As the party approaches the glade where they first met Tiressia and Falchos, they notice that the air seems lighter and the forest seems greener, almost as if the plants themselves are celebrating their victory. As they enter the clearing, they see Tiressia and Falchos waiting for them, their expressions anxious and hopeful.

Tiressia steps forward, her emerald green eyes bright with anticipation. "Have you succeeded in defeating the scythe tree?" she asks, her voice trembling with hope.

"Got 'em." Elena replied easily, with a gesture to the severed tree limb lashed to her saddle.  It probably looked like a pretty grisly trophy to the dryad, akin to carting around a severed arm.  But hopefully that would be outweighed by it's proof that Tiressa's problem was solved.

Seeing that the dryad wasn't alone this time, Elena greeted Tiressa's companion with a low bow.  "Well met, stranger," she called in greeting.  "I assume our friend Tiressa has told you about us?"

"Turned the damned thing into kindling." Kael confirms Elena's words.

OOC: Elena of Rivia, eh? You know, witchers usually get paid at this point. But I suppose that's unlikely here.

And yeah, I don't recall meeting this Falchos with the dryad either. Or did we run into him somewhere else before that?

"It's Pharasma's problem now." Dominique agrees as he looks over the suddenly greener environment and the new stranger before noting, "Though it looks like you already knew that."

Falchos, the satyr, smiles at Elena's greeting and bows in return. "Indeed she has," he says, his voice light and musical. "I am Falchos, and I owe you and your companions a great debt of gratitude for your aid in defeating the scythe tree. I was gravely injured trying to defeat the tree myself, " he continues, pointing to a large pink scar of magically healed flesh along his side.

Tiressia steps forward, her eyes shining with gratitude. "We cannot thank you enough for your help," she says. "Without you, we would have been doomed. The forest owes you a great debt, and we will always be in your debt."

As she speaks, the forest around them seems to grow even greener, and the birdsong becomes even more joyful. It's as if the entire natural world is celebrating their victory.

Falchos places a hand on Tiressia's shoulder. "And we, too, are grateful," he says, his voice softening. "We would be honored to repay you in any way we can."

Tiressia nods in agreement. "Indeed," she says. "We may be able to offer you aid in your travels, or perhaps information that could prove helpful."

The air around them seems to hum with magic, and for a moment, it feels as if the entire forest is holding its breath, waiting to see how the they would respond.

Cara is listening, but all the lush vegetation has her distracted. The vibrant greens and other colors as flowers open up have her riveted. Pulling out her note book, she starts to draw and write notes on what is happening and what plants are here. She will definitely be spending some time asking about the uses for the plants and other information.

Kael like the sound of that offer. Doing good is all well and good, but doing good and getting something for your work is even better. "How exactly can you help us? Right now we have a bit of a troll problem ourselves. We need to find where they are coming from, and then put a stop to them. Is there anything you know or could do to aid us in that?"

Elena nodded in agreement with Kael.  Like Cara, she was amazed by the sudden beauty and growth that had seemed to flow into the grove in an instant, but she forced herself to focus on the topic at hand.  "The trolls are a threat to everyone, and they're not working alone.  They had ogres with them last time we met, and they'd been trying to recruit Zackot and his Dark Pipers when we caught up to them.  They're led by someone who signs his letters with an 'H'."

Iar revels in the musical sound of Tiressia's voice, as the woods respond to the couple talking he smiles as though drugged, then it all comes crashing down when Falchos puts his hand on her shoulder. The beautiful ones are always unattainable is written across his face. He then flinches as the tiny dragon on his shoulder flexes her claws. It was probably for the best that he was further to the back of the group.

Dominique nods along in agreement with the others, still deferring to the Baron to lead but having nothing to add himself.

Tiressia nods in understanding. "Trolls can be quite dangerous, but fear not, for I may be able to help you." She pauses for a moment, her eyes closing as she seems to listen to the sounds of the forest. When she opens her eyes again, they are bright and full of energy.

"I sense that the trolls are coming from the Southwest, deep in the Narlmarches," she says, pointing in the direction she mentioned. "There is a cave system there that the trolls have made their lair. I can give you directions to it, but I warn you, it will not be an easy journey. The trolls are fierce and savage, and they will not hesitate to attack anyone who enters their territory."

She pauses, her voice dropping to a soft whisper.

"I sense many of them. It might be too many for you to handle alone. I would offer more assistance but it is too far from my tree. I can hear the whispers of the trees but beyond that there is little more I can do for you."


OOC: Map has been updated to show the precise location of the troll lair.

Is that the red marker?

"Hmm, not really good news, but at least we now know where they are coming from. Perhaps we should muster some help and equipment before we take that place on."

OOC: Red marker is our current location, I think. Trolls are probably at the Stronghold, bottom left of the map. Anyway, I am fine with continuing to explore for now, find some exp/gear for the big fight. G3 maybe?

Also, did I just hear a level-up sound?

Elena nodded in agreement with Kael.  "After seeing how much damage a handful of trolls did at the Piper's tower, I'm not in any hurry to march our army into the forest again.  In an open field, I trust our archers and cavalry to win the day, but they're next to useless in dense woods like this."

"And I'm not in a hurry to just blindly walk up to their stronghold either, not without knowing what we're up against.  Which...I guess leaves us back at square one."

Turning hopefully back to the fae couple, Elena asked them, "Is there anything you could tell us about the other inhabitants of this forest?  Is there anyone here who might be both willing and able to help us against these giants, or at least know more about them?  Like I said, this mysterious H is clearly looking for allies.  He might have reached out to some of the other locals."

Her expression darkened.  "And speaking of which...Zackot.  Him and his Dark Pipers set up their base not far from here, you must know something about him.  We've got him locked up, facing trial and then probably execution.  Do you..." she shrugged, not entirely sure what she was even getting at.  "I guess I'm just asking if you have any opinions on that."

OOC: G3 seems as good as anywhere, unless these two can share any more info.

On hearing Elena ask about Zackot, Kael adds: "Or perhaps advice on how to deal with him. The bastard is guilty as hell, yet he insisted on a public trial and for us to release his henchmen before surrendering. He's clearly up to something."

Good idea to ask about him, Elena. If whatever he is planning is connected to other fey, they might have heard something about it.

Falchos' expression darkens at the mention of Zackot and his Dark Pipers. "Zackot is a dangerous creature, with a silver tongue that can easily sway weak minds," he warns, his musical voice turning serious. "He and his followers have caused a great deal of trouble in the past, and we are grateful that you have apprehended him."

Tiressia nods in agreement. "Zackot is a master of deception and trickery, and his words can be like sweet honey to those who listen to him," she says. "We have seen many creatures fall under his sway. In fact it is because of him that the Dark Pipers got both their name and power. Be careful when listening to him for even without magic he can bring listeners to his side."

Elena sighed in relief at hearing the Fae's warnings about Falchos. "If nothing else, I'm glad to hear we share the same opinion of that creep.  Would you be willing to come to the trial and tell our people about him publically?"  This question was directed to Falchos, since the dryad's ability to leave her tree seemed limited.  "If Zackot tries to paint us as a mob of brutal invaders, having a fellow satyr speak against him could really take the wind out of his sails.  It might also show our more xenophobic citizens that not every faerie in the forest is a monster like him."

Dominique nods along as the others discuss the troll and Zackot problems. He runs a hand over his beard as he reasons, "We promised him a fair and just trial, and I would certainly aim to honor that, but we would be wise to limit who witnesses the trial and passes judgement to those well-guarded against manipulation. I will consult with my council about any additional protections we can muster."

Finishing up drawing a particular plant, Cara remarks, "I may have something to deal with that." She then moves on to jot notes about the flower she just drew, noting any special scents or features.

Falchos frowns and shakes his head. "I am sorry but I am needed here. The forest is still a dangerous place and the fair fey still need protecting."

"Oh?"  Elena asked with interest. "Is that what you are, Falchos?  A knight errant of the forest, wandering the land and keeping the fair fey safe?  It's delightful to meet someone so like-minded.  I'll admit, I have less time to play the wandering hero than I like these days, having been foolish enough to take on a role in government."  She smiled as she delivered this bit of self deprecation, making it clear that last part was a joke.

Thinking over the issue, Elena came up with an idea.  "If you're so worried about the forest that you can't leave even for a day or two, even to pay back the people who saved your..." The paladin hesitated, not being clear on the exact nature of Falchos' relationship with the dryad and not wanting to give offense by guessing.  "...who saved Tiressa's life?  Well, then it must be serious.  We could have some of our people take over your watch in case anything happens while you're gone.  Our marshal Artanix is a priestess of Sarenrae, both gentle and strong.  I'm sure she could keep your people safe for a few days."

To be honest, Elena couldn't tell if Falchos was actually too worried to leave his neck of the woods, or if it was merely an excuse to brush them off.  But either way, Elena wasn't going to let the matter slide that easily.

14:10, Today: Elena Sazikova rolled 23 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 11.  Diplomacy.

Iar perks up during the conversation. "I would gladly stay and protect the 'fair fey' while you see justice done." He promptly offers giving a splendid smile to Tiressa.

Falchos smiles but waves the suggestion away.

"No, my place is here, just as your place is out there. Your people do not belong to the woods nor do our kind fair well outside."

He frowns as Elena starts making what he interprets as veiled threats but he seems willing to chalk it up as simple miscommunication.

"Well I think it is time that you continue on with your travels. I do hope our paths cross again though."

Falchos' attitude has shifted down from helpful to friendly.

"Forgive me."  Elena dipped her head in apology at the miscommunication.  Though her words and her tone stayed polite, their earlier warmth had been replaced with a more formal civility.  "As I said, we are unused to dealing with the Fae, and I misunderstood your meaning.  When you said you owed us a great debt and that you would repay us any way you could, I...well, I mistakenly assumed you actually meant what you were saying.  It will not happen again."

"Don't get me wrong, we didn't demand any payment for helping you, and we still don't.  I certainly can't accuse you of breaking a deal or wronging us in any meaningful way.  But I can - And DO - consider you an ingrate and a dissembler.  Good day."  With that, Elena turned to leave, doing her best not to give the impression of stomping away in a huff.

OOC: Elena's attitude has shifted from friendly to indifferent.

Tiressia watches the exchange with growing sadness in her eyes. It seems that Falchos likewise turns and storms off in a huff in the opposite direction of Elena leaving an apologetic Tiressia to help smooth over the breach.

"I'm sorry if we seem reluctant but I am physically bound to the woods and Falchos has pledged a bond to me and thus both our ability to leave are...limited. We do wish to help however we can so perhaps if there are problems you face that don't require us to leave our home then I'm sure Falchos would be keen to help! It's not that we don't want to help, it's that your request is beyond our abilities."