Lucy excused herself from the children to go to her room and put away her equipment.

She also changed out of her clothing into something much more casual.  When she was dressed she returned to the party.

The kids who had found her before, found her again.

"Kitty lady!" They all screamed in unison, running towards her.

Lucy had no idea how to react.  She had never spent much time around kids, and by far, had never expected to be their "Kitty lady!"

But, she supposed "Kitty Lady" was better then some of the things she had been called over the years.

So, she settled into a routine, of eating, playing with the kids, drinking, playing with the kids, and when they FINALLY all went to bed, she went to the gaming tables and wagered on the game of bones.  And ate and drank some more.

When the sun rose the next morning, she could barely move.  Her head was exploding, and she hurt everywhere.

Beside her was one guy on her right and a girl on her left.  She tried to remember the specifics of the night before, but after the kiddies went to bed, everything seemed to just turn into a big blur.

She groaned, rolled over and went back to sleep.  Even with the sun shining in the room, it was just too early to get up, or move.

  He   throws  and  arm around he rshoulder, Giving her  a gentle Hug, then leaves off as  he shuts the door.

   Instead of taking the path to the  Village center. he veers of on a  thin..seldom used  path..it , Like the other   paths to the   south west.. rise  a bit higher..

  When they  reach  a level  space.. he  walks  to the left a bit.. Even with the  music , food   smells and  songs  rising up  from the  Village  center.. This part of the forest was  darker.

 It was  colder... and the trees  seemed, less happy here. They  formed  more of a shroud  then a canopy.

 Here. were many stone with Names  carved in. Some had  figures  adoring them. Most of these were  bow men/women  others had   animals... some were  just pointed  stones.

 Kree Stopped in front  on one  stone, he  brushed  away some of the   seed pods  and dried leaves....look at this..... a year or better..judging  by the seed pods...no one  came here to clean  this place up....

 As he cleaned it away, the name said..'Lita Brighttree-Quickshadow'

  what would be a deeper voice for an elf, came from the darkness as a Figure stepped out  into the dim light...I did not see you, rush to clear it, Last time your  were here?


 If Kree was surprised  by  Krell's appearance, he did well, hiding it...we had little  time then, I did not even visit my house.....Yet?  You ..who are  an Elder and  never  venture  far from the confines of the trees... could not take an Hour?.. mayhaps..spend a  few coins to have some one else clean it...


 ... whether the  leaves and pods  are cleared away... matters little to your  Mother, and those  who rest with her.... Perhaps? If all are Archers  would ha been here that day....

 Rising, ever so slowly  Kree looked at Krell ,..you have  tried to blame  Ivy and Me for the last 10 years... yet? who was it, that called us..'unsuited' to be  Razorhawk Watchmen...... I noticed when the time came...no one doubted our skills to  be  members of the Black Hunt...

 He brushes  that away with a wave of his  Hand,  This, Father.... is Brestine Darksbane... I met her when i passed through the Mists, not long ago.... when I returned here.. I offered her the chance  at a new Home...and  a place with teh Arrows....Brie.. This is  my Father, Krell Quickshadow...now...2nd  Elder of  the Razorhawk Clan

 Krell looked at Brie  and Nodded,   ..you may wish to rethink your place with the Arrows... at least...HIS..Arrows.... many  folk Die under his...'command"...

 Aye, there is truth in that... My father has  only lost two or three people from His  Unit  of  Razorhawk Guardsmen.. but  then again.. its  ahrd to lose people, when your  biggest thread is a forest runner..

 Krell Glowered at Kree,we need to take  care of  our people first....something you would not understand...

 We need allies.. we cannot  hide in our trees for ever...sooner  or later... it will be our turn to be attacked... and  we have very few allies...

 This?..From the Elf  who is making enemies  with the Mage Guild?

 The Mages have never  been close friends. unless they needed  our people, or something from our forest... I simply  am making a statement

 ..a statement that you are a fool..and...

 Enough.....I came her  to  see Mother....not be  battered  by your words... In the end?  Elder Quickshadow.... There are mor epeople who would follow me... then follow you.... keep that  in mind.

    Ivy was, Indeed Making a fool of himself... but any that knew him, could see that it was a  part of his role.

  His fondness  for  females and   wine, not to mention the  roll of the bones...was not a mask, but he used it as a tool...and?  enjoyed it!

 ...............

 Enei talked with Orlin,..there  are many ways  to view the words of the fortelling...  none  can be sure...what the  words  mean...but? once  something happens , the words  can be made to fit what you wish...eh?  she chuckles  at her own  joke.

 ... i can point out  some herbs  that care  common to the Balck Timber, but hard to find  elsewhere.... With the great desert to the south... we have some odd seeds that sail into ot  beloved  trees... and mix  witht eh  plants that we  have now?... one   could say, those seeds, mirror   the people who settle into the Razorhawk Clans.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 182):

Brie was simply glad to be here.  Where he was leading her to was definitely unknown to her, but she trusted him to take charge.  She’d come this far, why question or doubt now.  She cared deeply for Kree and would travel wherever he needed to go or be.

She watched as he cleared the stone and then read the engraved name on it.  She took a coupe of steps back when the Elder Quickshadow stepped forward and spoke in a deeper tone than Kree.  The conversation between the two became bitter and vindictive, and this gave her a deep understanding of why Kree never really spoke about his father.

Brie too had a rough relationship with her mother.  She denied and disclaimed the elven part of her and never let her know who she truly was until she nearly died.  It was not long ago that she learned who her father was and had a deeper understanding of why her mother never spoke of her father.  He was a letch and dangerous.  However, that was not Brie, and she always aired on the side of caution.

She gave a nod and greeting to the Elder.  Sir, she spoke softly and let them continue for a moment and when Kree attempted to halt the conversation by wanting to visit with his mother and share her with Brie, she had to speak up.

She partially turned and put her hand upon Kree’s chest and whispered, ‘One moment’.  She gave him a comforting smile.  She turned to speak with Krell.

Master E-, Elder…Sir Krell, she stumbled over what to specifically call him as she was not a full Elf nor from here, but she was here with Kree and would stand by him regardless, unwavering.   I am but a simple being here.  First and foremost, I thank you and the others here, for the celebration and invite to come here. 

She takes a step towards him holding her hands out to show no harm.  I do not know of the actual reason that you and your son, Kree.  Nor, do I know what your relationship with your wife was like.  Though, it must mean a lot for Kree to bring me to meet her, even in her passing.  I can only gauge that he and her were close. 

She took a deep breath.  I would follow Kree, your son, to the moon and back if it was his calling.  I care for him deeply, more than I have any one before him.  I’ve had a wretched and dark mysterious past and with Kree’ s guidance and his own acceptance, he’s taught me much of my Elven birthright and much of I'm sure what you've taught him on how to fight and defend. 

She took one more step thus putting herself dead center between Krell and Kree.  Sons are going to always look for approval and acceptance from their fathers.  Daughters are much the same to their mothers.   I’m quite certain your wife, his mother, would be more than proud of the work and group he has obtained.  Likewise, I don’t think she’d want such a dark void between you both, even if you don’t exactly see eye to eye.

I was quite nervous coming here, for being accepted by the people, your people here.  Knowing I’m only half-Elf, it gave me an unsettling in my heart and mind, but I knew that Kree would never let any one treat me disrespectfully.

She turned to look at Kree and back at Krell. I can only hope that at some point before it is too late, that you can forgive yourself for whatever happened and forgive one another.  I’ve seen too many times families split because of hatred, vengeance, and greed.  I don’t see the first or the latter with you, Sir Krell, but I feel a deep aching pain and regret ebbing from you.  I don’t need magic to tell me that, I can read it in your eyes.

I apologize, if I’ve stepped out of line, but when it comes to him. She points behind her.  I care enough to step up when needed, and sometimes, when not.  I am still learning.

She nods and does a human-like half-curtsy to Krell something that came to her from habit of speaking to Elders and those of leadership as she grew..

In reply to Feast (msg # 183):

   Orlin nods thoughtfully, "True about Prophecy, the elders of our mages feel that there is a web that binds all things into a single soul.  The thought is that we are free to find our own way.  Destiny simply means that the over soul is wise enough to see the paths we will chose.  I assume there is a place I can resupply my medicines and suppliments here?  I try to only rely on the basics so I can always have an understanding of what I can achieve with my supplies."  He pats his Otter skin bag.

  Krell watched   Brie  as she  Spoke, Kree took a few steps  back and began clearing some more leaves from the next  stone over.

  When  Brie was finished, the Elder  simply nodded to her with some respect. then his eyes  went to what Kree was doing once more..you would think your  cousin would  find  time  to do that himself.

 Kree didn't look up,..Ivy is  enjoying himself... he will stop here  before we leave again..he always does.... we almost lost him to a red Elf arrow...


   There was a grunt from Krell,..was it a pitched  Battle?

 There was a shake of the younger  elf's  head..first Ambush..with the merchants.... The second  time they came for us, was  at The Mast...we  made sure  there was not much left....

 ..The Merchants worked against you? even while paying you?

 Kree stood,..I could not Prove that... i am thinking , the driver for certain.... if i had proff.. they would all be dead...

 That seems to be your  answer to everything.....

 There was a light chuckle,..not my answer... Father. TYhe Answer of the crimson Arrows...The Answer  of  the Razorhawk Clan...

 ..how so?

 With a look back to the stones, Kree said,...leave no live  enemies behind you.....

  He  turned to go Giving Brie a Gentl pat on the arm...Krell just watched...

  Enei  looked to the back, then back to Orlin,...  tomorrow, after    midday meal... take the path up the Hill , past the Shattered Blade...about  a half mile or so..you will see some stone and thatch cottages.. that is  were the Druids   have thier  homes..when they find  time to ...be there?

 ... we will see what  we may stock for you.

Brie watched as the tension eased a moment as they talked with a bit more patience and concern over Kree's mother's kept place.

Ivy, is Ivy, she said softly.  I've learned he takes his time doing things, in his own time.  Even in the short time period that I've traveled with the Arrows.

She gave Kree a smile as he turned to go.  Sir, Krell, sir.  I think she would want what's only best for you both.  For the family.  For the Arrows and your clan.

She gave him head bow of respect and turned to follow Kree.

After a bit of space had been gained between Krell and them, she spoke up. I hope I didn't make you mad.  I see now why you don't speak often about him.

  Kree and Brie   returned to the   fest.   People called out His name. The   lead  Bard called out......Captain..it is time for you to use your skills to entertain us!

 Two Girls   Grabbed his  arms    and Brought him to the 'stage'..a long wagon used  for  logs and such.

   The elf  Looked a bit  embarrassed but  said,... You all know, the  only instrument  i play, has but one string.... but it makes  sweet music, each time i thrumb the string!

 people laughed...

 ..I cannot sing... but   the songs of warriors .... he shrugs, I tell tales,  for my 'bard work'.....Do you care  for a Tale?

 Kids  and   grown ups  alike called out  names  of Tales...but the one that stood out, was the High peak demon.

  The Demon it is! folks  cheered, and  Kree   took a  tankard of  Elven Gold from one of the   women... He walked  back and forth as he talked,

 Krell appeared Behind Brie,always tried to get him to learn the Lute... he was to worried  about purse strings, they lute strings.. he  whispered.

 ... As you know... Deep in the bowels of the Highpeak Mountains, are many a fell folk... dark dwarves... Gnomes....dark elves... dragons..Ogres.... but the worst of All is the High peak demon.... he looked at the kids ( who really should be sleeping..but?  this was a fest...)

 some time ago....long befoe  even Elder Bleakroot was Born!  laughter..including from Bleakroot himself,... two Holy men set off on a mission, to Kil the  Demon and rid Hargen for its influence.... They Hired an Arrow... This Arrow? he was. like many Arrows... smart... quick...

 Ivy stoof   Up putting his hand on his chest,..and Handsome!  folks  laughed again.. the bards  were  strumming  mood music to go with the story..Aye...and Handsome.......talking a deep  drink of the elevn Gold he looked over the people, Mostly the  kids, They went through  forests   and  followed the rivers.... this was before... the Furman's  Chain.... it took weeks..but soon the Arrow  found a small tunnel , into the mountain....

 music  was changing   as he spoke.. kree began to look from child to child as his voice  got more menacing ,after  days  of  fighting through the   Mountain, they...at last..Came  Upon the Demon.. tall as an Ironwood  tree... and Kept  in place   by the  Molten heart of the high Peaks...But.. the  creature  still had  power... and  he froze the heroes  and  placed them on a board.... on the other end of the Board were The orcs... The  dead put them heroes to a test.... it was how he Amused himself... Trapped  bu the  deadly molten metal that could kill even him... The demons   Firey  eyes  and scalding skin  made sure, none of his  toys could move...

He Looked at the  First Holy warrior  The follower of the All Power.. "..I will test your faith!...  If you  step off the board and send  this orc to his death... I will give you  the Mace of  Truth...not only will it let you know, when some one lies but it will destroy them as well!"

  Kree  changed his  voice to  sound grilish.." I will not  do your Bidding!...kill the orc yourself!"  he took another sip,the demon nodded,  he flicked  his finger  and the orc  went across the ravine.. to a door and ran away.....

 ..to the second  holy warrior the follower of Lenus... he too..would not Kill the orc..even though he was  Promised the Sword of the Sun.. Instant   death to any Undead    it would be close to....

 ..again?  the orc  was wisked across the way.... and  ran out the door to the   Hargen side of the Mountain....

...then  the Demon, who was much amused.. turned to the   Arrow...... I will give you this  Arrow of Power... it  will slay anything it is used against...and  will return to your quiver...a week after you use it....all you have to do is....

 Kree Yelled!!!... the Kids ( and some adults) Jumped...the elf  chuckled,..The Arrow had stepped off the board, before  the   Demon even finished,,,sending the orc down to a firey death... The demon  Gave him his Arrow.


 But the Demon was not  done .. he looked at the All Power  warrior......"...the orc  you set free?.... will rape a  young woman, her son will become a great Halforc  warrior...and Kill thousands  of people..enslave thousands More....because you failed to kill him......

 to the Lenus  warrior,  the demon said,"....Your  Orc will find a group of Bandits... he will train them and they will become the greatest warriors in the realms...and help lead  Haregen, in taking over the realms....all this? because you would not kill the orc....

  Then Finally..to the Arrow he gave  a Black Arrow..with  a Blood red Tip, and scarlet  feathers. " you have  done  well... the Orc you killed  would have stole boat..he would build a great Pirate  fleet,,,and kill or  enslave thousands before   his fleet would be destroyed....You?  can rest easy  at night...while your friends.. must share in every slave..every death..caused  by their pompus ego-fed actions....

 The Demon placed the three by the door,".... i will allow you to leave...I will enjoy watching you try, to stop the pain you released upon the world, but not stopping them, when you had the chance...

 The flames on the demon's  arms , seemed to dancing and Mock them..even as the  Arrow   Pulled back his  Bow and aimed towards the Demon...

 ..You fool! Do you think i would give you a weapon that could harm me?

 Kree leaned towards the Kids..some shook their heads slowly...some  huddled next to each other...

   The Arrow  Fired  his Arrow of Power.. and it  sailed  Past the  Demon and Into the  wall!  the bards  Banged on  Big Drums..causing  folks  to jump once more..

 The explosion  Blew a hole in the wall... and the Motlen Metal shot   out... Pouring over the Demon, Knocking him to the  firery floor... in minutes..the demon was  gone.. melted to death, By the holy  metals of the High Peak Mountains....

 ..as the htree walked  down the  tunnel.. they had new respect for the Arrow... The Alpower Warriror said...you beat the Demon!....

 There was a nod , from the Arrow,"..it is My way.......you must be the Fire...that fights, the fire...and you cannot leave  Live enemies, behind you!"

 Then the  Arrow  added...."...let us go clean up your mess...."

  Folks  Clapped and  kids cheered for the Arrow in the story...one of the women Gave Kree another   mug and he left the stage.

  The Lead Bard asked  if  any other  Arrows  cared to entertain!

Brie laughed when the two girls took off with Kree so that he could tell of one of his adventures.  She paused as her breathe was briefly taken away when Krell walked up behind her and spoke of Kree’s childhood.  She let out her breathe and smiled.

Kree, is a person of many talents, she said to Krell.  Even if it’s not exactly how you want it, he still gets the job done.   My mom, she wanted me to carry on her human occupation, being a hand-maiden to the local King.  It was the local wizards during the time of their festivals that I learned of their tricks and they in turn taught me a few things.  I traveled with them for a bit until I returned home and then my mom sent me to a local tavern for a new line of work.  She was ashamed of me and my newly learned talents, but she saw a momentary light of profit.  That’s where Kree and I met.  I never made my mother happy.  I never let her meet Kree.  It would have been a bitter moment for her. It was a wicked slaver Elf who took her joy and then I came along and took away the rest of her life.  She too had been an adventurer.

She listened to Kree spin the tale as he drinks of the Elven wine.

I can’t tell you what to believe or feel, but your son is does well.  Given the chance, he can be just as great as you and accompany you upon that mighty balcony that you stand.

She turned to look at Krell.  All my life, I wanted to know who I was and why.  Once I learned that, I felt ashamed, thanks to my own mother.  Kree came along when I was at a very low point, worst job of my life.  He showed me the path, showed me what it was to be an Elf.  Mind you, I’m only part Elf, but one nonetheless.  Since, I’ve grabbed ahold of everything I can learn and ran with it.  Kree accepted me for who I am.  I’m more than thankful.

Kree had finished his story and left the stage taking another drink.

I, too, just want to be accepted.  I may not be of the same blood as you, or Kree, or Ivy even, but I will never, ever put myself in a situation where I taint the Arrows name or honor.  I don’t care if you don’t accept me, I’ve been denied many times over.  That one there is all that matters.

She paused and took a deep breath watching out before her at Kree and Ivy.  He makes me happy. Much like I'm sure that you made your wife happy too.

Luthien had long been very quiet...contemplative...but the Knight seems to have returned from his reverie, and rejoined the main festival.

"Slaying an orc, or any other being, must be judged on its own merits, not because someone else told you to do it. Regardless of who someone else is. In this case, the demon knew it was such an untrustworthy source that if it told people to do something, they'd decline, and evil would spread thereby. It was a well played gambit."

Garrat had thanked the druidess and listened to the story.  "Do you have the tails of how he cleaned up the messes?"

   There was a bit of a laugh from the druidess,..as  young Quickshadow  said..it was a tale from years back..and more.... The Arrow back then, was called..just that..The Arrow. years later  he founded the Arrows, so to  seek out  evil,... They did not  become the Crimson Arrows   Until Kree's  Granfather... Brig Brighttree... set the course for Arrows, to not  just Hunt down Darkness, but become mercenaries, with coin being added to the Black Timber Coffers..

 she  chuckles  a bit more,..There isn't a  village in the Forest that doesn't have at least one until...but the Razorhawk clan  has the best.

............

  To Luthien one of the townsfolk  just   chuckles,..There be some Orcs who have moved into The Timber.... But  you won't see many an Orc spared, when  we are on the battlefield..

  Krell gave her a  wry smile, as kree kept getting intercepted  by  townsfolk, Most of them women. He received  some  kisses and Hugs, slaps on the back and  armclasps from men.

   There were some  Genuine smiles and laughter from Kree  as  some  of the  people who sported   Arrow insignias  stopped  to  ask/tell him something.

   There was  bit of stern disgust...or? envy? as he watched  Kree,...There is not much difference, between he and his cousin..perhaps? Ivy is more Honest, because he shows  his wanton ways , more then  Kree. who seems to be covered in the cloak of his ..'leadership'... I  must mingle with the people, I am sure I will see you, on the Morrow....Lady Arrow...

   A Human woman who wore  any eye patch and  leather (sparse )  armor.. her  Arrow  necklace  Bouncing about  started to Pull Kree once more to the  Center... Kree  pointed to Brie.. and  Two   folks  grabbed her  and  ushered  her to the  center.. There   people  put their  arms on each others  shoulders  forming  a circle around the Totem...

  the bards  began their   music and three bards.. a Human Male, and elven female..and  a Half Orc female.. would  sing the words to the song, Honoring  the Names on the totem  The   Circle   moving  first clock wise..then counter  clockwise, with  a leg  kIcks and Bows

  even children  formed their own little  circle  and  emulated  the grownups ..Ivy   stood on a table  waving a bottle  a Bottle and shouted  out  chorus on his  own...

 Elder Grenwal was dancing  about, as  good as a drunken dwarf  could dance.... while Bleakroot seemed  content  to watch, smile  and sip at his wine.

Brie watched as Kree attempted to get back to Brie and the Elder Quickshadow.

Before they came and got her, she shrugged at his comment. The same could be said of you, she said and then let herself be lead away before she could speak further.

She joined Kree and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.  She took a drink and began the merriment that Kree and his clan offered.

 the celebration never  really stopped... but did  slow to a crawl a few hours  before  sun up.

 Kree  and Brie talked to  folks of the Razorhawk Clan... there was also a Unit of Arrows from the Rooteater Clan...they traded some information with Kree as to the Missing  Tou Unit..and they also shared , mistrust for CArn and his Unit.

 People told Brie  embarrassing  stories of Ivy and Kree getting in trouble, being chased through the Timber by older brothers  or  Fathers of Maidens... or by  farmers  whose   cows  started to glow in the night because of   glowroots  put in their  water.

   Grenwal stopped  by and Listened  with a gleam in his  eyes  laughing with the rest..He holds up his Mug for a refill of  ale ( he didn't even care what kind!) and  told the story of  a Human Merchant who had come from Ironmound to a Bazaar that the elves   set up outside  the Trees....so... there's  this Iromound Human... he's  sellin' silver ware...Cup..plates... you name it... he was also Buyin' the stuff?..an' what was he doin'? The Bloody Bastard was plating   tin with a silver coat...bakin' it on..hard  ta tell ' less  you was a dwarf...or  mayb  a gods-be damned gnome.... but.. seems Kree bumped into som eone  and noticed  the chip on a plate , when it hit the ground.. so's..these two ragamuffins  get this  idea.. they're gonna make the fella  pay fer stealin good coin from the   Black Timber  folks?... So  Kree  keeps brining  folks over  ta the man's  wagon.. and they pay him. an' he drops the coins into his  lockbox safe that's in the   wagon..Right behind him....now?..Kree.. fer a  rascal..he's pretty good at talkin' folks inta  things... so these folk are comin back ta the merchant..led by Kree, who told  them what they were doin'...by night fall? the Merchant had  only a couple  items left.. and he gave them ta Kree for  bringin' him so many  Customers...The  crowd  moved back into the  trees... and only ones  left were the few 'outlander' Mechants...they weren't permitted inta the forest at that time...but the  Silvaerware Mechant?  he goes  ta count his coin? and all he  find in his  safe is a bunch of tin slugs, half painted with silver coat...  and a hole that was  cut through the floor of his wagon  by Ivy..some say there  is still a Bounty of Kree's  head  in  Engar fer that , since the merchant's home town was there...

 Kree  chuckled  and   waved to everyone to Lead Brie home... Ivy   was gone... but none knew where...

 She came and sat nearby listening to the stories and laughing with the rest of the people. It had been a long time since she had been able to listen to stories and join with a group. Perhaps someday she would feel as if she belonged. But for now she would linger and listen and learn to know these people if possible.

In reply to Feast (msg # 193):

"In fairness, I have never met an orc worth sparing. But if the goddess insists one of them is not black to the core, then I must follow such a pronouncement. On the other hand,
one of my duties is to scan to slavers we fight. Every once in a while, I'll find a man who reads grey. I usually find such men were forced into it against their will, or they're very young...teenagers, mostly, who don't understand what they're doing and would quit if they were informed."

IE, if his aura read pronounces a particular orc NOT black to the core, he must respect that.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:31, Tue 02 May 2017.

   The Morning  came.  Smoke  from  either  fires  that have died our, or new fries that were being built... drifted  slowly into the air..fighting  with the dampness, to reach the tops of the trees and be gone.

  Dew dropped from leaves, making the  forest  look like rain, anytime a bit of Breezed rifted  through...but all knew , in a few hours   it  would be warm, and dry.

 People  came  from the  homes in the Village, and  even some of those  who lived on paths out side of the village , proper., bringing  food to add to the tables..Huntmen carried  back boar and Deer..some a string of rabbits, for making  stews or slicing meat.

  except  for  talking and some laughter, the Village  was a bit quiet.  Bards would not show up, until the mid day meal.

  Kree was up, untangling himself  from brie, and put on a fresh set of forestgreen clothing, his  leather   he cleaned and hung  outside, along  with Brie's. Witht he  food  being brought to the  Village center, The elf  only make  caffee, with  tea set aside  for Brie.

 their   old traveling clothes  hung outside as well. a new  set, laid out  fro Brie from  his sister's closet.

  As he waited  for her to wake, he sipped his caffee, and  rubbed down the Bow, and  checking the heads on his  blackshafted  arrows.

  Kree had the door open to the fresh air..Loa  knocked softly as she entered,..you should have waited, I would have cleaned the clothing and armor?

 he motioned to the Caffee,...nay? Fests  do not come along   often enough, for you to spend  time cleaning....I am..able to clean my own things  when i am here...  he grinned a bit.

 ..Of  Course, CAptain... Linny and I were  on the way for Mornfest?... will you be coming?

 Aye, as soon as Brie makes ready...

 she smiled and waved,..we will see you there....

......................

 At  the Village Center a runner  came in  and ran to the  Council Building that was  across the  path from the Shattered Blade... The Mages  where on their  way, and should reach the   village by Midday meal.

Once Kree and Brie had left the party and settled in for the night, the night of partying took its seat and Brie was out for awhile.  Even with Kree shifting her about, she didn't wake for a couple of more hours.

It was eventually the sound of Loa and Kree talking that woke her up and she sat looking around the room and saw the new garments that Kree had set out for her.  Definitely must've been his sisters, she felt a pang of sadness but honor at the same time.

Getting dressed as briskly as she could, she wanted to say hello to Loa before she departed.  Being a bit disheveled with her hair, she came out and gave Loa a nod and hello.  Morning to you, she said.  Hope the festivities have treated you fair.

She walked up to Kree and kissed him on the cheek.  Thank you for the clothes, she said softly.

 Lao smiles a bit  embarrassed at the state of  Brie's hair...The  late night  fest was a bit much.. we left after  Master  Kree's story. Linny and  I deciede to  not do any work at the house today.. I do not even need cook!.. we  may buy a pie or two form fair, to take home as well...

   There is a Nod  To Linny as he collects his  wife  and the head off to the  Village. The clothing is  not  doing anyone good, hanging in a closet.,,and  our leathers  needed cleaned  and aired, so we do not carry the scent of Tou with us, everywhere  we  go.

 we  you are  ready, we will go  for  some food.. i would like to be there  when the Mages  Come

....................

 As other Arrows made their  way to the  fest. They saw  many a folks lying about, as if some great battle had taken place, except there was no blood, and some folk were rising very slowly.

  Some of the cooks  were  laying pans  of  cut meats and   homebaken breads  on pans to tast them, or keep the meats  warm.. there were already a dozen of  so pies on the table.. and   women were coming down the  slight  hill with more, from the Shattered Blade's  Bakery.

Brie waved Linny and Lao a good bye as he brushed her out of the house.

They are a very cute couple, she adds. We can go in a bit.

She gives a wink to Kree.  She then saunters about the house looking at everything and coming across his sister's closet of items.  She looks over it all carefully.

It can stay here, she says to him as she goes to find a place to quickly tidy up her hair once she's gave the place a look over. Besides, I'll need pretties when we come back to visit, eh?

Once she had brushed out her hair and put it up in a partial tie back, she came back out to find Kree.

We can go when you want, she says.

   Kree takes His bow up the steps, hanging it on  the wall with the  Arrows  close  by. The weapons  Belt  stays , lying against his   'ever-prersnt' backpack. , but he   dose take a  small belt off the wall that holds a  Silver handled  Dagger.

  The one thing, i do not like about  gatherings, is that we should not bear our  weapons, unless we are either coming, going, or on watch. It is considered an insult to the Wardens of the forest...

  Off we go then....

....................

  There is one lone  , younger bard, playing near the 'stage'..simpl;y strumming  some light music as  folks  wake up..or stumble in..or arrive to eat.

 Krell is  sitting with a Human woman, who is a few inches taller, and broader of shoulder, but very comely and is flirting with him with no shame. Krell..seems to overly enjoy it.

 Grnwal is  sitting  by Himself, with a plate stacked high with hotcakes, , though they are hard to see under the  syrup he  dumped upon them

  Bleakroot is not at the  Village center.

  Kree finds a table   that is back a bit , so he can look at the Totem ( and have an eye on the 'trade road' entrance ) He asked  a rather chirper, server  Girl  if she has seen Ivy...her response was to look around with wide  eyes, and frown,..nay Captain, i have not , since late night?....I think he said...'spreading joy aorund"... was the last i heard...

Thank you... can I have some Caffee with milk and sugar.. and whatever  eggs  may be made?...And what ever Lady Brie would wish?


 she Smiles  and nods, and  waits for Brie to order and will move  quickly to get it.
..........................

  There  clerics.. an Elf woman wearing a green robe with Yellow  trim and a tree on her  right  shoulder and over her  hart, sits  with 2 Men. One elven man wears, Green and white  robes  with white  trim, a Golden arrow on his right shoulder, and over his  heart. The Third man is Human and wears Red robes  with silver   trim, a silver bow with a knocked  Arrow is on his right shoulder and over his heart. This fellow is  eating a goodly pile of meat and  toasted bread.
..................

   the  amount of people stay about the same, as some folks  come to eat and  drink, while others move off to get some things  done. other folks are staying , giving themselves a holiday!

Brie follows Kree down to the festive set up.  As Kree is locating a table, Brie passes by Krell and runs her hands along his shoulders comfortingly, smiles, and nods.

Elder, she says and then locates where Kree sat and took her place next to him.  She smiles at the server and contemplates on what to order.

I think, I'll make it simple today, just some type of bread, jam, honey, and maybe a bowl of mixed fruits.  Some morning tea would be fine as well please.

Once the order was taken and the girl dismissed herself she turned to Kree.  No word on Ivy? she asks.  Probably found himself in some brush and no clothing, knowing him.

She giggled.  Whose that by your father? she asked curiously noticing that the female was human.

   Kree  drinks  from his caffee as he looks to  the Elder,..I am Uncertain... Northern from her  look.  Must be one of My father's latest admirers ... He focuses on  the women, i guess he figures  if he can conquer slavers,  he can go after easier game...

 The  Woman and Krell are Both looking   towards their  Table , Kree  raises his   mug and  grins his  grin that has anger many a person over the decades.

 The Woman frowed  and  was  speaking to Krell with a vexed look on her  face, Krell shot  Kree a dark glance  as he tried to calm down the woman.

 ..Aye, Northern for certain....most like, has a Club sitting by her  feet.
 he started to chuckle.. The the Horns  Blew...signaling the approach of the MAges...