Main / SearchingForAlexandria-IC

Searching for Alexandria - In Character Discussions

A Little Chat

On the table in front of Raelynn was a pile of notes, star charts, and a letter addressed to her mother without anything else written. The letter didn't matter anymore if they were going to Dryads Lair. Raelynn wasn't going to admit it because she was an elf (the goddess did say so!), and six years was nothing, but... well, maybe it did bother her a little bit. But just a little!

Still, she was determined to go do her thing while the others did their thing once they hit Dryads Lair, and then meet back up before they left. A letter was nice and all, but visiting in person after, well, more than six years if she was being honest with herself, was better. And if she was inspired, she'd still write the letter, but so far? Nothing.

The star charts were her secret project as well as her not so secret project. Originally, she had thought she'd end up back in Loosend once her purpose was fulfilled, but that was taking longer than she expected, and really, it wasn't so bad here, was it? But she was getting bored. She missed some of her old temple duties, so it was time to bring them to her. For her sake, and for the sake of maybe secretly trying to dig up something useful for Thistle. Not that she was going to let Thistle know she'd started looking at compatibility charts for her or that she planned to try to find a match for Thistle. That was much more of a secret than the other project.

Which brought her to her notes among the mess (to be clear, they were nicely organized because messy wasn't beautiful). A chat with Bixi had an idea forming of a tea shop and matchmaking service, various brews she'd like to mix, potential locations, and other daydreams. They were maybe actually closer to reality than she wanted to admit, but she didn't want to get ahead of herself. She needed to scout locations, decide what she cared about more (visitors or being important by proxy and also closer to nobility gossip?), and get her charts updated and in order. If she knew a thing or two about matchmaking, astrology was essential to it, and a good astrologist had impeccable charts.

While she had finally gotten over her sickness, she was getting antsy. N'laea might have wanted to take a break, readjust and re-examine her life, but Raelynn did not. She was ready to get going, moreso as she knew Thistle was going, and she was eager to glean more information from her for her very secret project, but there was one small detail she still needed to attend to before they left, and that was...

"Youtargim," greeted Raelynn as soon as he stepped into the bordering house from wherever he had been. She tidied up her (not) mess and gestured to the seat across from her. "Do you have a minute? If you're really going on this trip, I think we need to have a little chat..."

With a warm smile, "Of course I have time for you. I am most definitely going on this trip. Going out to visit a new part of the world, not covered in this mist, will be interesting. With you along I am certain you can make it even more interesting."

Glancing over the paperwork scattered on her desk, "Have you ever sailed? Those charts look close to what our navigators use."

"Oh! Yes! I had a navigator buy some from me once upon a time. They were much prettier and easier to read than what he had," replied Raelynn, easily distracted by a topic she loved. She shrugged lightly, as she continued, "I don't use them to navigate the physical, though, but the spiritual. The stars can tell you so much about where you're going in many different forms. The alignment of the moons, the time of day, the placement of the sun... You know, certain alignments compliment each other better than others whether you mean a day, a person, or an event. The stars can tell you SO much."

"Um, but besides the very, very occasional trip from Loosend to Dryads Lair in my past... no. All I needed was one trip on a dirty, cramped boat to know sailing wasn't my favorite. I did mean to at least learn how to swim, but there are so many other interesting things to learn!"

Raelynn shook her head, trying to get back on track, as she said, "Which brings me back to my reason for asking. I wasn't sure if you planned to head back home, but since you're going to be on this trip, I thought I'd ask if you learned anything else on our last journey? Because I certainly can think of a few things for you to consider if you have not."

Youtargim smiled at Raelynn, "I learned a few things, but I always want to learn more. That is the entire point of life isn't it? To enjoy, learn, explore."

Standing next to her at the desk, "What did you want to teach me?"

Raelynn frowned, brought back to the reality of why she wanted to have this conversation in the first place. She pushed away from the desk, perhaps a little more forcefully than intended, and stood up. If there was one thing she highly disliked, it was the feeling of someone looming over her, and even if she was often the shorter one, at least they were now on equal grounds.

"First off," prompted Raelynn, hands on her hips. "A solid foundation of any relationship, friendship or otherwise, can't be built on lies. You admitted to being a liar, but that doesn't make it any easier to trust you. The first rule of love is to be honest, and yes, love does extend to more than a romantic partner - it extends to friends, family, and others!"

"The second rule of love?" asked Raelynn with a slight glare of annoyance. "Communication! You're not going to win over anyone if you pull another stunt like you did with those bugbears. Running off without warning anyone of what you were doing leaving the rest of us unprepared and potentially in danger? If you had given any inclination of what you were doing, we could have prepared and maybe pulled it off, but you did not. Communication is important!"

"You know what the third rule is?" said Raelynn, but without pausing or giving him time to answer. "It's treating others as beings with feelings and NOT as simple objects of desire. Respect! That's why Liliafane said few enjoy Elven beauty - because too few realize we're not just beautiful, but that we have feelings and needs and desires, too. We're more than just our outer beauty, something to stare at, something to lust after."

"You once said you weren't entirely sure why your princess wanted you to come with us, but I have my suspicions," continued Raelynn, turning away to gather her supplies. "She didn't fully understand love until Namsut came to save her - something that was possible with trust, communication, and respect. Maybe she wants you to understand love, too, because right now?" Raelynn turned back to face him, charts and notes held close. "It's clear you still have a lot to learn. To be a part of a whole, as Liliafane put it."

Youtargim smiles with Raelynn, "I have thought that if I admit to needing to lie previously that you would be able to use your skills to ascertain that I am not lying to you now. The average warf worker? If I say we have six tons of goods when it is actually seven, he is not going to worry. Nor will he be in trouble, after all it is fabulously hard to keep track of all the goods going in and out of port. But a lovely person like you? Who obviously can read the signs, " nodding at her star charts, "You would have no problems determining if it is a bushel of wheat or a bushel of chaff. "

"For our three laws of love, I like this choice. You already want us to be friends or more, that is very promising. Secondly we are already communicating well, you have no problems making sure that I listen to you, and hang on your every word. "

Before Raelynn can respond, "For our third law? I am so very happy that you have noticed that I have been very respectful. Have I touched you? Have I said a word that anyone could think is disrespectful of you? I have done my best to guard you, but I have not ever treated you as not able to handle your own defenses. It warms me that you wish to make us both part of a whole. We do compliment each other, it will be good to have a nice extended trip together. Perhaps I can help you learn how to accept the embrace of the water and melt into it. "

"Have you said a word anyone could think is disrespectful of me?" repeated Raelynn in near disbelief. "Um, yes? From what I'm told, N'laea already called you out for some poor word choices, and something Bixi said makes me believe she's not a fan how you've talked about me at times, either. Respect. Maybe you should understand what it means to me rather than your definition."

"But yes, I do hope to be friends. Why wouldn't I want to be friends with who I'm traveling with? Whether that's you, Lanek, or anyone else. Aren't you the one who said it's better to have a group that supports you? Who can be better support than friends?" continued Raelynn, eyebrow raised. "And yes, I am a Priestess of Love. I expect there to be ones wanting to woo me, but for how many try, so few succeed. It'll be interesting to see what makes you think you're so different from the rest."

"Now why don't you take a moment to actually think about what you're trying to do. If I may suggest? Prove you actually do listen to me by taking the advice I gave you when we first met. Lucky for both of us, you have a whole extended trip to do so."

Without another word, Raelynn took her leave.

On The Road Again
Directly after 20220624s

As they continue down the road with the walking wounded inside the wagon...
(meaning everyone is there and can contribute where they see fit)

"Youtargim, when you asked me what you should do, what, exactly, is it you heard from me? Because this," said Raelynn, gesturing to all of him, frowning, "Should not have happened if you heard me correctly."

"Miss Raelynn," Youtargim bows his head with a wince, "You told me to go with Indigo and be there with him. I would not say protect him as much as assist him. So I ran forward to be there when he arrived at the beetles. I tried to keep pace with him to arrive at the same time. Just bad luck that we both got hit by that butt fire blast."

"Miss Raelynn?" said Raelynn to herself, confused. She doubled check she was talking to Youtargim before she spoke louder. "I suppose that is... fair. But while you seem to be able to hold your own, you are not a fighter like Indigo, and that's okay, but you have to be more careful. Know when to pull the fighters away rather than get yourselves both nearly killed."

"And YOU," continued Raelynn, turning towards Indigo, still frowning, "Need to make sure you have backup closer when you're facing down a mob! At least help me remember to give you some helpful spell or something before you run off."

Trying to rub away a headache, she said, "I hope Bixi can cook us something nice for dinner. We all will need it after this."

Indigo scratches his head and sits up a bit in the wagon. “I’m sorry I had a bad day. Stuff like this doesn’t usually happen to me, but I don’t think it’s fair to go scolding us like we did something wrong. We could blame people all day if that’s what you want to do. If you had told us you could lightning bolt them all to death, Raelynn, no one would have even had to go up there in the first place. Talwin and I are the only fighters on this trip and Talwin is sometimes so worried about Bixi and other people that sometimes he protects before he starts fights. That’s fine, but when there’s a fight to be had, I will be there. That’s my job and if I waited for all the slow pokes to move up, we’d miss dinner we’d be waiting so long. Besides, beetles spray and hit anyone around. If four people were there maybe all of us would have gotten stunned and not just me and Youtargim. Then who would be left to both kill things and save the stunned people from getting eaten by bugs? That’s all I got to say on that.”

"Oh!" Bixi suddenly shouts, to make sure everyone in the wagon can hear her from where she is, on her nice new Boar pony from the circus, "I always forget that I have spells that can help too! When you remind Rae next time remind me too! I'm not used to this kind of stuff, you know? I had a very calm, very boring life in my village before I met you. I was worried about Knotty and then worried about keeping close enough to Talwin so he didn't start dragging me across the ground (throws a pointed look in where she suspects Talwin is inside the wagon, even though no one can see it), and then once I finally thought of something that might be helpful, I couldn't even catch up to everyone before everything was chaos. Maybe at the next inn we should sit down and write out a plan. They were so far away, we would have had time to get our notes back out and follow the plan!"

Bixi pulls out her notebook. "I might be able to start writing now, although Knotty isn't exactly the smoothest steed. Step one, Remind Rae and Bixi that they might be able to cast helpful spells before the idiots and Indigo start running towards the danger. Step 2 anyone???"

"Oh, I suppose you're right. I don't mean to scold you, I just... you both almost died because of nasty gross bugs. BUGS! What kind of cleric would I be if you died to bugs?? At least Howard's many near deaths were a bit more understandable. What kind of person would expect a beetle to shoot acid out of it's... it's rear-end and incapacitate such abled fighters??" asked Raelynn, still distraught.

"ME!" exclaimed Thistle, poking her head over briefly and waving from the other side of the wagon.

"Well if I had known that earlier, maybe we should have just zapped them all from the start," continued Raelynn, rolling her eyes, annoyed, debating if maybe she scolded the wrong individuals. "I didn't expect to need to do that."

Raelynn clapped her hands together, nodding at the list Bixi was putting together, saying, "I think Step One actually needs to be to feed Indigo more. Maybe he's having a bad day because we're not eating Jilly's cooking or he's not eating enough. Then Step Two can be us trying to do better about assessing whether our very few fighters need some extra help. You know, besides the current help they need with hair care and cuticle maintenance."

“I like Step One!” Indigo piped up. “But what’s a cuticle?”

“I’m afraid I should take a share of the blame,” said Howard. “Since N’laea is absent from this excursion, it was my plan to use my magic to take out the vultures at a safe distance, thereby freeing the fighters to attend to the creatures on the ground. I should have expressed my plan directly to Sir Talwin and perhaps it would have freed him to enter the fray more quickly and conventionally. My apologies Miss Raelynn and to all.”

"Exactly," said Raelynn, seriously, in reply to Indigo's question. "And you don't need to apologize, Howard. You -"

"He stopped Youtargim from becoming a book pirate!" interrupted Thistle, questionably helpful. She fisted her hand, waving it for them to see, as she continued, "If that vulture took his eye, next thing you know, he'd have a hook for an arm, a peg for a leg, and a never-ending desire for revenge against some weird magical boy. Once you go down that path, there's no turning back."

"Thistle, I'm not sure -"

"And not only would he go back to eating rats, he'd probably start eat the roaches, too."

"OKAY," said Raelynn, paling and trying hard to push down the rising nausea. She pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment, before she continued, "Howard, I think the point Thistle is trying to make, is that you helped save Indigo and Youtargim so you don't need to apologize. Without you, I fear one or both of them might have really died. You had a very good plan! We're just not traveling with some of the individuals we're used to traveling with so we're figuring some new things out, but we'll get there. Just hopefully without such close calls next time. We just need to get through the evening, and then maybe we'll be lucky and find a farm to stay the night?"

"A farm with... roaches," whispered a sinister voice broken only by laughter from the other side of the wagon. Raelynn tried very, very hard to ignore it.

Youtargim gives a laugh, "I would like to avoid more rats if we can please. However I do think that Raelynn can make me look just as handsome as she wants to see me."

He winks at Indigo and smiles for Rae.

"Yout," Bixi said very seriously, "I'm an optimist. Even in the worst situations we've been in, good things have come out of it. If we find rats or roaches wherever we end up next, I'm sure we'll either befriend them or easily get rid of them. But... I... look, Raelynn, I'm sure you're very talented, but I just don't know if there's much you can do for Yout. He's so... Youty. Like there's no way to get rid of that essence. To be perfectly honest, the peg leg and eyepatch wouldn't necessarily be a downgrade. I admit though, I'm not sure what exactly it is that makes... what are you Yout, human? I'm not sure what it is that makes humans attractive. I mean Thistle is as pretty as an elf, so that's an obvious one... but Yout..." she trails off, not really sure how to optimistically express how creepy of a person she finds him.

(continued at the start of 20220701s)

Drink of the Gods
Back at Dragon Fen, 24-11-357 SKR, early on in Searching For Alexandria...

There were small signs the cold would soon give to warmer weather, but N'laea did not mind. The weather simply was and there were always reasons to enjoy it. Some preferred the change for the upcoming festivals, but N'laea cared far less for that and more for the small comforts of home best enjoyed when there was still a chill in the air. She sat next to a small fire, water boiling away, grinding up some roasted seeds, when she heard a branch crack.

There was no attempt at hiding their footsteps. Well, there was one attempt, although it still needed work. But it therefore was of no surprise when Shi'Nynze came out of the brush with one of the youngest wolves by her side. It was one N'laea had yet to meet, but had been born in her absence. Either the wolf was still learning or she simply wasn't good at subtly. As for the high elf, she was always courteous enough to announce her presence. It still was somewhat of a surprise to N'laea who, in her home forest, and any she may have claim over, she'd likely never do. It was hardly the wood elf way to let others know you were there.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Kela was insistent on meeting you," said Shi'Nynze in greeting.

"Kela?" asked N'laea, intrigued by the name. She glanced at the wolf who, half hidden behind Shi'Nynze, barred her teeth and gave a low growl.

Go Away. Mine. Not yours.

"She has, perhaps, spent a bit too much time with Yellen," replied Shi'Nynze, nodding, as the wolf kept saying her namesake of Go Away, Go Away, Go Away to N'laea. "She is the least trustful."

"She hides behind you," commented N'laea at the possibly cowardly wolf.

"She knows what I will not tolerate," said Shi'Nynze with slight warning to the wolf who took a single step forward. Kela glanced up, took a step back again, but did not stop growling.

Why must I go away? asked N'laea speaking directly to the wolf in a dialect that surprised the canine. She knew the magic tongue, but Kela did not expect another to know her own tongue.

You are new. I do not like you. Go away, said Kela, growl returning.

N'laea nodded before she turned to rummage in the bag of supplies next to her. From it she pulled a small ball of pemmican and a bone. The bone had simply been something she found while exploring, kept for moments like these, while the pemmican had been made much earlier from a wounded hare. While N'laea often made pemmican without meat, as she only ate meat in great times of need like most followers of Rillifane, she also sought balance in honoring a life. The hare was not going to survive its wound, and letting it needlessly suffer was not her way, but there were times she tried to honor their life by giving it another purpose. Such as now, trying to win the understanding of another animal, who certainly wouldn't want just vegetables.

Eyes on the wolf, but expressionless, N'laea set the bone and pemmican offering in the space between them. Kela smelled the air, but did not move, still distrustful. That was fine with N'laea.

"Would you like to join me?" asked N'laea as she completely ignored the wolf and held up an empty mug to Shi'Nynze.

"Thank you," replied Shi'Nynze, coming to take the mug and sit down. Kela watched, and watched, and watched, and while the elves talked, snuck the snack, and eventually took the bone and sat near Shi'Nynze chewing on it.

"The others?" asked N'laea, tilting her head towards the uncertain wolf.

"If you have not met them yet, you will in time. I trust them to be better behaved," replied Shi'Nynze, simply.

She watched as N'laea went back to grinding up the remaining seeds with interest, unsure exactly what was being made. Once the handful were as fine of a powder as N'laea could achieve, she poured them into the boiling water. Although soon she could possibly get some syrup, for now she settled with adding a small drop of honey from her stash to the concoction, mixing it, and tasting it until she was satisfied.

As she handed Shi'Nynze her mug, N'laea said, "You will like this if you have not had it yet."

"I have not," replied Shi'Nynze with interest.

"Perhaps a'isha does not know it or does not have the means to make it," said N'laea, offhandledly.

Shi'Nynze tentatively took a sip, her eyes almost instantly widening as the velvety drink passed her lips. It was the taste of the smell of lyre-leaf greeneye, a sweeter version of the expensive and limited seasoning blend her mother kept around. It was what she always hoped to try, but could never quite do with the flowers.

"What is this?" asked Shi'Nynze, surprised. "It is... it is fantastic."

"Linden," replied N'laea wearing an uncharacteristic large smile at the reaction.

Shi'Nynze frowned, brows furrowed, as she said, "No. I have had linden many times. It is one of my favorite teas."

"The flowers?" asked N'laea, knowingly.

"Yes."

"Are there many near your home?"

"No," said Shi'Nynze, slower at answering.

"Typical high elf. Focused only on the floral beauty," said N'laea, but there was enough of a quirk still left to her smile to know she was teasing. Shi'Nynze didn't have time to contemplate how the elf was finally warming up to her before N'laea continued, "They are more abundant near my home. The seeds hold great flavor, but too many ignore them."

"But this is phenomenal. Why do more not know about it?" asked Shi'Nynze, astounded at every sip.

"Why do more need to know?" asked N'laea, back to her blunt, unsmiling self. "What benefit is there for me to share this knowledge with others? So outsiders can come and try to take my homelands? So they can steal the knowledge and profit as their own? You know how Gabreths can be. They would clear lands, plant too many, enslave others to harvest. They would proclaim it as their discovery and ruin the lands in the process. No, they do not need to know."

"I am sorry," replied Shi'Nynze, abashed. She took a thoughtful sip, before saying, "I do not think that is always true but this... I can see it easily done for this. Thank you for sharing it with me."

N'laea gave a nod of acceptance to her apology, as she said, "The seeds keep well when roasted. I gather them when I see them. I do not wish to rush home, but it helps with the unexpected homesickness. We would often have it when cold, especially this time of year."

"For the holiday?"

"Yes. A version of this is made to increase fertility for those foolish enough to believe it."

"Does your clan celebrate the holiday?"

"We call it Adahl'shena'man as we care more about our forests, but some do incorporate the fertility of the other holiday. I do not care for it, though."

"No interest in romance?" asked Shi'Nynze, curiously.

"It vexes Raelynn endlessly. I believe it half the reason she follows me," replied N'laea, shrugging a shoulder. "She cannot accept it and does not believe me."

"But you would know yourself best," replied Shi'Nynze, frowning.

"Too many in this world believe they know better or simply cannot accept that some naturally lack the desire others possess. It has lead to …conflicts in my past. I do not have patience for ignorance."

"But Raelynn?" asked Shi'Nynze, carefully.

N'laea shook her head, "She is not trying to change me, just understand me. It is... what is that word her friend used ...bambi?"

"I do not know that one," said Shi'Nynze, confused but intrigued.

"It is when I visited her temple years ago. They are a nosy bunch." She looked down in thought, trying to remember, as she slowly said, "I had told them of a kiss I shared with a woman whose skill in swordsmanship vastly impressed me. It did not go farther than that to their disappointment, but it is as close as I've come to romance. I told them I am indifferent to it, but I dislike or do not understand so many aspects of it. Her friend called me a bambi. It was a new word to Raelynn, too. She wanted to understand." N'laea looked up and shrugged with the lightest embarrassment. "I am sorry. I do not mean to bore you."

Shi'Nynze shook her head with a smile, saying, "I do not mind. I am glad you are comfortable enough to share. I would hope it means we are becoming better friends."

"Friends?" repeated N'laea, clearly not considering that before, but she nodded after only the smallest pause, saying, "I would suppose so."

Their conversation was interrupted by the lightest growling. Kela, having finished her bribe and with the bone decimated, was focused back on N'laea. She felt slightly better about N'laea, but it would take time, as expected. Shi'Nynze did her best not to roll her eyes at the behavior.

"Thank you for the drink and the conversation," said Shi'Nynze, handing back the empty mug and standing up. Kela jumped right up with her. "Perhaps you'd like to join us tomorrow?" As N'laea rose a brow, Shi'Nynze smiled, and continued, "For Adahl'shena'man. Nieven celebrates that one, too. He wrote a new piece for it. No romance or fertility involved. I think it will help this one get use to you as well if she see you around the rest of us more."

"Thank you. I think that would be nice," replied N'laea, relieved and interested. She gave a slight smile, "I have some seeds I can spare for tomorrow, if you would like."

The grin Shi'Nynze gave at hearing that offer was answer enough.

Kela: Go Away
Gabreaths: Traitors, those who damage forests.
A'isha: Your boyfriend/husband/significant other.
Adahl'shena'man: Time of the Sprouting Trees.

(Disclaimer: Yes, the roasted seeds of linden really do taste like chocolate. As in, I did it. I can verify this, and yes, my mind is still blown. If you live in a temperate region, the seeds are out now so go find yourself some and have a fun experiment this week!)

Spicy Gossip
In Loosend, night of 28-11/01-12-357 SKR, during Searching For Alexandria...

"...and that's not even mentioning the ceremony they had!" exclaimed Elyon, salaciously, as they told them all about two acolytes from different temples who had fallen in love. It was currently *the* gossip, and even Licornah looked interested.

Raelynn was leaning in close, too, enthralled by the story, when a hand tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped up, not from being startled (mostly), but for the sight of the gorgeous elf that greeted her. The excited squeals and hugging drew an annoyed glance from Elyon, causing the gorgeous elf to pull Raelynn away to talk elsewhere.

"I knew you'd still be here, Ayla," said Raelynn, giving her closest friend another tight hug.

"It's only been, like, what, six years? Where else would I be?" asked Ayla, rolling her eyes as she tossed her glossy black hair over her shoulder with a manicure to die for. She was the pinnacle of hair and nail care Raelynn still strived to emulate.

"Haramara?" prompted Raelynn, expectantly.

"Dryads Lair," replied Ayla as if it was obvious.

"Onas?"

"In love and back in the woods."

"Gaylon?"

Ayla opened her mouth to answer before closing it, and shrugging, as she said, "You got me there. But come on. You didn't expect Gaylon to hang around long, did you?"

"Gaylon frequented too many bars to be proper," replied Raelynn with a judgmental sniff.

Ayla sat down on a bench against the wall in a quiet corner of the temple. She reached for Raelynn's hand and pulled her down to sit next to her. Without prompt, Raelynn turned ever so slightly as Ayla reached over and started braiding her hair. It didn't feel at all like six years had passed as they fell quickly into a familiar routine.

"So?" said Ayla as she carefully took strand after strand, gently twisting and twirling it with deft, elven hands.

"I met Sehanine Moonbow," replied Raelynn, casually. The pause was long enough for Ayla's movement to falter. She waited, and when it was clear Raelynn was serious, she dropped the braid she was working on.

"You cannot start with that!" exclaimed Ayla, shocked. She glanced at her hair as Raelynn turned to face her, gave an annoyed sigh, and undid her work. With a flick of her hand and a frown, Raelynn turned away again. "Well now you must finish it."

So Raelynn filled Ayla in on her adventures in Arvanaith and why they even had to go. She could not see Ayla's reaction, but she could hear the slight wistfulness in the questions she asked. But her hands were still steady as she worked on her hair. They only paused when Raelynn showed her the cloak she'd been gifted from the goddess.

"The stitching is extraordinary," breathed Ayla, having reached a good point to pause the hair styling to exam the cloak. "And look at this embroidery."

"Mmhmm," said Raelynn in simple reply. The cloak still left her conflicted given the similar (more sentimental) one she also had from her father, but there was no denying the ethereal beauty of the goddess given cloak.

Ayla eventually shook her head, still in slight shock, before giving it back, turning Raelynn away, and going back to work on her hair. With a small sigh, she said, "I am jealous, but you did not meet Hanali so I will forgive you."

"Love you, too," replied Raelynn with a giggle. She didn't need to see Ayla to know she smiled.

"And Bambi?" asked Ayla as she started pulling flowers and adornments from her pocket to stick in the braids.

"She was given some quiver or something of some sort."

"But she returned with you?"

"It wasn't as easy for her."

"I would not think so," replied Ayla, casually. "How is she?"

"Still blunt, stubborn, and confusing," said Raelynn with the lightest shoulder shrug.

"Is she not with you?" asked Ayla, confused.

"Her? Come visit various cities? As if," replied Raelynn with a surprisingly ladylike snort. "She's back at Dragon Fen. She's accepted she can't get rid of me so I'm sure she'll still be there when we return."

"Tell me about that man you mentioned," prompted Ayla, patting her hair, settling a loose strand, and finally letting Raelynn turn back to face her.

"Also confusing," said Raelynn after a short, thoughtful pause. Ayla simply rose a brow, clearly waiting for more, before Raelynn continued with a slight huff, "The first time he put his hands on me, he jabbed me in the stomach."

"Shut up!" gasped Ayla, scandalized, grabbing Raelynn's hands.

"I know, right? The last sailor who told me he wanted to teach me how to swim used it as an excuse to whisper sweet nothings into my ear," said Raelynn, dreamily. She swooned a bit at the memory before shaking it away. "I expected at least a little of that, but instead - JAB!"

"Human men," said Ayla, rolling her eyes. "Anything redeeming about him?"

"Mmm, well apparently he does know poetry," replied Raelynn, back to slightly swooning. "And while he's no Wyn, he's not bad on the eyes - when he's not sticking his foot in his mouth, at least."

"No one could come close to Wyn," said Ayla with her own dreamy tone. She lost it quickly as she continued, "But he's got a box of rocks in his head."

"That's being too nice," replied Raelynn, rolling her eyes. "It's likely just cobwebs."

"And yet he's SO beautiful, it's unfair," said Ayla, sighing.

Emptyheaded or not, Raelynn looked around, hoping to get a glimpse of the unnaturally beautiful elf, before asking, "Is he still here?"

"He's off getting an early start on gathering donations," replied Ayla, casually. She shook their joined hands, briefly, bringing the conversation back to topic. "But tell me. Why are you so hesitant? I expected more at this point."

"When you find someone in the city, it's much easier to lose them if it doesn't work out. It's much, much harder when you're adventuring," said Raelynn, pointedly. "You remember that lady bard group that stop by here, oh, how many years ago? The ones with the odd names."

"I think I know which one you're talking about," replied Ayla, unconvincingly.

"If you wannabe my lover," said Raelynn, singsong-y.

"You gotta get with my friends," said Ayla with a sudden grin.

"Make it last forever," continued Raelynn with a matching smile.

"Friendship never ends," finished Ayla, squeezing her hands. "Oh, I loved them! So very wise."

"I always hoped they'd come back to visit, or that I'd run into them again while adventuring," replied Raelynn, nodding. She gave a sigh, as she continued, "He's from a different land, still has some of those rough pirate edges to him, and while he's getting better, he sometimes irritates my new gnome friend. I've been kind of waiting to see if maybe that'll improve?"

"A pirate?" asked Ayla, shocked.

"He claims to be good now," said Raelynn, reassuringly.

"You silly goose," replied Ayla, her turn to roll her eyes. "Don't you know some of the best love stories involve pirates?"

"You mean some of your favorite love stories," said Raelynn, smiling.

"Same thing," huffed Ayla. "So where is he?"

"With one of Corellon's acolytes. I told him he could come with us, but, ummm, I think the celebrations are just a teeny tiny bit overwhelming for him," replied Raelynn, cautiously.

"But we haven't even started," said Ayla, brow raised. With that realization, she let go of Raelynn's hands and turned around. Without pause, Raelynn started working on her hair.

"Humans," said Raelynn as a reminder to which she heard a small chuckle from Ayla. "Maybe when we come back this way. By the way, could I borrow some of your perfume?"

"You have your hand cream?"

"Of course I do. But my nails..."

"Mmhmm, I wasn't going to say anything but..."

"Well if you're going to be like that, those earrings..."

The two continued chatted away, trading their beauty products and gossip, the stress of the day and the trip forgotten, if only for a night.

Later that night...

"Now it's your turn," said Ayla with pen and quill in hand. "It's tradition."

A small brazier sat next to them in the secluded part of the garden. In it the paper Raelynn wrote on was nearly ashes. Except for the two of them, looking far more beautiful than they had earlier that day with hair in braids and flowers among other things, there were none others. Six years was nothing, and Ayla wanted to continue a tradition of theirs they had started for more years before that.

"All right, all right. Where to start?" asked Raelynn, more to herself. Ayla, of course, was already prepared and deciding for her.

"The pirate," prompted Ayla, writing down his name.

"Youtargim. Hmm, well, confusing, as I told you hours ago. Sometimes infuriating, and I do wonder if he might be a little insecure with how often he feel like he needs to hint that he's interested in me. But, oh, how I'd love to hear some more poetry from him," replied Raelynn, wistfully. Ayla nodded dutifully as she wrote it all down.

"Bambi," said Ayla, moving on to the next line.

"She isn't here this trip."

"But I like gossip about her."

"Hmm, well," said Raelynn, accepting the argument easily. "N'laea lacks a sense of humor. I almost wish it was atrocious, but she doesn't have any at all! I told her a VERY good joke, and the best she could do was give me a pity laugh. A pity laugh! And she still doesn't smile much at all. Oh, but you should have seen her blind that giant! She really knows how to use a bow."

"If only that was a euphemism," commented Ayla with a small sigh. She would have loved to hear more, but space on the parchment was limited. "Next?"

"Thistle is very brash and snarky," replied Raelynn without pause. "She's nice, don't get me wrong, but I feel like she's one decision away from doing something dumb. Worse than that, I feel like she'd get AWAY with it!"

"Sounds fun," said Ayla, nodding appreciatively. She looked up after writing, waiting for more.

"Indigo is very brave, and clearly no one sane could hate him, but I don't understand how someone could eat so much. It's clear it doesn't interfere with his fighting, he's very good at it, but he's another one I worry about. I feel like all it'd take is a white-colored covered wagon pulling up beside him, with some stranger offering free food, and he'd get in without second thought! And that's not even mentioning his cuticles or distorted sense of being handsome, but we're working on those."

"Beware covered wagons," muttered Ayla, dutifully, as she wrote it all down.

"Oh, and Tiberius! He's not here, either, but he'd probably join Indigo! You know he thought he could stop an automatic gate by just standing on it?! He gives Wyn a run for his coin, but I do very much admire how much he loves Branwyn. It's just so very sweet," said Raelynn with a happy sigh.

"Branwyn," said Ayla, pointing the quill, knowing she wasn't there, either.

"She's magnificent. Diplomatic, kind, but can be absolutely terrifying when she needs to be. I like her," said Raelynn, nodding that confirmation to herself. "She's not like most mages, you know what I mean? Like Howard."

"Go on," prompted Ayla, ready to write.

"I absolutely adore Howard. He's such a sweet gentleman! If Youtargim hadn't come into the picture, I might be more tempted to explore that," said Raelynn, thoughtfully. "But I worried he was, well, a mage. He's so focused on trying to be the best, but he gets so adorably shy around beautiful women. It'd likely distract him from his studies, and the last mage I distracted likely would have killed me, or at least hurt me, if he'd been in a better position to do so. Not that I think Howard would do that! But I want to see him to be the mage he wants to be, and if that means not distracting him so much, that's okay."

"Mmhmm," said Ayla in acknowledgement, vaguely remembering that story from years earlier. "Next?"

"If we're going to talk violent, then that'd be Talwin. He's brave, and very strong, I'll give him that, but he gets SO angry. He tried to kill some hormonal teenagers on our way here! I'm still a bit upset by that. But I wonder how much of it is that evil sword of his, and even if it's not evil, like he claims and I absolutely do not believe, it can't be... healthy to have a sword constantly talk to you like that," said Raelynn with a mix of concern and annoyance.

"How about someone happier?" prompted Ayla to help put Raelynn in a better mood.

"Bixi. She is just so tiny and cute sometimes I think I might burst! But I can't tell her that. She's very sensitive about her height. She's very good with plants, and we've been talking about partnering up for my future tea shop, but she has a pet boar. If that's not bad enough, she SLEEPS next to him!" said Raelynn with a visible shudder. "Between the smell, and the dirt, and the... well, just all of it. I'm not a fan of any of it."

"That's rough," said Ayla with a grimace. "Who else?"

"Craigh is nice. Very enthusiastic sometimes. He was willing to help me out with a scheme which I really appreciated but, um, we had to be talked about it as neither of us thought ahead on that one," said Raelynn with a ghost of disappointment. "Smart, but I'm not sure about wise."

"Such a distinction," replied Ayla, nodding. "Anyone else?"

"If I never see Lanek in his skivvies again, it won't be soon enough," said Raelynn, frowning. "He's grouchy, his skin is in horrible shape, and he's probably a bad influence on Thistle. But... I do suppose he's really good at what he does, even at his age. You'd think a thief that old wouldn't be so nimble, yet there he is!"

"Interesting," said Ayla, making notes. "That all?"

"Licornah, who you met out there, is very reserved. She's good at healing, and I think she like that boar, too, but I'm still getting to know her. And we just met Akilah. I find her lack of faith disturbing, but I don't know anything else about her to form opinions yet," replied Raelynn as she finished up.

"Perfect," said Ayla, finishing up the writing. She set the quill down, crumbled it up, and handed it to Raelynn. "Burn it."

"This is so fun. I hope Hanali enjoys the gossip," replied Raelynn, taking the crumbled paper and setting it in the brazier. It caught fire quickly, becoming ashes and smoke within minutes.

"I know I do," said Ayla, grinning. She leaned against Raelynn as they enjoyed the fire warmth. "But I expect you to have more when you come back to visit."

"Only if you have enough to trade," replied Raelynn, smiling.

(Disclaimer: All opinions reflect those of my character, not me, and meant to be in good fun.)

More Than Mean
(directly after 20220826s)

With two large fish on deck, it was clear Bixi would need help to cook them up. Although Raelynn supposed the eel might need to get a good rinse if Zayden had really... Well, either way, knowing the work ahead for Bixi, and her limited carrying capacity, Raelynn went down into the hold to assess what ingredients they had and gather the ones Bixi knew she wanted.

"Hello there, lazybones. Get a good nap in?" asked Raelynn good-naturedly to the prone Thistle nearby. Rae shot a smile her way before she started digging around in the supplies.

There was a long beat of a pause before Thistle finally replied, "Do you think Indigo actually cares why I'm mean or did he just want a reason for me to shut up and leave?"

"Well, you'd have to ask him to know for sure, but I think he just wanted order on his boat," said Raelynn as she opened a bag, sniffed it, grimaced, and closed it again. "Sorry. Ship. Whatever this is. He seemed not to like the thought of someone causing disharmony like that Jennevive you all keep mentioning."

"Jennevive does that because she's got a nasty black heart. She's walking rot and malice. I don't care what Shi says about her. Jennevive is pure evil," replied Thistle, listlessly. "I'm not."

"So then why do you do it?" asked Raelynn, curiously, as she turned towards Thistle. There was no immediate response which made Raelynn go over to sit next to her. "I think you want someone to care about why you're mean, and I care, so why don't you tell me?"

Thistle turned her head to look at her, clearly trying to make a decision, before she turned her attention back to the ceiling, and replied, "Because when you're mean to someone, you're guaranteed that they'll be mean back. You know what'll happen, you're prepared for it, so it doesn't hurt when it happens. When they say they'll toss you on a different boat, drag you in the water, or leave you behind, it doesn't hurt 'cause you were mean to them first so you know they'll be mean back. If they abandon you 'cause you were mean, then at least they had a reason for it."

"Oh, Thistle! That's not -," started Raelynn, grabbing her hand, but Thistle kept going.

"They don't expect anything from you, either, when you're mean. They expect you to be mean, and immature, but that means they don't expect you to be a lady who doesn't know what it means to be a gypsy, or a lady who lives with an elf who knows nothing about elves or what a normal childhood is like, or a lady who can't lead a pack of wolves no matter how much you love them, or a lady close to someone famous, who you know will back, you know it, but no one believes you after the first year, and when you can't make it come true the next year, when you can't do anything more except tell them their parents are coming back, they are, you don't know exactly when, but they are, you promise, they start hating you for it because they're still not back like you keep promising, year after year after year," said Thistle as the tears started to leak. She hastily tried to wipe them away. "And you can't be mad that they abandoned you, too, that you were abandoned again by someone you really care about 'cause it's not about you, is it? You're a grown up now so it can't be about you. You're not allowed to still struggle with anything once you're a grown up. So you just do what you can, and push it all down, 'cause none of it really matters, right? Not when you're just a mean, immature girl who'll never grow up."

"Oh Goddess Hanali," said Raelynn as a prayer before pulling Thistle up to sit. The minute she was able, she pulled Thistle in for a good, long hug - one she tightened when she felt her clothing start to get soaked with tears.

"I didn't really wanna come on this trip," said Thistle after a good amount of time passed, as she pulled away, wiped her eyes, and rubbed her nose with the handkerchief Raelynn gave her to keep. "Shi said it'd be good for me, but she wouldn't even come with me. You know I've heard all these stories about Shi on adventures, but I've never even be on one with her? And now I gotta save someone from my clan all by myself when I'm not even a proper gypsy or a proper lady or anything worthwhile."

"Thistle, you're not worthless or all by yourself. You know we came to help you, right? We want to help you because we like you," replied Raelynn with reassurance, squeezing the hand she never let go of.

But Thistle just shook her head, as she continued, "I've thought about it, ya know? We were gonna get a knarr, I knew that, but we had room until we found that other elf and stupid Youtargim latched on to the first hint of home he found. It's not like I don't know we don't have room now, but maybe it's fate, ya know? Maybe I can't be mad at him for it."

"What do you mean?" asked Raelynn, confused.

Thistle looked up at the ceiling of the hold as she replied, "I'm tired of being abandoned. I'm tired of having no control over anything unless I'm mean to people. I'm tired of expectations I can't meet or ones I don't like being forced on me. I'm gonna help my clanmate, I gotta do that, but after that? We won't have room for both of us on the knarr so maybe... maybe it's my time to do the abandoning, to stay in Rivers Bend afterwards and disappear."

"Thistle," said Raelynn with a sad sigh. She paused a moment to gather her words. "When we get really overwhelmed, like when those feelings we shoved down inevitably find their way back, especially when everyone is about to expect something from us, we try to find another way to avoid those feelings. Always, always avoid them because they're very scary to face when they've grown so much and we feel like we haven't grown at all. But that's their first trick. They don't want you to face them because then they might lose so it's better to try to convince you that you don't have a chance, that you can happily live in an uneasy peace with those unpleasant thoughts and feelings if you just keep avoiding each other, but isn't that just something else having control over you?"

"No," said Thistle, unconvincingly, as she pulled her knees to her chest, pulled her hand away, and hugged herself.

"You know, sometimes I have to wrestle with feeling abandoned, too," prompted Raelynn, lightly. As Thistle looked at her dubiously, Raelynn continued, "My father. I love him dearly, I really do, but he's an elf and it's been.... well, it's been a very, very long time since I saw him, and it's not the first time." Raelynn stopped herself and gave a small sigh. "But I'm not going to unload that on you. That's not very fair or nice when you just want someone to listen to you, but I do want you to know I understand those feelings if you want to explore them more and find out how to face them."

"I don't know," said Thistle, dismally.

"You don't need to know, not right now, but I want you to know it's an option," replied Raelynn as she reached over to put a hand on her shoulder. "I know you alluded to your crisis earlier. I didn't know how bad it was, but I'm here if you think you'd want someone to talk to about it and help you navigate through it all."

"You're not gonna tell me to be nice, are you?" asked Thistle, frowning.

Raelynn gave her a smile as she replied, "I think sometimes you're a little meaner than you mean to be because that's the way you know how to cope, and I think you do sometimes acknowledge to yourself that maybe that backfires, and you still end up hurt, but you don't know how else to be or what else to do. That's not going to change overnight, and not if you don't want it to, but it'd be nice to have choices, right? To have more control over how you react and what happens next without fear of being hurt? For right now, all I'm going to ask you to do is to try to catch yourself before that happens next time, to know when to hush or walk away - for your sake."

"What if I can't be nice? Are you gonna still wanna help me?" said Thistle with uncertainty.

"I'm going to tell you a secret," said Raelynn, still with a kind smile. She waited until Thistle turned to face her before she continued, "Finding someone the love of their life, a partner to spend forever with, is not actually my favorite part of serving Hanali."

"Seriously? Because I heard talk you're already planning to hook people up," replied Thistle clearly with disbelief.

"Thistle, the greatest love one can get and give in this life is love for themselves. There will never, ever be any love as great as that," said Raelynn with undeniable sincerity. "Don't get me wrong. I do very much enjoy matchmaking, very very much, and I hope I can do that again soon, but what I enjoy most is helping others learn how to love themselves, especially as it seems to elude far too many. A successfully made match is easy satisfaction, one many can do without help, yet one many seek help with, but teaching others to love themselves is a deep satisfaction, one many cannot do without help, yet one many never seek help with. You need help with that, I think you want help with that, and I want to help you with that."

There was another beat of silence as Thistle thought, arms tight around her knees again, before she replied, "Don't tell anyone why I'm mean."

"You tell them what you want, when you want, if you want, but you have to give an honest try to what I tell you to do, okay?" said Raelynn, sticking her pinkie out. Thistle glanced at it, finally giving a shadow of a smile, before she hooked hers and shook it. "Good. I want you to do three little things for me right now."

"Three?" asked Thistle, suddenly less sure.

"Three little things," repeated Raelynn holding up three fingers. When Thistle seemed to accept it and was listening, she continued, "First, I want you to stop beating yourself up. You can acknowledge how you feel, but don't give them power by giving into those thoughts. Yes, they're there, but they aren't what make you you. Push them away and move on. Second, I want you to remember you don't always know all sides. I know you're hurt that Shi isn't here, but I very much doubt it's because she doesn't love you, so try to keep an open mind as to why she wanted you to go without her. Maybe when we return we can find out, okay?"

"Okay," said Thistle in lame acknowledgement.

"Third, I want you to make a list of three things you like about yourself," said Raelynn. She saw Thistle ready to argue, but pressed on. "Write it down and repeat it to yourself. It can be any three things: your gorgeous hair, your beautiful smile, your unflinching fierceness, your uncanny knot tying, your impressive fashion sense, the way the wolves seem to prefer you to brush them over anyone else, how you help counter Shi's sorrow with your unwavering presence, the unending curiosity, anything. But you need to keep repeating them, writing them down and speaking them in your head, until you start to believe them, until you can convince me you believe them."

"All right, but I don't know if I can do that easily," said Thistle, reluctantly.

"It's very easy for some, and very hard for others. That's normal," replied Raelynn, nodding. She stood up and went back to the supplies, grabbed a piece of parchment and quill, and returned. She folded the parchment up into a neat, fat strip and handed both over. "How about you make a bookmark? This way every night when you read yourself to sleep, you're reminded of your list. It doesn't have to be detailed if you're afraid of someone seeing it, but it can have keywords on there like wolves, fashion, and curiosity."

"I suppose," said Thistle, gingerly, as she took the quill and parchment.

"Thistle," prompted Raelynn, bending down to look her straight in the eyes. "You're worthy of love - from others, and from yourself most of all. Don't let anyone tell you differently, including yourself, okay?"

Thistle nodded, wiping at the tears forming again, as she said, quietly, "Thank you, Raelynn."

After giving Thistle another affectionate, caring hug, she grabbed the supplies she came for, and made for the door. She paused and turned around, saying, "I'll let the others know you aren't feeling well so they leave you alone for a bit. Maybe that'll be enough of an excuse they won't question your earlier behavior and will stop being mean in return. OH! But there will be a LOT of stew, so I'll make sure to bring you some if you don't feel like coming up soon. It's okay to take care of yourself right now."

The small smile Thistle gave in response was returned with a bigger one from Raelynn. As Raelynn finally left the hold with supplies in hand, Thistle turned her attention to the slip of parchment in front of her. She wasn't sure what she'd write on there quite yet, but she would figure it out soon enough when her mind quieted back down and Raelynn's comforting reassurance filtered in.

Raft Politics

There was a loud groan from below decks.

"I do not think that was Knotty" said Youtargim.

"I wonder if our new passengers are awake," replied Raelynn, absolutely not holding in the large sigh that came with that statement. "I'll go check on them real quick before I go to bed. Finish waking second watch, okay?"

Without waiting for a reply, Raelynn headed down to the hold to check the noise and see some stirring. She was tired, and impatient, and not sure she was ready for the politics, so she figured she'd get the most important out of the way.

"Hello? Are you finally awake down here?" called Raelynn, lightly, hand in her pouch, waiting first for a reply.

"I am awake, but I think I am blind, I cannot see anything" a tired voice replied.

Howard turned around on deck to see Raelynn going down the steps to the hold. “Miss Raelynn! Wait! It is dangerous.” Giving Youtargim a questioning look, he hurried down the steps behind her.

“Oh, my! It is dark in here,” Howard said, stopping as he entered the hold to make sure he didn’t trip and fall over anything. Quickly he cantripped a small light bubble that allowed a 5-foot radius of light, enough to see Raelynn and not embarrass himself by falling on his face in front of her.

“Miss Raelynn, I am not sure you should be down here by yourself so late at night. Do you have some more light?” He stepped closer to her and looked around for a candle or torch to light. "They are awake!"

"Ahhhh" the new male voice said. "Thank the gods I am not blind. Now could you tell me where I am?"

"Well ... you are on a knarr. This is Howard from the knarr if you remember me," he said sadly.

"Howard from the knarr, I do not think I have ever heard of you. I am Barrister Erlich. Can you tell me why you have me tied up in your ship Howard from the knarr?"

“You must not be the man I spoke with last night then,” Howard replied. “I think Miss Raelynn has come down here to check on you. We tied you up until you could tell us more of who you are. The man I spoke with said he was an escaped slave and was taking his slavers off to be sold. So are you a slaver or a slave or someone else entirely?”

"Well yes, but also no. I just wanted clarification of the ...politics before we get any further," said Raelynn, cutting in. She pulled out one of the false gems in her pouch, ridiculously common donations, and muttered a few words.

(Zone of Truth, Duration 6 rounds)

There was a noticeable change in the air, so being polite, Raelynn continued, "I want you to answer us truthfully."

"Very nice of you to try that... Miss Raelynn I take it. I am sorry you are not familiar with our courts in Loosend. I am certain that it will work on everyone else here with us, but we barristers are immune to the truth."

"So I do have a guess as to why I am in the hold of your knarr. You mentioned a slave, then said slavers. So Howard from the knarr and Miss Raelynn of...? Do tell me Just how many slaves or slavers are you inquiring about? And where did you plan on taking them and myself? And do remember, you are now obligated to tell the truth."

"Just you and your friend here, and we won't know until we know more about you," said Raelynn, honest as she would have been spell or otherwise. "And do remember, this spell ends quick enough. I have no problems leaving this problem for the next watch. Howard?"

“Why would you think we would lie? We saw a raft floating along and checked to see if everything was okay. That was when the man said he was an escaped slave and was hoping to sell two men he had in chains as slaves as he said they were his slavers. He was asking about gold and I thought he might try to rob us so I let your raft go along its way. When we saw your raft again, one man was dead and you and the other were in poor shape. So we rescued you from a similar fate, but are being cautious as I believe we are wise to be. We are not slaves or slavers ourselves and I am not sure what you are trying to imply,” Howard responded in a burst.

"Thank you Howard from the knarr. That does help clear some things up. You said there was one person left here with me. Would he be someone with a large brand in the shape of an S on his upper left arm? If he is the other one you are holding that is Vlad of Boyer. He is out of Blackwater, owned a debt to his landlord whose land he was farming. He failed to pay his due and the judge ruled that he would be restrained until such a time he could pay."

"Or it could be some other person. If you can give me a description of him. Vlad could have killed off Barada without getting me involved. I am not entirely certain why he would think it a good idea to chain me up."

Holding in a yawn, Raelynn simply said, "I am much too tired for this. I'll let someone else deal with you for now. Goodnight." With a small wave, she started making her way back up stairs, tugging on Howard's collar, hoping he'd follow, passing word on to whoever was on second watch.

Feeling the irresistible pull of Raelynn, Howard had no choice but to follow. He called as he left, “I have not seen the other man closely enough. I am sure we will get this straightened out soon!”

When they reached the deck, he saw the second watch ready to go. Howard hurriedly explained what had transpired below and then went to find his place to sleep through the night.

Conversations in session: Down in the hold

Information Gathering in Rivers Bend

Zayden and Akiliah what type of prison is it? like min max security?

Why do they think the Gypsies caused the rain?

What did they do to the Gypsies to upset them?

What is the punishment for a rain curse?

How can one remove the rain curse?

Where is the prison?

What's up with the rain?

Anyone hear of gypsies getting arrested over this rain?

Answers:

The rain started after two young men who were carousing in the camps at Caravan Landing drown returning back to North Bank. The gypsies were blamed because the two young men were found with a package of tarot cards in one of their pockets, expensive and useful for fortune telling.

Alexandria Prison is in the Palace District, where they can take the prisoners off on skiffs to clean the canals and return them there. Or a quick trip to the gallows.

Zayden manages to steal a list of the next bridges and canals that are to be cleaned by which prison crew.

Craigh and Licornah

Questions: *Where is Alexandria Prison?

(Where would we find a barrister,

Is there an appeal process,

why is it raining,

are there any Silvermoon temples here?)

Answers:

Alexandria Prison is for people who cannot afford to pay their fines or need to do time for crimes like theft.

Piracy is the worst crime in the city as they pride themselves for stealing people's money the old fashioned way. With bribes and gifts.

Everyone dislikes the gypsies because they are associated with traveling by wagon. The culture here is all water all the time except for walking. Anything large needing to be moved is by small boat.

The rain is blamed on the gypsies cursing the city for being punished for drowning two people.

There are barristers for hire in the city in several places, many of the noble houses have their own to handle disputes,

No one has heard of Silvermoon

Hmm... well, legit's usually the easiest. You make an appointment to go in and see who you want. Gotta go through the jailer for that, they don't usually nevermind, specially for a little tip. Gettin' out's harder, of course. You can get a barrister and go the legal way, or a hefty bribe to go the back way.

Some specially magically warded cells but not the full thing

Guards both for the prison and for taking work crews out

Guards both for the prison and for taking work crews out

Indigo, Thistle, Talwin, and Rae

Can I get my fortune told?

Yes. We are looking for a Gypsy Compatriot that we were asked to free from Alexandria. We are attempting to understand more about the predicament so that we can help them without cuasing any harm to them or anyone else.

1. Who are we trying to save?

2. Why were they thrown in? 3. How do we best aid them.

Talwin will want to try an easy bribe or simple fine first as a more "legit" option. If we break a gypsy out of the prison, the city will turn on all the gypsycs.

4. May I ask if they know anything about the rain? and

5. May I get my fortune told like Indigo. Was working on these questions for like the past hour :) (apart from the fortune

who is the Wisewoman for this clan

and what god they follow although name will give it away

where they traveled

whyt they are here

where they plan to go next

and what are their hopes and dreams

ah and who in the city is important

whether it's who is harassing them, whoever took the clanmate in, things of that degree

Answers:

The person missing is from the Helow Clan, Wisewoman Agate lead them here but then died during a robbery by two young nobles who robbed her after a bad fortune was foretold.

There is not a current Wisewoman to lead them, there are two who are equal (Saphire and Jade) but neither wants to take the spot away from the other.

The two young nobles were from a powerful house, the De la Veraci Noble Family

The gypsies are at a loss as to why the rains are here but are glad that the earth is in mourning for them

Three in prison: Indigo, Woundwart, Cast

Star Gazing

Craigh and Talwin on the hillside after a prolonged silence following their discussion

Craigh to Talwin:

I think I figured out the right words for what I'm trying to say.

In a fight, you know all the moves, the consequences of swinging your sword, and you don't worry about it. You understand and accept what has happened, what is going to happen.

In a discussion, you don't have that experience. You try for the best result for everyone, and if you don't succeed, you worry over what you could have said better, or what you should have said instead, and you place all the blame for the faults on yourself. So far, I haven't noticed you taking any of the credits for successes.

To an extent, thinking about what you could have done better isn't bad, it's how you learn and improve. But if you spend all your time punishing yourself for the bad, even if it's not your fault, and no consideration for the good, you'll wind up no better than those raw soldier recruits who break down after their first battle because they could have died, or had to kill someone to live.

Anyways, just wanted to bring that to your attention. Maybe you'd realized it already, maybe you hadn't. Maybe I'm way wrong. Could be, I can't read your mind.

Home For The Holidays

"You're even more beautiful than the last time I saw you, sugar drop!" said her mom, giving her another affectionate squeeze before sitting down at the table. She pushed the little tray of cookies towards Raelynn while pouring a cup of tea from the kettle. "And as I said, it HAS been a long time."

"It's only been six years, give or take," replied Raelynn, rolling her eyes. She took the cup of tea with newly manicured nails, courtesy of the temple from completing her training, and took a sip. Mint, strawberry, and a hint of honey. "And I TOLD you it wasn't my fault. It was only two days tops in the other realm!"

"You sound like your father," said her mother, lightly.

"That's not fair. I didn't do it on purpose, and you know I try hard not to do that," replied Raelynn with a delicate frown. Her mother gave a smile, but said nothing. Raelynn tried to ignore the new age-lines on her face. Six years really wasn't that long. Really. "But this is better than a letter, right?"

"Always, darling," said her mother, leaning over to kiss her cheek. She reached into her pocket and put an envelope on the table. "Speaking of your father and letters..."

"Did I miss him?" asked Raelynn, grabbing for the letter with wide-eyes.

"By a couple years," replied her mother, apologetically. "You can read that when you want. He thought I might have a better chance of seeing you sooner."

Raelynn looked at the envelope, addressed to her in elegant Elvish, sighed, and pocketed it. She wasn't ready to read it yet. Instead, she gave herself a moment of contemplation, and a sip of tea, as she asked, "Did he say where he was going this time?"

"I assume back home," replied her mother, shrugging. If it ever bothered her, she never let it show, but it certainly bothered Raelynn.

"And that is?" asked Raelynn, pursing her lips. Her mother gave her another one of those silent smiles. Raelynn let off a puff of frustrated air. "It's annoying."

"He has his reasons," replied her mother, but Raelynn cut off the all-to-common argument.

"I know, I know," said Raelynn, still annoyed, but letting the matter drop for now.

After a very short silence filled with more tea and cookies, her mother asked, "How long are you staying, sugar drop?"

"I think a few months? Talwin will be busy for a bit, and we can't leave him here. Well, I suppose we can, but that'd be very rude. The others kept busy while I was training, but I was hoping to stay with you while I'm here," said Raelynn, hopefully.

"Of course you can, darling. When will I get to meet your friends? Did that elf you mentioned come with you?" asked her mother with interest.

"N'laea? In the city? She hates it more than dad! But I'll see who wants to come visit. We have plenty of time," said Raelynn, happily. She paused before she asked, "But you're not going to tell the rest of them family I'm here, are you?"

"Sugar drop, why wouldn't I tell them?" asked her mother, confused.

"Because they're jealous jerks who give me backhanded compliments and take advantage of you," said Raelynn, frowning. There was a moment of thought before she added, "Except for maybe Silvanus and Aurora. They turned out normal."

"Darling, that's just how they are. They don't mean anything by it," replied her mother, soothingly.

Raelynn rolled her eyes as she said, "You can be as blind as you want, but they're not great at the whole being good family. I can handle their snark, but you know it makes me mad when they take advantage of you. Uncle Jared has a gambling problem, Aunt Agatha literally named her human child an Elvish name out of jealousy, and any relative who insists Elizabeth looks just like me is an absolute loon."

"Elizabeth is thinking about becoming ordained at the Temple of Aphrodite," said her mother conversationally, ignoring all the complaints.

"I'm shocked. Truly," replied Raelynn with her own hint of snark.

"Their feelings will be hurt if you don't say hi," said her mother, frowning.

"Oh like I care!" exclaimed Raelynn, tossing up her hands. She frowned as well, as she said, "At least give me a month before you rat me out?"

"It'll be fine," replied her mother, patting her hand as she took up the empty cookie plate.

Raelynn rolled her eyes again behind her mother's back. Her mother meant well, but she was a gossiper. She knew it was a lot to ask her to keep quiet for seven months, but if there was one downside to visiting her mother, it was seeing some of her other family. At least it justified waiting until after her training to visit home...

"Mother! I'm home!" exclaimed Raelynn, after a very short knock. She opened the door with the spare key, the smell of a varied meal wafting past her. She took a happy, deep breath. "See? I told you my mom cooks more than salads."

An older woman, a bit less pretty, but more-or-less a human version of Raelynn, came over to give her daughter a kiss and a hug. She then looked over Raelynn's shoulder and asked, "And who is all this with you?"

“Hello Raelynn’s mum! I’m Indigo. Thank you for inviting us to dinner. Whatever it is, it sure smells good!” Indigo looked around until he found a seat so he could get out of the way of everyone coming in.

Following Indigo inside the house came Howard. He bowed and held out a small bouquet of flowers. “I am Howard Plum. Thank you very much for the kind invitation to dinner. I see where Miss Raelynn gets her beauty from,” Howard continued and blushing profusely, he raised the flowers in a vain attempt to block his face. “These are for you.”

Youtargim smiled and bowed, "Thank you very much for the invitation, I am very glad that Raelynn wanted me to meet her parents." Sliding off to the side next to Howard. "It is promising that she invited both of us here, is good that she wants her suitors to meet her parents. I don't have any parents, so it is nice to meet Rae's. I heard you were from Dryads Lair too Howard, are we going to do dinner with your parent's too?"

“I’m not … I’m … She invited everyone. And I don’t think Raelynn considers Indigo a suitor,” Howard spluttered. “And no, we are not going to visit my parents. They don’t live in the City and I don’t want to take everyone on a trip to Turndile.”

"You are definitely a suitor Howard, that is a good thing, a woman likes to know she has several options to choose from. Where is Turndile? Would we take the boat there? If not everyone is going we can leave the Buttercup and head off on our own. They said it would be months, apparently learning a sword or spells takes a while. I know Indigo said he was going to be busy for the next few weeks. What do you say? We could take Rae and the three of us go off on a fun visit?"

"That could be fun. Let me know if you go, sugar drop" replied Raelynn's mother, smiling. "Oh, and you all can just call me Lydia since my darling didn't introduce me."

"Stop being dramatic, mother. And anyways, you all won't get to me my father. He's ...somewhere," interrupted Raelynn as she gave her mother a look - one that was ignored.

"Thank you, Howard. These are lovely flowers," continued her mother, pointedly ignoring her daughter as she took the flowers and ushered everyone to come in and sit down. "Turndile is a bit nicer than here, but here is home. My little sugar drop always seems to have suitors, though. Bad habit of stealing hearts, but you never know where it'll lead." She gave Howard a wink before suddenly turning towards Raelynn. "OH! Darling, I did tell you Stewart stopped by earlier?"

"Oh my goddess, mother. Who told him I was in town?" asked Raelynn, exasperated.

"Your Aunt Agatha. He sorted himself out and works with the city guard now. Quite noble, isn't it?" said her mother, innocently.

"If he couldn't uphold his oath as a paladin, then no," said Raelynn, flatly. Her mother gave her a look to which Raelynn rolled her eyes (they were going to ache after this trip). "I didn't do anything! Not my fault he couldn't keep it in his ...well you know!"

Her mother simply gave her a smile and turned back to the group, saying, "Although she did tell me your greatest love right now is food, Indigo. I made a roast just for you. And quite a few dessert! I don't often get to host. Although she did say you might not be as familiar with the dishes, Youtargim? She said you were from, hmm, where was it?"

Bixi and Daph popped in, (at just exactly the right time, Bixi would think, if she had seen how well Yout was sucking up to Rae's mom), and Bixi handed over a loaf of bread. "Sorry we're late! I just wanted to bring something and all I really know is plants and cooking and ghosts, and I figured you had enough of the local plants and I couldn't find a ghost so... um, this is my... this is Daph." Daph smiled and waved awkwardly, not really sure how to introduce herself... but she knew Bixi's way was probably not correct.

Craigh quietly enters behind Bixi and gives Raelynn's mother a very polite bow. "Miss Lydia, it's a pleasure to meet you." He hands her the bottle of wine he was holding. "Your daughter's saved my bacon quite a few times. Thank you for letting her join us."

"Well now I can see why my daughter would be willing to break a nail for you all," said Lydia, smiling at all the courtesy and gifts.

Unfortunately, she could no longer tell who was simply a friend and who was a suitor. With how Indigo was eyeing the roast, she was certain his status, and given the introduction, she now knew Bixi and Daphene were a couple, but the others? Well, it wouldn't be any different from other times her daughter brought others over.

"Come in, come in. Make yourselves at home. Tell me all about yourselves and your adventures. I'm sure you have many wonderful stories for me to hear about my daughter."

Elf out of Silverymoon

Licornah watched the group head out on their various paths – some for training, some for family reunions, some for just good old fashioned rest and relaxation. After so many months of “togetherness” as they navigated the various waters, dry land and distance were good prescriptions for everyone – herself included.

A few of the group remained behind to keep the “not at home, but home fires” burning. Licornah needed to decide how to spend the duration of the months they would not be traveling together, and at first, she prayed, and meditated and gave thanks to Lurue. But those days grew long. She ventured out to make friends with the furry creatures of the area and they were full of stories, but sadly, they confirmed they had not seen any unicorns, but if they did, they would let her know. She suspected they would not but appreciated the sentiment just the same.

Her next order of business was to confirm a theory she had been considering for a while. She made her way to the Council Halls to inquire about where cartographers and maps might be located. She was redirected to the Library of Lore. She wandered around the city and eventually found the Library. It was almost closing so she had leave. She spent some time at the Old Dragon Shrine and Craddoc’s Brewery before making her way back to the Celestery for the evening before going out to do her normal prayers. She considered reaching out for divine inspiration, but decided against it and put her faith in Lurue and that she was on the right path, in time and with people.

In the morning, she returned to the Library and having brought ale and bread for the librarian explained what she was seeking, and paused. He looked at her and smirked, “I’m sorry, you’re looking for where? Silvergoon?” She shook her head “Silverymoon, within the Silver Marches, it would be about 2 weeks north of here by my guesstimate, it’s run by Taern Hornblade (or at least it was when I left, she thought to herself). Can you show me your maps north of here? Silverymoon is inland but near a beautiful river – River Faerûn. Aidan, the librarian, looked at her and nodded and motioned for her to follow. She did, pausing to take in the library and what it has – wondering if this compared to the Map House in SIlverymoon.

He pulled out several scrolls with various maps and slowly unrolled them in front of her. She spent what felt like hours (but was more likely moments) scanning them for signs of “home” – Waterdeep, Silverymoon Pass, Sundabar, even Yartar and shaking her head, realizing that none of them were on the map.

“Aidan, have you ever heard of Mielikki or Lurue?” He furrowed his brow pensively for a moment, “Now that you mention it, no, no I have not. Should I? Are they on a map?”

She sighed and shook her head, “No, they are the patron deities of Silverymoon.”

With a frown, she thanked Aidan, leaving him the balance of the ale and bread and headed out into the city. When she left Pandemonium, she left more than just dark dwarves behind. Now that it was all but confirmed, she had to push forward, again with her faith in Lurue that she was where she needed to be. She spent a few weeks feeling sad and homesick, but with many months of downtime ahead, she decided to venture out and find work on a farm to earn extra gold -- she missed her family’s farmstead. She provided healing to those who needed it, but in a city as large as Dryad’s Lair, her skills were not in high demand. She found a farm run by a halfling, Jefrand. It was early in the planting season that she could help during the day and continue her prayers and studies of the geography by evening. She oddly found this work rewarding and whilst Jefrand was a bit eclectic, he was friendly enough and good to work for. The earnings were meager but the animals on the farm provided distraction and insights. She also learned the layout of Dryad’s Lair and the surrounding communities she could find in the maps available in the library.

She took several long weekends to visit the Library of Lore to learn what she could of the realms of Hell – unsure where they were going exactly but working to have a basic knowledge and understanding. It was not the same as Pandemonium, but similar or more precautions were needed. Not unsurprising, there was limited information available in the city and she decided against poking around too much, not wanting to draw any more attention to her efforts than would make sense. She stored the knowledge she was able to get in her notes and memories and would share with the group when reunited.

As the farming season was winding down, she spent more time in the city and with the group that had stayed behind. There was a dinner with Raelynn and her Mother. Licornah made sure her robes were clean and to the best of her ability, pressed. She shined her brooch and set out to offer a gift. She had heard that the chef at the Silver Frog made pastries so she set out to purchase some to take with her. She would also offer a blessing of Lurue. As she entered, she offered a small curtesy, “Your home is lovely, thank you for welcoming us. I am Licornah. Your daughter has made me feel welcome so far from home. I brought some pastries for dessert.”

There were echoes, of laughter, groans of discomfort, and awkward pauses, all that were normal and to be expected. Raelynn’s mother was a more than capable cook and the meal was delicious. Soon the entire group would be reunited and episodes like this would be replaced by danger and discussions on how to stay alive and how to navigate a plane of existence unlike anything they know. She would pray they all returned to their plane without loss or grave injury.

A Brief Reunion

The grand feast was barely over before Raelynn cornered N'laea and dragged her over to a spot to sit within the courtyard. In truth, Raelynn had been nearly glued to N'laea since she arrived at the manor - perhaps moreso than the pirate was stuck to Raelynn's side. Which was impressive given how closely he still kept to her. But, he did let them be the minute Raelynn grabbed N'laea.

"Oh my goddess! I didn't know you were going to come to the city, N'laea! How long are you here? Oh, you should meet my mother, too! She's had such a great time meeting and hosting everyone! Isn't the city just lovely?" gushed Raelynn with excitement.

"It is only for a day or two," replied N'laea, frowning. "And it is to ...uncomfortable here. I do not think you'd find any trace of Rillifane."

"It's not that bad," said Raelynn, brushing off the complaint. She gave her a once over, smiling, as she said, "You've been training while we're gone? I thought you were going to relax! You look a bit more muscular... You know Ayla was asking about you when we stopped in Loosend?"

"No," said N'laea, bluntly. Raelynn gave a sigh, but she wasn't surprised. "But I am curious about your trip. You met a dragon? Thistle is a wisewoman?"

"Vatra!" exclaimed Raelynn, happily. "Fierce Vatra, the Most Powerful and Mysterious! Did you know she actually wanted one of my glitter lotions? I haven't tried making them in years, but then Bixi tried to cover Talwin in glitter, and it was all over the boat, and I didn't want it to go to waste so I -..."

"You gave an ancient red dragon glitter potion," clarified N'laea with slight disbelief.

Raelynn gave an enthusiastic nod as she replied, "Yes! We're friends now. The others say we aren't friends, but I helped charm her to not eat us, and she said we can visit again if we do what we're told, and I mean that's not too different than hanging out with Ayla sometimes."

"You are an interesting one," remarked N'laea, simply.

"Thank you!" said Raelynn, suddenly beaming. "It's just too bad the glitter was AFTER Thistle left. I gave her one of my normal, but still very good, hand lotions. But don't worry! She really is planning to meet us back in Dragon Fen. It all happened so fast, you know? There was this water ring, and she had to use her fire ring to make it stop raining in Rivers Bend, and then someone had to lead the gyspsies out of the city, and without a wisewoman, given theirs was murdered, it only made sense for them to choose Thistle. I'm so proud of her, you know? That's a very big thing to do!"

N'laea smiled, as she said, "That is good. I will not ruin the surprise for Shi, but it will be good to be there to see her reaction when Thistle arrives."

"Mmhmm!" said Raelynn, nodding. "I hope to see it, too, but I think we're still going to be here awhile while Talwin does his training. He did free the spirit from his sword, you know. OH! How has yours been?"

"Quiet," said N'laea and hoping it'd stay that way. "And the others have been good?"

"They've all been very brave! You should have seen Howard land on a rock in the middle of boiling water in the fire swamp. Indigo and Talwin fought a lich! Zayden helped us sing a song for a dragon, and you should have seen how good Craigh was helping Thistle free some gypsies. We also befriended some mermaids and fought pirates on the river. And Bixi made friends with a pig! There was also a haunted village and some owlbears and just so much has happened!"

"And your pirate has not been a pig?"

"He's learning," said Raelynn, shrugging.

"You have more patience than me," remarked N'laea.

"Of course I do, silly," replied Raelynn, rolling her eyes. "I've have to deal with this a lot longer than you! Er, which ...have you ever dealt with this?" N'laea simply shrugged. "Well, anyways, it can be fun. My mom thinks everyone is my suitor right now except for Indigo, and she thinks Bixi and Daphene are a couple which is cute. OH! Did you know Daphene is a ranger?"

"She is?" asked N'laea, not quite convinced.

"Um, she says she is," said Raelynn with a more uncertain nod. "I mean, I haven't seen her do any of that super ranger-y stuff you usually do, but maybe she's still learning?"

"Perhaps," remarked N'laea but without much interest.

"Well, anyways. So you're going to help Branwyn with the thing at the library or something?"

"She had mentioned it while you all were gone, and I offered my assistance if she wanted it. I do not fully know her plan, but it is the least I can do after she helped return the cloak," said N'laea matter-of-factly.

"I'm glad you are. You know, ummm, you can borrow my dad's cloak tomorrow if you need it," replied Raelynn, hesitantly. "I think he'd be less insulted than Sehanine Moonbow if I offered hers... and I know you'll be very careful with it..."

"Thank you," replied N'laea with a grateful nod.

There was a pause before Raelynn added, "My mom says he stopped by to visit a couple years ago. He left me a letter but I ....um, I haven't opened it yet."

"If it tells you where he went?" asked N'laea, curious.

Raelynn shook her head, saying, "I don't know if it'd be the right time if it did, and really, I doubt it will. It's probably just him gushing over me. I don't know. I'm just not ready to read it yet." There was another pause before she smiled and leaned over to hug N'laea. "I'm glad you're here even if only briefly. And you know I'm going to hug you even if you said not to, right?"

N'laea tsk'd at the gesture, but she didn't pull away. It was easier to just accept it than to fight it. That's what she told herself, anyways, even as she smiled a bit at the gesture.

Spicy Gossip: Part Two

They had barely stepped through the temple doors before they were accosted by Elyon. That did not surprise Raelynn. Always tried to be two steps ahead of the gossip, that one. Considering Raelynn was with someone who very clearly wanted her, and Elyon was practically salvating at the imagined gossip. Unfortunately for Elyon, they were not the only one.

"Raelynn!" exclaimed Ayla, her eyes bright at spotting Youtargim.

"I'll be right back," said Raelynn, barely giving his hand a squeeze before rushing off, hooking her elbow with Alya's elbow, and dragging her away from her actual target.

"Raelynn," repeated Alya, but now whining as she was pulled further and further from the confused pirate.

"You will behave," state Raelynn, twirling Alya around to face her. With a slight plea, she continued, "He'll indulge you because he doesn't know better, but... be good, please?"

"You have not cared this much in some time," remarked Alya with interest.

"I don't care," replied Raelynn, stubbornly. She paused. "I shouldn't care. He's just a fling. It's not like this can become anything more. He's not even from here! He has a princess and a sea that he misses. It's just a fling."

"Is it?" asked Alya, brow raised.

"Oh, I don't know," said Raelynn, tossing her hands up in frustration. "We haven't talked about it. While I admire the love between my parents, I refuse to have their relationship. I am not going to do long distance, but I'm not going to ask him to give up his cerulean seas or whatever." Raelynn gave a sigh. "He's still too much in the honeymoon phrase to really think about it. I know what we like to preach, but love alone won't be enough."

Ayla nodded sensibly, as she replied, "You'll figure it out, but you are at least having fun?"

"You know how nice it is when they are very into you," said Raelynn with a sly smile.

Rather than reply, Ayla glanced at the doors again, slight annoyance crossing her expression at Elyon talking to Youtargim, before she asked, "What about that mage?"

"I wouldn't have to worry about long distance with him, but...," Raelynn shrugged and sighed again. "When you have two potential suitors, it's just so much easier going with the one who keeps putting in the effort. But he's still a good friend! Maybe we need to work on his confidence?"

"Is he my type?" asked Alya, curious.

Raelynn laughed, saying, "I think you may be too domineering. Hmm, although maybe that is what he actually needs?"

"You are staying the night?" asked Alya, practically glaring daggers at Elyon. Raelynn nodded. "Good. We can talk about the mage later, yes?"

"Alright, alright," said Raelynn, rolling her eyes. She pulled Alya back towards Youtargim and the increasingly excited Eylon. "But remember: be nice."

"You still want me to tell you how much he gushes on about you later?" asked Alya, expectedly.

"Of course!" exclaimed Raelynn, smiling. They reached the front, where Raelynn interrupted Elyon without pause. "Youtargim, this is my very bestest friend, Ayla. Alya, this is the pirate, Youtargim."

"I have been waiting to meet you, pirate" said Alya, white teeth gleaming as she not so subtly pushed Elyon out of the way. If Raelynn wouldn't tell her the gossip, she'd get it herself. And without the help of Elyon.

A Ranger's Companion

There was nothing wrong with Jilly's cooking. It was fine. It was filling. But N'laea would never say out loud that it wasn't her favorite. Again, there was nothing wrong with it. It just wasn't familiar.

With the changing of the seasons came the changing of food as it should be. Some fresh nettle, a gingerroot tea, cattail bread, and a splash of birch syrup. The last had been a gift of sorts from Shi'Nynze. While maple was all fine and good, the earthier flavor of birch was preferred, and Shi had found her a little grove she could claim as her own to tap. It took more work, a reason farmers generally ignored birch, but it was worth it to N'laea.

After a word of gratitude, N'laea stood up, dusted the dirt off the onions and garlic she found, put them in her gathering bag, and looked up. The too weak light of the sun was being blocked. Again. N'laea did not let her sigh escape.

"What?" asked N'laea at the large, golden-brown outline in the tree.

The eagle cocked its head before letting out whistled wip, high and quick. While avians were a bit harder to understand, it was Woodland speak, nonetheless, and the question was obvious in its expression alone.

What are you doing?

"Foraging," stated N'laea, simply. The raptor's head tilted a bit more.

Hunting?

"Rarely," replied N'laea, shaking her head. They'd had this conversation before.

She held out her arm, the thick leather rarely ever removed now, and the eagle swooped to land on it. Heavy, but only as heavy as a giant bird could be. It still had to fly, after all. As she bent her elbow, she took her other hand to gently part the feathers below the left wing. Seeing nothing, she had the eagle lift a foot to inspect for bumbles. Still nothing.

"You are healed. Why do you remain?" asked N'laea, confused.

Did she miss something? It was only recently she'd improved her healing skills. A necessity, really. She could not rely on others to heal the many animals she came across. As had happened when she came across the injured eagle while Shi'Nynze was briefly away.

You will starve.

While she could contain the sigh, N'laea could not contain the slight snort. She knew eagles were brilliant and fearsome, but this one was not convinced that N'laea could do without eating a lamb every other day or so. Or at least, she knew that was what the eagle wanted to convince her.

"I have eaten like this for more than a century," said N'laea as a reminder. The talons gently tightened on her arm as if to say she could stand to gain more weight.

You will starve. I will help you.

"For how long?"

Until you do not starve.

N'laea simply gave a nod in return. Prideful thing, as most animals seemed to be - with the exception of dogs and most livestock. Whether a gift from Rillifane or a simple act of empathy, it seemed N'laea finally crossed the milestone of many rangers: gaining a companion. She had a small hint of pride at the thought as well knowing it was a choice by the animal, rather than one forced, as sometimes it was wont to be. The hand with her ring on it clenched lightly at the thought, and the temptation she never gave into like others she knew.

"You will need a name," prompted N'laea, not accustom to getting lost in thought.

As expected, the eagle gave a wip and a wonk that were not easy to replicate to introduce the raptor to others. Another wood elf who spoke the language of creatures could repeat it, but the thought of Raelynn alone trying to pronounce it made her cringe. And, perhaps, laugh a little.

"Mithrahn will be easier to pronounce for others," stated N'laea, simply. She glanced at the long, pointed talon and the tipped, bloodied beak. "He who is sharp as a cutting edge."

Mithrahn.

The golden eagle cocked its head again before straightening it in a sign of agreement. With that settled, Mithrahn took off with a powerful thrust, flew a quick circle, and landed on the tree branch. There he sat, watching with eagle eyes, as N'laea ignored the sniffing rabbit to go back to foraging up a few more nettles. He had the thought of maybe catching the rabbit as he followed the wood elf back to his new home.

Walking Home

As they stopped for a break, Raelynn let the daydreams of her future tea shop fill her mind. New mixes, fun spices, a bit of astrology. Oh, it'd be so much fun! She still needed to discuss her garden plan with Bixi, see what she could source locally and what she'd need to find some suppliers. She'd also see if she could maybe convince N'laea to forage some for her. Maybe she knew of some fancy, wild teas Raelynn didn't know?

At hearing rustling from the bushes where they'd stopped briefly for a break, Raelynn turned towards those having to relieve themselves - again. Brightening up, still with thoughts of the future, Raelynn prompted, "Zayden! Are you more awake now? What are your plans once we get home? And what about you, Howard? You didn't answer Youtargim when he asked."

(For those walking back to Dragon Fen)