Thursday 5 July 1280, Night (Maggie)

Gaven's ears prick up at the mention of 'evil magic', but he pauses, reflects, and sighs to himself, "An investigation must wait until the current threat is over, but..."

Gaven slowly approaches Maggie and removes his helm so that he has his shield in one hand and helm in the other.

"Dear moon maiden, surely you know of the goblins' destruction of the forest. These farmers of the land wish to drive them away. If these are your lands as well, surely you do too. Do you have any insight into their plans?"

Oloc, also, is very curious about Maggie, perhaps a kindred spirit in the magical arts. Thoughts immediately go to his former mentor, and the persecution she endured. He greets the elf warmly, introduces himself, and listens as she responds to Gaven's query.

The farmers look on in stunned horror, cringing and huddling together as the cleric and mage approach the speak to the "Moon-Witch." None of the locals manages to utter a word, but Eric looks pleadingly at Duran and Varros as if to say please don't let them do this!

Duran stays with the farmers and lets Gaven and Oloc speak with Maggie. He keeps his bow at the ready for any sign of trouble. Varros follows Duran's lead.

"We plan to thwart their efforts," continues Gaven, "and any aid to limit death and destruction would be greatly appreciated." Gaven bows in deference.

Maggie continues to look above your heads at the moon.

A moment passes.

A soft gust of wind blows from the west.

The grass rustles softly around your feet.

Another moment passes.

The night insects are still.

Duran's bow creaks softly.

Yet a moment more.

Another soft gust of wind.

On the ground before you, you see the shadow of a cloud passing across the moon.

As the moon's light briefly dims, Maggie wakes as from an open-eyed dream. She shifts her gaze, finally noticing you. "The land?" she says. "I am not of the land." The elf-woman's face is fair, slender, and emotionless. "No goblin will trouble me. They know me too well." Her regard drifts over the farmers. "As do others."

The farmers tremble, some avert their eyes, a few fall to the ground. Stan and Ollie take a step backward. Ollie drops to his knees and clings to Stan's leg.

Maggie's eyes return to Gaven and Oloc. An unanticipated softness enters her voice. "But you are bold. Few dare look upon me, and fewer dare approach."

Staring hard at Oloc, she seems to read his thoughts. "Young Argrim, do not feel ashamed. The one who raised you also holds you blameless. She would not have you feel such guilt."

Then turning to Gaven her voice softens further, straddling the razor's edge between affection and menace. "Fair-spoken cleric, should you survive this crisis, you shall face still greater tests in darkness, the like of which you cannot yet imagine. You and I will no doubt meet again."

Maggie sighs, and before anyone can respond, another gust of wind, this time quite fierce, blows in your faces from the west, forcing you to bow your heads and brace yourselves to remain standing. Several of the farmers cry out, as does Ollie.

A second later, the air is calm once more. When you raise your heads, Maggie is gone. A black ribbon, such as a woman might use to tie back her hair, lies at Gaven's feet.

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OOC: Actions?

Don't forget that I'll be delayed in my next post, as I mentioned in my email.