Silvanost - After the Council Meeting

26 Gildember 348 AC

Curious about the sensation he felt when researching Takhisis, Ra’ziir ponders returning to the Tower at Wayreth to consult with the Order of the Black Robes. He ultimately thinks better of it and instead concludes that the wizards there will likely offer little insight into the divine. 

Shadow leaves the Council chamber silently and claims Cassidy from the guards before they leave the Hall. Once he finds the little scamp, he says, “Nice try on the disguise but you really need to learn a bit of magic or actual tradecraft. But I got to give you props for trying.”

Cassidy laughs, "I thought that my thespian skills served me quite well. It stinks that Ornie got in trouble with those elves though."

Shadow nods, “Let’s go see what the low folks have heard.” Using the story of the skirmish with the dragonmen as an opener in taverns and restaurants, merchant stalls and back alley "fell out of a wagon" types, he hopes to spark a conversation that will glean insights into the mindset of other traders and merchants, knowing they will get wild tales and hoping a nugget of truth can be found.

The dark elf expects to be able to sniff out the more rougish types but, almost unbelievably, finds very little to indicate that they even exist. There is no black market to speak of, very few goods from territories outside of the kingdom aside from an odd trinket here and there and most of those turn out to be heirlooms from before the Cataclysm.

The dark elf, the kender, and separately, Ra'ziir drop coins and make purchases to get merchant tongues wagging and learn that public opinion is generally favorable towards Ornforithalas, with many thinking "better safe than sorry" when it comes to the Dragonarmies but, almost without fail, the Silvanesti they talk to consider them a minimal or far-off threat, a motley assortment of humans and goblins that would be easily overwhelmed by the elves' innate superiority.

Shadow is a bit at a loss for words after the lackluster results of their encounters.  “Come on, these elves are not going to be ready for what is ahead of them. Let’s go find the others and decide how to get out of this mess. You got any folks you want to warn to head for the hills or wherever folks go around here?” He looks at Cassidy and says “Seriously my little friend, you should consider taking your leave.”

The Kender shakes his head. "I'm good. Most of my family is back in Kendermore and I feel bad for anything that tries to mess with my Aunt Petunia."

“That’s the fire in your belly from being mistreated and being too tough to be scared. Well, let’s go save these fools so Aunt Petunia doesn’t have to help too!”

Kysek rises as the Council is adjourned. “War will soon be upon you whether you wish it or not. Your lack of willingness to accept this inevitable fate could prove to be your downfall. Your enemies move in secret, board your vessels, and prepare without your knowledge. If you don’t start the preparations you say are going to take time. Your lands will end up decimated. Should you live through it; it may well prove worse than what you’ve already experienced.” Kysek states boldly. He turns to Ornforithalas, places his right hand on his shoulder, “I’m sorry, my friend. I wish we could have done more.” The elf turns and exits the chamber. “These people have no idea what they are doing," he states under his breath as he passes his companions on the way out.

Ornforithalas shrugs. "Elamyar has had it in for me ever since I married his sister. He would have rather she wed another wizard to preserve their family's magical bloodline."

Arthur pushes himself from the wall gritting his teeth and meet up with Raven and the others. "Why do I have a feeling war is coming sooner than we think"

"Because, you, unlike the Elven Council, have eyes that can see." Raven pays little attention to the remaining exchanges between councilors, already certain of how the meeting will turn out. He remembers the wide and smooth walking paths and the manicured forests devoid of undergrowth or concealing foliage and shudders at the thought of having to defend such a vulnerable, curated land. He begins trying to think about how it could be done anyway, if magic-wielding elves and archers could be formed into cohesive units to repel invaders.

He also considers enemy supply chains - probably maritime based, that could be disrupted by elven ships, giving him a excuse to seek out and speak with Councilor Summerwalker.

Romulus gives Macula free reign to wander as he will and allows his mind to drift. Why did Odin send the party to this world and this time? What are they supposed to do here? There is obviously a war coming, even if the elven leaders refuse to publicly accept it. He resolves to complete the repairs to Raven's bracers before the fighting begins. He finally turns the snow cat back toward Lorraine's and gives him a soft kick with his heels, heading toward what currently passes as "home" for the group.

Eventually, the party members, singly or in pairs, make their way back to Lorraine's. All of them have reached the same conclusion - the elves are at war and don't know it. 

Grotto finally bursts with exasperation, "If these people don't wish to defend themselves, then why should should we?"

Raven looks over at Lorraine, Alara, Agnes and Ornforithalas, out of uniform for the first time since they met him, and then back to Grotto and replies, "Because it is the right thing to do."