Journey Day 06 09 Quiet Journey

Come the morning, Jyslin looks relatively normal. But she remains silent. Breakfast is served without the usual friendly banter. Each member of the group is eventually given their own amulet, like the one Andie gave Syval. With each, that tiny ritual, and then it is over. The witch herself looks tired and worn; she clearly did not sleep all that well through the rest of the night.

For her part, Honoria stays quiet as well, but she does talk with Syval now and then, making it clear in so doing that her silence is giving the other two women their maximum space and trying to avoid setting either one off, even if she does not fully understand the schism now between them.

For a few days this continues. Honoria talks largely with Syval, discussing history, her home and people in Falkirk, war, strategy, battle, weapons. Even her understandings of magic, or what she knows of the Sisters or witches in general. And she makes a point of sparringwith Syval twice a day, once to start the day and again to end it, insisting on pushing to difficult sparring when tired from an entire day.

As those days unfold, Andie recovers quickly. She is no less pensive, and her mood clearly infects Neosodos. He tries to be his usual personable self, and to be a peacemaker. But he feels her pain, her aching loneliness and her fear, and he cannot help being affected by it.

Oddly enough, Jyslin does still continue to share her tend with Andie. She does not put the witch out, nor allow herself to be excluded. But there are definitely times in those next few days when another sound bubble is erected, just as more arguing starts to spill forth. The two women are not at peace.

Encounters during this time are largely minimal. The group is moving away from the break in the mountains, leaving the Weathering Heights further and further behind them. Hunting does turn up some wildlife, and there are sightings of things in the distance, largely up further into the foothills. But nothing comes closer, and nothing makes a point of standing out where it can be clearly seen.

<OOC> Syval falls over like a matryoshka doll. :D

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I did warn you i'd been typing. :)"

<OOC> Syval <3. Honoria time, yay. :D

<OOC> Syval says, "I'll have used more of my downtime to practice mindspeech and play with my spark. Should I note any progress with either of those?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Depends on what he tries while he's practicing. :)"

<OOC> Syval says, "Well, mindspeech first. Then depending upon Neos' advice, merging with his spark or practicing shifting back and forth."

<OOC> Syval will also have offered to carry Andie that first day if she looks too out of it on the trail. The extra weight would not be greatly noticed. :)

<OOC> Syval says, "Mostly I wonder about mindspeech since that'll make it easier for Honoria to converse."

<OOC> Syval means to ask Andie at some point about a translation spell for her too but keeps forgetting to do so in scene.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Of course, if you give her a translation spell, she won't learn the langauge herself and will become dependent on it. :)"

Syval for his part is the stalwart guard of the party, keeping himself clear of the goings on between the two witchy women and focusing upon their travel. In his free moments the green dragonoid continues exploring his heritage, learning where he can from Neos on mind-speech and in quiet evenings trying to shift between the end of his watch and the next morning's sparring session. Neos' infected demeanor draws the young man's attention more than his witch and the Eldritch Wyrm is given more than a couple prods and offers to speak in their native telepathy to lift his spirits. Not completely left out, Syval doesn't distance himself fully from Andie and Jyslin either - Andie even receives an offer to ride piggyback after her first and most trying night.

In the rhythm that develops the green-haired and green-scaled young man seems to settle well. Honoria's conversations bring out a magely inquisitiveness as he listens intently to her talk of the past, occasionally jotting into his journal, and patiently educates her on the Electrum Circle's modern understandings of Art, local geopolitics, and the Great War. With millenia of time between them it leaves the pair plenty to talk about and the princess' company is welcome. Jyslin as well is courted in matters of traveling life, and the city-raised wizard takes time to help with basic skills around the campsite in between brief but friendly conversations - most of which have therianthropy as an ice-breaker. There's also, more than once, an offer for the quick-healing woman to let off steam in the twice-daily spars.

Syval will learn, amongst other things, the names of the four Sisters that were with Honoria's group when they came to these mountains all those many years ago to build a refuge from their enemies. Of course, he already knew the name of Autreanne; added to this are the names Rashia, Shakarn and Vitarie. Autreanne was the eldest and first, tallest, strongest and most mighty, the Mountain Witch. Rashia was second youngest, small, scrappy and spirited, the Witch of the Fen, and still also with Selune at the time. Vitarie was third youngest, the Witch of the Gentle Brook, a bright and happy little thing following Lliira, the goddess of Joy and Dancing. Shakarn was fourth in line, the Dreaded Witch of the Mounds even then, known to many even then as the Great Betrayer for having been the first to turn from Selune, and having remained ever-loyal to the Master of Death, Miclante.

One thing that stands out in their descriptions is that much as they all were very different, there were some things that were strong through-line similarities. Strongest of these is that each one of them was witch colored - red of hair and green of eye. Autreanne was least of this, being so tall and pale and inhuman-seeming ethereal in description, more blonde with red tints and silvery-green of eye, whilst Shakarn was the darkest of these with auburn hair and nearly-black green eyes.

For herself, Andie is polite, even friendly, but she does keep to herself a lot during this time. She does not chatter amiably, only interacting as required. Jyslin is not much easier to draw out, but she does actually talk, and interact. And she's happy to go hunting together. But she doesn't often take Syval up on the offer of sparring.

The one thing the chats with Honoria offer is more opportunity to quiz her on lessons of learning modern Shaaren.

<OOC> Syval says, "Hmm... I'm not sure I've got much to add here."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li frown. I'm an idiot.

<OOC> Syval hugs. "I'm not exactly at 100% with writing chops myself."

<OOC> Syval says, "If you like we can stop here and just chat." In the early morning hours of the start of the group's ninth day sharp eyes manage to pick out what at first would seem to be birds high in the skies above the mountains to everyone's south. But sharper still it is possible to make out that their shape is not entirely avian. The range makes it difficult, as they are quite tiny against the sky.

Neosodos spots them and points them out to the group. << Unless I miss my guess, I do believe those would be outriders, guardians of the avariel. It would seem something untoward is threatening them sufficiently to demand warriors to the sky when they can be more easily seen. Dangerous thing, given more visible presence might draw the notice of the giant kin in the mountains, who consider their kind a delicacy. >>

<OOC> Syval says, "Would I know of the Avariel?"

Syval frowns as he squints at the far distant shapes in the sky. "That seems a good reason to lay low. At least we have the woods for cover. Perhaps they live in the mountain range? There's no settlement like that known to Delzimmer."

Syval frowns as he squints at the far distant shapes in the sky. "That seems a good reason to lay low. And us without cover... I guess we continue on and hope they and that threat do not trouble us."

"There's no settlement of flying people here known to Delzimmer. What are the Avariel?" he asks with a glance back to Neos.

<< The Avariel are, as I understand it, a branch of elves tied to their goddess of air, flight, weather and birds. >> the little dragon responds. He glances at Jyslin, and she shrugs. "I know the name of that goddess. But I must admit, I have never seen a winged elf."

Honoria speaks up. "< We knew of the avariel in my time. We rarely saw them, and had no business bothering them. But in our time they had a strong alliance with the Freyniir, and as I understood it they were much more populous. They had a city of their own. In human terms it was called the Crystal Aerie. I never heard the elven name for it. >"

Andie then takes a deep breath, sighing. "Yes. It was a very sad thing. Miclante's spread to non-human races became a disaster when he finally subsumed the giant races. Their reorganization brought with it a more dangerous intentional brutality. It was a sad devastation, something to be mourned."

<OOC> Syval says, "Knowledge check for Freyniir? ^_^;"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "An alternative term used for 'snow elves', a very rarely-seen type of elf rumored to be, uncharacteristically, taller than humans and as well muscled/built as they are. They almost never come down out of the frozen Toadsquat mountains."

<OOC> Syval says, "That's uh... History? Ah! Thank you."

<OOC> Syval says, "Oh woah so the upper mountains are inhabited..."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "K: History, K: Nature would both fit."

<OOC> Syval says, "K: Nature is my highest, Lore: Weathering Heights is 2nd if that's also appropriate. K: Nature it is."

<OOC> Syval says, "Just for my information, would this be a scenario for Lore too?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yus." Syval rolls K:Nature (1d20+7) and gets 10 (3)

<OOC> Syval sweatdrops and chuckles a bit.

"It seems they still occupy the same lands then," Syval chimes in as he pushes a stalk of tall grass aside and resumes walking. "I've heard of the snow elves up in those mountains but never seen one myself." Turning to Honoria the dragonoid adds, "< Freyniir in Common are 'snow elves'. They still live upon the mountain but I've never seen one before. Apparently Avariel still live with them. >"

<OOC> Syval says, "I'm okay to pause for the night when you are. :)" << They do not live with them, but they remain allies. They are elves, after all. >> Neosodos corrects.

Honoria questions, "< What is this about Miclante consolidating his hold on other races, including the giants? I do not understand, I thought that sort of thing was not allowed? >"

Without waiting for a translation, merely giving a tired and put-upon sigh, Andie responds. "< It is not supposed to be allowed. There are severe penalties levied against those who turn against their own pantheon to follow a god of another people. The damnations laid upon them can be quite severe. Unfortunately, there are no penalties I am aware of for the deities in question. >" So while the giants, and other races, may be SOFL for this, Miclante gets away with it all.

<OOC> Syval says, "Goodness as if things couldn't get bigger. :)"

Syval turns and fixes a furrowed gaze upon Andie at hearing Maenast from the witch. A pointed glance is given to her wyrm familiar then the dragonoid huffs looks back out towards the distant specks flying above the mountain range. "Whatever made those elves take wings, they're near Crow's Peak. < There's a human settlement on that mountain. > It's a mining camp for Delzimmer."

<OOC> Syval says, "AFK for phone." Jyslin looks at Andie with a distinctly grumpy expression and turns away; one can almost imagine a feline slashing her tail in bitter fury and annoyance.

Neosodos nods from Andie's shoulder. "< It is true. That does seem to be the same peak as the human mining settlement. >"

Honoria turns to look back up at the mountaintop and the figures flying high above. "< It would take us days, if not a week or more to ascend so high as to be able to help them. It is unfortunate. >" The words of a woman used to being the Knight in Shining Armor, riding to the rescue of any and all who need her help or protection.

When Honoria says this, Jyslin turns back to stare intently at Andie's side for a moment, then looks back away as if it never happened.

Syval passes a sympathetic look to Honoria and frowns grimly. "< It's the hazard of mining in the mountain range. It takes two dozen guards to get a caravan there with supplies, much less working there, but the ore is good and so is the pay... Hopefully a survivor will escape to tell of it and we can learn what happened when we return to Delzimmer in a month. >"

MAIL: Mailbox purged.

<OOC> Syval afks for food this time.

<OOC> Syval says, "And back." Andie glances towards Jyslin only after the ashen blonde has looked away, giving a soft, even tender sigh of real emotional pain. Then she looks away, back to their path ahead.

Neosodos churrs a bit. "< We can hope. >" he responds.

Honoria seems sad but resigned as she nods. continuing forward. She is a practical sort, and though she may have every idea what Andie is capable of, she would never think of asking such of the witch.

As the group continues, the winds pick up that afternoon, blowing hard down out of the mountains and across the grassy plains, cool dry air in a rush. There's a tightness of almost static in the air. That evening as the group sets up camp Jyslin comments, "Make sure the flies are up and tight. We'll have thunderstorms as things turn over tonight." Honoria nods as this is translated for her, clearly agreeing with that assessment though apparently not as confident of it to have offered that herself.

Syval ruffles his wings as he looks windward while knocking stakes into the ground. "And keep the lines tight. With how fast the breeze falls off the north mountain face, any storm will have strong gusts." The young dragonoid has been in a more taciturn mood than usual since spotting the outriders and for some time on the rest of their day's walk he passed occasional glances back towards the mountain's peak. Around camp that's translated into business, with the mage tending more thoroughly to the usual chores before seeking out the nightly spar with Honoria.

"< Since only one of us doesn't speak Maenast, do you have any long-lasting language spell that can help Jyslin? >" he asks without looking Andie's way. It's clear enough who the question is meant for.

""

Neosodos gives a hiss at this, clearly protesting. But his thoughts he does not share to anyone but his mistress; the tiny dragon has his limits, even when irked.

Meanwhile, Honoria and Jyslin are already working out, with Jyslin producing those sword handles of hers, blades of silvery light forming. Where Honoria battles with baraj and shield in heavy armor, Jyslin is much more light on her feet, wearing seemingly no armor at all - experience has taught Syval that her robes have protective magicks that spark and glint to show the shape of armor, but have none of the mass - while fighting with two lighter, quicker weapons. She is much faster than Honoria, and more agile, and seems to be nearly as strong despite the princess knight's advantages. It's an interesting session to watch.

"She is holding that grudge a long time, but then you've known her a long time as well," Syval responds, switching back to Shaaran now that the displaced knight is occupied. "More proof your reputation is earned. Did that fire spell break another rule?" the dragonoid guesses as he turns to watch the spar while finishing the construction of his tent.

Andie grimaces, and real tears shine in her eyes. "Longer than you can likely imagine, Syval of Amlar." she intones bitterly. Then she shakes her head. "I broke no rules. But what I did ... very few if any mortal casters have been able to achieve. To shape the spell so finely to my will was beyond the pale well enough for her to realize something was not as it seemed. And ... she has never been a stupid woman. It did not take her very long to put it all together and realize the truth I had been keeping from her."

Andie sighs. "She has not yet figured out the rest." she mutters tiredly. "I had hoped she would, that it would all come together. But it clearly is not yet time, as frustrating as that may be."

"Then why not tell her? And perhaps you owe it to Honoria as well," Syval responds then turns to regard the witch-colored woman strangely. "Perhaps you both do. Keep secrets if you please, but it's affecting this journey."

"And what was that Art you used for your fire spell? I thought Neos channeled fire resistance to protect her. It was a great show of power, certainly, but that didn't look any more discriminating than a simple Burning Hand."

"Then why not tell her? And perhaps you owe it to Honoria as well," Syval responds then turns to regard the witch-colored woman strangely. "Perhaps you both do. Keep secrets if you please, but it's affecting this journey."

"The Archmage himself could not have woven a spell as you did and to channel it down from the firmament I've never seen done with things larger than fists, much less flames which want to rise," the apprentice mage remarks pointedly as he stands again and the various cases and pouches filled with his craft thump against his meaty thighs. "There's plenty about you that's already an open secret now."

<OOC> Syval says, "New poseski." Andie looks up at the dragonoid curiously for a few moments, still clearly sad and shaken, tears unshed in her eyes. "I cannot tell Jyslin the last of it. She must uncover it herself. It is the only way for her Becoming." Somehow the witch manages to make that capital letter audible; it's a mite eerie.

"As for Lady Honoria, I believe you will find that she knows. She spent nearly two years with a rotating coterie of half my sisters and myself. I may have been reborn since then quite a few times, but I doubt she would miss the implications of my presence." Which rather makes it sound like it's Jyslin and Syval who were being kept in the dark.

"The core spell is one no magi I've ever known could cast. It is rare amongst witches, though some do learn it. It is best known and most widespread amongst cultists. But I augmented the spell, intentionally." Andie meets Syval's gaze again. "They made me very, very angry, endangering her like that." Fury, thy name be woman protecting her own.

The dragonoid frowns lightly and his tail lashes behind him as he meets the witch's gaze with eyes that are sharp and consuming in an unsettling, inhuman way - overlaying the spark of intelligence with an alien detachment. Without meaning to try the predatory, serpentine blood of his chromatic half shows itself often and freely in Syval's hybrid form. "As they did to the rest of us. You had no qualms about trading her /possible/ safety for Honoria," he reminds flatly.

<OOC> Syval says, "I think I'm losing my sense for big poses. I wanted to touch all three of your paragraphs separately but they would have all gone in different directions." Andromeda sighs and shakes her head, long fiery red hair washing along behind her. "I won't deny it, Syval of Amlar. Yes, I endangered Lady Honoria somewhat. I endangered Jyslin much moreso, and she vastly more precious to me personally." Though the witch has not said 'I love her', she has said everything but that, and quite honestly. "I believed I could control the power and contain it. And that the beautiful and amazing Eldritch Wyrm could protect her despite those terrible dangers. And I was right." She huffs, deflating a bit. "How, I must find a way to restore her faith and trust in me. She feels as though I was intentionally making a fool of her. That was never my intent. But she is hurting. I understand her feelings, her concerns. All I can do is give her time, and hope she will realize the truth as the shock ebbs."

"Maybe it's the dragon in me, but I don't think I would give away any of you," Syval says after a moment's pause. So much on loyalty. "For as many nightly shouting matches as you've had it feels like there's still something she's waiting for you to say..."

Andie cannot help chuckling wryly at Syval's response. "We are not really yours to keep, Syval. But the sentiment is appreciated for what it is worth." She doesn't seem remotely intimidated, but that's likely not a huge surprise. "If she really is waiting for me to say something more, I have no idea what it is. I have apologized, and I explained my reasons. And I told her how precious and special she is to me. She has to be willing to meet me half-way."

That said, Andie stalks off to work on preparing dinner, alone with only Neosodos for company. But only a fool would imagine she is not continuing to keep an eye on her lover and the sparring session.

To that Syval can only shrug. The dragonoid's latent magicks don't include telepathy to read Jyslin's mind. As Andie rises to depart he does leave a last remark, "Perhaps later you can tell me more about that spell you cast. It did seem more akin to a ritual and that's far away from the Electrum Circle's Art."

Left to his own devices, the green-scaled young wizard turns back to watching the ongoing spar for a few minutes, then heads off a short distance from the group and sits down facing the woods to meditate.

About twenty minutes later Honoria approaches Syval and then settles herself down beside him on his right, laying her sword across her lap and her shield against her right side. She does not speak, does not interrupt him, but just sits there quietly. One might imagine she too is meditating.

Jyslin, by comparison, goes padding off into the slowly falling dusk to explore and check things out, to make sure of how alone the party is on the plains tonight.

<OOC> Syval says, "Aww ^_^"

<OOC> Syval says, "My knight in shining armor."

Syval doesn't respond to Honoria sitting beside him, or Jyslin leaving, or the rising smell of cooking food from Andie's work. The dragonoid is once more buried within his own mind, exploring his spark and trying to draw himself closer to it. It's only well after he's lost his sense of time that he turns his thoughts away and focuses on the antithesis; releasing the spark and shifting himself back human. At least in this the therianthrope neophyte has had practice - enough to stay conscious if nothing else.

Most therianthropes would be terribly jealous of Syval's ability to shift back to his human form with, honestly, a minimum of pain and agony. But the sheer magic of his draconic nature makes the change reasonably painless and relatively rapid. It takes several long seconds, and there's a lot of tingly discomfort that fades slowly over the next minute. But it's nothing like the agony Jyslin could describe of her own original transformations before she was sworn to Selune's service as a moonpriestess. Now she finds her own transformation just as easy.

"< Welcome back. >" Honoria murmurs when the transformation is complete and Syval the human is back again. She remains keenly aware that he is still the dragonoid within, but it is nice to see that he can see at least some value in the human form still. That makes him more relatable to the human lady knight. "How go your meditations otherwise?"

Reopening his eyes and catching his breath from the mental sprint of effort that always marks the end of the shift in either direction, Syval turns with some surprise to Honoria and smiles somewhat belatedly. Her company is apparently not unwelcome as the sun sets beyond the end of the mountain range, far past Delzimmer. "It was okay. I made a little progress, perhaps. My spark is feeling a little more comfortable," and the roar isn't quite so frightening, "but none of the breakthroughs that will help our journey."

Grabbing the loops of fabric tied about his belt, the green-haired mage slips the top half of his robes back on and straightens his clothes such as he can while seated. It leaves the solidly-built apprentice still sleeveless but at least not topless anymore. "How was your spar with Jyslin? And how long have you been beside me?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Of course between the bronze necklace, sapphire armband, and the little fancy green rock around my neck I at least had some jewelry on." Honoria turns and smiles at the mage after he has his top back on. "< Glad you continue to make progress. Of course, I am sorry you have not made more. >" She doesn't try to lecture him about not rushing himself; he knows what things take, even if he wants more than he has just now.

"< The spar with Jyslin was very energetic and fun. She is actually quite talented, though being fair I would say more of her talent is about row potential than trained experience and skill. It is a rare thing that I fight a woman stronger than I am. That she is smaller, that much smaller, and so much faster is pretty incredible. >"

Honoria glances towards the sunset and then back to Syval's human visage. "< I do not think I have been sitting here much more than half an hour. I came to join you after Jyslin ended our session and decided to go stalking for a while. Since her blades are spellstuff, they have limitations in duration, and once they were gone ... >"

"< They are incredible magic. Nothing around Andie is mundane, >" says the dragonoid mage to the time-displaced knight. Taking his ever-present masterwork bardiche from the ground beside him, Syval lifts it up proudly to shoulder height, then offers it over for Honoria's inspection. "< Not a problem with my weapon. It only has an apprentice's Art upon it but the core is solid. >"

"" Syval adds with a sly smile, as if it were an accomplishment to lose.

"< Quite often true. >" Honoria answers. Indeed, very little about any of the magic that any of them carry, wield or embody is mundane. That is the definition of the Art, but it is so much moreso. The lady knight reaches out, running her fingers over the half and blade, examining the bardiche without even considering asking to take it from Syval's hands and control. "< It is a very fine blade. And as you say, it will not tire or expire. >" Honoria would never think to say something against the spellblades, but she does not find them to be 'right'. A weapon should outlast its mistress.

"< It was a great challenge for me to find those willing to push me hard, when I began my training. I was not so strong as I am now, but by no means weak. Yet I was the princess, and a lady, and even amongst other warrior women I would find many hesitant to push me. I had to make a point of it, to earn their trust and faith, before they would push me as hard as they could. >" There is a mild sadness in her tone, but also real pride; it is because she earned their trust, because they agreed and pushed her as har as they did, that she survived. But it hurts that they are all so long gone, never to be found again. "< Hence why I will always do you the honor of pushing you as hard as you can take, and a bit harder. Others helped me to grow, and I will always return the favor. >"

That said, the lady knight easily kips up to her feet in full armor and then turns to slide her left arm into the shield, hefting it up as her right takes up the baraj with a graceful economy of motion.

<OOC> Syval bites tongue on juicy conversation topic.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li hmms?

"< It's the best-forged bardiche in Delzimmer and equal at least in quality and edge to any other steel blade there. It's a rite of passage in the Art to bind one's magic to something in the world and not a ritual made easier by practice, so it's well worth the patience and effort to choose the best stock possible, >" Syval explains, neither parting with nor retrieving his at once artful and well-honed weapon until Honoria has appreciated it to her satisfaction. "< Normal wizards choose staves or jewelry. My choice was completely abnormal, then I even had to pay members of the guard to train me how to use it, >" the green-haired mage admits with an unclear tangle of emotion beyond the story, not all of it proud. To be 'normal' is perhaps something that's been as far from Syval his whole life as it has been from Honoria.

Taking her cue to stand, the wizard thumps the steel butt of his weapon into the ground and hoists himself onto his feet to stand a scant inch beneath eye-level with the towering blonde, regarding her with a warm and empathetic comfort. If the lady knight were equally barefoot they'd be even. ""

"< Did you ever think to wear a disguise and fight with the men as someone else? >"

Or at the least it is the best forged bardiche in Delzimmer within the years that the young wizard has been in the city; of taht at least Hoonoria has no doubts. But it is finesteel, not something rarer or more precious, and if Delzimmer is as large a city as has been implied previously - hard for the lady knight to imagine after the way the barbarian tribes reacted to such large cities in her own time - and with a wizarding school there, Honoria would rather assume someone has at some point commissioned a piece to be made of those rarer materials.

"< Everyone must chose his or her own path, and forge it, and themselves, just as truly as one might a weapon or shield. >" the princess knight opines. "< We, none of us, get much of a choice as to whether or how much we will stand out. And it can be hard. But it is what it is and forges us into whom we shall be. >" She does get how he feels, but Honoria has long since accepted her own burdens where such things are concerned.

"< If you want to, later, we can continue some lessons and a sparring session. Bardiche is not precisely my best weapon, but most of what I learned of lance afoot as spear should translate sufficiently. >" And they have the time, and Honoria the will.

The last question earns a bit of a snort and a shake of the lady knight's head. "< To disguise oneself would be dishonorable. To deny one's identity and family barely less so. >" she opines. "< So no, I never considered trying such a thing. Another woman might have, and I would not begrudge her that choice. But it was not to be, for me. >" She does not bring up the fact that had she done so she could very well have been putting the lives of the men she fought and trained with at risk of execution by the King. Not precisely good 'just before dinner' talk, that.

<OOC> Syval was particular in calling it a steel blade. Maybe some day he'll get a nicer one, but probably not. :)

Syval smiles with some dry amusement at Honoria's reply. "< Spoken like a true knight. I guess things are different when you know your place in the world and have nobility at your back, but you make that sound almost banal. >" Draping his weapon across his broad shoulders, the wizard stretches out muscles that a brief minute ago had wings sprouting from them. "< Clairvoyance is not my specialty but I do think the Fates have put us all here for some mercurial purpose, and I think I understand mine a little more now. >"

"< If you're willing to spar more tonight I will accept your offer - later, >" he adds appreciatively even if the young man doesn't look too eager to jump straight in. Even if he doesn't show it, the transformation's left him a bit tender. "< How are you feeling lately? Does our time agree with you better now? >"

Syval smiles with some dry amusement at Honoria's reply. "< Spoken like a true knight. Forgive me for saying but you nobles sometimes sound like you're quoting from a lesson. That is one thing that hasn't changed since your time...>" Draping his weapon across his broad shoulders, the wizard stretches out muscles that a brief minute ago had wings sprouting from them and sighs softly as they loosen up. ""

Almost as an afterthought to the conversation the green-haired therianthrope adds appreciatively, "< If you're willing to spar more tonight I will accept your offer - later. >" Even if he doesn't show it, the recent transformation's left him a bit tender. "< Speaking of the past, how are you feeling lately? Does our time agree with you better now? >"

<OOC> Syval says, "There, hopefully that helps a bit."

<OOC> Syval says, "Does that pose work for you?" Honoria tilts her head slightly to the side, carefully regarding Syval as he speaks so of her background and those like her. She wasn't quoting any lesson; not directly, at least. She was just trying to adroitly explain her own feelings and position on the matters at hand. It stings a bit to know that he finds her way of speaking to such things lacking in genuousness.

"< I cannot know for certain, Syval, but I have to imagine that yes, everything in life is different when you have nobility at your back. But I suppose I will be learning that soon enough, given I am now utterly alone in this time. I am no noble, only a timelost relic of a bygone era. Beyond my gear, my armor and weapons which I will most certainly never sell, I have no wealth, and no influence to offer. >" She may have grown up as the height of nobility, but she is more alone than the lowliest peasant now.

"< Later it is, then. Though we'll need more stretching later, after dinner. >" That said, Honoria turns and starts walking back towards camp, trusting Syval to keep up with her. "< I still find it very difficult to understand the modern language. And I would likely need weeks if not months to come to understand the state of the world around us as it has developed since my time. I do not see that there is much change in the 'agreement' of this time. >"

This time it's Syval's turn to snort and he gives the lady knight a reassuring smile. "< You have the favor of a witch, a skilled priestess, and a dragon - and I've no intention of leaving you to the bugbears. Be at ease about the near future; 'wizard' is no meager station in Delzimmer and we can rest there after this journey with Andie. And I will procure a language spell, or perhaps she should make an enchantment for you. Learning languages seems like such a plebian activity. >" Whether the sandy-eyed mage means non-noble or merely non-magical is unclear as he follows the towering blonde knight back towards the firelight. Just as they get close enough for the muted flames to brighten her armor, Syval takes a hand from his bardiche and sets it heavily upon her shoulder. His gaze is warm and earnest while still holding that deep well of confidence that typifies the dragon-empowered son of adventurers and lumberjacks. "< And you are every bit as real as anyone else I've ever met, heritage and all. Kingdoms are easier to come by than noble blood. >"

<OOC> Syval says, "You ever get like 80-90% of what you're trying to say but stall out on the exact wording?"

<OOC> Syval also meant Neosodos by "dragon". He is small of size but big of voice.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li nods. "Yus. I get that a LOT." "< Believe it or not, Syval, blood is never noble. Never. Spirit and heart are noble. Blood is just blood. >" Honoria offers, as if saying so isn't proof she is still quite noble indeed in her ideals.

"< For myself, I prefer to learn the language. I am pleased that others can speak to me in mine. But if I am to live in this time, amongst these people, I must understand them. And language is only the beginning of that, and far from the end. >"

Syval blinks and his expression collapses to a puzzled one at the knight's reply. "< Did I mistranslate Maenast then or aren't you a princess because your father was a king? >"

The princess knight cannot help but laugh quite brightly, shaking her head as she grins in wry amusement. "< No, Syval, you are not wrong. I am a princess because my mother was queen. But that is what makes me one-time royalty. That is not what makes me noble. It is a matter of ideals. And those who fail to live up to them are ejected, losing all noble title. >"

"< Hmm, that's a difference from our time then - or at least the local powers. We have laws to uphold but our Kauladd bends to influence and money, not the other way around, >" Syval considers as he taps his chin, giving genuine thought to the unexpected insight. "< Not that you will find nobles in the style of the great kingdoms in Delzimmer; our satraps have power because they each have twice as many guards as the nagra. Their wealth is inherited and so is their power, but their blood itself is as red as anyone's. You could probably teach them of the noble demeanor they imitate. >"

<OOC> Syval says, "Kauladd = Code of law, Nagra = police. Because the wiki has a scattering of local Akalaic."

<OOC> Syval says, "Not that I expect Honoria to know them, but after a point I won't know the Maenast word for everything. :)"

<OOC> Syval says, "Apparently Delzimmer also has a great many halflings, or at least had at some points in time."

<OOC> Syval says, "Let me know if Shaar-time you want to use a different take on anything than the post-Spellplague state of the city. :)" Honoria listens, and weighs, and then has to ask for some translations for things like Kauladd, nagra, and satraps so she can be sure. Then she considers a bit longer, and makes a face of displeasure. "< That sounds like the so-called failed nobles of this time have forgotten those lessons, and now oppress the people they should lead and protect. >" And she delivers taht pronouncement with the kind of formality that says she has just taken this as some kind of mission statement.

Maybe those satraps should be afraid.

Syval smiles as however accidentally he's uplifted the knight's mood then waits patiently while Honoria ponders, letting his hand slide from her shoulder. Then it's the mage's turn to laugh in his earthy tone. "< Nothing so foul I assure you. The nagra are small because the satraps keep order within their territories. Competition between the satrap families keeps any of them from growing too powerful or mean. I would think it is more balanced than a single royal family having control of the whole city. >"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li's modern player says, "It's still oligarchy, damnit!" :)

<OOC> Syval says, "I'd call it pretty progressive for the Shaar, no? X)"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I don't see an oligarchy as any more progressive than a monarchy, honestly."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Especially when that oligarchy is based on being wealthy and perpetuating that wealth."

<OOC> Syval says, "I'd say oligarchy is no different from a republic if you don't have the right to vote. I do wonder where political scientists draw the line between few enough ruling class to be an oligarchy versus a large enough ruling class to be a republic or democracy."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Republics and democracies are not supposed to //have// a ruling class. Only those selected from amongst the electorate to serve. That's not how it actually ends up working, but that's not the fault of the style of government, only the way it actually transpires in our own modern world in most instances."

<OOC> Syval says, "Modern? Republics and democracies /began/ with a ruling class and suffrage has expanded in modern times; if anything that's gotten better, not worse. The big upheaval over the whole matter was in expanding representation to progressively larger portions of the population - lowering property/land requirements, reducing ethnic boundaries, et cetera." Honoria simply shakes her head. "< I suppose the answer is, as in all things, more complex. But with multiple such leaders are you more likely to have both the good, and the bad, and likely to have some of both. With a single king or queen, one has but one chance, but it is also much easier to see the truth of the good, or the bad, and then to take action as necessary in correct.> " Her wording may be formal, but that is as much a product of the language she uses as it is to her education and past. That makes her feelings no less genuine.

When the pair finally reach the campfire, they will find the deliciously prepared stew ready to eat, and the titian-haired witch sitting comfortably nearby, brushing her fingers over the spine and back of a sleeping drake in her lap. "< Dinner is ready. Please, feel free to serve yourselves." Andie offers quietly. >", choosing Maenast obviously for the ease of only having to say it once, not twice. "< Please do leave some for Jyslin. I am sure she will catch something and feed. But I would rather not offer her yet another reason to be angry with me. And perhaps she will appreciate something in addition to uncooked hunted game before dinner. >"

<OOC> Syval says, "They don't have a ruling class in the sense that the people who can vote are nominally represented, but in that system /they/ are the ruling class. It's just generally a much bigger group than in an oligarchy or dictatorship, which is why I wonder where that line gets drawn."

<OOC> Syval says, "Political science curiosity for later perhaps. Regardless for Syval, it's where he grew up and currently a successful mercantile hub so he will be suitably biased. :)"

<OOC> Syval says, "Sorry, didn't mean to spam OOC. ^_^;"

"< I don't see how with a bad king or queen you would take action. If we have a bad satrap, shopkeepers leave for another satrap's territory and take their profits with them so the families mostly police themselves, >" Syval responds with a puzzled tilt of his head. From one who's always lived under a monarch to one who never has, some things don't seem to translate.

Coming upon the warm and crackling fire, the human wizard fights to suppress his smile when he spots Neosodos napping in his witch's lap. He nods to Andie then mutters an familiar incantation while weaving his free hand in a just as familiar sign while moving over to his tent. Syval sets his bardiche beside his pack and collects his food bowl before returning to scoop some stew. If Honoria beats him back, the first ladleing is offered to her.

"< Thank you, Andie, >" he replies quietly then asides to the lady knight with a faint magic dwelling in his fingers, "< Spice? >"

<OOC> Syval says, "Prestidigitation, what a wonderful spell o/~"

<OOC> Syval says, "I had to stop and think for a moment whether Andie or Jyslin might have already been doing that to the food before I recalled it's an arcane spell. This feels horribly belated in our journey now but I ought to have been offering to flavor the group's meals since magicking my own bowl would have lead naturally to an explanation of the trick."

<OOC> Syval says, "Ah well, the second best time is now, as the saying goes." Honoria waits her turn and then ladles up some of the stew for herself. "" she comments to Syval, with a merry twinkle in her eyes. She is well aware that Syval seems to have a greater urge for hotter, spicier foods than she.

Andie herself simply smiles indulgently at all of this, clearly not much affected by the mage's intent to so-said 'adulterate' her cooking.

As they eat Honoria will take her time and find opportunities to explain that as the shopkeepers in Syval's example might decide to move on in protest against unfair treatment, in a monarchy other leaders of the realm under the rule of a bad king or queen would be just as free in their own thoughts, and just as able to raise their concerns, even unto arms if necessary.

It is, in the end, clear that while both can conceptualize what the other has experienced, it is not 'real' for them in a concrete fashion. They will just have to agree to disagree.

"< Interesting to hear a political discussion. I must admit my own personal preference has been for quite some time a decided lack of politics, or rulership either above me or below. >" Andie comments. "< The freest government I have seen enacted is what I believe the sages have called 'democracy.' Every citizen is granted a vote, and it is the rule of the majority over all. Yet even that can be corrupted, dependent upon the rules for whom is allowed citizenship and a vote, and the power of the majority to lord over the minority. That is why I stay in the Dread Bogs when I can. >"

Syval eats his own bowl while discussing with a companionable openness about Delzimmer's government structure - and he does tune it's flavor a couple times while eating. It quickly becomes clear that the young man only knows his city's own government, whether or not other forms exist in the current day. "< Everyone voting on everything sounds bothersome. That really works? >" he opines while mildly furrowing his brow. "< For what it's worth living alone in the bogs seems the freest way to live. Anything else in some way is a rule by power: wealth, strength of arms, divine favor, it's all the same. The path to a free life is to gather enough power to be unconquered by others, whatever form that takes. >"

"< But also a lonely one. >" Honoria offers quietly. She does not judge; everyone is entitled to their choice. But she is a woman who always had others to serve, others to lead, others to protect. To be so alone as all of that would likely hollow her own unto death.

Andie nods. "< It can be, indeed. I will not deny that. Having a few friends to join you eases much of that. And some journeys, now and then, can break up the monotony. >"

"< I'll take the comforts and pleasures of the city, but it's nice to enjoy the solitude of the wilds as well, >" Syval offers, favoring something of a balance himself. He scrapes at a bit of stew at the bottom of his bowl and looks attentively to Andie. Something she said has pricked his ears. "< Do you always take your journeys from one bog to another? >"

The witch considers the wizard carefully for a few moments, and then shrugs her shoulders. "< No. Not always. But that is the larger proportion of my journeys. >" She does not proclaim 'I am the witch of the fens, what else would you have me do?', but it almost seems to hang there regardless. "< Of such is my nature. But there are time when I make other journeys, to other places, because there are things that need doing. So then I go there, and when done, I venture off to another fen, bog or swamp. >"

Syval chuckles softly, ever mindful of the napping wyrm in the witch's lap. "< That part of the witch's reputation is also true then. At least bogs are plentiful of alchemy ingredients. >" Finishing his bowl not for the first time, the brawny mage glances at the remaining food in the pot then sets down his dishes. Full or not the rest is Jyslin's - and Honoria's if the lady knight wants it.

"< Is that where your portal opens then? To the Dread Bog where the three of you live? >" he continues, tugging at the thread.

"< The satchel? >" Andie questions, and when Syval confirms she nods. "< Yes. Specifically, it opens to the basement of my hut there. >"

Honoria does not take more than she has already had, but instead settles quietly, pouring some of her water into her bowl to wash it down, and then tucking it away. "< Such as the satchel I have seen, but rarely, in my own time. >"

Andie smiles and shrugs. "< Mine is most certainly not the only such item, I assure you. But as I understand it many are more random in their destination, creating or attaching themselves to some random pocket plane or piece of reality at their inception, rather than to a place here upon the prime material plane. I encountered one, years ago, that connected to a series of caverns that - unbeknownst at least to those who were using it - were within Acheron, the first of the Hells. >"

It is during this chat that Jyslin lopes back into camp, circling the campfire a few times before coming over to lay down quietly, the tigress panting as she looks over the group so assembled. She stays quiet for a bit as the conversation continues, and then the silvery shimmering and warp rolls over her, and the tigress shifts and ripples back into the human woman in her plain robes, stretched out comfortably in the grass. She sits up and settles. "Smells like a lovely meal." she offers as a quiet compliment.

"There is some left, if you wish it." Andie offers, not in a meek voice, but without any edge or confrontation.

"< That must have been a dreadful shock, but not a rare one from what other apprentices have told me. Conjuration never felt like a well-grounded school; reaching into other realms all the time with higher powers and their own rules is asking for trouble. If a miscast evocation can turn the caster to stone I don't wish to be anywhere near miscast conjurations, >" Syval responds to the witch. Jyslin's arrival isn't noticed immediately but the striped priestess does earn a glance in recognition before the young mage returns to the conversation at hand. He does, none too discretely, scoot to one side to offer the woman space by the fire.

"< There is a reason why most of the Shaar considers conjuration to be Zennemas, and why being called a sorcerer is generally a prelude to a stoning. >" Andie comments drolly. It is really just about the darkest thing she has ever said, and yet it is said with almost jovial humor.

Jyslin does not interrupt, nor enter the main conversation. But she does get up and go to her tent, returning with a bowl and her own water skin, laying that down as she moves to the pot to ladle up some of the stew. Then she settles down quietly and eats slowly, savoring the flavors. Her emerald gaze can be seen glancing towards Andie as she does so, probably a clear if tacit admission that she knows all too well who made this, recognizing its flavor.

<OOC> Syval says, "Ah! Another important lesson for me. What's Zennemas and how does that relate to sorcery (vs. wizardry)?"

"< Rightly so. Zennemas is dangerous to more than just the caster, >" Syval agrees. No doubt he's had that point drummed thoroughly into his head. "< Was the same true in your time? >" he asks with a look to Honoria before lastly turning to Jyslin to add in Shaaren, "How was your hunt?"

"< Definitely so. >" Honoria answers with a firm nod. "< There are always those who choose to pursue that power and magic despite the risks. But it was clearly in violation of established norms, and anger against it was common on both sides of the war. >"

Andie nods, quiet as she lets Honoria tell it her way, without interruption. Even so, she thinks heavily about those that chose to violate those boundaries, including one of her own allies, her own sisters.

Jyslin glances up as someone speaks in Shaaren instead of Maenast, and she nods gratefully to Syval. "My hunt went pretty well. Nothing of a threat anywhere nearby as far as I could tell. And I caught a small boar." Her tiger was very, very happy about that. "It definitely smells like we should have a peaceful night."

<OOC> Syval, the accidental party glue.

"Good, we can't have too many of those," the green-haired mage replies cheerfully. "After the excitement at the start of the range the past few days have been quiet. I wonder if we're moving between territories, or simply too far from the good hunting grounds." Syval grins as he adds to Jyslin, "And a whole boar sounds like good eating. What's your favorite part?"

"I can't prove it," Jyslin responds, "but I suspect we've lapsed into a region that is the territory of something or someones that just honestly do not want to mess with us. Possibly they saw the incident a few days ago, and they've just decided to let us pass rather than risk it."

When questioned specifically, Jyslin pauses with an empty spoon, considering Syval. "Well, usually the tummy. It tends to be the richest and most flavorful."

Honoria is definitely listening to everything, working through the lessons she has been given as she tries to push herself through immersion to learn the new language. She'll have questions later for someone about some of the words or idioms.

"Good choice," the mage replies as he points a finger at his own bowl, causing the last small flecks of stew color to fade away like a mirage. "We should come to a valley in the next couple days - I think about five days before we touch the mountain range again. Then we pass into interesting territory and a full half day's journey south of the wagon trail."

<OOC> Syval says, "I have Lore: Weathering Heights but since we're far past that now, may I roll Knowledge: Geography to know of the Dungeons of Khufaiel and the White Witch?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sure."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "K: Dungeoneering would cover both as well, and K: History would cover White Witch."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Also, White Witch would be covered in K: Arcana and K: Occult (different info and different DCs)"

<OOC> Syval says, "I can only roll one type of knowledge against each topic, correct?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li kills her capslock and tries this again. "You can roll any of them that you are proficient in that you like. They serve as complimentary skills, so making one gets you a bonus on others."

<OOC> Syval says, "Ah! Goodness you just signed yourself up for a lot of DC checks; I have ranks in everything you mentioned exception Dungeoneering. I think I can make an untrained check on that vs. DC 10 or less?"

<OOC> Syval says, "Here's Dungeons of Khufaiel first:"

<OOC> Syval says, "Ack, meant to hold that in my buffer." Syval rolls K:Dungeoneering (1d20+1) and gets 19 (18) Syval rolls K:Geography (1d20+5) and gets 11 (6)

<OOC> Syval says, "White Witch:" Syval rolls K:Dungeoneering (1d20+1) and gets 15 (14) Syval rolls K:Arcane (1d20+9) and gets 22 (13) Syval rolls K:History (1d20+5) and gets 22 (17) Syval rolls K:Occult (1d20+7) and gets 9 (2)

<OOC> Syval says, "I apologize to Andie for sleeping through that particular occult lesson. I was up far too late the night before with the daughter of a passing caravan merchant. <.< >.>"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li gigglesnickers.

<OOC> Syval says, "For Aramis:" Syval rolls K:History (1d20+5) and gets 6 (1)

<OOC> Syval says, "Ouch..."

"Foothills and a valley, yes." Andie comments calmly. "The heights of the mountains moves south from here for a hundred or so miles, and then arches back northward quite dramatically." No comments about the 'interesting territory, though.

Honoria leans close to Syval and asks a few questions in Maenast, looking to get a few words translated, and she nods as the conversation becomes clearer to her.

Jyslin finishes rinsing out and cleaning her bowl, and then puts things away. "Since I have midwatch, I'll head to bed now. See you later, Syval. Have a good evening." She glances to Andie and Neosodos, offering at least a little nod, and then heads into their tent with her bowl and spoon.

Andie watches this, and then turns to the other two. "< If the two of you will excuse me, I am going to try to speak with her before she goes to sleep. I will see you both in the morning. >" Of course, Andie could let Honoria take the dawn watch, but they haven't really made that adjustment yet. All of the chores got arranged before the lady statuette was awakened, and that's just how things have remained.

After Andie has gone into the tent Honoria looks to Syval. "< If you still want to spar this evening, we should probably go a bit away from camp to do so, so as not to disturb anyone. >" Of course, exercising immediately after dinner isn't going to be easy, either. Decisions, decisions.

Syval gives Jyslin a peculiar look at first for her early departure, but he nods in acceptance once the sense of her excuse sinks in. Whether or not she wants to be alone, an early rest before midwatch is more than reasonable.

A less surprised glance is given to Andie as the witch departs to follow. "< I'll clean the cooking pot, >" the wizard sighs as he stands up and waves his hand over the stew pot, gathering the meal's remnants into the center. In the dim light of the campfire's embers, the natural glow of the young man's Art is visible even in this minor spell, stretching out from his hand and enveloping the cauldron's interior in a faint emerald haze.

"< Certainly I do, but first would you like the last of the stew? >" he asks without lifting his gaze from the simple cleaning task.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li puts it in tupperware and seals it for later, so it does not go to waste.

<OOC> Syval grins. "Oh I'm sure we can choke it down between the two of us, royal decorum be smote."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yeah. But I don't think Honoria would do that, if they're going to to go work out. I think she'd literally pull it off the fire and keep it for later."

<OOC> Syval laughs. "That works too." Honoria makes a bit of a face. "< Why don't we put it in a bowl, off the fire, and let it wait until after the exercise. I think if I ate more now, I would likely sick up while sparring. >" And the lady knight's tone of voice makes it quite clear that is not just undesirable, it's nigh-unacceptable. And clearly she's not up for wasting food, either.

<OOC> Syval says, "How're the moon and stars out tonight? I imagine the sun's fully set by now?"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Setting. Dusk."

Taking the cue, Syval reaches backwards and the dish he'd left behind floats up and into his waiting hand, then he shifts the spoon to one side and using the same gesture upon the pot, levitates the collected stew up into his bowl. "" he admits with a chuckle. "< Food for later. >"

Waving his free hand over the pot once more, the young mage banishes it of any leftover remnants then sets the bowl down, physically, away from the fire before moving away to retrieve his bardiche. "< Lead on, Lady Honoria. Let's start slowly so neither of us see our suppers again. >"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "We totally need to invent tupperware. :)"

<OOC> Syval says, "I say a pot with a lid is fine. Seal it with a little wax or clay and it'll keep as well as anything."

<OOC> Syval says, "Or just a Bag of Holding. That's a stasis dimension right? ;)"

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Pot of Holding!" Honoria leads Syval well away from camp, beyond even his earlier meditation spot before stopping. Then she calls forth her lance, specifically so that she can demonstrate with it to help lay out patterns for Syval. "< I know as a wizard you are taught to think about everything. And that has great value. But in physical combat you need to move faster. That means you need to teach your body and your instincts all of the pieces, and let those instincts take over. >"

And so the lady knight is going to work on giving Syval a lot more 'back to basics' training, as she tries to teach his instincts how to fight better. Katas and forms, followed by sparring. Rinse and repeat.

Syval chuckles softly and cracks his neck from side to side before stretching out his arms with the aid of his bardiche. "< Don't think I've spent all of my time in the High College. I have met my share of monsters and bandits before Andie found me at a tavern, >" he assures as he gets comfortable some distance away in an open stretch of grass. Beginning with forms seems to suit the brawny young man well in no small part because of the meal still sitting upon his stomach. By the time they progress to sparring his strength and agility have mostly returned.

Having seen Honoria fight sword and shield so much since she was freed from the statue, seeing her fight with the lance afoot is a bit surprising, if only to demonstrate that she is not just a master of one fighting style, but many. She clearly is a profesional solider, having worked her way up through many different roles and levels to reach the full lady knight she has become. And she is very, very good, not just at the fighting, but at teaching. Her insights prove she has learned not just how to fight, but how to teach that skill to others.

It will be a very engaging workout.

Journey Day 06 09 Quiet Journey

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