Keeping Up With the Kestrels (storyline)/2017-10-19 - Rodnay and the Talon (log)

Jastatos 19-20, 5117

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the [[::The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]

Summary

• Rodnay is aware that Dennet possesses a "Talon" which Quinshon wants, but he (Rodnay) doesn't know what it is
• Rodnay seeks help to go to the Swale, where he'll be able to read the minds of five members of the Hall of Mages to learn what the Talon is, so long as [[::Raelee_Svala|Raelee]] can get him there and [[::Wehnimer's Landing|Landing]] adventurers will protect him
• Raelee requests that Rodnay let her speak with them first, but (at least unless I missed it) Rodnay neither agrees nor refuses her

Log

Setting the Mood

A cold wind stirs through the area.

A tiny flake of snow descends from the depths of night, the moon catching its surface and causing it to glisten as it drifts to the ground.

Two children walks by, and one of them suddenly looks embarassed. The other kid says, "...Did...did you?...do you have flax-ulance?" They laugh and run off past Evia.

Some shops in town begin to slowly close up for the night, workers shuttering windows and locking doors, while mothers scoot their children inside. Drifting down from the sky, another fleck of snow falls, then another.

Like fragments of glowing stars, tiny flakes of snow appear in the night, gently drifting down from the heavens, some dissolving before even touching the ground.

Leafiara idly comments, "I hope this is natural snow and not something Naimorai's experimenting with."

Leafiara evenly concedes, "Although, honestly, I wouldn't mind her creating snow... I like the cold once in a while."

Irar says, "I doubt the Lady Naimorai is creating snow."

Leafiara reminds, "Well, she did say the cold never bothered her... anyway."

A sudden fierce gust of wind howls through the area!

Leafiara is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Osloe groans at Leafiara.

Leafiara thrashes around on the ground.

Leafiara insists, "She did! She said it. I remember."

Leafiara stamps her feet.

[OOC, flashback to February 11:

Cryheart asks, "Ye usually swim out here in the evening?"

Naimorai nods at Cryheart.

Naimorai says, "Sometimes, yes."

Naimorai says, "Ice, is my preferred element."

Naimorai asks, "The water and snow?"

Naimorai shrugs.

Naimorai says, "The cold never bothered me anyway."

(OOC) Ysharra's player whispers to the group, "Groan."

(OOC) Naimorai's player whispers to the group, "HEHEHEHE."

Now back to October 19...]

Glistening snowflakes fall from the sky, soon more joining them as they drift down.

A light chill continues to settle in the air, as some shops finally close up for the night, and others remain open, a candle or lantern in their window. Townspeople still occupy the streets, less than before, but some moving about to their work, along docks, or even the forge. Snow falls from the sky, the amber light of the candles and lanterns dancing along the flakes surface as they drift down over town.

Rodnay Awakens

A faint voice seems to whisper in your mind, "...where am I...."

A faint voice seems to whisper in your mind, "...where am I...."

A faint voice seems to whisper in your mind, "Mayor, hello. Where is here?"

A faint voice seems to whisper in your mind, "Ard---wen?"

A faint voice seems to whisper in your mind, "Rest, yes, it was good. Thank you."

A faint voice seems to whisper in your mind, "Hello Subarashi, Shinann. Welcome to the Old Copper Shop, home of the rich Ard-wen."

A faint voice seems to whisper in your mind, "I feel, rested."

A faint voice seems to whisper in your mind, "They have stopped bleeding me."

[travel time]

Sir Cryheart's group just went behind a vertical wood panel.

[Pan's Place, Low Room]

A low ceiling painted in exquisite natural colors adorns this room. A skylight set with panes of clear mica lets in the light to nurture the plants and flowers that line the panelled walls. Several unpretentious chairs face the warm, inviting hearth of a brick fireplace in the east wall. Against the opposite wall, a leather sofa with plump cushions beckons, a tempting spot to doze in front of the fire while contemplating esoteric matters. You also see a vertical wood panel, a crystalline knob, a crystalline door that seems to have light shining through it from the other side and a rent box.

Rodnay furrows his brow.

A voice in your mind says, "Hello."

Rodnay looks down at his arms, watching them, observing them for a moment.

Rodnay turns his hands, looking at his palms and tilting his head.

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra asks, "Is that where they took from you?"

Rodnay nods at Ysharra.

Ysharra nods slowly at Rodnay.

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "Scars are curious possessions. You look at them to watch your story unfold."

A voice in your mind says, "The scars are gone."

Maylan screams!

Maylan frets.

Rodnay glances at Maylan.

Rodnay quietly asks, "Is...this better?"

Rodnay peers quizzically at Maylan.

Maylan whimpers.

The Mysterious Talon

Speaking calmly to Rodnay, Hapenlok asks, "So, you're up and at it. nearly recovered. what now?"

Rodnay looks around, tilting his head, observing everyone.

Rodnay quietly says, "He wants the Talon."

Rodnay quietly says, "The mage has it, and the shaman wishes it."

Magister Raelee's group just came from behind a vertical wood panel.

Rodnay glances at Raelee.

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra asks, "Do you know...is that what's caused all of this? For the mage and his family?"

Rodnay quietly says, "I cannot touch their minds."

Speaking to Rodnay, Shinann asks, "Was that in the box? That he brought from the Bleaklands?"

Rodnay nods at Shinann.

Speaking huskily to Rodnay, Etanah asks, "If I may . . . what Is the Talon?"

Rodnay quietly says, "I do not know."

[note: like 15 people asked what the Talon is immediately after he mentioned it, but I left this in since she was the last one to ask before he answered]

Guarded Minds... Both Magically and Mundanely

Rodnay quietly says, "The mage's thoughts were in time cut off from me."

Rodnay quietly says, "Something he wears guards them. Something I have seen before."

Speaking to Rodnay, Zosozpage asks, "Is this something you wish us to help with?"

Rodnay looks off into the distance for a moment, as if recalling something...

Rodnay nods at Zosozpage.

Rodnay quietly says, "The shaman's mind is fluid, dipped in darkness, and I cannot see it either."

Rodnay quietly says, "I tried yours too."

Rodnay nods at Raelee.

Speaking evenly to Rodnay, Raelee asks, "Why?"

Rodnay quietly says, "But Grishom Stone guards yours."

Rodnay nods at Raelee.

Raelee glances warily around the room.

Rodnay quietly says, "I sought to know of the Talon."

Rodnay quietly says, "The shaman wants it."

Rodnay quietly says, "I want him to suffer."

Rodnay squints.

Speaking to Rodnay, Irar asks, "Do you seek our aid in this?"

Speaking to Rodnay, Irar asks, "Since you are unable to touch their minds?"

Rodnay nods at Irar.

Irar nods at Rodnay.

Rodnay quietly says, "The Hall will have it."

Speaking to Raelee, Zosozpage asks, "Can you offer anything about this talon and how we might obtain it?"

Raelee asks, "Why should I help you obtain it?"

Speaking to Raelee, Shinann asks, "Can you at least enlighten us with what you know about it?"

Speaking to Raelee, Irar asks, "Because we asked politely?"

Shinann says, "We might not want it."

Evia asks, "Or actually why are we helping...if we are...anyone fetch it?"

Speaking amusedly to Raelee, Cruxophim reminds, "I didn't ask."

Ysharra says, "If the Talon is responsible even in part for what's happened to the Kestres, none of us should be so hot to get hold of it."

Zosozpage says, "Or destroy it whatever the case may be."

Leafiara reminds, "We don't know what it is, why Quinshon wants it, or why Dennet wants it."

Speaking lightly to Ysharra, Cruxophim teases, "Let's not be hasty."

Hapenlok says, "This is all well and good, but I rather fail to see how this is our problem. OUR meaning Wehnimer's Landing."

Ysharra says, "Destroying millennia old artifacts aren't necessarily the best-laid plans, either."

Cruxophim absently remarks, "'What is it' might be the first question."

Evia asks, "Is it Quinshon that wants it? Or that other...fellow?"

Hapenlok says, "So, tell me more, if you can."

Raelee says, "Whether or not Quinshon or Dennet should have it is one question. However, it is not for any of you to have either."

Ysharra says, "They have a tendency to take large swathes of reality with them."

Rodnay nods at Evia.

Speaking to Rodnay, Evia asks, "Quinshon?"

Rodnay nods at Evia.

Evia grunts.

Evia says, "Not like him."

Rodnay tilts his head, looking at Irar.

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra asks, "How much is Dennet under Quinshon's sway?"

Speaking to Raelee, Lornieh says, "That might be better determined if we know what it is..."

Hapenlok says, "Because I've got memories of plinite and dead Mages in my head right now."

Hapenlok says, "This is what this is all leading to, as far as I'm concerned."

Rodnay glances at Ysharra.

Rodnay shrugs.

Raelee carefully says, "... it was recovered in the ruins of Toullaire. The wizardwaste."

Leafiara idly says, "Speaking of people being under anyone's sway..."

Raelee says, "That is why he brought it to the Bleaklands. He thought it was... the closest equivalent to Toullaire."

Speaking pointedly to Rodnay, Leafiara asks, "How much is Thadston under Quinshon's sway?"

Rodnay quietly says, "I cannot touch Thadston's mind."

Leafiara frowns.

Leafiara nods understandingly.

Evia asks, "That seems unusual, no?"

Leafiara wryly says, "Well... somehow I doubt that's an ability of his..."

Rodnay quietly says, "Little, is usual."

Rodnay's Request

Speaking to Cruxophim, Raelee says, "... I need a promise."

Rodnay quietly asks, "Will you take us to the Swale?"

Rodnay peers quizzically at Raelee.

Speaking to Rodnay, Raelee asks, "... why?"

Rodnay quietly says, "I will need protection and time. I will learn what is needed."

Speaking diplomatically to Rodnay, Cruxophim agrees, "Of course."

Cruxophim and Rodnay shake hands.

Rodnay quietly says, "I cannot reach the Hall's archives from here. I cannot reach their mages from here."

Speaking to Rodnay, Raelee says, "To be quite blunt, even with your powers... the information that you will find in The Swale is information I could acquire far more quickly."

Speaking amusedly to Rodnay, Cruxophim wonders, "Did you mean gallavant over there tonight, or later?"

Rodnay quietly says, "Later."

Speaking to Rodnay, Irar asks, "What will you do with it, if we help you obtain this thing?"

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "Would you wish company, I hope? I would see Magister Svala's home."

Rodnay nods.

(Raelee holds up both hands in an attempt at a placating gesture.)

Rodnay quietly says, "I will need protection."

Speaking respectfully to Raelee, Etanah asks, "You would get this information for us?"

(OOC) Cruxophim's player whispers to the group, "Everyone offer your sword, axe, bow, whatever."

Speaking to Etanah, Raelee says, "... maybe."

Tercolla nods in agreement at Rodnay.

Tercolla taps the tip of his lor runestaff on the ground.

Cryheart says, "Rodnay, ye may hae my arm and greataxe."

Speaking huskily to Rodnay, Etanah says, "I will go, you may have my spear."

Speaking to Rodnay, Raelee says, "If I lead the lot of you into the Swale... *I* am going to be the one who requires protection."

Cryheart says, "I will gladly accompany ye."

Leafiara taps a pair of fingerless eonake-studded sylvan gloves emblazoned with leaves that she is wearing.

Leafiara nods once at Rodnay.

Speaking to Rodnay, Evia says, "I've got your back."

Olemac says, "Protecting sounds interesting, and I like interesting."

Speaking to Rodnay, Goldstr says, "Me blade be wid ye."

Speaking to Rodnay, Irar says, "You'll have my prayers."

Pookia excitedly exclaims, "I'll help!"

Cotelle softly says, "Hammers at your service."

Speaking to Rodnay, Zosozpage says, "You have my blade if needed."

Speaking to Rodnay, Arnylon says, "I offer cheesecake."

Ysharra says, "My wry observations."

Speaking casually to Rodnay, Marijka says, "My swords have been bored lately, I suppose they're yours as well."

Pookia nods enthusiastically at Rodnay!

Speaking to Rodnay, Kipa says, "I will help to guard ya."

Speaking to Rodnay, Lornieh says, "I will give you what protection I can."

Cryheart says, "We can also protect ye."

Cryheart nods at Raelee.

Hapenlok says, "Things have changed since the last time we went to the Swale, you know. Considering the person who invited us there previously....was ejected from their order, I doubt we'll be very popular there."

Florania quietly says, "I doubt my naginata will be of much help, but my songs may aid..."

Speaking to Cryheart, Raelee says, "... no, you cannot."

Speaking calmly to Rodnay, Subarashi asks, "What is the purpose? Information or something else?"

Cryheart says, "We can try."

Cryheart grins at Raelee.

Speaking to Hapenlok, Olemac says, "That makes it sound even less boring. I like it."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "I have seen their names."

(Raelee is looking a little more pale than usual.)

Speaking to Rodnay, Mylenna says, "I can help with any locks you may come upon."

Dhymil says, "If the goal is to gather information, I... wouldn't mind going. If the danger's surmountable."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "The mage has a list. The five who know, who hold pieces."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "Their minds will hold enough to learn what we need."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "They are of the Hall."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "Jarleth Garnier. Lander Richman. Tyshon Cooks. Redomer Svala. Richard Stefan."

Raelee closes her eyes for a moment.

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "They hold information."

Speaking to Raelee, Ysharra asks, "...common enough name, at home?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Raelee says, "... no."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "I wish to know what the Talon is."

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "They each hold a piece of the story."

Rodnay nods at Ysharra.

Speaking to Rodnay, Raelee asks, "... what are you going to do to them?"

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "The mage's mind is hidden to me."

Speaking to Rodnay, Raelee says, "You say you need protection? Perhaps they do."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "No."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "The mage wears something of my home."

A voice faintly whispers in your mind, "No...not my home..."

Rodnay tilts his head, looking awkwardly around for a moment.

Raelee says, "From the Ithzir vessel..."

Rodnay quietly says, "Not...not my home..."

Rodnay quietly says, "Their home."

Cryheart asks, "Ithzir?"

Evia asks, "Ithzir ...home?"

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "The Ithzir."

Rodnay nods.

Rodnay looks around, his eyelids suddenly drooping.

Rodnay quietly says, "I must sleep."

Rodnay quietly says, "I will not harm the minds of those I need."

Rodnay quietly says, "I will need your protection, or distraction."

Rodnay quietly says, "They will come for me."

Speaking huskily to Rodnay, Etanah asks, "When do you think they will come for you?"

Rodnay quietly says, "While I am there."

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "I have some peonies."

Ysharra nods at Rodnay.

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "The seeds keep you from dreaming. For a night or two."

Rodnay quietly says, "The Hall."

Rodnay quietly says, "The Chastonians."

Rodnay grins at Ysharra.

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "If you wish to have them, of course."

Rodnay nods at Ysharra.

Ysharra removes a pink peony from in her carved ivory vasculum.

Ysharra removes a short cutting knife from in her wormwood case.

Rodnay quietly says, "They have taken my blood."

Rodnay quietly says, "I will see to it the shaman fails."

(Ysharra digs the tip of her knife into the fleshy seedpod under the large, tightly folded petals and withdraws a few black seeds from the core.)

Ysharra offers Rodnay a pink peony.

Rodnay accepts Ysharra's pink peony.

Raelee's Concerns

Speaking to Rodnay, Raelee says, "As the mayor's word is useless... I need yours."

Rodnay peers quizzically at Raelee.

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "At your size...about six should do."

Speaking to Rodnay, Raelee says, "I know that if I say no, you will forge ahead with this anyway."

Rodnay quietly says, "You are correct."

Speaking to Rodnay, Raelee says, "... just let me talk to them first."

Rodnay quietly says, "I do not wish their words."

Raelee says, "To find... some agreeable solution."

Rodnay quietly says, "I wish their thoughts."

Raelee says, "They may not want Quinshon to have it either."

Rodnay quietly says, "Those they may even be unaware of."

Raelee says, "Dennet is here because he does not want them to see this."

Rodnay quietly says, "The mage wears a ward from home."

Rodnay quietly says, "No...not home Rodnay..."

Rodnay quietly says, "Their home."

Rodnay quietly says, "The mage wears a ward from their home."

Evia asks, "The Ithzir?"

Ysharra says, "They wear an Ithzir artifact."

Rodnay quietly says, "Dennet wears it."

Rodnay quietly says, "It bears the symbol of my people."

Rodnay quietly says, "No..."

Rodnay quietly says, "It bears a symbol of their people."

Speaking huskily to Rodnay, Etanah asks, "If Raelee set up a meeting with these others, could you read their minds during the meeting?"

Rodnay quietly says, "No."

Rodnay quietly says, "There will be no peace."

Rodnay quietly says, "They will want me."

Rodnay quietly says, "As the other did."

Rodnay quietly says, "They must not be allowed near me."

Rodnay quietly says, "I will not harm them."

Ysharra asks, "Rodnay, can you...hear Quinshon?"

Rodnay quietly asks, "Hear?"

Rodnay peers quizzically at Ysharra.

Ysharra asks, "Yes. Can you hear his thoughts?"

Rodnay quietly says, "No."

Rodnay quietly says, "I cannot touch his mind."

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra says, "I take it he doesn't have an Ithzir artifact."

Rodnay quietly says, "No."

Rodnay quietly says, "I must sleep."

Speaking to Rodnay, Ysharra asks, "Has he tried to take hold of your thoughts since you were freed?"

Rodnay quietly says, "No."

Hapenlok says, "Let's let the ....child sleep."

Hapenlok says, "And I'm going to have a few sharp words afterwards."

Rodnay quietly says, "I am not a child."

Rodnay glances at Hapenlok.

Rodnay quietly says, "I am a force to be feared far more than your world's artifacts."

Rodnay moves off, his feet floating just an inch above the ground.