"But fair feline, humans think like humans as well. At least sometimes."

Karel appears lost in thought for a moment, then returns his eyes to the Elfin Cat with a renewed twinkle present.

"The queen's brother, you say? Then you have come to introduce us! Your first act as royalty, extending your regal courtesy.  Quite fine, quite fine."

It had been a nice, long winter. Such things as war and turmoil and the like could wait, especially to those who cared little for time. Salen had much enjoyed himself, as was his wont, but these past weeks he had enjoyed himself in the company of but one other - Ayren. It was an unexpected circumstance but one he had embraced, and it was clear they were on a path to something more than mere acquaintances. Meeting the family, now...there was an event!

The unspoilt forest appealed to his inner elf, though he was a city boy at heart (an elven city even then, and quite unlike human cities, but still) - it was hardly primeval, but it was as natural and beautiful and...free, as one could hope. Little wonder then that Ayren was so very proud of it, he could not blame her in the slightest.

Still, as usual, there were places to go and people to see, and matters of great import to attend. Salen and Ayren were accompanied by a troop of elven warriors, on their way to Mos Trajectum, and Ayren had made it clear they were quite close to her home - he was quite looking forward to seeing it for the first time.

But - what was this? Up ahead there was quite a bizzare trio: a human, a nixie, and an Elfin cat. Salen eyed them curiosly.

"This has to be one of the more unusual bands I have ever seen, not least for the fact that they appear to lack instruments. Unless 'tis a troupe of entertainers? Yes, that might fit better.

Greetings, my friends! What brings you to these fine woods?"

More than I thought, Karel thinks to himself.

"Ah, but are we not all entertainers to some degree?" Karel flourishes his cloak with a bow, producing a fiddle from seemingly nowhere as he straightens himself. The glade is filled with simple folk tunes as he mindlessly plucks a few melodies, though he does not slow his banter while doing so.

"Forgive me, I am Karel and this is my companion Liloo" he says, gesturing towards the nixie. "I haven't had the pleasure of introduction with this royal pedigree as of yet, so perhaps you would introduce yourself, fine cat? And yours as well while we're at it? There is much to know from names." The last is aimed at the approaching warriors. The melodies continue to flow with a quiet pizzicato as they move from human folk tunes to elven ballads and something quite different altogether.

They camp along the river, with that day's journey cut short a bit by teh unexpected meeting.  The Elves with Salen, including Ayren their healer, take some time to attempt to speak to the Cat.

Karel knows about these creatures, but has not seen one in years.  The "Elfin Cat" is something of a misnomer, a name resulting from the Human supposition that magic and intelligence of the cats must be due to the Elves.  Perhaps it is, but the Elves tell no tales of it, and do not take credit.  If the Ardennes Elves created the cats in the distant past, they seem to have no recollection of ever doing so.

And the Elfin Cats (they call themselves "forest cats", although this confuses them with ordinary, non-magical, non-talking forest cats) have an extraordinary habit of knowing a lot, and telling only little pieces of it.  Just enough to tease.

Ayren knows this.  She bribes him with fish.

"Well," the cat agrees, "I will walk with you as far as Lutosa, and maybe we shall speak of things."

The Elves camp along the river- it seems untouched forest, but at night, the lights in trees are visible, and they see the boats pass along the river.  The Meuse is their artery.

And the town of Lutosa is the northern end of it.

Karel has heard of it but never seen it.  Ayren, of course, has been there.  By population size, Lutosa would be a smallish Human town- about 1800 Elves live here.  It is not nearly as well developed a trading center as Namaco to the south.  It is the northern border-town of both the Fourth Mark, and the Kingdom of the Ardennes.

Ayren tells them that the Riverlights, the noble Elven family that includes the lords of the Fourth Mark (this region of the Elven Kingdom of the Ardennes) are often in the town.   It's regarded as a quiet, beautiful place, and the a well known feature is the "basket homes"- rather than perch on branches, some Elven homes here hang from them, often over the river, swaying gently in the breeze.

But despite the beauty, Lutosa has seen its share of war.  On the northern edge of the kingdom, it has been attacked by the Huns, and has also been the departure point for Elven raids.

Most interested by the cat, Karel continues to attempt conversation with it.

"I am curious to hear your wisdom, feline of the forest. You seem to know much of things, and at times things not of the forest at all. Would you entertain our curiosity? There is much to know."

While making their way along the river at some point during a break Karel manages to catch himself a few fish. His long days of living in the wilds and wilderness do not let him down and he offers his fish to the elfin cat as well. "An offering from the Meuse."

--------

Upon seeing the homes in Lutosa Karel begins to let out a long whistle which he quickly stifles. Not quite under his breath he half whispers "I have never seen such architecture before. Wood, stone, tree or cave, but never this."

Somewhat louder he turns to his new traveling companions, "This is a beautiful sight and does honor to the Meuse. As you said, it does serve other purposes, however. What would you and your fellow elves be heading to Lutosa for, anyways?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Tue 18 June 2013.

"What I know is what Mosanna herself told me," the Cat says.  "Or maybe she was talking to another and I overheard.  It's one or the other.  A winged horse, that you don't see every day.  But the goddess of this river wishes Theoderic success, and so do I, for one thing, for the future of my nephew!  Mosanna will help, but she has helped so many, so much, this past year she needs rest.  You must not call on her, but wait for her to know what must be done."

They walk into Lutosa- with the exception of Karel, the party consists of Elves, and one Cat, and Cats go where they wish and always have.  Lutosa has no outer wall.  It's defenses are concealed- concentric rings of hedgewalls and trees that will animate if commanded by the Elves here, and watchtowers up in the trees, some of them well hidden, that offer the Elves clear shots at invaders with arrows and magic.

Beneath, the land is like a lush park stretched along the river.  There are vegetable patches in clearings- the Elves do not use the extensive farming techniques of Humans, but will sacrifice some small plots of forest to grow food.

Other Elves approach.  By the style of the equipment one wears, it's clear he is one of the highborn of the Elves, and Ayren recognizes him- Durlias, son of Koniel and Ylassi Riverlight, the Marquis and Marquessa of this place.

Ayren and Salen were the ones who brought the unfortunate news of the loss of one of the Riverlight clan, Reithar, Durlias's nephew.  The Elf healer takes a moment to offer her sympathies.

Durlias has received advance word of this group coming.  "A winged messenger," he says, "From Lucimburic.  Something I've not seen before, though we've heard of them.  He brought news that was not unexpected, but... unsettling.  You know, we Elves..."

He looks at the group.  Most of the group are Elves, yes, but Alps Elves, not Ardennes Elves.  The Savoy are different.   He cannot assume that what is the norm here is the norm there.

"We Ardennes Elves..." he corrects himself, "have never taken to the offense, against any enemy, once driven from our land.   What Theoderic wishes... is not our way.  We do not conquer. But we told his messenger, he has our support nonetheless."

Ah, cats, those sly, secretive so-called 'Elfin' cats - perhaps it was the fact that they were so independent and free-willed (like Elves) that they were named so? Salen had seen them before, what few could be found across the years in Geneva - for they came and went as they pleased, of course - and found them amusing creatures, for he had recognised almost at once the futility of trying to learn anything from one of these cats that it did not wish to impart.

"Well met, Karel! I am Salen Soulwater of Geneva, and this is my partner Ayrem Stargem, of...well, somewhere around here, I believe. And your words scarcely did Lutosa justice, my dear, for it is quite beautiful.

As to our purpose, my good fellow, well...that shall remain with us. Unless you care to join us, of course, and follow in our cause?"

Salen takes his time, as Elves are wont to do, as he strolls through town, taking in the sights and the architecture - quite different from the High Elven capital of Geneva. But quite rural and...pleasantly simple, almost appearing to the primal nature of the inner elf. But then Durlias Riverlight approaches, the son of the Marquis and Marquessa. Salen bows low, then clasps the forearm of the Durlias in the traditional manner, quietly offering his own sympathies once again. But Durlias has news, and it is clear that the Ardennes Elf has found it at least a little unsettling.

"We Elves" - and he does not correct himself - "have ever wanted to live our lives in peace, and be left to our own devices. When we are attacked, whether it be our forests or our cities, we still defend what is ours, for all our worth, and rightly so.

But these are different times. We can no longer set down our arms and wait for the next uprising. No, we must seek to maintain our advantage, and put down the Hun, once and for all. Only then may we live as we so choose, in true peace and happiness. Theo.." - and here he does correct himself, rather than refer to his brother-in-law with such familiarity - "..I mean, the King is quite right, and he is of course part Elven himself, so he takes on board all sides of the tale. It is not a decision he will have taken lightly, far from it. And I am certain he greatly appreciates your support, as do we all."

Karel stops for a moment, immediately stricken with guilt and wearing it openly on his face. He shakes his head and continues, "Truly, my words fall short. I did not mean to offend, I have been long without conversation. I fear that should I make a true attempt in my current state that I will flounder."

Karel shares a look with Liloo briefly, his eyes meeting the nixies filled with questions and concerns. There is also a renewed passion that has been missing for a while, welling up to the surface. He makes a mental note to brush up on his conversation skills as they have languished in recent years.

"Would you accept a stranger into your outfit to join your cause without first telling him your cause? That seems like it could be a dangerous gesture, given the wrong sort. Lucky for us our mutual friend has told me a bit about your group, and while a strange company we make, we are not the wrong sort. Is it true? You move with King Theoderic against the Huns?"

"Mosanna wishes him aid, and I would give it."

Salen regarded the human with a long, silent stare.

"You come here with a Nixie and an Elfin Cat, here in the heartlands of the Ardennes Elves, without a word of notice...and hope to be taken at your word?


Why, of course!"

He grinned, and offered his hand to formally welcome Karel to their company.

"Greater forces are at work here, greater than I would dare to trifle! You are obviously here for a reason, and your heart is apparently true, given the company you keep. Please make yourself comfortable, I am sure you will have purpose among us."

Karel takes Salen's offered hand and shakes it heartily. "Truer words could not be said! We may all be caught up in the flow of things by the end. I will gladly assist in any way possible."

Being a human, even one as far removed from humanity as he is, Karel stays to the side while the elves converse and thinks to himself while listening. Things must be quite dire indeed if the fey would move against the huns. I'm not sure why you would have me here but I will do what I can, my lady. Even the elves are beginning to press forward.

The Riverlights host the group in the town of Lutosa overnight, and into the next day, because even in times like this, Elves are rarely in a hurry.

Durlias is curious as to why Theoderic has not even asked to conduct his offensive using Elven territory as his start point, rather than Belgica.

"As it is, we have a more direct frontier against the Orcs.  There is no river in the way.

Ayren asks the Willinor the Cat how much longer he intends to escort Karel and the group.

"A trifle bit more, my work is not done," the cat says.  "Karel has heart, he has the wisdom of a man who has learned from the Fey, but he is poorly equipped, I think.  His claws are not sharp enough, for the things that will come."

"Do you think the Elves would lend him.. what you think he needs, then?"  Ayren asks.

"Cat or no cat, he is still a stranger to them, it would be poor form," the Cat says.  But I know a thing or two.  A few old forgotten places, a few toys misplaced.  A diversion worth the delay, perhaps."

The hospitality of the Riverlight's is most appreciated, although Salen does not over-indulge - that would be poor form. But he has no answer to Durlias's query.

"I have no idea. Perhaps the human side of him took priority over reason."

He grinned and winked at Karel, but in truth even if he did know he likely would not say, not at this stage at any rate. But the Elven Cat was being typically mysterious as regarded another matter, that of equipping this stranger (and new companion).

"A diversion, you say? From what I know of such tales, and of such Cats, these 'old forgotten places' likely contain as many dangers as treasures! But, why not? We will yet need as much help and as many tools - or 'toys' - as we can gather."

"The thing with forgotten places," the Cat says, "is that eventually they will be found.  The trick is to make sure they are found in the right time, by the right finder."

Willinor leaves one question unasked and untouched: no one wonders if a place can be considered forgotten if the Cats know where it is.  Cats know where all kinds of forgotten things are; it doesn't make them any less forgotten.

"The place was called once the water garden.  It was a delightful place, much enjoyed by Elves, but too far, alas, for them to hold, as the Huns moved in.  There were battles there, and things left behind in haste.  But it is not a quest for great numbers.  Poking around in force can draw a response no one wants."

* * * * * * *

During their stay in Lutosa, word arrives from both south and north.  Theoderic and Aelasuria are home in Raviniacum, and will travel north by boat along the Meuse.  They are only a few days away.  And Heolstor and others have gathered at Mos Trajectum.

Karel covers his embarrassment with a look away as the cat talks of him so openly, somehow keeping a redness from entering his cheeks. Time away from others has dulled many things but this brief time amongst mortals has livened his senses, bringing many habits and reflexes to the fore.

Karel smiles in response to Salen. Perhaps it is because he considers himself more than human now, or perhaps it is simply his new acquaintances good humor that helps him to respond so. It certainly has nothing to do with being a foreigner in a land of a different race as it would not be the first time, though it almost, almost causes him to raise his guard. That is to say, more than would be proper courtesy, at any rate.

"Oh, ever the delight in your tantalizing wit, dear cat. Willinor, was it? We all have our roles to play, I suppose. I have never been a man of faith, but when it comes to the fey there are countless diverging levels of such with varying degrees of substance. In this instance, I am sure that you do My Lady's work. If these tools will aid, and I'm sure they will if you speak of them, then I am bound to follow."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Wed 26 June 2013.

The Elven troop was supposed to regroup with the others at Mos Trajectum, and that is a day away.

So is the "water garden" according to Willinor.

A few of the other Elves present are incredulous that there can be anything important in a place so close to an Elven settlement.  Why would the Elves not have visited it?

"But you have," Willinor explains.  "It was... not successful."

According to Willinor, Elves have a weakness:  they don't deal well with grief.  When one attempt failed, they had no will for another.

The cat looks at Salen.  "You, of course, are not Ardennes, are you?  And so you would bear no ill memories of that place.  There's another reason as well.  It was a Fey place, as well as an Elven place, and the treasures there are Fey.  Now it's certainly true that Elves are trusted by the Fey.  But one raised among their own.. that's a special trust, the kind you wait for.  Now.. perhaps, some should go along to Mos Trajectum, to let them know you will be along soon?  And the rest, to the Water Garden?  I know the way, and of course, Liloo, who was born there."

"The Water Garden...I like the sound of that. I would very much like to see your place of birth, Liloo. Always secrets just beyond reach, I should be accustomed to that by now."

Karel speaks turning first from Willinor to Liloo, then to Salen and Ayren.

"Salen is not Ardenne, but Ayren is, is she not? In normal circumstances I would not tear you from your partner's side, though the delay would be a short one. Forgive me, my lady, for asking this of your partner. I assure you that we will treat the garden with the utmost respect, it was a place of Fey once, too. If all goes well we could be reunited in Mos Trajectum before the king arrives, hopefully bearing good news."

Humans rarely pay much attention to the cultural differences between the various kingdoms of Elves.  They can’t be blamed, really.  The Elves have made a lot of effort to remain apart from Human civilization.

The Ardennes Elves and the Alps (aka Savoy) Elves have been separate societies as long as even they remember, but in the past (centuries ago) they mixed to a much greater extent.  Never before has either kingdom mounted a military expedition on behalf of the other, but never before was either kingdom threatened by an enemy with genocidal ambitions.

The Elves of the Ardennes have a much more “Foresty” outlook.  They favor wearing greens and earth tones, and hides and skins.  Their ornaments feature more carved polished woods, and less precious metals, although they use some, and both kingdoms make use of precious stones.

Architecture is also different.  The Ardennes Elves make much more use of tree homes.  All Elves do, and all Elves build on the ground as well, but the differences in ratio are obvious.   Their speech is different, though generally only an Elf can pick out the more formal tones of the Alps, and tell them apart.

Ayren  is clearly Ardennes Elf.  Her belt pouches, which she uses for her “healer’s kit”,  are sewn from rabbit skins, while back in Geneva they would more likely be made of white finished leather.

The Elven warriors they travelled here with is a mixed bag, volunteers from both kingdoms.  Willinor the Cat looks them over.  They’re an impressive group, yes, but for something like this… too many.

The Cat looks over the other Elves.

“I don’t suppose any of you have patrolled this area?”

But the patrols and raids of the Elves have been conducted by the hand picked circles of the King and Queen of the Ardennes, and these are the troops of the First, Second, and Fourth Marks, most, except…

A few hands go up,

“Along the Meuse, up to the Human lands,” one of the Elves says.  “And my brother sister with me.”

“An adventurous family!” Willinor says.  “You must be the Northwalker Clan”.

“We are,” says one of them.

The Northwalkers earned their name many years ago.  The family is known for the very distant hunting trips they undertook, far beyond the borders of the Ardennes.

“Then you can help,” Willinor says.  “And everyone else, we shall catch up with at Mos Trajectum!”

Willinor’s target, the Water Garden, is on the east side of the Meuse River, and the Elves have no bridge.   But the Elves of Lutosa have plenty of boats, most notably, the graceful white craft built to resemble Swans, and appropriately called “Swan Boats”.  They are happy to transport the party to the east bank of the Meuse.

Here, the Elven town continues, but it has a different look:  the east side of Lutosa has been built into a series of concentric defensive belts , making arcs around the riverside core of the town, which is a large garden.

The Elven troop takes leave of Lutosa, and departs for the Water Garden, through the northern reach of the Ardennes.

The Elves see the forest as their first line of defense.  Consequently, except for some strangely thin sections on the west side, the forest surrounding their settled area is thick, and left with all of its dangers and wonders.  The belt of border forest 10 miles here, but with the trails and switchbacks they must use to  stick to the safe route, they Elves must cover 15- a good day’s journey, on foot.

As they travel, the Elves change course at times that seem almost random, responding to the subtle symbols they’ve left behind.  They know how it works- the main trails come to frequent abrupt stops, or even turn around entirely.  In times of war, they are defended with traps, but the traps wouldn’t be armed, now.

At least, they are not supposed to be.  The Elves had to defend against a Hun attack last winter.  Some of their defenses might still be “up”.  So they divert from the main routes when the symbols warn them too, taking the well hidden secondary trails to skirt around the dangers.

By the end of the day’s journey, the forest has thinned some, and they come across a fast moving stream.  Silvery gray fish play in the rushing water.

“This is the way,” Liloo the Nixie says.

They catch their first glimpse of the "Water Garden" from a hill, in the middle of the second day.

It's clear it is not a natural phenomenon.  Or maybe it was, once, and has since been sculpted by muscle or by magic.  They see the glint of sunlight reflecting off a pond in a green glade, but the pond has a very odd shape.  It bends and twists in a complex shape, like it is trying to be a garden maze, but made of water.

There are structures built in this "maze" of a garden.  A few seem open, like large decks or gazebos.  Three are closed, like small cabins, but with a "rustic charm" look- too pretty by far to be the simple cottages of peasants.  They have flowered vines climbing up trellises, and blue slate shingle roofs.

"I take it there are reasons you could not go there yourself," Ayren says to Liloo and the Cat.

"What the Huns cannot take, and we cannot protect, they will curse," Liloo says.  "Dark spirits there.  But you can overcome them."

Karel stays close to Liloo.

"Dark spirits, eh? Cursed by the Huns? This seems too far out of their reach for that, though the world is full of surprises. I would ask the Ardennes how they lost this area to them, so deep in their forests. Perhaps it is the same way they did not notice myself living amongst the forest for so long."

Karel is disturbed by this turn of events, though he tries not to show it.

Liloo, how could you keep this from me? If I'd known, I'd have come sooner. Now we will owe a debt to these elves that accompany, though perhaps we will pay it according to Mosanna's wishes in the end.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Mon 29 July 2013.

They are traveling up and down hills, as the a small brook slowly grows, absorbing more brooks on the way north.

The land becomes easier the further north they go.  The forest is still thick, but the hills are low and rounded, hardly obstacles at all.

There is a hill loud howling from the forest to the south, further along the direction of travel.  Those who have heard wolves know it is not a wolf, and while Orcs have been known to bellow out their war cries, it is no Orc either.

"Bad thing," Liloo says.  "Big as an Ogre, but shaggy, with horns.  They came after the Orcs came, I do not know what they are called.  But they are not spirits.  Not magic.  Just bad."

So close they are to the water garden, but Liloo warns against continuing on.

"You should wait here," he says.  "I alone should go now, to see if I can contact more of my kind.  I can swim."

"You can swim, how impressive!" The Cat says.

"No, it is best, I can go close to the Water Garden, and see if there is danger in the way.  Wait for me here, I will be back."

Liloo returns, not successful at getting the other group to join forces.  The Water Sprite looks resigned to setting out with Salen, Karel, and the Elves on hand.

But then...

The Elves pause, and listen towards the south.  Something else approaches...

"Liloo, what news do you bring? Is the way..."

Karel cuts off abruptly and crouches low, scanning the area to the south.

For the first time, Karel notices something... or more accurately, a lack of something.  The Elfin Cat that had accompanied them is gone.  But then, he was warned about the Cats.  They follow their own directions, and seem to enjoy deliberately perplexing others.

Liloo, however, is here, and along with Karel, watches intently.

And they are relieved:  the newcomers are allies; Theoderic, Aelasuria (Salen's sister), Swift, their adventurous scout, Cirrus, a fair skinned, fair haired and very frail looking girl, and the other members of Theoderic's entourage.

Rejoined, the group moves to a new thread:  The Water Garden.