A longer trip to Toril, which we had undertaken. To abide by my promise, we sent our fallen on their final voyage through the void, then returned to Faerun, for something we had been planning for a long time: a visit to Myth Drannor.
We had not gone there for riches, or treasure, we had other plans. First was to find traces of my loves children, and second, to maybe find something that could protect us, our ship and our home in the future.
The journey was anything but eventful, and led to a few things that were greater then we had expected. We did find her son at least, the soul of the proud warrior lingered there even after centuries, forever waiting for his mother and sister. But we could send him on his way, after Mir told him, how proud she was of what he has become.
We also stumbled into the Temple District, which has given me the greatest of surprises in the last months. I literally almost lost my jaw at the revelation. But in a way, I was happy, that she indeed seemed to find her way again, after all that has happened. After the incident on our ship, after the Shadowsworn ship went up in flames, I was a bit concerned of what will come. Neither of us really held back in our hate towards the Factioneers, and it wasn't just the fact that we had lost many whom we came to know. It was something else..
Our bond allows me looks into depths I had not imagined, and at times it frightens me. But I will not falter, I will stand by her and be hers whatever that's worth.
Mashanie Fearshald
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The Search, Part 1
It was damp and dark in the tunnels, just a few torches gave a flickering, fleeting vision of light in the darkness. A slight wind blew from the direction of the ladder, hidden behind an illusionary wall. It has been a long way, but he finally made it through all the traps and pitfalls, taking the last turn in the tunnel. A door shimmered in his vision of the darkness, half open. He took a big breath, checked the hinges and the lock for unusal marks, and before he decided to step through, his hands wandered to the pocket of his robe, the fingers closing around a small object, drawing strength from the warmth it emanated. He slid through the opening, into the room.
The study had the same moldy, damp air as the rest of the hideout. The ancient walls were covered in cobwebs, and on each side of the rectangular room, snugging to the walls, great shelves filled with tomes closed in on the center. A wooden table, showing the signs of aging stood there, on it three candles flickered from the gust of wind coming from the door. An open tome lay there, and a figure sitting, leaning over the book.
- You indeed are a hard man to find - Mash smirked, as he stepped into the room. The figured raised its head, the bare layed skeleton with pieces of rotting flesh turned into an infernal grimace.
- I tend to like my privacy, mortal. - the lich replied, taking an appraising look on the invading tiefer - But it seems my precautions weren't enough to keep you away.
- Well, a few traps were pretty mean - he stepped closer with a perpetual smile - But nothing some time and ingeniosity can't solve. I spent weeks to find you, Valarius.
- And so you have - the lich grinned, closing the book he was reading, focusing its attention on the intruder - Why makes one wonder, to what end? Pilfer my hideout and kill me? - he sniggered.
- Riches? I have enough of those - Mash shook his head - No, I came to talk.
- To talk? - the undead seemed truly perplexed - To talk about what?
- Oh, you know - he finally reached the table the lich was sitting at, and stopped on the other side, lightly leaning onto it - About eternal life.
The undead being regarded him for a short while, and a deep, guttural laughter emerged from his body, twisted and deformed by the fact that the parts of him producing it were decomposign for a long time.
- Very well then, take a seat, and we have a chat. It's been quite a while, and you seem brave of foolish enough to seek me out, the least I can do is tell you a few things.
Ever since his promise to her, after he returned to Toril, he had been on the search. To find a way, a means to stay with her longer then his body would normally allow. Even though he promised it would not become his obsession, he took quite the effort to find any trace of magics capable of sustaining a being longer then normal. He heard of a Lich when visiting Waterdeep, and for two weeks straight, he took up every clue, every bit of information he could find. Finally he managed to track down the beings hideout to a derelict fortress in the wilderness. He braved the gates, and made his way through the treacherous corridors, to finally arrive here. The undead was unusually relaxed, and in a chatty mood. And though he didn't divoulge anything really crucial, he did give him a good rundown of Lichdom, both pros and cons. He listened with interest, taking glances left and right, and never letting his guard down. There was something about this being, that made him unnerving. A few hours had passed, and he had gained what he wanted to know. He frowned slightly, as he looked upon the Lich.
- So, even if I was a powerful mage, and would find the ritual, I'd be a decomposing piece of dead flesh, right?
- Well, if you put it like that.. yes - the being grinned, leaning back on his chair, appraising the tiefer again, with those eyes dead in their sockets.
- Meh, seems my search will have to continue then - he sighed.
- But really fiendling, you are still young. What could possibly be so important, that the century usually given to your kind is not enough?
- A promise I made, Valarius. - he shrugged, standing again - A promise of never leaving ones side.
- I see - the lich seemed to muse for a while, its glance wandering to the far side of the study, where Mash could discern a secret passage, cleverly hidden. - Well..
- Yes?
- I'm afraid you won't be able to keep up to that promise - the beings eyes flickered for a moment, as he appraised the other - Because I don't intend to let you leave here.
- Yes, I somehow was expecting that - Mash grinned, his hand sliding into the pocket of his robe - And how foolhardy I may be, I'm not that stupid.
- What do you mean?
- Oh nothing - chuckled, as his fingers reached for the small stone the clerics had prepared for him - Let's just say the clerics of Tyr would like to have a chat with you.
- You didn't!
The lich started casting, but even he was no match for the quickness of the tiefling. He activated the calling stone, opening a portal into the lair of the undead, to let the
paladins and clerics of the temple through. He was no idiot, he knew he wouldn't have a chance against this arcane undead alone, so he volunteered in leading the zealots here. He melted into the shadows with a grin, as the contingent of holy warriors arrived through the portal, sitting back to watch the show.
He didn't really care who'd win, he had what he came for.
It was damp and dark in the tunnels, just a few torches gave a flickering, fleeting vision of light in the darkness. A slight wind blew from the direction of the ladder, hidden behind an illusionary wall. It has been a long way, but he finally made it through all the traps and pitfalls, taking the last turn in the tunnel. A door shimmered in his vision of the darkness, half open. He took a big breath, checked the hinges and the lock for unusal marks, and before he decided to step through, his hands wandered to the pocket of his robe, the fingers closing around a small object, drawing strength from the warmth it emanated. He slid through the opening, into the room.
The study had the same moldy, damp air as the rest of the hideout. The ancient walls were covered in cobwebs, and on each side of the rectangular room, snugging to the walls, great shelves filled with tomes closed in on the center. A wooden table, showing the signs of aging stood there, on it three candles flickered from the gust of wind coming from the door. An open tome lay there, and a figure sitting, leaning over the book.
- You indeed are a hard man to find - Mash smirked, as he stepped into the room. The figured raised its head, the bare layed skeleton with pieces of rotting flesh turned into an infernal grimace.
- I tend to like my privacy, mortal. - the lich replied, taking an appraising look on the invading tiefer - But it seems my precautions weren't enough to keep you away.
- Well, a few traps were pretty mean - he stepped closer with a perpetual smile - But nothing some time and ingeniosity can't solve. I spent weeks to find you, Valarius.
- And so you have - the lich grinned, closing the book he was reading, focusing its attention on the intruder - Why makes one wonder, to what end? Pilfer my hideout and kill me? - he sniggered.
- Riches? I have enough of those - Mash shook his head - No, I came to talk.
- To talk? - the undead seemed truly perplexed - To talk about what?
- Oh, you know - he finally reached the table the lich was sitting at, and stopped on the other side, lightly leaning onto it - About eternal life.
The undead being regarded him for a short while, and a deep, guttural laughter emerged from his body, twisted and deformed by the fact that the parts of him producing it were decomposign for a long time.
- Very well then, take a seat, and we have a chat. It's been quite a while, and you seem brave of foolish enough to seek me out, the least I can do is tell you a few things.
Ever since his promise to her, after he returned to Toril, he had been on the search. To find a way, a means to stay with her longer then his body would normally allow. Even though he promised it would not become his obsession, he took quite the effort to find any trace of magics capable of sustaining a being longer then normal. He heard of a Lich when visiting Waterdeep, and for two weeks straight, he took up every clue, every bit of information he could find. Finally he managed to track down the beings hideout to a derelict fortress in the wilderness. He braved the gates, and made his way through the treacherous corridors, to finally arrive here. The undead was unusually relaxed, and in a chatty mood. And though he didn't divoulge anything really crucial, he did give him a good rundown of Lichdom, both pros and cons. He listened with interest, taking glances left and right, and never letting his guard down. There was something about this being, that made him unnerving. A few hours had passed, and he had gained what he wanted to know. He frowned slightly, as he looked upon the Lich.
- So, even if I was a powerful mage, and would find the ritual, I'd be a decomposing piece of dead flesh, right?
- Well, if you put it like that.. yes - the being grinned, leaning back on his chair, appraising the tiefer again, with those eyes dead in their sockets.
- Meh, seems my search will have to continue then - he sighed.
- But really fiendling, you are still young. What could possibly be so important, that the century usually given to your kind is not enough?
- A promise I made, Valarius. - he shrugged, standing again - A promise of never leaving ones side.
- I see - the lich seemed to muse for a while, its glance wandering to the far side of the study, where Mash could discern a secret passage, cleverly hidden. - Well..
- Yes?
- I'm afraid you won't be able to keep up to that promise - the beings eyes flickered for a moment, as he appraised the other - Because I don't intend to let you leave here.
- Yes, I somehow was expecting that - Mash grinned, his hand sliding into the pocket of his robe - And how foolhardy I may be, I'm not that stupid.
- What do you mean?
- Oh nothing - chuckled, as his fingers reached for the small stone the clerics had prepared for him - Let's just say the clerics of Tyr would like to have a chat with you.
- You didn't!
The lich started casting, but even he was no match for the quickness of the tiefling. He activated the calling stone, opening a portal into the lair of the undead, to let the
paladins and clerics of the temple through. He was no idiot, he knew he wouldn't have a chance against this arcane undead alone, so he volunteered in leading the zealots here. He melted into the shadows with a grin, as the contingent of holy warriors arrived through the portal, sitting back to watch the show.
He didn't really care who'd win, he had what he came for.
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The Search, Part 2
The sleek blade appeared out of the dark grey robes with a silvery glimmer, accompanied by a fountain of blood, as it pierced through the body covered in the garments.
The face of the drow turned into a painful grimace, as his life force left his body, slowly collapsing like a ragdoll to the floor, held only by the rapier sticking
out of him. The tiefling stood behind him, the clothes torned, burned, his body bruised and bloody. Yet, he had won.
After unsuccessful attempt with the lich, he decided to look for alternate means. He consulted many an alchemist of means to achieve his goal, and finally after countless coin spent, he got a new lead. Potion of Longevity it was called, and said to reverse the process of aging. Though it came at a price, risking that with continous use, one would reverse the process all taken ones had bestowed upon oneself, in an instant aging as much as the potions had halted. But what kind of Tymora follower would had he been, if not taking this risk? So he set out, to find clues on this perticular potion. But no alchemist seemed to know how to create one, not even the ingredients were known to them. After some days of searching and asking, he heard a rumor, that those potions were left behind from days long gone, so he turned his attention to the oldest place he knew: Undermountain.
He entered through the Yawning Portal, paying the small sum for the descent, and before entering, betting on himself with a few hundred more, just for kicks. He took the way down the well, to foray into the dungeons beneath the inn. He hadn't done any dungeoneering for quite some time, and the first steps, and days were spent to learn anew what he had forgotten. Thankfully, the upper levels were populated by less fearsome foes, so he quickly got back on track with it all. As he ventured deeper and deeper, he did not find what he sought after, just meager riches, a few gems and many a monster. He didn't take much, just some interesting gems he thought might be worth to their collection, and pushed onward. After four days, he came upon a junction, leading him to a dark territory, where even his sight seemed to fail. He smirked, as he crept forward, not minding the state at all.
On the fifth day, he came upon a drow patrol. He managed to dispatch the cleric before they noticed him, but the fighters proved a bit more difficult. It was a long and hard fought battle, but upon their person, he found clues that a wizard of great power had taken up residence somewhere in these tunnels. He followed the tracks and bits, and after another day, he came upon his study. He wasn't happy to see the tiefling at all though, and thanks to his wards, was notified of Mash's presence, turning the favor of battle against the tiefling. He had to use all his knowledge, quite a few of his precious scrolls, and a great deal of help from Tymora, to overcome this obstacle. But he didn't mind the cuts, the bruises, or the lightning bolt that struck him. This wizard may have had what he was looking for, and that was all that mattered.
Mash heaved, as he disloged his blade from the dead drow. He looked around in the study, which has been decimated by the fight. He frowned, dripping the blood off his rapier, and sheathing it again. "What a mess." He first searched the body, but didn't find anything that would have peeked his interest, so he went about to searching the destroyed room. He went through the bookshelves, and the trunks, finally discovering a set of potion bottles. He growled, as he noticed they were all emptied long ago, save for the last one. This one has rippled, most of the contents was now being drained away by the hungry clay ground beneath his feet. He quickly grabbed the bottle, saving not more then a fourth of its contents.
"Damn it.. I was too late. Well, maybe someone can analyze this..."
He took one last glance around, with a heavy sigh, finding an ancient toom, that was scorched by their fight, and growled again, as he saw that they had destroyed the very recipe he was looking for. All he could discern was "fresh elven marrow".
"Oh well, I never liked them longears anyway..."
The sleek blade appeared out of the dark grey robes with a silvery glimmer, accompanied by a fountain of blood, as it pierced through the body covered in the garments.
The face of the drow turned into a painful grimace, as his life force left his body, slowly collapsing like a ragdoll to the floor, held only by the rapier sticking
out of him. The tiefling stood behind him, the clothes torned, burned, his body bruised and bloody. Yet, he had won.
After unsuccessful attempt with the lich, he decided to look for alternate means. He consulted many an alchemist of means to achieve his goal, and finally after countless coin spent, he got a new lead. Potion of Longevity it was called, and said to reverse the process of aging. Though it came at a price, risking that with continous use, one would reverse the process all taken ones had bestowed upon oneself, in an instant aging as much as the potions had halted. But what kind of Tymora follower would had he been, if not taking this risk? So he set out, to find clues on this perticular potion. But no alchemist seemed to know how to create one, not even the ingredients were known to them. After some days of searching and asking, he heard a rumor, that those potions were left behind from days long gone, so he turned his attention to the oldest place he knew: Undermountain.
He entered through the Yawning Portal, paying the small sum for the descent, and before entering, betting on himself with a few hundred more, just for kicks. He took the way down the well, to foray into the dungeons beneath the inn. He hadn't done any dungeoneering for quite some time, and the first steps, and days were spent to learn anew what he had forgotten. Thankfully, the upper levels were populated by less fearsome foes, so he quickly got back on track with it all. As he ventured deeper and deeper, he did not find what he sought after, just meager riches, a few gems and many a monster. He didn't take much, just some interesting gems he thought might be worth to their collection, and pushed onward. After four days, he came upon a junction, leading him to a dark territory, where even his sight seemed to fail. He smirked, as he crept forward, not minding the state at all.
On the fifth day, he came upon a drow patrol. He managed to dispatch the cleric before they noticed him, but the fighters proved a bit more difficult. It was a long and hard fought battle, but upon their person, he found clues that a wizard of great power had taken up residence somewhere in these tunnels. He followed the tracks and bits, and after another day, he came upon his study. He wasn't happy to see the tiefling at all though, and thanks to his wards, was notified of Mash's presence, turning the favor of battle against the tiefling. He had to use all his knowledge, quite a few of his precious scrolls, and a great deal of help from Tymora, to overcome this obstacle. But he didn't mind the cuts, the bruises, or the lightning bolt that struck him. This wizard may have had what he was looking for, and that was all that mattered.
Mash heaved, as he disloged his blade from the dead drow. He looked around in the study, which has been decimated by the fight. He frowned, dripping the blood off his rapier, and sheathing it again. "What a mess." He first searched the body, but didn't find anything that would have peeked his interest, so he went about to searching the destroyed room. He went through the bookshelves, and the trunks, finally discovering a set of potion bottles. He growled, as he noticed they were all emptied long ago, save for the last one. This one has rippled, most of the contents was now being drained away by the hungry clay ground beneath his feet. He quickly grabbed the bottle, saving not more then a fourth of its contents.
"Damn it.. I was too late. Well, maybe someone can analyze this..."
He took one last glance around, with a heavy sigh, finding an ancient toom, that was scorched by their fight, and growled again, as he saw that they had destroyed the very recipe he was looking for. All he could discern was "fresh elven marrow".
"Oh well, I never liked them longears anyway..."
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The Search, Part 3
Getting out was easier then getting in and finding what he had sought. After he took care of things, he mused how to preserve the marrow he had just acquired, but found no way, so he just threw it away. He cleaned the bloodied axe, then for good measure, set the whole study on fire. He smirked, as he left the way he came, back to the depths of Undermountain. He tried one of his scrolls, and thankfully they worked, the Gate coming to life with a low hum. He didn't go far, just outside the Yawning Portal. First he collected the money he won on the bet, grinning at the faces of the opponents, as he appeared from the main door instead of the well. Then he set out to talk to the alchemists again.
Another day had passed, and all of them proved incompetent in what he wanted to achieve. None could even begin to try and analyze the liquid he had brought with him, and the single component he knew, was not enough to go on. He sighed, pondering where he could find more information. He was sitting in a pub, having a lukewarm ale, when the idea struck him like lightning. He had told of the place to her as well, the one containing most of the knowledge of the Realms, Candlekeep. But to gain entry
there, he needed a tome of great rarity. Which lead him to the choice to return to Sigil, since he knew just the place to look for such. He finished up his ale, and prepared for the journey back.
Getting out was easier then getting in and finding what he had sought. After he took care of things, he mused how to preserve the marrow he had just acquired, but found no way, so he just threw it away. He cleaned the bloodied axe, then for good measure, set the whole study on fire. He smirked, as he left the way he came, back to the depths of Undermountain. He tried one of his scrolls, and thankfully they worked, the Gate coming to life with a low hum. He didn't go far, just outside the Yawning Portal. First he collected the money he won on the bet, grinning at the faces of the opponents, as he appeared from the main door instead of the well. Then he set out to talk to the alchemists again.
Another day had passed, and all of them proved incompetent in what he wanted to achieve. None could even begin to try and analyze the liquid he had brought with him, and the single component he knew, was not enough to go on. He sighed, pondering where he could find more information. He was sitting in a pub, having a lukewarm ale, when the idea struck him like lightning. He had told of the place to her as well, the one containing most of the knowledge of the Realms, Candlekeep. But to gain entry
there, he needed a tome of great rarity. Which lead him to the choice to return to Sigil, since he knew just the place to look for such. He finished up his ale, and prepared for the journey back.
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The Search, Part 4
Heavy rain soaked the countryside, and though it was still day, the area was covered in a thick, gray cover. The guard could barely see a stone's throw away through the constant onslaught of water from above. He yawned, not having really expected anyone to show up in such hideous weather. He pondered how much more he had to stand around here, before he was admitted to return to the warmth of the barracks, to have a nice frothing ale, and a few hours of sleep. It all seemed so pointless. He shuddered a bit, pulling the cloak he was wearing closer, as the
humidity creapt onto his heavy chainmail, making it freezing to the touch. He looked about again, and in the distance, a figure appeared.
The guard blinked surprised, then shook off the tiredness that has overcome him, appraising the one approaching through the cover of the rain. The figure seemed just a tad bit taller then him. He was on foot, the horse he would've heard long
ago. He was clad in a heavy leather hood and cloak, and even from this far, the guard could see as the water ran down on both sides, making the approaching wanderer look like a disgruntled and brown colored water elemental. There was something of note though, the wanderer had another apparel, peeking out from under the cloak, swinging left and right, as if trying to evade the falling raindrops. It was a tail. The guard grinned, as the figure came closer. Slowly, he could discern the features of a man, and also made note of the horns that lifted the hood higher on his head. And he noticed one more thing, that even in this godforsaken weather made him chuckle. The tiefling had a plushie Illithid sitting on his shoulder.
- What? - Mash asked grinning, as he stepped up to the guard, though he obviously knew the answer.
- Nothing, nothing - the guard smikred, his eyes fixated on the plush toy on the shoulder of the tiefling - I wasn't expecting visitors today, especially not of your kind.
- Oh well, you know how it is, knowledge knows no bounds - Mash smirked, glancing past the guard, taking a look at the huge double doors that served as entrance to the keep, and then his eyes wandered higher, taking in the fortress in all its glory. Candlekeeep.
- Yes, that may be, but you know the rules - the guard waved a bit dismissively - A tome for entrance to read the ones within.
- Oh don't worry, I came prepared - the tiefling chuckled, opening a bag in the shade of his heavy cloak, and after a brief search, he took out a tome, old and wrinkled, but of ample size - Here ya go. - He handed it to the guard quickly, shielding it from the hungry drops of water determined to soak it to a useless bunch of soggy paper.
- Oi, let me see then - the guard smirked, heaving his own cloak, to have a read of the book offered without destroying it.
For some time he had gone through the pages, the smile he had on changing to that of wonderment, and of genuine surprise. He then looked up, and took another appraising glance at the tiefer. Below the cloak, he wore a robe, which had many apparels danglig from it, and he also noted two bags of holding. The man did not give him the impression of being an amateur, and after taking a glance on his offering, the guard concluded he had made an error in judgement. His tone was a lot more welcoming and a lot less mocking, despite the distrubing sight of the plushie on the shoulder of the other.
- Ay, seems to be in order - he nodded - Given the worth of the tome on offer, I could grant you admission for two days, no more.
- Will be more then enough, I think - Mash nodded, glancing at the towers reaching to the sky - And say.. does my invitation include having made copies of things I find interesting?
- Certainly, though the cost is determined after you had chosen the excerpts to be copied, an have to be paid inside. Oh and of course, don't even dream of getting copies of whole tomes. Hadn't seen that happen for quite some time.
- Don't worry, I won't - he grinned.
- Alright then, let me open the doors for ya.
The gate went open with a loud noise, creaking for its life in a sorrowful attempt in remaining closed. As Mash stepped through, his eyes glanced around, taking note of fortifications, defesen, and means of exiting. As he walked towards the main entrance, he's starting enthusiasm gradually declined, seeing what all would await him would he try to filch something for Mir from here. Not that it meant he gave up fully. Opportunities are found in the strangest of places, he grinned, pushing the entrance open. He took a deep breath of the air coming from the inside. The scent of ancient books mixed with the irritating smell of half burnt candles.
"She would just love it here" he smirked, patting the Illithid on his shoulder lovingly. "But oh well, let's make do with what I have."
- Now then.. I need an alchemist.. wonder where those hide in this place.
Heavy rain soaked the countryside, and though it was still day, the area was covered in a thick, gray cover. The guard could barely see a stone's throw away through the constant onslaught of water from above. He yawned, not having really expected anyone to show up in such hideous weather. He pondered how much more he had to stand around here, before he was admitted to return to the warmth of the barracks, to have a nice frothing ale, and a few hours of sleep. It all seemed so pointless. He shuddered a bit, pulling the cloak he was wearing closer, as the
humidity creapt onto his heavy chainmail, making it freezing to the touch. He looked about again, and in the distance, a figure appeared.
The guard blinked surprised, then shook off the tiredness that has overcome him, appraising the one approaching through the cover of the rain. The figure seemed just a tad bit taller then him. He was on foot, the horse he would've heard long
ago. He was clad in a heavy leather hood and cloak, and even from this far, the guard could see as the water ran down on both sides, making the approaching wanderer look like a disgruntled and brown colored water elemental. There was something of note though, the wanderer had another apparel, peeking out from under the cloak, swinging left and right, as if trying to evade the falling raindrops. It was a tail. The guard grinned, as the figure came closer. Slowly, he could discern the features of a man, and also made note of the horns that lifted the hood higher on his head. And he noticed one more thing, that even in this godforsaken weather made him chuckle. The tiefling had a plushie Illithid sitting on his shoulder.
- What? - Mash asked grinning, as he stepped up to the guard, though he obviously knew the answer.
- Nothing, nothing - the guard smikred, his eyes fixated on the plush toy on the shoulder of the tiefling - I wasn't expecting visitors today, especially not of your kind.
- Oh well, you know how it is, knowledge knows no bounds - Mash smirked, glancing past the guard, taking a look at the huge double doors that served as entrance to the keep, and then his eyes wandered higher, taking in the fortress in all its glory. Candlekeeep.
- Yes, that may be, but you know the rules - the guard waved a bit dismissively - A tome for entrance to read the ones within.
- Oh don't worry, I came prepared - the tiefling chuckled, opening a bag in the shade of his heavy cloak, and after a brief search, he took out a tome, old and wrinkled, but of ample size - Here ya go. - He handed it to the guard quickly, shielding it from the hungry drops of water determined to soak it to a useless bunch of soggy paper.
- Oi, let me see then - the guard smirked, heaving his own cloak, to have a read of the book offered without destroying it.
For some time he had gone through the pages, the smile he had on changing to that of wonderment, and of genuine surprise. He then looked up, and took another appraising glance at the tiefer. Below the cloak, he wore a robe, which had many apparels danglig from it, and he also noted two bags of holding. The man did not give him the impression of being an amateur, and after taking a glance on his offering, the guard concluded he had made an error in judgement. His tone was a lot more welcoming and a lot less mocking, despite the distrubing sight of the plushie on the shoulder of the other.
- Ay, seems to be in order - he nodded - Given the worth of the tome on offer, I could grant you admission for two days, no more.
- Will be more then enough, I think - Mash nodded, glancing at the towers reaching to the sky - And say.. does my invitation include having made copies of things I find interesting?
- Certainly, though the cost is determined after you had chosen the excerpts to be copied, an have to be paid inside. Oh and of course, don't even dream of getting copies of whole tomes. Hadn't seen that happen for quite some time.
- Don't worry, I won't - he grinned.
- Alright then, let me open the doors for ya.
The gate went open with a loud noise, creaking for its life in a sorrowful attempt in remaining closed. As Mash stepped through, his eyes glanced around, taking note of fortifications, defesen, and means of exiting. As he walked towards the main entrance, he's starting enthusiasm gradually declined, seeing what all would await him would he try to filch something for Mir from here. Not that it meant he gave up fully. Opportunities are found in the strangest of places, he grinned, pushing the entrance open. He took a deep breath of the air coming from the inside. The scent of ancient books mixed with the irritating smell of half burnt candles.
"She would just love it here" he smirked, patting the Illithid on his shoulder lovingly. "But oh well, let's make do with what I have."
- Now then.. I need an alchemist.. wonder where those hide in this place.
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The Search, Part 5
He listened to the heavy rain battering against the windows of the fortress, as he made his way across the floors and hundreds of bookselves gathered here. Even though the rainfall was just a far away echo, he was grateful for it. Other then that, he could only hear the whispers of the candles that flickered around him, and once in a while a silent cough, as one of the readers couldn't handle himself.
He went on, looking for the people that could help him, alchemists to unravel the riddle of the potion. For good two hours, he walked about the labyrinth of a library, when finally luck seemed to shine upon him. After asking a venerable gnome for directions, he ended up in a side room, along with a human and an elf. Both were deep in discussion of something, and looked up, as the tiefling entered. As the Illithid was still sitting on his shoulder, the two smirked a bit, before letting him enter the crossfire of their gaze.
- Evenin' - Mash nodded to both - I was told that you two are the most knowledgable in the way of potions around here.
- Well, that may be true - the elf snarked - But we have no idea who the hell you are.
- Oh right, my manners - the Tiefer grinned - I'm Mashanie Fearshald, and have come to seek out a very special potion.
- How special? - the human raised a brow.
- Well, given that I have had to come all the way to here, I'd say with certainty, that it is very special - he winked.
The elf and the human seemed to ponder his words for a while, then they invited him to sit. He took the third chair around the table, and set the plushie in front of him onto said table. He then glanced from one to another, slowly nodding.
- I seek the recipe for the Potion of Longevity.
His words were met with silence, as both of them gazed at him, with a mixture of surprise and jest. The elf spoke first, after a good while.
- You must be kidding, Demonspawn.
- Oh, I assure you, I am not - he smiled - I have gone through most of my choices, and this one seemed the most solid as of yet. Even found a bit, but just a few drops, hardly enough to be analyzed.
- You actually found a vial that contained this potion? - the man raised a brow.
- Oh yes, I did. I had to crawl through Undermountain to get it though.
- Figures - the elf smirked - Very well then, first comes the part where you offer as compensation, I gather.
Mash shrugged, whispering the two a sum he thought was enough. Both smirked, and ushered him closer, to relay what they know about the prize he sought after.
He listened to the heavy rain battering against the windows of the fortress, as he made his way across the floors and hundreds of bookselves gathered here. Even though the rainfall was just a far away echo, he was grateful for it. Other then that, he could only hear the whispers of the candles that flickered around him, and once in a while a silent cough, as one of the readers couldn't handle himself.
He went on, looking for the people that could help him, alchemists to unravel the riddle of the potion. For good two hours, he walked about the labyrinth of a library, when finally luck seemed to shine upon him. After asking a venerable gnome for directions, he ended up in a side room, along with a human and an elf. Both were deep in discussion of something, and looked up, as the tiefling entered. As the Illithid was still sitting on his shoulder, the two smirked a bit, before letting him enter the crossfire of their gaze.
- Evenin' - Mash nodded to both - I was told that you two are the most knowledgable in the way of potions around here.
- Well, that may be true - the elf snarked - But we have no idea who the hell you are.
- Oh right, my manners - the Tiefer grinned - I'm Mashanie Fearshald, and have come to seek out a very special potion.
- How special? - the human raised a brow.
- Well, given that I have had to come all the way to here, I'd say with certainty, that it is very special - he winked.
The elf and the human seemed to ponder his words for a while, then they invited him to sit. He took the third chair around the table, and set the plushie in front of him onto said table. He then glanced from one to another, slowly nodding.
- I seek the recipe for the Potion of Longevity.
His words were met with silence, as both of them gazed at him, with a mixture of surprise and jest. The elf spoke first, after a good while.
- You must be kidding, Demonspawn.
- Oh, I assure you, I am not - he smiled - I have gone through most of my choices, and this one seemed the most solid as of yet. Even found a bit, but just a few drops, hardly enough to be analyzed.
- You actually found a vial that contained this potion? - the man raised a brow.
- Oh yes, I did. I had to crawl through Undermountain to get it though.
- Figures - the elf smirked - Very well then, first comes the part where you offer as compensation, I gather.
Mash shrugged, whispering the two a sum he thought was enough. Both smirked, and ushered him closer, to relay what they know about the prize he sought after.
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The Search, Part 6
The explanation was long winded, and at parts so boring, he had to urge himself not to fall asleep. The two scholars went into a lengthly explanation of the origins and why's of the potion, the things he was the least interested in. They also relayed what he had suspected, that the way of creating these is supposed to be lost forever, and though many have knowledge of their existence, none here on Faerun remember anymore how such is created. And because of this very reason, there's no recipe to be found, even within the walls of Candlekeep. Mash thought his head would explode, assaulted by the myriad of names and locations, the two pulled from their heads, reciting the "exciting" history of the Potion of Longevity. But soon his interest was sparked again, as they both began to speculate, that at places of old, some vials of this stuff might still exist. Undermountain wasn't the only place long forgotten, they explained, and that the Tiefling would have better chances trying to uncover some older ruins.
- Now you could aim for a few of the old Myths - the elf explained - All of them were once major magical nexuses.
- Yeah.. that could be a bit difficult - he smirked - Tried myself Myth Drannor, and it did not end well.
- You.. in Drannor? - the elf raised a brow, but then his demeanor returned to the usual - Oh well, then maybe something of Illefarn origin would do just as well. Those people were obsessed with immortality as well.
- Might as well give it a try - Mash nodded.
The conversation went on to until the sun has set outside, when the two scholars ran out of wisdom to pay for the coin he presented them, and all three felt the urge to sleep about what had been told. Mash nodded to both politely, and grabbed his plushie from the table, aiming for one of the outer buildings, to find a place to crash for the night. On his way out, he nearly ran over a young mage, a half elven woman by the looks of it, who went out of his way with a shy smile and silent words excusing herself. For a moment, he turned around, pondering.
"Hmm.. strange.. something.. nah.. must be my imagination."
He found himself a nice bed at the local inn, and after a hefty meal and a warm bath, he claimed the sheets for himself. On his side, the plushie Illithid stood vigil, while being hugged to death by the sleeping Tiefer. Mash dreamed, and the dream made him smile. Their minds still connected, he felt her presence, even from this distance. And that gave him peace in his dreams. Plans started to form in his mind, where to travel next, and what to do there. The next part of the journey was ready to be unraveled.
The explanation was long winded, and at parts so boring, he had to urge himself not to fall asleep. The two scholars went into a lengthly explanation of the origins and why's of the potion, the things he was the least interested in. They also relayed what he had suspected, that the way of creating these is supposed to be lost forever, and though many have knowledge of their existence, none here on Faerun remember anymore how such is created. And because of this very reason, there's no recipe to be found, even within the walls of Candlekeep. Mash thought his head would explode, assaulted by the myriad of names and locations, the two pulled from their heads, reciting the "exciting" history of the Potion of Longevity. But soon his interest was sparked again, as they both began to speculate, that at places of old, some vials of this stuff might still exist. Undermountain wasn't the only place long forgotten, they explained, and that the Tiefling would have better chances trying to uncover some older ruins.
- Now you could aim for a few of the old Myths - the elf explained - All of them were once major magical nexuses.
- Yeah.. that could be a bit difficult - he smirked - Tried myself Myth Drannor, and it did not end well.
- You.. in Drannor? - the elf raised a brow, but then his demeanor returned to the usual - Oh well, then maybe something of Illefarn origin would do just as well. Those people were obsessed with immortality as well.
- Might as well give it a try - Mash nodded.
The conversation went on to until the sun has set outside, when the two scholars ran out of wisdom to pay for the coin he presented them, and all three felt the urge to sleep about what had been told. Mash nodded to both politely, and grabbed his plushie from the table, aiming for one of the outer buildings, to find a place to crash for the night. On his way out, he nearly ran over a young mage, a half elven woman by the looks of it, who went out of his way with a shy smile and silent words excusing herself. For a moment, he turned around, pondering.
"Hmm.. strange.. something.. nah.. must be my imagination."
He found himself a nice bed at the local inn, and after a hefty meal and a warm bath, he claimed the sheets for himself. On his side, the plushie Illithid stood vigil, while being hugged to death by the sleeping Tiefer. Mash dreamed, and the dream made him smile. Their minds still connected, he felt her presence, even from this distance. And that gave him peace in his dreams. Plans started to form in his mind, where to travel next, and what to do there. The next part of the journey was ready to be unraveled.
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The road one must take...
He woke at the first sounds of morning, a *** yelling to greet the sun outside the inn. For a moment, he pondered of shooting the damned bird, and going back to sleep, but then the events of last night flooded his mind again, and the tale the two sages told him made him remember that he had to set out early, if he wished to reach the Anauroch in a timely fashion.
He sat up on his bed, still yawning and slapping his face to wake up, when his fingers slid upon something that had not been there before. He traced the object, as it ran around his heck, and felt the cool touch of something made of metal. A collar. His eyes sprung open, hastily scanning the room. For a moment, his breath stopped, as he looked upon the figure sitting on a chair next to him, on her face a wry and amused smile, as she watched him notice his new accessory. He assessed the being, noticing the flaming red hair, the yellow eyes, and the figure that was so known to him. But something was odd, and after a few seconds, his brain clicked. The wings.
- Oh hells...
He moved without really thinking, the body jumping from the bed towards her. In mid flight, he felt a searing pain, as the collar turned reddish yellow, giving him a burning and painful reminder of the err of his decision. This was followed by a quick kick from the woman on the chair, sending him back onto the sheets.
- Now, now.. "love". Is this the way to greet someone?
- Damn you, woman - he mumbled, getting up from the bed again, this time not doing anything to attack her.
- That's a lot better - she smirked - Get dressed, we leave soon.
- And just where do you intend to take me? - he asked, looking for his garments across the room.
- I figured I could use an accomplice. I need to find something I.. lost. That is all you need to know.
She stood up, walking toward the door of the room. She turned back, her eyes glimmering in a dangerous light.
- And of course, if you try to run, you die.
The door slammed behind her, and Mashanie slumped down to the side of the bed. He tracked his fingers around the collar once more, and started frantically going through his belongings. After a few minutes, he let out an angry growl. The bitch was thorough, she took the electrifier. For a minute or so, he raged, smashing a chair and the table in the process, but after he sighed, and got his gear on himself. As he walked out, his thoughts raced in his mind. He tried to reach Mir, but the connection seemed to be just a little light in the darkness now. "Of course", he fumed, "she knew about it, I bet the collar blocks that as well."
He arrived at the lowest floor, where she was already sitting at a table, with a breakfast made for two. She slightly winked, and smiled.
- Come on, let's have some food before we leave.
He grumbled, sitting down next to her, but figured there was at least merit in this gesture of hers. Knowing them both, this journey won't be short.. or easy. As he ate, his thoughts wandered away, trying to connect the pieces. What was it that she lost, that she needed him for?
- You'll see soon enough, Mash - she answered the question that was never asked, with a grin - You really think too much at times. Enjoy the ride, arrite? If you survive, I will give you what you seek.
- What? How do you...
She grinned, for a second her features changing to that of a half elven girl, then they returned to their normal self. He blinked, and sighed.
- Great...
- Cheer up Mash, at least you won't be away from Mir, right? Well.. at least not from parts of her - she chuckled, biting into an apple with delight.
They set out just shy of midday, leaving the bastion of Candlekeep behind. She was pretty adamant, and with swift steps, she turned East. They walked the whole day, only stopping once, to refill their water pouches. For some reason she was in high spirits, humming all the way as they walked. Come nightfall, she led them to a mountain range. She climbed to the top, taking him with her. There she pointed towards the east.
- See? I'm heading the same way you wanted, too. We're aiming for the Anauroch.
- What do you hope to find there? Truly?
- Something we both long for. She and I. - she answered, and left him standing alone one the ridge.
He woke at the first sounds of morning, a *** yelling to greet the sun outside the inn. For a moment, he pondered of shooting the damned bird, and going back to sleep, but then the events of last night flooded his mind again, and the tale the two sages told him made him remember that he had to set out early, if he wished to reach the Anauroch in a timely fashion.
He sat up on his bed, still yawning and slapping his face to wake up, when his fingers slid upon something that had not been there before. He traced the object, as it ran around his heck, and felt the cool touch of something made of metal. A collar. His eyes sprung open, hastily scanning the room. For a moment, his breath stopped, as he looked upon the figure sitting on a chair next to him, on her face a wry and amused smile, as she watched him notice his new accessory. He assessed the being, noticing the flaming red hair, the yellow eyes, and the figure that was so known to him. But something was odd, and after a few seconds, his brain clicked. The wings.
- Oh hells...
He moved without really thinking, the body jumping from the bed towards her. In mid flight, he felt a searing pain, as the collar turned reddish yellow, giving him a burning and painful reminder of the err of his decision. This was followed by a quick kick from the woman on the chair, sending him back onto the sheets.
- Now, now.. "love". Is this the way to greet someone?
- Damn you, woman - he mumbled, getting up from the bed again, this time not doing anything to attack her.
- That's a lot better - she smirked - Get dressed, we leave soon.
- And just where do you intend to take me? - he asked, looking for his garments across the room.
- I figured I could use an accomplice. I need to find something I.. lost. That is all you need to know.
She stood up, walking toward the door of the room. She turned back, her eyes glimmering in a dangerous light.
- And of course, if you try to run, you die.
The door slammed behind her, and Mashanie slumped down to the side of the bed. He tracked his fingers around the collar once more, and started frantically going through his belongings. After a few minutes, he let out an angry growl. The bitch was thorough, she took the electrifier. For a minute or so, he raged, smashing a chair and the table in the process, but after he sighed, and got his gear on himself. As he walked out, his thoughts raced in his mind. He tried to reach Mir, but the connection seemed to be just a little light in the darkness now. "Of course", he fumed, "she knew about it, I bet the collar blocks that as well."
He arrived at the lowest floor, where she was already sitting at a table, with a breakfast made for two. She slightly winked, and smiled.
- Come on, let's have some food before we leave.
He grumbled, sitting down next to her, but figured there was at least merit in this gesture of hers. Knowing them both, this journey won't be short.. or easy. As he ate, his thoughts wandered away, trying to connect the pieces. What was it that she lost, that she needed him for?
- You'll see soon enough, Mash - she answered the question that was never asked, with a grin - You really think too much at times. Enjoy the ride, arrite? If you survive, I will give you what you seek.
- What? How do you...
She grinned, for a second her features changing to that of a half elven girl, then they returned to their normal self. He blinked, and sighed.
- Great...
- Cheer up Mash, at least you won't be away from Mir, right? Well.. at least not from parts of her - she chuckled, biting into an apple with delight.
They set out just shy of midday, leaving the bastion of Candlekeep behind. She was pretty adamant, and with swift steps, she turned East. They walked the whole day, only stopping once, to refill their water pouches. For some reason she was in high spirits, humming all the way as they walked. Come nightfall, she led them to a mountain range. She climbed to the top, taking him with her. There she pointed towards the east.
- See? I'm heading the same way you wanted, too. We're aiming for the Anauroch.
- What do you hope to find there? Truly?
- Something we both long for. She and I. - she answered, and left him standing alone one the ridge.
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
A farewell to the Sword Coast
She only let them a brief respite in the night, making a small campfire at the foot of the mountain she led him to, then continued on as soon as the sun climbed onto the horizont. He followed her without much resistance, mainly because what she said indeed peek his interest, and was more then eager to know more about this one. Both for Mir and for himself. He couldn't stop but wonder, that no matter how far away the two were, they did share a lot of traits. She wore the same garments as his Mir, the same curvy and snugging chain, with the almost nonexisting lower parts. Her wings she kept neatly folded, and the only real difference he could make was that she did not put her hair in a knot, but let if flow freely behind her. But as he remembered, it was the way she used to have it.
Travelling with her was less tedious then he first thought. Though most of the time she did not speak too much, keeping her eyes on the distant landscape, marching forward never seeming a bit tired, the times she did engange in conversations, there wasn't much of her offensive behavior. For the time being, she told him, he was accepted as a companion, and as long as he did not try to break the collar, she wouldn't do him any harm. He mostly asked her what she had been doing since they met on the islands, but she only answered shortly, that she was wandering around, trying to get the picture again, to find herself after such long time. It was on the second day, that they arrived in a small settlement. She looked around for a bit, smiling, as she turned to him.
- I think we should be moving a bit faster, if we are to make it in this lifetime.
- What did you have in mind then? - he asked, quirking a brow.
- Horses, of course - she smirked, heading straight to a building, from which the sound of horses resounded.
She walked there without hesitation, looking around a few times, and nudged the entrance in. Inside, a stable hand was washing the animals, and he looked up from his work as the woman entered. Mash was close behind, and arrived in the nick of time, as she already raised his hand, and a small ball of fire began to form between her fingers. He slapped her wrist rather forcefully, whispering angrily in Terran.
- Just what do you think you're doing? You want half of Faerun hunting us?
She sent him a killer glance, for a second she seemed to change her mind and direct the magic against him, but she sighed, nodding slowly.
- Arrite, you do it then.
With that, she turned around and left. The stable hand watched the two tieflings a bit distrought. Mash sighed, and closed the door behind him. Not much later, a light thud was heard, and two figures hastily left town on horseback.
That night, they made camp in a little patch of woods, not far from the road. He went for firewood, she stayed at the campsite, sitting on a some rocks, and watching him work.
- Why did you stop me? - she asked suddenly.
- What do you think? - he frowned, as he began to put together the fire.
- He'll die sooner or later anyway - she shrugged - Now, or in ten years, what's the difference?
- To you? Nothing - he smirked, using a whetstone to spark a flame - But for us mortals, every single day counts.
- And yet, you only waste it away. - she sighed, flicking her finger and setting the campfire ablaze - There.
- Thanks - Mash grinned, sitting opposite of her, glancing into her eyes - So you think we are not worth it?
- You are entertaining, but not worth any deep emotions. - she nodded.
- So that's why..
- NO! - she snapped at her - Not because of some trifling matter like that.
- Then why? Why did you go away?
- I.. I don't know anymore. It was so long ago.
She seemed to be in thoughts for a long while, and Mash did not bother her, instead he put together a simple meal for both. After some time, she looked up at him, with a mixture of a perplexed and pleased look.
- Well, I'm beginning to think you are worth it.. a bit. But don't think about things that are not your concern.
- I try not to - he smiled - but both you and my Mir, you always find your way into my dreams - he pointed at his head.
- Ah, that does explain a few things - she nodded, silencing once more.
They ate their dinner without exchanging another word. They didn't really hurry, but also didn't really seem to enjoy it. After they finished, Mash set on the ground, settling his back against a rock, and stared into the fire. Mir seemed to ponder something, then spoke a few words in Abyssal, which he did not understand. There was a low sound not far from then, and a bit later, he heard the sounds of wings flapping in the air. He looked up, and a familiar figure appeared in the air, heading for Mir. The bat settled in on her shoulders, snuggling its head to hers.
- Tinard?? - Mash looked baffled - What are you doing here?
- Hey, this little one is my companion, is it not? - she smirked, and the bat noddled.
- Umm.. but..
- It's just you mortal, that thinks of them as two separate beings - the bat snickered in a mocking tone - I serve both, as both are Mir. As I have done for centuries.
- Wait, you mean that...
- Yes, Tinard was my companion long before it found its way to Mir again. Well.. our companion.
- And you knew the whole time where she was? - he directed his words to the bat.
- Yup. But - Mash could swear it grinned - You never asked me.
After that, the two changed to Abyssal, and he could not follow their conversation anymore. But in the end, the woman seemed pleased, petted the bat once more, and sent it on its way. Tinard made a few rounds around Mash head, before disappearing.
- Don' worry chief, I keep an eye on her for you!
Mash shook his head, and followed by the amused and slightly wry smirk of his companion, slowly turned in to sleep.
She only let them a brief respite in the night, making a small campfire at the foot of the mountain she led him to, then continued on as soon as the sun climbed onto the horizont. He followed her without much resistance, mainly because what she said indeed peek his interest, and was more then eager to know more about this one. Both for Mir and for himself. He couldn't stop but wonder, that no matter how far away the two were, they did share a lot of traits. She wore the same garments as his Mir, the same curvy and snugging chain, with the almost nonexisting lower parts. Her wings she kept neatly folded, and the only real difference he could make was that she did not put her hair in a knot, but let if flow freely behind her. But as he remembered, it was the way she used to have it.
Travelling with her was less tedious then he first thought. Though most of the time she did not speak too much, keeping her eyes on the distant landscape, marching forward never seeming a bit tired, the times she did engange in conversations, there wasn't much of her offensive behavior. For the time being, she told him, he was accepted as a companion, and as long as he did not try to break the collar, she wouldn't do him any harm. He mostly asked her what she had been doing since they met on the islands, but she only answered shortly, that she was wandering around, trying to get the picture again, to find herself after such long time. It was on the second day, that they arrived in a small settlement. She looked around for a bit, smiling, as she turned to him.
- I think we should be moving a bit faster, if we are to make it in this lifetime.
- What did you have in mind then? - he asked, quirking a brow.
- Horses, of course - she smirked, heading straight to a building, from which the sound of horses resounded.
She walked there without hesitation, looking around a few times, and nudged the entrance in. Inside, a stable hand was washing the animals, and he looked up from his work as the woman entered. Mash was close behind, and arrived in the nick of time, as she already raised his hand, and a small ball of fire began to form between her fingers. He slapped her wrist rather forcefully, whispering angrily in Terran.
- Just what do you think you're doing? You want half of Faerun hunting us?
She sent him a killer glance, for a second she seemed to change her mind and direct the magic against him, but she sighed, nodding slowly.
- Arrite, you do it then.
With that, she turned around and left. The stable hand watched the two tieflings a bit distrought. Mash sighed, and closed the door behind him. Not much later, a light thud was heard, and two figures hastily left town on horseback.
That night, they made camp in a little patch of woods, not far from the road. He went for firewood, she stayed at the campsite, sitting on a some rocks, and watching him work.
- Why did you stop me? - she asked suddenly.
- What do you think? - he frowned, as he began to put together the fire.
- He'll die sooner or later anyway - she shrugged - Now, or in ten years, what's the difference?
- To you? Nothing - he smirked, using a whetstone to spark a flame - But for us mortals, every single day counts.
- And yet, you only waste it away. - she sighed, flicking her finger and setting the campfire ablaze - There.
- Thanks - Mash grinned, sitting opposite of her, glancing into her eyes - So you think we are not worth it?
- You are entertaining, but not worth any deep emotions. - she nodded.
- So that's why..
- NO! - she snapped at her - Not because of some trifling matter like that.
- Then why? Why did you go away?
- I.. I don't know anymore. It was so long ago.
She seemed to be in thoughts for a long while, and Mash did not bother her, instead he put together a simple meal for both. After some time, she looked up at him, with a mixture of a perplexed and pleased look.
- Well, I'm beginning to think you are worth it.. a bit. But don't think about things that are not your concern.
- I try not to - he smiled - but both you and my Mir, you always find your way into my dreams - he pointed at his head.
- Ah, that does explain a few things - she nodded, silencing once more.
They ate their dinner without exchanging another word. They didn't really hurry, but also didn't really seem to enjoy it. After they finished, Mash set on the ground, settling his back against a rock, and stared into the fire. Mir seemed to ponder something, then spoke a few words in Abyssal, which he did not understand. There was a low sound not far from then, and a bit later, he heard the sounds of wings flapping in the air. He looked up, and a familiar figure appeared in the air, heading for Mir. The bat settled in on her shoulders, snuggling its head to hers.
- Tinard?? - Mash looked baffled - What are you doing here?
- Hey, this little one is my companion, is it not? - she smirked, and the bat noddled.
- Umm.. but..
- It's just you mortal, that thinks of them as two separate beings - the bat snickered in a mocking tone - I serve both, as both are Mir. As I have done for centuries.
- Wait, you mean that...
- Yes, Tinard was my companion long before it found its way to Mir again. Well.. our companion.
- And you knew the whole time where she was? - he directed his words to the bat.
- Yup. But - Mash could swear it grinned - You never asked me.
After that, the two changed to Abyssal, and he could not follow their conversation anymore. But in the end, the woman seemed pleased, petted the bat once more, and sent it on its way. Tinard made a few rounds around Mash head, before disappearing.
- Don' worry chief, I keep an eye on her for you!
Mash shook his head, and followed by the amused and slightly wry smirk of his companion, slowly turned in to sleep.
-
*hunvagy
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The new day found them on the road again, riding towards the rising sun. By the time he woke up, she was already up, cooking some coffee over their fire. To his surprise, she already waited for him with a ready breakfast, and even sent him a small smile, as he opened his eyes. Mash shrugged the thing off for something that happens to the most enstranged on long journeys, and ate his share, though his demeanor lightened up quite a bit. The two quickly proceeded, taking the road towards the Moonsea, after which the road to the Anauroch would be open to them.
- We will have to ditch these beauties after the Moonsea, though - she started up a conversation, as suddenly as she used to in the last two days.
- Hmm, you're right. Think we'll be better off with camels. Depends of course, how deep you want to go. - he nodded.
- Don't really know myself, I'll know when we are there - she smiled, her eyes at the far off horizont again - It's been quite a long time.
- Do you know just how long?
- Hmmm... - she pondered that for a while, before she gave an answer - No idea really. The mistress of the Weave might know, though, if you really are that interested.
- Heh.. she's on good terms with you, but I serve another - he smirked.
- Myeah, Tymora, right? - she nodded - Oh well, then "quite long" will have to suffice for now.
- Aight - he nodded, spurning the horse to go faster, and with a smirk he noticed the woman riding next to him smiled and did the same.
The two horses raced along the cobbled road for the better part of the day, taking their riders farther away from their point of origin. Both decided to avoid settlements as much as possible, for one the news of horse theft could travel far, and they didn't really need anything from the locals anyways. The sun was over most of its journey, when Mir signaled them both to stop. She let her horse dance in place, sniffing the air. Mash looked at her puzzled.
- You don't smell it? - she asked - Fire.
- No, not really - he shook his head, taking a good sniff himself - Which way?
- Right where we are headed. Let's proceed a bit more careful.
She led the horse into a slow trot again, Mash following suit. After a few kilometers, the road took them onto a smaller hill. She stopped on top, pointing to the valley down below.
- There you go.
Mash strained his eyes, looking at the noted direction. A bit farther ahead, at the foot of the hill they were standing on, he saw a great mass of creatures slowly moving around. From this far, it was like an enormous worm contracting in its sleep. Here and there campfires spotted the "skin" of the creature, making it glow in the fading sunlight. The muffled sounds that reached to them were of goblin and orcish origin, with a few low pitched ogre grumblings mixed into them. He shook his head, appraising the army below them.
- Just what we needed, some warparty.
- Oh well - she shrugged, a smile appearing on her lips, one that made him shiver.
- You don't really intend to go around them, right?
- Take the horse - she grinned wryly, standing up on the back of the animal, spreading her wings.
- What do you...
She didn't leave him time to finish the sentence though, as she jumped up, and soared towards the sky, her wings taking her higher and higher with powerful flaps. He just shook his head, and took the reigns of the orphaned horse, slowly starting to trot down into the valley. He didn't have to wait long, for the dance to begin.
Mir appeared in a deadly dive, right above the center of the camp. As she descended, both hands were filled with magical energies. From one, a huge fireball impacted into the number of creatures, sending them flying left and right, mostly in more parts then they were intended to be in. The other hand streched the fingers, and a buzzing swarm of magical missiles arched from them towards the ground, skewering the unfortunate ones that it touched. The camp was thrown into disarray by the surprise attack, and for a few moments, all the monsters could do was trying to get their bearings. This time was more then enough for her though. One after another, she recalled the arcane words from her mind, all forming into the deadliest forms of magic she had at her disposal. A freezing cone of ice hit the ground at one place, shattering the targets into bloody rippled shards of crystals, at another place the ground shook open, swallowing a dozen or more of the goblins standing above. Her dive was nearing completion, and by that time, she eradicated more then 2/3 of the warparty. Interestingly, she only went for the small fry, leaving the biggest and strongest of enemies more or less unharmed. Mash figured out the reason quick enough. She wanted to take them head on. Her last spell she directed right below herself, just moments before touching ground. A wave of deadly energies formed a whirpool beneath her feats, tearing out the life force of everything left alive there. She landed, stopping herself the last split second, just as the lifeless carcasses around her hit the ground. She grinned, and drew two rapiers, both flaring and sparkling with the elemental magics of fire and lightning. She glanced over at the nearest Ogre left standing, and pretty much bull rushed him. The monster seemed baffled, given the size difference between them, but readied itself and the enormous warmace it was wielding. She ran up to it, and the ogre flunged the weapon at her. Mir dodged with a smirk, and as the mace smashed into the ground, she jumped on it, running along the hilt, up the arm of the creature, with such grace and speed, that left even the watching tiefling without breath. She lunged forward, both rapier lodging themselves into the eyes of the monster, piercing the brain, and appearing on the other side. Then she did a backflip, and by the time the giant body fell dead to the ground, she was already on her feet, heading toward the next target. The "fight" didn't even last five minutes.
Mir stood over the sliced up body of the shaman and the chief, the two she left for the end. She was panting, and chuckling, as she looked around, and saw that none were left alive. She heard slow clapping from behind her, and she turned to face it. Mash stood there, with the two horses in two. He watched the blood drenched woman, and for a second, a memory he had seen in his Mirs dreams clicked into place. The smiling angel of death, with the white, black spotted wings drenched in blood, the yellow eyes gleaming with the pleasure and extasy of the bloodshed and the danger. She smiled at him, sheathing his weapons, then slowly walked up to the tiefer.
- How did you like the show then?
- Breathtaking, as it always is - he smiled back, handing her the reign of her horse.
- Huh? What do you mean?
- I thought you remember those things, too - he quirked a brow - How I used to call Mir.
- Mhm... nope, doesn't come to mind. - she shook her head lightly - So.. how did you use to call her?
- My deadly princess - he smiled, turning to get on his horse - And whenever we hunted, we called it her deadly dance.
She chuckled, mounting her horse as well, nudging it to move. For a second, she turned in the saddle, glancing directly into his eyes.
- Well, you did choose a fitting name, I think.
- Yes, you both pretty much proved that. And.. I think now I know when I met you for the first time.
- Oh?
- Yup, but - and he winked - that's all you need to know now.
- Meanie! - she chuckled, and pulled the reigns, making her horse race away from his.
- We will have to ditch these beauties after the Moonsea, though - she started up a conversation, as suddenly as she used to in the last two days.
- Hmm, you're right. Think we'll be better off with camels. Depends of course, how deep you want to go. - he nodded.
- Don't really know myself, I'll know when we are there - she smiled, her eyes at the far off horizont again - It's been quite a long time.
- Do you know just how long?
- Hmmm... - she pondered that for a while, before she gave an answer - No idea really. The mistress of the Weave might know, though, if you really are that interested.
- Heh.. she's on good terms with you, but I serve another - he smirked.
- Myeah, Tymora, right? - she nodded - Oh well, then "quite long" will have to suffice for now.
- Aight - he nodded, spurning the horse to go faster, and with a smirk he noticed the woman riding next to him smiled and did the same.
The two horses raced along the cobbled road for the better part of the day, taking their riders farther away from their point of origin. Both decided to avoid settlements as much as possible, for one the news of horse theft could travel far, and they didn't really need anything from the locals anyways. The sun was over most of its journey, when Mir signaled them both to stop. She let her horse dance in place, sniffing the air. Mash looked at her puzzled.
- You don't smell it? - she asked - Fire.
- No, not really - he shook his head, taking a good sniff himself - Which way?
- Right where we are headed. Let's proceed a bit more careful.
She led the horse into a slow trot again, Mash following suit. After a few kilometers, the road took them onto a smaller hill. She stopped on top, pointing to the valley down below.
- There you go.
Mash strained his eyes, looking at the noted direction. A bit farther ahead, at the foot of the hill they were standing on, he saw a great mass of creatures slowly moving around. From this far, it was like an enormous worm contracting in its sleep. Here and there campfires spotted the "skin" of the creature, making it glow in the fading sunlight. The muffled sounds that reached to them were of goblin and orcish origin, with a few low pitched ogre grumblings mixed into them. He shook his head, appraising the army below them.
- Just what we needed, some warparty.
- Oh well - she shrugged, a smile appearing on her lips, one that made him shiver.
- You don't really intend to go around them, right?
- Take the horse - she grinned wryly, standing up on the back of the animal, spreading her wings.
- What do you...
She didn't leave him time to finish the sentence though, as she jumped up, and soared towards the sky, her wings taking her higher and higher with powerful flaps. He just shook his head, and took the reigns of the orphaned horse, slowly starting to trot down into the valley. He didn't have to wait long, for the dance to begin.
Mir appeared in a deadly dive, right above the center of the camp. As she descended, both hands were filled with magical energies. From one, a huge fireball impacted into the number of creatures, sending them flying left and right, mostly in more parts then they were intended to be in. The other hand streched the fingers, and a buzzing swarm of magical missiles arched from them towards the ground, skewering the unfortunate ones that it touched. The camp was thrown into disarray by the surprise attack, and for a few moments, all the monsters could do was trying to get their bearings. This time was more then enough for her though. One after another, she recalled the arcane words from her mind, all forming into the deadliest forms of magic she had at her disposal. A freezing cone of ice hit the ground at one place, shattering the targets into bloody rippled shards of crystals, at another place the ground shook open, swallowing a dozen or more of the goblins standing above. Her dive was nearing completion, and by that time, she eradicated more then 2/3 of the warparty. Interestingly, she only went for the small fry, leaving the biggest and strongest of enemies more or less unharmed. Mash figured out the reason quick enough. She wanted to take them head on. Her last spell she directed right below herself, just moments before touching ground. A wave of deadly energies formed a whirpool beneath her feats, tearing out the life force of everything left alive there. She landed, stopping herself the last split second, just as the lifeless carcasses around her hit the ground. She grinned, and drew two rapiers, both flaring and sparkling with the elemental magics of fire and lightning. She glanced over at the nearest Ogre left standing, and pretty much bull rushed him. The monster seemed baffled, given the size difference between them, but readied itself and the enormous warmace it was wielding. She ran up to it, and the ogre flunged the weapon at her. Mir dodged with a smirk, and as the mace smashed into the ground, she jumped on it, running along the hilt, up the arm of the creature, with such grace and speed, that left even the watching tiefling without breath. She lunged forward, both rapier lodging themselves into the eyes of the monster, piercing the brain, and appearing on the other side. Then she did a backflip, and by the time the giant body fell dead to the ground, she was already on her feet, heading toward the next target. The "fight" didn't even last five minutes.
Mir stood over the sliced up body of the shaman and the chief, the two she left for the end. She was panting, and chuckling, as she looked around, and saw that none were left alive. She heard slow clapping from behind her, and she turned to face it. Mash stood there, with the two horses in two. He watched the blood drenched woman, and for a second, a memory he had seen in his Mirs dreams clicked into place. The smiling angel of death, with the white, black spotted wings drenched in blood, the yellow eyes gleaming with the pleasure and extasy of the bloodshed and the danger. She smiled at him, sheathing his weapons, then slowly walked up to the tiefer.
- How did you like the show then?
- Breathtaking, as it always is - he smiled back, handing her the reign of her horse.
- Huh? What do you mean?
- I thought you remember those things, too - he quirked a brow - How I used to call Mir.
- Mhm... nope, doesn't come to mind. - she shook her head lightly - So.. how did you use to call her?
- My deadly princess - he smiled, turning to get on his horse - And whenever we hunted, we called it her deadly dance.
She chuckled, mounting her horse as well, nudging it to move. For a second, she turned in the saddle, glancing directly into his eyes.
- Well, you did choose a fitting name, I think.
- Yes, you both pretty much proved that. And.. I think now I know when I met you for the first time.
- Oh?
- Yup, but - and he winked - that's all you need to know now.
- Meanie! - she chuckled, and pulled the reigns, making her horse race away from his.