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<blockquote data-quote="Aristoi" data-source="post: 2547270" data-attributes="member: 32975"><p><strong>Crimson Menagerie: Act 4</strong></p><p></p><p>Another day passed and the deer-jerky was prepared, though still somewhat tender and unpreserved, it would do well to extend their rations a bit. Everyone lay for rest as Elim watched, watchful and yet musing. He was caught up in thoughts of his life now compared to what it had been thirty-odd years prior. And where he was now, his needs and those of the others. </p><p></p><p>Elim reasoned they needed at least one pot and some bowls, though a tea pot would also be helpful, with two bowls apiece. He missed tea as well, even wild-herb tea or that used for medicinal purposes. He was no great healer but he suspected he was the best they had. That meant he needed some way to treat them with herbal remedies. Teas were the best method when you lacked proper tools and magics. Since he didn’t have the time to learn, the resources to manage or any others with which to trade, perhaps this city would be the best place to get these things. </p><p></p><p>The summer had turned and fall would be upon them in a few short weeks and even Thay grew chill when the mantle of winter lay upon the world. Roots and herbs would be scarce, meat dearer still and they were unprepared to dig in anywhere without appropriate stores of grains for the plant-eaters. </p><p></p><p>And he stopped. </p><p></p><p>Apparently, at some point he had decided to take care of these creatures. It was a remarkably un-Gith attitude. And while he was a Druid and many of his Order often cared for communities and people, he had never felt so generous before. </p><p></p><p>He turned sharply and looked at the bow, eyebrow raised. ~?!~ he demanded.</p><p></p><p>*I have had nothing to do with your sudden realization of your own hidden altruism* the Bow replied smartly *though I am relieved by it. It proves you are willing to heal and allow yourself to learn*</p><p></p><p>To that commentary Elim didn’t reply, considering it instead. He might not be a Monk, or a Psion, but he had been raised and trained by them. He knew what his mind was like, he understood the workings of the psyche and he understood what his ‘undermind’ might and might not be capable of. He realized that the Bow likely had access to his undermind, after a limited fashion, and could read what was true in Elim’s heart before the Gith knew it himself. </p><p></p><p>That was irritating. But also helpful, provided the damned thing could be trusted. </p><p></p><p>*Now is perhaps the best time to have that ‘chat’* the Bow interjected softly, kindly. *I am not without sympathy Elim, nor am I hardened by my own plight. I chose my current status but you do not have to choose to be my wielder and take up my purpose; we need to speak of it soon lest the magics I barely hold at bay now unleash upon you*</p><p></p><p>~So what exactly does all of that mean, Bow?~ Elim asked suspiciously, feeling threatened and yet, curious. </p><p></p><p>*I am a purposed weapon and once, I was a mortal such as you, though Elven* He sighed, deep in their shared-mind *During the time of the Sundering, when the Elves and the Goblinoids departed and the Drow fled into the deep earth, many of the crippled warrior of the wars volunteered to become great ‘purposed weapons’*</p><p></p><p>~That was, what, over three thousand years ago?!~ Elim’s mind reeled, to consider he was holding a weapon, albeit magical, that was that old. </p><p></p><p>*Indeed* came the reply *Though I have not been awake that entire time. Once the wars ended and my wielder fell, I lay with her bones for many years, eventually slipping into slumber. Then, during the Time of Troubles, I was awakened and a new wielder took me to hand and we fought my ancient foes as I had never done so before! It was glorious and my string sang battle hymns as I launched fell shaft after shaft into the bodies of my ancient enemies* He sighed again *But even he fell to time and great events and I lay lost in some display cabinet in a Dark Lord’s trophy hall. I slept again until Yolen picked me up, discovered what I was and I rejected him without thinking*</p><p></p><p>~Why did you reject him?~ Elim asked, curious. </p><p></p><p>*We were not ethically compatible* came the distant reply *nor was he of the correct kind of warrior to bear me. Only Rangers, Archers and some members of certain Orders may wield me, for that is how I am purposed. I am a mighty weapon and as such it must be guaranteed I am not to be used for the wrong purposes*</p><p></p><p>~I have heard that in the crafting of magical weapons it is considered Necromancy to use the soul and life of another to instill intellect and capability~ Elim stated, questioning ~I could never countenance such a thing, as a Druid or otherwise. And yet, how could you allow such a thing to be done to yourself, if you were a creature of ethic?~</p><p></p><p>*Necromancy, like Transmutation, is a tool and a type of magic Elim* the Bow replied *it is how that it is used and for what purposes that define whether it is for good or ill. I admit, though, that most who wield it are foul indeed. Yet there are a few, in small and protected Orders, who follow the light through the path of Necromancy. There are even Lich of Light and life, which exist as Paladin even in Undeath*</p><p></p><p>Elim considered that and while no great philosopher, he found he could understand that concept. He wasn’t sure he believed it yet, but he could accept it might be true. </p><p></p><p>~And so what burden is required to take you up?~ he asked, jumping the subject. </p><p></p><p>*I am tasked with the hunting and slaying of evil creatures, goblinoids, drow- all such creatures and somewhat in the protection of the Elves though* he paused, considering* not so much anymore, it seems* he seemed mildly surprised and not so disturbed by that realization. *Once I was an Elf and I feel some solidarity to them and yet, I am not so tied to them as once I was*</p><p></p><p>~It is as I feel to my own people~ Elim replied curiously. ~We Gith are raised to respect and bond to one another even as we compete to be the best. We unite under duress and test and yet remain individuals most of the time~ He shrugged mentally ~I believe my family would be most distressed should they learn what I have become and how little I feel drawn back to them~</p><p></p><p>*Perhaps then this is why I feel drawn to you* the Bow replied warmly *we are more similar. We are on our own and maybe we can rely on one another?*</p><p></p><p>~Perhaps~ Elim replied, trying to sound noncommittal but the though filled him with excitement. ~I- I believe we may find a common-ground~</p><p></p><p>*Then let me show you what will be required of you* the Bow asked and at Elim’s silent assent, he opened his mind and revealed it all. </p><p></p><p>Sometime later, as dusk fell, Elim’s thoughts came swimming out of the Dreaming of the bow- Ashelaen’s, life. He shook his head, realizing his body had remained on watch, alert, for sign of trouble. </p><p></p><p>~H- What- how did I do that?~ he asked Ashelaen.</p><p></p><p>*You didn’t* Ashelaen replied hesitantly *while you were Dreaming my memories, I watched using your body. ‘Like when I saved us from drowning*</p><p></p><p>~So when I sleep or meditate you can use my body to…?~ Elim asked for clarification. </p><p></p><p>*I can but I will not* Ashelaen replied stiffly *I will not use your body without great need or permission*</p><p></p><p>~I think we’re in agreement about what defines that correct?~ Elim asked and at Ashelaen’s silent assent, decided to drop it. ~Next, do I tell the others about you?~</p><p></p><p>*When you feel the time is appropriate* he replied *if at all*</p><p></p><p>~Agreed~ Elim replied and stood, using the bow to lever himself to his feet as he would the shoulder of a friend. ~Now let’s get them ready for their flight~</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Aristoi, post: 2547270, member: 32975"] [b]Crimson Menagerie: Act 4[/b] Another day passed and the deer-jerky was prepared, though still somewhat tender and unpreserved, it would do well to extend their rations a bit. Everyone lay for rest as Elim watched, watchful and yet musing. He was caught up in thoughts of his life now compared to what it had been thirty-odd years prior. And where he was now, his needs and those of the others. Elim reasoned they needed at least one pot and some bowls, though a tea pot would also be helpful, with two bowls apiece. He missed tea as well, even wild-herb tea or that used for medicinal purposes. He was no great healer but he suspected he was the best they had. That meant he needed some way to treat them with herbal remedies. Teas were the best method when you lacked proper tools and magics. Since he didn’t have the time to learn, the resources to manage or any others with which to trade, perhaps this city would be the best place to get these things. The summer had turned and fall would be upon them in a few short weeks and even Thay grew chill when the mantle of winter lay upon the world. Roots and herbs would be scarce, meat dearer still and they were unprepared to dig in anywhere without appropriate stores of grains for the plant-eaters. And he stopped. Apparently, at some point he had decided to take care of these creatures. It was a remarkably un-Gith attitude. And while he was a Druid and many of his Order often cared for communities and people, he had never felt so generous before. He turned sharply and looked at the bow, eyebrow raised. ~?!~ he demanded. *I have had nothing to do with your sudden realization of your own hidden altruism* the Bow replied smartly *though I am relieved by it. It proves you are willing to heal and allow yourself to learn* To that commentary Elim didn’t reply, considering it instead. He might not be a Monk, or a Psion, but he had been raised and trained by them. He knew what his mind was like, he understood the workings of the psyche and he understood what his ‘undermind’ might and might not be capable of. He realized that the Bow likely had access to his undermind, after a limited fashion, and could read what was true in Elim’s heart before the Gith knew it himself. That was irritating. But also helpful, provided the damned thing could be trusted. *Now is perhaps the best time to have that ‘chat’* the Bow interjected softly, kindly. *I am not without sympathy Elim, nor am I hardened by my own plight. I chose my current status but you do not have to choose to be my wielder and take up my purpose; we need to speak of it soon lest the magics I barely hold at bay now unleash upon you* ~So what exactly does all of that mean, Bow?~ Elim asked suspiciously, feeling threatened and yet, curious. *I am a purposed weapon and once, I was a mortal such as you, though Elven* He sighed, deep in their shared-mind *During the time of the Sundering, when the Elves and the Goblinoids departed and the Drow fled into the deep earth, many of the crippled warrior of the wars volunteered to become great ‘purposed weapons’* ~That was, what, over three thousand years ago?!~ Elim’s mind reeled, to consider he was holding a weapon, albeit magical, that was that old. *Indeed* came the reply *Though I have not been awake that entire time. Once the wars ended and my wielder fell, I lay with her bones for many years, eventually slipping into slumber. Then, during the Time of Troubles, I was awakened and a new wielder took me to hand and we fought my ancient foes as I had never done so before! It was glorious and my string sang battle hymns as I launched fell shaft after shaft into the bodies of my ancient enemies* He sighed again *But even he fell to time and great events and I lay lost in some display cabinet in a Dark Lord’s trophy hall. I slept again until Yolen picked me up, discovered what I was and I rejected him without thinking* ~Why did you reject him?~ Elim asked, curious. *We were not ethically compatible* came the distant reply *nor was he of the correct kind of warrior to bear me. Only Rangers, Archers and some members of certain Orders may wield me, for that is how I am purposed. I am a mighty weapon and as such it must be guaranteed I am not to be used for the wrong purposes* ~I have heard that in the crafting of magical weapons it is considered Necromancy to use the soul and life of another to instill intellect and capability~ Elim stated, questioning ~I could never countenance such a thing, as a Druid or otherwise. And yet, how could you allow such a thing to be done to yourself, if you were a creature of ethic?~ *Necromancy, like Transmutation, is a tool and a type of magic Elim* the Bow replied *it is how that it is used and for what purposes that define whether it is for good or ill. I admit, though, that most who wield it are foul indeed. Yet there are a few, in small and protected Orders, who follow the light through the path of Necromancy. There are even Lich of Light and life, which exist as Paladin even in Undeath* Elim considered that and while no great philosopher, he found he could understand that concept. He wasn’t sure he believed it yet, but he could accept it might be true. ~And so what burden is required to take you up?~ he asked, jumping the subject. *I am tasked with the hunting and slaying of evil creatures, goblinoids, drow- all such creatures and somewhat in the protection of the Elves though* he paused, considering* not so much anymore, it seems* he seemed mildly surprised and not so disturbed by that realization. *Once I was an Elf and I feel some solidarity to them and yet, I am not so tied to them as once I was* ~It is as I feel to my own people~ Elim replied curiously. ~We Gith are raised to respect and bond to one another even as we compete to be the best. We unite under duress and test and yet remain individuals most of the time~ He shrugged mentally ~I believe my family would be most distressed should they learn what I have become and how little I feel drawn back to them~ *Perhaps then this is why I feel drawn to you* the Bow replied warmly *we are more similar. We are on our own and maybe we can rely on one another?* ~Perhaps~ Elim replied, trying to sound noncommittal but the though filled him with excitement. ~I- I believe we may find a common-ground~ *Then let me show you what will be required of you* the Bow asked and at Elim’s silent assent, he opened his mind and revealed it all. Sometime later, as dusk fell, Elim’s thoughts came swimming out of the Dreaming of the bow- Ashelaen’s, life. He shook his head, realizing his body had remained on watch, alert, for sign of trouble. ~H- What- how did I do that?~ he asked Ashelaen. *You didn’t* Ashelaen replied hesitantly *while you were Dreaming my memories, I watched using your body. ‘Like when I saved us from drowning* ~So when I sleep or meditate you can use my body to…?~ Elim asked for clarification. *I can but I will not* Ashelaen replied stiffly *I will not use your body without great need or permission* ~I think we’re in agreement about what defines that correct?~ Elim asked and at Ashelaen’s silent assent, decided to drop it. ~Next, do I tell the others about you?~ *When you feel the time is appropriate* he replied *if at all* ~Agreed~ Elim replied and stood, using the bow to lever himself to his feet as he would the shoulder of a friend. ~Now let’s get them ready for their flight~ [/QUOTE]
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