After two and a half days of travel, Thistle, Lythar, Kyle and their animal companions reached the river bordering Kyonin. The river was fairly wide, with a stiff current that looked to be treacherous for those in the party that weren’t able to swim.
After a brief discussion of their crossing strategy, Lythar stripped down to breeches and his longsword, and tied a line around himself. As he began swimming across, Tylalaes, not wanting to be left behind, jumps in after him. The unfortunate wolf found a small whirlpool, however, and Lythar was horrified to see her disappear beneath the water. A quick dive and he was able to pull her back to the surface, and the two completed their swim to the other side.
With the line now made fast to a tree on both sides of the river, Kyle makes his way across, sputtering and protesting the entire way. As he lays on the ground panting and coughing up a little bit of river water, Tyl rewards him by shaking the water out of her hair all over the supine half elf.
The horses, minus Daisy, seem to confer with each other for a moment and with strong, poweful strokes, make their way across as a group, Valdish in the lead. Lythar rewards the herd with apples, causing Daisy, still balking on the far bank, to unsuccessfully beg Thistle for a treat.
Attempts to coax Daisy across fail, and after an unsuccessful attempt to pull her to the water, Tazjh solves the problem by sinking her teeth into Daisy’s hide, causing the startled pony to jump headlong into the water. Unfortunately, Daisy is not used to swimming, and begins to flounder and drown. With a long suffering look, Valdish leaps back into the water, grabs Daisy’s tack with his teeth, and hauls the bedraggled pony to the bank.
Tazjh tries to avoid getting wet by leaping across the river. She falls a little short, but manages to land very near the bank on the far side with a splash, hopping up onto the dry bank. This leaves just Thistle and Gron to cross.
Lythar calls for Thistle to go ahead and make the swim, and then Gron can untie the rope and bring it across himself. Thistle nods and jumps in, only to catch a whirlpool himself, much as Tyl did. As he disappears under, Lythar dives back into the river after him, but in his haste misses grabbing Thistle by a hair.
Seeing this, Gron wades out and grabs Thistle, hauling him above the surface and crossing the river with the Gnome in hand. Lythar decides to finish swimming back to the Seven Arches bank, unties the rope from the tree, reties it to himself, and then is helped back across as Gron pulls him in.
As the party makes a fire and removes waterlogged equipment, Lythar pulls a small mug of Dwarven Stout from a cask given him by Venture Captain Smine before leaving Tymon and gives it to Kyle. As he watches the Half-Elf gratefully drink the offering, Lythar gets a distinct sense that they’re being watched. He dons his leaf encrusted cloak to illustrate who he is, and wanders towards a particular set of bushes that he knows conceals some of their watchers. As he closes, he can feel that the watchers are pulling back, not wanting to be seen or acknowledged, and he stops, giving them a jaunty salute before turning back towards camp.
Meanwhile, Kyle finishes his mug of stout and realizes that an odd lump in Mos Shol’s saddlebags is actually an entire cask of the stuff! Hungry for more, the Cleric foolishly walks over to Lythar’s horse to get another mug. As he reaches for the saddlebags, though, Tyl, who has been watching his movements and is not amused, snarls and interposes herself between Kyle and Mos Shol. Kyle decides that Dwarven Stout or no, it’s not worth losing fingers or a hand over, and retreats to the campfire, trying unsuccessfully to soothe the bristling wolf.
Lythar returns to camp to see Tyl’s hackles raised as she glares at Kyle, who is sitting by the fire with a nonchalant look on his face, and smiles inwardly. Out loud, he praises Tyl and goes to see if his clothes have dried.
Once everyone has re-dressed and armored themselves, the party, Elven border watchers in tow, travel onwards to Greengold.
The Kyonin Border Town of Greengold
Entering Greengold as night is falling, the Party heads to the first Inn they can find, called the Crystal Ivy. Gron is taken by the InnKeep to be one of the animals, and after admitting to Lythar that he does not speak Sylvan, Lythar gives him a hard look and rolls his eyes. As Kyle tries unsuccessfully to bargain a room rate, Lythar slaps gold enough for himself and Gron onto the counter and stalks upstairs to drop off his excess gear. After stabling the herd, most members sit down for a meal in the Common Room.
Lythar, however, knowing that there is great trouble afoot in the world, and that it involves the Elves’ secret mortal enemy, the Drow, or the Un-Named Ones, doesn’t wait to eat. Setting out immediately with Tyl in tow, he seeks out the Captain of the Watch, whom he figures will be able to get a message to those in authority, Lythar announces himself with his Given and Family names, as well as his rank in the Mierani Forest Militia, and generally proceeds to play the role of haughty, full blooded Elf that most Humans despise.
Lythar tells Watch Captain Mercanis that he is present on a matter of State Security and brings word of a threat to the Realm. He will not provide any additional details. Mercanis decides that it will be less trouble to bother the Mayor than to try and put off Lythar, and goes to fetch him.
Mayor Selwyn Venaidorl, another Human, agrees to dispatch a rider immediately to Iadara to bring Lythar’s request for an audience with Lord Kaerishiel, as well as a writ of passage for his party, though Lythar does not offer him much more in the way of details that he did to Mercanis. Lythar tells the Mayor where he can be found, and Selwyn indicates that he should have an answer the following afternoon. Leaving the Guard Headquarters, Lythar notices a pair of hawks, one with jesses, that seem to be shadowing him. Discerning that they are not acting as wild hawks would, he keeps an eye on them as he proceeds to the inn, losing sight of one on the way. Upon arriving back at the Crystal Ivy, a hawk sits perched on the lintel above the door, regarding him solemnly.
On a whim, Lythar tries speaking to the hawk, but it either doesn’t understand him, or pretends not to. Thinking that it may belong to someone who wants to speak with him, Lythar checks the street, and finding it empty of persons of interest, enters the Inn. Looking around the Common Room, Lythar spies someone in the back corner with their face concealed. After waving off Thistle, he approaches the person, only to find an Elven Female that does not appear to be seeking him out. He returns to Thistle’s table, sitting down and bringing him up to date on his discussion with the Mayor.
Soon, Lythar finds out that the food and drink to be had are of very poor quality, and indeed Kyle has retired to his room, distraught at the lack of amenities that would please Cayden. Ordering a raw, plucked chicken for Tyl, and some bland turnip stew and fruit for himself, Lythar chokes down an unenjoyable meal.
When Tyl’s chicken arrives, Tazjh, who was unimpressed with some pork that Thistle had given her for dinner, asks Thistle for a chicken of her own. When Thistle orders another chicken, the waitress seems to lose her temper. Lythar gives a few gold to the disgusted waitress, which serves to significantly improve her attitude.
The next morning, Lythar and Tyl head out to the stable yard to work on attack skills and play, watched by Gron, while Thistle and Kyle go out to explore the town. Kyle attempts to turn his charms on a female Half-Elf, only to be quickly shot down when he mentions his history in Iadara. Finding a likely looking bar in the Half-Elven section of town, Thistle and Kyle wile away the morning buying rounds of drinks for the house and chatting with the Owner/Bartender.
During their discussion, the Owner mentions the Verdant Nook, an Inn across the street that has far better accommodations and food than the Crystal Ivy. Thistle also finds out about a promising sounding Herb shop that he vows to visit.
Thistle and Kyle take long enough to return, that by the time they get back, Lythar, Gron, and Tyl are no where to be found. They have gone off to a very nice restaurant up the street called the Bronze Candelabra, and all three are enjoying a fine meal of Venison Tartare with a lovely Bordeaux.
Kyle begins to make a nuisance of himself as he looks for Lythar with Thistle and Tazjh, and must be quieted before the guards decide to cite him for public disturbance. With Tazjh’s nose leading the way, the three soon find Lythar, Tyl and Gron, interrupting their meal. Thistle notices a pair of Hawks over the doorway of the Inn as he approachs, but fails to mention it to Lythar.
At almost the same time, Mayor Venaidorl walks into the Bronze Candelabra, and informs the party that their Audience has been granted, and they are to proceed to Iadara via a method of transportation that has been arranged for them. Lythar bargains a slight delay to allow Thistle to visit the herb shop, and for Lythar to secure boarding for their horses. The Mayor agrees to meet them shortly at the Crystal Ivy.
While Thistle talks shop with the herbalist, including striking a bargain in exchange for some of the Katapeshian Tea he carries, Lythar pre-pays for four days of boarding for the horses, and consolidates their extra belongings to one room for storage.
The Mayor introduces the party to Master Zariel Foss, an older looking Elf, and the party retires to their sole remaining room, where the Mayor gives his leave and departs. Master Foss then teleports the group directly to Iadara.
Iadara - Capital of Kyonin
The adventurers find themselves standing in the middle of Iadara, buildings of silver and crystal intertwining seamlessly with ancient trees, both covered by intricate carvings within carvings. Gardens perfectly crafted to look like well tended forest glades, interlaced with natural springs and streams lie between the perfectly fitted stone paths and earth walkways. Birdsong intertwined with tinkling Elven laughter fills the air.
Thistle and Lythar stand stunned a moment; perfect natural beauty enchanting the Druid and Ranger. Kyle seems to cringe a little, and desperately reaches for Cayden, only to find that he doesn’t seem to be there.
Master Foss steps forward to the base of a nearby building/tree, raps lightly upon a door carved to look like naturally flowing vines, complete with leaves that seem almost to rustle in the breeze, then opens the door and beckons the group inside. Taking a last moment to straighten his garments, Lythar steps swiftly forward into the building. Ears and tail drooping slightly (yet less so when they have entered buildings in the past), Tyl follows at his heels. The rest of the party follows Lythar’s lead, and Master Foss enters behind them, closing the door.
Lord Kaerishiel stands in the corner of his greatroom, and Lythar snaps off a salute, followed by a bow. Other party members follow suit based on their own customs. While they are describing the situation to Kaerishiel, Queen Telandia Edasseril enters, followed by Master Foss. For this august personage, Kyle hits the ground and refuses to look at her. Lythar makes a deep obeisance, and Thistle gives a jaunty bow of his own.
After they are acknowledged, Lythar stands at attention, while Thistle resumes an attentive posture (and his seat) and Kyle remains prostrate. The party clarifies a few points of fact for the Queen, and a discussion about what to do with the books ensues. The Queen asks if Lythar would leave the book in Kyonin, under the protection of the Elves. Kyle thinks this is a great idea, and launches into a crusade to convince Lythar to break his word. Pondering the situation for a moment, Lythar indicates that he gave his word he would deliver the book to Absalom, however, if the Queen orders it remain in Kyonin, he will sully his honor and do so. Queen Edasseril refuses to do so.
From Master Foss, the party learns that they have 360 days left before the world is completely entombed in darkness, and the minions of Lamashtu run rampant and free. Master Foss also indicates that the connection to various deities has become more tenuous as the days progress. The Queen requests that the party request that any books that are in the possession of the Pathfinders in Absolom be sent to Kyonin for study and safe keeping. Lythar agrees to relay the request.
After the Queen has left, Kaerishiel ensures that everyone has a place to stay. Thistle indicates that he’d like to camp out in one of the gardens, and Kyle tells him that he would stay with his parents. Kyle extends an invitation to Lythar to join him, which Lythar accepts. Lythar then has a private conversation with Kaerishiel, informing him of the events that have transpired since Lythar left the Mierani Forest, and asking that the Elves of Kyonin remain on the lookout for Vognar. Kaerishiel offers transport to the Mierani Forest for Lythar, Tyl and Gron, and upon Lythar’s refusal, indicates that the offer remains open.
The Party retires for the evening.
