Mashanie Fearshald

[*hunvagy]

//blame the guys at the hall of records.. took their sweet time with his papers xD

[*hunvagy]

I've been away only for a week, and even taht time was enough for some barmy to make Sigil a more interesting place. Not that I have any problem with chaos and to get rid of the 'ardheads, but there are limits. Not even the fiends of the Hells and the Abyss would go as far as tearing everything down around them. In that prospective, even demons and devils have more common sense then this Ashen person. I think I normally would have even let this whole thing slide.

Except for the little fact, that this hussy had the audacity to put a bounty on my love's head. Though seeing the amount of counter offers, and threats, including my own, it disappeared rather quickly. Still, when Hildmor told me, I just unsheathed my weapons, and started walking to the Armory. And when a Harmonium officer just asks me to put them away and come along, I can assume I did not looked pleased.

So tangled up in some mess again, and doing precious planning for countermeasures, as always. For a moment, I ran through my head how many invisible enemies we managed to get acquainted with. Actually it's a decent number, and will surely keep us occupied for years to come.

Seems this Ashen even managed to bring Hild out of balance, Mir and me had to argue for quite a while, to keep him from doing something drastic. Can't blame him though. So for now we help and try to solve this the Harmonium way, bringing her to justice through legal means.

*entry added a while later*

Actually, scratch that. I went through the documents for the trial, asked Hild for them. I think I'll go and buy a few vials of various poisons for the coming days. And maybe a scroll of desintegrate or two. And I'm going to need a jar as well, to have something to put her still beating heart into. I don't care who she thinks is, but I guess I have to show her what happens, if she touches someone I love.

[*hunvagy]

Seeing as how things fared in Sigil, it was a welcome change that we finally took our first steps to what plans we had been nurturing for some time. First the growth of our family, in the shape of VoR, a construct my love had been assembling in our home on Karasuthra, then our transition to Toril, to kick off the shop I left behind after my last visit.

Maybe I should have tried to explain that going through inside a vessel is a bit different, but even I had no words for that. As the Shade passed through the vortex it ripped into the reality of our new home, I felt my stomach going on a ride again. Then the ship went out of control, and I franticly tried to hold it up for as long as Mir gathered herself, and instructed the helm to keep us from crashing into whatever we were flying against. When we finally touched down, and I turned, I could see real horror in her eyes for a minute. Only once before was she so upset, so I did my best to comfort her. I asked if the trip reminded her of the summons, and she said yes and no, because this time I was there. Our little recovery from what happened was interrupted by a knock on the canopy. It turned out we landed in the middle of a bazaar, and the city guards were inquiring of our purpose.

After a brief interlude of explanation and a few moments of wonderment from the townsfolk, they helped us reach our shop, what we promptly got ready. It took a few days, but was well worth it. Signboard, a summoned Earth Elemental now wandered the streets to promote it, VoR guarded the inside, and I asked Mir to act as the salesman, for obivous reasons.

I went for a bit of food, and when I returned a bit later, I found her in the cellar. She told me we just had a customer, my former captain Karan came by to make purchases. So all in all, it was an ejoyable kick off, and I hope it will just get better. A little trouble did await us before going back though, I had to send another clear message to the thieves' guild of the city, in form of a dead spy left on the road to rot.

[*hunvagy]

For the sake of revenge

Following a tip from a celestial entity, Mir sent me to the Hive, to stake out a building that supposed to be the hideout of the Nar trying to take her. I spent there quite some time, before finally reassuring her suspicion, as one of them lingered about and entered said building. Then we planned and gathered our forces, until it was time.

As I led the team through the alleys towards our destination, I couldn't help but think that finally this would end, and the ones trying to take her away for me would pay their due. We had Ymerion, Danielle, Bergimon, Neri, Amaku and Maelfina with us, so I was optimistic. The front door proved to be too much for my skills, and even Ymerion couldn't dent it. Maelfina then polymorphed into a Fire Giant, and smashed through it, only to trigger a trap, that left her severely wounded. And even after that, it was still active, until Bergimons disjucntion made it disappear.
Inside, we were confronted by one of the binders, who sweet talked us for a time, only to use her clerical powers and incapacitate Bergs vampires. As Amaku charged her, she fell through the incorporeal illusion that was before us, and three Bar Lanugas appeard out of nowhere behind my love. She tried to evade them, but one got hold of her, and disappeared. I tried to banish the other two, and as that failed, we bluntly charged and minced them up.
Amaku ran forward deeper into the building, and tackled the next door, only to be greeted by another trap. Yes, I was full or rage as well, yes I feared for her life, but hells, at least once they could have allowed me to do what I'm best at. I disabled the trap, and we headed downwards.
We were greeted by a Falled Deva and a huge number of demons. In one of the cages, Mir was sitting. After some short talk, the Deva asked her if she's willing to stay, but after she refused, the creature dispelled all our wards, and let loose the army of demons on us. It was a short battle, and we all were overwhelmed by the forces.
They brought us before her, and as she was rambling about how futile our attempts are, Mir told us about the collar thats binding the Deva. Dani fired a spell, but did not destroy it completely, and as reward the Deva attacked her. I called for my shadow, but at the same time Ymerion lunged at her, and Neri fired a flame arrow, finally breaking the collar in twine, and releasing the deva. The powerful magic it unleashed sent the other minions back to their respective plains. As I was about to run to Mir, the demonbinders appeared, to finish the job. We all attacked, and the male fell in one big swoop, the female falling to her knees next to him. She tried to cast something, but Mir was faster, lunging at her and knocking her out.
Amaku tried to reason to throw the human into jail, but we all knew this could not end any other way. Mir made her stand, then gave her a headbutt which sent her to the floor again. Ymerion offered his blade to finish the deed, and Mir accepted. She chopped the demonbinders head off her body, sending the human to her final prison.
Amaku was quite displeased, but I could not care less. And if the 'ardheads try to incarcerate my love because of this, there'll be hells to pay.
All that mattered is that the story concluded in a favorable way for us. My dearest was free, in more ways then one... free of the Nar, and free from the prison.

[*hunvagy]

Days with mixed feelings and results are behind me. First, the joy of finally seeing her dream coming to fruition, as the ship builder nodded, accepting the starting payment, and construction of the ship began in the shipyards deep within the reaches of space.
Then, after our return a fated trip to the Abyss, one which left me with a sour aftertaste, and a realization that I rather had forgotten. Frankly I was more then happy when I heard about the Night of the Spirits, and we both participated in all events, which managed to drive the dark thoughts away for a while. And although I was beaten in all disciplines, thanks to Ales, we still had a ticket to visit a plane of our choice. And even as we tumbled back to our home, holding on to each other quite drunk, I knew I would have to find some way to repay him. It's the least I can do.

And beyond the portal, in the eternal darkness of Karasuthra it dawned me, through the haze of the booze.. I'd never let anyone else have her.

[*hunvagy]

The oddest of encounters

We just took a little stroll in the ever changing battlefield of the Abyss. On the top of the mountain, as we engaged the Balor, a squad of Celestials descended from above, though arriving a little late, as we just struck the demon dead. The leader of the bunch, a Solar, told us they had been sent here because a portal from this place to Mercuria had opened up, one that would lead the fiends straight into the hart of the celestial homelands. We offered our help, for the price they could give us was grand indeed, the Solar promised that their clerics would do everything in their power to return Chari to life.
On our way down from the mountain, a Hezrou approached us, with promises and a grin, telling us to turn our backs on the celestials, help them instead, and offered to return the paladin to life, too. But I only had to take one look at my dearest, and knew she felt the same as me, Chari would never forgive us, if she was returned in this manner. Still, the consideration was left to us, as the demon retreated rather hastily after Mir threatened him with a smile.
We took rest in the magical caves, whereas a portal sprung open, and the third party made its appearance. The Cornugon wanted to make a deal with us, too, and not suprisngly, offered the stars themselves for our help. His offer was better, given the events that transpired a few days ago, but still, wouldn't trust one as far as I can throw 'em.
The discussion was interrupted by the Solar, who had followed us, and a heated exchange of words ensued between the two parties. I grew tired of it fast, and taking out a scroll, I asked my love which one of them should take his leave. She chose the devil, so I smiled and waved goodbye, as I recited the spell of Banishment, rewarding the Cornugon with an express ticket home.
The Hezrou appeared as well, but met with the cold glare of Mir, he nearly wetted himself. Rightly so, as a few minutes later she turned it into mincemeat.
The Solar was both taken aback, and astonished.. mostly by the form she stood before it I guess, but as our choice was made, the most improbable party of fighters descended upon the protectors of the portal: A fiendling, a celestial, and a Balor.
The fight was hard and almost cost our lives, but in the end, the devils couldn't stand the joined assault of the creatures of different worlds. With the forces routed, I was free to place my explosives around the portal, then detonate it with a fireball spell. As it flew to smithereens, we all watched the play of colors. The Solar thanked us, ensuring our safe passage through their lands should we need it.
Though.. he's dead now.. but that's another story, for another time.

[*hunvagy]

In the comfort of our home, I made a simple play of the shadows, to show her the things that are to come between those walls. And the shadows, to spite me and show me my arrogance, showed exactly what is going to happen. I don't think she noticed, for which I am thankful. The shaking and the breathing I could account to the stress caused by the play, so it went well. I gazed at her a while, to calm myself once again, before we headed out to gather gems for her. At least here, amidst the turmoil of battle, these thoughts never get to me.

A new menace appeared in Sigil, and once again, without any driving force, or even meaning I.. we were dragged into the affair. The revelation of not being as sure as I was is both sobering and unnerving. There's no doubt in my heart, for there is no need for such, but once again, enveloped in rage and despise, I look forward to the day my whims get the better of me. As everyone else, this one dismissed my warning as meaningless. And as pretty much everyone else, I think he will be surprised. Even if the events of last night changed him, even if this time it is not a farce, I don't care. It was very hard to hold back in the Hive and not act, later it was overshadowed by the events that transpired, but the bloodlust is back. At the first appropriate time, I will end this ruse once and for all. Call it blatant and bare layed jealousy, I don't care. I had enough of people meddling with our lives.

The house needs to be expanded, we decided, after our first visitors pointed out the lack of guest rooms. With a hearthy meal devised by Fargul, we made plans for the next steps. We shall shape it as us, for us.

. . . After seeing the power of the Signer. . . the one thing she wishes for the most. . . I wonder. . .

[*hunvagy]

Our little family grew by another member again. It is strange, we always pick up strays, perhaps because we are strays ourselves. First there was the little mouse she fancied, then we made a run for with a toucan from the lab, Varas. The little bugger nicks every headgear in sight, and has the audacity to trade it back for fruit.

And from our latest visit, after I cast a reduce person on us, we noticed a snow white cockatiel in one of the cages. It only took a glance and a wink at Mir, to know she wants it. So I opened the cage when Mazey wasn't looking, then used a bit of fruit to lure it out. Since we were about the same size, Mir simply hugged the birds to her, and it grew fond of her in an instant. Under the guise of an invisibility spell, we slinked out with our new prize, to return to Karasuthra.

She named the bird Valko, apptly meaning Whitey in some language. It seemed to like the new environment, happily chirping along her shoulder as we neared our house. Varas at first was a bit jaded, turning its bun on us as it spotted the competition, but my love used clever diplomacy, enticing with fresh fruit, and soon both birds fluttered to our roof, to get to know each other.

I was scurrying around the city, when a messenger caught up with me, handing me a piece of parchment, neatly folded. He said it was from a friend and I would find it interesting and urgent. I took a glance, my smile widened, and I hurried off, to prepare for another journey. Just a few words on the piece of paper, but I imagined with a delighted chuckle, what impact it will have on Mir when I show it to her.

"It is ready to fly. I don't know what happened, but it is." - Zahn'tra

Now then.. lets get the Shade prepped, I have a feeling she won't wait for too long.

[*hunvagy]

On wings of Glassteel, to join as one

She almost forgot me in Sigil, so happy was she. After I handed Mir the note, she took her wand of haste, and left us behind in a cloud of dust. I ran after, chuckling on the way, and grabbed her, taking her in my arms to the Shade.

She had her ship, a beauty like the captain, and we had something more.. a new family. After she had her fill, and drained of all her power by the boost she gave the Queen, we left it in Zahn'tras hands to return to Garden, and I took her to the bath, and to rest. Though it was a small wonder she got any rest at all.

Then we had a run in with the elves from the race registration, in the middle of a slander competition with Karan. Thrond was about to smear them across the docks, when we chimed in, and as the way of my beloved is, soon both elves were on the verge of murdering us. But luckily they reconsidered there position, and left, but not before one last slander against Mir. I rewarded them by a quick shadow jump, and the removal of their pants.

Karan and Mir talk about many a thing, most of which I knew, or was partly aware. He also told us how to return to Sigil without using our own portal, not to displease the Lady. Some words were exchanged about Mir's children, which filled me with sadness, and a strange desire.

Then he asked us, if he could bestow one final gift on us. She turned in query, what that could be.
"To have you both join as one, in mind" - he answered.
None of us contemplated even for a second, just nodded to him in approval. He asked for our hands, and to think of a happy memory, that binds us together. My thoughts wandered to the day our Cozy Nest became home, the day I said the words to her. I saw a door then, an oaken door, her image carved into it. I stepped closer, hand on the hinge, as I opened it, there was a blilnding glare, and I could see her through the light. She stepped to me, as did I to her. I embraced my love, and as we stood there entwined, everything she felt or saw rushed through me in a torrent of sounds, images and feelings. I saw her memories accurate to the minute, I saw her barricaded past.. and most of all, I saw her eternal and everlasting love for the stupid tiefer that was me.

When I opened my eyes, I felt that I was not alone anymore. Karan smiled, and urged us to try our new bond, which we promptly did. Her voice resounded like a warm, blue wave of the ocean in my mind. And I was at peace...

[*hunvagy]

*Eerie, and deadly silence was all that he heard. After finally managing to get the last sodding berk off board, he led her to their quarters, to finally rest. He tried it too, lying next to her for quite a while, making sure she really was asleep. He had a lot to do. As he strode the deck, every step he found someone with a face he came to know by now, and it made his heart curl in pain. He noticed a silent figure at the bow. The Aasimar stood there, the breeze in his hair, staring at the bodies around*
- Sor..
- What, can't sleep, captain? - he glanced at him, without accusation, but his tone was cold as ice
- How could I.. I mean.. our friends.. - Mash let out these words without real power, fatigue finally catching up.
- I know, seen it before.
*he nodded, leaving the cleric to himself, as he turned to the bodies. One by one, he took them, one by one, they were carried below deck. To each a few words.. apologies. To each, a promise, of proper eternal rest. He didn't know how long it took, nor when the Aasimar silently appeared by his side, helping him carry the deceased from deck. He didn't even remember returning to her side, and falling into bed, seeking shelter in her warmth. And for the first time in months.. he cried*