Elthana's ears twitch to Shionne's voice. She doesn't act as though she realizes as it is the only part of her that moves as Terry communicates for the Dryad. She continues to wait for answers to her questions and the others, as well as the information that Terry says she has for them.
Like Sam, Gewyn bows his head. “Lady Shionne. Your voice is quite literally music to my ears. I wish that we could have met under a happier moon. Whatever you may provide to aid us alleviating the darkness that hangs upon these people would be greatly appreciated.”
Shionne listens to the response of her arrival, or lack thereof in certain cases. when Gewyn soeaks she cocks her head quickly, awkwardly, like a bird who sees food. Effortlessly gliding over, she gently touches Gewyn under his chin lifting his face up to hers, as she leans forward she inhales deeply of him and says something in her rhythmic sing-songy language. "oh erm.. She finds you very interesting" Terry translates, before Shionne lets Gweyn go and resumes her previous position at the foot of the large tree.
Shionne then continues, as she speaks she looks around the group, her alien words flow like silk and whenever she gesture anywhere, her movements so gentle and smooth that it looks like she is weightless, Terry translates for everyone, although it is hard to look at him with Shionne's golden glow drawing the eye at every moment. "we came from a land much like this one, but where groves bloom bountifully, magic is in every living thing, and our palaces are great and glorious monuments to the seasons in which we control.
Our land, our kingdom, it is called the Faewyld, and all who dwell within it are creatires of the Fae.
But much like any other land there is greed and there is evil, some of our kin were influenced long ago by foreign wants and desires, corrupted from beyond our plane. We cast those who meant others harm from our kingdoms into our wilder lands and there their want for destruction grew.
You see, these influences came to us through portals, portals which have been closed and unusable for hundreds of years, up until recently.
Time, as well as other forces thought natural to your plane, work differently in the Faewyld, so im unsure how long it has been since we last were able to visit here.
But recently the portals have been opening, they are currently unstable and still unsafe but we were alerted to their use, used by our kin, influenced by evil, who have bide their time and seek destruction and escape.
I was chosen by my queen to lead an army to retreive or destroy those who have invaded your plane, i brought with me, my trusted squire Terrence here, and an entire legion of fairies, but because the portal is not fully open, we are weakened in our abilities. and I fear we cannot move freely in this land.
If the reports from these kind folk of the town are to be believed, then my army was felled whilst trying to escape to fetch help from your peoples. and the further we get from the portal the weaker we become."
Shionne pauses at this particular junction, her stature lowers slightly and Terry quickly runs over to support her in her sorrow. After a few words between the two Fae, Shionne stands once more amd speaks, Terry resumes translating from her side.
"You are noble people to have offered sich help to those in need, and I shall give you all the information you may require.
The portal back home for us is up in the mountains, inside a cathedral like cavern, north of here.
it is currently being guarded by a mutated giant, which we call a Fomarian, he is a shadow of his ancestral giant Fae kind and a disgrace to our realm.
Not-Deer are also mutated forms of kindly beasts, our sentient himsnoid deerfolk are kindlt and gentle, but the corruption that ifluenced them makes them higly territorial and savage, able to infect and corrupt beast akin to them to be used as pawns.
Redcaps have taken over the town to the east, they are maybe a hundred strong, possibly more and are horrible fungal small folk with a lust for blood, in our realm they are stubborn loners who would sooner massacre one another for their own gain than work together.
Which brings me to the last invader, an unknown, someone must have rallied these creatures to work together, something must have influence over them all to orchestrate such an awful invasion of your world, and I'm sorry I cannot be of more help here, but I do not know what manner of beast could acheive such a feat.
my world has nothing but fond memories and good tidings for this one, my Queen and the other monarchs of my realm wish no harm to come to you, and so we are truly sorry for the losses you have taken for the evils that have come forth."
Muir gives Gore a sideways glance at Terry’s interpretation wondering if the older more experienced master had heard and waits for the others again to ask their questions
Elthana listens quietly as the dryad tells her story to the group. It sounded fantastical, strange, unbelievable... but Elthana knows Shionne is telling the truth, she has seen proof of it. She wonders a bit of the why on everything, but knows there is no point to dwell on such things.
"Thank you, my lady, for all of this information. Sounds to me our destination remains Hokum, deal with the creatures as we can and head up into the mountains to remove this Fomarian. I don't suppose these mutated creatures are weaker away from the portal as well?" Elthana looks to the survivors and the surrounding areas. "I do feel we need to deal with the remaining not-deer before we move on, not sure about the trees though? Are the guards that remain here, are they able to keep those at bay as we continue to Hokum?"
Sam's face goes through several emotions during Lady Shionne's speech, none of it particularly happy. As if sensing this Órga gives out a low growl until Sam reaches down and buries his fingers in the lion's mane to soothe the creature.
"With all due respect, Lady Shionne," Sam says once the speech is over and there is a bit of silence for him to speak into, "It seems Royalty is the same no matter where they come from. You speak lovely words about how wonderful and beautiful your lands are but in the end it seems it is only that way because instead of dealing with your problems you discard them and let others deal with them... Sounds to me like what you cast from your kingdom is now plaguing ours and now it is up to us to clean up the mess your kingdom should have dealt with before it even got here."
"Perhaps it's true you are helpless to do anything here," Sam continues. "The first tiny flying person we found seemed to have died all on his own. No wounds of nothing. Perhaps he was just too far from your portal.. And those not far from here, there was a lot of them but they were obviously ineffective. But respectfully, the truth of that doesn't change the fact we need clean up the mess that should have been dealt with in your own lands... This Feywild you speak of. After we get this all cleared up I'd humbly suggest you organize a hunt and rid yourselves of all these wild creatures before they can find their way here again, eh? Name it something catchy, call it a charity and charge admission to join, royalty dig that kind of thing. A Wild Hunt to raise funds for the little people, perhaps..."
"But yeah, it is what it is. We need deal with what we need deal with. And you are right, Elthana. We deal with the remaining Not-Deer if we can find it. Track it. If there is anything we can do to help those here with the trees, and do so in short order, I'm sure we're happy to help there as well. But Hokum is still where we need to get to..."
Sam asks a bit more about these trees that attack and what could help against them? Perhaps if the closest trees around the area the refugees are staying in were felled? Perhaps they could be made into barriers that would at least slow down any coming in to attack? And he asks Lady Shionne about the dream attacks. "That sort of business is beyond my knowledge. Our legends of your kind suggest that you have magics... Do you have anything that could shield or help with this kind of invasion?"
Mostly though, Sam is of a mind that we should either rest so that we can get on the offensive sooner... Or go on the offensive now.
Gewyn strokes his chin where Lady Shionne had touched him, deep in thought. He speaks up quietly after Sam. "In return for our assistance, Lady Shionne, I should like an opportunity to speak with you further before you return to your land. There is much I would like to know, about your world, your peoples, your music. I have a sneaking suspicion that... No, tis too early perhaps for me to speak of such things"
Muir listens to Elthana's specific questions and watches her demeanor. He finds her to be calm and precise with her train of thought. He notes that she seems to be the leader of the group. The one called Sam speaks next. Muir appreciates Sam's straightforward personality and wanting to take action. After hearing the royalty comment Muir grins a bit and wonders if Sam is a commoner He then listens to Gewyn speak up and makes a mental note. Muir wonders......
Shionnes listens as each member of the group asks their questions, gives their objections, and proposes theories, she waits for all to be done before speaking.
"It seems that our link to our plane is indeed weakened, I am saddened to hear the news of the fairy you found furthest out, it appears we cannot roam your plane until the portal that sustains us is fully open. From what I can assume, the influence of other planes conjugating in this one may be helping to sustain our enemy. Their powers may not be effected, weakened such as ours.
Regarding the royals decision to cast out our problems into the places beyond our walls. Understand that this is not out of neglect, we tried countless ways of reversing the corruption but none worked. Our land feeds the creatures within, just as the creatures feed the land, we are tied to to it and as such the land suffers when our kin suffer unnatural death. For example the fields that the fairies come from and dwell will suffer now with the loss of so many. This is why our last resort was not murder, it was merely the taking of title, purpose, and home. A hunt of such a scale suggested would decimate entire regions of our home"
Shionne merely looks curiously and a little sadly at Gewyn as Terry translates the bards request to her, she nods and claps he hands together Infront of her.
Goldsheaf speaks up next, "once the other Not-Deer is taken care of, we could indeed move this camp at least to the outskirts on the western edge of the forest, it would make more comfortable distance between us and the town, and our guard have been doing a fine job fending off the tree things up til now -" Master Gore interrupts her before she can get to her next point, interjecting "your suggestion to cut down the trees to make defences, however tactical that might be, we druids would of course be against such a needless destruction of the natural space here, we can do our best to use druidic techniques to hide these survivors and use the magics of the land to shield us against attack. But as Goldsheaf here suggests, moving away from the enemy may just be enough once we are no longer flanked on both sides."
The guard who approached earlier, turns and leaves, he looks as if whatever he had to say, maybe now is not the time, he takes up his weapon and begins a patrol around the perimeter.
In the camp the few clerics, druids, and guards go about the business of tending to the sick, mutated, and soulless. Some speak amongst themselves looking hopeful at the planning, not able to take their gaze from the golden brilliance radiating from Shionne, others look like their hope abandoned them long ago. There is unease and uncertainty in the air.
Nef seems to be sulking that they can't talk but looks at the plotters and schemers with disdain or a look like they are all idiots. Vin seems to suddenly get worried as he looks to the large black dog in semi-alarm and then looks around at the gathered druids, fey and survivors. Nef eventually lays their head down as if placated and Vin finally gets to turn his attention to the group and the conversation at hand. To be fair, he wasn't sure where to even begin. What is it like in their world? Beautiful yes but he bets there so much more. He wonder's if he can visit at some point. Regardless he looks at those gathered and discussing the plan and he says "Nef says they can track the not-deer. They got a good scent of it before. She says she can track it. Then... if we kill that we can get these people out right?" Vin waits expectantly and seems to think of something and turns to Sam and asks "Sam, can we make sure the people get out safely? If we are the only ones able to fight the enemy... well... I want to make sure they make it out of the forest. Can we do that before going directly to Hokum?"
Elthana is about to respond to Goldsheaf, when Vin adds to the conversation. "Wait, Nef can track the not-deer? Well that's good news. That should be our first line of business." She looks back to the gathering group, "And yes, you're right Vin, we should help these people to the outskirts of the western edge of the forest before we go. Would probably make sense for us to spend the night here once we accomplish this before we move on to Hokum."
And without waiting for a response, she then leaves the group and follows the guard that was about to approach them.
With Elthana's departure from the conversation Shionne gives a bow in her direction, sensing that the conversation maybe winding down Master Gore agrees with the ideas set forth and begins to back off, finding purchase against a tree and resting his weary bones.
It is not long before Elthana finds her prey, patrolling only around 20m into the thick brush and out of the clearing.
Muir watches Gore go off and help others around camp. As much as Muir wants to help in camp he feels his skills would be better keeping the "heroes", as the bard referred to them alive. Selfishly he wants to see one of the Not-Deer and examine them. He watches the group's leader chase off after the guard wondering if she saw or noticed something. He thinks it best to hang with the others and discuss their plan "I see your leader Elthana, her name is yes, has gone to speak with the guard. I have decided that I will aid you in ridding the forest of the Not-Deer and provide the people of this camp some solace. I wonder if we should speak of plans. Are any of you good with ranged weapons? Sneaking up on the enemy? Dabble in the arcane? I am proficient with a bow and natural magics....I have a few tricks....what's the common phrase...up my sleeves, yes up my sleeves."Muir decides to squash his curiosity and ask no more questions.
Vin nods in confirmation to Elthana about nef's ability to track the Not-Deer. He seemed like he was going to say something else but ended up looking back at Nef. Then Elthana was out scouting and Vin figured he could tell the other's his concern.
Vin takes a moment to approach Terry and Shionne and seems to have a question for them. He looks at Shionne and says "I found a couple items on the fallen fairies... We didn't really know what was going on and I was trying to find clues. I don't know if these have importance to their families or anything." Vin pulls out a bag of sand and a small pot that is filled with some kind of ointment. Its clear he's just trying to do right by the fey lady and her people. He isn't sure what to do with them now. He is one to use what he finds to help out but he isn't sure if these items have importance to the fairies. At the very least she can tell him what they do if he can keep them but if they want them back he will give them back.
After talking with Shionne Vin looks to the large elephant man, as they talk tot he group, which requires a bit of neck craning as he's only a bit over five feet tall. "Thank you for the help Muir. I really appreciate it. Sorry if I've seen a bit distracted. There's a lot going on suddenly. I'm kind of hopeful to learn more about Shionne, her people and her world once things quiet down." Nef huffs a bit behind Vin and Vin looks back at them and they just stare a moment before the young man turns back to loxodon and says "I'm worried the enemy will react to the death of the not deer and might take action now. You tried to scout them out before right? Do you know long it will take the redcaps to get to this location if they were called in?"
Sam gives a snort as Shionne defends the Fey royals banishing the corrupted by using the effect on their lands slaying them would have. Just like a royal, he thinks but doesn’t bother voicing, their lot don’t bother listening anyway. Sure, they throw problems down the road because they are worried about their lands but care little about the effects it is having on other people’s lands. Or lives. Can’t have their grass yellowing or their milk curdling but Sam has heard not a word of sorrow for the lives of people lost in this world. Frickeng royalty. Fricken Faeries!
To Gore Sam does respond. “Chopping down trees ain’t my first option either, friend. But wishing the problem away hasn’t worked yet so compromises may need be taken. Least I didn’t suggest burning the whole forest down? But sure, if the killing of another Not-Deer works and it’s not against your sensibilities, it being a living animal and all, we’ll give that a go for ya. Yer welcome.”
Well aware his attitude is turning sour and not expecting that to change until some of these problem are solved, Sam turns away from Gore and walks a bit away rather than co to use debate the subject. Nothing like the helpless demanding they be helped in their preferred way…
Listening to Vin, Sam nods. “Definitely, kid. Give this lot at least a fighting chance on making it to safety before we move on. Of course… I was going to suggest Órga and Neferox both try to track the creature but if Neferox already has the scent then we can follow them…”
“We’ve a few hours of daylight left ((depending on season?)) and I say we see if we can catch it before dark falls. If not we return here and try again at daybreak…” Sam suggests to all listening.
“No specific leader as such, but Elthana as much as anyone, sure. But I can safely say that if you want in, you’re in Muir…”
Still walking about, Sam makes a point of passing Gewyn and slowing for a moment. “Angling for a date with Her Royal Faerie, eh? Bold move. Good luck to ya… but be careful. There are legends and fables. Not that I ever much believed them before but now?” Sam shrugs and then wanders on….
Sam looks after where Elthana took off to but she seems to just be following up on something and doesn’t appear to need help… And Sam is distracted by Vin again, this time offering up items her found amongst the little ones. Sam listens closely but tries not to appear yo notice. His own hand falls yo the bag of furry balls from which he apparently pulled forth Órga. He listens without watching but he’s pretty sure he’s already decided…
At Vin's question, Terry turns to translate for the golden dryad, she in turn, leans down to whisper something in the satyr's ear, she points once to the items held out by Vin, once toward Sam and once toward Gewyn.
Terry faces the group and takes the items from Vin looking them over, "this jar holds Keoghtom's ointment a healing balm, it can be spread on the skin or consumed. This bag holds dust of sneezing and choking. A couple others of you hold Fae artifacts, but we will not request their return, I can guide you in their use if you wish. Their owners are dead, and we trust you will do your best to carry these items in their stead, and use them to help in the fight that they laid their lives down for."
Muir lets the others finish with their questions before answering Vin. He smiles and puts a trunk on Vin's shoulder
"Yes, youngling. No need to apologize. I see the good in you and your concern for others is noted and appreciated. As for your question. I rode on horseback from Hokum escaping the Redcaps. However, on foot, it should take roughly half a day to get from Hokum to these woods." Muir turns to Sam and nods in agreement "I agree with Sam. Gruff and direct but his plan is agreeable. I think we can catch them off-guard by attacking before night. As I said I will lend a hand in fighting against these Not-Deer. You said you have killed one....What are their weaknesses? Do they have any strengths? Attack formations?"
When Terry mentions several of the group already possess fae artifacts, Gewyn whispers with wonder to himself, loud enough for Vin and Muir to hear. "Sam's trees perhaps.. And Elthana's steed? Whoa... Vin? Do you suppose I might hang on to that powder there? I would feel better with what comes next for us if I had a fae item of my own. A way to defend myself other than hoping I can sing corrupted inter-planar monsters to sleep."
His tone is glib, but there does appear to be genuine concern behind his expression.
Elthana starts heading back to the group, with the guard she was speaking with in tow. She arrives just in time to hear that Muir is going to lend a hand and she nods in affirmation. "They fought with their deer herd, they fought in magical darkness." She glances towards Sam, remembering hitting him instead of the deer due to the confusion, but decides not to say anything.
She turns towards the guard, "This is a guard from a prominent family of Marblestead," she pauses, then looks to him, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?" she waits for him to introduce himself, then continues, "His unit was sent here just after the attack and has been helping however they can. Vin, he says that you might have information on his sister?" she steps back letting the two of them converse.
She looks at Nef, raises an eyebrow, and asks, "So, which way is this Not-Deer? Is it close?"
As the guard approaches he holds a necklace chain out in front of him, "My name is Iver, I've been helping out here since just after the attack that is true" he turns to vin and opens his hand, a ring can be seen attached to the chain around his neck, just as Vin described earlier it has an intricate leaf design on it, holding a solitary blue rock "you say you've seen my sister? How is she? She's not coming here is she?"
Elthana's ears twitch to Shionne's voice. She doesn't act as though she realizes as it is the only part of her that moves as Terry communicates for the Dryad. She continues to wait for answers to her questions and the others, as well as the information that Terry says she has for them.
Like Sam, Gewyn bows his head. “Lady Shionne. Your voice is quite literally music to my ears. I wish that we could have met under a happier moon. Whatever you may provide to aid us alleviating the darkness that hangs upon these people would be greatly appreciated.”
Shionne listens to the response of her arrival, or lack thereof in certain cases. when Gewyn soeaks she cocks her head quickly, awkwardly, like a bird who sees food. Effortlessly gliding over, she gently touches Gewyn under his chin lifting his face up to hers, as she leans forward she inhales deeply of him and says something in her rhythmic sing-songy language. "oh erm.. She finds you very interesting" Terry translates, before Shionne lets Gweyn go and resumes her previous position at the foot of the large tree.
Shionne then continues, as she speaks she looks around the group, her alien words flow like silk and whenever she gesture anywhere, her movements so gentle and smooth that it looks like she is weightless, Terry translates for everyone, although it is hard to look at him with Shionne's golden glow drawing the eye at every moment. "we came from a land much like this one, but where groves bloom bountifully, magic is in every living thing, and our palaces are great and glorious monuments to the seasons in which we control.
Our land, our kingdom, it is called the Faewyld, and all who dwell within it are creatires of the Fae.
But much like any other land there is greed and there is evil, some of our kin were influenced long ago by foreign wants and desires, corrupted from beyond our plane. We cast those who meant others harm from our kingdoms into our wilder lands and there their want for destruction grew.
You see, these influences came to us through portals, portals which have been closed and unusable for hundreds of years, up until recently.
Time, as well as other forces thought natural to your plane, work differently in the Faewyld, so im unsure how long it has been since we last were able to visit here.
But recently the portals have been opening, they are currently unstable and still unsafe but we were alerted to their use, used by our kin, influenced by evil, who have bide their time and seek destruction and escape.
I was chosen by my queen to lead an army to retreive or destroy those who have invaded your plane, i brought with me, my trusted squire Terrence here, and an entire legion of fairies, but because the portal is not fully open, we are weakened in our abilities. and I fear we cannot move freely in this land.
If the reports from these kind folk of the town are to be believed, then my army was felled whilst trying to escape to fetch help from your peoples. and the further we get from the portal the weaker we become."
Shionne pauses at this particular junction, her stature lowers slightly and Terry quickly runs over to support her in her sorrow. After a few words between the two Fae, Shionne stands once more amd speaks, Terry resumes translating from her side.
"You are noble people to have offered sich help to those in need, and I shall give you all the information you may require.
The portal back home for us is up in the mountains, inside a cathedral like cavern, north of here.
it is currently being guarded by a mutated giant, which we call a Fomarian, he is a shadow of his ancestral giant Fae kind and a disgrace to our realm.
Not-Deer are also mutated forms of kindly beasts, our sentient himsnoid deerfolk are kindlt and gentle, but the corruption that ifluenced them makes them higly territorial and savage, able to infect and corrupt beast akin to them to be used as pawns.
Redcaps have taken over the town to the east, they are maybe a hundred strong, possibly more and are horrible fungal small folk with a lust for blood, in our realm they are stubborn loners who would sooner massacre one another for their own gain than work together.
Which brings me to the last invader, an unknown, someone must have rallied these creatures to work together, something must have influence over them all to orchestrate such an awful invasion of your world, and I'm sorry I cannot be of more help here, but I do not know what manner of beast could acheive such a feat.
my world has nothing but fond memories and good tidings for this one, my Queen and the other monarchs of my realm wish no harm to come to you, and so we are truly sorry for the losses you have taken for the evils that have come forth."
Muir gives Gore a sideways glance at Terry’s interpretation wondering if the older more experienced master had heard and waits for the others again to ask their questions
Elthana listens quietly as the dryad tells her story to the group. It sounded fantastical, strange, unbelievable... but Elthana knows Shionne is telling the truth, she has seen proof of it. She wonders a bit of the why on everything, but knows there is no point to dwell on such things.
"Thank you, my lady, for all of this information. Sounds to me our destination remains Hokum, deal with the creatures as we can and head up into the mountains to remove this Fomarian. I don't suppose these mutated creatures are weaker away from the portal as well?" Elthana looks to the survivors and the surrounding areas. "I do feel we need to deal with the remaining not-deer before we move on, not sure about the trees though? Are the guards that remain here, are they able to keep those at bay as we continue to Hokum?"
Sam's face goes through several emotions during Lady Shionne's speech, none of it particularly happy. As if sensing this Órga gives out a low growl until Sam reaches down and buries his fingers in the lion's mane to soothe the creature.
"With all due respect, Lady Shionne," Sam says once the speech is over and there is a bit of silence for him to speak into, "It seems Royalty is the same no matter where they come from. You speak lovely words about how wonderful and beautiful your lands are but in the end it seems it is only that way because instead of dealing with your problems you discard them and let others deal with them... Sounds to me like what you cast from your kingdom is now plaguing ours and now it is up to us to clean up the mess your kingdom should have dealt with before it even got here."
"Perhaps it's true you are helpless to do anything here," Sam continues. "The first tiny flying person we found seemed to have died all on his own. No wounds of nothing. Perhaps he was just too far from your portal.. And those not far from here, there was a lot of them but they were obviously ineffective. But respectfully, the truth of that doesn't change the fact we need clean up the mess that should have been dealt with in your own lands... This Feywild you speak of. After we get this all cleared up I'd humbly suggest you organize a hunt and rid yourselves of all these wild creatures before they can find their way here again, eh? Name it something catchy, call it a charity and charge admission to join, royalty dig that kind of thing. A Wild Hunt to raise funds for the little people, perhaps..."
"But yeah, it is what it is. We need deal with what we need deal with. And you are right, Elthana. We deal with the remaining Not-Deer if we can find it. Track it. If there is anything we can do to help those here with the trees, and do so in short order, I'm sure we're happy to help there as well. But Hokum is still where we need to get to..."
Sam asks a bit more about these trees that attack and what could help against them? Perhaps if the closest trees around the area the refugees are staying in were felled? Perhaps they could be made into barriers that would at least slow down any coming in to attack? And he asks Lady Shionne about the dream attacks. "That sort of business is beyond my knowledge. Our legends of your kind suggest that you have magics... Do you have anything that could shield or help with this kind of invasion?"
Mostly though, Sam is of a mind that we should either rest so that we can get on the offensive sooner... Or go on the offensive now.
Gewyn strokes his chin where Lady Shionne had touched him, deep in thought. He speaks up quietly after Sam. "In return for our assistance, Lady Shionne, I should like an opportunity to speak with you further before you return to your land. There is much I would like to know, about your world, your peoples, your music. I have a sneaking suspicion that... No, tis too early perhaps for me to speak of such things"
Muir listens to Elthana's specific questions and watches her demeanor. He finds her to be calm and precise with her train of thought. He notes that she seems to be the leader of the group. The one called Sam speaks next. Muir appreciates Sam's straightforward personality and wanting to take action. After hearing the royalty comment Muir grins a bit and wonders if Sam is a commoner He then listens to Gewyn speak up and makes a mental note. Muir wonders......
Shionnes listens as each member of the group asks their questions, gives their objections, and proposes theories, she waits for all to be done before speaking.
"It seems that our link to our plane is indeed weakened, I am saddened to hear the news of the fairy you found furthest out, it appears we cannot roam your plane until the portal that sustains us is fully open. From what I can assume, the influence of other planes conjugating in this one may be helping to sustain our enemy. Their powers may not be effected, weakened such as ours.
Regarding the royals decision to cast out our problems into the places beyond our walls. Understand that this is not out of neglect, we tried countless ways of reversing the corruption but none worked. Our land feeds the creatures within, just as the creatures feed the land, we are tied to to it and as such the land suffers when our kin suffer unnatural death. For example the fields that the fairies come from and dwell will suffer now with the loss of so many. This is why our last resort was not murder, it was merely the taking of title, purpose, and home. A hunt of such a scale suggested would decimate entire regions of our home"
Shionne merely looks curiously and a little sadly at Gewyn as Terry translates the bards request to her, she nods and claps he hands together Infront of her.
Goldsheaf speaks up next, "once the other Not-Deer is taken care of, we could indeed move this camp at least to the outskirts on the western edge of the forest, it would make more comfortable distance between us and the town, and our guard have been doing a fine job fending off the tree things up til now -" Master Gore interrupts her before she can get to her next point, interjecting "your suggestion to cut down the trees to make defences, however tactical that might be, we druids would of course be against such a needless destruction of the natural space here, we can do our best to use druidic techniques to hide these survivors and use the magics of the land to shield us against attack. But as Goldsheaf here suggests, moving away from the enemy may just be enough once we are no longer flanked on both sides."
The guard who approached earlier, turns and leaves, he looks as if whatever he had to say, maybe now is not the time, he takes up his weapon and begins a patrol around the perimeter.
In the camp the few clerics, druids, and guards go about the business of tending to the sick, mutated, and soulless. Some speak amongst themselves looking hopeful at the planning, not able to take their gaze from the golden brilliance radiating from Shionne, others look like their hope abandoned them long ago. There is unease and uncertainty in the air.
Nef seems to be sulking that they can't talk but looks at the plotters and schemers with disdain or a look like they are all idiots. Vin seems to suddenly get worried as he looks to the large black dog in semi-alarm and then looks around at the gathered druids, fey and survivors. Nef eventually lays their head down as if placated and Vin finally gets to turn his attention to the group and the conversation at hand. To be fair, he wasn't sure where to even begin. What is it like in their world? Beautiful yes but he bets there so much more. He wonder's if he can visit at some point. Regardless he looks at those gathered and discussing the plan and he says "Nef says they can track the not-deer. They got a good scent of it before. She says she can track it. Then... if we kill that we can get these people out right?" Vin waits expectantly and seems to think of something and turns to Sam and asks "Sam, can we make sure the people get out safely? If we are the only ones able to fight the enemy... well... I want to make sure they make it out of the forest. Can we do that before going directly to Hokum?"
Elthana is about to respond to Goldsheaf, when Vin adds to the conversation. "Wait, Nef can track the not-deer? Well that's good news. That should be our first line of business." She looks back to the gathering group, "And yes, you're right Vin, we should help these people to the outskirts of the western edge of the forest before we go. Would probably make sense for us to spend the night here once we accomplish this before we move on to Hokum."
And without waiting for a response, she then leaves the group and follows the guard that was about to approach them.
With Elthana's departure from the conversation Shionne gives a bow in her direction, sensing that the conversation maybe winding down Master Gore agrees with the ideas set forth and begins to back off, finding purchase against a tree and resting his weary bones.
It is not long before Elthana finds her prey, patrolling only around 20m into the thick brush and out of the clearing.
Muir watches Gore go off and help others around camp. As much as Muir wants to help in camp he feels his skills would be better keeping the "heroes", as the bard referred to them alive. Selfishly he wants to see one of the Not-Deer and examine them. He watches the group's leader chase off after the guard wondering if she saw or noticed something. He thinks it best to hang with the others and discuss their plan "I see your leader Elthana, her name is yes, has gone to speak with the guard. I have decided that I will aid you in ridding the forest of the Not-Deer and provide the people of this camp some solace. I wonder if we should speak of plans. Are any of you good with ranged weapons? Sneaking up on the enemy? Dabble in the arcane? I am proficient with a bow and natural magics....I have a few tricks....what's the common phrase...up my sleeves, yes up my sleeves." Muir decides to squash his curiosity and ask no more questions.
Vin nods in confirmation to Elthana about nef's ability to track the Not-Deer. He seemed like he was going to say something else but ended up looking back at Nef. Then Elthana was out scouting and Vin figured he could tell the other's his concern.
Vin takes a moment to approach Terry and Shionne and seems to have a question for them. He looks at Shionne and says "I found a couple items on the fallen fairies... We didn't really know what was going on and I was trying to find clues. I don't know if these have importance to their families or anything." Vin pulls out a bag of sand and a small pot that is filled with some kind of ointment. Its clear he's just trying to do right by the fey lady and her people. He isn't sure what to do with them now. He is one to use what he finds to help out but he isn't sure if these items have importance to the fairies. At the very least she can tell him what they do if he can keep them but if they want them back he will give them back.
After talking with Shionne Vin looks to the large elephant man, as they talk tot he group, which requires a bit of neck craning as he's only a bit over five feet tall. "Thank you for the help Muir. I really appreciate it. Sorry if I've seen a bit distracted. There's a lot going on suddenly. I'm kind of hopeful to learn more about Shionne, her people and her world once things quiet down." Nef huffs a bit behind Vin and Vin looks back at them and they just stare a moment before the young man turns back to loxodon and says "I'm worried the enemy will react to the death of the not deer and might take action now. You tried to scout them out before right? Do you know long it will take the redcaps to get to this location if they were called in?"
Sam gives a snort as Shionne defends the Fey royals banishing the corrupted by using the effect on their lands slaying them would have. Just like a royal, he thinks but doesn’t bother voicing, their lot don’t bother listening anyway. Sure, they throw problems down the road because they are worried about their lands but care little about the effects it is having on other people’s lands. Or lives. Can’t have their grass yellowing or their milk curdling but Sam has heard not a word of sorrow for the lives of people lost in this world. Frickeng royalty. Fricken Faeries!
To Gore Sam does respond. “Chopping down trees ain’t my first option either, friend. But wishing the problem away hasn’t worked yet so compromises may need be taken. Least I didn’t suggest burning the whole forest down? But sure, if the killing of another Not-Deer works and it’s not against your sensibilities, it being a living animal and all, we’ll give that a go for ya. Yer welcome.”
Well aware his attitude is turning sour and not expecting that to change until some of these problem are solved, Sam turns away from Gore and walks a bit away rather than co to use debate the subject. Nothing like the helpless demanding they be helped in their preferred way…
Listening to Vin, Sam nods. “Definitely, kid. Give this lot at least a fighting chance on making it to safety before we move on. Of course… I was going to suggest Órga and Neferox both try to track the creature but if Neferox already has the scent then we can follow them…”
“We’ve a few hours of daylight left ((depending on season?)) and I say we see if we can catch it before dark falls. If not we return here and try again at daybreak…” Sam suggests to all listening.
“No specific leader as such, but Elthana as much as anyone, sure. But I can safely say that if you want in, you’re in Muir…”
Still walking about, Sam makes a point of passing Gewyn and slowing for a moment. “Angling for a date with Her Royal Faerie, eh? Bold move. Good luck to ya… but be careful. There are legends and fables. Not that I ever much believed them before but now?” Sam shrugs and then wanders on….
Sam looks after where Elthana took off to but she seems to just be following up on something and doesn’t appear to need help… And Sam is distracted by Vin again, this time offering up items her found amongst the little ones. Sam listens closely but tries not to appear yo notice. His own hand falls yo the bag of furry balls from which he apparently pulled forth Órga. He listens without watching but he’s pretty sure he’s already decided…
At Vin's question, Terry turns to translate for the golden dryad, she in turn, leans down to whisper something in the satyr's ear, she points once to the items held out by Vin, once toward Sam and once toward Gewyn.
Terry faces the group and takes the items from Vin looking them over, "this jar holds Keoghtom's ointment a healing balm, it can be spread on the skin or consumed. This bag holds dust of sneezing and choking. A couple others of you hold Fae artifacts, but we will not request their return, I can guide you in their use if you wish. Their owners are dead, and we trust you will do your best to carry these items in their stead, and use them to help in the fight that they laid their lives down for."
Muir lets the others finish with their questions before answering Vin. He smiles and puts a trunk on Vin's shoulder
"Yes, youngling. No need to apologize. I see the good in you and your concern for others is noted and appreciated. As for your question. I rode on horseback from Hokum escaping the Redcaps. However, on foot, it should take roughly half a day to get from Hokum to these woods." Muir turns to Sam and nods in agreement "I agree with Sam. Gruff and direct but his plan is agreeable. I think we can catch them off-guard by attacking before night. As I said I will lend a hand in fighting against these Not-Deer. You said you have killed one....What are their weaknesses? Do they have any strengths? Attack formations?"
When Terry mentions several of the group already possess fae artifacts, Gewyn whispers with wonder to himself, loud enough for Vin and Muir to hear. "Sam's trees perhaps.. And Elthana's steed? Whoa... Vin? Do you suppose I might hang on to that powder there? I would feel better with what comes next for us if I had a fae item of my own. A way to defend myself other than hoping I can sing corrupted inter-planar monsters to sleep."
His tone is glib, but there does appear to be genuine concern behind his expression.
Elthana starts heading back to the group, with the guard she was speaking with in tow. She arrives just in time to hear that Muir is going to lend a hand and she nods in affirmation. "They fought with their deer herd, they fought in magical darkness." She glances towards Sam, remembering hitting him instead of the deer due to the confusion, but decides not to say anything.
She turns towards the guard, "This is a guard from a prominent family of Marblestead," she pauses, then looks to him, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?" she waits for him to introduce himself, then continues, "His unit was sent here just after the attack and has been helping however they can. Vin, he says that you might have information on his sister?" she steps back letting the two of them converse.
She looks at Nef, raises an eyebrow, and asks, "So, which way is this Not-Deer? Is it close?"
As the guard approaches he holds a necklace chain out in front of him, "My name is Iver, I've been helping out here since just after the attack that is true" he turns to vin and opens his hand, a ring can be seen attached to the chain around his neck, just as Vin described earlier it has an intricate leaf design on it, holding a solitary blue rock "you say you've seen my sister? How is she? She's not coming here is she?"