Kevin's Watch

Not wanting to let his rage subside just yet, Led turns back to the bard. "Stake? You think so small. I was thinking more of razing this country to the ground. Burn it ALL."

With a manic grin, he adds "Though, I don't suppose frost giants would appreciate fire as a weapon of choice."

Approaching cautiously, Laurel attempts to draw Led in to an embrace to absorb some of his rage. "Too many unintended targeted innocents would burn. Surely there are people in this frozen land other than these four misguided fools?" Nodding her head towards the frusvolk pyres and their cleric standing with their own party, she continues, "Would you deprive the families of those who stood with us against the dragon their homes? Or cause them physical harm through fire as well?"

As she hears Skyseeker demand Starshine apologize to Led, the bard steps back away, allowing Led the opportunity to turn and accept or deny whatever it is the elf who had insulted him may offer...

DarkRock, the lady with the wands, quite literally falls over laughing at the look upon Starshine's face.

His confusion and dismay is evident...Skyseeker is not acting like a scion of an ancient noble house ought to (in his eyes). "I....I...ask pardon for my offense given in ignorance. I.... pray that He Who Is Wisdom will grace me that I might not repeat my error" he says, eyes firmly fixed on Led's feet, head ducked.

the leader speaks, "I am Vistyai Mellekuye’eth, and we were here patrolling and to meet with the messenger from the Volk. You.." he pauses, shaking his head in bemusement while looking at Skyseeker and Led, "are far outside the scope of my duties. DarkRock, would you send Schlee back, and have it bring instructions for us?"

She nods, and an ice mephit pops out of hiding, listens to her quick words, and heads off, skimming across the snow.

Now Vistyai turns to Starshine, "It appears that wherever else our people survived the Coming of Doom, they follow a nobler path than your friends....a path more like the Deep Roots clans, wouldn't you say?"

He turns to Led, "The condition of your people is a travesty among my people. but too many powerful elves feel like him" derisive gesture at Starshine, "and they wont' countenance any changes. I hope that you can share word of your people....The Highest Branch folk believe your kind, and the Forged, to be incapable of self-governance, or real responsibility.While I fully understand your motivations, I would ask...I'm not commanding nor demanding, but asking...that you not simply gut such offensive ones. Calling Hisao Asu'a is a formal challenge, however, whereby you may seek satisfaction. Should this Moon Flower, "nod at Skyseeker "second your challenge, none would gainsay it"

Darkrock moves over to Vynarkus, "The magics about you are different. Much like those among the Protectors closest allies and relations. They do not speak of how they come by such powers. Could you, perhaps, share knowledge of yours?"

Vynarkus looked at Darkrock, and shook his head slightly.

"I did not make an effort to obtain such powers, as others have. I merely awoke one day with them, and have many theories about how it could have happened."

He hesitates, then continues, "On the other hand, I do have a..." he searches for the appropriate word, "....vague understanding of the method the humans who gain such power usually use. However, the method I have heard of is undeniably evil, and I will not speak of it for fear of corrupting my friends' view of the people you mentioned, who are hopefully not evil."

His tone shows his increased interest, "I would like to hear more of these 'Protectors'. It would be a nice change to hear a story of one like me who has also managed to avoid the path of evil."

Seven Words wrote:"I....I...ask pardon for my offense given in ignorance. I.... pray that He Who Is Wisdom will grace me that I might not repeat my error" he says, eyes firmly fixed on Led's feet, head ducked.

Led listens quietly, claws digging into his own palms. He glares at Starshine for a moment, then spits on the ground between them. He turns quickly and storms back to the caves, away from the elves.

Torn between wanting to learn more of these "Protectors" who seem to be similar to the party's warlock, and wanting to go running after Led, Laurel remembers the duty to which she committed herself. Reassuring herself that the pouch of ashes were still in her pocket, she also returns to the shelter of the caves.

Making her way to the campfire, Laurel sees Led over by the horses, brushing and currying while he works out his own rage. As she settles next to the cooking area, the bard pulls the pouch back out. "Led," she calls quietly, unsure of the Scribe's current mood. "Do you still wish to partake of this meal in Beauregard's honor and memory? I do not mind doing this honor myself, but I don't wish to waste supplies making more than for myself, merely to have you pick at them if you wish not to partake."

Led glances up, startled to hear his name.

He inhales slowly, then lets the breath out. "I admit I have no appetite at the moment, but my need for food has no bearing on the Honor I owe to our fallen comrade. Make enough for two, and I will see him off as he deserves, regardless of my rage."

"Bearegard deserves no less from me."

The bard nods her head in acceptance, and stokes the coals of the cook fire higher in preparation for heating her pots and pans. Going over to Hardy, she gives her equine companion a quick hug, then rummages in her packs for rations and starts things simmering. Glancing towards the entryway of the cavern towards the rest of the party and the newcomers, Laurel goes ahead and makes a tiny bit more than enough for Led and herself, just in case any should come and decide to join them.

As the meal reaches the point where it will simmer to tenderize some of the dried stores, Laurel reaches into the pouch of ashes and meticulously circles the fire, tossing handfuls of ash in to the coals as she does so. The flames spark orange as the ashes land upon the coals, the food continuing to simmer.

Covering the food when it reaches the stage that she can walk away, Laurel goes over to Led and wraps her arms around him from behind. "The meal will take awhile yet. Do you wish to go back outside, and see what else may have been said between these newcomers and Skyseeker?"

"No. I don't think I could be civil, yet." Led leaned his head back onto Laurel's shoulder, crossing his arms over her hands and hugging her elbows back. Awkward, but comforting nonetheless.

"I'll trust Marrik to see the right path, and update me later on how things should proceed."

As Led leaves, Marrik casts a baleful look upon Starshine. "I see the stains upon your soul, Blooded One." He then returns his gaze to Vistyai.

"So, I understand we are awaiting you receiving further instructions from your superiors?"

"Yes. It's such a shock....we've always though we were all that was left of our people" he says, as his eyes are near-riveted to Skyseeker.

She turns back, having been looking at Sigrid, "Well, after the Web failed, teh great war wound to a close, the Dark Prince was finally defeated, but at a dire cost....at the end, as much of the population of Jao as could manage fled....we settled in the southeast on the plains, near the Sun-Glory Hills, the gold-mining hold. We expanded the trademeet and fort there, greatly, up into the hills..and believed ourselves the last elves."

"Dark Prince? The Coming of Doom killed many, the stories say...very few who could work magic, and none of any great skill, survived the detonation. Most of the elders also died in the harsh struggle for bare survival, it is said. we live now amidst the ruins of our ancestors, but can onyl gaze in wonderment at their creations, unable to even comprehend how they managed such things. We lived in the wilds for near two thousand years before we could even safely return to Home, the stories say. And it is still dangerous...demons and vile creatures still lurk in the tunnels, and betimes rise up into Home, killing and destroying. Those who study magic seem to attract them. Folk who simply are born with talent, are not harried so. And any who show signs of the powers of this one" he gestures at Marrik, "are not merely killed, but all around them are slaughtered in the cruelest, most savage manner."

I blurt out, "How do they know who is studying magic? Can they sense it?"

Fear turning to anger, "The Unknowable cannot allow its faithful to be hunted for their study." One hand reaches down to caress the head of the mace on my hip. I gain strength from the holy symbol embossed there.

DarkRock turns from Vynarkus, "Those whose magic is intuitive, inherent, such as myself, or who are favored of the gods directly, like Starshine, are not hunted. But daily focused study, or prayer, those practicioners never live long. Some say that such indolence and wasted time merit divine judgment, our peoples thinking too much led to the Doom."

"I pray to my God every evening for my magic." I'm worried.

"So be it. Let these demons come." I glance at Skyseeker, "Will you and your friends help fend off whatever comes for me, as you fought with me against the dragon? These here seem resigned to this fate, and unwilling to help." You can tell my illusions of the local elves have been shattered, because my voice catches as I finish the last part.

Skyseeker spares Starshine a look of unbridled contempt, before turning again to Sigrid, "I, at least, will stand."

"How quickly do you expect to hear back from your superiors? You've caught us in the middle of a funeral, and..." I give a shudder of revulsion, "the food will be ready soon."

I move closer to Skyseeker. "Actually, we should probably go back into the cave anyway. There's nothing left outside for us, now." with a pointed stare at Starshine.

DarkRock hangs a minimum respectful distance back, clearly awaiting more word from Vynarkus.....but is disappointed.

Vistyai's group keeps to themselves, as you honor Beauregard's traditions.

.....

an hour passes

.....

The Ice Mephit returns, and chatters excitedly to DarkRock...

"It seems that while most of those at the gatewatch rejoiced at hearing of reconnecting with cousins, the Protector's grandchild feels that she must be a Dark Elf, as the followers of the Nameless One are the only elves outside of Home. They will be here to thoroughly investigate this in some five minutes."

Starshine looks incredulous..."But...I know what their thorough investigation entails...we don't deserve that...our families....our friends..we've done nothing wrong!"

the one they called "Bitch-Kissed" laughs loudly, "Cerana's whimsy is here! I know how often you've ranted about how stick-in-the-mud types have limited the Protector's investigations, their diligence in rooting out evils among us. How's it feel to be evil? I know, you're thinking, but I'm really innocent...how many of those led off in chains said that very same thing while you reveled in the "proof" of the Protector's righteousness?"

He visibly gathers himself. "I'm sure once I explain to them, they'll understand."

Vistyai says, "I feel we should flee. This is dire news, indeed." As Starshine walks off, muttering to himself, Kissed whispers, "I know where we can go. Maybe even get our families away before they're grabbed, if we hurry and talk to the right people."

DarkRock chimes in...."Schlee heard a phrase used I don't recognize...Jakual Rime-Striders...one of The Toad's sycophants cast a Message, the recipient was hailed as one of those...."

"'Jakual Rime-Striders'? How can that be? Those are Front Giant warriors... weren't we just now considering the human tribes to be evil for having an alliance with the same giants?" I think about what else was said. "Perhaps the humans are right to fear your kind, if even your loyalists fear reprisals to their families for the mere appearance of a transgression."

Turning to Skyseeker and the rest of the party, "I think it's time we left this place. Leave these fools to their own cultural decay." I head back into the cave to collect my mount and gear, and head out.

(ooc - 5min until the bad guys show up)

After 20 minutes of cooking, the meal is done. Laurel and Led serve it up solemnly and wait for the others. After a few minutes, Led asks, "Would you mind fetching the others? I'm not sure I can be civil towards those monsters yet."

Laurel nods, then heads out to bring the others in. Those partaking stand around the fire, with their dishes held before them. Laurel plays a short song of halfling origin, and everyone lowers their head for a moment of silence. Then in silence, the meal is consumed.

Led collects up the dishes, though is a bit distant from Skyseeker. He takes them over to the cleaning area and cleans them off. The others wander back outside to keep Sigrid company with the elves, leaving Led and Laurel alone in the cave.

Led gets out some of Barak's smoking herb and lights a little bit up. The two of them sit by the fire, Laurel curled up under one of Led's arms, just seeking comfort. Led stares off into the distance, watching the fire's light fail to illuminate the far walls of the cavern, lost in rememberances of their lost comrades.
---------------
Later, Sigrid comes rushing into the cave and heads towards her horse. Led and Laurel glance up at her, and Led asks "What's the matter?"

Sigrid shares the news of the impending authority, never stopping the act of throwing her saddle onto the horse and cinching it down.

Led mutters "Oh shit!" and rushes to his own mount to do the same, Laurel not far behind him, tending to both Garvin and Hardy.

Vynarkus groans at the loss of his hope of meeting similar good warlocks. Then he goes to load up his horse, and charge up Eldritch Armor, as he doubts they can fuly escape before the inspectors arrive.

Starshine insists on staying, certain he can explain the situation.

DarkRock subtly drops a small stone. As everyone leaves she whispers that it will enable her, and everyone around her, to listen and see what occurs. To obscure it's magical signature, she intentionally spills out a potion on the ground in the same spot.

Vistyai works to obscure your backtrail, to prevent being followed.

As you reach a few hundred yards distant, Darkrock gestures to a rock and ice formation, indicating to duck behind it.

As everyone does so, she activates the sensor stone.

Vistayi identifies those he recognizes...."There's Elloric, of the Protector's line. Greasy maggot. There's Windrunner, the loathsome toad. Starfall, WindDancer, MoonCatcher, and Songblade, too. All good warriors, disinclined to ask any questions, only slightly less certain of the Protector's rectitude than poor Starshine.. WhisperStar, now there's a surprise. He's young, idealistic."

Elloric's voice is deep, sinister, faintly mocking..."What happened? Where are they?" he asks Starshine.

"Sir, we aren't the last! There's an elf with them! The Doom didn't kill everyone, they forged a new home."

A rueful head shake..."She's a Dark Elf....one of those whose corruption brought the Doom. She lied, in every word, seeking to trick you...and clearly she has. If we believe this and reduce our vigilance in the slightest, the humans and their vile allies will leap upon the chance to finish the last of the elves who walk in the light.

"No, all the lore says the Fallen are recognizable. the taint on their souls seeps through to their skin. And hers is unblemished. She was joyful to see us, her people had thought they were the last of the elves."

WhisperStar utters a prayer to Serloth, for truth.

A faint thudding sound is audible, through the sensor. Windrunner, as Vistyai dubbed him, looks nervous. Elloric looks disgustedly at him. "You called, didn't you? Now we're going to have a mess to clean up."

A group of humans come into view....five of them...accompanied by a Frost Giant!

Elloric speaks to them in a language you don't immediately recognize. One of the humans responds in the same harsh tongue.

Starshine looks utterly aghast..."You're...you're......"

Elloric smiles, looking positively diabolic. "Yes. I am." WhisperStar starts to draw his sword, but the others restrain him. "Starshine, WhisperStar....we had such hopes for you. But, you have simply heard and seen too much, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Don't worry, you'll be lauded as heroes for your bravery fighting the Dark Elf, her companions, some human savages, and a giant." Whisperstar is pushed out, the giant quickly swinging a huge hammer, crushing him to a pulp. Starshine tries to run....Elloric holds up an imperious hand, preventing anyone from using a bow. He then makes a gesture rather familiar....before a stream of energy pours from his hand to Starshine....he screams, as the energy manifests as some form of vitriol. It takes but a few seconds, and he is reduced to a bubbling noisome stain.

He now converses with the apparent leader of the humans in Fruspak.

/ooc--PMs to Sigrid and Vynarkus incoming.