Barduk & Fort Critwall

[Hotgoblin]

He see this reptilian show affection towards the small human and lowers his bow. Muldgarr of the Sylvan Elves, he bows ...circumstances have led us to meet in an aberrant way! This may not be the most appropriate place to discuss our situation! He looks at the others and then back to the lizard man.

[1d20]=9 vs Intelligence (13)

[hedgeknight]

When your group lowers their weapons, and you speak calmly to Jeremiah, he relaxes visibly.
"Jeremiah is easier for humansss to say than my real name. My friend, Jetero, actually came up with it. Thisss munchkin is Sarah Jean and I'm tempted to feed her to your owl!"
Sarah Jean squeals and giggles and hugs Jeremiah's neck tighter. He untangles himself from her and sets her on the ground. "Follow me."

Taking Sarah Jean's hand in his own, Jeremiah leads you down an almost invisible trail on the opposite side of the nearby road. You soon come upon a log cabin, virtually unnoticeable behind a thorny wall of brush. A narrow strip of land separates the cabin from its camouflage. Once inside, you see a small fire light the cabin's interior from the hearth on the wall opposite the door. Near the fireplace, a woman in a light green gown smiles at Jeremiah, and then nods at you. "I am Alexia. Welcome to our home."

Alexia.png (380.25 KiB) Viewed 656 times

Sarah Jean rushes off toward the woman, but soon you see several other children quickly pop their heads out of hiding. They eye you cautiously for a moment, then head over to the young girl to excitedly pepper her with questions about you and her adventure in the woods.
Jeremiah smiles at the children and then motions you toward a few benches. "Pleassse take a seat," he says. He then looks to Adelphocles. "My apologiesss...I'm afraid the cabin will not be comfortable for you. Do you mind standing in the door?"

Then to the entire group, Jeremiah says, "I need to ask you some questionsss about why you are looking for me. Who sent you?"

[Bluehorse]

...You soon come upon a log cabin, virtually unnoticeable behind a thorny wall of brush. A narrow strip of land separates the cabin from its camouflage....a woman in a light green gown smiles at Jeremiah, and then nods at you. "I am Alexia. Welcome to our home."

Adelphocles looks at the cleaver fortification with a nod of approval. This took some work... it is not easy to coax the wild brambles into such intricate shape and purpose. Skill hands have crafted them this way.

Sarah Jean rushes off toward the woman, but soon you see several other children quickly pop their heads out of hiding. They eye you cautiously for a moment, then head over to the young girl to excitedly pepper her with questions about you and her adventure in the woods.
Jeremiah smiles at the children and then motions you toward a few benches. "Pleassse take a seat," he says. He then looks to Adelphocles. "My apologiesss...I'm afraid the cabin will not be comfortable for you. Do you mind standing in the door?"

Then to the entire group, Jeremiah says, "I need to ask you some questionsss about why you are looking for me. Who sent you?"

Adelphocles bows to Alexia from the door. Well met, Lady Alexia. I am called Adelphocles of Silvertree. I see you and would hear your words.

Turning to the Lizardman, the centaur nods with an understanding smile. Friend Jeremiah, thank you. Such is the curse of those like you and I who move in foreign lands, but do not worry. I have spent many a day with the sun on my flanks and the rain and wind in my hair. I am quite happy to attend outside the door, but your consideration is appreciated.

[OGRE MAGE]

Looking around nervously, Montego eventually enters the cabin and sits down. Seeing the other children appear, he looks to the woman quizzically.

"Greetings Alexia. I am called Montego, a ranger of the northern wood, and soldier now, I suppose. All these children, are they yours? The two of you must keep very busy hours indeed." He smirks.

After the question from Jeremiah, the ranger thinks to let the others who remembered the details do the talking, but throws in a tidbit of his own.

"Does the name Krayquer mean anything to either of you?"

[ChubbyPixie]

Kranston looks around at the situation: a lizard man, a nymph, a cabin full of children and them on a spy mission. He frowns.

"This is a bit over the top. How will I fit all this into a verse about our travels? It's not really believable," he says.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

He takes the offered bench from Jeremiah, smiling at the children scurrying about. Cassius nods warmly at the Lady, wary of such a creature.

"Right. We were sent to find you by Jetero. We've been travelling with him." He grins at the lizardman. "Now my turn. How do you know Jetero?"

[Bluehorse]

"This is a bit over the top. How will I fit all this into a verse about our travels? It's not really believable," he says.

Adelphocles blinks and looks to the dwarf with amusement and a little confusion. What is over the top about a couple raising a home of orphans? This is a beautiful and noble circumstance.

[Hotgoblin]

He nods to Alexia, Good day maiden of the woods and Jeremiah, thank you for your hospitality. I’m Muldgarr, of the Sylvan elves. He nods and remains close to the door and keeps an eye out the window.

[OGRE MAGE]

Julie's initial reply was going to be.....

"Alexia, play The Trees, by Rush."

[Bluehorse]

Julie's initial reply was going to be.....

"Alexia, play The Trees, by Rush."

I've been resisting that joke!

[hedgeknight]

Little Cabin in the Woods...

Introductions are made and Alexia chuckles at Montego's question about the children.
"Orphans of war, I'm afraid. But for now, I consider all of these little scoundrels my own."
She grabs a boy and squeezes him, kissing his cheek. He breaks away and rubs away "the kiss" with a look of disgust on his face...but he can't hide his smile or the look of love in his eyes for his adoptive mother.

"Would you like something to eat? We also have fresh coffee and wine. Muldgarr? Montego? Adelphocleas? Anyone?" Her brown eyes take in the others, Cassius, Sai, and Kranston.
The smells of pancakes and perhaps ham, along with the sweetness of syrup are in the air. The children look to have already eaten, and are growing more curious of the visitors to their home.

Jeremiah offers a hand to Adelphocles.
"I am honored to have you in my home, warrior of Silvertree. Or in the door of my home."
The lizardman gives a clacking sound, perhaps of amusement at his comment, but his grip is strong and he nods his appreciation of Adelphocles' presence.
"And I am honored to know the ressst of you and have you in my home. Jetero and I have been friendsss since the end of the war. We've kept one another informed of the Old One'sss forces ever since."

He then looks at Cassius. "But one thing I ssstill do not know > why did you seek me out? Hasss something happened to Jetero? Do you have a messssage for me?"

Then Montego asks about Krayquer. Jeremiah is silent for almost a minute.
"I work for Count Jakartai of Greatwall as a ssscout and special agent. My ability to travel underwater allowsss me to infiltrate enemy defensesss. During the war...I secretly helped Furyondy and made several friendsss."
He glances toward Alexia who is busy with one of the children. A shy little boy who stands behind her, watching you from her shadow.
"I have heard of Captain Krayquer. He seemsss to be an angry human...erm...man. Sometimesss Krayquer runsss missionsss to me. He knowsss the area well.
"Now, I report to Captain Reidell at Fort Critwall. Alexia's hawk relaysss messagesss back and forth."

While Jeremiah is talking, the children become more bold and curious about two of the visitors to their home: Kranston and Adelphocles. Two boys, twins, who are carrying sticks, stride up to Adelphocles. They look the centaur up and down, eyes wide when they see his weapons, and then one of them says, "Me and my brother are going to be warriors when we grow up! We're gonna fight for Furrydee! Ain't we, Mattie?"

The other children, a boy and two girls, coaxed by Sarah Jean, approach Kranston. Sarah Jean is about to speak, when the boy blurts out, "I want a puppy for Needfest."
Alexia covers her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Sarah Jean scowls at the boy, "Gregory! We don't know...I mean...we're not sure..." she looks at Kranston with a puzzled look on her freckled-face. "Are you...Vulridir Klaus?" (Dwarven translation: Father Klaus...Santa?)
The other two girls immediately pipe in. "I want a dolly with a blue eyes." "And I want a pretty new dress with flowers on it."

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr drifts off to the sweet smell of syrup and pancake...it reminds him of his childhood and the way his mother would say, “Breakfast is ready”...he snaps back to reality and looks around the room. Alexia, this home is warm and inviting, you have changed these small human’s lives for the better and I would love a cup of coffee!

[hedgeknight]

Muldgarr... Alexia, this home is warm and inviting, you have changed these small human’s lives for the better and I would love a cup of coffee!

"Thank you sir, a cup coming right up. Do you take cream? Honey?"

Alexia brings Muldgarr a steaming mug of coffee and pulls up a chair beside him. She sits and sips quietly for a moment and then in Elvish, she says:
Sal linta va ent hin va, Muldgarr.
Sen kar va Wuthen nae sehan bren ya?
Muldgarr:

I see you and hear you, Muldgarr. What do you seek to walk this path?

[Bluehorse]

"Would you like something to eat? We also have fresh coffee and wine. Muldgarr? Montego? Adelphocleas? Anyone?" Her brown eyes take in the others, Cassius, Sai, and Kranston.
The smells of pancakes and perhaps ham, along with the sweetness of syrup are in the air. The children look to have already eaten, and are growing more curious of the visitors to their home.

Adelphocleas took a smell of the air. It certainly smelled good. It smells amazing, Lady Alexa... What is it?

Jeremiah offers a hand to Adelphocles.
"I am honored to have you in my home, warrior of Silvertree. Or in the door of my home."
The lizardman gives a clacking sound, perhaps of amusement at his comment, but his grip is strong and he nods his appreciation of Adelphocles' presence.
"And I am honored to know the ressst of you and have you in my home. Jetero and I have been friendsss since the end of the war. We've kept one another informed of the Old One'sss forces ever since."

Adelphocleas returned the grip and nodded to Jeremiah. Thank you for having us. Who are the Old Ones you speak of?

While Jeremiah is talking, the children become more bold and curious about two of the visitors to their home: Kranston and Adelphocles. Two boys, twins, who are carrying sticks, stride up to Adelphocles. They look the centaur up and down, eyes wide when they see his weapons, and then one of them says, "Me and my brother are going to be warriors when we grow up! We're gonna fight for Furrydee! Ain't we, Mattie?"

Adelphocleas grins at the young boys. Oh, you are? Tell me... are you able to keep a promise?

[Darklin2]

Sai

Seeing the children at home. Digs in his pack and hands a pound bag of Rock Candy to Alexia. Share this with all the children, they will enjoy this much more than I will.

He turns back to the Lizardman.

Jeremiah, we have brought you this small notebook that carries Jetero's notes from our trip up the trade route to this point. Here it is yours to return to the Count and fill him in on the goings on. Jetero is worried that the information needs to get back because there is a traitor in some where in his command.

[Hotgoblin]

Thank you sir, a cup coming right up. Do you take cream? Honey?"

Alexia brings Muldgarr a steaming mug of coffee and pulls up a chair beside him. She sits and sips quietly for a moment and then in Elvish, she says:
Sal linta va ent hin va, Muldgarr.
Sen kar va Wuthen nae sehan bren ya?

I see you and hear you, Muldgarr. What do you seek to walk this path?

Muldgarr replies, Yes, both please... he puts his head down and quietly responds with, My sister... I seek my twin sister, she had gone missing...we have a strong connection and I feel she is still alive!

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego eats and drinks his fill, nodding his approval and grunting softly over the things he enjoys the most. Still, the huge ranger seems somewhat uncomfortable with all the children present. He plays peek-a-boo and mean face with any who get too close, but otherwise tries to listen intently to what is being discussed around the room.

"We have reason to believe that this Krayquer you know might be a saboteur of sorts. We know for a fact that he wasn't being honest with us when we initially set out on this mission."

[ChubbyPixie]

Kranston regards the two girls steadily for a moment, then says, "Yes."

He gives them each a silver piece.

"Er... Merry Dwarfs Day."

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Content to fade into the background, the wiry elf busies himself with tending to his bow.

"Jetero is fine, for now. He thinks he is being watched, and so didn't think he could deliver this himself. His brother was ambushed and killed, Jetero believes it was meant for him."

[hedgeknight]

Muldgarr replies, Yes, both please... he puts his head down and quietly responds with, My sister... I seek my twin sister, she had gone missing...we have a strong connection and I feel she is still alive!

"What is her name? Does she look exactly like you? I've heard most twins have a mystical connection; John and Mathew certainly do. Have you tried to...erm, 'feel' her lately?"

Adelphocleas returned the grip and nodded to Jeremiah. Thank you for having us. Who are the Old Ones you speak of?

Jeremiah cocks his head slightly and says, "The Old One across the river, the demi-god Iuz. He and his demonic mother of witchesss, Iggwilv."

Adelphocleas took a smell of the air. It certainly smelled good. It smells amazing, Lady Alexa... What is it?

In reply, Alexia calls for Sarah Jean and asks her to pour Adelphocleas a cup of coffee with some cream and a maybe a drop of honey. The young girl does as asked, even though she wants to stay and hear if the Dwarf is really the bringer of gifts, and takes the coffee to the centuar...which she had never seen before today. She ignores the brothers standing there and hurries over to the other kids.

Adelphocleas grins at the young boys. Oh, you are? Tell me... are you able to keep a promise?

"Boy, I'd say we are, ain't we Mattie?"
The boy named Mattie nods vigorously, looking up at Adelphocleas with childish amazement.

Nearby...the two girls and the boy await Kranston's confirmation that he is indeed Father Klaus.
Kranston regards the two girls steadily for a moment, then says, "Yes."
He gives them each a silver piece.
"Er... Merry Dwarfs Day."
The children frown at one another and the boy abruptly holds out a hand...and then gives Kranston's beard a surprise tug.
"Gregory! What in the world are you doing?" Sara Jean says, scolding him.
"Just wanted to prove it was a real beard is all," Gregory says, stepping back behind the girls.
Sara Jean looks at Kranston and says, "I'm sorry, we just thought..."

And at about that time, Sai hands Alexia a large bag of candy to pass out to the children...and Kranston is forgotten as they swarm her and Muldgarr. One of the girls stuffs a piece of rock candy in her mouth and looks up at Sai as he walks over to Jeremiah and Montego. She then looks at Muldgarr and grins and points at Sai. "Could he be Father Klaus?"

Sai approaches the lizardman.
Jeremiah, we have brought you this small notebook that carries Jetero's notes from our trip up the trade route to this point. Here it is yours to return to the Count and fill him in on the goings on. Jetero is worried that the information needs to get back because there is a traitor in some where in his command.
"We have reason to believe that this Krayquer you know might be a saboteur of sorts. We know for a fact that he wasn't being honest with us when we initially set out on this mission." Montego chimes in.
Jeremiah begins reading the journal, quickly flipping through pages, going back and forth at times, mumbling to himself as he reads, his eyes scanning the pages. He soon closes the book and looks up at Sai and Montego.
"Unfortunately, I believe Jetero'sss conclusionsss are correct. I cannot think of any other reason for orcsss to take suppliesss into Furyondy, other that to stock a fortresss within. And I agree, there seemsss to be a traitor in our ranksss. You think it Krayquer? I don't doubt it."

Cassius busies himself with tending to his bow, but then pipes in. "Jetero is fine, for now. He thinks he is being watched, and so didn't think he could deliver this himself. His brother was ambushed and killed, Jetero believes it was meant for him."
Jeremiah hisses and stands up, the spines along his neck and back move up and down, demonstrating his feelings. "Krayquer! Could he have arranged the ambusssh? My poor friend, Jetero. I never met hisss twin, but I heard he too wasss a good man."
Suddenly, the boy who has remained in the shadows most of the time or hiding behind the furniture, steps up to Jeremiah. His voice is quiet as he interrupts. "Mr. Iggy, are you talking about the scar-faced man who meets with the pig men? I saw him give them a book just like that." He points at Jetero's notebook.
"I know the pig-men is bad," he adds, looking down at his shoes, "but I didn't want to say nuthin' 'cause I thought you might get mad at my leavesdropping."