(Lilloo)



On the hill the two groups converge; Salen and Karel; and the troop of Elves, and Theoderic, Aelasuria, Swift, Cirrus and the others who accompanied them.

Which includes Spica, the Unicorn.  The water sprite seems to know her, and executes a bow.

"It isn't necessary," Spica says.  "Have we met?"

"I don't think so," the sprite says.  "But we all know your father, and he knows all of us."

Of course he would, having lived in the Ardennes forest for centuries, a Unicorn learns a thing or two.

Theoderic introduces himself on behalf of the "two legged" folk here; Theoderic, son of Clovis, King of Belgica and the Eastern Franks.

Karel immediately relaxes upon seeing the Unicorn, though he does not approach. Instead, he turns his attentions to the man that has introduced himself as King Theoderic. With a flourishing bow he greets the newcomers, remaining standing.

"Good King Theoderic, what a pleasant surprise! Certainly better than shaggy horned beasts. A little bird told me you were headed up the Meuse to Mos Trajectum, so I had not expected to see men in this place.

Oh, please excuse me. Long have I been away from the lands of men. I am Karel, a wanderer of the wooden song, though today I serve Mosanna here at the Water Garden. What brings you along this detour and with such a fine entourage?"

Salen knows the group, and he facilitates the greetings, when he is through being hugged by his sister.  Salen's recent "friend", the healer Ayren, greets them as well.

"Aela, it hasn't been that long," Salen says as he frees himself.


Theoderic looks at Salen, and then at Karel... well, yes, they had been heading to Mos Trajectum...

"Mos Trajectum is north along the Meuse River," he says.  "It seems I am not going that way after all."

The Water Sprite approaches.  "My fault, I begged a favor.  You've helped us in the past, the story has been spread among us, up and down the ancient sisters."

"The ancient sisters?" Theoderic asks.

"The Rivers, sir, source of all life, and especially to us.  I had thought to ask a favor, as these adventurers were going.. more or less in the right direction.  A brief diversion.  Important.  You see, sir king, your enemy is our enemy, and they have infested the headwaters Mosanna draws her strength from, and in those headwaters, our sacred home, the Water Garden."

"Your home has Orc warriors in it?"  Theoderic asks.

"I would think we could remove Orcs," Lilloo says.  "But there are trolls, and a terrible she-troll who is a shamaness."

Aelasuria cheerfully hugs her brother glad to see him safe. She smiles at the water sprite as greetings are exchanged with Spica. Caressing her main and neck She looks to Theo and Karel as they exchange greetings. Her intelligent green eyes take in the details of Karel and his group.

"It's been long enough brother and I had reason to worry. The Huns have deliberately been placing traps for Elvish heroes. They like to lead us in when we try to save others. When we heard about you we decided to come this way."

She makes a graceful elvish gesture of greeting To Karel speaking softly to him.  "My name is Aelasuria Soulwater. This is Spica my Unicorn companion and Felicia is my elfin cat. Swift is our scout whom I am sure will show herself when she is ready. My husband here is a little rusty at introductions as I usually take the lead or he wouldn't have forgotten to introduce me." She lightly nudges him with a playful look in her eyes before taking his hand affectionately. "You need practice for holding court or did you leave me out of the introductions to protect me?" Her voice is lighthearted with just a hint of playful teasing before she turns her attention back to the assembled group.

In moments her expression becomes more serious at the mention of Mossana's headwaters being infested by trolls and a powerful Shamaness. "I will be happy to help. Mossana has lent us her aid more then once it's only right that we return the favor. Unless there is something else that we need to deal with Theo?" She asked to respect their equality rather then assume.

OOC: She's not going exclude Theo in the decision making as they are equals after all. If she doesn't think about his needs it wouldn't be fair. Though it's pretty clear she desires to help Mosanna and the water sprites.

"You needn't worry about me, Aela - those traps were for heroes, so there's almost no chance I would set them off. Besides, Ayren promised to bash anything that came near us, she's quite fierce that way."

Salen is as happy to see his sister - and her husband - as she is to see him, of course. Now everyone knows each other there is little more to discuss, but he turns to Karel anyway.

"We found Karel here sitting by a river, talking to a sprite and a cat. He was obviously very strange and looked quite the vagrant, so he fitted right in with our company. Now Aela, if you and Theo and company could come with us to the Water Garden and throw some more of those lightning bolts around, I'm sure we can clear this little problem up in no time."

Was there ever a time not to be flippant or humorous? Perhaps, but Salen tended to carry on regardless. Life was so much more fun that way.

Karel quietly speculates about Willinor and Felicia's relationship. Perhaps this was how our friend has become royal, though where did he wander off to? Elfin cats...

He makes an elegant bow and defers to Salen's knowledge of their company.

"It is an honor, milady. Mosanna would not change your course lightly."

Things seemed to be escalating quickly. How long had it been since he had last talked with mortals and yet here he was, standing in the company of a King and Queen, come to aid them in the liberation of the Water Garden. His wits and memories returned to him slowly, but entertaining elven royalty? This was beyond him. His songs, they never falter, but etiquette of this caliber? There was a distant memory of performing for a royal court in what seemed like many lives ago, though it was most assuredly human. Or was it?

With mixed feelings, Karel chose to quietly finger along his fiddle, filling the surroundings with a low ambience. As he chose not to bow or pluck the sounds were very weak, yet somehow just clear enough. He decided to stick with elven melodies for the time being, hoping he remembered them accurately.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Wed 21 Aug 2013.

A fox that lead the one party changes form and becomes Swift. She smiles "You elves are not all that hard to follow. You should work on that." she laughs.

This was such an interesting group. She wondered what was next?

Liloo the water sprite finds a good, high vantage point with a view of the beloved Water Garden.

Salen and Karel have already seen it, from a slightly more distant point of view, but now they have a better look.

It is a patchwork of ponds in very regular shapes- rectangles, long and short, meeting and connecting and dividing.  Likewise, the squared off ponds create very straight, square islands, connected by little bridges.  A couple of small structures can be seen, and several gazebos.

Surrounding the whole, which is square in shape, is a hedge, a very thick, tall hedge.

"I see Dew Thorn," Spica says.  "Oft planted by the Elves to protect villages.  Where the Huns conquer, or try to, they destroy such things.  It is still here?"

"I told you, not Huns," Liloo says.  "A she troll.  Dark Spirits, which she has conjured.  She's taken control of the hedge, and it is our prison."

"Yet you escaped," Spica says.

"We caught the attention of an Owl, one night, and it was strong enough to carry me away.  The Owl did not survive, though.  They were watching, and struck it with some dark magic.  It did get me out, though.  I imagine the dark ones were in an ill mood over that."

Theoderic overhears.  "It also means, they expect a rescue," he says. "Of course, you'd go right to the Elves, tell them what happened."

He looks at Aelasuria.  Hadn't she been worried about traps set for heroes?

Then he looks back at the water sprite. "If Spica says you are honest, then you are honest.  But you might still be bait, and this still might be a trap." 

"mmm hmmm. Your brave and that's enough I think to get you in trouble." She looks amused for a few moments looking for Ayren. "Is that so? I would like to see her at one of our friendly competitions. So long as on one gets hurt of course!"

She listens to his story then Smiles at Karel warmly when he greets her. "Ahh there is Swift. Yes I will do my best Salen though I will have to be careful when I use them. We should all keep in mind I need a clear path for those lightning bolts. I think we are going to have to focus on the Shamaness she's likely the greatest threat. It would be nice to think we could sneak the prisoners free. It won't be that easy though Theo is right they are expecting someone to try a rescue. At the least they will be prepared and have set traps for anyone that might come."

She looks to Theo as well as the others. "The question is do we wish to attempt stealth? Perhaps to scout things out and perhaps get a surprise attack in? Swift could try that or I could try using invisibility and flight to see what I can learn. The alternative would be a bold attack unless someone has other idea's to suggest? I can of course attempt to dispel magic if the Shamaness has set any magical traps. OH Also Trolls I think have a keen sense of smell. I could be wrong but keep that in mind."

Theoderic looks at the hedgewall surrounding the distant Water Garden.

"We could be there in a few hours," he says.  Then he turns back to the sprite.

"Surely, there is a way in?  Why would you have a garden with no entrance?"

The sprite sighs.  "Several.  The rose arches, the places where the water comes in, and the water goes out.  But they are watched."

It is Theoderic's turn to sigh.  "You can get in and out," he says to Aelasuria. "With magic.  But the rest of us cannot."

"A hedge will let a Unicorn through, no matter how thick," Spica says.  "Unless... as you say, it is under the control of an evil spell."

"I don't know if I will be able to sneak in," Theoderic says.  "Unless we are lucky, or there is some other means, getting in and out, at least for me,  may mean fighting."

"Sneaking in would be ideal and would be fine for some of us, though our scent would likely give us away. Even if there were something pungent around to cover ourselves in, unless it was present in the Garden then any foreign smell might put the trolls on alert."

"Do you know how many trolls there are Liloo? If we were to get in unnoticed could we take out the guards without alerting the rest of them? We're going to have to fight them at some point no matter what in order to free the Water Garden, but I'd rather not give them the advantage, nor fall into a trap."

"If the She-troll controlls the hedge, then we cannot hope to fashion an entrance through it, for that will draw her attention anyway. It will have to be one of the archways, whether they are watched or no. What we will require are distractions, in whichever way we can fashion them - several false approaches at as many archways as we can, while we enter all together through just one. We need to combine our strength in order to force our way in, and then decide on the best course from there - undoubtedly with Liloo's help."

Salen looks to the sprite to see her reaction, then to everyone else to see how they are reacting to their prospects. He smiles at each, nods to Swift upon seeing her again, and then awaits the consensus.

Karel nods to Salen in agreement.

"Ah, now distractions, distractions I can do. I have picked up a few tricks in my time amongst the fey, and no mere parlor tricks, though I command little magic of my own. Music to enrapture the eyes and ears so they do not see those that sneak past, and quick legs and wits to escape afterwards, perhaps leading them into a trap of our own devising? Unfortunately, I can only maintain this hold with my music on one creature at a time."

Karel runs his fingers adeptly across the strings of his fiddle.

OOC: Karel also suggests making use of his fey-like abilities and attempting to Fascinate a guard with his music, drawing their attention and allowing others to possibly sneak by. This only works if it is only a single troll, otherwise the below strategy would be preferred.

"Liloo, you know them better than us, even if only slightly. If you appeared to them outside of the archway, would they pursue you, believing you to be an easy target? Could you convince them to do so? Or perhaps one of our own making enough noise to be noticed and feigning injury would garner their attention? If so, we may be able to lay an ambush of our own. Thoughts, anyone?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Sun 25 Aug 2013.

Swift stood listing as the others talked, then she joined in. "Do you know if there is any water in there? I have some fay with me and they have allowed me to travel by water before. Or I can try to sneak in first, as a fox, I might be able to get in other ways that the rest of you might not be able too."

"Water we have in plenty," Liloo says to Swift.  "I am a Water Sprite, that is the Water Garden, water is one thing we have lots and lots of.  But see, there is where the Geul river flows into the Water Garden, and there is where it flows out.  They watch the entrances, because they do not want us to escape."

"They watch in case you escape," Theoderic muses, "but are they also watching for intruders?  As Karel asked, how many Trolls.  And you mentioned Dark Spirits... did you mean the trolls?"

"They are Old Trolls," the Sprite says. Spica the Unicorn reacts.  She knows what the Sprite means.

"Once upon a time," Spica explains, "Trolls were creatures of magic like Fey, and they could change form and take on aspects of nature, just like a Fey being.  They were more spirit than mortal, taking their substance from the world around them.  A Troll might be a boulder, or a great withered tree, or even a muddy pond.  Is that what you are talking about, Liloo?"

"Yes," the Sprite confirms.  "Trolls, like once they were.  Before they took Humanoid shapes forever.  Spirits."

"How many?" Theoderic asks.

"The She-Troll, and four others."

"That is not enough to keep a constant watch over all the entrances," Theoderic says.

"Perhaps we can try Misdirection and attack the trolls from the flank if we have to. For example the Trolls will likely give chase if we have someone like the water sprite deliberately get their attention and then flee. This of course is dangerous. However if they take the bait then it is we who can attack them from behind. Or perhaps from all sides allowing the individual playing bait to escape or turn and join the fight as they desire. While most of them has their attention on us a stealthy individual can attempt a rescue."

"Karel's ability to beguile someone with his magic might be best used on the shamaness if she shows to prevent her from casting though he should target whoever he feels is best at the moment combat is joined if that's what he wishes to do."

She found the thought of ancient trolls able to change form rather disturbing. "In that case most likely at least two of them are likely using their ability to shift in order to ambush anyone that tries to help. They might even try to take the form of a innocent fey. Is that beyond them Spica? I think my idea might still work trying to get them to reveal themselves in a effort to capture whoever our distraction is. Then we can hopefully strike effectively though I am perfectly happy to try to sneak in if that is everyones preference. Spica is very fast she might be a good distraction and they would expect a Unicorn to try to help, although our water sprite friend, karel, swift or even myself could also do it if we go with that."

"So maybe if someone causes a distraction at once entrance, I can sneak into another one. Now just how fast are these trolls?  I hope I can outrun them if I am seen.  I am good but if they have more sensitive senses, who knows, maybe they will sense me." She hoped her fay could help her get though.  If in involved water, she figured they should.

"The Trolls cannot appear as us," Liloo says.  "They can change their forms, but not easily.  They are what they are, the outside reflects the inside.  Mean.  Strong.  Hungry."

Spica tries to explain:  "He means, the trolls will can draw form and substance from nature, but their own evil hearts give them shape.  Those shapes are always frightening, because that is what a troll is, and wishes to be.  A troll cannot be merry like a Pixie, and so it could never take that shape.   That is why most trolls lost their original powers ages ago, and don’t take the forms of nature.  In the end they are what they are."

"What forms do they take here?" Theoderic asks.

"Rock, and tree, and water and mud."  Liloo says.

"One of each?" Theoderic asks.

The water sprite nods.  "That is how they have been."


A basic map of the Water Garden, what can be seen from a distance.  The creatures aren't on the map because they can't yet be seen.  The river (People from the West would call it a river, I'd call it a brook!) comes in at the south side and leaves at the north.

"Hmm so their innate evil and hatred will show through no matter what form they take. In that case I don't think they can truly hide from us. In this water garden of nature everything should be good and pure. Even if Spica doesn't sense them from a fair distance the Tree will look frightening and so would any rock. Although To be honest unless the mud and water looks vial for some reason it might be harder to see them for what they are. If they are trying to hide I think the water one and mud will be the most likely to be able to hide almost anywhere due to all the water."

"Liloo do you know where the water sprites are being held captive. Are they in a specific part of the water garden such as the cabin, the central gazebo or somewhere else. It makes sense that at least one troll will always be close to them to try to make sure they don't try anything. Remember Swift they might hold one troll in reserve so that the water sprites can't simply flee during the fighting. OK do we want someone to play bait or shall we all go in as one big fighting distraction? That might be best as any one individual might be overwhelmed if they care caught totally by surprise."

Aelasuria prepares for battle casting Mage armor to start though she holds off on other defensive magic that has a very short duration.  "I can summon a monster to fight for us and send it in just ahead of us. If we don't go with a different plan It could serve to draw them out and give us a chance to fight effectively. Though the Shamaness could really cause problems if she's not reigned in quickly."

Liloo shakes a slightly slippery looking head.

"Us and they, they and us, move about, it’s hard to tell who is where and when, so much.  The Water Garden is not such a big place.   Small, too small a place for anyone to stay put.  But the Troll-Chieftainess, she seems to like the central gazebo, in the middle.  Often she sits there, and has us entertain her."


"We need a breach in the hedge," Theoderic says, looking at heavy green thicket surrounding the water garden.  "And there are only a few.  The water, the arches...I think we should take one breach.  Whichever way we want to go in, we should all go together.  Concentrate our force.  But then, move quickly, because the troll will have magic.  If we... hmm..."

He pauses, squints...

"Could we make a breach?"

"You mean we should destroy part of the hedge?"  Spica asks.  She does not sound happy with that idea.  It's not the "unicorn" way of doing thing.  Liloo makes a sour face as well.

"The sacrifice of a part may make it easier to save the whole," Theoderic says.

"Is it required?" Liloo asks.

"It is a possibility," Theoderic says.  "If we can do it.  Maybe we cannot."

"I would leave the hedge, to be honest. I would not want to cause a breach that cannot easily be mended, for that would open up the Water Garden to more problems in the near future. No, I think we have to use misdirection, whether magical or no, and choose which archway we plan to enter through, all together. It will likely be very difficult, but what's new? I am always good for soaking up enemy attacks, so I shall happily wade into the thick of it!"

Salen is ever one to put on a brave/silly face, all the better to raise the spirits of his companions. At least, he thinks it raises their spirits...

"If you warriors are going to burst in, I can sneak in as a fox to look for the mage. Then I can try and take her out from behind. I can try and sniff her out, hopefully" she did wonder if she could smell out the trolls.

Karel draws his bow, careful not to draw it over the strings. His shortbow remains on his back, though a strap around his chest would catch the fiddle should he have need to draw the shortbow quickly.

"I agree, we should decide on an area and push forward together. There are a few of us it would seem that specialize in taking the enemy by surprise, so why not combine our two plans? Rush in and get the attention of the closest trolls as a distraction, while a few more stealthy individual are in place to come down on them hard. I wonder if these forms of theirs would be uneasy to exploit though..."

"All right if we are going to stay together then I suggest this. We will come in from the north. There is some cover from that direction so we might not be noticed right away. Once inside we get her attention and draw the trolls to us. Beware the tree near that entrance it could be a troll. If someone prefers a different entrance please let me know. I think the path directly south leaves the least water between us and the central gazebo and gives us two directions of retreat if we have to do so."

"Swift I wish you luck. The water sprites swim very well so a watery exit might be best for them. Please be aware I might use a a few lightningbolts so please try to keep that in mind as I will need line of sight to hit trolls with if given the chance. It looks like Salen and Theo will be our front line while stealthy types do their thing. I can go invisible which might give us a additional element of surprise."

She pauses looking at swift hopping that she will indeed pull things off if she's going "Hopefully swift you can lead them to safety while we fight the trolls. I would like to use my fireball but It's unlikely I can do so without doing a lot of damage to at least a small section of the water garden so I will make do with other spells unless I have to use it."

If they have a agreed plan she moves to make her way to the north entrance so they could go inside. Swift she would trust to be her stealthy self and do what she has to do.

Karel nods and moves to follow.