Allansia Adventure

Halbert is a little dazed

I am not the best for negotiation...

Zarbyn also adds, in the same low whisper, "And no killing. These are noble guardians of a powerful artifact, not Shareella's minions or even the Dragon Cult's minions."

After a brief pause to confirm everyone heard he adds, "But we can't leave without a Lotus petal."

Two fey approach from the bushes near the party. They are armed with spears. (You are about 50 feet from the black lotus)

A particularly fierce-looking leafy fey marches forward toward the party with puffed chest, his tiny spear on resting on his shoulder. (Clearly he is not the leader of this group, but he may be the most brave)

“You approach the Sacred Bloom of The Black Lotus. State your intensions.

A second leans toward him and whispers loudly enough to hear in the quiet gardens

“You practiced that?”

Without looking away from the party, the first mutters back:

“Quiet. I sound magnificent.”

From a shrub to your right, you hear voices in the tree. (It is clear there are many of these tiny creatures, each about a foot tall).

"That one's definitely a giant!"

Another voice: "Not all large folk are giants."

"Well, that one is. Look at his huge weapon! His feet are larger than Brindle's house."

"Brindle lives in a boot."

"Exactly!"

The self important one that spoke first to you jumps in.

"They can hear you Elliot. Quiet, I'm conducting business here! I need to tell them the rules."

Ruel, having paid his coin was momentarily taken back to the lands of his birth, the scent of the cherry blossom was on the air, and with it he was momentarily transported back to Hachiman, a child again amongst the cherry trees.

It was a strange juxtaposition then that he gazed on the child like fey creatures, having taken in Zarbyns words Ruel although still a relative newcomer in the group had been the Shoguns champion for some time and had represented his lord with more than just his sword.

Stepping forward he gave a low sweeping bow, fixing the lead Fey in the eyes, but giving over all the reverence he could muster "Surely with such a magnificent introduction I must be addressing the Guardian of the Lotus, please oh mighty Stewart, I would here these rules" Ruel gave another sweeping bow, ready to take the lead in the negotiating but happy to step aside should others wish to follow his lead.

The tiny guardians blink in surprise as the samurai bows deeply instead of looming over them.
The friend says, "He called you mighty."

"I heard." says the first.

"I am not the leader here, but....." he straightens and tries to puff himself up another inch.
" am second Steward Bracken-of-the-Third-Pool, Keeper of Root and Thorn, Watcher Beneath the Lily, Defender of the Sacred Bloom."

His friend interrupts,

"You forgot Mud."

"...And Its Mud."

The two study Ruel and the group for a moment.

"You bow properly, you listen before touching things. Both very unusual for big people."

He smiles. "Behind me is....T H E    B L A C K  L O T U S..!!!! He says, emphasising each word.

"Our rules are ancient and sacred. No stealing the Lotus, no touching the Lotus, no bleeding in the pool of the Lotus, no wizard catastrophes, and ....no lies spoken beneath the flower."

One from the bushes says, "Hey, I know those enormous people. They are the BOOM people that exploded the pirate ship!"

The second guard loudly imitates the blast: "BWOOOOOSH!", opening both hands to emphasize the explosion.

"Anyone who troubles Crimson Legion cannot be entirely terrible!", another from the bushes says, jumping out in front of Ruel.

"Still possibly terrible." (from the bushes), "Ask them if they brought snacks."

You count at least 10 fey now. Likely, they are all over the gardens.

(OOC: AI HAD FUN WITH THIS ONE: Talk bubbles aren't all quite right, but this will give you a better picture of what is happening)

Amdaeng shuffled forward slightly behind Ruel and then kneeled and performed a full Grarb Wai as she had many years ago at Temple.

Once completed she reached into her pack and pulled forth whatever she could find and arrayed it before her-

- a pack of travel rations,  a portion of Nings preserved meat, a tinderbox, torch, rope, waterskin and 10 gold pieces.

( Help Action)

The tiny leaf creatures stare at Amdaeng as if in a trance.

The loud one who earlier shouted BWOOOOSH now spoke in an awed whisper, "They know the old ways."

"She brought offerings!" Another tiny fey curiously grabs the torch, smells it, and starts nibbling at it. 

Another says, "I believe these may be honorable boom-people."

Second Steward Bracken-of-the-Third-Pool says, "Is that giant travel rations?" He pokes at it with his spear a bit distrustfully as if he expects it to bite him.
"Well, you may all approach closer and look on our pride and joy, the magical Black Lotus, but do not forget our rules!"

One of the creatures, the smallest of the group runs toward Ning excitedly.

"BRINDLE, NO! You'll be eaten....again!", one calls in warning.

Despite the admonition, the little creature jumps onto Ning (who has grown considerably larger on Amdaeng's level advancement), and begins scratching behind her ear. Then she starts scratching behind the other. Brindle then puffs up proudly atop Ning's shoulders like a conquering hero.

"Behold, I have bonded with the forest titan!"