On the Rooftop- After the Battle of Feathergale Spire

On The Rooftop

Theamen and Menelwen sat shoulder to shoulder on the roof, staring up at the stars. The words they had shared still weighed heavily on their minds. Her hand crept to his, lacing their fingers as she rested her head on his shoulder. “...It's a nice night.” Hardly a cloud above to cover the stars in the deep darkness.

“It is.” She could hear the smile in his voice. A soft chuckle. “I can't imagine it's very comfortable...resting your head on the armor.”

“Not really, no. But I've yet to see you without it.” As the words left her mouth, her cheeks colored. “...I mean...it keeps you safe...”

“It does...but...” He scanned the sky again. “It doesn't exactly appear like there's imminent danger..the beasts are gone, the tower is empty except for our allies...” Theamen's voice trailed off. “...We may as well be comfortable for keeping watch, right?”

“Yes...I suppose that's a good point.” She shifted as he stood. 

“Can you hold these?” He gestured to his sword and tome. Menelwen nodded, holding her hands out for them. The book was easy, she'd held it before...but the sword...

“How do you fight with this so easily?” The strength he and Thok had to use these types of weapons. “To not just swing it but fight...”

Theamen chuckled at her expression. “It took quite a bit of practice. Perhaps...I could teach you sometime.” His hands made quick work of the armor, placing each piece down carefully so as not to damage them. They remained in reach, as though he thought he'd have to put them in a hurry. He laid out the bedroll an arm's reach away from the armor, knowing that they would need to take shifts to sleep.

“I don't think I have the proficiency for it...but I would like to.” Theamen took his tome, setting it with the armor. She held the sword out for him to take as well, but he stepped behind her. Her back pressed against his front as his arms came around to adjust her grip.

“Spread your hands out a bit more...it steadies your hold.”

Menelwen only half heard the words, distracted by the contact. They'd only ever hugged while he'd been in full armor. This was different. She was surrounded by his warmth and scent. Her eyes closed for a moment as she savored it.

Theamen glanced down at her. Without his armor, he could feel her curves against him. Her softness. His cheeks went pink, clearing his throat to focus on the lesson. But all he wanted was to learn about her.

“Perhaps...we should call it a night...” He suggested. Not that he was ready for sleep. He shifted his grip over her fingers to take the sword. They were so delicate compared to his. She released the sword into his grip, leaning against his chest.

'Come on..be brave.' She urged herself. 'You would be dead twice over today alone were it not for him. And when he went over the edge...' Menelwen turned to face him. 'Your heart practically stopped.'

He shifted the sword, lowering it. It was such a small distance to close. He could do this. Before he could react, she stood on her tiptoes and reached up to pull him down into a kiss. His breath caught. While he had thought about this moment...several times now...he hadn't been prepared. The sword clattered to the rooftop as his arms wrapped around her to pull her flush against his front.

Menelwen's arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers in his hair as they kissed. She too had thought about this...more than she should have. He was human...no matter how strong the affection...the love, he would die much sooner than she. But she couldn't deny how she felt towards him.

The kiss conveyed what they had not yet spoken. Theamen broke the kiss to catch his breath. “Menelwen...”

She offered him a small smile. “...Perhaps I should apologize...I've just...been thinking about that for a while now.”

He shook his head. “...Don't.” Theamen moved his hands from her waist where they had been supporting her to weave into her hair. “I have as well. For longer than I should have.” He felt her hand move from his hair to his chest. He rested his forehead against hers.

“...I was so scared....when you went over that ledge...” she whispered. “All the things I wanted to say to you...” Her voice trailed off.

“I'm not going anywhere.” He initiated the second kiss. When he had climbed back up and saw her down for a second time...he didn't want to think about that. How close he had come to losing someone who was becoming so precious to him.

Theamen's breath caught as her fingers tugged on his tunic, finding their way underneath to touch his skin. The touch was gentle, exploratory. Wanting the touch, he broke the kiss to take the tunic off as well. It landed on top of the sword. Not that he cared. He just wanted her touch and to touch her as well.

She smiled at him, her fingers splaying over his torso. It sent chills over his body right down to the part of him that wanted her the most. Menelwen leaned in, pressing a kiss over his heart. Then she reached to her waist, undoing the belt that held her tome to her hip. She placed it down before guiding his hands to the hem of her shirt.

His finger tips brushed her abdomen as her shirt joined his tunic on the floor. Menelwen looked up at him as his hands moved over her ribcage. “..Are you sure?” He whispered.

She nodded. “Yes.” Her hands moved up, cupping his face. “So long as you are.”

His answer was a kiss, sweet but full of desire. The rest of the clothes were shed as they shifted down to the bedroll.

~ <3 ~

The Morning

Menelwen stirred, still nestled safely against Theamen's chest. She smiled to herself. He was still sound asleep, having spent the night with her. His...concern for her pleasure was rather endearing, even if it had taken a while... She had made sure that he was well sated in turn.

Closing her eyes for another moment, she just savored the quiet moment. His heartbeat under her ear. His hand on her hip...skin to skin... The morning sun creeping overhead...

Morning already...of course. Though the sky was absolutely lovely today...the colors were brighter somehow. The rest of the party would be stirring soon for breakfast before they all headed out. She shifted, pressing a light kiss to his cheek.

Theamen shifted, his eyes opening. Blushing, he smiled. “...Morning.”

“Good morning. How did you sleep?” she lightly propped herself on his chest to watch him.

“Pretty well, and yourself?” His hand reached up and brushed the hair from her face.

In response, she turned and kissed his palm. “Very well...thank you.” A pause. “...I wish we didn't have to get up.”

“I know. But if we wait...someone will come up and find us.”

Menelwen pouted ever so slightly. “...You're right.” She stole a light kiss before getting up to dress. He watched her for a moment before moving to put on his clothes and armor.

“You don't need to wait for me...I'll be down shortly.”

“...Alright. I'll save you a seat. <3 Not that I really need to...but...” she babbled, cheeks coloring slightly.

He chuckled. “I appreciate it all the same. Go on.”

~To be continued ~

Episode 8: The Battle of Feathergale Spire

(Yes I know, I have a lot to catch up on. Week's worth of posts, but have the Battle of Feathergale spire in the meantime. Let me know what I missed as well or any edits that need to happen. Enjoy!)


The adventuring party, after seeing the fanatical gleam (and consequent stabbing/vanishing of) Rosette was split. Henry was gone, traveling unbeknownst to them on the back of a large flying tiger.

And the battle commenced.

Eight enemies charged up the stairs to the top of the tower where the party was. Which...was a poor choice for them. Between Theamen's green flame blade, Thok's Mr. Pointy, and Menelwen's Thunderwave they were easy to take care of. (So many crit fails on their side...entailing several stabs into their allies). Four riders on vultures joined, circling in the air.

Vega Earth Bound a vulture with his rider. (I'm watching you)

Menelwen knocked two off the tower only to fall to Ray of Frost. Theamen used Cure Wounds and brought her back up to fight. They fight as a unit. Once up, she knocked three more off the tower. He looked back at her in surprise. "You may be squishy, but you hit hard."

She grinned a bit. "Thanks for saving me <3"

He turned, making her duck. He used Burning hands on a vulture and rider. They turned into a crisp.

Vega heals up the party real quick.

(Our Druid Vega got called away during the fight unfortunately. Our story for his absence is that in midst of transforming into something more threatening...he turned into a mole.Which triggered Thok's reaction to punch a mole....off the tower.)

Henry got there to join the fight finally and aimed/missed a vulture mounted knight. Another was knocked from the mount and fled presumably to get help.

Thok was very much enjoying fighting the enemies. "Bad guy, meet Mr. Pointy." Cuts him down. "Maybe we can finally come to an understanding."

Henry tried to shoot at a retreating (gliding) knight but ended up hitting Luka instead. ("Really bitch?"  "I'm stressed out! Have you seen what my day has been like?"

Thok noticed the one retreating and aimed down. The knight behind him was attacking him. "Hold on! I will deal with you in a minute!" After missing the one flying down, he turned his attention to the knight attacking him. With a swift (This is Sparta!) kick, he sent the man off the roof. Unfortunately...he lost grip on Mr. Pointy. Mr. Pointy fell down into the abyss (it is rumored that it speared a gnoll at the base of the tower eating). Thok pulled out a second blade, Mrs. Pointy.

Henry reacted to the retreating man. Luka tucked his wings in and dove. Henry's legs flew out as he clung to the tiger's back. ("I know this is paybaaaaack" "Damn straight bitch") The man threw open the doors of the stable to get help in time for....

 Luka flared his wings, smashing the guy into the floor of the stable.Everyone in the stable was shocked. Savra burst into the stable. "Intruder-"  A little too late.

Henry, as a reflex used Burning Hands. Unfortunately...there has been a drought and a lot of hay around. Henry's magic set the barn on fire. The knights freed their mounts, cutting their army in half. Thank goodness. He backpedals, escaping to reconnect with the rest of the group. When he gets back to the top, he himself is a little shell shocked.

Thok: So! How'd it go?
Henry: Do you mean stabbing my sister, setting the barn on fire or-
Luka: *shoots him a look*
Henry: Shooting my tiger.

Wave two of the battle begins, the enemies flying up to where the party still stands. 

Savra, leading the knights flew upwards on her hippogriff until it was struck out from underneath her. With an amazing Dexterity save, she managed to fly herself onto the back of a fellow knights' hippogriff until she reached the top of the tower.

Thok threw a molotov cocktail (made from the explosive brandy taken from the monks at the Sacred Stone Monastery) at Savra. She caught on fire. 

Theamen created a fireball that took out three of the fliers to help keep the party safe-ish.

Seeing that she was going to die, Savra threw her weapon down and charged at Theamen. She dragged him off the roof.

Panic. Menelwen saw him fall and frantically didn't know what else to do. She wouldn't reach them in time to cast Levitate- if that would even work. So she casted Thunderwave again as Henry dove with Luka to save him. She managed to kill one, but the other knight struck her down.

Henry dove and found...Theamen, sans Savra, climbing the wall. "Spider climb." He sheepishly shrugged. Henry rolled his eyes at that.

(Vega returned) Theamen spied a mole climbing up the wall. "Vega?" Holding the mole close, he climbed the rest of the way up. Upon seeing Menelwen down and out for the count, Theamen rushed over and scooped her into his arms. Using Lay on Hands, he brought her back.

"Am I...dead?" She asked, seeing Theamen's face glowing.

He smiled. "We've got to quit meeting like this."

Thok meanwhile, killed the last enemy, ending the fight. Between Vega and Theamen, they heal the party before moving downstairs to loot.


After the battle

The party spends time exploring and looting the now vacant tower. The hall still had food. So they start speaking over dinner.

We found out that Vega is interested in the the Circle of the Scarlet Moon. Theamen had overheard a conversation about Elizar Dryflaggon and a ritual to rejuvenate the Earth/restore balance. There is a Rite of the Wicker Giant that was speculated to be by a fire cult. The next plans are to possibly follow up on this.

Thok shared a bit about himself- that he is a scout for a special order called the Wardens. The Wardens tend to show up in times of great evil- apocalyptic in nature. They tend to be well respected. Almost like a superhero, a scout for the Wardens.

The conversation shifts, Henry not wanting to be lied or betrayed again. He confronts Menelwen. "Are you pregnant?"

Out of nowhere. She stares at him. "Seriously?? With what time?!"

"Elf gestation is half the time of a human's. So some kid told me."

"No!"

Theamen to his credit, blushed. She noticed his star of Mystra...is tarnished. When he got up, she followed. Vega threw a hand over Henry's mouth to prevent him from saying something stupid.

~*~

Up on the roof, Theamen looks through the telescope. Menelwen put a hand on his shoulder.

She thanks him for saving her life twice, and was relieved that he was okay. He was relieved as well. Then she shared with him concern that his symbol was tarnished.

"And I'm afraid it will stay tarnished."

"Why?"

"Because I took an oath...and I broke it."

"Is there no way you can repair your relationship with Mystra?" She asked.

"If I did, I would be giving up my magic, this path...you." He paused and she blushed slightly. "I can't just stand by in a temple praying while the world is in danger. If a Warden is here...there is a lot of danger." He also raised the point about how Henry could not stand with another betrayal. Not after what he's been through that day.

She agreed,knowing that magic was his choice. It's what he enjoys and prefers. She gives him a hug. Which he gladly returned. "Next time, stay behind Thok or I."

"I try to."

"Not that I mind healing you, I would prefer doing it less. It's a shame to see you cut up." This succeeded in flustering her.

"...I'm glad you're okay."

"I'm glad you are as well."

They sit together on the roof, under the stars...

~To be continued~

Menelwen's Spellbook

Cantrips

Firebolt                    120 ft                              1d10
Light                        Touch
Mold Earth
Shocking Grasp       Touch                             1d8

Level One

Shield                       Self                                +5 to AC Magic Missile          120 ft                             4(1d4)+1
Chromatic Orb         90 ft                               3d8
Mage Armor            Touch                             AC=13+Dex
Thunderwave           self                                 2d8(push 10 ft)
Witch Bolt               30 ft                                1d12
Burning Hands         self                                dex save (3d6)
Catapult                   150 ft                             3d8
Earth Tremor
Comprehend Languages

Level Two

Shatter                     60 ft                              3d8
Gust of Wind           60 ft line from self      
Levitate                   60 ft                               lift object/creature 20                                                                           feet for 10 minutes
Cloud of Daggers    60 ft                              4d4 (slashing damage)

Level Three

Fireball                   150 ft                             8d6 (fire damage)
Fly                          Touch                  Flying speed 60ft/10 minutes
Vampiric Touch      Touch                             3d6 (Gain half)
Water Breathing      30 ft

Level Four

Dimension Door      500ft

(To be Copied)
Maximillian's Earthen Grasp
Dust Devil
Earth Bind
Transmute Rock

Episode 7- Boss Battle: Face of the Beast!

After the large fight, some revelations, and an encounter with Hellenrae and Qarbo,;the party was sent to retrieve the bodies of the intruders and the fallen.

Upon arriving back, they were asked where the guards that had accompanied them were.

"They're...lagging behind." Menelwen spoke.

Hellenrae tilted her head the elf's words.

"Remove your mask."

"..."

"You don't want her to do that. She's hideous. She has the pox." Henry spoke up, trying to cover. But the damage was done.

Roll Initiative (fuck)

The fight had begun. Menelwen tried to attack Hellenrae but ended up getting hit by the woman a couple of times instead. Qarbo opened up a ramp that led down and rushed for it.

Theamen came in as the fight started, and put a hand on Menelwen's shoulder. The spot felt warmer where he touched. He granted her +2 to her AC through Shield of Faith.

Vega transformed into a bear and rushed down after Qarbo, trying to prevent him from whatever he was going to do. He caught up to him, succeeding in the intimidation (Qarbo pisses himself a bit in fear as he tried to unlock the door. Unfortinately, not in time. The Umberhulk that was held captive  burst through the gate. He crushed Qarbo's head and attacked the bear.

Henry and Menelwen rushed towards the ramp. Theamen beat them both and engaged the Umberhulk. As he was hit, Shield of Faith faded.. She felt his pain as though it were her own.

Vega fell but was revived by Theamen. It was a combined effort between the four of them that brought the beast down. Thok, who had take care of and kept an eye on Hellenrae caught up.

The party then takes the spoils that they can find including a staff of healing, and a note from Q to someone named Grimjaw...

The party returns to the kitchen and takes a rest to heal.

During this rest, Theamen and Menelwen actually talk. They start trying to think of who or what could have made the statues out back. There are three possibilities that they came up with: a basilisk, a cockatrice, and a medusa. 

None of which the party is equipped to handle at the time.

Before leaving the monastery to go to Feathergale Spire, the party explored a little more. 

What they found was Marlos Umrayle's testament, a scroll of dust devil, a scroll of erupting earth, and several bottles of alcohol. The latter Vega thought would be funny to drink and breath fire. He inhaled more than he exhaled, dealing damage to himself.

Theamen hauled him out of the room. "I understand your recklessness, but please don't breathe fire in a room full of explosives. Stand here."

The party collected their things and moved on. Back to Red Larch before going to Feathergale spire.

While in Red Larch, Theamen and Henry have a bonding moment by learning Burning Hands from Menelwen's book.

The next day, they set back out for the spire.

Upon arriving back, they were hailed by Savra. They were escorted inside to see the Commander speaking to a woman wearing half armor, her long chestnut hair in loose crazy curls with blue eyes and red lips.

On her head was a pair of goggles.

This woman...is Henry's sister Rosette. 

She offers Henry, and the party an option. Stay and join the Howling Hatred...or die. So while the party prepares for a fight, the shaken Henry steps towards his sister's open arms.

And stabs her.

Rosette smirks, dimension dooring her and Henry out into the open air away from the spire.

Where she drops him, her flight suit catching air.

Henry plummets, sure that this is the end of him.

When Luca jumps off, falling. For a moment, Henry fears fof his furry companion until...he realizes that Luca transformed.

Into a tiger with wings that saved Henry's life.

So he frantically wings back to the party as they begin the Battle of Feathergale Spire.

~To Be Continued ~