An Introduction to Valeria of Colton

Chapter 2 - The Folk Hero’s Oath

Date: 1st of Mirtul, 1492 DR

The mayor's office is a modest room lined with shelves of books and maps. A large oak desk, cluttered with papers and documents, stands in the center. Sunlight streams through a small window, casting a warm glow over the room. Mayor Shasta Windrider sits behind the desk, her face marked with concern as she reviews a map of the High Forest.

The door creaks open and Valeria steps inside, her plate armor clinking softly with each step. Mayor Windrider looks up, a relieved smile spreading across her face. "Valeria, thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."

Valeria takes a chair opposite the mayor, her towering presence making the room feel even smaller. She studies the map on the desk, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the High Forest. She says, "Mayor Windrider, you mentioned strange disturbances and missing villagers. What do you believe is causing this?"

The mayor leans back in her chair, sighing deeply. "The High Forest has always been enigmatic, but recently, the place has become hostile. Unusual weather, unnatural creatures... and now, our own people are vanishing without a trace. We suspect it's connected to a legendary relic called the Whispering Chalice, said to be hidden deep within the forest."

Valeria's eyes widened with interest. She leans forward, her curiosity piqued, "The Whispering Chalice? What do you know about it?"

"The Chalice is believed to hold great power over the forest and its spirits. If we can recover it, we might be able to restore balance and protect our town. But the journey will be perilous. We need someone strong, brave, and skilled—someone like you."

Valeria's mind races with the possibilities. She feels a sense of destiny pulling her towards this mission, a call she cannot ignore. "I will do it. I will recover the Whispering Chalice and bring it back to you. The people of Colton deserve to live without fear."

Mayor Windrider’s eyes light up with hope.

"Thank you, Valeria. Your courage means everything to us. Once you have the Chalice, however, you must not bring it back here. It must be taken to Everlund. The authorities there, either the High Priest of the Temple of Lathander or the head of the local mage guild… they have the knowledge and resources to properly contain and utilize the relic's power."

Valeria nods, understanding the gravity of her mission. "I won't let you down, Mayor Windrider. I will bring peace back to Colton and ensure the Chalice is safely delivered to Everlund."

The mayor rises from her chair and extends her hand. Valeria shakes it firmly, sealing her commitment to the quest. "May Annam All-Father guide you on your journey, Valeria. The town will be forever grateful for your bravery. And for the town, to strengthen the hearts of our people, I will give you this commission in front of the citizens. I had to talk it through with you first, though. I had to know that we could count on you.

Valeria nods, her heart filled with resolve. She turns and leaves the office, ready to face both the theatrics and challenges ahead.

As Valeria steps out of the mayor's office, the town square comes into view. The villagers are already gathering, their faces marked with worry and anticipation. Valeria takes a deep breath, her mind focused on the task at hand. She strides towards the center of the square, ready to embody their hopes and begin her quest.

As she walks forward, her imposing figure is clad in gleaming plate armor. Her long, braided blonde hair glistens in the morning light, and her more typical mischievous grin is replaced by a look of determination. The fountain at the center of the square, usually a symbol of tranquility, now seems a somber reminder of the town’s plight.

Mayor Windrider, a tall woman with silver-streaked auburn hair and piercing green eyes, steps forward. Her regal bearing is evident, though her worry for her people is plain on her face. She raises a hand to quiet the crowd before speaking.

"Citizens of Colton. The High Forest has always been a place of mystery, but never have we felt the threat from it like we do these days. Strange weather! Unnatural creatures. Our own people, disappearing... Something ancient and powerful is at work. I have taken the step of sending a champion of our people to face this threat. Valeria, come forward."

The mayor hands Valeria a scroll, its seal bearing the emblem of Colton. "This is a map to guide you to the Whispering Chalice, an artifact believed to control the spirits of the forest. Our historian, Elder Thrain Stonebrew, can tell you more about it. Our priestess of Lathander, Sister Meriel, has guidance to ease your path.”

The mayor gestures to a stout dwarf standing nearby. Elder Thrain Stonebrew, with his long, braided beard and eyes somber behind round spectacles, steps forward. He speaks with a voice rich with years of wisdom.

"Lass, the Whispering Chalice is more than a relic. It's a conduit of nature's power, hidden deep within the forest. You'll face many trials to reach it, but with the blessing of Annam All-Father, I'm confident you can prevail."

Sister Meriel steps forward, a serene elven priestess in flowing robes of pale blue. She offers a small pouch with three healing potions. "Take these blessings with you, Valeria. They are potions of healing, and they will aid you in your journey. May the light of Lathander guide you."

Valeria accepts these gifts, knowing the hope that has been invested in her in this moment. She speaks, “People of Colton, long have I considered you all my family. And now I have the duty and honor to protect my family. I go forth with the blessings of Annam All-Father, but knowing I'm ensuring my family’s safety is the greatest of all blessings!" With a flourish, Valeria casts Prestidigitation, making her armor gleam brightly in the sunlight. The villagers gasp and cheer, their spirits lifted by her display of confidence and power. With a final nod to the gathered townsfolk, Valeria turns towards the edge of the forest. The High Forest looms ahead, the ancient trees shrouded in mystery. Taking a deep breath, Valeria steps forward, her heart set on the quest ahead.

As Valeria enters the dense foliage, the air grows cooler, and the sounds of the village fade behind her. The path is overgrown, barely visible among the twisting roots and thick underbrush. The whispering of the trees seems to grow louder, as if the forest itself is speaking in hushed tones.

The path west from Colton to the High Forest is narrow and overgrown, flanked by tall grasses and wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. Valeria walks with purpose, her plate armor making a rhythmic clinking sound with each step. Birds chirp cautiously, and the occasional rustle in the underbrush suggests the presence of unseen wildlife.

As Valeria walks, she glances at the map Mayor Windrider gave her, ensuring she stays on the right path. Her thoughts drift to the villagers' faces, their hope and trust placed squarely on her shoulders.

The forest starts to grow darker and more oppressive as she ventures further. The whispering grows louder, almost as if trying to communicate directly with her. Valeria’s senses remain sharp, every rustle and snap of a twig putting her on high alert.

As she travels, she is aware of animal tracks here and there along the path. Drawing her sword, she carefully examines the prints, noting depth and direction, as she tries to determine if the tracks that she has seen are more likely to be predator or prey. 

She mumbles to herself as she studies them. Surprised, she finds both.

"These hooved tracks are fresh, probably deer. But these... these are something else."

She traces the claw marks with her fingers, her expression thoughtful.

"Predators. Wolves, most likely. And from the looks of it, a sizable pack. This could get interesting." 

She stands, her grip tightening on her sword hilt. The thought of facing a pack of wolves doesn't deter her; it invigorates her.

"If the forest is as alive as it feels, then I'll need to be ready for anything."

No sooner do the words leave her lips than the underbrush rustles ominously. Three wolves, their eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger, slink out of the shadows. The leader of the pack lets out a low snarl, signaling the attack.

Valeria, her senses honed and muscles tensed, stands her ground. Her sword glints in the moonlight as she raises it, ready to defend herself against the imminent threat.

The wolves circle her, their movements synchronized and predatory. One leaps forward, fangs bared and aiming for her throat. Valeria pivots gracefully, bringing her sword down in a swift, lethal arc. The blade cuts through fur and flesh, severing the wolf's artery with precision. Blood sprays the forest floor as the wolf collapses, its snarls turning to whimpers before it lies still.

With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Valeria turns to face the remaining wolves. She throws her head back and lets out a fierce, primal roar. The sound reverberates through the trees, a challenge and a warning. "Come on, then! Face me, if you dare!"

The two wolves, taken aback by the sudden ferocity, glance at their fallen comrade. They growl and howl in unison, but the fight has left their eyes. Slowly, they begin to retreat, slipping back into the shadows from which they came.

With the immediate danger passed, Valeria takes a moment to catch her breath. She approaches the fallen wolf, her keen eyes scanning for anything unusual. She finds only the usual items: teeth, fur, and meat. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Deciding to leave the corpse for the forest's scavengers, Valeria steps back. The mess from the battle clings to her armor and skin, but with a simple wave of her hand and a muttered incantation, she casts Prestidigitation. The grime and blood vanish, leaving her clean and ready for the next challenge.

Valeria takes one last look at the fallen wolf before turning her gaze back to the path ahead. The forest, alive and whispering with secrets, waits for no one. She steels herself, ready for whatever may come next, and strides forward with renewed determination. "The forest is alive, and so am I. Onwards."

With her sword at the ready and her senses alert, Valeria prepares to continue her journey through the High Forest, ever vigilant and ready for the unknown dangers that lie ahead.

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