RP:Baraneth Makes It to Frostmaw

Part of the Surface Tension Arc

Synopsis: Baraneth makes a hard climb to Frostmaw, and is greeted by Garrett and a couple of guards. After brief introductions, Garrett escorts Baraneth into Frostmaw, the better that she may join the war effort.

Frostmaw Eastern Gate

Baraneth has managed to make it to the gates of Frostmaw, but her journey here has been rather arduous. Her breathing appears somewhat labored, her robed chest rising and falling rapidly as her aching muscles strain for fresh oxygen, which is of course rather harsh in the form of Frostmaw’s permanent breath of winter. Unable to suppress a shudder due to the chill, the mage continues on despite it all, making way to pass through the gates and into Frostmaw proper.

Garrett can be seen as the mage approaches, standing outside the gate conversing with one of the frost giant guards. The man's presence is something of an oddity, given the difference in size between him and the other guards, but he has taken to his new duty of sentry without deterrent. Gone is the simple attire of a forge worker, replaced by armor forged by the master smith Gikal by order of the Steward of Frostmaw, Hildegarde the Silver. A breastplate, with matching shinguards, bracers and round shield made from the native blue iron has been given some fur trimming to help keep the man insulated from the dangerous climate that dominates this place even in the heart of summer. The symbol of frostmaw, a white gryphon against a large snowflake background, is etched expertly against his shield, as well as sewn into the tunic that covers his armor, signifying his station as a warrior in the service of the City fo War. Unlike the Giants beside him, who don the rare black ice armor of the Royal Guard, heavily armoured and wielding weapons fit for the strength known to giant-kind, Garrett's weapons are more his own style. A long handled spear is held in one hand, while a round shield is in the other. A swords rests upon his left hip, so that in the event his spear became useless, he'd have a means to enter close quarter combat effectively. Indeed, the young man now looks the part, though the true threat for ill-intentioned souls are the Frost Giants who stand stalwart in thier vigil by the entrance to thier beloved kingdom. Its is during the end of a conversation, that leaves the trio of guards laughing, that Garrett first spots the incoming traveller. Out of respect, he points her out to the two giants, Hefstaag and Fjorn, who nod and motion for him to go and greet the stranger. He was sent to get experience, and due to it being Hildegarde's command, and with a little influence from Gikal himself, these frost giants have taken to showing the young squire all they know, and here was a chance for him to put it into use. Walking up a few paces from the group, while taking on a slightly defensive, but not threatening posture, he calls out to the woman. " Hail, and well met stranger!" A formal greeting, followed by an inquiry. " What brings you up the mountain today?" War was on the horizon, and already Hildegarde has expressed concern of possible attempts of sabatoge and infiltration from the outside world, and so all who wished entrance, unless already known to the people, will face this same treatment. Frostmaw was not careless, and was keeping a watchful eye.

Baraneth is thankful for some sight of another being she can interact with. She feared that Frostmaw may be a harsh and barren place with civilization buried deep within, but it seems it has the structure of a city state. Pulling the hood back from her head, she greets Garrett with a fleeting smile, her blonde hair whipping about with a sudden gust of snow flecked wind. “I am Baraneth. I have met others that tell me elves are gathering here for a coming assault upon the drow that are entrenched in Sage. Being that Sage is where I was born so many years ago…I seek to assist the effort in any way that I can.” Baraneth oocly notes that you didn't, her response just came slowly.

Garrett knows well that Hildegarde has been expecting those who wish to aid in the cause would venture here, as it seems Frostmaw is becoming the staging point for the war to come. War.. in truth the squire wishes there were another way besides bloodshed, but he knows that there isn't. Not with the drow, not with the elves. And from what he has learned, the Frost Giants and those who truly call Frostmaw their home, all are ready for what is to come, some even eager for it. He doesn't yet know how this settles with him just yet, but he will serve Hildegarde in whatever manner she demands. So, he returns the warm smile, and offers the wandering elf a respectful bow, as he says. " Your aid will be welcome, I am sure." Looking to Hefstaag and Fjorn, the pair offer a simple nod to the squire, who then rises from his bow and says. " I will escort you into town, and allow you to find someone else who can point you in the right direction." This was for two reasons: The first being that he didnt know her, and to allow her to wander could lead to disaster in she was a spy, and two, he was an aspiring knight, and thus it wa shis duty to escort the lady to a safe location in a town she does not know. And so he waits for her answer.

Baraneth nods, readily accepting the offer to be guided into town. She is not a spy, but Garrett’s consideration for such is probably logical given his duty and station. “Thank you, I’d appreciate that. It’s not my desire to wander about this place without direction, for a number of reasons…I don’t want to get lose, firstly, and secondly it could be rather dangerous, confident in my abilities as I am.” She makes a quick gesture, “Please, lead the way.”

Garrett offers the lady another bow as she accepts his request of being her escort into town. Rising once more from the bow, the would-be knight offers the lady first his fur trimmed cloak, having started to get accustomed to the cold here, he believes she can use it more than he can. Second he will gesture towards tHefstaag and Fjorn to open the massive gates, which they do without delay. Upon the battlements atop the archers, previously hidden, move out of position and stand down. Yes, fortifications have been put into place, as the elves have seemingly offered some of thier own to adi in the defense of the City State while preparations for the fight to come are underway. Once the gates are open, Garrett turns to Baraneth, and says. " I am Garrett Sanada, and I welcome you, to Frostmaw." Now that the gates are open, the city that lies within can be more easily seen. Massive compared to normal sized houses, life is bustling within as soldiers move about, while citizens go about their own day to day lives. But what makes the City of War special, is that the community is together in the efforts. The Frost Giants all play some part, while the elves who have stayed in the frozen kingdom find their own nitch to play in the coming days. yes, the City of War is very much living up to its name these days, and it all works as a well oiled machine, and now, Baraneth will find her own role within its well defended walls. For better or worse, the wood elves now have a fighting chance to reclaim their homeland.

Baraneth graciously accepts the cloak, fitting it over her shoulders in short order. She’ll return it as soon as they reach their destination, of course, but the gesture isn’t one she’ll refuse. “Thank you, Garrett.” Her eyes swiftly scan the immediate surroundings and the large structures that lie past the gates; Frostmaw is an impressive city, no doubt. “This is my first time this far north. I was born in Sage, as I previously mentioned, and I so rarely ventured outside of the Kelay and Xalious area. It’s a bit chilly for my tastes, but splendid nonetheless.”

Garrett smiles as the elf speaks, knowing well what she means. " I am of larketian decent. After the death of my lord, Sir Thomas, I ventured here at his request to serve a worthy lord." Given the closeness of Larket and Sage, and the troubling times both kingdoms have had over the past five years, he can relate to many things with the elves. "Larket has fallen into dismay under the leadership of a corrupt council. So I serve here, to aid a just cause." He looks to Baraneth, and says. " Trust in Hildegarde, and the might of Frostmaw, to see your people's home returned, but most al all. " Here he looks out, back into the city he now calls home. " Trust in the just nature of your cause, and you shall not fail." And so, the pair venture forth into the City of War. Two outsiders, strangers before today, now brought together for one common goal. Justice.