“No, we did not fall asleep. The tunnel was not that comfortable and cozy.”Randal replies to Sier. He looks over at Tess “As far as what happens next, I hope it involves rest, I am almost spent. I am willing to tempt fate and sleep here tonight if there is room. The dreams seem to catch up no matter where we rest.” He does turn to Lyla as she mentions her conversation with Sier “Other guests? The visitors from the capital? Was one of them big and bald?”
Tess says, with a bit of a start. “capital visitors? I missed that, or did I forget it..? Speaking of forgetting things- I need to check on my room here- the ones I left may need some care. I’d like the company if you want to come along, but yes, I plan to rest afterwards. I’m drained and hurt from that tunnel . I have no wish to return. Sorry Sier”
She will lead the way to her room, inquiring also about the descriptions of the visitors from the capital.
"Well I suppose that one could be described as big and bald. How do you know these visitors? From the capital?" Lyla continues the conversation as she walks with Tess. If Randal is also following, Lyla would only speak after moving away from Sier. Otherwise she would talk while Randal is present before following Tess.
“I am from the capital myself- well I grew up there. I was born here. Actually- I was born- exactly here, in this Inn, from what Sier said. He was there. Anyway, there are some in the capital I’d… prefer not to meet. Although it’s unlikely they’d come here, or recognize me if they did. I’m silly to worry about it. By the way- Lyla- it was horrific in that tunnel. Wise of you to not venture in. I trusted Sier more before going down there. I think whatever he did, it’s not our place to let him free. Not that we could anyway.” Tess says.
Randal follows Tess back to her room with Lyla. “Yes, it does seem like Sier is hiding more about what led to him being locked in this tree, and I’m not sure it has anything to do with what is happening in town now.”Randal looks over at Tess with interest as she mentions her time in the capital. “You have nothing to worry about, I think that they are here for me. I recognized them when I saw them outside the inn earlier. I left the capital quickly and there may have been misunderstandings. It may be best if they did not know I was here.”
Lyla nods, following along with what Randal is saying, and replies Tess with a cynical laugh. "That's what happens when you trust elves. Nothing good comes of it. I'm glad you weren't able to free him, especially since it seems he is really meant to remain trapped here indefinitely. I would ask how horrible it was, but..." she gestures to the pair of them, with their appearances matching the explanation they'd just given of what was down there.
"Good thing you weren't confronted by whatever might have left the bones behind though. Unfortunately it doesn't surprise me that lives may have been lost down there."
Another thought occurs to Lyla, and her expression becomes darker. "The bones... you said they belonged to people, right? Was there any indication of how long ago those people may have been alive, or how they died, based on the position of the remains? And did Sier mention how long ago he began sending people down to the tree's roots?"
Randal shakes his head at Lyla “Yes, they were human. No telling how many Sier sent down there, but there were almost two dozen remains scattered about. Couldn’t tell how long they were down there, but it must have been awhile, they were all dried bones. No idea what happened to them, but we didn't stick around to find out.” He looks up at the pair “What next? We are no closer to finding out the source of these strange dreams, or the illness.”
"Not much I can do for you while stuck in here, don't you think?" Sier answers Tess' question, and you get the feeling he wouldn't help you even if he could unless you free him. The state of people in the village does not seem to interest him at all. Then, after Tess mentions her room, just before you leave, he calls: "Just remember, this will be the last night you paid for. If you want to reserve the room for any longer, you'll have to pay for it."
In the hallway, there is no sign of the visitors Lyla mentioned. All five doors are closed. Tess can unlock the door to her room, the first on the left. Inside, you three find Ri lying, still unconscious. With the armour covering most of her body, it is hard to tell at first, but the short-haired woman's face reveals that despite her unnatural state, it seems neither drinking nor eating for so long has taken a toll on her body. She's pale and gaunt. Her lips are dry. She might seem peaceful, but at the same time, not too far from death.
“I thought Sier was going to keep an eye on her, when I left!”’ Tess says, shocked to see her in this state.. “I’ll get her some water, and food. Sier has these berries, they aren’t good but they are filling, and they didn’t hurt me. Hopefully he will help with this at least.
she carefully administers some water to Ri, speaking calming words to her. She then dashes back down the hall to Sier.
She’s upset but decides not to confront Sier about the situation. “Ri is still unconscious and she needs food and water. Do you have any of those magical berries? That might be just the thing to help her. And here’s two gold for some more time. I’d like to keep the room, although I don’t know if I will sleep here.”
"I don't know what we do next," Lyla openly admits to Randal, "but while we're here, if Sier's knowledge might help us find any link between the dreams and the illness and Rivulestice's history, then I wouldn't want to pass over that information."
Lyla follows Tess back down the hall, and talks to Sier.
"I've been thinking about what is under the tree. Would you have more information about who you've sent down there previously? If nothing else, surely you know their names, when each was sent, and the sort of skills they had? What could have killed them without you having any idea about it?"
Sier takes the gold, calculates in his head for a second, then pockets the coins. "And a one coin discount for a regular customer I suppose, that extends your stay by three nights."
Taking his hand out of his pocket, a single black berry in his hand. "You locked the door, so I couldn't get to her." He smiles mischeviously. "Give it to her once a day, it will keep her alive. The other two weren't very cooperative when I tried to feed them, but with a bit of effort I got them to swallow it. They're all fine now."
"I didn't know all of them. Many were visitors whom, like yourselves, I asked for assitance," Sier answers Lyla. "I didn't memorise all of their names. Some may have been carrying a weapon for self defence but none of them appeared particularly skilled. It's not like a trained knight comes to this place every Ninday, you know? As for what might have killed them, I'd sense most living things so... either the tree or some non-living protective measure? It's a shame to learn none of them survived."
Outside, you three may have noticed when in Tess' room, looking out the window, evening begins to fall. There's still time until the sun goes down, but the sky is already painted with light oranges, and the temperatures begin to drop slightly. Some light wind begins to blow. In the distance, you start hearing loud sounds every few seconds. Like huge, deep drums, or maybe explosions. Sier seems to notice it too, but does not seem too bothered by it.
“thanks Sier. i will. if i leave again ill leave the key. “. she takes the berry and brings it to Ri, forcing her to swallow it with some more water ti wash it down. She looks to Randall and Lyla and asks “should we rest? you are welcome to stay here if you like. ive had enough adventure for today. I am worried about those sounds, but im in no condition to investigate them.”
Randal helps Tess with Ri and makes sure she is comfortable before collapsing against the wall. “Rest sounds like a wonderful idea. I am exhausted.” He leans his head back and closes his eyes, hoping against hope that he would not be disturbed by any strange dreams or illusions this time.
The room is small, and certainly not meant to accommodate four adults. It is cramped, and despite Tess' first intention, the bed is too small for two to lie side by side. Especially when one is Ri, still in her hard armour. But eventually, you each find a pose that you can sleep in. Perhaps not comfortably - sitting back against the door, on the floor right by the bed, under the bed, wherever there is space to support your body.
Despite the discomfort, Tess and Randal fall asleep quickly - exhausted from the day's adventures. Lyla meanwhile, can't quite find a comfortable position, and it being so early in the evening, she's not too tired either. The booming sounds from afar don't help, either. But after enough time, Lyla too manages to sail into a dreamy sleep.
--The first day of Oruthia's Jurisdiction over the summer-- (You have all completed a long rest.)
Randal is suddenly shaken awake. There's very little light in the room - the sun is probably only just starting to rise. Next to him, her hand on his shoulder, Lyla looks outside through the window. "Coming, Tess!" She yells. Now he notices, Tess is not in the room. There's urgency in her voice, which alerts Randal something has happened, and despite some lack of sleep, he quickly rises and within a few moments the two of them leave the room.
The sun is just beginning to rise now, the orange-ish circle beginning to rise in the east - currently hidden behind some of the buildings. The skies are mostly clear, with only a few small clouds in the distance. The morning is not as hot as the last few days, though not significantly.
Exiting the room - leaving sleeping Ri behind - and passing by Sier who watches curiously as the two hurry outside - yet says nothing - you leave the Living Tree Inn and looking to both sides, you see Tess standing by the stone bridge. Next to her, someone is lying on the ground. Running towards them, you recognise the body as Dromi, lying unconscious on the ground, breathing slow deep breaths. She has dark circles under her eyes and her face is bruised on one side.
(OOC: Hey, I'm back now, and should be able to post somewhat frequently for the time being.)
“Thanks.. i didnt want to leave her. In my room i woke from a dream and heard a sound from the bridge, a little while ago, and found her here. I can’t wake her- and I could not carry her. can you help me get her inside? I think she must have the same illness as the others..”. Tess says. Her face is filled with worry, she has been hastily dressed in her simple white linen dress, and her golden hair is disheveled.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Randal hurries to Tess and kneels down at the figure on the ground, surprised and saddened to learn it was Dromi. “You just found her here? Did you see what happened?” He does a quick check, trying to determine if it was the same sickness they saw in the others or something else. (Medicine: 8). He looks around the bridge and ground nearby for any sign of a struggle or any clues to what happened (Perception: 19). He lifts Dromi to carry her “Back to the inn with the others, or should we take her to her home, or the temple?” He shake his head with worry “I awoke from a strange dream as well, tied to my past, but different. And different from the other visions I have had. What was your dream about?”he asks Tess as they walk.
“No, we did not fall asleep. The tunnel was not that comfortable and cozy.” Randal replies to Sier. He looks over at Tess “As far as what happens next, I hope it involves rest, I am almost spent. I am willing to tempt fate and sleep here tonight if there is room. The dreams seem to catch up no matter where we rest.” He does turn to Lyla as she mentions her conversation with Sier “Other guests? The visitors from the capital? Was one of them big and bald?”
Tess says, with a bit of a start. “capital visitors? I missed that, or did I forget it..? Speaking of forgetting things- I need to check on my room here- the ones I left may need some care. I’d like the company if you want to come along, but yes, I plan to rest afterwards. I’m drained and hurt from that tunnel . I have no wish to return. Sorry Sier”
She will lead the way to her room, inquiring also about the descriptions of the visitors from the capital.
"Well I suppose that one could be described as big and bald. How do you know these visitors? From the capital?" Lyla continues the conversation as she walks with Tess. If Randal is also following, Lyla would only speak after moving away from Sier. Otherwise she would talk while Randal is present before following Tess.
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
“I am from the capital myself- well I grew up there. I was born here. Actually- I was born- exactly here, in this Inn, from what Sier said. He was there. Anyway, there are some in the capital I’d… prefer not to meet. Although it’s unlikely they’d come here, or recognize me if they did. I’m silly to worry about it. By the way- Lyla- it was horrific in that tunnel. Wise of you to not venture in. I trusted Sier more before going down there. I think whatever he did, it’s not our place to let him free. Not that we could anyway.” Tess says.
Randal follows Tess back to her room with Lyla. “Yes, it does seem like Sier is hiding more about what led to him being locked in this tree, and I’m not sure it has anything to do with what is happening in town now.” Randal looks over at Tess with interest as she mentions her time in the capital. “You have nothing to worry about, I think that they are here for me. I recognized them when I saw them outside the inn earlier. I left the capital quickly and there may have been misunderstandings. It may be best if they did not know I was here.”
Lyla nods, following along with what Randal is saying, and replies Tess with a cynical laugh. "That's what happens when you trust elves. Nothing good comes of it. I'm glad you weren't able to free him, especially since it seems he is really meant to remain trapped here indefinitely. I would ask how horrible it was, but..." she gestures to the pair of them, with their appearances matching the explanation they'd just given of what was down there.
"Good thing you weren't confronted by whatever might have left the bones behind though. Unfortunately it doesn't surprise me that lives may have been lost down there."
Another thought occurs to Lyla, and her expression becomes darker. "The bones... you said they belonged to people, right? Was there any indication of how long ago those people may have been alive, or how they died, based on the position of the remains? And did Sier mention how long ago he began sending people down to the tree's roots?"
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
Randal shakes his head at Lyla “Yes, they were human. No telling how many Sier sent down there, but there were almost two dozen remains scattered about. Couldn’t tell how long they were down there, but it must have been awhile, they were all dried bones. No idea what happened to them, but we didn't stick around to find out.” He looks up at the pair “What next? We are no closer to finding out the source of these strange dreams, or the illness.”
"Not much I can do for you while stuck in here, don't you think?" Sier answers Tess' question, and you get the feeling he wouldn't help you even if he could unless you free him. The state of people in the village does not seem to interest him at all. Then, after Tess mentions her room, just before you leave, he calls: "Just remember, this will be the last night you paid for. If you want to reserve the room for any longer, you'll have to pay for it."
In the hallway, there is no sign of the visitors Lyla mentioned. All five doors are closed. Tess can unlock the door to her room, the first on the left. Inside, you three find Ri lying, still unconscious. With the armour covering most of her body, it is hard to tell at first, but the short-haired woman's face reveals that despite her unnatural state, it seems neither drinking nor eating for so long has taken a toll on her body. She's pale and gaunt. Her lips are dry. She might seem peaceful, but at the same time, not too far from death.
Varielky | Werhann
“I thought Sier was going to keep an eye on her, when I left!”’ Tess says, shocked to see her in this state.. “I’ll get her some water, and food. Sier has these berries, they aren’t good but they are filling, and they didn’t hurt me. Hopefully he will help with this at least.
she carefully administers some water to Ri, speaking calming words to her. She then dashes back down the hall to Sier.
She’s upset but decides not to confront Sier about the situation. “Ri is still unconscious and she needs food and water. Do you have any of those magical berries? That might be just the thing to help her. And here’s two gold for some more time. I’d like to keep the room, although I don’t know if I will sleep here.”
(Forgot how much the room is)
"I don't know what we do next," Lyla openly admits to Randal, "but while we're here, if Sier's knowledge might help us find any link between the dreams and the illness and Rivulestice's history, then I wouldn't want to pass over that information."
Lyla follows Tess back down the hall, and talks to Sier.
"I've been thinking about what is under the tree. Would you have more information about who you've sent down there previously? If nothing else, surely you know their names, when each was sent, and the sort of skills they had? What could have killed them without you having any idea about it?"
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
((Seven Rivers (silver) per night.))
Sier takes the gold, calculates in his head for a second, then pockets the coins. "And a one coin discount for a regular customer I suppose, that extends your stay by three nights."
Taking his hand out of his pocket, a single black berry in his hand. "You locked the door, so I couldn't get to her." He smiles mischeviously. "Give it to her once a day, it will keep her alive. The other two weren't very cooperative when I tried to feed them, but with a bit of effort I got them to swallow it. They're all fine now."
"I didn't know all of them. Many were visitors whom, like yourselves, I asked for assitance," Sier answers Lyla. "I didn't memorise all of their names. Some may have been carrying a weapon for self defence but none of them appeared particularly skilled. It's not like a trained knight comes to this place every Ninday, you know? As for what might have killed them, I'd sense most living things so... either the tree or some non-living protective measure? It's a shame to learn none of them survived."
Outside, you three may have noticed when in Tess' room, looking out the window, evening begins to fall. There's still time until the sun goes down, but the sky is already painted with light oranges, and the temperatures begin to drop slightly. Some light wind begins to blow. In the distance, you start hearing loud sounds every few seconds. Like huge, deep drums, or maybe explosions. Sier seems to notice it too, but does not seem too bothered by it.
Varielky | Werhann
“thanks Sier. i will. if i leave again ill leave the key. “. she takes the berry and brings it to Ri, forcing her to swallow it with some more water ti wash it down. She looks to Randall and Lyla and asks “should we rest? you are welcome to stay here if you like. ive had enough adventure for today. I am worried about those sounds, but im in no condition to investigate them.”
Randal helps Tess with Ri and makes sure she is comfortable before collapsing against the wall. “Rest sounds like a wonderful idea. I am exhausted.” He leans his head back and closes his eyes, hoping against hope that he would not be disturbed by any strange dreams or illusions this time.
tess similarly collapses, on the bed next to Ri, and quickly falls asleep.
(I'll assume Lyla sleeps with the others, then.)
The room is small, and certainly not meant to accommodate four adults. It is cramped, and despite Tess' first intention, the bed is too small for two to lie side by side. Especially when one is Ri, still in her hard armour. But eventually, you each find a pose that you can sleep in. Perhaps not comfortably - sitting back against the door, on the floor right by the bed, under the bed, wherever there is space to support your body.
Despite the discomfort, Tess and Randal fall asleep quickly - exhausted from the day's adventures. Lyla meanwhile, can't quite find a comfortable position, and it being so early in the evening, she's not too tired either. The booming sounds from afar don't help, either. But after enough time, Lyla too manages to sail into a dreamy sleep.
(Expect a follow-up post in private soon.)
Varielky | Werhann
--The first day of Oruthia's Jurisdiction over the summer-- (You have all completed a long rest.)
Randal is suddenly shaken awake. There's very little light in the room - the sun is probably only just starting to rise. Next to him, her hand on his shoulder, Lyla looks outside through the window. "Coming, Tess!" She yells. Now he notices, Tess is not in the room. There's urgency in her voice, which alerts Randal something has happened, and despite some lack of sleep, he quickly rises and within a few moments the two of them leave the room.
The sun is just beginning to rise now, the orange-ish circle beginning to rise in the east - currently hidden behind some of the buildings. The skies are mostly clear, with only a few small clouds in the distance. The morning is not as hot as the last few days, though not significantly.
Exiting the room - leaving sleeping Ri behind - and passing by Sier who watches curiously as the two hurry outside - yet says nothing - you leave the Living Tree Inn and looking to both sides, you see Tess standing by the stone bridge. Next to her, someone is lying on the ground. Running towards them, you recognise the body as Dromi, lying unconscious on the ground, breathing slow deep breaths. She has dark circles under her eyes and her face is bruised on one side.
(OOC: Hey, I'm back now, and should be able to post somewhat frequently for the time being.)
Varielky | Werhann
“Thanks.. i didnt want to leave her. In my room i woke from a dream and heard a sound from the bridge, a little while ago, and found her here. I can’t wake her- and I could not carry her. can you help me get her inside? I think she must have the same illness as the others..”. Tess says. Her face is filled with worry, she has been hastily dressed in her simple white linen dress, and her golden hair is disheveled.
Randal hurries to Tess and kneels down at the figure on the ground, surprised and saddened to learn it was Dromi. “You just found her here? Did you see what happened?” He does a quick check, trying to determine if it was the same sickness they saw in the others or something else. (Medicine: 8). He looks around the bridge and ground nearby for any sign of a struggle or any clues to what happened (Perception: 19). He lifts Dromi to carry her “Back to the inn with the others, or should we take her to her home, or the temple?” He shake his head with worry “I awoke from a strange dream as well, tied to my past, but different. And different from the other visions I have had. What was your dream about?” he asks Tess as they walk.
Randal cannot determine what exactly happened to Dromi. Nor can he spot any clues for anything that might have happened - if anything did at all.
(Waiting for you all to decide on your destination.)
Varielky | Werhann