Cynalon Knights #14

[GM Mad]

Cynalon Knights #14

December 8th, CR 571

The Lady Iris has departed the buried Elder City of Shelvestra. The Pillar Artifact in the ruins was used to transport Lia and her new companions to the northern Elder City of Shillesta. Kylie and Talen will catch up with them there tomorrow. After rising up from the ruins, the Lady Iris flies in northeasterly direction. Since Orlane is relatively close, the Up and Down Method is not employed. Instead, the Spell Engine's normal flight mode is used. The Spell Engines on the Lady Iris are more powerful than the ones on the Sunflower so this ship can fly much faster. The trip to Orlane takes about 90 minutes and covers over 100 miles.

Before they depart, Lord Sharadin will speak to Kylie.

“Since you can now cast Teleport, that means you can also cast a Dream spell,” Lord Sharadin states. “Jallarzi, Sherwood and myself commonly use this spell to send messages to each other in times of emergencies or when fast communication is required. With your approval, I wish to use you to received messages from me via the Dream spell. I plan to travel up to the Elder Ruins we just came from in a few days and attempt to recover the bodies of elves who were buried in the cave in. And recover the body of Argent as well. I will send you a message via a Dream spell the day before to alert you to my impending arrival. If you can cast a Dream spell you can use it to communicate with us if necessary. Such communication is only one way. Do I have your permission to contact you by way of the Dream spell?”


As the Lady Iris draws closer to the Village of Orlane, the ship is cloaked in invisibility. Now it cannot be seen by those down below who would no doubt become nervous to have a flying ship overhead!

Goodbyes are said as the Lady Iris nears its next destination.

“See you soon,” the twins offer as they hug both Kylie and Talen. “Most likely when father makes his excursion back to the Elder Ruins to the north.”

“Farewell for now,” Lord Sharadin offers to the pair.

“Be safe, children,” Nightmist says as she gives both Talen and Kylie a hug. “Look out for each other.”

“Until next time,” Argent tells Kylie. “No idea when that will be, but I'm sure it will be sooner than later.”

The Lady Iris slows down and hovers over the outskirts of Orlane. Since Talen has a Ring of Feather Falling, he can just step off the ship and slowly descend to the ground below. Kylie just uses her innate ability to fly. Once far enough away from the Lady Iris, the ship vanishes thanks to its cloak. The pair can only assume that is now flying towards Baltron's Beacon.

It's now late in the afternoon when Kylie and Talen reach Orlane. Her father's home is not far away.


GM Notes:

This edition of Cynalon Knights will cover the couples visit to Orlane and than to Crossroads later on. I moved this out of the Sylvan Realm so that this part can take all the time it needs to play out without worrying about slowing the rest of the game down.

Now what?

[Talen]

Talen:

The Lady Iris arrives at Orlane. Goodbyes, for now, are made to friends and family.

“See you soon,” the twins offer as they hug both Kylie and Talen. “Most likely when father makes his excursion back to the Elder Ruins to the north.”

“I look forward to it,” Talen will say. “I can show you around more instead of just a quick visit.”

“Farewell for now,” Lord Sharadin offers to the pair.

“See you soon, Uncle,” Talen answers.

“Be safe, children,” Nightmist says as she gives both Talen and Kylie a hug. “Look out for each other.”

“Yes, grandmother, I will do that,” Talen says as he hugs his grandmother. “Keep Uncle Sharadin and my cousins safe!”


When the time comes, Talen will move towards the railing but he doesn't just leap over it this time.

“Since this is your home,” Talen says to Kylie as he offers his hand. “Perhaps you should lead the way. I have no idea where I am going.”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Before departing for Orlane, Lord Sharadin pauses to speak with Kylie.

“Since you can now cast Teleport, that means you can also cast a Dream spell,” Lord Sharadin states. “Jallarzi, Sherwood and myself commonly use this spell to send messages to each other in times of emergencies or when fast communication is required. With your approval, I wish to use you to received messages from me via the Dream spell. I plan to travel up to the Elder Ruins we just came from in a few days and attempt to recover the bodies of elves who were buried in the cave in. And recover the body of Argent as well. I will send you a message via a Dream spell the day before to alert you to my impending arrival. If you can cast a Dream spell you can use it to communicate with us if necessary. Such communication is only one way. Do I have your permission to contact you by way of the Dream spell?”

Kylie pauses for a moment, her mien seeming a bit deflated. "I'm sorry, Sharadin, I have not yet learned that spell -- though it sounds interesting and useful. Perhaps I missed it in the Mage Guild library? But you and Jallarzi are more than welcome to reach out to me whenever you need to. Both of you and Sherwood have done a lot for me, so I will help however I can."

The trip to Orlane is quick. Kylie's joy at the thought of visiting her father again is offset by her nervousness regarding introducing Talen to him. As they draw close, goodbyes are exchanged with those who have brought her this far. She hugs Argent and the twins, though she's reluctant to do so with Sharadin and Nightmist as she's not sure she knows them well enough yet. Maybe some day...

“Since this is your home,” Talen says to Kylie as he offers his hand. “Perhaps you should lead the way. I have no idea where I am going.”

Kylie smiles at her dear friend. "How about we go together, side-by-side, instead? That feels more... 'right' to me."

With a last goodbye, Kylie accepts Talen's hand and descends with him to the ground. It feels a bit surreal, floating down, hand-in-hand, like some gods from on high. Kylie blushes at the impertinence of the thought even as the flying ship continues on its way.

The house is small and quaint, though in good repair. A low fence encloses the flower garden in the front and the yard and vegetable garden behind. A broad maple on one side of the garden provides shade on warm days for a couple chairs and a side table. Though it's a nice day, no one is working in the garden at the moment. Kylie takes the opportunity to fill Talen in a bit as they approach.

"After she went away, we were led to believe that Mom was dead, so he had no hope of seeing her again; it was a very difficult time for both of us. Dad remarried some time after I began my apprenticeship with Jallarzi and bought this house. I've only met Myriel once, though she seems like a nice lady and to really care for my dad. He seems happy with her, though I know he misses Mom, too."

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

Saying goodbye's on the Lady Iris.

“I look forward to it,” Talen will say. “I can show you around more instead of just a quick visit.”

“Sounds like fun,” the Twins will say.

Kylie pauses for a moment, her mien seeming a bit deflated. "I'm sorry, Sharadin, I have not yet learned that spell -- though it sounds interesting and useful. Perhaps I missed it in the Mage Guild library? But you and Jallarzi are more than welcome to reach out to me whenever you need to. Both of you and Sherwood have done a lot for me, so I will help however I can."

“That's all right,” Lord Sharadin states. “Its one of those spells, much like the Item spell that Janice used up north, that doesn't sound very interesting on the surface. But it does have its uses in certain situations. You can learn it the next time you at Karn's Keep. I was mainly getting your permission to send messages to you this way. I can be startling to communicate that way if you are not expecting it.”

After that, Kylie and Talen step off the Lady Iris and slowly fly/float down to the village below. They are approaching Kylie's father's Orlane home.

Now what?

[Talen]

Talen:

Kylie smiles at her dear friend. "How about we go together, side-by-side, instead? That feels more... 'right' to me."

“As you wish,” Taken says with a grin.

With a last goodbye, Kylie accepts Talen's hand and descends with him to the ground. It feels a bit surreal, floating down, hand-in-hand, like some gods from on high. Kylie blushes at the impertinence of the thought even as the flying ship continues on its way.

The house is small and quaint, though in good repair. A low fence encloses the flower garden in the front and the yard and vegetable garden behind. A broad maple on one side of the garden provides shade on warm days for a couple chairs and a side table. Though it's a nice day, no one is working in the garden at the moment. Kylie takes the opportunity to fill Talen in a bit as they approach.

"After she went away, we were led to believe that Mom was dead, so he had no hope of seeing her again; it was a very difficult time for both of us. Dad remarried some time after I began my apprenticeship with Jallarzi and bought this house. I've only met Myriel once, though she seems like a nice lady and to really care for my dad. He seems happy with her, though I know he misses Mom, too."

Talen nods his understanding and tries to be supportive as Kylie tells her tale. “It was cruel of them to tell you that your mother was dead. At least it seems to have worked out well for all in the end.”

Talen is content to follow Kylie's lead as she's been here before and he has not.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“That's all right,” Lord Sharadin states. “Its one of those spells, much like the Item spell that Janice used up north, that doesn't sound very interesting on the surface. But it does have its uses in certain situations. You can learn it the next time you at Karn's Keep. I was mainly getting your permission to send messages to you this way. I can be startling to communicate that way if you are not expecting it.”

"I'll make sure I seek it out on my next visit, Lord Sharadin." Kylie doesn't really feel comfortable being so formal, but somehow it seems like the right thing to do. "I'll try to be ready for either of you to reach out to me."

===

“As you wish,” Taken says with a grin.

"Well come on then, slow poke," Kylie says as she steps forward quickly and tugs on his arm. "I'm fairly certain that dad won't skin you and eat you..."

===

Talen nods his understanding and tries to be supportive as Kylie tells her tale. “It was cruel of them to tell you that your mother was dead. At least it seems to have worked out well for all in the end.”

Kylie nods, but she also understands just a bit more than she did even a few weeks ago. "I think it was because she was trapped in the rainbow bridge, and they didn't know if she would ever emerge or was even still alive. Honesty might have been better, but then again it might not have been. I don't know. What's done is done, and we've been reunited again, so I think it's better to focus on that."

As she approaches the house, Kylie takes time to take note of the nice garden out front. Being December, there isn't much in bloom right now, but there is a nice bench to sit on to one side. Behind the bench is a stout maple with a profusion of branches; no doubt it provides good shade in the summer.

Hearing voices from behind the house, Kylie leads Talen around to the back. As she rounds the corner, she sees her father putting some tools away in a small shed behind the house. Hearing Myriel's voice, she sees that a window is open, probably from the kitchen, and hears her exhorting Tomas to finish what he's doing and come inside. Something about this scene causes Kylie to pause and smile for a moment.

Tomas emerges from the shed and nearly jumps in surprise. "Kylie! You're back!"

Kylie trots forward and gives her dad a hug. "Hi, Dad! Sorry to drop in unannounced. I just never seem to know when I'm going to get the chance to swing by. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. I cannot imagine a more welcome surprise, Kylie," Tomas says, his eyes flickering to the unknown male standing where Kylie had been moments before.

Noting her father's gaze, Kylie releases him and takes a step back. "Dad, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Talen Galandal. Talen, this is my father, Tomas Lanthorn," she says and waves him forward.

_____________________________________________________________________
I think Sculley is the right last name for Talen, but if incorrect, please feel free to correct it.

Fixed!

[Talen]

Talen:

"Well come on then, slow poke," Kylie says as she steps forward quickly and tugs on his arm. "I'm fairly certain that dad won't skin you and eat you..."

“That is so reassuring,” Talen says sarcastically.

Kylie nods, but she also understands just a bit more than she did even a few weeks ago. "I think it was because she was trapped in the rainbow bridge, and they didn't know if she would ever emerge or was even still alive. Honesty might have been better, but then again it might not have been. I don't know. What's done is done, and we've been reunited again, so I think it's better to focus on that."

“Right,” Talen agrees. “Focus on what came out of it, not all the bad things that you went through to get there.”

Talen follows Kylie through town and up to a house that looks typical for this town. It does seem rather grand in Talen's eyes considering what he grew up in. Kyle's father soon appears.

Tomas emerges from the shed and nearly jumps in surprise. "Kylie! You're back!"

Kylie trots forward and gives her dad a hug. "Hi, Dad! Sorry to drop in unannounced. I just never seem to know when I'm going to get the chance to swing by. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. I cannot imagine a more welcome surprise, Kylie," Tomas says, his eyes flickering to the unknown male standing where Kylie had been moments before.

Noting her father's gaze, Kylie releases him and takes a step back. "Dad, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Talen Galandal. Talen, this is my father, Tomas Lanthorn," she says and waves him forward.

“Hello, sir,” Talen says, not sure what to really say at this point. “Nice place you have here.”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“That is so reassuring,” Talen says sarcastically.

A laugh escapes from Kylie's lips. It's fun teasing him a bit, and his willingness to put up with it is one of the things she appreciates about him.

“Right,” Talen agrees. “Focus on what came out of it, not all the bad things that you went through to get there.”

"Well, I try to, though I don't always succeed and I get wrapped up in my emotions about all the things that have happened. I don't think I'm really as grown up as I try to sound..." Kylie admits, a bit sheepishly. "Maybe someday."

===

“Hello, sir,” Talen says, not sure what to really say at this point. “Nice place you have here.”

"Boyfriend." Tomas says neutrally, raising one eyebrow. His gaze shifts slowly from Kylie to Talen, back to Kylie, and then back to Talen. After several uncomfortable moments, his eyebrow returns to its normal resting position. "Hello, Talen. Good to meet you. And thank you. Actually, it was Jallarzi that helped me find this house and make arrangements to move here. I think it was her way of showing her appreciation for Kylie as her student."

"Really, Dad? I never knew that," Kylie says, surprised by this bit of new information.

Tomas turns his attention back to Kylie. "She did say that you were a very talented student, Kylie. And from what you told me on your previous visit, it seems you've proven that true."

Kylie's face turns a bit red in embarrassment, but just then Myriel's voice can be heard calling out the window asking Tomas what's taking him so long. "Coming, Myriel!" Tomas calls back. "We better get in there before she starts to wonder what's going on." With that, he gestures for them to proceed toward the back door.

Kylie reaches the door first and enters. She sees Myriel to the left preparing lunch in the kitchen. The eating area is to the right and the main room ahead. "Hi Myriel," Kylie says and moves toward the older woman.

"Kylie?" Myriel asks as she turns toward the unexpected invasion of her home. "How wonderful to see you again." Noticing the young man behind Kylie, Myriel cocks her head to one side for a moment. She glances at Talen and then looks back at Kylie. "And who is this handsome young fellow?"

Kylie's eyes shift to where Myriel's had been a moment before. "Uh, this is my boyfriend, Talen Galandal. Talen, this is Myriel." She gestures for Talen to come forward.

____________________________________________________________________
I'm never entirely certain where best to pause, so I'll just fake my way along.

[Talen]

Talen:

"Well, I try to, though I don't always succeed and I get wrapped up in my emotions about all the things that have happened. I don't think I'm really as grown up as I try to sound..." Kylie admits, a bit sheepishly. "Maybe someday."

Talen lets out a light laugh and will put his arm around Kylie's shoulders. “None of us are as grown up as we want to be. And you know what? That's fine. There's times where you need to be a grown up and times where you don't. Just don't mix the two up!”


We reach the home of Kylie's father and step-mother.

"Boyfriend." Tomas says neutrally, raising one eyebrow. His gaze shifts slowly from Kylie to Talen, back to Kylie, and then back to Talen. After several uncomfortable moments, his eyebrow returns to its normal resting position. "Hello, Talen. Good to meet you. And thank you. Actually, it was Jallarzi that helped me find this house and make arrangements to move here. I think it was her way of showing her appreciation for Kylie as her student."

Talen squirms uncomfortably while Kylie's father just stands there looking him over without saying anything. Finally he seems to relax and Talen lets out a sigh, just now realizing that he had been holding his breath the whole time.

"Really, Dad? I never knew that," Kylie says, surprised by this bit of new information.

Tomas turns his attention back to Kylie. "She did say that you were a very talented student, Kylie. And from what you told me on your previous visit, it seems you've proven that true."

“I haven't spent much time with Jallarzi as of yet, but she does seem to be a wonderful lady,” Talen chimes in trying to add something to the conversation. “I look forward to visiting her home. I've heard so much about it.”

Kylie's face turns a bit red in embarrassment, but just then Myriel's voice can be heard calling out the window asking Tomas what's taking him so long. "Coming, Myriel!" Tomas calls back. "We better get in there before she starts to wonder what's going on." With that, he gestures for them to proceed toward the back door.

Kylie reaches the door first and enters. She sees Myriel to the left preparing lunch in the kitchen. The eating area is to the right and the main room ahead. "Hi Myriel," Kylie says and moves toward the older woman.

Talen follows the others into the house and up to Kylie's step-mother.

"Kylie?" Myriel asks as she turns toward the unexpected invasion of her home. "How wonderful to see you again." Noticing the young man behind Kylie, Myriel cocks her head to one side for a moment. She glances at Talen and then looks back at Kylie. "And who is this handsome young fellow?"

Kylie's eyes shift to where Myriel's had been a moment before. "Uh, this is my boyfriend, Talen Galandal. Talen, this is Myriel." She gestures for Talen to come forward.

“Ma'am,” Talen nods in greeting not finding the words to say much more at this point.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Talen lets out a light laugh and will put his arm around Kylie's shoulders. “None of us are as grown up as we want to be. And you know what? That's fine. There's times where you need to be a grown up and times where you don't. Just don't mix the two up!”

Kylie can't think of anything else to say but, "Thank you." She turns her head and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

===

“I haven't spent much time with Jallarzi as of yet, but she does seem to be a wonderful lady,” Talen chimes in trying to add something to the conversation. “I look forward to visiting her home. I've heard so much about it.”

Hearing his comment, Kylie looks quizzically at him out of the corner of his eye. She's knows that he's related to Jallarzi, but perhaps he doesn't want to get into that right now. With a mental shrug, she let's it go for the time being; he'll talk about it when he's ready, she supposes.

“Ma'am,” Talen nods in greeting not finding the words to say much more at this point.

Noting that the young man didn't step forward when bidden, Myriel does so herself and wraps him in a big hug. "Perhaps one day you'll be a member of the family," she says coyly.

"Myriel, let the boy be," Tomas says, grinning slightly.

Myriel releases Talen and gestures toward the table. "I was just putting on lunch; please join us. I made plenty for everyone." She nods Kylie toward where she's sat in the past, then indicates the one chair that isn't usually occupied when Kylie visits. "Talen, you can sit here." Tomas takes his usual seat, as does Myriel.

"I trust there haven't been any more armies marching through town since I last visited?" Kylie asks, her voice hopeful.

As they eat, the conversation rambles across a number of topics. Kylie shares her latest adventures with her folks, and they bring her up to date on the local news and gossip. Tomas and Myriel are surprised as usual by the things that Kylie gets involved in and actually survives. Tomas has a few more things to do in the yard, so once the meal is done, Kylie and Talen help out a bit, which speeds the work.

It is well into the afternoon when Kylie approaches Tomas. "Dad, it was wonderful visiting you and Myriel again. Unfortunately, we need to go. I'm checking up on a friend in Crossroads, and we really should get there before dinnertime. Thank you so much for accommodating our visit with no notice."

Tomas smiles. "No problem, Kylie. It is always nice to see you. I worry about the dangerous things you get involved in, so it really helps to see you whenever you're able to get down this way."

"I know, Dad," Kylie says with a grimace, then brightens a bit as an idea comes to her. "In case you're interested, I expect to soon learn a spell that will let me send you short messages and let you reply. I believe it will sound like my voice is in your head. Would it be okay if I used that to contact you now and then to let you know I'm okay?"

"That would be great, Kylie!" Tomas says, grinning happily. "I'll look forward to hearing from you."

Kylie and Talen say goodbye, then step out into the garden. With her Dad and Myriel watching, she wraps one arm around Talen's waist, and he hers, then gestures with her free hand as she chants an incantation. Moments later, they both vanish from sight.

[Talen]

Talen:

Kylie can't think of anything else to say but, "Thank you." She turns her head and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I can't take credit for that,” Talen admits. “That comes from Grandma. She always had such wonderful and comforting things to say. In fact, when it comes to any problem I ask myself, 'What would Grandma do?' and that usually gives me the answer I need.”

Noting that the young man didn't step forward when bidden, Myriel does so herself and wraps him in a big hug. "Perhaps one day you'll be a member of the family," she says coyly.

“Maybe I will,” Talen adds when he is hugged tightly.

"Myriel, let the boy be," Tomas says, grinning slightly.

Myriel releases Talen and gestures toward the table. "I was just putting on lunch; please join us. I made plenty for everyone." She nods Kylie toward where she's sat in the past, then indicates the one chair that isn't usually occupied when Kylie visits. "Talen, you can sit here." Tomas takes his usual seat, as does Myriel.

“Sound great,” Talen answers as he moves toward the open chain. “Thank you so much.”

As they eat, the conversation rambles across a number of topics. Kylie shares her latest adventures with her folks, and they bring her up to date on the local news and gossip. Tomas and Myriel are surprised as usual by the things that Kylie gets involved in and actually survives. Tomas has a few more things to do in the yard, so once the meal is done, Kylie and Talen help out a bit, which speeds the work.

Talen adds to the conversation when it seems appropriate to him, although Kylie covers must things well enough. Talen is simply content to eat and relax and listen.

It is well into the afternoon when Kylie approaches Tomas. "Dad, it was wonderful visiting you and Myriel again. Unfortunately, we need to go. I'm checking up on a friend in Crossroads, and we really should get there before dinnertime. Thank you so much for accommodating our visit with no notice."

Tomas smiles. "No problem, Kylie. It is always nice to see you. I worry about the dangerous things you get involved in, so it really helps to see you whenever you're able to get down this way."

"I know, Dad," Kylie says with a grimace, then brightens a bit as an idea comes to her. "In case you're interested, I expect to soon learn a spell that will let me send you short messages and let you reply. I believe it will sound like my voice is in your head. Would it be okay if I used that to contact you now and then to let you know I'm okay?"

"That would be great, Kylie!" Tomas says, grinning happily. "I'll look forward to hearing from you."

Kylie and Talen say goodbye, then step out into the garden. With her Dad and Myriel watching, she wraps one arm around Talen's waist, and he hers, then gestures with her free hand as she chants an incantation. Moments later, they both vanish from sight.

When the time come, Talen adds his own goodbyes to Kylie father and step-mother. They teleport away right after that.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 8th, CR 571

After teleporting from her father's home in Orlane, Kylie and Talen appear in a small deserted room. An complex design was etched into one wall of the complete featureless chamber. The design was the target for the Teleportation spell. A single door leads out the arrival room. The door was at the end of a long hallway. Several other doors were also in the hallway, along with stairs going both up and down. From below voices could be heard; the murmur of many people speaking.

The pair make their way down the stairs and into the common room of what must be an inn. A long bar dominates one side of the room with many tables and chairs taking up the middle area. About a dozen people of various races are seated at the tables. Some are drinking while others are eating and drinking. All that too involved with their own conversations to notice the new arrivals. However, the human man behind the bar does notice and he comes forward with a bright smile on his face.

“Welcome to the Blushing Maiden Inn,” the man calls out to the half-elves. “I'm Jenvis Feerling, proprietor of this establishment. We've been expecting you. The guest suite has been prepared for your use for the evening. Dinner service will start in about an hour. Will you be dining in private or in the common area?”


GM Notes:

The Blushing Maiden Inn appeared in both Argent and Stephanie's stories in the past. Kylie has never been here before.
Jenvis can show you to your rooms for the evening or do you want to just head out and look for Argent?

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“I can't take credit for that,” Talen admits. “That comes from Grandma. She always had such wonderful and comforting things to say. In fact, when it comes to any problem I ask myself, 'What would Grandma do?' and that usually gives me the answer I need.”

Talen's admission that the wisdom he proffered wasn't his impresses Kylie. He really is a good guy. "Nightmist really is a remarkable woman. And I think just a little bit of her rubbed off on you..."

In Orlane:

Kylie and Talen have a good visit with her father and step-mother. Talen is somewhat reserved, but participates and contributes appropriately. Kylie has a wonderful time, and finds that she is glad she orchestrated this meeting. It seems that her parents approve of him, and she knows that they are good judges of character, so that provides good support for her own thinking.

Crossroads:

Kylie is a little nervous about teleporting to Crossroads, as she has never been here before and only has the notes that Sherwood provided to guide her. Fortunately, they prove sufficient as she and Talen arrive safely in a small room decorated only by the etched design in the wall. Pausing to look at it, Kylie marvels at the simple beauty and functionality of the design. "It's really quiet elegant, don't you think, Talen?" she asks, gesturing at the etching. "Clear, and yet quite specific to guide the teleportation. Ingenious."

Exiting the featureless room, they follow the sound of voices along the hall and down the stairs where they soon find themselves in the inn's common room. From what she had been told, this inn is known as the Blushing Maiden. There are a number of guests already present, and they don't seem to particularly take notice of the couple's intrusion.

The proprietor is a different matter. He approaches in a friendly manner and welcomes them to the inn.

“Welcome to the Blushing Maiden Inn,” the man calls out to the half-elves. “I'm Jenvis Feerling, proprietor of this establishment. We've been expecting you. The guest suite has been prepared for your use for the evening. Dinner service will start in about an hour. Will you be dining in private or in the common area?”

"You have?" Kylie asks, surprised. She didn't realize that anyone knew that they were coming. Perhaps Jallarzi or Sharadin sent word ahead. "Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Feerling. I'm Kylie Lanthorn, and this is Talen Galandal." Kylie reaches forward and shakes the man's hand.

"Honestly, I'm not really sure about dinner. We're in Crossroads to visit a friend, and I'm not entirely certain when we'll get back. I hope that's okay with you."

[Talen]

Talen:

Talen's admission that the wisdom he proffered wasn't his impresses Kylie. He really is a good guy. "Nightmist really is a remarkable woman. And I think just a little bit of her rubbed off on you..."

“I'd like to think so,” Talen agrees. “A small part of her wisdom goes a long way.”

Kylie is a little nervous about teleporting to Crossroads, as she has never been here before and only has the notes that Sherwood provided to guide her. Fortunately, they prove sufficient as she and Talen arrive safely in a small room decorated only by the etched design in the wall. Pausing to look at it, Kylie marvels at the simple beauty and functionality of the design. "It's really quiet elegant, don't you think, Talen?" she asks, gesturing at the etching. "Clear, and yet quite specific to guide the teleportation. Ingenious."

“It's a work of art on its own,” Talen agrees. “I take it this makes casting Teleport safer and easier?”

Other that the art work on the wall, the room is vacant. A lone door leads out into a hallway and eventually downstairs to a crowd common area of the inn. As Talen is looking around, the innkeeper comes forth to introduce himself.

“Welcome to the Blushing Maiden Inn,” the man calls out to the half-elves. “I'm Jenvis Feerling, proprietor of this establishment. We've been expecting you. The guest suite has been prepared for your use for the evening. Dinner service will start in about an hour. Will you be dining in private or in the common area?”

"You have?" Kylie asks, surprised. She didn't realize that anyone knew that they were coming. Perhaps Jallarzi or Sharadin sent word ahead. "Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Feerling. I'm Kylie Lanthorn, and this is Talen Galandal." Kylie reaches forward and shakes the man's hand.

“Hello,” Talen adds as he shakes the man's hand.

"Honestly, I'm not really sure about dinner.”

“Well I for one would love some supper later on,” Talen chimes in.

“We're in Crossroads to visit a friend, and I'm not entirely certain when we'll get back. I hope that's okay with you."

“Hey, I got an idea,” Talen says. “Why not bring Argent back here? It's not like we know of anywhere else where we can have some privacy? You can catch up over supper?”

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Kylie and Talen have arrived at the Blushing Maiden Inn in Crossroads. Much like the Green Forest Inn back in Pyris and the High Road Inn in Elcadan, the inns are owned by the Sculley and Sallavarian families. They are used arrival points for Teleport Spells by the mages and the staff keeps an eye on what adventurers are doing. Each location had a specific graphic carved into the wall of a private room. Using Picture Spells, these graphics are put unto paper to be carried around. A mage then studies the picture right before casting Teleport to safely arrive at the desired destination.

"You have?" Kylie asks, surprised. She didn't realize that anyone knew that they were coming. Perhaps Jallarzi or Sharadin sent word ahead.

“The owners alert us when we are expecting guests,” Jenvis adds. “So that we could prepare appropriately.”

"Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Feerling. I'm Kylie Lanthorn, and this is Talen Galandal." Kylie reaches forward and shakes the man's hand.

“Miss Kylie,” Jenvis says while shaking hands.

“Hello,” Talen adds as he shakes the man's hand.

“Good to meet you, lad” Jenvis tells Talen.

"Honestly, I'm not really sure about dinner.”

“Well I for one would love some supper later on,” Talen chimes in.

“It's your choice of course,” Jenvis inserts. “I am merely making you aware of the options afforded our guests.”

“We're in Crossroads to visit a friend, and I'm not entirely certain when we'll get back. I hope that's okay with you."

“Hey, I got an idea,” Talen says. “Why not bring Argent back here? It's not like we know of anywhere else where we can have some privacy. You can catch up over supper?”

“Oh!” Jenvis adds with growing realization. “You're here to meet with Miss Argent, are you? Then you're a student of the Lady Sallavarian? Yes, it all makes sense now. Miss Argent stayed here before. It was quite memorable, indeed. Regardless of your plans, we will be here to serve as needed. Just let me know what you require. Supper is served as long as the kitchen is open.”

If asked for directions, Jenvis will be able to direct you towards Tanner's Goods. It sits close to the intersection of Sancona Street and Tursoll Road.


The sky is starting to darken as the half-elves step out onto the streets of Crossroads. However, there are street lights every so often along the way to brighten up the night. There are also street signs and one nearby reveals that the pair are currently on Maiden Lane.

The streets of Crossroads are crowded with many beings. Most are human, with dwarves and elves being the next most common. Halfling and gnomes can be spotted along with a few half-orcs. Maiden Lane leads the pair into the heart of Crossroads itself. The central part of the city is where the two main roads in Cynalon meet. The High Road extends from Crossroads to Elcadan in the far west. The King's Road travels south, passing through the capital of Alexandria before ending in King's Port on the shores of the Great Southern Sea. The two roads are wide enough that multiple caravans can pass by with room to spare. Members of the City's Watch are seen seated on horseback making sure everything goes smoothly.

At the heart of Crossroads is the great open market. Here dealers are looking to sell cargo they brought to Crossroads while other dealers are looking to buy newly arrived goods. This area is horrifically crowded and the half-elves are forced to skirt this main hub to avoid the caravans and others on horseback. It is also quite loud as bartering goes back and forth with offers and counter-offers flying fast.

Kylie locates Sancona Street leading away from the from the main trading hub. Ringing the central hub are many stores and business of Crossroads. The crowd starts to thin out a bit as the pair move along. Four blocks in Tanner's Goods is located. The store appears to be quite large and stands three stores high.

The pair open the door and step inside. The main sales floor is a huge 40' wide and 60' deep sales floor. Products of all sorts line the walls and wooden shelves fill in the middle to create rows of goods. At a glance, it seems that the Tanner's dabbling in everything. Off in one area is cooking goods, pans, plates, utensils and the like. There is a section for clothing and another for household goods. The store seems to stock general use goods.

A few customers are in the store looking over items. A teenage boy with dark brown hair is putting out goods near by. From seemingly out of nowhere, a woman with curly dark brown hair and matching eyes appears before the half-elves. At first glance you would believe it to be Argent herself due to her appearance and height, but she is not. This woman is older, perhaps in her forties and while attractive, her beauty does not reach the level of Argent's.

“Welcome to Tanner's Goods!” the woman calls out. “How can I help you this fine day?”

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“It's a work of art on its own,” Talen agrees. “I take it this makes casting Teleport safer and easier?”

"Exactly," Kylie replies. "I believe it's designed to be unique and specific, so that there's very little chance of a duplicate somewhere in the world. By clearly visualizing it, the spell knows exactly where to take you."

“The owners alert us when we are expecting guests,” Jenvis adds. “So that we could prepare appropriately.”

Jenvis' comment causes Kylie to wrinkle her forehead for a second in confusion. "Oh. I didn't realize that the Sallavarian's owned this place. I thought they were just friends of the owner, or something like that."

“Well I for one would love some supper later on,” Talen chimes in.

Kylie chuckles. "Don't worry, Talen, we'll be sure to address the needs of your stomach."

“It's your choice of course,” Jenvis inserts. “I am merely making you aware of the options afforded our guests.”

"Thank you, Jenvis," Kylie says. "I appreciate your consideration."

“Hey, I got an idea,” Talen says. “Why not bring Argent back here? It's not like we know of anywhere else where we can have some privacy? You can catch up over supper?”

Pursing her lips thoughtfully, Kylie nods. "That's a good idea, Talen. We can suggest that to Argent."

“Oh!” Jenvis adds with growing realization. “You're here to meet with Miss Argent, are you? Then you're a student of the Lady Sallavarian? Yes, it all makes sense now. Miss Argent stayed here before. It was quite memorable, indeed. Regardless of your plans, we will be here to serve as needed. Just let me know what you require. Supper is served as long as the kitchen is open.”

Kylie smiles at the kindly barkeep. "I do have that honor, Jenvis. Argent and I were both her students at the same time, so that's how I know her." She decides to avoid the topic of the 'splitting' of the Argents, as that is both personal and likely to confuse the man.

Jenvis provides directions to the Tanners' shop, so Kylie and Talen leave to make their way through the city. Kylie isn't familiar with the city, but soon finds that it appears to be more logically laid out than Elcadan was. Nevertheless, it seems to be just as full of people, all going about their personal business. Fortunately, it is well lit and the roads are fairly wide, so it doesn't feel oppressively crowded.

The exception proves to be the great market square in the heart of the city. Even though evening is coming on quickly, business is bustling. Kylie and Talen do their best to skirt the edges of the square to avoid the worst of the crowding. Fortunately, they successfully locate the correct street and happily leave the commotion behind. It is only a few blocks to Tanner's Goods and they reach it without incident. The building is impressively large. "It seems her family is doing quite well," Kylie says to Talen, "which is consistent with what she has stated in the past."

Inside they find an abundance of goods of all types, arranged for display on shelves, tables and racks in neat rows. Customers mill about, while one young fellow can be seen restocking the displays. Spotting a woman who looks much like her friend, Kylie has to snap her mouth shut when she realizes that this woman must be Argent's mother.

“Welcome to Tanner's Goods!” the woman calls out. “How can I help you this fine day?”

Kylie smiles and steps forward as she offers her hand. "Hi, you must be Mrs. Tanner. I'm Kylie and this is Talen. Sorry to arrive unannounced, but we've come hoping to visit your daughter. We've been very concerned about her following her ordeal up north."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Jenvis' comment causes Kylie to wrinkle her forehead for a second in confusion. "Oh. I didn't realize that the Sallavarian's owned this place. I thought they were just friends of the owner, or something like that."

“The families of Lord Sharadin and Lady Sallavarian have owned this inn and many others for generations now,” Jenvis adds. “Although this is not common knowledge among the general public.”

Kylie smiles at the kindly barkeep. "I do have that honor, Jenvis. Argent and I were both her students at the same time, so that's how I know her." She decides to avoid the topic of the 'splitting' of the Argents, as that is both personal and likely to confuse the man.

“I understand perfectly,” Jenvis will say. “I will not hold you up any further then. Enjoy your stay in Crossroads.”


After leaving the Blushing Maiden Inn, the half-elves make their way through the streets of Crossroads and eventually arrive at Tanner's Goods. This is the business run by Argent's parents. Once inside, they run into someone who superficially resembles Argent but is older.

Kylie smiles and steps forward as she offers her hand. "Hi, you must be Mrs. Tanner. I'm Kylie and this is Talen. Sorry to arrive unannounced, but we've come hoping to visit your daughter. We've been very concerned about her following her ordeal up north."

“You're Kylie?” the woman says in surprise. “I've heard of you and know what you did for my daughter. Thank you so much!”

Ignoring Kylie's hand in greeting, the woman gives Kylie a big hug. “You don't know what it means to have her back with us. Oh, and please, none of this Mrs. Tanner. Call me Mabel.”

Releasing Kylie, Argent's mother takes a step back. “Magdalena!”, she calls out. “You have visitors!”

“Mother!” The agitated voice of Argent answers from deeper in the store. “Not so loud!”

A few moments later the familiar form of the woman known to the half-elves as Argent appears. Unlike the Argent you spent time with earlier in the day, this one has short, but nicely styled hair. She's much thinner, but looks healthier than the last time Kylie saw her at Karn's Keep. This Argent is not wearing any make up at all and has a simple work dress on. Even without make up, Argent is still very attractive.

Argent lets out a squeal in surprise and calls out, “Kylie!” This Argent quickly closes the distance and will hug Kylie once close enough. “What brings you to Crossroads? Hi there Talen.”

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“The families of Lord Sharadin and Lady Sallavarian have owned this inn and many others for generations now,” Jenvis adds. “Although this is not common knowledge among the general public.”

Her surprise at the initial revelation is slow to fade from Kylie's expression. "Really? Okay. Well, thank you for filling me in, Jenvis."

“I understand perfectly,” Jenvis will say. “I will not hold you up any further then. Enjoy your stay in Crossroads.”

Kylie responds with a smile and a nod, then slips her arm through Talen's and marches out into the busy street with him. Fortunately, it takes only a few moments to get their bearings and head off in the right direction.


Reaching the Tanner family's shop, they soon encounter Argent's mother.

“You're Kylie?” the woman says in surprise. “I've heard of you and know what you did for my daughter. Thank you so much!”

"I only wish I could have done more, ma'am," Kylie admits wistfully. "Her friendship has meant a great deal to me over the few years that we've known each other."

Ignoring Kylie's hand in greeting, the woman gives Kylie a big hug. “You don't know what it means to have her back with us. Oh, and please, none of this Mrs. Tanner. Call me Mabel.”

Kylie is surprised by the sudden envelopment in Mabel's hug, though it is warm and affectionate. "Yes, ma'am-- Mabel."

Mabel calls out for her daughter to come join them, to which Argent replies somewhat indignantly in her familiar voice. Kylie takes careful note of the name Mabel uses: Magdalena. 'So that's her real name...' she muses to herself, having wondered ever since Jallarzi mentioned it.

A few moments later the familiar form of the woman known to the half-elves as Argent appears. Unlike the Argent you spent time with earlier in the day, this one has short, but nicely styled hair. She's much thinner, but looks healthier than the last time Kylie saw her at Karn's Keep. This Argent is not wearing any make up at all and has a simple work dress on. Even without make up, Argent is still very attractive.

Argent lets out a squeal in surprise and calls out, “Kylie!” This Argent quickly closes the distance and will hug Kylie once close enough. “What brings you to Crossroads? Hi there Talen.”

It is good so see this Argent - Magdalena, Kylie reminds herself - looking healthier, even if still quite thin. Even plainly dressed and without makeup, she's still a beautiful woman. Kylie sneaks a glance at Talen to see how he's reacting even as Argent is hugging her.

Releasing Magdalena slowly, Kylie takes a minute to examine her eyes and face carefully. Her expression displays her concern for her friend. "You do. I've been very concerned about you ever since your experiences up in Shillesta, and wanted to see how you're doing. You look great. It's wonderful to see you looking so well. How do you feel?"

[Talen]

Talen:

Talen and Kylie have just arrived in Crossroads.

"Exactly," Kylie replies. "I believe it's designed to be unique and specific, so that there's very little chance of a duplicate somewhere in the world. By clearly visualizing it, the spell knows exactly where to take you."

“That's very clever,” Talen admits.

Kylie chuckles. "Don't worry, Talen, we'll be sure to address the needs of your stomach."

“Okay,” Talen answers simply. He does hope that it is soon.

Pursing her lips thoughtfully, Kylie nods. "That's a good idea, Talen. We can suggest that to Argent."

Talen gives a goofy smile in response. At least his idea wasn't silly.

We soon depart the Inn and head out into the street. Kylie starts to walk off, but discovers that Talen has only taken a few steps out of the Inn. Talen is shocked at the size and just how crowded Crossroads is. He's never been to a large city before. His short trip to Corunglain was only limited to the Duke's Fortress.

“It's so huge...” Talen mutters in astonishment. “I've never seen anything like it.”

After snapping out of his stupor, Talen follows as along as Kylie leads the way through the crowded city. Soon we reach the heart of the city and it becomes even more crowded. There is a great open market that makes the one in Ainsun look tiny by comparison. Fortunately, Kylie continues onward following the directions while Talen is too busy looking around. Finally we move away from the hub of the city and onto a quieter side road. Our destination is near.

The exception proves to be the great market square in the heart of the city. Even though evening is coming on quickly, business is bustling. Kylie and Talen do their best to skirt the edges of the square to avoid the worst of the crowding. Fortunately, they successfully locate the correct street and happily leave the commotion behind. It is only a few blocks to Tanner's Goods and they reach it without incident. The building is impressively large. "It seems her family is doing quite well," Kylie says to Talen, "which is consistent with what she has stated in the past."

“Yeah,” Talen answers, but not really paying attention to Kylie's words. He's still fixated on the size of this city. Soon we step inside the store and the door shuts out the city outside. Inside is yet another, much smaller, world of wonder. So this is a real store. Goods as far as the eye can see. And such variety! It's amazing!

A few customers are in the store looking over items. A teenage boy with dark brown hair is putting out goods near by. From seemingly out of nowhere, a woman with curly dark brown hair and matching eyes appears before the half-elves. At first glance you would believe it to be Argent herself due to her appearance and height, but she is not. This woman is older, perhaps in her forties and while attractive, her beauty does not reach the level of Argent's.

“Welcome to Tanner's Goods!” the woman calls out. “How can I help you this fine day?”

Inside they find an abundance of goods of all types, arranged for display on shelves, tables and racks in neat rows. Customers mill about, while one young fellow can be seen restocking the displays. Spotting a woman who looks much like her friend, Kylie has to snap her mouth shut when she realizes that this woman must be Argent's mother.

Kylie smiles and steps forward as she offers her hand. "Hi, you must be Mrs. Tanner. I'm Kylie and this is Talen.”

“Hey Argent,” Talen offers in a distracted greeting. Not realizing that this is Argent's mother and not Argent herself.

A few moments later the familiar form of the woman known to the half-elves as Argent appears. Unlike the Argent you spent time with earlier in the day, this one has short, but nicely styled hair. She's much thinner, but looks healthier than the last time Kylie saw her at Karn's Keep. This Argent is not wearing any make up at all and has a simple work dress on. Even without make up, Argent is still very attractive.

Argent lets out a squeal in surprise and calls out, “Kylie!” This Argent quickly closes the distance and will hug Kylie once close enough. “What brings you to Crossroads? Hi there Talen.”

“Hey Argent,” Talen repeats obliviously as he takes in the sea of goods around him. He's never seen anything like it before in his life! Its almost overwhelming!

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

December 8th, CR 57

"I only wish I could have done more, ma'am," Kylie admits wistfully. "Her friendship has meant a great deal to me over the few years that we've known each other."

“You did plenty,” Mabel corrects. “I'll be forever grateful.”

Kylie is surprised by the sudden envelopment in Mabel's hug, though it is warm and affectionate. "Yes, ma'am-- Mabel."

Mabel calls out for her daughter to come join them, to which Argent replies somewhat indignantly in her familiar voice. Kylie takes careful note of the name Mabel uses: Magdalena. 'So that's her real name...' she muses to herself, having wondered ever since Jallarzi mentioned it.

It is good so see this Argent - Magdalena, Kylie reminds herself - looking healthier, even if still quite thin. Even plainly dressed and without makeup, she's still a beautiful woman. Kylie sneaks a glance at Talen to see how he's reacting even as Argent is hugging her.

Releasing Magdalena slowly, Kylie takes a minute to examine her eyes and face carefully. Her expression displays her concern for her friend. "You do. I've been very concerned about you ever since your experiences up in Shillesta, and wanted to see how you're doing. You look great. It's wonderful to see you looking so well. How do you feel?"

“That's nice of you,” Argent easily answers. “How do I feel? Believe it or not, I feel good. It's nice to be home.”

“Come along everyone, we have guests!” Mabel calls out.

First to arrive is Argent's father Clinton. He's of average height and looks. Much like Mabel, he appears to be in his forties. Clinton easily puts his arm around Mabel when he arrives.

“Nice to meet you both,” Clinton offers.

The boy stocking shelves nearby comes forth. He looks more like his father than his mother. He is Jared and looks to be in his teens.

From seemingly out of nowhere, Argent's younger sister appears. She looks very much like her mother and sister, but is just barely into her teens. Her name is Madge.

After a short visit, Clinton speaks up interrupting his wife who would be content to dominate the conversation. “That's enough visiting for today,” Clinton says. “Let's let Magdalena have some privacy with her friends.”

With that, the Tanners drift back to what they were working on, while Mabel keeps watch from a distance.

Argent sighs and says, “So you've met my family. I love them, of course, but by the gods they choose such horrible names! Since there are several other Argents, I've decided to go back to my old name. You can call me Maggie.”

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Walking through Crossroads:

Leaving the inn, Kylie begins to make her way down the street toward the market, and eventually Argent's home. After a few moments, she realizes that Talen isn't with her. Looking back, she notices him standing outside the inn looking around with his mouth agape. Kylie gives him a perplexed look for a moment - which he doesn't seem to notice - then returns to him.

“It's so huge...” Talen mutters in astonishment. “I've never seen anything like it.”

Kylie nods, thinking about what she knows of Talen's life. "You really haven't been in many large cities before, have you?" Having grown up in Elcadan, her experience of Crossroads is very different. From what she has seen so far, the main differences are the cleanliness and the less obvious criminal presence.

Once Talen has adjusted somewhat to being in such a large city, Kylie leads him on through the city. She holds his hand as they go, not wanting to lose track of her boyfriend again. Under the circumstances, she also moves at a slower pace than she had originally intended so that he has time to take everything in.

While on the surface this is a nice city, Kylie doesn't doubt that crime is still a very real concern here. Fortunately, with her background, she knows exactly what to watch out for, and keeps her attention focused to avoid any hidden dangers.

Talen seems as awe-struck by the bustling marketplace as he does by the sheer scope of the city itself. Kylie pauses with him along the side of a building to allow him to goggle at the activity and uproar. "Talen, some day we need to spend some time in a major city marketplace so you can experience the incredible range of products available. It's really quite astounding to see so many things from so many parts of the world."

A few minutes later, Kylie leads Talen on around the edges of the marketplace. Eventually, she finds Sancona Street, and leaves the outdoor market behind. It is only a few blocks to Tursoll Road, and once there, it's easy to find Tanner's Goods.

At the Tanner's:

Entering the Tanner's store, Talen still appears dumbfounded by the scale of the store. Kylie is beginning to get an appreciation for how limited some of his experiences have been. She knows that he and Lia grew up in the hidden valley with their grandmother, but apparently hadn't traveled much before being recruited by Sherwood.

They are met soon after entering by Argent's mother, who introduces herself as Mabel. Unexpectedly, Kylie finds herself scooped up into a big hug by the older woman once Kylie identifies herself.

“Hey Argent,” Talen offers in a distracted greeting. Not realizing that this is Argent's mother and not Argent herself.

Kylie glances over at Talen at this latest faux pas, concerned, but notes that he isn't really paying attention. Mabel doesn't appear to notice, or at least not take offense, so Kylie let's it slide.

Soon, Argent, now known as Magdelena - apparently her real name - joins them. Greetings are barely exchanged when Mabel calls over the rest of the family for introduction. Kylie greets them each in turn as they arrive. "Hello, Mr. Tanner. Great store you have here." The teen boy, Jared, is apparently Argent's brother. "Hello, Jared. Nice to meet you." Moments later, an adolescent or younger teen appears in their midst. "Hi there, Madge. Aren't you adorable?" Kylie says with a friendly smile.

It is Argent's dad, Clinton, who calls the family away so that Magdelena can spend time with Kylie and Talen.

Argent sighs and says, “So you've met my family. I love them, of course, but by the gods they choose such horrible names! Since there are several other Argents, I've decided to go back to my old name. You can call me Maggie.”

Kylie responds with a shrug. "Your names don't seem so bad. Magdelena is a very distinguished name to my mind. I think it fits you well. If you prefer Maggie, then that is what I will use. Pleased to meet you, Maggie..." Kylie ends with an impish grin.

"I'm so glad that you are doing well. Your family seems very nice and it looks like they are taking good care of you." Kylie glances over at Talen to see if he has recovered his senses. "You remember Talen," she says, gesturing. "Earlier today I stopped by and introduced him to my dad and mother-in-law, so I guess we're officially a couple now."

"Say, we haven't eaten yet, and we're staying at the Blushing Maiden. Would you be interested in joining us for dinner there?"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Kylie and Talen have traveled to Crossroads to catch up with the Argent they found in the ruins north of the Sylvan Realm. It becomes clear as they travel through the city that Talen has never been to a real city before.

Kylie nods, thinking about what she knows of Talen's life. "You really haven't been in many large cities before, have you?"

“None, actually,” Talen admits. “Lia and I were on our way out of the Lost Valley for the first time when we ran into you and Sherwood. This is all so new. So overwhelming.”

Talen seems as awe-struck by the bustling marketplace as he does by the sheer scope of the city itself. Kylie pauses with him along the side of a building to allow him to goggle at the activity and uproar. "Talen, some day we need to spend some time in a major city marketplace so you can experience the incredible range of products available. It's really quite astounding to see so many things from so many parts of the world."

“Someday,” Talen agrees. “I do want to see Jallarzi's home. I've heard so much about it. And now the family estate in Alexandria has piqued my interest. So many new places to see!”

Eventually they make it to Tanner's Goods, the store owned and operated by Argent's family. They come across Mable, Argent's mother and soon the rest of her family.

Soon, Argent, now known as Magdelena - apparently her real name - joins them. Greetings are barely exchanged when Mabel calls over the rest of the family for introduction. Kylie greets them each in turn as they arrive. "Hello, Mr. Tanner. Great store you have here." The teen boy, Jared, is apparently Argent's brother. "Hello, Jared. Nice to meet you." Moments later, an adolescent or younger teen appears in their midst. "Hi there, Madge. Aren't you adorable?" Kylie says with a friendly smile.

Clinton Tanner is friendly enough but doesn't say much. Jared looks to be in his mid-teens and will just nod when introduced. He also doesn't say much but doesn't seem all that interested in meeting his older sister's friends. Madge is transitioning from child to teen, so has elements of both about them. She's curious about the half-elves. When Kylie says she's adorable, Madge beams, “Yes! Yes I am!”

Argent's father sends everyone else back to work so that she can spend time with her friends. Argent complains about her birth name.

Kylie responds with a shrug. "Your names don't seem so bad. Magdalena is a very distinguished name to my mind. I think it fits you well. If you prefer Maggie, then that is what I will use. Pleased to meet you, Maggie..." Kylie ends with an impish grin.

“Really?” Maggie says in surprise. “You're among the first to ever say that. I can live with Maggie, so it's fine. And I do want to have an identity separate from my more famous 'sisters'. To be my own person.”

"I'm so glad that you are doing well. Your family seems very nice, and it looks like they are taking good care of you." Kylie glances over at Talen to see if he has recovered his senses.

“I was in such a hurry to get out of here and become a mage that I forgot what I had,” Maggie admits. “I do kind of enjoy getting products for the store. The back and forth bartering. If you think this is impressive, give me some time make things better.”

"You remember Talen," she says, gesturing. "Earlier today I stopped by and introduced him to my dad and mother-in-law, so I guess we're officially a couple now."

That's wonderful!” Maggie squeals as he hugs Kylie once more. “I'm so happy for both of you!”

"Say, we haven't eaten yet, and we're staying at the Blushing Maiden. Would you be interested in joining us for dinner there?"

“Wow, the Blushing Maiden Inn,” Maggie repeats. “I haven't been there in years. It sounds like fun! Let me grab my coat and we can go.”

Maggie departs for a few minutes. When she returns, she has a winter coat on as it is December and chilly. Winter in Crossroads is similar to that of Elcadan. During the night the temperatures can dip below freezing, but typically go above during the daytime. Snow is not uncommon, but having it pile up is as it usually melts during the day.

“Ready!” Maggie announces as the trio heads out into the streets.

The streets of Crossroads are starting to thin out as the hour grows later. Maggie, being far more familiar with her hometown, takes a path that avoids the large central marketplace. Before long the familiar sight of the Blushing Maiden Inn comes into sight.

“This brings back memories,” Maggie states. “I stayed here a few years ago on my cross-country trip to Elcadan. I had originally traveled to Gateway to try and become Lord Sharadin's apprentice, but he sent me to Jallarzi instead. So, I had to travel all the way from Gateway to Elcadan. It took me two weeks of riding in caravans!”

The group is greeted by Jenvis Feerling once more as they enter the Inn.

“Welcome back, Miss Argent,” Jenvis says in greeting. “I see your friends found you.”

“Thank you, Jenvis,” Maggie answers while not correcting him about her name. “It's good to be back. What's on the menu this evening?”

“Baked ham,” Jenvis says with a grin. “Our specialty!”

“Sounds delightful!” Maggie agrees. “The usual room?”

“Of course, Miss Argent. Dinner will be up shortly.”

“We'll have a hot bath after supper as well,” Maggie continues, clearly accustomed to handing out instructions. Turning to Kylie and Talen, Maggie adds, “Come along. You're in for a treat!”

Maggie leads the way up the stairs and to one of the closed doors. She opens it to reveal a small suite. The suite has a homey feel to it. A fire is already going in the fireplace and several comfortable looking cushioned chairs are close to it. In the middle of the room is a large table that will seat six. Past that is a privacy screen where a large bathing tub sits. There are three doors on the far wall, each lead to a small bedroom.

“Here we are,” Maggie announces. “It was here where I met Jallarzi for the first time, although I didn't know it was her at that time.”

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

On the way to the Tanners:

“None, actually,” Talen admits. “Lia and I were on our way out of the Lost Valley for the first time when we ran into you and Sherwood. This is all so new. So overwhelming.”

"Hunh," Kylie mutters as she absorbs this new information. "I didn't realize that was the first time you'd been out of the Lost Valley. I can understand why this would seem so overwhelming."

“Someday,” Talen agrees. “I do want to see Jallarzi's home. I've heard so much about it. And now the family estate in Alexandria has piqued my interest. So many new places to see!”

"It would be nice to see those places," Kylie agrees. "Someday when we have more time not consumed by adventuring..."

At the Tanners:

Argent's -- no, Maggie's, Kylie reminds herself -- family seem a fairly quiet bunch. Introductions go quickly. Kylie chuckles at Madge's response to her comment and gives the girl a friendly smile.

“Really?” Maggie says in surprise. “You're among the first to ever say that. I can live with Maggie, so it's fine. And I do want to have an identity separate from my more famous 'sisters'. To be my own person.”

"I can certainly understand your desire for your own identity," Kylie replies. "It's good that you have this time with your family to explore who you are and who you want to be. Have you practiced your magics at all since you returned?"

“I was in such a hurry to get out of here and become a mage that I forgot what I had,” Maggie admits. “I do kind of enjoy getting products for the store. The back and forth bartering. If you think this is impressive, give me some time make things better.”

Kylie smiles as she hears Maggie talk about how she's enjoying life as a merchant. "I have no doubt that you're doing your family proud, Maggie."

"That's wonderful!” Maggie squeals as he hugs Kylie once more. “I'm so happy for both of you!”

Kylie accepts the hug, smiling. "Thank you," she says as she glances over at Talen.

“Wow, the Blushing Maiden Inn,” Maggie repeats. “I haven't been there in years. It sounds like fun! Let me grab my coat and we can go.”

"Sounds good." Kylie looks about the store a bit while Maggie gathers her coat, pointing out a couple of interesting items to Talen. Soon, they are ready to leave and depart the store.

Maggie leads the way as she knows the city better than either Kylie or Talen. The route she takes avoids the commotion of the central square, but it is not long before they reach the inn.

At the Blushing Maiden:

“This brings back memories,” Maggie states. “I stayed here a few years ago on my cross-country trip to Elcadan. I had originally traveled to Gateway to try and become Lord Sharadin's apprentice, but he sent me to Jallarzi instead. So, I had to travel all the way from Gateway to Elcadan. It took me two weeks of riding in caravans!”

"That must have been quite a trip, Maggie," Kylie says. "Perhaps you can tell us more about it."

When Jenvis shows up, Maggie betrays a familiarity with the inn and the proprietor that Kylie hadn't expected. Still, she clearly knows how things work here, so Kylie lets her friend take the lead. 'Usual room?' she thinks to herself. 'This should be interesting.'

“We'll have a hot bath after supper as well,” Maggie continues, clearly accustomed to handing out instructions. Turning to Kylie and Talen, Maggie adds, “Come along. You're in for a treat!”

"Sounds great," Kylie replies, then glances over to Talen to see how he's taking all of this before following Maggie up the stairs.

Maggie leads the way up the stairs and to one of the closed doors. She opens it to reveal a small suite. The suite has a homey feel to it. A fire is already going in the fireplace and several comfortable looking cushioned chairs are close to it. In the middle of the room is a large table that will seat six. Past that is a privacy screen where a large bathing tub sits. There are three doors on the far wall, each lead to a small bedroom.

“Here we are,” Maggie announces. “It was here where I met Jallarzi for the first time, although I didn't know it was her at that time.”

Maggie leads them into a beautiful suite at the top of the stairs. Kylie pauses to look around, somewhat overwhelmed by the luxury of it all. "Wow, this is amazing. I don't think I've ever stayed in a place this nice." Kylie cannot help mentally contrasting it with the hovel she grew up in in Elcadan. "What do you think, Talen?"

Kylie tilts her head a bit to the side in surprise at Maggie's comment about meeting Jallarzi. "You met Jallarzi but didn't know it was her? Sounds like another story worth hearing -- perhaps over dinner?" Kylie realizes that she's quite hungry now and is eager for Jenvis to arrive with the food.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Before Tanners Goods:

"Hunh," Kylie mutters as she absorbs this new information. "I didn't realize that was the first time you'd been out of the Lost Valley. I can understand why this would seem so overwhelming."

“Well, as is typical, things didn't go as planned,” Talen admits. “We were supposed to just make our way out of the valley and visit the human towns down below. I think it was called Threshold? It was supposed to give us a taste of what the outside world was like.”

"It would be nice to see those places," Kylie agrees. "Someday when we have more time not consumed by adventuring..."

“Yeah, someday,” Talen easily agrees.


On the way back to the Blushing Maiden:

"I can certainly understand your desire for your own identity," Kylie replies. "It's good that you have this time with your family to explore who you are and who you want to be. Have you practiced your magics at all since you returned?"

“Apart from replenishing my spells, I really haven't done much else with it,” Maggie responds. “There hasn't been much need to toss Magic Missiles at the store.”

Kylie smiles as she hears Maggie talk about how she's enjoying life as a merchant. "I have no doubt that you're doing your family proud, Maggie."

“It is in my blood,” Maggie admits with a laugh. “That reminds me did the elves every do anything with that cargo that found on the Sunflower? We might be interested in buying some of it.”

"Sounds good." Kylie looks about the store a bit while Maggie gathers her coat, pointing out a couple of interesting items to Talen. Soon, they are ready to leave and depart the store.

Maggie leads the way as she knows the city better than either Kylie or Talen. The route she takes avoids the commotion of the central square, but it is not long before they reach the inn.

"That must have been quite a trip, Maggie," Kylie says. "Perhaps you can tell us more about it."

“It'll make a fine dinner conversation,” Maggie agrees.

When Jenvis shows up, Maggie betrays a familiarity with the inn and the proprietor that Kylie hadn't expected. Still, she clearly knows how things work here, so Kylie lets her friend take the lead. 'Usual room?' she thinks to herself. 'This should be interesting.'

"Sounds great," Kylie replies, then glances over to Talen to see how he's taking all of this before following Maggie up the stairs.

“I'm still here,” Talen adds with a goofy grin.

Maggie leads them into a beautiful suite at the top of the stairs. Kylie pauses to look around, somewhat overwhelmed by the luxury of it all. "Wow, this is amazing. I don't think I've ever stayed in a place this nice." Kylie cannot help mentally contrasting it with the hovel she grew up in in Elcadan. "What do you think, Talen?"

“Its fancy,” Talen says as he takes in the room. “Almost feels too fancy for us.”

Kylie tilts her head a bit to the side in surprise at Maggie's comment about meeting Jallarzi. "You met Jallarzi but didn't know it was her? Sounds like another story worth hearing -- perhaps over dinner?" Kylie realizes that she's quite hungry now and is eager for Jenvis to arrive with the food.

“Oh course,” Maggie easily answers. “Take which every room you want and get ready for supper. We'll have plenty of time to talk.”

Maggie does not select a room, but instead hands her coat up on a hook just inside the door. She then warms herself by the fire while waiting for dinner to arrive.

By the time Kyle and Talen leave their rooms, dinner has been placed on the table. There is baked ham, potatoes and green beans. A loaf of freshly baked bread is also present. There is a bottle of Rennydale Red that Maggie has already opened and is sampling. There is a decanter of water as well.

“Dig in,” Maggie calls out. “While everything is nice and hot.”


After a while, Maggie tells her tale. “Kylie knows most of my story, but I can start at the beginning for Talen's benefit. I traveled to Gateway shortly after it was taken from the goblinoids. I was hoping to apprentice myself to Lord Sharadin in order to learn magic. After a week of riding in a caravan, I arrived at his home. It was a reclaimed mansion but was in poor shape, as were all the buildings in Gateway. Much to my surprise, Sherry and Terry answered the door. The twins threw me for a loop, but I managed to recover. I got my audience with Lord Sharadin and after I time he informed me that Jallarzi had accepted me as an apprentice. But I would have to make the journey to Elcadan on my own! It was a test of how badly I wanted to be a mage.”

“I spent two nights there and enjoyed Lord Sharadin's hospitality. I also meet Burant there and we sort of hit it off. He was Lord Sharadin's apprentice, as apparently he taught the boys and Jallarzi the girls. Nothing came of it given the circumstances, but I'm told that the me with all the leather clothes is dating Burant currently.”

“Eventually I took a caravan back to Crossroads,” Maggie continues. “I was given a list of Inns to stay at on my trip. Later on I would learn that each was actually owned by Lord Sharadin and Jallarzi. Each inn had a suite reserved for their use. We're in their private suite for the Blushing Maiden Inn. So I met Jenvis and settled into this room. I didn't want to go home at this point because I was afraid they would talk me out of my dream of learning magic. So I hid here with the intention of taking another caravan towards Elcadan the next day. Things didn't work out as I planned. Just as I was settling in, Lyra Stinson came into the suite.”

Lyra Stinson is a name that Kylie is familiar with. Its one of the disguises that Jallarzi uses. She has a magic item called a Hat of Disguise that can alter the form of the wearer. Using the hat, Jallarzi changes herself into Lyra. The cover story is that Lyra is one of Jallarzi apprentices allowing her to move around in while not being treated like a noblewoman. On special occasions, Jallarzi would take her apprentices out for fancy dinners in Elcadan. During those times she went as Lyra. One such occasion was when Kharyna announced she was leaving and then later on when Argent was going out to adventure.

“So, in short, I first met Jallarzi in her Lyra personae. Jallarzi was able to see if she wanted me as an apprentice in a situation where I thought we were equals. We hit it off very well and I was genuinely sad to see her go. I drank too much Rennydale Red that night and was sick the next morning. That stain over there,” Maggie gestures to a dark spot near the chairs in front of the fireplace, “ was my doing. I was sick most of the day and my trip was delayed. And that's how I met Jallarzi without knowing it was Jallarzi.”

“What have you two been up too since were last together?” Maggie asks. “Do anything exciting?”

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“Well, as is typical, things didn't go as planned,” Talen admits. “We were supposed to just make our way out of the valley and visit the human towns down below. I think it was called Threshold? It was supposed to give us a taste of what the outside world was like.”

Kylie listens as Talen talks about what happened before they met. "If I recall correctly, Threshold isn't that large a town. However, I suspect it would have seemed huge to someone coming from the Lost Valley. Still, it would have given you a stepping-stone toward larger cities like Crossroads and Elcadan."

===

“Apart from replenishing my spells, I really haven't done much else with it,” Maggie responds. “There hasn't been much need to toss Magic Missiles at the store.”

Her friend's comment brings a chuckle to Kylie's lips. "Yeah, I suppose your merchandise probably doesn't misbehave much. Other merchants on the other hand..."

“It is in my blood,” Maggie admits with a laugh. “That reminds me did the elves every do anything with that cargo that found on the Sunflower? We might be interested in buying some of it.”

Frowning slightly, Kylie pauses to consider the question. "I don't know for sure, but I don't think so. If they did, I haven't hear about it."

===

“Its fancy,” Talen says as he takes in the room. “Almost feels too fancy for us.”

"You and me both, Talen," Kylie agrees, nodding. To her mind, this place puts the Green Forest Inn in Pyris to shame. It occurs to her that if she ever ends up living in the elven palace back in the Sylvan Realm, that might well be just as luxurious.

At Maggie's encouragement, Kylie selects a room with a window. Setting her things aside, she carefully inspects the room; Kylie makes sure the window is secure and there are no hidden entrances or storage compartments around the room. She doesn't expect to find anything, but she feels better having checked.

Exiting from her room, Kylie is pleased to find a sumptuous dinner laid out. It doesn't require any prodding from Maggie for her to start filling a plate. She also selects a goblet and pours a modest serving of the wine for herself.

The food proves to be delicious, which isn't surprising considering how nice the inn is. As she eats, Kylie makes small talk with Maggie and Talen. Eventually, Maggie launches into her story. Kylie knows parts of it, but many of the details are new to her.

When Maggie mentions Burant, Kylie comments, "Well at least you're consistent, what with both you and Argent having taken an interest in him."

The part about Jallarzi as Lyra is particularly interesting. "That's a clever way to check out a potential new student while letting them be at ease. Not surprising that Jallarzi would come up with a clever approach."

“What have you two been up too since were last together?” Maggie asks. “Do anything exciting?”

"Well, that's kind of a long story," Kylie says, "but I'll try to keep it manageable. Talen, let us know if I leave out anything important."

"When we returned to the Sylvan Realm after leaving you with Elspeth at Karn's Keep, we found that the Rainbow Bridge had just opened. Large groups of elves from most of the major clans arrived. King Doriath of the Elfholds made the trip, at which point we learned that he was no longer the King; the crown has been passed to King Miritar. I got to meet both of them, and Doriath decided to stay in and serve as an advisor to Queen Lilia."

"The next day, some clans went to check on their clan holds, as we suspected that some may have fallen into decay. It turned out that a few had been taken over by monsters or even humans. The rest of us began exploring the Elfin Palace in Pinit. We met some elfin cats there, including one who could talk. Talen found one of those pillar artifacts on the ground level of the palace, and discovered that he could communicate with it to some extent."

"The following day, we returned briefly to Karn's Keep to plan our attack on the Hive city in the great swamp south of Elcadan. The Keep was being attacked by Lord Kelvin's forces, but we defeated them. This gained us another flying ship named the Lady Iris. We then returned to Mother Tree, only to find that Myev had emerged from her cocoon; she now looks like one of the elves from another world!"

Kylie pauses to think for a moment. "Let's see now, I believe it was two days ago that we returned to Pinit to explore the palace some more. Lia found a drow temple to her goddess in a cave beneath the palace. The entrance was blocked by a rock wall that only she could pass through."

"Yesterday, we assaulted the Hive base in the Elder city know as Shelvestra in the swamp. We fought many kinds of foes, including black dragons. Captain Roma and her flying warship were instrumental in our victory there. We discovered a pillar artifact that leads to another world, and met a servant of the elders still residing there!."

"This afternoon, Lord Salavarian dropped us off at my father's new home in Orlane. It was good to see him and get to know my mother-in-law Myriel a little better. They seem very happy together, though I know it is difficult for my mother to adjust to as she didn't experience the passage of time while she was trapped in the Rainbow Bridge."

Kylie pauses for a second. "I guess that brings us to the present. I Teleported Talen and I to the inn here using a copy of the wall pattern that Sherwood had given me. And here we are!"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Kylie and Talen have traveled to Crossroads to visit with the Argent they rescued from the Elder Ruins to the North of the Sylvan Realm. This Argent was captured by the Scro and held captive for many weeks. The horrific experience greatly affected Argent and all she wanted to do was go back to her home after her rescue. It's been five days since Argent was returned to Karn's Keep. There Kylie caught up with her mentor Lady Sallavarian who came to speak to this new Argent. With her were the other two Argent's. One was now the Lady Argent, having received a noble title from the King himself while the other just called herself Argent.

Traveling to Tanner's Goods, the half-elves met Argent's parents and her siblings. This Argent seemed in much better spirits when they last met and had adopted the name of Maggie, a shortened version of her birth name Magdalena. Together they traveled to the Blushing Maiden Inn to relax, have supper and talk in private.

While Talen wolves down the meal, Maggie tells the tale of how she came to be Jallarzi's Apprentice. Afterwards, Kylie fills Maggie in on the latest happenings.

When Maggie mentions Burant, Kylie comments, "Well at least you're consistent, what with both you and Argent having taken an interest in him."

“Yeah, all of us are rather fond of Burant,” Maggie says wistfully. “But alas one of the others ran into him first. Oh, well.”

Kylie goes over the Rainbow Bridge opening up, the magical bridge that connects to Elfholds to the Sylvan Realm. There were numerous new arrivals and then later the split up to return to their Clanholds. After that, the elves used the Portal Artifact to travel to Karn's Keep with information about the HIVE.

"The following day, we returned briefly to Karn's Keep to plan our attack on the Hive city in the great swamp south of Elcadan. The Keep was being attacked by Lord Kelvin's forces, but we defeated them. This gained us another flying ship named the Lady Iris. We then returned to Mother Tree, only to find that Myev had emerged from her cocoon; she now looks like one of the elves from another world!"

“I've only heard a little about the Civil War,” Maggie admits. “Most of the fighting seems to be going on out west, around Elcadan. That's good for us here in Crossroads, but not some much for those over there. My sister's and Jallarzi are in the thick of things. I worry about them.”

“I meant to ask you about Myev” Maggie says. “So she came out and is an elf now? That's great. I'd like to catch up with her at some point. What do you mean she looks like an elf from another world?”

"Yesterday, we assaulted the Hive base in the Elder city know as Shelvestra in the swamp. We fought many kinds of foes, including black dragons. Captain Roma and her flying warship were instrumental in our victory there. We discovered a pillar artifact that leads to another world, and met a servant of the elders still residing there!."

“Wow” Maggie mouths. “That all sound so exciting and dangerous at the same time. You've come a long way Kylie. I remember you being too timid to go out on your own.”

"This afternoon, Lord Sallavarian dropped us off at my father's new home in Orlane. It was good to see him and get to know my mother-in-law Myriel a little better. They seem very happy together, though I know it is difficult for my mother to adjust to as she didn't experience the passage of time while she was trapped in the Rainbow Bridge."

“I'm happy you can visit your father,” Maggie says in a pleased voice. “Family is important. I tend to forget that at times. Your mom is going to need your support. Things in her life changed so suddenly.”

Kylie pauses for a second. "I guess that brings us to the present. I Teleported Talen and I to the inn here using a copy of the wall pattern that Sherwood had given me. And here we are!"

“Show off,” Maggie teases.


By now, the evening meal has been consumed. The serving girls come to clean up and ask of a hot bath is desired this evening.

“That was so good. Real food for a change,” Talen notes as he rises from his chair and stretches. “You girls go ahead and talk as long as you like. “I'm gonna turn in for the night. Take care of yourself, Maggie.”

“Good night, Talen,” Maggie responds. She picks up the wine bottle and take it and her glass to the chairs near the fireplace. “Come on, Kylie. We can catch up by the fire.” Maggie settles into one of the chairs and pours another glass of wine for herself.

“So after I last saw you at Karn's Keep, Jallarzi and Elspeth showed up,” Maggie explains. “I was an emotional wreck as you well know. We talked for a bit and shared some tears. Then Elspeth healed me, to make help me physically recover. But her spell did far more than that it healed me emotionally as well. I still remember everything that happened to me while held captive, but it no longer haunts me. I haven't had any nightmares since.”

“Then came the time to meet my 'sisters'. I was admittedly freaked out about there being other me's running around. I mean, who wouldn't? I was ready to argue with both of them, but neither of them seemed interested in doing that. It seems they had already did this song and dance between themselves and had managed to find a way to coexist peacefully.”

“They had decided to work together in the war effort and to try and help our family business. Since they couldn't be at the store all that much and I wanted to go home anyway, I took that assignment. So I help with the store and they fight for our kingdoms freedom. Afterwards, we plan to pool our resources and get more involved in the business.”

“As you well know by now, one of them was given a noble title and referred to herself as the Lady Argent. The other just went by Argent. That was my name too, of course, but I settled on Maggie to tell us apart. I don't know if I'll ever go back out into the field like they are. Admittedly, they are more powerful than I am. Even you are now, Kylie. But there are other things of importance that I can do.”

“I think I want to learn elvish as well,” Maggie concludes. “It would make dealing with elves easier.”

“How are things between you two?” Maggie asks in regard to the new relationship between Kylie and Talen. “It seems to be going okay, at least as far as I can tell.”

Now what?