Chapter Eight: Reflections and The Highest Mountain

[Purr]

In the Wanderers' Wagon



When Otiorin strides into the dining room, heads turn to a variety of reactions. Bria and Glider both take one look at him, do a double-take, smile, and then turn and look at each other the way people close to one another do. Then you find out that Glider has a most pleasant laugh. "Oh my... Do you always walk around the wagon like that?" Powerpaw can't help but pipe up. "Somebuddy call da watch! Our robber haz been robbeded! Hoo hoo!" "Mister Taletreader," Bonny says looking around, "whatever happened to the nice warm robes we left beside your fireplace?" But Bria? Bria just continues to watch with wholehearted attention, admiration, and the sweetest smile. And this time... she keeps her thoughts to herself. =)






Bren, earlier, outside the wagon


Stewart doffs his hat for a moment to wipe the sweat from his silver hair. At first, he approaches Brendoran with weak legs and some anxiety, but as he continues to watch Bren, he seems to realize something and his body language becomes less threatened and more at ease with the Summerset noble. "G-good master, it w-was Lady Sabrefang's only method of getting me to you as quickly as possible! She spoke to Star, who I might add was terribly distraught and pulling at his leathers to get to you, and they... well, by the Saint, I could swear they came to some sort of arrangement!" Stewart shakes his head, but not out of worry. "I daresay you might ask her about the whole thing to get the better story. Whatever the case, Star allowed me to mount up and ride him. And... well... I have not ever ridden a finer warhorse in all my days... and you can tell him that if... uh... you Ranger-folk speak to your horses too?" [/tab]

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger

Shape: Human


Spell 1: Delay Poison


Spell 2: Entangle


Favored Terrain: No


Meat or Fish: Meat


Preferred Dice: Black or Red

Spoiler

Escorting Luna back to the wagon was among the few things he truly didn't mind doing today. Mostly everything else had been either boring, tiring, or dangerous. Not that there wasn't excitement; just not the kind he preyed upon. Not with the lives of his companions at stake. Not with Luna's soul in danger. So when the perils were finally allayed and they were on their way back, it put a wide smile on his face. He gripped her hand tighter. Amid this cold and damp, her warmth was like a beacon of life. A beacon that could have been extinguished on more than one occasion, all within several hours, and it would have been his fault.


It would have been my fault. The shadow of the thought choked the smile on his face. He was glad that she wasn't looking in his direction just then. It was his duty to protect her, but how could he do that if he wasn't by her side when she needed protection? And it wasn't just about her. Was he not responsible for the lives of each and every person in his party? He sidestepped the burden of command by passing it to Bren, but there was no way to sidestep the truth of responsibility towards his companions. I'll have to do better, he told himself. Or else I'll have to do away.


The prospect of replacing his surroundings with something dry and peaceful grew more appealing with each step.

*** *** ***

​

Once back in the safety and familiarity of the Wanderers Wagon, Wolf found himself wanting nothing more than to be close to Luna. But as soon as they got inside, the sorceress hurriedly retreated to her room! That put a dint in his mood. Not even a kiss... Deprived of choice, the ranger stood in front of the door to his own room and watched until the girl disappeared at the end of the hall. Slowly, he opened the door and went in. A shower was the last thing he wanted after spending half a day underneath the pouring sky, but he knew it was what he needed. The wet dog style had taken him as far is it possibly could.

Wolf arrived to the table of refreshed body and mind, and seeing Luna already sitting down easily drew a grin across his face. He forced himself to walk over slowly and intentionally sat in front of her as opposed to next to her, as he usually would. He was about to tell her just how beautiful she looked. He was thinking of what he'd say to her all the way from the tub to the table. He had it all planned out. He adjusted his chair and smiled politely, opening his mouth to deliver the heart-quaking lines he knew she needed to hear. This was it.


And then the half elf thwarted him by doing what he does best. Putting on a show. Literally.


And the words were gone. All he could do was grasp for them in vain while Glider's laughter echoed around the dining room. Powerpaw's joke seemed oddly inappropriate where normally it would have made the ranger laugh as well. And once she took her eyes off Otiorin's sensational appearance, there was no escaping Luna's expectant glare that dawned on him. Say something, idiot. Anything...!


"Hi."

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin showed nothing like self-consciousness as he presented himself to the dining room. His new, more buff physique was pleasing to him and he wasn't afraid to show it off. He didn't care about the laughter from Glider, indeed he chuckled himself.


"My good Hobbit, while I appreciate your efforts, I found my bath to be adequate to restore me to warmth. So much so that I now find myself a tad overheated, to the point that wearing anything more at this point would make me uncomfortable.", he replied with a smile, "If I should start to feel a chill, then I shall seek out a robe. Until then, I shall dine thus."

 

[Sherwood]

Luna smiles coyly at Wolf, obviously pleased with the results of her hard work in front of the mirror . "Hi yourself." She leans over and gives him a pleasant kiss and sides into her seat next to him leaning over to rest her head on his chest. "You certainly look better now that you have gotten all cleaned up. I do approve."


She I looks around at the assembled bunch at the table and her eyes catch sight of Otiorin wearing just his towel. The shy mage turns a bright red at the sight, and turns to look away. "Um, perhaps you should wear a bit more than that, just so you don't feel uncomfortable. Out here. In front of everyone."

 

[Purr]

Bonabin thinks a moment and nods to Otiorin. "Well, if you are pleased, then so am I, and that's that!"


Sabrefang looks on as if she sees no issue with Otiorin's entrance. She raises a paw and Bonabin joins her. They converse in a warm fashion about the delicious food and the recipes involved.


Glider's laugh is as good-natured as it is surprised. "Bright Heavens, with all that's happened, I... can't remember the last time I laughed. I think something in my spirit genuinely needed that." Glider gets ahold of himself grins with approval to Otiorin. "Forgive me for laughing, sir. I just... didn't expect that in a group of Outsiders. You do look good though."


Bria looks surprised at Luna. She speaks from the heart. "You really want him to get dressed, Luna? But he looks so good! Not that he didn't before the Daughters of Summertime blessed him..." She waves to Otiorin. "Here! I saved a seat for you, Rin!" Bria happily presents the empty chair beside her and pushes a tall glass filled with red wine his way, all the while admiring more than Otiorin's eyes. "Wow, I thought only my people were so free with their bodies. Every time we Ko do something like that, Outsiders just go bananas!"


She and Glider glance at each other and then look around the table with curious expressions. Slowly, cautiously, Bria asks, "Does that mean all of you are O.K. with us... just being ourselves?"





Glider raises his hand. "I've got some questions, too. Bria tells me you call yourself the Wayward Wanderers? What are your goals? Are you on any assignments? Who do you work for and how can I help?"


Fangs crunching, Powerpaw looks up from devouring a chicken whole. His blood-red eyes and whiskers rise in catty curiosity. "You wanna helps us? Besides helpin' us rise in skillz?"


Glider's grin holds age-old confidence. "You could say I've been around the block once or twice."

 

[Sherwood]

Luna keeps her eyes away from the admittedly handsome form of Otiorin and tried to keep her focus on the conversation, not on what Wolf would look like out of his clothes. "Um, yes, we call ourselves the Wayward Wanderers, and we don't really work for anyone except for ourselves. We met shortly before taking on a commission given out by a merchant called Bilal the Rich. That is when we first met dear Bria, and we also learned that it was a trap! All Bilal wanted was our good Otiorin, as one of the few half-elves in the land, he wanted to add him to his menagerie, where he also had our fuzzy lunk Powerpaw locked up." She pauses in her story to take a sip of her juice, smiling faintly at the memory of the first meeting. She goes on to tell the story of the first meeting of the team.


"We have been on the road for Highwind for some time, but events seem to conspire to keep us from getting there! Not that I'm complaining, we got to meet Bren, reunite Powerpaw with his mother, and then we helped to free you from the Crown. So, while we have been slowly making our way, we have done good along the road." Luna takes her time in describing the various encounters along the way to Glider, and answers any questions he may have.


"We have many plans for the near future, including returning our good friends the Meadowsweets to their home from whence they came, finding a skilled blacksmith to work our find of the star-metal into something a bit more useful to us, and to hire on some skilled help to keep the Wagon in top condition, including restocking our stores that we've gone through. While I must confess that my taste buds will miss our cooks, it wouldn't be right of us to keep them on when they just want to go home."

 

[Kaerri]

Now, around the table


Bren's eyes widen and his eyebrows rise in surprise at Otiorin's unconventional lunch attire, but then he shakes his head and laughs. "You ought to have been a bard, my friend, for you certainly know how to make an entrance!" He continues eating for a moment while the talk goes on around him, then turns to answer Bria's question. "You might still get some surprised looks, just as Otiorin has, but you're our friends, and we understand that you come from a different culture than we do, just as he does. Mind you, I don't recommend walking the streets of Highwind in nothing but a towel. For one thing, it's both cold and very windy -- they don't call it high wind for nothing!" He chuckles. "I'd as soon not have to bail anyone out of jail for public indecency, whether it was intended or not."


Luna having taken over the conversation as regards Glider's questions, Bren then falls quiet again to wait while she talks herself out (if that's possible; he's noticed she likes to talk).






Earlier, with the tent


Bren laughs. "How very convenient, to have a druid around! Rangers who have advanced enough to learn spellcasting can cast the Speak with Animals spell, but I've not yet regained that ability. Wolf seems to have learned it on his own, without spells, which is quite handy. Oh, don't worry, I'm not at all angry, I just couldn't imagine how you managed it without losing fingers! Don't hesitate to do so again, if the situation calls for it - in fact, let's go ahead and make sure he's all right with it, while we're here." Once they're finished with the tent and all horses are settled, Bren introduces Stewart to Star in the more traditional way (i.e., without speaking in Animal) and lets the warhorse know that this is someone to be trusted.


OOC

Spoiler

Oh, the irony. Just a few minutes later, Glider's going to offer to train the Wanderers, and Bren will regain the ability to cast Speak with Animals! But of course he doesn't know that yet.

 

[Purr]

With folded hands, Glider listens to every word with great (one might say, professional) interest, never interrupting. At some points during Luna's thorough explanations, he asks detail-oriented questions (which Luna or another Wanderer answers unless someone says differently), including:


Why was Powerpaw locked up? What happened to the rest of Bilal's caravan? Why was Bilal the Rich on his way to Highwind? When you say "star-metal," precisely what kind of metal are you referring to? (And then) who showed up after the Prismalcum was discovered? Why was Powerpaw's mother not in your group to begin with? Where do the Meadowsweets call home? Now that you can go anywhere with a road, why Highwind? And so forth.


Such a conversation includes any of the Wanderers who decide to speak up. Powerpaw and Mamapaw certainly do when Glider asks who they are, why they are here, and where they come from. Bria does her share of assisting too.


His curiosity is only matched by his attention to detail. Before all of you know it, lunch is finished and two hours have gone by and Glider knows a great deal about the Wanderers. He does not ask for any secretive information; he seems to just want the basics down pat. This he does with efficient proficiency and, at times, heartfelt friendliness.

Spoiler

Again, that is unless someone in the Wanderers interrupts the conversation for whatever reason. If this is indeed the case and you don't want Glider fully informed of the Wanderers recent activities, say so on the Adventurers' Table please and I will adjust accordingly.


Otherwise, it's choo chooooooo! =)


Glider speaks up. "Now that we've had time to digest the best meal I've had in forever, is everyone ready to train?"


"Yes, please, Mister Glider sir!"


"Yah yah!"


"Does that include me too?" Mamapaw wrings her paws out of habit more than worry.


Powerpaw nods as he presses his face against his mother in a display of feline affection. "Sure, Mom! You iz part of da cool club, too! You kin haz training wif us, right guyz?"





Glider addresses the Wanderers as a whole. "This won't affect your training; I'm just curious. Is Sabrefang considered a Wanderer?"


How do the Wanderers reply?





After this little scene, the Railroad will take you to the next stop, the one and only Exclamation Station (training)! All abooooaard! =)

 

[Sherwood]

Luna smiles at Saberfang, "She is a part of our crazy family if she wants to be. I know that I consider her one of us, and she has a place to stay here with us unless her path leads her elsewhere."

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger

Shape: Human


Spell 1: Delay Poison


Spell 2: Entangle


Favored Terrain: No


Meat or Fish: Meat


Preferred Dice: Black or Red

"Well it's not a sect." Wolf chuckles. "We don't have initiation ceremonies or anything. But Melshaef's acted with and like a Wanderer in practice. All that's left is to add it to theory. We could vote if you all want to get all official. But I don't mind at all."

 

[Sherwood]

Luna beams a smile at her beau. "Well said, my love. Perhaps the question now rests with Mamapaw. Where does your path lead you? Do you wish to stay with us, or does some need drive you elsewhere?"

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger

Shape: Human


Spell 1: Delay Poison


Spell 2: Entangle


Spell 3: /


Favored Terrain: No


Meat or Fish: Meat


Preferred Dice: Black or Red

Wolf beams back helplessly at hearing Luna address him like so. The look in his eyes speaks of a hundred other things he'd be rather doing right now, in a different setting. For now, he is content to place his hand on hers and turn his attention towards Melshaef.

 

[Purr]

"Thank you, Bright Fire, but before I answer..." She smiles, pleased at Wolf. "I think you have the right of it, fine ranger. What does the rest of the band think?" Mamapaw looks around the dining room table, especially to Bren and Otiorin whom she has not heard from.


"Is that how the rest of you feel?" Mamapaw's feline eyes are wide as she looks to the other Wanderers for their say.

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin looked over from his seat by Bria.


"Well, of course you are one of us, Melshaef. If you wish it to be, then I do not have any objection."

 

[Kaerri]

Bren glances around the table at his teammates as each speaks up, or in Bria's case, nods.* "It seems we're all agreed, then. Welcome to the party, Lady Saberfang!" He smiles, then leans back in his chair and raises an eyebrow at Luna. "With that settled, I've a question for you, Luna. Are you wanting to become the party's spokesperson, or to regain leadership? Or were you just so anxious to avoid staring at Otiorin's towel that you didn't realize you weren't letting anyone else speak up?"


*I asked the GM (as Bria's player) and he said I could put that in.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna's blush deepens. "I didn't realize I was monopolizing the conversation. I guess I'm just so used to speaking my mind, thanks to supportive teachers and family, I just pipe up when I have something to say. I'll try to contain myself in the future."

 

[Purr]

Spoiler

Location: Inside the Wanderers' Wagon (Dining Room) on The Road of Kings (5 days north of Summerset)


Travel time to Highwind: On day 5 of 14.


Travel time to Melshaef's Tree: On day 3 of 3.


Saturday, September 20th, 1118. Time: 3:45 p.m.


Weather: This (still).


[media]

[/media]
Filled with a feeling of open and warm acceptance, Sabrefang's beams a grateful and satisfied smile. Her purr is a rumble of happy-cat contentment. "Oh you all make me feel so welcome. Why... I guess this makes me an adventurer!"

Spoiler

Mamapaw sez, "Look! I have my own font color now!"


"You means you wasn't befores?"


Sabrefang's tail swishes. "Oh my son. Melshaef the Druidess is just a caregiver. As Melshaef, I did far more problem-solving, secret-finding, and community-building than any of the dangerous things all of you have done... The little legend of Melshaef of Many Forms is that of a forest-tender and wellspring-mender. Fighting Craven-like monsters, magical monks, and hellish wargs?" She shakes her furry head. "Oh no, I have precious little battle experience on this side of Sharseya. This is nothing like flattening Yuan-ti and Spring-serpents in Rhumia..."


"As for my plans, they are simple, I suppose. I... wish to join my son wherever he goes. I also wish to keep in touch with the rest of our blessed family in Shamballah. Mielikki has told me that this more possible than I imagine! She has told me to visit Earth-home in Highwind and think of Beautiful Bastet. Mother Leaf must know something about this."


Glider remarks with his gentle smile, "Well, that sounds like a great reason to get started with training then." During the meal, it can be noticed that the injuries the handsome monk received during the ambush have since vanished. He rises from his chair.


"Shall we convene in front of that giant, square, portable lake you call a pool?"






"I have always been here.


I have always looked out from behind these eyes.


It feels like more than a lifetime.


It feels like more than a lifetime..."


[media]

[/media]
In moments, the Wanderers find themselves gathered in front of the Grand Pool. Glider has asked that the Continual Flames be dimmed. Your voices, as always, echo off of the wide wooden walls. The fireplace glows and crackles with life. There is a calm and peaceful mood all around. Glider asks that all of you put aside any gear you have. Then he steps forward toward the pool until he is at the very edge. He asks you to join him, side by side, and do not touch one another. Then with closed eyes and arms hung loosely at his sides, he begins. His baritone voice is unhurried, warm, and confidence-inspiring. The same can be said for his expression.


"There are three stages to the Reflection, Wanderers. We start with body, follow with mind, and end in spirit - the reverse order in which every one of your conscious physical actions in this world come to happen."


"Aste'allo. Body. Close your eyes. Stand with your back straight, feet shoulder-width apart. Relax your muscles. Release any tension. Smile."


"Take deep breaths; each breath a little deeper than the one before. Now deeper. The kind of breaths you take when you're sleeping. Have you ever noticed how much air you use when you're awake? Your lungs get, say, halfway full before you exhale? Have you ever noticed how, when you're lying on your bed, about to sleep, your body just takes over? It happens every night. All of a sudden, your lungs are filling themselves all the way up. Your breaths are coming slowly. Rhythmically. You don't need to guide it; your body knows how to do this. All by itself."


When Glider inhales, it comes from deep within his healthy frame. He exhales with a gentle whooshing sound. "When I snap my fingers, inhale. I'm going to count silently to ten. When I snap my fingers again, exhale. Continue this. If you mess up, don't worry; just start over."


In moments, there is a sharp snap of Glider's fingers. As if by magic, the Grand Pool is filled with the sounds of all of the Wanderers slowly taking in deep lungfuls of air. Gliders words seem to flow into your ears as if he is standing directly next to each of you.


"Auri'elu alai ris. Mind. Imagine whatever comes to mind. Let your thoughts drift by like clouds. Don't try to hold onto them; just let them come and let them go."


Another snap. The great hall echoes with the sounds of humans, half-elf, pseudo-dragon, and Felane all exhaling at once. And so it goes. Slow, deep breaths. Some of you goof. It doesn't matter. You just start over. Then the count gets longer and longer. Before you know it, each inhale lasts thirty seconds. Each exhale lasts the same. This cycle continues. Your thoughts, feelings, the things your mind's eye sees, are all things to be experienced and let go like dreams in the night. Glider's voice guides you.


In a short time, you find that all chill has left your body replaced by a fine warmth that comes from the core of your being. A short while after that and you are perspiring. Your inner self is really working. All of you are breathing as one. Glider guides you like it's nothing. "You're doing great. You're almost there." You have no idea how much time has passed, but it feels like an eternity. It does not matter; it is the journey that counts.


Speaking slowly, Glider's every word seems to fill the cavernous room. "Spirit. Ko'shai patha ai'dani. Open your eyes and look down. Examine your reflection there in the water. Look at that beautiful person looking back at you. That's one beautiful person. Now take a trip with me inside yourself."


"Remember yourself when you were a kid. The world was a new place. You watched. You learned. You grew. But now it's time to do something with all that."


"Imagine yourself as an old person. The world is an old place. You've seen. You've done. You've become. It's almost time to go. And that's O.K."


"See yourself now. You are in charge of your own destiny. No one else. Just you. You decide the words you choose; your habits form what you are."


"Now reach inside yourself. See that person you want to be. All of your insecurities, be at peace with them. All of your strengths, be at peace with them too. Perfection is an illusion. Don't be afraid to try, to fail. Just take charge. Take charge of you. Decide your destiny. And once you have, live your destiny."


Glider's last three words seem to reverberate throughout the Grand Pool. He closes his eyes and you do too. Somewhere in your mind's eye, you see another version of yourself. Another you. But this you is closer to the ideal you. It's not perfect; it's not supposed to be. It's just a little closer. It's enough. A feeling of sufficiency and peace flows through you as silence and serenity envelop the entire room.


One by one, you come out of your trance feeling sweaty, refreshed, and complete. You also feel healthier, more confident, and somehow more able. When you examine yourself internally, you realize that you have mystically learned skills, spells, techniques, and wisdom you had no outside way of learning. Nevertheless, they're there.


And so are each of you.


Your eyes are opened. =)

Spoiler

The Reflection is complete. The Wanderers have now been trained in-character to 8th level. Congratulations. =)

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger

Shape: Human


Spell 1: Delay Poison


Spell 2: Entangle


Spell 3: /


Favored Terrain: No


Meat or Fish: Meat


Preferred Dice: Black or Red

He opens his eyes to a surge of things both new and old. Things that were there before. Things that weren't, but now are. The air he breathes comes more quickly now, normalizing as he reseats the thoughts of his conscious mind. He feels calm and ready. All is as it should be. All is as it should be. Except for a shard of a thought; something visible in his eyes to anyone who might observe them then. Like a whisper of something he doesn't want to hear. He eagerly pushes the frown away, letting himself settle down. All is as it should be. For now.


Luna.


He looks over to her instinctively, and there she is. Just coming out of it. She's right there. But not close enough. The ranger nods his quiet approval to Glider as he takes the steps required to close the distance between himself and the girl. He stands in front of her with gentle determination. And even gentler is his voice when he speaks to her quietly, but not whispering. "Luna, I... I would like to be alone with you. If that's alright."


What lies within his hazel eyes conveys a need that cannot possibly be described in words.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna takes a few deep breaths as the feeling of the expanded awareness floods over her. Thoughts race through her mind as she suddenly becomes open to the new ideas and powers that are available to her now. This . . . is amazing! I have never felt anything like this before. Wolf's words take a few moments to sink in as she refocuses her perception on the here and now. Looking up at the tall, scruffy man, she smiles. "Dear heart, there is nothing I would like more than to be with you right now." Luna reaches her hands out and takes Wolf's, her fingers intertwining with his. "Lets go somewhere we can be alone."

 

[Purr]

Spoiler

Location: Inside the Wanderers' Wagon (Dining Room) on The Road of Kings (5 days north of Summerset)


Travel time to Highwind: On day 5 of 14.


Travel time to Melshaef's Tree: On day 3 of 3.


Saturday, September 20th, 1118. Time: 7:00 p.m.


Weather: This (still).


[media]

[/media]

You have stopped perspiring and your skin is lightly coated with your own clean sweat. Each breath you take feels incredibly nourishing. There is a feeling inside each of you, a knowing that this sensation will like all things fade, to drift into the past and become memory. How you take that is up to each of you.


One by one, the Wanderers come out of their trances. Sabrefang stands tall, both paws over her heart. She stares into the water at her reflection with wide eyes. The motherly Felane seems filled with peace and wonder, her tail slowly swishing, ears flicking.


"My mind has never felt so open. I feel as if nothing is impossible."


Powerpaw awakens with an unconscious growl in fighting stance (the "back-stance" he prefers to use when using his maul, despite the fact that he doesn't currently own one). His red eyes are ablaze with awareness. He makes rending motions with his claws and gnashing movements with his terrible fangs.


"Holy Bast-face!" he says as if in a daze. "Wuz dat a fat lotta Moar! How you doez dat?"


Sensing Luna and Wolf's desire for privacy, Sparkle hops off of Luna's shoulder to perch atop a nearby chair. The old dragoness gives Glider a draconic glare filled with incredulousness, disbelief, and not a small touch of envy. "Ko, there are ancient wyrms long in tail and wide of wing that are ignorant of such mysticism."


"Well..." the monk dips his head in a humble fashion, "I suppose there are still things in our awesome universe that even dragons have yet to learn." He turns to each of you looking ever so pleased while Sparkle eyes get a little wider in wonder.


Bria comes out of her trance looking heavenward with a wide, delighted expression. Her smile is very much like Glider's. "I feel... I feel like I needed that. I've been so very stressed this past week and that... really helped! Thank you, dear Glider!"





The muscular monk tries to wave off the praise. He looks to each of you with the deepest gratitude. "Oh, Bria-honey... just accept that as thanks from me. You opened my eyes when you freed me from the Crown of Chains... the least I could do was open yours."


He continues. "Wanderers, if I'm still around the next time you need that, I'll do it again. It's my pleasure."


Glider glances at Bren and then the rest of you. His tone takes on a note of caution. "Ah, Bria has recently brought something to light and I'd like to make a little selfish request of you, but first..." he indicates Stewart and the Meadowsweets who are sitting quietly in chairs not far away, watching you. "I understand you have a number of unidentified magical items? Throughout my travels, I've... gotten pretty good at figuring out what some items do. Could I help solve some mysteries for you?


At this Stewart raises his hand and looks to Bren. His voice is proper and stately as always. "Lord Sarabina, as master of the party and wagon, there are a number of enchanted things here in the Wanderers' Wagon that I think you would do well to be aware of. Not only you, but everyone else too." The older fellow takes on a worried look. "Besides... I have yet to provide all of you a proper tour of your new home! I feel as if I am not being a proper steward!"


Bonny hops up out of his chair, lit pipe in hand. "And, Wanderers, don't be forgettin' your bellies now! Dinner-time is closin' in and we've got fruits and pastries for dessert with..." he gives Stewart an ecstatic grin, "a new delight not before known to us hobbits! Stuff of the gods, I say! Stewart showed us, he did! He calls it..." he speaks reverently, his eyes distant with dreamy desire...


"Whipped cream..."


"Ohhhh!" Beside Bonny, Whittle swoons and mirrors a look of deep and serious longing. Now it becomes the hobbits' turn to go into a trance.


Stewart sees this and can only chuckle.

Spoiler

Railroad stops remaining: 2


Stop 1. Identify magic items, specifically Otiorin's new "bauble," distribute Powerpaw's items won from Dubble Trubble, and other little discoveries...


Stop 2. In-character tour of the Wanderers' Wagon including distribution of the bedrooms. This can be as short or as long as folks want it to be.

 

[Kaerri]

Brendoran, human fighter/ranger

Standard AC: 27


Fort save: +11


Ref save: +7


Will save: +4


Current action points: 5


Current HP: 78/78


Status effects: none


Powerpaw's tower shield +1


(-2 to attack rolls)


Spell: /

Bren smiles as he opens his eyes and turns to face Glider. "That was wondrous, friend!" The smile turns into an open-hearted laugh at the hobbits' excitement. "Yes, indeed, we ought to identify and share around those items that have been waiting for us all this time. Thank you, Glider, for your assistance in that!" He glances at Wolf and Luna. "And perhaps after that, the grand tour, and those who are less interested can take time for themselves then, and we'll all meet up for dinner afterwards?" He looks around, giving each of the people present a questioning look to invite their yea or nay to the proposed plan.

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger

Shape: Human


Spell 1: Delay Poison


Spell 2: Entangle


Spell 3: /


Favored Terrain: No


Meat or Fish: Meat


Preferred Dice: Black or Red

Looking over to Glider and Stewart gives Wolf pause. "Or we could stick around for that." he ponders. "Sounds like it might be of particular interest to you and... Well. No reason to miss out just because of me. Chances are there's stuff you'll want to inspect yourself. I can hold out for a while longer." A cunning, suggestive smile grows on his face. "And after, once they leave for the tour, perhaps you could... inspect my room."

 

[Sherwood]

Luna lets out a startled gasp, turns bright red, and gives Wolf a playful slug on his shoulder. All of this to try and cover up the very real embarrassment at the thought that she did want to go to his room with him, and what would her mother and father say if they knew? "Wolf! "You naughty man!" She tries to glare, but the laughter from him eventually makes her smile anyways. Luna finally says in a prim manner, "Mr. Stewart! I would love a formal tour of the Wagon, thank you!" Firing off another glare at Wolf, she finally relents and takes him by the arm, pulling him close. "Lets go, you big lug."

 

[Purr]

Spoiler

Railroad stops remaining: 2


This stop... Identify magic items, specifically Otiorin's new "bauble," distribute Powerpaw's items won from Dubble Trubble, and other little discoveries...


Next stop... In-character tour of the Wanderers' Wagon including distribution of the bedrooms. This can be as short or as long as folks want it to be.


Bria nods eagerly. "Bren, I like your plan. Let's do that!"


Glider looks around the room. "You're welcome, everyone. Again, it's just my little way of saying thank you."


Stewart rises. "Miss Callen, it will be my pleasure. But first, allow me to fetch a few things I would like.... ah... Mister... Master... Your Holiness..." Stewart turns to Glider and asks, "My pardon, but just how does a simple servant address an esteemed and accomplished Ko monk of your rank, sir?"


Glider shakes his head and appears amused in his own harmless and wise way. "By his name."


"Just... Glider?"


"Aye."


"But--"


"We only use titles when among Outsiders. When it's just us? It's just... Glider. That is, if you don't mind, Stewart?"


"Me?" Stewart scoffs at the idea of such a breach of conduct. Then he thinks about it with one hand under his chin. Finally he replies, "Perhaps informality is the Ko way of life? I must admit - I am not used to being asked what I like... You, sir, are a great deal like Miss Bria."


Glider chuckles at Stewart's words. "That's just us being us. We are but a secretive people without barriers seeking love, wisdom, and enlightenment. Now, what are these items you wish me to see?"


"Ah! Allow me to bring them to you, Maste--" Stewart pauses. Then he offers a kind grin of his own. "Glider."





As Stewart heads out of the Grand Pool, Powerpaw raises a furry paw. "Hey, dats a good ideas! Mebbe now I kin know what all dat stuff Dubble Trubble had doez." Powerpaw points a claw at every Wanderer. "You guyz, Dubble Trubble had stuffs from all overs. I wanna shares wif my new party (dats you guyz)." Powerpaw then stalks down the edge of the pool. He turns and looks at his reflection as he does so. On impulse, the feline warrior makes a scary face at it with claws extended and fangs open. It is not to his satisfaction, so he pauses and tries again. And again. And again, until...


"Son! Dubble Trubble's loot?"


"Oh yah! Tanks, Mom!"


Glider turns to each of you with open hands. "So, while we wait, are there any little mysteries I can try to unravel for you?"


Bria turns to Otiorin. "Hey, Rin? Do you still have that mysterious magical cudgel that saved us from Bilal?"





Last I checked, Otiorin was the last character to have it on his person, so even though it was many chapters back, I still see him as having it.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna nods. "Perhaps I can aid in identifying the items from your loot stash, too. Let's see what you have."