It is a brisk December afternoon- the breeze off the water is blocked by the walls enclosing the harbor, though, and in here it feels warmer than it does outside.

At Khyberon’s harbor the two groups converge; Alba, Mia, Aramil, Togo, and Flitter having just arrived on the boat from Corbilo, and Morgan, Ongriss, and Vincentas, who are here as guests of Lord Radyul… along with the Sea Sprite Mystal.  Also present with Morgan, Ongriss and Vincentas are Budig II, King of Brittany (whom Aramil certainly recalls, at least) and his wife and daughter.  And of course, Lord Radyul, the “senior Elf” of Khyberon, who today has been acting as tour guide.

Flitter is extremely happy to see Morgan again, and zooms at her quite suddenly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:33, Tue 12 Feb 2013.

Mystal spots the Pixie and swoops down towards him.... Cousin of the house. It be one, Mystal Fortunata, how fareth Thee... she introduces and greets patting their arm We hath found a Tenner here. she points towards the clump of clover then glances towards the Elf lord Lord Radyul, tis happenstance ast we both chanced upon each other, this very moment she considers for a moment Or perchance it be the drawing of the tenner...she beams

ooc I'm presuming Flitter is a male pixie as there isn't a character cast profile
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Wed 13 Feb 2013.

"Ay, well met, most dear of pixies! And how have you fared in the time since we last saw each other?  Doing good, and having fun in the doing, I've little doubt. You must tell me of your latest journeys.  And, indeed, see here -- we have made the acquaintance of this lovely Sea sprite, Mystal.  Whom does in fact seem to have found honest to Trivia tenner clover. Perhaps in truth the luck that bring us together, as Mystal poses-?" 

It lilted Morgan's heart to reunite with her flitting, fae friend.  Of course...the pixie was not the only one of the new-arrivals whom Morgan was familiar with.

No...the dark haired man of elvish and human ancestry was known to her too.  More so.  She smiled at him when it first seemed appropriate to do so. Attempting to have the expression relaxed and friendly. And then found someone else to look at.

There was no reason for discomfort. Not really. That which was more than friendship between them had ended cleanly enough.  Acknowledged on both sides.  With no acrimony.  Yet, still...

Aramil brought that mix of feelings in her that wasn't simple to clearly define.  She wasn't so certain that they belonged together. But, she recognized now, she had missed him.  She wondered if there was resentment on his side.  Or if seeing her again was of any moment; perhaps since moved on to new interests?

Mia looks over at togo laughing with a smile for a moment. "This is a nice place isn't it Togo."

Hearing Nimora Mia quickly takes a moment to make sure she is presentable. She wishes she had thought of it before they climbed off the ship. She wanted a brush and more though she doesn't realize it her hair suddenly comforms as though she had brushed it. Any smudges and wrinkles in her clothing suddenly self correct in response to her desires.

Seeing Lord Radyul she felt a touch nervous hopping everything would go well. They wer guests here and she hopped to take many fond memories of the place with her when they eventually had to leave. Then when Mia spots Morgan her blue eyes sparkle lighting up with happines as her blond silky hair blows in the wind. She Waves to morgan calling to her as she makes her way amitedly with a bit of excitement and haste similar to Flitter. "Morgan! It's been far to long. I haven't seen you since we parted ways a while back. Aramil has done well and we actually saw his home back at his village."

Seeing Mystal she looks at her with a touch of wonder. She liked the fey and it was always nice meeting one. Well aside from the redcaps which she really didn't like. He had clung to her leg during the fight and she had thumped him good on the head for that! "Hello my name is Mia, the Pixie is flitter a good friend of mine. Aramil is the ranger, that's Alba over there, and Togo. Togo is a druid though his friend the bear isn't close. At least I don't think so. It's a pleasure to meet you Mystal we are doing well."

She also greets Lord Khyberon warmly if he is present curtseying as he is nobility.

When appropriate Togo introduces himself with a big smile "Hello, my name is Togo. A pleasure to meet you my lord" he gives a bow of respect. He waves to the others in friendly greeting. A dandelion head pokes its head from one of his bags at his waist. Upon spotting the Pixies the dandelion bellows out "Whoah, check out those hotties. Hey guys, you GOT to see.." Togo cringes and quickly pokes the plant back inside the bag with his finger and tightens the strap. "Not NOW he whispers loudly" at the bag. "Mrrrmrr mhppp fupppphhh" the bag faintly speaks back.

OOC: FYI Flitter is female

As much as she might want to stay, Alba pulls herself away from the elves in the market; there's far too much to do here to be caught up in the mercantile details. It certainly won't do to irritate Radyul if they are going to request his aid against the remaining huns.

As they walk along, she notices some of the people they had fought pirates with. The big sailor and his girlfriend along with a few other  humans and a couple of elves. The people that she hasn't met have the look of those that are accustomed to fine things about them. Figuring that this must be Radyul, she curtseys. "My lords and ladies, I am Alba Panteras of Corialum. We have just arrived from Corbilio and Namnates." She figures that will pique their interest.

Ongriss grins at the antics of the little fey. The group turns around to greet the new arrival, especially the new fey that Radyul spied on the incoming boat.

She isn't too concerned with the identity of the people arriving. If the elves are happy with them, it should be alright. As they walk along, she chatters with the winged fey, talking about important things like what seasonings go best with anchovies and waffles.

Her voice trails off when she realizes who the newcomers are. The iron woman, Aramil, Togo, and Alba. "We know them! We fought pirates and a demon on Monte Tombe with them!"

She runs over and tackles Mia.

Mia looks rather startled by the energetic greeting although she has just enough presence of mind to gently catch Ongriss. She's careful not to hurt the lovely wereseal. "Hi Ongriss it's good to see you. Is Vincentas doing well?" She gives Ongriss and Vincentas a warm smile. If he's close enough she greets him as well. "Hello Vincentas."

She gently sets Ongriss down from the impromptu hug. "You missed the big battle between the Fey and the Huns. I actually fought the Hun General that was there and still have his magical spear. You should have seen Togo, Alba, Aramil and even flitter as all fought heroically. Especially Togo we had to patch him up afterwards. What have you and Vincentas been up to since we parted?"

Glancing in the direction of the Dandelion Mystal tilts her head to one side listening, turning towards Flitter she grinning mischievously. Taking to wing she fly's towards the Druid's hip sack. Hovering near she pokes at it Knock Knock anyone at home she asks the sack playfully then peers up at the Longlegged Druid Master Druid hath Thee knowledge of how best to entice a tenner to safer soil
This message was last edited by the player at 07:53, Fri 15 Feb 2013.

pm

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 10):

PM

"Well hello there" Togo takes a step back nervous about having a female pixie flying about his waist. It was one of those awkward situations for him. "You..um...should..um...not be poking me" he says cautiously both frightened and excited at the same time.

Gathering his wits together he attempts to answer her question while watching her carefully "Um..ah..well I'd imagine if you found a ten leaf clover, the place where it grew would be imbued with special magic...and that magic would be embedded in that place. So sadly, unless you knew of another special magic place, transplanting the clover would most likely end up having it pass away."

"Hearph..epht shnkph sh ryphes eee" says the bag.

Radyul notes to Togo that he has already suggested Khyberon's terrace conservatory as a good place for Mystal's little clover patch.

It is, after all, December, and though there is no snow here, it's not a good time for planting, overall.

He looks around the busy little group.  In the course of a few days, the Elves of Khyberon have gone from a reclusive, introverted lifestyle to hosting guests by the boatload!

Radyul senses he is in over his pointed ears.  He summons help- other Elves of Khyberon, asking questions he has never had to deal with before.

”Do we have room for them all?  How are the furnishings in the unused guest rooms?  Are there any?  How many other visitors do we have?  Let the word go out this is private, now.  It will not do to have boats from the other islands overwhelming us, until we know just how many are here!”

He walks the group back to the main building, past the Elven shops of the harbor.  This time, some of the shopkeepers are eager for the visitors to examine their goods.  They try to tempt Alba and Mia with colorful jewelry made of coral and shell.

* * * * *

Aramil (whose player has vanished mysteriously, bad timing!) doesn’t have a difficult time seeing Morgan again.  They parted friends… despite whatever emotions had bubbled up and then been suppressed, Aramil knew they lived to much in each other’s worlds to be cold to each other.  The experience had made him cautious… and perhaps that hadn’t worn off yet… but not where it came to old friends.

** ** **

Budig, for his part, decides there are tales he needs to hear.  News had reached him of the battle at Namnates, and how the Treants and the Fey had risen to help the people there reclaim their city.

It still strikes many that the Fey would do this.  They had never shown any inclination for war before.  Radyul is equally amazed that such a thing happened.  Fey defend their forests and their beautiful natural realms, yes, but to attack a city?  Even when the cause was just, it was unheard of!

Flitter decides that since she was there, and she is a Fey, she should be spokes-Pixie.  Besides… there is the likelihood that Mystal does not know.  And Mystal should.  Every Fey should.

”We had to,” Flitter says with a small squeaky voice far more serious than any Pixie ever was. “You remember, Morgan.  What they want from us.”

Flitter turns to Mystal.  “They Huns have been after our blood.  They hunted us, in the forest.  It was horrible.  They want our blood because it is magical, and the Fey could not stand them anymore.  It had to be done.”

In reply to Ben (msg # 13):

Mystal swooped down beside her House cousin, slipping a supportive arm around the Pixi's waist. Sweeping the longleggs in the room with as stern a glance as she could, in a bold chimbing voice she mirrored Flitters statement Indeed it hath to be done...

After embracing her other dear friend, the living golem Mia, Morgan had settled in to listen to the rest of the discourse.  And the wizardess was, perhaps, one of a few unsurprised by the Fey's move to war.   Because, as Flitter had suggested, she well knew what the dark and dire Hun priesthood desired to take from them.  She would never forget the pitched battle within the smoke filled woods, when she and others had worked to defend the beleaguered Fey.

"The Huns are the worst of threats," she put in, "because of what leads them. Our truest and most powerful enemies aren't of this world at all. And they goad those who listen to them the most vile of acts. Thankfully, mortalkind and Fey can cooperate. Because, truly, I think it will require us working together, to have any hope of lasting and meaningful victory."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Fri 15 Feb 2013.

A bead of sweat begins to form on Togo's forehead. He nods and gives a short bow to the elven lord. Turning in the direction of the pixie Mystal he says "The elven lord has spoken most wisely. I would strongly recommend following his advice". Togo takes a deep breath having successfully adverted further calamity. His heart was racing as it was.

Upon hearing King Budig was interested in the fey battle Togo smiles big "Indeed the fey battle was truly something to behold.." then frowning "too bad I wasn't conscious for all of it."

Alba comes forward. The leaders want to know the gist of the occurrence at Namnates. She provides a brief run down of the battle. "We used multiple ploys against the Hun at Namnates. We knew that they were using fey blood to power their spells, so we enticed some out with an offer of some fey. That left the gates open and we had a team of brownies infiltrate the city and sabotage certain key items.

When the group of huns figured out that it was a ploy, we started the attack. We made a feint for the gate, but then attacked at a tower that was weak. The huns fell for the feint and concentrated their forces at the gate. It allowed us to gain a foot hold and spread out from there.

Many of the huns were killed, but the leader escaped. We believe that he is holed up in a village with the remnants of his forces, maybe a hundred or so orcs. It seems that one of the huns there has found some kind of magic ring that grants one an alternate form of some power. He is the one keeping the huns in the village from panicking and falling upon each other in a frenzy."

Somewhere along the way between hugging Onigriss after being tackled she also gently hugs Morgan. "I agree it had to be done. That's why we led the Fey in battle against the huns. Alba is right the battle was won however Longtusk I think his name was got away. We still have his spear and I think he wants it back. Perhaps we could use it as bait? It might make the task of driving them out of this part of the land once and for all a little easier."

She turns her attention towards the plants knowing that they were making some sort of trouble for Togo. He was actually sweating a little. "Togo is everything all right you seem a bit nervous. Perhaps Mystal would like to travel with us. I think flitter could use some fey company. Your welcome to help us against the Huns Mystal we will do our best to make the forest safe for the fey. That and of course the land safe for people who live in towns and cities as well."

She thought flitter might be happier if she had someone like herself for company. Plus she thought Mystal might want to do something about the huns. Perhaps they could help each other.

In reply to Mia (msg # 18):

Mystal stepped forward curtsying elegantly to the long legged One deemeth such a course of action ast not only a necessity but an honour. One hopes our meagre skill worthy of such an heroic enterprise with that she took to wing flying closer to the one called Mia, lifting her small hand and holding it infront of her chin Wouldst Thee be willing to partake of Pixi accord

Flitter has for a while been the only Fey with the group.  Well… briefly, Vinto the Brownie had joined him, but he retired from Adventures not long after the Battle of Namnates, and besides… he’s a Brownie, and therefore… well, you know.  Brownies.  But Flitter had become comfortable in the role of Spoke-Pixie, the little flying companion you could turn to if you need a somewhat reliable Fey take on things.  And she had proved herself a Very Important Pixie- Aramil had said so- by taking valuable messages back and forth.

Could she share the spotlight with another?

Pixies do not, as a rule, consider the consequences to things.  Not even Flitter.  She twirls around in the air.

”That’ll be Fun!  Maybe we’ll be back in the forest, and we can find the other Pixies again, and I can introduce you to  Hazelpuff and Twinkleberry  Bluebottle Horkleberry and Buttercup… not the plants, the Pixies.  Although there are also plants called Bluebottle and Horkleberry and Buttercup, and even Twinkleberry but only Pixies know about that, and… I don’t think there’s any such thing as a Hazelpuff.  That’s strange…  umm... that's accord, right?”

* * * * *

Alba, Aramil, and Morgan are drawn into more serious discussions.  Most of the others around, Elves and guests, would rather not sully the joy of the solstice celebration with talk of Huns and wars and strategies and the plotting of dark enemies, but Budig is a king… it’s kind of in the job description.  And Radyul is not a king, but he has a lead position among the Elven nobility.  Budig is aware that what is shared with Radyul will sooner or later be shared with all the Atlantic Elves.

They speak on and off, in between servings of Elven holiday delicacies  (lots of fish, various recipes) in the dining room of Khyberon.

Budig has Aramil tell the tale of the Battle of Namnates, because no one really grasps Flitter’s description of it.  And he also asks Ongriss and Vincentas to tell of their mission along the coast, how the “Foxtail” ships tangled up several Hun plots.

”Quite much for a king who does not consider himself at war with the Huns,” Radyul observes.

”I think that up to now they were not even aware of our existence,” Budig explains.  I met the Emperor of the Huns once, he had no idea of who I was, or what Brittany is. *

”So now the Emperor must surely know about the far west of Europa and who lives there,” Radyul says.  “The loss of a city is nothing to ignore, not for Huns.  He will react.”

The Elf turns to Aramil and the others that had come from Corbilo.  There are things that have not yet been shared.

”We had spoken of sending a ship upriver to probe the Hun empire,” Radyul says.  “A joint venture, Budig and I.  It would be useful to include those who have been there, I think.”

*Quite understandable.  Until the Bretons started arriving in numbers in the last century, the region was called Armorica.  Most  people other than Bretons would use that term, and they would consider the land some half-settled forest peninsula stuck on to the end of Gaul.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:15, Sat 16 Feb 2013.

 The short walk along the shoreline and finding old friends and new people of fey ancestry was interesting and made him glad that Ongriss was meeting old friends, still he found himself distancing himself and wishing he was once again on his ship feeling the spray of saltwater on his face and the clean air without the scents of city life, even if it was elven air.

Once she's done giving and getting hugs from Mia, Ongriss returns to Vincentas. She has a self satisfied grin on her face. She knows that Mia is made of metal and probably wouldn't budge if Vincentas, King Buddig, and Radyul had jumped her.

When dinner is served, she's a very happy selkie. Fish. Lots of fish. Between bites and around Vincentas' description, she elaborates on what they did and found. She ends with an observation "The huns are going to have their hands full holding the halfling shires. The halfling forces will melt away where the huns turn up in force and strike where they're not. Since they had some time to prepare, it will be much worse for the huns."

She grins when Radyul and Budig mention sailing up the river. Everyone that is included here has seen the ship and know what she's capable of. It will be a great time. "We'll have to get some of the crew back together. Most of them are wintering with the boat, but we should be able to get them together."

She turns to Vincentas and can see the look on his face. He's ready to move on and she certainly has restless flippers."We haven't put down roots anywhere." She giggles at the idea of a selkie with roots. "My husband and I aren't ready to settle down. We go where wind and tide take us. It looks like it will take us up into the fey forest."

Alba discusses the situation as she sees it. Around several courses of dinner she comments "Word that the fighting in the Nethershires is going badly against the hun is good news. That means that they squandered a large contingent of their forces."

Taking a few moments to think things through, she adds "They also weren't expecting the fey to rise up like they did. Do you expect to find more fey to help against the huns on this trip? If so, that would be a good thing."

OOC: Not sure if we're aware that the huns were attacking the Ardennes.

They share the news between courses of Elven solstice festival food.

In the course of things, they talk about the possibilities for "what we should do" in the months ahead.

(this is the part where the gm gets to plan for the characters' next phase of activities.)

Budig has the plan to feel out the Huns, with a trip up the Liger river.  Once, the Liger was one of the major commercial rivers of Europa.  Now, trade has been cut by the Huns.  But they've been driven from Namnates... what is the state of the rest of their holdings?  Still strong, or weakened by the diversion of Orcs to the war in the east?

Of the war in the east, they know little.  Radyul knows that the Elves there are fighting to expel the Orcs from their Ardennes forest.  He doesn't know where that's led.

There still is the matter of the small Hun outpost close to Corbilo.  It's being watched, and last everyone knew, it was too small and too remote for the Huns to hold in great numbers.  But it was on the edge of the Fey Forest, and there was much mischief they could manage if left alone.  Sooner or later, someone would have to check that place out.

And of course, Ongriss and Vincentas had talked of doing of general exploration into the Fey forest.  The land itself is magical there, and there are lost, ancient places of mystery and power.

At least, that's what they say.

Or... there are probably other things characters can do as well.  This is the time to figure out who is going where.  And of course, if we know who, when, and where we'll know how, and why.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:46, Mon 18 Feb 2013.

In reply to Ben (msg # 24):

Mystal listens to word of the Hun outpost close to Corbilo. Methinks such a den of iniquity be ideal ast a target to test such capacites ast we hath; What Thinkest Thee she glances around the table

 Knowing that a voyage up into the fey lands would take several weeks or months depending if what he heard about enchantments within the strange woods were accurate. Of a truth he was not sure he was up to such exploration, even if his mind was trying to convince him to explore virgin land,where few humans or even elves had traveled.

 Sitting down he contracted with the elves to deliver a message to his first mate, when he got back to the ship in the spring. In short official terms he authorized his first mate to make the ship ready and to contract for cargo locally to make some money if he was not back by then. Ongriss and he were going to do some exploration of possible new markets to carry back and trade.

 Sitting by the fire with his wife, just enjoying being by her side and being warm. He felt it was time to make a choice for their restless feet to move onward. "So, my love. Where shall we be off to this time?, do we set feet into the fey lands or seek out the stranger who watched the disappearing island?. then again we could just do one of the military scouting choices that was needed to be done but he was a little hesitant on that direction. I mean one can only challange the fates so many times before the seas demand payment in blood. What does your heart say.?"

Togo glances in the newly met pixies direction and answer's Mia carefully. "Yeah, I think so." Certain that coming forward with any further details would only sink him into more trouble. Fortunately, the one who went by Mystal seemed to be interested more in Mia at the moment which suited him just fine. It took a while before he felt comfortable opening up to people. Mostly he just sat quietly and observed what was going on between courses of seafood. At least his stomach was quite satisfied and a full stomach made for a happy hobbit.

Mia returns the Curtsy with natural grace that dancers often possessed. she was surprised when asked about a Pixi accord. Glancing for a moment at flitter then back to Mystal Mia smiles. "I would be honored to partake of a Pixi accord Mystal. Though I might need you to teach me what is required if there is a ceremony involved."

Mia laughs and smiles seeing Flitters enthusiasm she was quite sure her friend would be happy. "I must say if given the chance I would be very happy to meet your friends flitter."

Mia is happy to socialize with the elvish people here. As well as various friends old and new. Though she pays attention to a certain degree to the talks of Huns and the war. She wasn't a soldier still she could and would help her friends if there is need.

"I am willing to help push the Huns out of Corbolio. I think they shouldn't be allowed to cause trouble. Once they are gone from there the fey can rest a little easier as well as the other peoples settlements in the area. Though I admit I would like to help the Haflings as well. The food they trade to everyone is precious. To many will suffer if it is lost. Can we go there as soon as we take care of things in Corbolio?"

In reply to Mia (msg # 28):

Mystal smiled spat into her hand and held it out palm forward. Pixi accord involveth lubricating ones hand anst a shake or clap of each others in accord. Being Thee hath such disadvantage One doth suggest if Thee wouldst moistened Thy finger, such wouldst suffice. Mystal glances towards Flitter.
Cousin Flitter Wouldst Thee standeth witness unto tis anst determine if such be relevant anst in accord. she both informs Mia and asks Flitter
This message was last edited by the player at 12:28, Tue 19 Feb 2013.

Alba listens quietly to the talk of going into the fey forest. For some, perhaps most of those present here it may be their calling. While she has played some small part in coordinating the fey, it seems to her that her work here is almost done. "I will help deal with the hun near Corbilio, but once that's done I feel a calling else where."

Minerva has granted her a blessing and she wants to make sure that she uses it where it will be most effective. Besides, her father visited Lutetia Parisiorum to get demonic help; maybe she should visit Arras and offer what help she can. "I feel I need to go to Arras."

She was startled when Mystal spits on her hand not something she expected at all. Did the fey do that on a regular basis? She thought it would be something very different. Still it was important so she moistens her lips then kisses her fingertip Transferring a bit of moister to it.  Then she holds out her finger tip letting Mystal make the contact. That would be safest to ensure Mystal's safety.

"Once this accord is made is there anything I should know about what you might expect of me Mystal?"

Ongriss looked lovingly up at Vincentas. "For now I think that we should look inland. I don't want to risk you and anyone else in the seas this time of year. I could survive them easily enough if the boat we were on had problems, but I'm not sure of anyone else."

She looks on with interest as Mia and Mystral do some kind of arcane fey rite. Alba does get a surprised look. "You don't want to go see new things? Things that nobody else has?"

In reply to Mia (msg # 31):

Mystal clapped Mia's outstretched finger which to any listening made a quiet smacking sound glancing at Flitter who she assumed would approve of the accord to seek out the Huns who wreak havoc on the Fey. Mystal considers for a moment, she was about to suggest they should each weave a wreath of posies to adorn their golden tresses when Alba's comment prompted her to ask One doth seek Thy council ast to a suitable course of action to pursue

The Elves of Khyberon go all out for their guests on the Solstice Eve.  They bring out the best of their food, flavored with rare spices, and apparently, hints of magic.  They have fresh shellfish, pristine from the ocean  (including uncooked, which is how Selkies normally eat them, and cooked, which Selkies regard as Exotic Human Cookery.)  They have baked salmon and pickled eel and assorted fruits and vegetables, and when they finally get to dessert, it is a delicate custard which is served.. on fire?  Yes, it is burning when it reaches the table.  From the point of view of a small Fey being, a simple dessert being served au flambé is a frightening fiery inferno…

A tasty inferno, perhaps, but Flitter shrieks and flies behind Aramil anyway.

It takes a little convincing for the Pixie to see that dessert is, when approached carefully, harmless.

”It’s like a Pixie trick,” Flitter decides.  “It looks scary but it’s not!  Like a chipmunk!”

Gradually, the discussions of who is going where settle into firmer plans.

While most of the group heads for Corbilo, Ongriss and Vincentas, at least, will challenge one of the rivers of Armorica, venturing into the Fey Forest.

They are surprised to hear that none of the Elves can offer real advice on directions, beyond noting the mouths of the rivers.  And the agree with the plan for the Odet River.

Elaine thinks that it is a little strange.  “In all the time you have been here, you have not charted the rivers and surveyed the Fey Forest?” she asks of Radyul.

”Madam,” the Elf Lord replies.  “Some places do not wish to be charted.  In the heart of the Fey Forest.. which is a very big place, mind you, one hundred and fifty miles from one end to another.  Deep within Armorica’s Fey Forest, geography is not as absolute as it is elsewhere.”

”That sounds like such a strange place!” Flitter says excitedly.

Mia is a bit sad to hear Alba will be going to Arras soon. "I will miss you Alba. I hope we can get together again after you do whatever you need to do in Arras. Who  knows maybe we will come with you."

With Ongriss she realizes she didn't realizes the fey forest and Corbolio were not directly related. Silly perhaps, however non the less she had misunderstood. "Why are you going into the fey forest Ongriss? What do you expect to find there? Have the Huns dared to go into the forest again?"

Looking to Mystal she continues softly to answer her question. Well sort of! "I don't know Mystal I thought Corbolio would be the best place to start. However if something is going on inside the fey forest itself that could be a big problem."

During the celebration she only nibbles here and there. One unfortunate disadvantage of her condition was that food might be a bad idea. So she's very careful not to overdo it. Mia looks a bit concerned when Flitter shrieks hiding behind aramil. Then giggles when it's obvious that flitter is fine and happy. "A chipmunk? I guess if I were your size flitter a chipmunk might be scary at first. Enjoy the desert flitter! Mystal you should have some too!"

Listening to the elf lord she looks to flitter. "It's magic flitter. I suspect the very tree's themselves will move. Maybe all the plants do and perhaps even the river will change it's banks. Onygriss were you hopping that Togo, Alba and I would go with you and Vincentas?" She's definitly willing to consider it if there is need.

In reply to Mia (msg # 35):

Mystal made no sound when the Elves carried in their inferno, albiet the rafters did require closer inspection. From her vantage point amongst the high segments she peered down cautiously. Noting how Flitter was courageous enough to simply take cover behind a long legged. Hearing the conversation taking place below she wearily winged back alighting between Flitter and Mia.

ooc Isn't Corbilo in or near the Fey Forest?
This message was last edited by the player at 08:01, Thu 21 Feb 2013.

"Mia, the Hun outpost is close to the Fey woods, and thus a potential threat to it," clarified Morgan.

"We know of nothing specifically malign within the wood itself. We know little at all. Only that it is a place of Fey presence, and power.  So the expedition there would be exploratory. At least initially." 

Morgan was yet considering her own purposes and destinations. As well as her standing service to her lord and lady.

Given a choice between following Alba to Arras and Mia to someplace else he was leaning to someplace else. He knew he didn't like towns and cities even less. If there was a chance to explore in the wilderness that suited him just fine. "I'd be happy to assist with the Fey Forest quest. I have a number of skills and abilities which may be helpful" he adds.

Alba smiles sadly. "I'll miss you too, Mia. But I have to go where I feel I'm called. I'm not sure I'm cut out to explore the inner fey forest. My talents lie with people and organization. I feel I'll best serve Minerva by going to Arras and helping the temples."

Giving a quick nod. "I hope we meet again. You should be able to get word to me through my family at Corialum.

She sighs. "Anyway, this is premature. We still have some huns to deal with."

Seeing Mystal wearily landing between her and flitter. She makes sure the desert is out so that there is no danger. Then gently pushes it closer so that Mystal and flitter could enjoy it at their leisure. "Enjoy! You two deserve a taste more then anyone since it scared you a bit."

Listening to Morgan Mia nods smiling at her. "Thank you Morgan. I wonder if the Huns have been trying to go in there after something. Mystal the question is can Corbolio wait. Could we explore and then come back to deal with the huns."

Gently she takes a moment to give Alba a gentle hug then smiles. "Your right we do still have Huns to deal with. That general that got fled from the previous fey battle is probably in Corbolio."

"Yes Onygriss I would like to see things no one else has. Though I am also worried about the Huns in Corbolio.  Togo favors the forest he is a druid, Alba I think favors Corbolio she's more of a people person as she says. Perhaps because they are close we could do both? If we go to Corbolio first hopefully we can defeat the Huns and drive them out. Then we could proceed into the fey forest. Alba would then go to Arras  as she desires. Onigriss, Vincenatus we would have to try to catch up to you."

For the benefit of everyone, a little bit about What is Where.

Vincentas, Morgan, Alba, Togo, and Aramil know the most about this, Ongriss some... Mia a little, and Mystal, just the "Local" area- but she knows that in great detail.  Flitter, despite have traveled quite a bit, doesn't really store a lot in her little head.  Just the really interesting parts.

This is northwestern Gaul, where most of everything has been happening.  Brittany, AKA Armorica, is that peninsula at the left, sticking off the west end of Gaul.  The Fey Forest is that great blob in the middle of the Peninsula, outlined in green.

Wait a minute.  That's most of Brittany.  Yes, yes it is.  The Fey Forest is a huge, mysterious place.  150 miles end to end.  That's why even Flitter, a native (her home was towards the east end of the Fey Forest, right about the top of the "e" in Riedonica) doesn't know much about specifics.

Corbilo, as you see, is close to the Fey Forest.  Everything in Brittany is.  Big Forest.  But the Odet River, which Ongriss and Vincentas want to explore, is on the western end.

The Fey Forest is home to a variety of magical creatures.  That's something Flitter can talk about, although by now, most of the characters are very familiar with them as well.  Mystal, being a coastal Fey, is not that familiar with what is deep in the forest, but she may well have seen them, or heard about them.

There are Wicked Fey living there, as well as the good kinds.

There are the Red Caps, who are the sadistic, brutal thugs of the Fey world.  They are small but unnaturally strong- a 3 foot tall Red Cap is as strong as a Human male.  They were the "foot soldiers" of the Unseelie when they tried to take over.

The Unseelie?  Dark, evil bad Fey, the worst of the Wicked Fey.  They seem almost like Elves.  They have powerful magic.  They aren't stupid, brutal thugs, and like many Fey they greatly enjoy beauty, but... they somehow got in their heads that because they were wise and powerful and beautiful and just plain better than everyone else, they should be the rulers over all Fey.  And anyone else they allowed to survive.  For this, they were banished to the Unseelie Realm... but every now and then... there is a leak.

Nightshades- Plant spirits, possibly like Dryads, but in this case, the spirits of poisonous plants.  Like Dryads they cannot usually venture far from their plants, but they same to have a little more freedom of movement than the Dryads do.

Quicklings.  Sprite-like beings, these little Fey were tempted by magic they should not have touched.  Now they are forced to live their lives at dizzying speeds, moving so fast they are a blur.  Being immortal, like most Fey, they don't have to worry about aging.  But they are mean, and a little bit psychotic.

There are various other dangers as well, although, if you ask Flitter you will get a strange list, including such things as chipmunks, spiders...  Some people have even seen Dragons.

Ongriss glances at Vincetas before she answers. "I would find traveling with you very interesting, but if Vincentas decides to press on the exploration early I should go with him. There is also the moving shoals, but with the winter storms it may not be safe for most of you to sail."

She grins though. "I'm not especially picky as to what we do. As long as we get to see some new places and do new things. Oh, and eat seafood. Anchovies and waffles. Yum!"

 Slowly pacing to give himself time to consider how much time he thinks he has left before the winter winds give way to the calmer southerly winds and he could once again unto the high seas.

 He had gone over their finances earlier and knew they would have enough to finish rerigging the ship and gathering of the crew back but unless the king or a merchant gave them a good contract, he guessed they would need to do some cargo runs.

 He glanced at the others who wanted to travel to Corbilo. "True, the city of Corbilo is not that far by sail or by foot. Still if we make that journey then we loose how ever long it takes before the city falls. I could also ask how many huns have made it to the city?, is it walled?, did they get a messenger away to ask for more troops?, do they have other forces within like the golems they like to use?.

 We can go have a look at the city, if Ongriss wants to, but my timing has to be getting permission from our king and to thinking of our ship and the spring season ahead."

Togo was listening to all when he heard Flitter speaking of dangers in the forest. Then something struck him as odd "Chipmunks!?" he repeated with a questioning voice. That was something he didn't consider a danger in the forest. Was he missing something?

Flitter explains the awful event that forever seared into her mind the danger of Chipmunks:

"Well… it was.. this one time, Oddlewink made a helmet out of a large nutshell, and he was napping under a mushroom, and a chipmunk came and grabbed his helmet and before anyone knew what was happening it stuffed all of Oddlewink’s head into his cheek.  We rushed over to help but it was a hungry chipmunk and didn’t want to let Oddlewink go, and the strap was stuck and we couldn’t get the nut helmet off, and it was shaking him and… well, we pulled him away, and the chipmunk gave up, but he was injured and covered in chipmunk drool, and after that… none of us could really look at chipmunks the same way, ever again.  Especially poor Oddlewink.  He flies away as fast as he can whenever he sees one."

"Surely, just one Chipmunk, that one time..." Budig says.

Flitter shakes her head.  "That one time was enough!  Ewww!  And there's also their singing, which is almost as bad!"

Flitter tells her stories through the Solstice feasts, and Radyul is quite impressed, especially when she mentions being of great service to the heroic Aramil and others. (But especially Aramil).

"As far as I have ever known, these things are unknown for Pixies," Radyul says.

Flitter shrugs.

"And as small as you are, you are intent to press on, and undertake more heroic deeds?" The Elf Lord asks.

Flitter nods.

Radyul looks towards Mystal.  "And that one too.  It is infectious, it seems.  I think.. I cannot let such brave, small folk depart for great quests without giving them some aid.  I ask that you at least stay for the Solstice morning.  The Winter King may yet deliver something to help you on the way."

* * * * *

It is already Solstice Eve, and the sky, for those who know how to read it (Mystal and Togo do, at least) can see the coming cold weather and snow.  It does not snow often in this area, but sometimes... the snow will be on the ground for a few days, at least.

News arrive from Corbilo, where the Elves still have their "pavilion" in the harbor, and the news is good.

The Hun outpost nearby, on the edge of the forest between Corbilo and Namnates, has not seen much activity.  In fact, from observing tracks, it seems that Huns have been leaving!  This was predicted- it would be hard for them to stay through the winter, in large numbers.  But how many would stay?  This, no one knows.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:18, Mon 25 Feb 2013.

"Onigriss you shouldn't be separated from your husband I won't ask you to do that. I would enjoy getting a chance to travel with you as well." She smiles at Onigriss then turns her attention to Vincentas as he talks about the situation.

She realizes that his way of making a living could be hurt if he takes the time to go with them to Corbolio. She didn't want his crew, Vincentas, or Onigriss to suffer if they couldn't make the coin needed this year. "I understand Vincentas. Thank you for even considering the possibility of coming with us to Corbolio. Unfortunately I don't know the answer to most of those questions. However it might actually provide a solution. Once we arrive if it's obvious that because it's winter they won't lay siege for a few months. Then we likely have plenty of time to go with you to the fey forest. Alba wouldn't be able to wait that long and would likely go to Arras. If we can act right away things should work out going to Corbolio first."

Smiling at Onigriss, Mystal, Togo and the rest. "If it's agreed shall we go?"

At the mention of assitance from the Elf lord Mystal gave Mia a grin, cast a wary glance at the previously flaming platter and took to wing; flying across the table to land on the table to the his left. Noble Elf Lord On behalf of Flitter we thankest thee for thy graciously bountiful offer. Wouldst perchance those who sought to accompany we Fey be similarly assisted.

The Elves present are charmed by the earnestness of the Fey,  who so quickly asks on behalf of others, after having been told to expect a gift herself.

“Ah, the Fey Folk are easy,” Radyul says.  “As it happens, we have a few Pixie Bows.  And arrows, of course.  We make them.”

“I’ve always wondered where they come from,” Flitter says.   The Pixies are not known for their manufacturing ability.  Even the Pixies have no idea where half of the things they use come from.

“Do you know how to use one?” Radyul asks.

“I’m a Pixie, I hope that I do!” Flitter says.

“And you?” he asks of the Surf Sprite.

“It’s easy!” Flitter says enthusiastically, before she can answer.


If the whole party is intent on going on Ongriss and Vincentas’s Upriver Exploration, Radyul suggests a nearer river:  “There are plenty,” he says.  “All lead into forests little known.  Have you thought about the Blavet?”

“The river inland from Blabia?” King Budig asks.  “Isn’t that a kind of dull place?”


Radyul nods, showing a little agreement.  “Blabia, perhaps.  But upriver… who can say?  We haven’t been there.  It is closer.  We could loan a couple of boats.”

He takes a look at Mia.  “Small boats… we may need some magic, for you.”

Apparently word of "Mia in the Boat" has managed to make its way around Khyberon.

Radyul returns his attention to everyone.  “Is the plan then for you all to travel together?  With a few days.. perhaps we can help out more than just the two Fey.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:04, Tue 26 Feb 2013.

Mystal jiggles in excited anticipation, it has been some time since she'd had the opportunity to practice with a Pixie bow... she considers for a moment yes she nods to herself it may have been that time she accidently shot an arrow through the window of the queens tower right into the bowl of pickled turkills the queen was reaching for at the time.

Its easy she replies mirroring Flitters comment Simply load, draw, point and loose... she beams at both the Elf Lord and Flitter, looking about in hope of spying the precious Elvin gift.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Tue 26 Feb 2013.

Togo is amazed at Flitter's story. "I guess the moral of the story is to never use your nuts for a helmet. I'll..uh..keep that in mind."

He gets really worried over a jiggling pixie with a bow. Thinking to himself. Bad...this is bad...something bad is going to happen..probably to me.

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 50):

Mystal turns towards Togo Took tilting her head first to the right then to the left considering the long legged Master Togo doth Thy homeland groweth acorns to such a size ast that extending her arms out from her side to indicate the size she's thinking


ooc haven't got the bow yet.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Wed 27 Feb 2013.

Togo's eyebrows raise. "No, I don't think so..though if we're heading to a fey forest I don't count anything out of the realm of possibility." Boy this new pixie was a lively one he thought.


OOC: Oh I know. Togo would probably keel over when that happened. :)

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 52):

Thankfully the long legged homeland didn't grow gigantic acorns, alleviating her concerns of encountering any gigantic Chipmunks...considering how strong an acorn shell made from a gigantic acorn would be. Dismissing the thought she fixed Togo with a speculative gaze Doth Thy companions oft refrain from dining with Thee

Mia couldn't help but look on with a sense of wonder when Radyul tells them that the elves make Pixie bows and arrows. She always thought that the fey produced their own food, drink, clothing and of course everything else. "May I see a Pixie bow Radyul? How much do they cost?"

She smiles at Flitter warmly speaking softly. "Do you want one Flitter?" She blushes slightly when Radyul looks at her mentioning the need for magic. "I think your Right Radyul, My regrets if it's a inconvenience to everyone especially you Vincentas, Ongriss. I don't want to accidentally tip the boat over."

Though she smiles again seeing Mystal's excitement and eagerness to receive such a gift. "I look forward to seeing you with a pixie Bow Mystal." Of course she has no idea that Mystal could just as easily accidentally put a arrow in someone's bottom!

OOC: lol I just think Togo just volunteered for a sleep arrow to the posterior. ^_~

Mia looks at Mystal thoughtfully. "Mmm You know if the nut or acorn is big enough you just might be able to hollow it out for a pixie helmet. I am not certain but I wouldn't be surprised if I saw a Pixie wearing one."

She glances at myster curiously wondering if she's talking about a Druids companion. "Are you talking about Togo's bear Brodo? I haven't seen Brodo in a while now."

Alba considers the news that the huns seem to be fleeing the village. "Since it looks like the huns are fleeing the village, I believe that they aren't going to be too much trouble for those that are planning on evicting them. I think I'll try to find a means to go on my way."

"You have a strange way of making friends pixie. You must know druids often spend a lot of time in the forest alone being one with nature. Though, I must say of late, I've been in fine company with these two lovely ladies for quite some time now. I'm still not comfortable with towns and cities but I've grown more accustomed to being with others..as challenging as that may be" he smiles back at her.

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 56):

Mystal blinks smiling at his responce. Oh my... one doth apologies for not being consise, our question was in interest of the hunger of Thy companions, within Thy sack she points at his hip pouch

Togo laughs and slaps his knee "Oh heavens, you must not know. They are magical animated plants and don't need any nourishment..maybe some occasional playtime but that's about it. I let them out every so often but they have a habit of making trouble for me..well at least dandelion anyway..I think it may be the fact that they are magically bound outside of their natural habitat but that's just a guess on my part" he returns a genuine smile.

It would not be right for distinguished guests of the Elves to be empty handed on the morning of the Solstice.

The Elves do some work, and morning of the Solstice are a number of things wrapped in colorful cloth, tied in ribbons, beneath the Solstice Festival Tree they have decorated.

Most are for other Elves, of course.

But Flitter and Mystal, having already each gotten a Pixie bow, find that they now each have a quiver of little Pixie arrows.  The Arrows are tiny, but fortunately, magic- otherwise they'd be of little use except possibly for long range sewing.  Each quiver has 20 arrows, 15 of which are "Sleep" arrows and 5 of which are "memory loss" arrows.

(No need to "identify" the magic- the Elves made them, they know what they are!)

They haven't had time to do anything more than "temporary" items for their  guests, but they hope they did well.

Alba gets a wooden cudgel staff charged with spells: Magic Weapon (20 uses) and True Strike (10 uses)

Vincentas gets a decanter with 10 water breathing potions.

Togo acquires a bag of acorns.  Each is the equivalent of a potion of Fox's Cunning.  The Elves put them in acorns to make it easier for Togo to feed to animals, in case he wants to "smarten" a summoned animal to enable it to understand more complex instructions.

Morgan and Ongriss each get an amulet of coral and mother-of-pearl, charged with 20 Fire Shield spells.

Mia and Aramil each get a small bottle containing the equivalent of 3 Polymorph potions.

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 58):

Oh my... she exclaimed peering at the sack. Glancing at Togo How marvellously intriguing animated plants. Taking to wing she rises to the his eye level and smiles. How be it that yon can talk... she mused aloud

"I hope so too alba. It will be nice for the people of Corbolio and the fey of the fey forest to be able to rest easy free of the Hun's evil."

When she realizes what Mystal is talking about and see's Togo laugh Mia can't help but laugh and smile as well. Looking to his pouch she make a soft sound. "Perhaps you could let them out for just a little while. IF nothing else I think the elvish children will take joy in their playfulness. It is a celebration after all." Though she understands if Togo decides not to. She had a feeling flitter and Mystal might laugh and take joy as well depending on what the plants get up to.

In the morning she is touched her eyes softening with warm smile and a happy expression at the elves kindness. "Thank you very much. Your all so very kind to give gifts to strangers like us on such a holy day." She is very careful giving a gentle hug to nearby elves in thanks.

Mia smiles heart warmed by the gift of bows and tiny arrows to the two fey in their group. Then her eyes widen with a sense of awe and wonder that each of the party members have been gifted with priceless magic. This was no small thing the elves of the castle had given them. "I will never forget this. Someday I wish to repay your kindness to all of you."

She looks at Alba's wooden cudgel staff with wonder, as well as Togo's bag of acorns, Morgan and Ongriss, coral and mother of pearl amulets, and of course Aramil and her potions of poly morph. "I wonder if this will work on me?"

She holds her potions with reverence. She thought to herself honestly she wouldn't have a clue what to turn into even if the magic did work. However someday in a emergency she had little doubt she would figure something out. What was important was the thought behind the priceless gifts.

Mia giggles for a moment glad that the elves hadn't given potions of poly morph to flitter and possibly mystal. Because if they shared the same sense of humor it might end up in Togo's or one of their food and drink. Causing a random transformation that would likely make people laugh.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Mon 04 Mar 2013.

"Wow..really!?" Togo is overjoyed at receiving a gift. "This is great!" he says a bit too loudly like a child receiving gifts for a birthday or like occasion. "Thanks!!" he replies. Then he rummages through his bag a pulls out a gift for the elves. "Here take this please" his offers them.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:34, Thu 28 Feb 2013.

In reply to Ben (msg # 59):

ooc Gracious me simultaneous posts... go figure....

Mystal takes to wing excitedly flittering about the room and hovering in the best spot possible to watch the others opening their gifts... Once these have been revealed she zips across to the Elves thanking each inturn, for their gracious thoughtfulness.

Gliding across to Togo... If yon plants doth cause Thee trouble why doth Thee not smoke it she suggests mischievously
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Fri 01 Mar 2013.

Togo keeps thinking to himself bad pixie bad pixie I'm really going to have to watch out for this one!

Alba is very surprised at the gift. It is most generous and unexpected. "Thank you, Lord Radyul. These gifts are most generous."

She wishes that there was something that they could give to their hosts, but traveling and fighting doesn't allow much opportunity to carry much in the way of luxury items. Togo's actions give her an idea. She opens her own pack and pulls out the jewelry she has there (a necklace and a couple of rings). "This isn't much, but please take it."

She whispers to Mia.

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 64):

Master Togo be Thee skilled with the bow she asks testing the strength of her newly acquired bow

Ongriss accepts the gift with a rare show of solemnity. Usually she makes light of almost everything but this gifting has turned everything topsy turvy, especially with how serious everyone else (except the pixies) seems to be. When the others make gifts of things that they're carrying, she thinks about things for a moment and then with a bright smile pulls out the vine whip, plant food, and her last dose of moonflower oil. "We got these when we helped transplant a dryad's tree right before we helped King Theoderic kill a plant demon."

Togo replies to the feisty pixie "If it means actually hitting an intended target using a bow and arrow then no. If it means using it as a club then that's another story."

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 68):

Mystals eyes twinkled at the thought as she adjusts her hold on the shaft and started swinging it about Be this a correct hold

Togo does a facepalm and shakes his head "No no it really can't be my fault..right..no..."

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 70):

Mystal notices the Druids reaction, pauses midswing and looks at the bow then back at the long legged Master Took hath we swooshed when we should hath swished she enquired

Togo gives her a friendly smile "The bow is a fine weapon, really. I just don't know how to use it properly." he puts his hands up and out in a sort of exasperated expression.

He continues "I'm sure Aramil or one of the elves could provide you with advice or instruction on how to use it as you should. Sadly, I can not. But I have my spells at my disposal so even without a bow I can still cause quite the trouble from a distance if I need to."

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 72):

Returning Togo's smile Thankee greatly Master Caster, Thy assistance doth provide much to consider, shall we seek Flitter for additional instruct.

Morgan's own smile was impish, and her sagely nod was flippant, as she commented on Mystal's remark of smoking the willful plants:

"There was a limerick that was popular in one or two cliques on the Aurelianorum campus.  It goes thusly:

Do take heart if feel you can't
Take another pedagogue's pedantic rant
There's much deeper to learn
When the green leaf doth burn
Wisdom of man cedes to sweet plant." 

Morgan arched a brow after the recital.  "Not that I associated with such scoundrels and hedonists, mind you." 

The wizardess also thanked the Elves profoundly for the considerable gifts they bestowed.  She wished there might be more time to spend amongst them. To learn more of their culture, firsthand. She also found herself intrigued with Mia's particular gift.

"How such a potion should work for you, I cannot say.  But the Quickiron of your substance is sensitive, in a manner no inert and ordinary metal could ever be.  Like a living substance, in the way it responds to your feelings and thoughts.  Possibly, the potion will work the same for you, as any, then. And, if anything more unusual comes about, I always have a Dispel prepared, as a general precaution."
This message was last updated by the player at 22:28, Sun 03 Mar 2013.

Gently Mia gives Alba a hug knowing that she will miss her. "I will miss you Alba. Please try to stay in touch. I am not sure how we will be able to find each other with letters but we can try. At least I will know that you are in Arras."

She takes a moment checking in her own bag for something suitable as a gift to the elves. She can't imagine what it might be as silver or gold coins seems a poor choice. She didn't own a lot though with luck she would find something. Perhaps a Ivory comb or other little item she would have out of simple habit from a life time. It had meaning to her making it a suitable gift. "Please take this. I don't have much but I think this at least will be useful."

Listening to Mystal and Togo talking about his plant companions Makes her smile with a look of amusement. Although she looks at Mystal curiously. "Smoke a plant? What is that Mystal?"

OOC: I don't think Mia has been exposed to tobacco smoking halflings yet. Or is that just a middle earth thing. ^_^

She looks at Alba when her friend whispers to her uncertain as she whispers back. "I am uncertain I can entertain them Alba. I haven't planned anything, I am alone, and they are elves a very graceful people! I could try though."

She admires the gifts Onygriss gives to the elves very impressed by what she is giving them. "That's amazing Onygriss." Giggling as Togo and Mystal continue back and forth she smiles.   "I think Togo likes you Mystal you two will be fast friends."

Looking to Morgan she smiles nodding slightly. "I hope so Morgan. It would be a same to waste such a precious gift. It will be such a unique experience to perhaps become a bird, wolf or some other form that the magic of this potion might grant however short."

Looking to the elves Mia speaks to them. "Alba suggested that I dance for you. I will be happy to for the celebration. If I could have music please is there anyone here that can play the flute, a harp, or other musical instruments."

Hopefully in a short time they have music that would enhance the experience. She discusses with the elves that volunteer what she wants. Then Mia exerts her will haven't learned a while ago that she would if she really wanted change her appearance particularly her clothing. She thinks of the lovely swan boats that she had seen belonging to the elves. Her clothing shimmers and soon she has a lovely discreetly swanlike costume with beautiful silk streamers.

Gracefully she begins to dance in time to the music. Her hip sway gently her legs flowing in gentle movements that set her silk streamers in motion. Moving gracefully over the field she is careful to pay attention to her audience and the ambiance provided by the sun. Mia spins the silk streamers swirling around her as her arms move to give the impression of taking flight. She leaps through the air one leg extending in front the other behind coming down with gentle and perfect grace on her toes. Then once again as she makes her way back across the field.

First she twirls one direction then stops briefly before timing it to twirl the other to let her streamers flow about her in a beautiful display. The sunlight could pass through some of the streamers that were translucent while others that were not cast shadows like wings might. While her arm movements gracefully compliment their motion and the dance. As the tempo slows giving the impression of the setting sun Mia crouches ducking her head with the silken streamers of her costume settling about her in a white/colorful pool as though the swan is going to sleep at the end of the music. What she didn't realize is that she had been reenacting a dance as part of play back in Lutita Parisorium. It just seems right at the moment while she did so.

After a bit she rises the only difference is now her breathing isn't increased by the dance as it would have been back then. "I hope you liked it alba, everyone."

In reply to Mia (msg # 75):

At the offer of a dance Mystals ears prick up, prompting her to delay seeking instruction from Flitter.  Swooping across the room towards the large long legged metalic woman.Shalst we all dance, dance for our gracious hosts she suggests encouraging Mia and Flitter as she curtsies then holds out a hand, towards Mia, fingers splayed and palm upward. Methinks a duo or trio she prompts anticipating Flitters participation.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Tue 05 Mar 2013.

 Looking at the gift with a slightly raised eyebrow, he nods in respect and slips it into his pouch, "Could have used that before the shark bit me earlier".

 He was struggling to keep up with all the chattering from the fey between each other and was losing ground he felt. With a sigh he looks over to Ongriss and then to the Elvish tour leader, "Thank you for the gifts, i pray they will come in handy.
Do we have time to put together the supplies for the expedition?. I would personally enjoy traveling light and fast, but if we have those who might want to record a spot in our travels or any new fey we run across then we will need to be able to have staples to camp with."

Morgan finds in the Elves a ready audience for the "sophisticated" poetry of the Academy of Aurelianorum.

Even if most of the references go right past them.

They aren't sure about this Halfling habbit.  They've never seen it here.  But anything that connects "wisdom" to a "sweet plan" must be enlightened, right?  And if it came from the wizards, well, they are supposed to be a little beyond the rest of human kind, aren't they?  They Elves applaud Morgan's poetry.

Budig and Elain inquire of Morgan about whether she is planning to accompany the "Fey River" expedition.  They aren't opposed to it- such explorations are probably of more value to the fledging kingdom than more distant adventures.  And there is precedence, with the Druid advisors of the rulers.

"Goodness knows Lamaertus is away with the things he does at least half the time," Elaine says.  "And from what I've heard, Arthur's Merlin is only there when he decides he should be needed."


Vincentas asks whether there is time for preparations.  He learns:  never ask an Elf is there is time.  Always time. Radyul and his folk have no sense of urgency; Vincentas and Ongriss want to be on their way, everyone does, but to the Elves this does not necessarily translate as "right now" or even "as soon as possible."

There is still so much to do!  There is dancing to watch.  And dancing without  music
just doesn't work.  And while Mystal dances, the sea outside keeps time in uncanny synchronicity, the waves crashing and spraying right when they are supposed to.

Mystal might not even notice.  Does a fish notice water?  The Fey are woven into the natural world in ways even they cannot explain, and might not understand.  At least. in any terms they might share with Humans.

* * * * *

Radyul's lack of a sense of urgency is not foolishness.  There are arrangements to be made, things to do.  Things are best not rushed.  If they are rushed, details are forgotten.

Details such as the issue of Mia in a small boat.  Nemora and the Elves who came with group from Corbilo remember how she rocked the sailboat they took.  The boats needed to explore upriver into the Fey forest are much smaller.

Radyul's kinsman Chiyaire has some fair skills at alchemy.  It is he who runs one of the shops in the Khyberon market.  After some experimentation, the Elven wizard believes he has a solution.

He sits near Mia while Mystal is dancing, and offers a wine skin.

"I have diluted a Featherfall potion," he says.

It's an uncommon potion.  Easy to make, but not so useful, the Featherfall Potion is usually too slow to use when facing a sudden fall, and too expensive to waste for possible falls.  It's only really useful for planned falls- jumps.  But a well known rule of magic states that the more useful something is, the harder it so manufacture.  So the Featherfall Potion is one of the easiest.

Chiyaire explains.  "Chronologically diluted," he says.  "Quite weak... it will not slow your fall- at least, not much- but it will make you light enough to occupy a boat safely.  And because of this dilution, one sip should last you for hours.  There is enough here for weeks of boat travel, if you need it."

Mia is honored by the offer to dance with the fey one thing she really enjoys. The Korrigans being her first experience with fey dancing. Returning Mystal's Curtsey gracefully Mia smiles and nods. "I would love to Mystal. Due to your size I think you should lead."

Gently she holds her hand out towards flitter lightly touching a finger to Mystal's hands. Some dances required partners hands to touch. Although she doesn't think this is what Mystal has in mind because she flies. The beauty of her dancing would likely be more three dimensional then a land bound persons who dances mostly in two dimensions when not leaping or jumping in some way. "Flitter please feel free to join if you like to dance!"

Dancing Gracefully with Mystal Mia follows her lead adapting as best she can to compliment the fey's style. Although the dancing is fun she stops when the kind elf wizard returns with a very special potion. "Thankyou Chiyaire. Your very thoughtful and kind to have made something like this for me. I will treasure your gift." She takes it with a sense of reverence and wonder. Magic wasn't something she was accustomed to being given as a gift and this was the second time today she had been giving such a rare treasure.

Carefully she tucks it away and briefly gives Chiyaire a gentle hug in way of thanks. "I won't forget you Chiyaire." While she won't rush anyone to move on Mia is ready and will follow the others when and if the time comes.

In reply to Mia (msg # 79):

Mystal grinned turning she took a position at Mia's eye level 8' from the long legged. Executing several actions which the reflected in the shine of Mir's face. The duo wove their way about the room sliding gracefully spring, twirling, pirouetting, leaping and gliding about the chamber. When the dance was done Mystal clapped excitedly several times as she glided closer to Mia Thee be an excellent dancer, mistress long legged, t'would be an honour to have an opportunity to dance with Thee again.

Togo joins the festivities clapping and doing a sort of a dance in place. After some time he lets out his animated plants to partake in the moment. They form a ring around him and dance away each with their own style...except for Shroom who justs finds a cozy spot on the floor and takes a nap.

Mia curtseys with a happy smile and a slight nod of agreement to Mystal's words.  "Thank you Mystal. I would love to dance with you again in the future."

She enjoys watching Togo and his flowers dance. Then giggles and points out the sleepy Mushroom to Mystal and Flitter. "That is a very sleepy Mushroom isn't it! I think it would take the Korrigan's magic to get that one to dance!"

In reply to Mia (msg # 82):

Responding to Mia's comment, Mystal turned to observe the dancing plants for a short time Tis truly a mushroom out of its element, one thinketh it be like an owl in the sunlight. Wiggling the fingers on one hand Doth Thee thinkest it be ticklish she asked mischievously. Then glanced about the assembled group, Here be such a diverse gathering, Twill be an marvellously fun party to accompany, anst explore the wonders of the Kin lands she added

There is fun, and dancing, and eventually, there is work, and preparation for the journey.  The group does a headcount and they determine they will need several small boats to head up the river.

These, Budig acquires for them while they wait for the Elves to finish their work.  There are some bouts of bad weather but soon, at about the turn of the year, they are ready to go.  They stack the little boats on Radyul's schooner.

Budig's daughter Gwen wants to go upriver and "see the Fey Kingdoms there", and claims that Morgan would be able to look after her, but even though Budig is a somewhat indulgent father, he has his limits.  Explorations of wild and mysterious lands, even in the company of heroes and representatives of the Fey, is just too dangerous.  Elaine is inclined to agree, and so is Radyul, who explains that the inner reaches of the forest can be dangerous even for Elves.

They pack up, and on one clear and breezy morning they set sail on Radyul's schooner.  The Elf boat leaves the harbor at Khyberon and sails up the coast.  The coastline here is a broad beach, and currently, it is home to a large flock of sea birds, some of whom are wintering here - they will fly to their homes in the far north in the spring.

The long beach isn't inhabited much by Humans or Elves, most of the time.  This is a kind of "empty" zone, although nearby there are ancient Standing Stones, indicating that once, this was an important area.

"They say we leaved here once," Radyul says.  "I don't think it was Humans that drove us from this land.  Khyberon was already fortified when the Romans arrived.  Our grandparents and great grandparents had their reasons for making such a well protected place.  Be careful, when you explore."

Morgan was surprised, nonplussed almost, that the loony limerick was taken as any sort of legitimate poetry.  Especially amidst the dazzling dance display of golem, fey, and flora. Nonetheless, for a studious sort, she wasn't lacking in a sense of humor, or fun, either.  And so played along with it, mentioning that the Academy was not well known for its talented poets, but probably should be.

Her instructor in Outer Planar Cosmology probably wouldn't agree, however.  As it was his course they had been absent from, when that little bit of verse had been originated.

Morgan had made up her own mind, in the meanwhile, and committed to the river expedition.

"Your parents are entirely right, my friend," she consoled Gwen.  "What we will find is entirely hard to say. And not all things Fey are fair and fine, as our allies. There could be real danger, in this."    And, on that note, she assured Raydul:

"Thank you so very much for the hospitality of your house, your generous gifts, and all you have done to prepare us.  We will be cautious, I promise."

Morgan was interested in the standing stones.  It might have been enlightening to peruse those, for writings, runes, or glyphs that were legible to her. The preserved records of the ancients. But, this was not their destination.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Sun 10 Mar 2013.

In reply to Ben (msg # 84):

 ooc Morgan I presume we're still in the ship sailing along the coast and the stones have been mentioned as reference.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Mon 11 Mar 2013.

Edited  ^_^

As the pass along the coast, Radyul takes note Morgan's interest in the Standing Stones.  There are many of them, throughout Brittany.**  The Fey Folk and those who are familiar with the magical lore of the region, as Morgan is, know that some of the stones here form a vast arcane apparatus, a kind of ritual calendar, which empowers certain spells when certain stars and planets are visible along the lines established by the stones.  It is an old, powerful, and primitive magic, from long before the creation of spell books and other "modern" means of encoding mystic energy.

The rivers of Brittany reach the sea in large, lush bays and estuaries.  These places are rich with fish, shellfish, and birds, and have long provided for the needs of the Atlantic Elves as well as the Celtic and then Roman Humans who made the fringes of the peninsula their homes.  Perhaps the bounty here, freely offered by nature with none of the unknown dangers of the dark forest, nor the known but still frightening dangers of the open sea, is one reason why neither Humans nor Elves put much effort into the exploration of the Fey Forest.

The Blavet estuary is one such place.  They enter the sheltered bay, and head towards the village of Blavia, at the head of it, arriving by evening.

Unlike the dangerous seas on the north and west coasts of Brittany, the sea along the south coast is gentler, even in winter, so it is not too much of a shock for the locals to see a ship arrive.  Elves, though.. and... is that their king?  That's unexpected, and the people of Blavia quickly converge.

The village is the exact opposite of Khyberon.  Khyberon is imposing and exotic.  Blavia looks incredibly plain.  The people fish and dig for clams and make what they need with simple handicrafts, and the homes are small sod roofed stone walled houses.  Only a few have glass in the windows- most have animal hides and wooden shutters covering them.  Blavia has a single row of shops, which includes a trio of small taverns together, a barber, a "general store" and a smithy.  Glorious downtown Blavia!  There are no paved streets, and the only defenses are a tall tower and a wooden wall.


**This is true.  Brittany is the world leader in ancient standing stones.  In this area are not just a few stones here and there, but huge fields of stones arranged in rows.
You can see some here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnac_stones

Ongriss knows that Vincentas doesn't leave things to chance. That's the way sailors die. She helps him get whatever provisions they need.

Once they're ready, she's quite happy to help out however she can.

Alba makes what arrangements she can to do her own traveling. It will be very strange to be out on her own; up until now she's been traveling with others, first Raz and Alara, then Mia, Aramil, and Flitter. She gives the others a hug when they move out.

"Good luck everyone!"

Togo smiles and tosses Alba an apple. "Best of luck kiddo" he says affectionately then quickly turns away with moist eyes. Alba was with him for quite a while. He will miss her.

OOC: Before they leave.

Mia smiles at Mystal giggling for a moment. "I don't know Mystal, however there is only one way to find out." When she talks about there group she nods with a happy look.  "I think so too."

When Onigriss and Vincentas go looking for Provisions Mia asks softly. "Onigriss if you want help I can carry a fairly large and heavy load. I think I can be helpful if you would like my company." Needless to say if her help is accepted she also assists with getting and storing Provisions.

To Gwen... "Perhaps we can tell you stories of the fey forest should we come back this way. Take care Gwen. Thank you all for your hospitality and kindness." She gives Gwen a look of sympathy understanding her desire to explore making her a kindred spirit to Onigriss. Even so she had a feeling if her father had a say she might not be out here either. Unfortunately it is only a feeling she has no idea who her parents are or even if they are alive. Even if they were what would they think of her now.

She looks down at her metal hands for a moment glad that she could look like a normal person when she didn't forget.

When Alba hugs her she gently returns it.   "Good luck to you to Alba. I will miss you and hope to hear from you. Write us from Arras if you can." Carefully she sips her potion seals it and puts it away. Then she gingerly moves stepping onto the boat with great caution. At first she is very wary of the possibility of her and possibly everyone else ending up in the water.

OOC: After they are underway.

Like morgan she enjoys seeing the beauty of the land as they pass. The standing stones certainly are a interesting sight. Seeing that Morgan is paying attention to them as they move on she asks. "Morgan maybe you can ask to go see them. IF not now perhaps when we return this way. Togo do you think Druids put up the standing stones? The fey wouldn't make them would they?"

She felt curious about the elves living in Blavia as she had not seen elves living so simply before. Well not that she had seen a lot of elves before! Although she has carefully put such places firmly in her memory. Those meetings are not something she wants to forget!

Mystal spent some time frolicking about as the bow cut through the waves. Skipping across the spray and sea surge that built up in front of the vessel, then springing up and catching the wind to bounce of the sails. After this she found a reasonable perch atop the tallest mast and glanced down on the ships occupants. From her vantage point she scanned the area looking for anything that may prove interesting.

"The Druids did indeed have a hand in carving such stones," she supplied to Mia.  "Though these specifically, I do not know for certain.  And no, not the Fey.  If there are Fey that are given to works of stone -- the sort above ground, I mean -- I do not know of them.  Though that's hardly conclusive."   As to the matter of stopping:

"I do not think we should do so, on the way in, Mia. If we did stop, I'd hope for enough time to do a proper study.  And that would delay us from what we promised to do.  On the way back, though -- if we come back early enough -- I would love to. I know something of the stones purpose.  And it is one that might benefit the surrounding land, given a better understanding of it."

Ongriss slips into the water to play and have fun with Mystal when she starts dancing about the bow of the boat in the spray. She dives deep and leaps into the air next to Mystal. "AARRP!"

"It's possible" Togo replies to Mia not wanting to say more on the topic as the druids typically kept that type of knowledge quiet but did offer "I don't believe the fey would make druids do something like that..druids actually have some natural resistance to fey magic and are often on friendly terms with them."

Alba catches the apple from Togo. "Thanks Togo. You take care too!"

In reply to Ongriss (msg # 95):

A Mystal smile warmly at the playful seal, as it swims along; when she leaps into the air Mystal takes the opportunity to swoop under her gliding along her side and tickling it playfully

At Blavia, they  part ways.  Neither the King nor Radyul think it wise to draw their “official” presence to the journey upriver.  There is the danger that curiosity may lead people to follow.  The  Fey folk are often resentful of too much intrusion into their domain.*  And that’s the good kind- there are unfriendly Fey creatures in there, and unfriendlier non-fey creatures.

But Budig is not going to waste the journey.  He passed this way earlier in the year, but only a quick “drive by”  (Morgan was with him!), hardly any time at all.  It is not one of the great prosperous commercial centers of his realm… but it is a part of Brittany.  Rather loudly he sets up “court” in the largest of the three taverns, Blavet House.  Quite quickly he draws the patrons out of the other two establishments in close by, the small Oaken Table and the peculiar inn built into an old fortified tower, “The Tower”.  (This is an age before the invention of the catchy tavern name.  People tend to keep things simple.

He encourages the people to tell him their problems.  He’s heard that being attentive to the problems of the people is a wise thing for a king to be- his wife Elaine has told him this, and she gets it from her half brother Arthur, who rules in Brytannica.

So mostly, he listens, to a series of a mundane issues.  He asks Alba to stay with him, for the moment.  Budig recognizes that she is well educated, and a woman of “good” upbringing.  That usually means an important family.  In this case, one he doesn’t know.

* * * * * *

The rest of the party is not traveling in secret, but they attract no notice.  The king is here!  Let’s go see THE KING!  Who’s going to worry about a few travelers with little boats?

So they have two options, at this point.

1)  Spend a night in Blavia, maybe at one of the other two taverns.  Maybe there’s a local here who knows a thing or two about the river.  Going in, the party learned from Budig and Elaine that Blavia has no ruling noble family.  No one wants to be associated with a little clam digging town.  Blavia is on the eastern edge of a rural and underdeveloped county ruled by the Contessa of Vorganium (who Morgan briefly met and didn’t like.)  But it is a day or two to Vorganium, and Blavia gets left alone.  The local Druid, Exarchus the Four Bearded, is the closest thing the town has to authority.

2)  Or the group could venture off immediately, using the distraction of the Royal Visit to provide cover for slipping away entirely unnoticed.

Unnoticed by Humans, at least.

When the ship approached the dock Mystal took to wing flying high to get a swallows view of the area. During this she noticed how the longleggeds clustered about Budig, it reminded her of worker bees swarming about and dancing attendance to their queen. this brought a smirk to her face Tis a Pitty yon hath no honey she informed a low cloud as it drifting by. Once satisfied with the layout she swept back towards the others, landing next to Flitter. Cousin be it prudent to keep out of sight of yon longlegged... she asks pointing towards the locals. If so shouldst we conceal ourselves in yon tree to await such departure ast yon masters and mistresses decide. she adds eyeing a rather lush Oak that towers over the nearby trees.

Watching Mystal she waves at her when she see's her take a perch atop the tallest mast. Smiling when she see's Mystal and Ongriss playing in the water she speaks softly.  "That looks like fun doesn't it Morgan. Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to fly or to play in the ocean like that."

Her hand lightly rests over her polymorph potion. Although such a experience would be exciting, fun and something she would never forget. She felt it wasn't wise to use it in such a manner when it might prove vital later. "I could use my polymorph potion to join them though I think it's not a good idea as much as I would enjoy it."

She think about what Morgan and Togo has shared regarding the standing stones. "Your right. Vincenatas is on a schedule. Perhaps we can manage something on the way back. Hmm ok Togo now that you mention it... I think it's good that we have flitter and Mystal with us. Any fey that isn't dark in the forest is likely to give us the benefit of a doubt if we have fey friends with us."

Once they arrive in Blavia she couldn't help it she watches Budig at least for a little while. After all he is a king and that's not something you see every day either. She thought it a wonderful thing that he's listening to and helping the common folk. Not something many a ruler would bother with. While she didn't remember much she had a feeling many of the elite of Lutita Parisorium had better things to do then waste time on the common folk. Some did she was sure just not many.

Returning to the group unless they had been with her the whole time. Mia remembers that while she doesn't grow tired. Nor will she be hungry or thirsty the others probably are at least a little. Thinking of them she asks softly. "Would you all like to stop here to rest, eat and possibly pick up extra provisions. If not I am fine with continuing to the forest now."

She couldn't help but ask feeling curious. "Did you eat while you were playing in the Ocean Ongriss? What is it like to swim beneath the waves. Is there much to see down there? Mystal what do clouds feel like when you touch them? Can you dance on the clouds? Do fey live up there playing in them? I wish I could have joined you two earlier!"

OOC: I am fine with Option 2. Although if people want to stay that will also be fun.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:12, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

Togo is anxious to get to the forest but defers to Mia's decision making. She has guided them well thus far and he didn't have any intention interrupting that. He's sad to see Alba go but understands that these things happen..even in nature too. He tries his best not to dwell on it but rather look forward to what's to come. A fey forest would be exciting if nothing else.

Alba is also sad when it comes time to leave the others even though she feels that it's necessary. When King Budig requests that she stay, Alba curtseys "Of course, your Majesty."

While she hadn't expected such an honor, she's certainly not going to decline. This will also be a good way to see what kind of leader the king is, although she thinks that the idea of a king listening to his subjects is a novel one. Normally, the lords would be the ones to listen to the subjects and pass things along if it was deemed important.

The brave explorers choose to avoid Blavia, and take to the river.  The Blavet River is a gentle, peaceful flow between low tree covered hills.

Morgan recalls that somewhere up ahead, the road along the south side of Armorica must cross the river.  Not near the mouth, of course, the river near Blavia is far too wide.  But she recalls an old Roman built stone bridge, weathered and mossy on the sides, but holding up nicely.  There were a few old stone shelters built near the bridge for overnight use by travelers, but no village at the bridge, which marked the boundary between the Contessa of Vorganium’s land and the Count of Dariatorum’s land.  (Well, actually, the river does that, but since people travel along the road, everyone tends to think of the bridge as the border.)

She also recalls the bridge as having a second purpose:  Downstream of the bridge, seaward, is safe country for farming, fishing, forestry, and hunting.  Upstream, you are in the Fey country, and playing by their rules.  So in a way, the bridge is where two counties meet, and where two worlds meet.

The group doesn't have a full day to travel, though, just a few hours before nightfall.  It takes a little over two hours of paddling past Blavia to reach the bridge.  All seems quiet and the stone shelters look empty- as good a place to spend the night as anywhere one may find along the river.

In reply to Ben (msg # 104):

Mystal occupies herself flittering from the bow to the stern positioning herself at alternate vantage points and peering expectantly about in the hope of spotting something interesting.  Occasionally she peeks into the waters before skipping along its surface to return to the other end of the boat.  Approaching the stone shelter Mystal squints her eyes as she examines its exterior, noting its make. Mistressessessess Mia, Morgan, Ongriss anst Cousin Flitter wouldst Thee Yon shelter be of long legged design. closing one eye and cocking the other she scanns the area near the strucrure Massterrss Vincentas, Aramil, Togo anst plantlings doth Thee suspect yon be a suitable haven to entice a speckled ruff mushroom to take up residence...
This message was last edited by the player at 08:01, Sun 17 Mar 2013.

If they let her Mia is probably getting good at paddling to get the boat moving in the water by now. She doesn't mind especially since it gives her something to do. Plus she has the advantage of both being strong and not getting tired. Though her eyes do tend to wander taking in the lovely scenery around them.

"I miss the city a little. All the people hustling about their business from one place to another. Children playing in the streets, merchants trying to sell their wares. It's funny but it suddenly came to me unbidden. Still I like it out here too the air smells clean, the forest is beautiful and I have friends I would never have otherwise known."

She smiles looking at Togo a halfling druid, Flitter and Mystal both fey a rare thing indeed, as well as Onygriss a were seal, Morgan a wizardess, a ships captain Vincentas, and Aramil a ranger. She already Misses Alba however she knows its best for Alba to pursue what is important to her and makes her happy.

Later when Mystal calls Mia perks up looking over the Roman bridge and the nearby stone shelters. Mia calls back to her as she makes a effort to get a better view. "Yes I think so Mystal. If the bridge was built by the romans I think the shelters are also made by them for travelers."

Once it's safe to do so she hops out of the boat covering more distance then intended. Landing a bit further up the bank she blushes slightly. "I forgot I weigh less now due to that potion. I will check the shelters for fire wood. It's getting dark so we should hurry. Will anyone help me gather firewood? Even if there is already a stock of firewood we should replace it for the next travelers to come this way."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Mon 18 Mar 2013.

Togo decides to ignore the latest question from the pixie as it just seems...well irrelevant. Fortunately she had the attention span of a ferret and quickly moved on to other activities. He's anxious to get back on land and into the forest where he feels a lot more comfortable.

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 107):

Mystal noted the long legged's slight... How rude she commented then took to wing. Flying to a suitable position 33' or so above the stone building and scanning the area.

"I will assist you to gather the wood, Mia.  And, aye, I understand your lament for the city," she added with a smile.  "I adore nature, and all its wondrous bounty, and majesty.  But, at heart, ever and always a child of civilization. Once it is finally time to return home to it, I shed no tears."

The wizardess considered their locale, and some of what had transpired months earlier, when she had come this way.

"The bridge demarks the boundary betwixt the Contessa of Vorganium’s land and the Count of Dariatorum’s.  Some months ago, the Countess was briefly our host.  I do not recommend straying into her land, nor involvement with her people, unless we must. She is not over friendly toward those who serve lord Budig.  And, I do believe, she has certain agendas, allegiances, which our contrary to ours."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Mon 18 Mar 2013.

OOC: Mystal I had a typo in my last post. Mia was actually talking to you not herself when you asked about the stone shelters.

"Thank you Morgan. Perhaps when things have been settled with the Huns and Lutita Parisorium is free again. We could travel there together. There are things I need to find out and it would be nice not to go back alone. Although I haven't a clue when that day will come."

She looks up at Mystal who seems upset then calls to her. "Mystal would you like to come with Morgan and I while we gather wood? If you spot something edible we could pick berries if any are in season."

Gathering wood she isn't shy about breaking up larger pieces of dry tree limbs that have fallen. Being able to carry more she is content to carry a larger load while Morgan places them in her arms if she desires. "This Contessa you think has allied herself with the Huns? Perhaps the blackguards which I am not sure if that is worse or not. If so I hope she realizes her mistake and changes before it is to late. It won't be long before we are in the fey forest. I have met Korrigons before Morgan they are very nice and like to dance. I hope we find some or perhaps pixies like flitter. If we are lucky we might run into a tree ent. They are guardians of the forest and could warn us about anything nasty like redcaps."

Morgan placed as much wood in Mia's arms as she was comfortable to take.

"It sounds you know your Fey, Mia! Travel to the standing stones, you mean?  Surely. I would enjoy the company.  Perhaps, later, if this is not the time, you can tell me what it is you seek to learn-?"  As regarded the Contessa:

"The Huns...No; not that I know for certain. It is this way -- The Countess is known to be opportunistic. She places no loyalties above those to herself, and her own.  Lord Budig hadn't been there in years, until the family toured, myself with them, and visited. During the struggle with Riwal, her family was considered unfriendly, though not directly involved. Budig's conversation with her was whether the Countess considered herself a part of the Kingdom of Brittany, or not. It was a polite, but strained talk. The Contessa spoke of how much she hates politics -- which, she claims, took one of her husbands, and two of her sons."  Morgan paused a moment, catching a piece of wood that had begun to topple from the stack in Mia's arms.

"Anyway, Lamaertus, who is Budig's closest advisor, and a Druid of Lan Ternoc, warned against magical mischief.  I know not if he had reason for that...or it was simply because the Contessa is an aging woman, and it seemed more likely to him than treachery with swords. But I had the feeling he suspected it, for some reason. And it was why Budig took me with him into her keep. While there, there was a large feline that had the mark of magic upon it.  Familiar...or some sort of shape-shifter...I would swear to that. It came and went several times during the conversation.  She told us that her daughter dwelt in the east of Brittany, and rarely visited, and was away presently.  But, later, at a local inn, I saw a woman whom I am rather sure is her daughter. Later, I asked the unicorn, Marisol, about both of them. Marisol told me that the daughter has magic. Knows the woods very well. Can recognize a Dryad tree. And call forth the Dryad from it. Not in the respectful way of a Druid...but in a harsh manner. One that frightens the Dryads."  Considering those memories for a moment, she added and concluded:

"Whatever that is, it is no spell I've ever heard of before. I suspect alliance with the darker Fey kindred. Those who may become our enemies, if they don't care for our little expedition."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Mon 18 Mar 2013.

In reply to Mia (msg # 110):

Mystal beamed at the invitation. Certainly it be an honour she replies; quickly glancing about before swooping down towards the long legged women. Alighting on the ground she starts collecting pieces of wood for the fire. Flittering along beside the women as she does, before long she's collected a sizeable bundle. Which to all intents for Morgan it would amount to a handful of tinder. Thy Countess sounds to be a rather sorrowful individual who be grieving her losses

"Yes I have been very fortunate in my travels with Togo, Flitter, alba, and Aramil. We met many fey and they have been kind to me. They see me as just another magical being like them. Although now that I have gotten better at looking like everyone else I don't have to worry about people being concerned about me." She pauses as they had more then one topic going on. Waiting to give Morgan a chance to relpace the piece of wood that tried to escape.

"Let's go back I think we have enough wood at least for now. Yes I wouldn't mind going to the standing stones with you if you wish it. However I referred to my home of Lutita Parisorium. This body isn't my own and I can't remember much of my past let alone how I ended up in the Huns dark tower. I would like to learn about my past to see if I have family and friends. Perhaps to learn just how I came to be what I am now. I am afraid of what I will find and yet I yearn to know. I hope to have a few friends with me when I make that journey."

She walks gracefully next to Morgan the cold breeze catching her silky blond hair and blowing a few strands into her face. She tries to blow it back with a breath however it's not that bad. Her dress also ripples in the wind it's colors not as vibrant as the sun grows lower in the sky and things get darker. "We should tell Togo about the Countess Vorganium's Daughter and that she seems to have power over the fey. This is something I think that will concern him very much. If the fey need our help here we need to give it. They helped us even if it was a common cause against the Huns."

Should they reach camp safely she carefully deposits the wood in a neat pile. Likely where some is already stocked for visitors that need it. Then takes time to share her concerns with Togo. "Togo! Morgan told me that the Countess's daughter seems to have some sort of dark power over fey. Specifically dryads I think it's possible that the Fey here might need our help. Morgan can likely tell you more."


OOC: Before they return to camp. Had to edit for cross post with mystal. ^_^

Looking to Mystal with a warm smile she nods slightly. "Thank you Mystal. It's very nice to have company. I fear for the Countess's daughter from what Morgan has told us."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Mon 18 Mar 2013.

"Oh, I see," understanding what Mia had been referring to, now.   It wasn't hard to understand how important that must be to her.  She had spoken before that the body she now inhabited wasn't her original one.  More of the vile sort of magic Hunnish wizards stooped to traffic in.  There was precious little they would refrain from. Perhaps nothing at all.  Morgan nodded.

"When the time comes, I will go with you," she said simply and matter of factly. Morgan fervently hoped that investigation would not bring more hurt to Mia's heart, than healing. Whatever had happened, she guessed it wasn't a pretty tale.  Yet if she were in Mia's place, she knew she would want to do exactly the same.

"Yes, that is true," she answered Mystal.  "But some who grieve their losses seek solace, and healing.  And, others...clutch them to their bosom, and use them as an excuse to go cold. Or justify darkness already there. It is hard to get through to someone, if they don't want to heal, and ward themselves against it.  Maybe it is not too late for the Countess. It had occurred to me too, after learning something of her daughter, that perhaps the Countess is being manipulated or goaded by her. If it is so, and dark Fey are in turn pulling her strings...then just perhaps we will find something in our journey, that can aid the situation." 

Mystal registers the Sylphs plight and frowns at the wickedness these are subject to. Such be a matter of concern which we shouldest address in such time ast be possible... she comments a small frown playing on her face.

Unasked, Flitter flies up near Mystal as Mystal goes up to get a better look.  Mystal has heard of Pixies… every Fey has.  All of the Sprites seem to embody some element of Nature, and the Pixies ended up with “youth”.  They are always childlike- silly, innocent, playful, and so ruled by their emotions that they can manage only one at a time.

Here… Flitter is playing, doing loops and spins around branches, teasing a sparrow.

”The Fey Forest!” she says excitedly.  “Full of strange magical creatures… and I should know.  But I never thought it was so big.  Once, an adventure meant going to the waterfall past the big meadow.”

Like most Fey, the average Pixie is a strict homebody.  They aren’t “locked” to some natural feature like Dryads are, but they tend not to like traveling.  (Tend… there are exceptions, of course.)

In the sunset, the tops of the trees reflect the orange light.  There are crows in the air, but most of the birds have settled in for the evening.  They can see the river ahead, winding its way deep into the woods.

Nothing in the immediate vicinity that they can see from the air, though.  It’s not easy- the forest crown, even in winter, is dense and blocks most of the view.

On the ground, the wood collectors see a little more.  First, the see mushrooms.  Togo is a master of mushroom identification and knows them as Funnel Chanterelles, a winter mushroom, very edible.  But near the mushrooms, they look down the river bank.  There, along the river bank, maybe two hundred feet up… there are some white bones.  Scattered along the bank at a bend, and they look Human.

Or maybe Selkie.  Or Elven.  They all look alike.

Ongriss goes along with the others, staying quiet and listening to the others talk while she stays by Vincentas. She doesn't know much about the standing stones and she knows even less about the contessa, so she just takes in what the others say about them. The idea that the contessa's daughter is able to force a dryad from her tree is a little unnerving. She didn't like to think what she could or would do to a lone dryad like the one they transplanted.

After thinking a bit she looked back at the standing stones. "I'd like to come back this way and look at the stones. Maybe they can tell us something?"

She's seen a few bones stripped clean by the little fish in the water. She can tell that someone died out here. If there are any fey around here, it's very possible that they aren't the nice kind. She whispers to the others "Do you think we should say who we are?"

Are the bones on our side of the river?

Togo begins collecting up some mushrooms and eats them like Alba does apples and puts most of them in a small pouch. Then they happen upon the bones.

"Whoa..this is not good" says Togo stating the obvious. "Are those old bones or have they been picked clean by something?" Togo shudders involuntarily.

The bones are on the same side of the river, but not within sight of the bridge and stone house.

Togo creeps over for a closer look, his fuzzy halfling feet padding along the forest floor.

The bones are not recent, and they are not close together.  That tells him its been quite a while.

In reply to Ben (msg # 119):

Mystal busied herself collecting sticks which she piled against the building adjacent to its entry in bundles about 3" high.

"Thank you Morgan I appreciate that." Smiling at Morgan and Mystal she listens as the conversation progresses.

"I think we will all do what we can! I agree with Mystal if they have done something to the fey in this forest we should help them as soon as we can. We will know soon as of Tomorrow we will enter the fey forest."

Mia waves to Flitter smiling when she see's that she is in a playful mood. "Have fun flitter! Don't go to far though!"

Having returned to Camp Mia pauses then grins at Ongriss's show of interest. "Morgan it looks like Onigriss would like to see the standing stones as well. I think perhaps we will get to look at them on the way back."

When the bones are discovered Mia took the sight as disturbing a worried expression coming over her face. "I hope no monsters have taken this place as their hunting grounds."   Cautiously she approaches with the others. If something happened she wanted to be where she could help Togo, Morgan, and the others.

"Togo perhaps we should set up a watch tonight just to be safe."

Togo agrees "Yes Mia, it's always a good idea these days to post a watch if you have a group outdoors staying overnight. Usually I have my animal companion to assist with this duty but alas he's not here. Hmmm...maybe a new one might be in order. I'll have to sleep on it."

"Anyone know what kinda of bones those are? Should someone bury them?" Togo was unsure of the various customs but knew that some cultures insisted on burying their dead.


EDIT: Mai->Mia
This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Thu 21 Mar 2013.

Mystal steps back looking at the five piles of sticks nodding contently. Taking to wing she joins Flitter and frolics amoungst the trees. Cousin be Thee a skilled tracker able to read sighs that are quite old. she asks

"Or make for some happy forest creatures finding nicely pre-made stacks of nesting material." Togo whistles softly making himself look busy doing absolutely nothing productive. It's a little known hobbit skill he perfected back at the druid academy which was just one of the reasons he drove the instructors bonkers.

Togo can not discern any tracks.  Such signs have washed out long ago- rain, snow, sleet... and that stuff the call "wintry mix" has erased them over time.

Flitter zips around, but never too far:  The Pixie "Orbits" in sight of the Party, being concerned that this forest has  Scary Thing in it.

But they see no sign of it.  So Flitter tries to Educate Mystal in the ways of the forest, explaining what the different trees and herbs are (despite being very scatterbrained, Pixies are actually very good at this.)  She shows Mystal where to find edibles in the forest, even in winter, and if you tap the Birch trees you can get sweet sap, but never tell Humans or they will go out and tap all the trees too much, but OUR Humans would probably never do that because they're nice.

No sign of any danger, though.

But from high up, in the last of the setting sun's light, they see a light.  It is miles away, and maybe, maybe not on their route ahead- it's hard to tell because it is long past where they can see the river.  Just out there in green hills, and who knows where the river goes with its twists and turns.

Maybe it's a light.  Maybe just a reflection of the sunset off something...

But there's nothing nearby.

But Flitter must ask, because the curiosity is overwhelming:  "Please, Mystal, what are the piles of sticks for?"

* * * * *

Night progresses peacefully- no monsters, just your usual forest creatures prowling around.   Togo spots a Beech Marten, a fascinating creature which almost never appears as a familiar, although it really ought to be.

In reply to Ben (msg # 125):

In reply to Ben (msg # 125):

Mystal hung on Flitters every word, noting the different types of trees and herbs are where to find the hidden delectables and the correct way to tap the Birch tree. Truly her Pixie cousin was the gracious hostess and mentor.

One assumed yon long legged would appreciate additional firewood anst took to collecting six days worth. Mystal informed Flitter Tis interesting how such large creatures hath no resilience to the elements. she added often wondering why that was herself.

Mia laughs and smiles when she see's Togo whistling and looking busy. Perhaps they would put him on cooking duty tonight. Well maybe not if he couldn't cook best to leave that to those with the skill to make it tasty!

Keeping half a eye on the Pixie and Mystal Mia was very happy to see them having fun. IF she realizes what Flitter is doing suddenly she has a very interested audience. Mia having forgotten that she doesn't need to eat is very intrigued about foraging for food in the forest. Besides berries tend to taste good! "That's amazing flitter! Thank you this is very valuable knowledge! I promise not to tell anyone your secret regarding the Birch trees."

With Mystal she smiles thinking about it. "I think you have magic that keeps you warm Mystal. Though to be honest I think you might like a warm cloak at night. We could have something especially made for you if you would like to try it."

OOC: Isn't Maple syrup from Maple trees though?

When the Beech Marten shows up Mia is fascinated. She lays down on the ground watching the adorable creature with rapt attention. Her hands support her chin blue eyes following it's every move with a happy expression. Eventually though she knows that the camp fire has to be started. Cooking food would also be a important thing to do before everyone needed to go to sleep.

When she see's the light she wonders about it. "Perhaps we should check on that light first thing tomorrow if it's not to far." Taking a bit of time Mia asks for help as needed. She gets the camp fire going as well as checking their food supplies. "Togo would you like to help with the cooking? Flitter Mystal you can too if you like. Just please don't go near any boiling pots or to close to the fire."

"Very well, Ongriss shall go with us -- sounds we have a small expedition in the making, for the stones.  It is well.  Greater understanding of them could serve the land, and its people, very well." Morgan also concurred as to the bones,and the light:

"Yes. We should inter those remains. Particularly if there is any ill influence at work in this domain.  As to the light -- once we are somewhat nearer, there is a spell I can use to scout ahead.  One that allows viewing at a distance."

Morgan had watched in quiet interest the activities of the Fey and Halfling druid.  It amused her that she was the only human in this company.  That was different than any other group she had traveled with, heretofore.  Albeit, she had begun to have a shading of suspicion as regarded her own, yet unknown, bloodline...

At the appearance of the beech marten - an animal she only barely recognized from her Academy studies of fauna - she cocked a dark brow.  She looked on as Mia lay on the ground, thoroughly entertained by the fuzzy little fellow.  He was rather cute...

Morgan had never called to a familiar.  Having one had never appealed, too much.  Never seemed her style.  She did admire some of those her peers had.  And also found some sort of obnoxious, or otherwise unappealing. Or even a little too cute.   Still, once in a while, she felt a bit of a void that she did not have one.

After Mia had departed to cook, Morgan knelt and smiled toward the marten, from a distance. She recollected from study that they did eat fruit, including apples.  She took one from her pack, then sliced a wedge with a knife.

That done, she tossed it out his direction, but not directly at him, with a leisurely throw.

"Awwww...he's so cute." Togo remarks of the little Marten. He casts speak to animal and animal friendship spells and speaks to the Marten.

"So, little fella. You see any large creatures besides us recently?

"Oh, here, try a mushroom. I just picked them. Quite tasty yes?

"You wouldn't happen to know what happened to the creature where the bones over there are would you? How it died or what killed it?

"Ah, those are pixies, mostly friendly but best be careful. They are fickle creatures."

"Anything out of the ordinary happen lately?"

Birch tree sap, while not as rich and sweet as maple tree sap, is edible, and in cold climate areas enough can be harvested to be sold commercially!

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birch_syrup

Normally, small fuzzy creatures like the Beech Marten do not approach people.  People are dangerous.  Anything that big and noisy is dangerous.  If you are small and fuzzy, it’s important to live by rules like this, because if you don’t, you probably won’t be living long.

But that one… a little smaller and fuzzier than the others… the one they call “Togo”, that one can talk.  And the other one has an apple, and is tossing pieces of it away.  How strange!  Yet fortunate, because apples are tasty!

Togo talks.  The Beech Marten answers, with a variety of chirps, squeaks, purrs and growls.

Togo talks, but apparently Morgan had the food right.  It likes apples, not mushrooms.    It comes to the obvious conclusion about Togo:  Since he said the mushrooms were tasty, he must have questionable tastes himself.  Like a squirrel.

It tries to answer Togo’s questions.  While it talks to Togo, it looks hopefully at Morgan every now and then.

"Squeak Chirp Churgle Churgle squeak..."

Togo gives it some affectionate rubbing. He's got lots of practice.

"Thanks friend. Yes, do go and enjoy the apple slices."

---

Togo warns the party "There apparently is an alligator or some sort of similar creature living in the river. Best we be careful if we need to cross and maybe not stay to close."

"Does he know anything of the bones, Togo?" Morgan queried softly to the Druid, at such time there was a lull in the conversing.

Meanwhile, she continued to provide their new guest his own supper.  While perceiving the little fellow in other ways.  It could be done, she realized.  It would be a very spontaneous thing, to say the least.  But that wasn't necessarily bad.  It seemed a potentially suitable bond. Not exactly what she might have expected.  But then, she hadn't really expected anything in particular.  It was different.  In a good way. Unlike that spoiled, screaming, cockatoo Valarius had been so fond of...

And it was sort of pleasing, and fitting; an animal from the Fey woods. She went back and forth with the idea, while she waited to hear what Togo might be able to tell them.

And then decided.


EDIT -- never mind the first part!  Was a little slow to finish that post off.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Fri 22 Mar 2013.

Morgan has been saving her "familiar ritual" for a long time, waiting for the right familiar.  Far too many wizards get their familiars too early in their careers, when they don't yet know, through experience, what the "right" familiar really is.

But Morgan is certain.

Flitter watches as she calls to the Beech Marten with magic.

"It's a good thing she knew Martens eats apples," Flitter says to anyone listening.

"Hmmm, Togo nods and agrees.  "So Martens eat apples.  But what do Martens drink?"

"Martinis"  Flitter says.

Sometime later, Morgan has acquired a familiar:  A Beech Marten.

While she works she hears talk of burying the remains of those who had fallen long ago. She nods thinking that perhaps they would appreciate it. Most people would want some sort of burial even if it wasn't exactly to the customs of their people if they were found at some distant later time. "I will help dig in a bit. Just let me finish up what I am doing here."

Needless to say she found what Togo was doing rather amazing. Being able to talk to animals was special and it meant even in the forest he would never truly be alone even if all he had for company happened to be the forest animals. Listening to the conversation at least one side of it with growing interest. She smiles up at flitter and Mystal. "Flitter, Mystal our little friend is curious about you two! The one Togo is talking with right now!"

She looks slightly alarmed at the mention of some sort of alligator. "That means this place with the bridge is now dangerous for travelers. We could put up some sort of warning. That or I could try to entice it out of the water. If it comes you two have your magic and I have my strength. We might be able to drive it away for good or if we have to kill it. Ongriss you shouldn't go into the water it's  not safe! Where is Ongriss!"

She looks around hopping that their friend hadn't decided to go for a swim! When she is certain Ongriss is safe she watches Morgan cast her ritual with a sense of wonder. Smiling at flitter she nods. "I think apples are delicious. It's a good choice for something to have for lunch or with it depending on what you have available." She looks curious about the drink.

Taking some time to dig a suitable place of internment with her hands if need be. Or whatever tools they happen to have fit for the job she works tirelessly. When she realizes the Beech marten is here to stay and is rather friendly with Morgan she asks.  "Can I hold him, or her Morgan? Did you name the marten or did the marten give a name?" She hasn't forgotten about the danger in the river. She's just distracted for a bit!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Sat 23 Mar 2013.

pm

In fact, Morgan did have a name in mind. It was sort of silly...but oh why not.

"He reminds me some of a particular member of the faculty at Aurelianorum," she said in response to Mia, and the others in general. "Similar eyes.  And, admittedly cute. If not fuzzy. Now I think naming him after a living person would be going a little too far. Therefore, I will use just the station.  He was a Dean, you see."  The wizardess smiled and shrugged.

"So this is Dean, the Marten. Or Dean Marten, if you like. It does have sort of a ring, don't you think-?"

She passed the new familiar to Mia, who of everyone she had ever met, was probably the most gentle and trustworthy soul one could ever hand a small, fuzzy, animal to.

She did pause to consider what the animal might go on to be exposed to, as a consequence of his new position.  It would be a very different life, than living perpetually in the woods, with nothing to do but forage food, and look for comfortable places to sleep. Yet, there was something in his spirit, that felt to her that he was suited to, and cut out for more.  As well, his new accomplice was a wizardess...and not without means of protecting those in her care.

Familiarization aside, the alligator was a concern. Mia was right. She figured a certain member of their party might know best in the matter.

"Togo," she asked, "what you do you recommend with the alligator-? We can't well leave a killer behind us.  But, if it is only a natural predator, doing what it's nature leads it to, then looking at it as a monster to be slain, might be the wrong view, I think.  Could it be convinced to relocate?  Somewhere where it's only playing its proper role in the food chain?"

"Well.." Togo drifts off into thought "I'm not certain that it is an alligator, just that it might be one or resemble one based on the description our friendly Martin here gave. We could investigate further but if it is a normal alligator then I'm not inclined to harm it even though it is a predator. Predators are a natural part of nature even if their function can be seen as ruthless."

In reply to Togo Took (msg # 137):

From the safety of several hefty branches Mystal peered down at the small fury creature wondering if it were one of those dreaded creatures Flitter had mentioned earlier. Cousin Flitter be yon creature a dreaded chipmunk? she quietly asked
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Tue 26 Mar 2013.

"Hmm I see! Well maybe someday I can meet this Dean of yours. Yes I like his name Morgan."

Very gently she accepts Dean sitting so that he can rest in her lap. Slowly and gently she caresses along the length of his back affectionately while smiling down at the Beech Marten. "It's nice to meet you Mr. Dean. My name is Mia. I hope you can understand me know that your a Familiar. Can I have a bit of apple to feed him?"

She listens to the conversation somewhat distracted by Dean as she continues to caress his fur lovingly. If he rolls onto his back she will rub his belly and laugh. Then turns her attention back to the conversation as the alligator creature is discussed. "Well if it is a monster possibly something left by the Huns. They have been messing with the fey a lot perhaps we can do something about it. If nothing else a warning to travelers is fair so they can avoid a natural predator."

She glances up at Mystal and flitter wondering what they are doing up in the tree. She smiles warmly at them and waves for a moment.

OOC: Since Mystal said quietly asked and you up in a tree I am not sure Mia could hear you. I do look forward to hearing flitters response.

Togo adds "Ya know. I would have named him Fartin' Marten so maybe it's good you named him."

Dean the Marten has a new home.    Familiarhood is a life changing experience for animals.  You’re out there every day, struggling along in the Eat-Or-Be-Eaten arena of nature, hoping to find a next meal and maybe a mate, and then… poof, there you are, part of an arcane partnership that links your very essence to that of the wizard who found you.


Only a familiar truly understands what it’s like.

Meanwhile, Flitter observes carefully.  Where she comes from, martens are predators.  One would think that Pixies have nothing to fear from normal predators.  Pixies are smart, fast, capable of invisibility and flight, have magic…

But Pixies are also prone to not taking the world as seriously as they ought to.  They daydream, they frolic, and all to often they are just not paying attention when they should.

Pixies have a lot to be afraid of.  It doesn’t help that sometimes, when they are afraid, it is of the wrong things.  Like chipmunks.

Flitter admits, rather sheepishly, that to the best of her knowledge, no Pixie has ever been attacked by a chipmunk.

She clarifies: “Well, there was Aunt Silvertwinkle, but she provoked it.  We all knew it would happen, sooner or later, the way she was acting.   But who would have thought a chipmunk could make a flying tackle like that?”

There are so many threats they really should be paying attention to.

And speaking of threats…

Flitter is amazed that Togo seems familiar with this dread green beast the Marten spoke of.  The… what was it…Aggregator?  In all her time in the Fey woods she’s never heard of such a thing.  Which only goes to show.. something.  She’s not sure.

Martens, though, are not on the danger list.  Flitter can’t recall a Pixie being attacked by one.  Stoats, yes.  Stoats are somewhat similar to martens. They are smaller, but attack bigger prey!  Polecats, larger relatives of martens, are another danger.  But martens, no.

* * * * * * *

Dean Marten is the only interruption of the night.  They get a late start in the morning, as Morgan was up late with the Familiar Ritual.

And they paddle up the Blavet, winding through the hills.

The change in the land is obvious and abrupt.  North of the bridge, there are no cleared farms, no wood cuts, no sign of intruding civilization.  The plants seem lush and vigorous, and there is the sense of life everywhere.

As they paddle closer to the bones… something seems odd, to Togo.

Big predators will chew and snap and break bones.  These weren’t.

Mia just glances at Togo then shakes her head. Later she can't help but laugh as flitter talks about her people and Aunt Silvertwinkle. "Well I hope Aunt Silvertwinkle wasn't hurt. It's never wise to tease a person or animal in a way that will make them very angry."

"Mystal, Flitter just to be safe never fly to close to the water. There is no telling how fast this predator is. I would say stay in the boat, however you both can fly so as long as we are careful it should be ok."

When they are on the river she looks a bit concerned as they get closer to the bones. "I don't like this. Our boat isn't very big and if the predator is hungry I think there is a good chance it's going to try to get dinner." She looks around warily hopping that she's wrong.

In reply to Mia (msg # 142):

Mystal had a pleasant night’s relaxation in the morning she refreshed herself with dew from abundant leaves and sated her hunger with delectable fruits and nectar she'd learnt about the day before. Collecting some fruits she flitted across to the Magess Mistress Morgan Longlegged we she indicated Flitter and herself hat though Thy Dean wouldst enjoy these she informed presenting her with several berries before gliding to watch the Marten eat.

When the group had boarded the boat she moved to the bow where she would be mostly out of the way and could spy out the area ahead. Glancing towards the large metalic woman she nodded appreciative of her council Thankee Mistress Mia Longlegged One shall truly heed Thy advice; ast One hath no desire to chance upon such an beast as an Allegory
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Fri 29 Mar 2013.

"Well Flitter, studies at the druid academy were quite rigorous...and after many years of study you come to realize just how much you don't know. After a while you start to wonder just what exactly are you're trying to accomplish. That's about when I decided to leave the academy and do some adventuring with my good hobbit friend Stormrider. Then I joined up with Mia and Alba and well, here I am" he finishes with a smile.


EDIT: Grammar fix
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Fri 29 Mar 2013.

Mystal jumped up landing on the rim of the vessel. Stretching her arms out she started walking along its rim, teetering to and fro whilst precariously completing a circuit of the vessel.

"I am quite certain he will not refute those, Mystal, thank you," Morgan replied in response to the Fey's gift of berries.

As to the topic of Antipathetic Aggregators, she offered:

"I mislike the idea of cat and mouse games with an overgrown and ravenous reptile.  Not my idea of a good time!  If he be close at all, I should be able to tell us where."  From her pouch of components, Morgan withdrew a bit of fur, (that of a bloodhound) and then spell-cast.


If it -is- directly beneath us, I think I am in fact going to scream... she considered in semi-serious humor, while she awaited the result of the incantation.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Fri 29 Mar 2013.

“Aunt Silvertwinkle recovered,” Flitter reports.  “Mostly.  She still gets sick at the sight of hazel nuts, and runs away from chipmunks.  And she tells all the Little Ones how horrible the chipmunks are.  It wouldn’t be so bad, but chipmunks are so fast and can pop out of holes and surprise you.”

Morgan casts her spell, and something flickers towards the end of the spell's range, upriver... but they see nothing.  It's in the direction they are going, though.

They paddle upriver.  They pass the bones on the bank, but nothing happens.  Old bones.  Not a sign of anything eating anything else.

And they continue on, into the afternoon, paddling along a lovely river and listening to bird calls.

Dean gets sleepy and curls up next to Morgan.  Martens are nocturnal and he’ll have to get used to this strange new schedule.

In the early afternoon, there is a strange swirling in the water, as if something large was moving beneath, and it sets everyone on edge- even the marten.

A face appears above the water, and even as everyone reacts, it is clear that it is only an image- they can see right through it.   It is an ugly, greenish face, with a long warty green nose, long crooked yellow teeth, beady reddish eyes, and craggly greenish skin surrounded by an unkempt mop of black hair.

And it speaks, in a low hissing voice.

“Who are you, to come into my home without asking?   A guest brings gifts.  I want… one of the sprites.  Let’s play.  Answer my riddle by sunset, or I shall come to you by night and eat one of them!”

The apparition gives a maniacal little giggle and continues:  “The weak pierces the strong, then strong pierces the weak, then two become one.  Tell me by sunset.”

The image of the face fades, and Flitter says, “oh no.  Was that the Allegory?  It wants to eat us!”

"Squirk!" Dean replies.

"Love comes to mind but I'm just a dumb hobbit. I'm better at preparing dinner than solving riddles."

"Your welcome Mystal." She smiles at Mystal with a friendly expression. She listens to Togo and nods slightly when he mentions joining them. "It certainly has been a interesting journey. I hope alba is safe in Arras well when she gets there if she hasn't yet."

When Mystal jumps on the edge Mia can't help but worry about her. She wonders if Mystal is more like flitter then she knows. One misstep and she could end up in the water. "Mystal perhaps I can find a way to entertain you. I fear for you because if somehow you were to fall in the water the monster in the water might take advantage of it." Her voice is gentle and sincere. She didn't want to bother Mystal she just wanted her to be safe. Besides she's used to Flitters childlike innocence and sometimes Flitter needed shepherding too.

She takes the time to explain a game using small circular polished stones or in the case of the wealthy crystals or glass. I.E. A game of marbles. She also explains what you can do with a bit of yarn/string and your fingers. You see you use one to knock another out of the circle and if you get the most you win. With string, yarn or in your case perhaps tiny vines you can make complex patterns with just your fingers. This game is more complex taking practice, thought and time. However once your good at it and some children can be amazing it's quite a display. Adults do it to though less for fun and more for whatever other reason they have."

Mia found the sight frightening then slightly less so when she realizes it won't immediately spring out of the water and try to eat them. Though it's demand is indeed frightening and sickening.   "I do not know if we can trust this creature to honor it's word. Either it feels we are not strong enough to fight it or it will use magic to try to take the little ones."

She looks at Togo worried because in truth they could only guess. Even a master of riddles could be fooled. Say for example the riddle the master knows is valid but the creature had perhaps invented it's own. Similar yet not the same. "I like Togo have never tried my hand at riddles. Even if I did I don't remember doing so in which case I feel I am not any good at riddles either. I like the idea of love for that could easily involve a weak and strong individual becoming one as they get married. You could say love pierces the heart but there is no guarantee."

"I would have suggested a arrow and a target but that can't be right. The target pierces nothing. With a thread and needle the thread pierces the needle first then the needle pierces whatever it is you wish to sew. IN theory becoming one  however technically the needle never pierces the thread your using so again wrong. Unless someone has a better suggestion then love I agree with Togo. If we are wrong we must be prepared to resist whatever trickery or magic this monster might use to try to take our companions. I am prepared to fight in their defense."

The face does not return.  And there is no sign of the creature anywhere around.  The river is an ordinary river with no riddle asking pixie eating monsters.
With nowhere else to go but upriver... they paddle upriver.

“We can paddle anywhere,” Flitter says, sounding very worried.   “but once they ask a riddle the riddle must be answered.  Things like that happen in Fey country.  She will come back and eat one of us.”

As the sun begins to wane, they again see a distant light- but it is many miles away- probably a whole day more of paddling.

At least, the river seems to have provided a nice place to stop- there is a glade along the side of the river.  A semi-circle of tall, wide willows surrounds a grassy field.

Mystal paced from one end of the boat to the other, casting an occasional glance at the area about on the off chance the Pixie devouring water creature sprang upon them. Plopping herself amongst a bundle of coiled rope she holds her face with both hands Tis as Flitter hath informed least the River form's question be answered we are doomed. musing on the possibility that the answer may involve a sunrise and sunset becoming a day.

Togo is quiet for a long time. Finally he asks Mia a question. "Mia, why do you say a needle doesn't pierce thread? I've seen seamstresses put a thread through the needles eye, tie a knot, and then pull the thread through fabric."

"Well I suppose my answer could be correct. My concern is the needle is pierced by a specific thread. However the reason I think it's wrong is that while the needles pierces whatever it is you want to sow it never pierces the thread which pierced it. On the other hand I could very well be right. It's not my life on the line it's Flitters or Mystal's."

Thinking about it for a while she looks to the others. "All right then if no one else wishes to submit a idea they feel is better. I will got with a Needle and thread. One pierces the other each in turn becoming one. That's my answer. Now regarding this monster in the water. Assuming I have answered the riddle correctly will it leave us alone or bother us with yet more riddles. It's lair is underwater likely near the bones of it's prey. We could go after it to stop it from doing this to anyone else."

OOC: Ok unless someone else wants to submit a Idea looks like the answer is Needle and thread.

"Those are both well thought, plausible answers.  I can certainly think of nothing closer than those two. And will acknowledge whichever the rest of you feel is right.  But, understand this -- no one is at risk. It won't be eating any of our comrades. Not without one hell of a fight.  Dean confirms that this is the 'green nasty' creature he communicated about. Whether such a thing actually has a physical lair is hard to say. If it is more of a spirit creature, capable of taking physical form. But -- we can discover all this. After we get to the shore. We are too vulnerable sitting out in the water."

The wizardess was very intent about getting to shore, and urged the others they should do so as quick as possible.

Once we are ashore, if the others agree, will cast Arcane Eye --  and have it scout and search beneath the water for signs of this creature, or its lair. 
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Tue 02 Apr 2013.

Mystal decided that whatever this creature was it certainly did not uphold the true Fae nature; for not only did it not reveal itself to Fae but it threatened their lives without cause. Stepping boldly over to her kinsfae; Cousin Flitter, One doth thinkest yon creatures intentions be foul, seeing howst it doth focus upon such heritage ast the test of Riddle without first establishing accord tweenst us. As such doth Thee consider the test inappropriate?

"Thank you Morgan. Honestly I am surprised that I came up with a very good answer. Though I am glad that I could help."

Mia helps to paddle to shore where it's likely they will make camp. "Perhaps we should plan on how to thwart our foe if my answer is wrong. I suspect this creature will use some form of magic to get what she wants. Perhaps try to put us to sleep or somehow command her intended meal to come to her." She frankly was rather frightened remembering the horrible dark fey man that had Breeze in his power. If he was any example of their dark magic there was very good reason to fear this monster.

"I hope your Magic works Morgan. If we can find this monster when it's unprepared defeating it might be a good bit easier."

Listening to Mystal Mia is curious about what she might mean. "Are you saying that a Dark fey has to enter a accord before making it's challenge. The last one I met didn't seem to care about that. It was horrible Mystal not something I want to think about."

In reply to Mia (msg # 156):

Indeed Mistress Mia Long legged; there be rules of such contests. Mind them of the Dark don't oft uphold such societies; ast they seek advantage whenever they canst
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:49, Wed 03 Apr 2013.

Flitter isn’t entirely clear on all the rules of Fey magic herself- from a Pixie point of view it’s just something that comes automatically, and you never have to think about (which is fortunate, because Pixies don’t do a lot of thinking), just like a bee never worries about chemistry when it’s making honey.

But she knows a few things.

”It must be a Wicked Fey, Mystal, or it wouldn’t do such things.  They break the rules.  But a riddle is still a riddle.  It’s magic.  A curse on us if we fail, a curse on the Green Meanie if we do not.”

Wicked Fey is what the Pixies call the various Evil members of the Fey world:  the Unseelie, the Nightshades, the Quicklings, the Boggarts… well, those are a special cases because they are the Bad Side of mistreated Brownies.

Meanwhile…

Morgan DOES find it with her Arcane Eye, and it is underwater, about 300 feet away, waiting, concentrating… possibly using magic of it’s own!  It has the form of a shrivel, hunched, aquatic Human, with stringy hair, warty green skin, and long pointy claws and teeth.

It must be using its own magic, because its apparition-face appears over the water near the camp site.

”The sun is on the horizon,” it says.  “Answer me, it is my right!”

Frowning at the wicked Fey's demand she wonders if it could be thwarted by refusing to play it's game. "Before I answer I want to check with the group. Are we agreed that my answer is best or do you wish to go with Togo's idea? My vote is for Needle and thread."

OOC: If you want to speed things up you can assume we go with whomevers answer the group agrees on.

In reply to Ben (msg # 158):

Affore we answer Thy riddle There be two Fae here Thee be obliged to answer our own. It doth take a minute to find us, Thee cannot see us in a second, but Thee may perchance see us twice if Thee be afforded a moment. Thee be unable to find us if Thee hath a hundred years anst Thee may, if given a million years!
Failing to do whilst void Thy own. Mystal boldly declares
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Thu 04 Apr 2013.

Togo shakes his head. "Silly pixie. You really don't get how these things work do you? Ah well. Such is life. Mia, yes please do give our answer. I fully support your answer."

There are some things that Silly Pixies understand.. if they can’t truly elaborate on that understanding… and one is that the Riddle Game can never proceed to another Riddle until the first riddle is answered.  Even worse… the curse invoked for a failed riddle challenge can now come double for Mystal, once if the answer to the Green Meanie’s riddle is incorrect, and once if her own riddle is answered.

Filled with worry for her semi-aquatic colleague, Flitter flies as fast as she can to stop Mystal, shouting “No No No, don’t ask a…” and leaving a trail of golden sparks in the air… but it’s too late.

The horrid face turns to look at Mystal and says with a leering grin; “Guess the Letter Riddles are the lowest form of riddles, and I shall eat you, now, if you have no answer for me.”

She had to give Mystal credit she was both brave and bold making demands of the wicked fey. Using one finger she lightly touches Mystal's arm to get her attention. She would have taken her hand supportively however size difference prohibited that. "It's ok Mystal we won't let this creature take you or flitter. It might be best if you stayed very close. Flitter often rides in Arimil's hood."

She gives Togo a nod taking a deep breath as she's clearly worried. If she's wrong she wouldn't forgive herself if harm came to flitter or Mystal. "The answer to your riddle is a thread and needle. The thread pierces the eye of the needle and then the strong needle pierces the weak thread in sewing becoming one."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Thu 04 Apr 2013.

While they awaited their response to Mia's answer, Morgan continued to observe the fiend with the invisible eye.   It was the real creature she was most concerned about -- reckoning the phantasmic face could not harm them.  Though, she did not rule that out, either.

Either way, she was prepared.  Her hand lingered near the leather sheath that held her wands.  One in particular -- the one that appeared to be fashioned of glass.  And facilitated the swift casting of spells.   Her expression was cool, meanwhile, and she stroked Dean's head twice, hoping he didn't find the visage over upsetting.

She also hoped Mystal knew well that they were not going to let this being have her. Fearsome foe it might be, but Morgan was fairly certain that she, and some of the others, had reckoned with worse...

On the bank of the Blavia River, somewhere deep in the Fey Forest of Brittany…

Morgan continues to observe the creature as it swims towards the shore.  Gnarled, knotty green skin cuts through the water.  It seems eager.. perhaps at the thought of eating a Pixie.

And it is not an alligator, although its hide might cause it to be mistaken for one.

(That’s provided one has actually seen an alligator, which most people in northern Europa have not).

But the creatures ghostly apparition face is what currently confronts the party.  It turns towards Mia as she speaks, and asks in a menacing, slithery voice:

“Sooo… A needle pulling thread?”

“Tea, I drink with Jammin’ Bread!” Flitter shouts triumphantly, not quite sure why but feeling that somehow, it goes.

At that, the apparition shrieks.. or the creature shrieks, or both… because when the shriek, which echoes back and forth across the hills, ends, there is the creature, standing up at the edge of the water close to where its face-image was a moment ago, staggering as if wounded.

“Accursed creature you!  Vile shiny unliving thing!  You have won!  Sewing, Sewing, curse you, a half dozen explorers have challenged me and none think of sewing!  Now I must bargain for my life:  Allow me to go and sleep in the mud, and you will each have one wish granted, and I will return many years hence when this has become old folktales!”

Tisk tisk a long legged without vision tis oddly singular, One hath been lead to understand them to hath wisdom. she responds to the druids comment
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Thu 04 Apr 2013.

Togo ignores the pixies remark. Disaster was fortunately avoided but it was a close call. A pity he didn't have a silence spell. He filed that away in memory.

"So, Mia, what do you think? We take the risk of the wish, before she sleeps of course, or be done with her? As much as I hate to admit it, I find it difficult to slay someone who is asking for an option of mercy."

Mystal flittered into the air hovering 25' above the darkfae... If Thee wouldst indulge how be it that thee hath taken to such a path; surely one as shrewd wouldst seek one less harmful she enquired hoping to entice the riverfae into considering its alternatives.

Mia shakes her head not one eager to kill even a monster that needed to be stopped. However she knew this wicked fey would continue to eat helpless travelers. How many innocents would fall prey to it if they allowed him or her to live. "I don't wish to slay it either Togo. I think Mystal is right perhaps there is another way... a better way. If she offers a true wish one that can accomplish nearly anything. Although you might want to make your wish first because once I make mine you might not be able to."

"My wish is that she becomes as of this instant and forever more a being of pure good, perhaps a river goddess that will nurture, care for the land and do no evil. If not the same wish except she becomes a river nymph like the one you care for deeply Togo. That way no more people will have to die or suffer. I could wish to be alive again but I wouldn't be able to accept that. It would come at to high a price because it would cost other peoples lives."
This message was last updated by the player at 13:54, Fri 05 Apr 2013.

"Hmmmm...maybe if we all combined our wishes for that purpose..it might work?" Togo asks not sure if it would but hopeful it might.

Morgan's hand moved away from her wands, now that the Fae entity was not offering direct threat. It was to her liking as well, to avoid a conflict, now that parley was offered. Especially if the wishes were truly effective, and not any sort of a trap.  That was too valuable a resource to squander, if in fact they could trust it.

"The creature seems to imply it will go away for a good number of years, in any event. But that would still leave a threat, for the future.  Mia's suggestion is an excellent solution, overall, if it works.  And, fear not for being without a wish for yourself, my friend.  I would use my own to change your state," Morgan assured her. She then considered what the halfling said.

"Hopefully it would not require the spending of everyone's wishes to accomplish that.   We may want to consider what else may be achieved by using more than a single wish in concert. This is but a single entity.  One representative of the dark.  Would it be possible, perhaps, to reduce the power of the dark altogether, within this wood? So that Light has the upperhand? Yet, of course, there are Balances associated with such things.  We must proceed carefully, if we were to tamper, in that manner. Can our Fae friends, perhaps, offer any advice, here?" she looked to Flitter and Mystal.  And also asked:

"Is this offer of wishes, for certain, trustworthy?  Wishes are the powerful of magics. Woe for us, surely, if there is any trap or trick in this."

The Green Mean thing looks at the group, which has gone into a sort of huddle.

The creature had been warned about this.  There was always the chance that the powerful magic it had bound up would turn on it, if the Riddle failed.  Then, it had only two choices- let the magic free, in the form of wishes granted to those who had overcome the Riddle, or suffer a terrible backlash from it... and possibly die, as it seemed this group of travelers was not unfamiliar with battle.

But what worried the creature now... they were thinking about it.  People generally made their wishes quickly, with all kinds of excitement clouding their brains. Those wishes offered better chances for mischief.  These would be... trouble.

And then the little Sprite flew overhead... so tasty looking, so delicate and probably simply bursting with flavor... and it wanted to talk.

Mystal has a better view now.  She's heard these things before.  At sea, in scary places, sea caves, or among great kelp beds. They look vaguely human, but there is no humanness about them.  Some say they are the incarnate opposite of Nymphs.  And now they live in rivers, too?

The creature looks up at Mystal with pale eyes.

"Four hundred years this has been my path," it says.  "To eat, to drive the wretched music from the world, to make them all pay the price for this odious beauty.  My path is to hate it all.  I beseech you, make your wish and let me be, it is as fine a bargain as you will get from me."

Flitter joins Mystal and asks:  "Who are you?"

"Silly Pixie," it says.  "Does it make a difference?  You'll forget anyway, Pixies don't hold anything of value in their heads for very long."

 
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Sat 06 Apr 2013.

Indeed such be a melancholy path Thee hat undertaken; be it for Four hundred years or forty-four thousand. How be it Thee hath been compelled to fulfil such a dreaded endeavour? Wouldst Thee perchance be desirous of an end to Thy difficulties? For those here be the means of Thy deliverance; one that doth grant Thee both life anst liberty With a graceful sweep of her arm Mystal motioned towards the others
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Mon 08 Apr 2013.

"Thank you Morgan I can't say how much I appreciate that. If Togo is right and it takes all of them I will understand. We still don't know what flitter wants to wish for though I think Mystal is willing to help. Of course we are assuming this is possible. If it isn't all are free to wish for what they desire. It sounds like this fey will sleep in the mud for centuries."

She looks at the others seeing that most seem to agree with the idea of wishing the wicked fey into a good fey.   "Shall we proceed with our wishes? It might take only one to give her a new life. What is it you desire flitter, Mystal, Togo?" Flitter being the priority as she hasn't said what she wants just yet.

OOC: Flitter might want to attend the wedding at Lucimburic. ^_^

Togo shrugs "Maybe asking for it to be turned into a good natured dryad after it's mud sleep? I dunno. The problem as I see it is exercising our will over someone else. Powerful magic is tricky. Even I'm at a loss as to how these things really work. In rare cases it even can have..like..a..um...a mind of it's own sort to speak. It's complicated and not really well understood. Maybe a high wizard could explain it better. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm for making a better world but I'm not sure using the wish or wishes to change her is the best way to go about it or not. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I can say that removing the evil from her is certainly better than killing her outright. I'm not sure that helps much but those are my thoughts." He looks around at the party members trying to determine everyone's view on the matter and see if there was any sort of general consensus, or majority preference.

"Those are good points, all.  But, hold a moment -- let us not proceed, quite yet." 

Morgan had been listening to the exchange betwixt Flitter and the being, and had caught on what it had said.   She approached the creature some; though not too close.

"Perhaps it may make a difference.  We shall never know, if you do not tell.  As Mystal says, we may be willing to help you. As long as the doing of it doesn't bring harm on others. And pixies may have short memory, and so humans too, compared to some. But, our records and histories endure.  And my own connections include sages and sovereigns.  So if you would be helped, then please -- tell us the truth of yourself."

The creature seems curious; do these folk actually seek to do it some good?

Pale, dimly glowing eyes turn.

Its voice isn’t like before. It is lower, less boasting, more careful.. they’d bested a Riddle, what other tricks had they up their sleeves?

”I am an old, old being,” it says.  “Spat out upon this world, myself and sisters, to do the woe and misery so needed.  Beauty is a cloud before the eyes, we tear it apart, deliver to you the truth of the world.  You will all feed worms with your beauteous flesh.  We are the spawn of Lilith, the Hags, cast upon this world to bring grief.  I cannot know your love, your kindness, your mercy because we have none of these things in us, and the feel of it burns our mother.  We can only know the hate of these things.  We are old enough to have learned magic from the days when magic was still young and summoned from stones and storms and stars.   We are Fey spirits as much as the hated Nymphs, but our great night mother’s blood is in us as well, we are both, the Fey and the Abyss.  That is a Hag.  Long, long years and living in our hate.  What can you possibly bring me?   My only joy is seeing misery in others.”

There is a moment of silence, and a baffled Flitter, somewhat shocked still working on the Hag’s first sentence, asks, “Why is misery needed?”

The hag snarls at her.  “Because you deserve it!  Because without us, there would be only the golden realms of paradise and you do not deserve that!  Your gods decreed you shall live here, with pain and death!  With us!”

”So you know nothing of what they offer you?” Flitter asks.  Then she answers her own question.  “I suppose it is like offering a fish the chance to fly, if it has never looked at the sky.  But then… there is Mystal, isn’t there, so maybe a fish would want to fly if it only knew.”

In reply to Ben (msg # 177):

Such pain anst sorrow, wouldst Thee if given an opportunity seek to change Thy lot, wouldst Thee seek such pleasures hitherto denied Thee

Listening to Togo Mia nods slightly having no arguments about the risk or that helping her change for the better was far better then killing her. "No matter how we use the wishes there will be risk Togo. All we can do is try and I hope that she will let us try. Either we use the wishes for something or she will fight after the magic backlashes."

Looking to the Hag Mia speaks softly to her. "As you are you do not have a choice daughter of Lilith. However we offer to use the wishes you promised us to free you. No longer will you be bound by Lilith's blood. No longer will you know only hate you will be free to know love, kindness, mercy and so much more. You will be able to take joy in many things, to know satisfaction, happiness and as I said before you will be free. Will you chose this path and let us wish for you to be a dryad, Nymph or other form of fey? A river nymph might be best sot hat you can enjoy the world you always have just in a different way. What do you say Daughter of Lilith?"

Togo looks at Mia in amazement and speaks to her when she's not conversing with the hag. "You know, with all the polluting of the water the Huns have done, having her work for the cause of good in purifying the water would server multiple purposes. Too bad I didn't think of that first. Also, I think if we ALL unselfishly give our wish over to this purpose the transformation will be that more powerful and complete. And yes, the hag should consent as well as each of our party members."

Morgan nodded.  "Aye. It is merciful, just, and wise.  Best if Lilith's daughter would agree...but, if not, we will not leave behind a creature bent upon 'getting even' with the innocent, and those who have never harmed it. I agree to use my own wish for this purpose...but.." she glanced toward Mia, misliking the idea there would be no wishes left for her personal need.

"We might use a single wish, and see how well it works? And then reinforce it with others, if need be..?"    She shook her head, uncertain.  She didn't want to impair the chance of success, by doing it improperly, the first time.

Morgan will go with whatever the party chooses, ultimately. While I realize Mia the character seeks to be human, I'm not sure Mia's player is looking for that?

From the look on the face of the creature, it has no desire to be changed. In fact, it reacts to the idea with suspicion, not being able to fathom the idea that others would want to "help" with no gain for themselves.

Cold eyes study the party, as if trying to figure it out.. what's in it for them?  What are they after?  The good creatures feel some pointless sense of obligation to each other... is that what this is?

They offer change, but it is unable to understand why it would even want to change.  What is the advantage in being something else?

It is like offering a chocolate ice cream cone to someone who has never seen ice cream, or chocolate.

Eventually it speaks.

"Is this a trap?  I am not obligated to wait forever for your wishes.  Make them, and we will all go our ways."

In reply to Ben (msg # 182):

Nay... it be an opportunity to expand Thy fronteers beyond Thy lot. Mystal responds circling about overhead Hath Thee ever sought something you thought far beyond Thy reach.

"I have decided I will wish for the daughter of Lilith to become a river nymph. Since this will likely require more then one wish I will start the process. I will wish for her to have the mind of a river nymph, someone will need to augment the wish by wisher for her to have the spirit of a river nymph, and finally someone will need to wish for her to have the body of a river nymph. That leaves us with at least two wishes for something else if it works. If not we can use the last two to complete the process. I recommend that Morgan wish for her to have the spirit of a river nymph, and Togo to wish for her to have the body of a river nymph. The last wishes are up to the individuals. Of course if you want to change up the order that's up to you Morgan, Togo, Mystal, Flitter."

She waits long enough for the others to sort out who would wish for what. Unless someone stops her which is fine if it needs to be done she begins the process. "I wish that you daughter of Lilith have the mind of a river nymph as of this moment and forever after."

The hag gives Mia a very strange look.

"Your wish to waste," it says, "A wish cannot bring harm, fool, I am safe from your meddling and..."

It's angry expression changes to one of surprise.

"Well this is strange,"  it says.

Surprise and then bewilderment.

"I have... I have forgotten something, it is..."

"Oh my," Flitter says.  "Did it go too far and give her the mind of a Pixie?"

"What a strange wish," the hag says.  "What were we talking about?  It was important, but it... it escapes me."

In reply to Mia (msg # 184):

Mystal glanced at Mia then hurriedly One doth wish the spirit of the hag, be changed to the spirit a River Nympth she wished looking about the group Quickly someone couldst Thee wish yon Hag hath a mind of a River Nympth
This message was last edited by the player at 05:09, Sat 13 Apr 2013.

Togo knew this was his opportunity. For he had seen a water nymph, more than one of them in fact and remembered quite vividly what they looked liked. He began picturing in his mind with what he knew to already exist and then made a few minor improvement changes. When he had thought he had it just right he made his wish.

"I wish the body of the hag to be forever changed into the body a River Nymph as pictured in my mind" he says with a smile.

 Before the hag/nymph (Hymph?  Nag?) has much time to dwell upon the changes caused by the first wish, the other two are spoken. The creature changes.  A lot.  And its first reaction is confusion.

 “What happened?  What did you do?  My thoughts and my memories are so cloudy, it's hard to think.  You...”

The Hymph rolls a length of golden hair through her now delicate fingers.

“You made me BLONDE?”

The Hymph does a quick scan and evaluation.  It was, after all, Togo who supplied the wish for the Nymph's body.. and so the magic found the image he had in mind.

“Do you have a name?”  Flitter asks, realizing that something important was missing.

The Hymph's suddenly angelic looking face purses in concentration.

“I have not had a name in... a long time.  In youth... long ago... I was called Autona.”

In reply to Ben (msg # 188):

Tis a grand name Autona yonder be Flitter, Mia, Morgan anst One beith Mystal. She informs gliding a little closer to the Nymph.  indicating the halfling That be Togo

Mia blinks looking the nymph over with growing curiosity as she changes drastically. Then glances at Togo wondering if it would have been wiser to let a woman wish for the nymphs body. When she mentions being blond Mia giggles for a moment then gives her a comforting hug before slipping back. "It's not so bad I think you look lovely Autona. I think your name is also very nice."

She looks at Togo with a twinkle of amusement as she makes a observation. "Perhaps this means you like blond hair above all others Togo?" She thinks back to the river nymph that she thought Togo was smitten by. Trying to remember her hair and everything else about her.

Then turns her attention to flitter and Morgan encouraging them. "Flitter it's your turn, Morgan yours as well to make your wishes before the magic fades. What is it that the two of you desire?"

"Oh....yeah! Now..we..are..talking!" Togo exclaims excitedly obviously pleased at the transformation.

Togo regards Mia's question and shrugs "Works for me. Blonde hair much better than blue hair. Definitely."

Morgan nodded in approval at the changes the magic had wrought.   Leaving herself with one yet to be enacted.  She reflected upon possibilities, for some moments prior to deciding.

"I wish to know, the single more important thing that is possible for ourselves as a group to do, that will help these Fey woods, the surrounding lands, and the residents of both for the greatest good."   

Flitter realizes that it's come time for her to make a wish.

She looks confused.

"I was thinking of different things," the Pixie says.  "Maybe for the power to become as big as Morgan.  Not always.  Just when I wanted to be.  But then... I want to see Marisol and Aelasuria again.  They're okay, I hope.  We had news she was going to get married!  Aelasuria that is.  I think Marisol is.. well, Unicorns don't get married.  But if I wish to go there, I also want to come back..."


Autona looks at the confused Pixie.


"Is that your wish?"

"No, no," Flitter says.  "I want...   Mystal and Togo and Morgan and Mia wished for unselfish things.  To wish to be bigger, or go to visit my friends, that's for myself.  That's not the right way to use a wish, is it? I wish... I wish to be there when my friends need me.  That's what I wish for."

"So let it be," Autona says.

Morgan wishes for direction, and gets it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:38, Tue 16 Apr 2013.

Mia shakes her head glancing at Togo with a slight smile. "There is a certain river nymph you should be thinking about." At least that was her opinion as a priestess of Venus. Although Nymphs were naturally beautiful beyond compare so they usually did beguile anyone that laid eyes on them.

Smiling at Morgan she speaks softly to her. "IF this wasn't one of the more important things we could have done Morgan I am afraid for the fey of these woods. She was a very dangerous wicked fey once. It is a very wise wish that perhaps will help us to do a great amount of good here."   Though perhaps she gave the wicked fey to much credit. They had turned her evil into a positive force that would help to heal and nurture both the river and the fey woods.

Briefly she gives the new river Nymph a gentle hug. "Welcome to your new life. I pray that yours is a blessed and very happy life. There is probably treasure in whatever aquatic lair you might have nearby. If you don't want or need it I am sure we can put it to good use. However if not don't worry about it we will be fine." She didn't see any reason to let it go to waste. Odds were pretty good over the centuries the Daughter of Lilith had likely gathered a wide variety of things.

With Flitters wish Mia is slightly astonished not that it was selfless but that she thought flitter would be there for them without the aid of magic. "Honestly flitter we know you care about us. I find it hard to believe you would be away from your friends especially when we need you. I think you might have largely wasted your wish. Even so on behalf of all of your friends we thank you." She gives Flitter a sympathetic look whispering softly to her friend.
This message was last updated by the player at 05:53, Tue 16 Apr 2013.

“I didn’t want anything for myself,” Flitter explains. “After your wishes, it made me feel bad.   Aramil is.. it’s okay.  We are as close as we can be and we always will be.  I understand the truth of it.”

The time comes for Autona to leave.  She feels called away to her place.  She is a Nymph, now, and Nymphs are connected to places, in a way only others of their kind truly feel.*

“Wait,” Flitter says.  “You can tell us what’s ahead, can’t you?  Are their other dangers here?  And we saw a light, shining miles away.”

Autona pauses.

“There are dangers here,” she says.  “There are thieving magpies, sneaky birds who will take anything they can.  More than once I’ve seen them loot a corpse.  Or someone merely asleep.  Or me.  They owe me a lot, those birds.  There is a Trogre.  Half Troll, Half Ogre, almost as smart as either, but so strong it doesn’t matter.  The type that is too stupid to outwit.  And there is the Healer’s Beacon.  There is danger of another kind.  Caring too much can be as bad as caring too little.  If you go there, beware, because he will not let you leave harmed.”

“What?” Flitter asks.  “What does that mean?”

“I am a Nymph, now,” Autona says.  “My words mean what they do, and they are true.  You know that.  The Healer will not let you leave harmed.”

And with that, Autona dives into the water, seemingly becoming one with it.

*Those who know the fey know that the class of beings known as “Nature Spirits” includes Nymphs, Dryads, Oreads, Sylphs, and similar beings.  It is generally believed that these beings are actually physical manifestations of the soul of some natural feature- a tree in the case of a Dryad, or air itself for a Sylph.  Because of this, they are bound to this physical feature.  No one knows why, but almost all Nature Spirits are female.  The very rare male exceptions include the Fossergrim who are spirits of waterfalls, and the very erratic and destructive creatures who are the spirits of storm clouds. 

In reply to Ben (msg # 195):

Safe journey fairest Autona Mystal comments giving both a waves and blows a kiss to her. Turning to the others she flitters across to hovering before Mia's shoulder Intrepid adventurers shall we first attendeth unto such thieving magpies, or unto yon Trogre based upon such as nasty sounding name One doth surmise it be in dire need of attendance, or unto Healer’s Beacon. She asks

"If you need a companion I'm just a bird call away." Togo quips half seriously. Gosh, what an amazing experience Togo thought. He certainly wasn't expecting things to turn out this way. Then again, whenever dealing with the fey, one needs to expect the unexpected. Finding artifacts seemed like fun.


EDIT: Player can't read apparently. :/
This message was last edited by the player at 17:25, Wed 17 Apr 2013.

She looks surprised though very pleased that flitter being a pixies was thinking about something so helpful. Then shakes her head reminding herself she ought to have asked something like that. "Thank you Autona for that valuable information. Your old home should be close to here underwater I think. Might you tell us at least if it's up river or down river from here so it's easier to find?"

She looks to flitter speaking softly. "I think what Autona means is that this healer might be insane. Basically what happens is they take you in and heal you. However they might not be willing to let you leave. Not ever which is a bad thing and of course who is to say what the healer considers harmed? Though I can't say for certain going near the beacon will be dangerous or Autona would not have warned us."

Smiling she waves to Autona when she leaves as well already missing her. Nymphs tend to have that sort of influence on people being what they were. She looks to Mystal smiling again and nodding. "I say we attend to the Magpies and search her old home. There is likely to be useful items, coin and more down there. Though I imagine finding these magpies nests and raiding them would be quite the adventure. Be careful magpies might be particularly dangerous to you and flitter."

She pauses looking thoughtful at the mention of the Trogre and the Healers beacon. "Honestly Mystal I am not one to go looking for a fight however a hero that knew such a creature was deadly to both fey and innocent traveler a like would definitely seek out this Trogre and perhaps the beacon as well. There are many famous Greek and roman heroes. The beacon like the standing stones might be of more interest to Morgan for she is a wizard. In due time the Trogre might very well find us after all it's likely a aggressive monster. I am willing to face it Mystal. Aramil could track it if he so desires which would both serve as warning that it might be near and enable us to find it if desired."

She smiles at Togo wondering if he might find love yet. He seemed interested in Autona although she wonders if they will come across the previous water nymph again and wonders how Togo might feel then. Pausing she nods slightly speaking softly. "So Magpies and wicked fey lair first then we shouldn't forget this magic things Morgan has been told about. I think we should track the Trogre first then worry about the beacon, however if party majority prefers otherwise I am fine with that. Perhaps some of these lost items Morgan has been told about are in the lair of the Trogre, the wicked fey and even at this beacon."

"Morgan perhaps your magic would work best for finding the treasure that the wicked fey had gathered over time? If not with the potion I was given I can probably go into the water safely enough. Flitter and Mystal would be best to search for Magpie nests. Just be careful if you do they might not appreciate anyone or anything coming close. Hopefully it won't take long to find what we seek."

OOC: Morgan's wish first. Then First stop look for treasure. Next stop probably Trogre or Beacon. ^_^

Morgan has made her wish.  She wished for knowledge, and she obtained it, and sometimes, knowledge can be more valuable than jewels.

And so, they spend a peaceful night on the bank where they faced the Hag’s Riddle.     They can see the light they saw the other night, from the bridge.  Being lower here, they don’t have a direct view of the light- it’s just a glow, somewhere “out there”.  Not a sign of Thieving Magpies.    Flitter keeps a lookout for them.  She knows exactly what they look like:*
 


No Magpies.  Just the normal Fey Forest fauna, though.  The group had set out to explore the river.  There’s no telling where Thieving Magpies or a Trogre may turn up.  They could be anywhere.  But that light, as best as they can tell, is further upriver.


*Flitter knows what they look like, but she’s never heard of the Opera, by Rossini.

In reply to Ben (msg # 199):

Mystal kept vigil with Flitter, buysing herself with scanning the skys and searching the surrounds for feather or sound of these.

Mia not needing to sleep keeps a vigil for the group throughout the night. She of course will happily talk with whomever decides to keep her company. "Thank you flitter for keeping a watch for Magpies." She giggles for a moment  happy to have company even if it's for a little while.

Later in the morning she makes herself busy preparing a breakfast for the group. If they have any eggs foraged or otherwise she cooks up a few. Perhaps a bit of meat or whatever is available. She also gathers any berries of fruit that might be in season. Likely with the help of flitter who  knows the forest better then Mia. Mystal of course is welcome to help as well if she so desires. The more eyes to spot edible things the better.

"Good morning Mystal! Are you hungry! I made breakfast for us all and I hope that you all enjoy it! Flitter come join us I tried to make something yummy for you." Mia of course has tried to learn what flitter and others like to eat. After all if they have to eat something why not eat what you really enjoy?

Glancing at the others she continues softly. "So shall we attempt to find her treasure? Being aquatic she probably had some sort of underwater cave. If not I understand."

"Wow! Breakfast for all of us!? That's fantastic! So kind of you. Thank you Mia." Togo eagerly accepts and chows down with genuine delight.

"I..uh..think perhaps the information imparted to Morgan is the treasure we seek. I don't feel comfortable taking the hag-nymph's things unless they were offered. Not sure how the rest of the folks feel about it though."

In reply to Mia (msg # 201):

Mystal gathers several armsfull of berries depositing them in a suitably location free from the chance observation of any possible chipmunks in the area. Thee are most welcome Misstress Mia longlegged. she replies before munching on a berry

She smiles and nods happy to help. "Your welcome Togo. Hmm I hadn't thought of that Togo. I simply thought as a water nymph she would move on to her new home. I didn't think she would want anything to do with the likely unpleasant place a hag would chose to call home. Her idea of what might have value and be worth keeping could be drastically different from what the hag kept. However if everyone is disinclined to look I certainly won't argue."

With Mystal she grins for a moment and nods watching Mystal enjoy her berry. "They are good aren't they." Needless to say she portions out a few to each member of the party. Flitter and Mystal being small might only eat two or three depending on their hunger. Still she allows for the possibility they might want more just in case!

"Though she did mention that she had been robbed by the Thieving Magpies," Flitter adds.  "Now that is an ethical conundrum.  Birds stealing from Hags who stole from... from whoever.  And if we should find the nest of the Magpies, I wonder if we can steal from them!"

* * * * * * *

They continue with the exploration of the river, and keep a sharp watch for Trogres, Magpies, and anything else that may be of interest.

The river banks are thick with plants, many of which Morgan knows are rare and valuable and used in magic for potions, inks, and other formulas.  Some of the Druid and Arcane plant lore overlap, and Togo sees plants he knows as well- chamomile, and vervain, both very useful.


Flitter knows plants too, from a forest Pixie perspective.  Pixies use leaves and flowers in their day to day living, and they have a lot of knowledge about what's what.  She identifies Caper Spurge.  This is a toxic plant...

"Except to goats," Flitter interrupts.

...and the Fey know that the presence of toxic plants can be a sign of the presence of Wicked Fey.  The one they just wished to good, perhaps?

By midday they are sight of the Healer's Beacon.  Even in daylight the light can be seen.  It is still more than a mile away, but already it looks like it is, at least in part, an Elven style tree house.

"hmm that would imply she simply left the treasure generally laying around where the birds could get at it. Magpies are not aquatic. Plus they would only take small shiny objects and not larger ones that might be useful. Thank you flitter I do appreciate the reminder."

Mia looks around taking in the lovely view of the river, the river banks and it's colorful plants, as well as the forest in general. She is reasonably alert to danger since the are all aware the Trogre likely isn't the only danger of the fey forest. Looking down at the toxic plant Mia nods slightly. "I will remember not to pick any of that flitter."

If people decide to stop to  pick useful plants Mia is more then happy to help. Harvesting only as instructed as with a lot of plants if not done right you can destroy the value. That or potentially over harvest destroying the population.

When they see the healers beacon she shivers remembering the warning.   "I have a feeling we shouldn't go in there. If we do we best be careful as they nymph wouldn't warn us without good reason." She eyes the odd sort of elven style tree house with a touch of wonder and waryness. "I wouldn't be surprised if some sort of fey lives in there. Though it could be something else."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Sat 20 Apr 2013.

Togo will collect a small portion of fauna that will prove useful for spells and various conditions. He is careful not to plunder and to make sure enough is left behind to survive.

In reply to Ben (msg # 205):

Mystal takes the opportunity to examine the various plants. With the exception of the toxic flora she drifts from one to another sniffing each, feeling their texture and noting their appearance She looks about attempting to determine of there are any further groupings of toxic vegetation.

The proximity of such rare flora was tempting.  Both for her own use, or to be sent back to Aurelianorum.   But, again, it appeared they treaded upon the doorstep of someone's -- something's -- home.  She did not wish to exercise poor manners, and precipitate any more ill will than they might already be met with.

Though Autona-Nymph had been cryptic and vague, Morgan too did not like the sound of this "healer."  Sometimes the worst of evils were those cloaked in the guise of kindness or care.  They must tread carefully.  Perhaps she would investigate the domicile with another invisible eye, once they were somewhat closer.

She pondered too what she had gleaned from the use of her own wish.  Pausing for a moment, she addressed the others:

"Listen; I have come to understand something else that may be worth our time.  A bit of history first is needful:  The fall of Rome's Empire begat a great deal of chaos and confusion, and the loss of things of power.  Items of magic that are difficult, if even not impossible, for the wizards of today to reproduce.  Some two decades ago, a wizard who dwelt in Lutetia Parisiorum had the thought he could create a sort of key; if he gathered enough knowledge about the creation of legendary items.  He worked in secret for years, but his final written message was vague, and did not say whether he actually succeeded."  She paused, went on-

"But, now, I know that he did.  And, I know too that it is not far --  that there is a single key -- a thin book with gems set in its cover, that is a guide to at least a dozen important, lost magical objects.  And it is not far."  She shook her dark-tressed head.   "I know not where it is; but I do know now that this group CAN find it." 

So said, Morgan initiated preliminary search; she succinctly spoke an incantation, then awaited to see if they were indeed that close.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sun 21 Apr 2013.

There are certain rules to how things work in Fey country.  It's second nature to them, and Togo is just barely learning to see it.

The arrangement of plants, for example.  A Human or Elven garden is easy to recognize.  Rows and layers, rings and lines... But when the Fey arrange things, it's harder to tell.  It's very natural, in fact, it is just as nature would have it, but more so.  When something looks completely natural, and just “extra right”, it's a good chance the Fey had a hand in it.

The herbs and shrubs along the river bank seem that way.  They just grew here... but they grew just right.

Meanwhile, Morgan tries to find the key she's learned about by way of her wish.

And another rule of The Way Things Work With the Fey comes into play.

If by way of some magic you happen to learn of something Really Important, well, it might be anywhere.  But if, at the same time, you hear of some Dangerous Place You Should Not Go, it's almost a given.  The fix is in.  There it is.  Of course.  It's only to be expected, when you're in a Fey Forest.

But as they get closer, it hardly seems like a scary place.  It's a strange place, yes.  It's up on a hill, and it's a tower that hugs the side of a giant tree, leading up into a tree house.  The tree house looks Elven in design, but not the tower.  It's mossy stone, with old oaken doors and shutters, and vines running up the walls vaguely resembling the way the tower runs up along the tree.  A path of worn white flat stones leads up the hill towards the front door.

“It's not scary,” Flitter says.

In reply to Ben (msg # 210):

Mystal flies straight up, 210' above the canopy, so she can get a better view of the tower. After watching it for movement she returns to the group Yon tower doth look enticing anst peaceful yet one be prompted to recall such lessons ast experienced by Flitters Aunt anst Chipmunk's misshap.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:13, Tue 23 Apr 2013.

"Bah. Just because it's not a fortress teaming with soldiers doesn't make it any less dangerous. Haven't you heard of sirens dear. Same concept." Togo is suspicious of most things in fey country. Heck, you have to be. By some strange twist of fate though they have fey in their party. Some maybe there was some double wacky fey cancellation effect. He wasn't sure. Heck, probably NOBODY was sure. Even the grand druids didn't always have the answers. Often they provided 'suggested insights' they liked to call it. They could kiss my daises with their suggested insights. Nothing beat going out and experiencing it for yourself. That was one thing he was sure about even if nothing else made sense.

She assists Togo if he wants the help then looks surprised when Morgan passes up such a bountiful grouping of plants. However she figures Morgan has her reasons which is fine with her. Mia nods listening to the wizardess as she shares the knowledge she had gained again.

"We will try Morgan. I hope that we do find it and that it helps the fey of the forest like you desired." Mia nods looking at flitter speaking softly. "I agree the place looks inviting enough, However Togo is right there is definitely danger here. Once any of us go in whoever it is that lives in there will not let us leave. That could prove fatal depending on what the river nymph meant."

Glancing at Morgan and Mystal she continues softly. "Shall we move on or do we intend to brave the danger of this place?"

OOC: Don't know what Morgan knows till she has a chance to post.

The wizardess nodded once after her spell was finished.

"It appears the enigma of the Healer's Beacon and the location of the Key are intertwined.  It is here we should search.  And, yet another good reason we should not assume the common, safe seeming, aspect of the place can be taken at face value..." 

Anywhere an arcane eye could get inside?  Or are all the shutters closed?   Morgan will send one in, if possible. 

While Morgan preps her next spell, Mystal tries a more direct approach, flying up.  Flitter, worried about the potential trouble a "Sea Pixie" might find wandering around the forest on her own, flies up after.  They clear the canopies of the trees.

"Ummm... it's windy," Flitter says.  And it is.  Pixies rarely fly high above the ground.  Their wings are delicate and they aren't the strongest of fliers. Pixies are normally closer to the Earth, soaring with the butterflies, not the eagles.   This is high, and uncomfortable, even for Mystal.

From a distance, the top floor of the tree-tower structure seemed to resemble an Elven home. Upon closer inspection.. not exactly.  It is round, with a narrow wrap-around terrace, and a peaked conical roof.  All along the side walls facing that wrap around terrace there are windows, and Mystal can tell from the reflections, those windows are glazed.

Window glass in the 6th century is not so ordinary a thing as it is in later times.  Making smooth, flat sheets of glass isn't easy.   But someone went through some trouble to bring a lot here.

Mystal's memory stirs.  Humans have built towers like this, but never in in the forest.  She knows places like this at harbors, especially those with tricky approaches where a boat can run aground or hit rocks.

But here?

And... while the towers the Humans make are free standing on the coast, this one is built snug up against a giant tree.  It seems very out of place.

They don't see anything out and about on the balcony, though.

A little while later, Morgan discovers that the same glass is blocking the entry of her Arcane Eye.  There are other entries, of course, and...

Nope.  There is some magic here keeping it out.  Wizards do that often, to avoid being spied upon by other wizards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:26, Wed 24 Apr 2013.

In reply to Ben (msg # 215):

As she sores upward Mystal is buffeted by the strong winds, pushing her about. Fortunately Flitter has decided to accompany her. The sudden change in height and force of the wind unnerves her. Quickest Flitter let us fly together, in such manner we be able to spy out yon tower. she quickly suggested. Once the small Fey have seen as much as they could she is relieved to get away from the forceful wind and return to the safety of the forest. That be truly harrowing

Looking at Morgan Mia shakes her head slightly with a resigned expression. "Of course why would it be any other way. I think the Trogry would have been a easier thing to deal with then this."

She looks over the tower with interest and trepidation wondering what horror it might be concealing. Had they found it without the warning the river nymph had given she would have been excited to explore it. "I would think since the river nymph mentioned healing that this place would be some sort of temple. Healing is normally something clerics would do although isn't it wizards who usually build towers in far out of the way places. Though it could have been taken over by a wicked fey from what I have seen they are very dangerous."

When Flitter and Mystal return she speaks to them curious as to what they have learned. "What did you see Mystal and flitter?" She also glances at Morgan knowing she is using her magic to learn something as well.

Eventually she shares her thoughts on the matter. "Regardless of who is in there if we want this magical artifact we will have to go inside. Keep in mind if whoever lives here doesn't want to give it up that means we could be wasting our time. Shall we knock on the front door?"

OOC: If the group is agreed if you like Ben you can assume Mia will knock. Or mia will be happy to go with other options depending on what people have in mind.

Togo chuckles at Mystal being blown about by the wind. But since she seemed so determined he let her do her thing. It would have been easy for him to turn into a large bird to do the reconnaissance or climbing creature to scale the tower but let her feel useful he thought. She was probably doing the best she could. Meanwhile he observed what he could from the ground. He started thinking about the association of the tower and the tree and decided to go over to the tree to see if it was sentient.

"Aye. The arcane eye failed to find somewhere to get in through.  So, then, let us knock.  But, before we do that...let me briefly inspect what we are about to touch." 

Will use a detect magic on the door itself, as well as the doorstep  Unless that reveals anything suspicious or untoward, Morgan is interested in the type of magic, if there is any, and will scan long enough to try and find out, if applicable.  Then if there is no reason not, she will knock on the door.

Intrigued by the long-legged choice of action Mystal glided towards a tree adjacent to the tower. Alighting on a branch she found a spot which afforded an excellent view of the tower.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Thu 25 Apr 2013.

The tower is about sixty feet high and twenty feet across- it is square, not round, because square towers are a lot easier to build.

It looks slightly off kilter- it's not standing perfectly straight.  But it doesn't have that "about to fall" look.  It looks perfectly comfortable.  Relaxed.  As if the stones used in the construction got tired of maintaining a purely vertical wall, and by consensus settled on a less formal configuration.

There is a chimney, but it is internal most of the way and protrudes in an awkward looking metal flue at the terrace level.

Mystal finds, to her dismay, that the arcane eye does not want to go there.  There is some kind of magical defense against scrying, here.  Someone values privacy.

Morgan, meanwhile, ventures closer, and tries to detect magic.

Yes indeed, there is magic.  And not just the door.  The structure as a whole is strong with it.

Pausing Mia thinks about it then speaks softly to Morgan as she thinks the situation through based off of the River nymphs warning. "I understand Morgan as it would be rather nice to know what to expect. I think we should consider first that the danger isn't getting in. Whoever lives her likes to heal people so there place is likely inviting and welcoming to all who might enter. This person wants to be found as they shine a beacon of light to attract whatever might come be they good, evil or indifferent. This person or these people wish to be found and I think they want people to come inside."

Pausing to let everyone digest those details she then continues. "I think the danger only starts after you enter this place. Whoever owns this tower doesn't like to let people leave unhealed. We just don't know what healed means to whoever is inside. It might be something very different, even terrible compared to what we think of as healing. That or maybe it's just a you can't leave because you might get hurt thing. I will happily wait till your done I just think we have nothing to worry about until after we enter. That or not until we try to leave the place is when the trouble will start." Granted she sort of said something similar earlier she's expanding on the thought a bit.

She looks up at Mystal smiling at her as she calls to her softly. "What did you and Flitter find up there Mystal?" She waits paitently to see if she would get the go ahead to knock. That or perhaps follow a different plan depending on what they would like to do.

OOC: Well at least it's not made of Candy. Would feel like Hansle and grettle.

"Amongst others, Mia, you bring up the most key point.  That we do not know or understand the nature of this occupant.  Beyond that they position themselves as a healer.  Whatever that does indeed mean to them.  Could not an undead being, for example, consider life some offensive affliction, that must be healed? And, in truth, I do not think getting in will be difficult, either. But spells and enchantments can have sundry and greatly varied effects. My concern here is not so much wizard-locks, nor fire-traps. But, more subtle sorts of enchantments.  The kind that might influence the mind, or the emotions.  And that might make us easier victims.  But in truth the entire structure is strong with it; some type that I cannot discern."  The wizardess shrugged.  "And so into magic, we go..."

Morgan knocked upon the door, unless Mia beat her to it.

pm
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:12, Sun 28 Apr 2013.

In reply to Mia (msg # 222):

Mystal informs Mia what Flitter and her had seen and found out.  Cousin Flitter shall we fly to yon window anst see what we be able to within she suggested so the two would be relatively hidden from view when the door was opened.

"Thank you Mystal!" Looking at Morgan she has a slightly frightened look at the mention of undead. After all if you wanted to tell a story to frighten a child involving any undead was a very good way to do it. Orcs and goblins were probably also common stories that were frightening as well. The undead though had that special touch that few could compare. "Oh I certainly hope not! I would rather face a live monster then a undead one any day!"

She shivers a bit then hesitantly knocks probably right about the same time Morgan does. Then laughs and smiles the tension broken a little by that. "Let's hope for the best and it's just some kindly person that's taken healing a bit to far. Maybe we can persuade them differently. Although if it is a evil being your wish to do the most good makes sense. It would do good to stop them and retrieve whatever it is that will do more good."

Somewhere along the line, whoever built this place invested in a door knocker that can only be described as “awesome”.  This is because knocking on the door results in a booming, resounding gong sound.

If nothing else it gets everyone’s attention.

It even gets the attention of someone inside… eventually.  After a short wait, the door opens.

The opener of the door, who now beckons the group with a big, shaggy arm, is… a mosswoad?

Yes, it certainly looks like one, to those who have seen one.  A human sized, more or less human shaped lump of moss.

From the Fey perspective, they are old and mysterious plant-beings, something on the same line as the Treants, but related to mosses, not trees.  They have one bizarre feature:  a mosswoad is absolutely silent, no matter what it does.  So, without a sound, the mosswoad shambles across a small room, leading the party inside.

On the far side of the room is a door and a window, apparently leading into another room.  Above the window is a sign, in old Celtic lettering.

“Please clearly describe your ailment.”

Around the room are several benches, with lettered wooden signs above them, reading:

“Just because you're not sick doesn't mean you're healthy.”
“Sickness is the vengeance of nature for the violation of her laws.”
“Poor health is one of the worst of illnesses.”

The mosswoad points to the window, and to the sign above it.  Then it seems to decide that its job is done, and it patiently stands to the side.

For those who have not seen one, here is a Mosswoad on a subway:

The resounding gong noise makes Mia jump back slightly looking rather startled. Then she looks at the others as they end up waiting for a while. "I guess the owner of the tower is busy."

At the appearance of the Mosswoad she blinks remembering how helpful the last batch of them had been. "It's a mosswoad! Who would have thought we would see one again!" Looking at Togo she asks curiously. "A tower that's part of a tree and a mosswoad. Do you think the owner of the tower is a druid like you Togo?"

Mystal was heading towards an upper window when the door opened, and the others entered. Unpreturbed she reached the window and peeked inside.

Togo shrugs and turns to her in response to Mia's question "I honestly have no idea. Though I must say the association of the tower with a tree and the fact that we just got greeted by a mosswoad certainly suggests that whomever the owner of the tower is has at the very least a strong association to nature. Actually, I'm more inclined to think that the owner may be a fey creature of some sort or some sort of odd mix. Druids, as wacky as they may be, tend to be more..rooted to nature then buildings. But, who knows, anything is possible."

"I have a feeling there is trickery in those words. That first line screams trouble to me."

"Yes the sign definitly indicates that the warning from the river nymph is accurate. Even if we tell whoever lives here that we are not sick. They will insist on healing us which is where I suspect the trouble starts. Whoever lives here seems to support nature though I hope he, she or the don't make people sick. Mmm as far as I know no one here is in poor health. All we can do is be prepared to defend ourselves. Morgan do you plan on asking about this book right away?"

She looks around studying the place as she tries to figure out the nature of who lives here. Often a home would reflect the indavidual to some degree. Perhaps giving a clue to what they were like or at least what they value.

Flying from pane to pane Mystal peers through the each in turn attempting to spot something interesting

Mystal flies across the to the window, and sees a small room with a pair of desks, some large wooden cabinets, and another door.

One desk is near the window, and on it is a large open ledger book.  (Mystal wouldn't know much about ledger books, other than sometimes, when a Human ship pulls into a harbor, someone will take a book like this and write a list of things they take off the ship.  It's one of those inexplicable "Human things"- you probably have to be a Human to understand. )

Just as she arrives at the window, though, the door on the other side of the little room opens.

Mystal has just enough time to see what is written in the ledger book.  It's a list!

It reads:

Very short person.  (Poor nutrition?)
Pixie.  (Pixie problems, usually of the brain.)
Some other Pixie-like creature.  (Same?  Must interview.)
Female with full-body-prosthetic replacement.  (Never seen one before, usually it's just hands and feet.  Must study.)
Female with no apparent ailments.

And it has the current date at the top.

Then, someone steps into the little room and walks towards the window, looking down at the little book along the way.  It's a man in white clothing- he looks like a mature man, in his fifties or even sixties, but one who has kept himself in good shape.  His hair, though white, is full.  He carries a wooden staff, but clearly doesn't use it for walking.

He looks out through the window.  He doesn't seem at all surprised to see people there.

In reply to Ben (msg # 233):

Mystal hovers away from the window smiles and waves at the white clothed long legged, then points down at the door the others just entered.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Fri 03 May 2013.

"That, my dear Mia, will depend most wholly upon the manners, the demeanor, and any subtler things that can be discerned about our host. Once we meet them," Morgan said in reply as regarded asking directly about the tome.

She was about to about to have an inkling of a theory that their "host" might conceivably be the building itself.  She had encountered things more bizarre and otherworldly than a living edifice, during her short but vastly interesting tenure as a Court's wizardess.  Well...no. Perhaps she hadn't.

But it seemed there was in fact a human, or at least human-appearing, proprietor.

I'm under the impression only Mia sees this gent, immediately?  And that this window is too high for us to look through from where we are-?  I don't think I understand fully, what this room looks like, and out of time to re-read!  Morgan would initiate contact (through simple greeting) if she actually sees the guy.

The man with the white hair approaches the window, and looks out, and sees Mystal first, hovering in the air.

"Ah, you're the some-kind-of-sprite," he says.  "Not really a Pixie, are you?  Well, we can treat you here, don't be afraid."

Then he looks out at the others.

"Welcome, welcome to my sacred place of healing," he says in a syrupy voice.  "This is a wonderful place, when you leave, you will be in perfect health, that is a promise I keep!"

He picks up the ledger book, looks at it, and mutters to himself.

Then he looks at Togo.

"Oh yes, nutritional deficiency, yes," he says.

"New tricks in all the fish in the sea?" Flitter asks.  "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, your problem is common for Pixies, but we'll get set right too," he says.  "Who's first?"

In reply to Ben (msg # 236):

ooc drats he isn't in one of the upper rooms

Mistal considers for a moment Good fellow what manner of aliments doth Thee suspect One hath. she asked hoping the sound of her voice sufficient to be heard through the glass.

"Nutritional deficiency?" Togo raises his arm with his hand balled in a fist. "I'm a halfling you twit. Apparently you've got an observation deficiency" he retorts.

She looks over at Morgan nodding slightly as she wonders how friendly versus how unpleasant the person they meet might be. She figured it would get unpleasant once the person tried to impose their will regardless of what others wanted.

When he arrives Mia looks him over wondering if he was fey or not. He certainly had a one track mind immediately assuming everyone was ill and in need of healing. They nymph had warned them after all about not being aloud to leave until they were healed. Course the only way to be certain would be to try to leave.

"I have to wonder good sir why is it that you assume the everyone has some manner of illness. It's unnatural for everyone to be ill as normally most people are healthy until they get sick. If you believe that everyone is ill have you considered looking at yourself to figure out what sort of illness you might have?" She thought it a interesting thing to see how he might react to considering he himself might not be perfectly healthy. She wasn't sure if Mystal had asked the same question or not. She might have been talking about herself.

She looks at Flitter confused for a moment. "I don't remember him saying anything about fish in the sea. When did you hear him say that flitter?"

In reply to Mia (msg # 239):

Ney mistress Mia long legged, tis but an expression somewhat like By all but the shadow of the moons sea she informs from the other side of the window.

"Silly pixie must of been sniffing the wrong shrooms again" Togo mutters wondering why the pixie was babbling some sort of poetry nonsense at a time like this. He had to keep reminding himself wacky IS the norm for fey creatures. He was irritated over the whole situation. Somehow, inside, deep down, he felt that again, it was going to be a mental challenge. I guess on the upside he wouldn't have to worry about mortal pain and injury which was certainly a good thing. He was still not completely healed mentally from getting over his last major trauma experience with the large orc battle. It would take a little more time but he was willing to take it one day at a time.

Morgan too addressed the man.  And had a few of her own questions. "Aye, sir, we are much obliged for your offer.  But there seems to be an assumption of infirmity.  I think that, truly, we are all in good enough health, as it is. Still, we meet many who could benefit from some form of healing.  Before we go any further, might you please tell us a bit about yourself-? Your name? Something of your history?  How you came to be here, in this vocation of healer?" 

The man's face becomes very stern and grim, hearing the rebuke from Togo.

“You are here for healing, and you must be healed.  You cannot leave here until I have pronounced you fit.”

He says it as a statement, not a command.  There is something in his voice that carries absolute certainty,  as if to imply that it is not a matter of choice: leaving is simply impossible.

But he seems to relax a little, hearing from Morgan.  "In a moment, miss, we have a person with some serious problems here."

He looks back at Togo.

“Denial is a serious problem,” he says, soothingly.  “But we can fix that as well. It is harder to treat my patients when they protest, so we have ways of ensuring cooperation.  It's better for everyone when they cooperate.  Now... I think we need to put you on a good healthy diet.  Plenty of food.  And we'll have to start... yes... elongation therapy.”

Somewhere in his Halfling inner self, some part of Togo is saying:  “Now hold on there, Togo, he said plenty of food, maybe we should hear this man out."

Seeing the expression on the Halflings's face, he shifts his attention back to Morgan.

"Dear miss," he says softly, "I am simply called The Healer. And... that is all and everything I have been since... since... I did something, I wished to be the greatest healer I could possibly be, and somehow, that wish was granted.  If there was something before that, it was a long time ago, and it is no longer important.  Since then we...  I...  have fought illness and injury and infirmity in this forest, and... the success rate has been high.  Quite high."

"Oh I see! Thank you for clearing that up for me Mystal." She glances at Togo as she can tell he really didn't care for the healer. Then looks at Morgan nodding slightly as her questions were good ones. Knowing more about him would likely prove very helpful assuming he was willing to answer. Which in a very short time she realizes he is.

"That's very interesting Sir. We recently had wishes granted ourselves although we mostly used them for someone else's benefit. I had been warned that sometimes a wish can go wrong. Now  you told us you wished to be the greatest healer you could possibly be. I ask you to consider this. Isn't it a vital part of a healer to know when his or her art is needed and when it is not? You have to understand your patient so that you can be effective in helping them. A halfling is a race that is naturally shorter then a human. Togo is actually the proper height for his race. Making him taller wouldn't be healing it would be making him the way you think is right. The first step to healing is recognizing when your sick or injured. I think you need to focus your considerable healing ability on yourself. You need to fix yourself because your judgement has been clouded. I am a cleric so I do know something of healing."

It might be a waste of time still she wanted to give it a shot. If it didn't work they would have to come up with some other way of handling the misguided healer.

"I'm ok with the plenty of food. In fact, I like that part. The elongation thing, not so much. And what's with the 'we' thing? Who or what is also a part of you? When's the last time you seen a healer? Doesn't look like you get out..much."

'wished to be the greatest healer.'   It sounded the ill effect of a benign wish gone wrong, indeed.  Whether through the services of the once hag, or some other source of such magic.

Morgan figured it almost certainly was the case; which would then make this fellow very stubborn in his agenda.  Perhaps impossible to be reasoned with.  In which case this could grow ugly.

They must do what they could to prevent that.  Neither the party, nor the 'healer', should have to suffer for a loving intention gone awry.  Though they had used their own wishes, perhaps there was another way to spring him free of his obsession.  Or at least direct his attentions elsewhere, if the former wasn't possible.

Morgan's began considering approaches. But awaited to see how he would respond to Mia, before doing aught else...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Tue 07 May 2013.

Mystal alighted on the windowsill, catching her reflection which she used to tidy a few wayward strands of hair. Nodding pleased at her efforts she smiled at those in the room facing the Healer Noble Healer, doth Thee limit Thy craft to corporeal beings; if so why limit Thyself so. Doth not the world contain a host of life which may benefit from Thy skills? Wouldst Thee consider an affiliation with such bodies’ ast the Nature Priests or Clergy Both are believed to hold with Thy views and precepts

6. “We?” the Healer asks, momentarily startled.  “Oh yes, I have help, of course, I could not manage to control the patients without them.  They are essential to my work.  Now, I don't need a healer myself, I have the very best resources here, that's just childishness, please.  It is you poor folk I must worry about.”

Mystal gets to the window sill.. the sill against the outside window.  There is something strange here.  Something she feels. It's invisible, but she senses the power.

The Healer looks over at the little Fey on the sill.  "Incorporeal beings?  If one appeared my vows would demand I treat it.  But none have appeared."

He shrugs off the concept, as he does some of the other questions put his way.  Then the Healer speaks to the Mosswoad.  It has remained quietly standing by all this time.

“Hyclos, do we have any rooms available for our short friend here? And the others?   Room seven, that only has that poor goat footed lady, yes?  She's coming along well.  Need some more cream for those legs, though. And Room Six is empty, that will do for... oh, no, can't have the Pixies together, they'll be Negative Reinforcement for each other. “

The mosswoad nods, silently.

The Healer continues.  “Good.  We'll put on Pixie in Seven, and the other with the poor short fellow in Six.  And...”

He stops to think.  Then he looks at Morgan.  Then at Mia.

“I must figure them out.  Now you, poor metal girl, what is your name?  You've clearly been through a lot... let's get the short one to his room, though... Hyclos, take him to Room Six and get his basic information, please?  And get him some food. Healthy and plenty of it.”

The mosswoad points at Togo, and gives a “follow me” gesture.

“Can I go too?” Flitter asks.  “Let's see the rooms we get to stay in!”

Meanwhile, the Healer's attention is back on Mia.  “You've clearly been through a terrible ordeal.  They've replaced your... well, your everything.  It's fine work... but no prosthetic is as good as the real thing.  I've regenerated limbs, miss.  Everything, though... you will be my greatest accomplishment.  You must understand though, all your resistance, your doubts about me.. that's just a result of the trauma you have been through.  You may protest, but deep down inside, you want me to restore you to full health.”

"I don't think we should split up." Togo says barely containing his anger.

"A goat footed lady? You don't think he has a korrigan prisoner here do you? Perhaps we should visit the woman in room Seven. Patients can visit each other and talk right Mr. Healer?" Mia's clearly worried for the woman wondering how long she might have suffered at the hands of this supposed healer. There was also the possibility that there could be several patients in rooms. If some of them were monsters they might not be nice rescued or not!

Pausing she listens to Him asking about her then answers him politely. "My name is Mia. I don't remember very much of my past I think it's part of what happened to make me the way I am. I do remember that I used to dance and perform in Lutita Parisorium. Not much beyond that though I am afraid."

She looks at flitter speaking to her softly especially with Togo looking rather upset. "Flitter I honestly think it's unwise for us to separate. We might be safe in our rooms for a little bit but once inside them it's possible you might not easily be able to come back out."

She looks at Morgan then back to Togo speaking softly to them both. "I don't think he can be reasoned with. If he is a healer though you would think he isn't inclined to harm his patients."
This message was last updated by the player at 04:40, Sat 11 May 2013.

In reply to Ben (msg # 248):

Mystal clasps her hands together How marvellous, Thee hath another Pixie hereabouts.  She squeaks in delight springing off the sill to execute a quick figure 8 outside the tower. Alighting back on the sill giggling in delight of anticipated fun.

Mystal is still outside.. the force she feels must be keeping her out.  She cannot enter through a window, just the door. The effect is everywhere- the tower is surrounded by a strong magica field.

Most of the windows, except near the top, are small, and have gauzy white curtains.  She can see into several: There is a compact looking little kitchen, there is a a study with many scrolls.  On the wall of the study Mystal sees charts depicting the anatomy of Humans and a few other creatures, with arrows and labels for all the parts.

At the top of the structure, though, at the level of that terrace, there are many windows, and inside, what looks to be a large brass cylindrical cauldon-like thing.  There is a fire in it, and flames are gushing out the top.  White flames.  Curiously, Mystal feels no heat from it.  The windows are not even warm here.

Back in the foyer...

The Healer briefly inspects Mia.  He seems fascinated.

 "I may be the greatest of healers but still I can do only one thing at a time... and reversing your terrible condition will take... there's no telling how long it will take.  No one's ever done anything like this.  I will be famous!"


He looks to see if Togo has begun following the mosswoad to his room.  Togo's reluctance makes him frustrated.

“Please... they say you are only a half a ling.  When I am through, you will be a complete ling!  Please, go with my assistant, it's really best for everyone not to make a fuss."

There is just a tinge of worry in his voice.  It sounds like he is not looking forward to what will happen if Togo does not go with the Mosswoad.

She wasn't sure if she should be terrified of the healers intense interest in healing her or tempted by the potential that he actually could heal her. To make her the way she was before she became what she is now. However Mia knew that even if she decided she wanted to stay she was certain no one else had any desire to be healed. Togo was meant to be a halfling, flitter a pixie, Mystal a sprite and Morgan was meant to be Morgan. Besides who knew what his idea of healed really was!

"Are you able to leave this place Mr. Healer? No one will know of your healing if you can't." And she had a feeling he probably couldn't if he was in need of healing and she thought he was. "How do you heal yourself? Say for example if you cut your hand? Do you do what a cleric would do and pray to your god or goddess?"

Briefly she takes a moment to speak softly to Togo hopping that perhaps they could come up with a plan. "Togo if you don't go we are probably going to have to fight here and now. It's possible there is something in this place that can undo his magic. Perhaps free him from his curse which is essentially what I think his wish has become no matter how well intended."

Togo frowns noticeably and mumbles "At least I'm not operating on half-a-brain." He reluctantly trudges off following the mosswoad shouting "You promised a pile of good food. I'll hold you to that!"

This was getting nowhere fast.  She did not intend to leave Togo, Mystl, or Mia to the well-meaning, but possibly dangerous ministrations of this fixated fellow.

"Sir, please," Morgan spoke softly and kindly to the man.  "Do understand -- what you see as illness, is only the difference of species and individuality.  As they were meant to be.  We know you mean well, but this is not what we need.  We will help you if we can.  Believe that; it is the truth."   She didn't truly think her words would sink in more than any of the of the others had.  Nor was she going to wait to see.

Bit of a risk...but so was letting him continue on with his "healing."   And so Morgan wove a spell.

Though not one that anyone could see or hear.

Casting Deep Slumber on the healer, with the sudden silent and sudden stilled feats. If this works, Morgan's intent is to speak with some of these patients/prisoners, and have some answers from them.

Much to Morgan's surprise... or possible lack thereof.. .her spell does not work.  The healer does not even seem to have noticed it.  But... did the lights in here get brighter, while Morgan cast it?

"Oh that's so good," the Healer says as Togo joins the Mosswoad.  "All will be fine with him now, no trouble."  The man seems visibly relieved, as if something very bad just didn't happen.

He looks over the others again.  "Certainly I can leave," he says calmly to Mia.  "But that would be wrong.  I have obligations.  Now... the Pixie has the usual Pixie problems..."

"More than the usual Pixie problems," Flitter says.

"But for the moment, I... hmm..  "

The Healer yawns.  "It must have been a tiring day.  I feel a need to rest.  Good sleep makes a body healthy!  I must return to my quarters for a while, but don't worry, even though we can't begin, my assistants will see to your comforts. Until then!"

He turns and goes out the  same door that Togo and the Mosswoad did.

* * * * *

Meanwhile...

Togo recalls a saying of the Treants, which was taught to him by his Druid mentors.  The gentle Willow bends with the wind, but the sturdiest Oak is made into a Dining Room Set.  Or something like that.  Togo is never clear on these things, because he rarely paid close attention when the Druids started talking about ancient proverbs.

But he knows the gist of it: sometimes one must just go with the flow.

He follows the mosswoad, through the door from the foyer into to the little “front office”, through the door on the other side, to a spiral stair, and… down.  Down?

There is something curious about the central column around which the spiral stair winds.  It is sheathed in brass, and there are little holes, and from these little holes, a bright white light illuminates the stairway.    Togo has never seen such a thing.

The Healer’s “ward” is apparently underground.  The spiral stair leads through a big round chamber, with rooms all around the perimeter.  Togo can see that the stair continues to another chamber beneath this one.  His room is neat and tidy, and decorated with tile mosaics and paintings on the walls with happy themes- birds singing over meadows, a sunny day in a peaceful little village.

To his great surprise, Togo finds that the room is not locked, nor does the Mosswoad lock him in.  In fact, as soon as it points Togo to the room, it unfolds a small wooden folding table, and quickly lays out plates and silverware.

Then it turns around and shambles off.

The ward is not empty.  Togo is being watched, through an open door to another room,  by a girl with bandages on her legs.  And the most serious looking Pixie he has ever seen, dressed in a small but well tailored dark gray robe.

* * * * * * * *

Morgan wasn't too surprised.   Elves and many fae were immune to sleep magics and, whatever this fellow was, he had gone beyond being only human. If he even had been, to begin with.

Nonetheless, the desired effect had been achieved!  She turned and shrugged to Mia.

"Time for a chat with some of our fellow guests?"

Locate Creature -- to find a goat-footed woman --

Togo is frankly amazed at the place but keeps his frumpy face. The lighted stairway effect was pretty neat. He started thinking about how that might be done but then reminded himself he had bigger problems to solve.

After getting to his selected room he sees the girl with bandaged legs and the ominous pixie dressed in gray "Well that's interesting" he says to nobody in particular. He decides to get up and wander over to check out the two creatures.

Assuming he is able to get within twenty feet or less he'll pause and asks in a calm non-offensive tone "Hello? What's going on here?" He is genuinely interested and wants to know.


OOC: And both willow and oak burn just fine with fire. Different philosophy. But seriously, thanks for the explanation Ben. It helps and is appreciated.

She watches Togo go with a sense of relief that he wouldn't potentially be hurt. They didn't know what they were dealing with yet and just perhaps they could learn something vital before the Healer did anything that would force them to fight. "At least Togo will get to enjoy some good food. I miss food as some of it tastes rather good. Now if I could just remember what my favorite was."

Listening to Morgan she agreed with the sentiment of helping him if they could. In his own way he was a victim as well of the magic gone wrong. Turning her attention to the healer she glances up when the lights seem briefly to get brighter. Though she has no idea why that might have happened just yet! Looking back at the Healer she would love to test the theory.   "Perhaps later we can go outside for a walk then. It's good for calming a person as well as being active rather then just sitting around all day."

Looking at flitter she was surprised that she said she had more then the usual pixie problems. Was she actually encouraging the healer? She wondered if her reference was into her size or something else. "That was unexpected. Although good that he decided to take a nap. I think we are free to look about and see what we can find Morgan. Flitter perhaps you should stay with me just to be safe."

Looking at Morgan she nods smiling as she replies. "Yes I think that's a good place to start as the other guests have been here longest. Plus we should make sure not only they but that togo is ok. Hopefully we can find what your looking for Morgan. As well as hopefully a way to undo the magic that has created this situation."

Making her way in she follows the healer at least far enough to figure out where he is going. She looks at everything very curious about the place and it's inhabitants. She listens as well as tests the air for scents after all Togo was promised food. Perhaps she would hear him talking perhaps not. Either way she likely would have to face a decision to go up or go down.

In reply to Ben (msg # 252):

Mystal spends a few minutes watching the flames as they dance about the cauldron like object. She's pleased she's on this side of the window and those nasty little fire elementals can't get at her. Turning away from the window she gives a little shake discarding the yucky sensation she had. Flitting from window to window she peered inside looking for occupants. When she chanced upon any she tapped at the window to gain their attention, greeted them, introduced herself and enquired about their wellbeing.

Whether through her academic training, or wizard-honed senses familiar with the arcane, Morgan...

Meanwhile, Mystal flits around looking for someone inside to make contact with through a window.

It looks like the place might be empty, and then... she sees the Mosswoad, in the little kitchen, where it seems to be preparing dinner.

But the creature seems intent on doing what it is doing.  It does not speak to her... she's heard these things are silent.  When at last it acknowledges her, it is only to point down... to the front door.

* * * * *

Mia tries to follow the healer.  He looks back, and yawns.  “Eager to begin, are we?  Of course, of course it must be so hard on you, living with such a condition.  But I am too tired.  Please, after my nap.

He climbs the stairs, going up to his room, and if Mia follows, is quite insistent that he be allowed to nap in peace.  Anything else would be improper contact with a patient!

Meanwhile... Morgan follows just a bit in the direction her spell tells her to go.. which is down, after Togo.

And down, in the ward room, Togo speaks... it is the little Pixie in gray who answers, in a flat, bored sounding voice.

"It's not interesting at all,” the Pixie in gray says.

“Don't mind him," says the girl with the bandaged legs.  "It's from his treatment.  He doesn't want to get excited."

"No point in it," the Pixie says.

"I'm Florenza," the girl says.

"Oote,"  the Pixie says.  "Just Oote.  I am happy to meet you."

But the way he said it makes it sound like he was reading a cue card.  Not a shred of happiness at all in that monotone voice.

The entire environment was magical.  She was certain of that, now.  It was what had protected the healer from her spell, as well as blocked out earlier attempts at scrying.

The building itself then, as she had considered earlier-? It was still too hard to say.  Thus she followed the lead of her last spell, until she reached Togo Took and another pair.  She canted her head slightly, as she listened to those two speak, taking into consideration their appearances and words.

"Hello," she said to them after.  "I am Morgan, and this is Togo Took. I see you two are being treated by the healer.  And are you both satisfied with the results you have got?  Has it been what you wanted?" 

Mia accepts that the healer isn't going to let her follow him. At least she knows which room is his now. Which might or might not come in handy later. Following Morgan downstairs she looks around taking the place in. "It is so strange being in this persons place. It is a place of healing and yet it is also a place that contains a horror I have never seen before. What he is doing it isn't healing it's transforming people into what he appears to think of as healed or normal."

Looking over at Morgan Mia shakes her head speaking softly. "I seriously doubt either of them wanted what the healer has done. Though his magic might persuade them to change their minds as to what they want. Particularly the pixie since it is his fundamental nature which is being changed regardless of willingness. Though it's not impossible a supplicant might come wanting what he has to offer. Take myself for example Morgan... As frightening as the man is it is tempting to have a chance to be myself again."

She looks around taking things in then smiles speaking softly to Florenza. "It's a pleasure to meet you Florenza, oote. Tell me would either of you leave here if you had the choice? IF you remember and it's not to hard to talk about can you tell us what happened to any patients that resisted the Healers efforts to heal them. What happened if any of the patients try to leave before they are given permission? Have you seen anything in this place that you think might be the source of the healers power? Also Florenza are you a korrigan? Do you have any family in the area?"

It was possible that neither of the two would have any useful information. However there was no way to find out without asking.

"Hi, I'm Togo" he replies happy to exchange pleasantries but sad to see the pixie being devoid of cheerfulness. "What can you tell me about this place and perhaps more importantly, what about the healer fellow? He doesn't seem..quite right in the head." Togo wanted to get right to the point because he didn't know how much time he had so he wanted to make the best use of it.

Morgan wasn't assuming anything at the outset, but wouldn't be surprised if the pair had not wanted their particular results.  Still, she desired to hear what they had to say about it. Without prompting from the party, in one direction or the other, first.

So, she continued to await what they would say.  To what was now a fair deluge of questions...

1.
“We'll leave here soon,” Florenza says.  “He says I'm making excellent progress. I didn't think being a Faun was such a problem, but the Healer said it was... although... he never seemed very clear on just what a Faun was.  He kept saying I had unusual deformities from the waist down.  Well, now.. they look almost Human. Or Elven, I'm not sure which.  I guess I'll be one of them, now.  But my rash is gone.  That's good.”

“I probably have some more work to do,” Oote says.  “He says I'm almost completely cured of Pixie problems.”

Flitter cannot help but interrupt.  “Excuse me, but what are Pixie problems? Being a Pixie I ought to know, don't you think?”

“Don't worry,”Oote replies.  “He'll cure you too.  Pixie problems. Scatterbrained silliness.  Nonsense.  Fun.   We waste our times on all that and we don't take the world seriously.  Dumb, silly and playful is no way to go through life.”

“But that's what we ARE,” Flitter exclaims.

“Wasted existences.  We're much better off without all that.”  Oote says flatly.

Flitter turns on Florenze next.  “What was Oote like before?” she asks.

“I don't know,” the ex-Faun replies.  “He was here long before me.”

“Seventeen years three months nine days,” Oote says automatically.

“So neither of us can choose to leave,” Florenze says.  “He doesn't want to, and if I did I'd be a part Faun part Human for the rest of my life.  I'd rather be all of something than something in between.”

They talk a little more.  Oote and Florenza are not the only ones.  Four more patients are on the floor below but they are in “intensive care” while this floor is more “before and after”.

Most ominous, though, is when they finally get around to Mia's question, about what happens to those that refuse.

Florenza remembers... when she was first told her feet would have to be changed.

“He gets very upset... and then, a thing comes, something made out of light, and there's no resisting that. It's like.. just.. pure force.  What he needs, it does.  And that's that.  You can't fight it.  It's strange but.. I don't think he likes it, when it comes.”

She looks sad for Florenza seeing that she's been forcibly transformed from her faun nature into something else. It seemed they were to late to help her without some form of very powerful magic similar to what had done this to her. Oote also would likely never be a care free pixie again. She could only hope that somehow he would find a way to be happy again.

"I understand and I wish this hadn't happened to both of you. Although I have a feeling Oote feels otherwise since he has accepted his change." Hearing about this something made out of light that arrives she nods slightly. "That has to be the manifestation of the power of his wish. However no matter how powerful this being is it likely has some sort of weakness. Perhaps fighting it directly is not the answer. We need to search this place and see if we can find a solution. We have to take his patients into consideration as well. We should get started now as he won't sleep forever. So long as we don't leave hopefully we won't encounter this thing of light."

She speaks privately to Morgan and Togo. "What if he made his wish from this gem covered book you seek Morgan. With it we might be able to shape the magic to make him a proper healer. That way he can hopefully restore his patients to their proper natures and release them. He won't sleep forever we should hurry!"
This message was last updated by the player at 20:32, Fri 17 May 2013.

Mystal zips about from window to window peeking through. Noting Morgan and the others on the other side she listens as they converse. Master Oot doth Thee knoweth how is it be any are able to leave this building, Doth the Healer give them permission
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Tue 21 May 2013.

"Where does the tree meet with the tower" Togo asks the two creatures mentally shifting around ideas quickly.

---

Responding to Mia "The whole thing smacks of weirdness. I agree, it does seem likely that it could be the result of wish magic. I guess we should search the place."


OOC: Mystal, you have critcal information but if you don't share it we can't act on it because our characters don't know.

Morgan was already going, as she responded- "The book is, I am nearly certain, the "key" we were to look for, here.  It fits the description.  I am not certain if it would contain the capability to make a wish, exactly.  But, it is more than likely  the source of all this.  We shall see..."

In reply to Morgan (msg # 270):

Mystal continues to look through the many windows searching for other occupants; tapping on several in the hope of attracting attention.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Tue 21 May 2013.

Mystal, being outside, cannot speak to Oote, who is in the uppermost level of the "basement".  She would have to come in, and go downstairs with the others.

Morgan went downstairs too.  But she could tap to get attention, hoping they would come back upstairs.

But Oote isn't supposed to go up there.

"It's probably Mystal!" Flitter says.*

"Can't go up there," Oote says.

"Of course you can, you could fly if you took that robe off."

"Mustn't fly.  It's silly.  Sensible folk walk.  In straight lines.  And I am a patient, so I can't go up to the foyer."

"You mean you have to stay here?"  Flitter says, a little shocked.

"No, I can go down, but there's no need to."

"What's down?" Flitter asks.

She looks at him hopefully.  She knows... there are deep instincts in any Pixie, and if Oote still has some core of Pixieness left, he'll answer with "it's the direction dropped things go in, why?"

But instead he replies, in his flat, dull voice. "Problem patients.  Intensive care.  And the light thing, below that.  Never been past there."

Flitter looks upset.  "You can't be a Pixie without flying, Oote!"

"I told you, flying is silly."

"We're SUPPOSED to be silly, we're PIXIES!" Flitter almost shrieks at him.  Then, too upset by his dull ways, she hurries away, back up the stairs, to where Mystal is tapping.

She explains the situation, the utter horror... of a Pixie who isn't fun anymore.

* * * * * * *

Florenza, hearing Mia refer to a wish, shakes her head.

"You can call it that.  I think the healer tells himself stories, and believes them.  Maybe it is a wish.. it's more like... on going wishes.  And he doesn't say 'I wish'.  Half the time, I don't even think he wants these things to happen.  But they do."


* * * * * * *
*And how would Flitter know it's Mystal, and not just anyone tapping?
Because of *what* Mystal is tapping.  Of course.

Tapping away at the windows in Pixie code Mystal spots Flitter and waves. When Flitter's close enough to the window she presses herself against the pane. Doth One look like a portrait of a Pixie on canvas.she asks

"Hmm that is a interesting thought. I wonder if the tree is something you can actually enter. Some people live in tree's  don't they." She nods in agreement with Togo eager to find what was causing this and put a stop to it. With any luck they could save the poor paitents that were victums of the madness here.

Looking over at Morgan she continues softly. "I Know which room he is sleeping in. I don't know if he would keep the book in that room or if it might be somewhere deep within this building. He might not even know about it. I hope we can find it soon!"

Hearing what flitter said about Mystal she was interested in if the sprite had joined them or not. "We will find a way to help you Florenza. With any luck we can hopefully all be free soon. Togo I am going to check on Mystal and flitter real quick. Then we can start exploring."

Heading back upstairs Mia looks for flitter and Mystale. "Flitter did you find Mystal?" When she see's mystal pressing herself up against a pain she giggles for a moment. Then shakes her head speaking to her and flitter. "Mystal have you seen anything interesting from the outside? We have to find the magic book Morgan is searching for. We think it might possibly help resolve the problem. The healer is doing bad things to paitents in here. He made a pixie not a pixie anymore. He's turning a faun into a elf or a human I think. I fear for other paitents that are deeper within the tower. We hope to find a way to save them all. That and of course to escape ourselves. Apparently there is some powerful being made of light that forces people to comply with the healers desires. That and it also comes if someone tries to leave without permission. The healer is asleep for now, however I fear we may not have long before he wakes up."

Hearing Mia's comment,about the Pixie, Satyr and other forest folk, saddened  Mystal Tis a thing that be tis but sorrowful a sorrowful thing

Togo follows Mia and Morgan so he's not alone and asks "Ok, so where is this so called 'book' you speak of? And what about this light thing Oote is speaking of that's down below? Shouldn't we check that out?"

Once close to the window Mia listens to what Mystal has to say looking very pleasantly surprised. Perhaps finding the book would be easier then she first suspected. "Thank you Mystal that is very helpful!"

Feeling a bit of excitement she turns to find that Togo had followed her upstairs. "Togo I think we know where the book is due to Mystal's peeking in through outside windows. She says the book is in a room over that way." She makes a gesture in the direction that Mystal indicated. "We are going to need Morgan as she is likely the only one that can put it to use. I could be wrong it just seems to be a wizard thing to me."

She nods continuing to speak as she considers the light thing. "Yes we will have to look into that too. Although I haven't a clue if we will find some sort of item related to it or not. Let's get Morgan and see about this book since we know where it is. Then we can explore every room to see if we find anything else that will help. It might be possible to free the troublesome patients as he called them. At least so long as they are not the sort of creature that would try to kill us."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Sat 25 May 2013.

    They head back up the stairs, to the room Mystal identified.  Its the very room where they first saw the Healer enter from, just off the side of the foyer.

Florenza follows, walking clumsily on unfamiliar feet.  Oote calls after her. “Florenza, it's against the rules.  You know.  The Healer's wisdom leads to health!"

The book Mystal identified is there on the desk, but it's obviously not the magic book Morgan knows of.  No gems on the cover.  In fact, it seems to be just a simple ledger.

Maybe not so simple.

The book is open.  On the facing page are the descriptions of the party members.  Mystal saw it before.  But... it was already written there when everyone showed up.

Overtaken with curiosity, Florenza flips back a few pages.  And reads.

"Girl with foot and leg deformities.  Will need guided regeneration.  That's the day I came."

She flips back a few more pages.  "Mosswoad.  Damaged.  And look, it's got a second date on this page- and it says restored and released.  How can he live in this forest and know what a Mosswoad is but not a Faun?  That's..."

Florenza looks very worried.  "I'm beginning to think something is not right with him.  He's very powerful... or at least, the light thing that helps him is, but the Healer himself.. I'm starting to think there is something not right with his head.  But if he healed and released a Mosswoad, can be be all bad?"

When they walk Mia looks at Florenza with a look of sympathy both for her awkward walking and her only companion Oote siding with the healer. "It's not his fault Florenze. He's been changed by the healer to his very core. If walking is painful I can carry you if there is need. That way if anyone is blamed it will be me as you didn't walk yourself."

She nods looking over at Florenza as she reads about patients including herself and at least one that predated her. "I am not so certain it left Florenza. A Mosswoad greeted us and led us inside. Unless that is a different Mosswoad that is serving the healer. However I agree completely that he seems to have a illness of the soul or mind. The way he perceives things isn't right. If anyone needs healing it is him. However he denies it saying it's us who need the healing and use that as a excuse to avoid it."

Thinking about the last part she shakes her head continuing softly. "No I don't think he is all bad. He truly wishes to avoid us being punished for not doing what he says. Possibly what the being of  light forces him to do. If it's been going on a long time that could be what made him ill. He simply couldn't take it any more so he believed his own lie that it's for the best."

Pausing she continues softly as she sorts out what they could do. "I Think we have a few different things we can pursue getting done. All will sort of get done at once as we explore. First we need to find that gem covered Book. Second I think this being of light might have a place where it lives in this tower. Hopefully it's dormant and vulnerable when it's not enforcing things against patients. Perhaps there is something we can find and deal with. Finally We know there are a few patients that are still resisting the healer actively. Depending on what they are and if they are still thinking straight perhaps they could help us."

Briefly she looks through the book trying to identify troubled patients. That or she asks Florenza to do so if she can't read. Anyone else is welcome to do so as well of course. After that she looks around for anything else of interest in the room.

"Ok Togo let's hunt down this light. We should be very careful though we don't want to end up helpless and locked in a room." Needless to say she begins exploring checking rooms cautiously as they go.   "Florenza do you know about this light as well. I am not sure how cooperative oote would be about getting specific about what he knows."

Togo isn't buying all this nonsense. He just wasn't sure what the source of the trouble was. It could be an artifact, being, or result of a wish perhaps. In any case, on a whim he crosses out whatever is 'wrong' listed for him and writes. One normal healthy hobbit. No changes needed. Free to go at will. He jots down a date just in case that was part of the magic process.

"The light appears when he cannot get done what he wants done," Florenza says.  "And some other times.  When it is not coming to help the Healer, it can be in two places. Maybe it's not all the same light, but it is light.   There's light at the top of the tower, and you can see it from a long way away, sometimes, at night."

"We saw it," Flitter confirms.

"And also, I see it down at the bottom of the stairs, below the place where he changed my feet.  It flickers, sometimes, brighter, and less bright."

Florenza describes the level below the rooms where the Healer has them living.  It has the "special" rooms, where the Healer does his most elaborate work.  It was there that the Healer weaved the "Transmorphication" on her feet, and it is there, she explains, that he would perform the "elongations" on Togo, and attempt to restore Mia.

Since Pixies are considered only pyschological cases, they don't have to go there.

"The stairs go down even below that level," she says.  "And down there... you can see the light, sometimes.  It's not a steady light, it brightens and dims and flickers, but there is something about it that hurts the eyes."

When Togo "adjusts" the entry in the book, there is no reaction from it.

Mia flips through the book and is astonished to see that there are to more patients whose cases haven't been closed!  (all the others are either "released" or "less than successful")

Curiously, there have been about a dozen released patients in the past year.  These have included two humans, and a nixie, and some animals!  But according to the book, there are still two unreleased patients not yet deemed "unsuccessful".  There is a very sick cat, which apparently also has "uncatlike" attitudes, "strange growths", and a "dangerous propensity towards disobedience and a habit of not being where it actually is."   It is apparently undergoing "behavioral and morphic corrections", and "locational stabilizing procedures".  The second remaining patient is Goblin with "life threatening injuries".

"I knew it was someone in the other room," Florenza said.  "But not a Goblin!"

"The cat could be very dangerous depending on if it's a cat you would see in the city. Or a wild one that Togo as a druid would know more about then I. I doubt a goblin would be friendly. Worse if it's very badly hurt it won't be able to help anyway assuming it speaks common."

She thinks about it then suggests a course of action. "Let's start at the top of the tower. We know something is casting the light. Maybe it's important whatever is up there. Then we can quickly work our way down to the lower levels. However if anyone else wants to go down first I am fine with that." Mia waits long enough for Morgan, Togo, flitter, or Florenza to have a chance to decide what way they would go. Then goes in the appropriate direction.

"Top down works for me unless someone has a strong reason to do otherwise. Seems like the lower one goes the darker the deeds." His body shivers involuntarily for a moment thinking about being stretched. He had no intention of letting that happen. He wondered if something like that happened to the goblin. While not exactly friendly with goblins he thought that stretching somebody like that was essentially torture which he opposed in all but the most extreme cases.

"That 'cat' is a displacer beast, almost surely.  Not a nice kitty. Not any normal animal." As to the suggestion, Morgan concurred.  "Aye. Let us being at the top, and work downward.  It is a good idea."   

"Ok up we go!" Mia makes her way up carefully as she's concerned about something trying to stop them. She tries to be quiet although how much success she has is questionable. If and when they reach the top of the tower she will try to take a discrete peak at whatever is up there. Although she is willing to wait and let Morgan, Togo or anyone else do something if they feel the need to do so.

"I think it's best based off of what you said that we leave it alone then. Although in the end we might have to let it out. I don't think we want to leave anyone or anything in this tower that we don't have to. However I haven't a clue how to do so safely."

Up they go.

They follow the winding spiral stair case.  It goes straight up for two levels, and then reaches a landing.  From the landing it continues on up to more levels, and they can see a closed hatch at the top, even from here.

The landing is a little peculiar.  There is a short corridor here.  The overall geometry of the tower being what it is, they are aware that there is not much in the way of space a corridor can go.  This one goes into the heart of the tree, apparently.  There is a door there, of course, and also, two alongside the landing.

Mystal can kind-a sort-a track their progress from the outside, through the few windows she has available, and knows they are now one level above the “Healer’s Quarters”- and this is one of the areas she cannot see into!

From what they can judge of distances and the height of the tower as they observed it, that hatch 2 flights up ought to be the top, or close to it.

Pausing she looks into the short corridor knowing that it must lead into the heart of the tree.  "This leads into the tree itself. I thought only dryads and maybe elves with special magic could live inside a living tree. I want to check the doors here before we open the hatch at the top. It shouldn't take long and we will at least peak into the top before going to much further."

She is most curious about the door that leads into the tree itself. Carefully listening at it she waits briefly. Giving Togo, Morgan, and possibly Florenza a chance to voice their thoughts. "I hope Mystal is all right out there. She's definitely got a different and useful perspective from the outside." Then carefully tries the door peaking inside should it open. Depending on what she finds the other two doors will get similar attention before being opened as well.

In reply to Ben (msg # 286):

Mystal darted from window to window watching the others as they made their way towards the beacon. When they reached the floor where she couldn't watch their process she made her way to the top of the tower. Averting her eyes away from the brightness she commenced a thorough examined the tower getting a better idea of its construction.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:41, Thu 30 May 2013.

Togo chuckles "There's a difference between living in a tree and in a tree. The former elves and birds do all the time, the latter is more like what you describe though. And really, if there are actual rooms inside a tree well then almost anyone could live there though most likely it would be someone or something with an affinity for nature. Yes, we should check the doors carefully. Though if you start now then it's not really a top down approach is it?" he smiles recognizing her fickle ways.

Pausing she realizes Togo is right and he did say he wanted to check out this light thing earlier. "Yes that's true Togo. Do you think A dryad could somehow be tied up in this magic? Your right it wouldn't be we can take a quick look at the light source. I think only one person is likely to be able to go through the trap door at a time. Morgan did you want to try any magic? Did it get brighter the last time you cast a spell?"

It may not be strictly “top down”, but they cannot resist… when exploring, doors must be opened.

They open the two doors near the spiral stair case and find they are store rooms- in one, there are old barrels and pots and... remains of old food.  Nothing here has been touched in years!  The other, though, is stocked- with things someone might gather living off the land.  Dried meat, a few fish, wild edible plants.

And then they open the door that goes into what seems like... the tree.

In this hidden core, Mystal cannot see them, or even hear them, at all.

It's a small chamber, and all around, is tree. The heartwood, the core of the great tree.  But it doesn't look like the chamber was cut into the tree.  It looks like the tree just grew around this place.  And the wood is glowing, softly, filling the space with it's light.

There is a chair, and a table, and paper and writing instruments.  Also on the table- a locked wooden box the size of a breadbox, and several old scrolls.  They are yellowed and cracked, and they bear long-broken seals Morgan finds familiar.

They are seals from the Academy of Aurelianorum.  They are letters, the most recent of which is dated 33 years ago, before Morgan was even born, let alone attending the Academy!  And the letters are all signed:  Syanthus, Professor of Teleportations, Divinations, and Conjurations.  They are written in a flowing, irregular script she finds quite familiar.

"that's so strange. Why would they let all this food go to waste and yet stock what you could gather from the forest. Hmm maybe at some times people actually shipped food here from a nearby town. Though that has obviously stopped at some point."

Looking around she found it very interesting though not a answer as to how to help everyone here or to get out. "This is amazing the wood actually glows Togo. It looks like the tree grew this way which I bet involved nature magic of some sort."

When they find the papers she looks them over as well then glances at Togo and Morgan wondering if they mean anything to them. "Is anything here useful? Syanthus must have been a wizard like you Morgan. I think that means there is a good chance this was at some point a wizards tower. I wonder if the man here is actually Syanthus or if these are correspondence from that wizard to whoever lived here. IF they have value perhaps we should carefully tuck these away and take them with us. Shall we go check the trap door now?"

She waits a bit to give people a chance to discuss anything. Then makes her way up to the trap door. Mia listens at it for a bit then carefully peaks inside. Again if needed she will allow others a chance to do something if they feel there is a need to do so.