Silent Slough

[Bhaern Quel]

While walking with Elron to catch Slog's offer of oats for Bess, Tarvis gives him a brief description of why he called for aid that cursed city.

Once catching up to Slog Tarvis speaks to both.

Slog, this is my friend Elron and his mount Bess. They have come to help with exploring the city. For now we would like oats for Bess and a place to stable her as close as possible.

Elron this is Master Slog, Fighter, Farmer, Miller and Smith, He has been in or at least near the city about as much as Lady Mouxsie. Which has already introduced herself to you. She has magic and appears to enjoy tugging my ear. she also talks to animals at times.

Elron offers hand to Slog.

In friendship I greet you and welcome your offer of oats for Bess, she has worked hard to bring me here to help with that city. What I can offer to this venture is another blade, some magic and often able to solve puzzles f many kinds. I can also entertain and sometimes work magic with song.
But enough of me. I would like to get to know you better and find a safe place for Bess. I am sure you can help me with this.

[Drathiranon]

The orc farmer extends a big green hand as well to Elron, clasping with firm grip.

Strong in numbers, well met, Elron!

Slog pulls the cork from a dusty bottle of his best batch of blackberry mead he had hidden inside a barrel. He takes a swig from the bottle, his red eyes still looking to Elron as he passes the bottle to him.

Have plenty oats in barrels here. Bess can stay in south field with moose or maybe...

The orc farmer scratches his head.

or maybe Bess like to stay in seperate boar field if she like? Swamp stream runs near both but Slog rather give boar and Bess clean, good water from well.

The fairy, still clinging to Tarvis ear, speaks softly with her tiny hand cupped around her tiny mouth.

Orc bog man getting emotionally attatched to his livestock, me be thinking, he prolly give them each names.

Slog is resting one of his hands on the handle of his axe by his side. He points to his make shift forge built on the side of the hill.

Slog almost done with plate armor. If Elron need blade sharp Slog fix fast.

His red eyes look to Tarvis.

Slog make spike bearings. Chipped many stones for mold. Tarvis still need pebbles? Have much in bucket by forge.

[Bhaern Quel]

Elron gives Slog a firm handshake, then accepts the bottle when offered and takes a drink, then passes the bottle to Tarvis. While Tarvis is taking a drink replies to Slog.

I will take about a pound of oats. As to Bess I was hoping for a stable so the she and my gear are under cover. Is there any building here like that?

Tarvis passes the bottle back to Slog.

Well the houses about here all are empty. We might use the closest one as a stable. May be add it for our use for more than that. I have been staying in the store, my own room would be nice.

Slog do you know any thing about the buildings?

I will take as much missiles as I can. The more I have the better/b]

[Drathiranon]

A deep grin grows on Slog's face with the return firm handshake. He is satisfied knowing Elron, like Tarvis, has no problem sharing a drink with an orc. In fact, the orcan farmer is quite confident the bard will fit right in with the group.

Slog find other homestead vacant, southeast of here.

He points to the worn footpath leading in the aforementioned abandoned abode.

Slog think that one... courier post. Slog find old parchment, desk, wood stove, and cots. Cots need new canvas. Maybe...Bludgeon have some?

Slog scratches his backside while contemplating what else he had found. His grin widens.

Slog remember now, two stalls outside of courier post!

The orc farmer scoops oats into a lb size burlap sack for Bess.

The fairy can barely hold her tiny tongue from blurting out her frustration. Somehow, she does manage, at least to cap it until they leave. In the meantime, she thinks it prudent to create an illusion of the area map for Elron and Slog to see. She draws out a square in the midst of the group with her tiny finger.

Sure fellas, it's right here on the pink dot. Orc man, have you had a gander at the other kip in yellow? Green?



Slog looks at the illusion of the map.

Hmm...yellow is big kitchen like inn. No good tables or chairs. Old fish nets and crab pots, floor rotton. Windows broken.

The orc farmer moves closer to get a better look.

Green one look like...hmm...pottery wheel. Slog see many windows and dry clay in sacks. Maybe..nursery for plants.

He shrugs then looks to Tarvis.

Take much pebbles, Friend. Slog make plenty!

[Bhaern Quel]

Elron nods at the descriptions of the near by buildings. takes the bag of oats.

The post sounds like a good place for Bess and me. How much do you want for the oats?

Tarvis listens to the descriptions of the other buildings.

Slog thank you, I will take the pebbles now and then with Mouxsie and I will look at the other two buildings. We to see how much repair they need. I am not sure if the Inn would be needed, however a green house for growing plants might be useful if we stay for a time. The post though could serve as a fort of last resort most likely. It should be best built building here. Something though that should be checked on.

I think after Elron has settled Bess and looked at the post he should get to know Lielanni and Blugdon better so will plan to meet back at the store. Elron do you agree?

Elron nods in agreement.

With a plan to attack tomorrow, I would like to know the ladies better. Slog I see as a good fighter already. I do want Bess rested so do need to take care of her.

[Drathiranon]

Slog hands Tarvis a burlap sack for the pebbles. The orcan farmer's red eyes then turn to Elron.

Elron friend, friend help. No charge.

The fairy looks at the skyline, turns opposite Tarvis ear and speaks up to the guys.

Sure, you're right, orc man. It's getting darker. Lets not get long in the tooth. There's no need to fear the wind if yer haystacks are tied down. Best we get moving, me be thinking.

With her tiny hands Mouxsie waves away the illusory map. She plays her harp, summoning all the loose pebbles from the forge to fly into the burlap sack. Once the bag is full, the fairy stops playing and snaps the shamrock charm closed over her tiny harp.

Ah...tis easy to halve the potato where there is friendship.

The tiny fairy smiles, grabbing hold of Tarvis ear once again and looking toward the distant foot path.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

A large shadow pases quickly over the land casting darkness and sending an extra windy chill to the autumn evening. The ground shakes, quivering under their feet. Before anyone can look up the shadow is gone. The earthen scent of decay wraps everyone in a crisp, cold embrace that further sharpens the senses.
The path stretches out before the party of friends, winding gently southeast through a tapestry of rustling leaves, their vibrant hues of gold, amber, and crimson flickering like flames in the fading light. The air is thick with a heady oder of damp soil mingling with a sweet hint of woodsmoke from the Grab, Root, & Growl General Store's distant chimney.
With each step, fallen leaves crunch underfoot perferating the tranquil silence. A soft but satisfying symphony of sound blend with the occasional rustle in the underbrush as small creatures scurry to their nests for the night. Above, the sky is like a watercolour canvas of deepening twilight. Streaks of lilac and dusty rose slowly blend with rich indigo and twinkling stars as the sun disappears into the horizon.
The trees lining the path stand tall, branches swaying gently in the cold breeze, casting shadows that stretch across the footpath. An owl’s distinct hoot echoes through the air, a reminder of the life that stirs within the last moments of encroaching darkness.
The air bites at their cheeks and mist curls from their mouths along the journey. The gathering winds pull at the party's clothing, enticing them to tighten cloaks and coverings around them to hold onto warmth. The sense of solitude is comforting, yet profound. The world of autumn is like a precursor to death like winter, slowing down the pace of life. Farther along, a glimpse of the hills in the distance outlines the horizon, their peaks are tinged with the last remnants of a forlorn passage of daylight.
With deep breaths, the party inhale the crisp air, tasting a faint bitterness of impending frost and feel a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead, hidden in the deepening shadows. Each footfall brings them closer to the mysteries of the abandoned homes, the path beckoning forward into the heart of the autumn wilderness. The sound of trickling water refreshes the mood. A stream appears at the southeast end of the land.
A weathered cabin emerges near the stream. It looks in fairly good condition considering the passage of time it has witnessed. There is two large doors wide open revealing a two horse capacity stable.
Out front there is an old pump well. An owl is perched in the window above the rafters, looking for perhaps a rodent in the loft.

ibb co
Inside is indeed a wood burning stove, the wood floor creaks with each step, and two old wooden cots are shoved off to one side. There is a standard table with two chairs, both with broken spindles in the back rests. There is a desk in another corner with assorted scrolls and an old dried up ink bottle. Only one scroll has writting. Its simply a love letter stressing incompletion, discarded. The writing is in common language. Perhaps intended as a poem, created from fragments of emotion.

My Darling Lianaila,

Nymph of my dreams. I stoke the fire while all in this place are asleep. I long for your charming smile. I am unsatisfied. My longing has become despondance. My passion avidly evades allure. My muse, my refreshing breeze in the heat of summer. I envision sparkling eyes and golden hair. You are my sympathetic obsession, my avid infatuation, a magical distraction I can no longer ignore, can no longer live without.
I will seach all my days until, at last, we meet again.

V

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis stores the sack of missiles in his backpack. Nods at Mouxsie words.

Come let us go

Elron takes the oats and with Tarvis exit the mill. Elron then takes Bess' lead and with Tarvis and Bess walks down the path leading to the Post and Greenhouse.

The eve is near on us. That shadow might be a problem soon, not yet I think direct danger.

Where the path splits Elron speaks.

The Inn sounds like it needs most work and for now the less needed. It would serve best as a brarick if we had some troops. Beds for many and a large kitchen and dining room. At least for a time of war. In peace time and regular travels it could become a nice business . For now the Greenhouse and the post are most useful. While
I see to the Post and settle Bess, you take a look over the greenhouse to see how much repair it needs and then we will return to talk to the others.

Elron and Bess head on the path to the Post as Tarvis steps off toward the greenhouse.

Elron takes Bess into a stall and sets her up with a grain bag so she can eat the oats. Takes off her saddle and equipment and sets then on the rests, After making sure Bess is as secure as possible then enters the post office and looks about it. Finding the letter, wonders if was a nymph or elf written about.

Tarvis walked into the greenhouse looking to see how much broken glass and potting soil stored, the sorces of water and other features that can help determine how much work might be needed to be used effectively .

Just a quick look for now, Then back to Elron and the Store.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

Further east, much like Slog's Mill and the Grab, Root, & Growl are across from each other, so are the Courier Post and Feed & Seed Nursery. There are bushes and tree stands along the footpath between the two abandoned properties.
The nursery appears just beyond a hill. In the front is a pump well, across the stream, an odd placement for a well. There is a storage bin, most likely for compost in the back of the building. A small dormer window stands out of the roof opposite the doors. Possibly a little loft for some storage.

As Tarvis steps through the double doors of the abandoned feed and seed shop, he might feel a sense of nostalgia for a time long past. The groaning of aged wooden flooring echos through the vast space with each step, a testament to the years that have passed since this bustling nursery was alive and filed with joyfull activity. Its dry inside, no aparent weather damage. Dust motes dance in the fading shafts of light streaming down through the dirty windows. The final rays of sun filter softly through layers of grime and moss that have established a home in the crevices of the green, bubble trapped glass.
The interior is an eclectic mix of remnants from its heyday. Shelves, once brimming with bags of feed and a vibrant assortment of flower seeds, now stand empty or half-filled with remnants of labels faded. Many bags have been upended, their contents spilled across the floor, creating a tapestry of dried seeds and cracked soil that tell the story of time’s passage. The walls, painted in cheerful pastels, are peeling at the corners, revealing the naked redwood underneath. Bits of the colorful paint have chipped away, laying on tge floor like confetti.
In one corner, an old pottery wheel sits, dust-covered but still sturdy, hinting at creativity and craftsmanship that once thrived in this space. Nearby, a collection of neglected terracotta pots, some crumbling, others still intact standing haphazardly in stacks along the work top.
A lonely faded chalkboard still hangs on the wall, its surface stained but still visible, with lists of seasonal plants and care tips, a nod to the knowledge and passion that once existed within the structure. A scattering of metal tools, some rusted and others slightly tarnished, are strewn about as if their purpose were forgotten.
The scent of damp earth mingles with the mustiness of decay, creating a unique aroma that is both earthy and melancholic. Vines from outside have crept in trough a single cracked window, threading their way through the windows and climbing up, blurring the lines between the natural world and the remnants of enterprise.
In the center of the space, a dilapidated potting bench sits, cluttered with detritus of the past—a trowel here, a pair of gloves there, leaving a mark of gardeners who once inhabited this pkace.
As Tarvis explores, the air is but a hushed reverence for a place that was once a thriving hub of growth and flourishing life. For now it appears to be a quiet haven for nature’s slow, inevitable reclamation, longing for a return to the life it must have enjoyed.
Several fine wooden benches line the floors where perhaps plants might have been placed for display. There is a room beyond the front of the store, a corner behind that appears to be a small apartment with an old bed frame, a small round table with chair, and small fireplace.

[Bhaern Quel]

After Tarvis considers what is there.

This place weathered well. Well let us get Elron and return to the store



Returns back the path to the post and enters to find Elron.

The Building is in good shape to grow plants. This place looks fairly good as well.

Is Bess settled on so that we can go and talk with Lielanni and Bludgeon?

Elron sets the letter where it was found and answers.

Bess is fine. As far as the building. Some repairs to the building are indicated however nothing major from what I have seen. It could serve as a base of last retreat if needed. Yes let us return.

They along with Mouxsie playing as earring start their walk North back to the store. They do mention some of the repairs that appear to be needed. The bedding the chairs and for the buildings.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

A warm line of amber glow across the dark skyline is all that is left of the day. The footpath winds through the heart of the autumn woods. The evening air is invigorating, earthy, and growing more damp.
As the party strolls forward, the vibrant hues of autumn, the trees wearing their fiery cloaks of warm colours, become shadows, their leaves continue tonrustle softly in the chily night breeze. Above, the sky deepens into a velvety black-blue, and the first stars rise to twinkle like diamonds scattered across the worldly dome. Occasionally, a branch crackles underfoot as the two men converse. The footpath meanders, flanked by more tree stands like watchmen with tall silhouettes contrasting against the darkening sky. The moon is peeking shyly between the boughs, casting her silvery light that pools on the ground, illuminating the path. The soft crunch of leaves beneath their feet seems to be grounding them in the peaceful solitude of the woods.
The party continues their walk, breathing in deeply and savoring the freshness of the air tinged with a hint of wood smoke from the nearby fire crackling in the Grab, Root, and Growl General Store. The thought of reaching a warmer destination might fill them with anticipation. It stands at the edge of the woods, its weathered wood and peeling paint offering a stark yet beautiful contrast to the vibrant foliage and swamp water river moving behind it.
As they approach, the store's welcoming glow emanates from the windows, illuminating the porch and casting playful shadows on the ground.
As the door opens, the attached bells jingle.

[Drathiranon]

The oder of warmed meat pies greet the party as they step in through the door. The air inside is infused with Llelanni's fresh baked oatmeal honey cakes and the warming cedar from which the inside of the store is built. The orc woman is dusting shelves lined with jars of candy, rustic crafts, and fruit preserves. The gentle chatter between Bludgeon and Llelanni adds a more warm and welcoming feel to the lamp lit atmosphere.

Thought you guys fell in the swamp. We were just about to form a search party.

Llelanni chuckles.

At that moment, the bells on the door ring once again. Slog enters the store carrying a bundle of wood.

Slog bring fire wood.

Bludgeon turns around from her dusting, her emerald green eyes seem to dance in her head, looking to each one inside. She extends her hand, motioning to the barrels seated at the counter.

Come Friends, sit down. Hungry? Hot food, let's eat.

Llelanni pulls the kettle for tea and flips the honey oat cakes in the frying pan. After pouring tea for everyone, she grabs a platter to fill with the cakes. Bludgeon sets a platter with a large pile of boar meat dumplings on the counter next to a bowl of mushroom dipping sauce.

The fairy's tiny wings buzzing like a bee, send her tiny body down onto the counter top.

I'll take me leave, lads. Need to take a wee nap.

She rubs her tiny eyes with both hands, yawns, and curls up in a napkin.

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis smiles at your welcome

Lady Lielanni, we had to find a good place for Bess to stay. Thank you for your concern. Things look well here..

Elron allow me to formally introduce Lady LieLanni, healer and skilled plant grower. Speaker to animals and a new found friend.

With Mouxsie freeing his ear and going to rest. adds in low voice

I am not sure why she does not appear to like you, hopefully things will get better.

Looks to Bludgeon

Lady Bludgeon the food looks good, I thank you for the feast you have ready for us.

Elron meet Lady Bludgeon, Storekeeper, A great cook and ready adventuress.

then steps to Slog to help store the fire wood We will store the wood next the fireplace.

Elron steps forward to Lielanni to meet her.

It is a pleasure to meet you. From what Tarvis has told me you are still finding your base or a true home. This land might be it, however we both need to learn more of it. I might be able to help you find some answers for what you seek.

Turns to Bludgeon A fine meal indeed. I hear that this venture means much to you. To set a record right is a noble endeavor and I am happy to aid you in this task. With your skills I am sure of success.

Both humans step to places at the counter to wait the women to take thier seats at the counter. Tp eat the supper with them.

[Drathiranon]

Llelanni blushes and nods to Tarvis then looks to Elron.

Pleased to formally meet you Sir Elron. Sir Tarvis has been nominated resident leader of our humble group. He has forgone his own work to help us all with the sounder of wild boar that tore through the swampland not too long ago.

The dark elf places her platter of cakes on the counter and takes a seat on a barrel.

Slogs removes his floppy leather hat, revealing a fresh hair cut and clean shaven green face.

Yes, Tarvis good friend, speak orc, strong, chop much wood. Build sturdy boar fence. Tarvis have many good ideas, smart leader, yes, good friend. Slog think Elron must be good friend to help out.

The orc farmer pulls out a fresh old bottle of blackberry wine looking much like made of the same batch of strange brew he shared the last time before Tarvis and Mouxsie went scouting.

Bludgeon's dark eyelashes flutter, a deep smile with a blush of purple tinge in her cheeks. She smooths a raven black curl over her green shoulder.

Elron, you much like Tarvis. have silver tongue and still speak truth. Bludgeon feel good about Elron's aid. Much thanks for coming and much gratitude.

The orc woman places the cups of tea by each plate and sprinkles green onion over the platter of large dumplings.

[Bhaern Quel]

With the ladies taking thier seats. So do the men.

Elron smiles and replies to each in turn.

Lady Lielanni, Please no need to call me Sir, I do not require it to be used by friends even new ones. Tarvis has been a friend for about five years and is clever and skilled. For this venture I am sure he will lead well. I look forward to getting to know you better.


Turns to Slog

Slog yes Tarvis is a friend and I will help him and you as much as I can. That is the reason I came. To help you all.

Bludgeon takes sap of tea in salute to you.

Lady Bludgeon I thank you for the tea and meal you have prepared for us all. Your open friendship is welcome and I thank you for that. We will do well together I am sure.


Tarvis adds his sweet rolls to the dinner.

Come friends let us eat supper. After supper we can make our final plans for the morrow.