OOC - propelling things forward a bit but feel free to add some bits marked [GROVE] (on the way back) or [MEADOW] (before the party enters the next scene which is the middle of this post.
As the party starts to explain their findings, Cranberry nods and raises a hand to interrupt.
"I'm not the one you tell. Let me lead you to our leader."
She walks up right next to the tree and caresses the century-old bark. Barely visible, the outline of a door appears.
Turning to the party, she notes:
"Know that Mistletoe lives a withdrawn life, elusive even, and this is one extreme occasion that she lets you into her presence. Bring forth your most respectful form when meeting her. And be careful. Beyond this door is her realm. One bad move and you may be trapped inside to eternity."
With that, she makes a move as if sliding the door open, and while the door doesn't seem to move, she steps through what looks like solid bark and disappears.
Those that follow experience no resistance when stepping through the bark and arrive in a weakly illuminated space much less confined than the external dimensions of the tree would suggest; the place is like an irregular earthen cave, intertwined with roots and vines, but fairly easy to navigate. The light is emitted by fluorescent mushrooms and various species of fireflies and glowworms all around. The scent of fertile, wet soil floats in the air.
Private to Shanna and Merri
Behind the roots and vines stands Cranberry, and next to her another creature, looking like a half-elf at a first glance. Her blond hair is decorated with twigs and leaves, her limbs and part of her torso are covered by bark, and her bark gauntlets have even sprouted some twigs. In the cold, flickering green light it looks as if her skin were tattooed to resemble the pattern of a tree trunk. The only piece of clothing she wears is a rough cloak, or maybe a kind of sheet or blanket, wrapped loosely around her body. She stands there, obviously nervous about the situation.
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Private to Toot
Private to Lugar and Merri
"Come--" she starts to speak, but her voice is cracked as if she hasn't used it for days, if not years. Clearing her throat, she starts again, but her voice is barely more than raspy whisper. All must remain silent to understand the words that come heavily on her lips.
"Come closer and sit. Tell me about yourselves and what you've found on Upper Myridon Plateau."
OOC - leaving some breathing space here for everyone to react. If you are fine and has nothing to say, just note here or in OOC thread. I'll continue in two days even if someone doesn't post.
...but I'll manage.))
) he does any other such morsel. She shares a knowing glance with her fellow arcanist and resumes listening to what is being said...or not said. She observes the strange tattooed creature and instinctively knows that she is the owner of this realm, as addressed by Cranberry. Insulting her would not be smart regardless of whether she could even be beaten by the group. Such thoughts and actions were irrelevant.