Session 21: Swinter Report

General Summary

With Luthias interest in the estate uncovered but it long since having been emptied, the expedition enjoyed a fine dinner and took in stories of the Lothithil house. On the morning they departed to the nearby city of Isil Duin. The Elven river boats were swift and agile navigating the water ways of Velthanor. Most other passengers made it a point to avoid the Winter elf expedition, which did not bother Aria and company. Arriving at Tirion Anor, the customs office was equally surprised at the arrival of a delegation of Winter Elves but approved their papers and arranged for great eagles to fly them over the mountain range which had become the walls of Tirion Anor. As the eagles crested the low peaks of the mountains a sprawling forest alive with inhabitants lay before them, with a singular mountain peak at its centers. Atop the shining spire of Summer appeared as a beacon over the valley itself. Looking to the mountain range, the crenellations of the many fortresses which defend it became evident, Tirion Anor was indeed an impressive bastion.  

Landing in the foreign quarter the expedition made its way inward thru the city, catching many a curious look as they went. Settling within a very fine inn near the spire district Aria dispatched Aelorna and Aranesi to gain an audience at the embassy with whomever was in charge of such things. Aria and the others set about enjoying the lavish suite while the two women set out to the Spire district. Aranesi would be the first to take note that there was some sort of buzz in the air that had the various nobles, bureaucrats and other officials in quite a stir. Seeing little need for subtilty she quietly interjected herself into one such circle of gossip and asked what was a miss? Startling them at first, the assembled Summer Elves would glance at each other then explain, "Um...there has been a challenge between a member of the speakers Guard, and a foreigner wishing to join the order, it is most unusual, but a duel is to take place this evening." Aranesi would thank them and depart to find Aelorna who was securing the meeting with an ambassador. Learning of this unique affair and its public display of the contest, she thought it imperative Aria and the rest could witness it. Finding the arena which was housing the spectacle, Aelorna found her way to the front of the line to request a seat for her delegation. "I am sorry we are indeed quite full no room for anyone else." Aelorna would frown, "Well that is highly unfortunate...my matron, here on important diplomatic business with your Embassy will feel quite slighted in not being able to attend this momentous event...I do hope this does not jeopardize the negotiations...." The woman over seeing the duel would sigh and look over some papers, "Very well...." he would offer a small slip of paper which would be proof of entry, "Show the door guards this, be here promptly at 7."  

Returning to the suite triumphant, Aelorna would explain they have both a meeting with an ambassador and seats to some great spectacle, Aranesi would better describe what was afoot. Dressing in their best, Arias Major Domo necklace would fashion her a fine elegant winter gown of a bygone era, making quite the scene upon her arrival. The rest would dress in their finery to enjoy the martial display. To their surprise they were seated in the primary box of the arena, and with the Speaker of Summer himself, who would enter some time after them. Aria would waste little time opening up talks with the Summer Elf leader, who did not seem surprised at her presence. They would also meet the head of the Telimbectar, the order that was involved in this duel. The Speaker was in favor of the upstart challenger, a Half Elf, as this would bolster his current policies. The fight was fierce and skilled, strike met with parry and then riposte in turn. The half elf would eventually gain the upper hand, using a positional maneuver to trip his elven opponent and score first blood nicking his cheek with his rapier. Clearly not the favored to win, this drew a hush in the crowd, as the half elf turned to the speaker assuming the duel won. To everyone's shock the elf drew a knife from a hidden sleeve and lunged, stabbing the half elf just below the ribs. The half elf staggered and with a spin, would cut the elfs throat, splashing his blood across the sand. A quick motion of his blade he salute the speaker, claim the dead elfs sword and limp from the sands. The silence of the arena was finally broken as Malakar would slowly clap for the wounded fighter. Others would join sporadically around the arena, eventually growing into a roar of applause. The Speaker would invite Aria and her company to dinner on the following night where they could discuss further Velthanors future.  

Talks with the Speaker of Summer went well, as Aria left a fine impression on the man and Isenara would follow up these talks with securing trade agreements with the Summer Elves now as well. The expedition would spend a day or two looking for ancient texts concerning the Cult of Sol Variar with little success. With winter fast setting in, Aria felt it best to be home before the Winter Solstice and the grand holiday of their people. They would once again use the river boats to return to the Lothithil estates where the Storm Wraith waited in the harbor. A swift voyage home with fine weather found the expedition back within Hithfaer. The new settlers were fast at work improving the city, trade was flowing, and the city was experiencing a sudden economic boom. Aelorna organized a grand feast for the Solstice Holiday, to Bahzels dismay, emptying the storehouses he had just painstaking filled.