*The gentle sounds of Degannwy were calming to the Dark Elf. Menzobarranzan had many sights, both beautiful and horrible, but nothing peaceful. The waterfall, running brooks, wind in the trees and the occasional yip from a Cooshee all complimented the feel of this place. Kyorlin rests at the edge of the settlement, looking out across the far drop that the waterfall spilled over, he held his journal, opened to a fresh page. With a dip of his quill into the dark ink, he began to write.
Friendship maintenance
Friends and Allies are something I am new to. I have known useful acquaintances, but one would not trust them to lay down their lives for you. This is the value of a friend. They will risk great harm to come to your aid, and will support you both monetarily and emotionally when you are in need. This relationship is not without its maintenance costs and investments. Friends, need to know they they too can count on you to do the same should they be in a situation requiring assistance.
Recently, Kaine fell into a dark mood, claiming that he had no true friends. Seeing that there was a risk of loss of a valuable resource, an investment of time and energy as well as a small amount of coin was necessary. I remember that he once said that he would defend all of Vallaki to his last breath for no other reason than to protect the local baker, Marisha I believe. Collaborating with Dryjka and Aziza, a plan was put into motion that would be a pleasant experience for Kaine and the rest of my companions, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship.
As luck would have it, the guard woman, Revenka, happened by. Kaine has express a romantic interest in the guard woman, so I took the risk to invite her as well... without revealing my heritage. She accepted and the plan took shape. A Halfling, Emma, and new friend of Kaine's also came along as we made our way toward Degannwy where Aziza was secretly waiting with baked pies and delights from the local baker. An alluring woman joined the group, introduced as Rav, and Kaine also knew her as well. A potion maker. More the merrier, and she too came along.
Upon arriving to Degannwy, I had some concerns that the Revenka would change her mind. The Elven settlement is not lacking in its mystical nature. Barovians are not please with open displays of magic, or as they call it, Varja. While she seemed strained by the experience, to her credit, she remained. Aziza had set a path of candles and flowers that lead us to a very nice setup. Tents, carpets and fresh baked wonders greeted us next to a comforting fire. She really out did herself and truly put the perfect touch to the evening.
As people gathered around the fire, I removed my cloak, to reveal myself for what I was. Both Rav and Revenka indicated some discomfort in the body language, but Rav put voice to it as she began to inquire, in fluent elven no less, what my plan was. She thought is could be a trap, but Degannwy is a neutral ground, and I assured her that it was not. Of course it was a trap, but not one designed to harm or kill, but one to capture something much more valuable, Loyalty. We sat next to the fire, and I thought that there could not be a better time to uncork a fine bottle of wine from Port-a-Lucine. The bottle easily cost over 100 wolf fang, but it was an investment worthy of this cause with an expected return of added allies and new friends.
With the wine flowing and the bottle being passed in a most barbaric, though not unpleasant way from person to person, the event began to become more social. Dryjka did not partake claiming that the wine was far too high of quality for him. Aziza also chose not to, but Kaine, Revenka and Rav did, most liberally. Surprisingly the guard woman produced a lute and Dryjka sang a most interesting tune. Kaine poured more wine into the mouth of Revenka as she played and I had a most entertaining discussion with Rav.
Note:
Rav is an intriguing woman. Human, rugged and alluring. I found her delightful, tattoos, athletic, red hair, and a certain level of aggressiveness to complete her. A fine specimen of human females.
As the night progress, Revenka began to feel the effects of the Port-a-Lucine wine, as well as a ales she drank afterward. She played her lute with passion, and found that Aziza was beginning to become overwhelmed with all the activity. In an act of jovial teasing, she played her lute loudly and vigorously close to Aziza's ear, which unfortunately was more than the desert flower could handle. Such a sensitive soul, but for all she has seen in her young years, it will take many moons, if not her entire life to overcome all of the traumas she has experienced as a slave. Dryjka, in a most fatherly way, comforted her and the two of them made their way to the sleeping rooms inside the main building. The party did not end, and Rav and Revenka were enjoying themselves and Kaine was enjoying the more personal time spent with his Beau. I was please to see the plan come together so well and with the success I had hoped for.
The alcohol eventually lulled the two women to sleep and Kaine and I sat up through the night talking. He held the guard woman's hand with a nervous caution while she slept off the effects of her indulgence. Rav also slept in another tent, and I did not envy the morning for these two woman. For all their might, the alcohol sickness would visit them once they awoke.
As expected, they felt the pain that accompanies the pleasures of too much drink and found their ways to the stream with some difficulty. Kaine went to help to ladies as did I. He is an odd sort. Throughout the night he never took off his armor and there, in the morning light, he stood shin deep in the stream while we had our morning discussions. Revenka asked if he owned clothes, to which Kaine showed us, but stripping down from his armor and modeled his entire wardrobe for us. He change multiple times, in front of the ladies and myself. For a man that claims not to have experience with women, he is not shy to expose himself. I am not sure how it was taken by the ladies, but I felt there was a measure of amusement.
The plan was well executed, the bonds have been maintained and strengthened and new ties have been developed. A successful night all around. I do hope Aziza enjoyed herself up until she left the party. Something about her makes me want to protect her. Odd... especially considering Drow parenting is many things, but nurturing is not a word that comes to mind. She possesses an innocence that intrigues me. So easy it would be to exploit and manipulate her, but I find I do not have the desire to. I want to ensure her comfort and safety. A genuinely difficult feeling to process, but not unpleasant, just, different.
A trip to the Port is in my future. More wine, and perhaps other exotics to bring back to Barovia. For now, I need to contemplate these new ties and opportunities with the guard of Vallaki. Revenka agreed to form a mutually beneficial venture of information trade with me, which can only serve to develop other opportunities as well.
~KV
