Silvanost - Consequences Continued

14 Newkolt 349 AC

AT SUMMERWALKER'S WAREHOUSE

"By whose authority do you speak?" Grotto says to the men. "We wish no harm to you. Let us pass. Who is this Speaker of the Stars? We are kin folk, you and I. We look for answers to defend the realm from the enemy. We are not looking for trouble. Please let us pass."

The guards remain impassive. "Grotto Grimmbeard, by the order of the Speaker of the Stars, ruler of the Silvanesti people, you are to surrender your weapons and come with us to face charges for assault on a Silvanesti noble," the guard notices the armor and other items taken from the preserved elf's tomb, "and possibly grave-robbing."

By this time, other elves, healers that Grotto helped train, begin to emerge from the warehouse. The dwarf's good ear is able to pick up murmurs in the growing crowd.

"Assault of a noble?"

"Grave-robbing?"

"Who did he attack?"

"Are they sure?"

Shadow speaks up and steps in front of Grotto. “I am sure that there will be a reasonable resolution to this matter.  Please, take us to your Speaker of the Stars. Grotto and I will not offer any resistance.” Shadow does not offer his weapons up and just stares at the leader and scans them for magical items.

The leader is clad in moderately enchanted armor, his sword, while sheathed is likely magical. The rank-and-file have minimally enchanted gear. One of the junior guardsmen speaks up, "Sergeant, these guys are heroes. I saw that one," while pointing at Shadow, "help defeat one of the dragons on the night of the attack."

The sergeant's gaze softens, "He did? Well, in that case, on your pledge of good conduct, you may retain your arms, for now."

Grotto follows the lead of Shadow. "Take us to your leader. We will offer no resistance and follow peacefully."

AT THE GRIFFON AERIE

As Kysek and Dusk stride into her stall and settle in to await orders; the elf dismounts. “That was incredible! You are magnificent! I don’t know about you; but I cannot wait for our next steps! We are truly going to be a fearsome combination. Have you ever been rendered invisible before an attack upon an enemy," the thief turned mage asks his new friend. He looks intently to understand Dusk’s reactions. The griffon opens her mouth slightly and her eyes narrow - Kysek thinks that the concept of attacking unseen from the air has either excited the griffon for the fear it would impose on her enemies or offended her honorable sensibilities.

IN THE OLD CIVIC BUILDING

After dropping off the toys for the children, Ra’ziir sits and talks with Alara for a while. Having gotten the sense that she didn’t feel she was contributing to the city's efforts, he makes a point to give her some “adult time” to talk with someone who is not a child.

"Alara...do you have any family in the city? What do you hope for? What are your dreams?"

Alara rises and walks across the room. She opens a small chest, one of many that have been shuffled around during the ongoing renovation, and lifts out an old bottle. "This is wine leftover from the wedding ceremony of Lord Caladon's parents." She breaks the wax seal, pulls out the cork, and pours two glasses. Alara hands one to the black-robed bladesinger.

"My parents live in the northern district with my younger brother. All three of them are archivists, like me, like my grandparents, and their parents and grandparents before them." She takes a drink and begins to pace. "In Silvanesti, our paths are laid out before we are even born. We serve the House we are born into, unless we choose to enter House Protector. Until now, I only ever wanted to serve but seeing you, your friends - one day, you leave to take the Test of High Sorcery like a member of House Magus, the next, you battle dragons in the city like House Protector, and literally less than two days after that, you have placed one of your own on the Council, are training to ride griffons, and have begun putting this place together. That's my dream, to be able to decide my own fate."

Kysek arrives partway through Alara and Ra’ziir's conversation, asking how things are going and if the workers are following her instructions. "Need I interject? I want to ensure you have all well in hand; the completion of this task is imperative to the city's survival. I can assist if needed and appreciate all you’ve done thus far. Thank you for stepping up in my absence.”

Ra’ziir rises, and gives the clerk a handful of gold coins, "Go get some food and by yourself something nice.. you deserve it.”

Alara gives a short, respectful bow and turns to depart when one of Shadow's scout bursts in, "Councilor Creepingshadow, a messenger just arrived. Your presence is requested in the Council Chambers for an emergency session. There has been an incident that needs your attention."

Ra’ziir commends those working on the tunnels and directs Sergeant Falindrithan to continue clearing and stocking the recovered areas as quickly as possible. After helping for awhile, Raz retires to one of the partially converted barracks rooms for a brief reverie.

15 Newkolt 349 AC

Come morning, Ra'ziir rises and prepares his spells before heading back to the aerie.

Romulus awakes, sees that none of his companions are present and begins to wander through Lorraine's house. He finds the elder healer at breakfast and joins her. She fills him in on the changes that have occurred in his nearly two-week absence and that the group is operating out of an old civic building near the heart of the city.

Just then, a messenger arrives, bearer a letter for Raven. Romulus accepts it, scans the envelope with his arcane sight and opens it. "It's from Arthur... he's run off with Agnes for the Dragon Isles." The archmage sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I hope he knows what he's doing. I suppose I will go to this new headquarters and see where I can pitch in."