"Where Angels Dare"

[*Pashan01]

A short talk with Deri and I discovered she had been or was sick but I did not manage to determine more. Its quite possible I could help with her ailment and next time I see her I will speak of it. I followed up on a previous conversation..about a book she recommended. I should not turn away a new experience to read up on what 'romance' is supposed to be like.

I accepted a drink with Kelth in the Inn and the old man Sage joined us. Kelth also seemed curious of that faction and seemed to think I knew something about it, but I've barely begun to figure out where and if I indeed do fit anywhere in this place. For all I know, Piri, when she turns up again, will have us port to somewhere else. Neither Deri nor Kelth had seen her. I had given them description on the off chance they might and let her know I was worried.

I obtained only a little more information about the Sensates from the Sage. At first he got me worried saying that from his experiences it was all about parties. But his next words gave me a clearer view. I shall approach the members in the Festhall and talk more.

As we both had the same task, I joined with Kelth in search of that potion in the sewers again but we had not gone far when that bearded man came up on us demanding a tax to venture there. It did sound suspicious when attempts to ascertain on whose authority this tax was to be imposed were received with more threats and garbled answer it became obvious this man was just a thief and a thug trying to make money out of adventurers. Things became heated and after warnings than went unheeded, the two men came to blows. Nothing I could do. Bob he said his name was...if I believe that...and we left his body there for the Dustmen to take to the mortuary, I think that is what happens. Most unpleasant situation alround. The foul stench of death and the sewers had me leaving for the city surface soon enough, quest forgotten.

And so it was to training. My small attempt at bashing the ruddy morningstar over goblin head in the sewer was pretty pathetic. The shield I carry unwieldy and uncomfortable but there is little for choice just now. These were the only things I could afford and I realise now I made mistake in their selection from the merchant in the bazaar. My hands are not used to them - the balance feels all wrong. I talked to Kelth on that as I attempted to follow his instruction in battling against zombie in the desolation of the gray waste. My arms and hands are suited to my old implement of the fields and crops but my trusted old scythe was lost in the confusion of that portal journey to Sigil. He offered to craft a new one for me and I have to admit a small feeling of relief and pleasure in that. That was kind. My healing skill offered a small price to pay for being able to hold what feels right in my hands again.

One moment of shock, once more trying to aid that bearded man 'Bob' led to a name calling that did not sit well with me. I felt a momentary flash of anger, then immediately arose from checking wound to his prone body and walked away stunned. That is the last time I would try to make amends and help one such as he. I am no whore and I will not be called as such...not by any man, whether crazy or sane.

The githzerai Karath'rok joined Kelth and I shortly after and we explored deeper into that soul destroying place, where no sun shines, no water flows and no crops could possibly grow, a place full of death and dismay. After tending and patching wounds, returning to the dull hazy light of Sigil City proper was...oddly a relief.

*****
Courage Naya'il...lift up thy head and learn, experience and explore, you will grow stronger and in time you will find your place and know your destiny
*****

[*Pashan01]

Mistaken Identity

((This was a beautiful piece of clever RP that I just had to get down fully as RP rather than story with a big "thankyou" too for the fun of it. I hope the other player(s) won't mind me sharing it and editing it slightly for tense and story. I hope to give Naya's after-impression of it when I have some time))

Seeing Naya'il in the market place, the man sprinted up, looking triumphant "Your highness! Thank the Sun I have found you!"
Naya'il blinked with astonishment at the man.
"Princess, Rovi...your prince has been worried to death for you!"
Naya shook her her head "Wha....what?!"
Deri looked at Naya " You never told me that you were a princess."
The man continued "When you disappeared, he ordered Magister Thaum to spare no expense finding you. It was he who sent me here...and here you are!"
"My name is...Naya'il..." she stepped back a bit from Basalt.
"Oh. Oh, dear...I was afraid of this." The man placed the back of his hand against Naya's forehead as if checking for fever. "Are you unwell, princess? Is it a brain-fever?"
She blinked and ducked under his hand, sliding around him to the side "Please don't touch me!"
He removed his hand, looking chastened. "My apologies, my queen. I mean no harm!" and he knelt before her.
"Wow, Naya" Deri said.
Naya's jaw dropped watching the man kneel then quickly shut it again. "I.....I..." she lifted her shoulders in a shrug towards Deri and mouthed a plea of "help" to her.
"Crown prince Welm is distraught, lady. He has ordered that a mourner be thrown from the Tower of Stars daily until you are found.
"Truly sir..you are mistaken.." Naya tried again.
Deri stepped forward, looking from the man to Naya."Ermm...excuse. Mister...erm...Knight?"
"Hmm..perhaps you are the one...ill sir? I am...a healer of sorts...perhaps you need a fever ...tamed?" Naya asked.
"Sir Basalt of the Golden Rose, milady." He nodded at Deri. "Nay, your highness. I am well." And it was true, the man appeared perfectly healthy and quite lucid.
"Princess Rovi, may I ask why you are in those clothes. You should know that the Steel Wall would never allow harm to come to you." He placed his fist to his breastplate. "Our lives before yours..."
Naya tried to humour him then in the vain hope that another tack would disway him from his conviction not entirely sure the man wasn't completely mad "Well then.." clearing her throat "....um..arise sir...Basalt...um..." she grimaced towards Deri "..your...er..queen says...get off your knees man...." and she shrugged in bemusement again at Deri, the humps behind her shoulders shifting under her cloak.
He stood up immediately, appearing relieved. "You will return to Dost Par with me, then?"
Deri smiled at Naya. "Do you need to leave immediately?" seemingly convinced that Naya was this Princess of whom Basalt spoke.
"Certainly not!" Naya answered to the knight "....I..er...have duties here...tell your ...vassals....thing...not to...throw people of..parapets or what not"
He looked scandalized "Princess! You know that I cannot do that!Until you are married to Prince Welm, the war between Dost Par and Hannan continues!"
Naya put her palm to her face then and groaned softly, shaking her head in disbelief.
"He would never listen to a Knight of Dost Par...not until our kingdoms are united." Basalt looked at her oddly at her groan "Are you well, princess?"
Deri, astonished "You are going to marry a prince and end a war? Oh, Naya! It's like in the stories!"
Naya could only manage a high pitched squeak " I ..NO! its not me...."
Basalt, his voice sad and grave "Oh, my princess....I know this is not easy for you.But you cannot run from...who...you...are."
"I am a farmhand from Toril....I lived near Elturel....I do assure you, I am not...princess....and I know nothing of what you speak...." Naya was becoming agitated.
"Erm...Knight....Basalt, was it?" Deri chimed in.
"Aye, milady?" Basalt turned to Deri.
"What if she is telling the truth? I mean...people do sometimes look alike."
Naya tugged her helm down tighter and brought her cloak closer around herself. The attention in the bazaar was unnerving her.
"Do you think I woud not know the crown princess of my realm, madam?" His tone cooled slightly. "I have known the Princess Rovi since her birth!"
"Did ..does your princess have....such a mark" Naya pointed to the birth mark on her cheek, its shape of the sun, skin paler against her golden tanned face.
"But of course, highness!" He appeared puzzled. "As does the entire royal family!Along with the tattoo of the Golden Rose, of course. They mark you as royalty."
"Ah..ha....and where is such a tattoo to be found?" she asked, her voice more sure now.
He looked at her, obviously scandalized. "Why...over your heart, of course! Where else would it be?"
Naya exhaled slowly. "Right..then..we might be able to clear this mess up..."
He nodded, looking at her indulgently. "Very well. And then you will agree to return to your land and prince with me?"
"I have no such tattoo.." she stated more calmly.
"To save two realms from war..." Deri breathed "Remarkable."
"Your highness, please! We have no time for this!" the knight insisted.
"Listen Deri...this may sound all romantic and noble...but this princess..queen..is not me"
"I... "Deri nodded "If you say no, Naya. I believe you."
Naya continued, facing Basalt "Sir...would you accept word of this lady here if I were to show her ...." she touched her breast then "..there is no such tattoo"
"Sir Basalt looked at Deri for a moment."You swear by the light of the Rising Sun that you will speak true, on forfeit of your very soul should you lie?"
Deri blinked at Basalt. "Umm....I guess so." Glancing back to Naya she blinked then straightened up. "I so swear. By the light of the Rising Sun."
"Very well. It would not be proper even for a Knight of the Steel Wall to gaze up the breast of the princess. I accept your oath."
Naya and Deri both then looked for somewhere private settling on a corner behind the stall of Brother Candor.
"I shall stand guard, ladies. None shall see who should not."
"If you peek, Candor....that knight will tear out your eyes!" Deri warned the good Brother.
Naya whispered to Deri "This is most awkward. And I am in armour too, would be easier in my robe"
Basalt stood with his back to the women, watching the alleyway with sharp eyes. His hand resting on the pommel of his sword.
Deri returned the whisper "Well...I did swear." and spread her cloak to block any view by passers-by.
She unfastened her breastplate carefully from underneath her cloak ensuring the wingbindings, strappings, and cloak all remain firmly in place and covering then slipped down the top piece of her armour. With an embarrassed flush to her cheeks, she pulled back the light leather shift underneath to explose her breasts briefly to give Deri and Deri alone, a view to her then and provide the evidence that her golden tan skin bore no such tattoo.
Basalt maintained his guard, glaring at the passing Harmonium guard until he left on his patrol, scanning the alleyways, looking at the stalls and high windows for any threat.
Deri peaked down to observe then looked up at Naya, still whispering. "You were telling the truth. Do you think he is simply mistaken?"
Naya hissed between her teeth "Of course I was..he has to be Deri. " She refastened her shift replacing the breastplate top carefully."
"What should we do? He seems so worried. And there is a war. And people being thrown from a Tower. You could stop all that." Deri stated.
"Yes, but I cannot help him with this..I am not returning to some...under false pretences..to marry some man I don't know!"
"Alright, Naya...." Deri nodded slowly and they both turned to face the knight. "Master Basalt?"
"You are ready to return with me now, highness?"
"She...she was telling the truth, Basalt. There....there is no tattoo"
"What? Impossible!"He glared at Deri "You took an oath, milady! An oath!!"
Naya started to apologise "I am sorry sir Basalt..."
Deri fired up "And I will take it again! There is no mark upon her breast!"
"Oh this has gone too far...!" Naya's lavender eyes flashed with anger.
Basalt looked from Deri to Naya, his look deflated, old, and tired. "I...believe you."Though...the resemblance is incredible." And he appeared lost.
"I will not lie and say otherwise, I cannot save your realm...sir...you must continue your search" Naya told him.
"Milady...would you consider...?" He shook his head. "Nay, I cannot ask it of you."The war will continue. As will my search"
"You may ask....by all means...but you believe me now I am not who you think I am?"
"I believe you. Naya." He sounded as if the name was pried out of him by force.
The two women then wished him luck in his task. He attempted to offer a purse of gold for her troubles, but Naya would not accept it and the knight trudged off looking defeated.

[*Pashan01]

I know I am not this princess Rovi that Basalt talked about. I bear no "Golden Rose" tattoo to my breast. But the birthmark on my cheek, could it relate to this "Rising Sun"? Does it make me one of that realm he talked of? Is that where my real father came from? No..No....surely not.....hmmm ...I wonder.

Piri, you winged rat...why won't you ever tell me what you know? When I see you next, if I ever catch you I will box your ears.

I wandered into the sewers again with Deri, still in search of that elusive love potion. She had acquired rapier to replace her stick and we fought off a few goblins before I pleaded that I'd had enough, no longer in the mood to do battle to find it. I was uncertain how far she would get without me, that limp is quite prominent and the two different shoes she wears I guess is to cope with some disability with her limbs. However, she had cheered up a little and was not ailing after all. I offered to lend ear sometime anyway to whatever still appears to bring that sad look to her face. Then I headed back to the Inn.

[*Pashan01]

Wings unfurled, unbound and spread out to the side, she stood naked before the basin of water behind locked door back in the Inn. Mumbling a quiet prayer of thanks, she plunged the cloth into the bowl, raising it then over her head to the back of her neck and let the water trickle down behind between her shoulder blades and wings.

It was no match for the warm waters she had seen in the gymnasium pool, so tempting but so public. To experience that or the sauna within the building had teased her curious spirit, wishing to explore them, but it could not be done without revealing what she was. She had watched the other two relaxing near naked in the pool, tested the temperature and talked wistfully of another place: her old woodland glade pool, that sunny spot where she could relax and uncover and listen to the sounds of the waterfall. As she slowly washed the day's grime from her body and cleaned and preened her feathers, she thought back to the day's experiences.

I watched both Kelth and the girl Cat fight and 'dance' respectively around the undeads bravely, both able bodied and skilled in their different ways. He with Claymore, she with two smaller blades and much nimbler. I kept their wounds limited as best I could, drawing upon the grace and favour that my Lady bestows upon me in power to turn some of those zombies away and bring me the strength to deal with them. The sickle I had acquired was but a small version of what I am used to as implement, but it worked better than the morningstar. Kelth told me he works on the scythe still but it will be a little while longer. I asked him at one point for help in training to better protect myself. I can see he is experienced warrior.

I listened to them both in easy talk of 'good loving' and the 'joys of bedding' and before I could think on what I was saying, I started to ask Cat how that was possible but...it was an awkward subject for me and not perhaps the best place to enquire....so I tried to change the subject and stepped away from them.

We fought against a ghost like shadow creature surrounded by a group of zombies near a dead tree stump and then happened across the corpse of a young man, his staff and possessions strewn around, someone who had obviously been overcome by those creatures earlier. Cat found a note told of his lady left waiting. He would not meet her now. That....made me sad. Kelth picked up the body and with Cat and I fending of the undeads, we eventually made it to the mortuary. The Factol Lor was busy, but after a payment gave us information that might help us raise the poor man's soul again. "Priest or celestial" he said could help. I kept my gaze lowered, for I knew that one day I might have that power but I could do nothing for the man now. A Godsman could be found most likely in the bazaar, he said. So we headed there.

I saw the man brought back to life, ressurrected by that Godsman priest and watched the divine power he wielded, touched the blue light remaining at the end. I thought the ritual was strange and the Godsman rather mercenary in his approach. But the result was wonderful to see. The lad, Gorrel, alive again and able to return to the love awaiting him. He gave us each a small gem for our help. It was not necessary but he was insistent and the man ran off then.

Washed and cleaned, she dried herself with towel across her skin but for the wings she simply made draft by flapping them slowly, rythmically, in time to her beating heart, loosening, strengthening and toning their muscle in her daily exercise, before folding them gently once more behind her back. Another day without sight nor sound from Piri. She sat legs curled up beneath her on the simple bed, brushing her golden hair, the puzzle of Piri's continual absence, disturbing her more than she would have thought possible.

[*Pashan01]

He is a scholarly type, seeking knowledge and prowess with his magic which is a good thing, as his skill with the crossbow was basic. I met Dante near to the entrance to UnderSigil and we agreed to join forces to explore deeper. It was lucky we met up with a dwarf inside, Scairt and later on a half orc and one I could only assume is an abyssal from the horns he sports but we had met before, Cruor his name, the scythe wielder. I kept to the rear while the bigger of our group raced and dealt with the hoards that fought us. At the lower levels we did finally come across the witchdoctor and that potion, as well as an evil creature that held the eyes of the statue. But mindflayers overcame our group, til only the young mage remained standing, having kept his distance from the fray. Wise....actually. For he was able to return when the creatures had left to heal myself, which in turn allowed me to revive the others. We escaped then, the eyes and the potion were lost in the darkness of the tunnels as we hurried out.

What I did bring out from that escapade which is worth more than any jink or gem found there was a book of poetry that Dante had offered me. I do not think he realised what he had given away. Dolores - Lady of Pain a long poem telling of the City's ..what...leader? Goddess? I have not quite figured it out. I read the first verses but want to take more time to study it.

Up above I met again with Kelth and we headed for the bazaar and the workbenches and smithy where I watched him craft the scythe he had promised to make me. He took his time, didn't rush, using hammer, skill, strength and sweat to mold the implement into shape. I was curious how he did it as I knew Piri had interest in crafting and I could not see her manage that great hammer on the anvil as Kelth did. He wrapped the piece in cloth before I could see it and we walked then onto the Civic Festhall as I wanted to speak to one sensate there further on a matter.

When I turned from finishing my conversation, Kelth had in his hand a great beast of a blade, surely no scythe, none that I had ever seen before and it took me a while to recover my breath muttering Glorious... He seemed pleased when I took it and balanced it in my hands. This is a weapon of war not farming implement, but it did feel familiar and ensuring I had space around me I tested the feel by raising it and bringing it down in a full sweeping arc imagining a sheath of wheat cut to that move. It was....a beast...not sure I can describe it otherwise. My robes and bound wings prevented the best body movement with it but I would practice some more alone somewhere free of binding to fully appreciate this craftwork and get used to it. I thanked him well and sincerely. I promised to aid and support him with my own skill whenever he wished.

We made a trip to the Hall of Records, a place I had not yet visited, for Kelth to sell some books. I decided to hang on to that book of poetry and showed it to him. He took his time, flicking the pages and agreed with me that this was a small treasure to be kept and enjoyed time and again.

[*Pashan01]

I finally managed to obtain the eyes for that statue head and the love potion for Symon. The man Elrik escorted me down to the sewers, seemingly a local of the streets, but his accent slipped over time as did that scarf he holds about his face so its hard to know for sure. We met up with two others, Salazar and Kelth and together managed to best those mindlfayers and "tiefers". Back up on the streets of Sigil, I pondered over the properties of the love potion, wondering if such a thing actually works and for how long. Salazar encouraged me to try for amusement. I ignored his comment. Piri might know how it works. I may well test it out, for the experience, but in a safer environment than on the streets with three males around. I returned the potion to Symon.

I was excited, fidgety, I could hardly keep it in. I ...have found paradise, utopia...a feeling of home, no..more than home...a feeling of destiny....and quite by chance did I stumble across that portal. The sun shines there, really brightly. The waves crash on the shore, sea birds cry in the distance...first time I have seen the sea like that, only the docks of Baldur's Gate before. I will keep it to myself for now...if I can...if Piri were here I would whisk her there....to share it.... Its a haven from the grimness of Sigil City and the desolation of the gray waste...I've not explored much beyond the paths and the beach. Not yet. Perhaps in time....

[*Pashan01]

What is it I was hiding? The question was asked kindly enough. Tell me something first, I said.

I am told...that the mere sight of ...gold...can sway a man...a person...to do many things, some good, mostly bad for want of it yes?
And lust for that coin therefore...makes them ...play the devil just to have it, own it...take it, make ruin with it.......that it shines brightly and is seen and available is temptation enough to make a man turn...do you think?

For most, but not for all.

And how does one tell the one from the other?

By the eyes, intention can be seen in the eyes.

Then what if I were to replace that gold with....a woman of beauty...and ask the same?

There are a few self made men, honest, true where chivalry is not dead and they would never treat a lady wrong.

It was the beginnings of a friendship and a trust, a shared revealing of the chains that bound each of them, a revealing for Naya that was a whole new experience for her and not one made lightly.

[*Pashan01]

Asteria...what can I say. Another favoured with the divine power of her god and also comes from the Prime. In the scheme of things, of travel and distance...almost a neighbour one might say, though on Toril, Waterdeep is quite a way from Elturel. She is more warrior-like than I and knows how to wield her weapon and cast her prayers to best effect and battle tactic. I watched, I followed, I learnt.

Nastasia, Asteria, Kelth and myself at the waterfall in the Beastlands. The others waded in, I sat to the side, a little envious. Nastasia talked of stripping naked to swim but 'mindful of the company' in the end did not. Some confusion there and I realised she meant of me, rather than of the male amongst us who I was sure would not have minded. Nastasia has no shame, extremely flirtatious that one. Later while exploring the Beastlands she was using her wiles on Elrik but only seemed to annoy him. She had already upset Kelth earlier in the city by speaking lightly of enjoying a half-orc's company. The two men were not keen that she join us for their own personal reasons. I am still making my mind up on her but bear her, abyssal though she is, no hatred at this point, whatever our opposing heritages might call for.

The battle of the Beastlands. Deeper in once more to that plane and Elrik, Kelth and I defended ourselves against swathes of wild creatures and dryads. Back to back in circle at one point, we held fast. At the end of it, the bodies lay strewn about us and our wounds were heavy. But we survived. Healing and tending to wound afterwards, I was astonished to think back to the battle and having a sense of..what? enjoyment..excitement? Curious. We slowly made our way back to the Inn to refresh and quench thirst.

[*Pashan01]

"Where have you been?"

I was rewarded with a cheeky grin and a tapping of the nose before the imp fluttered off towards the bazaar

"Jink to be making! Piri is skint!" and she buzzed off.

Well at least, she is safe and I am relieved to see my pixie companion returned...I can only hope she stays out of trouble here. From what I have seen of the Cage, there is plenty of trouble to be found..which is somewhat disconcerting. For on quiet farm and homestead showing herself only to me, she was a menace. It doesn't bear thinking about what pranks she might get up to in Sigil.

After a blunt comment from the dwarf Firtraad, the potion maker, that left a blush to my cheeks and caused another to insist on apology, a large number of us headed to the Beastlands to train: the little halfling Jade, Kelth, Firtraad, the masked Marius, the githzerai Karath'rok and a newcomer name of Gil.

I had this time the newly crafted scythe with me and it felt...right..comfortable...balanced...despite its enormous proportion and wicked blade. I tested it first with tall grasses then laid into the foes of that plane. I felt like a warrior battling with friends in the stories instead of lonely farmhand and there was enjoyment in that. But I have alot more training to do if I want that to become real..and..I think I do.

After the heat of the battle, some time later, Kelth asked for a private moment to speak so we broke off from the group. Twas there he spoke of apology to Nastasia and I realised his pain and prejudice against the orcish race. She is haunting him, this woman of his that was lost. Whether it is soley in his head or her spirit truly haunts him I cannot tell. When I felt an odd stirring to comfort, I held back, keeping my distance, but still felt compelled to brush tear from his eye and I offered to pray for him if it would help.

[*Pashan01]

"I'm back Uncle Theo!"

Piri shouted spiritedly through the hubbub of the faerie gathering. "I'm home!" and a myriad of her cousins, hearing her call from between the ring of trees, ran or flitted towards her, around her, hugging and kissing, finger combing locks and brushing wing to soft wing in excited greeting. The chatter gradually died down to a low buzz as Piri's uncle, an elder of the clan gathering, swept through the throng of younglings to wrap his arms around her cheeky tiny form.

"Child, child! Tis good to see you....why..it seems like only a few weeks since you left, more like a thousand for you though eh? my dear. I forget time works differently out there.." he thumbed behind them indicating some notional land or area beyond the hazey limit of the glade where the gathering now presided.

The faerie party was gathering momentum around them as Theo drew her aside to quiz her, placing a goblet of honey-spice to her hands and bringing her to sit upon a quieter oak branch of one tree that was dotted with lanterns. The position allowed the two to catch up on the last 'thousand' and yet still enjoy watching over the frivolities of the eve: flying races, air dancing, musical games, snuggling, giggling, drinking, poking, eating and contests of all shapes and sizes - the most knobbly knees, the sparkliest wing adornments, the widest grin, the pertest nose.

The tree lanterns lit up the glade nicely. Uncle Theo turned to his niece.

"Is she in the Cage yet? You managed to get her there safely?". To Piri's nodding "Good, good...hmm....I'll inform his lordship soon enough" his eyes flicked to a couple of younger males playing tug-o-war with a length of luminous thread, some ten feet off the ground. Both pixies were evenly matched, of equal wing size and strength of arm. "When the festival is done....hmm....best mayhap after the effects of the drink has worn off I'll head over to Krigala to find him". Another hug for Piri and his attention was then back on the games, clapping wildly as the tug-o-war ended and the victor preened and pranced around the circle to a bevy of cheers.

"Don't dally too long with us Piri, much as it is good to see you again child, an hour here is a hundred or so there.." he clicked his tongue "...enjoy yourself a while amongst your kin again but.." he shot her a proud benevolent smile "..don't forget your duty hmm hmm?" he pat her shoulder and then slipped off the branch to join in the air-dancing.

Piri spent the stolen hour catching up with her friends, teasing and being teased, flirting and pinching, giggling with the female fey, making eyes at the young males. Then when her alotted time was up, with a reluctant sigh, amidst a blowing of kisses and waves, one sneaky peck of lips to the handsome tug-o-war winner she parted the faerie glade in a puff of pixie-dust. From the island known as the Hills of Avalon she followed the great river Oceanus eventually finding once more that portal on the beach of the far island that took her back to the gloom of Sigil city where she had 'abandonned' Naya'il last.