Editing Interlude – The Grove

{{Infobox_episode
|title=Interlude – The Grove
|published=Dec 1, 2024
|wordcount=26,511
|link={{chl|The Grove}}
|previousChapter=*[[Tales of Innworld 2|Tales of Innworld #2]]
*[[Interlude — Songs and Wands]]
|nextChapter=[[Chapter 10.28 N]]
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}}'''Interlude – The Grove''' is the 56th chapter of [[Volume 10]].

==tl;dr==

* [[Lyonette du Marquin|Lyonette]] and her group enters the Congress of Root and Steel, a location-bound [[Skills|skill]] within the [[Vale Forest]], discussing and prepare for whatever they'll meet.
*Entering the grove they meet the [[Gladelords of Tauslech]] and learn that they are sapient instrument for the true representatives of the Forest to embody when they used to be alive.
*Talks between the two groups are shaky as the Gladelords are stubborn about having full control of the fate of the child within the [[Ironwood Wand]].
*[[Hethon Veltras|Hethon]] and [[Nanette Weishart|Nanette]] face the reality of what is rather than what they want to see.
*Lyonette accepts a pact with the Gladelords for Bush Shamblers as remuneration for the hostility done towards [[The Wandering Inn]] in the past.
* The group comes to learn that the [[Dyed Lands]] have grown enough to become a Greatwoods which can foster the birth of the child.
*Negotiations die as [[Taletevirion]] removes the wand away from the Gladelords and they have a magical duel with [[Rhisveri Zessoprical|Rhisveri]], Taletevirion kills [[Skytree Orelic-Deyana]] to stop them from further threatening their way on the matter.
*Lyonette gives the Gladefolks one final time to plead their case.

==Synopsis==
Within what was known as the Tauslech Woods, there is a meeting place called the Congress of Root and Steel that was created when the first [[Humans]] of the [[Veltras Family]] forged a pact with those of the forest. A location embodied within a skill, unlike others of its nature, has two requirements: the first being of someone having the Veltras bloodline, and secondly being on the continent of [[Izril]]. As the group goes through the transitional period of the skill, they witness time dilation effects as they travel, [[Vaulont]] ask [[Lyonette du Marquin|Lyonette]] what they are facing with them asking the children for their experience during the Solstice. Preparing for the worst, the group make their way forward learning from [[Taletevirion]] that this place was a giant conference spot from when the forest negotiated, that these lords and ladies of the woods are bound to the area with no purpose as the forest is dead. [[Visophecin]] brings up what's on the table for negotiating and if they have anything of leverage, Taletevirion remarks on how they would've acted if they were smarter even if they were on the same side as them, for they would do the right thing with the wrong methods and ruin it for everybody.

Reaching the clearing in the middle of the woods, they come to see the eleven oddly humanoid figures nearby a round stone table, Visophecin is astonished by their odd forms while [[Rhisveri Zessoprical|Rhisveri]] tries to determine what's wrong with the [[Gladelords of Tauslech|Gladelords]]. He figures out that they are just puppets for the true representatives of the forest to embody, but since the forest is dead, they are just facsimiles of their original handlers. They begin to introduce themselves alternating from each group, as Rhisveri introduces himself he uses the old speech of the Northern Continent which astonishes the Gladefolks but they turn dower as they learn the last [[Fithea sor Kerwenas|Dryad]] had died. When Visophecin introduces himself, [[Skytree Orelic-Deyana|Skytree]] instantly binds the [[Lucifen]] within a cage of roots of vines which drains his [[mana]], Taletevirion manages to calm down everyone's nerves and informs Lyonette that something has empowered them making the [Princess] blame [[Ryoka Griffin|Ryoka]] for it. The Gladelords call forth the child, but Lyonette puts her foot down that they have to work out a deal for that to happen enraging the Gladefolks, negotiations for the [[Ironwood Wand]] and the seed within begins.

They all by Rhisveri's suggestion share their intentions, plan of action, desires until they come to a mutual arrangement, as Skytree begins her spiel, Taletevirion whispers to Lyonette of how things work and a bit of history of the tyrant the [[Tree of Vale]] was in its forest. The Gladefolk refuse to have interlopers interfere in the growth of the child naming [[Roshal]] as one they will never make a pact with again, their eyes shift to Taletevirion and task the [[Unicorn]] to take care of the child. They speak of his many titles which provokes Taletevirion making him utter he is not there to be ask of something or produce miracles, just to make sure that nobody does the wrong thing, Skytree moves on to ask for an inspection of the child to see if its well enough to plant. Taletevirion questions their viewpoint as there isn't any place in the world to grow the seedling pointing to the lacking support it'll have even if it is planted, one of the Gladelords share that there is a forest powerful enough for its growth to the shock of the Unicorn with him trying to narrow down where the place can even be. With no champion in Taletevirion, the Gladelords task the two children [[Nanette Weishart|Nanette]] and [[Hethon Veltras|Hethon]] into succeeding the cause, Lyonette refuses the notion as they are too young for it naming Ryoka as a suitable replacement to the confusion of the Gladefolks unknowing of the name. The Gladefolks with no champion begin to argue and name people for the cause that were most certainly long dead.

Hethon was beginning to regret ever coming to the [[Vale Forest]], he liked the feeling of being special but once he realized that this was a task fit for those on the level of Named [[Adventurers]] that he knew that this was beyond him. He too notices Nanette crumbled expression as she is feeling the same as him sharing their regret with one another, he moves to where [[Jericha Synthel|Jericha]] and [[Swamp of Oswenia]] were overhearing their argument. Speaking with Oswenia, Hethon asks her of the previous Veltrases she has met which she brings up a Lady Veltras that she helped raise and guide until she was old and withered. Hethon asks for the Lady's name from Oswenia which she did not bother to remember like she can for things of the forest, feeling conflicted Hethon petitions Oswenia to help in the restoration of the land of Oswen. She inquires to what Otterdogs are thinking that inducing them to reproduce will be enough for the request, Hethon in an outburst points to the dead people and the broken land of Oswen itself, Oswenia see that as a Veltras concern as the swamp is still there even if parts of it have fallen into the crevasse which might create something new. Returning back to Nanette he confirms that they were misguided in their childish beliefs promising to himself that he would become someone who lives life like things matter, Nanette understands the desire pointing the other [[Witches]] in her life that fit that mold of character, even [[Mrsha du Marquin|Mrsha]] right now is doing something that matters.

The two children watch a number of other entertaining conversations such as [[Todi]] trying to come to an accord with [[Tree of Sighs]] to make a super dreamleaf to sell, [[Elosaith Soulbound|Elosaith]] badgering one of the Galeladies of the nature of her construction, [[Bird]] attempting to win the conversation by claiming possible war only to fall flat to Skytree. They feel the strain of the time dilation effects arguing with a bunch of stubborn trees, they think on how to move forward with Visophecin sharing his thoughts to ransom the wand for their plans and the condition of the child. Following with that in mind, Lyonette demands their intentions and remuneration of the Gladelords for the hostile magics against [[The Wandering Inn]] for them to appraise the child, after a bit of prodding the Gladelords share a number of options such as giving them Bush Shamblers to defend the inn. Nanette asks if the Shamblers have the potential for more like become [[Khoteizetrough]], the Gladelords laugh expressing that there's little to expect out of the shamblers as there's not much to them, protecting the little witch's feelings Lyonette accepts the pact for the shamblers. 

Rhisveri jumps in to tell the Gladefolks that once the child is born that it can reside in the [[Ailendamus]] as there is a community of equals there, the Gladelords reject the notion with Taletevirion questioning how they'll even plant the seed as there nowhere for it to grow since all of the great forests are dead. They share when they felt a wild budding sprout grow to a mighty land in an instant, Lyonette deduces that it's the [[Dyed Lands]] that they are talking about to the shock of the rest of the inn group. Skytree becomes fervent from all of the potential from the birth of the child but Taletevirion paints a picture of what would happen in reality with the forests being burned down, seeing no point in talking any further Taletevirion grabs the wand out of the Gladelord's hand which provokes the Gladelords to throw out a high tiered spell to prevent anyone from leaving. Lyonette can see that they are in a weakened state after the spell with Rhisveri trying to reason with the Gladelords, but they realize what he truly is as a [[Wyrm]] and return back into throwing magic. Talks die as Rhisveri and the Gladelords begin to have a magical duel with one another.

The inn group gathers around Visophecin and his cage to take cover, Nanette sees that Rhisveri is only facing against five of the Gladelords while the others recover from the attack inflicted upon the by Vaulont who suddenly appears. They're astounded to see Rhisveri aptly fend off against the Gladelords and then discuss on what they plan on doing with the mage battle right beside them, Lyonette and the rest arrive to put their foot down remembering them that they put the children in danger with their act summoning a ten-foot tall chess piece that starts attacking the Gladelords. Elosaith, Bird and Vaulont play defense against the Gladelords while Rhisveri frees Visophecin from his cage, once free he starts hacking away at [The Flower of Anapulis] quelling a bit of his anger away. The two groups are tense during a lull in the fighting, Taletevirion slowly strides in and cleanly slices Skytree in two killing her, he tells them to make whatever request they have to make under no threats of violence. The Unicorn walks away as the Swamp of Oswenia calls out to him to question what he'll do with the child, he will think on the matter and if he doesn't come with a good reason hide the child away until a time emerges when the world has changed for the better.

The inn group gets ready to leave but Nanette pleads with Lyonette to stay with the Gladelords to hit them hard when they are at their lowest, understanding her adopted daughter's thoughts Lyonette and the rest of the adults meet with the Gladelords for a final chance to represent their interests. They return to the rest of the group leaving the grove behind discussing the sad state everyone is feeling for the remnants of the forest even if they wouldn't do the same in turn. Rhisveri hesitates if he should allow the rest to keep their memories of his secret but speaking with the [Princess] about her poor dealings make him trust the woman and her cohort. She tells him that she will call on the both of them from Ailendamus for aid for when the time arises. Returning back to the inn, Lyonette is told by Hethon that [[Ushar]] urgently needs to speak with her, the [Princess] begins to run looking for Mrsha.

==Characters==
( * = First Appearance)
*[[Alevica]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Bird]]
*[[Buscrei Veltras]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Califor Weishart]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Dalimont]]
*[[Elosaith Soulbound]]
*[[Erin Solstice]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Evista Veltras]]* ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Fithea sor Kerwenas]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Gralton Radivaek]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Hedag]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Hethon Veltras]]
*[[Ielane du Marquin]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Ishkr Silverfang]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Jericha Synthel]]
*[[Khorpe]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Khoteizetrough]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Laken Godart]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Lyonette du Marquin]]
*[[Magnolia Reinhart]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Marquin]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Mauri]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Mavika]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Mrsha du Marquin]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Nalthaliarstrelous]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Nanette Weishart]]
*[[Niers Astoragon]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Normen Callesn]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Palt Fenrisol]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Reclis du Marquin]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Rhisveri Zessoprical]]
*[[Ryoka Griffin]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Sammial Veltras]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Sheta]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Sitberka Veltras]]* ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Skytree Orelic-Deyana]]*
*[[Somost]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Spirit of the Waters]]*
*[[Swamp of Oswenia]]*
*[[Swey Veltras]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Taletevirion]]
*[[The Land That Stretches From the Ground of Quartzite to the Land Across the River Elsweit]]*
*[[Todi]]
*[[Tree of Anapulis]]*
*[[Tree of Sighs]]*
*[[Tree of Vale]]* ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Tyrion Veltras]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Ullim]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Ushar]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Vaulont]]
*[[Visophecin]]
*[[Wiskeria]] ''(Mentioned)''
*? - 3 Other Gladelords*
*? - Carved Stone Gladelord*
*? - Golem-like Gladelord*
*? - Wicker-Woman Gladelady*

==Groups/Organizations==

*[[Five Families]]
**[[Veltras Family]]
**[[Terland Family]] ''(Mentioned)''
**[[Reinhart Family]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Gladelords of Tauslech]]
*[[House Marquin]]
*[[Thronebearers of Calanfer]]
*[[Gaarh Marsh Tribe]] ''(Mentioned)''
*[[Hundred Families of Terandria|Hundred Heros of Terandria]] ''(Mentioned)''

==Locations==

*[[Izril]]
**[[Floodplains]]
**[[Vale Forest]]
***Congress of Root and Steel

==Items==

*[[Ironwood Wand]]
*Binding of Acorns, Provision Five
*[[Crown of Flowers]]
*Major Khorpe's Crossbow

==Statistics==

===Statistics Revealed===

====[[Tree of Anapulis]]====

*'''Spells:'''
**'''Estimated Tier 6:'''
***[The Flower of Anapulis]

====[[Dalimont]]==== 

*'''Skills:'''
**[Shield of Cover]

====[[Rhisveri Zessoprical]]====

*'''Spells:'''
**'''Unknown Tier:'''
***[Avalanche of the Stone Giant]

====[[Elosaith Soulbound]]====

*'''Spells:'''
**'''Unknown Tier:'''
***[Detect Life]
***[Unlife Tremor]

===Statistics Obtained===

====[[Lyonette du Marquin]]====

*'''Class/Levels:'''
**[Princess of the Inn] Lv. 38 (+2)
*'''Skills:'''
**[Royal Artifact]
*<span style="color:#ff9900;">'''Titles:'''
**<span style="color:#ff9900;"> [Diplomat of the Tauslech Forest]
***<span style="color:#ff9900;">'''Title Skill:''' [Wildspeech]
*<span style="color:#cc99ff;">'''Pacts:'''
**<span style="color:#cc99ff;">Skill: [Defenders of the Inn (Shamblers)]

====[[Nanette Weishart]]====

*'''Class/Levels:'''
**[Sariantfriend] Lv. 11 (+7)
*'''Skills:'''
**[Basic Spell Proficiency: Nature Magic]
**[Peaceful Gesture]
**[Goat's Kick]
*'''Spells:'''
**[Watertwister Orb]
**[Nature's Stride]

==Quotes==

*(Nanette to Hethon): "—I thought that there’d be some good magic left. Something uncomplicated I could trust. A Unicorn. Tree spirits. But it’s not. It’s all just bogs and cruelty of a different kind. Hanged bodies over a bog, sacrificed to the earth. That’s all it ever is.”
*(Bird to Lyonette): “Only their own kind. They did not weep for Taletevirion’s sadness, or for the Otterdogs. Only for themselves, which I believe means they think they are the only real people. I do not like them. But they weep, and I am sad.”

[[Category:Chapters]]
[[Category:Volume 10]]
[[Category:Interludes]]
[[Category:Chapters with Colored Text]]