[Continued] - Lug/A Rescue Mission - 28 April, 1 VC

[Zhym]

As long as Xavros seems to be in a conversational mood, Lug asks if he knows anything of the tree spirit that gave him a lock of her hair (for a loose definition of the word "gave") and if such hair has value beyond that of a memento.

[Keehnelf]

Xavro looks puzzled. "Yes, the Dryad of the Crystalline Pool. I know her well. I am not in the habit of considering gifts as things that are to be 'used', so I am not sure how to answer your question. It is an object of great significance, and power, as a freely-given token from a magical creature. I imagine if you would like to do something with it, many things are possible. What would you like to..do with it?"

[Zhym]

"I dunno if I want to do anything with it," says Lug. "I wouldn't know where to begin if I did. I was just wondering if the hair had any special properties. Is it magic? I mean, it'd be cool if it protected me against something, or made me invisible to jealous husbands, or something like that."

[Keehnelf]

"It's a piece of a magical creature, so yes, it is magical. Its properties are likely to be quite subtle in the way you intend--from your example, perhaps too subtle for you to appreciate." He smiles indulgently. "Perhaps it is better to say that it is not magical, and leave it at that."

[Zhym]

Lug frowns and scratches his head. "It's magical, but not magical, and subtle," says Lug, repeating but not understanding. "Um...okay. Guess I still don't know what to make of this stuff. It isn't dangerous, is it?"

[Zorroroaster]

Marge sits and listens to the various threads of conversation with a bemused expression on her face. She rests easy with her broad back against one of the jarban trees, her fingers entwined in the fur on the scruff of Dog's neck.

She can think of no question to ask the centaur, nor has anything to add to the dialog already under way. She is at peace, content to sit in repose amongst the natural beauty of the glade.

[MonkeyWrench]

With the conversations turning to spirits Valorei again speaks up when a lull in conversation permits it, "To the Southwest there is a spirit... trapped in a tree, cursed there by a mad druid... Do you know of this spirit? Long ago an elven prince swore to restore the spirit, freeing it from a life of constant pain and torture."

[Keehnelf]

BTW, in case it's a MW confusion and not a Valorei one, the Carkiss is roughly south-southwest from here.

[Keehnelf]

Xavro seems suddenly inclined toward enigmas, at least from Lug's perspective. "Dangerous? Yes, extremely dangerous. But you have weathered the worst of it."

[Zhym]

"Remind me never to get into a game of riddles with you," laughs Lug.

"As fun as this is," he says in a more serous tone, "We really should be planning the rescue. Xavro, would your sources be able to tell us when Gruuk-Darak has left the orc hole?"

[MonkeyWrench]

BTW, in case it's a MW confusion and not a Valorei one, the Carkiss is roughly south-southwest from here.

Yeah, that's MW confusion. Corrected my post.

[Keehnelf]

Xavro shakes his head. "There is no guarantee. I have asked the animals of the wild to bring word to me when they see the party, but their attentions are often elsewhere and they cannot be compelled to perform a duty like this. We might get word if they depart again, or we may not--or we may get word, but only when they are returning."

[Keehnelf]

Xavro sighs. "It is unfortunate, but both Mangore and the elves of the east engaged in less-than-prudent tampering with the spirits of the plants and animals of these lands during their time. I cannot be sure if that sad thing is the result of the druid's work or the elves', but it is unfortunate. I regret only that a tree of that size has no natural predator to end its immense suffering."

[MonkeyWrench]

Valorei nods his head to the centaur, his face solemn. "I was told that the Elven princes of old knew of magics that could release the spirit. I met the gryphons in search of these elves honestly. I was told that the elves that remained were much changed, twisted and corrupted. My intent now is to search what records and places they have left standing in search of such a method, but having met you, is such a thing possible? How do I end the suffering of the spirit? I gave my word..."

[Keehnelf]

Xavro nods. "Such a thing is certainly possible. It is not a thing I would do, but it is possible. And if anyone would have the capacity to do it, the elves of old would, though in all frankness, for your own safety and that of the land, I would advise against it."

[MonkeyWrench]

Valorei looks at the Centaur in confusion, "Why? What good is there in letting the spirit remain shackled and in pain?"

[Keehnelf]

Xavro makes a kind of apologetic smile. "In all things, the good of interference must be weighed against the dangers of unexpected impact. It is hard to say without closer understanding what might occur should the spirit of the Carkiss be sent back to slumber. It may be that that maddened spirit is only shackled to the tree by fell magics and would roam freely, without container, if such a thing happened. Or, it may be that the Carkiss' current state prevents other, worse calamities from befalling the residents of this land. The path of the druid is a difficult one, but the first principle is: do no harm. And this extends to all things, taken in the context of the whole of life and existence. This is why the meddling of Mangore and the elves with the spirits of living things is abhorrent to me--it alters the basic shape of things according to the wielder of that power's whim, with no thought for the consequences."

[Dram]

Baxtaw listen carefully to the conversation between the Centuar and Volrei. That is not the usual nature of elves to interfere with the spirits of the plants and animals. Did this occur after they were twisted or did this cause them to become twisted?

[Keehnelf]

Xavro nods thoughtfully at Dram's question. He ponders for a long time and then nods once more. "Yes, I believe so." He responds.

[Zhym]

"About that door with three locks," asks Lug. "How will we know one of the door if we see it? Should we just avoid any door that has three locks? And I don't suppose you'd know where we could find the key?"