4.1 The Thread Strengthens

General Summary

Day 31

While we have been waiting in Ipth, I have taken the time to familiarize myself more with my magic, and learned of the Potency of Blood.   Today is the day we set out for the elven soldiers, so we journey to Sahlon’s homestead to collect our supplies before leaving the city proper. There are 20 elves waiting for us there, and they kneel when they see us approach. I shouldn’t be surprised that Sahlon arranged a send-off for us, but I am.   Each of them speaks to me for just a moment, and offers a small gift: Cheese, ale, shoes, a small carving of the Empress. Each one gives me at least one name to Seek in my travels. As I speak with them, I see a small thread of magic tying all of us together - the remnants of the Elvish bond with the Empress. As each one greets me, the thread strengthens. My presence here is helping, even if I cannot bring their loved ones home yet.   And so we set off, with Alder holding a position in the rear to guard us as we travel.   Cart

• Large (5 gallons) barrel of fresh water
• Several bags of flour, oats, hearty grains
• Several small jars of butter and preserves
• 3 casks of salt-cured meats
• Blankets and bed rolls, pillows
• 2 small tents (2-3 people each)
• A box of tools (hammers, handsaws, prybars)
• Clothing for all of us
• Heavy oilcloth cloaks for all of us
• Fresh eggs

  Bran pulls up beside me to speak of his dreams. He has been waking in a warm, humid city at night, with the smell of flowers. He can hear muffled whispers, but there is a barrier between him and whatever is whispering. More than anything it feels like a present, not like a future that may come to be.   He does see a future though: All of us marching through the mountains accompanied by three others...a woman with a bow, and a man and woman in robes. It feels both ominous and hopeful.   When I mention that these people are probably my students, Hella seems both excited and envious. I think she and Alwen would get along.   Behind us, Rosalia and Alder are chatting. It feels so familiar and peaceful with them all here...talking with Bran, with our fighters bringing up the rear and laughing about how the mages sometimes forget about the physical world.   I take the opportunity to conjure a soft felt ball and toss it at Rosalia, who only barely manages to hit it out of the air. Alder manages to pin one to the ground with a throwing knife, and gracefully retrieves the knife as we ride past it on horseback.   When we make camp for the night, Rosalia prepares some tea and Alder makes a dessert of sweetened bread. The two of them spar after supper and I’m very impressed with Alder’s skill. I knew he would be a fine and graceful fighter but he makes her feel like she’s pushing him away when really, he is leading her into the shadows where he can slip away.   Bran fares a little better against the trickery, but Alder is still very impressive.   Before we sleep, Bran and I meditate in the hopes that it will solidify his grasp on this dream that he keeps having. Thalien once spoke of a web of connected dreamers and guides who could lead others through the dream world. Perhaps I can be a guide through this clearly elvish city.   As we meditate, I awaken in the dream world and see a shimmer in the air. Reaching out, it feels like soft fabric - it’s Bran. I call his name and he opens his eyes and instantly vanishes. When we come out of our meditation, he tells me that he lost his grip on the dream when I called him. We can try again tomorrow.   Here under the stars, I sleep much better than I did in Ipth. With the dying fire, my fatespinner, my sworn sword, my apprentice, and Alder, I feel more at home than I have in a long time.  

Day 32

To my surprise, Alder wakes me the next day. The sun is barely rising over the trees and the shadows are still dark and welcoming. The air is clean and fresh, and just the barest hint of sun warms me as I follow Alder out into the forest. Certainly, I chose the right name for myself. I feel alive.   He leads me, stepping from shadow to shadow, up to the crest of a nearby hill. In the distance, there is a lone mountain, with a small patch of cleared forest on the side of it. It looks like ruins.   I feel a surge of energy at this confirmation of what we’re doing. I trust Rosalia’s rumours but this...this is very real.