A couple more palette challenge pieces from @askshivanulegacy's list of requests, and this time a couple of Jedi Masters who are helping keep life rich and interesting while Ahuska spends some time on Tython learning what's what >.>
Master Tanak'qi, a Quarf who is Ahuska's primary mentor (though Ahuska can't bring herself to refer to her as 'master' yet, because she is not actually training to be a Jedi no not at all no way), and Master Brokk Vailus, a Defel artificer and retired sentinel whose workshop and forge has been frequented by a little black fox of late.
Ahuska has finally met a mysterious being who may well become her Jedi Master- so long as she doesn't completely flip out once she learns that Tana is, in fact, actually a Jedi, and the beautiful forested planet she's been secretly delivered to is, in fact, Tython.
Tana belongs to @askshivanulegacy and she is a Quarf, a creature concept stolen from the deep dark depths of ancient Star Wars animation and repurposed to serve us now as a fully sapient, bipedal, Force wielding being. Ahuska's a little bit in awe of her.
As a half-elf bard, I must admit that adaptability hasn't quite been my thing. I'm a bit odd or I stand out in particular. I guess it got a lot worse when I met these folks. On land, on sea, or in the air, I always have some sort of trouble. And I thought my mouth was bad.
We are all still dealing with our own feelings over Kallen's death. It has been hard on us all, but we have had to push on and collect pieces of this map of willowoods. We decided that the closest of these places was last known to be in the Dwarven Kingdom. It falls just south of the coldest area where the Ice Giants dwell.
Our quest to the area was difficult. The ice and cold, mixed with low visibility and mountains was hard to traverse. I don't think it helped that an ice elemental decided to attack our vessel. This proved to be quite a difficult feat. While I almost fell off multiple times, my mates always managed to grab hold of me to keep me on board. At least I continue to encourage their battle tactics as I kept falling overboard due to the ice and wind. Upon defeating the elemental we realized our captain had fallen overboard.
Jack took some time to search using the elven disk. I realized that he still had a ring of dimension door and a Dwarven ring of feather fall. If he did fall, hopefully he was able to use the rings to get him to the ground safely.
According to maps and lore, there was an old outpost not far from where we currently were. Jack was next in command. I made some suggestions to get going and he agreed. He certainly did not seem fond of the responsibility, but I commend him for stepping up. We worked together and came up with a plan instead of standing still. We need to keep moving forward.
As we drew closer we saw what appeared to be a rather large colony ahead. Dwarven Griffon riders approached and led us in. We explained our Captain had fallen and we were escorted to a royal chamber for his trial. Due to his family blood line, he was being charged for the death of his father's former comrade's son. His belongings were brought to us including the key for the chest of Telos. I immediately grabbed the key and hung it around my neck. I know of the importance and knew Jack would not want that responsibility. I hoped not to let it slip into the wrong hands.
Kirith the Demon Hunter was the one pressing charges against Stone's father (and therefore by right of blood, Stone had to pay for his father's mistake). As a side note it's probably a good thing Zedd isn't here... I believe we were concerned with him being part demon at some point. Anyway, Kirith claimed that his father caused the cave-in that killed his son. His lawyer Phil, was terrible. He was new and could not do much for him. In fact, it was looking like Stone would be executed or handed over to the man pressing charges against him. The whole matter reminded me of a story long ago. A tale of a great treasure in Ice Giant territory. Dwarves went in search of this treasure and tried to dig it out. Something happened and there was a terrible cave-in. Legend has it that the only a blood relative can return to that area and access the cave. It made me wonder if the trial was a ruse to gain access to Stone and have him get the treasure. Mentioning this to Phil, he made no attempt to pursue the information which further infuriated me. We already lost one of our family members and wasn't about to just hand another over.
During a recess and full-blooded elf spoke to us. His name was Tyron of the Warrior Caste. He seemed to be the King's right hand. He suggested that he liked gems and also seemed to notice that I was of Elven blood. Though if he could tell I was only part--I do not know. He mentioned something about the Elven Lands would soon be over the Eastern Kingdom. This poses all sorts of questions. I know we will need to fly to access these lands, but does this mean these lands actually move? He inquired as to how the ship flew and I did respond with "The wyrd stone." I know my mates were distressed by my honesty but I felt unnervingly compelled NOT to lie to a full-blooded Elf. While he was elegant, graceful, and did take the time to talk to us, I was deeply unnerved by his presence. He also mentioned something about the prophecy coming true with the ship having a Dwarf Captain. He seemed curious by my lack of ambition to learn about my heritage. He said everyone was part of a caste if they had Elven blood. There were no exceptions. Way to make the mood so intense.
As the recess was ending, As'ad and Jao came running in to inform us of something. Yet another mention of prophecy becoming fulfilled. Apparently Phil's father was the one who originally had and dropped the map piece during the cave-in and that Stone's father was not responsible. He suggested we request a trial by quest from the King since he enjoyed such things. We decided to give it a go. The King said he would give us 3 days. We asked for a week. He said three days again and suggested he could give us less. Stone inquired about 4 days and I requested 1 day to prepare. We were informed he would give it consideration, but wanted to keep our ship if we did not return in time.
Realizing I had the key to the chest of telos, many thoughts flooded my mind. It usually takes on traits of the owner. While these are subtle at first, I suspected I wouldn't find it trying to perform in a bar for gold. In fact, I was more concerned it would come running or sneaking into the thrown room to be with it's family... The worst possibility would be exposing itself in front of the royal family, the elf, and who knows who else... The guards take Stone back and I am uncertain if or when I will be able to return the key to him.
As far as the Elves go, I'm certain the stars will lead me there eventually. As they have done so far. I will face this when it is my time to do so. Until then, I need not worry myself over it. I wonder if I should explain this to Tyron as to show I mean no disrespect of this heritage. Something to worry about for another time. It is curious that an Elf would be in Tanis and in the Dwarven city though... Is there a possible connection?
Can I just say, once and for all, I fucking HATE that people put "bear, cub, woof, *insert inane gay/bear terminology*" in user names for stuff. I couldn't tell that you identify as a bear or a cub or whatever by the hundreds of bear paw tattoos you have, the god awful bear-themed clothing you wear constantly, all the bear runs you go, or the fact that you're, I don't know, a hairy, large, gay man. I confused you with a twonk to be honest, and I'm sorry, thank you for using your user name to set me straight.
