March Event Log A

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🜙 Mod Note
	The Einjar Excursion is going up as a separate log due to the size of the excursion log.
🜙 The Thaw
	Thaw is well underway and the evidence of it is everywhere. Snowmelt floods the rivers, strengthening the currents and broadening the width and depth of major and minor rivers alike. Patches of fresh greens are appearing across the land, and the wildlife has begun to emerge in greater and greater numbers. With the thaw comes the emergence of new threats. Dire beasts, coyotes, ogres, trolls, cave spiders, manticores and cave spindles begin to emerge from the deep mountains and forests in search of food, the risk of mudslides increase in the mountains, and the cliff hawks take to the warming skies. Farmers in the area around the City of the Free Peoples hire guards to protect their farm animals, and Krimnos and Didymos hold competitions to find new knights to add to their ranks. Despite their awareness of the mess of conflict consuming the City of the Free Peoples, neither Queen Adira nor King Sitka seem willing to get involved in solving the issues present there. Their focus is primarily on their own people. Krimnos and Didymos have both finished repairs to their cities following the events of the past two months, but the people are still frightened and confused. Rumors from Didymos about a dragon emerging from the sea have spread and Krimnos must now deal with the emerging threats of hungry cave creatures and potential mudslides on top of their usual worries.
🜙 Beyond the Reef: Didymos, March 8th
	In Didymos several ships remain out on the bay day and night as Queen Adira's knights search for any signs or clues as to what caused the draining of the bay and the sudden stark absence of sea life from Logistykon's Reef and the majority of the bay. Fishing nets continue to come up with little more than drifting kelp and have to venture further and further out into the Glass Sea to bring back any worthwhile catch. The last of the debris from the ocean flooding back into the bay is still washing onto the shore and the waters have regained their clarity, with no sign of the sunken ships, sun-bleached skeletons, or the pit. The waves seem to have washed everything back to sea. Only Logistykon's Reef remains. The docks are constantly in search of people willing to risk the voyage out beyond the reef to find waters that still hold enough life to sustain the city, or at least find the source of the scarcity within the bay. Out there the ships risk attack from sea carnos, war sharks, and flying fish that hunt the deeper waters of the Glass Sea. Those looking to join the Didymos Knights can take part in a variety of competitions throughout the month that focus on testing swordsmanship, sailing skills, charting stars, and magic-focused battles against clay and elemental golems created to fight would-be knights and test their skill. The demand to increase their forces has increased since the attacks and disappearances in February.
🜙 A City Divided: Didymos & the City of the Free Peoples, March 8th
	King Ardis, in a moment of rash determination, sets out on horseback for the City of the Free Peoples with a small number of trusted knights, intent on setting things right before the chaos threatening to fully consume the less stable city causes it to collapse on itself. It is rumored he has other motives as well, regarding a search for answers to the origin of the masked cult that attacked all three cities in January. It's possible his company would be willing to accept the aid of others in these pursuits. In the City of the Free Peoples, the disappearance of Captain Lykos remains a source of confusion and contention and the militant force of the Defenders are still attempting to take control of the city by force. The rebels continue to run up against the issue of numbers, with the force and resources of the Defenders far too great and far-reaching in the city. Rebel numbers decline as uneasy and conflicted citizens in the city turn their neighbors and friends in because they are frightened of the mounting confusion in the world around them and fearful of losing the protective guard that defends the city, especially at a point in the year when they will be most needed. The Defenders themselves have grown uneasy under acting Captain Koroc's leadership, but most continue to remain steadfast, their loyalty cemented with the perceived truth that the rebels have either killed Captain Lykos or taken him hostage. The red orc captain acting as commander in his absence has grown increasingly aggressive and erratic. His right arm is often hidden and severely scarred. According to his claims, an attack from a rebel assassin in early January was the cause. Both the Defenders and the Rebels seem to be interested in recruiting new members to bolster their numbers. Meanwhile, farmers in the outskirts continue to spread tales of the drastic rise in werewolf attacks and destruction during February's full moon, and look for guards to hire to protect their farms from the increasing predatory threats.
🜙 On the Precipice: Krimnos, March 8th
	With the thaw, the airship Zenith begins its route once more, ferrying people from Krimnos to the Northern outpost of Preciposte in the mountains. The two hour flight to Preciposte is a dangerous one. An armed escort of archers is always present to protect the airship from attack by the many aerial threats living in the mountains. The Northern outpost between Krimnos and Einjar serves as a resting point for travelers between the ancient dwarven city and the cliff city. Preciposte is a small outpost rich in metal and gem trade as well as a popular residence for more reckless and fearless hunters of the dangerous creatures of the mountains. The altitude of Preciposte causes many unacclimated to suffer loss of breath, lightheadedness, and a somewhat giddy recklessness. The outpost is built near a natural hot spring and the hot springs are a favored escape for those willing to take the risky trip to get to them. With the route to Preciposte both on foot and by air open once more concerning news reaches Krimnos. Communication with the remaining residents of Einjar has been silent for months, since late December. The population of Preciposte, predominately tiefling and dwarf residents, are preparing for a major excursion on foot through the mountains to Einjar. The trip is far too dangerous in both altitude, creature threats, and proximity of the craggy cliffs to make via airship so the four-six day trek will be a difficult and harrowing journey.

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[drizzle]

[The sudden sounds of something incoming will have Caelum's full and undivided attention as the young wolf pup will head closer to that particular direction; preparing to ambush whatever got close which was enough of a cue for the singing tiefling to prepare her own bow and arrow to hit whatever it was if it was bigger than a deer in size, knowing Caelum was too small to attack anything bigger on his own.

But once the floppy dog made its excitable appearance -- it was more than enough for Nike to mentally relax while Caelum attempted to leap onto the other dog only to miss. It was hard not to laugh as she wanted to continue to sing. She found the dog to be absolutely adorable and will only motivate her further to sing with her new duet partner, lowing the hypnosis effects to avoid any interruptions.

Caelum will be left curious by the show between his master and the other dog. It was something he hasn't seen before. His curiosity will grow until the dog's partner appears. The wolf pup's deep blue eyes will watch the other man while hiding in the bush it had jumped into; realizing he meant no harm neither, Caelum will leave the safety of the bush and begin to circle the man, trying to sneak in a sniff to determine if he was with the other dog.

Nike won't mind the other guest, realizing he may be the dog's owner. So all she will do will move closer to the beagle, reaching for the left over snow on the ground and toss it above her head as she changes the song she was singing to another one just to summon the wind. A gust of wind will be felt, almost as thought it was being used to separate the large chunks of snow by spreading them around their area; creating the illusion of transforming them into its original fluffy version and falling slowly over them. Nike made absolutely certain to allow the final verse sound as incredible as she could to allow the remain air molecules to reflect the light of the sun to add a floating glitter effect alongside the falling snow.]

And that is how I view my very enthusiastic duet partner -- sparkling snowfall! [Leaning down as she extends her hand towards the beagle.] What's his name? [Asking loud enough for the other man to hear.] Are you two hunting partners?

[apilot]

[ Poe fishes a few morsels of dried meat from his coat, offering one open palmed out to the little wolf pup, unconcerned and unthreatened. His entire demeanor is relaxed and amused and his scent is a mix of Bey's, his own, and the scents being carried on the currents high above the tree tops. If Caelum doesn't take the meat, Poe tosses it, using a small gust of wind magic to land it on top of a flat rock nearby.

He listens to the baying howls of Bey trying to join into the song and the stranger's own melodic voice, and waits for her to stop and speak to him before trying to speak, his eyes dark in color but bright in cheerful demeanor. There's a heavy weight in his quiver, the hidden egg stored away while Bey is with him rather than safely stashed in its cavern hiding place. ]

His name is Bey, and he is working on that. I think he would rather be playing than hunting, but he has a great sense of smell. [ Despite the comical size of Bey's ears the beagle couldn't hear as well as other dogs due to the way they hung down, but his nose almost never failed. ] When he isn't too busy chasing his whims. [ What did it say about Poe, that his animas was so quick to dash off after whatever interested him at a moment's notice? He didn't think too hard on it. ]

That was a beautiful song, I'm almost sorry he interrupted you. [ Only almost, because it was a nice change of pace from his less cheerful search for clues about the undead knights that had attacked Krimnos not so long ago. Bey continues chasing snowflakes while they talk before enthusiastically bounding around the wolf pup, tail up and wagging wildly. ]

Is that what you two are doing out here? [ The fact that the wolf pup approached him at all made him certain it was with her and not a wild lost pup. ]

[drizzle]

[Caelum's eyes will perk up almost instantly at the sight of the dried meat. His tail wagging a little too enthusiastically as he begins to run around the other man in circles, almost as if it was cheering over the offered food! Actually, he was more than willing to take it from the man's hand if it weren't for the would be celebration. When the meat began to float away, the pup will attempt to leap and grab it before allowing it to arrive to its destination.

Nike couldn't help smile very brightly at having found a very friendly duo. They were very fortunate. As much as Nike would like to test out Caelum's hunting skills and strength, she was just happy over the level not being too great. She will offer Bey a soft, brush on his back before letting him go.]

I don't blame him! With his energy, I would want to race against you or run around the woods. [Which she did with Caelum before finding the area they were now in. Actually, her barb tail may just begin to sway a little at the thought of running through the woods again.

Looking up, she will offer the other man a big smile.] Thanks, and don't be! It's been a while since I had an audience or a singing partner. Usually, I use my songs to lure in unsuspecting creatures to fight or hunt. Actually, I was trying to teach that young one over there how to.

[By "young one", she's popping towards Caelum, who was happily enjoying the last of his dried meat until noticing the older dog running around him in circles. The young dog will get up quickly, kneeling down while raising his tail as it wages happily, offering the older dog a light bark before attempting to chase after him. Nike couldn't help chuckle at the sight, realizing.] Having a reliable hunting partner is very valuable to have. This is my first time having and training one. How long have you and Bey been a team? [A pause.] Oh, I'm Nike, and my young one is Caelum. What's your name?

[apilot]

Poe Dameron. [He offers his name warmly and willingly, all of his attention on Nike. Bey was more than capable of handling himself despite appearances, and Poe didn't mind letting him wear himself out playing with Caelum.]

We've been together about half a year, but it feels like forever. [There's a fondness in his tone, and weird though it may be to mentally refer to the canine as his 'son' he feels that level of protective of the creature. Bey might be an external part of him but the canine also had his own quirks and Poe couldn't imagine them not being together anymore.]

I'd say he's like my own shadow, but most of the time it feels like I'm his. [His focus drifts to Caelum again after a moment and he smiles again.]

Bey might be able to help with that. We used hide and seek at first and he picked up the basic idea pretty quickly from there. It's probably already in their nature for both of them.

[drizzle]

It's nice to meet you, Poe!

[The explanation over his bond with his dog was more than enough to draw Nike in. For a moment, she couldn't help feel a little bit of envy because she was still uncertain over the best way to describe her own relationship with Caelum. A lot of what he mentioned sounds similar while all at once -- did she consider her pup as someone who has been there with her since forever?

A smile will grow, realizing.] You two are in the same wavelength! [Something she sometimes felt her and Caelum lacked...] That's really lucky. It's hard to find a partner like that. Has it always been that way for you two or was it awkward in the beginning?

[The idea of playing hide and seek sounded like a good one. Better than just pretending to give their enemies a surprise birthday party attack. It was enough to make her chuckle as she watches the two canines play together.]

Do you mind showing me a bit on how you trained Bey? I could use some good ideas. As far as I know, Caelum seems to understands simple commands as long as there is pointing involve because otherwise he does his own thing... [Which can be hard to predict on the way he'll react in certain situations.]

[apilot]

I wish. The first few months everything Bey did was react. If he thought I was upset, he assumed the nearest thing to me was the cause. If he was scared, he tried to drag me away, if he thought I want to help, he would run headlong into the first thing that looked like it might be causing the problem.

[ Poe doesn't realize just how much it says about him, that when he first found Bey in the marshes where he had risen from the dead the pup was fearless, reckless, and brazenly empathetic toward the needs of others. They've both calmed down since the raw confusion and mild fear of being in a world Poe didn't recognize and Bey had been unceremoniously dropped into. ]

We had to learn how to communicate with one another, and how to react to each other a little less- impulsively. [ He chuckles at the word and rubs at his chin, rough with overgrown stubble. ]

I'd be happy to help. It was a stumbling process for us, honestly. We had to help each other figure it out, but if we can help we will. [ Bey is already working on it slightly, running Caelum in circles around the opening before disappearing into the underbrush. Poe knows Bey well enough now to know he's tucking himself under bushes, trying to teach Caelum to follow his scent trails by playing tag with the smaller canine. ]

He looks like he's still young, it might take him a while to grow out of his puppy tendencies.

[drizzle]

[As he explains his early experience with Bey, Nike will look quite thoughtful. It was difficult to not ignore the significance. She couldn't help spot those interesting details, realizing:]

Bey is a really boy!

[A dog that felt such overwhelming concern for their partner was a very rare treat to find, even if it may get them into danger for it. She couldn't help admire those qualities. Not many have them, so she found them important to have in any individual -- animal and otherwise.]

It's no wonder I liked him at first sight. Grandmother did once mention to always take pride in whatever you do because those will be the things that will give color and truth to ourselves. [Her grandmother admired individuality as much as those dependent on their communities. Actually, her grandmother found the former to be needed more so than the latter whenever it comes to survival, leadership, and creating connections.

Just like now. It seemed like Poe was on board in wanting to help them out. She'll turn to the canine duo for a bit. Only to find Bey disappearing at some point. Oh, he was a clever boy. Her attention will be on Caelum as he comes to realize his playmate had disappeared from his sight. The younger wolf won't exactly understand their intentions other than they were clearly playing a new game with them. The younger pup will begin to offer a low howl, almost as if signalling their motivation on finding them. Nike may just come to realize as she chuckles awkwardly.]

I hope so. Sometimes it's a little odd to find him reacting in ways a more mature wolf wouldn't. [Like instead of using his keen sense of smell to search, he rather howl every so often and use his hearing to search the area before moving on. Nike had a feeling he may have picked it up from her since she was a singer and happen to more or less do the same whenever acting as bait.] Hey, thanks for the helping hand. I can see where Bey picked up his own personality traits from. With the saying about animals reflecting their owners and all. [Even if he didn't start singing and dancing like Bey did, it was noteworthy enough to have him deciding to listen to her singing by literally sitting down instead of trying to command their dog to stop or scolding them later on. Now he was helping her out in training Caelum to become a better hunter. Which he may need all the help he can get as the pup continue to move through the area by leaning as low as he can whenever there was enough tall grass to hide him while sneaking area, searching for his playmate. There may be a variety of howling sounds every so often in different areas before a long string of silence while he is searching for any movement with his ears.]

How long have you two been out in the woods for? It seems like you two have been camping out for a while.

[By which she'll notice the stubble on his chin and the way his quiver seemed to be carrying some noticeable weight. Was he hiding food in there to keep Bey away from or had an overabundance of arrows?]

I'm so sorry. I had to move. Do you want to wrap this up and start something new in Einjar?

[apilot]

He is a good boy, [ Poe agrees with a grin. He's proud of the beagle, even if the dog can be a bit of a goof sometimes, he does a good job of living up to the name Poe gave him and doing Poe's mother proud with how caring and fearless he is.]

We do a lot of traveling. I used to be a knight, but I haven't gotten back into it recently, so I am just doing what I can to make sure people aren't getting lost and hunted out here in the wilds. [That and Poe had been avoiding the cities while trying to keep the egg safe and well hidden.]

I never have been good at staying in one place. We both get restless.