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Journal of the Souls of Legend (completed)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 8065327" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Their Town - 8/15/2020</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>Fear is a driver. It drives you to do things you wouldn’t or couldn’t normally. It guides you on things to avoid, fate, pain, death. </em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>Fear can be a strong ally though, if you know how to leverage it. </em></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center">(Sorry this is late...I blame covid)</p><p></p><p>We looked around confused, as Foggle sailed around us in a storm of wings. The fire circle was cold. Around it, were discarded bottles from Hiberts’ drinking. Nothing looked out of place except the missing pirate and our gnome.</p><p></p><p>“Myr, D! Over here!” Iesa called out from the low dune where Beepu had once been sitting. I trotted over the sand to where he stood, and saw he had in his hand the end of a broken bottle. He held it up for inspection, and I saw on the jagged glass fresh blood.</p><p></p><p> “There’s a bit more blood there,” he gestured to a stain of red on the white sand, turning it a dark pink. “But there’s more. The sand here is a mess. I think that there was a couple of people that grabbed Beepu.”</p><p></p><p>“Hiberts’ crewmates?” I guessed.</p><p></p><p>“Guess the magic didn’t hold,” Iesa commented.</p><p></p><p>“No,” I disagreed. “More likely his friends came up and woke him. And then took Beepu with the bottle.</p><p></p><p>“Wouldn’t have Foggle noticed a pirate sneaking up on him?” Daneath asked incredulously. “I mean, Beepu always said we should trust Foggle to watch.”</p><p></p><p>“And we never did,” Iesa said. “Was Beepu that out of it?”</p><p></p><p>“Maybe we should ask Foggle,” I said watching the owl circle us.</p><p></p><p>“What?” Daneath said. “He only talks to Beep—Wait! You can talk to Mo!”</p><p></p><p>“That’s right, we can ask him,” Iesa smiled.</p><p></p><p>I shook my head, “Despite the appearance, Foggle and Gossamer aren’t really animals. They’re spirits bound into an animal like form, and so you can’t use the magic that way.” I said as I walked back to the fire circle.</p><p></p><p>“But it doesn’t mean he can’t communicate. Foggle! Come here!”</p><p></p><p>I sat down on the sand, as the brass owl, landed on the flat area next to me, its head swiveling back and forth, before looking straight at me.</p><p></p><p>“Foggle, Beepu was taken by Hiberts’ friends?”</p><p></p><p>The owl looked at me and blinked, before tilting his body in a motion mimicking a ‘yes.’</p><p></p><p>Iesa and Daneath looked at each other. “Well, I guess that will work. Is it that smart?”</p><p></p><p>“No. It gets more from Beepu guiding it,” I said looking at the pair. “But it still remembers…as long as the question is relatively simple.”</p><p></p><p>I turned to look at Foggle and thought. “Did they walk over to Beepu and hit him?”</p><p></p><p>Foggle blinked and shook its head negatively.</p><p></p><p>“What?” Daneath exclaimed. “He hit himself?”</p><p></p><p>Foggle was already twisting his head as I chided Daneath. “No, that’s not it.” I said thinking. Squinting at Foggle I was formulating my next question, when Foggle moved over to a bottle. He pushed it so the neck of the bottle was in the sand and he pushed it deeper. As we watched, he then tilted the bottle upright again, before grasping the neck with its talons. He then flew upwards into the air as we watched confused. He hovered above us and then suddenly let the bottle go. </p><p></p><p>It fell straight down, not more than a foot away from Iesa with a heavy thud.</p><p></p><p>“They dropped a bottle on his head?” Daneath said in disbelief.</p><p></p><p>“One full of sand would have been enough,” Iesa said looking up with new respect. “So, one was a wizard?”</p><p></p><p>“No,” I frowned. “Probably just a well-trained bird.”</p><p></p><p>Foggle landed and tilted its body affirming the story.</p><p></p><p>“So, Foggle didn’t warn him?” Daneath asked confused.</p><p></p><p>Foggle twisted its head again.</p><p></p><p>I was confused too. Why would Foggle not warn Beepu of an incoming bottle? I sat there pondering for a moment, when it suddenly dawned on me.</p><p></p><p>“They distracted you, didn’t they?” I asked sympathetically.</p><p></p><p>The owl tilted its body again slowly, as if it were ashamed.</p><p></p><p>“So Foggle isn’t infallible,” Daneath smirked.</p><p></p><p>“No,” I responded with a deep sigh. “They must have had some experience with familiars. Killing it would have alarmed Beepu. So, they did something to get Foggle’s attention. </p><p></p><p>“Smart pirates. Great,” Iesa said disgustedly.</p><p></p><p>“No. Experienced in their trade at being sneaks and dirty fighting,” Daneath responded. “Which means we don’t have a choice. We have to go to town.”</p><p></p><p>“We don’t exactly look like the natives,” Iesa pointed out gesturing at his northern clothes. “I mean Myr kinda stripped down, and she still will look out of place.</p><p></p><p>“We can’t conceal Daneath’s armor, but we can dirty it up a bit.” I pointed out. “We’ll play the part of mercenaries, and hope it gets us by”</p><p></p><p>“Then what?” Daneath asked.</p><p></p><p>“Foggle will know when we are close,” I said. We’ll just have to poke around the town and any ships if needed.</p><p></p><p>“Not what I meant. What about you?” Daneath asked pointedly. “Last I heard women are good for only one thing. Knowing you I don’t think you want to play that part.”</p><p></p><p>I swallowed and breathed deeply. “No. But a skilled swordswoman and her two trusted guards might do.”</p><p></p><p>“You think that would work?” Daneath responded in surprise.</p><p></p><p>I stood up and adjusted my rapier on my hip. “Sure it will. Half the secret is just acting like you belong. It worked in Yartar dancing with nobles. It’ll work here. Won’t it boys?” I said with a smirk.</p><p></p><p>“It totally will…ma’am.” Iesa said with a smile and gave me a mock bow.</p><p></p><p>“Keep mocking me, and I’ll wear your gelbas as a trophy!” I said sneering yet smiling. “Let’s go to town.”</p><p></p><p></p><p>We stayed inland, keeping the beach to our right as we walked, looking for Blackwater Reef. On the way, we found a stand of those trees with the ribbed leaves, and we stopped to take a breather. Iesa took a moment, to apply some quick dye to my hair, which turned it a dull copper, instead of brilliant gold.</p><p></p><p>“Yep, I knew it,” Iesa said shaking the dye from his hands.</p><p></p><p>“Knew what?” I said guardedly.</p><p></p><p>“You are a natural redhead. Could tell by how much of a troublemaker you are.”</p><p></p><p>I punched him in the arm, “Hah hah,” I said.</p><p></p><p>“And a fiery temper; you’ll be believable as a woman in charge,” Iesa smiled, while Daneath just shook his head.</p><p></p><p>“So, should I start cussing you out and flesh out this role?” I asked archly.</p><p></p><p>“Honestly, no. I’d listen to everything around you first. Listen to what and how things are said. Unless you want to be marked as an outsider right at the start.” Iesa pointed out. As he spoke, I saw that he lured out Mo from his hiding spot in his pack. </p><p></p><p>Mo looked around sleepily, and his eyes grew wide once he saw the trees, and immediately scampered up one. Iesa watched and smiled.</p><p></p><p>“About time. He hasn’t been himself since we left the Misty Forest.”</p><p></p><p>I nodded. “Caves don’t agree with him.”</p><p></p><p>“Caves don’t agree with me!”</p><p></p><p>“Can’t say the last one was any fun,” Daneath jumped in. </p><p></p><p>“Agree with that,” I said wholeheartedly. “Also, your cough seems to have cleared up Iesa.”</p><p></p><p>“That it has. You think that weird plant was the cause?” Iesa asked.</p><p></p><p>I nodded looking at him. “Very sure. The world is better without it.”</p><p></p><p>At that moment, Gossamer landed and sat on his haunches, looking up at me. Everyone crowded around as if they were going to hear him give a pronouncement of some wisdom. It was strange; I never had to use Gossamer as a scout because Foggle’s vision was better. But now, as none of us could talk to Foggle, it was now up to the tressym to relay his findings. I was nervous sending him out on his own, as he wasn’t as fast or as an agile as the owl. Meanwhile Foggle, sat on a rock nearby, watching silently.</p><p></p><p><em>--The port is up a head, although port is a stretch. Nothing like Waterdeep, or even a river port like Daggerford, although covers about the same area. Shanty town is more like it.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Stick to what you saw.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--It is not big at all; maybe three ships could dock here. A lot of scattered shacks. But there are a fair number of real buildings, and warehouses, most of are near the wharf. It also looks like it was designed by a drunk. No real streets, more like a tangle of alleyways.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Any sign of our gnome?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Couldn’t get close; seems there are a number of trained birds. I didn’t want to tussle with any of them. So, all I could get is a general layout.</em></p><p></p><p>I nodded, “Its bigger than Portstown it sounds, but with the birds there, he couldn’t find our gnome.”</p><p></p><p>“I guess we’ll walk in behind your swaying hips then Myr,” Iesa said smiling. </p><p></p><p>I bit my lip, “Look I’m doing what I have to, please don’t push it.”</p><p></p><p>Daneath looked at me intently before speaking. “You’re afraid?”</p><p></p><p>I nodded, “Very. The tales about this place are grim. And our plan requires me to be up front and in people’s faces. That’s not me. Not really.</p><p></p><p>Daneath nodded. “Look you’ve watched our back for months. Least we can do is watch yours.”</p><p></p><p>“Besides Myr,” Iesa said looking at me with concern. “People do listen and respond to what you say. No one said you had to be ‘large and in charge.’ Just order us when you need to. We’ll handle the rest.”</p><p></p><p>I exhaled and replaced the white strip across my eyes, hoping it would conceal the silvery mirrors, “Let’s do this. And oh, Iesa? Can you dye Foggle’s metal, so he doesn’t shine so much?”</p><p></p><p>“I can use the weapon black on him, just like I did on D’s armor. That is if he will let me,” and Iesa looked at the owl critically.</p><p></p><p>“Foggle, just let it happen, and I’ll clean you later,” I said looking at the owl.</p><p></p><p>Foggle’s head swivel looking at Iesa and I. Finally, it pitched forward and made a solitary mournful ‘Beeppppuuuu’ sound, and Iesa began to anoint it with the dark sticky substance. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>It was late in the day when I strode into the shanty town, chin up, trying to feel brave and certain of myself, with the brothers in tow. The wide black hat shading me and my arms, shoulders, and upper chest open to the air. I carried my rod under my arm like a baton with my right hand holding it tightly. The strip of cloth across my eyes did help on the glare of the sun, although it made my vision a little hazy. I hoped it wouldn’t impair me finding our wayward gnome.</p><p></p><p>Staying close to the rooftops were Gossamer and Foggle. Gossamer really does look like a normal cat when his wings are folded and pulled in close, so the sight of him scampering and jumping from roof to roof was unlikely to attract attention. Foggle at least was following some guidance and flitted and stayed low. </p><p></p><p>Mo on the other hand was turned loose; he bounded ahead on the flimsy structures that passed for dwellings, bounding ahead of us. I cursed myself for not talking to him earlier using my magic, but it was too late to consider it now. But he was a grown monkey and could take care of himself.</p><p></p><p>As we tread through what acted as the main thoroughfare, I had this vague sense of history repeating itself. The feeling of pretending to be brave, finding confidence where there was none, all to save some…one.</p><p></p><p>It then struck me; I felt the same way six years ago, as a daughter of a celestiall descended into an infamous bar the catered to fiends interested in suffering. A bar that held my lover Markel, in a prison of his own creation. A prison I was trying to free him from before he was killed.</p><p></p><p>The revelation set me on edge, so I focused on what I could control. I made my face a mask, as I would when I ran dice games in Sigil. No smiles, no frowns, just an upturned nose of superiority. Or so I hoped.</p><p></p><p>Behind me, Iesa and Daneath talked more, sneering and laughing at the sights, trying to convey themselves as loyal brutes. I didn’t turn to look, but what I heard gave me confidence. They were behind me both literally and figuratively.</p><p></p><p>It seemed to work, the poor commoners would look at me in surprise, and they just as quickly scampered out of my way…our way. As we navigated the twisted alleys through the shanties, merchant carts started to appear. Each offering the necessities from cheapest to most pricey, fish, fruits and bread. </p><p></p><p>Finally, we hit a point where the sand and dirt now became cobblestone, and shanties gave way to buildings built on true foundations. Windows had glass, and the construction was almost respectable. Signs on the doors, had no letters but were colorfully painted; beds, barrels, fishing gear and the like. The clothes improved from rags, to threadbare, to leathers. Sleeves were in short supply, and pants rarely dropped past the knee. </p><p></p><p>To my surprise I did see some women, all older and with faces that told a story of hard labor and harsher conditions. They kept to themselves in small groups of three or four as they carried out their business. The one thing I didn’t see were jinxskirts. Considering what I saw had about ten men to every older woman, I was surprised that the oldest profession wasn’t trying to clean up on the lopsided ratio. </p><p></p><p><em>--Myr! I found him!</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>What? Where?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Near the wharf by a large stone building</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Don’t lose him! We’re on our way.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Ah yes. Trust me, he isn’t going anywhere. </em></p><p></p><p>I frowned; Gossamer was playing coy, just like a cat. I turned and looked at the brothers. They stopped their conversation and looked at me as I tilted my head towards where the pier would be. They nodded, and turning we quickened our pace.</p><p></p><p>It wasn’t crowded and we walked briskly now. What little crowd there was parted for us, not wanting to make trouble. Clearly the folks here in the shanty town just were trying to survive and weren’t pirates themselves. Or at least active ones anymore. That there were merchants and trades told me that pirates were interested in wealth and commodities they could sell for a high price; anything else wasn’t worth the effort.</p><p></p><p>As we approached the pier, now we saw actually pirate crew members. They stood out clearly, as all of them seemed festooned with weapons and ink on their skin. They hung close to each other in clumps of men numbering four to seven. They laughed and cajoled and cursed among themselves. But any ‘commoner’ gave them wide berth and the look on their eyes was one of fear. But they also gave each other the same distance, as if close contact might explode into an orgy of violence.</p><p></p><p>The pirates however did notice us. Whispers and nods in our direction from various groups as we passed. I didn’t want to spark a fight here and decided to play it safe and not risk engaging with a gang. So I made towards a side of the roadway, with Iesa and Daneath in tow.</p><p></p><p>I was walking under an awning, when from an alley, a man in a sleeveless crimson tunic stepped in front of me. He swept off a hat, revealing short dark hair that looked like a ragged mop. His face had a jagged gash that led from his nose and down across his lips, and he gave me a crooked smile as he looked me over. </p><p></p><p>He gave me a short bow, and swiftly returned the hat to his head and spoke, “Now here’s a sight we don see much of. A young girl, runnin free and unfettered in da port. Ye must be very…very lost.” </p><p></p><p>“I know my way,” I said coldly and stepped closer towards him, and swept with my eyes around to see if he had friends. I saw two different groups of men watching, staring with hands on their blades, but this one seemed alone as none seemed eager to rush to his aid, but were instead were content to watch. His eyes were locked on to me and seemed ignorant of the two men behind me.</p><p></p><p>“Reeealy?” he sneered. I was close enough to him that I could smell the liquor on this breath. “I wanna see those eyes behind that cloth. Then I want to see your---OOF!”</p><p></p><p>I swung my rod swiftly up between his legs, impacting his gelbas hard, and causing him to bend over. At the sound, Iesa and Daneath each grabbed an arm and slammed him against the wall. I casually regarded my nails, for a moment, as I heard each man land a punch in the drunk pirate’s belly. I then handed my rod to Iesa and drew my greensteel blade and leaned in close holding it at his throat.</p><p></p><p>The man gulped for air nervously, as I forced his head upwards as I gently pushed the blade’s edge against his neck.</p><p></p><p>“What you want right now…is to make a donation I think,” I said smiling. “What do you need least? An ear? A nose?” I drew the blade’s edge down his chest and dragged it slowly towards his beltline. “Or perhaps something else, small and unimportant?”</p><p></p><p>I could see sweat start to drip from his temples and his mouth quiver in fear, as he only could stammer, “Pl—pl---pl—pl—ee—”</p><p></p><p>“I didn’t say you could speak!” I nodded and Daneath quickly slammed a mailed fist into the man’s ribs with a resounding crack. “I think you know what I want,” I reached down and grasped the waistline of this breeches, which were supported by a rope. With my dagger I swiftly cut the rope, and let his breeches fall to the ground around his ankles.</p><p></p><p>I then draped the rope around my neck and twirled an end with my left hand as I sheathed my blade and reclaimed my rod from Iesa.</p><p></p><p>“You’re cute,” I drawled, and I glanced down to his belt line. “But a bit underwhelming. Maybe if you…grow up a bit, you can earn a proper scar from me. But bother me again, and you’ll wear your manhood as a symbol to your dedication to me around your neck. Take care,” and I leaned in and kissed the now crying man on the cheek. Nodding with my head, Iesa and Daneath released the pirate. He immediately bent over and grabbed his fallen pants and started to trip and run down the thoroughfare where we had come from originally.</p><p></p><p>For a moment, the crowd was hushed. Then suddenly, the various pirate clusters burst out in loud and raucous laughter and cheers. They were nodding in approval, several of them holding up mugs in toast and quickly drinking.</p><p></p><p>“Let’s go,” I whispered and turned. I quickly fastened the rope around me, so it sat loosely on my hips. From behind me I heard, “Damn Myr. I thought you were going to gut him.”</p><p></p><p>It was then I realized that my heart was pounding. Not in fear, but in excitement. I would have happily spilled that man’s innards on the street. No; It was more than that. I <em>wanted</em> to! </p><p></p><p><em>What in Baator is wrong with me?</em></p><p></p><p>“Tempting,” as I turned to look at the brothers. “But a real fight in the streets seemed a bad Idea. Right, Dan, and Ice?” I said and winked.</p><p></p><p>“Wha…oh. Whatever you want <em>Lady Myr,</em>” as Iesa caught what I meant, followed by a quick smile by Daneath.</p><p></p><p>“Ouch stop that!” I heard Beepu’s voice in the distance. I was about to point it out when I heard his repeat himself:</p><p></p><p>“Ouch stop that!”</p><p></p><p>“That’s him!” Iesa said excitedly.</p><p></p><p>“What’s with the echo?” Daneath questioned.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t know, let’s find him first,” I said, and we continued down the now widening roadway.</p><p></p><p>“That’s not funny!” the gnome yelled again, which was followed by an equally loud, “That’s not funny!” and now I heard laughter.</p><p></p><p>We started moving faster, partially in excitement in finding our lost companion, and partially in fear and concern. Something was wrong.</p><p></p><p>We were passing larger buildings now, warehouses full of goods. Stolen? Traded? Who knew? But the sizes indicated that a large amount of traffic made its way through the port. Soon the docks were in sight, and I could hear the gnomes voice from around the last warehouse in the row.</p><p></p><p><em>--You’re almost there.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Dammit, Goss this isn’t funny, what’s going on?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--You’ll need to see it to believe it.</em></p><p></p><p>“Stop imitating m---Ouch!”</p><p></p><p>“Stop imitating m—Ouch!” followed by the load laughter of a crowd. Finally, we rounded the warehouse and finally saw the crowd and the source of its amusement.</p><p></p><p>There on the edge of the water, was a stone building. It was two stories in height and was of the size it might have been a small storehouse at one time in the past. But unlike the other buildings, it was clad in grey marble, and sported elegant, yet mismatched columns around its edifice. Looking it over, I sought the sign that would identify it, and quickly realized it was in bas relief over the door. It was a carving of a nude woman clutching her bosom suggestively while her marble lips were painted a garish red in contrast to the grey base.</p><p></p><p>A brothel.</p><p></p><p>Then I heard Beepu again, “Stop it you bird brained idiot. No wonder your people can’t fl---AUGH!”</p><p></p><p>And then I saw him; Beepu was stripped down to his smallclothes and was lying in a cage hanging ten feet above the ground. The cage was suspended by a hoist attached to the brothel. His face was caked in dirt and dried blood. His prison was so small, that he couldn’t even stand, and was curled up on his side, in an attempt to find a measure of comfort. His teeth were clenched, and he covered his ribs with his hands, as blood dripped down out of the cage.</p><p></p><p>“Stop it you bird brained idiot.” Spoke a figure below the cage, as the crowd roared. It was tall and lanky and it had the head of a crow or a raven, complete with black feathers. In its black skinned hand was an iron spear, the tip already coated in blood. It tilted its head and watched the gnome again, expecting another outburst. The crowd was a mixture of common folks and some drunken pirates, all pointing and laughing at the helpless gnome.</p><p></p><p>“That wasn’t what I expected. How are we going to get him out of there?” Daneath asked.</p><p></p><p>“I have no idea,” I said.</p><p></p><p><strong>Session Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>So, this is what happens when you miss a session. And the price of freedom was high for an absence. It does make a decent story to be retold.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 8065327, member: 6971069"] [CENTER][B]Their Town - 8/15/2020[/B] [I]Fear is a driver. It drives you to do things you wouldn’t or couldn’t normally. It guides you on things to avoid, fate, pain, death. Fear can be a strong ally though, if you know how to leverage it. [/I] (Sorry this is late...I blame covid)[/CENTER] We looked around confused, as Foggle sailed around us in a storm of wings. The fire circle was cold. Around it, were discarded bottles from Hiberts’ drinking. Nothing looked out of place except the missing pirate and our gnome. “Myr, D! Over here!” Iesa called out from the low dune where Beepu had once been sitting. I trotted over the sand to where he stood, and saw he had in his hand the end of a broken bottle. He held it up for inspection, and I saw on the jagged glass fresh blood. “There’s a bit more blood there,” he gestured to a stain of red on the white sand, turning it a dark pink. “But there’s more. The sand here is a mess. I think that there was a couple of people that grabbed Beepu.” “Hiberts’ crewmates?” I guessed. “Guess the magic didn’t hold,” Iesa commented. “No,” I disagreed. “More likely his friends came up and woke him. And then took Beepu with the bottle. “Wouldn’t have Foggle noticed a pirate sneaking up on him?” Daneath asked incredulously. “I mean, Beepu always said we should trust Foggle to watch.” “And we never did,” Iesa said. “Was Beepu that out of it?” “Maybe we should ask Foggle,” I said watching the owl circle us. “What?” Daneath said. “He only talks to Beep—Wait! You can talk to Mo!” “That’s right, we can ask him,” Iesa smiled. I shook my head, “Despite the appearance, Foggle and Gossamer aren’t really animals. They’re spirits bound into an animal like form, and so you can’t use the magic that way.” I said as I walked back to the fire circle. “But it doesn’t mean he can’t communicate. Foggle! Come here!” I sat down on the sand, as the brass owl, landed on the flat area next to me, its head swiveling back and forth, before looking straight at me. “Foggle, Beepu was taken by Hiberts’ friends?” The owl looked at me and blinked, before tilting his body in a motion mimicking a ‘yes.’ Iesa and Daneath looked at each other. “Well, I guess that will work. Is it that smart?” “No. It gets more from Beepu guiding it,” I said looking at the pair. “But it still remembers…as long as the question is relatively simple.” I turned to look at Foggle and thought. “Did they walk over to Beepu and hit him?” Foggle blinked and shook its head negatively. “What?” Daneath exclaimed. “He hit himself?” Foggle was already twisting his head as I chided Daneath. “No, that’s not it.” I said thinking. Squinting at Foggle I was formulating my next question, when Foggle moved over to a bottle. He pushed it so the neck of the bottle was in the sand and he pushed it deeper. As we watched, he then tilted the bottle upright again, before grasping the neck with its talons. He then flew upwards into the air as we watched confused. He hovered above us and then suddenly let the bottle go. It fell straight down, not more than a foot away from Iesa with a heavy thud. “They dropped a bottle on his head?” Daneath said in disbelief. “One full of sand would have been enough,” Iesa said looking up with new respect. “So, one was a wizard?” “No,” I frowned. “Probably just a well-trained bird.” Foggle landed and tilted its body affirming the story. “So, Foggle didn’t warn him?” Daneath asked confused. Foggle twisted its head again. I was confused too. Why would Foggle not warn Beepu of an incoming bottle? I sat there pondering for a moment, when it suddenly dawned on me. “They distracted you, didn’t they?” I asked sympathetically. The owl tilted its body again slowly, as if it were ashamed. “So Foggle isn’t infallible,” Daneath smirked. “No,” I responded with a deep sigh. “They must have had some experience with familiars. Killing it would have alarmed Beepu. So, they did something to get Foggle’s attention. “Smart pirates. Great,” Iesa said disgustedly. “No. Experienced in their trade at being sneaks and dirty fighting,” Daneath responded. “Which means we don’t have a choice. We have to go to town.” “We don’t exactly look like the natives,” Iesa pointed out gesturing at his northern clothes. “I mean Myr kinda stripped down, and she still will look out of place. “We can’t conceal Daneath’s armor, but we can dirty it up a bit.” I pointed out. “We’ll play the part of mercenaries, and hope it gets us by” “Then what?” Daneath asked. “Foggle will know when we are close,” I said. We’ll just have to poke around the town and any ships if needed. “Not what I meant. What about you?” Daneath asked pointedly. “Last I heard women are good for only one thing. Knowing you I don’t think you want to play that part.” I swallowed and breathed deeply. “No. But a skilled swordswoman and her two trusted guards might do.” “You think that would work?” Daneath responded in surprise. I stood up and adjusted my rapier on my hip. “Sure it will. Half the secret is just acting like you belong. It worked in Yartar dancing with nobles. It’ll work here. Won’t it boys?” I said with a smirk. “It totally will…ma’am.” Iesa said with a smile and gave me a mock bow. “Keep mocking me, and I’ll wear your gelbas as a trophy!” I said sneering yet smiling. “Let’s go to town.” We stayed inland, keeping the beach to our right as we walked, looking for Blackwater Reef. On the way, we found a stand of those trees with the ribbed leaves, and we stopped to take a breather. Iesa took a moment, to apply some quick dye to my hair, which turned it a dull copper, instead of brilliant gold. “Yep, I knew it,” Iesa said shaking the dye from his hands. “Knew what?” I said guardedly. “You are a natural redhead. Could tell by how much of a troublemaker you are.” I punched him in the arm, “Hah hah,” I said. “And a fiery temper; you’ll be believable as a woman in charge,” Iesa smiled, while Daneath just shook his head. “So, should I start cussing you out and flesh out this role?” I asked archly. “Honestly, no. I’d listen to everything around you first. Listen to what and how things are said. Unless you want to be marked as an outsider right at the start.” Iesa pointed out. As he spoke, I saw that he lured out Mo from his hiding spot in his pack. Mo looked around sleepily, and his eyes grew wide once he saw the trees, and immediately scampered up one. Iesa watched and smiled. “About time. He hasn’t been himself since we left the Misty Forest.” I nodded. “Caves don’t agree with him.” “Caves don’t agree with me!” “Can’t say the last one was any fun,” Daneath jumped in. “Agree with that,” I said wholeheartedly. “Also, your cough seems to have cleared up Iesa.” “That it has. You think that weird plant was the cause?” Iesa asked. I nodded looking at him. “Very sure. The world is better without it.” At that moment, Gossamer landed and sat on his haunches, looking up at me. Everyone crowded around as if they were going to hear him give a pronouncement of some wisdom. It was strange; I never had to use Gossamer as a scout because Foggle’s vision was better. But now, as none of us could talk to Foggle, it was now up to the tressym to relay his findings. I was nervous sending him out on his own, as he wasn’t as fast or as an agile as the owl. Meanwhile Foggle, sat on a rock nearby, watching silently. [I]--The port is up a head, although port is a stretch. Nothing like Waterdeep, or even a river port like Daggerford, although covers about the same area. Shanty town is more like it. Stick to what you saw. --It is not big at all; maybe three ships could dock here. A lot of scattered shacks. But there are a fair number of real buildings, and warehouses, most of are near the wharf. It also looks like it was designed by a drunk. No real streets, more like a tangle of alleyways. Any sign of our gnome? --Couldn’t get close; seems there are a number of trained birds. I didn’t want to tussle with any of them. So, all I could get is a general layout.[/I] I nodded, “Its bigger than Portstown it sounds, but with the birds there, he couldn’t find our gnome.” “I guess we’ll walk in behind your swaying hips then Myr,” Iesa said smiling. I bit my lip, “Look I’m doing what I have to, please don’t push it.” Daneath looked at me intently before speaking. “You’re afraid?” I nodded, “Very. The tales about this place are grim. And our plan requires me to be up front and in people’s faces. That’s not me. Not really. Daneath nodded. “Look you’ve watched our back for months. Least we can do is watch yours.” “Besides Myr,” Iesa said looking at me with concern. “People do listen and respond to what you say. No one said you had to be ‘large and in charge.’ Just order us when you need to. We’ll handle the rest.” I exhaled and replaced the white strip across my eyes, hoping it would conceal the silvery mirrors, “Let’s do this. And oh, Iesa? Can you dye Foggle’s metal, so he doesn’t shine so much?” “I can use the weapon black on him, just like I did on D’s armor. That is if he will let me,” and Iesa looked at the owl critically. “Foggle, just let it happen, and I’ll clean you later,” I said looking at the owl. Foggle’s head swivel looking at Iesa and I. Finally, it pitched forward and made a solitary mournful ‘Beeppppuuuu’ sound, and Iesa began to anoint it with the dark sticky substance. It was late in the day when I strode into the shanty town, chin up, trying to feel brave and certain of myself, with the brothers in tow. The wide black hat shading me and my arms, shoulders, and upper chest open to the air. I carried my rod under my arm like a baton with my right hand holding it tightly. The strip of cloth across my eyes did help on the glare of the sun, although it made my vision a little hazy. I hoped it wouldn’t impair me finding our wayward gnome. Staying close to the rooftops were Gossamer and Foggle. Gossamer really does look like a normal cat when his wings are folded and pulled in close, so the sight of him scampering and jumping from roof to roof was unlikely to attract attention. Foggle at least was following some guidance and flitted and stayed low. Mo on the other hand was turned loose; he bounded ahead on the flimsy structures that passed for dwellings, bounding ahead of us. I cursed myself for not talking to him earlier using my magic, but it was too late to consider it now. But he was a grown monkey and could take care of himself. As we tread through what acted as the main thoroughfare, I had this vague sense of history repeating itself. The feeling of pretending to be brave, finding confidence where there was none, all to save some…one. It then struck me; I felt the same way six years ago, as a daughter of a celestiall descended into an infamous bar the catered to fiends interested in suffering. A bar that held my lover Markel, in a prison of his own creation. A prison I was trying to free him from before he was killed. The revelation set me on edge, so I focused on what I could control. I made my face a mask, as I would when I ran dice games in Sigil. No smiles, no frowns, just an upturned nose of superiority. Or so I hoped. Behind me, Iesa and Daneath talked more, sneering and laughing at the sights, trying to convey themselves as loyal brutes. I didn’t turn to look, but what I heard gave me confidence. They were behind me both literally and figuratively. It seemed to work, the poor commoners would look at me in surprise, and they just as quickly scampered out of my way…our way. As we navigated the twisted alleys through the shanties, merchant carts started to appear. Each offering the necessities from cheapest to most pricey, fish, fruits and bread. Finally, we hit a point where the sand and dirt now became cobblestone, and shanties gave way to buildings built on true foundations. Windows had glass, and the construction was almost respectable. Signs on the doors, had no letters but were colorfully painted; beds, barrels, fishing gear and the like. The clothes improved from rags, to threadbare, to leathers. Sleeves were in short supply, and pants rarely dropped past the knee. To my surprise I did see some women, all older and with faces that told a story of hard labor and harsher conditions. They kept to themselves in small groups of three or four as they carried out their business. The one thing I didn’t see were jinxskirts. Considering what I saw had about ten men to every older woman, I was surprised that the oldest profession wasn’t trying to clean up on the lopsided ratio. [I]--Myr! I found him! What? Where? --Near the wharf by a large stone building Don’t lose him! We’re on our way. --Ah yes. Trust me, he isn’t going anywhere. [/I] I frowned; Gossamer was playing coy, just like a cat. I turned and looked at the brothers. They stopped their conversation and looked at me as I tilted my head towards where the pier would be. They nodded, and turning we quickened our pace. It wasn’t crowded and we walked briskly now. What little crowd there was parted for us, not wanting to make trouble. Clearly the folks here in the shanty town just were trying to survive and weren’t pirates themselves. Or at least active ones anymore. That there were merchants and trades told me that pirates were interested in wealth and commodities they could sell for a high price; anything else wasn’t worth the effort. As we approached the pier, now we saw actually pirate crew members. They stood out clearly, as all of them seemed festooned with weapons and ink on their skin. They hung close to each other in clumps of men numbering four to seven. They laughed and cajoled and cursed among themselves. But any ‘commoner’ gave them wide berth and the look on their eyes was one of fear. But they also gave each other the same distance, as if close contact might explode into an orgy of violence. The pirates however did notice us. Whispers and nods in our direction from various groups as we passed. I didn’t want to spark a fight here and decided to play it safe and not risk engaging with a gang. So I made towards a side of the roadway, with Iesa and Daneath in tow. I was walking under an awning, when from an alley, a man in a sleeveless crimson tunic stepped in front of me. He swept off a hat, revealing short dark hair that looked like a ragged mop. His face had a jagged gash that led from his nose and down across his lips, and he gave me a crooked smile as he looked me over. He gave me a short bow, and swiftly returned the hat to his head and spoke, “Now here’s a sight we don see much of. A young girl, runnin free and unfettered in da port. Ye must be very…very lost.” “I know my way,” I said coldly and stepped closer towards him, and swept with my eyes around to see if he had friends. I saw two different groups of men watching, staring with hands on their blades, but this one seemed alone as none seemed eager to rush to his aid, but were instead were content to watch. His eyes were locked on to me and seemed ignorant of the two men behind me. “Reeealy?” he sneered. I was close enough to him that I could smell the liquor on this breath. “I wanna see those eyes behind that cloth. Then I want to see your---OOF!” I swung my rod swiftly up between his legs, impacting his gelbas hard, and causing him to bend over. At the sound, Iesa and Daneath each grabbed an arm and slammed him against the wall. I casually regarded my nails, for a moment, as I heard each man land a punch in the drunk pirate’s belly. I then handed my rod to Iesa and drew my greensteel blade and leaned in close holding it at his throat. The man gulped for air nervously, as I forced his head upwards as I gently pushed the blade’s edge against his neck. “What you want right now…is to make a donation I think,” I said smiling. “What do you need least? An ear? A nose?” I drew the blade’s edge down his chest and dragged it slowly towards his beltline. “Or perhaps something else, small and unimportant?” I could see sweat start to drip from his temples and his mouth quiver in fear, as he only could stammer, “Pl—pl---pl—pl—ee—” “I didn’t say you could speak!” I nodded and Daneath quickly slammed a mailed fist into the man’s ribs with a resounding crack. “I think you know what I want,” I reached down and grasped the waistline of this breeches, which were supported by a rope. With my dagger I swiftly cut the rope, and let his breeches fall to the ground around his ankles. I then draped the rope around my neck and twirled an end with my left hand as I sheathed my blade and reclaimed my rod from Iesa. “You’re cute,” I drawled, and I glanced down to his belt line. “But a bit underwhelming. Maybe if you…grow up a bit, you can earn a proper scar from me. But bother me again, and you’ll wear your manhood as a symbol to your dedication to me around your neck. Take care,” and I leaned in and kissed the now crying man on the cheek. Nodding with my head, Iesa and Daneath released the pirate. He immediately bent over and grabbed his fallen pants and started to trip and run down the thoroughfare where we had come from originally. For a moment, the crowd was hushed. Then suddenly, the various pirate clusters burst out in loud and raucous laughter and cheers. They were nodding in approval, several of them holding up mugs in toast and quickly drinking. “Let’s go,” I whispered and turned. I quickly fastened the rope around me, so it sat loosely on my hips. From behind me I heard, “Damn Myr. I thought you were going to gut him.” It was then I realized that my heart was pounding. Not in fear, but in excitement. I would have happily spilled that man’s innards on the street. No; It was more than that. I [I]wanted[/I] to! [I]What in Baator is wrong with me?[/I] “Tempting,” as I turned to look at the brothers. “But a real fight in the streets seemed a bad Idea. Right, Dan, and Ice?” I said and winked. “Wha…oh. Whatever you want [I]Lady Myr,[/I]” as Iesa caught what I meant, followed by a quick smile by Daneath. “Ouch stop that!” I heard Beepu’s voice in the distance. I was about to point it out when I heard his repeat himself: “Ouch stop that!” “That’s him!” Iesa said excitedly. “What’s with the echo?” Daneath questioned. “I don’t know, let’s find him first,” I said, and we continued down the now widening roadway. “That’s not funny!” the gnome yelled again, which was followed by an equally loud, “That’s not funny!” and now I heard laughter. We started moving faster, partially in excitement in finding our lost companion, and partially in fear and concern. Something was wrong. We were passing larger buildings now, warehouses full of goods. Stolen? Traded? Who knew? But the sizes indicated that a large amount of traffic made its way through the port. Soon the docks were in sight, and I could hear the gnomes voice from around the last warehouse in the row. [I]--You’re almost there. Dammit, Goss this isn’t funny, what’s going on? --You’ll need to see it to believe it.[/I] “Stop imitating m---Ouch!” “Stop imitating m—Ouch!” followed by the load laughter of a crowd. Finally, we rounded the warehouse and finally saw the crowd and the source of its amusement. There on the edge of the water, was a stone building. It was two stories in height and was of the size it might have been a small storehouse at one time in the past. But unlike the other buildings, it was clad in grey marble, and sported elegant, yet mismatched columns around its edifice. Looking it over, I sought the sign that would identify it, and quickly realized it was in bas relief over the door. It was a carving of a nude woman clutching her bosom suggestively while her marble lips were painted a garish red in contrast to the grey base. A brothel. Then I heard Beepu again, “Stop it you bird brained idiot. No wonder your people can’t fl---AUGH!” And then I saw him; Beepu was stripped down to his smallclothes and was lying in a cage hanging ten feet above the ground. The cage was suspended by a hoist attached to the brothel. His face was caked in dirt and dried blood. His prison was so small, that he couldn’t even stand, and was curled up on his side, in an attempt to find a measure of comfort. His teeth were clenched, and he covered his ribs with his hands, as blood dripped down out of the cage. “Stop it you bird brained idiot.” Spoke a figure below the cage, as the crowd roared. It was tall and lanky and it had the head of a crow or a raven, complete with black feathers. In its black skinned hand was an iron spear, the tip already coated in blood. It tilted its head and watched the gnome again, expecting another outburst. The crowd was a mixture of common folks and some drunken pirates, all pointing and laughing at the helpless gnome. “That wasn’t what I expected. How are we going to get him out of there?” Daneath asked. “I have no idea,” I said. [B]Session Notes:[/B] So, this is what happens when you miss a session. And the price of freedom was high for an absence. It does make a decent story to be retold. [/QUOTE]
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