[Game Thread] Alost

[Rasgorn]

Ivyian Ogmund slices an apple and hands half to Iyvian while he dips his half in caramel sauce and licks his fingers after eating it. Ivyian can tell Ogmund is troubled by the most recent events, the man says nothing, keeping his own counsels, which is normal for him. After wiping his finger on one of the hounds milling about under the table, Ogmund says, What about Chenwoi? He might know of tax collectors and other such going ons. He seems to have an ear for such things. Bregwulf and most of the Sea Griffons left this morning for Blaud Hill. I believe there are still a few out at the Countess' Keep and a few with Sir Engalard and his Lady. He pauses, slicing another apple, dipping both pieces in the caramel sauce and then handing one to Gru, who happily slurps it down and burps. Ogmund smiles, almost laughing before eating his own slice. I was thinking the Sea Griffons have a few people with talents beyond mine and the priestess Celest too, may be able to shed some light on Endellion and this Fey who is seeking her. The Countess herself may have some idea too. That is if we want to contact her. She is a bit odd, sometimes I think she is a bit light in the head. Devan gives out a low chuckle, Light in the head, the Countess, she is part of the Druids or close to them anyway and they are all not quite with the rest of us. I have yet to meet a druid who wasn't a bit 'touched."

Endellion Lady Alicia's face broke into a wide smile at seeing Endellion recovering,I can send a message to her, but I have a better idea. We will have to wait for the stars to shine I can use them to cast upon a pool of water and try to contact Arlia that way. I can send the message, but there is no telling she will answer. If she does, the two of you can speak, albeit briefly. Does that sound like something you would want to do? Just as the Countess stops talking, the sound of music rises from the common room of the Inn below followed by some very out of tune singing and clapping. Endellion can hear people, the Night Blades, laughing and clapping and some have started dancing. Hew stands up, takes a look out the window before turning to her and the Countess, They are singing downstairs, would you like to join them? They probably have ale and pale beer and sweet wine too. Countess, you should join us.

[donsr]

Ivy chuckles, he looks at Gru... you are finding the Nightblades a good hope, Gru. It is nice when we are in the town setting, food is a bit different
when we are out in the wilds. But? we make up for it when we return.

Chenwoi, has helped us many times over. Perhaps the biggest surprise was that wagon train, sent to thier deaths. It is sad he cannot get the credit
for saving them, because such thing would expose him, and his life would run very short...very fast. I am content to allow him to contact us, when he is able, rather then take the chance of getting him killed as we seek him out.

there is a quirk of a Smile,The Lady is , in a backwards way, responsible for our current station among the people of this town. Had she not flow from the city, we may not have taken upon ourselves to aid these good folk...

he sips from his drink, taking a bit of the apple.They Lady
can contact us... but..with Berwulf gone , her her flitting about, We may be needed here more then ever.

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. Endellion’s eyes grew wide at the suggestion of being able to speak to her mother through a pool of water. After that moment of surprise wore off, she nodded eagerly, a wistful smiling coming to her lips. She looked up at Hew, hearing the music coming from downstairs. His question only made her smirk. “Of course I would like to join them…and…and you will join us too right?” Endellion looked back to the Countess, taking the woman’s hands in her own. “Right?”

[Rasgorn]

Ivyian Gru likes pie and tea, much better than grasshoppers and moths, the little gremlin chuckles at that before saying, Pie definitely better than salamander or frog. Gru settles himself on Ivyian's shoulder, watching and listening to everything going on around him. When Ivyian mentions the "Lady" Countess Alicia Sulwood of Blosque, Gru squeaks and rubs his head against Ivyian's ear. He whispers so no others hear, The Fomor poisoned her, tried to kill her with the Blight. Gru physically shutters at that, so much so that Ivyian feels his little body shaking. Ents and Druids took her, changed her, healed her, and now she returns new and different, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. She and Endellion are things never before seen. Like the elves when they first woke and gazed at the unending stars above and the vast forests around them, they knew not what they looked upon at first. Gru nonchalantly goes back to eating pie and drinking the dark, heavy ale he prefers. If there is a vote, mine is for staying here, says Asha, her scarred lip darkening as she speaks. These people have been good to us. Who is more deserving of our protection than them? They need us now even more that Bregwulf and the Sea Griffons are gone. If we have learned anything about Duke Leonard and Cardinal Remus is that they are vengeful and never forget an insult or attack. We, and Townspeople aiding us have the Cardinal and Duke's attention. I think it would be dishonorable, disrespectful, and foolish for us to leave them now.

Endellion Endellion took the Countess hands in her own, and almost pleading, asked Alicia, the Countess of Blosque, to join them downstairs and dance. The Countess' face broke into a wide, generous smile as she grasped Endellion's hands in her own, Of course I will join you, but, only if you allow Hew to dance with me at least twice, he is most "fetching," don't you agree? Endellion feels the heat of Hew's blush against her back, feels him leaning into her and bending down to kiss her ear. She doesn't even have to look to know he is smiling and feeling proud about himself that Lady Alicia Haywood, the Countess of Blosque, finds him attractive. She also knows from his kissing her ear, she is what is most important to him.

All Endellion, with Hew on her arm and Jurdiakai, with Lady Alicia on his arm, following them, descend the stairs to loud and cheerful singing of the Night Blades. A number of the Night Blades are already dancing, singing, clapping and stomping their feet to the music. Endellion sees Ivyian, sitting with Ogmund, Eisen, and Gru, who is actually visible for once. Everyone is smiling, including Ivyian, though you could argue it is only a half smile.

All Ivyian is sitting back in his chair when he sees Endellion and Hew coming down the stairs. What catches his eye though, is behind them is Jurdikai, with Lady Alicia on his arm. The whole group walks like they are coming to a ball rather than a simple tavern room. The Nightblades slowly quiet and still as Endellion with Hew, and Lady Alicia with Jurdikai come walking gracefully down the stairs. Ivyian knows they are a sight to behold, he had not expected to see the Countess of Blosque, but here she was, walking down behind Endellion, deferring, and giving the young woman the first entrance

[donsr]

Ivy gives Asha a nod in agreement. It has been my thoughts, that we should stay, ay least until there is some form of protection.he waves at the Inn, knowing full and well others are outside keeping an eye on the two strangers.

we are not The Griffons, 'Sea' or any other Variation. They might
be more of a force to be reckoned with, but, we hold our own, much as needed. It has been said , more then once , by more people then myself. This town welcomed us, they treat us as their own. The fight outside the Inn when the Shopsmith helped neutralize the 'herald'.

as far as Leonard and Remus? , we share that trait. I have
carried my grudge since i left Falcon's point. Grudges are not heavy, and at times they make your sight clear, but i will admit , it could the vision as well... either way, its better to be wary, then foolish. I may not have the Sister grant me to be the person who causes thier deaths? But I will, by all the 9 hells, be the reasons they take
, less joy in thier living!

he looked at Gru , reached pulled a gold chain from his pouch. some of his takings from their encounters, he began to fuss with the chain using lock pick tools and a sharp edged throwing Dagger.. when done, he attached , what had once been a golden rune, that Ivy had cut off bits , round them off to make a very decent looking dagger, and attached the charm to the neck lace. heating the dagger over the candle on the table , pressing it onto the gold , to fuse the dagger into place.

after making sure it was cool, Ivy dragged the 'necklace' over Gru's head. There. My friend. you now have the look of a NightBlade.

when the folks come down the stairs, Ivy's eyebrow raises as he sees The Lady... His manners taught to him, makes him stand as they enter the room.

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. Endellion was beaming when Alicia agreed to come down and it didn’t waver when she mentioned how ‘fetching’ Hew was. The very heat radiating off of him suggested his blush which only seemed to make Endellion grin more, nodding at the Land Elder’s assessment of him. Biting her bottom lip, she looked up to Hew, her eyes glimmering with mirth as she shifted, kissing him softly upon the lips. She gave a giggle when it came to an end and stood up, grabbing Hew by the hand and beginning to lead him from the room. As they headed down the stairs, Endellion seemed to be bubbling with joy, feeding off of the merriment that was happening with the other Nightblades. Once at the bottom of the stairs, she looked around, seeing Ivyain. Inhaling deeply and letting it out slowly, she glanced to Hew before letting his hand go and running up to Ivyain, throwing her arms around him when he stood up, hugging him tightly. “I don’t…know what that thing with Variol was all about…and I will not try to pretend to understand it…but…a smile suits you more…even if it is that half smile that Master Kree always showed me…” She muttered in elvish, not releasing him until she finished.

[donsr]

Ivy gives her a one armed hug...Variol is not my friend, new or old. We get treated and looked down upon by almost everyone we meet. I will not
take such, from others... High or low born. He did not react well, when the same treatment was leveled at him, and that was much to my enjoyment. I owe him nothing, I trust them not. Especially, considering, you were attacked, but moments before the happened to arrive.

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. Endellion gave a small nod, a pout on her lips. “I…understand…to a degree. The amount of…pure loathing was just…too overwhelming for me. It…it scared me. But…my statement still stands. A smile suits you better.” She gave him a tentative smile. almost shyly, Endellion gently took his hand and slightly began to pull him to come dance with her.

[donsr]

Ivy looked perplexed. His 'dancin was limited to hoding some one and moving around, or fast Jigs , more suited for barrooms.

But his eyes shifted about to see his people rather at ease and happy, he felt he would make them smile....one way or another...

[Rasgorn]

All The festive mood only increased when two candlemakers and a butcher from the town joined the group along with two fiddle players. Most of the Night Blades took a turn or two on the floor, and, like Ivyian, most of them swayed a bit, stood on their toes some and then went back to swaying. The Countess came down and joined in the dancing. She and Hew easily the best dancers there, wowed everyone with their graceful steps and manners. Lady Alicia then danced with Ogmund, followed by a turn around the floor with Devan, that left the welshman blushing and smiling at having danced with a 'true lady.' When Ivian follows Endellion onto the floor, Ewan "Hardbow" gives out a shout and the floor clears for the two of them. Endellion is grace personified as she dances, flowing across the floor with ease. Ivyian follows her, almost as graceful. When Endellion breaks into a dance her mother Arlia taught her, Ivyian has no trouble following. He danced this same dance with his own mother as a child. Grimwere steps, taking Endellion's hand and the two dance. Ivyian doesn't get a chance to sit down though. Asha steps up to join her hands with his and the two step across the floor, albeit not as graceful as Endellion, Asha knows how to dance and she and Ivyian twirl to the sound of clapping hands and stomping feet before they both sit down, Asha quaffing an ale before joining the hand clapping. The music slows and Endellion is joined by Hew for a slow waltz. Lady Alicia and Jurdikai are the only other dancers for the song. She is patiently teaching Jurdikai the steps to the Waltz. To no one's surprise, Jurdikai learns quick. Brinna stands up and sings a lovely song of roses and robins then breaks into "Brennan on the Moor" the song of an Irish highwayman. Everyone joins that song, shouting at the top of their lungs during the chorus. https://youtu.be/CkxuWte_iKg?t=192 The crowd quiets and Father Amiath catches everyone with his beautiful singing of "Black is the Color." https://youtu.be/J47mzgV6wgk?t=14 The night continues with more singing and dancing and slowly people take their leave until late after Midnight, Ivyian, Brinna, Endellion and Hew are sitting with Lady Alicia in the now quiet and empty room when Voraiya comes up, taking the porch steps two at a time. She is a bit out of breath when she comes in and purposefully moves to Ivyian. She rests one hand on his shoulder for a moment before taking a seat between Brinna and Endellion. She looks around the table, a smile slowly spreading across her face as she recognizes they have spent the night enjoying themselves. She waits for a moment,Well, I followed the young woman Breyla to the Inn. She checked in, ordered a bath and supper and never left her room. She had no visitors, sent no messages and received none. I am having a hard time figuring out what is going on. Variol never made an appearance. By all accounts he is gone and not returned, just as he said he would. I kept expecting someone to meet her, or for Variol to return. It seems very odd what happened. Chenwoi is watching her now. I plan to resume watch tomorrow. It is just inexplicable to me that she has been left alone.

[donsr]

Ivy was in a much better mood then most Time he was happy to see Vora...It does not mean she is there? have you seen her through the
doors, or keyhole..lunless they use a drop bar, i suppose. if her horse is there, is the same number of rides in the Inns stalls, as there are patrons? Variol is rough
edged, even for one of his kind. I tested his mindset, and he lost. One of the reasons
I asked where he was , when Kree died? Is because his kind do not take loyality lightly...if he left the woman behind, then he has broken bond once more.

There is something amiss, , send word of Chewoi to stand
down, he needs not, waste his night on her. If i am right and they were backup steal
Ende after the attack..then they cannot do so now. if they work for someone else, Variol may get them both killed for his actions... if there is truth in what they say..they must show it.

[Rasgorn]

All Voraiya listens to Ivyian, a scowl slowly coming across her face. She finishes her ale and sets the cup down before standing, I am off to bed then, good night all. Brinna finishes her ale and pours herself another, watching Voraiya leave. Did you two have an argument? Voraiya seems out of sorts. That is not normal for her. What do you think Endellion? Countess? thoughts, anything? OOC-I posted this before Endellion as I think it is part of the conversation that would happen, sorry if I stepped on any toes.

[donsr]

Ivy shrugs with a shake of his head.I do not understand many things about women. Vora left here angry, come back happy and not she seems put out? I have not reasons for her actions. If she is angry with me, she must tell me so. There are a great many things in this world to worry about. Two strangers who come in, demanding we turn over one of our people, is the high on that list...what becomes of those two, matters little to me. Perhaps? they could ask Kree to aid them.

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. The dancing seemed to uplift Endellion’s mood, her smile never wavering as she gave in to the music. THe dance with Ivyain was fun and she found herself a little surprised at how easily Ivy joined in the dance that her mother had taught her. It brought a giggle to her lips, that joy clearly reflected in her gaze. When the time came for the waltz, her cheeks grew warm, that almost shy look coming to her face as she gazed up into the eyes of her beloved. From that point, time didn’t seem to matter… … She was leaning up against Hew, resting her head upon his shoulder as they sat with those that still remained, her heart content with the merriment that had been made. Her gaze moved to Voraiya when she came and sat down, a smile spreading on her lips. It was much short lived though with the discussion between Ivy and Voraiya went south and the drowess excused herself. With a look of confusion, Endellion shifted, kissed Hew on the cheek. “I will be right back…” Biting her bottom lip, Endellion got up and followed after the drow. “Voraiya!” she softly called out once they were out of earshot of the others. Instinctively, Ende reached out to gently place a hand upon her shoulder in an attempt to stop her if her call did not.

[Rasgorn]

Ivyian Endellion excuses herself rather than answering Brinna's question. Hew shrugs his shoulders when people look at him wondering what Endellion is doing. Lady Alicia, the Countess of Blosque, swirls the wine in her glass. The deep red of the wine reflects glints of burgundy around the room, Voraiya is troubled, but not by anyone here. Her anger is also not directed at Ivyian, or anyone here, though it may seem that way. This Breyla, left to her own, is what troubles Voraiya. Who among the Night Blades would do such a thing? This Variol leaving Breyla troubles Voraiya because it doesn't make sense. Not even tactically if they actually came to infiltrate the Night Blades. My question would be why would Kree send these two and in this manner? That is what doesn't make sense to me. Lady Alicia looks around the room, stops and points at an empty glass. Can I see that glass? That is the one Variol drank from isn't it? Both Ivyian and Brinna would agree and Jurdikai brings the glass over. Lady Alicia peers at the rim where Variol would have touched it with his lips and then at the stem, where he would have held it. She sniffs, her nose elongates and thickens becoming Bloodhound like, distorting her whole face. She snuffles the glass before setting it down and resuming her own face again. The Variol that drank from this glass is not elven, not human or dwarf. He is not like anything I have ever smelled and he is not Fey either. Many of the Fey are natural shifters, but this Variol is not one of them. Whatever "Variol" is, it is not something I have sensed before. Jurdikai brings over the cup Breyla drank from and the Countess looks it over as well. When she finishes, she looks up, Breyla is as she seems. She is a quarter elven, young and full of concern and fear. She is alone so that should be expected. Lady Alicia looks out the window before turning to Ivyian, If I were you, I would have someone befriend this Breyla. She is stout hearted and of good will but troubled and confused. As she should be following the days events. I doubt she is even aware that "Variol" is not who he seems.

Endellion Hew moves to kiss Endellion back as she leaves. Hew looks a bit confused by her going. He doesn't stop her though, trusting her instincts. Endellion follows Voraiya, not upstairs though, but to the Kitchens and then out back, to the corral. The Moon is high and fat in the sky, almost full. A warm, gentle breeze blows in from the West. Voraiya is walking towards the barn when Endellion calls out, Voraiya! The drow turns, her amber eyes gleaming in the Moonlight. She has a dagger drawn and held low, ready to stab into the thigh. She folds the dagger back and allows Endellion to place a hand on her shoulder before the drow enfolds her arms around Endellion, hugging her tight and holding her close for several seconds. When Voraiya lets go, she steps away to arm's length, gazing down at Endellion, one of the few people the drow could do that to, What brings you Endellion? You seem troubled. If I can help, I will, but I must admit to you, I have little experience in dealing with matters of the heart. Also, you and Hew seemed quite happy. We had a happy night with dancing and singing and feasting. I am surprised Hew hasn't carried you off to some bower. For a moment, Endellion glimpsed a look of envy and longing the same kind of companionship in Voraiya's face. Endellion could also tell Voraiya didn't begrudge Endellion one moment of her happiness.