Lord Carric demands to see "this letter!" As he reads it his face crumples in anguish.
"Oh dear Corellon, forgive me! I have done this!"
He crumples the letter as his hand becomes a fist which he punches into the other hand with a grimace of frustration.
"I thought Juliana was warming to me after our dispute when she asked me to recount legends of the Crystal Cave that I used to tell her when she was younger. But now it is clear her purpose was another. Oh my dear girl has gone to the cave in search of fairy tales and a happily ever after with this boy.
The truth of the Crystal Cave? The Fey of the Sildaine use the oracular powers of the cave from time to time, but the oracle is cryptic and the experience more of a novelty than anything useful. And it is a risky business. My wardens have spotted dangerous creatures near the cave in recent times. It is a place best avoided. Legend tells that the cave contains a fey crossing. I admit I do not know where the crossing is or where it might lead ... no doubt this is what my head strong daughter is searching for.
This changes many things. I must speak with Lady Tamora at once and end these differences once and for all. But I would not leave the village unprotected, and I will have needs of protection myself to visit her in person...
If Count Varis trusts you, then I trust you with the task of finding my daughter ... and the boy. I will fetch you the map."
Lord Carric leaves and returns a short time later, his face calm but his eyes dark with anger.
"Apologies. The map is missing. Juliana took it no doubt. I will send my two best wardens with you to guide you to the cave. Please though, stay here tonight. It will be dark soon. You will achieve little stumbling about in the dark, and the cold is most bitter after sundown. Please forgive me for not staying. I would attend to my part in this matter before anyone else gets hurt."
Lord Carric bows deeply and then sets the place in motion as he organises for his departure and the defense of the village in his absence. Part of that organisation includes having food and drink brought to you and a token of Carric's appreciation in the form of 3 delicate and rare red flowers that you have never seen before. Helfaine, the bearer of the gift, tells you that they have healing properties and also taste quite delicious.
As Lord Carric departs you are shown to your sleeping quarters within a large hollow at the base of a towering tree. The walls are slung with comfortable hammocks and a fire crackles in the centre, giving off warmth and light and instead of smoke a delicate aroma of fresh leaves. You are then left to your own devices until morning.
In the morning after a brief breakfast Helfaine himself, along with another warden guides you towards the Crystal Cave. The four hour journey takes you deep into the heart of the Sildaine through what would be most treacherous terrain without your guides. The moss hung cavern huddles beneath a long, high slope. Flowers and undergrowth are lush here.
As you approach your destination Helfaine's ears prick up though you hear nothing.
"The horns! The village is under attack! We must leave you ambassadors. Our people need us. May Corellon guide you to bring back Juliana safely!" And then they are gone.
[sblock=Arcana (DC 12)
![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
A strong magical presence pervades this area, wowing stronger the nearer you come to the cave. [/sblock]
[sblock=Nature (DC 8)
Some of the plants here are out of season, and all the plants seem far healthier than those in the rest of the forest. [/sblock]
[sblock= Perception (Active) DC 12]
Numerous humanoids have passed through here over the past few days. [sblock=Nature DC 12;only once tracks are spotted and/or pointed out by someone] Most of the tracks are of small, clawed humanoids [sblock=Nature DC 19] he tracks are without doubt made by xivorts [/sblock][/sblock][sblock=Perception DC 19] Your search reveals the hard-to-find tracks of two Medium humanoids, in shoes or boots, walking close together. And curiously there is another very fresh set of booted prints, both larger and heavier prints both of them. In fact one of the sets of prints is very heavy indeed. [/sblock][/sblock]
| GM: | Sorry about the wall of text and the large jump in time. I am perhaps a bit too keen to get into the action. I hope you can forgive me! |
|
Editing for post-Sabynha's words...
