#warden d grassy

[king-zeus]

what would you do if you were given a death note

[countrymusiclover]

28 - Loyalists of Queen Vaella

Part 29

The Lion Knight and Dragon Princess

Tags- just send an ask to be added @cdragons @kmc1989 @starkleila @noirrose21-blog @lover-of-books-and-tea

“Mommy, why are we having a feast today?” Rhana asked while I helped her slip on a light red dress and tied her hair into a braid.  

She was always curious about the world and why we did the things that we did here.  Reminding me so much of her Uncle Tyrion who I missed very much.  “Because the Lords of this Island made a vow to me exactly six years ago today.  To swear their loyalty to me every six years since the day we came to this place and they named me Queen of the Dragon Island.” 

“Does that make daddy King?” She asked me. 

Brushing my hands down the front of my gown I sighed hearing someone knock on the chamber door outside. “Your father doesn’t wish to be called King.  So he is just called Lord Lannister.”

“But why?” She asked me, wanting to know more. 

Calling towards the door letting the person come inside and interrupt our conversation. “We’ll finish this later.  Come in!” 

“Your dragon is ready for you, your grace.” Lady Mandy slightly bowed to me.  Sending my daughter off with one of the guards I knew I had a short window of time for me to take a fly on Amethyst.   

Once inside the dragon stables my dragon lowered her wing letting me climb on her.  Over the many years of ruling this place I had switched my free time of flying with her to teach my children how to fly instead.  Amethyst flew through the white clouds and we circled the castle tower that we now called our home.  “I’ve missed this, my girl…oh there’s Jaime.” Tugging on her reins she dived down and we landed a few feet in front of him. 

“The Lords are already gathered in the throne room.  I must say you always look suited on dragonback.” My husband extended his hand helping me slide down her wing meeting up with him on the grassy ground. 

Keeping my hand in his, I kissed him quickly with a smile. “You did marry a dragon princess.  I only wish it were possible for you to be on a dragon of your own.” 

“The possibility of me ever riding on a dragon is slimy unless I wish to be burned alive.” He remarked a valid point considering in the old histories only someone with some Targaryen blood could ride and not be injured.  That’s one of the reasons the people believed Targaryens were gods being able to ride dragons. 

Squeezing his hand in mine I sent him a half smile. “I would never let Amethyst hurt you.” 

“We should go before the children start eating all the food in the throne room.” Jaime nodded leading me into the castle and the throne room that had been formed out of the old dragon skulls rather than have them be thrown into the seas.  Jaime stood off to the side with our four children watching me slowly sit down on the throne and the lords come forward to pledge loyalty once more. 

A silver seahorse on a sea green chest plate belonging to the former bastard son of Velaryon lowered himself down on one knee before me.  “I , Aurane Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Ships promise to be faithful to Queen Vaella and her children.  I shall defend them against all enemies and use all my abilities to protect the Dragon Island from harm from this day until my last day.” 

“I, Jayse Quherys , Lord of Harrenhal, promise to be faithful to Queen Vaella and her children.  I shall defend them against all enemies and use all my abilities to protect the Dragon Island from harm from this day until my last day.” The sigil was a flaming saltire colored red and yellow between four white skulls. 

The sigil that next addresses me is an orange phoenix on a purple background with a black border.  “I , Garrel Macklyn, Warden of the South and New Valyria War Chief , promise to be faithful to Queen Vaella and her children.  I shall defend them against all enemies and use all my abilities to protect the Dragon Island from harm from this day until my last day.”

“I , Tymber Barlaeries, Master of Dragonlords, promise to be faithful to Queen Vaella and her children.  I shall defend them against all enemies and use all my abilities to protect the Dragon Island from harm from this day until my last day.” His house sigil was a sphinx that was shown on his chest plate. 

Finally the last sigil sworn to me was a horse with wings. “I , Kavvin Valtigar , Lord of Valtigars Rest , promise to be faithful to Queen Vaella and her children.  I shall defend them against all enemies and use all my abilities to protect the Dragon Island from harm from this day until my last day.”

“I, Vaella Lannister , first of my name, formerly of House Targaryen , Lady of Casterly Rock, Adventurer of the Summer Sea and Sothoryos, Lady of The Dragon Island, take note of your constant support of me and my children.  And if the day ever comes where I wish to take the Iron Throne I know you all shall follow me across the Summer Seas to claim it.” Standing before my loyal men every time on this day the idea of me sitting on the Iron Throne became more real than the other days of the year.  The black crown no longer a foreign weight and nightmare that reminded me of my father who wished to set the world on fire.  

The sun had begun to set when there was loud music and people dancing in the lager hall near the throne room we had claimed.  Jaime and I were sitting at the head table but I had removed my crown for that time.  Watching our children dance around the other trying to win a dance contest between the four of them.  Someone tapped my shoulder causing me and Jaime to  turn our heads seeing a Velaryon master holding out a sealed envelope outward to me in his palm. “You’re grace, a Raven brought this from Dragonstone.” 

“Thank you, grand Master.” Taking it from his hand the older man bowed and left me and my husband alone at the table to read whatever it said.  Jaime tour the dragon seal off unfolding the paper holding it before me so I could read it beside him.  I was a much faster reader than he was. “Dear Sister,  I have not heard any word from you and your husband for some time.  I must either assume you are dead or that you are conspiring to take the throne out from under me.  If you are alive then prove your loyalty or I may have to do something to your brother in law.” 

“She wouldn’t lay a hand on Tyrion would she?” I could hear the terror in my hush voice.  He had always done whatever he could to protect his little brother. 

Brushing my fingers through my hair I leaned back in my chair re-reading over the letter a few more times. “Fire and Blood are her nature.  I’d like to say she wouldn’t hurt him.  But that might not be the case.” 

“Are you saying the words I’m thinking?” He questions me. 

Meeting his green orbs. “We have to return to Westeros, but not alone - the Valyria houses shall follow us until the day they die.” Jaime’s nervous slightly faded in awe at the love of his life finally embracing the nature of being a true Queen. 

[jossambird]

In the moon’s light 🌕 P3

Ingo x F!Reader

Word count: 2.8k

Warnings: Mentions of 18+ themes, angst, Volo (derogatory)

AO3 Link for all parts

-

In the days that followed his hasty return back to his home, Ingo could barely exit his tent without being reminded of Lord Adaman and Lady Irida’s words they had spoken to him after returning from Jubilife Village.

- “Captain Cyllene requested to speak to Adaman and I today.. I am sure you know on what matter?”

He did, he absolutely did. It must have shown on his face, for Irida continued speaking, wringing her hands while she did.

“I know things might be different here compared from where you come from and I uh… I fully understand human needs…” She stopped herself, cringing, deciding to get straight to the point.

This whole conversation, in Ingo’s opinion, felt almost hollow in meaning coming from a woman her age but Ingo remained respectful, listening carefully.

“D-Did you both actually..”

“No, Lady Irida! I simply helped Lady Y/N arrive to her destination!” He bellowed out, cheeks burning even more brightly as he realized the volume he spoke in. He hoped to whatever Deity that Warden Melli had not heard just him.

“‘Arrive at her destination’ you say? Im sure she did, given how wobbly she was walking when I awoke the next morning.” Adaman smirked as he appeared suddenly and made his way towards the two, earning himself a hard slap on the arm from Irida and a humiliated groan of displeasure from the Warden.

“Adaman! Her leg was practically broken a few days ago, stop that!” Irida chastised the younger man as he stood by her side, huffing as he swatted her hand away to look at the Warden instead. The twinkle in Adaman’s eyes left an anxious feeling in Ingo’s gut, no matter how grateful he secretly felt to have the young Lord on both his and your side.

“Was what Captain Cyllene said true, Warden Ingo? Was Y/N dressed indecently that night?”

His poor brain tried to think of something to say to Irida but Ingo couldn’t, the image coming back to him of your nightgown, body highlighted through it due to the moonlight. His blush seemingly gave him away, face flushing brightly under his cap as Lady Irida gasped.

“That doesn’t sound like her at all!” She squeaked, looking to Adaman who only nodded mutely, eyes flickering back to the man before them.

‘She had just wished to be alone to watch her Zorua evolve…’ Ingo thought as he realized he was once again affecting the view that various people had of you.

Adaman paused at the way Ingo remained silent, the air around the older man thickening in a somber manner, his already pale skin seeming to pale even more at whatever occupied his thoughts.

The Lord had previously had his assumptions about the whole situation, ready to try and veer the whole situation in the lane of success for your sake but the Warden before him seemed off. He did not seem like a man overjoyed to have (potentially) spent intimate time with you. At the very least, Adaman had expected the man to either be incredibly embarrassed by the rumor or flat out deny it all.

But now, what stood before him was a man reeking of something… perhaps guilt, perhaps regret. He wasn't sure, but for your sake, he would be sure to find out.

-

And here Ingo stood, tired silver eyes shifting across the great expanse of the Coronet Highlands before him.

Since his conversation with Lord Adaman and Lady Irida, Ingo had barely gotten any sleep, mind racking itself with endless questions; how were you faring with the rumors? Were you humiliated, embarrassed, perhaps even ashamed? Did you cringe at the idea of being intimate with him? Were you openly denying said rumors?

Ingo couldn’t deny the way you seemed to haunt his dreams in the little sleep he did get, the image of you nude, sprawled out on the grassy terrain and begging for him to fuck you suddenly reappearing in his mind as if on repeat.

It only seemed to cement his guilt even more. Here he was in the comfort of the quiet Coronet Highlands, thinking about the various ways of making you call out his name for all to hear and there you remained trapped in Jubilife Village, probably hating him for having caused such a horrible rumor to spread.

Ingo decided that maybe a walk would help to distract himself, heart hammering as he tried to think of anything other than your body in the moon’s shining light or your divine smile.

The visage that came into view as Ingo walked farther away from home surprised him, wondering what had brought the person here once more.

“Lord Adaman, good morning!” Ingo called out to the younger man, waving as he approached faster, a warm coat adorning his usual Diamond Clan regalia.

“Good morning Warden Ingo. Might I request a moment in private to speak with you?” Adaman easily said, brown eyes sharp and searching as he watched the Warden nod, both of them departing back to his home. It did not escape his gaze how absolutely exhausted the Pearl Clan Warden seemed, his posture even more slouched than usual, dark circles seeming even more dark than the previous day he had seen him.

“Of course. Please follow me!” Ingo couldn’t deny that the Clan Leader’s scrutinizing gaze upon his back felt as if he were in Jubilife all over again, gossiping whispers mumbled left and right.

The walk back was quick but quiet before finally Ingo invited the Lord into his tent, moving to boil water for tea. He waited for the younger man to speak, hands in his lap as he sat down infront of him.

“I come to you today, Warden Ingo, to speak about Y/N.”

Ingo barely hid his surprise, his light colored eyebrows raising high as he heard the Lord’s words.

“I apologize in advance for asking about something private such as this. It is not my intention to prod at your.. relationship with Y/N. I simply wish to know more what happened that night.” Adaman spoke again, bowing his head lightly at the man before him in a show of vulnerability. He didn’t want to intrude on the poor man's personal affairs but when it came to you, Adaman would seek out any information that would help you.

“I understand, but I am sorry Lord Adaman, it is as I explained to both you and Lady Irida yesterday night: I followed Lady Y/N to make sure she was safe, and then assisted her in returning to the Village gates.”

“If it is as simple as that, then why have you not returned to Jubilife Village since? Helping a woman is hardly a reason to seek solitude, in my opinion.” The Lord of the Diamond Clan decided to be blunt, snapping lightly at the elder man before him, trying to understand just why the Pearl Clan Warden had hidden himself up here since. Adaman didn’t even require to see you to know how distraught you must be over all of this, most likely thinking you had pushed the Warden away.

For a moment, Ingo remained silent, one faintly scarred hand lifting to tilt his hat down, effectively hiding his face away from the younger man.

“I returned the day after our second walk together, to Jubilife. I heard everyone speaking in whispered tones about the rumor immediately after entering the village gates.I left moments after… Guilt weighed far too heavily on my heart; I watched her painstakingly cultivate their friendships, and for it to be tarnished by my selfish act left me with an ill feeling. I understand the hatred and ire she must now feel towards my person…” He sighed, massaging at his forehead as if to rid himself of the impending headache that was most likely to come, temples throbbing slowly.

It also didn’t help that this was surely the most he had ever spoken to the young Lord, and here he was, looking like a regretful old man spilling his heart out.

“I… I cannot return to Jubilife with good conscience, knowing I am perhaps the cause for such a rumor to have spread…”

“And what if you are not the cause? Have you ever pondered as to who else might have begun said rumors?” Silence was all that Adaman was met with except for the sound of over-boiling water, so he continued, watching as the older man looked up at him tentatively, as if scared to know the answer.

“Perhaps someone else would have found her instead, someone who wished to find her vulnerable and alone. Perhaps, you were there at the right time, to save her.”

The world as Ingo knew it stopped, his breathing halting as Lord Adaman’s words sank in. Brown hazel eyes stared back at alarmed silver ones, a glacial chill descending Ingo’s spine.

“Tell me, Warden Ingo, can you truly know of no one who could harbor ulterior motives towards the beautiful and kindhearted Y/N, fallen from a space-time rift, who would go out of her way to help anyone in need? No one that would benefit and take advantage in her being alone and vulnerable during the middle of the night?”

Ingo felt sweat bead along his body, anxiety coursing through his veins as he mulled over the information the young Lord had just told him.

Of course, how naive could he have been to have not thought of this before; too many times had he witnessed Volo appear wherever you were, seemingly also always knowing just where you would go. Too many times had he observed Volo watching you; he had simply thought the young blond man was looking out for you, making sure you were safe. How utterly naive he had been.

He began lifting himself up off the ground of his tent to stand, stammering as he tried to calm his thundering heartbeat.

“I- My apologies Lord Adaman, I need to depart- I must go warn her-“

The younger man followed Ingo’s lead and stood up, hands out as if to placate him.

“Allow me to instead go check up on Y/N, I fear that your sudden frazzled and anxious appearance might worry her more than anything else.” Adaman paused, looking at the older man who simply nodded, seating himself back down in a manner only someone with regrets would do.

A question lingered on Adaman’s tongue, wanting- no, practically needing to hear the Warden’s reply but he abstained himself, knowing he would never get a response out of the man at this point, seeing how distraught he had become. Perhaps Irida could answer him instead.

.

..

.

“Tell me Beni, can you make me some mochi that’s so good that I can seduce someone with it?”

Beni sighed, closing his eyes for a brief moment as if in thought before opening them again, pensively looking down at you.

It was obvious who you wished to seduce, but if someone had asked him a week ago? In his opinion, he wouldn’t think you needed it. It had been plain for anyone looking to notice the way the Warden would practically perk up at your mere proximity.

But now? Beni wasn’t sure what course of action would be best for you, given that the Pearl Clan Warden had still not shown his face in the village since that nasty rumor had made its way throughout the whole community.

“I can make mochi that can choke someone, which can be considered seducing if they like that sort of-“ He coughed, shutting his mouth promptly as Professor Laventon approached the both of you, Volo’s form following quickly behind the man.

“Professor Laventon! The usual?” Beni asked as he began to turn away before suddenly stopping himself, gray blue eyes drifting to the merchant making his way to your side at an alarming pace.

“If ever you need my assistance… If ever you are in danger… I am here.” Beni whispered softly to you, one shaking hand patting your arm softly before heading inside to fetch lunch for the Professor. You barely had time to process his words before Volo stepped in front of you, smiling faintly before a frown graced his visage.

“My my, oh little rift wanderer, just the person I wanted to see! I heard a TRULY pesky rumor about you today and had to see how you were fairing.” Volo said with his frown deepening in worry. Something about the energy around the man still made you uncomfortable, his large hands landing on your forearms, trapping you as he looked down at you. His thumbs rubbed at your skin, and if you were stupid enough, you could believe he was trying to comfort you.

“I know how close you were to that Warden fellow and I'm saddened to see he hasn’t returned, I am so sorry Y/N.” Volo added after a second too long, his visible eye watching you as your brain kicked itself into action.

“A-Ah yeah, I know… Its okay, it’ll blow over and I'll get over my crush.” You spoke through a clenched smile whilst Volo practically loomed over you, watching you as he nodded in agreement, the air around him turning pleasant once more.

“Of course! And what kind of person would I be to not be here for my favorite customer when she needs me!” The blond let out as he clasped your arms once more, squeezing lightly before finally letting you go.

Professor Laventon quickly caught your gaze, patting the bench beside him in a nervous manner as Volo lingered beside you.

“Would you like to join me, Y/N? I have important information about a mission Captain Cyllene has for you.” Laventon softly asked, smiling just as genuinely as he normally did while not lying through his teeth. How many times now had he saved your skin? One mark added itself to the growing list.

“Of course!” You called back to him, turning to the Ginkgo Guild merchant who continued smiling.

“Sorry about that Volo, I have to go see the Professor about a mission…”

The blond man took it in strides, smiling widely as he nodded and pulled his backpack back on, before clasping one of your hands between his own.

“Yes, go ahead! I will find you soon; we have much to talk about if we are to continue seeking out all Pokemon for your Pokedex! We can make it into a date, if your ever so willing!” He smoothly said with a laugh before letting go of you, allowing you to pull away slightly and walk towards the man who had all but adopted you. You could feel Volo’s eyes against your nape, his very gaze making your skin crawl in an unpleasant feeling. The hand he had held now felt dirty, tainted even.

“What a… peculiar… character that boy is. I am glad I was searching for you and found you before he had the chance to…” Professor Laventon easily whispered before cutting himself off, most likely also feeling glacial eyes upon him.

“No matter, I am here to enjoy lunch with my wonderful girl.”

He smiled such an easy smile, one that people often only wore around their loved ones, eyes twinkling as he leaned on the table with his elbow.

“Tell me, how is that ‘pesky’ little business with the Pearl Clan Warden going? I have not heard about his return yet.” Laventon spoke again, watching you deflate considerably beside him as Beni began making his way towards the both of you.

“I doubt he will be returning at all Professor… He must have realized he didn’t like me like… uh… ” You had begun to say but quickly backtracked, not wanting to mention that perhaps Ingo didn’t like you enough to want to fuck you, like the rumor said. Professor Laventon must have known what you were thinking as he looked at Beni, the both of them sharing a moment.

Beni was the first to speak up, nodding sagely as he spoke.

“You are a fine young woman, Y/N-“

You already knew where this was going before the words exited his mouth, placing your head in your hands as you tried to mentally escape this very conversation. No matter what he could tell you, nothing changed the fact that Ingo had seemingly disappeared ever since the rumor had started.

Beni grew silent, placing the freshly done potato mochi onto the table infront of you before patting your back softly.

“I am sorry Y/N.”

[7soulstars]

*kneeling dramatically in front of your throne* greetings my queen Hri! i hope you're doing well and taking good care of yourself 💕 i just read your johnny depp hcs and it's perfect .. i have sufferd from eating disorders for years and i know you got everything right, angel.. thank you so much for being so kind and supportive to all of us😻✨

as you know i've been thristing over legolas lately 🙊 so i thought of requesting something cute with him, if you don't mind writing it ofcourse, maybe he and y/n got lost in the woods and y/n is freaking out cause it's like her biggest fear actually happening but legolas so chill and is secretly happy cause it means he gets to spend more time with her, you can take it from here or develop it however you like 💕✨ thank you again love 😻

You sopil me soo much! Ugh I love it ! I’m glad you liked the hc I was really scared that I may have hurt someone or may have triggered them ! I hope your all better now and I know how much strength it takes to take a disorder down,,,,, Also I live for this Legolas fic req because we all know how much of a cheeky little shit he is! So lets go!!

Taur-o Thilivern Lie

Characters: Legolas x Reader

Warnings: Arachnophobia?, mention of blood,Sugar Rush Inducing Fluff that makes our local elf dad want to puke

Summary: Legolas and Y/N get lost in the woods one is praying for time to go faster, the other to go slow....

.............

Taur-o Thilivern Lie ; Elvish for The Woods of White Lies

“Legolas.....”

“Y/N.....”

“We are lost aren’t we ?”

“.........Yes........”

The duo stood there in silence,only the cawing of a raven echoing in the background as the elven prince watched the woman turn stiff as a board. Not even a second later Y/N started walking in circles before stopping infront of the prince and looked him straight in the eye. “D-Don’t worry Legolas I’ll get us out of here”, she said puffing her chest as the her voice betrayed her actions.

Legolas did not say much he just nodded and walked behind Y/N who was stopping every two minutes of their walk. Well at least not until they reached a very dark and damp part of the forest.

“Oh must be where the huge spider lives”,Legolas unconciously let the words slip his mouth.

“SPIDERS !?”

“Yes-”, his words were cut off as Y/N bolted across the trees screaming with no heed to the direction she was going in.

“Y/N !”, Legolas yelled as he ran behind her a layer of raw worry painting across himself “Y/N stop you are going to hurt yourself !”, he yelled as that’s exactly what happened.

The ground beneath Y/N’s feet sloped and she toppled rolling down a small heap. The ellon ran towards her as he reached out for her arm but ended up getting pulled into a hug.

Y/N’s face was buried into his chest as he froze. Her shoulders were shaking and his tunic felt wetter by every second. If this was a different scenario then Legolas would have died blushing but currently he was too concerned.

“Y/N ? Y/N are you crying? Valar did I do something ! I’m-”

“You idiot !”, she cried bringing herself to face him. Her face covered with tears and snot which everyone else would have taught was disgusting but not to Legolas. "I thought we're going to die! I like you so much I don' wanna die so soon! I'm scared of spiders", she wailed incoherenty, bringing her head back into his chest unaware of the words that left her mouth in the panic.

Legolas wouldn't lie, he was enjoying the feeling of the girl in buried into his chest way and her words too much, as he wrapped his arms around her as he lightly scolding her, " That is why you must stick close to me Y/N! This forest is full of dangers and you are not well aware of that yet ! "

It was true. Y/N had never been to the forest. It had been new to her and now she is clinging into the the tunic of the Prince of Elves. "I'm sorry..... ", she whined, her voice muffling into his chest. Her head still buried into his chest, the prince decided to say, " Oh Valar! A spider! " to which the girl let out a ear piercing screech as she tried running out of his arms, her eyes still closed. "LEGOLAS!!"

He let out a loud laugh as he grabbed her waist and kept her in position, from running away. Her back was now rested on his chest, her head under his chin as he coaxed her to open her eyes. "Hey shh shhh, I was joking okay, open your eyes! Look! ...", and she did did as he said.

There lay a beautiful clearing in front of them, blue and orange flowers littered everywhere as the now setting sun shone upon them giving them a beautiful hue. Y/N's tears had dried replaced by the smile on her face as she sighed happily at the scene playing in front of her. "It's so beautiful..... ". Legolas looked at her, he had forgotten about the flowers "Cin are limb more" (You are much more)he mumbled. His words not reaching her ears.

Neither of them knew how much time passed by as the two sat on the grassy patch unaware of their seating position until Y/N snapped out of the trance standing up abruptly, her face flustered. "W-we should try finding our way back! It's getting darker." Legolas didn't notice his face twist. He looked like a kicked puppy whose owner wouldn't give him pats well , at least until there was a rustle from the bushes nearby. He got up in one swift motion pulling Y/N behind him and his bow and arrow in his hand, waiting for whatever was in the bushes to come out.

Rustle!

"Prince Legolas and Lady Y/N?"

"Haldir!?", the two looked at the march warden in disbelief.

"Haldir!" Y/N ran towards him and held his hand. "Thank god you're here we got lost!"

"Lost ?", the marchwarden questioned his eyebrow lifting as he glanced at the prince behind the lady who had patted his index finger on his own lip.

The horses galloped back to the palace Legolas sported an idiotic smile on his face and a very tired and asleep Y/N leaned on his chest as they rode along with Haldir.

"Since when does the prince who spent almost every day of his childhood in those woods get lost? ", Haldir asked playfully.

"Hollen or-" (shut up) mumbled the other. Still unable to wipe the grin off his face "I got confused.... ", he reasoned.

"Whatever you say..... ", Haldir chucked. " Well, it isn't called Taur-o Thilivern Lie for nothing ", he countinued.

"Indeed... ", Legit said in a good mood, for now he was sure he really wanted you...

--The End--

Me: *gets ready to be hit with Tomatoes*

Hey guys! I'm finally done with this blurb! It was for my babies @gorgeourrific-nerd and all of you! It's not my best work and Ik it's short but I really hope you like it! I worked hard for it! Please do keep sending in requests! It may take a while but I'll definitely do it! Feedback would be appreciated! I hope you like, comment and reblog my fics if you like them to support me! Please do not plagiarize my work I really work hard for it🥺.I love you guys!🥰🥰

~Love Hri

[only-hyuran]

w.i.p. wednesday?

a little something i wrote for chai because we are hyping through shadowbringers. it still has a lot of formatting issues and needs an ending. hope it is not too scuffed!

"That's it, then? One of the hive-minds of this scourge."

June marched with certainty and patience into the Lightwarden Philia's grotto, a round expanse of flowery beds of grass, and stone walkways leading only in circles. The terrible creature met their presence with a slobbering roar, barring vicious teeth as it steadied itself on its enormous hind legs. Torturous chains draped from its body jingled metallically as it readied for battle, smashing its spiked tail into the ground in ruthless impatience.

In the godly luminescence of the 'Everlasting Light', the rogue's hair appeared a vivid bleached white, advancing a few yalms closer to his prey with what looked to be a bounce of excitement in his step. His neck turned to face her half-way, smirking lips visible beneath the tangled tresses twisting down to his eyes, his devilish expression all too fitting of the horned circlet adorning his head.

"Take it easy for a few more minutes, Nowi. You need to learn what you're up against first."

After a quick squat to stretch his knees, June breathed deeply and closed his fists around the curved hilts of his daggers. A telltale sound of metal on metal gave away their brandishing, jutting his hands out by his sides as his legs burst into action to take him closer to the center of the arena. Utter confidence exuded from him, until the chilling fingers of an unexpected magic came crawling across his abdomen. He felt as though he was being held around his waist, struggling against the force of the spell to try and take another step forward. With great speed, June's body suddenly slingshot backwards, his boots grinding into the soil as he was 'rescued' back to the Mi'qote's side.

"Please. I've been doing my research. How's about you take a break, mister."

"St-Stupid--... Where'd you learn to..." He struggled to find words after such a heart-stalling surprise, furious yet embarrassed as he turned his body to stand back-to-back with her. "A White Mage, hm? Finally taking care of someone other than your self?" June prodded rudely, but Philia had grown impatient of their banter, decidedly ripping a small dead tree from the ground and hoisting it at the heroes with killing force.

A springy, electrical thud echoed through the arena as Nowi stood at her tallest, an open hand extended forward in just timing to raise her bubble barrier, glistening graciously above them. The tree had shattered into mere twigs upon impact with the shield, warranting the first cocky grin to be seen from the Mi'qote in some time.

"Lets just get this over with." She concluded smugly, cueing them both to charge graciously into battle, side-by-side. With staff extended, Nowi circled to the flank of the rampaging beast, lifting her hands in rhythmic gestures as she deployed her defensive magics on her partner. June had already opened the floodgates of the action, weaving choreographed steps between the ravenous swipes of Philia's claws, and the erratic waving of her tail. The Lightwarden went still a moment, before emitting a terribly ear-piercing screech, enough to interrupt the nearby ninja to close his hands over his ears and droop his torso forward. In this advantageous moment, the Sin Eater swatted one of its forearms forward, closing its beastly fingers around June's middle and lifting his flailing body off of the ground.

In panic, he sunk both of his daggers into Philia's massive hand, only to find them stuck in her flesh. The warden winced, but it only caused it's grip to grow tighter, a breathless gasp leaving his lips as his ribs were compacted, soon threatening to crush him. Nowi scowled in quick-witted offense, swaying her staff off to her side to quake a stray boulder to life, willing it to lift off of the ground and launching it with pinpoint accuracy at the back of the monsters' head.

A dazed, wobbly cry hissed from it's lips when the stone shattered into pieces in impact, toppling backward in pain, dropping June to his hands and knees. He felt a sudden resurgence of energy when the comforting stardust of Nowi's Cure rained down on him, finding the strength to climb to his feet and stare up at the temporarily immobilized Philia.

"D-Ditch the stick and do some real damage, will’ya?"

Having lost his weapons, he was left no choice but to provide support. Nowi watched in confusion for a few long moments as he crunched his knees down to a squat, holding his hands open in front of him, as if offering her... a boost? The enraged Lightwarden had begun to flail again, running short on time as the Mi'qote caught on to her partner's plan. She nodded in agreement, her eyes fluttering shut as she lifted a hand in front of her face, a flow of aether lifting her off of the grassy ground and shrouding her in blinding light. The flash faded to reveal her elegant robes had transformed into brazen black armor trimmed with gold, and her effeminate cane into a thorny gun-steel lance, taller than her in stature.

The visor of her mask sank down over her eyes as she elegantly metamorphosed into the skillset of the Azure Dragoon, her head bowing forward as she broke into a sprint. It took her but a second to close the space between her and the awaiting June, lunging her last running step to plant her foot in his clasped hands. His arms wrenched upward in all of his might with a powerful roar, working in tandem with the kickoff of her legs to send her bellowing up nearly a malm into the air. He stared fearlessly at the monster as Nowi began the descent of her assisted leap. The speed of her fall guided her lance straight downward, crashing with the impact of a fallen meteor blade-first into the creatures' crown, her steel meeting with Philia's flesh resonating a sound not unlike a gunshot.

A last wretched gurgle escaped the slain stewardess of Light, collapsing lifelessly, a thick cloud of dirt masking its immediate area after it tumbled forward with body limp and mouth agape. Through the obscured, dusty view of their target, Nowi emerged triumphantly, leaping off from the corpse and landing back in June's view with a dramatic pose. The remains had began to dissipate into a clear white gas, seeping from the dead Lightwarden as it rotted and shriveled into nothingness. The flowing cloud of toxic ivory mist seemed eerily attracted to Nowi. In absolute focus, Nowi remained still as she let the essence of the Lightwarden gather and flow past her -- to no effect. It worked.

"Haa! haaah! Don't ever tell me to 'take it easy Nowi~'." She remarked proudly, even going as far to imitate  his deeper voice as she quoted him. "You should've seen the look on your-- ... June?"

The glossy pearl-white mist exhuming from the fallen Sin Eater tumbled past Nowi to her relief, her heart rising to her throat when she noticed it clustering around her partner. He had staggered to one knee, hands on the ground to steady himself while he fought to catch his breath.

“I’m, - I’m fine... Hhn...”

[rocklandhistoryblog]

Can you name a Postmaster General (besides Ben Franklin)? Well if you’re from Rockland County, you might say James Farley....

Image: James A. Farley stands by the seawall along the Hudson River in Grassy Point, the Rockland County hamlet where he lived as a child.

_____

James Aloysius Farley, (born May 30, 1888, Grassy Point, New York, U.S.—died June 9, 1976, New York City, New York), U.S. politician who engineered electoral triumphs for Franklin D. Roosevelt. Farley served as postmaster general until breaking with Roosevelt in 1940 to make his own bid for the presidency.

Farley studied bookkeeping and worked for the Universal Gypsum Company. He moved to Stony Point, near his native town, where he served as township clerk for three terms (1912–19). His marked political abilities, especially in the business of person-to-person campaigning, caused him to rise in the party ranks, and in 1918, in reward for campaign services that year, he was appointed by Gov. Alfred E. Smith to the post of warden of the port of New York, a job that was abolished the next year.

During the 1920s, Farley served as chairman of the Rockland County Democratic Committee. He served one term in the legislature (1923–24) before being appointed (again by Smith, whose reelection Farley had masterminded) to the state athletic commission. In 1926 he resigned his position at Universal Gypsum to establish his own business firm.

Farley’s career truly came to life in 1928, when he became secretary of the New York State Democratic Committee and organized Franklin Roosevelt’s successful gubernatorial campaign. He ran Roosevelt’s reelection campaign in 1930, the year he also became chairman of the state committee. Convinced that Roosevelt could win the party’s presidential nomination in 1932, Farley travelled the country in his behalf. At the convention, he arranged the deal whereby John N. Garner of Texas received the vice-presidential nomination in return for support of Roosevelt by the Texas and California delegations.

As the newly appointed chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Farley directed the 1932 campaign and was rewarded with a Cabinet appointment as postmaster general. In charge of patronage for the triumphant Democrats, Farley made some enemies; but his buoyant good humour kept him a popular figure. He repeated his masterful campaign direction in 1936, but a rift between Farley and Roosevelt gradually developed. In 1940 Farley resigned from the Cabinet and, because of his opposition to Roosevelt’s third-term bid, allowed his own name to go before the convention that year. In 1944, as chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee, he again opposed Roosevelt’s reelection bid. Farley then dropped out of politics in order to devote his energies to private enterprise, retiring in 1973.

Read our history quarterly devoted to James Farley:

[kellbellsparkles]

Spiraling

A Klangst and Lance sick fic one-shot I spent days working on and I’m so glad it’s finished! I hope you all enjoy it! ^^

“Lance. Laaaaaaaance.”

My head pounded. I must've hit my limit. The last thing I remember was barely making it into the training room. Ever since we got Shiro back and reunited Pidge with her brother, Matt, it'd been one heck of a party in the castle. Allura and Coran had all sorts of questions for Matt wanting to learn any information he had that could help us win the war. Shiro and Matt bonded over what their capture had done to them and were constantly shoulder to shoulder together. Pidge and Matt were catching up on precious family time missed. I wanted to feel happy for them; reuniting with family is everything I could ever dream of. That's exactly why I could hardly stand looking at them.

Matt showed Hunk how to build these little dino-like drones that blow up when they touch an enemy, their cute exterior masking their demonic motive. He also brought with him new recipes for Hunk to start crafting himself. I'd never seen his eyes flash that excitingly since he discovered how to make whipped cream with the space goo. Meanwhile, Keith showed interest in Matt's unique combat style. Even though they weren't in the same class back in the Garrison, Matt immediately recognized him from being the best pilot besides Shiro and was more than happy to take him under his wing. Of course.  

I could grieve over how I was now the eighth wheel, but every single moment, every single day, my thoughts traveled back to Keith. He just had to attract another fan to walk right past me and remind everyone how superior he was in every way. I approached Matt with classic beauty tips to restore the shine in his skin and hair that he had to have lost during his time fighting Galra with the rebellion, which he quietly nodded to as expected, but really, I couldn't handle reliving those cargo pilot years again.

I thought, what would Keith do? Heavily ironic, I know. But I was desperate to escape from the suffocating black hole I kept being pulled into. For two weeks, I waited until I heard Keith finally go to bed to take my turn in the training room; having to be checked up on by him would've been the greatest humiliation of all. I clocked in for two hours of hand-to-hand combat exercises, steadily increasing the difficulty day after day. I'd be lying if I said I made any progress. The training bots had me on my back faster than I could even make an effort to touch them. My body was littered with cuts, bruises, and scrapes and cried for relief. However, my older brother, Craig, always said, “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.” And I would eventually learn something from this, right?

“Wake up, sleepy-head.”

I opened my eyes finally. I saw blue space ships and shooting stars circling around the ceiling light.

Wait a minute, I thought. I rubbed my eyes to do a double-take. They were the exact same shape, exact same colors as the ones in my bedroom back home. I sat up and looked down at my bedsheets: space with the galaxy swirls and the Canis Major, Cygnus, Gemini, and all the constellations that could visibly fit into the print. My eyes wandered frantically; my shelf with all my soccer ribbons and trophies, my poster of Shiro, my stuffed starter water Pokemon, my Little Mermaid wall clock, everything was the same.

“How are you feeling?”

That voice; that sweet, soothing, gentle, motherly voice. I couldn't believe it.

“Tina?” I said. “Is that really you?”

My older sister, Tina, was right there standing in front of me. There was no mistaking her long, luscious, curly brown hair and grassy green eyes. If I were a girl, I'd be looking directly in a mirror.

“Of course it's me, silly,” she said sweetly.

“B-But--” I stammered. “Me and Hunk and Pidge-- We found Shiro-- Busted him out of the Garrison-- Blue Lion-- Took us out to Kerberos-- Then through a wormhole-- Then the Galra-- Then Voltron-- Then we-- Then we--”

“Please settle down, Lance,” Tina said. “Take a deep breath.”

A lump rose in my throat; my hands were shaking madly. Was it all just a dream then? Tina patted my head. It should've calmed me right then and there, but I couldn't breathe still.

“You've been pushing yourself way too hard,” she told me. “Everyone's worried.”

“Wh-Who's we?” I asked shakily.

“Your friends,” she replied. “They've been waiting to hear what's been bothering you so they can help ensure this never happens again.”

“I don't understand-- Oww,” I held my head in my hands. It felt like Keith had thrust his knife in there after finally having had enough of me. Tina's hand lowered to my forehead, so soft and cool.

“You're really burning up,” Tina said sorrowfully. She took my shoulders gently and laid me back down. “Here. Now stay and rest until you're feeling one hundred percent better.”

“But there's so much I have to tell you!” I cried. After what felt like years, I was finally with my sister. I wanted to reach up and hug her and never let go and never leave again, but I didn't have the strength to.

“Shhshh,” she whispered. “Everything will be fine when you wake up.”

“GOOOOD MOOORNING, MCCLAAAIN FAMILYYYYY!!”

Out of nowhere, Craig, oh Craig, appeared in aviator attire, and my room morphed into the inside of a passenger airplane. Tina was still with me, holding my hand.

“And how are we today?” Craig cheered. “We've got clear skies ahead on our flight this morning accompanied with skittled dolphins mounted by duckling warriors and a guaranteed guest performance of the Woofs!”

“AIRPLANES!!”

Then little Diego, or widely known in our family and his friends as Deets, sprung in my face, flailing his arms. At that moment, whether I was aboard the castle or back home, I knew I had to be dreaming. I looked up and discovered the plane had no ceiling and indeed, there were a multitude of dolphins, dual and tri-colored making up the colors of the rainbow, being ridden by little ducklings wearing gladiator helmets. Suddenly, heavy jazz music launched its assault on my ears. I leaped from my seat, turned around, and found a pug on a drum set playing a slow, smooth rhythm, a yellow labrador on the piano, a German shepherd on the bass, and a corgi on the saxophone. They all wore black sunglasses and fedoras with the signature paw sign on them.

“Lance, look! I'm flying!!”

And to top it all off, my little sister, Luz, was giggling her butt off as she soared and spun in the sky in close proximity of the dragons.

“Luz?!” I shouted. “How did you even-- Get down from there!!”

“AIRPLANES!” Deets exclaimed again.

“And if you look down to your right,” Craig announced. “We're just passing over Bread Town, and they've graciously supplied us with all the bread fair sculptures to jolly our appetites through this plane wreck.” He presented me with the two miniature fair and ferris wheel creations, all in working order.

“Wheat or rye?” He asked me.

“Enough!” I cried, slapping the luscious-looking bread our mom could make away from me. I had some crazy dreams, but never had I felt so scared, so panicked, my heart racing faster than when I had to get a 3-D sculpture of the face of the warden of Beta Traz without getting caught. “Who's even flying the plane??”

I hauled out of my seat and ran for the cockpit. When I opened the door, it tore from the hinges and blew out into the sky, hitting one of the dolphins. It exploded into a puff of glitter and skittles. I clung onto the metal before I could meet the same fate.

“This is why you need a seat belt,” the pilot said. He emerged from the top of the seat, directly facing me.

“Slav??” I groaned. Of all people to appear next…. “What are you doing here??”

“In the fourty-seven point four percent of realities where seat belts have never been invented,” he said. “It's time to make your own with the seat belt creation kit.”

“What even is that??”

“Not that it matters now, for soon in this reality, we're going to dive deep into the mustard of sorrow.”

The plane jerked down and flung me back into my seat. We were descending faster and at a greater angle than any roller coaster I dared to board, and into mustard; so bitter and sour.

“Pull up!!” I screeched. “Somebody!!”

“Control's beyond our reach,” Craig said, suddenly floating above me. “Such has been our lives.”

“Come fly with me, big brother!” Luz sang, now riding a dolphin herself.

“AIRPLANES!!” Deets howled in harmony with the Woofs.

I turned to my sister about to plea for help in ending this madness, but she was just sitting still, smiling at me like nothing was wrong. I curled up in a ball and covered my ears. I prayed and I pleaded for it all to end, for someone to come swoop me from the chaos, but who? Who that wasn't my nonchalant siblings?

Hunk.

Pidge.

It was all coming back to me now.

Shiro.

Allura.

Coran.

Keith.

Keith….

A great force choked my heart. I lurched forward and clutched my chest. Whatever it was, my body didn't like it and made attempts to force it out my throat.

Keith?

Without thinking, I burst from my seat and reached for the sky.

“KEEEEEITH!!”

I flailed and wailed with all my might, only to be grabbed by both sides and pushed down. The action sent a shock wave of pain and spasms through my body, a sensation absent from when I was aboard the crashing plane. Could it be I was back in the real world? If so, which one? Was I back home like I had hoped for or in the castle? I tried to open my eyes, but my body went on full auto-pilot, thinking I was still trying to escape from the descent mustard of sorrow. The muffled voices writhed and scratched against me. I felt a great pressure on my legs next; I was completely immobilized. Before I could react, I felt a slight pinch in my right arm. A wave of relief flowed through my body and allowed it to sink into wherever I laid. I could finally open my eyes without panic holding them down.

There they were: from the front down, Hunk and Coran to my left and Shiro and Keith to my right. Sweat dropped from each of their bangs as they looked down at me with great worry. I never thought it'd be possible for them to be that concerned about me. Just how bad did I look to cause them such distress? I opened my mouth to speak, but a heavy spell started to force my eyes shut again. I fought it for as long as I could; there was something I needed to do first. I needed to get a good look at Keith to understand why I called out to him out of everyone else on the ship. His eyes were so focused, so gleaming, so purple.

So his Galra side was visible after all.

When feeling came back to my body next, I wondered if I had opened my eyes at all. My surroundings were almost pitch black. I felt something encircle and tickle my mouth. I reached my hand around it to feel what I thought was Allura's hair; the beautiful maiden coming around to give me mouth to mouth, but alas. It was a respirator mask. I sat up and ripped it off my face, sighing in disappointment. However, the action invoked a violent coughing fit. As I gasped for air, I discovered my voice had been tainted by an ugly rasp. I caught colds and the flu before, but out in space, we didn't know what vile specs of bacteria could contaminate our bodies and what effect they would have on humans.

Soon, the respirator was slapped back on my face and a pair of firm, half-gloved hands promptly took me by the shoulders.

“Lance!”

It was Keith. He rubbed my back as I let out a few more painful coughs. When the ordeal was over, he carefully laid me back down. I thought I had to have been dreaming still because the Keith I knew would never be careful let alone gentle.

“Don't move,” he instructed. “Or talk. Just rest.”

I had seen him pretty banged up, for instance, when he came back from the Blade of Marmora base with Shiro, but he looked like he had been flung into a violent vortex and struck by its quintessence. I squinted when I looked at his hair, not even a mullet, just a shaggy, spiky shrub that had too many radioactive fertilizers, and he had the darkest circles under his eyes I had ever seen on anyone.

“Whoa, Keith,” I said. “What big battle did I miss?”

“Nothing,” Keith growled. “Now shut it.”

“But you look horrible,” I remarked. “You should get suited up for a healing pod or something.”

“The only one here who needs a healing pod is you,” Keith snapped. “But there was a bug that kept them from working when Coran and Pidge made an attempt to update the castle technology to this time period.”

“Really?” I chuckled. “Does this mean we have space wi-fi now?”

“I don't know what that is,” Keith said, frustrated. “But you better shut your quiznak before I shut it for you.”

Man, Keith was really out of it.

“I don't think you're using that word correctly,” I teased.

“You don't understand!!” Keith yelled. “You never do!! Do I have to spell it out for you??”

If I had the energy to move my arms, I'd clap them over my ears; Keith's fiery voice had the power to make them bleed.

“Ow,” I grunted. “You're not the only one who's tired here.”

“Yeah, I'm tired! I'm tired of you thinking of yourself and not seeing how much I care about you! You didn't think I'd notice something was wrong?? You could barely stand without wobbling and your pants looked like they were going to fall down at any given time! You and your cheeky laugh when you said you were fine! I wish I could just rip out your vocal cords and strangle you with them!”

He had me by the shoulders again. I really did it this time, I thought. I closed my eyes waiting for the classic Kogane punch or choke-hold. A good ten ticks went by. Nothing. I opened my eyes to see what was taking him so long. What I saw was even worse than any glare or blow he could ever land on me.

“We almost lost you,” he sobbed grossly. “Your fever was so high and your heart rate broke the monitor. If we hadn't put you under in time….”

His tears dripped onto my chest. Crying was never good, especially if I was the one who caused it, and Keith's face was as red as the Red Lion and his shoulders quaked and heaved with each sob.

“Hey,” I said. “It's okay. It's not really worth crying over.”

“How?” Keith choked. “How can you say that? Didn't you hear what I just said?”

“Yeah,” I said. “But you? Crying over me? It's the dumbest idea for a soap opera in this whole universe. It's a worse and more unrealistic plot line than a man in his mid-twenties owning his own company. Now if it were Hunk, Pidge, Shiro, Allura, Coran, or even Matt, then it would work better.”

A few ticks went by without a word; Keith's face appeared to have softened. I smiled, thinking my lecture had worked.

“See?” I said. “I knew you'd come to your senses--”

However, the universe had a queer idea for a prank: taking Keith's hands against my cheeks and leaning in so his forehead brushed against mine.

“Just shut up,” he whispered. “And don't ever speak that nonsense again.”

I gulped. Even though I wore a respirator, my lungs stopped functioning. My heart dropped to my stomach than bounced up to my throat. Then, I felt Keith's pants brush over my legs, and there he was, smack dab on my body. He pushed himself downward and laid his head on my chest.

“Uh,” I muttered. “Keith?”

He snored lightly in response. Just great. What if I had to use the bathroom? Surely he'd kill me for getting his clothes wet or waking up to the smell of the other thing. I shook him lightly.

“Keeeeith,” I whined. But my efforts were in vain. Just how long had I been out with this hot-headed idiot watching over me? I sighed in defeat. I would've liked it more if it had been Allura or another lovely looking space lady, but for some strange reason, I'd come to like this just as much. He laid there completely still with his arms spanned over me. I used the opportunity to flatten and straighten the blaring distraction on his head. I paused; I never imagined his hair would feel so smooth and soft. I rested and intertwined my fingers in his raven locks. If that didn't wake him up, then surely my drumming heart would, but he didn't stir an inch.

I didn't know what was coming over me. I thought maybe I had a fever still. Once I got better, everything would go back to normal. However, I had a feeling that Keith would never let this go, literally, and my hunch was right. Until I was on my two feet again, he trapped me to keep me from recklessly escaping. He didn't even care if anyone was watching or if Pidge was snapping pictures of us in an obviously intimate position. I was surprised that Shiro was enabling this behavior, but after he told me that I had contracted a space version of the flu called Phlegia, I stopped protesting. I remembered he and Keith have a history and must know the reason Keith is clinging to me like a kitten.

I panicked at the thought of Keith with little kitten ears and a tail. So cute! In fact, Galra resembled cats in a way. I found myself hoping that his Galra genes would surface and give him the same features. Suddenly, I discovered that I had never thought so intensely about an individual before despite having flirted infinitely with girls for a number of years. Why Keith, a guy, of all people? I didn't know why, but if there was one thing I was sure of, I didn't want to make him cry ever again.

[ivandimarcofotografo]

The big picture: going nowhere in New York’s ‘outer boroughs’

The glamour of Manhattan is a distant dream in Evelyn Hofer’s evocative shot of 1960s Queens

Poised in a state of perfect equilibrium, the young man with the bike is going nowhere. To explain his predicament and his dejected air, just look at his location. He is standing in Queens, across the river from Manhattan; although the Queensboro Bridge connects the factories and taxi garages of Long Island City with the penthouses and roof gardens of the Upper East Side, he remains stranded in what snooty Manhattanites call “the outer boroughs”.

In the hazy distance, the skyscrapers of midtown Manhattan are out of reach and almost out of sight. Under the bridge’s anchorage there is another barrier – the ruins of the asylums, quarantine hospitals and penitentiaries on Roosevelt Island, a sliver of rock in the East River where New York once confined those it considered insane, infectious or unrespectable. In the 1920s Mae West was briefly locked up there as punishment for being too sexy (though she revenged herself by romancing the prison warden). Half a century after Evelyn Hofer took the photograph, the exclusion zone has widened. That grassy verge has been privatised: the Queens shoreline is now occupied by a glazed rampart of forbiddingly expensive apartment towers. Roosevelt Island too is a dormitory for the rich, with a park that ironically commemorates the American freedoms extolled by President Franklin D Roosevelt – elusive ideals, still not available to all.

Continue reading... https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/aug/05/the-big-picture-going-nowhere-in-new-yorks-outer-boroughs-evelyn-hofer

[darkelfshadow]

Session Summary - 92

AKA “Galin The Warden”

Adventures in Taggriell

Session 92  (Date: 21st August 2020)

Players Present:

- Rob (Known as “Varis”) Elf Male.

- Bob (Known as “Sir Krondor) Dwarf Male.

- Paul (Known as “Labarett”) Elf Male.

- Travis (Known as “Trenchant”) Human Male.

- John (Known as “Ragnar”) Dwarf Male.

- Arthur (Known as “Gim”) Dwarf Male.

Absent Players

Nil

NPC

- (Known as “Naillae”) Elf Female. <Controlled by DM>

Summary

- Oathday, 18th Gozran in the year 815 (Second Era). Summer.

- The party begin this session, having just finished the second Council Of Crescent Moon. Given three critical missions by the Council, the party decide to help the Elves of Elanion first against Cult forces lead by a mysterious Elf wearing the Green Dragon Mask and riding a Green Dragon. King Melandrach thanks the party for their help and informs the party that a group of his Elven scouts are waiting outside the Aerion Forest to escort them to the Elven settlement of Kaniateir.

- The party spend the rest of the day spending the large sum of wealth they now possess and procuring gear and supplies, thanks to the Archmage Tallous teleporting the party to and from the previous cities and villages they had been to. Much goods, gear and equipment are bought, including picking up previously commissioned and now complete goods.

- Once ready the party board the Frostskimmr and give Captain Lerustah orders to set sail. The ship departs on its week long sail around the shores of Asalea, past the Islands of Atis in the Llavthi Straights, through the Emperor’s Tears and once again back through the Golden Channel passing Phlan. As they pass Phlan, the party look towards the city port, knowing that soon they will have to be back there again.

- Heading into the large river mouth that would eventually see the party back towards Boareskyr, the shallow hull Frostskimmr navigates the inland river until they are approached by a group of five Elven scouts from the west lands.

- After disembarking, the Elanion Scouts take the party on the four day journey to Kaniateir. No roads, paths or tracks can be seen by the party within the large and ancient forest. The sky is mostly unseen in the forest, as the large tall thick trees provide almost full cover from the skies, only the occasional clearing in the forests lets them see the sky. Thanks to the skill of the Elven scouts, the party arrive at Kaniateir safely, having avoided the perils and dangers of the ancient wood.

- Sunday, 7th Desnus in the year 815 (Second Era). Summer.

- The Elf village of Kaniateir blends into the forest around it. The village exists on two levels, with a few scattered structures built on the ground level including an ancient stone statue to a local legend. Most of the structures are high above the ground, with residences, craft rooms, stores, a temple, and teaching rooms built into upper boughs of the forest. String rope bridges span the trees and circular wood walkways are built around the massive ancient tree trunks. Pulley operated platforms connect the upper and lower levels. The settlement had around three hundred Elves living here but nearly a quarter of that was killed in the Cult attack.

- Wasting no time, the party ignore the smiles and well wishing from the locals and make their way directly to the new elder of the village, the last one having been killed in the attack. The party are directed to a black smith building high in the canopy of the trees where the new village Warden, Galin, resides.

- The party step into a large open room, with blacksmith tools hanging on the wood walls, and a small stone bowl shaped forge inscribed with arcane runes. The forge, which looks like it is portable, is currently cold. Seated at a table, holding a mug in one hand, sits a male Elf with a large solid build. Black circles under his eyes indicate he has not slept well for some time. His large scared hands show many years of working steel. Hanging around the wall are beautiful examples of worked metal in intricate designs: pieces of art, along side weapons of Elvish design. A raven perched in a nearby cage caws hideously.

- The male looks up at you, and with a forced smile pushing through obvious grief and weariness says, “Welcome to our village. How can I be of service?”

- The party speak to Galin The Warden for some time but they can sense he is not being fully truthful or open with the party. He downplays the threat of the Cult, saying that the well maintained defences of the village has driven the Cult away and they have not returned, having only attacked this village once. Trenchant attempts to probe the inner thoughts of Galin with a Detect Thoughts spell but he is unable to do so as Galin resists it and he can only sense the outer most feelings of shame and guilt.

- Galin becomes angry when Trenchant pushes him on details and the need for his assistance, and the Warden leaves the building stating he has other duties to attend to.

- In his absence the party look around the room. Gim, a member of the Oglyth Mixnar (Dwarven Smith’s Guild) and a trained black smith himself, is very impressed with Galin work as it far exceeds anything he could achieve. Labarett conducts a ritual of Detect Magic, but the only thing of arcane origin, is the stone bowl shaped forge. On closer inspection, it would appear there is no place for any type of fire to burn and the party suspect the arcane forge heats metal through magical means. Lastly, Labarett performs another ritual, Speak To Animals and the party arrange some fresh sliced meat to be feed to the raven. Labarett speaks to the raven and the party learn that the raven has accompanied Galin many times, outside of the village, to speak to a Dragon and a small number of humanoids. These meetings always occur at night.

- Labarett tells the bird to fly to where the meetings take place and they release it, the bird immediately flies north. The party rush after the raven, having to make their way down to the ground level and then trying to rush through the forest to follow. Twice they almost lose the bird’s trail but eventually, about twenty minutes out of the village, they finally come to a large open clearing about seventy five feet across. Large claw marks in the soft grassy ground, indicate a large creature has been here, many times. Fainter and smaller tracks indicate that a small number, two or three, human sized figures also walked around the centre. A set of boot tracks come in and out of the glade, from the direction of the village, many many times.

- The party surmise that Galin must be coming here often, and meeting with the Green Dragon and the mysterious Elf Dragon Rider, and possibly with one or two passengers coming on the Dragon as well. Planning to lay an ambush, the party begin preparing to set up here and wait until nightfall. Trenchant decides to go back to the village and attempt to get some of the Elven warriors and Scouts to help with the ambush.

- Trenchant returns to the village and seeing Galin walking about shouts out to the village and tells them what they have learned, forcing Galin to approach him and confront him. Trenchant has cast a Zone Of Truth spell, in the hope to force Galin to admit what he is doing. At first Galin denounces what Trenchant is saying and urges the people of the village to remain calm as there is no danger. When he steps into the enchanted Zone Of Truth, he immediately senses what Trenchant has done and answers very carefully in such a way, that he is telling the truth but not directly answering the accusations that Trenchant is putting on him.

- A portion of the village begins to whisper that Galin may be working with the Cult, as Trenchant alleges, whilst the rest are sure that their trusted Warden could never do such a thing.

- Seeing that he will be unable to win this argument or sway the people, whilst the Zone Of Truth is active, Galin walks away to return to his smithy. He looks like a broken and shattered man, and as Trenchant catches the last sight of him walking into his dwelling, he sees the large man’s shoulders shaking as if Galin is crying.

- Trenchant leaves the arguing villagers and walks up and into Galin’s dwelling. The large Elf’s eyes are red and his cheeks are wet with tears. His trembling hand lifts a large mug of strong drink. The Warden speaks, “You have no need of your eldritch tricks now stranger. I have had enough. I do not deserve to be the Warden of these people, I never wanted it. They insisted and I could see their need, their hope for stability. Sit, join me, I will tell you all.”

- Trenchant joins Galin, and his initial idea that Galin was a vile man, corruptly working with Cult changes. He sees a broken man. A man who faced a Dragon during a battle, watching his wife die next to him, along with nearly a hundred other locals. Warriors, mages, archers, all could do nothing agains the Dragon and the Dragon Rider that wore a mask of Green. He watched his people die. He watched his wife die. He watched his Warden die. And during this carnage, this knew the total destruction of his village and all the villagers would be unavoidable. He found himself outside of the village, facing off alone against the Dragon and its Rider. The bodies of his dead people all around him. And in this moment of utter despair, he begged for the life of his people, offering anything in return. The Rider laughed at this but agreed to spare this village and its people in exchange for information to help the Cult track down all the other Elven settlements that were hidden within the Forrests.

- Galin, wanting to save his people, took the burden, shame and guilt upon himself. He condemned the lives of others, of strangers, to save those he knew. To save his people he sacrificed others.

- Galin’s guilt of his actions now brakes, the large Elf breaking into heavy tears. Trenchant tries to convince the Elf that the party can kill the Dragon as they have defeated many of the Cult’s Dragons. Galin can not be convinced, he has lost all hope. He tells Trenchant he can not allow the village to fight the Dragon because unknown to the rest of the village, the Cult also took about twenty locals prisoner, and they would be killed if Galin did not continue to obey. He attends the open clearing north of the village every night, as ordered by the Dragon Rider, to wait if the Dragon Rider comes to ask any further questions. The Dragon and Rider have returned four times, the last time being about two weeks ago.

- Though Galin won’t allow the village to get involved, for fear of reprisals, he does draw out a map of where he thinks the Dragon and its Rider might be coming from. He noticed distinctive wet red sand on the boots of the Rider, and there is a pool about six hours to the North, that has the only red soil in this forest.

- Trenchant leaves Galin and the village to return to the party in the clearing north of the village. Telling the party what has happened, the party decide to rest and prepare before heading north to where the Dragon and its Rider are probably stationed.

- After a long rest, the party awake still in the middle of the night, with about two hours left of night, and start to prepare. Ragnar takes out a jewel encrusted bowl that he purchased in Crescent Moon and casts one of his most powerful spells, Heroes Feast. The jewelled bowl fades away in flash, consumed by the spell. A large banquet appears before the party and for the next hour they sit and eat, talking and planning of what is to come. The enchanted feast, will make the party immune to poison and fear for the next 24 hours, something that they will need against a poisonous Green Dragon and the enchanted Dragon Fear that it emits.

- The party set off, and thanks to Labarett’s ability, are travelling twice as fast. The six hour journey should only take three. An hour later the party see the forest around them lighten as the sun rises. Half an hour later, they hear the faint cries of an Elderly female voice, calling out for help.

- The party approach a small clearing. In the centre is a small, frail looking elderly Elf female in simple grey robes. It appears a large tree has fallen on top of her and trapped her to the ground.

- The party stay back, whilst Trenchant uses a Mislead spell to send an illusionary avatar of himself forward to speak to this suspicious stranger. When Trenchant sees that there is no place on the ground that the tree could have come from, there being no broken tree base, he draws his weapon and points it towards the frail woman demanding she tell him the truth.

- The tree on top of her begins to move and an arm swings out to grab Trenchant’s weapon but the Awakened Tree’s fist goes straight through the illusionary form of Trenchant.

- The Elderly Woman sits up, no longer looking frail, and speaks, “Bandits is it? Attacking old, helpless ladies in the forest then? Right, the woods will be better off without the likes of you!”

- Around the clearing twelve Awaken Trees begin to move. Trenchant releasing his mistake and the dire situation he now faces, drops his illusion and walks out from the nearby bushes. He holds his empty hands up and begins talking for his life. He uses all his training, performance and diplomacy to beg for forgiveness and stop the fight.

- The female Druid, though hesitant, finally relents and she commands her dozen Awakened Trees to wait. She looks over the party, who have now approached, with an appraising eye, “Yes, yes. You may be lucky enough. Lucky enough indeed. Perhaps I have heroes at last. How many might fall back in fear at the sight of a stranger in the woods, or think of their own safety first? I grant you my gift. May your hearts prove true where others fear to tread.”

- The woman, now looking much younger than before, picks flowers from the tall grass where none existed before, and twists her fingers to weave them into garlands as if by magic. She offers the garlands to each member of the party and each eventually places them onto their heads, Gim the last to do so, and with great reluctance.

- With one final nod of her head, and a smile, she leaps into the air and immediately transforms into a giant owl and flies off as the Awaken Trees begin to slowly walk back into the forests.

- “What just happened?” asks Naillae.

- “I don’t really know,” says Varis looking up into the sky.

- “Strange ladies giving gifts can be force of good or evil. Only time will tell,” replies Trenchant.

- The party continue. An hour later the forest, already thick, becomes even denser. Drips of water, fall down upon the party, and everything is wet. The air is heavy with moisture. The tops of the forest canopy are now filled with large spider webs, and so too the ground is covered by faint webs. The party see some movement ahead and cautiously move forward. Varis nearly walks into a large stretched web, the thin but strong strands almost invisible.

- A battle suddenly erupts as Phase Spiders wink into existence all around the party. The spiders can travel through the Astral Plane and start grabbing individual members of the party and appearing elsewhere, splitting the party up.

- The thick trees are making range attacks hard, limiting it to no more than sixty feet.

- Labarett looks at the Phase Spiders closely, “These aren’t normal Phase Spiders. They appear different and have enhanced abilities.”

- The battle continues with Ettercaps also appearing. These strange humanoid spiders are normally in charge of large clutches of spiders. The party keep almost running into the invisible spider webs that are strung between the trees. Labarett does run into one web and gets stuck. A group of giant spiders immediately  jumps down from the upper canopy and attack him whilst he is stuck.

- More giant spiders also appear to attack the rest of the party. There are Spider creatures everywhere now. This battle could be very dangerous, except that thanks to the Heroes Feast they have consumed, the party are completely immune to the effects of the poison from all the spiders. Thanks to Ragnar’s foresight this deadly battle is nothing more than an inconvenience. Soon, the party defeat all the foes.

<And as the party catch their breath after the battle, wiping off the spider blood from their weapons, that is the end of the session.>

XP Allocation

Group - Combined (This is equally divided by the number of players who were involved)

Quests (Only quests that are completed or rendered undoable, during this session, are shown here)

- “Faith Renewed” - Convince Galin To Be Honest With Party = 500 XP

- “A Force For Good Or Evil?” - Receive Strange Gift From Mysterious Old Woman = 250 XP

Creatures Overcome

- Phase Spiders (Modified) = 3500 XP

- Ettercaps = 1800 XP

- Giant Spiders = 1200 XP

Individual (This is only given to that person and is not divided amongst all players)

Special Bonus (Outstanding Role Playing)

Nil

XP Levels and Player Allocations

Player : Start +  Received = Total  (Notes)

Rob : 118947 + 1035 = 119982

Arthur : 94930 + 1035 = 95965

John : 89470 + 1035 = 90505

Travis : 108845 + 1035 = 109880

Paul : 98328 + 1035 = 99363

Bob : 108210 + 1035 = 109245

NPC (Naillae) : + (517)

[greshoncampaign]

The Gods of Greshon

First of all, most of these deities are of my own making with some from the actual D&D universe. When it comes to these deities, they're ones mainly regarded in Greshon, with others being carried from other countries.

 The Author

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Alias: Holder of the Pen of Fate, Keeper of the Book, The Unflinching One, The Eldest

Chosen City: Albanor.

Main Temple Locations: Albanor, Fargan, Le Blanc Matin

Realms of Power: Fate, Time, Destiny, Life & Death

Patron: Storytellers, scholars, writers, fortune tellers, warriors, kings

Description: The major deity of Greshon, The Author is usually regarded in matters that are beyond the control of man. Wielding “The Quill of Fate” and “The Book of Reality”, the Author is responsible for the creation of time and space itself. He is usually regarded in prayers to other deities, who ask for his sway in his writings of everything that was, is, and will be. He is depicted in statues as an old man with skin of white marble and a long beard.

The Mother

Alignment: Lawful Good

Alias: The Bride, His Beloved, The Merciful Lady, The Gentle Lady, The Unnamed Mother

Chosen City: Fargan

Main Temple Locations: Fargan, Patita Sahar, Le Blanc Matin

Realm of Power: Destiny, Mercy, Healing, Birth, Love

Patron: Families, orphans, queens, mercy, hope, grace

Description: Once a mortal unsurpassed in beauty, The Author was said to pause after seeing the woman, stopping reality. In order to ascend her to godhood, the Author tore a page from the Book of Reality, creating The Breach so that he could meet, woo, and eventually marry her. Though her husband, The Author, is highly regarded as the main deity, The Mother is one that is more widely prayed to and revered, sympathizing with mortals as she once was one. She is the only deity that is widely praised by all races, as she is the only deity known to sway The Author towards victories of good over evil. She is also the known as the one who gave the Jewels of the Five, her blessing often asked for by those who wish for good and mercy.

 Elrandi

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Alias: The Dollmaker, Burner of Souls, The Dark Mother, The Illusive One, Beautiful Death

Chosen City: Undirmaga, Noir

Main Temple Location: Noir, Le Blanc Matin

Realm of Power: Night, Death, Spirits and Souls,

Patron: Thieves, necromancers, Drow, pickpockets, dark magic users, witches

Description: Elrandi was said to be born from the inkwell of The Author, while others say that she is his sister and the creator of the ink as The Author is the creator of The Quill. One of three that were there before the Book of Reality came to be, she left his side once The Mother married him. Some attest to her being just as powerful as The Author, but also just as covert. When nearing death, she pulls a small wooden doll from a large case made of green crystal, pulling their souls out in the form of ink and refilling the inkwell to be used once more. She finds entertaining in conflict, but still adheres to the laws put in place in the time before Greshon, keeping her place and playing her part.

Morend

Alignment: True Neutral

Alias: The Judge, The Throne Keeper, The Son of the Mother, The Son of the Father, The Written Child, The Many Eyed One

Chosen City: Albanor, Styrkenen

Main Temple Location: Albanor, Le Blanc Matin

Realm of Power: War, Battle, Creatures, Good & Evil, Judgement

Patron: Judges, wardens, soldiers, knights, generals, kings, outlanders, priests

Description: After taking The Mother as his bride, The Author offered to write her a child. Knowing her husband was neither merciful nor cruel, she asked that the child have they eyes of a human so that he would look at the world through mortal eyes like his mother. Slightly perturbed by his wife’s request, he still obliged. Seeing her husband’s hesitation, she also asked that the child’s will be unflinching like his father’s hand. From this the Author wrote the child, his mother naming him Morend. Through the years, the young man’s eyes slowly rotted, a casualty of his mother’s request. To make sure her son’s eyes stayed understanding to mortal plights, she brought him to the people and had a willing mortal offer their eyes to him, therein becoming his high priest. Now grown, he presides over the judgement of the dead, the contest of battle, wild creatures, and the lines that divide Good and Evil.

 Luonto

Alignment: Neutral Good

Alias: Sable, The Old One, The Elder Tree, The Bark of Before, King of The IronElm, The Mapmaker

Chosen City: Omnisival

Main Temple Locations: Omnisival, La Blanc Matin

Realm of Power: Nature, Day & Night, Stars, Inspiration, Metals

Patron: Poets, painters, Tailors, bards, druids, elementals, farmers, gardeners, smiths,

Description: Luonto was created by The Author and is known to be the first of the Dwarves. With green skin, yellow eyes, and a beard of blue stringed freshwater, Luonto was born from the part of the Author’s mind that held creativity and detail. Known for his unquenchable thirst for uniqueness, he is revered by those who look for inspiration. His daughters are muses, with some choosing to wander the land as demigods. Luonto also prefers the world rather than the higher plains, busying himself with his work and converse with the people. On him is always a wine sack of his special wine, said to open every part of the mind when mortals or gods alike drink from it.

Bahamut

Alignment: Lawful Good

Alias: The Dragon Judge, Flame Heart, Giver of Sight

Chosen City: Goliath, Albanor

Main Temple Location: Omnisival, Albanor, Goliath, La Blanc Matin

Realm of Power: Good Dragons, Metallic Dragons, Wisdom, Enlightened Justice, Sage Counsel

Patron: Dragonborn, jailers, governors, mayors, knights

Description: A god of justice and a subservient deity to Morend. Before entering the Greshonian pantheon, he was member of the Draconic pantheon, as a deity of good dragons, metallic dragons, wisdom, and enlightened justice (justice tempered with mercy and punishment with forgiveness) known by the name of Xymor. When battle broke out between gods of multiple dimensions, Morend lost his human eyes for too long, growing ones of his own and threatening to erase humanity altogether. Bahamut sought him out, sensing the unflinching justice woven into his very existence, and battled him in a struggle that shook the foundations of the universe. Almost beaten by Morend, Bahamut raced to earth at the earnest urging of The Mother who stole her son’s immortal eyes as he replaced them with the next High Priest of the temple of Morend. From then on, Bahamut was revered by man, seen as a council to Morend and often depicted laying at his feet or at his side. He is the main deity for Dragonborn in Greshon and is often depicted on crests that signify courtrooms.

 Dashirn

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Alias: The Nameless God, The Trickster, The Fool, The Nameless Goddess

Chosen City: Unknown

Main Temple Location: The Grassy Sea, The Chasm of the Barren

Realm of Power: Trickery, Stealth, Illusions, Madness, Gluttony, Wealth, Strategy

Patron: Thieves, charlatans, criminals, madmen, drunkards, politicians

Description: The Great War that lasted a hundred years was said to have been mostly Dashirn’s doing. No one is quite sure what gender Dashirn is, some saying that he changes it based on whim, while others say that Dashirn is actually a set of twins birthed by Morend. Either way, Dashirn is not well liked by many since his/her power of coercion is strong for both god and mortal alike. After the war, many of her/his temples were destroyed and the god(dess) of trickery was considered forgotten. Not much is known about the trickster god(dess), but his/her hidden city is said to be made of endless amounts of riches, but at the risk of unending madness…

Kaelostros

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Alias: The Red Death, The Tearer of Pages, Harbinger of the Ending, The Formless One

Chosen City: Goliath

Main Temple Location: The Teeth of Greshon, Fire Plain

Realm of Power: Murder, Strife, Fire, Passion, Hatred, Extreme Emotion

Patron: Murderers, blood mages, shape shifters, whores, cannibals

Description

: There were three before the Book of Reality was created and Kaelstros is the third. A Hellborn who often can be seen in the form of a dragon, many call him The Formless one because his true form is unknown to most. He is the incarnation of antilife, often silent except to those serving his nefarious purposes. Those favored by him have an iris of bloodshot red with a dilated pupil in one eye, and to have this “honor” means that you look to end all… and may succeed in such. Though not widely worshipped in Goliath, elder Dragonborn pay respects to him more out of aversion than reverence. amic_spki__���N6l