So gang, do we feel like desecrating a grave? I mean the townsfolk already dislike Beck and Gabe. Why not add Aneira to the mix to dig up a dead person ... :p
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Thanks for the clarification.
Is the spiritual leader's name Rolf or Roth? You have spelled it differently in your respective postings. ;)
Upon Nadya's assurance that she would trust Rolf Halzberg, Aneira walked casually toward the spiritual leader but still kept her eyes peeled for danger or any suspicious activity.
Within a few feet she stops and politely smiling, begins a conversation in a pleasant voice, "Well met, sir. My name is Aneira Whitestorm. You gestured for me to draw closer. May I ask what you seek from me or how I may help?"
Variel nods his head and follows Anee's lead. Sure thing dear, but if what Nadya says is true I wouldn't be trusting all of the townsfolk to readily. Who knows what types we might run across. He will leave it up to Aneira to do the talking while he keeps a sharp eye out amongst any others that may be nearby. Aneira nods her head. "Aye, husband. You should know by now I would not risk myself or the others. I would like to know what this spiritual leader wants with me. I will go now." Aneira was confidant that Variel was being vigilant and she was not afraid so much as curious.
Aneira, if you want to visit anywhere in particular let me know however as you entered the town, a man in brown robes waved to you. The wave was not so much as a welcome to the town but an invitation to come closer. Upon asking Nadya about who the man is she responds, That is Rolf Halzberg. He sees to our limited spiritual needs here. Don't know why he would have singled you out but apparently he wants to talk to you. Gaining Variel's attention, Aneira subtly motioned toward Rolf Halzberg. Directing her question discreetly to their host, "Nadya, is it safe for me to approach Mister Halzberg?"
Variel, I'm having trouble accessing the Waldsby map -- a broken link comes up every time I try to look at it. Is there another link I could try?
Okay, thanks Var.
So Anee would be with her husband? I mean it would make little sense to have them separated but I shall work with what you say. And you have Oriana waiting with Pakak? Where and why? And thanks, Var.
Hi. I just got home. Can someone give me a summary of what's happened in both games over the two weeks? I really do not have the time to read through all the postings. Sorry and thanks.
Thanks, Venja -- will miss you guys, as well. Hope you all keep living while I am away. The DM seems a fair sort. ;)
Hi, guys. I leave for my trip very early tomorrow morning. I will be completely off the boards for 2 weeks. Variel, please npc my characters when necessary. Everything should be on their profiles. I hope I don't die in either game while I am away. ;p Good gaming to you! Take care. :)
Aneira was surprised by Nadya's unusual introduction. She had been wary to this point with Nadya and her people and so Aneira decided to continue with answering simply and not providing too much detail with this strange newcomer. "We are simple travellers, waiting out the full storm with our good companion, Nadya, and her lovely folk. Hearing your ballad around the fire helps pass the time and not feel the cold as readily. Thank you for the gracious entertainment, Mistress Mierul." Aneira smiled at Mierul, inclining her head in respect.
With Variel and Beck by her side, Aneira watched as the female made her way into the cavern and introduced herself warmly. Aneira listened to Mierul's voice and watched her, hoping to gauge the entrancing creature's motives.
While speaking, Beck abruptly stands without a word mid sentence and walks up to the entrance of the cave, starring, club tight in his hand. "Who in the bloody hell'd be out there in this storm? An' Dancin no less! Oye, Nadey, darlin, I dunno if I'm hopin this is normal in this area, but um... looks like it could be another o' them wyrd ice folk." Hearing Beck declare there was someone outside in the ghastly storm and dancing had amazed Aneira who hadn't noticed anything. She stood and moved a little closer to the entrance and looked out where Beck was looking. She silently waited on Nadya's answer.
Aneira sits beside Variel, close to the fire, listening to the howling wind and occasionally speaking with her companions. She does not notice/see anything outside, preoccupied with her internal contemplations of the Winter Witches and Elvanna.
After the meal was done and everything was cleaned up, Aneira moved aside with her trusted allies and quietly whispered what had been said and waited to hear their opinions and thoughts on the matter.
Away from the others and talking in very low voice with Venja (for her ears only), Aneira relays what Nadya had privately said to her at the very end. whispered to Venja: "Nadya said she would talk to me alone. So I will ask, Ven. The local witch -- I hope having you in our party -- another witch -- will coax Nazhena into granting us an audience. We still have much to learn on this side of the portal. My experience with the Winter Witches is very limited and I will be relying on you, my friend."
Thanks, Gabe. :) And good luck with the new job, Beck.
Aneira sensed there was something more going on but did not know what. Hesitant to divulge more information to Nadya or her people, Aneira waited until she could speak privately with her husband and the others. Venja was a witch and could shed more light on the matter -- Aneira hoped so. When Nadya had moved closed and whispered that she wanted to talk privately about Elvanna, Aneira nodded assent and responded with a swift yet discreet, "Thank you."
Where is everyone? This has been the slowest rp/game has ever been and I'm beginning to question why. I know Christmas and New Year were busy but it should have gotten back to some kind of proper rhythm by now, right? Are people still interested in playing? I understand busy, as my life generally is, but I still wonder what's up. I've made mention of this before, but I leave for my trip this Saturday (your Friday) and will be gone until the 24th January. So no posting from me during that time. Variel bot me where/if necessary, please.
We make this run occasionally to procure food for the Pale Tower. It is there, with White Witch Nazhena Vasilliovna, that more information could be gleaned into what you are looking for. Tell me though, how is it that you dared enter the portal at all? Shouldn't you have left that for others? Aneira grew thoughtful upon Nadya's words. How much could she divulge of Illarion Matveius' quest. She did not know who could be trusted this side of the portal and who could not. "Perhaps we should go to this Pale Tower and seek audience with the White Witch. The more we know of what is happening here, the more we can accomplish. Can you take us to this place, Nadya?"
To answer Nadya's question as to why they had passed through the portal, Aneira answered as simply as possible, "Our group accepted a quest and made pledge to a person from this side of the portal who passed through to the other side. We were the only people near him as he lay dying. So we took on his quest in hopes we could save our beloved Heldren from eternal snow and ice." Illarion had said to close the portal they had to travel through it to the other side and find the focus there. She didn't know where to start looking for this focus and would speak about it to her friends privately at the next opportunity. Mayhap the White Witch knew where or what it was. "Nadya, I mean no disrespect, but I must ask, what are your feelings regarding the Queen Elvanna?"
Aneira busied herself in helping prepare the meal, standing beside Beck and Gabe and listening to the druid answer Nadya's question, occasionally looking over at her husband, Variel, who was watching over the proceedings. She gave a more precise answer as to the location of their home to the female leader. "We are from the village of Heldren, in southern Taldor. We have risked much to travel through the portal to arrive to this place. Can you tell what is happening here, Nadya?" Pondering the giant mantis and its attack on Nadya's people, Aneira added, "Are such creatures as the giant mantis common here? Or did it travel through the portal as we did?"
As the food cooked over the fire, and while waiting for Nadya to answer, Aneira made her way to Gideon and Alric to check how they were faring with their wounds and healing, pulling out her healer's kit and replacing bandages or poultices where necessary.
Nadya breathes easier hearing Aneira's words. That is wonderful news and his family will be glad to have him return to them. they know the risks of living here and travel but knowing the risks is never the same as experiencing the loss from them. Thank you dearly.... With that she goes to check on both of the wounded men seeing how they fair. After a couple of minutes talking with the men and reassuring the rest she comes back to the group. It seems that they will be fine once they get home and have a chance to heal from this ordeal. I thank you again, Aneira was it, for healing them... Aneira quietly casts a spell, Enhanced Diplomacy. "You are welcome for the healing I have provided. Aye, Nadya, I am Aneira Whitestorm. I am gladdened by Gideon's revival and that he will return to his loving family. Both men will need care once home but they will recover. Venja and I can monitor their condition as we travel."When Nadya mentions requiring two people with skill with dogs and sled, Aneira looks to Beck first. "Beck, you have a fair way with animals. Can you drive the sled and lead the dogs?" Looking to Gabe. "And you, Gabe?"
Variel:
Variel comes up beside his wife and grabs her hand as she finishes her healing of the fallen man. Giving it a squeeze of support he drops her hand and places his arm around her shoulders holding her close against the cold. Even though she may not feel the cold like he did, that was not the main reason for his actions. There was more said in the simple gestures than he could verbalize adequately right now. Aneira leant against her husband, taking what he was freely giving in the embrace. When they were alone, she would speak her feelings openly and aloud. Until then, this was enough. Even when they were quiet, they said much to each other.
"Mistress Nadya, please wait. Gideon? He still breathes though remains unconscious."
"I will attempt another healing." Although Aneira would have to expend another spell to bring Gideon awake, she would attempt it. The weather was indeed turning and she could not risk him dying as they travelled. She had a duty as a healer. Laying her hand once more on him, she speaks the healing words and the white light moves from her into Gideon.
With barely a heartbeat to discern, Aneira attempts a magical healing on the fellow on the ground, in hopes of reviving him. She lays her hand on his chest and speaks the words, the white light moving from her hand into his body.
Aneira moves carefully forward, making sure she does not get too close to the giant mantis (she skirts within 30 ft of it again). She loads a new bolt into her light crossbow and waits for the right opportunity to shoot.
Aneira moves forward 15 ft (she's now 30ft from the mantis) fires her bolt at the creature.
Aneira moved carefully forward, trying to close some distance to be readily available for healing, if need be, but keeping back from the others for safety reasons. She was a healer not a front-line fighter.
She loads another bolt in her light crossbow and waits for the right time to shoot. It would be tricky with the men so close to the mantis and one impaled and close to its mandibles.
Aneira stops in the snow and views the attack. She will draw closer when the time comes to provide either healing or support. She immediately loads a bolt into her crossbow (move action) and shoots at the giant mantis (standard action).
"Aye, Beck. There, in the distance, along the path, I hear men shouting and dogs' barking."
"Do not be deceived. The lack of wind is making it seem less colder than it truly is. And a cold snap like this is generally followed by a winter storm. I believe we have until tonight before the storm hits, but it could be sooner", Aneira warns the others as she undoes the rope around her waist and looks to the plume of smoke in the distance. "We should find shelter soon, as Venja has suggested."
Talking to the entire group though Variel asks aloud, What do you make of these keys that he gave us? I mean they are kind of strange items to be sure. Who wants to carry them also? It would make sense for Aneira to carry the mask as she has the surgeon's tools as well but the hair from a frost giant? Interesting choice and strange souvenir that's for sure.
Aneira takes possession of the mask and looks it over before wrapping it in a shawl and placing it carefully inside her pack. Illarion Matveius had said to protect it and the other items. She volunteers a suggestion to the group, "I think Venja should carry the two keys. Ven, what do you say?"
Aneira smiled up at her husband, lifting her free hand to his face and stroking his cheek, letting her eyes do all the talking, understanding the full meaning of his words.
"The cover over the body seems to get lower and lower. I think the question of what to do with the fey's body has been answered for us. It seems to be dissolving into dust as we speak."
"You're welcome, Venja. It would be good to have our magics restored come morning. May the night pass by without incident." She gently smiles at her friend. Aneira then returns to Variel's side and takes hold of his hand. Raising her voice so as to be heard by her temporarily deafened husband, "How is your hearing, husband? Any better? Are you seriously injured?" Aneira looks over Variel to determine the magnitude of his injuries and see if she can aid him in some way.
Aneira listens as Venja and Gabe speak of Irrisen and its frigid clime. She wonders what they would do with Illarion Matveius' body in that case. She quietly responds, "If it is too difficult to bury Master Matveius' body here, what of Irrisen? We will meet the same problem. Perhaps we can construct a burial mound of stones to encase the body and protect it from scavengers."
Aneira moves from Venja to Gabe, laying her hands on each in turn and speaking the ancient words to invoke her healing magic.
"Gabe, I am unsure if I was able to knit all your wounds. But with bed rest I believe you shall be fine come morning." Aneira gently pats Gabe's arm. Turning her attention to the druid in their party, "Beck, if you have any healing magic, perhaps there are others in the group you could aid this night?"
Aneira notes Gabe's idea of taking the man back trough the portal and burying him on the other side and sees the soundness of the plan. She nods her head. "I wonder what the land on the other side of the portal will be like? Will it be just as cold and covered in ice and snow or the appropriate seasonal weather ... Either way, it is right we return Illarion Matveius's body and bury it there, Gabe." Walking over to stand beside Variel, Aneira turns and looks around at the group, "I know Venja is in need of healing. Is there anyone else?"
Have a safe, good trip, Xan. :)
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