Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Ireth]

I glance at the scars on the backs of Keit's hands -- burns, I realize, and old ones at that. That would explain why she sits so far from the fire, and seems uneasy around it. I do not question her about it, and look back to the bone, my hand still working with the needle and the cork. The blasted thing needs to open already.

 

[Nihal]

I pat Mauve on the shoulder as I walk by her. "We need him, but not his anger. It seems I lost his friendship before he left, but... I never knew he despised me until he spoke to me in that tone. Offended by the word 'coward?' Then he slaps you and flees? The truth hurts."

A nod, it's all the answer I offer to Baldhart. If I knew the cleric would really run away, I would have hit him more times. Now I'm stuck there, feeling deeply frustrated and without a good way to venting it out. My vision blurs, inconvenient tears threatening to fall down, fear so angry I am. I turn my face to the other side, the darkness, and only glance at Baldhart when she smashes the lizard.

"I'm glad you're not as decompensated as him." I chuckle, more bitterly than I would like, and look at the other side of the cave again.

"Cheer up, Mauve. We saved three innocent lives today. If Rydh has personal demons to conquer that blind him to your heroics, then that's a battle best fought elsewhere."

"You're right, he would be possibly dead if it wasn't for us. My best moment since I crossed your path and he spoils it. What a jerk."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Water Room

I hear Mauve's comment loud and clear. My ears aren't quite right, but the words were already in my own mind. She just gave them a voice.

With a bloody slab of meat in hand, I walk up to Mauve and notice tears welled up in her eyes. "I thought I was the weepy one," I say with a smile. "You taught me—what, half an hour ago?—it's not a good idea to be alone when you're troubled. Join us. If you do, you get to feed the bird girl."

I wait to see if Mauve's ready to follow.

 

[Nihal]

"Eeeeeeeeh, who is weeping?" I wipe any trace of tears with the back of my hand before adding, "Me, crying for a jerk? That's not gonna happen. I've got things more important to worry about."

I sniff, raise my chin and throw my hair back, following her.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Fire Room

I return to the fireside with blood on my hands. "Oh… Braaaaanwennnnn!" I call out. "I have a tasty treat. Freshly carved meat! It'll make you biiiiig and stronnnnng! But before you eat, I am gonna sing The Cooking Song! Yaaaaaaaaaay!"

I skewer the meat on a long stick, which I dipped in the lake while washing the blood from my hands—and bits of scale, and cartilage, and that sticky glob of fat that got caught in the fingernail I cracked a few days ago… I think. Which fingernail was—? Uhhhhh, guess the Goodberries fixed it. Huh. Well anyway, meat skewered, I start cooking.

And sing,

"Cooking up a lizard / burning out the germs
Don't wanna catch the worms / Too rare if it still squirms
Would the friendly wizard / like to try fillet-of-trog?
Or am I only cooking / for a birdie and a dog?"

When I feel that meat is sufficiently germ-free, I raise the meat triumphantly into the air. "So tasty!" I try to convince the kid. It's too rare for my taste, but her fear of fire tells me her taste is raw. I'm about to feed her, but then I remember what I said. I hand Mauve my end of the stick. "Have fun. It'll help her trust you."

A thought hits me. "Next meal, I'll get more sticks. Aliron, and anyone else yet to earn Branwen's trust, please take a turn feeding her. She needs to trust all of us."

I sigh, looking at the stone door. "We all do."

 

[Nihal]

I pick the stick and lean towards the child, ready to offer the meat to her. My hand shakes, making me to notice how I've been shaking my leg.

I'll end making the harpy freak out, maybe I should let Baldhart do it. No, that would to be admitting I'm still upset; I'm just tired. Yes, tired, right.

With a deep breath, I force my leg to stand still. I look to Baldhart with a reassuring smile, before handing the food over to the child.


((Not so reassuring as she believes.))

"Here, little girl. Food." I show her the stick and allow her to take it. "Foooooooood."

 

[Ireth]

While Mauve keeps Branwen occupied, I keep working at opening the bone. The cork finally slides free, and I set it down beside me, peering into the open cavity by the firelight. What could be inside?

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I peek out from behind Mauve and point to her.

"It's the friendly wizard from the cooking song! She's really here!" I gasp and smile as if surprised by a Guest of Honor more distinguished than the Tooth Valkyrie.

"See, Mauve? She's taking the food. You're a natural with kids."

I head to the water room to wash up, while I have the room to myself. Not the cleanest water, but… I gotta get this smell out somehow.

I return to the fire carrying my armor and boots… *yawn* …and by the fire, I finally get some shut-eye.

 

[Ankari]

We have become a menagerie of castoffs and self-loathing freaks, inviting strangers with the discerning eye of a mole. Let the blind guide, as long as we manage to put an end to this threat.

The fire offers a welcomed source of comfort. Water will rot the leathers and seep in between the toes, creating the ideal conditions for fungus to thrive. Stale steam billows off my trousers as I hold them near the flame, and endure the prattle of my companions. The volume of words bleeding from their mouths would shame a priest garbed in his silks and linens.

My thoughts turn to Rydh. For a man of faith, he was a mark above other men. I understand his reaction; the witch finds the fissures in people and applies the pressure of her twisted attention. She is a mange spreading through the unsuspecting party until all are marred by her disease. It is not my concern. Not anymore.

"Aliron, you are a remarkably honest thief. Thank you." I slip the warmed trousers back on and raise my voice to address everyone. "I'm glad you've grown fond of our pet chicken, but let's get our heads out of our asses and focus on the task at hand. How long do we need before we move forward?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Loud noises?

I don't even bother to open my eyes. "I suggest we rest and..." *yawn* "...gather some berries if Keit knows that spell the other druid knows. I hate the taste of Goodberries, but..." *yawn* "...Rydh abandoned us... the most frail among us will be cut down easily... without berries... I thank my Goddess we met Keitsumah when we did."

*yawn*

"If it's okay with you... I'd rather discuss this later... after a rest..." I mumble, "...my leg... good as new..."

 

[SeverinR]

"Aliron, you are a remarkably honest thief. Thank you." I slip the warmed trousers back on and raise my voice to address everyone. "I'm glad you've grown fond of our pet chicken, but let's get our heads out of our asses and focus on the task at hand. How long do we need before we move forward?"

"I see no call for insults, Honest thief?"
I chuckle at the thought, "Just to educate you, the thief you label as honest is probably the one you should most fear."

"The harpy fight was intense, it divided the group and did more damage then previous fights. We have lost our healer, I think taking time to rest in an area the lizards fear is the best thing now. I think also, a time for quiet will also show the child she can trust us."

"Did anyone look at the jewelry I found? Is there any magic to them?"

[I haven't heard about the parchment either]

 

[Nihal]

((Assuming the little harpy took the food.))

"I'm glad you've grown fond of our pet chicken, but let's get our heads out of our asses and focus on the task at hand. How long do we need before we move forward?"

The ranger has been unusually calm and sensible. I know better than to believe his facade. What is he planning? I think in giving a harsh answer to him, but I've done enough damage for today. Let him think I'm buying his change.

I lie down, huddling inside my cloak and tapping lightly at my side, inviting the little harpy to sleep with me if she wishes.

"Did anyone look at the jewelry I found? Is there any magic to them?"

"Only I can look for magic here, though I am so exhausted that if I attempted to do it now I would surely fail. I will try once I am rested."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

Joy and tragedy descend upon the party at the same time. When all seem united, the mortals become more divided than ever. Boss, I think I need to inform those who are still willing to listen. They fail to take this quest seriously--to see the importance. I gotta tell the mortals who remain what they're getting themselves into. I hope and pray those who remain will be truly united. Nonetheless, I will not waver in my task.

Awakened from a dream by my own laughter, I quickly make myself presentable and speak to Mauve and Cadell first. I am grateful for the way they treated Baldhart. I even enjoy being able to speak to these mortals. They accept me as one of them. I did not expect this kindness to extend to me. I don't know why. Maybe I still hold some of those old insecurites from my time as a mortal when I'm in this body.

((links to first and last Nissa RP posts))

But I appeared here for a reason. To deliver a message. I look around to see who is paying attention, and it's probaby polite to introduce myself to the new girl...

* * *

"Keitsumah," I say to her. "Do not be concerned that I know your name. Baldhart knows, so I know."

I walk as far away from the fire as I can--as close to her as I can. She won't get close to the fire, nor will the harpy child.

"I am Nissa van Donk, one of the first thousand Valkyries of my Goddess, Brynhild, to whom Baldhart is devoted. She is in the process of earning her wings. In fact, all she needs to do at this point is die.

"Yet, that is not why I am here..."

I look around at the party. Who is listening? Who is open to what I have to say? It doesn't matter. The message needs to be delivered. How mortals deal with it is not under my control.

 

[Ireth]

I look up as Nissa speaks, but remain silent. Whatever she has to say, it must be important, and I don't wish to interrupt her.

 

[Keitsumah]

I look up and blink in surprise at Nissa. So that's who Baldart had been talking about.

Batos padded back towards me, having finished his meal and tired. Yawning and revealing row after row of sharp teeth, he barely even glanced Nissa's way and curled up around me, using his tail as a blanket.

"What message is it?" I asked, scratching Batos's ears idly.

 

[Phietadix]

Sir Matthew and Rydh

((I sent this in a PM to Rydh, before posting here, and he has confirmed that Rydh is still leaving.))

I catch up with Rydh, before he leaves I have one last thing to say
“I can see why you might wish to leave. This party is a madhouse and word ‘coward’ is applied by everyone in it to mean anything disagreeable. I considered . . . and am still considering suicide to escape it. But what has been keeping me going so far is that I came here for a purpose. Tyr sent me to end the taint. And I believe the best way to do so is to remain here with this party. Now ask yourself. Why did you come here? Why did you join us? And finally, is the best way to finish your goals with this party, or is it better to leave? And I do not mean is it easier, or less aggravating, or less dangerous and risky for any of us. I mean what is best to accomplish what you set out to do. It seems all of us have been acting far too quickly, and simply out of emotion before we think. Is that what you are doing now? If so, think hard about this, if you are better able to accomplish your goals by leaving. Then I wish you good luck, and give you my blessing. But if you are better able to accomplish them by staying, you hurt everyone, yourself most of all, by leaving.”

Rydh departs; I can only assume that he has thoroughly thought this over. Perhaps I will see him again. But it seems to me that is unlikely to be true. It is time I return to the group.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa's POV

My message… right. Quit stalling and spit it out, Nissa.

“Mauve, you talked about the Great War quite a bit—at least the wizards’ part in it, and Sir Cadell… you’re older than me, so you lived through it. Maybe you lived through other major evens that shook the world so hard even the gods felt the tremor, didn’t you?

“You’re about to live through another. At least I hope you live.†So that’s what my foot tastes like. “I didn’t mean to blurt that out. If anyone wants to hear the death-is-nothing-to-fear talk, I’ve been working on that speech for seven centuries. But my point is that whatever the other Valkyries have been gossiping about, the news has traveled to me.â€

They don’t know how we work. I better explain a bit.

“Think about it. I haven’t been to Asgard in seven years, but since we first met a few hours ago, I heard from a fellow Valkyrie.†Do they know Brynhild was a Valkyrie before she became a Goddess? Does it matter? “You mortals are drawing a lot of attention right now, and if I’m not the only Valkyrie watching, you can bet agents of evil deities are lurking in shadows where even I can’t see them.

“I wish I knew more. If I have any information that can help you survive and succeed, I’ll tell you or relay it through Baldhart. All I know is that if any band of mortals has a chance to stop the Taint, you’re it, and you’re headed toward that fight. Sadly, your chances of success have been reduced by those who deserted. It is not my place to judge them, nor am I the boss of anyone here—" I look at Baldhart. "—except her." Back to the group, I go on, "But if the rest of you are open to suggestion: be good to each other above all else. You depend on each other for survival, and it would be a waste of your talents—a waste of your lives—if you continue to divide until you are easily conquered.â€

I approach Keitsumah.

“You have been freed. If you choose to lend your healing skills to this group, they need you more than ever before. It puts a lot of responsibility on you, but because your role as a healer is important, you’ll have more than just a wolf to protect you. No offense intended, Batos. You’re still Keit’s protector!

“And… at this time, I must admit Keit has a more powerful protector than Baldy. I am Baldhart’s protector, and since she needs all of you, I’ll do what I can to aid you as well. We’re all in this fight together.â€

I’m not ready to go yet. My message has been delievered, but… I don’t want to go. How silly am I? Clinging onto a mortal form that can only last a few minutes. I’m the only one in here enjoying the feel of breathing this stinky air!

 

[SeverinR]

"Nissa, It is good to see a winged female that doesn't need a manicure, and that isn't trying to rip my face off, or have me for dinner." I sigh as I lean back resting, rubbing my new scar.
"Might you have any wisdom for our newest arrival? Vulture-girl...I mean Branwen." I smile at her.

 

[Ireth]

I sit silently while Nissa speaks, a weight settling into my chest. Yes, I remember the repercussions of the Great War, and the last thing I want to see is history repeating itself. I hope Nissa is right, and that we are the ones to put an end to the Taint.

"Be good to each other," she says. I resist the urge to look at Ankari. If anyone needs to be told that, it's him. Maybe one of these days it will sink in.

I smile at the little Valkyrie. "Thank you, Nissa. For the message, and your protection as well."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I look with pity at the harpy child.

"I think what you did was amazing, Alin. You were the first to climb to the nest, and when I saw you through Baldy's eyes, I already knew if there was a child up there, she'd be safe.

"Branwen... all there is to do is teach her compassion. If there are others you trust who don't plan on charging into battle, it may be worth considering a home for her. That won't be easy. Even clothed and cloaked, she can't go out into society. But taking her everywhere you're going puts her in grave danger. Even if you can keep her from harm, it'll be hard for a little girl to know compassion if she sees so much bloodshed. She won't understand a battle of good and evil... she'll only understand battle. I work for the Goddess of Battle, and even I recognize the danger in that."

I smile at him. Almost laugh.

"Hey... it just occurred to me, Aliron! Did you expect words of wisdom because of what I am? I'm not offended at all--flattered, really. But curious, too. You rightly do not distinguish the word of a noble over that of a commoner. So do you see me as a heavenly being or a common girl who died young? If you knew how I died, maybe you wouldn't think I'm so wise."



I turn to Sir Cadell.

"I'm afraid I'm not much of a protector yet. I think I can fly and carry a torch, though. Maybe that can prove useful... or maybe if I fly too far from Baldy, I'll disappear. I honestly don't know what I can do with this body. I didn't even know I could have this body until... well, until you knew! Maybe it's because Baldy and I are both descended from my maternal grandparents that I can use her magic? The Valkyrie who visited me said what I'm doing hasn't been done. Maybe I'm not supposed to do this. I wasn't told to. I just saw Baldy reach for me when she saw me in the fire. I reached back and... fell out.

"But I like being alive, even if it's just for a few minutes! So, yes, if I can be useful while I'm here just ask for me. I see through Baldy's eyes and hear through her ears when you can't see me, so you can always ask me stuff through her."