Sparkie
Dark Lord
((Rydh is still there, for the time being. He's been standing watch close to the door.))
Aliron shuts the door, and I ask him "What's in there? What did you see?"
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Dragon's Egg - Act II
- Thread starter Steerpike
- Start date
((Rydh is still there, for the time being. He's been standing watch close to the door.))
Aliron shuts the door, and I ask him "What's in there? What did you see?"
I say to Matthew, "You are correct that we must not delay our rest long. But about the crossbow... Burnbright has decided to follow Brynhild's path. You being a devout follower of Tyr, maybe this is the best way to explain: for a follower of Brynhild to fire a ranged weapon once would blaspheme her goddess as you would your god if you uttered a single lie."
You sound so sincere, Baldy.
I am sincere, Nissa. I still don't know what kind of a knight Matthew is, but what he is not is a liar.
"I did not tell her this until after she told me she--how did you put it, Sister?--'had it with bows.'"
I pat Burnbright on the head and whisper, though not so low that others cannot hear, "Now don't you get mad at me too, but...
"Matthew, I think you and I can agree that we did not wish to see Burnbright rush to my side in battle. That said, I cannot call myself a devout follower of my goddess and deny her a path she has chosen herself, now that she has conquered her fear and proven she is serious.
"She made this choice without my prodding. It is my duty to teach her Brynhild's path, and protect her so she can continue to follow this path as an adult."
You sound so sincere, Baldy.
I am sincere, Nissa. I still don't know what kind of a knight Matthew is, but what he is not is a liar.
"I did not tell her this until after she told me she--how did you put it, Sister?--'had it with bows.'"
I pat Burnbright on the head and whisper, though not so low that others cannot hear, "Now don't you get mad at me too, but...
"Matthew, I think you and I can agree that we did not wish to see Burnbright rush to my side in battle. That said, I cannot call myself a devout follower of my goddess and deny her a path she has chosen herself, now that she has conquered her fear and proven she is serious.
"She made this choice without my prodding. It is my duty to teach her Brynhild's path, and protect her so she can continue to follow this path as an adult."
Phietadix
Shadow Lord
These decisions cannot be made lightly; I suppose it's time to find out what truly has happened.
"I ask both you and Burnbright both to pay close attention. Are you so sure she has chosen because she truly wishes to serve Brynhild. Or has she chosen because she wishes to please you? Even if it's the former, does she know what she is getting into? The choice of a god or goddess is a serious decision. I studied Tyr's ways two years before I pledged my allegiance to him. Does she even know anything about Brynhild? While I can respect your wish, and I can focus on training her in the sword for now. I suggest that Burnbright carefully study Brynhild's ways for at least a few days, or better yet weeks, before she claims to be devout of any deity."
"I ask both you and Burnbright both to pay close attention. Are you so sure she has chosen because she truly wishes to serve Brynhild. Or has she chosen because she wishes to please you? Even if it's the former, does she know what she is getting into? The choice of a god or goddess is a serious decision. I studied Tyr's ways two years before I pledged my allegiance to him. Does she even know anything about Brynhild? While I can respect your wish, and I can focus on training her in the sword for now. I suggest that Burnbright carefully study Brynhild's ways for at least a few days, or better yet weeks, before she claims to be devout of any deity."
"Fair questions, Matthew. How about I prepare some bread by the fire and allow Burnbright to speak for herself?"
((Fast-forward to a moment that Baldhart and others had time to get up the rope.
Baldhart builds a fire for those who are with her. She heats bread and shares it with everyone, but remains oddly quiet. It isn't long before she dozes off with Burnbright at her side.
Also, what Nissa sees and hears (before the first die roll) is seen by characters who are by the fire with Baldhart.))
Floating!
I am in Nissa's head again, watching myself sleep by fire with Burnbright and breadcrumbs clinging to the hem of my skirt. I look to see who else is with me.
"...can't protect..."
I see myself toss and turn.
"...and kill them all..."
Once again, tiny arms raise a tiny sword that is enormous in these tiny hands. I feel the wings beating as Nissa swoops down.
My big, painted body quivers. Muscles tense. Come to me, Nissa! I'm in her head now. Fine blonde strands whip in and out of view. My big body closer, closer--
((CHA check - failure!))
--tiny feet kick up! I feel the little quarterling body bounce from my mountainous form and flop like a leaf in the wind!
All is black.
"...alone!"
I wake up and fling my stone knife--in a direction where no one is anywhere near its path. I stroke Burnbright's hair then look at the fire.
There sits Nissa, brushing of her knees though no dust can cling to her. She gives me a sad, sorry look and says,
I tried, Baldy. I tried to help, but it wasn't good enough.
You tried, Nissa. That's good enough for me.
The fire still burns brightly, Baldy. Not much time has passed. Rest.
I look at Burnbright. Did I startle her?
"I forgot to tell you I snore. There are things I haven't forgotten to tell you, and we can talk about them more... after I..."
...sleep.
((I intend to consider this the first few minutes of Badly resting, so if anyone wants to RP downstairs or by the fire, there can still be an 8 hour rest that takes place after this, so even those who did not follow Baldhart would've had time to get some HP/MP back.
Since Steerpike said we can, I suggest we do!))
((Fast-forward to a moment that Baldhart and others had time to get up the rope.
Baldhart builds a fire for those who are with her. She heats bread and shares it with everyone, but remains oddly quiet. It isn't long before she dozes off with Burnbright at her side.
Also, what Nissa sees and hears (before the first die roll) is seen by characters who are by the fire with Baldhart.))
Floating!
I am in Nissa's head again, watching myself sleep by fire with Burnbright and breadcrumbs clinging to the hem of my skirt. I look to see who else is with me.
"...can't protect..."
I see myself toss and turn.
"...and kill them all..."
Once again, tiny arms raise a tiny sword that is enormous in these tiny hands. I feel the wings beating as Nissa swoops down.
My big, painted body quivers. Muscles tense. Come to me, Nissa! I'm in her head now. Fine blonde strands whip in and out of view. My big body closer, closer--
((CHA check - failure!))
--tiny feet kick up! I feel the little quarterling body bounce from my mountainous form and flop like a leaf in the wind!
All is black.
"...alone!"
* * *
here in the realm of the knife
a warrior brandishes a gigantic blade
carved of stone
adorned with sea shells
she stands alone
her body clothed
in war paint
and tainted blood
she wades purposefully
through a black sea
of monsters who claw
at her
at me
((Primal Instinct save - success!))
in a primal rage
she valiantly halves
every attacker
with a splash of her blade
every attempt to harm her
a costly failure
for any fool
who dares oppose her
no enemies remain
only neutral gray eyes
they hover in darkness
and judge her
judge me
* * *
here in the realm of the knife
a warrior brandishes a gigantic blade
carved of stone
adorned with sea shells
she stands alone
her body clothed
in war paint
and tainted blood
she wades purposefully
through a black sea
of monsters who claw
at her
at me
((Primal Instinct save - success!))
in a primal rage
she valiantly halves
every attacker
with a splash of her blade
every attempt to harm her
a costly failure
for any fool
who dares oppose her
no enemies remain
only neutral gray eyes
they hover in darkness
and judge her
judge me
* * *
I wake up and fling my stone knife--in a direction where no one is anywhere near its path. I stroke Burnbright's hair then look at the fire.
There sits Nissa, brushing of her knees though no dust can cling to her. She gives me a sad, sorry look and says,
I tried, Baldy. I tried to help, but it wasn't good enough.
You tried, Nissa. That's good enough for me.
The fire still burns brightly, Baldy. Not much time has passed. Rest.
I look at Burnbright. Did I startle her?
"I forgot to tell you I snore. There are things I haven't forgotten to tell you, and we can talk about them more... after I..."
...sleep.
((I intend to consider this the first few minutes of Badly resting, so if anyone wants to RP downstairs or by the fire, there can still be an 8 hour rest that takes place after this, so even those who did not follow Baldhart would've had time to get some HP/MP back.
Since Steerpike said we can, I suggest we do!))
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Baldhart is restless again, tossing and murmuring in her dreams. Nissa again, I gather. What strange relationship do those two share? Is it really any of my business to wonder? Her way of life is far removed from mine, and there are things about her I can never know, just as my life is mostly a mystery to her and the rest of my comrades.
I rub my stump absently, wondering what wearing a dwarf-made hand will feel like. I hope it isn't too heavy for me to wear for long periods of time. Will I need a glove of some sort to keep my skin away from the metal? Perhaps someone can make one, or help me to do so. It would befit me to learn to sew; then perhaps I could be of more help to the injured while I am in no fit condition to fight. Stitching a wound cannot be that hard, can it? It might take a burden off of Rydh's shoulders, at least. We need more than one person who is able to heal.
I rub my stump absently, wondering what wearing a dwarf-made hand will feel like. I hope it isn't too heavy for me to wear for long periods of time. Will I need a glove of some sort to keep my skin away from the metal? Perhaps someone can make one, or help me to do so. It would befit me to learn to sew; then perhaps I could be of more help to the injured while I am in no fit condition to fight. Stitching a wound cannot be that hard, can it? It might take a burden off of Rydh's shoulders, at least. We need more than one person who is able to heal.
Nihal
Valar Lord
At the temple
I refuse the bread, feeling full after eating those berries. Sitting by the fire, knees up to my chin, I contemplate the same questions all over again, again and again, looking for the answers I don't have. The barbarian mumbles in her sleep, this time waking up, throwing the dagger away and going back to the sleep. I stare distractedly at the dagger.
I'm dangerously close to falling to apathy again.
I stretch.
Too weary to do anything now. I cross my legs and look down to my hands once again. Yeah, I have this other problem too. My body has been getting in the way. Too slow, too frail. When did I last sparred? I frown. Before I left? No, even before. I was bedridden for a while. No wonder I'm this useless.
((If Matthew picked up her stuff...))
I turn to Matthew. "Thanks for bringing my things." I look to Baldhart. "I should thank her too, and the cleric."
I refuse the bread, feeling full after eating those berries. Sitting by the fire, knees up to my chin, I contemplate the same questions all over again, again and again, looking for the answers I don't have. The barbarian mumbles in her sleep, this time waking up, throwing the dagger away and going back to the sleep. I stare distractedly at the dagger.
I'm dangerously close to falling to apathy again.
I stretch.
Too weary to do anything now. I cross my legs and look down to my hands once again. Yeah, I have this other problem too. My body has been getting in the way. Too slow, too frail. When did I last sparred? I frown. Before I left? No, even before. I was bedridden for a while. No wonder I'm this useless.
((If Matthew picked up her stuff...))
I turn to Matthew. "Thanks for bringing my things." I look to Baldhart. "I should thank her too, and the cleric."
((Talk to Hiljikki when you have down time. You already know she's a fair hand with wolf pelts and open wounds.…
))- Thread starter
- #1,088
BURNBRIGHT & BRYNHILD
Burnbright follows Baldhart's instructions as they crouch over the lizard shaman. The creature is clearly dying at this point. Burnbright looks quizzical at Baldhart's talk of forgiveness. "I guess I can forgive her. But...do you think it matters? Will she care if I do? And why is it important? She's some kind of lizard-thing. They're not like us - like humans, or dwarves, or elves, or halflings. I mean, they're bad, aren't they? Isn't that just how they're made?"
Burnbright frowns, but follows Baldhart's advice nevertheless, as whispers "I forgive you" to the creature.
She then listens to Matthew and Baldhart as they discuss gods and goddesses and the best path for her. "I don't know much about that stuff," she says. "But the sword feels right to me. Besides, shot Darin with that bolt! What if I'd killed him?"
"Ever since I was a girl, I've wanted to be a shieldmaiden. I wants to go charging into a bunch of enemies and fight with honor, and if they were stronger then by being brave the valkyries would notice and come get me, like they did with Veborg or other shieldmaidens from the olden days."
"Now that we've been in some fights, I'm not in a hurry to turn into a valkrie. I still want to be one, but I want to do stuff while I'm alive too - brave stuff. And I want to be able to help next time there's a fight."
She looks up at Baldhart in admiration. "If following what Brynhild says will help me, then I'll do it."
THE LIZARD SHAMAN
With Ankari and Hiljikki attending her, the reptile shaman is stabilized. She will not bleed to death as a result of her injuries, though she will never be the same again - her wounds were too great, and she was too close to death. Even magic healing has not repaired all damage. She remains conscious, watching Ankari and Hiljikki with darting eyes. You deem that she is well enough to speak, though for the moment she remains silent.
THE CLOSED DOOR
No one can hear anything beyond the closed door. Aliron check it for traps and finds none. Opening the door just a crack reveals a room full of water, similar to the one at the far end of the corridor. A cracked and pitted column can be seen, barely, in the dim light. It supports a ceiling that is on the verge of collapse.
DARIN AND CADELL
As others are going about their business after the fight, Darin pulls Cadell aside. "You fought well again, Dwarf-Friend. Even with the loss of your hand, you are brave and formidable." He frowns a moment, then continues. "I will see a hand made for you, as promised. However, you may have as much an interest as I in the exploration of these tunnels. I have been looking at the carvings along the walls, where they can be made out, and reading some of the runes placed there. These tunnels are indeed old - from before the Great War itself, when elves and dwarves were allies. Something of the elves was here, though whether anything yet remains, I do not know. Still, no such site exists in the north, to my knowledge. We have stumbled into something unique
BURNBRIGHT AND ASLAUG
When Baldhart tells Burnbright that Aslaug was her mother, the child's attention is singularly focused on every word Baldhart utters. Burnbright leans against a stone wall and slides into a crouch. "My...my mother? But how can you know that? And even if you did know it, how do you know she's bad? Aslaug was a great priestess, and always kind and good. Everyone knows it! Could she still be alive? Why would she send those terrible monsters after me? This has to be a mistake. She can't be my mother, can she? But if she is, that means I have someone in the world that I belong to. She can't be bad. I just know she's not. Where is she now? Can we go see her? I bet I I talked to her..."
Burnbright trails off, a worried look on her face.
THE TEMPLE
Everything back at the temple remains as it was. The horses are there, and looking rested. The sky is darkening and clouds gather. So far there is no snow, though the smell of it is on the air.
Burnbright follows Baldhart's instructions as they crouch over the lizard shaman. The creature is clearly dying at this point. Burnbright looks quizzical at Baldhart's talk of forgiveness. "I guess I can forgive her. But...do you think it matters? Will she care if I do? And why is it important? She's some kind of lizard-thing. They're not like us - like humans, or dwarves, or elves, or halflings. I mean, they're bad, aren't they? Isn't that just how they're made?"
Burnbright frowns, but follows Baldhart's advice nevertheless, as whispers "I forgive you" to the creature.
She then listens to Matthew and Baldhart as they discuss gods and goddesses and the best path for her. "I don't know much about that stuff," she says. "But the sword feels right to me. Besides, shot Darin with that bolt! What if I'd killed him?"
"Ever since I was a girl, I've wanted to be a shieldmaiden. I wants to go charging into a bunch of enemies and fight with honor, and if they were stronger then by being brave the valkyries would notice and come get me, like they did with Veborg or other shieldmaidens from the olden days."
"Now that we've been in some fights, I'm not in a hurry to turn into a valkrie. I still want to be one, but I want to do stuff while I'm alive too - brave stuff. And I want to be able to help next time there's a fight."
She looks up at Baldhart in admiration. "If following what Brynhild says will help me, then I'll do it."
THE LIZARD SHAMAN
With Ankari and Hiljikki attending her, the reptile shaman is stabilized. She will not bleed to death as a result of her injuries, though she will never be the same again - her wounds were too great, and she was too close to death. Even magic healing has not repaired all damage. She remains conscious, watching Ankari and Hiljikki with darting eyes. You deem that she is well enough to speak, though for the moment she remains silent.
THE CLOSED DOOR
No one can hear anything beyond the closed door. Aliron check it for traps and finds none. Opening the door just a crack reveals a room full of water, similar to the one at the far end of the corridor. A cracked and pitted column can be seen, barely, in the dim light. It supports a ceiling that is on the verge of collapse.
DARIN AND CADELL
As others are going about their business after the fight, Darin pulls Cadell aside. "You fought well again, Dwarf-Friend. Even with the loss of your hand, you are brave and formidable." He frowns a moment, then continues. "I will see a hand made for you, as promised. However, you may have as much an interest as I in the exploration of these tunnels. I have been looking at the carvings along the walls, where they can be made out, and reading some of the runes placed there. These tunnels are indeed old - from before the Great War itself, when elves and dwarves were allies. Something of the elves was here, though whether anything yet remains, I do not know. Still, no such site exists in the north, to my knowledge. We have stumbled into something unique
BURNBRIGHT AND ASLAUG
When Baldhart tells Burnbright that Aslaug was her mother, the child's attention is singularly focused on every word Baldhart utters. Burnbright leans against a stone wall and slides into a crouch. "My...my mother? But how can you know that? And even if you did know it, how do you know she's bad? Aslaug was a great priestess, and always kind and good. Everyone knows it! Could she still be alive? Why would she send those terrible monsters after me? This has to be a mistake. She can't be my mother, can she? But if she is, that means I have someone in the world that I belong to. She can't be bad. I just know she's not. Where is she now? Can we go see her? I bet I I talked to her..."
Burnbright trails off, a worried look on her face.
THE TEMPLE
Everything back at the temple remains as it was. The horses are there, and looking rested. The sky is darkening and clouds gather. So far there is no snow, though the smell of it is on the air.
SeverinR
Valar Lord
I open the door further, and look for anything in the water, or along the walls that might be of interest.
"A room full of water, it looks to be near collapse. The room appears to be safe."
[If nothing catches my eye, I will find a corner to observe the halls, and rest until they are done questioning the Queen.]
"A room full of water, it looks to be near collapse. The room appears to be safe."
[If nothing catches my eye, I will find a corner to observe the halls, and rest until they are done questioning the Queen.]
I look at the book that Baldhart gave me. "Let's see..."
"Yeah, I don't know what the hell this says." I toss the leather sack back to her. "Maybe someone else will have a better shot."
"Yeah, I don't know what the hell this says." I toss the leather sack back to her. "Maybe someone else will have a better shot."
I wake up, feeling much more rested than before.
I wonder if the queen was revived. I want that for her, in a way. If only she can keep herself from Burnbright. Now that there is no immediate threat to the girl, and I'm rested... maybe I can enjoy some peaceful moments. I know my anger got the better of me when I found that they were after her.
I tend to the fire. I can see clearly now. I can see...
Nissa!
Sleep well, Baldy?
Very! Listen, a fifth battle will come. It won't be long before some creature I've never seen in my life tries to kill me and my firends. Let's just do the sacrifice now--and you must hold me to it, especially when Burnbright is in danger!
O...kay...?
I will sacrifice my anger.
You can't just toss an emotion out the window.
No. I mean, I won't use anger as a means to communicate with my allies. My friends. Mother was right about the men of our mountain. What makes me stronger than them isn't the physical difference... or similarity. It's that Mother taught me how to carry myself as a lady.
The Eisenbergs follow Freya, whose idea of a lady is different from Brynhild's.
But surely both goddesses agree that raising my voice as a man does is unbecoming. I don't regret any actions against the lizard people. They targeted her. But I feigned anger at my friends to trick the queen into letting me step away from her archers unscathed, then... I stopped faking it when I was near Ankari. He can get angry at me all he wants to, but I won't get angry back. I hate being like that. Hate it.
Good luck with this one. I kinda liked seeing you stand up for yourself and others though. So, you'll just remain silent when the men disagree?
I'll remain calm. I'm not sacrificing my beliefs.
In that case, your sacrifice is accepted. But don't ignore your third sacrifice. Go get the knife.
I check to see if Burnbright is awake yet. If she is, we'll get the knife. And swords. And talk. Just us girls.
I wonder if the queen was revived. I want that for her, in a way. If only she can keep herself from Burnbright. Now that there is no immediate threat to the girl, and I'm rested... maybe I can enjoy some peaceful moments. I know my anger got the better of me when I found that they were after her.
I tend to the fire. I can see clearly now. I can see...
Nissa!
Sleep well, Baldy?
Very! Listen, a fifth battle will come. It won't be long before some creature I've never seen in my life tries to kill me and my firends. Let's just do the sacrifice now--and you must hold me to it, especially when Burnbright is in danger!
O...kay...?
I will sacrifice my anger.
You can't just toss an emotion out the window.
No. I mean, I won't use anger as a means to communicate with my allies. My friends. Mother was right about the men of our mountain. What makes me stronger than them isn't the physical difference... or similarity. It's that Mother taught me how to carry myself as a lady.
The Eisenbergs follow Freya, whose idea of a lady is different from Brynhild's.
But surely both goddesses agree that raising my voice as a man does is unbecoming. I don't regret any actions against the lizard people. They targeted her. But I feigned anger at my friends to trick the queen into letting me step away from her archers unscathed, then... I stopped faking it when I was near Ankari. He can get angry at me all he wants to, but I won't get angry back. I hate being like that. Hate it.
Good luck with this one. I kinda liked seeing you stand up for yourself and others though. So, you'll just remain silent when the men disagree?
I'll remain calm. I'm not sacrificing my beliefs.
In that case, your sacrifice is accepted. But don't ignore your third sacrifice. Go get the knife.
I check to see if Burnbright is awake yet. If she is, we'll get the knife. And swords. And talk. Just us girls.
Nihal
Valar Lord
Back to the corridor and Burnbright
She's suffering. It's a familiar grief.
I walk towards her and place my hand on her head.
"I know the Corruption. Think about what you've heard and when ready to hear some truth about the corruption look for me in the Temple." My voice sounds too dry, but I hope my expression is gentle. I walk away.
Book
((Not sure of where and when it took place. Temple? D)
"It's probably a spellbook."
She's suffering. It's a familiar grief.
I walk towards her and place my hand on her head.
"I know the Corruption. Think about what you've heard and when ready to hear some truth about the corruption look for me in the Temple." My voice sounds too dry, but I hope my expression is gentle. I walk away.
Book
((Not sure of where and when it took place. Temple? D
)"It's probably a spellbook."
((Book - it's written in lizard script. If a wizard can somehow decipher that, start reading. Baldhart would just give it to you.))
I sheathe the knife in my boot, then lead the child into a chalk-drawn circle. Lines in the circle mark her place and mine.
"The longsword is too heavy for your hand," I tell her, "so use both hands for now."
I point my sword ahead of me. Burnbright does the same.
"This is First Stance. It's the best stance for keeping an opponent at bay. Do not use the stances I use in battle. My intent is to be a target. Your place in battle is to watch, and only assist if your life depends on it. No valkyrie would disapprove of your absence in battle. You said are in no rush to become a valkyrie. Let your actions match your words.
"Enough talk. I want to see ten overhead strikes. I am your mirror. Match my speed and form as best you can."
1...2...3..."Slower." 4...5--"Stop." I help her reposition her hands. I straighten the blade in its overhead position. I explain, "Cast your sword overhead like a fisherman would. Then the left hand pulls toward your center as you bring the sword down." 6...7...8...9...10. "Better. Ten more."
I teach her horizontal cuts. Rising cuts. Thrusts. I give her a stick I found in the logpile so she can practice charging. "Don't look at me like that. Your smile is much prettier." She runs like the wind! Gracefully! "Use your sword for the last three, but keep it in its sheath. Yes, I trust you not to kill yourself! The sheath is for extra weight. You won't be charging in a real fight anytime soon, so see if you can thrust a sheathed sword at full sprint!"
I reward her with a compliment; my student rewards me with a hug.
"That was only 100 strikes. Getting cute with me won't spare you from 200 more. But rest for now. And speak freely.
"Before you do, know that I do not have all the answers to your questions. I don't know everything about Aslaug. I was told she is your mother, and I pass that onto you for two reasons. First, you chose Brynhild's path and are my Sister. I am honor-bound to refrain from engaging in whispers behind your back. Second, if she is your mother and if she has become a different kind of person, this information could be used by the enemy to manipulate you. I suspect your mother, like the lizard queen, lost control of her actions to the Corruption, which is the only reason I can think of that a beloved woman would align herself with tainted beasts.
"But what I say about your mother is my suspicion. There are others here who may have better answers than I, just as there are others who will teach you how to use a sword. I am the only one here who can talk to you about valkyries and Brynhild's path, but everyone in our group intends to help you. Some may protect you by withholding information. Some may tell you to hide from battle. Some wish to teach you as I am right now. Trust the intentions of any one of our group, unless he or she pits you against another. I will never undermine another who wishes to help you, so know that Sir Matthew wishes to train you with the sword as well. Practice makes perfect. If you wish to learn from him as well, go ahead.
"But not yet! We're still not done with my lesson, and I've talked too much. Time for another 100 strikes!"
She gives me 20 overhead strikes.
20 horizontal.
20 rising.
20 thrusts.
20 charges.
1 hug.
"Okay... before we get to the last 100, it's your turn to talk!"
"The longsword is too heavy for your hand," I tell her, "so use both hands for now."
I point my sword ahead of me. Burnbright does the same.
"This is First Stance. It's the best stance for keeping an opponent at bay. Do not use the stances I use in battle. My intent is to be a target. Your place in battle is to watch, and only assist if your life depends on it. No valkyrie would disapprove of your absence in battle. You said are in no rush to become a valkyrie. Let your actions match your words.
"Enough talk. I want to see ten overhead strikes. I am your mirror. Match my speed and form as best you can."
1...2...3..."Slower." 4...5--"Stop." I help her reposition her hands. I straighten the blade in its overhead position. I explain, "Cast your sword overhead like a fisherman would. Then the left hand pulls toward your center as you bring the sword down." 6...7...8...9...10. "Better. Ten more."
I teach her horizontal cuts. Rising cuts. Thrusts. I give her a stick I found in the logpile so she can practice charging. "Don't look at me like that. Your smile is much prettier." She runs like the wind! Gracefully! "Use your sword for the last three, but keep it in its sheath. Yes, I trust you not to kill yourself! The sheath is for extra weight. You won't be charging in a real fight anytime soon, so see if you can thrust a sheathed sword at full sprint!"
I reward her with a compliment; my student rewards me with a hug.
"That was only 100 strikes. Getting cute with me won't spare you from 200 more. But rest for now. And speak freely.
"Before you do, know that I do not have all the answers to your questions. I don't know everything about Aslaug. I was told she is your mother, and I pass that onto you for two reasons. First, you chose Brynhild's path and are my Sister. I am honor-bound to refrain from engaging in whispers behind your back. Second, if she is your mother and if she has become a different kind of person, this information could be used by the enemy to manipulate you. I suspect your mother, like the lizard queen, lost control of her actions to the Corruption, which is the only reason I can think of that a beloved woman would align herself with tainted beasts.
"But what I say about your mother is my suspicion. There are others here who may have better answers than I, just as there are others who will teach you how to use a sword. I am the only one here who can talk to you about valkyries and Brynhild's path, but everyone in our group intends to help you. Some may protect you by withholding information. Some may tell you to hide from battle. Some wish to teach you as I am right now. Trust the intentions of any one of our group, unless he or she pits you against another. I will never undermine another who wishes to help you, so know that Sir Matthew wishes to train you with the sword as well. Practice makes perfect. If you wish to learn from him as well, go ahead.
"But not yet! We're still not done with my lesson, and I've talked too much. Time for another 100 strikes!"
She gives me 20 overhead strikes.
20 horizontal.
20 rising.
20 thrusts.
20 charges.
1 hug.
"Okay... before we get to the last 100, it's your turn to talk!"
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Flashback to the tunnel
I pause and look down at Darin, smiling at him. "You fought just as well, my friend, and I daresay more so."
At his offer, I shake my head, still smiling. "Perhaps later. For the moment, though, I am tired and in pain. I would like to breathe fresh air for a while before spending much more time down here."
I pause and look down at Darin, smiling at him. "You fought just as well, my friend, and I daresay more so."
At his offer, I shake my head, still smiling. "Perhaps later. For the moment, though, I am tired and in pain. I would like to breathe fresh air for a while before spending much more time down here."
Sparkie
Dark Lord
Aliron and I find nothing threatening in the room, nor any indication that we're under immediate threat. Seeing this, I allow myself to relax a bit. I head back up to the temple, leaving Hiljikki and Ankari to their work. What they do with the reptile matters little to me for now. If they revive her, fine. If they kill her, alright. If they let her go, whatever. I just don't care.
I arrive at the temple to find that Baldhart has made a fire and broke bread. After eating Hiljikki's berries I have no appetite, so I avoid eating. In fact, I avoid everyone's company. I take my bedroll and blanket and bring it down into the temple cellar. I make my bed between the tunnel entrance and the stairwell. If anything comes up from the depths to attack us, it'll have to step over my dead body first.
I sleep. Not well, but I sleep.
I open my eyes, finding I'm not dead. I get up feeling sore from battle and sick at heart. Something about this land, this Taint, disheartens me.
I head up to the courtyard to find Baldhart training with Burnbright. Nod's up here too, and-
Mauve.
I begin to turn and head back down into the tunnel, then I stop. Cowardice never wins battles. I straighten my posture and stride into the courtyard. I look at Mauve. She seems in better shape but still glum. She seems to be reading over the book Baldhart took from the Trog leader. I walk up to her.
"May I see that when you're done with it?" I ask. "I'd like to try making sense of it."
((I have no idea if Mauve actually has the book or if she intends to read it. OOC: I really don't know where the book is at all, but I want to give Rydh a shot at deciphering it. Besides, seems like a good opportunity to see Rydh fail again. ))
I immediately regret saying that. I should at least ask her how she's doing.
"Um, how are you feeling? You look refreshed. Is that how you feel?"
((On the outside chance that Mauve actually has the book and allows me to read it, here's and INT check:
The Unseen Servant
Well, that sucked.))
I arrive at the temple to find that Baldhart has made a fire and broke bread. After eating Hiljikki's berries I have no appetite, so I avoid eating. In fact, I avoid everyone's company. I take my bedroll and blanket and bring it down into the temple cellar. I make my bed between the tunnel entrance and the stairwell. If anything comes up from the depths to attack us, it'll have to step over my dead body first.
I sleep. Not well, but I sleep.
I open my eyes, finding I'm not dead. I get up feeling sore from battle and sick at heart. Something about this land, this Taint, disheartens me.
I head up to the courtyard to find Baldhart training with Burnbright. Nod's up here too, and-
Mauve.
I begin to turn and head back down into the tunnel, then I stop. Cowardice never wins battles. I straighten my posture and stride into the courtyard. I look at Mauve. She seems in better shape but still glum. She seems to be reading over the book Baldhart took from the Trog leader. I walk up to her.
"May I see that when you're done with it?" I ask. "I'd like to try making sense of it."
((I have no idea if Mauve actually has the book or if she intends to read it. OOC: I really don't know where the book is at all, but I want to give Rydh a shot at deciphering it. Besides, seems like a good opportunity to see Rydh fail again.
))I immediately regret saying that. I should at least ask her how she's doing.
"Um, how are you feeling? You look refreshed. Is that how you feel?"
((On the outside chance that Mauve actually has the book and allows me to read it, here's and INT check:
The Unseen Servant
Well, that sucked.))
Nihal
Valar Lord
Temple - Night and morning
And they didn't come back yet... I wished to say everything I should now, but they're taking so long. I must return to my routine, get up early and decide what I'm going to do. I need rest. Using my backpack as a pillow, I lay down and watch the cellar's door until the weariness overcomes me.
Morning.
The day barely started when I wake up. Without any enthusiasm I pick my spellbook, my writing material and the map, seeking the quietude of the second floor. Here I sit by the window and study my spellbook for a while, retaining three enchantments in my mind. ((The 3 lvl 1))
I don't want to cast. I silence my thoughts before they lead me back to the corruption.
I put myself to work on the map, signaling the passage we found and drawing a simple scheme of the corridors in a spare parchment I use for drafts. The sounds downstairs tell me they're awake. I go back to the main room, packing everything, picking up the strange book and a piece of bread. I bite it while I walk, looking for a suitable place where I can sit in peace without losing the sight of the others.
((If I pass by Hiljikki...))
"I would like to thank you. I hadn't the opportunity earlier, sorry. Those berries of yours save lifes, I am really thankful you spared some for me. I wished I had the opportunity to learn how to find them, but I am afraid it is too late now. Thanks, anyway."
I move to my chosen place and sit here, opening the book, examining it at least twice to make sure I didn't let anything slip by my gaze.
((INT prime. Again... YUNOSPELLCASTROLL?! Not sure if I'm allowed more rolls if she keeps trying.
I forgot to add my level. It's a 18.))
I raise my eyes from the book.
"I am fine, thanks to you. But-"
Aaand that's the part I scold him. I seek his eyes, opening my mouth to talk, but something in his behaviour stops me. He looks... sick?
"Are you okay?" I hand him the book.
Thinking better, I don't think I saw him since yesterday.
And they didn't come back yet... I wished to say everything I should now, but they're taking so long. I must return to my routine, get up early and decide what I'm going to do. I need rest. Using my backpack as a pillow, I lay down and watch the cellar's door until the weariness overcomes me.
Morning.
The day barely started when I wake up. Without any enthusiasm I pick my spellbook, my writing material and the map, seeking the quietude of the second floor. Here I sit by the window and study my spellbook for a while, retaining three enchantments in my mind. ((The 3 lvl 1))
I don't want to cast. I silence my thoughts before they lead me back to the corruption.
I put myself to work on the map, signaling the passage we found and drawing a simple scheme of the corridors in a spare parchment I use for drafts. The sounds downstairs tell me they're awake. I go back to the main room, packing everything, picking up the strange book and a piece of bread. I bite it while I walk, looking for a suitable place where I can sit in peace without losing the sight of the others.
((If I pass by Hiljikki...))
"I would like to thank you. I hadn't the opportunity earlier, sorry. Those berries of yours save lifes, I am really thankful you spared some for me. I wished I had the opportunity to learn how to find them, but I am afraid it is too late now. Thanks, anyway."
I move to my chosen place and sit here, opening the book, examining it at least twice to make sure I didn't let anything slip by my gaze.
((INT prime. Again... YUNOSPELLCASTROLL?! Not sure if I'm allowed more rolls if she keeps trying.
I forgot to add my level. It's a 18.))
I raise my eyes from the book.
"I am fine, thanks to you. But-"
Aaand that's the part I scold him. I seek his eyes, opening my mouth to talk, but something in his behaviour stops me. He looks... sick?
"Are you okay?" I hand him the book.
Thinking better, I don't think I saw him since yesterday.
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Sparkie
Dark Lord
"Me?" I ask as I flip through the book, having no idea what this chicken-scratch script is. "I'm always okay."
I grin.
"I'm worried about you, though. You were so... Despondent after the fight. Did I upset you? I know I sometimes speak and act before thinking. It's a flaw I've tried hard to fix."
Her! Her, you idiot!
"I just don't want hard feeling between us. We got off on the wrong foot, what with the whole cask-kicking and all. Do you think we're okay?"
I grin.
"I'm worried about you, though. You were so... Despondent after the fight. Did I upset you? I know I sometimes speak and act before thinking. It's a flaw I've tried hard to fix."
Her! Her, you idiot!
"I just don't want hard feeling between us. We got off on the wrong foot, what with the whole cask-kicking and all. Do you think we're okay?"
Nihal
Valar Lord
"Did I...? What did I say?" I mumble, trying to remember. "It wasn't meant to you."
I can't help but sigh. "If I was angry with you? Yes. I am angry, I should slap you twice, one for entering the Taint so carelessly and other when you said you had no use." My gaze turns more serious.
"What's wrong with you, are you going to allow people use you then discard like trash?! Idiot!"
I can't help but sigh. "If I was angry with you? Yes. I am angry, I should slap you twice, one for entering the Taint so carelessly and other when you said you had no use." My gaze turns more serious.
"What's wrong with you, are you going to allow people use you then discard like trash?! Idiot!"
((I'm PMing Steerpike about questioning the trog queen, since the answers to one question can affect the following ones, and there's little point in cluttering this space with questions which never get asked. Appropriate results will appear when I get them.))