The Reconquista: Part I (Shadows over Istivin)

[hafrogman]

The wolf rises from the his seat after a moment and wanders over to the group. Pausing at Beau for a brief exchange, the wolf pads a little further forward before giving a great shake of his body. As he shakes, his body stretches and flows before your eyes until the form of Gregor's human body stands before you.

"Oh, but it can be."

He gives everyone a rather more wan smile than the wolfish equivalent a moment ago. The years since you last saw him do not appear to have been kind ones. Gregor still looks as hale and hearty as he did five years ago, but rather more ragged about the edges, and he has trouble meeting anyone's eyes as he stands before you. Instead he keeps glancing over one shoulder. He scratches at one ear in a rather inhuman manner before dropping his hand to his side as he catches himself at it.

"It has been a long while . . . it is good to see you all once more."

 

[Thanee]

Latalya

Latalya has been listening to the conversation, there wasn't much to add from her perspective. Mostly everything has been said already. As Redmond Dumple stands up, the elf gathers her etiquette and stands up as well, taking another slight bow towards the dwarven prince.

“Thank you for your visit and for the kind and encouraging words, sir.”

As their old friend Gregor enters, in one of his more presentable forms, the smile on Latalya's face broadens and she makes a step forward.

“What a most welcome coincidence. You have come at the right time. We will need every help we can get... from those we can trust.”

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Anastasia Winterheart

"It is good to see you again." Replies Anastasia with a smile as she watches the wolf takes human form.

 

[Scotley]

Morley

The human Ranger smile broadly and then bursts into joyous laughter. He claps the Druid on the back, "You are a ray of sunshine in a month of cloudy skies." Beau too seems pleased engaging in a rearing, tail wagging happy dance around the newcomer.

 

[hafrogman]

Gregor does his best to return the smiles of Anastasia, Morley and Latalya, but he takes an involuntary step back in response to the elf's step forward and the Ranger's sudden closeness. He seems more at home with Beau's enthusiastic greeting though. He bends down to scratch behind the dog's ears as he looks up to Latalya.

"I would be glad to lend what aid I can."

He turns to face Redmond for a moment before continuing his discussion with his old friends.

"Thank you for helping me find my way."

 

[Thanee]

Latalya

Quickly realizing, that Gregor still seems a little uncomfortable around other people, Latalya moves around and to a window to peer outside; her voice sounds a little distant as she speaks.

“I do not know, what they have told you so far, but there is something wrong in Istivin. Bad things are happening. People are acting strange.”

Then she suddenly smiles, as she turns back around.

“I guess that's nothing new for you, though. Some things never change. And you have always prefered the company of nature's children more than that of the people.”

 

[James Heard]

"As always, the Grey Lady weaves threads of our pasts into Her cunning plans," the mage murmurs, to the nods of the ruined cleric behind him and many of his men.

"Aye, and lucky for man and life besides that she does, where other powers shy away she plans the peace," Eshanna adds.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Redmod Dumple smiles at the reunion, although there is also a hint of sadness in his eyes. He waves his farewells once again and with much clanking and shuffling, the dwarves make their way out to the street.

A horn is blown twice accompanied by the sounds of the rousing of the honor guard and the bleatings of the enormous sheep creature. You can barely make out Dumple shouting commands as he makes his way up the ladder to the palanquin again.

A few moments later the great beast gets underway and slowly makes its way towards the center of the city again.

 

[James Heard]

"Roen! Take this broom and clean up after that beast!" Eshanna, the ever practical priestess of Wee Jas, commands of the horrified-looking Reddog once the palanquin is far away out of earshot.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

End of preparations

The sounds of iron-shod boots on cobbled streets fade into the distance. With all the senseless anger and mistrust you have experienced since your arrival, you are glad to have found at least one ally in this changed city.

Final preparations are made for your expedition under Krelont Keep. Bags are packed, prayers are made, components are stowed, and blades given one more sharpening for good luck. You don't know what lies ahead, but the thought that you will be breaking into the seat of Sterich's monarchy fills more than a few of you with a sense of discomfort. The hope that keeps you going is that you might discover something which will begin to offer an explanation for what has happened to your country.

As you bid farewell to the staff of your townhouse, the wife performs a short prayer and blessing over all of you, "May Fharlanghn bless your travels and return you safely back home."

[/FLASHBACK]