Like Hemlock, Saoirseexhales in relief when the elders announce they will not ally with Strixwell. However, concern clouds her face as Rhododendron explains that they also won’t march against her. Still, if this decision means the people of Oakhome will be safer, the blood hunter will cling to that hope. After all, if she and her companions can seize the Crown and destroy it, there’s still a chance to win without risking more lives than necessary. Avoiding a full-fledged war would spare both sides from needless death and destruction—especially the Valley, which is far less prepared for a large-scale conflict than Strixwell’s well-trained army.
The fire genasi nods thoughtfully to each of Hemlock's replies to the council, her expression growing more somber when Rhododendron describes Gareth Dayne—a description that aligns perfectly with Hamza's. She gives a sad smile and says, "That's what I thought. I hate to admit it, but it still pains me to hear what Gareth Dayne truly was. Too many years of blind belief aren't swept away so easily. But at the same time, I’m grateful. If there’s one thing I don’t want to keep doing, it’s being blind. So, thank you for sharing your thoughts. That is the way to make this pain end for good." Saoirse bows after she speaks, her gratitude evident.
"May I ask," the blood hunter continues, "what kind of creature the temple guardian is? I want to be as prepared as possible before we face her. Of course, we will do everything in our power to avoid not only killing her but fighting her in the first place, if possible."
When Sha requests to leave to feed Sombra, Saoirse nods before leaning slightly toward Hemlock. In a low whisper, she asks him, "Should we ask the Elders about the mimics? Perhaps they can offer insights on how we might deal with their hunger."
"She is a celestial in the form of a beast of grace and beauty. A god-horse. No... that is not the quite right word. A onehorning? Is that the common word? In any case, she is one with the grove, a creature of magic and light, and all beasts and plants within the grove are at her beck and call. There is no entering the temple without her knowledge, and she will not let you in without a fight."
"A ... unicorn!?"Saoirse exclaims, barely believing her own words. Weren't those creatures the stuff of myth and legend? The genasi glances at her companions, a hint of a smile flickering across her face. Were they really about to meet a unicorn? For a brief moment, she's transported back to her childhood, reading about such creatures and dreaming of meeting one. But reality quickly catches up, and the gravity of the situation snuffs out her smile as fast as it appeared. "We will do everything in our power not to harm her,"she says firmly. Her gaze sweeps across her companions, her brows arching slightly as if to add, That creature must be under the effects of the Crown as well.
"Yes, perhaps they will have some insight into the mimics. Although if they cannot help with Sombra perhaps not. I might need to ask you to look after them for a bit though, because I have some things to take care of this evening with regards the message from my parents", Hemlock replies to Saoirse, not keeping his voice down at all.
When he finds out the temple guardian is a unicorn, he too is then aback and excited at the thought of coming into contact with such a magnificent creature.
Lam frowns, doing his best to keep up with the conversation. When Sha brings up the need to feed Sombra, Lam’s own stomach growls, not having been 100% sated by the meal shared just before. He catches Saoirse’s gaze and understands it when the one-horned horse is discussed- that kind of single-minded insistence most likely comes from the crown. He is not sure how they’ll avoid violence in that situation. His fists clench, but then he realizes and unclenches them.
He realizes he hasn’t spoken in a while, turns to Sha and says for everyone to hear: “I can help hunt.” He looks to Saoirse. Maybe she can help too, especially if they have to take the mimics and Hemlock has somewhere else to be? Sombra and the mimics need food they’ll eat, and Lam also wouldn’t mind some genuine meat.
Saoirseturns to Lam. “I think humanoids aren’t allowed to hunt in Oakhome. Only animals can do that—it’s their nature. Fortunately, you brought enough fresh food to keep Sombra fed, so we’ll only need to retreat to the upper branches for that. I can accompany you all, since Hemlock will need a moment to address his family’s message.”
She pauses, her expression growing more serious. “As for the mimics, I suppose they’ll have to wait until we leave. But we can’t delay feeding them much longer. I’m worried they might find a way to escape the bag—and that would get out of hand quickly.”
At this point, Saoirse feels there’s little more to talk to the council. She glances at Hemlock, her gaze questioning: does he want them to leave now, or would he prefer they stay a bit longer? Her attention then shifts to Shaand Lam, wondering if they need anything else from the elders. They had been speaking with Thorn for quite some time about what seemed to be a serious matter, but Saoirse hadn’t been paying much attention—she’d been chatting with Hickoryand Aspeninstead.
Thinking of the firbolg girl, Saoirsesmiles faintly. She’d promised to braid the girl’s hair, and the genasi finds the idea compelling. After everything that’s happened, a simple and relaxing moment like that sounded like a welcome reprieve.
Catching sight of Saoirse's questioning gaze, Hemlock looks to the elders.
”I am not sure what more there is to discuss right now. Perhaps it is time my friends went about their business so we can discuss the matter of my parents?”.
”This might take a while, but I will find you when I am done”, he says to his friends.
Soirse's reminder to not hunt near Oakhome is well-timed. Some of the elders were looking very offended at Lam's suggestion of hunting, but she speaks up before any social damage is done.
"Yes, I believe we have discussed what is necessary. Some new rooms have been grown in the upper west branches, in anticipation of our growing population." Some facial expressions indicate that this references decisions that were hotly debated among the council at some point, and tensions that have not fully settled. "You all may use some of these while guests of Oakhome. When you wish, I will show you the way to the temple, and to the unicorn. Until then, we ask that you respect our customs. Many people here are curious to speak to you while you are here, should you be open to it." With a gesture, Rhododendron indicates an incline that leads towards the western branches from the crown clearing.
As soon as the rest of the party leaves, Morelsteps forward to look at Hemlock.
You notice a musty, earthy smell about the old Firbolg. He speaks in Druidic, and wastes no time before telling you of the ancient, powerful secret that enabled your family's message. "The clans are in truth, not separate. You have certainly been taught of the interconnectedness of trees, of how the fungus underground tie their roots to each other, and how the whole forest lives as a single organism. So it is with the clans, and by the same method. The profound saprophyte is a fungus that connects the entire world invisibly, underground. Each clan guards a toadstool of the saprophyte, and sitting in communion with it allows the elders of all clans to communicate with each other.
"Your clan has been truly separated from all others for nearly 500 years, as your eldest never connected to the mycelial network after leading your clan east and into the mountains. But now, he has planted your toadstool, and allowed your parents to commune with it. When one becomes an elder, the induction ritual connects you forever to the network. It is how we can communicate with each other, and with you, through our thoughts. We can do the same with elders of the other clans. With an investment of magic, it is even possible to travel almost instantaneously between any two toadstools of profound saprophyte. Yet there is a smaller version of the ritual that allows for one to sit in communion with the network, and speak directly to others in communion with it, where-ever they are in the world.
"We invite you to do the ritual of communion with the mycelial network from our hub this evening. Your eldest will extend the invitation to your parents as well. This ritual begins with ingesting a small piece of the toadstool, which will put you in a state of inebriation for an hour or two before and after the true communion. During communion, you will be able to speak directly with your parents, and with your elder. Will you proceed?"
The western branches are empty, and it is clear that the living quarters in them have only recently been grown/carved. Shortly after your arrival in there, Hickory finds Sha, Lam, and Saoirse. His head is slightly bowed, and he seems to have reconsidered his earlier behavior towards you. "Aspen is right to point out my faliures. I would ask if I may train with those who slew the monstrous frogs in the lake of shadow. And -" He looks at Lam"-Thorn's students seem to have convinced him to display that druidic study is greater than physical prowess. I believe that they hope to watch you two spar, should you be interested."
Saoirsenods to Hemlockand takes the bag of mimics from him as they leave him with Elder Morel. Offering a respectful nod to the elders, she then heads to the western branches alongside Shaand Lam.
She’s not surprised to find Hickory waiting for them there—but his change in attitude does catch her off guard. Smiling, she says, "I had actually hoped to train with you, Hickory. I’ve done so with others I’ve met during my time in the Valley, but I wasn’t sure you’d be interested in sparring with an outsider." She chuckles lightly before nodding, "It’ll be my pleasure to train with you—and to watch you spar with Thorn,” she says, looking at Lam.
Turning back to Hickory, she continues, "I’m ready when you are. I'd be interested in learning fighting techniques unfamiliar to me, if that is all right with you. How about we trade skills? You could show me how you wield your shillelaghs, and I could teach you a few dual-wielding tricks."
Lam looks down in slight shame at the reminder that he isn’t allowed to hunt. He completely intends to hunt again as soon as he is in a space where he is allowed to, but he has to remember that he’s not going to- or even express intent to- the whole time he’s around these folks. He continues to stare at the ground and doesn’t try to look at anyone again until Hickory mentions the possibility of sparring with Thorn, which Lam does look up at with interest. He seems to perk up at the idea of training and sparring, and is ready to go with Hickory, Saoirse and Sha anytime.
Hemlock listens to Morel with rapt attention, as he speaks of the saprophyte and the mycelial network, and how the clans use it to commune and even travel. When Morel speaks of the eldest not planting the toadstool after his clan migrated, he wondered what reason his grandfather could have for remaining separate. And what he and his parents might want to say to him that is so important. His mind immediately goes to the amulet that he took when he left, eliciting a sense of shame once again.
"That is amazing. I had no idea that we were linked like this. Or why my clan chose to remain apart for so long. I of course agree to undertake the ritual. You might not be aware, although I expect you are. The clan Eldest is my grandfather. Is there anything I should do to prepare? Do you know why my clan stayed apart for so long?".
Like Hemlock, Saoirse exhales in relief when the elders announce they will not ally with Strixwell. However, concern clouds her face as Rhododendron explains that they also won’t march against her. Still, if this decision means the people of Oakhome will be safer, the blood hunter will cling to that hope. After all, if she and her companions can seize the Crown and destroy it, there’s still a chance to win without risking more lives than necessary. Avoiding a full-fledged war would spare both sides from needless death and destruction—especially the Valley, which is far less prepared for a large-scale conflict than Strixwell’s well-trained army.
The fire genasi nods thoughtfully to each of Hemlock's replies to the council, her expression growing more somber when Rhododendron describes Gareth Dayne—a description that aligns perfectly with Hamza's. She gives a sad smile and says, "That's what I thought. I hate to admit it, but it still pains me to hear what Gareth Dayne truly was. Too many years of blind belief aren't swept away so easily. But at the same time, I’m grateful. If there’s one thing I don’t want to keep doing, it’s being blind. So, thank you for sharing your thoughts. That is the way to make this pain end for good." Saoirse bows after she speaks, her gratitude evident.
"May I ask," the blood hunter continues, "what kind of creature the temple guardian is? I want to be as prepared as possible before we face her. Of course, we will do everything in our power to avoid not only killing her but fighting her in the first place, if possible."
When Sha requests to leave to feed Sombra, Saoirse nods before leaning slightly toward Hemlock. In a low whisper, she asks him, "Should we ask the Elders about the mimics? Perhaps they can offer insights on how we might deal with their hunger."
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"She is a celestial in the form of a beast of grace and beauty. A god-horse. No... that is not the quite right word. A onehorning? Is that the common word? In any case, she is one with the grove, a creature of magic and light, and all beasts and plants within the grove are at her beck and call. There is no entering the temple without her knowledge, and she will not let you in without a fight."
DM: Heavy is the Head
"A ... unicorn!?" Saoirse exclaims, barely believing her own words. Weren't those creatures the stuff of myth and legend? The genasi glances at her companions, a hint of a smile flickering across her face. Were they really about to meet a unicorn? For a brief moment, she's transported back to her childhood, reading about such creatures and dreaming of meeting one. But reality quickly catches up, and the gravity of the situation snuffs out her smile as fast as it appeared. "We will do everything in our power not to harm her," she says firmly. Her gaze sweeps across her companions, her brows arching slightly as if to add, That creature must be under the effects of the Crown as well.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"Yes, perhaps they will have some insight into the mimics. Although if they cannot help with Sombra perhaps not. I might need to ask you to look after them for a bit though, because I have some things to take care of this evening with regards the message from my parents", Hemlock replies to Saoirse, not keeping his voice down at all.
When he finds out the temple guardian is a unicorn, he too is then aback and excited at the thought of coming into contact with such a magnificent creature.
"Sure", the blood hunter says with a nod to the druid, "Whatever you need. I hope the message is a good one, Hemlock", she adds with a hopeful smile.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam frowns, doing his best to keep up with the conversation. When Sha brings up the need to feed Sombra, Lam’s own stomach growls, not having been 100% sated by the meal shared just before. He catches Saoirse’s gaze and understands it when the one-horned horse is discussed- that kind of single-minded insistence most likely comes from the crown. He is not sure how they’ll avoid violence in that situation. His fists clench, but then he realizes and unclenches them.
He realizes he hasn’t spoken in a while, turns to Sha and says for everyone to hear: “I can help hunt.” He looks to Saoirse. Maybe she can help too, especially if they have to take the mimics and Hemlock has somewhere else to be? Sombra and the mimics need food they’ll eat, and Lam also wouldn’t mind some genuine meat.
Saoirse turns to Lam. “I think humanoids aren’t allowed to hunt in Oakhome. Only animals can do that—it’s their nature. Fortunately, you brought enough fresh food to keep Sombra fed, so we’ll only need to retreat to the upper branches for that. I can accompany you all, since Hemlock will need a moment to address his family’s message.”
She pauses, her expression growing more serious. “As for the mimics, I suppose they’ll have to wait until we leave. But we can’t delay feeding them much longer. I’m worried they might find a way to escape the bag—and that would get out of hand quickly.”
At this point, Saoirse feels there’s little more to talk to the council. She glances at Hemlock, her gaze questioning: does he want them to leave now, or would he prefer they stay a bit longer? Her attention then shifts to Sha and Lam, wondering if they need anything else from the elders. They had been speaking with Thorn for quite some time about what seemed to be a serious matter, but Saoirse hadn’t been paying much attention—she’d been chatting with Hickory and Aspen instead.
Thinking of the firbolg girl, Saoirse smiles faintly. She’d promised to braid the girl’s hair, and the genasi finds the idea compelling. After everything that’s happened, a simple and relaxing moment like that sounded like a welcome reprieve.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Catching sight of Saoirse's questioning gaze, Hemlock looks to the elders.
”I am not sure what more there is to discuss right now. Perhaps it is time my friends went about their business so we can discuss the matter of my parents?”.
”This might take a while, but I will find you when I am done”, he says to his friends.
Soirse's reminder to not hunt near Oakhome is well-timed. Some of the elders were looking very offended at Lam's suggestion of hunting, but she speaks up before any social damage is done.
"Yes, I believe we have discussed what is necessary. Some new rooms have been grown in the upper west branches, in anticipation of our growing population." Some facial expressions indicate that this references decisions that were hotly debated among the council at some point, and tensions that have not fully settled. "You all may use some of these while guests of Oakhome. When you wish, I will show you the way to the temple, and to the unicorn. Until then, we ask that you respect our customs. Many people here are curious to speak to you while you are here, should you be open to it." With a gesture, Rhododendron indicates an incline that leads towards the western branches from the crown clearing.
As soon as the rest of the party leaves, Morel steps forward to look at Hemlock.
You notice a musty, earthy smell about the old Firbolg. He speaks in Druidic, and wastes no time before telling you of the ancient, powerful secret that enabled your family's message. "The clans are in truth, not separate. You have certainly been taught of the interconnectedness of trees, of how the fungus underground tie their roots to each other, and how the whole forest lives as a single organism. So it is with the clans, and by the same method. The profound saprophyte is a fungus that connects the entire world invisibly, underground. Each clan guards a toadstool of the saprophyte, and sitting in communion with it allows the elders of all clans to communicate with each other.
"Your clan has been truly separated from all others for nearly 500 years, as your eldest never connected to the mycelial network after leading your clan east and into the mountains. But now, he has planted your toadstool, and allowed your parents to commune with it. When one becomes an elder, the induction ritual connects you forever to the network. It is how we can communicate with each other, and with you, through our thoughts. We can do the same with elders of the other clans. With an investment of magic, it is even possible to travel almost instantaneously between any two toadstools of profound saprophyte. Yet there is a smaller version of the ritual that allows for one to sit in communion with the network, and speak directly to others in communion with it, where-ever they are in the world.
"We invite you to do the ritual of communion with the mycelial network from our hub this evening. Your eldest will extend the invitation to your parents as well. This ritual begins with ingesting a small piece of the toadstool, which will put you in a state of inebriation for an hour or two before and after the true communion. During communion, you will be able to speak directly with your parents, and with your elder. Will you proceed?"
The western branches are empty, and it is clear that the living quarters in them have only recently been grown/carved. Shortly after your arrival in there, Hickory finds Sha, Lam, and Saoirse. His head is slightly bowed, and he seems to have reconsidered his earlier behavior towards you. "Aspen is right to point out my faliures. I would ask if I may train with those who slew the monstrous frogs in the lake of shadow. And -" He looks at Lam "-Thorn's students seem to have convinced him to display that druidic study is greater than physical prowess. I believe that they hope to watch you two spar, should you be interested."
DM: Heavy is the Head
Saoirse nods to Hemlock and takes the bag of mimics from him as they leave him with Elder Morel. Offering a respectful nod to the elders, she then heads to the western branches alongside Sha and Lam.
She’s not surprised to find Hickory waiting for them there—but his change in attitude does catch her off guard. Smiling, she says, "I had actually hoped to train with you, Hickory. I’ve done so with others I’ve met during my time in the Valley, but I wasn’t sure you’d be interested in sparring with an outsider." She chuckles lightly before nodding, "It’ll be my pleasure to train with you—and to watch you spar with Thorn,” she says, looking at Lam.
Turning back to Hickory, she continues, "I’m ready when you are. I'd be interested in learning fighting techniques unfamiliar to me, if that is all right with you. How about we trade skills? You could show me how you wield your shillelaghs, and I could teach you a few dual-wielding tricks."
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam looks down in slight shame at the reminder that he isn’t allowed to hunt. He completely intends to hunt again as soon as he is in a space where he is allowed to, but he has to remember that he’s not going to- or even express intent to- the whole time he’s around these folks. He continues to stare at the ground and doesn’t try to look at anyone again until Hickory mentions the possibility of sparring with Thorn, which Lam does look up at with interest. He seems to perk up at the idea of training and sparring, and is ready to go with Hickory, Saoirse and Sha anytime.
Hemlock listens to Morel with rapt attention, as he speaks of the saprophyte and the mycelial network, and how the clans use it to commune and even travel. When Morel speaks of the eldest not planting the toadstool after his clan migrated, he wondered what reason his grandfather could have for remaining separate. And what he and his parents might want to say to him that is so important. His mind immediately goes to the amulet that he took when he left, eliciting a sense of shame once again.
"That is amazing. I had no idea that we were linked like this. Or why my clan chose to remain apart for so long. I of course agree to undertake the ritual. You might not be aware, although I expect you are. The clan Eldest is my grandfather. Is there anything I should do to prepare? Do you know why my clan stayed apart for so long?".
Sombra is given venison and the mimics well, may have to hunt themselves?