Quest Reliving the Tales

[Rainie]

"The not-diseased-kind. Fully cooked, if you know what I mean." Rainie smiled at Weylin thinly. He looked a bit smug, and she was tempted to tease him in retaliation. She quelled the urge, and told herself to bide her time.

On her way to the fire, she crouched down to give Faurosk's pup a kiss on the head. She sat down on a log after brushing the snow off it, then beckoned everyone over.

"So, dragons. Yes? Tell me more," she prompted. She cradled her chin in her hands, elbows braced on her knees. She was the picture of misplaced enthusiasm.

Faurosk Weylin Kyrel Ragna Bergelmir Vigil Vigil Vigil Vigil Vigil Vigil Vigil

 

[Ragna]

Ragna grunted in response. She'd happily eat her prey raw if she had to but the small ones seemed to prefer half burning it over flames. She couldn't fathom why the humans ruined the meat. They might as well be eating leather. She focused on whittling a branch, using a sharp stone to put a point on it. He turned it slowly near the flames, letting the fire harden the tip.

"Something has been hunting the flocks of the frost giants on the higher peaks" she said at last, acknowledging the comment. "It has preyed on some of the lower herds as well on my clan's territory. Legends speak of dragons hunting the peaks here but it has been an age since anyone has laid eyes on one and lived".

 

[Rainie]

"Flocks?" She echoed.

Rainie looked between Ragna and Bergelmir. Oh. Mammoths. Of course. She chewed her lip consideringly.

"If no one has seen the dragon... Who's to say it's not a group of human hunters taking down your livestock?" She threw a curious look at Weylin.

Weylin Kyrel Faurosk Vigil

 

[Bergelmir]

"Even as small as you are, you lot would leave tracks. And you aren't quiet enough to be sneaking around the peek." Bergelmir explained. "It comes in with a gust, takes the whole mammoth, and is off before it is seen."

The interest of the humans cooking their own portion was something he noted, since apparently eating things near raw or with the bones inside seemed to be frowned upon.

 

[Weylin Kyrel]

While the others had started talking, Weylin began to cook. The deer meat was fresh but he didn't think that would mean much on its own for his new companions. After getting some flat stones found and placed over the fire, he dug into his pouches looking for some herbs that grew late he had found. People from town always enjoyed adding herbs to things. Even his own mom did before the raid. He managed to find a little wild thyme and rubbed it into the deer meat.

After placing the now thymed deer meat on the rocks to cook, Weylin said, "Hunters do not target herds. Sheep, ram, or mammoth. Only wild creatures." That was directed to Rainie comment, but it was also intended to keep the giants from getting too many ideas. It probably wouldn't work. At least he said his peace.

"Dragon tales are all over the Spine." Weylin said as he took a seat. "The Great Hunt is one of the oldest and most varied. In all of them however the hunter spends time hunting a great flying beast that was terrorizing the wilds around Lake Crobhear. He searched for its den, found it, stalked it for years to learn of its patterns, then prepared for his hunt."

Weylin flipped over the venison. "The hunter made a bow and arrows out of a special black yew tree and gathered feathers from a winged beast with both feathers and fur. He used them to hunt and kill the dragon. We plan to follow the tale to find this dragon den. If one dragon had used it then another one might as well. All beasts would rather use a good existing den rather than make a new one."

Bergelmir Ragna Faurosk

 

[Faurosk]

The mage sat quietly on his perch as the conversation carried on without his interjection, only half listening as he clenched his eyes shut and tried to remember any spell or incantation that might assist in slaying such a mythical beast. His feet joined him up on the rock, legs crossing elegantly into an almost meditative pose in stark contrast to the fingers rubbing insistently on his temples. There had to be something he was overlooking, after all.

His slouched posture straightened at the mention of the tale of the Great Hunt, and his interest in the legends of old was piqued if only for a moment. Now listening at full attention, the wizard cracked his eyes open and looked over at Weylin, pivoting at the waist to get a straight-on view of him. "Well, I don't personally have years to spend studying the daily schedule of some blighted lizard, and I trust tension and arrows alone can't quite penetrate a dragon's scales."

He swung his legs back off of his stone throne, standing once more and swiping a dusting of snow from the seat of his robes. His hands then raised as a barrier between himself and the rest of the group, taking on the role of a preemptive defense. "I'm not trying to be a beardsplitter here, just seeking an edge. I'm not sure about you all, but I've fought people, animals, undead, and monstrosities, but I haven't even dreamed of facing a dragon; especially not in its own territories."

His gloved hands clapped together in a muted thud, and the wizard made some attempt at a brave grin. His anxieties shone through, though, leaving his expression more telling than intended. "In other words... I don't reckon any of you have some ideas, do you?"

 

[Ragna]

Ragna tried not to laugh as the human girl ventured it might have been hunters of her own kind. She couldn't help it. Mammoths were tough prey on their own and they'd injured or killed herdsmen before. The thought of mere humans hunting them was comical. Bergelmir was a bit more diplomatic, taking the time to explain.

"We know it was not humans" she insisted. The humans knowledge of dragons seemed based on similar tales to what they'd heard. "Ours speak of a lair or den too".

The wizard spoke up then and Ragna frowned as she struggled to follow the words. The humans all spoke somewhat differently but she could just about get the gist. She closed her eyes a moment to think of the image. "The tales of heroes, ours never fought the beast in the air. It was in its lair or injured so it could not take flight". A giant was a fearsome foe but a dragon was something of legend.

 

[Rainie]

"You'd better have more faith in tension and arrows, darling," she cautioned Faurosk. "As I'm quite sure only a small bit would take even you down, if you were caught off guard."

She was quiet a moment, biting her lip in thought. Did they even stand the smallest chance at this? She looked at each member of the cobbled together party, and wondered if she was placing too much faith in the abilities of those members she knew. Her gaze lingered the longest on Faurosk, wondering... was he powerful enough? Could the rest of them come together and make his spells effective? A plan was forming in her mind.

"So, we know where the beast may make berth, as it were... Weylin can lead us. If it is in fact there, he and I can get it to touch ground." Her gaze swiveled to the hunter, who was busy over the fire. Even she could admit he was a good shot. And unlike some wizards, she had faith in tension and arrows... She'd even argue that such things could even take down a mammoth, if used properly.

"Once it touches ground... I think Faurosk might have some tricks to keep it there for a moment," she mused. Her rubbed her lip as she looked over at her dear friend. He had a wet spot on his bum. She laughed internally.

"That ought to give the giants time to move in and dole out a few blows. It may take a few tries... but it may work. As long as we stay smart and keep our wits about us." She wasn't sure about the other stranger who had stumbled into their midst, as he hadn't said anything to her just yet.

She stood from her log and moved to help Weylin with the meat. "So, tell me about this den?" She requested with a sparkling grin.

Weylin Kyrel Faurosk Bergelmir Ragna Vigil

 

[Bergelmir]

Bergelmir nodded, so far happy with how the humans had planned all this. The plan they laid out seemed to fit well enough with how all of them were skilled. The red headed human and their own human were skilled with bow and arrow, and so was Ragna if the need arose. Granted the difference in arrow size might prove the more fatal factor.

He was also curious about the den in the stories that the humans passed around.

 

[Weylin Kyrel]

"The black yew is special. Its wood does strange and wonderful things when turned into items made by even the most humble of hands. A bow and arrows was crafted from it. Feathers from a beast of fur and feathers used for the fletching so that they would fly as true as the wind and sky. All beasts have a physical weakness. The hunter found the dragon's and determined that these materials would be the best option. You may not trust hunters or old tales. I do."

Weylin had been matter of fact when he spoke. It made sense to him. The Spine was a place of actions over words after all. As ironic as that was given how oral the culture was. But the hunter hadn't talked the dragon out of its life or horde. Action was used. Action given time and preparation. It was as true to the Spine folk as the snow and ice of winter.

When Rainie headed over to him, Weylin had gone into his own thoughts and missed most of the conversations that took place regarding plans. He looked to the woman though and had heard her words. She asked about the den. A sensible question. "Skyhold. An ancient fort of man or dwarf or giant. The tales are conflicting. Probably used by all races at one time or another. It is high in the mountains located near the beasts of fur and feather as well as a grove of the black yew. Perfect place for a beast of the sky to use."

Bergelmir Ragna Faurosk

 

[Rainie]

She listened to the hunter with an excited smile. "Well! Tarry not! We mustn't delay! T'is a dragon we track!" She quickly set to cooking and smoking the meat. "What sort of beast has both feather and fur? A Griffin? Winged horses? Chimera?" She mused. Of course, none were real. Doubt and disappointment filled her. "Sounds like a bout of legend, truly..."

Not for the first time, Rainie wondered if this were but a farce. She wished to believe that dragons were real, and that she could defeat one. But her wishes were oft made of stories, which she told herself with a quick silver tongue. Too many times had she embellished the facts of an event to craft an elegant and interesting story. Was this simply another tale?

A large breath exited her lungs as she stared at the flickering fire. Quiet and contemplating, she watched the orange light flick upwards from the charring pile of wood. "Well..." she murmured. "If not by truth, then by legend. Where would we find this place should it be true?" She asked Weylin curiously. "Let us go there and craft arrows from black yew, and may we weave the most ludicrous of tales for my songs." She laughed, desperate and self deprecating.

She would never let her dear friends perish on such a quest of faith, but she quite frequently found herself taking such ridiculous risks. All she could do was watch out for her companions, and hope she wasn't wasting her limited time.

Weylin Kyrel Faurosk Ragna Bergelmir Vigil

 

[Weylin Kyrel]

"It is located near the lake." Weylin responded to Rainie question. "Doesn't narrow the search down much. We just need to look for the beasts of feathers and fur then find black yew trees. The trees are said to be special and have strange properties. Could be true or could be tales to excite children. They will help us find this Skyhold if we don't find the dragon in the sky first."

It was strange to be talking so much about the tales of the old folk. The settlers tended to disregard them as just stories to frighten or encourage children. Giants were one of those tales. They spoke of how they came from above the clouds in the tallest peaks to steal away the foolish and unwary to devour or have their way with. Fiction and fantasy. That was what the settler merchants and town folk always said about them. Yet here were two giants before Weylin. He knew the male had no real interest in either of those activities. The female might though. Ragna and Bergelmir were not fiction nor fantasy to him. If they were true the dragon could be as well. He needed to listen to the old folk's blood in him screaming that truth were the words past down from the past to future through the present.

Standing up, Weylin said, "We should leave soon. The lake is still far and we still have light to follow." He grabbed some of the cooked meat and began to eat as he got ready.

===
​

The travel to Lake Crobhear had taken them days even using the more well worn paths. There was little traffic to be found along the way. Most they past were from either the remote mining or lumber camps built by the settlers to transport goods to the river or the odd traveling trade caravan that didn't wish to pay the expensive prices of the boats. The river however always seemed to have atleast one ship visible upon it at all times. The difference in the ease of travel was obvious.

Soon enough the lake came into view. The water seemed to go on forever after the river met lake. One could think they had found their way to the ocean. It certainly did question if the term sea should only apply to salt water or not.

Weylin pulled out a piece of leather from inside his clothing. Opening it up a hand drawn map made from charcoal had been started in one corner. It was of the river. He pulled out a black stick and began to trace out what he saw around them. It likely would be of little help to them but it might come in handy later. After he got what he wanted he looked up to the sky. All he saw was blue and white and the single dot of a hawk high above. A good sign. He rolled the map back up. It was time to think. Which way did the hunter from the tale go? Oh right, towards the sun.

Weylin began to head east with his eyes never straying far from the sky.

Faurosk

 

[Rainie]

She spent the next few days brimming with excitement. Each night, when the party stopped to rest, she regaled them with songs of heroes and ludicrous adventures. Slaying of sea monsters, besting the pirate captain of the damned, defeating an entire army of undead. Her fingertips were sore from holding down and strumming the strings of her lute. Every day, it seemed the group moved a little faster, as if eager to meet their goal.

Days later, they reached the edge of a massive lake. Rainie had to check with the person next to her that it was in fact a lake and not a coast of some ocean... Her sense of direction was usually quite good. She'd just rarely seen a lake so vast. The thief peered over Weylin's shoulder at his rudimentary map curiously. It was drawn on something that ought to be used for damn clothing. She scowled and wondered if she should make Faurosk offer the poor lad a bit of parchment.

As they walked, Rainie idly strummed her small lute and sang,

"There is no escape
let the fever rise,"

She watched the path of a hawk overhead, cutting through the wind far, far above them.

"As our horses rage
and our goal's in sight,"

What would it be like, to be that free? That untethered? So far above the world that all appeared to be ants. Until they landed, that is.

"Maybe I'm the one,
I'm the one who will fall."

She paused in her song to question their fearless leader. "Darling," she called to Weylin. "Should I be keeping an eye out for griffons about now? Just asking. Curious, you know." She turned and sent a wink and an air kiss to Faurosk behind her.

Weylin Kyrel Faurosk Bergelmir Ragna Vigil

 

[Ragna]

The journey to Lake Crobhear showed how sparsely populated the Spine could be. Civilisation seemed to disappear, settlements growing smaller, and traffic less and less on roads that grew gradually worse in condition. For Ragna it was a return to comfort. The smells and sounds from near even a medium sized town had been unnerving for her. She was more relaxed now back in an environment that suited her. One that she'd been bred for.

The only aggravating factor was the slow pace of the humans. They made better time than she thought but it still seemed to be at a slow pace. They stopped for breaks too often and got jumpy at the sounds of predators. Something that was amusing at first gradually got more annoying.

She ignored the human studying the map. Another strange thing their kind made. She used the stars, sun, the wind. Padding forward, she splashed into the cool water of the leg, wading in up to her knees. She stooped and splashed water on her face before slaking her thirst.

"It is safe" she pronounced, sending a small splash their way as encouragement. She unhooked her waterskin and began to refill it.

 

[Bergelmir]

He was truly amused by the tales that the humans had shared, and the speculations of their human companions. Such creative little things human's were. Still content to listen, he did his best to pay attention to them as they spoke back and forth. It was hard to though between the giant's eating and the low murmur that the small ones seemed content to speak in. Eventually he lost interest with being unable to hear them and focused on the meal.

---

The trip was not as quick as the giant's would have liked surely, but it was a good chance for him to watch them. They had such strange customs compared to his tribe. The teasing of the small woman and the aloofness of the one leading them. It had made the rune covered giant wonder idly about what thought went behind making the humans as they were. But they seemed to have some redeeming qualities.

The music was welcome, and loud enough for him to hear easily. The little red haired woman spun tales that he found fantastic and though a tad wild, most assuredly entertaining. She always had the rapt attention of the male giant when she sang or spoke, his interest always on the words she sang or spoke. The leader stopped a moment and gazed toward the sun and hawk that soared above them. Ragna moved to the water and after announcing the safety of the water, sent a splash their way that made the other giant chuckle.

"I shan't call it safe if it washes them out." Bergelmir chuckled before producing his own waterskin and walking out to fill his as well.

 

[Weylin Kyrel]

With his eyes still facing the sky, Weylin was barely aware of what Rainie said to him. He stopped walking and turned to look at her as Ragna went out into the water. The red head had made a comment about gryphons and watching out for them. She was making a joke directed at Faurosk who was convinced that was the beast of feather and fur. It could be. He couldn't remember what it was but knew if he saw whatever it was that he would remember. He knew it in his bones he would.

"You should always watch for gryphons. They are territorial and will defend it aggressively. Be stealthy. If found be respectful." Weylin glanced towards the giants as he added, "They are the top predators here."

As if in some form of preemptive revenge, the water that the giantess had thrown at them with the words "it is safe" came crashing down all over him. Man and dog both found themselves completely soaked. Any weight his words might have had surely were gone now. They just slipped away like the water into the ground.

A few curses followed from Weylin loudly. No doubt the giantess was going to find it hilarious. After the outburst and a heavy sigh that followed, he went out to the water and began to fill his own waterskins. Best to be prepared for what came next.

As Weylin came close to the giantess, he said in a voice loud enough she would hear, "I hope the dragon takes you."

Bergelmir

 

[Ragna]

A braying laugh came from Ragna. "They are good sport. Madadh Skullcrusher took one last spring, he used the gryphon's feathers for a cloak. Always something of a showoff, he wore it as a symbol of his status and achievement. Ragna was just disgruntled that all she'd had to show was the hide of a cave bear, easy meat for a beast her size.

She finished gulping down water and secured her waterskin, giving a sigh of satisfaction. Nothing tasted better than water when there was a thirst on you. "The dragon will go for easier meat than me" she chuckled, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Water sloshed as she tramped back out of the lake, slinging her waterskin back on her.

 

[Rainie]

Rainie was already kicking off her boots and socks with reckless abandon. Her eyes were on the jovial sight of the enormous and wonderful giant proclaiming the water was safe to drink. She splashed into the shallow edge of the lake and immediately cursed foully at the chill.

“Astra’s bow, that’s bloody freezing!” Rainie shrieked. She padded out once she’d filled her waterskin, laughing all the way. She dried her frozen toes before donning her socks and boots again.

She rejoined the drenched hunter after her brief frolic in the chilled waters. “I’m always respectful of griffons, of course. What other approach could one possibly have?” She wondered aloud. She’d never met a griffon before, of course. That would be absolutely mad. Almost as mad as meeting and befriending giants, or slaying a dragon.

The bard went to console the hunters dog, who was nearly soaked with the giantess’ playful splash. “Oh, poor darling. Perhaps Faurosk will warm you up.” She cooed down at the white dog for a bit, rubbing some warmth into her ears.

At the giantess’ laugh and following anecdote, Rainie cried out in her clearest voice, “Then we shall craft you the finest boots or bracers from dragon skin! Surely there will be enough to go around!”

She thought for a minute, thoughts straying into fantasy. “I should like a dragon’s tooth, I think. As a necklace.”

Faurosk Bergelmir Ragna Weylin Kyrel Vigil

 

[Bergelmir]

Bergelmir shook his head at the sight of Weylin being drenched, along with his dog. The waterskin was put away after being filled, and he could not help but chuckle more when the small woman shrieked at the cold. Ragna commented on the dragon going for easier meat, and he could not help but look over the group.

"Likely to strike the magician." The giant quietly grumbled. He didn't figure the man to be able to run like the other's in their party.

 

[Faurosk]

Faurosk hung back from the group as they all approached the water, hanging back in apparent apprehension to the thought of taking a dip. His hand toyed anxiously with the spellbook at his hip, probing to make sure that he could access some form of defense should the move be made necessary. While they had been progressing down the weary road, fighting the dragon seemed like a step he'd be making in the future- Sometime when he could have prepared more, or simply been a generally stronger caster than he'd been before. But standing before the vast expanse of water meant one thing; they were getting closer to the belly of the beast, and he'd need to be as clever as ever if he wanted to see the end of the fight.

He was happy to be as far back as he was when the giantess made the entire shoreline of the lake into one big splash zone, cracking a smile of schadenfreude as he saw Weylin get soaked to the bone. "Be mindful of the water, my friends. The spirits can be a bit envious."

He eyed the waters cautiously, scanning the depths carefully. "Water elementals can be the, ah, 'drowning' kind of envious, too. Just be careful, yeah?"

His ear perked up at Rainie saying he might actually be useful for once after the journey where survival skills won out over arcane talent nine times out of ten, and he focused his will on Weylin's dog for just a second. He threw hardly an ounce of power at the water which soaked its fur, but the wetness complied readily. Countless drops of water leapt from White's fur, obediently absorbing into the ground and disappearing without a moment's resistance. Weylin, meanwhile, was still dripping water back into the lake from whence it came.

The magician then turned back to the giant who'd addressed him, cracking a grin despite himself. "Let's hope it'll go for me. I've got a new ward that I've just been dying to test, but I think it would outright kill anything smaller than a Bulette."

Weylin Kyrel Bergelmir Rainie Ragna

 

[Weylin Kyrel]

The party seemed to be enjoying themselves as Weylin just ignored the water covering his cloak. The leather contained oils that made the water roll off of it like the feathers of a duck or fur of an otter. It made his life in the unpredictable weather easier and it helped keep the rest of his clothing from getting soaked, although some water had found its way in. As annoying as that was it wouldn't be a danger to his health when they roamed into the higher peaks.

White just stood there as unhappy as the big mountain dog could be. Her fur was like her human's cloak in that it naturally resisted water, but unlike him it had soaked down to her undercoat a bit. As soon as Rainie had walked up to her as well she began to shake her fur around like crazy to throw the water off of herself. Most of it was gone but the few bits that remained were dealt with by Faurosk spell. That made her mood a little better.

While everyone else was speaking, Weylin's attention was grabbed by a faint sound. It would sound like a local animal to everyone else, but to him it was entirely different. Ignoring those around him, he began to look around him at the tree line. Slowly he walked forward with a strange caution to his steps. The sound happened again. It was like a bird call. A raven or crow perhaps. Once more it followed.

Weylin spotted it after the third call. A black bird, looking like a raven or crow, was resting on a branch watching everyone at the beach. Its focus shifted a bit between them all but eventually settled onto the hunter. For a moment they just stared at one another. Then Weylin made a similar sounding call back. The bird responded then fluttered into the trees behind it, disappearing completely.

Weylin began to walk towards the place the bird had been perched. He was lost to his companions as he did. White padded up next to her human and followed him. She was calm. It was as if she had experienced this moment before. A figure dressed in clothing similar to Weylin came out of the trees with a bow in hand. An arrow was notched but not drawn on it. Dark eyes and dark hair could be seen under the hood. A woman. Glossy black feathers decorated her hair. The same feathers were on a necklace that looked remarkably similar to the one Rainie had been given by Weylin.

The hunter stopped as the woman appeared. She called out, "Name yourself."

"Of the old folk." Weylin immediately responded back.

"We will see." Then the woman turned her attention to the rest of the group.

Ragna Bergelmir

 

[Ragna]

Ragna squinted at the surrounding peaks. Some were so high that they were lost in the cloud. Looming cliffs were mixed in with gentler slopes. The forest faded gradually into scrub and then into bare rock. Only moss and lichen survived on the higher ones. She missed the slopes. There was a wildness and savagery to it that she could appreciate after time spent amongst the small folk in the lowlands.

The thought of boots from dragonscale did make her chuckle. She nodded at the small woman, "Aye, I will. There will be enough to go around". Her teeth flashed at the mention of danger, "The spirits should fear me if they dare come close". She'd fight the water itself if she had to.

She made a fist to show the magician before taking another drink of water. The newcomer was still unnoticed to her. The goings of smallfolk weren't always of note to a giant.

 

[Rainie]

Rainie found herself showered by White as the mountain dog shook out her wet fur. Shortly after, Faurosk came along and dried the dog with what looked like utter glee to Rainie. Pouting and damp, she turned her targeted gaze on the wizards soft, dry robes. Smirking to herself, Rainie darted over to the mage and dove into the unsuspecting arms of Faurosk.

"Oh, you're so sweet, my dear! I knew you wouldn't let the poor pup freeze!" As if her intent wasn't already clear, she rubbed her damp face into Faurosk's dry shoulder, effectively ridding all traces of water from her skin. After she felt much more dry, she immediately released him with a grin and patted his cheek before pulling away.

Sure, Faurosk would have happily dried her off if she'd asked. But this was more fun.

She had just turned to reply to the giantess' delighted reply when someone emerged from the trees not too far away. Weylin had wandered away from the group, and a strange woman had stepped out of the shadows to meet him. Rainie noticed the bow and arrow readied and whipped her own off her shoulder in an instant. Before anyone else could react, Rainie was trotting up behind Weylin, bow held loosely in one hand which swung at her side.

"Ho there, friend!" She called as she jogged up, stopping just within arms length of Weylin. Her reflexes were quick; she had faith she could snatch him forcibly away from any danger should there be a need. "Friend of yours, darling?" She asked Weylin casually, keeping wide but keen eyes on the stranger. Her frazzled red braid dangled over her shoulder, tied at the end by a bit of soft leather decorated with feathers and a lavender stone.

Faurosk Weylin Kyrel Bergelmir Ragna Vigil

 

[Bergelmir]

The mention of water elementals made the other giant take a moment to look at the water they were in. Examinging the water skin, he shrugged and did not say anything to the mage. If the spirits were unhappy, there would be little this group could do to please them.

Had he not been watching Ragna, Bergelmir might have noticed the newcomer. As it was, he was chuckling to himself at the thought of dragon hide anything.

"Ought to sharpen a few knives then. I would not think a wyrm so easy to carve." He prodded before looking about to find all of the group. Two had wandered off and were talking to someone new. His gaze stayed on the newcomer for a moment before brushing the thought aside. It had been one thing when they had all met earlier outside of town, all foreign and fresh to each other. This was likely someone they had sent ahead or something.

 

[Faurosk]

The mage fixed Rainie with a gaze that said "you're lucky these robes don't stain", only turning faintly pinker from the entire affair that was clearly some ploy to embarrass him for reasons he couldn't ever hope to comprehend. He glanced down to his familiar at his side, who eyed him with the small brown peepers of a typical Allirian wild hound. Nevertheless, there was an intelligence to the small canine's gaze, and in that moment, it was equally vexed by the bard's behavior.

Shuffling the not-quite pressing issue of Rainie's odd idea of "fun" aside to be dealt with on another occasion, Faurosk turned his attention back to the giantess who was currently fixing him with the intimidating profile of her balled fist. His expression cracked up into a smile, and he gave her a conceding nod. "I stand corrected, then. I'm confident you could beat back the very oceans."

The mage turned to seek out Rainie, hoping to prod her with an embarrassing accusation of his own; She had been awfully attentive to Ragna, after all. "What was it you said, Raine? "She's as strong as she is beau--" Oh, now where'd you get off to?" He spun an additional turn, looking around for where the bard had gotten off to. He saw her, then, at the edge of the woods, apparently speaking with the party's fearless leader. It was then that Faurosk noticed the newcomer to the lake shore. He cocked an eyebrow at the woman's sudden appearance, but he decided to hang back for the time being. After all, he knew for a fact that certain tribes of mountain-folk didn't take kindly to magicians, and he certainly looked the part of his profession.

Weylin Kyrel Ragna Bergelmir Rainie