Neferox looks to Gewyn also interested in his answer. As the group rest outside of this crystal farmhouse, clouds waft overhead in the vast blue beyond. The moist stink of the spore fields still stuck in their noses after a long day trekking
As the group gets settled at the farmhouse and finally have a moment to themselves, Elthana takes a seat next to Vin and listens to what Gewyn has to say. She thought Vin's question was very astute. As she does, she takes a piece of paper out of her bag and starts reading.
Before that she nods at Gewyn's question. "As a matter of fact, I haven't had any nightmares, no dreams since wearing it. That is such a blessing, thank you."
Sam plays with Hootie, sending the small owl here, there and everywhere. Some of it is just for amusement's sake, watching the owl do loops and rolls and other arial tricks. Some of it is to be sure they know how to act in a fight, what they can do to assist and when they should just get out of the way. All of it just a learning and reinforcing of tactics and the bond that connects Sam with the animals of the bag...
"Yeah, same here," Sam says to Vin. "Different memories but yeah... Morris asked what would help me and then showed me the memories of a warrior from out of a book. But he said they're not really books, just that's a way of organizing them or something. I dunno, that part was weird. But yeah, seems like maybe what he showed me will help me... Like quick learning or something?"
Sam smiles when Elthana says she's had no nightmares since Gewyn gave her his ring. He hadn't thought to inquire but feels himself calmed knowing the answer.
"Good, good." Gewyn says with relief. "Then you keep hanging on to it for now. Anything we can do to deny our enemy information while gaining more for ourselves is a good thing, to make no mention of the peace of mind it allows you. On that note, last night I spent some time working on a melody that I can tweak to resonate with specific people and creatures. If there is ever someone we want to find, and we think we might be within 1000 feet or so, I should be able to pinpoint them."
Gewyn looks up (or down?) from his ceiling perch at Vin and says, "I see what you're getting at, but it's nothing sinister like that. The way I see it, the Shadowfell, corrupted as it is right now, poses a threat. I wanted a way to defend against that threat. So Morris granted me a small blessing. As is so often the case, the antidote is made from the toxin."
Vin takes a deep breath in as Gewyn explains, "It makes perfect sense. And I know you are fascinated by the planes. I didn't mean to get at something, or imply something. Well, not much anyway".
After saying that, he becomes a little more distant with the others, his attention seemingly elsewhere.
Elthana smiles at Gewyn, appreciating his reasoning. "Impressive. If there is anything we should be doing to assist you, please let us know. I don't know when we are going to face that threat, but we need to. First we need to fix Sam. Oh and get all these important people in Thaeir on the same page. I hope it's easier than it is in Northmorrah, but I doubt it."
Adding to what Sam said, "Yeah, I got a memory on fighting a mage.. not something I'm used to, feeling the power of the arcane, but something I'm definitely opening up to."
She pulls out a piece of paper. "So apparently everything is good with the Treasury. We got them what they needed in time and it is floating just as before. People of the city are moving back into their abandoned homes and guards are dealing with the situations there and such. Sergor has said that things are changing from his view of the land, water has either receded, which is what Muir is predicting, or land has risen. They want us back, its a good feeling, but I agree with the sentiments you all have stated that we need to do as much here as possible with the time difference and all that is going on. They don't know anything of it back home, I haven't said a word as I don't know what all we want to share? And I feel its something we should agree on as a whole.
"I know we have been painting Sergor as the enemy, and I'm not saying that he isn't, but I wanted to note that he was very appreciative and cordial in his last communication. And he has given the bag back to Hog. The difference in writing between the two individuals is something else. But I thought you'd all like to read what Hog has to say. I haven't responded to him either, please let me know if there is something you'd like me to include."
And she hands the letter out to whoever wants to read it...
"Hey El, hope it's ok to call you El? I've been holed up in the big castle on the treasury getting updates daily from the old guy Sergor, he wanted me to leave but I said I wanted to stay close to the bag, because it's my bag, y'know. Anyway, when he saw that I was serious he gave me a room for a while, and I helped fix some stuff up here, y know old items with fading enchantments, no biggie. But now I got the bag back so I'm gonna go home, I've not seen much of what's going on in the city because I've been here, it's been weird knowing that the place I was staying in was falling and was gonna kill me if I was on it, but if I stayed in town I wouldn't have left the shop anyway, so I'd have just died anyway. Luckily I didn't die! Sergor tells me you all saved the day! Did Sam find a good use for the ring I made? Hog"
Once conversation of that starts, she leans into Vin a bit, "Are you alright? Are you ready to talk about it or did you want to wait until later?"
Gewyn pulls out the extra shard of bone he'd acquired and hands it over to Elthana. "Think you could ask Hog if he could fashion this into a new set of pipes for me? If my theory is correct, I may be able to use them to change my gravity even outside of Theair, similar to how the lodestone works for the treasury. As for the council. I think it was wise not to tell them more than they need to know. They don't have the context we do, so they probably wouldn't appreciate what we are trying to do here. I think we should simply tell them that getting back will take time, but we're working on it."
Gewyn looks over at Vin attentively as Elthana addresses him.
Vin feels Elthana lean into him, and is vaguely aware of her asking him a question. On his other side, Neferox is now sat right next to him too and Vin was leaning into her as she nuzzled his cheek.
"Oh, um...well. I...", he mumbles as he turns towards Elthana. She can see his eyes are glistening again.
"I....she....", he shakes his head. "Soon. If that's ok?", he finally manages to say.
"So you could find Nivara if we are within a thousand feet of her?" Sam asks. "I suspect if we get that close we won't need magic to find her... Just sayin'."
As Vin seems to zone out or put his attention to someplace... unknown... Sam can't help but wonder if something is wrong with that kid. He's been through a lot, sure, but still... ((Perception? 9...)) Yeah, something is probably wrong with him but Sam doesn't know what it might be or what to do about it.
When Elthana mentions "fixing Sam" he just sort of gives one of those "whatever" kind of waves. Yeah, he knows it needs doing but sheesh, let's not always make such a big deal of it, huh? Still, nice to now someone cares. "Maybe just need convince half the important people. The elders here all seem on board that there is big problems. It'll be getting the comfortable people who like things as they are to accept that change needs happen. The more comfortable you are the harder you'll fight to keep that comfort."
As Sergor's name if mentioned Sam frowns and narrows his eyes but does his best to keep his mouth shut. The first thing he does think to say is about Hog and if he's been released yet but Elthana covers that before he can even speak up. Then, as for what to tell people back home...
"I'm in favor of telling the truth. Whenever possible," Sam notes. "We can tell them that we are still negotiating our way back to the portal home, that getting the bones took us quite far afield. We can also tell them we have leads on what is wrong with the portals and, for now, those are best followed up from this place due to the time wonkieness. All true. Maybe not all the truth but all true..."
After reading the note from Hog, Sam looks to Elthana. "Well, El," he says, smirking at the nickname. Trying it out. She never really seemed the nickname type to him but... "Thank Hog for doing everything he could. Tell him I couldn't get the ring to work at first but found some help and now, hopefully, it will really help the team. Once I am breathing again. In the meantime tell him if he still wants to help out the community he could always find Hazel, the witch. He's likely at least heard of her but if he asks around the Tangles I am sure he'll find her. She is... unorthodox... But she's always in the middle of helping where help's most needed. Other than that, just tell him to make sure the house is clean when we get back and the cupboards well stocked!"
Sam's humorous mood sours when Gewyn produces a dragon bone. "Where... what... how... ????" Sam has issues with fully expressing his feelings about it and eventually just shakes his head and walks a few steps away. There is naught to do about it now... Still, if Sam had known Gewyn had been stealing the very essence of the being who had helped them the most he would have given a very strong second thought to entrusting him with that book...
When Elthana tries to reach out to Vin, Sam whistles for Hootie and wanders away to train a bit more, giving them a bit of privacy in the hopes it'll help them connect...
"Alright well good on us for saving the treasury and more importantly all the folks whose lives and homes would have been crushed. Did you happen to mention to Sergor the problems of this realm? I think it would be a good idea to mention them if for no other reason than refugees flooding this plane once the war begins. If Nivarra invades with her Kobold army and makes this realm her own and tries to free Nectyran that will be 2 realms to worry about. The refugees would flood the portal and our world would be in great peril. We need to prepare to stop her in this realm or prepare our realm for an invasion. Either way Sergor and the council need to be on board with this. As for Hog, he is back at our home now? I have a few things I would like to send him but I don't want the hands of the treasury intercepting them."
Elthana pats Vin on the leg, "Soon. Take your time, we're here for you."
Elthana nods to Gewyn and Sam as they make their requests, taking the bone from Gewyn. She looks at him as she does, questions and concerns running through her mind but doesn't say anything, Sam does enough for that.
But as Muir starts in with all his info, she holds up her hands. "I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself. Yes, these are good thoughts, but we aren't there yet and I don't want to start a panic back home if we can help it. And the bag is currently with Hog, not Sergor. I'm sure if we needed to get a message to Sergor, Hog would take care of it. Honestly, I wouldn't put it past Sergor to try and block this portal completely if we tell him what is going on right now. Us stuck here forever." She leaves it at that as she starts constructing the letter back to Hog.
"I want to verify Hog is back before you send him things, alright?" Elthana tells Muir as she writes, turning to Gewyn, "I'll do the same for you if that's alright? I'll let him know but wait till he is back home before sending the bone." It takes her awhile and while she does, at one point a grin tickles the corners of her mouth.
"Ah yes good thinking....He would seal us off without hesitation...Smart Elthana. Thank you, please let me know when Hog is safe and sound" Muir smiles and waits patiently
"We cannot discount the idea that Hog is not entirely free to write what he wants," Sam says in a scowl. "His message to me was censored in a crude and obvious way. Now that they are not worried about falling it is possible he is being censored more subtly... I am not sure we can be sure how free and secure Hog is until we return home and see for ourselves. Yes, I am being paranoid but I don't think I am being unreasonable. One small test could be to have Hog send us something that we left at the house... But still that would only tell us his location, or ability to go there... Not his freedom."
"And aye, I could see them trying to block or close all portals if warned uncontrolled wave of migrants may be on the way. True or not, just the mere threat of caravans of migrants is enough to get many people to panic and act crazy..."
Vin is struggling to keep up with the conversation about Hog, focussing more on his other conversation. But when Elthana pats him on the leg, he hears her, and turns and smiles to show his thanks.
The hours dwindle as the clouds move over head, the whale-like Blugufa and giant jellyfish-like Hafgufa seem to be travelling across the sky and off to the east of the shattered isle.
Griff and Serafina sleep soundly and there isn't a single noise from the shed, until they wake. The time dilation means that everyone in the group feels no exhaustion or ill effects of being up this long, but not having to sleep does nothing to stave off boredom as the residents of this realm rest.
Time comes, and Serafina is first to exit the shed, she looks around at you all and yawns, "Griff will be out in a moment, we've had a small discussion and his previous grudges and prejudices instilled in him from his upbringing seem to be slipping, it seems he is finally accepting truth."
Eventually Griff also emerges and prepares to leave whilst sheepishly inquiring how the group are doing.
The morning trek isn't very long, you make it to the ruined city limits within 4hours and then another hour after that you begin the approach to the mount, where the elders gather.
You pass the potion shop and the clerical building devoted to death on the way.
For most of the trek Hootie is flying high above the group, occasionally pulling ahead and scouting, other times running through tricks and directions from Sam. On occasion the little own lands on Elthana's shoulder and naps. This is irksome to Sam. He's got a perfectly good shoulder. Two of them in fact! And they're roomier than Elthana's! But while he scowls a bit over this he doesn't complain or try to correct Hootie about it.
Upon seeing the potion shop Sam would look and slow his tread. "We have time to stop in?" he asks nobody and everyone at the same time. He never did get to check it out last time so he is curious what they may have.
Neferox looks to Gewyn also interested in his answer. As the group rest outside of this crystal farmhouse, clouds waft overhead in the vast blue beyond. The moist stink of the spore fields still stuck in their noses after a long day trekking
Muir not wanting to butt in patiently waits for the others to work this out before asking a few, some, maybe many questions of his own
As the group gets settled at the farmhouse and finally have a moment to themselves, Elthana takes a seat next to Vin and listens to what Gewyn has to say. She thought Vin's question was very astute. As she does, she takes a piece of paper out of her bag and starts reading.
Before that she nods at Gewyn's question. "As a matter of fact, I haven't had any nightmares, no dreams since wearing it. That is such a blessing, thank you."
Sam plays with Hootie, sending the small owl here, there and everywhere. Some of it is just for amusement's sake, watching the owl do loops and rolls and other arial tricks. Some of it is to be sure they know how to act in a fight, what they can do to assist and when they should just get out of the way. All of it just a learning and reinforcing of tactics and the bond that connects Sam with the animals of the bag...
"Yeah, same here," Sam says to Vin. "Different memories but yeah... Morris asked what would help me and then showed me the memories of a warrior from out of a book. But he said they're not really books, just that's a way of organizing them or something. I dunno, that part was weird. But yeah, seems like maybe what he showed me will help me... Like quick learning or something?"
Sam smiles when Elthana says she's had no nightmares since Gewyn gave her his ring. He hadn't thought to inquire but feels himself calmed knowing the answer.
"Good, good." Gewyn says with relief. "Then you keep hanging on to it for now. Anything we can do to deny our enemy information while gaining more for ourselves is a good thing, to make no mention of the peace of mind it allows you. On that note, last night I spent some time working on a melody that I can tweak to resonate with specific people and creatures. If there is ever someone we want to find, and we think we might be within 1000 feet or so, I should be able to pinpoint them."
Gewyn looks up (or down?) from his ceiling perch at Vin and says, "I see what you're getting at, but it's nothing sinister like that. The way I see it, the Shadowfell, corrupted as it is right now, poses a threat. I wanted a way to defend against that threat. So Morris granted me a small blessing. As is so often the case, the antidote is made from the toxin."
Vin takes a deep breath in as Gewyn explains, "It makes perfect sense. And I know you are fascinated by the planes. I didn't mean to get at something, or imply something. Well, not much anyway".
After saying that, he becomes a little more distant with the others, his attention seemingly elsewhere.
Elthana smiles at Gewyn, appreciating his reasoning. "Impressive. If there is anything we should be doing to assist you, please let us know. I don't know when we are going to face that threat, but we need to. First we need to fix Sam. Oh and get all these important people in Thaeir on the same page. I hope it's easier than it is in Northmorrah, but I doubt it."
Adding to what Sam said, "Yeah, I got a memory on fighting a mage.. not something I'm used to, feeling the power of the arcane, but something I'm definitely opening up to."
She pulls out a piece of paper. "So apparently everything is good with the Treasury. We got them what they needed in time and it is floating just as before. People of the city are moving back into their abandoned homes and guards are dealing with the situations there and such. Sergor has said that things are changing from his view of the land, water has either receded, which is what Muir is predicting, or land has risen. They want us back, its a good feeling, but I agree with the sentiments you all have stated that we need to do as much here as possible with the time difference and all that is going on. They don't know anything of it back home, I haven't said a word as I don't know what all we want to share? And I feel its something we should agree on as a whole.
"I know we have been painting Sergor as the enemy, and I'm not saying that he isn't, but I wanted to note that he was very appreciative and cordial in his last communication. And he has given the bag back to Hog. The difference in writing between the two individuals is something else. But I thought you'd all like to read what Hog has to say. I haven't responded to him either, please let me know if there is something you'd like me to include."
And she hands the letter out to whoever wants to read it...
"Hey El, hope it's ok to call you El? I've been holed up in the big castle on the treasury getting updates daily from the old guy Sergor, he wanted me to leave but I said I wanted to stay close to the bag, because it's my bag, y'know. Anyway, when he saw that I was serious he gave me a room for a while, and I helped fix some stuff up here, y know old items with fading enchantments, no biggie. But now I got the bag back so I'm gonna go home, I've not seen much of what's going on in the city because I've been here, it's been weird knowing that the place I was staying in was falling and was gonna kill me if I was on it, but if I stayed in town I wouldn't have left the shop anyway, so I'd have just died anyway. Luckily I didn't die! Sergor tells me you all saved the day! Did Sam find a good use for the ring I made? Hog"
Once conversation of that starts, she leans into Vin a bit, "Are you alright? Are you ready to talk about it or did you want to wait until later?"
Gewyn pulls out the extra shard of bone he'd acquired and hands it over to Elthana. "Think you could ask Hog if he could fashion this into a new set of pipes for me? If my theory is correct, I may be able to use them to change my gravity even outside of Theair, similar to how the lodestone works for the treasury. As for the council. I think it was wise not to tell them more than they need to know. They don't have the context we do, so they probably wouldn't appreciate what we are trying to do here. I think we should simply tell them that getting back will take time, but we're working on it."
Gewyn looks over at Vin attentively as Elthana addresses him.
Vin feels Elthana lean into him, and is vaguely aware of her asking him a question. On his other side, Neferox is now sat right next to him too and Vin was leaning into her as she nuzzled his cheek.
"Oh, um...well. I...", he mumbles as he turns towards Elthana. She can see his eyes are glistening again.
"I....she....", he shakes his head. "Soon. If that's ok?", he finally manages to say.
"So you could find Nivara if we are within a thousand feet of her?" Sam asks. "I suspect if we get that close we won't need magic to find her... Just sayin'."
As Vin seems to zone out or put his attention to someplace... unknown... Sam can't help but wonder if something is wrong with that kid. He's been through a lot, sure, but still... ((Perception? 9...)) Yeah, something is probably wrong with him but Sam doesn't know what it might be or what to do about it.
When Elthana mentions "fixing Sam" he just sort of gives one of those "whatever" kind of waves. Yeah, he knows it needs doing but sheesh, let's not always make such a big deal of it, huh? Still, nice to now someone cares. "Maybe just need convince half the important people. The elders here all seem on board that there is big problems. It'll be getting the comfortable people who like things as they are to accept that change needs happen. The more comfortable you are the harder you'll fight to keep that comfort."
As Sergor's name if mentioned Sam frowns and narrows his eyes but does his best to keep his mouth shut. The first thing he does think to say is about Hog and if he's been released yet but Elthana covers that before he can even speak up. Then, as for what to tell people back home...
"I'm in favor of telling the truth. Whenever possible," Sam notes. "We can tell them that we are still negotiating our way back to the portal home, that getting the bones took us quite far afield. We can also tell them we have leads on what is wrong with the portals and, for now, those are best followed up from this place due to the time wonkieness. All true. Maybe not all the truth but all true..."
After reading the note from Hog, Sam looks to Elthana. "Well, El," he says, smirking at the nickname. Trying it out. She never really seemed the nickname type to him but... "Thank Hog for doing everything he could. Tell him I couldn't get the ring to work at first but found some help and now, hopefully, it will really help the team. Once I am breathing again. In the meantime tell him if he still wants to help out the community he could always find Hazel, the witch. He's likely at least heard of her but if he asks around the Tangles I am sure he'll find her. She is... unorthodox... But she's always in the middle of helping where help's most needed. Other than that, just tell him to make sure the house is clean when we get back and the cupboards well stocked!"
Sam's humorous mood sours when Gewyn produces a dragon bone. "Where... what... how... ????" Sam has issues with fully expressing his feelings about it and eventually just shakes his head and walks a few steps away. There is naught to do about it now... Still, if Sam had known Gewyn had been stealing the very essence of the being who had helped them the most he would have given a very strong second thought to entrusting him with that book...
When Elthana tries to reach out to Vin, Sam whistles for Hootie and wanders away to train a bit more, giving them a bit of privacy in the hopes it'll help them connect...
"Alright well good on us for saving the treasury and more importantly all the folks whose lives and homes would have been crushed. Did you happen to mention to Sergor the problems of this realm? I think it would be a good idea to mention them if for no other reason than refugees flooding this plane once the war begins. If Nivarra invades with her Kobold army and makes this realm her own and tries to free Nectyran that will be 2 realms to worry about. The refugees would flood the portal and our world would be in great peril. We need to prepare to stop her in this realm or prepare our realm for an invasion. Either way Sergor and the council need to be on board with this. As for Hog, he is back at our home now? I have a few things I would like to send him but I don't want the hands of the treasury intercepting them."
Elthana pats Vin on the leg, "Soon. Take your time, we're here for you."
Elthana nods to Gewyn and Sam as they make their requests, taking the bone from Gewyn. She looks at him as she does, questions and concerns running through her mind but doesn't say anything, Sam does enough for that.
But as Muir starts in with all his info, she holds up her hands. "I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself. Yes, these are good thoughts, but we aren't there yet and I don't want to start a panic back home if we can help it. And the bag is currently with Hog, not Sergor. I'm sure if we needed to get a message to Sergor, Hog would take care of it. Honestly, I wouldn't put it past Sergor to try and block this portal completely if we tell him what is going on right now. Us stuck here forever." She leaves it at that as she starts constructing the letter back to Hog.
"I want to verify Hog is back before you send him things, alright?" Elthana tells Muir as she writes, turning to Gewyn, "I'll do the same for you if that's alright? I'll let him know but wait till he is back home before sending the bone." It takes her awhile and while she does, at one point a grin tickles the corners of her mouth.
"Ah yes good thinking....He would seal us off without hesitation...Smart Elthana. Thank you, please let me know when Hog is safe and sound" Muir smiles and waits patiently
"We cannot discount the idea that Hog is not entirely free to write what he wants," Sam says in a scowl. "His message to me was censored in a crude and obvious way. Now that they are not worried about falling it is possible he is being censored more subtly... I am not sure we can be sure how free and secure Hog is until we return home and see for ourselves. Yes, I am being paranoid but I don't think I am being unreasonable. One small test could be to have Hog send us something that we left at the house... But still that would only tell us his location, or ability to go there... Not his freedom."
"And aye, I could see them trying to block or close all portals if warned uncontrolled wave of migrants may be on the way. True or not, just the mere threat of caravans of migrants is enough to get many people to panic and act crazy..."
Muir nods " I share your paranoia. I don't think anyone here can not share it. You are right Sam, some sort of proof is needed...."
Vin is struggling to keep up with the conversation about Hog, focussing more on his other conversation. But when Elthana pats him on the leg, he hears her, and turns and smiles to show his thanks.
The hours dwindle as the clouds move over head, the whale-like Blugufa and giant jellyfish-like Hafgufa seem to be travelling across the sky and off to the east of the shattered isle.
Griff and Serafina sleep soundly and there isn't a single noise from the shed, until they wake. The time dilation means that everyone in the group feels no exhaustion or ill effects of being up this long, but not having to sleep does nothing to stave off boredom as the residents of this realm rest.
Time comes, and Serafina is first to exit the shed, she looks around at you all and yawns, "Griff will be out in a moment, we've had a small discussion and his previous grudges and prejudices instilled in him from his upbringing seem to be slipping, it seems he is finally accepting truth."
Eventually Griff also emerges and prepares to leave whilst sheepishly inquiring how the group are doing.
The morning trek isn't very long, you make it to the ruined city limits within 4hours and then another hour after that you begin the approach to the mount, where the elders gather.
You pass the potion shop and the clerical building devoted to death on the way.
For most of the trek Hootie is flying high above the group, occasionally pulling ahead and scouting, other times running through tricks and directions from Sam. On occasion the little own lands on Elthana's shoulder and naps. This is irksome to Sam. He's got a perfectly good shoulder. Two of them in fact! And they're roomier than Elthana's! But while he scowls a bit over this he doesn't complain or try to correct Hootie about it.
Upon seeing the potion shop Sam would look and slow his tread. "We have time to stop in?" he asks nobody and everyone at the same time. He never did get to check it out last time so he is curious what they may have.
"Oh are we staying a few moments? Perhaps I could stop back in to the Clerical house for Death?"