Griselda turns to you slowly, and whispers "My dear, do not contradict me. You cannot comprehend the dangers which lurk in this place."You can tell she is making an effort to remain cordial. "Dark things are afoot."
As she listens to Mender, Griselda cocks an eyebrow - perhaps in disbelief. Her temper having subsided slightly, she addresses Mimzy sweetly. "My darling. I cannot recall an instance in which I have been able to dissuade you from your fixations... you have always been a stubborn, untamed soul, and I am at peace with that now." Taking a casual sip from her chalice, Griselda continues - but discards any soothing or maternal affectations. "But you know my strength of will just as I know yours. I can provide you with a detailed map which ranges from Anglor to the Unhallowed Wastes. I can impart wisdom, if need be. If it is truly your wish to hang around with this bunch of misfits and help them to untangle from their respective messes..." she says, pausing to glance at Fon, then Mugwort, then Mender, "you must promise to bring Kaelroc with you. He truly is a force to be reckoned with, and it would help to put my mind at ease."
Reaching out shake your hand, Mimzy, she concludes her proposal. "Do we have a deal - a binding, unbreakable, haggish deal?"
Mender would listen with great interest as Griselda speaks to Mimzy. When she reaches out her hand towards the fairy and offers the haggish deal, he would jump slightly in his chair as though startled. He would then shift a bit uncomfortably as he looks from Mimzy to Griselda... not sure what is going to happen next.
As she listens to Mender, Griselda cocks an eyebrow - perhaps in disbelief. Her temper having subsided slightly, she addresses Mimzy sweetly. "My darling. I cannot recall an instance in which I have been able to dissuade you from your fixations... you have always been a stubborn, untamed soul, and I am at peace with that now." Taking a casual sip from her chalice, Griselda continues - but discards any soothing or maternal affectations. "But you know my strength of will just as I know yours. I can provide you with a detailed map which ranges from Anglor to the Unhallowed Wastes. I can impart wisdom, if need be. If it is truly your wish to hang around with this bunch of misfits and help them to untangle from their respective messes..." she says, pausing to glance at Fon, then Mugwort, then Mender, "you must promise to bring Kaelroc with you. He truly is a force to be reckoned with, and it would help to put my mind at ease." Reaching out shake your hand, Mimzy, she concludes her proposal. "Do we have a deal - a binding, unbreakable, haggish deal?"
Mimzy hesitates, weighing Griselda's words carefully. She knows well her mother's cunning and gift for twisting agreements to her advantage. Yet if bringing Kaelroc is the price for Griselda's acceptance of her new companions, perhaps it is one she must pay. Thinking that Kaelroc's might could prove useful should dangers arise on their journey...and keeping him close may provide other benefits as well.
"Very well, Mother. Your terms are acceptable but only if you are willing to consider allowing my little bohunk Mugwort to borrow your Broom of Flying. You know how much he is enamored with it and would dearly love to take it for a spin. Besides, it will only be temporary, when we're done, he'll return it safe and sound."
The Fairly extends a slender hand and shakes Griselda's to seal their deal. There is no going back now. Mimzy can only hope her trust in these new brave companions is not misplaced. Griselda has never reacted well to perceived slights or deceit in the past.
Mimzy forces a smile, pushing down a vague sense of unease coiling within her.
Her piece said, Mimzy dipped her head respectfully. She knows better than to press Griselda further when her mind is made up. The Hag always did know how to drive a hard bargain, but the marsh has taught Mimzy patience and resilience. She will find a way to make this work, for all their sakes.
"I hate to put a wet blanket over this gathering but... it has to be said... and I will say it and take the 'heat'. While at the Edge of the East Inn, we witnessed 3 gigantic undead hands erupt from a chasm not a stone's throw from the front door of the Inn. The largest Hand grasped a small child and seemed to be 'eating' her essence. Yes, we defeated the hands and saved the child. BUT, as I was calling down lightning into the chasm... at the end... I saw SOMETHING. A huge head with black pits for eyes smiling up... as if this was all just a game of play.
Now, we come into your home. Thank you kindly, Lady Griselda. Youthful and vibrant. Now, I do not think you would have done this horrible deed upon a child but... here we are.
And earlier, while I was connecting with the Swamp to 'fix' our passage; something bad entered my meditative state... or maybe it was a waking dream? Something BAD is brewing."
Hanging his head after this outburst, Mugwort stands - arms at his side. "Go ahead and kill me now if that is your wish. I will find a way to protect Mimzy even from the cooking pot hells."
As Mimzy and Griselda shake hands, the fairy detects a glimmer of emotion in her mother's eyes - is it pride? Frustration? But the moment is fleeting, and a cold expression settles across the witch's face as Mugwort states his bold claim.
What follows feels like an eternity of excruciating silence. The hearth crackles, the floor creaks, the wind whistles outside. If a pin was dropped, you could hear it. Griselda's gaze meets Mugwort's unflinchingly, an impasse maintained for several seconds.
"I would think twice before making such accusations against your host, Mugwort"she warns dryly.
"Not only does it display a disappointing lack of manners, but your claims also happen to be entirely unfounded. Grave Wights are known to commit such heinous acts with children, for they require fresh lifeblood to thrive outside of the Negative Energy Plane. They are but one of the nightmarish creatures who make their home here in the East. The only mystery worth pondering is the frequency of the attacks - these have increased dramatically over the past several years.
As for your dream assailant, I am afraid I am at a loss. Perhaps it was just a bad nightmare."
To your surprise and relief, Mugwort, there is no anger present in Griselda's voice - only curiosity. Perhaps even respect, something the hag has never blessed you with before.
Amidst the tension, the last baklava is now being eyed by two who are eager to devour it... behind the facade of etiquette, Kaelroc and Fon's rivalry simmers silently.
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"These pastries are wonderful.... Thank you Griselda for everything. I really appreciate the meal and your help..." The kobold would say with a nervous smile as he hopes to break the tension.
As Mimzy and Griselda shake hands, the fairy detects a glimmer of emotion in her mother's eyes - is it pride? Frustration? But the moment is fleeting, and a cold expression settles across the witch's face as Mugwort states his bold claim.
What follows feels like an eternity of excruciating silence. The hearth crackles, the floor creaks, the wind whistles outside. If a pin was dropped, you could hear it. Griselda's gaze meets Mugwort's unflinchingly, an impasse maintained for several seconds.
"I would think twice before making such accusations against your host, Mugwort"she warns dryly.
"Not only does it display a disappointing lack of manners, but your claims also happen to be entirely unfounded. Grave Wights are known to commit such heinous acts with children, for they require fresh lifeblood to thrive outside of the Negative Energy Plane. They are but one of the nightmarish creatures who make their home here in the East. The only mystery worth pondering is the frequency of the attacks - these have increased dramatically over the past several years. As for your dream assailant, I am afraid I am at a loss. Perhaps it was just a bad nightmare."To your surprise and relief, Mugwort, there is no anger present in Griselda's voice - only curiosity. Perhaps even respect, something the hag has never blessed you with before.
Mimzy in response quickly turns and glares at Mugwort him the legendary and fearsomely whimsical Fairy stink eye as she rushes to the defense of her mother, "what the hell... butter my Fairy bum and dip me in honey short-shanks... are you trying to embarrass me in front of my mother and our guests? After she has gone out of her way to be so cordial to all of us, especially you! Now snap to it and tell her you're sorry and give mother the Goblin toe kissof utter submission just to show you mean it! Or we're done!!! Got that?"She said or rather thundered as she spoke in the crudest and rudest of all Goblin dialects found in the Marshlands followed by a long string of other words that could only be described as a mixture of Fairy and Haggish vulgarities...
Mender just sits in shock with his mouth open. The kobold is not breathing and feels like the air was sucked out of the room. His scales feel like they are on fire and he is afraid to move.
Crestfallen, Mugwort moves forward toward Griselda. "I should have never taught her Goblin speak.." he mutters as he stands before Lady G, dwarfed by the looming Mistress of the Marsh.
Looking up and up and up into Griselda's eyes, Mugwort begins his apology. "As your daughter plainly stated, I *may* have overstepped the bounds of common courtesy and respect. In my defense, the swamp is restless and unsettled and that affects me as well. I ask for your forgiveness and forbearance as much as you are able. I apologize for 'assuming' you would eat children without cause. Let me give the Goblin toe kiss to show my respect for your Home and Hearth."
Mugwort kneels down and gives a low, slow kiss (not unlike the kisses bestowed upon a Pope or King's ring of State). Rising and again staring upward, "Thank you for not killing me on the spot... tempting as it may have been. Thank you for trusting me with the protection of your daughter. Thank you for the safety of all under your roof this evening."
He backs up, turns and walks to the old storage room where he sometimes hid (and slept) when visiting long ago.
Mimzy hovers in the air wings a flutter, arms crossed expectantly watching proudly as her sweet bo-hunk is reigned in and makes his apologies Goblin style as she turns to her mother, "my apologies mother, I'm still housebreaking him but I trust all has been made right? I don't want to leave with bad feelings or bad blood between us."The Fairy explained after the family drama dust up proud of her short-shanks for being a Goblin about it. Mimzy being more of a fan of Goblin culture than before...
Griselda nods at Mimzy to signal she is not offended.
Before Mugwort is able to retreat around the corner, she calls to him. “Mugwort, come back. I am not angry… in fact, I admire your nerve. You know how to speak your mind, if not when, and that is a very important quality in my line of magic.” Smiling, she turns around to gauge the room.
“Now, I hope you all enjoyed the pastries - a lot of love and care went into that batch.
Perhaps we should do something to lighten the mood. We could share stories, or play a game!” The hag’s eyes glint mischievously.
Kaelroc is standing - haphazardly packing items in and out of the bag around his waist. Periodically asking Giselda if he should bring this or that. Her mention of games immediately freezes him and he grins. "ga-MES!" He gruffs out and continues to decide what he needs and doesn't need. Throwing side chatter to Griselda, you can hear him not so quietly ask - "Would you mind making me some to-go pastries my sweetest? Also what kind of game are we thinking of? or perhaps what types of stories?" Glancing at Mimzy, "I once saw my first Fairy at a circus playing a game called fairy ball with an Ogre. There was so much fireworks!"
Kaelroc clearly remains oblivious to any residual tension.
To Kaelrok:
Griselda turns to you slowly, and whispers "My dear, do not contradict me. You cannot comprehend the dangers which lurk in this place." You can tell she is making an effort to remain cordial. "Dark things are afoot."
As she listens to Mender, Griselda cocks an eyebrow - perhaps in disbelief. Her temper having subsided slightly, she addresses Mimzy sweetly. "My darling. I cannot recall an instance in which I have been able to dissuade you from your fixations... you have always been a stubborn, untamed soul, and I am at peace with that now." Taking a casual sip from her chalice, Griselda continues - but discards any soothing or maternal affectations. "But you know my strength of will just as I know yours. I can provide you with a detailed map which ranges from Anglor to the Unhallowed Wastes. I can impart wisdom, if need be. If it is truly your wish to hang around with this bunch of misfits and help them to untangle from their respective messes..." she says, pausing to glance at Fon, then Mugwort, then Mender, "you must promise to bring Kaelroc with you. He truly is a force to be reckoned with, and it would help to put my mind at ease."
Reaching out shake your hand, Mimzy, she concludes her proposal. "Do we have a deal - a binding, unbreakable, haggish deal?"
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)
Mender would listen with great interest as Griselda speaks to Mimzy. When she reaches out her hand towards the fairy and offers the haggish deal, he would jump slightly in his chair as though startled. He would then shift a bit uncomfortably as he looks from Mimzy to Griselda... not sure what is going to happen next.
A singular, savory baklava remains on the platter untouched. It steams innocently.
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Kaeroc eyes it. He is already a dozen in...
Mimzy hesitates, weighing Griselda's words carefully. She knows well her mother's cunning and gift for twisting agreements to her advantage. Yet if bringing Kaelroc is the price for Griselda's acceptance of her new companions, perhaps it is one she must pay. Thinking that Kaelroc's might could prove useful should dangers arise on their journey...and keeping him close may provide other benefits as well.
"Very well, Mother. Your terms are acceptable but only if you are willing to consider allowing my little bohunk Mugwort to borrow your Broom of Flying. You know how much he is enamored with it and would dearly love to take it for a spin. Besides, it will only be temporary, when we're done, he'll return it safe and sound."
The Fairly extends a slender hand and shakes Griselda's to seal their deal. There is no going back now. Mimzy can only hope her trust in these new brave companions is not misplaced. Griselda has never reacted well to perceived slights or deceit in the past.
Mimzy forces a smile, pushing down a vague sense of unease coiling within her.
Her piece said, Mimzy dipped her head respectfully. She knows better than to press Griselda further when her mind is made up. The Hag always did know how to drive a hard bargain, but the marsh has taught Mimzy patience and resilience. She will find a way to make this work, for all their sakes.
"I hate to put a wet blanket over this gathering but... it has to be said... and I will say it and take the 'heat'. While at the Edge of the East Inn, we witnessed 3 gigantic undead hands erupt from a chasm not a stone's throw from the front door of the Inn. The largest Hand grasped a small child and seemed to be 'eating' her essence. Yes, we defeated the hands and saved the child. BUT, as I was calling down lightning into the chasm... at the end... I saw SOMETHING. A huge head with black pits for eyes smiling up... as if this was all just a game of play.
Now, we come into your home. Thank you kindly, Lady Griselda. Youthful and vibrant. Now, I do not think you would have done this horrible deed upon a child but... here we are.
And earlier, while I was connecting with the Swamp to 'fix' our passage; something bad entered my meditative state... or maybe it was a waking dream? Something BAD is brewing."
Hanging his head after this outburst, Mugwort stands - arms at his side. "Go ahead and kill me now if that is your wish. I will find a way to protect Mimzy even from the cooking pot hells."
A pause... "Agreed."
As Mimzy and Griselda shake hands, the fairy detects a glimmer of emotion in her mother's eyes - is it pride? Frustration? But the moment is fleeting, and a cold expression settles across the witch's face as Mugwort states his bold claim.
What follows feels like an eternity of excruciating silence. The hearth crackles, the floor creaks, the wind whistles outside. If a pin was dropped, you could hear it. Griselda's gaze meets Mugwort's unflinchingly, an impasse maintained for several seconds.
"I would think twice before making such accusations against your host, Mugwort" she warns dryly.
"Not only does it display a disappointing lack of manners, but your claims also happen to be entirely unfounded. Grave Wights are known to commit such heinous acts with children, for they require fresh lifeblood to thrive outside of the Negative Energy Plane. They are but one of the nightmarish creatures who make their home here in the East. The only mystery worth pondering is the frequency of the attacks - these have increased dramatically over the past several years.
As for your dream assailant, I am afraid I am at a loss. Perhaps it was just a bad nightmare."
To your surprise and relief, Mugwort, there is no anger present in Griselda's voice - only curiosity. Perhaps even respect, something the hag has never blessed you with before.
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)
Amidst the tension, the last baklava is now being eyed by two who are eager to devour it... behind the facade of etiquette, Kaelroc and Fon's rivalry simmers silently.
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)
"These pastries are wonderful.... Thank you Griselda for everything. I really appreciate the meal and your help..." The kobold would say with a nervous smile as he hopes to break the tension.
Kaelrocs face moves to a smile, and pushes the plate towards his new feather friend. Completely unaware of the tension in the room.
Mimzy in response quickly turns and glares at Mugwort him the legendary and fearsomely whimsical Fairy stink eye as she rushes to the defense of her mother, "what the hell... butter my Fairy bum and dip me in honey short-shanks... are you trying to embarrass me in front of my mother and our guests? After she has gone out of her way to be so cordial to all of us, especially you! Now snap to it and tell her you're sorry and give mother the Goblin toe kiss of utter submission just to show you mean it! Or we're done!!! Got that?" She said or rather thundered as she spoke in the crudest and rudest of all Goblin dialects found in the Marshlands followed by a long string of other words that could only be described as a mixture of Fairy and Haggish vulgarities...
Mender just sits in shock with his mouth open. The kobold is not breathing and feels like the air was sucked out of the room. His scales feel like they are on fire and he is afraid to move.
Crestfallen, Mugwort moves forward toward Griselda. "I should have never taught her Goblin speak.." he mutters as he stands before Lady G, dwarfed by the looming Mistress of the Marsh.
Looking up and up and up into Griselda's eyes, Mugwort begins his apology. "As your daughter plainly stated, I *may* have overstepped the bounds of common courtesy and respect. In my defense, the swamp is restless and unsettled and that affects me as well. I ask for your forgiveness and forbearance as much as you are able. I apologize for 'assuming' you would eat children without cause. Let me give the Goblin toe kiss to show my respect for your Home and Hearth."
Mugwort kneels down and gives a low, slow kiss (not unlike the kisses bestowed upon a Pope or King's ring of State). Rising and again staring upward, "Thank you for not killing me on the spot... tempting as it may have been. Thank you for trusting me with the protection of your daughter. Thank you for the safety of all under your roof this evening."
He backs up, turns and walks to the old storage room where he sometimes hid (and slept) when visiting long ago.
Mimzy hovers in the air wings a flutter, arms crossed expectantly watching proudly as her sweet bo-hunk is reigned in and makes his apologies Goblin style as she turns to her mother, "my apologies mother, I'm still housebreaking him but I trust all has been made right? I don't want to leave with bad feelings or bad blood between us." The Fairy explained after the family drama dust up proud of her short-shanks for being a Goblin about it. Mimzy being more of a fan of Goblin culture than before...
Griselda nods at Mimzy to signal she is not offended.
Before Mugwort is able to retreat around the corner, she calls to him. “Mugwort, come back. I am not angry… in fact, I admire your nerve. You know how to speak your mind, if not when, and that is a very important quality in my line of magic.” Smiling, she turns around to gauge the room.
“Now, I hope you all enjoyed the pastries - a lot of love and care went into that batch.
Perhaps we should do something to lighten the mood. We could share stories, or play a game!” The hag’s eyes glint mischievously.
“Any ideas?”
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Kaelroc is standing - haphazardly packing items in and out of the bag around his waist. Periodically asking Giselda if he should bring this or that. Her mention of games immediately freezes him and he grins. "ga-MES!" He gruffs out and continues to decide what he needs and doesn't need. Throwing side chatter to Griselda, you can hear him not so quietly ask - "Would you mind making me some to-go pastries my sweetest? Also what kind of game are we thinking of? or perhaps what types of stories?" Glancing at Mimzy, "I once saw my first Fairy at a circus playing a game called fairy ball with an Ogre. There was so much fireworks!"
Kaelroc clearly remains oblivious to any residual tension.
Griselda glances in Kaelroc’s direction, taking another sip from her amber-coloured drink.
“You mustn’t keep us hanging from cliff’s edge, as they say…” she chimes, with an unsettling wink. “I simply must hear about this ‘fairy ball’.”
Hi there! I'm a Christian musician based in Canada :)