Saoirse listens attentively to all the stories, and it's specially interested by Lichen's, as she is once more reminded of Gareth Dayne, the figure she had worshipped until not so long ago. But she doesn't pay much attention to this right now, and remains focused on Hemlock and Sha's stories, to which she applauds eagerly until she feels everyone's eyes turning to her and Lam. The genasi is not much of a storyteller, but she does remember a story her father told her many years ago that is still one of her favourites. So, trying not to look at anyone in particular so as not to get nervous, she approaches the fire and begins to tell her tale.

"A long long time ago, in the mystical world of Earthsea, where the seas are dotted with countless islands, there was a young boy who discovered he possessed a rare gift: the innate ability to wield magic.

In this land, magic resided in names, and knowing the true name of a thing or a living being gave complete power over it to those with enough skill. From the tiniest of rocks to the tallest of trees, and every child, men or women, and creature big or small  …  everything had a common name and a true name. And Ged was one of the few able to innately call upon these names.

That is how he was able, at the age of twelve, to save the quiet village of Ten Alders, on the island of Gont, from a pirate raid. He commanded the fog to cover the village completely thus saving everyone, but almost killing himself in the process, for the uncontrolled use of raw power took hold of his body and soul. Cold as the dead, and unable to utter a single word is how the wizard Ogion found him. The old man nursed Ged back to health and soon began to teach him in the ways of magic.

Under Ogion's guidance, Ged learned the basics of magic, but his restless spirit yearned for greater knowledge and recognition. In an act of youthful arrogance, Ged attempted to summon a spirit from the dead to prove his skill, but instead, he unleashed a dark shadow creature. Ogion was able to scare the shadow away, but he knew that wouldn't be enough, and with sadness told his apprentice to travel away to seek further knowledge, as he would need it to defeat the creature that would never stop haunting him.

Ged travelled to the island of Roke to study at the renowned School of Wizardry. There, he learned the intricacies of magic from the masters and befriended fellow students. Despite his accomplishments, Ged remained haunted by the shadow, which continued to grow stronger with each and every encounter. They fought several times and, with time, the shadow even learned to control and command people around Ged, who could no longer remain anywhere for long if he wanted those around him to be safe.

Determined to rid himself of this malevolent force, Ged embarked on a quest across the islands of Earthsea, facing dangers both natural and supernatural. He encountered dragons, navigated treacherous seas and delved into ancient ruins in search of answers no one had been able to provide thus far. Through hardship and triumph, Ged learned the true nature of magic—not as a weapon to command, but as a force to be respected and balanced.

And so, with renewed courage and wisdom, he confronted his shadow and gave it it's true name: Ged. For that shadow, that darkness, was as part of him as all the light he knew he had within him. 

As such, having embraced his own darkness and with his spirit at peace, Ged returned to Roke feeling complete for the first time in years. And though this wasn't the story that made him widely known across Earthsea, it was the one that set up the roots of the great wizard he was going to become".

Saoirse pauses falls silent for a moment, and then adds:

- I like this story because it reminds us to be careful with the decisions we make and to use our powers with wisdom. But also because it encourages us to embrace our fears. We are made of our brightest light, but also of our darkest shadows - she ends, smiling.

(OOC: Please forgive my poor attempt at Ursula K. LeGuin's "A wizard of Earthsea" 🥲 Performance: 15)

At the bridge, Lam listens to Saoirse answer his question, and watches her visible reaction when she remembers Hermes. He narrows his eyes at this. He wishes he had never given Hermes any chance. Wordlessly, he sticks by Saoirse and follows her to sit by Tesfaye, Sha and Hemlock. He doesn’t say much to his friends, instead taking in the atmosphere and watching all his friends’ faces. Anyone who looks at Lam’s eyes for the start of the event can possibly tell that he has never been to something like this before.

At the start of the stories, Lam seems to still be on edge. As he listens, he crosses his arms and relaxes slightly. Only slight changes in his face betray that he is listening intently and emotionally attuned to each story, never expecting the narrative twists and turns. He is especially interested in Hemlock’s story, and finds himself feeling grateful that the stars led them to meet. Lichen’s and Saoirse’s story have Lam feeling something that he has felt many times in the past few days- that there are things going on that are bigger than him, that he had never previously bothered to care about. After Saoirse’s story, he looks around and realizes that all eyes are on him- he is expected to tell a story too. His breath gets slightly shallower, and his friends near him can probably see a bit of panic in his eyes. He takes a deep breath, and then he walks over to any place he can find between the campfire and any vertical surface. He arranges his hands in a strange shape that looks like nonsense- but anyone who looks at the shadow created by his hands sees a rough bugbear silhouette. “One… time,” He starts, “There was a bugbear.”

“Bugbear lived in… far away land.” Keeping his hands in place, he looks around at the space. He remembers that he’s gone quite a distance from where he grew up. “You call The Outlands. We called it home.”

“In The Outlands two things were important- power and stealth. Everyone in The Outlands had at least one. If you had neither you did not survive.” He mimes a bugbear shadow with one hand, and the other shadow is unclear- some large quadrupedal creature. They clash, and the bugbear comes out on top. “I had both. I could survive. And I could protect. I did not stay in one place long.” He has already forgotten to keep his story in third person. The hand that was formerly been portraying the quadrupedal creature turns into a humanoid figure. “Magic human found me and gave me work. I was leader of team.” The hands both change to make not one specific figure, but more like a crowd. “Goblins and hobgoblins. Some smarter than me. Some faster. None stronger. We protected magic book which made mind tingle if we went near.” He pauses at this part. “I know now book was Journal of Secrets. I do not know what it said. I never read it. But I would not remember if I did.”

He mimes some not-very-complex battle scenes where it’s clear that there is action, but unclear what is happening. Then the shadow turns back into just a bugbear. “We never let anyone get to book. We were very good. I was… in battle, strong leader. We had cave to live in, resources, and food to eat. We protected, we lived, it was good.” One hand turns back into the humanoid figure. “One day he came and was different from normal. Humans are not always nice. He was never cruel. But this day he was.” His voice gets more gravelly, and he begins to talk at a slightly lower pitch. “He told us cave was sold. Said he did not need us. Said… new employer would arrive soon. What he did not say… is new employer did not intend to pay us. After so much time… after all we did… all we LOST for that HUMAN…” The shadows change as he says these things. The bugbear form turns briefly into a hulking, monstrous figure as Lam’s hands tense up, then it loses all form as Lam loses concentration. The humanoid figure kind of collapses, but also ends up just the shape of a bugbear hand. If his friends look at his eyes now, they might see how he usually looks in battle- or rather, because his eyes are usually calculating and strategizing in battle, this is just what he looks like when he’s raging. But the next moment he realizes he had started to yell.

Lam takes a deep breath, lets it out, and continues, making the shadow puppet of a bugbear. “I would not let that happen. But I had to leave after that. I do not know what happened to my team. I hope they left too.” He sighs. “I do not like what happened next. But I will tell it. I had lost everything. Place I lived, food I ate. I did not know anyone anymore. I went far from cave. I had to. I did not know where I went, or where to get food.” The shadow puppet slumps over a little. “I knew only one way to survive.” His other hand made a humanoid figure again, this one smaller than the previous one. “I waited for strangers to go by. If they looked like they had food…” the bugbear shadow lunged at the humanoid one. “I attacked them. I took all their food. All their money. I left them… with nothing. Hurt. Or worse. There are countless stories. And I have ended some.” He does not dare to look at anyone’s face while telling this part.

He re-formed the humanoid figure one more time. “One driver from Hammerstone. Told me I could get work. Honest work, with no prejudice, if I proved myself. I did not want to live like I had been. I did not know how to change. So I went to Hammerstone.” He drops both hands- no more shadow puppets.

“I did not find what I hoped there. But I did find… others there.” He looks over at where his friends are sitting for the first time in a while. “I am lucky I met who I did.” He addresses them directly. “I had seen only frightened faces for… many months. None of you thought I would attack. You all thought I would help. So I helped.”

He remembers he is telling a story and turns back to the crowd. “You know rest of story. We left Hammerstone. We came here. We left again and came back. My friends know how to help and do good. So I will protect them. Story has not ended. I mean to keep it from ending soon.” Once he is done talking, Lam walks over to where he had been sitting and sits back down.

When Lam steps in front of the crowd Saoirse feels a little worried for her friend, knowing how shy he is even in situations with fewer people than the ones present in the Story circle. But that worry disappears the minute he begings making the shadow puppets. "What a brilliant idea!", she thinks as she listens with a smile on her face. Smile which disappears as the bugbear tells more and more of his story. Her heart shrinks as they all hear how Lam and his team were so badly treated, and wonders who the two humans in the story are. Could Tux Strixwell have been one of them? The first human, perhaps? But when they read his Journal of Secrets he didn't sound like a cruel person... Saoirse is left with many questions which she decides to pull aside as the story finishes and Lam returns to his seat. When he does that, Saoirse gently places a hand on his shoulder, as a sign of support, and says:

- You have been very brave to share your story. I am proud of you, Lam. We will definitely keep the story going, all of us together - as she says this, she nods and smiles towards Hemlock and Sha-Gravis too.

Hemlock gives Lam a big smile as he returns to sit with them. He is proud of all his companions, enjoying each of their stories. After the few days they have had, it is good to be able to relax amongst friends and tell stories.

He continues to sit quietly though, waiting to see what will happen next, or if this is now the conclusion of story time. He has to admit, it will be good to finally get some proper rest, especially as he still believes they need to leave tomorrow. It will be sad to go, but he cannot put these kind and welcoming people in danger by their presence here, and there are still questions that need answers.

Sha listens to Lams story, very impressed by the shadow puppets (awesome).  As Lam gets closer to the end Sha feels very bonded to this small group.  As Lam is returning when Sha can manage he says to Lam in goblin, „Wir haben gemeinsam das Brot gebrochen, gemeinsam Blut vergossen und gemeinsam Leben gerettet. Wir teilen Geheimnisse miteinander. Ich möchte nie wieder, dass du allein sein musst. Sehr gut, Lam, Geschichten zu erzählen, und deine Schattenfähigkeiten waren wunderbar.“

"It is tradition," Tecelão-Raiz says when the clamour of support and thanks after your stories begins to die down, "to give a gift to the storyteller. In this case, I believe that Village Tree will give you a gift on behalf of the community." She throws a light piece of birchbark onto the fire, and the flames flash brightly, illuminating everyone present almost as daylight for a few moments.  As the flames flicker, all can see the forms of a Bugbear, Firbolg, Genasi, and Tabaxi (and a Tortle, though that form is more faint) standing side by side, and you all feel a confidence and pride in your hearts that seems to come from outside of yourselves. For as long as you are allied with the Village Tree Community, you have the 'Storyteller's Boon' feat. Go ahead and add it to your character sheets, and select a skill. "Thank you all, for sharing your truths, and yourselves. May all our stories find the people who need to hear them."

The ceremony is complete, and people slowly disperse, heading back to sleep. Some stay and chat by the fire. Tesfaye approaches you all, and after congratulating/thanking you for your wonderful stories, they awkwardly produce a folded piece of parchment. "Saffron asked me to give you this."

Fellow Prison-Breakers,

I'm sorry that I can't be what you all want me to be. Not yet, anyway. You've proven to me that I can decide to be a 'good person,' or at least a better one; but right now I'm not ready to get involved in any big fate-of-the-world quest. Right now, all I can manage is to try to be a better version of myself, and for Eliza and me to make a new start somewhere safe. I can't say where I'm going, because if you don't know then hopefully Vince will realize there's nothing to get from you. Hopefully. 

But I want to thank you all, sincerely, and I want to thank everyone in Village Tree. I hope I can come back here one day, when I'm ready to believe that people can really be like they seem to here - right now I still keep expecting it all to turn out to be a scam.

Take care of each other.

-Saffron Gale

P.S. Sha-Gravis, in another life, we woulda been something special. Sorry it couldn't happen in this one.

Cylence walks over to you before you disperse, and beckons you a little ways away from anyone else. "So," he says quietly, "rest here for the night, and then were will you go in the morning? The HMC has been being pushed to cross the river. I suggest you do the same."

Hemlock leans forward as the birchbark is tossed onto the fire and the images of himself and his companions appear in the flickering flames. He can almost feel his posture straighten as he is feels the confidence and pride infuse the core of his being.

"You and Village Tree have my thanks. All our thanks I am certain", he says to Tecelão-Raiz.

He happily claps Tesfaye on the back of his shell when their Tortle friend approaches, and then joins the others in reading the letter he passes to them.

"The stars will guide both Safi and Eliza on their journey, and if it is their will, we will see them again", he says actually feeling a swell of pride that the pair have in part left to protect others from Vince.

When the crowd has thinned and Cylence appears, asking about their plans, his look turns solemn. "Yes, I think we should stay the night to rest and recuperate, but tomorrow we should leave. Our presence here is like a target, and I would not have harm come to Village Tree on our account. It is best we do not say exactly where we will go though", he says sadly.

"You mention the mining company. You should know that we came to an accord with their Captain, whose eyes have been opened to what is happening. There is a dangerous person there right now, named Viconia, who is trouble. He will be trying to neutralise her, but that won't be easy. I know your dealings with him have not been good, but please know that we trust him. I hope that means something to you", he adds sincerely.

Sha-Gravis takes the note reads it out loud except for the p.s. then pauses and reverently places the note into an inside chest pocket, for safe keeping.  Feeling more tired then he has in a long time when his body lays down he falls almost instantly to sleep.  His dreams are vivid and full of panic and heartbreak, he tosses and turns until predawn when he nearly leaps to his feet.

"If you cross the south bridge, you'll be near the Greatwood. I thought Rhys' insistence that you should not go there was odd, as I think it is odd he is not here now. I suspect you all have something to do with that? The HMC has managed to cross the river, and killed the ancient guards, and I doubt that the firbolgs of the greatwood are happy to see axes and metal encroaching.

The Grave Fort lies on the other side of the greatwood, though you could also go around. It is covered in a constant fog, and stinks of undeath. I do not know exactly what you would find in there, and have not yet met any who have entered and returned intact - unless your Fitzwhistle counts as intact. But I believe you could survive a visit, if careful. 

If you take the North Bridge across the river, you will soon be near Green Castle, the largest settlement of the local culture. Until about 100 years ago, it was the seat of the high elves who claimed to own the valley. Unraveling the mystery if why they abdicated and left may help you on your quest, though I know not whether answers are to be found there.

Weretown is a day north of Green Castle, higher up into the base of the mountains. It is an extremely peaceful place, despite being inhabited primarily by lycanthropes. The magic that allows that is also worth investigating.

I believe your quest to be of the utmost importance." Cylence unclasps his cloak and hangs it over his arm. From any other angle, it seems a casual gesture, but from your perspective it is clear he wants you to see the pattern stitched I to the inside of the cloak, now visible to you. It is a broken circle, jagged in one section, a simple depiction of a broken crown.

Saoirse joins Hemlock in expressing her gratitude towards Tecelão-Raiz. Joining the Story circle with her friends and the rest of Village Tree had been trully rewarding, specially after such a hard day. And though it doesn't change the fact that they have to leave the next so they don't pose a threat this community, it certainly soothes the genasi's heart.

When Tesfaye gives them the letter and Sha-Gravis reads it aloud, she is a bit saddened but feels strangely happy at the same time, seeing the clear improvement in Saffron's behaviour as compared to the last time she and the party parted ways.

- I would have prefered to have Saffi at our side, but ... this is good, too. They deserve a fresh start.

The blood hunter doesn't add anything else on the matter, but remembering how the tabaxi and the changeling had been sitting together during their rest and how he's now keeping the letter as if it was a treasure, she places a hand on Sha-Gravis' arm and squeezes it gently as a sign of confort towards her friend.

Then, when Cylence approaches them, she's so focused on taking good note of all his indications that it takes her a couple of seconds to realize what he's trying to show them and she has to make a conscious effort not to gape.

- That's unexpec... I mean ... Thank you for all that information, Cylence. What you say about the HCM is worrying, as it doesn't sound like something Captain Jonah would do after our last meeting.  - she asks her friends. If the HMC has actually killed the ancient guards, does that mean that Viconia might be with them? Or, at the very least, that some of them are under her sway. Hoping that wasn't Jonah's case, as she wouldn't want to have to fight the half giant, she fell silent - In any case, I agree with Hemlock. Let's better rest for the night and decide tomorrow where to go. The less people that know this, the better.

Hemlock listens intently to the knowledge of the areas over the river, with news of a Firbolg clan of particular interest, along with details of the Grave Fort. There were also other mysteries to solve though, which would keep them busy for some time if they survive.

He is also taken aback by the symbol Cylence shows them, and the fact he sees their mission of having such importance, and spends a few moments trying to read him to make sure it is genuine.

If he is satisfied, he will speak telepathically to Cylence, "We recognise the symbol, and are happy to know we are allies".

"I am concerned about Captain Jonah as well. You are right, Saoirse, there is much to decide in the morning", he says out loud either way.

Insight: 7+6=13 (Passive: 16)

Lam returns to his friends who all immediately pour on him smiles and words of support. He smiles back at them. Saoirse, with her hand on his shoulder, can feel him let out a breath he must have been holding since he finished his story, and Hemlock might notice that he has never smiled so unreservedly before in his friends’ presence. Lam holds Sha’s gaze for a few moments listening to him, and responds to his Goblin with a simple, “…Dankeschön.”

 Seeing the forms of himself and his friends in the fire due to the gift of Tecelão-Raiz and the whole Village Tree Community, Lam can feel his own heart stir. He looks from his friends in the fire to their real forms standing next to him, his eyes shining. He stands just a bit taller. He nods to Tecelão-Raiz in respect, and in agreement with Hemlock’s and Saoirse’s gratitude.

Lam listens to Sha read the note from Saffron aloud. Hearing the inflections in his feline friend’s voice as he reads reminds Lam that Sha had seemed to be attached to Saffron, probably even more so than the rest of them were. Lam isn’t sure himself how he feels about the fact that they’ve left. He nods in response to Saoirse saying they deserve a fresh start, and says the one thing he is sure of out loud: “…I hope it goes well for them.”

When Cyclence shows up to discuss where they will go next, Lam tries to keep mental notes of all the places. The Green Castle is maybe the place he has heard the least of. But Grave Fort was supposed to be the place they were heading next, wasn’t it…? And it sounds like the HMC is once more causing an urgent problem. When Cyclence shows them the symbol on his cloak, Lam raises his eyebrows. This is somehow both a surprise and not at all a surprise. He lets Hemlock and Saoirse talk to Cyclence, nodding silently along with both of them.

—

Before going to bed, Lam wants to try to get Saoirse and Hemlock- and Sha too, if he’s still awake- alone (or at least alone except for Tesfaye). If he succeeds, he will pull out the ring with the (probable) sending stone he got from Hermes’s body and discreetly show it to them. “Hermes had this. Sha and me found it. I think it… is like our stone with Tesfaye. But… not with Tesfaye.” He will look to his friends for reactions and advice. 

Hemlock looks at the ring and frowns, "I do not like having it. If it was Vince's way of keeping in touch with his minions then it is likely his way of tracking them as well. Maybe even eavesdropping. Perhaps Tesfaye can confirm exactly what it does whilst we rest, but we should then make sure it is as far away from us as possible".

He thinks for a moment, "I would even go so far as to suggest placing it on a small branch and throwing  it in the river". 

Saoirse nods to what Hemlock is saying, and then turns to their smart artificer friend.

- Tesfaye, what do you think? I may be asking something crazy, but could the stone in this ring be safely "disconnected" from its matching stone? And then be connected to another stone we could use? If the answer to either of those questions is no, then ... let's get rid of it, yes.

"That's an interesting challenge. The stones work by arcane harmonisk between linked stones - but that does mean that each had its own magical potential... I could try, but if I do start messing with the stone, no matter how careful i am, whoever has the linked stone will almost certainly be able to tell that I'm experimenting with it, and even know where I am if they're clever. I don't think it's worth it, just to maybe get an extra pair of sending stones or some extra juice out of it. I'm with Hemlock - get rid of it." - Tesfaye

"I disagree. A communication line to a powerful enemy is a valuable asset, though also a vulnerability. Hide it somewhere that you can retrieve it, or use it to deceive the enemy. The possible rewards outweigh the risks." -Cylence

- Mmmm - the blood hunter considers another option - And what if instead of tampering with the stone, we just use it in case we get any message from Vince? He's going to discover that Hermes is dead very soon anyway, simply because the doppel will not ever contact him again. But, if any of us wore the ring while we are still in Village Tree and Vince happens to say anything useful, it could be worthwhile. And then, when we leave, we can throw the ring into the river, as Hemlock said.

If the companions agree, she'll add with a smirk:

- So, who wants to be blessed with the possibility of hearing Vince's beautiful voice in their mind?

Lam nods in response to Saoirse’s plan. He glances at Sha and Hemlock’s faces, wanting to stay silent if either of them seems like they want to volunteer. Lam takes in a long breath as he considers the responsibility of whoever does wear the ring- they would have to remember and repeat Vince’s message perfectly in order for it to be useful. Lam feels his shoulders tense at the prospect- it’s something any of his friends would be better at. However, it’s possible that Vince would be able to track or read the mind of whoever’s wearing the ring without them even knowing. Or something like that. Lam would rather risk that for himself than for any of his friends. He says, “I can wear ring.” But he continues to watch Sha and Hemlock’s faces. It seems he is happy to let either of them take the ring instead.

"I do not believe exposing our location is a problem, because Vince specifically sent Hermes here anyway, so this will be expected", Hemlock replies. "I see no harm in keeping the ring for the night in case he reaches out", he adds nodding to Saoirse.

When Lam offers to take the ring, he does not argue. "Very well, Lam. Perhaps given paper and ink you could write down what is said?", he says, looking at Tesfaye when mentioning paper and ink.

Once their discussions are over, Hemlock will go to the pantry and find some food for the mimic younglings, before wandering around again calling for the final mimic youngling. He won't risk exhaustion though, heading to sleep close to Lam in case anything happens.

Assuming nothing else happens in the night, he will rise as early as possible to continue the search, and also to open his herb pouch and allow it to get some sunlight and water.

Sha is restless and pacing, he did not sleep well.  “I like the idea of floating the ring down the river.  I’m sorry for my impatience, it’s just tonight is the lunar event and with everything that has transpired I’ve had no chance to arrange anything… are there any small lakes or large ponds on the way we will be travelling?”  Sha holds his harpy egg lovingly humming every so often.  He appears to be anxious to be under way.

When Hemlock calls for the young mimic on South Lookout, a child's drawing hanging centrally peels itself out of its frame and flutters its way towards you. It was covering another very similar drawing - but it seems the little mimic added a rainbow that wasn't in the original. Unfortunately, none of the little monsters seem interested in any of the food items that you find in the pantry. They do approach if you offer a meat item, but will recede disinterested when they notice that it is not still warm and bleeding.

Tesfaye produces writing implements quickly and hands them to Lam. "Thanks for doing this, Lam. Vince sure sounds like a vindictive, conniving rogue. But you know, you don't have to prove anything to us. We know you're a good man." They are clearly thinking about the story you just told.

Vince's smooth, oily voice does appear in your mind as the night reaches its darkest time. "Follow up immediately on stone refresh. Confirm: you heard thoughts about a Crown in Valley? This is now priority #1. Supersedes other orders."

Sha-Gravis, if you ask any of the locals, they'll let you know that there's a lovely pond on the other side of the river, on this side of the greatwood. There should be a small but elaborate fishing shack on it, built as a small getaway for one of the high elves a century ago. The egg is stirring every now and then. It seems its incubation has been sped up in the past few days.