Yávië Ru's Adventures
Chapter 9 - Feywild Magic
2nd of Mirtul, 1492
Yávië graciously accepts Melanie's father’s offer, "Thank you. I would be honored to join you for dinner and rest here tonight."
The family beckons Yávië into their cozy cottage. The scent of freshly baked bread and herbs fills the air. Melanie’s mother prepares a hearty meal, and the family gathers around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Yávië enjoys the company, feeling a sense of camaraderie and warmth.
After dinner, they sit by the fireplace, exchanging tales of their lives. Melanie, now more relaxed, shows Yávië some of the herbs she collected and talks about their uses. Yávië, in turn, shares some of her own knowledge and experiences from her travels and life in the Feywild. The hour begins to grow late, and Yávië can sense the family is close to turning in for the night. "Thank you for the wonderful evening. I’ll stay up a bit longer to meditate. Have a good night’s rest."
Melanie’s mother nods, “Thank you again for what you did today.” She looks protectively at Melanie, “Without you, we would most likely be in mourning this night.” With pleasantries aside, the family heads to bed, leaving Yávië by the flickering firelight. She finds a comfortable spot and enters her meditative trance, drawing strength and calm from the serene environment.
3rd of Mirtul, 1492
Yávië awakens before dawn, feeling refreshed and alert. She quietly steps outside, taking in the crisp morning air. The forest is still and peaceful, with only the faint sounds of waking birds. She sets off into the nearby woods, her sharp eyes scanning for signs of nests. It doesn’t take long for her to find a few nests with eggs. She carefully collects some without disturbing the birds.
Returning to the stream where she had found the fish, Yávië uses her survival skills to clean them. She gathers some wild herbs and returns to the cottage. Back in the kitchen, Yávië quietly begins the task of preparing a simple yet delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs and fish. The aroma fills the air, gradually waking the family from their slumber. As the first rays of sunlight begin to pierce through the windows, they emerge from their rooms, surprised and delighted to find Yávië cooking.
Melanie’s mother gasps, "You’re up early! And you’ve made breakfast for us. Thank you so much." They all sit down to enjoy the meal together. The family is deeply appreciative of Yávië's kindness and the delicious breakfast. Melanie’s father voices his appreciation through a mouthful of food, “This is wonderful. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us."
Yávië smiles, "It was my pleasure. Thank you for your hospitality." After breakfast, Yávië gathers her belongings and prepares to continue her journey. "I must be on my way now. The road ahead of me is long."
The family bids her farewell, wishing her safe travels. With the sun now fully risen, Yávië sets off once more, her heart light and her spirit rejuvenated by the kindness of the family.
Later that morning, Yávië’s path continues on, winding in and out of the forest; she begins to feel a familiar, tingling sensation in the air. The forest around her seems to grow more vibrant, and she notices the familiar feeling of Feywild magic. Her keen senses pick up on subtle changes—the colors are more vivid, the sounds more musical, and the very air seems charged with energy. Following her instincts, Yávië diverges slightly from the main path, drawn by the increasing sense of magic. She soon finds herself standing before a hidden glade, a small clearing surrounded by ancient, towering trees. In the center of the glade stands a tangle of twisting vines, covered in moss and faintly glowing with a soft, glimmering light.
Yávië identifies the type of magic emitted by the vines. She recognizes it as ancient druidic energy, likely placed here by powerful creatures to create a safe passage between the Feywild and the Material Plane. The magic is strong and stable, indicating that the path has been used many times over the centuries. Yávië understands the basics of how to activate the Feywild path. While she doesn’t grasp all the intricacies, she knows enough how to proceed safely. She performs the necessary rituals, tracing her fingers over the ancient runes carved into the vines, while whispering incantations in the language of the fey.
As she completes the ritual, the vines begin to glow brighter, and a shimmering portal appears and grows into a circular shape. Yávië stares at the portal, murmuring to herself, "This should take me much closer to Everlund." Taking a deep breath, Yávië steps into the portal, feeling the familiar rush of Feywild magic envelop her. The transition is swift and disorienting. One moment she is in the forest, and the next she is surrounded by the vibrant, otherworldly beauty of the Feywild.
Knowing that time moves differently in the Feywild, Yávië proceeds quickly. She follows the path laid out by the ancient magic, feeling the connection to her homeland strengthen with each step. After what feels like mere moments, but could have been far longer, Yávië emerges from the Feywild, finding herself on the outskirts of a large city. The portal behind her shimmers and fades, leaving no trace of its existence.
She takes a moment to adjust to the change, feeling the solid ground of the Material Plane beneath her feet once more. Ahead there is a bustling city, which must be Everlund, its gates welcoming and its streets filled with the promise of new adventures. Yávië's journey has been significantly shortened thanks to the Feywild path. She now stands ready to continue her quest for the Celestial Orb.
Yávië makes her way to the closest gate and enters the city; on the stone arch over the entrance are large, block letters, showing this to be the Silverymoon Gate. Taking a deep breath and blending in with the crowds, she keeps her ears open for any useful information.
Deciding a key place to gather more information would be a tavern, she heads off to the Silver Stag Inn. She enters the bustling common room, filled with the warm glow of lanterns and the hum of conversation. She orders a cheap drink and finds a seat in a corner where she can discreetly observe the room.
From a table filled with adventurers to her left, snippets of conversation drift over:
Adventurer 1: "Can you believe it’s already the 16th of Mirtul? Time flies."
Adventurer 2: "Yeah, and with these bandits causing trouble, it’s been a rough month."
Nearby, a table of merchants catches her ear:
Merchant 1: "I’ve heard Nimly Sparkleshine, the gemcutter, is making a name for himself as a private investigator. He’s been looking into some interesting cases."
Merchant 2: “Did you hear about ‘aggard’s new inventory? Got ‘imself a bag of holding in stock, ‘e did. Lucky bastard, ‘aven’t gotten my ‘ands on one in ages!”
A loud conversation at the bar draws her attention next:
Local 1: "The Hall of Elders is on high alert. They say they’re protecting something really valuable."
Local 2: "Maybe it’s that Celestial Orb everyone’s been whispering about. You think it’s true?"
16th of Mirtul, 1492
Yávië sips her drink and makes a note of the current date. Her “moments” in the Feywild were almost two weeks in the Material Plane. Her ears perk up at the mention of the Bag of Holding. With a penchant for collecting anything that isn't nailed down, she has long harbored a desire for one of these magical bags. Despite her travels in the Feywild, she had never come across one, and now, here in the Material Plane, is her chance to finally get her hands on one.
After gathering valuable information at the Silver Stag Inn, Yávië decides that her first stop should be Haggard's Magical Emporium. The rumors about Haggard being the merchant to see about a Bag of Holding make it a promising place to start her quest.
Yávië navigates through the bustling streets, her keen eyes taking in the sights and sounds of the city. She follows the directions given to her by the innkeeper, Darian, making her way across the River Rauvin and up to the northwest section of the city where Haggard's shop is located.
Haggard's Magical Emporium is a quaint, two-story building with a sign above the door depicting a wand and a crystal ball. Through the windows she spies various magical trinkets and curiosities, each one glowing faintly with enchantment.
As Yávië steps inside, a small bell above the door chimes, announcing her arrival. The interior of the shop is filled with shelves and cabinets crammed with all manner of magical items-scrolls, potions, enchanted weapons, and more. The air is thick with the scent of incense and her skin tingles with magic.
Behind the counter stands Haggard, a dark skinned welcoming old man with a neatly trimmed white beard and sharp, intelligent eyes. He looks up from the tome he was reading and offers Yávië a warm, albeit curious, smile. "Welcome to Haggard's Magical Emporium. How can I assist you today, traveler?"
Yávië steps forward, her swirling eyes wide with excitement. "Hi there! I’ve heard many things in this town in the short time I’ve been here… one being the Bag of Holding you’ve recently acquired." As she finishes her sentence, she almost stands on her tiptoes, her eagerness palpable. "I’ve wanted one ever since I laid eyes on one and they’re just so hard to come by… but I’ve got a few odd jobs lined up so I should be able to afford it soon but I know they are sought after and go quickly… Is there anything that I could do for you? A chore, a quest, a favor… so that maybe you will hold the bag until I can afford it? It shouldn’t be too long." Yávië's voice drips with eagerness as she speaks.
Haggard's eyes twinkle with amusement and interest as he listens to Yávië's enthusiastic plea. "Ah, a Bag of Holding is indeed a sought-after item. You’re in luck, I do have one in stock. And I must say, your enthusiasm is quite infectious." He strokes his beard thoughtfully. "Tell you what, I do have a task that needs attending to. There’s a bit of trouble with some bandits on the road leading to one of my suppliers. They’ve been making it difficult for my goods to arrive on time, or at all. If you can deal with this bandit problem and ensure safe passage for my next shipment, I’ll hold the item for you until you can afford it. How does that sound?"
Yávië's excitement bubbles over, her entire body vibrating with enthusiasm. "ABSOLUTELY!!!"
Haggard chuckles, clearly amused by Yávië's eagerness. "Very well, then. Here are the details. The bandits have been targeting the road to the south of Everlund, near the old watchtower ruins on the southern edge of the Whispering Woods. My next shipment is due to arrive in two days' time." He hands Yávië a small map showing the location of the watchtower ruins and the expected route of the shipment. "Be careful, these bandits can be quite cunning. I look forward to hearing of your success."
With the map in hand, Yávië bids her farewell, and heads toward the Gemcutters' Guild, intrigued by the rumors she overheard about Nimly Sparkleshine, a gemcutter turned private investigator. She hopes to learn more about his recent adventures while appearing to shop their wares.
The Gemcutters' Guild is a grand building, with intricate carvings of precious gems and tools adorning its facade. The interior is equally impressive, filled with sparkling displays of expertly cut gemstones and fine jewelry. The air is filled with the soft hum of conversations and the clinking of tools. Yávië casually browses the various gems and jewelry, her fingers lightly tracing over the intricate pieces, all the while keeping her ears open for any interesting conversations about Nimly Sparkleshine.
Conversations Overheard
Gemcutter 1: "Did you hear about Nimly’s latest adventure? He discovered a hidden chamber filled with ancient gemstones! His skills are truly unmatched."
Gemcutter 2: "I know! And not just that, he also solved the mystery of the missing miners. Turns out they were hill dwarves trapped by a cave-in. Nimly's quick thinking saved them all."
Gemcutter 3: "He’s really making a name for himself, both as a prospector and an investigator. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets called upon for even more important tasks soon.”
As she idly wanders, she is approached by one of the guild members. "Good day! Can I help you find something specific? Our gems are of the highest quality, perfect for any purpose you might have. We would ask that you not touch our displays."
Yávië’s eyes dart around taking specific note of the high value items and their locations, which might be useful for a later visit. “Oh hi there, not looking for anything specific, no. Just out shopping and browsing for the day. This shop is beautiful!”
The guild member acknowledges Yávië’s comment with a nod and a look that barely hides his impatience, his eyes clearly saying, move along... and quickly please, without touching anything else.
Yávië spends a few more moments pretending to browse before making her way out of the shop.
As she leaves the Gemcutters Guild, her stomach growls, reminding her that she hasn’t eaten lunch yet. She walks slowly through the streets of Everlund picking out many different types of food vendors. There are taverns, inns and merchant stalls… selling everything from dried hardtack rations to elegant seafood. As she makes her way, she spies a little “hole in the wall” shop with a merchant selling quaint fare that smells delicious. The merchant looks up at her, “What’ll you have dearie? I have fresh pears today, a bit of smoked squirrel, some pigs feet, smoked cheese and savory bread.”
Yávië ponders for a moment, looking over the offerings before making her choice. “Smoked squirrel sounds lovely.”
The stooped old man grins, “I’ll kindly take 1sp for that, and I’ll throw in a piece of yesterdays’ bread.” Yávië smiles, accepting the trade.
Yávië continues her trek to the Hall of the Moon, munching on the smoked squirrel as she walks. The savory smell is not disappointing, the squirrel is fresh and the greasy gamey flavor is ripe with spices and herbs. She passes Silverleaf Hall, and she can hear the sound of a minstrel’s harp playing sweetly on the breeze.
As she arrives at the temple, the waning light is reflected in the long windows. The stones glow with a silvery light that beckons passersby to stop and rest a minute from their travels. By contrast, for Yávië, a temple isn’t her first choice for a place to rest, but like all temples, it is conveniently free and a place to stay. She heads inside and finds a quiet corner in which to meditate, hoping not to be cornered by any nosy staff trying to sway her to their goddess's teachings.
She focuses on Mask and asks for guidance in her endeavors. Her thoughts wander over her recent activities. She feels confident asking for protection and power as she faces the bandits and works to gain control of the Orb.
As Yávië slips into a deeper state of meditation, the ambient noise of the temple fades away. Shadows from the flickering candles stretch and twist, wrapping around her like a protective shroud. The temperature drops slightly, and she feels a chill run down her spine. She opens her eyes to find herself in a different place, a realm of shadows and whispers.
From the darkness, a figure steps forward. Mask, the Lord of Shadows, emerges. His form is ever-shifting, cloaked in darkness, with only his piercing eyes visible, gleaming with a mischievous, knowing light.
“Yávië Ru,” Mask’s voice is a silky whisper that seems to come from all directions at once. “You have pleased me with your recent endeavors. Your skill, your cunning, your willingness to embrace the shadows… all these things make you a true servant of mine.”
A wave of pride washes over Yávië as Mask’s words sink in. The god of thieves and shadows is proud of her, acknowledging her illicit deeds and efforts.
"I have a task for you." As Mask speaks, the shadows around Yávië shift and part, revealing a scene of a dense, mystical forest bathed in silver moonlight. In the heart of the forest, a majestic stag appears, its fur glistening like liquid silver. The stag moves with a grace and serenity that seems almost otherworldly, its eyes glowing with an inner light.
"The Silver Stag," Mask continues, "is a symbol of purity and power, sought by many for their own purposes. Some will seek to protect it, others to harness its power. You, however, must remain neutral. Do not aid anyone, whether they intend to protect or harm it." Mask's voice grows more intense, each word filled with a sense of urgency and command. "You are to observe and learn, Yávië. The balance of power must be maintained, and your neutrality is crucial. Remember, in the shadows, you are unseen, and your influence, though hidden, is profound." The vision of the forest and the Silver Stag begins to dissolve, the shadows closing in once more. Mask's form becomes indistinct, his final words echoing in her mind. "Do not forget my command. Stay neutral; observe and let others play their part."
Yávië blinks, and finds herself back in the temple, the flickering candlelight and distant murmurs of prayers filling her senses once more. The vision lingers, the image of the Silver Stag burned into her mind. Mask has given her a mission, a chance to prove her worth and to gain even greater power. The path ahead is clear, and Yávië feels a renewed sense of purpose.
In the dim light of the temple Yávië notices, in addition to the temple staff milling about, a gnome has taken a seat not far from her. He sits there examining a wand, obviously avoiding disturbing her. However, seeing that she’s come out of her meditation, the gnome waves and approaches. At his side waddles a giant rat, its whiskers twitching and nose snuffling. The gnome smiles at her and speaks, “Good evening! Yávië Ru? A mutual acquaintance, Darian from the Silver Stag, gave me your name and said you had some strong feelings on the bandit issues that Everlund is dealing with. My name is Nimly Sparkleshine and I have strong feelings too.”
Dear adventurer, master or mistress, I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Yávië’s story. This will be the final chapter of her solo adventure for the moment. Enjoy reading Nimly’s adventures, as he catches up to Yávië in the timeline.
May your rolls be critically high or dramatically low, adding flavor and excitement to your campaigns!