot as some Spring days are before Summer really arrives. Birds sing, and Svetlana' rooster crows the dawn, as you start to stir.
Velas has finished with repairs to the Scarlet's shield, the horses are rested, and the smell of bacon frying reminds you that Svetlana is back in the kitchen. Soon enough, a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and fried potatoes is set in front of you. Along with that, the mistress of the post gives you three jars full of a thick white stew.
"This is my moon radish soup. You can take it on the road. It will keep for a week or better. Some say it cures what ails you, but I don't know about that. It's just good food!"
"Much appreciated, Svetlana. A proper home-made meal in the wilds sounds amazing. I bet we will feel cozy and warm." Teela thanks the woman and moves to tighten the straps on Caramel's saddlebags.
"So, ladies and gentlemen, back to the wilds? Southward and following the river, or something else?", she looks around the group to confirm the plan.
Graham expresses gratitude to Oleg and Svetlana, careful to say thanks without specifically mentioning the radish soup.
He steels himself before climbing into the saddle of Horse. Southward following the river would be my vote, he says, knowing full well that Teela will ultimately side with whatever Tessa says.
” Lady Svetlana,
Your cooking is not surpassed
Except by your charms.”The Scarlet Knight thanks her.
He joins Graham and Teela.
“I’m eager to survey the great wilds before us.
Does Orlovsky decide? Or is it by chorus?”
Oleg reluctantly parts with one of his own horses, after being shamed into it by the gracious Svetlana, and Scarlet Knight is soon mounted like the others. Leaving the relative safety of the palisade wall, the group heads off to the southeast at Graham's urging. After looking at the details of the sewn map, he expects the Thorn River, where the bandits held camp, will eventually meet the Shrike, and thinks there might be something important at that confluence. It's likely 2-3 days ride away if the group rides straight through, and more if they take the time add details to the map.
The land to the southeast is mainly grassland, with just the edges of the tangled Greenbelt intruding into it here and there. The group spends extra time to map out the details of this area which is still quite near Oleg's, but by the time the day ends, there is nothing to unusual about the space, and no creatures, besides harmless wildlife, encountered hostile or otherwise.
Night camp is set up and rations eaten, but nothing remarkable happens in the overnight hours either.
11 Pharast, Restov Hinterlands on the edge of the Greenbelt, Stolen Lands
The unseasonably warm day for spring continues, but you can feel the humidity rising, and fear a thunderstorm may come in the evening hours as a result. Winds are a bit heavier than the day you left Oleg's but still not uncomfortable.
As camp breaks, you continue following Graham's advice, and head to the south. By your estimates, this puts you a bit south of the Radish Patch, and more due east of the Thorn River Bandit camp. To the southeast, your intended direction, higher and stepper hills begin to come into view. As you get closer, one of those hills is topped with a high granite crag that stands higher than any of the others.
It is nearly evening, as you get close enough to this crag to look around, and the expected thunderstorm is clearly materializing, as the wind picks up and heavy black clouds fly in. The flashes of lightning are seen, easily visible at a distance in the rolling hills leading towards this crag.
Alvis accepts Bucky's evasiveness with grace. "Very well, let time bring trust in your faith and in me someday." Alvis continues, "It seems you have some skill in the wilderness, I've been the lead guide for the group, but I feel less than ideal. I'm certainly no forester. Do you have greater skill than I?" Alvis will discuss details with Bucky.
Alvis makes his morning service, having invited any that with to attend, praying for his revised spells.
The group hurries off after that exploring along the way, at end of day a interesting feature may attract attention.
Darkvision, Trained
The Scarlet Knight frowns. "I do not know if / my orienteering skills / surpass your own, sir." He nods in a friendly way.
"I'll do my very best to guide your flock
Through woods, through bogs, through plains, and through dales
To keep our travels safe e'er we would walk,
With hopes warm sun and kindest winds prevail.
I'll share your successes, too your trouble;
Eased our party's steps with our skills double."
*** THE NEXT DAY, EVENING ***
Bucky stands frowning as the thunderstorm fast approaches, remembering his poetic plea to the spheres for good traveling weather. He might have a sort of nascent connection with the woods, but clearly not with the skies.
Alvis accepts Bucky's evasiveness with grace. "Very well, let time bring trust in your faith and in me someday." Alvis continues, "It seems you have some skill in the wilderness, I've been the lead guide for the group, but I feel less than ideal. I'm certainly no forester. Do you have greater skill than I?" Alvis will discuss details with Bucky.
To the southeast, your intended direction, higher and stepper hills begin to come into view. As you get closer, one of those hills is topped with a high granite crag that stands higher than any of the others.It is nearly evening, as you get close enough to this crag to look around, and the expected thunderstorm is clearly materializing, as the wind picks up and heavy black clouds fly in. The flashes of lightning are seen, easily visible at a distance in the rolling hills leading towards this crag.
The Knight easily spots the crag that might serve as shelter from the fast-coming storm. He opens the front of his helmet and booms out in a voice that is used to being listened to when necessary:
"Good people! I spy natural shelter!"
Let's go, before ... the storm's helter-skelter!
Follow me! And you'll see!"
This rhyming promise is going to be the death of me, The Scarlet Knight muses to himself privately as he stalks off quickly, intending to lead the party to what he's spotted.
Scarlet Knight points out the crack just below the craggy rock, and just then the torrent of rain cuts loose easily soaking all of you as you struggle to get to the opening that might promise shelter. The area around the hills is mostly grassland, but Scarlet finds a few sticks to gather for a fire that are not too soaked by the time he snatches them up along the way.
Arriving at the rock face, you can squeeze inside the 5' wide opening. Pushing inside to get out of the rain, you can see the crack leads to a 20' long crevice that then leads into an actual cave in the hillside. It's hard to see how the horses will fit into the crack, so for now you leave them outside.
Inside, the cave is about a 30' diameter mostly circular dry chamber. There are no other visible entry or exit points besides the long narrow crevice you entered through.
Can I somehow find the best possible place to leave the horses tied up, so they have some shelter from the storm and the lightning? Can we somehow improvise or fashion a lean-to using tent material for the horses to gather under should they wish to?
Alvis is grateful for Bucky's support, "I think you are better in some ways, good Sir." Alvis spends his time on the road taking the measurements and making notes, letting anyone else (mostly Teela likely) doing and sketches that would help with the cartography.
Alvis is concerned for the horses as the torrent of rain falls upon them. He dismounts and leads Parable forward. Hobbling her, he goes forward to check the cave out with him able to see it clearly in darkness. Noting it small size he turns back saying. "Seven horses and us would pack us tighter than fish in a salted barrel. I don't see any practical way to do it. They'll have to stay outside. I'll stand near the front to watch over them and hope for the best."
Alvis works with Bucky to do our best to situate the horses will stand near the exit to keep them in sight, ready to aid them if needed.
As The Scarlet Knight identifies shelter for the party to wait out the storm, Velas looks for a good place to tie up the horses and keep them from getting too frightened.
Can I somehow find the best possible place to leave the horses tied up, so they have some shelter from the storm and the lightning? Can we somehow improvise or fashion a lean-to using tent material for the horses to gather under should they wish to?
Working with Alvis and Velas, who are quickly getting drenched, Scarlet pitches a tent, fighting the wind and rain, over the edges of the rock, and stakes down the horses leads. It's not ideal, but it seems like it will keep them (and your gear) drier than open exposure. Hopefully they won't spook and pull the stakes out or the wind won't tear away the flap but its secure for now.
The downpour drums on Quintessa’s hood as she ducks into the crevice after the others.
"Nicely done." she calls, raising her voice over the storm.
She turns to the Scarlet (she refused to call him Bucky), softening her tone. "Sir Scarlet, you’ve earned your keep already. Warm yourself. When the fire’s lit, we’ll trade a story or two, no limericks required."
Turning to Teela, she asks "Do you think your handy spell could help dry the boys off?"
The armored man nods politely to Quintessa and makes sure to stay away from the dry kindling he picked up as the storm approached, letting someone else get the fire started.
Velas rummages around his pack for some dry clothes and finds a relatively private area of the cave for a quick change. Then he lays out his wet clothes so they might dry out overnight.
"I'm glad we aren't stuck outside during this storm. Well spotted, Scarlet. I need to tend to drying these clothes. Happy to take an early watch tonight."
Turning to Teela, she asks "Do you think your handy spell could help dry the boys off?"
Quintessa is facing Teela's back when this question is asked. Teela's hair and clothes are both soaked, the droplets starting to form a small puddle beneath Teela. "Well..." She does not turn around for a few short moments. But when she does turn around, she reveals a mischievous smile on her face as she jauntily presents the perfectly dry clothing covering her chest area. "I don't know about the boys, but it helped the girls for sure!"
She stands in place for a few seconds, waiting for reactions, whether there are any to be had or not.
Then she puts her hands on her hips. "Sure, I'll see what I can be done."
She claps a few times and summons a hovering source of violet light to illuminate the area. Once that is done, the seamstress walks around the chamber and strums a gentle tune on her handheld harp. Lavender scent fills the cavern. It takes a while, but you all find your clothes considerably less damp.
She questions to choice of starting a fire as well. She looks at the survivalists and points to the opening. "You guys sure we won't choke?"
Velas rummages around his pack for some dry clothes and finds a relatively private area of the cave for a quick change. Then he lays out his wet clothes so they might dry out overnight.
"I'm glad we aren't stuck outside during this storm. Well spotted, Scarlet. I need to tend to drying these clothes. Happy to take an early watch tonight."
The helmeted man in red nods twice, as he usually does to make sure his meaning isn't misunderstood. He's already beginning to take his armor off. "I was simply fortunate today, and glad you all heard with no delay."
To Teela he says,
"We'll have enough air,
but without a vent for smoke...
no campfire for us."
He points outside. "We'll keep this dry kindling for later use.
Outside, once it clears, a blaze we'll produce."
Quintessa lets out a soft laugh at Teela’s reveal, giving a soft clap and a smile to go along with it. "Well played. If the boys freeze it shall be from lack of foresight, not lack of offers."
At Scarlet’s warning she nods with a sigh, eyeing the ceiling. "Very well. No fire. We’ll keep the kindling dry for morning. Graham's strikingly good looks will have to stand in for hearth-heat tonight."
She unbuckles her own damp cloak, wringing the edge toward the crevice before spreading it over her pack to dry. "We’ll eat cold and make do. Alvis, you and your night eyes take first watch at the crack. Scarlet, relieve him after, your armor will be dry enough by then. I’ll follow, then Graham. That should see us to dawn."
Settling onto a flat bit of stone, she draws out her journal but glances toward the newcomer. When you’re ready, Sir Scarlet, I’ll hold up my end of the bargain. I’ll begin with a tale of a girl, an overfull stillroom, and one very flammable barn."
After several hours of heavy rain, the weather at last subsides, and you can indeed light a fire near the entrance of the cave if you wish. Teela's magic does wonders for the aroma of the fairly small cave, and your wet clothes, and spirits are high even without a fire.
As Alvis comes off watch, his keen eyes catch a glint of something shiny reflecting on the back wall of the natural cavern. Closer inspection reveals several surface level nuggets of what appears to be gold embedded in the rock at the rear of the cave. It appears to be quite a seam of the stuff, matter of fact!
Settling onto a flat bit of stone, she draws out her journal but glances toward the newcomer. When you’re ready, Sir Scarlet, I’ll hold up my end of the bargain. I’ll begin with a tale of a girl, an overfull stillroom, and one very flammable barn."
The Scarlet Knight settles down as his armor and clothing slowly dry thanks to Teela's magic, and he appreciatively listens to Quintessa's story, his helm off and his face still wrapped in his cowl, but offering a glimpse of his upper face, eyes, and nose. His eyes show his enjoyment at the offering of Lady Orlovsky's tale.
Once the rain ceases, he excuses himself long enough to find a dry place far enough from the horses and makes a small fire at the exterior of the cave that anyone can warm themselves at if they so desire, thanks to the kindling he managed to scoop up on the run.
With Teela drying off the rest of the group. Alvis maintains his post near the entrance to keep watch on the horse, taking care to dry himself with his divine aid. When the rain breaks, he checks on the group inside, and in so doing sees a glitter that appears to be gold.
"Ah, everyone I think I spy a golden glitter." Alvis digs out a small nugget. "It's possible that this is fool's gold, I'm no miner, but this appears to the real deal. It someone has greater skill at determining it for certain, by all means do so."
He then tilts his head in thought, saying, "I think we should keep this to ourselves for now, an ill-timed and poorly organized gold rush could lead to disaster and many lost lives. But a great boon if we can establish ourselves here."
Alvis will come out after any discussion and uses his draw moisture cantrip dry out additional wood to feed Bucky's fire.
... so there I was, twelve years old, ankle-deep in lavender mash, certain Mother would never miss a single vial of brandy to improve the tincture. I’d just eased the stopper when the cat darted in, knocked the lantern, and, the straw beneath the copper still caught like tinder. Flames raced up the rafters, the draft roared, and the whole loft glowed orange. I grabbed the barrel tap, praying the pressure wouldn’t-"
Quintessa’s tale pauses mid-sentence when Alvis's excitement is passed around. She rises, wipes charcoal dust from her fingers, and pads barefoot across the stone to study the glittering vein.
She smiles at the warden and gives him a polite nod, taking the nugget and inspecting it. "Well done. It seems Abadar’s ears were burning-he’s sent you a shining reminder that even in burnt barns and storm-soaked caves, profit ever finds the faithful."She hands the nugget back to Alvis.
"We’ll mark the location on Teela’s map." A quick wink to the bard.
She steps back, looking for The Scarlet Knight. "Now. Sir Scarlet, the next verse is yours."
The rest of the night passes in reasonable comfort with a fire nearby, dry clothes, and good stories passed around. The watchers don't note any disturbance and the horses are reasonably dry and tended to without incident.
... so there I was, twelve years old, ankle-deep in lavender mash, certain Mother would never miss a single vial of brandy to improve the tincture. I’d just eased the stopper when the cat darted in, knocked the lantern, and, the straw beneath the copper still caught like tinder. Flames raced up the rafters, the draft roared, and the whole loft glowed orange. I grabbed the barrel tap, praying the pressure wouldn’t-"
[snip]
She steps back, looking for The Scarlet Knight. "Now. Sir Scarlet, the next verse is yours."
The Scarlet Knight raises an eyebrow.
"In this, was the entire barn burned down?Or you declared a menace to the town?"
The armored man speaks without rhyming for the first time in the party's presence. His voice retains its mellifluous quality, but he doesn't project his voice as much now that he's speaking simply.
"I suppose it will be difficult to give a fuller introduction while maintaining an elaborate rhyming pattern -- not impossible, but I would find it exceedingly difficult to grasp for couplets. I will set aside my promise to the goddess willingly for this damp, cavernous evening, but still strive to maintain my promise to continue throughout Pharast."
Even though his mouth is covered by his cowl, everyone looking at him can see his lips quirk upwards in a self-deprecating grin. "I do not believe she will mind -- to be brutally honest, I do not believe she will care either way. But maintaining the promise is important to me."
He pauses, lost in thought momentarily.
"The limerick I told you is true enough -- hells, everything I've said has been true. I've enjoyed the lap of luxury in my younger days, but no longer. I can't --" He pauses, shaking his head, his speech suddenly much more halting than previous times he's spoken. "No, that's inaccurate: it would be difficult, unpleasant to continue to access the trappings of my birthright, and so instead I choose not to."
"I don't intend for this identity change to be a passing fad. I am now The Scarlet Knight. My former identity is ... in the past, to me. I have found renewed purpose in service to my goddess -- ever thankful that she is not one who charges me with converting the masses to her banner. All I can assure you is that I've done more of use in my time as ... uhh, 'Bucky' than I have in all my years past as a scion of a noble. And it's a more fulfilling life, even if it is harder."
He pauses and says more quietly, "I'm grateful to have found accepting and generous people to travel with. I will continue to do my duty and assist in bolstering your welfare where I can."
He seems almost inclined to say something more, but he trails off, blushing a little after having spoken for so long about himself.
"In this, was the entire barn burned down? Or you declared a menace to the town?"
Quintessa laugh echoes softly. "Only the loft, thank Shelyn. Well that and Father's patience. The still was a loss, the barn stood, and I was sentenced to a summer mucking stables instead of experimenting. A fair judgment, I suppose, though the horses learned new adjectives that year."
When he starts his story, Quintessa listens without interrupting, head tilted, eyes steady on the man. When he finishes, she inclines her chin in a small, court-perfect nod-half thanks, half acknowledgment of confidence shared.
"Names and titles are only as useful as the deeds behind them." she says, voice low so it doesn’t echo in the cave. "If Scarlet or Bucky carry the weight of purpose you seek, that’s enough for me. You’ve already proven the mettle beneath the paint."
"And for the record, our company measures worth by sword-arms and steadfast hearts, not by dusty heraldry. Welcome to the ledger, Sir Scarlet-profits and perils alike."
"In this, was the entire barn burned down? Or you declared a menace to the town?"Quintessa laugh echoes softly. "Only the loft, thank Shelyn. Well that and Father's patience. The still was a loss, the barn stood, and I was sentenced to a summer mucking stables instead of experimenting. A fair judgment, I suppose, though the horses learned new adjectives that year."
When he starts his story, Quintessa listens without interrupting, head tilted, eyes steady on the man. When he finishes, she inclines her chin in a small, court-perfect nod-half thanks, half acknowledgment of confidence shared.
"Names and titles are only as useful as the deeds behind them." she says, voice low so it doesn’t echo in the cave. "If Scarlet or Bucky carry the weight of purpose you seek, that’s enough for me. You’ve already proven the mettle beneath the paint."
"And for the record, our company measures worth by sword-arms and steadfast hearts, not by dusty heraldry. Welcome to the ledger, Sir Scarlet-profits and perils alike."
The Scarlet Knight bows his head slowly in appreciation.
"I ... don't know if it's important to mention or will change anything, but I have had -- even prior to my conversion as one of Arazni's few faithful -- a somewhat unusual feeling of connection to the land, to the woods in these areas in particular."
He puts his helmet on now, preparing to take over the watch for Alvis. "Perhaps I'd just better show you."
He steps away from Quintessa and moves closer to the passageway leading to the small crag opening. Clenching a gloved fist at either side, the armored man then bring his right hand out forcefully in front of him and draws his hand upwards slowly, almost as if commanding something to grow upwards.
A short tree with a thin yet sturdy, healthy looking trunk begins to sprout up just behind the Scarlet Knight -- too thin to make it difficult to move past, or to provide shade, but also completely inappropriate for the interior of a cave. The tree sprouts the almost angry-looking crimson red leaves of a Minkai maple, and a few of those leaves leave the tree and flutter in a continual circle around the Scarlet Knight. The tree is about eight feet tall, and stationary.
"I ... don't know how to do much with it, other than defend myself in dangerous situations with an attack. I feel as if ... I feel like I can hear the whispers of the land, on occasion. I'm sure there's more I could learn to do with time and expertise." He looks at the tree and the small aura of leaves surrounding him. "It's certainly pretty, anyway."
Alvis simply comments on Bucky's statement, "Frontiers are good place to leave one's paste behind. If one cannot fulfill a station of one's birth finding a new begining is a good path."
Alvis is surprised at the odd affinity the Sir Scarlet showed. He mutters, "I wonder how that comes about?" He spends a few minutes trying to see if he learned anything related to this summoning trees event.
Recall Knowledge
Recall Knowledge
A little later Alvis discusses a concern he has. Alvis address the group, "After considering matters for a while I have a belief that we need to be better co-ordinated as a group in battle. Because of my poor movement, I cannot keep up with everyone, making me late to our more violent parties. Ranged blessing of my heavenly master seem the best to me, for that case. I had been preparing a blessing of weapons since I first met Graham. I have never cast it though, there never seemed to be enough time for me to do it, with so many other pressing needs. I admit I am somewhat at a loss as to what I should do. But also we never seem to act as real team as yet and without preparation with our newest bold companion I suspect that will only get worse. Do anyone have some insight to share on this?" Alvis seems unconfortable with his oration, and sits down quickly eating his evening meal.
Teela listens. First in silence, then she summons a handheld harp and plays a slow melancholic melody to add to the atmosphere. She stops abruptly when Bucky grows a small tree out of the blue and looks around the faces of others, her own expression being a mix of amusement and surprise.
The harp disappears into a puff of blue smoke, carried away by the wind. She stands up and walks to the tree, touching it as if to confirm it is there.
"That's..." she turns to Bucky, "very impressive. Can you do like, I don't know..." Teela ponders for a second. "Vines? Edible stuff? Prunes? Apples? Tomatoes? Dates? Some form of berry? Where's the limit?"
She steps back to sit in her place again. "Should have been a gardener, man."
When Alvis poses his questions, Teela looks at the dwarf. "You seem pretty athletic, Alvis. Are you skipping leg day? If it's an issue of coordination, we can think of something. Um," she moves her hands around one another in circles. "like tie you two together with rope or something. Some sort of a buddy system, even without actual physical bindings. Like Graham walking side by side with you and only move once you get to do your thing."
"Alternatively... We have horses. Contrary to what you said a few weeks ago, you seem like a capable rider. Just, you know, fight on horseback? Do you have to physically touch someone to do that?"
She pauses. "I don't know. Just throwing stuff at the wall, checking what sticks."
Velas enjoys the friendly banter back and forth, but stays quiet while the other converse - not sure when to interject and with what topic.
He does, however, interject when Alvis brings up fighting tactics. "You are correct that we could stand to improve our tactics as a group. While it has been some time since Faen and I joined the group, we are still learning how each other works in a fight and how the pieces fit. Perhaps one change is for Graham and I to stop being so hasty to take the fight to our enemy. That would give Alvis, Teela, and Quintessa an opportunity to help set the stage."
He does, however, interject when Alvis brings up fighting tactics. "You are correct that we could stand to improve our tactics as a group. While it has been some time since Faen and I joined the group, we are still learning how each other works in a fight and how the pieces fit. Perhaps one change is for Graham and I to stop being so hasty to take the fight to our enemy. That would give Alvis, Teela, and Quintessa an opportunity to help set the stage."
Graham cocks an eyebrow at Velas. I've long subscribed to the theory that a dead enemy is better than a live one. What you call "hasty" I call "prudence."
Still, one can't dispute the wisdom of a more coordinated assault.
Teela listens. First in silence, then she summons a handheld harp and plays a slow melancholic melody to add to the atmosphere. She stops abruptly when Bucky grows a small tree out of the blue and looks around the faces of others, her own expression being a mix of amusement and surprise.
The harp disappears into a puff of blue smoke, carried away by the wind. She stands up and walks to the tree, touching it as if to confirm it is there.
"That's..." she turns to Bucky, "very impressive. Can you do like, I don't know..." Teela ponders for a second. "Vines? Edible stuff? Prunes? Apples? Tomatoes? Dates? Some form of berry? Where's the limit?"
"Alas, nothing edible, no sustaining food.
But the wood's appearance changes to fit my mood.The magic I can shape into a strike quite rude."
Velas enjoys the friendly banter back and forth, but stays quiet while the other converse - not sure when to interject and with what topic.
He does, however, interject when Alvis brings up fighting tactics. "You are correct that we could stand to improve our tactics as a group. While it has been some time since Faen and I joined the group, we are still learning how each other works in a fight and how the pieces fit. Perhaps one change is for Graham and I to stop being so hasty to take the fight to our enemy. That would give Alvis, Teela, and Quintessa an opportunity to help set the stage."
"Perhaps both ideas can be true, indeed: our offense slows down, while Alvis works on his speed."