As Lera enters the kitchen, she sees Vera rushing around the kitchen, gathering tools and whatever spices or other ingredients are left. "Salt. Pepper. What else?"
“What about a kiss?” Lera said, leaning against something to look cool.
Vera jumped at the voice and spun around. "Oh gosh," she exclaimed, running up to Lera. "I'm so happy you're here! You're alive!" She embraced Lera tightly. "I'm sorry, I was so excited about the food that I got so distracted!"
“It’s ok, it’s ok!” Lera beamed. “You have every right to be excited. About the food, I mean.”
"I was so worried about you," Vera mumbled into her ear.
“I told you I was coming back,” the aasimar whispered.
"I know," Vera said pulling back and looking Lera in the eyes. "But... you went to face a dragon. I was worried... that I would... never see you again."
“That dragon didn’t even know what hit her,” the aasimar smiled. “I, ummm, I actually brought you back a present.”
"No," Vera said, pulling Lera close. "Having you back safe is all the present I need." She hesitated a moment, then firmly planted her lips on Lera's.
Lera melted into the kiss. Finally pulling away, she cleared her throat. “Well, umm, I brought back this perfume that was in the dragon’s hoard.”
Vera's eyes went wide as she saw the bottle. "Wow... that's the last thing I expected!" She took the bottle and sniffed it. "Oh, it's lovely! I'll cherish this forever, Lera! Thank you!"
“It’s the least I can do,” Lera blushed. “That ring you gave me literally saved Perrin’s life.”
At this, Vera looked confused. "Perrin? How so?" She pulled Lera further into the kitchen, to a couple of stools. "Sit, tell me all about it. I'll make tea." She then rushed around, filling the kettle and setting it on the fire to boil.
The daughter of a bard, Lera recounted the story of the dragon fight in epic fashion, doing what she could to make herself appear a little more heroic.
Vera hangs on every word, pouring tea for the both of them when the water is hot enough. She sips her tea, eyes wide. "Wow, Lera. You're braver than I could *ever* be!" She placed a hand on Lera's knee. "You're pretty amazing."
“No, I’m... you’re pretty amazing too,” Lera grabbed her crush’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Lera," Vera said, giving the aasimar a pointed look. "You *fought a dragon* and lived to tell about it."
“Well I wasn’t alone,” the sorcerer blushed.
"I could never do anything like that. I'd probably die of fright." Vera smiled. "I'm glad the ring came in handy."
“You’re brave in so many other ways though,” Lera replied. “I’ve never been held captive. I don’t know if I would have been able to handle that as gracefully as you.”
"Life here has been easier in so many ways, Lera." Vera sipped her tea, thinking a moment. "It has been freeing. I know that sounds silly, but really, I have more freedom as a 'captive' than I ever had as the daughter of a noble. In a way, I don't consider myself a captive at all."
“I’m really glad you like it with these people,” Lera smiled. “Soon, though, we’re going to get you out of here. We’re going to bring justice for these people.”
Vera smiled widely. "I'm glad. They deserve happiness. They're good people, and they've become my family. Sam is more of a dad to me than my own dad ever was."
“You deserve happiness too.”
Vera blushed. "I'll have it. I promise."
”What else can I do to make sure you get it?”
Vera looked away, shyly. "You've already done enough."
“Oh, well, if I’ve done enough I guess I should leave then...” Lera tucked her hair behind her ears nervously.
"No!" Vera grabbed her and held her tightly. "I don't want you to go anywhere! *You're* the reason I'm so happy!"
“Ok good,” she beamed. “I don’t want to go anywhere either.”
Perrin finds everyone still in his Pa’s office. As he enters it he finds everyone’s eyes turn on him and they don’t look particularly happy.
"We need everyone for this," Singe says, walking past Perrin, "I'll go get Lera and Shanolia."
* * *
Singe walks into the kitchen, "Lera, we need you."
Lera was sitting very close to Vera, their knees practically touching. At Singe’s voice, she shot to her feet. “Need me?” She cleared her throat. “For, umm, what?”
"Because we're making decisions and we can't make these decisions without everyone." Singe looks tired, "I'm going to go find Shanolia, everyone else is in Sam's office."
“What decisions are we...” Her voice trailed off. “I’m going to find out when I get there, I assume.”
Singe walks out.
* * *
Singe walks up to the hot spring, "Shanolia, we need you."
Shanolia is sitting in the hot spring up to her neck. When Singe enters, she doesn't move a muscle. "What for?" Her stuff is piled by his feet; everything save for the obsidian dagger.
"Because we're making decisions and we can't make these decisions without everyone."
"What decision are we making?" Shanolia asks, "Go back for the dragon?"
"No, we need to decide the fate of the guild." Singe says, he seems drained.
"Ugh, fine. Give me a moment." She climbs from the water, baring her naked body to the wizard without a second thought. In her left hand is the obsidian dagger, dripping water as she sets it beside her clothes to dress.
Singe turns and leaves. Shanolia dresses quickly and follows.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Perrin finds everyone still in his Pa’s office. As he enters it he finds everyone’s eyes turn on him and they don’t look particularly happy.
"We need everyone for this," Singe says, walking past Perrin, "I'll go get Lera and Shanolia."
“Did I do something?” Perrin asks those still in the room.
"Nah, boy," Grasalfan says. "Koll here just said you plan 't stay and Woe here just reminded them of their charge, me. I'm not opposed to a stop in Nashkel if that's what yer needing, but it's true I need to get back to The Gate."
“Koll. I....I thought you weren’t going to tell the other.” Perrin responds.
"I'm sorry they were going to find out sooner or later, no? Better to have it out now. I was just trying to keep us all together. You seemed intent on staying and I was willing to stay with you. I didn't mean to betray your confidence. I was just upset that you were planning to leave." Koll says.
“I...I was going to tell everyone. I mean m. I would have to. I just didn’t think you’d tell them all. That you would have allowed me to at least tell them and explain it.” Perrin says, not really sure what to think
"I realize that you said it was a secret, but I simply forgot about that. Sometimes, I can be very dumb." Koll smacks his forehead.
Perrin sighs. "Well. I guess the cats out of the bag now. I'll tell everyone officially once everyone is present."
Lera, Singe, andShanolia trickle in. With everyone in the room, Perrin says "Well, some of you have already heard but, I'm planning on not coming back with you guys to Baldur's Gate."
"May I ask why?" Singe asks, leaning against a wall.
"Look around you." Perrin says gesturing to the room. "All of this is my mess. I caused all of this and I can't just show up, fix a little bit of it and then leave them with the rest of my mess." Perrin explains
"This means confronting Lord Embree correct?" Singe asks
"Yes." Perrin says with a nod.
"If this means fighting him, we are not strong enough, we are too fragile an organization, there are too many risks in ensuring that the person who replaces Embree is someone we trust. I will not help you." Singe states.
"You realize that no one is going to hire us again if going on a trip with us means that on the way we quickly walk off the path to kill a dragon, free some rebels and take down a tyrant. All following our own whims! I wouldn't be surprised if Lord Viscardi just fired us on our return anyway..." Woe says.
"I'm not asking for your help. You've helped enough with the dragon." Perrin says to Singe.
Singe gestures to Woe, "I second everything she says. But! If we are able to solve this conflict without any blood, I see no reason to leave.
Perrin then turns to Woe "I'm not concerned about if Lord Viscardi hires me again. This is my family. My home. I thought it was all gone only to find them again."
“I’d rather help a friend and take down a corrupt tyrant than make sure I get paid,” Lera frowned at Woe’s comment.
"We can't kill him." Singe says, "Amn may replace him with someone far worse. We can try to broker a peace deal with him."
"He won't listen to a deal." Perrin says before turning to Lera "You don't have to help me Lera. Feel free to leave and go back to Baldur's Gate. This is my mess that I have to fix."
Dapple looks from one face to the next, unsure where he should stand, being a new addition to the group. "I understand your desire to help your father, Perrin, truly I do. The bond to family and clan is most important. Still, ARE these people in your clan? I know you found your father here when we arrived, but otherwise, they are strangers, aren't they? And I don't understand how you think this is your fault. Did you somehow put this Lord Embree in power?"
"No. But I only made the situation worse. I tried to raise the people against him once, and I failed. Afterward, he burned my house damage. And no these people may not be my direct family. But they have all felt the wrongdoings of Embree. And they all want to see him out of power. Those two facts make them my family." Perrin answers Dapple.
"Why won't he listen to two diplomats?" Singe asks, "I've rarely met a more charming bunch than those in this room."
"Trust me. Why would he listen and change? Everything is exactly as he would like it. The people cower to him, they give him what they want, and they can't touch him. Why change when you have everything you want? If you don't believe me then ask Vera." Perrin answers.
"I don't want to leave you behind, and we're too fragile to start a war. It's peace or... well.. I'm happy to collect letters of resignation." Singe says
"Fighting a dragon is one thing, but overthrowing the ruling noble of this land? I know the challenge of raiding a rival village, but something this big? It seems more than we could accomplish even if we all wanted to help. " He frowns and his tail twitches as he considers his words. "What about your Lord Viscardi? You gave your word to accomplish some task for him? You should honor your word, Perrin, then return to help your father if you must." His ears droop as he makes this final statement. "I'm sorry, Perrin., but your word is your bond."
"There is one more thing to consider. I might know a faster way to get home... it seems in lord Embree's home there is also such a thing as a teleportation circle... if we could use it, we would get to Baldur's Gate in a flash..."
Grasalfan perks up at the thought.
"I can't just leave these people here with this mess. I can't just come here give them hope and then leave. And I'm not going anywhere until my Pa gets back." Perrin says.
"Where is your Pa right now?"
"Like an idiot, he couldn't wait for us to get back before attempting to go and try to get some supplies from the town. If everything goes as planned Brod told me he should only be gone no more than 7 days." Perrin says
"Town - you are saying your dad went into Nashkel? He might be in danger. We disturbed the dragon and the kobolds, so they probably didn't attack him and his group. But if the dragon and his underlings somehow stay in contact with lord Embree, then the lord probably knows that we fought his allies and he will capture or attack anyone he encounters so this is a new turn of things. But I feel strongly that we should start moving towards Nashkel. We need to find a way how we can deal with Lord Embree... maybe Vera knows something that we can use to blackmail him into letting these people live peaceful lives. And then our priority should be to get Grasalfan back to the Gate safely! But if for the safe return of Grasalfan we need to speak with... or deal with... Lord Embree, then so be it"
"I have a terrible idea to make him see the error of his ways... But it may not work." Shanolia posits.
"Woe's plan seems safe, as safe as dealing with a tyrant is." Singe remarks.
"He wouldn't have even made it yet. He left earlier today. He's probably going to attempt to sneak in at night. And, starting tomorrow I can attempt to track him. And....and....and...Vera!" Perrin says, having an idea, "We can kill Embree and Vera can take over. Then she can forgive us for our crime." Perrin says.
"She has older siblings, correct?" Singe looks to Perrin and Lera. Perrin shrugs.
"If Amnian nobility is hereditary, Vera might not be next in line." Singe pauses for a moment, "Perrin are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I just....I....I don't want to not go with your guys. But...but, I'm scared if I leave then by the time I get back here nothing will be here. That my Pa will be dead. And that it'll be my fault all over again. I already though I killed him once. And I need to make everything okay. That was the whole point of me going to Baldur's Gate. To get strong enough to come back here and make this place better. And this is worse than when I left the first time. And if I leave again how bad will it be when I return again." Perrin says, not really stopping to breath but just getting it all out before he chickens out.
"You did just suggest we kill someone." Singe poses, "You've never done that before."
"He's a bad man," Lera cut in. "He certainly deserves it. I say we kill Lord Embree and help the resistance retake their home. Besides, it's on the way. Lord Viscardi never said anything about not taking pit stops."
"I..don't know. I don't know how else to get rid of him. I just...you guys want to leave now. But I feel like I have so much still to do here. And...and I'm just trying to speed everything along so we can leave together but, I...I don't know how to get rid of a noble. Nobles are only replaced when the first one dies." Perrin answers, again is just talking and not really breathing, he's just trying to say everything before he stops himself.
"What if I show him a glimpse of the Abyss... we convince him that's what's waiting for him on the other side?" Shanolia spitballs.
"Show him the Abyss?" Perrin repeats, confused.
"One of the 12 outer planes, it's where demons come from." Singe explains, "It sound like a terrible idea. I'd rather kill him."
"We're not going to be able to intimidate him," Lera frowned. "It will be much better to kill him."
"I could show you... but I can only call upon the Dark Mother so many times in one day." Shanolia says.
"We don't need to talk to Lloth." Singe says curtly.
"We're not talking to her. I call upon her for my magical ability." Shanolia explains, "I don't speak to her directly. Haven't done that in years."
"When you call upon her for power, who do you think grants you those abilities? You might not hear her back, but she's definitely listening. And I, for one, would prefer not to get the attention of an evil spider goddess," Lera countered.
"We don't need Lloth." Singe says, looking peeved.
Shanolia eyes Lera expressionlessly. "'Evil' is based solely on perspective..."
"This is not the time to debate this," Lera shook her head. "Although first of all, you're wrong. Right now we need to decide what comes next. And I vote that we help Perrin's family."
"I'm all for killing a corrupt tyrant." Shanolia lets the Lolth conversation drop. "If that means resigning from the Scarlet Dawn, so be it."
"No. I don't want you guys to feel like you have to help me. I'll leave the Scarlet Dawn if I have to." Perrin says.
"I don't think you should have to," Lera replied. "I think we can help these people while still performing our duties as members of a Guild. Isn't it our job to help people and spread our good name? We were merely creating valuable future allies for Lord Viscardi."
"Ye rid the area of a dragon in a day," Grasalfan says. "I doubt this'll be much of a delay."
"See, Grasalfan agrees with me," Lera beamed.
“Here’s a plan, Polly, Grasalfan, myself, Woe, and anyone else who would like to return to Baldur’s Gate go to Neshkal and try to broker peace. If that doesn’t work we go home, inform Viscardi of your choices and gauge his reaction. We send word and possibly rejoin you or part ways.” Singe suggests.
"By the time you get back, how many of these people will be dead? How many have to die by Lord Embree's hand for you to care?" Lera, getting visibly angry, countered.
"Sam has the bloody daughter of the Lord here. You think he didn't plan on deposing and tossing the lass up on a pedestal?" Grasalfan gestures in the direction of the kitchens. "If the people choose her, Amn will have to listen, is his thought."
"If we go together, I would prefer to stay together. I don't wish to part ways with you lot. As long as Embree is taken care of, I'll help." Shanolia says
Singe closes his eyes, he looks exhausted.
"Lera. Calm down. It's not Singe's fault. I don't blame him." Perrin says getting close to her and preparing to jump in front of her and taking anything that she throws at someone else.
"He trapped his own daughter here with a bloody dragon," Grasalfan adds. "Makes me think she might actually be a threat."
“Or she means nothing to him.” Singe counters.
"We're supposed to do what is right, not what is convenient," Lera showed no signs of calming. "Why is this even a debate?"
Seeing that Lera is getting angrier Perrin says, "Lera. I need you to calm down. Please. Before you do something you'll regret." At this point Perrin is attempting to physically grab onto her hands and hold them in order to prevent her from doing any accidental casting.
Dapple backs away as he sees the power begin to crackle around Lera. "Wait, stop. Why are we fighting about this? We all want to help these people - we just need to figure out how!"
As Perrin touches Lera, a shock of static electricity goes through him at the contact. The gear shaped brand on her right hand lights up a deep red, as if burning her hand all over again.
"Ow. Lera, I'm sorry but I need you to calm down." Perrin says. Lera winces, taking a step back. Perrin presents his holy symbol and utters a prayer towards Lera.
“Lera? What’s wrong?” Singe says, opening his eyes.
"I am very-" she starts, but her voice trails off as a calmness washes over her. "I'm not sure." The brand on her hand also begins to dull until it's once again a scar.
"Lera. I used my magic to help calm you done before you unleashed a lightning storm inside of here." Perrin then turns to Singe, "Do what you have to do. I can only keep her calm for a minute. I suggest being scarce when it ends."
"Oh," Lera mumbles. "I... umm... am sorry I got mad. I wasn't planning on making a lightning storm."
"I know you weren't. Don't be sorry. I'm not mad at you. That's why I'm here. To help keep you calm." Perrin tells her.
"That makes sense," she bites her lip.
“Lera, I need you to understand something,” Singe says slowly, “I am not a warrior, I am wizard. Give me a pen and paper and I will change the world. But I can not kill a lord, it’s too risky. I am best where I have control, and that’s not in the middle of a mountain without a library. I want to help, but I know I can’t do that here.”
Seeing that Singe isn't leaving, Perrin says "Lera. Why don't you come with me outside? You can keep me company as I wait for my Pa."
“I need you to understand that right now it sounds to me like you don’t care, and I care about this a lot,” Lera replied calmly, her face devoid of emotion.
“I’ll come with you, Perrin,” she turns to the halfling.
Perrin immediately starts trying to Lera out of the caves as quickly as possible.
Singe sighs, his hand covers his face, “We are not all superheroes.”
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
As Perrin takes her out of the hut, the spell fades.
Lera shakes her head, her hair crackling once more. “I’m mad at you now, too,” she whispers to Perrin as they walk out of the room. “No need to stay with me on babysitting duty, you can go back in and continue the debate with the rest of the ‘adults’.”
"Lera Wait!" Perrin says attempting to catch up to her. "You lightninged me and we're about to turn Singe into ash."
“I’m sorry I hurt you,” she replied. “But I was not about to turn Singe to ash. I thought you would believe in me a little more than that.”
Perrin doesn't know what to say. He stops. Perrin send out a message to Cade. *Find Lera* A mental image of Lera appears in Perrin's mind so Cade knows what she looks like. *Comfort her. She's hurt. Bring Polly with you.*
As Perrin stands there, sending the message to Cade, he runs past, followed by Polly and the other children, all laughing and giggling.
Perrin stands there, not letting Lera know that he called the dog.
Lera walks away quickly, leaving the main chamber. Cade follows.
After a moment, you get the feeling of worry coming from Cade. Something's wrong.
As Perrin follow, Cade leads you into the cavern with the hot spring and the elevator. Perrin doesnt see the elevator.
"Did she take the elevator up? One bark for yes? Two for no?" Perrin says Cade barks once.
"I'll call the elevator down." Perrin says before calling the elevator down. It’s empty.
"Okay boy. Go see her. Just. Keep her company. And....let me know if anything happens. And if something bad does happen. Protect her." Perrin instructs Cade before putting him on the elevator and sending it up.
Cade barks once, and gets into the elevator, butt wiggling. His instructions are to keep her warm and give her comfort but don’t force her to play. He is also instructed to defend her if necessary and alert me if something bad happens.
After sending Cade up with Lera Perrin walks over through the school towards the kitchen looking for Vera.
Perrin finds her, rushing around the kitchen, preparing some parts of the meat, salting others, making sure none of it gets wasted.
Perrin clears his throat loudly to get her attention before saying “Would you like some help?”
Vera jumps, clearly surprised by the voice in the somewhat quiet kitchen. "Oh! That would be wonderful!"
Perrin is grateful for the chance to do some kitchen work. It always helps to keep him calm and his mind off of what just happened with Lera. After a couple minutes of just silent work Perrin speaks up again “Vera, can I....can I talk to you about some things?”
"Me?" Vera asks, surprised. "Sure, though I'm not sure how much I can help."
“I....I just told the others I’m not going to return to Baldur’s Gate with them. That I’m going to stay here and help. They didn’t take it so well. Am I wrong for wanting to stay here?” Perrin says, not looking at Vera but continuing to help prepare all the meat.
Vera frowns. "It's not up to me to determine what's right and wrong."
Perrin frowns a little. That’s not what he was expecting. “I guess it’s not.” He goes silent for another couple minutes. “Vera....who would take over if your dad died?”
Vera thought for a moment. "Well, I suppose someone new would be selected and sent to take over."
“A completely new house. You wouldn’t just take over for him?” Perrin asks
"Oh, never," Vera said quickly, shaking her head. "Amn chooses. It would most likely be some new Lord from Athkatla. My family would be ousted."
Perrin lets out a sigh “That wasn’t the answer I was hoping for.” He then let’s silence fall between them once again. This time it lasts longer than before. “So...if we get rid of your dad then the only way to prevent a new, potentially worse, Lord from coming in is to make Neshkel independent from Amn.” Perrin says aloud.
"I..." Vera paused, drawing in a deep breath and releasing it as a sigh. "I don't know, really. I'm the youngest, so it was never important for me to learn about politics. All I honestly know is that it's all about the money. I... don't know how you would even go about making Neshkel independent. That seems like such a fantasy, to me."
Perrin is only getting more and more upset at this conversation. He begins tenderizing some of the meat, he’s slamming the tool into the meat harder and harder. Eventually he just puts the tool down and let’s out another deep sigh, attempting to calm himself down. “Then what’s the point? If we can’t become independent or get a Lord that’s not corrupt then what’s the point?”
Vera went silent, knowing Perrin was angry. "I'm sorry I'm so useless," she finally said, quietly. She moved a large chunk of salted meat to some shelves, and moved back to turn her attention to another chunk of meat.
Perrin just stands there for a few minutes before saying. “No. I’m sorry. I just...I don’t like this feeling. It’s like we’re fighting a battle that we can’t win. And I don’t know what to do. And I caused all this. And I’m scared that if I leave, if I don’t fix this right now, then it’ll only get worse.”
Vera frowned, then pulled Perrin over to the stools, forcing him to sit. "This isn't your fault. None of it. My father has done some truly horrible things. That's on him, not you. It's something he'll have to live with and own up to. You've done nothing but care about others, and I think that's extremely admirable." She took his hands in hers. "I know this might not mean much, but... I'm happy things have happened the way they have. Not the horrible things, of course, and the deaths, but being *here* has been one of the best things to ever have happened to me. I *like* it here. The people here are wonderful, and we can trust each other. It's a simple life, and I enjoy it. Maybe... maybe instead of fighting a fight that we're destined to lose, we start a new life here. You drove the dragon and kobolds out, we're safe enough here, now. We have people who can hunt, and we have support from people in Neshkel. We could be happy here. I *know* it."
Perrin's tenants flash through his mind as Vera speaks.
Peace. Violence is a weapon of last resort. Diplomacy and understanding are the paths to long-lasting peace.
Innocence. All people begin life in an innocent state, and it is their environment or the influence of dark forces that drives them to evil. By setting the proper example, and working to heal the wounds of a deeply flawed world, you can set anyone on a righteous path.
Patience. Change takes time. Those who have walked the path of the wicked must be given reminders to keep them honest and true. Once you have planted the seed of righteousness in a creature, you must work day after day to allow that seed to survive and flourish.
Wisdom. Your heart and mind must stay clear, for eventually you will be forced to admit defeat. While every creature can be redeemed, some are so far along the path of evil that you have no choice but to end their lives for the greater good. Any such action must be carefully weighed and the consequences fully understood, but once you have made the decision, follow through with it knowing your path is just.
Perrin is silent, just reflecting on what Vera said and remembering the tenants and path he swore too a couple months ago. “Thanks. Vera. I...I have a lot to reflect and think about. Thanks for listening. Thanks for talking. If you’ll excuse me. I...I need some time alone.” Perrin says standing up.
Vera stood and smiled at him. "Perrin, you and your friends have already done more than you can ever know. You *saved* us. You ran the dragon out. You brought us back food. Most importantly, you brought *hope*. No matter what you do from this point on, you'll always be remembered and loved."
“Thanks, I needed that.” Perrin says before he pulls Vera into a hug. Once he releases her he gives a gentle smile before he makes his way out the door stopping once he’s partway through and yelling back at her “Oh, if you see Lera tell her I’m sorry and tell Cade that I said to find me if you want some alone time with her.”
Vera blushed a bright red. "O-okay, I'll tell her if I see her!"
With that Perrin makes his way to do place quiet and where he thinks he’ll be alone for a couple hours. Once there he just sits down, prays, and reflects.
Lera sits by the baths, her bare feet dangling in the water as she pets Cade absentmindedly. Zamar follows close behind, plopping down beside her. “What’s going on?”
“It seems so callous to debate politics and what’s best for ourselves when we could genuinely help people,” Lera absentmindedly shaped the water. “These people are hurting and we could help them. Why isn’t it that simple?”
"That's true, but not what I was referring to." He smiles ruefully. "Since the clash with the modrons, you've been more volatile. You just shocked Perrin. And I saw the gear glowing on your hand. What happened?"
“I don’t remember,” she said in frustration. “But- the last time I went to the Astral Plane, my hand was glowing with weird energy. I could also see the Thraul, but that’s beside the point. I think that gear did something weird to me.”
"I think it did, too. I wasn't sure until that display back there. Would you be opposed to Grasalfan investigating a bit?"
“No, I’ve felt funny ever since. I want to go back to normal more than anyone else.”
"Why didn't you say something to me?"
“I barely realized anything was wrong until now. I was supposed to be fine, so why wouldn’t I be? Whenever I felt any differently, I thought I was being stupid.”
“And what have I always said about magic?"
“It’s awesome?”
He sighs. "No. That's what YOU always say."
Lera snapped her fingers, producing an illusory flame. “That it’s like fire: a powerful tool, when contained. But the minute you lose control, people get burned.”
"That's the one! You *do* listen to me," he teases. "The fact that you are feeling the magic differently is not stupid. It's significant. It's a change in how you see the patterns. Any change that you didn't initiate is important."
Shanolia, getting bored of the arguing, walks out of the room and heads towards the kitchen, leaving the plan-creating to those more suitable. As she walks into the kitchen, she sees Vera rushing around, working on the various pieces of meat she had been given. Some was already roasting in preparation for future meals, others were being salted, and a third group was being put on ice. Vera doesn't seem to notice that anyone has joined her.
"Need any help?"The Elf walks in slowly, hands in her pockets.
"Oh!" Vera exclaims, jumping. "Sorry, I didn't notice you there." She looks around the room, frazzled. "I... don't really know, to be honest!" She laughs. "It's so nice to have fresh meat again! Thank you, so, so much!"
"Of course. I can't bear to see the children in such a situation, and I'm sure the others feel the same."Shanolia walks close enough to be of use if Vera asks.
"Well, the children are definitely going to appreciate this." Vera turns quickly and gives Shanolia a quick hug, seemingly not noticing as she tenses slightly. "They've been getting tired of jerky and vegetables. I think they'll be a little out of control today, but they deserve a little fun time." She continues to stack slices of meat into a section of ice. "Would you mind salting those bits, please?" She points to a stack of partially salted meat.
"Of course."She removes her hands from her pockets and begins salting the meats."I think you all deserve a little fun time. I can't imagine being cooped up for so long."
"It's not so bad," Vera says cheerily. "There's plenty of room here, and everyone has their privacy. The only thing that we missed for so long was going outside. But now that the dragon and kobolds are gone, that won't be an issue anymore!"
"The dragon is gone but some kobolds may still lurk about. I would recommend caution, at least for a bit."
"Of course. Sheema and Brod would probably enjoy the opportunity to show those kobolds a thing or two!" Vera finishes stacking the meats and turns her focus to the roasting meats. "What about you? What will you do now?"
"I don't know... Probably return to Baldur's Gate with the others. I don't really have anything left anywhere else."There's a hint of sorrow in her voice.
Vera pauses, looking at Shanolia. "I understand that feeling. I don't have anything left in Neshkal. My family doesn't want me back, and there's no reason for me to want to go back. When you have nothing left, no family, or anything, you start creating your own life, the way you want it to be." She turns back to the roasting meat. "If you want it, you can have it."
"I was... forced out of my life. I was thrown out with nothing left. Even now, I have no idea what I'm doing or what I want."She continues salting the meats."I thought I wanted to go back... But now I'm not sure. I want to stay with these guys - my only real 'friends' - but whenever I get attached... people die."
"Everybody dies," Vera says. "You can't take the blame for things beyond your control." Moving from the roasting meats, she joins Shanolia in finishing the salting of meats. "You'll never truly be happy if you do. Your friends, they all seem like such good people. It would be nice to have a family like that."
"They are nice people... The only group I've felt truly safe around... But there are people after me. If I deny these feelings, maybe they won't be hurt because of me."
"Do you really think that's going to work?" Vera looks at the Elf, curious.
"I don't know."She admits, shaking her head."Even if I knew it wouldn't, I can't open up to them regardless."
"Why do you feel that you can't?" Vera pauses, looking at Shanolia, her arms crossed over her chest. "It has to be painful to deny yourself of these feelings. It'll only lead to further heartbreak and pain."
"Look at me. I already know what she'll say if I do. On top of that..."A blush creeps over the top of her mask."...she already has someone else..."She looks away, hiding her face. Vera looks confused.
"She?"
"She? What about 'she'?"
"You said 'she'. 'She already has someone else.' Who is the 'she' in this statement?" Vera gives Shanolia a kind smile. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want. But, I can tell it's something you need to talk about. I won't tell. I promise."
"I... Uh...Kuso."She sighs. Busted."Just... I don't know... If I tell you I can't guarantee you won't tell her..."
"Why would I do that?" Vera looks confused.
"You two... You seem kinda close... Really close..."
"Oh?" Vera looks at her, even more confused. Then her expression changes to one of recognition. "Oh." Blushing, she goes back to salting the meat, allowing an awkward silence to fall between them.
After a moment of awkward silence, Shanolia realises the girl's reason for going quiet."Dwnyo...I said too much..."
"No," Vera says quickly. "It's okay. I won't say anything, I promise."
"Dwnyo... Dwn'Dwn'Dwn'..."Shanolia takes a step away, hiding her face again.
"Really," Vera says firmly, finally looking up. "It's okay. Y-you've known her longer than I have. And... and I don't know where I'll be after this is over and you are always with her and I can't guarantee anything and... and... it's really okay, I promise!" Shanolia says nothing, mentally cursing herself for being so careless and pacing back and forth. After a moment, she takes a shaky breath.
"No... She could never be happy with me. I'm a bloody mess. You can treat her the way she deserves to be treated, even if only for a bit..."
"None of us can ever know how another person feels." Vera bites one of her well-manicured nails for a moment. "You can be good to her, too, you know. Be her friend. Be someone she can rely on. And... don't let her die."
"She won't die on my watch. Too many people already have. I swear to you on my mother's name that I will die before I let her."Vera simply nods and releases a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. "This got... I'm sorry. I came to you to help and then get my fur and now it's all drama."
"No, no!"Vera rushes over to her and grabs her by the hands. "Really, I don't mind. I won't say anything, I promise you. I shouldn't have asked! This is my fault! I pried into your life where I shouldn't have!" She quickly releases Shanolia and ran to one of the tables on the other side of the kitchen. "Here's your fur. Just as you handed it to me!"
She takes the fur."It's not your fault. I... feel a bit better now, actually."She rubs her mask with her free hand."Maybe one day I can tell her the truth..."
"I'm... glad I helped?" Vera giggles nervously then moves back to her task.
"Thank you."She mutters, softly enough that she's sure Vera doesn't actually hear, before turning around and walking out of the kitchen.
Koll seeks out a quiet place to meditate and exercise. The others are so very emotional, so full of desires and attachments, and he needs seclusion. He reflects on how they defeated the dragon, the power and ferocity of the creature, how it had nearly killed him, and how the Thraul had taken effect. He had been unconscious and frozen when it had happened, but the way the others described it, it was very odd indeed, and he wondered why no one seemed to question it too seriously. Were they really rid of the dragon? How could they be sure it was defeated for good or know that it wouldn't return? Singe's speculation that it was connected with the disease in Baldur's Gate might be true, but how could he be so sure of himself? The connections were there, but they were not clear to Koll at all.
He mulls over the political factions involved in their story so far: the Patriars of Baldur's Gate, Lord Embree, Lord Viscardi, Whistler, Lord Eltan, The Guild, and so on. Koll knows that he is not smart enough to put the puzzle together piece by piece, and wonders if he is being foolish in thinking that it all has to connect somehow. But, everything does connect somehow in the end, does it not? he thinks to himself. Often in ways that don't seem obvious. He hopes he if he can see the bigger picture then he doesn't have to worry about piecing it together. But, still it remains a mystery to him.
After his prayer session Perrin goes to find Brod and Sheema. Walking around the cavern, Perrin finds Brod and Sheema wrangling a herd of rowdy children back toward the dining all, in an effort to get them to stop running around like crazy people.
Perrin seeing this will attempt to help them. Telling the kids that the dog won’t visit them if they don’t behave and listen to the adults.
After a chorus of aww's and "I wanna see the puppy!" the children cooperate and sit at their normal table, looking at Perrin expectantly. Sheema turns to Perrin and says, "Thank you so much. I don't know where that dog came from, but they're all worked up over it."
Perrin puts his hand behind his head and says “That’s kind of my fault. It’s a magical dog I was able to create. Meaning it does whatever I say so, if children don’t behave then he won’t come back.” Perrin says the last part loud enough for all the children to hear.
"Oh," said Brod. "That makes sense... I guess?" It was clear the guy was confused. "It's magic, dear," Sheema clarified with a laugh.
Perrin laughs as well, “I don’t fully understand it myself but I know I can do it and it’s magic is a good enough answer for me.” He then says “Can I talk to the two of you alone?”
"Sure," said Sheema, while Brod gave the children an "I'm watching you" look. They moved to the entrance of the dining area. "What do you need, Perrin?"
“Are you happy here?” Perrin asks.
"Happy?" asked Brod. He looked at Sheema, again confused. "This is home. Always has been."
Sheema gave Brod a smile. "Yes, I'd say we're happy here. Brod and I have been here the longest, before Sam and the other townspeople joined us. We've made a family here, all of us. I think that if Sam gets his way, and the others go back to Neshkal..." Sheema trailed off, looking up to Brod. "I think we'd still rather stay here."
"Thank you. That's all I needed. I'll let you get back to kids. And I'm sorry for the dog. I kind of magiced him to help watch Polly while we were discussing what happened with the dragon. Didn't want to scare her with the details." Perrin says.
"Perrin," Sheema said, stepping toward him. "What is this about?"
“Me and my companions were discussing our next step. Some of them want to leave right away to Baldurs Gate. But, getting here and not seeing my Pa I realized what a big mess of his life and those of the other villagers I made when I left. And I couldn’t just leave again without solving the problem. So, in desperation I suggested killing Embree. Something that goes against all of my tenants as a Paladin and would probably create more problems then it solves. That suggestion left a divide amongst the group and now we’re all at odds with one another. After talking with Vera I realized how rash I was being and she brought something up similar to you. That she’s happy here and is in no rush to return to Nashkel. And, I’ve been thinking. If people are happy here then why attempt to change that. Why not just leave it for now and go about getting Lord Embree out in a better manner. Perhaps working to change the way Amn works so that Vera could step in or maybe make Nashkel independent.” Perrin explains to the couple.
Sheema knelt down and looked Perrin in the eyes. "Oh you dear, sweet, boy. You're sweet, but you are so, so wrong. We've been fighting against Embree since, well, before you were born. Brod and I are known as terrorists in Nashkel because of it. None of this is your fault, you and your family just came under his evil gaze, like so many before you. If it hadn't been you, it would have been someone else." She gave Perrin a light pat on his cheek. "Killing him outright is a reckless choice. Cut off the head, another grows in its place. I think you're right about finding another way to do it."
“Thanks. Now, if you’ll excuse me there is someone else I want to talk to before attempting to reglue our group back together.” Perrin tells Sheema.
"If you're anything like your Pa, I know you'll do just fine," Sheema said, standing once again. She turned back to Brod. "Okay, big guy. I think we're playing teachers for today." Brod grumbled, but turned back to the children.
Perrin then makes his way to Kaia, wanting the opinion of someone whose one of the most important people here and perhaps the wises. As Perrin walks into the healing tent, he notices it's empty and quiet. Kaia, the old woman, is asleep in her rocking chair, at the back of the hut, a cup of tea cooling on the table next to her. Seeing that she is asleep Perrin decides not to wake her and let her rest. Besides, he’s sure she wouldn’t say anything different from what Sheema and Brod said.
Having made up his mind on what he thinks the best thing to do his Perrin decides to write the group a note. Within it he asks them all to please come to Sam’s tent in the morning to at least hear him out. Perrin says that he has now had time to think and reflect on the whole situation and has come up with a compromise that he thinks everyone will like. He also tells Lera once again that he’s sorry.
Perrin leaves the note in the tent that the group is staying at but Perrin spends the night in his Pa’s tent.
"I still like my plan," Singe says, now speaking to half the group, "We try peace, we complete the contract, and if peace fails, we do some legal digging and find a way to transfer power to Vera. We teleport back from Baldur's Gate at the same time anyone who stays attacks, backing Embree into a corner. It's a long shot but it's as feasible as killing a dragon."
Shanolia walks out of the room and heads towards the kitchen, leaving the plan-creating to those more suitable.
"As bad as this man may be, he is still the lawful lord of this place. We can't just murder him - that' s not how good people do things," interjects Dapple. "He should be captured and brought to justice before a... group of his peers of something."
"The only Amn noble I can see ever condemning his actions is in this cave. The only way to insure he gets his recompense is to have him step aside and put Vera in charge. He doesn't have to die, he just needs to fall." Singe explains.
"Fall," Dapple repeats. "But not be replaced by someone just as bad from Amn? How do you propose we get Vera put into his place without the aid of his fellow nobles? Could we capture him and take him to Baldur's Gate? Would anyone there listen to you and hold him accountable?"
"Excellent question; it will require a deeper knowledge about Amn. It's not a place I know well. I do know that Baldur's Gate won't want to get their hands dirty with over throwing a noble in a different country. Even us having a unified diplomacy branch is a big deal." Singe elaborates.
With a sigh, Dapple just shakes his head. "I don't know, this is too complicated for me. Beyond anything I knew. Before. I'm going for a walk." With that, he leaves the tent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Having been unable to come to an agreement on their next move, Scarlet Dawn goes their own ways, doing various tasks, before finally turning in for the night. Upon waking, everyone will notice Perrin's bunk empty, but a note is on the bed.
Dapple has a troubled night, waking frequently. The Scarlet Dawn was all he knew now, all he had left. He'd followed them to this unknown land, and now they fought among themselves, unable to agree what to do next. Upon finding the note in the morning, he'll go to the dining chamber first, to see if anyone else is up yet, then join the group meeting at Sam's tent.
"What's all this commotion?" Woe asks, following Singe and Shanolia out toward Sam's tent, with Koll following behind her.
"Perrin has a solution, and Lera won't like it," Singe says.
Dapple is waiting outside Sam's tent already when he sees them approach. "Good morning!," says Dapple as they walk up. "Lera won't like what? Have you talked to Perrin already?"
Singe shrugs. "Perrin has something planned. We've come to talk to him."
Wanting to discuss what's been on his mind, even though it may not be the right time, Koll sidles up next to Singe. "I was thinking," he says, a little bashfully, "how do we know we defeated that dragon? That it's gone for good?"
Singe shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe it isn't, but once the thraul takes effect, it doesn't seem to let go." He looks at Koll.
Koll furrows his brow, annoyed by Singe's assumption and the way the wizard seems to want to shrug off the question of the dragon's fate. He says, "I don't know what you mean by that. I am no longer under its influence. My encounter with the werepanther made an indelible mark on me to be sure, but the drug has no more power over me, as far as I can tell. " Koll speaks louder so everyone present can hear him. "I think we need to find the dragon in its tunnels to be sure of its fate. Perhaps we should have done that right away. If the drug didn't kill it somehow and it wakes up and finds its hoard missing, or if it is somehow addicted to the drug, then we and these people have a much bigger problem. It will want revenge or do something terrible in order to get more thraul. I think leaving now, regardless of where we go, is a bad idea."
Perrin is waiting in his Pa’s tent for the others, it’s obvious that he slept here. “Thank you for coming. I want to apologize for yesterday.” Perrin puts his left hand behind his head “Things got out of hand. And I was acting rash. The entire situation finally hit me yesterday. But, after talking to Vera and some of the others yesterday I think I thought of a solution. If you’re willing to hear me out.” He finishes not really knowing how to start this.
Singe nods and gestures for Perrin to continue.
“Well. I was hoping that if Embree fell then Vera could take his place but apparently that’s not how that works. Someone new would come and take over and there is no way to know what they’ll be like. So, I think the only way is to change the rules in Amn or work out for Nashkel to separate itself from Amn. I mean, it’s the farthest away and the most independent town so it could be done. But that takes time. Something I thought we didn’t have the time for because I assumed all the people here hated having to live here. But that’s not true. The people seem to love this little town they’ve created and some of them don’t think they’ll ever leave. So, we have the time to slowly figure out and change the rules to get Nashkel independent from Amn or at least under the protection of a lord we trust.” Perrin says, pausing for a slight moment before continuing.
“So, in order to do this I believe we need to go back to Baldurs Gate so, I’m ready to go back, just not right now. My Pa’s still out and I want to wait for him to get back. Once he’s back here then I’ll be ready to go. Brod says he should only be gone a couple days so, it would only be a couple of days. Until then we could help the people here as much as possible. And then we can leave. But, can we not attempt to use Embree’s portal. Can we walk? My Ma’s grave is on the way if we walk and I’d like to visit it and her hometown is halfway between Nashkel and Baldurs Gate. I’d want to stop there. Give me an opportunity to properly say goodbye to her.” Perrin finishes, tentatively looking at everyone to see their reactions.
Singe nods, turning it over in his head. "Grasalfan, how do you feel about this plan?"
“That’s all very reasonable,” Lera said. “Do you want to go out looking for your Pa? I’ll go with you.”
"The idea of teleporting to Baldur's Gate using a portal is much more appealing than walking back," Grasalfan comments. "But if yer decision is to walk back, I don't see how I can argue with it. Does this mean we're avoiding Nashkel entirely?" He asks.
“Preferably.” Perrin answers Grasalfan. “And thanks Lera. I....I don’t know if it’s necessary to go looking for him right away, he left right before we arrived so, but I might and I’d like you to join. I have Cade whose really good at smelling and I prepared a spell that can locate objects so I can use it to find my Pa by looking for his wedding ring.” He says to Lera.
"I'm just going to repeat myself. We do not know that the dragon is dead or defeated. We have not finished what we started here." Koll says
"We can go find the dragon while we wait for Sam to return," Singe suggests.
Grasalfan nods in agreement. "At least this will give me time to help work out some of the kinks in their elevator. It looks like it hasn't seen gnome hands in decades."
“I, too, like the idea of ensuring that we have finished our job. I say we find it and make sure it stays down.” Zamar says
“And then we find Perrin’s pa,” Lera added.
“Agreed.” Zamar says.
“I’m so happy that you guys like this. I realized yesterday that my...my rashness could have spelled the end of some of us working for the Scarlet Dawn.” Perrin says a smile plastered on his face from how well this is going.
"Then, let's go. Like before? Dapple in the lead as scout. I can hide the rest of us in a veil of shadows as we travel, once we get to her tunnels." Koll suggests
"Uh...yeah. I wasn't planning on battle so I don't have any new battle spells prepped but I do have my standards." Perrin says before he looks at his dog "You stay here with Polly. Keep her company while we're away. Prevent her from following us. Okay Cade."
Dapple can barely hide his relief that everything seems to have worked out and the group wasn't going to fall apart. "I'll gladly lead the way back. Koll is right, we should be sure it's dead before we leave theses people here alone."
"And maybe we can find some more of that wolf meat for these people to have." Perrin adds.
"There was another wolf. Maybe we can find it's body. Plus, with the kobold gone, Brod and Sheena can start hunting again." Dapple responds.
With a plan made we explain to Brod and Sheema what’s happening. We also tell Polly to stay here and watch Cade but that’ll be back late tonight or tomorrow morning before we go looking for/waiting for Perrins Pa. Once he’s back we are back on our way traveling home.
The group begins traveling to the Dragons Den with Dapple and Perrin leading the expedition (18 on Survival with Advantage) and Dapple stops the group about a mile from the den and uses his Primeval Awarness to attempt and detect the dragon.
Zamar and Lera made their way to Grasalfan. “Ho, there. We come bearing another problem that might benefit from your expertise.” The tone is light, but Zamar’s eyes reveal the worry that he has become so practiced at hiding.
Grasalfan looked up from his packing, placing the cog delicately back into his pack. "How can I be of service?" He asked.
"Remember when we fought the master modron and Lera disappeared to the Astral Plane? She touched the gear and it left a brand on her hand. She has been acting a bit erratically ever since. We were hoping to figure out what happened and either understand it or reverse it."
Grasalfan nodded thoughtfully. "We'd be able to do a full examination at the High House of Wonders," he says. "What changes have you been experiencing?" He asked Lera.
“I mean, not much really,” Lera replied. “I just noticed that my hand was glowing when I went back to the astral plane.”
"Like in the tent?" Grasalfan asked. "The astral plane is meant to be a place of massive psychic power. A place where one can leave their body and travel the astral sea. Perhaps the entity that possessed this cog has found its way into you..." Seeing the looks from both Zamar and Lera, he quickly added, "I'm just thinking out loud, I'm sure it's nothing so extreme."
“Like in the astral plane. I’ve been twice now,” Lera said matter-of-factly. “It’s alright. A little psychedelic. The first time I was there, Perrin looked like a rainbow snake with wings.”
"When your hand was glowing in Sam's tent, you went into the Astral Plane?" Grasalfan asked.
“No, I was just getting a little angry in Sam’s Tent,” Lera shook her head.
“She has also seemed less in control of her emotions of late.”
"Hmmm..." Grasalfan sat down on his cot. "What was going through your mind? What were you so angry about?"
“I’d like to point out that I sonic-boomed a guy to death before all of that happened, so it wasn’t like I was the paragon of emotional stability before that happened,” the teenager pointed out. “And I was mad at Singe for caring about his paycheck more than the lives of these people.”
"There is no pay, I'd like to remind you," Grasalfan chuckled softly. "So when is the last time you lost control of your magic, and what happened? Any reaction from the mark?"
"And, as your father, I'd like to think I can tell the difference in your normal volatility and when something is 'off'," Zamar interjects.
“I guess Sam’s Tent was the last time.”
"And before that, did your hand glow? Try to think back to ever since you touched the cog in the astral plane... has it only been glowing when you lose control?" Grasalfan pushed his line of questioning.
“I haven’t really lost control,” Lera fidgeted nervously.
"Well next time you do, whether emotionally or magically, watch the brand and see if it glows. If this thing thrives on chaos and some of its essence rubbed off on you, you may be a walking buffet," Grasalfan gave Lera a frown that only a wizened old gnome could.
“So your advice is to just sit and wait for a possible future catastrophe?” Lera raised an eyebrow.
"At least until we can get you back to Baldur's Gate and get you under a monoscope!" Grasalfan responded. "Right now my resources are a weeee bit limited."
"Wonderful." Zamar sighed. "I don't suppose you are going to be more willing to listen to me until we get back?"
“Sorry, what did you say?” Lera answered.
Zamar just shook his head, used to this sort of behavior. “Thank you, Grasalfan. I think that is enough fun for one night. We will see you in the morning. Hopefully we can all agree on a path forward.”
Grasalfan nodded to the pair, "We'll figure it out, don't you worry!"
The group gathers their things as Polly resumes her scholarly duties at the makeshift school and Grasalfan begins his work on the small base's elevator. Traversing the tunnels is quicker this time. Dapple is able to navigate the marks with Perrin's help and for half a day they make their way through the twisted crevasses. The marks seem to use a combination of halfling and random symbols to indicate direction. Once the group reaches the bend that's marked as danger, Dapple grinds the group to a halt. The tunnel ahead is collapsed and has remained collapsed ever since the dragon released her trap. At this time, all seems quiet.
Having reached the collapse, Dapple approaches the rubble blocking any further passage and places his hands against the rocks. Not quite sure what to do next, beyond going with some newish instinct, he reaches out with all his senses, feeling the natural forces all around, and tries to "feel" if the dragon is still out there, anywhere nearby. Dapple reaches out through the ice and stone, feeling the mountain for any sense of a dragon. He knows a dragon was here and is alerted when the sensation raises up the mountain and out into the sky. For a brief moment he can feel himself flying, like a dart, straight to the North. Trees loom ahead... trees he's unfamiliar with. The vision fades as soon as it starts and he's left, paws numb, holding the ice beneath him.
Stepping back from the rubble, Dapple shakes the vision from his head and turns to face the others. "She's gone!," he says excitedly. "Fled to the north and beyond where I can sense her. That does mean she is alive though, or was for long enough to get away."
"We haven't seen the last of her, I think," Koll says.
Singe frowns, "I don't think that was her, if that makes sense. I think the Thraul is now puppeteering a dragon's body. "I wonder where it's going." Singe muses to himself, "And why make a drug out of brains?"
"Your understanding of the drug does not match my experience with it. We can only guess what happened to the dragon under its influence. But the drug itself would not be the puppeteer - maybe perhaps another mind it encountered...also, it took the drug yesterday - it should have come back from the mind-realm by now."
"Fair, but from what you have said, those under the influence of the Thraul could act with hive mind like unity. The drug and the hive mind would be one in the same." Singe explains, "An individual can control a person's mind, why can't all of them control a body? I have this gut instinct telling me that the disease was the same thing we saw with the dragon. I don't trust my gut when it comes to decision making, but this felt unmistakable. Once you're taken by the disease, you can't be released from it."
Koll frowns, mirroring Singe's expression. "Hive mind?" It was not something he had considered, but maybe it made sense. He looks to Woe for her thoughts.
Zamar adds his thoughts. “It is clear we do not fully understand the reach of this drug. If you can commune mentally in this ‘other place’, who knows what power can be exerted over you from there?” Zamar pauses, searching for the right words. “Woe trusts her Lord, so I think if anyone needs to go back in it should be her, but we should tread lightly where this is concerned. We need to understand more and Singe’s guess about the drug and its relationship to the disease feels right to me. I have no great insight either, just my gut. I suspect that the disease is something that can be caused from that teals by a powerful mind or group of minds. That would explain why Koll and Woe have not yet been afflicted.”
"I am not sure how it would work," Woe says. "I feel very unsure about Singe's assessment. Now that Dapple thinks he feels that our dragon has left instead of dying, something we don't understand must be going on. I am wondering if she might still be under the control of a group of people. Maybe someone is using her for their own purposes. I hope we haven't unleashed hell on Baldur's Gate!" Woe looks around. "What is our plan now? Should we decimate the kobolds more or let them live? They might find themselves another dragon to worship." While Woe is talking she realises that she should have taken a moment in the morning to communicate with Lord Eltan. She would do that as soon as she could find a moment of alone time.
“I....I don’t think we should be spending our time trailing a dragon that may never stop flying," says Perrin. "Who knows what might happen if we decide to just keep following it. It may be off the mountain and we still have to get Polly and Grasalfan home. And I don’t want to miss my Pa when he comes back.”
Koll takes a deep, calming breath. "I'm not suggesting we pursue her to the ends of Faerun. I'm suggesting we return to Baldur's Gate, as planned. Along the way, we may discover if the dragon stopped somewhere. What's north between here and Baldur's Gate? I'm sure there are wild spaces where she may have taken refuge. But, if you want to wait for your Pa, then I guess I can't argue with that."
The group decides to do a little hunting while they're away from the camp. The tunnels here are eerie, as small flits of movement are heard from out of the group's range of vision. Once upon the area, the tunnels are clear. This section of the crevasse is still occupied by something, most likely kobolds, but the group fails to find any real sign of them. After a couple hours of navigating the tunnels, they come upon a ram that looks to have fallen into the crevasse from above. Two of its legs are broken and it looks to have been here for the better part of a day. Perrin is able to slaughter the creature and preserve most of its meat and hide. Just as the group is about to set out again, Singe notices something on the face of the ram... a blue substance that looks like berries. This convinces him that there's a patch up above, and that if wild animals are able to consume it then it should be good for the camp as well. (Only Success in Group Check Was Perrin (15) and Singe (17))
“Not as good as I hoped but I’ll do.” Perrin says “Let’s bring this back.” He says wanting to get back before nightfall.
"Wait," Dapple says, pointing out what Singe had noticed. "Let me see what we can harvest. The camp can use anything fresh that we find, I'm sure." Dapple looks up the crevasse, judging if there is enough room for him to fly up, or if it's tight enough he needs to climb.
"Does anyone have a spare pouch or sack? I don't think I do, actually. I can fly up, gather what berries are there and be back in a jiffy. Plus, I'm sick of seeing the insides of tunnels. A bit of blue sky will be nice to see."
Perrin hand Dapple a pouch to use, “Gather as many as you can. I’m sure they can use some fresh fruit.”
“Would it be better to climb up and camp up there?” Zamar asks.
“I don’t think that necessary. We can get home before nightfall if we’re quick. And my Pa should be back tomorrow so I don’t want to miss him.” Perrin says
"Its just picking some berries, I won't be long." Dapple takes the pouch from Perrin, then flies up to the top of the crevasse, stopping just short of the top and cautiously looking over the edge before exiting fully. He checks around for the berry bushes and sets to work picking as quickly as he can.
As Dapple pops his head out of the small opening, he’s met with quite the surprise. As if on its own little private island in the middle of a glacier of ice, a grove of green has sprouted. It's not massive, but he hears the sounds of birds and small animals as they scurry about the trees in the grove. He spots the bushes just off to his right. Massive and unkempt, the bush is full of these odd blue berries that seem to be able to grow in the coldest of environments.
Small blue wisps of light flutter about the grove as he approaches the bush, a small swarm flying around his head before darting back through a grove of trees. Looking about, the sun looks low in the sky, mere hours from setting. Seeing this oasis of life adjust the cold, Dapple flies up and spins in a circle, taking it all in. The flitting blue lights attract the young tabaxi and he zooms after them, forgetting the berry bush for the moment.
Darting around with the blue lights, they all eventually float up and around a singular white tree in the center of the oasis. As Dapple follows, a figure steps from the tree, white as snow. Her skin is a variation of the bark and small branches sprout from her in various locations. She giggles at the sight of him chasing the lights and raises her arm as if directing them to continue their play.
Dapple continues to chase the lights for a few moments before swooping down and landing before the white woman. He reaches out, fingering one of the branches growing from her body, a wide grin on his face. "Who are you?," he asks in an excited voice. "Do you live here? Did the dragon know about you? Are those your blue lights?" The questions come in a rush, giving her no time to answer them as he asks. The dryad giggles again. "You're a fun one," she says. The feeling of winter blows along Dapple's fur with each word. "My grove is only visible to those touched by nature," she adds, brushing one bark-like hand along his coat.
A shiver runs through his body as the wind caresses Dapple’s sleek coat, and reminds him why he is there. "My friends - they couldn't see this place? See you?" His ears droop a bit at the thought. "It’s so beautiful," he says, "but I can't stay right now. There are people who need my help. Need food to survive, because of the dragon. Can you help them?" He waves at the trees and bushes. "Can you make more food? For the little ones?"
A smile like the first rays of sun on the mountaintop comes to life on her face. "You ask for food?" She asks. "One berry will sustain a mortal for the whole day. One berry, for one day... how many berries do you wish to take, my furry friend?" She steps backwards, melding into the tree behind her and appearing further back behind dapple, emerging from another tree. "How much of your life are you willing to give to me?" She asks.
Dapple cocks his head at the question. "How much? I'm not sure what you mean. To help those people?"
"It's simple," she says. "You wish to feed your friends, and I wish to see more of you. A hundred berries for a hundred days... three hundred? How many of my berries does it take to feed them?" As she asks this she raises her hands up to the sky and giggles again. "Maybe a thousand!"
The trap of her words finally clicks in the tabaxi's head. "You would keep me here, trapped, in exchange for helping them?" He thinks back to the wizard's chamber where he'd awoken not so long ago, years lost and all he'd known lost to time. He shrank back from the dryad, fear, anger, confusion all whirling inside.
The dryads eyes go wide at the mixture of emotion she feels coming off of Dapple. "What is wrong?" She asks, taking a step forward. "Something has happened to you... something bad?" She pressures.
As she steps towards him, Dapple moves back, keeping her at a distance. "Bad? Everyone I knew is dead and I am here. Trapped by magic for hundreds of years and all I knew is gone," he replies. His desire to help the people back at the cave is strong, and in his mind he can see Polly and the other children, but the thought of staying here trapped once again terrifies him. "My poor, hurt animal," she says. "Taken by civilization and forced into an uncompromising servitude. The pain you must be feeling... the anger and hurt..." She takes another step towards Dapple, and the fluttering blue lights swirl around the tabaxi.
This time Dapple freezes as she approaches, perhaps calmed by the swirling lights. His hackles rise but he doesn't move. Quivering, every muscle tensed, he watches transfixed as the the dryad draws near. The fluttering around Dapple continues, the light almost mesmerizing. Memories start to flood back into Dapple's mind. Things that he had tucked far into the deepest parts of his brain. Every decade or so, a wizard would release him from his confinement with a job for him to perform. Sometimes it was the same wizard, other times it was another. They all had an amulet... one that ticked like the one he had taken from the river that day. The ticking was different though, as this amulet contained a part of the tabaxi's soul. This amulet... controlled him. The flashback is broken when the dryad speaks again and gestures for the little wisps to leave, "You have much to accomplish yet, dear Dapple." She's close enough to touch him now, and her hand runs along his fur. "You may take the berries, my furry friend. But you must promise to return one day. My little wisps will miss you so..."
As the visions fade, Dapple falls to his knees, tears trickling down his face. The things he saw himself doing were horrible, and he'd seemingly done them without question, a puppet of those who had controlled him. Still, an anger beyond anything he could remember began to burn in his breast and he looked to the dryad with flashing eyes. "The amulet... do you know where I can find it? Can you show me that?" he asks in a cold voice.
"I cannot," she responds, a hand brushing a tree as she whispers into it. A moment passes as she listens. "But they are looking for you... and they are close." As she says this, she enters the tree and her face appears on the white tree in the center of the grove. "They will make you kill your friends, if you're not careful. Goodbye... my friend. Feed your friends before you kill them." An arm gestures towards the large berry bush before retreating back into the tree.
Dapple remains on his knees, watching wordlessly as the dryad disappears back into her tree. Her words resonate in his head, and the implications slowly sinking in. Somewhere out there were the wizards who'd done this to him. Fury burned inside him. They had taken everything from him, and they would pay dearly. He would die before he allowed himself to harm these people. Good people who'd saved him, taken him in, and treated him as one of their own.
Finally, Dapple climbed back to his feet. He looked down at the empty pouch clenched in his fist, forgotten in the whirl of his encounter with the dryad. "...Feed your friends before you kill them." He slowly moved to the bush, carefully gathering every one of the magical fruits, understanding what they meant to the small group of people back at the cave. When the task is complete, he goes to the dryad's tree, and lays a hand upon the smooth white bark. "Perhaps someday I can return, after I know my friends are safe and my tormentors have paid for their crimes. Thank you for opening my eyes, and for these berries. They won't go to waste." With that, he turns and takes to the air once more, making his way back down to the members of the Scarlet Dawn waiting for him below.
Reaching the bottom of the crevasse, Dapple hands the pouch back to Perrin. “Magical berries. She said each one will feed a person for a day. We need to go now, no time to waste.” It’s clear that something has happened in the time Dapple was gone, perhaps 10 minutes, maybe 15. He seems distant, his tone unlike you’ve heard from the typically happy-go-lucky cat before. He doesn’t wait for a response, but immediately turns and begins to retrace the path back to the elevator.
Perrin goes to thank Dapple but sees it’s too late as he’s leaving, visibly upset. *I wonder if Dapple like dogs. Maybe Cade can give him some comfort before I ask what happened?* Perrin thinks before following after Dapple and helping the others get back safely.
"Wait, 'she'? Who's 'she'?" Shanolia jogs to catch up with the distressed Tabaxi.
Zamar, sensing Dapple's distress, decides it is best to give him a bit of space to process what has happened. He makes a mental not to ask Dapple about where the berries came from and who the 'she' in question is. Then, he goes back to scanning the area to watch for Kobolds or other threats.
The group quietly marches back to the camp. It's late in the evening when they arrive, Dapple quiet and determined the whole way there. The camp itself seems quiet as well, as the occupants go about their nightly routines. The group's presence is welcome wherever the go in the camp, each member of the Winter Wolves willing to stand and give the Scarlet Dawn their attention whenever they enter. Polly is dead asleep in the healing tent, Perrin's dog curled up next to her to keep her warm. At first it's an awkward sight, as it takes a few moments to realize that there are two other little kids sleeping in the pile. There's no sign of Sam yet, but the Wolves seem optimistic that he'll roll in around midday tomorrow.
Perrin looks to Dapple. "You found the berries. You should be the one to deliver them to the kitchen. And then...do you want to talk about what happened?" Perrin asks, obviously concerned about whatever it is that upset his feline companion.
"You have the meat to deliver too, just take it all." He stops, ears drooping, clearly still upset and unhappy. "I just need time alone. I have a lot to think about now. Maybe we can talk tomorrow." He hesitates again. "Thank you though." Dapple then leaves, seeking a solitary spot where he can be alone to process what the dryad had revealed about his past.
Perrin doesn’t follow. He turns to the others saying “I’ll be in my Pa’s tent if you need me. I’m going to deliver the food we found and explain to them about the berries first.” Before he heads off towards the kitchen and then to his Pa’s tent.
Morning rolls around, though in the confines of this cave system it's hard to tell. The natural warmth of the springs makes everyone rest comfortably and by the next day, Polly is a ball of energy once again. Her spirits lifted and word of finally returning home has given her an energy that she had been lacking the last few days. Breakfast consists of the fey berries the group brings, and when each member of the Winter Wolves puts one in their mouth, their faces light up with joy. It warms their empty stomachs as no other meal could, filling them with wonder as to how such a food could exist. It's only a couple hours into the morning when a commotion is heard over by the lifts. Crates are brought down with additional supplies and food, but the selection of supplies is odd. Instead of crafting supplies, fabrics, or fresh food, crates full of rations, weapons, and armor are delivered to the entrance of the cave system. Sam stands proudly as he watches his armory be delivered. It's obvious he has war on his mind and that his intentions are not as innocent as the group may have believed. Seeing bits of the group assembled and watching, he waves you all over to his own tent calling out, "We've got planning to do!"
"I'm glad I didn't give my money to that guy," Koll mumbles.
Zamar walks over, curiously. “What is all this?”
Sam leads the group into the tent, pulling the rough map of Lord Embree's complex out. "We finally have a hand up in this rebellion," Sam says, spreading the map on the small table for all to see. "You guys killed a dragon! With your help, we can depose Lord Embree and hold Neshkel until the Flaming Fist in Beregost comes to assist. I've been planning this for months, and we can finally do it!" He pats Perrin on the back, a wide grin on his face as he celebrates the upcoming victory with his son.
"You realize the deposing Embree will accomplish little," Zamar interjects. "I don't mean to dampen your enthusiasm, but they will probably appoint someone else who is just as bad. Do you have a plan for assuring a more sympathetic ruler?"
"Well, no," Sam responds, "But you all have a name in Baldur's Gate. With your influence, we can get Baldur's Gate to back our occupation!"
Zamar smiles and shakes his head. "Let's not oversell our influence. We are in the employ of a Lord who is new to town, but he does not yet have the respect to sway the city. You may be better off trying to fortify Neshkel and working for independence."
Sam's eyes brighten when Zamar mentions fortifying Neshkel. "We have some allies in the town, and I'm sure others will join our cause once we've deposed Embree." He looks over to Perrin and says, "We'll finally get revenge for all the hurt he's caused, son."
Perrin was so excited to see his Pa back here safely. He was prepared to run up and hug him but once he saw the crates of weapons he stopped. Perrin already knew what was going through his Pa’s mind. And Perrin didn’t know what to tell him but looking at his friends Perrin knew he had to talk some sense into his Pa. That he had to get his Pa’s mind out of that dark easy place that’s tempting to go to. That place that tells him revenge is the answer. That killing Embree will solve everything. Perrin finally speaks up. “Guys. I think I need to tell him. And I think it might be best done alone.”
"Tell me what?" Sam asks, turning a perplexed look on Perrin. "Did something happen while I was away?"
“Kind of Pa.” Perrin answers before turning to look at his friends “Why...why don’t you guys go talk to Dapple about what happened and prepare everything for first light tomorrow,” Perrin suggests to the others.
Singe, who has had his head in his hands, sighs, “Yes, let’s get ready.” And leaves.
Zamar puts his hand on Perrin's shoulder and squeezes. Then he walks out.
Shanolia scoffs and shakes her head when she sees the weapons and armor, reluctantly following Sam into his tent to hear him out. At the first mention of his crazy plan, she shakes her head again and walks out, not surprised to see others following soon after.
Eventually, all of the Scarlet Dawn leaves the tent and it's left empty with just Sam and Perrin. Sam looks over at his son, arms crossed at the looks and scowls he got from his son's companions. "What's this about, boy?" Sam asks.
Perrin gets a little nervous. He’s not too sure how his Pa will take it but he has to tell him. So, Perrin takes a deep breath and just goes for it. “Pa, me and the rest of my companions are leaving to go back to Baldur’s Gate tomorrow. We’ve thought and debated long and hard about this but we believe the next best move for everyone is that we return to Baldurs Gate. We have an obligation to complete our contract and get Grasalfan and Polly back to the city. And to help out Neshkel we have to learn more about the Amn political system and how a town can no longer need a noble. We can’t just storm into town, kill Embree, and take over. Amn will certainly send someone to just take it back over. Or, even worse, it’ll spark a war between Amn and Faerûn. And besides the people here are happy. They are happy to be where it’s safe and they have food. Some of them don’t even want to leave the mountain. They’re content to spend the rest of their lives here even given the option to return toNeshkel.” Perrin pauses to take a breath. He realizes he may have been rambling a bit, but, he has more he wants to save. “Pa, I know I haven’t been an adventure long and I’ve never been good at the learning thing but, I have learned something in these past couple months. It’s that violence only brings about more violence Pa. That if you go in swinging with an army you can only expect an army to come swinging back at you. But, if you go in with an open heart, mind, and the resolve to settle your differences without swinging your sword then you make the future a truly better place. It’s like what Ma always used to say Pa. Only light can truly defeat darkness. And this” Perrin gestures to the crates of weapons and armor “isn’t what light looks like. It’s only more darkness. This isn’t what Ma would want. She wouldn’t want you raising some army to attack. She’d rather you stay here and help make these people’s lives better. And come up with a way that peacefully gets Embree out and someone the people love in. So I’m asking you Pa. Please stay here and make these peoples lives better, don’t go charging in with a makeshift army because in the end it’s not going to change anything. I promise, me and my friends will be back. I’m not leaving my hometown in Embree’s hands. Just please, let me find a way to end this all, without anymore bloodshed.” When Perrin finishes his little speech he is grasping his Holy Symbol to Yondalla. The only thing he has left of his Ma and the thing thing that is keeping him anchored to the oath he swore to several months ago. (Persuasion with Advantage and Channel Divinity Emissary of Peace: Nat 20 for a total of 30.)
Sam is silent as Perrin speaks. When he mentions Verna, Sam looks like he's about to speak out but something stops him. Perrin's words seem to hit at a personal debate he had been having internally since the start of this rebellion. As if Verna herself were standing in front of him, Sam's eyes glisten and tears begin to fall over. "You got yer mom's voice, boy," Sam says shakily. He takes a deep breath and wipes away the tears before he continues. "I visited her back in Neshkel," he tells Perrin, instinctively taking a seat. "When it was discovered she was pregnant, she left me because I was too driven by adventure to realize that all I needed to be happy was her." He opens his pouch and produces a bracelet that belonged to Verna, one that Perrin had always seen his mother wearing. "She would have wanted you to have this," Sam continues. "It's been passed down in her family... and when I thought you dead I left it to mark her grave, thinking it would have been best to let it die with her." Sam sets the bracelet on the table and slides it over to Perrin, "I don't know what magics it holds, but its got yer mother's love in it." He looks down at the map before him and adds, "Yer right, boy... Gods, yer right.
Perrin is overcome with emotions. He was so scared that his Pa wouldn't listen. Perrin grabs the bracelet and then tackles his Pa into a big hug. Perrin doesn't realize that he too started crying until after he lets go.
"Dammit boy..." Sam says returning the hug. It looks like the weariness and worry has been drained from him after speaking with his son. "I'll think of ways to make our community prosper," he says. "I'll make it a place where anyone that's weary of Embree can come and live without his threats looming over them. Thats..." He wipes his eyes again, "That's what Verna would have wanted."
"What Ma would have wanted." Perrin agrees with him while he is putting on the bracelet. After a moment of silence Perrin then says "So, do you want to hear how we scared away a dragon?"
Sam nods and settles back in his chair, a proud smile on his face the whole time Perrin recounts his version of the events that transpired in the Scarlet Dawn's triumph over the Cloudpeak's Dragon.
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As Lera enters the kitchen, she sees Vera rushing around the kitchen, gathering tools and whatever spices or other ingredients are left. "Salt. Pepper. What else?"
“What about a kiss?” Lera said, leaning against something to look cool.
Vera jumped at the voice and spun around. "Oh gosh," she exclaimed, running up to Lera. "I'm so happy you're here! You're alive!" She embraced Lera tightly. "I'm sorry, I was so excited about the food that I got so distracted!"
“It’s ok, it’s ok!” Lera beamed. “You have every right to be excited. About the food, I mean.”
"I was so worried about you," Vera mumbled into her ear.
“I told you I was coming back,” the aasimar whispered.
"I know," Vera said pulling back and looking Lera in the eyes. "But... you went to face a dragon. I was worried... that I would... never see you again."
“That dragon didn’t even know what hit her,” the aasimar smiled. “I, ummm, I actually brought you back a present.”
"No," Vera said, pulling Lera close. "Having you back safe is all the present I need." She hesitated a moment, then firmly planted her lips on Lera's.
Lera melted into the kiss. Finally pulling away, she cleared her throat. “Well, umm, I brought back this perfume that was in the dragon’s hoard.”
Vera's eyes went wide as she saw the bottle. "Wow... that's the last thing I expected!" She took the bottle and sniffed it. "Oh, it's lovely! I'll cherish this forever, Lera! Thank you!"
“It’s the least I can do,” Lera blushed. “That ring you gave me literally saved Perrin’s life.”
At this, Vera looked confused. "Perrin? How so?" She pulled Lera further into the kitchen, to a couple of stools. "Sit, tell me all about it. I'll make tea." She then rushed around, filling the kettle and setting it on the fire to boil.
The daughter of a bard, Lera recounted the story of the dragon fight in epic fashion, doing what she could to make herself appear a little more heroic.
Vera hangs on every word, pouring tea for the both of them when the water is hot enough. She sips her tea, eyes wide. "Wow, Lera. You're braver than I could *ever* be!" She placed a hand on Lera's knee. "You're pretty amazing."
“No, I’m... you’re pretty amazing too,” Lera grabbed her crush’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Lera," Vera said, giving the aasimar a pointed look. "You *fought a dragon* and lived to tell about it."
“Well I wasn’t alone,” the sorcerer blushed.
"I could never do anything like that. I'd probably die of fright." Vera smiled. "I'm glad the ring came in handy."
“You’re brave in so many other ways though,” Lera replied. “I’ve never been held captive. I don’t know if I would have been able to handle that as gracefully as you.”
"Life here has been easier in so many ways, Lera." Vera sipped her tea, thinking a moment. "It has been freeing. I know that sounds silly, but really, I have more freedom as a 'captive' than I ever had as the daughter of a noble. In a way, I don't consider myself a captive at all."
“I’m really glad you like it with these people,” Lera smiled. “Soon, though, we’re going to get you out of here. We’re going to bring justice for these people.”
Vera smiled widely. "I'm glad. They deserve happiness. They're good people, and they've become my family. Sam is more of a dad to me than my own dad ever was."
“You deserve happiness too.”
Vera blushed. "I'll have it. I promise."
”What else can I do to make sure you get it?”
Vera looked away, shyly. "You've already done enough."
“Oh, well, if I’ve done enough I guess I should leave then...” Lera tucked her hair behind her ears nervously.
"No!" Vera grabbed her and held her tightly. "I don't want you to go anywhere! *You're* the reason I'm so happy!"
“Ok good,” she beamed. “I don’t want to go anywhere either.”
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Perrin finds everyone still in his Pa’s office. As he enters it he finds everyone’s eyes turn on him and they don’t look particularly happy.
"We need everyone for this," Singe says, walking past Perrin, "I'll go get Lera and Shanolia."
* * *
Singe walks into the kitchen, "Lera, we need you."
Lera was sitting very close to Vera, their knees practically touching. At Singe’s voice, she shot to her feet. “Need me?” She cleared her throat. “For, umm, what?”
"Because we're making decisions and we can't make these decisions without everyone." Singe looks tired, "I'm going to go find Shanolia, everyone else is in Sam's office."
“What decisions are we...” Her voice trailed off. “I’m going to find out when I get there, I assume.”
Singe walks out.
* * *
Singe walks up to the hot spring, "Shanolia, we need you."
Shanolia is sitting in the hot spring up to her neck. When Singe enters, she doesn't move a muscle. "What for?" Her stuff is piled by his feet; everything save for the obsidian dagger.
"Because we're making decisions and we can't make these decisions without everyone."
"What decision are we making?" Shanolia asks, "Go back for the dragon?"
"No, we need to decide the fate of the guild." Singe says, he seems drained.
"Ugh, fine. Give me a moment." She climbs from the water, baring her naked body to the wizard without a second thought. In her left hand is the obsidian dagger, dripping water as she sets it beside her clothes to dress.
Singe turns and leaves. Shanolia dresses quickly and follows.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Perrin finds everyone still in his Pa’s office. As he enters it he finds everyone’s eyes turn on him and they don’t look particularly happy.
"We need everyone for this," Singe says, walking past Perrin, "I'll go get Lera and Shanolia."
“Did I do something?” Perrin asks those still in the room.
"Nah, boy," Grasalfan says. "Koll here just said you plan 't stay and Woe here just reminded them of their charge, me. I'm not opposed to a stop in Nashkel if that's what yer needing, but it's true I need to get back to The Gate."
“Koll. I....I thought you weren’t going to tell the other.” Perrin responds.
"I'm sorry they were going to find out sooner or later, no? Better to have it out now. I was just trying to keep us all together. You seemed intent on staying and I was willing to stay with you. I didn't mean to betray your confidence. I was just upset that you were planning to leave." Koll says.
“I...I was going to tell everyone. I mean m. I would have to. I just didn’t think you’d tell them all. That you would have allowed me to at least tell them and explain it.” Perrin says, not really sure what to think
"I realize that you said it was a secret, but I simply forgot about that. Sometimes, I can be very dumb." Koll smacks his forehead.
Perrin sighs. "Well. I guess the cats out of the bag now. I'll tell everyone officially once everyone is present."
Lera, Singe, andShanolia trickle in. With everyone in the room, Perrin says "Well, some of you have already heard but, I'm planning on not coming back with you guys to Baldur's Gate."
"May I ask why?" Singe asks, leaning against a wall.
"Look around you." Perrin says gesturing to the room. "All of this is my mess. I caused all of this and I can't just show up, fix a little bit of it and then leave them with the rest of my mess." Perrin explains
"This means confronting Lord Embree correct?" Singe asks
"Yes." Perrin says with a nod.
"If this means fighting him, we are not strong enough, we are too fragile an organization, there are too many risks in ensuring that the person who replaces Embree is someone we trust. I will not help you." Singe states.
"You realize that no one is going to hire us again if going on a trip with us means that on the way we quickly walk off the path to kill a dragon, free some rebels and take down a tyrant. All following our own whims! I wouldn't be surprised if Lord Viscardi just fired us on our return anyway..." Woe says.
"I'm not asking for your help. You've helped enough with the dragon." Perrin says to Singe.
Singe gestures to Woe, "I second everything she says. But! If we are able to solve this conflict without any blood, I see no reason to leave.
Perrin then turns to Woe "I'm not concerned about if Lord Viscardi hires me again. This is my family. My home. I thought it was all gone only to find them again."
“I’d rather help a friend and take down a corrupt tyrant than make sure I get paid,” Lera frowned at Woe’s comment.
"We can't kill him." Singe says, "Amn may replace him with someone far worse. We can try to broker a peace deal with him."
"He won't listen to a deal." Perrin says before turning to Lera "You don't have to help me Lera. Feel free to leave and go back to Baldur's Gate. This is my mess that I have to fix."
Dapple looks from one face to the next, unsure where he should stand, being a new addition to the group. "I understand your desire to help your father, Perrin, truly I do. The bond to family and clan is most important. Still, ARE these people in your clan? I know you found your father here when we arrived, but otherwise, they are strangers, aren't they? And I don't understand how you think this is your fault. Did you somehow put this Lord Embree in power?"
"No. But I only made the situation worse. I tried to raise the people against him once, and I failed. Afterward, he burned my house damage. And no these people may not be my direct family. But they have all felt the wrongdoings of Embree. And they all want to see him out of power. Those two facts make them my family." Perrin answers Dapple.
"Why won't he listen to two diplomats?" Singe asks, "I've rarely met a more charming bunch than those in this room."
"Trust me. Why would he listen and change? Everything is exactly as he would like it. The people cower to him, they give him what they want, and they can't touch him. Why change when you have everything you want? If you don't believe me then ask Vera." Perrin answers.
"I don't want to leave you behind, and we're too fragile to start a war. It's peace or... well.. I'm happy to collect letters of resignation." Singe says
"Fighting a dragon is one thing, but overthrowing the ruling noble of this land? I know the challenge of raiding a rival village, but something this big? It seems more than we could accomplish even if we all wanted to help. " He frowns and his tail twitches as he considers his words. "What about your Lord Viscardi? You gave your word to accomplish some task for him? You should honor your word, Perrin, then return to help your father if you must." His ears droop as he makes this final statement. "I'm sorry, Perrin., but your word is your bond."
"There is one more thing to consider. I might know a faster way to get home... it seems in lord Embree's home there is also such a thing as a teleportation circle... if we could use it, we would get to Baldur's Gate in a flash..."
Grasalfan perks up at the thought.
"I can't just leave these people here with this mess. I can't just come here give them hope and then leave. And I'm not going anywhere until my Pa gets back." Perrin says.
"Where is your Pa right now?"
"Like an idiot, he couldn't wait for us to get back before attempting to go and try to get some supplies from the town. If everything goes as planned Brod told me he should only be gone no more than 7 days." Perrin says
"Town - you are saying your dad went into Nashkel? He might be in danger. We disturbed the dragon and the kobolds, so they probably didn't attack him and his group. But if the dragon and his underlings somehow stay in contact with lord Embree, then the lord probably knows that we fought his allies and he will capture or attack anyone he encounters so this is a new turn of things. But I feel strongly that we should start moving towards Nashkel. We need to find a way how we can deal with Lord Embree... maybe Vera knows something that we can use to blackmail him into letting these people live peaceful lives. And then our priority should be to get Grasalfan back to the Gate safely! But if for the safe return of Grasalfan we need to speak with... or deal with... Lord Embree, then so be it"
"I have a terrible idea to make him see the error of his ways... But it may not work." Shanolia posits.
"Woe's plan seems safe, as safe as dealing with a tyrant is." Singe remarks.
"He wouldn't have even made it yet. He left earlier today. He's probably going to attempt to sneak in at night. And, starting tomorrow I can attempt to track him. And....and....and...Vera!" Perrin says, having an idea, "We can kill Embree and Vera can take over. Then she can forgive us for our crime." Perrin says.
"She has older siblings, correct?" Singe looks to Perrin and Lera. Perrin shrugs.
"If Amnian nobility is hereditary, Vera might not be next in line." Singe pauses for a moment, "Perrin are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I just....I....I don't want to not go with your guys. But...but, I'm scared if I leave then by the time I get back here nothing will be here. That my Pa will be dead. And that it'll be my fault all over again. I already though I killed him once. And I need to make everything okay. That was the whole point of me going to Baldur's Gate. To get strong enough to come back here and make this place better. And this is worse than when I left the first time. And if I leave again how bad will it be when I return again." Perrin says, not really stopping to breath but just getting it all out before he chickens out.
"You did just suggest we kill someone." Singe poses, "You've never done that before."
"He's a bad man," Lera cut in. "He certainly deserves it. I say we kill Lord Embree and help the resistance retake their home. Besides, it's on the way. Lord Viscardi never said anything about not taking pit stops."
"I..don't know. I don't know how else to get rid of him. I just...you guys want to leave now. But I feel like I have so much still to do here. And...and I'm just trying to speed everything along so we can leave together but, I...I don't know how to get rid of a noble. Nobles are only replaced when the first one dies." Perrin answers, again is just talking and not really breathing, he's just trying to say everything before he stops himself.
"What if I show him a glimpse of the Abyss... we convince him that's what's waiting for him on the other side?" Shanolia spitballs.
"Show him the Abyss?" Perrin repeats, confused.
"One of the 12 outer planes, it's where demons come from." Singe explains, "It sound like a terrible idea. I'd rather kill him."
"We're not going to be able to intimidate him," Lera frowned. "It will be much better to kill him."
"I could show you... but I can only call upon the Dark Mother so many times in one day." Shanolia says.
"We don't need to talk to Lloth." Singe says curtly.
"We're not talking to her. I call upon her for my magical ability." Shanolia explains, "I don't speak to her directly. Haven't done that in years."
"When you call upon her for power, who do you think grants you those abilities? You might not hear her back, but she's definitely listening. And I, for one, would prefer not to get the attention of an evil spider goddess," Lera countered.
"We don't need Lloth." Singe says, looking peeved.
Shanolia eyes Lera expressionlessly. "'Evil' is based solely on perspective..."
"This is not the time to debate this," Lera shook her head. "Although first of all, you're wrong. Right now we need to decide what comes next. And I vote that we help Perrin's family."
"I'm all for killing a corrupt tyrant." Shanolia lets the Lolth conversation drop. "If that means resigning from the Scarlet Dawn, so be it."
"No. I don't want you guys to feel like you have to help me. I'll leave the Scarlet Dawn if I have to." Perrin says.
"I don't think you should have to," Lera replied. "I think we can help these people while still performing our duties as members of a Guild. Isn't it our job to help people and spread our good name? We were merely creating valuable future allies for Lord Viscardi."
"Ye rid the area of a dragon in a day," Grasalfan says. "I doubt this'll be much of a delay."
"See, Grasalfan agrees with me," Lera beamed.
“Here’s a plan, Polly, Grasalfan, myself, Woe, and anyone else who would like to return to Baldur’s Gate go to Neshkal and try to broker peace. If that doesn’t work we go home, inform Viscardi of your choices and gauge his reaction. We send word and possibly rejoin you or part ways.” Singe suggests.
"By the time you get back, how many of these people will be dead? How many have to die by Lord Embree's hand for you to care?" Lera, getting visibly angry, countered.
"Sam has the bloody daughter of the Lord here. You think he didn't plan on deposing and tossing the lass up on a pedestal?" Grasalfan gestures in the direction of the kitchens. "If the people choose her, Amn will have to listen, is his thought."
"If we go together, I would prefer to stay together. I don't wish to part ways with you lot. As long as Embree is taken care of, I'll help." Shanolia says
Singe closes his eyes, he looks exhausted.
"Lera. Calm down. It's not Singe's fault. I don't blame him." Perrin says getting close to her and preparing to jump in front of her and taking anything that she throws at someone else.
"He trapped his own daughter here with a bloody dragon," Grasalfan adds. "Makes me think she might actually be a threat."
“Or she means nothing to him.” Singe counters.
"We're supposed to do what is right, not what is convenient," Lera showed no signs of calming. "Why is this even a debate?"
Seeing that Lera is getting angrier Perrin says, "Lera. I need you to calm down. Please. Before you do something you'll regret." At this point Perrin is attempting to physically grab onto her hands and hold them in order to prevent her from doing any accidental casting.
Dapple backs away as he sees the power begin to crackle around Lera. "Wait, stop. Why are we fighting about this? We all want to help these people - we just need to figure out how!"
As Perrin touches Lera, a shock of static electricity goes through him at the contact. The gear shaped brand on her right hand lights up a deep red, as if burning her hand all over again.
"Ow. Lera, I'm sorry but I need you to calm down." Perrin says. Lera winces, taking a step back. Perrin presents his holy symbol and utters a prayer towards Lera.
“Lera? What’s wrong?” Singe says, opening his eyes.
"I am very-" she starts, but her voice trails off as a calmness washes over her. "I'm not sure." The brand on her hand also begins to dull until it's once again a scar.
"Lera. I used my magic to help calm you done before you unleashed a lightning storm inside of here." Perrin then turns to Singe, "Do what you have to do. I can only keep her calm for a minute. I suggest being scarce when it ends."
"Oh," Lera mumbles. "I... umm... am sorry I got mad. I wasn't planning on making a lightning storm."
"I know you weren't. Don't be sorry. I'm not mad at you. That's why I'm here. To help keep you calm." Perrin tells her.
"That makes sense," she bites her lip.
“Lera, I need you to understand something,” Singe says slowly, “I am not a warrior, I am wizard. Give me a pen and paper and I will change the world. But I can not kill a lord, it’s too risky. I am best where I have control, and that’s not in the middle of a mountain without a library. I want to help, but I know I can’t do that here.”
Seeing that Singe isn't leaving, Perrin says "Lera. Why don't you come with me outside? You can keep me company as I wait for my Pa."
“I need you to understand that right now it sounds to me like you don’t care, and I care about this a lot,” Lera replied calmly, her face devoid of emotion.
“I’ll come with you, Perrin,” she turns to the halfling.
Perrin immediately starts trying to Lera out of the caves as quickly as possible.
Singe sighs, his hand covers his face, “We are not all superheroes.”
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
As Perrin takes her out of the hut, the spell fades.
Lera shakes her head, her hair crackling once more. “I’m mad at you now, too,” she whispers to Perrin as they walk out of the room. “No need to stay with me on babysitting duty, you can go back in and continue the debate with the rest of the ‘adults’.”
"Lera Wait!" Perrin says attempting to catch up to her. "You lightninged me and we're about to turn Singe into ash."
“I’m sorry I hurt you,” she replied. “But I was not about to turn Singe to ash. I thought you would believe in me a little more than that.”
Perrin doesn't know what to say. He stops. Perrin send out a message to Cade. *Find Lera* A mental image of Lera appears in Perrin's mind so Cade knows what she looks like. *Comfort her. She's hurt. Bring Polly with you.*
As Perrin stands there, sending the message to Cade, he runs past, followed by Polly and the other children, all laughing and giggling.
Perrin stands there, not letting Lera know that he called the dog.
Lera walks away quickly, leaving the main chamber. Cade follows.
After a moment, you get the feeling of worry coming from Cade. Something's wrong.
As Perrin follow, Cade leads you into the cavern with the hot spring and the elevator. Perrin doesnt see the elevator.
"Did she take the elevator up? One bark for yes? Two for no?" Perrin says Cade barks once.
"I'll call the elevator down." Perrin says before calling the elevator down. It’s empty.
"Okay boy. Go see her. Just. Keep her company. And....let me know if anything happens. And if something bad does happen. Protect her." Perrin instructs Cade before putting him on the elevator and sending it up.
Cade barks once, and gets into the elevator, butt wiggling. His instructions are to keep her warm and give her comfort but don’t force her to play. He is also instructed to defend her if necessary and alert me if something bad happens.
Perrin then leave to go find Vera.
After sending Cade up with Lera Perrin walks over through the school towards the kitchen looking for Vera.
Perrin finds her, rushing around the kitchen, preparing some parts of the meat, salting others, making sure none of it gets wasted.
Perrin clears his throat loudly to get her attention before saying “Would you like some help?”
Vera jumps, clearly surprised by the voice in the somewhat quiet kitchen. "Oh! That would be wonderful!"
Perrin is grateful for the chance to do some kitchen work. It always helps to keep him calm and his mind off of what just happened with Lera. After a couple minutes of just silent work Perrin speaks up again “Vera, can I....can I talk to you about some things?”
"Me?" Vera asks, surprised. "Sure, though I'm not sure how much I can help."
“I....I just told the others I’m not going to return to Baldur’s Gate with them. That I’m going to stay here and help. They didn’t take it so well. Am I wrong for wanting to stay here?” Perrin says, not looking at Vera but continuing to help prepare all the meat.
Vera frowns. "It's not up to me to determine what's right and wrong."
Perrin frowns a little. That’s not what he was expecting. “I guess it’s not.” He goes silent for another couple minutes. “Vera....who would take over if your dad died?”
Vera thought for a moment. "Well, I suppose someone new would be selected and sent to take over."
“A completely new house. You wouldn’t just take over for him?” Perrin asks
"Oh, never," Vera said quickly, shaking her head. "Amn chooses. It would most likely be some new Lord from Athkatla. My family would be ousted."
Perrin lets out a sigh “That wasn’t the answer I was hoping for.” He then let’s silence fall between them once again. This time it lasts longer than before. “So...if we get rid of your dad then the only way to prevent a new, potentially worse, Lord from coming in is to make Neshkel independent from Amn.” Perrin says aloud.
"I..." Vera paused, drawing in a deep breath and releasing it as a sigh. "I don't know, really. I'm the youngest, so it was never important for me to learn about politics. All I honestly know is that it's all about the money. I... don't know how you would even go about making Neshkel independent. That seems like such a fantasy, to me."
Perrin is only getting more and more upset at this conversation. He begins tenderizing some of the meat, he’s slamming the tool into the meat harder and harder. Eventually he just puts the tool down and let’s out another deep sigh, attempting to calm himself down. “Then what’s the point? If we can’t become independent or get a Lord that’s not corrupt then what’s the point?”
Vera went silent, knowing Perrin was angry. "I'm sorry I'm so useless," she finally said, quietly. She moved a large chunk of salted meat to some shelves, and moved back to turn her attention to another chunk of meat.
Perrin just stands there for a few minutes before saying. “No. I’m sorry. I just...I don’t like this feeling. It’s like we’re fighting a battle that we can’t win. And I don’t know what to do. And I caused all this. And I’m scared that if I leave, if I don’t fix this right now, then it’ll only get worse.”
Vera frowned, then pulled Perrin over to the stools, forcing him to sit. "This isn't your fault. None of it. My father has done some truly horrible things. That's on him, not you. It's something he'll have to live with and own up to. You've done nothing but care about others, and I think that's extremely admirable." She took his hands in hers. "I know this might not mean much, but... I'm happy things have happened the way they have. Not the horrible things, of course, and the deaths, but being *here* has been one of the best things to ever have happened to me. I *like* it here. The people here are wonderful, and we can trust each other. It's a simple life, and I enjoy it. Maybe... maybe instead of fighting a fight that we're destined to lose, we start a new life here. You drove the dragon and kobolds out, we're safe enough here, now. We have people who can hunt, and we have support from people in Neshkel. We could be happy here. I *know* it."
Perrin's tenants flash through his mind as Vera speaks.
Peace. Violence is a weapon of last resort. Diplomacy and understanding are the paths to long-lasting peace.
Innocence. All people begin life in an innocent state, and it is their environment or the influence of dark forces that drives them to evil. By setting the proper example, and working to heal the wounds of a deeply flawed world, you can set anyone on a righteous path.
Patience. Change takes time. Those who have walked the path of the wicked must be given reminders to keep them honest and true. Once you have planted the seed of righteousness in a creature, you must work day after day to allow that seed to survive and flourish.
Wisdom. Your heart and mind must stay clear, for eventually you will be forced to admit defeat. While every creature can be redeemed, some are so far along the path of evil that you have no choice but to end their lives for the greater good. Any such action must be carefully weighed and the consequences fully understood, but once you have made the decision, follow through with it knowing your path is just.
Perrin is silent, just reflecting on what Vera said and remembering the tenants and path he swore too a couple months ago. “Thanks. Vera. I...I have a lot to reflect and think about. Thanks for listening. Thanks for talking. If you’ll excuse me. I...I need some time alone.” Perrin says standing up.
Vera stood and smiled at him. "Perrin, you and your friends have already done more than you can ever know. You *saved* us. You ran the dragon out. You brought us back food. Most importantly, you brought *hope*. No matter what you do from this point on, you'll always be remembered and loved."
“Thanks, I needed that.” Perrin says before he pulls Vera into a hug. Once he releases her he gives a gentle smile before he makes his way out the door stopping once he’s partway through and yelling back at her “Oh, if you see Lera tell her I’m sorry and tell Cade that I said to find me if you want some alone time with her.”
Vera blushed a bright red. "O-okay, I'll tell her if I see her!"
With that Perrin makes his way to do place quiet and where he thinks he’ll be alone for a couple hours. Once there he just sits down, prays, and reflects.
Lera sits by the baths, her bare feet dangling in the water as she pets Cade absentmindedly. Zamar follows close behind, plopping down beside her. “What’s going on?”
“It seems so callous to debate politics and what’s best for ourselves when we could genuinely help people,” Lera absentmindedly shaped the water. “These people are hurting and we could help them. Why isn’t it that simple?”
"That's true, but not what I was referring to." He smiles ruefully. "Since the clash with the modrons, you've been more volatile. You just shocked Perrin. And I saw the gear glowing on your hand. What happened?"
“I don’t remember,” she said in frustration. “But- the last time I went to the Astral Plane, my hand was glowing with weird energy. I could also see the Thraul, but that’s beside the point. I think that gear did something weird to me.”
"I think it did, too. I wasn't sure until that display back there. Would you be opposed to Grasalfan investigating a bit?"
“No, I’ve felt funny ever since. I want to go back to normal more than anyone else.”
"Why didn't you say something to me?"
“I barely realized anything was wrong until now. I was supposed to be fine, so why wouldn’t I be? Whenever I felt any differently, I thought I was being stupid.”
“And what have I always said about magic?"
“It’s awesome?”
He sighs. "No. That's what YOU always say."
Lera snapped her fingers, producing an illusory flame. “That it’s like fire: a powerful tool, when contained. But the minute you lose control, people get burned.”
"That's the one! You *do* listen to me," he teases. "The fact that you are feeling the magic differently is not stupid. It's significant. It's a change in how you see the patterns. Any change that you didn't initiate is important."
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Shanolia, getting bored of the arguing, walks out of the room and heads towards the kitchen, leaving the plan-creating to those more suitable. As she walks into the kitchen, she sees Vera rushing around, working on the various pieces of meat she had been given. Some was already roasting in preparation for future meals, others were being salted, and a third group was being put on ice. Vera doesn't seem to notice that anyone has joined her.
"Need any help?" The Elf walks in slowly, hands in her pockets.
"Oh!" Vera exclaims, jumping. "Sorry, I didn't notice you there." She looks around the room, frazzled. "I... don't really know, to be honest!" She laughs. "It's so nice to have fresh meat again! Thank you, so, so much!"
"Of course. I can't bear to see the children in such a situation, and I'm sure the others feel the same." Shanolia walks close enough to be of use if Vera asks.
"Well, the children are definitely going to appreciate this." Vera turns quickly and gives Shanolia a quick hug, seemingly not noticing as she tenses slightly. "They've been getting tired of jerky and vegetables. I think they'll be a little out of control today, but they deserve a little fun time." She continues to stack slices of meat into a section of ice. "Would you mind salting those bits, please?" She points to a stack of partially salted meat.
"Of course." She removes her hands from her pockets and begins salting the meats. "I think you all deserve a little fun time. I can't imagine being cooped up for so long."
"It's not so bad," Vera says cheerily. "There's plenty of room here, and everyone has their privacy. The only thing that we missed for so long was going outside. But now that the dragon and kobolds are gone, that won't be an issue anymore!"
"The dragon is gone but some kobolds may still lurk about. I would recommend caution, at least for a bit."
"Of course. Sheema and Brod would probably enjoy the opportunity to show those kobolds a thing or two!" Vera finishes stacking the meats and turns her focus to the roasting meats. "What about you? What will you do now?"
"I don't know... Probably return to Baldur's Gate with the others. I don't really have anything left anywhere else." There's a hint of sorrow in her voice.
Vera pauses, looking at Shanolia. "I understand that feeling. I don't have anything left in Neshkal. My family doesn't want me back, and there's no reason for me to want to go back. When you have nothing left, no family, or anything, you start creating your own life, the way you want it to be." She turns back to the roasting meat. "If you want it, you can have it."
"I was... forced out of my life. I was thrown out with nothing left. Even now, I have no idea what I'm doing or what I want." She continues salting the meats. "I thought I wanted to go back... But now I'm not sure. I want to stay with these guys - my only real 'friends' - but whenever I get attached... people die."
"Everybody dies," Vera says. "You can't take the blame for things beyond your control." Moving from the roasting meats, she joins Shanolia in finishing the salting of meats. "You'll never truly be happy if you do. Your friends, they all seem like such good people. It would be nice to have a family like that."
"They are nice people... The only group I've felt truly safe around... But there are people after me. If I deny these feelings, maybe they won't be hurt because of me."
"Do you really think that's going to work?" Vera looks at the Elf, curious.
"I don't know." She admits, shaking her head. "Even if I knew it wouldn't, I can't open up to them regardless."
"Why do you feel that you can't?" Vera pauses, looking at Shanolia, her arms crossed over her chest. "It has to be painful to deny yourself of these feelings. It'll only lead to further heartbreak and pain."
"Look at me. I already know what she'll say if I do. On top of that..." A blush creeps over the top of her mask. "...she already has someone else..." She looks away, hiding her face. Vera looks confused.
"She?"
"She? What about 'she'?"
"You said 'she'. 'She already has someone else.' Who is the 'she' in this statement?" Vera gives Shanolia a kind smile. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want. But, I can tell it's something you need to talk about. I won't tell. I promise."
"I... Uh... Kuso." She sighs. Busted. "Just... I don't know... If I tell you I can't guarantee you won't tell her..."
"Why would I do that?" Vera looks confused.
"You two... You seem kinda close... Really close..."
"Oh?" Vera looks at her, even more confused. Then her expression changes to one of recognition. "Oh." Blushing, she goes back to salting the meat, allowing an awkward silence to fall between them.
After a moment of awkward silence, Shanolia realises the girl's reason for going quiet. "Dwnyo... I said too much..."
"No," Vera says quickly. "It's okay. I won't say anything, I promise."
"Dwnyo... Dwn'Dwn'Dwn'..." Shanolia takes a step away, hiding her face again.
"Really," Vera says firmly, finally looking up. "It's okay. Y-you've known her longer than I have. And... and I don't know where I'll be after this is over and you are always with her and I can't guarantee anything and... and... it's really okay, I promise!" Shanolia says nothing, mentally cursing herself for being so careless and pacing back and forth. After a moment, she takes a shaky breath.
"No... She could never be happy with me. I'm a bloody mess. You can treat her the way she deserves to be treated, even if only for a bit..."
"None of us can ever know how another person feels." Vera bites one of her well-manicured nails for a moment. "You can be good to her, too, you know. Be her friend. Be someone she can rely on. And... don't let her die."
"She won't die on my watch. Too many people already have. I swear to you on my mother's name that I will die before I let her." Vera simply nods and releases a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. "This got... I'm sorry. I came to you to help and then get my fur and now it's all drama."
"No, no!" Vera rushes over to her and grabs her by the hands. "Really, I don't mind. I won't say anything, I promise you. I shouldn't have asked! This is my fault! I pried into your life where I shouldn't have!" She quickly releases Shanolia and ran to one of the tables on the other side of the kitchen. "Here's your fur. Just as you handed it to me!"
She takes the fur. "It's not your fault. I... feel a bit better now, actually." She rubs her mask with her free hand. "Maybe one day I can tell her the truth..."
"I'm... glad I helped?" Vera giggles nervously then moves back to her task.
"Thank you." She mutters, softly enough that she's sure Vera doesn't actually hear, before turning around and walking out of the kitchen.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Koll seeks out a quiet place to meditate and exercise. The others are so very emotional, so full of desires and attachments, and he needs seclusion. He reflects on how they defeated the dragon, the power and ferocity of the creature, how it had nearly killed him, and how the Thraul had taken effect. He had been unconscious and frozen when it had happened, but the way the others described it, it was very odd indeed, and he wondered why no one seemed to question it too seriously. Were they really rid of the dragon? How could they be sure it was defeated for good or know that it wouldn't return? Singe's speculation that it was connected with the disease in Baldur's Gate might be true, but how could he be so sure of himself? The connections were there, but they were not clear to Koll at all.
He mulls over the political factions involved in their story so far: the Patriars of Baldur's Gate, Lord Embree, Lord Viscardi, Whistler, Lord Eltan, The Guild, and so on. Koll knows that he is not smart enough to put the puzzle together piece by piece, and wonders if he is being foolish in thinking that it all has to connect somehow. But, everything does connect somehow in the end, does it not? he thinks to himself. Often in ways that don't seem obvious. He hopes he if he can see the bigger picture then he doesn't have to worry about piecing it together. But, still it remains a mystery to him.
After his prayer session Perrin goes to find Brod and Sheema. Walking around the cavern, Perrin finds Brod and Sheema wrangling a herd of rowdy children back toward the dining all, in an effort to get them to stop running around like crazy people.
Perrin seeing this will attempt to help them. Telling the kids that the dog won’t visit them if they don’t behave and listen to the adults.
After a chorus of aww's and "I wanna see the puppy!" the children cooperate and sit at their normal table, looking at Perrin expectantly. Sheema turns to Perrin and says, "Thank you so much. I don't know where that dog came from, but they're all worked up over it."
Perrin puts his hand behind his head and says “That’s kind of my fault. It’s a magical dog I was able to create. Meaning it does whatever I say so, if children don’t behave then he won’t come back.” Perrin says the last part loud enough for all the children to hear.
"Oh," said Brod. "That makes sense... I guess?" It was clear the guy was confused. "It's magic, dear," Sheema clarified with a laugh.
Perrin laughs as well, “I don’t fully understand it myself but I know I can do it and it’s magic is a good enough answer for me.” He then says “Can I talk to the two of you alone?”
"Sure," said Sheema, while Brod gave the children an "I'm watching you" look. They moved to the entrance of the dining area. "What do you need, Perrin?"
“Are you happy here?” Perrin asks.
"Happy?" asked Brod. He looked at Sheema, again confused. "This is home. Always has been."
Sheema gave Brod a smile. "Yes, I'd say we're happy here. Brod and I have been here the longest, before Sam and the other townspeople joined us. We've made a family here, all of us. I think that if Sam gets his way, and the others go back to Neshkal..." Sheema trailed off, looking up to Brod. "I think we'd still rather stay here."
"Thank you. That's all I needed. I'll let you get back to kids. And I'm sorry for the dog. I kind of magiced him to help watch Polly while we were discussing what happened with the dragon. Didn't want to scare her with the details." Perrin says.
"Perrin," Sheema said, stepping toward him. "What is this about?"
“Me and my companions were discussing our next step. Some of them want to leave right away to Baldurs Gate. But, getting here and not seeing my Pa I realized what a big mess of his life and those of the other villagers I made when I left. And I couldn’t just leave again without solving the problem. So, in desperation I suggested killing Embree. Something that goes against all of my tenants as a Paladin and would probably create more problems then it solves. That suggestion left a divide amongst the group and now we’re all at odds with one another. After talking with Vera I realized how rash I was being and she brought something up similar to you. That she’s happy here and is in no rush to return to Nashkel. And, I’ve been thinking. If people are happy here then why attempt to change that. Why not just leave it for now and go about getting Lord Embree out in a better manner. Perhaps working to change the way Amn works so that Vera could step in or maybe make Nashkel independent.” Perrin explains to the couple.
Sheema knelt down and looked Perrin in the eyes. "Oh you dear, sweet, boy. You're sweet, but you are so, so wrong. We've been fighting against Embree since, well, before you were born. Brod and I are known as terrorists in Nashkel because of it. None of this is your fault, you and your family just came under his evil gaze, like so many before you. If it hadn't been you, it would have been someone else." She gave Perrin a light pat on his cheek. "Killing him outright is a reckless choice. Cut off the head, another grows in its place. I think you're right about finding another way to do it."
“Thanks. Now, if you’ll excuse me there is someone else I want to talk to before attempting to reglue our group back together.” Perrin tells Sheema.
"If you're anything like your Pa, I know you'll do just fine," Sheema said, standing once again. She turned back to Brod. "Okay, big guy. I think we're playing teachers for today." Brod grumbled, but turned back to the children.
Perrin then makes his way to Kaia, wanting the opinion of someone whose one of the most important people here and perhaps the wises. As Perrin walks into the healing tent, he notices it's empty and quiet. Kaia, the old woman, is asleep in her rocking chair, at the back of the hut, a cup of tea cooling on the table next to her. Seeing that she is asleep Perrin decides not to wake her and let her rest. Besides, he’s sure she wouldn’t say anything different from what Sheema and Brod said.
Having made up his mind on what he thinks the best thing to do his Perrin decides to write the group a note. Within it he asks them all to please come to Sam’s tent in the morning to at least hear him out. Perrin says that he has now had time to think and reflect on the whole situation and has come up with a compromise that he thinks everyone will like. He also tells Lera once again that he’s sorry.
Perrin leaves the note in the tent that the group is staying at but Perrin spends the night in his Pa’s tent.
"What's all this commotion?" Woe asks, following Singe and Shanolia out toward Sam's tent, with Koll following behind her.
"Perrin has a solution, and Lera won't like it," Singe says.
Dapple is waiting outside Sam's tent already when he sees them approach. "Good morning!," says Dapple as they walk up. "Lera won't like what? Have you talked to Perrin already?"
Singe shrugs. "Perrin has something planned. We've come to talk to him."
Wanting to discuss what's been on his mind, even though it may not be the right time, Koll sidles up next to Singe. "I was thinking," he says, a little bashfully, "how do we know we defeated that dragon? That it's gone for good?"
Singe shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe it isn't, but once the thraul takes effect, it doesn't seem to let go." He looks at Koll.
Koll furrows his brow, annoyed by Singe's assumption and the way the wizard seems to want to shrug off the question of the dragon's fate. He says, "I don't know what you mean by that. I am no longer under its influence. My encounter with the werepanther made an indelible mark on me to be sure, but the drug has no more power over me, as far as I can tell. " Koll speaks louder so everyone present can hear him. "I think we need to find the dragon in its tunnels to be sure of its fate. Perhaps we should have done that right away. If the drug didn't kill it somehow and it wakes up and finds its hoard missing, or if it is somehow addicted to the drug, then we and these people have a much bigger problem. It will want revenge or do something terrible in order to get more thraul. I think leaving now, regardless of where we go, is a bad idea."
Perrin is waiting in his Pa’s tent for the others, it’s obvious that he slept here. “Thank you for coming. I want to apologize for yesterday.” Perrin puts his left hand behind his head “Things got out of hand. And I was acting rash. The entire situation finally hit me yesterday. But, after talking to Vera and some of the others yesterday I think I thought of a solution. If you’re willing to hear me out.” He finishes not really knowing how to start this.
Singe nods and gestures for Perrin to continue.
“Well. I was hoping that if Embree fell then Vera could take his place but apparently that’s not how that works. Someone new would come and take over and there is no way to know what they’ll be like. So, I think the only way is to change the rules in Amn or work out for Nashkel to separate itself from Amn. I mean, it’s the farthest away and the most independent town so it could be done. But that takes time. Something I thought we didn’t have the time for because I assumed all the people here hated having to live here. But that’s not true. The people seem to love this little town they’ve created and some of them don’t think they’ll ever leave. So, we have the time to slowly figure out and change the rules to get Nashkel independent from Amn or at least under the protection of a lord we trust.” Perrin says, pausing for a slight moment before continuing.
“So, in order to do this I believe we need to go back to Baldurs Gate so, I’m ready to go back, just not right now. My Pa’s still out and I want to wait for him to get back. Once he’s back here then I’ll be ready to go. Brod says he should only be gone a couple days so, it would only be a couple of days. Until then we could help the people here as much as possible. And then we can leave. But, can we not attempt to use Embree’s portal. Can we walk? My Ma’s grave is on the way if we walk and I’d like to visit it and her hometown is halfway between Nashkel and Baldurs Gate. I’d want to stop there. Give me an opportunity to properly say goodbye to her.” Perrin finishes, tentatively looking at everyone to see their reactions.
Singe nods, turning it over in his head. "Grasalfan, how do you feel about this plan?"
“That’s all very reasonable,” Lera said. “Do you want to go out looking for your Pa? I’ll go with you.”
"The idea of teleporting to Baldur's Gate using a portal is much more appealing than walking back," Grasalfan comments. "But if yer decision is to walk back, I don't see how I can argue with it. Does this mean we're avoiding Nashkel entirely?" He asks.
“Preferably.” Perrin answers Grasalfan. “And thanks Lera. I....I don’t know if it’s necessary to go looking for him right away, he left right before we arrived so, but I might and I’d like you to join. I have Cade whose really good at smelling and I prepared a spell that can locate objects so I can use it to find my Pa by looking for his wedding ring.” He says to Lera.
"I'm just going to repeat myself. We do not know that the dragon is dead or defeated. We have not finished what we started here." Koll says
"We can go find the dragon while we wait for Sam to return," Singe suggests.
Grasalfan nods in agreement. "At least this will give me time to help work out some of the kinks in their elevator. It looks like it hasn't seen gnome hands in decades."
“I, too, like the idea of ensuring that we have finished our job. I say we find it and make sure it stays down.” Zamar says
“And then we find Perrin’s pa,” Lera added.
“Agreed.” Zamar says.
“I’m so happy that you guys like this. I realized yesterday that my...my rashness could have spelled the end of some of us working for the Scarlet Dawn.” Perrin says a smile plastered on his face from how well this is going.
"Then, let's go. Like before? Dapple in the lead as scout. I can hide the rest of us in a veil of shadows as we travel, once we get to her tunnels." Koll suggests
"Uh...yeah. I wasn't planning on battle so I don't have any new battle spells prepped but I do have my standards." Perrin says before he looks at his dog "You stay here with Polly. Keep her company while we're away. Prevent her from following us. Okay Cade."
Dapple can barely hide his relief that everything seems to have worked out and the group wasn't going to fall apart. "I'll gladly lead the way back. Koll is right, we should be sure it's dead before we leave theses people here alone."
"And maybe we can find some more of that wolf meat for these people to have." Perrin adds.
"There was another wolf. Maybe we can find it's body. Plus, with the kobold gone, Brod and Sheena can start hunting again." Dapple responds.
With a plan made we explain to Brod and Sheema what’s happening. We also tell Polly to stay here and watch Cade but that’ll be back late tonight or tomorrow morning before we go looking for/waiting for Perrins Pa. Once he’s back we are back on our way traveling home.
The group begins traveling to the Dragons Den with Dapple and Perrin leading the expedition (18 on Survival with Advantage) and Dapple stops the group about a mile from the den and uses his Primeval Awarness to attempt and detect the dragon.
Zamar and Lera made their way to Grasalfan. “Ho, there. We come bearing another problem that might benefit from your expertise.” The tone is light, but Zamar’s eyes reveal the worry that he has become so practiced at hiding.
Grasalfan looked up from his packing, placing the cog delicately back into his pack. "How can I be of service?" He asked.
"Remember when we fought the master modron and Lera disappeared to the Astral Plane? She touched the gear and it left a brand on her hand. She has been acting a bit erratically ever since. We were hoping to figure out what happened and either understand it or reverse it."
Grasalfan nodded thoughtfully. "We'd be able to do a full examination at the High House of Wonders," he says. "What changes have you been experiencing?" He asked Lera.
“I mean, not much really,” Lera replied. “I just noticed that my hand was glowing when I went back to the astral plane.”
"Like in the tent?" Grasalfan asked. "The astral plane is meant to be a place of massive psychic power. A place where one can leave their body and travel the astral sea. Perhaps the entity that possessed this cog has found its way into you..." Seeing the looks from both Zamar and Lera, he quickly added, "I'm just thinking out loud, I'm sure it's nothing so extreme."
“Like in the astral plane. I’ve been twice now,” Lera said matter-of-factly. “It’s alright. A little psychedelic. The first time I was there, Perrin looked like a rainbow snake with wings.”
"When your hand was glowing in Sam's tent, you went into the Astral Plane?" Grasalfan asked.
“No, I was just getting a little angry in Sam’s Tent,” Lera shook her head.
“She has also seemed less in control of her emotions of late.”
"Hmmm..." Grasalfan sat down on his cot. "What was going through your mind? What were you so angry about?"
“I’d like to point out that I sonic-boomed a guy to death before all of that happened, so it wasn’t like I was the paragon of emotional stability before that happened,” the teenager pointed out. “And I was mad at Singe for caring about his paycheck more than the lives of these people.”
"There is no pay, I'd like to remind you," Grasalfan chuckled softly. "So when is the last time you lost control of your magic, and what happened? Any reaction from the mark?"
"And, as your father, I'd like to think I can tell the difference in your normal volatility and when something is 'off'," Zamar interjects.
“I guess Sam’s Tent was the last time.”
"And before that, did your hand glow? Try to think back to ever since you touched the cog in the astral plane... has it only been glowing when you lose control?" Grasalfan pushed his line of questioning.
“I haven’t really lost control,” Lera fidgeted nervously.
"Well next time you do, whether emotionally or magically, watch the brand and see if it glows. If this thing thrives on chaos and some of its essence rubbed off on you, you may be a walking buffet," Grasalfan gave Lera a frown that only a wizened old gnome could.
“So your advice is to just sit and wait for a possible future catastrophe?” Lera raised an eyebrow.
"At least until we can get you back to Baldur's Gate and get you under a monoscope!" Grasalfan responded. "Right now my resources are a weeee bit limited."
"Wonderful." Zamar sighed. "I don't suppose you are going to be more willing to listen to me until we get back?"
“Sorry, what did you say?” Lera answered.
Zamar just shook his head, used to this sort of behavior. “Thank you, Grasalfan. I think that is enough fun for one night. We will see you in the morning. Hopefully we can all agree on a path forward.”
Grasalfan nodded to the pair, "We'll figure it out, don't you worry!"
Zamar Zahuv - Level 4 Aasimar Bard in Whispers of Dissent
Golos - Level 1 Halfling Barbarian in Night's Dark Terror
Jerrok Flametongue - Level 6 Human Barbarian in Zendikar - Whispers of the Aeons
R'thr Ka'ri - Level 5 Paladin in The Adventures of Bubbles (every other Wednesday)
Johnathan Moonspeaker - Level 6 Druid in Web of Lies (every other Friday)
DM of Something Wicked This Way Comes - D&D Modernverse (every other Tuesday)
The group gathers their things as Polly resumes her scholarly duties at the makeshift school and Grasalfan begins his work on the small base's elevator. Traversing the tunnels is quicker this time. Dapple is able to navigate the marks with Perrin's help and for half a day they make their way through the twisted crevasses. The marks seem to use a combination of halfling and random symbols to indicate direction. Once the group reaches the bend that's marked as danger, Dapple grinds the group to a halt. The tunnel ahead is collapsed and has remained collapsed ever since the dragon released her trap. At this time, all seems quiet.
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Having reached the collapse, Dapple approaches the rubble blocking any further passage and places his hands against the rocks. Not quite sure what to do next, beyond going with some newish instinct, he reaches out with all his senses, feeling the natural forces all around, and tries to "feel" if the dragon is still out there, anywhere nearby. Dapple reaches out through the ice and stone, feeling the mountain for any sense of a dragon. He knows a dragon was here and is alerted when the sensation raises up the mountain and out into the sky. For a brief moment he can feel himself flying, like a dart, straight to the North. Trees loom ahead... trees he's unfamiliar with. The vision fades as soon as it starts and he's left, paws numb, holding the ice beneath him.
Stepping back from the rubble, Dapple shakes the vision from his head and turns to face the others. "She's gone!," he says excitedly. "Fled to the north and beyond where I can sense her. That does mean she is alive though, or was for long enough to get away."
"We haven't seen the last of her, I think," Koll says.
Singe frowns, "I don't think that was her, if that makes sense. I think the Thraul is now puppeteering a dragon's body. "I wonder where it's going." Singe muses to himself, "And why make a drug out of brains?"
"Your understanding of the drug does not match my experience with it. We can only guess what happened to the dragon under its influence. But the drug itself would not be the puppeteer - maybe perhaps another mind it encountered...also, it took the drug yesterday - it should have come back from the mind-realm by now."
"Fair, but from what you have said, those under the influence of the Thraul could act with hive mind like unity. The drug and the hive mind would be one in the same." Singe explains, "An individual can control a person's mind, why can't all of them control a body? I have this gut instinct telling me that the disease was the same thing we saw with the dragon. I don't trust my gut when it comes to decision making, but this felt unmistakable. Once you're taken by the disease, you can't be released from it."
Koll frowns, mirroring Singe's expression. "Hive mind?" It was not something he had considered, but maybe it made sense. He looks to Woe for her thoughts.
Zamar adds his thoughts. “It is clear we do not fully understand the reach of this drug. If you can commune mentally in this ‘other place’, who knows what power can be exerted over you from there?” Zamar pauses, searching for the right words. “Woe trusts her Lord, so I think if anyone needs to go back in it should be her, but we should tread lightly where this is concerned. We need to understand more and Singe’s guess about the drug and its relationship to the disease feels right to me. I have no great insight either, just my gut. I suspect that the disease is something that can be caused from that teals by a powerful mind or group of minds. That would explain why Koll and Woe have not yet been afflicted.”
"I am not sure how it would work," Woe says. "I feel very unsure about Singe's assessment. Now that Dapple thinks he feels that our dragon has left instead of dying, something we don't understand must be going on. I am wondering if she might still be under the control of a group of people. Maybe someone is using her for their own purposes. I hope we haven't unleashed hell on Baldur's Gate!" Woe looks around. "What is our plan now? Should we decimate the kobolds more or let them live? They might find themselves another dragon to worship." While Woe is talking she realises that she should have taken a moment in the morning to communicate with Lord Eltan. She would do that as soon as she could find a moment of alone time.
“I....I don’t think we should be spending our time trailing a dragon that may never stop flying," says Perrin. "Who knows what might happen if we decide to just keep following it. It may be off the mountain and we still have to get Polly and Grasalfan home. And I don’t want to miss my Pa when he comes back.”
Koll takes a deep, calming breath. "I'm not suggesting we pursue her to the ends of Faerun. I'm suggesting we return to Baldur's Gate, as planned. Along the way, we may discover if the dragon stopped somewhere. What's north between here and Baldur's Gate? I'm sure there are wild spaces where she may have taken refuge. But, if you want to wait for your Pa, then I guess I can't argue with that."
The group decides to do a little hunting while they're away from the camp. The tunnels here are eerie, as small flits of movement are heard from out of the group's range of vision. Once upon the area, the tunnels are clear. This section of the crevasse is still occupied by something, most likely kobolds, but the group fails to find any real sign of them. After a couple hours of navigating the tunnels, they come upon a ram that looks to have fallen into the crevasse from above. Two of its legs are broken and it looks to have been here for the better part of a day. Perrin is able to slaughter the creature and preserve most of its meat and hide. Just as the group is about to set out again, Singe notices something on the face of the ram... a blue substance that looks like berries. This convinces him that there's a patch up above, and that if wild animals are able to consume it then it should be good for the camp as well. (Only Success in Group Check Was Perrin (15) and Singe (17))
“Not as good as I hoped but I’ll do.” Perrin says “Let’s bring this back.” He says wanting to get back before nightfall.
"Wait," Dapple says, pointing out what Singe had noticed. "Let me see what we can harvest. The camp can use anything fresh that we find, I'm sure." Dapple looks up the crevasse, judging if there is enough room for him to fly up, or if it's tight enough he needs to climb.
"Does anyone have a spare pouch or sack? I don't think I do, actually. I can fly up, gather what berries are there and be back in a jiffy. Plus, I'm sick of seeing the insides of tunnels. A bit of blue sky will be nice to see."
Perrin hand Dapple a pouch to use, “Gather as many as you can. I’m sure they can use some fresh fruit.”
“Would it be better to climb up and camp up there?” Zamar asks.
“I don’t think that necessary. We can get home before nightfall if we’re quick. And my Pa should be back tomorrow so I don’t want to miss him.” Perrin says
"Its just picking some berries, I won't be long." Dapple takes the pouch from Perrin, then flies up to the top of the crevasse, stopping just short of the top and cautiously looking over the edge before exiting fully. He checks around for the berry bushes and sets to work picking as quickly as he can.
As Dapple pops his head out of the small opening, he’s met with quite the surprise. As if on its own little private island in the middle of a glacier of ice, a grove of green has sprouted. It's not massive, but he hears the sounds of birds and small animals as they scurry about the trees in the grove. He spots the bushes just off to his right. Massive and unkempt, the bush is full of these odd blue berries that seem to be able to grow in the coldest of environments.
Small blue wisps of light flutter about the grove as he approaches the bush, a small swarm flying around his head before darting back through a grove of trees. Looking about, the sun looks low in the sky, mere hours from setting. Seeing this oasis of life adjust the cold, Dapple flies up and spins in a circle, taking it all in. The flitting blue lights attract the young tabaxi and he zooms after them, forgetting the berry bush for the moment.
Darting around with the blue lights, they all eventually float up and around a singular white tree in the center of the oasis. As Dapple follows, a figure steps from the tree, white as snow. Her skin is a variation of the bark and small branches sprout from her in various locations. She giggles at the sight of him chasing the lights and raises her arm as if directing them to continue their play.
Dapple continues to chase the lights for a few moments before swooping down and landing before the white woman. He reaches out, fingering one of the branches growing from her body, a wide grin on his face. "Who are you?," he asks in an excited voice. "Do you live here? Did the dragon know about you? Are those your blue lights?" The questions come in a rush, giving her no time to answer them as he asks. The dryad giggles again. "You're a fun one," she says. The feeling of winter blows along Dapple's fur with each word. "My grove is only visible to those touched by nature," she adds, brushing one bark-like hand along his coat.
A shiver runs through his body as the wind caresses Dapple’s sleek coat, and reminds him why he is there. "My friends - they couldn't see this place? See you?" His ears droop a bit at the thought. "It’s so beautiful," he says, "but I can't stay right now. There are people who need my help. Need food to survive, because of the dragon. Can you help them?" He waves at the trees and bushes. "Can you make more food? For the little ones?"
A smile like the first rays of sun on the mountaintop comes to life on her face. "You ask for food?" She asks. "One berry will sustain a mortal for the whole day. One berry, for one day... how many berries do you wish to take, my furry friend?" She steps backwards, melding into the tree behind her and appearing further back behind dapple, emerging from another tree. "How much of your life are you willing to give to me?" She asks.
Dapple cocks his head at the question. "How much? I'm not sure what you mean. To help those people?"
"It's simple," she says. "You wish to feed your friends, and I wish to see more of you. A hundred berries for a hundred days... three hundred? How many of my berries does it take to feed them?" As she asks this she raises her hands up to the sky and giggles again. "Maybe a thousand!"
The trap of her words finally clicks in the tabaxi's head. "You would keep me here, trapped, in exchange for helping them?" He thinks back to the wizard's chamber where he'd awoken not so long ago, years lost and all he'd known lost to time. He shrank back from the dryad, fear, anger, confusion all whirling inside.
The dryads eyes go wide at the mixture of emotion she feels coming off of Dapple. "What is wrong?" She asks, taking a step forward. "Something has happened to you... something bad?" She pressures.
As she steps towards him, Dapple moves back, keeping her at a distance. "Bad? Everyone I knew is dead and I am here. Trapped by magic for hundreds of years and all I knew is gone," he replies. His desire to help the people back at the cave is strong, and in his mind he can see Polly and the other children, but the thought of staying here trapped once again terrifies him. "My poor, hurt animal," she says. "Taken by civilization and forced into an uncompromising servitude. The pain you must be feeling... the anger and hurt..." She takes another step towards Dapple, and the fluttering blue lights swirl around the tabaxi.
This time Dapple freezes as she approaches, perhaps calmed by the swirling lights. His hackles rise but he doesn't move. Quivering, every muscle tensed, he watches transfixed as the the dryad draws near. The fluttering around Dapple continues, the light almost mesmerizing. Memories start to flood back into Dapple's mind. Things that he had tucked far into the deepest parts of his brain. Every decade or so, a wizard would release him from his confinement with a job for him to perform. Sometimes it was the same wizard, other times it was another. They all had an amulet... one that ticked like the one he had taken from the river that day. The ticking was different though, as this amulet contained a part of the tabaxi's soul. This amulet... controlled him. The flashback is broken when the dryad speaks again and gestures for the little wisps to leave, "You have much to accomplish yet, dear Dapple." She's close enough to touch him now, and her hand runs along his fur. "You may take the berries, my furry friend. But you must promise to return one day. My little wisps will miss you so..."
As the visions fade, Dapple falls to his knees, tears trickling down his face. The things he saw himself doing were horrible, and he'd seemingly done them without question, a puppet of those who had controlled him. Still, an anger beyond anything he could remember began to burn in his breast and he looked to the dryad with flashing eyes. "The amulet... do you know where I can find it? Can you show me that?" he asks in a cold voice.
"I cannot," she responds, a hand brushing a tree as she whispers into it. A moment passes as she listens. "But they are looking for you... and they are close." As she says this, she enters the tree and her face appears on the white tree in the center of the grove. "They will make you kill your friends, if you're not careful. Goodbye... my friend. Feed your friends before you kill them." An arm gestures towards the large berry bush before retreating back into the tree.
Dapple remains on his knees, watching wordlessly as the dryad disappears back into her tree. Her words resonate in his head, and the implications slowly sinking in. Somewhere out there were the wizards who'd done this to him. Fury burned inside him. They had taken everything from him, and they would pay dearly. He would die before he allowed himself to harm these people. Good people who'd saved him, taken him in, and treated him as one of their own.
Finally, Dapple climbed back to his feet. He looked down at the empty pouch clenched in his fist, forgotten in the whirl of his encounter with the dryad. "...Feed your friends before you kill them." He slowly moved to the bush, carefully gathering every one of the magical fruits, understanding what they meant to the small group of people back at the cave.
When the task is complete, he goes to the dryad's tree, and lays a hand upon the smooth white bark. "Perhaps someday I can return, after I know my friends are safe and my tormentors have paid for their crimes. Thank you for opening my eyes, and for these berries. They won't go to waste." With that, he turns and takes to the air once more, making his way back down to the members of the Scarlet Dawn waiting for him below.
Reaching the bottom of the crevasse, Dapple hands the pouch back to Perrin. “Magical berries. She said each one will feed a person for a day. We need to go now, no time to waste.” It’s clear that something has happened in the time Dapple was gone, perhaps 10 minutes, maybe 15. He seems distant, his tone unlike you’ve heard from the typically happy-go-lucky cat before. He doesn’t wait for a response, but immediately turns and begins to retrace the path back to the elevator.
Perrin goes to thank Dapple but sees it’s too late as he’s leaving, visibly upset. *I wonder if Dapple like dogs. Maybe Cade can give him some comfort before I ask what happened?* Perrin thinks before following after Dapple and helping the others get back safely.
"Wait, 'she'? Who's 'she'?" Shanolia jogs to catch up with the distressed Tabaxi.
Zamar, sensing Dapple's distress, decides it is best to give him a bit of space to process what has happened. He makes a mental not to ask Dapple about where the berries came from and who the 'she' in question is. Then, he goes back to scanning the area to watch for Kobolds or other threats.
The group quietly marches back to the camp. It's late in the evening when they arrive, Dapple quiet and determined the whole way there. The camp itself seems quiet as well, as the occupants go about their nightly routines. The group's presence is welcome wherever the go in the camp, each member of the Winter Wolves willing to stand and give the Scarlet Dawn their attention whenever they enter. Polly is dead asleep in the healing tent, Perrin's dog curled up next to her to keep her warm. At first it's an awkward sight, as it takes a few moments to realize that there are two other little kids sleeping in the pile. There's no sign of Sam yet, but the Wolves seem optimistic that he'll roll in around midday tomorrow.
Perrin looks to Dapple. "You found the berries. You should be the one to deliver them to the kitchen. And then...do you want to talk about what happened?" Perrin asks, obviously concerned about whatever it is that upset his feline companion.
"You have the meat to deliver too, just take it all." He stops, ears drooping, clearly still upset and unhappy. "I just need time alone. I have a lot to think about now. Maybe we can talk tomorrow." He hesitates again. "Thank you though." Dapple then leaves, seeking a solitary spot where he can be alone to process what the dryad had revealed about his past.
Perrin doesn’t follow. He turns to the others saying “I’ll be in my Pa’s tent if you need me. I’m going to deliver the food we found and explain to them about the berries first.” Before he heads off towards the kitchen and then to his Pa’s tent.
Morning rolls around, though in the confines of this cave system it's hard to tell. The natural warmth of the springs makes everyone rest comfortably and by the next day, Polly is a ball of energy once again. Her spirits lifted and word of finally returning home has given her an energy that she had been lacking the last few days. Breakfast consists of the fey berries the group brings, and when each member of the Winter Wolves puts one in their mouth, their faces light up with joy. It warms their empty stomachs as no other meal could, filling them with wonder as to how such a food could exist. It's only a couple hours into the morning when a commotion is heard over by the lifts. Crates are brought down with additional supplies and food, but the selection of supplies is odd. Instead of crafting supplies, fabrics, or fresh food, crates full of rations, weapons, and armor are delivered to the entrance of the cave system. Sam stands proudly as he watches his armory be delivered. It's obvious he has war on his mind and that his intentions are not as innocent as the group may have believed. Seeing bits of the group assembled and watching, he waves you all over to his own tent calling out, "We've got planning to do!"
"I'm glad I didn't give my money to that guy," Koll mumbles.
Zamar walks over, curiously. “What is all this?”
Sam leads the group into the tent, pulling the rough map of Lord Embree's complex out. "We finally have a hand up in this rebellion," Sam says, spreading the map on the small table for all to see. "You guys killed a dragon! With your help, we can depose Lord Embree and hold Neshkel until the Flaming Fist in Beregost comes to assist. I've been planning this for months, and we can finally do it!" He pats Perrin on the back, a wide grin on his face as he celebrates the upcoming victory with his son.
"You realize the deposing Embree will accomplish little," Zamar interjects. "I don't mean to dampen your enthusiasm, but they will probably appoint someone else who is just as bad. Do you have a plan for assuring a more sympathetic ruler?"
"Well, no," Sam responds, "But you all have a name in Baldur's Gate. With your influence, we can get Baldur's Gate to back our occupation!"
Zamar smiles and shakes his head. "Let's not oversell our influence. We are in the employ of a Lord who is new to town, but he does not yet have the respect to sway the city. You may be better off trying to fortify Neshkel and working for independence."
Sam's eyes brighten when Zamar mentions fortifying Neshkel. "We have some allies in the town, and I'm sure others will join our cause once we've deposed Embree." He looks over to Perrin and says, "We'll finally get revenge for all the hurt he's caused, son."
Perrin was so excited to see his Pa back here safely. He was prepared to run up and hug him but once he saw the crates of weapons he stopped. Perrin already knew what was going through his Pa’s mind. And Perrin didn’t know what to tell him but looking at his friends Perrin knew he had to talk some sense into his Pa. That he had to get his Pa’s mind out of that dark easy place that’s tempting to go to. That place that tells him revenge is the answer. That killing Embree will solve everything. Perrin finally speaks up. “Guys. I think I need to tell him. And I think it might be best done alone.”
"Tell me what?" Sam asks, turning a perplexed look on Perrin. "Did something happen while I was away?"
“Kind of Pa.” Perrin answers before turning to look at his friends “Why...why don’t you guys go talk to Dapple about what happened and prepare everything for first light tomorrow,” Perrin suggests to the others.
Singe, who has had his head in his hands, sighs, “Yes, let’s get ready.” And leaves.
Zamar puts his hand on Perrin's shoulder and squeezes. Then he walks out.
Shanolia scoffs and shakes her head when she sees the weapons and armor, reluctantly following Sam into his tent to hear him out. At the first mention of his crazy plan, she shakes her head again and walks out, not surprised to see others following soon after.
Eventually, all of the Scarlet Dawn leaves the tent and it's left empty with just Sam and Perrin. Sam looks over at his son, arms crossed at the looks and scowls he got from his son's companions. "What's this about, boy?" Sam asks.
Perrin gets a little nervous. He’s not too sure how his Pa will take it but he has to tell him. So, Perrin takes a deep breath and just goes for it. “Pa, me and the rest of my companions are leaving to go back to Baldur’s Gate tomorrow. We’ve thought and debated long and hard about this but we believe the next best move for everyone is that we return to Baldurs Gate. We have an obligation to complete our contract and get Grasalfan and Polly back to the city. And to help out Neshkel we have to learn more about the Amn political system and how a town can no longer need a noble. We can’t just storm into town, kill Embree, and take over. Amn will certainly send someone to just take it back over. Or, even worse, it’ll spark a war between Amn and Faerûn. And besides the people here are happy. They are happy to be where it’s safe and they have food. Some of them don’t even want to leave the mountain. They’re content to spend the rest of their lives here even given the option to return toNeshkel.” Perrin pauses to take a breath. He realizes he may have been rambling a bit, but, he has more he wants to save. “Pa, I know I haven’t been an adventure long and I’ve never been good at the learning thing but, I have learned something in these past couple months. It’s that violence only brings about more violence Pa. That if you go in swinging with an army you can only expect an army to come swinging back at you. But, if you go in with an open heart, mind, and the resolve to settle your differences without swinging your sword then you make the future a truly better place. It’s like what Ma always used to say Pa. Only light can truly defeat darkness. And this” Perrin gestures to the crates of weapons and armor “isn’t what light looks like. It’s only more darkness. This isn’t what Ma would want. She wouldn’t want you raising some army to attack. She’d rather you stay here and help make these people’s lives better. And come up with a way that peacefully gets Embree out and someone the people love in. So I’m asking you Pa. Please stay here and make these peoples lives better, don’t go charging in with a makeshift army because in the end it’s not going to change anything. I promise, me and my friends will be back. I’m not leaving my hometown in Embree’s hands. Just please, let me find a way to end this all, without anymore bloodshed.” When Perrin finishes his little speech he is grasping his Holy Symbol to Yondalla. The only thing he has left of his Ma and the thing thing that is keeping him anchored to the oath he swore to several months ago. (Persuasion with Advantage and Channel Divinity Emissary of Peace: Nat 20 for a total of 30.)
Sam is silent as Perrin speaks. When he mentions Verna, Sam looks like he's about to speak out but something stops him. Perrin's words seem to hit at a personal debate he had been having internally since the start of this rebellion. As if Verna herself were standing in front of him, Sam's eyes glisten and tears begin to fall over. "You got yer mom's voice, boy," Sam says shakily. He takes a deep breath and wipes away the tears before he continues. "I visited her back in Neshkel," he tells Perrin, instinctively taking a seat. "When it was discovered she was pregnant, she left me because I was too driven by adventure to realize that all I needed to be happy was her." He opens his pouch and produces a bracelet that belonged to Verna, one that Perrin had always seen his mother wearing. "She would have wanted you to have this," Sam continues. "It's been passed down in her family... and when I thought you dead I left it to mark her grave, thinking it would have been best to let it die with her." Sam sets the bracelet on the table and slides it over to Perrin, "I don't know what magics it holds, but its got yer mother's love in it." He looks down at the map before him and adds, "Yer right, boy... Gods, yer right.
Perrin is overcome with emotions. He was so scared that his Pa wouldn't listen. Perrin grabs the bracelet and then tackles his Pa into a big hug. Perrin doesn't realize that he too started crying until after he lets go.
"Dammit boy..." Sam says returning the hug. It looks like the weariness and worry has been drained from him after speaking with his son. "I'll think of ways to make our community prosper," he says. "I'll make it a place where anyone that's weary of Embree can come and live without his threats looming over them. Thats..." He wipes his eyes again, "That's what Verna would have wanted."
"What Ma would have wanted." Perrin agrees with him while he is putting on the bracelet. After a moment of silence Perrin then says "So, do you want to hear how we scared away a dragon?"
Sam nods and settles back in his chair, a proud smile on his face the whole time Perrin recounts his version of the events that transpired in the Scarlet Dawn's triumph over the Cloudpeak's Dragon.