Act 1, Scene 2: “Into The Wild” (Group A: Main Game Thread)

[Nocturno]

Instead of putting his foot in his mouth this time, Elden will just smile and nod, trying not to look bored with all the talking and none of the smashing that they did the day before.

[TristenC]

The older elf nods slowly. Greetings Nesserrr. It is good to see the new Guardian is proving effective so quickly. He raises his hand in greeting to the others, I am Akingwios, leader of our small tribe. I am glad to hear Misailloend’ath is taking action. To often those north of the rift feel they can recline in safety. The dark is coming.

The elf smirks slightly at Jordek’s enthusiasm. Welcome, forest brother. It warms my heart to see not all of you have moved to the cities of the High Ones. The comment seems a little strange to Jordek, perhaps some kind of joke? Eyeing the small squirrel, Akingwios shakes his head. Not enough meat.

Turning back to more sober business, he gives Dillosel a compassionate look, I mourn to hear of Eathaniel’s plight. Were any others taken? He asks. The female wild elf shakes her head sadly. Neither have they returned here. They have gone on to become one with the earth.

He pauses quietly for a moment, finally breaking the silence. The Left Hand and the Right Hand have met. Both Dillosel and Indendien give a start at this. They have made a decision. We are not to involve ourselves unless the threat crosses the path of men. Dillosel looks to Akingwios in anguish. I am sorry, daughter. he says quietly.

Shaking herself from her stupor, Indendien explains to the others. The Left and Right hands are the leaders of all wild elves from here to the Great Shore to the East. The Left hand leads many, many tribes; including ours. Why would the twins order such a thing?! Dillosel demands, a pained edge to her voice.

There was a prophecy.


===
Forgot to mention. Nocturno would recognize him as behaving as if he were in the Old age category for elves…

Jen, Boyd is with the other group.

Breather to let it all soak in and allow for reactions.

[Nocturno]

"Akingwios, I would not say all of us to the north have committed to the fight. It was my insistence about the problem that lead to me being part of this group." He will force himself to be respectful.
"But I am about to inform the council of our findings after we escort our smaller friends home. I also have a feeling that this problem has already crossed the paths of Men, over in Bordertown."

He will then realize he started to take over the conversation on the Wild Elves homecoming.

[Jenara]

"Akingwios." Katten bows. "I do what is required by the forest, as do all Guardians." She gasps at the suggestion of the Hands meeting, but her teeth appear for a brief moment as he speaks, moving back to Dillosel she fights the growl. "Fight already with Menn.. Friends escorted home brave Menn from Bordertown, those captured by Nisserr scum." She speaks a little out of turn.

"Sorry, me angry." Lowering her head she squeezes Dillosel's hand, "Prophecy?" Her ears perk up at the words.

[Squirrellord]

Jordek watches the group members reacting and observes the unfolding revelations feeling somewhat outside of the situation. While he recognizes the seriousness of the matter, he cannot help but feel excited as these past few days are the most concentrated interactions he has been witness to in a long time.

(OOC I just want to assure you I am monitoring the thread)

[TristenC]

Akingwios nods at Nocturno’s explanation. We all must choose our own path. I am glad yours led you here. Perhaps your council will send more, but their history implies they will not. If you wish be allowed to return, you might emphasize that the Wetrocks have larger holdings. Otherwise, they may feel the immediate threat dealt with.

He turns to Katten, By “the path of men” the twins mean the path through the forest that men made… you would call it a Road. We cannot take action as a tribe unless they cross East of it... Still, we must all choose our own path. Dillosel’s face softens slightly, and a look of determination creeps in.

I will speak of the prophecy to our tribe tonight, it has not been spoken to them yet. You may come and hear if you wish… and stay the night in our camp. He finishes with only the barest hesitation, the invitation extended to all present.

[OOC: thanks SqL ]

[Nocturno]

"I would be honored to stay." knowing what he knows of the wild ones Nocturno is surprised they invited the whole lot to stay.

[Jenara]

"Our own path." Katten asserts squeezing the elfs hand. "Of course we will stay. I had hoped." She bows.

[TristenC]

Then come. Akingwios leads the group onward. Dillosel an Indendien cast glances back at the group, but follow. After a few minutes of walking, the older elf stops. It takes a moment for the group to realize that they are standing in the middle of an encampment! Here and there small tents can be spotted, surrounded on most sides by brush and foliage. A pit, which could not be seen until they were nearly upon it, has been dug out in the center for fires. Only from this place can most of the lean-to's, tents and shelters be seen. A pair of wild elf men step out nearby, armed but not threatening.

The halflings and gnome mutter a little among themselves in surprise, impressed with the alacrity of the camp's camouflage. Galegenoh stares openly as more and more Sylvan's enter the clearing. Perhaps twenty or more emerge, but Katten and Jordek can see small signs in the trees that indicate this is perhaps only half their number.

Akingwios looks over the present members of the tribe, waiting until he has every eye to speak. These will be staying in our camp tonight. We will break camp on the new day. There is a slight murmur among the elves and one of the young men steps forward to speak, clearly upset. What of the others? Where are they?!

[Nocturno]

Nocturno watches but will stay quiet unless spoken to.

Elden unsure of what to do just shuffles his feet.

[Squirrellord]

Jordek looks at the encampment with an appraising eye and realizes there are some some tricks to be garnered here if able. When this talk of hands knowing what they are doing and other people that aren't here subsides he will attempt to engage with a wild elf on the techniques and mentality used in the construction of the encampment hoping to learn something new to help with his own home. Until such an opportunity presents itself he will listen attentively to the the current conversations trying to stay "in the loop" as it were.
When sleeping arrangements are dictated, he'll inquiry about which tree he is to sleep in.

[TristenC]

They have not returned. Akingwios says to the young elf, who all-but glares at the short response. He moves to Dillosel, and the pair begin speaking quietly.

Tonight I will share the Left Hand's dream with all. Akingwios says.

Indendien moves near Katten and Nocturno. That is Earthaniel's brother speaking to Dillosel. Tonight there will be a small feast, to celebrate our return and because we will be leaving in the morning. Make yourselves comfortable. Among the tribes, each makes their own shelter. I will help you, she says to Nocturno, And I will speak to Dillosel. Some of you may use those built by the ones who are missing. They will be taken down tomorrow anyway.

Indendien answer's Jordek's questions, Forest brother, your people remained hidden from ours for many generations. Surely you know best how to keep the forest as your cloak. she says, a little surprised. Looking around, he finds that indeed most of the techniques were those taught to him in his youth, though for the smaller gnomes perhaps there were additional secrets he held. You may choose any place you like to sleep; so long as it is within sight of and facing the campfire and hidden on all other sides.

[Nocturno]

"Thank you. Let's help these folks first." He will motion to the small folk and the human.

[Squirrellord]

At Indendien's surprise at his request he replies "you're right about that, though a new perspective on even established techniques often results in something new."

Wanting to do something to show he can contribute, he'll head over to Nocturno "I can help you out with these folks if you'd like."

Once something is set up for the others he will pick out an appropriate tree and fashion a nest of branches and debris just large enough for him to curl up in its limbs, high enough to be inconspicuous from the ground but low enough to have foliage cover from above. Once complete he will request Indendien's approval seeing as how he is a guest here.

[Jenara]

Katten follows the group wordlessly, keeping her head low she somehow feels responsible for the missing Elves.. this happened near her home, she should have some knowledge. Sighing deeply she lifts her head.

"We are honoured that you allow us in your camp. We will cause no harm to the tribe, and our presence will not be detected." Choosing a spot adjacent to Indendien and Dillsoel, choosing a spot at the base of a tree so that Dran lay covered also. Her little nest lay hidden by overhanging foliage and long grass, in a matter of minutes she has a suitable home, lined with the long grass she favours.

"Are you ok?" She asks the Young Wolf, grasping his neck, her nose brushing his snout in a motherly manner, her paws work quickly as the bandage round his belly is removed, the wound licked clean before replacing the cloth (if needed). "You fought well young one." Her words are soft as she nuzzles him, for a moment she was alone with her cub, the rest of the forest faded away as she snuggled him.