Rumours of the Western Heartlands

[sweetlikesplenda]

Lord Aaron Lyonaler would be seen about the City of Baldur's Gate. He spends most of his time this day in the Temple of Illmater. His departure from the City finds him on his silver-maned sted, riding north quickly, to attach himself with a Company of Flaming Fist soldiers that are marching to Triel.

[JustAnotherGirl]

Ashling stepped into the restored grove. Nearly immediately, she felt something off. The grove seemed unsettled. She could be seen kneeling, hands in the earth, praying quietly. She held the position until it started feeling more settled, which happened to be when Emmanuel stumbled into the grove. She rushed to his side and held him as he told her of Triel. Her amber eyes nearly glowed with anger.

[JustAnotherGirl]

Ashling stood next to the lampost for quite a while before realizing the thing was broken. She frowned and walked into the inn to speak with Bentley. After letting him know about the damaged lamp post, she was heard inquiring about any messages she might have. She then ordered and drank a tankard of dark ale before leaving to head back into the woods.

[artemitavik]

As Adventurers, Flaming Fist, a pair of Dragons, and other allies fought the Hellfire Wyrm and its cadre of minion in the ruins of Ulgoth's Beard a caravan arrives in Elturiel.

This caravan consists of multiple wagons of supplies for refugees. It is guarded and presented by those in Bladestone Foundation uniforms. The goods, mostly clothing, blankets, and dry food goods, are donations from the villages and towns in the Coastal Planes in the territory that the BSF patrols and has its trade partners, such as South Pine and Bluecrest as well as some of the larger farms.

((Okayed by DM Smile shortly prior to the Hellfire Wyrm fight event))

[sweetlikesplenda]

A small group had gathered at Radiant Crossing and from there made their way north and east. Near to Soubar they came upon a lone man, who, after a short discussion, shifted into a tower creature of the Hells. A titanic battle ensued, resulting in the eventual defeat of the Devil. A prism was found upon the Devil before it was sent from this Plane. That prism was later sent to the Temple of Mystra. Passerbys would soon after see a small company of Flaming Fist enter the temple and soon leaving with an unconscious woman in chains.

It would seem that Michael Angel and the Magus, Tamora Mistmorn, have both been dealt with.

[JustAnotherGirl]

Early in the morning of the 19th of Ches, the aroma of roasting meat began to fill the air aound the small grove on the Lion's Way. Early arrivals would find Ashling turning the spits of venison and boar every once in a while and making sure baskets of all manner of fruits (even strawberries that somehow were kept from a certain druid), cheeses, and bread. Bottles of fresh spring water, dark ale, and druid's whiskey were placed carefully in the shade to be kept cool. It was a feast fit for this holy day. Banners of the Green Traid were placed inside the circle of statues. She stood when all was ready, looked to Emmanuel, and smiled.

Guests began trickling in, some of the Enclave, some initiates, and many, many more who were simply friends and allies. The High Ranger did her best to greet each newcomer with at least a smile and a wave as Emmanuel kept order over the proceedings. She tried to get around to speak to everyone personally, but there were just too many.

The Archdruid opened the fest giving everyone who wanted the chance to leave a gift in the very center of the grove. All sorts of gifts were left. Fruit, honey, wine, a bear pelt, and a small carved figurine of Sune were among the gifts left by the attendees.

A prayer was given for a fallen friend.

Once there were several gathered and it seemed everyone who wanted to leave a gift had, the Archdruid's voice lifted and carried across the small grove.

"Today is a joyous day! The first of spring. We hope you all enjoy yourselves on this day. It is a time of fun and feasting, celebrating the sensual side of spring! Eat, drink, and be merry! We will have music after a while, as well as some poetry and such."

People began mingling and visiting as others continues to arrive. Soon, the music began and several joined in dancing and merriment. Many songs were played by the Archdruid, Rose Winterhal, Oona, and even Ashling.

As Oona started playing there was a disturbance in the grove, but not an unwelcome one. Many were surprised to see a large tree like creature with antlers rise from the ground. Some called him The Traveller. The creature's limbs twitched with the music before it suddenly sprung out in a leaping motion across the grove, twirling in dance. Several onlookers blinked in surprised. As he moved back to his original spot near the food and drink in the grove, the leafdome overhead spiraled toward the center of the dome, much to the delight of everyone gathered. As they continued to watch, it was as if some maelstrom formed from a playful plain beyond. Loosened leaves formed into a gathered force to explode skywards into a shower of golden leaves which spread wide over the region.

After much more music, merriment, food, and dancing, the gathering began to disperse until there were just as few people in the grove as when the feast began. Emmanuel and Ashling gathered up the remaining food, the drinks, the banners, and smiled as they left the grove to pursue more private celebrations that honored Mielikki and the coming of spring and renewal.

[mrm3ntalist]

By the quiet pond beside the walls of the Friendly Arms Inn, four rangers and a druidess lingered as the evening settled in. The road had brought them there by different paths, but the still water and the easy calm of the place made it natural to pause. They spoke in turn, sharing small tales of forests crossed, storms endured, and strange moments beneath the open sky. Nothing was said with urgency or purpose beyond the telling, yet with each story they all grew closer. By the time the light faded and the frogs began their chorus, they found they knew one another better simply for having sat together by the water and listened.

[mrm3ntalist]

A carving at the broken lamp post outside the FAI. Who or Why, is anyone's guess