Chapter Two: In An Elven Way

Sigurd stood from his chair “With respect!” his voice calmed again “Animals can be communed and reasoned with, need I remind councilor Gaelin that my genealogy happens to put me in the animal category and I would thank you to remember that. Imp's however are devils, fiends.” He paused knowing he was getting off topic, but that comment had touched a nerve. “Fiends more often than not have a basic understanding of the common languages. I'm confident that my party and I can get through Imps no problem. So that being said our party will head to the Anauroch wasteland. If we can find and recover your scouts we will but if they've been gone this long they're probably dead”

Sitting back in his seat his hands resting back in his lap “It is my strong suggestion that if your warriors haven't silvered their weapons, that they do so.” he paused. “As well as ours, it's a weakness that I know my kind shares with those creatures, so it must be done.” He looked to the Chancellor “Forgive my outburst, we're all aware of how the loss of the Fey forest would effect the rest of our homes so you can understand that this is important to the rest of us as well.”

Still keeping silent, Lopiena watches the intrigue of the leader's discussion with interest. This was certainly a side of Sigurd she had never seen before; he spoke like a prince. That reference to Thunderknoll...not a place she was familiar with; that will have to be remedied after the formalities are over. Smiling silently at his outburst...she had the same reaction to the 'animals' comment, though for different reasons...she starts mentally taking notes. If the head elves believe that the attacks have been merely animals thus far, it is very unlikely that anyone would have tried to reason with them. Attacks from the sky by Imps...that could pose a challenge, but it had been noted that aerial attacks had been largely unaffected; it was the water sources under attack that caused the concern. First light, find the water sources, follow them to the Wasteland, and keep an eye out for anything unusual. While the talks continue, Lopiena forces her mind to focus on what is being said, but at some point she will have to start making an inventory of native water species and their habitats...

The Council jumpedat Sigurd's exclamation (Well, all but the Drow woman. SHe mearly raised a brow). Gaelin's glare deepened the more SIgurd Spoke. "Listen here you filthy-"

THe CHancellor cleared his throat and stood, effectively silencing Gaelin. "Let us all remain civil, shall we Councilor?" He asked him.

Gaelin was still glaring, a look that was mirrored by his daughter, but he bowed his head to the Chancellor.

The Chancellor turned back to his guests, SIgurd in particular. "Though it is not a happy thought, I tend to agree with you about our scouts. As much as I would love to find them alive and well, I fear the worst. Though I appreciate your offer to search for them." He sighed and then sat down.

The Drow woman turned to SIgurd when he spoke of silvering their weapons." That is a wise precautions. I'm sure something can be arranged to accomidate it."

THe Chancellor nodded his agreement." Yes yes, I'm sure it can be. But while i'm sure that your mission will eventually lead you to the Wastelands, there is someone else that I believe you should speak to before you leave. The High Druid of our city has been researching the attacks ever since they began. He will have the most information for you regarding the creatures that we have been dealing with. I believe it will be helpful to you."

Zane raised a brow at this." Oh, is that right? Yes, that will likly be very helpful. Where is this High Druid? WIll be be joining us this evening? "

THe Chancellor perked up a bit. "Oh no. He tends to keep to himself for the most part.
He prefers the company of animals to the company of other sentiant beings. I will have Ishal take you to him at first light." He nodded to Ishal who bowed her head, though she didn't seem happy about it.

Gaelin was still glaring daggers at SIgurd but he seemed to have calmed down enough to speak. "Well, it seemswe have nothing to worry about. This mutt and his henchmen have everything taken care of. I suppose we can all relax now."  

Zane's gaze darkened. "Now now, Councilor.There is no reason to get hostile."

Gaelin sneered. "Quite." He slowly stood. "You will all forgive me. i seem to have lost my appetite." He bowed his head to the CHancellor and then swiftly left the banquet hall. His daughter remained seated, staring down at her plate.

The Chancellor sighed. "I appologize for the Councilor. His family has been largely affected by these attacks. He is quite passionate about bringing the villains to justice."

Ishal remained silent, but SIgurd and Ashwyn would be able to hear her muscles tense as her fists clenched in her lap.

At SIgurd's exclamation Ashwyn tensed, unsure if a fight was about to happen. But Sigurd calmed down almost instantly and she felt herself relax a bit. SHe was very impressed with his restrain. However, when Gaelin saw fit to insult him she glared and curled her fingers into a fist in her lap. She didn't release her fist until after the Councilor had left the building, and she glared at his back as he left.

Similarly, Zane was frowning after him as he left, but he turned backto the Chancellor and bowed his head. "It might be understandable to be on edge when ones family is being affected, but that is no excuse to speak to my companion in such a manner." He said firmly.

Ashwyn nodded her agreement, shooting another glare at the door where the Councilor disapeared through

Though perking up at the mention of the High Druid, Lopiena is appalled at the reaction of Gaelin.  Zane, however...actually defending Sigurd!  Maybe the gnome has truly had a change of heart!  Trying to hide a smile (everyone else is glaring at each other, a stoic expression would likely be most appropriate) Lopiena finally speaks, wanting to break the tension by redirecting the conversation.
"Well said, Zane. Chancellor, we do not wish to cause additional concerns for you or your people, and we desire nothing more than to find the cause of the problems that have plagued your community. While your hospitality has been more than generous, we only request information to be on our way. The High Druid you mentioned.  How long has this individual been living in your community?  Some insight as to how involved this person is in the city, as well as his involvement in the natural community in the surrounding area, might give us some idea about what questions to ask on the morrow."
Suddenly feeling foolish about speaking in front of all these important people, Lopiena swallows hard and looks at her hands.  "If you don't mind.  Please."

Sigurd smiled slightly to the Drow woman when she acknowledged his suggestion and turned his attention back to the chancellor as he spoke of the High Druid. “we will be most honored to speak with him.” he didn't like that they were being side tracked but if it was necessary then they would do what they had to. His eyes darted to Ishal, and then her father just as Gaelin made his snide remarks about things being well in hand.

He watched as Gaelin left, his words seemingly not having any effect on Sigurd. Taking note of the Chancellor's excuse for him, he looking directly at his daughter at the sound of her concealed fists. “Tell me. Ishal was it? emotions aside is it common practice for wood elves to admonish guests? Foreign dignitaries? Your father, being a council member seems to be woefully misinformed, and that perplexes me. For I most certainly would think that he'd be aware that myself and my companions have made use of your springs, so I'm not dirty. Additionally I'm the son of the Alpha of ThunderKnoll, A natural born Lycan and Human, there's no mixed race in my blood so his mutt comment is also terribly erroneous. I've read much about the different sub races but tomes are only as good as the one who scribes them of course.”

A subtle smirk formed in the corner of his mouth. “I mean it certainly seems so as you've had daggers flying from your eyes the very moment you came across us by the Octo swamp haven't you.” His tone softened. “I understand what's happening to your family is devastating, we all have our burdens. So please, I dare not assume your age but if you and your father could mature yourselves enough to conduct yourselves in a manor befitting council members then you'll certainly set yourselves apart from the High Elves that seem to be absent from this city. We're all friends here. We only want to help.” His words were pointed but fair.

Hearing the High Druid described as one of the founding elves, Lopiena nods to herself. She had rather expected that to be the case; the trees that they had passed on the way here had spoken of Druidic magic, and the fact that the city itself is within those same massive trees only serves to confirm that some form of magic had been used during the founding of the city. It is also good to know what sort of person they would be meeting tomorrow. Druids as a whole are an eccentric lot; High Druids more so; an Elven High Druid who founded a city to harbor those who were persecuted by their own people? Some caution is required. Not to mention every ounce of self control, professionalism, and courtesy they could muster. Sigurd's previously unexpected skills with diplomacy will definitely come in handy.

When Ishal leaves, Lopiena watches her retreating form with great sadness. Knowing how this conflict has personally impacted the elves makes it all the more imperative that they complete their mission, and quickly. The mention of the Salamander now...that's useful information. Good thing she has plenty of fireproofing herbs and burn remedies in her pack, as well as the information from the Centaurs about where to find more.

As the mouthwatering scents wafting from the trays of food, her stomach reminds Lopiena how hungry she is. A few rolls and a bit of dried meat is well and good, but this! This is a feast prepared for kings! Not wanting to offend anyone by taking too much or appearing overly eager, Lopiena watches their host carefully to make sure he's starting...then goes for some roasted squash and some sort of seasoned meat that smells like it was simmered in fruit juice. That done, a generous helping of fresh greens and a bit of quail roasted with nuts make a complete meal. Eating slowly is a surprising challenge--the last couple of days have been rather harrowing--but as Lopiena watches all her companions eat their fill, she can't help but smile. The road before them is fraught with danger and there will be enemies on all sides, but knowing that she has friends makes all the difference.

Sigurd rested his back against his seat and placed his fingers to his forehead with a sigh “if you see her after this, Chancellor, Please offer my sincere condolences” Pinching the bridge of his nose “I'm sure we have all lost friends and family due to crisis. That's how they work, rarely do people get through unscathed.” As the food was being served he felt as though he lost his appetite as well but willed himself to eat and eat well as he didn't know when the next time a meal this large and well prepared would be set in front of him again. His plate consisted mainly of a variety of meats and starches. Greens were never something he was fond of. His impulses were begging him to tear into his food the same way he had with the rabbit, snake and octopus. But he was in high societal company so he ate his food in silence, slowly and thoughtfully as if to respect the ones who prepared it.

Ashwyn found her eyes trailing back to the young elf woman who had just left. She knew how hard it was to loose family to violence. Suddenly she felt her heart go out to her. She felt somewhat guilty for her negative feelings towards her initially.

The food was delicious but Ashwyn ate sparcly. She was too nervous to really enjoy the food, even though the taste was very pleasing. She nibbled on a few veggies and what seemed to be local birds.

Zane seemed more at home with the food. Though he was eating politely he also didn't seem shy about filling his plate.

As the Council members walked away, Ashwyn waited until she couldn't hear their footsteps anymore before she spoke. "Well...That was...eventful."

Zane frowned and leaned back in his chair. "These people have been affected far more than I realized. Which disturbs me, considering how deep inside the forest they are. It makes me worried about what we will find as we continue on through the forest to the Wasteland."

Ashwyn nodded. "The people of Nevcairn seem to be untouched by the conflict, but they are only a few hours into the forest. These people are right in the middle and seem to have regular attacks." She said, not really speaking to anyone, just calculating in her mind.

After the dignitaries leave, Lopiena visibly relaxes. Speaking in front of strangers was never been something that she was good at, and being barred from the village council meetings most of her life certainly hadn't helped.
"I am very concerned about the fact that they have had such difficulty with the attacks. We all saw how their warriors compose themselves...and while leading people through the forest is not the same as open combat, they seemed well equipped to handle themselves." Pausing to sip some water, she considers what type of creatures they might encounter.
"Sigurd, it sounded like you have some familiarity with Imps. How much do you know about them, and what can we expect from them?"

Sigurd looked to Lopiena "numbers are one thing but how skilled are they? Any child can point a crossbow." His thoughts were about to trail off when she asked about how he knew so much about Imps. "ThunderKnoll is very much like Eventide in that we have a diverse population, only ours has many races rather than being comprised of a variety of one sup race. With that kind of diversity and a century or two of knowledge sharing we have a vast library with a, I hope, accurate bestiary. As far as the information I have on them is they're pretty weak on their own but they attack with a swarm mentality and they're weak against silvered weapons." He shrugged "our weapons as they are now are about as useful as trying to cut steak with a butter knife."

Zane closed his eyes to help him remember. "Imp...from the devil family. Lower level minion. Shapeshifters, if I'm not mistaken." He opened his eyes and frowned. "From what I can remember from my studies, Imps rarely act on their own. They live to serve a master. If their master dies they will seek out a new one. So there is someone, or multiple someone's, who are sending these Imps here."

"And Salamanders, those are nasty." Ashwyn said, leaning in. "I saw one once, when I was a child. Giant lizard creatures that are hotter than magma. The burn everything they touch. ...and enjoy it." She shuttered at the memories.

Zane nodded. "And these are only the creatures they've seen so far! I can't help but wonder what we will see as we draw closer to our goal. And if there is someone controlling these creatures, what do they want? What could their goal be? It seems too simple to say it's for expansion alone."

Ashwyn sighed and leaned back in her chair, though the cut of the dress made it very difficult so slump so she eventually gave up and sat up right again. "Perhaps we should retire to our room to discuss our plans." She lowered her voice so only her companions would be able to hear. "I can't think while trussed up like a turkey. And frankly I'd feel better with more than just a dagger on me." She casually patted her upper thigh to indicate the hiding place of her dagger under the dress.

Zane sighed. "Good gods, woman. Do you not trust anyone?"

Ashwyn turned to him. "No. I don't."

Glacing between the other companions with growing alarm, Lopiena becomes increasingly aware of the gaping holes in her education. She knew Salamanders were fire beasts, but hotter than magma? Her simple fireproofing herbs wouldn't stand a chance, to say nothing of her wooden staff! And silvering weapons would take a great deal more coin than she had.  It was sounding more and more like she would have to stand in the back and passively heal those who did the real work. On the other hand, that wouldn't be much different than now...compared to Ashwyn and Sigurd she was all but useless. Staring at her hands, for a moment despair threatens to overwhelm her...but resolve and fierce determination settle back over her features and she stands.
"If we need to silver our weapons, it has to be tonight. I'm sure this city has silversmiths. Let's return to the room and get what we need for that. We can strategize what to do next while the silversmiths do their work."

Nodding, Sigurd “if we can figure out what their weaknesses are ahead of time that'll serve us in the long run. I'd imagine there's a theme here with the creatures they've been fighting so we'll have to ask the Chancellor for more information before we set off, after the High Druid of course” He started drumming his fingers on the table trying to piece together the information he had already. He watched Ashwyn fidget in her seat, restrained by her finery. When she revealed her little secret Sigurd smirked, he would probably had done the same thing if he didn't have claws and fangs to utilize. Clever girl.

Pushing back from the table Sigurd rose to his feet and stretched slightly “we've slept quite a bit today so I think I'll take in some of the sights for a while, I should go visit the wolf elves and pick their brains. Ashwyn, why don't you go change and take your own walk? When was the last time you interacted with someone who wasn't from Ebonshire or ThunderKnoll? Let alone elves.” he said with a smile.

Sigurd nodded to Lopiena, "I'm certain we can ask those twin elves to gather our weapons and take them to get silvered, we can arrange payment after as there are far more pressing matters than coin to deal with, I'm sure they'll understand if it means they're lives are saved...If they're saved. At any rate, I still think we take this chance to explore planning can come later with more information. We really don't know much more than we did coming in."

Ashwyn watched Sigurd stand and she happily joined him. She was eager to get out of these fancy clothes. At his words about who she has interacted with, she frowned a bit uncomfortably. "It's been.....a while." She admitted. She had to admit that part of her was very curious about these people...but she was so used to secluding herself that it seemed strange to want to interact with them. And frankly, she wasn't sure she was ready to do it alone.....

Zane also stood and smoothed down his robes. "I also find myself too exhilarated to sleep. I think I might venture down to the market and peruse their wares. Perhaps I can something that wil assist in our journey. And I can drop our things off at the silversmith." He turned to Lopiena. "Would you like to accompany me? I could use a hand carrying all of the weaponry."

As they walked back to the room, Ashwyn hung back to walk with Sigurd. She glanced over at him. "Are you wanting to be alone on your walk? Or would you mind company?" She asked. She was trying to sound casual....but she really didn't think she could handle being alone with elves. She needed some kind of buffer.

If he says no, then I'll probably just stay in the room.... She thought to herself.

Genuinely surprised at Sigurd's suggestion to pay later, Lopiena hurries to catch up with Zane. "Do you really think they will silver our weapons with no payment until our return? I had planned to sell something...but if we don't have to worry about that sort of thing it would be ideal. I would also like to find some additional fire remedies; mine might prove to be ineffective against stronger enemies. What other knowlwdge do you have of creatures we might meet?" Turning the corner to the room, she takes a moment glance back at Ashwyn and Sigurd and smiles to herself. Zane seems to be improving his attitudes dramatically, and anyway the other two need some time for themselves. A shopping excursion with the gnome can't be TOO terrible...can it?

Zane entered the room and began fetching his own weapons. "Honestly, I doubt it. However, I'm not too concerned. At the very least I should be able to afford some kind of down payment on it. As Sigurd said, we are here for their benefit, so surely we can work something out."

He chuckled at Lopiena's sudden eagerness. "I must admit, I'm excited to see what all we CAN find in this market. I've perused Elven wares from traveling merchants before but never a vast Elven city such as this. I'm sure there is all manner of strange and miraculous items that we can use for our task."

When she asked about his knowledge he chuckled, and couldn't help the slightly superior air of it. "My dear girl, I have spent my LIFE studying all manner of things. To list them all would take a several years at least. Which is part of the reason I am so eager to speak to this High Druid tomorrow. I would very much like to learn more about what we are facing so I can draw on my years of study."

Sigurd took a walk around the room and stretched, the clothes were made well but he wouldn't say that they were made exactly to his size. They form fitting. He hadn't noticed it really until he had consumed so much food. If he had to shift at all it would be so long fancy clothes... At Ashwyns offer he smiled “and be seen with you in a nightshirt? If you want to come along I'd suggest you tuck another dagger under your dress I'm not suffering alone.”

Ashwyn paused when walking to consider his words. Then she blushed realizing that their clothes probably hadn't been returned yet. Then she smiled sheepishly and chuckled. "Well met." She smirked and looked up at him. "Very well." She approached him and then lowered her voice slightly. "Although I must say, I do not believe it is yet any of your business what is under my dress." She said with a playful smile.

Sigurd's cheeks reddened slightly thinking back to the spring only a few hours ago. “You know as well as I.. and Lopiena that we're all well aware as to what's under that dress..” he said clearing his throat slightly. “Now. While I'm still dressed like this I'll make sure to conduct myself properly so...” He extended his arm to her “where to first? Mingling with the townsfolk? The shops? I'm sure we can manage our way around her as long as they put signs up right?” He realized he was talking as if he had been there before.

Ashwyn blushed too when Sigurd spoke of the spring and what was hiding beneath her dress. But she smiled also. "I suppose you're right."

When he extended his arm to her, she hesitated for a moment before hooking her arm in his and standing beside him. The feeling of his body so close made her heart rate increase slightly and she was certain he'd be able to hear it. "Besides, I suppose I don't need a second dagger if I have you with me."

At his questions she shook her head. "I...don't know. I'm not exactly what one would call...social. I'm not even sure how comfortable I am with this idea but...." She swallowed the lump in her throat and straightened her back. "I'll follow you. You mentioned something about wanting to see the Lythari? I must admit that I'm curious about them myself. I've heard rumors of them but never thought I'd meet them."

Meanwhile...Lopiena smiles at Zane, enjoying his enthusiasm.  Keep him talking about himself...  "I have actually been meaning to ask someone, but we've been so busy fighting for our lives it became a secondary concern.  The thing I was considering selling...well, I don't really want to sell it, but it's the only thing of value I have. My grandmother insisted that bringing cold iron into Fey Forest would be a terribly bad idea, and the only other weapon we could find was an ancient bronze dagger that has been sitting in a chest since before my grandmother was a girl.  It has some form of arcane language on it, but even she has no idea what it means...I think it might be something important, but without knowing what it is the dagger is just a piece of metal, and a not very sharp one at that."  She pulls the dagger from its sheath, a little the worse for wear from dampness.  As described, arcane letters are scribed on its surface, and in the center a ruby the size of a thumb is inset with other jewels.  "Without knowing what it is, the only real value are the jewels.  Perhaps someone with your great knowledge has come across something like this before?"  Lopiena smiles warmly, enjoying this.  Playing with egos is an easy task.  Calming them back down...now that's a challenge.

“The Lythari it is then” Sigurd said with a smile. Making sure Ashwyn's arm was secure but comfortable they set off down the tree that housed their quarters. They walked quietly for a while, passing other couples on their decent. To Sigurd's surprise Ashwyn wasn't getting glared at, or having noses turned up to her despite the fact that she was only a half-elf. Sigurd smiled, he never really knew that sensation, outside of his wolf form he looks perfectly human, sure he caught flack for it by the other races, but growing up it was mostly banter, not many of his close comrades ever meant it, just terms of endearment. Sigurd's mind reeled, he wanted to break the silence of their walk but couldn't think of anything to say or any questions to ask. His mind was completely blank.