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Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 9:36 pm
by Snarfy
Evermeet...
A subtle twist of my hand. A satisfying click as the door unlocks.
I swing it open slowly and peer inside wearing a wide smirk.
The candlelight plays across her soft features as she sits at her desk turning the pages of her book.
Her thin brows knit and her eyes look up in irritation. I know what she's going to say
"You could have just knocked."
I hover in the doorway, still grinning.
"And deprive myself the opportunity to annoy you? Where's the fun in that?"
A wisp of her golden hair dances across her face now, aggravating her further. She rolls her eyes and gives an exasperated sigh.
"Fine. If it pleases you."
I lean against the archway, never taking my eyes from hers.
I slowly, teasingly, raise a closed hand to the door and knock. Once.
Her irritated demeanor slowly crumbles, giving way to a mischevious smirk of her own.
She tucks the wayward strand of hair behind her ear, her brown eyes lucid and inviting now.
"We need to study. Just... come inside."
The door is closed behind me before she can finish speaking.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 11:55 am
by Snarfy
Under the shade of a tall Oak...
Her lithe hands flawlessly weave an intricate pattern in the air.
Translucent globes of blue flit around her slender form.
If she were a performer this might be a virtuoso. She is truly gifted in the art.
As much as I try to focus on the intonation and cadence of her incantations, I'm hopelessly distracted by the sound of her musical voice.
"What are you smiling at? Pay attention! You need to learn this." Annoyed, again. But she blushes.
I wave my hand dismissively, "I'll never be as good as you and you know it. Besides, I can think of better things to be doing with my hands."
"Oh? Such as picking the locks to the doors of countless elven maidens I suppose?" Coyly, the hint of mischief in her tone.
Clever.
I'm up on my feet and walking towards her now. I step inside the whirling blue globes and encircle her waist with one arm, spreading my fingers out against the small of her back. I reach the other hand up to trace a line through her hair just above her pointed ear, then slowly drag my finger tips down the side of her neck to her collarbone.
I shrug, smirking ever so slightly, "... perhaps."
Her mezmerizing brown eyes widen, then narrow. She reaches up with those perfect and delicate hands to double slap at my chest. She shoves me away with a laugh.
A devilish glint to her eyes now, her lips splay out into a wide grin of her own.
She reaches her hands up deliberately, then pushes her thumbs together, fanning her fingers out.
"Oh hells."
I turn to run, but far too late to avoid the small gout of flame that scorches my backside.
I race for the nearest shallow pond, her melodic laughter ringing behind me as I frantically wave my hands at my singed rear.
"Hmm, it would seem you do have better things to be doing with those hands, don't you?"
Gods, that hurt! But it was worth it...
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:29 pm
by Snarfy
In the muted lull of a starlit night...
Through a grove of pines and birch I flit from one shadow to the next.
My heart is racing faster than my feet.
I cling to my precious cargo under my cloak, my fingers squeezing the object through the black silk cloth I've adorned it in.
She's going to love this. The secrets we will learn, together...
A catch in my throat at the anticipation of opening it...
And the fear of being caught.
The adrenaline pushes me even faster through the night.
A stern voice from the copse of trees to my left, "And where might you be running in such a hurry? ... in the dead of night no less."
I'm skidding to an abrupt halt. The cold stab of fear in the pit of my stomach.
I turn towards the copse with lips pursed. A green cloaked elf in brown leathers emerges.
... damn rangers and their keen senses.
His wizened eyes scrutinize me from top to bottom... his vision lingers on the package I'm trying to conceal.
My mind races as I hesitate in my response.
"And what's that you've got there under your cloak?"
... gods damnit all to the nine hells...
"... it's a... a gift. For someone.", I manage to stammer out. It's not quite a lie, but it's not the truth either.
The wood elfs eyes narrow ever so briefly. He knows something is amiss.
My eyes scan left and right. The shadows beckoning me. A pounding in my chest.
"Mhmm. Gifts usually tend to be.", he says sharply, a dry suspiscion in his sharp voice.
Somewhat startled out of my futile visions of escape, "... wh... what?"
"... for someone. Gifts usually tend to be for someone.", he states rather directly, leaning on his fine polished bow now.
Frustration starts to edge in on the fear now. And irritation into my voice.
... I need to throw him off. Arrogant bastard.
"Brilliant, if a little obvious, assessment. Mayhaps even you might recieve a gift from another... if you could pull yourself away long enough from skulking around with the denizens of the forest that is. Now, if you don't mind...", I motion with my free hand in a mock grandiose guesture towards my original heading.
The other elf steps towards me... a little more into the moonlight, I can see his weathered skin now. His sharp, piercing, golden eyes. Recognition dons on me.
Gwynallyn... curse me for a smelly, blind, drunken dwarf...
One of the most venerable rangers on Evermeet takes another slow step towards me.
There is no malice in his step, but his wizened eyes are filled with foreboding.
I lower my eyes respectfully now. A sigh inward in resignation.
Gods, I'm finished...
"I've enough... gifts.. of my own young one. Enough gifts to not fall for such a blatant ruse at least.", his keen eyes harden, then soften a few seconds later. "But I'm going to trust... that you're up to no dishonorable intent, and let you on your way..."
Blessed relief washes over me like the water from that pond on my scorched arse.
My feet are already carrying me rapidly away and into the shadows when I hear Gwynallyns voice again...
"... this time." I pause, briefly, then self-preservation helps resume my flight. "Mayhaps you should learn to step more lightly, shadow walker.", his voice regaining a measure of sterness as it trails off behind me.
The edge of fear returns. An ounce of trepidation walks with me in the shadows now as I make my way to her home.
Trepidation. And doubt.
... perhaps this was a mistake.
I clutch the package tighter under my arm now.
I start to wonder if this gift is really a burden in diguise.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:32 pm
by Snarfy
In the flickering din of candlelight...
Her hands smooth over the glossy black leatherbound cover of the book.
She traces a single finger over the the etched silver elven writing and looks up at me curiously.
"This is a... manual of sorts?", her thin brows furrow slightly as she reads the cover again, "What exactly is Arcane trickery?"
I'm grinning at her eager tone, "This book elaborates on a technique to... well it gives a detailed means of fusing the arcane arts with the gifts of those that use the shadows. You see..."
She interjects suddenly, "Where did you get this Sjinn?". A growing suspicion in her tone.
She's using my nickname at least... that's a good sign that she's not too upset, and I should be able to salvage this.
"I borrowed it...", I say it with a dismissive wave.
"From where?", her tone deadly serious now.
I shrug, mustering as much non-chalance as possible, "... from master Rynalvith's study."
Her mouth agape. Her lips purse now, cheeks turning a lovely shade of...
"Is this even permitted for students to read?!", genuine alarm in her voice.
I reach down to clasp her delicate hand, my tone re-assuring, "Master Rynalvith wouldn't simply leave forbidden texts out on his shelf.... he probably wont even miss it. We can..."
"... we nothing. You... should return it. Straight away. Or has the fact that master Rynalvith is a specialist in divination completely escaped you?"
By the ... damnit.
The dumbfounded expression on my face confirms that that particular fact had indeed escaped me.
"I swear sometimes you are an absolute fool! When master Rynalvith finds out he's going to expell you... you know how he is about his texts!". The fact that she's lovely even when she's furious isn't completely lost on me. It even diffuses the gravity of the situation she paints.
"He wont find out! There was a centimeter of dust on the text... I doubt he's even looked at that shelf for a month... come now Viere, surely you're over-reacting." , I try to sound as re-assuring as possible...
Her expression softens slightly. The curiousity in her eyes coming back slightly as she regards the book again.
"... the secrets we could learn from it... "
She bites her lower lip now, her hands tracing over the cover again.
"... well, I... I suppose it wouldn't hurt to peruse it."
She loves magic far too much to say no.
We smirk at each other knowingly.
I move to sit beside her and we turn to the first pages.
The flickering of candlelight casts tiny dancing shadows over the elegantly scribed words.
Shadows that are mirrored by a lingering doubt that casts a pall over my thoughts...
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 5:52 pm
by Snarfy
While wandering in a moonlit grove...
We stroll contentedly across the glade together, my left hand intertwined with hers.
The hem of her full length black gown brushes over the tall grass.
My eyes are drawn down to the long slit up the side of her dress and the enticing view it offers.
She tilts her head towards me, a giggle escaping her lips.
"Enjoying the view?", she asks playfully while gesturing to the grove around us.
"Indeed.", I smile warmly, never taking my eyes off her.
She blushes slightly, then bites her lip, her beautiful eyes stare back into mine.
My stomach twists into knots.
I should give it to her now...
My right hand fumbles in my pocket now.
She regards me curiously.
"I have something... for you."
Gods I'm nervous. Quit stammering like a little boy...
A deep breath.
I draw her to a stand still, pulling her a little closer while raising the object to her face.
She gasps lightly at the sight of the jeweled ring I have pinched between my fingers.
A platinum band shaped into intricate ivy leaves crested by a star sapphire reflecting in her eyes.
She looks in wonder from the ring to my face and back.
"It's lovely... why... wait! Sjinn, where did you get this?", her tone half suspicious, half scolding, she pulls her hands away and places them on her hips.
Her reaction isn't a complete surprise to me, but still I burst into light laughter, "Relax! It was my mothers... I asked her if I could give it to you, Viere."
A chuckle and an audible sigh of relief from her.
I reach towards her hand and draw it upwards, placing the ring into her hand.
She bites her lip again, raising the ring up to admire it.
I pass my hand over the ring now, murmuring a small incantation.
The ring erupts with a fierce blue glow.
I smile knowingly at her stunned expression.
Her mouth agape for a moment, "What kind of magic does it hold?", her tone eager with excitement and curiosity.
I shake my head, my tone almost as excited as hers, "My mother wouldn't tell me. She only said that it was a powerful item... and that as we progress in our studies we would discover it's properties."
"By Selune, Sjinn.... it's beautiful. Thank you.", she slips her arms around my neck now. Our lips meet.
A long, slow, kiss.
... I never want this to end.
One of her arms slides down from my shoulder now, reaching into the folds of her dress.
Her turn to smirk at my curious expression.
"I have something for you too actually...", her expression inviting and playful.
My face erupts into stupid grin, "Oh, really?"
She rolls her eyes and laughs, "Not that!! Well, at least not here... and not now.", with a playful wink. "I have something else for you..."
She dangles a necklace in front of me now.
A silver rectangular pendant sways back and forth in front of my face.
I reach up to still it's motion, taking note of the engraving on it's gleaming surface.
"It's... it's you!", I exclaim with a chuckle, brushing my fingers over the dancing elven maiden etched onto the pendant.
She nods and smiles sweetly, then draws the pendant to her lips.
She whispers a single word in elven towards the pendant: Beloved.
As if time were replaying, a soft blue glow shines from the pendant now.
She clasps it now, pressing her thumb to the back of the pendant, and draws the back of the pendant towards her.
A small compartment is revealed, but still large enough to house a small key and a lock of her hair.
I'm the one biting my lip now. I take up the braided lock of golden hair and smile, running my fingers along it.
"Is this...?", I ask now, picking up the key.
"... to my room, yes. So you wont have to pick the lock anymore.", she says with playful sarcasm.
"Where's the fun in that?", smirking at her.
She laughs with light mirth, then places the contents back into the pendant.
She closes the magical compartment now, then reaches up to hang the necklace around my neck.
Her delicate fingers caress the side of my face lovingly as she lowers her hand.
A longing wells up inside me now. I look up from her lithe hand to meet her lovely visage, our eyes full of passion.
I start to reach for her but she darts away with a playful smirk...
... and promptly melts into the shadows under the nearest elm tree.
Incredible.
"You're getting really good at that you know...", I say laughing, then gaze proudly into the shadows after her. "One day you might even be as good as me. Maybe."
A small snort of indignation, then she chuckles as she steps out of the shadows, "Indeed. I wish I could say the same about you and your magical abilities..."
"You little.... oh, I'll show you some magic."
She's off and running now, her beautiful laughter trailing off behind her.
I give chase, determined to tackle her out of her mirth filled flight.
We run on through the grove towards her abode.
Carefree. Young. In love.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the path leading towards her house now.
Hands intertwined again.
Raised voices ahead.
I look to Viere, her expression perturbed. "It's my father... arguing with someone."
We drift into the shadows together, creeping forward now.
Within view of the verbal combatants, but not earshot, we watch the scene from behind a briar bush.
Cold fear stabs me in my stomach, as if a cold, sharp, blade.
Viere's father is arguing indeed. With none other than Master Rynalvith.
"You should go.", she whispers firmly to me. "I'll find out what's going on.".
"I ... I don't want to leave you.". My stomach is still rolling despite my proclamation.
A small sad smile from her, "I'm sure it's nothing... perhaps my performance in school is lacking or some such...".
She always was a terrible liar. "Not gods damned likely."
Silence from towards the arguing men now. They're peering in our direction.
"Go, quickly Sjinn. I'll be fine.". She kisses me swiftly on the lips, then makes her way towards the men while I cling to the shadows.
I clench my fists now in apprehension, watching her walk away. Wanting to follow her desperately, and wishing to run away at the same time.
... damnit. I'll just have to trust her...
I take one last look at my love as she nears her father and Rynalvith.
And then I creep away with the sole company of my cowardice.
I feel utterly wretched and fearful for Viere.
Some distance away I remember...
The arcane tome I had stolen was in Viere's room.
The previous pall of shadows is now a gigantic black wave.
It engulfs my thoughts now.
It crashes over and washes away mine and Vieres perfect day.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 5:49 pm
by Snarfy
Leuthilspar...
A frantic race down Diamond Road towards the harbor.
Anguished, and oblivious to the moonlight gleaming off the roads smooth crystal surface.
Running as fast as my feet will carry me.
Bereft of any care of attracting attention.
A letter clutched in my hand, her written words burning in my head...
... and the splotched ink which could only be made from the falling of tears.
... the book was inscribed with a rune of tracing...
... I am expelled from the academy...
... my father is furious with me. He's sending me away to Athkatla on a boat from Siiluth, on the morrow...
... how foolish of us Sjinn...
... at the harbor tonight...
... might be our last chance to see each other...
... why are they punishing her for this? Am I too late? This is all my fault...
Tears start to well, then stream down the sides of my face as I run carelessly onward.
I'm nearing the harbor now.
I can almost make out a silhouette on the shoreline.
Now the moored ships. And one moving rapidly out into the harbor...
I stumble, a new weakness in my knees.
Skidding to a clumsy halt, I wipe the remnants of tears from my eyes, my lungs burning.
I can see Viere's fathers unmistakable figure now.
Black hair sweeping into the wind, longsword at his waist. Facing the departing boat, hands clasped behind his back.
But he's alone.
No. No, gods no... don't send her away! I have to make this right...
I start to stride determinedly.
"You might not want to go down there just now...". It's Gwynallyn's voice. His firm grip on my shoulder, dragging me to a halt.
"... he'll likely run you through."
I stare straight ahead, avoiding his gaze, my thoughts a mixture of desperation and despair.
"What would you know of it?", I croak out, somewhat tersely.
A brief moment passes, the gravity of Gwynallyns words start to dilute.
The desperation takes a bolder grip of my heart as I watch the ship sail further out.
"This... this is wrong. They musn't send her away...". I start to tear myself from his grasp.
His grip does not relent, he twists me to face his piercing gaze.
"I would know a great deal of it, seeing how I overheard his conversation with Rynalvith...
... and watched as you skulked away. You have no place to speak of wrong in this matter!"
... he's right. But still...
"... that is why I must make amends. She... she will think I did not come, she..."
"... has already been sent away! What will you do young Sjinn? Will you also try to steal a horse and outride that ship to Siiluth with her fathers sword sticking out of your stomach?". His tone softens only slightly.
The gravity of his words, however, are not lost on me this time.
"What... what must I do then?". I look at him imploringly, genuinely.
... I will do anything. I will even leave this place to find her... I will leave Evermeet if that's what it takes...
He is starting to lead me away from the shore now, gazing to the wood.
"You must come with me. First we will discuss what you have done, then we shall discuss how you might make amends... and not be gutted in the process.".
A heavy sigh escapes me, and a single wracking sob as I peer back over my shoulder towards the boat.
A single, female, silhouette stands out on prow. Her figure outlined by a glittering starline.
... Viere.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 1:09 pm
by Snarfy
Tethyr, on the outskirts of Memnon...
The soft rhythmic sound of my footfalls on the dusty road now...
... as if some metronome guiding the tempo of my thoughts.
The minds-eye aflood with memories.
So much time has passed...
Fragments and flashes of the past five months play out with crystal clarity in rapid succession...
... my brief tutelage under the ranger Gwynallyn. His steady guidance and wisdom.
And the dissapointed look his face must have worn at my lack of reconciliation for my actions...
... and my inevitable flight from Evermeet.
... being unable... no, unwilling, to return to Nimlith to face my family and tell them I was leaving. To say farewell.
... the long voyage from home. Week after week drifting over a rolling blue canvass of ocean, hardly able to reverie. Seemingly endless days spent standing on that heaving deck, entertaining only the company of my guilt.
Staring eastward towards The Sword Coast.
... holding Viere's letter, tracing my finger over her gentle flowing script.
Reading the words, over and over, that described her forced voyage to the lands of Amn, and her intended journey to the High Forest. Then Everlund, and Silverymoon beyond.
... the moment that I had, finally, set foot on the far away shores of Amn...
... and that briefest minute of exhilaration and newness I had felt before I learned my journey would bear no fruit...
... that Viere wasn't in Athkatla. Nor would she be in Everlund, or Silverymoon for that matter.
... the mournful dread I had felt when I was told that her ship had not even made land...
My previous wretchedness was nothing now.
It paled in comparison to the cold and utter despair I felt when I discovered the fate of Vieres voyage...
... that my beloveds ship had been raided on the Sea of Swords by pirates.
And that she would likely, now, be in the hands of slavers.
Bound? Chained?
... worse?
My stomach twists painfully, my vision blurs.
I'm about to wretch.
Hope flees, again, instantly.
... stop this. Breathe. They took her to Calimport. You can find her.
At least that's what the shrouded figure on the docks of Athkatla I paid nearly all my gold to had told me.
... had he been honest though? That was no street thug. He was someone in 'the know'.
Someone with access to information. The payment I gave was significant...
he would have no need to lie... ... I try to reassure myself.
A long, slow, breath.
My eyes drift upward...
To a small city and a vast golden sea that stretches out across the horizon before me.
Memnon, and the Calim desert beyond.
I reach with my thoughts now, towards her, wherever she may be...
... extending outward with all of my empathy...
I'm coming for you...
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 2:26 pm
by Snarfy
The Emerald Way, Chondath...
I draw back my hood slightly now, glancing back over my shoulder at the road behind me.
The sprawling city of Arrabar falls away in the distance.
A rapidly approaching dusk and a cool breeze...
... the setting sun plays off of Generon palace in a dwindling glimmer of silver and gold.
My eyes sweep across a grand emerald forest to the south as I numbly resume my monotonous trek eastward.
... how lovely this might all seem. Under different circumstances.
I re-draw my hood lower over my head again, a months old habit now...
... born out the uncertainty of how the people of these new lands might react to one of my kind.
I wrap my cloak tighter around me, adjust the longbow slung over my shoulder, and bear onward.
From beneath my hood my eyes scan the periphery of my vision.
A heightened awareness growing in me as I walk now, I focus on acclimatizing my senses to my surroundings...
... dusk gives birth to shadows, and their presence gives me a sense of calm and reassurance.
My thoughts drift to her, a dull ache in my chest.
I brush away the melancholy after a few moments, instead choosing to focus on my new destination...
... Hlath, to meet some one eyed runt named Khurath. What information could this dwarf possibly have about Viere?
My jaw clenches in frustration.
The thieves guilds of Calimport were numerous...
... it had taken a week to procure the information.
... what that shady little hin told me sounded legitimate. They even had her description close... right down to the color of her dress...
The melancholy starts to rise again...
... then laughter, ahead on the road. It jolts me back to full awareness.
I'm up on the balls of my feet now, knees bent slightly in anticipation.
The shadows beckoning...
... but the laughter ahead echoes in my mind.
It's unmistakable tone, and the almost musical familiarity of it.
My heart lifts for the briefest of moments.
... it's an elf. And a female one at that.
There are two voices now, the other male...
... I squint into the dark, my heart is starting to pound.
I draw my hood back as they come ever so slowly into sight.
Three moon elves are staring at each other on the road now.
The rush of blood to my head subsides.
The numbness edges back in...
... of course it's not her. What bitter, fleeting hope you dare to give yourself. Fool.
The pair of elves before me, clad in leather armor and matching blue cloaks exchange a brief whisper...
... then step forward slowly, gracefully, and wearing carefree smiles.
The female tilts her head, her black ponytail drifts down over her shoulder.
Her large luminous eyes regard me warmly, and curiously.
"... Greetings cousin! What finds you here on the edge of the Chondalwood? We were expecting to come across our woodland or wild kin here, if any..."
I blink a few times, then draw breath to speak...
... but I haven't the faintest clue what to say. The words halt in my throat.
An awkward few seconds pass.
They exchange bemused glances now, the male stepping forward...
... his long blade slaps against his leg. He sweeps into a swift bow.
"My name is Elidyr, and this is my sister Ilrana, well met... are you... quite alright cousin?"
"... yes. Uhh, yes of course... it's just that it's been some time since I've seen another of your-- ... of our kind... and I've been traveling for days without reverie..."
Ilrana cuts me off with a giggle, "Pray tell, you certainly look it! And yet here you are, on the borders of this grand forest and newly from Arrabar by the looks of it. Oh! What is the city like? Wait... where are my manners? What is your name... oh restless wandering moon-kin?", he tone playful and jovial.
... how different these two are. Or have I been away for so long, dwelling in this dark cloud in my mind, that I've forgotten my own kind?
I almost blurt out my real name...
... and the shame attached to it gives me pause.
I wonder if these two aren't from Evermeet as well.
"It's... Sjinn.", I shift on my feet uncomfortably.
The pair exchange a curious glance.
The shadows whisper invitingly to me...
What is so wrong with me that I feel almost no kinship with these two? ... They're so carefree... and full of wanderlust. Did I ever feel this way?
Elidyr chuckles lightly now and shakes his head in bemusement, "Well then, Sjinn. Would you care to accompany us back to Arrabar and share in it's grandure for a short spell? You can tell us of your journey! Or perhaps a short trek into the Chondalwood to meet our wild-kin. I hear there are even towering treants that roam the fores-- ... "
... this is too much. I could not bare, or even manage, to relate such tales. Even if I wanted to...
"I should depart... ", I interject abrubtly. Unable to mask the confusion in my pained voice.
I nod half-heartedly in farewell now, and start to walk past them, drawing up my hood.
A dissapointed sigh escapes Ilranas lips as I pass.
My feet race to carry me quickly away from my kin...
... and to escape her musical voice as it dances on the nights breeze...
Catapulting me back into memories of Viere.
"... fair winds, restless wanderer."
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 5:35 pm
by Snarfy
Thunderstone, Cormyr...
The soft glow of lanternlight flickers faintly out of the windows of the shop across the road.
A blackened cloud cover blankets the night sky overhead.
Thin rivulets of rainwater are streaming over the edge of my hood...
... I raise from my crouch to peer over the bush to scan up and down the vacant road.
"You reek of a pile of rotting cabbage and sweat.". I mutter to my immediate right with no small amount of disdain.
A snort and a grunt is Khuraths response.
The rain pelts the dwarfs thick leather armor as he shifts, tilting his head to smell his armpit.
He grins lewdly up at me from behind his eyepatch. "I nay'er smelt better, yeh prissy little flower sniffer."
... repugnant fool. Our parting can't come soon enough.
"Let's just get on with this... preferably before a Purple Dragon patrol walks by and decides to investigate the rotting stench of your breath emanating from these bushes."
"Yah, yah. Just ye don't forget to do what I told yeh. Keep 'im blabberin' about magic and elfie artifacts and I'll see if'n I cant find the doo-hicky that'a locate yer elf girlies little trinket, an' what e'er else I can pilfer, git it?"
I'm scowling beneath my hood now. ... he's an ignorant buffoon. But he's skilled... and I'm out of other options at this point.
My hand brushes absently against my near empty coin purse now.
Any qualms I had previously held about breaking any laws in Cormyr are washed away at the potential of this heist.
... if this magic device works as the dwarf suggests I should be able to trace her location...
... and hopefully make enough gold to get to wherever she may be in the process.
The question is... can I trust the dwarf to hold up his end of the bargain?
My eyes narrow to slits as I turn to regard the dwarf now.
Khurath is staring at me expectantly, "Yeh goin'?"
Wordlessly, I melt into the shadows and drift across the road.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 5:39 pm
by Snarfy
... the point of no return.
... so far, so good. Khurath should almost be do-...
A small draft blows through the room now...
... and with it the smell of wet, unwashed dwarf.
The merchant, Ruger, wrinkles his nose with a perplexed expression.
His eyes widen in the briefest moment of shock...
... then agony, as twin blades explode from his abdomen, spraying me with crimson.
Reflexively, my hands flash to my own sheathed blades.
I'm numb, my mouth hangs open at the suddeness of what's transpiring before me.
Ruger crumples forward now, dropping to his knees silently...
... in shock and drained of breath by Khuraths expertly placed strikes.
My eyes lift to meet the murderous dwarfs face...
... his visage twisted into a mixture of hatred and glee.
The dwarfs single good eye glowering fiercely at the fallen Ruger now...
... his daggers still protruding from the mans back.
"Yeh feel tha ya soddin' son of a dog!? Tha'll teach yeh ta swindle me yeh pikin' bastard!", Khurath spits in fury.
A cold realization hits me now... as if a warhammer blow to the chest.
My innards twist, my hands never moving from my blade hilts.
Slowly, and through gritted teeth, "Where's the device you promised me?"
Ruger falls face forward with a gurgle now, the mans life blood pooling across marble tiles.
The dwarfs chest heaves in exhaltation, "... Eh? Wha' device?...", he mutters absently, his eyes locked on his quarry still.
"You bastard. You... you used me.", my face flushes, white hot with anger.
Khurath's one good eye now fixates on me with a dangerous glint.
He looks down at my undrawn blades, then grins wickedly.
A mocking leer to cement the ending of our partnership...
... and validate my fear.
.... I'll kill you for this...
... my dark intentions flash in my narrowed eyes.
Khurath reads them, and launches himself at me...
... I draw my blades out wide.
I have no time to strike before the dwarf is on me.
With panther-like speed Khurath crosses the distance between us.
He lifts me up by my bicepts...
... and runs me full speed into the opposing wall, his forehead smashing into my face as he does.
My blades clatter to the ground with the impact.
An explosion of pain and a torrent of blood from my nose.
I'm still reeling from the blow when Khurath wraps his caloused hands around my neck.
He lifts me against the wall, my bloody face starts to drench his hands as they crush my windpipe.
The dwarf leans in close.
His hot, reeking breath corrupting the last of the air that I manage to squeeze into my lungs.
"Tha's right yeh flower sniffin' knife-eared pansy... I used yeh. An' I'm gon' be swimmin' in gold 'cause of it..."
Whatever else the dwarf has to say turns to white noise.
My whole being throbs in time to my slowing heartbeat.
My vision starts to blacken. Light narrowing to pinpricks.
.... no. Stay conscious...
A feeble last fist, swung weakly at my killers face...
... and the sweetest rush of breath, flooding inward.
Awareness creeps back in as I gasp in draughts of air.
I lift my head from the floor, disoriented still.
Khurath is reeling away from me now, his hands having found something else to clutch...
... a blade hilt that points downward from the dwarfs groin.
It's one of Khuraths weapons.
The one-eyed killer trips backwards over Ruger now, his hands awash in blood.
Cupping his crotch the dwarf slams onto his back with an anguished howl.
The fallen merchant, clinging to the last vestiges of his life, clenches his own bloody fist...
... in victory. The last he will ever know.
I collect my fallen blades, wobble to my feet...
... I stand over the fallen dwarf. Weapons clenched.
... this was all for naught. He knew nothing about Viere. I've done nothing but waste time helping this sod... two months that has brought me no closer to her, and only profited this wretched pig...
My shortswords are slashing across Khuraths throat before I'm even aware of it.
A double piercing strike into the dwarfs heart then...
I end the dwarfs life...
... it mirrors in me, a symbolic severing of self.
The next moments are a haze.
I'm scooping up any valuables I can...
... stuffing them into a small sack with blood covered hands.
A final sweeping glance across the carnage. The blood everywhere.
... how am I going to find you now, Viere?
Flight.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2013 8:48 pm
by Snarfy
An encampment several miles from Everlund...
"Jassin Rhaevaern..."
My blood freezes in my veins.
I start to slowly turn towards the familiar voice that has uttered the name.
My true name.
... I... I know that voice. It couldn't be...
I come to a complete turn and stare at the source of the voice,
My vision swimming in a fright filtered and wavering haze.
Only to realize the voice is not directed at me.
The tall elfs back is turned towards me as he addresses two woodland kin some distance away.
... but I would recognize that voice anywhere. Deldrach... her cousin. Vieres cousin is here! And he's looking for me.
Instinctively I draw up my hood and turn away, quickly at first.
I consciously slow my movements so as not to arouse suspicion.
The three elves carry on their conversation as I move to rise from my seated position at the camp.
"... he is a moon-kin, from Evermeet." His voice quivers with a barely contained rage.
"I understand you've both recently come from Silverymoon. Perhaps you met him while you were there?"
I gather my gear hastily. I'm moving away from the three elves briskly now.
My jaw clenches and my stomach balls into knots.
My thoughts frantically race about the potential consequences of being discovered by Deldrach.
... how did he find me? He will try and bring me back, or worse. I won't be able to keep searching for her...
Dark and heavy grow my thoughts at this prospect.
... no. I won't be brought back. Even if it means...
I'm almost out of earshot now, approaching the woods and within striking distance of safety...
"... we just spoke to a moon-kin not an hour ago. Perhaps he knows of this elf you seek?"
They turn towards me in unison.
I can feel Deldrachs eyes bore into my back just as I breach the borders of the thicket.
I wince in anticipation of his powerful magic searing through me from behind.
And then... I melt into the shadows embrace.
I do not linger.
As fast as the shadows will bear me I flee...
... for fear of suffering Deldrachs wrath.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2013 7:22 pm
by Snarfy
The 6th of Flamerule, Waterdeep...
A lucid vision of days long ago...
"Silverymoon... can you imagine what it must be like Sjinn? The Moonbridge... Everdusk Hall...", Vieres tone is faraway and wistful.
"And don't forget the Ladys College..." I exclaim as I lean closer to her on the marble bench.
"Oh... how incredible it would be to study there!" Several birds chip excitedly from a nearby bush then, mirroring her enthusiasm.
My imagination runs away with the notion. "Perhaps we could go there together... you know, after our studies her-..."
"I don't think so, Jassin." The dry and biting disapproval in Deldrachs tone is unmistakable as he approaches. He practically hisses out my name.
The elder cousin of Viere looms over the two of us now for a moment, silently.
His long brown hair sweeps out behind him in the wind, fluttering in near synchronicity with his red cloak.
His brows knit now, his gaze piercing right through me.
Viere regards him with an expression that lies somewhere between reproachful and loving.
Despite my feeling of apprehension in the presence of this elf a bitter retort rises in my throat.
Viere sees it.
Her tone defiant, but not to the point of disrespect. "Why must you constantly speak to him this way cousin!? It is beneath you to belittle him so."
"Oh, is that so? Or perhaps it is that he is beneath you..."
Vieres jaw clenches, her skin flushed.
In his typical air of superiority Deldrach turns on his heel and begins to stalk away. "We will discuss this later Viere."
A long moment of uncomfortable silence lingers.
"I get the feeling he doesn't like me." An attempt at levity, but the insecurity in my tone seeps out.
Perhaps he's right.
Almost in response to my thoughts, "He is... he's just being over protective, that's all. Don't worry about it."
Her lithe and smooth skinned hand finds mine.
A small squeeze from hers as our fingers intertwine.
A much needed consolation.
... this lucid memory dilutes, dissipates, and falls away into the mists.
I am awake from my reverie now.
Alone, and staring out of the murky window of my room at the Inn.
Confusion.
Why do these memories choose to visit me now and haunt me so? I lost him months ago, didn't I? Something isn't right...
I can sense it.
An intangible lingering threat approaches.
A forlorn sigh escapes me.
An endless night of ghosts and bittersweet musings ensues.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 3:08 am
by Snarfy
The 7th of Flamerule, Lliiras night...
The night is alive with music and dance.
Song and voice rise out of the various feasthalls in honor of the Lady of Joy.
Clouds muster in the distance, lightning arcing and weaving on a dark horizon.
The raucous celebration pulses over the din of the approaching storm.
I skirt the edge of the North Ward now.
My feet lead me down alleys and streets, not to join, but to parallel the festivities.
Consciously detached. Unfamiliar with such mirth, something unspoken guiding my steps.
A low heave of distant thunder reverberates.
Heedlessly forward I trod, the laughter and song trailing off behind.
The street I've been following eventually empties into a quiet square.
An encirclement of dilapidated buildings and moldy monuments now.
A lone figure before me.
Shadows keep me...
"Where is she?" The underlying malice in Deldrachs voice is palpable.
"I wish I knew."
My sincere tone catches him off guard. I can almost see his eyes narrow thoughtfully in the darkness.
He starts to step forward slowly.
For the first time in a long time... a certain calm washes over me.
I feel no fear.
"How did you find me?" Resignation colors the question.
Deldrach halts abruptly, his head tilting curiously, almost as if anticipating a ruse.
He takes a single step into the moonlight before answering.
His visage deadly serious.
"Did you not ever wonder where the pendant she gave you came from? Or who may have crafted it?" He enunciates every word slowly and deliberately.
... ahh, of course. He has been scrying it.
His tone gathers strength as he continues.
"And... did it also not occur to you that a few well placed coins could not procure your whereabouts? You left an indelible impression with a certain fellow on the docks in Athkatla..."
Deldrach raises a single threatening hand towards me. "Now, you will tell me where she is or Gods help me..."
... if he utters a single spell this is over. But... how could he not know what happened to....
It's my turn to take a step towards Deldrach.
You arrogant fool.
"Perhaps, if you had parted with more than a few well placed coins, you might have also discovered that her ship was taken at sea."
A rawness in my voice. "Or did you, in your haste to vilify me, neglect to ask the Shadow Thieves that particular question?"
He reels as if physically struck.
His hands drop to his side.
"You lie..."
Such bitter irony.
"How I wish... it were not the truth. Where do you think I have been all this time? Hiding from the masters over a stolen book? I have been searching for her... ever since I left our home..."
The ensuing silence between us is deafening. The tension could be cut with a blade.
"If what you say is true... then it is YOU who are responsible for her being taken!"
... a truth I know all too well.
My right hand shifts imperceptibly near my belt.
"And as such... you must return with me and atone for your actions. Right now!"
Deldrach strides towards me now furiously.
Red cloak whipping out behind him.
His long arms flash towards me so quickly that his runed robes billow out from his sides.
... there is no other way. I can't go back. Not now...
My hand closes over the grip of my hidden blade.
"I don't think so... Deldrach." Resigned to my course of action.
An incantation forms at the elder elfs lips.
Without another thought the dagger races in a fluid motion from my underhand throw...
... flipping, spinning, and glinting it flies...
... and finally embeds itself in Deldrachs throat.
... not ever.
The elf topples forward in slow motion with a wretched gurgling sound.
Hands clutching feebly at the hilt protruding from his neck.
The elder elfs lifesblood rushes out in a red tide down the nape of his robes, soaking them through.
His eyes glare at me in horror and betrayal...
... and finally fear, at his realization that this is the end.
A heavy rain starts to fall.
I look on numbly.
A strange calm to replace what should be guilt.
A last piercing gaze from my fallen kinsman.
His eyes speaking a final word that his mouth cannot.
It resounds as clearly as the thunder now...
... but resonates in me hollowly.
Kinslayer.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 9:23 pm
by Snarfy
The rolling deck of a ship on the Sea of Swords...
... the circle completes it seems. When was I in Amn last? A year and a half? Two? No matter. It is where I will find some answers, again. I hope...
A long sigh.
I lean on the portside rail of the vessel that has carried me on the long voyage from Waterdeep.
The grand cityscape of Athkatla grows ever larger to the south.
The sky darkens to night.
Will they even have any information after all this time? And, if so, do I have enough coin for them to part with it? Will they even care to help? That is the larger question...
My minds eye conjures a memory of the docks...
... and a short, shadowy, hooded figure leaning against the lamp post near one of the Inns.
The same figure to whom I previously bequeathed the majority of my gold.
I wonder if he'll be there? Yes... of course he will. That wasn't some random street thug. What am I getting myself into...
The prow of the ship cuts hard into a large wave now.
A salt watered spray to half soak me as I grasp for the rail.
"Hah! See that Scur? Th' knife-ear almost went o'erboard!
The two decks-hands roar to each other in delight as I turn to face them.
Scarred and unkempt they are.
Lecherous and leering.
... spoiling to have their throats slit.
"How're yer sea legs holdin' up there elfy?" He claps his mate on the back in a congratulatory manner and howls.
"Aye, good one Bort! Need yeh a pontoon to hold on to in case yeh goes in the drink knife-ears?"
Obnoxious, ignorant drifters destined for nothing more than keeping this piece of flotsam afloat.
"Harr! Maybe Elfy here would feel more at home up a tree! Don't be thinking o' scurryin' up the main mast, else we'll have teh throw ya in the brig!"
Were the ones who took her like these? Scabby and wretched. Worthless dogs. I imagine so... maybe it was, in fact, these two...
The deckhands laughter trails off.
My hands have the hilts of my sheathed blades gripped now.
Murder in my eyes.
"I've heard the lifespan of humans to be short..." I say icily, then plant my feet wide on the deck, displaying indeed that my sea legs are just fine.
"... what do you two suppose the average life expectancy for bilge rats with a propensity for making idiotic comments is? Hmm?"
All color slowly drains from Scur and Borts faces.
Two years ago these men would have thrown me overboard.
Now they simply stammer and balk.
"Do not speak to me again, lest you wish to be mopping your own blood from the deck."
The two men mutter to each other and return to their menial tasks.
Throwing dark looks in my direction only when I turn my back.
I would have cut them down... and gladly.
Yet another bleak and sobering epiphany.
How much I have changed... will she even recognize me when I find her? If I find her...
I stare outward at dark and rolling waves as the City of Coin beckons...
... and stare inward to thoughts darker still.
Re: Reveries and Recollections.
Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 5:53 pm
by Snarfy
A den of thieves...
"And how exactly do you mean to pay us for this information?" The tall and imposing figure says in a deceptively soothing tone.
"Permitting we're even interested in parting with it that is." He adds, a hint of amusement and dire warning in his low voice.
His diminutive, yet only slightly less imposing, counterpart lets out a sinister, high pitched, chuckle.
The dusty warehouse lays silent around us, save for the odd skittering of vermin.
The imposing figure stands tall now, moving to cross his arms.
His leathers are silent as he moves, the old floorboards beneath him don't offer the slightest creak at his shifting.
My eyes flick over the two before me, my mind races.
... the tall one is human, and someone of stature, no doubt. The other is a hin I think, the same one from the docks the last time I was here...
The short one speaks now, clearly growing impatient, "Our time is valuable... friend. So, can you pay or not?"
The tall man flicks a glance towards his counterpart.
The hooded hin notices the glance out the corner of his eye, then settles back silently, obediently.
Small hands resting on twin dagger hilts.
... a breach of etiquette perhaps? I should only talk to the man. And quickly, they could easily lay me low and take everything.
My right hand slowly removes a bundle that I had tied to the back of my belt.
The hooded man tilts his head a bit, then nods. "I was wondering what you were hiding back there. Your cloak wasn't sitting right."
I start to pause, slightly surprised.
... these two are good. Gods, I'm in over my head... damnit, stay calm.
The absurdity of the situation induces a nervous chuckle out of me.
I muster my best casual shrug and toss the bundle on the floor between myself and the two.
The shady figures regard each other a moment. And then me.
The diminutive one moves to collect the bundle now, handing it to the man.
The man sets the bundle up on a crate and unties the simple knot that holds it together.
The small pile of magical items and gems I collected from Deldrachs corpse glint in the torchlight.
As if time was going in reverse, the two figures peer at me, and then each other again.
The man turns back to me and asks plainly, "You believe this is enough to secure our services, do you?"
... he's testing me. Think fast...
"I believe... " I start to say matter of factly...
Two pairs of eyes narrow at me ever so slightly.
... I let my tone gradually turn to one of respect now, "... that it is enough to purchase a healthy nudge in the right direction from such obviously capable men as yourselves."
I fold my hands behind my back calmly now.
A long pause before the two look at each other and nod silently.
"It seems we have a deal then."
The mans tone is pleasant, but there's something in his voice now. Something I can't place.
They both take a long appraising look at me.
In that same unnervingly pleasant tone. "If I didn't know any better, and I do, I would say you're no stranger to our particular... lifestyle."
I offer a conciliatory shrug and a half nod.
The imposing man flashes a few strange hand signals to the short one, who quickly re-wraps my payment and stuffs it into a small pack.
"Good. We're always interested to meet like-minded, and talented, individuals... "
He looks to the short one now.
As if on cue, "We sure are."
... what? Are they trying to recruit me? No... that is where I do not want to be.
I will my body to stay relaxed, to feign interest even.
This is a means to an end, nothing more.
"It just so happens that the person you want to talk to about your elf friend is a person of interest to us."
He turns to his right, making a grandiose gesture with his left hand.
The hin flashes the man a glance.
... he's signaling him again, with his other hand.
"You thinking of something mutually beneficial again boss?"
"Indeed. Perhaps our elven friend would be interested in doing a job for us while performing this personal business of his..."
I do not fail to notice that he is not asking.
"Two birds, one stone and all that." Chirps the hin.
... are they setting me up? And, if so, to what end?
"I don't see why not." In as steady and casual a tone as I can manage. "Mutually beneficial works for me."
"Glad to hear it." He says almost sharply, then adds in an appeased tone.
"If you do a good enough job for us then I will even consider reimbursing half of your payment to us."
The halfling pats the pack with my payment and smiles under his hood at me.
A not so insignificant amount of suspicion and dread rises up inside...
... but I keep the presence of mind to offer a nod in thanks to the two Shadow Thieves before me.