Silvanost - Lorraine's Offer and the Council Meeting
22 Gildember 348 AC
Grotto blushes and smiles at the request. "I am flattered that you think so highly of me and my skill. I would love to teach generations the ways of a healer. The only drawback to this offer is that i am unable to commune with my god, Hanseath. I made a pledge to him when my life was saved from misery and torment through his works. Also, how would a dwarf be accepted leading such a prestigious post here in this place of elves? You are the only one here to make me feel welcome." Grotto says sadly, his words trailing off to his thoughts of loneliness.
"I have not had communion with my god in 348 years. You have the skill and the knowledge to be a fine successor. In time, those would be recognized and accepted by my people. I would ask you to think on this matter some more.'
Grotto nods slowly. His face can't hide his feelings of confusion behind his eyes. Grotto, the great healer, has often felt conflict that his god is the great Dwarven good of War. How can a healer pray for war and destruction, Grotto often wonders. Grotto takes a long pull from their shared flask. His heart beats heavy in his chest as if he was about to enter battle. He rises to his feet. The short dwarf looking eye to eye with the seated elf. He reaches out his hand and places it in her shoulder. "From one healer to another, you have my word that I will give this request careful thought and contemplation. This request will change the trajectory of my life and should not be answered in haste." Grotto lowers his gaze and bows respectfully to a healer he knows could be a great friend and mentor. "For now, let me join my friends to hear what the council can share." With that, Grotto smiles the warmest smile he can create on his scarred and twisted face. He walks slowly through town to join the others. He only half cares what the council has to say at this point. He only ever thought he would lead his life of war serving his beloved Hanseath. Grotto has a chance to choose life over death. It is a choice that was always once so clear but now brings a haze to his mind.
Cassidy's face splits with a wide grin when he sees the targets that Raven has set up. He turns to Shadow, "Can we practice on those?" The kender jumps up and down with excitement.
“Yes, I suppose we can.” A rare smile come across Shadow’s face as he thinks of the Elves watching this play out but he is determined to help his charge learn to use the Drow crossbow. “Oh, Raven, you think we could take a turn on the course when you are done?”
The elf swings down from his borrowed pony, "Absolutely. I need to return Lorraine's pony and brush him down. I would start your little friend off with a two-handed stance, feet shoulder-width apart, one slightly ahead of the other, shooting hand extended with his other underneath for support. Squeeze, don't jerk the trigger. And breathe. Take your time. Speed comes with repetition."
“Well, you heard him. And let’s try to have some fun with it,” Shadow says.
Kysek reveals to his companions what his thoughts are in regard to the lizard folk.
While still researching, Ra’ziir will focus on this Lord Soth and seek to determine any clues as to why he would have forsaken his oath and turned from his quest.
Soth was a Knight of the Rose, the most esteemed rank of knight in the Knights of Solamnia, and married. While on a trip, he encountered a band of ogres attacking elven priestesses. Soth fell in love with one, Isolde and entered into an affair with her. Meanwhile, Soth's wife had visited a witch to help her conceive a child; the witch agreed, but warned that the child would be a representation of Soth's soul.
Soth's wife eventually gave birth to a deformed child. Fearing that his wife must have consorted with some kind of demon, he killed her and their child. Soth was arrested after his wife's lady-in-waiting revealed that his elven lover was pregnant. Soth's lie about his wife and child passing in childbirth was revealed by the midwife who had attended the birth. Before he could be executed, Soth escaped back to Dargaard Keep.
Other Solamnic Knights pursued and laid siege to his castle. Tormented, Soth prayed to Paladine and Isolde prayed to Mishakal for guidance. The gods told them that Soth could prevent the coming Cataclysm but that he would die in doing so. Soth immediately rode out, bound for Istar but on the way, he encountered three elf-women who told him that Isolde was unfaithful to him.
Enraged, he rode back to his keep and confronted her just as the gods hurled down the flaming mountain upon the Kingpriest and his city. Isolde and her newborn son were struck by a falling chandelier. She cried out for help but Soth did nothing as they burned. As she died, Isolde cursed him, to live the lifetime of every soul that he had caused to perish that day. Flames consumed the keep. Soth died but rose as a death knight and his followers became skeleton warriors. It is said that if one passes closely enough to the ruined keep, they can hear three banshees singing the ballad of Soth's fall to remind him of his sins every night.
26 Gildember 348 AC
Raven, never one to be interested in politics, initially states that he will not be attending the Council meeting. Romulus intervenes, reminding him that of those present only he and Ra'ziir have ever led troops into battle. Once he sees the blond sailing girl, he sits up straighter in his seat and smooths his shirt, in an effort to appear more presentable.
As Raz accompanies the others to the council, he waits for the formalities to commence quietly while pondering what he’s learned of the local lore and history.
In the council chambers, Grotto waits patiently for word from the town leaders.
Kysek attends the meeting; Bubo perched upon his left shoulder resting in the light of day. The elf for the most part stays quiet and lets Ornforithalas speak as it is his land not ours. During the meeting he only interjects if asked direct questions or if he feels he must interject.
Arthur makes his way to the council meeting with the others and stands at the back keeping an eye on everyone
Cuinar calls the meeting to order with a sharp rap of his gavel. "Councilman Dilla, you may begin."
The large, muscular elf, Adfaren Dilla, youngest of the Council and a mason by trade, leans forward. He pauses, "Captain Ornforithalas, in your report, you say that you traveled to both Alinesti and Kurinost before following the coast south in pursuit of evidence of a goblinoid invasion that our non-aggression pact with Lord Ariakas is meant to prevent, with these outsiders? Additionally, you state that two of your scouts were killed in a skirmish with lizardmen of an unknown origin?"
The red-robed wizard, Elamyar Dawnbreeze, rises, adding, "And you are aware that this unauthorized mission could be construed as an act of war on Our part?"
The blond sailor leaps to her feet, "Minotaurs are boarding our vessels in the Bay! THAT is an act of war! Searching for contraband, my @$$!"
The elven councilwoman with the scarred face rises, "Councilor Summerwalker, you have not been recognized by the Coincil. Sit and wait your turn."
The sailor rounds on her, "Oh, Hell no, Daebella, you do not chastise me for speaking out of turn when Elamyar just did the same thing! My point is valid!"
The ancient elf in the center of the dais raps his gavel once, drawing instant silence from his fellow councilmen, "Eilra is correct, Councilor Rainbrook. You do not shush her and spare Elamyar. All three of you are out of order. Now, sit."
The three elves not recognized take their seats, varying degrees of anger and embarrassment on their faces. Adfaren, you may continue."
The mason nods, "Yes, sir. "Captain, are you aware that this unauthorized mission could be construed as an act of war on Our part?"
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