"That was kind of you Althaea, even I did not know I was coming here until my feet led me here. I will be fine until dinner." I say looking at Althaea and offering her a small smile before looking back at Sand.

"We can ask but I doubt Sebastian will agree to speak with you here without good reason. However, I may be doing him a disservice; he has proven to be more than he appears before."

I pause for a few seconds, before speaking to Erik, "I apologize if you feel left out for the next few minutes. I do not mean to exclude you but I wish to test something with Sand." I look back to Sand and continue in elvish,
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:55, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Andraste made no promises but would ask, and that was the extent of what the construct wanted. He nodded his thanks, then she said something about a test with him. Intrigued, he cocked his head to the side,  waiting for her to explain. It wasn’t long.

The flowing arabesques of the elvish language acted like an electroshock on the warforged and he froze for a number of seconds, while his memory circuits looked for the corresponding archives, buried deed in his brain. This translation was much more complex than the simple sentence they had exchanged when they had met. Finally he lifted his head and spoke in halting Elvish.

Sand not know if this will work but Sand willing to try.

Somewhere inside that brain cavity, unknown to the construct, some new connections where being made...

I replied to Andraste's query, also in Elvish. I only know one language other than this and common and it is probably best I do not speak it around Erik. The others may be better suited to this task than I.

I ate a few bites of the food I brought before it started to get cold and sat to listen to the conversation play out.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Tue 08 Sept 2020.

Alright, now what can we talk about; maybe we can talk about Clacker, I have always been curious about it.

Erik smiled at Sand's attempt at the name. "Sprite is okay too. Good to know the other name in here." He moved his hand up and tapped Sand on his metallic skull. When Sand had asked Erik about having Thorin come to the stable after resting, the relief in his eyes became very apparent and he nodded. And then feeling obliged to say something he looked down at his shield and his bag which Sand had repaired. "You like and good fixing things." It was a thank you and encouragement. He relaxed and returned to the horses. Even though he wasn't speaking with them now he still understood them.

When Giltris arrived he first only looked up for a moment a little tense. His eyes tracked to hers though and he relaxed a little until they continued to track to her hair which was another color entirely than it had been before. His head cocked to the side and his hands went to his own hair. He drew a few strands of it in front of his face and peered closely at their color. Seeing that it was unchanged he breathed a sigh of relief. The horses would have told him if this place did things to your fur coat. So it was Giltris who changed then. He tried out his smile again at her greeting and it wasn't all bad. He shook his head at her offer though and simply said. "Happy."

Sand's concern about Erik's reaction to strangers barging into the stable was fairly spot on if unvoiced. When Althaea arrived, even known as she was, the wild man's reaction was different than it was when Giltris had shown up a little before her. Her presence immediately cast a shadow on his face. But she came bearing an offering of food. Steaming and delicious looking food. He gave the pony another pat and a huff as if to tell it that it didn't have to be scared, but really it was meant for himself. She hadn't done anything to hurt him directly. Slowly he took a few steps toward where she had set the tray, occasionally lifting his nose to sniff the air. His stomach growled audibly. It had been a long time since he had eaten anything prepared. It had been a long time since he had eaten anything other than his berries really...

He reached out and snagged something off the tray, pulling his arm back quickly like a mongoose stealing an egg back from a snake. His eyes darted to Althaea to see if she would reprimand him for being greedy before remembering that she had brought this for him. Something softened in his brows. It wasn't trust per se that reached his face, but it wasn't as severe distrust anymore. She had so far shown herself to be unlike the Fey he knew. Those dark brown eyes squinted again though as he bit into the food and then tasting its deliciousness, he began eating ravenously as his eyes shot back open. Remembering something from his past, he wiped a naked arm across the juices that dripped down his chin.

Sand spoke for him and he nodded. A look of hope sparked somewhere as they considered talking to who he could only assume to be the leaders of this massive pack among the mountain about his father. As if to offer some reparation, he reached into his recently repaired bag and withdrew the last of his goodberries from before, placing them on the tray, opening his hand toward them in offering, and looking around at everyone before continuing to eat the real food that the Bargainer had brought.

When Giltris mentioned that he might be left out for the next few moments he seemed unperturbed as he nodded, grabbed the tray of food and brought it back to his new four legged friends. As the others began talking in a language foreign to him he instead paid attention to the horses and ponies. He picked certain foods specially for each of them and fed them, as he thought about the events that had led him here. He was in a place he'd never thought he would come close to, surrounded by people he would never have expected to meet let alone get along with, and outside of their little stable of safety there were many, many more people he knew nothing about. It was a strangely terrifying and yet exciting feeling. There was a part of him that was afraid these people would find out that he was not good and did not belong here. But as the thought occurred, another memory sprang to mind. A recent one, Sand telling him he was not a monster. It was odd having someone's words spring to mind telling him something actually good about himself. It was a memory he would hold for now. Even if he wasn't sure that the metal man could possibly know if he was a monster or not it was a nice feeling knowing that someone at least thought that about him. A smile snuck back onto his face and he snuck a glance at the three talking in a language unknown. What could they be? His friends? Maybe. What could they be talking about with the Bargainer Bringer of Food right now? He thought he'd heard her say his name, the one he'd given them, mixed into that language for a moment.

At first while he'd had food to eat he hadn't felt left out, but the more they talked the more he felt something he'd felt often enough in very different situations. A desire to be included. To be part of something he'd viewed from a distance. They were not excluding him though. Right? They were just... Just... They were... What were they doing? What were they talking about?

"You talking about what?" The question had come out of his mouth before he'd even realized he was saying it. He also hadn't realized that he had walked closer to the group again, well walked as in shuffling on all fours, almost sneaking closer. "Can help? Know talking in different speak than you speaking." He set the now empty tray down as he interrupted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:04, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

The construct hesitated and looked at its defender moving around the stable. Why did he chose that form after all? And could he explain it in elvish? He wasn’t even sure how he knew elvish, nor how the plans came to him.

After about a minute of silent considerations, he opened his mouth.

Clacker is inspired by small animals that Sand saw fighting. Six legged animals with big head and fearsome mouths, many hundreds of them, fought against a bigger six leg animal with strong armor, and drove it off. Sand knew that only one companion would be created, so he chose to mix the strong armor body with the head of smaller animals. Clacker is unique.

He put his hand on the defender’s back, and Clacker produced a small clack from his soldier ant inspired mandibule.


"So you knew what you wanted Clacker to do, but you were able to be creative and improvise how it functioned; you were not just following a pre-existing plan?” I pause to think back over other conversations I have had with Sand. "Before you mentioned that there are things that you just know, but other skills and knowledge you have learned since your re-awakening in the ice. Do you notice a difference between the two types of knowledge? Do they feel different?”


Sand thought a long time about that one, it was a really good question. And now that he had a store of real life experiences to draw on, he could make a valid comparison. This needed a serious reflection and analysis, that he couldn’t accomplish in detail now.

That is a good question. Sand remembers when something happened, like when fighting the Drow, but fighting that banshee was a first, yet, there was information available on it, in here. Like opening a book never read on the right page.

He tapped his head with a finger, unable to explain more at this moment.


"We experience something similar; we call it instincts. Ours is usually less specific or exact, but it is information that usually alerts us to threats. We often do not know what causes it, we just get a feeling and know that something is wrong. It can be quite disconcerting.”

I pause for a second and take a drink from the dregs of my water skin; I am going to have to fill it again before I enter the caves. What would be another topic that would require him to articulate his thoughts? "Well I think that is enough for today. Thank you all for your patience. I will pass on your request to Thorin and Sebastian this evening.” I give them all a brief bow and turn to leave the stable. "Good evening all.”

Sand nodded, still deep in thought about that little exchange. He replied in Common.

Sand wishes a good evening to Giltris and Althaea.

He then turned to Erik, that had finished his meal and nodded to him.

Giltris trying to awaken Sand's memories. Sand knows another language, that of elves. Sand not know how Sand knows.

He looked towards the door that Andraste had just left through.

Sand thinks Elven might be natural language of Sand. But Sand lacks pointed ears. Sand lacks ears.

He nodded to Erik and Althaea, hoping that his attempt as humor would be understood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:09, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

I looked at Sand, hearing his attempt at a joke and smiled at him, slowly starting to laugh. The last few days had been very stressful and the joke, no matter how poor it was, was still just what I needed.

I turned to look at Erik, Giltris is conducting an experiment with Sand to try and help his speech impairment. She wants to see if he has the same issue in other languages. I merely stated the other language I knew was best not to be spoken around you, considering the reaction you had to it the last time. Thank you for sharing a meal with me. I have some business with Thorin before the party tonight and should finish getting ready. Pleasantries in your state of rest. I gave a slight bow before picking up the tray and one of Erik's goodberries, eating it, and carrying the tray back with me when I left the stables.

Once I had reached the main tunnel in the caves, I returned the tray to Corsica before making my way out to the cave I had been told belonged to Mera. Due to the lack of doors here, I opted for speaking through the curtain and hoping she was home. Good evening, Mera, are you up for company? My name is Althaea Sylvaranth. Corsica told me you are the one to speak to about getting a dress or two made. I sadly left most of my clothing behind when I came here. I paused to see if Mera would answer or if I would have more luck visiting Aleena first.

Yes dear, please enter.  I'm always up for some company.  Not many people want to talk to an old woman you know.

Why don't we get you in here and see what I have that might work for you.

As you push the curtain aside, it closes gently behind you, its mixture of a heavy silk giving it a hefty, but wispy quality.

Mera is an older human woman with silver hair and bluish green eyes.  She has a long woven braid, with a golden string that is intertwined into it, giving it a more regal look.  Her ears are adorned with a pair of earrings that seem to spin of their own accord in a constant, twirling motion. She wears a beautiful royal blue cloak with ornamental gold filigree woven into the lining, that sparkles even with the meager light of a nearby torch, that is carefully set away from the curtain and the abundance of material rolls hanging on the walls.

You see practically every color of the rainbow in here, along with subtle differences of each, giving you a sense that Mera couldn't possibly NOT have what you would need, but as you look closer, you can see that each of the materials quality is quite varied as well.

All right, sit down and let me get a good look at you, dear. Mera had a matronly tone about her, that stressed her "I'm in charge here" attitude, but at the same time, was also kind and grandmotherly in gesture.  Mera, using her hand, gently turned your head this way and that, looking at your skin, picking at some of your clothes, pinching here and mentally measuring there.  Her touch was strangely mesmerizing and put you in an almost catatonic state where you felt like she could pick up a knife and slice your throat, and you wouldn't even try to stop her. You realize that she just exuded total and utter trust from you, even though you just met her.  It was quite disconcerting.

Hmm...you have impeccable skin and well, a body most would die for.  I definitely have some material for you, but it's not of a quality you would deserve my dear.  Sadly, my best material has already been bought and paid for.  I'm happy to make you a dress with the best material I have, but it will take some time and I'm assuming you want something for tonight's festivities?

I smiled up at Mera, Corsica mentioned that to me as well. This dress is more for work, to wear while I help Corsica or give her some time off to also enjoy the festivities when they are held. She mentioned that scamp, Sebastian, buys all your best material for his beloved, Aleena, so I planned to go see her after this to borrow something for tonight. She thought the two of us were similar in stature so that they would fit. You have made Aleena her dresses and would have a better idea if they would fit or if I should see a different resident. At some point, I would like to make a trip home and either bring back more of my wardrobe or some material. I would imagine the material I would bring you would be of even better quality than what you made Aleena's dresses from.

Oh, will you be working at the Better Times Inn then now?  I would have thought as a performer for sure, but am surprised to hear you will be helping her as a server and housekeeper.  Good for you.  Corsica deserves a break.

Yes, I think you two are close enough in size that the dress would fit.  If anything, it might be a bit bigger on you, dear.  Just use a sash to tie it tight, if that is the case.

Oh, material from the Feywild?  That would be lovely!  The traders these days are making trips here less frequently, both because of the danger and because it's becoming harder and harder to find the material.  Half of the material I get consists of various curtains scavenged from ruined buildings.  While we still need them as new caves are being dug out for new citizens or to give us all a little more privacy, it's an improper imbalance, as clothes are in higher demand here.  With all the hard work being done, clothes get ripped and torn, and while they can be fixed, all clothes get to a point where it just isn't feasible to continue to repair them.

Corsica has been nothing but good to me since I arrived here. The least I can do is give her a break when I am not on a mission elsewhere. I will likely still perform for everyone, just less often. From what I have noticed, there have been plenty of opportunities for Rory to get Corsica the help she requires, he just has not done so. I may be a Princess but I am no stranger to hard work.

They Feywild did not have the Collapse that your world had, trade is still flourishing and we are not hurting for things such as fabrics and materials. I cannot guarantee I can bring back all that you require, due to my limited ability to carry things. If you give me a list I can bring back as much as I possibly can. Perhaps star the most important items so I focus on them should I not be able to bring everything back. You likely have plenty of time to make the list. I do not see myself getting there before the next full moon.

Yes, Corsica is quite the sweet young girl, though Rory knows what the is doing.  Let's just say that while is sweet, she is also the type of person who likes being in control and takes great pride in her profession and the Better Times Inn.  Should someone else be there to help her on a regular basis, Corsica might feel as if she is losing some of that control.  She likes things a certain way, and there's nothing wrong with that, but Rory has gotten someone in before for her, and it didn't end well.  The poor girl couldn't live up to Corsica's expectations and ended up looking to help out in other areas of Vertigo.  While Corsica may complain about it, her happiness lies with the Better Times Inn.  At least, that's what this old goat thinks.

Oh, I'd be happy with anything you bring me, dear. It will be nice to have some new material to work with, especially exotic material from the Feywild.  If I can think of anything though, I'll make sure to let you know.  Thank you.  In exchange for the material, would you accept a custom dress made by me as payment?  I'm afraid I don't have much else to trade, at the moment, but if there is something else you'd like, please let me know and I'll try to acquire it.

I smiled at Mera, A dress would be lovely and more than acceptable as payment. Your assessment of Corsica seems pretty accurate from the little I have gotten to know her. I will not be around full-time which is why I think my helping her will be sufficient for her needs. Thank you for your time, Mera, I have to see Aleena before she leaves to join the festivities. Have a pleasant evening.

I stood up and bowed my head to Mera before leaving her quarters. It did not take long to find Aleena's room with the directions given to me by Corsica. Good evening, Aleena. Corsica tells me you might have a dress I could borrow for the night's festivities. May I come in?

Have a good evening dear.  I'm sure it will be then.  Just something to keep in mind.

You walk back up the hall, to the curtain where Corsica said Aleena's room.  Good evening, Aleena. Corsica tells me you might have a dress I could borrow for the night's festivities. May I come in?

At first there is no answer, but after about 30 seconds, from the next room over, which you know to be Sebastian's you hear. Give me a moment would you, while I get decent.

After what seems like almost two minutes with some more giggling, Aleena pulls the curtain aside and steps out in her undergarments, obviously not shy at all, then walks into her room, and gestures you to follow.  You can see Sebastian standing with a scowl on his face, his bare chest gleaming with sweat in the torchlight.

I see that scowl Sebastian, it is most unbefitting. I will have your beloved back in just a moment, then you can go back to your love making.  With a huff, Sebastian walks forward and closes the curtain on you.

You enter into the room and are quite surprised at how well decorated the room is.  The room is much larger than the one you share with Alaric, and easily twice the size of your companion's room.  It is adorned with finely made furniture, not the scraps of wood most of the other beds you've come across look like.  There is a small wardrobe in the far left corner and hooks that hold an abundance of other beautiful fine clothes.  One in particular has a gorgeous, slim fitting red dress, presumably for tonight's festivities.

So, you're looking for a dress, hmm?  I think I may have something that would fit you, though it might be a little tight on you.  Let me see what I have.  After all, you DID save us in the woods.

Aleena looks through her wardrobe and picks out a green dress, that from the looks of it, is older and well worn, the material thinner in some of the areas where more movement might occur.

Why don't you try this one.  I think it will look ravishing on you, and bring out those BEAUTIFUL hazel eyes.  Go on, try it.  Just us girls here, nothing to be shy about.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:04, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

I was a bit taken aback at how open Aleena was with her body. Although given her frame was similar to mine, it was understandable, just not commonplace. I was more surprised when she requested I try on the dress here. If that is what it was going to take to borrow the dress for the evening, I would oblige her. I unbuttoned the shirt I was wearing and dropped it to the floor, followed shortly by my breeches until I was standing before her in just my undergarments.

I took the dress from Aleena and looked it over, determining the best way to don it would be to slip the dress over my head. Even if I had been worried about the dress being a little tight from what Aleena had said it was, in fact, loose enough that it easily slid over my frame and I did not have to tug on it once. I pulled the ends of my hair out from the top of the dress and turned to Aleena, So, what do you think?

Oh, it looks PERFECT.  You may keep it if you'd like.  It looks SO much better on you, than it did on me years ago.  Aleena smiles, finding it hard to keep her sarcasm at bay.

It was not hard to tell anymore that Aleena had likely given me one of the oldest dresses she possessed and she was sounding precisely like Sebastian with the edge of sarcasm in her voice. Whether she realized it or not, had Aleena been polite about letting me borrow a dress for the night, I would have brought her one of my dresses from home when I am eventually able to make the trip. Now, she would neither be getting one nor would I allow Mera to make her clothing from the material I bring back with me.

I see why Sebastian enjoys your company. I will return the dress tomorrow morning. A pleasant evening to you both. I picked up the clothing I had been wearing just a short time ago and left Aleena's room.

I went back to my own room to finish my putting up my hair, put a touch of kohl around my eyes, and rouge on my lips. Even with the worn material of the dress, I was almost guaranteed to be the center of attention at the festivities. Aleena be damned.

Once it was time to meet Thorin, I stepped out of my room. Unfortunately for me, as I was walking past Sebastian's room, he too exited and I was forced to walk beside him the rest of the way to Thorin's quarters. Thankfully, it was just a little way farther down the hall. Once we arrived, I was preparing to announce our presence when Sebastian just walked right past the curtain into the room. I sighed and also walked in, giving Thorin a slight bow.

I apologize, Thorin. Sebastian clearly has no interest in the well-being of his people, judging by his behavior thus far. I will try not to waste your time, Your Highness, My voice dripping venom on the words, "Your Highness". A close eye will need to be kept on Althidon and Elias. They were fed food from my homeland while they were missing in the forest. A Satyr had them captured and I was able to negotiate for their release; however, this was not before he had fed them. I know what you're thinking, she brought us in here to tell us someone fed them, big deal. Wrong. Unless we find a way to overcome these effects, they will never enjoy food from your realm again. It is commonplace for people to starve themselves after eating food from the Feywild, finding the taste to be bland and lacking on even their favorite dishes. I have already seen their lack of interest with my own eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

I'm not sure where that accusation is coming from, but it is unfounded and inaccurate. Sebastian said sharply.

Alright, let's not start this conversation off on the wrong foot.  So what you are saying Althaea, is that there is no cure to this ailment after eating the food from your homeland?
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:46, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

That is correct. If there is, it has not been transcribed into the books I have read on the matter. I had to have considerable training in order to travel here and none of my past instructors have mentioned one.

Are they aware Althaea of what has befallen them?  For now, the only thing I can hope to offer a way to keep them sustained and nourished through magic, though it will be a daily thing.  If what you say is true, I truly hope they don't become petulant children.  They would only need to eat of of the magic berries I can create, but I fear it will only get worse with time for them.

Sebastian, do you have any ideas on this matter?

The frustration on Sebastian's face seemed sincere, and it took a good minute or two before he spoke:

This....this is terrible news indeed.

While I don't have a direct solution, there may be someone I used to know that could help.  I dealt with a swamp witch of sorts, before the cataclysm, who had helped me to secure my borders when my resources were just too thin, and if anyone survived this apocalypse, it would have been her.  She was about ten miles or so from my keep to the SE, so from here, maybe two to two and a half hours travel.  I'll tell you now that she will want something in return for her help, if she can even help at all, though I know not what she would want. I know not if she deals in curses such as these, but she may be able to offer a solution.  Other than that, I don't know what could help them.  This is outside of my realm.

No, Thorin, I have yet to tell them. I felt the news might come across better from someone they were more familiar with.

This witch is already familiar with you since you have past dealings with her. We leave in the morning Sebastian. Or do you need more time for preparations?

Just because you've helped us, which we do appreciate, don't for a second presume to think you can tell ME what I will or will not be doing. You are NOT in charge here.  I'm not going, and that's final.

To make things clear, I never said my dealings with her were anything more than a business arrangement.  We are not friends and my going will gain you nothing.

Also...our arrangement didn't end on a good note.  It's better you dont mention me at all. 

You will not go bargain for a potential cure for YOUR people, fine. I have no need to go. I am not the one who will miss them when they are dead.  My part in this is done. I freed them from a being powerful enough to create a rift through dimensions, that did not come cheap.

I dont own anyone Althaea and that would be OUR family remember?  Or have you already decided for your group, on your own selfish whim, to not be one of us after Thorin and I so graciously asked you to be part of our family and community? This party isn't only for the return of the hunters, but to celebrate you and your companions as heroes.  We honor you and this is how you would treat us?  I cant believe I stuck my neck out for you.  This party for you was all my idea, but now I truly regret it.  It saddens me greatly.

And as I said, I would not be welcome at the witch's home.  She would most likely kill me and that would solve nothing, except for you finally being rid of me.No thank you.

I am not speaking for any member of the group I travel with except that I am not going to be the one who pays the witch for this cure. I gave up something very personal to me to free these people to begin with. Whether I have been accepted into the community or not, I do not know these people and cannot as such claim them as my family. I did not mean it as disrespect. I merely wanted you to come along to pay the witch for her services. I will not give up anything further for them, my firstborn and heir to the throne is more than enough.