14 - Frostbite's Rekindled Spark
| Session 1 | Session 13 | Session 14 | ||
| ◀◀ | ◀ | ▲ | ▶ | ▶▶ |
| Ashira Brolin Frostbite | Ashira Brolin Frostbite | Ashira Brolin Frostbite |
Artistic warmth refound
The balloon descended gently toward the familiar marshland, its occupants weary yet resolute. As the vessel touched down near the mushroom patch near the bullywug palace, Ashira swiftly removed the frame from the portrait of Bavlorna, rolling up the canvas and slipping it into Zephyr’s high hat of holding. With little delay, the adventurers skirted the murky lake, their boots sinking into the damp soil as they reached the quay where they had left their boats. To their relief, one remained. The group barely managed to squeeze into it before paddling toward the center of the lake, following the line of laundry that stretched ominously above the dark waters.
Back into the Toad’s Den
Clambering up the wooden ladder and through the trapdoor, they found themselves once more in Bavlorna’s decrepit house. It was as they had left it - chaotic and cluttered, with the eerie stillness of an abandoned lair. The central pool remained pristine, a stark contrast to the mess surrounding it. The only notable absence was Bavlorna’s floating lily pad. Suspicion tinged their thoughts as they ascended the stairs, seeking the hag in her study. But the room lay empty.
A flicker of determination crossed Frostbite’s face. Retrieving the portrait of Skabatha, he strode to the L-shaped hallway outside the study and carefully hung the painting. A silent question hovered in his mind: was this the moment his artistic skill would return? Or would fate cruelly deny him once more? He hesitated, unwilling to tempt misfortune. Instead, he lingered in the study while the others searched the house.
Before long, Brolin reappeared, offering Frostbite a mug of alcohol, which he promptly declined. The others trickled back, muttering about a cook named Bloodietoes but no sign of Bavlorna. Maeve, intrigued by her recently acquired bagpipes, tested their sound, coaxing an unexpectedly pleasant melody from the odd instrument. Frostbite, entranced, listened with rapt attention, the music weaving through his mind like a half-forgotten dream.
Then came the sound of footsteps below. Tension rippled through the group as Bavlorna entered the study, her grotesque form framed in the doorway. She arched a brow. “Ah, you have returned, darlings.”
Frostbite shot to his feet, pointing to the portrait outside. Words tumbled clumsily from his mouth, his desperation palpable. He wanted his skill back. A deal was a deal.
“Of course,” Bavlorna purred. “Wait here. Ask Bloodietoes for food while you wait. I shall return shortly.”
She departed up the stairs. Ashira and Zephyr exchanged wary glances, their tension unspoken. What had they done upstairs? Frostbite pushed the thought aside as a fragrant meal arrived. Despite their misgivings, hunger won out. They ate.
A Breath of Fate
When Bavlorna returned, she held a peculiar object - a bone pipe, its stem carved into the shape of a dragon’s head. She placed it in Frostbite’s hands, her toad-like lips curling into an amused grin as confusion clouded his face. How could a pipe return his lost skill?
Bavlorna offered no explanation, delighting in his uncertainty. The group, however, urged him to try. The scent of herbs drifted from the bowl - earthy, almost familiar. Gathering his courage, Frostbite placed the pipe to his lips. The embers within flared to life without prompting, smoke curling in lazy tendrils. He inhaled deeply.
A sensation like warm embers coursed through him. The weight of misfortune lifted. A dam broken, memories and instincts long buried resurfaced, washing over him like a tide. His skill was back. His hands trembled as he clutched the pipe, hardly believing it.
Vague recollections followed - retrieving Star from the kitchen, departing Bavlorna’s home, reuniting with Clapperclaw. The scarecrow informed them that the balloon required fuel. The group decided to spend the night in the bullywug palace, resting before their next move.
That night, while others slept, Frostbite remained awake. He found an old chair, breaking a leg from it. With a deep breath, he set to work, his hands guiding his woodcarver’s tools over the surface. He dared not use his golden set yet. Hours passed, and the beginnings of a flute emerged from the wood, each detail breathing life into his craft. Joy swelled within him. He was whole again.
By morning, the group had devised a plan. They followed Frostbite’s example, gathering wood from the palace furniture to fuel the balloon. The bullywugs were not pleased. Anger flared as they gave chase, but it was too late - the balloon lifted off, carrying the adventurers away from the swamps.
The wind guided them unerringly, as if fate had plans of its own. Once more, the towering trees of Skabatha’s forest loomed below. Clapperclaw maneuvered toward an open glade, but an unexpected gust sent the balloon lurching. The basket tilted. With startled cries, the group tumbled onto the grass, their fall cushioned by the damp earth.
A Rough Landing and Tea with a Twisted Host
They landed beside a mushroom circle. As Zephyr wandered closer, disembodied voices jeered at him, calling him ugly and demanding he leave. A bizarre exchange followed, but Frostbite paid little mind. Ashira plucked a mushroom, finding nothing to explain the taunts.
At the forest’s edge, they discovered a fresh wanted poster. Skabatha was still hunting Will. Brolin, with the aid of Dhanell and Frostbite, studied his map, plotting their course back to Loomlurch.
Their first stop: the goblin market. There, Chucklehead arranged a meeting with Skabatha. The hag awaited them in the outside parlor of Loomlurch. As they settled onto gnarled chairs, an old woman emerged from within, her bark-like skin twisting with age. A large key protruded from her back, turning with a deliberate, ominous rhythm.
She fixed them with a knowing gaze.
“Sit down,” she rasped. “Let’s have some tea.”
| Session 1 | Session 13 | Session 14 | ||
| ◀◀ | ◀ | ▲ | ▶ | ▶▶ |
| Ashira Brolin Frostbite | Ashira Brolin Frostbite | Ashira Brolin Frostbite |
Updated on: 19:27
