Meet and Leaf
Log Info
- Title: Meet and Leaf
- Emitter: Tawyse
- Place: Druid Grove
- Summary: Eirik and Vrenskas stumble upon the Druid Grove after much traveling, speaking with a resent druid Tawyse. They learn more about the Grove, the land its around, as well as the city nearby.
The mists have descended the mountains again, filling the lower countryside with chill and dampness, muting the calls of birds and wild animals. The forest is made gloomy by the advance of the mists, turning even the shadows more vague. At it's heart, however, the Grove is more lively.
Huntsmen and druids mingle by the bonfire, sharing stories, news and a hot meal. Others tend to a few wounded, harmed in the felling of a large, dead tree. Tawyse busies herself with applying a splint to a man's leg, while another pulls the leg straight. The cry of pain is muffled by a thick strap of leather. "Okay, it's okay... this will help." The orange-haired Gnome traces patterns in the air with too-long, nimble fingers, while under her breath she whispers a quick prayer to Dana.
Her hands glow with a pale light, and as she lays them upon the man's thigh, he heaves a sigh of relief. "'At's a fine thing ye do, miss."
Sliding through the brambles at the edge of the grove is one that seems, at first glance, out of place here. Tall Arvek Nar with a longbow held in hand, arrow nocked but not drawn. Yellow eyes scan the place out of habit, but he nearly drops what he has as his gaze is drawn up. Up. Up to the great tree in the center. The Nar abruptly drops to a knee, a hand going to the tree medallion on his shoulder. It's obvious he gives a quick, silent prayer.
His attention shifts to the sounds of pain and relief. He collects himself before marching over. "What happened?" he gruffly asks.
"Tree felling accident.", the Gnome says, her focus on the splint as she tightens the leather bindings. The man on the ground nods, moving to prop himself up on his elbows. "We were taking down one of the bigguns, the one hit by a blast of lightning a few years past. Take th'firewood ta some of the nearby villages still recovering from them werewolves in the summer. Th'tree was rumoured t'be cursed. An' it took a funny bounce on the way down. Nearly took me head off, lucky to escape with only a busted leg."
New to the area the half Mul'niessa wanders through, clad in black hide armor with crimson accents a pendant around his neck of a globe with a Crack in it, a tribute to his God Gunahkar. Carrying a Scythe the sounds of pain bring a slight smile to his face as he approaches the assembly of folks. "Tree felling and the risk of death, interesting just remember that death can not be evaded and comes for us all at some point. It's part of the wonderful, beautiful, chaos that is Nature."
The Nar quirks a brow as he crosses his arms. "Unfortunate. Least now the curse is dealt with. A leg for that is a good trade."
He flinches from the a newcomer's voice from behind, the hobgoblin resting a hand on the pommel of his vine-wrapped scimitar. "Aye," he agrees slowly. "It is what it is." A glance to the scythe. "But it seems as if you participate in the chaos."
The Gnome places a hand upon the man's face gently, looking at his eyes for a moment or two. "Okay, I am going to allow you to get up and move around. Your bone has been set properly, and my spells have mended parted flash and sinew. You must go easy for a time, say, a week?" The man looks irritated momentarily, and then nods. "I can manage that. Thank ye, lass." A glance is cast to the two newcomers, before the man stands, and limps away towards the fire, seeking out some of the shared food there.
"Well met...", the little druid starts, glancing at first Vrenskas and then Eirik. "What brings you to the these parts?"
Eirik grins at Vrenska and stands straighter. "Aye welll. That's because chaos is nature and nature is chaos, so chaos is the natural order of things." He chuckles moving forward. "I'm Eirik, and what draws me to these parts, is I hear tell its where Druids can come and commune." He walks using his Scythe as a makeshift walking stick.”
The Nar watches the healed man rise and go. "Nature will sort him out if he doesn't listen," he chuffs, hands sliding off his hand and scimitar to rest clasped behind his back. Yellow gaze dips to the gnome. "Dana's bounty upon you. I fell into these woods some months ago to protect the woods, only now do I draw close enough to find..." He looks up to the glorious tree. "... something so sacred. How long has this grove been here?" There's a certain gruff sharpness as he speaks. Clearly not from around here, if his coat didn't give it away.
He reagards Eirik. "I suppose..." he says slowly, shifting in his boots. Introductions? Introductions. "Vrenskas."
The Gnome's eyebrows rise up slightly at Eirik, and she nods slowly. "You won't win any friends with that symbol hanging 'round your neck. But if you behave yourself, you'll not be chased out."
She nods to Vrenskas then, her smile returning. "Indeed, he may learn a hard lesson if he takes my advice too lightly." Nodding to both of the men, the Gnome offers a slight bow. "I am called Tawyse. Dana's bounty upon you." Her gaze focuses on Vren.
"The Tree has been here for as long as ... well, since the sundering of the World Tree. The grove has grown up around it, so likely almost as long as the Tree as been here."
Eirik nods his head with a smile. "Good to meet you both." To Tawyse's warning he offers a faint smile. "Oh not to worry, I'm not a fanatical follower, I preach the word, and follow the teachings, but only use them when battling those who might otherwise use the teachings or interpret them in a way not holding to what I interpret the tenets to mean. As with a lot of the gods people interpret the teachings differently and not always for the good of the ultimate goal. I'm but a humble Druid, not a dogmatic fanatical warrior. You have naught to worry about from me in that regard, I'm not here to sew destruction."
Vrenskas takes another look at Eirik, taking in the necklace this time around. And the mantra. "I'll withhold judgement until such a time arises," the Nar opines. "Not like Dana waits for things to grow before deeming them overcrowding and culling them."
He bows his head briefly towards the gnome. "That is... fascinating. I was not aware such a thing existed."
"Still, I will keep an eye on you. I am familiar with the Destroyer's touch, Defoliator. So be mindful of that." Tawyse lets out a slow huff of breath, before she turns to Vren. "Probably the best course of action. Dana is swift to prune things that get out of hand."
The Gnome begins to pack her healing things into a modest sized bag. "You're welcome to partake of the activities here, especially dinner. Some of the hunters and woodsmen are open to trading, and you can catch up on the latest happenings as well. As you might expect, accommodations here are rough, but you both look like you're used to such things."
Vrenskas nods along with Tawyse, agreeing with her stance on the Destroyer. His parade rest doesn't break, but his gaze continues to drift about. "I see. I'm used to this. This reminds me of an old grove I used to frequent. But with more... people. I am not used to so much..."
He examines a branch hanging low, touching the leaves. "... respect for the land."
Eirik nods his head thoughtfully. "I understand, I'm used to not fitting in or being trusted." He gestures to himself as if this would explain everything. "After all my people aren't exactly...common or looked upon favorably, yes?" Eirik queries. "But I appreciate the consideration as opposed to immediate judgement."
"I am happy that it is familiar to you. There are a lot of folk like us here in Alexandros. Many lessons have been learned the hard way, so there is a lot of respect for the land. It supports us if we support it. Bounty enough for all, if it is not abused and despoiled." The Gnome grins up at Vrenskas. "There are many of your people here, and in the large city nearby, Alexandria. What drew them may also tug at you."
Tawyse glances at Eirik. "Well.. there was immediate judgement on my part. But I am willing to give you a small benefit of the doubt."
Vrenskas raises a brow at Eirik. "To be honest, I don't really give a shit what you are, as long as you aren't a blood sucking vampire or a forest arsonist." Spoken like a true Blarite. "But I get it, in a way."
The hobgoblin regards Tawyse. "... really? I wasn't aware. Perhaps I can go there to touch base," he muses. "Though what draws them tends to not be this." A scarred hand gestures broadly at the grove. "I find this more fitting for myself."
Eirik looks between the two. "Well I'm glad you don't care, but no I'm no vampire." He chuckles before looking to the Gnome. "Well judgement, but enough wisdom to at least give some one a small semblance of a chance before writing them off is always a good thing. So for that you have my thanks." Eirik says giving a small bow.
The Gnome hangs her bag over her shoulder, nodding to the HobGoblin. "Oh yes. The city does well by trade and force of arms, and your people have the mindset for both. I suppose you may be the odd one out, but I certainly appreciate your affinity for nature. Ea could use more like you to watch over her." A nod is given to Eirik.
"I try to be fair. So while I can guess where our Arvek friend is from, you are harder to place. How far have you come to be here, Eirik?"
Vren loosens his stance, giving a grunt for a sigh. "Good. Dealt enough with them in the past."
He shifts towards Tawyse. "I do what Dana wills. Though, trying to ascertain what that will is, I'm still learning. I am indeed what you call, the odd one out."
The Nar's gaze lifts towards Eirik, curious of Tawye's question.
Eirik shrugs his shoulders and he steps forward. "I'm actually from the Forest of Whispers, that's where I grew up. Struck out on my own a while back and wandered, eventually winding up here."
The Gnome's eyebrows shoot upwards. "Oh."
Her expression becomes one of curiosity. "What is it like compared to uhm normal forests? And I have heard rumors that the whispers have fallen silent. Is this true?"
Turning to Vrenskas, her head cants slightly to one side. "So you have gazed upon the great tree. What now? What shall you do with yourself?"
Vren tilts his head back. Thinking. "... Can't say I know where that is," he mentions, glancing to Tawyse. "... I'm going to assume that's a rough forest to be in."
Yellows eyes return to the great tree in question. "... I do not know. Perhaps mingle here a moment. Go to Alexandria to see what my kin has created there. Probably come back here. Unless something comes up and Dana's wrath needs be laid."
Eirik taps his chin. "It was interesting, I didn't fit in with my father's family in the forest and didn't fit in with my mothers people in Charn." He shrugs a bit. "So lonely, and outcast like. As for the Whispers stopping. I've heard rumors but I can't verify as I haven't been home in a while.
Tawyse glances to Vrenskas and nods. "Taara's forest, enough said." Looking back to Eirik, she rubs at her chin. "I would keep that part close to your chest, Eirik. Especially around the Sith Makar. They will uhm... not be too kind, I would expect, given Charn's hostility towards, well, just about everyone, but the Sith particularly."
"Mmm. That doesn't sound like a great place," Vren admits. Fingers drum against his back. "I'd recommend similarly. Blar isn't too fond of the place."
He looks down at the tree medallion on his shoulder before turning his attention to the two. The boots of his heels clack together sharply as he bows lightly. "I should be going and get familiar with this grove. I am glad for the introductions. Dana nurture you two."
The Blarite marches off towards the tree.
Eirik nods his head. "I understand they weren't exactly kind or welcoming to me either. I was too well..." He gestures to his grey skin and pointed ears. "Well I'm sure you understand."
"From what I have heard, it is not. Like, at all.", the Gnome says to Vren. She offers a smile at his bow, and returns it with a curtsey.
"Dana nurture you. Enjoy your stay here, I hope you find what you are seeking."
Turning to Eirik, Taw's head tilts a little. "Oh? They don't like Half-Sil? That's.. odd. You left when you were very young, I take it?"
Eirik says, “No I left a few years ago. And more they don't like my specific well type of Sil." He says simply.”
"Ah, well.. I suppose it's to be expected, given your ancestry. The apparent retreat by Taara will take years to adjust to, I think. Given enough time, and attitudes towards Mul'neissa will change." She offers a faint smile, "And, luckily, you will probably still be alive when such a thing comes to be, right?"
Eirik chuckles. "I might be, let us see what fate has in store for me." He says with a grin. "Long lives can be both a blessing and a curse after all." Eirik chuckles. "And who knows what adventures hold for me in terms of life and death, yea?"
Tawyse gives a brighter smile, "Yes, a blessing and a curse. One hopes that your adventures be more about life than death." She rubs at a cheek and shrugs, "As for fate, one makes their own fate. So take yours into your hands.'
Eirik smiles and nods his head. "Yes one can make their own fate, however there are things beyond one's control. Such as the tree felling accident that just occured." He says with a nod. "So that's why I say that I must wait and see what these adventures hold, and what life has in store for me."
"So what are your plans then, while you're here? Are you going to join the adventurer's guild in Alexandria?", Tawyse wonders, reaching up a hand to idly play with one of her braids, fussing with it, undoing it, and rebraiding it. Not much has changed but she seems satisfied. "Thinking of staying here a while, tending to nature?"
Eirik thinks for a while before deciding to answer. "I think probably a bit of both, stay and tend to nature, but also joining the adventurers guild. This way I can still cater to my nomadic wandering desires periodically." He chuckles. "I do often get bored being in one place."
"Oh? Bored? Alexandros won't let that happen, I am sure. Maybe you'll meet a ladyfriend, or maybe someone will try to kill you, or monsters will steal your favourite clothes. Never a dull moment!" Tawyse giggles lightly. "Is there a Mrs Eirik out there?"
Eirik shakes his head. "Oh no no, I'm not married, well at least not yet. I haven't found the right woman to help ease my wild heart and yearning." He says with a chuckle. "How about you? Do you have a special someone?"
"Your wild heart, hmm? I m sure Alexandros can help you there. Lots of women out there who like a badboy." The Gnome shakes her head. "No, no one like that. Maybe in the next few decades, but I'm not in any hurry. Dana and the wilds are my focus for now. Wedded to the land, so to speak."
Eirik smiles and nods his head. "I can understand that." Though her mention of women who like bad boys he just laughs hard. "I wouldn't say I'm a bad boy, more a wanderer who likes the dangers of the wild."
The Gnome nods, "When you have a long life ahead of you, you tend to take things a little slower." Taw giggles and shrugs her shoulders. There are plenty of women who go for danger too. If the Crimson Pen is anything to go by, that is."
Eirik blinks and looks at the Gnome. "The Crimson Pen? I don't think I've heard of them. What are they?" The half Mul asks curiously.
She laughs for a little bit, taking in a good breath and holding her sides. "They are a person or persons who write saucy fiction about well known adventurers and townsfolk. The characters all have names that sound similar to the real person's name, and the books are all smutty in one way or another."
Eirik laughs loudly and shakes his head. "Oh wow...that's interesting. I assume the Write under a pen name." He says with a laugh.
The Gnome snorts and giggles again. "Yes, she.. at least I have heard it is a she, writes under a nom de plume. Full of salacious details. Get famous enough and her pen'll be wiggling about you. The grand life of adventure, I tell you." Her stomach chooses this time to gurgle, and she glances at Eirik. "I'm going to go see what they have on a stick or in a bowl over at the fire. Feel like coming with me?"
The Gnome snorts and giggles again. "Yes, she.. at least I have heard it is a she, writes under a nom de plume. Full of salacious details. Get famous enough and her pen'll be wiggling about you. The grand life of adventure, I tell you." Her stomach chooses this time to gurgle, and she glances at Eirik. "I'm going to go see what they have on a stick or in a bowl over at the fire. Feel like coming with me?"
Eirik smiles and chuckles. "I assume you read these novels? Or are you secretly Nom de plum hmmm?" He teases. "Sure food sounds amazing!"
Gesturing with a hand, the Gnome begins leading Eirik towards the bonfire. She snorts and shakes her head. "No no, nothing like that, I am not the author of the Crimson Pen. I have read a few of them, for a giggle or two. Some of them are rather lurid and lewd, and definitely very silly. Though I am sure it is brining in a good amount of coin. Whomever she is, she'll be comfortable in her old age."
Eirik nods following. "Who knew writing smutty literature could make one lots of coin?" He asks with a chuckle it's at this time Jormungand makes his appearance slithering up and draping across Eirik's neck. "Oh hello Jormungand meet Tawyse." The half Mul says stroking the snakes head.
"Well, people do like to read about smutty drama, so it's not really a surprise. I suspect most of the readership of the Crimson Pen are wealthy old ladies." She giggles, though it is quickly cut off as the snake makes its appearance.
"ACK!" Tawyse takes a few quick steps back. "How long has your uhm companion been hiding in there?"
Eirik blinks at the reaction. "I'm sorry do Snakes bother you, I can always tell him to go explore the trees." He says with a soft reassuring smile. "Jormungand has been Here the whole time he was just sleeping."
"N.n.no, nothing against snakes. Just startled by his sudden appearance." She makes a nervous smile, "He has nice colouration. He's your animal companion? Mine is a giant beetle, but currently he is off feasting. I'll show him off later."
Eirik nods his head. "Jormungand has been my companion for a while now, he's still young though. We partnered up when he was still a young baby." He says stroking the black python. "Both of us were lost and lonely and we helped each other."
"Chaucy's only been around for about five years, but he was a big boy right from the start." Tawyse moves a little closer to inspect the python. "And interesting choice for a companion, I'll say." She taps at her chin, and continues towards the fire. "Chaucy is able to fly, so it's an added bonus. Wouldn't be too useful to someone bigger, but I am small enough to ride."
Eirik nods his head. "Well Jormungand can fight, sort of. He can bite and squeeze the life out of things and he'll be able to grow to a maximum of 10 feet in length so smaller enemies, monsters or animals well they can be eaten.
"Yikes. That is horrifying." The Gnome rubbing at her neck, no doubt imagining a struggle against a large snake." The two arrive at the bonfire, with Tawyse running ahead. "I'll get you some soup, bread and whatever roast they have today." She pauses to greet a few people standing nearby, returning a little later with a wooden bowl, a wooden spoon, half a loaf of bread and two skewers filled with roasted boar.
"Here you go! Fresh out of the pot and fire!"
Eirik takes the food gratefully and thanks Tawyse for it. "Oh not to worry Jormungand won't view you as an enemy or anyone for that matter unless they attack him or me you know?" He says with a bright smile. "So you're safe and he's still small yet."
"Yes, but some day he will be big, and I will still be small." She laughs and holds up a finger, "Give me a moment, I think I shall have me some bread." Tawyse runs off, and returns relatively quickly, having a large slice of thickly cut, and thickly buttered, bread. The Gnome takes her time enjoying it, giving the man time to enjoy some of his food before she begins talking again.
Eirik says, “Yes even so though, so long as you're not a threat to myself or him, he'll be your buddy and keep other mean small things from you if we're around." He nods as she takes off. He takes a bite of bread, than a bite of meat, sipping the broth moaning in pleasure at the flavor.
-End Scene-