RP: Of a lost friend and rotten luck

It was supposed to be another regular day of studying with Master Everade. Tannyll got up early, packed her alchemist's tools and was ready to leave to the Upper City as she bumped into Gabriella Greatoven. Painfully heavy were the news the halfling brought with her; Sabaufein who had been Tannyll's closest friend and housemate for many months had fallen on a mission to the Fey Isles. The only possession recovered from him had been his trusty longbow. For a moment Tannyll felt like time had stopped as the she came to the realization that she'd never see him again. Gabbi's words snapped her out of it. "I.., I must get going. I'm so very sorry for your loss." Tannyll could only barely hold herself together. It took her two tries to even muster the faintest and most see-through smile. "Yes, please don't worry about me. This place is dangerous after all, I should have expected for this." She turned to leave without saying goodbye, so encompassed was she by the the ill feeling in her stomach. Tannyll slammed the door shut behind her. She was now alone in her shop; the place she had started calling home. No candles or lamps were lit. Only thin rays of the morning sun coming through the windows lighted the inside of the building, revealing dusty shelves and counter tops. Indeed the place hadn't been cleaned as dutifully as before. Studies with the old alchemist had taken precedence over dusting the now closed store. Before long she found herself wandering around the rooms she knew, too well. How many things in the house were now but sour reminders of a better time, of days when she didn't have sit alone eating dinner or check the locks twice before going to sleep. Ever since departing the house she grew up in she hadn't had such a tough time turning a door handle as she had when entering the room of her of former companion. The door to this room creaked more than any other as if accusing intruders of their misdeed. Tannyll shook her head. She laid the well served bow on the bed next to which were two bags filled with traveling gear. "What a waste." she muttered to herself. On the night stand she noticed a half completed bone carving possibly meant to become a sword hilt and slowly reached to inspect it. One side was highly detailed with images of spiders as well as stars and the other held a shallow sketching for a word unknown to her. Just now, for the first time since hearing of Sabaufein's demise did Tannyll shed a tear. The item she held now was the most tangible memento of him she'd probably ever have. Frustration and melancholy started to bore deeper and deeper into her psyche. She swiftly swung the door behind her closed and hurried back downstairs. Master Everade grumbled at her for being late but that was nothing new to Tannyll. The geezer always came up with some manner of complaint whether he had any reason for it or not. As much as the old alchemist was annoying he was also capable. Despite the stuffy appearance and piles of seemingly unsorted materials his laboratory had proven a pleasant workplace. They had made good progress into finding out what a score of potions Tannyll had brought in were composed of and today was to be the moment of truth for whether further advancement in the research was possible. She made the agreed upon preparations and called Everade to inspect them before beginning the test. "Get on with it then." commanded the snarky voice behind her. Tannyll took a deep breath and poured in the last component. A quick sizzling sound came from the bottle and the room was filled with an unpleasant smell. "You incompetent fool!" , Master Everade berated her. "You ruined our one and only sample!" . Tannyll was dumbfounded but somehow not surprised of the result. Lately nothing but dreadful luck had fallen on her. "Two months wasted." she thought viewing the brown mess of a potion. Her steps were three times as heavy today; for she now had to find a new purpose to keep moving forward. The light of day was fast disappearing now, only a deep orange shadow was cast on the wretched cityscape. As she turned to close the door of her now ominously silent house a familiar voice reached out to her. One she knew to be Kroasi.

+100 XP for this Niko. One night, a few days later, a knock comes at Tannyll's door. When she goes to answer she sees a man dressed in a ragged green cloak waiting outside. He looks sad and asks if this is where Master Sabaufein lived? and there is a curious lilt to his voice as if he is from the Vale. I knew Sabaufein for we adventured together a few times explains the man, who bears a finely carved bow inlaid with silver. Anyway, he goes outside again and brings in a bundle; it proves to be an ornate stone grave marker carved in the image of a spider. I have a friend in Dun Mora who is skilled in the working of stone. It's all I can do now for my old companion; may Dagerii watch over him. With that, the stranger strides off into the dusk; his name never given, though some of his leathers bore the markings of the Unicorns.

"T-Tannyll..."  Kroasi calls out and approaches and then a mixture of anger and regret forms on her face that finally gets washed away by tears. "I failed you, Tannyll, I faled, him, I failed all of you. I swore to protect those that venture with me, and yet he died protecting me. He died because of me, it was my arrogance that got him killed. I am ..." and she gulps "I am so sorry." "Please forgive me! I would like to create a memorial site for him on the graveyard, if you agree to it. He left a mark on my life and that of many others, he deserves to leave a mark on this land." Though Tannyll continually assures Kroasi that there is no use in her beating herself up and that there was little she could have done, the half elf insists on her responsibility. Tannyll though agrees to creating a memorial site and so the next day at a free moment they venture out and weave the land, trying to make a site of flowers and branches that make all others pale. As Tannyll mentions more about Sabaufein and his allegiance with the spider they create a web formed from branches that is wrapped by freshly grown evergreen. Every week Kroasi ventures there to keep the flowers from fading and eventually, after almost a month has passed, she knocks at Tannyll's door. "Hi there, how are you today? I bought this tea a while ago from an excellent herablist I got to know, you mind sharing it with you and having a cup?" Tannyll can recognize the tea as one that she had once sold to Kroasi...

Kroasi marks the telltale signs of honest surprise in Tannyll's visage. "This, I.., I am greatly honored by your compliment. You're too kind dear friend." She leans to accept her gift and stares at the package she once made. "Blueberry huh... Oh yes please come inside so we may enjoy the drink in proper space." She places the tea in a fine quality kettle over a fading fire, pronounces a few arcane words and raises the flame high. Tannyll excuses herself for a bit as she fetches the bone carving Sabaufein left behind. A pained expression paints Tannyll's face now, something Kroasi had likely thought to have ridden her of. She grips the object tightly not letting go even when pouring their drinks. Once finally having calmed a bit she gently hands the not yet fully sculpted hilt for Kroasi to have a look at. "He left this behind. Do you make any sense of it, the language or perhaps the meaning of the object?" She sighs as if expecting nothing.

Kroasi looks at the item and first looks confused, then she has a closer look and says: "I don't know much about this, only old children stories, but I know  who might be able to tell you more about." She sees Tannyll's immediate interest and gives her a hug. "I will have a word with a friend and will let you know tomorrow. Tell me, have you ever been in the vale?" The two drink their tea and Kroasi reassures Tannyll that she is sure that if somebody knows where to ask about those people, than it is one of her fellows from the vale. She is happy to see that Tannyll at least for a moment has a sign of joy on her face and after hours have passed and Kroasi has told her everything she knows herself and they talked about the adventurers they went on together, the house and the farmer on Bael's island, she leaves her home and ventures off. The same night she leaves a message at the Unicorn for the one they call Raven to meet her. The next day you can see both of them leaving Haven and having a walk. She shows him the copy of the markings and asks for his opinion, he explains of the Norn and who might know, but warns that Tannyll might not like what she finds. "Well then, Raven, what do you suggest? She lost a friend recently and I feel responsible for this loss... I think getting to know more about his people might help her continue with her life." Aye; mayhap But she may not like all she finds I know little of Norns but I have heard Master Helvorn speak of them not all that I heard was good some Norns are said to be 'medellers in the tides of fate' "Not all is good in most of the living... even among our people in the vale" aye true but the Norns are regarded with fear in some places some Norns at least I did not know Sabaufien's purpose on Maladon; but he did have one for good or ill "hm... I don't know his purpose either, and there are few ways of finding out what it was, I suppose. Regarding the fear some of them might cause: I don't think that is a decision we can take for her. The question though remain, do you think this could bring harm to our home? "I don't want to redeem a mistake by making a bigger one" I know little of this Tannyll; save that she is a skin changer and healer but I can't see ill coming of either of those things. "I ventured with her once and she was yet unexperienced. She set ablaze a house but then did her best to save some of those around her. I'll make her promise to not set ablaze our home, though I hope that she has learned her lesson with the dwemor." Aye; the Princess, with whom I have adventured, once spoke of that time. T'was on Bael's Isle was it not? "It was..." well then; you know the law of our people if she would dwell in the Vale, she must be brought before the Talidd and must pass the test of truth I would guess he will let her dwell within the Vale if she passes since our people owe much to the Company of the Blue Sash "Hm, I heard stories of a girl I once ventured with, half a giant she looks like, Sharleen, I heard she is indebted to our people as we are to her. Perhaps she can for some time watch over her." Aye "She was with me when those Orcs, the spirits shall forever burn them, took 3 of my companions. I debt I yet have to repay." "Hm..." she gives Raven a serious look . "I hope we are right. I will let her know and when the time is right bring her to the Thallidd and rely on his wisdom and the test of truth. Hopefully this will bring some peace to her about the loss of her companion. If anything goes wrong, I will claim responsibility. It is the way." "Stay save, Raven. May the spirits guide you." Farewell Kroasi and Fidar They split apart and Kroasi returns to Tannyll's house in the evening, knocking the door.

"Ah you're back again. With good news I hope." Tannyll lets Kroasi in and offers her some freshly brewed tea. As she is informed of what is required for her to come to the Vale Tannyll listens intently, pondering. "Be it wise or not I accept the terms. But I must take some time to inform my Company and make preparations. I invite you to stay here for the small while it'll take." She finds some parchment and ink and scribbles a note to be sent to the Horses and the Sashes of her departure. Come next morning all important tools and personal items from the shop have been brought to the Sashes for safekeeping and the two have gotten on their way.

It has been a month since Sabaufein's death and Kroasi has been checking in from time to time on Tannyll while still keeping her up her lessons at the chanters hall. Marcus even seems to be a very eager student, as is Suzanna, while the others are progressing a bit slower than she had expected, but well, she never thought to be a teacher in the beginning, he chose her to. A knock on Tannyll's door and a smile when the door opens: "Tomorrow morning we shall leave, are you ready and prepared? As I mentioned to you, you will have to face the test and just for doing that I will vouch for you, that is all I can do. I hope we will find the answers you are searching for. "Well, another reason of why I am to see you is to ask you take some of those herbs you mentioned with you, I'd love to have a look at them while we travel over and perhaps see if we can find some along the way." The next morning both meet up and cross the river, waving Edric goodbye and then change their shapes and you see a Giant Elk and an Air Elemental making their way towards the goblin cave. (20/21 adv perception near goblin cave) Taking a break in there Kroasi would mention the Black Spire and questions Tannyll on whether she has some knowledge about this abstruse building that she has heard various reports about. Yet she had on her first walk here felt herself drawn towards this tower and felt the protective spirit of the cave. "This place is out of balance, someone will need to ease the spirits in there... but I fear I am not strong enough though... Have you ever felt that no matter what you do, you are never strong enough to do what you need to do? I can't do anything about this place, I can't get rid of the Orcs in the vale... but I will need to clear whatever it is that lurks in the dworrendeep... Perhaps you will be able to help me with that?" After the break they continue on and make their way to the pass. "In the name of the King, open the way for me. Open the wards for me." she speaks in that strange language that they had taught to her and the way opens. She grasps her hand around the arrowhead and walks forward until they reach the pass and make it to the entrance to the vale... 

"Of course I'll be there to help you when the need arises. Friend, you've done so much for me already." Later on during the journey:  "Your relation to nature differs from mine of which I'm sure taken note by now, I'm eager to see if the Vale might open these concepts you hold dear to me as well." Tannyll smiles but also seems lost in thought, worrying if the Thallid won't have her in his kingdom. She tries to shake off the uncomfortable feeling by dabbling with her kit of navigator's tools; now much less practical than they were near the sea. As the they enter the Vale Tannyll takes note of the language of the Glarns. "They speak the same tongue as the druids of my people." , she mentions to Kroasi. "Interesting. I might inquire of this from the keepers of lore."

Maladon is cloaked in a white shroud of snow and a hush lies all across the land. The Red River Vale is changing rapidly now; a new town called Redvale is being constructed and is almost finished; protected by an encampment full of Red Dragon Brigade who constantly patrol the area despite deep drifts of snow. Spires of smoke all along the valley suggest a growing human population and on the far side of the river Tannyll and Kroasi see that the Forest of Shadows has been cut back more than a mile further north than where it was when they first beheld it. There is also a bridge, newly constructed by Hunter's Inn and beyond the Inn a castle is being fashioned to constrain the power of the Blackspire; already a turf wall is being thrown up by thousands of workers from the Vale and Haven; including an entire War Host of Octavin's army; 5000 strong. Imperial Cavalry patrol the valley and Kroasi is grimly pleased when you come across a funeral pyre of over a hundred orcs; all piled up dead and burned on the other side of the river. The goblin cave looks overgrown when you stop there and the plants are all hidden under the snow. There are no signs of Goblins but perhaps they are hiding from the Empire; rightly fearing men and so you continue on to the Vale. You cross Goat Pass through the hidden entrance and are soon in the Vale. Warriors convey you to the Talidd's Hall but he is off treating with the Oren and so the Test of Truth is administered by a Drueth called Aranor. He gives Tannyll a rowanwood wand to hold and makes her intone a spell. Once she has done so, the stave flares into blue flame and the Drueth speaks formally; Let it be known that Tannyll the Druid is welcome amongst the folk of the Vale and so saying he gives her a broach of rowanwood carved into a strange knot like pattern. He also reminds Kroasi that this here Tannyll resides amongst us because of your vouchsafes. Any crime she commits is a crime on your head also. The Drueth do indeed know the plants you seek; but they grow only in the Dwerrowood. Greater Celadine and Yarrow are hard to find at this time of year but here are some dried sprigs for you to work your spells says Aranor. Be mindful in the Dwerrowood; strange things live there and not all love that which goes on two legs.

Tannyll bows and thanks the man. If the conversation wasn't already had in Glarnic Tannyll would make it so from this point on. "I am honored to receive this much trust from you." She attaches the broach and turns to fetch something from her backpack. What she brings is the bone sword hilt; carvings on one side complete, depicting spiders gazing a starry sky and the other side partly done, with a sketching for the word "solace" in a script of Erdari used by the Norn. "Some while ago I lost a dear friend. Besides the aching in my heart he left behind little. A mysterious man, gentle on the inside. A far traveler I made him, a moredhel, out to be as soon as I saw him wandering the streets of Haven, invited him to stay, and soon had made the most precious companion. Hard to believe we only knew for a few months, those days are etched into my memory so clearly I could swear it lasted much longer."  Saying this has Tannyll nearly shuts her eyes, slipping back into memory lane. As she snaps out of it she hands the craft for Aranor to see. "Sometimes he talked about a 'mission' he had taken to complete, many years ago. And that it was that mission which led him to Maladon. I never got to know what he meant in detail but remember a name he mentioned, the Norn. Rumors aside I know little of them." "If it wouldn't be too much of a burden for you, I'd ask audience with the lore keepers. I must know more of my fallen companion and the organization he was with. And I know information doesn't come free regardless of my intentions, please tell them this also. If a test or favor is something the Drueth might be after I promise to undertake it."

No further tests are required; in the Vale you either have our trust or you do not. Your friend Kroasi has given us vouchsafes and the test has been taken. You may go before the Lorekeepers at Rivenrock but that might not be necessary, for the Norns are well known to us here. Indeed some dwelt with us awhile; within living memory in fact. They are the servants of Dagerii the Spider Goddess that some call the Mistress of Fate. The Glarnic peoples arose on a world far from this place, but Skarn, the Titan Drake took us prisoner as he did so many races, and our people were slaves in his foul Wurmwarrens. All Glarns know and revere Dagerii even if some of us do not love the Norns; for she saved our people and brought us back the surface world after she defeated Skarn. It was also by Dagerii's hand that the first Drornlords arose and they were the Kings of our people in ancient days. Indeed it was a Drornlord who sent our ancestors here long ago; to preserve this ancient knowledge. Most of our loremasters believe that Dagerii foretold the coming of Caradnas and warned the Drornlords so that they might hide away the most precious of our lore here and so we did. Without Dagerii all of our history would have been lost in the Time of Fire and so in a way she helped found this very Kingdom in which you now stand. We do not forget our debts and oaths; though some say her followers, the Norns, have lost their way. Therefore I counsel you to have a care in your dealings with them. Your friend may have been true, but the Norns are medellers in the tides of fate.

Kroasi looks at Aranor "Ai, this I know, as it is the law. You should know me well enough that I do not give my trust away easily. "I trust her and since it was through my shortcomings that her companion died, I had little choice than to help her at least clear that mystery as best as we can." She waits until Tannyll has mentioned her request and then shows her a bit around the vale, as Tannyll has never been here, mentioning the doings of the red hand assassins of what is now claimed to be the red emperor, the poor folks lost on that day and tells her to  stay away from a certain house close to the dump, for he has a very one sided mind and will tell her things she can for sure do without. After that she consults Aranor and the other Drueth "I saw there was a big pile of orcs beyond the wall. I fear though this has not yet cleared the issue at hand in our neighbourhood? The orcs that were vandalising this area and whatever is controlling them or making them act smarter than usual? I still stand by my promise to deal with that issue and I hope she will be of help, as perhaps the one called Sharleen, Ezekiel Boone and a few others."

Aye Kroasi; you have the right of it. The orcs at our front gates are vanquished; at least for now. But it is those at our backs that most concern us. They have not raided in a while; but that does not mean they have gone. The Talidd has gone to treat with the Oren; but those giants are slow to rouse to anger and so far the orcs have not raided into their lands. The Oren do not love war; for which I thank Kron and Dagerii as they are big fellows; but sometimes I wish they loved the hammer and sword as much as they do their flocks. We need aid; though I think the Talidd is wary of this White Emperor

When there is a moment with Aranor in private she replies:  "That is why he is the Talidd, he is wise beyond most and careful where he puts his trust. Myself, I don't trust them either, it sounds like a tale you tell to small children. His offer to give freedom to the vale is odd, the vale was free, he is none to give us freedom. "Aye, the Oren do not love war, and that is good for we do not know where they would stop, should they start it. However, I wish the Orcs would stay away from us as they are keeping away from them. Yet, tell me, are there any news of what stirs in the deep? Any news of what might cause the Orcs to behave in that oddly manner and give them direction and lead? Please tell me everything that is known so I can begin my preparations to clear out whatever is threatening our home. I wish I were stronger by now but there is too much to do and time will not wait for me. "Also, you think it might be wise to ask for Kron's guidance?"

Kron sent a vision to Gareth of Cashel. In it there was a woman with blonde hair wreathed in flame standing looking out from the Blackspire. I fear she has Fire-plague or worse. Her eyes were as black as the gates of Dwerrodeep . Mayhap she guides this evil.