Silent Slough

[Drathiranon]

The fairy places a tiny finger to her chin, seemingly hesitant to talk much about feywild customs and practices as they have great power in small things. Even such as giving favours or gifts can tether souls of the receiving party to their every whim.

Thankfully, being seelie, Mouxsie has a duty to do good. Though, also to keep entrusted feywild secrets from exposure. She responds to Tarvis.

I still have plenty of cleanin' before the final work complete. Tis noble and good indeed to help out a friend, me laddine. I can do more work in trade for things needed. With a few MAGE HAND spells I can create the lipstick ...that is, if you provide the manual instruction.

Mouxsie looks to Llelanni.

Winter is near. Shouldnt you be planting those summer lotus seeds for stratification? I can feel chilblain weather coming!

Llelanni is taken aback. She wonders how Mouxsie knows about the seeds. Though, if anyone should know about spring and summer flora it would be such a nature spirit of the fey.

By the fireside, the orcs are warming themselves and dining on the last of the sizzling boar. Under cover of darkness, the slough moves into a subtle transformation. Great horned owls herald the events, letting others know where they live by making low, gentle hoots. Their voices have a hypnotic and rhythmic hooting pattern. Beckoning the orcs to fall into the natural magic of their sleep inducing songs.

The warm air cools, carrying with it the faint scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. A thick layer of fog lowers over the yellow leaf covered, dark, swamp water surface. The tallest trees have become bear, creating more visibility to the landscape to reveal the silver moon. Red maples contribute to the unveiling of Winter's adornments with dark red flowers and distinctive seed pods trapped for now in shadow.

[Bhaern Quel]

Mouxsie listen to what you say and smiles.

"Then we have a plan that should free you. As to9 lip stick the bigest problem might be getting the colour the right shade.. It can be done."

Llelanni after Mouxsie mentioned planting time.

"Yes she is correct, when we were talking before that was one thing I was going to speak. The need to find your planting place soon."

Turns back to Mouxsie and describes how to make the lipstick repair.

[Drathiranon]

Bludgeon returns. Rubbing her eyes with her fists, the orc woman sleepily wanders back to her room and closes the door. Through the front windows Slog can be seen trudging back to his shed across the way.

The little fairy pulls a tiny scroll from the air and carefully writes down all of Tarvis' instructions with a tiny piece of charcoal. Seeing the moon appears to be lowering in the sky, she realizes its nearly morning. Not that it matters to her, she simply wonders if the sunrise will come late or if she will have to sleep during daylight.
This realm is unpredictable! My kind of place!

She looks to Llelanni.

So ya slept in yer currach? She shakes her wee head, squinting her eyes, then looks to Tarvis as well.

Sure, why don't ye both grab some hay bales from under the counter top? Enjoy a restful sleep for a change.

Mouxise's wings buzz, lifting her up to a small wooden box bandana display. The little fairy curls up inside the box and covers herself with the cloth.

The dark elven woman is relieved to see the rectangular bales of hay.

Tarvis, I don't know if you've ever slept in a row boat before but, I highly do not recommend it!

[Bhaern Quel]

As the fairy puts herself to bed, turns to Llelanni.

"Well time to rest for thee, I see. Nay a boat that small I have not slept. I carry my bed on my back and spread when I camp. Allow me to make your bed."

Steps to the hay and arrange the bales pulling from his pack a blanket for you to use.

"That is the best I can do for you. I do hope Bludgeon wil not be upset we staying in her store. I will slrap over by the dood as a guard."

Walks over to the door and lays down a blanket for himself.

"Rest well"

[Drathiranon]

Winter breathes her silent work, enveloping the slough and transforming the landscape into a hauntingly beautiful tableau. Bare branches of the trees are adorned with delicate icicles, shimmering like crystals in the pale winter morning light.
The water is like a dark mirror, reflecting the skeletal silhouettes of the trees and silver of clouded skies above. Patches of frost cling to the rushes and reeds, their once-vibrant greens have become shades of brown and gold. Occasionally, the serene silence is broken by the soft crunch of snow underfoot, as small animals scurry about in search of shelter.
A blanket of white snow covers the ground, softening the harsh edges of the landscape, while the occasional flutter of a snowflake adds to the surreal quality of the scene. In the distance, a great blue heron stands motionless, its feathers fluffed against the cold, embodying the quiet resilience of life in this desolate yet enchanting winter swamp.

Bludgeon awakens, peeks outside her window.
With a shiver, she returns to her bed, covering herself in the soft feathery down and straw.

The general store is quiet with doors closed, incandescent light and warmth churning over freshly lain logs in the hearth.

Mouxsie has awakened and is sitting up, watching over the tranquil sleepers. She has been keeping the fire burning and thinking of how this whole situation will play out.

Llelanni is in deep restful slumber. Best she's had in a long time, it would seem. If a tree fell she prolly would not wake.

[Bhaern Quel]

Having rested enough wakes to be sure all is secure/ Just in case he slept though an danger occuring. Listens to hear what the others might be doing not wanting to disturb any still sleeping. It appears that the weather has turned to time of winter, hearing the batter of paws in snow. The orc did move but returned to bed. At least a fire is burning, maybe time to make a breakfast. Picks up his blank and puts it away in his back pack. Steps to the fire place and pulls out a pan and and sets it down near the fire. Pulls out potatoe and onion and starts to cut and peal and slicing into the pan. There will be meat enough that can be added, but first to cook something for plant eaters. Warm rolls might be something to consider as well.
Softly talking to self.

"I do not want to take anything from her with asking. There was risk enough using the bales. Iy may not matter, but somethings might be very dear.. Later can get things, no rush enough here".

[Drathiranon]

The little fairy opens one tiny eye, sniffs the air. Turning her tiny head to see Tavis is awake, she rises and gingerly steps down from the shelf. Her tiny wings flutter to quickly glide her down to plant her tiny bare feet on the floor. Gracefully waving her hand, bending and stretching light to morph her shape. Her size increases to that of a toddler with willowy limbs, long and slender. Her head is round with big green eyes and pointed little ears.

Mouxsie toddles over to get a better look at what the human is cooking.

Mmm...that's a grand bit of sunshine there.
She smiles while rubbing her little hands in front of the fire. Behind her, the front windows are like pictural vignettes, showcasing rolling hills and the falling snow. Smoke curls up from Slogs cozy shed. The road across the way is hidden beneath a glimmering white cover.

The fairy sits cross-legged on the floor next to Tarvis.
Until the sun be splittin' stones again, today be a fine day for the fire!

The dark elven woman stirs from sleep, yawning and stretching back to life.

Mouxsie flips the clover charm over to play her harp, soft and low to lull the drow back to sleep. As soon as Llelanni rolls away from them, drifting back into deep slumber again, the fairy stops playing.

Everyone is sociable until a cow invades yer garden. Tch, let's be honest, a silent mouth on some is sweet to hear.

Mouxsie smiles again, setting a kettle of water to heat for tea.

I canna wait but it might be awhile before we get started on this quest.

She summons some pottery cups from the shelf and tea.

At least Bludgeon will be no trouble at all.
She chuckles.
Ah sure, don't worry, Laddine, I have a wee bit of currency for the price o the tea. I come from a family wealthy in wit and coin.

[Bhaern Quel]

Stirred vegetables might not be the best breakfast however will warm well. Adding some oil to brown and add flafour to the potatoes and onions. Looks to Mouxsie as she comes down to the fire. Nods to her words.

"Yes a bright morning to you. Did I wake you?" Still keeping voice low.

Turns to the cooking for the time you speak Nods not replying to some of your comments. Keeping silent that she speaks of being respected, or to avoid waking the others. Though when it comes to quest ad payment does speak in reply. Still speaking softly.

"Our quest will take time, what delays see you? I also have some rolls to go with this simple dish of onions and potatoes. Your tea will be better than that Mead to drink. Your deals with the orcs are not my concern they are yours. I offer you aid as a friend ."

[Drathiranon]

Stirred vegetables might not be the best breakfast however will warm well. Adding some oil to brown and add flafour to the potatoes and onions. Looks to Mouxsie as she comes down to the fire. Nods to her words.

"Yes a bright morning to you. Did I wake you?" Still keeping voice low.

The fairy's voice also low.
Tis good. Not at all, was just thinking about the colour of flowers and if they can be found in this weather.

Turns to the cooking for the time you speak Nods not replying to some of your comments. Keeping silent that she speaks of being respected, or to avoid waking the others. Though when it comes to quest and payment does speak in reply. Still speaking softly.

"Our quest will take time, what delays see you? I also have some rolls to go with this simple dish of onions and potatoes. Your tea will be better than that Mead to drink. Your deals with the orcs are not my concern they are yours. I offer you aid as a friend ."

C’mere til I tell ya, Boyo, the delays I reckon be part and parcel only concerning the snow.
She gasps.
Simple?! Why praties and bread are the staple of life, me laddine, and onions a treat!
Mouxsie looks back over her shoulder to Bludgeon's room where the loud snoring resembles a bear fight.
Don't be too quick to judge. From that sound back yonder, me be thinking we all stand to be concerned if not revolted.

[Bhaern Quel]

Nods

"The snow delays travel or at least slows it, however all you need for the colour of flowers are here. Seeds and powders can provide all the shades that flowers have"

Reaches into his backpack and pulls out two fresh rolls and offers you one. Then takes the pan from the fire and dishes out some vegetables.

"I am glad to hear my offers are good enough, some require more special diets that I meet."

Considers the noise of sleeper

"If that is the worst, not that much to fear. However no deal is done until all agree it is done. Only then will we know how easy or hard it was to made"

Smiles and tends to eating.

[Drathiranon]

The fairy cracks open the roll Tarvis gives her. Steam rises from the pores of broken bread. She deeply inhales the smell, eyes close.

Mm mm!

She stuffs the fried veg into each half of roll and places them on the sides of her own pottery cup before pouring out the hot water into the two cups she prepared for them with tea.

Ya know, I think we can handle whatever tasks present themselves.

Mouxsie inclines her pointed ear toward Tarvis and thinks for a moment while sitting quietly and eating.

Tarvis, I hear ya looking fer cattfoot. Have ya found enough while out here on yer own?

[Bhaern Quel]

Watches you with the roll and the vegetables and smiles as you place them on your plate and makes the tea, pleased that you appear to appreciate the meal. Watches you prepare the cups of tea.

"Yes I think we can solve the problems together well."

Thinks at least the ones we know of know. Though wild boars might be too many, orcs can be temperamental, the weather can turn surprising worst and there still are many unknowns that could occur with little warning. However being prepared for surprises can only go so far and mights may never happen. No need to worry about the mights that may never happen. To the problem that bought him there in the first place.

"Well I have found some, but was hoping to fill a pouch on this walk about. The market is not large but pats well. I have some of what I have gather has already been sold If I return before someone else does. Finding more would be nice."

[Drathiranon]

It isn't often to get a close look at a human
Mouxsie says, still.taking small bites and savoring the lovely breakfast.

Yer drow friend there...
The fairy tilts her head as if pointing to.the sleeping Lianaila.

That's what worries me. Did you know they eat fairies, dried them.out an put them in their concoctions?

The fairy finishes eating and licks her little finger tips.

Sure look, we let the minus craic geebag over there to sleep awhile. Tis nothing wrong with getting to know who yer friends are.

The fairy, finishes her tea and slowly shrinks back down to her normal tiny size.
No worries! I know where all the catfoot live

[Bhaern Quel]

Humans are many, they have many different ways. Some might seek to catch you others could flee from the sight of you.. Few are like me that travel often alone and talk to many peoples."

Eats some of his food and sips some tea before replying to your comment about Drow.

"Now the true can be said of the Drow, Dark Elves others call them, but even the worst I have never heard of eating any other peoples. Torture, enslave of kill Yes, but eat no. It might be possible some do, but I have never heard of any.
"

Glances toward Llelanni

"As for her she appears to follow the Dark Maiden, a goddess that teaches a message of peace with others, giving help and aid to others when possible, to fight evil. She is no danger to you and unless certain herbs found too soon a danger and protector of non."

Wonders how interesting it would be to change size at will as the fairy changes size again.

"Aye let her sleep as long as she can she needs for rest. It is nice to know you can help my quest. Shall we do something about yours now?"

Finishes his breakfast as well and sets his pan away from to fire to cool some more. The plates and cups will need to be cleaned but for now stored as neat as possible

"Will clean with water, not sure of what supply should be used, fresh from outside or if there is stored water for washing. "

[Drathiranon]

Don't dowtcha, Laddine, like to be dog wide of me troop as can lead to a bit of muck. Everyone wanting to do something else, not sticking to the plan an all. That's why I travel on me own.

The fairy is shocked at the human's answer about the drow. She flutters upward to rest on the small woodpile by the fire so she can better see Tarvis' face, listening closely as if trying to read his mind.

Sure, cave elves that hate everyone else and plot wars against them?! I'm thankful that orc caught me instead of a spider gob lobber.

She smiles brightly at the mention of Eilistraee.

Lady Silver hair! She is the reason I took a mission, to travel to this plane. Me father is quite the scéalaí. Many a fanciful story he'd tell about her!

The fairy casts a sympathetic look over at sleeping Llelanni.

Gosh, I must look scarlet. I dunno, as long as she doesn't act the maggot, then we get along.

At Tarvis' mention of doing something about her quest, a large hand reaches out to carry the dishes and kettle of water outside to clean.

Sounds grand, mate! Let's get started!

The dark elven woman turns her body away from the chatter, curls up in a ball, pulling the blanket over her head.

At that moment the orc woman comes out of her room holding her head, looking for her mop and bucket. She walks outside and to her amazement sees the magic hand washing the pottery. Bludgeon grabs the shovel on the porch and starts shoveling the snow away from her water pump. Bludgeon then yells at the hand.

Boil more water! No leave empty pot!

The hand of course is obliged to, and will obey as it is able to under Mouxise's command.