Adventures in Sigil - IC - Part II [4E]

[Mando Knight]

"I'm sure any excitement surrounding my return was subdued by that of my sister's marriage. Nevertheless, I am here now. I can take care of these two myself... continue the border patrols, I doubt that they travel alone."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Captain looks at you for a long moment. "You didn't answer my question." He steps forward, looking Aramil in the eye. "And what kind of neighbor would I be if I left you alone with a walking blight and...whatever that thing is." He looks at the Goliath curiously, before turning back to Aramil. "Why don't we escort you? We'll make certain that this creature is locked up safely in your dungeons, and I'm positive we can help you ensure that it doesn't escape again."

[Mando Knight]

"Do you doubt me, Captain? I can handle these two myself. As for your questions, we are neither in the habit of letting the accursed run loose, and I suspect the family's recent actions may have provoked Lolth's wrath... I myself killed one of her spider-creatures within the last month. If she is angered, there may be more assassins coming through the same path as these, which was apparently hidden from the eyes of our aerial patrols. That is where I would appreciate your help, Captain."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

OOC: Bluff check, if you please. (You'll have a circumstance bonus to this)

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The captain studies Aramil for a moment, before exchanging a knowing glance with one of his lieutenants. "So, you wish help finding where the Drow are coming from? In that, I think we can oblige you." He points to Zyrr. "Let us take that one, and within a day we'll have it begging to give you all the information you could ever need." The Flowers captain arches an eyebrow. "Or do you have a problem with that?"

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain nods, glad that Limara has softened towards him. She's family now too, after all.

"Actually, I think those are excellent ideas. The more we can find out, the better our chances of managing to get the people responsible brought to justice. You did say, Pavick, that you wanted to come here to try to forge good relationships with the Winter Court for when things really start going politically. And you're excellent at insinuating yourself if you choose to go down that path... And Bards are almost especially welcome here, when the Prince is in a bad mood the entirety of the Winter Lands feels it, and things can get quite dreary, even for those of us born to these lands of ice and snow. Just be careful if you do start casting about for information, Lucan. Listen to any advice Lena gives you. Most fey aren't actually cruel or out to cause mortals trouble, but they also don't actually understand mortals or that they're more affected by certain things than they are."

"As for me, yes, it's best if I do go along with Certhiel for the time being. Play the proper little adoring son who just wants to belong. It's... Not much of an acting job, really. See what I can find out and who I can try to actually get on my side. Toveliss especially." He ponders.

"You as well on that, Limara. You're obviously the closest to him. Perhaps if you work on him as best you can, try to feel out his loyalties. I'll do that as well. Actually... Maybe it might help if you even try to get closer to Certhiel. She is your mother-in-law, so it wouldn't look too out of place for you to show an interest. That works out with us, as well. It doesn't look that strange if I talk with my half-sister-in-law, especially since we've met elsewhere before."

"Just my thoughts. Pavick? Lucan?"

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick can't help but smile; he's always happy to hear tales of his exploits have spread. "I suppose that is a possibility." He rubs his fingers across his chin. "I have enough influence that I can probably convince them that I can bring a lot to their plans. If you can point me towards someone to get close to, I will see what I can do."

[DSCrankshaw]

"I'm happy to perform for anyone," Lucan says. "And I'm good at asking questions."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

----------- Eltain, Lucan & Pavick ------------

Limara smiles, "Excellent. Starting tomorrow, Eltain and I will see what we can find out from Toveliss and Certhiel, and Lucan can see what he can find out in the city." She turns her attention to Pavick.

Midday tomorrow, one of the other winter noble families will be arriving; Lord Telemnar from the Hivernim family, and Lady Alatariel from the Labri. Toveliss and I will most likely greet them, and I'll be sure during that initial meeting to make mention of you and your exploits, in case they are unfamiliar with them. After that, I recommend you seek either of them out at some point that afternoon." She leans forward in her chair. "One thing you should all be aware of, is that in addition to the Sidhe families, the ArchFey Koliada will also be arriving. Stay away from her at all costs. She despises mortals, even Eladrin, and would take any slight as an excuse to freeze you for a hundred years as 'penance.' She is among the least of the Archfey, but she is still very powerful. They will be with us for several days until we leave for the Court of Stars."

OOC: If there's nothing else you want to do, feel free to jump ahead to the next day.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain pales at the mention of Koliada, no mean feat for a man whose skin is already very nearly snow-white.

"The Winter Witch? Here?" He shudders. "Corellon protect us." He quickly traces an eight-pointed star in the air with the first two fingers of his right hand. "That doesn't bode well for our prospects... Then again, if she wants to come here it doesn't matter if Certhiel wants her presence or not."

"We should rest soon, then. Get ready for tomorrow. Alas, my human blood requires me to actually sleep, and Pavick and Lucan certainly need it as well..." A sudden grin crosses his face. "And tomorrow I can show you what we used to do for fun around here when I was younger."

(OOC: Basically Eltain's making the sign of the cross, but with a couple more passes since Corellon's symbol is an eight-pointed star, if you want a better visual. Also, I'm assuming that since he's from around here that he's at least passingly familiar with some basic information about the winter court and its more high-ranking members, if only as a basic survival tactic.)

[Mando Knight]

Aramil's pretty sure he's been caught. Not wanting to openly antagonize the House of Flowers, however, he tries to play oblivious to the fact.

"No, no problem, except that I'd rather question them myself. My family's manor is closer anyway. Actually, given that they have neither run off nor attacked us yet..."

He turns to Zyrr and Shep. "Lay down your arms and come quietly, and your lives will be spared."

[Toric]

"Your family's..." The drow's voice trails out and his eyes go wide. "You're a Printempest!? LIAR! I WON'T GO BACK!" He throws his dagger away at Aramil, fleeing toward the opposing line of flower guard on desperate feet. After bringing his dagger-arm to bear, empty much to his surprise, the drow simply lowers his shoulder and attempts to plow through the hunters. Just before he reaches range of their longswords, though, he stumbles on a stray vine - perhaps set there just to slip the foul creature up - and sprawls to the ground, flipping over to accuse the Eladrin noble: "Your promise of long life is a threat worse than any my kind can offer! I've been to your dungeons before, I'm not going back!"

Bluff - (1d20+18)[31]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

------------- Shep, Aramil, Zyrr ------------

Zyrr's blind rage catches the Flowers off guard momentarily, but at Zyrr's collapse they chuckle snidely. A motion from the captain, and two of them walk up, grab Zyrr under the arms, and lift him to his feat. One gives Zyrr a hard punch to the stomach that leaves Zyrr practically doubled over. As Zyrr catches his breath, the two guards quickly tie a rope around his hands, binding them behind his back. The Captain looks at Aramil. "Well then, I guess he's all yours." and kicks the drow to the ground at Aramil's feet. "Do enjoy, and as I said before, if you need help getting information from him, do reach out to us."

With a snap of his fingers, the soldiers from the House of Flowers turn, and head back towards their estate, leaving Shep, Zyrr, and Aramil alone on the top of the mountain.

[Mando Knight]

"Thank you, Captain. Alright, you louts, get a move on."

Aramil continues the charade until he's sure the Flower guards are gone, then he hops off his Griffon and removes Zyrr's bindings. "I suppose I should have warned you about the neighbors. Eradicating Drow is literally the only item on their agenda. Come along, I brought a couple extra Griffons to bring you back."

[Toric]

"What are the odds?" Zyrr mutters as he presses a hand to his gut and tucks his dagger away. "Here I am, as far away as I can possibly be from a very large collection of Houses that want nothing more than to kill me, and before I can properly settle in I find... yet another House that wants nothing more than to kill me."

He pauses when they reach the griffons. Best not to assume anything regarding their training. "So do you have some idea of how I'm needed here, assuming I survive through the night again?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

--------------- Zyrr, Aramil & Shep --------------

The Griffons get you back to the Printemest estate fairly quickly, and after Zyrr's wounds are tended to, the rest of the evening is uneventful.

A few days pass, but eventually the lords from the other Sidhe families of the Spring Court arrive. It takes a bit of explaining from Aramil's father, but eventually they agree to Zyrr's presence and input. Lady Altshuler is almost as young as Aramil, with short blond hair and a thin, boyish figure. Lord Ressort on the otherhand, is well into middle-age and is practically rotund for a Fey. For some odd reason, the Spring lord has taken to wearing a kilt that appears to be made of thick, fluffy coulds rather than the traditional garb of the Sidhe lords. Still, both seem pleasant enough.

That evening, the three of you find yourselves sitting around a large circular table, along with Lord Printempest, Azula, Lady Altshuler, and Lord Ressort. After a truly exceptional meal, Lord Printempest begins the business discussions. "Now, as I'm sure all of you are aware, the doings of the the Winter Court will be brought to light at the Court of Stars. My son, niece, and I have discussed this some in some detail, but I wanted to involve everyone. Zyrr'delin," he nods towards the Drow, "is the expert on the poisons that the Winter Fey have been using. The Shepherd," he motions towards the Goliath "Is here at the request of my son, as someone who is trustworthy and often has an unusual perspective on things."

"There are several things we must decide upon. While Zyrr'delin has the expertise we need, his nature and the bias of many of our kin make his testimony difficult. We have allies among the Winter Courts seeking evidence against them, but we must also develop a strategy for gathering allies to ourselves. Without Oran, there is no telling to what degree the Bramble Queen has corrupted the Fey Courts. This means we must focus on gathering allies among both the Gloaming and the Court of Coral. In addition, We must make plans for if battle breaks out against the Prince of Frost, and what to do with our troops."

He rolls out a map on the table, and looks up at everyone. "Thoughts?"

Map of the Feywild: (X is the Printempest Estate, X is Celanthir)

Spoiler

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--------------- Eltain, Pavick & Lucan --------------

As you finish your conversation, a pair of pixie servants enter the dining hall, informing everyone that rooms have been prepared for the guests. The rooms, obviously designed for foreign guests, are not as unbearably frigid as you may have guessed. Most have thick blankets made from the pelt of some type of reindeer, and there's even a large fireplace. Still, it's hard to get used to a room where the pillows are filled with unmelting snowflakes rather than down. They are surprisingly comfortable, though.

The next day, breakfast is rather uneventful, and by midmorning the other guests have arrived. Lord Telemnar Hivernim is rather tall with dark brown hair, rather unusual for a Winter Noble but the tips of his fingers have a thin layer of ice rather than fingernails, leaving little doubt as to his heritage. Lady Alatariel Labri appears similar to Certhiel, but is easily 300 years older than Eltain's mother, and uses a twisted icecycle as a cane to prop herself up as she hobbles. However, their arrival is quickly overshadowed by the arrival of Koliada.

The archfey is as tall as the Shepherd, but is disturbingly thin, almost brittle looking. Even in a palace of ice such as this, you can feel the air around her grow unbearably cold. Her hair is down to her shoulders, thin and straight, its dark black hue a surprising contrast to her pale blue skin. A crown of icicles rests on her head, glistening in the soft light, the brim resting just above jet-black eyes that study those in front of her with obvious contempt.

Luckily, Koliada does not remain long, as she and Certhiel duck into a side room to speak privately.

-------- Pavick -------

Early that afternoon, as the gnome wanders the halls of the ice palace, he spies Limara with Lord Hivernim and Lady Labri in the sitting room, where an enchanted harp plays softly in the corner. Catching sight of the gnome, Limara waves him over. "Ah, Grandmaster Roslow! We was just speaking of you. Come, sit with us." she waves the wizard in. "Pavick, this is Lord Telemnar of the Hivernim family, and Lady Alatariel of the Labri. Lord Hivernim, Lady Labri, this is Pavick Roslow, Grandmaster Wizard of the Septarch's tower on the material plane. A most fascinating person." Telemnar and Alatariel both nod politely, as Limara continues, smiling warmly at Pavick

"I was just about to tell them of some of your exploits, but I'm afraid I am not much of a storyteller. Please, would you like to regale us with some of your many adventures?"

--------- Eltain -----------

"Ah, Eltain, I was hoping to run into you." Toveliss says, as he rounds a corner and nearly bumps into the Half-Eladrin.

"Mother came to me last night, and I must say I am absolutely thrilled. I never knew she had taken a mortal lover, so it came as a bit of a shock to me. While we may not be brother's in the strictest sense, I am glad to have you as part of my family." He chuckles uncomfortably, and Eltain can tell that Toveliss is still processing the news.

"At any rate, My wife is entertaining our guests, so I was about to go out into the city. Would you like to come?" He nods back the way he came. "Mother and Koliada are talking back in the other room, but Koliada is a bit...intimidating, so I decided to make a graceful exit."

--------- Lucan -----------

Stepping outside the palace, lucan can see the rest of Celanthir stretched out below him, and the frozen waterfall towering above. Ahead are the temples of Corellon and the Raven Queen, as well as a few other houses of the well-to-do. The next level down seems to be filled with the typical shops and merchants of any city, along with a number of inns.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan decides to visit some inns. He plays a few songs, learns some others, chats with the customers, and otherwise has a great time. He might even pick up some useful information.

Spoiler

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Diplomacy - (1d20+20)[23]
Streetwise - (1d20+17)[35]

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick bows before the Lord and Lady with a flourish. "Pleasure to meet you," he says with his most winning smile.

"Though I must say, Limara, you do embarass me with your introduction, it is of course all accurate, but I'm not usually one to listen to others toot my horn. But of course I would be pleased to share a tale or two, oh but which one to tell..."

He looks down at the ground thinking for a moment, his foot tapping as he thinks. "Perhaps one of my most recent exploits, fighting of infernal pirates on the astral sea. You see, my friends and I had been tasked with recovering an item, very important in devil's politics from my understanding. Devils are truly nasty creatures, but sometimes one has to deal with them to accomplish ones goals. But that isn't really a necessary part of the story."

Anyway, We had recovered the item after a very hard journey through a region every bit has harsh and hostile as anything I've seen here in the Feywild, if not worse, and had made it back to our ship. We thought we were homefree, and were relaxing on our trip back to Sigil. Unfortunately, another devil had gotten word of our expedition, and sought to steal the item from us during our return trip."

As Pavick tells the tale, he gesticulates wildly, occasionally adding emphasis by summoning up small illusions with prestidigitation.

"The crew we'd hired sounded the alarm, so we rushed above decks to see a ship manned by swarms upon swarms of devils. As soon as I saw what was going on, I cast a spell allowing me to see through the devilish trickery, which only made the situation worse as more devils already flying toward our ship under the cover of invisibility. After I cast a few spells to clear out some space on the opposing deck, which was simply filled with devils, some of my friends boarded the Devil's ship, while I stayed behind to protect the crew from the devils that were boarding our ship. Oh, it was a hard fought and glorious battle."

Pavick continued on to give a blow by blow account of the battle, sprinkling in a heaping helping of "additional" details to accentuate their cunning victory.

"So just as we thought the battle was winding down, one of the captains was knocked unconcious and the two ships crashed into each other. Our ship was so badly damaged, that it was going to break down the middle. Those of us that were left on board had to teleport over to the devil's ship. We had no choice but to fight to the last man, to take control of their ship. So we lost our ship, but took theirs back to Sigil instead. It is still undergoing repairs there.

That was all just a few days ago. In fact, as soon as I arrived back in Sigil I found a messenger had been seeking me out for quite some time to invite me to join the Gnomish delegation to the Court of Stars."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

---------- Lucan -----------

As Lucan wanders throughout the city, he does find that the winter fey tend to be a very different sort of people than he usually interacts with, and the normal rapport that he's accustomed to building with strangers is a bit strained here in Celanthir. Still, you do here snippits of conversation and bits of news from all over the city.

- A pixie named Darryl Flutterbum was complaining to one of his sisters. "...and then, King Twiddlediddle said that we don't get to go back to the honeycomb caves anymore, but were going to go live somewhere new and awesome which sounds really fun because I like to go and see things that are new and awesome but its also kind of bad because I liked living in the honeycomb caves and I think I've still got a light leaf hidden back under my bed but I think mother might have found it so I don't know if its still there anymore and even if it was sometimes having a light leaf makes it difficult to go to sleep at night but it having one makes it easier to find my way in the dark when I want a midnight sugar rush so I guess I really will miss it a bit, unless the new place we're going to has light leafs already there...

- A pair of patrolling Celanthir Mounties (Eladrin riding polar bears) were discussing serving at the borders of goblin kingdom Nachtur. Apparently, a treaty or a new defensive strategy was recently enacted, and troops are being pulled back.

- A pair of Sprites were discussing applying to be blacksmith apprentices to the Frost Giant Fjordgynanhac. Lately, Fjordgynanhac's work is in exceptionally high demand, and he recently started accepting dozens of new apprentices

-A trio of elves, both acolytes at the temple of Corellon, are discussing the high-priest of the temple. "Yes, of course meditation is part of our studies, but Corellon is also a warrior, all of the stories say so. I don't understand why HighFather Adyoorel has stopped all of our trainings with the blade."

- The shopkeepers all seem to be very happy as of late. Apparently, the demand for foodstuffs has increased dramatically over the last year, so much so that they're having to bring in food from other planes besides just the feywild.

- A pair of Dryad witches are complaining to a local merchant, about availability of spell components. "What do you mean you're out of frog eyes! The first of every month for the last 30 years, I've come here to buy frog eyes, but the first time someone from the Hoarfrost Academy comes buy, you sell him your entire stock? What kind of customer loyalty is that?"

- In one of the local taverns, a group of Eladrin (you're uncertain as to their occupation) are examining a map of the Planes of Echoing Thunder, plotting out Centaur migration patterns

- A Satyr is working as fast as you've ever seen a satyr move, trying to load up carts filled with Marriallis berries to a team of elk. Marriallis berries are typically used for wine, dye, a few magic rituals, and the treating of leather.


--------------- Pavick -------------

The two Sidhe Lords listen to Pavick's dramatic retelling of his exploits. Even at some of the more...extreme embellishments, neither give a hint of doubt at the retelling of the story (although in the Feywild, such embellishments are considered standard practice). As you reach the climax of your tale, Lord Hivernim is leaning forward, listening eagerly, and even the venerable Lady Labri watches you intently.

As you finish, both of them laugh politely, and Lady Labri taps her icicle cane on the floor in appreciation. "Well, it sounds as if you are a very capable young gnome. You have great things in store for you, I've no doubt of that." The old eladrin woman smiles down at the wizard.

Lord Hivernim taps his ice fingernails against his chin thoughtfully. "You say you're serving as a representative of the Gnome Council? I'd forgotten that they'd been given a seat among the Court. That's a fairly recent change, I believe, only for the last two-hundred years or so?" Lady Labri nods.

"So tell me, Grandmaster Roslow, what are the concerns of the Gnomes this year? Anything that would involve the Winter Courts?"

[Mando Knight]

Aramil waits for the senior members to speak first, to hear what they have to say on what's been presented so far.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain grins cheerfully.

"I was so happy to find out you're my half-brother. I didn't even think she liked mortals, but here I am." He chuckles and pats Toveliss' arm. "It's a lot to take in though, I know... This time yesterday I was an abandoned orphan with no idea at all of where I came from, and today I've got a family. It's so strange. I've been longing for this all my life, but... It's such a shock, to have it happen out of nowhere like this." He sighs wistfully. "I'm sure I'll get used to it in time though, and you as well. And half or no, it's wonderful to know I've got a brother." The grin resurfaces.

"Of course I'll come. I meant to go out to the city today anyway. I want to visit the temple I was raised at, and I want to go by the magic academy and see if a tutor I had there is still there... And I can hardly blame you for wanting to excuse yourself. I'm a bit scared of Koliada. I've heard she doesn't even really like Eladrin, and well, I'm half human. Doesn't hurt to be careful, usually. I wonder what they're talking about, though. Probably some crazy political thing." He chuckles. "C'mon, let's go."

(OOC: Eltain so wants to suggest that we try to listen in on them, but knows damn well that doing so would be a terrible idea in every possible sense.)

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick considers his answer for a moment, rubbing his chin. "I see the continued enslavement of my people as one of the primary concerns. I hope we can count on your support in ending this practice, but I understand that such support usually comes with a price. So, in return I ask you, what could I do to help you achieve your goals?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

----------------- Eltain -------------------

Toveliss nods supportively, but you can tell that he's still deep in thought about the issue, and his eyes continually drift to the symbol on Eltain's new cloak.

The pair make their way outside, and casually stroll down the snowy street. Eventually, you make your way to the familiar temple of Corellon. The courtyard is familiar to the half-eladrin, but instead of the usual group of initiates practicing sparring, you see nearly a dozen students sitting in the snow, legs crossed, meditating silently. It seems very peaceful and serene, but seems markedly different from when Eltain was here a few years ago.

----------------- Pavick -------------------

Lord Hivernim looks at Pavick for a long moment. He glances at Lady Labri who looks at the wizard, tapping the ice cane on the floor slowly before speaking."Naturally, the enslavement of the gnomes is a tragedy. That is not something you need to convince us of or ask our help with. The Winter Courts will always support such measures." The elderly woman smiles at you, before continuing. "Naturally, though, such measure usually involve rather violent conflicts with the Drow or the Fomorians, so the other Fey lords are hesitant about such endeavors...

She pauses, and shrugs"With all the bickering among the Courts, I don't know if such measures will ever happen unless the Fey were united under a common Lord." She looks at the Gnome again, and asks casually "How would you feel about that? All the Fey courts united under one archfey?

------------------ Aramil, Shep, & Zyrr --------------

Lord Ressort leans back in his chair, and pulls out a small pipe."Well, if you're worried about them not believing you're Drow, you could always have him take an oath of truth on a cold-iron throne. It would undoubtedly hurt like the Nine Hells, but they'd believe every word he'd say. Disguising him is probably a bad idea, since far too many of our kind can see through enchantments. You'd get in more trouble for bringing a Drow in secret than you would if you brought one openly."

Lady Altshuler scrunches up her nose as she examines the map. "Hmm...for the Winter to make any sort of push towards the rest of the Fey lands, they'd have to leave themselves open to both the Murkendraw and the Goblins." She glances up at the two older Sidhe lords. "Could we convince the Baba Yaga and her hags to let our forces pass through the Murkendraw? The Frosty bastards would never see it coming..."

Lord Printempest starts to respond, but pauses, and looks to Aramil & Zyrr to speak.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain notes Toveliss' continued hesitation around him and sighs sadly. He supposes he shouldn't have expected anyone but him to be happy about things, and wonders if he himself is even really that happy about it. He bites his lip, frowning.

"Toveliss... What's wrong? You seem upset about something. Go ahead and tell me, I won't say anything to anyone else or take it personally." He looks down at the cloak. "Here, if this is bothering you, I'll take it off. It's rather showier than I like anyway, but it seemed rude to refuse to take it or not wear it around her..." He does so, folding it and stowing it in his backpack. "Better? Now come on, tell me what's upsetting you. Is it just how sudden this all is? Is it that I'm a half-breed and probably politically bad for the family? Something else you don't want to bring up?" He pauses. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to press like this. I'm forgetting my manners. I'm just used to being direct with my companions and worrying about them."

-----

Eltain frowns at the sight before him, his hand drifting unconsciously to his sword. Odd enough that they weren't sword training, but for Corellon's sake, if the senior priests were having the acolytes meditate, why weren't they having them do it in the gardens?

"Something's not right here. This isn't how we trained when I was little, this time of day we'd be half worn-out from sparring. And why do they have them meditating out here? It's one thing if you're practicing swordfighting, being out here, it keeps you warm even if you aren't used to the cold like I am, but just sitting here? Someone's going to get sick. The gardens are enchanted to always be in Spring, they're far warmer, they should be doing this there if they're going to. They weren't exactly nice to me when I was here, but they never did anything this ridiculous, even to me." He looks about concernedly for an elder, and approaches whoever seems to be in charge of the children. "What's going on here?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Toveliss purses his lips. "Not upset. It's just a lot to take in." He takes the cloak, and puts it back around Eltain's shoulders. "I've been Certhiel's only child and the sole heir of the Sharma name. It's just odd to suddenly have someone to compete with, even if that person isn't necessarily trying to compete with you. I don't respond quickly to changes, but that doesn't mean I'm displeased or wish you to be unwelcome." He gives a smile. "Mother giving you that is simply a symbol of her pleasure with you, and has nothing to do with her feelings towards me. I simply must force myself to remember that in spite of my more jealous instincts."

As he speaks, the two of you enter into the Temple Courtyard, where Eltain suffers his outburst.

The Eladrin watching over the trainees turns as Eltain approaches him, and looks down condescendingly at the Former-paladin. "I'm sorry, who are you, and why do you find it so necessary to disrupt our training?" The Eladrin isn't someone Eltain recognizes from his time there.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd had been quiet ever since the mountain top. Every time he came to the Feywild, it seemed like someone managed to take a great big piss in his goat's milk. He sat in stony silence, observing the arranged pointy-earred nuisances, half on the verge of sulking, until the conversation dipped into something he had not heard before. He leaned forwards, breaking his stiff hush, "Excuse me..."

Never let it be said that the Shepherd was not a curious being.

"But, the who?"

[Toric]

At the mention of the cold-iron throne, Zyrr's hand instinctively slip down to the now-empty sheath for his trusty cold-iron dagger. Yes, he can imagine how much that would hurt.

"....Now that's something you could have told me on the ride back, Aramil." He ventures an accusatory glare toward his Eladrin friend before addressing the fey at large. "I hope you realize what you're asking of me. Asking a drow to tell the entire, utter truth is the same as asking a dwarf to give away every coin he currently owns. It can happen, but not without difficulty, and not without terms. For the former, beware the loosened tongue of a drow, even one so noble as myself. I don't know if I can demand it, but I caution you not to ask questions that aren't pertinent. You may not like my honest opinion."

One hand reaches up to his hat, turns it, and as it does he sinks into his chair in the form of a surly white-bearded dwarf. "And the terms, if ye be inclined to accept, is that while I be walkin' inna ta court in me own ebony skin I then be takin' the throne as ye see me now. I been hidin' behind a mask fer all me years, it'd be a great comfort if'n ye allow me to swap this one while ye be rippin' ta other away."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Darryl sounds like a fun pixie, so Lucan decides to talk to him. "I'm really sorry to hear that," he tells the pixie. "Did Twiddlediddle say why you had to leave?" His voice takes on a resonant, musical quality as he speaks.

Spoiler

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Use Word of Friendship
Diplomacy - (1d20+25)[35]

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain smiles and gives a little laugh.

"I don't think you need to be jealous of me. Remember that you're the one she's kept around and wanted all these years. I didn't even know she was my mother until yesterday. I'm sure she loves you far more than she does me. She may just not be very good at showing it. From what I've observed of Eladrin, most are either very open with their feelings or very closed with them. She does seem to be the latter. You're her elder son and her heir, and I'm sure she loves you more than anything. You've got nothing to worry about, I'm sure. And it's not like she's given any indication she doesn't, is it?" He smiles and gives the elder eladrin a quick hug, then laughs.

"And gods, look at me. I'm half-human, and until yesterday I didn't even know where I came from. I'm always open with my feelings and I don't have a political bone in my body. I'd be a terrible source of competition even if I wanted to be, which I don't. I belong to Corellon, anyway. That's what I was raised to, and what I've always done. Even when I fall away from His grace, I still believe in and love Him more than anything. The only ambition I ever had was to be a Bard, and I haven't even pursued that even now that I could. I guess it's because my faith was all I ever had. It's enough for me, in the end." He smiles.

"We'll both get used to this, and I'm sure Certhiel will show her love for you. Maybe you might not always agree on things, but deep down... Love always endures, I think. It's a powerful thing, even when not expressed. And you have me now, too. You've always been kind to me, and I've been fond of you since we met. Don't worry, I'm on your side, and I love you as well." He chuckles. "Listen to me, I sound like a Sehanite." He grins. "It'll all be alright."

-----

(OOC: Eltain was actually speaking quietly under his breath to Toveliss, not out loud.)

"My name's Eltain. I was raised here at this temple." He indicates the tattoo on his face that marked his formal induction as a Paladin. "Who are you?" He frowns. "And again, what's going on here? This time of day they should be working on their sword technique, not half-freezing in the snow. Rather odd to suddenly change the training regimens that have been followed for millennia..." He sighs. "Forgive me, it's just shocking to find things so changed from what I remember. When all your days were the same, it's a surprise to find so much difference. You've probably just moved sword training to a different time. Still, wouldn't the gardens be more suited to this?"

(OOC: Also, poor Eltain. He's 5'10, but everyone is still taller than he is.)

[Hzurr]

DM Post

------- Aramil, Shep & Zyrr ------------

Lady Altshuler looks curiously at Shep's question. "The Baba Yaga? You're not familiar with her?" She arches an eyebrow in bemusement. "She's a powerful old hag who lives in the Murkendraw, whose house walks around on giant chicken legs, if you believe the stories." she pauses and tilts her head. ...which I do. They say she's one of the cleverest creatures in the Feywild. She trades in knowledge mostly, doling it out in return for favors or quests. But her favors always have a hook, and the quests end up with those she sends out dead often as not." She stops, and frowns. "Which is making me suddenly rethink my earlier suggestion." the young eladrin shrugs, and runs her fingers through her short blonde hair and looks at Shep "If you're coming with us to the Court of Stars, I'm sure you'll get a chance to see her for yourself."

While the younger Sidhe lord speaks, Lord Ressort puffs on his pipe amusedly at Zyrr. "Good gods, man. The last thing we want is a drow former assassin up there speaking of everything he knew in front of the Court of Stars. You'd be lynched, as us with you!" He chuckles, and pulls the pipe out, using it to gesture. "And yes, that hat is the exact thing I'm talking about. Any Fey worth it's salt can see through it in a moment, and would take it as an insult. And I doubt a dwarf would receive a much warmer welcome than a dark elf." He chuckles.

-------------- Lucan --------------

As Lucan stops to speak to the pixie, Darryl Flutterbum pauses, and sets down the small thimble he was trying (unsuccessfully) to carry water in. "Who, me? Why do you want to know? Hey what's that!" The pixie darts around to the other side of the bard, and begins blowing into the end of Lucan's bow, giggling uproariously as music starts to drift out.

It takes a bit of time, but eventually Lucan is able to get the pixie to talk in-between bursts of flute playing. "What? Oh right, so like I was saying King Twiddlediddle said that we all needed to leave because someone else wanted- TWWEEEEEEEEEEEET- the pixie falls over in a heap of laughter at the sound of blowing into the flute as hard as he could. because he said that we needed to leave because someone else needed to use the honeycomb caves for something and I didn't really ask even thought I wanted to since it didn't really seem fair that we should have to leave just because some stupid snowing archfey said that we were supposed to- he stops, and suddenly looks at Lucan, his face glowing with sudden inspiration. "Hey, cover up these holes right here. he grabs Lucan's hand, and quickly positions the bard's fingers to cover the two lowest flute holes and the end hole, while Darryl covers up the top three holes. Taking a deep breath, the pixie blows into the flute as hard as he can, but with all the holes covered up he soon sputters, and falls to the ground, cheeks purple. "Aww...I thought it might explode..."

He kicks the ground in frustration, before jumping back into the story "So anyway they said that we had to leave so we packed everything up and now King Twiddlediddle said that the new home that he has for us is so cool but we stopped here because the king had these really neat shiny coins that he shared with all of us and said that we could go around the town and buy something for ourselves which is pretty neat but I'm not sure I found anything else that I like quite as much as a shiny coin except maybe this flute-bow thingy that you have." he stops, and again looks at Lucan, his face again glowing with inspiration. "Hey would you like to trade me your neat bow for a shiny coin!" Daryl holds out a platinum piece, and looks at Lucan, eyes filled with hope.


------------------ Eltain ----------------------

The Eladrin, also with a tatoo of Corellon on his face, steps down off the chair he was sitting on, overlooking the courtyard, and calmly walks down to your level. "I am HighFather Adyoorel, and I changed the training regimen. The father of beauty is not a static god, so I concern myself little for what has been done for millenia." He looks out over the courtyards, and smiles smugly. "Training with the blade is all well and good for some, but there's hardly a need to turn every seeker of beauty into a warrior." He looks to Toveliss, and gives a polite nod "Training I believe your mother approved of, Lord Sharma." Toveliss scratches his nose uncomfortably, before nodding.

He looks out over the young eladrin meditating in the frosty air. "The gardens we've had removed, and good riddance I say. Too long have the clergy in Senaliesse and Mithrendain claimed that the grass and leaves of summer were the pinnacle of beauty. Some of us choose to see the beauty in all seasons, even those that seem less likely. We don't limit ourselves in where we find Corellon."

He looks Eltain up and down, scanning the Half-Eladrin, before tsking slightly. "You claim to have studied here?" He reaches up, and touches the tatoo on Eltain's face lightly. He gives a sad, condescending smile with a hint of pity before reaching up to his own, which begins glowing slightly at the touch. "If so, you seem to have fallen out of favor with the God of Magic. Perhaps you would benefit from our training you so casually dismiss. We are still accepting new acolytes..."