The brief period of silence that follows tells Denae what she needs to know. She breaks it by spurring the group to move: "Very well. Goodbye, Serelis. It was nice meeting another half-elf ranger loner in these parts. I can't help but think I am taking your job in this adventure in a way..."*she breaks the fourth wall by glaring directly into the camera*"...but alas. Be safe. I'll make sure that these CRAPsters will arrive at their next forest-y destination of choice." With that, she looks at the group and waves her hand as signaling you all to follow. "May the virtuous follow me," she says in her typical mocking way.
Denae leads the party up the path indicated by Serelis. As you enter the Quivering Forest in earnest, it doesn't take long for the path to become less well-lit and welcoming than what you had noticed so far. The Quivering Forest is a terrifying place; a forest where the shadows are unusually deep, the colors are muted, and the sounds are muffled. The weather is still inclement in the region, but the thick canopy above shields CRAP from most of the falling water. Despite this protection, large, icy drops still fall here and there, and a wet, clinging fog covers the forest floor. It is damp and chilly, and visibility is somewhat reduced. There is not even the slightest breeze here.
Not 20 minutes of path-finding later, you see a short humanoid figure waiting for you ahead, where the path forks into two separate directions. "Ah, you have arrived. I had a hunch I'd find you here if I were only patient to wait at the fork on the road." Seranolla smiles widely, genuinely happy to see the group again.
Utar lets Danae's barbs wash over him and focusses instead on perfecting his 25 word message to Seranolla, counting out the words on his fingers as they walk along the forest path. Suddenly confronted by the woman herself within the forest, Utar drops his hands to his sides and forgets composing his message.
"I'm very glad to see a friendly face here of all places. Also one who knows for sure which fork in the road we should be taking!"
Having spoken his piece, Doozey had not much reason to add more encouragement to the suggestion itself. So, he would be silent. As for Denae's teasing, well... either he seemed not of a mind to give her the satisfaction of acknowledging it, or it failed to register altogether. Hard to say which was the case in the moment. But regardless, he'd at least followed Denae after bidding Serelis goodbye (along with Biscuit) with a final bowing of heads.
During the journey itself Doozey remained just as quiet, but also contemplative. In fact, were it not for him riding on Biscuit's back, the ranger might've wandered off the trail at several points. In time he's torn from his thoughts, however. If not from a new and familiar(?) scent reaching him, then instead from hearing a voice that easily elicits a smile. "Aye. At least one would hope. Either way, thanks again for coming out to meet us."Biscuits lets out a hearty Boof in agreement as he hurries over to start trying to lick Seranolla's face. "Though 'fore we move on, eh..." Doozey looks back and forth between Seranolla and Utar. "You're already aware of the whole missing villagers, yea?"He asked. And depending on the answer, he'd at least start the process of filling Seranolla in while keeping in mind not to so much as think Greenteeth's name, or that of his wayward kin on the off chance that it too ensorceled in some ongoing divination magic.
Under her wide mushroom hat, Seranolla smiles and acknowledges the whole group. As warm as the greetings are, CRAP wastes no time in getting to business with talks of forks on the road and missing villagers. The local druid sighs heavily and responds: "Yes, yes, I know a little about what has happened but I must admit I am not aware of all of the details. Some villagers entered the forest and treated with the elves of Greenhall. They were not allowed inside. That is all that I know about the whole event... unless my memory is failing me... it happens in my old age."
She falls silent for a moment, trying to remember anything else she might know. Failing it, at least for now, she explains: "...I have been spending more and more time in service of my new master. The oath I swore to King Witchthorn when we fought off that dragon has proven to be one that keeps me quite busy."
"Should we fill you in on events from Kabel's Hill as we understand them and you can maybe fill us in on the local situation? I'd be interested to know about King Witchthorn, Greenhall and whether recent intrusions into the forest have voided the agreement between Phlan and the residents of the forest? Although is it better to have these discussions elsewhere? Presumably the elves of Greenhall might not welcome us either if they sent the men from Kabel's Hill away, so that might be out for us too."
Doozey, for the moment, opted to remain quiet after receiving his initial answer, as Utar looked to have things well enough in hand. But if Seranolla was agreeable to the notion of learning more about Kabel Hill, both he and Biscuit(in his own way) would lend their voice (literally or the proverbial) to the story as needed to aid in giving context to events. It's at that point he'd make mention of the imp's escapades and current involvement with the party, believing to some degree or another she'd have picked up on its presence. Otherwise, his focus remains divided between listening to the exchange while keeping the rest of his senses open to the potential approach of danger or curiosities. Knowing Biscuit as he did however, the ranger slipped onto the ground, freeing the mastiff up to saddle up and lay down beside Seranolla, seeming very much happy to be in her presence.
... That is... if she was the REAL Seranolla. (Dun, dun, dun~... plot twist!?)
-Doozey's Perception: 17. (16) Forgot the adv for if hearing/smelling would apply: 27.
Seranolla agrees to Utar's proposition but not before clarifying a caveat: "Please recall I am no longer a neutral party within this forest. Since my oath was sworn, I serve King Witchthorn. I cannot do or say anything that goes against my service to the archfey."
Assuming CRAP accepts her condition, Seranolla explains all in one go, bunching together her answers to both Utar and Neya: "There are those in King Witchthorn's court who believe the exception he granted to Lord Valero was already a step too far, and who claim that the more recent local transgression, as small as it may be, should be considered the proverbial straw that brakes the camel's back. Others welcomed the opportunity to band together against Claugiyliamatar and her brood, and are willing to consider the villagers' misplaced venture into the woods as nothing more than a neglectful little harmless prank. In truth, the agreement hangs by a thread, and the decision belongs to King Witchthorn himself. I am not sure he is willing to listen to any more arguments one way or the other. However, not every fey within the Quivering Forest answers to him. One in particular, a hag named Jeny Greenteeth, was also part of the original agreement. If she feels it has been broken, she sure won't wait for King Witchthorn's answer before she acts upon it, whatever it may be that she may do. I am afraid that, should the agreement be nullified, the real loser will be Phlan itself. Even if most citizens do not know of the agreement, the fey of this forest have held up their part of the bargain and risen in the city's defense when needed.... well, mostly. Now, why don't you share what you know with me?"She pauses then in order to both listen and to pet the big ol'good boy who has found a resting spot by her feet.
Meanwhile, Doozey has been sniffing around, confirming that the forest gnome does indeed smell just like he remembers. What smells a bit funky, and Seranolla has certainly noticed it too, is the invisible imp nearby. Once the halfling explains, the gnome acknowledges it: "Ah, so that is what that hellish smell is. When elaborating, please do not skip the part when you befriend the imp."
Utar launches into an explanation of his own, trying to cover the background of their current mission but giving room for Doozey and Neya to interject where they wish.
"I would not want you to compromise your service to King Witchthorn. Although not every fey came to Phlan's aid, the fact that King Witchthorn did is appreciated, even if most of the common folk have no idea about the sacrificies made that day. It is troubling that the agreement between the forest and Phlan now hangs by a thread and I feel like we would be honouring the memory of Lord Valero if we could leave here with the agreement on more solid ground." The half-orc pauses for a moment. "But I accept that the decision rests with King Witchthorn and he doesn't want any discussion of the matter one way or another. Right now, we just want to try and find the missing villagers from Kabel's Hill and the missinghermit who drew the villagers into the forest in the first place. The villagers are rightly terrified of breaking the truce with the fey of Quivering Forest, and especially angering ..."
Utar trails off midsentance then decides to press ahead and ask a stupid question. "By the way, when we spoke with Serelis he seemed to think just saying the name of the fey who lives down the other fork in this road would anger her and alert her to our presence, any truth to that?"
After Serranolla gives her response, the half-orc contiues, "Anyway, one of the villagers was returned less their eyes and tongue. Primarily we would like to see the others returned to Kabel's Hill too, preferrably unharmed, but I'm getting the sense that if Greenhall turned them away, the only place they might have gone is," Utar points down the other fork in the road, "that way, which I worry is exactly where we are headed to next. Is there any relationship between the, lady who lives down that way and King Witchthorn?"
Though Doozey flinches hearing the King's name spoken aloud, unlike with Jeny, the moment passes without him immediately looking about the area or scenting the air as if expecting another attack. And even when her name, Jeny's, is soon to follow, only Biscuit perked aup and looked to be on edge until the petting from Seranolla calmed the nerves. Doozey, on the otherhand, calmed on his own before long and intended to continue playing the attentive listener. Yet...
"Ms. Serranolla, I... hope you can forgive the bit of impertinence in the asking of this. But is the reason the King has been having so active has anything to do with the aftermath of the battle still?"He asks tentatively. "A-also to be clear, the missing villagers weren't the only reason we're here, of course, as we haven't forgotten the king's... request for presence in the past."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Despite being on listening mode, Seranolla doesn't hesitate to answer the questions posed to her. She begins with those posed by Utar: "I advise against mentioning her name too often, though I guess my position under King Witchthorn grants me some protection. The two of them do not see eye-to-eye, but wouldn't risk angering each other over the mere mention of a name. The fey are strange with names, though... power in it and all that. If you'd like, we can avoid using her name... and his too. Serelis has no such agreements that I know of and is right to avoid it altogether."
Turning to Doozey's questions, she adds: "I believe my liege made it clear in your last meeting with him that he has some territorial disputes with his newest neighbor. Claugiyliamatar has been quiet for some time now, and it is no secret that a dragon of such power may have more than one lair, so it is possible she simply hasn't been around the Quivering Forest after we came together and disturbed her potential deal with the hobgoblins and the Cult of the Dragon. Whether this is the reason for him extending a invitation to you, or something else entirely, I cannot say."
Trusting the questions to be answered, the gnome turns to a caution: "I cannot be the first one to tell you this, but I advise you to turn around. Do not further enter the forest, lest you end up bewitched or enticed into an oath like I did." She then lets out a slight sigh, realizing her wisdom is likely not going to change your decision. "But, if you must, I instead implore that you treat peacefully with the elves. The elves trade goods found only within the Quivering Forest to the Emerald Enclave, which I still represent in these parts. Any conflict with a group of outsiders will be blamed on all outsiders. The loss of this trade would be devastating to the faction."
Utar shakes his head. "The situation is even more fraught than we realised. At every turn it gets more and more complex!"
Rubbing a hand over his forehead, the half-orc continues, "I would not want to jeopardise the relationship between the elves of Greenhall and the Emerald Enclave, perhaps it is best to avoid the place altogether. Presumably we should make good on a visit your, uh, liege, lest we be accused of a slight? Although that does maybe afford us an importance we don't really possess. It might be that not visiting would offend no one and we should follow your advice and leave."
Sighing, Utar rubs his eye and shakes his head again before giving a wry laugh. "This is more complicated than I ever imagined! Wheels within wheels within wheels!"
Doozey sighs and shakes his head over Utar's reaction. "You're overthinking things, Mr. Utar. We have to go. Be it to the elves to make use of a potentially known crossing to the fey realm and meet the king, or wrangling an alternative out of the hag, along with a potential rescue. Either way, turning back isn't exactly an option!"The stoutling stated firmly, losing his cool for a bit in stomping his foot for good measure. But after taking a moment to breath and steady his nerves, the halfling continues. "At the very least I can't turn back. Partially 'cause I suspect I know, eh... well, in part the King's reason for the invitation. But also, I... I... "
He sighs again, and it's at that point Biscuit gets up again and wanders to sit beside Doozey with a paw on the halfling's shoulder. "Me and me brother here have been searching for so long for the origins of our clan. Nevermind the fact that I... I feel responsible for dealing with my wayward kin before he and the hag go too far and exacerbate things anyhow."
Seranolla listens attentively as both Utar and Doozey momentarily lose their respective cools, each in their own way. She chooses not to pry, leaving the halfling to mull over his clearly personal involvement with these woods. Once she is given some silence to fill in, her response is short and sweet, and it is worded as a question: "So, where will you go next?" She waves toward one path: "Greenhall?"and then to the other: "Wood crone?"
Pipyap speaks up at this point, remaining masked by his impish powers: "Halvin. We came for Halvin!"
Denae shooshes the invisible imp, waiting for the official CRAPsters to make a choice.
Suddenly, as Doozey mentioned finding his missing kin, the complications fall away from Utar's thoughts. "I'm ready to follow where you lead, stoutling. Your kin, your call."
Doozey initially cringes, then glared at Utar, seeming unappreciative of having the choice thrust upon him. But after a moment or two of staring into the Half-Orc's eyes, his expression softens and shoulders lose their tension. Halfling eyes then turn upon Neya, searching for any hints of a differing opinion, if not lingering reluctance over the prospects. And if she too appeared to be of same mind as Utar, even if only her own way, then... Doozey would look taken aback for a moment.
"... Then we go to the elves. Might be a touch tricky convincing them to let a hellspawn linger even remotely in their midst, let alone near their home, but they are our next best bet in sorting this whole mess. So... let's go."
But...
But if, on the otherhand, she had been at odds in continuing forward without at least suggesting some alternative, then his expression would harden before saying bluntly, "Then I guess this is where we'll part ways. 'cause I'm not turning back."
(OOC: Feels like we need to hear from Neya before moving too far ahead, so I'll have a light update today.)
"To Greenhall," Seranolla confirm Doozey's pick following Utar's prompt. "You'll need to follow this path here for about two days worth of travel. Stay on the path and hope that nothing finds you on your way there."Seranolla then resumes her sitting position on a nearby rock. "I'll stay here, as I have been charged for now. I am sure I'll see you before it is all said and done. And remember, no matter how stubborn and unwelcoming the elves may be, I implore you to treat with them peacefully."
Denae interrupts: "Wait, wait. I don't disagree that Mr. Badger has a saying on this decision, but I trust Neya more than any of you. I want to hear what she has to say before we all just accept we are going to Greenhall."
"I'll have to agree with Doozey. Besides, I have a sneaking suspicion that trying to get on the elves' good side will be a good deal less dangerous than trying to impress she-who-must-not be named."
"Before we leave, Seranolla, would we be able to ask about the task that keeps you here?"
As an aside to Doozey, Utar will offer the following, "I didn't mean to thrust the burden of leadership upon you, only to say that, if your call was to bum rush our lady of the woods, I'd be ready to follow you."
Denae nods at Neya, showing that she will follow her sister's choice as well.
"Oh, don't you worry about that my dear." Seranolla comfortsUtar. "I promise you that it is nothing that should interfere with your quest, if that is your concern. Look at it this way: should you feel the itch for another talk with an old forest gnome, well, you know where to find me." She gives the half-orc a grandmotherly smile and pats him, and by extension the entire group, onward.
Assuming the party is satisfied with that answer, Denae leads you all forward. With each step, your boots crunch on fallen leaves and twigs, echoing through the tranquil forest. The path ahead is narrow, winding through the undergrowth and disappearing around a bend. As you follow the trail, your senses heighten. You listen intently to the symphony of nature: the chirping of birds, the rustle of small creatures in the underbrush, and the gentle whisper of other unseen critters in your surroundings. The thick canopy blots out most of the sun's light, resulting in a dimly lit forest (unless any of you are caring any light source).
An hour into this renewed hike, those of you with passive perception equal to 11 or higher notice that Denae has seemingly placed a flower above her left ear, much like a young lady might after plucking a wild daisy from the fields.
The brief period of silence that follows tells Denae what she needs to know. She breaks it by spurring the group to move: "Very well. Goodbye, Serelis. It was nice meeting another half-elf ranger loner in these parts. I can't help but think I am taking your job in this adventure in a way..." *she breaks the fourth wall by glaring directly into the camera* "...but alas. Be safe. I'll make sure that these CRAPsters will arrive at their next forest-y destination of choice." With that, she looks at the group and waves her hand as signaling you all to follow. "May the virtuous follow me," she says in her typical mocking way.
Denae leads the party up the path indicated by Serelis. As you enter the Quivering Forest in earnest, it doesn't take long for the path to become less well-lit and welcoming than what you had noticed so far. The Quivering Forest is a terrifying place; a forest where the shadows are unusually deep, the colors are muted, and the sounds are muffled. The weather is still inclement in the region, but the thick canopy above shields CRAP from most of the falling water. Despite this protection, large, icy drops still fall here and there, and a wet, clinging fog covers the forest floor. It is damp and chilly, and visibility is somewhat reduced. There is not even the slightest breeze here.
Not 20 minutes of path-finding later, you see a short humanoid figure waiting for you ahead, where the path forks into two separate directions. "Ah, you have arrived. I had a hunch I'd find you here if I were only patient to wait at the fork on the road." Seranolla smiles widely, genuinely happy to see the group again.
Utar lets Danae's barbs wash over him and focusses instead on perfecting his 25 word message to Seranolla, counting out the words on his fingers as they walk along the forest path. Suddenly confronted by the woman herself within the forest, Utar drops his hands to his sides and forgets composing his message.
"I'm very glad to see a friendly face here of all places. Also one who knows for sure which fork in the road we should be taking!"
Having spoken his piece, Doozey had not much reason to add more encouragement to the suggestion itself. So, he would be silent. As for Denae's teasing, well... either he seemed not of a mind to give her the satisfaction of acknowledging it, or it failed to register altogether. Hard to say which was the case in the moment. But regardless, he'd at least followed Denae after bidding Serelis goodbye (along with Biscuit) with a final bowing of heads.
During the journey itself Doozey remained just as quiet, but also contemplative. In fact, were it not for him riding on Biscuit's back, the ranger might've wandered off the trail at several points. In time he's torn from his thoughts, however. If not from a new and familiar(?) scent reaching him, then instead from hearing a voice that easily elicits a smile. "Aye. At least one would hope. Either way, thanks again for coming out to meet us." Biscuits lets out a hearty Boof in agreement as he hurries over to start trying to lick Seranolla's face. "Though 'fore we move on, eh..." Doozey looks back and forth between Seranolla and Utar. "You're already aware of the whole missing villagers, yea?" He asked. And depending on the answer, he'd at least start the process of filling Seranolla in while keeping in mind not to so much as think Greenteeth's name, or that of his wayward kin on the off chance that it too ensorceled in some ongoing divination magic.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Under her wide mushroom hat, Seranolla smiles and acknowledges the whole group. As warm as the greetings are, CRAP wastes no time in getting to business with talks of forks on the road and missing villagers. The local druid sighs heavily and responds: "Yes, yes, I know a little about what has happened but I must admit I am not aware of all of the details. Some villagers entered the forest and treated with the elves of Greenhall. They were not allowed inside. That is all that I know about the whole event... unless my memory is failing me... it happens in my old age."
She falls silent for a moment, trying to remember anything else she might know. Failing it, at least for now, she explains: "...I have been spending more and more time in service of my new master. The oath I swore to King Witchthorn when we fought off that dragon has proven to be one that keeps me quite busy."
"Now, how may I help you?" She asks kindly.
"Should we fill you in on events from Kabel's Hill as we understand them and you can maybe fill us in on the local situation? I'd be interested to know about King Witchthorn, Greenhall and whether recent intrusions into the forest have voided the agreement between Phlan and the residents of the forest? Although is it better to have these discussions elsewhere? Presumably the elves of Greenhall might not welcome us either if they sent the men from Kabel's Hill away, so that might be out for us too."
"I'm curious whether our previous involvement in this forest has also had an effect."
Extended Signature
Doozey, for the moment, opted to remain quiet after receiving his initial answer, as Utar looked to have things well enough in hand. But if Seranolla was agreeable to the notion of learning more about Kabel Hill, both he and Biscuit(in his own way) would lend their voice (literally or the proverbial) to the story as needed to aid in giving context to events. It's at that point he'd make mention of the imp's escapades and current involvement with the party, believing to some degree or another she'd have picked up on its presence. Otherwise, his focus remains divided between listening to the exchange while keeping the rest of his senses open to the potential approach of danger or curiosities. Knowing Biscuit as he did however, the ranger slipped onto the ground, freeing the mastiff up to saddle up and lay down beside Seranolla, seeming very much happy to be in her presence.
... That is... if she was the REAL Seranolla. (Dun, dun, dun~... plot twist!?)
-Doozey's Perception: 17. (16)
Forgot the adv for if hearing/smelling would apply: 27.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Seranolla agrees to Utar's proposition but not before clarifying a caveat: "Please recall I am no longer a neutral party within this forest. Since my oath was sworn, I serve King Witchthorn. I cannot do or say anything that goes against my service to the archfey."
Assuming CRAP accepts her condition, Seranolla explains all in one go, bunching together her answers to both Utar and Neya: "There are those in King Witchthorn's court who believe the exception he granted to Lord Valero was already a step too far, and who claim that the more recent local transgression, as small as it may be, should be considered the proverbial straw that brakes the camel's back. Others welcomed the opportunity to band together against Claugiyliamatar and her brood, and are willing to consider the villagers' misplaced venture into the woods as nothing more than a neglectful little harmless prank. In truth, the agreement hangs by a thread, and the decision belongs to King Witchthorn himself. I am not sure he is willing to listen to any more arguments one way or the other. However, not every fey within the Quivering Forest answers to him. One in particular, a hag named Jeny Greenteeth, was also part of the original agreement. If she feels it has been broken, she sure won't wait for King Witchthorn's answer before she acts upon it, whatever it may be that she may do. I am afraid that, should the agreement be nullified, the real loser will be Phlan itself. Even if most citizens do not know of the agreement, the fey of this forest have held up their part of the bargain and risen in the city's defense when needed.... well, mostly. Now, why don't you share what you know with me?" She pauses then in order to both listen and to pet the big ol'good boy who has found a resting spot by her feet.
Meanwhile, Doozey has been sniffing around, confirming that the forest gnome does indeed smell just like he remembers. What smells a bit funky, and Seranolla has certainly noticed it too, is the invisible imp nearby. Once the halfling explains, the gnome acknowledges it: "Ah, so that is what that hellish smell is. When elaborating, please do not skip the part when you befriend the imp."
Utar launches into an explanation of his own, trying to cover the background of their current mission but giving room for Doozey and Neya to interject where they wish.
"I would not want you to compromise your service to King Witchthorn. Although not every fey came to Phlan's aid, the fact that King Witchthorn did is appreciated, even if most of the common folk have no idea about the sacrificies made that day. It is troubling that the agreement between the forest and Phlan now hangs by a thread and I feel like we would be honouring the memory of Lord Valero if we could leave here with the agreement on more solid ground." The half-orc pauses for a moment. "But I accept that the decision rests with King Witchthorn and he doesn't want any discussion of the matter one way or another. Right now, we just want to try and find the missing villagers from Kabel's Hill and the missing hermit who drew the villagers into the forest in the first place. The villagers are rightly terrified of breaking the truce with the fey of Quivering Forest, and especially angering ..."
Utar trails off midsentance then decides to press ahead and ask a stupid question. "By the way, when we spoke with Serelis he seemed to think just saying the name of the fey who lives down the other fork in this road would anger her and alert her to our presence, any truth to that?"
After Serranolla gives her response, the half-orc contiues, "Anyway, one of the villagers was returned less their eyes and tongue. Primarily we would like to see the others returned to Kabel's Hill too, preferrably unharmed, but I'm getting the sense that if Greenhall turned them away, the only place they might have gone is," Utar points down the other fork in the road, "that way, which I worry is exactly where we are headed to next. Is there any relationship between the, lady who lives down that way and King Witchthorn?"
Though Doozey flinches hearing the King's name spoken aloud, unlike with Jeny, the moment passes without him immediately looking about the area or scenting the air as if expecting another attack. And even when her name, Jeny's, is soon to follow, only Biscuit perked aup and looked to be on edge until the petting from Seranolla calmed the nerves. Doozey, on the otherhand, calmed on his own before long and intended to continue playing the attentive listener. Yet...
"Ms. Serranolla, I... hope you can forgive the bit of impertinence in the asking of this. But is the reason the King has been having so active has anything to do with the aftermath of the battle still?" He asks tentatively. "A-also to be clear, the missing villagers weren't the only reason we're here, of course, as we haven't forgotten the king's... request for presence in the past."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Despite being on listening mode, Seranolla doesn't hesitate to answer the questions posed to her. She begins with those posed by Utar: "I advise against mentioning her name too often, though I guess my position under King Witchthorn grants me some protection. The two of them do not see eye-to-eye, but wouldn't risk angering each other over the mere mention of a name. The fey are strange with names, though... power in it and all that. If you'd like, we can avoid using her name... and his too. Serelis has no such agreements that I know of and is right to avoid it altogether."
Turning to Doozey's questions, she adds: "I believe my liege made it clear in your last meeting with him that he has some territorial disputes with his newest neighbor. Claugiyliamatar has been quiet for some time now, and it is no secret that a dragon of such power may have more than one lair, so it is possible she simply hasn't been around the Quivering Forest after we came together and disturbed her potential deal with the hobgoblins and the Cult of the Dragon. Whether this is the reason for him extending a invitation to you, or something else entirely, I cannot say."
Trusting the questions to be answered, the gnome turns to a caution: "I cannot be the first one to tell you this, but I advise you to turn around. Do not further enter the forest, lest you end up bewitched or enticed into an oath like I did." She then lets out a slight sigh, realizing her wisdom is likely not going to change your decision. "But, if you must, I instead implore that you treat peacefully with the elves. The elves trade goods found only within the Quivering Forest to the Emerald Enclave, which I still represent in these parts. Any conflict with a group of outsiders will be blamed on all outsiders. The loss of this trade would be devastating to the faction."
Utar shakes his head. "The situation is even more fraught than we realised. At every turn it gets more and more complex!"
Rubbing a hand over his forehead, the half-orc continues, "I would not want to jeopardise the relationship between the elves of Greenhall and the Emerald Enclave, perhaps it is best to avoid the place altogether. Presumably we should make good on a visit your, uh, liege, lest we be accused of a slight? Although that does maybe afford us an importance we don't really possess. It might be that not visiting would offend no one and we should follow your advice and leave."
Sighing, Utar rubs his eye and shakes his head again before giving a wry laugh. "This is more complicated than I ever imagined! Wheels within wheels within wheels!"
Doozey sighs and shakes his head over Utar's reaction. "You're overthinking things, Mr. Utar. We have to go. Be it to the elves to make use of a potentially known crossing to the fey realm and meet the king, or wrangling an alternative out of the hag, along with a potential rescue. Either way, turning back isn't exactly an option!" The stoutling stated firmly, losing his cool for a bit in stomping his foot for good measure. But after taking a moment to breath and steady his nerves, the halfling continues. "At the very least I can't turn back. Partially 'cause I suspect I know, eh... well, in part the King's reason for the invitation. But also, I... I... "
He sighs again, and it's at that point Biscuit gets up again and wanders to sit beside Doozey with a paw on the halfling's shoulder. "Me and me brother here have been searching for so long for the origins of our clan. Nevermind the fact that I... I feel responsible for dealing with my wayward kin before he and the hag go too far and exacerbate things anyhow."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Seranolla listens attentively as both Utar and Doozey momentarily lose their respective cools, each in their own way. She chooses not to pry, leaving the halfling to mull over his clearly personal involvement with these woods. Once she is given some silence to fill in, her response is short and sweet, and it is worded as a question: "So, where will you go next?" She waves toward one path: "Greenhall?" and then to the other: "Wood crone?"
Pipyap speaks up at this point, remaining masked by his impish powers: "Halvin. We came for Halvin!"
Denae shooshes the invisible imp, waiting for the official CRAPsters to make a choice.
Suddenly, as Doozey mentioned finding his missing kin, the complications fall away from Utar's thoughts. "I'm ready to follow where you lead, stoutling. Your kin, your call."
Doozey initially cringes, then glared at Utar, seeming unappreciative of having the choice thrust upon him. But after a moment or two of staring into the Half-Orc's eyes, his expression softens and shoulders lose their tension. Halfling eyes then turn upon Neya, searching for any hints of a differing opinion, if not lingering reluctance over the prospects. And if she too appeared to be of same mind as Utar, even if only her own way, then... Doozey would look taken aback for a moment.
"... Then we go to the elves. Might be a touch tricky convincing them to let a hellspawn linger even remotely in their midst, let alone near their home, but they are our next best bet in sorting this whole mess. So... let's go."
But...
But if, on the otherhand, she had been at odds in continuing forward without at least suggesting some alternative, then his expression would harden before saying bluntly, "Then I guess this is where we'll part ways. 'cause I'm not turning back."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Feels like we need to hear from Neya before moving too far ahead, so I'll have a light update today.)
"To Greenhall," Seranolla confirm Doozey's pick following Utar's prompt. "You'll need to follow this path here for about two days worth of travel. Stay on the path and hope that nothing finds you on your way there." Seranolla then resumes her sitting position on a nearby rock. "I'll stay here, as I have been charged for now. I am sure I'll see you before it is all said and done. And remember, no matter how stubborn and unwelcoming the elves may be, I implore you to treat with them peacefully."
Denae interrupts: "Wait, wait. I don't disagree that Mr. Badger has a saying on this decision, but I trust Neya more than any of you. I want to hear what she has to say before we all just accept we are going to Greenhall."
All eyes turn the the only human in the party.
"I'll have to agree with Doozey. Besides, I have a sneaking suspicion that trying to get on the elves' good side will be a good deal less dangerous than trying to impress she-who-must-not be named."
Extended Signature
"Before we leave, Seranolla, would we be able to ask about the task that keeps you here?"
As an aside to Doozey, Utar will offer the following, "I didn't mean to thrust the burden of leadership upon you, only to say that, if your call was to bum rush our lady of the woods, I'd be ready to follow you."
Denae nods at Neya, showing that she will follow her sister's choice as well.
"Oh, don't you worry about that my dear." Seranolla comforts Utar. "I promise you that it is nothing that should interfere with your quest, if that is your concern. Look at it this way: should you feel the itch for another talk with an old forest gnome, well, you know where to find me." She gives the half-orc a grandmotherly smile and pats him, and by extension the entire group, onward.
Assuming the party is satisfied with that answer, Denae leads you all forward. With each step, your boots crunch on fallen leaves and twigs, echoing through the tranquil forest. The path ahead is narrow, winding through the undergrowth and disappearing around a bend. As you follow the trail, your senses heighten. You listen intently to the symphony of nature: the chirping of birds, the rustle of small creatures in the underbrush, and the gentle whisper of other unseen critters in your surroundings. The thick canopy blots out most of the sun's light, resulting in a dimly lit forest (unless any of you are caring any light source).
An hour into this renewed hike, those of you with passive perception equal to 11 or higher notice that Denae has seemingly placed a flower above her left ear, much like a young lady might after plucking a wild daisy from the fields.