Elthana has kept quiet during the conversation, not used to working things out this way. She finds it a bit amusing, but is glad that the tree is amicable to even helping protect the ones following them, especially after knowing what it can do with a boulder. She rubs her stomach just thinking about it.
"Offering in return you ask? Why we would do what we can to return you back through the portal as well." She turns to Gewyn, "Right?"
The tree looks to Elthana touching her aches and chooses to ignore it, "Just me though. The trees I've made here are part of this land, taking them away would do no good for either plane, believe me. However they may be of use to you, if what you say us true, yes? I take it you'll need to get your town back if you are to clear a way to the portal, you also spoke of survivors coming this way? So how would you have my kin help?" The giant tree responds. The smaller trees surrounding the group seem to relax somewhat, the feeling of impending battle now wearing off.
Muir smiles "We are going to rid this realm of the red caps and their leader in the mountains so you can return to your own world. Help us protect our brethren and we will help you return to your realm. Is this agreeable?"
As Nef begins to get agitated about the surrounding trees Vin steps next to her and begins to pet her as she seems to communicate with Vin. She by no means relaxes and looks ready to set the big tree on fire but she is holding off for now. Vin seems to suddenly have some questions, "You said that you appeared in a cave right? Where is the cave? Is is safe in that cave? Also, doesn't that mean there is a portal that brought you here there?"
"I agree, keeper of the wood, show my trees here where your brethren will stay and they will protect them. More are arriving now. Although heed my warning, once I am gone from this realm the trees I leave behind will not be under my whim any longer, they will have their own will, they aren't evil, but are ferociously territorial. It will be up to your survivors whom they protect to make sure my trees accept them as part of the forest, befriend them if you will, if this happens the Hokum will have eternal guardians within its forest. I trust you will pass this along and do what is right?" Just as the giant tree says, around ten more awakened trees start moving into the blighted clearing from the forest, each coming from a different direction at different times, as if called from every corner of this forest. "And you my sapling, the tunnels I travelled appeared safe but winding, many cross sections and diverted paths, there could be many dangers that I missed, or were just lucky enough to not have crossed. The portal was a long way in, in a massive cavern, big enough to fit me in five times over root to tip! Hah hah!" The giant tree's face turns jovial, he seems to have taken a shine to Vin, beaming in a very Grandfatherly way.
“Are we talking two different caves?” Sam asks, trying to follow it all busy slightly confused. “It may not be smart to hide the refugees in the endless cave with the portal…”
“If it is two different caves, what is the order of doing things? Getting refugees safe needs be first, yes? Then are the wise and more numerous than we knew trees helping us clear out the redcaps before we find the portal? Or portal first?”
If Sam had a hat on he would take it off and scratch his head right about now. “And if the portal you came through can send you back, why didn’t you just go right back through it?” He asks.
“I’m not opposed to having a wandering forest living here,” Sam suggests and looks to Muir. “I’m sure the nature types can work out a deal for boundaries and right to travel and all… Besides, I live a ways away anyway.”
The tree chuckles a little, "had no idea where I was lad, didn't realise I was on another plane til i got out into this forest, it was a long long time til i got out, wandered lost most of it, might have been maybe five of your planes light and dark times, hmm? So I didn't want to chance getting lost in there again trying to get out, not when I'd found somewhere to root. There was only one cave entrance I saw, just around that way." The mighty tree nods it's trunk toward its right, northward around the mountain, it's leaves bristle as it does.
"You said you saw the redcaps and the not-deer. We slew the not-deer so you're in good company if you want help but we think there is something else we don't know about. You mentioned you "thought" the not-deer worked alone. Did you see something else that changed your mind there? Was it something that makes people... empty? I don't know when you came to our world but it sounds like you might of come at the beginning? Did you see something before the redcaps? Or at least something ordering the Not-Deer?" Vin is thinking on a conversation they had with Goldsheaf. One that established that something was happening before the redcaps showed up. That something else was working in the shadows and affected the children first. Vin is a bit hopeful to get a clue to what. Especially since the tree alluded that they only just recently learned that the not-deer were not acting alone. Vin was curious what they saw to make them change their mind on that.
“That doesn’t really say if it’s the same cafe or not… we’re taking them to a cave over that way,” Sam says, pointing in the direction. Sam then looks to the others for confirmation, readjusts where he’s pointing, then clarifies: “That way…”
The directions line up between where the giant tree suggested and where Muir knows the cave to be. The tree smiles down at Vin once more "most creatures that are 'like that' prefer to be alone, isolated, so there's no judgement on their actions, I've seen no redcaps here, but the redcaps I saw back on my home turf would kill eachother if they met, seen it myself, they're greedy, and the only thing they want is blood. If they invaded this plane then I assume they stopped fighting eachother for long enough to organise themselves eh? I did see the not-deer here though, they usually pair up so nothing strange there, apart from themselves, weird how they can choose to be two legs, disgusting creatures" the tree spits a massive globule of sap out of its mouth on to the blighted floor to punctuate it's apparent disgust in talking of the these creatures. "What do you mean by... empty people?"
Vin also didnt like the not-deer and the tree's anger towards them seems to put the boy a bit more at ease, "Empty like, they respond and stuff, they can talk but... they can't do anything without being told. Like there is no will to do anything and no will to refuse any request. Some are calling them soulless but... they were attacked in some way is all I know. I was hopeful you with your wisdom of these things might know or seen what did it or maybe a way to help them get better."
The tree looks puzzled, then screws up is face in thought, trying to find any memory of this, "nope, sorry. Sounds like two leg magic to me, something I know nothing about I'm afraid.
Now, you wanted me to get my kin to protect your lot, I'll send them over to the cave now, yes? And then you're all going to clear the way for me to get back hmm?" The surrounding trees begin to disengage and head slowly around the mountain northwards, the group see a shadow coalescing in the shade of the tree line, taking an unnaturally elongated but human form it glides over to Vin.
Muir nods in agreement "That is agreeable with me. Once we do this for you and you leave, perhaps we can speak about making an arrangement with your trees. You could be a mediator between myself, Gore the other Keeper I spoke of, the people of Hokum and the trees you have created?"
The tree grumbles a little, "sounds like a lot of work, something to discuss maybe after you've upheld your end, hmm? I make no promises about that now. Ok blockheads go on now move off to that cave, stand guard eh?" The smaller trees now pick up the pace a little bit, taking their attention fully off the conversation and begin to disperse.
Gewyn nods, satisfied with how things concluded, and says, "Is there a name we should know you by? I myself go by Gewyn."His gaze averts for a second, distracted by something as if a fly had gone by his face. He raises his pipes reflexively and plays a short, quiet melody as he looks at the ground before Muir.
"hmmm a name, you can call me by the name Old Thicket, I think that should suffice, Gewyn." The tree also looks down to Muir's feet, possibly just interested to see whatever Gewyn is looking at.
Vin seems a bit disappointed that the tree reveals they know nothing about what was effecting the people of Hokum. Nef snorts in derision and distrust as they growl a bit at the large tree. Vin seems to worry a bit but when the trees depart and no longer surround the group Nef seems to relax and if anything look confused. The hound was clearly expecting a fight. They still watch the big tree with distrust and hate. Vin seems a bit on edge suddenly as the shadow arrives and comes next to them. They look over to see the shadow and sigh in relief "Oh, its just you Maka. Hello. I'm glad you didn't find anything. You really are helpful. A pity I didn't get to know you when you were alive. I wish I could of helped you too." The shadow nods. Anyone who gets within 5 feet of Maka will feel a near endless tide of misery, sadness and regret. So overpowering is this feeling that it sap the will power of a person to move (reduces speed by 20 feet). How Vin is able to keep their spirits up near Maka is anyone's guess. they seem to be trying to give the miserable shade a pep talk "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. I know you had to deal with tough stuff when you were alive. You can still do good helping us out Maka. Just believe in yourself." The spirit seems to get more depressed and droopy. "Oh! Don't be like that. I know you helped me have peace of mind that the refugees were safe. Thank you. So you didn't see anything around them then? That's good. I guess I worried a bit too much then." They look to Nef and pats the agitated hound. Who gives a small woof of begrudging acceptance. "Alright Maka, for now just stay near me and be ready for if anything attacks so you can help defend against them."
Nef seems to watch the other trees move away and then once they are far enough away woofs again but this time more towards pushing Vin to do something. The half-elf nods and says "I am, I am. I'm going to ask right now." Vin seems nervous but the boy asks "Old Thicket, We would like to know why your children were attacking the refugees."
Gewyn looks around at the others, and then back down. "I just... I thought I saw something. Just me? That's fine. We can move on... Just... Muir, have you any experience with spirits, or souls of the deceased?"
"my children, as I said before, are ferociously territorial. Until now I gave them no order, I simply let them do their own thing, but through me giving them life, they naturally share my hatred of both the abominations and two legs like yourselves. I'll admit though that I kept a few close, just in case of attack, and seeing as though you all came along I'm glad I did.
However now that I've reined them back in, that shouldn't be a problem until I'm gone, and I'll also give it to you that some of you here are changing my mind on two legs, you seem more amicable and reasonable than the two legs on my home plane..."
Elthana has kept quiet during the conversation, not used to working things out this way. She finds it a bit amusing, but is glad that the tree is amicable to even helping protect the ones following them, especially after knowing what it can do with a boulder. She rubs her stomach just thinking about it.
"Offering in return you ask? Why we would do what we can to return you back through the portal as well." She turns to Gewyn, "Right?"
The tree looks to Elthana touching her aches and chooses to ignore it, "Just me though. The trees I've made here are part of this land, taking them away would do no good for either plane, believe me. However they may be of use to you, if what you say us true, yes? I take it you'll need to get your town back if you are to clear a way to the portal, you also spoke of survivors coming this way? So how would you have my kin help?" The giant tree responds. The smaller trees surrounding the group seem to relax somewhat, the feeling of impending battle now wearing off.
Muir smiles "We are going to rid this realm of the red caps and their leader in the mountains so you can return to your own world. Help us protect our brethren and we will help you return to your realm. Is this agreeable?"
As Nef begins to get agitated about the surrounding trees Vin steps next to her and begins to pet her as she seems to communicate with Vin. She by no means relaxes and looks ready to set the big tree on fire but she is holding off for now. Vin seems to suddenly have some questions, "You said that you appeared in a cave right? Where is the cave? Is is safe in that cave? Also, doesn't that mean there is a portal that brought you here there?"
"I agree, keeper of the wood, show my trees here where your brethren will stay and they will protect them. More are arriving now. Although heed my warning, once I am gone from this realm the trees I leave behind will not be under my whim any longer, they will have their own will, they aren't evil, but are ferociously territorial. It will be up to your survivors whom they protect to make sure my trees accept them as part of the forest, befriend them if you will, if this happens the Hokum will have eternal guardians within its forest. I trust you will pass this along and do what is right?" Just as the giant tree says, around ten more awakened trees start moving into the blighted clearing from the forest, each coming from a different direction at different times, as if called from every corner of this forest. "And you my sapling, the tunnels I travelled appeared safe but winding, many cross sections and diverted paths, there could be many dangers that I missed, or were just lucky enough to not have crossed. The portal was a long way in, in a massive cavern, big enough to fit me in five times over root to tip! Hah hah!" The giant tree's face turns jovial, he seems to have taken a shine to Vin, beaming in a very Grandfatherly way.
“Are we talking two different caves?” Sam asks, trying to follow it all busy slightly confused. “It may not be smart to hide the refugees in the endless cave with the portal…”
“If it is two different caves, what is the order of doing things? Getting refugees safe needs be first, yes? Then are the wise and more numerous than we knew trees helping us clear out the redcaps before we find the portal? Or portal first?”
If Sam had a hat on he would take it off and scratch his head right about now. “And if the portal you came through can send you back, why didn’t you just go right back through it?” He asks.
“I’m not opposed to having a wandering forest living here,” Sam suggests and looks to Muir. “I’m sure the nature types can work out a deal for boundaries and right to travel and all… Besides, I live a ways away anyway.”
The tree chuckles a little, "had no idea where I was lad, didn't realise I was on another plane til i got out into this forest, it was a long long time til i got out, wandered lost most of it, might have been maybe five of your planes light and dark times, hmm? So I didn't want to chance getting lost in there again trying to get out, not when I'd found somewhere to root. There was only one cave entrance I saw, just around that way." The mighty tree nods it's trunk toward its right, northward around the mountain, it's leaves bristle as it does.
"You said you saw the redcaps and the not-deer. We slew the not-deer so you're in good company if you want help but we think there is something else we don't know about. You mentioned you "thought" the not-deer worked alone. Did you see something else that changed your mind there? Was it something that makes people... empty? I don't know when you came to our world but it sounds like you might of come at the beginning? Did you see something before the redcaps? Or at least something ordering the Not-Deer?" Vin is thinking on a conversation they had with Goldsheaf. One that established that something was happening before the redcaps showed up. That something else was working in the shadows and affected the children first. Vin is a bit hopeful to get a clue to what. Especially since the tree alluded that they only just recently learned that the not-deer were not acting alone. Vin was curious what they saw to make them change their mind on that.
“That doesn’t really say if it’s the same cafe or not… we’re taking them to a cave over that way,” Sam says, pointing in the direction. Sam then looks to the others for confirmation, readjusts where he’s pointing, then clarifies: “That way…”
“Is that the same direction you came from?”
The directions line up between where the giant tree suggested and where Muir knows the cave to be. The tree smiles down at Vin once more "most creatures that are 'like that' prefer to be alone, isolated, so there's no judgement on their actions, I've seen no redcaps here, but the redcaps I saw back on my home turf would kill eachother if they met, seen it myself, they're greedy, and the only thing they want is blood. If they invaded this plane then I assume they stopped fighting eachother for long enough to organise themselves eh? I did see the not-deer here though, they usually pair up so nothing strange there, apart from themselves, weird how they can choose to be two legs, disgusting creatures" the tree spits a massive globule of sap out of its mouth on to the blighted floor to punctuate it's apparent disgust in talking of the these creatures. "What do you mean by... empty people?"
Vin also didnt like the not-deer and the tree's anger towards them seems to put the boy a bit more at ease, "Empty like, they respond and stuff, they can talk but... they can't do anything without being told. Like there is no will to do anything and no will to refuse any request. Some are calling them soulless but... they were attacked in some way is all I know. I was hopeful you with your wisdom of these things might know or seen what did it or maybe a way to help them get better."
The tree looks puzzled, then screws up is face in thought, trying to find any memory of this, "nope, sorry. Sounds like two leg magic to me, something I know nothing about I'm afraid.
Now, you wanted me to get my kin to protect your lot, I'll send them over to the cave now, yes? And then you're all going to clear the way for me to get back hmm?" The surrounding trees begin to disengage and head slowly around the mountain northwards, the group see a shadow coalescing in the shade of the tree line, taking an unnaturally elongated but human form it glides over to Vin.
Muir nods in agreement "That is agreeable with me. Once we do this for you and you leave, perhaps we can speak about making an arrangement with your trees. You could be a mediator between myself, Gore the other Keeper I spoke of, the people of Hokum and the trees you have created?"
The tree grumbles a little, "sounds like a lot of work, something to discuss maybe after you've upheld your end, hmm? I make no promises about that now. Ok blockheads go on now move off to that cave, stand guard eh?" The smaller trees now pick up the pace a little bit, taking their attention fully off the conversation and begin to disperse.
Gewyn nods, satisfied with how things concluded, and says, "Is there a name we should know you by? I myself go by Gewyn." His gaze averts for a second, distracted by something as if a fly had gone by his face. He raises his pipes reflexively and plays a short, quiet melody as he looks at the ground before Muir.
"hmmm a name, you can call me by the name Old Thicket, I think that should suffice, Gewyn." The tree also looks down to Muir's feet, possibly just interested to see whatever Gewyn is looking at.
Muir follows suit wondering if his feet need some attention
Vin seems a bit disappointed that the tree reveals they know nothing about what was effecting the people of Hokum. Nef snorts in derision and distrust as they growl a bit at the large tree. Vin seems to worry a bit but when the trees depart and no longer surround the group Nef seems to relax and if anything look confused. The hound was clearly expecting a fight. They still watch the big tree with distrust and hate. Vin seems a bit on edge suddenly as the shadow arrives and comes next to them. They look over to see the shadow and sigh in relief "Oh, its just you Maka. Hello. I'm glad you didn't find anything. You really are helpful. A pity I didn't get to know you when you were alive. I wish I could of helped you too." The shadow nods. Anyone who gets within 5 feet of Maka will feel a near endless tide of misery, sadness and regret. So overpowering is this feeling that it sap the will power of a person to move (reduces speed by 20 feet). How Vin is able to keep their spirits up near Maka is anyone's guess. they seem to be trying to give the miserable shade a pep talk "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. I know you had to deal with tough stuff when you were alive. You can still do good helping us out Maka. Just believe in yourself." The spirit seems to get more depressed and droopy. "Oh! Don't be like that. I know you helped me have peace of mind that the refugees were safe. Thank you. So you didn't see anything around them then? That's good. I guess I worried a bit too much then." They look to Nef and pats the agitated hound. Who gives a small woof of begrudging acceptance. "Alright Maka, for now just stay near me and be ready for if anything attacks so you can help defend against them."
Nef seems to watch the other trees move away and then once they are far enough away woofs again but this time more towards pushing Vin to do something. The half-elf nods and says "I am, I am. I'm going to ask right now." Vin seems nervous but the boy asks "Old Thicket, We would like to know why your children were attacking the refugees."
Gewyn looks around at the others, and then back down. "I just... I thought I saw something. Just me? That's fine. We can move on... Just... Muir, have you any experience with spirits, or souls of the deceased?"
"my children, as I said before, are ferociously territorial. Until now I gave them no order, I simply let them do their own thing, but through me giving them life, they naturally share my hatred of both the abominations and two legs like yourselves. I'll admit though that I kept a few close, just in case of attack, and seeing as though you all came along I'm glad I did.
However now that I've reined them back in, that shouldn't be a problem until I'm gone, and I'll also give it to you that some of you here are changing my mind on two legs, you seem more amicable and reasonable than the two legs on my home plane..."