Lam feels his emotional core - and the wild magic that it channels - resonate with his questions, with his desire to understand, and echo into the universe, and finally take form again. He begins to feel the emotions and experiences of a young girl, and then he experiences that girl's life in flashes of emotion, with just enough context to understand them.
As a girl, Silvia Strixwell was regaled by stories of her grandfather, the True King, and of how his great empire should have been her father's birthright as one of the recognized children of the lightbringer. And yet, she saw her father fail to hold onto even control of the city of Springdawn, and her noble house beginning to tear at the seams
She studied magic at the academy in Springdawn, and was proud of her successes, and slowly growing power. But, as a young woman, her father promised her in marriage to a rich ugly old man, in a bid to hang on to some measure of power. She was pulled from the academy and... No. No one but me decides my fate. She fled, turned to the banned and restricted books on unspeakable powers, and made contact. She made a pact with - Hello, little ant. Denied.
It seems as though part of Lam's vision is skipped over, or otherwise impossible to remember. That feeling is vaguely similar to the effect of a book of secrets, but not the same at all somehow.
Silvia learns of the Order of the True King, and they are easy enough to sway to her service, now that she has true power. A handsome young Genasi is bound to her service in a ritual designed by her own grandfather. She sees how this ritual can give her best followers loyal guardsmen, and when her own friend and servant disagrees with her plan, she is truly saddened that he is no longer a friend, but only a servant. She is certain he will love her, in time.
Silvia Strixwell is the undisputed master of her city and the surrounding duchy, but she knows that she is owed more. Her father - and the ugly old man - are no longer a threat to her freedom. The world should be hers, and she will recover her grandfather's secrets. She sends people to expand and explore in every direction, and listens to all the whispers. She is a powerful warlock, and growing more so.
Silvia is a woman of more than fifty years now, but she is not satisfied. Eventually she learns of a sorcerer who believes himself to be in possession of a book of secrets belonging to the lightbringer himself. She makes the sorcerer hers.
Her nephew discovers one of many possible leads on the Crown, but his loyalty is wavering. She takes his secrets from him, and resolves to push into the valley. His leads are promising, and the loss of one of her acolytes only makes it more promising. She sends her own servant, and one of her better acolytes, and waits in excitement for his next report.
The crown will be hers, and the world will bow.
- Wait. Someone is watching her. Someone is in her mind. No! Begone, presence
Lam tumbles out of the vision, out of the stars, and gasps for breath as he suddenly awakens, floating in a pond beneath a moon half covered in shadow. His friends still float, their faces looking peaceful, or resolute in Saoirse's case.
When the vision disappears, Saoirse begins to make her way to the shore. She does so slowly as she is thinking about what she learned during the eclipse. She dresses and then waits patiently for her friends to exit the lake, averting her gaze so as not to make them uncomfortable in their various degrees of nudity.
When they are finished, she speaks quietly, almost in a whisper. "This has been so strange. I saw Gareth Dayne himself. The Goddess made him answer any question I wished to ask him, and I asked about the Crown. I now know about its powers, its limitations and even how to undo the ritual that birthed its magic. It's truly a terrible device, but ... it can be stopped!"
She falls silent, and her friends can sense doubt in her voice. The Crown's power can be dispelled, but would she be willing to do what needs to be done in order to achieve that?
Lam takes in his new surroundings- no longer in the sea of stars, back in the world, floating in the lake. For a moment, he is alone, even as he can see all of his friends. He wonders what they are experiencing. Did they get to choose something to understand, like he did? If this was an example of Sha’s goddess, he understands why his feline friend is such a devoted follower. He is happy to see the well-earned peace on Sha’s face after what the tabaxi did tonight.
He looks over at Hemlock, floating with a contentment that Lam definitely hadn’t seen in a while. He realizes how stressed his Firbolg friend has been in the past couple of days, and how relieved he is to see his friend content for the first time in what must have been a while.
The only one without a peaceful look on her face is Saoirse. His fiery friend is nearly always determined about something, even here. He wonders what she and the rest of his friends have experienced. He is the only one who is done dreaming. He floats as silently and still as he can while keeping his head above water, worried that any movement of his could break the trance for his friends and pull them out of their visions before it is time.
When the others start to wake up, Lam wordlessly swims out of the lake and doesn’t look at anyone until he has put on a full outfit (with the exception of a shirt, which he hasn’t been seen wearing since the prison). He continues to not look at anyone until Saoirse speaks, then he listens attentively.
He raises his eyebrows at the details regarding the crown. “You know how to stop it?” Her experience was different from his. “I… felt… Strixwell’s feelings. She thinks crown is hers. Thinks… world is hers. She is warlock. She… maybe does not know about today yet.” He rattles off the practical details as best as he can, but keeps most of his experience to himself, still processing the emotional ramifications of the new information. After a pause, he says, “She cannot have crown. Crown must be destroyed.” He turns to Saoirse. “You know how?” He wants to ask more questions and press for more information on how the crown must be destroyed, but he hears the doubt in Saoirse’s voice and waits for her to volunteer more information.
The genasi looks surprised at Lam. "You felt Strixwell's feelings?", she asks, and her expression hardens, "I'm surprised that she has any feelings at all, aside from those of ownership and conquer. So she thinks that the world is hers? Well, of course she does. That's the mindset of someone who doesn't give a damn about those around them, and would use their lives as if they were mere toys in order to achieve their plans". Saoirse's mind inevitably drifts to Sebastian and Kieran as she says this. "Strixwell and Dayne, they sound so similar. It was so disheartening to listen to him talk about his invention. He did sound a little bit like Tesfaye - the enthusiasm of a true scholar - but without any empathy at all, and with little regard for how lives fit in all the process."
After she says this, Saoirse describes what she learnt about the Crown. "The crown itself cannot be destroyed, as it is impervious to all damage. But its magic can be dispelled, after it has been submerged in the blood of the last person that wore it. I guess... I guess that means that there is no way that person would survive, would it? The life of the bearer, in exchange for ridding the world of the Crown's control. I guess it is a small price to pay..."
Hemlock's consciousness transitions back into his body but he remains floating a little while, trying to prolong the experience. To be amongst the stars and absorb a fraction of the power of those celestial bodies had been a unique event. He starts to stir at the sound of the water sloshing, and knew his friends were awake and leaving the lake. He gently swims across to the shallow water and stands up, revealing the upper portion of his tall lanky frame.
He listens to Saoirse and Lam as he slowly wades to shore, using his hands to try and push the surface water from his body.
His friends had also had unique experiences during the eclipse, although what they had sought from the stars, or perhaps Sha-Gravis' goddess, was different.
"The crown sounds so powerful, but at least the fact its power can be removed brings us hope, however unlikely it is that we can perform such an act. But the truth it seems is that it attracts evil, and the whole world is in danger as long as it exists", he says sadly, his contentment now gone.
"But at least we are not alone in our purpose", he adds with a half smile, remembering his own vision.
He looks out to the water searching for Sha-Gravis as he starts to get dressed.
Sha looks at his goddess at the harpy, his mate and his children are gone, but the pain and hurt which he has carried, his vengeance for the cult of Shar, he lets those slid soundless into the void. He commits to memory the prophesy. As the timelessness of this place stretches on Sha wonders about the path he and his friends are on, the danger. He beckons to his harpy baby, embracing her with a tear in his eye. “You need to stay here, you’re home now. You’re safe and you’re loved.” His existential being reunites with his physical body. He moves with purpose to reunite with his friends. He relays his goddess’ prophesy and listens to their experiences.
Saoirse shares Hemlock's sad look, but when the firbolg adds his words of encouragement, she smiles and nods. "You are right. Let's not forget that."
She then moves to sit next to Sha-Gravis, who seems to have left an important part of himself in the water. Though she doesn’t mention it, she embraces the cleric and asks softly, "Is the baby staying here, then? Will you ... give him a name? I think you have earned that. You are the reason he'll grow safely, after all."
Later, turning to the rest, she adds, "Should we leave? Onward to the firbolg village?"
“Sombra de canto suave - asa she is blessed. I did everything I could to bring her here to be a part of this. Now we face the enemies all around us and a dangerous path ahead. I believe this place will be a safe and sacred place where she can grow… Thank you friends for being here with me. Hemlock did I hear you mention pancakes?”
If the others look at Hemlock as pancakes are mentioned, they will see that the colour has drained from his face a little, and his eyes are wide.
"Sha, that prophecy...", he says with a trembling voice. "I think I know what it might mean. What I saw amongst the stars", he adds, looking around as if worried that someone could overhear.
"There are things I saw that need to remain secret. That should not be spoken aloud. I am even afraid to use my gift to speak it into your minds", he adds after a moment. "But part of it relates to the final line of your prophecy".
He lowers his voice so Saoirse, Lam and Sha-Gravis have to lean in to hear.
"I think the greatest power the crown bearer has is a....", he starts before putting his finger to his lips.
One by one Saoirse, Lam and Sha-Gravis hear ever so quietly inside their mind the words, "silver dragon".
"What!?" Saoirse's eyes widen in shock. "I would have thought Sha's revelation would mean something entirely different," she whispers. Then, adding mentally to Hemlock, she thinks, "I was expecting some kind of wizard who could summon an incredibly powerful frost spell. But a silver dragon?"
Continuing aloud, she mutters, "Now her warning—that one such as her would be a deadly weapon in the hands of our enemies—takes on an entirely new dimension. Do we know anything else about the bearer’s ally? Any detail that could help us investigate further?"
The blood hunter is curious about what other details the druid might know, but if he feels it's best to keep them secret, she trusts his judgment completely.
Hemlock doesn't hear Saoirse's thoughts, his telepathy being one way, and so does not respond or react to them.
He does however understand what she means when she speaks out loud.
"There is more, it is true. Information we need to be careful with, possibly not even speak aloud, that I will share", he says. "There is positive news as well. I am now certain our alliance is true", he says tapping his star map amulet that has the sapphire gem embedded in it.
He looks to each in turn. Saoirse, then Lam and then Sha-Gravis. It is clear to each that he is telling the story, speaking into their minds, one at a time.
"This information is a burden, because it is a secret we must hold at all cost", he starts telepathically. "Tell me now if you do not want this burden", he says, knowing full well that his friends are all in, but giving them a moment to decline. "I saw Hamza as she was before the king used the crown to win the war. I saw how she was distrustful of him, and wanted to confront him. She was stopped by a great silver dragon, and the pair opposed the king in secret for hundreds of years, starting the Chainbreakers. Hamza and the silver dragon drew close, and became lovers, before the silver dragon came to this valley and disappeared. That is why Hamza came here with her kobold followers". He pauses for a moment for this to sink in before he adds. "I also saw Hamza walk amongst the people of the valley in disguise, becoming trusted by the people here. She has walked amongst us in that form as well. Remember, do not speak this out loud. Hamza is Cylence!".
Saoirse is left with her mouth agape when Hemlock finishes transmitting what he's learned. It takes her a couple of seconds to react and answer, and she does so in whispers, just in case. "Bloody hells, I would never have guessed ...! It's, well, shocking news. But good news after all. It makes me appreciate him even more and increases my dislike for Dayne, if that was even possible."
The fire genasi rubs her temples. The peace she had felt mere minutes ago is starting to disappear, replaced by new findings that are leading to new questions and adding to their already substantial pile of worries. The general tiredness of the day isn't helping, either. "We need to figure out what to do with this information—and what we've found out about the crown, too. I think Tesfaye and Fitz should be informed about the latter as soon as possible. Do you think they could figure out a way to resist the Crown's power, at least partially? There is no way we can stand against the bearer otherwise. They may be weaker while wearing it, but anything they say will be a command impossible to resist."
Saoirse lets out a long, tired sigh after saying all this.
The night is beautiful, Selune's tears shine overhead, and the lake seems to be at peace. For the moment, you are in relative safety; though the mark on Lam's leg is an itchy reminder that Kieran could find you, or send an underling to do the same. You could travel through the darkness of the wood to seek the firbolgs and get the mark removed, or take a rest here for the night and travel once fully rested in the morning.
The Harpy hatchling is a small creature, at this phase in its development it looks more birdlike than humanoid, and though its face is far rounder than any bird's and has no hardened beak, it is covered in soft, downy feathers. The eyes are much larger than those of an infant human, their irises moonlit silver. It is already quite adept at walking and gripping with its taloned feet, and seems to most want to perch on Sha's shoulder. It does not seem to understand his insistence that it remain here, and fend for itself.
Saoirse receives a brief message through the sending stone. Taking care? HMC troops returned across south bridge earlier today, reports of more army types sighted near Coldwater Keep. Things are OK here. Love y'all.
Hemlock also receives a message, through the gem and his telepathic connection. "Are you getting closer to the Crown? Congratulations on killing their sorceress, but I hear that you have invoked the enmity of the devious leader of the Thieve's Guild in Springdawn, and at this rate Silvia Strixwell herself will hear of you any moment. I remind you that speed, and secrecy, are of the utmost importance in your mission." Once the link is established, Hemlock can feel Hamza probing a little more deeply into his mind. (Allow it, or DC17 wis save).
There is movement among the reeds and cattails from the other side of the lake.
"I don't know about you guys, but I don't feel safe resting here,"Saoirse says as soon as she notices the rustling on the other side of the lake. "I'd vote we leave now and meet the treesingers as soon as possible. Let's hope they can help us get rid of Lam's brand quickly... it's like we being watched constantly."After saying this, she gives Lam's arm a reassuring squeeze, trying to make sure he doesn't feel too bad about bearing the brand. It's not his fault, after all.
While they are discussing this, Saoirse looks curiously at the hatchling and, if the creature allows it, she gently touches its head. "You're a soft little one,"she says softly. Then, turning to Sha, she adds, "It doesn't seem like it is willing to leave you. Hmm, do you think it's a boy? Or a girl? Or perhaps they don't have a gender just yet?"
Then, when she gets Tesfaye's message, she relays the message to her friends and then replies: "HMC advance prevented temporarily, but we had to flee. Found useful info. Cannot share through here. Towards firbolg village now. Grave Fort later. Stay safe."She thought of sending another message, but perhaps it was best to wait until they started to move towards the Firbolg village (if that was their final decision).
Sha's heart is instantly and irrevocably bonded to Sombra. He cannot believe he ever intended to part from his beautiful sweet (daughter), "I just need to be extra vigilant." As she perches upon Sha's shoulder and he looks into her eyes he shudders the protective instinct rises up in him. "We really should quickly take care of the marking on Lam, it's not safe to prolong our enemies ability to monitor our travels." After a quick look over Sha turns to reply to Saoirse "I'm not really sure but I don't believe there are male harpies, I'm fairly certain Sombra is a female."
Lam is rendered speechless listening to his friends and their revelations all the way up until Sha introduces the newly hatched harpy’s name. He softly repeats, “Sombra.” He doesn’t believe for a minute that Sha is going to leave her here- not with the way she is acting.
With a moment’s quiet, and the battle over, the brand on Lam begins to make itself known again and feel intensely uncomfortable. Lam nods in agreement when Saoirse says they should find the treesingers. When Saoirse squeezes his arm, she feels him take in a breath that he doesn’t immediately release. He looks at her with gratitude and then turns away. He tunes in to her conversation with Sha, and nods again when Sha also suggests the treesingers. He says, “I agree. I want this gone.”He seems ready to go at a moment’s notice, but waits to hear what Hemlock has to say.
Sombra coos softly and pushes her head against Saoirse's hand in response to being touched. The call is soothing, calming, and sweet, and you recognise the echoes of some enchantment magic playing on your heartstrings, though only very lightly. When Saoirse removes her hand, the hatchling opens here mouth wide and leans her head back, a gesture impossible to mistake for anything other than "put food in my mouth now." Her mouth is larger than a human child's, the lips pulling back a little farther, and it is lined with a row of sharp, cutting teeth like those of a shark, though of course small and thin. As she does this, her little wings flutter; not enough to lift her off of Sha's shoulder yet, but he can feel them moving the air, like someone waving a fan at him. (Congrats, you have an animal companion. Here is Sombra's statblock. She's an NPC controlled by the DM, but she's eager to please and will usually do what you ask her to, if she understands.)
On the other side of the lake, the cattails continue to rustle with something moving through them. It must be wading in the water, and be at least humanoid in size. Hard to tell more from here, even in the moonlit night. (DC18 perception or move towards it around the lake).
The moment Sombrapushes against her hand, a big, warm smile illuminates Saoirse's face. The rest can clearly see that she has just fallen in love with the little harpy, despite having been uncomfortable with the idea of bringing her along barely a day ago. The genasi now wants to care for the hatchling, keep her safe from harm, and... oh, hells, they need to feed her! She quickly searches her pockets, only to remember that she just has dried rations. "I don't suppose the rations will sate her?"she asks, but the sound from the other side of the lake quickly diverts her attention.
Saoirse tries to see what's approaching, but even with her darkvision, she can't make out much (Perception 13). Drawing her weapons preemptively, she stands ready in case whatever—or whoever—it is reaches them, and she urges the others to prepare as well. "Do you see what’s coming?" She'd rather run immediately—after the day they've had, she's not up for any more trouble—, and looks toward her companions with worry...
Sha stares out in the direction of the rustle (perception 24). "I see it... its its a doe. A beautiful feast for our little ones." Without hesitation Sha reflectively uses a sacred flame to bring down the deer. DC 14 Dex vs 7 radiant damage.
For Lam:
Lam feels his emotional core - and the wild magic that it channels - resonate with his questions, with his desire to understand, and echo into the universe, and finally take form again. He begins to feel the emotions and experiences of a young girl, and then he experiences that girl's life in flashes of emotion, with just enough context to understand them.
As a girl, Silvia Strixwell was regaled by stories of her grandfather, the True King, and of how his great empire should have been her father's birthright as one of the recognized children of the lightbringer. And yet, she saw her father fail to hold onto even control of the city of Springdawn, and her noble house beginning to tear at the seams
She studied magic at the academy in Springdawn, and was proud of her successes, and slowly growing power. But, as a young woman, her father promised her in marriage to a rich ugly old man, in a bid to hang on to some measure of power. She was pulled from the academy and... No. No one but me decides my fate. She fled, turned to the banned and restricted books on unspeakable powers, and made contact. She made a pact with - Hello, little ant. Denied.
It seems as though part of Lam's vision is skipped over, or otherwise impossible to remember. That feeling is vaguely similar to the effect of a book of secrets, but not the same at all somehow.
Silvia learns of the Order of the True King, and they are easy enough to sway to her service, now that she has true power. A handsome young Genasi is bound to her service in a ritual designed by her own grandfather. She sees how this ritual can give her best followers loyal guardsmen, and when her own friend and servant disagrees with her plan, she is truly saddened that he is no longer a friend, but only a servant. She is certain he will love her, in time.
Silvia Strixwell is the undisputed master of her city and the surrounding duchy, but she knows that she is owed more. Her father - and the ugly old man - are no longer a threat to her freedom. The world should be hers, and she will recover her grandfather's secrets. She sends people to expand and explore in every direction, and listens to all the whispers. She is a powerful warlock, and growing more so.
Silvia is a woman of more than fifty years now, but she is not satisfied. Eventually she learns of a sorcerer who believes himself to be in possession of a book of secrets belonging to the lightbringer himself. She makes the sorcerer hers.
Her nephew discovers one of many possible leads on the Crown, but his loyalty is wavering. She takes his secrets from him, and resolves to push into the valley. His leads are promising, and the loss of one of her acolytes only makes it more promising. She sends her own servant, and one of her better acolytes, and waits in excitement for his next report.
The crown will be hers, and the world will bow.
- Wait. Someone is watching her. Someone is in her mind. No! Begone, presence
Lam tumbles out of the vision, out of the stars, and gasps for breath as he suddenly awakens, floating in a pond beneath a moon half covered in shadow. His friends still float, their faces looking peaceful, or resolute in Saoirse's case.
DM: Heavy is the Head
When the vision disappears, Saoirse begins to make her way to the shore. She does so slowly as she is thinking about what she learned during the eclipse. She dresses and then waits patiently for her friends to exit the lake, averting her gaze so as not to make them uncomfortable in their various degrees of nudity.
When they are finished, she speaks quietly, almost in a whisper. "This has been so strange. I saw Gareth Dayne himself. The Goddess made him answer any question I wished to ask him, and I asked about the Crown. I now know about its powers, its limitations and even how to undo the ritual that birthed its magic. It's truly a terrible device, but ... it can be stopped!"
She falls silent, and her friends can sense doubt in her voice. The Crown's power can be dispelled, but would she be willing to do what needs to be done in order to achieve that?
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam takes in his new surroundings- no longer in the sea of stars, back in the world, floating in the lake. For a moment, he is alone, even as he can see all of his friends. He wonders what they are experiencing. Did they get to choose something to understand, like he did? If this was an example of Sha’s goddess, he understands why his feline friend is such a devoted follower. He is happy to see the well-earned peace on Sha’s face after what the tabaxi did tonight.
He looks over at Hemlock, floating with a contentment that Lam definitely hadn’t seen in a while. He realizes how stressed his Firbolg friend has been in the past couple of days, and how relieved he is to see his friend content for the first time in what must have been a while.
The only one without a peaceful look on her face is Saoirse. His fiery friend is nearly always determined about something, even here. He wonders what she and the rest of his friends have experienced. He is the only one who is done dreaming. He floats as silently and still as he can while keeping his head above water, worried that any movement of his could break the trance for his friends and pull them out of their visions before it is time.
When the others start to wake up, Lam wordlessly swims out of the lake and doesn’t look at anyone until he has put on a full outfit (with the exception of a shirt, which he hasn’t been seen wearing since the prison). He continues to not look at anyone until Saoirse speaks, then he listens attentively.
He raises his eyebrows at the details regarding the crown. “You know how to stop it?” Her experience was different from his. “I… felt… Strixwell’s feelings. She thinks crown is hers. Thinks… world is hers. She is warlock. She… maybe does not know about today yet.” He rattles off the practical details as best as he can, but keeps most of his experience to himself, still processing the emotional ramifications of the new information. After a pause, he says, “She cannot have crown. Crown must be destroyed.” He turns to Saoirse. “You know how?” He wants to ask more questions and press for more information on how the crown must be destroyed, but he hears the doubt in Saoirse’s voice and waits for her to volunteer more information.
The genasi looks surprised at Lam. "You felt Strixwell's feelings?", she asks, and her expression hardens, "I'm surprised that she has any feelings at all, aside from those of ownership and conquer. So she thinks that the world is hers? Well, of course she does. That's the mindset of someone who doesn't give a damn about those around them, and would use their lives as if they were mere toys in order to achieve their plans". Saoirse's mind inevitably drifts to Sebastian and Kieran as she says this. "Strixwell and Dayne, they sound so similar. It was so disheartening to listen to him talk about his invention. He did sound a little bit like Tesfaye - the enthusiasm of a true scholar - but without any empathy at all, and with little regard for how lives fit in all the process."
After she says this, Saoirse describes what she learnt about the Crown. "The crown itself cannot be destroyed, as it is impervious to all damage. But its magic can be dispelled, after it has been submerged in the blood of the last person that wore it. I guess... I guess that means that there is no way that person would survive, would it? The life of the bearer, in exchange for ridding the world of the Crown's control. I guess it is a small price to pay..."
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hemlock's consciousness transitions back into his body but he remains floating a little while, trying to prolong the experience. To be amongst the stars and absorb a fraction of the power of those celestial bodies had been a unique event. He starts to stir at the sound of the water sloshing, and knew his friends were awake and leaving the lake. He gently swims across to the shallow water and stands up, revealing the upper portion of his tall lanky frame.
He listens to Saoirse and Lam as he slowly wades to shore, using his hands to try and push the surface water from his body.
His friends had also had unique experiences during the eclipse, although what they had sought from the stars, or perhaps Sha-Gravis' goddess, was different.
"The crown sounds so powerful, but at least the fact its power can be removed brings us hope, however unlikely it is that we can perform such an act. But the truth it seems is that it attracts evil, and the whole world is in danger as long as it exists", he says sadly, his contentment now gone.
"But at least we are not alone in our purpose", he adds with a half smile, remembering his own vision.
He looks out to the water searching for Sha-Gravis as he starts to get dressed.
Sha looks at his goddess at the harpy, his mate and his children are gone, but the pain and hurt which he has carried, his vengeance for the cult of Shar, he lets those slid soundless into the void. He commits to memory the prophesy. As the timelessness of this place stretches on Sha wonders about the path he and his friends are on, the danger. He beckons to his harpy baby, embracing her with a tear in his eye. “You need to stay here, you’re home now. You’re safe and you’re loved.” His existential being reunites with his physical body. He moves with purpose to reunite with his friends. He relays his goddess’ prophesy and listens to their experiences.
Saoirse shares Hemlock's sad look, but when the firbolg adds his words of encouragement, she smiles and nods. "You are right. Let's not forget that."
She then moves to sit next to Sha-Gravis, who seems to have left an important part of himself in the water. Though she doesn’t mention it, she embraces the cleric and asks softly, "Is the baby staying here, then? Will you ... give him a name? I think you have earned that. You are the reason he'll grow safely, after all."
Later, turning to the rest, she adds, "Should we leave? Onward to the firbolg village?"
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
“Sombra de canto suave - asa she is blessed. I did everything I could to bring her here to be a part of this. Now we face the enemies all around us and a dangerous path ahead. I believe this place will be a safe and sacred place where she can grow… Thank you friends for being here with me. Hemlock did I hear you mention pancakes?”
"Sombra de canto suave," Saoirse repeats after Sha,"... I love it! It has a beautiful ring to it." (ooc: and I mean it! 😊)
When the tabaxi mentions the pancakes, the genasi's face brightens visibly. "Ohh, pancakes!? Gods, I would love that!"
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
If the others look at Hemlock as pancakes are mentioned, they will see that the colour has drained from his face a little, and his eyes are wide.
"Sha, that prophecy...", he says with a trembling voice. "I think I know what it might mean. What I saw amongst the stars", he adds, looking around as if worried that someone could overhear.
"There are things I saw that need to remain secret. That should not be spoken aloud. I am even afraid to use my gift to speak it into your minds", he adds after a moment. "But part of it relates to the final line of your prophecy".
He lowers his voice so Saoirse, Lam and Sha-Gravis have to lean in to hear.
"I think the greatest power the crown bearer has is a....", he starts before putting his finger to his lips.
One by one Saoirse, Lam and Sha-Gravis hear ever so quietly inside their mind the words, "silver dragon".
"What!?" Saoirse's eyes widen in shock. "I would have thought Sha's revelation would mean something entirely different," she whispers. Then, adding mentally to Hemlock, she thinks, "I was expecting some kind of wizard who could summon an incredibly powerful frost spell. But a silver dragon?"
Continuing aloud, she mutters, "Now her warning—that one such as her would be a deadly weapon in the hands of our enemies—takes on an entirely new dimension. Do we know anything else about the bearer’s ally? Any detail that could help us investigate further?"
The blood hunter is curious about what other details the druid might know, but if he feels it's best to keep them secret, she trusts his judgment completely.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hemlock doesn't hear Saoirse's thoughts, his telepathy being one way, and so does not respond or react to them.
He does however understand what she means when she speaks out loud.
"There is more, it is true. Information we need to be careful with, possibly not even speak aloud, that I will share", he says. "There is positive news as well. I am now certain our alliance is true", he says tapping his star map amulet that has the sapphire gem embedded in it.
He looks to each in turn. Saoirse, then Lam and then Sha-Gravis. It is clear to each that he is telling the story, speaking into their minds, one at a time.
"This information is a burden, because it is a secret we must hold at all cost", he starts telepathically. "Tell me now if you do not want this burden", he says, knowing full well that his friends are all in, but giving them a moment to decline. "I saw Hamza as she was before the king used the crown to win the war. I saw how she was distrustful of him, and wanted to confront him. She was stopped by a great silver dragon, and the pair opposed the king in secret for hundreds of years, starting the Chainbreakers. Hamza and the silver dragon drew close, and became lovers, before the silver dragon came to this valley and disappeared. That is why Hamza came here with her kobold followers". He pauses for a moment for this to sink in before he adds. "I also saw Hamza walk amongst the people of the valley in disguise, becoming trusted by the people here. She has walked amongst us in that form as well. Remember, do not speak this out loud. Hamza is Cylence!".
Saoirse is left with her mouth agape when Hemlock finishes transmitting what he's learned. It takes her a couple of seconds to react and answer, and she does so in whispers, just in case. "Bloody hells, I would never have guessed ...! It's, well, shocking news. But good news after all. It makes me appreciate him even more and increases my dislike for Dayne, if that was even possible."
The fire genasi rubs her temples. The peace she had felt mere minutes ago is starting to disappear, replaced by new findings that are leading to new questions and adding to their already substantial pile of worries. The general tiredness of the day isn't helping, either. "We need to figure out what to do with this information—and what we've found out about the crown, too. I think Tesfaye and Fitz should be informed about the latter as soon as possible. Do you think they could figure out a way to resist the Crown's power, at least partially? There is no way we can stand against the bearer otherwise. They may be weaker while wearing it, but anything they say will be a command impossible to resist."
Saoirse lets out a long, tired sigh after saying all this.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
The night is beautiful, Selune's tears shine overhead, and the lake seems to be at peace. For the moment, you are in relative safety; though the mark on Lam's leg is an itchy reminder that Kieran could find you, or send an underling to do the same. You could travel through the darkness of the wood to seek the firbolgs and get the mark removed, or take a rest here for the night and travel once fully rested in the morning.
The Harpy hatchling is a small creature, at this phase in its development it looks more birdlike than humanoid, and though its face is far rounder than any bird's and has no hardened beak, it is covered in soft, downy feathers. The eyes are much larger than those of an infant human, their irises moonlit silver. It is already quite adept at walking and gripping with its taloned feet, and seems to most want to perch on Sha's shoulder. It does not seem to understand his insistence that it remain here, and fend for itself.
Saoirse receives a brief message through the sending stone. Taking care? HMC troops returned across south bridge earlier today, reports of more army types sighted near Coldwater Keep. Things are OK here. Love y'all.
Hemlock also receives a message, through the gem and his telepathic connection. "Are you getting closer to the Crown? Congratulations on killing their sorceress, but I hear that you have invoked the enmity of the devious leader of the Thieve's Guild in Springdawn, and at this rate Silvia Strixwell herself will hear of you any moment. I remind you that speed, and secrecy, are of the utmost importance in your mission." Once the link is established, Hemlock can feel Hamza probing a little more deeply into his mind. (Allow it, or DC17 wis save).
There is movement among the reeds and cattails from the other side of the lake.
DM: Heavy is the Head
"I don't know about you guys, but I don't feel safe resting here," Saoirse says as soon as she notices the rustling on the other side of the lake. "I'd vote we leave now and meet the treesingers as soon as possible. Let's hope they can help us get rid of Lam's brand quickly... it's like we being watched constantly." After saying this, she gives Lam's arm a reassuring squeeze, trying to make sure he doesn't feel too bad about bearing the brand. It's not his fault, after all.
While they are discussing this, Saoirse looks curiously at the hatchling and, if the creature allows it, she gently touches its head. "You're a soft little one," she says softly. Then, turning to Sha, she adds, "It doesn't seem like it is willing to leave you. Hmm, do you think it's a boy? Or a girl? Or perhaps they don't have a gender just yet?"
Then, when she gets Tesfaye's message, she relays the message to her friends and then replies: "HMC advance prevented temporarily, but we had to flee. Found useful info. Cannot share through here. Towards firbolg village now. Grave Fort later. Stay safe." She thought of sending another message, but perhaps it was best to wait until they started to move towards the Firbolg village (if that was their final decision).
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Sha's heart is instantly and irrevocably bonded to Sombra. He cannot believe he ever intended to part from his beautiful sweet (daughter), "I just need to be extra vigilant." As she perches upon Sha's shoulder and he looks into her eyes he shudders the protective instinct rises up in him. "We really should quickly take care of the marking on Lam, it's not safe to prolong our enemies ability to monitor our travels." After a quick look over Sha turns to reply to Saoirse "I'm not really sure but I don't believe there are male harpies, I'm fairly certain Sombra is a female."
Lam is rendered speechless listening to his friends and their revelations all the way up until Sha introduces the newly hatched harpy’s name. He softly repeats, “Sombra.” He doesn’t believe for a minute that Sha is going to leave her here- not with the way she is acting.
With a moment’s quiet, and the battle over, the brand on Lam begins to make itself known again and feel intensely uncomfortable. Lam nods in agreement when Saoirse says they should find the treesingers. When Saoirse squeezes his arm, she feels him take in a breath that he doesn’t immediately release. He looks at her with gratitude and then turns away. He tunes in to her conversation with Sha, and nods again when Sha also suggests the treesingers. He says, “I agree. I want this gone.” He seems ready to go at a moment’s notice, but waits to hear what Hemlock has to say.
Sombra coos softly and pushes her head against Saoirse's hand in response to being touched. The call is soothing, calming, and sweet, and you recognise the echoes of some enchantment magic playing on your heartstrings, though only very lightly. When Saoirse removes her hand, the hatchling opens here mouth wide and leans her head back, a gesture impossible to mistake for anything other than "put food in my mouth now." Her mouth is larger than a human child's, the lips pulling back a little farther, and it is lined with a row of sharp, cutting teeth like those of a shark, though of course small and thin. As she does this, her little wings flutter; not enough to lift her off of Sha's shoulder yet, but he can feel them moving the air, like someone waving a fan at him. (Congrats, you have an animal companion. Here is Sombra's statblock. She's an NPC controlled by the DM, but she's eager to please and will usually do what you ask her to, if she understands.)
On the other side of the lake, the cattails continue to rustle with something moving through them. It must be wading in the water, and be at least humanoid in size. Hard to tell more from here, even in the moonlit night. (DC18 perception or move towards it around the lake).
DM: Heavy is the Head
The moment Sombra pushes against her hand, a big, warm smile illuminates Saoirse's face. The rest can clearly see that she has just fallen in love with the little harpy, despite having been uncomfortable with the idea of bringing her along barely a day ago. The genasi now wants to care for the hatchling, keep her safe from harm, and... oh, hells, they need to feed her! She quickly searches her pockets, only to remember that she just has dried rations. "I don't suppose the rations will sate her?" she asks, but the sound from the other side of the lake quickly diverts her attention.
Saoirse tries to see what's approaching, but even with her darkvision, she can't make out much (Perception 13). Drawing her weapons preemptively, she stands ready in case whatever—or whoever—it is reaches them, and she urges the others to prepare as well. "Do you see what’s coming?" She'd rather run immediately—after the day they've had, she's not up for any more trouble—, and looks toward her companions with worry...
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Sha stares out in the direction of the rustle (perception 24). "I see it... its its a doe. A beautiful feast for our little ones." Without hesitation Sha reflectively uses a sacred flame to bring down the deer. DC 14 Dex vs 7 radiant damage.