Picture from here: https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/illustrations/god-pan/
This session is basically just a discussion with the Overseer of Long Wick. Even though there's no physical action, there is still a tension about it. I'm no Tolkien (I'm sooo far from it) but this reminds me of Gandalf talking to Frodo about the ring. No fighting, no immediate danger, but still a wonderful scene.
(Who's the Overseer? Taylah, She/Her, Successful, Generous, Stubborn )
(A Warden: Owena, She/her, Aggressive, Resourceful, Loyal)
(What's Important About the Dagger? Begin, Momentum )
Long Whick's halls stood with the trees within her walls. Later this spring, all would be in the shade, but right now the buds were just starting to bloom.
Kiah and Gruff were led to their great hall, which was a large, round, building with a thatched roof. Inside was wide but warm, a cooking fire flickered in the center.
"Overseer, we have visitors," stated the stoic warden who guided them in.
A large woman dressed in green answered, "Oh, so that's what all the commotion was about. Come in, come in," she gestured.
The siblings did so.
"We dealt with wolves at the gate, but there's a wyvern flying around," added the bear-cloaked woman.
"She's mine!" Kiah insisted. "She's harmless, just let her land and give her something to snack on."
The warden eyed the witch dubiously.
The woman in green considered and waved dismissively, "Don't shoot her. If she lands give her some jerky."
The warden nodded and walked out.
"Sit," the Overseer insisted. When Kiah and Gruff did so, she sat at a bench across from them.
"I am Taylah Apple Soul, Overseer of Long Whick. Congratulations on surviving our jailor."
"I'm Kiah Song Hood, Overseer of Great Mount, this is my brother Gruff Foe Slayer."
(Does Taylah Know About Reema? Likely: Yes )
(Does Taylah Know About Kiah? 50/50: No)
"You are now?" said Taylah skeptically. "I'm sure Reema would be surprised."
"I'm her granddaughter, and was her apprentice." Kiah insisted. "S-she's gone now. Killed in a war with White Mount."
Gruff nodded grimly.
Apple Soul did a double-take, "R-really?" Then, after narrowing her eyes, "Tell me everything child."
(Compel: Weak Hit )
Kiah told Taylah her tale, about White Haven's hexes, securing the Sentinel's help, expressing what her vow was, and followed up with details on the war that followed. She spoke truth with eloquence and conviction.
Apple Soul listened attentively with no interruption. The story was paused once to watch the Long Whick children feeding a very happy Shush. At the Oveseer's gesture, the tale was resumed.
When Song Hood had finished Taylah said, "You're a Skald who befriends wyverns. Your words hold magic. You must be Reema's grandkid. I always knew she would be consumed by her own machinations."
Kiah smiled, "Thank goodness. I'll do whatever I can to resolve your people's troubles with New Hope."
The Overseer frowned.
(Was the Overseer She Related to Morgan? 50/50: Yes )
"That was a foolish vow. Morgan was my sister."
"I-I see..." Kia stuttered, then, with a determined look, added, "Even so, I must try."
There was an awkward pause. Suddenly Gruff clapped to get Apple Soul's attention. He pantomimed holding bars and then shrugged his shoulders.
Taylah raised an eyebrow, "You want to know about our jailor?"
He nodded.
"Expressive that that one," the Overseer judged.
"He gets by," Kiah responded proudly.
(Did the Troll Move In Recently? Unlikely: No)
(Why Is He Bothering Long Wick? Support, Revenge)
"Our jailor would be Glush the Troll. He was driven away by my sister. Once word got back that she died, he returned. He's been lurking outside every since, killing everyone he can. He's mighty and a wizard with mastery over wolves. We're safe within these walls, but every year we lose a few people to his traps, spells, and familiars."
The siblings looked at each other in surprise.
Song Hood then said, "I think we were in his cave."
"Impossible...." Apple Soul scoffed.
"We got this," Kiah showed her the dagger she had found within.
The Overseer let out a strangled cry. The Bright Woman handed the weapon to her and Apple Soul held it as if it were a lost friend. "How?" she gasped, "The wolves would have killed you."
'It must have been the crows,' Kiah thought, 'the others likely distracted the wolves so we could get in.'.
An idea struck, she stood and with a grand air said, "How? I'm Kiah Song Hood, Ironsworn Witch of Great Mount." She held out her black iron whale killer amulet and added, "And on this iron I swear I'll find a solution to your troll problem."
(Swear an Iron Vow - Burned Momentum: Strong Hit)
Taylah Apple Soul, Overseer of Long Whick, stared at the Bright Woman at a loss for words. It was as if a hero old was before her.
Whether she was Milla Sun Fire or Maura the Fool remained to be seen.
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