🌙8. words in the night
session 8 • 02/01/2022 • 8,738 words
『 📜 』 adventure log
🌙 NIGHT 2 • 📅 ELEINT 23
Racists and Dragons
The group finishes Sorennar's delicious, completely non-sus frittatas, which the group thanks Sorennar for. Sildar reminds Sorennar of their talk, then asks Hugh to have their private talk. He leads Hugh to a table in the corner of the inn.
The rest of the group is within earshot and listen in secretly. Sorennar sends his dancing lights over so Sildar isn't sitting in the dark.
Hugh and Sildar proceed to have a long conversation about racism.
Hugh is annoyed and has been calling Sildar a racist because he feels as though Sildar has been providing a platform for racist views by repeating and conforming to them -- i.e. by telling Sorennar that it would be best if he did not spearhead the "undercover prince" operation since people wouldn't take kindly to a Drow "prince".
Sildar, who had only made that statement because he believed that it would have fully compromised the mission, as well as because he was worried about Sorennar facing the potential backlash / slurs with pretending to be Drow nobility. Sildar maintains that he does not share those sentiments, but that it was the fact of the world.
Hugh believes that the only correct response here is to challenge the backlash against Drow, i.e. defending Sorennar in the moment if it truly came to pass. He is upset that Sildar robbed Sorennar of a chance to play the part of a prince, since to Hugh, it seeemed that Sorennar was eager to do so. He maintains that it is important to challenge racism, even at the cost of the entire mission.
Sildar disagrees, pointing out that it is difficult to change peoples' minds when it comes to bigotry. He challenges Hugh to change some racist minds, offering 10 gold as reward for each person he manages to "convert" -- killing doesn't count.
After settling the details of the agreement, Hugh is very optimistic about being able to make "lots of money" from this deal, as he believes he will convert lots of people. He begins to demand 10GP from Sildar for "converting him from a racist to not-racist". Sildar does not admit to this, but relents by giving him 10GP to start off his noble quest.
Amazing.
Hugh informs Sildar that Sorennar was the one who threatened Yeemik with a painful death, if "there was another scratch on Sildar" after they got done killing Klarg -- "and then you just go and tell him he can't be a prince!" Sildar is surprised, Sorennar is horrified across the room. Sildar promises to apologize for robbing Sorennar of this chance.
Sildar once again tries to talk sense into Hugh about fighting the dragon. This is a whole ass fiesta that involves Sildar lying about having lost his entire adventuring party to a dragon once. Somehow, we end the conversation with Sildar promising Hugh 50GP if he can sprout wings and fly, with Hugh promising in turn that he would never challenge a dragon until he does so.
---
Across the room, Lera, Colt and Sorennar listen in on this conversation and comment between themselves. Lera and Colt agree with both Sildar and Hugh, but are also proud. Colt says that Sorennar has the most noble like visage, which Sorennar pretends doesn’t affect him (but he's flattered lmao).
Sorennar inquires disapprovingly about Colt’s behavior and how he was bossing Lera around, Colt agrees that he said some mean things, but Lera found it hilarious how hard Colt was trying to be mean, even when he was whispering apologies. Lera says that she was mimicking the way Sorennar was speaking when pretending to be Prince Colt’s diplomat/translator/bodyguard, as Sorennar has a very noble-like way of speaking. Sorennar is more flattered >///<
Sorennar: I'm taken for the night, try again for tomorrow
Colt: You what??
Sorennar: Don't worry about it
Colt: Are you talking about the dual sword training? We can try another night
Sorennar: We certainly can!
(I don't know if Colt is aware of the innuendos and at this point I'm afraid to ask. )
Lera hugs Hugh after he returns, and gets squeaked like a Tofu. Sorennar wants in and receives the same treatment and gets squeaked like the llama that Tofu humps all the time.
Sildar brings up to the group that Hugh has promised to not go fighting a dragon, repeating his lie about losing his party to it. Sorennar, who knows that Sildar has never fought a dragon from their chitchat on the first night, gives Sildar a hard time by asking for specific details.
Hugh implies that he is okay with mass murder as long as he gets to see a dragon.
Sorennar assures Sildar that he would not (carelessly) run straight at a dragon. Sildar asks him to ensure that for the rest of the party as well. Sorennar does not acknowledge this. :) Sildar, Sorennar and Colt continue spinning a lie which ends up as: in Chult, across the Trackless Sea, there is a dragon racing track competition that takes place every 5 years, and it happened yesterday, so Hugh can't go see them. Lera watches in amusement.
Sildar mentions the Oblex memories that the memory-loss trio inherited. Sorennar muses over how much hunger, bloodlust and fear the Oblex had felt while being threatened in the Underdark, wondering what it would have taken for an Apex predator such as the Oblex to feel so frightened. However, he dismisses it as "Underdark" matters that the group had no business getting involved in.
Hugh, Lera and Colt point out that they had agreed that Sorennar would bring them down to the Underdark, so it would be their business. Sorennar, contrary to his previous day's attitude, shuts this down and tries to discourage them from going. They are, however, unfazed by his promises of a horrible painful death, and Sorennar seems to resolve to wash his hands of the situation: they could go if they wanted, but he would not lead them into certain demise.
Lera wonders if they can get a guide some other way, and asks if she can talk to Sorennar in private. Sildar tries imply that she has to wait to tomorrow as he wanted to talk to Sorennar, to which Sorennar replies "what makes you think you have priority?", which stuns Sildar a little.
Sorennar goes to talk with Lera after implying that he's afraid of Sildar's talk.
Priority Talk :)
Outside, Sorennar is feeling chill, albeit nervous about the upcoming Sildar conversation. Lera breaks the ice by discussing how crazy the day was, and how well Sorennar fought. Sorennar recounts how he wishes he would have said ‘I told you so’ to Sildar after his earlier claims of nothing being amiss at the inn, which Lera believes is not too late to say to Sildar
She mentions how she found Sorennar to be admirable when he shoves Sildar out of the way, but Sorennar retorts like a tsundere high school girl that he only did it because of the scroll he needed from Sildar, so to not expect much from him
Lera asks about the scroll and how he hasnt used it yet despite how serious he was in the basement about it, but Sorennar explains to dumb Lera that he can’t just tell his family, who are enjoying a rather comfortable life due to Soren’s ‘duties’ in the noble house, that they should leave or beware, and that the underdark is vast, he has no idea where the threat exactly is and how far it is from Menzoberranzan. Lera questions why he won't simply use this scroll now as preliminary cautionary words for his family since she knows how much Soren values them, and he can use the favor from the ATM Sildar to get another one in Phandalin. Sorennar says that if he were to truly do so, use the scroll, and warn his family, and nothing occurs, then he would be bringing dishonor on himself and his rothe. Therefore, if he learns of anything and has more evidence that monsters are heading towards Menzoberranzan, then he can use the scroll effectively
Lera tentatively brings up the idea that perhaps Sorennar guiding them to the underdark might not be the best idea, as she is very worried over his well being considering that the previous day he had confided in her that they (adoptive family) might have forgotten him since it’s been some time since he’s been in the underdark, and if he returns they might take him away for his ‘duties’, which Soren replies with ‘make me play songs’
Sorennar grabs Lera’s nervous hands to soothe her, and she uses his hands like a stress ball, squeezing them gently
Touched, Sorennar compliments Lera and implores Lera to please not go to the underdark, to not let Hugh and Colt go down there, that what creatures and predators can do to them pales in comparison to what the Drow can and might do to the party, so it’s best to not put them in that position.
Lera says she understands that the underdark is dangerous, especially with the pictures of creatures that Sorennar showed previously, but Colt’s parents are a matter of great importance. She also chides Sorennar for once again mentioning to Colt in a, from her perspective, harsh manner of them being dead, and that he had mentioned it the previous day already. Hugh is also a matter of concern, as she doesn’t know where else they can get clues on how to help him
Sorennar counters that them being dead would be mercy, as they might be slaves, which causes Lera to inquire that there is a chance that theyre alive and in the underdark. Sorennar admits that they likely would be slaves alive in Menzoberranzan as they were a powerful mage and fighter, thereby Drow likely have them.
Sorennar’s hand in Lera’s start shaking :(, and she rubs the pad of her thumb over the top of his hand
Sorennar recounts that he has seen what drow can do to their slaves or to even other drow, and if they are alive then they are likely broken husks of what they once were, and if thats what she would like Colt to see. Lera disagrees that this is not her or Sorennar’s decision to make, that it should be left up to Colt, as they are his parents and the decision is his alone, whatever it may be, therefore they should not hide it if it is the truth, no matter how bitter the truth may be.
At this, Sorennar says that going to the underdark will be extremely difficult and unlikely, and that only Drow can enter Menzoberranzan. Lera says that Sorennar did what he did for his family, and questions if he doesn’t think Colt might be similar. Sorennar reiterates that it isn’t that colt may be cold, rather that the mission would be futile, as they would all die there, even Sildar, against the might of the Drow
Lera questions about other possible guides that Soren mentioned before, such as the deep gnomes (svirfneblin), and Sorennar lets her know that their city allows everyone but Drow, and ‘for a good reason’. Sorennar recounts that he will likely be departing the group in Phandalin, as he does not wish to get involved with artifacts and forages, before sharing with Lera that Sildar had told him the name of the artifact is The Forge. Lera muses that Sildar must trust him a lot then, but Sorennar is aghast and replies that he does NOT want that trust, and does not want to go to cragmaw castle either.
She points out that when he was under the amnesia of the Oblex, he was very eager to rescue their employer, ‘Gundren’, but Sorennar retorts that that was before he learned about the dangers and information they learned, especially the Black Spider who might be Drow, and therefore not something he wishes to get involved in
Lera wonders what Sorennar would do, and he tells her that he will do what he’s always done, drifting, telling stories, playing in taverns for rent, and that he will sing songs about the party. She asks Sorennar how they can contact him when they leave (sorennar: ESCAPE) from the underdark. He hesitates about something to say, then lets her know that she can use sending scrolls, though she’d likely hear about him as it is unusual for a Drow to be playing in taverns, and that he plans on visiting waterdeep. Lera once again invites Sorennar to her home, as her father and friends would welcome him, and that they’d know about him already from the letter she plans to send once in phandalin
Sorennar is curious about what she wrote, and she reassures him that she doesn;t have a single negative thing to say about sorennar. Sorennar inquires about if this includes the memory loss time, to which Lera jokingly says that he was a bit rude then with his connotations regarding moon elves, humans, dwarfs, and half-elfs, causing her to ask him lightly if he sees her as a lowly half elf :(
Sorennar says he no longer thinks this about the party, however he cannot say that this is a good thing, since if he returns to the underdark, this ‘sort of weakness will cost me greatly’. He assures Lera that he sees her as nothing…. Less than beautiful, kind, and warm, causing her to misunderstand that he was cold (although he was warmer). Sorennar corrects her that he did not mean temperature, and Lera’s rusty brain parts start working and she realizes he meant something else
Desperate for him to not go back to the underdark, she once again asks Sorennar to visit her home, since everyone is warmer than her. Sorennar says she can take him there once she survives her underdark adventure with the party, to which she happily agrees and lets him know she’ll try her best to not have anyone die. She finishes with that she feels like she learned a lot about Sorennar and herself, and asks for a hug from Sorennar as she doesn’t feel the best, who complies because he's a sweetheart
As they head inside, they link arms because Sorennar is a heater, and Lera asks why he’s so nervous about the talk with Sildar, and he says that he made a joke in poor taste, which upset the uptight and upstanding Sildar. Lera says these qualities in Sildar are admirable, but since it’s SILDAR, if he just lets him know he’s joking, he’ll understand! Sorennar mutters under his breath that this is the same Sildar who almost killed him in practice within 6 seconds (lol)
The Spellforge
Back in the tavern, Hugh and Colt count the money they found in the basement, totalling 34GP and 34SP. Sildar establishes that he's saved up more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of his life and implores the party to take the money. When Colt presses him for where exactly his money is, Sildar explains a banking system within the Lord's Alliance.
Colt expresses doubt in the integrity of the Lord's Alliance, at which Sildar bristles and warns him to stop badmouthing the organization. (Lily's notes: DADDY CHILL). In accordance to Hugh's Racism Conversion deal with Sildar, Hugh asks Colt about whether he is a racist. Colt, knowing about this deal and wanting to fleece Sildar, answers yes -- so that Hugh can "convert" him and get paid.
Sildar is extremely annoyed at this but Sorennar and Lera are returning at the moment, so he tells Colt to never do it again. Hugh is confused why he cannot ask people about their racism,,,, and demands more gold from Sildar, which is also turned down.
Lera walks in, clinging to Sorennar because of his body heat <3 ; ; Sorennar is superior look of superiority.
Colt complains that Sildar had been yelling at them for their jokes (...about racism?) and Lera side-eyes Sildar suspiciously.
Sorennar attempts to do a "combat recap" as he has been, chiding Colt for staying within range of the Oblex even after stunning it, which led to Colt's getting knocked unconscious. Sorennar quickly catches himself, however, and reminds everyone (and himself) that he shouldn’t babysit the group in regards to combat anymore as he’s leaving soon anyway.
Sorennar begins rambling about how he's going to drift around and fuck around and find out in random taverns. Sildar interjects at this point (according to Chris, looking at Sorennar), and offers to take the group under his wing in the Lord's Alliance, if they should choose to join the faction.
Sorennar points out that he firmly refuses to go to Cragmaw Castle, though he would be willing to partake in the "side quests", and that he was here to "collect stories, just not ones that end with certain death". Hugh points out how eager he was to rescue Gundren before the memories returned, and Sorennar brushes it off as disorientation.
Sorennar thanks Hugh for defending his “Drow honor” with Sildar, and gives him 10GP, much to Hugh’s surprise. Sorennar justifies it with “bodyguards — with less loyalty than Hugh had displayed — would cost more”.
Sildar, at this, tells the group a "story" about the artifact in the cave -- the Spellforge, a mysterious artifact that could churn out magical items once fed certain "fuel".
The forge was apparently located near Phandalin, as a result of a pact between humans, gnomes and dwarves, and was currently located in a cave named Wave Echo Cave. Gundren had dedicated his entire life to searching for this cave, and is currently the only person who knows where it is.
Sildar suspects that the Black Spider has kidnapped Gundren for this reason, and worries that in the wrong hands, the Spellforge could be used to cause casualties in up to the hundreds of thousands.
Sorennar continues protesting being told such important information but, for the first time, shows mild interest upon hearing the potential casualty count.
Lera questions why there aren’t more people assigned to this case if it's that important. Sorennar points out, with venom, that the more people that know the greater likelihood that it gets spread, and it seems like Sildar can’t keep a secret.
Sildar ends his "story" with the idea of heroes swooping in to save the day -- "the epic journey of heroes, recovering a legendary artifact". The group realizes that he means them.
Enamored by the idea of being heroes and generally wanting to help, Colt, Hugh and Lera agree to help Sildar. Sildar further tries to convince the reluctant Sorennar, but Sorennar refuses to "be a hero" and though he seems a little more willing than before, tries to brush off the conversation by saying that the group didn't need him -- he was just a humble bard, as he'd stated at the start of the adventure.
Hugh tries to recruit Sorennar by paying him "for bardic services" with the 10GP he'd given him back. Sorennar maintains that he will not risk his life for a suicidal mission. Sildar, at this point, ends the conversation by ushering everyone to bed and reminding Sorennar of their talk.
Sorennar tries to worm out of it by saying that he's tired, but Colt and Hugh both point out that he "trances sitting up and only 4 hours". :( Horrible friends. After more whining and excuse-making, Sorennar asks the rest of the group that if they hear him "screaming and sounding terrified", to come help.
Sildar is slightly upset that Sorennar thinks that he'll hurt him, while the rest of the group are confused. Lera pleads with Sildar to not yell at Sorennar, while COLT THREATENS SILDAR'S ASS!!! Colt literally says "you know we'd fuck up and mess up Sildar if he hurts Sorennar".
Sorennar is so touched that he gives Colt his last 10GP.
Lera: Aw, so you did like my joke?
Sildar;... No.
Lera fuckin dies, goodbye
Hugh: I’ll make a joke for you!
Hugh: what sound do goats make?
Sildar: baaa
Hugh: fuck
Everyone takes their share of 8GP and 8SP from the cellar money and head upstairs.
Talks Through the Night
Sorennar teases Sildar about Sildar's initial insistence that nothing was going on at the inn. Sildar accepts the teasing graciously and apologizes for being wrong, frustrating Sorennar >: (
Sildar asks for help going upstairs and takes Sorennar's hand
The group finds their way to their rooms. As Lera is passing, Sorennar asks her to light the candle with her tinderbox. She takes her time in order to stall time for Soren as much as possible thank you for my life ; - ;
Sildar, Lera and Sorennar have a conversation about each other's ,, smells. Sildar says Lera smells like flowers. Sorennar asks Sildar what he smells like AND GETS NO RESPONSE
Colt/Lera/Hugh
Colt and Hugh settled into their rooms, with Hugh bouncing violently onto the bed.
Sorennar, in the other room: Squeaking beds, thumping sounds, sounds like my idea of fun
Lera, sensing that Colt is feeling sad from remembering his parents and tricks him into receiving a hug from her. Colt remarks that the hug is very different from Hugh's, prompting Hugh to invite Colt to train with him to get "better bones". Lera asks Colt to have a conversation tomorrow, and he agrees.
Colt sets up a little pillow fort by the wall between their and Sorldar's room, in order to make good on his promise to Sorennar that he would kill a bitch if Sildar hurt Sorennar.
Colt also lays down some pillows and blankets for Lera and Hugh, who are sharing the bed, in case Hugh bonks Lera off of the bed. We will all die for Colt.
Lera settles down and gets ready to go to bed, but asks Colt to wake them all if there is any indication that Sildar would hurt Sorennar. Colt sits with his back to the wall connecting to the room Sorennar and SIldar are in, with his sword drawn out ;-;
Hugh checks outside the window for threats but finds none.
Sorldar
Sildar sits himself on the chest in the room. Sorennar sits on the bed, asking if Sildar doesn't plan on sleeping on the bed but rather inside the chest (he is DEFLECTING like a WUSS).
Sildar insists on driving the conversation towards Sorennar's literal threats of poisoning the party, and his obvious attempts at goading Sildar into reacting to the mysterious vials. Sorennar continues to try and deflect, asking Sildar to instead relax and have "some fun". WHICH SILDAR AGREES TO but only after the talk.
Sorennar tries to attribute his chaotic and dangerous behavior to him being Drow, passing off the events of the night as a "test" to see if Sildar was a wide-eyed fool. He commends Sildar on being self-sacrificing and taking the first bite, but states that it was a meaningless joke.
Sildar does not believe or accept this, pushes Sorennar further to get to the bottom of the situation. He believes that Sorennar is trying to prove that all Drow are bad, and guarantees that they are not.
Sorennar takes a long, disbelieving pause at this claim, but seeing Sildar visibly upset, sincerely expresses fear at Sildar's anger. Sildar questions this ongoing fear of him, and its cause. Sorennar is extremely uncomfortable, avoiding eye contact. Sildar beseeches Sorennar to tell him what's going on, so that Sildar might be able to help and understand him.
Sorennar balks at the idea of asking Sildar for help, but agrees to come clean to offer Sildar some well-deserved context at Sorennar's erratic behavior. He hikes up his sleeve and shows Sildar various knife/blade scars, admitting that he was lying at the lake when he said they were all from Underdark monsters.
Sorennar recounts times wherein surface-worlders and his "adoptive family" alike have gotten close to him and shown him kindness only to delight in hurting him, badly. He admits that he thought the same of Sildar, who, by all means as an experienced adventurer, should never have been so trusting and friendly towards a Drow. Sorennar says that the events of the night was to make sure that Sildar wasn't just biding his time and waiting to strike.
Sildar is visibly distressed by this information, which Sorennar takes as offence against his distrust and tries to reassure him. Sildar wonders about the extent of Sorennar's fear, and Sorennar admits that he had only cast Silvery Barbs in the "sparring" battle earlier that day because he was terrified. He proceeds to try and deflect the situation by making fun of Colt, but Sildar is having none of it and continues to press with questions about adventurers who have hurt Sorennar. Sorennar wonders if it surprised Sildar to know of all this, and Sildar sadly admits that it does not.
THEY HUG
Despite Sorennar's protests about pity, Sildar offers his apologies and sympathy for Sorennar's past experiences. He promises that he would never hurt Sorennar. Sildar also promises that he trusts Sorennar and would never play with his or any Drow's feelings like that.
Sorennar cuts him off and asks him to reconsider these hasty promises, criticizing Sildar's willingness to trust and citing that he could have killed Sildar when he dozed off next to him on the watch. Sildar insists that he trusts Sorennar with his life -- that's why he ate the "poisonous" food -- and that Sorennar is one of the good Drow.
Sorennar grudgingly accepts this but demands that Sildar promise he exercise caution with future Drow "acquaintances". Sildar accepts, and in turn asks that Sorennar promise he'll call upon Sildar for help if he is ever accosted by adventurers. Sorennar jokes bitterly that Sildar would have a very busy retirement if so, given that the last assault happened around 4 days ago.
Sildar expresses that retirement was going to be boring anyway ;----; and keeps demanding that Sorennar promise. Sorennar reluctantly does so, tearing up but asking if Sildar expected him to "call to the sky" if he was ever in need (once again trying to deflect with jokes fkin dumbass)
Sildar says that he would come.
Sorennar laments that only did losing his memories show him how much he had changed in the presence of the group, sneering at the idea of asking a human for help. Sildar attributes it to "how good of friends" they had become. Sorennar laments how furious his mother would be to know that he was growing friendly with half elves, high elves, dwarves and a human.
Sildar challenges him by asking why it mattered what others thought -- asking if Sorennar was enjoying himself. Sorennar hesitates but admits that he very much so did, and would dearly like to continue his adventures with the party. However, he is absolutely sure that he would get called back to the Underdark soon to "perform his duties", and that he would have to go.
Sildar presses Sorennar as to why he "has" to return, and Sorennar FINALLY admits that "they" have his family's location, and believes that they would hurt his family if he did not return. He also admits that his family life was far from happy, but he still felt obligated to protect them.
Sildar is intensely distressed about this, desperately offering to help, though neither he nor Sorennar knew how he could. Sorennar explains that the "they" are a Drow noble family who had taken interest in him. Sildar asks if the nobles are in Mezoberranzan, which Sorennar confirms and mocks as "the depths that even the Lord's Alliance won't venture into".
Sildar surprises Sorennar by saying that perhaps the Lord's Alliance should reach out to Menzoberranzan. He begins to disparage the Drow nobility and priests, as well as Lolth, for all they had done to the Drow.
Sorennar stops him here in a hurry, reminding Sildar that Drow who slight Lolth get turned into Driders. Sildar takes the hint and stops, asking Sorennar to come to him for help if he thinks of anything. He also tries to lighten the mood with jokes I'm crying
Sildar brings up Sorennar's saving of his life twice. Sorennar tries to pass it off as it being for the Scroll of Sending, but Sildar points out that he wouldn't have been able to use the scroll if he were dead -- and the situation with the Oblex was certainly life and death. He tries to cite this as evidence that Sorennar is a good person. Sorennar disagrees and laments his "reputation" being tarnished as "good".
Sildar brushes this off and states that Sorennar's reputation -- to Sildar and to the party -- has always been good, as far as he's concerned. Sorennar considers this and gives Sildar permission to tell the party about their talk, including the family hostage situation, if Sorennar ever one day disappeared -- hoping that this would "paint him in a good light".
Sildar agrees to tell the party "all about" about Sorennar, implying that the truth would prove Sorennar a good person enough.
---
Colt is pressed against the wall still. He can hear some bits and pieces of the conversation, but nothing coherent.
Sildar's Past
Sorennar inquires about the Drow friends that Sildar had mentioned. Sildar admits that they are more like "siblings", instead of friends, greatly shocking Sorennar.
Sildar asks if Sorennar is familiar with the Beggar's Nest district in Neverwinter. Sorennar is -- it's one of the poorer slums of the city, a mixing pot of poverty, desperation and danger. He remarks that it "reminds him of home".
Sildar explains that he used to frequent an orphanage within the Beggar's Nest, where he had met two young Drow, Vulmar (m) and Aire (f), and grown very close to them. He had only just began adventuring then, and so did not have the funds to provide them with a safe home. This drove Sildar to venture out far, trying to save up enough to get a house in Neverwinter for them all.
As he got closer to his goal, however, one day, he returned to Neverwinter to learn that Vulmar and Aire had offended a rich noble and executed on the spot. He was unable to ever find their bodies, nor obtain any closure for the event.
Sildar, at this point, chokes and tears up. Sorennar, unsure of how to offer comfort, rushes across the room to hug him tightly.
Sorennar demands to know who did this, and when Sildar admits that he has minimal information despite investigating in Neverwinter for a very long time, Sorennar promises that he would find the perpetrators for Sildar.
Sildar protests this, saying that he simply didn't want to see Sorennar die a senseless death like his siblings. At this, Sorennar breaks down violently on Sildar's shoulder. Sildar tries to comfort him by patting his head, and once again asking that if there was anything he could do to free Sorennar, to please let him know.
Sorennar, still trying to compose himself, affirms this again, but begins to plead with Sildar to give up on the dangerous mission of going to Cragmaw, and instead to just retire. Sildar flatly refuses, despite Sorennar's increasingly desperate pleas, citing that he could not stand idly by while innocent people died.
Sildar asks that Sorennar "have some trust in him, that he would not perish". Sorennar responds that he does trust him, and ; - ; ki,,kkissses Sildarrr, on the forrehhead,d.
Sildar questions if this was Sorennar's way of "giving his word", and TAKES IT AS SORENNAR TRYING TO COMFORT HIM. OH MY GOD. They agree to head to bed and speak more in the morning, as it was getting extremely late.
Sildar offers to take the "outside" side of the bed, so that he could defend Sorennar from any threats that might enter through the door/window.
Sorennar admits that he usually feels uneasy when someone is in the way of him and the nearest exit, but states he's willing to make an exception for Sildar. He tries to be dramatic with a "after you", but Sildar points out that Sorennar has to get in first if he's to sleep on his side. (Lily's Notes: Sorennar Cute Noises) Sorennar folds his cape carefully and gets in bed. Sildar takes off his shirt as well and gets in after.
Sildar stays on his side of the bed like a gentleman, but Sorennar tries miserably to pretend that he's cold so that Sildar holds him. Sildar sees through this and slides over cha cha real smooth to spoon Sorennar anyway.
Sorennar sleeps soundly laying down, which Sildar does not know, but means he feels safe :(
COLT MY BELOVED stays up for an hour after the talking stops, to make absolutely sure that Sorennar is safe, before dozing off against the wall.
🌞 DAY 3 • 📅 ELEINT 24
Morning After - Nightmares and Breakfast
At 6 AM, Sorennar wakes up and gathers his things, before leaving and checking on the party in the other room. Upon seeing Colt sleep-sitting on the floor by the wall with a sword in his hand, he drops 9 gold into Colt’s bag and heads downstairs.
He attempts to bravely enter the kitchen to look for baking soda and flour, yet the smell is far too overpowering for poor Sorennar. He instead heads out to hunt, and manages to create a rope trap that snags a small pig-boar. Sorennar then uses vicious mockery to kill the animal :))
After draining the blood, he heads into the inn and places the dead boar on the counter, before once again attempting to enter the smelly kitchen
Upstairs
Lera has a nightmare: As you sleep, you find yourself in a forest that you are not familiar with. As you look around, you see directly in front of you a child's body, which has been disfigured. You panic seeing this, kneeling next to the child and try to channel your power to heal the child. But no matter how hard you try to heal the child, none of your powers are able to be used. The child looks at you, smiling, constantly repeating two words, "heal me". This scene repeats constantly, you keep trying to heal the child but nothing is coming out and the child is repeating "heal me" the entire time, never once changing tone.
Lera wakes up with a gasp, causing Hugh to bolt and stand on the bed ready, and Colt to also awake suddenly whose sword is already drawn. They ask Lera what’s wrong, she's shaking and scared, looking around the room, calming down when she sees that no one is injured between them. She also tries to channel some of her powers into her hands, and further calms down when she sees that it does work
Attempting to change the subject, she asks Hugh and Colt how their sleep was, but they ask her again if she had a nightmare/bad dream, which she admits she had and that she’s awake now. She once again asks everyone how they’re doing, asks Colt what happened with Sorennar and Sildar, who lets her know that all he heard was “its warm” and something about a “beggars nest”.
Lera hypothesizes that maybe, based on a couple hours ago and how warm Soren was, that he was warming up Sildar who’s likely cold in his outfit. Downstairs, they hear the kitchen door slamming (Sorennar is trying to enter but the smell is too much so he leaves), getting concern Lera volunteers to go check to try and distract herself, but Hugh says to not go alone and all 3 head downstairs, Colt has his sword drawn, and Hugh taking the vanguard
They find Sorennar downstairs in front of the closed kitchen door, with a dead boar on the table. Colt questions Sorennar about what happened last night, who replies ‘Sildar and I had a long night getting to know each other’, with Hugh saying that he was told it was arm, and Colt not meeting Sorennar’s eyes. Sorennar inquires how much Colt knows, as he saw him ‘pressed against the wall listening’, who winks at Sorennar and tells him he heard everything
Sorennar now knows Colt doesn’t know shit, but jokes that now he’d have to kill him. Hugh interjects that that’s HIS job (?!?!)
Changing subjects, Sorennar gestures to the dead pig on the counter, and begins speaking fast and appearing flustered, that they’re grateful to Sildar as he is giving them so many opportunities to earn money, and do good in the world, which Colt and Hugh agree with. Sorennar notices that Lera is shaking and sweating slightly, with clammy hands, unfocused eyes, and a pale visage.
Sorennar continues and says that we can make his favorite food, biscuits and gravy, but that they’re missing milk. Hugh offers to go check the Rothe, Sorennar agreeing readily, and asks Colt to check for flour and baking soda inside the kitchen. Colt takes a deep breath before heading inside, and Sorennar closes the door after Colt.
Now alone, he low-key corners Lera against the bartop, and Lera snaps out of it to ask how Sorennar is doing (after scanning his body with her eyes), what's with the dead pig, and where everyone else went. Sorennar recounts everything to her patiently, and that the talk with Sildar went well, and asks her what's wrong. She tries to play it off or change the subject, but can’t make herself lie to Sorennar. Halfway through, they hear banging on the kitchen door, and so Soren opens the door for Colt, who asks why the FUCK he closed the door. Sorennar plays it off as him accidentally closing it, and Colt gives him the flour he found. When asked about the baking soda, Colt said he forgot and that he can go back in, but Lera lets Sorennar know that she can go and grab it since the smell doesn’t bother her, she’s smelled worse, but Sorennar interjects that Colt can do it instead, who takes a deep breath and heads inside again.
Sorennar questions Lera again, but instead she says that maybe later she can tell him what happened. He lets her know that if she needs to talk to someone, he is there for her. Halfway through, we hear screaming from Hugh outside:
Hugh: Come here white. Just settle down this will only take a few minutes Hugh: GOD DAMN IT ALL WHITE. WHY ARE YOU DRY. Black you better do your damn job we need the milk
Seeing how distressed she was, he uno reverse cards her move by saying how he wants a hug, which Lera notices and complies with, touched at how perceptive Sorennar is and how badly she needed a hug, gently squeezing Sorennar
Colt comes back outside with baking soda, and Hugh comes inside with a Rothe footprint on his face, much to lera’s alarm, letting the party know that no milk was found. Sorennar grabs the jug that they found the previous night in the basement, and experimentally says ‘milk’, which the jug fills up with
Lera approaches Hugh and asks him if he’s in pain or needs healing, he reassures her that his headache isn’t there, and he doesn’t feel too bad. She asks again if he’s sure he doesn’t need healing, and he asks for a head massage instead, as the rothe footprint can be a cool story to tell if someone sees the mark. Lera begins massaging Hugh’s head, her shaky hands steadying while she works
Sorennar asks Hugh if he knows how to make butter, and Hugh replies he does, beginning the process of churning butter from milk in a bucket while Lera continues to massage his head, albeit awkwardly
Sorennar begins the process of making gravy, and ends with a delicious gravy! He has Colt taste test it by shoving a spoonful into his mouth, who agrees at how it’s nice. Colt asks about Sorennar’s change in mood, which Sorennar acts oblivious to, and Colt mentions how he’s so into this work. Sorennar takes offense, saying ‘I never half-assed anything in my life, but go back to your seat’, which Colt calls him out on being sus and something is different and weird, but goes to sit down anyway
Not knowing how to make biscuits (American style), he asks Lera if she knows, which she gets up to help make, and Colt follows. They discuss Sorennar’s good mood, Colt mentioning what he overheard again, ‘its warm’, causing Lera to say her theory again of a warm Sorennar spooning a cold Sildar. Colt has his doubts about this, but when asked, he says he’s not sure what happened but maybe not the way Lera imagined. Lera says that maybe the good mood from Sorennar is because the talk with Sildar went well too. When they hear Soren approaching, colt changes topic to pretend he was guiding Lera how to knead the dough :)
Under Colt’s masterful advice of kneading dough as she would massage, the dough is finished and Sorennar cuts off circles to place on-top of the fire.
Operation, Delay Sildar is a Go!
As the clock strikes nearer to 8 AM with only 8 minutes left, Sorennar is gay panicking, and hugh offers to go and distract Sildar when he wakes up. He instructs us to whistle loudly when the food is ready as his cue to stop distracting Sildar. In the meantime, Sorennar begins to effectively and efficiently mash his herbs.
As Sildar wakes up, grabs his sword, and opens the door, Hugh runs full force from the end of the hallway, tackling him 10 feet back while yelling ‘SILDAR!’. Everyone downstairs hears a loud ‘thud’ from upstairs. Concerned, Sorennar decides to head up there himself.
Sildar: What the FUCK Hugh: I’ve been ordered to delay you for 20 minutes Sildar: 20 minutes for what?? Hugh: Don’t WORRY about it
As Sildar tries to head towards the door again, Hugh grapples him with a Nat 20, and Sildar is unable to shake him off. Sorennar comes upstairs, and Hugh tells him that he’s successfully delaying Sildar, causing Sorennar to try and shush him, while Sildar is even more bewildered. They continue to grapple each other, before Sorennar lets Hugh know that he’ll take care of the situation here, which makes Hugh question if ‘its done yet?’.
Sorennar lets him know that he hears someone calling him from downstairs, thinking its Colt, and that he should go and see him since he probably wants some practice with wrestling. Hugh asks if he promises that Colt wants to wrestle him, which Sorennar tries to not confirm but say he thinks he hears it, and Sildar tells Hugh that he’ll give him 5 silver if he lets go. Hugh lets him go and rushes downstairs
Sildar inquires about the happenings, and Sorennar says that it's a bet between Hugh and Colt, which causes Sildar to worry
Downstairs
As this is happening upstairs and hearing the thuds, Lera and Colt mention how they’re thankful they’re not Sildar, and express worry over Sildar’s well-being considering what Hugh can do to a tree. Colt reassures Lera that since Sorennar went upstairs, everything will be okay
As they say this, they hear loud thuds and Hugh runs down the stairs, charging at Colt, who barely manages to swivel out of the way. Lera and Colt question what Hugh thinks he’s doing, and Hugh says that Sorennar said he wanted to wrestle, which Colt denies and says that Sorennar or Sildar might want to do that, not him. Lera tries to distract Hugh from going back upstairs by asking him for help setting the table, and Colt tells Hugh that there will be lots of opportunities on the trip to Phandalin for lake bathing, fishing, and wrestling
Hugh runs upstairs despite their efforts, and says he needs to tell Sorennar that he lies
Upstairs
Sorennar notices that Sildar has puffy eyes, and instead inquires about if he is alright. Sildar says that it's not something he had ever told anyone before, and that it was painful recounting it. Sorennar replies that ‘I’m honored to be your first’, and that he never opened like that to anyone else, asking if there is anything he can do for Sildar. Sildar says he wouldn’t mind getting paid back on Colt. Asking what he could do ‘to poor colt when you get down there’, Sildar nonchalantly says he might trip him when he’s walking, as it would be funny. Sorennar: I grow fonder and fonder of you each day Sildar
As they’re having this conversation, they hear the thunderous sounds of Hugh approaching rapidly, who moves past Sildar and proclaims that Sorennar lied to him, and Colt didn’t want to wrestle. Sildar interjects that maybe Colt was the one lying about this, but Hugh argues that he dodged out of the way. Sildar says he’d pay Hugh 5 gold if he goes to wrestle Colt, which Hugh rushes back downstairs to perform Sildar: that was payback for colt Sorennar: my hero~
Sorennar attempts to distract Sildar from heading downstairs by asking about his morning routine, which was effective in delaying him.
Downstairs
Lera and Colt discuss how odd that was, and that it hopefully won’t happen again. Lera asks Colt to try the biscuit and see how it tastes as they are preparing the table, and he stands in front of the fire to try a fresh one. They hear the sounds of thundering steps as Hugh charges back down, sees Colt, moves in front of him, runs backwards then forwards at Colt. Colt barely manages to swivel out of the way and starts running around the tavern tables, with Hugh hot on his heels, much to Lera’s alarm.
As they run around, Colt inquires on why the FUCK Hugh is doing this, and Hugh says he’s being paid 5 gold to tackle him, causing Colt to halt and tell Hugh to wait and stop. Hugh says Sildar will pay him 5 gold to tackle him, and Colt negotiates that maybe they can pretend he’s knocked him down, this way he doesn’t get hurt and Hugh gets his gold. To make it more convincing, Colt knocks down some chairs and dramatically screams ‘HUGH WHAT THE FUCK’, to Hugh’s confusion, before being instructed to loudly proclaim ‘Aha I got you!’ loudly for Sildar to hear upstairs, which Hugh does (rolling a Nat 20 on performance).
Lera and Colt once again discuss how odd this was, Colt is worried that Sildar hates him, while Lera reassures him that it isn’t like Sildar to be petty, and likely this could be a misunderstanding, but we’d have to wait until Sorennar and Sildar come down to ask
Hugh then gets up and runs upstairs to tell Sildar
Upstairs
Upon arriving, Hugh announces he wrestled Colt, which Sildar refutes, causing Hugh to say ‘FUCK. I’ll go do that now’. Sildar tells him that he’s not that petty, there’s no need to tackle Colt, and that he won’t be paying 5 gold for it anymore. Hugh tries to tackle Sildar, and Sorennar casts Dancing Lights in an attempt to distract Hugh, however despite staring at the butterflies, Hugh manages to tackle Sildar to the ground
(Current positions: sorennar in the room, Sildar in front of him at the doorway, and Hugh charging in)
Hugh knocks Sildar down who falls on Sorennar, resulting in Sorennar screaming from below, receiving the worry of Sildar and Hugh. Sildar is now upset, and Hugh says that Colt told him to do it (the plan of lying about wrestling him), so he’ll go tackle him for 5 gold. Sildar has just had the worst morning ever and just does not wanna deal with this as Hugh takes off running again downstairs. He helps Sorennar to his feet, who says ‘I think I broke my everything’
Downstairs
Lera and Colt discuss for the THIRD time how this is crazy and how unlikely it would be to happen a third time. Colt finally tries the biscuit, and as they finish setting up the table, they hear the loudest thud ever, raising alarm between them. Lera questions if they should head upstairs, Colt said they shouldn’t, but they slowly get closer to the stairs either way cautiously. Seeing Hugh approaching again, Lera stands in front of Colt, and Colt takes precautionary steps back just in case
Hugh stops and looks behind them to see that the food is ready, and whistles loudly to alert Sorennar of such. Hugh no longer has the intense wrestling look, and amiably goes to sit for breakfast.
Surprise, Sildar!
Sorennar admits to Sildar that he and the party made him his favorite breakfast, and that Sorennar never made it before but he thinks he did well making it. Sildar’s face changes from cold to happy, 180 degrees mood change :)
Sildar questions Hugh's rugby tackles, and Sorennar admits that it was his fault, but Sildar waves it off and takes the blame himself (?)
Downstairs, the table is set and ready, and Colt wants to question Sildar on Hugh being paid to tackle him, while Lera tries to stop him and save it for after breakfast, since this is a surprise to Sildar. Colt goes up to Sildar when he comes down the stairs and questions him, Sorennar admits that it was his fault, while Sildar admits that he was under the wrong impression, thinking it was Colt that sent Hugh to tackle him, and Colt asks him if he didn’t pay Hugh to do so, if he didn’t hate him. Sildar senses the misunderstanding and makes amends with Colt, saying that he does not hate him, so long as he doesn’t lie about money, they can forget about the ordeal. Colt happily agrees to this, and smugly asks him how his sleep was, if the room was warm :) Sildar answers that it was surprisingly warm, which does NOT help at all for poor Colt’s imagination
Sildar thanks the party again for making him breakfast, and sits down with Sorennar and Hugh, while Lera and Colt idle nearby gossiping. Colt expresses his joy that Sildar does NOT hate him, and hopes that he and Sildar can be BFF’s like he is with Sorennar, Hugh, and Lera, which Lera happily agrees with. Colt also mentions [ mercenary talk, being hates, hired killers, info here please]
Lera and Sorennar notice that while Sildar has a slight smile on his face, there is sadness in him, due to us making him breakfast. Sorennar whispers to Sildar apologizing for overstepping boundaries, but Sildar admits that that was not an issue, it had just been some time since someone made him his favorite meal :( Sorennar offers more happy meals in Phandalin, as well as a party, which Sildar agrees to and announces for everyone to join him for breakfast, while Sorennar gives him a cute lil peck on the cheek while pulling away
Everyone sits at the table and begin eating some delicious american biscuits and gravy with bacon
Hugh offers his innate wisdom to Sildar, that he’s too weak and should tackle some trees, and shows off his Rothe print on his face ;-; Sildar once again reassures colt that he does not dislike him not hate him, only disliking him asking for more money Colt: No problem! So long as you give me my 25 gold! Sildar did not find the joke amusing ^-^
Hugh decides that since he was robbed of his chance for 5 gold from Sildar, Colt should be the one to pay, but Colt says he doesn’t have 5 gold, only the money they got yesterday (8 gold each). Sildar decides to call it even and that he’ll pay the 5 gold to Hugh, thus cementing how he has become Hugh’s personal ATM, and says to Hugh: I’ll pay, just Hugh don’t do that shit to me ever again
Party continues eating breakfast, and it is currently 8:32 AM on Daylight 3
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