Braigneth: The White Hand's Story

Dusk had settled into the Tradesman Terrace of Gwie’vre, clouds let brief trickles of sunlight shine down upon the busy streets and passages which interwove through the massive ancient tree of Ge’hena’s roots. Hawkers shouted their wares in a mix of tongues. Dwarves shouted in thick accents to spread the word of the finest armor and weapons in the Elven Nation, Halflings harked for tales of nobility, honor and valor amongst the populace and Elven craftsman called upon the people to look at what they managed to bake. All offers of goods were presented and purchased. The streets were lively and bustling with foot traffic and people of all creeds. Even humans wandered to look at the stalls, with their minders in tow to make sure the rowdy did not get out of line. Everything seemed to be just as it should be.

High above the sun let out a ray of light towards the Estate and made a small flock of birds leave and fly over the city in an attempt to seek out a bit of shade. It was nearly time for those non elven to retire for the night and the Elves to reach their zenith of daily activities. However, the Main Street was much more ablaze in activity this evening for a particular individual strode through it’s streets. As she approached, the people bowed to her in reverence and respect. The figure was taller then most but only by half a head. Garbed in the finest elven mail with a hand crafted elven bow upon her back walked Braigneth, the White Hand with her faithful companion, Coe. The pair were as white as snow, white washed in appearance right down to her clothes. Over her mail was a long flowing robe which gave the indication of the mail underneath. On her right was a Dwarven Noble and she had been giving him her full attention. It was a pleasant enough talk, for she did not have as much distain for the dwarves as certain other races, but she knew better then most the greed of the Dwarves. Nothing ever came for free after all. She would sigh and look amongst her people and wait for the Dwarven Noble to make his next thought known. They had been quiet for a few minutes as they had left the Estate.

Jorn accompanied his host down into the market district of Gwie’vre only to clench onto his cane with every other step and to stop and consider the finer quality items at a stall or vendor every now and then whilst his mind began to calculate and take everything he needed into account. The dwarven noble simply dressed in garb that matched his peoples taste whilst keeping to simple designs and even simpler jewels.

"My Lady Braigneth, you do me and my people an honor which has not been seen or heard from in ages." Jorn found his stony gaze upon a merchant selling elvish made blades only to admire the fine craftsmanship before him. "However with that Dragons arrival the Council has sent me to once more ensure our peoples trade agreements and reliable defensive pacts. My countrymen might be licking at our wounds but I assure you that we have not simply fallen off the face of our realm and left ourselves defenseless." With that said that Jorn produced several platinum coins from his person only to make a trade with the elvish weapons merchant.

"I also am not foolish enough to imagine that our continued friendship is not something simply bought and thrown into a chest for safe keeping." Jorn turned his stony gaze back to his Host. "Our people live in peace due to the continued talks that we have."

Braigneth's hands folded in front of her lap, regarding his words and taking them into full consideration. It was true that his influence had brought plenty of dwarven merchants, wares and materials into her Woods. Much to the chagrin of the Council who would have seen to their removal and summery expulsion out of the nation. She knew how much to let on to the Dwarven Noble and how much not to divulge. Still seeing him play more to their alliance did see some glimmer of hope in the Dwarvish people. A small nod came next while she watched the shop keep practically beam: A younger elf whom eagerly handed off the blade to him. He had probably never even seen platinum coins before in his life. Wealth like that was not usually seen in these lands and it was rare to own a platinum coin. Gold surely but this was a rare honor. The younger man bowed to him and went to deliver his change in exchange for the blade.

"Thank you Master Jorn for the vote of confidence. I had no doubt that you're people would uphold the bargain and I am honored to see you're continued support to our economy. You've started to make a bit of an impact here within Ge'hena. My people speak well of you're traders and craftsmen. I've not heard any complains of the Greed as of yet"

The word of Greed made her voice turn hard and cold for but a moment, seeing as how she knew very well of dwarvish greed all too well. She had seen herself be a pawn for such greed before, yet she knew they were not fully to blame. Braigneth's lips curled into a warm smile as she gestured forward while the young elven smith returned with a small bag of gold coins in change.

"As for the matter of the dragon, I was interested in hearing of such accounts. I have only a few offhand accounts of what caused the dragon to appear and wreak such havoc upon our fair world. I could feel the tremors from the Throne within Ge'hena. Should the need of militaristic action come about, I can only offer what aid I can. Though I do not think it should come to it, so long as it stays far away from my Woods"

"The dragon is no longer an issue." Jorn chimed in only to ignore the elven queens mention of Dwarven greed for the time being. "It was a unique an interesting thing for our people to have something so massive sit upon our doorstep only to suddenly vanish into something small and inconceivable, the mysteries of dragons I'm afraid." Jorn gave a nod to the elvish merchant only to take his gold and be on his way.

As for the trade between the elves and the dwarves the Council of Dwarven Lords need only know of the good tidings and willful aid of the elvish nation. It was all simply due to a few well placed promises that Braigneth would act if called upon and that her forces would be required in the long run.

"My manners of course. No need to thank me for helping the gold flow." Jorn took a breath and admired the blade once more just to then slip it through a makeshift loop upon his belt allowing him to once more walk with a single hand free as he continued with his cane in the other. "I act as Master of Coin for my people. This was only a grand area of investment to which has provided both of us wealth."

The two of them would walk for some time before Jorn would come across a bench in which he would rest his weary legs. "Business as usual though I'm afraid I need to ask of a favor. I need to give a speech for my people and I would be pleased if you and I could come to an arrangement of goods and materials to help rebuild a good portion of my home."

"Wealth is not the thing that concerns me all that much. While important, it is mostly the materials that you supply. You're ores are far sturdier then what we can aquire. Indeed the dragon's ways are often quite the mystery. Only a handful of my Magi can comprehend the complexities of draconic magic. It is an enigma that we surely did not mean to make"

Braigneth stopped infront of the bench and clicked her tongue a bit. Speaking in a form of Low Speech, she looked back towards the massive elk beside her. The beast, Coe, nodded and laid down in the street allowing Braigneth to rest upon his side and on the ground. Crossing her legs and letting her bare feet rest on the soil below her she chuckled a bit.

"Of course Master Jorn, I was expecting business after some of the pleasentries. Though I would certainly hope that afterwards we might visit the Grove of the Songsingers. I did promise my children an appearance and my voice in the song. Then we might retire for a spot of dinner and entertainment. Speak my young Noble. What sort of material and goods would you require of the Elves? I can do my best to give you what you need for a fair price"

Braigneth crossed her arms, sliding them up into the sleeves of the robes she wore and letting herself relax against the mighty beast of a mount she had. The Elk looked upon the Dwarf as well, eyes slightly narrowed but clearly was focused on his words. He let out a short snort while waiting to hear the Dwarf's words.

"Lumber." Jorn kept it short and allowed his gaze to fall upon the elvish queen whilst he held himself firm. "We can cut down the forests within our mountain homes and leave ourselves bare to the world or we could seek out a trade with your empire who have shown great respect to their lands and can easily replace what have been removed." Jorn reached for a flask within his inner jacket pocket only to down half its content before looking back to his host. "Furthermore we would require the wood itself to be treated with seals and blessings to hold strong like the petrified walls of the former City when I first came to your people in o rder to achieve piece and trade."

The old dwarf pocketed his flask once he took another drought from it. "My people could work the enchantments and runic sigils but I would be lying if I claimed we could do it better. In return we would provide payment and a supply of gemstones and minerals worthy of any master craftsmen. This is however if you cannot think of a payment more worthwhile?"

Lumber... At this mention, Braigneth's face turned a bit hard and her sitting posture straightened up. It was a very tall order that the dwarf was asking. Much of the Gwie'vre's forests were protected and sacred to the Elves. Such desecration would need to be taken into account and the rate at which would need to be considered. Surely the task would not be outside of their bounds but the work would still take quite a bit of time.

A few minutes went by of silence as Braigneth weighed and considered her options. Her brow furrowed and she rubbed her chin a bit in thought. Her fingers then drifted to her braids and began to twist them in her fingers. Jorn had seen this look and body language when Braigneth had to seriously consider something in terms of a monumental request. It was no simple asking for an Elf to part with her trees so willingly.

Finally she spoke:

"What you ask for is a very tall order Master Jorn and given anyone else, I'd have had you removed from my lands. However, given the circumstances and why you need the lumber, I can see why you would seek out my woods. The Council will need to discuss this and I will need to work it through with them before an offer is made. However, I do wish to ask a few questions. How much lumber will you need and how quickly do you need it?"

She took a breath and continued

"When it comes to the harvesting of trees, it is not a simple matter. Every tree must be removed by the roots and a sapling planted in it's place. It must be sung to, watered and tended to by us for a period of no less then five years. Every tree is sacred here and to simply remove them would desecrate the forests we birthed by our arrival on this world. The order will not come swiftly, especially so if you wish the wood treated and sealed much like the lumber you first saw in the ruins of the city previous. They were careless, improper and showed so little empathy for the wilds of this planet. We take our home very seriously Master Jorn, I do hope you know the severity of you're request. As for repayment, I will also need to confer with the Council as to what would be an acceptable form of payment for the removal of our Creations. I do hope you understand of course"

"A rather lofty request I understand however this is not something that we will require outright at the moment." Jorn began only to stroke his beard and ponder his next words carefully. "I would imagine that the amount we would need to simply support our massive mining tunnels beneath our mountain home would take a portion of the forest present but I will say we are also looking into other sources as to not require to much from our allies."

The old dwarf began to ponder some more before his face darkened slightly. "I realize this is a request that will take time however due to the history with my people and the dragons on the world I wonder if it would not help you to seek council from the green dragon that calls these forests home. The stories I hear state that the beast has turned towards nature as an outlet for its magic which could speed up the process of raising your saplings to grow hearty and strong, druidic magic is strange indeed."

"The Green Dragon does not bother nor does it concern us. I know it has been living within the third Ring and I would much prefer to keep it far away from my people's homes. Let the beast remain with the animals for now until I can have a chance to speak with it myself. You may have dealt with dragons far more then I but what I know of them is that they are the end of all things natural. Their very breath can rot trees, wings can uproot cities and their claws can render beasts asunder with nary a claw lifted. I only tolerate it's presence because it does not interact with my people"

Braigneth's words were lined with steel, almost a certain level of disdain when speaking about the Green Dragon. They did not desire much contact with races or beasts other then those deemed permissible. After all, a Dragon was not something to be trifled with nor were they the most gentle of creatures in the world. Sure if you wished to destroy something, then call in a dragon. But when it came to the safety of her woods, she would make sure it was not a threat before speaking more to it.

"I will speak to the Council about you're request. I do hope that until a decision has been reached that you would stay here in the city. I can have a room prepared for you in the Estate where you may reside. It will take a few days of deliberation until we can offer our counter proposal. Is that fair?" She asked him

"I can only accept your hospitality but request a few items so that I may stay in contact with my own people." Jorn stood from the bench now well rested for the moment before he placed a majority of his weight upon his cane. "A small brazier to burn some of the enchanted coal my people have prepared for my journey. Sending messages at any distance is always an issue and I cannot afford the luxury of curriers who cannot travel swiftly to near instant delivery."

Jorn awaited for his host to rise and accompany him once more. The Lord of Coin did make note after all that Lady Braigneth did have an important date she needed to attend.

Braigneth stood up along with him, having Coe help her up as well then nodded "Of course, that should not be a problem for us to aquire for you" The Queen looked up towards the heavens and smiled a bit "Right we are needed. I would enjoy it if you were to attend though I would ask you to maintain distance from the gathering. I believe Coe would provide you with a relatively comfortable view of the ceremony" Braigneth and Coe began to walk towards the Grove of the Songsingers. The two would share a soft silence until Braigneth stopped just shy of the Grove and instructed Coe to lay down for Jorn to mount the mountainous elk. Considering how defensive Braigneth was, she did show a modicum of trust in the Dwarf, enough to allow him to mount Coe.

The beast would snort to Braigneth and soon stride away towards a further position away from the gathering. The Grove was a huge clearing of trees, an amphitheater made within the trunk of the great tree itself which projected outwards towards the heavens. A small area of seats were made before the gathering of Songsingers. Another longer row of seats were made much further away with a small detachment of elven guards in front to keep the non-elven populace separate from the elves. Jorn had heard legends of the Songsingers and elven song's power. The white Elk strode towards the ground and turned to face the Gathering, giving Jorn a clear view of the proceedings.

The clouds overhead began to clear by gentle ministrations of the Songsingers, giving a clear line of sight to the heavens above. Braigneth spoke to the Songsingers and began to organize them into rows of three each. Her face now soft smiled at each and everyone of them as they took their positions.

Then...the Elves of the Songsingers began to sing

The song was mesmerizing, tantalizing. Their words were beyond what Jorn could have even begun to hope to ignore. The glow from the Elves grew, adding to the wonder and euphoria. Around him the other races wept, cried out in joy and tried to sing along with them. Yet for all of Jorn's strength, all of his willpower and stony demeanor, he could not even hope to tear his eyes away. He couldn't even blink. All he could do and all he could want was Braigneth to continue to sing.

High above them, the stars began to shine brighter still. They almost seemed to "sing" along with the Elves, responding to their chorus with the sounds of chimes and return of their own voices from above. The Songsinger's glow grew brighter as did the Elven audience members as they too added to the chorus. Their natural elven glow lacked the grey color of Grief as their songs brought them all to tears. A sweet sense of relief and joy resonated in their notes and allowed the pain of the day to flow towards the heavens and the warmth of the stars above.

After the song ended, the crowd which was still stunned in euphoria seemed to come out of it and applaud rather loudly. The dwarves would take slightly longer and Jorn would more then like snap out of it the quickest.

Being led to a better locale to watch the even was one thing but to witness it was a completely different story entirely. At first the Lady Braigneth's voice was the only chorus that matter and as the elvish enchantments began to take hold Jorn found himself almost powerless to resist the sweet beauty of her song. Soon more elves joined in and the spellwork had drawn from Jorn a greed he had always known existed as he watched like a predator and began to calculate how and why he would one day claim those beautiful voices for himself.

Every minute that seemed to pass by felt like an eternity as the enchantment continued to pull its strings against the Dwarven Lord's will. Jorn could hardly look away as his mind brought together several runes he could use to trap his newfound gem, to keep her pristine and from harms way. It was only when he reached for his newfound blade and cut his own thumb did his enthralled state begin to end allowing the Dwarven Lord some sense of control once more. Jorn would focus on the pain from the wound he had just inflicted and wait for his host once she was done and over with.

After some time had passed and a few letters burned away in a strange blue flame within a brazier provided by the elves Jorn would soon accompany his host for dinner and hopefully discuss more trade deals and political maneuvering whilst they feasted. However he had appeared before Jorn wore something simple for the meal as a dark brown tunic and matching leggings. His attire still clearly dwarven, but with a mithril pin, and a heavy gold necklace with a few jeweled rings.

Much of Jorn's folk and those few humans stared in enraptured awe of the Elven Songs, some even going out of their war to try to advance towards them. Some stared in wonder, others in envy and lust. The Dwarves all felt greed overpower them and their need to possess those fair voices. But once it ended and the dwarven kinsfolk regained their sanity, the band dissipated and Braigneth strode towards Coe and Jorn and went back to the Estate.

Some hours passed to allow Jorn to pass his messages and clean himself up for the evening meal. A servant brought him down to an elegant dining hall. The expanse was distant yet there was an undeniable charm to the rustic astetic. Braigneth sat at the head of the table, flanked by two of her more esteemed Handmaidens. Guards were posted around the doors leading into the hall. Jorn could see at the middle of the table sat the Falre'thir Council, the six heads of the Groves and Organizations within the capital city.

But one seat remained empty next to Braigneth, clearly reserved for him to sit. So far, only a light soup had been served with some elven wine with another glass of water placed next to it. The soup was simple yet pleasant. Braigneth's fair was always easy on the palate and stomach, preferring to have slightly heavier items later in the course. This soup was barley soup with various herbs and spices added, mixed with fresh rabbit and greens.

"Welcome Jorn. Please come sit and have some soup. It will help you feel better" Braigneth said, now moving to sit forward to eat some of the soup. All of the elves in the room had a glow around them as the moon and stars shone high in the sky with the huge curtains open to allow the light to flow in.

'I have arrived to the Elvish City and have begun working with their leaders in order to achieve a very optimal outcome for our people. We are in need of their lumber and I wish not to waste our own resources if possible. Further bellow this missive will be what the Council will need to know if we are to act accordingly. Please be sure to have our spymaster send out our top agents to keep tabs upon the market here in Gwie’vre.

The Dragon within these borders from what I can tell is still present and should be approached with caution if the plan involving the elves does not go as planned. I suggest stimulating other economic powers to see how they play out....

My fellow Lords and Ladies of our most esteemed Council! I write to you with brave news of my arrival......'

Jorn wrote to his fellow countrymen and cast his letter into the brazier as the strange coals burned with a blue flame which devoured the dwarfs written word. It was something of his own design, based upon the works of a young wizard, and modified for its new purpose for delivering letter vast distances without the aid of courier. As for the meal which he was expected to join he simply looked upon his attire and began to wonder if he needed a change of clothes.

As some hours had indeed passed Jorn stepped into the elegant dining hall with an outfit that appeared plane. His jerkin he wore was of a dark leather and the undershirt whose sleeves showed revealed a deep blue that matched his breeches. The dwarf had braided and groomed his beard and tied his hair back into a warriors knot. Master Gareif eyed the current company and offered a warm smile at the welcome. All six of the Falre'Thir Council members present created the perfect opportunity to hear what might be said and to offer his own input if things seemed to fluctuate in his favor.

"The pleasure is mine." The master dwarf spoke as he made his way over to the empty seat and took in the aroma of the soup that was before him. It was an all to practiced move that he lowered his head towards his host and company to offer his thanks and to also offer his ancestors and the stone beneath him his thanks for allowing him to get this far. "If I may be so bold?" Jorn piped up as he raised his head and took up his first spoonful only to allow the flavors of the herbs and spices to embolden the broths flavor all the while enjoying the rabbit meat.

"I imagine that from my understanding of the market value here that meat in general is a bit pricy?" Jorn smiled as he reached for his drink only to test the waters and partake of the wine presented. "Regardless of the answer the soup presented here is very delightful and I thank you for the company that you and the others have provided during my visit."

"Meat is a luxury, not so much a main staple of my lands. But when it is asked for or when we must cull a population to keep balance, then meat is available for those whom wish to dine on it" Braigneth spoke in between spoonfuls of the soup. Her eyes were upon him like a hawk, taking in his every motion, gesture and word. The Council largely stayed silent though one or two of them did pipe up a few nods of agreement and one even brought a small piece of information not very worthwhile to the Dwarf. More of a conversational topic which was quickly ended.

"You are a guest of my house Master Jorn. I treat all of my guests with the same comforts and of the ability to dine with myself. I was even considering taking this meal down in the Markets earlier. Unlike most who lord in hallowed halls and dine in places like this, I enjoy dining with my people. Sharing in their experiences, dining on the same fair and speaking with my subjects on a much more personal level. But I am sure you do not wish to hear of such things. I believe we must discuss business"

Straight to the point it seemed "Now as for you're earlier request, you asked me for elven lumber and for it to be treated to prevent rot and aging. Such requests are discussed over the course of a few days. But now you may present what you require directly to the Council. How much lumber do you require and perhaps now we might get an answer as to the price of such wood will cost"

While she spoke, the second course was brought out: A team of eight elves brought out several trays full of leafy greens, salads, beans and other vegetables and set a plate of this each to the members present at the table. Much to Jorn's chagrin until the main dish was brought out. At least a dozen elves brought in a roasted boar, an entire boar out to the tables freshly seared and skinned. Now a golden brown and probably weighing in close to several hundred pounds. A space was cleared to the right of the table, infront of Jorn's eyes and carved off several plentiful portions of the boar for present company to eat. It was juicy, clearly caught and cooked today and very lightly seasoned to keep more of the flavor of the boar itself intact.

"Ahh excellent...if you would not mind, I would love some of the Ale kept in the rear of the storeroom. Jorn, would you care for a mug? Apparently it belongs to a...Clan... goodness what is the name?" She stopped to think before she snapped her fingers "Clan Firebeard thats it. Apparently it is their best ale they can make...I was holding onto it for an occasion when it seemed apt" Braigneth smiled to him, watching to see his response.

The Dwarven Merchant listened closely to all things that had been said. From the idle prattle of the elven councilors to Lady Braigneth herself none escaped Jorn's keen hearing or his attention to detail. Even the meal itself provided information about the elven leadership and how they held themselves. It was only when the Queen spoke up of business and that of Clan Firebeard that Jorn felt it was opportune to present his case.

"I am aware of Clan Firebeard, though we would do them a great disservice if this meal was not washed down by a soldiers brew, I would be pleased to partake of their specialty brew." Jorn offered a courteous smile as he awaited for a cup to be presented and a helping of the roasted boar. "Clan Firebeard, though not on par with many who hold sway with the Council of Deshyr lords, is a right and honorable cast of warriors with a mind for business and a possible talent for brewing......I would even be so bold to say that the ale you have been saving is a Dark Beer that is well known among many wayward soldiers who need to quench an undying thirst." Jorn smiled as an elven server brought a few mugs but decided to take a bold approach and stand from his seat only to serve the brew personally to Lady Braigneth.

"My friends if I may continue to be as bold I need to acquire a very substantial amount of lumber from the people of this fine city. My people suffer from the damage the beast imposed upon our Thaig and only the lumber that the elven people have treated and enchanted to resist the tests of time can restore our former Halls to glory. I only ask that for five months at a rate of 10,000 units of lumber be sent for my people to use for structural fortifications and relief efforts to restore both the upper portion of the city that touched the sky and the lower chambers which housed our great roads and the main hub of our city." Jorn continued to survey the elven council before him only to make his way over with a pitcher to produce more ale for the fellow elves as this was a time for calm heads and hearts. "Regardless of the choices made here and the discussion of payment for such lumber I plan on returning to my home and present a speech for the common man and show them that their loses are for not..."

The Council seemed to murmur for a time while they ate the meal, quite enjoying themselves for a time. While the boar was being served, several minstrels came into the room toting several different instruments. Flutes, pipes, drums and a harp were brought in to serve as entertainment. They began to play a soothing melody for the assembled guests in the room. Many of them seemed to relax during the course of the meal up until the ale was brought out. Many of them looked absolutely bewildered by the Dwarf serving Braigneth in such a manner. However, Braigneth did not seem to mind in the slightest, giving him a pleasent smile and a nod of her head. She raised a hand was behind Jorn, several guards seemed to move a single step towards the two until she did so. They returned to their position when Braigneth took a sip from the offered mug of ale.

Then he stated his terms and the elves looked somewhat irate. Two voices in the Council looked almost outraged as they stared in stunned shock. Ael'vire of the Songsingers and Eldre'thelir of the Arcanists stood up

"Ten thousand units?! That is preposterous!! Such amount of lumber would strip a great many of our beloved trees! Only to languish in some dark, forlorn mines of some hole!" The Councilwoman of the Songsinger's protested. Braigneth set the mug down hard, causing a bit of an echoing sound. Her stare was hard, even more so with the lack of pupils as she stood up to look to Jorn.

"Forgive her outburst Master Jorn but she does prove truthful in her words. That is a significant amount of lumber especially if you desire to have it treated to weather the tests of time. While I am willing to offer assistance to our allies, such a thing will take a considerable amount of time. That much lumber would require a long period of growth to replace the trees taken from the earth. But forgive me, I do not know what is entailed with the reconstruction of you're city. Please...enlighten us how much lumber exactly it would take and the building method you would use to obtain this."

Braigneth did look somewhat offended but unlike the other two Councilors, she was willing to at least listen. She sat back, picking up her mug and took another long drink from it while the other two Councilor's sat fuming in their chairs.

Jorn smirked as he continued to serve Lady Braigneth as he knew he was testing his boundaries and limits of what was considered appropriate. It was something he would consider interesting to share with his fellow nobles while he would also provide the details of this dinner with the spymaster. It was only when the elven lords began their protests did Jorn bring a level gaze towards the offenders in question all the while simply nodding to his host knowing full well that this was to be expected.

"Ten-thousand units. I am not unaware of the lengths in which I ask our allies. Nor am I unaware of what such a cost would do to your lands and the people who live within them. Lady Braigneth forgive me for what I'm about to say will most certainly weigh heavy upon both heart and mind, but also show that I'm a rather unpleasant guest to be insulted." Jorn spoke only to then take a deep breath as to clear the air before him.

"I need not reiterate the need or the catastrophe that has befallen my lands!" The Master Dwarf bellowed as he pointed to both the Arcanist and then the Songsinger. "I shouldn't have to describe the massive blight that nearly shattered the very mountain beneath its weight or even the amount of life lost within its shadow. No, Councilwoman, I very much doubt I should remind you of how lucky you had been that such a beast did not lay waste to your forest home outright!" Jorn gritted his teeth and simply took up his own mug and downed the beer before him like water. "The lumber will be used to reinforce our Thaigs further bellow and help reestablish our old roads providing much needed trade and commerce throughout much of the land that our kingdom touches. We would use each beam crafted by your peoples hands to support the tunnels and buildings both above and bellow and in turn offer payment of gems and jewels from deep bellow the surface along with rare minerals and crafted goods in return."

Jorn kept his gaze upon the two who exclaimed his plans outrageous only to glance over to his host. "I realize that what I'm asking seems to outstretch my grasp but what am I supposed to do when your trees reach ever skyward and have people who are willing to tend for the old and new growth?"

A thunderstorm suddenly struck the Whispering Woods.

Heavy rains whipped the edges of the forest, the interior becoming soaked as the waters trickled through the canopies. The entropy of magic across Gaia was felt as the rain trickled down the great trees and to the ground. It was as if there was a leak somewhere. Where was the magic going? It couldn't of simply been disappearing...

From northern far, in, a deep chill seeped, to the bone, through the scale, up the roots. White pockets of fire erupted throughout- advancements made by those within and foreign tools come here for final rest ceasing to exist with a flash and bang. A lament was cried from Whispering Wood to Saggitae, to Gaia, to anyone who could hear and would, that again did Eras breathe upon this realm; and would continue to breathe, continue to inhale their realm, continue to flex chaos and destruction, until Gaia drew breath no more.

The light in the sky began to grow brighter. The clouds were beginning to shift away. The pink of the sky seemed to have subtly faded as well.
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Sudden Butte

You have entered the void — an black expanse with absolutely nothing in it.

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Leaning Leg Mountain

A massive leg made of stone leans against a crumbled peak. At the bottom of the leg, half emergent from the ground, a foot.