Gewyn jumps in to clarify, "Upsetting, but useful. We have already thought up at least a couple of ways to approach the situation based on our findings. But my friend here is right in that further discussion is best held in privacy."
Vin speaks up adding "A lot learned. Some good, some bad, all depends what happens next really. As Muir said, not just anyone's ears should hear it. Any changes while we were out?"
"no changes as such," Iver replies, he seems a little concerned about the term 'Upsetting being used, but decides not to probe further, not yet.. "Shionne and Terry seem a bit under the weather, there was some discussion and grumbling but she managed to convince Old Thicket to let her reside within him, it's all a bit weird if you ask me.
Old thicket himself has been keeping the younger ones entertained, whimsical stories of his world and such, took a bit of getting used to, having him there, but the cave is warm and he helps keep the wind out, it's pretty handy if I'm honest, and none of the survivors have grumbled about him all that much, apart from the initial shock, I don't think anyone has the energy to question his existence, never mind his intentions.
Goldsheaf is doing what she can to organise, and Gore is making more rations just in case, don't get him wrong though we all have hope and faith in you guys, it's just that if they are to be here a while it's better to be prepared, yeah? something happened with Gore last night and got him all excited but he won't say what, he's been full of beans all day...
Anyway, I'll grab everyone together, it's better if we discuss outside, that'll be away from everyone." With that Iver jogs off to the cave, returning after a moment with Goldsheaf, Master Gore and Terry, but Shionne remains away.
Snow falls lightly, gathering on the ground, the warmth of the cave visibly radiating from Goldsheaf as she looks expectantly toward the group.
“Oh? And I suppose there is someone who likes paying taxes?” Sam asks incredulously of Iver when he makes himself known.
“All the so called government, need to run the whole lot outta town, don’t ya tell me, I’ll tell you!”
Otherwise Sam does agree with the others that things are mostly grim. “There’s some tactics maybe we can do… and currently a lot of survivors still… currently. But it is grim.”
“Unwell? I thought closeness to a portal was supposed to help…?” Sam asks while Iver reports. “And what of the druid backup? Any sign?”
Muir smiles at everyone before speaking up "We have learned a great deal scouting the area. I will do my best to recall them and then allow my companions to add their explanations and opinions on the matter. Firstly, the Recaps are being led by a giant in the mountains this we know but they are harvesting blood and boiling it in the well fortified town. Secondly they seem to need it as what appears to be food for them and the giant. I saw a Redcap dip their, what we are calling caps, while on their head, into the blood and absorb it. They have captured townfolk in a prison of sorts where they are getting their blood from. There are several vats of blood within the town. However, these Redcaps are loosely held together, we believe by their fear of the giant. They bicker and fight among themselves but don't cross the line of fighting one another out of fear. Sam mentions Druid backup....but to be clear the backup are the Clerics of Hermes not Druids from the Keepers. The Druids' numbers are far smaller than the Clerics....We are supporting the task as much as we can with the resources available. I digress....The town has a few entrances all guarded by the Redcaps." Muir turns to his companions looking to see what he has left out.
Elthana raises an eyebrow at Sam and places a hand on her hip, "Cussing? You think that is what I am talking about? You're a damn fool."
Elthana looks over at Iver when he adds about the anti-treasury grumbling and points her pole at him, "See, he gets it." She returns her glare to Sam, considering him. She holds his gaze for a bit, then settles on, "Don't let it happen again."
She's a bit disheartened when she sees the clerics have yet to make it to the cave, she turns to Muir, "Would they know to come to this cave? Would it make sense to ask Goodall - would she know where the clerics might be?"
“Druids. Clerics. No offense but much the same to me,” Sam says with a gruff smile. “Each just tends to slightly different flocks, no?”
“But about that giant… I think it’s our guess they work for him. They seem to deliver him blood on the regular. But I do t think we’ve seen actual interaction between them? Could be they are giving him offerings, doing his bidding, fattening him up for eventual slaughter…” Sam says. “I agree, most likely he is keeping the redcaps in line but we want to keep open minds…”
…
Earlier…
“What, you’re sticking up for…” Sam pauses but finally remembers. “Oh! Heh. Well hell, you know I’m not talking about you. I ain’t ever seen a tax collector or money changer looked like you. Could make the whole business a bit more palatable if people did, mind ya!”
“But come on, tell me how the Treasury hoarding all the wealth does the likes of me or the working people any good?”
Elthana nods as Sam sort of apologizes, then as he asks his question she looks up to him again, "I am not going to get into a debate with you over the treasury. We have a job to do. Best you get your mind in the right order."
Muir turns to Elthana "The would have a scouting party arriving within a handful of days before their larger party...I don't think we can really wait for them, unfortunately. We will have to make do with who is here. The question is what do we do....disrupt the blood flow and save the prisoners starving them out or cut off the head of their leader..."
"we will try to supply everything you need, there are a mere handful of guards willing and able to help, the moving trees can do some work other than just guarding us" Goldsheaf pipes up, "now that we have this cave, we are a little backed into a corner, but I think the worst of the threats in the forests have been dealt with..."
Terry sits down in the snow wherever he happens to be stood, his rusty red satyr skin is sallow and paler than the group have seen previously, "I... I think the theory i had before is right" he says looking toward Gewyn, "I fear the Faewyld portal is closing, If it does, Shionne and I will surely die here, but the redcaps and giant will remain... I'm sorry we couldn't be more help..." He shivers and coughs, curling his hooven feet up under him and holding tightly to his knees.
Master Gore, throws a fur over the sickly satyr and clicks his fingers producing a smokeless flame in his hand, crouching down to warm Terry up, he looks to the group, "I had visitation last night, not something I was expecting, but I don't mind sharing with you as it might be some help. My fallen partner Master Thunberg appeared to me within a mote of light, she made me aware that she has been offered a choice, the manner of her death and her dedication to the land has been influenced by the magic of the Faewyld, she came to tell me she may be of some help to you, but it will cost her dearly, I know not how or when this help will be received but you have the spirits of the land with you, keep a watchful eye out... it felt like a final goodbye, saddening but liberating..."
There is a moment of silence, an awkward remembrance of the lost in these leaders, Goldsheaf looks to the ground, Iver speaks up next, "so... What's the plan? What shape is the town in? Is there anything salvageable? There's been no word to us from the clerics of Hermes, they would have no way of telling where we are, my best guess is that if they have a scouting party they would asses the town first and report back, then launch an assault with the information gathered... The only worry I would have is the scout party being discovered..." Iver's brow furrows as he speaks, his thought process slowly developing a concerned look on his face.
Vin does their best to stay out of the fighting between Elthana and Sam about politics. Vin isn't sure how he feels about that kind of stuff. He normally prefers to focus on smaller subjects. As the main figures gather Neferox does a circle around to make sure no one else is listening in on the conversation. The black hound more concerned with spies then anything else. Vin however, gives a full report to those gathered with his ideas on what to do. "Well, we were successful in scouting the area pretty well. Muir here was even able to get in as a squirrel. They have a lot of patrols but also a lot of fighting between them. Something, likely the giant, is keeping them organized. There is too many to go through the front gates but we might be able to get them in fighting to make it easier. They are harvesting blood for something. If the giant is eating it all then first off... gross but also why just blood? I think they are doing something else with it. Anyway, there are survivors. I want to prioritize them but Muir said they are in no condition to flee. I've been trying to rack my brain on how to save them."
As Terry mentions the portal might be closing and Goldsheaf mentions a few guards might be able to help, as well as some trees he begins to have an idea. Hearing about Thunberg and how they might help them if they need it was a bit heartening. However also sad. As talk gets back to the task at had and if they have a plan Vin indeed, has a plan. They raise their hand like still in class but realize that's stupid and they should act like the adult they are so they speak up saying "I have a plan. One that might save the survivors and maybe stop what's going on. I think we need a rescue team and a team to take on that giant. When I was scouting the town, they've layered the streets with fallen trees like a maze or fort. However, there is a tower near the southern area that I think a small stealth team couple take without them noticing. There was only a few redcaps on top. We could move in rescue team after that. Then rescue team waits in the tower for us to find a way to the giant to take it out. When we do that I expect it'll be loud and draw a lot of attention. During this time rescue team moves in to get the prisoners and last remaining survivors. Ideally, taking out the giant will cause the redcap to scatter and maybe even turn against each other. I think the best way to get to the giant is through the caves. Is there someone we have right now that is super familiar with the cave and could guide us to where we want to go?"
Neferox gives a small woof at Vin. Who looks surprised but then says to Terry, "Terry, could the blood be being used in a ritual to affect the portal?"
Goldsheaf perks up at the new information, "to the south, you're talking about our trade building, big and rounded? it's where we send and receive everything that the town trades, it's our hub. If you can clear that then you should be able to fortify it quite easily, either making a noise and drawing them to you, or drawing them inside and holding them there, are they intelligent?"
"blood is symbolic of sacrifice" Terry responds weakly, "could be that something is using the power to change the portals destination, it would take a while and would close off its power to us, but those things are not only linked to the Faewyld, but that which corrupts them..."
“Alright, alright, keep your secrets!” Sam says defensively in mock surrender. “Hoarding the good stuff is what they’re best at, I suppose…” Sam then sulks off and drops the topic.
Now…
“I’m not getting why closing the portal would affect some but not others,” Sam interjects. “And not entirely sure closing it is a bad thing. No offense, and I sympathize with you all feeling ill and all… just seems the portals opening are what caused the problem. It closing could bring the solution quicker, perhaps. Or stop more problems coming through at least.”
“I’m not getting why closing the portal would affect some but not others,” Sam interjects. “And not entirely sure closing it is a bad thing. No offense, and I sympathize with you all feeling ill and all… just seems the portals opening are what caused the problem. It closing could bring the solution quicker, perhaps. Or stop more problems coming through at least.”
Terry looks up at Sam from his position on the floor, "you don't understand, but I see your misguided reasoning, we were once a peaceful land, before other worlds began corrupting portions of ours... When all the portals closed eons ago we thought it a blessing, but the damage had already been done.
The Faewyld is one thing, but If a portal here is opened to a different plane, one opened by someone corrupted, this world's problems are about to get a whole lot bigger than redcaps and Not-Deer.
So please. if not to help me and mine survive... stop this, for the sake of your own land."
Muir thinks for a moment on what Terry is saying "Wait one moment Sam if you wouldn't mind.....Sam's reasoning is sound...close the portal end the threat but so is Terry's...Remember there is someone or some thing that is seeping into dreams from a different plane.....There may be another portal opened already....Also there was the face in the wind we just saw that did not speak Sylvan.....there is more going on here than we think....Terry what do you know about dream walkers, it is what I am calling them, and this face in the wind....Are they of your plane?"
Vin looks surprised and Nef clearly says something to them about this topic. Vin nods a bit solemnly and says to Terry, "I want to help you and Shionne too Terry. I think it's safe to say that blood being used means it'll be a bad place then. I think we need to hurry back. we might not be able to wait for reinforcements because if what Terry and Nef are saying is accurate... they might get reinforcements before us. Let's assume worst case here and they are trying to switch the portal to somewhere bad that they have more allies that are even worse then what we've seen... which is terrifying." Vin seems to finally come up with a plan. Like things seem to fall into place for the young man. Nef begins wagging their tail as they seem to have an idea what they are about to say. The dog clearly happy to see Vin act like a leader as rare as it is.
They might be young and indecisive, uncertain about their own abilities and even timid at times but given enough time and enough information Vin has a talent for making good plans. He seems to come to a conclusion and says "We could really use a guide. Someone to get us around those redcaps through the caves so we can sneak through and disrupt whatever they are doing. Good news is, we know they haven't finished it yet because Terry and Shionne are still with us. Bad news is they aren't doing so good so I don't think we have much time. Do we have a way to get back quickly? I'm thinking we have two options. One, take the trade building and have a team keep the redcaps busy there while we sneak through the city, or two, find a way through the caves to where the portal is. We can deal with the giant there if that's where they are or we can get him after we stop the portal being changed." Vin draws on the ground what he saw around the trade building and on it as well as just in it. He marks the positions of the redcaps he saw up top.
"If no one can guide us this might be the best bet. The Redcaps further fortified it but they didn't have any visible troops inside. I think they just keeping lookout. Old Thicket is too big for attacking the trade building part but what he can do is get the redcaps on that tower to look a certain direction. Some subtle trick of the eyes to make the redcaps look at the tree line and away from where we will be. The distraction might draw out some redcaps but ideally Old Thicket only draws the attention of the one's on lookout. When that happens a small team can make their way into the trade building with the intent to take the one's on top out. Then with a blind spot of entry to the city we can fortify that place with everyone who wants to help. Then, we give them a distraction. Those holding the trade building will just start picking them off from up high and in a fortified location. The redcaps won't be able to scale the defense of that building easily and it'll make a ruckus. That'll give us the time we need to get through to where the portal is. Here's the cool part of this plan. If the giant comes, because they will likely need its help to take down the trade building, we will be on route and can take the giant by surprise and hopefully slay the giant on the way. Then we deal with whatever is at the portal." Vin having come up with his plan sits back and lets the others add to it. He feels he has a good plan but he also worries he missed something. He just doesn't feel he has enough experience. Ideally they could just sneak through but it doesn't seem like anyone knows the caves well.
“I’m not arguing against helping you, Terry. Or Shionne. Or anyone. Just saying you yourselves are talking what a danger these portals are…” Sam insists. “Might be best to get people back on their side of ‘em and seal ‘em up for good is all.”
Sam listens to Vin and nods at many of the kids points. Impressed. Still, he does have commentary. “If the trade building is as defensible as all that, it may be the place to retreat to if we can save the hostages. I was worried about leading them cross country and all but a close spot ain’t so bad…”
“I’m wondering though, whatever hooey is being done to affect the portals, who is doing it? And how? Is it the blood? Could tipping over the boiling cauldrons the redcaps have be all we need do?” Sam asks. “It seems like we’re maybe blaming the giant though? I must say, I don’t ever recall a story about a giant doing witchcraft… aren’t the big ones usually too dumb for that?” Sam sees absolutely no irony in his last question at all.
Elthana smiles at Sam's last question. Completely relishing in the irony. "Look, we have the five of us, now from what I understand and correct me if I am wrong, but 3-4 guards and around ten trees to accompany us back to Hokum." She looks to Vin, "I'm liking the start to your plan, have a couple of things to add. First, I don't think Old Thicket is coming with us."
"So, yes, let us infiltrate the city from the South. Take over the trade building. As Sam said, if it seems like a good place to hold prisoners, that's a good option. But move in, release prisoners and overturn the blood. As I mentioned before, I can cast a spell to make those around me less noticeable. So in order for us to do these things, shall we have the trees attack from the North? Set up a distraction?
"As for the giant. I feel we need to do some scouting on that whole situation before we know what we need to do. Whether we split and do that now, or address that after we attack Hokum, I don't know, thoughts? My last concern is the caves. Utilizing caves that are many and uncharted and who knows what inhabits them... I would rather move topside on this and scout out the giant's area."
Iver shuffles, rubbing the ring on his necklace which is hidden under his shirt, "yes myself and three guards are ready and at your disposal, as well as old Thicket's forces, minus the few that will remain here with him. I also had a scout run down to the south road a couple of days ago and they brought back a few items from the ruined carts there, I'll show you once we're done with this discussion."
Gore stands from his position now that Terry seems adequately warmed, "I can offer to mend anything you might need before you go, some of your clothes and armour aren't looking too well, if there's anything else you can think of, don't hesitate to ask."
Terry gives a weak chuckle to Sam, "it is rare for the lumbering oafs to have the wherewithal to plan things, you are right." To Muir he gives a glance but doesn't hold eye contact for long, "the ability to 'dreamwalk' or enter the realms of others consciousness, is something only powerful Fae can do, they have to physically be on the same plane as their target, then they project their consiousness away, I've guarded the summer queen with Shionne once when she did it...
...the winds of the Faewyld are certainly magical, like they have a mind of their own, but no consiousness that I know of, no face at least.
Gewyn jumps in to clarify, "Upsetting, but useful. We have already thought up at least a couple of ways to approach the situation based on our findings. But my friend here is right in that further discussion is best held in privacy."
Vin speaks up adding "A lot learned. Some good, some bad, all depends what happens next really. As Muir said, not just anyone's ears should hear it. Any changes while we were out?"
"no changes as such," Iver replies, he seems a little concerned about the term 'Upsetting being used, but decides not to probe further, not yet.. "Shionne and Terry seem a bit under the weather, there was some discussion and grumbling but she managed to convince Old Thicket to let her reside within him, it's all a bit weird if you ask me.
Old thicket himself has been keeping the younger ones entertained, whimsical stories of his world and such, took a bit of getting used to, having him there, but the cave is warm and he helps keep the wind out, it's pretty handy if I'm honest, and none of the survivors have grumbled about him all that much, apart from the initial shock, I don't think anyone has the energy to question his existence, never mind his intentions.
Goldsheaf is doing what she can to organise, and Gore is making more rations just in case, don't get him wrong though we all have hope and faith in you guys, it's just that if they are to be here a while it's better to be prepared, yeah? something happened with Gore last night and got him all excited but he won't say what, he's been full of beans all day...
Anyway, I'll grab everyone together, it's better if we discuss outside, that'll be away from everyone." With that Iver jogs off to the cave, returning after a moment with Goldsheaf, Master Gore and Terry, but Shionne remains away.
Snow falls lightly, gathering on the ground, the warmth of the cave visibly radiating from Goldsheaf as she looks expectantly toward the group.
“Oh? And I suppose there is someone who likes paying taxes?” Sam asks incredulously of Iver when he makes himself known.
“All the so called government, need to run the whole lot outta town, don’t ya tell me, I’ll tell you!”
Otherwise Sam does agree with the others that things are mostly grim. “There’s some tactics maybe we can do… and currently a lot of survivors still… currently. But it is grim.”
“Unwell? I thought closeness to a portal was supposed to help…?” Sam asks while Iver reports. “And what of the druid backup? Any sign?”
Muir smiles at everyone before speaking up "We have learned a great deal scouting the area. I will do my best to recall them and then allow my companions to add their explanations and opinions on the matter. Firstly, the Recaps are being led by a giant in the mountains this we know but they are harvesting blood and boiling it in the well fortified town. Secondly they seem to need it as what appears to be food for them and the giant. I saw a Redcap dip their, what we are calling caps, while on their head, into the blood and absorb it. They have captured townfolk in a prison of sorts where they are getting their blood from. There are several vats of blood within the town. However, these Redcaps are loosely held together, we believe by their fear of the giant. They bicker and fight among themselves but don't cross the line of fighting one another out of fear. Sam mentions Druid backup....but to be clear the backup are the Clerics of Hermes not Druids from the Keepers. The Druids' numbers are far smaller than the Clerics....We are supporting the task as much as we can with the resources available. I digress....The town has a few entrances all guarded by the Redcaps." Muir turns to his companions looking to see what he has left out.
Elthana raises an eyebrow at Sam and places a hand on her hip, "Cussing? You think that is what I am talking about? You're a damn fool."
Elthana looks over at Iver when he adds about the anti-treasury grumbling and points her pole at him, "See, he gets it." She returns her glare to Sam, considering him. She holds his gaze for a bit, then settles on, "Don't let it happen again."
She's a bit disheartened when she sees the clerics have yet to make it to the cave, she turns to Muir, "Would they know to come to this cave? Would it make sense to ask Goodall - would she know where the clerics might be?"
“Druids. Clerics. No offense but much the same to me,” Sam says with a gruff smile. “Each just tends to slightly different flocks, no?”
“But about that giant… I think it’s our guess they work for him. They seem to deliver him blood on the regular. But I do t think we’ve seen actual interaction between them? Could be they are giving him offerings, doing his bidding, fattening him up for eventual slaughter…” Sam says. “I agree, most likely he is keeping the redcaps in line but we want to keep open minds…”
…
Earlier…
“What, you’re sticking up for…” Sam pauses but finally remembers. “Oh! Heh. Well hell, you know I’m not talking about you. I ain’t ever seen a tax collector or money changer looked like you. Could make the whole business a bit more palatable if people did, mind ya!”
“But come on, tell me how the Treasury hoarding all the wealth does the likes of me or the working people any good?”
Earlier...
Elthana nods as Sam sort of apologizes, then as he asks his question she looks up to him again, "I am not going to get into a debate with you over the treasury. We have a job to do. Best you get your mind in the right order."
Muir turns to Elthana "The would have a scouting party arriving within a handful of days before their larger party...I don't think we can really wait for them, unfortunately. We will have to make do with who is here. The question is what do we do....disrupt the blood flow and save the prisoners starving them out or cut off the head of their leader..."
"we will try to supply everything you need, there are a mere handful of guards willing and able to help, the moving trees can do some work other than just guarding us" Goldsheaf pipes up, "now that we have this cave, we are a little backed into a corner, but I think the worst of the threats in the forests have been dealt with..."
Terry sits down in the snow wherever he happens to be stood, his rusty red satyr skin is sallow and paler than the group have seen previously, "I... I think the theory i had before is right" he says looking toward Gewyn, "I fear the Faewyld portal is closing, If it does, Shionne and I will surely die here, but the redcaps and giant will remain... I'm sorry we couldn't be more help..." He shivers and coughs, curling his hooven feet up under him and holding tightly to his knees.
Master Gore, throws a fur over the sickly satyr and clicks his fingers producing a smokeless flame in his hand, crouching down to warm Terry up, he looks to the group, "I had visitation last night, not something I was expecting, but I don't mind sharing with you as it might be some help. My fallen partner Master Thunberg appeared to me within a mote of light, she made me aware that she has been offered a choice, the manner of her death and her dedication to the land has been influenced by the magic of the Faewyld, she came to tell me she may be of some help to you, but it will cost her dearly, I know not how or when this help will be received but you have the spirits of the land with you, keep a watchful eye out... it felt like a final goodbye, saddening but liberating..."
There is a moment of silence, an awkward remembrance of the lost in these leaders, Goldsheaf looks to the ground, Iver speaks up next, "so... What's the plan? What shape is the town in? Is there anything salvageable? There's been no word to us from the clerics of Hermes, they would have no way of telling where we are, my best guess is that if they have a scouting party they would asses the town first and report back, then launch an assault with the information gathered... The only worry I would have is the scout party being discovered..." Iver's brow furrows as he speaks, his thought process slowly developing a concerned look on his face.
Vin does their best to stay out of the fighting between Elthana and Sam about politics. Vin isn't sure how he feels about that kind of stuff. He normally prefers to focus on smaller subjects. As the main figures gather Neferox does a circle around to make sure no one else is listening in on the conversation. The black hound more concerned with spies then anything else. Vin however, gives a full report to those gathered with his ideas on what to do. "Well, we were successful in scouting the area pretty well. Muir here was even able to get in as a squirrel. They have a lot of patrols but also a lot of fighting between them. Something, likely the giant, is keeping them organized. There is too many to go through the front gates but we might be able to get them in fighting to make it easier. They are harvesting blood for something. If the giant is eating it all then first off... gross but also why just blood? I think they are doing something else with it. Anyway, there are survivors. I want to prioritize them but Muir said they are in no condition to flee. I've been trying to rack my brain on how to save them."
As Terry mentions the portal might be closing and Goldsheaf mentions a few guards might be able to help, as well as some trees he begins to have an idea. Hearing about Thunberg and how they might help them if they need it was a bit heartening. However also sad. As talk gets back to the task at had and if they have a plan Vin indeed, has a plan. They raise their hand like still in class but realize that's stupid and they should act like the adult they are so they speak up saying "I have a plan. One that might save the survivors and maybe stop what's going on. I think we need a rescue team and a team to take on that giant. When I was scouting the town, they've layered the streets with fallen trees like a maze or fort. However, there is a tower near the southern area that I think a small stealth team couple take without them noticing. There was only a few redcaps on top. We could move in rescue team after that. Then rescue team waits in the tower for us to find a way to the giant to take it out. When we do that I expect it'll be loud and draw a lot of attention. During this time rescue team moves in to get the prisoners and last remaining survivors. Ideally, taking out the giant will cause the redcap to scatter and maybe even turn against each other. I think the best way to get to the giant is through the caves. Is there someone we have right now that is super familiar with the cave and could guide us to where we want to go?"
Neferox gives a small woof at Vin. Who looks surprised but then says to Terry, "Terry, could the blood be being used in a ritual to affect the portal?"
Goldsheaf perks up at the new information, "to the south, you're talking about our trade building, big and rounded? it's where we send and receive everything that the town trades, it's our hub. If you can clear that then you should be able to fortify it quite easily, either making a noise and drawing them to you, or drawing them inside and holding them there, are they intelligent?"
"blood is symbolic of sacrifice" Terry responds weakly, "could be that something is using the power to change the portals destination, it would take a while and would close off its power to us, but those things are not only linked to the Faewyld, but that which corrupts them..."
Earlier…
“Alright, alright, keep your secrets!” Sam says defensively in mock surrender. “Hoarding the good stuff is what they’re best at, I suppose…” Sam then sulks off and drops the topic.
Now…
“I’m not getting why closing the portal would affect some but not others,” Sam interjects. “And not entirely sure closing it is a bad thing. No offense, and I sympathize with you all feeling ill and all… just seems the portals opening are what caused the problem. It closing could bring the solution quicker, perhaps. Or stop more problems coming through at least.”
Terry looks up at Sam from his position on the floor, "you don't understand, but I see your misguided reasoning, we were once a peaceful land, before other worlds began corrupting portions of ours... When all the portals closed eons ago we thought it a blessing, but the damage had already been done.
The Faewyld is one thing, but If a portal here is opened to a different plane, one opened by someone corrupted, this world's problems are about to get a whole lot bigger than redcaps and Not-Deer.
So please. if not to help me and mine survive... stop this, for the sake of your own land."
Muir thinks for a moment on what Terry is saying "Wait one moment Sam if you wouldn't mind.....Sam's reasoning is sound...close the portal end the threat but so is Terry's...Remember there is someone or some thing that is seeping into dreams from a different plane.....There may be another portal opened already....Also there was the face in the wind we just saw that did not speak Sylvan.....there is more going on here than we think....Terry what do you know about dream walkers, it is what I am calling them, and this face in the wind....Are they of your plane?"
Vin looks surprised and Nef clearly says something to them about this topic. Vin nods a bit solemnly and says to Terry, "I want to help you and Shionne too Terry. I think it's safe to say that blood being used means it'll be a bad place then. I think we need to hurry back. we might not be able to wait for reinforcements because if what Terry and Nef are saying is accurate... they might get reinforcements before us. Let's assume worst case here and they are trying to switch the portal to somewhere bad that they have more allies that are even worse then what we've seen... which is terrifying." Vin seems to finally come up with a plan. Like things seem to fall into place for the young man. Nef begins wagging their tail as they seem to have an idea what they are about to say. The dog clearly happy to see Vin act like a leader as rare as it is.
They might be young and indecisive, uncertain about their own abilities and even timid at times but given enough time and enough information Vin has a talent for making good plans. He seems to come to a conclusion and says "We could really use a guide. Someone to get us around those redcaps through the caves so we can sneak through and disrupt whatever they are doing. Good news is, we know they haven't finished it yet because Terry and Shionne are still with us. Bad news is they aren't doing so good so I don't think we have much time. Do we have a way to get back quickly? I'm thinking we have two options. One, take the trade building and have a team keep the redcaps busy there while we sneak through the city, or two, find a way through the caves to where the portal is. We can deal with the giant there if that's where they are or we can get him after we stop the portal being changed." Vin draws on the ground what he saw around the trade building and on it as well as just in it. He marks the positions of the redcaps he saw up top.
"If no one can guide us this might be the best bet. The Redcaps further fortified it but they didn't have any visible troops inside. I think they just keeping lookout. Old Thicket is too big for attacking the trade building part but what he can do is get the redcaps on that tower to look a certain direction. Some subtle trick of the eyes to make the redcaps look at the tree line and away from where we will be. The distraction might draw out some redcaps but ideally Old Thicket only draws the attention of the one's on lookout. When that happens a small team can make their way into the trade building with the intent to take the one's on top out. Then with a blind spot of entry to the city we can fortify that place with everyone who wants to help. Then, we give them a distraction. Those holding the trade building will just start picking them off from up high and in a fortified location. The redcaps won't be able to scale the defense of that building easily and it'll make a ruckus. That'll give us the time we need to get through to where the portal is. Here's the cool part of this plan. If the giant comes, because they will likely need its help to take down the trade building, we will be on route and can take the giant by surprise and hopefully slay the giant on the way. Then we deal with whatever is at the portal." Vin having come up with his plan sits back and lets the others add to it. He feels he has a good plan but he also worries he missed something. He just doesn't feel he has enough experience. Ideally they could just sneak through but it doesn't seem like anyone knows the caves well.
“I’m not arguing against helping you, Terry. Or Shionne. Or anyone. Just saying you yourselves are talking what a danger these portals are…” Sam insists. “Might be best to get people back on their side of ‘em and seal ‘em up for good is all.”
Sam listens to Vin and nods at many of the kids points. Impressed. Still, he does have commentary. “If the trade building is as defensible as all that, it may be the place to retreat to if we can save the hostages. I was worried about leading them cross country and all but a close spot ain’t so bad…”
“I’m wondering though, whatever hooey is being done to affect the portals, who is doing it? And how? Is it the blood? Could tipping over the boiling cauldrons the redcaps have be all we need do?” Sam asks. “It seems like we’re maybe blaming the giant though? I must say, I don’t ever recall a story about a giant doing witchcraft… aren’t the big ones usually too dumb for that?”
Sam sees absolutely no irony in his last question at all.
Elthana smiles at Sam's last question. Completely relishing in the irony. "Look, we have the five of us, now from what I understand and correct me if I am wrong, but 3-4 guards and around ten trees to accompany us back to Hokum." She looks to Vin, "I'm liking the start to your plan, have a couple of things to add. First, I don't think Old Thicket is coming with us."
"So, yes, let us infiltrate the city from the South. Take over the trade building. As Sam said, if it seems like a good place to hold prisoners, that's a good option. But move in, release prisoners and overturn the blood. As I mentioned before, I can cast a spell to make those around me less noticeable. So in order for us to do these things, shall we have the trees attack from the North? Set up a distraction?
"As for the giant. I feel we need to do some scouting on that whole situation before we know what we need to do. Whether we split and do that now, or address that after we attack Hokum, I don't know, thoughts? My last concern is the caves. Utilizing caves that are many and uncharted and who knows what inhabits them... I would rather move topside on this and scout out the giant's area."
Iver shuffles, rubbing the ring on his necklace which is hidden under his shirt, "yes myself and three guards are ready and at your disposal, as well as old Thicket's forces, minus the few that will remain here with him. I also had a scout run down to the south road a couple of days ago and they brought back a few items from the ruined carts there, I'll show you once we're done with this discussion."
Gore stands from his position now that Terry seems adequately warmed, "I can offer to mend anything you might need before you go, some of your clothes and armour aren't looking too well, if there's anything else you can think of, don't hesitate to ask."
Terry gives a weak chuckle to Sam, "it is rare for the lumbering oafs to have the wherewithal to plan things, you are right." To Muir he gives a glance but doesn't hold eye contact for long, "the ability to 'dreamwalk' or enter the realms of others consciousness, is something only powerful Fae can do, they have to physically be on the same plane as their target, then they project their consiousness away, I've guarded the summer queen with Shionne once when she did it...
...the winds of the Faewyld are certainly magical, like they have a mind of their own, but no consiousness that I know of, no face at least.
Thank you all for trying, thank you."