Yearn no more, fair A'vandira!
Chapter 19
As the sun fell behind the western horizon, the time of the party quickly approached. Terenon walked into the mage guild with his hair slicked back and trimmed. The stubble he had sported for the past few days was gone. A purple cape made from cashmere with a crimson silk lining was draped over his right shoulder, and a fine silk shirt with pearl buttons peeked out beneath his flowing crimson robe.
He walked through the halls with purpose, carrying a bouquet of rare tundric roses. The florist had told him that the white flowers gave off a frosty fruity scent. Once cut the flowers would soon die: it was only by minor magic that they stayed fresh.
The mage smiled brightly as he reached the door to Serrila’s chambers. Serrila greeted Terenon at the door, and the vision he was met with literally weakened his knees. The aasimar was dressed in a white shimmering silk dress that was tied behind her neck, leaving her back exposed. It dipped down in the front to a modest degree and from there clinged close to her body, accentuating her modest curves. Her silver hair was done up in elaborate braids, and she wore gold earrings and a necklace, as well as the ring Terenon had given her.
Terenon tried to say something, but he found that he had temporarily lost control of his vocal muscles. "I'd ask how I look, but judging by the expression on your face, I'd say pretty good," Serrila said, giggling. "Deirdriel helped me pick it out: she thought you'd like it."
“I do indeed,” replied Terenon. He presented the flowers to the sorceress with a flourish. “These are for you.”
Serrila gasped slightly as she saw the beautiful roses. She graciously accepted them, drawing in their scent before placing them in a vase on the nearby table. “They’re beautiful,” she said.
“Their beauty pales when compared to you,” replied Terenon, elicting a blush. “Are we ready?”
“We are,” said Serrila, taking the mage’s arm.
The two mages strode through the guild and out into the streets of Silverymoon. Grundar had told the group to meet him outside of a local tavern: he was keeping the location of the party hall a surprise until everybody arrived.
Terenon seemed to walk taller with Serrila on his arm. He felt bigger somehow being seen with her. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. "The past weeks have been frantic,” he began. “You have helped us so much and I value your friendship more than gold. But I still know very little about you. Where you’re from. Your family...well, besides your brother. What your favorite color is?" The mage showed off his crimson robe. “I hope it's red," he said with a wink.
Serrila smiled at Terenon’s joke, then began to speak. "Well, my family was originally from Silverymoon, and that's where we grew up. My father traced his lineage back to a planetar, which is why Rumar and I show some celestial traits. It seems the bloodline is more prominent in my brother, which explains his wings and his more lawful inclinations. I manifested the magical nature of the celestials and found that the arcane arts came naturally to me."
"Our parents died when we were young, so Rumar took it upon himself to raise me and look after me. Once I was old enough to make it on my own, though, I joined an adventuring group called the Singing Blades. Rumar protested my leaving, saying that the life of an adventurer was dangerous and I'd only end up getting hurt, but I wouldn't hear of it. I enjoyed it so much up until a few weeks ago."
Serrila's expression grew sad as she reminisced. "We were heading back to Silverymoon from Nesme and had accepted a job to protect a caravan along the Surbrin Way. It was where we were heading anyway, and a few extra pieces of gold always come in handy. That was when...the ambush, and..." She abruptly stopped talking, wiping a tear from her eye.
Terenon rubbed her arm to try to comfort her. It was truly tragic what happened to her companions; the mage thought that the sorceress was doing quite well in light of the horrors she had faced recently. “Sometimes its best to keep the past where it belongs,” he said softly.
Serrila nodded, then looked at Terenon. "It's your turn: what's your story?"
“I was born to two mages,” said Terenon. “My father and mother both live in Daggerdale. I have been immersed in the Craft since I was an infant. I can't remember another way of life. I felt oppressed by the shadow of accomplishment both my father and mother cast. I've strived to make a name for myself in the Realms. One day, I will return and my name will precede me. On that day, my father will finally be proud."
“You are a fine man, Terenon,” Serrila said, smiling. “You shouldn’t need to prove yourself to gain your father’s pride.”
The two walked a short while longer before reaching the tavern. Grundar stood outside, dressed in a nice pair of tight blackened leather pants and a ruffled white shirt with ruffled cuffs under a nice velvet jacket. His hair was neatly combed back, and he grinned rakishly as Serrila and Terenon approached. “You look splendid tonight, my lady,” he said as he took Serrila’s hand and gently kissed it.
A few minutes later, Allanon and Deirdriel arrived. Allanon was dressed in a dark blue robe and cloak with silver trim. His face was clean shaven and his wild mane of hair had been tamed by Deirdriel’s brush. The half-elf’s arm rested lightly on Allanon's. Deirdriel was wearing a long, deep green, silken dress that highlighted her flowing red hair and green eyes. Her lustrous hair shimmered in the lamplight, combed straight and let out long. Allanon smiled as he approached, then looked at Terenon approvingly. “It seems we both clean up nicely, eh?”
Terenon laughed. “Tell me about it. It took hours of scrubbing to get off all the grime I had accumulated.”
Lisa LaBurton followed closely behind Allanon and Deirdriel, clad in a simple black dress. Though her hair was tied back in a ponytail and her face was clean, the young girl shifted uncomfortably as she walked. Apparently, she was not used to such niceties; it wasn't too hard to imagine this was the first time that she had ever had to dress so formally.
"I hope you don't mind me bringing her along," said Deirdriel. "It didn't seem right to leave her alone in the tower."
“No problem at all,” said Grundar, smiling. “The more the merrier.”
Lisa smiled sheepishly as she adjusted her dress. "I don't mean to be a bother. I wanted to see more of Silverymoon. Are we really going to see the Moonbridge? Does it really glow with all the colors of the rainbow? Oh, Allanon, I've been looking over Deirdriel's spellbooks. They are so interesting! I can't wait until I'm able to be a great spellcaster like you! I'm still having trouble with this cantrip..."
Terenon laughed at Lisa’s youthful exuberance, then he looked toward Grundar. “Where are the others?” he asked.
The elf shrugged. “Rumar got here early and is already waiting over at the hall. I haven’t heard from Rhys or Jelani yet, though.”
“I’m sure they’ll be able to find the place. Let’s get started: the others can join us later,” said Terenon, casting an anxious glance toward Serrila.
Grundar grinned and nodded in understanding. “I see we're all dressed for the occasion,” he called out, getting everyone’s attention. “Good…we're going to have a great time tonight. If everyone is ready, we'll take a short walk from here to our private party. I've booked some great music and a feast for us all. Follow me, please.”
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Jelani could have gotten to the party early…or at least on time. Even with preparing spells, it wouldn’t have been very hard to get to the tavern at the specified hour. Instead the follower of Akadi found his way atop the mage’s guild, amid quite a few stares. Even in a place dedicated to the use of magic, people were surprised when he flew past them to land onto the guild’s roof.
It was a welcome relief after what seemed like weeks of being stuck inside one building or another, and he took full advantage of both the breeze and his view of the city. It was really quite a nice place, from the top, and he couldn’t help but wonder what it would look from underneath. These thoughts only lasted a few minutes, as he slowly felt himself drawn by the dancing of the breeze over the city…which was how he found himself wandering through the streets of Silverymoon; over half an hour late for the party. Not that he really cared; the party wasn’t going to end any earlier for him being late. He hadn’t even changed his adventuring gear, though he had taken just a few moments to clean up. He doubted anybody would say anything about it.
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Grundar led the group through the streets of Silverymoon toward the banquet hall. Large globes filled with magical light illuminated the city as they went. After a few minutes, they reached the Moonbridge, and it definitely lived up to their expectations. By day, it was merely an invisible bridge of force, but under the light of the moon, it shimmered with a silvery translucence. They crossed the River Rauvin and entered the New City, where it was only a short walk until they reached the small marble building that housed the hall.
Rumar stood outside the hall in some sort of stiff “at attention” pose. He checked over the other’s to make sure nothing illegal or suspicious was brought inside. Not exactly the party type, the paladin contented himself with mostly starting straight ahead. As Serrila and Terenon passed by, however, he turned his head silently to watch them enter.
The hall was a modest affair, large enough to fit about twenty people comfortably, yet small enough to be discreet. A few elven minstrels struck up a tune on harps and violins, and a small cadre of halflings scurried about, ready with food and drinks.
Terenon glanced around the hall, then smiled and gave the thumbs-up to Grundar. The group seated themselves at a table and had a few hors d’oeuvres. As the music filled the air, though, Terenon turned to Serrila. “My lady, would you care to dance?”
“I’d love to,” the aasimar replied.
The two mages rose and made their way to the dance floor. As Terenon passed by Grundar, though, he leaned in close to the elf. “Since you’re both without a date, why don’t you escort Lisa tonight? I’m sure she’d be thrilled,” he whispered.
Grundar nodded and looked over to Lisa, who was still looking about uncomfortably. The elf gracefully rose to his feet and bowed with a flourish. “Lisa, I would be honored if you would allow me the pleasure of a dance.”
Lisa’s eyes widened, and a short giggle escaped her lips. Smiling and blushing, she rose and took Grundar’s hand. “I’d be delighted, sir,” she said.
The two took to the dance floor beside Serrila and Terenon, who stepped in turned in time with the music. The sorceress smiled at the wizard, her golden eyes twinkling. "I never properly thanked you for saving my life," she said. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come along. You have a noble heart, Terenon, despite what Rumar may think. I feel...safe around you. So I wanted to say thank you." Serrila leaned her head on Terenon's shoulder as the music swirled about them.
Terenon felt the warmth and softness of Serrila's body melt into his own. He gave a smile of contentment. "Spending time with you is thanks enough." The mage held her tighter and savored the moment. There were no plans, no future, just this, just now.
Meanwhile, Grundar was quite impressed with Lisa’s natural grace and agility. He spun the girl as they danced, smiling as she emerged in a graceful pose. “You’re quite the natural dancer,” the elf said.
Lisa flashed him a roguish grin. “You’ve got to be nimble when you’re trying to avoid the town guard,” she said.
Deirdriel cast an appraising glance at the mages dancing about. She graciously accepted a glass of champagne from the halfling waiter, taking a sip as she turned to Allanon. "It seems those two have hit it off quite nicely," she said. "They look like they're having fun. I remember a certain wild mage who used to cut quite the rug when we would go out."
“And due to my wild surges, the rug would usually animate and attack us,” Allanon replied.
Deirdriel smiled as she gave Allanon's shoulder a squeeze, then looked up as Rhys and Jelani wandered in. "You boys are late," she called. "Join us. Partake of the festivities. You've certainly earned it."
Rhys smiled as he saw the happy faces on his friends."Thanks Deirdriel. But I’m not late: it’s the rest of you guys who are early.” The priest smiled as he accepted a glass of champagne from the waiter. “I had some business at the temple to take care of, but I’m here now.” Rhys looked at the couples dancing, then turned to Jelani."Look at Serrila and Terenon. I wonder which one's actually casting a spell?"
Jelani grinned at Rhys’ comment. “It’s obviously the ladies who are casting the spells tonight, Rhys.” It seemed that the party had raised everyone’s mood, except for Rumar, but then Terenon was dancing with his sister. He picked a glass of the wine off of a tray and took a sip. “It looks like most everyone’s enjoying themselves. But I’m a bit worried about Rumar. I can understand how he might be a bit upset, but he’s not even trying to relax a bit. Everyone needs a break, even someone as…disciplined…as he is.”
“He’ll be fine,” said Allanon, shrugging. “He probably just wants some time to himself. Don’t let his attitude spoil your fun, though. It’s a party!”
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Rumar stood outside the hall, keeping watch for anything unsavory. Granted, he didn't really expect anything unsavory to wander by, he just was not the party type. He was somewhat surprised, then, when a man turned around the corner and made his way toward him. The man was well-kempt and unremarkable, save for a crooked nose that dominated his face. He carried four large sacks that jingled with the sound of coins as he walked. The man stopped a few paces from Rumar and gave the aasmiar and appraising look. Then, in a nasal voice, he asked, "Was this hall rented by an elf named Grundar?"
"Yes, it was," Rumar replied after a moment for contemplation of his options. He had more than a few questions for the man as to what was going on; truth be told though, he couldn't think of a good way to phrase any of them that didn't end up sounding irritatingly servile. At any other time, Rumar probably would have just swallowed his pride and assumed the role of doorman for this little event. However, the aasimar was finding that a little hard to do, what with Grundar and Terenon having propelled him into a near perpetual state of anger already. "In, uh, there," Rumar added lamely, trying to remain focused. It was never good to let his emotions run away with him, especially not with a suspicious man lurking in front of him. "Follow me."
Inside, Allanon was entertaining the group with a few parlor tricks. Grundar had gone to the bar to get a drink, but when he turned around, he saw Rumar entering with the unfamiliar man in tow. Rumar caught his gaze and nodded, and the elf quickly made his way over to them. “Good evening, sir. Is there something I can help you with?”
The man glanced about the hall, then nodded. "Guess this is the right place. These are for you." The man tossed the bags at Grundar's feet. Opening them up, the elf could see that there were numerous platinum pieces in each one. "A reward for a job well done. Compliments of Merik Thornridge. He trusts that his business with you is concluded. Have an enjoyable evening." The man flashed a crooked smile before walking out.
Lisa's eyes widened at the sight of the money and she scurried up behind Grundar, peering around him. "Geez, people just seem to throw money at you guys! No wonder you can afford such a swank party. I guess some people are just luckier than others," she concluded a bit sullenly.
“Merik Thornridge?” asked Rumar.
“Merik was our original employer,” said Grundar. “It seems he has gotten wind of our achievements.”
Ternon stopped dancing at the sound of Merik Thornridge's name. He glanced at Serrila with a saddened look. "He knows. Dammit, how did he find out?" The mage went to one of the tables and sat down. He grabbed a glass of wine and sipped it thoughtfully. "We knew it had to happen sooner or later. I was hoping for later."
Serrila sat next to Terenon, a look of confusion on her face. “But wasn’t Thornridge one of the Acolyte’s pawns? Why would he pay you for destroying his masters? Besides, the real Thornridge was replaced by a simulacrum, so he wouldn't have any free will of his own. Something doesn't seem right here."
Terenon put his hand on Serrila's. "You’re right. The simulacrum must have been taken over by agents of Acessiwal, the white wyrm. That’s the reason we were chosen to go on the investigation. Acessiwal suspected that we would be able to avoid the trap of the Acolytes and destroy them. Thornridge paying us means Acessiwal knows the Acolytes are no more. There is nothing to stand in his way. I was hoping for more time."
Grundar sighed. “It looks like the party’s over then. We need to take a few days to plan our next move.”
“Damn," said Deirdriel wryly, "just when the party was about to get good. Seriously though, I think it's time I reported to Lady Alustriel. She might have some knowledge of this dragon and what sort of a threat he poses. At the very least I can make her aware of the situation so that she can start putting resources behind defense, if necessary. You guys should finish your business in the ruins. When you get back, hopefully I will have more information for you. At any rate, there's not much we can do tonight. Why not just enjoy the party?"
Terenon looked up at Deirdriel and gave her a subdued smile. "Yes. There is little we can do about it tonight." The mage walked over to the mucisians and told them to play something upbeat. He walked over to Serrila and extended his hand. "Let's enjoy the night and worry later."
Rumar's eyes flickered down to the discarded sacks of coins as the others talked of just what they were for. Regardless, they meant nothing to him; turning about, he headed back out of the hall. However, he did not stop and resume his place standing near the entrance. Instead, Rumar continued walking stiffly onward, grinding his back teeth as he went.
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Rumar wandered through the streets of Silverymoon, grumbling to himself. Seeing his sister and Terenon together grated on his last nerves, and he needed to get away for a while to clear his head. He meandered about, not really paying attention to where he was going. Dark alleys didn't really scare him thanks to his darkvision as well as the unshakeable resolve that comes part and parcel with being a paladin.
A whisper of movement behind the aasimar caught his attention. He whirled about, his hand going to his sword, but there was nothing there. Sighing, he turned back around and continued on. However, a few seconds later, the noise came again, this time from around a corner. And was that a small shape that just darted out of his line of sight?
“If there is someone out there," Rumar called out loudly, unsheathing his sword but leaving it at his side, "I ask that you approach me now, rather than shadow my steps any longer."
When Rumar called out, a soft growling noise came from where the figure darted to. A sound like the scratching of claws on cobblestones started up, seeming to slowly come closer. The growling noise increased in volume until the creature that was making it was just around the corner. Suddenly, a blur of movement leapt into the alleyway--
--and revealed itself as a stray dog, mangy and flea-bitten, scavenging for a meal. It had just snatched up a rat in its jaws and turned its head to look at Rumar. It stared for a few seconds before whimpering and running away, tail between its legs.
Rumar watched as the dog ran away, feeling rather foolish and more than a little ashamed to boot. "Not a word, Pergium," he muttered as he slid the sword back into its sheathe. "Not a word." With a sigh, Rumar headed off in the direction the dog went. Maybe he could catch it and take it to an appropriate temple; if he didn't, he knew he was going to feel bad about it all night long. "Even the lowest of the low do not deserve to live in such conditions..."
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The party had begun to wind down. The halflings brought out a large tray of desserts, ranging from chocolate eclairs to key lime pie to strawberries and cream. The bards began to pack up their instruments and clean the stage area.
While Serrila and Terenon danced, Allanon, Deirdriel, Grundar, and Rhys continued the discussion about the next step to take. Lisa soon grew disinterested with all the talk about dragons and beholders and simul-whatsits, turning her attention back to the large sacks of platinum pieces. She acted nonchalant as she moved about the room, picking up some hors d'oeuvres here, a sip of wine there, all the while slowly making her way closer to the money. Surely they wouldn't notice a few coins missing from the piles, would they?
Jelani sat back and listened to the others ‘discuss’ the matter. If they were right, then the dragon knew and there was little they could do about it. If they were wrong, then someone was definitely messing with their minds, a concept that he found more than a little amusing. As a matter of fact, this whole situation made for a lot more entertainment than he’d previously expected for this party, right down to the girl trying to sneak some coins right in front of everyone’s faces. He took a couple of desserts from the tray and wandered over to where Lisa was ‘sneaking’ toward the sacks. “You should try the key lime pie,” he said softly, “It’s quite good.”
Lisa looked up abruptly, startled by Jelani's approach. She blushed and glanced about nervously, but the others hadn't seemed to notice. "Oh, um, is it? I planned on getting some in a few minutes, but now that you mention it, I think I'll take a slice myself. Heh." She smiled sheepishly and scurried over to the dessert bar.
Terenon did his best not to think about anything. He was always thinking and he needed a break, even if it was for just one night. The mood had dropped some from it's elevated postition, but the wine seemed to keep it from lowering further. He appraised Serrila with an affectionate eye. He moved in close and whispered in her ear. "I wanted to walk with you in the park. I don't want to go to my room right now. This night has passed too quickly; I wish to stay in your company."
"And I yours," Serrila replied. "I don't think they'll miss us too much here. We should probably get going before Rumar comes back, though. I daresay he wouldn't approve." She flashed Terenon a dazzling smile.
Terenon stood and lent his hand to Serrila. He turned to the others. "A great party Grundar. Thanks. And to all of you. Serrila and I are going to retire. I will see you tomorrow."
The mage escorted his date to the door and opened it for her. They stepedp out into the night. A breeze had picked up and had made the night air chilly. Terenon smiled at Serrila and removed his cape with a flourish. He draped the cape over Serrila's shoulders and put his arm around her waist.
Serrila smiled at Terenon's ostentatious act of chivalry as she walked beside him. It had been quite a long time since anybody had made her feel as special as he did, and she snuggled closer to him. They shared the silence between them, each mage taking pleasure in the other's presence.
When Terenon stopped walking, Serrila knew what was coming. She stared deeply into his eyes, her golden orbs watching his brown ones. Despite the chill, the aasimar felt a warmth rising behind her cheeks. When he leaned in, she did not pull away.
Their lips met, and suddenly the world exploded into color and light, the smell of perfume, the sound of a heavenly choir! Pure bliss coursed through their veins, the world whirled on its axis like a top gone mad! An eternity was not long enough for this feeling to last! Serrila reveled in the sensation, crushing Terenon's lips with her own, pulling him into a passionate embrace, her body melting into his. She pulled away briefly, whispering, "We didn't even get to the park yet." Giggling, she plunged back in.
Terenon’s eyes swam to regain focus. A broad grin spread across his face. "That was...ah...oh my. Suddenly the park doesn't interest me...you want to continue our...ah...walk in private."
"Of course," Serrila replied wryly. "Would you like to teleport or should we just walk?"
Terenon arched an eyebrow and spoke a few words of power. In a flash of light, the two mages disappeared.
