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Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 10:09 pm
by Deathgrowl
"21st of Tarsahk, 1350
Before we could even start walking, a patrol told us that Maiavel had been seen heading towards Skullport again today. So Quaraen and I decided to head towards Skullport instead. I told him I would be fine on my own, but he thought he might as well take Xuirin along and start heading back to the Ardeep if we didn't find Maiavel. Xuirin was done with her duties anyways and would otherwise just wait for Quaraen and me to come back or get someone else to escort her.
We spent a few hours in Skullport, but found nothing. I asked a few people again, but no one had seen her enter the city. Or even seen her since last time Kitten or I asked. So Quaraen and Xuirin bid farewell and set out to get back to the Ardeep. I decided to check out the tunnels near Skullport, to see if she was lurking around.
Oddly enough, it didn't take long to find her. I heard her voice as I was about to turn a corner. She was speaking undercommon. "Master Gaothratl! I was just on my way down again. That shadowdancer had been asking people about me. Figured I'd stay low f-" she said with an abrupt cut off, as if interrupted. No reply. Gaothratl was there. I had to take a look. But I wanted to hear if there was more before I took that chance. I also needed to make sure I had distant shadows in sight in case I needed to make a quick get-away. "Yes, master. I will return to Waterdeep and deal with her," Maiavel stammered. So she is going to hunt me now. A few seconds later, she ran past me without noticing me.
I turned the corner a few moments later and I saw a tall shadow on the tunnel wall about a hundred meters ahead of me on one side of a tunnel split. One of the tunnels emitted a blue-green glow, hence the shadow. I sneaked towards the tunnel and into it. There was a large cave with pools of a liquid emitting this blue-green glow. I made sure to stay so far back that I could see the end of the tunnel I had just come from. But inside the glowing cave, I saw a three meter, thin figure with long black robes. The robes had several eye and chain marks. The head of the figure had two orange glowing eyes, dark gray skin with a hint of blue, but that may have been due to the radiance of the cave. Six tentacles, two very long ones. A mind flayer. But not an ordinary illithid. Gaothratl is an Ulitharid. I've never seen one before, but it's unmistakable. Suddenly it turned it gaze directly towards me. "I can sense you," I heard in my head. A deep voice, causing me to get a head ache just by those words. A moment later, it felt like something was trying to grab my mind. I was losing control of myself. I refused to give in and by some miracle, the grip failed. I wasted no time and shadow jumped away from there, then ran towards Skullport. It was luck. I never want to meet that thing again. But now, at least, I knew what Gaothratl was.
I returned to Waterdeep and arrived at the Elfstone Tavern just as Emilia was heading to bed. She threw herself around me for a hug. I told her everything that had happened. Except about Quaraen and Xuirin, of course. Tomorrow I will have to find Lia'Nyeti and maybe Jardwim."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:37 pm
by Deathgrowl
"22nd of Tarsahk, 1350
I went to the Blackstaff Tower today, to speak with Lia'Nyeti and found out she wasn't there. Apparently she had gone off yesterday with Melgior. And they hadn't returned yet. I had no idea where Melgior lived, though, so I headed to Relyar's place to ask him. As I approached his mansion, I heard clashing of metal, laughs and silly taunts from the garden. So I climbed up on his roof, sticking to the shadows and sat down, looking at the fighting. Relyar was practicing his sword fighting with another man. When they took a break, I whistled loudly and clapped. They both blinked and looked up at the roof where I was sitting. Relyar's sparring partner started to call for the guards until Relyar laughed and shut him up. "Don't worry! It's just my friend Nëa!" he exclaimed. "Are you sure, my Lord?" the other man asked, already taking something resembling a defensive stance in front of Relyar, narrowing his eyes on me. "Quite certain. If Nëa here wanted to hurt me, you would never have seen her in the first place. Now, give us some privacy," he said.
I climed down from the roof as the man scurried away. "Forgive my servant, Nëa. He's a good swordsman and offered to teach me when I told him how much I had failed against you!" Relyar said and laughed. "So! To what do I own this honour, my Lady?" He smiled and bowed. I couldn't help but laugh at his antics. I explained to him that I was looking for Lia'Nyeti and that she apparently had gone off with Melgior and so I was looking for Melgior's home. "Ah! They finally found the tone, did they?" he said and winked, before explaining the way to Melgior's home. Then he hurried inside and fetched an envelope, which he in turn handed to me. "Give this to Emilia as soon as you can, will you?" he said and winked again.
I found Melgior's home quickly enough. This was also a grand mansion with a huge garden. These nobles. I knocked the door and an elderly human with extremely fine clothes opened, then widened his eyes slightly as he saw me. I guess it has to do with my weaponry. "Are you sure you got the right house, miss?" He stammered cautiously. "Yes. I'm Nëa, a friend of Melgior," I said somewhat flatly. "I'm afraid my Lord Melgior is busy at the mo-" he started, but I interrupted him. "With the half-elf Lia'Nyeti, yes? Who is also my friend and the reason I am here. I have to talk with her," I looked at him. He was trembling, oddly enough. Then he nodded, lifted his index finger to indicate "one moment", and closed the door.
Shortly after, a window above me opened and Lia'Nyeti's head stuck out. She was trying to cover her shoulders, but didn't quite manage. Her hair was also quite messy and not in her usual practical pony tail. It was quite obvious what was going on. I could also hear shuffling with clothes from the window. I smirked up at her. She noticed. And turned bright red. "Am I interrupting something?" I asked innocently. "No! Not at all! We'll be right down! Just, uhm..." she stammered and looked back into the room. "Give us a moment!" Her head disappeared quickly in through the window again and she closed it. I went to the fine, low stone wall surrounding the mansion and it's garden and hopped up to sit on it while waiting for them.
It took a while, but they finally came out the door, both red faced. Lia'Nyeti had put up her hair in a pony tail again. But she was wearing a very fine, but somewhat simple dress that was just the right amount of revealing. I had never seen her in such clothes before. She didn't seem entirely used to it either. We found a private corner in Melgior's garden where I told them what Gaothratl was. Both being students of magic, they knew what an ulitharid was, of course. But they had little idea what the blue-green glowing liquid I had seen could have been. They had heard no more about Lord Bridern's escape or where he had gone, however. They got a bit concerned about Maiavel hunting me, though. So they insisted on walking me back to the Elfstone Tavern.
I handed over the letter from Relyar to Emilia, who opened it eagerly. And blushed. I think I've never seen Emilia blush before. She had been invited to dinner with Relyar's family. This wasn't even one of those balls she would take payment for. She was absolutely ecstatic about it and dragged me up to her room. "What should I wear? This? Maybe this?" she went on for quite some time. I could only laugh at her. It was still a few hours until she was supposed to be there. So just to make sure that Relyar knew she was coming, she asked Lia'Nyeti and Melgior to stop by Relyar's house and tell him that she said yes.
I helped Emilia get into a beautiful red dress that she had hidden in her wardrobe. "I bought this some time ago, but never found an occasion to use it. I saved up for almost six moons for it! Maybe today?" she smiled and blushed as she took it out of the wardrobe. It was really, really lovely. The kind you see only the richest of the nobles use. I guess she wanted to make a good impression. So I helped her set up her hair and put on some very light make-up. She is very pretty naturally, and make-up doesn't really make her prettier. But it does something to seem more sophisticated or something, I suppose. As well as bring more attention to her big, blue eyes. Making her look far more innocent than she really is!
After a couple of hours, however, Relyar came bursting through the doors of the tavern holding a note and having an expression of complete panic. "Nëa!" he shouted repeatedly, desperately looking around in the tavern for me. I was filling in for Emilia, and was serving drinks. He explained that someone had knocked on the door and left a note outside it.
I have taken the girl with the pretty dress. She put up a bit of a fight, so the dress may not be so pretty anymore. The rest of her remains pretty though, and will do so unless the shadowdancer Nëa comes to take her place. If she can find me on the right rooftop in time, that is.
- Maiavel
I felt the anger rise in me. To use one of my best friends in this way. Yaereene looked at the note as well and frowned deeply. She sent out Pyrith to look for Emilia, then she looked at me sternly and motioned me to the kitchen. "Find her, Nëa. Find her and end this assassin," she said firmly. I nodded. Yaereene started casting spells to ward me, then enhanced my swords. "Go," she said at last. And I ran out.
I climbed up to the rooftops. The sun was just about to start touching the horizon to the west so I still had some daylight. I could see Pyrith flying fast around over the roofs of the city. I ran in a different direction, jumping from roof to roof, only pausing every now and then to look back at Pyrith. He was the first to find her. He used a spell to talk in my head. I turned to see where he was. He was hovering above some warehouse in the Dock Ward, shining with a blue light.
II had planned to save my shadowjump for later, but I was desperate. Emilia was in trouble. I used it to get as close as I could, then hid in the shadows after calling my shadow forth. Emilia was lying on the roof. Crying. Her beautiful dress was torn to pieces, making her almost naked where she lay. What was still left of her dress around her legs beneath her knees was soaked in blood. Staying in the shadows I paused, almost starting to cry at the sight myself. But I had to stay focused. I glanced around. Nothing. I listened intently. Nothing. At least not close enough for sound. Pyrith was still flying above me, though he had dispelled the blue light. He dived down and started to fly in circles around the area. Suddenly a green dagger-like thing flew after him. He dodged it and flew away. But Maiavel had revealed her location. I could see her. I moved as quickly as I could, staying in the shadows. She disappeared from sight again.
I moved over to the roof Emilia was on. Maiavel appeared next to Emilia, holding her up and placing her longsword like green thing in front of her throat. Emilia gasped, then winced in pain. I couldn't take any chances. "I know you are here, shadowdancer," Maiavel said coldly and grinned. I stepped out of the shadows. "Drop your swords," she said. I dropped them. Told her to let Emilia go and I would take the place. I walked closer, leaving my swords behind me, holding my hands in view. As I came close enough she dropped Emilia and placed her sword at my throat.
My shadow rose up through the roof behind Maiavel. I couldn't help but grin ever so slightly and look behind her. Emilia was lying on the roof again, trembling in fear and pain. She saw the shadow that stood behind Maiavel and screamed. Maiavel got distracted. I stepped back. My shadow hit her, it touch draining her strength and she shuddered. I kicked her away from Emilia, then ran towards my swords and picked them up. Maiavel hissed towards me and started moving towards Emilia, hiding in the shadows as she did. My shadow wouldn't be able to notice her. But I could reach her before she got to Emilia if I ran. And so I did. As expected though, Maiavel used the opportunity to strike at me. I dodged, her blade glanced off on all the wards Yaereene had put on me and I vanished into the shadows.
It was my turn. I stabbed at her, with all my rage for what she had done to my friend. My shadow slammed at her as well. She had been warded as well. But not well enough. I cut her arms and even her neck a few times, but not fatally. She responded by hacking away at me. She managed to cut my arm, making me shudder at the pain, but I refused to falter. I stepped away and slipped into the shadows again. This time I wouldn't miss. I drove my swords into each of her shoulders, she fell to a knee, no longer having much strength left from the punishment of my shadow's touch. Then I placed a sword between her eyes.
I glared at the body as the life faded from her eyes. I couldn't help but feel terrible. She was an elf, after all. But she had abandoned our ways and become evil. Serving a mind flayer. An ulitharid. She wasn't my sister. I pulled out the sword from her and dropped it on the roof, quickly dismissing my shadow without Emilia noticing that it had fought on my side. Then I sat down next to Emilia, picking her up and cradling her head. And crying. Both of us.
Pyrith landed next to me after a few moments. And I heard Relyar's voice from the street calling out for us. I checked Emilia's legs. Her heels had been cut and her leg muscles stabbed so she couldn't walk. Relyar soon came climbing up with the help of a ladder, then threw a blanket he had carried around Emilia. "We need to get her down from h-" he started then blinked as he saw the dead assassin a bit further away on the roof. I simply nodded.
We got her down from the roof, slowly, and Relyar carried her back to the Elfstone Tavern. My arm was starting to sting quite badly and I remembered the wound. But it didn't feel poisoned this time. Yaereene wasted no time and properly bandaged Emilia first and made her drink a cure potion. Then put a bandage on my arm. Relyar then carried Emilia up to her bed and left the room so Yaereene could get her out of the ruined dress while I cleaned my swords and face. And took a few minutes to calm down. Relyar got one of the rooms further down the hall to sleep in for the night as he wanted to be here in the morning.
When I came into the room, Emilia was still crying. She reached out her hands to me as I got out of my clothes and gear. I leaned over to give her a hug. But she dragged me down and wouldn't let me go. "Don't leave me," she stammered through her tears and sobs. Now she is sleeping, still embracing me. But at least she is sleeping. I think I may find some reverie as well."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 5:28 pm
by Deathgrowl
"23rd of Tarsahk, 1350
I came out of reverie crying. I couldn't control it. Relived the memory of the fight over and over. I killed an elf. I had no choice, and she was evil through and through. But it is still painful to think about. At the same time, I am glad I managed to save Emilia. Who was still sleeping and holding around me. I tried to move, but almost woke her up, and I didn't want that. She needed rest. It will take some time for her, poor girl. And I can't help but feel guilty of bringing her into this.
I needed rest as well, though, so I didn't mind lying there for a few more hours. When she finally woke, she looked at me confused, then probably felt the pain in her legs and winced. She let me go and sat up to look at her legs. The bandages needed changing. Then she burst into tears again. I sat down next to her and she hugged me tighly again. She said she didn't remember much of what happened and wanted me to tell her. I just said I would tell her later, after she had got something to eat and Yaereene had changed the bandages.
Relyar knocked the door. He had probably heard us waking up. I put on a light, simple dress, then fetched a similar one from Emilia's wardrobe and helped her put it on before letting Relyar in. He had to carry her downstairs. Yaereene was already waiting, ready to change bandages. Her hands are very steady and gentle, but Emilia couldn't help wincing in pain every round the bandage was wrapped around her legs. Afterwards, Yaereene changed the bandage on my arm, but it was healing quickly. The cut wasn't deep. Emilia was looking very, very pale from all the blood loss. So Yaereene made sure to bring the best possible breakfast she could.
Lia'Nyeti and Melgior came by during the day. As we all sat around our usual table, the two of them held hands and looked very much in love. This cheered Emilia up some and me as well. Lia'Nyeti and I spoke a bit in private, however. The Watch had found Maiavel's body on a roof and seen the eye and chain badge on her arm, so I should expect to hear from Jardwim soon. She also told me there was no news on where Lord Bridern might be, but she thought he had perhaps reunited with the Bull Elk tribe.
I feel I'll have to step in for Emilia at the tavern for a few days. I did today. I also need to get her a new dress. She had saved so long for that one. Maybe Relyar would be willing to help pay for it. He's a noble after all. And I need to have my adventuring clothes fixed. I will delay any further investigation a few days though. To calm down. And to be with Emilia when she needs me.
Relyar will stay tonight as well, and Melgior and Lia'Nyeti promised to come for breakfast tomorrow. Emilia went to sleep even before the tavern closed today, and she seems to be sleeping a bit uneasily now. But at least she's sleeping. I pray the Dark Maiden will let me relive some other memories tonight."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:17 pm
by Deathgrowl
"24th of Tarsahk, 1350
Emilia actually smiled as Relyar carried her down the stairs today and sat her down at our usual table where Melgior and Lia'Nyeti was already sitting. To get a bit more practice at Emilia's work before the tavern opened, I decided to be the one to serve the breakfast, even though Yaereene really did most of the work preparing it. Emilia kept teasing me about having to do her work. Though she also thanked me a lot, since she knew I've decided to fill in for her because I care. Not because anyone forces me. "Remember to this" and "don't forget that". "I always do it like this," she said and explained her way of working, keeping a constant grin at me. But whenever the conversation slowed and people became quiet, she was staring blankly at the table. She still needs time.
Jardwim came when I was washing dishes. "Quite the change from slaying psionic assassins on rooftops," he remarked and chuckled as he came into the kitchen and saw me at work. I smirked at him. "A welcome one," I replied. He then told me that he and his group was greatful for my help so far. He realized I needed a few days to gather myself, and I really do, but told me to seek him out when I was ready. He had some new information, but didn't want to share it here and not until I was ready. Intriguing!
Emilia sleeps peacefully tonight. There's a hint of a smile on her lips as she softly breathes. She's stronger than she realizes."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 10:35 pm
by Deathgrowl
"25th of Tarsahk, 1350
It's been a good day. Emilia has started to walk a bit again, though she leans to whatever she can, using her arms to support her and stay up. She smiles more as well. But she keeps staring blankly into the air, lost in thoughts every now and then. And she was crying when I came in to the bedroom tonight, though she seemed to try hiding it. I didn't press her on it. I'm glad she is getting better, though.
Relyar went home tonight, but promised to come back tomorrow. I suppose he needed a change of clothes or something. He also kind of hinted that he wanted to take Emilia to his estate, to stay there for a few nights. But Emilia, without saying anything, didn't seem to want to go anywhere at all for now. But I have to return to the Ardeep for a few days soon, and I think it would be good for her to stay with Relyar. If the relationship they have is any serious, at least. She would be safe there, and she would probably even feel safe there. Not that she's not safe here, with Yaereene and Pyrith. There are few places safer, really.
Tomorrow I'm going to go look for a new, beautiful dress for Emilia. Tailored for her, of course, I just need to find a design first. And I have to lure Relyar away from her a bit to ask him if he wants to help paying for it."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2014 10:55 pm
by Deathgrowl
"26th of Tarsahk, 1350
Relyar came to the tavern before Emilia woke up today, so I got to talk with him about the dress. He thought it was a good idea and would gladly pay it entirely. But I want to pay as well, so we agreed to pay half each. After having spoken with him, I went up to wake Emilia and tell her Relyar had arrived, before leaving them alone in her room and going to look for a dress. I need to find out what her measures are without telling her why.
My curiosity got the better of me today, though, and I decided to seek out Jardwim and tell him I was ready. He informed me that the Bull Elk tribe had began acting up again. He needed me to find out what they were doing and if Lord Bridern was hiding among them somehow. He gave me a few key locations to look for them. In taverns, outside the city walls and in the sewers. "We have no shadowdancers in the Gray Hands and we could certainly use one!" he said in the end. Hinting at giving me the choice of joining them. I don't think I want to. But this is why he wanted me to look at the Bull Elk tribe. Meanwhile the other Gray Hands would look for and deal with Gaothratl. Or at least get the artifact back to the Blackstaff Tower. I won't start looking for them today, but I'll at least go find Kitten tomorrow and ask if she knows anything.
I found a lovely design for a dress at one of the tailors the nobles go to. A red dress with gold and silver threads in it. She's going to love it. Now I just need the measurements. Maybe while she sleeps? I could also take one of the other, simpler, tailored dresses she has that I know fit her perfectly and measure those. It's going to be a fun night!"
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2014 11:28 pm
by Deathgrowl
"27th of Tarsahk, 1350
I managed to get most of the measurements of Emilia from one of her dresses last night, but the dress is from memory somewhat loose around her breasts. Not that her breasts are small! Quite the contrary! Anyways, I spent almost an hour trying to get her to roll over the measuring band without waking her and in the right place so I could take the right measures. Very difficult! But I managed in the end. I told Relyar about this in the morning and he could barely keep a straight face as Emilia came down the stairs.
I set out to deliver the measurements soon after breakfast, then went to find Kitten. Knowing her, of course, she was probably still not awake. She spends nights in taverns in the docks acting as a dancer. Sort of like me, except I actually am a dancer. The men in the docks don't care if you can dance or not, though. Not that she's bad at dancing. She's decent. But she's a better spy.
I did find her after a couple of hours, however, eating breakfast in a tavern in the Docks. Or maybe lunch would be a more appropriate word. She looked very tired. She just grunted at me when I sat down next to her and said hello. That made me laugh, which in turn made her laugh. We spent some time just chatting about things. I told her about how I had taken measures and ordered a dress for Emilia, and such.
To our surprise, Chief Hagar and two other men came in and sat down at a table not far from us. I kept my hood up, covering my hair and looking away so they wouldn't recognize me. Unfortunately they were in the middle of their conversation, so I didn't catch everything. They talked about having just moved Lord Bridern and now they had to find me, of all people. They had found out that I was the one who had dealt with Maiavel. Apparently, they had planned to capture Maiavel and get her to tell them where the other artifact was. Now they were hoping I knew. So they're going to capture me. Kitten was concerned afterwards and told me she would come to me directly if she learned anything new.
Well, I'm going to be harder to capture. But I suppose I should tell Lia'Nyeti about this. And Yaereene. I'll not tell Emilia just yet. I don't want to burden her with any more. I hope they aren't as cruel and will try to use her against me as well. Perhaps it would be better if I actually went to them. Agreed to talk. But on my terms. I have to think about this. And get some advice. But from who?"
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2014 5:12 pm
by Deathgrowl
"28th of Tarsahk, 1350
I stayed up and helped Yaereene clean the tavern last night after she had closed. I told her about what I had heard the Bull Elk tribe men say. She had a very concerned look on her face afterwards. Suggested I lay low for a while. Perhaps travel out of Waterdeep but making clear that I had left without telling anyone where, so that no one would come and harrass my friends about it. That these wouldn't be so stupid as to come at me one by one. And she's probably right. But I'm much too curious. And I can't just leave it now. Besides, I'm not going to engage them. Just spy on them.
But leaving Waterdeep for a while is tempting as well. Going to the Ardeep to see mother and father. Tell them about all of this. Maybe I could get some advice from father on this. It would take a few days to get there and back again, though, and I don't know if I have the time for that. And I can't spend time thinking about what I should do.
Lia'Nyeti was of different opinion, though. She agreed that I should just go to them before they actually start hunting for me. Find a way to talk with them on my terms. She suggested that I'd try to set up a meeting with them somewhere near guards. In the middle of the day. This wasn't a bad idea. So I told her I would try to arrange that. But I also wanted her and Melgior to be nearby in case I needed help. She agreed. We decided that we would try to arrange this for tomorrow at high sun. And in the middle of the Market. Sit down at one of the tables with benches where people sat down to eat and drink various things they bought at the market. Or just sit down to rest.
After my meeting with Lia'Nyeti, I went to the Dock Ward to look for Bull Elk tribe members. Bull Elk tribesmen? Anyways, they often spend time in the taverns there. But unless they talk about the tribe, they're a bit hard to recognize unless I've actually seen them before. They just look like regular thugs usually. Dirty faces and hands, wearing leather, carrying axes, clubs or worn-out swords. So in the end, I had to resort to actually asking.
I kept to the shadows, then whispered to them as they exited taverns. The first seven pairs or groups I asked just ran away. Then three men looking like they could belong to the tribe came out of a tavern. All of them were pretty much sober from what I could tell. It was still just the afternoon, so maybe they just hadn't had enough to drink yet. "Hello, I am looking for members of the Bull Elk tribe," I whispered from the shadows. They all grabbed for their swords, one of them even unsheathed his, and stared wide-eyed around. "Who's there?!" the one with the unsheathed sword shouted, pointing his sword in random directions. I walked a bit away. Out of reach. Then stepped out of the shadows. "I'm Nëa. If you're the people I'm looking for, you've probably heard my name before," I explained. All three whirled around and stared at me. The man with unsheathed sword pointed it directly at me. But he was fifteen meters away. They looked at me. Then at each other. Then back at me. "Why are you looking for us?" one of them asked. "Because Hagar has told you to hunt me. You can tell him that I will meet him in the Market at High Sun tomorrow if he wants," I said. I didn't care about the reply. I wasn't there to have a conversation. So I shadow jumped away.
As I entered the Elfstone Tavern again, Emilia had seen me coming and threw her arms around me in a surprise hug. I blinked and looked around. On our usual table, lay the dress I had ordered. Apparently that tailor shop was very efficient. Emilia was crying and smiling at the same time. "Thank you, thank you! I love you!" she kept saying to me. Relyar was sitting near the table, laughing at the scene. "I'm going to Relyar's place tomorrow evening for dinner. Can you take me there?" Emilia asked. I nodded and smiled as reassuringly as I could. Of course I could. I would even insist on it this time. Relyar smiled at my silent reply.
Now, she's sleeping in her bed with a wide smile on her face. Tomorrow will be the best day in quite a while for her. I will make sure nothing bad happens to her."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 7:29 pm
by Deathgrowl
"29th of Tarsahk, 1350
I met Lia'Nyeti and Melgior early at the Market. I wanted to keep them out of sight. But Melgior insisted on warding me first, so we went into an alley to avoid being seen casting magic. Afterwards the two of them went to buy some cakes and something to drink. I sat down at a table at one end of the sitting area. They chose another, not right next to me, but not too far away.
It was a warm day. No clouds on the sky, no wind at all. I had my hood pulled down so they would recognize me, but it was still pretty warm with my dark clothes. I sat there wishing I had put on something less covering. Then again, that's maybe not the kind of attraction I wanted today! Still, sitting there for over an hour was boring and hot. It was already quite past high sun and I was just about to stand up and walk off. I figured Hagar didn't want to see me after all.
Then I heard some heavy foot steps behind me. People who had previously spoken, shut up and some even gasped. I almost jumped at the thud of a heavy, huge axe being leaned towards the table I sat at. Then Chief Hagar sat down at the bench opposite of me with a somewhat annoyed sigh. "So what is it you want, little fairy?" he almost growled. I smiled at him. "I hear you're looking for me after what happened to the soulknife assassin," I whispered. "So I should be the one to ask that question. What is it you want, Blue Bear?" He frowned at that and let out a low growl, obviously not very happy about meeting me this way. Even more unhappy that I had actually learned that they wanted to capture me in the first place.
After several moments of thought and staring into the table, he finally looked at me. Firmly. "Do you have the artifact?" he asked. I shook my head. "Who has it?" I smirked at the question. "Why should I tell you? Do you know what it does?" I asked back. Now he got very annoyed and clenched a fist, before opening it again, closing his eyes and scratching the table with his claws. "It's just a job, little fairy," he growled low. "And you'll stay alive longer if you tell me who has the artifact and then stay out of it." I couldn't help but let out a laugh. Which made him slam his fist into the table so that the axe he had leaned to it fell down. And that made him even angrier. He growled loudly, making many people look towards us and back away. "I don't know who has it now. Maybe it finally ended up where it was originally intended?" I teased and shrugged. In truth, I had no idea where it was. Jardwim and his Gray Hands were going after Gaothratl, after all. And with their reputation, I bet they would get the articact back to the Blackstaff tower in time. I just didn't know how long. "Who had it last time you knew, then?" he growled loudly, no longer able to keep his rage in. It made me wince a bit. I know he turns into a big bear when he gets angry enough. Anyways, I had no reason to lie to him. Or even hide it. "Gaothratl. An ulitharid. You need me to tell you what that is as well?" I asked, trying to look annoyed. He roared and stood up, staring at me. He picked up his axe and stared at me for a little while longer. Then strode off.
I looked around. No one were sitting at the nearest tables. And Lia'Nyeti had stood up and nocked an arrow on her bow. I just laughed and waved them over. Melgior laughed uneasily as they approached. Lia'Nyeti put the arrow back into her quiver and sat down with an almost exhausted sigh. "I thought he was going to attack you," she said. "Never know with him. He has some serious anger management problems," I replied. Which didn't reassure her at all and it was visible. So I started to laugh again, making the two of them laugh as well.
I got back to the Elfstone Tavern a couple of hours later. Emilia was already in her dress, dancing around in her room as I climbed through the window. She jumped as she saw me. "Nëa! We have a door!" she exclaimed. I shrugged innocently, and she laughed and hugged me. "I love the dress, Nëa! Do you think they'll like me? Maybe they'll think I'm all noble until they see my table manners!" she said and grinned. "You've been at enough noble galas and balls to know manners, Emilia. Besides, you're too nervous to have bad manners. Tonight, you're to be one of the shy girls we always laugh about," I said and gave her a smirk. She replied with a pout. Then giggled.
We both went downstairs. It was still over an hour until she was supposed to be there, and Yaereene wanted to talk with Emilia before she left. Yaereene braided Emilia's hair and placed small red flowers in it. I swear, Emilia's eyes were literally shining when she saw herself in the mirror afterwards. I have never seen her so happy. I couldn't help but smiling widely myself. Then, after saying goodbye to Yaereene, we walked north towards Relyar's home.
We took our time, chatting all along, as the sun was slowly setting. I realized then that Emilia almost looked elven. She was still clearly human, but there was something about her that just seemed more elf-like than before. Maybe the flowers Yaereene put in her hair were magical? After so many years in Waterdeep, she has probably the same impressions of humans here as I do. They seem to be very facinated by us elves. The Fair Folk, as they call us. Some humans even seem to think we're all nobles. Maybe Relyar's family will feel Emilia is more noble-like now. I imagine Relyar has told them she's not.
The walk went without incident, though. She knocked the door, and a servant opened. He jumped a bit as he saw me, fully armed and hooded, only my braid sticking out of the hood. The sun had already sunk past the house roofs, so he probably couldn't see much else than the white braid sticking out. "Welcome, Lady Emilia," he stammered. She stammered a "thank you" in reply, then turned to me and gave me a brief hug before joining the servant in.
As I had promised to myself, I would make sure nothing bad happened. So I climbed up on the roof of the house across the street. And I'm sitting there now. It's a beautiful night. Moonless. But beautiful with the clear skies and all the stars. I will stay here tonight. I doubt anyone are going to bring harm to her. But I promised myself I would protect her. So I'll stay."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:46 pm
by Deathgrowl
"30th of Tarsahk, 1350
As the sun came up in the west, I climbed down from the rooftop and sat down on Relyar's stairs to wait for Emilia. I sat there an hour or so before it got very boring and people who walked past me seemed to think I was in the wrong part of the city. So I decided to entertain instead. Myself, mostly. I thought about Ameris back in Baldur's Gate and fetched out three vials of alchemist fire that I started to juggle. Then I started to sing cheerful songs. People started to give me amused looks, smiles and gathering in a ring around me. Then I started to dance. Now they began clapping in time with the rhythm of the songs.
After a little while, I heard the door of Relyar's house open. I turned towards it and several people came out of the door. Servants were staring out of the windows. Emilia came out, holding hands with Relyar. Relyar looked at me with some amusement, while Emilia just started to laugh. Next to Relyar stood two older humans, a man and a woman, and a younger girl. I figured this was Relyar's family. They clapped along with the rest. I finished my song, caught all the vials and put them away again. I bowed to the audience, who applauded. It was good fun.
After people had started to scatter again, I walked over to Emilia, Relyar and his family. "Mother, father. This is Nëa!" Relyar said with a lot of cheer. His father held out his hand to me in that human greeting. I took his hand and shook it like they do. "Good morning, my Lady," he said. A strong and stern voice, but not without kindness. And certainly not without humour. I also shook the hands of Relyar's mother and sister. "I've often heard wonderous things about the grace of the Fair Folk, my Lady, but this truly a stunning performance!" Relyar's mother said and smiled widely. There was warmth in her voice. She must be a very loving mother. And very honest. His sister is probably around eighteen years old. From my experience of human aging anyways. She looked very excited. Relyar presented them. His father is named Tolyar, his mother's name is Ragna, and his little sister is Marylia.
"Why don't you come in and eat breakfast with us, Nëa?" Relyar asked cheerfully after a few moments of small talk. I looked down myself. "I'm not really dressed for a noble breakfast, Relyar," I said and smirked. "That's fine. Marylia isn't either," he said and gave his sister a grin. She returned the grin by sticking her tongue out at her brother. Tolyar gave them both a stare, then looked at me and smiled. "Shall we then?" he said and motioned for the door. So I accepted. And they had lovely food!
After breakfast, Relyar walked together with Emilia and me back to the Elfstone Tavern. As soon as we came to the entrance, the two kissed and Relyar walked off again. I grinned at Emilia. She looked at me, blushed, then noticed the blush and hid her face in her hands. But she started giggling pretty quickly as we entered the tavern. Tonight she's been back at working. I have helped in the tavern as well, tonight.
But now, most of the patrons have left. Emilia is sleeping. And I'm going out to look for the Bull Elk tribe again."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 8:36 pm
by Deathgrowl
"Greengrass, 1350
It didn’t take long to find a three Bull Elk men. They were talking about the conversation Hagar and I had earlier. ”The Chief was furious after the talk with that elf. Almost strangled Trym to death!” one of them said as they walked along the docks. I guess Trym was another member. ”Asked us to deal with her if we find her, he did,” another one of them replied. This one was clearly the leader: He walked in the middle, his armour looked the finest, although clearly used. And he carried a sword that at least from the hilt looked expensive and well forged.
”Deal with her?!” the first one almost shouted. The two other men gave him a glare. He blinked some. ”Didn’t you hear she killed that magic assassin from Skullport?” he said more quietly. ”How are we supposed to take her out?” I paused for a moment, reminded how terrible I felt about it. But I told myself she had become evil. Yaereene keeps telling me that there probably was no hope for Maiavel. She hurt Emilia, and intended to kill me. ”Maybe the assassin wasn’t as good as they said. The Chief seems to think so at least,” the leader said.
They went on for a while, discussing the likelyhood of the rumours of Maiavel’s prowess. And then they discussed strategies for ”dealing” with me. They didn’t quite believe the rumours that I could disappear from sight while people were watching me. At least not without some kind of spell. Well, I’ll let them keep thinking that. But they never discussed what I was interested in: Where is Lord Bridern? And this Corkashvin? Where was the artifact? I followed them all night until they all ended up snoring on a table in one of the Dock Ward taverns after many drinks. No luck.
Today has been quite uneventful otherwise. Emilia is back at working, although she is still limping a little bit. She doesn’t carry as many things at a time when she serves now as she usually does. Think she’s still struggling with balance a bit. And I still help out with whatever is needed. I hope to hear from Jardwim soon, though. Or maybe Lia’Nyeti. I expect the Blackstaff himself must deal with Corkashvin when it comes to it. If it does.
Another night of stalking Bull Elks."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 9:12 pm
by Deathgrowl
"1st of Mirtul, 1350
I wandered the Dock Ward for about two hours last night, not even hiding, not having my hood up, so I could be identified. I got to thinking I should have just asked Hagar about it. He probably wouldn’t have answered, but it could be interesting to see his reaction. I was interrupted in my thoughts as I heard a sound in an alley to my left. It was an obvious sound. Because it was made again when I pretended not to have heard it, just walking along. They were trying to peak my curiosity and investigate the alley. They had set a trap. I decided to spring the trap. I could try getting them to tell me where Lord Bridern is.
I walked into the alley cautiously. Then further in. Now I could hear people coming out of doors behind me, climbing out of windows above me and turning the corner ahead of me. I looked around and found myself surrounded by six men in leather armour, carrying clubs, daggers, axes and swords. One of them, in front of me, was grinning and slapping his axe’s head into his hand. ”Well, well, well,” he started smugly. I kept my hands straight down, not making any move to get my swords out. I gave him a smile. ”You must be Nëa. A girl like you shouldn’t be walking into a dark alley on her own. My boys here can be quite dangerous,” he said as he walked slowly towards me. I couldn’t resist anymore. I smirked. ”But I like the dark,” I replied. Then slipped into the shadows.
The men looked around in confusion. ”Where did she go?!” one of them uttered in surprise, dropping into a combat ready stance. All of them did. I unsheathed my swords, then sneaked up to the one that had talked earlier. I placed my sword against his throat and came out of the shadows. He dropped his axe in surprise and his eyes widened, probably at the cold touch of my blade. And maybe the fact that I probably seemed to appear out of nowhere. I smirked at him, as he turned his gaze towards me. ”You must be Bull Elk men. Boys like you shouldn’t make threats in dark alleys like this. A shadowdancer might think you genuinely mean her harm.” I said, playing on his words.
He lifted his hands, indicating for ”his boys” to step back and lower their weapons. He turned to look at me. I kept my sword to his throat. No chances. But I kept a smile as friendly as possible. ”I’m curious about how Lord Bridern escaped prison. And where he is,” I said suggestively. ”We were never told any thing about that!” the man replied almost desperately. I put on a pout. ”Awh, so you weren’t here to tell me about that, then? I guess you were going to harm the shadowdancer after all. That’s unfortunate,” I said, acting sad and disappointed. His eyes widened even more. ”No, no, I’ll tell you anything!” he stammered. I sheathed my swords again and stopped acting. ”You don’t know, so you can’t tell me anything. But I’m not like you. I’m not going to hurt you,” I told him, then slipped into the shadows again.
I had no more luck that night. I realized now that Hagar, and maybe his closest ”officers”, if you can call them that, would know where Bridern was. Or maybe it was only Corkashvin who had got him out of prison who knew. So I went back to the tavern and got some reverie.
Today however, Lia’Nyeti came by with news. The artifact Gaothratl had taken was now in the Blackstaff Tower again. Jardwim and his Gray Hands had successfully stolen it from the ulitharid, but they hadn’t fought the thing. This was great news. Even if the ulitharid would still be a potential threat to many people. Maybe even the Eilistraeens patrolling. I should tell father about it when I get a chance. She hadn’t heard anything about Bridern or Corkashvin, however. But she expected that now that one of the artifacts had been found, the Blackstaff would be able to make a connection between them and find out where the other was. She did agree that even if the artifact was found, I should continue looking for Lord Bridern. So I’ll keep trying to find him. But by now, I think I just have to talk with Chief Hagar again.
Emilia cried again tonight. And it wasn’t because of Relyar. He had been here earlier today as well, and they has both been in good mood. She was still struggling with that night she was taken by Maiavel. I had gone to bed at the same time as her, and we had the normal girl talk, giggling and talking about Relyar. The talk quieted down after a while, and I took out my diary to start writing this. She suddenly stood up and walked over to her wardrobe, opened it and stared into it for a few moments, before starting to cry. I sat up in the bed and asked what was wrong. She said nothing, just turned towards me and came to sit on my bed, hugging me and crying. Now, she’s sleeping. In my bed. Again, embracing me. Poor girl. No looking for Lord Bridern tonight. And I’m completely fine with that."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 9:15 pm
by Deathgrowl
"2nd of Mirtul, 1350
I got up before Emilia today. Humans sleep for many hours, after all. During the night she had moved off me, but of course still in my bed. I was very concerned about her. I walked down to talk with Yaereene about it. She was already up, of course, reading her spell book. Pyrith was lying on the bar counter, yawning. I know I shouldn’t disturb her as she prepares her magic for the day, so I waited. Once she was done, she looked up at me and smiled. I explained the concern to her, and she nodded with a thoughtful frown. After a little bit of thought she suggested that Emilia should talk with the priests of Selûne or Ilmater. Get some councelling.
I walked up to the room again. Emilia was still sleeping, and I lay down next to her again, taking out my diary to read over things I had written down over the last few ten-days. A few moments later, she woke up and looked at me. She whispered a soft ”thank you,” closed her eyes again and kept sleeping for a couple of hours. When she woke up again she asked me about the words on my diary’s cover. She speaks elven, but never learned Espruar properly. I told her, but made sure she wouldn’t tell anyone, not even Yaereene. Phaedraee is my name. Nëa is my nickname. She smiled and said she liked it. I didn’t explain what it meant or that it is a drow name. But maybe this is a start that means I can tell more later. I hope so.
Relyar came later. That cheered Emilia up again. He suggested she could come with him to stay at his place for a few days. He would escort her to work and back again every day. She looked at me and asked me if I minded. Of course not. Maybe this could help with the trauma as well. So I didn’t suggest talking with a priest just yet. So after Emilia’s work, she went off with Relyar to stay at his place.
During the day, two guards came into the Tavern with a letter to me from Jardwim. He told me to meet stay in the tavern until he came to see me, which should be sometime tomorrow. So I’ll just stay here tonight again."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 8:43 pm
by Deathgrowl
"3rd of Mirtul, 1350
Jardwim came early today. Yaereene hadn’t even opened the tavern for lunch time yet. The big man knocked on the door as Yaereene and I sat drinking tea and chatting. I opened and let him in. His two large dogs followed in obediently. Yaereene calls them ”blink dogs”. They’re apparently magical, benevolent and intelligent enough to have their own language. Makes me wonder if they can learn common. Today though, they didn’t make a sound. Just lay down on each side of the door and relaxed.
Yaereene got up and started to prepare for lunch, and to leave Jardwim and me to talk. Jardwim sat down on a chair, turning down an offer of tea from Yaereene and looking at me. ”You’ve no doubt heard that we managed to get the artifact back from Gaothratl,” he started, his eyes following my cup of tea as I took a sip, then looking me directly in the eyes again. I nodded. ”I heard you hadn’t even fought it,” I replied. He nodded as well. ”You must be good if you can steal things from that one. It couldn’t see or hear me, but it knew I was there. Talking in my head, trying to control my mind” I continued. He nodded again, somewhat thoughtfully. ”Gaothratl tried that on our mage as well, but he was warded. We realized that if you hadn’t been able to hide properly from it, we wouldn’t either. So instead we lured it away. Strangely easy. I imagine the ulitharid is rather annoyed now,” he said with a slight grin. ”Which is part of the reason why I am here.”
He went on to talk about how they had all heard the voice of Gaothratl in their heads, asking them who had killed Maiavel. It had even tried to grab their minds like it had tried to do with me, probably to find out. Apparently it was now very, very angry and would try to find me. So Jardwim had the intention of killing the ulitharid before it got to me. But I had to hide until that was done, for my own safety. Remembering the voice and the grasp that I barely managed to resist, I couldn’t really argue that. I looked over at Emilia who had just come in. Jardwim noticed. ”Don’t worry, little shadow. We’ll keep your friends safe. But you need to go somewhere without telling anyone where. And I think you already have a place in mind. I will ask Lady Yaereene to contact you when it’s done. Shouldn’t take long.” he said, as reassuring as he could. And I guess his advice is good. I couldn’t protect my friends here against an ulitharid if I stayed. Better to draw him away from here.
Jardwim and his dogs left again, and I helped out in the tavern during the day. I told Emilia that I had to leave Waterdeep for a time, as that is where the case was taking me after what Jardwim had said. I didn’t know exactly where. But I made sure to say it loudly enough so it could be overheard. I repeated it to Yaereene later.
When Relyar came to walk Emilia back to his place, I took her to the room just to have a little private talk. I told her to maybe go to the temple of Selûne if she continued to struggle with the memory. She nodded quietly, then hugged me tightly and telling me to be back as soon as I could. And I will.
But now I need reverie. I will try to get to the Ardeep tomorrow. That means finding a horse or at least a caravan going south."
Re: Nëa's diary
Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 9:20 pm
by Deathgrowl
"4th of Mirtul, 1350
I decided to actually buy a horse. A white one, very cute. I call him Aritril, Silver Dancer. I don't know much about horses, but this one is quite young but well trained. I rode south out of Waterdeep with some haste, making it very obvious for anyone watching me, as I wanted whoever would hunt me to know that I had left the city. After a while I slowed down the pace so I wouldn't wear out Aritril.
Just a bit under an hours ride from the borders of the Ardeep forest, I came up on an abandoned caravan. Two horses was bound to a mostly empty wagon just standing there. I noticed some scorch marks on the driver's seat. Then suddenly two bald headed human men clad in red appeared on each side of me. Red Wizards. Both with the eye and chain mark on their foreheads. Their eyes were pale and blank. I jumped off Aritril, unsheathing my swords and trying to land on one of the wizards. He had to step out of the way, making him have to interrupt his spell. But the other one was still shouting his strange words. I turned around to see several blue light things travel through the air towards me. I slipped into the shadows, but they still hit me. It stung and burned. But I had managed to hide from sight.
The first of the wizards was already casting a spell again, and the other one started chanting just after. I realized they were going to just throw magic at random until they hit me. And I hadn't moved. I had to take them out. The first wizard was close enough to stab at, but I didn't know if I could take another hit of magic from the other mage. I had to take the chance. I had no idea what magic they were casting after all, so I didn't know if I could take both their blasts. I stabbed the closest mage in the chest until he dropped. I turned to look at the other mage, realizing I wasn't going to reach him in time to stop his spell. Then he stopped chanting. And dropped to the ground. With an arrow through his head.
I looked at the dead wizard who had almost completed his spell in some shock. Then desperately looked around for the archer. I saw a dark clad, masked man run towards the wizard. He stopped and looked at me. "Phaedraee! We need to away from here!" the man said. It was Quaraen! I recognized his voice. He unbound the two horses from the wagon, then climbed up on one to ride. I climbed back up on Aritril. "We need to ride to the forest where they can't find you as fast as we can. They set up this as a trap. I didn't know it was for you," Quaraen said as we rode.
I explained everything to him back at his place. Now he's writing a report on it to his fellow rangers. And I'm lying in his bed again. I really need to learn to control myself. But not tonight!"