The arriving supply caravan pulls right into the heart of the town, because the drovers are not warriors, and the wagons are vulnerable, and this seems to be the safest place.

Bardas brings Titus’s wagon in with the others, and parks it in the town square.

Cirrus looks baffled.  So much milling about, so many faces, and so much sadness evident.    Several times the girl tries to find Aelasuria, but everyone is so busy, she doesn’t know who to ask, or even if she should.  Not knowing what else to do, she plays some music with her lute, not singing, just letting the sounds of peace drift over the town.


Thrymold visits the command tent to report on the events of the journey, especially the encounter with the Human riders in the service of the Huns.  Then he returns to his caravan.  He had brought fresh horses, and these are apportioned out to the sub-captains of Theoderic's troops,  as are the five new recruits.  Then, he gives his drovers the day off.   When the army moves out of here, of course, they will make the return trip back to Hiricio.

Aelasuria seeing Cirrus walks over and quickly hugs her close smiling she speaks softly. "It's good to see you Cirrus I missed you very much. I trust you are doing well?"

She looks Cirrus over to see how the woman might have changed during her travels. That and to make certain she is both healthy and well considering recent events. Seeing that Cirrus looks a little lost she thought she could help her by giving her something good to do. "There is much to be done would you like to help? I need to go to the temple of Juno and help the Survivors as I can. Spica can heal and will likely help just by being there. She lifts spirits and helps in so many ways. We can keep each other company and I am sure the people there wouldn't mind to hear your lute and lovely voice for a little bit."

Cirrus looks a little taller, and lot more adult, since Aelasuria last saw her.  She's happy to see Aelasuria again, and even happier when she realizes that Aelasuria is not mad at her for being here. She relates how she's become a courier, and now runs messages back and forth between Raviniacum and Hiricio, and came on this trip mostly to see everyone again.  She thought Aelasuria and Theoderic might be mad at her for coming to such a dangerous place.

She is very proud of doing a serious job, and being useful.  Aelasuria remembers that Cirrus was cut a little deep by Apple Blossom's remarks about Cirrus not really "working" and by being a courier, and a good one, she has regained her self respect.

Cirrus has learned something else, too, and passes it along to Aelasuria:  The Unicorns have told her she is either a Sylph enchanted into Human form, or some kind of part-Sylph.  But there is definitely Sylph in her heritage and that is the source of her abilities.

She will gladly go with Aelasuria to do whatever Aelasuria thinks is important.

"That's amazing Cirrus! If you have the fey in you then we now know that you have sylph abilities. If we can teach you to use your abilities you might be very amazed at what you can do. Sylphs can command the wind itself. They can even fly cirrus and I can tell you from experience that I love flying. It is such a sense of freedom and the view from up in the sky is truly lovely. Not to mention a courier that can fly from one location to the next will certainly be very appreciated and respected. Although you should always remember that we appreciate and respect you for who you are Cirrus."

"Not necessarily what job you have. Your singing and musical talent is a precious gift. The ability to bring smiles to peoples faces, to make them happy should never be underestimated. Your singing has great value not just to me but to many who will appreciate it over the years. You could be a singer or actress in a theater or even a bard of great talent I think. If you desire it that is! We should keep in mind what you want."

She gives Cirrus's hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance with a supportive look and smile. Then walks to the temple of Juno with Cirrus.

Between King Theoderic's ideas for wargames and the pressures of his folk, Eadoin's careful to make time for himself to catch up with old friends, those being friends of at least half a year, as well as to meet other people who may have come together in this place.

To those who're seeing him for the first time in a few months, there have been visible changes in his person.  Constant travelling and good food have left him a sleek and in fine trim.  His hair-end has grown a shaggy coat appropriate to the season and an intrusion of fuzz has begun to show on his upper lip and his chin.  The young Centaur's grown several inches; though he's still young and much smaller than the grown members of his troop, he's head and shoulders taller and hundreds of pounds heavier than the stoutest Human warriors.  He's tanned from long hours in the sun and his hair has grown long.  So different from the lad who came away from Lutetia Parisiorum in the spring!  It seems the semi-nomadic life of his folk quite agrees with Eadoin.

Should he see Rita and Riordeg, he offers them a playful, almost impish smile, then a not-quite secret wink.  "It's fine to see you, both."

With Vagrenk he'll share a grip of forearms, carrying considerable respect for the first person to offer him training at arms.  "Sir."

Others he knows less well: Ovo.  Others yet he doesn't know at all: Swift and Scolo and Seti.  He greets each warmly, introducing himself or getting a friend to introduce him as best seems appropriate.  Scolo he finds moderatley disconcerting.  While Apple Blossom is practicality embodied, Eadoin is an earthy example of his kind, focused on what he can see, hear, feel, or interpret with his intuition.  The wizard exists in another place not quite contained inside himself, perhaps seeing things others don't see, both real and imagined.

Despite Eadoin's frequent contact with Elvish folk during his travels, as well as having close friends in Jaquen and Ali'Cor, Eadoin is still struck dumb in the presence of Elves in the height of their prowess.  Around Aelasuria and Alara, he reverts to kind, a gangly, oversized, and awkward teenager.  He does his best to keep a shred of dignity, but there's something deeply ingrained about his respect and what he imagines them to be.

---

Carefully, he approaches Aelasuria, nodding and smiling a bit.  "Ummm...hi, Aelasuria," he greets her.  "It's very good to see you again, ma'am."  There's only so long even Eadoin can circle a topic before getting the point.  "In the forest, we found an old Salian Frankish town, long abandoned.  Those were the King's folk once, I think.  Anyhow, their gods there still speak if you listen closely."

He describes them loudly enough that others nearby can hear if they care to: Old One Eye, a man with a hammer and lightning, many others.  Each he names by some detail: their voice amongst the others, some notable detail of their armor, weapons, or person.  "They sent us to where we found two old shields, this one and another I gave to Vincentas and Ongriss in the Nethershires."

To the point, he adds, "This one is...powerful, I know, more'n anything I've ever seen before.  It's blessed by those old gods, but I don't know what it does, if anything.  Could you help me figure out what it does?"

In the same conversation, but more to Seti and Rita, he discusses the staff the group found near the coast of the Nethershires, of the priest of Apollo who carried it and tried convert the evil folk of that land.  He recounts its major functions as best he's been able to determine, that it can cancel all magic for a person, once and only once, that it can essentially cure evil, as if it were a disease that could be healed, and that it can protect the bearer.  "I...thought of Melissa, though I'm sure much could be done with it.  I know for sure I went there because the White Mare asked it, but I don't know if this was the reason why."

Here, the young Centaur shrugs.  He's not a believer in coincidence where the gods and their intent is concerned.  Eadoin's faith it pretty plain, very personal, and not overly concerned with the politics of dogma.  "I wondered what'd happen if I tried to cure a demon of evil, since that's all it's made of.  Besides that, I wondered, if maybe we could help Melissa.  She seemed so sad the last time I saw her, even mad as I was, she seemed like she felt trapped in what she was doing."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:36, Tue 28 Aug 2012.

OOC: I leave it up to Ben if this happens before or after Aelasuria heads to the temple of Juno.

"Oh my! Eadoin you have grown up! Your looking very healthy and strong! Has apple blossom seen you with a mustache and a the beginnings of a beard yet?" She smiles giving him a affectionate hug. Well as well as a elf can give a tall centaur lad such a hug. Her green eyes twinkle merrily wondering if he is in for a big surprise the next time he see's apple blossom. She has no doubt grown into a fine young centaur lass as well unless she's already ahead of him there.

She listens to him talk of the gods of the Salian frankish townsfolk. Nodding slightly with a interested expression. "Of course I will be happy to help Eadoin. I make no promises however whatever I learn I will pass onto you. Did you have anyone in mind to use this fine shield?"

If he offers it she studies it with a thoughtful expression. She will cast a spell as needed in addition to using her arcane skills and knowledge.

OOC: Know arcana natural 20 total =28 Spellcraft =29 In due time spell Identify if needed.

At once, Eadoin is his not-quite fourteen year old self, embarrassed and self-conscious.  Recovering himself, he smiles sheepishly.  "We met when we returned to Raviniacum.  She's right fetching."  Though he tries to seem older than he is, Apple Blossom's actually his senior by a year and a half.

When Aelasuria asks him about the shield, he answers easily, "I've carried it these last months.  It's the only armor I've got.  Might be it'd be best with another person.  I dunno, but maybe we'll see."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:50, Sat 28 July 2012.

Rita has little time to spare from her duties at the Temple of Pluto, but she takes what little time she has to visit Aelasuria. She is amazed by the number of centaurs in the camp near the main command tent.

“It’s fine to see you too,” she says, smiling, when Eadoin greets her. And she notices he is definitely taller than he was a few months ago.

“You’ve grown,” she says, looking up the centaur who towers over her. “And you found your people! You found other centaurs, and so many! Where were they? Are they coming to join you in Raviniacum? I would love to meet them, if you wouldn’t mind introducing us,” she says playfully to Eadoin.

She eagerly greets Aelasuria and Ovo, thrilled to finally have them all reunited. One at a time, she hugs Eadoin, Aelasuria, and Ovo.

“I said we would meet again, and here we are,” she says to Aelasuria. “I’m not going to miss your wedding,” she adds emphatically. She briefly shares the story of how her group rescued Xybezza.

“Are Salen, Jacquen and Ali’Cor here too? I haven’t seen Jacquen since we returned from Geneva. I have to tell him that his parents are still alive, that we need to rescue them.”

The person she is most surprised to see is Cirrus. What is she doing here, in a war zone?

“Cirrus!” She gives the girl a hug, noticing that Cirrus, too has grown taller.

“I am so happy to see you, but I must admit, I wouldn’t have expected you here. Why are you in the middle of a battlefield? I cannot imagine King Theoderic putting your life at risk! We got you out of Lutetia Parisiorum so you would be safe, so you never have to see Huns again. Why are you putting yourself in danger? And who is taking care of the orphanage if you are here?”

She makes sure to address Cirrus in a gentle, loving tone rather than sound remotely accusatory, as she is very protective of the girl and of all the children they rescued from Lutetia Parisiorum—conveniently ignoring, or forgetting, the fact that Cirrus is actually older than she is.

Aelasuria shakes her head smiling for a moment at Eadoin's generosity. "No if you can use it you should. I didn't know if the gods wanted you to have it or for you to give it to someone. The only person I can think of that might need it is king Theoderic. However he is no more deserving of the shield then you. You fight bravely to save this land and it's people Eadoin. We won't forget that I promise you."

She meant it her expression sincere as she speaks. Aelasuria knows this land was full of brave men and women. They were the lands life and vital to it's survival. Theo couldn't do it alone that much was certain!

"Rita!" Aelasuria exlaims happily as she meets Rita in a fond hug. "I am glad your words have come true. I see you had your hands fully on your journey as well. I hope that the priesthood in your home city is aware of the huns murderous actions. They need to know before the Huns harm more clerics."

She pauses unable to help it she laughs and smiles. "Your determination will serve you well no doubt. I certainly want you to be at the wedding. I am planning on a priestess of venus overseeing the wedding. Unless Theo feels otherwise. I might ask him if he would like to involve elf tradition in the wedding as well. Hmm I shouldn't put my mind to much in that direction though. There is so much to do and the Huns must be stopped."

Pausing she shakes her head slightly. "I am afraid so much has happened recently that I can't be certain. My little brother is definitly getting around. I might have seen him recently. Jaquen I haven't seen in a while. Ovo has bravely defended us at every turn. He might talk trade secrets in being a bodyguard with vangrenk."

Her eyes twinkle merrily knowing Vangrenk had long served as a protector for Rita. She could only wonder if that was his calling in life. Would he always be protecting someone be it rita, The king, herself, cirrus or whomever it was that needed him at the time.

She takes Rita's hand for a moment giving it a gentle squeeze. "Cirrus needed this. She wanted to do something to help everyone. That aside you probably should talk to Theo sometime soon. If you haven't already I am sure he will want to hear all about what you have done and learned of late Rita."

Eadoin relates to Rita that the entire group of Centaurs has already been to Raviniacum, thence to Hiricio.  Some stayed behind, as well as a band of Hybsils.  More will come in the spring when the weather is better for travelling.  "They came from a land near the Nethershires, parts of five tribes.  It'd be my honor to introduce you."

---

"I can't say, Aelasuria.  The old gods there, they missed having anyone to honor them, I think, so I told them I'd remember them to other people.  That way, they wouldn't be forgotten.  So, Old One Eye sent us north to find those two shields, even told us about the spiders.  Real big ones."

Cirrus had hoped to avoid “Why are you here?” questions.   But Rita asked…  “I wanted to help.  To be somebody people would count on.  Not to hide in Raviniacum like a scared child.   So I became a courier.  You’ll need people who can carry messages around.  Aelasuria thinks I can help.  Or she would tell me to back when the supply caravan goes back.  It will, soon.”

Cirrus edges close to Aelasuria who seems to think things more her way.

She adds:  “And I think they need music here, more than they need at home.  The people here have suffered a lot.  I can do good here.”

Aelasuria takes a little time in the evening to study Eadoin’s shield.  It certainly is magical.

For some reason, Riordeg is never very far away from Rita. Unless he has specific duties, he can normally be found accompanying her on her various visits.

When he hears that Cirrus has become a courier, he gives her an encouraging smile.

"Courier, is it? Good for you! That was my job until very recently. It's a vital role, even more so now with all the troop movements to be co-ordinated. Don't forget though, the courier's job is to avoid battle. Getting the message through is what matters."

He mentions this last bit because he realises Rita is concerned about Cirrus, and wants to reassure her.

Of course, what he doesn't say is that clever enemy commanders will try and waylay couriers to intercept the messages they carry. Cirrus will already know this, and he doesn't want to give Rita more to worry about.

Aelasuria's upbeat, friendly demeanor does a lot to lift Rita's spirits.

"I don't know what the priesthood in Arras knows about the Huns' actions in Viroviacum, or that they were trying to open a portal to the Abyss. Someone should inform them. We need to suggest that to King Theoderic. Maybe Eadoin could send a messenger bird. Patre Seti thinks the Huns have a spy in Arras, and I think he's right, which means anyone who actually goes there will have to be extremely stealthy.

A priestess of Venus is a good choice to officiate at your wedding. Why not ask the High Priestess of Venus, Raude Parisi? She is the one who crowned King Theoderic. She is also an ideal person to be sent a message, provided she is still in Arras."

Rita arrived at the end of Eadoin and Aelasuria's discussion about the old gods, so she heard very little, but what she did hear interests her greatly.

"Eadoin, did you say you came upon a shrine or temple to 'old gods?' Where? And what is this about giant spiders? Are they yet another product of the Huns breeding ordinary creatures with demons?"

She is troubled to see Cirrus almost seem afraid of her.

Rita smiles at Cirrus and answers her warmly, using a tone typical of Aelasuria.

"You have always been someone people could count on," she reassures the girl. "No one ever saw you as hiding in Raviniacum like a scared child. Taking care of the orphanage is an important job. But if you're truly happy being a courier, then you should do it, and I wouldn't get in the way of that. I do trust King Theoderic and his guards, and you're hardly alone out here being part of his group. I just hope you'll keep a distance from fighting and battlefields. You shouldn't have to see such things..."

Cirrus' suggestion that people here need music is a good one.

"The survivors of Viroviacum are gathered in the Temple of Juno. I think they would benefit a lot from your music--if you want to go there. Perhaps Aelasuria could go with you.

Forgive me for being over-protective," she says, smiling again. "I got that from my parents--which is why I know that protectiveness can sometimes feel stifling to the one people want to protect. Trust me when I say I wouldn't want to do that to you."

She is glad when Riordeg emphasizes that a courier's job is to avoid battle.

And while she always enjoys having Riordeg nearby, she has to spend most of her time in the Temple of Pluto taking care of the dead, and understands Riordeg might not want to be there and might feel more useful either in the command tent or with the survivors in the Temple of Juno.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:14, Tue 31 July 2012.

Listening to the conversation she notes the mention of spiders as well. "You didn't have to fight the spiders did you Eadoin?"

Slipping a comforting arm around Cirrus she gives the young woman a gentle squeeze. "I know you can Cirrus. Rita cares for you deeply as do I so it's not easy to know that the task you have chosen to help carries risks that could lead to potentially very dangerous situations. Though I think it will comfort Rita to know that I think you might actually be able to fly. We just have to figure out how to tap your sylph nature. That aside your right your music can inspire people, Give them hope, courage and the will to go on. Such is a precious gift and a way to help that you should not under Estimate. You could be a great bard, singer and courier Cirrus. If you want to be!"

She wanted to be certain cirrus knows she has options and choices. Pausing she greets Riordeg as well. "It's good to see you Riordeg. Perhaps if there is time we can all enjoy a meal together before we potentially go our separate ways." After all she isn't certain who will be going where in the near future.

To Eadoin she gives a answer owed to his question regarding his shield. "It's a very nice shield Eadoin. Not many people make them better then this. Though I have heard of a few I haven't actually seen them. This shield is very strong protective enchantments making it easier to wield and block incoming attacks. More then that it actually enhances the wielders natural ability to inspire the morale of people around them. It can be done verbally, with music or other methods. This is a oustanding shield for anyone who leads others. Be it in a time of peace or war."


Aelasuria nods with a thoughtful expression at Rita's words. "I agree theo must know about this. If Eadoin can send a bird perhaps you should have it carry a letter with your personal seal for your father to read. He will take what you have to say seriously Rita as well Theo."

She smiles when Rita suggest Raude Parisi. "I will discuss that with Theo. Raude Parisi might not be the best choice especially if the other clerics resent her. I actually thought perhaps someone younger like Theo and myself. On the other hand I could have my mother preside over the wedding. She might have a thing or two to say to me if I don't at least talk to her about it." Her mother had a first class mind, out going personality, wicked sense of humor and no trouble at all herding her children in the right direction. She loved her and didn't want to upset her. She had to consider her as well and find out what her mother wanted.

She couldn't help but smile when Rita talked about being overprotective. "You will make a great parent Rita. I thinke we all will have a few interesting stories to tell our children before this is all over."

Swift wandered into the more happy area. She really didn't much about what the next move would be. She was just a rouge who went where she was needed. She walks around to see who she knows and who she doesn't. She is ready for some wine and food at this point. She is glad it has ended for the good for now. She knows there will be more fights ahead.

Eadoin's unsure whether to nod or shake his head to Rita and Aelasuria's questions.  He splits the difference.  "They don't have anything to do with the Huns.  They're just some of the things that sprout up in forgotten places.  We didn't fight them much, just chased them back into their holes with a few arrows.  They didn't hurt us at all."

Perhaps it's a bit telling about the young druid, but Eadoin adds, "I felt bad, a little, because they didn't try to hurt us at all.  They were just doing what spiders would do anywhere.  They were big, but they were just spiders."

"Anyhow, you've my deepest thanks, Aelasuria.  Hopefully, I'll be able to live up to the expectations of the old gods who sent me to find it."

When Aelasuria mentions a meal together, Riordeg smiles. "Well your soon-to-be-Majesty, that sounds like a great idea." He's touched at her suggestion, and covers his emotions with humour. However, When she mentions Rita and parenting in the same sentence, his face takes on a slightly panicked expression.

To hide his confusion, he inspects Eadoin's shield. "It boosts morale, does it? Now that could be seriously useful. I wonder what its range is? Imagine if it could inspire a whole army! Wouldn't that be awesome? Eadoin, I wonder if there's any way to test its effect without actually being in battle. Perhaps you could experiment with it in the mock battles and see if it makes a difference."

"I'm happy to hear you're exploring your sylph heritage," Rita says reassuringly to Cirrus. "Being able to fly--that would be quite a gift.

Aelasuria is right. I do care for you," she emphasizes again. "And if you're going to be heading to anywhere that might be dangerous, you should be prepared, either by learning some basic self-defense skills or by using your magic to quickly get away from the situation. For right now, I agree the greatest gift you can give the people of this city is your beautiful music."

She turns to the issue of sending a message to Arras, possibly to her father.

"Let us see what King Theoderic wants to do about contacting Arras and who should receive any message we send as well as the method we choose to send it. My father already knows I'm with King Theoderic. I still don't know how he found out, but that's beside the point. If the king wants me to send my father a letter, I will do it."

But there is no way she will allow Cirrus to go to Arras on her own to deliver such a message, Rita thinks to herself. Not now, not with Arras as a Hun target.

It is a relief to hear that the spiders Eadoin and his group fought are not demonic creatures with ties to the Huns.

She smiles when Aelasuria says she would make a good parent and then tries not to laugh when she notices Riordeg's panicked expression.

"Riordeg, I am a parent. Remember the orphanage? I took responsibility for those children. And I will have stories to tell them when I return, as will many of us." She speaks reassuringly, doing her best to alleviate Riordeg's fear without laughing over the whole thing.

Then she heads over to him and gives him a hug.

"Aelasuria, who is taking charge of the orphanage right now?" she asks, genuinely concerned.

"Have you tried to identify Eadoin's shield?" she asks Aelasuria. "An identifying spell should tell you what its capabilities are."