Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Legendary Sidekick]

"I can't answer that, but if the guys are getting impatient it's definitely not your lack of clothing they'd be complaining about." Nissa, it's hardly a sacrifice, but, "Keep the knife. Remove your clothing before using it next time. Maybe you should keep a towel or two in your bag. You fought very well today. You got the beast to turn away from me, which may be the reason I was still standing when it fell.

"You have what it takes to become a valkyrie, you know. Ever since I first saw you with that spear, I saw a fierce warrior in you. She came out today."

As soon as Mauve is dressed, I give her some space. I help Ankari finish the job with the beast.

"I don't expect we'll go anywhere on that boat until Mauve is ready for another swim. We'd be fools to travel that water without our mermaid." I hope not to pour salt on old wounds, but "Remember the room with the table? There was a hearth in there as well. We could get a fire going, lay out the hide on the table to dry, and I think we can handle the load without making a mess if we pile up the hide in that boat. Algernon and I can grab the ends—and leave room for extra arms so we don't have to strain ourselves."

 

[Nihal]

I laugh. "If only I was prettier. I admit I didn't think it through, I was awar-re it was a transformation spell, only this.

This knife is a p-precious gift. Are you sure?"

Her words about valkyries bother me, corrupted creatures like me have no heaven waiting for them. She has no idea of what I really am. Sometimes I almost wish I was as good and noble as them, then I remember it will take more than this to do what I wish to do.

People like her forsake my people.

Impassible, I focus in dressing myself; to keep warm, besides the jacket I wear two tunics instead of one.

"I'm afraid t-that without a truly good rest I won't be able to use this spell again." I lean against the wall and rub my arms.


((How much time will she take to recover? ...or does she need a long rest, a good sleep anyway?))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I address the party. "The hide is ready to move." ((If anyone is strongly opposed to using the boat to move the hide, we can always say the hide is stacked and bound it a way that makes it easy for a few strong-arms to move.)) "I suggest we move to the room with the hearth so the hide can dry on the table."

Fire, Baldy. Build a fire.

Oh! How thoughtless of me!

"We need to either go there or back to camp. Mauve could really use a fire about now. I need to help move the scaly hide… can someone please help Mauve?"

 

[Ireth]

"I vote for the room with the hearth," I say, looking at Mauve. She looks worse off than I do, and I am not exactly in prime condition myself. I pick up Rydh's shield from where I dropped it long before, taking a few steps toward the open end of the passageway. "Standard formation, then, either way."

 

[SeverinR]

"I think after the fight and so many cold damp people, it might be a good time to take a break."
I smile and add

"I think the mermaid and the Sea horse rider could use a break. Can the mermaiden walk?"

 

[Ankari]

"Yes, back to the room with the hearth. We'll still need to scrape the hide clean." I consider the skinned carcass. "Anyone opposed to eating lizard flesh? It should be edible."

 

[Nihal]

"Maybe I forgot how t-to walk." I chuckle. "I'm just tired. And cold. Before we move I n-need to fix my backpack. Belt. The cloak clasp blew too."

When Cadell moves I ask him "Are you okay?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

In the Room with the Fire…

I let Ankari and Algernon hang the hides, and I assume Aliron will secure the doorway with his table trap as soon as I finish throwing out the corpses. I take them down the hall and into the room where I assume the treasure chests were found. I go back to the water, wash up, and finally—I get to sit down by the fire near Mauve and Cadell. I wonder what Ankari's cooking will be like. I'm sure lizard will taste better than that Goodberry did. Bleah!

* * *​

I love it when we sit by a fire. This is the time I can see Nissa.

Really, Baldy? Did you really think you were gonna die back there?

Only for a moment. That scaly hide wasn't easy to penetrate, and when I was the only one to hit it, it lunged at me. I've never been hit by such a powerful attack. Ha! Things'll be different when I'm the one with the scaly hide!

Ever hear the saying that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?

Yes. You've become stronger. I feel it.

Nissa reaches out to me. I do the same, using both hands so to the others I appear to be warming my hands.

I feel it, too, Nissa.

She smiles mischievously. And I feel… I feel something being drained from me. I feel a little faint, but… in a good way.

I start to hyperventilate. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe normal. I feel something… I feel…

I look at my hands touching hers. I feel…

I feel her!

"Ouch, my butt!" Nissa cries as she jumps from the fire and into my arms.



((Everyone in or near the room heard Nissa, and those who look can't help but notice Baldhart is holding a winged woman who appears to be in her mid-twenties with blonde braided pigtails. She stands one-third Baldhart's height.

As a party member responds, s/he'll see a speechless Baldhart frantically covering the valkyrie with a shred of her mauve gown. Though unfazed by her nakedness, Nissa will comply and wear the cloth like a toga.

Reminder: of those present, only Sir Cadell has heard of Nissa by name.))

 

[Ireth]

I sit between Baldhart and Mauve, drying myself and my bow and arrows by the fire. I've taken off the prosthesis Hiljikki made, as it has proved more of a hindrance than a help, unfortunately. Staring into the flames, I reflect on my journey so far. My fortune in battle has grown worse and worse, despite all my best efforts. I could have died back there, if not for Mauve. And before that, if not for Rydh healing my arm. I know that with battle comes injury, but this is bordering on the ridiculous. I think I've had the worst luck out of any of us so far, or near to it. That cursed knife hasn't done us many favors.

Homesickness washes over me like the cold water of the lake. I don't belong here... I belong in the southern woods, with my lover and my people. Why did Her Majesty send me? She has other knights, ones who are more experienced -- not to mention willing. She saw my unease at the thought of going to sea, yet she sent me anyway.

A dark thought uncurls in the back of my mind. Her Majesty never was pleased with me for trying to uphold the truce between mortals and elves after the orcs were vanquished... is this her way of punishing me for it? Did she seek only to get me out of the way, so I would not spread ideas among our folk that she did not approve of? I was surprised enough she seemed to care about the plight of the northlands at all.

I grind my teeth and look away from the fire. Was I taken for a fool, shipped off on a wild hunt for the sake of their peace of mind? What will they do if I go home again, whether in success or defeat? Should I even think to do so? Or is she waiting for me to die out here?

A cry shatters my reverie, and I look up in surprise, then wonder. A tiny woman stands in Baldhart's hold, her blonde hair tied back in two braids. Two white wings sprout from her back, and she is naked but for the corner of Baldhart's gown which offers some modesty.

"Nissa!" I gasp. It has to be!

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa's POV

Right. Baldy had to confide in someone. I better confirm he got my name right before the mortals bombard me with questions.

"That's right, Nissa van Donk's the name. I am one of the elder Valkyries, among the first thousand to serve my boss—I mean, Brynhild—directly. Aaaaand… I'm also Baldy's cousin, thirty-something times removed. My mom was an Eisenberg." I point to Baldy with my thumb. "Not all of the Eisenberg women get that tall."

 

[Sparkie]

"What in the name of... Where did she come from?"

I point at the small woman in Baldhart's lap.

 

[SeverinR]

Near the door working on the trap, I spin sword half drawn when I here the scream, speechless I stare at the winged female.
Then slide the sword back in place, and return to work.

"A crazy wizard mermaid, invisible winged secret friends burning her arse, Elf trying to ride an damn sea monster, a power mad ranger what took to many taps to the helmet, am I the only one with simple normal secrets?" I grumble aloud.

 

[Nihal]

((I thank no one for I don't know who helped the fishy girl. ;x
Oh, I need to know how much mana she still has.))

I sit quietly beside the fire, feeling happy. The initial thrill wore off, but I'm still satisfied. I wonder how dangerous is this spell compared to the ones I know—I was a little precipitated in casting it, yet I regret nothing. I start to comb my long hair with my fingers so it will dry quicker. It feels smooth, cleaned by the water and transformation and free from any braid or ring.

"Ouch, my butt!" Nissa cries as she jumps from the fire and into my arms.

I curse loudly, startled by the unexpected apparition. "What—from where—how—?!"

The tiny winged woman interrupts, talking. I just listen and blink, my mouth slightly open.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa's POV

Really? A cleric is so surprised to see a heavenly being? Maybe if I worked for his god, he wouldn't have asked that. I better let him off easy.

"Asgard, Valhalla. There's this special section that's like… a celestial ladies' room. I have no idea what that would mean to you guys, but it's where certain women go when they die. Women like her." I point to Baldy again. Gotta point out the obvious to some mortals. "That reminds me, thanks for healing Badly all those times. As much as I wanna put her to work, I'm in no hurry to see her dead."

I fly up to Aliron. Aliron. I'm gonna call him by name. "Look, Aliron. Baldy here doesn't like keeping secrets. You wanna know why she never mentioned me to any of you?" I point one finger up, which Sir Cadell might not understand is that in-a-minute gesture. But then, he won't interrupt anyway. He's too polite. "She was afraid you'd laugh. She did confide in Sir Cadell, but figured worst-case, he thinks she's nuts and keeps the thought to himself. Poor Baldy's been dying to tell you about me. It's been eating away at her."

Aw, for the love of… I made her cry. Don't do that, Baldy!

And now Mauve asking a question I already answered. Well, I can't just ignore her. I fly over to her. "Aw, c'mon, Mauve. You just turned into that fish thing, and now you're surprised to see me? Let me satisfy your curiosity, since you like learning so much. Baldhart has a little magic in her, too. She can't ever do what you do with magic. But I can use her mana. Before, I could only make her see me. Now that she's become stronger, I can do more. Maybe when Baldhart strengthens even more, I can appear with clothes on. I mean, what the hell? Is it Naked Lady Day in this tunnel?"

 

[Ireth]

I look at Nissa in speechless wonder, seeing now some hint of familial similarity between her and Baldhart's features -- though not their height, of course. She must have died in an especially honorable manner, to be so esteemed as to serve her goddess directly. Though I cannot see her riding over the slain on anything larger than a pony, and a small one at that. She is smaller even than our halfling!

My voice returns, and I say, "It is an honor to see you face to face, Nissa. Baldhart has told me much of you."

I decide not to comment on Aliron's remark. Not only is my attempt at killing the lake monster definitely not the same as an attempt to ride it, it is also not in any way a secret. Why even include it next to Baldhart's Valkyrie?

 

[Sparkie]

Valhalla. The human afterlife. How strange. I address the floating maid.

"So, if you've been to Valhalla... What I mean is... Are you..?"

I make a pointless circular gesture with one hand. How hard can it be to ask someone if they're dead? Harder than I thought, certainly.

 

[Nihal]

I slowly close my mouth.

I've seen a demon appearing out of thin air, and it tried to tear my face off. Why would it be any different with those gods and their subordinates?

I rise my hand and tentatively touch her forehead, snatching it back one second later.

A divine being, can she see through me? Can she feel...? Oh... damn. My arms are at my sides again, and I clutch at the cloak, keeping my face straight like a festival mask. Wonder and fear. Don't notice, don't notice, don't. All I wanted was to set the things right. Please, turn away! Go away!

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa's POV

I curtsy to Sir Cadell as best I can mid-flight. It might be a bit unbecoming to do that wearing this old rag.

"Sorry… I'm not good with formalities, but however that curtsy looked, the respect is real. Thanks for not laughing in her face. Sorry. No. You wouldn't anyway. But your code wouldn't stop you from telling Baldy fairies aren't real, I'm her imaginary friend, she's just an overgrown simpleton. And if you had said something like that, I wouldn't hold it against you. But you just listened. Liadan, is it? She's lucky. You're a good listener."

Rydh is curious.

"A valkyrie? I'm not good at guessing games. Dad was a halfling by the name of Sven van Donk. Mom was human, but even shorter and skinnier than Mauve. Her name was Eva Eisenberg. Died giving birth to me. I met her seven years after an orc split my skull. I hit him first, though… and he paid dearly for striking me down in front of my dad.

"Oh, and they called me a Quarterling. Y'know, half-halfling? Get it? Aw, c'mon, you're of mixed race, too. I thought you'd appreciate that."

Stunned silence. Stammering. Maybe I should have told Baldhart to warn them. That reminds me, "Why so quiet, Baldy?"

"Oh… I just wish Burnbright was here to see this."

"Relax. We'll go back to the kid. Sit her by a fire, and… maybe warn her first." I look around the room. "Yeah. Sorry, everyone. Shoulda warned you. Even Baldy didn't know I was gonna do this. I wasn't sure if I could, really. I'd hate to say, 'warn your friends so I don't freak them out,' then she tells you all about me and nothing happens and she ends up looking like an idiot. I didn't wanna risk that."

A tap on my head.

I press Mauve's nose, then smile. "Why do you fear me? Why tap me and say nothing? You have such an inquiring mind, but you keep your questions hidden from me! Do I look capable of harming you? Do I look like I want to harm you? Do you know how proud it made Baldy when she helped you figure out how to use the knife? Even when she thought she would die, she was happy for you. She would have died happy… not that I had any doubts about how the battle would turn out. But you made her happy enough to accept death. How can I harm someone who had that effect on my lovely valkyrie-to-be?" I whisper to Mauve, ​"Oafish, but lovely."

 

[Nihal]

"Sorry," I blurt out.

STOP! Calm down and think, idiot!

I take a deep breath. "You startled me, I did not mean to be rude. I do not have any questions..."

She knows me, she has been watching. Yes, and if so far she took no action, she doesn't know much. See? I don't even know if I would fail... no, stop thinking about it, think in a question, quickly!

"Oh. Will it last? You spoke of a next time."

What do I know about Valkyries? Hmmm...

 

[Ankari]

I stare at the fire, occasionally turning the meat over so both sides cook through. Small things live in the flesh of subterranean beasts, it wouldn't do to have my companions. The flame dances and spits, speaking in the mysterious language of creation. Would that I could understand, and in understanding, know the threads that bind life with death and creation with ruin.

The wizard shivers like a stubborn leaf against the winter wind. Why she walks the razor edge of power, then wonders at the scars along her feet, defies reason. She is still sane, which means she is still useful. Perhaps a gesture is needed to make her feel mutual camaraderie. Perhaps she is gone beyond recalling back to the realm of the sane. I will think on this.

At a commotion from Baldhart, I look up. In her lap is a pixie. Were it any other situation, any other people, I would be startled. But we are a strange bunch, one that welcomes a wall of a barbarian into their midst without batting an eye. "So, you are a valkyrie. Tell me, pixie, is their an equivalent of your kind for men? And, do you want some lizard?"