Before Millivent has even finished speaking, Sylyra turns to face the others. "Let's finish up our errands here, head back to the Laughing Goblin, get ready, and set off for Kabel's Hill this afternoon." He looks at the other four more as a formality than an actual invitation to do more than agree. He doesn't quite glare.
Having stood still, deep in thought, Uragum listened silently as the others talked. While he'd only been here a few months, he had heard of the pact with the fey folk and even had his slight run in with them. "I don't know if I had told you two, but a bit back I had a run in one of their guards. I had once thought about procuring some elemental infused wood in which to craft a wand with and had at requested entry into the woods find it. I was swiftly turned away. Sternly, but polite enough. This might be my chance to also procure some of that wood, but I digress. As you say, we should prepare for this trip." Looking to Auriel he asks, "I wouldn't claim to know all the rules in fey territory but maybe you do. Do you think this would be one of those situations where if we eat food there we can never leave?"
Auriel exhales soundly after Sylyra speaks. It's not that he doesn't agree with him. On the contrary, he does. But his manners unnerve him, especially so as of late. The eladrin addresses the rest but is looking at the wood elf as he says:
- Our benevolent leader has spoken. By all means, let's do as he commands. - Then, the red-headed paladin proceeds to do a deep bow to the druid. A perfect display of etiquette that would have surely gained looks of approval at court. While Auriel's house had not been counted among the greater Feywild houses, he did know his etiquette. His parents and instructors had made sure of this.
He then turns to Millivent, to address her with the words Sylyra seems to have been forgotten to say to her.
- Thank you for the information, Mrs. Moss. Let's hope that if we meet again we'll have good news regarding this issue. May Tyr bless your and your family's path- he bows slightly to her before turning again to the others.
After listening to Uragum, the paladin replies:
- Stern but polite are their manners when you first approach the Quivering Forest. And that is the best any outsider will get. Did you get that guard's name by any chance? - He exhales again, this time slightly, before proceeding to answer further - I don't know all the rules, either. What I do know is that there's a very small number of people that can enter the Forest without being harmed. One of them is Serelis, a ranger that lives in border of the Forest. He can enter, reach Greenhall - the place where elves reside in the Quivering Forest - and move freely in those lands. That's the one I would contact before daring to do anything else.
On the matter of the wood, Auriel frowns a little:
- Be careful of how you handle that, Uragum. Even if I don't know that much of the Forest, I have the feeling that if you try to procure any wood without permission, the Forest may end up procuring it's own slice from you.
The eladrin ends up saying:
- I'm sorry, I can't say much else. After all, I only lived in Greenhall for a short time. My parents and sister should still be there ... - Auriel's voice clearly quivers at the mention of his family. Then, when he musters what he needs to calm his speech, he continues - Not that it makes any difference since, to my knowledge, no other Greenhall elf has left those grounds. Much less be welcome to return.
(OOC: @barty please correct me if I said anything wrong. Also, would Auriel know more about what happens if you enter the Quivering Forest and are not allowed? In my mind, if you do that, you are as good as dead).
Hex chuckles at Auriel's overdramatic bow and bids Millicent farewell with a simple nod. "I don't really have any errands to complete of my own. I'll just follow you all around as you do your own things."
(OOC: @barty please correct me if I said anything wrong. Also, would Auriel know more about what happens if you enter the Quivering Forest and are not allowed? In my mind, if you do that, you are as good as dead).
OOC: I think you nailed it from Auriel's perspective.
I'll hold up a bit for the party to confirm whether there is anything else they would like to do in Phlan.
In response to Auriel's bow, Sylyra looks a combination of confused and as if he's smelling something distasteful. He watches the eladrin as the conversation continues. As the group bids farewell to Millivent, the druid moves to walk in step with the paladin. "I'm not sure what you thought you were accomplishing back there," he says, his voice lowered, "but if your intent was to wound me or to teach me a lesson, you've succeeded. You might want to prepare for your own lesson."
Auriel's eyebrows shoot in surprise at the fact that Sylyra is even talking to him. He looks straight at him for several seconds, as he ponders his answer.
- I reply to the kind of treatment I'm given. If I feel I'm treated poorly, I won't act as if I am okay with it. So I think I need to ask in return: what is it you expect when you treat people the way you do? That they accept it as it is, and act as if nothing happens?- he is asking sincerely.
To the druid's last sentence he just gives a slight and sad smile.
I'll hold up a bit for the party to confirm whether there is anything else they would like to do in Phlan.
(OOC: Before departing for Kabel's Hill, Auriel will visit Tyr's Temple once more. And Purchase 2 X Rations, 1 X Javelin and 1 X Clothes (Traveler's). Also, @barty I've sent you a DM with a couple more details to see if you approve)
Auriel's cool and rather logical response only infuriates Sylyra all the more. The wood elf stops walking, stares at Auriel's back for a second, then turns on a heel, causing Morisúrë to croak and flap her wings to keep her balance. He marches the opposite direction, growling, "I'll see you back at the Goblin," to Hex and Uragum as he storms by.
Back at the inn, Sylyra paces in his room as his raven watches silently from the top of her cage. His mind is a flurry of rage and revenge. How dare he mock me like that! His imagination offers several satisfying images of Auriel in pain. How could he hurt me like that? The image of Auriel's bittersweet smile is quickly replaced by another scenario of vengeance. Sylyra drops onto the edge of his bed. Auriel laughing. Auriel saying good morning in that self-satisfying way. The spark when their hands touched just before Sylyra helped him skewer the lizard king. No. He's just going to leave. Let him. I don't need him. I've got the others. He stands and walks to the small looking glass hanging by the door. He runs his thin fingers through his long, blonde hair and adjusts his face to passive snobbery. "If he wants a benevolent leader, he'll get one." He coaxes Morisúrë into her cage, then picks it and his pack up to head back to the common room to leave for Kabel's Hill.
Hex awkwardly glances at Uragum and Carl as Auriel and Sylyra clash, biting her lip to stifle her laugh. She couldn't help it, watching Auriel bite back at Sylyra and causing the druid to stomp away in anger was some what satisfying. Though she had never been treated as badly as Auriel and has mostly grown used to Sylyra's rough exterior, she did think he needed a bit of a wake up call.
Hex places a hand on Auriel's shoulder and smiles, though there is a hint of pity in her eyes. "Quite the show. I know I don't have to but I want to apologise for his behaviour. I honestly thought he would get over whatever problem he had with you in time but... I'll try to talk to him. If we're going to be working together for the foreseeable future, his behaviour is... unacceptable to say the least."
She bids farewell to the rest of the group and follows Sylyra back to the inn. She watches him enter his room before approaching and leaning on the wall besides his door, waiting with her head down and arms crossed. She chuckles at the constant sound of his heels clacking against the floorboards, an obvious sign that he was pacing. When he finally opens his door to leave, she steps in front of him, pushes him back into the room and closes the door behind her. "We need to talk. It was funny at first but now I see it's going to be an issue. What is your problem with Auriel?"
Carl’s eyes go wide at the description of the Quivering Forest, he listens to Auriel and hurries to catch up with him, hanging on every word. “Ye can’t touch any of the wood? How do you make a camp fire? Even dead wood fallen on the ground?” And a few other questions like that pop out of his curious mouth. Once Auriel and Sylyra start bickering, he backs away, walking further behind, shaking his head. He seems upset by this. He catches Hex’s eye and shakes his head, almost pointing to the two of them. He makes his way back as well to get ready, mainly wanting to procure enough rations to get there. As Sylyra stalks off to the Laughing Goblin, Carl accompanies Auriel, to the Temple where he waits outside, pacing around and waiting, then accompanies him to purchase 4 rations if that will be enough for the trip.
As they are walking to go make their purchases, Carl says to Auriel, “Why do ya think he has such a bee in his bonnet? Pain in the ass, he is. I agree with ya Auriel, and I’ll help ta watch your back. But we gotta work together if we’re gonna survive, like in the marsh. Sylyra did save me from that toad, guessin there’s that, but hearin how he spoke, I can’t say that I would rely on it…”. He walks on in silent support, at one point awkwardly putting his hand on the elf’s shoulder in a sign of solidarity.
The paladin, who is starting to grow a nice and big headache, isn't quite sure how this day that had started so good has suddenly turned so horrible. First the Forest, now Sylyra. And the feeling that he had once again messed up. Unwanted in Mithrendain. Unwanted in Greenhall. Unwanted here too. How on Toril did he manage to enrage so many people at that many different places? Hells, some of them weren't even in the same plane of existence! He of course knew quite well the cause of the first two, but the third one? Had he been that wrong for standing against a continuous behaviour that he felt was wrong?
Hex's touch brings Auriel back to the present moment.
- I ... - the eladrin tries to find the words, but he seems to have exhausted them. So he just shakes his head and adds - Thank you. - He doesn't even have the strenght to answer Carl's questions about the wood, so he just gives the dwarf an apologetic glance.
Walking towards the Temple along with Carl seems to brighten him a little, as it reminds him that at least he has one place where he can feel entirely welcome. As such, he tries to relax his troubled mind telling his friend about the oath, and even explains a little of how the temple works and what he's been doing there along with other fellow paladins the last few days. Once inside, he spends some time praying and meditating about what the future may bring. A future that a couple of days ago seemed bright. Where did all that light go?
When Auriel returns to Carl he gives his opinion on the druid.
- Well, from what he said that day on the marsh, I gather he's got his own monsters. Same as everyone, I guess. But perhaps his are too rooted inside him. But what do I know? - he says, shrugging. It didn't look as if he was ever going to know. He continues. - I would like that, Carl. Learn to work together, to just be fine with you guys. All of you. Tyr knows I would love that - he repeats.
When the dwarf mentions that Sylyra "saved him" the paladin just sighs and shakes his head. Unbelievable. Did Sylyra really say that to Carl...? Perhaps he shouldn't be surprised to realize how twisted the druid could be. But he shakes off that line of thought and ends up saying:
- I will only say this, Carl: you have a good heart. Rely on that. And know that, whatever happens, I am very glad to have met you that day on the marsh- he says, clapping the dwarf's back and smiling.
@Potatocrown: Please forgive me if I take too many liberties. I really don't like to write other character's actions. But I feel like if we really wrote out this conversation, waiting for the other to respond, it would take ages. Feel free to contradict anything I write that goes too far with Hex. By the way, thank you.
Sylyra allows Hex to push him back into his room, backpedaling gracefully. His face is wide open and full of surprise.
"We need to talk. It was funny at first but now I see it's going to be an issue. What is your problem with Auriel?"
At this, the elf's eyes narrow, and he replaces Morisúrë's cage on the small table in his room. That done, he turns his green eyes back on Hex. "Did you see what he did? Out there in front of everyone? He was rude and ... mean!" When Hex points out that Sylyra has been treating Auriel poorly since returning to Phlan, the druid has the audacity to look offended. "I have been perfectly civil toward him." Hex scoffs, standing her ground, and Sylyra finally deflates, turns, and takes a step away to face the wall. "I ... I'm afraid of getting too close. There was ... " He looks over his shoulder, and the tiefling can see the elf is grinning slightly. "... Something there. On the island." He looks away again, and she hears in his voice that he's no longer smiling. His voice takes on a childish quality. "But he's going to leave. Why would he stay? Why do I care? He should leave. I'm leaving. As soon as I can. I hate this place. It's smelly and low class and ... " Now, she hears the emotion in his voice. He's frustrated, and also upset.
"I haven't heard anything from my parents in almost four months," he says, completely changing the subject, his back still toward Hex. His voice is small and tired. "When they sent me here, I thought it would be for just a tenday or two. Maybe a month. 'Ha ha, I guess they taught me my lesson,'" he says, mocking himself. "'Now, let's get back home to Waterdeep.' Back to civilization. Back to my real life."
He turns around, looking defeated. "I don't want to fight with Auriel," he changes the subject again. "I want to hold him. I want to run my fingers through his hair and —" Hex cuts him off, and he sighs. "I don't know what to do. He made me so mad! He embarrassed me and made me look like a fool! In public!" he says, balling his hands into fists. His mouth works as he tries to get the words out, giving Hex time to interject.
Uragum watched the whole situation play out. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist as the tension rose but he kept his mouth shut. As the party slit, Uragum was left standing there alone. He ran a hand over his bald scalp and then stopped, an idea forming.
Heading back into town, Uragum made a few quick stops at the shop stalls. The first mundane enough, he grabbed a few extra rations for the trips. Then he spent some time before finally finding it. Purchasing two sets, he headed back to the inn to wait for both Auriel and Sylyra both.
(No problem at all DDP, I totally agree this would've taken ages haha! Pretty accurate to what I would've done so nice job.)
Perhaps unexpectedly, Hex smiles as Sylyra speaks his true feelings. She's happy he's finally admiting the truth. She had some thoughts on why he was treating Auriel the way he was after their little moment on the island and after he spilled his heart over lost companions during that one drunken night.
As the druid bumbled over the right words to say, Hex stepped forward and grabbed his face between her hands, raising it up to look her in the eyes and smushing his cheeks together almost like that of a child. She spoke with firmness in her voice but also a gentleness. "Sylyra. You want him to stay and yet you push him away? Do you know what that's called? It's called a self fulfilling prophecy. You treat him like he has already left which gives him no reason to stay. Have you ever thought that, maybe, if you treat him a little kindly, he would stay? Perhaps even let you run your hands from his hair?"
She loosens her grip on his face and moves her hands to his shoulders instead. "There's no point in worrying about what the future may or may not hold, of things out of your control. You can only make the best of the here and now. I know it's easier said than done. You're in an unknown place with unknown people but you have us now. We're your family, you said so yourself. We'll always be here to support you."
She takes a step back and crosses her arms. "That being said, from now on, I'm not going to let your behaviour go unchecked. You're not a spoiled little Waterdavian noble anymore. You're a simple adventurer now. Treat people with the same respect you wish to be treated with or Auriel won't be the only one to publicly humiliate you."
Having purchased a few more rations and a new javelin to replace the one he used in the marsh, dwarf and eladrin head back towards the Laughing Goblin. Auriel is not sure what he'll find once they get there. If the few belongings he left in his room were now on fire, for example, he wouldn't be that much surpised. Though he hopes that hasn't happened, after all Hex has followed Sylyra and the paladin trusts she'll be able to calm him down.
As they walk, he asks Carl:
- Talking about inner monsters, how are you doing regarding yours? You got me worried that night. Don't worry if you don't feel like talking, okay? Just know that I'm here whenever you wish to do it. (OOC: @towmbley, you don't need to answer nor elaborate too much. I can simply assume that you tell me what you told Sylyra here. Whatever works for you).
Once they enter the common room, Auriel will glance a little embarrrassed towards whoever he finds first there, as he feels bad for what transpired a while ago. He'll mutter that he only needs "a few moments to gather my things to depart for Kabel's Hill..." and head towards his room to do just that.
With Auriel and Carl being the first to return to the common room Uragum stands to intercept them. "Good your back," he says as he approaches. "Once you have your gear, meet me out back." He turns to Carl and says, "Carl, can you wait here for the others and send them out back as well. Drag Sylyra out if ya have too."
Uragum then hoists his pack and heads out the back door. He drops his pack on the ground and then, depending if the ground is dirt or hard packed stone, either draws a large circle on the ground with his foot digging into the dirt or with a piece of chalk if it's stone.
"Back? Why the back door?", Auriel wonders as he shares a glance with Carl, who just shrugs in return. Despite this, he nods to Uragum and heads to his quarters where, fortunately, he can find his equipment in perfect shape. It takes but a few instants to gather his backpack and weapons. Donning the chainmail, however, takes a while longer, but once that is done and after checking it has indeed been set up correctly, he heads back out.
Just before exiting the room the paladin turns around to take a quick look towards that room, wondering when they'll be back as he feels a tinge of uneasiness because everything points out to the party getting close to the Quivering Forest. Finally, with a slight sigh, Auriel turns to leave the room..
@Fairlthilien, I hope it's OK to add one more encounter to Auriel's exit.
Sylyra tries to look angry, but his embarrassment is too apparent for Hex to feel anything but pleased. "I always did talk too much when I've had too much wine," he says quietly. "But it's rude of you to throw it in my face like that," he says more loudly, a grin peeking through. He gives the tiefling the side eye. "Alright. I'll try to act with a little more civility. But, Hex," he says, reaching out and picking up Morisúrë's cage, "while I will attempt to act less spoiled," he continues, flashing his beautiful smile, "I will always be Waterdavian nobility." He brushes by her, throws open the door, and glides into the hallway, almost slamming into Auriel. *Cue the sound of a record player needle scratching its way across vinyl abruptly.* "Oh," Sylyra says, his regality dissipating into awkwardness. The druid clears his throat, squares his shoulders, and forces himself to look into the eladrin's eyes. "Auriel, it has come to my attention that I have treated you improperly. At my advisor's ... advice, I will attempt to do better in the future." He turns to look at Hex, raising his eyebrows at her as if to ask, "Better?"
OOC: Sylyra's ready to follow whoever tells him Uragum is waiting outside.
Auriel turns to leave the room ... to find himself almost slamming into Sylyra. The awkwardness in the druid's face is mirrored in the paladin's, who just stares unsure about what to say or do. When Sylyra speaks, his words catch Auriel by complete surprise. He wasn't sure what he expected to hear, but he definitely wasn't expecting that. The paladin's expression shifts from awkwardness to surprise and finally ... to a smile. And a bright one at that. Wasn't it incredible how a few words could act as the most potent of balms?
The paladin opens his mouth to say something, but ends up deciding against this and moves to get even closer to Sylyra and envelops him in a hug. Being this close, the druid can catch a slight scent. Something spicy, like cinnamon, mixed with something earthy, and woody. Sandalwood. Could this be the scent of the eladrin's autumn form? Then Auriel mutters to Sylyra: "Thank you". Two words that are transmitted to Hex, too, when the paladin's gaze briefly crosses with the ranger's, just before he steps a little away from the druid. Auriel's hands are still on Sylyra's shoulders when he says softly:
- Sorry for that. I ... think I needed it - he lets the druid's shoulders go and adds - I appreciate the effort, Sylyra. More than you can imagine - He stares into Sylyra's eyes for a moment, and then nods to himself, as if he was suddenly sure of something he wasn't that sure about a while ago - We'll make this work. Both of us, together.
Suddenly remembering that Uragum is waiting, he adds:
- Uragum is already outside, he went through the back door. Come on. Let's not keep the big boy waiting, yes?
He gestures Carl and Hex, too. And when they all seem to be ready, the eladrin exits through the back door to meet the wizard. All the uneasiness Auriel had been feeling seems to have vanished, replaced by hope and certainty. And perhaps something more.
Before Millivent has even finished speaking, Sylyra turns to face the others. "Let's finish up our errands here, head back to the Laughing Goblin, get ready, and set off for Kabel's Hill this afternoon." He looks at the other four more as a formality than an actual invitation to do more than agree. He doesn't quite glare.
Having stood still, deep in thought, Uragum listened silently as the others talked. While he'd only been here a few months, he had heard of the pact with the fey folk and even had his slight run in with them. "I don't know if I had told you two, but a bit back I had a run in one of their guards. I had once thought about procuring some elemental infused wood in which to craft a wand with and had at requested entry into the woods find it. I was swiftly turned away. Sternly, but polite enough. This might be my chance to also procure some of that wood, but I digress. As you say, we should prepare for this trip." Looking to Auriel he asks, "I wouldn't claim to know all the rules in fey territory but maybe you do. Do you think this would be one of those situations where if we eat food there we can never leave?"
Auriel exhales soundly after Sylyra speaks. It's not that he doesn't agree with him. On the contrary, he does. But his manners unnerve him, especially so as of late. The eladrin addresses the rest but is looking at the wood elf as he says:
- Our benevolent leader has spoken. By all means, let's do as he commands. - Then, the red-headed paladin proceeds to do a deep bow to the druid. A perfect display of etiquette that would have surely gained looks of approval at court. While Auriel's house had not been counted among the greater Feywild houses, he did know his etiquette. His parents and instructors had made sure of this.
He then turns to Millivent, to address her with the words Sylyra seems to have been forgotten to say to her.
- Thank you for the information, Mrs. Moss. Let's hope that if we meet again we'll have good news regarding this issue. May Tyr bless your and your family's path - he bows slightly to her before turning again to the others.
After listening to Uragum, the paladin replies:
- Stern but polite are their manners when you first approach the Quivering Forest. And that is the best any outsider will get. Did you get that guard's name by any chance? - He exhales again, this time slightly, before proceeding to answer further - I don't know all the rules, either. What I do know is that there's a very small number of people that can enter the Forest without being harmed. One of them is Serelis, a ranger that lives in border of the Forest. He can enter, reach Greenhall - the place where elves reside in the Quivering Forest - and move freely in those lands. That's the one I would contact before daring to do anything else.
On the matter of the wood, Auriel frowns a little:
- Be careful of how you handle that, Uragum. Even if I don't know that much of the Forest, I have the feeling that if you try to procure any wood without permission, the Forest may end up procuring it's own slice from you.
The eladrin ends up saying:
- I'm sorry, I can't say much else. After all, I only lived in Greenhall for a short time. My parents and sister should still be there ... - Auriel's voice clearly quivers at the mention of his family. Then, when he musters what he needs to calm his speech, he continues - Not that it makes any difference since, to my knowledge, no other Greenhall elf has left those grounds. Much less be welcome to return.
(OOC: @barty please correct me if I said anything wrong. Also, would Auriel know more about what happens if you enter the Quivering Forest and are not allowed? In my mind, if you do that, you are as good as dead).
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Hex chuckles at Auriel's overdramatic bow and bids Millicent farewell with a simple nod. "I don't really have any errands to complete of my own. I'll just follow you all around as you do your own things."
OOC: I think you nailed it from Auriel's perspective.
I'll hold up a bit for the party to confirm whether there is anything else they would like to do in Phlan.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
In response to Auriel's bow, Sylyra looks a combination of confused and as if he's smelling something distasteful. He watches the eladrin as the conversation continues. As the group bids farewell to Millivent, the druid moves to walk in step with the paladin. "I'm not sure what you thought you were accomplishing back there," he says, his voice lowered, "but if your intent was to wound me or to teach me a lesson, you've succeeded. You might want to prepare for your own lesson."
Auriel's eyebrows shoot in surprise at the fact that Sylyra is even talking to him. He looks straight at him for several seconds, as he ponders his answer.
- I reply to the kind of treatment I'm given. If I feel I'm treated poorly, I won't act as if I am okay with it. So I think I need to ask in return: what is it you expect when you treat people the way you do? That they accept it as it is, and act as if nothing happens? - he is asking sincerely.
To the druid's last sentence he just gives a slight and sad smile.
- Do what you must, Sylyra.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
(OOC: Before departing for Kabel's Hill, Auriel will visit Tyr's Temple once more. And Purchase 2 X Rations, 1 X Javelin and 1 X Clothes (Traveler's). Also, @barty I've sent you a DM with a couple more details to see if you approve)
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Auriel's cool and rather logical response only infuriates Sylyra all the more. The wood elf stops walking, stares at Auriel's back for a second, then turns on a heel, causing Morisúrë to croak and flap her wings to keep her balance. He marches the opposite direction, growling, "I'll see you back at the Goblin," to Hex and Uragum as he storms by.
Back at the inn, Sylyra paces in his room as his raven watches silently from the top of her cage. His mind is a flurry of rage and revenge. How dare he mock me like that! His imagination offers several satisfying images of Auriel in pain. How could he hurt me like that? The image of Auriel's bittersweet smile is quickly replaced by another scenario of vengeance. Sylyra drops onto the edge of his bed. Auriel laughing. Auriel saying good morning in that self-satisfying way. The spark when their hands touched just before Sylyra helped him skewer the lizard king. No. He's just going to leave. Let him. I don't need him. I've got the others. He stands and walks to the small looking glass hanging by the door. He runs his thin fingers through his long, blonde hair and adjusts his face to passive snobbery. "If he wants a benevolent leader, he'll get one." He coaxes Morisúrë into her cage, then picks it and his pack up to head back to the common room to leave for Kabel's Hill.
Hex awkwardly glances at Uragum and Carl as Auriel and Sylyra clash, biting her lip to stifle her laugh. She couldn't help it, watching Auriel bite back at Sylyra and causing the druid to stomp away in anger was some what satisfying. Though she had never been treated as badly as Auriel and has mostly grown used to Sylyra's rough exterior, she did think he needed a bit of a wake up call.
Hex places a hand on Auriel's shoulder and smiles, though there is a hint of pity in her eyes. "Quite the show. I know I don't have to but I want to apologise for his behaviour. I honestly thought he would get over whatever problem he had with you in time but... I'll try to talk to him. If we're going to be working together for the foreseeable future, his behaviour is... unacceptable to say the least."
She bids farewell to the rest of the group and follows Sylyra back to the inn. She watches him enter his room before approaching and leaning on the wall besides his door, waiting with her head down and arms crossed. She chuckles at the constant sound of his heels clacking against the floorboards, an obvious sign that he was pacing. When he finally opens his door to leave, she steps in front of him, pushes him back into the room and closes the door behind her. "We need to talk. It was funny at first but now I see it's going to be an issue. What is your problem with Auriel?"
Carl’s eyes go wide at the description of the Quivering Forest, he listens to Auriel and hurries to catch up with him, hanging on every word. “Ye can’t touch any of the wood? How do you make a camp fire? Even dead wood fallen on the ground?” And a few other questions like that pop out of his curious mouth. Once Auriel and Sylyra start bickering, he backs away, walking further behind, shaking his head. He seems upset by this. He catches Hex’s eye and shakes his head, almost pointing to the two of them. He makes his way back as well to get ready, mainly wanting to procure enough rations to get there. As Sylyra stalks off to the Laughing Goblin, Carl accompanies Auriel, to the Temple where he waits outside, pacing around and waiting, then accompanies him to purchase 4 rations if that will be enough for the trip.
As they are walking to go make their purchases, Carl says to Auriel, “Why do ya think he has such a bee in his bonnet? Pain in the ass, he is. I agree with ya Auriel, and I’ll help ta watch your back. But we gotta work together if we’re gonna survive, like in the marsh. Sylyra did save me from that toad, guessin there’s that, but hearin how he spoke, I can’t say that I would rely on it…”. He walks on in silent support, at one point awkwardly putting his hand on the elf’s shoulder in a sign of solidarity.
The paladin, who is starting to grow a nice and big headache, isn't quite sure how this day that had started so good has suddenly turned so horrible. First the Forest, now Sylyra. And the feeling that he had once again messed up. Unwanted in Mithrendain. Unwanted in Greenhall. Unwanted here too. How on Toril did he manage to enrage so many people at that many different places? Hells, some of them weren't even in the same plane of existence! He of course knew quite well the cause of the first two, but the third one? Had he been that wrong for standing against a continuous behaviour that he felt was wrong?
Hex's touch brings Auriel back to the present moment.
- I ... - the eladrin tries to find the words, but he seems to have exhausted them. So he just shakes his head and adds - Thank you. - He doesn't even have the strenght to answer Carl's questions about the wood, so he just gives the dwarf an apologetic glance.
Walking towards the Temple along with Carl seems to brighten him a little, as it reminds him that at least he has one place where he can feel entirely welcome. As such, he tries to relax his troubled mind telling his friend about the oath, and even explains a little of how the temple works and what he's been doing there along with other fellow paladins the last few days. Once inside, he spends some time praying and meditating about what the future may bring. A future that a couple of days ago seemed bright. Where did all that light go?
When Auriel returns to Carl he gives his opinion on the druid.
- Well, from what he said that day on the marsh, I gather he's got his own monsters. Same as everyone, I guess. But perhaps his are too rooted inside him. But what do I know? - he says, shrugging. It didn't look as if he was ever going to know. He continues. - I would like that, Carl. Learn to work together, to just be fine with you guys. All of you. Tyr knows I would love that - he repeats.
When the dwarf mentions that Sylyra "saved him" the paladin just sighs and shakes his head. Unbelievable. Did Sylyra really say that to Carl...? Perhaps he shouldn't be surprised to realize how twisted the druid could be. But he shakes off that line of thought and ends up saying:
- I will only say this, Carl: you have a good heart. Rely on that. And know that, whatever happens, I am very glad to have met you that day on the marsh - he says, clapping the dwarf's back and smiling.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
@Potatocrown: Please forgive me if I take too many liberties. I really don't like to write other character's actions. But I feel like if we really wrote out this conversation, waiting for the other to respond, it would take ages. Feel free to contradict anything I write that goes too far with Hex. By the way, thank you.
Sylyra allows Hex to push him back into his room, backpedaling gracefully. His face is wide open and full of surprise.
"We need to talk. It was funny at first but now I see it's going to be an issue. What is your problem with Auriel?"
At this, the elf's eyes narrow, and he replaces Morisúrë's cage on the small table in his room. That done, he turns his green eyes back on Hex. "Did you see what he did? Out there in front of everyone? He was rude and ... mean!" When Hex points out that Sylyra has been treating Auriel poorly since returning to Phlan, the druid has the audacity to look offended. "I have been perfectly civil toward him." Hex scoffs, standing her ground, and Sylyra finally deflates, turns, and takes a step away to face the wall. "I ... I'm afraid of getting too close. There was ... " He looks over his shoulder, and the tiefling can see the elf is grinning slightly. "... Something there. On the island." He looks away again, and she hears in his voice that he's no longer smiling. His voice takes on a childish quality. "But he's going to leave. Why would he stay? Why do I care? He should leave. I'm leaving. As soon as I can. I hate this place. It's smelly and low class and ... " Now, she hears the emotion in his voice. He's frustrated, and also upset.
"I haven't heard anything from my parents in almost four months," he says, completely changing the subject, his back still toward Hex. His voice is small and tired. "When they sent me here, I thought it would be for just a tenday or two. Maybe a month. 'Ha ha, I guess they taught me my lesson,'" he says, mocking himself. "'Now, let's get back home to Waterdeep.' Back to civilization. Back to my real life."
He turns around, looking defeated. "I don't want to fight with Auriel," he changes the subject again. "I want to hold him. I want to run my fingers through his hair and —" Hex cuts him off, and he sighs. "I don't know what to do. He made me so mad! He embarrassed me and made me look like a fool! In public!" he says, balling his hands into fists. His mouth works as he tries to get the words out, giving Hex time to interject.
Uragum watched the whole situation play out. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist as the tension rose but he kept his mouth shut. As the party slit, Uragum was left standing there alone. He ran a hand over his bald scalp and then stopped, an idea forming.
Heading back into town, Uragum made a few quick stops at the shop stalls. The first mundane enough, he grabbed a few extra rations for the trips. Then he spent some time before finally finding it. Purchasing two sets, he headed back to the inn to wait for both Auriel and Sylyra both.
(No problem at all DDP, I totally agree this would've taken ages haha! Pretty accurate to what I would've done so nice job.)
Perhaps unexpectedly, Hex smiles as Sylyra speaks his true feelings. She's happy he's finally admiting the truth. She had some thoughts on why he was treating Auriel the way he was after their little moment on the island and after he spilled his heart over lost companions during that one drunken night.
As the druid bumbled over the right words to say, Hex stepped forward and grabbed his face between her hands, raising it up to look her in the eyes and smushing his cheeks together almost like that of a child. She spoke with firmness in her voice but also a gentleness. "Sylyra. You want him to stay and yet you push him away? Do you know what that's called? It's called a self fulfilling prophecy. You treat him like he has already left which gives him no reason to stay. Have you ever thought that, maybe, if you treat him a little kindly, he would stay? Perhaps even let you run your hands from his hair?"
She loosens her grip on his face and moves her hands to his shoulders instead. "There's no point in worrying about what the future may or may not hold, of things out of your control. You can only make the best of the here and now. I know it's easier said than done. You're in an unknown place with unknown people but you have us now. We're your family, you said so yourself. We'll always be here to support you."
She takes a step back and crosses her arms. "That being said, from now on, I'm not going to let your behaviour go unchecked. You're not a spoiled little Waterdavian noble anymore. You're a simple adventurer now. Treat people with the same respect you wish to be treated with or Auriel won't be the only one to publicly humiliate you."
Having purchased a few more rations and a new javelin to replace the one he used in the marsh, dwarf and eladrin head back towards the Laughing Goblin. Auriel is not sure what he'll find once they get there. If the few belongings he left in his room were now on fire, for example, he wouldn't be that much surpised. Though he hopes that hasn't happened, after all Hex has followed Sylyra and the paladin trusts she'll be able to calm him down.
As they walk, he asks Carl:
- Talking about inner monsters, how are you doing regarding yours? You got me worried that night. Don't worry if you don't feel like talking, okay? Just know that I'm here whenever you wish to do it. (OOC: @towmbley, you don't need to answer nor elaborate too much. I can simply assume that you tell me what you told Sylyra here. Whatever works for you).
Once they enter the common room, Auriel will glance a little embarrrassed towards whoever he finds first there, as he feels bad for what transpired a while ago. He'll mutter that he only needs "a few moments to gather my things to depart for Kabel's Hill..." and head towards his room to do just that.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
With Auriel and Carl being the first to return to the common room Uragum stands to intercept them. "Good your back," he says as he approaches. "Once you have your gear, meet me out back." He turns to Carl and says, "Carl, can you wait here for the others and send them out back as well. Drag Sylyra out if ya have too."
Uragum then hoists his pack and heads out the back door. He drops his pack on the ground and then, depending if the ground is dirt or hard packed stone, either draws a large circle on the ground with his foot digging into the dirt or with a piece of chalk if it's stone.
"Back? Why the back door?", Auriel wonders as he shares a glance with Carl, who just shrugs in return. Despite this, he nods to Uragum and heads to his quarters where, fortunately, he can find his equipment in perfect shape. It takes but a few instants to gather his backpack and weapons. Donning the chainmail, however, takes a while longer, but once that is done and after checking it has indeed been set up correctly, he heads back out.
Just before exiting the room the paladin turns around to take a quick look towards that room, wondering when they'll be back as he feels a tinge of uneasiness because everything points out to the party getting close to the Quivering Forest. Finally, with a slight sigh, Auriel turns to leave the room..
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
@Fairlthilien, I hope it's OK to add one more encounter to Auriel's exit.
Sylyra tries to look angry, but his embarrassment is too apparent for Hex to feel anything but pleased. "I always did talk too much when I've had too much wine," he says quietly. "But it's rude of you to throw it in my face like that," he says more loudly, a grin peeking through. He gives the tiefling the side eye. "Alright. I'll try to act with a little more civility. But, Hex," he says, reaching out and picking up Morisúrë's cage, "while I will attempt to act less spoiled," he continues, flashing his beautiful smile, "I will always be Waterdavian nobility." He brushes by her, throws open the door, and glides into the hallway, almost slamming into Auriel. *Cue the sound of a record player needle scratching its way across vinyl abruptly.* "Oh," Sylyra says, his regality dissipating into awkwardness. The druid clears his throat, squares his shoulders, and forces himself to look into the eladrin's eyes. "Auriel, it has come to my attention that I have treated you improperly. At my advisor's ... advice, I will attempt to do better in the future." He turns to look at Hex, raising his eyebrows at her as if to ask, "Better?"
OOC: Sylyra's ready to follow whoever tells him Uragum is waiting outside.
@DDP: Sure! Post fixed.
Auriel turns to leave the room ... to find himself almost slamming into Sylyra. The awkwardness in the druid's face is mirrored in the paladin's, who just stares unsure about what to say or do. When Sylyra speaks, his words catch Auriel by complete surprise. He wasn't sure what he expected to hear, but he definitely wasn't expecting that. The paladin's expression shifts from awkwardness to surprise and finally ... to a smile. And a bright one at that. Wasn't it incredible how a few words could act as the most potent of balms?
The paladin opens his mouth to say something, but ends up deciding against this and moves to get even closer to Sylyra and envelops him in a hug. Being this close, the druid can catch a slight scent. Something spicy, like cinnamon, mixed with something earthy, and woody. Sandalwood. Could this be the scent of the eladrin's autumn form? Then Auriel mutters to Sylyra: "Thank you". Two words that are transmitted to Hex, too, when the paladin's gaze briefly crosses with the ranger's, just before he steps a little away from the druid. Auriel's hands are still on Sylyra's shoulders when he says softly:
- Sorry for that. I ... think I needed it - he lets the druid's shoulders go and adds - I appreciate the effort, Sylyra. More than you can imagine - He stares into Sylyra's eyes for a moment, and then nods to himself, as if he was suddenly sure of something he wasn't that sure about a while ago - We'll make this work. Both of us, together.
Suddenly remembering that Uragum is waiting, he adds:
- Uragum is already outside, he went through the back door. Come on. Let's not keep the big boy waiting, yes?
He gestures Carl and Hex, too. And when they all seem to be ready, the eladrin exits through the back door to meet the wizard. All the uneasiness Auriel had been feeling seems to have vanished, replaced by hope and certainty. And perhaps something more.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta