As Iris begins to speak, Crannoc taps her gently on the shoulder, imbuing her with Silvanus'Guidance should she need to persuade the dragon of anything.
"Magic all around, music in the air..." Hildr smiles, impressed by the bard's equivocal, noncommittal response. "So, you neither affirm nor deny the existence of the Weave?"
Hoping for further banter, the Illuskan woman nevertheless knows her duty. She scans the edge of camp, pivoting from time to time as she does. Always assume there are enemies all around.
“My father and sister would put it in those terms, but it is just a way to understand something that can not be fully understood, like the sentient soul.” Gallant says this with a calmness and genuineness that you normal do not see from him.
"You confirm what my father said." Privately, Hildr feels the opposite: The bard's explanation goes further toward supporting her mother's teachings. "Since the gods manifest themselves in all things—Valkur, for example, Captain of the Waves, sometimes makes himself known to mortal creatures as a ghostly wind, while Akadi is the embodiment of the wind itself—and you draw your magic from the air and other natural sources around you, then you cast your spells at the gods' pleasure. They grant you your powers because it pleases them—because you please them. In this way, you do their bidding, not so unlike a priest."
Although their companions have been gone from camp no more than five or ten minutes, Hildr is growing increasingly anxious. She wonders whether she and Gallant should follow them, but then thinks better of it.
Gallant muses on the slightly poetic words of Hildr, "I personally would disagree with that idea, I believe the Gods are there but have little interest in what we do. The Arcane comes from connecting with one's true self and the essence of the world around. In some ways, you could describe this as a Weave but that is unimportant." Gallant walks up to Hildr and reaches out to touch her head, "It's not what you feel here", now moving to her heart, "It is what you feel here that will show how to connect with your true self."
Abashed by the bard's approach, Hildr turns away and proceeds to pace about camp. She is unaccustomed to anyone getting so close. Her father and other men had always kept at sword's length, ceaselessly training and testing her, and she had spurned the company of women—even her own mother—outside of the privacy of hearth and home. Hildr now looks—and feels—silly. Awkward. She doesn't like that.
"The gods have little interest—little interest in what we do?"she stammers."Those are foolish words, skald." Hildr glances up warily. But rather than the vindictive hand of Tempus crashing down, she sees only sparks and smoke spiraling toward an unseen sky. "Take care lest the gods hear you and strike you down!"
After a moment, she regains her composure. Hildr is at a loss outside her homeland. She doesn't understand the mores.
Seeing that he made her uncomfortable, Gallant grabs the back of his head, "I am sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just that you are asking questions that I wish I had the courage to ask." Looking back at the glowing, "I wonder if it going okay out there, I am starting to get a little worried."
"I shouldn't ask so many questions. I was taught not to. You are the magic bringer, not I. It's just," Hildr hesitates, "it's just that I have always been curious." Gallant's solicitude brings her back to the point: "I too am growing worried. Should we follow them?" Inwardly, she balks at the prospect of venturing closer to the pulsating blue light. Outwardly, she is ready, as always, with shield and sword.
Though you address it directly, speaking in its own tongue, still nothing stirs.
However, after about a minute of silence, an aged feminine voice speaks in all three of your heads. "Wise one?"You hear a chuckle. "That is awfully presumptuous of you youngling." The ground begins to rumble, and you see the earth around one of the pools begin to shift and crack. Dirt falls off the mound as the dragon's tail begins to move, slowly shaking back and forth to clear the debris. The ground finally breaks as the rest of the creature's body rises. Moss, mud, and rocks rain to the ground as it pulls itself from the earth to stand on solid ground. Now that you can see its full size, the dragon is absolutely massive. From snout to tail it could easily be over 100 feet in length, and you perhaps couldn't help but wonder how the ground could even hold its weight.
It takes a few tentative steps, the ground shaking with each footfall. Then its head snakes around, eye turned to get a closer look at the three of you. After a momentary inspection, you see the eye curve into a shape similar to a humanoid's when they smile. Her head pulls back, and you hear the voice in your minds again. "I sense no foul intent. Welcome younglings, to the Sister Springs. I know not where the entrance currently manifests, but know that you are safe here."
"You may rest here as I do, bathe in the spring waters, and be granted their blessing."
Gawain stares wide eyed as the dragon pulls itself from the ground, freezing when it pulls it head around close to them. Finally, he finds his voice. "We uh...Thank you, for allowing us to rest here."He glances around them, then back the way they came before finally facing the dragon again. "Do you mind if I ask, where exactly is here? We were just in the Greenfields but this place...Doesn't look anything like there."
"Of course,"The dragon replies telepathically, as it slowly lowers itself to lay down on the ground."Here is a place that exists nowhere you're familiar with. But the entrance to it...travels. It sounds like it has currently landed in this area you call the Greenfields."
"This place was created by my sisters, who were old when I was still just a youngling myself."
"Unreal,"Iris breathes, sharing her companion's awe at the magnificent dragon. As she explains what this place is, the sorceress finds herself nodding along, musing "so it's like they said. Something like a demiplane."The offer to rest here was tempting, and she wasn't keen to refuse such a powerful creature. "There are others with us, waiting outside. If you'll allow, I'd like to go and fetch them."
(In the interest of saving time because I don't know if I'll be on tonight, I'll buffer this if Iris is allowed to leave:)
With a quick respectful bow to the dragon, Iris turns and hurries back the way they came. When she makes it back to the campsite, she ushers the other two to get up and follow. "We found some springs alright. And something a bit more exciting...You need to see this for yourself." She'll say, almost giddy with excitement as she turns back around to lead the both of them back into the woods.
Crannoc, his jaw open and his gaze transfixed, listens to the dragon with awe and reverence.
After a moment, with no more shame than an animal would have, he removes his armor, weapons, pack and clothing and walks naked into a pool, immersing his entire body. (Out of respect, probably not the same pool that the dragon is using).
He closes his eyes, slows his breathing, and begins to meditate.
"That's incredible." Gawain says with a short laugh. He watches Crannoc wordlessly follow the dragon's invitation, and with a shrug begins drops his weapon to the ground to begin working on removing his own armor. "Well I'm Gawain, what should we call you while we're here?"
"Of course youngling, go and retrieve your companions."The dragon lays its head down as Iris takes her leave to fetch Hildr and Gallant, though her eyes remain open. She watches the other half-elf enter one of the pools before turning her gaze to the human. There's an amused twinkle in her eyes as she seems to consider Gawain's question, "my name is long and ridden with titles...But in your tongue you may refer to me as Mercuriel."
“A dragon!” What was intended as a question comes out as an exclamation.
Hildr doesn’t want to believe this. She doesn’t feel ready for it. She starts peppering Iris with questions. “Are you sure it is not a ruse?” she asks. “I have heard that many of the great worms can take disguises.” And yet, Iris stands before her, and she does not seem to be under duress. If the dragon had wanted to devour her…
She has heard of metallic dragons. They have never been allies of her people—to Northlanders, they remain mythical and unknown—and she had assumed they are the stuff of fantasy. It is said that they are less avaricious than the chromatic dragons which have occasionally aided Illuskan raiders, albeit in legend. It is also said that the metallics are benevolent. A benevolent dragon? How could that be?
By the looks of them, neither Iris's nor Gallant's patience is without limits. So, when her companions leave, stepping from light to darkness toward light, curiosity overcomes terror, and Hildr goes with them.
This mercenary who fancies herself a Valkyrie has to close her eyes as she crosses the pulsating threshold of light into the demiplane. To say Hildr is now well out of her element would be an understatement. And yet, is not this adventure she is embarking upon the very definition of heroic? Does it not have the makings of an epic? Her father and mother agreed on one thing: Hildr was born with a destiny.
She refuses to look the colossal golden-scaled worm in the eye. It is too much for her to bear. Almost involuntarily, Hildr finds herself kneeling before it, waiting for the dragon to bid her to rise. When Mercuriel says nothing and merely smiles upon her, Hildr too disrobes. She has spent the better part of her life aboard ships in the company of men, and she is not bashful about her body; on the contrary, she is proud of her mighty physique. She is a match for the mightiest of warriors.
And so, concealing her fear behind a mask of pride, Hildr descends into the enchanted waters.
Gallant grows a wide grin, "Well hello Mercuriel, I am Gallant the Gab and I would love to hear more about how you got here and what is your biggest dreams and hopes." All of this is in Draconic by the way.
He also takes off his armor but keeps his underclothing on so it may also be cleaned and hops into the pool with the Dragon.
After returning with the Gallant and Hildr, Iris quietly removes her clothing and joins the others in the pool. She sinks down to her chin in the water, letting out a long relieved sigh. "This couldn't have come at a better time. I've never been to a hot spring before, but after this...We'll need to find one at a more permanent location."
(To clarify, Mercuriel is not in a pool, more like curled around one. Sorry, I didn't catch that earlier.)
The faint glow of the spring waters reflect off your skin as you all enter, washing away whatever dirt or grime you might have collected on your journey so far. Whatever your preferences are, the temperature seems perfect, and you can feel the warmth relaxing your muscles. After only a short time in the waters, you feel a sense of rejuvenation and calm.
Mercuriel watches with amusement as the bard slips into the pool she rests near. "That is a long tale Gallant the Gab, longer than I wish to speak for. Suffice to say...My sisters created this place in their later years, to find peace in their final days. I didn't understand it at the time."
"I've had my fun in the world, my adventures, and my battles. But now I understand my sisters' reasoning for this realm, the peace it brings." After a slow blink, she continues. "There is nothing left I hope for, because I have everything I ever wanted out of this life."
"When you are finished bathing, you may sleep here tonight. I allow no creature that intends harm in thsis realm, you may rest peacefully."
The dragon's eyes close, and you hear a simple answer. "No."
"I have no control over where the entrance appears. You may be fortunate enough to stumble upon it twice, but I have never seen the same face here again."
"May I perform for you a few tales and ballads from the outside world? I love the power of story and if I impress you, maybe you can tell me your story so that I may sing your tale across the land."
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As Iris begins to speak, Crannoc taps her gently on the shoulder, imbuing her with Silvanus' Guidance should she need to persuade the dragon of anything.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"You confirm what my father said." Privately, Hildr feels the opposite: The bard's explanation goes further toward supporting her mother's teachings. "Since the gods manifest themselves in all things—Valkur, for example, Captain of the Waves, sometimes makes himself known to mortal creatures as a ghostly wind, while Akadi is the embodiment of the wind itself—and you draw your magic from the air and other natural sources around you, then you cast your spells at the gods' pleasure. They grant you your powers because it pleases them—because you please them. In this way, you do their bidding, not so unlike a priest."
Although their companions have been gone from camp no more than five or ten minutes, Hildr is growing increasingly anxious. She wonders whether she and Gallant should follow them, but then thinks better of it.
Gallant muses on the slightly poetic words of Hildr, "I personally would disagree with that idea, I believe the Gods are there but have little interest in what we do. The Arcane comes from connecting with one's true self and the essence of the world around. In some ways, you could describe this as a Weave but that is unimportant." Gallant walks up to Hildr and reaches out to touch her head, "It's not what you feel here", now moving to her heart, "It is what you feel here that will show how to connect with your true self."
Abashed by the bard's approach, Hildr turns away and proceeds to pace about camp. She is unaccustomed to anyone getting so close. Her father and other men had always kept at sword's length, ceaselessly training and testing her, and she had spurned the company of women—even her own mother—outside of the privacy of hearth and home. Hildr now looks—and feels—silly. Awkward. She doesn't like that.
"The gods have little interest—little interest in what we do?" she stammers. "Those are foolish words, skald." Hildr glances up warily. But rather than the vindictive hand of Tempus crashing down, she sees only sparks and smoke spiraling toward an unseen sky. "Take care lest the gods hear you and strike you down!"
After a moment, she regains her composure. Hildr is at a loss outside her homeland. She doesn't understand the mores.
Seeing that he made her uncomfortable, Gallant grabs the back of his head, "I am sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just that you are asking questions that I wish I had the courage to ask." Looking back at the glowing, "I wonder if it going okay out there, I am starting to get a little worried."
"I shouldn't ask so many questions. I was taught not to. You are the magic bringer, not I. It's just," Hildr hesitates, "it's just that I have always been curious." Gallant's solicitude brings her back to the point: "I too am growing worried. Should we follow them?" Inwardly, she balks at the prospect of venturing closer to the pulsating blue light. Outwardly, she is ready, as always, with shield and sword.
Though you address it directly, speaking in its own tongue, still nothing stirs.
However, after about a minute of silence, an aged feminine voice speaks in all three of your heads. "Wise one?" You hear a chuckle. "That is awfully presumptuous of you youngling." The ground begins to rumble, and you see the earth around one of the pools begin to shift and crack. Dirt falls off the mound as the dragon's tail begins to move, slowly shaking back and forth to clear the debris. The ground finally breaks as the rest of the creature's body rises. Moss, mud, and rocks rain to the ground as it pulls itself from the earth to stand on solid ground. Now that you can see its full size, the dragon is absolutely massive. From snout to tail it could easily be over 100 feet in length, and you perhaps couldn't help but wonder how the ground could even hold its weight.
It takes a few tentative steps, the ground shaking with each footfall. Then its head snakes around, eye turned to get a closer look at the three of you. After a momentary inspection, you see the eye curve into a shape similar to a humanoid's when they smile. Her head pulls back, and you hear the voice in your minds again. "I sense no foul intent. Welcome younglings, to the Sister Springs. I know not where the entrance currently manifests, but know that you are safe here."
"You may rest here as I do, bathe in the spring waters, and be granted their blessing."
Gawain stares wide eyed as the dragon pulls itself from the ground, freezing when it pulls it head around close to them. Finally, he finds his voice. "We uh...Thank you, for allowing us to rest here." He glances around them, then back the way they came before finally facing the dragon again. "Do you mind if I ask, where exactly is here? We were just in the Greenfields but this place...Doesn't look anything like there."
"Of course," The dragon replies telepathically, as it slowly lowers itself to lay down on the ground. "Here is a place that exists nowhere you're familiar with. But the entrance to it...travels. It sounds like it has currently landed in this area you call the Greenfields."
"This place was created by my sisters, who were old when I was still just a youngling myself."
"Unreal," Iris breathes, sharing her companion's awe at the magnificent dragon. As she explains what this place is, the sorceress finds herself nodding along, musing "so it's like they said. Something like a demiplane." The offer to rest here was tempting, and she wasn't keen to refuse such a powerful creature. "There are others with us, waiting outside. If you'll allow, I'd like to go and fetch them."
(In the interest of saving time because I don't know if I'll be on tonight, I'll buffer this if Iris is allowed to leave:)
With a quick respectful bow to the dragon, Iris turns and hurries back the way they came. When she makes it back to the campsite, she ushers the other two to get up and follow. "We found some springs alright. And something a bit more exciting...You need to see this for yourself." She'll say, almost giddy with excitement as she turns back around to lead the both of them back into the woods.
Crannoc, his jaw open and his gaze transfixed, listens to the dragon with awe and reverence.
After a moment, with no more shame than an animal would have, he removes his armor, weapons, pack and clothing and walks naked into a pool, immersing his entire body. (Out of respect, probably not the same pool that the dragon is using).
He closes his eyes, slows his breathing, and begins to meditate.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"That's incredible." Gawain says with a short laugh. He watches Crannoc wordlessly follow the dragon's invitation, and with a shrug begins drops his weapon to the ground to begin working on removing his own armor. "Well I'm Gawain, what should we call you while we're here?"
"Of course youngling, go and retrieve your companions." The dragon lays its head down as Iris takes her leave to fetch Hildr and Gallant, though her eyes remain open. She watches the other half-elf enter one of the pools before turning her gaze to the human. There's an amused twinkle in her eyes as she seems to consider Gawain's question, "my name is long and ridden with titles...But in your tongue you may refer to me as Mercuriel."
“A dragon!” What was intended as a question comes out as an exclamation.
Hildr doesn’t want to believe this. She doesn’t feel ready for it. She starts peppering Iris with questions. “Are you sure it is not a ruse?” she asks. “I have heard that many of the great worms can take disguises.” And yet, Iris stands before her, and she does not seem to be under duress. If the dragon had wanted to devour her…
She has heard of metallic dragons. They have never been allies of her people—to Northlanders, they remain mythical and unknown—and she had assumed they are the stuff of fantasy. It is said that they are less avaricious than the chromatic dragons which have occasionally aided Illuskan raiders, albeit in legend. It is also said that the metallics are benevolent. A benevolent dragon? How could that be?
By the looks of them, neither Iris's nor Gallant's patience is without limits. So, when her companions leave, stepping from light to darkness toward light, curiosity overcomes terror, and Hildr goes with them.
This mercenary who fancies herself a Valkyrie has to close her eyes as she crosses the pulsating threshold of light into the demiplane. To say Hildr is now well out of her element would be an understatement. And yet, is not this adventure she is embarking upon the very definition of heroic? Does it not have the makings of an epic? Her father and mother agreed on one thing: Hildr was born with a destiny.
She refuses to look the colossal golden-scaled worm in the eye. It is too much for her to bear. Almost involuntarily, Hildr finds herself kneeling before it, waiting for the dragon to bid her to rise. When Mercuriel says nothing and merely smiles upon her, Hildr too disrobes. She has spent the better part of her life aboard ships in the company of men, and she is not bashful about her body; on the contrary, she is proud of her mighty physique. She is a match for the mightiest of warriors.
And so, concealing her fear behind a mask of pride, Hildr descends into the enchanted waters.
Gallant grows a wide grin, "Well hello Mercuriel, I am Gallant the Gab and I would love to hear more about how you got here and what is your biggest dreams and hopes." All of this is in Draconic by the way.
He also takes off his armor but keeps his underclothing on so it may also be cleaned and hops into the pool with the Dragon.
After returning with the Gallant and Hildr, Iris quietly removes her clothing and joins the others in the pool. She sinks down to her chin in the water, letting out a long relieved sigh. "This couldn't have come at a better time. I've never been to a hot spring before, but after this...We'll need to find one at a more permanent location."
(To clarify, Mercuriel is not in a pool, more like curled around one. Sorry, I didn't catch that earlier.)
The faint glow of the spring waters reflect off your skin as you all enter, washing away whatever dirt or grime you might have collected on your journey so far. Whatever your preferences are, the temperature seems perfect, and you can feel the warmth relaxing your muscles. After only a short time in the waters, you feel a sense of rejuvenation and calm.
Mercuriel watches with amusement as the bard slips into the pool she rests near. "That is a long tale Gallant the Gab, longer than I wish to speak for. Suffice to say...My sisters created this place in their later years, to find peace in their final days. I didn't understand it at the time."
"I've had my fun in the world, my adventures, and my battles. But now I understand my sisters' reasoning for this realm, the peace it brings." After a slow blink, she continues. "There is nothing left I hope for, because I have everything I ever wanted out of this life."
"When you are finished bathing, you may sleep here tonight. I allow no creature that intends harm in thsis realm, you may rest peacefully."
"Is there a way for us to call you or this place when we are in a time of need?" Gallant says with a bow.
The dragon's eyes close, and you hear a simple answer. "No."
"I have no control over where the entrance appears. You may be fortunate enough to stumble upon it twice, but I have never seen the same face here again."
"May I perform for you a few tales and ballads from the outside world? I love the power of story and if I impress you, maybe you can tell me your story so that I may sing your tale across the land."