Picture from here: https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/illustrations/beech-trees-knowle-park/
I like how Raven Father turned out. He's a very non-human elf, but also very familiar. At least, to me.
Kiah muttered and shook herself awake. She rose from her swamp bed. Before her stood Atani Raven Father and her brother.
"You spoke to Bleat the Bat, yes?" questioned the alfar. "Tell us what you have learned."
"Of course," answered Song Hood, and then she regaled her dream, and her talk with the Overseer of Wood Hill. While doing so, she wrung swamp water out of the hem of her dress.
Gruff blinked in astonishment.
Atani grinned as if a great puzzle had been solved. "Of course, that's what the murderer did."
"I'm concerned with the Black Hall. I have no wish to disturb Artiga Curse Blood," pondered Song Hood. The silent warden nodded earnestly in agreement.
[Oracle - Does Raven Father Have A Way To Deal With Artiga (50/50)? Yes]
[Oracle - What Does He Have? Explore, Relationship]
"I will go with you," stated Atani. "Curse Blood should have no issue with me. While we talk, you can steal Zhivka's hide."
"If we succeed, she'll have an issue with you," warned Kiah.
At that, the alfar chuckled, "I have no fear of human ghosts."
Gruff did not look fond of this plan.
"Perhaps you could bargain with her for the hide? If this doesn't go well, then we'll steal it." Kiah suggested.
[Oracle - Will Raven Father Go For this (Likely)? No]
The alfar frowned, "We would lose the element of surprise."
"You needn't worry about that Raven Father," Kiah stated, "My magic can mask Gruff and I".
[Compel: Strong Hit]
Raven Father considered that and then nodded, "Very well, I'll parlay first. If this fails, you must move into her hall and grab the hide."
"Agreed", stated Song Hood.
Foe Slayer looked slightly more at ease.
"Where is Black Hall, Raven Father?", asked Kiah.
"If we walk southeast, we'll reach it by the next afternoon," stated Atani.
Kiah's stomach grumbled, she frowned, "Would you mind if Gruff and I gather a meal first?"
Raven Father gestured at his domain, "Take what you need and rest. We will move on the morn."
-----
While the siblings gathered food, Shush flew off to hunt.
While they gathered, Song Hood sang a woodland song to keep their spirits up.
[Secure Advantage: Strong Hit]
Her music wove through the trees. It brought the alfar into a deep musing of times long past.
[Resupply: Weak Hit]
Kiah was able to gather herbs and berries. She set up a campfire, while Gruff managed to snag a few rabbits.
Shush flew down and partook.
Atani vanished in the swamp. That evening was spent peacefully.
-----
The next morning they awoke to find Atani Raven Father waiting for them.
"We should go," he stated.
"Yes, Raven Father," answered Kiah.
Then, together they struck off southeast. The alfar walked with long strides, the siblings had to rush to keep up. The wyvern followed along from tree to tree without issue.
"Sing for me again," commanded the Alfar.
"I will," Kiah huffed, and nearly tripped on a root, "but you'll need to walk slower Raven Father."
The alfar paused. Eyed her. He then strode forward at a slower pace.
True to her word, as soon as she caught her breath, Kiah sang a song of praise to Etana the Spider, the mother of the forest.
[Secure Advantage: Strong Hit With A Match]
It was a light, merry tune, and the very birds seemed to chirp along. No magic was involved, yet the sibling's steps seemed lighter. Shush flew loops in the sky. The alfar's smile was of ancient joy.
Before they knew it, night had fallen.
The alfar signaled a halt and said, "Song Hood, Foe Slayer, make your camp here. Spend tomorrow's sunlight in repose. In the next evening, we will go the rest of the way and speak with Artiga Curse Blood."
"Of course, Raven Father. Will you camp with us?"
"No..." said the Alfar wistfully. "Your music has moved me. I will walk, and reminisce. Expect me at the next sunset."
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