New Paphos (The Base)

Yeah, I made it back from Guflis yesterday afternoon. She's cool. We had a good chat and I even got this charm, holding out the charm for Danoll to see. I'm in. Looking up at the three new guys, who are these guys? Looks like your brought some muscle.

Pointing to Etcher, this is Etcher, we met last night when I got back to the tavern. He thought we were kindred spirits or something, because I had this charm. I think someone gave him a magical pendant and he thought I had one as well from the same people. If there is time later, I'd like to speak to you about it.

Looking confused, who is Valpik and Fiznip? Did I pronounce those right? Looking at Etcher, you know those guys? Do you have a job to do this morning?

Etcher the previous evening followed Ealdwig to his room and insisted on sleeping on the floor. He made no mention of payment for said room. If asked why he was staying in Ealdwig’s room, he would squawk "Friends!", seeming content that was sufficient enough reason. The Avian had followed Ealdwig to scouting duty as well, giving the same reason.

Now the swordsman eyes Danoll, his right hand slowly sliding towards his sword hilt. I thought my business with those two was over. Wasn’t that the deal? I need more time, I have to earn her trust. Are they planning revenge? I can’t remember what our deal was actually… Not important I’m sure. Maybe they can write a letter for me! They owe me. The Avian shrugs. Yes. For the second question, Etcher shakes his head. No job. I wonder how close Ealdwig is to these men? If he is going to help me I need to be on his good side. He glances at Ealdwig. Friends? Then looks at the men.

Etcher proves to be a less than cooperative speaker. He seems guarded and tries his best to avoid clearly answering. Which is quite a feat based on how his speech is already unclear. After some coaxing they are able to get the following out of him.

He was abandoned by his family somewhere in the wildlands. He crashed while flying and is unsure what struck him down. He came upon a mysterious house. Inside the house he met a fey, Witic. Etcher believes all fey to be "naughty" so he expects some dishonestly from Witic, but seems to have become protective of the fey. The house is obviously magical, and the fey has claimed to be the caretaker. Etcher considers Witic to be more of a squatter than an actual caretaker. Inside the house is another being the Seer who Etcher suspects either made a deal with the original owners of the house or was enslaved to monitor something, what it is Etcher will not tell the others.

Etcher offered to help find the master of the house because he feels that the current occupants are over their heads and can’t control the house. He is worried they will eventually come into conflict. The Avian was then teleported to the Matrix to find the master or as he found out the mistress. He was attempting to find said master but was ambushed by the very people in this room. Which he makes sure to point out that he is still upset about. After a few days in the city he found Ealdwig, who is now his good friend. They are going to find the mistress together and then Etcher will do whatever Ealdwig wants him to do. Etcher is loyal to his friends. Just as Ealdwig suspected Etcher cannot write and the swordsmen now demands a letter from Lord Felspar as an apology for what Etcher considers his unjust assault and capture. Give letter! His eyes stern as he caws at the Lord of the Base.

You can almost see Ealdwig's wheels turning. With a grin, Ealdwig is kind of fascinated by the story. Why wouldn't he be? A bird man shows up out of nowhere, and has a spectacular story that he relates in one word sentences about a house, a missing "Mistress" of said house, a few guys, fey if I heard Etcher right, and everyone believes him. Seems very improbable, downright impossible, yet it has happened. Fascinating.

Although, he is conflicted. He came here to work to find a job and make some coin, he's slowly going broke, actually it's happening quicker than he would like, the charm didn't come cheap. And Danoll seems like a good guy to know. But this could be an epic adventure, what fun. But is there coin in it?

Did he say they were studying a magical tool, then Etcher just came through it? Um, Danoll, where are we? This place is unfamiliar? Please tell me it's anyplace but the Tower. Guflis said to stay away from the Tower. I think this is the Tower, crap!

Etcher face feathers ruffle a bit, the Avian equivalent of a frown. It’s good that I got the letter, when Sylfir comes here, I will give it to her, and that should fix things between us. If I’m a knight now that's the sort of thing that knights do for Lords and Ladies. I don’t really appreciate these Lords though. Etcher’s eyes are somewhat narrow when looking at the small council that has formed. They did apologize, which is nice, but big brother Alfred said apologies didn’t mean anything without coins. I suppose this letter is more valuable than a coin so it is fair.

He shifts his weight between his feet, glancing toward Ealdwig. I need to get back to the Matrix. I can’t talk to the Seer unless I am there. But I don’t want to share anything I don’t have to about the house unless I have to. They attacked me as soon as I appeared. If that is how they are, they will certainly kill the Seer. No, I will wait for the Mistress to arrive and try to talk with the Seer before I tell them more. It will be hard, but pretend you are a simpleton, maybe they will believe it.

Etcher quite dramatically cocks his head to the right and them to the left. Seer?...Matrix? The Avian blinks seemingly unsure what they are talking about. He points to himself, Etcher. Fly. He says this while flapping his arms. I will make my move once the Mistress arrives, she is the new boss after all.

Priest's receiving room, wow, ok. That's good. A little torn on what to do, Ealdwig tells Danoll, you'll be scouting again tomorrow I assume? I think I'll hang out here and see what happens. I'll be good, promise.

You going to the Tavern later tonight? I'll look for you there and fill you in on what happens. If not I'll catch up with you the same time and place tomorrow morning.

Ealdwig, turns to Sylfir as she enters with Lord Felspar, smiles, gives a little wave, and watches the scene unfold. How is Etcher going to convey all this to Sylfir. This should be interesting.

Etcher stares at Sylfir for a long moment, a moment that stretches on and on and on. The Avian fidgets with his headband, and looks about the room. He looks at each member of the room. His stare is his typical blank expression. Etcher’s eyes when one looks at them never quite seem to hold any emotion. His feather ruffle, then ruffle again. You need to learn how to explain things when talking with folks to avoid unfortunate misunderstandings. If you get nervous and have trouble talking then I suggest writing it down or get a friend to help you. People are more understanding than you might think. Sylfir’s voice echoes inside Etcher's head.

Of course it's so clear the matter is so simple. She’s already told me what she wants. She will be an excellent guardian of the house, someone the place needs. Etcher pulls out the letter that contains Fiznik’s apology. Letter. Here! Letters must hold some sort of magic, or maybe it is part of an ancient ritual of power. These people are very clever, but I am clever…er! Etcher seems pleased with himself as he gives the elf the letter. He squints his eyes, as if trying to push something out of his head. House…your…duty. Etcher seems almost physically exhausted. They..need….Missssstressss. He squawks. This is too hard, I can’t do it. No one ever listened to me back home. Sylfir’s voice returns once more. Get a friend to help you. Etcher’s eyes widen and he suddenly turns to Ealdwig. Yes she was right, it is time to see how much of a friend Ealdwig is. Ealdwig, tell! Etcher’s eyes finally showed a bit of emotion, they were pleading. I hope Ealdwig will try and convince her.

Ealdwig, standing by himself, smiles shyly, when all eyes turn to him. Is there a way out of this? He looks around for an exit. I knew i should have gone with Danoll, crap. "Um, who me?" Looking around at all the expecting faces, Ealdwig begins to rehash the story as he knows it. Ok, so this is what I have been able to piece together from the little bit of information I have been able to understand from Etcher. Pointing to Etcher, he begins.I can't tell if that's the whole story or not. Personally, I think there are some pieces of the puzzle missing, something isn't adding up. But I have no idea what it might be.

Etcher caws in appreciation at Ealdwig. She only listened so well because of him! So good with words! A natural talker! Etcher nods along as the elf expresses her concerns. Looks like I can not avoid it, I will have to reveal the Seer to them. All I can do is hope that the mistress can protect him…it? Etcher takes a moment to ponder this question but can’t seem to figure where he falls between the identifiers. He almost jumps like he’s been struck by an arrow when he realizes that everyone has been staring at him waiting for him to respond.

The Avian pulls out the sigil that was given to him. He points to it holding it in front of the Sylfir. Go Matrix. He points again at the sigil. Talk. Seer. If we travel back to the Matrix I can activate the sigil and get into contact with the Seer and I suppose the rest of the house as well. I should thank Ealdwig, I couldn’t have gotten this far without him. Seems like he has plans of his own…But it couldn’t hurt to ask him to come along. He seems to have a way with words and lots of friends. The swordsman turns to Ealdwig, and pats (somewhat roughly) his shoulder three times. Thanks! Come Come. Together. Etcher squawks in what could be considered a friendly tone, if it didn’t sound like a parrot’s speech.