Swift tries to sneak up behind it, watching to see what it does. She is not a killer and just doesn't want to attack something that might be coming to talk. But if it moves to attack, she will change form and attack it.  She wishes she had something to let her know if it was evil.

Swift keeps a careful eye on the thing, as Aelasuria summons a Celestial Lion.

It's not exactly a lion.  It's more like a giant version of the forest cats she knows- one of which is her new pet.

But the strength of the creature she summons surprises her.  The spell didn't seem that powerful. She felt more magic, adding to her own, augmenting the summoning magic here.

The Lion charges after the strange shifting monster and...

it runs.  It puts up a brief fight, and then runs, very quickly, blending into forest as it goes.  The super-charged celestial lion follows, and both are quickly out of sight as they run downhill among the trees.

Theoderic is a little surprised to see the monster flee like that.  That usually doesn't happen, with monster battles, as far as he knows.  But then.. this monster had a purpose, didn't it?

"It's not here to attack us," he says.  "That is a spy.  Here to follow us." 

She was surprised and pleased at the impressive Celestial Lion. Even more surprised when the monster coming their way fled so quickly. "I hadn't intended to chase it off although I think aside from capturing it for questioning or slaying it that is the best outcome we could hope for. Unless you want to mount up and pursue it Theo it appears more then capable of outrunning us."

Pausing she looks worried since swift is out of sight. For the moment at least Aelasuria hasn't the faintest clue where she is or if she is safe. "Where is swift? Is she all right? If the monster wasn't alone it could still be very dangerous."

She looks for swift Concerned for the stealthy companion as well as preparing to mount up if Theo decides to give chase. Which was much less likely as time passes considering how well it blends into the forest.

Swift has a front row seat… a log, more likely… to what transpires in the forest.  She sees the Celestial Lion get in a few good swipes with its claws at the strange color shifting intruder.. or perhaps, color stealing.  Where the claws hit, the creature is covered with patches of golden fur.  But color change or not it is wounded, and flees.   The lion goes after, and Swift loses sight of them.

Spica pursues, able to keep up with ease.  This is a forest, and she is a Unicorn.  But quickly, they are out of sight.

The other creature Spica saw, the humanoid wood-thing, runs up to Fica.  Who knows it by name.

“Acer,” Fica says, “you look hurt, are you okay?”

Fica does a quick explanation.  There is a tribe of strange beings in the forest, called woodlings, who are Humanoid in size and shape but made entirely out of vegetation. Sort of like small Treants.  They are normally shy, reclusive beings, but a few are friends of Fica, because she serves the forest goddess, and they live nearby.

“It touched me, and I felt weak,” Acer says, “It was coming here and I wanted to speak to it, but it would not stop.  I stepped in front of it and it touched me.”

“The lion chased it away,” Theoderic says.  “When Spica gets back she can tell us more.  That was quite a lion.”

“The sacred grove here,” Fica says.  “It can make summoned things stronger.”

With the immediate threat gone, Fica turns to other concerns.  She looks back and forth between Theoderic and Aelasuria, with a troubled expression.

“I want you to know, I wasn’t snubbing anyone,” she says.  “You know, why I wasn’t at the wedding.”

“Wedding?” Acer asks.

“Theirs,” Fica says.  “It’s just that there were things here, I was needed.  I’m always needed.”

“She is needed and helpful,” Acer confirms.

"Is there anything we can do to heal Acer?" Briefly she gives Fica a hug with a gentle expression and a touch of amusement at her concern. "It's fine Fica you have nothing to worry about. I trust there are many people who would have liked to be there that couldn't because of responsibility and duties they had to fulfill."

She appreciated the special nature of the grove it certainly had made a difference in what could have happened. "Theo that monster was sent to spy which means we still have the source problem. Whoever summoned or sent it after us in the first place. I can fly after Spica and just maybe find out who it is and where. As long as your fine with it Theo if so I need to go after them now."

Theoderic looks a little worried.  The strange creature probably isn't any threat to a flying Aelasuria.  If it could fly, he thinks, it would have been flying already.  Still...

And things feel different now.  It was hard enough to see her take risks before.  Now...

"Be safe," he says.  "We don't know what else it can do."

Fica cannot help a slightly sour expression.

"I can take care of Acer," Fica says.  "They come to me for help."

The Woodling nods in agreement.  "She heals plants," Acer says.

"I will be careful Theo. I will use invisibility as a added precaution. I will be back as soon as I can hopefully with good news." Making herself invisible she takes to the air following Spica as best she can. If they could learn more about who was out there perhaps she could give Theo a advantage. They might even get lucky and have a shot at capturing them!

Swift walks out of the woods in her human form looking perfectly fine  "Well, that was interesting. I was thinking of attacking it but if you all wanted to capture it, I didn't want to hurt it. I guess its gone for now." she looks at Theoderic and Aelasuria "I also saw the lion attack it. When it got hit, it had golden fur under its shifting colors.  It did get hurt and the lion chased it away. So now what?"

With Aelasuria above, and Swift and Spica below, they follow the fleeing.. whatever it is... down the slope.  Theoderic tries to keep up, but Swift is too swift.

Being a summoned creature, the Celestial Lion does not stick around long, and it has no fear of battle whatsoever, so it fights the strange shape changer fiercely with every chance it gets.

Spica is on the scene next, and though she doesn't know what it is, she knows it is bad for the forest.  She attacks with her horn.

Aelasuria sees the battle from above, and sees Swift catching up on the ground.

She was more interested in the master then the summoned monster. It was unlikely that she would have more then a second to talk considering the chase. "Don't know if we can subdue it swift! Good luck!"

Seeing that Spica has boldly attacked the creature made her worry for her friend. Hopefully the Celestial lion had weakened it sufficiently that it wasn't a threat. She also knew Spica wouldn't casually attack so there must be good reason.

For the moment Aelasuria circles with a birds eye view trying to see if the monster was still alone. Once she's had a chance to asses the situation she will act depending on what she  finds. If it's nothing she will use a lesser yet effective magic to test the waters. In the past she had found things that magic didn't work on or worse hurt the caster. Casting Magic missile she helps Spica as best she can. She liked the idea of trying to capture it, however she wasn't sure that was possible. It was more likely to fall in battle she thought. Especially since she wasn't willing to risk Spica!

Swift turns back to a fox and chases after the thing. She tries to stay visible to the others as she runs. She tries to make sure she can keep an eye on it but she really can't attack as a fox, well, she could but not to well.

The thing may have certain resistances, but magic missile is a good "all purpose" spell few creatures have protection against.  They also do not harm the forest, which will make the local priestess and woodlings happy.

Swift arrives on the scene and circles around.  Spica is battling a strange, color shifting humanoid thing, and Aelasuria is helping from above.  The Unicorn is not injured, but looks tired anyway.  The Celestial Lion is nowhere to be seen.

The thing apparently copies not only the color but the actual texture of the living things it touches. Or maybe it's not so much copies as steals.  As it battles, it comes into contact with vegetation, which browns and wilts, and the creature changes to match it.  It is like an ever shifting mass of plant.

Swift recognizes those patches of golden fur, now.. but even as she sees, they fade away.



Strangely, it does not seem able to copy the Unicorn.

Theoderic is last to arrive, accompanied by the Woodling, and Fica and Cirrus following behind them.  Once he sees that Spica is in a battle, he does not hesitate for a moment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:25, Thu 13 June 2013.

"Theo don't let it touch you. Whatever it comes into contact with dies. It's like it drains the life right out of it and transforms into it. See what has happened to the vegetation wherever it stands? Spica seems all right but I am worried about her. Flank it if you can it can't face all directions at once."

She was running low on magic that wouldn't risk harming the forest or people engaged in Melee combat. Which didn't make her happy as the opponent aside from being incredibly stealthy also seemed to be very powerful opponent. That had been no ordinary Celestial lion trying to bring it down. It had been one of her best spells enhanced by the divine favor of the goddess on the holy ground which they had taken refuge. Her hands weave gracefully in arcane gesture lovely blue bolts of magical missles flying from her to strike the monster once more.

Swift tries to see if she can get behind it and strike it with her short sword or is the fight moving around too much. She hopes that will slow it down but wants to strike and fade back, so it can't strike at her.

Swift and Theoderic join the fight, allowing Spica to take a step back and rest a bit.  But the Celestial Lion, the Unicorn, and the magic missiles have already done a lot of damage.  After being hit by Theoderic's sword as well as Swift's, the thing collapses.  It makes a last effort to lunge at Theoderic and grab him, but he evades.

As it falls down into a lump, it turns grey and oozy-looking.

Spica gives it a look of disgust.

Fica and the others catch up.

"What was it?"  Cirrus asks.

Neither Fica nor Theoderic nor Spica knows.

"Something that stole life," Spica says.  "I have never seen one.  Maybe older and wiser folk than us know what this was."

"What do we do with what's left of it?" Fica asks.

Aelasuria gracefully flies in a slow circles before landing near the group in a effort to spot anyone that might have observed the battle. Making a soft sound she grimaces slightly at the remains of the monster. Studying it carefully just in case it's pretending to be dead she tries to figure out what it is.

"It certainly is a disturbing monster isn't it. It could be some form of demon Cirrus. Undead can steal life as well although I don't think I have ever seen one like this if that is what it was."

Stepping back she checks over spica to make certain she's all right. Then uses a cloth to clean anything off of her horn that might have gotten on it or her during the fight with the monster. "I imagine if there is someone suitable close enough we could take it to that person so that it can be studied. Otherwise I suggest burning it to make certain it stays dead. That works in most cases that don't require a special ritual. If anyone can cast speak with dead you could attempt to question it. Rita might or might not have been able to do that."

After a while, seeing no sign of life from the gray mass that was the creature, Fica opts to put the question up to Auguries... to bury or burn the thing?

They leave it where it is, with a Woodling watching over it, just in case.

As they walk back to Fica's temple, she explains the Woodlings.

“I don't know their origin, and maybe they don't know themselves.  But there are a few dozen of them.  They are like people, but made of plant.  Like small Treants. They are calm, and kind, and close to nature.  They are friends of mine.  The Huns tried to force them into service, and they stole a magic cup the Woodlings need, but Rita and Riordeg were able to get it back.”

They get back, and it is getting late.

“Do you want to go back to Longus House?” Fica asks.  “I don't have much room here, but you are welcome to a place on the floor if you want.”

Aelasuria waits to see what Fica's augury suggests willing to follow the advice of a divine power on the subject. Keeping it around could be a mistake as you never know with magic and supernatural beings. Listening to her talking about the woodlings she speaks softly to Theo. "Perhaps we should talk to the woodlings to see if they are doing well. It's possible they might also have useful news of the Huns. Particularly if they are still trying to do things in the area." She will of course let Acer share what she knows if the woodling is still around and willing.

Once they are safely back at Fica's she gathers Felicia into her arms cuddling her for a little while. Her feline companion has her own travel nest/bag to keep her safe. When she wasn't occupying Aelasuria's lap while riding from one destination to another. It would be a while before she could keep up with Unicorns and horses Aelasuria though. Fica, Inkspot this is Felicia my Elfin cat companion. Unless someone feels it's best to take advantage of the holy ground here I think we should go to the Longus house. They have far more room plus the Longus family may expect king Theoderic to take hospitality there."

They head back to the Longus House.

Fica follows along, with Inkspot, both curious about the Elfin Kitten.  They are very rare creatures.  Fica has heard of them, but never seen one.  She tries talking to it, but learns that it is unable to- it is still just a kitten.  It mews.

Back at Longus House, Theoderic finds that Viscount Gerraud, the village's nobleman, is waiting for them.  Some of the other villagers, aware that some kind of "thing" was after Theoderic, went to tell him.

Girraud is greatly relieved to hear that the thing was destroyed- on his own, he does not have any great defense against supernatural attacks, even with Fica helping.  Longus is something of a backwater, and not the home of great heroes.

"It's me they want and not Longus," Theoderic says.  "I have no doubt that if there are more, you will have no danger from them.  It even changed its course, avoiding the village when we went to the temple."

"Even so, we should have a careful watch this night," Girraud says.  "I will have a few men take shifts, around the Longus House."

Fica volunteers to have a few Woodlings help out, too.  One never knows.  Where there was one...

Smiling at Fica and Inkspot whom she thought was adorable in his or her own way. She was happy to let them spend time with Felicia for a bit. She thought it good to let her elfin cat companion meet new and interesting people. One day she would look to her friends education wanting her to have a chance to know not just the world but the people in it. Fey, elves, humans, dwarves and more. That and making sure she had what advantages she could give her for her safety.

"She's a kitten though in a year or three at the most she will be talking just as good or better then you or I Fica. Perhaps in a few years I will come back through or you can visit me and you will get to have that conversation with Felicia. I certainly would enjoy seeing the woodlings again as well as you and Inkspot again." Aelasuria caresses behind Felicia's ears lovingly with a smile as she gazes down at her. Then looks back at Fica and Inkspot continuing softly. "I would invite you to come along with us, however I know your needed here Fica. Thank you for your help and your goddesses against that monster."

She listens to Theo and the Viscount Gerraud discussing the possibility of more monsters and security. "Hopefully whoever is out there won't risk coming again so soon. If something happens we can head for Fica's temple where we made our stand last time. It proved to be a wise choice to defend ourselves there. Thank you Fica we appreciate whatever help you can give. If you want to stay with us tonight your welcome Fica there is safety with so many around. Just in case though I understand if you prefer to stay in your own home."

When there is time later she makes certain Felicia has milk, as well as a bit of chicken depending on her dietary needs. Needless to say she figures out what is both healthy for Felicia and her favorites. Softly she speaks to Spica as well. "I have a feeling you would be more comfortable staying at Fica's holy grove or in the forest. If Fica stays at her home perhaps you could stay near just in case she needs help. Though if your fine with being here your always welcome Spica."

Swift hangs back and just listens. She was not trilled with fighting the thing but at least its dead. Its one more weird thing she has seen on this latest adventure. She sits back and takes a sip of wine.

Reviewing her options, Spica opts to stay in the sacred grove at Fica’s temple this evening.  It is much more of a “unicorn” place than the Longus House, even though, as taverns go, the Longus House is probably among the more unicorn-y.

Aelasuria discovers that when given the choice, Felicia is very happy with a piece of chicken.  A small piece.  Felicia is still a kitten.  Inkspot helps out with the rest.

Fica thanks Aelasuria for the invitation, but she does have her grove and the many things she has to look after here.  There are the Woodlings.  And Longus has no other cleric.  These things are important to her and she cannot give them up.  She isn’t sure of what to make of the invitation to stay with them for the night.

”My home isn’t far,” she says.  “And the Unicorn will be nearby.  I don’t think there is anything to worry about.”

After some wine, Fica decides that if she stays, and has any more wine, she might say do or something embarrassing, so she wishes everyone good night and heads off into the night.

Girraud has his guards set out.  They are hunters who live here in the village, not full time soldiers.  Longus is too small to have any of them.  But they are used to protecting their village.  Girraud makes a request- Longus could use a few good guard dogs.  Human eyes and ears are not the best, but with dogs on watch, nothing could sneak in.

They are left alone that night, and in the morning, Spica returns. It is a good day for traveling, and they quickly start heading east.

”There is a sad side to her,” Spica says of the priestess.  “She did not say much, but I think, there are old feelings that still bother her.”

Aelasuria laughs and smiles happy to watch Inkspot and Felicia enjoying a meal together. "Aren't they both adorable Fica? It's to bad we don't have more time to spend together." A bit later she looks more serious nodding slightly. "I just worry is all. The Huns have a nasty habit of giving anyone that is special to the divine a hard time. They don't seem to like us being in touch with the gods and goddesses. Be safe Fica and perhaps we can enjoy breakfast in the morning before we go. You can say goodbye to Felicia and I can say goodbye to inkspot." Briefly she gently takes Fica's hands in a gesture of friendship.

A bit later she watches her go after having had a bit of wine together. "Theo have you ever had hunting dogs? It seems Girraud wants them for his village. Where would you acquire them? The best hunting dogs would likely come from villages that make hunting their livelihood."

In the morning She spends a bit of time with Theo although as usual she is up early to take care of things. Breakfast and of course Spica. She takes a bit of time Grooming and caring for her. She also takes the time to tend to Felicia's needs. She had her own little nest to sleep in, however if she wished to sleep in the bed as well she's welcome to do so.

When Spica talks about Fica Aelasuria blinks having forgotten that she had feelings for Theo. Shaking her head she felt silly about that! "I am afraid I had forgotten about her feelings for Theo. We have been doing so much in so many places fighting against the Huns and their demons. I wish we could do something for her Spica."

 There was no more alarm in the night, which passed without interruption.  In the morning, they bid Longus fairwell and head west across the land that was, until last year, the whole of Theoderic's domain.  They pass the familiar villages and small towns along the Chiers river, reaching the Meuse river at the craftsmen's town of Sedanensis, and five days later they return to Raviniacum, Theoderic's hometown.

They are greeted happily by the village guards, and then by the staff at the dairy, several Centaurs, Theoderic's mother, and a few of the blink bunnies.

Spica takes a little while to scout around the nearby hills where she knows the other Unicorns are often living.

Once in the village, Theoderic has a mission for Cirrus, which she is enthusiastic about:  ride north into the Elven lands, to his grandmother's home at Divonante, and let them know they are here.

Chara, Theoderic's mothers, tells the group that Eadoin and the strange wizard were here.  There was some kind of strange happening involving the blink bunnies, and a few of them left with the wizard.

Once they arrive Aelasuria takes a little time to greet the village guards as well. Sharing news, asking about their families, and generally about Ravinicum and how everyone is doing. She chats with the dairy staff interested in their lively hoods. Asking about their days as well as the Centaurs. She's curious as to how they have settled in since Theo had set land aside for the Centaur people.

Happily Hugging Theo's mother she smiles warmly at her speaking softly. "Chara I hope you have been well! How have things been for you these past few months? I imagine Rita has been asking about the Orphanage if she had a chance to pass through. I trust the children are doing well?"

OOC: Will stop there. Do we need to switch threads to talk to Eadoin, Scolo, Melissa and whoever else is here? Or should I post talking with them here?