Cedron and Raven - Arrival at the Sugar Plum Lodge

08 Newkolt 349 AC

After Cedron tells Raven what he knows about Lord Hamish, the Sugar Plum Faerie rises, "If what this 'Hamish' says is true, I can't waste any time. Our friends must be retrieved. I will go into Faerie, track them down, and return as quickly as possible."

“I will go with you.” Cedron says to Raven. “As lovely as the ambience of this warehouse may be, I need to stretch my legs. Besides these faerie folk seem to appreciate a good ballad.”

Raven places a hand on Cedron’s shoulder. "Cedron, thank you for coming withnl me. My place is on the battlefield, I have no talent for politics or the scheming of fey. So, the sooner we leave, the better. There is no telling what Ellessandra is doing to our companions even as we speak."

"Place your hand upon my shoulder. Do not let go." Raven closes his eyes and concentrates, a sour pit already forming in his stomach as he thinks about where he must go. There feels a sudden lurch and then the air smells sweeter, more crisp against his skin. He opens his eyes and groans. Standing before him is a two-story log cabin. Smoke pours merrily from its chimney of fitted stone. Trees, hundreds beyond counting stand in orderly rows, forming a path leading to the front stairs. A thin blanket of snow covers the frozen ground.

Movement to the left draws the attention of the travelers. A hulking monstrosity with corded muscles covered in shaggy green fur and sporting a pair of curled horns steps out of the shadows.

Raven nods, "Guardian of the Grove, we meet again."

The massive troll inclines its head, a deep rumbling voice reminiscent of stones grinding together mutters, "We do, Master of the Lodge," before turning and vanishing back into the chill gloom of the trees.

Raven sighs, "That went well. Let's get this over with. The sooner we start, the sooner we can leave this godsforsaken hell. First things first, if a fairy asks for your name, do not give it. They will take it, literally, and you will not be 'you' anymore. Don't ask. I don't understand it myself. Second, accept no gifts or favors. Everything has a price, one that is often not disclosed. Every kindness carries an obligation. Eat or drink nothing that is not provided by me or by my valet. Speaking of, here he is now."

Cedron listens intently to Raven’s instructions, knowing that whimsy can be lethal or worse in strange lands. “No real names, but is a false name acceptable? And no food or drink, unless provided by you or Marzipan.” He waits for Raven to respond. “So this realm. Do you know if the Gods have forsaken it, or should I determine that on my own?”Cedron asks with the thought that he may have access to his divine abilities now.

"I don't know if the gods have truly abandoned this realm. Grotto's magic worked well enough when we traveled to Womford. I can tell you that the inhabitants have little use for the divine, though."

A short figure, perhaps knee-high, opens the front door of the lodge and waits atop the stairs. He is seemingly made of some sort of cookie-like material with red and white frosting forming a semblance of clothes. "Master, it is an unexpected pleasure to see you again, especially when I did not have to journey forth to find you."

Raven nods, "Marzipan. I am extending the hospitality of the Lodge to my companions here. Serve him as you would me."

The Gingerbread Man nods, "Of course, Master Sugar Plum. If I may be so bold, what occasion brings you, unbidden, to your very own doorstep?"

“So…” a sly smile forms on Cedron’s face. “…would you prefer that I address you as ‘Master Sugar Plum’ or ‘Master of the Lodge’?”

Raven stops, looks at Cedron and sighs, "I am going to regret bringing you along, aren't I?"

Cedron laughs and pats Raven on the back. “I sincerely hope not."

He turns back to Marzipan, "Several of my friends have been taken. I have come to get them back," Raven states plainly.

Marzipan nods, "And do you know who has taken them, milord?"

Raven frowns, "If my information is to be trusted, Ellessandra is behind it. Do you know where she is?"

If a cookie can be said to pale, Marzipan does exactly that. "The Lady of the Crawling Fey is not one to be taken lightly, Master, not even by you. That said, she may still be in the service of the River King's court. I would begin my search there."

"And in which direction does that lie?"

Marzipan raises one hand to his brow and rubs it slowly, "Master... it's not so much a direction as... nevermind, that will take too long to explain. There is a river beyond the Grove, follow it downstream and you will reach it eventually."

Cedron stops, "Before we go, show me this lodge of yours, and tell me a bit more about this ‘Crawling Fey’ damsel. She sounds lovely.”

The two adventurers enter the Lodge. Cedron looks around the grand hall and is reminded of the hunting lodge his family had when he was a child. The interior of the lodge exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings that tell stories of ancient hunts and legendary creatures. Soft, ambient lighting casts a gentle glow, highlighting the rich textures of the furnishings, which are crafted from natural materials. Cozy seating areas invite relaxation, while large windows offer stunning views of the forest outside, making it a perfect retreat for weary travelers seeking rest after a long day in the wild.

Marzipan informs them that he will return with refreshments in a few moments and departs. Raven takes a seat by the fire. "So? Ellessandra... where to even begin? One of the first times I was brought here, I found myself in the town of Riverbend. The local miller had been accused of killing his pregnant wife but claimed that she had been carried off by faeries. I helped search for her and found myself in the River King's territory."

Raven pauses as Marzipan returns with a tray of cucumber sanwiches, sliced bread, butter and jam, and a pot of tea. He pours a pair of drinks and departs. Raven takes one the little sandwiches, his eyebrows rising after he takes a bite. "This is really good," he mumbles around a mouthful before taking a sip of tea and continuing his tale.

"I tracked Ellessandra to the court but along the way was attacked by several creatures, one of them was a shape-shifting spider lady with a crown. It went the way you probably expect and I took her crown afterwards. I eventually caught up to Ellesandra and got her whole backstory... arranged marriage to the miller, fey dealings, politics, all of it. She didn't want to go back and gave me her wedding ring and a letter to clear her husband of the murder charges. Only, get this, she's not pregnant anymore."

Cedron a bit hesitant at first after Raven’s warning, takes a bite of one of the sandwiches. He nods in agreement with Raven and pours a cup of tea. “Interesting. So there’s no bad feelings between the two of you? You and Ellesandra?” He confirms.

"Not exactly. Her son, despite having been born only a few days earlier in the mortal world, had grown into a man named Lord Flax with a chip on his shoulder. Wanted revenge on his 'absent' father and had convinced the River King that he was due the lordship of Riverbend. Flax and a Hag named Jenny Greenteeth talked the king into supporting a fey incursion, gathered troops, stirred up a bunch of resentment, the whole deal. Turns out, it was Greenteeth's idea - she just wanted to enjoy some carnage. She and I dueled but she conceded pretty quickly once the fight began."

Raven takes another sip of his tea before continuing. "The River King pulled his support and called off the attack. I went to Flax and told him it was over. We fought. I tried to let him surrender but he wouldn't stop and I killed him. The River King had me give the spider-lady's crown to Ellesandra as weregild but she swore revenge and now here we are."

Cedron listens intently to Raven’s story. “No good deeds go unpunished, or it seems.” He pauses for a moment to spread some butter and jam on a piece of bread. “So it’s unlikely that Ellesandra will aid us and may likely be the perpetrator. Well I’m not surprised, but always hopeful that the path will be easier.” He takes a bite of bread and sips his tea.

"The riddle Ra’ziir passed to me from the talking cat seems to indicate that she is behind all of this," Raven replies. "I am ready to head out as soon as you are."

Cedron finishes his sandwich and tea. “Let’s go get our friends.”