Season 4 | Ep. 13 | Inlet Hearth

Summary

Dark Dice – Season 4, Episode 13: Inlet Hearth

Release Date: July 7, 2026
Podcast by Fool and Scholar Productions

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Episode Overview

In this emotionally resonant chapter of the horror-fantasy actual play podcast, the survivors of a devastating shipwreck—Ajay, Yuhai, Viviana, Jaak (Yara), and Vind—stumble from the icy Silver Shores to a halfling village called Inlet Hearth. Worn, hungry, and suspicious, the group is welcomed by a warm, tight-knit halfling community. The episode thematically explores hospitality, suspicion, the clash and blending of cultures, and the ever-lurking sense of dread despite newfound comforts.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arrival at the Village (01:33–07:02)

• Setting & Mood: The party, battered and freezing, follows a distant light inland (01:33), leading to a tiny, secluded halfling village set in a shadowy coastal inlet ringed by cliffs.
• Notable Detail: The homes and longhouse are clearly crafted for small folk, with details like doorways draped in seal pelts and communal fish-drying racks.

2. First Contact & Initial Suspicion (06:03–10:03)

• Yuhai, the halfling party member, is pushed forward as the "least threatening" to scout and make contact (05:46).
• Upon knocking, an older halfling greets them with caution but welcomes them in from the cold (10:03).

  "I'm not sure how you found yourself out here, stranger strangers, but you'll find nothing but the cold out there tonight. Please, if your wishes are simply warmth and ale. Our longhouse may not be tall, but there's enough space for all." – Halfling Elder (10:03)

3. A Hearth's Welcome – Inside the Longhouse (10:21–17:42)

• The survivors are fed fish and seaweed broth and welcomed by the community, led by Aurir and the family elder, Gamma (Gema).
• Ajay interacts warmly with the halfling children who marvel at his height and antlers.

  "He'll lower his head and let them hang off his antlers...a genuine warmth and softness fills Ajay in this moment as he lets his guard down and he smiles because this place reminds him of home." – Ajay (15:16)

• However, beneath the cheer, some party members remain wary, with Vind pretending to sip his soup and Yuhai casting spells to check for poison (23:31).
• The group introduces themselves, with Yuhai sharing the meaning of her name: ‘Yue means songs or music and [hai] means the sea or the ocean’ (24:08).

4. Exchange of Stories and Songs (26:26–53:55)

• Cultural Exchange: Halfling hospitality is only interrupted by their request for the visitors' stories and music as "payment."
• Ajay’s Story: Ajay shares the legend of Rive the Star Ox and the Court of Souls, enchanting the villagers with magical flourishes (27:19–33:40).
• Notable moment: Ajay skillfully directs his storytelling to captivate the children while ensuring darker themes don’t frighten them.

  "I spent much of my life dedicated to learning and preserving history, both legend and known, as well as my clan's rituals and the things of a more spiritual nature." – Ajay (27:39)

• Yuhai’s Song: After a hearty meal, Yuhai performs a haunting, self-penned tragedy, eliciting deep emotion from villagers and party alike (50:12–53:35).

  “For I am the storm and you forever the sailor..." – Yuhai's Song (51:09–53:30)

• Ajay uses prestidigitation to conjure fruit scents for the children, promising more if he returns (35:05).

5. Worldbuilding & Lore: The Isle of Silver Shores (36:10–44:03)

• The villagers share history:
  • The isle is about 2 miles wide, sparsely inhabited, with only Inlet Hearth remaining.
  • A now-abandoned human mining fort lies on the northern side, unused for generations (37:45, 41:32).
  • Silver-like stones abound, but the halflings see little value in precious metals, which they say “can attract danger and greed” (43:34).
• Gamma recalls the last outsiders three decades prior, who passed through without much engagement (38:34–39:25).
• Local threats are few: possible polar bears, old tales of harpies, but little true danger, outside the cold (40:01).

6. Trust, Paranoia, and Group Dynamics (21:10–24:08, 44:03–48:52)

• Suspicious Undercurrents: Vind, Viviana, and at times Yuhai voice suspicion about their fortuitous rescue.
  • Vind “skulks” and strategizes about how to frame Ajay’s magic as possibly necromantic (35:45–36:01).
  • Viviana and Vind share a private moment:

    “Everybody else seems so eager to jump in with these strangers. Do you have any sort of remote, I don't know, uncertainty about all this?" – Vind (22:09) "I encourage you to just keep an eye out and keep your ears open to what they may expect in return." – Vind (22:32)

• Despite this, the villagers’ motives appear genuine, and even the party’s investigations turn up no cause for alarm (47:10–47:58).

7. Settling for the Night & Reflecting on Hospitality (44:03–55:21)

• The halflings offer seal pelts and invite the group to rest in the longhouse; only Ajay hesitates, contemplating sleeping outside—until facing the unforgiving cold (48:11).
• Yara investigates, confirming no signs of malice in the longhouse’s construction (47:10–47:58).
• The episode closes with the villagers bidding goodnight, but Ajay alone remains unsettled:

  “Everyone, that is, except Aje, who couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.” – Narrator (55:21)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Arrival & Desperation:

  "Viviana: Oh, it's probably a tavern or something like an inn. Guys, do you smell that? I think I smell chicken. I don't actually smell chicken. I think I'm like hallucinating. I'm really cold and hungry." (02:48)

• On Community:

  "No one should be left out in the cold hearth. And home is for all." – Gamma (Gema), 21:36

• On Outsiders:

  “I can't think of the last time I've seen outsiders. Oh, now, maybe three decades ago.” – Gamma (Gema), 17:58

• On Suspicion:

  "If there's one thing I've learned from leading my people and from my travels within the larger world, it's that no one can be trusted." – Vind, 23:19

• On Storytelling & Hope:

  "You'll live on in song and story. Heroic museum...You've made your peace, said goodbyes. Nothing left to excuse." – Ajay, telling the legend, 29:24–33:40

• On Song and Sorrow:

  "For I am the storm and you forever the sailor praying for calm seas not a lover's wreck..." – Yuhai's Song, 51:09

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Notable Timestamps

• 01:33–02:48 — Setting out into the winter night; first glimpse of the village.
• 10:03 — The party is welcomed inside by the halfling elder.
• 13:04 — Introduction of Aurir handling hospitality.
• 15:16–15:55 — Ajay interacting and playing with the halfling children.
• 21:10–24:08 — Vind and Viviana’s private, suspicious conversation.
• 27:19–33:40 — Ajay’s captivating story for the halflings.
• 36:10–44:03 — Discussion of the island’s size, history, and dangers.
• 50:12–53:35 — Yuhai’s moving song performance.
• 55:21 — Closing: The group prepares for rest; Ajay’s unease lingers.

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Tone & Atmosphere

The mood delicately interweaves relief, coziness, and lingering unease. For listeners, the episode is a welcome emotional respite, filled with warmth, humor, and cultural sharing. Yet, ever present are flickers of suspicion—a poignant tension between trust and caution, reminding everyone that in this world, even moments of comfort may be temporary.

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Summary Takeaway

“Inlet Hearth” is a beautifully paced, character-driven episode centered on shelter, recovery, and storytelling as the party temporarily finds refuge among halfling villagers. As they eat, sing, and share stories, their guard never fully drops, underscoring Dark Dice’s mastery of horror’s subtler undertones—where the unknown can be as chilling as any monster in the dark.

Transcript

[Aurir]

I'm Arch Manning.

[Madison Skinner]

I'm Madison Skinner. I'm Eva Jovic.

[Jara]

I'm Decoria Moore.

[Jaak]

Wanna train like a Red Bull athlete?

[Madison Skinner]

Tell us your fitness goals this summer to enter the Red Bull Athlete Challenge. You'll get to try each of our workouts for a chance to win an ultimate Red Bull experience.

[Jara]

Think you have what it takes.

[Viviana]

Chez di Pace Salis to half week.

[Narrator]

Do you seek him? Do you seek him?

[Aurir]

Do you seek.

[Narrator]

Do you seek him?

[Ajay]

Do you seek the nameless God?

[Narrator]

You have found yourself among those who

roll the dark dice. What you are about to hear happened long ago. A story brought back from the edge of oblivion. Dutifully transcribed and enhanced orally to better captivate your attention.

Previously shipwrecked and marooned, four survivors from

an ill fated ship awoke in the black sands of an unknown silver shore.

Freezing and hungry, they depart the beach

toward the only source of light in the distance.

Dark dice Shores of the silver thrum. Chapter 13 Inlet Hearth.

A warm glow waited in the distance, flickering in and out, beckoning as the endless winter night grew darker. The tiny beacon grew closer with each staggered step. The wind had lessened, but had brought in heavy clouds that sat low over the island. The black beach before them was difficult to navigate for those accustomed to only daylight and the fireplaces were braziers of polite society. An exhausted aje led a newly revived Yara and a worried Yuhai down the beach toward the light. Ajay could see well enough, but all others could barely make out the larger rocks and deep tidal pools without his assistance behind them. Viviana did the same for Vindication, pointing out the way he could not see as he navigated with the help of his spear. The light was their focus, their goal. As chilling winds bit at their extremities. Their eyes watered from salt and the cold. Chilled as they were exhausted and starving, they took little heed of their immediate surroundings. As the glow took form closer, it slowly became clear that the light was cast through a small rectangular window.

[Viviana]

Oh, it's probably a tavern or something like an inn. Guys, do you smell that? I think I smell chicken. I don't actually smell chicken. I think I'm like hallucinating. I'm really cold and hungry.

[Unidentified Child]

Come on.

[Vin]

Perhaps, might I suggest that someone who is good at sneaking maybe gets a little bit closer just to check. I'm just aware that none of us are any fit situation situation to be set upon if we are caught unawares. I think that it's probably curtains, as they say.

[Yuhai]

He's right, Yuhai.

[Madison Skinner]

You'd be the perfect one to go

[Yuhai]

sneak and go go check for us.

[Gamma (Gema)]

What do you mean?

[Vin]

Oh, he was not volunteering anyone.

[Viviana]

Okay, well, it's kind of messed up just because you high is the shortest.

[Yuhai]

I mean, what a leader.

[Vin]

Vin, just stay here.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

I'll go.

[Ajay]

Ajay is going to pull himself slightly lower and stealths towards the light.

[Jara]

I'll join you.

[Viviana]

He's right though.

[Child or Villager]

You should go, Yuhai.

[Yuhai]

Characteristics of a leader. Just push the smallest one up ahead.

[Viviana]

I'm not saying he has a point or anything, but like you are the tiniest.

[Yuhai]

Viviana.

[Child or Villager]

Yeah, I'm just joking.

[Viviana]

I'm joking, I'm joking.

[Yuhai]

Just remember who saved you from the shipwreck.

[Narrator]

The bickering died down as the party

followed a few meters behind. Ajay and Yara Yuhai followed to provide

backup in case any was needed.

Viviana followed out of an insatiable drive

to see what was happening. And Vind followed because he realized he was in no condition to fight if left alone in the dark.

Up ahead, they carefully climbed a set of stone steps until they reached the top of a 6 meter high plateau of rock overlooking the sea and sand. There, a small and quaint village sat cast in darkness as the moon stayed hidden behind the clouds. Even if the sun rose, the little village would have sat in the shadow of the tall cliffs surrounding the small inlet. And little was an apt word for only a dozen or so halfling sized homes ringed around a larger occupied building. Half woven nets, only just visible to Ajay and Viviana in the darkness, hung from wooden posts accompanied by nearby seaweed on drying racks. Large flat black stones had been laid in the ground, creating winding, pleasing paths between the quaint homes. One of the buildings was far more remarkable. It was larger and more decorated than the others, with driftwood sculptures out front and tall racks for drying fish in the salty cold air. It was in this longhouse that firelight was visible through the windows. With a poor history roll, even with advantage, Yuehai did not recognize the style of the buildings, but could tell that it was constructed to the scale of small folk like herself. The windows were just the right size for seated halflings to see through, and the arches for doors were just over a meter tall. But she noticed that no actual doors were present. Instead, in their place were heavy seal pelts that hung from the tops of the door frames, weighed down by rocks to block out the cold.

[Madison Skinner]

You see Yuhai, I told you you'd be the perfect leader. Right now you're the only one who could Easily fit in. Ajay and I'll look terribly out of place if we try to stick our noses in the window. Maybe try to get a bit closer, perhaps scout things out for us.

[Vin]

Might I suggest that we just, you know, walk into this friendly looking village and just explain that we are part of a shipwreck rather than trying to sneak around and maybe, I don't know,

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

getting ourselves killed Wasn't sneaking your idea to begin with?

[Yuhai]

Sounds good, rj. Sounds good.

[Narrator]

Firelight from the windows of the central building was visible, and short bursts of laughter escaped from within the windows. Glassless flickered as the shadows moved beyond the light tapestries that covered them. And as the fires within were fed fresh fuel in a burst, a small wooden door cut from the larger door swung open, followed by a laughing screech. A young halfling girl ran out holding a doll, and her infectious laughter continued as she dashed around the building. Another giddy child followed in chase before they both darted back through the open door to the warmth within. Another small hand, perhaps that of an adult, closed the tiny door moments later.

[Yuhai]

Rj, I can see that you seem reluctant to trust your eyes, but it's fucking freezing and you need to stop being so suspicious. What we need now is warmth and food because I'm hungry. So I'm going to open the door.

[Jaak]

Yes, Before Ja is going to speak up again about that particular thing. At any point in this, having having seen more of the surroundings. Now, does Jaare know anything about this place from his having sailed around everything and do pieces fall into place? Hey, there's this shore, there's cliffs, there's halflings here, potentially.

[Narrator]

Not only did Yara have no knowledge of such a place, but he'd never seen stones like these on any of the rocky beaches. He pulled ships up onto that strange sparkle as the firelight glimmered. What was this curious shimmering silver?

[Jaak]

Well, where I'm from, really the thing we do is we knock before opening someone's door and he goes on knocking at the door, see if he's. If they are welcomed in.

[Ajay]

Can I real, real quick, just as we're walking up, just if there's any way either through just my understanding of magic and also hopefully your understanding of like using arcane to hunt. I basically want to see if there's any way that I can intuit if there is any kind of shenanigans going on here, because this seems like the perfect thing that we just happened to have stumbled across. Like if there's any shimmering at the edges of the building, if the like. I'm just basically trying to assess if the building is actually definitely there and when I'm not hallucinating and about to walk into the mouth of a creature

[Narrator]

Doubting his senses, Aja required a sanity saving throw.

[Ajay]

Huge fun.

7 let's go while a building did

[Narrator]

stand before him, Aja felt more confident with each step.

Yara knocked on the small wooden door of the longhouse, feeling the cold, rough wind wood under his knuckles. He made note of the smaller inset door within the frame that would open roughly at the height of his hips and lowered himself to kneel beside it. He put on the best smile he could muster given the circumstances. A few moments later and the small door opened and an older halfling man with dark hair and strained eyes looked out with a smile before recognizing that the people before him were not ones he knew and his face faltered. The door closed. The sounds of chatter from within were immediately snuffed out and replaced with a hollow silence. The waves rolled on the beach below as a moment endured until the metal scratch of a latch was heard and the larger door slowly pulled open. Within, waiting and confused, dozens of halflings seated at long tables stared out with a mixture of curiosity and caution. The wrinkles on the face of the halfling who opened the door betrayed guarded worry even as his voice was kindly welcoming.

[Halfling Elder]

I'm not sure how you found yourself out here, stranger strangers, but you'll find nothing but the cold out there tonight. Please, if your wishes are simply warmth and ale. Our longhouse may not be tall, but there's enough space for all.

[Jara]

Jaak is going to kind of do a sideway look inside the building and realizing that this is a family, a few families of halflings. Thank you. Thank you kindly, sir.

[Viviana]

Well, thank you so much for the hospitality then.

[Narrator]

I barge right in.

[Halfling Elder]

Seems you have a right bit of energy even out in that chill.

[Narrator]

Constructed of sturdy driftwood, ship wreckage, and local rock, the longhouse was warmed by two large stone fireplaces. The tables were long and lined with benches, each able to seat at least four halflings side by side. Painted beside the fireplaces were simple nautical murals in whites, blacks, silvers, and reds. The floor was pebbled small gray stones of varying tones set in place with care. Both fireplaces had large metal cauldrons attached to a swim swiveling brace, allowing the food to be moved into or out of the fire. And all in all, there were just over three dozen halflings. Some sat at the tables, others stood to chat, and a few were bent over the cauldrons and all appeared to have been clearly enjoying their drinks. Up until this moment, they had been eating from long black stone serving trays which boasted an assortment of dried fish and some stuff still held onto their wooden cups. Tiny children were seated in front of warm fires holding dolls or ready to toss rings carved from shells over small sticks. These people, though worn from work on the sea, appeared jovial and apprehensively curious of their new visitors.

[Yuhai]

So, seeing that I'm a halfling and it's a house full of halflings, I just wish walk up and I just say, hi, I'm Yuehai. These are

[Viviana]

her friends. Her friends? We are friends.

[Yuhai]

Our halfling friends. Yes, friends. We are friends and we were in a shipwreck and this is the first place we've seen that has any sort of life set. Any sort of, I don't know, warmth, life kind of thing. Can we stay here for a while? Get a meal? Drink something warm maybe?

[Narrator]

The older halfling who greeted them nodded as Yuehai spoke. He closed the door behind them to shut out the cold and returned to his seat nearby. As he did so, a middle aged halfling man with sea worn skin and short curly brown hair stood to guide the strangers to spaces that were being cleared for them. Couples held hands as they moved out of the way and young children snatched away their toys as adults shooed them off.

[Aurir]

Why, yes, please, we have some seats by the fire and we can have some food prepared for you fairly quickly. Please, this way. Let's make some space, shall we?

[Narrator]

A group of children sat around the

unoccupied spaces, each vying for the best spot to get a gander at these strange new people.

[Aurir]

We welcome you to our hearth. Please warm yourselves. I apologize for our cramped quarters.

[Viviana]

Oh, beggars can't be choosers, right? That's the right one, right?

[Yuhai]

Thank you. Thank you very much. I can feel my nose and ears again.

[Aurir]

My, My name is Aurir, by the way, not to be mistaken for my son there.

[Narrator]

Aurore, a teenage halfling with scraggly auburn hair ladling the contents of one cauldron

into small bowls, smiled at them and then at his father. There was a glimmer in his eye.

[Child or Villager]

Um, hi. Yes, I'm Aurore. And here, here's some mugs of steamy fish and seaweed broth.

[Yuhai]

It's.

[Child or Villager]

It'll Gamma says it's better for warming you up than ale.

[Yuhai]

Thank you so much. Aure and Oro and I sit down at a table which is perfect for my size and start gulping down the food.

[Ajay]

Ajay looks at the tiny chairs and it's just like probably so hunched over right now is all 6 foot 10 of him, just barely fit with antlers. That probably takes him up near like seven and a half odd feet. It just sort of sits down like hunched over on the floor, just.

[Vin]

I appreciate this. Thank you very much.

[Narrator]

The children stared mesmerized at Ajay and his antlers, having clearly never seen anything like him, nor ever anyone so tall. Some kids raised their arms above their heads and jump, seeing if they could reach anywhere near as high as the shama. Nearby adults moved chairs and a bench out of the way and placed seal pelts on the ground in an effort to make a small cushion for Ajay.

[Viviana]

Aw. Oh my God. I don't think they've ever seen anyone able to reach the top shelf before. Well, all their shelves are probably really low, but like a normal one.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

Thank you.

[Ajay]

I think before eating, Ajay will play with the children a little bit. Like, he'll lower his head and let them hang off his antlers. He'll just pick them up by tilting his head backwards and forwards, watching them laugh. And then maybe like ever so slowly, a genuine warmth and softness fills Ajay in this moment as he lets his guard down and he smiles because this place reminds him of home. And a very big part of his community is that they're all involved in rearing the children. So Ajay is just taking a moment to be happy before he remembers the situation that he's in.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

This is amazing.

[Ajay]

These children are much lighter than the

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

ones where I come from.

[Ajay]

You are so tiny.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

Look at you.

[Ajay]

And then I go to tussle the hair and I'm like, oh, maybe not, as I realize my hand is the same size as them.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

I do not want to hurt you.

[Narrator]

The others began to eat.

Yara was drawn in by the warmth of the bowl and Viviana by the pit in her stomach. Vind smiled as a bowl was handed to him and he couldn't let the halflings see him apprehensive to partake, so he faked a sip.

Yuhai was happy to feel a kinship,

a stability she had not expected after such a tumultuous and terrible event.

And Aje happily drank his soup as

five different halfling children each grabbed a single finger on his one free hand. Now their immediate hunger had subsided enough for their wits to return, and Yuhai was wracked with dark suspicion of their situation. She sparked a conversation with Orir.

[Yuhai]

Do you get many travelers coming around here?

[Aurir]

Oh, we don't. We don't get very many visitors at all. But it's really nice to have visitors. I'm sorry about your circumstances. I'm sure that must have been terrible.

[Narrator]

An alder halfling woman with deep set eyes and a sagging but gentle face inched her way closer and closer to Yuhai, her step steadied by a shaking driftwood cane. One of the nearby children made a space for her and used this excuse to play with Ajay. The old woman slowly took her seat, very slowly, wrinkled and aged, well past most halflings. Her eyes appeared small within her folding face, and her lips were almost invisible. Her fingers and hands were so thin they appeared as bones wrapped with soft crepe like skin. But her kind eyes glimmered in the firelight as she spoke.

[Gamma (Gema)]

I'm Jija, but you can call me Gema. Everyone else does.

[Narrator]

She looked at each newcomer, her head tilting up and down before gazing off into the rafters for a moment. A wrinkle between her eyes deepened with thought.

[Gamma (Gema)]

I can't think of the last time I've seen outsiders. Oh, now, maybe three decades ago.

[Narrator]

She squinted at Yuhai before her eyes fell on Viviana.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Oh, and a pretty lot you are.

[Narrator]

Gamma smiled harmlessly as her gaze followed her great grandchildren running circles around Ajay.

[Gamma (Gema)]

You look frozen, though. Drink your broth and stay near the fire. It's fish and seaweed. Don't know if you're used to that.

[Aurir]

I told them that.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Good. Did I hear something about a shipwreck?

[Yuhai]

Yes, unfortunately, we arrived here by shipwreck. Gamma, what is this place? Is there a name for this land or your village?

[Gamma (Gema)]

Yes, of course. This is the village of Inlet Hearth. You might have noticed the big cliffs. We're in the little inlet, if you know what that is. And then of course, we have our hearth fire, so we named ourselves Inlet Hearth about a few generations ago.

[Child or Villager]

This is the long house?

[Gamma (Gema)]

It is, dear.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

Wait, this is the longest house you have?

[Madison Skinner]

Ah.

[Ajay]

He hits my head again.

[Child or Villager]

Yep.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Tallest too. Well, we don't have any people your height here.

[Jara]

Jaak gestures to the younger one, Auror, without calling his name, and says, I'm sorry, I'm really not used. I'm grateful for the food provided, but I'm not used to this. Do you have some of that ale that you said wouldn't be as warming as this? Or something stronger?

[Gamma (Gema)]

Yeah, I'll check real quick.

[Jara]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Child or Villager]

Absolutely. What was your name, by the way? What are all your names? I want to know them. We all do. But. But they're just afraid to ask.

[Jara]

Well, I'm Jara.

[Aurir]

Yara.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Yara.

[Ajay]

Okay, let me.

[Jaak]

And again, he's going to give the team a look. He's going to say. Now, if you're from Winnelhaven or anything close by, you would say.

[Jara]

You would pronounce it this way.

[Narrator]

It's Yar.

[Jaak]

But really, I'm fine with you just calling me Yar.

[Jara]

I'm used to it by now.

[Child or Villager]

Isn't that the word for year?

[Jara]

It's.

[Jaak]

That's a. Words failing.

[Jara]

That's a.

[Jaak]

That's.

[Vin]

That's a.

[Jara]

That's a very good observation.

[Viviana]

I'm Viviana. Nice to meet.

[Unidentified Child]

Nice to meet you.

[Viviana]

This is delicious.

[Gamma (Gema)]

So glad you like it, dear.

[Vin]

My name is Ajay Ogan. It is a pleasure to be here.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Ajay Ogun.

[Child or Villager]

That's a cool name.

[Thankful Listener]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

One of the children nearby also repeated the name.

[Viviana]

Ajay. Ajay.

[Narrator]

Waiting for Ajay to dip his antlers back down.

[Vin]

Oh, I'm so sorry.

[Ajay]

I jet my head.

[Narrator]

On the other side of the room, Vindh looks suspiciously at his companions from behind his full bowl. Watching them for any signs of poison. He waited even as his stomach ached. He cleared his throat before proceeding to speak.

[Yuhai]

My name is Vind Greyview and thank you for welcoming us in. In your home, in these uncertain, certainly troubled times.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Of course, no one should be left out in the cold hearth. And home is for all.

[Madison Skinner]

Viviana, can we talk privately?

[Viviana]

What? I'm, like, eating. I'm like, shoveling my face right now. What do you want? What.

[Madison Skinner]

How are you feeling with. With all of this?

[Viviana]

I don't know what I'm eating, but this is delicious. Have you had this? What kind of fish is this? It's so good. Are you gonna eat your portion?

[Yuhai]

No, no, you're welcome to have mine.

[Madison Skinner]

I just. Everybody else seems so eager to jump in with these strangers. Do you have any sort of remote, I don't know, uncertainty about all this?

[Viviana]

Um, well, they seem like a nice bunch. Do you see that grandma? She was really nice.

[Madison Skinner]

She seemed to be. Yes. I just. I encourage you to just keep an eye out and keep your ears open to what they may expect in return.

[Viviana]

Okay. Oh, you're so. While you're still, like, suspicious of everyone,

[Gamma (Gema)]

I like that, you know.

[Child or Villager]

Yeah.

[Viviana]

We need someone who could, like, keep everyone on their toes. And you're that. You're that person, Vin. Don't worry. Don't worry. I. I am on your side. I will keep an eye out at these. You know, they could Be like evil little grandma halflings.

[Madison Skinner]

Hey, you're. You're not wrong. And if there's one thing I've learned from leading my people and from my travels within the larger world, it's that no one can be trusted. So

[Gamma (Gema)]

just.

[Madison Skinner]

Just know that I. At least I'm aware. And I'm not gonna let anything happen to you.

[Viviana]

I'm right there with you. Can't trust anyone these days.

[Yuhai]

Overhearing Vin and Viviana's conversation and recognizing that Vin hasn't eaten, I cast a spell to detect poison and diseases. And I look down into my mug of fishy suit and take in the smell of it and kind of look at everyone else like I'm talking to my food for a moment.

[Narrator]

Some of the children who were initially interested in sitting next to the only halfling visitor now exchanged a look that Yuhai knew all too well. Surely they now worried there may be a reason that Yuhai was with all these strange people.

[Unidentified Child]

Ugh.

[Yuhai]

Whatever. I continue to gulp down on it. And when I catch that there are a couple of children and maybe even Gamma, still eagerly waiting for me to introduce myself to their matrix formally, I put down the soup and I say. Hi, I'm Yuehai. Yue Hai. And it actually means. Yue means songs or music and means the sea or the ocean.

[Gamma (Gema)]

A pleasure to have you within our home.

[Unidentified Child]

Oh, oh.

[Child or Villager]

Does that mean you know Songs of the Ocean?

[Yuhai]

Yes, I do know a few. I write some myself.

[Child or Villager]

Can. Would you.

[Jara]

Yes.

[Child or Villager]

Would you mind singing some for us? After you've eaten?

[Yuhai]

Of course, after I've eaten. And can I have another portion of this because I'm kind of really hungry.

[Aurir]

I'll get you some more.

[Child or Villager]

Thank you, Mr. Yare sir. We don't have ale. We don't have ale. Sorry.

[Jaak]

This.

[Narrator]

For those of you listening, Yara's face was so downtrodden that it couldn't properly be translated to audio.

[Ajay]

It's truly the saddest any of us have looked in this whole game.

[Jaak]

If there's one thing that he will not touch, it's fish. He tries to eat around the fleshy bits. Trying.

[Narrator]

This proved to be an almost impossible feat.

[Jaak]

Maybe. What is that thing with your. He's. He's happy that he has been in the cold water so long so that his nose is really stuffy so that he doesn't really taste what he's eating. But still he's avoiding the. The meat tea pieces, just having the seaweed and the broth around it.

[Yuhai]

Seeing this, watching the sad attempts and getting a small Understanding that Yara does not like fish, I'll cast Dreekcraft to create the sweet smell of potatoes in a soup as I glare at him. Seriously, you need food in your system and you need warmth, you need energy.

[Jaak]

He's very much. He's even more eagerly tilting up his cup or mug that he's having and even though there are some these meaty pieces still in there, he's going to set it down and he's going to give.

[Jara]

Thank you.

[Jaak]

Or could you another one maybe See

[Jara]

if you can more of the soup please.

[Child or Villager]

Oh, okay, yeah, I can do that, sure.

[Madison Skinner]

Thank you.

[Ajay]

At this point Ajay's kind of hungry so he's gonna use prestiditation to make three little orbs of light and kind of imagine them being a bit like a cat with a laser pointer. It's just kind of leading the kids like a merry go round around him whilst he's sat there eating. Clearly this is a trick that he's used a few times before. But between bites he'll look up at Gammer and ask, is there anything that

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

we might be able to do to repay you for the kindness you have shown us?

[Gamma (Gema)]

Well, Yuhai said she would play us a song. We love songs and stories. More so when it's those we haven't heard. I think at this point the young ones have heard everything we know fourfold and we're not so good at making up new tales. It's a real treat to have a proper bard visit our long house. Yes, I spy that instrument there, missy.

[Vin]

I see.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

Then have you by chance heard the legend of Rive the Star Ox and the Court of Souls?

[Gamma (Gema)]

Don't think I have. Which means I don't think any of us have.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

Well then you are in for a treat.

[Vin]

Because it's a story somewhat new to

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

me, but one that I quite enjoyed

[Vin]

and took to memorizing.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

You see, where I come from I am a guide of sorts. I spent much of my life dedicated to learning and preserving history, both legend and known, as well as my clan's rituals and the things of a more spiritual nature. They are all very valuable to my people and I suspect they are to yours. So with your permission, I would be pleased to share this.

[Narrator]

The eavesdropping halflings around Ajay sat themselves down in rapt attention as if following a known protocol for hearing stories. Even the adults who had been displaced took seats on the floor, cross legged, backs against walls and table legs, some eating, some resting their heads on their hands, their faces a gleam with curiosity. Gamma, who tried to downplay her enthusiasm, motioned for Ajay to continue as she knocked her small cane three times on the floor, ensuring that all side conversations seem ceased and attention was upon her. They all waited with captivated interest to hear what stories these strangers had brought into their longhouse on a frozen winter night.

[Ajay]

So pretext Ajay is still sitting because there's no other way for him to exist within this little building without bumping his antlers. But during certain moments of the story, he'll accent it with little magical flourishes, like a spark in the air or some faint music or a low rumble, things that add fear and gravitas. But he'll also distract the younger ones from the darker notes of the story, where he'll very much make eye contact with the adults during those moments to make sure that he's not upsetting anyone as he goes along. And then, after a small pause, he'll begin.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

So was Rive to all shore known, set upon by an ill. For though part God and hero sure was but mortal still he took his yoke and drove up to high sky and moon among the stars he wandered his plough the milky night Till he came to rest within her long and weary sight. She, O great and dreadful known, the end of all our life, the splendor all souls revere and fear in simple smock high Bohoka. Cheering, snipping on her star thrown rock, all Bohoka venerated here I humbly bow. Know you me, O regent of all. Here upon your throne Rive laid his prizes, sword, helm, yoke, then bent head to storm. Why would I know you, mortal man? Though one among stars, my work consumes time, your life so many passing fears. Think, tiny men that I dwell on mortals passing years. I know you not. So speak your peace, starry mortal man. O great old Bahoka. I am Rive of Nelium, come up among the stars. I seek to cure an ailment that preys upon my breast. Please, I seek a swift relent, for I have battled demons, beasts, shades and wicked men in honor of the gods I serve. Almighty Rhelia, my father, though a God, I can never reach so near, I suffer now a mortal mark, though I served his cause. Bohoka cut a life cord, silvered, gleaming, it fell child, Little mortal one, do not let him see tears swell. He your father or an other? You are soon to pass. Your cord will come, I will clip. Then night and final sun, and after I have supped dinner, your line will be done. Gallant deeds, though grant to you Are pittance to this king. The immortal question plagues you. Nothing can be done yet. Come now, I'll let you see your cord as it's unspun. Rive's heart was struck to learn of this deep betrayal of fate. And Bohoka, gentle giant, took his human hand, led him to her spinning wheel. A soul in every strand. Yours is coming up. Soon such few souls would glow so bright. But you'll live on in song and story. Heroic museum. You've made your peace, said goodbyes. Nothing left to excuse. Then he noticed in her hand the shears of Talaiga. Blade of silver with blade of iron. Snipping away one soul merely an infant. The next one long, turned grey. As his glowing cord approached, he looked up one more time. O great Pohoka, please take care of my ox and yoke, for I have no one left now, neither friend nor kinfolk. It must be true. My time has come to join them beyond. I see it now. It rounds the wheel. Only this breath left. And so by silver and iron, soul of Raiv was cleft. As Rive faded, his soul string fell to the growing pile. Come now, ox. Your master's gone. And I will take your care. I will. Air troubles to your uncomprehending ear. Bohoka led the yoke, pulling with her. The once long ago little one, when time was very young, I cut a special cord, see? Oh, I should bite my tongue. Lost it fell to mortal lands. Your master wasn't the one. So Bohoka and the ox did, on her great throne, rest, and she felt relieved. A secret lifted from her chest.

[Narrator]

The halflings around Aje clapped, and the children swung back and forth. The younger ones did not understand the subtext of these kinds of stories, but the older Barofol looked at each other, chatting and nodding to discuss their understanding. Though Aja suspected that they did not know of Rahv Nellium or some of the deities referenced, he got the distinct impression that, similarly to the folk of the Shade Hill river, perhaps the gods were just part of nature to them. During the storytelling, Yara also seemed to well up again, his eyes glistening with a mix of happiness and sadness. He finally heard the end of the story he'd never gotten to finish. But on the other hand, he struggled through memories of his short time with the willow's wake, its destructive end, and the fates of his friends. As Ajay tried to eat the children, assailed the poor man with questions, asking him to describe a forest, what giant children were like, and to explain what apples and Various foods common to him were all the while sharing stories of their own. Fanciful fishing adventures told to them by their uncles and aunts. Among the chaos, Aeger found that he felt happy, warm and safe. This was a community, and it reminded Aeger of home.

[Ajay]

In a word, Ager is content. I think he'll use prestigitation to make the smell of various fruits and be

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

like, this is the closest I can create for you, but if I ever come back, I will be sure to bring so many fruits so you can try them all.

[Child or Villager]

That would be amazing.

[Narrator]

Nearby, Yuhai smiled as she finished her

second portion of soup. Content and full, the natural warmth slowly began to return to her body.

Yara attempted and failed to feed the

fish from his soup to Sealy, who was too cold to eat.

Viviana, also contented by what she thought of as peasants.

Food fidgeted and scribbled, and notebook, which

had curiously survived the shipwreck, perhaps because of magics that protected its pages from

the elements at least up to six meters of water.

And on the far side of the room, Vind skulked.

Ajay had taken advantage of the situation, had made friends here faster, had put him at a disadvantage. He'd have to be quicker next time. He'd need to ensure that no one trusted the orc. Maybe he could play up Ajay's magic as necromancy.

Surely there was some form of necromancy

in the magics the shaman used, Right? Vin's mind slowly searched for answers, though he remained weary from those frozen waters.

[Yuhai]

I think after I've rested for like 10 minutes or something, I look at Auri and clear my throat to get his attention.

[Viviana]

Ahem.

[Aurir]

Oh, yes. Hi. Hi, Yuhai. Is there something I can help you with?

[Yuhai]

Yes, Orey. To be honest, now that our immediate needs are met and we're able to think clearly again, I think some of us had some questions for you and Gamma. So where does one go from here? Because, you know, we stumble upon this place, your home. Not in the best of conditions. We were thrown far off course of our intended destination in the North Realm due to a terrible storm. You've been so kind and welcoming to take us in and to share your food with us. And we don't wish to impose too much. So if we were to leave this place, are there any settlements nearby that we can walk to? Or are there ships in your village or that you know of that could bring us the rest of the way to Winterport?

[Aurir]

Hmm? As for ships, we only have our fishing boats, and they're not meant to venture far into the open seas. They're also too small for you lot, and even for too many of us. And as for us, well, the seas provide, and we're content with our lives here.

[Madison Skinner]

And just where is here exactly?

[Aurir]

Oh, you're on the Isle of Silver Shores.

[Yuhai]

How big is this island? Is this the only village in the island? On the island?

[Aurir]

The isle? Well, sort of big, but that's relative, I suppose. Perhaps two miles from end to end. Unfortunately for you, we're the only ones that still live here. There was a human settlement on the other side of the island, but it's not occupied anymore. If it's still even around.

[Yuhai]

So, Gamma, you mentioned that about three decades ago was the last time you saw travelers come through here. So I guess you don't get many visitors. Who were those visitors from three decades ago? If you remember. Do you know how they left? When they went? When they left. I'm assuming that they left. So when they did, where and how did they go?

[Aurir]

You don't have to talk so quickly. I doubt you all plan to leave tonight. And there's plenty of time to answer all your questions.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Let's see. There were a few of them. They were not as friendly as you lot, and they. I believe they looked the most like him.

[Narrator]

Gamma gestured toward Yara, who was petting Seelie. Seelie bounced and chirped, sometimes hopping onto a table to shuffle around an unattended spoon.

[Gamma (Gema)]

No horns, no tails, no scales, no elven ears. So human. And I would say that it seemed like they arrived here intentionally. They were not overly polite or talkative. And once we gave them directions, they took the path up north. We never did see them again after that, so we always assumed they must have taken their own vessel here and used it to depart.

[Aurir]

Yeah, I was real young when that happened. They didn't seem much interested in anything we had to offer. I think. I think old Rennie was the only one who really talked with him.

[Halfling Elder]

Ah, adventurers, the lot of them.

[Yuhai]

That's definitely their loss. But if we were to leave this lovely longhouse and venture down. You called it the Path. Are there any things or creatures that we should be aware of that might be dangerous on this island?

[Aurir]

Dangerous? Um, Besides the cold?

[Yuhai]

Yes, besides the cold.

[Halfling Elder]

Firstly, you don't venture down the path. You climb up.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Well, I'm told there were once harpies who lived here, but we believe they died out long ago. We do get the occasional polar bear, however. They come in on the ice floes every few years. But don't tend to linger here.

[Aurir]

You should be safe enough so long as you watch your step on the switchbacks and keep yourselves warm as you travel about. That. We'd be poor hosts if we didn't offer you all a place to stay tonight in this longhouse. Our other homes nearby are quite well our sized. But we can bring over more seal furs to make beds for you all and give you some privacy once you've had your fill of our company. But only if you want to. We'd hate for any of you to freeze to death outside.

[Narrator]

Really?

[Yuhai]

That would be so lovely. We would all welcome the opportunity to regain our energy with a good night's sleep by a warm fire and see what our next steps are tomorrow.

[Halfling Elder]

Excuse me, Missy. Was our food to your liking?

[Yuhai]

Of course it was. Maybe not for Yari, but yes, I love it. And Viviana. And that points to this seemingly elegant tiefling just lying there burping away.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

Could I ask, you said the human settlement is abandoned. Has been that way for some time. Do you know what led them to leave?

[Gamma (Gema)]

Well. Humans built a fort on the north side of the isle. Used to be. Yes. A site for mining. That's how the first Halflings came to be here to work as miners. When some went home, others stayed here to make a new way. But that was.

[Viviana]

Oh.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Must have been more than a century since they left. My parents knew it as fort last. And it's almost certainly still there. Though certainly a might bit worse for wear now. Glad they left though. Since we've the Isle all to ourselves.

[Vin]

Hmm. Could I ask, is this what you were mining?

[Ajay]

And I'll pull out the little silvery

reflective material that I found on the beach.

[Gamma (Gema)]

Dear. I wasn't mining anything. I may be the elder of Inlet Hearth, but I'm not old enough to have lived through those times. The mining ended even before the first burrow was built here in our inlet. And I was born here. See?

[Ajay]

Not you personally.

[Vin]

Sorry. I mean as this is what the Halflings were they're helping to mine.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

Do you know?

[Gamma (Gema)]

Perhaps again, I wasn't drowned then. Old, but not old enough to know that much. And never cared to ask by elders.

[Vin]

So you don't know what this is?

[Gamma (Gema)]

A sort of supernatural silver? Perhaps. But it's not really a silver. Just something that makes everything look nice and shiny. The children like to use it in games. And we use all the rocks here for building and work. But we don't like the precious metals. Seems they only attract danger and greed. And we don't have anything to trade for it among ourselves.

[Vin]

That makes sense. Thank you. I appreciate it.

[Aurir]

Our elders pass down stories that silver and gold can attract danger, greed. So we try not to use too much of it in our works or near our village. Not that we have any real silver or gold here. At least I don't think we do.

[Child or Villager]

And they all say gold and silver's too weak for fishing hooks anyhow, so it can't be all that great.

[Ajay]

Ajay just puts it down on the table and slides it away from him.

[Vin]

Okay, Good.

[Yuhai]

At this time, seeing as we've been invited to spend the night out of the freezing cold, I'll address the group. Yarem, Ajay, Vin and Viviana Ore, with the blessing of the village elder, has very kindly extended their welcome for us to spend the night here in their family longhouse. They'll bring some seal pelts as blankets and bedding if we are comfortable accepting their hospitality. So are all of you okay to spend the night here? Just to have some sleep, get some rest?

[Viviana]

Absolutely.

[Vin]

I might ask if there is some wood perhaps. And I will take myself to outside. I find it uncomfortable to sleep under such low ceilings.

[Yuhai]

I suppose we could ask them and be more demanding than we already are. But sure, yeah, we can ask them.

Ajay, do you feel safer outside by yourself?

[Vin]

Can anybody hear that? I can swear that there is some sort of strange.

[Yuhai]

Yuhai Youhai.

[Vin]

That's not good.

[Yuhai]

No, I was simply just trying to make sure I understood Ajay correctly. You'd rather sleep outside by yourself with the protection of nothing structural around you?

[Vin]

What is the structural going to do? I'm from the woods. This is very normal. I feel more comfortable.

[Madison Skinner]

Yes, but woods you're familiar with. Not. Not these woods, metaphorically, since we've not seen a single tree here. But these are unfamiliar woods that anything could happen at any moment, unexpectedly. Maybe polar bears or trolls or.

[Vin]

And what happens if the structure is keeping in something that you don't want to be in the same space as by now?

[Yuhai]

Deech. Okay, this is. This is unnecessary talk.

So Yulhai, did I overhear that they said that they would not be sleeping here? This would just be for us?

Yes, that's true. They have their own homes to go back to. So Vinh, do you want to sleep inside or do you want to sleep outside with rj?

I'm hoping RJ will stay inside.

Do you want to follow RJ wherever he goes? So if he goes outside, you would like to sleep outside with him in the close vicinity?

I am skeptical of the situation. But being as though they will all agree to leave the structure, we could lock it behind them and we will have our own safe space minus ae. Is that right?

I suppose if we could find some wood for Ajay to create a campfire or something. What about Jare?

[Jaak]

Can Jare have a very quick investigatory glance around the place before he decides, I'm just gonna go for it Investigation. Just something that strikes him as not odd. I guess all of this is odd, but potentially dangerous. There were humans here before that are not there anymore.

[Narrator]

18 Yara confirmed that the longhouse, constructed of driftwood, ship wreckage and local stone, was not built for humans or human proportions. It was built specifically by and for use by halfling inhabitants. The doors were slightly larger, perhaps so they could bring in things needed to prepare large amounts of food or racks for drying fish. But the doors were simple, and he easily noted the more frequent signs of use on the smaller door set within the same frame with an 18. He also noticed and smelled that the fires were not burning wood, but instead a very tacky oil, perhaps fish, seal or whale oil, being slowly fed into the fire. He had no reason to question the intentions of the village's halflings based on his findings.

[Jaak]

Okay, so nothing that speaks of danger to him at this point. So

[Jara]

sure.

[Jaak]

He moves closer to the fireplace.

[Ajay]

Ajay opens the door and glances outside at the freezing darkness and realizes that he hasn't seen a single tree on this island yet and doesn't feel like inconveniencing the people of this very kind community. And realizing that he'll freeze to death even with firewood or seal blankets out there. He just mumbles to himself.

[Viviana]

Of course, it's like a I'm going to sleep outside, you know, like. But then they're not actually going to sleep outside.

[Child or Villager]

Kind of cute.

[Ajay]

Very sheepishly, Ajay turns around and just sort of looks back into the room

[Yuhai]

and,

[Vin]

well, it is far too cold out there.

[Yuhai]

Ah, perhaps I was right.

[Viviana]

Oh, before I forget, do you guys have anything more dry or crispy to eat? Maybe some fish skin or something?

[Child or Villager]

Sure.

[Aurir]

Here, try this. It's fried in fish oil.

[Viviana]

Awesome. Thank you. I'm gonna just chew on this while I watch this next interaction. This is my entertainment for the evening.

[Ajay]

I'm gonna just take some of that dried fish and just really, really take it out on the fish.

[Viviana]

Wow, he really likes fish.

[Child or Villager]

I'll get you some more.

[Vin]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[Yuhai]

I turn back to Aurir and say that and say, thank you so much for letting us Spend the night here. All five of us would love to just have a good night's rest here. And how can we ever repay you for this? For your kindness?

[Aurir]

Well, you said you had a story. And I know that Gamma was a song. Yes, we'd all really love to hear it. And then we'll put the kiddos to sleep and bring in the seal skins for you. It's getting kind of late.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Yuhai]

Yes. There is one song that comes to mind. It's something that I've written years ago, but it's not the happiest song. Do you think you guys would still want to hear that?

[Gamma (Gema)]

I love tragedies.

[Yuhai]

What an answer. Okay.

[Narrator]

With a hissed whisper and a hint of druid craft, the candles of the longhouse were snuffed out and the light from the fireplaces bent and wove through the crowd. It seemed to solely illuminate Yuehai as she quickly revealed her ukulele eyes bent her way in an instant and unseen by anyone. Yara, exceptionally dexterous and quiet even from for a human, produced one of the rubies he'd claimed to have lost to the sea and slipped it into Aurir's pocket. A thanks for the village's kindness. Now that Yuhai had everyone's attention and even Viviana stopped eating, she began to sing.

[Unidentified Child]

Stormy night, fleeting skies rolling seas up upon your boat. There's a monster beneath you rushing through the deep, calling for your hand. Join me, broken glass and I want you to know you can never be. For I am the storm you're forever the sailor praying for calm seas not a lover's wreck For I am them all. But you could never withstand. Broken heart. Waves of salt push the boat fleeing the other one away. The high tide free held the little stones shatter on the trail melting as you leave. And I want you to know. Let the waves hold me fall. For the lonely monster understands the world. Though the hope burns soft, it will never be. For I am the storm and you forever the same.

[Ajay]

Thank you.

[Gamma (Gema)]

That was.

[Child or Villager]

That was amazing.

[Gamma (Gema)]

That was beautiful.

[Viviana]

That was so beautiful.

[Yuhai]

Cry, Viviana, cry. Cry for me.

[Viviana]

You're you. That melody, it's just so haunting. It's really good.

[Yuhai]

Did you listen to the lyrics?

[Gamma (Gema)]

Yeah.

[Viviana]

It was depressing, but I loved it.

[Yuhai]

Thank you for sharing that with us.

[Jara]

That was still a lot more cheerful than that story about the brined lady.

[Jaak]

He stares off into the fire again.

[Yuhai]

Ajay, those were some lyrics, huh?

[Viviana]

It's just so funny. Vin's trying really hard, man. I love it.

[Unidentified Child]

Oh, God.

[Ajay]

Ajay's just staring past Vin, just to the side of his head, ignoring him completely.

[Storyteller (Ajay)]

Completely.

[Aurir]

Well, we can talk more over breakfast. We'll start getting the Longhouse ready for you. Good night, friends.

[Jara]

Good night.

[Vin]

Good night.

[Yuhai]

Good night. We'll see you all in the morning.

[Narrator]

As praises were tossed upon Yuahai by all within the room, the lights returned and a few halflings wiped tears from their eyes. Gamma clasped her hands around Yuhai's in thanks and then excused herself. The evening Orir and Aurore left to fetch seal skins, and parents ushered their children out of the Longhouse, taking hot stones from the fires along with them to warm their own homes for the evening. Yara and Aje moved tables and prepared places for everyone to sleep, and Vind smirked from his spot closest to one of the fireplaces as seal pelts were brought in and laid upon the ground. The team came to find rest and slept well through the night. Everyone, that is, except Aje, who couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Dark Dice Shores of the Silver Thrum Chapter 13 Inlet Hearth created by Travis Fengroff and Ka Statz starring Sam Yao, Jasper William Cartwright, Erik Nelson, Florian Zeitler, Lily Pichu and Travis Vengrof and Kay A. Stats as co Dungeon Masters and featuring additional voices by Richard k. Webber, Alexandria McCauley, Hilder, Natlas Algaard, Dane Russell Leonardson and Bea Apodea. This episode was co edited with co sound designed by Travis Vengraf and Finner Nielsen, mixed and mastered by Finner Nielsen, transcriptions by KA Statz and Travis Vengrof and executive producers Dennis Greenhill, AJ Punkin, Michael Villegas and Carol Vengrof. This episode features music by David Wise, Stephen Malin, Sam Yao, and Travis Fengroff. Episodes will be releasing every two weeks, so stick around, stay subscribed and consider joining the Patreon to get episodes ad free and early. This is a Fool and Scholar production.

Thank you for listening.

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