Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Phietadix]

With Mauve, Baldhart, Ankari and perhaps others. Before meeting.

"Bound, gagged and blindfolded. That is how I found her."

I see her hand move to her dagger again.

"Do not think that I am so blind as not to notice you hand moving toward your weapon. Do you really think it will help? You can't fight us, not alone. And do you really wish to?"

"I advise that you stay, we could use your skill and knowledge of magic. And we have no hate of magic, that is a rarity in these times. You use reason and seek unity. Far more than some." I try to resist my eyes drifting to Ankari when I say that, but I do so anyway. Arrgh, that will not help. "Consider this carefully, but if you truly wish to leave, I'll try to prevent the others from stopping you."

 

[Steerpike]

Darin looks at Mauve as well. "Peace, lass. You are in no danger from us. I deem it is the Taint that affects you, as it does all who walk within it. You must be strong. Keep your eyes to the true enemy, for we have those enough without making enemies of one another."

The dwarf finds a place to sit near the fire and withdraws a pipe from the pouch at his side. He stuffs it with thick brown leaves and pulls a length of smoldering wood from the flames. With a few puffs, clouds of blue-gray smoke issue from the pipe.

"You have all been good to me, and indeed we have shed blood together, fighting side by side. I will do as the group wishes. Still, I say this to you: beneath our feet lies a dwarven temple not seen since the days of the Great War. Imagine what treasures we might find. What knowledge! And with every day that passes, those foul creatures defile the place further with their presence. They are not like us. They know nothing of art, nor of beauty. They revere not knowledge. They know only hatred and cowardice. Such filth is an abomination in the eyes of the All-Father. They are fit only to have their pitiful lives ended at the point of a sword, or at the head of a hammer."

"Think, too, on this. They know the girl is with us," he gestures to Burnbright. "The longer we leave them to their own devices, the more word of her presence will spread among them, and to those who command them."

"But if it is to be the Drimmen-Delve, then I would not suggest making that trip through the spaces beneath the earth. It is true that this place was unknown to me, as it is unknown to my kinsman. It is likely that there is no path to the Drimmen-Delve to be found here. If there is, such a path will pass out of the carved halls of my fathers and into the wild places beneath the earth, where things dwell that should not live upon the earth or under it. Too, even were we to find our way to the Drimmen-Delve, we could spend months traveling those darkened paths before finding the right way."

"No, if we're to travel to the Drimmen-Delve, I deem we should set out on land, either through the Taint or around it. Through the Taint, the journey is nearly eighty leagues. Skirting it, the trip is well over one-hundred. If we are to set out, we should do so with haste. While we travel, those who have set themselves against us will prepare. I know naught of this Aslaug, nor of her minions, but I would not give her more time than necessary to plan against us."

Darin puts the pipe back in his mouth and puffs, his glittering gaze passing over everyone present.

A small cough sounds from next to Baldhart. Burnbright rises, her blue face paint cast in the shadows of the flickering flame.

"You're all talking about Aslaug like we know she's bad. She might be my mother! And you've heard the stories about her. She was good, and she made plants grow, and people came from all over the place just to see her, and to be taken care of by her. How can a person go from being like that, to being bad? How do you know she wasn't captured in the raid. Who knows what could have happened to her, or where she might be now. We might be able to help her. You all saw what we did to those lizards. Even with spells, they couldn't beat us! Whatever we do, we should help my...my...mother." Burnbright says the word slowly, as though tasting it. "If she is my mother. And if she's not, we should help her anyway, because I bet she's a victim of the Taint just as much as any of us!"

She looks at each of the members of the group, her eyes finally stopping on Baldhart.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Sir Matthew had a head-start and Ankari was purposefully slow, so I'd like to assume Matthew glnanced in his direction, but he's not necessarily in sight yet, and is not in ear-shot until Ankari the Person posts.))

Before the Meeting

"I don't understand that man at all. There is no reason for him to hold Mauve against her will when she's done no wrong… and to treat you like that, Mauve! To abuse a woman where I come from—where Freya's path guides Principle—he'd be marked for death. I'm only honor-bound to kill him if he sets foot on the Iron Mountain, so don't worry about that.

"I think we all agree that unity is our only chance at victory in whatever battle lies ahead. I will not let that hate-monger cost me my eternal reward. As long as he is our ally, I cannot allow my anger to get the better of me. I won't, or he wins, and I pay the ultimate price—to be denied eternal life as a valkyrie.

"Sir Matthew, what should we say to him when he arrives? We must tell the others of this. Mauve… I was truthful to you. I had nothing to do with Ankari. Would you still stand with me? Sir Matthew? The others? For Burnbright?"

Nissa… I need you. I really, really need you!

​I'm here. Always.

 

[Nihal]

Back to Mauve—"Your… throat?" I kneel down. "Did he… hurt you?"

I thought at least she would believe in me. As she questions me I force myself to respond. It still feels uncomfortable to expose my weakness this way. I know I must.

"He strangled me when he failed to bury his dagger in my back. I managed to fight him at first but I couldn't break free, he's too strong. It was only a matter of getting a firmer hold and crushing my neck."

"Do not think that I am so blind as not to notice you hand moving toward your weapon. Do you really think it will help? You can't fight us, not alone. And do you really wish to?"

I don't turn to the knight. "Do you think I give a turd? I... won't... allow anyone... coerce me this time! I'd rather die!" I pause and breath. "And what do you think he'll do with me? If he doesn't kill me when he finds me alone again he'll turn me in at the first city we set foot."

When Darin speaks I get silent, gloomy. I know there is much knowledge down here, dammit!

 

[Phietadix]

I listen to Darin speak, then answer.

"On a few rare occaisons I have seen dwarves in battle. It is truly an amazing sight. When a dwarf joins a fight on my side, I have much rejoicing. But even a dwarf can not face an army. If we die in these temples, what good will it do? We should go to the Drimmin-Delve there we can get aid. I've seen what a few dwarves can do and in amazes me, what if we had an army? Even the creatures below could not withstand it!

Burnbright makes her speech. I feel sorry for her. The pain she must feel. Still we must fight on and her questions must be answered.

"Yes, there is a chance we can still help her. And we will if we can. But theres much at stake. Going down to the temple now will not solve anything. She may not even be down there."

 

[SeverinR]

"You are no prisoner to me, The taint may imprison your arts, but there is no doubt you fought for us, gave your all to fight our foes. As long as you do not betray us, your back is safe with me. Funny, I with no honor am the one that did not try to stick a blade in your back. I would go so far as to defend your right to do as you please."

I hold the gem up to the light, "Even for a hundred of these, I would not attack one of our group that did not betray the cause."

"Let the part of the group that accepts you offer aid for what the one that acts on his own did to you." I stand slipping the gem inot a hidden pocket. " If you stay I will guard thy back, if you go I will guard thy retreat, even kill one of the group that try to enslave you."
I slowly offer my hand palm up, to show no blade, looking her square in the eye. "As I said, I have no honor, but I don't harm allies."
I look around

"Will no one offer to aid her? She suffered her burning magic for our assistance, she offered herself as a sacrifice to the lizards. This is not how she should be treated. Is this how honorable people behave? I'd rather sleep in a din of thieves then stand with this honor."
I look at the cleric, then to Baldhart, Burnright, then to Ravana, then my hand still out I look back to Mauve.
"Cut it off, or shake it as a friend. I can't ease your pain, its not my gift, but I can help you."

"I will ask Ankari to explain his actions if he can, I believe he should say his side. Hearing his side, doesn't change my words now. Unless he can offer proof that you betrayed us. Which I doubt."

 

[Ireth]

Ankari's words are bad enough, but his actions shock me. What gives him the right to treat Mauve like a prisoner? Thankfully, Baldhart and others are of the same mind; I refrain from speaking, thinking I would grow too angry for my words to be effective. Thank goodness for Baldhart's vow.

At Aliron's words, I rise and step forward to stand beside Mauve, speaking solemnly. "I know a little of wizardry, for I used to be an illusionist. I do not know what I may do to aid you, child, but what I can, I will."

 

[Ravana]

[Darin speaks]

"Think, too, on this. They know the girl is with us," he gestures to Burnbright. "The longer we leave them to their own devices, the more word of her presence will spread among them, and to those who command them."

"All the better reason to go a direction they should not expect. And if they have the resources to overtake and overcome us on a journey, how much more if we head straight into the heart of their camp?"

"No, if we're to travel to the Drimmen-Delve, I deem we should set out on land, either through the Taint or around it. Through the Taint, the journey is some eighty leagues. Skirting it, the trip is well over one-hundred."

"I feel safe in predicting we would not survive a two-hundred-odd-mile journey underground." Anyone else, probably, would roll her eyes at this point. Hiljikki doesn't. "Not even were it to cut some of those miles off by pursuing a straighter course. If nothing else, I doubt we could carry sufficient provisions.

"So regardless of what we choose to do here, I think we can discount that possibility."

•

[Burnbright speaks]

"You're all talking about Aslaug like we know she's bad. She might be my mother! And you've heard the stories about her. She was good, and she made plants grow, and people came from all over the place just to see her, and to be taken care of by her. How can a person go from being like that, to being bad? How do you know she wasn't captured in the raid. Who knows what could have happened to her, or where she might be now. We might be able to help her. You all saw what we did to those lizards. Even with spells, they couldn't beat us! Whatever we do, we should help my...my...mother." Burnbright says the word slowly, as though tasting it. "If she is my mother. And if she's not, we should help her anyway, because I bet she's a victim of the Taint just as much as any of us!"

More hesitantly than is her wont, Hiljikki replies:

"There… are ways to learn more concerning these things, child. Though I'm not sure you'd be willing to face the doing."

She looks around the fire.

"Neither am I sure our companions would be willing to allow you to face them."

Then, returning her gaze to meet the girl's:

"Nor, for that matter, am I sure I am willing to face them." Though her voice now gives no indication of fear or reluctance.

"As for the troglodytes: I did indeed see what you did to them, though I was not present when you did it. I also saw what they did to the rest of you. Tell me: what do you think would have happened had there been but two more of them? Would you still have defeated them? Almost certainly. But, almost as certainly, there would be at least one person fewer sitting by this fire right now.

"Then what of the next group you encountered? With one or more fallen, most of the rest injured, your healing magics exhausted? And then the one after that? The troglodytes live there: it is their home. How many people make their homes in Srilkind? If half as many troglodytes inhabit the tunnels, or even half of that half—how many would that make?"

Hiljikki's piercing eyes never wavers from the girl's.

"You speak often of Veborg. Let me tell you what I know of her. She died valiantly, bringing down a mighty foe in single combat, one who had done great harm to her cause, who might have turned the battle that day against Veborg and her people. For this she is remembered in song—yes, I know some of them myself—and I do not doubt such a worthy warrior found a place among the valkyries.

"Let me tell you what else I know of her: she did not just die, the first time the opportunity presented itself."

Somehow, Hiljikki's gaze seems to sweep up Baldhart without any perceptible shift in focus.

"I am not the expert. Perhaps others have more reliable information than I do. But I would suggest you consider doing some more living first… if becoming worthy of being chosen by the valkyrie is truly your goal.

"You can always die later."

Pause.

"You are unlikely to be given the option of doing it the other way around."

Her words flow to a halt. Her stare goes on.

•

[to Mauve, when she arrived earlier]

(Examines Mauve's bruises.)

"Rydh should have a look at that. I suspect he could do more, and faster, than I."

 

[Ankari]

Before the Meeting

Impassioned words streak from the open places in the temple, eager to rend my flesh. I've aligned with an odd group, one prone to whim like the winds of spring. The words of the thief reach my ear, burrowing deep in the canal to chew on my mind. Of all of them, I find an affinity with him.

And the druid.

I remove my quiver, bow, and belt holding my weapons. My backpack, too, in case they grow suspicious. I set them against the weather-smoothed wall, eye my armor, and remove the chest piece. The cold claws through the tunic to clutch my spine and urge me forward. Better the warmth of the interior and the fire of their eyes.

The Elven Knight's words rouse a temper I thought buried in the field. Always in doubt. Always moping about, offering his valiant sacrifice wrapped in insecurities. Wolves have four legs so that if one goes lame, they can hunt with three. We strut around this earth proclaiming our dominance, yet collapse into ourselves at the first sign of adversity.

I breath in the cool air. It's not the time to shake him by the shoulders until he howls in answer, awakening the beast wearing the skin of a lamb.

"What would you have of me?"

 

[Ireth]

I meet Ankari's eyes, holding his gaze. I keep my voice calm; now is not the time for shouting. "For a start, I would have you treat Mauve as an equal, and not a prisoner. She is one of us now, part of our company, for better or for worse. If we drive each other away, we will all be lost."

 

[Nihal]

As Aliron talks, I lt my shoulders drop. I shouldn't have been resentful when he first stood by me. I reach for his hand, holding it palm to palm.

The elven knight steps beside me and reveals he was an illusionist. It surprises me, still, my face remains frozen in the same serious expression the whole time. I know he will come back, and then I'll have to face him. I didn't see him after passing out, having only heard his voice. I can't bring myself to smile at them, just nodding instead.

...it doesn't take too long.

"What would you have of me?"

I close my eyes for a moment, then look over my shoulder.


((Nope, she didn't shake Aliron's hand. She doesn't know what a handshake is. ;x))

 

[SeverinR]

"What would you have of me?"

My hand on my sword, I clear my throat, spit into the fire, and watch it boil away to nothing.

"I would ask why you felt the need to attack her, we are not servants to you. If she wished to leave, sane or insane, she has that right. What has she done to be treated as you did?"

[is this elf so arrogant to think he can force us to do his bidding? Or is he alienating himself to galvanize the group as one? He is a simple sword swinger, could he have the capability for manipulating people better than a master Swindler, confidence man?]

"Treat me as a captive, I will treat you as a slaver, when you sleep, know that I will be watching, waiting, I will come in the darkest hour and the slaver will breathe no more."

I look to Mauve, then back to Ankari.
"In the forest hunt, you rely on the other hunters to keep you safe, trusting in one another, are you so far from the Elven forest that you forget this?"
------------
"For a start, I would have you treat Mauve as an equal, and not a prisoner. She is one of us now, part of our company, for better or for worse. If we drive each other away, we will all be lost."
------------

"I would hope all would treat everyone as equals. If I do not do as someone wishes, am I to have my neck crushed, as the crusher determines if I am worthy to live? Mauve was treated wrong, but my bigger concern is will this happen to me if I don't do as I am told by some inflated muscle with a heavy sword? We are equals or we are foes."
Looking around the group, I sigh,

"I should also add, while I have everyone's attention, I found the chests, and by my God, I swear that everything in those chests we pulled from the tunnels, was evenly and fairly divided amongst the group. We all fought hard, we got a fair split, we are equals in the group."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Before the Meeting

Sir Cadell responds to Ankari, and the conversation seems friendly as can be given the situation. I say nothing of the seriousness of his offense. We are not on my mountain, so it is not my place to lethally enforce Our Principles.

Well aware of my vow, I am calm. Sir Cadell's words make it very easy for me to remain calm, as does Ankari's apparent humility.

Softly, gently, I say, "I have made a vow to my goddess not to use words of anger against an ally for the reasons Sir Cadell has just stated. I think much more clearly now that I am bound to my word to Brynhild not to let anger cloud my judgment. My faith means nothing to you, and I accept that. But see the logic in my vow."

I spare him the lecture and the implied insults that come with it. Surely he sees which of us is truly lower than a savage! I stifle the grin and attempt a warm smile.

((Wow... 3rd 4-5 in a row when Baldy tries to smile at awkward moment. Rolz knows things!))


Ugh... you can't hide you discomfort at all, Baldy. Stop giving fake smiles when you're nervous. Speak from your heart!

"Burnbright needs adults who are united and respectful. So I respectfully request that you, please, gather your weapons and armor and join us by the fire.

"I'll heat some bread."


((Unless spoken to directly, this ends Baldhart's role in the pre-meeting discussion.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

At the Meeting

She looks at each of the members of the group, her eyes finally stopping on Baldhart.

"I hope you're right, Burnbright. I really do.

"But it is important that you do not allow yourself to be manipulated because of who she was. A victim of the Taint may or may not be responsible for her actions, but if her actions are deadly, we need to respond with our swords. If there is a way to take her alive or help her, I pray we obtain that knowledge before we're forced to face her. If not, remember what I told you of forgiveness."

To Darin I say, "I have little time..." I glance at Nissa's remorseful expression. "...I mean we have little time, as you say, Darin. I'm grateful that we can count on your wisdom, and I--oh! I always wanted to go to a dwarven dwelling! Is it true your people are the world's greatest smiths? Do you think my share of the treasure is enough to get me better armor or a stronger sword? I just know we can better prepare ourselves in Drimmen-delve!"

I take a breath. I can barely contain my excitement, so I remain silent as I remove the loaf from its place by the fire. By Nissa.


Baldhart... how can you be so happy after what I just told you?

It means you and I can be together all the time. Oh, I want Burnbright and I to live as sisters when all this is over, but... I may not get the chance even if my parents would adopt her and if Burnbright would want that. It's easier to face my enemies knowing they can't take away a future that is not possible.

Improbable, not impossible. And we're together all the time now. I'm a vulture, Baldy! You treat me as a friend, but I'm a vulture!

You have pretty wings for a vulture.


"The bread is warm," I tell the others. "I suggest we eat well, then leave on the path Darin and Hiljikki deem wisest."

 

[SeverinR]

"I do not eat with foes or nobles, is anyone here my better, or my enemy? Are we equals sharing a meal, or should I find a safer place to eat?"

Still standing next to Mauve, I can't move away without seeming backdown, or abandoning her. Looking at the bread, I take the hand from my sword and extend it towards the bread.

"Do we eat as a group, or do we starve alone?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"I brought the bread, so as far as I'm concerned I'm serving it to equals and that's everyone here. I'm trying to divide the pieces equally too, but... ahh. Who wants an end?"

I hand out pieces, starting with Burnbright and moving around. Whatever piece is not taken will be mine.

"Alin, there's only one thing you said *chomp* at this meeting I stongly disagree with. You said you *chomp* have no honor. On my mountain, one who wishes to treat others as equals *chomp* has a place at any table. My people would consider you honorable. *gulp* If you mean it's a dishonor to aim for an enemy's back *chomp* who came up with that rule? You win a battle by putting holes in those who intend to put holes in you. It doesn't matter which side the hole is on *chomp* just which body."

 

[SeverinR]

"Let this bread tell it all. Formed from the ground, forged in the fire to bring out the best, I stand here bread in hand.(his sword hand)
Let any person here, better ern me, better ern her(gesture to Mauve), better then the singer, better ern the Squire girl(glance at Burnbright), better ern the healer, toss their bread in the fire. You have food of your own, why would you want to eat food wit the likes of us? As I said, I eat with equals."
{I stop and look to Darin, slightly embarrassed}
"I appologize, Anyone here think their better ern the dwarf, cast it into the fire." Looking him directly in the eyes, "I eat with equals."
Looking to see if anyone has cast their bread into the fire. If all still have their bread, I will slowly eat, first looking at Mauve, then the Dwarf, then turn to look at Ankari. I stop chewing to see what he does.

[I surivived? I did not choke when I said the dwarf was an equal?]

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

*chomp*

Cast the bread into the fire means what? Good thing I didn't offer a piece to you, Nissa!

Ha! I can't eat it anyway, so it would just be burned bread!

 

[Nihal]

((Omg Aliron didn't swear at the dwarf!))

I sit beside the fire, taking care to remain near Aliron and Cadell and paying attention to the shadowy elf's words. They're often hard to follow, he uses many words I've not heard before.

I refuse the bread, still nauseated, as if I was torn between a cold and a hangover. My tongue is dry. I reach for my flask and take a generous sip, hoping to get rid from the foul taste of whatever the bloody ranger forced into my mouth.

 

[Ireth]

I accept the bread that Baldhart offers with thanks, and at Aliron's words I make a point of keeping it. I eat slowly, looking at the others, especially Ankari. I hope he does not try to harm any of our number again.

I look to Mauve and sigh at her discomfort. What can I do to help her?

Talk to her. Make her realize she is welcome.

My features relax into a smile, and I begin with a question. "How long have you been a wizard, Mauve?"