Dragon's Egg - Act II

[SeverinR]

[ops, I thought they were already back. Sorry focused on the chests, I tried to catch up, and miss read a post. We'll just say the glare from the gems distracted me. It migt still fit if they return with her tied. Will adjust if something changes.]

"I was busy counting money and gems, why is the wizard bound and gagged?" I ask watching them return.
"I thought I heard some talk, she was leaving?"
I ask holding a gem up to look at it through the light.

"I thought we were here voluntarily? Are we conscripts, to be beaten, arrested and brought back bound if we attempt to leave? I'm not at all happy when someone tries to intimidate a member of the group. Because they might think they can do it with the rest of the group. The first requirement for the group is respect for one another. When you think you can force someone to do as you wish, it ceases to be a group, and becomes masters and slaves. I don't intend to be a slave.
I now have enough coin to take a short vacation fit for royalty. I have no master, if I did, they would not be long for the world." Glancing from the gem, to Ankari, and back again.

 

[Phietadix]

Matthew with Ankari and Mauve
What is this! We seem to hurt each other more than our enemys, is it any wonder that Mauve tried to leave?

"Cut her lose Ankari. Even if we keep her as a prisoner, no need to treat her like a slave. I can take from back from here."

I prepare to take her on my horse and ride back.
((Either of you can still add here if needed)

Matthew with Party
"Baldhart, while you plan sounds good in theory, in reality it's not that simple. Burnbright still can't fight, she needs more training, plus someone would need to stay and protect our animals, they can't come down there. I suggest we go to the Drimmin-Delve. There we get Cadell a replacement hand, and hopefully get some time to train Burnbright in peace. When we are prepared we can return here."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"If Darin is willing to take us to Drimmen-delve first, I would agree to that, Sir Matthew. Darin, is that an option you would consider?"

I stifle the overly optimistic thoughts of Cadell's hand, armor purchases, a safe place for Burnbright, assistance from other dwarves. But is clearing the underground temple a condition for our journey to Drimmen-delve? Is it a necessity? Perhaps we must travel underground to get there. I must resist the urge to say more until Darin responds to Sir Matthew's suggestion...

...

Aah! This sucks! So many tactical advantages and I wanna tell everybody! Where's my rainbow chalk? Daah! I left it in the other room!

Ha! You're such a blabbermouth, Baldy! I love watching you struggle with this. Do me a favor, don't ever make a vow of silence as a sacrifice to Brynhild. Not even if you're about to die. I don't want you to blow your shot at valkyrie-hood over a little thing.

Oh, you're a little thing!

I stare at Nissa as she hovers over the fire. Her mischievous-but-warm expression relaxes me. I patiently wait for others to speak.

It may take a long time to reach a consensus, Nissa. Please stay by the fire where I can see you.

 

[SeverinR]

"If Darin is willing to take us to Drimmen-delve first, I would agree to that, Sir Matthew. Darin, is that an option you would consider?"

"I would also support leaving the tunnels for a while. Get rested, relax, and tend to issues in a civilized society, to decide on our next actions. Sit by a warm fire, with a flask of some good ale, and discuss rationally what we should do, and who should go along or stay on the next trip." (Enjoy the profits we have thus far).

Damn, did I just agree to go to a Dwarven city? I must be intoxicated by the riches. A short Dwarven table next to a small dwarven fire, would probably be better then sitting out in the cold, with a group that cannot stop bickering.
I would not be suprised if fights even break out, tension is high now. I can't even blame it on the dwart.

"We might be able to find lodging that doesn't cost an...Sorry Cadell, that isn't too expensive, and stay a few days."

 

[Sparkie]

Darin spits into the fire, and I nod my head at his words. I want to complete what we started here. Still, I don't say anything about it. I just sit by the fire and listen. Everyone here is so busy talking, talking, talking! Why aren't they interested in working together? Why do they have to go about convincing others, as well as themselves, that their way of thinking and course of action is the correct one?

I don't know. I just know that unless there's some cooperation in the coming days we're all as good as dead. We go into battle, not a garden party. At some point our personalities will need to be put in check in order to survive. I'm beginning to wonder if that's possible.

 

[Ravana]

"Baldhart, while you plan sounds good in theory, in reality it's not that simple. Burnbright still can't fight, she needs more training, plus someone would need to stay and protect our animals, they can't come down there. I suggest we go to the Drimmin-Delve. There we get Cadell a replacement hand, and hopefully get some time to train Burnbright in peace. When we are prepared we can return here."

"I agree. Without reservation. I cannot imagine a better course for us to take at this moment.

"As for being able to get there: Darin and Bren got here. Bren is returning. Indeed, he has only a day's head start; it's possible we'll catch him up. Likely, even, if someone with a steed goes ahead of the group to let him know we're following. Skirting the Taint may be slower than crossing it, but I have no question which route would be more likely to see us to the end.

"As for a shortcut through the tunnels… firstly, we ventured less than half an hour's walk into them. Drimmen-delve is rather farther away than a handful of hours. Second, Darin has given no indication that he believes there would be a connection all the way through; indeed, the fact that he was unaware of the existence of the tunnels here, that the dwarves seem to have forgotten they ever existed, would hint that they do not link up. Third, even if they do, Verstenn lies between us and Drimmen-delve… ask Darin if he feels we have what it would take to force that passage."

Hiljikki pauses, inspects her whittling. Well, even if only for the advantage of a few days, it's worth completing. He'll have to become accustomed to an artificial appendage anyway. That takes time. She picks up Sir Cadell's bow, checks the precise shape of the grip again, continues making fine adjustments to the cup of the prosthesis.

Though the most important thing right now is to get the child as far away from this place as possible.

Hiljikki looks at Burnbright's fidgeting, sets down her work.

"May I have a look at that pendant? I have not had the opportunity to examine it before."

Not that it's likely to speak to me in any way. Not without a greater effort than I can undertake at the moment. Still.… Her eyes seem to become bluer than usual, her focus more distant than usual. Which takes some doing, considering.

((Hiljikki will also take the opportunity to examine the trog shaman's book, at whatever point Mauve is brought back in and she has the time to. She will make no attempt to keep it, and will in fact consult with Mauve—and Darin, once she becomes aware he has insights into it—to aid in the examination. She will behave as though the scene between Ankari and Mauve never took place: not her problem, as far as she's concerned. She will also take a good look at the shaman's staff, for whatever it might be able to tell her.))

 

[Ravana]

((Aargh. Just thought of something severely retroactive. We should/would have looted the bodies of the goblin riders. Of course, they're still available, so the late-breaking thought shouldn't influence things too much. Not that I expect them to have a whole lot on them, but there should be a few useful odds and ends. Hiljikki could use some decent leather scrap at the moment.… If we haven't brought in their stuff—or if we left the bulky and/or apparently low-value items such as armor and belts out there—she'll grab what she needs on the return trip from berry gathering. It was on her mind at that point anyway.))

 

[Ankari]

Matthew with Ankari and Mauve
What is this! We seem to hurt each other more than our enemys, is it any wonder that Mauve tried to leave?

"Cut her lose Ankari. Even if we keep her as a prisoner, no need to treat her like a slave. I can take from back from here."

I prepare to take her on my horse and ride back.
((Either of you can still add here if needed)

The wizard's struggle against her bindings slows the pace. Changing my mind, I sling her over my shoulder. Dull hoofbeats herald the arrival of one of the knights. I straighten, take a deep breath, and turn.

"Cut her lose Ankari. Even if we keep her as a prisoner, no need to treat her like a slave. I can take from back from here." Sir Matthew said.

I consider the man atop the horse, with his profusion of weapons sticking out in every direction like a porcupine. Odd, the man doesn't carry a sword. What knight doesn't use a sword? There is a story there, one that may offer common ground between us.

"Take her." Not waiting, I heave the woman across his horse. "Just know she is unhinged."

The soft crush of snow beneath my feet reminds me of our insignificance. We are but a speck that crawls over an expanse of white. Our actions and words but futile attempts to mark our passing across it.

I don't rush to the temple. If everything went as planned, they will have daggers bared ready to sink in my chest. In the silence, one can think. In the silence, we are nothing.

 

[Nihal]

Nausea. My mouth is dry and my throat hurts. The ground is moving and snow hurts my face, making me realize I'm being dragged. I can't see and my limbs are stretched in an weird position. I'm bound.

"Hmm..gf.." I groan.

I draw breath with some effort as the events come rushing back to my mind. His brutal iron grip crushing my neck, my feet dangling in the air as I fought. I hadn't time to fear, but now I fear.

"It is a mercy we don't bind your arms and leave you in the fields of Srilkind for the superstition to burn you as they did Aslaug's mother."

No! NO!

The ropes are too tight. I struggle against them anyway, panicked, then I hear two familiar voices. I feel his clutches on me.

Let me go!

"Mm-mm-MMM!" The effort to scream makes me enter in a coughing fit, bringing tears to my eyes.

 

[Phietadix]

Matthew with Mauve and Ankari

Before riding off I cut the ropes and ungag her. She seems quite upset.

"We're taking you back to the temple, you can walk if you prefer, but I'm sorry, we can't let you leave. Neither of us yet trust you fully."

Is this what my life has come to? Capuring allies, and arguing with my companions? When will it end?

 

[Nihal]

Wide-eyed, I look at him and work on breathing.

Then I huddle. "Will you... hand me over to the fires?" My voice is hoarse and breaking. Discreetly I move my hand to the dagger on my belt and wait his response.

He is on horse. If... then I have to incapacitate him and make to the Taint.

 

[Phietadix]

Despite her attempt to hide it, I see her hand move to her dagger. I prepare for what she might do.

"Hand you over to the fires? What do you mean? I'm taking you to the temple. We need to continue our mission."

 

[Nihal]

He looks sincere.

You mean to use and discard me.

Removing the hand from the dagger hilt, I lower my head, breaking the visual contact. I'm not in immediate danger. I touch my neck lightly, it feels like it's starting to swell.

"You know what I mean. The mages' killing."

 

[Phietadix]

Matthew with Mauve

She thinks we'll kill her? It seems unlikely, even for Ankari.

"Don't worry, we have nothing against magic. I would be careful though, yours is prone to . . . failure. We aren't murderers, but we need to keep Burnbright safe. That, I believe, is why Ankari was after you."

 

[Nihal]

I remain silent for the rest of the way, considering my next course of action. What the knight says doesn't matter, he considers me a prisoner, he won't believe me, he won't stand by me.

He tried to kill me. I distractedly eye my reddened wrists for what seems an eternity.

The bastard killed the naive, hesitant apprentice from the past, not me; I ought to thank him, I think darkly.

((P.s.: She stayed on the horse, unless he kicked her out. =P))

 

[Phietadix]

Matthew with Mauve

She stays silent. I feel we need to earn her trust as much as she needs to earn ours. We approach the temple. I hope our party has the sense to treat her with respect.

"I hope we can stand together, I can understand why you wished to leave, I have considered it myself. But we'll accomplish more with unity. I will defend you as much as I can. You have done nothing wrong, despite what others might say."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell and others at the fire

I listen to what the others have to say, and nod in agreement. Going to the Drimmen-delve first of all does seem like the best course of action; I hope I do not seem selfish for thinking so, since it was my fault the thought even came up.

Aliron's hastily-backtracked comment elicits a smile and a soft chuckle from me. "At least I have most of those to spare." It is a sad soul indeed who cannot laugh at himself.

I must say, the idea of travelling aboveground, even through the Taint, is much more appealing than that of going through those lizard-infested tunnels for any great length of time, regardless of the secrets they contain. That is a concern for another day.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Before the Meeting / Staring into the Snow

I hear hoofbeats. Sir Matthew returns with Mauve. I want to know what happened, but… the knight handled it. I wave at him and Mauve but say nothing. It's best not to stick my nose in it unless I am needed. I'll trust them to say so if they want my help.


During the Meeting / Staring into the Fire

Most votes go to Drimmen-delve. I await Darin's response to this. Will he allow us to go to Drimmen-delve before we clear the dwarven temple? Only if he considers this will I mention the advantages.

Some of the advantages, Baldy. Some. If you ramble on about every idea that pops in your head, it'll be more effective than a sleep spell.


I reach out to the fire. I've never stared at her for this long. It's nice letting the others talk while I silently enjoy the company of my valkyrie friend. I want to touch her. Oh! What must I look like? I move both hands as if warming them. Nissa reaches out to me, but all I feel is the warmth of the flame.


I can't feel you. Can you feel me?

No.

If I'm dead, can you…?

Don't rush death. It'll come to you soon enough.

Are we that likely to fail?

Success, victory, survival… none of those things will prevent you from being a valkyrie with a youthful form.​

 

[Nihal]

Arrival

I allow the knight to help me down from the horse, refraining from hiding my soon-to-be bruises. I lock my gaze on Baldhart's and raise my chin.

"You lied to me, told I was not a prisoner." My eyes search for the cleric. "Said I was free to go." I keep my broken voice controlled, without further straining my sore throat.

"Can you imagine my surprise when I was ordered to subject myself and return or I would be killed and left to rot?" I touch my shoulder blade, feeling the gash. He meant to backstab me, I realize.

"...you had mercy, not delivering me tied and hopeless to the blood-thirst folk to be burnt alive?"

I allow the words sink in. They might have nothing with this and I don't care, for I'm following the right course of action.

"I was wronged by you from the start. How do you think I felt when I resisted and was almost killed by one of you? When woke up bound, blind and without even being able to scream, being dragged like an animal? I bled for you, I was beaten, I was wounded in a way no one of you can heal."

I'll descend to hell if needed.

"Don't think I'll comply so meekly this time." I place my hand on the dagger's hilt.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Before the Meeting / with Mauve and Sir Matthew

"I don't believe in prisons, but even those who do imprison people for a reason."

I turn to Sir Matthew.

"Bound and gagged? Sir Matthew, Disciple of Tyr, I will take you at your word. Bound and gagged? Is that the condition you found her in?"

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

How hateful is Ankari? After lecturing me about killing the dying, tainted lizard-man… he does this to an ally? Does my vow even apply to him after this?

It does, as long as there is the possibility that he is your ally.