Rel stands in the doorway of the Stonehill Inn, smiling uncertainly at her new friends, training and talking. Her earrings dangle strangely, seeming to drink the morning light as if they are... holes... in the air. She closes her eyes at the mention of the shadow in the sky, and when she opens them again, her irises are briefly as black as her pupils before returning to their usual granite grey.
After briefly glancing at the Lionshield Coster again, wishing she had enough gold for armor and shield, she hefts her new quarterstaff and joins in the drills. Though she looks too much of a slender waif to wield a bludgeoning weapon effectively, it seems to whip around with force and precision, as if directed by her force of will and personality rather than by her muscles alone.
Regaining her spirits with the exertion, she grins at Khessa Cabbagefield, at Echo Thornhill and even at the surface elf, Jasper Mooncrest.
"I sense we all are... more capable than we were yesterday. This is for the best. We will need it."
She thinks to herself but does not say: I hope I can control it...
"Good... with the night..." Khessa lowers her eyes, as in shame "For me, night has never be the same, after that hellish night when drow slavers came and raided my village. And after what I had to endure in the endless, starless night of the Underdark. All this has left some... scars in me. It is difficult, for me, to find the night peaceful. And I'm... well, let's just say things are even worst when I am in total darkness. Thanks to Echo, at least now I will always be able to get some light, through magic..."
To Khessa: “I’m sorry the beauty of the night has been taken from your eyes. The Moon Maidens light shines, even in complete darkness. I hope I can help you see Her light... In the meantime, we’ll keep to daytime hours.”
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Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP Dastion Salvi~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
To Khessa: “I’m sorry the beauty of the night has been taken from your eyes. The Moon Maidens light shines, even in complete darkness. I hope I can help you see Her light... In the meantime, we’ll keep to daytime hours.”
"I thank you, Jasper" smiles at him again Khessa - after having found new friends (and befriended a monster to boot) and learned to do magic, there is not much that can sadden her for long at the moment "I'd like to see light in complete darkness. If you'll find a way to bring me to see this light, I will be really grateful! Until then, yes, I'll keep to daytime hours, or I'll use magical light".
Regaining her spirits with the exertion, she grins at Khessa Cabbagefield, at Echo Thornhill and even at the surface elf, Jasper Mooncrest.
"I sense we all are... more capable than we were yesterday. This is for the best. We will need it."
...
"Yes, Rel Serafin" turns her blue eyes to the half-drow Khessa. "What we have been able to accomplish together has definitely strenghten us! Maybe, with training and cooperation, we will keep growing together! As you point out, we will need it... if we are to face the dragon in the end. Help from Tookrashk and other monsters or not".
"Speaking of cooperation," it comes to the mind of the tall arcane warrior "I see you seem more interested than before in melee fighting... would you like me to lend you my maul? I almost always use my greatsword... I keep the maul just in case slashing would prove ineffective against a specific enemy... but I think I could lend it to you for this mission, if you like (and if you think you can put it to good use)".
"It took my coming up from the Underdark for me to appreciate the beauty of day and night here on the surface. So strange with the sun by day, the stars by night, and the moon during one or the other. All are indeed beautiful as Jasper Mooncrest says, as is the twilight between the day and night." She pauses to peer at the elf. She senses a power in him, as he had spoken about the Moon Maiden. There is power in light and shadow both... she puts her hand to her head briefly and steadies herself.
No surface elf has ever done me harm. Certainly not in the way my own people and orcs have. I would do well to remember that. She bows respectfully in response to his greeting, unsure of how to respond and describe whether she slept well or not.
Turning back to Khessa: "And I do not know how I would react to being kidnapped and forced to give it up as you were for a time Khessa Cabbagefield. I feel pain for your sorrow and hope you continue to make your own light in the darkness. We share a common enemy in the drow slavers, which my noble family were, along with many other (but not all) drow. Though I have heard there are some here, not drow, who are slavers, even on the surface. Not to mention the orcs that attacked my friend Roywyn's clan."
"I thank you for your offer of the maul but I do not think I can... exert my will on two-handed weapons like it or your greatsword, or even my light crossbow. I am not sure I could even lift your maul! But one-handed or versatile weapons like this quarterstaff or even a longsword or flail I think I can use effectively now, even though I know I lack the raw physical strength normally needed to wield even those effectively. Something has happened to me - some force of will. There is a voice inside my head. A strange, shadowy female voice. That of a strange, dark woman warrior. A... stealer of life. Or an immense raven. I cannot distinguish. But I feel I can now use a shield or even some armor if I could afford it. It is very strange. And somehow tied to these..." (She touches her black earrings).
... Though I have heard there are some here, not drow, who are slavers, even on the surface. Not to mention the orcs that attacked my friend Roywyn's clan."
"I thank you for your offer of the maul but I do not think I can... exert my will on two-handed weapons like it or your greatsword, or even my light crossbow. I am not sure I could even lift your maul! But one-handed or versatile weapons like this quarterstaff or even a longsword or flail I think I can use effectively now, even though I know I lack the raw physical strength normally needed to wield even those effectively. Something has happened to me - some force of will. There is a voice inside my head. A strange, shadowy female voice. That of a strange, dark woman warrior. A... stealer of life. Or an immense raven. I cannot distinguish. But I feel I can now use a shield or even some armor if I could afford it. It is very strange. And somehow tied to these..." (She touches her black earrings).
"That's for sure, Rel Serafin" agrees Khessa "I'm aware that not all drow are slavers and that there is lot of other evil in our world. The orcs will get what they deserve. We will find out where their camp is. There is a spell that I learned that could help me with that... but, alas, I can not afford the cost of the ritual right now. I hope this will change after this mission. But as backup plan, I could try to scout from above, should Tookrashk allow me a quick ride... It is much easier to spot a somewhat big camp, when you can fly. Once we know where they are," the blue eyes of the blonde arcane warrior sparkle with anticipation of battle "we can strike. Even with Tookrashk help, I think: he should be quite happy to have a feast of orc's bodies after the battle. The fight will be easier, that way, and our bond with Tookrashk will get stronger. Anyway, we will eradicate the threat they are posing. And we will question the prisoners to find out what happened to your friend Roywyn. If Roywyn can be rescued," she gently puts her hand on the half-drow's shoulder "rescue her we will".
"As far as the voice inside your head is concerned," changes subject the tall warrior-mage "I don't know what to think. But one thing I know:" Khessa's blue eyes look into Rel's gray ones "you are Rel Serafin. And you are free. You choose your way. You escaped the Underdark. You choose to have friends. You were with us, risking to get eaten, when we were saving Adabra the midwife. You choose what you are. No silly voice in your head - no matter how shadowy, how life-stealing or how ravenly it may be - will change that. And no pair of earrings also - no matter how mysterious they are. You will always be Rel Serafin. The Rel Serafin you choose to be. And the Rel Serafin we respect... and we love".
Jasper looks on to Rel and Khessa: “If our path leads to the Underdark, I am compelled to follow. To free those in bonds.” Jasper sighs as he thinks of his sisters. Out there...somewhere...waiting for me...(Jasper flashes back to the screams...to the blood and the pale skinned creatures...and that smile, that evil smile laughing at me.)
Clearing his thoughts and grasping his amulet...
”Well, shall we eat some breakfast and prepare for our journey?”
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Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP Dastion Salvi~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"Thank you Jasper!" deep gratitude shines deep in Khessa's blue eyes "When in the future we'll venture back to the Underdark, the help of someone that can see light even in complete darkness will be invaluable!"
"And now, that we are about to start another quest to help Phandalin," she concludes "the breakfast you just spoke of sounds really good! The physical exercise first... and perhaps even more the mental stress to finally be able to understand something of magic after, made me hungry. Just hope they have some cabbage-based dishes this time... Anyway, let's eat something, then be on our way!"
With that, the blonde warrior-mage leads the way back into the Stonehill Inn.
When the party returns to the inn, Toblen Stonehill welcomes them with a smile. "I heard you lot helped Adabra out of a spot of trouble," he says. "Thank you for helping her. Adabra is a kind soul but too stubborn for her own good sometimes. Breakfast is on the house today! What'll you have?"
Rel is somewhat dizzied by Khessa's optimistic onslaught of words, but can't help smiling. "Thank you Khessa Cabbagefield. I am indeed Rel Serafin and I choose to be all of your friends." She makes sure to include Jasper in her smile... Some day we shall make even that one comfortable enough to share his secrets and fears...
But the thought of secrets gradually shifts her smile from happy to thoughtful once more. The Raven Queen would not have chosen me if some part of me did not also choose her. I can... feel... the darkness next to the light from my father. The thirst. It claws inside me. I must channel it - guide it so it targets those who need to be put down, not innocents. And never my friends.
Her reverie is interrupted by the Innkeeper and she feels her belly rumbling. Finding she's taken a liking to these exotic surface-dweller breakfasts, she grins: "Thank you Toblen Stonehill. Eggs and bacon for myself if you have it. Any other news or rumors in Phandalin since we last spoke?"
After the events at the tower, Falver stayed silent for the most part. Slowly mixing his way through the company as they traversed back into town. He smiled at the small talk they made, making sure not to let the concern show on his face. A manticore was a dangerous friend to make... Was he making a mistake? Were these the ones that would lead him to what he was seeking? Making friends with monsters? But, it worked... that's what bothered him most. The utterly brazen attempt had paid off, and they were alive.
The 5 gold made it's way to him, and he put it with the rest of his coin. They ambled back to the inn, and Falver still remained quiet He could be un-seen if he wanted. He had to be, if he wanted to get the map back..
He barely registered the question regarding the room rate at the inn, but relayed the information ... he was so tired. Heading straight to his room and bed, he fell asleep as soon as he stripped his gear and his head hit the pillow. . . .
The dream started as it always did. The oddly moving, black cloaked figure disappearing through his fathers window. The map, missing from it's glass case, now clutched in the figure's hand. As Falver ran to the window, he expected to see the rooftops bathed in moonlight, just like the night of the theft... instead, a flutter of black wings... Now he's staring at the moon, and the ear rings, Rel's , the ones he gazed at before... the earings, black as midnight, feathers... enveloping the moon.... The cawing of a raven or crow...
Falver awakes in a sweat.... slowing his breath, he gets up from bed. Splashing water in his face, he dresses and goes down to the common room. His eyes latch on Rel as soon as he descends and he instantly recalls the dream.
"Eggs and bacon? Yes, indeed, Rel! A breakfast to break the fast of whatever happened last night. Does anyone else feel... renewed? Like when you've reached the end of a chapter and a new one is about to begin?" he smiles a good morning smile as he walks closer to Rel.
Staring at her ear rings, then her eyes, he says : " I apolgize if I've seemed too quiet after our ordeal at the tower. The dragon. The manticore... the fact we were alive. We ARE alive. Then the dream I had last night..."his eyes dart to her black ear rings "A breakfast sounds lovely."
As Rel mentions that it appears they were stronger than they were yesterday, Echo looks down at her hands. She flexes her fingers a little and for a moment she swears the shadows appear to dance and swirl. She blinks and it's gone, shadows again settled and anchored by the light. She snaps back to the conversation when breakfast is mentioned and 'awww's when Rel says they are friends, and repeats after her like a big puppy: "we are friends! We got your back!". Echo follows everyone inside and says to Toblen: "I'd love some of that quiche you were talking about!"
Echo sits down and props a leg up comfortably, "honestly, I don't think it's a stretch to say we are all brand new people after seeing a dragon AND then a manticore all up close like yesterday. Oh also, what did we say we were going to do again today?"
"Echo Thornhill - yes I think we were going to visit the dwa-"
Rel stops short as she sees the halfling approaching and notices his meaningful look at her earrings, and mention of a dream in the night. Once again, so briefly, her eyes change, grey irises darkening to match the black of her pupils, then back again.
Unaware of this shift, and with a faint but genuine smile of (slightly worried) affection, she says simply: "Falver Wildheart. Is there anything you would ask of me? I remain in your debt."
When the party returns to the inn, Toblen Stonehill welcomes them with a smile. "I heard you lot helped Adabra out of a spot of trouble," he says. "Thank you for helping her. Adabra is a kind soul but too stubborn for her own good sometimes. Breakfast is on the house today! What'll you have?"
"Thank you Toblen, you're really a nice guy!" smiles brightly Khessa at the young man "A rasher of bacon and eggs for me and... I'd really, really like, if you can provide... lemon garlic sauteed cabbages?" the tall arcane warrior looks with her blue eyes in the chestnut brown ones of the other, hopefull "Or, failing this, any other cabbage-based dish, whatever the recipe?"
"Echo Thornhill - yes I think we were going to visit the dwa-"...
Since Rel did not finish to reply to Echo, Khessa takes care of that: "We were going to 'urgently' warning the dwarven prospectors of the white dragon. In the mountains southwest of Phandalin. Unless someone has a reason to prefer a different course of action".
“I believe warning the dwarves should be a quick task. But going to speak with the gnomes seems just as quick. I’m good with either.”
While eating, Jasper thinks to himself, ‘if the gnomes can help with the dragon, maybe we should seek them our first.’
”If the gnomes can help fight this dragon, maybe we should seek them out first and ask them for aide.”
”We should be on our way soon. Does anyone need to get anything before we leave town? I need to visit Barthen’s Provisions to get some rope and dry food rations. If anyone would like to accompany me, I’ll be heading there after breakfast.”
"I should be good with what that I already have Jasper" stops her breakfast for a moment Khessa. "The few extra things that I might still need, I can't afford at the moment... Ready to go as soon as you all are".
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Rel stands in the doorway of the Stonehill Inn, smiling uncertainly at her new friends, training and talking. Her earrings dangle strangely, seeming to drink the morning light as if they are... holes... in the air. She closes her eyes at the mention of the shadow in the sky, and when she opens them again, her irises are briefly as black as her pupils before returning to their usual granite grey.
After briefly glancing at the Lionshield Coster again, wishing she had enough gold for armor and shield, she hefts her new quarterstaff and joins in the drills. Though she looks too much of a slender waif to wield a bludgeoning weapon effectively, it seems to whip around with force and precision, as if directed by her force of will and personality rather than by her muscles alone.
Regaining her spirits with the exertion, she grins at Khessa Cabbagefield, at Echo Thornhill and even at the surface elf, Jasper Mooncrest.
"I sense we all are... more capable than we were yesterday. This is for the best. We will need it."
She thinks to herself but does not say: I hope I can control it...
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
“Good morning Rel. I hope you slept well.”
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"Good... with the night..." Khessa lowers her eyes, as in shame "For me, night has never be the same, after that hellish night when drow slavers came and raided my village. And after what I had to endure in the endless, starless night of the Underdark. All this has left some... scars in me. It is difficult, for me, to find the night peaceful. And I'm... well, let's just say things are even worst when I am in total darkness. Thanks to Echo, at least now I will always be able to get some light, through magic..."
To Khessa:
“I’m sorry the beauty of the night has been taken from your eyes. The Moon Maidens light shines, even in complete darkness. I hope I can help you see Her light... In the meantime, we’ll keep to daytime hours.”
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"I thank you, Jasper" smiles at him again Khessa - after having found new friends (and befriended a monster to boot) and learned to do magic, there is not much that can sadden her for long at the moment "I'd like to see light in complete darkness. If you'll find a way to bring me to see this light, I will be really grateful! Until then, yes, I'll keep to daytime hours, or I'll use magical light".
"Yes, Rel Serafin" turns her blue eyes to the half-drow Khessa. "What we have been able to accomplish together has definitely strenghten us! Maybe, with training and cooperation, we will keep growing together! As you point out, we will need it... if we are to face the dragon in the end. Help from Tookrashk and other monsters or not".
"Speaking of cooperation," it comes to the mind of the tall arcane warrior "I see you seem more interested than before in melee fighting... would you like me to lend you my maul? I almost always use my greatsword... I keep the maul just in case slashing would prove ineffective against a specific enemy... but I think I could lend it to you for this mission, if you like (and if you think you can put it to good use)".
"It took my coming up from the Underdark for me to appreciate the beauty of day and night here on the surface. So strange with the sun by day, the stars by night, and the moon during one or the other. All are indeed beautiful as Jasper Mooncrest says, as is the twilight between the day and night." She pauses to peer at the elf. She senses a power in him, as he had spoken about the Moon Maiden. There is power in light and shadow both... she puts her hand to her head briefly and steadies herself.
No surface elf has ever done me harm. Certainly not in the way my own people and orcs have. I would do well to remember that. She bows respectfully in response to his greeting, unsure of how to respond and describe whether she slept well or not.
Turning back to Khessa: "And I do not know how I would react to being kidnapped and forced to give it up as you were for a time Khessa Cabbagefield. I feel pain for your sorrow and hope you continue to make your own light in the darkness. We share a common enemy in the drow slavers, which my noble family were, along with many other (but not all) drow. Though I have heard there are some here, not drow, who are slavers, even on the surface. Not to mention the orcs that attacked my friend Roywyn's clan."
"I thank you for your offer of the maul but I do not think I can... exert my will on two-handed weapons like it or your greatsword, or even my light crossbow. I am not sure I could even lift your maul! But one-handed or versatile weapons like this quarterstaff or even a longsword or flail I think I can use effectively now, even though I know I lack the raw physical strength normally needed to wield even those effectively. Something has happened to me - some force of will. There is a voice inside my head. A strange, shadowy female voice. That of a strange, dark woman warrior. A... stealer of life. Or an immense raven. I cannot distinguish. But I feel I can now use a shield or even some armor if I could afford it. It is very strange. And somehow tied to these..." (She touches her black earrings).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"That's for sure, Rel Serafin" agrees Khessa "I'm aware that not all drow are slavers and that there is lot of other evil in our world. The orcs will get what they deserve. We will find out where their camp is. There is a spell that I learned that could help me with that... but, alas, I can not afford the cost of the ritual right now. I hope this will change after this mission. But as backup plan, I could try to scout from above, should Tookrashk allow me a quick ride... It is much easier to spot a somewhat big camp, when you can fly. Once we know where they are," the blue eyes of the blonde arcane warrior sparkle with anticipation of battle "we can strike. Even with Tookrashk help, I think: he should be quite happy to have a feast of orc's bodies after the battle. The fight will be easier, that way, and our bond with Tookrashk will get stronger. Anyway, we will eradicate the threat they are posing. And we will question the prisoners to find out what happened to your friend Roywyn. If Roywyn can be rescued," she gently puts her hand on the half-drow's shoulder "rescue her we will".
"As far as the voice inside your head is concerned," changes subject the tall warrior-mage "I don't know what to think. But one thing I know:" Khessa's blue eyes look into Rel's gray ones "you are Rel Serafin. And you are free. You choose your way. You escaped the Underdark. You choose to have friends. You were with us, risking to get eaten, when we were saving Adabra the midwife. You choose what you are. No silly voice in your head - no matter how shadowy, how life-stealing or how ravenly it may be - will change that. And no pair of earrings also - no matter how mysterious they are. You will always be Rel Serafin. The Rel Serafin you choose to be. And the Rel Serafin we respect... and we love".
Jasper looks on to Rel and Khessa:
“If our path leads to the Underdark, I am compelled to follow. To free those in bonds.” Jasper sighs as he thinks of his sisters. Out there...somewhere...waiting for me...(Jasper flashes back to the screams...to the blood and the pale skinned creatures...and that smile, that evil smile laughing at me.)
Clearing his thoughts and grasping his amulet...
”Well, shall we eat some breakfast and prepare for our journey?”
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"Thank you Jasper!" deep gratitude shines deep in Khessa's blue eyes "When in the future we'll venture back to the Underdark, the help of someone that can see light even in complete darkness will be invaluable!"
"And now, that we are about to start another quest to help Phandalin," she concludes "the breakfast you just spoke of sounds really good! The physical exercise first... and perhaps even more the mental stress to finally be able to understand something of magic after, made me hungry. Just hope they have some cabbage-based dishes this time... Anyway, let's eat something, then be on our way!"
With that, the blonde warrior-mage leads the way back into the Stonehill Inn.
When the party returns to the inn, Toblen Stonehill welcomes them with a smile. "I heard you lot helped Adabra out of a spot of trouble," he says. "Thank you for helping her. Adabra is a kind soul but too stubborn for her own good sometimes. Breakfast is on the house today! What'll you have?"
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
“Good morning to you Toblen” Jasper greeting the innkeeper. Jasper takes a seat at a table. “I’ll have some eggs and potatoes please.”
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
Rel is somewhat dizzied by Khessa's optimistic onslaught of words, but can't help smiling. "Thank you Khessa Cabbagefield. I am indeed Rel Serafin and I choose to be all of your friends." She makes sure to include Jasper in her smile... Some day we shall make even that one comfortable enough to share his secrets and fears...
But the thought of secrets gradually shifts her smile from happy to thoughtful once more. The Raven Queen would not have chosen me if some part of me did not also choose her. I can... feel... the darkness next to the light from my father. The thirst. It claws inside me. I must channel it - guide it so it targets those who need to be put down, not innocents. And never my friends.
Her reverie is interrupted by the Innkeeper and she feels her belly rumbling. Finding she's taken a liking to these exotic surface-dweller breakfasts, she grins: "Thank you Toblen Stonehill. Eggs and bacon for myself if you have it. Any other news or rumors in Phandalin since we last spoke?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
After the events at the tower, Falver stayed silent for the most part. Slowly mixing his way through the company as they traversed back into town. He smiled at the small talk they made, making sure not to let the concern show on his face. A manticore was a dangerous friend to make... Was he making a mistake? Were these the ones that would lead him to what he was seeking? Making friends with monsters? But, it worked... that's what bothered him most. The utterly brazen attempt had paid off, and they were alive.
The 5 gold made it's way to him, and he put it with the rest of his coin. They ambled back to the inn, and Falver still remained quiet He could be un-seen if he wanted. He had to be, if he wanted to get the map back..
He barely registered the question regarding the room rate at the inn, but relayed the information ... he was so tired. Heading straight to his room and bed, he fell asleep as soon as he stripped his gear and his head hit the pillow. . . .
The dream started as it always did. The oddly moving, black cloaked figure disappearing through his fathers window. The map, missing from it's glass case, now clutched in the figure's hand. As Falver ran to the window, he expected to see the rooftops bathed in moonlight, just like the night of the theft... instead, a flutter of black wings... Now he's staring at the moon, and the ear rings, Rel's , the ones he gazed at before... the earings, black as midnight, feathers... enveloping the moon.... The cawing of a raven or crow...
Falver awakes in a sweat.... slowing his breath, he gets up from bed. Splashing water in his face, he dresses and goes down to the common room. His eyes latch on Rel as soon as he descends and he instantly recalls the dream.
"Eggs and bacon? Yes, indeed, Rel! A breakfast to break the fast of whatever happened last night. Does anyone else feel... renewed? Like when you've reached the end of a chapter and a new one is about to begin?" he smiles a good morning smile as he walks closer to Rel.
Staring at her ear rings, then her eyes, he says : " I apolgize if I've seemed too quiet after our ordeal at the tower. The dragon. The manticore... the fact we were alive. We ARE alive. Then the dream I had last night..." his eyes dart to her black ear rings "A breakfast sounds lovely."
As Rel mentions that it appears they were stronger than they were yesterday, Echo looks down at her hands. She flexes her fingers a little and for a moment she swears the shadows appear to dance and swirl. She blinks and it's gone, shadows again settled and anchored by the light. She snaps back to the conversation when breakfast is mentioned and 'awww's when Rel says they are friends, and repeats after her like a big puppy: "we are friends! We got your back!". Echo follows everyone inside and says to Toblen: "I'd love some of that quiche you were talking about!"
Echo sits down and props a leg up comfortably, "honestly, I don't think it's a stretch to say we are all brand new people after seeing a dragon AND then a manticore all up close like yesterday. Oh also, what did we say we were going to do again today?"
"Echo Thornhill - yes I think we were going to visit the dwa-"
Rel stops short as she sees the halfling approaching and notices his meaningful look at her earrings, and mention of a dream in the night. Once again, so briefly, her eyes change, grey irises darkening to match the black of her pupils, then back again.
Unaware of this shift, and with a faint but genuine smile of (slightly worried) affection, she says simply: "Falver Wildheart. Is there anything you would ask of me? I remain in your debt."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"Thank you Toblen, you're really a nice guy!" smiles brightly Khessa at the young man "A rasher of bacon and eggs for me and... I'd really, really like, if you can provide... lemon garlic sauteed cabbages?" the tall arcane warrior looks with her blue eyes in the chestnut brown ones of the other, hopefull "Or, failing this, any other cabbage-based dish, whatever the recipe?"
Since Rel did not finish to reply to Echo, Khessa takes care of that: "We were going to 'urgently' warning the dwarven prospectors of the white dragon. In the mountains southwest of Phandalin. Unless someone has a reason to prefer a different course of action".
“I believe warning the dwarves should be a quick task. But going to speak with the gnomes seems just as quick. I’m good with either.”
While eating, Jasper thinks to himself, ‘if the gnomes can help with the dragon, maybe we should seek them our first.’
”If the gnomes can help fight this dragon, maybe we should seek them out first and ask them for aide.”
”We should be on our way soon. Does anyone need to get anything before we leave town? I need to visit Barthen’s Provisions to get some rope and dry food rations. If anyone would like to accompany me, I’ll be heading there after breakfast.”
Jasper Mooncrest🌙 ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Nyx’s Dragon of Icespires Peak: PBP
Dastion Salvi ~ Half-Elf Warlock(Genie) ~ Lost Mines of the Phandelver: D&DBeyond/Roll20/Discord (Sunday 5-8pm cst) DM canceled
Jasper of the Wandering Wood ~ Wood Elf Cleric Twilight Domain ~ Tomb of the Delian Order One Shot(13): PBP complete
"I should be good with what that I already have Jasper" stops her breakfast for a moment Khessa. "The few extra things that I might still need, I can't afford at the moment... Ready to go as soon as you all are".