Fey Serpents and Where to Find Them
May 18, 2020 22:51:41 GMT
Guido and Queen Merla, the Sun-Blessed like this
Post by BB on May 18, 2020 22:51:41 GMT
Spring has settled in on Daring Heights, the morning sun providing a comforting blanket of warmth for the many tradespeople and residents going about their usual early tasks. BB’s long silver mess of hair can be seen weaving through the streets as she makes a beeline for the Four Fair Winds. Though determined in her expression it’s hard to miss the tired bags under her eyes and the magpie gently snoring on their perch in the crook of her neck.
Once at the tavern’s entrance she ducks inside to its plush wooden interior, taking a quick moment to glance at those enjoying breakfast at the tables, the other patrons don’t pay her much mind, now used to BB’s large presence.
Taking the stairs to the rooms and leaving the noise of the main tavern behind, BB comes to stop outside Sheryl’s door, knocking gently before making her way inside.
“Sheryl? This isn’t a bad time is it? I finally found some information about my weird new tattoos that I think you’ll be interested in.”
Wearing a soft lavender empire waisted dress with a moss-coloured green shawl draped over her shoulders, the fey-bard sits up, feet brushing the plush carpet as she turns toward her furbolg friend. A platter of pastries and fresh fruit sits on a side table nearby with two plates, ready to be served. Sheryl has an orange coloured cocktail in a tall pristine glass in her hand as she stands.
“BB! I was wondering where you went so early,” she says, setting her glass down to pick up a second one, offering it with a gesture to the chaise lounge. The windows are open to let in the fresh air and sunlight, the gentle spring breeze warming as soon as it enters the rooms. “Please do tell! And have some food, you look a little tired.” Her brow furrows momentarily in concern before her face clears with a warm smile.
Placing her rucksack down, joining the hollow crystal staff leaning against the wall, BB gratefully takes the offered glass and sits as Blue flitters to the open window to enjoy the view. “Thanks Sheryl, sorry to make you worry. But all the thoughts and bits of information I had found recently were bumping round my head, I had to go back and figure it all out but luckily Oriloki was there to help me a bit cause there’s so many shelves and books and….” she drifts off a bit before snapping to the present as Blue flies from the window to land on BB’s tattooed arm. “But right! What I found!”
BB takes a quick sip of the cocktail, followed by a content smile at its pleasant taste, before placing it down nearby. “I found out you were right about the whole boon thing. Supposedly these tattoos are one way of such a boon manifesting from a powerful fey entity having met and or having plans for a certain mortal.”
“Oh that’s so exciting!” Sheryl says elatedly. Sitting back down on the chaise lounge, she starts putting fruit and pastries on a plate for BB. “A powerful fey…” she says thoughtfully for a moment as she passes the plate laden with food. “There are many who claim to be as such in the ’Wilds, though few that actually are besides the rulers of the Courts. Did you find out anything about this fey entity? Maybe which Court they could be from?”
Eyes a little wide at the array of food being presented to her, BB quickly schools her expression to one of gratitude as she takes the plate with a nod before speaking. “I didn’t find anything on Courts, in fact there wasn’t much on this entity at all. Some sources even dispute their existence all together. But what I could find said that these,” she lifts her hand to show the glowing winged serpent that encircles her wrist, “are linked to ancient fey serpents, or more specifically, to Egle the Sovrain of Serpents.” Lowering her hand she grabs a small slice of peach to eat as she pauses to think. “As to what makes them powerful, again this is fuzzy in the texts, but supposedly they’re an ancient spirit with the ability to bring sentience to fey serpents while also having the ability to keep the serpents in control. An eternal wrestle to maintain control.” BB looks sheepishly back up to Sheryl. “Sorry, I understand that was... quite a lot to take in before breakfast, but I am curious as to what you think on all of it.”
Sheryl thinks for a minute, slowly chewing on a lemon filled pastry. “I don’t recall ever hearing anything about any ancient fey serpents, let alone one called the Sovrain of Serpents. Hmmm.” She gives BB a look and then glances at her food in her lap. Picking up a strawberry she pops it into her mouth, slowly chewing it. “You said you weren’t able to find much else even with Oriloki’s help, yes? That the information about the Feywild is limited?”
“Oh, the Feywild as a whole? There’s probably more about it than the small section of lore I was focusing on. As a place it seems to have quite the influence around here, or maybe presence is the better word. It’s weird though, a lot of people have quite the aversion to going to the Feywild and I’m not entirely sure why…” BB smiles slightly as she remembers something. “I’ve always enjoyed my times there, and I’m not just saying that because it’s your home mind you.”
Blue flitters back to the window, BB’s mind once again focused, as she continues to ask, “You thinking of doing some research yourself?”
Sheryl seems to have relaxed as BB spoke, sitting back with a bit more ease. “Not at the moment, no. I’m busy enough as it is,” she answers.
There’s a pause.
“I’m glad to hear you like the Feywild though BB. It… it means a lot.” She smiles sheepishly. “It’s hard sometimes, when you love a place but the majority of people don’t understand why, no matter how hard you try to explain it. Not everyone likes the same things though, and that’s fine too! To each their own. But…” Her eyes wander over to where Blue sits on the windowsill and there’s a brief brush of sadness to Sheryl’s face but then it’s gone. She tilts her head to the side, her golden hair falling over her shoulder, a glint of something in her eyes as she says, “But I think you understand why.”
Green eyes meet blue as BB takes in Sheryl’s expression before she replies, “Ah, perhaps. But I also understand that people can like things for different reasons. To me the Feywild is a beautiful place, especially the wonderful flowers you can get there, which I’m sure is no surprise to you.” She chuckles slightly at her own statement. “But it’s also a place where I don’t stick out, where my magic doesn’t stick out for once. It’s a relief honestly, being able to fit in somewhere.” BB smiles now, an expression of open curiosity “I’m not sure you’ve ever told me what you love the most about your home though, I would like to hear it.”
“What I love most?” Sheryl looks back to the window, towards the sunlight. “I love my Mother. She has protected me and helped me grow, took me in when she did not have to. I love how the air carries music to those who can hear it, that every feeling is truly felt to its fullest – the good and the bad.” She looks back to BB, her face a little more fey-like. “I love the passions, the magic, the people, even when they are wicked. It sounds… odd, I know, but to be anything else and they wouldn’t be who they truly are.” She smirks. “Though some of them could do with a few choice words to help them be better.”
She looks down to her hands and says softly, “But most of all I love the music I’ve found there. It’s unlike anything in all the Realms.”
There’s a beat of silence before BB’s smile turns into something more gentle.
“That’s really wonderful. Truly. If someone doesn’t want to go after a description like that, then they’re really missing out.” BB reaches out, her blue scarred hand engulfing Sheryl’s petite shoulder. “And acknowledging the flaws? Seeing that they’re there? That’s not a bad thing, nothing and no one is flawless. Gosh, imagine how mundane life would be if there were no flaws anywhere!”
She raises both her hands now, eyes wide in her realisation, Blue flying back again but now landing on BB’s head “It befuddles my brain just thinking about it! No Blue that doesn’t defuddle my head, just makes it heavier. But right, Sheryl don’t be ashamed of loving your home! If you ever want to talk about it more, I’m always about. Somewhere.” Blue finished off the statement with a quick trill and a nod of their head.
Sheryl reaches out and wraps her arms around BB, embracing her in a tight but warm hug, BB lowering her arms to reciprocate the warm embrace. The small woman stays there for a moment holding onto her friend and then finally pulling back, resting her hands on BB’s arms.
“Thank you BB. I will. I think you are a good friend and I would like to spend more time together – speaking of the ’Wilds and magic and music – if we get through the next few weeks.” Her eyes cloud over in worry for the briefest of moments before she shakes her head, clearing it. “But the reason I was asking if you couldn’t find anything else was because I wanted to offer my help. I could ask some people in the Summer Court if they have heard anything about the Sovrain of Serpents… if you would allow me to?”
“Yes. Yes I would greatly appreciate that, if it’s not too much hassle for you. I doubt all the secrets of the Feywild are contained in one library in Daring.” BB sighs before she continues. “There’s always something going on isn’t there? An epicentre of chaos, and yet we all stick around. But I think we’ll pull through, just gotta prepare for... anything?” She grimaces slightly, not convinced by her own words.
“Yes, being prepared is key,” Sheryl says. She takes one of BB’s hands and holds them in both of hers. “I believe in our strengths. There are many of us who want to protect these lands, so as long as we stay together, we will defeat the Vanguard and keep this place safe.” The look on her face is as fierce as her words are impassioned.
BB tries to match Sheryl’s determination, nodding before adding, “Together we’re quite the force to be reckoned with, I believe that too, and we’ll certainly make them regret messing with this land and its people.”
Sheryl smiles encouragingly and lets go of BB’s hand. Picking up her plate, she continues eating her breakfast. “I will see what I can find for you BB. I am due to return to the Summer Court roughly two ten-days from now so it may be a little bit before I have something. But I will see what I can find out for you.”
“Sheryl I am very happy to wait, and even if you find nothing, I still appreciate the help. But more important than all that, is that you still haven’t told me what you plan to perform tonight! Blue and I are very excited you know.”
“Oh! Well, tonight I was going to try this new piece I’ve been working on actually! I was inspired by our mission in Vorsthold when I started composing this. It starts off with a few of these–” Sheryl has gotten up to fetch her instrument. Bringing it back over, she starts running her fingers across the celestial strings in waves of glissandos, animatedly talking and demonstrating some of her favourite parts of a new song…
Later that week, after serious flower business has been attended to, BB makes a detour off her route to the Fair Four Winds. Blue contentedly sits on BB’s shoulder, trying to imitate Sheryl’s tune from the other night to varied success. This time she heads toward the high brick walls of the Crimson Fist compound, the shouts and metallic clanging of martial training a clear signal that she’s close.
Arriving at the entrance of the compound, BB steps through and is immediately unsure where to stand so as not to get hit by a weapon. Multiple groups of the Order are engaged in intensive drills - the precise movement of their weapons almost hypnotic as they gleam in the spring sun. She stops for a moment, taking in the organized chaos unfolding under the watchful eye of a dwarven woman who looks frankly terrifying. As the woman spits on the ground and insults the lineage of the soldiers in front of her, BB realises this must be Red - the Order member Baine claims “might actually kill me, one of these days”.
She considers the yard and tries to figure out the best way to cross it when a hand grabs her arm and tugs her brusquely to the side of the entrance to the yard. A young human man with cropped black hair and a black eye looks her over suspiciously.
“Can I help you?” he asks, not sounding like he’s inclined to be very helpful.
BB slowly looks down at the hand tightly clasped around her arm before saying,
“You’re not Baine. So no, you can’t.”
The young man frowns and opens his mouth to reply but is cut off by a loud voice cutting through the din.
“Oi, Kedi, stop manhandling my mates.”
The young man shoots a sullen look over to where Baine is walking towards them.
“Caught her trying to sneak into the compound. Ser.”
Baine grins broadly at BB and winks at Kedi, seemingly unmoved by his sour expression.
“Don’t be pissy ‘cos you lost track of what you were supposed to be doing. Go on back to your post, I’ll bring you a snack later if you’re good.”
Kedi walks off to stand guard at the compound entrance and Baine wraps his arms around BB in a hug that comes just short of squeezing the breath out of her.
“The fuck brings you to my neck o’ the woods mate?”
BB reciprocates the squeeze as much as she can before stepping out of the hug, grinning wide at the enthusiastic greeting.
“Well you certainly seem in good form. But what’s the guard for?”
Baine shrugs his large shoulders dismissively.
“They’ve been posted ever since we lost the bossman. They stuck around ever since. Red’s been putting us on rota. Come on, this way.”
He leads BB along the yard, through a door and into the stables, up some stairs and onto a small watchpost, still speaking as he goes, with BB trying to keep up in unfamiliar territory while still listening.
“Obviously they’ve been useful - the night shift caught that Grathal guy from the Shunned. That’s how we got the in with the Crystal Spire. Usually they stop people before they get inside the actual compound; Kedi was just huffy ‘cause he should’ve stopped you sooner.”
He sinks onto a low bench, looking out over Daring Heights for a second, smiling to himself before turning back to where BB has paused.
“He’s not a bad kid, he’s just used to having to defend himself. But have a seat, mate. What’s cooking?”
BB moves over to join Baine on the bench still a little distracted by the view; it takes her a moment to reply.
“Hmm I get it, just doing his job, but he did surprise me a little. Hopefully it’s just nice goblins like Grathal that are the biggest threat to try and break in. But I came over because I finally got some information on that entity that spoke to me in the Astral Plane. You know the one whose voice I recognised?”
She turns to face Baine fully, making sure to not get distracted by the view again.
“There wasn’t a lot I could find, but I did get a name, Egle the Sovrain of Serpents. An ancient spirit who has domain over fey serpents. So that trip to the Feywild is looking even more likely now.”
“Fantastic. I love the Feywild,” he deadpans at her. “When are we going?”
Her expression hardens as she pauses to think. “When - and how - that happens, I don’t know yet, but it’s gonna be on my terms. No snake braziers or weird rituals or astral temples if I can help it. I just want a little bit of control over all this you know?”
She gives a small shrug.
“Well, as much control as I can have when my magic is involved.”
Baine covers one of her hands with his, holding it firmly in a warm grasp.
“I’m beginnin’ to understand that there are very few things in this life we can control, mate. The one thing we can control is ourselves, and even that’s only some of the time. But we do need to get to the bottom of this, and you settin’ the terms does sound like the best way to go about it.”
He smiles at her, squinting in the sunlight. It bounces off his sunflower pendant and seems to almost radiate from him, its warmth seeping slowly over into BB from where their hands are touching.
“I’ll be there. Every step of the way.”
BB smiles but as her eyes glance down to Baine’s pendant, a wistful look flickers across them.
“Thanks Baine, truly. I don’t think there’s enough flowers in the world to convey my thanks, and there’s a lot of flowers in the world. Know I’ll always be there for you too, thick and thin.”
She pulls Baine into another hug, Blue putting up a small protest at nearly getting crushed before BB leans out of it, determination now evident on her face.
“It’s not a lot of information to go off, but it’s taken me over 20 years just to get something. And that’s not without help mind you, which I’m always grateful for. Even now Sheryl is gonna help me by asking around in the Feywild. But if it’s okay to ask one more favour Baine, tell everyone that you want to. Let them know I’m looking for this ancient fey spirit Egle. Maybe nothing will come of it, maybe something will, but I don’t want to miss anything that might bring me closer to my answer.”
Her voice peters to a whisper as emotion clogs up her throat but next to her Baine is practically radiating unwavering reassurance at her. It's impossible to not be comforted.
“Sure,” he says. “I’ll help put the word out. It’ll spread around soon enough, you know what adventurers are like.”
Blue who has been quiet for the majority of the conversation quietly trills something in BB’s ear, and her face then suddenly freezes in dreaded realization.
“The appointment...Shoot! We’re gonna be so late!”
Another trill from Blue, and another look of realization from BB, this one more awestruck.
“Yes! As the crow flies we certainly will.”
BB gets up from the bench, pulling a small cocoon from the pouch on her belt with practiced movements. The ends of her hair catches on a light breeze that wasn’t there before.
“Sorry to leave so suddenly Baine, bouquet business calls, but all the best luck and I’ll see you soon yeah?”
He grins fondly at her.
“No worries, mate. I’ll see you for Ori’s thing right?”
“Of course, I wouldn't miss it.”
She slowly rolls the cocoon between the palms of her hands, muttering words of the arcane until her form suddenly shifts, a bright blue crow now in her place.
Crow BB lets out a loud caw before leaping into the air, flying over the short fence that encloses the watchtower. Blue quickly follows suit, and both birds circle around the watchtower once, trilling and squawking as they go, before zooming off across the courtyard and towards the rooftops of Daring Heights.
Baine watches her go, his smile fading slightly and his brow creasing with worry. He holds his right hand up, watching a faint shimmer swirl and snake around his fingertips. His eyes flick back to the two birds just as they disappear out of view.
“As someone once said to me - I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
Big big thanks to Queen Merla, the Sun-Blessed and Ser Ser Baine Cinderwood 🔥🌼 . Let's see where this all goes!
Once at the tavern’s entrance she ducks inside to its plush wooden interior, taking a quick moment to glance at those enjoying breakfast at the tables, the other patrons don’t pay her much mind, now used to BB’s large presence.
Taking the stairs to the rooms and leaving the noise of the main tavern behind, BB comes to stop outside Sheryl’s door, knocking gently before making her way inside.
“Sheryl? This isn’t a bad time is it? I finally found some information about my weird new tattoos that I think you’ll be interested in.”
Wearing a soft lavender empire waisted dress with a moss-coloured green shawl draped over her shoulders, the fey-bard sits up, feet brushing the plush carpet as she turns toward her furbolg friend. A platter of pastries and fresh fruit sits on a side table nearby with two plates, ready to be served. Sheryl has an orange coloured cocktail in a tall pristine glass in her hand as she stands.
“BB! I was wondering where you went so early,” she says, setting her glass down to pick up a second one, offering it with a gesture to the chaise lounge. The windows are open to let in the fresh air and sunlight, the gentle spring breeze warming as soon as it enters the rooms. “Please do tell! And have some food, you look a little tired.” Her brow furrows momentarily in concern before her face clears with a warm smile.
Placing her rucksack down, joining the hollow crystal staff leaning against the wall, BB gratefully takes the offered glass and sits as Blue flitters to the open window to enjoy the view. “Thanks Sheryl, sorry to make you worry. But all the thoughts and bits of information I had found recently were bumping round my head, I had to go back and figure it all out but luckily Oriloki was there to help me a bit cause there’s so many shelves and books and….” she drifts off a bit before snapping to the present as Blue flies from the window to land on BB’s tattooed arm. “But right! What I found!”
BB takes a quick sip of the cocktail, followed by a content smile at its pleasant taste, before placing it down nearby. “I found out you were right about the whole boon thing. Supposedly these tattoos are one way of such a boon manifesting from a powerful fey entity having met and or having plans for a certain mortal.”
“Oh that’s so exciting!” Sheryl says elatedly. Sitting back down on the chaise lounge, she starts putting fruit and pastries on a plate for BB. “A powerful fey…” she says thoughtfully for a moment as she passes the plate laden with food. “There are many who claim to be as such in the ’Wilds, though few that actually are besides the rulers of the Courts. Did you find out anything about this fey entity? Maybe which Court they could be from?”
Eyes a little wide at the array of food being presented to her, BB quickly schools her expression to one of gratitude as she takes the plate with a nod before speaking. “I didn’t find anything on Courts, in fact there wasn’t much on this entity at all. Some sources even dispute their existence all together. But what I could find said that these,” she lifts her hand to show the glowing winged serpent that encircles her wrist, “are linked to ancient fey serpents, or more specifically, to Egle the Sovrain of Serpents.” Lowering her hand she grabs a small slice of peach to eat as she pauses to think. “As to what makes them powerful, again this is fuzzy in the texts, but supposedly they’re an ancient spirit with the ability to bring sentience to fey serpents while also having the ability to keep the serpents in control. An eternal wrestle to maintain control.” BB looks sheepishly back up to Sheryl. “Sorry, I understand that was... quite a lot to take in before breakfast, but I am curious as to what you think on all of it.”
Sheryl thinks for a minute, slowly chewing on a lemon filled pastry. “I don’t recall ever hearing anything about any ancient fey serpents, let alone one called the Sovrain of Serpents. Hmmm.” She gives BB a look and then glances at her food in her lap. Picking up a strawberry she pops it into her mouth, slowly chewing it. “You said you weren’t able to find much else even with Oriloki’s help, yes? That the information about the Feywild is limited?”
“Oh, the Feywild as a whole? There’s probably more about it than the small section of lore I was focusing on. As a place it seems to have quite the influence around here, or maybe presence is the better word. It’s weird though, a lot of people have quite the aversion to going to the Feywild and I’m not entirely sure why…” BB smiles slightly as she remembers something. “I’ve always enjoyed my times there, and I’m not just saying that because it’s your home mind you.”
Blue flitters back to the window, BB’s mind once again focused, as she continues to ask, “You thinking of doing some research yourself?”
Sheryl seems to have relaxed as BB spoke, sitting back with a bit more ease. “Not at the moment, no. I’m busy enough as it is,” she answers.
There’s a pause.
“I’m glad to hear you like the Feywild though BB. It… it means a lot.” She smiles sheepishly. “It’s hard sometimes, when you love a place but the majority of people don’t understand why, no matter how hard you try to explain it. Not everyone likes the same things though, and that’s fine too! To each their own. But…” Her eyes wander over to where Blue sits on the windowsill and there’s a brief brush of sadness to Sheryl’s face but then it’s gone. She tilts her head to the side, her golden hair falling over her shoulder, a glint of something in her eyes as she says, “But I think you understand why.”
Green eyes meet blue as BB takes in Sheryl’s expression before she replies, “Ah, perhaps. But I also understand that people can like things for different reasons. To me the Feywild is a beautiful place, especially the wonderful flowers you can get there, which I’m sure is no surprise to you.” She chuckles slightly at her own statement. “But it’s also a place where I don’t stick out, where my magic doesn’t stick out for once. It’s a relief honestly, being able to fit in somewhere.” BB smiles now, an expression of open curiosity “I’m not sure you’ve ever told me what you love the most about your home though, I would like to hear it.”
“What I love most?” Sheryl looks back to the window, towards the sunlight. “I love my Mother. She has protected me and helped me grow, took me in when she did not have to. I love how the air carries music to those who can hear it, that every feeling is truly felt to its fullest – the good and the bad.” She looks back to BB, her face a little more fey-like. “I love the passions, the magic, the people, even when they are wicked. It sounds… odd, I know, but to be anything else and they wouldn’t be who they truly are.” She smirks. “Though some of them could do with a few choice words to help them be better.”
She looks down to her hands and says softly, “But most of all I love the music I’ve found there. It’s unlike anything in all the Realms.”
There’s a beat of silence before BB’s smile turns into something more gentle.
“That’s really wonderful. Truly. If someone doesn’t want to go after a description like that, then they’re really missing out.” BB reaches out, her blue scarred hand engulfing Sheryl’s petite shoulder. “And acknowledging the flaws? Seeing that they’re there? That’s not a bad thing, nothing and no one is flawless. Gosh, imagine how mundane life would be if there were no flaws anywhere!”
She raises both her hands now, eyes wide in her realisation, Blue flying back again but now landing on BB’s head “It befuddles my brain just thinking about it! No Blue that doesn’t defuddle my head, just makes it heavier. But right, Sheryl don’t be ashamed of loving your home! If you ever want to talk about it more, I’m always about. Somewhere.” Blue finished off the statement with a quick trill and a nod of their head.
Sheryl reaches out and wraps her arms around BB, embracing her in a tight but warm hug, BB lowering her arms to reciprocate the warm embrace. The small woman stays there for a moment holding onto her friend and then finally pulling back, resting her hands on BB’s arms.
“Thank you BB. I will. I think you are a good friend and I would like to spend more time together – speaking of the ’Wilds and magic and music – if we get through the next few weeks.” Her eyes cloud over in worry for the briefest of moments before she shakes her head, clearing it. “But the reason I was asking if you couldn’t find anything else was because I wanted to offer my help. I could ask some people in the Summer Court if they have heard anything about the Sovrain of Serpents… if you would allow me to?”
“Yes. Yes I would greatly appreciate that, if it’s not too much hassle for you. I doubt all the secrets of the Feywild are contained in one library in Daring.” BB sighs before she continues. “There’s always something going on isn’t there? An epicentre of chaos, and yet we all stick around. But I think we’ll pull through, just gotta prepare for... anything?” She grimaces slightly, not convinced by her own words.
“Yes, being prepared is key,” Sheryl says. She takes one of BB’s hands and holds them in both of hers. “I believe in our strengths. There are many of us who want to protect these lands, so as long as we stay together, we will defeat the Vanguard and keep this place safe.” The look on her face is as fierce as her words are impassioned.
BB tries to match Sheryl’s determination, nodding before adding, “Together we’re quite the force to be reckoned with, I believe that too, and we’ll certainly make them regret messing with this land and its people.”
Sheryl smiles encouragingly and lets go of BB’s hand. Picking up her plate, she continues eating her breakfast. “I will see what I can find for you BB. I am due to return to the Summer Court roughly two ten-days from now so it may be a little bit before I have something. But I will see what I can find out for you.”
“Sheryl I am very happy to wait, and even if you find nothing, I still appreciate the help. But more important than all that, is that you still haven’t told me what you plan to perform tonight! Blue and I are very excited you know.”
“Oh! Well, tonight I was going to try this new piece I’ve been working on actually! I was inspired by our mission in Vorsthold when I started composing this. It starts off with a few of these–” Sheryl has gotten up to fetch her instrument. Bringing it back over, she starts running her fingers across the celestial strings in waves of glissandos, animatedly talking and demonstrating some of her favourite parts of a new song…
Later that week, after serious flower business has been attended to, BB makes a detour off her route to the Fair Four Winds. Blue contentedly sits on BB’s shoulder, trying to imitate Sheryl’s tune from the other night to varied success. This time she heads toward the high brick walls of the Crimson Fist compound, the shouts and metallic clanging of martial training a clear signal that she’s close.
Arriving at the entrance of the compound, BB steps through and is immediately unsure where to stand so as not to get hit by a weapon. Multiple groups of the Order are engaged in intensive drills - the precise movement of their weapons almost hypnotic as they gleam in the spring sun. She stops for a moment, taking in the organized chaos unfolding under the watchful eye of a dwarven woman who looks frankly terrifying. As the woman spits on the ground and insults the lineage of the soldiers in front of her, BB realises this must be Red - the Order member Baine claims “might actually kill me, one of these days”.
She considers the yard and tries to figure out the best way to cross it when a hand grabs her arm and tugs her brusquely to the side of the entrance to the yard. A young human man with cropped black hair and a black eye looks her over suspiciously.
“Can I help you?” he asks, not sounding like he’s inclined to be very helpful.
BB slowly looks down at the hand tightly clasped around her arm before saying,
“You’re not Baine. So no, you can’t.”
The young man frowns and opens his mouth to reply but is cut off by a loud voice cutting through the din.
“Oi, Kedi, stop manhandling my mates.”
The young man shoots a sullen look over to where Baine is walking towards them.
“Caught her trying to sneak into the compound. Ser.”
Baine grins broadly at BB and winks at Kedi, seemingly unmoved by his sour expression.
“Don’t be pissy ‘cos you lost track of what you were supposed to be doing. Go on back to your post, I’ll bring you a snack later if you’re good.”
Kedi walks off to stand guard at the compound entrance and Baine wraps his arms around BB in a hug that comes just short of squeezing the breath out of her.
“The fuck brings you to my neck o’ the woods mate?”
BB reciprocates the squeeze as much as she can before stepping out of the hug, grinning wide at the enthusiastic greeting.
“Well you certainly seem in good form. But what’s the guard for?”
Baine shrugs his large shoulders dismissively.
“They’ve been posted ever since we lost the bossman. They stuck around ever since. Red’s been putting us on rota. Come on, this way.”
He leads BB along the yard, through a door and into the stables, up some stairs and onto a small watchpost, still speaking as he goes, with BB trying to keep up in unfamiliar territory while still listening.
“Obviously they’ve been useful - the night shift caught that Grathal guy from the Shunned. That’s how we got the in with the Crystal Spire. Usually they stop people before they get inside the actual compound; Kedi was just huffy ‘cause he should’ve stopped you sooner.”
He sinks onto a low bench, looking out over Daring Heights for a second, smiling to himself before turning back to where BB has paused.
“He’s not a bad kid, he’s just used to having to defend himself. But have a seat, mate. What’s cooking?”
BB moves over to join Baine on the bench still a little distracted by the view; it takes her a moment to reply.
“Hmm I get it, just doing his job, but he did surprise me a little. Hopefully it’s just nice goblins like Grathal that are the biggest threat to try and break in. But I came over because I finally got some information on that entity that spoke to me in the Astral Plane. You know the one whose voice I recognised?”
She turns to face Baine fully, making sure to not get distracted by the view again.
“There wasn’t a lot I could find, but I did get a name, Egle the Sovrain of Serpents. An ancient spirit who has domain over fey serpents. So that trip to the Feywild is looking even more likely now.”
“Fantastic. I love the Feywild,” he deadpans at her. “When are we going?”
Her expression hardens as she pauses to think. “When - and how - that happens, I don’t know yet, but it’s gonna be on my terms. No snake braziers or weird rituals or astral temples if I can help it. I just want a little bit of control over all this you know?”
She gives a small shrug.
“Well, as much control as I can have when my magic is involved.”
Baine covers one of her hands with his, holding it firmly in a warm grasp.
“I’m beginnin’ to understand that there are very few things in this life we can control, mate. The one thing we can control is ourselves, and even that’s only some of the time. But we do need to get to the bottom of this, and you settin’ the terms does sound like the best way to go about it.”
He smiles at her, squinting in the sunlight. It bounces off his sunflower pendant and seems to almost radiate from him, its warmth seeping slowly over into BB from where their hands are touching.
“I’ll be there. Every step of the way.”
BB smiles but as her eyes glance down to Baine’s pendant, a wistful look flickers across them.
“Thanks Baine, truly. I don’t think there’s enough flowers in the world to convey my thanks, and there’s a lot of flowers in the world. Know I’ll always be there for you too, thick and thin.”
She pulls Baine into another hug, Blue putting up a small protest at nearly getting crushed before BB leans out of it, determination now evident on her face.
“It’s not a lot of information to go off, but it’s taken me over 20 years just to get something. And that’s not without help mind you, which I’m always grateful for. Even now Sheryl is gonna help me by asking around in the Feywild. But if it’s okay to ask one more favour Baine, tell everyone that you want to. Let them know I’m looking for this ancient fey spirit Egle. Maybe nothing will come of it, maybe something will, but I don’t want to miss anything that might bring me closer to my answer.”
Her voice peters to a whisper as emotion clogs up her throat but next to her Baine is practically radiating unwavering reassurance at her. It's impossible to not be comforted.
“Sure,” he says. “I’ll help put the word out. It’ll spread around soon enough, you know what adventurers are like.”
Blue who has been quiet for the majority of the conversation quietly trills something in BB’s ear, and her face then suddenly freezes in dreaded realization.
“The appointment...Shoot! We’re gonna be so late!”
Another trill from Blue, and another look of realization from BB, this one more awestruck.
“Yes! As the crow flies we certainly will.”
BB gets up from the bench, pulling a small cocoon from the pouch on her belt with practiced movements. The ends of her hair catches on a light breeze that wasn’t there before.
“Sorry to leave so suddenly Baine, bouquet business calls, but all the best luck and I’ll see you soon yeah?”
He grins fondly at her.
“No worries, mate. I’ll see you for Ori’s thing right?”
“Of course, I wouldn't miss it.”
She slowly rolls the cocoon between the palms of her hands, muttering words of the arcane until her form suddenly shifts, a bright blue crow now in her place.
Crow BB lets out a loud caw before leaping into the air, flying over the short fence that encloses the watchtower. Blue quickly follows suit, and both birds circle around the watchtower once, trilling and squawking as they go, before zooming off across the courtyard and towards the rooftops of Daring Heights.
Baine watches her go, his smile fading slightly and his brow creasing with worry. He holds his right hand up, watching a faint shimmer swirl and snake around his fingertips. His eyes flick back to the two birds just as they disappear out of view.
“As someone once said to me - I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
Big big thanks to Queen Merla, the Sun-Blessed and Ser Ser Baine Cinderwood 🔥🌼 . Let's see where this all goes!
