In reply to Warwick (msg # 164):

"Quite right, this Lord is anxious, it is time to go."  He waves an arm and first a light shines in the air about 10' away then as if swiveling on an axis the sight of a forest becomes visible beyond.  Looking like a painting hanging in mid air.  The forest is somewhat think but light enough to see it is day.  The trees look mostly of hardwoods, oak, maple, hickory and all look mature.  The forest extends and eventually blocks your view beyond. You see no movement beyond.

Dualis motions to Shorty, "You have been there before Shorty, lead the way."  Kaine remarks "The Sylvan Wood."

--DM2

In reply to Shorty (msg # 166):

Shorty steps forward into the forest and then pauses to take a deep Clemson g breath.  He turns towards the spot where he met Hicks and moves forward a short ways.  He the. Pauses and calls out softly.  "Me here now tree friend.  Me comes ta helps dis time.  Me comes fight save all trees."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Fri 12 Aug 2016.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 168):


There is no reply to Shorty's greeting, a few birds chirp, that is all.  The area seems peaceful enough.  Dualis will follow Shorty thru the portal.  "Come on the rest of you" he waves "it is a beautiful day on Arturus"  he smiles.  Kaine is the next thru.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 169):

Shorty moves forward and bends to examine the ground and sniff the air. Looking for signs of his friend.  "Me nots go bery far when come udder times.  Hicks always be near door."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 170):

Warwick walks through.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 170):

"Hicks will be with the rest of the Guardian Council; which is nearby." Dualis mentions to Shorty  "We shall be there soon Shorty.

--DM2

In reply to Warwick (msg # 171):

Trysk follows.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 173):

OOC: I will assume that all walk thru.

You all walk thru the portal, which closes behind you.  The air is cool and rich.  You feel a slight surge of energy as you breath.  You are in a forest of large mature trees.  The sunshine does not reach the ground but is filtered thru all the leaves, still it is bright enough to know it is near mid day.  Very little ground cover can be seen, a few shrubs and bushes here and there.

Dualis points to his right.  "Just over here we will meet with the council.  Remember initial introductions will be thru myself and Kaine.  They are very friendly but also hold to tradition.  You can respond if spoken to directly, other than that I will let you know when you can engage in open conversation."

You begin a walk thru the trees, there is no obvious path, Dualis weaves his way thru the trees.  Up ahead is a large rock, about 50' wide at it's base and about 30' high.  The left side has a more gradual slope to the top than the right side, the top itself is a small platform of sorts, it looks flat for about 6 feet.  The rock itself is a bit of a clearing, no tree is within 20' of it.  You stop before the rock, just inside the closest tree.  "We wait here for their arrival."

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 174):

Shorty nods and stares up into the canopy across the clearing looking for his friend.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 175):

Morteft will watch for anyone trying to sneak up on the party.

In reply to Morteft (msg # 176):

Trysk sighs, "All we seem to do is wait..."

In reply to Trysk (msg # 177):

OOC: Sorry all to be so quiet.  I was preparing for some exams so got a little busy.  I should start up again soon.

--Ron

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 178):

cool!

In reply to Morteft (msg # 179):

OOC:  Whenever you're ready, we're here.

In reply to Warwick (msg # 180):

OOC: Ok here we go


You wait in the clearing for about 10 minutes as the bird sings - just one.  You then hear trees rustling and just above the boulder in front of you there are branches moving.  It does appear a number of the branches are moving closer after a short time they start to move apart, more to your right then the left.  You may have noticed the bird has stopped singing, as a matter of fact there is very little sound at all.
    As the branches split off you can get an idea that the branches are from 3 different trees.  Coming around the edges of the boulder you begin to see 2 trees, a hickory on the left and a walnut on the right.   These are followed by a cherry tree on the right, with a unicorn and nymph on the left.  They walk in front of the boulder with the hickory in the middle flanked by the unicorn then nymph on the left and the walnut then cherry on the right.  They stand there for a few moments - you notice that the hickory seems to have a large emerald embedded in its trunk - they stopped just in front of the rock 20' away.
    Then the hickory speaks with a booming bass voice.  'The Woodland Council is Gathered.  We are here to consider a whelp for the privilege of becoming the Green Knight of Arcturus.  Members of the council, I have myself witnessed the whelp care for a tree without request or compulsion and one not of his own world for he is an off-worlder.  The law is that three must speak for the whelp and so two of renown from his world will speak for him."  He motions towards you to come forward - Dualis with one hand slightly behind his back motions for the rest of you to stay where you are.  "Come forth and be recognized" says the hickory.

Both Dualis and Kaine move forward and stop before the big hickory.  First Dualis, "I am Dualis, Magerus Primus of Delith, Keeper of the Light of the Sigil."  followed by Kaine "I am Kaine, representing the Druid Order of Delith."
The hickory responds "The Council recognizes Dualis and Kaine of Delith.  What do you have to say in this whelps defense."

Dualis speaks: "Woodland Council, I present the whelp, Shorty.  I have known him for many years and I have found him to be good in heart and caring for all around him.  Even when faced with overwhelming odds.  He is true."  Kaine then says: "I have only known Shorty briefly and seen with my own spirit that he his pure and true.  He has passed the test of the Druids."  Some of the council nod at Kaine's last statement."

The hickory speaks: It is well what you say.  However since this is concerns a non-Arcturan, you must enter the council circle."  The rest of the council members move to surround Dualis and Kaine.  For 10 minutes you hear muffled voices from the group but nothing you can discern.  The the circle breaks and the council forms their line again.

"The Council will retreat for deliberation."  The Council moves off behind the rock.  Dualis and Kaine stay where they are.  Dualis turns quickly and mouths OK to you.  Another 20 minutes goes by and the Council returns to their places.

"It is decided" says the hickory, "Bring forth the one known as Shorty."

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 181):

Shorty removes his helm and steps slowly forward.    He slowly eyes each member of the council mostly in awe.   He does give a small smile at the Hickory as he approaches.  But his eyes do keep drifting back to the Unicorn.   His hand reaches inside his tunic to pull for the merged Holy Symbols of Mielikki.  Shorty's fingers trace the unicorn there within the mistletoe.    Shorty steps up beside Dualis and Kane and takes a knee.  Shorty then looks up at the Unicorn and says in a rare quiet voice.  "Dulllis say me possed toos be quiet til tolds talk.  But Drud n Elf Lard teach when me berry smaller.   Lord wiid Horn always speak fer Lady.  Ifn me see Lord wid Horn, must ask and dos.   So me ask.  What Lady need fer Shorty do?"  Shorty glances guiltily over at Dualis and Kaine for speaking.

In reply to Shorty (msg # 182):

The council watches as Shorty steps forward.  Shorty notices the hickory tree is his friend Hicks.  When he speaks to the unicorn only the cherry and the nymph noticeably react, it is slight in both cases and it is a slight widening of the eyes.

As Shorty looks at Dualis, all the mage does is rolls his eyes.  He then takes a barely noticeable breath and gives Shorty a smile.

Hicks then speaks: "You know you were forbidden to speak and yet you do so; you present yourself to do the Lord of Unicorns bidding and you respected the direction of your teachers."  he pauses  "I believe this also shows the depth of his care.  I acknowledge the guides of Shorty and what they have taught you.  What say you council?"  The others take a little time but eventually nod, the nymph is the last.

Dualis breathes out.  Kaine opens his eyes again.

"It is well" says Hicks  "Shorty of Delith, we have two conditions for you knighthood.  The first is to do your best to rid this world of the foul invaders.  The second will be requested if you complete the first.  Rise and respond."

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 183):

Shorty rises and looks steadily at Hicks.   After a moment he replies.  "Me come wid friends ta fight bad cloud and bad peoples.   Me no like cloud.  Me comes ta fight cause friend Hicks need help.   Friend a Shorty comes to cause be berry good friend.  But Dullis.show picture.  Tress all be dead.   Shorty  gonna fights.  But nots ta be night of Lady.  Shorty fights save trees n cause Hicks bees good friend."   Shorty looks around at the rest of the council and adds "Ken always makes mo friend.  Maybes all ken be Shorty friend.  Me hopes maybe yes.  How's how ken helps friends and big Drud."

In reply to Shorty (msg # 184):

Hicks booms in response to Shorty: "It is settled then, Shorty, you will join in battle against the hoard."  the rest of the council responds "Hiyee"

Dualis takes a step forward.  "High Leaf, Shorty's companions also request your leave to join the fight with Shorty.  They support their companion and call him friend."

Hicks looks to his left and right - the other members give a slight nod. "The Council accepts their generous offer and recognizes the significance.  Have them step forward and be recognized."

Dualis motions the rest of you forward.

Actions?

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 185):

Warwick takes off his helmet and steps forward, bowing deeply

In reply to Warwick (msg # 186):


"May I present to the Council Lord Warwick Forgemaker"  Dualis introduces Warwick.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 187):

Morteft will step forward and bow to the crowd

In reply to Morteft (msg # 188):

As Morteft walks forward Dualis will say.

"Council, may I present mage of renown and protector of Calator, Morteft Atac."

So far the Council has not moved or changed expression from the two announcements.

--DM2

In reply to Ron, The DM (msg # 189):

Trysk steps forward next and bows.

In reply to Trysk (msg # 190):

"Council, may I present the specialist Trysk of Delith."  Dualis announces Trysk

At this the Council performs a hand/horn/branch salute, a quick swooping motion down and back up.  Hicks the hickory speaks, "We are gratified that the companions of the squire have been so inclined to join him in this noble quest.  Know now that you are under no geas or obligation.  It is your choice to be so engaged."

He pauses as if expecting some sort of reply.

--DM2