CH 8: Elvenhome

[Kafen]

"I don't think we can take much more of this Elven Generosity." Tas says in a plain voice. He looks at Goldmoon. "Can you heal my wounds so the old guy is not so grumpy?"

[Jenara]

Laurana thinks of saying something, but instead she remains silent, her fathers words cutting her badly.

[JadedDM]

Porthios, sword drawn, steps in front of the Speaker, placing himself before his father and Riverwind. "Drop your weapon, human, or I shall remove it myself," he says threateningly.

[Nuke]

OOC: oops, I didn't realize.

Riverwind casually flips his blade, grasping the blade and handing the pommel to Porthios. "We are not the enemy." he states flatly.

[JadedDM]

Porthios takes the dagger.

Solostaran places a hand on his son's shoulder, then uses the other hand to make a gesture. The guards lower their weapons, but do not sheathe them.

"The last few days have no doubt been trying for you," the elf king says. "You are exhausted and fatigued. You are not thinking straight. I understand. My son, Gilthanas, will show you to a place where you can rest and eat. Tonight, there will be a meeting among my people to discuss the war. I hope you will attend."

"Although it goes without saying, if you attend, you will disarm yourselves first," Porthios adds.

Clearing his throat, Gilthanas gestures. "This way, please."

[Breila]

With a worried look at Riverwind, Goldmoon follows Gilthanas, adjusting her stride to walk besides Tasslehoff. "I did for you what I could" she explains to him. "Both you and I need rest before I can ask for Mishakal's grace for you again."

[Nuke]

Staring into the king's eyes, Riverwind ignores the 'not thinking straight' comment "Thanks you, I will attend." Turning to Porthios he adds "Naked if need be." With that, he also follows the elf prince to their quarters.

[Jenara]

"I will lead them, if you tell me where we are going." Laurana gives her brother a little motion of her hand. "As it appears I am to be treated like everyone else..."

She lowers her head and waits for Gilthanas to lead her.

"I hungry." Magpie smiles and takes Lauranas hand, "Me keep you safe."

[JadedDM]

"No, Lauralanthalasa," the Speaker says. "Not you. You and I are to have words. Alone," he adds. The icy tone of his voice is more than enough of a hint for the other elves in the room. They begin clearing out at once. Porthios hesitates only a moment, and then he steps out, as well. Anyone other than Laurana who attempts to stay will be escorted out at sword-point, if necessary.

Meanwhile, Gilthanas escorts the rest of the group to a pleasant, sun-dappled grove of aspens which flourishes in the heart of the city. Clear springs furnish fresh water, and many mossy beds seem to invite sleep. Pears, apples, and peaches all grow in profusion. "Please, have your fill," Gilthanas says. "The meeting is at twilight, and I shall come for you then. "You may explore the city if you wish, but know that you are always being watched. And after what happened in the tower...it may be best to not say or do anything that could be...misconstrued," he advises.

[Kafen]

"Sounds painful, I was a dragon once." Tas remarks casually. "I bet that would be kind of like being construed." He walks up to Gilthanas and grins broadly. "Try not to worry, we are great at doing stuff. We did all kinds of stuff, you know. The whole trip through the cave and elevator was a great story if you want to hear it. That wasn't was when I was a dragon, mind you."

[Jerrard]

"Laurana?" Sturm asks a moment, seeing the Speakers look he stops. "I will see you soon my Lady." Bowing he heads off with the others, putting his arm towards Magpie. "She will be fine, let us get you fed."

[Jenara]

"Yes." Laurana lowers her head, releasing Magpies rather dirty hand, "Go with Sturm, just for now. I will be fine."

"You sure?" The Dwarf looks up at her, "Me stay?" She looks at the Speaker. "He looks Grumpy, me go eat." With that she darts off in front of the Knight.

"Yes Speaker." She approaches slowly, wiping back the tears in her eye.

[JadedDM]

The Grove

"Some other time, perhaps," Gilthanas says. "I have things to attend to. If you'll excuse me." With that, he departs.

Once he is gone, Tanis shakes his head. "That could have gone better."

Flint helps himself to a low-hanging pear and takes a large bite out of it, getting small pieces stuck in his beard. "I dunno," he says between bites. "I thought it would have gone worse. Heh, the Speaker barely even noticed you were there, lad."

"Yes," the half-elf agreed. "Laurana seemed to be the focus of his attention. But that's not what I meant. Riverwind," he says, turning to the plainsman, "you should learn to choose your battles more wisely. Was it really so important that the Speaker be convinced of Goldmoon's power? I know you don't like my peop--the elves," he quickly corrects himself. "But as we are in their land and surrounded by their guards, perhaps we shouldn't be so antagonizing toward them."

He then whirls on the kender. "Speaking of which...Tas, I don't know what's gotten into you lately. But it almost feels like you are trying to start a fight...and with elven nobility, at that. I hope I don't have to elaborate on why that's a bad idea. I don't like Porthios either, or his attitude toward humans. But aren't we supposed to be trying to win allies here? Not create more enemies?"

Now he addresses the entire group as a whole. "Mishakal told us that the only way we can defeat the dragonarmies is to set our hatred for each other aside and work together: men, elves, dwarves, and kender. Shouldn't we be turning the other cheek here, instead of giving the elves more reason to hate us?" he asks.

The Tower

The Speaker sits back down on his throne and tents his hands, thinking carefully. "I give you this one opportunity to speak in your defense, before I decide on your punishment for putting your people in danger and shaming the name of Kanan."

[HorizonsDream]

Upon seeing fruit, Tika finally realizes how hungry she is. She takes a peach and starts eating away. "Tanis, they have to actually believe that the old Gods did not abandon us before we start to let go of centuries of hatred towards one another. It sounds like we both have to give a little for it to actually work."

[Nuke]

As they enter the grove, Riverwind selects a fruit, and looks for a comfortable spot to rest. As Tanis chastises him, he let's him have his say before responding.

"This was not a battle, and it IS important that the elves know that the Gods have not abandoned us, and Mishakal, has in fact, returned. As for the rest, we are in their capital as friends, not enemies. Their behavior is not right, treating us as part of the dragon armies as opposed to allies. I do not believe that I am in any danger for point out the error in their ways. It should not be perceived as hatred, but as an opportunity to see the error in their ways."

With that, he sheds his gear, including his armor, and begins to settle down for some much needed rest.

"Join me beloved, you must be exhausted."