Perception- 8

Perception: 14

Athene these aren't birds--they're aarokocra. 

Have you ever had interactions with Aarakocra before? These live in the mountains by the shoreline on Stoacia's west coast (quite a long journey from where you are from) but they do roam when the need arises.

"You did what was necessary. The Blight is a horrible way to die." She deflects the question about her own encounter. "And you needed to protect yourself."

She begins scanning for a route out of here when the creatures fly overhead. She recognizes them from books she's taken from other travelers. "Aarakocra," she says, mispronouncing the word badly. "Friends of yours?"

" I don't have any friends......let alone ones that can fly."

There is a loud CAW from above the canopy--the aarakocra convene in the air and then redeploy, descending in a methodical ten foot circle around Eylf, some landing on sturdy boughs of trees and aiming arrows down, some landing directly on the unsullied ground behind her. It's hard to say how many there are in total, with all of these trees around, but one lands near the log (and the dead snake) and steps out in front of you.

She stands about 5 feet 8 and wears a cloak of navy and purple, a hood thrown back over her shoulders. Overtop is a very sturdy leather vest underneath that serves mainly as a strap for a crossbow, and a stack of arrows. You can't see much of her wings, but what you can see is silvery grey, similar to the feathers on her face. Her eyes are big and purple and eye you with curiosity. 

"Dragonborn, " she says. "Far away from home, no matter where home might be for you."

OOC Athene no indication that they've seen you

Quote from Kethra_Moonraven >>

There is a loud CAW from above the canopy--the aarakocra convene in the air and then redeploy, descending in a methodical ten foot circle around Eylf, some landing on sturdy boughs of trees and aiming arrows down, some landing directly on the unsullied ground behind her. It's hard to say how many there are in total, with all of these trees around, but one lands near the log (and the dead snake) and steps out in front of you.

She stands about 5 feet 8 and wears a cloak of navy and purple, a hood thrown back over her shoulders. Overtop is a very sturdy leather vest underneath that serves mainly as a strap for a crossbow, and a stack of arrows. You can't see much of her wings, but what you can see is silvery grey, similar to the feathers on her face. Her eyes are big and purple and eye you with curiosity. 

"Dragonborn, " she says. "Far away from home, no matter where home might be for you."

Dragon...born...others had called her that before.........whenever she heard it she had flashes of her sisters warm....then still....the expulsion....

Born of Dragon....a fragment of she who should have been coiled within her....

"  Yes, I am.  And I'm not a fan of this stuff....um, theres an animal in pain over there can you see if its ok? And maybe show us the way out of this muck? I'd be much obliged."

Athene will get into a concealed position and ready her bow, should the need for violence arise.

Stealth check: 16

Beauty. From your current position you can see two Aaracokra--the one who is speaking (near the log) and just barely, one to the other side of the Dragonborn. The map is here--the Aaracokra are represented by the stars.

You have a clear shot on the speaking Aaracokra if you need it, but not so with the other due to the trees in your way. (I represented the trunks with the white circles inside the green ones). 

The Aaracrokra, oblivious to Athene, nods her head. 

"Yes it is this that we are searching. What is it? And what business do Dragonborn have with it?"

Quote from Kethra_Moonraven >>

The Aaracrokra, oblivious to Athene, nods her head. 

"Yes it is this that we are searching. What is it? And what business do Dragonborn have with it?"

" Sorry? What are you searching for? Animals in pain? I don't know I haven't gotten there yet.  If your asking what this mold stuff is I don't really know."

She eyes you suspiciously for a second. 

"What business do you have here, then, Dragonborn? Wherever your home may be, you are far from it."

Quote from Kethra_Moonraven >>

She eyes you suspiciously for a second. 

"What business do you have here, then, Dragonborn? Wherever your home may be, you are far from it."

" I'm on my way to Kindermarsh, theres some people from the Academy there trying to find out what this gunk is.  Can you please check on the animal it may be injured?"

Athene stays in her hiding spot and takes in the situation. She has a numerical disadvantage here. Precision and surprise will be her main advantages: once they know she's there, this fight will become unwinnable. She glances out from her hiding spot, trying to get a tactical read on the situation. Who are these Aarakocra? What are their intentions? Is the one speaking their leader?

Insight check: 4

Eylf, the Aarocokra now looks at you with surprise. 

ID is a fool, but not so foolish to send academics, of dragon heritage or not, magic or not, alone so close to The Sallows. To the contrary, twice we passed a company sent for this purpose, she says. Of injured animals, we have seen our share these dark days and have travelled long, expanding our own battles, to see with our own eyes that which travels from the east.

Athene, as she says this, you understand that this creature speaks on behalf of the others, and that she shows wisdom in the ways of the structured, organized world, though she may not believe nor adhere to them. For ill or for good, you cannot tell. 

Eylf remained quiet unsure what the bird people wanted with her.

The Aarocokra locks eyes with Eylf for a moment, as if deciding what to do or say next. Eventually she lets out something akin to a sigh and without a word gestures to  two other Aarokocra standing behind Eylf. There is a rustling of weapons being put away as they make to depart.

Athene, Eylf, you are alone again (save for the wounded animal). What is next for you? 

" Wow....people really are terrible out in the world....I thought they were exaggerating back at the Academy..."

She continued trying to get to the animal....

Acrobatics: 14