13th day of Fellnight: Swordsday
As suddenly as the divine light appeared to wash over her, it faded away. Heart pounding, her body trembling as a whole new level of divine energy sparked through her, her head snapped up as she heard the barn door close again. Someone saw her, had seen what happened. Mouth dry, Aerie pushed herself up and rushed to the door, reaching it and opening it faster than she could recall ever doing. Startled, she shook herself and looked outside to see the retreating back of a certain young half-elf.
Moving faster than she expected to once more, Aerie caught Aramil's arm- intending to talk about what he'd seen, until she caught sight of the beautiful, rather feminine bracelet on his wrist. Staring at it a moment, Aerie snapped her sky blue eyes up to meet Aramil's, her gaze intense.
Aerie: "I believe we need to have a chat, my young friend. Come back to the stables for now, we'll have some semblance of privacy to talk there; and we need to prepare our horses for the trip."
She didn't leave him much room to argue, all but dragged him back to the stables, her heart pounding as her mind raced. How in the nine hells was she going to tell him? Pulling the sputtering wizard behind her, Aerie reentered the stable, her mind scrambling for a way to broach the topic on hand... or rather, wrist.
Aerie: "Where did you get that?" Her tone sharper than she intended it to be as she gestured to the bracelet. Wincing when she saw bewilderment cross Aramil's face, Aerie sighed. "Sorry, it's... it's important and I'm... I've got a lot on my mind, I'll explain later, but for now, I NEED to know where you got this."
Once Aramil explained that the lovely bracelet he was now wearing had been given to him by Susan (after a bit of careful questioning, Aerie surmised she had been a virgin) after their... encounter. The winged elf stood before the young half-elf; pinching the bridge of her nose as she struggled to figure out how he managed to go from being a single virgin to an engaged man overnight.
Aerie: "Aramil... are you- no, I doubt you would know as I only found out the night you were out having fun with... Susan was it? Yes, right... well. Apparently Womford has a most interesting... custom. When a virgin woman chooses her life partner, she gives him a gift after they..."
Aerie gestured vaguely at this point, watched the realization dawn across Aramil's face.
Aramil: "Wha- *ahem* what if, let's say, that uh... chosen life partner gives the lady something in return... like say... a gem stone?"
Aerie could almost hear those giggling girls now, whispering about who they want to give what to, the delighted squeals that followed the suggestion of a 'promise', and what it could be. Taking a long, deep breath in through her nose, Aerie contemplated her next words carefully.
Aerie: "Upon receiving and accepting the young woman's promise- that's what that bracelet is, it's a promise that she'll stay true to you, and only you; the man can give the woman an item in return- his own promise. The value of the gift signifies the level of commitment to that promise. Hers was to be loyal to you, you giving her that gem stone- don't give me that look, I wasn't born yesterday- was you promising to stay true to her, or in this case, to return to her. I suppose the best way to describe your situation is to congratulate you on your engagement."
Watching the young wizard pale, Aerie shook her head and moved to begin saddling Sparkle, waiting for Aramil to wrap his head around what she'd dumped on the poor lad.
Aramil: "What do I do?!"
Blinking at the yelp, Aerie turned to look at the young wizard, a lopsided grin pulling at her lips.
Aerie: "You really think this is something you can figure out right now? Or even properly plan out? Aramil, we're about to head back underground to go deal with another chunk of evil assholes out to destroy the world as we know it- something that's going to take us some time to accomplish, if our last trip is anything to judge by; and finally rescue the delegation you were once a part of. Hells, we may not even make it back out, we don't know what's in store for us down there."
Aerie worked as she spoke, Sparkle patient under her hands.
Aerie: "What you do, Aramil, is you focus on what is in front of you. You decide how you are going to deal with the current situation at hand- not the ones in the future. Right now in this moment in time, you have a choice: you can obsess over future events that have yet to come, and other things that are outside of your control; or you can keep them in mind as you face your present. Do not get so caught up in what you see needs to be done later, that you lose track of your path, now."
Aerie paused, finishing tightening the saddle's straps.
Aerie: "Aerdrie gave me some advice that I think will benefit you, if only slightly differently. Do not focus so much on the storms ahead, for you cannot see the currents and thermals within. A successful flight is not made through meticulous planning, but rather, the ability to improvise on the fly."
Stepping out of Sparkle's stall, Aerie looked to the still panicky-looking wizard and sighed. Moving to him, she gave his shoulder a friendly pat before moving to saddle his horse for him.
Aerie: "Look at it this way, Aramil. I could be anxious and worked up over going back down into that hellhole- Gods know that that's the last thing I want to do right now, unless it's to purify this plane of existence of the Air Cult. I could be sat here a right mess, crying and shaking in my boots- but I'm not, because I know that it won't help me accomplish what I see needs to be done."
Working on saddling Aramil's horse, Aerie hesitated before continuing with a sigh.
Aerie: "I could also be overthinking and worrying about... about what just happened. The light you saw, I mean. You want to talk getting more than you expected from something? Try praying to your God for a little assistance in a moment of fear and worry, then being made their Chosen; which... let me handle telling the rest of the group about that, please."
She trusted him not to say anything, so didn't bother to look to confirm with him. He hadn't said boo about what he'd seen in the vision, so she trusted he wouldn't spill the beans on her here either.
Aerie: "Now don't get me wrong, I'm not upset or ungrateful about this turn of events- quite the opposite in fact, as with Aerdrie's blessing I'll better be able to support the party- but it's still... overwhelming. Now, I could sit here and think about everything this could mean for me, and my future- and wind myself up over "would-be's and could-be's"; or I can choose to take it in stride. Seeing as I have no clear idea on exactly what Aerdrie's plans for me are, beyond dealing with these vile cults, I'm going to choose to take it one day at a time; and see what happens. It's worked for me for over 150 years, I don't see why it'd fail me now."
She'd made short work of saddling Aramil's horse as she spoke, and as Aerie stepped out of the animal's stall, she looked at the wide-eyed half elf.
Aerie: "Now... calm down, and figure out your next steps. No further than the next one or two- plotting your whole path is a waste of time and energy, as you don't know what the Gods have planned for you- and make your decision. Focus, Aramil, on what is important: the here and now."
With that, Aerie moved to Wynter, thinking to saddle him for Garet and to give the overwhelmed young half-elf room to think.
Aramil: "I may not know *exactly* what the Gods have planned for me, but I do have a very good idea of what's to come in the future, at least."
Aerie halted in front of Wynter's stall, turning on her heel to face Aramil. No one, and she meant no one, has a 'really good idea of what's to come in the future' not even Aerie, despite her newly strengthened bond with her Goddess. She could find out what has the *potential* to *possibly* happen, but only up to a week ahead in time as that was as far as the Gods themselves could see; and something about the way Aramil had commented set off alarm bells in Aerie's head.
Aerie: "Do you now? And what's to come, young Aramil? Do tell."
She watched him squirm a moment before she sighed and went to saddle Wynter as Aramil spoke. As she worked, Aramil hesitantly spoke of how he'd been in the market for a gift for the group, and how he had found a Fortune Teller while searching. Deft hands froze at the mention of a Fortune Teller, before she carefully forced herself to continue- hands now trembling with barely contained frustration and disgust as Aramil described the experience and what he had been told.
Once Aramil finished recounting his visit with the Fortune Teller, Aerie had finished saddling Wynter; it was just as well, because she could swear she felt electricity crackling across her skin beneath her leathers. Carefully the winged elf stepped out of the stall, her eyes locked in Aramil; unaware that they had begun to glow with sky blue light.
Aerie: "So... you're telling me that this woman knew aaaalll about your past and present hmm? Sure she gave you vague answers, no details, right? Just broad, overreaching bullshit that would cover essentially anything that is *probably* going on with a YOUNG INEXPERIENCED HALF-ELF!"
Her voice thundered, her now brightly glowing eyes locked on the stunned wizard, unaware of the small sparks that now zapped sporadically across her. Snarling out a quick elvish curse, she bore down on Aramil.
Aerie: "She also *knew* about this... love, and betrothal, did she? Allow me to spell this out for you, young man- ANYONE can be a "Fortune Teller", ANYONE with the ability to read a person with a look or magic, can tell a stranger what's going on in their lives, and take an "educated guess" on their futures. You know what else? NO ONE, NOT EVEN THE *GODS* know our *exact* futures! I could pray to Aerdrie right this second for a divination- and she'd only be able to give me ideas of what *POTENTIALLY MIGHT* HAPPEN. Not what WILL happen, no guaranteed foresight, nothing. You know why? BECAUSE NOT EVEN THE GODS THEMSELVES CAN SEE THAT F#@!&#@G FAR INTO THE FUTURE! Why?! BECAUSE MORTALS MAKE CHOICES, AND DECISIONS THAT F#@!&#@G ALTER OUR F#@!&#@G COURSES!"
Seeing the young wizard shrink back, eyes wide and face pale, Aerie grit her teeth and fought to reign her temper in.
Aerie: "Sorry, I hate fortune tellers. They're all con artists, every single last fucking one. A true seer is rare- so rare they make Chosen look common. Rare enough you sure as shit are not going to find one opening shop at a small town fayre, that's for damn sure. Look, Aramil, this... woman... may have "known" things, but I can think of at least 3 spells and a prayer that would allow the caster to see into the thoughts and mind of another. Love, death, self-improvement and strife are all a part of life, so it's not much of a stretch to assume you'd be facing these. The love and betrothal thing? Have you already forgotten about the *local custom*? Of course she's going to see love and marriage in your future- what else would happen when a young, inexperienced child wanders around, eyes wide with new and interesting information, and meets a young girl looking desperately for love? You know what? Come with me."
And suddenly she was moving again. Grabbing the visibly upset Aramil by the wrist once more, Aerie dragged him off towards the market. Briefly spotting Garet as she dragged poor Aramil, she barked that they would "be back in a minute". The concerned monk watched as the furious winged elf dragged Aramil behind her, partially glad he wasn't on the receiving end of whatever was going on there, and also partially pitying the younger half-elf.
Upon reaching the market, Aerie growled at Aramil to show her where this "all knowing fortune teller" was at. He led her, much like a child leading their furious parent to the site of their mistake, quiet and head bowed- right up until they found themselves in front of an empty spot.
Aramil: "She was right here-!"
A young girl ran up behind them, only to release a loud, piercing wail as she too took stock of the lack of tent.
Girl: "She can't be gone! She can't-! She promised! She promised I would find my life partner! She said it would happen soon- over the next few days- the fayre! 10 gold! 10 gold and she swore!"
The girl was growing more and more upset, collapsing to the ground with a tearful howl as she realized what Aerie was trying to show Aramil: they had been scammed. Turning her head, she watched as Aramil took stock of the situation, her face in an impassive elvish mask, her eyes back to normal.
Aerie: "If someone tells you they can tell you what your future holds, tell them to shove it so far up their ass they choke on it. Fortune Tellers prey on the desperate, feeding them vague lines they think their victims with latch on to and associate with. The only beings who can truly tell you your future- are the Gods, and even then they don't know for sure. Now, learn from this... misadventure... and remember: if you really want answers about future events, turn to the good Gods and their servants. They, at least, will actually help. Now let's get back, the group is probably already ready and waiting."
Turning to return, Aerie caught Aramil's arm and led him away, not sparing the crying human girl a glance. She had more important things to deal with- like dealing with this cult problem and figuring out just what exactly Aerdrie had granted Aerie with her blessing.
Aerie helped Aramil saddle his horse as the others joined them one by one. Garet arrived last and told them to unsaddle but put their gear together for the horses would travel to Riverguard by barge. The Survivors of Bargewright would take them, repair the stable roof and use Riverguard for their own needs.
Bandur, Fabien and Zindra were staying behind to look after the horses and Bandur wanted to finish off polishing the bridge, he was very proud of what he had achieved and needed to ensure the bridge was finished to his own, exacting precise perfection.
The group had already purchased items they thought would get them through the days ahead, in the market a herbalist had sold them all various quantities of a local healing herb called Sheeps' Plume. Spare arrows and bolts, spare strings for bow and crossbow and enough of the so called travelling rations, a dried, longer lasting food that would give them what they needed over the coming days. Aerie enquired about Elven Whey Bread but there were none to be had. In fact it hadn't been seen here in a long while.
Before the group parted and goodbye's were said young Aramil stepped forward and offered each member a gift, a small vial containing a liquid brewed from a herb called Shepherds Purse. It would stabilise a person when fatally wounded and as long as they remained still they would not face death. Each member thanked Aramil fort the wonderous gift.
Garet gathered the group close, Aerie, wings folded with Hakarmaskannar Takal (Dragon Watcher-now fully attuned to her over a protracted trance ceremony where the inscription inscribed in primordial on both sides of the blade that only Aerie could read, was read out during the attunement, which took nearly 6 hours) in hand, Anor with longsword and shield prepared, Aramil staff in hand but twitching to use his new crossbow, Grog with shield and war-pick and finally the ever quiet and watchful Karion, club and shield to the fore. He grasped the pendent around his neck, thought long and hard until a picture formed in his mind. The next instant they were standing in the room of the dead Lord of Riverguard Keep.
They stood still, Garet listened at the door (K21), daylight entered through the arrow slits. Nothing stirred, they checked the upstairs and downstairs it was the same throughout the main building of the keep, nothing stirred and all seemed as it was when they were last here some 14 days prior.
Garet took the lead and stealthily left the keep main building and just as stealthily entered the now disused chapel building (K15). Again nothing seemed to be different. Grog and Karion covered the open areas as Aramil, and Aerie watched the stairs leading to the battlements. Anor joined Garet in the chapel. Outside Aerie decided to fly above the chapel roof to get a better look around and just as quickly came back down. She told the others there was movement in the harbour and she may have been seen. A shout was heard but what was said could not be made out
Taking a look out of the chapel door Garet could see nothing so he snuck into the shadows of the tower and crept towards the harbour stairs. Grog and Karion still covered the open area as Aramil and Aerie entered the chapel. Grog left Karion to cover the open areas and climbed onto the battlements running towards where he though he remembered a door into the upper level of the tower was located (K14). He was wrong. There was no door.
Garet kept to the dead ground afforded by the stairs cut into the higher ground he could creep to a position where he could observe the harbour, the nose of a small boat coming out of the underground tunnel (K13). He could see a barge (K12), men, they were loading stores, boxes, bales........of course the trade goods from the underground temple area that were too bulky for the group to remove. So that 'B' was a barge!
Anor followed Garet, keeping low. Aramil left the chapel and moved into the shadow of the tower (K14), Aerie moved into the chapel and stood by the far door near the tower (K14), Grog jumped down the the ground moved past the chapel door, then crawled forward to the cliff edge so he could observe the harbour. Karion moved through the chapel, past Aerie and over to where Garet and Anor were crouching low, out of sight from the harbour.
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