Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Nihal]

I raise my chin, my smile turning into a smirk.

Bastard.

"One of us is aware of her own ignorance and seeks knowledge, the other is quite arrogant. I owe no apologies to you, but to them, and I already said it, unlike someone. My lord." I bow in mockery when Ankari moves away, then turn to the dwarves. "Forgive me, you shouldn't witness such an unpleasant discussion."

I look at Matthew. "I already said I thought you were bandits." I swallow. A lone mage, who is unable to use magic in this cursed temple, outnumbered and cornered. Why is it so hard to understand?!

The both of you have no idea of the price I paid trying to help, tsc. It can't be undone! Bitterness makes my throat raw, yet I say nothing of my thoughts, burying them deep inside me and putting on a blank face.

"So, could you help with the book? And the opening."

((If they're agree to eat))

To Baldhart I say "I still have some wine. I am sorry, it is only one bottle of cheap stuff, but good enough to keep the cold away."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Let's just play as if the dialogue happened even though Bren has yet to respond.))



"You'd be amazed at what can be done with the cheap stuff, Mauve. My Gluhwein is perfect for sitting by the fire on a snowy day! I don't have the ingredients, but... maybe when we get into civilization."

Bren seems to be pondering our offer.

"Come on, Bren. Let a couple of ladies heat up a meal for you," I say beause it's what he thinks we're good for. I suspect Mauve isn't as easily provoked as some of the others, or at least that my tone makes it apparent to her that I intend to keep Bren from wringing Ankari's neck. "I enjoy your company. You remind me of home." Does he, Baldy? "I think you'd get along perfectly with my father and uncle, if you ever decide to hop a boat to the south." Yes, Nissa. My words are sincere.

 

[Ireth]

I fold my arms and look back and forth between the arguers without comment; it seems as though poking my nose in will only get it bitten off, and I have already fed one enemy with flesh and blood recently.

I slip away in silence to tend to Llucheden's needs. Taking off her saddle and tack so I can clean her is more difficult than I expected. At least I can use my stump for support while my other -- my only -- hand does the grasping work.

<You did well out there last night,> I say to Llucheden in elvish, stroking her silk-soft nose. She flicks an ear and nickers in reply, snorting warm air into my face as I bend down. I laugh as I keep working; it seems the first time I have done so in days.

 

[SeverinR]

"I am Aliron, I distrust all strangers, but I would rather stand side by side with the careless witch, then trust any dwarf. If they join the party,[point to the dwarfs] know this, nothing I do will be for them, even if...Agapanthus be blessed, I need to protect one of the stumpy ones, it is for the good of the group and the furthering of our mission."
"The wild mage cared for the child when she was out, left in the snow as everyone ran of to defend the dwart...dwarfs. I believe nothing of the childs was stolen, and no harm to anything left behind, nor did she try to run off while the fight was occuring, also when one fell in battle she charged towards our assistance, and not away. I think her actions show she is dedicated to our cause. Also when she charged into battle, she looked to be none to healthy, even near death. Maybe those that she tried to help should know that."


"I will offer to hold my tongue if the stumpy...I mean, dwarves do also, for the good of the mission. But, if they draw blade against any person in this group, they might not have the chance to replace it. Also for the good of the mission, I will do my best to protect any in the group including the little shi...dwarves."

"I call on the elves and group to commit as I, either they are apart and we work together or they leave. We cannot be divided in loyalties. I also expect before comitting to our group, each new comer verbally commit to the same." I turn looking a Mauve, then to the dwarves.
"We must be united in cause, if not loyal to each other. Do as you will I will set up a target so Burnbrit may practice as you continue the bickering."

 

[Ireth]

I continue to tend to Llucheden, half-listening to the discussion going on some distance away. My ears prick up as Aliron uses the word "stumpy", and I glance in his direction, wondering whether he was referring to me or to the dwarves. His talk turns to the newcomer, Mauve, and I listen curiously. A second use of the word "stumpy" reveals that he was not, in fact, talking about me. I return to my work, only slightly satisfied. Insulting the dwarves to their faces will get him nowhere.

 

[SeverinR]

I continue to tend to Llucheden, half-listening to the discussion going on some distance away. My ears prick up as Aliron uses the word "stumpy", and I glance in his direction, wondering whether he was referring to me or to the dwarves. His talk turns to the newcomer, Mauve, and I listen curiously. A second use of the word "stumpy" reveals that he was not, in fact, talking about me. I return to my work, only slightly satisfied. Insulting the dwarves to their faces will get him nowhere.

[I refuse to stoop to thier level, so I can't insult them to their face. zing!]

 

[Nihal]

I nod to Baldhart.

She's not so bad after all.

I still feel a little unease around her, that's true, but I think I can see what she's trying to do. Good.

Then the shadowy elf talks to us and about me. I just don't know how to react. I couldn't imagine he would speak on my behalf, I didn't think someone noticed. I feel grateful, however, I don't like it too. The others only saw failures, - this I can bear - but he was able to see how I was vulnerable.

I turn my gaze away from them, holding my arm.

 

[Steerpike]

Darin and Bren both listen thoughtfully to what the party has to say, each frowning as Baldhart speaks of ending the Taint. "A noble goal, to be sure," says Darin. "But how will you end it? Do you know the cause? I deem that putting an end to this plague on the land will be no easy task."

As he finishes, Rydh approaches and hands over the dwarven book. Darin gives Rydh a quizzical look, then takes the tome and flips through the pages. "This is old..." he mutters. "The book details the rites and rituals surrounding the All-Father, who created the very land on which we speak. Strange to find such a thing here, for even though our writing is known to few outside of our halls, our priests guard our customs jealously. You say you found it here? And this, at the back..."

He trails off as Ankari asks about a rune-lock. After a moment's hesitation, Darin jabs a thick finger at a page near the end of the book. "Curious that you should ask it. A rune-lock is what we use to seal our holds and vaults, as well as other places we hold dear. Each lock is attuned to certain words spoken in the First Tongue of the world, which only dwarves may utter. See these runes here? They provide the sequence of words for one such lock. And these words above provide another sequence, for a barrier over the lock. Typically, that will be a stone setting of sorts, with the corresponding runes hidden along its surface. The runes themselves are not sufficient, however. Each rune-lock also has a key, which must be set in the lock as the runes are uttered. Tell me, did you find such a thing? It will look like no key you know, but will be round at the base and lined with teeth. A short cylinder extends from the base, and is cut to match the lock."

Darin turns back to the book, muttering to himself as he flips through more of the pages.

Meanwhile, Bren has moved to where Baldhart beckoned him, watching to see what Baldhart and Mauve will prepare to eat. His lack of height is accentuated by Baldhart's size, but the dwarf seems not to care. Having heard some of the prior conversation, he says to Mauve. "We dwarves have no superstitions regarding magic. It was our own rune-magic that carved the valleys, caverns, and mountains of this world when it was still young and the All-Father walked among us. If you enter the Taint, though, have a care. While magic has become...unpredictable...since the last days of the Great War, within the Taint itself the effect is more pronounced. Even our runecasters are loathe to attempt their spellcraft within that dismal mist!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I begin to toast the bread over the fire. "It's been a few days," I explain to Bren. "It was fresh when I left home. It'll still taste fresh if I heat it. I'll need a few minutes. Quite a few. I don't want to burn Mother's hard work to a tasteless crisp.

"In the meantime, I'm interested in knowing your next move. As you said, my goal is… ambitious, I admit. I don't know that the Taint can be stopped in my lifetime even if I don't get myself killed trying. But if I could be one who helps find the cause and another generation can end the Taint, that would be something, wouldn't it?"

I turn to Mauve—though I don't dare take my eyes off of the bread for more than a second.

"Mauve, maybe you should do the talking. I'm afraid if I keep rambling, you won't be able to distinguish this loaf from the firewood."

 

[Nihal]

Maybe the cursed lands are already affecting me? Nah, I don't think so, sounds more like violent results only when failing...

I smile warmly at Bren.

"It is a valuable warn, I shall take care then." I pick up the wine bottle. "In truth... I am not planning to cast anything so soon, wherever I may be."

I chuckle at Baldhart's comment about the bread.

"I... do not really know what you wish to say, but..." I look to the dwarf. "You don't really know how far you're able to go without trying, uh? This curse, for me, is only the first step. I am glad I came here, the more I hear about it more I believe it may be connected to other... affairs."

"Could you tell us what exactly did you see in this Verstenn Hold?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Mmmm… perfect!" I serve the dwarf first. "I can tell by the scent. Go ahead, break off the first piece!"

Bren takes his share, then I serve Mauve. And what's this? "Cadell? Excuse me," I say to Bren and Mauve.

"Let me help you with that," I say to Cadell. "I don't know the first thing about horses but, help me finish this bread and I'll help you finish what you're doing here…"

 

[Ireth]

I look up as Baldhart approaches, and smile at her offer to help. "Thank you. It would seem I am not quite as ambidextrous as my feats during the battle would have one believe." I try to laugh, but it sounds hollow to my ears.

I pause for a moment, then speak again, lowering my voice. "Last night, I noticed you were talking in your sleep. I could not make much sense of what you said. Is that what you meant when you mentioned the curse on the knife?"

 

[Ravana]

"Druid. What do you make her? Should I wake her from her sleep?"

((The druid, unfortunately, seems to have been largely distracted, apparently correcting or amending notations in a small journal with the words "Myyttejä Kirjoitettu" inlaid on the cover. You gather from her demeanor that she would probably consider poking a dreaming berserker unwise. Or you just feel snubbed, take your pick.))

•••

Input: Cast Goodberry: [1d20+6], number of berries: [2d4]
Output: Cast Goodberry: [1d20+6] = 14+6 = 20, number of berries: [2d4] = 4

Output: Cast Goodberry: [1d20+6] = 1+6 = 7 ((fail))

Output: Cast Goodberry: [1d20+6] = 19+6 = 25, number of berries: [2d4] = 6

Output: Cast Goodberry: [1d20+6] = 13+6 = 19, number of berries: [2d4] = 5

((Total: 15 minus what anyone calls for in immediate future.))
((Copied and pasted: I'll figure out how to get the fancy display from the site later.…))

•••

Hiljikki stands in the doorway to the temple, listening to the conversation wend its way through various uncomfortable and largely unfruitful directions. Neither Täplä or Taevataat is anywhere in evidence… though in the former case, he normally isn't unless his curiosity is aroused anyway. When the talk hits a lull, she asks "Is anyone still in need of healing?" Then she makes the rounds, checking bandages—starting rather pointedly with Darin's.

When she gets to Cadell, she brings a smallish fur packet from inside her cloak and says "You might wish to retain this. It is beyond my skill, but it should not be beyond all skill. Some high priest might be able to help."

The fur is quite obviously that of a worg. Whip-stitching along the edges suggests it's been lined with something.

"Be sure to put fresh snow in every few hours. It would probably not be well to allow it to freeze solid; that would preserve it longer, but would also cause damage of its own kind."

When Cadell looks at her in surprise, Hiljikki nods, adding "There are benefits to having a raven as an associate."

As Hiljikki is about to move on, she pauses for a moment, then says "Just don't take it to a temple of Tyr. They would likely be reluctant to amend what they would no doubt regard as a badge of highest honor."

Then she goes to a wall, sits down, pulls out a small knife, and starts whittling something small and white. After a few moments, she looks up at Darin, and states, as calmly as she has everything else: "I shall accompany you, if you wish it."

 

[Ireth]

I turn to the druid as she approaches, and accept the warg-fur packet. Looking curiously inside, I try not to cringe when I see my own severed hand, still mangled-looking and bloody, packed in with snow. I stare at her in surprise and an uneasy gratitude, and chuckle faintly at her words. "So it would seem. Thank you."

I look down at the hand again as she moves on, then at the stump of my left arm. Is it even possible to put a hand back on after the stump has already been healed over? Surely that would require the skin and muscle being cut open again for the rejoining. I suppress a shudder at the thought, but do not discard the gift. It was given with care and goodwill, and that is a thing to be appreciated. But I soon remember Darin's assurance that he would see my debt repaid; I can only assume he means to craft me a new hand, and I do not want to see his words wasted.

 

[Nihal]

I pass the wine to the dwarf and take only a little of the bread, I've already had breakfeast. Taking a tiny bite I try to discover its taste. I never pass this kind of chance, savoring new food is one of the amazing things about traveling.

I feel happy.

Baldhart gets up, calling for the maimed knight. Cadell, uh?

I think I feel bad for him, I don't know what I would do if I suffered a wound like his. It's still a mystery what kind of person he is, but he seemed to have more sense than the hateful ranger or the always watchful knight. I take another bite.

 

[Sparkie]

Rune-lock? This is the first I've heard of this.

"No," I say to Darin, "I don't think any of us have found anything like this 'key' you describe. There was an impression made in the front of the book in the shape of a key, but I'm not sure it's what you're looking for. Perhaps it's still in the temple somewhere?"

I look around at my fellows in the courtyard. They're eating, talking, or are otherwise engaged. So I go off into the temple by myself, hoping to find whatever may still be held within. I enter the temple and head up the stairs on the right. I don't think any of us have been up here yet, but I'm not sure.

((Can Rydh take 20 on a search? It seems like we have plenty of time.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Yes, Cadell… I had a very strange dream. It was more than that, I'm sure. I believe the knife was—is—cursed, and—this may sounds strange to you, but—I wanted to make sure it was cursed. A follower of Brynhild is supposed to make a sacrifice, so I thought if I bear this burden… well…"

Cadell's a man and an elf—what would he know of my goddess?

"…I also thought if I can figure out how to beat the curse of this knife, it'll help me understand how—or if—the Taint can be stopped. Of course, all I can be sure of now is that I had more than my share of divine intervention helping me fight the curse. I believe it was Rydh's god and my gui—goddess who helped me overcome the curse last night. I was not strong enough to fight it myself. It almost won. I know it. I don't know how to tell you how I know, but… I know the curse is too strong for me to fight alone."

What a fool I must sound like!

"Enough about me. I'm happy to help you care for your horse. Don't be mad but, I considered mounting her—to protect you, I mean, and Llucheden, too—but Rydh was hit so I used myself as a shield for him. Sir Matthew and Ankari finished the wolf before it could attack me, but anyway, I'm glad you're okay."


I stop my rambling as Hiljikki brings a gift to Cadell. "Oh!" Well… she meant well.


I'm not sure how Cadell feels about getting his hand back. I can't help him with that, so I offer another way to compensate for his lost hand. "Maybe you wouldn't be comfortable with this, but… Liadan. If you ever want help writing to her, just ask. Oh! She won't question a letter in a woman's handwriting, will she? As soon as we get back to the Crow, we should all write to our loved ones."

 

[Philip Overby]

Covered in blood. Check. Sufficient wounds on my arms and chest. Check. Will they call me a fake again? Will they laugh at me and call me a rat? I'm wounded. They can't turn me away. Surely they can't. The evidence is there. I cut deep enough. Yes, this should do the trick. This should do nicely, Nod.

I lie myself carefully on the ground, splaying out my arms and legs. I punch myself in the nose and mouth a couple of good times to make sure I have some fresh blood. Ah, it hurts. But I need protection. I can't travel alone, no matter how much I want to--

No, you're an injured squirrel, Nod.

I scream out, loud enough that someone, anyone would surely hear me.

"HELP! HELP!"

 

[Nihal]

((Where? ))

 

[Ravana]

((Fascinated by the lack of any rise to Hiljikki's last statement.))

•

Hiljikki, who now undoubtedly has at least Darin's undivided attention, continues:

"It might be possible for me to help you accomplish your immediate mission. It will be difficult, and require assistance from you and Bren… your parts will be simple enough, but your cooperation must be sincere if there is to be any chance of success. The advantage is that it can be done from here, today… and if it succeeds, you will not need to risk journeying through the Taint again—which you no doubt would not survive—nor spend the time required to skirt it.

"If you are interested, I will begin preparations at once."

((A cry of "Help!" is heard from outside.))

"Or almost at once."

•

((@Steerpike: will PM you a sketch of what Hiljikki has in mind.))