Post by ruthcd on Oct 28, 2024 12:39:58 GMT
Although there have been many fascinating diversions along the way since she arrived in Kantas, Dee’arna decided it is time to get back on track to her original purpose. The next step is following up on the thread that Jenna gave her, which led in the direction of New Hillborrow and the "Arcane Florist" and "Blue Lotus Mage", the one called BB who was apparently *friends* with a god.
Someone this important no doubt needed a gracious approach to a request for knowledge. So Dee’arna got out fresh parchment and ink and crafted a formal letter to send first. The postal service here is just so efficient, it seems the best way forward.
Dear BB the Arcane Florist,
I hope this letter finds you well and the changing season pleasant.
My name is Dee’arna and I am an archaeologist, recently moved to the Dawnlands - and I am hopeful your insights can help my work.
The greatest focus for my studies are ancient yuan-ti sites, wherever in the world they may be found. This is my expertise, and I also have a very personal interest in the histories of my people.
I came here patiently pursuing a rumour, which has spread across the sea, of such settlements. Since arriving in Kantas, I have participated in adventuring and exploring to uncover more, and found there is some truth in the tales.
But before I delve any further into excavations, I have been informed by Jenna of Fort Ettin that you have fascinating personal and religious connections to these sites.
She told me many extraordinary things about you, so it would be a delight if you would indulge my curiosity and tell me your version of this story? I never act with haste, nor on the wildest of accounts alone!
I would be so pleased to travel to your flower shop, or suitable site, during any of the ‘non-adventuring days of the week’, if you are willing.
Please respond by letter, magical means, or mysterious notices in Fort Ettin, as you prefer to find a date of your choosing. I await your response, but please do not rush on my account.
With kindest regards,
Dee’arna
A letter in response arrives for Dee'arna a day or so later. Delivered to Fort Ettin in a tiny backpack belonging to a chipper magpie. The letter itself smells faintly of earthly loam, with little muddy bird footprints staining it.
Dear Dee'arna,
What a lovely letter to find on my doorstep. Thank you for asking, the changing seasons always prove a busy time on the flower fields, busy but good.
But flowers isn't why you're contacting me, so I won't ramble as I tend to about the subject. I do indeed have a history with the ancient yuan-ti sites here and some of the residents linked with it. But extraordinary, oh my! Well I'll let you decide if those claims hold true.
The story itself is complicated and long, with reminders of the dangers these sites contained, but I wouldn't mind indugling your curiosity at all my new polite friend.
Please do come round to the flower fields and my home, found north of New Hillborrow. If you get lost do not hesitate to ask around for directions.
I'll prepare some treats and tea, long tales are always told best with tea.
May you find the flowers,
BB
P.S. Sorry for the mud stains. My magpie familiar Blue was very excited to send this letter, so excited he jumped all over it!
With the encouragement to just come over, Dee'arna packed her bag with some fair excitement. This was exactly what she came to Kantas for... step by step unlocking secrets and knowledge.
It was time to visit New Hillborrow for answers, and apparently, tea and flowers.
Following the directions of neighbours after a long hike, Dee'arna finds herself heading towards BB's home itself.
When she gets to the northern edge of town, the nearby surrounding hills reveal themselves and they're covered in a kaleidoscope of flowers. A cottage is nestled right at the edge of the fields, as if holding back the wave of petals and colour from growing into town.
The left side of the building has a small attached shed with a set of large double doors that are swung wide open, an obvious florist shop inside. A halfling man and sentient shrub are in deep conversation outside the doors, seemingly discussing something about the market cart loaded with bouquets parked next to them.
Dee'arna is dressed in a wide brimmed hat and very practical gear, now slightly mudied from the long walk. Crossing the fields she scuffs her feet trying to clean them a little, and heads to open doors.
She has dark black eyes, on a green face framed by pale yellow scales across her cheeks. Around her neck, above a fairly revealing top, is a shiny necklace from which dangles an emerald with a golden snake resting on it.
She waves to the man as she approaches,
"Hello, sir... I am looking for BB, if you can direct me?”
The halfling man is dressed in a well tailored, but well worn suit, embroidered with many floral designs on its hems and lapels. He waves back and smiles widely,
"Good day! Just Ranulf is fine, and if you're looking for BB specifically then she's round the back of the house. My associate here will show you the way, apologies I can't help further I really must take this cart off to town for the market."
He tips his head as the shrub next to him holds a shrubbery arm out in an overly flourished bow. "And I am Jasper, lovely to make your acquaintance. Now are you looking to make a floral purchase today? Or is it other matters you wish to discuss?"
The shrub starts to walk on two bundles of roots to the side of the cottage, expecting Dee'arna to follow. Dee'arna gives the bush a slow blink, processing this unusual character. Feet. Arms. Shrub. Here we go.
"A pleasure to meet you Jassper."
A short bow in turn to them as she begins to follow.
"I believe BB is expecting me to show up for... tea.”
"My name is Dee'arna," she adds belatedly. "I don't know if she would have told you I was coming some point?”
"Oh you're Dee'arna! Yes perfect, BB certainly did mention you. Wanting to look into the yuan-ti ruins. Very very complicated it all was, certainly the right call to discuss over tea."
At this point they have fully rounded to the back of the cottage, revealing a large plant nursery, gardening tools and a scattered assortment of garden furniture.
Crouched over the tools in an attempt to tidy them is a blue skinned firbolg, her head lifting to see her visitor. BB's long silver hair is barely contained in a single braid, and she wears a simple sleeveless wrap top and trousers (mud stained condition).
Though not adorned in any jewelry she is heavily tattooed on her arms in an assortment of flower desgins and runes in giant. Her green eyes meet Dee'arna's and they are filled with a warm regard for her.
"Ssso, you're BB?" Dee'arna smiles back at her, nervously trying not to show all her sharp teeth as she takes her in.
"Thank you for your swift and sweet letter back to me. You have a very beautiful home out here. I have ssseen nothing like it in the Dawnlands.”
"I am indeed!. Oh and thank you that’s very sweet of you. I have worked hard on this place, to make it a home for myself, the ones I love, and the flowers."
She stands up and dusts herself off, using magic for the more stubborn bits of dirt.
"It's not often I get letters from new friends, so I was excited to talk. Oh but I promised tea and stories! Please choose a chair that calls to you and I'll grab the tea quickly."
Before Dee'arna can blink BB has darted into the back door of the house, the clinking of cups signalling her just as rapid re-entry into the garden with a tea tray.
Meanwhile Dee sinks down into a chair with a good amount of cushions, letting herself burrow into it a bit, and take the weight off her feet. She briefly flicks out her tongue to taste the sweet fragrances of the place, and then rests her hat on a piece of log nearby.
"Tea sounds lovely, thank you.”
BB nods happily and places some mismatched tea cups down for them, the chamomile tea brewing. She perches herself nearby in a rickety wooden chair before turning to Dee.
"So while that's brewing, yuan-ti shrines and ancient sites... I know that's what you mentioned in your letter. But could you explain why you're interested in them here?”
Dee'arna opts not to dive into every part of her personal drive to be here. She just gestures to herself as the answer at first. And then explains,
"I am an archaologist, and religious history is my ssspeciality. It is always wise to learn more about ourselves to inform who we may become.”
BB chuckles slightly at her first answer,
"Well I didn't want to assume anything, but you're right, the past can be full of valuable wisdom. But yes, the sites here are unstudied as they were purposely hidden away. To be revealed at the right time.”
Dee'arna raises an eyebrow.
"To be revealed... by who? But maybe we will get there. Hmm... 'The One Sserpant'. This is what Jenna started to tell me about. That some people were trying to form all the serpent gods into one... but they failed because... they misunderstood a god that you have encountered here?
Now thiss is the sstory I would love to hear."
From an inside pocket Dee pulls out a leather bound notebook and pen, ready to capture notes.
"And let me assure you that such a uniting is not on my agenda, if that is a concern of yours. But if you know more of the yuan-ti gods than I... well please sshare."
And she leans forward, excitedly waiting for BB's story.
As Dee'arna leans forward, BB sinks further back into her chair in contemplation.
"Oh I doubt I know more, you seem quite the specialist and I was just someone who stumbled into it all really.
But good good, reuniting would be bad and possibly not possible? Gosh sorry let me try and start somewhere better. The yuan-ti who lived here many years ago, who made those ruins, were a offshoot cult who saw the other yuan-ti gods as false. That only the One Serpent would allow them to ascend, possibly literally to the Astral Plane as they had a temple there too. They hid themselves from the others they had splintered from, utilising the power of a pact with Glasya to do so.”
She takes a long pause, then suddenly remembering the tea, leans across to pour a cup for herself and Dee'arna.
"My god as you say, my friend as I say, Egle was indeed caught up in all this. I didn't know at the time the significance of our connection you see, just that she was asking for help. We had encountered when I was very young, she had accidentally imbued me with chaos magic and I couldn't even remember her."
Another long pause as remorse seems to wash over BB's face, but she quickly recovers,
"But we stopped them releasing this One Serpent upon the world. We stopped them ascending and in doing so Egle ended up ascending to godhood. Guess that divine energy had to go somewhere.”
Finally she reaches for her tea, takes a sip and looks sheepishly to Dee'arna "So um yeah, I guess you probably have more questions?”
Whilst BB is talking Dee’arna is making quick scribbled notes, her face darting between expressions: interest, concern, surprise, and respect.
“A sssanctuary in the astral plane… fascinating. I can’t imagine what archaeology in such a sssituation looks like…
Ssso your first bit about this cult who ‘saw the other gods as false’ - that fits to me. There’s much theological and historical debate on the nature of Sseth and the others - are they replacements, fragments, or conquerors of each other? I have had my own difficulties with differences of opinion on matters of faith and some are more insistent than others about how right they are.”
She places a hand on her jewelled necklace idly.
“But a pact with Glasya… that’s hm, a risky choice.
And this… Egle - she was not a god when you first sssaw her? What was she then? And I guess… what isss she now? I cannot quite make sssense of your concept… a god as a friend but perhaps you can help me understand.”
The final tone is one polite incredulity fighting genuine curiosity. Then she finally pauses to pour herself a cup of tea and smile back at BB.
BB nods along ethustiacally with Dee'arna's points and observations, almost spilling her tea.
"Interesting you say they weren't the only ones with that attitude. I take it you have a story of your own. But yes, insistent is certainly a word, they had a plan and they were going to execute it no matter the consequences. The Glasya pact went particularly south as they thought repayment for their debt was not necessary.”
She finally smiles back at Dee'arna, "Please don't feel you need to hold back questions. The events with this cult were not the best of times for me, but the outcome of finding a long lost friend make up for it. Egle was not a god when we first met, but my memories are still gone from that encounter.
I just know that she was an entity with some power who was wandering the far northern reaches of Faerun utterly alone. It wasn't some 20 years later, here in the Dawnlands, did we find each other again. She always just wanted a friend.”
"The cult using her power to help summon the One Serpent was something she never wanted. But we wanted to stop them, free her, and in doing so elevated her power. She's the god of snakes and dreams now and I believe I'm still her only follower. Friendship was what we both wanted, godhod was just an unprecedented side effect. Yeah bloomin' heck that sounds odd out loud, no wonder you're unsure of it.”
"Ok... so I understand, she was pulled into this place but not tied to its history? Do you know the approximate age of the sites in the angelbark? I am interessted to connect their timing with those on Faerun."
Dee'arna says, forgetting momentarily that is unlikely to be other people's priority.
"You ssseem to be in a very special position. I think... Jenna was right that you are extraordinary."
And she gives BB an admiring look before throwing in yet another question, on a more personal matter "And ssorry can I ask about Egle... what does your friendship look like? Do you ssummon her here? What are her rituals?”
"Extraordinary, oh my did Jenna say that? I am flattered really, I think bearer of chaos might be much more accurate." She adds with a chuckle. "Though I will admit I have certainly found myself a very special home surrounded by the ones I love so I can't argue too much.
But our friendship? It looks like two people who helped each other in rough times, but now found themselves at a distance of different planes. She talks to me in dreams, we often sit like this actually, and just discuss and talk. So I don't summon her really and I don't really do rituals per say. Maybe the flower crowns I leave out for her count perhaps?"
BB taps a finger on her teacup, trying to recall something.
"But yes, she was pulled into all this.
But I believe it all started when the followers of the One Serpent used that pact to hide their priests within gems with blood sacrifices. To emerge at a right time to unite the serpent pantheon under one deity with their rite. The journals from the followers talked of 'Zealots from the West' and suggested a time long before the Dawnlands looked as we currently know it. I don't think I ever uncovered exact numbers, but perhaps those zealots were from Faerun west? There are some old serpent stones into the forest here, a triplet set, that perhaps you could study and find more from?”
Dee’arna leans back and breathes deeply for a moment as she processes and considers all the information BB has shared so far, tapping her fingers on her journal. Then she moves suddenly, remembering something -
“I have asked you so much, and you have been so generous with your insights. I only have a small gift to offer as thankss, to share at our table. I have carried them on the hike over, so my apologies that they are not so fresh now.”
Pulling out a little box from her backpack, she offers a few small cakes from Paradise Frost, which have little blue flowers done in icing on the top. They are all a little squashed from the journey.
As she places them on the plate, she turns back to BB,
“I hope you will allow me ssome more questions, if you still have the time? Everything you have to sssay is so insightful.
Which forest do you mean for these stones? The Feythorn nearby? Could you point it on a map for me, if I sketched it? That sounds exactly the kind of thing I am looking for!”
She pauses, "Also, if there is anything I can help you with in turn, do let me know. But it seems you have everything you need here."
She gestures to the beautiful fields around them. BB just beams at the praise to the flowers and the fields.
"Your presence as a new friend is more than enough, I'm a bit distant from all the bright adventuring and the friends you encounter these days, though I do hear plenty from Dwirhian and Fog. It's just always nice to make a new friend, especially one that brings such cute treats. Do not ever undersell yourself Dee'arna!"
She reaches over to take a bite out of one of the cakes before realising she still has more to say, so leaves her arm hanging mid-air as she continues,
"But I could indeed show you on a map, they're north east of town. Arranged in a semi circle round a waterfall. I'm not sure you could enter the hidden temple as it flooded as a defence mechanism when I was last there. But I imagine your skills could perhaps find something in the stones themselves that we never could.”
“Serpent stones and a drowned temple?”
Her eyes sparkle with excitement, and she grins back at BB.
“You know, I recently explored a temple under the sssea. It was fascinating - carvings in Aquan, guarded by sharks, and in tribute to a child of Talos and Umberlee. I never would have imagined being able to go somewhere like that. But with just a little bit of magic from a sailor, I’m examining ancient glyphs and signs relating to a mysterious curse. Fascinating stuff. Not related to yuan-ti at all actually - I was helping someone else out on their own quests."
She leans back into the cushions, nestling the drink in her hand, "So… many things are possible. And it sounds like I have the next direction in my journey.”
"I am glad, it's nice to find a direction after wandering for so long. And even if there is not the specific information you seek, the journey itself can be just as special. Ancient glyphs, now that I would have loved to see."
BB reciprocates the grin and leans back like Dee'arna, but also reaches down to sort through a conveniently placed basket of flowers. A flower crown forming from practised ease.
"I am glad to be of some help, your interest and passion in learning the past is fantastic to hear about. Surely you have seen more interesting ruins here in the dawnlands? What would make one special in your eyes? Oh and what's your favourite colour?”
"Oooh, purple. I find it goes with my skin tone beautifully."
"If you wish for more stories... I have only just begun my journeys I sense. But I did make some early friends exploring the temple of Galnulak out in the desert. It was built for the kobold god of traps, and then a dragon tyrant took over and forbade their ways and made them worship him instead. I uncovered some of that story in hidden rooms and intricate murals - much of it was collapsed and still hidden unfortunately. Then I helped Delphium with some of the archaeology work in Gadenthor - though the Netherese Empire isn't my preferred one. So sterile and... not particularly community focused. Yet, there was a delightful café where necromancers petted cats with their pastries - and wizards blackmailed each other.
As for what makes them special? Secrets."
She flexes her left hand a little, shaking something off.
"Yesss. Finding things that time and other causes has hidden from us, and patience can uncover. Knowledge that can help us again. Sssecrets, and surprises... And the Dawnlands seems to have a steady supply of both.”
BB nods along, actively listening while still maintaining a steady weaving of lavender, asters and azaleas into a Dee'arna sized flower crown. "Yeah it bloomin' does, it can almost feel a bit overwhelming at times with it all. At least I felt like that. Thank you for the stories, it sounds like you've been busy and the Dawnlands treating you well, as much as it can.”
She begins handing the finished crown to her before adding, "Is your hand okay? I don't mean to pry but I don't want you sitting there uncomfortable to maintain appearances or anything.”
"Wow, this is beautiful, thank you."
She says reaching for the crown gratefully. Then Dee blinks slowly at the question about her hand and pauses. She runs through three possible lies in her mind and another four truths to reply with, settling for the one of the latter.
"Oh yess, the hand is fine, no discomfort at all. Just a little... piece of unusual magic in there making itself known. But it's something I have under control. Actually, talking of personal matters... may I ask you one final question about Egle?”
BB gets the sense that the word "little" may not be really accurate, or at least is playing something down significantly. Still Dee seems to believe herself at least that she has it under control.
BB tilts her head slightly before releasing the crown to Dee'arna and accepting the quick change in conversation. "Well I am very familiar with unusual magic if you ever need help in the future, no judgement here. But sure, ask away.”
Dee nods, letting a little tension out of her arm at the phrase 'no judgement'.
"I appreciate that. Perhapss... another time. When I have a fuller story to share...
But my question... likewise, feel free to call this one too personal.
Egle’s only follower... is that lonely? Do you not wish to build a shrine or temple to her, and bring others to her cause?”
BB's face does not fall into a look of offence but of shocked consideration, like the thought never occurred to her. "Lonely? Oh no, I don't feel that way. Maybe it's the unique way that this faith emerged because I've never felt her follower, but her friend. You don't tend to build temples and shrines to your friend. Do I leave things out that she'll like, so that she can see them when I dream of this place? Absolutely. Perhaps that could be seen as offerings?”
"Your questions have honestly shed an interesting light on it all. And I say that in a positive way! I long have just flowed along with how the chaos of my life has bloomed you see.”
“Hmm. ‘We do not build shrines to our friends’… Well, perhaps. Unless they really deserve one?”
Dee’arna winks playfully.
“But there are times when we drag others over and say… ‘this friend is worthy of being yours too’ because their friendship excites us. Yess?
I have my own god of course, but I always have respect and interest for the divine in its various forms. I come from a small group who sserve... and she askss us to only recruit worshippers when they are ready, and otherwise we patiently keep her sssecrets. But I at least had that community... still, I am glad I did not offend. And your situation is so special, I am sure you know what is best for your own serpent god-friend.”
"Well I like to think I try my best, perhaps as you say if someone came along who'd be a good friend. Sure. I wouldn’t sequest her away like a prize, that would do more harm than anything else.”
Dee’arna nods.
“A very fair approach. Well, you have been so helpful and generous with your knowledge. A great many unexpected answers, which is my favourite kind of day! And you have been perfectly patient with my questions. Thank you.”
She goes to place her hat on her head and then realises she has the flower crown too. A brief pause. Then she places the crown over the centre of the hat, giving it a lovely purple petalled brim, tweaking it slightly, and then tipping it to BB in thanks.
“I don’t wish to impose upon your hospitality much longer. But perhapss… I could visit you again some time? And share what I have uncovered, if you would like to hear more?”
BB grins wide at the incorporation of hat and flower crown.
"You haven't imposed at all, I always like having friends over. So I insist that you come around again! Whether you have uncovered anything or not. And thank you for the stories, I really did enjoy them."
She tilts her head in an assessing way at Dee'arna, "You're right, purple does really suit you.”
Dee returns the smile, this time not afraid to make it a genuine one which shows her sharp teeth.
"Well in that case... I am already looking forward to it!"
With another bow of her hat, she tucks her notebook back into an inside compartment within her several layers of leather clothing. Then looks for Jasper to also say a quick thanks, and heads back out across the flower fields. Turning back to give BB a wave just before she heads out of sight.
The goodbye is met by the enthusiastic waves of a blue hand and a shrubbery branch.