Chapter 29. Adult Discussions

I woke up early as there was something very important I wanted to talk about, and I wanted the privacy to do so. Climbing out of bed with a glance to the odd sky-scape in my temporary room, I head out to find Max's father. Finding him in the pillow fort's common room, I ask him if we can talk . Guiding him out to Aurane's dining table
“Sir, I apologize for disturbing you so early.” I say. “I know I may have some problems speaking clearly this early, but I wanted some privacy.”
“Of course son,” he replies, gesturing to a chair, “What is on your mind?”
Taking a chair at the table, I gently sit down. “Well Sir, there are quite a few things that have changed since we saw you last, as you may be able to tell from what you saw from the city.”
“Well change is pretty constant and sometimes it can be troublesome.” He replied.
I paused at this point. I could be wading into some dangerous waters here, and I while I had tried to go over this conversation in my head, it was difficult to predict how this could go. “One of the things that has changed is that I have been given special abilities. To that end I borrowed something from you without your permission.” I summon the Greataxe, and put it down on the table. The blade glows with a pale light, making odd shadows on the walls.
“Oh, well that’s… . That’s something unique.” He loos down at it with a slight frown. “Something is different though.... it’s.. ah.” His eyes light up for a second as he takes in the object. “Oh, well, first and foremost, even if I wanted the axe back, I believe that is now yours, through some divine ties but beyond that as someone who has taken my fair share of it, I believe in the law of “Finders Keepers.” Especially when you’re on the adventuring trail” He looks back up to me, frown replaced with a reassuring grin.
“I appreciate that sir.” I press the conversation on. “To that end we also found a couple of probably your items.”
“Oh yes, I had discussed that with the Halfling woman, Miss uh- Marda.”
“Marda, yes.” I confirmed. ”Um… we found a bow and some armor, ah, would you be able to tell me what those can do?”
“When I’m using it, it is incredibly accurate. When using it, those who would find resistance to mundane items do not have that resistance. So, arrows fired through it would become magical. Now, just like most magical items, it shouldn’t break, but if anything were to happen to specifically the bowstring, like for example if you unstrung the bow and lost the bowstring, it would then loose its gifts. A halfling or a dwarf could use it without issue. As for the Dragon-scale armor, it should be blue scale?”
“Yes sir” I reply.
“It is resistant to lightning and otherwise would act as standard full plate armor. Although to resize it for someone of your size, it would probably offer the protection of half plate.” Shrugging, he says, “You are an incredible craftsman, but there is only so much material.”
“There’s only so much material. Yes I.. I yeah.” I muttered. My mind had already wandered to how I could have utilized the armor, how I could have modified it if needed. Marda wouldn't need it, as she would be weighed down and slowed by it. Maybe Aurane or Melfina may want it.
“But for a slightly smaller sized human, you… about my sized, you know some exceptions, I love my woman big, I just never been a big man myself.” IT seems his mind is wandering back as well. Max's mother passed long before I met his father, but judging from Max's size, she was a large woman.
“And you’re sure you don’t want these items back?” I ask
Shaking his head he replies, “Again, the law of ‘Finders Keepers,’ I’ve moved on many moons ago, literally, well, no the moon was destroyed before. Anyway, regardless.”
“Yes sir”
Half Shrugging, “I’ve moved on, Again the main thing I’d like is my research cause that never goes bad.”
“Oh, has she not give that to you yet?” I half turn as if to start looking for the bag, as if it would be here. But he stops me.
“Oh no, we’ve addressed that, I’ve gotten my research back, if there’s any notes you need from it, you’re welcome to make your own copy. It just… it’s nice to have my field notes for my continued efforts. Saves me a trip back to the shadowfell, which I had back on my list of things to do.”
“Yeah well, hopefully none of us have to go there.” I think about the room I have slept in the last few nights. It wouldn't be that bad if it was just that, but considering the few other things I have heard came from there, it would not be pleasant.
As If reading my thoughts he responds, “I don’t recommend it. I mean, it was always fun to explore the plains, and don’t get me wrong you’ll learn a lot, but like, sometimes you visit a place and you’re like ‘I don’t need to come back here' and the Shadowfell? One of those places!’”
I could have let the conversation die there. I really wanted to. But None of what we had actually talked about yet was what I really wanted to say. “Ah sir, there is there something that’s been bothering me, I’m not really sure how to word it.” I has this all worked out earlier, but now I can't remember any of it. This just can't wait any longer. “Since originally leaving town, I have been having troubles with my past. Um, I mean, all the…” Not how I wanted to put it, the words falter in my throat, then just come out in a jumble. “Just a couple of days ago, I nearly killed a bunch of guards because I was angry… I was ready to do that, and I now have these abilities… I can summon weapons, and do other things, and I spent a good deal of my life chasing people who could do that. I just don’t… it feels like so much of it has been wasted. I don’t know what to do. “ I half expected him to yell at me. Or laugh.
Instead he just sighs and gives me a reassuring smile. As if the topic was just another part of every day. “Well, as someone who has a lot of past, all I can tell you, is… regarding that specific issue, it’s already been done. You can’t change it. You can make strides going forward, if you’re perspective on a certain topic has changed, if you have grown…” He pauses to collect his thoughts. ”people make all sorts of arguments about nurture and nature,” he waves his hand at the topic. “But I can tell you one thing; empathy is a learned experience, and you gain more empathy the more you travel, the more you do, and unfortunately you gain the most empathy when you see some horrific things happen. And I’m sorry son, I know you and Max have seen your fair share of horrors. What you can do is make better strides going forward, regarding if you are not sure if your feelings have changed on these things, despite what you’ve seen. That’s also ok. You can change your opinions and your feelings on a topic at any time. And the best you can do is try to make amends who still live who you may have affected. But otherwise… just do your best day-to-day. And continue to have an open mind to learn. Not all casters are evil, not all casters are good. I can tell you that for a fact. But time and politics and, hell, each generation changes your perspective on things. And sometimes you don’t learn love until you have someone to take care of, and other times you don’t learn that your actions had some dire consequence until it’s been years too late. You’re not a monster for the things you’ve done in your past. You’re only a monster if you know what you’ve done is wrong and you choose to do nothing about it going forward.”. There was a pause as he let me absorb what he said. But he hadn't said what I had hoped to hear.
“Will I ever be able to forgive myself?” The words came out quietly. I was afraid of both the question and the answer.
“Oh, now that is a personal question. Now I can tell you for a fact alcohol does not help. Like you think it does, it gives you of a bandage, but oh boy howdy. do you end up making worse decisions on that alcohol, and it just comes back to loop around like a guilt boomerang. Now ah, forgive oneself, lord, gods knows I’ve had to forgive myself multiple times for the decisions I’ve made. What I can recommend is things that have helped. Sometimes see myself doing the right thing instead of the wrong thing helps. Sometimes um, meditation, or acknowledging those thoughts. Don’t try to bury them, don’t try to ignore them, accept that is a thought you have and let it go. And it is okay to let those thoughts go.”
He gets up to get some water, and I try to let the words sink in. Drinking his water, I continue. “There is another thing. I appreciate the advice sir, I will try to live up to it. These powers… I’ve never really been that devoted to the new gods or the old gods. I acknowledge them of course, and of course” I gesture at my arm and axe, “they have granted me boons, um, this by the way , as far as I can tell, is from Daja.”
He nods. “That would be accurate, I recognized her work. I noted that back when you first had it done, and uh when I took a look at the axe I recognized the divinity behind it. Although… gods, gods are a tricky things aren’t they? You know some of them just used to be people. Daja was quite a specimen herself. Again, I don’t remember much, I think that’s something about the shift in divinity, um, but if I remember correctly, they were a master craftsmen before ascending. Now whether Daja was always their name and whether they were always a feminine dwarf, that is up to debate, but I do remember that they were a craftsmen, and this all comes down to belief. Gods have as much power as you give them. The more belief and devotion you have, the more powerful they are, and sometimes they reward you with additional power. Due to your questions of faith, what I can tell you is Daja has acknowledged you as a master craftsman and has vested interest in your future.”
With a snort, I say “Hm. That’s funny, I haven’t been able to do any crafting for some time, I’ve been able to think and design things in my head, but not actually make anything,” I say rather dejected.
“Well, is that not crafting when you’re laying out the pathways in your head, when you’re designing? That’s a start of craft,” He Argued.
“If I may though, if you only spend time designing, you’re not actually making anything. You’re just imagining,” I counter,
With a dismissing wave he continues. “To an extent, but without that imagination, craftsmanship never starts, and as an artisan themselves, I’m sure they understand that things take time. Have you ever commissioned a piece of equipment? A piece of art? Shit takes forever. And they go through multiple iterations, and variations, like I saw that Vlad guy, Mr. Goforth, Sheriff Goforth, I should apologize, but you designed his armor, correct?”
“Yes sir, I did.” I knew he would have picked up on that. He had been observing yesterday, not hunting.
“And you designed Leona’s armor. I saw those little tricks in there for a size changing.”
“I had figured you would.”At least with her armor he had know about her abilities. With Vlad, all he had to go on was the straps.
“But that takes time.” He pressed. “Your first version of that was probably terrible looking compared to now.”
I chuckle. “It was clunky, yes. It was effectively two suits on top of each other. it was..” I was going to say a ridiculous design, but I just left it unsaid.
“Right, but the more you make ‘em, the better they get,” He taps his hand on the table a few times to emphasize.” And that starts with design. And sometimes that design lives into your head for ages. I’ve had research projects that I’ve only fantasized about. I’ve intended to get but…”
My mind starts working a bit, trying to remember what I heard all those few weeks ago, and what we had found with his bag. “Yeah, we found… well first off we found a very well worn carpet that we need to talk about at some point, sir. “
“Do we?” The question comes out like a lion you have jumped on the back of. I chose to ignore the problem and just hold on.
“Second off, we found a… in your notes…” While trying to from my words properly I suddenly remember Whose notes we found. “I apologize for reading them without your permission.”
“You didn’t know who they were from.” He dismisses.
Continuing where I was before I interrupted my own thoughts, “We found a natural…house? A natural magic house.” Aurane didn't know what it was, and I Certainly didn't know.
“That design was in those note!” His eyes light up as I try to describe it. “Yeah, aw, I haven’t worked in that in a while.”
“So, it never came to fruition?” I ask.
“No” He sighs, “Not in the way I intended. I know the basics for the arcane version. I can..Ah, none of you can hurt me” Why would we want to hurt him? “I know the basics of the arcane version and I can certainly implement that in practice but to have it focused in the natural essence for someone who has connection to the Earth. To be able to summon, it might not be a pocket dimension as I have previously envisioned it, but, I don’t know how many high druids you’ve met, well high powered, powerful druids, I probably shouldn’t say high. Most druids are”
“Are high.” I try to keep along with the conversation, while I learn more and more as to the power of this being I have known for so long. Talking about arcane abilities and being able to summon entire dimensions out of purely thought.
“Yes, but oh, there was this lovely tree man that I spent some time with in this bog. Sweet gentleman. The concept of… he called it transport via plants does open a rift, but specifically between two sizable trees, so might not have quite the versatility of that arcane base. But the option of maybe opening a rift within natural life itself and then being able to create your own home, your own space in this infinite that is the earth. Cause we barely, even if you go into the underdark, we barely scratch the surface of what is the earth.”
He frantically looks around to try and find a plant to show an example, but the only thing in the room is a cactus on top of the cold box, and it is very dead. Most of what he just said has been going above my head, and I can really only grasp a small amount of the concepts he is trying to make. .
With a small look of disappointment and disdain at the pathetic cactus, he continues. “But yeah, that’s the dream. Ah, and I’m still working on that, but it’s good to get back some of those early notes. I’ve had updated it since then, but it’d be nice to… That, that particular trip where I had to rough it a bit in the Shadowfell, cause that tent is handy and all and I actually have an updated version of it, but it’s not as inconspicuous as a pocket dimension, so all things considered, it’s something I’m looking forward to ah, bettering in the future, ah hell. I don’t know if I’ll ever give up adventuring. But maybe not for my travels but for future adventurers.” As he starts to digress, I politely try to change the subject.
“Uh, speaking of your future travels, I don’t wish to shoo you away, but how much longer are you planning on staying?” I ask
“Oh here?”
“Yes sir.” I hope for two different answers. While he could be a huge boon in some cases, it may also be more trouble than benefit.
“I don’t know that you need me that much longer. I figured I’d head out in a day, maybe two. I do want to spend a little more time with you and Max.” He answers.
With both relief and trepidation, I reply, “I know Max appreciates it. He might seem a little off put, but he does.”
“Well yeah. I watched that boy go through puberty. I am a threat. Don’t get me wrong, I may have caught you at an older age, I still saw some of those awkward years.”
“Yes sir.” I didn’t really want to talk about Max’s awkward years.
A wicked smirk comes over his face. “I can tell all sorts of stories on you.”
“Please don’t.” I plead.
“See, that’s why Max gets nervous, and I love him for it. Oh, bless his heart, I wish his mother was still around. But like all things, times fades, not that I’m not saying your choices are not your own, but if you – I do quite enjoy Leona, and if my legacy continues on through her, I would not be displeased as a currently my only grandchild, but, you know, I’m not against adoption either so.”
“Yes sir.” The topic wanders into that range of responses that are not ready yet. It is something I had thought of, but I just wasn’t sure how to approach it, nor if we could even make it official.
“Don’t think it’s a biological need, but I do like seeing you young folk expand and grow.”
Talking about Leona had reminded me of possible ways to keep her safe and looping back to another subject I start in. “You know we did encounter a druid grove on our travels. It was when we were out heading for the hydra I believe. We passed through Smallville.”
“Oho yeah,”he whistles, “a little farming village.”
I didn’t remember a whole lot of farms, mostly the people there I respond, “Yeah, um, some of the residents there had been cursed and were turned to lychans by… it’s too early in the morning, I can’t remember why… a couple of the residents have been lycanthropes now for a while and one is even a druid, they’re living out in the forest trying to do as best as they can. Wonder if she’ll be able to help.”
“Leona? That could be a good fit for her.”
Shaking my head, and berating myself for not being more clear I say “No, I mean help Ravenswood.”
“Oh, oh, and it would give them something to do!”
“Sorry, my mind works odd this early in the morning” I quickly apologize
He waves it off, also deep in thought. “Totally reasonable. That is an interesting stance.”
“That was also my first instinct with Leona,” I concede, “was sending her to Smallville. But she deserves to make that choice herself.”
“And she is you and Max’s apprentice. You ah, have a co-parenting thing to address with her. And I do believe her uncle was that Mr. Garfield fellow?” He inquires.
“Yes,”
“Ah, nice man, very well educated.” I didn’t know They had spent that much time together. In fact… I am not sure if they have even met recently.
Somewhat confused I start to reply from reflex, “He is, from what I know he is very well…”
“Also I feel like he the closest thing I’ve met that could physically harm me”
Well. That’s something. How Strong is Garfield?? I suppose he is holding an entire city from Rorin’s estate, but I never even considered what in the city could hurt Max’s father, and I’m certain that if those thoughts has crossed my mind, Garfield would not have been on that chart. And from what he had said before… Could Garfield possibly be more powerful than Vlad? Or the Temple leaders??
Realizing I hadn’t responded, I once again try to catch up. “Hopefully nothing will come to that.”
“Nah, he is a good guy. But as for” He pauses to catch himself up to what we were talking about, “um, oh reaching out to those druids, that is certainly a good move, otherwise I’ll have to check out Smallville on my way out of town, faster forms of travel, but it’s been awhile since I walked across the continent, I’m sure Smallville has gown quite a bit since I was last there. This used to be a shitty port town. I’m looking at cobblestones. Everything grows and changes.”
            “I hope it wasn’t a problem bringing you here or asking for you to come.” I very carefully did not ask how he got here, from what should have been months of travel. While he had talked about moving by plants, I didn’t really want to think about it.
“You know, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen you guys. Its’ nice to get out and about every so often. I can’t be there for you all the time, but when I can be, I like to make time for you.”
            “We appreciate it.” I add politely. I meant it too. It would have been very problematic to have to talk to him by some other means.
“Now, I will make one final comment about your new gifts.” His tone changes with a more serious manner. “In this current political climate, you may want to keep some of that to yourself.”
            “Yeah” I was already making plans to use the recurve bow instead of the magical blasts. And I was thinking that giant balls of fire would be rather noticeable.
“As I should not make myself too well known about these parts, there will be mob and then I’ll have to break things and it’s just …” He pauses, exasperated with the hypothetical situation. “Honestly… I was spending some time with some elves on the other continent, beautiful people, my people of course, but they were specifically a different kind of elf, they are called High Elves. I don’t know if you’ve met many, they’re not common on this continent. But they have this large stone city, it’s quite impressive, considering how they built everything into the mountainside. They were working on trying to get a pilgrimage going to Dragon Island, which has been fruitless. I have been there and I’m going to leave their secrets to themselves. There are more of your kind there, I’ll let you know. And I do hate to say that you and your people are dying out on these lands. A shame though.”
“Doesn’t help that we killed another one just a few months ago.” I say with a snort. There really aren’t that many here. It may be nice to see more of my kind at some point.
“Likely doesn’t.” He agrees “I will say those who are demonized from birth seem to see themselves as demons and make choices accordingly. It’s a problem society builds within itself unfortunately.”
             I don’t know what to say about society at this time, especially since it seems everything has been turned onto its ear. Not wanting to get into a long conversation about all the problems with society, I try to delve into the last thing I wanted to ask. “About that carpet.”
“You’re real curious about that one. All right.”     
            I get up to grab it from where it was left in the corner of the shop. I figured it would be a good idea to tell him what I had planned for the bow. “I might borrow that bow because my new gifts have given me a range capability, but if I don’t want to flaunt them, I will need some other way.”
Nodding he replies, “Oh well it’s in the bag you pillaged, so go for it. Again, I haven’t had these things for year, so go off.”
            “Thank you sir.”
As I come back to the table, I unroll the rug we found on the table, wincing at the filth it had accumulated over the eons of time. Mr Corbin goes to touch it, but his fingers stop just inches from it. “Oh, this rug.” Then he does touch it. As soon as he grabs it, emanating from his hands, a ripple of energy goes through it, dust flying off of it, going into the air to disappear and disintegrate.
            With my new abilities, I had done something like that. To a speck of mud on my boots. What he did took no time at all, and with no visible effort. On a very big scale. That would have taken me a few hours, at least.
Taking a moment to examine the newly cleaned rug, he looks up. “Now this could make you a target and I want you to understand the responsibility you’re taking if I restore this for you.”
            I shrug “Well it’s not like we’re going to be moving cargo through the city with it.”
“That’s valid. All right, I do apologize, I don’t have the contents on me. But do you have approximately 100 gold worth of jewels?”
I had to go get some out of our packs, but once I produce the requested gems, I hand them over. Taking the gems, he spreads it over the rug. With a pause he looks up and says “uh, it’s been a while since I’ve done this.” Rubbing his hands, blue sparks of energy rippling through them. “Okay, this might be a little distracting.” And with a wave of his hand, with the sparks trailing between them, there’s a series of… powerful energy, almost like the lightning that Aurane can summon, but not damaging. With a sparking of connection and that deep sense of power rippling through this dingy rug. As the energy takes hold, the dull colors return to deep, deep cerulean blue base highlighted with almost metallic gold threat for the highlights and inscriptions. Velvety teal stitching on the edges just vibrates with energy. Looking at something that was so stripped of color to now see it so vibrant, it takes me aback. As the energy finishes leaving his hands he takes a step back and goes “Oh, ah, good thing the magic was already there, it just needed a… jolt. That should do you, but cause I like when you learn lessons, I’m not going to teach you what the command word is. But if I remember correctly, it can carry around five hundred pounds, and can move in the air twice as fast as you can on the ground.”
I marvel at it, even though I know I still can’t use it. With yet another task of learning what the command words are, I will have to work on that in private. With a gurgle in my stomach, I am reminded that the only thing we have had so far today is water, and it is about time we break our over night fast. Trying to figure out where I could take my guest for some good food, I ask “Sir, I would be honored if I could take you out for breakfast.”
With a wave of his hand he dismisses the idea. “No Son, I think I will go for a nice walk in the morning air. I don’t want to keep you from eating though, I’m sure the others will want something soon.”
He went back into the tent to gather his things for his walk, and left me to study the beautiful carpet in front of me, and try to figure out what to do for food. He reappeared from the magical tent several minutes later, followed by Max. His father had his Hat and coat on, along with a satchel, much like the one we had found. Looking to me, he says “think on what we talked about and you will be fine. I'll be back later.”
With a inquisitive glance at me, I simply tell him we had a long needed talk. Nodding as if this answered all the questions he ever had, he asks what needs to be done. Telling him I was trying to figure out something to eat, he suggests going to see if Cyd is still open. A large sweet roll really would be amazing right now. Going to get my coin purse, I find that Rorin and Marda are both awake. Good, I would need help carrying everything back anyway. Telling max to have the table set by the time we get back, the Three of us set off. Closing the door, I can hear the others making noise in the kitchen.
The city was mercifully quiet as we walked through it. The crisp air was a revitalizing blast to the lungs and the familiar smells a balm to the mind. The guards weren't out every forty feet like they had been, and the ones that were about didn't bother stopping three people who were simply walking through the late autumn morning. I feel a small poke on my thigh, and I look down to see Marda looking up. “Hey Druss, can I ask you for a favor? Could you make me a small crossbow. Maybe something for my wrist? That way if I have to hit something from a distance I can?”
“Well, I could probably look into it,” I answer her. “But, the design may be a bit past me, I may have to get some help with it.” Thoughts and designs start whizzing through my mind as we continue our walk.
It didn't take long for us to reach the last location I had seen Cyd's cart of Candied Confectioneries. With the release of breath I hadn't realized I was holding, we found his large cart still there, Barrels of Tea, and small box oven still where they should be. Cyd and I see each other, and he calls out to me, a large smile on his face. “Druss! I have missed you! Have you been traveling?”
I wave to him and answer, “I have. I'm back in town now after a long journey, and you are the first place I come for food” He laughs at that. “I'll tell you Cyd, I was worried that you wouldn't be here. I figured there would have been some problems for you, especially since the Aftermath Cafe is closed.”
Explaining that the Witch hunters Had in fact come to investigate his stall, he tells me of a black powder he puts in some of his tea to give it some spice, and shows me some damage to his cart. While we talk, Marda and Rorin are trying to figure out just how much food is needed. Cyd shows off his wares, along with some new products, like a cinnamon roll that has been cut in tow, with bacon and eggs put in the middle like a sandwich. I”m a little skeptical of it, as I feel it would be rather messy to eat, but it does look good. A second creation is a sweet roll that has been flavored with Pumpkins. Yet another creation he called a potato roll, something while not as flavorful as his other creations, still filling. We get several of both the sandwich and pumpkin styles, and a few of the potato rolls, along with a pumpkin rind for Spike. With Rorin hefting a whole cask of tea, we pay for everything, and start gathering up.
Before leaving Cyd asks what has happened with our shop, and I tell him we have temporarily moved. With the people harassing Leona and Max, I didn't want to take a risk something would happen to the shop. Revealing that Humans have not been bothered like other races have, he wished me safe days ahead, and I trot to catch up with Marda and Rorin.
When we get back to Aurane's shop, we find that everyone is up, and ready to eat. As we set everything out, pouring a massive mug of Tea for Max, I stop and look to Melfina. “I apologize for the terrible advise I gave you last night. The memories you have from long ago are not you any more. They are from the past and do not define you. A wise man had to let me know, and I wanted to spread the advise.” With everyone starting to dig in, I sit and start attempting my first cinnamon roll sandwich.
With a mouth full of warm food, I look around the crowded table. Kel has grabbed a couple of stools from elsewhere, and she and Leona are sitting at the end of the counter telling jokes to each other. Sora sits on the table, wrestling with a particularly large piece of bacon, the remains of an egg laying about the tiny dragon. The pumpkin rind we got sits next to Sora, with Spike mid-shell into it. Max's sandwich, diminutive in his large hands, drips icing onto his hands, while he listened to Rorin tell stories about his solo journey. Some of those stories are a bit hard to believe, but I have see him do some things that otherwise can't be explained. Melfina was even talking about how nice the pumpkin rolls are flavored, which caused any who heard to briefly stop chewing. This time of respite was enjoyed thoroughly.
In time, the sounds of the city outside came back to us, the patrols of guards, and carts rumbling by. Most of the food had been decimated, and only icing remained of the cinnamon rolls. The cask of tea was dry, the last few drops being drained into Max's tankard. As all things must, our little moment of tranquility came to an end as plate mail boots tromped onto Aurane's stoop, and a gauntleted fist knocked on the door.
As Aurane opens the door Vlad Goforth and his diminutive deputy Shandrah stand the the morning sunlight. Aurane welcome's them in, and I can see both are in an absolute horrible state. Before I can ask what has happened, Vlad tells us that his wife has gone into labor last night, and he has yet to sleep. Seeing them in this state, we offer them both food, and they each take one of the few remaining rolls. Shandrah actively taking a potato roll, as the others were too sweet for her liking. Vlad is saying that he can't take a break, as the city needs him, but his deputy seems to enjoy even this small break. After a brief conversation inquiring on his wife, Vlad reveals the reason why he is here, which is two fold. When Aurane Brought Elon back to life, it brought a few questions as to Aurane's abilities into question, with a possible source being Arcane. There would have to be some routine questions.
The other problem was that the Sheriff couldn't get access to Elon at the Estate, since Garfield wouldn't let anyone onto the premises. So someone who Could get in would have to get Elon out, so He could also be questioned, to make sure he was the real Elon. The concern was possible necromancy involved, and the council wanted to make sure nothing dark was going on.
A security carriage was also assigned to this case, so we could transport Elon from place to place with the safety of both the general public and the individuals in question. Aurane and Rorin both get ready to leave. I'm not sure what to do. I worry about the safety of Elon now that he is back, but I don't really know if I want to be that prominent. But then I remember that message. Do I keep running, or stand up for my city? Grabbing my battle rattle, I tell the rest of the group I”m going with Rorin and Aurane, and head out the door. I want to see who may be angry about Elon being back, and if the whole council is going to be there, I may be able to see some sort of reaction.
Trotting up to the Carriage, I look up to see Rorin sitting next to the driver. The last time we were in a carriage I got sick. Not wanting to clean out a security carriage I ask him if I can ride up there. With a purely apathetic response from the driver, Rorin hoped down, and got inside, and I Jumped up on to the seat.
The ride over to the estate was uneventful since no one wanted to bother a official council security carriage. Once Rorin was able to get Elon there were the traps to contend with, not to mention Garfield. The Majordomo of the estate was not going to take anything, even from the sheriff. With the promise of returning Elon to the estate, and the reminder that Vlad was not to enter, the process was started to get through the various traps.
I couldn't see it very well, but one of the traps seemed to be a fake version of Rorin's small bird pet, Oswald swinging threateningly from a tree as if to dive bomb a hapless trespasser. Once past the traps, we loaded up, and rode to the Cultural Congress in the center of town. The temple to Lady Constance, it had the council chambers, and was the location for what lay ahead of us today. Most of the council, (if not all) and a good number of the Temple leaders will be here, including Able Rest, the new leader of the Parthenon of protection, and Occultist Greg, from the Temple of the unspoken one. This would be a fight I am ill equipped for.
Getting Elon out of the carriage and into the building was tricky, but only because we were trying to hide him, and not be completely obvious about it, but we managed. Something had leaked the news he was alive, and while not a huge crowd, there were people gawking outside. Entering the Temple we find two figures waiting for us. Or rather waiting for Aurane specifically. One of the figures is Human man, bland and rather indistinguishable. The other figure is a short Kobold, and both wear clothing identifying them as Witch Hunters. Introducing themselves, the Human being Mulby, the Kobold as Skullcrusher, I recognize both of them from When Marda and I had to question all the witch hunters. Apparently, the two Hunters remember that occurrence too, and after giving Rorin and I a polite greeting, Skullcrusher tells me I wasn't strict enough with the questions, and we should have been tougher. Not even acknowledging Elon, they then both turn to Aurane. Leading him into a side room, they leave the three of us standing in the Hall.
Before We can even turn around, Holden Cockswell, and Harold Ravenswood come up to us, flanked by two guards. Telling us they are going to take Elon across the hall into another room, when I try to enter the guards stop me, saying we are not to enter. The protest of Rorin and I being Elon's protection doesn't convince the guards of anything. Not wanting to make a confrontation out of it, I turn to Rorin and start speaking in draconic. “ Do you think we can trust the guards? I Don't want to leave Elon alone like this with these guys.”
Before Rorin can answer, “this will be fine, do not worry.” Elon says, also in draconian. Looking at him, trying to cover my shock, I see Holden behind him also nodding, as he had been following what was said too. Interesting.
Responding in the same, “ very well”, I switch back to common. “We will be right out here when you are done.” and Rorin and I prepare to make ourselves comfortable.
I stand with my right foot up against the wall trying to coming up with a plan for Marda's crossbow while we wait, with Rorin leaning his head up against the door to Aurane's interview. “Getting anything” I ask. I stay with draconic simply to have some sort of private conversation should anyone need to walk through the hall.
“No nothing.” He says with a sigh, banging his fist against the stone floor. “At least we are back in town now. Better food.
“Hey!” I protest, “ we fed you as best as we could! In fact, I remember you remarking that my trail stew was really good.
“Well, yes your stew was good, but your jerky jambalaya left something to be desired” he countered.
“Oh, well. It's hard to really pin that recipe down as the ingredients are changing depending on what is available.”
“Either way,” he says, “I can now get whatever I want now that we are back.”
“Like a nice bowl of stew at the Ashforge estate?” I taunt.
“Fireforge. It is the Fireforge Estate now. Because I am betrothed.” The way he says it, there seems to be something else he wants to say. But before he can, two acolytes come down the hall carrying something heavy between them. The two come down to the Aurane's door, knock and enter, and as they pass us I see that it was a body they had between them. A very dead body.
As the acolytes leave without the body, and go down the hall, Rorin and I exchange a glance. With a shared shake of the head and shrug, there is a small moment of silence, then Rorin speaks “Will... will you be one of my groomsmen? Garfield is going to be the best man.”
“Oh. Hell yeah I will. But who is officiating if Garfield is the best man?” I ask. I'm not really sure how the whole ceremony will work, and it has been a while since I went to a wedding.
With a pensive look on his face, he finally responds, “I will have to ask the little woman.” Making a mental note to never call her that to her face, we go back to talking just to pass the time. Some time later, when Rorin is insisting that a girl I liked was flirting with me, Yelling starts coming from Aurane's room. Mulby rushes from the room only to return seconds later, followed shortly by a clerk carrying sandwiches. Aurane comes out of his room looking tired and annoyed, and slumps against the wall. Not saying anything, we sit for a few minutes more until Elon comes out. Announcing that we are heading to a council meeting, we fall in behind Holden and Elon shortly to come to a large meeting room. A tremendous table takes up most of the room, with chairs surrounding it. Acolytes and assistants already sit on one side of the room in smaller less significant chairs, while most of the council members are milling about or seated and waiting. Well, I wanted to be able to observe the council members, here they are.
I stand by the wall next to the acolytes, and try to look at everyone in the room. Anyone wearing armor or weapons are standard to their occupation, with nothing overt. No one is trying to show off their power. Holden is obviously ill at ease, and I remember he doesn't really do well with people. I wonder where his assistant is. He seemed more the people person than Holden was. Maybe I can use that. I can see Lavender Thatcher of the accountant's guild is agitated, looking at Elon then off to General Stoneskin. Aurane comes over and mutters that Leslie Knope and Gariton Terrington are putting on a brave face and Garmele the swift is giving glares to Elon out of the corner of their eye. Interesting. I didn't expect a reaction out of people who should be used to hiding motives. I did see Garmele exchange a warm greeting with Vlad, but the sheriff was part of the hunters guild before his current appointment.
Time for an experiment. Without looking, I ask the nearest acolyte for a piece of parchment, and something to write with. When the supplies are handed over, I am surprised that the person I asked is one of the acolytes of Daja. Giving a warm thank you, I write a simple request of Holden. Asking if he will help me design a wrist bow for Marda, I write it out in draconic. Half hardheartedly folding over the note so some of the runes are visible, I walk over to Holden, and hand it to him. With a quick smile to Elon, who is standing behind Holden, I go back to the side of the room. Holden reads the note, gives me a puzzled expression, and reads the note again.
“I have another meeting I must go to, Elon will take over for me.” Holden says, not caring if anyone protests. Some do. Leaving the note on the table, he gets up and walks out of the chamber. Before anyone can reach for the note, Elon is down in his seat, also looking at the note quickly. With an amusing look at me, he settles in the chair. Really, I just wanted to give Holden something else to think about, but he took the opportunity to leave.
“And what was in that note?” guild leader Terrington asks of me. Middle aged, and rotund, it was obvious he spent most of his tinkering time at his workbench rather than pacing around a workshop. “I want to see it!”
“It was simply a request for some assistance Sir,” I respond.
“A simple request huh? Why are the witch hunters looking for you anyway” Terrington counters.
“Are they? Last time I saw some Witch hunters they greeted me amiably.” a reassuring smile crosses my face. I can hear the two in the chamber muttering agreement.
Turning to Rorin, and gesturing to Aurane and I, “Why are you dealing with people likes these? Certainly they-”
“How dare you sir!” Rorin roars, cutting the small guild leader off. “These are some of my closest friends. Maybe you should worry about yourself when I start funding your opponent in the guild. See that he makes it to the guild leader position.” Silence meets this, and most everyone looks rather abashed at witnessing such a rebuke. Mistress Hearthforge however, is silently laughing in her seat, attempting to hide the fact.
With the disruptions over, the council gets to business, trying to decide what Elon's status should be. Many points and counter points are made, with very little if anything being decided. No one tried to climb over the table and kill Elon, so half of my job was wasted. Several hours and two sore feet later, the meeting comes to an end, Holden still officially in charge of the guild, and no status change of any sort. Agreeing to meet again in two weeks the meeting disperses, and we are left with Elon