"Please," Sam said, standing. "Make yourselves at home. All I ask is that you pitch in as any of our people would. If you wish to hunt, find Sheema, she'll help you navigate the cave system." Turning to Grasalfan, he said, "If you'll accompany me, I'll get the forge going for you." He headed for the door then paused. "Ask around the camp, if you're serious about helping. I'm sure there's a few folks here who would be glad for some additional hands."
Before Sam can leave, Dapple stands up. "Where can I find Sheema, then? I can help with hunting, and hopefully get you more fresh food." Sam thought a moment. "She and Brod have been out of the cave for a night, so they are probably in their tent." He pointed a short distance away. "That's their tent over there."
"Thank you. If they've been out all night, I imagine they need some rest though. I'll leave them alone until I see them back out and about. You said that the kobolds have been raiding you through the caverns too. We could maybe start scouting out where they are coming from." "We know where they are coming from" Sam replies. "They won't use the elevator, so we're safe here." Sam shook his head. "No, I'd appreciate it if you and your people stay within this cavern."
"As you wish. I'm no healer, so was just trying to be useful." Dapple moves off to try and find someone he can help in some way, as payment for the aid and food the Dawn has been given so far.
Koll takes Sam's instruction and makes himself at home. He explores the camp, greeting those he meets, and offers what help he can. He finds a woodworker, a skill for which he has a passion, and puts in some work there.
Zamar gets up and says, "I think I will go see if I can be of any help to your healer. If anyone needs me, you can find me there."
He leaves the tent and goes back to where the healer was working. "We've just met with Sam and are here to help. I have some skills and magics as a healer. Is there anything I can do to assist you?" He glances over surreptitiously to take in Polly's condition while he talks.
The old woman glanced up, looking Zamar over. "Fine fine." She noticed him looking at Polly. "She'll be fine. No cold rot in her bones, so she'll keep all her extremities. She's resting now, and will be required to stay here for a while. I hope you weren't planning on leaving any time soon." She motioned to a shelf. "We need more bandages, if you would be so kind." Then, as an afterthought, she added. "I'm Kaia."
"Pleased to meet you, Kaia. I'm Zamar." He goes and gets the bandages for her. "I'd imagine your workload has increased since the dragon joined the kobolds."
Kaia scoffed. "Joined? That damned dragon controls the kobold hordes." She motioned for Zamar to follow as she sat to check on one of her patients. It was a young man, with deep lacerations in his left arm. "Give me those bandages. We need to change these and clean the wounds."
He hands her the bandages and says, "Wounds like these I can help magically, if you will allow me." He adds, "So the Kobolds weren't here until she came along?"
Kaia squinted her eyes suspiciously at Zamar. "If you think you can heal this, please, try." She stepped back, giving him room. "As for the dragon and kobolds, they've apparently always been here, but never bothered with this part of the cave system until recently. Our people have ran into the kobolds before, while out exploring or hunting, so there were always small skirmishes, but nothing like this." She motioned to the open wounds on the sleeping man's arm.
Zamar lays his hands gently on the man's arm and they begin to glow. As they do, he focuses on closing the wounds, using his inborn ability to channel the healing energy of the divine.
The man startles awake. "Hey! Who're you? What are you doing?"
"Relax, friend. Kaia is here with me. I'm just helping heal your wounds."
As Zamar's healing energies surged through the man's arm, it pulled closed a bit more. Wide eyed, the man watched, testing the arm. "That... that feels much better!" Kaia inspected the wound. "Not closed entirely, so we'll have to keep an eye on it. Lay still and let me clean it, then I'll bandage it. You can go back to your bunk. I won't need to see you for another few days at this rate." She began to clean and bandage the sections that didn't close fully. "You'll have a nice scar. You'd better show that to the ladies."
Zamar apologizes to the man. "Unfortunately, the magic is not entirely predictable, but I hope you feel better."
The man smiled gratefully up at Zamar. "Thank you, so much. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to help hunt anymore." Kaia, finished up the bandaging. "Go on, out of here with ya." The man grinned and left, giving Zamar a pat on the shoulder.
Zamar waves at him. "You'll be hunting again in no time." To Kaia, he says, "What else would help you and your folk? I'm not the strongest around, but I'm pretty nimble. Most of my talents lie in healing and entertaining, and the latter seems like more of a luxury just now."
Kaia smiled for the first time Zamar had seen. "If only we could keep you around. But if you want to perform, I don't think anyone would object. We've been forced in this cave for a while, and we have little in the way of entertainment."
"I'm sure we will stay for a bit and I will gladly lend my skills where I can. If you think a little entertainment would not be amiss, when we are done here, I will gather my friends. When we work together, it is a sight to see." He gives her his best smile.
Kaia smiled and moved to check that Polly was still warming up. "Why didn't this child have warm clothes? She's lucky, you know. Brenden, Sheema and Brod's boy, didn't get so lucky. Rot set into his leg, and I had to take it. It's so quick to happen up here, if one isn't prepared."
"We weren't expecting to be here. We were in a flying machine and the dragon knocked us out of the sky. Hell, we didn't even expect her to be with us. She stowed away and we have been looking after her ever since. She's family and we would do anything for her. We thought that meant keeping her out of harm's way. Now we see that it means keeping her close."
Kaia nodded, knowingly. "My daughter was strong willed. Nothing I said mattered to her, and she just did whatever she wanted, damn the consequences. Got her killed. That damned Lord Embree."
He puts his hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry for your loss. And for Sheema and Brod's. You'll not find any love for his 'Lordship' among our band. Anything we can do to see him paid for his deeds we will."
Kaia scoffed again. "We're all going to end up dead," she said softly, moving away from Polly. Shuffling to the back of the hut, she gingerly sat in an old rocking chair, that looked on the verge of falling apart. Once settled, she continued. "Between that Lord and the dragon, we've no chance of survival. Ain't nobody here can kill that dragon, and Embree's got an army a hundred times bigger. It's a fools plan."
"Let's start with the dragon," Zamar suggests. "My friends and I are working on a plan. "If we live through that, we can work on the next bit."
Kaia sighed. "Well, good luck to you all. I'll prepare more bandages and salves, just in case."
He smiles. As he walks out, he says, “If I can be of further assistance send word. And thank you again for taking care of Polly.”
Kaia waves a dismissive hand at Zamar, a sly smile crossing her lips.
Shanolia finally lets her hunger get the best of her as everyone distracts themselves with being useful, pulling her mask down so it hangs around her neck and silently eating some of the food that remains. Woe hangs behind when everybody leaves and starts eating with Shanolia.
"Do you think this afternoon we could work a little more on the forgery kit, Shanolia? Right now I'll head out with the others, trying to make myself useful..."
Shanolia finishes chewing the bite in her mouth before responding. "Of course, we can work on that whenever you get free time. As for me; I may stay out of it. Not sure my specific skillset will be of any use down here."
"Ha, well, I don't think disguising myself or playing music will do much good, but these people need us. Don't think they could hold up against that dragon much longer. I'll help if I can. Also, I guess it's as good as any place to celebrate my birthday." Woe smiles to herself, wondering if turning 50 would change anything...
"Today's your birthday, huh?" She sets her food down, pushing it away like she isn't hungry anymore, despite having only taken a few bites.
"Nope. Tomorrow. A big round one as well. Not sure if I am too happy about it. My birthday is also the day mymother died... so I am just reminded that there has always been a big hole in my life."
"I feel your pain." She smiles softly, a strange sight given her face. "Well, happy birthday, despite everything it entails." She chuckles softly for a second. "You know, I was shocked for a moment there; I thought we shared a birthday."
Woe looks at Shano and just starts laughing. "No way. Your birthday is today?"
"Tenth of Eleint; One-Hundred-Eighteen, as of today." She doesn't seem too affected by the fact. "Though, I stopped celebrating when I turned eighty. Too much studying to worry about another year passing."
"Happy birthday, Shano!" Says Woe simply, then pulls her into a hug.
Shanolia tenses up at the hug, awkwardly returning it. "Ah... um... thank you?" She clears her throat slightly when they separate. "That reminds me; You seem like the type to carry paper and ink with you. Would you mind if I use some? I can buy it from you, if you'd prefer."
"Of course you can have some!! And you know what, we should have a party. Might be our last.... I mean, we're about to head out to fight a dragon!!"
"A party sounds fun, but you shouldn't be so pessimistic. We've made it this far, haven't we?"
"How many sheets of paper do you need? Yes, we made it this far. And most of us already almost died more than once! And a dragon is a whole different story! I was in awe of that majestic creature. Somehow I don't really wanna kill her. We're in her territory, the settlement shouldn't be here. I would love to find a way how to make her an ally of ours..." Woe's voice trails off while she is trying to figure out another way than killing the creature.
"Yes, we are in her territory, and yes, technically this settlement shouldn't be here, but it is. And now so are we. I don't really see any other..." Her eyes widen. "Perrin's father said the attacks started when they took that Lord's child... The little dragons also got better equipped... I may have an idea, but you might not like it." She lets that thought linger for a moment, before remembering the first question. "Two or three sheets should suffice. I'm not big into writing, so they should last quite a bit."
Woe hands 3 sheets over to Shanolia along with her ink pen and the little ink bottle. "Please give the pen and the bottle back when you don't need it anylonger. They are hard to come by out here in the wilderness."
Then she cocks her head sideways: "Hm, you'll have to tell me about your plan, whenever you're ready!!"
Shanolia gratefully takes the items, tucking the pen and bottle into her pack and folding the paper to put it in the pocket of her hood, alongside the other pieces she's stored there over the years. "Thank you. As for my plan; it's absolutely ******* dischai (Elvish: Insane), but it just might work if the dragon truly is on the Lord's payroll. I'll discuss it tomorrow, once everyone's had a chance to rest up."
Woe's excitement is obvious: "I'll tell Sam that we would like to have a party tonight and I will go around and invite everybody to come. At the same time I'll try to find out more about the dragon, I am sure these people know more than they let on. Can't wait to hear your plan!" With this, Woe runs off.
While the group began to dissipates Perrin explores a little bit but, doesn't let his Pa leave his sighs. Once he sees him leaving the forge Perrin approaches. "Pa, we need to talk. Its been six months."
"Ah! Perrin, my boy!" Sam clapped Perrin on the shoulder. "I was hoping to find you. Come with me, it's time to prepare the food for the children." With an air of authority, he started walking, as if there were no questioning him.
Perrin, use to this, follows him without question. At least he'll have a chance to serve, and probably improve, food.
"I'm glad you're well," Sam said, a bit of awkwardness creeping into his voice. "What, er... what have you been up to? You look well fed."
"I scavenged some things from the remains of the farm. Then I left with a pledge to come back once I was stronger. I went all the way to Baldur's Gate Pa. It was there where I joined this new guild; The Scarlet Dawn. Since then we've been on this crazy adventure and we were just returning when the dragon attacked us." Perrin tells him, happy to see that he's curious. This was normally more of Ma's thing.
"I was afraid that..." Sam paused, leaving the sentence hanging. "I'm glad you're safe and found your way through life. Looks like you've made a great group of friends in the big city. I'm sorry about forcing all this dragon business upon you and your new friends, but these are desperate times."
"I know. I was afraid to." Perrin finishes for his Pa and then says with a smirk "I was going to help with the dragon even if you weren't here. Even if I had to do it by myself. I've already let one tyrant rule over me and ruin part of my life. I'm not going to let another one ruin someone else's life."
"We're going to give him his just reward," Sam said, looking Perrin in the eye, with fierceness. "We'll make him pay for his transgressions." He leads Perrin into a cavern filled with tables and chairs. Children crowded around one table, seemingly hard at work with something. He paused for a moment, surprised. "Huh, I wonder where Vera is," he mumbled, before heading down another hallway. "Kitchen's here."
After taking a quick look at what the children are reading Perrin continues to follow his father into the kitchen.
As Perrin walks in, Sam is already grabbing fresh ingredients. "Grab some of those carrots there, boy. Get them cut up for smaller fingers."
“What we making Pa? I might have some things in my pack that might help.” Perrin asks he grabs the knife and begins preparing the carrots.
"Just some fresh fruits and vegetables for the children," Sam replied, grabbing an apple from a depleted pile of apples. "We keep the fresh stuff for the little ones when we can." He began to slice the apple into thin slices. "As you can see, we're getting really low on fresh foods."
“I see. That means we must address this Dragon quickly. Before you run out.” Perrin says biting his lip nervously at the situation.
"Yes, it seems you've come at just the right moment." Sam moved over to grab a hunk of cheese and began to slice some pieces. Thinking out loud, he mumbled, "Now where did that girl get off to?"
“If Vera is Lord Embree’s daughter then A) I’m surprised you're not more upset that she isn’t here and B) If she is I know who she’s with,” Perrin says having already guessed this when Lera first left.
"She is, indeed, Embree's daughter," Sam said with a fond smile. "She's usually with the children at this time of day. Nothing to worry about. She'll be about somewhere."
“She’s with Lera. I’d bet Ma’s Cherry Pie recipe on it.” Perrin says with a smile
A look of sadness crossed Sam's face. It was gone a moment later. "Yes. She'll be around soon to play games with the children after their lunch."
Perrin realizes what he says and then is silent for a moment before saying quietly "Does she have a grave near-by?"
"Base of the mountain," Sam said quietly. "I got her out of the fire, but it was too late. I couldn't save her. Buried her at the base of the mountain. That's when the Winter Wolves found me."
"When this is all over, I'd like to visit. I think it'll bring me the closer I need." Perrin responds quietly
Sam nodded. "I haven't been able to go visit in a while. I'll take you, once I can."
Perrin, realizing that the conversation has turned sad, decides to change the topic. There will be a time for tears later. "I have magic now Pa. Yondalla seems to give me some of her powers now."
Sam blinked and turned his attention to his son. "That's wonderful, my boy! You truly have come into your own." Sam placed the chunks of cheese on a platter with the apples and placed a hand on Perrin's shoulder. "I'm proud of you."
Perrin has a smile on his face that only gets wider when his Pa says those words. He then puts the cut up carrots on the platter. "It's come in handy so many times. It's mainly healing and such and I can't do as much or as powerful as some of my friends but I feel like I'm on the break of more powerful stuff." Perrin says
"Power is subjective," Sam said, looking Perrin in the eye. "It's how you use your power that defines the man you are."
Perrin just nods. "So, Pa...is there anyone else from the village here?"
"A few," Sam said, releasing his son, and looking at the platter. Frowning at the slight selection, he mumbled to himself, "Has to be something else around here." As he began to look around the kitchen, he said, "Nobody you would recognize, I'm afraid. There are checkpoints going in and out of the city now. People are scared to try to leave."
Perrin sighs. "If I knew my friends could get in and out without fear of the dragon attacking them they could go and get some food from the village."
"I'm afraid she has to die, my boy." Sam pulled out a bowl of cherries that looked a little too ripe and sat it aside. "You saw those kobolds, I'm sure. They didn't just happen to find that fancy armor and brand new weapons on the side of the mountain. They've been bought."
"I understand. As soon as she is gone we can have a small number of people sneak into and out of the city to get supplies." At seeing the cherries Perrin says. "Pa, let me see those. I bet these children haven't had anything sweet in a while and I think with those and a little flour and maybe an egg or two I can make them a small treat. Well behaved children that are probably scared out of their minds need a treat every once in a while."
Sam handed the bowl to Perrin. "Ma's recipe?"
"Is there any better?" Perrin says with a smile.
Sam nods and takes the platter to the children.
Perrin begins his work on making some Cherry Pie for the children.
A few moments later, Sam returned. "By the way, give me that old armor of mine. You said it was destroyed. You have no use for it now."
Perrin turns and looks at his Pa before saying "It is in my bag. Just take it out Pa. Also, unless you're going to help then get out of here. I'm sure there's something somewhere that needs your attention. We'll talk later." He then turns back to his work letting a moment pass before adding "And Pa. I love you."
Sam stood a few moments, smiling proudly at his son. Then he stooped, and pulled the armor from Perrins pack, looking at the tatters. He frowned at the state of the ruined armor and looked at his son with wonder. Finally, he turned for the door. As he left, he called over his shoulder,"I love you too, Perrin."
As Woe leaves the hut, she sees Sam walk past, carrying what she recognizes as Perrin's destroyed armour.
"Sam, Mr. Cherrycheeks, can I have a quick word please?"
Sam pauses in his tracks. "Yes?"
"How many days of preparation do you think we need before we can face the dragon?"
"That's entirely up to you." Sam shrugged. "I've never faced a dragon before."
"I was thinking, this is also the strongest enemy we have had to face so far. So to get everyone's mood up, maybe we could have a little party tonight. Nothing fancy in regards of food and drink. Just some music, Zamar is a great bard and I can sing a bit too, and a bit of dancing. It's also the birthday of two of our members. So it would be nice to have a little fun before all the hard work begins. Are you alright with that?"
Sam thought a moment, a smile crossing his lips. "It's been a while since we've had any sort of entertainment. Morale is a little low. I don't see why we can't arrange something. Perrin is already baking a pie for the children, so... yes! Let's have a bit of music and dancing. Let's help people forget, if only for a moment, what we're facing."
"Great, I will walk around and invite everyone. I do have a bottle of Tej that I am happy to offer. Where and when would we best gather?"
Sam looks over his shoulder. "We have a dining hall back where I came from. We can move some of the tables around, and make some room for dancing. But not yet, the children are in school right now."
"Oh, and are people going out to hunt? Maybe some of us could join them and hopefully be successful!"
"Unfortunately, I don't think it wise to send anyone out again today. We thought we'd lost Brod and Sheema. We'll just have to make due with what we have."
"Ok, we'll set up later this afternoon." Then Woe spots what Sam is holding in his hands. "Go now and take good care of Perrin's armour. He fought well, you have a great son!!"
"I know," Sam said, beaming with pride, before he began walking once again, toward the forge.
When Woe departs, Shanolia pushes aside whatever dishes lie in front of an empty seat at the table and withdraws the ink, pen, and a single sheet of paper, setting the paper down in front of her and beginning to write, her flawless handwriting a sharp contrast to her otherwise-ratty appearance.
“10th of Eleint. Day 8,851
Another birthday comes, another soon to pass. I've found myself in the company of some rather strange folk; adventurers, it would seem. Still not sure if they trust me, but they haven't killed me yet, so that's a start. The only three I fully trust myself are Perrin, Woe, and Lera - The first two I owe my life to, were it not for them I would lie dead in Baldur’s Gate. The third… I'm not entirely sure. There's just something about her that puts my mind at ease. Then, of course, there’s the child, Polly. She reminds me so much of myself that I worry the Gods may be trying to take advantage of me… to punish me in some way.
I stopped writing a while ago, content that I would be just another corpse in the ground when I shall pass, but something that has come up has me worried. We are currently trapped in a mountainside cave network with Perrin’s father and a group called the Winter Wolves. They've tasked us with killing a dragon that has been terrorizing their settlement and trapping them within. I've fought many men, some even twice or three times my size and strength, but this is different. This will take more than cunning to pull off, and frankly, I fear for my life and those of my friends. May Sune have mercy on my soul, should I join my family in the afterlife, and may the Dark Mother guide me from the shadows.”
As she writes, she feels a sudden warmth wash over her, one that disappears as quickly as it arrives. Satisfied with her journal entry, she pulls out the stack of similar pages, all in various levels of quality - from old sheets of the worst parchment to the high-quality pages of the greatest libraries - and lays the new one on top, glad to have aired out her worries in a place no one is likely to ever see them. While she's straightening her cloaks hoods, she watches as a small spider scurried past, almost trying to avoid any attention as it strings its way down the table.
Nobody tried to stop Lera as she began to wander, but she did draw some looks. As she left the area of the huts and tents, she entered another cavern filled with tables and chairs. A group of children, including the boy she recognized as Brenden, Sheema and Brod's son, are huddled around one of the tables, with a young woman. The children looked up as she entered, and begin to giggle and whisper among themselves excitedly. The woman turned and looked her over. "Hello there!"
“Hello!” Lera greets the woman before sitting down with the kids. “What are we whispering about?” She asks in a stage whisper.
Brenden spoke up, loudly. "You're new! You came in with my momma and daddy!" The young woman smiled, allowing the children their moment of reprise. Scattered along the table are open books.
“Well, your momma and daddy were very brave. They saved my life,” Lera said solemnly, sneaking a glance at one of the books.
The books are filled with colorful pictures and texts, appearing to be school books of some sort. Brenden beamed with pride. "My momma and daddy are super brave! They faced that horrible dragon! They didn't kill it though. But they will!"
“Oh, I have no doubt. They look exactly like the sort that kill dragons,” Lera nodded.
The young woman spoke up, trying to get the children back on track. "Would you like to join us today," she asked Lera, with a smile.
“It depends,” Lera fidgets in her seat a little. “What am I joining?”
"Well, school, of course!" The young woman pointed at the books. "We are teaching some of the younger students how to read." She extended a hand to Lera. "I'm Vera."
"Oh my gosh, our names rhyme!" Lera shook the woman's hand excitedly. "My name is Lera."
"That's awesome," Vera said, just as excitedly. "Toby, would you help the young ones sound out the next sentence?" As the children got back to work, Vera turned to Lera. "So, how did you find this place?"
"The white dragon knocked our airship out of the sky, and then my dad was really hurt and far away from the rest of us, but Sheema and Brod saved him," Lera recounted the story happily. "And now we're here."
Vera looked at Lera excitedly, and was about to say something, then paused. She stood, motioning for Lera to follow, leading her to another table, a bit further away. "So we don't distract the children," she explained. "Tell me of the outside world? How are things going out there?"
"Oh, yeah, that's probably for the best," Lera nodded in agreement. "I mean, the outside world is fine? People are doing things? I'm sorry, it's a very general question." The sorceress blushed. "When was the last time you were out?"
"Well, I've been here for..." Vera sad, stopping to think. "Oh gosh, I don't know. Anywhere between a few months and a year? Time is weird when you're in a cave. I also haven't really asked." She giggled a little. "How are things in Neshkel?"
"I'll be honest, the past month or so I've been... traveling," Lera replied. "But, ummm, as far as I know they haven't overthrown the government quite yet?"
Vera giggled. "Well, I know that much. I'm still here!"
"Sorry, I'm not super familiar with the area," Lera said sheepishly.
"It's okay. The entire situation is... complex and complicated." Vera shrugged. "The people here have nowhere else to go because of Lord Embree. The last time I was in Neshkel, there were many more people like them. It's all very sad."
"Complex and complicated, huh?" Lera winked. Why don't we talk a little walk? She messaged the girl.
Vera smiled and nodded. After a moment, she paused, a little confused. "You didn't say that... did you?"
Oh, yeah, I did. Sorry, sometimes I forget that not everyone knows that I can... Lera cleared her throat. It's magic. I can talk to you, and only we can hear each other.
"Oh, okay," Vera whispered. Then she got an idea. "Wait here a moment." She stood, and walked to the children, where she said something to the oldest of the group. Making her way back to Lera, she said, "Come to my room. Nobody will hear us there." She looped her arm through Lera's, and lead her down one of the connecting hallways. The hallway opened into another chamber, this one filled with cells. She lead Lera past cell after cell, until they got to one of the larger ones at the back. The door was sitting open, and was decorated with pillows a little luxuries. "Here we go," she said, plopping down on the bed.
Let's use this too, Lera sat down beside her. Just as an added safety measure.
"Oh, okay," Vera whispered.
"Oh Vera, that's..." Lera giggled. "You have to just think it. I'll be able to hear your response." Try again.
"Oh? Oh!" Vera closed her eyes and scrunched her nose. Um... LIKE... THIS...?
There! Now you have it! Perfect, Lera beamed.
Vera grinned. This is so cool! How did you learn that? Oh man, if the girls knew about this, they'd go wild!
My magic is innate, so I just... Pick things up, Lera replied. I'd love to try and teach you though.
I don't have a magical bone in my body! Vera giggled. So, why did you want to talk privately?
Sometimes people have secrets, Lera shrugged. I just wanted to make sure you were ok in case you had any?
Secrets? Vera gave Lera a confused look. What secrets could I possibly have?
I dunno, Lera shrugged, trying to play the moment off. I have some secrets. Like when I was little, I sort of made a super fancy lady's dog bright orange... Or, more recently, I went into the Astral Plane and saw some things.
"Ooooh," Vera said, then leaned close to Lera. I do have a secret. I hate cheese. Can't stand the stuff. But I always tell people I'm allergic to it so they don't question me!
How can you hate cheese!?!? Lera replied in mock disdain.
See? Vera cocked an eyebrow. This is why I keep it secret.
Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, Lera smiled. So what is it like living here? It seems cool, but also strange.
It's okay, really. Vera smiled wide. I get to do whatever I want to do. I have no use other than just being here, so I try to pitch in and help as much as possible.
You seem super useful to me, Lera nodded. Getting to teach those kids how to read... It doesn’t seem very free being trapped underground, though. Do you ever miss going outside?
I do... but I know why I'm here.
Why are you here? Lera asked, even though she was pretty sure she already knew the answer.
Vera sighed. My father isn't a good man. I'm here in the hopes that they can dig into him, emotionally. But it won't work.
Who you are isn’t defined by him, Lera placed a hand on Vera’s shoulder. If you could write your story, what would you do?
Help the people, Vera thought, smiling. I like helping here. I cook, do laundry, teach the children. I like being helpful to those who need me.
I could help you leave, if that’s what you wanted. You could help people in other places. You could help them with me.
"No!" Vera looked taken aback. I mean... no! I like it here. Everyone in these caves is here because of my father. I feel like it's my responsibility to help them.
It isn’t your fault, Lera sighed. If they all leave and overthrow your father, what would you do then?
I would... Vera thought a moment. Help them make everyone's lives better. Make sure everyone has food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over their heads. I'd make sure there were jobs for everyone, and that they weren't taxed to death. I might even reduce the army, or at least refocus their direction.
It sounds like you would be a very good ruler, Lera sat back.
I don't care about ruling. Vera leaned back against the wall of her cell. I just want to make people's lives easier.
You talk like a ruler.
Vera shrugged. Not any ruler I've heard.
No, a good ruler. The kind they write stories about, Lera smiled.
Vera blushed. I don't want stories written about me.
No? Lera raised an eyebrow. But they’d be such good stories. Stories about your kindness, the goodness in your heart, your beauty...
Vera's face turned an even darker shade of scarlet. No, I just want to make people happy.
Your selflessness...
"Stop," Vera giggled. "I'm just me."
"Well, maybe they won't write a whole story about you," Lera fell back on the bed. "But, when the bards write their songs and stories about me, I'm sure you'll be in there for at least a verse."
"Thanks," Vera laughed. "It's been nice to chat with someone my age, again. Feels a little more like home."
"Yeah. The rest of the Scarlet Dawn are nice and all, but no one really thinks very much of me. Well, except for Perrin," Lera smiled. "I'm happy I found you."
"No?" Vera asked, shocked. "You seem wonderful! Why don't think think well of you?"
"I'm young and impulsive," Lera shrugged.
"Aren't we all?" Vera giggled again.
"Apparently not," Lera smiled. "Do you want to see something cool?"
Vera got excited again, bouncing on the bed. "Yeah!" Lera focused a moment before raising a bit of the water out of the bucket. She levitated it at eye level and shaped it into a crude flower "Oooh," Vera cooed. "That's so pretty! You are so talented!"
"Thank you!" Lera smiled, putting the water back into the bucket (and only splashing a little out the sides.)
Vera giggled and stood, grabbing a rag, and began to wipe up the little bit that splashed out. "Are you going to help overthrow my father?"
"Yes," Lera nodded. "First, I'm going to kill the evil dragon and save the kind princess," she waved her hand and minor illusioned the image of a dragon on the bed. "And then we'll all go down the mountain together."
"That's a sweet sentiment," Vera said, standing once again. "But I'm not a princess, and I'm not in need of rescuing. If I wanted to leave, I'd walk right out the front door. Well, cave. You know what I mean!"
"I was told you were a prisoner."
"I am a prisoner!" Vera plopped back down onto the bed with a smile. "You're in my prison cell, don't you see?" She motioned around her makeshift room. "As long as I'm here, they have something to use against my father."
I was actually looking for you when I wandered around, Lera reverted to message. When they told me they had captured his child... I don't know, you're not what I pictured. But it made me angry. If they're supposed to be the good guys, why are they kidnapping people? I wanted to come and offer you freedom.
Vera moved closer, placing her hand on Lera's. "I'm here by choice. Yes, they kidnapped me, I guess. But I went willingly. I want to be here."
“Well I know that now,” Lera blushed.
"There are plenty of damsels in distress in Neshkel." Vera awkwardly moved her hand away. "So many to choose from."
“Well I guess it’s a good thing I’m going there next,” Lera said softly. “I have a list, you know. And slaying a dragon and saving a damsel in distress are right at the top.”
"I can't help with that," Vera said. "I have no skill at fighting. But I'll do my best to send you in the right direction. I've been working with Sam to formulate a plan to bring my father to justice. We haven't really gotten far in the plan, but hopefully it works."
"And what is your plan?" Lera asked.
"It's not fully flushed out yet." Embarrassed, Vera fidgeted. "Everyone knows my father is a terrible tyrant. But he has gold and powerful friends. So, if we can cut him off from one or the other, we might be able to get at him."
"That sounds very smart," Lera said dreamily. "I tend not to think things through. More of a 'rush in, wand a-blazing' kind of strategist."
"I couldn't fight to save my life." Vera said, blushing. "I have to think things through. Sometimes I'm not the best at it."
"There are many different ways to fight, you know," Lera stood up suddenly. "You just haven't found the right one yet. Like, if I tried to punch someone, that probably wouldn't go great for me. We just have to figure out what your best fighting style is."
Vera laughed, looking up at Lera. "I'm really not a fighter. I spent my childhood learning to sew, and that's really just about it. I only learned to cook because I hid away in the kitchens."
"Vera," Lera looked the other girl in the eye and held her face in her hands. "The most fierce warrior I have ever met is also the best cook. You're not a good fighter because you haven't learned yet. You're not going to be good at something right away, it takes practice."
Vera jumped up quickly. "Okay then, teach me."
"Ummm," Lera blushed. "Well, I mostly hide behind my spells.... but..." She grabbed a pillow off the bed. "My dad always tells me learning how to avoid a hit is half the battle. How are you at dodging?"
"I've never had to try, before," Vera said laughing, but making no motion to try to defend herself. Without any further warning, Lera tries to whack her with a pillow. Vera giggled as the pillow hit her. "Oh, is that how we're doing this?" She grabbed another pillow and swung back at Lera.
Lera catches the pillow with one hand just before it would have hit her in the face. "Come on, Vera," she taunts before twisting the pillow out of the other girl's grasp. "You can do better than that!" The sorceress brought the two pillows together, attacking Vera from either side.
Vera giggles and begins trying to wrest a pillow away from Lera, the sorceress letting her take the pillow easily. Successfully pulling the pillow away, she aims to hit Lera again. Ever the performer, as the pillow hits Lera, she follows the movement of the weapon and spins into a heap on the floor.
"Oh no!" Vera rushes over, to check on Lera. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to knock you over!"
"Are you kidding, that was great?" Lera smiles up at the other girl from the floor.
"It was just a pillow," Vera laughed.
"It was practice."
"I won't be fighting dragons with pillows," Vera giggled, sitting on the floor next to Lera.
"We all start somewhere."
"I'm not the one going to fight a dragon." Vera pats Lera's arm. "That's you. You're going to save the princess, remember?"
"And then you're going to take over and be a better leader for your people," Lera smiled. "Once they get rid of your dad, that is."
"Well, I'll try!"
“And when you do, you’re going to need to be able to protect yourself, in case people try and kidnap you... again.”
"Well, then, I'll need to keep you around to teach me." Vera sat, deep in thought for a moment, then quickly pulled a ring off one of her fingers. She grabbed Lera's hand, placed the ring in her palm, and closed her fingers around it. "Take this. I can't fight a dragon, I can't even fight my own father, but I can try to make sure you come back alive."
Lera placed the ring on her finger. “I will wear it with pride.” She bit her lip, thinking for a moment. “I-I’d like to give you something too.”
"What? Why?" Vera looked at her confused. "I'm not going off to face a dragon!"
“Because you gave me a gift!” Lera said defensively. “And... because your path is also probably very dangerous.”
Vera shrugged. "I'm just going to stay here. Unless the kobolds figure out how to use the elevator, I think I'll be safe. But, okay. I'll take your gift."
"After we finish killing the dragon, you'll leave, and then you'll take back Neshkel, and..." Lera continued to bite her lip. "Close your eyes," she said abruptly. Vera looked at Lera skeptically, but closed her eyes. The sorceress took a deep breath before pecking the quickest of kisses on the other girl's cheek. "For... good luck," she stuttered, blushing as scarlet as the dawn.
Vera also began to blush. "I feel that everything will go wonderfully, then. You go slay that mighty dragon, and save the princess."
"Yeah," Lera got up, tripping over one of the discarded pillows as she made her way to the door. "Easy-peasy."
Vera giggled as she got up and followed. "I have to check on the children. I'll... see you later."
“Yeah, see you later,” Lera cleared her throat. “I’ll do that. Bye.” And with that, Lera ran off at a full sprint to find her best friend.
Lera runs into the kitchen breathless. “PerrinIhaftatalktoyouboutsomethin.”
"Careful, Lera. This is hot. I don't want to burn you." Perrin says as he takes a pie out of the oven. "If you're going to be in here you are going to help me out. Get me enough plates for all the kids out there."
“I need you to pinky promise you won’t tell anyone what I’m about to tell you,” Lera said, making no motion to get the plates.
"Yes. I promise. Now grab me those plates I can't reach them." Perrin says pointing to the top shelf.
Lera takes a minute to grab the plates before turning back to Perrin. "Ijusthadmyfirstkiss."
"Oh My Yondalla. Really who? Wait, was is Verna because she's suppose to be here." Perrin says giggling like a school girl and momentarily forgetting about cutting up the pie into slices.
"It was Vera," Lera blushes and grins like an idiot. "She's so sweet and pretty and kind and selfless and... She gave me this ring! And I wanted to give her something, and I also wanted to kiss her..."
"I'm so happy for you. I figured you left to find her once you heard of her, situation. I don't know much about her personally but her Dad is a bad man. However, that doesn't mean she is. So if you like her I like her." Perrin tells Lera.
“I was so mad when I found out about her situation,” Lera calmed down enough to explain. “Even if her father was awful, she doesn’t deserve to be kidnapped. I was going to talk to her, see what she was like, and offer her freedom,” the sorceress explained. “I ran into her at the school. I didn’t realize it was her at first, but when I did, I pulled her aside and talked to her.”
"I'll talk to my Pa a little more about giving her a little more freedom but, I assume she won't be able to leave these caves for while." Perrin says and then notices the pie again. "Hold on. Before this gets cold. Help me serve this out to the kids out there and then you can tell me all about your meeting with her."
“No, she has all the freedom she needs,” Lera amended. “She wants to be here, and she wants her father overthrown. Vera has no love for her father, and he doesn’t care for her either. She wants to take back the city and help us rebels.”
"That's good to know. I can't wait to meet her. Now lets go give these kids some pie." Perrin says as he exits the kitchen pie and plates in hand and begins to cut and serve the pie to the kids. Lera sees Vera in the dining room with the kids, blushes a bright red, and promptly steers herself to serve the kids farthest from her. Perrin just gives Vera a knowing look and smirk but doesn't say anything. Lera waits for Perrin in the kitchen to continue their chat. Perrin follows after serving all the pie deciding that he'll have some time later to talk to Vera. "So, do tell all."
“We were talking, and she was super sweet,” Lera giggled, still very red.
"So, are you going to keep "talking" to her while we are here?" Perrin asks
"I hope so," Lera replied dreamily. Snapping back into the real world, she looked back at her friend with a look of panic. "Perrin, how do you flirt?"
"Well, for me its a little different as a guy but here are some tips that I found helpful." Perrin states and then as he says his tips holds out a finger for each tip increasing it by one as he continues. "One be confident. Everyone is attracted to confidence. Two, make eye contact but don't stare. Light eye contact while not talking lets them know that you are interested in them and of course keep eye contact while talking to them. Three, smile. Smiling is infective and shows that you are happy Fourth, Initiate light conversation. Keep what you're talking about happy and don't wait for them to talk to you. Remember to compliment them while you're talking as well. Fifth Don't be afraid to break the touch barrier. A light touch here and there can say a lot. Of course be aware of how they respond to the touch. If they don't react well back off. Sixth, and last be aware of how your partner responds. If they don't like anything back off."
"Question," Lera raised her hand. "Do pillow fights count as breaking the physical barrier? And is talking about a dragon too heavy?"
"Yes pillow fights count. And two, in this instance probably but, after we slay it, no." Perrin answers
"Do you have any parchment? I feel like I should be taking notes."
"No but, it doesn't matter. Don't worry too much about it. You're a charismatic individual. You'll be fine if you follow your instincts and stay true to yourself." Perrin says with a smile not believing the situation.
"Yes, but it's really hard to be charismatic when your heart is trying to beat its way out of your chest," Lera pouted a little.
"That' normal." Perrin says with a smile "And it never really stops. And a little secret, if they feel the same way about you, which I think Vera is, then her heart is also trying to beat its way out of her chest."
"I just don't want her to get hurt."
"Lera. We can't prevent everyone from getting hurt. We all wanted to prevent Polly from getting hurt but, we see what happened there. All you can do is support her when it happens and try not to hurt her yourself." Perrin tells her
"Yeah, but that sucks... you know?" Lera sighed. "I don't like it."
"I know. I worry about Frank everyday. But I can't protect him from everything. All I can do is hope that he stays safe and support him when I can. And thats all you can do with her." Perrin explains, pulling from his own limited wisdom.
"Thank you for being my friend," Lera said, switching gears momentarily.
"It's what best friends do." Perrin says with a smile.
Once Woe finished her talk with Sam, she starts walking around the little settlement, excitedly inviting everybody to the party. She is trying to find out more about the dragon, asking everybody she meets if the have any additional information, any stories or rumours. But people are still wary of the newcomer and are avoiding her probing questions.
After an hour walking the cave system Woe starts to feel the exhaustion of the past events catching up. She asks a woman if there was a possibility to take a bath and get cleaned up. The woman shows her the direction of a hidden section where the underground well surfaces and people use it for bathing. It looks very tempting.
When Woe is trying to find her friends, she realises they have scattered and help out around the settlement wherever they can. She finds Koll working with wood, Perrin and Lera in the kitchen. They turn suspiciously silent when she enters, but Woe is too tired to enquire further. Then she finds Zamar with Polly in the tent. She starts looking a little better, her cheeks showing a rosy colour. One by one she walks around and tells them, that there is going to be a party tonight.
A party to celebrate life, a party to celebrate friendship and a party to celebrate Shanolia's and her birthday.
Then she finds herself a quiet section along the hot spring, takes her dirty and ripped clothes off and folds them neatly on the water's edge. She looks her body up and down and realises, she still has a big cut on her upper thigh, her elbow hurts every time she extends it and she probably broke a couple of fingers. She traces the wounds with her finger, infusing some of her magic into it, and the wounds slowly close.
Then she slowly submerges in the hot water, and she can feel her pain lessening, her sour muscles relaxing, the stress subsiding. She stays in the water way too long, until her hands are all wrinkled. She scrubs her body and her hair with her soap thoroughly. Then she jumps out of the water and dries herself down. Then she also pulls her clothes through the water, washing them thoroughly and repairing any rips with by mending them with her mind. When she puts her clothes back on, they are still wet, but clean and repaired. Woe sighs deeply and gets on with planning the party.
Once the spider scurries from sight, Shanolia takes a few more bites of food to satisfy her need for flavour, at least for the time being, before deciding that she should make herself useful. She wanders around aimlessly looking for something to do for a bit before she realises that everyone is either in school or eating their lunch, the few that aren't give her apprehensive glances as she walks past, so she decides to look for a quiet place to relax and pray. It takes some time, but she's able to learn the location of a rather hidden section of the hot springs, a section she's told the people use for bathing. A few minutes of navigating later, and she sees Woe exiting the very section she seeks.
"Hey again,"Shanolia waves quickly."I'm searching for the bath, I don't suppose this is it?"
Woe shakes her now short hair to dry out. Then she hears Shanolia's voice. "Yes, this is a good place! Oh my god, I wish Lord Viscardi would install something like this in our house!" Woe lowers her voice. "That is if he still wants to keep us on after everything that happened." Woe looks back at the water. "I feel like I am a different person. Would you want to use some soap? Here, enjoy! And pass it on to any of our friends if you see them."
"I have faith that Viscardi will understand that our hands were tied; You made an effort to get the child home safe, and you were betrayed. He will likely not be happy if he finds out about her collapsing, so it may be best to leave that bit out, but as long as we tell the truth and do not instigate the situation, I'm sure it will all work out."She takes the soap in her hand, holding it by her side."Thank you. If I stay too long and the party starts, come get me. I don't want to miss this chance to have a bit of fun." She gently squeezes Woe's shoulder before walking past her into the bath. Once she's alone, she removes her weapons' belts and sets them with her pack at the edge of the water; all except for the obsidian dagger, which she holds on to as she strips first her cloaks and then her old clothes off her sore body, climbing into the water with the dark blade in her hand and her mask on her face.
Rather than pray, which had been her original plan, Shanolia spends hours first washing the blood and grime from her body before running her clothes through the water as well; All the while, the dagger never leaves her possession - either in her hand, in her lap, or just beside her at the edge of the water, but always within arms reach. Once the mess is clean from her body and clothes, she takes the weapon in her hand and looks it over. "What to call you..."
After gossiping for a while and with news of the party reaching their ears Perrin and Lera decide to take a long overdue dip into the water to wash off the blood, sweat, tears, and dirt from their bodies. When they approach the baths they notice Shanolia is there and Perrin gives her a nod before getting ready somewhere private for the bath and eventually easing into the nice relaxing warm water.
When Lera and Perrin enter, Shanolia makes no effort to cover herself, only opening her eyes from her relaxed state to toss them the soap she'd gotten from Woe.
"Here, Woe said to give it to whoever else needs it. She probably wants it back afterwards, though."
It seems she deliberately avoided Lera's question.
Dapple spent some time wandering the caves, looking for any opportunities to help, but it seemed he was mostly met with wither curious stares. He could only assume that no one here had ever seen a tabaxi before. He'd tried smiling more, but for some reason, that seemed to make people even more nervous. Not surprisingly, it was the children who showed the most interest in him and he'd spent a bit of time entertaining them before they'd been called off to their lessons. Finally, he'd simply found a quiet corner and curled up for a nap.
“Thanks for the soap!” Lera said to Shanolia . “And happy birthday.”
Her cheeks blush. "Woe told you?"
“We’re having a party tonight, was it supposed to be a secret?”
"I know about the party... Just didn't think she'd- Nevermind. Thank you."
"Out of curiosity; When's your birthday, Lera?" Shanolia sits up a bit, resting her elbows on the edge of the bath.
“My birthday is over the summer,” Lera used her new cantrip to play with the water.
“Ah, Alright.” Shanolia said
“So, Shanolia. I know elves live a long time. How old are you now, 700?” Perrin says with a joking smile.
"Do I really look that old..." She looks hurt. "I'm only 118..."
“Everyone looks old to me,” Lera teases, splashing Perrin with a little water.
“It was a joke Shanolia.” Perrin says as he splashed Lera back. “It’s your birthday. Try and have a little fun. Drop the doom and gloom. I have a feeling we’ll be experiencing it more and more as time goes on.”
"I apologize if I always ruin the mood. I promise, I'm more fun than I seem." She smiles weakly
“No. Don’t apologize. I understand. I mean. You’ve been running for your life longer than I’ve been alive.” Perrin says, feeling bad for hurting Shanolia’s feelings.
“If you’re fun, then prove it,” Lera splashed Shanolia.
"I feel bad. In the short time we've been together, I've managed to upset each one of you. And all I do is bring down the mood." She turns to Lera. "Maybe I will~"
“Shanny, you’re not upsetting any of us,” Lera smiled. “You’re fine, loosen up!”
"I forgot your name," She looks apologetically at Lera. "You seemed pretty upset."
Perrin looks at Shanolia a little confused. “You forgot her name?”
"On the ship. She stormed off. Since then, I made it a point not to forget anyone else's." Shanolia said
“Oh yeah,” Lera replied, realization dawning on her face. “Huh, I forgot about that. At the time, I was mad about a bunch of other things.”
"It was still unacceptable." Shanolia said
“Dude, it was fine,” Lera brushed it off. “Seriously, there are way worse things you could do. All is forgiven!”
She nods, sinking back down to her neck in the water.
"You're not doing a great job of convincing me you're fun," Lera teased in a sing song voice.
"That's what the party's for~ The bath is for relaxing." Shanolia said
"You can't have fun while you relax?" Lera asks
"I mean... You *can*. Doesn't always mean we should." Shanolia said
The water begins to cool around Shanolia. Goodbumps start to rise on her skin. She huddles in on herself in an effort to combat the cold, unaware of the cause. Lera giggles at her little prank
Shanolia eyes the young Sorceress, confused. "Was this you?"
“Noooo.” Lera says slightly sarcastically
She chuckles softly, moving slightly closer to them to be in warm water again.
Perrin just rolls his eyes at Lera antics. “Shanolia and Lera what’s your favorite food? I might not be able to make it now but when we eventually return to Baldur’s Gate I want to make a big feast of everyone’s favorite. You know. To celebrate our first mission but also returning alive from all of this.”
“Cinnamon rolls.” Lera says without hesitation.
She thinks for a moment. "Pretty much anything with Strawberries, really."
“Okay. I think I can make something with that. Now just to ask the others.” Perrin says happily sinking into the water and letting the warmth relax him.
Shanolia settles about five feet beside Lera, sinking in up the bottom of her nose, letting out tiny bubbles as she exhales slowly.
"Do you want anything special for your birthday?" Lera asks Shanolia
She rises so her mouth is out of the water. "Right this moment? To survive the week." She says lightheartedly. "Ask me again once we've bested the dragon and I might have a different answer."
“I can’t very well wrap up survival and put a bow on it,” Lera rolled her eyes.
"I suppose not, but you could reassure me..." Shanolia says
“Shanolia, we’re ready to take down this dragon! We’re not going to die.” Lera says
"That's better." She sinks back down, but comes back up when her mask floats at the surface of the water, away from her face. "Why am I even still wearing this bloody thing?" She sets her dagger down and unties her mask, setting it down and picking the dagger back up to continue fiddling with it beneath the water.
“Shanolia, why do you have your dagger in the water with you? Are you that hungry that your hoping to find some fish in the hot water.” Perrin asks confused but also amused
She looks down at the black blade, as if surprised to see it in her hands. "I'm not sure. It just feels... right... to have it with me."
“Okay. Also. When did you get that? Was that another gift from the island?” Perrin asks
"Our little Monodrone friend had an entire rack of weapons like this, as well as a small glass dagger. He also had a nice-looking collection of gemstones, but I could only grab a handful before the ship went down." Shanolia explains
“Nice. It seems a lot of us got something from the island. Does it do anything cool” Perrin asks, genuinely interested
"I mean... Not that I've noticed. So far, it's just been there. It's made of obsidian though, which is pretty handy." Shanolia says
“And here I am hoping it was some super cool dragon slaying dagger. But that would be too easy.” Perrin says laughing to himself
"A dagger that could fell a dragon... would be handy right about now." She runs her finger delicately along the blade. "Let's not worry about that just yet. Today is a day of fun, not stress."
Perrin just nods along. And then he begins actually cleaning himself and his clothes a little bit and then relax. Unless disturbed Perrin won’t get out until about an hour before the party.
Woe has been running around the cave system for a couple of hours now. She is trying to find items to make the occasion more festive, but is again met with reserve by the people. She is able to organise a single rug and gets four additional candles for the room. In the end, she just shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders. That's why she never did the party planning at the court.
After a while, she sees a rolled up Dapple sleeping in a comfortable corner. She goes over to wake him. "Dapple, could you please help me re-arrange the tables in the dining hall. Maybe we can push some boxes together to make a makeshift stage, then we need room for dancing, and on the sides we can have the chairs and tables."
Koll spends the remainder of the day helping the resident woodworker, a man named Fraderk, in his small corner workshop. Fraderk is a taciturn man, wary of this tattooed stranger in their camp, but once he sees that Koll has the necessary skills he warms up slightly. Still, the two men work mostly in silence, cutting, carving, sanding and fitting together a new wheelbarrow for the camp's needs.
As they work, Koll imagines going up against the white dragon, and knows it will be no easy task. As he mentioned to the others, its weaknesses are certainly its greed, vanity and malicious nature. But what strengths did the Scarlet Dawn have that they could use to their advantage, something that the dragon would not expect or know how to deal with? Thraul, he thinks to himself. Yes, if they could somehow use that, trick the dragon into taking it, then it would fall comatose for hours.
The project nears completion and Frazderk seems happy with the outcome. The work has made Koll miss his old weapons, his tonfas which he had carved himself. One he broke trying to break Lera's chains aboard the Flaming Sail, and the other he traded away to the modron as a part for its ridiculous ship, in exchange for the spell gem that Perrin now possessed. Koll spies a rack of carved staffs in Fraderk's shop. Koll has never used one but is interested to try, and thinks that something with a longer reach could be useful. He offers Fraderk two silver pieces for one. The woodworker declines, saying that the monk's help with the wheelbarrow was enough payment, but Koll insists. He lays the coins on Fraderks' work bench.
"I thank you for letting me help you today."
He then leaves to go find the rest of the Scarlet Dawn and make plans for the dragon.
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"Please," Sam said, standing. "Make yourselves at home. All I ask is that you pitch in as any of our people would. If you wish to hunt, find Sheema, she'll help you navigate the cave system." Turning to Grasalfan, he said, "If you'll accompany me, I'll get the forge going for you." He headed for the door then paused. "Ask around the camp, if you're serious about helping. I'm sure there's a few folks here who would be glad for some additional hands."
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Before Sam can leave, Dapple stands up. "Where can I find Sheema, then? I can help with hunting, and hopefully get you more fresh food." Sam thought a moment. "She and Brod have been out of the cave for a night, so they are probably in their tent." He pointed a short distance away. "That's their tent over there."
"Thank you. If they've been out all night, I imagine they need some rest though. I'll leave them alone until I see them back out and about. You said that the kobolds have been raiding you through the caverns too. We could maybe start scouting out where they are coming from." "We know where they are coming from" Sam replies. "They won't use the elevator, so we're safe here." Sam shook his head. "No, I'd appreciate it if you and your people stay within this cavern."
"As you wish. I'm no healer, so was just trying to be useful." Dapple moves off to try and find someone he can help in some way, as payment for the aid and food the Dawn has been given so far.
Koll takes Sam's instruction and makes himself at home. He explores the camp, greeting those he meets, and offers what help he can. He finds a woodworker, a skill for which he has a passion, and puts in some work there.
Zamar gets up and says, "I think I will go see if I can be of any help to your healer. If anyone needs me, you can find me there."
He leaves the tent and goes back to where the healer was working. "We've just met with Sam and are here to help. I have some skills and magics as a healer. Is there anything I can do to assist you?" He glances over surreptitiously to take in Polly's condition while he talks.
The old woman glanced up, looking Zamar over. "Fine fine." She noticed him looking at Polly. "She'll be fine. No cold rot in her bones, so she'll keep all her extremities. She's resting now, and will be required to stay here for a while. I hope you weren't planning on leaving any time soon." She motioned to a shelf. "We need more bandages, if you would be so kind." Then, as an afterthought, she added. "I'm Kaia."
"Pleased to meet you, Kaia. I'm Zamar." He goes and gets the bandages for her. "I'd imagine your workload has increased since the dragon joined the kobolds."
Kaia scoffed. "Joined? That damned dragon controls the kobold hordes." She motioned for Zamar to follow as she sat to check on one of her patients. It was a young man, with deep lacerations in his left arm. "Give me those bandages. We need to change these and clean the wounds."
He hands her the bandages and says, "Wounds like these I can help magically, if you will allow me." He adds, "So the Kobolds weren't here until she came along?"
Kaia squinted her eyes suspiciously at Zamar. "If you think you can heal this, please, try." She stepped back, giving him room. "As for the dragon and kobolds, they've apparently always been here, but never bothered with this part of the cave system until recently. Our people have ran into the kobolds before, while out exploring or hunting, so there were always small skirmishes, but nothing like this." She motioned to the open wounds on the sleeping man's arm.
Zamar lays his hands gently on the man's arm and they begin to glow. As they do, he focuses on closing the wounds, using his inborn ability to channel the healing energy of the divine.
The man startles awake. "Hey! Who're you? What are you doing?"
"Relax, friend. Kaia is here with me. I'm just helping heal your wounds."
As Zamar's healing energies surged through the man's arm, it pulled closed a bit more. Wide eyed, the man watched, testing the arm. "That... that feels much better!" Kaia inspected the wound. "Not closed entirely, so we'll have to keep an eye on it. Lay still and let me clean it, then I'll bandage it. You can go back to your bunk. I won't need to see you for another few days at this rate." She began to clean and bandage the sections that didn't close fully. "You'll have a nice scar. You'd better show that to the ladies."
Zamar apologizes to the man. "Unfortunately, the magic is not entirely predictable, but I hope you feel better."
The man smiled gratefully up at Zamar. "Thank you, so much. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to help hunt anymore." Kaia, finished up the bandaging. "Go on, out of here with ya." The man grinned and left, giving Zamar a pat on the shoulder.
Zamar waves at him. "You'll be hunting again in no time." To Kaia, he says, "What else would help you and your folk? I'm not the strongest around, but I'm pretty nimble. Most of my talents lie in healing and entertaining, and the latter seems like more of a luxury just now."
Kaia smiled for the first time Zamar had seen. "If only we could keep you around. But if you want to perform, I don't think anyone would object. We've been forced in this cave for a while, and we have little in the way of entertainment."
"I'm sure we will stay for a bit and I will gladly lend my skills where I can. If you think a little entertainment would not be amiss, when we are done here, I will gather my friends. When we work together, it is a sight to see." He gives her his best smile.
Kaia smiled and moved to check that Polly was still warming up. "Why didn't this child have warm clothes? She's lucky, you know. Brenden, Sheema and Brod's boy, didn't get so lucky. Rot set into his leg, and I had to take it. It's so quick to happen up here, if one isn't prepared."
"We weren't expecting to be here. We were in a flying machine and the dragon knocked us out of the sky. Hell, we didn't even expect her to be with us. She stowed away and we have been looking after her ever since. She's family and we would do anything for her. We thought that meant keeping her out of harm's way. Now we see that it means keeping her close."
Kaia nodded, knowingly. "My daughter was strong willed. Nothing I said mattered to her, and she just did whatever she wanted, damn the consequences. Got her killed. That damned Lord Embree."
He puts his hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry for your loss. And for Sheema and Brod's. You'll not find any love for his 'Lordship' among our band. Anything we can do to see him paid for his deeds we will."
Kaia scoffed again. "We're all going to end up dead," she said softly, moving away from Polly. Shuffling to the back of the hut, she gingerly sat in an old rocking chair, that looked on the verge of falling apart. Once settled, she continued. "Between that Lord and the dragon, we've no chance of survival. Ain't nobody here can kill that dragon, and Embree's got an army a hundred times bigger. It's a fools plan."
"Let's start with the dragon," Zamar suggests. "My friends and I are working on a plan. "If we live through that, we can work on the next bit."
Kaia sighed. "Well, good luck to you all. I'll prepare more bandages and salves, just in case."
He smiles. As he walks out, he says, “If I can be of further assistance send word. And thank you again for taking care of Polly.”
Kaia waves a dismissive hand at Zamar, a sly smile crossing her lips.
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)
Shanolia finally lets her hunger get the best of her as everyone distracts themselves with being useful, pulling her mask down so it hangs around her neck and silently eating some of the food that remains. Woe hangs behind when everybody leaves and starts eating with Shanolia.
"Do you think this afternoon we could work a little more on the forgery kit, Shanolia? Right now I'll head out with the others, trying to make myself useful..."
Shanolia finishes chewing the bite in her mouth before responding. "Of course, we can work on that whenever you get free time. As for me; I may stay out of it. Not sure my specific skillset will be of any use down here."
"Ha, well, I don't think disguising myself or playing music will do much good, but these people need us. Don't think they could hold up against that dragon much longer. I'll help if I can. Also, I guess it's as good as any place to celebrate my birthday." Woe smiles to herself, wondering if turning 50 would change anything...
"Today's your birthday, huh?" She sets her food down, pushing it away like she isn't hungry anymore, despite having only taken a few bites.
"Nope. Tomorrow. A big round one as well. Not sure if I am too happy about it. My birthday is also the day my mother died... so I am just reminded that there has always been a big hole in my life."
"I feel your pain." She smiles softly, a strange sight given her face. "Well, happy birthday, despite everything it entails." She chuckles softly for a second. "You know, I was shocked for a moment there; I thought we shared a birthday."
Woe looks at Shano and just starts laughing. "No way. Your birthday is today?"
"Tenth of Eleint; One-Hundred-Eighteen, as of today." She doesn't seem too affected by the fact. "Though, I stopped celebrating when I turned eighty. Too much studying to worry about another year passing."
"Happy birthday, Shano!" Says Woe simply, then pulls her into a hug.
Shanolia tenses up at the hug, awkwardly returning it. "Ah... um... thank you?" She clears her throat slightly when they separate. "That reminds me; You seem like the type to carry paper and ink with you. Would you mind if I use some? I can buy it from you, if you'd prefer."
"Of course you can have some!! And you know what, we should have a party. Might be our last.... I mean, we're about to head out to fight a dragon!!"
"A party sounds fun, but you shouldn't be so pessimistic. We've made it this far, haven't we?"
"How many sheets of paper do you need? Yes, we made it this far. And most of us already almost died more than once! And a dragon is a whole different story! I was in awe of that majestic creature. Somehow I don't really wanna kill her. We're in her territory, the settlement shouldn't be here. I would love to find a way how to make her an ally of ours..." Woe's voice trails off while she is trying to figure out another way than killing the creature.
"Yes, we are in her territory, and yes, technically this settlement shouldn't be here, but it is. And now so are we. I don't really see any other..." Her eyes widen. "Perrin's father said the attacks started when they took that Lord's child... The little dragons also got better equipped... I may have an idea, but you might not like it." She lets that thought linger for a moment, before remembering the first question. "Two or three sheets should suffice. I'm not big into writing, so they should last quite a bit."
Woe hands 3 sheets over to Shanolia along with her ink pen and the little ink bottle. "Please give the pen and the bottle back when you don't need it any longer. They are hard to come by out here in the wilderness."
Then she cocks her head sideways: "Hm, you'll have to tell me about your plan, whenever you're ready!!"
Shanolia gratefully takes the items, tucking the pen and bottle into her pack and folding the paper to put it in the pocket of her hood, alongside the other pieces she's stored there over the years. "Thank you. As for my plan; it's absolutely ******* dischai (Elvish: Insane), but it just might work if the dragon truly is on the Lord's payroll. I'll discuss it tomorrow, once everyone's had a chance to rest up."
Woe's excitement is obvious: "I'll tell Sam that we would like to have a party tonight and I will go around and invite everybody to come. At the same time I'll try to find out more about the dragon, I am sure these people know more than they let on. Can't wait to hear your plan!" With this, Woe runs off.
While the group began to dissipates Perrin explores a little bit but, doesn't let his Pa leave his sighs. Once he sees him leaving the forge Perrin approaches. "Pa, we need to talk. Its been six months."
"Ah! Perrin, my boy!" Sam clapped Perrin on the shoulder. "I was hoping to find you. Come with me, it's time to prepare the food for the children." With an air of authority, he started walking, as if there were no questioning him.
Perrin, use to this, follows him without question. At least he'll have a chance to serve, and probably improve, food.
"I'm glad you're well," Sam said, a bit of awkwardness creeping into his voice. "What, er... what have you been up to? You look well fed."
"I scavenged some things from the remains of the farm. Then I left with a pledge to come back once I was stronger. I went all the way to Baldur's Gate Pa. It was there where I joined this new guild; The Scarlet Dawn. Since then we've been on this crazy adventure and we were just returning when the dragon attacked us." Perrin tells him, happy to see that he's curious. This was normally more of Ma's thing.
"I was afraid that..." Sam paused, leaving the sentence hanging. "I'm glad you're safe and found your way through life. Looks like you've made a great group of friends in the big city. I'm sorry about forcing all this dragon business upon you and your new friends, but these are desperate times."
"I know. I was afraid to." Perrin finishes for his Pa and then says with a smirk "I was going to help with the dragon even if you weren't here. Even if I had to do it by myself. I've already let one tyrant rule over me and ruin part of my life. I'm not going to let another one ruin someone else's life."
"We're going to give him his just reward," Sam said, looking Perrin in the eye, with fierceness. "We'll make him pay for his transgressions." He leads Perrin into a cavern filled with tables and chairs. Children crowded around one table, seemingly hard at work with something. He paused for a moment, surprised. "Huh, I wonder where Vera is," he mumbled, before heading down another hallway. "Kitchen's here."
After taking a quick look at what the children are reading Perrin continues to follow his father into the kitchen.
As Perrin walks in, Sam is already grabbing fresh ingredients. "Grab some of those carrots there, boy. Get them cut up for smaller fingers."
“What we making Pa? I might have some things in my pack that might help.” Perrin asks he grabs the knife and begins preparing the carrots.
"Just some fresh fruits and vegetables for the children," Sam replied, grabbing an apple from a depleted pile of apples. "We keep the fresh stuff for the little ones when we can." He began to slice the apple into thin slices. "As you can see, we're getting really low on fresh foods."
“I see. That means we must address this Dragon quickly. Before you run out.” Perrin says biting his lip nervously at the situation.
"Yes, it seems you've come at just the right moment." Sam moved over to grab a hunk of cheese and began to slice some pieces. Thinking out loud, he mumbled, "Now where did that girl get off to?"
“If Vera is Lord Embree’s daughter then A) I’m surprised you're not more upset that she isn’t here and B) If she is I know who she’s with,” Perrin says having already guessed this when Lera first left.
"She is, indeed, Embree's daughter," Sam said with a fond smile. "She's usually with the children at this time of day. Nothing to worry about. She'll be about somewhere."
“She’s with Lera. I’d bet Ma’s Cherry Pie recipe on it.” Perrin says with a smile
A look of sadness crossed Sam's face. It was gone a moment later. "Yes. She'll be around soon to play games with the children after their lunch."
Perrin realizes what he says and then is silent for a moment before saying quietly "Does she have a grave near-by?"
"Base of the mountain," Sam said quietly. "I got her out of the fire, but it was too late. I couldn't save her. Buried her at the base of the mountain. That's when the Winter Wolves found me."
"When this is all over, I'd like to visit. I think it'll bring me the closer I need." Perrin responds quietly
Sam nodded. "I haven't been able to go visit in a while. I'll take you, once I can."
Perrin, realizing that the conversation has turned sad, decides to change the topic. There will be a time for tears later. "I have magic now Pa. Yondalla seems to give me some of her powers now."
Sam blinked and turned his attention to his son. "That's wonderful, my boy! You truly have come into your own." Sam placed the chunks of cheese on a platter with the apples and placed a hand on Perrin's shoulder. "I'm proud of you."
Perrin has a smile on his face that only gets wider when his Pa says those words. He then puts the cut up carrots on the platter. "It's come in handy so many times. It's mainly healing and such and I can't do as much or as powerful as some of my friends but I feel like I'm on the break of more powerful stuff." Perrin says
"Power is subjective," Sam said, looking Perrin in the eye. "It's how you use your power that defines the man you are."
Perrin just nods. "So, Pa...is there anyone else from the village here?"
"A few," Sam said, releasing his son, and looking at the platter. Frowning at the slight selection, he mumbled to himself, "Has to be something else around here." As he began to look around the kitchen, he said, "Nobody you would recognize, I'm afraid. There are checkpoints going in and out of the city now. People are scared to try to leave."
Perrin sighs. "If I knew my friends could get in and out without fear of the dragon attacking them they could go and get some food from the village."
"I'm afraid she has to die, my boy." Sam pulled out a bowl of cherries that looked a little too ripe and sat it aside. "You saw those kobolds, I'm sure. They didn't just happen to find that fancy armor and brand new weapons on the side of the mountain. They've been bought."
"I understand. As soon as she is gone we can have a small number of people sneak into and out of the city to get supplies." At seeing the cherries Perrin says. "Pa, let me see those. I bet these children haven't had anything sweet in a while and I think with those and a little flour and maybe an egg or two I can make them a small treat. Well behaved children that are probably scared out of their minds need a treat every once in a while."
Sam handed the bowl to Perrin. "Ma's recipe?"
"Is there any better?" Perrin says with a smile.
Sam nods and takes the platter to the children.
Perrin begins his work on making some Cherry Pie for the children.
A few moments later, Sam returned. "By the way, give me that old armor of mine. You said it was destroyed. You have no use for it now."
Perrin turns and looks at his Pa before saying "It is in my bag. Just take it out Pa. Also, unless you're going to help then get out of here. I'm sure there's something somewhere that needs your attention. We'll talk later." He then turns back to his work letting a moment pass before adding "And Pa. I love you."
Sam stood a few moments, smiling proudly at his son. Then he stooped, and pulled the armor from Perrins pack, looking at the tatters. He frowned at the state of the ruined armor and looked at his son with wonder. Finally, he turned for the door. As he left, he called over his shoulder,"I love you too, Perrin."
As Woe leaves the hut, she sees Sam walk past, carrying what she recognizes as Perrin's destroyed armour.
"Sam, Mr. Cherrycheeks, can I have a quick word please?"
Sam pauses in his tracks. "Yes?"
"How many days of preparation do you think we need before we can face the dragon?"
"That's entirely up to you." Sam shrugged. "I've never faced a dragon before."
"I was thinking, this is also the strongest enemy we have had to face so far. So to get everyone's mood up, maybe we could have a little party tonight. Nothing fancy in regards of food and drink. Just some music, Zamar is a great bard and I can sing a bit too, and a bit of dancing. It's also the birthday of two of our members. So it would be nice to have a little fun before all the hard work begins. Are you alright with that?"
Sam thought a moment, a smile crossing his lips. "It's been a while since we've had any sort of entertainment. Morale is a little low. I don't see why we can't arrange something. Perrin is already baking a pie for the children, so... yes! Let's have a bit of music and dancing. Let's help people forget, if only for a moment, what we're facing."
"Great, I will walk around and invite everyone. I do have a bottle of Tej that I am happy to offer. Where and when would we best gather?"
Sam looks over his shoulder. "We have a dining hall back where I came from. We can move some of the tables around, and make some room for dancing. But not yet, the children are in school right now."
"Oh, and are people going out to hunt? Maybe some of us could join them and hopefully be successful!"
"Unfortunately, I don't think it wise to send anyone out again today. We thought we'd lost Brod and Sheema. We'll just have to make due with what we have."
"Ok, we'll set up later this afternoon." Then Woe spots what Sam is holding in his hands. "Go now and take good care of Perrin's armour. He fought well, you have a great son!!"
"I know," Sam said, beaming with pride, before he began walking once again, toward the forge.
When Woe departs, Shanolia pushes aside whatever dishes lie in front of an empty seat at the table and withdraws the ink, pen, and a single sheet of paper, setting the paper down in front of her and beginning to write, her flawless handwriting a sharp contrast to her otherwise-ratty appearance.
“10th of Eleint. Day 8,851
Another birthday comes, another soon to pass. I've found myself in the company of some rather strange folk; adventurers, it would seem. Still not sure if they trust me, but they haven't killed me yet, so that's a start. The only three I fully trust myself are Perrin, Woe, and Lera - The first two I owe my life to, were it not for them I would lie dead in Baldur’s Gate. The third… I'm not entirely sure. There's just something about her that puts my mind at ease. Then, of course, there’s the child, Polly. She reminds me so much of myself that I worry the Gods may be trying to take advantage of me… to punish me in some way.
I stopped writing a while ago, content that I would be just another corpse in the ground when I shall pass, but something that has come up has me worried. We are currently trapped in a mountainside cave network with Perrin’s father and a group called the Winter Wolves. They've tasked us with killing a dragon that has been terrorizing their settlement and trapping them within. I've fought many men, some even twice or three times my size and strength, but this is different. This will take more than cunning to pull off, and frankly, I fear for my life and those of my friends. May Sune have mercy on my soul, should I join my family in the afterlife, and may the Dark Mother guide me from the shadows.”
As she writes, she feels a sudden warmth wash over her, one that disappears as quickly as it arrives. Satisfied with her journal entry, she pulls out the stack of similar pages, all in various levels of quality - from old sheets of the worst parchment to the high-quality pages of the greatest libraries - and lays the new one on top, glad to have aired out her worries in a place no one is likely to ever see them. While she's straightening her cloaks hoods, she watches as a small spider scurried past, almost trying to avoid any attention as it strings its way down the table.
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
Nobody tried to stop Lera as she began to wander, but she did draw some looks. As she left the area of the huts and tents, she entered another cavern filled with tables and chairs. A group of children, including the boy she recognized as Brenden, Sheema and Brod's son, are huddled around one of the tables, with a young woman. The children looked up as she entered, and begin to giggle and whisper among themselves excitedly. The woman turned and looked her over. "Hello there!"
“Hello!” Lera greets the woman before sitting down with the kids. “What are we whispering about?” She asks in a stage whisper.
Brenden spoke up, loudly. "You're new! You came in with my momma and daddy!" The young woman smiled, allowing the children their moment of reprise. Scattered along the table are open books.
“Well, your momma and daddy were very brave. They saved my life,” Lera said solemnly, sneaking a glance at one of the books.
The books are filled with colorful pictures and texts, appearing to be school books of some sort. Brenden beamed with pride. "My momma and daddy are super brave! They faced that horrible dragon! They didn't kill it though. But they will!"
“Oh, I have no doubt. They look exactly like the sort that kill dragons,” Lera nodded.
The young woman spoke up, trying to get the children back on track. "Would you like to join us today," she asked Lera, with a smile.
“It depends,” Lera fidgets in her seat a little. “What am I joining?”
"Well, school, of course!" The young woman pointed at the books. "We are teaching some of the younger students how to read." She extended a hand to Lera. "I'm Vera."
"Oh my gosh, our names rhyme!" Lera shook the woman's hand excitedly. "My name is Lera."
"That's awesome," Vera said, just as excitedly. "Toby, would you help the young ones sound out the next sentence?" As the children got back to work, Vera turned to Lera. "So, how did you find this place?"
"The white dragon knocked our airship out of the sky, and then my dad was really hurt and far away from the rest of us, but Sheema and Brod saved him," Lera recounted the story happily. "And now we're here."
Vera looked at Lera excitedly, and was about to say something, then paused. She stood, motioning for Lera to follow, leading her to another table, a bit further away. "So we don't distract the children," she explained. "Tell me of the outside world? How are things going out there?"
"Oh, yeah, that's probably for the best," Lera nodded in agreement. "I mean, the outside world is fine? People are doing things? I'm sorry, it's a very general question." The sorceress blushed. "When was the last time you were out?"
"Well, I've been here for..." Vera sad, stopping to think. "Oh gosh, I don't know. Anywhere between a few months and a year? Time is weird when you're in a cave. I also haven't really asked." She giggled a little. "How are things in Neshkel?"
"I'll be honest, the past month or so I've been... traveling," Lera replied. "But, ummm, as far as I know they haven't overthrown the government quite yet?"
Vera giggled. "Well, I know that much. I'm still here!"
"Sorry, I'm not super familiar with the area," Lera said sheepishly.
"It's okay. The entire situation is... complex and complicated." Vera shrugged. "The people here have nowhere else to go because of Lord Embree. The last time I was in Neshkel, there were many more people like them. It's all very sad."
"Complex and complicated, huh?" Lera winked. Why don't we talk a little walk? She messaged the girl.
Vera smiled and nodded. After a moment, she paused, a little confused. "You didn't say that... did you?"
Oh, yeah, I did. Sorry, sometimes I forget that not everyone knows that I can... Lera cleared her throat. It's magic. I can talk to you, and only we can hear each other.
"Oh, okay," Vera whispered. Then she got an idea. "Wait here a moment." She stood, and walked to the children, where she said something to the oldest of the group. Making her way back to Lera, she said, "Come to my room. Nobody will hear us there." She looped her arm through Lera's, and lead her down one of the connecting hallways. The hallway opened into another chamber, this one filled with cells. She lead Lera past cell after cell, until they got to one of the larger ones at the back. The door was sitting open, and was decorated with pillows a little luxuries. "Here we go," she said, plopping down on the bed.
Let's use this too, Lera sat down beside her. Just as an added safety measure.
"Oh, okay," Vera whispered.
"Oh Vera, that's..." Lera giggled. "You have to just think it. I'll be able to hear your response." Try again.
"Oh? Oh!" Vera closed her eyes and scrunched her nose. Um... LIKE... THIS...?
There! Now you have it! Perfect, Lera beamed.
Vera grinned. This is so cool! How did you learn that? Oh man, if the girls knew about this, they'd go wild!
My magic is innate, so I just... Pick things up, Lera replied. I'd love to try and teach you though.
I don't have a magical bone in my body! Vera giggled. So, why did you want to talk privately?
Sometimes people have secrets, Lera shrugged. I just wanted to make sure you were ok in case you had any?
Secrets? Vera gave Lera a confused look. What secrets could I possibly have?
I dunno, Lera shrugged, trying to play the moment off. I have some secrets. Like when I was little, I sort of made a super fancy lady's dog bright orange... Or, more recently, I went into the Astral Plane and saw some things.
"Ooooh," Vera said, then leaned close to Lera. I do have a secret. I hate cheese. Can't stand the stuff. But I always tell people I'm allergic to it so they don't question me!
How can you hate cheese!?!? Lera replied in mock disdain.
See? Vera cocked an eyebrow. This is why I keep it secret.
Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, Lera smiled. So what is it like living here? It seems cool, but also strange.
It's okay, really. Vera smiled wide. I get to do whatever I want to do. I have no use other than just being here, so I try to pitch in and help as much as possible.
You seem super useful to me, Lera nodded. Getting to teach those kids how to read... It doesn’t seem very free being trapped underground, though. Do you ever miss going outside?
I do... but I know why I'm here.
Why are you here? Lera asked, even though she was pretty sure she already knew the answer.
Vera sighed. My father isn't a good man. I'm here in the hopes that they can dig into him, emotionally. But it won't work.
Who you are isn’t defined by him, Lera placed a hand on Vera’s shoulder. If you could write your story, what would you do?
Help the people, Vera thought, smiling. I like helping here. I cook, do laundry, teach the children. I like being helpful to those who need me.
I could help you leave, if that’s what you wanted. You could help people in other places. You could help them with me.
"No!" Vera looked taken aback. I mean... no! I like it here. Everyone in these caves is here because of my father. I feel like it's my responsibility to help them.
It isn’t your fault, Lera sighed. If they all leave and overthrow your father, what would you do then?
I would... Vera thought a moment. Help them make everyone's lives better. Make sure everyone has food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over their heads. I'd make sure there were jobs for everyone, and that they weren't taxed to death. I might even reduce the army, or at least refocus their direction.
It sounds like you would be a very good ruler, Lera sat back.
I don't care about ruling. Vera leaned back against the wall of her cell. I just want to make people's lives easier.
You talk like a ruler.
Vera shrugged. Not any ruler I've heard.
No, a good ruler. The kind they write stories about, Lera smiled.
Vera blushed. I don't want stories written about me.
No? Lera raised an eyebrow. But they’d be such good stories. Stories about your kindness, the goodness in your heart, your beauty...
Vera's face turned an even darker shade of scarlet. No, I just want to make people happy.
Your selflessness...
"Stop," Vera giggled. "I'm just me."
"Well, maybe they won't write a whole story about you," Lera fell back on the bed. "But, when the bards write their songs and stories about me, I'm sure you'll be in there for at least a verse."
"Thanks," Vera laughed. "It's been nice to chat with someone my age, again. Feels a little more like home."
"Yeah. The rest of the Scarlet Dawn are nice and all, but no one really thinks very much of me. Well, except for Perrin," Lera smiled. "I'm happy I found you."
"No?" Vera asked, shocked. "You seem wonderful! Why don't think think well of you?"
"I'm young and impulsive," Lera shrugged.
"Aren't we all?" Vera giggled again.
"Apparently not," Lera smiled. "Do you want to see something cool?"
Vera got excited again, bouncing on the bed. "Yeah!" Lera focused a moment before raising a bit of the water out of the bucket. She levitated it at eye level and shaped it into a crude flower "Oooh," Vera cooed. "That's so pretty! You are so talented!"
"Thank you!" Lera smiled, putting the water back into the bucket (and only splashing a little out the sides.)
Vera giggled and stood, grabbing a rag, and began to wipe up the little bit that splashed out. "Are you going to help overthrow my father?"
"Yes," Lera nodded. "First, I'm going to kill the evil dragon and save the kind princess," she waved her hand and minor illusioned the image of a dragon on the bed. "And then we'll all go down the mountain together."
"That's a sweet sentiment," Vera said, standing once again. "But I'm not a princess, and I'm not in need of rescuing. If I wanted to leave, I'd walk right out the front door. Well, cave. You know what I mean!"
"I was told you were a prisoner."
"I am a prisoner!" Vera plopped back down onto the bed with a smile. "You're in my prison cell, don't you see?" She motioned around her makeshift room. "As long as I'm here, they have something to use against my father."
I was actually looking for you when I wandered around, Lera reverted to message. When they told me they had captured his child... I don't know, you're not what I pictured. But it made me angry. If they're supposed to be the good guys, why are they kidnapping people? I wanted to come and offer you freedom.
Vera moved closer, placing her hand on Lera's. "I'm here by choice. Yes, they kidnapped me, I guess. But I went willingly. I want to be here."
“Well I know that now,” Lera blushed.
"There are plenty of damsels in distress in Neshkel." Vera awkwardly moved her hand away. "So many to choose from."
“Well I guess it’s a good thing I’m going there next,” Lera said softly. “I have a list, you know. And slaying a dragon and saving a damsel in distress are right at the top.”
"I can't help with that," Vera said. "I have no skill at fighting. But I'll do my best to send you in the right direction. I've been working with Sam to formulate a plan to bring my father to justice. We haven't really gotten far in the plan, but hopefully it works."
"And what is your plan?" Lera asked.
"It's not fully flushed out yet." Embarrassed, Vera fidgeted. "Everyone knows my father is a terrible tyrant. But he has gold and powerful friends. So, if we can cut him off from one or the other, we might be able to get at him."
"That sounds very smart," Lera said dreamily. "I tend not to think things through. More of a 'rush in, wand a-blazing' kind of strategist."
"I couldn't fight to save my life." Vera said, blushing. "I have to think things through. Sometimes I'm not the best at it."
"There are many different ways to fight, you know," Lera stood up suddenly. "You just haven't found the right one yet. Like, if I tried to punch someone, that probably wouldn't go great for me. We just have to figure out what your best fighting style is."
Vera laughed, looking up at Lera. "I'm really not a fighter. I spent my childhood learning to sew, and that's really just about it. I only learned to cook because I hid away in the kitchens."
"Vera," Lera looked the other girl in the eye and held her face in her hands. "The most fierce warrior I have ever met is also the best cook. You're not a good fighter because you haven't learned yet. You're not going to be good at something right away, it takes practice."
Vera jumped up quickly. "Okay then, teach me."
"Ummm," Lera blushed. "Well, I mostly hide behind my spells.... but..." She grabbed a pillow off the bed. "My dad always tells me learning how to avoid a hit is half the battle. How are you at dodging?"
"I've never had to try, before," Vera said laughing, but making no motion to try to defend herself. Without any further warning, Lera tries to whack her with a pillow. Vera giggled as the pillow hit her. "Oh, is that how we're doing this?" She grabbed another pillow and swung back at Lera.
Lera catches the pillow with one hand just before it would have hit her in the face. "Come on, Vera," she taunts before twisting the pillow out of the other girl's grasp. "You can do better than that!" The sorceress brought the two pillows together, attacking Vera from either side.
Vera giggles and begins trying to wrest a pillow away from Lera, the sorceress letting her take the pillow easily. Successfully pulling the pillow away, she aims to hit Lera again. Ever the performer, as the pillow hits Lera, she follows the movement of the weapon and spins into a heap on the floor.
"Oh no!" Vera rushes over, to check on Lera. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to knock you over!"
"Are you kidding, that was great?" Lera smiles up at the other girl from the floor.
"It was just a pillow," Vera laughed.
"It was practice."
"I won't be fighting dragons with pillows," Vera giggled, sitting on the floor next to Lera.
"We all start somewhere."
"I'm not the one going to fight a dragon." Vera pats Lera's arm. "That's you. You're going to save the princess, remember?"
"And then you're going to take over and be a better leader for your people," Lera smiled. "Once they get rid of your dad, that is."
"Well, I'll try!"
“And when you do, you’re going to need to be able to protect yourself, in case people try and kidnap you... again.”
"Well, then, I'll need to keep you around to teach me." Vera sat, deep in thought for a moment, then quickly pulled a ring off one of her fingers. She grabbed Lera's hand, placed the ring in her palm, and closed her fingers around it. "Take this. I can't fight a dragon, I can't even fight my own father, but I can try to make sure you come back alive."
Lera placed the ring on her finger. “I will wear it with pride.” She bit her lip, thinking for a moment. “I-I’d like to give you something too.”
"What? Why?" Vera looked at her confused. "I'm not going off to face a dragon!"
“Because you gave me a gift!” Lera said defensively. “And... because your path is also probably very dangerous.”
Vera shrugged. "I'm just going to stay here. Unless the kobolds figure out how to use the elevator, I think I'll be safe. But, okay. I'll take your gift."
"After we finish killing the dragon, you'll leave, and then you'll take back Neshkel, and..." Lera continued to bite her lip. "Close your eyes," she said abruptly. Vera looked at Lera skeptically, but closed her eyes. The sorceress took a deep breath before pecking the quickest of kisses on the other girl's cheek. "For... good luck," she stuttered, blushing as scarlet as the dawn.
Vera also began to blush. "I feel that everything will go wonderfully, then. You go slay that mighty dragon, and save the princess."
"Yeah," Lera got up, tripping over one of the discarded pillows as she made her way to the door. "Easy-peasy."
Vera giggled as she got up and followed. "I have to check on the children. I'll... see you later."
“Yeah, see you later,” Lera cleared her throat. “I’ll do that. Bye.” And with that, Lera ran off at a full sprint to find her best friend.
Lera runs into the kitchen breathless. “PerrinIhaftatalktoyouboutsomethin.”
"Careful, Lera. This is hot. I don't want to burn you." Perrin says as he takes a pie out of the oven. "If you're going to be in here you are going to help me out. Get me enough plates for all the kids out there."
“I need you to pinky promise you won’t tell anyone what I’m about to tell you,” Lera said, making no motion to get the plates.
"Yes. I promise. Now grab me those plates I can't reach them." Perrin says pointing to the top shelf.
Lera takes a minute to grab the plates before turning back to Perrin. "Ijusthadmyfirstkiss."
"Oh My Yondalla. Really who? Wait, was is Verna because she's suppose to be here." Perrin says giggling like a school girl and momentarily forgetting about cutting up the pie into slices.
"It was Vera," Lera blushes and grins like an idiot. "She's so sweet and pretty and kind and selfless and... She gave me this ring! And I wanted to give her something, and I also wanted to kiss her..."
"I'm so happy for you. I figured you left to find her once you heard of her, situation. I don't know much about her personally but her Dad is a bad man. However, that doesn't mean she is. So if you like her I like her." Perrin tells Lera.
“I was so mad when I found out about her situation,” Lera calmed down enough to explain. “Even if her father was awful, she doesn’t deserve to be kidnapped. I was going to talk to her, see what she was like, and offer her freedom,” the sorceress explained. “I ran into her at the school. I didn’t realize it was her at first, but when I did, I pulled her aside and talked to her.”
"I'll talk to my Pa a little more about giving her a little more freedom but, I assume she won't be able to leave these caves for while." Perrin says and then notices the pie again. "Hold on. Before this gets cold. Help me serve this out to the kids out there and then you can tell me all about your meeting with her."
“No, she has all the freedom she needs,” Lera amended. “She wants to be here, and she wants her father overthrown. Vera has no love for her father, and he doesn’t care for her either. She wants to take back the city and help us rebels.”
"That's good to know. I can't wait to meet her. Now lets go give these kids some pie." Perrin says as he exits the kitchen pie and plates in hand and begins to cut and serve the pie to the kids. Lera sees Vera in the dining room with the kids, blushes a bright red, and promptly steers herself to serve the kids farthest from her. Perrin just gives Vera a knowing look and smirk but doesn't say anything. Lera waits for Perrin in the kitchen to continue their chat. Perrin follows after serving all the pie deciding that he'll have some time later to talk to Vera. "So, do tell all."
“We were talking, and she was super sweet,” Lera giggled, still very red.
"So, are you going to keep "talking" to her while we are here?" Perrin asks
"I hope so," Lera replied dreamily. Snapping back into the real world, she looked back at her friend with a look of panic. "Perrin, how do you flirt?"
"Well, for me its a little different as a guy but here are some tips that I found helpful." Perrin states and then as he says his tips holds out a finger for each tip increasing it by one as he continues. "One be confident. Everyone is attracted to confidence. Two, make eye contact but don't stare. Light eye contact while not talking lets them know that you are interested in them and of course keep eye contact while talking to them. Three, smile. Smiling is infective and shows that you are happy Fourth, Initiate light conversation. Keep what you're talking about happy and don't wait for them to talk to you. Remember to compliment them while you're talking as well. Fifth Don't be afraid to break the touch barrier. A light touch here and there can say a lot. Of course be aware of how they respond to the touch. If they don't react well back off. Sixth, and last be aware of how your partner responds. If they don't like anything back off."
"Question," Lera raised her hand. "Do pillow fights count as breaking the physical barrier? And is talking about a dragon too heavy?"
"Yes pillow fights count. And two, in this instance probably but, after we slay it, no." Perrin answers
"Do you have any parchment? I feel like I should be taking notes."
"No but, it doesn't matter. Don't worry too much about it. You're a charismatic individual. You'll be fine if you follow your instincts and stay true to yourself." Perrin says with a smile not believing the situation.
"Yes, but it's really hard to be charismatic when your heart is trying to beat its way out of your chest," Lera pouted a little.
"That' normal." Perrin says with a smile "And it never really stops. And a little secret, if they feel the same way about you, which I think Vera is, then her heart is also trying to beat its way out of her chest."
"I just don't want her to get hurt."
"Lera. We can't prevent everyone from getting hurt. We all wanted to prevent Polly from getting hurt but, we see what happened there. All you can do is support her when it happens and try not to hurt her yourself." Perrin tells her
"Yeah, but that sucks... you know?" Lera sighed. "I don't like it."
"I know. I worry about Frank everyday. But I can't protect him from everything. All I can do is hope that he stays safe and support him when I can. And thats all you can do with her." Perrin explains, pulling from his own limited wisdom.
"Thank you for being my friend," Lera said, switching gears momentarily.
"It's what best friends do." Perrin says with a smile.
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
Once Woe finished her talk with Sam, she starts walking around the little settlement, excitedly inviting everybody to the party. She is trying to find out more about the dragon, asking everybody she meets if the have any additional information, any stories or rumours. But people are still wary of the newcomer and are avoiding her probing questions.
After an hour walking the cave system Woe starts to feel the exhaustion of the past events catching up. She asks a woman if there was a possibility to take a bath and get cleaned up. The woman shows her the direction of a hidden section where the underground well surfaces and people use it for bathing. It looks very tempting.
When Woe is trying to find her friends, she realises they have scattered and help out around the settlement wherever they can. She finds Koll working with wood, Perrin and Lera in the kitchen. They turn suspiciously silent when she enters, but Woe is too tired to enquire further. Then she finds Zamar with Polly in the tent. She starts looking a little better, her cheeks showing a rosy colour. One by one she walks around and tells them, that there is going to be a party tonight.
A party to celebrate life, a party to celebrate friendship and a party to celebrate Shanolia's and her birthday.
Then she finds herself a quiet section along the hot spring, takes her dirty and ripped clothes off and folds them neatly on the water's edge. She looks her body up and down and realises, she still has a big cut on her upper thigh, her elbow hurts every time she extends it and she probably broke a couple of fingers. She traces the wounds with her finger, infusing some of her magic into it, and the wounds slowly close.
Then she slowly submerges in the hot water, and she can feel her pain lessening, her sour muscles relaxing, the stress subsiding. She stays in the water way too long, until her hands are all wrinkled. She scrubs her body and her hair with her soap thoroughly. Then she jumps out of the water and dries herself down. Then she also pulls her clothes through the water, washing them thoroughly and repairing any rips with by mending them with her mind. When she puts her clothes back on, they are still wet, but clean and repaired. Woe sighs deeply and gets on with planning the party.
//cure wounds lvl 2:
2d8+4
= (2+7)+4 = 13 HPOnce the spider scurries from sight, Shanolia takes a few more bites of food to satisfy her need for flavour, at least for the time being, before deciding that she should make herself useful. She wanders around aimlessly looking for something to do for a bit before she realises that everyone is either in school or eating their lunch, the few that aren't give her apprehensive glances as she walks past, so she decides to look for a quiet place to relax and pray. It takes some time, but she's able to learn the location of a rather hidden section of the hot springs, a section she's told the people use for bathing. A few minutes of navigating later, and she sees Woe exiting the very section she seeks.
"Hey again," Shanolia waves quickly. "I'm searching for the bath, I don't suppose this is it?"
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
Woe shakes her now short hair to dry out. Then she hears Shanolia's voice. "Yes, this is a good place! Oh my god, I wish Lord Viscardi would install something like this in our house!" Woe lowers her voice. "That is if he still wants to keep us on after everything that happened." Woe looks back at the water. "I feel like I am a different person. Would you want to use some soap? Here, enjoy! And pass it on to any of our friends if you see them."
"I have faith that Viscardi will understand that our hands were tied; You made an effort to get the child home safe, and you were betrayed. He will likely not be happy if he finds out about her collapsing, so it may be best to leave that bit out, but as long as we tell the truth and do not instigate the situation, I'm sure it will all work out." She takes the soap in her hand, holding it by her side. "Thank you. If I stay too long and the party starts, come get me. I don't want to miss this chance to have a bit of fun." She gently squeezes Woe's shoulder before walking past her into the bath. Once she's alone, she removes her weapons' belts and sets them with her pack at the edge of the water; all except for the obsidian dagger, which she holds on to as she strips first her cloaks and then her old clothes off her sore body, climbing into the water with the dark blade in her hand and her mask on her face.
Rather than pray, which had been her original plan, Shanolia spends hours first washing the blood and grime from her body before running her clothes through the water as well; All the while, the dagger never leaves her possession - either in her hand, in her lap, or just beside her at the edge of the water, but always within arms reach. Once the mess is clean from her body and clothes, she takes the weapon in her hand and looks it over. "What to call you..."
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
After gossiping for a while and with news of the party reaching their ears Perrin and Lera decide to take a long overdue dip into the water to wash off the blood, sweat, tears, and dirt from their bodies. When they approach the baths they notice Shanolia is there and Perrin gives her a nod before getting ready somewhere private for the bath and eventually easing into the nice relaxing warm water.
“So,” Lera said as she slipped into the water, not able to abide by silence. “Who’s ready to kill a dragon?”
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
When Lera and Perrin enter, Shanolia makes no effort to cover herself, only opening her eyes from her relaxed state to toss them the soap she'd gotten from Woe.
"Here, Woe said to give it to whoever else needs it. She probably wants it back afterwards, though."
It seems she deliberately avoided Lera's question.
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
Dapple spent some time wandering the caves, looking for any opportunities to help, but it seemed he was mostly met with wither curious stares. He could only assume that no one here had ever seen a tabaxi before. He'd tried smiling more, but for some reason, that seemed to make people even more nervous. Not surprisingly, it was the children who showed the most interest in him and he'd spent a bit of time entertaining them before they'd been called off to their lessons. Finally, he'd simply found a quiet corner and curled up for a nap.
“Thanks for the soap!” Lera said to Shanolia . “And happy birthday.”
Her cheeks blush. "Woe told you?"
“We’re having a party tonight, was it supposed to be a secret?”
"I know about the party... Just didn't think she'd- Nevermind. Thank you."
"Out of curiosity; When's your birthday, Lera?" Shanolia sits up a bit, resting her elbows on the edge of the bath.
“My birthday is over the summer,” Lera used her new cantrip to play with the water.
“Ah, Alright.” Shanolia said
“So, Shanolia. I know elves live a long time. How old are you now, 700?” Perrin says with a joking smile.
"Do I really look that old..." She looks hurt. "I'm only 118..."
“Everyone looks old to me,” Lera teases, splashing Perrin with a little water.
“It was a joke Shanolia.” Perrin says as he splashed Lera back. “It’s your birthday. Try and have a little fun. Drop the doom and gloom. I have a feeling we’ll be experiencing it more and more as time goes on.”
"I apologize if I always ruin the mood. I promise, I'm more fun than I seem." She smiles weakly
“No. Don’t apologize. I understand. I mean. You’ve been running for your life longer than I’ve been alive.” Perrin says, feeling bad for hurting Shanolia’s feelings.
“If you’re fun, then prove it,” Lera splashed Shanolia.
"I feel bad. In the short time we've been together, I've managed to upset each one of you. And all I do is bring down the mood." She turns to Lera. "Maybe I will~"
“Shanny, you’re not upsetting any of us,” Lera smiled. “You’re fine, loosen up!”
"I forgot your name," She looks apologetically at Lera. "You seemed pretty upset."
Perrin looks at Shanolia a little confused. “You forgot her name?”
"On the ship. She stormed off. Since then, I made it a point not to forget anyone else's." Shanolia said
“Oh yeah,” Lera replied, realization dawning on her face. “Huh, I forgot about that. At the time, I was mad about a bunch of other things.”
"It was still unacceptable." Shanolia said
“Dude, it was fine,” Lera brushed it off. “Seriously, there are way worse things you could do. All is forgiven!”
She nods, sinking back down to her neck in the water.
"You're not doing a great job of convincing me you're fun," Lera teased in a sing song voice.
"That's what the party's for~ The bath is for relaxing." Shanolia said
"You can't have fun while you relax?" Lera asks
"I mean... You *can*. Doesn't always mean we should." Shanolia said
The water begins to cool around Shanolia. Goodbumps start to rise on her skin. She huddles in on herself in an effort to combat the cold, unaware of the cause. Lera giggles at her little prank
Shanolia eyes the young Sorceress, confused. "Was this you?"
“Noooo.” Lera says slightly sarcastically
She chuckles softly, moving slightly closer to them to be in warm water again.
Perrin just rolls his eyes at Lera antics. “Shanolia and Lera what’s your favorite food? I might not be able to make it now but when we eventually return to Baldur’s Gate I want to make a big feast of everyone’s favorite. You know. To celebrate our first mission but also returning alive from all of this.”
“Cinnamon rolls.” Lera says without hesitation.
She thinks for a moment. "Pretty much anything with Strawberries, really."
“Okay. I think I can make something with that. Now just to ask the others.” Perrin says happily sinking into the water and letting the warmth relax him.
Shanolia settles about five feet beside Lera, sinking in up the bottom of her nose, letting out tiny bubbles as she exhales slowly.
"Do you want anything special for your birthday?" Lera asks Shanolia
She rises so her mouth is out of the water. "Right this moment? To survive the week." She says lightheartedly. "Ask me again once we've bested the dragon and I might have a different answer."
“I can’t very well wrap up survival and put a bow on it,” Lera rolled her eyes.
"I suppose not, but you could reassure me..." Shanolia says
“Shanolia, we’re ready to take down this dragon! We’re not going to die.” Lera says
"That's better." She sinks back down, but comes back up when her mask floats at the surface of the water, away from her face. "Why am I even still wearing this bloody thing?" She sets her dagger down and unties her mask, setting it down and picking the dagger back up to continue fiddling with it beneath the water.
“Shanolia, why do you have your dagger in the water with you? Are you that hungry that your hoping to find some fish in the hot water.” Perrin asks confused but also amused
She looks down at the black blade, as if surprised to see it in her hands. "I'm not sure. It just feels... right... to have it with me."
“Okay. Also. When did you get that? Was that another gift from the island?” Perrin asks
"Our little Monodrone friend had an entire rack of weapons like this, as well as a small glass dagger. He also had a nice-looking collection of gemstones, but I could only grab a handful before the ship went down." Shanolia explains
“Nice. It seems a lot of us got something from the island. Does it do anything cool” Perrin asks, genuinely interested
"I mean... Not that I've noticed. So far, it's just been there. It's made of obsidian though, which is pretty handy." Shanolia says
“And here I am hoping it was some super cool dragon slaying dagger. But that would be too easy.” Perrin says laughing to himself
"A dagger that could fell a dragon... would be handy right about now." She runs her finger delicately along the blade. "Let's not worry about that just yet. Today is a day of fun, not stress."
Perrin just nods along. And then he begins actually cleaning himself and his clothes a little bit and then relax. Unless disturbed Perrin won’t get out until about an hour before the party.
Woe has been running around the cave system for a couple of hours now. She is trying to find items to make the occasion more festive, but is again met with reserve by the people. She is able to organise a single rug and gets four additional candles for the room. In the end, she just shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders. That's why she never did the party planning at the court.
After a while, she sees a rolled up Dapple sleeping in a comfortable corner. She goes over to wake him. "Dapple, could you please help me re-arrange the tables in the dining hall. Maybe we can push some boxes together to make a makeshift stage, then we need room for dancing, and on the sides we can have the chairs and tables."
Koll spends the remainder of the day helping the resident woodworker, a man named Fraderk, in his small corner workshop. Fraderk is a taciturn man, wary of this tattooed stranger in their camp, but once he sees that Koll has the necessary skills he warms up slightly. Still, the two men work mostly in silence, cutting, carving, sanding and fitting together a new wheelbarrow for the camp's needs.
As they work, Koll imagines going up against the white dragon, and knows it will be no easy task. As he mentioned to the others, its weaknesses are certainly its greed, vanity and malicious nature. But what strengths did the Scarlet Dawn have that they could use to their advantage, something that the dragon would not expect or know how to deal with? Thraul, he thinks to himself. Yes, if they could somehow use that, trick the dragon into taking it, then it would fall comatose for hours.
The project nears completion and Frazderk seems happy with the outcome. The work has made Koll miss his old weapons, his tonfas which he had carved himself. One he broke trying to break Lera's chains aboard the Flaming Sail, and the other he traded away to the modron as a part for its ridiculous ship, in exchange for the spell gem that Perrin now possessed. Koll spies a rack of carved staffs in Fraderk's shop. Koll has never used one but is interested to try, and thinks that something with a longer reach could be useful. He offers Fraderk two silver pieces for one. The woodworker declines, saying that the monk's help with the wheelbarrow was enough payment, but Koll insists. He lays the coins on Fraderks' work bench.
"I thank you for letting me help you today."
He then leaves to go find the rest of the Scarlet Dawn and make plans for the dragon.