Quiet Before the Storm (Part Two)

27 Gildember thru 27 Darkember 348 AC

At the Tower of High Sorcery, all three wizards study in the library, with each adding spells to their repertoire. Ra’ziir spends some time in the surrounding Forest of Wayreth, practicing with a recently acquired item to assess its abilities and limitations.

Shadow will wait for an opportunity to speak with Lady Ladonna.  He will ask her to take a look at “an item I acquired many years ago from its original owner who ... died suddenly.” He presents a Black Robe of the Archmagi to her. “I was wondering what your Order may have collecting dust or riding around in a bag of holding that would be of interest to me. “Black is my natural color but I like my robes with a bit of pop to them.”

Ladonna raises one eyebrow, "I am sure we can arrange a suitable exchange."

“Wonderful! Let’s make a deal.”

The two wizards retreat to a private chamber for a haggling session that results in Shadow trading the potent robe for a magical protective ring and a pair of enchanted gloves.

Back in the elven capital, Cedron helps the healers prepare for the onslaught of winter, a chore he is most familiar with, having had to help the local villagers in Aquilonia when he was a boy. 

Grotto oversees the healers, only deferring to orders Lorraine gives. He remembers the famines of the Grimmlands in the harsh winter when supplies run out.

Inspecting the cellars he quips about the supplies, "Potatoes will save your life when in a bind", he says to those gathering the tubers. "Ahh, potatoes", Grotto reminisces, "Po-Ta-Toes! Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew! Good ballast for an empty belly!"

Grotto tours the hospital to each station ensuring everything is well. He looks to Lorraine and says, "We will be ready for all the enemy unleashes!"

Arthur continues to offer his aid to Lady Agnes, asking her questions, attempting to learn more not only about her but this world in whole. She reveals that she has only been in Silvanost for a short time, having spent much of her early life with six brothers of her own, three older and three younger. She in particular
has always had a love of history, which is what brought her to study in Silvanesti and the libraries of the elves. In turn, she asks about his family, the places he has been, the scar on his face, listening with intense focus, as if she is trying to memorize every word.

Kysek informs Ornforithalas that he will accompany him to his meeting with the council if permitted. He says to him, “It looks like you have preparations well in order. Raven is working with Summerwalker to prepare for what may come from the sea.“ The gold elf then takes his leave. As he exits; he casts mending on the broken windows. “Winter is coming; I won’t have my friends freeze," he states as the windows are repaired.

Ornforithalas' meetings with the Council only last for a few days since, aside from the unauthorized trip to Balifor Bay, there is nothing that they can hold against him.

Cedron varies his routine with daily visits to the Tree of Progress for prayer and assisting Raven and Eilra with the training vessel. “One must always continue to learn.“ He tells himself, “There’s no telling when sailing skills will come in handy.”

On the other hand, Raven's schedule remains the same as he develops a routine. Rise early and train, focusing primarily on leg-strengthening exercises and sprints. After a short breakfast, he heads down to the docks where he takes charge of Eilra's crew and leads them to a warehouse. Within are several barrels, all laid on their sides, with long planks across them. One sailor climbs to each end of the straddling plank while the remainder push up and pull down on the planks to simulate the rolling deck of a ship. Then, the sailors on top of the planks duel. Cedron, on the days he attends training, excels at dueling, easily besting every sailor he faces.

After the morning training session, Raven meets with Councilor Summerwalker while she is on break from Ornforithalas' hearing for lunch. This is followed by an afternoon training session for the sailors, this one focused on sail-handling, navigation, and watch standing. Knots, anchoring, the launching and recovery of boats, and cargo handling each receive special attention.

Raven normally returns to Lorraine's by evening and borrows her pony for mounted archery training. He finishes with either a cold dinner or goes to dine with Eilra again before returning home in an attempt to Reverie.