Smiling at Theo Aelasuria was clearly happy to have his help cleaning up. She chats with him off and on about whatever topic comes to mind while they work. Between them and whoever else might help it didn't take long to have things tidy once more. She actually perks up at the word classical as she enjoyed classical stories. Being a long lived race and a elf she was well read, enjoyed music and storytelling quite a bit.

Scandalous or not hearing a tale that involved the great Hercules even if indirectly caught her attention. Her mother was a priestess of love so she had heard stories that involved love. She just tended to blush a good bit more then her mother did. She speaks softly to Theo. "I like Classical stories. Hercules, Perseus the son of Zeus, and there is one where a man is kept away from home at see for twenty or more years by Poseidon because he angered the gods. Geaula if you have any stories about Hercules himself I would like to hear them if there is time."

Happily she talks with Theo enjoying his company. She would talk about her home a bit since he hadn't been there as much as she had been in his. Also she asks him about horses since he obviously knows them well. She also talks about his grandmother recommending that they visit her sometime soon if they could. After all she knew how much his grandmother would love to see him and his mother again. It was important for family to spend time together. Then Cirrus reaction rivets her attention with a look of concern. She wanted to cover Cirrus's ears then reminds herself that Cirrus is a adult albeit a inexperianced one and would likely resent being pulled away. "Theo should we interfere? She has become a adult hasn't she while we traveled these past several seasons. She's also much older then she looks it's just sylphs tend to forget and magic has made her like a elf or human."

“I know we have taken responsibility for her,” Theoderic says.  “She is like family... almost like having a daughter, maybe.  But she is an adult, or becoming one... or should be one.. how do we really know, with her, we don't even know her real age?  How can I tell her what she can and can't see and hear?  I can protect her from physical harm, but I cannot repress her own curiosity.”


Let loose to tell her story, the Nymph sets out the tale of the two lovers on the banks of her stream, and the troubles and complications that eventually resulted.  Geula is a Nymph, and passion comes naturally to them, and so Geula narrates through severely blush-inducing parts with ease.  She also has a Nymph's natural charisma.  She doesn't have Karel's training, but she can hold an audience.

Enjoying the attention, Geula picks up the tale of Hylas again, just because she does not wish to leave anyone hanging.  To her, though, Hylas abandoning his father, the Argonauts, and his quest for the Nymphs is a happy ending.

(Note that in the movie, Hylas is killed.  That was not in the original myth!  So by comparison, the mythical fate for Hylas- kidnapped by amorous Nymphs- is definitely a happier fate than the movie fate.)


Telling tales, the Nymph holds the attention of everyone listening.  It may be more time than Theoderic wished to spend, but on the other hand, he's not the only one that could use a little time to relax.

Karel listens intently, laughing occasionally, but taking note of the subtler details. Turns of phrase, and things that could be improved with concepts the nymphs were unfamiliar with, these would help to liven up an already lurid tale.

He continues to play in the background, choosing to fade in and out as the cues of the story demand. When it comes time to leave he is content and prepared. Who knew that being called to action would be so, well, entertaining?

 Story time is at last over.  Geula could go on, but Theoderic has a “we must be going” look, and he and Aelasuria have completely cleaned up breakfast.

”I hope you succeed,” the Nymph says.

”I will help them”, Liloo says. “I brought them this far.  It is only right.  One of us must help them.”

”Are you sure you can help us?”  Spica asks.

”At the very least, I know the way,” Liloo says.

The day is a little chillier, than the one before, with a slightly damp feel to it.. and the smell of spring in the forest.  Although the land in their direction of travel is still not rugged,  there is a gradual change here as the northern plains slowly rise into the Elven lands to the south.  Low, gentle rolling hills, covered with forest.

They keep their eyes open, watching for any sign of a Dragon, but so far, there are none.

But Ayren notices something.  There are markings carefully cut into some of the trees.  Elves have been here. Not too recently.  From the extent to which the marks have faded as the tree healed, within a few months.

Salen is far removed from being a prude, or even close to it, so he takes a comfortable spot and listens intently to Geula weaves her tale. He is most entertained, and applauds her when she is done.

"Bravo! A most enjoyable tale, and much to my liking! Why it compares with the tale of the Weaver's Daughter, and the Lost Virgin of Uppsala, and the Temptress of Rome, and...well, perhaps another time."

Salen looks to Theoderic and Aelasuria, and nods - it is time to go. He gives the Nymph and company his fond farewells, ensures everyone is ready for the road (and that Ayren is fine and has all she needs), and takes his leave alongside them.

Chill is nothing new to a resident of Geneva, and the dampness Salen can live with. He has a soldier's endurance, even though he has served with Winged Cavalry, and he has long found exercise invigorating - perhaps another reason he eschewed the family tradition of studying magic for so long. A long walk through forested hills is quite his thing, dragons or no. But...markings on trees?

"These markings, Ayren - what do they signify? Simply that some of us have passed here in recent times, or do they serve another purpose?"

The Ardennes Elves and the Alps Elves are both Elves, but they have diverged in the centuries.  It’s something deeper than “Elves who wear green” (The Ardennes) and “Elves who wear white” (The Alps.)  The Ardennes Elves have forest lore their mountain cousins do not.

“The markings are guidance for other Elves,” Ayren says.  “Elves on patrols.  Where to find good trails, the ways home, good hiding places.  Notes about the enemy... so it was war, not hunting.  It means patrols have come this far, during the winter.  We had heard that while we fought in the west, our king and queen conducted a campaign in the north.  It must have come close to Aquae Grannis.  Maybe reached it.”

"It may explain the shortage of Dragon thus far," Spica says.  "In their own way they can be shy beasts, retiring to their lairs when there is too much attention.  Time is on their side, perhaps the Dragon here intended to wait out the war."

It is afternoon, in the valley of the Selzer.   It may have seemed a slow, indulgent way to do things…  Aelasuria’s proper breakfast, and the long story telling session.  Not that there was a long way to go- Aquae Grannis is a mere half a day’s journey to the east.  But leaving so late ensured a late day arrival.

Perhaps, though, that’s not such a bad thing.  With their slow progress, they've allowed those behind them to catch up.

Spica notes that they are being followed… and very fortunately, it is by a large group of Centaurs, and a few Human travelers- one of whom is evidently Scolo the wizard.

Swift just listened to most of want was going on. She just went along with everything and was waiting to see where to go next. With the markings discussed, she looks them over to learn what she could.

After hearing Ayren's summation of the meaning of the signs, Salen nods.

"That is what I thought - the signs and markings may be different, but the ideas and principles are the same. But, it is good that war was waged here, in our cause, and the absence of Dragons can never be a bad thing."

Elves of all kinds are not known for impatience, and the day's dawdling suits them very well. When Spica informs them that they are being followed by Centaurs and the wizard Scolo, Salen calls a halt.

"Whether we are about to take on Dragons or not, we would do well to have Scolo in our company. One can never have too many wizards."

Arriving from Belgica with muddy hooves and fetlocks, Eadoin's quite in his element.  In spite of his homesickness for family, the young Centaur is in grand spirits.  It's spring, after all, and there are new young of every kind, from birds to fawns, to cubs and kits and  kids.  All the growing things are in need of blessing and Eadoin's positively ebullient.

It's in this mood he meets those he knows and those he does not.  He's not Babette the Werebear, but he's alike in his open willingness to hug anyone who looks to him to be in need of one.  At nearly seven feet of height and nearly half a ton, he's not nearly so large as his older relations, but he's larger than even the most robust of human folk.  Still, he's mindful of others' more delicate nature.

He greets Salen warmly, tail whisking and looking impish the while.  Around Theoderic, he's respectful.  With Aelasuria, he's yet somewhat in awe, still tongue-tied and a little sheepish.  He's grown more inches yet, all knees and elbows, still a long and gangly colt whose frame promises enormity to match that of his uncle Corax.  In a new development, he sports a fine and downy coat of fuzz the color of newly polished copper on his chin and upper lip.

He offers introductions all around, where necessary.  "Hello!  Hello, all!  It's fine to see you all again!"

Hello, greetings, peace and all that wonders! Who who. We've been having a very nice walk!

And it's so much nicer to meet you!

Shouts Scolo with enthusiasm as they approach.

You know he says to Melissa I'm thinking we should leave a gift for the Minotaurs, being that they kindly leftist unmolested ...

He looks at Eadoin, if you were a sentient, suspicious person from an agrarian society of large herding herbivores, what do you think someone could leave in your territory as a nice gesture?

Scolo starts thinking about how he would write out an alchemical recipe for fertilizer that can be used to make explosives.

Theoderic welcomes Scolo, Eadoin, and Melissa back.  And the rest of the Centaurs as well, and explains that they are within a few hours now of Aquae Grannis.

Cirrus gives Eadoin a happy greeting as well.  They both have Lutetia Parisiorum roots, although they didn't know each other well back there.  Both have changed, a lot, since then.  Cirrus though still pale, thin, and fragile looking, seems much more adult than Eadoin remembers her.


After the reunion, and the exchange of greetings and recent events, Theoderic keeps the now quite enlarged group moving eastwards towards Aquae Grannis.  The Centaurs travel in a large cluster, often seeming to orbit the rest of the group and often ranging well ahead, as they still have tracks to follow.

Theoderic assumes the tracks belong to Heolstor's band, and expects to find them before reaching Aquae Grannis.   But as the day goes on, they get nearer to the old Roman temple town, and the tracks keep going, and no sign of the horsemen.   No sign of the Dragon they had been warned about, either.

They are within sight of the town when the tracks change direction.  Here, Heolstor and his band went to some high ground, to observe the town.  A group of Centaurs heads up, deciding to do the same.

And what they see is unexpected.  Heolstor has been here... and took the town. There can be no other explanation, for those are humans, not Orcs, standing watch.

And they ride out to meet the Centaurs.

(If Eadoin is with the Centaurs that went ahead to the hill, he can go directly to a different thread, The Belgica Road in March, and meet Brennus.  Everyone else will be meeting up soon.)

"What ho, Eadoin, and well met my friend! It has been a while indeed, has it not? Good to see you looking so...hirsute?"

And hail, Scolo and Melissa! So good of you to join our merry band. I hear one can't get into Aquae Grannis in groups of less than sixty. New legislation, apparently..."

Good company is always welcome in Salen's eyes, wherever one may be or whatever one may be doing, and the continuance of their journey will now pass more swiftly.

However, the sight of humans on watch, and riding out to meet them, is as unexpected as it is welcome. Still no Dragons to be seen either. The Elf stands his ground now, waiting to meet the riders, wondering what tales or news - or worse - they bear.

"Well, this will be interesting."

Karel is comforted by the signs of the passing elves. Indeed, for all his airs, he had no wish to face a dragon. Still, should his gifts be called upon in their time of need, he would not hesitate to fascinate, intrigue, and distract.

Upon seeing the group heading towards them Karel tenses, though relaxes a bit when he realizes his companion's familiarity with the group. Still yet, upon seeing the human travelers he becomes even more on edge and a little withdrawn, though he tries no to show it. He merely plucks away at his lute in the corner, waiting for things to settle and all the while keeping eyes and ears peeled for suspicious behavior, of both dragons and men.

Salen, Theoderic and Aelasuria follow Eadoin, heading into a new thread, Aquae Grannis.

Cirrus, often eager to meet new people, holds back.  The frail, pale sylph-girl ooks at Karel.  She was as taken by his song and story as any of the others were, and now...

"What is bothering you?" she asks, standing beside him with a look of concerned interest.

Spica holds back as well, but not out of any fear.  Unicorns are simply naturally shy- especially around the works of civilization, towns and cities, which makes them uneasy.  Spica hasn't made the same adjustments Marisol did, but then, neither has she had to, for the sake of her friends.   She watches alongside the others.

Oh uhm ... Hello
Says the tall wizard to the friendly and gregarious elf.

Joining the larger force the wizard begins to think about other things he drifts away in his head not really knowing what this is all about or why he is here ... Perhaps to fill out a quota, like the elf says? Hmmm.

Karel's gaze drifts from the men, remaining towards the back of the procession towards Aquae Grannis. He smiles at Cirrus, plucking a light and jaunty melody.

"Nothing, my lady. The lands and waters move in but ripples, yet we have recently made waves. Our destination will be one such as well, so I keep watch for signs of trouble that may have followed in our wake. Some things are more dangerous than others."

Karel keeps a close watch on the surroundings while continuing to idly play, choosing to move through etudes in the folk stylings of nixies and nymphs before moving on to the few elven studies he recalled.

Never has Cirrus been a ‘My Lady’ before and it brings a bit of pride to her face.

”I am a musician too,” she says with even more pride.  "Where did you learn?"

* * * * * * *

Talking to Scolo, Melissa watches Cirrus from afar.  “She’s from Lutetia Parisiorum.  Like me.  I even saw her perform, she was a child prodigy at the Opera House there.  An amazing voice for a child, like an angel would have.. I assume.. I never heard an angel sing.  And if she stayed, she would have had a miserable life.  The Emperor treated them strangely, protecting them and favoring them one day, abusing them the next.  And a few of the Blackguards had their privileges… if she hadn’t left, she’d have been a Blackguard’s plaything, sooner or later.  But it’s magic, with Cirrus.  So I’ve heard.  No, she wouldn’t have lasted there much longer. Not this girl, anyway.  She would be very different, with them.

”It’s a strange thing, don’t you think?  So much of what we become is all about our circumstances.  I could be born to a farm wife, and never see any of this.”

* * * * *

Spica nods towards up ahead, where the two sides' representatives have met.

"It does not seem an unfriendly meeting," the Unicorn says.  "Just cautious.  Like so many are, these days.  If there is one curse the Huns have laid upon us we cannot remove it is that.  That little bit of fear that makes us all cautious.  So much has been taken away."

She nods slightly at Theo's words knowing he is right. What they needed was the hope that Cirrus would trust in them enough to come to them when she needed help or advice. Such wisdom would be a blessing and some did come to their elders some had to learn other ways. Aelasuria blushes a good bit during the story though she is able to appreciate it for it's value and as a classical tale.

Turning her attention to Cirrus she speaks to her softly with a gentle expression. She hadn't forgotten how much she liked the attention performing at the concert had gotten her. Which could be dangerous for someone who hadn't the experience to deal with that attention. "Cirrus I hope that you know if you ever need help or have questions that you can come to Theo or I as we will always be there for you. Perhaps even better his mother or Mine as they have wisdom and experience that can prove invaluable to you. Some mistakes can carry a painful and lasting price. Hylas's story didn't have a bad ending though more then a few stories do.  OH and Spica can also be very helpful in determining someones true character if your ever in doubt about someone. Don't hesitate to ask for her help Cirrus. However I think I have gone on long enough so I will stop now."

She gives her brother a slight smile as he gives his approval and shows that he's enjoyed his fair share of stories. "I am guessing you heard these stories while serving in the winged Cavalry brother?"

She was distracted of course when the talk turns to dragons. A interesting topic to be sure for anyone she thought. "I never thought of a dragon as shy Spica it's a very interesting thought. Majestic, incredibly powerful, confident, some would say arrogant because of that inherent power. Generally wise, very intelligent in most cases, fierce and many things though as I said I never considered shy. I like the thought though!"

Later when the others catch up to them Aelasuria agree's whole heartedly with Salen. With Eadoin she gives him a gentle affectionate hug. He towers over her of course and she has the more delicate build of the elves so she appreciates that he doesn't crush her in a bear hug. Slipping back she briefly takes his strong hands smiling up at him. "Look at you Eadoin! You have grown even more since the last time I have seen you. You even have the beginnings of a beard. I trust that apple blossom is doing well. I regret that you couldn't stay with her longer the last time we were all able to visit. It's wonderful to see you too! What news do you have to share. Theo, I and the rest of us had a rather unpleasant encounter with some ancient trolls at the water garden."

"One of the was a shamaness with awful and dark magic. We had to fight them though as the water sprites, nymphs and other fey there needed our help desperately. As you can see though while we were all hurt we did win the battle and all are still here. She had some sort of plague magic that made me as well as Cirrus rather ill. Cirrus was quite heroic helping me by trying to blow the plague clouds and their rain away with her winds. I am proud of her and Theo was quite gallant as well. If not wise he insisted on trying to keep me company while I was getting better. Even though it would have been better if he had kept his distance. Speaking of the water garden maybe you should visit it someday. A druids touch is something I think they could appreciate there. Karel acquitted himself well in battle with the trolls and he has bardic magic. Salen of course always has been and always will be my brother. If I complement him to much it will go to his head." She briefly teases her brother playfully knowing his proven himself time and again to be a brave knight.

She takes a moment to hug Theo Standing close to him while giving him a affectionate look. Then slips back with a smile. "You have already met my brother Salen and I think Karel here as well. Though to be safe it never hurts to do introductions. Karel this is Scolo a rather interesting wizard that joined us a while back. He's a bit of a specialist when it comes to dealing with the Hun's Iron soldiers. Swift is our scout and I forget if you have met her Scolo."

Taking a moment she takes Scolo's hands giving him a warm smile. "It's good to see you to Scolo. I am glad to see that your still doing well. Hello Melissa!" Briefly she gives Melissa a hug. She was after all reformed and doing good things against the Huns. plus she was looking after Scolo which further enhanced her opinion of Melissa regardless of what she might have done in the past. "I trust you have done your best Melissa to keep Scolo out of trouble? I still haven't forgotten how brave he is going right after the enemy in a battle. Honestly wizards like us generally need to hide behind big heavily armored people like Theo and my brother Salen more often then not." Her voice was lighthearted and slightly teasing as she looks over at Scolo.

She doubted he would ever be one to hide in the background. Plus the proof of his capable ability to take care of himself or just plain luck was in the fact he was still standing here today. "Regardless of anything else Scolo your a very brave man. I hope your village is doing well. Theo and I certainly haven't forgotten about them or you."

She pauses with a look of concern. "What Minotars? How close are they Scolo? Were there many of them?" She hopped that they wouldn't have to fight a large group of Minotars. Though from what she could tell so far Scolo didn't think badly of them.

Despite everything she of course takes time to meet the centaurs greeting them all warmly. They were after all neighbors now. Since Theo had done his best to provide them land near his home.

Seeing cirrus with Karel she smiles slightly. After all she had suggested the possibility of bardic training. Even if she didn't have a interest in being a bard his knowledge of music, singing and instruments should be a good common interest to both of them. She did miss the lynx bard from Lucimburic. Wondering how she might be doing she could only hope that their friend was doing well.

"There were Minotaurs," Melissa explains, staying close by Scolo.  "The Centaurs noticed the tracks, and we followed them.  And they were following...  not you..  Other tracks.  Horses."

"Yes," Liloo the water sprite agrees.  "There were men on Horses.  But I did not see Minotaurs following them."

"The Minotaurs broke off the pursuit," Melissa says.  "They went into hiding, at a hilltop fort."

"Falcon Hill," Liloo says.  "It must be.  An old and haunted fort.  Built up on a rocky point above my valley and another, and full of old tunnels within."

"You know of this place?" Melissa asks.

"Not much," Liloo says.  "Rocky place, up high, caves.. and you see I am a water creature.  I do not climb high dry places.  But even from the waters you can see the old fort up there."

"If it is a watch tower, the Huns will have a way of signalling," Melissa says.  "No doubt, whoever is in charge now knows there has been an invasion."

They are interrupted by Phiraz the Centaur.

"All is well at Aquae Grannis," the Centaur says.  Liloo's face lights up in joy.

"King Theoderic bids we come along and find shelter in the town," the Centaur continues.

"Bless the sacred water!" Liloo says.  On his big floppy feet, he runs ahead.

Hmmmm? Oh my dear, you are ever so much niceness all at once. Scolo tells Aelasuria upon meeting. Regarding the Shaman and the dark magic he actually shows some interest...

Dark Magic? something new yes yes? a plague yuck, how escatinglin - any scroll or book left was there on the scene?

He pulls a face slightly when the Queen asks if Melissa is keeping him out of trouble but giggles at the flattery.

New Mestanon? Yes, have you had any new news on them? Someone went looking right? Or are we going there next?

Oh the Minotaurs yes .... hmmmm a present .... I suppose they might like some special grain but .... I haven't any ,,,

Scolo uses his magic to pull stones from all around in to a nice man sized pyramid and he writes a note on his parchment and leaves it on top -

Dear Minotaurs,

It is refreshing, to pass along your land unannounced in a small group and be completely unmolested. Thank you - though your people and mine often share enmity, I feel I would like to leave a small gift - a token of thanks.

Keep this, and one day I will settle somewhere in Belgica - if you or your kin wish to say hello - I will be a kind host.

May your grass always be green and your field wide soft and flat

Oh, and I wouldn't bet on the Huns for this war ... just saying you can do better.

Scolo the Wizard

This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Tue 05 Nov 2013.

To Melissa Scolo nods thoughtfully in discussion on Cirrus.

Hmmmm, yes - She sang in Lucimburic -  I wont forget ....

then they talk about the Minotaurs, oh but everyone is so sure the creatures are with the Huns, well, they probably are but what of it - the Huns won't last forever, no it is the way of orcs to overexpand and collapse. but minotaurs will be a herd for many generations... we will be neighbors one way or another.


And so they will know and be expecting attack - we can still surprise them. gather your force and go around them...they will wait and wait in defensible areas until,
He mimicks an orc:
what? Boris says they've gone 7 miles that way! NO NO NO its not fair lets get them, theyre scared!

and they will chase us down, and we can be ready....hmmmm?

Of course a frontal attack could be simpler ...

Karel smiles openly, letting all tension leave him as Liloo charges forward with glee at the notion of a free Aquae Grannis.

"Studied? Hrmm, I cannot recall. Please, I do not jest, it is only that I remember very little from those times. I learned from a handsome man, quite spry for an elderly gentleman, though all I can recall are my ideas and thoughts of him, not actual images. His voice will always ring in my ears, however.

I have long been lost to the world of men. I am of the fey now, as they have taken me and restored my broken mind and heart. I know not whence the myriad of songs came to me, but they are a comfort, and a boon. They are who I am distilled into the purest form. Forgive me, I would not trouble you with such notions, though I thought it would be rude to brush off your question.

Perhaps we can perform together, in celebration of the liberation of Aquae Grannis, tonight? Come, let us see what has transpired here."

Cirrus is amazed at Karel’s story and listens to every word.. .some of the things he mentions obviously resonate.

“Then we are the same but opposite,” Cirrus says.  “I am a born Fey, I did not know it before, but I have learned.  I am at least in part a spirit of the air.  A Sylph.  But at an early age, maybe even just after birth, I was left to the world of Humans, and hidden away in a Human city, Lutetia Parisiorum.  And if there was any place in the world more Human and less Fey than that I have not seen it, because it swarms with more people than you can ever count.

“I was adopted into a home, and I was exposed to music at an early age because my new parents were patrons of the opera there, and found good tutors for me.  I excelled, and I was still a little girl when I began performing professionally.  What a strange thing.. when I was little,  I remember singing the part of a Fairy, because I was small but I could sing clearly.  And no one suspected, not even me!  But things became worse after the Huns took over.  My adoptive family vanished, no one ever told me what happened.  But there were Brownies, and they were looking after orphaned children and a few others who had no where else to go, and I joined them, and we lived for years in a secret home in the back of some townhouses close to the great opera house.  And I still performed.”

She shows him her lyre, and plays some notes, demonstrating the way she can shape sound with magic, intuitively.

“I didn’t know until an adult Sylph taught me.  We are air spirits.  Sound is a vibration in the air.  We are bonded to the air around us, and it does what we want… and so, so does the sound.  I’ve learned so much this past year.  And yes, of course, I would perform with you in Aquae Grannis!”

Karel is enthralled by Cirrus' story, sensing a kindred spirit in her.

"What games the fates play. Fortunately for us, we are alive and well. It takes all kinds to make a world, right? I feel for you, my lady. Humans can be cruel and vindictive, it is a rare sight for such in the world of the Fey. Their boundaries can be strange and foreign, however, even to myself who has lived amongst them many years."

He looks around momentarily, noticing that most of the others have proceeded.

"Ah, I suppose we should catch up. I do not know what awaits us, though I am sure we will not find it on the outskirts!"

OOC: I'm guessing that I can move ahead into the Aquae Grannis thread?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Tue 12 Nov 2013.

Yes indeed.