Stormraider Keep (A M.E.T.A.L. Campaign)

Elyria just looks a little confused, never been called a lady before, but nods and simply chooses the closest room, stowing away her gear there, admiring the view briefly before joining the others again in the common area. Not really a people person but rather a beast person she stays mostly silent, although she tries to answer politely when spoken to. She decides to follow Aurelius around for now, mostly just keeping her eyes open, and him out of trouble.

Once in his room Flynt checks the compass again. He tests the bed which seems as comfortable as the rest of the surroundings. He takes a few moments to change from the brightly colored dress of the summer court into his usual attire. When he enters the common room looking for the others he is back in his linen shirt under his breastplate. His sarape thrown back over his shoulder and his hat perched low. The brim nearly covers his eyes. Producing a small, tightly rolled cigar from a small tin he raises an eyebrow in a silent request for permission from those about him. If no objections are heard he will lite the aromatic tobacco and take a few draws.

Fylanis nods to Aurelius, speaking in Elvish  "I could get some food brought here if you like. Something light perhaps?" He turns to Elyria. "Something for everyone?"  Sabynn picks up on the conversation and repeats in Common, "Shall we get some food sent here for you all?"

The female elf then speaks to all, "I can serve as translator should you wish.  Once we get the food, Fylanis and I can give you a tour of the place." 

Assuming there are no objections, Fylanis is sent to have something brought back.  Sabynn stays.  Speaking in Common: "I would love to hear what brings you here to our humble section of the Wildlands. We don't get many visitors here from your realm."  She has a cheery smile, and optimistic tone to her words, a bit of a contrast at least to Olcelle and what seems to be the standard for Alvalhollow.  

Elyria gratefully accepts waiting for something to eat and drink. She finds somwhere to sit and leaves the talking to Aurelius and Flynt, her thoughts again drifting away to Rahkeshi. "I'm coming my dear." She whispers.

Replying in Common, Aurelius says in a friendly tone, "the short answer to your question is that our close friend and associate is held captive by Leilath, and we seek tactical intelligence, or even support in her recovery." His voice becomes subtly more dramatic.  "The longer explanation is that I am Aurelius Degas, Dragonslayer and Trollhunter, Village-defender and Maiden-rescuer, Artifact-recoverer, Planeswalker, Giants-bane and Foe of evil fey. " (slight pause) "I'm surprised you haven't heard of me. I... we... go where we are needed to right wrongs, defend the innocent, punish the wicked, and to keep powerful magical objects out of the hands of the unworthy.  Our quest in the other realm has involved traveling here to your... er, lovely world twice, once prior by accident, and this time intentionally, as we are in pursuit of the Betrayer, Frost Greysky, who abducted our friend, fled through a portal connecting our realms, and whose trail leads us to Leilath."

Aurelius thinks to himself that now is probably not the right time to emphasize their ties to the Summer Court.

"Food would be appreciated," says Flynt.  "Tell us more of this betrayer. What are some things we might expect when we finally catch up to this scoundrel?" Flynt asks Aurelius.

Sabyyn nods at Flynt's remark, "My pardons noble Aurelius, but I have not heard of your exploits.  I am afraid we do not get a lot of news of even the Fey Lands here in Avalhollow, so I know little of your lands.  I would love to hear more of this Betrayer though.  What happened?"  She seems quite interested.  

Sabynn continues listening and conversing with the group. Several minutes later Fylanis returns followed by a number of other elves.  They all seem to have similar grey-and-light-blue dress which must be some sort of uniform. They have trays of fruit, nuts, cheese, breads, and meats.  It looks like more than enough food for twice your numbers.  At the end are brought a number of flagons of wine, water, and juices. 

"Enjoy as much as you wish! Compliments of Lady Sylmare.  I have word that she will meet you in a few hours, she is trying to clear her schedule."  Fylanis says in Elvish. Sabynn repeats the message in Common for Flynt.  

The other elves leave the food and drink on the various small tables scatter throughout the common room.  Once done, they depart, leaving you with just Fylanis and Sabynn. 

Elyria unceremoniously grabs some food of the trays and some juice to go with that. She then finds a chair and starts eating and drinking in silence.

( the compass didn't show any unexpected direction change did it? )

Aurelius will relate the story, in Common, of how the party encountered the invisible troll, and shortly afterwards the treacherous fairy.  How he claimed that the Queen of the Summer Court had an urgent message for them, and then guided them back to the portal.  And then, how the darklings ambushed the party, Rakheshi somehow became enthralled to Frost, and how the Betrayer fled through the portal which was guarded by sprites.

(Sorry, yes, the compass is still showing more or less the same direction and distance - with a slight shift probably because of your travels.)  

Sabynn's eyes get wide as you mention the invisible troll, "Oh!  We have invisible trolls around here!  I'm not familiar with any Fairies though, we aren't really on friendly terms with them.  But maybe our Lady will know of this one."    (She speaks Common.) 

Fylanis watches the conversation idly, but does not really seem to understand any of it.  While he seems a little annoyed, he seems to fine just watching Sabynn.  

Once Aurelius finishes she asks in Common, "We typically keep watch on that crossing.  I don't recall any half-orcs or fairies or sprites recently." She looks at Fylannis and asks in Elvish, "Have we seen any half-orcs, fairies, or sprites at the crossing?"  He replies in Elvish, "Not that I have heard.  But this is really something to leave to our Lady." He seems a little unhappy with the question.  

Elyria sits back and studies the interactions between Sabynn and Fylanis. Is that how a couple would behave in front of others? But why was Fylanis unhappy with the question she wondered. Insight: 5 Nevermind :-P

Aurelius clarifies that Frost and the sprites seemed able to become invisible as well. He also mentions the unusual colors they were wearing, all greys and black.

"Time seems to flow differently in our two realms. What was only days ago to us seems to have been several months in your world."

Sabynn nods, speaking in Common, "Well, that is of course very common for Sprites, they are innately able to become invisible. Just like Pixies or other nature spirits. But usually Fairies and Trolls do not."  She pauses a moment. "Although Fairies might know magic to do that.  And like I said, we have trolls around here that can turn invisible.  It actually comes from spirit magic as well - somehow when they have a diet of Pixies or such creatures their regeneration sometimes allows them to kind of incorporate that trait!  It's kind of interesting really."  Sabynn actually sounds a bit excited and is enjoying carrying on about this.  "It is such a fascinating mechanism that trolls have."   

Then when you mention 'several months' she gets a look in her eye.  "How long ago was it that those Satyr soldiers were out by the portal?" She asks in Elvish to Fylanis. "You know, those must have been..." 

Fylanis cuts her off with a wave of his hand, "Don't talk about that! You will get us in trouble!" he says in Elvish. "I think is time for the tour." 

For her part, Sabynn looks a little startled and now nervous, "Oh, yes, sorry. It probably is time for a tour of Alvalhollow!  We would not want to be late to meet Lady Sylmare," she says in Common. 

Elyria having listened to the conversation, quickly finshes up her meal. "No, we wouldn't." She says plainly and is ready for the tour of Alvahollow.

While munching on berries and nuts, Flynt is quietly observant of the activities around him. He only requested the food and the story as distractions knowing that oft times when people have something else to focus on their guard may slip on any secrets they may be hiding. The corner of his mouth turns up in a stifled grin as he hears the change in tone between Sabynn and Fylanis and he realizes something must of slipped. He silently vows to follow up with the elf on what that exchange was about. He gets up with the rest for the tour but makes sure he stays close to their guide biding his time until the opportunity presents itself to pull her aside.

 Fylanis and Sabynn lead you back outside.  It is Sabynn that speaks to the group once outside.  "The large tree of course is whete Lady Sylmare resides.  She has reception chambers, banquet halls an suites for her and her advisers.  A large contingent of her personal guards reside there also."

You all continue down the steps of this building to walk amongst the trees. There are a handful of huts on or near the ground.  "Mostly craftsmen." explains Sabynn. "We have woodworkers and smiths mostly.  There is always work for our Lady!"

You now move a short distance along a trail that leads down to a small river.  "We have a few farms to grow grains and some vegetables. And here we even have a grain mill." 

You can see a waterwheel attached to a modest that building. Alongside is what must be a grain silo.  Far downstream you see the forest thin and what must be the farms. 

Following back toward the large tree, Sabynn points out a tavern and a small handful of shops. "There is not a lot of commerce. We make all we need and most barter for goods. There's only a few merchants travel through theses parts, and they bring unusual items to onebof the shops. The rest are mostly clothes, furnishings, and other necessities."

You come to a stop by a much larger building with a large open field alongside.  You see perhaps 20 elves sparring with swords.  "Barracks for our soldiers.  Our Lady employees many in her service. But most all of the town are capable fighters when needed."  

You have not seen many crowds as you walk around.  But there are a handful - two here, five there, someone walking alone in the distance.  It's hard to tell if it was intentional or not, but you did not really pass anyone or even walk near.

"Everyone actually tends to live higher in the trees. Often relatives will have houses all built into the same tree. But not always.  Even schools are mostly up with the homes."  Sabynn explains.

She gives Fylanis a nod and says, "I guess that is about it. Unless you have questions? We have just a little bit before we see if we can meet Lady Sylmare."

Flynt pulls Sabynn aside as the others mill about waiting for the call to see the Lady Sylmare.  "Say I noticed earlier that Fylanis seemed upset at what you were telling us. I assure you that you can trust us if there is anything you wish to tell me." He says in a soft voice in an attempt to persuade the elf into revealing what ever secret lies untold.

Persuasion: 7

Sabynn does not seem very open to Flynt's persuasion. She speaks to him in Common, keeping her voice lower to match his. "I am sorry, our Lady always reminds of the saying that information is money. Wait... or is it something else?"  She mumbles to herself a moment. "No, that's time... so, this must be..."  She looks at Flynt again with a grin. "So sorry, it's not important.  But we aren't supposed to just give out information.  Even if it isn't really that important."