"You are truly a lady with a nobility of soul like I've never met" the stable boy kneels reverently, regardless of the fact that he gets his trousers dirty due to the gesture. "I will follow your wise advice and thank you! May the Red Knight always inspire you in your plans".
"Ah, a friend who refers valued customers to my inn?" raises an eyebrow, curious, Yondral "There is a dwarven saying that goes 'The difference between an acquaintance and a friend is about a hundred years' - but I, in managing this tavern," he winks "have discovered that every good mug drunk together shortens the necessary period by a year! This 'friend' of mine has probably already reached the quota of one hundred mugs. I will do my best so that you feel encouraged to come back enough times to match him, my esteemed ladies".
"As for the ruins of Rassalantar's Keep..." the dwarf absentmindedly slaps his hand on his belly as he rearranges his ideas (and awaits to know what he should bring for Solitude and Spira) "Well, you must know that long ago, the warrior Rassalantar built Rassalantar's Keep to the west of the present settlement. But when Rassalantar died, the ruined keep began to be used by traveling vagabonds, doppelgangers, and hungry monsters as a place of shelter. About 130 years ago, this charming village of Rassalantar, sprung up east of the ruined keep. In the time that has elapsed up to the present day, most of the keep's stones were dissembled and used for construction in nearby settlements. All that was left was the underground cellar and dungeons, both of which had flooded. But still there are occasional groups of adventurers who go there to explore, hoping to return full of glory and treasures".
Meanwhile, Solitude has decided what to order: "I'll take the same as Aidwyn, but 'pottage' instead of porrige, please".
[[ This journey begins practically shortly after 'The Party of Four' returns from Waterdeep - perhaps the same day, at most the next day ]]
After Aidwyn, finally dedicated to Lathander, instantly returns to Longsaddle, together with those who accompanied her, thanks to Zentromya's teleportation powers, Rash, having in the meantime finished his research work at the Ivy Mansion, is eager to leave to see his family again, at the Bloodskull Tribe. Among other things, he must accompany Kunnari there, the condemned young man who chose 'slavery' among the barbarian half-orcs as a punishment to atone for his sins.
The guards are perfectly aware of the agreements and entrust the prisoner to the half-orc hero with trust and throwing a few mocking smiles at Kunnari: "Come, slaver, go... It will do you good to know the fate to which you have condemned so many others!"
Anita, once away from the guards, murmurs to the other: "Don't be afraid... probably the worst part of your life is now behind you. Unless you do something stupid with us".
Kunnari, perhaps not sure how to respond, simply looks at both her and Rash with gratitude.
Rash intends to retrace the route that led him to Longsaddle... That is, travel the Long Road north, in the direction of Mirabar. But well before Mirabar, you'll leave the road, to head towards Grunwald, the barbaric village of the Uthgardt Thunderbeast tribe on the borders of the Lurkwood. Then you'll be crossing a short stretch of the Lurkwood and heading straight north into the middle of the wilderness, up to the first mountains of the colossal range of The Spine of The World. It is on one of these mountains that the Boodskull tribe is found. Barring complications, it should be a trip of about 5 days.
Rash, Anita and Kunnari will enjoy the company of Zentromya, Aidwyn and Solitude [[ OOC: This is because I remember that neither Roxana nor Spira were interested in participating... and consequently Gaer wasn't participating either - if anyone changed their mind, there's still time to join ]]. This time Aidwyn would also like to take Balfby with her (who in fact should find plenty of game once he abandons the Long Road), but the problem remains that Balfby cannot expose himself to sunlight... therefore, either an expedient is found to always keep her in the dark while traveling with you, or she will stay hidden during the day and travel at night to join you.
Anyone who wants to shop for the trip, please do so.
On the day of departure, a shy sun opposes, without too much success, a strong cold wind - the net result is an annoying wind a little less cold than it could be and excellent visibility.
[[ OOC: If you want to role-play your departure - or some interaction prior to departure - go ahead... Afterwards I will proceed to narrate the journey ]]
When Darvin mentions her brother, Spira sighs. "Thank you. I know you understood the bind I was in with Gaer. In fact ... I sometimes think you were the one back then who really understood me the best." She smiles, only a little wistfully. "But fortunately, this is a generous world sometimes, and sometimes there is such a thing as a second chance." Her eyes linger on his a moment before she hastily goes on, "For instance, Gaer is quite the reformed character these days. One of the 'heroes of Longsaddle', in fact, and quite happily in love with R... with another one, so it even looks like he might settle down and start a family. Who would have thought?" A shadow flickers briefly in her look. "Until that night. We promised each other never to talk about the details, but the same firestorm of a night brought him back to the light that showed me that true justice is to heal the 'miscreants' souls so they don't err in the first place, rather than waiting and then punishing them afterwards. Anything else, though, I'd love to talk to you about. And there's so much to catch up on."
And sure enough, the whole interchange between her companions and the proprietor and staff of the Sleeping Dragon goes unheeded as Spira eagerly awaits her colleague and then sits up with him half the night drinking and reminiscing. At the end, though, she sighs again. "I'm only sorry I didn't get to know you better back in Berdusk. Or that ... " She breaks off a moment. "But perhaps your watch commander could spare you a day or so to guide a party of defenseless ladies safely the rest of the way to Waterdeep?" Her eyes are wide with feigned innocence as she grins at him.
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(OOC: I did want to wrap this up, but I'm fine from this point RPing it out in as much or as little detail as you prefer, and understanding that you also need to balance out getting us split ends of PCs spliced back together in a reasonable amount of time. If you want to telescope it, Spira would ask him just before they left Waterdeep to take a leave of absence and come with her but would accept if circumstances make it impossible
And yes, while Spira would be willing to help if anyone asked, she sees the group that are going as able to handle anything likely to come up and would be just as happy cozying up with Aedion, at least, in front of a nice warm fire back in Longsaddle, even if Darvin hasn't managed to get leave. Unless, of course, Aedion's real parent happened to still be around unbeknownst to Spira and should happen to have other ideas on the matter, of course ... ;))
[[ OOC: There's no need to wrap this up; I had thought about leaving this thing on hold because I didn't know if you'd be able to start posting again so soon - but since you are, we might as well role-play this now! It's fitting that Spira also has her moment... I'd say she deserved it! ]]
Yondral serves everyone the dinner they ordered, not skimping on portions; almost at the same time as you finish dinner, a smiling and visibly fresh-from-the-bath sergeant makes his entrance, after wearing well-kept civilian clothes, of good quality and elegant in their own way... probably the best he had available.
Darvin greets Aidwyn and Solitude politely, but almost immediately he throws himself enthusiastically into a night of drinking and reminiscing with Spira! In addition to Beredusk's memories, the ex-colleague also tries to catch up as best he can with what happened to Spira and Gaer afterwards and smiles proudly when he hears about the latest incredible successes: "I knew it, Spira. I always knew. You had it written in everything you did. You always had the... mark, the calling, the destiny... I don't know what to call it, Spira, but you always had that something more in you, that something that makes you be great in spite of everything and everyone. That same something that allowed you to become Sergeant despite the distrust that tieflings normally inspire. That same something that helped you guide Gaer to become what he became - a good person - which is certainly no small thing, considering the incredible amount of sons of b*ches that you meet every day. That something that your goddess must have spotted before the other gods could - I congratulate her for her good eye, by the way - as she sent you your calling. And that same something, helped you become one of the 'heroes of Longsaddle'. You know that some vague rumor reached even this almost forgotten hamlet of Rassalantar? I... I don't want to say that I knew you had something to do with it, but do you know that I thought so? That you could be one of those?" There is truly deep admiration that shines in those dark green eyes, while his hand, naturally, seeks that of the tiefling cleric.
At the last offer of the Sergeant of Arvandor and at that grin that belies the feigned innocence, Darvin blushes slightly again, as before in the street, and he seems to hesitate, not knowing well whether or not to say something... which, evidently, he finally decides to reveal, because he speaks again: "Well... At the risk of you laughing at the stupidity of a rough man-at-arms who isn't clear on how much he can aspire to... I want to tell you something, Spira" he takes a generous sip and reaches for her hand again, before continuing. "I told you that I left Beredusk because I was missing something, right? Well, it's you that I missed, Spira. I thought I admired you, when you were in Beredusk with me and I often managed to see you... I told myself that I continued to looking for you all the time just because... well, because you were probably the most beautiful guard I had ever seen. Or the smartest. Or the coolest. But then when you finally went away... when I started not seeing you anymore... never again... it was like I was out of breath, Spira. When I left Beredusk, to start again elsewhere, I didn't do it with the intention of making a career in the Waterdhavian Guard. I did it with the intention of be able to, one day, start breathing again. So... you can bet, I'll accompany you, Spira. I'd accompany you anywhere".
“Maybe I could…work for your church, your religion?” hypothesizes Darvin, increasingly hesitant, obviously fearing that he is making senseless plans "I don't know much about these things, unfortunately, Spira... Does your religion need men-at-arms? I would do anything to be able to work with you again..." his voice lowers "to work with you always..."
Aidwyn and Solitude greet the sergeant in civilian attire, and after a few minutes of hearing them sharing histories of their past, they engage in their own conversation leaving the two old friends to catch up.
They excuse themselves not too long later and then they go to their room to rest, and giving Spira and Darvin the privacy they obviously need.
Ever since she parted with Darvin in the afternoon, Spira's thoughts have clearly been preoccupied by him; and their conversation has only deepened her interest. She blushes happily at his praise, and still more at his hand seeking hers so naturally. Her eyes are smiling brightly as she murmurs, " 'The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards.,' as someone once said. You certainly had your own burdens to overcome, and I thought you did far better than I was able to tell you at the time."
When he reveals the depth of his feelings for her, those eyes lock suddenly on his. He can see just a tiny tear trembling at the corner of one as she sighs, "I wish I'd known ... " The sadness does not dim the joy in her gaze as she looks upon him, simply adds a note of wistful bittersweet that makes her present happiness at what he has just said stand out all the more. And the sigh she draws before going on is gentle and healing. "You know, I may seem strong on the outside, but deep down I've never been able to understand other people the way most do. Reading their tone and eyes, sensing almost instinctively what they're likely thinking and feeling about me like so many seem able to do without even thinking about it. Maybe that's why I've always talked so much. I'm like someone with blindsight as far as the heart goes, feeling my way with words through a world I've always sensed and hoped was there but never was able to hear or see. I never knew anyone had ever felt that way about me, much less you. The one person I would have welcomed with open arms much sooner if I hadn't been born heartblind" She suits actions to words as she speaks, wrapping both arms around him and drawing him close. After a moment she sighs again, but this time he can tell its at least half humorously. "We are going to have to speak to your watch commander, though, Sergeant Nolaras, and get you properly and honorably discharged. I don't think we can jettison protocol quite that abruptly. Once a lifetime is enough, thanks."
Meanwhile her thoughts drift back to Aedion's question earlier in the day about 'meeting her friend'. Her eyes begin to sparkle with flirtatious mischief as she gently wakens the little snake, who is curled up in his favorite sleeping place, with a thought. "You can meet Mom's friend now if you want, Aedion. In fact he might become a lot more than just a friend, but because of that Mom's feeling a little mischievous and I'd like to surprise him. Can you wait till I say to him, 'Actually, there is someone I should tell you about?', and then count to three and suddenly fly out the way we've been practicing?"
===========================
(OOC: and Spira's player can't resist the teaching moment of mentioning that Spira's description of 'blindsight of the heart' and feeling one's way through inadequately with words are a true to life snapshot from the 'higher functioning' end of the autism spectrum her player also inhabits with varying degrees of ease or ... its reverse.)
Darvin returns Spira's embrace, prolonging it to the point of seeming not to want to let her go anymore... and the tone of his voice betrays the fact that the gesture (which perhaps he hadn't dared hope for) must have moved him: "Spira! Oh, Spira... It's not your fault, it was me who... who had yet to understand what was really happening to me. And maybe I should have understood it sooner... talked to you sooner... What can I say, Spira, I can be kind of a blockhead, at times. But now we are here and... Oh, Spira, if anyone had predicted this moment to me, I would not have believed it".
When the two finally break the embrace, the cleric of Angharrad actually notices the tough sergeant furtively wiping his dark green eyes... To the plans for his 'honorably discharge' he enthusiastically accepts: "Of course! I'll talk to him straight away tomorrow morning. Old Gheldarm, my 'civilar' (this is the rank equivalent to 'captain' in the Waterdhavian Guard), shouldn't cause too much trouble... I think he already has in mind who could replace me; a good friend of his, Timmer, Timmer Longschal, was recently promoted to sergeant... You'll see, it'll just be a matter of (not too much) time! Tomorrow I'll accompany you and your friends to Waterdeep and if you return to Longsaddle afterwards, I'll stay the last few days in Rassalantar to take care of the final chores and I will join you, as a free man, at the wedding you told me about!"
Meanwhile, Aedion chuckles amusedly in the mind of the Sergeant of Arvandor: "How nice, mom! I want to meet this friend of yours! I feel your heart beating faster... and I feel it's warmer now here! He must be nice! Plus, I like jokes! I'm ready to do what you have in mind!" and in fact the coils and wings of the little creature begin to quiver in anticipation - slightly tickling Spira.
[[ OOC: Teaching moment appreciated by me... I personally don't know very much about Autism - but what you describe sounds challenging. I can say that - at least judging from what you post - you seem to function well and the difficulties you face at least do not prevent you from being a great person to be (virtually, in this case, but I have no doubt it would be the same in person) together with. I don't know if with time, life experience, treatment, divine intervention or who knows what else it is possible for your situation to improve... but if so, I hope it happens. And if not... oh, well, we all have our problems to live with - live we will, the best we can ]]
An artfully feigned troubled look wrinkles Spira's brow for a moment. "Oh, Darvin, that sounds wonderful; and I'm looking forward to your company on the road to Waterdeep, and then our first dance together at the wedding in Longsaddle, but ... well ... actually, there is someone I should tell you about." There is a three second pause, just long enough for Darvin's face to begin to sag in shock and dismay; and then Aedion bursts forth from the top of her dress with a tickle of her chin and Spira dissolves into merry pealing giggles. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I just couldn't resist. You're so charming when you get that startled look in your eyes, I ... oh, I just couldn't resist. But no, in all seriousness, you are my first and only love. To this little guy, I'm simply his adoptive mom. We found a nest disturbed along the road; but Aedion's birth mother made sure his egg was safe until someone could come along to care for him." Her eyes hint to him to let those details pass lightly. "I've been so happy and excited since I met you again so unexpectedly; and Aedion picked it up ... he communicates by thought ... so he's pretty excited to meet you too."
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(OOC: oh, thank you so much! I'm running out of time I can be online tonight, but would be glad to talk more about it in the recent future)
At first troubled and worried by the words of his newfound love, Darvin is taken completely by surprise by the unexpected appearance of Aedion - the man-at-arms jumps and his hand instinctively runs to his side, where the sheath of his trusty dagger lies useful in close-quarter combat... But the expert warrior the next moment has already recognized that the small and graceful winged serpent does not seem to represent a danger - both considering that he has now stopped in mid-air and considering the 'place' from which he came out - and Spira's merry pealing giggles remove all doubts from him.
"Hmmppph... So I'm charming when you manage to scare me, I'm not?" mutters the Waterdhavian Sergeant, pretending to sulk "I must have lost five years of life..." he theatrically places a hand over his heart - but then laughs heartily "You are truly incredible, Spira! Always so sensitive towards others, towards those is in trouble... that you found a son before you found a man! But what do you mean by 'he communicates by thought'?" he tries hard to understand.
“Mom means I can talk like that!” Aedion's cheerful telepathic voice rings in the minds of the two sergeants "Hello mom's friend! I like who mom likes! And she likes you a lot! Will you be my friend too? My name is Aedion".
"Oh... eh... hmmm..." the man-at-arms seems not to know what to say, but then tenderness makes its way onto his face, relaxing his features "I'm Darvin, it's a great pleasure to meet you, Aedion. Maybe I'll be more of a dad to you than a friend, since your mom and I... well... it looks like we'll be together for a long time".
"Really? Did you find me a dad, mom?" Aedion is excited at the news "How nice, thanks! I've never had a dad. And he's nice too..."
The man-at-arms seems truly conquered by the little creature and, while he searches for Spira's hand with his right hand, he opens the palm of his left hand, holding it out towards Aedion... who lands on it and begins to crawl on it, gaining confidence.
"You both are truly incredible" Darvin murmurs admiringly, looking now at the tiefling, now at the baby-winged-serpent.
As she watches the newfound sun and moon of her heart get acquainted, a tender smile flows over Spira's whole face. She drapes the arm Darvin is not holding the hand of around his shoulders. This leaves her left hand resting where she could reach out a finger and either caress Darvin's palm or stroke Aedion's head, following the zephyrs of her tenderness. "And you are both incredible, truly. I am absolutely looking forward to showing you off at Lady Martha's wedding dinner. Hey ... Aedion, maybe the three of us could practice a dance together for that night! You could fly in spirals about our heads while we glide about the dance floor."
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Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"I like to dance with mom and dad!" Aedion is telepathically enthusiastic - and already begins to fly in rapid spirals around your heads, as if he were drawing halos around you with his wings. "This way mom? Can I dance well, mom?"
Darvin laughs, both amused and... satisfied - he seems like a man who has found what he was really looking for, perhaps without even knowing it fully, until he found it in front of him. He looks around: "In fact, if someone made a little music, we could already try dancing... I would really like to know where the minstrels end up when they are needed..." and in Indeed, that evening no bard is present in the little hamlet's inn... Far from being discouraged, the rude man-at-arms begins to whistle some tune he knows and invites the cleric of Angharrad to get up from the table and improvise a few dance steps! It's certainly not his specialty, but he makes up for his lack of experience with a healthy enthusiasm.
Happy that someone is helping to liven up the evening, Yondral begins to clap in time, promptly imitated by most of the patrons present. Some couples even join you in the dancing.
When it's getting late and there aren't many people left, the Waterdhavian Sergeant takes advantage of Spira's proximity to whisper to her: "Perhaps it's time to retire for the night... if the journey to Waterdeep awaits us tomorrow... I... . I don't know..." the man-at-arms seems embarrassed "When Aedion is asleep I can... You know... Come to you and wish you good night, if you want..." he swallows "Yondral is quite a discreet person... But if you're afraid we'll wake the baby up... Or if you think I'm rushing too much... Just tell me... I had to wait so long for you, that a few more days won't make the difference... I just want you to know..." he smiles "I just want you to be well".
"Oh, you two dance so wonderfully! We seem to be quite the sensation already!" The joy in Spira's eyes has been growing steadily deeper and brighter as her evening with Darvin goes on. And while the spectators may differ as to how wonderful her own dancing is (Performance 14), she is obviously perfectly satisfied with it so long as he is. And at his last hesitant whisper, the tough 'Sergeant of Arvandor' actually blushes from her horns to her toes!
"Oh good heavens, Darvin, you have me feeling as shy as a schoolgirl again! You'd better not roll back time too much farther or you'll have to be buying a cradle for me instead of ... " She winks. Then, more seriously; "We've waited this long, why in all the gods' names would we want to wait any longer?! But as far as Aedion goes, I'm not sure what will wake him. When he's happy and comfortable, often he's as relaxed and still as if he were asleep. I'm trying to be as open and honest with him about ... grownup things, or complicated things ... as I think he'll be able to understand. But I've never had to work it out when it affected another person. I definitely want you to have a say in whatever we decide. But whatever it is, I want you to have no doubt about one thing. I AM well now. Better than I've ever been in my life, because now I have you. And Aedion; and I love you both." Her eyes melt into soft pools of amethyst as she draws him close and whispers in his ear, "I love you ... "
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(and since this is an all-ages forum, I will be more than happy to follow your lead as to when it is time to draw the curtain of the Adult Conspiracy (as the Xanth novels would put it) on the spicier details of this particular scene)
And so, after having effectively 'woken up' the 'Sleeping Dragon' with the celebration of having found each other again, the two sergeants retire in private at the end of the evening...
[[ OOC: Yes, of course, if we like to role-play in detail what will happen between the two 'in private', we will do it in a private conversation. In the meantime I advance 'public' history ]]
The next day, the 'Party of Four' prepares to face the last day of travel... with the addition of a 'fifth'! Sergeant Nolaras, who has procured a horse and stays next to Spira with an unusual expression of tender affection drawn on his face, will accompany you to the (fortunately finally close) city of Waterdeep.
Gray skies, cold and light rain are unable to dampen your enthusiasm in the slightest, as you approach the end of your journey...
The journey continues extraordinarily peacefully... either due to Lathander's blessing, or due to the fact that you are now very close to the large (and well defended) metropolis, as the excellent pavement of the road testifies.
At sunset, therefore, you come into view of the imposing walls of the Crown of the North, which protect it on its landward sides, while on the seaward side this function is performed by Mount Waterdeep, studded with watch towers and defensive positions. Winged creatures carrying a rider also seem to fly around the mountain on regular patrols...
"The Griffon Cavalry" Darvin explains, following the curious gaze of those who started watching the creatures. "It's a special guard unit on flights of griffons. They're a sight to behold... but in our case, it's a good thing they're up high, away from us... Griffons love horses very much - but as food! "
Upon seeing the incredible extension of the town, Zentromya cannot help but exclaim telepathically in the minds of all of you: "It's very big... So many people all wanting to live together.... it must be the friendliest place on the Prime Material Plane!"
Aedion then comes out of his usual 'shelter' to see and is incredibly impressed in turn: "Mom, dad... Zentromya is right, it's really big! Are there really many friends there?"
Darvin, a little embarrassed by the naivety of the two, observes: "Well... You have to consider that maybe it's not that they 'want' to live together... maybe sometimes it's also a question of necessity and convenience. There will certainly be a bunch of good people... but, just in case, it's best not to assume that they all are".
Soon you will reach the gates of the city... Do you intend to immediately start looking for the 'Spires of the Morning', the famous cathedral dedicated to Lathander, the final destination of your journey? Or do you prefer to stay in the city and look for it the next morning?
"Let's assume that most of people here are at least friendly, but not necessary friends" says Aidwyn to Davin's words and as a explanation to the two creatures "but let them to their own bussiness we do not want to disturb them." she explains with a smile to them.
"I would like to go to the Temple as soon as possible. I guess that they would conduct their more important ceremonies at dawn, so if we could talk with them before they go to rest for the day, I could swear my alliegance to Lathander tomorrow in their ceremony..."
"As you wish, O eager aspirant to the Morninglord's service!" Sergeant Nolaras bows, before leading the way "Fortunately, it is not difficult to find the cathedral... It is in the Castle Ward, near the northern spur of Mount Waterdeep in Waterdeep... well, it is still distant, but you can also see from here!" he points with his finger at an imposing building, in the distance, imposing and luminous at the same time - literally luminous, since its roof reflects the last light of the sunset "Remarkable, right? The pink marble of which it is made can be recognized even by here... it's a three-story cathedral capped by seven spires of copper, gold, and silver! The effect, at dawn, is breathtaking... but even at sunset it's not really bad".
Led by a Waterdhavian Sergeant, you easily gain access first to the city, then to the Castle ward. Once you arrive at the cathedral, two cheerful-looking young gnomes, with their sunny and smiling faces, but also unusually martial, with their splint mails and sharp swords, greet you with a furry of words:
"Pleasure to meet you noble pilgrims!" begins one of the two, a gnome with black bowl-shaped hair "You arrive at an unfavorable hour to visit the cathedral - which is very beautiful to visit, mind you, it is certainly worth a visit - but it is the hour that is not very beautiful The sun will definitely set soon... and the cathedral is even more beautiful to see with the sun!" he turns towards his companion for a moment "Am I right, Orryn?"
"Exactly, Kellen!" replies Orryn, a gnome with curly brown hair, then immediately turning towards you "The cathedral is unparalleled if visited at dawn, when the first rays of the sun come to visit it flowing on its paths of precious metal! And obviously you have come to visit the cathedral! Or did you come to meet Kellen and me instead? But I think not, because Kellen and I are not that important after all... Or rather, for the Order of the Aster we are - and maybe even for a lots of people that the Order helps defend, indirectly we are important, but I mean... there are a lot of us who are part of the Order, so why would you come to visit us?"
"Or perhaps you have come to join the Order?" Kellen's brown eyes light up with excitement "The Order of the Aster willingly accepts the membership of new pure and valiant hearts! If so, can we let you speak to Jandar?"
Smiling happily, Spira replies to the two gnomes of the Aster Order, "Well, our main business is the calling our friend Aidwyn here," she indicates the other with a wave of her hand, "felt to your god; and of course its for her to say more as to its nature. But my other friend Darvin and I would also love to come back and admire the temple's beauty at dawn. Perhaps you could recommend which vistas give the most ... tender ... light upon the scene?" She bats her eyelids towards her other friend in a show of feigned innocence before breaking into peals of laughter.
"Did you hear that, Kellen?!" Orryn frantically looks from Spira, Kellen, to Aidwyn "The lady with the mithral shield wants to serve our god! We really need to get her to talk to Jandar!" and speaking only to Aidwyn, finally "You can do no better than to join the Order of the Aster, to serve Lathander in many magnificent ways and bring his dawn to shine upon the world! And you could do so with the help of other valiant knights such as we!"
In parallel, Kellen responds to Spira (apparently, gnomes can be incredibly multi-tasking in communicating): "The best view is definitely from the top of this very mountain, Mount Waterdeep! Unless one knows how to fly, in which case the best view would probably be from the open sky... Or, if one can't fly, if one can convince a griffon rider to lend him his mount for a moment... but objectively I don't think that's much easy, right Orryn?”
"I know how to fly!" Aedion chooses that moment to emerge from his usual 'nest' and start flapping his fins in mid-air, suspended between the party and the two gnomes, excited by the prospect. "Maybe mom and dad don't know, though... Mom, dad, do you want me to try talking to a griffin to convince it to take you up in the sky?"
The two gnomes go wide-eyed for a moment when they see him... and, even more unusual for gnomes, they remain speechless for a few seconds. However, they then try to recover:
Orryn: "Kellen! Did you see? How is that possible? That's..." Kellen: "Orryn! Do you see it too? It doesn't seem like an illusion! It's really..." Together: "He's a little Couatl! And you adopted him?!" two pairs of gnomish eyes pass from Spira's face to Darvin's.
After that, the questions and exclamations overlap in a way that doesn't allow the non-gnomes to understand or respond... but it's clear to Spira that the two seem enormously intrigued by the fact that Aedion is with you.
"It is, indeed, my intention to pledge myself to Lathander's service... if Him and you accept me of course " replies Aidwyn to Orryn words but then they see Aedion and their attention is focused on the little creature.
"I wonder what they do if they see you Zen..." says Aidwyn to the little celestial elephant and Solitude, for both Spira and her friend try to understand anything the gnomes are saying.
"If... if you excuse us my good knights... " tries to interject Aidwyn " I would love to meet Jandar before it is too late... so I can come back at dawn to truly admire the cathedral... if you are so kind just to point us the way... "
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PbP Character: A few ;)
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Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
"You are truly a lady with a nobility of soul like I've never met" the stable boy kneels reverently, regardless of the fact that he gets his trousers dirty due to the gesture. "I will follow your wise advice and thank you! May the Red Knight always inspire you in your plans".
"Ah, a friend who refers valued customers to my inn?" raises an eyebrow, curious, Yondral "There is a dwarven saying that goes 'The difference between an acquaintance and a friend is about a hundred years' - but I, in managing this tavern," he winks "have discovered that every good mug drunk together shortens the necessary period by a year! This 'friend' of mine has probably already reached the quota of one hundred mugs. I will do my best so that you feel encouraged to come back enough times to match him, my esteemed ladies".
"As for the ruins of Rassalantar's Keep..." the dwarf absentmindedly slaps his hand on his belly as he rearranges his ideas (and awaits to know what he should bring for Solitude and Spira) "Well, you must know that long ago, the warrior Rassalantar built Rassalantar's Keep to the west of the present settlement. But when Rassalantar died, the ruined keep began to be used by traveling vagabonds, doppelgangers, and hungry monsters as a place of shelter. About 130 years ago, this charming village of Rassalantar, sprung up east of the ruined keep. In the time that has elapsed up to the present day, most of the keep's stones were dissembled and used for construction in nearby settlements. All that was left was the underground cellar and dungeons, both of which had flooded. But still there are occasional groups of adventurers who go there to explore, hoping to return full of glory and treasures".
Meanwhile, Solitude has decided what to order: "I'll take the same as Aidwyn, but 'pottage' instead of porrige, please".
Visit to Rash's Family
[[ This journey begins practically shortly after 'The Party of Four' returns from Waterdeep - perhaps the same day, at most the next day ]]
After Aidwyn, finally dedicated to Lathander, instantly returns to Longsaddle, together with those who accompanied her, thanks to Zentromya's teleportation powers, Rash, having in the meantime finished his research work at the Ivy Mansion, is eager to leave to see his family again, at the Bloodskull Tribe. Among other things, he must accompany Kunnari there, the condemned young man who chose 'slavery' among the barbarian half-orcs as a punishment to atone for his sins.
The guards are perfectly aware of the agreements and entrust the prisoner to the half-orc hero with trust and throwing a few mocking smiles at Kunnari: "Come, slaver, go... It will do you good to know the fate to which you have condemned so many others!"
Anita, once away from the guards, murmurs to the other: "Don't be afraid... probably the worst part of your life is now behind you. Unless you do something stupid with us".
Kunnari, perhaps not sure how to respond, simply looks at both her and Rash with gratitude.
Rash intends to retrace the route that led him to Longsaddle... That is, travel the Long Road north, in the direction of Mirabar. But well before Mirabar, you'll leave the road, to head towards Grunwald, the barbaric village of the Uthgardt Thunderbeast tribe on the borders of the Lurkwood. Then you'll be crossing a short stretch of the Lurkwood and heading straight north into the middle of the wilderness, up to the first mountains of the colossal range of The Spine of The World. It is on one of these mountains that the Boodskull tribe is found. Barring complications, it should be a trip of about 5 days.
Rash, Anita and Kunnari will enjoy the company of Zentromya, Aidwyn and Solitude [[ OOC: This is because I remember that neither Roxana nor Spira were interested in participating... and consequently Gaer wasn't participating either - if anyone changed their mind, there's still time to join ]]. This time Aidwyn would also like to take Balfby with her (who in fact should find plenty of game once he abandons the Long Road), but the problem remains that Balfby cannot expose himself to sunlight... therefore, either an expedient is found to always keep her in the dark while traveling with you, or she will stay hidden during the day and travel at night to join you.
Anyone who wants to shop for the trip, please do so.
On the day of departure, a shy sun opposes, without too much success, a strong cold wind - the net result is an annoying wind a little less cold than it could be and excellent visibility.
[[ OOC: If you want to role-play your departure - or some interaction prior to departure - go ahead... Afterwards I will proceed to narrate the journey ]]
When Darvin mentions her brother, Spira sighs. "Thank you. I know you understood the bind I was in with Gaer. In fact ... I sometimes think you were the one back then who really understood me the best." She smiles, only a little wistfully. "But fortunately, this is a generous world sometimes, and sometimes there is such a thing as a second chance." Her eyes linger on his a moment before she hastily goes on, "For instance, Gaer is quite the reformed character these days. One of the 'heroes of Longsaddle', in fact, and quite happily in love with R... with another one, so it even looks like he might settle down and start a family. Who would have thought?" A shadow flickers briefly in her look. "Until that night. We promised each other never to talk about the details, but the same firestorm of a night brought him back to the light that showed me that true justice is to heal the 'miscreants' souls so they don't err in the first place, rather than waiting and then punishing them afterwards. Anything else, though, I'd love to talk to you about. And there's so much to catch up on."
And sure enough, the whole interchange between her companions and the proprietor and staff of the Sleeping Dragon goes unheeded as Spira eagerly awaits her colleague and then sits up with him half the night drinking and reminiscing. At the end, though, she sighs again. "I'm only sorry I didn't get to know you better back in Berdusk. Or that ... " She breaks off a moment. "But perhaps your watch commander could spare you a day or so to guide a party of defenseless ladies safely the rest of the way to Waterdeep?" Her eyes are wide with feigned innocence as she grins at him.
=========
(OOC: I did want to wrap this up, but I'm fine from this point RPing it out in as much or as little detail as you prefer, and understanding that you also need to balance out getting us split ends of PCs spliced back together in a reasonable amount of time. If you want to telescope it, Spira would ask him just before they left Waterdeep to take a leave of absence and come with her but would accept if circumstances make it impossible
And yes, while Spira would be willing to help if anyone asked, she sees the group that are going as able to handle anything likely to come up and would be just as happy cozying up with Aedion, at least, in front of a nice warm fire back in Longsaddle, even if Darvin hasn't managed to get leave. Unless, of course, Aedion's real parent happened to still be around unbeknownst to Spira and should happen to have other ideas on the matter, of course ... ;))
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
[[ OOC: There's no need to wrap this up; I had thought about leaving this thing on hold because I didn't know if you'd be able to start posting again so soon - but since you are, we might as well role-play this now! It's fitting that Spira also has her moment... I'd say she deserved it! ]]
Yondral serves everyone the dinner they ordered, not skimping on portions; almost at the same time as you finish dinner, a smiling and visibly fresh-from-the-bath sergeant makes his entrance, after wearing well-kept civilian clothes, of good quality and elegant in their own way... probably the best he had available.
Darvin greets Aidwyn and Solitude politely, but almost immediately he throws himself enthusiastically into a night of drinking and reminiscing with Spira! In addition to Beredusk's memories, the ex-colleague also tries to catch up as best he can with what happened to Spira and Gaer afterwards and smiles proudly when he hears about the latest incredible successes: "I knew it, Spira. I always knew. You had it written in everything you did. You always had the... mark, the calling, the destiny... I don't know what to call it, Spira, but you always had that something more in you, that something that makes you be great in spite of everything and everyone. That same something that allowed you to become Sergeant despite the distrust that tieflings normally inspire. That same something that helped you guide Gaer to become what he became - a good person - which is certainly no small thing, considering the incredible amount of sons of b*ches that you meet every day. That something that your goddess must have spotted before the other gods could - I congratulate her for her good eye, by the way - as she sent you your calling. And that same something, helped you become one of the 'heroes of Longsaddle'. You know that some vague rumor reached even this almost forgotten hamlet of Rassalantar? I... I don't want to say that I knew you had something to do with it, but do you know that I thought so? That you could be one of those?" There is truly deep admiration that shines in those dark green eyes, while his hand, naturally, seeks that of the tiefling cleric.
At the last offer of the Sergeant of Arvandor and at that grin that belies the feigned innocence, Darvin blushes slightly again, as before in the street, and he seems to hesitate, not knowing well whether or not to say something... which, evidently, he finally decides to reveal, because he speaks again: "Well... At the risk of you laughing at the stupidity of a rough man-at-arms who isn't clear on how much he can aspire to... I want to tell you something, Spira" he takes a generous sip and reaches for her hand again, before continuing. "I told you that I left Beredusk because I was missing something, right? Well, it's you that I missed, Spira. I thought I admired you, when you were in Beredusk with me and I often managed to see you... I told myself that I continued to looking for you all the time just because... well, because you were probably the most beautiful guard I had ever seen. Or the smartest. Or the coolest. But then when you finally went away... when I started not seeing you anymore... never again... it was like I was out of breath, Spira. When I left Beredusk, to start again elsewhere, I didn't do it with the intention of making a career in the Waterdhavian Guard. I did it with the intention of be able to, one day, start breathing again. So... you can bet, I'll accompany you, Spira. I'd accompany you anywhere".
“Maybe I could…work for your church, your religion?” hypothesizes Darvin, increasingly hesitant, obviously fearing that he is making senseless plans "I don't know much about these things, unfortunately, Spira... Does your religion need men-at-arms? I would do anything to be able to work with you again..." his voice lowers "to work with you always..."
Aidwyn and Solitude greet the sergeant in civilian attire, and after a few minutes of hearing them sharing histories of their past, they engage in their own conversation leaving the two old friends to catch up.
They excuse themselves not too long later and then they go to their room to rest, and giving Spira and Darvin the privacy they obviously need.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Ever since she parted with Darvin in the afternoon, Spira's thoughts have clearly been preoccupied by him; and their conversation has only deepened her interest. She blushes happily at his praise, and still more at his hand seeking hers so naturally. Her eyes are smiling brightly as she murmurs, " 'The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards.,' as someone once said. You certainly had your own burdens to overcome, and I thought you did far better than I was able to tell you at the time."
When he reveals the depth of his feelings for her, those eyes lock suddenly on his. He can see just a tiny tear trembling at the corner of one as she sighs, "I wish I'd known ... " The sadness does not dim the joy in her gaze as she looks upon him, simply adds a note of wistful bittersweet that makes her present happiness at what he has just said stand out all the more. And the sigh she draws before going on is gentle and healing. "You know, I may seem strong on the outside, but deep down I've never been able to understand other people the way most do. Reading their tone and eyes, sensing almost instinctively what they're likely thinking and feeling about me like so many seem able to do without even thinking about it. Maybe that's why I've always talked so much. I'm like someone with blindsight as far as the heart goes, feeling my way with words through a world I've always sensed and hoped was there but never was able to hear or see. I never knew anyone had ever felt that way about me, much less you. The one person I would have welcomed with open arms much sooner if I hadn't been born heartblind" She suits actions to words as she speaks, wrapping both arms around him and drawing him close. After a moment she sighs again, but this time he can tell its at least half humorously. "We are going to have to speak to your watch commander, though, Sergeant Nolaras, and get you properly and honorably discharged. I don't think we can jettison protocol quite that abruptly. Once a lifetime is enough, thanks."
Meanwhile her thoughts drift back to Aedion's question earlier in the day about 'meeting her friend'. Her eyes begin to sparkle with flirtatious mischief as she gently wakens the little snake, who is curled up in his favorite sleeping place, with a thought. "You can meet Mom's friend now if you want, Aedion. In fact he might become a lot more than just a friend, but because of that Mom's feeling a little mischievous and I'd like to surprise him. Can you wait till I say to him, 'Actually, there is someone I should tell you about?', and then count to three and suddenly fly out the way we've been practicing?"
===========================
(OOC: and Spira's player can't resist the teaching moment of mentioning that Spira's description of 'blindsight of the heart' and feeling one's way through inadequately with words are a true to life snapshot from the 'higher functioning' end of the autism spectrum her player also inhabits with varying degrees of ease or ... its reverse.)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
Darvin returns Spira's embrace, prolonging it to the point of seeming not to want to let her go anymore... and the tone of his voice betrays the fact that the gesture (which perhaps he hadn't dared hope for) must have moved him: "Spira! Oh, Spira... It's not your fault, it was me who... who had yet to understand what was really happening to me. And maybe I should have understood it sooner... talked to you sooner... What can I say, Spira, I can be kind of a blockhead, at times. But now we are here and... Oh, Spira, if anyone had predicted this moment to me, I would not have believed it".
When the two finally break the embrace, the cleric of Angharrad actually notices the tough sergeant furtively wiping his dark green eyes... To the plans for his 'honorably discharge' he enthusiastically accepts: "Of course! I'll talk to him straight away tomorrow morning. Old Gheldarm, my 'civilar' (this is the rank equivalent to 'captain' in the Waterdhavian Guard), shouldn't cause too much trouble... I think he already has in mind who could replace me; a good friend of his, Timmer, Timmer Longschal, was recently promoted to sergeant... You'll see, it'll just be a matter of (not too much) time! Tomorrow I'll accompany you and your friends to Waterdeep and if you return to Longsaddle afterwards, I'll stay the last few days in Rassalantar to take care of the final chores and I will join you, as a free man, at the wedding you told me about!"
Meanwhile, Aedion chuckles amusedly in the mind of the Sergeant of Arvandor: "How nice, mom! I want to meet this friend of yours! I feel your heart beating faster... and I feel it's warmer now here! He must be nice! Plus, I like jokes! I'm ready to do what you have in mind!" and in fact the coils and wings of the little creature begin to quiver in anticipation - slightly tickling Spira.
[[ OOC: Teaching moment appreciated by me... I personally don't know very much about Autism - but what you describe sounds challenging. I can say that - at least judging from what you post - you seem to function well and the difficulties you face at least do not prevent you from being a great person to be (virtually, in this case, but I have no doubt it would be the same in person) together with. I don't know if with time, life experience, treatment, divine intervention or who knows what else it is possible for your situation to improve... but if so, I hope it happens. And if not... oh, well, we all have our problems to live with - live we will, the best we can ]]
An artfully feigned troubled look wrinkles Spira's brow for a moment. "Oh, Darvin, that sounds wonderful; and I'm looking forward to your company on the road to Waterdeep, and then our first dance together at the wedding in Longsaddle, but ... well ... actually, there is someone I should tell you about." There is a three second pause, just long enough for Darvin's face to begin to sag in shock and dismay; and then Aedion bursts forth from the top of her dress with a tickle of her chin and Spira dissolves into merry pealing giggles. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I just couldn't resist. You're so charming when you get that startled look in your eyes, I ... oh, I just couldn't resist. But no, in all seriousness, you are my first and only love. To this little guy, I'm simply his adoptive mom. We found a nest disturbed along the road; but Aedion's birth mother made sure his egg was safe until someone could come along to care for him." Her eyes hint to him to let those details pass lightly. "I've been so happy and excited since I met you again so unexpectedly; and Aedion picked it up ... he communicates by thought ... so he's pretty excited to meet you too."
==================
(OOC: oh, thank you so much! I'm running out of time I can be online tonight, but would be glad to talk more about it in the recent future)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
At first troubled and worried by the words of his newfound love, Darvin is taken completely by surprise by the unexpected appearance of Aedion - the man-at-arms jumps and his hand instinctively runs to his side, where the sheath of his trusty dagger lies useful in close-quarter combat... But the expert warrior the next moment has already recognized that the small and graceful winged serpent does not seem to represent a danger - both considering that he has now stopped in mid-air and considering the 'place' from which he came out - and Spira's merry pealing giggles remove all doubts from him.
"Hmmppph... So I'm charming when you manage to scare me, I'm not?" mutters the Waterdhavian Sergeant, pretending to sulk "I must have lost five years of life..." he theatrically places a hand over his heart - but then laughs heartily "You are truly incredible, Spira! Always so sensitive towards others, towards those is in trouble... that you found a son before you found a man! But what do you mean by 'he communicates by thought'?" he tries hard to understand.
“Mom means I can talk like that!” Aedion's cheerful telepathic voice rings in the minds of the two sergeants "Hello mom's friend! I like who mom likes! And she likes you a lot! Will you be my friend too? My name is Aedion".
"Oh... eh... hmmm..." the man-at-arms seems not to know what to say, but then tenderness makes its way onto his face, relaxing his features "I'm Darvin, it's a great pleasure to meet you, Aedion. Maybe I'll be more of a dad to you than a friend, since your mom and I... well... it looks like we'll be together for a long time".
"Really? Did you find me a dad, mom?" Aedion is excited at the news "How nice, thanks! I've never had a dad. And he's nice too..."
The man-at-arms seems truly conquered by the little creature and, while he searches for Spira's hand with his right hand, he opens the palm of his left hand, holding it out towards Aedion... who lands on it and begins to crawl on it, gaining confidence.
"You both are truly incredible" Darvin murmurs admiringly, looking now at the tiefling, now at the baby-winged-serpent.
As she watches the newfound sun and moon of her heart get acquainted, a tender smile flows over Spira's whole face. She drapes the arm Darvin is not holding the hand of around his shoulders. This leaves her left hand resting where she could reach out a finger and either caress Darvin's palm or stroke Aedion's head, following the zephyrs of her tenderness. "And you are both incredible, truly. I am absolutely looking forward to showing you off at Lady Martha's wedding dinner. Hey ... Aedion, maybe the three of us could practice a dance together for that night! You could fly in spirals about our heads while we glide about the dance floor."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
"I like to dance with mom and dad!" Aedion is telepathically enthusiastic - and already begins to fly in rapid spirals around your heads, as if he were drawing halos around you with his wings. "This way mom? Can I dance well, mom?"
Darvin laughs, both amused and... satisfied - he seems like a man who has found what he was really looking for, perhaps without even knowing it fully, until he found it in front of him. He looks around: "In fact, if someone made a little music, we could already try dancing... I would really like to know where the minstrels end up when they are needed..." and in Indeed, that evening no bard is present in the little hamlet's inn... Far from being discouraged, the rude man-at-arms begins to whistle some tune he knows and invites the cleric of Angharrad to get up from the table and improvise a few dance steps! It's certainly not his specialty, but he makes up for his lack of experience with a healthy enthusiasm.
Happy that someone is helping to liven up the evening, Yondral begins to clap in time, promptly imitated by most of the patrons present. Some couples even join you in the dancing.
When it's getting late and there aren't many people left, the Waterdhavian Sergeant takes advantage of Spira's proximity to whisper to her: "Perhaps it's time to retire for the night... if the journey to Waterdeep awaits us tomorrow... I... . I don't know..." the man-at-arms seems embarrassed "When Aedion is asleep I can... You know... Come to you and wish you good night, if you want..." he swallows "Yondral is quite a discreet person... But if you're afraid we'll wake the baby up... Or if you think I'm rushing too much... Just tell me... I had to wait so long for you, that a few more days won't make the difference... I just want you to know..." he smiles "I just want you to be well".
(typo edit)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
And so, after having effectively 'woken up' the 'Sleeping Dragon' with the celebration of having found each other again, the two sergeants retire in private at the end of the evening...
[[ OOC: Yes, of course, if we like to role-play in detail what will happen between the two 'in private', we will do it in a private conversation. In the meantime I advance 'public' history ]]
The next day, the 'Party of Four' prepares to face the last day of travel... with the addition of a 'fifth'! Sergeant Nolaras, who has procured a horse and stays next to Spira with an unusual expression of tender affection drawn on his face, will accompany you to the (fortunately finally close) city of Waterdeep.
Gray skies, cold and light rain are unable to dampen your enthusiasm in the slightest, as you approach the end of your journey...
13 12 13 17 1 2 6 5
Party of Four - Lathender Temple:
The journey continues extraordinarily peacefully... either due to Lathander's blessing, or due to the fact that you are now very close to the large (and well defended) metropolis, as the excellent pavement of the road testifies.
At sunset, therefore, you come into view of the imposing walls of the Crown of the North, which protect it on its landward sides, while on the seaward side this function is performed by Mount Waterdeep, studded with watch towers and defensive positions. Winged creatures carrying a rider also seem to fly around the mountain on regular patrols...
"The Griffon Cavalry" Darvin explains, following the curious gaze of those who started watching the creatures. "It's a special guard unit on flights of griffons. They're a sight to behold... but in our case, it's a good thing they're up high, away from us... Griffons love horses very much - but as food! "
Upon seeing the incredible extension of the town, Zentromya cannot help but exclaim telepathically in the minds of all of you: "It's very big... So many people all wanting to live together.... it must be the friendliest place on the Prime Material Plane!"
Aedion then comes out of his usual 'shelter' to see and is incredibly impressed in turn: "Mom, dad... Zentromya is right, it's really big! Are there really many friends there?"
Darvin, a little embarrassed by the naivety of the two, observes: "Well... You have to consider that maybe it's not that they 'want' to live together... maybe sometimes it's also a question of necessity and convenience. There will certainly be a bunch of good people... but, just in case, it's best not to assume that they all are".
Soon you will reach the gates of the city... Do you intend to immediately start looking for the 'Spires of the Morning', the famous cathedral dedicated to Lathander, the final destination of your journey? Or do you prefer to stay in the city and look for it the next morning?
Party of Five now - Temple of Lathander
"Let's assume that most of people here are at least friendly, but not necessary friends" says Aidwyn to Davin's words and as a explanation to the two creatures "but let them to their own bussiness we do not want to disturb them." she explains with a smile to them.
"I would like to go to the Temple as soon as possible. I guess that they would conduct their more important ceremonies at dawn, so if we could talk with them before they go to rest for the day, I could swear my alliegance to Lathander tomorrow in their ceremony..."
PbP Character: A few ;)
Party of Five now - Temple of Lathander
"As you wish, O eager aspirant to the Morninglord's service!" Sergeant Nolaras bows, before leading the way "Fortunately, it is not difficult to find the cathedral... It is in the Castle Ward, near the northern spur of Mount Waterdeep in Waterdeep... well, it is still distant, but you can also see from here!" he points with his finger at an imposing building, in the distance, imposing and luminous at the same time - literally luminous, since its roof reflects the last light of the sunset "Remarkable, right? The pink marble of which it is made can be recognized even by here... it's a three-story cathedral capped by seven spires of copper, gold, and silver! The effect, at dawn, is breathtaking... but even at sunset it's not really bad".
Led by a Waterdhavian Sergeant, you easily gain access first to the city, then to the Castle ward. Once you arrive at the cathedral, two cheerful-looking young gnomes, with their sunny and smiling faces, but also unusually martial, with their splint mails and sharp swords, greet you with a furry of words:
"Pleasure to meet you noble pilgrims!" begins one of the two, a gnome with black bowl-shaped hair "You arrive at an unfavorable hour to visit the cathedral - which is very beautiful to visit, mind you, it is certainly worth a visit - but it is the hour that is not very beautiful The sun will definitely set soon... and the cathedral is even more beautiful to see with the sun!" he turns towards his companion for a moment "Am I right, Orryn?"
"Exactly, Kellen!" replies Orryn, a gnome with curly brown hair, then immediately turning towards you "The cathedral is unparalleled if visited at dawn, when the first rays of the sun come to visit it flowing on its paths of precious metal! And obviously you have come to visit the cathedral! Or did you come to meet Kellen and me instead? But I think not, because Kellen and I are not that important after all... Or rather, for the Order of the Aster we are - and maybe even for a lots of people that the Order helps defend, indirectly we are important, but I mean... there are a lot of us who are part of the Order, so why would you come to visit us?"
"Or perhaps you have come to join the Order?" Kellen's brown eyes light up with excitement "The Order of the Aster willingly accepts the membership of new pure and valiant hearts! If so, can we let you speak to Jandar?"
Smiling happily, Spira replies to the two gnomes of the Aster Order, "Well, our main business is the calling our friend Aidwyn here," she indicates the other with a wave of her hand, "felt to your god; and of course its for her to say more as to its nature. But my other friend Darvin and I would also love to come back and admire the temple's beauty at dawn. Perhaps you could recommend which vistas give the most ... tender ... light upon the scene?" She bats her eyelids towards her other friend in a show of feigned innocence before breaking into peals of laughter.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Party of Five now - Temple of Lathander
"Did you hear that, Kellen?!" Orryn frantically looks from Spira, Kellen, to Aidwyn "The lady with the mithral shield wants to serve our god! We really need to get her to talk to Jandar!" and speaking only to Aidwyn, finally "You can do no better than to join the Order of the Aster, to serve Lathander in many magnificent ways and bring his dawn to shine upon the world! And you could do so with the help of other valiant knights such as we!"
In parallel, Kellen responds to Spira (apparently, gnomes can be incredibly multi-tasking in communicating): "The best view is definitely from the top of this very mountain, Mount Waterdeep! Unless one knows how to fly, in which case the best view would probably be from the open sky... Or, if one can't fly, if one can convince a griffon rider to lend him his mount for a moment... but objectively I don't think that's much easy, right Orryn?”
"I know how to fly!" Aedion chooses that moment to emerge from his usual 'nest' and start flapping his fins in mid-air, suspended between the party and the two gnomes, excited by the prospect. "Maybe mom and dad don't know, though... Mom, dad, do you want me to try talking to a griffin to convince it to take you up in the sky?"
The two gnomes go wide-eyed for a moment when they see him... and, even more unusual for gnomes, they remain speechless for a few seconds. However, they then try to recover:
Orryn: "Kellen! Did you see? How is that possible? That's..."
Kellen: "Orryn! Do you see it too? It doesn't seem like an illusion! It's really..."
Together: "He's a little Couatl! And you adopted him?!" two pairs of gnomish eyes pass from Spira's face to Darvin's.
After that, the questions and exclamations overlap in a way that doesn't allow the non-gnomes to understand or respond... but it's clear to Spira that the two seem enormously intrigued by the fact that Aedion is with you.
"It is, indeed, my intention to pledge myself to Lathander's service... if Him and you accept me of course " replies Aidwyn to Orryn words but then they see Aedion and their attention is focused on the little creature.
"I wonder what they do if they see you Zen..." says Aidwyn to the little celestial elephant and Solitude, for both Spira and her friend try to understand anything the gnomes are saying.
"If... if you excuse us my good knights... " tries to interject Aidwyn " I would love to meet Jandar before it is too late... so I can come back at dawn to truly admire the cathedral... if you are so kind just to point us the way... "
PbP Character: A few ;)