Shadow of Hope XIII
The lizardman threw a quizzical-looking glance toward the dark robed man as the human retreated somewhat from the gathering, acting as though he was far more chill than the rain alone could account for.
Sure enough, the Silveraen was curious about the situation; the fourth person to break away from the “silent stare” approach to introductions, but he’d backed off rather than joining in. The reptile couldn’t help but wonder what thoughts haunted that one… but resigned himself to the fact that this wasn’t an opportune moment to inquire.
Resolving to investigate the matter later, he swiftly returned his attention to the three-way exchange.
Erellia moved quietly about the canopy attending to minor details within the shelter and the small brazier that now burned with a welcoming light, a silent hostess to this most unusual gathering. Nodding or smiling in gentle greeting, she welcomed each individual into the makeshift shelter as they approached. For those that offered, she would provide some small menial task to perform that would help add a relative state of comfort to the encampment. Overall however, she projected a sensation of tremendous patience and calm reserve, a typical trait of the long lived. There was a sense that she observed the interactions of the group with an almost purposeful delay in taking control of the situation.
Content to allow the excessive moisture to coat her in a fine sheen of water, there was only one effort Erellia made to manage the soggy conditions. Lowering the hood of her riding cloak, she pulled the shoulder blade length of pale blond hair from within its confines and, producing a narrow section of comb, began bringing some order to her weathered mane. The points of her ears, the pale green almond shaped eyes, the angled cheek bones, almost too severe to be considered beautiful, all of these features radiated her Elven heritage with perfect clarity in the muted light. She produced a length of dark ribbon and tied her hair into a thick tail, smoothing back any stray strands that fought to break free. A ring rested comfortably on her left thumb and three adorned the middle fingers of her right hand. Intricately carved bracers poked out of the long cream colored sleeves at her wrists, and she wore a vest and jacket of darkest green with elegant cream trim. Although magnificently crafted, the cut appeared somewhat rigid with a firm collar that concealed a good portion of her neck.
Eventually, Erellia moved toward the small fire at the center of the canopy and smiling, addressed those gathered.
“Thank you all for your patience. I am grateful you have chosen to join us here today under such uncertain circumstances. I will endeavor to share with you what I may to alleviate any concerns you may have. Presently however, we are awaiting two others to join us, and I would choose to begin my tale when all have arrived,” her tone was eloquent, making eye contact with everyone present, “If not before, I will share my wisdom with the evening meal, and come dawn’s light, we will depart. I encourage you to use this time to rest and refresh yourselves. Feel free to come and go as you please, I would simply ask that you be present for the evening meal.”
“We need not remain strangers while we wait. For those who have not done so or, if those who have desire to share more, would each of you offer what you wish to the group so we may know you better?”