Session 28, VP1

Silholdra led our heroes deeper into the cave system, in companionable silence. The further they walked, the less trappings of civilization were seen. None of the moss sconces from the town proper adorned the cave walls: soon enough, the only light being provided was from naturally-growing moss.

After an hour or so of walking, a small domicile came into view. Two short walls of rock jutted from the side of the tunnel, with a third slab resting across them as a roof. No final wall closed in the space, creating something more akin to an awning than a house.

The “building” consisted only of a small side area with cooking supplies, a closed off bathroom, & a large, open space. No mattress or bedroll could be seen, though straw littered the cave floor. Silholdra gestured for the group to take a seat, as she began to prepare tea.

A calming, earthy aroma soon permeated the area. Pouring the tea into small, stoneware glasses, Silholdra placed a cup in front of not just the trainers, but the myriad Rowlets as well. She smiled, & asked for the group to explain their situation further. When the story of the Rowlets had been told, their young host began to politely ask questions about the trainers’ own histories.

She seemed mildly awed by the travelers, & a look of wistfulness was evident in her eyes. Silholdra shook her head slightly, & returned to the task at hand. Though no one in Stygian Falls specialized in bird Pokemon, she believed the town could look after them communally.

The owls’ night vision could be quite helpful to people who live underground. In return, she asked that the trio assist her with a small problem affecting the town.

Further along the cave system, a strange tree governed an echoing cavern room. A large hole betwixt the mountains above let in light, as well as visitors: every year, a flock of Lumarrow & Phospharrow returned to the tree to rear their young.

The townsfolk adored the Pokemon, & would often while away evenings watching them in flight. Food & drink were often left as gift for the small birds. When their migration continued onwards, any discarded feathers were collected, and use to make glowing paints & dyes.

This year’s flock had arrived a few days earlier, but something was wrong. Several of the birds looked injured, as if they had been harried on their passage. Their numbers also seemed significantly reduced from the norm.

With hooded eyes, Silholdra explained that she had heard rumors traveling through the veins of the earth, rumors of a band of poachers on the hunt. The dye found in the birds’ feathers could be sold as a rarity in some parts of the country. In the past, this had been known to lead to violent overhunting.

Having felt that the party were capable trainers, Silholdra requested they help her protect the flock from any poachers, at least until the birds left on their return journey. The group eagerly accepted, & turned the conversation onto the young woman’s story.

At their inquiry, she admitted that she was seen as somewhat of an outsider amongst the townsfolk. Whenever the clan leader passed, all of the people of Stygian Falls would gather in a pitch-black cave. Water trickles down from the stalactites on the ceiling, stained grey with soot. As the people leave the cavern, the one stained with the most tears of soot is chosen to become the new leader.

Silholdra was the youngest chosen to assume the mantle in living memory, a fact which caused the townsfolk to doubt her. Though they did her no harm, they now exclusively interacted with her in her official capacity, no longer treating her as another member of their community. Still, she refused to let this loneliness drag her into the dark.

The hour had drawn late, & Stygian Falls was still a decent walk back for our heroes. Silholdra told them that she would send word back to town to have a house prepared for them, & bid them goodnight. As they set out, the trainers could hear the sound of many feet speeding ahead of them into the tunnel.

Just as Silholdra had said, an empty home had been made ready for their use. A small moss lantern glowed in one of its windows, with the door left open. After taking a few moments to discuss the day, the party drifted into a deep, relaxing sleep.

In the morning, Gunnar & Skeldr decided to hike up & down the cliff steps for exercise. Although he was still ungainly on his newfound feet, Skeldr clearly enjoyed the heights at the cliff top.

Naivara released her Pokemon for moral support before attempting her daily push-up. Sadly, her arms were just too tired from carrying all those Rowlets the day before. Bladè chuckled as she fell on her face. She dusted herself off, & recalled the Scyther in a huff. Thankfully, Pearl & co made sure to do lift Naivara’s spirits.

Bergie was wary of bringing the young Rowlets along with them into potential battle. Once he was awake, he & Stompy strolled around town with the baby birds in tow. Closer to the waterfall, a group of children were playing with a ball tethered to a pole. Recognizing a few of them from the day prior, Bergie asked if they would be willing to look after the Rowlets for the day in exchange for some Monies.

After driving up the price, the children readily accepted. Bergie left with a smile as the children attempted to teach the owls how to join in their game. The group reunited back at their temporary home, & then tried some of the local cuisine.

With their stomachs filled with an odd mix of mushrooms & broth, they set forth for Silholdra’s cave once more. Early in their walk, they could hear the same rush of footsteps from the previous night. As our heroes came upon her abode, Silholdra stood ready & waiting.

She was giving some well-deserved pets to her Millimic. Clearly, the Pokemon had brought word to town for them last night. The party was ready to set out, so Silholdra took the lids off the baskets on her Millimic’s back: the soft blue glow of the cave moss filled the cavern to light their way. It didn’t take long to reach their destination. Silholdra paused at a bend in the tunnel, replacing the lids on Millimic’s baskets. In silence, she guided our heroes into the Ash Cavern.

At its center, a mighty tree sprang from the barren stone. Its crown stood at least 50’ high, & its branches stretched nearly as long around. Soft, golden light trickled down from a small fissure in the ceiling above.

Some small amount of rain fell with it, the storm outside still in the process of abating. Despite the majesty of the cave, the group’s breath caught for another reason entirely. In the air around the tree, huddled close in its branches, small orbs of light dipped & weaved. The wisps glowed in various hues of red, orange, yellow, & white.

Occasionally, as if by magic, several of the lights would turn & twist as one on the wing, forming ever-changing constellations. The flock of Lumarrow & Phospharrow took no heed of their visitors as they continued to wheel in the sky.

Silholdra smiled warmly at the looks of awe on our heroes faces, content that they now understood what she sought to protect. Slowly, the trainers came back to their senses. The scene before them was beautiful, pure evidence of the sanctity of nature. With their spirits refreshed, they turned to Silholdra, & discussed their plans……