(RP) A Wood of Surpassing Quality

[Aedon Durreah]

One of the few things that Yew seems to have an abundance of is Yew trees. In recent months the wood of the yew tree has become a hot property. Builders have discovered that the hardships Yew endured when the area was sickened and swamp like was that the Yew area trees bore a wood of surpassing quality. Able to stand up to conditions which would warp other boards.

Some scholars have conjectured that this came about when the minerals of the earth they grew in were forced up through the trees roots as the waters filled the lands. Perhaps carried in some way by the properties of the contamination itself. This leads me to believe that there is a possibility that the harm done to Yew may turn out in some ways to be a boon for the lumber trade.

PGOH has been trying to secure as much of the lumber from Yew as it can to use in shoring up the tunnels at their dig site. I have already sent several shipments their way, and yet their appetite for the lumber has not been sated.

At the same time, ship builders have also discovered that the odd properties in the wood make it an excellent material for the building of larger and faster vessels. I have seen tradesmen and those of questionable reputation hanging around the area and seeking talks with the monks of the Empath Abbey.

It has been said that whoever gains control of the Yew woods and lumber will be able to gather vast wealth to themselves through trade and out right sales of the precious wood. The people of the Yew area forests are becoming concerned that greedy profiteers may strip the forests and kill the way of life in the surrounding towns and villages.

 

[Flutter]

The title of this thead is hawt.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

lol
You are just naughty.

 

[Pandora_CoD]

She's incouragable! LOL

 

[Aedon Durreah]

Yes, is it not great?

 

[Aedon Durreah]

Rain fell softly on the roof of the Rest. It was mid-November and the winds, which had been blowing from the South, now blew steadily from the Northwest.

Inside the tavern, Aedon checked the stocks. There were others he could have given this task over to; but, in truth, he enjoyed the busy work and took pleasure in the walk to the Abbey to purchase wine and cider. Taking a final tallies, he pulled on his coat, and headed out and into the glade.

Aegis was beautiful to him in all seasons, but there was always something in the autumnal air which lifted his spirits. Within the shelter of the trees, small animals hustled about, gathering nuts to last them the winter. Approaching a large tree, Aedon reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a bag of nuts and berries. Slipping some within a deep knothole in the trunk, he could not help by smile thinking of the treat the squirrels would soon discover.

He enjoyed tending the smaller creatures of the woods, and hoped that the small offerings he left today and throughout the cold months might help sustain them until the westering winds of Spring brought new life. Tucking the bag back in his pocket, he continued on towards the Abbey. His heart light, he hummed and half sung an old tune as he walked the path so familiar to his feet.

Soon, he found himself perplexed by the brightness which lay before him. Even on the clearest of fall days, the trees held back much of the light of the sun, and provided shelter to the brush below. Why then should the path in front of him be so feckin' bright? He stopped for a moment staring straight ahead. Putting a hand to his brow, to shade his eyes, he strained to understand what may be the cause of the odd illumination.

With a cry of anger and pain, Aedon broke into a run. His feet moved faster then he would have thought possible while his heart beat wildly within his chest. Through thickets and brambles, he made his way towards the Abbey.

Coming to a halt, in a clearing where once mighty Yew trees grew, Aedon slowly looked around. Never had he seen such devastation, such wanton destruction of life. Small creatures made homeless, or whose lives were ended at the stroke of a lumberjack's axe, lay at the trunks of the trees they called home.

Closing his eyes, in disbelief, he could feel the pain of the wild things, the bewilderment felt by the creatures now left without shelter against the cold; and, from deep within the ground, an anger such as he had never felt before.

Years of plague had failed to conquer the land, Orc invasions and undead legions had been thwarted in their attempts to lay siege to Yew. Even the powerful demon Ix Tab had failed in her attempts to rule over the great forest. But now it would seem that greed, and lust for profit might signal the death knell for the Yew forest and all life which dwelt within.

He could not go on to the Abbey, and for some reason, he could not yet turn back. Reaching into his pocket, he took out the bag of nuts and berries and began to scatter some on the ground. He knew he could not bring back the homes of these small creatures, but perhaps he could find a way to help them survive the long cold of winter.

Scooping up three small fox kits who lay whimpering near the still body of their mother, Aedon tucked them inside his coat and turned back towards the Knights Rest.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

I am concerned.

The stripping of a part of the woods of Yew has hit me hard. Sleep eludes me, and I am consumed with thoughts of retribution against those who have defiled nature so heinously. And then, last eve, something more occurred, and I cannot help but wonder if there is a connection.

I was already on edge about the happenings in the forests, and thought a quiet evening at Ques might quiet my nerves. I tucked some books into my pack, and headed to the house behind mine to pick up Aph. We had, over the past several weeks attended the Tavern together, and I was looking to get some input from her on the state of the woods. Her sister has many contacts, some far darker then those I might press into service. And I knew well that if I asked Aph, she would beseech her sister to aid me.

Aph's house was darkened, and when I checked the Rest I found no sign of her having been there either. I assumed she was off tending the children, or perhaps sitting with friends discussing the rapidly approaching Yule season. So, books in tow, I made my way to the small tavern on the river banks outside Skara.

As I entered, I found the usual crowd there. I raised my hand in greeting to all, and then heard Aph's voice to my left. Turing to smile at her, I quickly discovered she was there in the company of another man. I nodded to them, and made my way to the bar, ordering my usual cup of tea. The two went on talking, engaged in what appeared to be very pleasant conversation. They teased and laughed at each others jokes as they shared a glass of beverage. I did, after a few minutes, receive a polite invitation from Aphrodities table.

“Aedon, come and join us.”

Well, I may not be the wisest of men, but I do well recall that two is company and three a crowd. So thanking the, I declined and ordered a bow of soup. I took my meal and tea to one of the back tables to give me space to look over the tomes I had brought along. Logs and ledgers of past logging within the great forest of yew.

The pages told the tale of a once flourishing industry which fell victim to the times of plague, Logging, which once served to support most of the families who lived in the area, fell off to near nothingness as those of other towns grew fearful of contamination- should lumber from Yew be brought in. Picking up a copy of a page from a more recent ledger, I saw that the sudden upswing in demand for yew logs was not just high, but reaching near epidemic proportions. And always the same mysterious mark was made to denote the buyer. No name, no address of residence given. Making a quick note on the page, I sowed my books, picked up my pack and moved towards the exit of Ques. Bidding them all a pleasant night, I returned to Aegis.

I was just beginning to work on a few details in my house, when Aph returned. She seemed upset with me. Laughs I found this rather humorous seeing that I had done all I could to leave her and her friend to their conversations. We argued for a bit, and at times it did get on the spirited side. She went to her house and I continued with my work. In a short time, she returned and wished to speak more. Being not the sort to air my business in public, we took our conversation inside. As we sat speaking, it was not long until I noticed something odd in her.

Her skin paled a bit, and she began to shiver. Lightly at first, but as the moments wore on, they came more often and with greater intensity. Standing suddenly, she ran outside. Following her, I found her about six feet from my house heaving violently as pain racked her face. She turned towards me, and collapsed upon the ground.

Lifting her as carefully as I could, I carried her to her house, and set out to find her sister. I do not know why I thought to look for Tac instead of running to the Abbey for a healer, nut it may turn out that my sudden impulse proved true.

The next hour or so was spent watching on as Tac tended her sister. I knew things were grave by the ashen tone which fell over the older sisters face.

“She has been poisoned Aedon.” Tac said as she cast a suspicious eye on me.

I felt nervous, ill at ease and a bit pissed off that Taccara might, even for a moment think me guilty of such a thing. I remembered asking Aph as she shivered if she had possibly eaten something that disagreed with her stomach.

“I have only had a glass of wine.” She replied softly.

I told this to Tac, and prayed she believed me as she continued to tend Aphroditie. Looking to me she said softly;

“She is dying Aedon.”

Reaching to her neck, she pulled out a small amulet on a silver chain. I had seen this item earlier in the eve as Taccara and I spoke in the Knights Rest. Clutching the item in her hand, she leaned in close to Aph whispering to her. I could not hear the words the elder spoke to the younger sister. But in her hands, the amulet began to glow a soft blue. This effect seemed to build over the minutes which passed until, to my eyes, it seemed a brilliant flash of blue light ripped through the room. At that moment, Taccara collapsed beside the bed of her sister.

Stepping closer, I noticed that Aph now lay at peace upon her bed, her breathing steady and clear. No sign of the pain of moments before now lay upon her face. Helping Tac to her feet, I asked if she would be alright. Nodding slightly she told me she needed to rest.

“I will be in the other room resting should need me.”

Are these things connected. This is the thought that has thrummed in my head since last eve. Is it possible that whoever the mysterious buyer of Yew lumber is has decided that more profit can be made through keeping those of the area focused on other issues and not looking for him. Or is there something heretofore unlooked for at work within the Glade?

Aph will recover for her ordeal. Under the tender care of a sister who loves her, she will shake off the effects of the poison, and return to full health. But the sickness which grips me, heart and soul. The pain of having the land around me stripped and left for dead all for the sake of gold. This will take time and investigation to cure. I just must take care that in seeking to protect the forests of Yew that I do not offer up to pain and death the lives of those around me, who I love.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

Sitting at the writing desk in the large house next to the Rest, Aedon quickly inscribed a note.

Aly,

I am not sure if you have seen the state of the Yew woods in the area close to the Abbey. Large swaths of trees are missing, leaving only mangled, badly hacked trunks. The small beasts who drew shelter in the area lay dead or homeless in the mud quickly filling the landscape.

I have asked around, and spent some coin and, thus far, all I have for my efforts are several pages from ships ledgers ordering logs from Yew. These are not like the many takings we have seen in the past. Lumber, as you know is a way of life in Yew, but the person behind this is ordering massive quantities of the precious wood. There is no name on the orders; they are simply signed with the image of a wolf's head.

In addition, an attempt was made on Aph's life last night. Had it not been for her sister's skills, she would surely have been lost to us. A poisoned bottle of wine was left, with an unsigned note of apology, in her mailbox. She assumed it was from me.

I have been going over all that I have told, you, and am having little luck in dealing with all this on my own.

I need you Red.

Aedon

Tying the note to the leg of a trusted bird, Aedon sent it winging to the home of the Thunderlord.

A response came quickly, and it was agreed that they would meet at the home of Aphroditie. Aly would wish to check on her, and ask a few questions. The ranger had experience in such matters, having served as Arbiter for her clan and, at one time, for Aegis.

On her arrival, they sat speaking before a warm fire in Aph's house. After assuring herself that her friend was on the mend, Aly turned her attentions to the Ledger.

“I have seen this symbol before. I know this. I think it was some captain's mark. Have ya anything else Aedon?”

“No, this was all my source handed me, and I am not even certain of the validity of the papers.”

Their talks lasted for some time, moving between the subjects of the ledgers mark and the attempt on Aph.

After a time Aedon glanced at Aly asking,
“Do you think there is a connection between the poisoning, and the devastation of the woods?”

Aly sat in thought for a few moments and then looked up.
“There must be. You have been asking questions around, and could be that this “wolf” is trying to distract or divert attentions until he has what he needs. But why so much wood?”

Her eyes suddenly widened and the ledger in her hands fell to the floor.

“He's building a fleet.”

Looking across to Aedon and Aph she continued.

That has to be it. With a fleet the size he could build with that much lumber, he can lay siege to any of the port towns.”

She paused a moment, and continued.

“Makes sense now. With the folks of the Yew area focused on Aph's death and you, Aedon, framed for the killing, he could move ahead unfettered with the ravaging of the forests.”

It all made seemed to make sense now; but, fortunately, Aphroditie did not die as was the plan. This would give them time; time to plan, time to try to head off whatever may be looming before them – the final assault on a city weary of discord, the people of the villages at each others throats, and a fleet of ships capable of making the “wolf” master of the seas.

Yes, they had time. And as the night's winds howled outside, those gathered within Aphroditie's house, began to plan.

 

[Zurhet Pebblethief]

Posted with permission for Ayesleigh Deckard:
___________

Ayesleigh looked up as her father entered the stables, a smile on his face and the unmistakable scent of his pipe on the breeze around him. The golden Cavendish tobacco Ankhara had got for him carried hints of vanilla. The younger Deckard sat feeding a carrot to a large hare who's hind paw had been crushed; behind her Ankhara spread hay for a bed.

"New one?" Deckard asked.

The young half elven gypsy nodded to her father, "found her and a few others near a caved in burrow, the others have a few cuts but are mostly just cold and frightened," Ayesleigh told her father motioning to the crate at the back of the pen Ankhara was spreading hay in.

"I've learned a few things," Deckard told his daughter nodding also to Ankhara motioning her over.

"The organization responsible it seems from information I received from Aedon is called Foggy Bay Logging, and they use a wolfs head as an emblem." the Guard Captain told the two women.

Deckard watched as his daughters eyes began to smolder, she had an absolute hatred for anyone who would hurt an animal or its habitat. At an early age she'd found a kinship with animals of all species, bring home any animal that needed veterinary help or rehabilitation. Ayesleigh was good at reintroducing them back into the wild, rarely did an animal she cared for have to stay long.

"Listen Sparrow, I know how you feel, and I hate whats happening to these animals also; however I don't want you taking matters into your own hands. You mind the hurt and those needing refuge; please leave it to me and the others investigating what happening, to bring those responsible to justice," Deckard spoke firmly but kindly to his daughter.

"I will keep close to home," Ayesleigh spoke softly nodding to her father. "I will take Azurna my Cu Sidhe with me if I have to venture outside the glade alone." she finished.

Deckard reached into his pack and withdrew two small pouches one of blue leather the other red. Handing them to the two women he explained that he'd purchased and attuned communication crystals in Britain, that using these crystals the three of them would always be in touch with each other.

"I don't want to take any chances... I don't like an adversary that doesn't leave tracks I can follow." Deckard told them.

Ayesleigh tucked the hare into the bed Ankhara had laid out and stood next to her father, "Ankhara said she is going to stay with us until this is settled, we could all stay in the barracks above the stables, so we can hear the animals," she looked to Ankhara and her father in turn, her face hopeful.

"Its a good idea Lindor," Ankhara said smiling, her elvish name for songbird she'd given to Ayesleigh spoken with affection.

Deckard put his arms around both women, "I am not going to even try to argue with the two of you," he grinned warmly squeezing them both.

"I will be up in a little while, I want to make sure everyone is warm before I try to sleep," Ayesleigh said softly her Highland accent strong in her voice.

"Alright Sparrow, but not too long," Deckard told his daughter as he took Ankhara by the hand and led her up to the loft sleeping quarters above the stables.

Ayesleigh smiled watching them, she liked when Ankhara visited, her father seemed happier. Turning to the small nests and crates they'd made in the stables Ayesleigh checked all their animal guests to make sure they were warm and had water for the night. The young woman then brought out two apples for her Cu Sidhe asking her animal companion to watch over the stables while she slept as she fed Azurna. After a while the young Deckard climbed the stairs to the loft and crawled into the middle bed, her father and Ankhara would sleep on either side of her to keep her safe, she smiled again thinking about the closeness that had grown between the three of them, and hoped it would continue to grow as they worked together to solve the mystery of the missing trees and refugee animals.

 

[Bianca_CoD]

OOC: Great writing everyone.