Winter Acquires the Funds

A Few Nights Ago In The Town Of Mayfield...

The room was well lit, except in the corners where thieves and assassins usually met to settle their unlawful affairs. Winter Silversmith leaned back in his heavy but pleasantly padded oak chair against the corner wall of the Mouse & Lion Tavern in Mayfield. The candlelight danced on his face and around the table illuminating another person. A human female in her late seventies was seated across from Winter. She was dressed in traditional elder human garments with one exception. Around her neck was a beautiful silken scarf identifying her as, at least at one time, being of the gypsy culture.

The Tavern in Mayfield

“Your ama ('mother' in Basque) loved you very much” the woman said as she reached over and touched Winter’s arm gently with her wrinkled hand.

“I know Sara but she could have stood up to ‘The Baron’ and not let him send me away” Winter said in an anguished voice.

“The Baron… why do you insist on calling him that, he was your father” she said scolding Winter. “It is strange why you choose to ignore your geltokia ('station'), you choose to be a simple farmer, when with your lineage you could own grand regions of farmland”, Sara said as she looked questioningly at Winter.

Winter averted his gaze away from Sara “You know why” Winter said “And I have told you not to talk of it in public someone could hear you and that Euskal ('Basque') tongue of yours these are troubling times for Humans in these parts”. Winter paused for a moment to take a sip of his ale, licking his lips and letting the golden honey taste linger in his mouth before swallowing it down. “Besides, he was no father to me” Winter said as he glanced expectantly at the door coming into the Tavern. “You need to go; he will be here soon”.

“I never get to meet your lagun... I mean your ‘friends’” said Sara with a thick English accent “I hardly know who you are these days”.

“He is not a friend” Winter said nervously “please Sara you must leave” as he motioned for the door.

“Fine, I am leaving, agur ene anaia ('goodbye my brother')” Sara stood up and leaned over to give Winter a hug. Winter remained seated giving Sara a half hearted hug in return clearly preoccupied by his pending business. Sara looked hurt at first then gave a loving smile. In the years since she had reunited with her older brother she knew he was not one to show much emotion in public. This meeting clearly bothered Winter though and that had Sara worried for her brothers’ safety. She left the Tavern to calm his anxiety as best she could.

A few minutes passed before a man in a dark cloak entered the Tavern, walked across the room, and sat down opposite Winter. “Baron von Silversmith” the stranger said with a deep nod of his head.

“It is JUST Silversmith, NO von NO Baron, but you already know that Foster” Winter said sharply almost hissing at the man in clear disgust at hearing his title spoken aloud.

“Aye, that I do, I get a bit flustered in the presence of such fine royalty” Foster said in long drawn speech followed with another nod.

“Pfft” Winter spit out some of his ale “Royalty! Enough of such nonsense, Baron, pfft. We have business to discuss you and me” Winter said bluntly pushing the conversation back on the reason for this meeting.

 

Winter Listens

“Yes, yes, I have the letter you requested. He signed it just yesterday and I brought it to you personally as requested” Foster reached into his pocket to draw out the paper. Winter’s eyes darted around the room to make sure no one he knew was there and his sister had left the building. Foster handed Winter the folded letter. Winter took the letter and placed it in his vest pocket and took another drink of his ale.

“Are you not going to read it?” Foster asked.

“I am sure it is sufficient” Winter said as he emptied his mug “Please extend my thanks to the vicar for his charity” Winter chuckled mockingly.

Foster looked at Winter “You know he would do anything for you, he and your father were like brothers… oh if only you had known your brother Deven he was such a strong and honourable man before…If only you and your lady had been wed then you might be happier I think and had sons of your own”.

“Speak not of that vampire!” Winter spit toward the wall as if to expel any curse that might linger from the mention of his eldest brothers’ name. “And I know, ‘The Saint’ and ‘The Baron’” Winter jeered at the thought but appeared to ignore the latter mention of the lady as he stood up from his chair.

The tavern was beginning to fill up with people as the evening dragged on and it was time to head back to his campsite in the Shire. As he walked away he sighed and paused mid step “Does she speak poor of me?” Winter asked looking toward the bar.

“Kari is happy… wed with four strong sons she speaks poorly of no one – including you Baron, I mean m’Lord” said Foster.

Winter placed his right hand on his left vest pocket. He could feel his heart beat through the layers of wool and crinkled letter paper. With a deep breath he blinked the moisture from his tired eyes and left the Tavern into the night.

Refugees, Part 2

Odd Spot for a Tent, Sir

Talia.Sunsong tries an arrow in the bow and shoots at fish in water.

Fiesty Lotus shifts a little back

Saphira Mistwalker winces when the bow twangs and looks to see where the arrow went.

The arrow splashes into rock

Fiesty Lotus: “Last we heard you were livin on the edge of Shadowlands.”

Winter Silversmith: “I lost my ledge in a great fire; I barely escaped with my life.”

Talia.Sunsong: “How exciting.”

Saphira Mistwalker nods. "I did not see you over there, so I had hoped you escaped."

Winter Silversmith: Yes, I awoke one day to the smell of smoke and my boat was gone.

Fiesty Lotus: “It's a long way from there to the Shire.”

Fiesty Lotus: How did you cross the river then?

Winter Silversmith: “It is. Good thing I can swim.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh my!”

Saphira Mistwalker smiles. "Flying is better."

Winter Silversmith: “I swam, slowly and got ashore near the farm.”

Fiesty Lotus nods

Fiesty Lotus: “So, your flock- did they perish?”

Winter Silversmith: “I hope they escaped but they are not as good swimmers I fear.”

Talia.Sunsong:  “Did the cream giving animals survive?”

Winter Silversmith:  “I had sheep so no cream.”

Fiesty Lotus shakes her head but stands riveted at Winter’s tale.

Winter Silversmith:  “My dog was trapped over near the caves when the fires swept across the land, I do not know if he made it.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh that is sad.”

Saphira Mistwalker sighs. "I hope he got away."

Talia.Sunsong: “If I spot him when I'm flying I'll pick him up.”

Winter Silversmith: “Me too, Bear has been a most loyal companion.”

Saphira Mistwalker:  “I will keep an eye out for him; perhaps he fled north into Taibreamh.”

Winter Silversmith: “Perhaps, he is a smart one.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Yes- Taibreamh would not reject a dog.”

Winter Silversmith:  “Good.”

Fae Talia

Winter Silversmith looks at Talia Sunsong.

Winter Silversmith:  “I ramble, you are, fishing?”

Talia.Sunsong: ” I'm fishing with arrows.”

Winter Silversmith: “Oh that is quite a challenge.”

Saphira Mistwalker giggles. "Lady Talia wishes to learn bow. I fear for anyone near her line-of-fire."

Talia.Sunsong:  “I’m Danger Fae; I can take on a challenge.” (Strikes a pose)

Winter Silversmith laughs.

Talia.Sunsong:  “Twirls her bow and sings the "Danger Fae" theme song.”

Saphira Mistwalker shakes her head and whispers to Lady Fiesty, "are you sure she didn't hurt her head when she ran into that tree?"

Winter Silversmith: “ Tree? Ouch!”

Fiesty Lotus shakes her head. She whispers, "She be Fae- they can't be harmed unless yer blow em up"

Saphira Mistwalker nods and giggles.

Talia.Sunsong:  knocks on her head "I'm indestructible."

Winter Silversmith: “ Ah, I have very little experience with the Fae. We did meet once though I think, before, in RiverLands.”

Talia.Sunsong:  “I remember.” (Jumps up and down)

Winter Silversmith:  “Are there places to live here, perhaps to start a farm? I have been staying near the bridge in a small wood these past two nights.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Well- Most of the Riverlands folks are going over the mountain ter Bree.”

Saphira Mistwalker looks at Winter and then at Fiesty, "Perhaps he can find a place there to set up a farm?"

Winter Silversmith:  “Bree, I have never been. I kept to the Shadowlands and Riverlands and would catch a ship from Cheshire to Manitou.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, I do know a famer who be migratin to other parts.”

Saphira Mistwalker: Oh my, can you catch ship from the Brandyfields dock to Manitou?

Fiesty Lotus: “He would want a pretty penny fer his property.”

Fiesty Lotus: “ You be the first one askin so I could put in a good word fer ya.”

Winter Silversmith: Well, my lands in Manitou burned so I would be wanting to start a decent farm here, crops, sheep.”

Talia.Sunsong: “I will scout around for cream, I mean marauders.”

Winter Silversmith:  “Perhaps marauders bearing cream.” (Smiles)

Talia.Sunsong: “Fare well.”

Talia.Sunsong: waves and flies off.

Winter Silversmith waves to Talia

Saphira Mistwalker:  “Good even Lady Talia, and safe paths.”

Talia.Sunsong:  “Farewell folk I protect.”

Fiesty Lotus: Good night Fair Talia

Saphira Mistwalker shakes her head at "Danger Fae".

Saphira Mistwalker: I am afraid that fae is a danger alright, just not the way she thinks.

Fiesty Meets with Winter

Fiesty Lotus to Winter:  “I will have a talk with the farmer- perhaps we can come to an arrangement.”

Winter Silversmith: “Oh thank you. It would be nice to have a home again.”

Winter Silversmith: “To jump in to life can be an adventure.”

Saphira Mistwalker:  “Aye, that it is.”

Saphira Mistwalker: “I should be going as well; I have a bit of a flight back to Taibreamh and my cave.”

Saphira Mistwalker: “I hope you will find a place to start a farm Lord Winter.”

Winter Silversmith: “Great to see you again Saphira, so happy you did not perish in the fires.”

Saphira Mistwalker: Good even and warm winds to you both.

Winter Silversmith: “And to you Lady Saphira.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Good night Lady Saphira.”

With that Fiesty and Winter parted, agreeing to meet the next day.

Refugees, Part 1

It was three days since the Great Migration had started. Fiesty and her assistant Maisie stood waving at the latest batch of refugees as they began their trip across the Brandy Mountains to the hamlet of Bree. They were a hearty bunch and Fiesty thought they would fare well there. Many were left, elderly, sick and those who needed help to reach Brandyfields.

The Shire was humming with activity. Hobbits rushed about trying to feed the refugees.  Tents were put up in any available spot and the Hobbit households were full to the brim with Humans and Elves trying to not smack their heads on the rafters in the burrows.

Food Preparation at the Mill

The mill, the tavern, and the lighthouse were full of stewing and baking. The infirmary was full also.  The smoke and sulfur has affected many that lived close to the Shadowlands. There were the expected ills that might come from the rapid escape to the Shire; soreness, injuries and dehydration. But there was also a deep sense of depression that was now taking the place of the initial shock.

Mothers listlessly dandled their babies while the older children kept close by, fearfully watching the new environment. Some Hobbits, like Dodric Brandybuck, tried to play with the children, telling them gentle jokes and throwing balls about, but it was tough going.

Watching Myrtle Follow John the Shepherd

As they walked to their next appointment Fiesty noticed Myrtle hurrying up the pasture to John Dawson, the orphaned shepherd boy. She looked determined, as usual. Fiesty commented to Maisie, “That could be trouble.”  Maisie nodded and wisely replied, “Yes, imagine being free ter roam and all fer a year and then wind up in Myrtle’s care. It could be tryin on both of em.”

Fiesty nodded in turn. Her instinct was the boy would be better off in a human household, but the refugees had all they could do with their own families.  “Well, I will look fer a chance ter talk with him soon. Perhaps there be a way ter fix it.”

Their goodbyes done for the morning, Maisie went down to the Mill and Fiesty looked for Berilac Tighfield, her chief organizer. Not for the first time Fiesty wished Juste was about to take over that office, but he had followed the King and had not been seen since.

She found Berilac in the assembly house surrounded by Hobbits and Humans and a few Elves. The hubbub had slowed considerably but there still was a shortage of shelter. When Fiesty came in he spoke to one of his assistants and stood up, allowing his assistant to take over.

“Archdruid Lotus, good day ter yer” Fiesty smiled and said “Now you know I want yer to call me jest Fiesty.” Berilac nodded, a sour look on his face at the impropriety, but said “Yes mam.”

Fiesty internally sighed and then asked if there was anything he had to report. “Ah yes mam, we had two fire violations and a report of a few thefts. The cattle did get into the grain and had ter be chased out with brooms by Dame Violet and her niece. The tent team managed to make 50 new tents, and 200 pallets out of chicken feathers and hay. We used up 80 bags of flour, 32 bags of sugar, 30 hens fer stewing and 56 bags of grain fer porridge this morning…

” Fiesty cut him off, “But were there any new refugees, and does everyone have shelter?” 

Berilac looked down at his notes, “Well, most have shelter. We did get a few stragglers, an elven fellow, name of Fingon, and a human, name of Silversmith. 

Fiesty Approaches Beleriac Tighfield

Fiesty cried “Silversmith, Winter Silversmith?” 

Berilac answered “Um yes, that is the name, he was right bedraggled lookin.”  
Fiesty practically shouted “And where is he now?” 

Berilac looked uncomfortable, “Well, every home was spoken for so we gave him a tent and a token ter get some food. I dunno know where he is rightly.”  With a frown, Fiesty told Berilac that someone should be sent to look for the man. He nodded and found a scout to seek him out. 

Then she turned to some of the Hobbits in the hall. “You boys go out and give the word that Market will be held tonight by the Lighthouse. Make sure everyone in the Shire gets the word. Would you do that for me?” The boys all said yes and scattered, happy to be out in the air instead of the stuffy assembly room.

***************

Later on, the Market was held in the Shire. The Lady Saphira was there along with Fae Talia, They were talking about the latest developments when they heard a welcome voice from a distance.

Winter Silversmith shouts: Halloooo

Winter Silversmith mumbles to himself “What a beautiful place, I cannot believe I have not been here before.”

Saphira Mistwalker looks over to the bridge. "Ah, there he is."

Talia.Sunsong: "Princess Lightning can teach me how to shoot. That is awful generous of you considering I might defend myself with it. I want a nickname for learning how to shoot. I want to be Princess Danger Fae"

Winter Silversmith: “Odd place for a tent sir.”

Saphira Mistwalker giggles at Lord Winter's comment.

Fiesty Lotus turns to see Winter approaching

Talia.Sunsong:  “Greetings”

Winter Silversmith: “Ahh there you be.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Greetins Lord Winter.”

Winter Silversmith:  “Blessed Be”

Talia.Sunsong:  “Princess Lightning is offering to teach me how to shoot arrows.”

Saphira Mistwalker:  “Greetings Lord Winter, and welcome to the Shire refugee camp.”

Fiesty Lotus: “How yer faring?”

Winter Silversmith:  “Well it was quite the journey but I survived.”

Winter’s Escape from the Shadowlands

Winter Silversmith lay in bed with his eyes closed. It was warm and he was comfortable. Winter could feel the sunlight beaming in the window and onto his face. Nearby the waterfall roared sending water streaming by the ledge Winter called home. Winter listened for the sound of Bear pestering the sheep as his faithful German Shephard did every morning. Winter heard barking below, but this time it was different somehow, Bear’s bark was more excited than usual.

Winter took a deep breath and could smell sweetgrass and cedar burning. Winter opened his eyes and discovered a ghostly haze filled the room. As Winter’s senses began to awaken he could hear a strange sort of crackling noise that began to mask the roar of the nearby waterfall.

Suddenly a rumbling jostled the whole of the treehouse and a painting near the door fell of the wall with a crash. The corner of the frame cracked and splintered across the floor. “What is that, a quake?!” Winter exclaimed as he jumped out of bed. Winter could hear the sheep bleating below as Bear barked frantically. A second rocking and loud cracking shifted the treehouse to the right and off its foundation knocking Winter back off his feet.

Bears’ barking became a pained yelping and Winter called out as he crawled toward the door “Bear, I am coming, are you hurt?” Bear did not have time to reply to his master's voice. Another quake ripped large boulders out of the ledge and dropped them, along with Bear and two sheep, into the river.

Winter shoved the treehouse door open, to reveal the chaos that lay before him. The treehouse teetered precariously over the river several paces from where it stood before.

Winter caught a glance of the river, it was full of debris much of which was on fire. The opposite shore was barely visible through a wall of brown-white smoke. The shore, trees and Winters’ rowboat were on fire.

“Bear!” Winter called out over the crackling flames dancing on nearby branches. The red and yellow Autumn leaves curled and crumbled into black ashes blowing away in the hot gusts of wind passing by. “Where are you?” Winter called out as his eyes darted from left to right. Winter hunched on all fours in the doorway and after taking a deep breath leapt clumsily forward towards the river below.

Tumbling downward Winter landed on his right shoulder into the cold ripples of the river. Winter flailed his arms and traveling with the current landed on the mainland shore near Can’s farm. Coughing from the water in his mouth and throat and the putrid smoke in the air Winter clamoured up the rocks and onto the shore. After another violent quake rumbled through the farm Winter rose to his feet quickly surveying his surroundings. The farm was empty, pens were disheveled, gates were left open, everyone had already fled the chaos.

 

Shadowlands in Flames

Winter began running toward the bridge to Cheshire Market. “I have to get out of here, I just pray there is still a ship in port” Winter said. Where was Bear? Did he survive and would Winter see his loyal companion ever again? What of the sheep, did they all perish? Winter did not have any time to look before his sobering dive into the river. The air was thick with smoke and any crack where there was no smoke only flames licked through. Winter had lost his home, his small flock of sheep, and he feared his dog Bear, who was a member of his family was gone – his only family.

The marketplace was deserted. The Ranger sentries that normally stood guard at the archway were gone. A hay-filled cart lay overturned near a couple stands its cargo of baskets of apples spilled out across the cobblestones. A warm ash filled breeze circled through the deserted streets. A shutter on a window of a nearby shop creaked open slamming with a thud against the wall. Winter ran past the trees in the courtyard and out towards the docks.

“Aye now, who goes there?” a Ranger stepped out to meet Winter as he entered the Cheshire Docks. The Rangers clothes were disheveled and blackened with soot.

“Lord Silversmith of the Shadowlands” said Winter.

“Shadowlands!! By the gods’ sire, that area was evacuated hours ago, the final boats out of here are right over there” the Ranger said pointing at a cluster of small fishing vessels.

“Final? Is there no hope of saving River City or Cheshire or…” Winters’ voice trailed off in disbelief.

“All is lost the fires and the quakes can not be halted by a miracle this harbour is even still standing” the Ranger replied.

“Not for long, the flames were licking at the fence of Can’s farm” Winter said pointing back towards the smoke billowing into the marketplace through the archway. “You had better get aboard, the boats are leaving for the Shire, the Hobbits are offering everyone sanctuary until they can be relocated” the Ranger nodded towards the ramp to the nearest boat. Winter ran up the ramp and onto the boat launching for the Shire. “What will become of us?” Winter glanced back at the docks and watched as flames drifted onto the roofs of the buildings.

***********

The boat docked along the shore and the weary refugees including Winter disembarked onto the lush green grass of the Shire. The boat held six stragglers who were found throughout the River City either trapped by fires or gathering what trinkets they could from their shattered lives.

Winter had nothing but the tattered clothes on his back and no shoes. His feet were bruised and blackened from dirt and ash. “No shoes, well that is something normal at least” Winter said glancing down at his feet and wriggled his toes.

A Hobbit stood by a nearby bridge with a quill and scroll in his hand. “Name and former home” he said staring at Winter. Winter replied and tried to ask the Hobbit about lodging. “Cross the bridge and see Berilac Tighfield he is assigning housing to refugees” he said without even raising his head to acknowledge Winter further. “Next!” the Hobbit said bluntly waving Winter toward the footbridge.

Winter Looks Back

Winter walked over the footbridge and paused for a moment to watch the sun setting behind the trees. "Goodbye Bear I hope you are at peace now"

Galdor Glimpses the Future

The leaves rustled gently above his head and his keen ears could hear the soft murmuring of some forest creatures nearby. Galdor following Elbereth along the Celebrant, its trickling waters calming him further as he watched the shimmering Maia brush her fingertips along the old gnarled trunk of a mighty Mallorn. It seemed to him the giant tree bent towards her, its branches and leaves seeking her caress.

Elbereth turned and bestowed a wistful smile upon him. 'Maethril nin (My warrior), is it not a joy to bask in the sensation of complete peace at this time,' her musical voice washed over him in waves.

Galdor glowed, his heart leaping at her gaze and words. 'It is indeed a seldom felt situation for me, Elenion Ancalima (Brightest of Stars). There has been Darkness and strife among and around us most of my life.'

Galdor, Protector of Lothloriel

Galdor of the Trees  let long-subdued memories arise and relived the battles, the blood and the dying he had encountered in his long life, but the visions soon faded as the soothing presence of the Keeper of Lothloriel once again focused his energy on their surroundings.

An array of animals, birds and insects fluttered and danced in Elbereth's wake. He knew she was communing with them, but try as he might, he could understand none of the murmuring. He gazed at Elbereth in surprise as she spoke in a tongue he did understand... 'In time you too shall understand and join in these conversations with our little friends here, Thalionen (my champion). Remain vigilant and willing, in patience lays much reward.'

He grinned. Elves were patient in character when compared to the often hasty Second Born, yet he had recently learnt a valuable lesson. Elbereth had pointed out a human to him when they had last visited Taibreamh and suggested he watch the man for a time.

As she had continued her wandering among the hills and vales of the lush region, he had viewed the young man from a distance. The sun had reached its zenith and Galdor's amazement grew as the human remained perched on the side of a lake, unmoving, fishing rod in his hand, hopefully awaiting the bite of some curious creature of the depths.

On Elbereth's return, she had laughed softly at his puzzled visage and asked him whether he still thought all humans rash and incompatible with stillness.

Galdor had replied that it was indeed a rare sight for him. The meditative state of the young man so contrary to the often loud and unthinking actions of many human youth.

'This young man is a passionate fisher, my friend. He has studied his prey, but also his own disadvantages and learned to compensate well. The meditative state he enters gives the fish no account of his being there. He will wait many hours to make a catch, but I have yet to encounter a time where he has not thanked his prize for rewarding his patience and then returned his new acquaintance to its watery home. I'm inclined to think that it has actually become a game between man and fish - just who will display the most patience on this day!'

Galdor chuckled and inclined his head towards the glittering form of the Maia, his tone reverent, 'Herinya (my Lady), thank you for making me see things in a different light. There are truly surprises enough when encountering the other races of these lands and I see that there is much to learn from man and beast... and fish!'

Elbereth's tinkling laugh was carried on the breeze as the rise towards Mirkwood appeared before them and she became thoughtful.

'The Woodland King has been true to his word. His pledge to give sanctuary to those Elves from Calenhad who seek it, has been fulfilled. Soon we will go among the woodland elves and their new brethren and celebrate the strengthening of the Elven kingdom of Thranduil.'

'As you wish, my Lady. But how fare the other exiles from the River Lands?'

Elbereth Looks toward the Shire

Elbereth looked far off across the waves lapping on the shores of Lothloriel, taking time with her answer, 'Meneldor the mighty Eagle has reported that the humans venturing through the Shire towards Brandyfields were greeting warmly by most. There was surprisingly little dissent among the Hobbits themselves and the ArchDruid Fiesty managed to feed and shelter the many exiles with much energy and little fuss. A visit to the Shire will also fill our time until the coming full moon.' Galdor nodded, astounded that the exodus from the River Lands had progressed so peacefully. 'And what of Taibreamh, melda heri (beloved Lady)?'

Elbereth's gaze flew across the waters towards the mist-shrouded lands and her smile grew larger, 'There has been some wonderful progress among the races there too, Galdor. Races once divided have opened their hearts to one another and the foundation for future dealings and possibly friendships has been laid. Elves, men and even dwarves are residing side by side, something that has not happened in many years... it is a promising future that awaits, now that imminent danger has been swept away.'

Elbereth turned and gave Galdor a tranquil look, her eyes glistening with hope, 'Although Darkness may yet return and seek foothold among these peace-loving folks once again, the opening of their hearts to one another and the strengthening of the bonds amongst the races will create a greater defense against evil than any the Valar are likely to exhibit in future.'

Elbereth Shares her Joy

She placed her hand on his chest, a warm glow piercing his bodice and flowing through his limbs, the joy of life filling him completely as he stood mute and in awe before her.

'It is a blessed time, sadron (loyal one), then even out of great tragedy, a shimmer of hope always survives to exalt in.'

Allergic to Purple Mushrooms, Part 2

From Part 1:
Saphira feels a strange tickling all over her body. She looks down amazed: her skin has turned a decidedly yellow cast, with strange purple dots appearing everywhere.

Allergic to Purple Mushrooms

Fiesty turns back as the sounds cease. Fiesty: "Oh my"

Saphira hisses with alarm. "Lady Talia, was there anything unusual about that cow I should have known?"

Fiesty's eyes are wide

Talia: "It was an extra special fed cow"

Saphira: "Extra special? Fed with what?"

Talia: "Is this a dragon skin? with Polka dots?"

Saphira: "No, this is NOT a normal dragon skin"

Talia: "Is that camouflage?"

Saphira Mistwalker: "What happened to me? What was in that cow?"

Talia: "I wanted purple cream."

Saphira: "And? What did you do to the cow?"

Talia: "Everyone can understand wanting purple cream right? Well, I did the sensible thing. I fed purple Fairyland mushrooms to the cow."

Fiesty holds her hand to her mouth

Saphira growls and gestures at herself in disgust. "Fae mushrooms! You know those have odd effects on other races! Look at me!"

Talia: "You look very cheery. Why I want to connect the dots on your skin."

Copper squints and does see strange coloring on the ambassador

Saphira shakes her head, feeling a bit strange beyond her appearance.

Talia: "Does anyone have a quill pen and ink for me to connect the dots?"

Saphira hisses warningly. "Stay away fae."

Myrtle nearly giggles, but restrains herself

Talia backs up a step as the dragon hisses

Fiesty: "Oh no..."

Saphira blinks and giggles. "Um, I am feeling very strange."

Talia: "I can find more mushrooms to see if they turn the spots a different color""

Talia: "How about we dye all of your skin the same color as the dots?"

Enough of Fae Mushrooms

Saphira hisses again. "No, I think I have had enough of fae mushrooms for today."

Talia looks at Fiesty "Maybe the Hobbits know what to do."

Fiesty: "Um, I canna say anything but a purge". "And that might be fatal also".

Saphira looks around. "Lady Fiesty, I am not sure I want the rest of this cow. You may keep the silver, but I am not sure you want to feed it to anyone else."

Fiesty: "Oh, I ain't gnna do that"

Talia: "Maybe it will make purple leather."

Fiesty: "I could get some Dillonweed and a few herbs"

Saphira giggles, quite out-of-character given her appearance. "Oh, don't worry Lady Fiesty, I will be fine."

Fiesty: "Copper, have the boys dispose of this tainted meat"

Copper: "Yes Mam"

Saphira tries to look serious, but bursts out giggling again.

Talia: "See, no problem, Lady Saphira is quite pleased with her new skin."

Saphira blinks again, and her thoughts turn to dwarves. "You know, I'll bet the dwarves moving in north of here would love a home-warming gift."

Talia: "A big barrel of mead for the dwarves?"

Saphira: "I think I have some gold coins they would really like."

Talia: "Like the ones I swam in?"

Saphira: "Yes, exactly. I could take that whole chest over to their caverns."

Fiesty's eyes go big

Saphira giggles again.

Talia: "I would like a home warming gift too!"

Fiesty: "Oh no Ambassador, I think that is an overly generous thing to do". "Yer might regret it in the mornin"

Saphira: "No no, I have made up my mind. Safe paths all"

Talia: "I never regret anything. It's a Fae blessing"

Fiesty looks flabbergasted

Saphira launches herself skyward a bit unsteadily. She giggles and waves as she flies off.

Fiesty waves at the Ambassador as she flies away.  Fiesty shakes her head "Fae Talia, I don't think you have heard the last of this"

Talia: "You mean, Lady Saph will come with gold presents? I should feed Fairy mushrooms to more cows to see if she gives me some shinies."

Fiesty: "NO, no more feedin me cows!"

Fiesty: "You will not do so on my land!"

Talia: "the cow liked the mushrooms"

Fiesty: "I forbid yer doin that!. They be Shire cows!"

Talia sighs but wants to continue to eat Fiesty's food so she won't feed mushrooms to cows. "I'll stop if you feed me."

Fiesty: "I'll feed yer Fae"

Talia: "Yay!" The Fae jumps up and claps her hands, dropping a purple mushroom by accident.

Myrtle goes home, the excitement over

Fiesty points to the mushroom. "Pick that up and take it with yer"

Talia: "oh, did I drop that?"

Copper turns to gather his scouts to clean up the cow remains

Copper: "I think we will bury this lot in the mountains"

Talia: "Maybe mushrooms will grow in the grass"

Fiesty: "No mushrooms here. That's me final word"

Talia: "Too bad" The Fae picks up the fairy mushroom and tucks it in her waistband

The Treasure Delivered

Saphira arrives back at her cave. Her gaze settles on the treasure chest against one wall. With a decisive nod she slams the lid and drags the chest outside. She transforms to her dragon form, but still with an odd yellow tinge and purple spots. She grabs the treasure chest in her claws and with a great flap of her wings becomes airborne. Shadow dragons are not as large as other dragons, and it is a heavy load to bear any distance. She manages to carry the chest to the dwarvish caverns without a major crash.

Saphira drags and pushes the chest into the main entry hall of the realm and flings it open. The dwarf guards can not but stare in shock at the oddly colored dragon and her treasure. She hisses laughter and smiles. "Greetings from the Shadow Dragon clan". Saphira turns away from the astonished dwarves and leaves the caverns.

Exhausted from her work, she flies slowly home, transforms to her humanoid form and curls up to sleep in her cave. Saphira wakes the next morning with a ferocious headache. "Oh, by the Great Mother, that is the last time I trust an unknown cow for my dinner."  Saphira glances down at herself, seeing her human skin has returned to a normal color. She scans her cave, was everything here? Where has her treasure chest gone? She lets loose a long stream of draconic curses. She remembers now how she gleefully carried an ENTIRE treasure chest of gold over to the dwarves.

The Chest is Missing

Saphira hisses and then sighs. "Ah well, at least the Shadow Dragon clan has extended a peaceful greeting to the dwarves. One way or another though, fae Talia is going to pay for this." Saphira feels her stomach rumble again. "And I still need to find a good meal."