Reporting for Griffon Training
09 Newkolt 349 AC
AT SUMMERWALKER'S WAREHOUSE
Shadow gathers Grotto’s armor and placed it in his bag of holding for safe keeping. With a nod to Romulus, the dark elf teleports back to the warehouse. It is late, well past midnight. Most of the elves he rescued alongside Ra’ziir, Kysek, and Raven are taking Reverie but a few of Lorraine's healers are circulating through the room, changing bandages or tending the fires that keep the warehouse warm. He finally finds Grotto asleep in his bedroll and gives him a nudge with his foot. "Ready for a surprise?"
Grotto wakes from his slumber on his bed roll to find Shadow lurking above him. "Not tonight my friend, I have a headache. Plus, it is your turn to be bottom," quips the dwarf.
Shadow lets out a quiet laugh and begins pulling pieces of armor from his bag. While he unloading the armor, Shadow will tells the dwarf about the Legend of Huma, the lances and the possibility of a tomb.
Grotto is overjoyed at the new gear! He listens to Shadow's story of lances and tombs. His eyes widen. He tells Shadow of the tomb he he discovered. He pulls out the things he acquired. He draws the sword and says, "I am sure you still see me, but this sword makes its user invisible. Not sure for how long but it was fun experimenting with it"
Shadow watches Grotto as the mottled black and gray pattern spreads up his arm and covers his body. The effect isn't anything close to Invisibility but the dwarf's outline and silhouette are obscured, making him harder to see.
Shadow's eyes glow a bright blue as his permanent arcane sight flares into play and he spends time analyzing each for Grotto. He explains that he can identify them tomorrow but will have to prep. He ask if the dwarf has heard of the Lances anywhere? Or Huma.
Grotto replies, "I have not heard of any of those things you mentioned. Lorraine has to be the oldest elf I have seen walking around here. We should ask her. She is the one who knew of the temple ruins where I discovered these articles. I will help you search."
Shadow thinks about it for a moment, “I also have to read this so I am going to be busy today. Then we need a map to Huma’s tomb or at least the area. I have to go ask the Elves for maps and any historical information. And I am starting to get hungry. What’s to eat?”
Grotto tells his dark friend about his encounter with the dwarf hating tavern keeper. "I will never set foot in that place again. I will starve and die before that man gets a half copper from my purse! All that we have visibly done for his land and this is his thoughts. I am sure there are many more that agree with him. If there is another place to go in town more accepting of a dwarf, we can go there. But otherwise, I'm cooking my own meals henceforth! Lucky for me, I got this cookbook I have been reading!"
As Shadow reads his... "borrowed" library book, Grotto reads his cookbook. The food-stained wooden cover is marred with dozens of scratches where it has been used as a cutting board. As Grotto reads, he notes that the book was written from a halfling's point of view but the techniques are broadly applicable to many cultures although the recipe for wild mushrooms splashed with sherry on cheese toast in particular calls to his Dwarven heart.
Shadow pauses, looking up from a chapter detailing Huma's meeting with the minotaur "Kaz" and says, “Let us go see Lorraine in the morning. Perhaps she can point us in the right direction.”
AT THE GRIFFON AERIE
Kysek greets the sergeant, “Well met, Sergeant. We’re both looking forward to this training.”
The Bladesinger falls inline to walk with the sergeant and begins looking over the mounts, inspecting each as best he knows how, trying to identify one he makes a connection with.
“Tell me Wing Sergeant, how many riders have you currently?"
"We are down to 31 riders and 36 griffons after this first week of fighting," Silvervale replies.
"And what would you think of training the squads that Councilman Creepingshadow, myself, and potentially our other companion now command? Is that something that may be possible? In an effort to better defend the city… I have other ideas as well.”
"Training your troops to be riders would fall outside of our mandate, and from a more practical standpoint, there aren't enough griffons to go around."
Ra’ziir defers to the Wing Sergeant's instruction as he continues to search for a mount from the six left available. He cautiously reaches for the mounts, showing due respect to the noble beasts and speaking to them as he does. Most of the griffons pull back or at least shy away from his touch. One however, remains still and accepts the bladesinger's touch.
Silvervale smiles, "Ahhh... Redclaw. Lost his rider to a red dragon above Tarithnesti during the opening night of the war."
”Redclaw…” Ra’ziir says as he glides his hand down the griffon’s neck to its shoulder, “care to show me the ropes?” He asks rhetorically, smiling as he is reminded of another time in another place.
Kysek observes Raz’s interactions with the griffons. He studies his demeanor and does his best to emulate his actions with Bubo resting upon his shoulder hoping the beasts see his demeanor as calming and reassuring.
The griffon he reaches for raises its hackles and opens its beak slightly, as if ready to lunge. Silvervale starts to deliver a warning but a soft hoot from Bubo holds the beast at bay long enough for Kysek to place his palm against its cheek. The griffon freezes, almost as if unsure what to do next but it allows Kysek to continue patting it.
Wing Sergeant Petceran Silvervale stops, mouth hanging slightly open. "That is Dusk. She... doesn't like anyone."
Kysek turns to the sergeant, “I guess that could be something we have in common? Not that I don’t like anyone; but that I trust no one.” He then asks Bubo through his link, “Can you speak to her? Can you help to create a bond?”
The owl looks at his master, "No. At least, not the way you seem to be implying. She understands what we're saying. She just can't speak it back. Talk to her. I'm going to look for food. Their are some entrails over there that look absolutely delicious."
Kysek turns to his avian companion. “I get it. This is my trial.” As he watches the owl fly away; he turns his attention to the griffon. “Good morning, Dusk. I’m told you like no one. I believe; like me, you trust no one. I’m hoping you and I could realize this and learn to trust each other. You’re a beautiful being and I’d love nothing more than to assist in this war with you by my side.” the thief says softly, yet confidently. “What do you say?” He asks? “I will prove myself to you. You’ll see!”
Ra'ziir nods to the Wing Sergeant, “Redclaw seems like a fine mount sergeant. I’m honored, and stand ready to begin training with him.”
Redclaw turns its body slightly away. Its neck feathers ruffle and it shakes its head.
Ra’ziir turns to the sergeant, “Shall we keep looking or do you think I should try to work with Redclaw to bring him around? What do you suggest?”
Silvervale chuckles, "Griffons often look favorably upon those who bring them food and brush them." The sergeant turns and gives Ra’ziir a very obvious wink, "Not Redclaw, of course, he is far too clever to fall for such obvious manipulation."
Ra’ziir makes a mental note to procure some snacks for Redclaw, maybe a couple of slabs of meat or some such.
“Of course not!” Ra’ziir plays along with the ruse. “But I can certainly take responsibility for Redclaw’s basic needs and care…” he says looking around for a brush.
Ra’ziir will spend the interim trying allow Redclaw to become familiar with his scent and presence. He doesn’t push the process, but will make attempts to brush the griffon, clean its stall, and any of the other obvious tasks that will build trust with the beast.
Wing Sergeant Silvervale nods, "It may be the toughest task either of you face. Griffons are notorious for not taking another rider if theirs is lost and when they do, it's usually a son or daughter who takes up the reins."
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