12. Silvershield Estate

Be sure to read and follow the guidelines for our forums.

Jun 3, 2024 1:58 am
After the party's errands, it's getting to be late afternoon or early evening by the time they return to the Silvershield estate.

Dieter's dogs are happy to have space to run again after following Dieter around all day, and they eagerly take off after a bunny in the garden.

Aldous and Duke Entar seem to be in good spirits as well. The younger Silvershield greets Stella with a hug. "Duke Jannath paid us a visit after you saw her," Aldous says with excitement. "She's explained some of her plan to us, and I think it's splendid! She bid us not share the details, she'd prefer to do that herself tomorrow with the rest of the Dukes, but suffice it to say we're going to put Rieltar Anchev and thie Iron Throne in their place!"

For his own part, Koveras sits in his room with typical stoicism, working over various papers with ink-stained fingers. "Back already?" He looks out the window and blinks at the long shadows. "I suppose the time got away from me. What news of the other Dukes?"
Jun 3, 2024 2:12 am
Aiwë leans against the wall next to Koveras' desk and drums on the wall behind her with her palms.

"Jannath asked us a bunch of riddles or hypotheticals. I think she found me annoying. But my cousin Xan had already been speaking to her! The Blacksheaf moonblade actually... accepted me I think. Not that I needed a stiff sword's approval, but... Anyway Jannath was clear and said she had a plan."

"Belt's son was killed by Umberlee's priests, so we had to fetch his body for a resurrection. He's fine now, but I'm a little uneasy that our talk with the High Priestess didn't come to blows. We just left her. Is that justice in this town? The next person to die at her hand won't be lucky enough to have a powerful and rich cleric for a father..."

Shelur chewed her lip with tuskish teeth and her rhythm increased, and then ceased abruptly.

"How goes the war here?"
Jun 3, 2024 2:17 am
Dieter confidently walks over to the windowsill and Leans against its archway. He can see Remus blinking circles around Romulus in the garden with some perplexed workers trying not to trip over them. Dieter had changed out of his torn clothing and into a clean white linen tunic with canvas trousers.

Dieter found Aldous’ excitement at the upcoming fight annoying. He didn’t know if it was just because he didn’t like him or that his inexperience combined with his eagerness grated on Dieter’s patience.

Dieter blinks away his irritation.
Last edited June 3, 2024 2:29 am
Jun 3, 2024 2:36 am
Koveras nods at Aiwe's news, unsurprised at Jannath's quirks. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of the moonblade. "It's said that such weapons are incredibly ancient and rare. I can't say much for its apparent wisdom though, to take so long to see your worth. But if an orc-hating moonblade can be swayed, that speaks well for the rest of orc-kind in this world."

He crosses his thick arms and leans back in his seat. "As for the Umberlee priestess, yes, she's bad news. But did you consider that she killed the boy because he has a powerful and rich cleric for a father?" He rubs the stubble under his jaw. "Still the boy's bound to have learned a valuable lesson from this."
Quote:
"How goes the war here?"
The half-orc stretches his arms up and back with several loud cracks from his spine. Then he looks down at the pile of papers. "My contacts - such as they are - have little new information to share. But this..." His fingers brush aside a few papers. "You remember Aldeth Sashenstar, the would-be wyvern hunter we saved in the Cloakwood? I reached out to him when we arrived, and I've just heard back from him. He may have a lead for us. I just need to verify that his information's correct. I may have a friend who can do so..."

He trails off as he begins sorting through the papers again, before coming to himself and glancing over at Aiwe. "Aldous seems excited for whatever Liia Jannath's plan is for tomorrow. I hope to have something useful to share by then."
Jun 3, 2024 2:42 am
Dieter finds the source of his irritation close behind.

"Dieter!"

Aldous jogs up to him, rather smoothly considering his frog leg. The young noble waves at Stella through the window, then leans opposite Dieter. He brushes his red hair out of his eyes, then casually gestures to Dieter's new 'crown'. "So what's with the branches? You get married after just one day on the town?"
Jun 3, 2024 2:44 am
Aiwë nodded along as Koveras spoke, taking note of the ink-stained fingers and distant eyes as she twirled a mallet in her fingers.

"I hope so. In the meantime, am I allowed to say I'm worried about you? I know you're not as... calm... as you look."
Jun 3, 2024 2:46 am
"Yeah, uh, Diets..." Aiwë squints at the boy. "I didn't want to ask in the street but... Are those... coming out of your head? And do they have blood on them?" She looks as though she intends to sniff them and see.
Jun 3, 2024 2:49 am
Koveras frowns - more. "Why wouldn't you be allowed to speak your mind?" He rubs his eyes. "I'm pulling my weight." Some stubbornness in that tone? "Rieltar needs to be brought low, and I need to make sure it happens."
Jun 3, 2024 2:52 am
Aiwë puts a hand on her hip. "I said I'm worried about you, not about whether you can lift your weight." As he rubs his eyes she gently tapped his knuckles with her mallet. "You don't look okay."
Last edited June 3, 2024 2:58 am
Jun 3, 2024 2:56 am
"No, It’s a manifestation of a childhood event. The crown is bonded to my skull, I had to change my clothes it was quite…messy. Dieter addresses Aldous directly. He doesn’t dance around the topic but also doesn’t directly tell him either.

"Yes it’s blood. it must still be bleeding I thought I had gotten all of it" Dieter answers Aiwë

"how goes your studying Aldous?" Dieter changes the topic "do you know what school of magic you’ll specialize in?"

Dieter found himself surprised by his new yet old arcane knowledge, of course he only knew enough to just scratch the surface of the topic.

While Dieter doesn’t want to explain himself to
Aldous he seems more than willing to do so with Aiwë, that is if Aldous wasn’t present.

Last edited June 3, 2024 3:03 am
Jun 3, 2024 2:56 am
Koveras flinches back from the touch of the mallet, blinking to clear his eyes. "I'm fine. Better than. After a lifetime under Rieltar's thumb, I can finally act, finally do something..."

He sighs. "But a short reprieve wouldn't be amiss. Have you eaten? I may stretch my legs on the way to the kitchen."
Jun 3, 2024 3:01 am
"Wait, is this like what happened in the Friendly Arm? Why didn't you ask me for help? Look! You tore your shirt!" Aiwë tuts at a rip in his clothes and the remains of dried blood on the crown, and in doing so fixes them both.
Jun 3, 2024 3:05 am
Aldous barks a laugh. "It must have been some 'childhood event,' to only show up today." He lifts his frog leg high. "We can almost start a circus, now." He turns his head to wink at Aiwe. "We could make a fortune! We'd just need some music and a colorful tent."

His red eyebrows shoot up at Dieter's change of topic. "School of... Why, I didn't think you cared at all for magic! It's a good question though. I've come to enjoy setting things on fire. You thinking of learning a spell or two yourself?" There's a slight smirk to the question. Dieter, cast spells? Surely not...
Jun 3, 2024 3:08 am
Aiwë whistles a circus tune at Aldous' suggestion and an illusory flag unravels above her head announcing 'The Misfits Extraordinaire, in town for a short time only!'
Jun 3, 2024 3:13 am
"I get that there might be some relief in the current situation, but you don't seem 'better than okay.'" Aiwë unslings most of the gear she took with her on their errands and leaves it on the floor before opening the door for Koveras. "Food, then a spar? You're more tightly wound than I am."
Jun 3, 2024 3:14 am
Araklusta says:
Aldous barks a laugh. "It must have been some 'childhood event,' to only show up today." He lifts his frog leg high. "We can almost start a circus, now."
Dieter stops leaning against the window "what are you implying?"

He didn’t realize it but he was closer to Aldous a lot closer then before.


Dieter casts misty step

Dieter takes a step back "my apologies, I’m still recovering. I think I need to lay down"
Last edited June 3, 2024 3:16 am
Jun 3, 2024 3:21 am
The corner of Koveras' lip turns up in a slight smile. "Must I prove it to you, then? Ha! Challenge accepted." His stomach growls. "After food," he agrees.

The kitchen's cooks are cleaning up for the evening, but they're happy to share what they have on hand. On one counter Aiwe spots the remains of a large bowl of 'iced cream' - no doubt Aldous' work.

After some cured ham and several rolls of bread, Koveras is ready to spar. "And where will this mighty duel occur? Outside? I wouldn't want to break any Silvershield antiques."
Jun 3, 2024 3:24 am
Aldous' jaw drops. "Dieter, you just-" He shakes his head in amazement, and apparently oblivious to Dieter's mood. "When did you learn to do that?"
Jun 3, 2024 3:30 am
"Surely this Duke has a courtyard or small arena for such things." Aiwë grabs another roll in each hand to be inhaled on the way.

"Everyone's been so on edge lately," she says between bites as they walk. "Fearful is one thing, but the... frustration. Irritability." Aiwë growled quietly in her throat. "I'll be glad to see this behind us. "
Last edited June 3, 2024 3:31 am
Jun 3, 2024 3:33 am
Aiwë's eyebrows shoot up. "Yeah, you look like you've been through it. How about I ask the kitchen to send you food after I check on Koveras? Aldous, can you show me where he's lurking, again?"
Jun 3, 2024 3:44 am
Koveras nods. "Dieter doesn't seem like his usual self. And Lady Melerelel seems always troubled, sometimes even while with Aldous. That boy..." The half-orc chuckles. "I think he'd do anything for her."

He glances down a hallway, then heads that way, leading to a small courtyard with two tall poles. "Ah. I don't suppose you've heard of badminton? Nobles all over the Gate have been putting these courts up. All the rage, these days. I shouldn't be surprised the Silvershields have one. And where there's one sport, there ought to be... yes."

Koveras opens a large nearby chest, revealing an assortment of wooden weapons. He takes up a pair fashioned to look like shortswords and spins them in his large hands, then shrugs. "Have you any healing magic left? I'd hate to sleep with a broken nose."
Jun 3, 2024 3:45 am
"that would be great, thank you Aiwë" Dieter says. He touches his crown and feels that it is wet at the base. The strain must have opened the wound.
Jun 3, 2024 3:56 am
"Dieter hasn't been right since he died, but we left him alone in the temple of Lathander for an hour and when we came back he had horns."

Aiwë looks over the weapons chest, the keeps her mallets. They are already wooden bludgeoning weapons.

"Stella came for a vacation. She wasn't prepared for any of this violence. Sure, our parents taught her the skills but she never had to face the realities of it. And Aldous!" Aiwë falls into Orcish as she stretches.

"The boy asked my permission to marry her, you know? I can't tell if the idea makes her happy or stresses her out even more. And I think she's still mad at me that I sassed the Duke yesterday. The attitude of that man!"

She grins at Koveras. "I'm all full up! I couldn't stomach risking that nose."
Last edited June 3, 2024 3:57 am
Jun 3, 2024 4:06 am
"Marry her!" Koveras exclaims in Orcish. "He asked you for advice about it, and hasn't mentioned it to me? And I thought he and I were friends." Aiwe notes once more that his accent seems surprisingly similar to her own.

The half-orc offers a simple salute with his 'blades', then swings them around to attack Aiwe from one side. And Koveras is strong.

(Insight: Though she's seen him fight with such weapons before, it seems odd to Aiwe that the big guy chooses such small weapons, when he's obviously got the strength for heavier ones. His fighting style just isn't graceful enough for such agile weaponry.)

Rolls

attack - (1d20+8)

(19) + 8 = 27

Mystery roll

Jun 3, 2024 4:14 am
"He barely wanted advice, he asked for my blessing! Gah!" She gasps as he strikes a blow. "That's my ribs!" She tucks herself under the larger man's arm and hits him with her mallet. "There's yours!"

She leaps back. "Don't feel bad, this was only a full three hours after we pulled his sorry behind from the exact scenario I warned him about—and got you as a bonus."
Last edited June 3, 2024 4:35 am

Rolls

Attack! - (1d20+7)

(15) + 7 = 22

Jun 3, 2024 4:15 am
Aldous stutters a bit, but allows Aiwe to lead him away.

"Koveras? Well, he's been hiding himself away in his room. I stopped by several times today to see him, but he was very absorbed in his work..."
Jun 3, 2024 4:38 am
The half-orc's grunt at the impact of Aiwe's mallets turns into a snort. "No wonder he can't keep his head on straight... So. How does she feel about things?"

Koveras falls into a routine, whirling his wooden sticks up and down and around. Then he cleverly locks them under the heads of Aiwe's mallets and pushes her weapons high, holding them just at the extent of her reach. With both their arms raised, his eyes flick to hers.

(Insight: He's nervous. And not feeling particularly confident.)

He rolls his eyes. "And what a bonus I turned out to be." He stomps down on one of her feet and pushes with his arms, sending her stumbling backward. "That would have been a broken ankle, by the way."

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+8)

(15) + 8 = 23

Myster roll

Jun 3, 2024 4:40 am
Dieter looks out the window again at his dogs. He peers down at the walkway below and in an instant he’s there.

"Remus, Romulus to me!" Dieter calls them over. He looks Remus in the eyes "it seems we have more in common then I first thought" tears now fill Dieter’s own. He gives Romulus a big hug and sits there for a while with them.
Jun 3, 2024 4:54 am
"Stella doesn't know what she wants. She knows what she likes—studying, magic, that silly boy, but will she take it? When she decides will she be confident? I'm not sure."

She rolls her eyes in turn. "Quit beating on yourself, I'm pleased with the score."

Aiwë snarls against the pain as she staggers back. "Or I was—would have been broken?" she hisses, hoping to make him think he'd truly injured her in an attempt to shock an opening out of him. He'd seen her genuinely hurt before though, and it doesn't work. Her attack is knocked away easily.

"Who taught you Orcish, Blood? Your accent is really good, but it's Northern. Almost like the Dale. Did you know?"
Last edited June 3, 2024 5:09 am

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+7)

(2) + 7 = 9

Performance - (1d20+6)

(2) + 6 = 8

Jun 3, 2024 3:57 pm
Remus and Romulus happily tackle Dieter, licking his face and pulling at his hair with their teeth. The eyes of both dogs shine with love, but Dieter also notices a spark of greater intelligence in Remus' eyes. He's more than just a dog, that one. Of course, Romulus is more than a dog, too. He's got the weight of several dogs, a point Dieter's very aware of as Romulus flops down on Dieter's chest.
Jun 3, 2024 3:58 pm
Koveras responds by suddenly dropping one of his swords and curling his hand into a fist, then socking Aiwe in the gut. Or, at least he tries to. "Ow!" He wrings out his fingers. "Did you eat rocks instead of rolls just now?"

With just the one weapon now he goes on the defensive.

"It was Winski who taught me, just like he taught me everything I know about Orc culture. The old butler, remember? Though he's really been more like a grandfather to me." He grunts with exertion. "I know he's traveled a lot. Perhaps he's from up North originally. You should meet him, actually! He's one of the contacts I've been writing, though I have to be especially careful as he's currently in the Iron Throne compound here in the city. I'd hate to get the old orc killed."

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+8)

(9) + 8 = 17

Mystery Roll

Jun 3, 2024 4:15 pm
Shelur only grins at him as his fist meets her hard abdominal muscles. "I look forward to meeting him, then! I wonder what tribe he's from. You know, Chaide can tell by face and accent alone—she's the one who told Khanna and Keggruk they're actually related. Or am I saying things you've already read?"

Aiwë stays close, using his lack of agility against him to hit his other side with her mallet. She watches his movements but also his face. Why is he nervous?

"So, Winski taught you Orcish, who taught you to fight? Rieltar? Your muscles are wasted on those little swords."
Last edited June 3, 2024 4:25 pm

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+7)

(8) + 7 = 15

Jun 3, 2024 9:13 pm
Koveras wipes sweat from his brow - and pays for it with another strike from Aiwe's untiring mallets. "Your uncle's book does talk a lot about ancestral lines among the tribes of the North. It's nice to hear someone speak of their orc heritage with pride."

He risks going on the offensive, but his swipe meets only empty air as Aiwe neatly steps around him. The half-orc chuckles. "I had a few tutors from the Iron Throne. They obviously didn't teach me well enough!"

(Insight: The nervousness Koveras showed earlier seems to have gone. Now he just looks tired - and defeated!

"Whoa, now hold on. I admit defeat!" He drops his sword and raises his hands in surrender. "You've vanquished me, Shelur."

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+8)

(4) + 8 = 12

Mystery roll

Jun 3, 2024 9:42 pm
Aiwë winds up for an overhead blow that she aborts just in time.

"Ah! I accept your surrender!" She holsters her mallet next to its partner and picks up one of the swords. "They taught you just fine," she says, twirling it, "only on the wrong weapon. You've never tried a greatsword? A maul?"

She eyes him as she speaks. He really is very well buttoned up, she expected to see more fire once she dealt a little pain.
Jun 3, 2024 10:27 pm
"Tried? Of course. My tutors just preferred a more... clandestine approach." He gestures at the sword Aiwe holds. "It's the blade you don't see coming that is most dangerous."

(Insight: Aiwe remembers finding Koveras in the bandit camp. He'd been as battered as she's ever seen anyone, and still kept his composure, taking hits for Aldous. This one has had a long and deep relationship with pain.)

He meets her eyes for a moment, then clears his throat. "Thanks for the spar. 'You get to know someone better sparring for an hour than talking to them for a year.'" Aiwe recognizes the quote, for Keggruk had said it often. No doubt the orog included it in his book.

Rolls

Mystery Roll

Jun 3, 2024 11:03 pm
Aiwë always liked that saying, given that sparring was how her parents met.

Shelur grins at him, holding his eyes easily. "Then let's spar two. Don't tell me that after a desk all day this was more than a warm up?" She gestures with her chin at the chest of weapons. "There has to be at least a longsword in that chest. Have a go, and pick something for me? I do need to go in and be there for Dieter and his new horns and Stella and her anxiety, but... not yet."
Last edited June 3, 2024 11:20 pm
Jun 4, 2024 1:20 am
Koveras looks conflicted, as though he'd rather go back in and continue his work, but then he shrugs and pokes through the chest. He chooses a warhammer and a battleaxe, and holds both of them out to Aiwe. "Wait, Dieter has horns now? What did he do, turn himself into a tiefling somehow?"
Jun 4, 2024 1:24 am
Aiwë takes the axe and forgoes her shield. "Yes, horns! That's what I said—you must have gotten sidetracked by Aldous' impending proposal. I think he might have asked Duke Belt with some cleric stuff on his brain, and now he has horns. They're kind of more like branches, but they're sticking out of his skull." She steps in toward Koveras with a swing of the axe, but fumbles the angle on the 'bladed' weapon.

"Aldous riled him a little when we got back and he teleported. I had to usher the lordling off before we learned what else he can do now."
Last edited June 4, 2024 1:27 am

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+7)

(2) + 7 = 9

Jun 4, 2024 1:29 am
Koveras sidesteps her clumsy blow and then moves forward to club her with the hammer, but the swing doesn't have nearly enough strength behind it. The half-orc frowns at the weapon. "It's the right shape, I suppose, but the weight distribution is all wrong..." He tosses the useless thing aside and raises his bare hands instead, obviously intending to fight unarmed.

"So Dieter's got horns, Miss Melerelel is stressed. But what about you? Shouldering their burdens along with your own?"

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+8)

(6) + 8 = 14

Jun 4, 2024 1:38 am
"Honestly, who buys unweighted practice weapons?" Aiwë tosses her axe aside too then darts in quickly to meet the side of Koveras' head with her fist.

"There was room. No burdens here, I'm free as a bird." She winks.
Last edited June 4, 2024 1:47 am

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+7)

(12) + 7 = 19

Jun 4, 2024 1:49 am
Koveras takes the punch - a painful sacrifice! - and grabs her arm, shifting his footing just so, and suddenly Aiwe's in danger of being thrown flat on her back (opposed Athletics or Acrobatics, por favor! DC 20).

While he strains to overpower her, he manages to growl out: "I know you jest. You take so much onto yourself."

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+8)

(12) + 8 = 20

Jun 4, 2024 2:03 am
Aiwë grabs his arm with her free hand, gritting her teeth as she resists his strength.

"Do I?" Her grimace turns into a grin. "Guess it's in the blood." She kicks him squarely in the chest.
Last edited June 4, 2024 2:19 am

Rolls

Resist! - (1d20+7)

(16) + 7 = 23

Attack! - (1d20+7)

(12) + 7 = 19

Insight - (1d20+1)

(15) + 1 = 16

Jun 4, 2024 2:21 am
Koveras sputters and gasps as the air is knocked from his lungs, but he manages to plant his feet under him and respond with a quick jab that connects right with Aiwe's nose.

He backs up, coughing, but checking to see if his punch did any real damage. "Sorry I went for the face, it was just a response to that impressive kick... Are you alright?"

(Insight: Sparring does indeed help you get to know your opponent on a level that mere conversation does not. Aiwe realizes that tonight Koveras has consistently been paying more attention to his footing than properly committing to his attacks against her. Is he going easy on her? Or is he just keeping the spar friendly? Sometimes the half-orc is frustratingly hard to read. At least in some regards.)

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+8)

(10) + 8 = 18

Jun 4, 2024 2:38 am
Aiwë holds her ground, but growls deeply at the pain. She isn't sure yet if her nose is broken, but the blood suggests it might be. She doesn't break stance to staunch the flow and instead stomps her foot and blows a spray of blood at her opponent.

"I'm glad to see you can deal as good as you take! I was worried you were going easy on me. Again!"

She grins with bloody tusks and strikes out with another kick to the chest.
Last edited June 4, 2024 2:57 am

Rolls

Attack! - (1d20+7)

(8) + 7 = 15

Jun 4, 2024 3:08 am
The repeated kick to his chest staggers Koveras. "Easy..." he gasps hoarsely. "I think if I tried that you'd take my head off!" As if to prove his words, he bends low and charges her, arms around her and shoulder aimed for her diaphragm.

(another contested check, please! DC... 14)

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+8)

(6) + 8 = 14

Jun 4, 2024 3:17 am
Aiwë ducks under his grab and juts up quickly, knocking him upward with her shoulder beneath his.

Dancing out of his reach, Aiwë wipes blood into her sleeve. "You're really not feeling this are you?"
Last edited June 4, 2024 3:23 am

Rolls

Resist! - (1d20+7)

(19) + 7 = 26

Attack - (1d20+7)

(13) + 7 = 20

Jun 4, 2024 3:28 am
Maybe the half-orc finally rises to the challenge Aiwe presents, or maybe the more brutal side of his heritage has overboiled, but Koveras doesn't pause after Aiwe's clever maneuver. He continues his charge forward and drives his fist up in a vicious uppercut into Aiwe's jaw.

The wild look in his eyes immediately fades, and he sags. "No! No, I'm sorry. Maybe you can play this game, riding the edge of... whatever this is. But I can't. I... I'm sorry."

(Insight: The bitterness and loathing in his demeanor isn't directed at her, but inward.)

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+8)

(18) + 8 = 26

Mystery Roll

Jun 4, 2024 3:55 am
Aiwë staggers backward at the blow, but she raises her hands to appease him. "Hey, look, it's alright." Aiwë straightens and wipes her nose on her arm again, but this time when she lowers it both blood and swelling are gone.

"There's no reason to be sorry, you haven't done anything wrong. I'm sorry I pushed you. I—it doesn't matter what. I'm sorry." She approaches with gentle hands.

"Did I leave bruises? Can't have you wincing at your desk on my account."
Jun 4, 2024 3:58 am
"And that's it?" Koveras shakes his head. "You can fight, flirt, and just wave away the bruises?"

(Insight: Apparently he's not talking just about physical bruises?)

"You can bleed and bloodlet without any of it turning against you." He jabs a thumb into his chest. "But that's not me. I was trained to kill. My rage yearns for it. And giving in to any of that is a big problem. I don't do things halfway; I'm not that flexible."

His heavy brow lowers, hooding his eyes, which are beginning to glint red in the dim light. "I shouldn't have agreed to this. I just wanted..." Fists clench, and tendons flare in his forearms. "No! I just want Rieltar dead. After that... Well. It doesn't matter."

Koveras closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Thank you for trying, Aiwe." His voice is stiff as a board. "I'd best return to my work."

Rolls

Mystery Roll

Jun 4, 2024 4:37 am
Aiwë's eyes glint. There it is. What is it? "It's hardly a hand wave, Koveras. It's a lifetime of being trained by someone like you, of straining for that discipline so I don't let her tribe down. I put it in the bag with everything else, and I carry it. But you're right. I'm not enough orc to feel the blood in my throat like you do. Don't worry, I'm not allowed to forget."

She folds her arms. "I thought you were closer to breaking and I wanted it to be here, not in the field. You're so hyper-focused on Rieltar—I was afraid. But I shouldn't have pushed you. I'm sorry."

Aiwë rubs her face. She really is a menace to this man, isn't she? "Before you go, if I can help with your bruises—"is he still mad at her?—"I'd like to."
Jun 4, 2024 3:15 pm
Koveras pauses, his large frame backlit by Silvershield lamps. It makes his face difficult to read, though his eyes continue to reflect red. What horrors has this man had to live through, being raised by Rieltar Anchev? He's very careful about the controlled persona he shows to the world, the civilized orc-blood forged into a merchant prince. But what do those tortured eyes of his see?

After a long pause he moves to just in front of Aiwe. The evening breeze is warm, but he seems to shiver slightly. His gaze at first is fixed on the ground, but he slowly looks up to meet her own red-tinted eyes.

And he waits.
Jun 4, 2024 4:30 pm
He looks like a man chained. It infuriates her. Her anger pulses in her temples and puts an ache in her jaw. She doesn't let it show.

"It matters," she says quietly. "That thing you wanted, what happens after, they matter. They matter right now." Aiwë reaches out a hand that reverberates with her oration and puts it on his chest. The vibrations of her magic sink into his skin and melt away his aches and bruises. They pull as well on the teeth of his anger or frustrations, offering to help soothe them, if allowed.

"We were all trained to kill. Its okay. It's not all that we are. You least of all."

Aiwë casts Cure Wounds and Calm Emotions.
Jun 4, 2024 4:49 pm
His breath catches slightly as the healing does its work, even soothing the muscles in his back, shoulders, and neck that are weary from constant tension.

But the other spell, and Aiwe's words...

Koveras covers her hand on his chest with one of his own, the pressure betraying his calm until his eyes squeeze shut and his lips reveal gritted teeth and tusks. A ragged breath follows... and then she feels him accept her spell. The tightness in his chest loosens, the pressure from his hand softens. His breathing, though cavernous from his powerful lungs, feels as relaxed as a babe's. His forehead comes down to rest on her shoulder, just for a moment.

"I believe you."
Jun 4, 2024 7:27 pm
"Good."

She is relieved of course, but the fury only grows. Aiwë isn't sure how much of it might be empathy, the vibrations of her magic carrying his energy echoing back to her, or just herself, but she feels it. She is careful to let none of it show in her breathing or the tension of her muscles, but she feels it.

"Rieltar doesn't have to be dead to be behind you," she encourages. It's true, but as Koveras rests his head on her shoulder for that brief moment Aiwë feels Gruumsh's Mark looming over them both from Keggruk's slack face, and she knows:

She is going to make Rieltar very dead.
Last edited June 4, 2024 7:28 pm
Jun 4, 2024 8:08 pm
Dieter had been waiting for Aiwë.

Once Koveras left he stepped out of the shadows drawn by the evening light.

"We need to talk" Dieter says simply.
Jun 4, 2024 8:17 pm
"Hey, Diets, I was just going to come look for you." She smiles brightly. "Did you get enough to eat?"
Jun 4, 2024 8:58 pm
"I’m not hungry but thank you for thinking of me.

As you can probably tell I had quite the experience, Lythander did speak to me. It turns out our conversation before we entered the temple was a bit prophetic. I was given the choice to remove the block or find salvation and ultimately happiness."
Dieter explains. he waits a bit for Aiwë to process what he’s saying

"As you can see I chose to remove the block. I remember my past before Tulfgar. I’m from Il Aluk, a necropolis of the Shadowfell, I fled with my sister from our father. My father is the dark lord Darcalus Rex, A wizard-tyrant. Everything I’ve told you before is a lie yet… not. I’m still me I’m still Dieter…I’m just more of me." Dieter continues

"More importantly I know where my sister is. She was the wolf that accompanied us into the mine. I need to talk to her, I need her forgiveness." Dieter finishes.
Jun 4, 2024 9:36 pm
When the party returns to the Silvershield Estate, Stella is absently scratching away in her Tome.

She heads for the forge to find Yeslick, the dwarf she rescued from the mines whom Aldous had quickly employed by the estate. She invested much of the party's funds towards him working his craft on their weaponry.

"Good evening, Yeslick! How does the work fare? And how do you fare?" she asks cheerfully, though her face is weary from the day. She was used to traveling for hours on end in the wilderness, yet something about the city, and everything on her mind, made it a bit different.
Last edited June 4, 2024 9:37 pm
Jun 4, 2024 11:57 pm
Stella finds Yeslick sharpening swords. "Lady Stella!" The dwarf's face splits into a large grin. "Seein' ye brings joy to this old dwarf's heart."

He gestures to a long table against one wall. "As ye can see, I've been hard at work on yer team's equipment. Ye've collected a fine assortment o' gear, but nothin' tha' can't be made better by an Orothiar smith! E'en one who's seen as many winters as this one." True to his word, neatly laid out on the table are the things Stella requested Yeslick work on.

Jun 5, 2024 4:03 am
Aiwë listens to Dieter with a brow creased with concern. "Wow, Dieter that's... that's a lot. How are you feeling?"
Jun 5, 2024 4:08 am
Dieter puts his hands on his hips and takes a deep breath

"Really bad, but in a weird way… pretty good. For a while there I thought I had a mental illness. Turns out I’m just wracked with shame from abandoning my baby sister. I think that if I can make amends with her that maybe I can finally be my old self."
Jun 5, 2024 4:09 am
Seeing the dwarf grin warms Stella's heart, softening her weary face just a tad. If she accomplished nothing else on her journey here, she could know she saved this one. There were others, of course, such as Dynaheir and Minsc, but seeing a former, nearly-drowned slave joyously working his craft...it helped.

"'Tis a delight to see you as well," she smiles warmly.

Stella walks over to the table and bends forward to inspects the weaponry, her eye-stars glimmering yellow and green in the light of the smithy. "Beautiful! I can't imagine they've ever looked this pristine! I imagine they'll handle as well too," she smiles. "The Silvershields will be fortunate to have you!"
But they won't have me. the thought comes to her mind. Her smile fades, a weight coming upon her again.

"Well! I better return these to my friends," she says, trying to force enthusiasm—she didn't want to trouble him with her own morosity—and starts to carefully stack and gather up the weaponry to carry.
Jun 5, 2024 4:10 am
Aiwë nods. "That makes sense. How will you find her?"
Jun 5, 2024 4:17 am
"Now don' ye bother yerself with tha', Lady Stella." Yeslick quickly takes things out of her hands and starts putting them into sacks. "I'll see all o' this to where it ought ta be."

He peers at her out of the corner of his eye. "All goin' well on the adventurin' front? Surely with the Grand Dukes' help ye'll be showin' Rieltar Anchev tha' he can't jus' push goodly folk about!" He harrumphs through his gray-streaked beard, but keeps a sly eye on Stella to gauge her response.
Jun 5, 2024 4:19 am
"well, we last saw her in the mine. We should probably check with the Druids there." Dieter suggests. He looks down and kicks some rocks

"thanks for helping me with Aldous back there. It really got under my skin what he said about us" Dieter says
Jun 5, 2024 4:24 am
"Of course, Diets. Why did it bother you?"
Jun 5, 2024 4:46 am
"looking back he was just trying to lighten the mood but it seemed like he was saying that we were a freak show. I’m not ashamed of my crown, it’s who I am. I know it just happened but it feels natural.

And you’re Aiwë Shelur! The amazing bard, noble friend, cage breaker, and dispenser of justice!"
Dieter says worrying that he has caused further injury
Jun 5, 2024 5:11 am
"Oh, I wasn't in the freak show," she winks, "I was the ringmaster!" She throws up the illusory banner again, then lets it fizzle out with a sad wheezing sound.

"I do think he was just trying to have fun, even at his own expense a bit. He's not ashamed of his frog leg, and would never suggest you should be ashamed of your crown. I'm sorry he bothered you, Diets."
Last edited June 5, 2024 5:11 am
Jun 5, 2024 2:36 pm
Araklusta says:
"I'll see all o' this to where it ought ta be." ... "All goin' well on the adventurin' front? Surely with the Grand Dukes' help ye'll be showin' Rieltar Anchev tha' he can't jus' push goodly folk about!"
"Oh, thank you! And...I hope so! I just...can't help but worry there's more to this. That, and I can't help but worry about what comes after all of this. When my friends and I arrived in Candlekeep from the Icewind Dale, I thought I could spend forever there," she grins.

"But now...I'm not so sure. I—" she glances behind her, towards the manor. "I want to spend more time with Aldous. A lot more time," she says, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, "But Lord Silvershield probably won't let that happen." She shrugs. "I'm an Archdruid's and Avatar-of-Ilmater-war-hero's daughter at home, but here I'm just...me. No strategic house alliance to offer, no grand wealth. Just my books and my perpetual panickings. Aiwë doesn't seem to think any of it matters, but...that's just now how they do things here."

"But Aldous is just one man. You could fill this city with a thousand Ten Towns. So it's fine," she says, unconvincingly, taking a sudden interest in her boots.
Last edited June 5, 2024 2:36 pm
Jun 5, 2024 4:48 pm
Yeslick pauses his work and puts his hands on his hips while listening and nodding amiably. "Yer jus' one o' the heroes who saved the Duke's son a han'ful o' times. Saved me from drowning. Stompin' out the Iron Throne's schemes. Abou' ta go save the whole durned Gate from a war it fer sure couldn' win."

He sticks his bearded chin out defiantly. "If I had any sons, I'd beg ye ta choose one, e'en if I were the King o' Cormyr." His whiskers blow out as he gives another harrumph. "Duke Silvershield's not a foolish man, he jus' don' see things straight where 'is son's concerned. Yet. But he'll come around, don' ye doubt! Jus' give it some time."
Jun 5, 2024 9:32 pm
Duke. Right. For some reason, Stella hadn't thought of him as being of the same station as the other dukes they had met. She made a mental note to amend that.
Quote:
"If I had any sons, I'd beg ye ta choose one, e'en if I were the King o' Cormyr."
Stella finds herself giggling, then her shoulders relax.
Quote:
"But he'll come around, don' ye doubt! Jus' give it some time."
"You flatter me, but...you think so?" she asks hopefully. She squints and puts a finger to the corner of her mouth in thought. Dieter didn't seem to like Aldous. Aiwë supported her, but didn't seem to respect the local customs. Yeslick, though, knew the area and had more years on all of them combined. "...I suppose he hasn't actually said anything of the sort. I've just...gathered. Assumed, perhaps." She blinks, frowns and nods, as if surprised by some revelation. "I suppose we'll see!"

She smiles, bends down slightly and gives Yeslick a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, for the bit of perspective and confidence. I suppose I shan't let it worry me for now. I think I'm going to find Aldous before dinner. Fare well, Yeslick!"
Jun 5, 2024 9:37 pm
The dwarf blushes slightly. "Glad to be o' service, Lady Stella! I'll see these things brought ta ye an' yer friends."
Jun 5, 2024 11:30 pm
With evening shadows dancing between the garden lamp posts, Stella makes her way to the manor. Just before she can open the door, however, it's opened by Aldous himself. "Oh! Excuse me! I was just looking for you." The smile simply jumps to his face at seeing her. "Fancy a stroll through the garden? Or, would you prefer to have a sit in the reading room? I'll be happy to accompany you wherever you wish."

He offers her his arm.
Jun 6, 2024 4:52 am
Stella and blinks a few times and a grin quickly crosses her face as she meets his eyes.
Quote:
"Oh! Excuse me! I was just looking for you."
"And I you! What a coincidence!" She takes his arm. "The gardens sound lovely," she says, eye-stars shifting to yellow and pink. "What were you up to here today? And how did it go?

"I don't know how much you heard from the others already, but Duke Jannath was quite amiable. And cautious!" she says as a compliment. "I need to talk to her about the markings in my tome..." she mumbles, reminding herself. She shakes her head. "Duke Belt was less so. The Umberlee priests killed his son for sneaking into their temple," she says quietly, disgusted. "The others seemed itching for a fight or something, but they gave us the body when we asked and the Duke was able to raise him. Aiwë's skeptical about how easy it was, but I think sometimes words just do the trick?"
Jun 6, 2024 2:45 pm
Aldous is certainly taken aback. "They killed little Arty? I suppose I shouldn't put it past the servants of Umberlee. I'm not sure why we can't worship a benevolent sea deity in this city. Maybe there isn't one. But imagine the revolt if the sailors and fishers couldn't pray for safe passage... Anyway, I'm glad Lathander saw fit to return the boy to life." He gives a low whistle. "I bet Duke Belt was furious. The guy is said to have a temper."

He puts his free hand over Stella's as they walk. "I spent the day mostly with my father, talking business and family finances and such. I found it quite tedious, but at least it made him happy. I think. Some days it seems that nothing makes him happy. He can be difficult to please."
Jun 6, 2024 2:59 pm
Quote:
"I bet Duke Belt was furious. The guy is said to have a temper."
"He really lived up to his namesake! And to think turning over that little girl to those priests was even an option..."
Quote:
"...but at least it made him happy. I think. Some days it seems that nothing makes him happy. He can be difficult to please."
"He's got a good son," Stella says, squeezing his hand. "Can I...ask about your mother?" she asks tentatively.
Jun 6, 2024 3:13 pm
Aldous smiles at her. "My mother was a very kind, loving woman. She came from a wealthy family, but she didn't let it go to her head. She always looked for opportunities to help the less fortunate." He tilts his head and Stella detects moisture in his eyes and some huskiness to his voice. "She got sick about ten years ago, something the priests couldn't seem to cure. When she died, Father demanded that she be raised, but..." He clears his throat. "She wouldn't, or couldn't, come back."

Aldous looks into one of the lamps as they pass, caught up in his memories and thoughts. "I don't know why she'd want to. Come back, that is. Her body was so frail by the end... I like to think that she's just waiting for us. Happy, patient, not in pain any longer. As much as I miss her, I prefer to see things that way. Father, though... I think he's bitter. And it would be hard not to be." His hand squeezes hers lightly. "But it's caused some challenges."

His smile is more faint this time. "And that's the story."
Jun 7, 2024 2:51 am
Stella feels her face grow cold and her eye-stars turn a solemn blue. She rests her head against Aldous' shoulder, eye-stars. "I'm so sorry...that sounds devastating. What kinds of challenges? Was that when he started disparaging the use of magic?"
Jun 7, 2024 3:00 am
Aldous nods. "Yes, the ordeal has led him to distrust magic and seek alternative solutions whenever he can. He's just been harder, too. On Skie and me, I mean."

He leads her under the shower-like branches of a willow tree and turns to face her. "How are you feeling? About things. Erm. Us? I hope meeting my father hasn't been too stressing..."
Jun 7, 2024 4:04 am
At the mention of Skie, Stella's jaw tightens slightly and her eye-stars twinge between indigo and icy blue.

She closes her eyes and gives a grimacing smile, "He seems to have developed quite high expectations. It...was a bit stressful, I'll admit." She opens her eyes again, the stars now teal with a bit of pink. "You're impressively patient with him. And caring too. As for, about us?" She shrugs. "I want to keep spending more time together. But we still have a lot of work to do. So I think we just keep doing...this. Whatever it is we're doing," she smiles. "And how are you feeling?"
Last edited June 7, 2024 4:08 am

Rolls

Deception (Not supposed to bring it up...) - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Jun 7, 2024 1:29 pm
Aldous doesn't seem to notice Stella's discomfort at the mention of Skie.

"I'm glad you think I'm patient with him. I hardly feel so, myself." Aldous sighs. "I feel like he keeps secrets from me. And well, as a Grand Duke he probably does, by necessity. But he doesn't have to treat me like I'm ten years old anymore."
Quote:
"As for, about us?" She shrugs. "I want to keep spending more time together. But we still have a lot of work to do. So I think we just keep doing...this. Whatever it is we're doing," she smiles. "And how are you feeling?"
Aldous looks down into her starlit eyes. "I... I'm happy. I've got a spring in my step, and butterflies in my stomach. And I'm pretty sure Slimy isn't responsible for either of those things." He grins as his eyes move back and forth between hers. "Well that probably ruined the mood."
Jun 8, 2024 4:52 am
Stella giggles, cheeks pink, and eye-stars turning pinker.

"Well, Lord Silvershield," Stella says, squinting slightly and raising her eyebrows, "if you think the Duke of the house might be swayed, we may have to see if we can keep that going after this is all over."

Doubt still lingered in her mind, but Yeslick thought it was likely and Aiwë supported her. Perhaps she could add "Dutchess" to her list of titles someday. She felt some butterflies of her own at that thought.

"We have a lot to do after this is all over, too, though. Aiwë and I still have yet to perform here!" she says, referencing his invitation back before he had been abducted. "But we'll have time for that, I'm sure."

Stella's eyes settle on his lips for a moment, then she averts them. She wasn't quite ready for that yet, she thinks. She leans in and rests her head against him and gently hugs. "Thank you," she says. "For helping me...feel like I belong somewhere."
Jun 8, 2024 10:19 pm
Aldous snaps his fingers. "You're right! Father should hear you sing. Maybe you can serenade him during breakfast in the morning?" His eyes dance and he can't keep a straight face. "I'm kidding of course! Though I'm sure he'll be charmed whenever he does hear your singing voice."
Quote:
"Thank you," she says. "For helping me...feel like I belong somewhere."
"It's funny you should say that," he says as he enfolds her in his arms. "The only place I feel I belong is beside you. Wherever that may be."

He softly cups her chin and leans down, eyes closed and face an inch from hers...

And he waits.
Jun 9, 2024 12:14 am
Stella wished he didn't say something like that. These feelings could be fleeting. What if she couldn't help him feel like he belongs all the time?
Quote:
He softly cups her chin and leans down, eyes closed and face an inch from hers...
She looks up and takes in a sharp breath. The thoughts dissipate, replaced by the feeling of her cheeks flushing, and a buzz where he holds her. Stars, this was the closest she'd ever been to a man—other than Papa, of course.

Some of her worries soon return.

What if it didn't work out?
What if one of them didn't survive?
Was there a technique to this?
Romance novels were never at the top of her reading list...
How was her breath?

She didn't know all the answers, didn't have all the details. It was frightening. But she didn't know how she would help Minsc, and she pulled her companions into enemy territory. She didn't know how she would rescue anyone in the collapsing mines, or even whether anyone was there to be rescued. But she dove in the waters anyway to find out.

Stella puts a hand on Aldous' shoulder, raises herself on her toes, and gently presses her lips to his.

It wasn't a long or deep kiss. But it was a tender and caring one.
Last edited June 9, 2024 12:17 am
Jun 9, 2024 2:01 am
Stella feels Aldous smile when the kiss ends. "Stella... that was even better than iced cream!" He takes her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze, leading her to continue their walk.

"So I couldn't quite tell in the dark. What color do you think your eyes were just now, during that?"
Jun 9, 2024 5:35 am
Quote:
"Stella... that was even better than iced cream!"
Stella furrows her brow but can't help but grin and look up at him. "Is that your measuring stick you use to compare sweet experiences now?"

With her hand in his, she strokes the back of his hand with her thumb as they walk.
Quote:
What color do you think your eyes were just now, during that?"
"Pink...yellow...maybe a bit of white?" Stella says squinting, wondering why he'd ask such a thing. She shakes her head. "Don't bother asking me what those mean—I'm sure you'll figure it out."

...

Stella arrives in her room in the manor, smiling and humming a jaunty tune from back home, gently swaying as she steps around the room, practically dancing as she prepares herself for bed. She felt she now understood a bit better what made Skie so...giddy.

She sees Aiwë there, and grins sheepishly, knowing full well Aiwë can read her like a picture book. "Hi," she says, eye-stars twinkling yellow and pink.
Jun 9, 2024 5:50 am
Aiwë is lying on her bed, flat on her back with her legs above her against the wall. She stops hammering the wall with her mallets (padded, for sound muffling and wall protection) and rolls over when Stella enters.

"Oh, hello. Glad to see you're feeling better. More clearheaded now?" Aiwë grins wolfishly at Stella. "Or have the butterflies taken over entirely?"
Jun 9, 2024 6:11 am
Stella uses both hands to mimic a butterfly flapping its wings. An illusory sound of the soft fluttering of wings accompanies it. "I'm sure they'll be on their way in the morning, but by Mystra's Star Circle, for now I've decided to bask in them for them for a bit," She flops back onto her bed as she says the word bask and giggles. She sighs contentedly and lets her hair loose, shaking it out and letting it splay on the bed beneath her.

After a moment of 'basking', Stella pipes up again. "Thanks for...dealing with me, and always having my back," she says, staring at the ceiling. Out of habit, she picks up her tome from the desk and flips through it. "I'm sorry if I've been cold lately. I was a bit upset when I thought we were getting thrown out. I shouldn't have doubted you."
Jun 9, 2024 5:07 pm
Aiwë mimics the soft fluttering sound with her mallets on the wall.
Quote:
"Thanks for...dealing with me, and always having my back."
"Always, sister-girl, no matter what."
Quote:
"I'm sorry if I've been cold lately..."
Aiwë chuckles. "Yeah, I've seen those orange stars pointed at me. Icy ones too." Her face grows more serious and the mallet rhythm more punctuated.

"I hate mind-reading. It's a violation. I don't want to know the things I learn from it." The mallets pick up speed. "We caught the Duke at a bad time so I was already riled when he insulted me, and then Aldous piled on... I didn't handle that the way I should have, but I was surprised when you three seemed to think it was over. Conversation can fix a lot." The rhythm slows.

"Duke Silvershield apologized first, you know. He was very gracious when he calmed down, and I don't blame him for being upset. I don't think even Aldous understands what he has to deal with on a daily basis. He has an incredibly hard job. I have a lot of empathy for him. I understand why he pushes Aldous like he does. Torm's fist, I've been pushing him too."
Last edited June 9, 2024 5:07 pm
Jun 10, 2024 2:42 pm
Stella nods as Aiwë speaks, idly flipping pages.
Quote:
I hate mind-reading. It's a violation.
A power that's like...a necessary curse? she asks. It was like how Stella felt about her visions. Perhaps Aiwë knew better than Stella had assumed.
Quote:
We caught the Duke at a bad time so I was already riled when he insulted me, and then Aldous piled on... Duke Silvershield apologized first, you know.
She pauses briefly. That was comforting.
Quote:
I have a lot of empathy for him. I understand why he pushes Aldous like he does. ... I've been pushing him too.
She nods, reaches a blank page then rolls over onto her stomach, slowly kicking her feet in the air. "Aldous said it's been a lot harder ever since his mother passed. It makes sense. Pressure is good for growth, so thank you for that," she acknowledges. Their whole party was living proof of that. "I just wish he had clearer support from his father to go with the pressure. It's...bizarre to think I have so much freedom in what I can do, while Aldous' role was determined at birth. I almost feel guilty for struggling so much with it."

Was Stella making this conversation too much about herself? Aiwë didn't share what bothered her very often and there were glimpses of that here, like stars through clouds; maybe she should—

Staring at the blank page, Stella realizes why she opened the book and groans, the violet in her eye-stars drifting into a dreading indigo.

"We...should probably try having you watch me as I do this, shouldn't we...it's just learning! Taking data" she says, trying to return to the blissful feelings as best she can. The young scholar takes a deep breath, swings her legs off her bed and takes a seat at the desk. "Or...no, did you want to keep talking? We can do that, I just...ugh..." she trails off. Was she avoiding this or just trying to be a good friend here? Maybe both? She tucks her loose hair behind her ears and fingers the pages of her star charts with one hand and a quill with her other.
Jun 10, 2024 2:55 pm
Quote:
A power that's like...a necessary curse?
"Yeah. When being able to know someone's true feelings is life or death, how can I not use it? I'm glad we found another way to identify doppelgängers though." The relief is clear in her voice. She waves her mallet over her head. "Thanks, Blood," she says to the air as though he could hear her.
Quote:
It's...bizarre to think I have so much freedom in what I can do, while Aldous' role was determined at birth.
Aiwë rolls over to look at Stella. "Your role was determined at birth too, Druid of Kuldahar. I thought that was why you were running away from home? Your parents worked hard and made sacrifices to allow you the freedom you have. More than I realized I guess. I don't think Duke Silvershield had the opportunity to do the same for Aldous, but Aldous will take it just the same. You think he's going to stay here if you leave the Gate?"

Aiwë looks at the quill in Stella's hand. "Go ahead, sister-girl, I'm here. Let me know if you need anything." She smiles encouragingly, then rolls back over and resumes her drumming.
Last edited June 10, 2024 3:05 pm
Jun 10, 2024 3:12 pm
Quote:
Druid of Kuldahar. I thought that was why you were running away from home?
Stella squints. As an Archdruid, Mama would outlive Papa, maybe even Arannis, so she didn't think that was it. Being a druid never bothered Stella as much as being pressured so much to be an arcane archer. But still, Aiwë was right. She had, in part, been running from expectation.
Quote:
You think he's going to stay here if you leave the Gate?
She still didn't know exactly what she'd do...go home...go to Candlekeep...court Aldous here...Probably the latter. Still, Stella hated feeling like that was on her.
Quote:
"Go ahead, sister-girl, I'm here. Let me know if you need anything." She rolls back over and resumes her drumming.
Stella nods, still conflicted. then begins her studies.
Last edited June 10, 2024 3:15 pm
Jun 10, 2024 3:24 pm
Aiwë chuckles internally as she drums away. Who did Stella think her parents had been training to be the next Archdruid? Auntie Halla wouldn't live forever. Maybe she is wrong, though. Ultimately, she is glad for Stella that she has enough freedom to twist herself into knots with. She'll do what she can to keep it that way.
Last edited June 10, 2024 3:25 pm
Jun 10, 2024 8:33 pm
After a few minutes of focused study, Stella finds her consciousness swept away...

To Aiwe, Stella’s eyes shine with the luster of a million stars, a swirling myriad of cosmic colors. And she seems to see, face tilted upward and with a blissful smile on her face. Her hands work of their own accord, opening her journal and writing in that strange language. Her motions are smooth yet emotive, seeming to line up with whatever wonders she’s viewing.

For her own part, Stella once again feels that sense of connection to the universe, of pure understanding. A part of her recognizes a certain lack of focus, that in seeing the whole she can’t make out the details of any of it. All the same, it’s wondrous and exhilarating to simply… exist in this way, to soar above it all. The peace of eternity.

Gradually the euphoria ends, and in its aftermath Stella becomes aware of a red star - no, a planet. It's one she's familiar with from her studies called Kossuth, or Uluemyn among the elves. As she watches, the distant planet begins to ooze blood. The red liquid drips down, staining the cosmos spread beneath it. A flood of blood and violent death, all stemming from bloody Kossuth.
OOC:
Stella can make a History or Nature check, or another one you deem appropriate!
Back in their room, Aiwe watches Stella lift her quill, grasping it like a knife, poised to stab it into her other hand. Still gazing upward, the young woman's expression of bliss is replaced by one of terror.
Jun 10, 2024 8:39 pm
Aiwë abandons her mallets and is at Stella's side in an instant. She watches in fascinated horror at the shift in the scene but doesn't intervene yet. They need to Aiwë to see what happens next and report. Even so, she readies herself to restrain her cousin or cast healing magic as needed.
Last edited June 10, 2024 8:40 pm
Jun 10, 2024 9:22 pm
OOC:
Stella is not proficient in Nature or History (I question my character-creation decisions), but I imagine her Navigator's Tools proficiency or just general study of astral bodies in general could apply. Subtract 3 if not.

EDIT: Whelp, doesn't matter either way.
Last edited June 10, 2024 9:23 pm

Rolls

History (Navigator's Tools) - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Jun 10, 2024 9:35 pm
Stella presses the quill's edge firmly into the pad of her thumb, causing a fair amount of blood to well up there. Then she presses the injured thumb against the topmost page of her star charts. It leaves a bloody thumbprint on the page, a messy circle.

Before Aiwë can heal the minor injury, Stella speaks a word that flares in Aiwë's mind. It's not a language Aiwë knows, and the word is suddenly gone, torn from her memory.
OOC:
Stella casts Power Word Heal on herself.
Stella's vision ends, and she comes back to herself a moment later.
Jun 10, 2024 10:22 pm
Stella suddenly tenses in panic, looks down at the page and lets out a short scream, holding her hands in front of her as if the page were about to strike out at her.

She feels the stars through the window. Watching her, like baleful eyes.

She wanted to close the curtains. To hide. But she knows Aiwë was there beside her and wouldn't let her. So instead, she pulls her knees to her chest and stares at the bloody circle, trembling and eye-stars dim.

After several moments, without looking up at Aiwë, she whispers, "What happened?"
Jun 10, 2024 10:34 pm
Aiwë sees Stella's horrified look out the dark window and closes the curtains before sitting on the desk. She begins in poetic Elvish, leaning into its expressive grammar.

"You looked up at the sky and saw the stars there, as if the ceiling never was and you stood amidst their light. Your eyes shone with the heavens and your writing flowed like art. I've never seen such bliss as was on your face." Aiwë's own face looks euphoric and wistful as she speaks of it. "Then it shattered into terror."

Aiwë looks at Stella with concern. "You clutched your quill like a weapon and I prepared to intervene, but you only pricked your thumb to make that mark." She touches Stella's unmarked thumb and then gestures to the bloody circle. "Then you spoke a word that I've never heard before. My whole mind was consumed trying to comprehend it and there is a hole where the memory of the sound is, never to be filled. It healed you. And then you woke."

She meets Stella's eyes, awed and worried. "You're a seeress, Stella," she whispers. "There can be no doubt."
Last edited June 10, 2024 10:35 pm
Jun 11, 2024 2:31 am
Stella furrows her brow in confusion and exhales. "A word with meaning beyond the sounds...It wasn't just Healing Word?" she asks, replying in Elvish. She closes her eyes and tilts her head back.

Seeress. The word alone felt like a burden.

"Have you heard of Uluemyn?" she asks, eyes still closed. "I saw it bleed onto the expanse beyond the sky. A flood of death. I think it's the 'star' I saw corrupt the stars that were the four Grand Dukes. But I don't know what it means."
Jun 11, 2024 2:47 am
"I know what healing word sounds like, and it doesn't hurt my head," Aiwë scoffs.
Last edited June 11, 2024 2:49 am

Rolls

History - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Jun 11, 2024 3:14 am
That single word of power left a hole in Aiwe's memories. As she becomes aware of it, feeling the edges of this strange hole, she comes to a gradual, simple, terrifying realization:

That's not the only hole in her memories.

And just like that, in her mind's eye, it's like the structure representing the last few months of her life is suddenly riddled with holes, some two-dozen mental itches that she can't scratch, because they don't exist.

She is missing an alarming amount of memory.
Jun 11, 2024 3:26 am
Aiwë's scoff fades. "My head." she whispers with growing pain. Her whisper turns into a panicked groan and she puts her face into her hands. "Stella, my head."
Jun 11, 2024 3:44 am
Stella's eyes widen and she stands, stepping over to Aiwë. "What? What's wrong?" She gently puts a hand on Aiwë's shoulder. "I'm so sorry—what did I do?!" She puts a hand to her mouth. "Let's lie you down," she says, guiding Aiwë over to Awie's bed, eye-stars a panicked icy blue somehow with a gentle violet mixed in.
Last edited June 11, 2024 3:45 am

Rolls

Medicine (+1 if Arcana applies instead) - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Jun 11, 2024 3:53 am
Her breath catches at Stella's fear.

Did her magic do this to me?

Don't let her even think that.

"No, no, sister-girl, you didn't do anything." She pats Stella's hand reassuringly. "I went too hard when Koveras and I were sparring earlier. I guess I missed the concussion signs and I stood up really fast just now." She hums a song as though using her healing magic and sits up straight.

"Are my pupils the same size, now?" she asks with a grin.
Last edited June 11, 2024 3:54 am

Rolls

Just your resident meathead getting into fights (performance) - (1d20+9)

(5) + 9 = 14

Jun 11, 2024 4:16 am
"Oh." Stella relaxes and squints peering into each of Aiwë's eyes. "I...think so?"

She puffs a laugh. "You didn't accidentally run him through, did you?" she asks, in reference to Aiwë's parents' first spar.

She exhales and steps back, eye-stars settled on teal. "I'll have do some research into Uluemyn—Kossuth—tomorrow after the meeting. Maybe Duke Jannath knows about that too," she says, glancing at her open tome.

"Speaking of which, we better get some rest..." she says dully but forces a smile. "Thanks again."
Jun 11, 2024 4:24 am
"Of course not! I always let my opponent have the first move." She grins. "It spares me the embarrassment."

"You go head to bed, I'm going to see if I can sneak something from the kitchens. I'm starved."

Aiwë exits the room and stops just outside the door, feeling dizzy despite the pretend nature of her concussion.

What had she forgotten? What had she forgotten!

She takes off her belt knife and belt and carves a message to herself into the leather of its inner surface.

"What have you forgotten?"
Last edited June 11, 2024 4:25 am

You do not have permission to post in this thread.