They look over the carnage.  There are the dead Trolls.. and one of the Nixies was beat so badly by a Troll that he is close to death.  Spica gives this poor creature the priority of her healing horn, as Ayren arrives to take care of the others.  Swift arranges for the burning of Trolls- which is very difficult, as a few of them are quite wet.  Trolls have figured out their weakness to fire, and more and more, they prefer to live around water, the more, the better.

And Aelasuria is sick.  Worried, Theoderic puts his arm around her.

“Can you do anything for her?” Theoderic asks the Unicorn.

“We can cast away any poison or impurity, and heal wounded flesh, but we cannot cure sickness,” Spica says.

Aelasuria is not the only one.  Cirrus has the same ailment.  Only, when she sneezes, the breeze can be felt 50 feet away, and the leaves in the trees rustle.

But Ayren Stargem, an experienced healer, is on the case.

“It is not a simple illness, but a plague brought by dark magic,” Ayren says.  “And it can be spread like any plague.”  She looks at Theoderic, with his arm protectively around Aelasuria.  He does nothing.  Ayren gives a small “move away” gesture.  But he’d rather not move, at the moment.

“I can make a broth, and that, with my magic, should drive it away overnight,” Ayren says.  “But they must both rest.  Is there a good place?”

The Nixies volunteer their cabin, which Salen goes to check out.


Aside from the four dead Trolls and the Troll Witch, there is a fifth creature, of a kind no one has seen before, not even Spica.  It’s the thing that fought Aelasuria’s Celestial Eagle.  It looks somewhat like an enormous rat, with skin like a Troll, large enough to be over four feet tall when it say on its haunches.

“What is it?” Theoderic asks the Nixies, figuring they might know.

“The Troll Witch’s Pet,” says one of the Nixies, Glibby.  “It would go out sometimes, finding things.  She has more.  I think they are out.”

“Will they come back?”

“I don’t know.”

Salen checks the main cabin.  Swift and Theoderic ran through it before, but had not time to stop and examine.  There are four large nests of straw here, much too big for a bird.   Big enough for one of those “pets”.

And there are some other furnishings here.  Beds, a table, a mirror.  A large brass rack for cloaks and coats.

He finds some things in a closet:

A suit of finely made scale and leather armor, with lots of beadwork.  It seems Elven.
A polished but simply made staff of ash wood, with metal caps on the ends.

A small bag with some coins and a few gems.  The coins are “Red Gold”, a Copper-Gold alloy that, according to what they know of these things, was produced in Lucimburic because they needed some coins in between Gold and Copper, and Silver is taboo for them.

Looking at Theo Aelasuria smiles warmly at him with a appreciative look at his protective concern. "Its all right Theo. Ayren is right it's best if you don't get sick as well. We will need you to watch over us while we rest and recover. You can bring us food, protect us from danger and of course keep us company. Why don't you help the wounded gather in a safe place. Then you can lead the others in setting up proper defenses if we are stuck here. If all else fails I can cast my secure hut spell."

She gives Cirrus a sympathetic look knowing how she feels right now. "I regret that you also were hit by that nasty magic Cirrus. Thank you very much for helping with your wind."

"We should give all the wounded shelter and a place to rest as well. Though the nymph likely will prefer her natural home be that the river, grassy field or  other place of her choice." She watches Salen bravely going ahead to check out the cabin. "Brother you should have your wounds treated as well if your hurt."

Seeing the unnatural rodent she was at a loss as to what it might be. "Do you think it's from another plane? We should assume that they will and that they will attack. Hopefully they are not particularly intelligent or magical." Aelasuria covers her mouth as she coughs feeling a bit dizzy.

As much as she would like to help the wounded that need assitance moving Aelasuria stays away. Being sick she hardly wanted to make matters worse. Instead she takes Cirrus's hand walking into the cabin since it appears to be safe for now. "We should rest cirrus. Hot soup and a bed is probably best short of Ayren's magic."

"These...rat-like things..." Salen asks of Glibby, the Nixie. "Is there a particular archway through which they enter and leave the Garden? Or did you see which one they last left by? I will take up watch next to whichever one you say.

And there are some items in the cabins. If we cannot find owners for them, then there is a suit or armor in there I would wish to lay claim to - providing it is better than my own."

Salen assures Aelasuria that he is fine, then pats Ayren on the shoulder as he passes - he is sure she is well, but best left to her work at this time. Although...

"Do you need anything right now? I can fetch things - within reason - before I take up position, if you say the word."

Ayren looks at Theoderic.  “You are also very wet,” the Elven healer says.  This is true.  He is, in fact, soaked, and part of a large water lily plant is draped over one shoulder.   The Nixies and the Nymph didn’t say anything, they thought he looked quite stylish like that.

There are many here, because  Nymphs love water lilies.  They always have.  (This is why, in the real world, the scientific name for Water Lilies is Nymphaeaceae. )

Theoderic nods to the overwhelming logic, and Ayren goes about setting up her “field clinic”.  She needs little help from Salen and the others, other than getting a fire started.

”I’ve never been sick in years,” Cirrus says as she follows Aelasuria.  “This is terrible.”

The Nixies, the Nymph, and the Unicorn begin the task of cleaning up.  Spica seems to have an uncanny knack for this, but then, most Unicorns do.  Where they walk, their hooves never so much as crush the tiniest, frailest plant.  And where they linger, everything seems a little healthier, and more beautiful.  Already some of the water lilies seem a little bigger and brighter than they just were.

Salen looks at the armor he found.

Knowing a little bit of wizardry, and being an Elf with many years of experience with these things, Salen can tell that not only is the armor better than his own, it is magical.  And not just in the “enhanced” way- it has some potent spells woven into it.  He’s not sure yet what they are, but the feel of the armor is possibly a hint: not slippery but smooth and slick, and it has a strange tendency to slide out from his fingers when he tries to grasp it.

Swift works on burning the trolls. She would have preferred to drag them out of the garden but that is beyond her. She finds the best spot she can to do the burning and just piles what fuel she can get on the of the trolls.

After helping build the fire and tidy a few things up, Salen returns to an investigation of the armor. And this is no ordinary suit, this is seriously enhanced armor, very rare. In face, he is initially unsure as to what he might do with it, especially when it is so...evasive.

"What is the worst that could happen? Apart from the obvious, of course..." he says, to himself. "But what if those...rat-things return? Better be prepared."

And with that he removes his trusty old armor and dons the new, however much he has to fiddle and fumble and manouver it to get it on.

"This may come in useful the next time I'm home in Geneva, when debt collectors and old girlfriends come a-calling."

He glances to Ayren, just in case she has looked up from her administrations, and smiles.

"Just kidding."

"Give me a little time I might be able to identify the magical items and perhaps shed some light on the nature of the rat things. I don't feel well, even so I think I can still be useful."

Looking pale, drawn and not at all well Aelasuria struggles to examine the rat thing. Then turns her attention to identifying the magical items Salen had found. However she is briefly at least distracted from this by Theo's condition. "Theo Ayren is right you need to change into a dry set of clothing. If you have caught a chill warm up by a fire. We should all rest as well as soon as we can. Still I want to take a moment to see if I can help with this even if I have to do it from a bed."

She gives Cirrus a sympathetic look gently giving her a hug. "I regret that your feeling ill Cirrus. Let's hope that it passes quickly." Then to Salen when she sees what her brother is up to! "Salen please don't put that on. If it's cursed your going to have a very hard time till we find a way to remove it. However if he's determined she's in no shape to stop him.

If salen permits she looks over the armor casting a spell if it's needed in order to identify it. Next is the staff which is of particular interest as it could be clerical which meant healing. If it was wizardly in nature it would still prove useful. Then looking at the coins. <blue> "I think these are electrum. I wonder if one of the were folk passed through here recently."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Tue 08 Oct 2013.

Karel smiles tiredly. "We have done great good here today. We are blessed with the company of friends, and ones capable of soothing this malady."

He turns to Aelasuria and the others wrought with this rapid onset of illness. "I feel your pain, and only wish it were mine to bear in your place. Thank Her Grace that aid has arrived with such alacrity."

Feeling rather worn out himself, Karels rests in the shallow water near the gazebo, leaning up against it. He leaves his fiddle stowed and instead conjures himself a lute, feeling it more fitting at this time. Leaving the others to take in the surroundings he relies on what he is best at. Sinking against the gazebo Karel lays amidst water and land comfortably, strumming a tune to alleviate the adrenaline and rush of battle. He hoped to help comfort the wounded and ill, including himself, and perhaps to soothe the spirit of the Meuse as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SGUo2GI19M

It is hard to get the trolls to burn, since they are not very flammable and the party is not well equipped with flammable substances- and also, it’s wet around here- but with some effort, they get the trolls burned.  The Nixies, Nymph and Unicorn stay as far as possible from the pyre.  They cannot stand the odor of burning troll.

Instead, very quickly, all of the Nixies and Geula the Nymph gather around Karel.  The music attracts them.  They have not heard music in a long time, and it fills a deep void.   Karel has a captive audience.

While recovering from Troll Witch Plague, and slurping some soup, Aelasuria does her best to figure out the Troll Rats and the nature of the items Salen found.

The spell on the armor Salen recovered seems straightforward enough, and is given away by its physical manifestation- the slick surface of the armor.  The magic of the armor enables him to resist being grabbed, grappled, entangled, or otherwise physically held.  It might also be interesting to slide down a hill wearing the armor.  (+5 to resist any of those things)

The staff, according to her knowledge and identification, is called the Staff of Traveling.  In addition to boosting one’s speed, it allows one to travel longer without resting, carry a heavier burden while traveling, and gives a bonus to balance checks.  And, it is a magic weapon as well.  A handy thing to travel around with.

The coins can be identified quite easily by Swift, who is a native of Lucimburic.  As she knows well (and the others recall), all of Lucimburic has a strong taboo against silver.  Some say it is because silver is sacred to Arduinna, who is both moon and forest goddess, and the moon is silver, and that is why Lycanthropes can be harmed by silver.  But whatever the case, it’s only natural that a nation of Lycanthropes might dislike silver.  So, they alloyed copper and gold to produce an intermediate coinage.  The result was an exceptionally lustrous and shiny bronze colored coin worth a quarter of a gold piece.  The party now has 360 of them.

Looking to Karel Aelasuria nods with a smile despite being ill. "Thank you Karel." While working she listens to the music in the background. She liked having a bard with them music was something she loved and it was nice to have it even when they were traveling. Which was one of the reasons she missed the bard from Lucimburic. Cirrus was in no condition to sing right now either. Though she could be wrong it depended on how the illness worked in each of them.

She was rather surprised by the armor speaking softly to her brother. "It really is a strange set of armor. I have never seen anything like it Salen. It appears to be some sort of cross between free movement and a grease spell. If someone attempts to grapple with you they will find you incredibly slippery giving you the advantage. I think spells like entangle, web and perhaps even slow might not work on you. You  resistance to those sort of things are greatly enhanced. Be careful though if you fall down you might slide about wildly and that can be dangerous if there is a cliff or stairs nearby."

When she looks over the staff Aelasuria perks up a little with a touch of excitement. "Oh this one is useful. It's a staff of Traveling. You would walk, or ride faster, travel longer without resting, carry greater weight then you normally could, and enhances your sense of balance. Your a lot less likely to trip and I assume if you had to do something dangerous like walk a narrow branch, or edge your way along a narrow cliff ledge you would be less likely to fall. Finally it's a magic weapon so it will hit and harm monsters that require such enchantments to hit. It's perfect for someone that needs to get from one place to another quickly. For example Cirrus as a messenger could benefit from it. Though it's true anyone in our group could also benefit from it greatly. If I run out of spells a magical staff is better then my mundane one. I think the staff is best suited for Cirrus with the possible exception of combat if she isn't trained with a staff."

Pausing she continues with a touch of interest. "Is anyone wishing to claim the staff aside from Cirrus whom I think could use it well or myself? Theo What do you wish to do with the Coins? Unless it's going to the treasury to fund the war against the Huns and help people I would suggest a even split with the exception of anyone who got a magical item."

Swift gets the trolls burning as much as she can. She wishes she could drag in some more wood or had some oil.

She helps where she can and does let everyone know about the coins. She does admit, she prefer not to handle silver.

Theoderic is not far from Aelasuria.  He is outside the little cabin- Ayren has forbidden him (and the others) from entering the “sick ward” this evening.  But he stays close, in case Aelasuria needs something.  He agrees with awarding the staff to Cirrus.

Cirrus gives a little sneeze, which sounds delicate and ladylike and yet has the force of a noticeable gust of wind throughout the little cabin being used as “sick ward”.

“Thank you,” Cirrus says.  She is very happy about the staff.  It is more than just a magic tool for her.  It is a sign that her role is being taken seriously, and not just as a way to appease a silly girl.

“And the coins,” Theoderic says, “are no great treasure, but we shall put them to good use.  Sooner or later, I have no doubt.  The gems, we should use for some wise investment.  I have no doubt that we will have a need for that as well.”

Meanwhile, after being entertained by Karel for a while, the Nymph requests that he keep playing, while she tells a tale.  She doesn’t sing a song, it’s simply, she wants the sound while she speaks.  The Nymph's voice is like a song itself, and she could rival Cirrus's, if she wished to sing.  But she doesn't.  She talks.

Geula tells a tale…

“Long ago,  Mosanna and Belenus did befriend each other in the pools of Aquae Grannis.  Of that union fifteen nymphs were born, daughters of gods.    Nine remain now.   There came Humans who called Belenus by a new name, Apollo, and seeking to honor Apollo, they built a great temple over Aquae Grannis so that humankind could come and revere him.  Only then did they learn that in honoring our father they besmirched our mother, who would have wanted the pools kept.

“In apology, in the human fashion, did they build us this place, and it was to be a home and refuge for us, and also a marker, for no Human would claim the water in sight of the Water Garden, or upstream of it.  It was made to be a place of beauty where we could gather, because at times our father would come to sing and play his lyre for us.  Apollo is the god of music, and the clouds themselves stop to hear when sings and plays.  Gifts humankind brought here to honor us, and knowing how we loved our father’s music, fine instruments were among them.

“All our things were taken away, because the Troll Witch  wanted to see us sad.  Most things were taken far from here.  There are some she hid here, to show us on occasion and tease us and command us.  Those we will find and they will be ours again.  But others were taken away, as tribute to those she called her allies.  I ask you, if you should our lyre, it is set with ivory and pearls, and it carries some of the gift of Apollo, since he played it once, and such is the might of the God of Music that when he plays an instrument, he has forever left his will upon it.  Such is its enchantment that the musician can place protective magic over listeners.  It is a trophy, now, kept by the Huns in Juliacum.”

A watch is kept for the Troll-Rat things but they do not return.

“They know,” Liloo says.  “Somehow they know.  They know their mistress is dead, and they will carry the word to other masters.”

Every now and then Aelasuria coughs glad for the music outside. Generally being sick is a unpleasant experience. Though one anyone who isn't exceptionally hardy gets used to over their life time. Occasionally coughing she delicately sneezes though without cirrus's amazing effect. "OH it seems you have come into your own with your wind powers cirrus. I wonder if someday you will reclaim your ability to fly."

In due time she hears the story of the nymph rather impressed that the god of music himself had graced this place with his presence. "OH now that would truly have been a wonder to hear that music and that singing just once. With any luck we will recover such a treasure it is truly wasted on evil and orcs. Theo we might have to send out word calling for some to come here and help to guard the water garden. Divine places must be protected since the Hun's seem so preoccupied with destroying or despoiling them in one way or another. I would not want to be the Hun Emperor some gods are not forgiving, vengeful and have long memories. It is not unheard of for divine punishment to be handed down particularly with certain pantheons."

She of course is happy to have a healthy bowl of soup and keeps a eye on cirrus to make certain she gets her fair share of good food. She asks for warmed cloths to place on their heads if they need it. As well as the wiping away of sweat should fevers cause them to perspire. Eventually her eyes drift closed and she actually sleeps a deep healing sleep that hopefully would help her recover. Usually she didn't as elves did things a bit differently.

Eventually Salen manages to get his new armor under control and puts it on. It might take some time to become familiar with, but it is scale armor just like his old set, so shouldn't be that difficult.

When it become clear that the rat-things are never coming back he returns to the central camp, to help with the troll burnning, cloths and soup for the wounded and the ill, and to tidy up and clear the waters and help wherever he is needed. He is pretty much unscathed from all the events and reasonably fresh, to he has energy to spend where others do not.

Later he stands at ease and listens as the Nymph Geula tells her tale, while Karel plays his music in the background. An instrument played by Apollo himself? Salen would very much like to see that, perhaps even play it himself - only for a short time, of course, for it would have to be brought back here.

"I hear Juliacum is lovely this time of year," he says, brightly.

Karel listens in awe, never missing a beat. "That is quite a tale, no wonder I find myself drawn to her so. Is this what you spoke of, Liloo? I could not imagine such a thing."

He continues to play idly, speaking intermittently until the others are ready to rest.

"What is our path now, Liloo? What does she say. I fear I cannot hear her today. Do you hear, Geula?"

"Juliacum is not lovely now," Geula says, hearing Salen.  Nymphs do not get sarcasm. "It is, like so much else, in the hands of Orcs.  A prison they have there, worse than this one, and horrible things are done.  At times, they have take us there.. we do not remember, but horrible, horrible.  We know, because we know, and when we come back we are so weak, like all our strength has left us."

"Geula, they have done enough by freeing us, if you tempt them, they will go on to Juliacum, and then we would be responsible if they do not return," Liloo says.

"It is too late to unsay it," Theoderic says.  "It has been said.  We will move on to Aquae Grannis in the morning, and then, north to Juliacum."

They settle in for a night, with watches posted for the Troll Rat things.  The Nixies help.

Ayren tends her two patients through the night, and during the night, the sickness subsides, beaten down at last by Elven medicine and magic.

Swift settles down and eats. She looks around as they make camp. She also turns into her fox form and checks out the garden for any rates. While on guard, she also does it as a fox and walks around, checking for any enemies. She then sleeps as a fox, curling up near the fire to stay warm.

Morning comes, and Cirrus and Aelasuria feel like their normal selves again.

The Nixies and the Nymph have already made great progress in restoring the beauty of their garden, with the help of Spica.  The flowers look brighter and healthier, and the water looks cleaner.  There is a long way to go, and there is the stench of burned troll in the air.

In the morning Aelasuria stretches lithely feeing much better. She smiles at Ayren speaking softly to her. "Thank you very much for your care. I feel much better and it's obvious that Cirrus feels better as well. Cirrus the water garden is a magical and safe place. If you feel the need to bathe this is probably the place to do it. The plague rain was rather unpleasant."

Aelasuria asks for privacy warning others what she has in mind. If privacy is granted she enjoys the waters of the water garden for at least half a hour swimming as much as bathing. She did love to swim after all! Once clean, changed and feeling herself again Aelasuria begins to make breakfast. recruiting Cirrus to help if she's inclined to do so. She didn't know where swift is at the moment or she would ask her to help too. After all who knows what secrets of cooking that a were-fox might have!  "Let's make pancakes if we have the ingredients and fire is allowed here. I know we have meet... Cirrus do you know if Theo packed any chicken or pheasant eggs?"

Needless to say the smell of cooking food likely soon permeates the air. Possibly ham, bacon, eggs, or pancakes depending on what they have available in their food stores. "Theo!, Salen, Karel, Swift the food is almost ready! Is anyone hungry? Spica I have a few apples for you if you want them!"

If people were in a hurry to move on she would be ready to go right after breakfast. If not she is happy to socilize with the nymphs, water sprites and other inhabitants of the water garden.

The Nixies are fascinated by the concept of cooked breakfast.  They are not afraid of fire... not more than anyone ought to be, at least.  They don't light fires themselves, because they are almost always very wet.  Like all Fey their diets are peculiar and they seem capable of drawing their nourishment directly from the natural world, but food is fun.  Cooking it, though.. that is unique.  The do what they can to add to the meal:  they gather plants from the banks of the Geul brook, nearby.  Fiddlehead Ferns are in season, and the Nixies secure many of them.

Ayren checks out her patients, making sure they are well enough.  Then she checks on the others.

"She looks healthier than you do," she says to Theoderic.  "You should have gotten more sleep.  There was nothing you could do, no reason to stay outside the cabin."

Spica tries the apples, and decides, she like very colorful ones best.  But she will also eat delicate Fiddleheads, and of course, flowers.  Although.. not here.  At least, not until the garden is fully restored, then perhaps some can be spared.

Liloo tries a pancake.

"You are traveling to Aquae Grannis today?"  the Nixie asks.

"That is the plan," Theoderic says.

"It is best to take the valley of Selza.  She is the youngest of the sisters."

"The sisters?"  Theoderic asks.

"The Nymphs.  Selzer is the water, Selza the Nymph." Liloo explains.  "Trapped, this place on one end, Aquae Grannis on the other, and too afraid to do anything.  She will be happy to know what has happened.  I would go with you, to see Selza and bring her the news, and also, to see Aquae Grannis again.  I will help if I can, we owe it."

"Are there dangers we should be aware of?"  Theoderic asks.

"Yes.  The Giant of Aquae Grannis goes hunting, sometimes.  And sometimes, a Dragon watches the valley of the Selzer.  The Selzer... east from here, we will make for the gap in the hill line.  Sometimes, not always, not even most times, there is the Dragon.  A Dragon with scales black like coal, and with spines like the quills of a great hedgehog.  The Enemy knows Aquae Grannis is a prize, and this Dragon was enticed.. or goaded.. or perhaps bribed.. into guarding Aquae Granni’s western flank from the Elves.  It might know, now, if one of the Troll Rats went to it.  Nihomus, it is named, and it has guarded with skill and fury.  But Nihomus has a singular weakness, a liking for lurid and scandalous tales.  But nothing twice-told, that is the problem the Elves have.  Their culture, as it is, does not produce enough scandal to keep the Dragon entertained.  If you face Nihomus, it will not grant you passage, but it may grant you escape in return for lurid gossip, or it may be distracted enough to give you advantage."

”But the Selzer, will bring you close to Aquae Grannis, almost upon it.  There are other ways, but they are over hill and rough land, and I do not know them.  My folk are always close to water."

Aelasuria lets Ayren do what needs to be done not wanting to make things difficult for their healer. She was happy to help in any way that she could. Only to glad to hear that they were given a clean bill of health. Looking at Theo she takes a moment to groom his hair unless he objects as well as tend to his clothing so that his appearance is as good as it can be. "Ayren is right Theo it's very important for you to get your rest. So many people look up to you and need you. Being king isn't a easy thing of that I am sure. Perhaps you should take a nap while you can I will wake you when it's time to ride out. Though if you insist I can't stop you from pushing yourself."

At breakfast she enjoys the company of the Nixies happy to share food with them. She takes a few moments to share food with Theo as well sharing a bit of this and a bit of that affectionately. "Make sure you eat well. It should help offset the lack of sleep. I would like to help Selza if we can. It seems not all dragons are sitting this one out. Theo I think if we can defeat the dragon Nihomus it will open up a opportunity for the elvish people to help us strike at Aqua Grannis."

"Do we know anyone that is particular good at Scandalous tales? I certainly am not above taking a tactical advantage to defeat evil. Why do I have a feeling that woman who was at our wedding would have known at least one. I think she might have been well suited to distract the dragon giving us a opportunity to strike." She blushes a bit remembering her proposal almost immediately after their first meeting.

Thinking about it she continues softly.  "Dragons do not like to be seperated from their hoard. It might also go a long way to help your financial position Theo. It also I think have a significant impact on moral. Good for our allied forces and bad for the Huns if they know a dragon has fallen. The giant is also something to worry about. However one problem at a time unless you have a plan that might involve it. I am fine with sneaking past if you feel that is the wisest course of action. Thank you Liloo fro helping us." She waits to see what Theo and the others think about deliberately taking Nihomus on. Nibbling on a pancake she also sips on some fruit juice if they have any.

Spica recommends not bothering a Dragon… unless they have to.

”But if it has been a problem for the Elves, Spica?”  Theoderic asks.

”Then it is for the Elves to say what must be done.  Dragons are like Unicorns.  And Griffons, and Nymphs, and other creatures of magic and legend.  There is a… well, a respect, between us.  They are rare, and part of the wonder of the world, and shouldn’t be lightly slaughtered.”

”Well, we are passing its way.  So we’ve been warned.  If it approaches us, I have no reason not to defend against it.  The Nixies here would expect us to, that is why Liloo shared Nihomus’s weakness.  Scandalous tales.”

”No Unicorn would ever have one,” Spica says.

”And nor would Aelasuria, and I will not spread gossip of myself… but we do have a good singer and teller of tales, it seems.  Karel.”

The Nixies and the Nymph join in.  “Yes,” says a Nixie.  “He’s quite good.  He may have a scandalous tale for Nihomus.”

The soft voice of the Nymph adds:  “And if not… if there is time… how soon are you leaving?”

The Nixies give the Nymph a collective embarrassed look.

”What?” Geula asks.  “Time to tell him a story, I meant.”

"I think we should try to get past Nihomus without incident, but we should be ready all the same," Theoderic decides.

On the other side of the garden, Cirrus practices swinging and twirling her new staff.

She nods accepting what they had to say on the matter. "I understand I certainly wouldn't want to see spica fall. If the dragon attacks us we will do what is needed. I agree we shouldn't fight a dragon lightly. If we can pass without incident then let's try to do so. If all else fails Karel can try spinning a Scandalous tail so that we can escape hopefully in the direction we wish to go instead of back the way we came. It would be nice to persuade the dragon to stop helping the Huns."

Looking thoughtful she continues softly. "Not that I think this is likely, however if it happens and we do end up talking with the dragon. That and we learn that it's being forced to fight we might be able to help. Of course if we don't run across it on our trip that won't come up."

She blushes slightly at the nymphs offer. "I imagine there is time to share a tale with Karel. I am willing to stay as long as Theo is comfortable resting and recuperating here. That or we can leave right after the story if your all ready to go now. I will go spend a little time with Cirrus to give you privacy. Spica would you like to come with me?"

She walks over to Cirrus smiling with a look of approval and appreciation for her diligent practice. "Very well done Cirrus! If you like I can give you some basic instruction with a staff. Though a master will be needed if you want advanced techniques." Her tone is gentle and encouraging hopping that cirrus enjoys it enough to truly master it. One day that staff might save her or others lives.

Karel smiles and laughs to himself, blushing for a moment.

"It has been long since I have walked the lands of men, though some things one does not easily forget. However, it would not hurt to venture prepared. I'm not sure I am up to the task of dragon slaying, though dragon entertaining? Perhaps, perhaps. Still, I would hear your tale first, Geula. It would be foolish to enter a clash of wills unprepared when reinforcements lie at our fingertips."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Thu 17 Oct 2013.

As Geula moves around the Water Garden, it becomes clear why it was built with the peculiar design it has.  She is a Nymph.  A water spirit.  Moving through the water comes to her more naturally than moving across land, and she moves to Karel’s side by… not so much swimming as effortlessly flowing through the water.

Theoderic decides to help Aelasuria with the post-breakfast cleanup.  He has no idea of what Geula intends to tell Karel, but he knows his wife is easily embarrassed by these kinds of things.  So being next to her, he can distract her from the Nymph’s story telling.

Geula’s emerges from the water near Karel, dripping from head to toe… a perfectly normal state of affairs for Nymphs’ and Nixies.  She considers the stories she knows that might be suitable.

“There is the story of Hylas, the young and handsome and very illegitimate son of Hercules, who was taken by not one but a group of Nymphs, who conspired to share Hylas between them.”

“It is a good one,” Liloo says.  “But don’t you think too well known?  It is classical, after all.”

“Most of the memories of a Nymph are classical.”  Geula says.  “Hmm… “

“It can be an old tale, just one less known,” Liloo suggests.

“Well, there was a time when Apollo still came to the waters at Aquae Grannis.  The Elves did not know much of this strange god, but there was an Elf woman who had heard that he was beautiful to see, and played the most wonderful music, so she went to find it… but Apollo.. who was called Belenus then by the people of the region, did not want to be interrupted even by Elves, so he cast a simple Misdirection and she went instead to a place close by here, and there came upon a Celtic shepherd with his sheep and his pipes.  Well, the shepherd, being a disciple of Belenus was skilled with the pipes, and the woman approached the music, and she saw how masterfully the shepherd’s lips played across the pipes, and she thought.. or perhaps merely hoped...that it was an avatar of Apollo, in disguise.”

Shortly thereafter came the parts Theoderic had prepared to distract Aelasuria through.

"Goodness gracious," Cirrus said, momentarily setting down the staff and listening intently.